Theo Wargo/Getty Images for BillboardOctober is a busy month for Meek Mill. Not only will he receive an award from Rev. Al Sharpton, he'll also shoot his first feature film.

The Philly rapper will be honored at Sharptons ninth annual National Action Network Triumph AwardsOctober 9 in New York City. The event celebrates distinguished individuals who use their talent, energy and resources to empower and uplift marginalized communities. Other honorees include Terrence Howard from Empire, and Jeffrey Wright from Westworld.

Meek is also set to star in the dramatic film adaptation of the 2013 movie documentary 12 OClock Boys, about a dirt bike gang in Baltimore, according to Deadline.com. He'll portray the leader of the gang called the Midnight Clique. Teyonah Parris from Survivors Remorse will co-star, while by Jada Pinkett Smith will produce.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Field hospital's military doctors (Source: VNA)



Vinh, who is head of the Defence Ministrys steering committee for the participation in UN peacekeeping mission, asked the hospital staff to strictly follow the Party, State and Armys foreign policy, as well as regulations of the UN and the Mission, and laws of Vietnam and the host country.



Vietnams engagement in the UNs peacekeeping activities is a breakthrough to consistently implement the Partys foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development.



It also marks a change in both quality and quantity in multilateral cooperation in general and in defence and security in particular, while demonstrating the Vietnam Peoples Armys role in the countrys revolutionary cause and in implementing international duties.



This is the first time Vietnam has sent military doctors to participate in the UNs peacekeeping force. The see-off ceremony will be organised on October 1st at Ho Chi Minh City-based Tan Son Nhat International Airport.



The military doctors, most of whom are from Military Hospital 175, will travel to South Sudan, along with medical equipment, to take over a field hospital of the United Kingdoms whose personnel are about to withdraw./.
During the third calendar quarter there were seven corporate FCPA enforcement actions with penalties and disgorgement totaling about $1.97 billion, including $1.78 billion for Petrobras.

Two individuals reached civil settlements with the SEC and three were sentenced for criminal FCPA violations.

Two people pleaded guilty and are waiting to be sentenced.

There was a new arrest, and an important dismissal in an SEC civil action.

The DOJ posted two new declination letters under its FCPA Corporate Enforcement Policy (were calling those declinations with disgorgement, although one of them didnt require a disgorgement).

There were also three other declinations.

Heres what happened:

DOJ / SEC Enforcement Resolutions

Stryker Corp. (September 28) paid the SEC a $7.8 million penalty to resolve FCPA books and records and internal accounting controls offenses in India, China, and Kuwait. It was Strykers second FCPA settlement with the SEC.

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras (September 27) entered into a non-prosecution agreement with the DOJ that assessed a criminal penalty of $853.2 million and an administrative order with the SEC that required disgorgement of $933.5 million. The DOJ and SEC will each collect $85.3 million from the criminal penalty and the rest will be paid to the Ministerio Publico Federal in Brazil. The SEC disgorgement was offset against payments Petrobras had already made to a U.S. class action settlement fund.

Patricio Contesse Gonzalez (September 25), the former CEO of Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile, S.A. or SQM, paid the SEC $125,000 to resolve civil charges that he violated the FCPA. The SEC said he caused SQM to make nearly $15 million in improper payments to Chilean political figures and others connected to them. Last year SQM paid $30 million to settle civil and criminal FCPA charges.

United Technologies Corporation (September 12) paid the SEC $13.9 million to resolve charges that it violated the FCPA by making illicit payments in its elevator business in Azerbaijan and aircraft engine businesses in China and elsewhere. United Technologies provided trips and gifts to various foreign officials in China, Kuwait, South Korea, Pakistan, Thailand, and Indonesia through its Pratt & Whitney (aviation) division and Otis (elevator) subsidiary. UT settled without admitting or denying the SECs findings. It disgorged $9 million plus pre-judgment interest of about $919,000, and paid a penalty of $4 million.

Joo Hyun Bahn (September 6), also known as Dennis Bahn, 39, of Tenafly, New Jersey, a former Colliers broker, agreed to disgorge $225,000 to the SEC to settle civil FCPA violations for trying to bribe a Middle Eastern official to finance the sale of a high-rise building complex in Vietnam. See his criiminal sentencing below.

Sanofi (September 4) paid the SEC $25 million to resolve charges that it bribed officials across the Middle East and in Kazakhstan to win business. The SEC said Sanofi violated the FCPAs books and records and internal accounting controls provisions. Without admitting or denying the findings, Sanofi agreed to pay a civil penalty of $5 million, plus $17.5 million in disgorgement and $2.7 million in prejudgment interest. Paris-based Sanofi said in March the DOJ had closed its four-year FCPA investigation without bringing an enforcement action.

Legg Mason Inc. (August 27). The Securities and Exchange Commission issued an administrative order that completed the feds earlier $64 million FCPA enforcement action against the investment manager On June 4, Maryland-based Legg Mason entered into a non-prosecution agreement with the DOJ to resolve FCPA violations in Libya. The NPA required Legg Mason to pay $64.2 million, consisting of a criminal penalty of $32.6 million and disgorgement of $31.6 million. But to avoid piling on, the DOJ said the disgorgement would be credited against disgorgement paid to other law enforcement authorities within the first year of the [non-prosecution] agreement. Under the SECs order, the firm agreed to pay $34 million to settle the civil offenses, with $27.6 million in disgorgement and $6.9 million in prejudgment interest.

Credit Suisse Group AG (July 5) and its Hong Kong unit paid the DOJ and SEC $76.7 million for a referral hiring scheme that violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Credit Suisse (Hong Kong) Limited entered into a non-prosecution agreement and paid a $47 million criminal penalty for awarding employment to friends and family of Chinese officials to win banking business. Zurich-based Credit Suisse Group AG settled with the SEC by disgorging almost $24.9 million of profits and more than $4.8 million in prejudgment interest.

Beam Suntory Inc. (July 2) paid the SEC $8.2 million to resolve Foreign Corrupt Practices Act charges for improper payments by its Indian subsidiary. Beam settled without admitting or denying the SECs allegations. Beam Suntory Inc., a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings of Osaka, Japan, was created in 2014 when Suntory bought Beam Inc.
The UK Serious Fraud Office filed charges Friday against a third former executive of Guralp Systems Limited.

Heather Pearce, the former sales director, was charged with conspiracy to bribe a foreign official.

Guralp Systems, based in Reading, UK, makes seismic testing equipment.

In August, the SFO charged Guralps founder and another top executive with bribing officials at the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM).

Dr. Cansun Guralp and managing director Andrew Bell were charged with conspiring to make corrupt payments to a public official.

In the United States last year, KIGAMs former director was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison.

Heon-Cheol Chi was jailed for using a Southern California bank account to launder bribes he received from two unnamed seismological companies.

Chi is appealing his conviction to the Ninth Circuit.

The Justice Department said in August it wont prosecute Guralp Systems for possible FCPA and money-laundering violations.

The DOJ said the company made a voluntary disclosure of the misconduct and undertook significant remedial efforts.

It also said GSL is the subject of an ongoing parallel investigation by the UK SFO for violations of law relating to the same conduct.

In May this year, the DOJ said it would try to avoid piling on when companies face possible prosecution from multiple enforcement agencies.

The SFO started the Guralp investigation in December 2015 but didnt disclose it until August.

____

Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog.
Two former executives of SBM Offshore, N.V. were sent to prison Friday for their role in bribing officials at state-owned oil and gas companies in three countries.

Former CEO of Netherlands-based SBM Offshore Anthony Tony Mace, 66, was sentenced to 36 months in prison and ordered to pay a fine of $150,000.

Mace, a UK citizen, was also on the board of SBMs U.S.-based subsidiary, SBM Offshore USA Inc.

Robert Zubiate, also 66, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay fine of $50,000. He was a sales and marketing executive at SBM USA.

Mace and Zubiate both pleaded guilty last November to bribing officials at Brazils Petrobras, Angolas Sonangol, and Equatorial Guineas GEPetrol.

According to Maces plea agreement, other employees of SBM initiated the bribes before he became CEO.

On Friday, the DOJ said Mace intentionally avoided determining the nature of the payments, and maintained a spreadsheet reflecting payments of more than $16 million to five people even though he was aware there was a high risk those individuals were Equatorial Guinean officials.

In November 2017, SBM agreed to pay a criminal penalty of $238 million to resolve FCPA offenses in Brazil, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan, and Iraq.

The SFO charged two former SBM executives last November for allegedly funneling bribes to officials in Iraq through a Monaco-based intermediary, Unaoil.

In 2014, SBM paid Dutch authorities $240 million to settle allegations of bribery in Angola, Brazil, and Equatorial Guinea.

____

Harry Cassin is the managing editor of the FCPA Blog.
It is not a bad thing for us, that the route known as the Goldene Strae or the Golden Road as we will get to know it- has escaped the attention of so many. It has been spared being overrun by hordes of tourists and as you will discover
uHoo, a Singapore-based hardware startup that detects the quality of indoor air, secured a seed funding of undisclosed amount.

The round  ahead of its series A  was led by Wavemaker Partners with co-investment from Seeds Capital, East Ventures, and angel investors.

The company will use the funds to continue to expand globally.

Co-founded by Dustin Jefferson S. Onghanseng and Brian Lin, uHoo monitors the most number of air quality factors in one device and provides data, insights and recommendations on how to improve it  all in real time. The uHoo device  the size of a coffee mug  works together with the uHoo mobile app and web dashboard.

In 14 months in the market, the device is already used in offices, hospitals, schools and hotels and in multiple industries across more than 10 countries, including clients such as Ascendas, Schiphol airport, Linde, Ricola, Gammon and the government of the Netherlands, among others.

Each unit is available for both consumers and enterprise users at uHoos website for US$329 and it ships globally. For Enterprise users, there is an annual subscription fee on top of purchasing the devices for enterprise capabilities.

FinSMEs

01/10/2018
PingCAP, a Beijing, China-based distributed database company that created the cloud-native NewSQL database TiDB, raised $50m in Series C funding.

The round was led by Fosun and Morningside Venture Capital, with participation from previous investors China Growth Capital, Yunqi Partners, Matrix Partners China, and others.

The company plans to use this new capital to expand the TiDB ecosystem globally, build cross-cloud product offering, and invest in innovation of its core technology.

Founded in April 2015 by CEO Max Liu, PingCAP provides TiDB, a hybrid transactional and analytical processing (HTAP) database that powers both distributed transactions and real-time analytics. It features horizontal scalability and high availability with MySQL compatibility, serving as a one-stop database solution for both OLTP (Online Transactional Processing) and OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) workloads.

TiDB has been adopted by more than 300 companies, from banking and e-commerce, to fintech, gaming, and travel.

Its global customer base includes Mobike, Bank of Beijing, Hulu, Lenovo, and Ele.me.

FinSMEs

01/10/2018
P101 SGR, an Italian venture capital firm, said that its second fund, called Programma 102, raised 75m and made its first investment.

The final target of the fund is 120m.

The first investment was made in Wonderflow, a customer feedback analysis software company, which has received 1.5m in funding.

Launched earlier in May 2018, the fund has received investments from EIF, Fondo Italiano dInvestimento, Azimut and Fondazione Sardegna.

Programma 102 invests in B2C and B2B digital and technology driven companies a) based in Italy, b) led by Italian entrepreneurs located abroad and c) European companies planning to enter the Italian Market.

Founded in 2013 by Andrea Di Camillo and also led by Giuseppe Donvito, Partner, the firm has invested over 130m in 26 companies including BorsadelCredito.it, Cortilia, Tannico, Musement and MusixMatch. P101s backed companies employ over 700 people generating a growing turnover of over 110m a year in total.

FinSMEs

01/10/2018
.         ?     Pfizer ,        ,   ,          -  - ,           .      Cobionix,      ,...
NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles!

Former FBI Director James Comey criticized the time frame of the bureau's ongoing review into Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh's background Sunday, writing in a New York Times op-ed that "it is idiotic to put a shot clock on the FBI."

Comey, who was fired by President Trump in May 2017, conceded that an investigation that must be wrapped up by Friday was better than no investigation at all. But he also wrote that "the process is deeply flawed, and apparently designed to thwart the fact-gathering process."

"If truth were the only goal, there would be no clock, and the investigation wouldnt have been sought after the Senate Judiciary Committee already endorsed the nominee," Comey wrote. "Instead, it seems that the Republican goal is to be able to say there was an investigation and it didn't change their view, while the Democrats hope for incriminating evidence to derail the nominee."

Meantime, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, on Sunday evening asked the White House and FBI to clarify the scope of the investigation. "Given the seriousness of the allegations before the Senate, I am writing to request that you provide the Senate Judiciary Committee with a copy of the written directive sent by the White House to the FBI. In addition, if the FBI requests any expansion beyond the initial directive, please provide the names of any additional witnesses or evidence," she wrote.

Comey's piece was published as the White House denied it was "micromanaging" the review of sexual misconduct allegations made against Kavanaugh, which Trump ordered on Friday.

Some Democratic lawmakers claim the White House is keeping investigators from interviewing certain witnesses and have questioned how thorough the probe can and will be. Trump tweeted Sunday that Democrats' only goal was to "Obstruct and Delay" an up-or-down vote on Kavanaugh's confirmation and that any investigative time frame "would never be enough."

"The White House isn't intervening. We're not micromanaging this process. It's a Senate process. It has been from the beginning, and we're letting the Senate continue to dictate what the terms look like," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told "Fox News Sunday."

Also Sunday, The Associated Press reported that FBI agents had interviewed Deborah Ramirez, who claimed that Kavanaugh exposed himself to her during a party at Yale University in the early 1980s. The AP reported that Ramirez detailed her allegation, which was first reported last week by the New Yorker, and provided investigators with the names of others who she said could corroborate her account.

Meanwhile, attorneys for Christine Ford, a California professor who said Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were in high school, told Fox News their client had not been contacted by the FBI.

KELLYANNE CONWAY SPEAKS OUT: 'I'M A VICTIM OF SEXUAL ASSAULT'

A third woman, Julie Swetnick, accused Kavanaugh and high school friend Mark Judge of excessive drinking and extremely inappropriate treatment of women in the early 1980s, among other accusations. Kavanaugh has called her accusations a "joke." Judge has said he "categorically" denies the allegations.

Kavanaugh has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct.

Senate Judiciary Committee member Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., requested an FBI investigation last Friday  the same day he and other Republicans on the panel voted along strict party lines in favor of Kavanaugh's confirmation  as a condition for his own subsequent vote to put Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court.

Despite the compressed time frame, Comey expressed confidence that investigators would help settle a debate that has further polarized a deeply divided country.

KAVANAUGH SOUNDED LIKE HE WAS 'WRONGLY ACCUSED' AT HEARING, FLAKE SAYS

"Yes, the alleged incident occurred 36 years ago. But F.B.I. agents know time has very little to do with memory," Comey wrote. "... They also know that little lies point to bigger lies. They know that obvious lies by the nominee about the meaning of words in a yearbook are a flashing signal to dig deeper."

"It is one thing to have your lawyer submit a statement on your behalf. It is a very different thing to sit across from two F.B.I. special agents and answer their relentless questions," the former director went on. "Of course, the bureau wont have subpoena power, only the ability to knock on doors and ask questions. But most people will speak to them. Refusal to do so is its own kind of statement."

Fox News' Chris Wallace and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Discover Warframes Thrilling All-Out-War Action and Assemble the Prime Vanguard with the Prime Resurgence to Prepare for a New War with Old Enemies this December
State funding will create this new workforce development program with the affects of climate change in mind.
Fire service called out to A565 : Burning car causes long traffic jams around Bonn

Bonn A kilometres long traffic jam formed on the A565 on Monday morning. A car caught on fire on the North Bridge in front of the Bonn-Nordost motorway junction.

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Drivers have to be very patient on the A565 motorway on Monday morning. Motorway police told the GA that a car caught on fire in the right-hand lane on the North Bridge towards Beuel at around 6.55am. The car was completely destroyed by the fire.

There have been severe traffic disruptions all morning because of fire brigade and police operations and the traffic is backed up several kilometres. Police said vision on the motorway was also impaired by smoke. The car is to be towed after being put out.

Police said no other vehicles were involved. According to initial information, no one was injured. Fire service operations on the A565 have also caused traffic to back up on the A555 in front of the Bonn-Nord junction.
Oslo, October 1, 2018: Scatec Solar and Norfund's 35 MW Los Prados solar power plant in Honduras is now grid connected and has reached commercial operation (COD).

"We are very pleased to have completed the Los Prados solar plant in close cooperation with our partners and the Honduran authorities. With this milestone our asset portfolio in Honduras reaches 95 MW, confirming our track record in the Latin American solar market", says Raymond Carlsen, CEO of Scatec Solar.

"Increased access to renewable energy is crucial for economic development, poverty reduction and addressing climate change. Investing in clean energy is a priority for Norfund and we are pleased to expand our partnership with Scatec Solar with this second solar power plant in Honduras" says Mark Davis, EVP Clean Energy in Norfund.

The Los Prados project holds a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the state-owned utility Empresa Nacional de Energia Electrica (ENEE). The plant is expected to provide about 73,000 kWh of electricity per year, providing energy for more than 16,300 households. The clean energy produced by the Los Prados plant will contribute to a CO2 reduction of almost 40,000 tons per annum.

The solar power plant is owned 70 percent by Scatec Solar and 30 percent by KLP Norfund Invest.

About Scatec Solar



Scatec Solar is an integrated independent solar power producer, delivering affordable, rapidly deployable and sustainable clean energy worldwide. A long- term player, Scatec Solar develops, builds, owns, operates and maintains solar power plants and has an installation track record of 1,000 MW. The company is producing electricity from 322 MW of solar power plants in the Czech Republic, South Africa, Rwanda, Honduras and Jordan and has 1,092 MW under construction.

With an established global presence and a significant project pipeline, the company is targeting a capacity of 3.5 GW in operation and under construction by end of 2021. Scatec Solar is headquartered in Oslo, Norway and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol 'SSO'. To learn more, visit www.scatecsolar.com .
For the last decade, analysts have been arguing over whom to blame for America's state and local pension crisis. Politicians? Public employee unions? Financial markets? Amid the din, the detrimental role of public pension boards has been overlooked.There is a mounting body of evidence that pension boards, which oversee the funds created by employer and employee contributions, are partly to blame for the underfunding problem. Pension board members' incentives lead them away from a focus on the plans' long-term fiscal health. In a new report , I document those incentives and their consequences and recommend ways to mitigate -- and even eliminate -- the governance issues.The long-term costs of failing to act to deal with mounting pension debt are enormous. In 2015, the Federal Reserve estimated that states' and localities' pension funds had accumulated $5.52 trillion in liabilities but had set aside only $3.7 trillion in assets. To ensure that public employees receive the benefits promised by their plans, state and local governments are spending more every year on their pension systems. According to census data, those governments contributed $40.1 billion to their pension systems in 2000; by 2016, that number had skyrocketed to $140.5 billion. In addition, pension funds are making riskier investments in an effort to catch up.How are public pension systems governed? For state pensions, the governor and the legislature determine what percentage of workers' salaries will be replaced in retirement and how much government employers contribute annually to the funds. Then state governments delegate authority to manage the funds to boards with, typically, 15 or so members.These boards decide how fund assets are invested, designate money managers and determine the assumed rate of return on the funds' investments (these days, usually between 7 and 8 percent). The actual market performance of the pension funds affects taxpayers' future liabilities and governments' future contributions.In theory, the pension boards are supposed to balance the interests of government employers and public employees. To strike this balance, boards are comprised of both employer and worker representatives. The employer side is made up of members appointed by governors or who hold other public office and serve ex-officio. The plan-participant side elects workers and retirees to the boards, individuals who are also often union officials.The problem is that both the political appointees and the elected representatives have incentives to ignore the long-term health of the funds. Political appointees are responsive to constituencies, such as the governor who appointed them or local businesses, that distract them from managing the fund strictly in its beneficiaries' long-term interest. Meanwhile, public employees and their union representatives are tempted to trade pension savings tomorrow for higher salaries today.How do these incentives play out? To hold down short-run costs, political appointees are likely to favor high assumed rates of investment returns, which keep employer contributions lower and avoid throwing a wrench in the governor's budget. Political appointees also tend to favor investing in local industries -- whether or not they are actually profitable. Two Texas funds were heavily invested in Enron before it went bankrupt, for instance. And in 1990, Connecticut's state-employee fund lost $25 million investing in Colt's, the firearms manufacturer, to preserve local jobs.Likewise, public employee representatives respond to workers' demand for higher salaries today by keeping the assumed rate of investment returns high. In a recent study, political scientists Sarah Anzia and Terry Moe found that elected representatives of public employees did not seek to impose more realistic -- that is, lower -- assumed rates of investment returns. Rather, they found, more worker representation on boards and stronger public unions led to more fiscally irresponsible decisions.The larger consequence of the misaligned incentives of pension boards is that they don't protect employees and taxpayers from major financial risks. Poorly managed pension systems are now consuming the politics - and much of the budgets -- of Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey and other states.Therefore, governments should take two steps. In the short term, they should require greater financial expertise, more clearly define fiduciary duties and implement other controls. In the longer term, states should move away from traditional defined-benefit plans and offer 401(k)-style defined-contribution plans for new employees. Since workers with defined-contribution plans decide for themselves on their contributions and investments, making defined-benefit plans a thing of the past would wisely eliminate the need for pension fund boards altogether.Daniel DiSalvo oversimplifies and generalizes about public pension boards as he recycles the Manhattan Institute's dog-eared critiques of the most time-tested system of ensuring retirement security. Perhaps a refresher is in order. In our federal system of government, the individual states exercise their authority to structure public pension systems and their governing bodies to match the needs of their constituents. According to Funston Advisory Services, there are at least four basic fund governance models in use among the major state and municipal pension funds. Some include elected officials and public-sector employees; some do not.Regardless of who sits on the board, all public pension boards have one thing in common: They have a fiduciary duty to protect the plan and its participants. They must discharge their duties solely in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries. Ensuring the long-term health of the funds they oversee is their priority, and it strains credulity to suggest otherwise.DiSalvo reaches back as far as 28 years to find examples that fit his thesis about the incentives that motivate pension boards. While he focuses on the distant past, he ignores present realities. Public pension systems have been steadily fine-tuning governance to reflect best practices. Pension trustees constantly engage in education programs, including extensive training offered by the National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems, to ensure their effectiveness. And public pension funds continuously demonstrate that defined-benefit plans can provide a higher level of benefits to members and are more efficient than the alternatives.Executive Director and CounselNational Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems
When the Access Hollywood tape of Donald Trump, along with sexual assault stories involving Brock Turner and Bill Cosby, hit the news back in 2016, a middle school student in Maryland named Maeve Sanford-Kelly was listening."I was frankly really distraught," she recalls. "I felt powerless. I assumed that this was what happened, that sexual harassment and sexual assault was a thing in our society and it wasn't going to change because it was part of the power structure."Her mother had an idea that might help. Ariana Kelly, a Democrat, is a delegate in the Maryland state legislature, and she introduced a bill that would require the state to include consent in sex ed classes. Maeve and her friends, as well as student groups across the state, campaigned and testified for the bill.It defines consent as "the unambiguous and voluntary agreement between all participants in each physical act within the course of interpersonal relationships."
In any hot real estate market, there are complaints about prices being artificially inflated by foreign buyers. That sometimes sounds a little far-fetched. In cities with tens or hundreds of thousands of homes, how many can really be bought up by absentee owners from abroad? Actually, the answer turns out to be a substantial share.Federal laws designed to prevent money laundering have long had a gaping loophole. Namely, real estate. People or corporations that pay for houses and condos with cash, whether using currency or wire transfers, can evade disclosure requirements. The sellers and bankers involved dont have to know who the real entities are behind limited liability corporations nominally making the purchase.There are any number of reasons why buyers would want to remain anonymous: It allows them to launder money and hide assets from tax collectors -- as well as their spouses if theyre getting divorced, or creditors if theyre going bankrupt. For foreign buyers, its a good way of masking their true net worth from authorities back home.There can also be legitimate reasons to stay private. But in 2016, the U.S. Treasury Department, convinced there was something fishy going on in the Miami and Manhattan real estate markets, issued geographic targeting orders, or GTOs. This bureaucratic-sounding change meant that for high-end real estate purchases, cash buyers had to reveal their true identities. The effect was immediate, with cash purchases dwindling to a small fraction of overall sales. I and a couple of other analysts have publicly said that the condo market in Miami was being dominated by foreign investors, says Jack McCabe, a Florida real estate consultant. In many cases, we suspected it was corrupt or criminal funds that were being laundered by these investments, which was easy to do.The Treasury Department soon expanded GTOs into more markets, covering many of the nations largest cities. A new study from Sean Hundtofte and Ville Rantala, respectively business professors at Yale and the University of Miami, finds that the disclosure requirements have had profound effects. All-cash purchases by limited liability corporations and other corporate entities shrank from 10 percent of the total dollar volume in the targeted real estate markets to just 2.5 percent. House prices at the high end of the market have dropped by at least 4 percent. The changes have been most dramatic in Miami, where the corporate share of residential transactions has plummeted from 29 percent to 2 percent. Its had a chilling effect on condominium sales, McCabe says. You can make a pretty strong case that the additional scrutiny of buyers and their funds has played a major part in the slowdown of sales.Developers in Miami are now offering enhanced commissions or bonuses such as Teslas and Lamborghinis to Realtors who bring them buyers in bulk. In most markets, the impact has not been as dramatic. But the numbers from Hundtofte and Rantalas research show that there has been a softening in luxury sales throughout cities under GTOs, suggesting that foreign buyers had been contributing significantly to price increases. In the long run, this might affect property tax revenue through lower valuations or fewer transactions, they write. On the other hand, housing appears to have become more affordable to local residents.
SPEED READ:

Three states voted to expand Medicaid -- Idaho, Nebraska and Utah.

A ballot measure to extend Medicaid expansion, and fund it with increased cigarette taxes, failed in Montana.

Medicaid expansion is a central tenet of President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act (ACA). It makes people living up to 138 percent of the federal poverty line eligible for Medicaid, the government-run health insurance program for the poor.

Only one state, Maine, had approved Medicaid expansion through the ballot box before Tuesday.

It was the first time voters directly weighed in on provisions of the ACA since Congressional Republicans tried to repeal it.

In a test of support for President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act (ACA), voters approved Medicaid expansion in three red states on Tuesday -- Idaho, Nebraska and Utah. It was the first referendum on provisions of the ACA since Congressional Republicans tried and failed to repeal it last year.Montana voters, however, rejected their Medicaid expansion measure on the ballot.Supporters of Medicaid expansion see it as a vital part of the social safety net, especially because qualifying for Medicaid in nonexpansion states can be tough. Opponents, however, see expansion as fiscally irresponsible since states will start picking up 10 percent of the costs in 2020.Montana expanded Medicaid in 2015, but under the deal struck in the state legislature, it is set to expire June 30. Residents were voting on whether to extend it, and how the state would fund their portion of it. The ballot measure proposed hiking taxes on tobacco products to $2 per pack.Tobacco interests spent $17 million to defeat the ballot measure.In Idaho and Nebraska, the measures passed with 63 percent and 53 percent of the vote, respectively.Utah had already passed a bill to expand Medicaid, but it is awaiting federal approval. It would require nondisabled people to work, volunteer or participate in a job training program; the expansion would automatically end if the federal match dipped below 90 percent; and eligibility stops at the poverty line, which is $12,140 for a single person.(The federal government has rejected other states' requeststo limit expansion to people at the poverty line.)The ballot measure, meanwhile, asked voters to expand Medicaid traditionally -- without work requirements or eligibility limits past the federal poverty line. It also asked voters to increase the sales tax to fund the state's share. It passed with 54 percent of the vote.Its unclear what would happen if the ballot measure passesthe federal government approves Utahs competing Medicaid waiver.Maine became the first state to expand Medicaid at the ballot box in 2016. But it hasnt been smooth sailing. Maine's outgoing Republican governor has taken every opportunity to block the expansion -- even asking the federal government to reject the state's Medicaid expansion application that the courts made him send.But the passage in Maine alone galvanized health-care advocates who wish to see Medicaid expansion in the dozen or so states that have declined federal money to offer health insurance to the people who fall in a "coverage gap," where they make too much money to qualify for Medicaid but can't afford private insurance.While the price tag of Medicaid expansion can come with some sticker shock, independent analyses have found that states often save money by insuring people -- there are fewer instances of uncompensated care, and people are healthier when they have insurance. According to a 2016 report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 11 states experienced some savings from Medicaid expansion."Proponents insist that itll pay for itself, but entitlement programs are historically costlier than anticipated. I imagine there are going to be some really tough discussions," said Fred Birnbaum, vice president of the Idaho Freedom Foundation, which opposed the measure.
California will attempt to go it alone in regulating internet access after Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill Sunday to restore Obama-era regulations barring the telecommunications industry from favoring certain websites.First, however, the state will have to prevail in a legal fight with the Trump administration's Justice Department, which sued to block California from installing its own rules minutes after Brown signed the bill.Brown's approval of the net neutrality protections was met with cheers from his Democratic allies, who advocated for SB822 in hopes that California would create a template for other states to follow. The telecommunications industry, which aggressively fought the bill as it worked its way through the Legislature, was expected to challenge the law in court even before the Trump administration acted.The Justice Department's suit, filed in federal court in Sacramento, argues that California's approach illegally intrudes on federal jurisdiction."Under the Constitution, states do not regulate interstate commerce -- the federal government does," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement. "Once again the California Legislature has enacted an extreme and illegal state law attempting to frustrate federal policy."San Francisco Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener, the bill's author, said, "I'm thrilled the bill was signed, but now it's on to the next fight. We will defend this law."It's the latest battlefront between the Trump administration and California's Democratic-run government. In March, the Justice Department sued to overturn three sanctuary-state laws passed by the Legislature and signed by Brown, including one limiting law enforcement agencies' cooperation with federal enforcement of immigration laws.This latest fight might be the last one precipitated by an action of Brown's. Sunday was the final day for the termed-out governor to sign or veto 127 pieces of legislation sitting on his desk. The next time the Legislature passes a bill, it will go to a new chief executive.Wiener introduced the net neutrality bill in January, just a month after the Federal Communications Commission voted to overturn Obama-era regulations that barred internet service companies from favoring websites, including those they have financial ties to, in a way that creates winners and losers.Supporters said the bill will ensure that internet companies cannot speed up some streams and apps and slow down others, which could steer consumers to certain content to the detriment of competitors who, for example, couldn't afford to pay their way into the fast lane."This victory in California is a testament to the power of the free and open internet to defend itself," said Evan Greer, deputy director of the advocacy group Fight for the Future. "And it's a beacon of hope for internet users everywhere who are fighting for the basic right to express themselves and access information without cable and phone companies controlling what they can see and do online."Opponents of the bill argued that California overreached with its regulations by trying to replace the federal rule. The telecommunications industry says creating state-by-state regulations is impractical, and some companies have said they do not plan to favor certain websites."We all support strong and enforceable net neutrality protections for every American -- regardless of where they may live," said Jonathan Spalter, president of the industry group USTelecom. "But this bill is neither the way to get there, nor will it help advance the promise and potential of California's innovation DNA."Spalter added, "Rather than 50 states stepping in with their own conflicting open internet solutions, we need Congress to step up with a national framework for the whole internet ecosystem and resolve this issue once and for all."When the FCC repealed net-neutrality rules, it said it was returning to the "light-touch regulatory scheme that enabled the internet to develop and thrive for nearly two decades."One provision that would be allowed under federal rules, but not California's, is an internet service provider practice called "zero rating." Under it, some websites and apps don't count against a consumer's data allotment.Opponents view zero rating as a backdoor way of discriminating against online services that don't strike free-data deals with broadband and wireless companies. But proponents say the subsidies help lower-income communities access data services.FCC Chairman Ajit Pai pointed to that issue in a statement Sunday night."Not only is California's internet regulation law illegal, it also hurts consumers," Pai said. "The law prohibits many free-data plans, which allow consumers to stream video, music, and the like exempt from any data limits. They have proven enormously popular in the marketplace, especially among lower-income Americans."
The only black woman in Vermont's Legislature has resigned, citing racially-charged harassment and ongoing family health concerns.Rep. Kiah Morris, D-Vermont, announced the move Tuesday on Facebook and further explained her motivations in interviews this week. Morris represented the town of Bennington.There was vandalism within our home ... We found there were swastikas painted on the trees in the woods near where we live. We had home invasions," she told the New York Times on Sunday. She did not provide the publication a timeline for the crimes.Morris had announced in August that she would not seek reelection, citing "divisive" discourse on social media. In Tuesday's announcement, she accelerated her departure, citing family challenges.
A Seattle woman says state Sen. Joe Fain raped her in 2007 after a party in Washington, D.C., spurring bipartisan calls Friday for an investigation into one of the state Capitol's most prominent Republican legislators.The woman, Candace Faber, tweeted her explosive allegations Thursday afternoon, following hours of divisive, nationally televised testimony regarding sexual-assault allegations against U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.In a statement, Faber said she was inspired by the courage of Kavanaugh's accuser, psychology professor Christine Blasey Ford.As the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings wrapped up, Faber tweeted that she was "fed up" and "ready to name names" before publicly identifying Fain as her rapist -- an accusation he denied in a text message to The Seattle Times.In that earlier account, Faber described how she and the man met "at the Capitol" and spent a night out drinking and kissing. She wrote that she helped the drunken man return to his hotel room. In the room, she wrote, he pulled down her dress "so hard the straps tore."She pushed him away and said "stop, stop, stop" before eventually relenting, when he raped her, she wrote. She later asked him for a kiss goodbye, she wrote, and wondered whether she should go to the hospital.Fain, a politically moderate Republican from Auburn who serves as the Senate's minority floor leader, denied Faber's account in a text message Thursday night."I absolutely deny what Ms. Faber is accusing me of," Fain said. "Any allegation of this serious nature deserves to be heard and investigated for all parties involved. I invite and will cooperate with any inquiry. I ask everyone to show respect to Ms. Faber and to the process."He did not comment further.Fain, elected to the Legislature in 2010, was one of four Republican senators who voted to legalize same-sex marriage in 2012 and helped negotiate a bipartisan deal for the 2017 paid family-leave law.Lawmakers of both parties as well as Gov. Jay Inslee agreed Faber's allegations should be investigated, though details of how an investigation might proceed were not clear Friday."The governor believes this is a very serious allegation that unquestionably deserves a full investigation by law enforcement officials," said Tara Lee, an Inslee spokeswoman, in an email.In a statement, state Senate Majority Leader Sharon Nelson, D-Maury Island, said the allegations "deserve serious consideration in a manner that respects the dignity of all involved ..."State Sen. Ann Rivers, R-La Center, who has acted as a leader for Senate Republicans on sexual harassment and assault, called Fain "a man of principle" and praised his willingness to cooperate in an investigation."How any investigation occurs, obviously, is up to the authorities in the relevant jurisdiction, but my fellow Republican senators and I agree that any allegation of this nature must be looked into as thoroughly as possible ..." Rivers said. "We would hope people will allow any investigative process to be completed before drawing conclusions."It is possible that the alleged assault could be criminally prosecuted. The statute of limitations is 15 years for first-degree and second-degree sexual assault in the District of Columbia, where Georgetown University is located.Because D.C. is not a state, prosecutions for crimes committed there are handled by the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia. Representatives of that office did not respond to a message seeking comment Friday. Faber has not said whether she intends to seek charges.While corroborating long-ago allegations of sexual assault can be difficult, Faber over the years has told friends and family that she was raped, and identified Fain as her assailant.Two friends of Faber's said in interviews Friday that she had disclosed her account of what happened in recent years, and disclosed Fain's name to one of them. Catherine Hinrichsen, who co-hosted an end homelessness event with Faber in 2014, recalled Faber telling her over lunch in May 2016 she was raped by a "state legislator." Sol Villarreal, another friend, said Faber recounted the assault and named Fain as her assailant in March 2015."We've talked about this specifically and him specifically many times since," Villarreal said. In discussing Faber's written accounts of the rape, he added: "It is not something she'd have any confusion or doubt about and not something she would make up."On Friday, KUOW reported additional details of Faber's allegations, including an interview with Faber and her mother, Laura Lee Faber, who said she'd noticed immediately that something was wrong with her daughter the day after the alleged rape in 2007. She said her daughter broke down sobbing, but wouldn't explain why.Laura Lee Faber told KUOW her daughter told her in 2009 she had been raped the night of her graduation, without naming the alleged rapist. She said she revealed Fain's name after President Donald Trump's election in 2016."When Trump got elected, she broke," Laura Lee Faber told KUOW. "The emotions just ... so that's when she told us his name."KUOW also reported that in April or May, Faber's mother and a friend who is an attorney wrote to Fain to request a meeting, but received no response.Faber did not comment to The Seattle Times Thursday or Friday.Faber, 35, graduated from Georgetown University in May 2007 with a master's degree in foreign service, a program whose alumni include former President Bill Clinton, four current U.S. senators and decades of diplomats. She spent nearly six years as a foreign service officer for the U.S. Department of State, according to her LinkedIn profile.She recently worked in the city of Seattle's Information Technology Department. She has been a guest faculty member in the University of Washington Information School for the past two years.Faber told KUOW she left her city government job after a mental health breakdown in 2017, saying she was diagnosed with a psychosis triggered by a buildup of traumas, including the rape.On Thursday, Faber tweeted about the U.S. Senate hearing with Supreme Court nominee Kavanaugh, where psychology professor Ford discussed her allegation that Kavanaugh had sexually assaulted her when they were teenagers.Around 4 p.m., Faber asked on Twitter: "Is anyone else just fed up and ready to name names? Because I am!"Then she followed up. "So okay, let's do it. @senatorfain, you raped me the night I graduated from Georgetown in 2007. Then you had the audacity to ask me to support your campaign. I've been terrified of running into you since moving home and seeing your name everywhere. I'm done being silent."Even before Thursday's hearings, Faber tweeted about other separate assaults she says she has experienced.In a series of tweets posted Wednesday, Faber referenced several incidents, including an unspecified assault in high school, an assault she said took place while she was passed out after a wedding in 2004 and the alleged 2007 rape. Faber included the hashtag "#whyididntreport, which Twitter users were including with their accounts of sexual assault after Trump tweeted that if Kavanaugh's alleged attack on Blasey Ford "was as bad as she says," she or her parents would have reported to law enforcement.Faber didn't report in 2007, she wrote, because she worried about reactions from her parents and from her Catholic hospital. "Plus I didn't think anyone would believe me," Faber wrote on Twitter. "Or that if they did, they wouldn't care."Fain, 37, was elected to the state Senate in 2010. He rose to serve as majority floor leader from 2013 through 2017, when Republicans controlled the chamber.He is up for re-election this year, recently besting Democratic challenger Mona Das by about 8 points in the primary. Both will be on the November general-election ballot.In a statement Friday, Das praised Faber as brave. "As a survivor of sexual assault myself, I know how traumatic it can be, and how difficult and courageous it is for Candace to come forward and talk about it. I want her to know that I support her, as we all should," she said.Fain graduated from the University of Washington in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in political science. In 2004, he began work on the Metropolitan King County Council, which included time as Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer's chief of staff. While working there, Fain attended classes and earned both law and master's degrees from Seattle University.Elected to the Senate in 2010, Fain represents the county's 47th legislative district, which includes parts of Auburn, Kent and Covington.As a lawyer, Fain spent about a year starting in 2013 as a King County deputy prosecuting attorney. He is currently listed as an attorney at Seattle-based Coopersmith Law and Strategy, according to that firm's website. An employee who answered the phone there Friday declined to comment.
California Gov. Jerry Brown has spent much of his last two terms making what he considers to be amends for the past.The state has a history of tough-on-crime legislation, including a controversial "three-strikes" law. During his first round as governor, Brown signed a sentencing measure in 1976 that established fixed prison terms and contributed to a massive rise in the state's prison population -- from about 20,000 in the mid-1970s to 163,000 in 2006.Brown has since acknowledged what he says were flaws with that approach, and he has signed a number of sweeping criminal justice reforms.The problems that I create, I can clean up, he said in 2016 about the 1976 law In August, the Democratic governor signed a bill making California the first state to end its cash-bail system. On Sunday, California made history again by becoming the first to implement a statewide process to automatically review and potentially reduce or dismiss sentences and records for low-level marijuana offenses.The crux of the new legislation is the idea that people should not be forced to bear long-term professional and financial consequences for crimes that are no longer illegal. California legalized marijuana use for adults and small amounts of possession with Proposition 64, which voters approved in 2016.If youre denied pathways to opportunity when youre in your teens, when youre in your 20s, the compounded loss of economic potential by the time an individual hits their 40s or 50s is huge, says Justin Strekal, political directorfor the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.Marijuana is legal for recreational use in nine states plus the District of Columbia. None of them automatically reconsider marijuana records statewide, and some don't even allow retroactive record relief.But the push is growing.In January, San Francisco announced it will retroactively dismiss thousands of marijuana-related misdemeanors and review felonies dating back to 1975. The next month, Seattle announced similar plans to vacate hundreds of marijuana convictions.Even states without legal recreational use of the drug are taking steps to ease the burden that people with marijuana records carry.In August, Delaware passed a law that permits people convicted of small amounts of possession or consumption prior to decriminalization in 2015 to apply for expungement if they have no other criminal convictions. Rhode Island passed a similar, wider-reaching law in July. North Dakota's legalization measure on this November's ballot, if passed, would create an automatic expungement system. And in New Jersey, where the legislature is weighing legalization, automatic expungement legislation has been introduced.California's new law builds off Prop. 64, which also permitted the reduction of sentences and expungement of records for marijuana convictions. But that system relied on people with convictions to petition the court themselves. The Drug Policy Alliance estimates that nearly 1 million people qualify to have their records reclassified or cleared by Prop. 64, but fewer than 6,000 people petitioned for it between November 2016 and March 2018.For everyone to have to go back to court on their own is really laborious," says Michael Romano, director of the Three Strikes and Justice Advocacy Projects at Stanford Law School.For many, the expungement process can be expensive or overly complicated, says Kate Bell, general counsel for the Marijuana Policy Project.The individuals who will benefit the most from expungement are those that will have the most difficulty navigating the process and paying the requisite fees  if they are even aware the opportunity is available, says Bell. California's new law requires the state Department of Justice to identify cases potentially eligible for recall or dismissal of sentence, dismissal and sealing, or redesignation before July 2019. The prosecution then has until July 2020 to challenge any cases it feels should not be reduced or dismissed.Charges associated with possession of small amounts of marijuana can be dismissed, while felonies, like sale without a license, can be reclassified as misdemeanors. About 218,000 cases could be eligible, according to the office of Assemblyman Rob Bonta, the Democrat who introduced the bill.The California law is a victory for criminal justice advocates -- many of whom hope the law will become a blueprint for reshaping the approach to crimes beyond marijuana."This [law] is a pretty specific slice. It's these types of convictions and it's with this one government agency," says Lenore Anderson of Californians for Safety and Justice. "But it opens up the door for additional things that could be automated."
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GIS 01 October, 2018: Government has once again reasserted that the main objective of the Electoral Reform is to ensure a balance between stability and fairness. This follows the numerous comments, some erroneous and some confusing regarding the proposals of Government for amending the electoral system, hence, the need to refocus the debate. Government has once again reasserted that the main objective of the Electoral Reform is to ensure a balance between stability and fairness. This follows the numerous comments, some erroneous and some confusing regarding the proposals of Government for amending the electoral system, hence, the need to refocus the debate.

The Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs, External Communications and National Development Unit, Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, presented the proposed electoral reform on 21 September 2018.

The objectives of the proposed electoral reform are to introduce a dose of proportional representation to provide for fairness, inclusion and a more equitable representation of parties in the National Assembly while maintaining the First Past The Post (FPTP) System so as to ensure STABILITY in Government and to do away with the mandatory declaration of community by candidates. It also aims to ensure a better gender representation so as to guarantee an enhanced representation of women in the National Assembly.

Ensuring stability in Government

It has been alleged that the provision to restore the mathematical difference in seats as it exists after the FPTP elections, subsequent to the allocation of the 12 Proportional Representation (PR) and the 6 neo Best Loser seats, negates the very objective of the reform.

This represents a serious misunderstanding of the prime objective of the reform. Government has maintained that its key concern is that the majority arising from the FPTP system should remain the same after the allocation of PR and Best Loser Seats, so as to ensure stability in Government.

Any attempt to further reduce the disparity between the number of seats and the number of votes will directly affect the majority formed following FPTP elections. The majority can be made dangerously slim when FPTP results are tight. A slim majority becomes even slimmer, thereby creating a situation of permanent instability. This can pose a real threat to stability in Government. What happened in Rodrigues is a clear evidence of that threat.

Maintaining the Majority

The proposed mechanism is aimed at ensuring that at all times, the majority ensuing from the FPTP results remains exactly the same after allocation of PR and Best Loser seats.

Under the proposed system, the losing party too is compensated by the allocation of Best Loser seats, if it receives less PR seats than the winning party.



Number of Members of Parliament (MP)

The number of MPs has remained the same since the General Elections held in 1967- that is a maximum of 70 (62 FPTP + 8 Best Losers). Yet, the number of electors has nearly tripled since then. It has increased from 314,004 in 1967 to 923,316 in 2018.

The proposal of Government, viz. a Parliament of 81 MPs (63 FPTP + 12 PR + 6 Best Loser seats) is the lowest, as compared to proposals made in previous reports on Electoral Reform (Sachs Model C  100 MPs; Sithanens Report  82 MPs; Labour-MMM Alliance 2014  83 MPs).

The proposed increase in the number of MPs is 15.7%.

Role of Party Leaders

It is to be noted that our Constitution already provides for party leaders to designate, in certain circumstances, MPs under the present Best Loser System.

Minorities

The proposed reform ensures that all minorities are adequately represented in the National Assembly. Party leaders will be entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that PR lists provide for broad-based and inclusive representation. It stands to reason that leaders will field candidates who are likely to correct any under-representation.

Method of Allocating PR Seats

As a matter of policy, Government is proposing the parallel mode of PR, which allocates seats on the basis of the percentage of votes polled by each eligible party. This system is practical, simple and more importantly guarantees political stability, the more so in closely contested elections.

Electoral Boundaries

The review of boundaries of Constituencies is a function performed by the Electoral Boundaries Commission under the Constitution and not by Government.

Preserving National Unity While Fostering Nation Building

Government will never agree to a new population census being conducted on the basis of communal appurtenance.

Government considers STABILITY as being the pillar of our socio-economic progress. This is why it has adopted the present proposals for electoral reform.

Government will continue to consider all reasonable and constructive proposals in order to obtain a broad consensus.
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GIS - 01 October, 2018: Thirty-seven participants including cooperators and officers of the Albion Fisheries Research Centre received their certificates after completing a one-week training in Ornamental Fish Farming by Dr Chih-Yang Huang, an expert from Taiwan. The handing over of certificates was held on Friday 28 September 2018 at the LIC Building in Port Louis in the presence of the Minister of Business, Enterprise and Cooperatives, Mr Soomilduth Bholah.

In his address, Minister Bholah underlined that a new dynamism should be given to the SME sector in Mauritius so as to accelerate its progress as an emerging pillar of the economy. Diversification and innovation are among the key elements to help sustain SMEs on the market and to reduce dependency on imported goods, he observed.

On this score, he pointed out that the modernisation of the sector is a must if SMEs wish to evolve into strong diversified, competitive resilient and innovative businesses. O rnamental fish farming, he emphasised, is one of the many promising fields of the SME sector which has gained importance over time and is in high demand due to low local production. The aim is to leverage ornamental fish farming as a new income generating activity and facilitate cooperatives to embark into this sector, he said.

According to the Minister, Mauritius is endowed with the favourable tropical weather conditions and the gamut of ornamental species both from fresh waters and the marine environment for breeding of ornamental fish. He highlighted that while the majority of aquaculture production is related to food production, ornamental fish production is yet another globally lucrative business which has to be exploited.

He added that some Rs 250,000 in terms of equipment, fish species, logistics and kits were disbursed for the successful completion of the training and called on young entrepreneurs as well as SMEs to tap the potential of ornamental fish farming.

Dr Chih-Yang Huang was deputed by the African Asian Rural Development Organisation to provide technical support to local cooperatives from the 15 to 29 September 2018 so that they could embark in the ornamental fish business. His specialities include aquaculture, fish disease, aquatic ecology, ornamental fish techniques and industry, aquatic organism transportation and anaesthesiology.
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GIS 01 October, 2018: In the spirit of upholding the Charter of the United Nations and their commitment to the international rule of law, Member States of the Group of African States tabled a resolution in June 2017 to seek an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences of the separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965. The decolonisation of Mauritius remains to date incomplete in view of the unlawful excision of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius prior to its accession to independence.

The Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs, External Communications and National Development Unit and Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, made this statement while addressing the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly on 28 September 2018 in New York.

He highlighted that at the heart of the request for an advisory opinion is the issue of decolonisation, which is a matter of international public order under the Charter and a central element of the work of the United Nations and General Assembly. The advisory opinion will also further clarify and strengthen the rule of law at the international level, at a time when such strengthening is greatly needed, he pointed out.

Prime Minister Jugnauth underlined that the hearings at the Court have been completed, and that the judges will now deliberate on a matter that has raised important issues on decolonisation and human rights, particularly the right to self-determination of the people of Mauritius and the plight suffered by Mauritians of Chagossian origin who were forcibly removed from the Chagos Archipelago.

As regards the drugs issue, the Prime Minister pointed out that both trafficking and unregulated drug consumption have the potential of destroying the future of the youth. My Government remains determined to fight drug trafficking. In that regard, the Commission of Inquiry on Drugs set up to enquire on all aspects of drug trafficking in Mauritius has recently submitted its findings, he stated.

He added that a Ministerial Committee has been set up to look into the recommendations of the Commission which includes, inter alia, the strengthening of existing institutional framework as well as the review of relevant legislations. Mauritius, he remarked, has committed itself to the Global Call to Action on the World Drug Problem and that closer cooperation is needed so as to address this scourge.

The Prime Minister made an appeal for a renewed global commitment to undertake ambitious efforts in combating climate change and adapt to its effects so as to meet the targets of the Paris Agreement. He underpinned that the SAMOA Pathway remains a valid roadmap for measuring how much progress has been achieved in addressing the challenges and difficulties faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including climate change. We welcome the holding of the mid-term review of the SAMOA Pathway next September and call on all stakeholders to participate at the highest level in order to accompany SIDS in strengthening their resilience, he added.

He emphasised that climate cannot be dissociated from the oceans and that the planets future also depends on our ability to further protect the ocean and increase its ability to act as a buffer against climate change. Global leadership and enhanced multilateral cooperation is required so as to safeguard the ocean and its role as the natural weather regulator of the planet, he cautioned.

Prime Minister Jugnauth underpinned that the United Nations is and will always be at the centre of all action for sustainable development, peace and security. He appealed for a special consideration of Africas needs and priorities in the restructuring of the peace and security architecture, and commended the efforts of the Secretary General to enhance the framework of cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union which is vital for sustained peace and development in the continent.

He underscored that Africas growth is showing promising signs of rebounding and several countries are already undergoing positive transitions. Elections in Africa during the last several years demonstrate that African countries have strengthened their democracies while ensuring a peaceful transition of power, he stated. This improved political climate, reconciliation efforts, and inclusive participation rights herald a new age of governance that deserves to be supported by the international community, he added.

Mauritius is also concerned with the situation in the Middle East where the scourge of violence and war continues to claim innocent lives, the Prime Minister pointed out. Peace in that region would remain elusive as long as the international community does not live up to its legal and moral responsibilities to uphold international law. Mauritius therefore reiterates its call for renewed and genuine international efforts for negotiations towards an early realisation of the two-state solution, with an independent and viable Palestine, existing side by side and at peace with the State of Israel, he stated.

Speaking on terrorism, the Prime Minister remarked that despite all current efforts, terrorism still remains a painful reality claiming numerous lives daily and threatening world peace and development. It is therefore urgent to build consensus on global counter terrorism efforts and reinforce multilateral cooperation in fighting this scourge, added the Prime Minister.
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GIS 01 October, 2018: Two trucks mounted sewer jetting unit were acquired by the Wastewater Management Authority (WMA) on 28 September 2018 at the Scomat in Pailles with the aim to improving service delivery as regards sewer network . The Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, Mr Ivan Collendavelloo, the Acting General Manager of the WMA, Mr Jacques Alexis Radhay, the General Manager of Scomat, Mr Jocelyn Labour, and other eminent personalities were present on the occasion. Two trucks mounted sewer jetting unit were acquired by the Wastewater Management Authority (WMA) on 28 September 2018with the aim to improving service delivery as regards sewer network

In his address, Acting Prime Minister Collendavelloo highlighted that the acquisition of these two trucks mounted sewer jetting unit will help to provide better quality of wastewater services to citizens. The two trucks, he underlined, will serve to remove obstruction from sewer lines in blockage cases while adding that they will be beneficial especially for people residing in Port Louis as they are more prone to sewerage problems.

Speaking on the role of the WMA, Mr Collendavelloo underscored that the organisation is investing massively in various wastewater projects and house connections with a view of further expanding the sewer network across Mauritius. On this score, he spoke of the Grand Baie and Pailles Guibies projects which are in line to equipping the country with state-of-the art sewerage system so as to better cater to the needs of the population.

For his part, the Acting General Manager of the WMA, Mr Radhay, outlined that with the extension of the WMAs network, it has become crucial for the organisation to modernise and revisit its services by equipping itself with latest technologies. These two additional jetting units with high pressure hoses will therefore enable to strengthen the maintenance capabilities of the WMA with more effective and efficient service delivery, he added.

As for the General Manager of Scomat, Mr Jocelyn Labour, he pointed out that during the past years, the company has been providing a comprehensive range of branded products and professional services in the field of Earthmoving, Trucks and Buses, Agricultural Equipment, Generators and other specialised equipment. He underscored that the supply of these two jetting units with latest technical and safety specificities will help to alleviate the daily lives of the population.

Trucks mounted sewer jetting unit

The two trucks mounted sewer jetting unit, to the tune of Rs 16,185,790 with a capacity of 6000 litres each, have been designed to use high pressure water jets to remove obstruction, grease grit, and other materials from the sewerage network. They will enable the Operation and Maintenance Section of the WMA to carry out preventive works and cleaning of sewer lines, so as to reduce the risk of unforeseen overflow due to misuse of the wastewater system.

Each truck is equipped with two high pressure hoses of 100 m length with big reel of diameter 2 inches and small reel of diameter 1 inch, with storage toolboxes, safety beacon lights, safety arrow boards, cone holders and a bench vice to help handling and loosening of cleaning heads.
(TNS) - The first nationwide cellphone test will happen at 2:18 p.m. Wednesday with TV and radio alerts to sound off 2 minutes later.The test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) will enable authorities to "assess the operational readiness of the infrastructure for distribution of a national message and determine whether improvements are needed," according to Federal Emergency Management Agency's website at fema.gov."This is part of what's called the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, or IPAWS," said Tim Warstler, Stark County Emergency Management Agency director. "This is a test to make sure the system is able to work, to send a message in a time of disaster to everything within a set area."According to the FEMA website, "IPAWS enables public safety alerting authorities such as emergency managers, police, and fire departments to send the same alert and warning message over multiple communication pathways at the same time to citizens in harm's way, helping to save lives."Emergency officials sending out an alert about a pending disaster need only issue one alert with the IPAWS technology.That message may go out to cellphones, weather radios and TV and radio stations - simultaneously. Although for Wednesday's testing, the alerts will go out separately - two minutes apart, Warstler said.Alerts for some systems, such as weather radio alerts and Amber alerts for endangered children, typically need to be issued independently of one another. Systems are activated differently and with separate, specific sets of criteria, Warstler said.With the IPAWS system, messages from local officials during an emergency will go out to the public on smart devices in a single alert."We only have to send the message one place," Warstler said. "It's simply the way of the future."Most people no longer use land lines. Home-based telephones have been replaced by cellphones.A survey by the National Center for Health Statistics showed that in the first half of 2017, more than 52 percent of all households in the United States had only wireless cellphones, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, or CDC."Nearly three-quarters of all adults aged 25-34 were living in wireless-only households; more than two-thirds (70.7%) of adults renting their homes were living in wireless-only households," the survey showed.Landlines still work when the power goes out, yet because most people no longer have them, "we have to be able to get messages to the cellphones," Warstler said.And eventually, he said, the alert messages will sound off on other smart devices, such as Alexa and Google Home devices."The idea behind this is to be able to reach any type of device that people would use for communication," he said.Warstler cautioned that not all cellphones will receive the alert.Older phones without updated software won't be impacted."It's not the cellphone, it's the version of the software on the cellphone," Warstler said. So older phones with updated software may still get the alerts.The federal agency and the Federal Communications Commission initially planned to conduct the test on Sept. 20, but delayed it due to emergency efforts taking place in the path of Hurricane Florence.Reach The Canton Repository at 330-580-8300 or newsroom@cantonrep.com.2018 The Repository, Canton, OhioVisit The Repository, Canton, Ohio at www.cantonrep.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Gov. Jerry Brown signed Californias net neutrality law Sunday, and the U.S. Department of Justice responded almost immediately by filing a lawsuit to block the measure.The United States concluded that California, through Senate Bill 822, is attempting to subvert the Federal Governments deregulatory approach by imposing burdensome state regulations on the free Internet, which is unlawful and anti-consumer, says a statement issued Sunday by the DOJ.State Sen. Scott Wieners bill is intended to prevent Internet providers from throttling customers online speeds, offering fast lanes to heavyweight sites like Google and Facebook, and limiting or barring consumers access to certain sites.Telecom companies are also expected to sue to block Californias first-in-the-nation measure.Rather than 50 states stepping in with their own conflicting open internet solutions, we need Congress to step up with a national framework for the whole internet ecosystem and resolve this issue once and for all, the United States Telecom Association said in a statement.California Attorney General Xavier Becerra tweeted that the state will not allow a handful of power brokers to dictate sources for information or the speed at which websites load.The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Ajit Pai, who joined U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions in opposing Californias measure, issued the following statement:Im pleased the Department of Justice has filed this suit. The Internet is inherently an interstate information service.  Not only is Californias internet regulation law illegal, it also hurts consumers. The law prohibits many free-data plans, which allow consumers to stream video, music, and the like exempt from any data limits. They have proven enormously popular in the marketplace, especially among lower-income Americans. But notwithstanding the consumer benefits, this state law bans them.  I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Department of Justice to ensure the Internet remains unfettered by Federal or State regulation, as federal law requires, and the domain of engineers, entrepreneurs, and technologists, not lawyers and bureaucrats.
(TNS)  WASHINGTON  As the intelligence community shifts its primary focus from counterterrorism to threats from Russia and China, some leaders voice a sense of deja vu and even eagerness at the challenge.It has been a sort of reawakening of times of old, I will say, said Deputy Director Justin Poole of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, one of the 17 agencies and offices that make up the U.S. intelligence community. Its a little more cold warrior-y.President Donald Trump singled out China this past week for what he said was intent to interfere in upcoming midterm elections. In separate speeches, the national intelligence director and the CIA director also emphasized the shift in strategy toward China and Russia.For veteran intelligence officials, the refocusing evokes the more than four decades of the Cold War when intelligence analysts and spies peeled back the capabilities of the Soviet bloc and sought to decipher how it intended to use its weaponry.Cognitive psychologists are going to have a very important role going forward in terms of being able to understand intent. Were almost going back to the good old days, in some regards, said Ellen McCarthy, an intelligence veteran who is the Trump administration nominee to lead the State Departments intelligence branch.Poole, speaking at a security conference at Georgetown University Thursday, said rival nations bring a broader set of capabilities to the table, providing deeper challenges to spy agencies that have largely focused on Islamic terrorist groups in the Middle East and in and around Afghanistan since Sept. 11, 2001.Its a little different, a little more sporty, Poole said. Youre thinking about a near-peer state actor or two. The type of capabilities, tactics, techniques and procedures that they bring to bear are a lot more subtle.Asked by a moderator what he meant by sporty, Poole said he was thinking of cyber, and also the race to automation, augmentation and artificial intelligence, capabilities that rival nations would have in greater strength than terrorist groups.Trump laid into China Wednesday. Speaking at the United Nations headquarters, he accused China of seeking to influence the upcoming midterm elections in November, without providing details.Regrettably, we found that China has been attempting to interfere in our upcoming 2018 election coming up in November against my administration. They do not want me, or us, to win because I am the first president ever to challenge China on trade, Trump said.The remarks touched on themes hit a day earlier by Trumps director of national intelligence, Dan Coats, in a speech at The Citadel in South Carolina, in which he flayed China for meddling in the U.S. heartland.China is also targeting U.S. state and local governments and officials. It is trying to exploit any divisions between federal and local levels on policy, and uses investments and other incentives to expand its influence, Coats said, without offering further details.On the cyber front, Coats unleashed a sharp warning on what he called Chinas hostile hacking efforts, saying they were unprecedented in scale.The first public sign that the intelligence establishment was putting new emphasis on rivalries with Russia and China came last February, when Coats presented his annual worldwide threat assessment to Congress.The risk of interstate conflict, including among great powers, is higher than at any time since the end of the Cold War, Coats said in the assessment, which placed the threat ahead of terrorism but less immediate than the risk of global cyberconflict.CIA Director Gina Haspel also touched on renewed confrontation with rival nations in a speech Monday at the University of Louisville, her first public comments since becoming director in May. She emphasized that her agency still carefully monitors Islamic terror groups.Groups such as the so-called Islamic State and al-Qaida remain squarely in our sights, but we are sharpening our focus on nation-state adversaries, Haspel said.Intelligence officials have been increasingly stark in their public views about Chinas intention to overshadow the United States as a global power.China is trying to position itself as the sole dominant superpower, the sole dominant economic power, FBI Director Christopher Wray told the Aspen Security Forum in mid-July. He said China represents the broadest, most challenging, most significant threat we face as a country.At least one CIA official publicly concurred, saying that Chinas challenges to the United States on multiple fronts mirrors in some ways the 1945-1990 Cold War with the Soviet bloc.What theyre waging against us is fundamentally a cold war. A cold war not like we saw during the Cold War, but a cold war by definition. A country that exploits all avenues of power, licit and illicit, public and private, economic, military, to undermine the standing of your rival relative to your own standing, without resorting to conflict, said Michael Collins, the CIAs deputy assistant director of its East Asia and Pacific Mission Center.
Lewis Hamilton has questioned Ferrari's decision to axe Kimi Raikkonen.

The Finn and 2007 world champion is keeping his F1 career alive at Sauber for the next two years, but Hamilton thinks Ferrari is making a mistake in letting him go.

In an interview with the Swiss newspaper Blick, Hamilton was asked if Raikkonen's impending departure from Ferrari might help his quest to win a fifth title this year.

He answered: "I don't think Kimi is going to change in the last races.

"He is an extraordinary professional and a fantastic driver," said the Mercedes driver. "He remains one of my favourite drivers, and I'm convinced that Ferrari is losing a very important driver.

"It does not make sense to me," Hamilton admitted.

He said that if his own boss made a decision like Ferrari's, he would not be shy to let Toto Wolff know what he thinks.

"The trust is there between us," Hamilton said of Wolff. "If Toto came up with a crazy idea we'd definitely discuss it. I'd say 'Toto, are you sure?'"

Hamilton also said he hopes Red Bull is strong next year after its switch to Honda power.

"We need a third strong team," he said. "Otherwise it's boring -- I want to have more of these guys to beat.

"Red Bull has been building a great car for years, but I often wonder if the management there is always making the right decisions."

(GMM)
Williams' driver lineup for next year is not set in stone.

The struggling British team is set to lose Lance Stroll to Force India, but it was believed Williams would need to at least retain Sergey Sirotkin and his backing by the Russian bank SMP.

But SMP boss Boris Rotenberg told Tass news agency: "There is no agreement for next season, first we are still in this season."

Also unclear is whether reserve driver Robert Kubica is under consideration.

"I don't want to be in a situation like last year," the Pole told Eleven Sports.

"Everyone should have their deadline and their honour. There is no decision yet, but it should be quite soon," Kubica added.

"I will not wait until December."

He added that he wants to return to racing in 2019, and said switching to another series is possible.

"The situation when it comes to F1 is not easy, but there are also opportunities to be somewhere else. For me it's quite transparent.

"I am waiting but if nothing happens, I will make my own decision," said Kubica.

(GMM)
DENSO Corporation agreed to establish a joint venture with NRI SecureTechnologies, Ltd. to detect and diagnose the security risks of in-vehicle electronic products. The new cybersecurity company, named NDIAS, Ltd. is equally owned by DENSO and NRI and will be officially established in December 2018.

NDIAS will harness DENSOs expertise in in-vehicle quality and cybersecurity technology development and NRIs proprietary machine learning technology to protect consumers against the rising threat of cyber attacks in the automotive industry. NRI has nearly 20 years of experience insecurity services in the fields of financial systems, infrastructure, and consumer equipment. The partnership will offer integrated security diagnosis and consulting services for in-vehicle electronic products from the vehicle development phase to the actions required after mass production.

With the increase in automated driving and connected vehicles, various shared technologies and services will be linked within vehicles. Because of this, international standards for automotive cybersecurity requirements must be established due to imminent threats such as hacking, DENSO said.

In Japan, for example, to introduce automated driving by the end of FY2020, a review has been conducted to require automakers to implement cybersecurity measures and to enact relevant laws. Starting with development to well after mass production, security diagnosis and analysis must be conducted throughout the vehicles life cycle.

DENSOs and NRIs new joint venture will underpin the rapidly evolving digitalized automotive industry with its cybersecurity technologies.
Go eat Ziva from Miss Ada. Photo: Scott Heins

Every month in New York, there are a bewildering number of new dishes to eat, drinks to imbibe, and food-themed events to attend. Often, the hardest part is just figuring out whats really worth your limited time. So Grub kicks off each month with a curated collection of dishes, drinks, and events that should absolutely be on your agenda. Make your plans now.

1. Attend an event for one of the years most anticipated cookbooks.

Writer and photographer Nik Sharmas debut cookbook, Season, is among those that Grub is most excited about this fall. (If you need to know how compelling Sharma can make a recipe column, just read the story he published after India overturned a law criminalizing homosexuality.) Sharma will be in New York this month to celebrate the book, first on October 9 at 7 p.m. (tickets are $29) at the 92nd Y for a talk and book signing with writer Korsha Wilson.

2. Start your day with porchetta sandwiches

More happenings in Brunchville, a.k.a. Fort Greene. The Middle Eastern restaurant Miss Ada has made Yemenite pastries a focus of its Sunday-morning menu, and for the fall its added the Yemenite-influenced Israeli pastry Ziva. Made with a puff pastry similar to malawach, its stuffed here with anchovies, broccoli rabe, Pecorino, and sun-dried tomatoes. Over at Romans, theyve retooled their menu to include dishes like an eggplant frittata with tomatoes and ricotta salata ($17) as well as a pricey (tip-included) porchetta sandwich ($22) on focaccia, the sort of thing thatll help you recover from a long night. Antojitos El Atoradero in Gowanus bar Parklife also just launched brunch this weekend, with Micheladas to drink and chilaquiles to eat.

3. Go to a Vietnamese pop-up with a soup flight.

The Vietnamese pop-up Saigon Social returns to Boys Dont Cry, the Chinatown bar owned by Nom Wahs Wilson Tang. On October 21 and 22, from noon to 6 p.m., Helen Nguyen will serve a holy trinity of soups: po, bun bo hue, and bun rieu cua. Show up day of and youll get your choice of soup for $16, but reserve a ticket ($28) and youll get a flight of all three. There will be appetizers, too, but theyre still being determined.

4. Listen to Ruth Reichl and others talk about some of the years best food writing.

Spend the night with the grande dame of food writing Ruth Reichl. On October 2 starting at 6 p.m., shell be at Rizzoli Bookstore to talk about The Best American Food Writing 2018 with Bloombergs Silvia Killingsworth, The Splendid Table host Francis Lam, and The New Yorkers Helen Rosner.

5. Head upstate to relive the aughts with Zak Pelaccio.

Two of the most formative New York restaurants of the last two decades were Zak Pelaccios Fatty Crab and Fatty Cue, both demised. For one weekend only, October 5 to 7, the chef will revive them at his Hudson spot BackBar. There will be a party the last night (tickets are $50), and theyll serve old standards from the restaurants, like Cue-style pork ribs, crispy pork, and watermelon salad; and pulled chicken with sesame and chili salad.

6. Help support a culinary program that gets people in need back on their feet.

The Doe Fund is a culinary program driven by compassion, a nonprofit that helps transition individuals who have been incarcerated, homeless, or struggled with addiction. On October 25 at 6 p.m., it will host its fundraising gala at Cipriani 42nd Street. The tickets start at a cool $1,000, so maybe skip your weekly dinner at Masa? This evening is for a very good cause.

The new porchetta sandwich at Romans. Photo: Scott Heins

7. Go have dinner at Balaboosta, which has been resurrected.

Einat Admonys influential Balaboosta is back in business. The Middle Eastern restaurant has relocated to the West Village, replacing its sister restaurant Bar Bolonat. On the menu are dishes like red snapper with pickled okra and sour Fresno chili in chraime sauce; lemon cardamom pappardelle with Swiss chard, pine nuts, and kashk; and more.

8. Check out an inventive noodle shops new dinner series.

Simone Tongs smart cooking at her Little Tong Noodle Shop earned her the spotlight and led to a second location in midtown. At that 16-seat location, shell host weekend dinners, under the name the Cornelia Series, that doesnt sound like other guest chef nights: Tong and another chef will mix and match their different backgrounds in collaborative dishes and drinks. First up on October 6 and 7 (tickets are $180 for two, seatings are 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.) will be Jose Alvarez, sous-chef of the acclaimed midtown restaurant Ferris, who with Tong will cook a four-course, eight-dish menu.

9. Go to a hip-hop-inspired dinner in Harlem.

Head downstairs, uptown. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on October 7, Ginnys Supper Club (the basement space under Red Rooster) will throw a hip-hop dinner. Dishes and drinks will be inspired by songs, as in a T-bone steak with cheese eggs and Welchs Grapes ($16), a nod to the Notorious B.I.G.s Big Poppa. Live music will be provided by PhearNone and DJ Masai, and walk-ins are welcome.

10. Celebrate Oktoberfest at an outdoor bar in Queens.

You dont have to go to Munich for Oktoberfest. Ridgewood bar Nowadays will be celebrating through October 6 with its Nowafast, fittingly featuring beers from Threes Brewing and sausages from the Meat Hook. What other reasons could you need to get a couple more outdoor nights in this year?

11. Talk and eat pastrami with Jake Dell at a night of Jewish food and storytelling.

The Jewish Food Society has announced details for its next edition of its storytelling event Schmaltzy. Luminaries from the food world will provide food and conversation, including sushi from Food & Wine restaurant editor Jordana Rothman, honey cake from Studio and Simon & the Whale baker Zoe Kanan, and pastrami from Katzs Jake Dell. There will also be a pair of rare dishes in the Tunisian dish pkaila, beef stew with fried spinach from La Boites Lior Lev Sercarz, and ptcha, a preparation of cow feet, from author Darra Goldstein. The James Beard Foundations Mitchell Davis will host, and Russ & Daughters Niki Russ Federman and Josh Russ Tupper will drop by.

12. Eat at one of Londons best restaurants without leaving New York. The crew behind one of Londons most famous restaurants, the Clove Club, will gallop into New York on October 11 for a pop-up (the dinner will cost $115) at the Four Horsemen. While the menu hasnt been finalized yet, you can expect dishes like sardine sashimi with Worcestershire sauce and some sort of roasted chicken. Of course, there will be plenty of (natural) wine, too.
Culture

Veteran Pakistani actor Sohail Asghar passes away

Veteran Pakistani actor Sohail Asghar passed away in Lahore on Saturday after a prolonged illness. According to his family, Asghar was hospitalised during the past week due to deteriorating health condition.



His funeral prayers will be held in Lahore on Sunday, according to family sources. Asghar began his career in the showbiz industry as an RJ for Radio Pakistan and later joined TV.
SAK on Monday stated that it will not be satisfied if the controversial proposal is amended, a possibility that has been floated by Prime Minister Juha Sipila (Centre).

The Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) has declared it will call off its industrial actions only in the event that the government withdraws its proposal to make laying off easier for businesses with no more than 20 employees.

We see no conditions for negotiating with the government on the lay-off law. The obligations laid out in the competitiveness pact and the substantial revisions to unemployment security introduced during this electoral term undermine the demands that employees make new concessions, states Jarkko Eloranta, the chairperson of SAK.

The industrial actions are scheduled for Wednesday, 3 October. The Finnish Industrial Union and Service Union United (PAM), both of which are members of SAK, have announced they will stage a one-day strike as of 12am on Wednesday.

SAK also expressed its bafflement with the passive approach adopted by the government to the trade union movement.

Circumventing the tripartite procedure has led to a situation where the trade union movement will have to protect its members with organisational measures, an SAK spokesperson wrote in a press release on Monday.

Eloranta said SAK is prepared to seek a solution to the dispute but added that the central organisation has not been invited to the negotiation table to discuss measures that genuinely improve employment.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Source: Uusi Suomi
A COUPLE from Sonning Common are raising money to adapt their home for their son, who suffers from a debilitating disease.

Alex and Lisa Clarke need to make their house in Wood Lane Close easier for five-year-old Ben to get around.

He was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy a year ago and is slowly losing his ability to move and breathe independently.

The Clarkes, who also have a one-year-old called Zak, also need to buy Ben an electric wheelchair, which he will soon need.

All the money raised will go towards his future wellbeing and development needs.

Mr Clarke and five friends completed a 50km walk at the weekend and collected more than 8,000.

He said: My wife and I have been absolutely blown away by the support we have had from our friends and family.

People have just put their hands up and offered to help in ways we could not have imagined. Their generosity with their time and money has been unbelievable.

We are so thankful and grateful. When youre dealing with a life-changing situation, which are we, it certainly makes things a lot more manageable and easier to deal with when youve got people like this by your side. It restores your faith in humanity on a number of levels.

Mr Clarke, 42, met his fellow walkers at antenatal classes before Ben was born and they became friends. They are Angus Burnett, Paul Kelly, Stuart Connelly, Jack Taylor and Daniel IAnson, who all live in the Henley area.

The six men walked along the River Thames from Long Wittenham, near Dorchester, to the Little Angel in Remenham Lane on Saturday, battling persistent rain and heavy wind during the challenge.

They sat off at 7.30am and passed through Shillingford, Wallingford, Moulsford, Goring, Pangbourne, Purley, Reading, Sonning , Shiplake and Henley on their way to the pub.

When they arrived at 6.15pm they raised their arms and cheered before celebrating with a meal with family and friends at the pub.

The walk idea was conceived by Mr Burnett, who encouraged the others to join him before telling Mr Clarke that he would be required too.

They initially planned to walk from Trafalgar Square to Henley but realised that would take too long.

Mr Clarke said: The rest of them agreed to it without my knowledge and then decided I was going to do it as well.

The 50km route was a challenge but something local to us and made the most of what was nearby.

The conditions were tough but there was amazingly good banter and chat all the way along. Everyone was supporting each other, which helped us to get through.

Mr Clarke said he and his wife wanted to thank his friends and their supporters.

A good 60 per cent of the donations are from people that have never met Ben or us, he said.

Needless to say if they did meet him they would happily part with their money because he is an amazing little guy.

The donations speak volumes for the guys who took part and the type of people they are. Every single penny people have donated will make a difference to Bens life. Ben, a student at Trinity Primary School in Henley, was diagnosed on August 31 last year.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is one of the most common genetic disorders in children and usually only affects boys. Most children with it are not expected to live beyond their early twenties.

The Clarkes had noticed that Ben often fell over and after one particularly bad fall they took him to their GP. He was referred to hospital and diagnosed soon afterwards.

Mr Clarke said: Your world comes to a standstill and everything stops because life had changed in one phone call.

It was and continues to be incredibly challenging. My wife and I have reached a point now where its living each and every day we can with him.

We want him to experience everything he can. A time will come in the near future where he is not able to walk, so we want him to experience as much as is possible.

Its about having a positive outlook and making sure he has as many positive experiences as possible.

The family moved from Henley, where they have lived for 10 years, to Sonning Common in July. Their new home will be easier to adapt for Bens needs. The changes will include making the ground floor navigable when using an electric wheelchair by widening the doorways.

Bens new bedroom will need to be on the ground floor and enable his wheelchair to move around it. He will need his own bathroom and special bed.

Mr Clarke said: We still want him to be able to access all the living areas where we do family activities, so he can sit at the dining table or the kitchen and have a cup of tea with us.

It will allow us to ensure Ben is catered for his needs in terms of mobility, personal experiences and his long-term needs in terms of education and anything from a medical aspect.

Mr Clarke said the walk also helped raise awareness about the condition, which affects about 2,500 children and young men in the UK.

He added: Ben is like any other five-year-old. He is full of life and energetic but gets tired very quickly and cant walk on his own for a long distances.

We want to raise awareness about Duchenne and its one of the reasons we did the challenge.

You could speak to 100 people and 98 of them will have never heard of it. Its about making people aware there is this horrific, catastrophic and life-changing condition.

The friends have agreed to hold a fund-raiser every year.

To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/

nctboys50kmforbenvsduchenne
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According to the Vietnam Food Association (VFA), Vietnam exported over 4.88 million tonnes of rice as of September 11, 2018, the highest level for the same period over the past three years. In particular, the nine-month export volume also surpassed the total export volume of the whole of 2016 at 4.86 million tonnes.

The statistics released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) also show that Vietnam exported 4.4 million tonnes of rice in the first eight months of this year, up 6.8% over the same period in 2017.

However, rice exports are predicted to encounter challenges in the last quarter of this year as Vietnamese rice exports to China, the largest import market of Vietnam, decreased by 32.8% in the first seven months of this year.

In addition, Vietnamese sticky rice that is exported to China receives a tariff up to 50%, resulting in difficulties for Vietnamese exporters.

According to Nguyen Quoc Toan, Acting Head of the Department of Agro-product Processing and Market Development under the MARD, Vietnamese rice will also have to compete with Thailand and India in terms of prices, as their export prices are falling and the Thai baht and Indian rupee are weakening against the US dollar.

Moreover, China has allowed 19 Indian firms to export rice to China, while signing a deal with Thailand to import 10,000 tonnes of Thai rice, resulting in fiercer competition for Vietnamese rice exporters, Toan noted.
Vivien Killilea/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- Women are running for elected office this year in historic and never-before-seen numbers, and they are winning too.



Voters and historians dubbed 1992 the "Year of the Woman," after female candidates won four new U.S. Senate seats, tripling their presence in the Senate that year.



Fast-forward to today, there are currently 23 female members of the Senate, but take a look a this election cycle. Since 2016 alone, a whopping 590 women in total ran for U.S. House, Senate and gubernatorial races, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University.



What's more, a record-number of those female candidates also won their party primaries and have advanced to general election match-ups this fall.



For example, of the 476 women that ran for U.S. congressional seats this cycle, 239 won their primaries, shattering the previous record of 167 set in 2016. Similarly, 16 women won nominations for gubernatorial seats this year. The last record was 10 total, set in 2010. By comparison there are currently only six female governors in office today.



From school board to city council, congressional and gubernatorial races, the women running for office this year are also fascinating. They bring with them diverse backgrounds, experiences and professions. Many have been trailblazers and ground-breakers their entire lives.



Here are a few female candidates to watch:



Stacey Abrams



In the era of President Donald Trump, could an African-American woman really win a governor seat for the first time ... in the South?



Abrams is the Democratic Party candidate on the ballot in the Georgia gubernatorial race. Known for her proud progressivism and bold ideas, Abrams is a no-nonsense leader who, as the state's House Minority Leader, was the first woman to lead either party in the Georgia General Assembly. She has the backing of President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.



Lucy McBath



McBath is the Democratic Party nominee is Georgia's 6th Congressional District, currently held by a Republican. A former national spokesperson for organizations that promote gun safety reforms such as Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense, McBath first entered the political arena after her son, 17-year-old Jordan Davis, was shot and killed outside a gas station by a man who claimed Davis and his friends were playing their music too loud.



I cant imagine the pain Lucy suffered when her son Jordan was killed, but Lucy has taken that tragedy and turned it into action, fighting for gun reforms that could put an end to the gun violence crisis gripping our country. Lucys determination to prevent more mothers from knowing her pain is exactly the type of courage we need in Congress, former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords wrote when endorsing McBath.



Maria Elvira Salazar



This Miami district was supposed to be an easy pick-up for Democrats, after long-time Republican congresswoman Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen announced last year she was retiring. But then the GOP scored big with a celebrity candidate to follow in Ros-Lehtinen's shoes. Like Ros-Lehtinen, Eliva Salazar, is Cuban-American. She is also a former television news anchor, making her dynamic on screen and loved in the community. The Republican Party has been far-outpaced this year recruiting and electing women to run, especially women of color, but Eliva Salazar, if elected would be a force for them in Washington.



Amy McGrath



McGrath is used to breaking barriers. In some ways, running for Congress must look easier than flying fighter planes like she used to. A Marine Corps veteran with over 20 years of service, McGrath was the first woman to fly in an F/A-18 airplane on a combat mission. While in high school, McGrath pushed members of Congress to remove restrictions keeping women from combat. She attended the Naval Academy as did a number of other female veterans running in key races this year.



Should Democrats take back the majority in the House of Representatives, it will be in large part because more than a dozen Democratic women like McGrath with military or Foreign Service experience are on the ballot. Other standout names include: MJ Hegar, Texas-31; Gina Ortiz Jones, Texas- 23; Mikie Sherrill, NY-11; Elaine Luria, VA-02 and Abigail Spanberger, VA-07.



Martha McSally



In one of the most high profile races of this election cycle, two women are squaring off.



Rep. Martha McSally is the Republican candidate in Arizonas senate race, facing Democrat Rep. Kyrsten Sinema. McSally made headlines with a splashy and unforgettable announcement video, showing her in uniform, in the cockpit, racing through the sky and flying planes as she has done for decades.



Having served 26 years in uniform, McSally rose to full colonel in the US Air Force. Similar to McGrath, McSally has been shattering glass-ceilings her entire life. She was the first female pilot in the Air Force to fly in combat. Clearly the women running this year are brave and, can we agree, badass?



Deb Haaland



If elected (and she has a pretty good shot), Haaland would be the first female Native American in Congress ... ever.



Haaland, a former chair of the Democratic Party of New Mexico is running to represent New Mexico's 1st Congressional District. The first issue listed on her website is climate and environment. Haaland writes, Indigenous rights and the fight for climate justice cannot be separated, and I will fight for tribal nations across the country who are battling the fossil fuel industry in their backyards.



While more of an underdog in her race, Paulette Jordan, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Idaho, would be Idahos first female governor and the countrys first Native American governor, if she were to win in November.



There are also two female Muslim congressional candidates, Rashida Tlaib in Michigan and Ilhan Omar in Minnesota, who are poised to make history as well.



Kim Shrier



Shrier is one of several female doctors and nurses that are running for office this year too. Shrier is a pediatrician, hoping to turn her congressional district outside Seattle, Washington from red to blue. It has been fascinating to watch the messaging flip this year: Democrats are eager to talk about health care, protecting the Affordable Care Act and people with pre-existing conditions, whereas Republicans who used to campaign on repealing the landmark law, have noticeably quieted on the topic.



Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
He did not understand why he stood there, looking at that iron door slowly closing before he walked down to the highway. It was over, after ten years of being in prison, he was now about forty years old. Ten years in prison for homicide. The night he stabbed somebody to death, he was heavily drunk, so in the morning, when he woke up, seeing blood stains on his hands, he was greatly terrified.

Having left the prison the day before, the next day he was seen at the end of the street, near the pavement market. Obviously, he had to earn his living. In the evening, he was seen sitting together with Hoang, his one-time underling who was now controlling this pavement area. He was senior in age and also senior in life, as after ten years in prison, he had got some tattoos of scorpions and other reptiles. Yet, it was too bad for him that his best years had been spent in the sugar cane field and rubber tree plantation in the correction camp. So much sweat he had shed there. He looked at his underling in anger as the guy chomped the food. But he tried to contain himself.

"Old man! It is so difficult to do business these days," Hoang said, emptying the glass of beer. "You were in the camp for quite a long time, so you cannot tell how difficult it is. A lot of changes, you see. Those young bloods are now more foolhardy than we were in the past. So please, stay here with me."

The sky was dark. A woman walked silently across the street upon seeing Hoang, but it was too late. She had to turn back to this side of the road when she saw him waving. She pulled the chair closer to him.

"Please, have some empathy for me. It has been raining all these days, so I cannot do anything to earn money. When I get it, Ill send it to you immediately. Please wait for some more days. Is it okay?"

The guy turned up his eyes at the woman. She had heavy make-up, but she could not hide the wrinkles on her drawn face. But somewhere on it, there were still some traces of gracefulness that had been fading with time and fatigue. He turned his small eyes at her. Those people who had been living a parasitic life on the pavement would not have the guts to look at those small eyes of his. It was therefore hard for them to tell if there were any black pupils in those eyes.

It was pouring down rain.

Hoang "small eyes" communicated nothing. Hoang turned to him.

"You lacked everything in there, didnt you? Ill treat you tonight with this woman!" he yelled.

The womans name was Hanh. Her parents had hoped for the best for her, hoping that she could have a happy life (Hanh in Vietnamese means happiness, virtue). Yet, what she was doing now ran counter to her name. After working in dance halls, hotels and bars, the pavement was her home. Hoang got the money from girls like Hanh, and even from heroin dealing. Or in other words, from street evils.

The rain began to abate, and Hanh politely asked to leave. He had embraced her during the rain. He felt cold when she kissed his chest. Now she was leaving, so he gave her some money. She tried to refuse, but in vain.

So she said: "Thank you. But please, dont tell Hoang."

He nodded. The woman smiled and put the money into her bra and left in haste.

***

He placed the piece of hollow brick on the ground again and displayed the sign offering illegal VCDs. There were dozens of such bricks on this pavement, which were seen as traps for the passers-by. If any of them slightly touched the VCDs, they would drop and the drama would start. He would pick up the disks and introduce them at cut-throat prices, depending on the kinds of customers. If the customer shook his head, the disks would be thrown down on the ground again and the prey was surrounded by those gangsters who would roll up their sleeves to disclose their tattooed arms. If the customer was "head strong", he would wave a syringe, saying: "Give me some money. I need a fix."

The money would be handed over and he would put it into his pocket. However, the city had fewer and fewer gullible customers. As a result, this morning he sat there, yawning all the time from the morning to the afternoon without luring anybody into his trap.

This month was really a bad month for him, just like the fortune- teller had predicted.

***

He heaved a deep sigh, then took some drops of water to smoothen his hair. He later roamed around to see if he could get something. Crossing the hospital, he hesitated. As he got used to using his strength, he hated pickpocketing or shoplifting. He thought it was quite base to do. But he was very hungry. Okay, leave it at that. He walked upstairs and examined the exits. After that, he walked leisurely, as if he were visiting a patient. Someone caught his hand, but he collected himself. A familiar-looking woman, yes, it was the woman he met after being released from prison, Hanh.

"Im very glad to see you here. My son has a high temperature and I have to buy the medicines on the ground floor. Are you busy now? Please do me a favour! Ill be back immediately."

He was quite perplexed as he looked at the boy lying there with a wet towel on his forehead to reduce the fever.

"Youve made your mother mad, boy. If I had taken you away, what would happen? I aint your relative. She is really a woman!" he thought to himself.

The little boy cried. Maybe he got frightened at his roughness as he carried it. His hands were not as tender as those of the boys mother. But fortunately, the boy had cried only for a short moment. This made him forget his attempt to be here in the hospital. The boys eyes were closed tightly and his lips were moving as if they were wrapped around his mothers breasts. He touched the boy for a se-cond time.

"Why is your mother so late, little boy?"

The little boy knew very well that those rough hands of his would not do any harm.

He suddenly remembered his mother. He had been so ill when he was small, and his mother had gone everywhere to buy medicines for him. And one day he was no longer ill and his mother was happy. He ate well and became strong. But he began using his fists. She died during his second year in prison.

The baby boy raised its arms. Clumsy as he was, he could handle the boy very skillfully.

"Do sleep, son! Your mother is not good. She has gone for quite a long time. Do sleep. I have pity for you!"

But the boy yelled loudly. The more he consoled him, the louder he screamed.

"Eh, your beard is making the child cry, you know. Youre so clumsy!" said an old woman. He felt great shame upon hearing this, so he put the baby down and it stopped crying right away.

Hanh rushed toward him. She took the baby from him in great fear. He burst out laughing.

"You look as if I have done something terrible to your baby."

Hanh got flushed and said thanks to him in a low voice. Her face had no more make-up, but she seemed more beautiful to him.

***

The next day Hanhs baby was leaving the hospital. Hanh tried to pack her things quietly.

"Its quite a pity for my baby, because I dont know who his father is." She spoke haltingly, looking at the little boy. "I almost killed him, but the doctor saved his life by not allowing my abortion. When I gave birth to him and he was lying beside me, I felt so happy. What do you think? Is it alright? You know, when I was still single, everything was okay for me. But now I have this baby, so I have to be responsible for him, aint I? I dont want him to think his mother is a bad woman. Itll be a shame for him then! Thats why, I have decided to leave my past behind. I will try to earn an honest living for my son, even though I have to work my fingers to the bone. I dont know if you can believe me or not, but I love my son. I will live for him."

The little boy was startled. Hanh embraced him.

"Be good, my baby. Your mother is here with you." The little boy buried its face into her chest.

Seeing this, the ex-gangster suddenly had a strange feeling come over him.

He went out of the hospitals gate, the coffin tattoo visible on his chest. He smiled, touching his unshaven chin. He walked straight to a conve-nience store.

"Please, sell me the best razor you have!"
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Second Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee Jose Ramon Machado Ventura, and Politburo member Salvador Valdes Mesa, who is First Vice President of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers of Cuba, made the remarks while receiving Tran Thanh Man, President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee.

At the meetings, the hosts expressed their condolences over the passing of President Tran Dai Quang, who, they said, is a close friend of Cuban people.

They noted with pleasure progresses made in the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Cuba over the past time, especially the State visit to Cuba by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in March 2018, and activities marking 45 years of the historic trip to Vietnam by Cuban leader Fidel Castro (September 1973).

Both highly valued outcomes of collaboration between Vietnam and Cuba in general, and between the VFF and Cubas Committee for the Defence of Revolution (CDR) in particular.

For his part, VFF President Man reiterated the viewpoints of the Vietnamese Party, State and people on supporting the just struggle of Cuba in any circumstances.

The official said he is impressed by the scientific and effective organisation of the ninth congress of the CDR that concluded on September 28.

VFF President Man pledged to make greater efforts to develop the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, particularly the special solidarity between the two peoples.

The same day, the VFF delegation wrapped up their trip to the Caribbean country.
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Today, the Animal Legal Defense Fund and the Humane Society of the United States sent a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) urging it to investigate the harmful pet leasing industry for deceiving consumers. The complaint asks the FTC to investigate Wags Lending and associated pet stores for deceptive practices that lead consumers into signing leases for pets they believe they are purchasing. The complaint also asks the FTC to investigate the practices of Monterey Financial Services, which collects lease payments from Wags Lendings customers.

In the typical situation described in the complaint, pet store personnel encourage customers who want to buy a puppy but are unable to pay the high sticker price, to use financingunbeknownst to many customers, a leaseto take the animal home. Consumers interviewed stated that they were not aware that the papers they signed were leases that empowered a third party, Wags Lending, to seize their dog if they failed to make a monthly payment, and which made Wags Lending the legal owner of the dog. Under these leases the total amount of money the customer pays is often significantly higher than the listed sticker price.

Even after months of high payments, customers no more own their dog than they do the car or apartment they might be leasing. Additionally, many of these customers can face unexpectedly high veterinary bills, since most pet stores do business with puppy mills, and their puppies are often sick.

Pet leasing is a growing industry that dupes unsuspecting people into paying thousands of dollars or risk losing a beloved family member, says Animal Legal Defense Fund Executive Director Stephen Wells. The Federal Trade Commission should take swift action to protect Americans from these unethical businesses.

Pet leasing is the latest scam from the same pet stores that sell puppy mill dogs to unsuspecting families, said John Goodwin, senior director of the Stop Puppy Mills Campaign at the Humane Society of the United States. Its time for the Federal Trade Commission to hold the pet industry to a higher standard. Pets are family members for most Americans and the process of acquiring a new pet should be humane for the animals and fair to families.

California, Nevada, and, as of last week, New York lawmakers determined pet leasing is so detrimental to their residents that they banned the practice outright. Multiple other states are poised to adopt similar laws.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund and the Humane Society of the United States thank Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP for its pro bono legal work on this matter.

A copy of the complaint is available upon request.

For more information, visit aldf.org or HumaneSociety.org.
Dancers from the Albany Berkshire Ballet debuted their new dance piece inspired by Norman Rockwell's 'Four Freedoms' paintings at Norman Rockwell Museum on Sept. 8 as part of the museum's Four Freedoms Festival.

Berkshires Beat: Albany Berkshire Ballet Receives Grant For 'Rockwell in Our Time'

Rockwell in dance

The Albany Berkshire Ballet has been awarded a project grant of $2,500 from the Massachusetts Cultural Council's Cultural Investment Portfolio for the continued development of the new work "Rockwell in Our Time" by choreographer Mary Giannone Talmi. Talmi is collaborating with playwright Kevin McGerigle and composer Christopher Culpo with additional choreography by Andres Ramirez and music by Ben Talmi. The ballet is a multidisciplinary work inspired by Norman Rockwell's "Four Freedoms" that moves forward and backward in time reflecting World War II America and our current national reality.



"The individuals that work together to produce a work of this magnitude are our greatest expense, but also our most critical resource. Our choreographer, dancers, rehearsal mistress, composer, musicians, playwright, costume designer, set designer, production crew, community participants, and administrators devote their time and talent to successfully creating and showcasing this collaboration," said Madeline Culpo, artistic director and founder of Albany Berkshire Ballet. "Our next greatest expense is the physical production of the materials necessary to frame the movement and artistic vision. These elements include sets, costumes, sound, lighting, educational materials, printed programs, insurance, fire safety, and promotional materials."



"Rockwell in Our Time" is an ambitious initiative that will require Albany Berkshire Ballet to leverage funding from multiple sources including private donations, corporate sponsors, and philanthropy. The Albany Berkshire Ballet has begun to raise funds from members and other supporters throughout the community. The funding will be used for the further development of this new work - its creation and premiere.



The Albany Berkshire Ballet is nationally recognized for its versatility in performing both classical and contemporary dance works. It will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2019. It is highly acclaimed for its support of newly emerging artists while working with esteemed contemporary choreographers such as Phillip Jerry, Francis Patrelle, Gus Solomons Jr., Mary Giannone Talmi, Bill T. Jones, and Paula Weber.

Trailblazer 5K

The natural beauty of the Clark Art Institute's campus sets the stage for the annual Trailblazer 5K on Saturday, Oct. 6, at 9 a.m. Run or walk up the summit of Stone Hill and on the trails through meadows and woodlands. Awards are given to the top male and female runners in age groups.



The entrance fee is $30 ($25 for Clark members) plus $2 processing fee. To register, click here. Day-of-race pick-up and registration start at 8 am.



Devin Kibbe, co-owner of North Adams Yoga, offers a thirty-minute warm-up for race participants at 8:30 am. No yoga mat is required. Nature's Closet of Williamstown hosts a race gear market before and after the race. Proceeds from the race go towards maintenance of the trails on the Clark's campus and the extended Williamstown trail network, supported by the Rural Lands Foundation.

Pittsfield tree sought

Do you have a tree that would be perfect to donate and serve as the city of Pittsfield's official holiday tree at Park Square? If so, the Pittsfield Department of Community Development Recreation Program would like to hear from you.



Criteria used to select the city's official holiday tree includes: minimum height of approximately 30 feet, superior shape, ease of access to the tree for cutting, adequate room to safely fall the tree and ease of transporting the tree.



Screening and selection of trees will take place the week of Oct. 29. Cutting and installation of the tree at Park Square will be scheduled shortly after the selection. Interested parties should contact Becky Manship, recreation activities coordinator, no later than Oct. 26 at 413-499-9371 or via email.

McCann Tea Room opening

The McCann Tea Room will be open to the public beginning Tuesday, Oct. 2. Hours will be from 10:45 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Culinary Arts students will serve soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees, and desserts. Brunch buffets are scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 4, and Thursday, Dec. 6.

Crafters sought

The United Methodist Church of Lenox, 6 Holmes Road, Lenox, is seeking vendors for the Fall Craft Fair to be held on Saturday, Nov. 18. All vendors must sell crafts that they have made. There are still openings for spaces. Call 413-464-2659 with questions and to reserve a space.

Williams NIH grant

A Williams College professor has been awarded a three-year $369,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health to conduct research with his undergraduate students that may yield insights into how the brain suppresses appetite after overeating, or during illnesses like cancer or clinical depression.



BFAIR review

Berkshire Family & Individual Resources had a successful review and continued licensing by the Office of Quality Enhancement of the commonwealth's Department of Developmental Services. Through a self-assessment process and a target review, BFAIR earned positive licensing outcomes. The eight critical indicators reviewed met the standards set forth by the Department.



These positive outcomes resulted in a two-year licensing and certification for BFAIR's residential, individual home support, and day and employment services. "BFAIR's outcomes on reviews and assessments like these are indicative of the work that we do," said Theresa Gelinas, director of Program Operations for Day Services. "Receiving positive accolades and continued licensing speaks to our commitment to consistency in quality services."

BArT Students Excel

Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter Public School announces results of the spring 2018 Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System tests. Last year's tests are accompanied now by a new system of accountability.



On average, BArT middle school students grew more in ELA and Math than their academic peers across the state. Some key highlights from BArT's results include:



* BArT high school students exceeded achievement targets set by the state across all assessed subjects (English Language Arts (ELA), Math, and Science).



* 100 percent of BArT 10th-grade students scored proficient or advanced on the 10th-grade ELA exam.



* Ninety-six percent of BArT 10th-grade students scored proficient or advanced on the 10th-grade science exam.



* Ninety-four percent of BArT 10th-grade students scored proficient or advanced on the 10th-grade math exam.




iciHaiti - Culture : First Edition of the GEDE FEST Festival





From October 25 to November 3, 2018, will be held the first edition of the Festival "GEDE FEST" organized by the cultural directorate of the Hotel Oloffson. This is an original event that combines arts, culture, history, gastronomy, bringing the group RAM of Haiti, the group Preservation Hall Jazz Band to the forefront thanks to the support of the Preservation Hall Foundation and the famous Chef Donald Link of New Orleans.



"GEDE FEST" will take place in Port-au-Prince and Jacmel in the wake of the Day of the Dead, a symbolic moment of strong Haitian culture and the twin sister city of New Orleans.



With a varied program "GEDE FEST" will offer 9 days of cultural immersion to festival-goers : conferences on historical-cultural relations between Haiti and New Orleans, 3 musical concerts offered by the artists of the RAM group, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Arcade Fire, as well as other surprise guests; a parade of rara and Second Line bands; 2 free demonstration and tasting days offered by Chef Donald Link and other Haitian chefs; an exhibition of works of art by the famous Haitian sculptor Andre Eugene, music workshops and a dance master class led by Isabelle Morse.



This should allow the two communities of Haiti and New Orleans to rediscover their historical and cultural roots and maintain relations of solidarity and friendship, but also to generate investment in trade and tourism.



IH/ iciHaiti


















Addressing the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh described Vietnams engagement in the UNs peacekeeping activities as a breakthrough to consistently implement the Partys foreign policy.

It also marks a change in both the quality and quantity in multilateral cooperation in general and in defence and security in particular, he stressed.

The participation of the Vietnam Peoples Army in UNs peacekeeping missions demonstrates its role in the countrys revolutionary cause and in implementing its international duties, he stated.

He asked the Vietnam Peacekeeping Department and agencies of the Ministry of Defence to closely coordinate with the ministries and sectors concerned in managing the operation of the hospital.

He requested that the hospital staff promote solidarity and fulfil their assigned tasks, deserving the trust of the Party, State, army and people, while promoting the image of Vietnamese soldiers in the eyes of international friends.

The staff were also demanded to strictly follow the Party, State and Armys foreign policy, as well as the regulations of the UN and the Mission, and the laws of Vietnam and the host country.

Watching the send-off ceremony online, from the UN headquarters in New York, UN Under-Secretary-General for Field Support, Atul Khare, sent his congratulations and highly appreciated Vietnams direct engagement in UNs peacekeeping activities.

The level-2 field hospitals participation in the mission not only illustrates Vietnams goodwill and responsibility in UN peacekeeping activities but also demonstrates the countrys efforts and capacity in the work, contributing to bringing stability and peace for the people in countries and regions of instability, conflict, poverty, backwardness and diseases, he said.

Selected photos at the event: (Photo: nld.com.vn)

Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh (centre) at the event

\
What is the Point of a Forever War in Iraq?



Washington should listen to the will of the American people and leave Baghdad.



By Bonnie Kristian

October 01, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - Basra, Iraq, was once the Venice of the East, a beautiful city of canals near the Persian Gulf. But on September 7, it was beleaguered by angry protests , some of which turned violent and left more than a dozen people dead before some measure of calm returned two days later.

The protesters grievances are many . Their province contains 70 percent of Iraqs oil reserves, but 50 percent of the city lives in extreme poverty. Unemployment is high, corruption is rampant the in local government, and basic needs like consistent electricitya must when temperatures regularly top 100and clean tap water are going unmet.

The demonstrators set buildings ablaze , burning public offices and political party headquarters. The American diplomatic building at the Basra airport was targeted by rockets but ultimately not damaged. (Also, contrary to a statement from White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Iran was not responsible for this attack on U.S. facilitiesprotesters also burned the Iranian consulate, chanting, Iran out!) The U.S. and Iran support rival Iraqi political groupings in a high-stakes battle to form a government after the May election threw up no clear winner, The Wall Street Journal reports , and the protests in Basra suggest the people of Iraq dont appreciate either nations interference in their affairs.

The turmoil in Basra may be unsurprising given the living conditions locals face, but it should also be instructive. This is what regime change, fifteen years of intervention, occupation, and reconstruction in Iraq has wrought. This is what trillions of dollars borrowed and spentand tens of thousands of American and Iraqi lives extinguishedhave purchased.

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The protests in Basra are just one moment of ongoing political turmoil in Iraq, with all the security risks and human suffering that entails. They are an indictment in microcosm of Washingtons failed reliance on military intervention and nation-building as a panacea to local political problems in distant lands that dont threaten Americas security, prosperity, or way of life.

In Basra and Iraq more generally, Americans are presented with years of evidence that U.S. military intervention has failed to achieve strategically important, sustainable outcomes despite Washingtons best efforts. Some might argue that trying harder, investing more billions, sending yet more equipment for perhaps another 15 years will produce more favorable results, says military historian Ret. Col. Andrew Bacevich, but this is a mugs game. There is nothing available to America in Iraq that might fairly be called a military victory, and repeating the mistakes of the past will not end differently the umpteenth time around.

For Washington, observing the chaos in Basra should be one more impetus of many to seek a drastic change in American foreign policy, reorienting to focus strictly on the defense of vital U.S. interests, narrowly defined. This agenda may not be familiar in Washington, but it does reflect what most Americans want. Indeed, to the extent that we can read the views of the American public, more of them than not wanted out of Iraq when President Obama was elected, notes MITs Barry Posen at Politico . They wanted the same thing when President Trump was electedin fact, both mens repudiation of the war in Iraq was key to their campaign success.

Aside from the arguments of restraint advocates that [more] military efforts in Iraq are neither necessary nor wise, we should also consider whether they would be consistent with the democratically expressed views of the American people, Posen continues. Odd indeed to repudiate the product of democracy at home to pursue a futile quest to achieve it in a divided and violent society abroad.

Americans are right to want more prudent, realistic foreign policy. Such a policy would not sacrifice U.S. blood and treasure on wars intended to spread democracy and reorder societies rather than focus on defending Americans. It would not attempt to impose an external military solution on the internal political problems of other nations. It would not burden Americas military with tasks for which it is not designed and to which it is not suited. It would not contribute to regional instability across the Middle East. The persistent hardships that resulted in the people of Basra marching this past week are difficult challengesbut they are Iraqi, not American, challenges.

Those hardships would not disappear in the absence of U.S. military intervention, of course. But neither are they disappearing in its presence, and it is past time to chart a new course in Iraq.

Bonnie Kristian is a fellow at Defense Priorities and weekend editor at The Week. Her writing has also appeared at Time Magazine, CNN, Politico, USA Today, Relevant Magazine, The Hill, and The American Conservative, among other outlets.

This article was originally published by " Center for the National Interest " -

Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here.

==See Also==

The occupation continues: U.S. installs new military base near Iraqi-Syrian borders: Official: The Syrian Democratic Forces have revealed a new military base being built by U.S. troops on Iraqi-Syrian borders, west of Anbar.

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Peace and joy
By Federico Pieraccini

October 01, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - The tragic episode that caused the death of 15 Russian air force personnel has had immediate repercussions on the situation in Syria and the Middle East. On September 24, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu informed allies and opponents that the delivery of the S-300 air-defense systems to the Syrian Arab Republic had been approved by President Vladimir Putin. The delivery had been delayed and then suspended as a result of Israeli pressure back in 2013.

In one sense, the delivery of S-300 batteries to Syria is cause for concern more for Washington than for Tel Aviv. Israel has several F-35 and has claimed to have used them in Syria to strike alleged Iranian weapons transfers to Hezbollah. With the S-300 systems deployed in an updated version and incorporated into the Russian command, control and communications (C3) system, there is a serious risk (for Washington) that Israel, now incapable of changing the course of events in Syria, could attempt a desperate maneuver.

It is no secret that Greece purchased S-300s from Russia years ago, and that NATO and Israel have trained numerous times against the Russian air-defense system. Senior IDF officials have often insisted that they are capable taking out the S-300s, having apparently discovered their weaknesses.

Tel Avivs warning that it will attack and destroy the S-300 battery should not be taken as an idle threat. It is enough to look at the recent downing of Russias Il-20 surveillance aircraft to understand how reckless a desperate Israel is prepared to be. Moreover, more than one IDF commander has over the years reiterated that a Syrian S-300 would be considered a legitimate target if threatening Israeli aircraft.

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At this point, it is necessary to add some additional information and clarify some points. Greeces S-300s are old, out of maintenance, and have not had their electronics updated. Such modern and complex systems as the S-300s and S-400s require maintenance, upgrades, and often replacement of parts to improve hardware. All this is missing from the Greek batteries. Secondly, it is the operator who uses the system (using radar, targeting, aiming, locking and so forth) that often makes the difference in terms of overall effectiveness. Furthermore, the system is fully integrated into the Russian C3 system, something that renders useless any previous experience gleaned from wargaming the Greek S-300s. No Western country knows the real capabilities and capacity of Syrian air defense when augmented and integrated with Russian systems. This is a secret that Damascus and Moscow will continue to keep well guarded. Yet two years ago, during the operations to free Aleppo, a senior Russian military officer warned (presumably alluding to fifth-generation stealth aircraft like the F-35 and F-22) that the range and effectiveness of the Russian systems may come as a surprise.

The following are the words of Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu concerning the deployment of the S-300 to Syria and its integration with other Russian systems:

"Russia will jam satellite navigation, onboard radars and communication systems of combat aircraft, which attack targets in the Syrian territory, in the Mediterranean Sea bordering with Syria. We are convinced that the implementation of these measures will cool hotheads and prevent ill-considered actions threatening our servicemen. Otherwise, we will respond in line with the current situation. Syrian troops and military air defense units will be equipped with automatic control systems, which have been supplied to the Russian Armed Forces. This will ensure the centralized management of the Syrian air defense forces and facilities, monitoring the situation in the airspace and prompt target designation. Most importantly, it will be used to identify the Russian aircraft by the Syrian air defense forces."

If the Israelis will follow through with their reckless attempts to eliminate the S-300 (if they can find them in the first place, given that they are mobile), they will risk their F-35s being brought down. The US military-industrial complex would suffer irreparable damage. This would also explain why Israel (and probably the US) has for more than five years put enormous pressure on Moscow not to deliver the S-300 to Syria and Iran. The US State Departments reaction over the future purchase by Turkey and India of the S-400 confirms the anxiety that US senior officials as well as generals are experiencing over the prospect of allies opting for the Russian systems. This would allow for a comparison with weapons these allies purchased from the US, leading to the discovery of vulnerabilities and the realization of the US weapons relative inferiority.

Given Tel Avivs tendency to place its own interests above all others, it would not be surprising to find them using the possibility of attacking the S-300 with their F-35s as a weapon to blackmail Washington into getting more involved in the conflict. For the United States, there are two scenarios to avoid. The first is a direct involvement in the conflict with Russia in Syria, which is now unthinkable and impractical. The second  much more worrying for military planners  concerns the possibility of the F-35s capabilities and secrets being compromised or even being shown not to be a match against air-defense systems nearly half a century old.

An illuminating example of how the United States operates its most advanced aircraft in the region was given in eastern Syria around Deir ez-Zor. In this part of Syria, there is no threat from any advanced air-defense systems, so the US is often free to employ its F-22 in certain circumstances. The Russian military has repeatedly shown radar evidence that unequivocally shows that when Russian Su-35s appear in the same skies as the F-22, the US Air Force simply avoids any confrontation and quickly withdraws such fifth-generation assets as the F-22. The F-35 is not even ready in its naval variant, and has yet to be deployed on a US aircraft carrier near the Middle Eastern theater or the Persian Gulf; nor is it present in any US military base in the region. The US simply does not even consider using the F-35 in Syria, nor would it risk its use against Russian air defenses. Israel is the only country that so far may have already used these aircraft in Syria; but this was before the S-300 came onto the scene.

The F-35 program has already cost hundreds of billions of dollars and will soon reach the exorbitant and surreal figure of over 1 trillion dollars. It has already been sold to dozens of countries bound by decades-long agreements. The F-35 has been developed as a multi-role fighter and is expected to be the future backbone of NATO and her allies. Its development began more than 10 years ago and, despite the countless problems that still exist, it is already airborne and combat-ready, as the Israelis insist. From the US point of view, its employment in operations is played down and otherwise concealed. The less data available to opponents, the better; though the real reason may lie in a strong fear of any revelation of potential weaknesses of the aircraft damaging future sales. At this time, the Pentagons marketing of the F-35 is based on the evaluations provided by Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer, and on the tests carried out by the military who commissioned it to Lockheed Martin. Obviously, both Lockheed Martin and the US Air Force have no interest in revealing any weaknesses or shortcomings, especially publicly. Corruption is a big thing in Washington, contrary to common assumptions.

The combination of Israels ego, its inability to change the course of events in Syria, coupled with the loss of its ability to fly throughout the Middle East with impunity due to Syria now being equipped with a superior air defense  all these factors could push Israel into acting desperately by using the F-35 to take out the S-300 battery. Washington finds itself in the unenviable position of probably having no leverage with Israel over the matter ever since losing any ability to steer events in Syria.

With the Russian air-defense systems potentially being spread out to the four corners of the world, including China, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and who knows how many other countries waiting in the queue, Russia continues to increase its export capacity and military prestige as it demonstrates its control of most of the Syrias skies. With the introduction of the the S-500 pending, one can imagine the sleepless nights being spent by those in the Pentagon and Lockheed Martins headquarters worrying about the possibility of an F-35 being taken down by an S-300 system manufactured in 1969.

This article was originally published by " Strategic Culture Foundation " -

Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here.

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Blockading Russia? US Interior Secretary's Dangerous Threat



By Daniel McAdams



President Trump's Interior Secretary warned in a recent speech that Russia's energy sales abroad could be prevented with a US naval blockade. The head of the Russian senate's foreign affairs committee rightly responded that this would be an act of war. Why is the US so determined to prevent trade and commerce? Why does Washington's first reaction always seem to be threats of force? Tune in to today's Liberty Report: October 01, 2018



Copyright  2018 by RonPaul Institute. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here. ==See Also== Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. Peace and joy
Venezuela's Socialism... And Ours By Ron Paul October 01, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - This week we witnessed the horrible spectacle of Nikki Haley, President Trumps Ambassador to the United Nations, joining a protest outside the UN building and calling for the people of Venezuela to overthrow their government.



We are going to fight for Venezuela, she shouted through a megaphone, we are going to continue doing it until Maduro is gone.



This is the neocon mindset: that somehow the US has the authority to tell the rest of the world how to live and who may hold political power regardless of elections.



After more than a year of Washington being crippled by evidence-free claims that the Russians have influenced our elections, we have a senior US Administration official openly calling for the overturning of elections overseas.



Imagine if President Putins national security advisor had grabbed a megaphone in New York and called for the people of the United States to overthrow their government by force! Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter At the UN, Venezuelas President Maduro accused the Western media of hyping up the crisis in his country to push the cause for another humanitarian intervention. Some may laugh at such a claim, but recent history shows that interventionists lie to push regime change, and the media goes right along with the lies.



Remember the lies about Gaddafi giving Viagra to his troops to help them rape their way through Libya? Remember the babies thrown from incubators and mobile chemical labs in Iraq? Judging from past practice, there is probably some truth in Maduros claims.



We know socialism does not work. It is an economic system based on the use of force rather than economic freedom of choice. But while many Americans seem to be in a panic over the failures of socialism in Venezuela, they dont seem all that concerned that right here at home President Trump just signed a massive $1.3 trillion dollar spending bill that delivers socialism on a scale that Venezuelans couldnt even imagine. In fact this one spending bill is three times Venezuelas entire gross domestic product!



Did I miss all the Americans protesting this warfare-welfare state socialism?



Why all the neocon and humanitarian-interventionist concern for the people of Venezuela? One clue might be the fact that Venezuela happens to be sitting on the worlds largest oil reserves. More even than Saudi Arabia. There are plenty of countries pursuing dumb economic policies that result in plenty of suffering, but Nikki and the neocons are nowhere to be found when it comes to concern for these people. Might it be a bit about this oil?



Dont believe this feigned interest in helping the Venezuelan people. If Washington really cared about Venezuelans they would not be plotting regime change for the country, considering that each such liberation elsewhere has ended with the people being worse off than before!

No, if Washington  and the rest of us - really cared about Venezuelans we would demand an end to the terrible US economic sanctions on the country - which only make a bad situation worse - and would push for far more engagement and trade. And maybe wed even lead by example, by opposing the real, existing socialism here at home before seeking socialist monsters to slay abroad. No, if Washington  and the rest of us - really cared about Venezuelans we would demand an end to the terrible US economic sanctions on the country - which only make a bad situation worse - and would push for far more engagement and trade. And maybe wed even lead by example, by opposing the real, existing socialism here at home before seeking socialist monsters to slay abroad. This article was originally published by " RonPaul Institute " - Copyright  2018 by RonPaul Institute. Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here. ==See Also== In case you missed it: Victoria Nuland Admits: US Has Invested $5 Billion In The Development of Ukrainian, "Democratic Institutions" Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. Peace and joy
During a reception for diplomats for the 2018-2021 tenure in Hanoi on October 1, the NA Chairwoman said that as Vietnam is striving to run as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure and prepare for its own Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2020, the legislature must push itself in its role as member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Executive Committee and IPU Vice Chair for the time ahead.

At the same time, Vietnams NA must successfully hold the 41st session of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) 2020 and assume the position of AIPA Secretary General for the 2019-2021 tenure, she said.

She lauded the close coordination of State and parliamentary diplomacy towards improving Vietnams position on the international arena, most notably the success of the 132nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in 2015, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Meeting in 2017, and the 26th annual meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) in Hanoi in January 2018.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made thorough preparations, in terms of both agenda and reception, contributing to the success of meetings, she said.

The top legislator also hailed the Foreign Ministry for hosting the 30th Diplomatic Conference in August to share experience and promote the external activities of the Party and State.

On the occasion, she asked diplomats to uphold their role as a bridge to develop ties between Vietnamese and foreign legislatures via bilateral and multilateral channels.

Representative agencies abroad need to work closely with the NA Committee for External Affairs to further promote parliamentary diplomacy and facilitate the exchange of delegations at all levels, thus improving personnel capacity and mutual understanding, she said.

They were urged to learn from other countries experience in state management so that international friends could see Vietnams determination to reform itself, foster trust in the heart of overseas Vietnamese, as well as coordinate with host authorities to offer all possible support to them.

Amid several complicated developments in the world, she suggested launching more dialogue channels to fight wrongful allegations and pool support from foreign countries, contributing to safeguarding national sovereignty and interests.

NA Chairwoman Ngan expressed her hope that heads of representative Vietnamese agencies abroad will always maintain strong political will; stay absolutely loyal to the nation; improve Vietnams stature in political, diplomatic, economic, and cultural terms; and contribute to building the homeland.

Several diplomats said they have completed basic work before departure, including holding working sessions with ministries, agencies, and localities to grasp hold of the situation, thereby building specific action plans to fulfil assigned tasks.

According to permanent Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, there were 24 heads of overseas representative Vietnamese agencies appointed for the 2018-2021, including 16 ambassadors approved by the legislature.

Since the NAs 14th tenure, the NA Standing Committee has approved the appointment of 67 ambassadors.
The Lagos State governorship primaries will hold tomorrow, October 1st. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a former Lagos governor and leader of the All Progressives Congress(APC) said that the party chose direct primary in order to end the notion of imposition and put the peoples future in their own hands. In a statement by Tinubu on Sunday, he revealed his reasons for supporting a new aspirant saying Lagos has a blueprint, that cant afford to be deviated from.

See statement below :

With the holding of direct primaries to elect governorship candidates in Lagos and other states, the APC takes a groundbreaking step toward greater internal democracy and progressive governance for the benefit of all people.

While our party is young, it has grown fast and has travelled far in a short time. This speaks well of the character of you, the partys rank-and-file members. What, in other nations, has taken political parties generations to achieve, we have done in a few brief years.

We are democrats in the truest sense of the word. As such, we forever search for what is good and right for the people. With this ideal as our guide, tomorrows primary cannot be shaded by selfish ambition or the perceived personal grievance between this or that person.

Something much greater waits in the balance. What is at stake is nothing less than the future of the people of this state and how we can best maximise our collective destiny. By resort to direct primaries, the party places the peoples future soundly in their hands.

As democracy would have it, you shall be the authors of the partys nomination and hopefully our next state government. I trust in the wisdom of the people and will abide it. However, as a leader of the party and as a former governor of our beloved and excellent Lagos,

I would be remiss if I did not make a few observations regarding the primary. My goal is and shall always be a better Lagos. To this objective, I have dedicated the greater part of my public life.

Roughly 20 years ago, a corps of dedicated and patriotic Lagosians, put aside personal interests and rivalries, to put their minds and best ideas together for the good of the state.

Out of this collaborative effort, was born a master plan for economic development that would improve the daily lives of our people. Bestowed on me was the honour of a lifetime when I was elected to be your governor in 1999. My administration faithfully implemented that plan.

The government of my immediate successor, Tunde Fashola, also honoured this enlightened plan. Where state government remained true to that blueprint, positive things happened.

During my tenure and Governor Fasholas, Lagos state recorded improvements in all aspects of our collective existence, from public health to public sanitation, from education to social services, from the administration of justice to the cleaning of storm and sewage drains.

Businesses, large and small, invested, hired millions of workers and thrived. All Lagosians were to fully participate and justly benefit from the social dividends and improvements wrought by this plan.

From the common labourer, to business leaders, to professionals and our industrious civil service. We all were to be partners in a monumental but joint enterprise.

None was to be alienated. None was to be left out. And none were to be pushed aside. This is especially true for those who contributed so much to our development, whether as a business leader who has invested heavily in Lagos. The homeowner who struggles to pay his fair share of taxes or as someone employed in the hard work of keeping our streets and byways clean so that others may go about their daily tasks unimpeded.

I make no pretence that the master plan is perfect. It can always be fine-tuned. However, whenever a government departed from this plan without compelling reason, the state and its people have borne the painful consequence of the improper departure.

I am encouraged by the emergence of a candidate in this primary who has served the state in senior positions in my administration, the Fashola administration and even in the current one.

While possessing a wealth of experience and exposure, he is a young man endowed with superlative vision and commitment. Most importantly, he understands the importance of the blueprint for development. He esteems it as a reliable and well-conceived vehicle for the future development of the state. He also knows the value of reaching out and working with others in order to maximize development and provide people the best leadership possible.

We walk into this primary strong and confidently believing in the right course we are to take. We shall emerge from this primary even stronger and more confident that we have taken that course by returning Lagos and our party to their finest path.
Senator Ben Murray Bruce has decided to withdraw his ambition to return to the Senate for a second term, after learning of an existing local rotational arrangement of over 20 years.

In a letter by the Senator on Monday, he revealed that he has to abandon his ambition to represent the Bayelsa East Senatorial District following an arrangement in which the Senatorial seat is rotated per local government area among the three councils for four years in the Senatorial District.

The senatorial primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) holds on October 2nd but Ben Bruce made it known he wouldnt be participating. He thanked his constituency and supporters for giving him the opportunity to serve but wrote that he wouldnt return to senate.

See letter below

I thank God and the good people of Brass, Bayelsa East Senatorial District who offered me the golden opportunity four years ago to represent them and the state in the Senate, Nigerias highest lawmaking chamber.

It is without doubt that I have tried to discharge my duties as a legislator and representative of my people creditably to the best of my ability so far.

My voice has been very loud on the issues that matter to our people and our country at all time.

My support to our party, my people and state government is unquestionable. I am humbled that the national leadership of my party supported by the State chapter in appreciation of my efforts offered to support my reelection to the senate to continue my service.

I have also intensified consultations in the last couple of week in the course of which I have come to realize an existing local rotational arrangement of over 20 years beginning with the late Great Chief Melford Okilo, by which arrangement the Senatorial seat rotates per local government area among the three councils for four years in the Senatorial District.

Even with the support of my party at the National and state levels with the full backing of my state government and leadership, as a man of honour interested in the well-being of my people, I hereby announce my withdrawal from the Senatorial race.

I do not want whatever reason to appear to have used my privileged position and influence to do anything other than the well-being and the stability and the good of the people.

I am in all of these for the people, not for myself.

Once again, I thank the former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebelo Jonathan, the National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, my colleagues in the Senate and Governor of Bayelsa State, the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson for their support and encouragement.

I also thank the leadership of my Senatorial District and state, for being there for me.

I thank specially the people of my constituency for their trust and confidence in me to serve and represent them in the Senate.

By trusting me with this mandate, I have come to know them and our people even better, an experience I will never forget for the rest of my life.

I am indeed grateful to my darling wife, my children, and other members of my family for their support and prayers. I appreciate the efforts of my hardworking campaign staff for their support and dedication.

Again, I thank the leadership of the party for their continuing support. I also assured the party of my availability and readiness to serve at any capacity when the opportunity comes.
The Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) has said that President Muhammadu Buhari has no rectitude to celebrate the countrys 58th Independence Day anniversary.

The opposition party in a statement on Sunday said the administrations  insensitivity, impunity and oppressive proclivities  are just like those of the colonial era.

The party noted that Nigerians rather than celebrate, have been thrown into mourning because of the way Buharis government uses state institutions as oppression apparatus .

See full statement below

Independence: President Muhammadu Buharis administration has no rectitude to preside over the nations Independence Anniversary as its insensitivity, impunity and oppressive proclivities are reminiscent of colonial rule.

Instead of celebrating this years independence celebration, Nigerians are mourning under Buhari. This administration has, in the last 3 years, turned our nation into an impoverished colony where apparatus of state power has become instrument of oppression against the people.

Under the Buhari-led All Progressives Congress(APC) regime, Nigerias constitution has been suspended technically. Governance has reverted to oppression. Our democratic institutions, particularly National Assembly and the Judiciary, have come under siege.

Today, the world is particularly alarmed by the documented cases of human rights violations, executive high-handedness, arbitrary and extra-judicial executions, violence and bloodletting, unlawful arrests and detentions, torture, reported disappearances,etc
Nigerian musician Olamide, has reaffirmed his support for embattled Lagos state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.

Governor of Lagos State, who is currently dealing with serious internal issues in his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), didnt the unthinkable on Sunday by throwing jabs at his contender, Jide Sanwo-Olu.

Ambode, had described Sanwo-Olu as being mentally unfit for the position. This attracted serious backlash to the governor, whom many Nigerians faulted for descending too low.

Olamide, who adopted the governor as his father, after his biological father died in 2015, in a bid to savage the situation declared his support for the governor .
Vanguard



The All Progressive Congress APC has again rescheduled Lagos, Enugu, Adamawa governorship primaries and that the mode of primaries for Enugu and Adamawa states has also been changed from indirect to direct primaries.

The Nation

Mon, 01 Oct 2018

President Muhammadu Buhari says he will continue to work tirelessly to promote, protect and preserve a united, peaceful, prosperous and secure Nigeria, where all, irrespective of background, can aspire to succeed.The president gave the assurance in his nationwide broadcast to mark the nations 58thIndependence Anniversary in Abuja on Monday.President Buhari enjoined all citizens to continue to promote the values, virtues and common aspirations that unite Nigerians rather than engaging in divisive

ThisDay



Alleges opponent has criminal record, was at rehab, not fit to be gov Tinubu: I am fighting to restore Lagos governance blueprint Oshiomhole to monitor primary By Gboyega Akinsanmi in Lagos and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday formally asserted his right to participate in todays primary election for the

Guardian



Nigerias ruling All Progressives Congress has postponed governorship primary elections in three states. It also announced a change in the mode of the primaries in two of the three states. The elections will now hold on Tuesday, October 2, in Lagos, and on Thursday, October 4 in Enugu and Adamawa.

The Sun



The aspirant that is being put up to compete against us is an unfit and improper person. This is the truth. Party leaders and party members have been misled Moshood Adebayo Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has described his main challenger for the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Babajide Sanwo-Olu as unfit to

Daily Times



Beneficiaries commend EU, UNICEF WASH project After depending on well water for over 100 years, relief has come the way of some communities in Rivers

Tribune



PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has won the Kaduna All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election with 1.9million votes. Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who was the Returning Officer of the election, announced the results at the Kaduna APC.

Daily Independent



A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Lagos State has appealed to Bola Tinubu, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the party leaders in the state, to reconsider their position on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Governors Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos State

.

The Herald



The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described results of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary across the country as fictitious. The PDP in a Saturday statement through its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, queried how a disorganised party like the APC counted the 2.9 million votes, 1.9 millions and 802,819 votes President Muhammadu Buhari
Many Nigerian youths have lambasted older politicians for their inability to know when its time to hand the leadership mantle to the youths.

This comes after news that 75-year-old Jeremiah Useni, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) for Plateau state.

Jeremiah Useni, who was a military governor of Bendel state, 34years ago reportedly polled 1,018 votes to defeat 12 other candidates at the partys primary.

Many of the youth commenting on the issue, have argued that it was hypocritical  for PDP to field a man as old as Useni, after complaining bitterly about president Muhammadu Buharis age.

See reactions below

Jeremiah Useni just emerged the PDP gov candidate in Plateau. Guess what? He was governor of Bendel state 34 YEARS AGO. And he's 75 now. Somebody will then say it's his right to contest. Too bad for our growth!  Chinedu Asadu (@chinedu_asadu) October 1, 2018

https://twitter.com/Deji_OoniAbj/status/1046741650347823104?s=19

Why is Jeremiah Useni still contesting for anything in Nigeria? Whats wrong with these people?  Chinyere Nwonye (@ChinyereNwonye) October 1, 2018

Dear @OfficialPDPNig, how can your party in honesty field a great grandfather like Jeremiah Useni as your standard flag-bearer in Plateau state, considering your thoughts about Buhari's age as a Presidential candidate in 2019? Isnt that being hypocritical?  Olumuyiwa Amao, Ph.D (@talk2smat) October 1, 2018

https://twitter.com/JackObinyan/status/1046696937787985920?s=19
Jeremy D. Morley concentrates on International Family Law. The firm works with clients around the world from its New York office, with a global network of local counsel. Mr Morley is the author of "International Family Law Practice", the leading treatise on international family law in the U.S., and "The Hague Abduction Convention", published by the American Bar Association. He is a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers and a former law professor.
Students gather in front of Curtiss Hall on Oct. 4 for a free lunch provided by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council. The lunch was one of many events hosted from Oct. 1 to Oct. 8, 2018, for CALS Week.
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Google is adding a new Commute tab to Google Maps and adding Apple Music integration to it as well. The new Commute tab provides users with one-tap access to live traffic and transit information that will help them plan their commute accordingly.

The tab will provide information if the trip is going to take longer than normal and show alternative faster routes if theres a delay. Google Maps already does these things, it is just that the Commute tap is making it easier to access this information.

Theres also a new commute feature which provides commute directions involving both public transit and driving. This will be helpful for users whose office trip includes using both driving and public transit as they can now get a clear picture of their total commute time and alternative routes, if any, from a single overview screen.

You can see helpful information about when to leave, and for each leg of your trip: youll know if theres traffic on your drive, when the next train departs, and how long itll take to walk from the train station to the office.

Most importantly perhaps, Google is adding Google Play Music, Spotify, and Apple Music integration to Google Maps. This will allow users to control their music and podcast playback right from within the Maps app. On Android, Spotify users will also be able to browse through songs, albums, and artists and select their favorite playlist right from within Google Maps.

Finally, Google Maps will now provide real-time transit information for buses and trains in over 80 regions worldwide. This will allow users to better plan their commute and help them decide if they have the time to grab a cup of coffee before their metro arrives or not. Even better, in Sydney, Google has partnered with Transport New South Wales to show if there will be a seat available on the next bus or train or not.

The update will start rolling out for iOS and Android from later this week.

[Via Google
The contest received 407 submissions from 359 children of the three age groups  6 to 8, 9 to 12, and 13 to 16.

After three assessment rounds, three young painters were awarded the first prizes. They were Duong Tue Nhi, 6, from the northern province of Vinh Phuc, Pham Anh Vu, 10, from Hanoi, and Tran Minh Trong Nhan, 13, from Ho Chi Minh City.

The organisers also presented five second, six third and 30 consolation prizes to the outstanding contestants.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Trinh Quoc Khanh, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association (VRFA), said the contest ran in Vietnam and Russia simultaneously.

He noted that the Russian edition recorded 270 entries, adding that the winners in Russia will soon be announced and honoured.

Khanh said the paintings reflect the Vietnam  Russia relations through a different lens. According to him, they introduce the people and land of the two nations and describe the life of Vietnamese and Russian children.

He said the VRFA and the units concerned will work to organise more activities to enhance the mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries younger generations.

Sergey Tanakov, Counsellor at the Russian Embassy in Vietnam, stressed the special meaning of the contest to the bilateral ties.

He said the significant number of submissions showed the Vietnamese youths love for and interest in their country and Russia.

Tanakov said the embassy will support the organisation of the contest in the future and plans to hold more similar activities.
Supply Depot Army Services Corps Multan Jobs 2018

Latest Pakistan Army Army jobs Posts Multan 2021 Supply Depot Army Services Corps Multan, Pakistan Army, Government of Pakistan required applications from experienced candidates to fill the posts of Civilian Driver and UDC (Upper Division Clerk).

How to Apply on Pakistan Army Job Advertisement

Apply as per details in job advertisement. In some cases, you may apply online at vacancies after registering at https://www.jobz.pk online.



Company Address: Commandant Base Supply Depot Army Services Corps Multan Cantonment Near Mall Plaza Saddar Bazar

Official Website: www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk

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The event was attended by Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Ngo Duc Manh, former Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Thanh Son, who is a member of the VBSs Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs, alongside a large number of Vietnamese Buddhists, as well as delegations of Buddhist organisations in Russia, especially, the presence of the Gyalwang Drukpa, who is the head of the Drukpa Lineage from India.

At the ceremony, Ambassador Ngo Duc Manh emphasised: "Throughout its history, Buddhism has always aligned itself with the nation, helping to cultivate the fine values of the people and becoming an essential part in the peoples daily life.. The Vietnamese Government has always respected the good values of religions that contribute to social life, he added.

The exchange programme aimed to unite the Buddhist followers in the countries to share and cooperate in bringing the Buddhas teachings to all places, bringing happiness for everyone, according to Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu.

A performance at the event

For his part, the Gyalwang Drukpa highly appreciated the effort to hold the meaningful exchange and expressed his hope that, through the event, Buddhists from the three countries would create a close cooperation atmosphere to promote the value of Buddhist thoughts in social life, for the development of each country towards the building of a peaceful and prosperous world.
* UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply saddened by the damage and terrible loss of life and injuries caused by the earthquake in Indonesia's Central Sulawesi province, said his spokesman on September 28. The United Nations stands ready to support the government-led rescue and relief efforts.

* Trami, the 24th typhoon of the year, had forced over 2,000 residents of eastern China's Fujian Province to be evacuated as of September 29, local authorities said.

* The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on September 29 demanded the United States take steps to secure Pyongyang's trust before its denuclearization.

* Speaking to the UN General Assembly on September 28, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that several Western countries are using coercive methods to "slow down the irreversible" emerging multipolar world order and their acts are "illicit."

* The Philippines' outstanding debt hit record high of US$131.498 billion in the first eight months of 2018 on the back of high foreign borrowings amid the issuance of yen-dominated debt bonds.

* The 12th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on China-India Border Affairs was held in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, on September 28-29. The two sides agreed to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries.

* The Iranian foreign minister said Iran's oil sales to India will continue despite the US threats of sanction pressures against Iran and its economic partner, Financial Tribune daily reported September 29.

* Turkey has sent an emergency aid team to Indonesia in the wake of a powerful earthquake and tsunami, Turkish aid agency said on September 29.

* The US President Donald Trump reviewed on September 29 in a phone call with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud the oil supply for stability of the market. The two leaders discussed efforts to maintain supplies to ensure the stability of oil market and the growth of global economy.

* Air Niugini has confirmed that all passengers on board Flight 73 from Pohnpei in Micronesia to Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea had evacuated the aircraft after it overshot the runway and landed in water. The airline said investigations are underway as to why the plane overshot the runway and landed in waters off Chuuk State on September 28.

* US and Canadian negotiators are close to reaching a deal to update the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) this weekend, according to media reports.

* Syrian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Walid Muallem on September 29 demanded the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of foreign troops which are in Syria without the consent of the authorities.

* Government officials in Cameroon's strife-torn Anglophone Southwest and Northwest regions on September 29 declared a 48-hour curfew ahead of planned "independence" celebrations by armed separatist forces.

* An Iranian deputy foreign minister said the European Union should set up a legal entity to counter US energy and banking sanctions on Iran by Nov. 4, Tasnim news agency reported Saturday.

* At least 13 people died in Iran after drinking poisonous alcohol over the past 48 hours, Iran's Emergency Department said Saturday.

* The Maldives Elections Commission on September 29 officially declared opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih as the winner of Sunday (September 23)'s presidential elections. Solih had secured 134,705 votes while incumbent President Abdulla Yameen had secured 96,052 votes. Total votes which had polled in were 233,889.

* The Syrian Ministry of Transportation declared Saturday the re-opening of the Nasib Border Crossing with Jordan, which has been closed since 2015, according to the state news agency SANA.

* An F-35B fighter jet crashed Friday in the US state of South Carolina, a first for the model. The pilot ejected before the crash and is being evaluated for injury, according to a statement from the US Marine Corps.

* Bulgarian law enforcement officers at the country's Kapitan Andreevo checkpoint near the border with Turkey have seized two batches of heroin with a total weight of 712.57 kg, officials said on September 29.

* Egypt has achieved self-sufficiency in liquified gas and decided to stop importing it from abroad, the country's oil minister announced in a statement on September 29. The field's output rose from 350 million cubic feet per day to 2 billion and is expected to increase to 2.7 billion by the end of 2019.
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Leaders of the Communist Party of China and the state Xi Jinping (C), Li Keqiang (4th R), Li Zhanshu (3rd L), Wang Yang (3rd R), Wang Huning (2nd L), Zhao Leji (2nd R), Han Zheng (1st L) and Wang Qishan (1st R) attend a reception celebrating the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Beijing, capital of China, on Sept. 30, 2018. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

BEIJING, Sept. 30 -- China's State Council held a reception Sunday, ahead of the National Day on Oct. 1, to mark the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Party and state leaders Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng and Wang Qishan, as well as over 1,200 guests from home and abroad, including Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, attended the reception at the Great Hall of the People.

Premier Li Keqiang addressed the reception while Vice Premier Han Zheng presided over the reception.

Li said that China will firmly uphold rule-based multilateralism and promote opening-up on a higher level.

While safeguarding its own development interest, China will open wider to share development opportunities and progresses with other countries, Li said.

Noting that this year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up, Li said nothing would undermine the country's resolve to push forward reform and opening-up.

He said China will continue to comprehensively deepen reform and unleash and develop productive forces under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

China will work to advance reforms and strive to create a better business environment through streamlining administration, cutting taxes, lowering fees, and intensifying protection of intellectual property rights, Li said.

He also said that China will encourage innovation among entrepreneurs and scientific and technical personnel, foster new drivers, push forward the high-quality development of the economy, promote international cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and improve people's livelihood.

Li summarized major progress in various reforms, economic restructuring, opening-up, international cooperation, people's wellbeing and social stability.

"China has handled new challenges at home and abroad with composure and concentrated its efforts in addressing domestic affairs, enhancing the endogenous dynamic of economic development, defusing risks with multiple measures, and keeping its economy operating within a reasonable range," he said.

Li reiterated the policies of "one country, two systems," "the people of Hong Kong governing Hong Kong," "the people of Macao governing Macao," and a high degree of autonomy for both regions, and the need to deepen exchanges between the mainland and Hong Kong and Macao regions for common prosperity and development.

"We will continue to uphold the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and absolutely not tolerate any 'Taiwan independence' attempts and activities," said Li.

China will unswervingly stick to the road of peaceful development, work with the international community on improving global governance, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, Li said.
BROOKLYN, Iowa (AP)  Several hundred runners gathered in the hometown of slain Iowa college student Mollie Tibbetts over the weekend to honor her memory with a run.

The Des Moines Register reports the run on Sunday in the east-central Iowa town of Brooklyn helped raise more than $20,000 for the University of Iowa Children's Hospital.

Illegal immigrant charged with murder in Tibbetts case

Timeline: The disappearance of Mollie Tibbetts

Reaction to arrest in the case

Rivera pleads not guilty to first-degree murder

Mollie Tibbett's older brother, Jake Tibbetts, encouraged participants to enjoy the run the way his sister would have.

Twenty-year-old Mollie Tibbettts vanished while out for a run in Brooklyn on July 18. Her body was found in a cornfield more than a month later.

A 24-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder in Tibbetts' stabbing death.
ALBERT LEA, Minn.  Over two years after he was arrested, a Wisconsin man is sentenced for sexually abusing a young girl in Freeborn County.

Joel Michael Radjenovich, 72 of Somerset, WI, will spend 357 days in the Freeborn County Jail, followed by 25 years of supervised probation. He must also register as a predatory offender.

Radjenovich was arrested in June 2016 and charged with eight counts of criminal sexual conduct. Law enforcement accused him of having sexual contact with a 10-year-old girl when he lived in Clarks Grove. Authorities say the abuse continued for six years.

In February 2018, Radjenovich entered an Alford plea to one count of 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct. He was sentenced Monday and the remaining charges were dismissed.
BEIJING, Sept. 30 -- A circular has called on members of the Communist Party of China (CPC) to learn from four late comrades who sacrificed in disaster rescue or devoted his life to work.

The circular, jointly released by the CPC Central Committee Organization Department, the CPC Central Committee Publicity Department and the Party committee of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, said that Huang Qun, Song Yuecai, Jiang Kaibin and Wang Jicai were outstanding CPC members and role models of their time.

Huang, Sun and Jiang all worked for the 760 Research Institute of the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation and gave their lives to protect a national experimental platform against a typhoon on Aug. 20.

Wang died of sudden illness while on duty in July at the age of 58. He started working on Kaishan Island in east China's Jiangsu Province with his wife in 1986, and used to be head of the militia post on the island in the Yellow Sea and secretary of the Party branch of Kaishan Island village.

The four comrades were honored posthumously "national outstanding CPC members" on Thursday.

All Party members should draw strength from their political characters of having firm ideals and being loyal to the Party, the circular said.

The circular also called on all Party members to learn from their scrupulous performance of duties, courage to sacrifice lives, power to transform ideals into actions, as well as indifference to fame and wealth.

Party organizations at all levels should pay more concern and care to community-level Party officials, and family members of the Party officials who sacrificed or gave their lives while on duty should be well looked after, the circular said.
ALBERT LEA, Minn.  A southern Minnesota man is going to prison for a winter burglary.

Jabar Pedro Morarend, 46 of Albert Lea, was sentenced Monday to four years and three months behind bars, with credit for 248 days already served.

He was arrested on January 26 and charged with 1st degree burglary. Authorities say Morarend left tracks in the snow from a home where the dresser drawers were all found partially opened to a home where he was found sitting in the basement. Police say Morarend was sitting next to a washing machine and wet shoes behind the machine matched the tracks in the snow.

Morarend was found guilty of 2nd degree burglary in June.
Professor Alexander Wanner. (Photo: Markus Breig, KIT)

Alexander Wanner remains Vice President for Higher Education and Academic Affairs of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Today, the KIT Senate confirmed the vote of the Supervisory Board with a very large majority. Wanner has held the Vice Presidents Office since 2013. In his first term in office, he worked on the introduction and accreditation of a quality management system for higher education at KIT and coordinated the area of action Teaching within the KIT 2025 Umbrella Strategy.

Professor Renate Schubert, who chairs the Supervisory Board, welcomes the vote of the KIT Senate: The Supervisory Board unanimously decided in favor of a second term of Professor Alexander Wanner as Vice President for Higher Education and Academic Affairs. I am very pleased that Mr. Wanner will continue to advance implementation of the research-based education concept and campus development at KIT.

I am very happy that the KIT Senate confirmed re-election of Alexander Wanner so clearly. With his high commitment to research-based education at KIT and his concern for the needs of our students, he is the ideal Vice President for Higher Education and Academic Affairs. I look forward to our further cooperation, says the President of KIT, Professor Holger Hanselka.

President Professor Holger Hanselka (left) and Vice President Professor Alexander Wanner (right).

(Photo: Markus Breig, KIT)

Quality of academic education at KIT is of highest priority. This includes quality assurance of existing courses as well as the development of new course formats, Professor Alexander Wanner emphasizes. Research-based education is and will remain a unique feature of studies at KIT. Moreover, we want to encourage our students to look beyond their own realm and to assume responsibility in society. Cooperation with students and teachers always is constructive and fruitful, he says.

Within the development and implementation of the KIT 2025 Umbrella Strategy, Alexander Wanner is responsible for the areas of action of Teaching and Young Researchers.

Quality and Further Development of Higher Education



In Wanners past term in office, introduction of a quality management system for higher education at KIT met with particular success. In 2014, this scheme was accredited by a group of international experts. As a result of this accreditation, KIT was granted the right to assess all its bachelors and masters programs and to provide them with an internationally acknowledged quality label upon very detailed inspection. KITs successful proposals for funds within federal and state programs also contributed to the systematic further development of higher education. They included the Program for More Quality in Teaching, through which the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is presently funding the Research-based EducationPLUS project and the MINT-Kolleg Baden-Wurttemberg at KIT, the latter being a joint institution of KIT and Stuttgart University to enhance knowledge in mathematics, informatics, natural sciences, and engineering. Within the 2016 Program of the State of Baden-Wurttemberg for the Extension of Masters Programs, KIT offered another 640 additional study places. The corresponding increase rate of 11% made KIT rank in front of all other universities of the state.

For appropriate use of quality assurance funds granted by the state, KIT and its Students Union concluded the KIT Quality Agreement that is the only one of its kind in Baden-Wurttemberg. According to this agreement, use of the quality assurance funds of EUR 24.5 million in total until 2021 will be agreed upon with the students of KIT.

Stronger Role of Doctoral Candidates



In 2015, the Baden-Wurttemberg Ministry of Science, Research, and the Arts granted the first prize to KITs quality development concept for the conferral of doctorates. To further support its doctoral candidates, KIT has introduced doctoral agreements and established conventions of doctoral researchers at all KIT departments.

Teacher Degree Program at KIT



KITs proposals for the state funding in the area of teacher education also met with high success. Moreover, Alexander Wanner is member of the Joint Commission for Teacher Education in Karlsruhe, in which all universities in Karlsruhe are represented. All previous state examination programs were successfully converted into bachelors and masters programs at KIT.

Foci of Future Work



Alexander Wanner considers the further development of the unity of research and teaching at KIT a major task in future. The goal is to implement an education culture based on joint standards, but leaving space for diversity. Particular attention will be paid to the role of young researchers as teachers. In addition, further development of research-based education and research infrastructures in the education sector is planned to be continued. As regards prospective students of KIT, Wanner wants to encourage more women to start studies at KIT and to further develop the selection procedure while assuring quality. Campus development will remain a central topic, in particular as far as teaching and learning spaces are concerned. Wanner also plans to advance digitization in the education area. Further development of the successfully introduced campus management system will be of particular importance.

The General Students Committee (AStA) of KIT congratulates Alexander Wanner on his second term in office: Professor Wanner always was an open and responsive contact person in the Executive Board of KIT. Hence, we are highly pleased that the Senate put its trust in Mr. Wanner for another term in office in higher education and academic affairs, says Thomas Wacker, AStAs Press and PR Officer.

About Alexander Wanner



Professor Alexander Wanner, born in 1962, has been Vice President for Higher Education and Academic Affairs of KIT since June 2013. From 2008 to 2012, he was Studies Dean at the KIT Department of Mechanical Engineering. Wanner studied metallurgy and was conferred his doctorate at the University of Stuttgart. Then, he worked as a scientist at the Max Planck Institute for Metals Research in Stuttgart and was Member of the Senior Academic Staff of Stuttgart University. Research stays at the Northwestern University and the Argonne National Laboratory in the USA as well as at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University followed. In 2003, Alexander Wanner was appointed professor for materials science at Karlsruhe University, KITs predecessor institution. Among others, he was decisively involved in the establishment of the Institute for Applied Materials that pools the competencies of all materials scientists of KIT.

Alexander Wanners second term in office will start on June 01, 2019 and end on May 31, 2025.

Being The Research University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 9,600 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 23,300 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence.
KIT has received the go-ahead for two clusters of excellence. (Photo: Markus Breig, KIT)

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has successfully acquired funding for two clusters of excellence within the Excellence Strategy launched by the federal and state governments. The Excellence Commission has agreed to fund KITs proposals in the area of energy research and materials science for a period of seven years. Today, the cluster decisions were announced in Bonn by the Federal Minister of Education and Research and Chairperson of the Joint Science Conference (GWK), Anja Karliczek, and the Bremen Science Senator and Deputy GWK Chairperson, Professor Eva Quante-Brandt.

We have convinced the experts in the final selection round for the clusters of excellence with two of our proposals. This is a great success for the scientists involved and for the KIT. I cordially congratulate the spokespersons and all participating scientists of both clusters. This result allows us to further compete for the title of University of Excellence, says the President of KIT, Professor Holger Hanselka. In December, we will submit our proposal for the second funding line. Then, the best universities will take part  the competition will be accordingly hard.

The decision of the Excellence Commission shows that KIT is very well positioned with its researchers, Professor Oliver Kraft, KIT Vice President for Research, emphasizes. Todays success also is a confirmation of our excellent interdisciplinary cooperation. We would like to thank the scientists as well as the supporting service units for their outstanding commitment. On this basis, we will be able to take part in the further competition in a highly motivated and determined way.



President Holger Hanselka with Martin Wegener, Spokesperson of the Cluster on 3D Designer Materials, Helmut Ehrenberg, Spokesperson of the Cluster on Energy Storage, and Vice President Oliver Kraft (from left to right: Photo: Amadeus Bramsiepe, KIT).

In future, the following clusters of excellence will be funded at KIT:

3D Designer Materials  3D Matter Made to Order

The 3D Matter Made to Order Cluster of Excellence of KIT and Heidelberg University pursues a highly interdisciplinary approach combining natural and engineering sciences. The Cluster concentrates on three-dimensional additive manufacturing techniques, from the molecular level to macroscopic dimensions. Its vision is the ultimate digitization of 3D manufacturing and material processing. These methods are to be used to produce components and systems by nanoprinting at maximum process speed and resolution for novel applications in materials and life sciences. The Cluster will also receive funding from the Carl Zeiss Foundation.



Customized in three dimensions: for the further development of three-dimensional manufacturing techniques, the cluster pools the know-how of natural and engineering sciences. (Photo: Markus Breig, KIT)

Spokespersons: Professor Martin Wegener (KIT) and Professor Uwe H.F. Bunz (Heidelberg University)

More information: http://www.3dmattermadetoorder.kit.edu

Energy Storage beyond Lithium  New Concepts for a Sustainable Future

Successful implementation of the energy transition requires new materials and technologies for the storage of electric energy. The Energy Storage beyond Lithium Cluster of Excellence of KIT and Ulm University pursues a multidisciplinary approach with electrochemists, materials scientists, theoretical modelers, and engineers being involved. The central objective of the Cluster is to develop fundamental understanding of electrochemical energy storage in novel systems, to combine fundamental material properties with critical performance parameters, and to establish the basis for practical application of post-lithium technologies. The Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Wurttemberg (ZSW) and Gieen University are further partners of this Cluster.



Innovative storage materials and technologies are major prerequisites for the success of the energy transition. (Photo: Amadeus Bramsiepe, KIT)



Spokespersons: Professor Maximilian Fichtner (KIT and Ulm University), Professor Helmut Ehrenberg (KIT), and Professor Axel Gro (Ulm University)

In total, KIT submitted four full proposals in this round. Preparation of these proposals was supported by the State Science Minister Theresia Bauer and her ministry.

Clusters of Excellence and Universities of Excellence: Selection Procedure

In the Clusters of Excellence funding line, 40 German universities submitted 88 proposals. Of these, 57 have been selected for funding by the Excellence Commission. The funding available in this line totals about EUR 385 million per year. Clusters of Excellence can be funded with EUR 3 to 10 million annually, initially for a period of seven years. Funding will start on January 01, 2019. As from 2026, a second funding period of seven years may be possible.

The decision on funding of Clusters of Excellence also is a major prerequisite for participation in the competition for universities of excellence organized by the German Council of Science and Humanities. 17 universities with at least two Clusters of Excellence and two university consortia with at least three Clusters of Excellence are invited now to submit proposals in this funding line.

The submission deadline for the second funding line is December 10, 2018. The decision of funding the proposals relating to the universities of excellence will be made on July 19, 2019. Funding will start on November 01, 2019.

Excellence Strategy of the Federal and State Governments

The aim of the Excellence Strategy is to strengthen Germanys position as an outstanding place for research in the long term and further improve its international competitiveness. It continues the development of German universities successfully begun with the Excellence Initiative of 2005 by supporting research of the highest standard, enhancing research profiles, and facilitating cooperation in the research system.

More information:

http://www.dfg.de/en/research_funding/programmes/excellence_strategy/index.html

and https://www.wissenschaftsrat.de/en/fields-of-activity/excellence_strategy.html

Being The Research University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 9,600 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 23,300 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence.
(Reuters) - The United States and Canada forged a last-gasp deal on Sunday to salvage NAFTA as a trilateral pact with Mexico, rescuing a three-country, $1.2 trillion open-trade zone that had been about to collapse after nearly a quarter century.

COMMENTS:

MICHAEL DYKES, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAIRY FOODS ASSOCIATION, A WASHINGTON GROUP THAT REPRESENTS DAIRY PROCESSORS:

Having this agreement be trilateral is very important. We are pleased to see the negotiators preserved access with our number one customer, Mexico. For Canada, our priorities included increased market access and my understanding is we did get that.

We are pleased with the negotiators and are pleased with the priority they placed on the dairy industry.

EDWARD R. HAMBERGER, CHIEF, THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN RAILROADS:

The free flow of goods across North America without burdensome tariffs is a net positive for U.S. workers, bedrock industries and the economy.

ERIC MEYER, PRESIDENT OF HIGHGROUND DAIRY, CHICAGO:

Nothing but good news here for the US dairy industry. Class 7 milk pricing in Canada caused problems for US manufacturers in two different ways. First, it stopped the flow of ultra-filtered milk, a concentrated skim solids ingredient that was used to boost protein content in cheese and yogurt made in Canada.

Second, the pricing system allowed for Canada to be competitive to export their excess skim milk powder, taking away market share from the US. Eliminating the Canadian Class 7 pricing system could open these markets back up to US processors. Lastly, any further opening of the Canadian market to general imports is helpful to the US dairy industry. While exact details of the agreement between Canada and the United States have yet to be released, there is nothing at the core of the agreement that looks bearish to the US dairy industry and should lead to a boost in export demand for US dairy products.

DON ROOSE, PRESIDENT OF U.S. COMMODITIES, AN IOWA-BASED AG BROKERAGE AND ADVISORY FIRM:

It opens up the trade for a lot of different agricultural products. I dont know if (the USMCA) was a surprise; it was definitely a positive for all the ag markets, for the psychology of the markets. Pushing forward to the EU and Japan talks  those are probably as dominant (for the market) as NAFTA.

SHAUN OSBORNE, CHIEF FX STRATEGIST, SCOTIABANK, TORONTO

Looking at the price action last week the Canadian dollar outperformed, so there may have been some inkling in the markets that with this sort of self-imposed deadline that we had at the end of September that we could get something or should get something, but we have run into a lot of those soft deadlines before and nothing of consequence has happened. I dont know that anyone was overly convinced that we would get something necessarily this weekend but I think most people viewed a trade arrangement would be bound at some point.

The good news is that the risk of bad news has been removed. I dont think theres anything here that really changes the medium term outlook for the Canadian dollar or the Canadian economy, its just removed an uncertainty.

DAVID KELLY, CHIEF GLOBAL STRATEGIST, JPMORGAN FUNDS, NEW YORK:

The most significant thing about this new deal is that they changed the name. Reading it, it really is tweaks to NAFTA, but at least some of them in a positive direction from the economic perspective. It really is very small changes to the underlying framework of North American trade, but thats a positive. Theres only downside to a trade war. To the extent we avoided a trade war in this hemisphere at least that is a positive.

The fact that having made a very big deal about Nafta during the elections but then agreed to a deal which only changes small parts of it does say something about the potential end game for trade talks with China. There is a limit to how much China will compromise in the end, a limit to how much we will need them to compromise in the end. After all the U.S. trade deficit is primarily caused by a too-high U.S. dollar and a big deficit.

OLIVER PURSCHE, CEO OF BRUDERMAN BROTHERS IN NEW YORK:

Obviously this is a positive step forward, its one more box to tick. Overall, markets and investors are very much focused on economic policy and the upcoming earnings season and ignoring everything coming out of Washington. But given that last week it was looking to be more of a Mexico-US deal as opposed to a trilateral deal, its a positive development. It shows investors that in spite of an unconventional approach, the Presidents hard tactics seem to be working.

MIKE LORIZIO, SENIOR FIXED INCOME TRADER AT MANULIFE ASSET MANAGEMENT IN NEW YORK:

There is a pretty significant risk-on tone following the new NAFTA agreement.

However, an eventual agreement was priced in, or at least a non-disaster scenario was priced in. The market was more focused on the risk of a trade war with China than any other area and the market has been positioned accordingly. And even with China, the market has discounted what impact any trade negotiations will have on the fundamentals of the U.S. economy.

This is a positive, and youve seen risk assets respond, and youve seen Treasuries respond a bit, but U.S. fundamentals are so strong right now that the effects of these negotiations had already been priced in.

RANDY FREDERICK, VICE PRESIDENT OF TRADING AND DERIVATIVES FOR CHARLES SCHWAB IN AUSTIN, TEXAS:

Anything positive relating to trade has always buoyed the markets so its not surprising to see a bounce. Generally those things are relatively short lived but the economics in the market are very strong and really only the concerns about the trade issues have been holding the market back from moving higher.

ALEC YOUNG, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL MARKETS RESEARCH, FTSE RUSSELL IN NEW YORK:

Stocks are rallying on the back of a last-minute deal Sunday that allows Canada to join the revised NAFTA Trade deal agreed to by the US and Mexico in late August. Despite all the handwringing over trade, the bark is proving far worse than the bite for U.S. stocks.

Although the trade outlook with China remains uncertain, overall trade uncertainty has been receding for months helping propel stocks to record highs. And even when it comes to China many investors are betting theres room for a market friendly compromise after the U.S. midterm elections in early November when the Chinese will have an incentive to deal to avoid the 25 percent tariff rate that kicks in on $200 billion in Chinese exports on January 1, 2019. That rate is currently only 10 percent. International stocks have even more to gain from trade breakthroughs than their U.S. counterparts because they have been held back too far by trade worries due to their economies increased sensitivity to trade.

MARKET REACTION:

STOCKS: Stocks were ahead, with the S&P 500 .SPX up 0.7 percent in early trading.

FOREX: The Canadian dollar CAD=D4 strengthened to a four-month high against its U.S. counterpart. The U.S. dollar index was flat.
LONDON, Oct 1 (Reuters) - Post-trade services provider Euroclear said on Monday its UK and Ireland arm had linked to the U.S. Federal Reserve settlement service, enabling it to settle dollar transactions via a central bank payment model for the first time.

The group said it was the first non-U.S. financial services infrastructure to connect to the Fed's National Settlement Service. While Euroclear UK and Ireland (EUI) already offers settlement in "central bank money" for sterling and euro transactions, hooking up with the Fed allows it to expand the service to dollars.

Central bank or sovereign money refers to money issued by a central bank. EUI's existing dollar settlement was based on commercial bank money, which is generated when banks issue loans or conduct transactions in excess of their actual currency holdings.

Euroclear said customers would now get dollar cash proceeds from a sale of securities from the moment each transaction settled. Banks would be protected from possible risks stemming from another settlement bank's failure to pay.

The ability of settlement banks to make payments in the Fed's accounts would be underpinned by funds they hold with the Bank of England, the group said.

Ian Dowglass, EUI's head of innovation and business transformation, said there had been big client demand for the service in dollars. It has offered settlement in central bank money for sterling since 2001 and settles an average 425 billion pounds worth of sterling transactions per day.

Dollar transactions, on the other hand, were between $2 billion and $5 billion a day.

"It's all part of risk reduction. What clients now get is absolute central bank settlement in all securities transactions in three currencies," Dowglass told Reuters. "There is no longer a layer of commercial bank risk."

Worldwide, the Euroclear group settled the equivalent of 733 trillion euros in securities transactions last year, via a total 215 million transactions and it held 28.6 trillion euros in assets for clients.

(Reporting by Sujata Rao)

Messaging: sujata.rao.thomsonreuters.com@thomsonreuters.net))
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump may meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Buenos Aries on Nov. 30, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said in an interview on Fox Business Network on Monday. Asked about the potential for a U.S.-China trade deal, Kudlow told FBN that a pact with Beijing was not imminent. Reporting by Susan Heavey

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.
PARIS (Reuters) - The United States and Turkey have started training together to carry out joint patrols soon in northern Syrias Manbij area, U.S. Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said on Monday, despite tense relations between the two countries.

As agreed by the two NATO allies in June, Turkish and U.S. forces are currently carrying out patrols in Manbij, but those are independent of each other. Training is the last step before the two countries carry out joint patrols.

Last month, Ankara said joint patrols and training for those would begin soon.

The training now is under way and well just have to see how that goes, Mattis told a small group of reporters traveling with him to Paris.

We have every reason to believe the joint patrols will be coming on time, when the training syllabus is complete so that we do it right, Mattis added.

He said the United States was currently working with trainers and it would be followed by a few weeks of training with Turkish troops before the joint patrols started.

The training will take place in Turkey.

Turkey has been infuriated with Washingtons support for the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia - which it views as a terrorist organization - and prior to the June agreement it had threatened to push on with a ground offensive against the YPG in Manbij despite the presence of U.S. troops there.

Turkeys detention of American pastor Andrew Brunson on terrorism charges has also hit relations between Ankara and Washington.

U.S. President Donald Trump, angered by Brunsons detention, authorized a doubling of duties on aluminum and steel imported from Turkey in August. Turkey retaliated by increasing tariffs on U.S. cars, alcohol and tobacco imports.

Mattis said he would speak about the situation in Syria and militancy in Africa while in Paris, where he is expected to meet his French counterpart and President Emmanuel Macron.

Turkey and Russia agreed in mid-September to enforce a new demilitarized zone in Syrias Idlib province from which rebels will be required to withdraw.

Before the deal and when a Syrian government offensive on Idlib seemed imminent, France had said that it was prepared to carry out strikes on Syrian targets if chemical weapons were used.
(Adds details on shares, debt, results, background)

Oct 1 (Reuters) - Shares of Avocet Mining dropped more than 17 percent on Monday after warning that it could be broken up as the struggling gold miner continues talks with its largest shareholder, Elliott Management, to restructure its debt.

The company, which debuted on the London Stock Exchange in 2007 at 1,200 pence a share, has lost nearly all of its value and was trading at 9.9 pence. The stock was the largest percentage loser on the exchange.

The company said that it has sufficient funds to operate for the next 12 months provided that the capital and interest on Elliott's loan will not have to be paid in the period.

"A possible outcome of these discussions could be that the Avocet Group is broken up further in an orderly manner and eventually wound up," Avocet said in its statement.

The company was not immediately available for a comment when Reuters sought further details.

Avocet has relied primarily on loans from Elliott since 2014 due to cash flow shortages resulting from a fall in gold prices and lower production at its Inata mine in Burkina Faso. It sold its assets in Burkina Faso for $5 million to Ghana-based Balaji Group last year.

"It will be necessary to restructure these loans in order to put the company on a sustainable financial footing", Avocet said, adding that the interest burden of the Elliott loans of more than $200,000 per month cannot currently be met out of its own funds.

It owes Elliott affiliate Manchester Securities Corp about $30.5 million as of Sept. 30.

Avocet said that if Elliott requests the repayment of loans, the company would be obliged to seek alternative funding, calling it a "considerable challenge". However, it added that it does not believe that Elliott currently intends to demand repayment of the loans in the next 12 months.

Avocet is relying on the success of its Tri-K project in Guinea where it completed a feasibility study indicating about 1.1 million ounces of gold.

However, in order to start mining activities, the company must raise more funds which is likely to add to its existing debt.

The company also said on Monday that its loss narrowed to $1.88 mln in the six months ended June 30 from a $5.48 million loss last year. The company did not post any revenue.

(Reporting by Sangameswaran S and Arathy S Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Bernard Orr)

1810; outside U.K. +91 80 6749 3544; Reuters Messaging: Sangameswaran.S.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))
(Adds Trump quotes, background, PIX)

WASHINGTON, Oct 1 (Reuters) - Donald Trump on Monday praised Canada's entry into a reworked NAFTA pact with the United States and Mexico after the two countries forged a last-minute agreement to salvage the trilateral trade accord, delivering a key win for the U.S. president.

The deal, announced on Sunday, helped preserve the nearly quarter-century old, $1.2 trillion open-trade zone among the three North American neighbors that Trump had long sought to rip up as part of his vow to shake up global trade.

The new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is aimed at bringing more jobs into the United States, a top Trump campaign pledge.

While it avoided tariffs, the deal will make it harder for global auto makers to build cars cheaply in Mexico and It also preserved a trade dispute settlement mechanism sought by Canada to protect its industries from U.S. anti-dumping tariffs even as Ottawa agreed to open up its dairy markets to U.S. farmers.

The United States and Mexico had already clinched a bilateral agreement in August. U.S. officials intend to sign the new trilateral deal at the end of November, after which it would be submitted to the U.S. Congress for approval, according to a senior U.S. official.

Trump on Monday called U.S. agreement with its neighbor to the north "wonderful" and "a historic transaction."

"It is a great deal for all three countries, solves the many deficiencies and mistakes in NAFTA, greatly opens markets to our Farmers and Manufacturers, reduce Trade Barriers to the U.S. and will bring all three Great Nations closer together in competition with the rest of the world," Trump wrote on Twitter.

(Editing by Robin Pomeroy and Franklin Paul)

susan.heavey.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))
(Adds news conferences, congressional reaction, White House adviser comment, TV) WASHINGTON, Oct 1 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump hailed Canada on Monday after the two countries forged a last-minute deal to salvage their trilateral NAFTA accord with Mexico, marking a key victory in the U.S. leader's effort to shake up global trade.

The deal, announced on Sunday, is a reworking of the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, which underpins $1.2 trillion in trade between the three countries. Trump had described NAFTA as a bad deal for Americans and threatened to eliminate it as part of his "America First" agenda. The new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is aimed at bringing more jobs into the United States, with Canada and Mexico accepting more restrictive commerce with the United States, their main export partner.

While changing NAFTA and bringing down U.S. trade deficits was a top Trump campaign pledge, Sunday's agreement largely leaves the broad deal intact and maintains current supply chains that would have been fractured under weaker bilateral deals.

Trump, who said he would hold a news conference at 11 a.m. EDT (1500 GMT) on Monday, on Twitter called the U.S. agreement with its neighbor to the north "wonderful" and "a historic transaction." "It is a great deal for all three countries, solves the many deficiencies and mistakes in NAFTA, greatly opens markets to our Farmers and Manufacturers, reduce Trade Barriers to the U.S. and will bring all three Great Nations closer together in competition with the rest of the world," Trump wrote. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday called it "a good day for Canada" after negotiators worked frantically ahead of the U.S.-imposed midnight deadline. He is scheduled to speak to reporters at noon EDT (1600 GMT).

The pact preserved a key trade dispute settlement mechanism sought by Canada even as Ottawa agreed to open up its dairy markets to U.S. farmers. It will also make it harder for global auto makers to build cars cheaply in Mexico. Trump vowed during his 2016 presidential campaign to tear up current U.S. trade deals, which he blamed for a loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs. His administration has abandoned other trade accords and slapped tariffs on a number of key trading partners, particularly China.

"It's a promise made, promise kept," Peter Navarro, the White House trade adviser, told Fox News on Monday. "NAFTA is dead. We have USMCA."

The United States and Mexico clinched a bilateral agreement in late August. U.S. officials intend to sign the new trilateral deal by Nov. 30, Navarro said. It would then be submitted for approval by the U.S. Congress, currently controlled by Trump's fellow Republicans.

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa, a top farming state, praised the agreement in a tweet on Monday: "Our farmers need stability and access to markets." Democratic U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, a border state with Canada, also tweeted: "I'm glad MNs number one trading partner Canada is back in the mix. Looking forward to reviewing terms." <^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ FACTBOX-Details of the new North America free trade deal Trade deal largely spares Canada, Mexico from any Trump auto tariffs ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> (Reporting by Susan Heavey Additional reporting by Lisa Lambert

Editing by Franklin Paul and Paul Simao)

susan.heavey.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))
China launched its reform and opening-up policy in 1978. Fundamental changes have occurred across the country since then. These photos are from an exhibition at the National Museum of China in Beijing held from Aug 30 to Sept 12, co-hosted by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the China Photographers Association to commemorate the 40th anniversary of reform and opening-up.

Residents of Wuzhangyuan town, Qishan county of Shaanxi province, are on their way to attend a local temple fair in April 1978. [LI SHAOTONG/FOR CHINA DAILY]
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High around 45F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

A shower or two possible this evening with partly cloudy skies overnight. Low near 35F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
By Park Jae-hyuk



A growing number of businesspeople are complaining about lawmakers' attempts to summon company owners and company CEOs as witnesses during the upcoming National Assembly audit of government agencies, company officials said Monday.



For years, lawmakers have been grilling heads of large businesses, instead of ministers and other policymakers, during the Assembly audit, in order to draw more attention from voters.



In particular, opposition parties have used them as a tool to criticize the President and Cabinet members, while the ruling party tried to prevent business leaders from being summoned as witnesses.



This year's audit from Oct. 10 to 29 will be no exception, according to the officials.



Several opposition lawmakers belonging to the Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans & Fisheries Committee wanted to summon Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo, Korea Chamber of Commerce & Industry Chairman Park Yong-maan and Korea Employers Federation Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik as witnesses, saying the business tycoons may have discussed cooperation with North Korea in the forest industry during their visit there with President Moon Jae-in.



Rep. Park Wan-joo of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea criticized the opposition lawmakers for trying to embarrass the chaebol owners who are not well aware of practical matters.



"It is absurd to summon businesspeople who visited North Korea for peace of the peninsula," he said.



Although the lawmakers belonging to the committee agreed not to summon the conglomerate owners, they are still trying to bring chief executives of the nation's five largest conglomerates to the National Assembly.



Lawmakers belonging to the Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs and Startups Committee are also attempting to summon the Samsung Electronics vice chairman and the chairmen of SK and LG groups, although they have yet to reach an agreement.



The National Policy Committee will summon 39 businesspeople and the Environment & Labor Committee will summon officials of companies that caused the toxic humidifier sterilizer scandal. The Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee is considering summoning the heads of Google Korea and Facebook Korea.



The Land Infrastructure & Transport Committee is expected to summon heads of BMW Korea and air carriers.



If the businesspeople attend the Assembly audit, they will likely have to wait for hours to have a chance to speak for only a few minutes. Some of them may not speak at all.



"Most businesspeople just spend their precious time at the National Assembly without a chance to speak a few words," said an official of the nation's top conglomerate, who declined to be named. "Lawmakers should stop embarrassing businesspeople for political purposes."



An official of a major business association said the lawmakers may tarnish the image of Korea and reputation of companies, as the whole world can watch businesspeople scolded during the Assembly audit.


National Tax Service Commissioner Han Sung-hee, second from left, speaks at a meeting with members of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) at the KCCI building in Seoul, Monday. From left, Hyundai Group Chairwoman Hyun Jeong-eun, Han, KCCI Chairman Park Yong-maan and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Yoon Boo-keun. Business leaders asked the government to expand tax breaks for R&D spending and for companies experiencing a drop in export sales. Yonhap
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reaffirmed his "steadfast stand" Monday to deepen relations with China in his message to Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the occasion of China's 69th founding anniversary, the North's state media said.



Kim also expressed his will to further advance Pyongyang-Beijing relations based on their traditionally close ties that have been built for decades, according to the Korean Central News Agency.



"It noted that it is the steadfast stand of the WPK and the DPRK government to develop the traditional DPRK-China relations of friendship on a new stage," the KCNA said in English, referring to Kim's message to Xi.



"Noting that he values the ties and affection forged through three meetings with Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un expressed the will to strive together to further deepen the DPRK-China friendship, (the) precious legacy left by the leaders of the elder generation of the two countries, in keeping with the requirement of the new era," it added.



DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The WPK refers to the North's ruling party, the Workers' Party of Korea.



Kim praised China for "eye-opening changes" it has made since its founding nearly seven decades ago, calling the establishment an "epochal event that brought about a fundamental turn" in the destiny of its people.



The KCNA's report on Kim's message contrasted with last year when it stayed mum on whether any such message was sent to Xi on the occasion of its founding anniversary.



This year's message was also reported on the front page of the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of its ruling party.



North Korea and China have seen their ties improve recently after yearslong strained relations over the North's continued missile and nuclear provocations. The improvement was punctuated by three summit talks between Kim and Xi this year.



Apparently reflecting the improving ties, North Korea sent Choe Ryong-hae, its de facto No. 2 official, to a reception hosted by the Chinese embassy in Pyongyang last week to mark China's founding anniversary.



China also sent Li Zhanshu, its third-ranked official, to Pyongyang last month as a special envoy for Xi to take part in events for the 70th anniversary of the DPRK's establishment. (Yonhap)




Songkang and Gomi. / Courtesy of Cheong Wa Dae



By Park Si-soo



North Korean leader Kim Jong-un presented South Korean President Moon Jae-in with two well-bred Pungsan dogs to mark the leaders' latest meeting in Pyongyang last month, the presidential office said Sunday.



The animals, named Songkang and Gomi, recently cleared quarantine and are living at the presidential residence, according to Cheong Wa Dae. The dogs were born in 2017. Moon already owns a Pungsan dog named Maru, so he will have three pets that can trace their lineage to the North.





Songkang.





Gomi.
iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) -- The Supreme Court begins a new term on Monday with only eight justices, with President Donald Trumps pick to fill retired Justice Anthony Kennedy's seat stalled in the Senate.



Because Brett Kavanaugh's nomination is held up until at least Friday as the FBI investigates claims of sexual assault against him, the court will begin to hear cases with the conservative and liberal justices evenly split.



Among the questions before the court is whether inmates with medical conditions can be executed.



In one death penalty case, Madison v. Alabama, lawyers for Vernon Madison argue he can't be legally executed because he does not remember committing the crime. Madison, 67, was convicted of shooting and killing a Mobile, Alabama police officer in 1985, but since going to prison, he has had multiple strokes and developed dementia. His lawyers say he has no memory of what happened.



He was scheduled to be executed in January 2018 but the Supreme Court granted a stay. A federal appeals court found in 2016 that Madison could not be executed because he was not competent to understand his crime.



A second death penalty case concerns the method of execution and whether a state has to consider an alternative when an inmate has a medical condition. Russell Bucklew was sentenced to death in Missouri in 1997 after being convicted of murder, raping and killing his ex-girlfriend and shooting a Missouri state trooper.



Bucklew's lawyers argue that because he was born with vascular tumors on his head, neck and throat, lethal injection drugs could cause severe side effects amounting to cruel and unusual punishment.



He has been scheduled for execution twice before, earlier this year and in 2014, but the Supreme Court intervened both times.



On the policy side, the court is set to hear a case that could limit protections for endangered species. It involves the habitat for the dusky gopher frog, an endangered species that lives around the Mississippi River.



In 2001, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated the frog as critically endangered and in 2012 designated part of the area where it lived as protected habitat. But the company that owns some of the protected land, the Weyerhaeuser timber company, has challenged the designation.



The company argues that land can't be designated as habitat if the species being protected doesn't currently live in that area.



The government has previously designated areas as protected where an endangered species does not yet live in order to give it room to expand. But some landowners argue that is government overreach.



Multiple companies have weighed in on case as well as environmental advocacy groups including the Center for Biological Diversity.



Under the Trump administration, the Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act that environmental groups say would limit plans to help endangered species recover by including land where the animal doesn't live.



Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
China's stable grain output serves as the ballast stone for national food security, and gives the country confidence to address various domestic and foreign economic risks, said Chinese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Changfu.

The country's grain output is expected to exceed 600 billion kilograms in 2018, the 6th year with a grain yield remaining above 600 million tons, Han said in an interview with People's Daily about China's agricultural development and how it supports and influences the national economy.

About 600 million Chinese people are now living in rural areas, indicating a huge market demand, said Han, who is also director of the Office of Central Rural Work Leading Group. With the advancement of rural revitalization and urbanization, rural consumption will increasingly stimulate the national economic growth, he noted.

The minister stressed that China's rural market has great potential and huge space for development.

He elaborated that in 2017, China's new industries and new forms of business offered non-agricultural jobs for 28 million rural people.

About 280 million farmers left their homes to be migrant workers, which provided sufficient labor force for urban development and instilled vigor into rural revitalization, he said, adding that leisure agriculture and rural tourism attracted 2.8 billion people last year, creating revenue of 700 billion yuan for rural areas.

China has been opening up its agricultural market, Han noted. The country, with huge agricultural trade volume, has become the world's largest importer, the second largest trader, and the largest sales destination in terms of agricultural products, according to him.

It is also the world's largest buyer of such agricultural products as soybeans, sugar and cotton, he added.

China's total overseas investment in agriculture reached $2.22 billion in 2017, and that in the past five years hit $18 billion, involving over 100 countries.

China's opening up in agriculture, according to the minister, has been further promoted thanks to the Belt and Road Initiative. Currently, China has signed more than 120 cooperation agreements on agriculture with over 60 countries and international organizations participating in the initiative, and actively strengthened policy alignment with the latter.

The country has invested over 70 billion yuan in more than 200 agricultural projects in Belt and Road countries with the total trade volume of agricultural products reaching $46.58 billion.

Han pledged that China's agriculture will open wider to the outside world. The country had a trade surplus in agricultural products in 2001 when it joined the World Trade Organization (WTO), back to when the total amount of agricultural trade was only $27 billion.

However, China now has a trade deficit in agricultural products. Its total trade volume in agricultural products hit $200 billion in 2017, with the import and export of agricultural products amounting to $130 billion and $70 billion, respectively, he added.

China's trade deficit with the US in agricultural products hit $16.4 billion last year. The country imported agricultural products worth $24.1 billion from the US in 2017, accounting for 19.2 percent of its total agricultural import, while its export of agricultural products to the latter was only $7.7 billion, 10.2 percent of its total agricultural exports.

A fair, equitable and mutually beneficial trade globalization brings a sense of gain to people around the world, while trade frictions will only harm the rights and interests of both sides concerned, said Han, adding that China is confident to address both challenges and opportunities in China-US trade frictions because its economy is resilient and provides enough space to maneuver.
This photo, provided by Green Korea in May shows a bare mountain near North Korea's border city of Gaesong. Courtesy of Green Korea (Korea Times file)



By Jung Da-min



North Korea is going all out to restore its forests. The Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) publication Rodong Sinmun Sunday pointed out some "under-performing" areas, calling for officials to achieve substantial results.



In an editorial titled "It is necessary to be a thorough enforcer of the party policy to innovate forest restoration projects," the newspaper took Mundok County in South Pyongan Province as an exemplary region that is successfully executing the party's reforestation plan. Other regions were accused of performing poorly.



Workers in Koksan County in North Hwanghae Province, Ryonggang County and Nyongwon County in South Pyongyang Province and Sinwon County in South Hwanghae Province have been publicly reprimanded for being "irresponsible" in building proper infrastructure and planting and looking after trees.



"The cause of the deficiencies in the units pointed out above is because the military leaders, who have to lead the regions' overall forest restoration project at the front line with a sense of responsibility, do not have the right attitude and viewpoint for the party's policy implementation," the newspaper said, accusing the military workers of "tricky" performances that bore no fruit.



Leader Kim Jong-un has pushed forest restoration since he took power, but experts say it will be difficult to get results without first solving the country's food and energy problems.





North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un inspects a nursery in Kangwon Province in this July file photo. Rodong Sinmun-Yonhap.




By Park Si-soo







Ulsan Police Agency has banned its officials from making private after-hours contact with subordinates, especially the opposite sex, as part of efforts to prevent abuse of power and sexual violence.







It is the first police agency in South Korea to adopt such a rule. The move follows female officials' collective complaints in August about after-hours private contacts from male senior officials, many of which were unwanted invitations to dinners or other private events.







The six-point ordinance bans one-to-one contact by phone, text message and social networking services and the repeated sending of unrequested documents. But it restricts nothing between same-sex officials or in group chat rooms.







Officials must also check their own possible sexual conduct with a smartphone app produced by the Ministry of Employment and Labor.






Punk band Drinking Boys and Girls Choir from Daegu / Courtesy of Zandari Festa



By Anastasia Traynin



Zandari Festa, Korea's premier independent music festival showcase, has its seventh annual run this week, from Oct. 4 through Oct. 7.



Under the theme of "Listen to Music, Drink Beer, Make Friends," a diverse selection of rock, hip-hop and electronic performances by 60 Korean and 40 international acts will be held at eight venues around the indie music hub near Hongik University (Hongdae), including Club FF, The Convent, Club Steel Face and the revamped Veloso. Late-night after-parties will put the spotlight on musicians from Hungary, the U.K. and France.



Since its local inception in 2012, Zandari Festa has grown to become one of the best-known global music events in Korea. Zandari, meaning "small bridge," is the former name of the area which encompasses Seogyo-dong (West Bridge) and Donggyo-dong (East Bridge). The festival organizers carried on the name to represent the bridge between local and international artists coming together under one event.



"If you are interested in meeting people in this culture and feeling its vibe, Zandari is the only chance in Korea," project manager Cecilia Soo-jeong Yi said.



In order to create the best experience for artists and audiences, Yi mentions the 2018 festival has purposefully capped the number of acts at 100 and reduced the number of venues.



A number of local musicians are returning for their second or more appearance, including Billy Carter, DIEALRIGHT, Dead Buttons, DTSQ, Ego Function Error, Whatever That Means and 57. Daegu-based trio Drinking Boys and Girls Choir, who recently signed to U.K.'s Damnably Records, the same label as well-loved Busan-based band Say Sue Me, will play Saturday at Steelface. Returning U.K. ambient rockers Eyre Llew, collaborating on a split album and extensive tour with locals In the Endless Zanhyang We Are, will have a Sunday headline slot at Veloso.



Legendary punk band Crying Nut will also take the stage Sunday night at Yes24 MUV Hall.



Former Sex Pistols member Glen Matlock will perform a "Hidden Showcase" with former No Brain member Cha Cha on Sunday at 4 p.m. The venue has not yet been announced.





Former Sex Pistol Glen Matlock poses with members of Crying Nut and former No Brain member Cha Cha on June 24 at the DMZ Peace Train Festival, also run by many of the same organizers as Zandari. Matlock will perform with Cha Cha at an undisclosed location this Sunday, and Crying Nut appears at Yes24 MUV Hall later that night. / Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar
By Lee Min-hyung



Speculation is rampant over where the second Washington-Pyongyang summit will take place, with both sides on track to resume their stalled denuclearization talks.



Possible venues mentioned include the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjeom, Washington and Pyongyang. Some even raise the chance of their possible meeting in Seoul, as North Korean leader Kim Jong-un promised recently to visit the South's capital no later than the end of the year.



Panmunjeom is seen as an ideal place for the summit, as it symbolizes the divided reality of the Korean Peninsula.



"It is best for Kim to visit Washington, but chances are Panmunjeom can become the venue for the possible Washington-Pyongyang summit," Park Jie-won of the Party for Democracy and Peace said in a recent radio interview.



Kim can easily visit there for a summit, which will be held for a few days, while Trump can stay in Seoul, Park said.



As they held their first-ever summit in a third-party country, Singapore, chances are slim that they will hold another meeting in a country that has little to do with them.



Washington-Pyongyang relations reached their peak in June when the leaders of the two countries met with each other for the first time to discuss peace and denuclearization.



But with both sides failing to narrow their differences in talks over the denuclearization timeline, the dialogue momentum has since faced a months-long deadlock.



Starting last month, however, their relations turned rosy again, with South Korean President Moon Jae-in playing a mediating role after his third summit with Kim, passing on the latter's willingness for peace and denuclearization to Trump.



Last week, Trump expressed a goodwill gesture to the regime's young leader, saying he "fell in love" with Kim.



After recently receiving Kim's personal letter, Trump also pinned hopes for the second Washington-Pyongyang summit. He said he will meet with Kim "in the very near future," which has raised the possibility that the summit may take place sometime before the end of the year.






By Kim Bo-eun



A host of inter-Korean events and meetings will be held this month, following the third summit between President Moon Jae-in and North Korea leader Kim Jong-un in September.



This week, a large event will be held in Pyongyang to commemorate the 11th anniversary of the Oct. 4 Declaration reached between the then leaders of the Koreas in 2007.



The Oct. 4 Declaration was reached between President Roh Moo-hyun and North Korean leader Kim Jong-il _ the father of Kim Jong-un.



A 150-member delegation from the South, headed by Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon will take part in the event _ which ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) leader Lee Hae-chan will attend.



Inspections to connect railways of the South and North are also to take place.



Cheong Wa Dae stated last week it plans for inspections in the North to connect railways with the South along the east and west coasts to begin this month, and will discuss the matter with the United Nations Command (UNC). The UNC holds the authority to approve the crossing of personnel and equipment over the military demarcation line (MDL).



The inspections are necessary for the Koreas to hold a groundbreaking this year to connect their railways, according to an agreement reached between the leaders at their third summit.



In August, the UNC disapproved of a plan for a South Korean train to cross over to the North to inspect the railway along the west coast.



This was seen as being due to disapproval from the U.S. of South Korea going forward with economic projects such as connecting railways, despite a lack of progress in North Korea's denuclearization. The UNC commander is also the chief of the U.S. Forces Korea.



The presidential office unveiled plans for the railway inspections after a committee drawn up to carry out inter-Korean agreements held a meeting the same day.



In the meeting, the committee also decided to hold Red Cross talks this month to establish a meeting facility at Mount Geumgang in the North and enable video meetings for family members separated by the 1950-53 Korean War.



These are also agreements in the Pyongyang Declaration reached between leaders of the Koreas in their meeting in September.



The South and North held two reunions for separated family members in August _ the first since October 2015.



Meanwhile, a Pyongyang art troupe is set to conduct a performance in Seoul this month, also according to the Pyongyang Declaration.



This is a return visit, as a South Korean art troupe performed in Pyongyang in April.



A high-level meeting between the Koreas is set to be held soon to decide on schedules of meetings for the railway inspections and the Pyongyang art troupe's performance in Seoul.



The inter-Korean liaison office in the North's city of Gaeseong will likely play an important role in arranging exchanges that will take place. It opened last month, and office co-heads Vice Unification Minister Chun Hae-sung and his North Korean counterpart Jon Jong-su have held two meetings so far.


President Moon Jae-in offers congratulatory remarks in a meeting with war veterans and military officials held at Cheong Wa Dae, Monday. Yonhap



By Kim Yoo-chul



President Moon Jae-in said Monday the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) will continue doing their job as a "peacekeeper" on the Korean Peninsula and perform as a balancer to maintain stability in the Northeast Asian region.

"Changes in the alliance between South Korea and the United States are on track in a way to produce peace on the peninsula. I can say the alliance is developing into a great alliance. The USFK will continue to perform their duties as peacekeepers on the peninsula," Moon said in a meeting with war veterans and military officials at Cheong Wa Dae to commemorate the 70th Armed Forces Day, Monday.

The USFK will maintain peace and stability in Northeast Asia, according to Moon, adding that their cutting-edge new military base in Pyeongtaek is set to take a central role.

The remarks were widely interpreted as a "rare gesture" to worries that progress in nuclear negotiations may lead North Korea to escalate its campaign to disband the United Nations Command (UNC) and undermine the military alliance between South Korea and the United States.

The 1950-53 Korean War ended without a peace treaty. There are about 28,000 American troops and civilian personnel assigned to the USFK. The American-led UNC has been overseeing the armistice since the end of the war.

If the leaders of the U.S. and the two Koreas officially declare an end to the war, the UNC may lose its "legal rationale" for its existence, while the USFK would be destined to be restructured to some degree.

"Peace could last only when we have the strength and confidence to defend ourselves," Moon said in the meeting.



War remains repatriated



Early in the day, the remains of 64 Korean soldiers killed in North Korea during the war were repatriated.

After a ceremony at Hawaii's Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Field, 64 caskets holding the war remains were flown to a military air base in Seongnam, south of Seoul, in a South Korean C-130 cargo plane. All coffins were wooden and flag-draped, arranged in perfect rows in the aircraft.

The cargo plane carrying the boxes was escorted by a fleet of F-15K and FA-50 fighter jets after entering into South Korea's air defense identification zone.

The remains have not yet been identified.

But South Korean and American forensic scientists working at the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) laboratories have determined they were South Korean soldiers after the joint identification process for individuals retrieved from North Korea from 1995 to 2005.

In a repatriation ceremony held at Seoul Air Base, President Moon and other senior government officials including Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and USFK commander General Vincent Brooks paid their respects to the fallen national heroes.

The transfer of the remains coincided with the 70th Armed Forces Day, an annual event usually celebrated Oct. 1 to commemorate the service of men and women in the Republic of Korea Armed Forces.

The remains came from joint recovery operations in North Korea that had been conducted from 1996 to 2005, but the missions were later stopped due to North Korean nuclear provocations.

The defense ministry's Agency of Killed In Action Recovery and Identification will conduct the identification-verifying process including DNA testing for exact verification. Once the checking process is completed, the remains will be delivered to the bereaved families and buried at Seoul National Cemetery.
By Kim Bo-eun





Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha answers a lawmaker's question at the National Assembly, Monday. / Yonhap
South, North also plan to excavate war remains



By Lee Min-hyung



The two Koreas began removing landmines buried along the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), Monday, to fulfill a joint military agreement signed during the latest inter-Korean summit last month, the Ministry of National Defense said Monday.



The move is in line with their bilateral agreement to disarm the DMZ. Both sides will remove mines on either side of the MDL for 20 days, according to the defense ministry.



"Starting with the removing of mines, both sides will make efforts to carry out the military agreement in a systematic and normal manner," the ministry said in a statement. South Korea plans to focus on clearing away mines buried in eastern and western grassy areas in the DMZ as well as those around surveillance towers.



Under the agreement, both sides will also clear mines and explosives buried at "Broken Arrow," an upland area in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, for two months from Monday.



Alongside the JSA, Seoul and Pyongyang agreed to remove mines there as it was chosen as a trial place to look for the remains of those who were killed during the 1950-53 Korean War.



The remains of hundreds of soldiers from the two Koreas and the United Nations forces are estimated to be buried at the historic site.



This is the first time the two Koreas have agreed to push for the joint search and repatriation of war remains.



This comes at a time when both sides are showing unprecedented signs of reconciliation following a series of inter-Korean summits.



In April, South Korean President Moon Jae-in met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in a historic summit at the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjeom where both sides signed a broad agreement promising lasting peace on the peninsula through the easing of military tension.



Following the mine removal mission, the two sides will start searching for war remains for seven months starting next April 1, according to the ministry.



The two Koreas plan to form a joint team by the end of next February to conduct the searches.



"Both sides also plan to finish building roads (in the upland area) by the end of the year after removing the mines," the ministry said.



South and North Korea will build a 12-meter-wide road in the area to carry the war remains on each side. The roads from both sides will be connected later.



"Once the roads are established, the two Koreas are expected to speed up extending the ongoing peace momentum," a military official said.



The inter-Korean road will also help the two Koreas boost their plans to reconnect railways and highways, according to the official.



Last week, Cheong Wa Dae said Seoul and Pyongyang will embark on joint inspections sometime this month to connect the two countries by rail. Cheong Wa Dae has raised hopes of holding a groundbreaking ceremony for inter-Korean railways and highways this year.



The two Koreas will also seek to work with the United Nations Command (UNC) on their efforts to continue easing military tension. In August, the UNC disapproved of South Korea's plans to conduct an inspection of railway conditions in the North, citing Seoul's failure to provide any specific reasons for this.






Japan should not deepen ire of neighboring countries



Japan, a close neighbor of Korea geographically, continues to make Koreans feel uneasy. This time it insists that one of its warships should fly the "Rising Sun Flag," symbolic of Japanese imperialism and militarism, for the Oct. 10-14 International Fleet Review on Jeju Island.



This insistence may aggravate South Koreans' sentiment toward Japan which runs deep over its continued refusal to atone for atrocities committed against Koreans during its 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. Those atrocities included mobilization of Korean women as sex slaves for Japanese troops before and during World War II.



Around 50 naval vessels from 15 countries, including the United States and China as well as Japan, are to participate in the fleet review held every 10 years since 1998. Preparing for the event, the Korean Navy formally asked foreign ships to fly their own national flag and the host's national flag at the same time. However, Japan rejected the request, claiming that it means its ship should not carry the Rising Sun Flag, the official flag of Japan's Self-Defense Forces.



Japan should realize that the Rising Sun Flag is still regarded as a flag symbolizing aggression and war crimes. The people of countries which went through untold suffering and pain from Japan's atrocities feel bad upon seeing the flag.



In comparison, Germany has strictly banned the use of any patterns or designs that invoke the swastika flag, a symbol of Hitler's Nazi era, since its defeat in WWII. Yet, Japan, which even denies the fact it invaded neighboring countries, is angering the people of those nations by using the Rising Sun Flag at various international sporting events and on many other occasions.



Japan is said to be maintaining its earlier position to use the controversial flag, while many people and civic organizations strongly oppose the entry of any Japanese naval vessel flying the Rising Sun to the Jeju naval base.



The latest situation on the peninsula requires close cooperation among Seoul, Washington and Tokyo to have North Korea give up its nuclear weapons. The Jeju fleet review is an international peace festival. Thus it would be better for the Japanese vessel not to damage this spirit.



The government and naval authorities have to do their best to persuade Japan to use its national flag instead of the controversial one in order to hold the event successfully. Japan also needs to take into consideration the Korean people's animosity over Japan's past wrongdoings. We urge Tokyo to accept the host's formal request.














North Korea should not put cart before horse



North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho has made clear his country will not denuclearize unilaterally unless the United States take corresponding measures. "Without any trust in the U.S., there will be no confidence in our national security, and under any circumstances, there is no way we will unilaterally disarm ourselves first," he told the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Saturday.



Ri's remarks might sound out of tune with latest efforts by Pyongyang and Washington to break the deadlock over the denuclearization talks. Both sides are eager to restart the stalled negotiations after South Korean President Moon Jae-in held his third summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un last month.



It is not clear what Ri really meant by what he said. But he apparently tried to send a strong message to the U.S. that the Trump administration should take corresponding steps such as a formal declaration of an end to the Korean War or sanctions relief. The North has called on the U.S. to take simultaneous and reciprocal measures in return for every step Pyongyang takes for denuclearization.



Washington has refused to accept the North's demand. It has clung to its firm position that the U.S will not give any rewards to the Kim regime before it gives up its nuclear program. But Pyongyang still wants to see the declaration of the end of Korean War come first before starting the denuclearization process.



After the summit with Moon on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, President Trump reaffirmed that sanctions would continue to stay in place although he expressed his willingness to have a second summit with Kim. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will travel to Pyongyang this month to re-engage in negotiations on the North's denuclearization.



The U.S. is also likely to hold working-level talks with the North soon in Vienna, Austria, to narrow their differences over how to denuclearize and prepare for the second Trump-Kim meeting. In this context, Foreign Minister Ri was certainly trying to help the North gain the upper hand in the upcoming negotiations by disclosing his opposition to unilateral denuclearization.



Ri presented the end-of-war declaration and easing of international sanctions as a precondition for abandoning the nuclear and missile programs. Yet he did not forget to reaffirm his country's commitment to denuclearization. He also stressed the importance of the U.S. building trust with the North to solve the nuclear issue.



It is understandable that Ri's remarks were aimed at extracting security guarantees and other concessions from the U.S. But he should not put the cart before the horse in order to not derail the negotiations. To make a real breakthrough, both Pyongyang and Washington need to take a flexible attitude toward making a deal.






Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Clemens von Goetze, Germany's ambassador to China, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 30, 2018. Li met with 29 new ambassadors to China ahead of the country's National Day.(Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

BEIJING, Sept. 30 -- China is willing to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation with all parties in its further opening-up, Premier Li Keqiang said when meeting with 29 new ambassadors to China Sunday, ahead of the country's National Day.

Li welcomed the ambassadors and expressed his sincere greetings and good wishes to the leaders and people of the countries and regions.

He told the ambassadors that China is committed to enhancing bilateral political mutual trust, deepening pragmatic cooperation and strengthening coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs.

He reaffirmed China's adherence to the path of peaceful development and unswerving backing of economic globalization.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening up of China, the largest developing country in the world, Li said, adding that China is willing to achieve common development with all parties in its further opening-up.

In face of rising protectionism and unilateralism, China stands ready to work with all parties to continuously consolidate partnerships, align respective strategies for development, promote the Belt and Road construction and cooperation, jointly defend multilateralism and free trade, build an open global economy, and inject new energy to promote stable and balanced development of the world economy, he said.

The ambassadors expressed the expectation that China's further reform and opening up will bring more development opportunities to the world, as well as their willingness to facilitate cooperation for win-win results.

After the meeting, the ambassadors attended a reception marking the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China as guests of the Chinese premier.

China's National Day falls on Oct. 1.


By John Burton





When Moon Jae-in was elected Korean President last year, the general consensus among most pundits in Washington, D.C., was that relations between him and U.S. President Donald Trump would be tense, mirroring the troubled relationship between the administrations of the liberal Roh Moo-hyun and conservative George W. Bush in the 2000s.



But like many predictions made by Korea experts in the U.S. over the past 18 months, this has turned out to be wrong. The two leaders have become a tag team in trying to coax North Korea's Kim Jong-un to end his nuclear and missile programs.



Look on how the two have coordinated their moves over the last several weeks. First, Moon goes for three days to Pyongyang to hold his third summit with Kim. The two leaders pledge to deepen inter-Korean ties with transport projects, and reduce military tensions by moving back border posts among other measures. Moon was accompanied by leading South Korean business leaders who expressed interest in investing in North Korea.



Speaking in New York last week where he attended the annual U.N. General Assembly meeting, Moon said Kim was serious about giving up his nuclear weapons and that the North Korean leader and U.S. president "trust each other."



Trump has followed up with suggestions that he would hold a second summit with Kim. He also said he is in no rush for North Korea to dismantle its nuclear arsenal, noting that Pyongyang has halted its nuclear and missile testing. "I've got all the time in the world" to resolve the nuclear issue, he said.



Such statements are a far cry from the "fire and fury" that Trump threatened to unleash on North Korea last year. But much of that bellicose rhetoric can now be seen as a ploy to help force Kim to the negotiating table.



What's interesting is that Trump's approach on North Korea has been shaped by a potentially antagonistic attitude toward South Korea. As reported in Bob Woodward's new book on the Trump administration, "Fear," Seoul drew Trump's ire when he came into office because it enjoyed a large trade deficit with the U.S. while Washington was helping pay billions of dollars for its defense.



That situation apparently convinced Trump that he could solve at least one of these problems by doing a nuclear deal with Pyongyang that would reduce U.S. defense costs on the Korean peninsula. That policy also fits in well with Moon's efforts to improve relations with North Korea.



Moreover, Trump's current policy on North Korea reflects his personal preference to be at the center of the action as he negotiates deals on a personal one-to-one basis with world leaders.



But Trump's stance on North Korea is putting him at loggerheads with the U.S. national security establishment. While Trump appears to genuinely believe that Kim wants to trade his nukes for a modernizing economy, the default position among security hawks is that no easing of sanctions is possible until Pyongyang completes the denuclearization process.



They also oppose any suggestion that Trump should issue some type of peace declaration with North Korea at a early stage in the negotiation process  something that Pyongyang is seeking as a gesture of goodwill before its proceeds with abandoning its nuclear arsenal.



The national security lobby fears that a peace declaration would led to the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the Korean peninsula, surrendering the only major American military presence on the Asian mainland, including the largest overseas U.S. military base at Camp Humphreys, at a time when Sino-American regional tensions are growing.



Trump has never shared the viewpoint of "neo-cons," such as his national security adviser, John Bolton, who was instrumental in sabotaging previous efforts to improve relations with North Korea during the Bush administration in the 2000s.



If Trump had adapted hard-line stances at times, it appears more as a means to achieve a better deal. But at heart Trump remains an isolationist.



Trump may instead try to keep the national security establishment at bay while he pursues peace with North Korea by allowing them to focus on their attention on Iran. Given his close ties to the Israeli and Saudi lobbies, this is one area where Trump is happy to follow a hawkish national security agenda.



Security hawks are now trying to link the North Korea and Iran issues by claiming there is close cooperation between the two countries on nuclear and missile development. Whether this will deter Trump when it comes to his North Korea policy remains highly unlikely, however.



Even David Maxwell, an analyst from the hawkish Foundation for the Defense of Democracy, concedes that, "The personal relationship among Kim, Moon, and Trump are driving diplomacy while the traditional national security community looks on and wrings their hands in frustration. However, perhaps their unconventional, experimental, top-down diplomacy will bear fruit."





John Burton (johnburtonft@yahoo.com), a former Korea correspondent for the Financial Times, is now a Washington, D.C.-based journalist and consultant.


My first job after returning



By Jacco Zwetsloot





Returning to Seoul in February 2004, I was certain of one thing: I did not want to go back to teaching English. This was not because I found it beneath my dignity or anything like that, but because I wanted to try something new, where I could put my knowledge of Korea and Korean to use.



The first position I applied for was as a political analyst at the Australian embassy. I saw the position advertised in an English language papers  perhaps this one.



After the initial document review, I was granted an interview. The interview consisted of multiple parts, the toughest of which was interpreting back and forth between Korean and English on political topics.



I quickly realized that I still had a long way to go to being professionally fluent in Korean. In the end, I was not surprised that I did not get the job (a more qualified candidate did), but I was happy to be the only non-Korean in the final six applicants.



The Australian embassy at that time operated a monthly "Boomerang Bar." It was a good place to meet Australian businesspeople and drink some beer from back home, so I went there hoping to meet people.



One executive from a prominent Australian resources company told me in no uncertain terms that I could forget about getting a job at any foreign company, because his company only sent expats to Korea who were already employed. In other words, there was no local hiring. I was a little disheartened, but decided to cast my net more widely.



After another couple of false starts, I got a six-month part-time contract at Seoul City Hall, working with the OECD report preparation team. This was a relatively easy job to get  only two of us were interviewed, and the other applicant did not speak Korean.



I started in summer 2004, commuting from my home in Bucheon. Lee Myung-bak was then mayor of Seoul, and the city was preparing a 500-page report on its history, growth, economy and population, to be submitted to the OECD.



My job was to oversee and edit its translation, and also to facilitate (read "translate") all correspondence between our office and the OECD.



My first task was to translate several pages of English into Korean, I guess as a kind of training exercise, because somebody else had already done a better translation than I could hope to do. It was a great learning experience, but very hard work.



The OECD report itself was being translated by graduates of translation programs at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, and possibly another school or two. It was clear from the output that the task had been divided up and allocated among various translators, because the style and quality varied.



Nevertheless, it was very interesting. I had never learned so much about one city in such a short time. It occurred to me that there was so much of Seoul that I had not seen, and that it was not all apartment blocks and uniform districts. The sections of the report describing people living in poverty, sometimes in subdivided flats or plastic greenhouses, were particularly jarring.



Once the report was finalized and submitted to the OECD, we had to prepare for a site visit by a small team of experts from overseas. One of them was a Korean or Korean-French woman based at OECD headquarters in Paris. She spoke fluent French, as well as Korean and English.



Her emails came to my boss in English, and I would translate the text into Korean so he could read it. Then he would write a reply in Korean and give it to me to translate into English, to send back to him so that he could email it to her. It seemed an unusual and not very effective way of doing things.



My time at Seoul Metropolitan Government was long before there was a Seoul Global Center. There was a sort of PR section where some people spoke English, but if anyone asked anything that was not "relevant," no further help was available. This sometimes meant that the City Hall receptionists would call me if somebody had asked for help.



At the time I thought that there were many areas where I could have been of some use, but because everything was so compartmentalized, it was very difficult to communicate ideas outside of one's silo.



The part of City Hall that I worked was a kind of post-Korean War annex built behind the old Japanese colonial era building and connected to it by corridors. It was not an attractive structure, but it still gave me a prick of nostalgia and a sense of loss when, a few years later, it was demolished to make way for its replacement.



This new structure, much more attractive, seems to loom like a giant wave frozen at the point of breaking, behind and over the old City Hall building, which is now a municipal library.



I would like to say that while working at City Hall, that I met Lee Myung-bak and got to know the mayor before he became president  but it did not really work out that way.



Within me there lurked a half-formed dream that he would see in me a man of ability and pluck me out of obscurity at the OECD team to take up a more meaningful  to me  job in his office.



But the one time I introduced myself at the City Hall coffee shop, where he was ordering a beverage, and I told him who I was and that I worked in the OECD team, he seemed about as interested as if I had held up a wet dishcloth and told him I had made it as a gift for him.



As mayor, Lee Myung-bak was lauded in 2004 for uncovering and reopening Cheonggyecheon Stream, and turning the turning circle in front of City Hall into a grassy public space.



Time magazine named him one of its "Heroes of the Environment" in 2007, the same year he was elected president. In hindsight this award seems ironic, given that Lee now faces accusations of having harmed, not helped, the national environment, through his "Four Rivers" project. He also faces several charges of corruption related to business dealings. Maybe it is just as well I never became close to him.


Hyosung Chairman Cho Hyun-joon, second from right, looks at textiles on display, Sept. 27, during the Intertextile Shanghai 2018 held at the National Center for Exhibition and Convention in Shanghai. The chairman identified market trends and met clients at the three-day exhibition to expand the conglomerate's presence in the Chinese market. / Courtesy of Hyosung
Kim Seok-won, a deputy general manager of Hanwha Engineering and Construction / Courtesy of Hanwha Engineering and Construction



By Jun Ji-hye



Hanwha Engineering and Construction (E&C) employees have built libraries for the disabled for the past eight years as part of the firm's social contribution programs to help the underprivileged.



"The Dream & Green Library," named after the firm's apartment brand, have been set up in unused spaces at social welfare facilities.



Kim Seok-won, a deputy general manager at the support team of the administration and management department, who came up with the library project, said, "Most construction companies are renovating houses as part of their volunteer work, but we wanted to do something more meaningful."



He said his company used its knowhow to satisfy the needs of the disadvantaged groups through its library project.



"I heard the disabled experienced problems visiting libraries as they have mobility difficulties," he said. "I thought it would be great to build a library that the disabled can easily use within the facilities where they live."



The first Dream & Green Library was built in a disabled living facility located in Hongeun-dong, Seoul. Most recently, the firm opened its 76th library in a welfare center in Mapo.



Officials of Hanwha E&C have participated in the construction work in person, such as assembling cabinets and applying paint.



The company has also carried out a book donation campaign, in which citizens can participate. Through this, more than 40,000 books have been donated to the libraries.



Kim said the Dream & Green Library offers the disabled a comfortable reading space that is easily accessible, noting that his firm is receiving an increasing number of inquiries regarding the construction of libraries.



Hanwha E&C is planning to open its 80th library within the year and its 100th library by the end of 2020.



The firm is also planning to expand the Dream & Green Library to other cities around the country and encourage officials to participate in the project.



"We have had some difficulties in building libraries in rural areas as our personal have to take turns participating in the volunteer activities by taking time out of their busy schedules," he said. "We are considering encouraging our officials, who are dispatched to construction sites in rural areas, to participate in the volunteer activities."


Philip Morris Korea CEO Chong Il-woo, left, and Minister of Food and Drug Safety Ryu Young-jin



By Park Jae-hyuk



Philip Morris Korea has filed a lawsuit against the government over the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's refusal to disclose the details of its research on the risks of IQOS and other heat-not-burn cigarettes, the company said Monday.



The tobacco maker said it filed the suit with the Seoul Administrative Court to ask the judge to order the ministry to reveal information relevant to its recent analysis, conclusions and public statements on heated tobacco products made June 7.



Since the ministry announced that the alternative cigarettes had higher levels of tar and were no less harmful than conventional products, Philip Morris has refuted the announcement, saying the government research was not scientific.



The producer of IQOS has claimed that the tar can only be measured for combustible cigarettes, not heated tobacco which does not burn. It also cited a recommendation from the World Health Organization, which does not regard tar content as a reason for tobacco regulations.



The company therefore requested the ministry in July to disclose the details about its research.



According to the company, however, the ministry refused to do so, despite the law not allowing public institutions this option except for a few cases.



Philip Morris said it had no choice but to file the proceeding to minimize the confusion among Korean smokers who are considering switching to IQOS.



"This proceeding is an attempt to have transparent access to information. It may help address the confusion and misperception around this topic," said Brian Kim, corporate affairs director of Philip Morris Korea. "Obviously, the best choice is to quit smoking altogether, but millions of Koreans who smoke have the right to choose better options based on accurate and non-misleading information."



He also said focusing on tar may unintentionally lead smokers to continue using ordinary cigarettes despite their well-known health risks, instead of switching to products that generate dramatically lower levels of harmful compounds.



The company emphasized that the ministry's analysis also found that the levels of nine harmful chemicals were dramatically lower in heated tobacco products compared to cigarette smoke.



It said the result is in line with the findings of a growing number of leading health expert organizations, including the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, the National Institute of Public Health of Japan and China's National Tobacco Quality Supervision and Test Centre.



In response to the tobacco maker's lawsuit, the ministry said it had already disclosed enough information about its analyses during a press briefing in June.


Christine Blasey Ford during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.

In testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee about her alleged attack by Brett Kavanaugh, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford has given us all a vivid lesson, both in emotional and scientific terms, about what it means to be the victim of a violent sexual assault.

Her compelling story is similar to those I've heard many times before.

For the past 20 years, I've taught a UCLA Extension course in opinion and advocacy writing, and it's been my practice to ease my students into the form with milder ice-breaker assignments--personal bio, response to a reading, standard op-ed--before I push them up to the next level, which is writing a signed personal column in their own highly individualistic voices.

Because my students tend to be relatively mature post-grads who are already working, often in journalism or a related communications field, a showcase personal column demands a correspondingly challenging topic. I ask them to relate their most frightening experience, conjuring up all the raw rhetorical power they can so that readers can share those feelings.

Over the years, a disturbing pattern has emerged. My male students tend to write about their insecurities around a loss of power or agency: fear of failure at work, a perilous outdoor adventure, inability to cope with a family crisis like a dying relative or failing marriage. Women, on the other hand, most often recount the terror of a sexual assault or domestic violence, often a rape, childhood molestation, or a beating, invariably at the hands of a partner, a relative or trusted family friend.

Many times my women students will write, or confide in me privately, that they've never revealed or discussed the attack with anyone before, and that even the experience of chronicling it, which demands revisiting and reliving it, was deeply traumatic. Sometimes they would cry as they wrote it, or in talking with me after class. And even though my course is ultimately intended to instill the confidence to write for publication, it's quite clear that few of my students are even comfortable sharing their private anguish in this assignment among their classmates, much less among a broader readership for which they may someday aspire to write.

I am always supportive, commending their courage in stepping forward, acknowledging their trust in me as they shared such intimate and painful memories.

But until now, I never mustered the comparable courage or trust to reveal an experience of my own.

In 1975, when I had just turned 20, I took a quarter off from my college studies to join my family in the UK, where my father, a university professor, had a one-year teaching appointment. It was my first trip out of the country; in fact, it was my first trip anywhere on an airliner. It was liberating. It was thrilling. My confidence and independence grew as I rambled all over the island, traveling on my BritRail Pass from Portsmouth to Inverness, from Land's End to Brighton, London to Liverpool.

On my first night in Oxford, I got a sharp reminder how vulnerable and inexperienced I really was.

I had just left my suitcase at a bed-and-breakfast and wandered out to find someplace for dinner. It was getting dark and I had no map, so I intended to stick to the neighborhood close by my lodgings. As I peered into a nearby restaurant window to read the menu, I heard a voice over my shoulder. "Are you an American? New in town?" I turned around to find a kindly looking older gent extending a hand. "Looking for someplace to eat? I'd be glad to give you some recommendations. But first, let me buy you a drink at my local pub. You'll like it. Popular with the students."

Before I could hesitate, he'd chummily taken my arm and was steering me through a warren of little back streets so typical of English cities. I soon found myself being ushered through a crowd of loud, boozed-up British university students in a hot, packed, smoky pub. My host seemed to be a familiar presence there, greeting and being greeted by other regulars, and introducing me around as his "young friend." It was somewhat reassuring, but behind their smiles had I also caught a hint of bemused, even knowing contempt?

The barman pulled us a couple of pints of Guinness, an Irish stout, and we made our way to a table in a back corner. He downed his quickly, so naturally I felt obliged to do the same. But almost immediately, I felt lightheaded, and realized I'd made a serious mistake. In the UK, they pour Imperial pints, 25% larger than our American pints, equivalent to nearly two of the watery American beers I was used to back home. And I was drinking on an empty stomach. At my weight, I'd already hit a .06 blood-alcohol level from only a single drink.

Suddenly, his friendliness began to take on a distinctly creepy quality, and I was increasingly uncomfortable. It dawned on me that I was in completely unfamiliar surroundings among total strangers, in a foreign country, and rapidly becoming drunk. I felt myself losing control of the situation, and with rising panic, realized that I better get out, fast, before he ordered another round that would put me well into the "impaired" zone. I stood up, mumbled something about finding the loo, and practically bolted out through the crowd into the street. The adrenaline and cool night air began to revive me, and before long I found myself back on a main street and managed to make my way back to my room, where I collapsed and fell asleep.

There was no inappropriate touching. No assault. No crime. As to details, I remember the year and the city, and nothing else. Not the month, day, or time, nor any of the locations. I probably couldn't have picked the guy out of a lineup the following month, much less 43 years later.

As it fortunately turned out, I was a victim of nothing more than my own naivete. Yet more than four decades later, what I do remember from that brief encounter I remember with perfect, mortifying clarity. In Senate testimony about her own attack, Dr. Ford, a research psychologist, explained why: in stressful situations, the brain releases norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that codes memories in the hippocampus, and the more stressful the situation, the more vividly and indelibly those memories are stamped in our consciousness.

Over the decades, more than once, I've run and re-run through my mind how various imaginary scenarios might have played themselves out. At best, an escape after successfully fending off an unwanted sexual advance. At worst, a range of nightmare possibilities from rape to some other sexual or violent assault, injuries or worse, and criminal charges against one or both of us.

I'm a six-foot straight man, but even that minor, solitary incident offered more than a hint of the terror, humiliation, and vulnerability experienced so much more powerfully by the numerous female sexual assault victims who have bravely stepped up to speak their truth.

Dr. Ford's compelling and persuasive testimony, despite the furious categorical denials by Judge Kavanaugh, and a White House and Senate majority bent on fast-tracking his confirmation, has at least temporarily hit the pause button in the proceedings while the FBI undertakes further background investigation into her allegations. Yet it fills me with shame that from the highest ranks of our national leadership on down, the personal courage of so many other less high-profile survivors is still so often met by the male establishment with disrespect, disbelief and dismissal.

Whatever the fate of the Kavanaugh nomination, perhaps after November 6 that will finally begin to change.
Cutting-edge company seeks chairman of the board. Must be able to control a headstrong, sometimes self-destructive chief executive who is the companys largest shareholder. Twitter skills a must.

In a deal struck Saturday with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to settle fraud charges, Tesla Inc. agreed to bring in two new independent directors to its nine-member board and name an independent chairman to replace Elon Musk. Musk keeps a seat on the board and remains the companys chief executive.

The new chairmans job might be the opportunity of a lifetime  or a no-win nightmare.

I think they will be flooded with candidates, said Erik Gordon, business professor at the University of Michigan. Its an interesting, exciting company. People would find it hard to resist being inside the boardroom at Tesla.

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But, he added, I think its going to be a nearly impossible job.

Thats because Musk retains great power. He owns 22% of the company and has presided over Teslas board of directors since he became chairman in 2003, with little to no apparent pushback from the directors he chose.

He still controls the board, whether you get two directors or not, said Charles Elson, professor of business and corporate governance specialist at the University of Delaware. As long as Musk is in the room, hell dominate through his ownership and the idea that hes indispensable to the company.

The chief executive and chairman of the board are the two top positions at any company, public or private. In essence, the CEO runs the show, and the chairman heads up the board of directors, which is charged with monitoring management and watching out for the interests of shareholders.

The chairman and CEO roles are often combined in one person. Many corporate governance experts counsel against that, though, and research indicates that separating the jobs leads to better shareholder returns.

The SEC, however, decided that shareholders would be better off if someone replaced Musk as chairman. The agency charged Musk with fraud Thursday over an Aug. 7 tweet that Musk sent to 22 million followers, announcing he was considering taking the company private at $420 a share and had funding secured for the deal. The SEC found no such deal existed and proposed he be kicked out at Tesla and barred from serving as officer or director at any public company.

Over the weekend, Musk and Tesla reached a settlement with the agency. The new chairman must have no substantial ties to the company. The agreement bars Musk from the chairmans role for three years.

The SEC required the board to monitor Musks tweets and other communications to the outside world. The SEC had noted that in 2013 Tesla said the company considers Musks Twitter account a legitimate channel for material information on the company.

Tesla must put in place additional controls and procedures to oversee Musks communications, the SEC said. In effect, that means Musk will have to get prior approval from the company for tweets that contain material information about Tesla, Gordon said.

Already, the company is changing its behavior. Musk sent an email to employees Sunday that was subsequently made public. We are very close to achieving profitability, Musk said. Similar email leaks in the past have gone uncommented upon by Teslas board or management. In this case, Tesla on Monday filed an official announcement known as an 8-K reproducing the email and stating that Teslas quarterly results are preliminary and remain subject to the completion of Teslas customary quarterly close and review procedures.

Musks loose use of Twitter has gotten him in trouble before. Earlier this year, he called a critic of his a pedophile and a child rapist, prompting the critic to sue Musk.

Hes used Twitter to go after short sellers  investors who bet that a companys stock price will plummet  and reporters whose stories he doesnt like. He also has tweeted forecasts of company performance that later fell short.

Beyond his Twitter habit, a new chairman must deal with severe production and quality problems with the companys latest offering, the Model 3 sedan. More electric-car competitors are emerging every day. Teslas federal buyer subsidies are running out. And top executives have departed in droves.

On the bright side, Tesla remains overwhelmingly popular with its customers, some of whom turned out over the weekend to help deliver new Model 3s to their owners.

Deliveries of those new vehicles have been spotty, though. After a frantic push to increase production, some Model 3 owners report problems such as dirt mixed with paint, sliced upholstery, undependable batteries, poorly fitting body parts, failure to start without a computer reboot and keys that dont work. And waits for fixes can take weeks or months.

The company faces a looming cash crunch, with $230 million in debt coming due in November and $920 million in March. Hundreds of millions more in capital expenses will be needed just to expand the Model 3 program, and billions more to fund factories to build a planned crossover vehicle and a semi-truck.

Musk has pledged the company will be profitable with positive cash flow for the rest of the year. But many analysts wonder how that can be sustained given current production and quality problems.

To help fix Teslas problems, the new chairman will need to be the worlds best diplomat, Gordon said. This person will have to avoid irritating Musk, who holds two wild cards: his stock holdings and the idea that hes absolutely critical to the companys success.

But on the other hand, he or she must demonstrate theyre doing enough so investors can go to bed thinking that Musk is listening to the babysitter and wont set fire to the house with another tweet.

The best candidate, Gordon said, might be someone so wealthy, someone already with such a big reputation that they dont care about being fired if they offend Musk. With enough status in life, if theyre immediately thrown out, it looks more damaging to the board than to them.

One name he and others have suggested: Alan Mulally, the former top Boeing executive who went on to save Ford Motor Co. from impending failure.

The current board consists of Musk; his brother Kimbal; three venture capitalists, one of them a Musk personal friend, another on leave from Teslas board pending a sexual harassment investigation at his own firm; the former chief financial officer of SolarCity, now owned by Tesla; a telecommunications executive; the head of a womens makeup company; and James Murdoch, chief executive at 21st Century Fox.

No board member beyond Musk has automobile manufacturing experience.

The entire board needs to get over the idea that Musk is essential, Elson said.

No human being is immortal, he said. At some point companies have to survive individuals. If Tesla is so dependent on him, then the board has not done a good job. You have to identify someone who could succeed him.

russ.mitchell@latimes.com

Twitter: @russ1mitchell
LendingClub Corp.s founder and former chief executive officer agreed to be banned from the securities industry for at least three years to resolve allegations that he misused investors money to prop up the company.

Renaud Laplanche, 47, will pay $200,000 to settle U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission claims that he improperly directed an outside investment advisory firm  of which he was president  to buy LendingClub loans that were at risk of going unfunded.



For the record: An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported that the SEC alleged Laplanche and his firm did not disclose certain loan purchases to investors in a private fund.

That helped LendingClub, e arning revenue for the firm and keeping borrowers from going to competing firms. But the loans purchased by an investment fund advised by Laplanches firm were not the type of loans investors had been promised, and the firm did not disclose to investors that the loans were purchased in part because they were about to go unfunded, the SEC alleged.

The shift came in late 2015 and early 2016, a time when many investors who had previously been bullish on the market for loans originated by LendingClub and other so-called marketplace lenders had started to pull back from the sector amid fears of rising loan delinquencies.

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The SEC alleges the investment fund advised by Laplanches firm ramped up its purchases of inappropriate loans soon after two big investors stopped buying loans in late 2015.

LendingClub Asset Management, the company that managed the investment fund, agreed to pay $4 million over the claims. Carrie Dolan, 53, former chief financial officer of both LendingClub and the asset manager, was fined $65,000. All agreed to resolve the claims without admitting or denying wrongdoing.

Investment advisors have an obligation to put their clients interests ahead of their own, said Daniel Michael, head of the SECs complex financial instruments unit. By using funds managed by LCA to benefit its parent company, LCA and Laplanche failed to do so.

Laplanche was ousted over the improprieties in May 2016 and an internal investigation later found LendingClub had made questionable loans to him and family members. Laplanche noted those loans were repaid.

The San Francisco-based firm was a pioneer in marketplace lending, an online industry that matches borrowers with investors willing to finance their loans. But shares have been cut in half since Laplanches departure and other problems arose in 2016.

Laplanche said in an emailed statement that he was pleased to have worked out a settlement with the SEC. He intends to stay in his role as head of lending start-up Upgrade, he said. The settlement allows him to seek readmission to the securities industry after three years.

Laplanche also said that Upgrade is not an investment advisor or investment company and isnt performing any activities covered by the bar.

LendingClub Chairman Hans Morris said in a statement that the firm was happy to have closure and that we have full confidence in our new management team and we are a better company today.

Ms. Dolan cooperated fully with the SEC in its investigation, said Charles Sipkins, a spokesman for the former executive. Throughout her career she has acted in accordance with high ethical standards and she is happy to put this matter behind her.

The settlement was announced Friday but was not widely disseminated until Monday.

Shares of LendingClub closed up 1.3% at $3.93 on Monday.

Bloomberg contributed to this report.

james.koren@latimes.com

Twitter: @jrkoren

UPDATES:

5 p.m.: This article was updated with staff reporting, including more details on the circumstances of Renaud Laplanches departure from LendingClub in 2016.

This article was published at 3:25 p.m.
(Photo/provided to People's Daily Online)

Many green finance experts from government departments, academic research and financial institutions attended a meeting focusing on the practical experience and future blueprint of green financial development in Beijing on Sept. 29.

The meeting was held by the International Institute of Green Finance (IIGF) at China's Central University of Finance and Economics (CUFE).

Innovative results were shared in terms of local green finance, green finance cooperation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao greater bay area, green bonds, ESG, green trade financing and soil restoration, providing professional opinions and forward-facing research for the development of green finance.

During his speech, Shi Jianping, vice president of the CUFE and director of the IIGF, stressed the importance of green finance and praised the work carried out by the institute over the past two years.

Shi continued that he expects more distinctive achievements in various aspects, and a constantly enriched discipline and theoretical system of green finance. He hopes the institute will make a deeper impression going forward.

Wang Linjing, CEO of TF Securities Co., Ltd and director of the Green Securities Committee at the Securities Association of China, introduced the close cooperation between the TF Security and the IIGF. He added that in the future, the committee will continue to integrate the whole securities industry, improve the implementation of green finance, and promote the practical development of green finance.

Ma Jun, a member of the Monetary Policy Committee of China's central bank, expressed that China has included green finance in the 2016 G20 summit to promote it further. The EU has launched the Action Plan: Financing Sustainable Development on March this year, which also shows significant global headway.

"The People's Bank of China has a strong will to promote green finance," Ma stressed in his keynote speech.

Ma said that by the end of 2017, eight central banks including The People's Bank of China, the French Central Bank, and the German Central Bank have established a Central Banks and Supervisors Network on Greening the Financial System. To date, 18 countries are involved.

Reducing the risk weights of green assets could significantly cut the financing cost of green credit and foster banks to increase their efforts, which is in line with the requirements of regulatory policies to ensure the robustness of banks, as well as the general direction of developing green finance, supporting the real economy and promoting its green transformation, Ma noted.

Jiao Xiaoping, director of the China Public-Private Partnerships Center (PPP) at the Ministry of Finance, pointed out that during green development, the government and the market should both play an active role. The decisive role of the market in resource allocation should be emphasized, especially in the process of ecological industrialization and industrial ecologicalization.

Over the past year, with researching as its core, IIGF has published many works, said Wang Yao, dean of the IIGF, adding that they have carried out considerable cooperation with many international organizations including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), International Finance Corporation, European Investment Bank, and more.
In an eleventh-hour breakthrough that may have saved the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Trump administration and top Canadian officials came to terms late Sunday on a deal  opening the way for the United States, Canada and Mexico to sign a renewed trade pact at the end of November.

The agreement still needs to be ratified by legislatures in all three countries, which wont happen until next year at the earliest. But in striking an accord with Canada after settling with Mexico in late August, negotiators hit a crucial U.S.-imposed Sunday midnight deadline that otherwise could have pushed President Trump toward a breakup of the trilateral accord.

The U.S.-Canada deal came after furious negotiations in recent days and repeated threats from Trump and his chief negotiator, Robert Lighthizer, that the administration was prepared to leave Canada behind.

The agreement marks a milestone in Trumps efforts to rewrite the United States most consequential free-trade pact, which he promised to overhaul or tear up. And it may help soften criticisms of his overbearing negotiating style and heavy use of tariffs, as the administration can now lay claim that it successfully completed a revamping of a major trade agreement.

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Its a great win for the president and a validation of his strategy in the area of international trade, said a senior administration official, in a briefing with reporters as midnight was approaching.

Trump has repeatedly denounced NAFTA as a disaster for U.S. industries and workers. Administration officials said the new agreement would be renamed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA.

Lawmakers, business interests, labor and other civic groups reacted more cautiously to the news, saying they would carefully analyze details of the text of the new agreement.

Administration officials said the revisions to NAFTA include notable rule changes on auto sourcing, investor-state disputes and labor rights, as well as new or updated provisions on digital trade, financial services and other areas of commerce that were not major factors when the pact was ratified a quarter-century ago under the Clinton administration.

NAFTA took effect in 1994, and over the years it has eliminated tariffs, integrated the economies and boosted trade among the three countries to more than $1 trillion last year. Many feared a collapse in negotiations would cause huge disruptions to sales and supply chains.

Lighthizer, the U.S. trade representative, however, did not succeed in winning concessions in some important areas that he had sought. While Canada gave ground in opening up its protected dairy market, Ottawa fended off another top U.S. priority to eliminate an existing NAFTA dispute-resolution mechanism that has allowed Canada to challenge U.S. anti-dumping duties on lumber and other goods. There also was no substantive change in government procurement rules, despite the U.S. bid to rewrite Buy American rules.

Negotiators spent a considerable amount of time on auto rules. NAFTA requires that 62.5% of the content of cars is produced in North America to qualify for tariff-free trade. Lighthizer initially sought to raise that threshold to 80% and establish a new requirement that 50% of the auto contents be sourced in the United States for zero-tariff treatment. Those moves were intended to curb offshoring to Mexico and increase auto investment and production in the United States.

In the end, the parties settled on raising the North American rule of origin for autos to 75%. And they agreed to a novel scheme that 40% to 45% of the content of cars must be produced by workers making at least $16 an hour, which Trump officials hope will shift more production and jobs to the U.S.

But it was unclear how that formula will be implemented and when it would bear fruit. And analysts said important details were needed to ensure that the new labor rules negotiated would be enforceable.

More work remains to be done, said Lori Wallach, director of Public Citizens Global Trade Watch. Unless there are strong labor and environmental standards that are subject to swift and certain enforcement, U.S. firms will continue to outsource jobs to pay Mexican workers poverty wages, dump toxins and bring their products back here for sale.

U.S. business groups took comfort in that the U.S. and Canada met the deadline, salvaging the trilateral agreement. Manufacturers are extremely encouraged that our call for a trilateral agreement between the United States, Canada and Mexico has been answered, said Jay Timmons, president of the National Assn. of Manufacturers.

Lawmakers and other groups also said it was too early to estimate the potential gains from the deal for American workers and companies. The White House previously had released publicly only a few pages summarizing some of the changes. People familiar with the substance of the accord that was struck with Mexico, most of which Canada earlier also had negotiated, had said some important details have yet to be hammered out.

Late Sunday, Trump administration officials were briefing key members of Congress, and a full text was expected to be posted before midnight.

Trade officials for the three countries have been at it for more than a year. Earlier this summer Lighthizer took a different tack by negotiating separately with Mexico and ultimately forging a bilateral agreement, putting pressure on Ottawa to join or face the possibility of being left out. Just before Labor Day, Trump sent a notice to Congress of his intention to sign a new trade pact solely with Mexico.

Trumps hardball tactics have not made it easy for Canadian officials to cede ground.

The U.S. and Mexico sought to complete the talks by the end of September, to satisfy a congressional procedural requirement so they could sign a renewed trade pact Nov. 30. That was an important political consideration for Mexico, as its president-elect takes office Dec. 1 and did not want NAFTA hanging over him at the start of his term.

Canadas prime minister, Justin Trudeau, faced considerable domestic pressure to stand up to Trump, who is highly unpopular in Canada. At the same time, Trudeau did not want to risk of a breakup of the trilateral pact and the potential damage to Canadas economy.

In addition to his repeated threats to withdraw from NAFTA, Trump also slapped tariffs on steel and aluminum from Mexico and Canada, among other countries, to gain leverage in negotiations. Analysts were hopeful that those duties  a bargaining chip for Trump but bitterly resented by Canada  would be lifted soon, but trade officials said Sunday there were no changes as of yet on the status of those tariffs.

The latest from Washington 

More stories from Don Lee 

don.lee@latimes.com

Twitter: @dleelatimes

UPDATES:

9:55 p.m.: This article was updated with key details of the accord and comments from a White House official, Lori Wallach and Jay Timmons.

This article was originally published at 7:55 p.m.
Priority No. 1 for the embattled Elon Musk going into the weekend was striking a deal with federal regulators  a task he achieved Saturday by agreeing to pay a hefty fine and step down as Tesla Inc.s chairman.

Priority No. 2 was to push as many electric cars out the door as possible before midnight Sunday, when the end of the third quarter would trigger more scrutiny than ever of his frantic bid to start earning money.

An army of Tesla-owning volunteers swooped in to help deliver cars to new buyers while Musk cheered on his employees, telling them in emails to ignore all distractions and that they were on the cusp of an epic victory beyond all expectations.

An initial verdict of feat or failure could land as soon as Monday, in the form of Teslas latest production and deliveries release. Investors cheered the SEC settlement, pushing Tesla shares up 16% to $308.05 in midday trading Monday.

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The Musk faithful put their full support behind the quarter-end push. In the Chicago suburb of Highland Park, more than 75 people crammed into Teslas service center and 50 or so more waited outside. In Marina del Rey, a steady stream of customers arrived while tractor trailers pulled in to unload vehicles that had been stored in Burbank. In Coral Gables, Fla., a showroom attendant who declined to be named said deliveries were scheduled hour-by-hour to avoid congestion.

It wasnt immediately clear how many outlets across the U.S. were doing record volume. The one in Brooklyn, for example, was quiet Saturday morning. Teslas showroom in Paramus, N.J., was closed by 8 p.m. local time Sunday.

Others were so busy that volunteers showed up to help staff out. Andrew Doane, who has a Model S sedan, Model X crossover and Model 3 car and is president of the Tesla Owners Club of the Mid-Atlantic region, mustered club members to pull shifts at delivery hubs in Virginia and Maryland, and worked one himself.

This weekend is the pivot point, he said, describing it as a watershed moment not just for the company but for the shift away from the internal combustion engine.

Vinod Kothapa was eager to leave the gas pump behind. He picked up a new black Model X SUV on Saturday at the delivery center in Fremont, Calif., just down the road from the companys lone auto plant.

Fossil fuels are polluting the planet and increasing global temperatures, Kothapa said. I want oil to be worthless.

The rumor mill was cranking during the weekend, with speculation that Tesla locations were aiming to hand over cars to new owners at a rate of at least 120 per day. One volunteer in Austin, Texas, said on Twitter that his group was getting ready to push 240 vehicles out the door before midnight Sunday.

Cathie Wood, the founder of Ark Investments and a Tesla shareholder, tweeted that she learned of the Saturday settlement with the SEC while she was waiting to get her Model 3 in a jam-packed store in Westchester County, New York.

That one store was scheduled to deliver 250 cars today, and no one minded the wait, Wood wrote. The Model 3 is from another world!

Musk and Tesla each agreed to pay $20 million to resolve charges related to his problematic tweets about taking the company private. The company also will have to add two new independent directors and implement controls to oversee Musks tweeting and other communications.

Tesla delivered 18,449 Model 3 sedans in the second quarter, according to the companys last shareholder letter. Goldman Sachs analyst David Tamberrino, who has a sell rating on the stock, estimates third-quarter deliveries of about 52,000  a nearly three-fold increase.

If thats the number, Tesla could be on the verge of closing the books on its long era of losses. Its likely to do that against long odds, said Bob Jorth of Kalamazoo, Mich., who ordered his Model 3 in February 2017 and picked it up on Saturday.

Big auto and big oil want him to fail. Theres a lot of corporate interest in him not succeeding, Jorth said. He gave up his gas-electric hybrid to trade up to an all-electric Tesla. Its a natural progression away from the internal combustion engine, and Im very excited.

In Tysons, Va., Tesla employees lined up by the door, greeting customers. Rodney Tanner, a Model 3 owner from nearby Bethesda, Md., was among the volunteers helping out.

What Teslas trying to do in terms of becoming a profitable, successful automaker is such a tough challenge, Tanner said. Im here to help give them a little bit of slack and let other owners know that the end result is amazing.

In Bellevue, Wash., Janet Beach finally got behind the wheel of the Model 3 she ordered 18 months ago.

I bought it without driving it, thats how much confidence I have, Beach said. She hasnt lost faith in the company that made it, or in Musk. Controversy is to be expected. Theres to be a little bit of negative commentary as he pursues his dream of changing the world.

Related: Tesla stock leaps after Elon Musk settles with SEC and remains chief executive 
Dairy farms in Trump country won back a multimillion-dollar trade niche with Canada under a revised agreement with the United States northern neighbor.

Wisconsin and upstate New York will be able to resume exporting milk products used mostly in cheese and yogurt production under terms of the revised trade agreement announced Monday.

During a Group of Seven summit in June, President Trump railed against tariffs, some higher than 300%, that Canada imposes on several categories of U.S. dairy exports, including ultra-filtered, high-protein milk and milk powder, a niche market valued at roughly $100 million that is centered in border dairy states such as Wisconsin and New York.

The complaint about Canadian tariffs has been a steady rallying cry for Trump since his electoral campaign  he won Wisconsin, and despite losing New York to one of its former senators, Hillary Clinton, Trump handily swept rural upstate counties. Trump returned to Wisconsin last year to unveil his Buy American, Hire American executive order aimed at giving domestic manufacturers preference in government contracts.

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Last year, Canada effectively cut off millions of dollars in dairy trade from those two states by extending its strict supply management rules to cover the ultra-filtered dairy products known as Class 7 milk. Canadas exports of these products soon tripled, according to the National Milk Producers Federation, a U.S. group.

The win for one niche of dairy exports, however, was not extended to all others  Canada will retain its ability to limit imports of dairy products under a supply-control system it has used to protect domestic producers. That system was left largely intact by the original North American Free Trade Agreement that the Trump administration has been renegotiating.

Canadian dairy industry officials said U.S. producers would be able to export their dairy products to Canada without tariffs until they equal 3.59% of domestic Canadian production.

That small opening is slightly larger than what would have been granted to U.S. producers under the former Trans-Pacific Partnership, a pact among 12 Pacific Rim countries from which Trump withdrew in the early days of his administration. Analysts had predicted the pact would boost U.S. agricultural exports by $7 billion annually.

In January, Canada signed a revised version of that deal with Japan and nine other countries that would open a market equal to about 3.25% of its domestic production.

The outlines of the NAFTA pact remain intact, which will allow the U.S. agricultural sector to continue developing new international markets for our farmers, said Tom Vilsack, a former Agriculture secretary who heads the U.S. Dairy Export Council. We also need to pursue new free trade agreements with other nations and resolve our trade conflicts with China. It is imperative that the United States remains an integral player in driving the global trade agenda.

U.S. dairy still faces steep retaliatory tariffs from two of its top trade partners  Mexico and China  that were enacted after the Trump administration began dunning imports of steel and aluminum from those and other countries.

The administration spent a lot of time and energy to get to this point, Vilsack said. Now, they can direct their attention to steel and aluminum, so agriculture can get some release from these retaliatory tariffs.

Those tariffs have sapped the momentum that dairy and the rest of U.S. agriculture had acquired in expanding its markets in China and elsewhere, and allowed competitors an advantage in claiming a bigger share, Vilsack noted.

U.S. producers sold $1.2 billion in dairy products, predominantly cheese, to Mexico in 2017, and $577 million to China, according to the dairy export council.

Despite tariffs, Canada has been the second-biggest foreign market for U.S. dairy products, behind Mexico  it bought $792 million of U.S. cheese, milk protein isolates, butter, whey and other milk derivatives last year, according to the export council.

Canada exported $149 million worth of dairy products to the U.S., according to the Canadian government.

Mexico, Canada and China are crucial markets eyed by the U.S. dairy industry, which exports about 15% of its production and is looking to boost that figure to 20% by 2020.

Overall, U.S. agriculture breathed a collective sigh of relief Monday at the prospect of preserving the trilateral trade that has greatly benefited farmers and ranchers. The U.S. Grains Council, which credited NAFTA for an explosive growth in exports of corn and other commodities, lauded efforts by the Trump administration to salvage the treaty, which Trump had once threatened to scuttle.

No trade agreement has had more impact on our sector than NAFTA, which prompted explosive growth in our export sales to both countries as well as the development of a fully integrated grains and livestock supply chain within North America, the council said in a statement.

Americans for Farmers and Families, a U.S. industry group formed to preserve NAFTA, said the accord with Canada was a sign that Trump took our appeal to heart. The group said the U.S. agriculture and food sector exported $44 billion to its NAFTA partners last year.

California, which is about twice as reliant on agricultural exports as other states, exported $1.4 billion of dairy products in 2016, about 12% of which went to Canada, according to the state Department of Food and Agriculture. Growers in the Golden State are still smarting from Chinas retaliatory tariffs, particularly those on almonds and other nuts.

Weve seen California farmers, ranchers and agricultural marketers lose sales because of the retaliatory tariffs from Canada, Mexico and in particular from China, said Jamie Johansson, president of the California Farm Bureau Federation. Until those tariffs come off, farmers wont see the full benefit of the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement.

geoffrey.mohan@latimes.com

Follow me: @LATgeoffmohan

UPDATES:

2:15 p.m.: This article was updated with additional comments from the U.S. Dairy Export Councils Tom Vilsack.

This article was originally published at 11:40 a.m.
Veteran film actor Edward Norton has called it a wrap on Malibus Las Flores Beach, selling his home in the beach community after more than a decade of ownership for $4.395 million.

The oceanfront retreat is prime for income potential with a split floor plan that includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms and two full kitchens. There are fireplaces in the family and living rooms.

Outside, expansive decking runs up to 43 feet of sandy beachfront. A tiki-hut-style bar, an above-ground spa, a sun deck and tall palms complete the setting.

Edward Norton bought the Las Flores Beach home a little over a decade ago for $2.72 million, real estate records show. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

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The property came up for sale in February with an asking price of $5.25 million, but was more recently listed for $4.5 million. Norton bought the place in 2008 for $2.72 million, real estate records show.

Norton, 49, is known for his Oscar-nominated roles in Primal Fear (1996), American History X (1998) and Birdman (2015). His upcoming projects include Motherless Brooklyn, a crime drama that he co-wrote, directed and stars in.

The sale is not a complete departure from Malibu for Norton. Last year, he paid $11.8 million for a John Lautner-designed home in a different beach community, The Times previously reported.

Chris Cortazzo of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage was the listing agent, according to the Multiple Listing Service. Brandon Williams and Rayni Williams of Hilton & Hyland represented the buyer.

neal.leitereg@latimes.com | Twitter: @LATHotProperty
Baroo, the tiny experimental restaurant specializing in fermentation-forward bowls of vegetables and grains, is closing permanently at the end of October, almost three years to the date after it first opened in a Hollywood mini-mall. Chef-owner Kwang Uh, who has been running the kitchen himself since business partner Matthew Kim left a few months ago, said the business just isnt sustainable.

Uh took a sabbatical for the first half of last year to return to his native South Korea and work at Baegyangsa temple with Buddhist monk and noted chef Jeong Kwan (who was featured in Season 3 of Chefs Table) while Kim ran the restaurant. The restaurant also closed for a month earlier this summer while both men, friends since college in South Korea, were back in their home country. This time Uh said the doors will close for good on Oct. 27, with proceeds from the last day of service going to a charity that works to alleviate hunger.

For the last month, Uh and girlfriend Mina Park  the couple met at Kwans temple  will put many of the original Baroo dishes back on the menu, including the kimchi fried rice, the noorook grain bowl and the oxtail ragu. Theyre also looking for the right space or opportunity for Uhs next project, said Park, who is from the Midwest and previously ran a private kitchen in Hong Kong.

Its not the end, Uh said. I need to find a new beginning.

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Baroos chef Kwang Uh next to his fermentation wall. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

Uh went to culinary school at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, interned at Picholine, cooked at Daniel and Nobu Bahamas, then staged at Rene Redzepis Copenhagen restaurant Noma before heading to L.A. to open his first restaurant in 2015. Baroo, named for the food bowl used by Buddhist monks, was a James Beard Award semi-finalist for best new restaurant in 2016 and was on Bon Appetits 2016 list of best new restaurants. The restaurant, which never put up a sign, features a chalkboard menu, a communal table and two counters. The interior design mainly consists of tall shelves filled with fermentation jars and tubs, and stacks of cookbooks on most available surfaces.

In the next few weeks, Uh and Park cautioned, Baroo will be as under-staffed as ever, a one-man show, as Park described it. If you dont like hectic, its probably better not to come, Uh said. So go anyway and be patient. There are plenty of excellent cookbooks to read while you wait.

5706 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 819-4344, baroola.strikingly.com.

amy.scattergood@latimes.com

Instagram: @AScattergood
The ink isnt yet dry on a controversial Trump administration proposal that could deny visas or permanent residency to immigrants who use public assistance programs, but some Los Angeles County officials are readying their opposition.

The Board of Supervisors is expected this week to consider sending a letter to federal leaders asserting that the proposed rule would cause significant harm to the county and its residents.

For the record: A previous version of this article stated that a proposed Trump administration rule restricting immigration would apply to lawful permanent residents seeking naturalization. It would apply only to people seeking admission to the United States on visas or those seeking to adjust their status once inside the country.

At issue are so-called public charge rules that have long been a part of the immigration system, in which federal officials consider whether visa applicants or those who want to adjust their status have or might rely on public assistance.

But the Trump administration has proposed expanding the number of programs  and the financial thresholds of assistance  that might weigh against such applicants, sparking criticism among some immigration activists.

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The letter of opposition, if approved, would be part of a broader strategy by the county to respond to the rule. The letter was proposed by Supervisors Hilda Solis and Sheila Kuehl.

Career county employees, in addition to county supervisors, are also closely monitoring the effect of the plan.

It could potentially have broad and sweeping impacts, according to the countys official statement on the rule. Our core mission is to protect and improve the health, public safety and well-being of the over 10 million residents who call L.A. County home  regardless of their immigration status.

The response on Tuesdays board agenda could create a multilingual public relations and education plan to inform residents about immigration resources and access to public assistance. It would also ask the countys legal staff to analyze the rule and any legal action seeking to prevent its adoption.

Its unclear whether the boards three other supervisors would support the response as drafted.

The plan theyre expected to consider would also express alignment with efforts by the state to fight the proposed rule, which the Trump administration plans to formally submit to the Federal Register in the coming weeks, as Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen announced recently.

The public would then have 60 days to comment on the rule and federal officials could still alter it before adoption.

Nielsen said the department seeks only to ensure that people seeking permanent residency or citizenship can support themselves financially.

This proposed rule will implement a law passed by Congress intended to promote immigrant self-sufficiency and protect finite resources by ensuring that they are not likely to become burdens on American taxpayers, she said.

But critics of the rule say it would make it harder for outsiders to enter and work in the United States, affecting the national economy, or have the net effect of denying immigrants access to services they are legally entitled to receive.

The benefits already considered by immigration officials are federal, state, local and tribal cash assistance programs, benefits typically defined as welfare. The new rule would include portions of Medicaid, Medicare, food stamps, and public housing facilities and housing vouchers.

Solis, whose district has a high proportion of Latino residents, said she opposed the administrations rule because she believes it would have a chilling effect on immigrants participation in public assistance programs.

This is a betrayal of our American values and will negatively impact Los Angeles Countys ability to provide important services to everyone we are obligated to serve, she said in a news release. California and Los Angeles County, with our large and diverse immigrant population, would be among the most heavily impacted jurisdictions in the nation.

Immigrants are a substantial portion of the countys population and economy. About 35% of residents were born outside the United States and more than half the families in the county live in a home where a language other than English is spoken, according to population surveys conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.

In addition to county officials here, the administrations proposed rule has caught the attention of other local and state elected officials and immigration advocates.

California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra has been among the most vocal, issuing a statement denouncing the plan as an assault on our families and our communities.

The Trump administrations proposal punishes hard-working immigrant families  even targeting children who are citizens  for utilizing programs that provide basic nutrition and healthcare, Becerra said in a statement.

matt.stiles@latimes.com
In a significant victory for coastal access rights in California, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected a Silicon Valley billionaires appeal to keep a beach to himself.

The decision caps an all-out legal battle over a small stretch of sand in San Mateo County known as Martins Beach. What began as a local dispute over a locked gate has exploded into a cause celebre for beachgoers across California. The decade-long squabble spurred a spate of lawsuits that zeroed in on whether property owner Vinod Khosla needs state permission to gate off the road.

A string of California courts has said he does. If Khoslas last-shot appeal had been granted, his arguments before the nations highest court could have threatened a landmark state law that declares beach access is a fundamental right guaranteed to everyone.

The most conservative and divided Supreme Court in my lifetime confirmed that even a billionaire, who refuses to acknowledge that the law applies to him, and retains the most expensive attorneys he can find, cannot create a private beach, said Joseph Cotchett, lead attorney for the Surfrider Foundation, which sued Khosla. Beaches are public in California, and the immensely wealthy must comply with the Coastal Act just like everyone else.

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Dori Yob Kilmer, an attorney for Khosla, said in a statement that the case was not about public beach access, but about private property rights.

We are disappointed the United States Supreme Court decided not to hear this important case, she said. No owner of private business should be forced to obtain a permit from the government before deciding who it wants to invite onto its property.

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times earlier this year, Khosla said that he believed in the Coastal Act, but fighting this case all the way to the Supreme Court was for him a matter of principle.

My view is: Absolutely we should increase coastal access when we can, but we should also protect private property rights, he said. This is about principle. Reasonableness is all I ask for.

(Los Angeles Times)

Read more: With Supreme Court challenge, tech billionaire could dismantle beach access rights  and a landmark coastal law 

The battle over access at Martins Beach dates to 2008, when Khosla, a co-founder of Sun Microsystems, bought the 89-acre property south of Half Moon Bay for $32.5 million.

The Deeney family that sold Martins Beach had, for almost a century, maintained a public bathroom, a parking lot, even a general store. Surfers, fishermen and picnickers paid 25 cents to enter. The fee eventually rose to $10.

Khosla, in legal filings, said he was willing to give the business a go, and continued to allow members of the public to access the property upon payment of a fee. But [he] soon faced the same problem the Deeneys had faced: The business was operating at a considerable loss, as the costs of keeping the beach, the parking lot and other facilities in operable and safe condition significantly exceeded the fees the business generated.

So he shut the gate, hired security and posted do not enter signs.

Read more: A billionaire is willing to bring back public access to Martins Beach  for a price 

A number of public interest groups have since sued Khosla. He, in turn, has sued the California Coastal Commission, the State Lands Commission and San Mateo County, over what he considered an interference of his property rights.

A San Mateo County Superior Court judge, however, dismissed Khoslas case, stating that he had to go through the commissions permit process or enforcement proceedings before he could resort to a lawsuit.

The latest case began when Surfrider sued Khosla on the grounds that he failed to apply for the development permit required to change public access to the coastline. A local court sided with Surfrider and a state appeals court upheld that decision, ordering Khosla to unlock the gate while the dispute continues. Khosla appealed again to the state Supreme Court, which declined to hear the case.

Since then, the gate has been open during daylight hours. An attendant operates a small parking lot, guiding visitors down a winding ramp to a secluded crescent-shaped stretch of sand and bluffs.

Beachgoers wade through the water in front of sharks tooth rock at Martins Beach, a secluded crescent-shaped stretch of sand and bluffs. (Peter DaSilva / For The Times)

Unwilling to back down, Khosla earlier this year appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. His argument not only challenged the constitutionality of the Coastal Act  if taken up by the nations highest court, it would have put into question long-established land-use procedures and any states power to regulate development anywhere, experts said.

In his petition, Khoslas legal team described Californias coastal policies as Orwellian and made the case that private property should not be taken for public use without just compensation: the Coastal Act cannot constitutionally be applied to compel uncompensated physical invasions of private property.

His chances were slim  of the thousands of appeals filed each year, only about 100 are granted review. But he hired a seasoned Supreme Court lawyer with a record of overcoming the odds and presenting arguments before the nations top justices. And with conservative interpretations of property rights gaining prominence and President Trumps appointment of Justice Neil M. Gorsuch  and possibly another conservative appointment on the way  legal experts had said that having the right lawyer and a well-crafted argument could have been enough to capture the attention of the justices.

Briefs supporting Khosla  filed by a number of property interests groups, including the Pacific Legal Foundation and the Institute for Justice  laid out the key conservative arguments that would have been scrutinized by the highest court.

The California Assn. of Realtors and National Assn. of Realtors, urging the Supreme Court to take the case, said they were concerned that this violation of the Takings Clause will encourage the California Coastal Commission to impose similar unconstitutional controls over the large number of properties located along the California coast, and will also encourage similar restrictions on landowners by other government agencies throughout the United States.

The California Business Properties Assn. added that if Khosla lost, the decision would have significant consequences for commercial real estate.

The right to exclude is a fundamental premise that underlies private ownership and affects every owners ability to control their properties in fundamental ways, the group wrote in an amicus brief.

A state court has ordered Khosla to keep the gate open while the dispute continues. Since then, the gate has been open during daylight hours, and an attendant operates a small parking lot. (Peter DaSilva / For the Times)

While the clash between property rights and beach access is highly politicized, the legal issue at hand is relatively narrow  and it clearly did not capture the attention of the justices, said Richard Frank, director of the California Environmental Law and Policy Center at UC Davis. It only requires four votes, so if the conservative wing of the Supreme Court had voted as a block, their four votes wouldve been enough.

The decision, Frank said, will not bring an end to fights over beach access in the state.

Its a zero-sum game: The more you protect private property rights, the more public access is constrained or challenged, he said. And the opposite is equally true.

In the statement Monday, Khoslas legal team said they will comply with the state courts and now begin the permit process.

No business owner should be forced to obtain a permit from the government to shut down a private business, to change prices from those that existed in 1972 (as the state has demanded), or to change hours of operation, the statement said. However, we will comply with the decision of the California Court of Appeal and apply for the required permit. If denied, we will start this process over again.

The Coastal Commission, not an official party to the Surfrider suit, said it is considering how to proceed and hopes that Khosla will work with us to assure that the historical public access to Martins Beach remains available for present and future generations.

The state has also created an account that can be used to gather donations to appraise, acquire and maintain a public access way at the beach. The State Lands Commission has suggested a public route operated like a park  with daily dawn-to-dusk hours of operation, trash bins and portable toilets. How exactly the commission would acquire this land is still being determined.

Surfrider, which celebrated at Martins Beach on Monday with coastal officials, state legislators and local surfers, said it will continue fighting for beach access.

The Surfrider Foundation fights to preserve the rights of the many from becoming the assets of the few, said Angela Howe, the organizations legal director. We are protecting everyones right to visit, enjoy and protect the beach, regardless of race, socioeconomic class or residential location.

Eric Buescher, one of Surfriders attorneys, said that the Supreme Courts action Monday speaks volumes to Californias coastal access law.

This lawsuit began as a modest claim that the Coastal Acts permit requirements apply to everyone. It grew into a fight over the future of public access along over 1,100 miles of coast in this state, he said. Were grateful the California Coastal Acts promise that the beach cannot be bought, but instead belongs to the public, has survived a billionaires whims, which risked gutting the statutes protections.

rosanna.xia@latimes.com

Twitter: @RosannaXia

UPDATES:

2:40 p.m.: This article was updated with additional background information as well as comments from the Coastal Commission and legal experts.

This article was originally published at 7:05 a.m.
Mynda Smiths sleep was restless. Normally, she would have had a protein shake for breakfast, but on Monday all she could do was sip water.

A year ago her sister was killed. Neysa Tonks, 46, was one of 58 people gunned down at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival on the Las Vegas Strip  the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history. The tragedy was big and public, but within Tonks family, the loss was also private and constant.

It was still dark when Smith drove to the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater from her Las Vegas home early Monday. A large crowd would be there for a sunrise remembrance for the victims.

Smith, 43, had her Vegas Strong T-shirt on. She wore a necklace with her sisters fingerprint on it, which she touched for strength. She stood at the podium, thankful there were tissues placed there. Her voice cracked.

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I look out and see so many who have been through so much, Smith said. I am truly grateful to be standing here with so much love in my heart.

In the crowd, Mary Rivera, whose 21-year-old daughter, Jordyn Rivera, was killed in the shooting, teared up. So did Mary Jo Von Tillow, whose husband was killed by the gunfire. The family of Brian Fraser, also killed, put their arms around one another  most wearing black T-shirts with angel wings on them along with the words, Tomorrow is not promised, live every day with intent.

Throughout the year, Las Vegas has been honoring those who died. There have been concerts and fundraisers, and the Clark County Museum worked on a display that features items left by mourners at the citys famed Welcome to Las Vegas sign.

 On Oct. 1, 2017, a shooter sprayed the Las Vegas Strip with more than 1,000 rounds of gunfire, killing 58 and injuring hundreds at an outdoor concert. Video and 911 recordings captured the horror as it happened.

Within that year, the Vegas Golden Knights hockey team retired the No. 58 to commemorate those who died. Portraits of all 58 victims are on display at the County Government Center. And it is nearly impossible to drive around the city without seeing #VegasStrong bumper stickers, billboards or T-shirts.

But on Monday, the 24-hour city of glitz and gambling was subdued. Different. In downtown Las Vegas, a prayer vigil began at 11:30 a.m. and late Monday evening  near the time when the shooting began a year ago  the marquees along the Strip went dark while the names of those killed were read aloud at the newly established healing garden in downtown Las Vegas, a candle lit for each victim. The sobs were audible.

Some marquees throughout the day had the words #VegasStronger  including the Mandalay Bay, which is where Stephen Paddock opened fire from his 32nd-floor hotel suite.

Mandalay Bay, which is owned by MGM Resorts International, was quiet in the afternoon. The Las Vegas Village site, where the Route 91 concert was held, was surrounded by fences and a flier urged people not to leave items there, but instead to visit a healing garden and pay respects there.

MGM Resorts Chairman and Chief Executive James Murren issued a statement on Monday thanking emergency responders for their efforts during the shooting while acknowledging the frustration of not knowing why Paddock shot up the festival.

Today, we remember the 58 innocent victims and grieve along with survivors and countless loved ones, the statement read. We share the sorrow of those who mourn and continue to search for meaning in events that lie beyond our understanding.

The company was also allowing employees to participate in community events throughout the day, retreat to quiet rooms if they needed to reflect on the day, and was providing comfort dogs at several properties.

During the morning service, Gov. Brian Sandoval said that even though its been a year since the shooting, the pain has never fully lifted.

Today, we remember the unforgettable, Sandoval said. Today, we comfort the inconsolable. Today we gather in mind and body and we never left each other in spirit and heart.

Throughout the day, people gathered at the famous Las Vegas sign at the south end of the Strip to leave flowers at white crosses laid out along the green turf behind the sign. People approached a heart-shaped display that included portraits of all 58 victims. Some called and did video chats in front of it. A few cried.

Gloria Gonzalez placed roses at the cross of Doreen Anderson and said she and her husband, Jess Gonzalez, happened to be on vacation in Las Vegas for the events commemorating the victims of the shooting.

Anderson was her niece, and Gonzalez said she still remembered getting a text saying that she had died. Gonzalez said her children were very close to Anderson and that the loss hit them hard.

She was such a family person, Gonzalez said. She loved her family more than anything.

She carefully straightened the flowers and then took a picture and sent it to her children, who she said had asked her to leave flowers in Andersons honor.

Small gestures were also seen around the city. Some stores gave free coffee all day to first responders. A church handed out free water to people at the Las Vegas sign.

But it was the morning ceremony that seemed to carry a lot of the emotional heft for the city.

A line of uniformed police officers, firefighters and members of a multi-agency honor guard stood rigidly as the speakers spoke of courage, sadness and resiliency at the morning remembrance. On balconies overlooking the amphitheater, government workers who arrived before their shifts watched quietly.

Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo said he knew when he woke up Monday that the day would be different. Yes, he said, they still had a job to do  crime doesnt stop for anniversary events, he noted  but Lombardo said he and his deputies would also be attending memorial services throughout the city.

We want to move forward, but sometimes we lose sight of that reflection, Lombardo said after the ceremony. I think it was important for me to be grounded this morning and remember what had occurred.

Chris Davis spends time alone at a cross made for his daughter, one of the 58 people killed in the Las Vegas mass shooting. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Smith said in the first weeks after the attack, the sense of loss was so overwhelming that it was sometimes even hard to remember to breathe.

She told her story of waiting to find out about Tonks fate the day after the shooting, realizing that she and her family werent alone after seeing all the people at the Family Assistance Center waiting to hear the same terrible news. She recalled the outpouring of generosity. She remembered sensing the scope of the tragedy when she saw the long lines of people waiting to donate blood for the hundreds who were injured.

The last year, she said, had allowed her to turn her anger into passion and support children who lost parents in the shooting by establishing a scholarship fund.

Still, Smith said, there is much work to do. People are still being treated for injuries. Families are still mourning losses. Depression haunts survivors.

I cant say we havent had our fair share of sucker punches, Smith said. We will continue to have obstacles we will have to tackle. For me, I know Neysa would have taken them head-on with strength and confidence to conquer it all, and thats what Im choosing to do  hold my head high and use her determination and strength when I feel mine is weakened.

The 45-minute remembrance was capped with bagpipes playing Amazing Grace and a choir from the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts singing America the Beautiful.

Smith also led the crowd in 58 seconds of silence. Through it, some sobbed. Then 58 doves were released. People wiped away tears. A few huddled, arms wrapped around one another, as the birds circled in the morning sky.

Von Tillow said she was moved by the music and that her husband, Kurt, had a fondness for patriotic songs.

He would have loved all of this, she said, her voice breaking. Waving her hand, she added, All of it.
Xavier Becerra is Californias incumbent attorney general, having been appointed two years ago to fill a vacancy at the top of the state Department of Justice. In that period Becerra has drawn on the knowledge and experience he gained in 24 years in the U.S. House of Representatives to help shape legal strategies to protect the states interests and values from a series of onslaughts by the Trump administration. He has helped to stop, stall or at least snag the administrations attacks on public safety funding, clean car standards, affordable healthcare, immigration protections, net neutrality and many other subjects. He meanwhile has stepped up the departments work on consumer protection, and has offered badly needed oversight of law enforcement agencies facing public backlash over fatal shootings and other uses of force.

Becerras opponent in the Nov. 6 election, Steven Bailey, is a former criminal defense lawyer and an ex-judge of the El Dorado County Superior Court who is currently facing ethics charges in the state Commission on Judicial Performance. He is challenging Becerra on a platform that includes reversing Californias recent law to eliminate money bail, reversing a voter initiative to make drug possession and small property crimes misdemeanors instead of felonies, reversing or modifying laws that reduce prison crowding, and standing down in the states defense against the Trump administration.

This is a monumentally easy call. Becerra has set a good direction, and voters would be wise to give him a full four-year term. Bailey is the wrong person for the job.

The position opened up after Kamala Harris was elected to the U.S. Senate, then took her seat in early 2017. The job of filling the vacancy fell to Gov. Jerry Brown, who has been around the political block more than a few times and in fact preceded Harris in that office. The selection may have seemed a bit surprising at the time  Becerra had kept a low profile outside Washington and his Northeast L.A.-downtown-Koreatown district  but Brown knew what he was doing. In Becerra, the governor got a lawyer with experience in the ranks of the state justice department, good political networks in D.C. and a keen understanding  having negotiated numerous bills with Democratic allies and Republican rivals  of the types of initiatives that the Trump White House could be expected to pursue.

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Becerra has set a good direction, and voters would be wise to give him a full four-year term. Bailey is the wrong person for the job.

Brown (and California) also got an attorney general who knows how to go to court to defend the states interests, and hes not shy about touting his more than 40 lawsuits against the Trump administration; yet there is something about his image and his manner  soft-spoken, perhaps a bit nerdy  that keeps him from becoming a polarizing frontman for the so-called Resistance.

It helps that he and Brown are on virtually the same page in each of those lawsuits, and that Brown is a lawyer, a former attorney general and a savvy politician. Becerra, 60, appears comfortable with his role as junior partner to the governor, who is now 80.

Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion 

But Browns tenure as Californias field general and sage is drawing to a close. Becerra, if elected to a full term, will serve alongside either Republican John Cox, an attorney (among other occupations) with starkly different political positions and connections than Becerras and Browns, or Democrat Gavin Newsom, a non-lawyer with none of Becerras experience in Washington and a fraction of Browns decades of accumulated political wisdom. In either event, the relationship that Becerra forges with the new governor will be interesting to watch. He must find the right level of leadership to assert. As attorney general his client is not merely the governor, but the entire state and all of its people.

The office has never been sufficiently funded or sized to do everything that should be done within the purview of the states lawyer. The attorney general is often (and incorrectly) called the top cop, but its not a law enforcement position. He rarely prosecutes criminal cases, although he does represent the state in criminal appeals. As the top justice official, though, he is the person best positioned to monitor Californias continuing criminal justice reforms, measure their progress and advise of changes needed. That task, which Becerra has not made a high priority, will become increasingly important in the post-Brown era.

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Its been nearly 40 years since Ive lived in Los Angeles. I still visit every year or so and am always struck by how surpassingly pleasant it is, and how . . . floaty.

Theres a buoyancy particular to my hometown, one I feel nowhere else. Im an inch over my seat before the plane has landed, leaning into the window to stare at what never changes and always surprises: the flat-out astonishing number of perfectly turquoise swimming pools, unlikely cabochons set in the grid of neighborhoods around LAX.

Then theres that flat shimmer of water over bone-dry tarmac. I never see those mirages, not on the East Coast. Maybe its the humidity here. That I cant picture a California freeway without a heat mirage shimmering in the distance is testimony to my advanced years. Surely no empty swath of 405 any longer exists during daylight.

Traffic is epic. But as a visitor, without a car of my own, I float above it, driven about by friends or colleagues, comfortably infantilized, swaddled in climate control. And whether by accident or intent, at some point well pass the house in which I grew up, on Sunset Boulevard.

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Theres a buoyancy particular to my hometown, one I feel nowhere else.

It was designed by Robert Byrd, the same architect who built the house on whose door the Manson gang wrote Pig with Sharon Tates blood. I didnt know about the murders then, but people never forgot what happened just miles away. Years after the fact, when real estate agents showed our house to prospective buyers, a few found the connection too unsavory to ignore.

Theres still no sidewalk on the north side of the boulevard where we lived. Its a hillside; no place to put one. As there were no crosswalks, and no lights to slow traffic, the only way I ever got to the other side of Sunset, the one with the sidewalk, was circuitously, by car.

Beyond the boulevard were neighborhoods I visited only on Halloween, dropped off by car to walk with friends along orderly blocks of houses, ringing doorbells. Because there was no walking from one house to another where I lived, there was no neighborhood, but a string of separate homes on outsized properties, each with its separate access at the end of a long driveway. It would have taken an hour to amass a single handful of candy.

The grandparents who raised me moved to Los Angeles because they believed in the California dream  lock, stock and barrel, my grandmother would say. Wandering Jews who had crisscrossed the globe, at last they built a house, the one in which they expected to spend the rest of their lives, and before the money ran out, they lived a life out of Sunset magazine.

Sparkling French doors kept the indoors drenched in sunlight. Outside, fancy barbecues unfolded against a backdrop of roses, bougainvillea, bird of paradise, lemon trees, orange trees, limes and avocados. When I moved east I didnt imagine Id miss the vegetation, the smell of eucalyptus. For a decade or so, I was excited by seasons. Wasnt it great to have four? As it turns out, I miss year-round flowers. I didnt realize the Atlantic Coast would smell and look different than the Pacific, with its cliffs and chaparral.

Why would anyone want to live anywhere else? When my grandparents asked the question, it wasnt rhetorical. Each of my mothers parents had separately decided where to put their displaced European selves. It was during World War II, and in L.A. their deracinated Judaism burned off like fog over the Pacific.

As soon as they settled in, they took off. What they loved to do was drive: up the coast, down the coast, through the Mojave Desert, a night or two in Las Vegas before heading to Death Valleys Furnace Creek Resort to float among movie stars in its spring-fed pool.

Los Angeles was always a company town, the industry, whose currency is fantasy. In the high school I attended, the day after the Oscars, a quarter of the students were absent: Theyd stayed out too late with their famous parents.

A man used to sit on a folding chair on the corner of Sunset and Hillcrest selling maps to homes of the stars. Hes been replaced by a PDF, no doubt. My best friend and I bought one from him when we were 15, driving illegally with only learners permits and no adult licensed driver. It was a joke, the map, until we found Chers address.

Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion 

We had a thing for Cher. Children of Los Angeles, we were in our movie star phase. Wed been to tapings of The Carol Burnett Show. We watched The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour religiously. We got ourselves on The Gong Show, and we got ourselves gonged almost before we began our skit, inspired by if not exactly stolen from Sonny and Cher.

We had a thing for Cher, and now we knew where to find her. Or at least her garbage. We parked behind the house, in the service alley, and lifted the bags from the cans, put them in the trunk, and closed it quietly. Then we opened them under the streetlight that shone on my friends driveway.

It didnt seem weird. It seemed courageous and clever. We did it over and over. We checked out Carol Burnetts trash and discovered Lucille Balls was padlocked. Our strikes were targeted. We didnt care about any old star, and Chers was the only garbage we stole, and sorted.

Now we knew what products she used: what shampoo, what moisturizer. Now we used the same ones. My best friend collected long black hairs pulled from a brush. She untangled and straightened them, but she didnt wash the Cher off. She made a little fetish of 25 strands or so tied together with thread and hung it in her school locker.

I want to be able to say it seemed weird, but I cant. Thats the thing about L.A., things makes sense there  just not to other people. Having to drive to get across the street from your own house? Plundering movie star trash? Using it to decide what mascara to buy? Concentrating on the mirage ahead? These arent problems, theyre the only solutions. Obviously.

Kathryn Harrisons latest book, On Sunset: A Memoir, will be published Oct. 2.

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On the 3rd of October 2018 the House of Breguet inaugurates a brand new boutique in Moscow, located within close proximity to the Kremlin, in the prestigious shopping mall GUM. It is in this boutique, under the high arches of the historical building, that Breguet chose to set up a dedicated exhibition area to display a curated edit from the Paris Museum collection.

Constantly enriched with new acquisitions, the Breguet Museum located on the upper floor of its flagship boutique, on Place Vendome in Paris, displays around 100 objects out of more than 200 heritage pieces in possession of the House of Breguet. Focusing principally on the work of the founder, Abraham-Louis Breguet, the collection boasts items that illustrate the firms history from 1775 to today. It is the largest permanent exhibition of Breguet pieces in the world, with additional artefacts from the Museum collection on display in dedicated spaces at Breguet boutiques in Zurich and Shanghai, and, from October 2018, in Moscow.

 Breguet

The House of Breguet possesses most fascinating pieces, including three historical tourbillon pocket watches from the early nineteenth century. The invention of the tourbillon mechanism by Breguet in 1801 cemented the watchmakers standing as one of the most innovative figures of all time.

Breguet masterpieces in European Museums

The brilliant nature of the works of Abraham-Louis Breguet attracted illustrious personalities from very early on. In the 1780s, when his career was only beginning, Marie-Antoinette and the Duc dOrleans became among the earliest collectors of his works. Today, Breguet is the only single watchmaker to be honoured by several of the worlds premier museums, such as the Louvre, the Kremlin, the British Museum and the swiss National Museum to name a few.

 Breguet

Musee des Arts et Metiers, Paris

The famous Musee des Arts et Metiers in Paris explores the Breguet familys inventions over two centuries, from watchmaking to electricity and aviation.

British engineer and collector Sir David Lionel Salomons presented this museum with the Breguet masterpiece No. 92. Made by Breguet for his friend the Duc de Praslin, it is a piece with two faces and many complications.

Another remarkable object to be found here, is the Breguet wall clock No. 3177 sold to King Louis XVIII in 1821. This clock with two dials, two movements and two pendulums swinging in opposite directions was exhibited by Breguet at the great industrial exhibition of 1819, demonstrating the advances achieved in the various branches of French industry. Breguet was obliged to exhibit out of competition by virtue of the fact that he had been invited to sit on the jury.

Le Louvre, Paris

As the inventor of the gong spring and a number of striking mechanisms, Abraham-louis Breguet was the father of modern repeating watches. A few of his quarter-repeaters can be viewed in this world-famous museum, however one of the most spectacular Breguet repeating watches from the Louvre collection can be viewed at The Chateau de Fontainebleau. This timepiece No. 2585, a half-quarter repeating watch with complications, used to belong to Prince Camille Borghese, the Governor of Piedmont, who was married to Pauline Bonaparte.

 Breguet

The Swiss National Museum, Le Chateau de Prangins

The tapestry of Breguets life and career is easily seen as both a Swiss and French composition, with neither able to be isolated or extricated from another. Among the highlights of the swiss National Museum in the Chateau de Prangins is the Breguet travel clock No. 178, purchased in 1798 by Napoleon Bonaparte as part of his equipment, a month before he began his Egyptian campaign. This clock anticipated in both its technical and its aesthetic aspects, the general appearance of virtually all carriage clocks produced in France throughout the nineteenth century and into the beginning of the twentieth.

The institutions in possessions of significant collections of Breguet watches and clocks are numerous. However, the majority of early creations still remain in the hands of private collectors.

For example, the Sympathique clock No. 666 and watch No. 721 acquired by the future King George IV of England is owned today by H.M. Queen Elizabeth and is used by H.R.H. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The clock was designed to hold the watch which, when placed in a recess, was automatically adjusted and reset. The term sympathique was chosen by Breguet to express the notion of harmony and sympathy between the two objects. The Sympathique clock remained very complex to make. All five examples, each different, that Abraham-Louis Breguet sold before his death in 1823, were bought by Kings or Princes. When his grandson Louis-Clement Breguet took over the reins of the firm in 1833, succeeding his father, he lost no time in patenting the sympathique clock endowing it with a new rewinding function.
Doom and gloom has engulfed the nation since Christine Blasey Ford and Brett Kavanaugh offered their competing testimonies to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Ford narrated in stark, awful detail her stunning allegation against President Trumps nominee for the Supreme Court, while Kavanaugh alternated between tearing up and shouting, I am innocent of this charge!

The testimonies  both devastating  provided further proof that we are a nation divided between those on Kavanaughs side and those on Fords, Democrats versus Republicans, Trump supporters versus the Resistance. But the hearing also revealed the opposite: Far from being irrevocably divided, our nation has never been more united, at least when it comes to what constitutes acceptable treatment of women.

Americans remain far apart over whether to accept Kavanaughs denials. But when it comes to Ford, most Americans believed her, including the Republican senators who are determined to see Kavanaugh confirmed.

This may be the most important revelation of last Thursday and beyond: Kavanaughs biggest cheerleaders insist that Ford was credible.

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Kavanaughs confirmation process so far has also revealed just how united America is in its expectations of how women should be treated.

Many wanted to have it both ways, comparing Fords plight to Kavanaughs. Shes as much a victim as you are, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said to Kavanaugh on Thursday.

But in so doing, they were still doing something revolutionary: I do believe something happened to her, Graham said Friday. He was far from the only one.

I think the way Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh have been treated is a scandal, agreed Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) on Friday. And it is cruel, reckless and indecent.

I think Dr. Ford is a victim, and I think shes been through hell and Im very sympathetic to her, Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) said.

Ford was clearly hurting and hurting mightily, said Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).

Cruz, like most of the Republicans, pinned Fords suffering on the Democrats. Having her name made public against her wishes and dragged through the mud was a hurtful thing to do. It was the wrong thing to do. (It is not clear who first revealed Fords name publicly.)

And its true none of these Republicans believed Fords assertion that it was Kavanaugh who had assaulted her. Obviously, the GOPs message isnt the same as the liberal We Believe.

But these men arent calling Ford a liar. They do not describe what happened to her as locker room behavior. The boys will be boys meme has faded away. She was not called a little bit slutty or a little bit nutty.

The acceptance of her credibility is a big win for American women. Think about the way just two years ago, Trump was voted into office after having bragged about sexually assaulting women. On Friday, Trump called Ford compelling and credible.

She looks like a very fine woman to me. A very fine woman, the president said. And I thought that Bretts testimony likewise was really something that I hadnt seen before. Incredible. It was an incredible moment in the history of our country.

For once, the president was right, even insightful. It was an incredible moment in the history of our country. A woman came forward to describe a decades-old sexual assault, and she was believed by those whose political side she threatened.

Kavanaugh himself refused to call Ford a liar. Im not questioning that Dr. Ford may have been sexually assaulted by some person in some place at some time, he said. But I have never done this, to her or to anyone.

More tellingly, Kavanaughs defense hung on his treatment of women. Throughout my life, Ive devoted huge efforts to encouraging and promoting the careers of women, he said. I will put my record up against anyones, male or female.

Many of the times Kavanaugh teared up, it was in describing his advocacy for women and the many women he counts as friends, and, most wrenchingly, his daughters prayers for Ford.

Even Democrats must admit that for a man who they believe treated women very poorly in high school and college, Kavanaugh seems to have made a very sharp turn in the opposite direction soon thereafter. Among his many female clerks, no one has accused him of any impropriety; in fact, they praised him for his support.

Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion 

Reactions to Kavanaugh without a doubt are prima facie evidence of our divided political climate. He is either a privileged sexual abuser or a wronged martyr, depending on your tribe.

And yet Kavanaughs confirmation process so far has also revealed just how united America is in its expectations of how women should be treated and what constitutes crimes against them.

Every woman who has been victimized needs to be heard, Graham said Friday. Count me in 1,000 times over.

What cause for celebration.

Batya Ungar-Sargon is the opinion editor of the Forward. Her essays have appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Foreign Policy and other media.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook
Newsoms budget proposes $3 million for Alzheimers research, brain task force By Melody Gutierrez Amyloid plaques, shown here in human brains, are a hallmark of Alzheimers disease. (UCLA School of Medicine) Gov. Gavin Newsom will call for the creation of a brain health task force and dedicate $3 million annually from the states general fund to Alzheimers disease research in the budget proposal he will release Thursday, a source close to the administration said. The money for Alzheimers research would target the new grants at understanding why the disease is more prevalent in women and people of color. Former California first lady and Alzheimers activist Maria Shriver pushed for the funding to be included in the state budget. Shriver said in a statement Wednesday that the funding would make California the first state to make understanding our brains a priority. The states former first lady, whose late father Sargent Shriver was diagnosed with Alzheimers, founded the Womens Alzheimers Movement, an advocacy group raising awareness about womens increased risk for developing the disease. In 2011, she wrote a comprehensive assessment on the disease, to which Newsom  then mayor of San Francisco  contributed a portion called What one city is doing. This is personal to me, just like it is to millions of California families, Shriver said. Alzheimers is one of the largest medical, social and economic crises in our state, and of our time. I am so proud that, once again, California is leading the way. Wiping out Alzheimers is going to require bold thinking, and there is no doubt in my mind that California is home to bold thinkers who can make this happen. Facebook

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Gov. Gavin Newsom orders reinvention of troubled California DMV By Patrick McGreevy A line of people stretches around the South L.A. location of a California Department of Motor Vehicles Office on Aug. 7. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday ordered an overhaul of the California Department of Motor Vehicles, which has been plagued by hours-long wait times at field offices, computer crashes and voter registration errors involving tens of thousands of customers. Just a few days after taking office, Newsom appointed a top advisor to a new DMV Reinvention Strike Team to revamp the beleaguered agency over the next six months. By any metric, California DMV has been chronically mismanaged and failed in its fundamental mission to the state customers it serves and the state workers it employs, Newsom said in a statement, adding Its time for a reinvention. The governor appointed state Government Operations Agency Secretary Marybel Batjer to lead the strike team with a goal of modernizing the agency and enacting changes that improve customer satisfaction, employee performance and transparency. Newsom also ordered an accelerated review of initial findings of an ongoing audit ordered last year by Gov. Jerry Brown. The action was welcomed by lawmakers who have been critical of the DMV, including Assemblyman Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield). The egregious management failures of the DMV have been self-evident, which is why I have been calling for new leadership and a comprehensive independent audit of this troubled state agency over and over again as the problems grew significantly worse, Fong said. Last summer, Californians seeking new driver licenses complained of wait times of four to six hours at DMV offices, which the agency blamed partly on snafus caused by a rush of people trying to get Real IDs, a new identification card design required for airline passengers starting in late 2020. Delays were also blamed on computer crashes at DMV offices as the agency struggled to update its aging automation systems. The DMV also admitted that there were an estimated 23,000 errors as people either were unknowingly registered to vote or mistakes were made in their registration status as part of the states new motor voter program. The agency registered to vote as many as 1,500 people with legal U.S. residency but no citizenship. Last month, DMV Director Jean Shiomoto retired from the agency. Legislators were angered earlier this week when the DMV said it needed an additional $40 million to prevent the return of long lines at its field offices. In addition, the agency has been under fire for issuing driver licenses in the last year that do not comply with the federal Real ID standards requiring two forms of identification by applicants. Facebook

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California police unions are preparing to battle new transparency law in the courtroom By Maya Lau Just as a landmark police transparency law is going into effect, some California police agencies are shredding internal affairs documents and law enforcement unions are rushing to block the information from being released. The new law, which begins to unwind Californias strictest-in-the-nation protections over the secrecy of law enforcement records, opens to the public internal investigations of officer shootings and other major uses of force, along with confirmed cases of sexual assault and lying while on duty. But the lawsuits and records destruction, which began even before the law took effect Jan. 1, could tie up the release of information for months or years, and in some instances, prevent it from ever being disclosed. The fact that police unions are challenging this law is on some level not surprising, said Peter Bibring, director of police practices at the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, one of the principal supporters of the new law. They have a long history of fighting tooth and nail against transparency. Read More Facebook

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Secretary of State Alex Padilla begins second term with challenge to ensure every Californian is counted By Jazmine Ulloa Secretary of State Alex Padilla takes the oath of office as his family stands by his side on Monday in Sacramento. (Jazmine Ulloa / Los Angeles Times) Secretary of State Alex Padilla was sworn in for a second term on Monday, saying he would continue the battle to protect the right to vote at a time when voter suppression efforts, online disinformation campaigns and interference from foreign adversaries have polarized the public and threatened to undermine trust in U.S. elections. I am doubling down on our fight here in Sacramento and in Washington, D.C., to defend our democracy, he said. Working on the front lines with so many of you, I know that our collective resolve has never been stronger. But the loudest applause came when Padilla promised to fight back against the Trump administrations changes to the U.S. census, saying he will ensure every Californian gets counted. Padilla, a former state senator and Los Angeles City Council member from the San Fernando Valley, led the cause for a new motor voter registration law in 2015, and a new system for online business registrations. But the programs have had experienced problems: More than 23,000 Californians were registered to vote incorrectly by the state DMV, the agency reported last year. On Monday, Padilla said he would continue to push back against false claims of voter fraud in California and pointed to the states voter turnout as proof that his office was involving more people in the democratic process, a promise he made when he was first sworn in four years ago. More than 12.7 million voters cast ballots in the Nov. 6 midterm election, representing roughly 65% of the states registered voters, the highest number of any midterm election since 1982, according to state certified results. I made that promise based on a shared belief that we are a stronger democracy and a better California when we hear all voices from all corners of California, and when those voices are not just heard but counted, Padilla said. Facebook

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Ricardo Lara, Californias first statewide officeholder to come out as gay, sworn in as insurance commissioner Ricardo Lara on the floor of the state Senate in 2016. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) Ricardo Lara took the oath of office as California insurance commissioner on Monday, pledging action to boost healthcare coverage and combat climate change. Lara, a Democrat from Bell Gardens, is the first elected statewide officeholder in California who has come out as gay. He began his speech in downtown Sacramento by thanking LGBTQ leaders who came before him and celebrated the occasion. Today, because of you, weve shattered the pink ceiling, Lara said. In his inaugural speech, Lara announced the creation of an executive position in his office to address climate change. There is no other industry that has the necessary expertise to ensure that California is prepared to mitigate and reduce risk to our communities and our environment, Lara said. Our planet cant wait. Im ready, and I hope you are too. Lara served as a state legislator and in 2017 introduced a bill to create a single-payer healthcare system in the state. He promised to work with new Gov. Gavin Newsom to expand coverage across California. Lara was sworn in by retired U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker, who declared unconstitutional Californias Proposition 8 gay marriage ban. State Sen. President Pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) was on hand for the ceremony along with multiple other state lawmakers. Facebook

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New California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis says she will help expand access to universities in the state New Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, center, is shown in June talking with attendees at the Power to the Polls rally in Sacramento. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) More Californians should be given access to public universities, Eleni Kounalakis said as she took the oath of office Monday to become the states first woman elected lieutenant governor. Kounalakis was given the oath of office by Gov. Gavin Newsom, her predecessor in the job, who pledged they would work together. As lieutenant governor, Kounalakis serves on the University of California Board of Regents and the California State University Board of Trustees, she noted in a speech at her swearing-in ceremony at the main Sacramento Library. In that role, she said, she will be committed to expanding access to affordable public higher education here in our state. Its wise, its smart and it is the best way to address our rapidly changing digital economy. Kounalakis is former president of a development company founded by her father, Angelo Tsakopoulos, and served during the Obama administration as the U.S. ambassador to Hungary. In November, she won her first run for statewide office. Also attending the ceremony were House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm. Facebook

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California meets Dutch Newsom, who steals the show at his fathers inauguration By Taryn Luna Gov. Gavin Newsom gives his inaugural address while holding his youngest son, Dutch. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) In the California political world, all eyes were on Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday until his 2-year-old son stole the show. Dutch, the youngest of four children in the Newsom brood, climbed onstage in the middle of his fathers inaugural address in a tent outside the Capitol on Monday. The unplanned moment saw the 51-year-old governors big day interrupted by the toddler, bringing levity to the ceremony. Newsom was recounting Gov. Jerry Browns last inaugural speech and reference to the Sermon on the Mount, a biblical story about two men who built separate homes on sand and rock, when Dutch approached his father, a pacifier in his mouth and blanket in hand. Now more than ever we Californians know how much a house matters and children matter, Newsom said, improvising as he scooped the boy into his arms. The governor kissed Dutch on the cheek and held him for several minutes as he continued with the speech. This is exactly how it was scripted, Newsom joked. Newsom eventually put his child down and Dutch walked to the edge of the stage before retreating behind the podium to hide from his mother, First Lady Jennifer Siebel Newsom. The crowd roared. Siebel Newsom was able to briefly divert her son only for him to return to the stage minutes later. She grabbed him again and this time, the crying toddler did not reemerge. When fires strikes, when kids cry and the earth shakes, well be there for each other, Newsom said. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who said the moment humanized Newsom, threw cold water on any theories that Dutchs cameo was planned. No, I know it was not, Garcetti said with a laugh after Newsoms speech concluded. I could see that look of absolute abject terror [on Newsoms face]. Weve all been there. Kids always think its about themselves and theyve proved it. California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) agreed. I worked in early childhood education for 20 years and theres no way you can ever get a child to do anything when you want them to do it, Rendon said. Facebook

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Fiona Ma takes oath as Californias new treasurer By Liam Dillon State Treasurer Fiona Ma. Fiona Ma took the oath of office in Sacramento on Monday as the states 34th treasurer, promising to boost Californias economy. Ma previously served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, in the state Assembly and on the California Board of Equalization. I want to thank everyone for entrusting me with this important job. I understand my role here as your state treasurer is to build that financial wall around California so that we will remain the fifth-largest economy, Ma said in brief remarks. That is my promise to you. California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye administered the oath to Ma. Following the ceremony, Ma held an ice cream social for guests. On Wednesday, she will host a public event in San Francisco to celebrate her swearing-in. State Treasurer Fiona Ma takes the oath of office. (Liam Dillon / Los Angeles Times) Facebook

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Expectations are high for newly sworn-in state schools chief Tony Thurmond Tony Thurmond shakes hands with retired Alameda County Superior Court Judge Gordon Baranco after taking the oath of office. (Melody Gutierrez / Los Angeles Times) Tony Thurmond took the oath of office as Californias state superintendent of public schools on Monday, promising a labor-friendly agenda before the teachers, students and Democratic officials who filled an auditorium at McClatchy High School in Sacramento to watch him being sworn in. We cant close the achievement gap without a great teacher at the head of every class, Thurmond said Monday to applause. We have to make sure we provide quality compensation and support to our teachers and our classified staff and all the educators who support our kids. Thurmond, a Bay Area Democrat who served in the state Assembly, won a hotly contested and expensive race with the help of labor leaders against charter school executive Marshall Tuck. The race took several days to sort out after Tuck held an initial lead in early returns on election night before falling behind thereafter. Thurmond was sworn in Monday by retired Alameda County Superior Court Judge Gordon Baranco. He was joined on stage by labor rights leader Dolores Huerta and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount). Thurmonds former colleagues in the state Assembly took turns praising him and promising to be an ally in improving schools. Many said they expected Thurmond would be a strong leader focused on improving student outcomes. We know we are going to work hard to give you the money you need and the budget you need to fully fund education and our schools so we can put our money where our mouth is and make sure our children have everything they need, Assemblywoman Connie Leyva (D-Chino Hills) said. As state superintendent, Thurmond will oversee the education of 6.2 million students at 10,000 schools. Thurmond was a member of the West Contra Costa County School Board and a Richmond city councilman before he was elected to the state Assembly. Tony is the right man at the right time to fight the federal, Donald Trump, Betsy DeVos anti-child, anti-education, anti-civil and -human rights agenda, U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) said. Tony is going to do that for us. Facebook

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State Controller Betty Yee takes oath of office with call for more affordable housing and healthcare State Controller Betty Yee California Controller Betty Yee took the oath of office Monday for a second term, saying she still has work to do addressing problems that include a lack of affordability in housing, healthcare and higher education. A San Francisco native, Yee is the chief financial officer of California  the fifth-largest economy in the world  having first won election to the post in 2014 before winning reelection in November. No region is spared from the widening inequality and increased poverty that plague our state, fueled by the lack of affordable, stable housing, the cost of healthcare and transportation, limited educational opportunities, student loan debt, displacement caused by disasters and more, she said. Yee was administered the oath of office by California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento before an overflow crowd that included state Senate leader Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), state Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra and San Francisco Mayor London Breed. As a public official it is about governance that delivers results and stays accountable while upholding the underlying value of dignity for all, Yee said. Facebook

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California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra begins new term promising to fight Trump policies California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra ( (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)) California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra on Monday took the oath of office for a new term, saying he would continue his role as a leading challenger to Trump administration actions that he believes are counter to the states interests. Becerra, a former 12-term congressman, has become a national opposition figure to Trump, having sued the federal government 45 times since he was appointed as the states first Latino attorney general in 2017. Weve been a little busy stopping the dysfunction and insanity in Washington, D.C., from infecting California, Becerra told an audience during a swearing-in ceremony at the California Museum in Sacramento. Whether its the criminals on our streets or the conman in the boardrooms or highest office of the land, Becerra said, the California Department of Justice, well, weve got your back. Becerra won his first statewide election as the states top cop in November, two years after he filled the post vacated when predecessor Kamala Harris was elected to the U.S. Senate. He has peppered the Trump administration with lawsuits challenging federal policies on healthcare, the U.S. census, the environment and immigration. Our state builds dreams, not walls, he said in a direct criticism of Trumps proposal to build a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border. Just last week, Becerra led a coalition of 17 Democratic attorneys general in announcing an appeal of a federal judge in Texas that ruled the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional. The ACA has been the law for nearly a decade and is the backbone of our healthcare system, Becerra said last week. This case impacts nearly every American  workers covered by employers, families, women, children, young adults and seniors  so we will lead the ACAs defense as long and far as it takes. Facebook

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California Democratic Party Vice Chairman Daraka Larimore-Hall announces bid to lead group By Christine Mai-Duc Daraka Larimore-Hall. (Dominic Parisi / Courtesy of Daraka Larimore-Hall) Daraka Larimore-Hall, a top official at the California Democratic Party, said Monday hes running to replace former chairman Eric Bauman, who resigned abruptly in November after being confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct. Larimore-Hall, a longtime state party activist and former chairman of the Democratic Party of Santa Barbara County, was one of the party leaders who urged Bauman to resign following the allegations. In an email to supporters announcing his bid, he urged both structural and cultural change at every level of our Party. He also repeated his call for a top-to-bottom investigation of the allegations, the party and its culture. In a Times investigation, 10 party activists and staff members said Bauman made crude sexual comments and engaged in unwanted touching and physical intimidation in professional settings. In order to be where we need to be for 2020, we have to confront the culture of abuse and fear that allowed someone to behave in such a vile way for so long, Larimore-Hall said in an interview. We cant brush it aside or think that our activists or our candidates or our donors are going to forget about this overnight. Larimore-Hall said his first priority would be to fully investigate the allegations and restore rank-and-file confidence in the partys leadership. The second would be to refocus the party on political priorities as the 2020 presidential election nears. The Bauman episode, Larimore-Hall said, threatens to derail the Democrats plans to help defeat President Trump and keep the seven congressional seats gained in the midterm elections. Its definitely a crisis, Larimore-Hall said. But the component parts  the energy, the enthusiasm, the volunteers, the infrastructure  its still there. We just need to direct it toward something. Larimore-Hall was elected vice chairman of the state party in February following Baumans razor-thin victory over Bay Area activist Kimberly Ellis. Ellis has announced another bid for the chairmanship and former state Senate leader Kevin de Leon is also mulling a run. The vote will take place at the partys May convention in San Francisco. Facebook

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Newsom will vow to seize this moment, and swipe at Trump in Monday inaugural address By Melanie Mason Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom and his family attend an Inauguration Family Event at the California Railroad Museum in Sacramento on Jan. 6. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) Building on the theme of California exceptionalism that defined his campaign, Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom will depict the state as a guardian of progressive values and a counterweight to President Trump in his inaugural address Monday, according to excerpts of his prepared remarks. What we do today is even more consequential, because of whats happening in our country, read the excerpts obtained by The Times. Peoples lives, freedom, security, the water we drink, the air we breathe  they all hang in the balance. The country is watching us. The world is waiting on us. The future depends on us. And we will seize this moment. The speech casts Californias political stakes in a decidedly national scope, promising an agenda that will unify and be an example to the rest of the country. It contrasts the governing goals of Newsom, a Democrat, with that of Trump, the incoming governors perennial foil. We will offer an alternative to the corruption and incompetence in the White House, the excerpts say. Our government will be progressive, principled, and always on the side of the people. Newsom campaigned on an ambitious and wide-ranging platform, promising sweeping solutions on housing, healthcare, education and other issues that rank among Californians top concerns. In the weeks after his election, he struck a more muted tone, taking pains to emphasize his fiscal caution and need for patience in achieving those goals. The inaugural excerpts indicate a return to lofty pledges. While Newsom will vow to prepare for uncertain times ahead by building budgetary reserves and paying down debt, the prepared remarks quickly turn to a vow to be bold. Newsom has already floated several proposals for his first budget that carry significant price tags, including a nearly $2-billion plan to boost early childhood development for low-income families and a dramatic expansion of paid family leave from six weeks to six months. When asked for a preview of his inauguration speech during a news conference Sunday evening, Newsom predicted pundits would criticize his address as short on specifics. Well, of course, Im at an inaugural, Newsom said. But Ill be very detailed in the budget, a few days later. And then we will architect, in much more nuance and detail, in state of the state. I really see this as three opportunities  to communicate over the next few weeks our agenda, our vision for the state. Times staff writer Taryn Luna contributed to this report. Read More Facebook

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Newsom-hosted benefit concert raises nearly $5 million for wildfire victims By Taryn Luna Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom speaks at a concert to benefit wildfire victims at the Golden 1 Arena in Sacramento on Jan. 6. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) On the eve of the gubernatorial inauguration, Californias political class rubbed elbows in Sacramento for a benefit concert hosted by Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom and headlined by the rapper Pitbull. Newsom told the crowd gathered at the Golden 1 Center on Sunday evening that the fundraiser brought in nearly $5 million for the California Wildfire Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that supports the families of fallen firefighters and communities affected by wildfires. You know, a lot of folks feel anxious about not just politics, but government, Newsom said on stage before introducing the rapper and activist Common. But those firefighters, they are the antidote to the fear and cynicism; they are the manifestation of why government matters and why you should care. Top sponsors, including Salesforce, Kaiser Permanente and other interest groups, paid up to $1 million each to support the cause and curry favor with the new administration. Nathan Click, a spokesman for Newsom, said organizers sold more than 7,000 tickets. Several state lawmakers attended the concert alongside Capitol staff, lobbyists and business types, who mingled on the floor of the arena and offstage in private VIP areas. The rock band X Ambassadors and a duo called the Cold Weather Sons from the town of Paradise, which was destroyed by fire in November, were among several performers who entertained the crowd during the four-hour event. The California Rises concert is the final in a series of festivities held Sunday to celebrate the inauguration of Californias 40th governor. Earlier in the day, Newsom attended a private brunch at Sacramentos Crocker Art Museum and his inaugural committee hosted a free party for families at the California State Railroad Museum at the Old Sacramento Waterfront. Newsoms inauguration is set to begin at 11 a.m. Monday on the steps of the Capitol. Facebook

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Inauguration fever hits Sacramento as Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom prepares to take office By Phil Willon Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom holds his son, Dutch, as he and his family attend an inaugural event at the at the state Railroad Museum Sunday. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) Incoming Gov. Gavin Newsom doesnt officially take the oath of office until Monday, but the parties celebrating his inauguration were in full swing all day Sunday. Newsom and his family were mobbed by well-wishers at the California State Railroad Museum at the Old Sacramento Waterfront in the afternoon, where his inaugural committee hosted a free party for families. He just has charisma. Hes able to really connect with people, said Rosielyn Pulmano, an attorney from Elk Grove who came to see Newsom with her husband, two sons and her niece. I think he cares about working Californians and a lot of their issues. Newsom arrived with his wife, documentary filmmaker Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and their four young children, and the governor-elect spent a good deal of his time wading through crowds, taking selfies with supporters and signing autographs as music boomed in the background. As the family toured the inside of the museums locomotives and the bevy of exhibits, Newsoms two-year-old son, Dutch, was wide-eyed, impressed by all the train cars and seemingly a little overwhelmed by the crowd. Newsom said that for his son, all that was missing from the museum was Thomas the Train, popular fictional locomotive in childrens books and cartoons . If theres one thing I can contribute to Sacramento maybe its getting a Thomas the Train exhibit for the two years olds, Newsom joked when talking with reporters afterward. Newsom said he wanted to include such an event in his inaugural festivities to highlight families and children, whose wellbeing will be among the top priorities of his administration. Youll see that not only as a preamble to the inaugural and the budget that well be submitting next week, but I think itll be a big part of the administration, Newsom said. The museum event followed a private, high-dollar brunch at Sacramentos Crocker Art Museum. A steady rain failed to dissuade as many as 200 guests who sipped wine and dined on chicken and salmon while waiting for a photo with Californias new first couple. Seen at the event were representatives of some of the states most powerful political interests, among them organized labor, healthcare companies and tribal gaming interests. A few other high-profile guests attended, too, including Larry Baer, CEO of the San Francisco Giants, and Erika Jayne, a singer and cast member of the reality TV show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Im excited to see someone like Gavin  young, vibrant  taking over the state and leading us into the future, Jayne said after attending the brunch with her husband, attorney Tom Girardi. Hes got a lot of great plans. Attendees said the event, which was closed to reporters and held under a tent in the museums outdoor atrium, did not include prepared remarks by Newsom. Among those seen leaving the event were representatives of AT&T, the California Medical Assn., Uber, Kaiser Permanente and the State Building and Construction Trades Council. A fundraising invitation obtained by The Times offered bundled tickets to all of the inauguration events, including those on Sunday and the Monday ceremony, ranging in price from $25,000 to $200,000. The money will be collected by a committee specifically organized to pay for Newsoms inaugural weekend. Sundays festivities are scheduled to end with a benefit concert headlined by Pitbull at the Golden 1 Center, home of the NBAs Sacramento Kings, to raise money for the victims of Californias recent deadly wildfires. Among the attendees at @GavinNewsoms pre-inaugural leadership brunch: Real Housewife of

Bev Hills @erikajayne. Im excited to see someone like Gavinyoung, vibranttaking over the state and leading us into the future. Hes got a lot of great plans. pic.twitter.com/561NHiy2XQ  Melanie Mason (@melmason) January 6, 2019 Facebook

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As Newsom inaugural events begin, he unveils more state budget promises on education and paid family leave Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom, seen here last April, will propose new state budget efforts on paid family leave and education subsidies. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) Californias incoming governor, who must send his first state budget plan to the Legislature this week, has already signaled a significant new focus on programs to help families and children from infancy to college. Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom campaigned on a platform that included a number of child-focused efforts specifically aimed at helping lower-income families. The price tag for the initial efforts is expected to approach $2 billion  a cost paid out of an unrestricted tax revenue windfall that could be one of the largest in state history. Newsom may also seek help for families through new subsidies paid by California employers. The governor-elect is expected to propose a dramatic expansion of paid parental leave  from six weeks to six months  according to an internal document provided by a source close to the Newsom transition team, first reported on Sunday by the New York Times. The document doesnt offer a full explanation for how the program will be funded, saying instead that the budget will set a goal of ensuring that all newborns and newly adopted babies can be cared for by a parent or a close family member for the first six months. Employers across the state are currently assessed a payroll tax that helps offer a subsidy to parents who temporarily leave their job to care for a newborn. Newsoms plan, according to the document, would pay for some of the new costs by shrinking the mandated cash reserve of the state fund that administers the program, allowing more of the money to be paid in benefits. The increase in paid leave would not all happen at once but instead be phased in over a multi-year period. A task force to help implement the expanded care plan is also envisioned, according to the document. It would determine whether two parents could split the six months of paid leave and whether an extended family member could be enlisted to help care for the child of a single parent over the six-month period. The incoming administrations focus on young children will also include $1.8 billion in new spending on early childhood education programs, with a particular focus on training childcare workers and pushing for more California schools to offer full-day kindergarten. Those costs, according to an overview memo obtained by the Los Angeles Times, are considered to be a one-time expense while leaving the long-term costs of the effort to be determined later. More community college students would get free tuition under a third initiative expected in the new governors budget plan. Newsom will propose spending $40 million to offer a second year of tuition-free college to California students, according to an outline provided by a transition official, first reported by Politico. Students are already eligible for a single year of paid tuition under a plan agreed to by Gov. Jerry Brown and lawmakers in 2017. The incoming governor embraced the idea of free community college during the 2018 campaign as part of a broader focus on additional investments in higher education. Education is an economic development strategy, Newsom said at a higher education forum last spring. We need to significantly increase the investment from the general fund of this state on higher education. Theres no greater higher return on investment. Whether the proposal would be targeted to students based on a familys financial need is unclear. Many low-income students are already eligible for fee waivers at community colleges. The new governor must submit his full state budget plan to lawmakers no later than Thursday. Facebook

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Gavin Newsom and his family decide Sacramento is the place to be The Old Governors Mansion State Historic Park in Sacramento. Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom will move his family into the mansion. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom and his family will give up the Marin County life and move to the Victorian-style governors mansion in Sacramento after he takes the oath of office Monday. Newsom and his wife, documentary filmmaker Jennifer Siebel Newsom, had debated whether or when to relocate to the state capital since his election in November. The couple have four young children and expressed reservations about moving in the middle of a school year. To best serve the people of California while also maximizing family time together, the Newsoms have therefore decided to move to Sacramento, said Newsoms spokesman, Nathan Click. On Monday, they will move into the Governors Mansion  along with their four children, their two family dogs, and their family bunny rabbit  and reside there for the immediate future. The Newsoms currently live in Marin County. Gov. Jerry Brown and his wife, Ann Gust Brown, moved into the grand house in 2015 after it underwent $4.1 million in renovations to update electrical and plumbing systems, as well as to remove lead-based paint and install a fire sprinkler system and other security features. The mansion was built in 1877 and has been home to 14 governors, but before Brown it had not housed a California governor for nearly half a century. The state bought the mansion from a wealthy Sacramento hardware merchant, Albert Gallatin, in 1903 for $32,500. It was one of the few California homes at that time to have indoor plumbing. Facebook

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Newsom announces top labor, business liaisons as he prepares to take office Julie Su will be secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency for Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times) Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom on Friday named two advisors on issues related to the California economy, each recognized for their expertise on business and labor. The incoming governor will appoint Julie Su as secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency and Lenny Mendonca as chief economic and business advisor and director of the Governors Office of Business and Economic Development. Su, 49, has served as state labor commissioner under Gov. Jerry Brown since 2011 and has led an office tasked with the enforcement of Californias labor laws. She won a MacArthur Foundation genius grant in 2001 and previously worked as a civil rights attorney representing low-wage workers. In her new position, Su will be tasked with coordinating the work of several workforce departments in state government, including those that administer unemployment benefits and oversee the relationship between agriculture workers and employers. Mendonca, 57, has been a longtime advocate for rethinking government operations as co-chairman of the nonprofit organization California Forward. Previously, he was partner at McKinsey & Co., a global management consulting firm. While he will be a key advisor to Newsom on the states economy, Mendonca will also lead the office often referred to as Go-Biz, designated as a high-level way to encourage job growth and economic development. In his new role, Mendonca will help ensure that California is rolling out the welcome mat to current and future California businesses and growing a sustainable economy for every Californian, said a statement from the Newsom transition team. Newsom will take the oath of office as governor Monday. He has previously selected key advisors on the state budget, legislative affairs and the executive branchs wide array of agencies and departments. Facebook

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Joshua Groban, aide to Gov. Jerry Brown, sworn in to California Supreme Court By Taryn Luna California Supreme Court Justice Joshua Groban gives remarks after he is sworn into the court by Gov. Jerry Brown on Thursday. (Taryn Luna) California Supreme Court Justice Joshua Groban, a lawyer and longtime aide to Gov. Jerry Brown, was sworn into the states highest court Thursday in Sacramento. The ceremony marked Browns fourth appointment to the state Supreme Court and gave the seven-member bench a Democratic majority. We live in a highly chaotic, ever-changing and ever-confusing world, Groban said in prepared remarks at the Stanley Mosk Library and Courts Building. But Im happy to report that Im joining an institution whose fundamental purpose, at core, is to provide stability and consistency amidst this chaotic place we live. I look forward to doing that with a sense of reflection, respect, fidelity to the law and compassion. None of Browns appointees, Groban included, have judicial experience. Groban served as legal counsel to Browns 2010 gubernatorial campaign and joined the administration as a senior advisor to the governor, overseeing the appointments of some 600 judges over the last eight years. Prior to working with Brown, Groban, 45, practiced law for more than a decade. In perhaps his final public appearance before his successor, Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom, takes office next week, Brown pushed back on notions that he stacked the court. I dont want this to be known as a Brown court, the governor said before administering the judicial oath of office. First of all, the so-called Brown appointments do not agree with themselves and nor should they. They are individuals. They will differ. Its not anybodys court. The governor called the court a high calling and said Groban possesses the values for the job. Probably, next to my wife, Ive talked to no person as much as Ive talked to Josh Groban, Brown said. I think youve talked to him more, Californias First Lady Anne Gust Brown interjected. I cant tell you what the hell hes going to do, Brown later quipped. I warned him, dont screw up, at least not at first. Facebook

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California campaign watchdog agency seeks law barring use of campaign funds to fight harassment claims Former state Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia). ( (Steve Yeater / Associated Press)) Elected officials accused of harassment or discrimination would be barred from using political contributions to cover their legal defense costs under legislation proposed by Californias campaign watchdog agency. The state Fair Political Practices Commission has agreed to pursue a law change to clear up confusion after an attorney for one former state lawmaker argued political funds could be used in such legal defenses. Commission Chairwoman Alice Germond said putting a prohibition into the law would provide some much needed clarity. As chair, I would like to show the public their lawmakers are held to a standard that is above reproach, Germond said in a statement. People dont give money to campaigns for lawmakers to use it to defend their own bad behavior, so lawmakers shouldnt be able to use it in that manner. The issue came up a year ago when an attorney for former Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) sought a formal opinion from the FPPC after the Senate launched an investigation that later concluded Mendoza likely engaged in a pattern of harassment against female aides. Mendoza resigned in February under threat of expulsion by the Senate. In a Jan. 10, 2018, letter, Cassandra Ferrannini, an attorney for Mendoza, wrote to the FPPC that she believed Mendoza should be allowed to establish a legal defense fund able to defray his legal expenses in defending himself against the allegations. The use of campaign funds for attorneys fees under these circumstances would fall squarely within the scope of legislative matters, since it involves the alleged conduct of a legislator with regard to legislative staff that he supervised, Ferrannini wrote. The commission staff originally issued an advice letter that said Mendoza may use campaign and legal defense funds to defend himself from claims of sexual harassment that arose directly out of his activities or status as a candidate or elected officer. But the panel later rescinded the letter after some members questioned using campaign funds to fight sexual harassment claims. That left uncertainty about what was allowed, which Germond said could be cleared up by a new law. The FPPC is still looking for a legislator to carry the bill, a spokesman said. Facebook

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Californias landmark police transparency law takes effect after court denies police union effort to block it California Supreme Court building (Eric Risberg / Associated Press) A new state law allowing the public disclosure of internal police shooting investigations has gone into effect after the California Supreme Court on Wednesday denied a bid by a police union to block it. The law opens to the public for the first time internal investigations of officer shootings and other major uses of force, along with confirmed cases of sexual assault and lying while on duty. The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Employees Benefit Assn. challenged the law last month, asking state Supreme Court justices to decide that the law only apply to incidents that occur in 2019 or later. The court rejected that request Wednesday, allowing members of the public to seek all applicable records held by police departments. Union president Grant Ward said in a statement that his organization was disappointed with the decision and is now seeking other legal options. We feel this is a statewide issue and should be considered accordingly, Ward said. Last month, the city of Inglewood authorized the destruction of more than 100 police shooting investigations and other records in advance of Jan. 1, when the disclosure law was scheduled to take effect. California law requires police departments to keep such records for five years, and Inglewood City Council voted to destroy records older than that. Mayor James T. Butts has said the decision had nothing to do with the new law. In Los Angeles, Police Chief Michel Moore has said that complying with the new disclosure rules could take hundreds of thousands of hours of work. State Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), the author of the transparency law, has said she has no immediate plans to propose changes to it. Facebook

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Few complaints of racial profiling are sustained by police agencies in California, state panel finds CHP Officer J. Nelson stands outside the office of Gov. Jerry Brown as activists in 2015 support requiring the tracking of police stops. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Law enforcement agencies in California sustain few citizen complaints of racial or identity profiling, according to a report Wednesday by a state panel set up to help reduce bias in policing. The states Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board recommended in its annual report that law enforcement agencies improve training and adopt clear guidelines for tracking and reporting data on who is stopped by officers. The panel said that 453 law enforcement agencies in the state received 9,459 civilian complaints in 2017, including 865 complaints alleging racial or identity profiling. Of the racial and identity complaints that reached a disposition that year, 1.5% were sustained, 14.6% resulted in officers being exonerated and 83.9% of complaints were not sustained or were determined to be unfounded, the report said. A clearer picture of the issue is expected from a 2015 law that requires police agencies to report demographic data on all detentions and searches. The first reports by the eight largest agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, are due to be submitted in April. California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra, whose office oversees the board, said tracking of all detentions and searches will be helpful to understand the scope of the issue. The Boards recommendations will help make our law enforcement agencies more transparent and promote critical steps to enhance, and in some cases, repair the public trust, Becerra said in a statement Wednesday. Facebook

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California housing crisis podcast: What Minneapolis decision to end single-family zoning might mean for California A view of downtown Minneapolis in 2014 (Stephen Maturen / Getty Images) Theres a national movement brewing to roll back zoning rules in cities that only allow one house on a plot of land. The epicenter of that movement is Minneapolis, which passed a plan last month to eliminate single-family zoning citywide and let landowners build duplexes and triplexes on residential property. On this episode of Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast, we talk about the reasons why Minneapolis leaders took this action, including their desire to combat a history of racial exclusion and spur more housing density to fight climate change. We also debate how Minneapolis decision might affect housing politics in California. Our guest is Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender, who helped shepherd the new zoning rules to passage and a former San Francisco city planner. The episode also crowns 2018s Avocado of the Year  the most ridiculous story exemplifying Californias housing woes  and includes our predictions for the most under-the-radar important themes in housing politics in 2019. Gimme Shelter, a biweekly podcast that looks at why its so expensive to live in California and what the state can do about it, features Liam Dillon, who covers housing affordability issues for the Los Angeles Times Sacramento bureau, and Matt Levin, data and housing reporter for CALmatters. You can subscribe to Gimme Shelter on iTunes, Stitcher, Soundcloud, Google Play and Overcast. Facebook

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How young immigrant Dreamers made flipping control of the House a personal quest By Jazmine Ulloa Gabriela Cruz, who was brought to the U.S. illegally when she was 1, couldnt vote, but in the final hours before the Nov. 6 election, she was making one last run to get people to the polls. The sun was setting in Modesto when she found Ronald Silva, 41, smoking a cigarette on a tattered old couch behind a group home. He politely tried to wave her off until she reminded him he had a right that she as an immigrant without citizenship didnt have. It could really make a change for us, said Cruz, 29. Read More Facebook

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Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom will propose almost $2 billion for early childhood programs (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Seeking to frame his new administration as one with a firm focus on closing the gap between children from affluent and poor families, Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom will propose spending some $1.8 billion on an array of programs designed to boost Californias enrollment in early education and child-care programs. Newsoms plan, which he hinted at in a Fresno event last month, will be a key element in the state budget proposal he will submit to the Legislature shortly after taking office Monday, a source close to the governor-elects transition team said. The spending would boost programs designed to ensure children enter kindergarten prepared to learn, closing what some researchers have called the readiness gap that exists based on a familys income. It would also phase in an expansion of prekindergarten and offer money to help school districts that dont have facilities for full-day kindergarten. The fact that hes making significant investments with his opening budget is really exciting, Ted Lempert, president of the Bay Area-based nonprofit Children Now, said Tuesday. Whats exciting is the comprehensiveness of it, because its saying were going to focus on prenatal through age 5. A broad overview document reviewed by The Times on Tuesday shows that most of the outlay under the plan  $1.5 billion  would be a one-time expense in the budget year that begins July 1. Those dollars would be a single infusion of cash, an approach favored by Gov. Jerry Brown in recent years. Most of the money would be spent on efforts to expand child-care services and kindergarten classes. By law, a governor must submit a full budget to the Legislature no later than Jan. 10. Lawmakers will spend the winter and spring reviewing the proposal and must send a final budget plan to Newsom by June 15. Though legislative Democrats have pushed for additional early childhood funding in recent years  a key demand of the Legislative Womens Caucus  those actions have typically come late in the budget-writing season in Sacramento. Quite frankly, to start out with a January proposal that includes that investment in Californias children reflects a new day, state Sen. Holly J. Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) said. The governor-elect will propose a $750-million boost to kindergarten funding, aimed at expanding facilities to allow full-day programs. A number of school districts offer only partial-day programs, leaving many low-income families to skip enrolling their children because kindergarten classes end in the middle of the workday. Because the money would not count toward meeting Californias three-decades-old education spending guarantee under Proposition 98, which sets a minimum annual funding level for K-12 schools and community colleges, it will not reduce planned spending on other education services. Close behind in total cost is a budget proposal by Newsom to help train child-care workers and expand local facilities already subsidized by the state, as well as those serving parents who attend state colleges and universities. Together, those efforts could cost $747 million, according to the budget overview document. An expansion of prekindergarten programs would be phased in over three years at a cost of $125 million in the first year. The multiyear rollout would, according to the budget overview, ensure the system can plan for the increase in capacity. Lempert said the Newsom proposal is notable for trying to avoid the kinds of battles that in recent years pitted prekindergarten and expanded child care against each other for additional taxpayer dollars. The reality is we need to expand both simultaneously, he said. Another $200 million of the proposal would be earmarked for programs that provide home visits to expectant parents from limited-income families and programs that provide healthcare screenings for young children. Some of the money would come from the states Medi-Cal program, and other money from federal matching dollars. Funding for the home visits program was provided in the budget Brown signed last summer; the Newsom effort would build on that. Emphasizing a policy area with broad appeal in his first state budget could reflect Newsoms political sensibility about the challenges ahead. Democratic lawmakers and interest groups will be especially eager to see how Newsom addresses the demand for an overhaul of healthcare coverage in California  especially after a 2017 effort to create a single-payer, universal system fizzled. The path forward on healthcare is complex and costly, making early childhood education a more achievable goal in the governor-elects early tenure. Newsom is likely to face considerable demands for other additional spending. In November, the Legislatures independent analysts projected that continued strength in tax revenues could produce a cash reserve of some $29 billion over the next 18 months. Almost $15 billion of that could be in unrestricted reserves, the kind that can be spent on any number of government programs. Kim Belshe, executive director of the child advocacy organization First 5 LA and a former state health and human services secretary, said the initial Newsom budget proposal suggests the next governor will focus on a comprehensive approach to improving outcomes for children from low-income families. School-ready kids deserve quality early learning, strong and well-supported families, and access to early screening services, Belshe said. Newsom understands the whole child, multifaceted needs of our kids and is clearly ready to lead. Mitchell, the chair of the Senate budget committee, said shes eager to see the details of the governor-elects proposal to determine whether it might signal the beginning of an even broader expansion of early education efforts. Similar efforts have been hindered by a lack of money and ongoing debate over which services to help children 5 and younger need state funding the most. Universal preschool, in particular, has been debated for more than a decade. California voters rejected a ballot measure to fund a full prekindergarten system in 2006. Its clear theres a new movement afoot trying to engage on investment for universal preschool, Mitchell said. How we invest, and how we prioritize that investment, is going to be a great conversation for the coming months. Facebook

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California Politics Podcast: A final conversation with Gov. Jerry Brown No Californian has served longer as governor, signed more laws, granted clemency to more felons or waged more high-profile campaigns than Gov. Jerry Brown. Brown will leave behind a unique legacy when he packs his last belongings for the trip from the governors mansion in Sacramento to his Northern California ranch. His final two terms in office could be his most consequential. The governor reviewed some of the more notable moments from the past eight years in a far-reaching interview with The Times on Dec. 22. This weeks podcast episode includes extended portions of that conversation. Facebook

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A sagging economy could doom a 2020 ballot measure to raise commercial property taxes, Gov. Jerry Brown says Gov. Jerry Brown, at his Colusa County home on Saturday, said a ballot measure to raise commercial property taxes could struggle in 2020. (Randall Benton/For The Times) An effort to remove commercial property in California from the tax limits imposed by the landmark Proposition 13 could be felled by an economic slowdown, Gov. Jerry Brown said. In a Saturday interview with The Times at his Northern California ranch, Brown said liberal activist groups that have successfully placed the proposal on the November 2020 statewide ballot shouldnt read too much into early poll numbers showing support for the plan. That isnt as easy as you think, Brown said. Because youre going to be in a downturn of the business cycle. And youre talking many kinds of business. And the cost of doing business in California is already high. The ballot measure would allow counties to more frequently assess the market value of commercial property in California than allowed under Proposition 13, a 1978 ballot initiative that amended the state constitution to place strict limits on assessing property values and taxation for both homeowners and businesses. An analysis of the new measure, which qualified in October for the 2020 ballot, estimates it could bring in some $10.5 billion a year in new tax revenue. The business community will fight it, Brown said. And the minimum wage, the family leave, the environmental rules  business[es] have left California, thats going to be the big argument. And I think thats something you really have to think a lot about. The governor, who leaves office early next month due to term limits, declined to either endorse or oppose the ballot measure. He said Californias economic health in two years time could be a key factor in how voters weigh the proposal. Well be in a recession by then, Brown said. So its anybodys guess. Facebook

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Inglewood to destroy more than 100 police shooting records that could otherwise become public under new California law By Jack Dolan Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts (Maria Alejandra Cardona / Los Angeles Times) The city of Inglewood has authorized the shredding of more than 100 police shooting and other internal investigation records weeks before a new state law could allow the public to access them for the first time. The decision, made at a City Council meeting earlier this month, has troubled civil liberties advocates who were behind the state legislation, Senate Bill 1421, which takes effect Jan. 1. The law opens to the public internal investigations of officer shootings and other major uses of force, along with confirmed cases of sexual assault and lying while on duty. The legislature passed SB 1421 because communities demanded an end to the secrecy cloaking police misconduct and use of force, Marcus Benigno, a spokesman for the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, said in a statement. Inglewood PDs decision to purge records undermines police accountability and transparency against the will of Californians. California law says police departments must retain records of officer shootings and internal misconduct investigations for five years. The city of Inglewood, however, had kept records longer than that, including case files of police shootings dating to 1991. State Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), the author of SB 1421, intended for her bill to allow public access to all qualifying records held by a department, no matter the date of the incident. Inglewood City Council approved the destruction of records that have been in the police departments possession  more than 100 cases  longer than required by law. The city staff report and council resolution describing the action makes no mention of the new police transparency law. Instead it says the affected records are obsolete, occupy valuable space, and are of no further use to the police department. It added the traditional method of destroying such records is to shred them. It is unclear whether the records have since been destroyed. A spokesman for the Inglewood Police Department along with Inglewoods city manager, attorney, clerk, four council members and Mayor James T. Butts, a former Santa Monica police chief, did not respond to requests for comment. Inglewoods City Hall is closed the last two weeks of December. The Inglewood Police Department has a reputation for secrecy and using excessive force. In 2008, the departments officers fatally shot four men in as many months, three of whom turned out to be unarmed. The U.S. Department of Justice launched a civil rights probe and found significant flaws in the way the department oversaw use-of-force cases and investigated complaints against officers. Civil rights advocates still question why Inglewood police opened fire on a couple found sleeping in a car in 2016, killing them both. California police have a long history of shredding records to avoid scrutiny of their actions. In the 1970s, the LAPD famously destroyed more than four tons of personnel records after defense attorneys began requesting them as part of criminal cases against their clients. The move resulted in the dismissal of more than a hundred criminal complaints. In response, the Legislature demanded that records be preserved but then took other measures, supported by police unions, to ensure the public had very little access to them, making California the most secretive state in the nation when it comes to police misconduct. Skinners legislation begins to unwind those laws, which have been on the books since 1978. No video or audio of the Dec. 11 council action is available on the citys website and neither are meeting minutes or any record of the decision. A city spokeswoman, Courtney Torres, confirmed that the council had voted in favor of the police records purge, and said all the relevant reasons for the decision were included in the city staff report. The Jan. 1 implementation for SB 1421 has prompted other police officials to act. A police union in San Bernardino is asking the state Supreme Court to determine that Skinners bill only applies to incidents that occur in 2019 or later. Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore sent a letter to Skinner earlier this month warning that complying with the law in regard to older records in the departments possession could take hundreds of thousands of work hours. Facebook

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Federal officials question California DMVs process for issuing Real IDs (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has notified the California Department of Motor Vehicles that its process for providing residents with federally recognized identification cards is not adequate. DMV spokesman Armando Botello said Friday that 2.3 million residents who received Real IDs under the current process will have to submit additional documentation when their cards are renewed in five years but will be able to use them in the meantime. The DMV is developing a way for residents to submit more documentation online or via email to comply with the stricter federal requirement, he said. But some state legislators are upset about delays in notifying them of the problem and say Homeland Security could eventually require additional documentation provided by current holders. The DMV has known for a month that millions of Real IDs theyve been dolling out are potentially invalid, Assemblyman Jim Patterson (R-Fresno) said. The DMVs only hope is that the Department of Homeland Security takes pity on California and gives the DMV more time to fix this mess. Real IDs are a new kind of driver license and identification card that federal law will require legal residents to present when boarding domestic flights or visiting military bases and other federal facilities starting Oct. 1, 2020. The DMV has only been requiring one form of documentation, including a current lease or utility bill, to verify the residence of a card applicant. But the federal government said in a Nov. 21 letter to the agency that two such documents are needed. On Friday, DMV Director Jean Shiomoto released a letter defending the current process but said her agency will start requiring a second document to prove residency in April. In order to minimize confusion among our customers, the CADMV will work to inform individuals who have been issued a Real ID under the current process that their card will be accepted for official federal purposes, even if their renewal occurs after the October 1, 2020, final enforcement date for Real ID, Shiomoto wrote to the federal agency. Legislative officials worry there is still a possibility that those issued Real IDs in the past might be required to present a second document to have their cards designated as compliant. The more complex process for obtaining Real IDs has led to hours-long waits for customers at DMV field offices this year, although wait times have been reduced recently by an increase in staffing. Shiomoto last month announced that she is retiring amid problems with the motor voter registration system and after the governor ordered an audit of her agency in response to the long wait times. On Friday, Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron of Escondido blasted the DMV for waiting a month to tell legislators of the problem. This is unacceptable and flies in the face of security for our citizens, which is what Real ID was created for in the first place, she said in a statement. Facebook

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Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom taps Keely Bosler to be his finance director Keely Bosler, the director of the California Department of Finance, will continue in that role under Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom. (California Department of Finance) Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom on Friday appointed Keely Martin Bosler as director of the California Department of Finance, continuing the role she has served under Gov. Jerry Brown since August. Bosler will become Newsoms chief fiscal advisor, and will play a pivotal role in shaping Newsoms spending plan for the state that will lay the foundation for his top policy priorities. Newsom must roll out his first budget plan within days of taking office on Jan. 7. Californias brighter future depends on a strong, stable fiscal foundation, Newsom said in a statement released Friday afternoon. Keely is an accomplished public servant of sound fiscal judgment. She understands that state budgets are more than numbers on a page  they are value statements affecting the fate and future of millions of families reaching for the California Dream. We are fortunate to have her on our team. Prior to being appointed finance director, Bosler served as Browns cabinet secretary for two years and, before that, as the chief deputy director for budget in the Finance Department for three years. Earlier this year, Brown picked Bosler to lead an audit of the Department of Motor Vehicles, which had come under fire for long wait times at DMV field offices and numerous computer problems, including errors in the new motor voter program that registered Californians to vote. As we have discussed, long wait times at the Department of Motor Vehicles do not reflect the high standards of service that Californians expect from their state government, Bosler wrote in a letter in September to DMV Director Jean Shiomoto. The audit is still ongoing, but Shiomoto has since announced she will retire at the end of the year. Facebook

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Californias legislative analyst, after decades of nonpartisan research for lawmakers, calls it a career Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor, who has led the state research unit since 2008, will retire on Dec. 31. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Only five people have led the independent research office of the California Legislature since its creation in 1941. And each of them has had a pretty simple mantra to live by in reviewing public policy proposals and government programs: Call it like you see it. The job of any analyst, to me, is you maintain that nonpartisanship, Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor said. Taylor, 65, will retire from the post at the end of December after a four-decade career with the research team that began, as he likes to tell it, just after the passage of the landmark property tax rollback, Proposition 13, in 1978. He became the leader of the office, with the title of legislative analyst, in October 2008. Two months later, state government found itself in arguably the worst fiscal crisis in its history  a projected shortfall that ultimately grew to $42 billion by the following winter. There were forces beyond our control, Taylor said of that time. But dont underestimate the policy changes that were made afterward. Those changes, most notably a boost in taxes paid by high-income earners and a robust state budget cash reserve fund, have helped lead to successive years of fully funded government services. The state is projected to have some $24 billion in reserves by the end of the current fiscal year. Taylor announced his intention earlier to step down this year. Leaders from both houses of the Legislature select the analyst, who leads a staff of almost five dozen researchers. The office provides in-depth reports on pending legislation, as well as on broader policy topics like education and healthcare, and produces an independent analysis for every proposed ballot measure. A succession of lawmakers and governors alike have praised or panned the work of the Legislative Analysts Office based on their own political worldview. Taylor said his staff is mindful that they work for legislators, but try to ignore the rhetoric that follows the release of a major report. People are going to do what theyre going to do with our information, he said. They dont always like it, but they appreciate that we give them our best advice. Taylor oversaw a transformation in the way the Legislative Analysts Office distributes its information, embracing the release of research reports through social media instead of relying on traditional printed copies and journalist roundtable events. But he said the work of the researchers has remained largely unchanged through the decades. Having an independent take on things, I think, is good for the Legislature, he said. No replacement for Taylor has been announced, which means a short transition for his eventual successor before Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom sends his first budget proposal to lawmakers in early January. Taylor, who lives in the Sacramento suburbs, said he will honor the tradition of his predecessors in stepping away from public policy debates in order to give the new analyst space to lead the team as he or she sees fit. He said he hopes to travel in the coming years and spend time with his children who have moved to the East Coast. Forty years in state government, Taylor said in why he was stepping aside now. Isnt that enough? Facebook

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Gov. Jerry Brown sues to save California sentencing laws By Don Thompson, Associated Press (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Outgoing Gov. Jerry Brown sued Thursday to protect one of his signature actions in office, a voter-approved measure that allows most prison inmates to seek earlier release and participate in rehabilitation programs. His administration filed a lawsuit challenging a pending 2020 initiative that seeks to toughen criminal penalties as part of an effort to roll back reforms adopted by voters within the last decade. Browns lawsuit in Sacramento County Superior Court contends the measure lacked enough valid signatures to overturn a previously approved constitutional amendment. County officials and California Secretary of State Alex Padilla certified the signatures in July but said they were submitted too late to qualify for last months election. The lawsuit names Padilla and the ballot measures official proponent, Nina Salarno Besselman, president of the advocacy group Crime Victims United. Padilla said the measure exceeded the required roughly 366,000 valid signatures, equal to 5% of votes cast for governor in 2014. Browns lawsuit says he used the wrong threshold. It says changing the state Constitution requires 8%, or more than 585,400 signatures. That makes the pending initiative more than 150,000 signatures short, the lawsuit says. Hes wrong, said Jeff Flint, a spokesman for the campaign backing the measure. He predicted a judge will be reluctant to reject a measure that already has qualified for the ballot. The secretary of state told us how many signatures are required, and thats how many we collected, Flint said. Padillas office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The measure would reverse reforms adopted by voters through Proposition 47 in 2014 and Proposition 57 in 2016. Proposition 57 allows most inmates to seek earlier paroles, and Proposition 47 reduced some drug and property crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. The combination has helped keep Californias inmate population below a population cap set by federal judges. Corrections department spokeswoman Vicky Waters said the measure gives corrections and parole officials broad discretion to protect our communities and fashion a rational system of rehabilitation and punishment. This new initiative unlawfully seeks to supplant the departments constitutional authority to implement these critical reforms to our criminal justice system. The pending initiative would shorten the list of crimes that qualify for earlier parole and change some theft crimes from misdemeanors back to felonies. It would also increase the number of crimes for which DNA is collected, a list that was limited when some crimes went from felonies to misdemeanors. Those supporting the tougher penalties say easing criminal penalties has increased the number of dangerous criminals on the streets, but those backing the changes say they have helped reduce mass incarceration and rehabilitate convicted criminals. Facebook

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California Supreme Court orders records unsealed in pardon of ex-state Sen. Roderick Wright Former state Sen. Roderick Wright (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times) The California Supreme Court has granted a request to unseal court records involving Gov. Jerry Browns decision last month to pardon former state Sen. Roderick Wright for felony convictions involving lying about living in his legislative district, officials said Thursday. The court order was in response to a request by the nonpartisan First Amendment Coalition, which argued that the public has a right to know what information went into the governors decision to grant clemency to Wright. This is an important victory for public access to court files involving the exercise of executive clemency, said coalition spokesman Glen A. Smith. We are gratified the court has recognized that these decisions should be subject to the same public access rules that apply to other judicial records under California law. The court gave Browns office until Jan. 2 to redact confidential material before giving the court documents that can be released to the public. The court files submitted by the governors office include letters of support for a pardon and an internal review of Wrights case. The court denied a motion to unseal the records of all clemency cases but left open consideration of requests on other individual cases. Browns office is currently evaluating the courts decision, said spokesman Brian Ferguson. The governor argued against unsealing records in a recent court filing that said confidentiality is consistent with historical practice and is supported by state law. In pardoning Wright on Nov. 22, the governor wrote: He has shown that since his release from custody, he has lived an honest and upright life, exhibited good moral character, and conducted himself as a law abiding citizen. Facebook

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California political watchdog agency fines BART, urges prosecution over using public funds for campaign A Bay Area Rapid Transit train leaves the station in Oakland in this 2013 file photo. (Ben Margot / AP) Californias state political watchdog agency on Thursday imposed a $7,500 fine against the Bay Area Rapid Transit District and called for a possible criminal or civil prosecution over allegations the district used public resources to campaign for a 2016 bond measure. The state Fair Political Practices Commission levied an administrative fine against BART for its failure to disclose spending on YouTube videos, social media posts and text messages to promote Measure RR, which authorized $3.5 billion in general obligation bonds. Though the panel lacks authority to seek criminal charges over the misuse of public funds, it also urged county district attorneys in the BART service area and the state attorney general to pursue possible criminal or civil charges over the spending of taxpayer dollars for campaign purposes, Commission Chairwoman Alice Germond said. It is the concept of misusing public funds that I think we all here are very disturbed about, and we want to send a warning and not create a precedent that is a minor, little slap on the wrist, Germond said, adding that the referral to criminal prosecutors would further send a message that this is wrong. Commissioner Brian Hatch also called for the state Legislature to consider granting the FPPC power to go after public agencies that spend taxpayer money on campaigns. Sen. Steve Glazer (D-Orinda) called on the agency to increase the fine to the maximum level of $33,375. The proposed $7,500 fine represents a slap on the wrist for a very serious violation of the law and the publics trust, Glazer said in a letter to the panel. In supporting the fine recommended by the staff, Germond said BART has agreed to pay the penalty. Somebody did something wrong and they have admitted it, she said. A staff report said there were factors in favor of a fine below the maximum. Although the Commission considers BARTs violations to be serious, the absence of any evidence of an intention to conceal, deceive, or mislead; the voluntary filing of the delinquent campaign statement; and the absence of a prior record are mitigating, the report said. Facebook

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California police union seeks state Supreme Court review of new law disclosing internal investigation records Los Angeles Police Department officers. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) A police union is asking the California Supreme Court to block the release of internal officer investigations before a new state law takes effect next year. The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Employees Benefit Assn. filed a petition Tuesday asking justices to rule that only investigations of incidents that occur after Jan. 1 would be available under the law  and not those the department has on file from years prior. The litigation comes after this years passage of Senate Bill 1421, which opens to the public for the first time internal investigations of officer shootings and other major uses of force, along with confirmed cases of sexual assault and lying while on duty. The law goes into effect Jan. 1, and the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department has told the union it intends to make available in response to public records requests all the information it has. The union is very concerned about any plans to retroactively apply Senate Bill 1421, Grant Ward, the unions president, said in a statement. We believe retroactive application violates our members rights and we hope the California Supreme Court will consider the serious issues raised by our legal challenge. The bills author, Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), does not agree with the unions interpretation. She has said her legislation should apply to all the records in a police departments possession because the law simply declared that affected records were no longer confidential. If the record exists, its disclosable, Skinner said. A decision on what records will be available under the law is key to how far-reaching it will be. If the court restricts access to incidents that occurred prior to 2019, those cases will not be subject to public scrutiny. The police union in San Bernardino County is not the only one raising concerns about the law. Earlier this month, Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore sent a letter to Skinner expressing concern that his agency would be overwhelmed if the law required the department to disclose older incidents. Even if the law only applied to the previous five years, Moore wrote, it could take nearly 300,000 hours of work to comply with its provisions. The LAPD operates with a guiding principle of Reverence for the Law; as such, we will diligently comply with SB 1421, Moore wrote. We maintain, however, that a retroactive implementation of SB 1421 will be exceptionally burdensome and would require significant reallocation of front-line investigative personnel. Skinner said if complying with the law becomes untenable for law enforcement agencies that maintain records for a long time, she would consider modifications. But she said agencies did not raise this concern during discussion over the bill. SB 1421 went through multiple committee hearings, multiple floor debates, extensive opportunity for all parties to weigh in on concerns with its structure, she said. That was not an issue that was raised by law enforcement at the time. Facebook

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Gov. Brown warns of backlash for Republicans in 2020 if Obamacare repeal is upheld Gov. Jerry Brown at the National Press Club in April. (Alex Wong / Getty Images) Gov. Jerry Brown warned Republicans on Tuesday that repeal of the Affordable Care Act would devastate the partys political chances in the 2020 election. Brown, speaking at a Sacramento Press Club event moderated by Los Angeles Times columnist George Skelton and Brown family historian Miriam Pawel, said a federal judges ruling last week to strike down the 2010 law  if upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court  will build such a backlash that the Democrats will not only take over the Senate, theyll win the presidency and will win with the kind of momentum, particularly on the issue of healthcare, that [the law] will be replaced probably with something even better. The governor, who leaves office in less than three weeks, said he did not believe the ruling by a Texas judge would ultimately prevail. I think the decision will probably be overturned, Brown said. Few states have embraced the law championed by former President Obama more than California, both through its healthcare exchange, Covered California, and by expanding access to government-funded services under Medi-Cal. Some 12 million Californians now receive healthcare through Medi-Cal, and Brown said a final ruling affecting the federal dollars that subsidize that care would be a serious blow. California would not be able to afford it without the subsidy, the governor said. Facebook

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Bars in Los Angeles, San Francisco could stay open until 4 a.m. under new bill A bar in Sherman Oaks (acuna-hansen) For the third year in a row, a California lawmaker is trying to keep bars open until 4 a.m. State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) is reintroducing legislation that would allow Los Angeles, San Francisco and seven other cities to extend the sales of alcohol in bars, clubs and restaurants by an additional two hours. Nightlife brings people together, fosters creativity and innovation, supports small businesses, and creates middle-class jobs, Wiener said in a statement. Its time to embrace our nighttime economy and give our cities the tools they need to foster the best nightlife possible. Last year, Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a similar bill by Wiener, writing: I believe we have enough mischief from midnight to 2 without adding two more hours of mayhem. Should this years measure, Senate Bill 58, advance through the Legislature, Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom would decide whether to sign it into law. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has endorsed SB 58, saying the city should have more flexibility than it does now. Every community has its own needs, and cities should be able to make informed decisions about what nightlife hours make sense for residents, visitors, and neighborhoods, Garcetti said in a statement. The bill would create a five-year pilot program where Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, West Hollywood, Long Beach, Coachella, Cathedral City and Palm Springs could decide to allow restaurants and bars within their cities to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. with the approval of the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Facebook

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Bars in Los Angeles and San Francisco could stay open until 4 a.m. under new bill A bar in Sherman Oaks. (Acuna-Hansen) For the third year in a row, a California lawmaker is trying to keep bars open until 4 a.m. State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) is reintroducing legislation that would allow Los Angeles, San Francisco and seven other cities to extend the sales of alcohol in bars, clubs and restaurants by an additional two hours. Nightlife brings people together, fosters creativity and innovation, supports small businesses and creates middle-class jobs, Wiener said in a statement. Its time to embrace our nighttime economy and give our cities the tools they need to foster the best nightlife possible. Last year, Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a similar bill by Wiener, writing: I believe we have enough mischief from midnight to 2 without adding two more hours of mayhem. Should this years measure, Senate Bill 58, advance through the Legislature, Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom would decide whether to sign it into law. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has endorsed SB 58, saying the city should have more flexibility than it does now. Every community has its own needs, and cities should be able to make informed decisions about what nightlife hours make sense for residents, visitors and neighborhoods, Garcetti said in a statement. The bill would create a five-year pilot program where Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, West Hollywood, Long Beach, Coachella, Cathedral City and Palm Springs could decide to allow restaurants and bars within their cities to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. with the approval of the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Facebook

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Californias DMV director announces retirement amid problems with motor voter program (Kent Nishamura/Los Angeles Times) The director of the California Department of Motor Vehicles will retire at years end with a number of questions unanswered about the implementation of a major voter registration system and long wait times experienced by customers for much of the past summer. Jean Shiomoto will not continue in her current role as Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom takes office, and announced to staff several weeks ago her intent to retire at the end of the year after 38 years in state service, spokesman Armando Botello said in an email to The Times on Friday. Newsoms transition team did not immediately respond to a request for comment on who might lead the department in 2019. Shiomoto was appointed DMV director by Gov. Jerry Brown in the fall of 2013, having served in prior leadership roles with the department. DMV officials have been sharply criticized by lawmakers in recent months for delays in serving customers at its field offices across the state. Last week, DMV officials revealed errors in registering California voters for the November election  mistakes that followed a series of problems in the rollout of the states new motor voter registration system. Secretary of State Alex Padilla last week said he had lost confidence in Shiomotos leadership as a result of the voting registration problems. Facebook

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New law could break the stalemate over housing on the site of a near-vacant Cupertino mall By Liam Dillon For more than a decade, developers have tried to build new housing on the site of an all-but-empty mall in Cupertino, a city in the heart of Silicon Valley and home to Apple headquarters. A well-organized group of neighbors, upset about traffic, building heights and the potential loss of the communitys suburban lifestyle, turned away every plan. Now, for the first time, the stalemate might be broken  thanks to a decision made in the state Capitol. In an effort to address Californias housing affordability problem, legislators passed a law last year that requires cities and counties to approve housing projects if they comply with local zoning rules and other standards, forcing some resistant communities to agree to new homebuilding. In September, the city of Cupertino, citing the state law, approved developer Sand Hill Property Co.s proposal to build an office park and more than 2,400 homes where the Vallco Shopping Mall sits. Read More Facebook

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Local government was a last bastion for struggling California Republicans. Not anymore By Mark Z. Barabak Theres no shortage of watery metaphors to describe the disaster that befell California Republicans this midterm election. A blue wave. A Democratic tsunami. But the most apt may be a flood, with the casualties steadily rising as the vote count climbed in the days and weeks following Nov. 6. Eventually half the GOP congressional delegation was washed away, along with the entire slate of statewide Republican candidates. In Sacramento, Democrats claimed 29 of 40 state Senate seats and seized three-quarters of the 80-member Assembly  the largest number since 1883, when Chester A. Arthur was serving in the White House. Read More Facebook

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For the Republicans left in Californias Legislature, fewer lawmakers will have to do more work By John Myers From January to late summer every year, the California Legislature is a perpetual motion machine. And in the new year, the people most likely to struggle in keeping up will be Republicans, vastly outnumbered but still responsible for representing millions of the states residents. There are 22 standing committees in the state Senate, plus at least a dozen more subcommittees or special committees. And after Novembers election, only 11 Republican senators will be left to divvy up the work. To the victors go the spoils. To the vanquished go the extra assignments. Read More Facebook

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Californias DMV failed to finish registering 329 new voters before November election (Los Angeles Times) Officials at the California Department of Motor Vehicles said Friday that the agency failed to send information for 329 new voters to state elections officers in time for the November election, the latest revelation in a string of mishaps regarding voter registration. Secretary of State Alex Padilla responded with a blistering letter, calling on Gov. Jerry Brown or Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom to replace Jean Shiomoto, the DMV director. The Director of DMV has lost my confidence and trust, Padilla wrote. In all, the agency revealed that 589 mailed voter registration records that should have been processed under election deadlines werent sent to Californias secretary of state until late November, including forms from 260 drivers who had intended to update their address on existing voter registration records. The DMV had been instructed to not send registration forms that came in after Oct. 22, but the voters in question had forms that were postmarked before the deadline. In some cases, when the postmark wasnt legible, the agency said, documents inside indicated the voter had intended to finish their registration in time for the Nov. 6 election. The DMV recognizes the pause in transmittals was an error and affected the timing of the registration of the 589 individuals referenced above relative to the November election, Shiomoto wrote in a letter to Padilla on Friday. The pause was due to a misunderstanding on the part of the department, for which we take responsibility. Those who were trying to update their address for voter registration would not have been blocked from casting ballots. But officials said its unclear whether any of the 329 new voters were able to participate in the election. Shiomoto said in her letter that DMV will work with elections officials. The errors were not related to previous DMV mistakes about registering voters, problems associated with the rollout of the states new motor voter law. In those cases, multiple registration forms were sent to local elections offices for some voters, some people were assigned the wrong political party preference and others who are noncitizens were incorrectly placed on the list of registered voters. DMV officials have yet to respond to questions posed by The Times over the last several weeks about who knew of those mistakes and when. Facebook

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Newsom appoints a labor advocate and a former staffer as his chief deputy Cabinet secretaries By Taryn Luna A labor advocate and a San Francisco political operative have accepted positions in Gov.-elect Gavin Newsoms new administration. Angie Wei, a Capitol insider with deep ties to organized labor in California, will serve as a chief deputy Cabinet secretary with a focus on policy development. As a legislative director and chief of staff at the California Labor Federation, Wei has represented more than 1,200 unions and 2.1 million workers in Capitol fights over a host of policy issues, including drug-pricing transparency and paid family leave. The governor-elect also tapped Jason Elliott, a policy advisor to Newsom during his time as mayor of San Francisco and a chief of staff to San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, as another chief deputy Cabinet secretary overseeing executive branch operations. Elliott and Wei will serve under Ana Matosantos, Newsoms previously
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
Three Republican senators likely hold in their hands Brett Kavanaughs confirmation to the Supreme Court following last weeks dramatic hearing into the allegation by Christine Blasey Ford of a decades-old sexual assault. In order for Republicans to confirm Kavanaugh without any Democratic support, they can only afford to lose one of these senators.

Heres a look at why they are undecided and which way they might be leaning:

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) leaves a meeting with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) last week. (Andrew Harnik / Associated Press)

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)

Concerns: Murkowski has been closely guarded about her opinions on Kavanaugh, but as one of the few Republican senators who supports abortion rights, how the judge might rule on abortion access and the future of the Affordable Care Act have been key issues for her.

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But it might come down to more local concerns for Murkowski. The native Alaskan population has flooded the senators office with calls and letters about their fears about Kavanaughs past rulings on the environment, climate change and voting rights, as well as a case the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear this year about whether the state or federal government gets to set rules for subsistence fishing by indigenous people. Alaskas native population drove Murkowskis successful write-in campaign in 2010.

Alaskas governor and lieutenant governor, both independents, oppose Kavanaughs confirmation, which could give her added cover as well.

Murkowski joined other undecided senators who backed Flakes call for an FBI investigation after hearing testimony from Ford and Kavanaugh.

What she has said: It is important to have a fair process for the sake of both Judge Kavanaugh and Dr. Ford, as well as the integrity of both the judicial branch and the Senate confirmation process.

Leaning: The local pressure is likely weighing on her decision, but Murkowski has a history of being tight-lipped until she votes. Many see her as the most likely Republican to flip and vote against Kavanaugh.

Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) in Boston on Monday. (Mary Schwalm / Associated Press)

Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.)

Concerns: Flake says he supports putting a conservative jurist like Kavanaugh on the bench but he has expressed concern about the publics perception of an illegitimate process that would damage the Supreme Courts reputation. Flake is open to voting against Kavanaugh depending on what the FBI finds, he said. After huddling with Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Friday, Flake told reporters that he has struggled with how to deal with the allegations against Kavanaugh. It was awful. I think everybody has struggled. Its not just me. Everybody has struggled with this decision.

What hes said: I agreed to support him before all of this came out. I wanted to support him. Im a conservative. Hes a conservative judge. But I want a process that we can be proud of. And I think the country needs to be behind it and we need a more bipartisan process. Thats why this is important.

Leaning: Flake said Friday morning that he would vote yes, only to say hours later that he would withhold his support until the FBI gets a week to investigate. Unless the FBI uncovers something new, hes seen as a likely yes.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) in Washington last week. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press)

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine)

Concerns: Collins initial concerns centered around whether Kavanaugh would overturn the landmark abortion ruling Roe vs. Wade or restrict access to the procedure. After meeting with Kavanaugh, Collins said she was satisfied with his answers and did not think he would overturn Roe.

When Fords allegations became public, Collins was one of the first senators to say that she wanted to hear directly from Ford. After hearing from Ford and Kavanaugh last week, and meeting with sexual assault survivors, Collins encouraged calls for an FBI investigation before the Senate votes.

What shes said: It is reassuring to the public, Collins told the New York Times this weekend. It shows that Republicans want to make sure that we have all the facts to make an informed decision.

Leaning: Collins signal that she was comfortable Kavanaugh wouldnt overturn Roe vs. Wade appeared to be a sign that she was going to vote for him. But shes made some strong comments about Ford and her testimony, making that less clear. Collins has been willing to break with her party before, and she never tips her hand until she has to.

The latest from Washington 

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The Supreme Court likes to view itself as the quiet at the center of the storm, and it has never been more so than this week.

The eight justices opened their new term Monday and heard arguments on whether a tiny endangered frog that lives only in Mississippi may also have a protected critical habitat on forest land in Louisiana. Weyerhaeuser, a large timber company and wood manufacturer, argues the court should limit the definition of protected habitat to the areas where an endangered species now lives.

Meanwhile, just a block away, the Senate is tied up in a fierce political dispute over whether Judge Brett Kavanaugh should be confirmed to fill the courts ninth seat. Kavanaughs partisan attacks last week against Democrats  who pushed for an FBI probe into decades-old sexual assault allegations against him  threatened to undermine the Supreme Courts effort to appear independent and above politics.

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. has repeatedly argued the public has the wrong impression of the court. We dont work as Democrats or as Republicans, he said in a 2016 talk in Boston. But he conceded that highly partisan confirmation fights only contribute to the view that the justices themselves are driven by politics.

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The fight over Kavanaugh has divided largely along party lines. Senate Republicans said President Trumps nominee was being sabotaged by allegations that could have been investigated earlier if they had not been held in confidence by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.). Democrats said it would be a historic mistake to confirm a jurist for a lifetime seat on the high court without thoroughly investigating serious charges against him, including Christine Blasey Fords allegation that a 17-year-old Kavanaugh assaulted her.

When the justices emerged from behind the red curtain at 10 a.m. Monday, all but Roberts had moved to new seats, reflecting the retirement of Justice Anthony Kennedy. Justice Clarence Thomas is now the longest-serving justice, and he sat to the left side of the chief justice, looking from the audience. On his right now is Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who the chief justice said was marking her 25th anniversary on the court.

As usual, the courts opening day began with an orders list in which more than a thousand appeal petitions were denied without comment. They had piled up over the summer and were disposed of after justices met for the first time early last week.

Among the rejected appeals was a property-rights challenge to Californias coastal development permits from a Silicon Valley billionaire who sought to close the access road to secluded Martins Beach near Half Moon Bay.

Over the next two months, the court will hear mostly low-profile cases, but several could yield significant rulings.

On Wednesday, the justices will consider whether to overturn a 1980s-era precedent that prevents land owners from suing directly in federal court alleging that local or state zoning rules deny them fair use of their property under the Constitution. In Knick vs. Scott Township, a Pennsylvania woman sued after she was told she had to open her back lot to visitors because a newly discovered burial plot was there. But lower federal courts tossed out her claim on the grounds that she had not worked her way first through the Pennsylvania state courts. Legal experts say that if the high court were to agree with her claim, it could have a major impact in California because it could bolster property rights claims and send them directly to federal courts.

On Oct. 10, the court will review a class-action suit from California to decide whether federal agents can arrest and jail legal immigrants who have past criminal charges on their records, including drug possession. The 9th Circuit Court rejected this mandatory-detention policy and said these detainees can go free after a bond hearing if they are not likely to flee and do not present a danger to the public. But in Nielsen vs. Preap, the Trump administration urges the court to uphold mandatory detention.

And several major cases are on their way to the court later in this term.

They include the dispute over whether President Trump has the authority to end the Obama-era order that shielded the so-called Dreamers from deportation. Judges have blocked Trumps repeal from taking effect and the high court is awaiting a ruling on the issue from the 9th Circuit Court.

The justices are also likely to consider in the year ahead whether the administration can restrict transgender people from serving in the U.S. military and whether the 2020 census should include a new question on citizenship. California and other states with large immigrant populations oppose this change, arguing it will dissuade people from being counted.

The latest from Washington 

More stories from David G. Savage 

david.savage@latimes.com

Twitter: DavidGSavage

UPDATES:

1 p.m.: This article was updated with more background and details about upcoming cases.

This article was originally published at 7:40 a.m.
The lesson weve now learned about the political relationship between California and the administration of President Trump is one closely aligned with the third law of motion discovered by Sir Isaac Newton in 1686: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Certainly thats what we saw on Sunday, after Gov. Jerry Brown signed a closely watched state law reconstituting the net neutrality rules scuttled by Trump in 2017.

UNITED STATES VS. CALIFORNIA: NET NEUTRALITY

The ink from Browns signature on Senate Bill 822 was hardly dry when the U.S. Department of Justice confirmed its taking the state to court.

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The new law would prevent broadband and wireless companies from blocking or otherwise hindering access to internet content, and from favoring some websites over others by charging for faster speeds.

Net neutrality means that we as individuals get to decide where we go on the internet as opposed to being told where to go, state Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), the bills author, said last month.

While most of the states fights with the presidents administration have begun here in California, this is the second high-profile effort  after a federal challenge to the sanctuary immigration law  that began in Washington.

POLICE RECORDS, FELONY MURDER, BEACH SMOKING: BROWNS BILL ACTIONS

The net neutrality law was one of 490 bills on which Brown took action over the weekend, with Sunday night being his constitutional deadline to sign, veto or allow legislation to become law without his signature. Scores more were considered last week.

Among the most notable that were signed:

-- For the first time, the public will have access to internal police investigations and video footage of shootings by police officers and other serious incidents.

-- California is poised to become the first state to require corporate boards of directors to include women, with Brown saying in a statement that even legal questions about the law shouldnt stop an effort that he hoped would be heard in Washington.

-- Brown, who set a course early in his return to Sacramento to embrace criminal justice reforms, signed a law that ends the practice of charging some accomplices to a killing with the actual murder.

-- Bills inspired by the #MeToo movement became law, including one to prohibit settlement agreements that prevent the disclosure of facts related to sexual assault, sexual harassment or workplace discrimination. (Others were rejected by Brown, though, including an end to forced arbitration of harassment claims.)

-- Bills were signed to fast-track new stadiums for the Los Angeles Clippers and the Oakland As.

-- Most cosmetics tested on animals will soon be illegal in California under a new law signed Friday.

-- Hundreds of thousands of Californians convicted of marijuana crimes will be able to have felonies reduced to misdemeanors and lower-level offenses removed from their record.

-- Other laws were much more narrow in focus, including how to solve the custody of a pet during a divorce and an easing to strict residency requirements for members of the Legislature.

But a number of other high-profile bills were vetoed:

-- Brown refused to sign a bill allowing San Francisco to create safe zones for the injection of illegal drugs.

-- Breaking ranks with Democrats and abortion rights advocates, the governor vetoed a bill to require student health centers at Californias public universities to provide abortion medication by 2022.

-- Yet another attempt to limit smoking at state beaches and parks was rebuffed, with Brown writing in his veto message Saturday that the third time is not always a charm.

-- A measure that would have allowed some California taxpayers to dodge the effects of the Trump administrations federal tax overhaul was turned away.

-- Two closely watched immigration bills were vetoed. One would have allowed any California resident, regardless of immigration status, to serve on a state board or commission. A second would have barred immigration arrests inside California courthouses.

-- Saying that theres enough mischief from midnight to 2 without adding two more hours of mayhem, the governor refused to sign a bill allowing some cities to keep bars open until 4:00 a.m.

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POLITICAL ROAD MAP: VETOES DONT GET CHALLENGED

In all, Brown vetoed a little more than 16% of the bills that were sent to him in 2018, one of his higher veto rates in recent years. And he can be sure that those vetoes will stick.

My Sunday column took a look at one of the less talked-about realities of governing in Sacramento: Legislators almost never vote to override a governors veto, even though they are clearly given that power in the California Constitution.

Rocking the boat, it seems, comes with too many consequences  though one wonders whether the next governor, who will take office with a seasoned Legislature, will receive the same deference.

WHITE HOUSE: NO MICROMANAGEMENT OF FBI PROBE INTO KAVANAUGH CLAIMS

The president isnt seeking to micromanage the FBIs new probe of sexual misconduct allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, his spokeswoman said Sunday. But Democrats raised concerns that key lines of inquiry were being placed off-limits to investigators.

The new investigation, sparked by demands from two Republican senators, is scheduled to be completed by weeks end.

While female voices have echoed throughout the U.S. Senate demanding male senators justify their support for Kavanaugh, other women have spent hours calling Senate offices in support.

Meanwhile, the federal judges angry, partisan self-defense during Thursdays Senate hearing left many observers questioning his judicial temperament.

NATIONAL LIGHTNING ROUND

-- Poland is offering the United States $2 billion and an ideal location for a permanent U.S. military base on its territory that it would call Fort Trump.

-- Can Rep. Beto ORourke awaken Texas Latino vote? His bid for the Senate, and to turn the state politically purple, depends on it.

-- As refugee resettlement has plummeted in the U.S. amid the Trump administrations severe restrictions, advocates worry that sick refugees abroad who are awaiting U.S. entry could die before arriving.

DECISION CALIFORNIA: ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL

-- The 7th Congressional District, which takes in the suburbs east of Sacramento, has seen a succession of vigorously fought House races. But this year is different, and help has been sparse for the GOP challenger.

-- Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter, who faces federal charges of misusing campaign funds, remains ahead in his reelection bid, with some voters planning to support him even though they believe him to be guilty, according to a new poll.

-- After providing $1.7 million and getting a gas-tax repeal initiative on the November ballot, Republican congressional leaders and GOP gubernatorial candidate John Cox are now conspicuously absent from the list of donors to the second phase of the campaign committee.

-- In Part 2 of our special report on the Next California, Melanie Mason looks at how, whether its fire or earthquake, mudslide or drought, a natural disaster is an inextricable part of the California experience. And it threatens to snarl the next governors plans.

-- And speaking of the governors race, Democrat Gavin Newsom heads into the final stretch of the contest with a mammoth financial advantage over Cox  almost 10 times as much money socked away.

TODAYS ESSENTIALS

-- A former California legislative aide filed a formal claim for damages against the state Friday, alleging two members of the Assembly  one of whom he accused of sexual harassment earlier this year  tried to pressure potential clients to not hire him.

-- State Sen. Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) was reprimanded by the Senate after an investigation found he probably threatened to bitch slap a female lobbyist, according to documents released last week.

-- A Los Angeles-area landlord is telling tenants that the company will cancel a new rent increase if a California rent control ballot measure fails in November, according to a letter obtained by a tenants activist.

-- This weeks California Politics Podcast looks at the latest polling and campaign cash numbers for the states marquee November races.

LOGISTICS

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Please send thoughts, concerns and news tips to politics@latimes.com.

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Egypt's non-petroleum foreign trade from January till August 2018 increased by 11.8% reaching $59.683 billion, compared to the same period in 2017, according to a report on foreign trade indices received by Minister of Trade and Industry Amr Nassar.



Egypt's exports during the first eight months of 2018 increased by 10% reaching $16.540 billion, compared to $14.992 billion during the same period last year, the report, conducted by the General Organization for Import and Export Control (GOEIC), read.



Imports also increased by 12% registering $43.143 billion, compared with $38.354 billion during the same period in 2017, according to the report.

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Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation on Sunday that limits who can be prosecuted for felony murder to those who commit or intend to commit a killing.

The new law, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, scales back Californias current felony murder rule, which allows defendants to be convicted of first-degree murder if a victim dies during the commission of a felony  even if the defendant did not intend to kill, or did not know a homicide took place.

For defendants facing prosecution for the crime, the new law could mean a shot at less time in prison. Hundreds of inmates serving time will be able to petition the court for a reduced sentence.

The new felony murder law, a bipartisan proposal co-authored by Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) and Sen. Joel Anderson (R-Alpine), is among a series of criminal justice policies enacted under the Brown administration to reduce the numbers of those incarcerated, and give prisoners more chances of early release and services to better prepare them to enter society. State lawmakers this legislative session also eliminated the use of money bail and reduced punishment for teens under 15.

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Defense lawyers and other supporters say the new prosecution standards requiring proof of intent will make the states felony murder law similar to how prosecutors charge other crimes. Cases in which an officer was killed will not be subject to the new law, which goes into effect on Jan. 1. But law enforcement groups opposed the changes, arguing it could lead to more violent people on the streets.

On the Assembly floor in August, Assemblyman Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove), a former Sacramento County Sheriffs deputy, said the proposal was too lenient on willful participants in crime, such as defendants who drive a killer to the scene of the crime.

What if it was your family member lying there dead? Cooper asked.

Lawmakers who supported Senate Bill 1437 called the states felony murder law archaic and blamed it for disproportionately long sentences imposed on people who did not kill anyone.

A 2018 survey that found 72% of women serving a life sentence for felony murder in California did not commit the homicide. The average age of people charged and sentenced under the statute was 20, according to the report from the Anti-Recidivism Coalition and Restore Justice, a nonprofit that helps offenders reenter society.

Bobby Garcia, who served 21 years in prison for murder and lobbied for the legislation, cheered its approval on Sunday, saying it would help thousands of young people. He was in ninth grade when he and four teenage friends robbed a man for gas money on their way to a party in North Hollywood.

Hours after the incident, police pulled Garcia and his friends over and took them to the station, where he said he learned the man they robbed was stabbed. Garcia said he punched the man but was not involved in his killing, and believes it occurred while he was in the car waiting for his friends.

I pleaded with the police that I never planned to murder someone, that my intent was just to rob someone, Garcia recalled of the 1992 incident. But the police told me that it didnt matter according to California law.

Garcia said he took a plea deal and served 25 years in prison, versus facing a jury and the possibility of lifetime incarceration. Since his release from prison at age 37, he has counseled prisoners who, like himself, were charged with crimes as teens and young adults.

He said their decision to rob someone for gas money might seem callous to people who didnt have his upbringing. But to teenagers living in rough neighborhoods or dysfunctional homes, it made sense at the time, he said.

Money was not something we came by, it was something that usually we had to beg for, he said.

Garcia said young people should be held accountable for their actions as he once was.

They should be held in prison, but they shouldnt be held in prison for the rest of their lives for a crime they didnt do, he said.

On Sunday, Skinner called the law a historic and reasonable fix, bringing California in line with other states such as Arkansas, Kentucky, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan that have narrowed the scope of their felony murder rules.

Californias murder statute irrationally treated people who did not commit murder the same as those who did, she said in a statement released Sunday. SB 1437 makes clear there is a distinction, reserving the harshest punishment to those who directly participate in the death.

More stories from Jazmine Ulloa 

The latest from Washington 

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Gov. Jerry Brown on Sunday restored net neutrality rules in California that were repealed under the Trump administration, setting up a legal battle with the federal government over whether states can prevent companies from blocking access to the internet.

News that the governor signed the ambitious new law was swiftly met with an aggressive response from Justice Department officials, who announced soon afterward that they were suing California to block the regulations. The state law prohibits broadband and wireless companies from blocking, throttling or otherwise hindering access to internet content, and from favoring some websites over others by charging for faster speeds.

Under the Constitution, states do not regulate interstate commerce  the federal government does, Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions said in a statement Sunday. Once again the California legislature has enacted an extreme and illegal state law attempting to frustrate federal policy.

Ajit Pai, the Trump-appointed chairman of the Federal Communications Commission who over nine months worked to shelve the federal net neutrality regulations, said in a statement that he was pleased with the lawsuit, pointing to a federal appellate court ruling that he said found state regulation of information services is preempted by federal law.

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I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Department of Justice to ensure the internet remains unfettered by federal or state regulation, as federal law requires, and the domain of engineers, entrepreneurs, and technologists, not lawyers and bureaucrats, Pai said.

The bills August passage in the Legislature capped months of feuding between tech advocates and telecom industry lobbyists. Telecom giants such as AT&T and Verizon Communications poured millions into killing the legislation, while grass-roots activists fought back with crowdsourced funding and social media campaigns.

California leaders cheered the governors approval of the bill Sunday, saying the new rules were vital to protect fair access to the internet and part of the states resistance to the Trump administration on tech, immigration and climate change policies.

The fight for social change and progressive values is directly tied to a free and open internet, said Assemblyman Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles), who signed on as co-author of the legislation after he faced public pressure when he attempted to scale it back. This measure ensures that we, in California, will maintain a free and open internet that doesnt discriminate or price users or content differently.

Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), who introduced the net neutrality proposal, said he believed California would be able to defend it in court.

Weve been down this road before: when [President] Trump and Sessions sued California and claimed we lacked the power to protect immigrants, he said. California fought Trump and Sessions on their immigration lawsuit. California won  and California will fight this lawsuit as well.

Experts have said the new law would impose the toughest net neutrality regulations in the country by reinstating the rolled-back federal regulations at the state level. It tasks the state attorney general with evaluating potential evasion of the net neutrality rules.

It also adds new restrictions on some zero-rated data plans, package deals that allow companies such as Verizon or Comcast to exempt some calls, texts or other content from counting against a customers data plan. Those limits prohibit plans that exempt content from some companies but not the same type of content from others  video streamed on YouTube but not Hulu, for example.

National Democrats, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, urged Brown to sign the bill as net neutrality became a rallying issue for the partys candidates in House races across the country.

Speaking at a news conference in San Francisco this month, Pelosi commended the grass-roots mobilization behind the effort and read a letter from Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Menlo Park), who has led the charge for net neutrality at the federal level. Eshoo denounced a recent case in which firefighters were reported to have been hindered by inadequate internet access while battling the Mendocino Complex fire.

This is where public safety and access to the internet and no throttling involved are so important, Pelosi said.

On the Assembly and Senate floors, state lawmakers clashed over whether the state should step in to fill a role some said was best left to the federal government. To opponents, the rules represented burdensome, harsh regulations on companies; for proponents, they were strong and necessary protections for consumers who cant pay their way out of internet slow lanes.

Sen. Ling Ling Chang of Diamond Bar was the lone Republican to vote for the bill in the state Senate. The legislation received overwhelming support from both parties in the Assembly, as opposition to the federal rollback of the rules has remained overwhelmingly bipartisan.

Tech activists and advocacy groups say other states are sure to follow California and described the rules as crucial to protect open access to the internet for impoverished and marginalized communities.

Haleema Bharoocha of the Oakland-based Greenlining Institute, a racial justice and economic policy center, said the internet had given her a platform to combat sexual harassment and raise the voices of other Muslim women in the #MeToo movement.

Net neutrality has given me a voice online when Im not able to speak offline, she said at the San Francisco news conference.

Still, telecom industry groups and lobbyists warn that a legal challenge of the new law could make its way to the Supreme Court.

We all support strong and enforceable net neutrality protections for every American  regardless of where they may live. But this bill is neither the way to get there, nor will it help advance the promise and potential of Californias innovation DNA, said Jonathan Spalter, president and chief executive of USTelecom, a Washington-based lobby group.

California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra, who along with his counterparts in other states sued the FCC over its net neutrality repeal, on Sunday said his office remained committed to protecting the state rules. But he has cautioned that his agency would need additional funding and staff to complete its new regulatory duties.

While the Trump Administration continues to ignore the millions of Americans who voiced strong support for net neutrality rules, California  home to countless start-ups, tech giants and nearly 40 million consumers  will not allow a handful of power brokers to dictate sources for information or the speed at which websites load, he said.

California is one of more than 25 states to consider net neutrality protections since the FCC voted late last year to reverse the Obama-era internet regulations. FCC Chairman Pai and Republicans have called for an end to the utility-like oversight of internet service providers.

The rules, enacted in February 2015 and ended in June, barred broadband and wireless companies such as AT&T Inc. and Verizon from selling faster delivery of some data, slowing speeds for certain content or favoring selected websites over others.

Since then, tech companies including Amazon and Facebook have filed briefs in support of the states lawsuit against the FCC to restore net neutrality. But Pai has remained vocal about his opposition to the Obama-era rules and Californias own net neutrality proposal, calling it a radical, anti-consumer internet regulation bill during a speech this month at the conservative-leaning Maine Heritage Policy Center.

An additional proposal by Sen. Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) was shelved in the state Assembly. It would have denied public contracts to companies that fail to follow the new state internet rules, but it sunk amid opposition over last-minute amendments.

Soon after the passage of Wieners bill, he and other legislators said they worked with the state attorney generals office to make certain SB 822 would be able to withstand legal challenges and said they were prepared to battle the telecom industry in court.

The bottom line is this, De Leon said. The internet is vital to our democracy because it is part of our daily lives.

More stories from Jazmine Ulloa 

The latest from Washington 

jazmine.ulloa@latimes.com

Twitter: @jazmineulloa

UPDATES:

9:54 p.m.: This article was updated with additional comments from Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra.

7:10 p.m.: This article was updated with additional information about the Trump administration lawsuit and comments from Sessions.

This article was originally published at 5:15 p.m.
Heres what I figure: If the Republican-controlled Senate promotes Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, itll help Democrats on election day. If Kavanaugh is rejected, the GOP will get a boost.

Thats because Democratic voters will be so riled about Kavanaughs elevation that theyll turn out in unusually high numbers to support their partys candidates on Nov. 6. They were already apoplectic about President Trump before he nominated Kavanaugh.

And vice versa: If Kavanaugh is spurned  and conservatives are denied a 5-4 solid majority on the court  Republicans will be so bitter that therell be a heavier GOP turnout.

So if youre the Republican Party, you could win the Supreme Court and lose Congress, or at least the House. For Democrats, your worst nightmare could become reality on the court. But you could live your dream of recapturing at least half of Congress.

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Which is the better trade-off? A lifetime seat on the Supreme Court with ideological control for the foreseeable future far outweighs a congressional majority, which is much more cyclical.

Anyway, thats my win-one, lose-one thesis.

Its too early to assess the political implications, says Mark Baldassare, president and pollster of the Public Policy Institute of California. Its not too early to say this [confirmation fight] is such a big event that its going to drive turnout.

The brawl will motivate marginal voters of both parties to come out, says Bob Shrum, a longtime Democratic strategist who is director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of politics at USC.

A poll released last week by Baldassares policy institute showed that 74% of Californias likely voters consider the selection of the next Supreme Court justice to be very important to them personally. This was especially true among Democrats.

Women, who already leaned toward Democrats, have been shifting even further left during the Trump presidency, a recent USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll showed. The national survey found women favoring Democrats by 28 percentage points among likely voters.

After last weeks tumultuous hearing by the Senate Judiciary Committee, political experts envision an even greater shift by women toward Democrats. The committee is dominated by Republicans, 11 to 10, and all GOP members are white males.

More from George Skelton 

The televised hearing reinforced the image that the Republican Party consists of a bunch of angry old white guys, and in the long run that doesnt help the Republican Party, says Darry Sragow, a former Democratic strategist who now publishes the nonpartisan California Target Book, which handicaps congressional and legislative races.

It further makes it difficult for college-educated suburban women to vote for Republicans this fall, says Rob Stutzman, a Republican consultant.

The committees GOP majority essentially disregarded the testimony of Palo Alto University professor Christine Blasey Ford, who accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her when they were teens. He emphatically denied it.

We appeared to be very tone deaf, says veteran Republican strategist Mike Murphy. I thought it was bad.

California has a big role in these midterm elections, Murphy notes. A handful of Southern California congressional seats could flip from Republican to Democrat and cost the GOP control of the House.

These are suburban districts  the kind where white, educated women voters are going to resonate with the Democratic argument against Kavanaugh. Many are fearful of his conservative views on abortion rights and other liberal social causes supported in California. Were going to lose votes, Murphy says.

Murphy and Shrum head a new Center for the Political Future at USC, a program designed to teach students political civility.

Political civility isnt in vogue in this era of polarization and pugnacity. That makes California Sen. Dianne Feinstein a target. She is one of the more civil and thus productive members of Congress, and is the highest-ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee.

Coverage of California politics 

Feinstein, heavily favored to win a fifth full term in November, is accused by fiery Berniecrats and her underdog opponent, state Sen. Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles), of being weak and too nice to Trump and Republicans. But she showed common sense and strength in the Judiciary Committee hearings.

Republicans, Democratic leftists and De Leon blasted her for holding onto Fords letter that detailed the professors allegations against Kavanaugh. The FBI could have been investigating for weeks, critics claimed. But that wasnt going to happen because Trump and the GOP didnt want it to.

Finally, Republican Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona forced a limited FBI probe as a trade-off for his decisive committee vote sending the Kavanaugh nomination to the Senate floor. So Democrats got their investigation after all.

Ford asked Feinstein not to publicly release her name. The senator honored the request by holding onto the letter until the professor gave her story to the Washington Post. It was the ethical thing for Feinstein to do.

As for Kavanaugh, what he allegedly did once as a 17-year-old might have been forgiven by some if hed come clean and done a mea culpa. But he claimed it never happened. I believe Ford. I think hes lying. An unrepentant blatant liar shouldnt be sitting on the Supreme Court.

Now other women also are accusing Kavanaugh of drunken and sexual misbehavior in his youth.

Plus, he didnt exactly display judicial temperament in the committee hearing. He showed belligerence, self-pity, lack of control and political bias unfit for a Supreme Court justice.

The lesson from all this: Moms and dads, drum home to your young sons that no means no  and excessive underage drinking can mess up their lives.

george.skelton@latimes.com

Follow @LATimesSkelton on Twitter
Once again we have seen partisanship rear its ugly head both in Washington, D.C. and in Newport. And who has suffered? Both the citizens and our system of government. Nothing gets accomplished, and no problems get solved when we are arguing like politicians. And thats what they want, especially those who are trying to inject partisanship into our local nonpartisan council race.

Councilman Scott Peotter and his surrogates are claiming that he is more Republican than me. There is not a Republican or Democratic way to solve the main problems about which people in Newport Beach are concerned, like traffic and over-development.

For the record, Ive been a Republican my entire life, except for a few years when I registered as an independent. That was decades ago. Like Donald Trump, Ronald Reagan and many of us, I have at times made donations to members of the other party. Like most Americans, I vote for the candidate I feel will do the best job. Sometimes we vote in ways that make us uncomfortable, while holding our noses.

So is Peotter a better Republican or, more importantly, a better representative of our community? Before deciding, I encourage you to look at his irresponsible spending proposals. He claims to be a tax fighter but his recent vote on Uptown Newport says otherwise. I am fiscally conservative, both personally and civically. The same cannot be said of Peotter.

As a council member, I know that my job will be to represent the entire community and stay focused on local issues. We have a unique city and a lifestyle that you cant find anywhere else. It takes constant vigilance and real love for our community to maintain this. It takes character and humility to know that your sole job is to represent your constituents. Thats who I am and who I plan to be as your councilwoman.

Joy Brenner

Newport Beach

The writer is a Newport Beach City Council candidate in District 6.

Why I will vote for Scott Peotter

I am an unapologetic conservative who believes in electing Republicans to city councils. I have walked precincts and donated to Republicans my entire adult life because they believe in free enterprise and limited government.

As the Newport Beach City Council campaigns approach Election Day, I have learned that over the past two years candidate Joy Brenner has made donations to liberal Democrats across the country, including Hillary Clintons super PAC just days before the 2016 presidential election. Now that I know where Brenner stands, I will vote for Scott Peotter for City Council. Scott has done a great job for taxpayers the last four years.

Kurt English

Newport Beach

Why I will not vote for Scott Peotter

I am disappointed to hear that City Councilman Scott Peotter and Mayor Marshall Duffy Duffield were willing to attend a fundraiser at the home of activist Bob McCaffrey. McCaffrey referred to Joy Brenner as a drooling dog in a letter that ran in other publications. McCaffreys comment was offensive. By accepting an invitation to obtain money for his re-election, Peotter is condoning such childish behavior. Peotter will not get my vote.

Dortha Wells

Newport Beach

Vote Brenner, Stoaks, Englebrecht

I am excited at the prospect of being able to replace the members up for re-election with residents who will put city before self, instead of the other way around. Between adding 3,700 extra pages to the Museum House petition and the forced retirement of former City Manager Dave Kiff, the actions of Team Newport have been counter to the best interests of their constituents. I believe that Joy Brenner, Tim Stoaks and Roy Englebrecht will bring back much needed trust and transparency to our city. All three have my vote.

Sue Leal

Newport Beach

Katrina Foley stays the course

Costa Mesa Councilwoman Katrina Foley is the only mayoral candidate who has stayed true to her principles and remained loyal to her supporters. Mayor Sandy Genis, by contrast, made a decision to join Councilmen Jim Righeimer and Allan Mansoor, who are part of the group she ran against in 2012 and 2016.

It seems that she did this so that she could wrestle the appointed mayor position from Foley. Mayor Genis may very well be beholden to Righeimer and Mansoor, but primarily to Righeimer, and her new allegiance could have serious negative consequences for Costa Mesans.

Righeimer will be termed out soon, but Genis and Mansoor, both of whom were elected at-large in 2016, are running for elected mayor, and the District 5 council seat, respectively. If they are elected, their allegiance to Righeimer could result in a 2019 council majority that could continue the highly unpopular reign of Righeimer.

Charles Mooney

Costa Mesa

How to get published: Email us at dailypilot@latimes.com. All correspondence must include full name, hometown and phone number (for verification purposes). The Pilot reserves the right to edit all submissions for clarity and length.

How to get published: Email us at dailypilot@latimes.com. All correspondence must include full name, hometown and phone number (for verification purposes). The Pilot reserves the right to edit all submissions for clarity and length.
In observance of the 100th anniversary of the bombing of the Los Angeles Times, reporter Lew Irwin wrote in Oct. 3, 2010, editions:

Shortly after 1 a.m. on Oct. 1, 1910, 100 years ago Friday, a time bomb constructed of 16 sticks of 80% dynamite connected to a cheap windup alarm clock exploded in an alley next to the Los Angeles Times. It detonated with such violence that for blocks around, people ran panic-stricken into the streets, believing that an intense earthquake had hit the city.

The explosion destroyed the Times building, taking the lives of 20 employees, including the night city editor and the principal telegraph operator, and maiming dozens of others. Two other time bombs  intended to kill Gen. Harrison Gray Otis, the publisher of the newspaper, and Felix J. Zeehandelaar, the head of a Los Angeles business organization  were discovered later that morning hidden in the bushes next to their homes. Their mechanisms had jammed.

Eventually, two brothers, J.B. McNamara, who planted the bombs, and J.J. McNamara, an official of the International Assn. of Bridge and Structural Iron Workers union who ordered the attacks, were arrested, convicted and imprisoned.

The attack didnt stop the Oct. 1, 1910, issue of The Times; it was printed at the Los Angeles Herald.

Irwins full article is online: Bombing of The Times in 1910 set labor back a generation.

An earlier version of this photo gallery appeared on Sept. 30, 2011.

Oct. 1, 1910: Flames inside the Los Angeles Times building just a few minutes after the dynamite explosion. Los Angeles Times

Oct. 1, 1910: Thirty minutes after the explosion, fire consumes the Times building. Los Angeles Times

Oct. 3, 1910: Photo from Broadway side of the Los Angeles Times building shows damage from the bombing and fire. Los Angeles Times

Oct. 1, 1910: A panorama of the ruins of the Los Angeles Times building after the bombing. Print from the former Los Angeles Times History Center. Los Angeles Times

Oct. 2, 1910: The smoking ruins of the Los Angeles Times building one day after the bombing. Los Angeles Times

Oct. 2, 1910: The north wall the day after the bombing of the Los Angeles Times building. Los Angeles Times

Oct. 1920: Police officials tour the ruins of the Los Angeles Times after the Oct. 1, 1910, bombing. Los Angeles Times

The burned-out press room following the bombing of the Los Angeles Times. Huntington Library

Oct. 1910: Damage inside the Los Angeles Times building following the Oct. 1, 1910, bombing. Los Angeles Times

Oct. 1910: Los Angeles Times building after the Oct. 1, 1910, bombing. Los Angeles Times

Oct. 1910: Another view of the burned out offices of the Los Angeles Times following the early morning bombing. Los Angeles Times

Oct. 1910: The burned remains of the main business counter, which used wood from dozens of sources, including California missions and a piece of the bed in which Abraham Lincon died. The Huntington Library

Oct. 1910: The bombed-out Los Angeles Times building with poster announcing temporary locations of Times departments. Los Angeles Times

On the back of the above photo was written:

Following the bombing, the newspaper moved its offices to a branch at 531 S. Spring St. A rival paper offered its presses so that the paper could be printed. In a box on the front page of The Times on Saturday, Oct. 1, 1910, Harry Andrews, managing editor of The Times, wrote: They can kill our men and can wreck out building, but by the God above they cannot kill the Times.

See more from the Los Angeles Times archives here
Aid workers described scenes of destruction and desperation Monday in areas of Sulawesi they reached for the first time since a magnitude 7.5 earthquake and tsunami leveled parts of the Indonesian island, blocked roads and turned solid ground into mud.

Just outside the hard-hit town of Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi province and hub of the relief effort, volunteers retrieved the bodies of 34 students from a Bible school in the town of Sigi Biromaru, said Aulia Arriani, head of communications at the Indonesian Red Cross.

The Red Cross team had a hard time to evacuate the bodies as they had to walk through mud for one-and-a-half hours, Aulia said.

At least 1,203 people were killed after Fridays quake, according to an unofficial count by volunteers, nongovernmental groups and hospitals in Palu. The tremor unleashed a tsunami as high as 20 feet crashing into the coastline, destroying roads and bridges, downing cellphone towers and washing away thousands of houses.

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Indonesian officials said they had tallied 844 dead, but warned that number would increase as information continued to emerge from hard-to-reach areas. Relief agencies said more than 300,000 people were thought to be homeless, many sleeping in the streets of Palu as aftershocks rattled the region.

Terrifying videos shot on cellphones and disseminated via social media showed the earthquake apparently turning solid ground into mud, a phenomenon known as liquefaction. It is feared that hundreds of people remain buried in mud and debris in Palu after homes collapsed as the earthquake caused the ground to give way.

We dont know how many victims could be buried there, its estimated hundreds, Sutopo Nugroho, spokesman for the national disaster agency, told reporters in Jakarta, the capital.

Related: Indonesias death toll headed well past 1,200, with several coastal towns still to be heard from 

With bodies piling up at medical facilities and concerns rising about disease, authorities in Palu began a mass burial, lining the dead side-by-side in a giant, freshly dug grave that could accommodate hundreds.

The burials would reduce the risk of cholera and other illnesses spreading, officials said, and were in line with Muslim custom, which requires burials soon after death.

The earthquake ranks as the deadliest since a magnitude 7.8 quake struck Nepal in 2015, killing more than 8,000 people. Aid groups say that more than 1.5 million people have been affected by the disaster, with one-third having lost family members, houses or livelihoods, according to international agencies helping in the response.

We are shocked by the number of people that have perished, and we fear this number will get much worse, said Helen Vanwel, the Indonesia country director for the CARE relief agency.

Sulawesi lies roughly 1,000 miles from Jakarta and is one of more than 17,000 islands that make up Indonesia. The archipelago nation lies on an area of heavy tectonic activity known as the Pacific Ring of Fire, and has suffered a series of deadly earthquakes over the past two decades.

1 / 35 A man looks over lines of containers as people queue up Friday at a gas station in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. (Dita Alangkara / AP) 2 / 35 A survivor cries as he offers Friday prayers at a makeshift camp outside the damaged Agung Darussalam mosque in Palu. (Mohd Rasfan / AFP/Getty Images) 3 / 35 Survivors offer Friday prayers at a makeshift camp outside a damaged mosque in Palu. (Mohd Rasfan / AFP/Getty Images) 4 / 35 Indonesian rescuers try to free 15-year-old earthquake survivor Nurul Istikhomah from the flooded ruins of a collapsed house in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Istikhamah has been trapped in the water for two days. (Aimacs Wilander / EPA-EFE/REX) 5 / 35 This aerial picture shows the remains of a 10-story hotel in Palu, Indonesias Central Sulawesi after it collapsed following a strong earthquake in the area. (Azwar / AFP / Getty Images) 6 / 35 A woman cries as people assess the damage after an earthquake and a tsunami hit Palu, on Sulawesi island. (Muhammad Rifki / AFP/Getty Images) 7 / 35 Family members carry the body of a relative to a police hospital in Palu, Indonesia following a strong earthquake in the area. (Bay Ismoyo / AFP/Getty Images) 8 / 35 Medical team members help patients outside a hospital after an earthquake and a tsunami hit Palu, on Sulawesi island on Sept. 29, 2018. (Muhammad Rifki / AFP/Getty Images) 9 / 35 A doctor examines an injured child outside at an army hospital following earthquakes and a tsunami in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. (Tatan Syuflana / AP) 10 / 35 Indonesian men check the body of earthquake and tsunami victims as they look for their relatives at a police hospital in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. (Mast Irham / EPA-EFE/REX ) 11 / 35 Residents look for their belongings amid the debris of destroyed houses in Palu, Indonesia. (Bay Ismoyo / AFP/Getty Images) 12 / 35 People walk along an Indonesian beach that was hit by a tsunami in Palu in Central Sulawesi after a strong earthquake and tsunami struck the area. (Bay Ismoyo / AFP/Getty Images) 13 / 35 A man collects valuable materials from a beach that was hit by a tsunami in Palu in Central Sulawesi after a strong earthquake and tsunami struck the area. (Bay Ismoyo / AFP/Getty Images) 14 / 35 Rescue personnel evacuate earthquake survivor Ida, a food vendor, from the rubble of a collapsed restaurant in Palu, Indonesias Central Sulawesi. (Bay Ismoyo / AFP/Getty Images) 15 / 35 People attempt to identify the bodies of their relatives at a police hospital in Palu, Indonesias Central Sulawesi on Sept. 30, 2018, following a strong earthquake in the area. (Bay Ismoyo / AFP/Getty Images) 16 / 35 The hand of an earthquake victim is seen inside a body bag at a police hospital in Palu, Indonesias Central Sulawesi. (Bay Ismoyo / AFP/Getty Images) 17 / 35 People survey the damage following a massive earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia on Sunday. (Rifki / AP) 18 / 35 People survey damage outside a shopping mall following earthquakes and tsunami in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. (Tatan Syuflana / AP) 19 / 35 People survey the damage in Palu, Central Sulawesi. (Rifki / AP) 20 / 35 Rescuers remove bodies Sunday in Palu, Central Sulawesi. (Basarnas Handout / EPA-EFE/REX ) 21 / 35 People try to identify the bodies of relatives at the compound of a police hospital in Palu on Sunday. (Bay Ismoyo / AFP/Getty Images) 22 / 35 Two Indonesians make off with a big-screen TV looted from a ruined shopping mall Sunday in Palu, Central Sulawesi. (Mast Irham / EPA-EFE/REX ) 23 / 35 Men make off with goods looted from a damaged shopping mall in Palu, Central Sulawesi. (Mast Irham / EPA-EFE/REX ) 24 / 35 People queue up for gasoline Sunday in Palu, Central Sulawesi. (Tatan Syuflana / AP) 25 / 35 People survey damage outside a shopping mall Sunday in Palu, Central Sulawesi. (Tatan Syuflana / AP) 26 / 35 An army doctor examines an injured child outside at army hospital following earthquakes and a tsunami in Palu, Indonesia. (Tatan Syuflana / AP) 27 / 35 Indonesian survivors check the body of earthquake and tsunami victims as they look for their relatives at a police hospital in Palu, Indonesia. (Olagondronk/EPA-EFE/REX) 28 / 35 A photo made available by the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB) shows the coastal area of Palu city, Indonesia, on Saturday after an earthquake and tsunami hit the region. (BNPB/Handout/EPA-EFE/REX) 29 / 35 Cars are stacked and destroyed following a tsunami in Palu, Indonesia. (Wilander/EPA-EFE/REX ) 30 / 35 An Indonesian man hugs his daughter who survived the earthquakes and tsunami as they reunite at an open air camp in Palu, Indonesia. (Mast Irham/EPA-EFE/REX) 31 / 35 A tsunami destroyed the Jembatan Empat bridge in Palu, Indonesia. (Wilander/EPA-EFE/REX ) 32 / 35 Indonesian earthquake and tsunami survivors receive medical treatment outside a military hospital in Palu, Indonesia. (Mast Irham/EPA-EFE/REX) 33 / 35 Indonesian men check the bodies of earthquake and tsunami victims as they look for their relatives at a police hospital in Palu, Indonesia. (Mast Irham/EPA-EFE/REX) 34 / 35 A man looks for his belongings amid the debris of his destroyed house in Palu, Indonesia. (Bay Ismoyo / AFP/Getty Images) 35 / 35 People walk along a beach that was hit by a tsunami in Palu, Indonesia. (Bay Ismoyo / AFP/Getty Images)

Relief supplies were going into Palu on a limited number of military flights from Jakarta and arriving slowly by road from Makassar, 500 miles away in the islands south. Other roads around the city were damaged by the earthquake or blocked by ensuing landslides.

Without excavators or other heavy equipment to move debris, people in Palu were seen digging by hand to try to free victims trapped under downed buildings, including hotels and malls. Efforts have focused on the Roa-Roa hotel, an eight-story building in Palu where relief workers briefly heard voices coming from beneath the rubble on Saturday.

Two bodies were retrieved from under the downed hotel on Monday, Rafiq Ashori, the Indonesian Red Cross disaster preparedness head, said by phone from Palu.

According to footage shared on social media, survivors were stopping relief convoys and crowds were gathering at Palus airport demanding to board flights to Jakarta.

A statement from a network of volunteers helping to dig through rubble in the hope of finding survivors in Palu described a dead city where water and gasoline are rare, adding that there was looting everywhere.

There is still no aid received yet, except for several boxes of instant noodles from some volunteers, Sukmawati, a 50-year-old woman whose brother died in the disaster and whose aunt is still unaccounted for, said by phone from Palu. Sukmawati has only one name.

Drinking water is also very limited, she said, adding that those left homeless have to be self-sufficient.

Convoys of aid destined for previously hard to access regions were expected to leave from Palu early Tuesday, with government security support due to fears of looting.

Authorities have so far turned a blind eye to people taking what they need from damaged shops to survive, saying that business owners will be compensated.

But the Indonesian Retailers Assn., a trade group, lashed out at the government.

We are concerned about the governments arrogance in allowing people to loot goods from retail outlets  without coordinating with their owners or management, or with the association, chairman Roy Nicholas Mandey told Kompas, an Indonesian newspaper.

Visiting the stricken region Sunday, President Joko Widodo asked survivors to be patient given the damage to transport and communications inflicted by the disaster.

By Monday, as the clamor for help grew louder, Widodo, who is up for reelection in April, said the government would immediately send as much food as possible. His investment minister Thomas Lembong announced that the government would accept aid from foreign governments to help with the response.

Special correspondent Roughneen reported from Jakarta and Times staff writer Bengali from New Delhi.

shashank.bengali@latimes.com

Follow @SBengali on Twitter for more news from South Asia

UPDATES:

11:45 a.m.: This article was updated throughout with staff reporting.

This article was originally published at 8 a.m.
The first email came in January 2017 from a 27-year-old Bangladeshi man. Uncomfortable in English, he had managed to tap out five lines on his Samsung Galaxy phone. His opening line got my attention.

Sir Im sell my body one kidney.

He had listed his blood type, A-negative, along with his phone number. The last line was a sad mash-up of words: from Bangladeshi poor people money problem life.

This did not arrive totally out of the blue. Some months earlier, I had written an article about a hospital in Mumbai, India, that was busted for arranging illicit kidney transplants. The story was partly a cautionary tale about an unsuspecting young Indian villager who was duped into giving up his organ, then blew the whistle on the doctors.

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The emailer didnt realize  or care  that the kidney racket had been broken up and the suspects arrested. He certainly failed to grasp that I was a journalist reporting the facts of the case, not a potential organ trafficker.

I didnt respond, filing the message away mentally as just another curious reader email. But five months later an Indian man named Manjunath wrote me with the subject line How to sell my kidney.

A text message exchange with Manjunath, a prospective kidney seller in India. (Shashank Bengali / Los Angeles Times)

This time, I wrote back with my phone number, and he messaged me on WhatsApp: Hi bro. I asked him why he needed money.

My sister marriage and some family problem, he replied.

I explained what I knew, that kidney sales were illegal in India, where in most cases only close relatives of patients needing organs are approved as donors. Realizing I couldnt help, he stopped messaging me.

Then, last October, I wrote a story from Iran, the only country that operates a legal, government-managed market for kidney sales. The economic turmoil there had produced an eerie phenomenon: Countless people were posting ads on Tehran streets, offering to transact their kidneys outside the official channels.

My colleague Ramin Mostaghim and I didnt meet anyone who had successfully made a black-market kidney deal. The ads spoke to a profound anxiety in Iran. But after the story was published, I confronted a desperation that was much wider.

My inbox began to fill up with prospective kidney sellers. They came from everywhere: India, mostly, but also Germany, Russia, Croatia, Peru, Kenya, Nigeria  even the United States, from a man with an Ohio number who claimed to be a retired Marine.

An email from an Indian in Moscow. (Shashank Bengali / Los Angeles Times)

Ive received nearly 50 such emails, so many that Ive created a filter to route all messages containing the word kidney to a separate folder. Last month I got a Facebook message request from Colombia, which was how I learned the Spanish word for kidney is rinon.

Was this some sort of elaborate gaslighting? A plot to entrap me in an organ racket?

It was simpler than that. I Googled sell my kidney and saw the two articles Id written pop up on the first page of results.

The World Health Organization and most medical experts oppose the sale of organs, arguing that it exploits downtrodden people  mainly from poor countries  and contributes to human trafficking and organized crime.

Others, including supporters of the Iranian system, say that paid kidney donation is hardly different from surrogate pregnancy and that creating a commercial market would make more organs available to patients who need them.

Were the people in my inbox desperate? Some certainly seemed to be, their messages written in English that was broken but blunt:

I want to donate my kidney for money i need money plz help me my blood group is o positive.

I am ready to sell kidneys to any one in any country. I have a lot of financial problems and I will pay this money for my sons life.

i need money to help my family for now thing are not going well in my family now sir plz help and say somthing.

Then there were opportunists, people I could imagine one day writing a story about.

A Cameroonian man wrote with a grisly business proposal. (Shashank Bengali / Los Angeles Times)

A man from Cameroon emailed about a business proposal and said he had three prospective kidney sellers ready to meet me if we split the proceeds from the transactions. The purported ex-Marine with the Ohio phone number wanted $500,000 and a new house.

A more thoughtful email came from a 59-year-old Floridian who said he didnt see an ethical problem with organ sales.

If it helps me financially and keeps someone from dying, it is a win-win, he wrote. I am quite healthy, do not smoke, rarely drink and would consider traveling to the Mideast, if you know of [someone] willing to compensate me and cover the costs.

As a foreign correspondent, I was accustomed to seeking out people in difficult circumstances. Now they were seeking me out, showing up in my email at all hours  when I was writing another story, racing to catch a flight, having dinner with my wife at home in Mumbai or trying to rock one of our newborn twins to sleep  and becoming impossible to ignore.

I began writing back by email and text. Why do you want to sell? I asked.

Some I texted denied having emailed in the first place. Maybe they had thought better of the idea. Mahar from Iran said he wanted to raise money to flee his country. Souvik from the Indian city of Kolkata had a loan of about $80,000 that he needed to clear. He was not happy to learn that in Irans legal market, a kidney seller earned less than $4,000.

I picked up my WhatsApp conversation with Manjunath, one of the first emailers. A year later, had there been any change in his family situation?

Nthg bro, he responded. And then silence.

I started to feel guilty  I had no helpful information to offer these people, only a door to shut. Was I raising their hopes even slightly by responding? Wouldnt it be better to ignore them?

But the emails keep coming.

Vikash from the Indian state of Bihar wrote me in mid-September. His father was ill and he asked me to call. When he picked up, I could barely hear his voice over what he said was a chronically poor cellular connection in his impoverished rural town.

He was 22, he said, and had earned a degree in economics from a local university. As the firstborn son, he had to support the family, which had taken out a loan to pay for his sisters wedding. But the only job he could get was delivering packages for Amazon, for about $110 a month.

How much did the family owe? I asked.

It was about $1,700.

I tried to imagine that being a sum so overwhelming that youd consider parting with an organ.

I explained in my patchwork Hindi why selling his kidney wasnt an option. He insisted he was in good health and texted me a photo, but he finally seemed to get that what he wanted to do wasnt legal.

Suddenly he switched to English.

I dont have anything to sell except my body part, he said. Please find a way for me.

In the moment, I looked for the quickest way to end a conversation I wish Id never started. I said I would try, and he messaged a few more times. Soon, when he realized I couldnt help, he stopped writing.

shashank.bengali@latimes.com

Shashank Bengali is South Asia correspondent for The Times. Follow him on Twitter at @SBengali
It was hailed as the breakthrough of a generation, a deal that would end a dispute that had festered for 27 years and consolidate peace in the Balkans.

When the tiny Republic of Macedonia emerged from the collapse of Yugoslavia in 1991, it had caused alarm in neighboring Greece, which already had a region called Macedonia, which included the nations second-biggest city and port of Thessaloniki.

In June, the two sides finally hashed out an agreement under which Macedonia would be renamed the Republic of North Macedonia and, in turn, Greece would lift its objections to the state becoming a member of the European Union and of NATO. The agreement, which could lift Macedonias isolation and stem Russian influence in the region, was signed on the shores of Lake Prespa, which spans the countries borders.

But on Sunday, the people of the prospective North Macedonia failed to provide the resounding approval that Prime Minister Zoran Zaev hoped for. In a referendum among the nations 2 million people, only 36.9% turned out to vote, failing to meet the 50% threshold for participation, even as 91.5% of those who voted approved the pact. The low turnout rendered the non-binding poll invalid.

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Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev holds a press conference after the closing of the polls in the Macedonian referendum to solve the name issue with Greece, in Skopje, Macedonia, on Sunday. (Nake Batev/EPA-EFE/REX)

Some Macedonians celebrated the result by dancing in the streets, holding placards saying: Stop the Greek genocide and This was, is and will remain Macedonia.

We knew that it was on the cards as there seemed to be this groundswell of opposition to the agreement with people feeling disgruntled about having to change the name of their country and their identity, said James Ker-Lindsay, an expert on southeast Europe at the London School of Economics. It came out as Lets boycott this rather than an outright no.

Zaev has said he will carry on with the ratification of the agreement and the next step of changing the constitution. But he will need the support of opposition lawmakers to push those through and the lackluster referendum result means he is unlikely to sway them to fall behind him. Otherwise, Ker-Lindsay says, fresh elections are the option.

When Yugoslavia dissolved, the region that had been the Socialist Republic of Macedonia achieved independence without the bloodshed seen in the other Yugoslav states. But by keeping the name of Macedonia, it stoked fear and fury among Greeks who suspected it would make territorial claims on their territory. Those concerns grew when the main airport in the capital, Skopje, was called Alexander the Great in a move seen by Greeks as claiming the heritage of the ancient Greek king, who hailed from the ancient region of Macedonia and went out from there to conquer the known world.

Amid boycotts and protest marches in Thessaloniki, Greece insisted on a name change and vetoed the neighbors bid to join NATO and the European Union.

In a flurry of diplomatic activity earlier this year, Greece and the former Yugoslav republic carved out a compromise. In addition to the new name, the deal clarifies that the people of North Macedonia are unrelated to the ancient Greeks. Their language is part of the Slavic family, unrelated to ancient Greek.

The new name would be used both internationally and bilaterally, so that the countries that recognize Macedonia would have to change their recognition to North Macedonia. The new name would be approved by the Macedonian people in the referendum and by the Greek parliament.

There was still opposition. In Athens and Thessaloniki, thousands rallied, chanting that there was only one Macedonia and that it was Greek. In Skopje, President Gjorge Ivanov said the agreement was in violation of the countrys sovereignty.

In a joint statement Monday, President Donald Tusk of the European Union and Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg of NATO said the agreement, if ratified, would change the life of the people of the country and that of their children for the better.

It is now in the hands of politicians in Skopje to decide on the way forward, the two added. The decisions they take in the next days and weeks will determine the fate of their country and their people for many generations to come. We encourage them to seize this historic opportunity.

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert similarly praised the agreement and called for its full implementation, which will allow Macedonia to take its rightful place in NATO and the EU, contributing to regional stability, security, and prosperity.

If Zaev manages to deliver his part of the deal, it would then be the turn of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who will have to contend with opposition from his junior government partner. The Greek opposition has already said it will vote against the Prespa agreement in parliament.

We needed a good news story, said Ker-Lindsay about the Balkans, where tensions over Macedonia, Kosovo and Serbia, and Bosnia continue. To get rid of one of them would have been a tremendous step forward.

Petrakis is a special correspondent.
Pity budding bibliophiles in Kuwait. They live in a society where Dante and Dostoevsky, the countrys own best-known authors and even arcane texts on Islamic jurisprudence have raised the ire of government censors.

Nearly 4,400 titles have been banned in Kuwait in the last five years, an unprecedented level of censorship for a nation once known as the Hollywood of the Gulf for the popularity of its cultural offerings and the open-mindedness of its politics.



For the record: An earlier version of this article misidentified author Elif Shafak as Elie Shafak.

The injunctions have caused a furor among the countrys intellectual class: A few hundred people have held protests outside the National Assembly in recent weeks. Others posted pictures of now-forbidden books they had in their libraries and tweeted under hashtags such as #Banned_In_Kuwait and #Dont_Decide_For_Me.

The outcry began this year when the government responded to an inquiry by lawmaker Khaled Shatti on the number of books banned in the country.

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I asked for information only from the last five years, said Shatti in a recent phone interview. I thought their written response was going to be in an envelope. Instead, I got 16 cartons of documents with the list along with justifications as to why each book was banned.

In some instances, not using the proper honorific or employing inappropriate mentions of Muslim figures in a way deemed to violate sacred values have resulted in a thumbs-down. Other reasons have included sectarian or politically violent language that could fray national unity, or a passing mention of anything considered racy.

Injunctions of books are handed down by a nine-person committee working under the Ministry of Information. One-page book reports prepared by ministry employees flag content deemed offensive.

As Shattis staff sifted through the titles and reports, he said, it became clear that censorship is applied arbitrarily and at times based on misunderstandings or, so it seems, outright whim.

Tin-eared monitors, for example, have flagged works based on a misreading of the authors words, he said, or on a lack of understanding of literary symbolism.

They wouldnt allow something because of what they perceived to be the authors intent. Its shameful, Shatti said.

Censors have also isolated words and phrases with no sense of context or regard for the story line.

Lets say a character declares hes an atheist in the middle of a novel but changes his mind in the end. Its a novel after all; theres character development, said Abdullah Khonaini, a Kuwaiti anti-censorship activist and masters student who recently began studying in Britain. But because the book mentions atheism its banned.

Other book reports published on social media by Kuwaiti anti-censorship group Meem3 show that such concerns as the bikini top worn by the Little Mermaid are enough to ax an illustrated book on fairy tales.

Also forbidden: a Marvel Comics encyclopedia, a book on Egyptian history and a book of sayings by Sufi Muslim scholar Rumi.

The ban has taken on greater urgency in recent weeks, as the scope of the states censorship has become clear in the run-up to Kuwaits annual book fair.

The event, held each November since the 1970s, had given Kuwait a reputation as the Persian Gulfs most open society.

But this years iteration wont have copies of Gabriel Garcia Marquezs One Hundred Years of Solitude, even though six editions of the book, which was initially published more than 50 years ago, had entered the country with no problems.

Readers seeking Dantes The Divine Comedy, the second part of Dostoevskys The Brothers Karamazov or the Egyptian author Naguib Mahfouz are also out of luck. Youll find an English-language edition of Elif Shafaks The 40 Rules of Love, but not the one in Arabic.

Mai Nakib, a literature professor at Kuwait University who won awards for her short-story collection The Hidden Light of Objects, discovered it on the list of banned books shortly after landing in Kuwait from vacation last month.

Just landed back in Kuwait after months away to the news that #TheHiddenLightOfObjects is on a list of banned books that includes, among countless others, Marquez, Mahfouz, Faulkner, Orwell, @sinanantoon!?!?!? What century is this?

#__ #__ pic.twitter.com/fAZKM6AqWs  Mai Al-Nakib (@maialnakib) September 12, 2018

I dont know the specific reason behind the banning of my book, but if recent examples are anything to go by, the reason will no doubt be arbitrary and ridiculous, she said in an email.

It saddens me that my book, which is, in many ways, a love letter to Kuwait, will no longer be openly available to citizens and residents of this country.

Many see the ban as an extension of a years-long erosion of the liberal political system the country had enjoyed until the Persian Gulf War, which began in 1990.

With conservatives gaining ground in parliament, the government introduced a law in 2006 that strengthened press freedoms but also upped punishments for publishing materials that insulted Islam, criticized the countrys ruler or called for leadership change.

Its a situation where you can write something in the newspaper and its no problem. The same topic in a book will get banned and will get you punished and imprisoned if its on social media, Khonaini said.

More recently, a 2015 cybercrime law criminalized online criticism of government officials, members of the royal family, religious figures and foreign leaders, according to the watchdog organization Freedom House. Violations carry a prison term of up to 10 years.

Conservative lawmaker Mohammad Hayef, on the other hand, approves of the committees work, saying the committee was important in blocking books that promote atheism, drugs and profligacy.

We salute this committee, which should not pay any heed to these dissonant calls and voices, he said in parliament last week.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Jabri, who just completed his first year as the countrys minister of information, dismisses complaints as a censorship boogeyman that is overblown because the bulk of bans were decided before his tenure.

The ceiling of freedoms here is high. In 2018 alone weve allowed 12,000 books to pass and banned only 65 books, Jabri said in a phone interview.

Jabri said that he was working within the laws that parliament had approved and that in any case, a ban can be appealed within 60 days.

That has done little to mollify people like Saadiah Mufarreh, a poet and cultural critic.

The problem isnt in censorship per se, so much as it is that there arent clear parameters for censorship. A book is banned one year, accepted the next. Banned in the book fair, but available in bookstores, she said in a phone interview .

Lawmaker Shatti was more pointed in his criticism, saying that the government was succumbing to conservative forces with a harsh Islamist worldview.

Look, many of these books are ones that I wouldnt agree with, he said. But I still think people should read them.

nabih.bulos@latimes.com

Twitter: @nabihbulos
President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi wants to provide the best services available in the country's newly constructed cities of the New Administrative Capital, New Alamein, and New Mansoura, while ensuring the scheduled implementation dates are abided by, according to a statement by Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady.

The remarks came during El-Sisi's meeting with Prime Minister and Minister of Housing Moustafa Madbouly and Chief Executive Officer of the Dar Al-Handasah engineering company Mohamed Yehia Zaki.

The president stressed the importance of using the most advanced techniques, utilities, and services to offer a better standard of living for citizens.

During the meeting, El-Sisi also ordered the upgrade and maintenance of the nation's infrastructure, particularly the sanitation, roads, bridges, and main thoroughfares.

The prime minister reviewed the architectural designs of a number of neighborhoods and housing units in the New Administrative capital.

The officials also discussed the establishment of a 65 acre central park in Sheikh Zayed City, the spokesman said.

The park would contain rare plants, pedestrian walkways, and artificial lakes as currently designed, in line with current international standards.

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Style / Fashion

As early as August 2017, it was reported that Orlebar Brown was considering a sale for 50 million. It was acquired by Chanel for an undisclosed sum.

Oct 01, 2018 | By Jonathan Ho

As early as August 2017, it was reported that 007 luxury swim shorts maker Orlebar Brown was considering a sale for 50 million. Back then, the softening British Pound was attractive enough for several international private equity firms to show interest in the fashionable trunk designer. On Friday 28th September, it was announced that Chanel would be acquiring Orlebar Brown.

Chanel Acquires 007 luxury Swim shorts maker Orlebar Brown

While many magazines have mistaken the company for the makers of Casino Royales blue swim shorts, in reality, La Perla Grigioperla blue swimming trunks, Orlebar Brown is a 10 year old firm with more outstanding kudos than a film cameo  it sells up 23 million worth of assorted beachwear in physical and online stores, most impressively, beyond its domestic market of UK. Orlebar Brown has boutiques in US, Australia, France, Turkey and Kuwait.

Orlebar Brown will continue its digital focused approach and also pursue its development internationally, with the opening of new boutiques in the United States, Europe and Asia, Chanel statement to Reuters

French luxury brand Chanel acquired the British swim brand for an undisclosed sum, no indications that it was anywhere close to the 50 million figure floated last August. The mens resortwear brand was estimated to be worth 25 million. Chanel has bought out all shares from Adam Brown, the founder and Piper, a private equity firm.

Founded by former photographer when Brown couldnt find swim shorts short enough to swim in but not too short, Orlebar Brown swim shorts have been the brand of choice for David Gandy, Damien Lewis, Michael Fassbender, as well as former English Premier, David Cameron.

Chanel will retain Brown as creative director of the lifestyle and beachwear brand known for their swim trunks and towel polo shirts. That said, Forbes reports that the French brand has no intentions to form luxury conglomerate model like LVMH or even the newly former Capri Holdings, formerly Michael Kors Holdings. This is Chanels second acquisition in a month, earlier in September, they acquired a minority stake in luxury Swiss watchmaker FP Journe, officially named Montres Journe SA for an undisclosed sum  the group already owns Bell & Ross and Romain Gautier.

Chanel already owns Orlebar Browns feminine counterpart  Eres, a high end beach and lingerie brand.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi is set to open on Monday the first Arab Forum for Special Schools held in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Shiekh, said Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady said in a statement.

The forum, which will conclude 4 October, will be attended by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, and Jordan, Minister of Education Tarek Shawki said on Saturday, while hailing the presence of El-Sisi, highlighting the president's attention to people with special needs.

The minister also noted during a press conference on Saturday that a total of EGP 100 billion is required to overcome overcrowded classroom situations in Egyptian public schools.

Overcrowded classrooms in Egypt have been a pressing challenge for the country's educational system in recent years, with classes exceeding 100 students in some schools.

The Ministry of Education said in 2017 that international education competitiveness reports ranked Egypt in 134 out of the 139 countries on the quality index of primary education, and 28 out of 139 countries in the total enrollment of students in primary education.

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The Labour4Clause4 campaign set up by British supporters of the IMT held a hugely successful fringe meeting at this years Labour Party conference. Around 80 people attended the meeting, held on 25th September, to hear about the importance of reinstating the historic Clause 4, which represented Labours commitment to socialist values.

The fringe meeting was the culmination of a great week in Liverpool for the Labour4Clause4 campaign. Prior to this year's Labour conference, it was reported that the campaign's motion to restore Clause 4 has made it onto the agenda for next year's conference.

This is extremely exciting news, and will hopefully mean that in a year's time delegates will have the opportunity to hammer the final nail into the coffin of Blairism and privatisation.

Meanwhile, there was a great deal of interest in the campaign from delegates and visitors. Hundreds of people added their names to the campaign's statement, including a number of left-wing Labour MPs, and many copies of our pamphlet Nationalisation: why we need it were sold.

Of course, the campaign was given a big boost by John McDonnell's speech at conference, where the shadow chancellor quoted the wording of the original Clause 4, describing this socialist clause as being "more relevant than ever".

The disaster of privatisation

It was no surprise, therefore, that the campaign's fringe meeting saw a packed room of attendees on the Tuesday evening, to hear speakers on the panel from a variety of unions, including the RMT, the bakers union, and the CWU.

Steve Hedley, senior assistant general secretary of the RMT spoke about the history of Clause 4 and the importance of having nationalisations that are worker-led and controlled, and not imposed from the top down or only applied to struggling industries.

As a leading figure in one of the major rail unions, Steve described the nationalisation of Britains railways as vitally important, and a key example of how privatisation has failed the workers and people of Britain.

You can hear Steve speaking further on this issue in the clip below from Radio 4.

Ian Hodson, president of the BFAWU (Bakers, Food, and Allied Workers Union), explained the vital need for Clause 4 in order to secure a society that is fair for everyone in it.

Hodson also gave an update to the meeting of the BFAWU unions Time for Ten campaign, which aims to secure a 10 per hour minimum wage for all, as well as announcing the great news that Uber Eats drivers have gone on strike in London alongside workers from McDonalds, TGI Fridays, and Wetherspoon in a fight for decent pay.

The panel also included Lee Waker, a Labour councillor, who shared his experiences of strikes as a member of the CWU, which organises postal workers - who have seen first hand what privatisation entails.

A university student, also spoke to the meeting, highlighting the extent to which privatisation has affected the lives of young people - from education to living conditions - and the dangers that zero-hour contracts pose to young workers.

An idea whose time has come

Rob Sewell, coordinator of the Labour4Clause4 campaign, concluded the speeches by combatting the common arguments against Clause 4. Rob pointed out that it is in fact capitalism that is out of date, not Clause 4 and the socialist ideas that it represents.

Worker-led nationalisation would ensure that the people who make the wealth in Britain - the working class - get the full fruits of their labour, not the parasitic bosses and fat cats who have stolen from workers for too long.

Rob also spoke of how vital a planned economy is in the struggle for a socialist alternative to capitalism. As he emphasised to the audience: you cannot plan what you dont control; and you dont control what you dont own!

Reinstate Clause 4!

The discussion that followed raised questions about the concrete plans to move forward with the campaign, and how to involve groups such as Young Labour. Above all, audience members wanted to discuss the fight needed to reinstate Clause 4 at next years conference.

The mood of the room was electric and optimistic. Many attendees spoke of how it was more than time to bring back Clause 4 and break with New Labour once and for all.

The meeting was a fantastic success. But everyone present concluded that this meeting by itself clearly isnt enough. Support for the campaign has to be maintained and ramped up over the next twelve months - in order to make the reinstatement of Clause 4 a priority for next years conference and to ensure that this important task is carried through.
The International Labor Organization hailed on Monday the positive steps taken by Egypt in issuing the Trade Union Law, which aims to improve the labor conditions.



This came during a meeting between Manpower Minister Mohamed Safaan and Eric Oechslin, the acting director of the International Labor Organization's (ILO) office in Cairo.



Oechslin stressed the importance of enabling all trade unions to freely operate in the country, expressing the ILO's full support to the Egyptian government in fostering the organization's principles.



During the meeting, the ILO official said the organization took some notes on the law, adding that its experts committee received a number of complaints about the actual implementation of the law.



He pointed out that the government should respond to such complaints, reiterating the necessity of cooperation with the government in these issues.



He also valued the government's efforts to maintain the labor rights.



In the meantime, Safaan said that firm and urgent measures will be taken in case of discovering any deficiency in implementing the law in order to correct the statutes.



He asserted the government's keenness on keeping permanent and effective communication with the ILO to eliminate any kind of insufficiency and tackle ways of boosting bilateral cooperation to improve labor conditions here.



The minister pointed out the cooperation was evident in ILO's follow-up to the draft law on trade union organizations before it was issued. He cited 90 percent of the ILO notes were applied in the law.

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Members of the public will have opportunities to tour Montana businesses as part of a national celebration of manufacturing.

Aerospace manufacturer Boeing in Helena, snowboard binding maker Spark R&D of Bozeman and aluminum parts producer Spika in Lewistown are among those who will open their doors during Manufacturing Day on Friday, Oct. 5.

"If youve ever wondered how things are made, these tours are a great way to find out," said Paddy Fleming, director of Montana Manufacturing Extension Center at Montana State University. The events are also a chance for people to see what manufacturing jobs look like and determine whether a manufacturing career might be a good fit for them, he added.

http://www.montana.edu/news/18038

*** Youll need to indicate "United States" before you can choose a state and city. https://www.mfgday.com/events?showAll#filter ***
Wyoming thinks its time to start a new kind of bank.

Inside this bank will be no vault doors, no safe deposit boxes, no small bowls of lollipops or even a teller. Rather, this bank will exist inside of servers in some undisclosed location and, rather than money, could one day hold something no bank in the United States currently allows: cryptocurrency, a digital, encrypted form of currency that is quickly becoming the standard for web-dwelling merchants of the 21st century.

Unbeholden to any bank or governments treasury, cryptocurrency is lauded for its anonymity as well as its volatility, able to make or break millionaires in a snap.

Nick Reynolds 307-266-0634, [email protected]

https://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/wyoming-lawmakers-think-it-s-time-for-a-crypto-bank/article_c3dd9cba-1020-5238-a336-a49804893a69.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1
Francois Gamet has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Standard Bank (Mauritius) Limited with effect from 1 September 2021.

Francois has over 25 years working experience in the financial services sector, mainly in private equity and investment banking, in the US, UK, Russia, China and across Africa always with a focus on emerging markets. He has had a successful career with Standard Bank Group (SBG) having joined in 2004 and held various executive positions within the Group including his most recent role as Head of Asia for the Group and CEO of Standard Advisory (China) Ltd. In this role he was responsible for group strategy definition and implementation across Asia with a focus on SBG strategic relationship with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC).

Yinka Sanni, Chief Executive Africa Regions said,

Francois is an accomplished leader bringing over 25 years working experience within the financial services industry in developed and emerging markets. He will drive Standard Bank Mauritius ambition to be a platform business in the coming years leveraging on the Groups powerful scale advantages and strengths in Africa.

Francois Gamet said, I am proud and delighted to serve as Chief Executive of Standard Bank Mauritius. We have a great team in Mauritius and as Africas largest financial services group, Standard Bank in Mauritius has a solid foundation and a central role to play within SBG in transforming client experience and driving sustainable growth and value.

Francois holds a Masters degree in Management/Finance from France, studied at INSEAD and recently completed a series of programmes on blockchain and platform business strategies.

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Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi announced on Monday that the Tahya Misr Fund has allocated EGP 500 mln to support citizens with special needs.

The announcement came as El-Sisi inaugurated the first Arab Forum for Schools for Special Needs and Integration held in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh.

The Egyptian president also announced that the government recently provided 5,000 jobs for handicapped and special need citizens in state institutions.

He also revealed that government buildings were being prepared to become special needs citizens friendly.

El-Sisi also stated that the government is working to provide pensions and residential units for special needs citizens, which he said are estimated to be 10 million out of a population of 104 million.

The president honoured some students with special needs and their families.

The forum is sponsored by Egypt's Ministry of Education and is being held from 1 to 4 October.

The speaker of Egypts parliament Ali Abdel-Aal, Minister of Education Tarek Shawki and Minister of Defence Mohamed Zaki are among Egyptian state officials attending the inauguration.

The forum is attended by delegations and ministers from a number of Arab countries.

The event comes as part of the Special Needs Year initiative that was announced by El-Sisi in April 2017.

The initiative involves a plan to develop the capabilities and skills of Egyptian and Arab students with special needs, and will be managed by Egypts Ministry of Education.

The Arab forum will feature various workshops and talent shows in sports, art, photography and graphics for persons with special needs.

In opening remarks at the event, Minister Shawky highlighted the success of integration policies in schools and said that the ministry is training teachers to deal with special needs citizens.

"Non-special needs students have benefited from the integration with special needs students," the minister said, adding "that this approach reflects a culture of respecting differences."

The minister said that more trained cadres are needed to develop the skills of citizens with special needs.

In response to the ministers comments, President El-Sisi has tasked Egypt's Ministry of Defence with building a special centre to develop the skills of special needs citizens.

According to Article 81 of Egypts 2014 constitution, the state must provide work opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and allocate a percentage of jobs to them, as well as equip public facilities and the surrounding environment to cater to those with special needs.

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Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- Senators Chris Coons and Jeff Flake described in a "60 Minutes" interview how their bipartisanship led to an FBI investigation into Christine Blasey Ford's allegations against Brett Kavanaugh.

Coons, the Democrat from Delaware, called his friend and colleague across the aisle, Flake of Arizona, a "hero" for being the Republican who ultimately forced President Donald Trump's hand in ordering a week-long, supplemental investigation into his Supreme Court nominee.

In unpacking the testimony Thursday, both Coons and Flake agreed that Kavanaugh became "too sharp," as Flake put it, with senators on the committee.

Coons said it "went over a line."

"He had exchanges with Senator Feinstein, with Senator Klobuchar, with others, that I thought went over a line. He was clearly belligerent -- aggressive, angry," Coons said in the interview with CBS' Scott Pelley.

The senators also agreed that Kavanaugh's attacks on the left -- specifically accusing the Clintons of involvement -- seemed "partisan" beyond the standards of a judicial nominee.

"There were some lines that he delivered that were sharper, more partisan, more 'this is the Clintons paying me back. This is a democratic smear campaign,' that I was surprised - struck -- to hear from a judicial nominee," Coons said. "In my case, yes, it made me wonder about his suitability to serve on the bench."

Flake, though he agreed, told Pelley that there were also parts of Kavanaugh's testimony with which he identified.

"Well, the part that he talks about, the mention of the Clintons and whatnot, I didnt like either. It seemed partisan. But boy, I had to put myself in that spot ... I think you give a little leeway there," he said.

Flake emphasized that Kavanaugh's anger was "in keeping with someone who had been unjustly accused."

"I heard someone who I hope I would sound like, if I had been unjustly accused," Flake said.

But he, too, denounced the judge's comments flipping questions back on senators about alcohol abuse and high school antics.

As it went on, Flake said, "[Kavanaugh's] interaction with some of the members was a little too sharp, and he actually apologized at one point."

Ford and Kavanaugh both testified before the committee Thursday in an hours-long questioning that was watched across the world. The next day, as the committee was set to vote, Flake -- who had committed to voting for Kavanaugh -- was confronted by two protestors who said they, too, had been sexually assaulted in the past.

After Coons finished speaking before the Senate Judiciary Committee that afternoon, he and Flake started a discussion that led to the whole committee crammed into a tiny hallway, the anteroom behind the Senate hearing room, which the senators described in the interview.

They eventually huddled into an even smaller phone booth, where Flake and Coons alone went over the details of stipulating a week-long investigation that might quell the nation in a deeply divided time.

"Eventually, we literally had the whole, the whole committee crammed into this tiny, little hallway and my recollection was Jeff, at one point says, 'OK I want to talk to Chris.' And we went into literally a phone booth that we can barely fit in, talking to another senator and there's this whole committee right outside," Coons said, laughing.

"Looking in," Flake added, "it was quite a moment."

Flake, who's not running for re-election, said there's "not a chance" he would've worked across the aisle with Coons if he planned on staying in the Senate.

"Theres no value to reaching across the aisle. Theres no currency for that anymore. Theres no incentive," said Flake, who's been a frequent critic of the hyper-partisanship in Washington, often directly attributing it to the president's rhetoric.

Pelley asked both senators what they expect to see at the end of the week-long investigation.

"What are the chances that we are going to be in exactly the same place a week from now?" he asked.

"Theres a chance and we knew that," Flake said.

Colleagues suggested that it could only make matters worse, Flake said -- an "outrageous allegation" could come forward or the FBI could talk to people "who dont want to talk anymore."

"There is a chance that that will happen. I do think that we can make progress," Flake said.

Coons remained positive that the investigation will result in some healing for survivors of sexual assault.

"I think we will be in a different place. Because lots of survivors around the country will feel that Dr. Fords story was heard and respected and further investigated," he said.

He also acknowledged that the investigation could exonerate Kavanaugh of the accusations.

"We may well be in a different place a week from now because Judge Kavanaugh and his family may well have had exculpatory evidence brought forward," he said.

Pelley asked both senators if, on the other hand, Kavanaugh's nomination will be derailed if the investigation shows otherwise, finding evidence that he lied to the committee.

"Oh, yes. I would think so," both senators said.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees said Monday it was temporarily withdrawing part of its foreign staff from the Gaza Strip following security concerns linked to job cuts in the Palestinian enclave.

It said in a statement it had "decided to temporarily withdraw part of its international staff from Gaza following a series of worrying security incidents affecting its personnel in the strip."

A source with knowledge of the situation said six foreign staffers remained out of the 19 who are usually there.

The Israeli defence ministry unit that oversees the crossing said a number of foreign employees from the agency known as UNRWA "were evacuated from the Gaza Strip to Israel" on Monday.

UNRWA employees in the strip have held strikes, sit-ins and other protests since the agency announced in July it was cutting more than 250 jobs in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Hundreds of full-time roles have also become part-time.

Laid-off workers warn that their families will be at serious risk in Israeli-blockaded Gaza, where unemployment is at some 53 percent.

The cuts come as a result of US President Donald Trump's decision to cancel all aid to the agency.

An UNRWA source said a protest was held Monday outside a Gaza City hotel where agency officials were meeting.

The agency's statement said that "earlier today, a number of staff were harassed and prevented from carrying out their duties".

"Some of these actions have specifically targeted the UNRWA management in Gaza," it said.

It called on the authorities in the enclave run by Islamist movement Hamas "to respond to its repeated demands to provide effective protection to its employees and facilities."

"The lack of effective security and safety risk impacting vital humanitarian services to more than 1.3 million refugees in Gaza," it said.

The United States has traditionally been UNRWA's largest contributor, providing around $350 million (300 million euros) a year, but Trump has cancelled all support.

It received pledges of $118 million from donor countries last week to help it overcome the funding crisis, but still has a shortfall of $68 million in its annual budget.

Created in 1949, the agency supplies aid to more than three million of the five million eligible Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the Palestinian territories.

Around 13,000 people work for UNRWA in Gaza, where more than two-thirds of the roughly two million residents are eligible for aid.

The agency also says more than 200,000 Palestinians attend its schools in the Gaza Strip.

Despite the removal of part of its foreign staff, UNRWA operations were continuing in Gaza, the agency said.

Its director of operations and other international staff were remaining in Gaza, UNRWA said.

More than 750,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled during the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation.

They and all their descendants are deemed by the UN agency to be refugees who fall under its remit.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online

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[October 01, 2018] Paysafe Group hosts first global hackathon to identify new ideas, talent and innovation LONDON, Oct. 1, 2018 /CNW/ -- Paysafe Group, a leading global payments provider, will host its first global hackathon across five of its key developer locations: Sofia (Bulgaria), Vienna (Austria), Hyderabad (India), Montreal and Calgary (Canada); to identify new ideas, talent and innovation that align to its bold technology ambitions. The global hackathon is open to all forward-thinking IT engineers with a passion for technology and coding who are looking for an opportunity to showcase their exceptional skills. Along with the opportunity to win large cash prizes, the successful hackers will have the opportunity to discuss rewarding career opportunities at Paysafe, a sought-after employer in payments with multiple employer awards and a Glassdoor rating of 4.2 globally. Interested participants are required to pre-register here: www.paysafe.com/hackathon2018 Paysafe's global hackathon will consist of two parts involving challenges focused on Graph Theory and Dynamic Programming: Online challenge from October 8 th to October 20 th:

The top three winners of the online challenge will receive a cash prize; 1st place wins $3,000 , 2nd place wins $2,000 and 3rd place wins $1,000 . The top 50 participants in each location will be contacted directly and invited to the on-site event.

On-site events on October 27 th:

The on-site events will take place at venues across the five countries. Individuals will be required to present their work in front of a jury once everyone has completed the challenge. The location winner will be awarded a $5,000 prize and the overall global champion, who will be chosen from the five local winners, will win an additional grand prize of $20,000. Commenting on Paysafe's approach to developer talent, Paysafe's Chief Product & Transformation Officer, Karim Ahmad said: "At Paysafe, we promote an entrepreneurial culture where we want to empower our team to develop technology which can revolutionise the way consumers pay around the world. We are committed to leading in innovation and developing the next big thing in payments." "We've carried out a number of regional hackathons resulting in much success, so we are looking forward to rolling this out globally. It's a great opportunity to see what local talent has to offer on a larger scale." For more information about Paysafe's global hackathon such as the challenges, rules, locations and how to register, visit www.paysafe.com/hackathon2018. About Paysafe Paysafe is a leading global provider of end-to-end payment solutions. Its core purpose is to enable businesses and consumers to connect and transact seamlessly through industry-leading capabilities in payment processing, digital wallet, card issuing and online cash solutions. Delivered through an integrated platform, Paysafe solutions are geared toward mobile-initiated transactions, real-time analytics and the convergence between brick-and-mortar and online payments. With over 20 years of online payment experience, a combined transactional volume of US $56 billion in 2017 and approximately 3,000 employees located in 12+ global locations. Paysafe connects businesses and consumers across 200 payment types in over 40 currencies around the world. For more information, visit www.paysafe.com. SOURCE Paysafe Group

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[October 01, 2018] Blue Shield of California and Landmark Expand Access to Home-Based Medical Care for Chronically Ill Patients Blue Shield of California and Landmark are expanding their comprehensive home-based care, making their service available to more patients who have complex health issues and multiple chronic illnesses. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181001005019/en/ The program launched in April this year for eligible members enrolled in Medicare plans offered by Blue Shield and its subsidiary Care1st Health Plan. More than 600 members are already benefiting from this care. Now, Landmark services are available to about 10,000 additional members enrolled in Blue Shield's individual and employer-sponsored health plans and Care1st's Medi-Cal and Cal MediConnect health plans. The program is being made available in the San Francisco Bay Area, greater Los Angeles/Orange (News - Alert) County area, Sacramento, San Diego, San Bernardino and Riverside. "I have great doctors, but sometimes they can be hard to get a hold of during the day or after hours. With Landmark, I know I have access to doctors and nurses 24/7 without leaving my home," said Shirley Ehlers, 73, of San Diego. "As you get older, having in-home care also really provides that social support. I have been absolutely pleased with Landmark." Landmark is a healthcare company that provides community-based, physician-led care to patients in the comfort and convenience of their homes. Landmark care teams deliver medical and behavioral care, and social support services to patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They conduct routine and urgent care visits, as well as post-discharge home visits for patients to ensure a safe transition from the hospital or skilled nursing setting back to their place of residence. For eligible members, there is no additional cost to participate in this program or for services provided by Landmark. Covered services provided by non-Landmark providers through a referral from Landmark may be subject to cost-sharing based on members' health plan benefits and coverage. p> For Blue Shield, its collaboration with Landmark is part of the nonprofit health plan's growing suite of comprehensive in-home care services designed to improve quality and access to care for its members. "Our goal is patient-centered care, ensuring our members - especially those who are very ill - have access to quality medical and support services that they need to improve their health," said Jeff Bailet, M.D., executive vice president of Health Care Quality and Affordability at Blue Shield. "Blue Shield's collaboration with Landmark is just the latest example of our vision of providing Californians access to care that is worthy of our family and friends." While the Landmark program provides in-home access to care for members suffering from multiple, specific chronic conditions, it doesn't replace the care provided by their primary care physician or specialists. Instead, Landmark's 24-hour care augments the member's existing care support, working in coordination with the member's current providers to help them better manage their conditions. Landmark's model of care has resulted in meaningful outcomes nationally, including a 39 percent reduction in emergency room visits and 53 percent reduction in mortality rates. "Landmark's model is designed to better meet the needs of complex patients," said Michael Le, M.D., chief medical officer and co-founder of Landmark. "People with multiple chronic conditions need access to multidisciplinary, coordinated care that comes to them routinely and urgently, to help them stay well and stay home." About Blue Shield of California Blue Shield of California strives to create a health care system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. It is a not-for-profit, independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association with 4 million members, 6,800 employees and more than $17 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 and headquartered in San Francisco, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare health care service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $500 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation since 2002 to have an impact on California communities. For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit www.news.blueshieldca.com. Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. About Landmark Landmark is an industry leader of home-based medical care for patients with complex health needs, covering more than 80,000 lives. Its community-based, physician-led medical teams specialize in house calls and deliver medical, behavioral, social and palliative care to individuals with multiple chronic conditions wherever they reside, and wherever they need it. Landmark's teams of mobile clinicians collaborate with patients' families, caregivers and other medical providers to bring coordinated healthcare to people who need it the most. Landmark operates nationally, expanding coverage to reach 13 states in 2018. For more information, visit www.landmarkhealth.org. MULTI-PLAN_18_505A_C 09242018 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181001005019/en/

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The brother of a US-based preacher accused of masterminding the failed 2016 coup in Turkey was jailed for more than 10 years on Monday, Turkish state media said.

Kutbettin Gulen is the brother of Fethullah Gulen, who is accused by Ankara of staging the bid to oust President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

A court in the Aegean city of Izmir sentenced Kutbettin Gulen, who was first detained in October 2016, to 10 years and six months in jail, the state-run Anadolu news agency said.

He had been charged with "membership of an armed terror group".

Kutbettin Gulen, who is held in jail in the nearby region of Denizli, did not take part in the hearing in person but his lawyer was present, Anadolu said.

Fethullah Gulen, a former Erdogan ally who has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since 1999, has denied orchestrating the July 15, 2016 coup plot that saw 250 killed, not including the plotters.

Gulen's supporters ridicule the description of his group by the Turkish authorities as the Fethullah Terror Organisation (FETO), saying he merely runs a peaceful organisation called Hizmet (Service).

But Ankara wants Gulen extradited from the United States and has expressed impatience over Washington's failure to hand him over, with the issue a major bone of contention in Turkey-US ties.

According to previous Turkish media reports, Gulen has three living brothers, Mesih, Salih and Kutbettin, as well as two who are dead, Seyfullah and Hasbi. He also has two sisters, Nurhayat and Fazilet. Their current whereabouts are not known.

Tens of thousands of people have been arrested in the crackdown that followed the failed coup in a sweep aimed at eradicating all influence of the Gulen movement in Turkey.

Kutbettin is the only sibling of Gulen believed to have been arrested in the crackdown, although at least two nephews have been jailed.

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"This was not a referendum on my eight years as Mayor of North Wales Borough. If it was, the margin of defeat would have been much more than six votes. Rather, I believe this loss was the result of the...
Veterans Day program at Pennridge North Middle School thanks those who served
Letter to editor: Congress can get this right
Welcome to Morningstar.co.uk!

You have been redirected here from Hemscott.com as we are merging our websites to provide you with a one-stop shop for all your investment research needs.To search for a security, type the name or ticker in the search box at the top of the page and select from the dropdown results.Registered Hemscott users can log in to Morningstar using the same login details. Similarly, if you are a Hemscott Premium user, you now have a Morningstar Premium account which you can access using the same login details.
Palestinians in the occupied territories joined Arab-Palestinians inside Israel in a general strike Monday protesting Israel's controversial Jewish nation-state law and commemorating the deaths of 13 people killed in clashes with Israeli police in October 2000.

In the Arab-Palestinian community of Jatt in northern Israel, 1,500 participated in the central march in memory of the October 1 victims, killed in a series of clashes with police in 2000 during protests in support of the second Palestinian intifada.

Twelve Arab-Palestinians in Israel and a Palestinian in the occupied territories were killed by Israel in the clashes in October 2000.

Carrying pictures of the victims, Palestine flags and signs against Israel's nation-state law, the protesters marched along with members of parliament, including Ayman Odeh, head of the Joint List.

"We're striking today to remind that this wound is still bleeding," Odeh said, pledging to continue to fight against the treatment of Arabs in Israel as "second-class citizens, and racist legislation."

In the occupied east Jerusalem, the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip, schools and many businesses were closed, AFP journalists reported.

Demonstrations were also held in Ramallah, where minor clashes erupted by a checkpoint on the West Bank city's outskirts.

Clashes were also reported in the tense southern West Bank city of Hebron.

Jerusalem's historic Old City, in the city's mainly Palestinian eastern sector, was especially quiet.

Ramallah resident Khaled Abu Ayoush said the strike was "against the policy pursued by Israel in order to erase Palestinian nationalism and the displacement of citizens from their land."

Mahmud Hamed however kept open his bakery outside the walls of Jerusalem's Old City.

"We are a bakery," he said. "In wars, in strikes, people usually need a break."

Senior Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi said the strike also aimed to show solidarity with the West Bank village of Khan al-Ahmar, near Jerusalem.

Israel plans to demolish the Bedouin community, which it says was built illegally, despite international calls for a reprieve.

The nation-state law was passed in July and forms part of Israel's basic laws -- a de facto constitution.

It speaks of Israel as the historic homeland of the Jews and says they have a "unique" right to self-determination there.

Because it omits any reference to equality or the country's democratic nature, Arab-Palestinians in Israel say it will legalise discrimination.

Arabs account for some 17.5 percent of Israel's nearly nine million population.

Monday was also a holiday for Israeli Jews, marking the end of the week-long festival of Sukkot.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online.

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The United States and Canada forged a last-gasp deal on Sunday to salvage NAFTA as a trilateral pact with Mexico, rescuing a three-country, $1.2 trillion open-trade zone that had been about to collapse after nearly a quarter century.

In a big victory for his agenda to shake-up an era of global free trade that many associate with the signing of NAFTA in 1994, President Donald Trump coerced Canada and Mexico to accept more restrictive commerce with their main export partner.

Trump's primary objective in reworking NAFTA was to bring down U.S. trade deficits, a goal he has also pursued with China, by imposing hundreds of billions of dollars in tariffs on imported goods from the Asian giant.

While the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) avoids tariffs, it will make it harder for global auto makers to build cars cheaply in Mexico and is aimed at bringing more jobs into the United States.

Since talks began more than a year ago, it was clear Canada and Mexico would have to make concessions in the face of Trump's threats to tear up NAFTA and relief was palpable in both countries on Sunday that the deal was largely intact and had not fractured supply chains between weaker bilateral agreements.

"It's a good day for Canada," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters after a late-night cabinet meeting to discuss the deal, which triggered a jump in global financial markets.

In a joint statement, Canada and the United States said it would "result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region".

Negotiators worked frantically ahead of a midnight ET (0400 GMT) U.S. imposed deadline to settle differences, with both sides making concessions to seal the deal. The United States and Mexico had already clinched a bilateral agreement in August.

"It's a great win for the president and a validation for his strategy in the area of international trade," a senior administration official told reporters.

Trump has approved the deal with Canada, a source familiar with the decision said. U.S. officials intend to sign the agreement with Canada and Mexico at the end of November, after which it would be submitted to the U.S. Congress for approval, a senior U.S. official said.

The deal will preserve a trade dispute settlement mechanism that Canada fought hard to maintain to protect its lumber industry and other sectors from U.S. anti-dumping tariffs, U.S. and Canadian officials said.

But it came at a cost.

Canada has agreed to provide U.S. dairy farmers access to about 3.5 percent of its approximately $16 billion annual domestic dairy market. Although Canadian sources said its government was prepared to offer compensation, dairy farmers reacted angrily.

"We fail to see how this deal can be good for the 220,000 Canadian families that depend on dairy for their livelihood. Pierre Lampron, president of Dairy Farmers of Canada, said in a statement.

"This has happened, despite assurances that our government would not sign a bad deal for Canadians."

The deal also requires a higher proportion of the parts in a car to be made in areas of North America paying at least $16 an hour, a rule aimed at shifting jobs from Mexico.

Canada and Mexico each agreed to a quota of 2.6 million passenger vehicles exported to the United States in the event that Trump imposes 25 percent global autos tariffs on national security grounds.

The quota would allow for significant growth in tariff-free automotive exports from Canada above current production levels of about 2 million units, safeguarding Canadian plants. It is also well above the 1.8 million cars and SUVs Mexico sent north last year.

But the deal failed to resolve U.S. tariffs on Canada's steel and aluminum exports.

The Trump administration had threatened to proceed with a Mexico-only trade pact as U.S. talks with Canada foundered.

"It's a good night for Mexico, and for North America," Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray said.

The news delighted financial markets that had fretted for months about the potential economic damage if NAFTA blew up.

U.S. stock index futures rose, with S&P 500 Index e-mini futures up more than 0.5 percent, suggesting the benchmark index would open near a record on Monday.

The Canadian dollar surged to its highest since May against the U.S. dollar, gaining around 0.5 percent. The Mexican peso gained 0.8 percent to its highest against the greenback since early August.

"Though markets were already anticipating an agreement, one source of worry will be swept away if a deal is made," Yukio Ishizuki, senior currency strategist at Daiwa Securities in Tokyo, said.

"That will lead to a rise in trust in the U.S. economy, so it's easy for risk sentiment to improve."

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Malaysian Office for Rakuten

Online MR firm Rakuten Insight Global has opened an office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to be led by former Nielsen executive, Collin Leow.



Rakuten Insight Malaysia is the eleventh location and eighth office in the Asia region for Rakuten Insight, which is owned by Tokyo Internet services firm Rakuten, Inc, The firm says its new office will allow it to work more closely with its clients in Malaysia and provide 'an off-shore market research hub to drive business development and provide multi-lingual and multi-functional operational support for clients based across Southeast Asia'.



Leow (pictured) joined the company in June 2016 as Sales Director, after two years at Nielsen and earlier fourteen at GfK.



Rakuten Insight was formed in July by the merger of the group's two online research companies, Rakuten Research, Inc. and AIP Corporation under a single new brand. AIP was established in 1997 and became part the Rakuten Group in 2014.



Rakuten Insight CEO Atsushi 'Tomas' Tamura says of the new office: 'Today is another step in our commitment to provide clients across Asia with impactful online market research. The addition of our Malaysia office will also allow us better access to a country that shows exceptional growth potential for our business'.



The firm, whose panel focuses on twelve countries and regions in Asia, but is part of a network covering 60 countries and regions, is online at https://insight.rakuten.com .




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CHESHIRE  A local man is expected to be extradited to Pennsylvania to face terrorist threat and harassment charges.

Joseph Gaudet, 51, of 173 Mansion Road, was taken into custody and charged with being a fugitive from justice. He waived extradition during an appearance in Meriden Superior Court on Monday

Officers responded to Mansion Road for a report of a neighbor dispute on Friday. Police charged Gaudet with breach of peace and discovered there was a warrant issued by the Allegheny County Police Department for one count of terrorist threats and three counts of harassment, according to the warrant.

On June 26 and 27, Gaudet made threats to a judge and her staff, saying he was going to blow up a Pennsylvania building and police department, according to Lt. Jack Kearney of the Allegheny Police Department. Gaudet, who has family in and once lived in the area, was reportedly upset over a different warrant that was issued a year ago.

 Lauren Sellew
From festivals to organized classes, hooping is a unique fitness activity for children and adults.

The Record-Journal got a few lessons at Hubbard Park from Kailey Mitchell, founder and owner of Hipnotic Hoopla, based in New Haven.

Here are five things to know about the activity.

Health benefits

According to a study commissioned by the American Council on Exercise in 2011, hoop fitness has been proven to be a total-body workout. The study found that a 30-minute hooping workout can burn an average of 210 calories.

Hooping can help increase strength and flexibility as well as balance.

Mitchell said the activity has both physical and mental benefits.

Its a great cardio workout, she said.

Hooping can also be a successful stress and anxiety reliever.

You can actually get into a meditative state, similar to yoga, Mitchell said.

Because hooping has little to no impact on the joints, anyone of any age is able to participate (unless otherwise noted by a physician.)

Ive taught people as young as five all the way up to 90-years old, Mitchell said.

The basics

A hula hoop and comfortable clothing are the only equipment needed to participate. Hoops come in all sizes and should touch the belly button from the ground up. For hoop fitness, or on-body hooping, a one and a half to two pound weighted hoop is used depending on individual fitness levels. Hoop dance, or off-body hooping, uses a lighter hoop called a dance hoop that weighs about a pound.

Typical one-hour classes use both hoops; one for the first half of the session and the other hoop for the last half.

Some hoops are able to fold up to half their size for easy traveling.

On-body hooping

Using the waist to control and move a weighted hoop is called on-body hooping. Mitchell said the trick to keep the hoop up and moving around the waist is to use a bigger and heavier hoop.

Once the hoop stays up, walking, pivoting and spinning moves are incorporated into the workout.

Off-body hooping

Hoop dance or off-body hooping is when a lighter hoop is manipulated off the waist. The whole upper body can move, flip and swing the hoop in choreographed segments.

Some moves include weaving, which is when the hoop is moved in front of the body and rolls back the other way in a figure 8 pattern. A tap is added on to the weave, which is when the hoop is brought down the ground then raised up over the head. The hoop is then lowered to the waist while spinning.

Hoop dance can be seen at festivals and on the beach, especially on the West Coast where it first became popular. Mitchell recently demonstrated hoop dance at the SkyHoundz park event in Wallingford this past summer.

Hoop classes for childrens also tend to be more focused on the dance element while still giving younger students a workout. The classes consist of choreographed dances and games with the hoops.

Options

Mitchell, a certified hoop teacher, will be hosting classes for children and adults this month through the North Branford Recreation Department.

While the Meriden YMCA does not currently have any hoop specific programs, one of their personal trainers Beky Henderson-Hanna is hoopnotica certified.

I have used it with clients for core training, she said of hoop fitness. Its a great waist trimmer.

She said the activity is easy to practice at home while watching TV or listening to music.

Some other local hoop instructors and programs include Cori Magnotta of Hoop with Cori in Portland and Bring the Hoopla out of Seymour, among a few others.

Hoopers in Connecticut also have a community Facebook group called Connecticut Hoop Dance run by Mitchell.

akus@record-journal.com

203-317-2448

Twitter: @KusReporter
MERIDEN  The Maynard Road Corp. is teaming up with developers to assist on two projects downtown and one on the east side.

Maynard Road Corp. is the development arm of the Meriden Housing Authority. It bids and partners on projects inside and outside the city limits and shares the same executive director and board members as the MHA.

Maynard Road Executive Director Robert Cappelletti offered to help the owner of 21-23 Colony St. close a $1 million gap in funding through energy tax credits. Maynard Road employees will add insulation and windows to the building.

It will bring the cost of the operations down and allows you to generate more savings, Cappelletti said. It will provide tax credits for the improvements.

John LaRosa, who owns 21-23 Colony St., could not be reached for comment.

The building, which used to house an eatery and a small lingerie shop, has been vacant for more than a decade. But it has attracted the attention of the CT Main Street Come Home to Downtown program, which gives property owners free architectural design work, cost estimates and other advice on rehabilitating residential/commercial buildings.

Built in 1889, the four story building contains 12 apartment units and 6,000 square feet of retail. John Simone, president and chief executive officer of Connecticut Main Street Center, has previously said the plan is to fill the apartment units before concentrating on commercial prospects. LaRosas building looks out on the Meriden Green and is close to the new train station.

The Women and Families Center has also contacted Maynard Road about managing their new 12-unit housing project for 18 to 24 year olds who lack stable housing. The planned apartment building will be at 183 Colony St., the site of the Women & Families Center Annex building.

Our organization has worked with organizations for supportive housing, said Kristin Anderson, senior development manager for the Corporation for Supportive Housing in Connecticut. This is our first opportunity to address youth homelessness in Connecticut.

The Women & Families Center was able to secure funding from the state Department of Housing and the state Department of Economic and Community Development.

Anderson said the three-story building will have three floors with studio apartments. The first floor will feature a community room and computer lab and some commercial space. The center will provide case management and job training programs.

Maynard Road will collect rents, pay bills and manage the property, Cappelletti said.

Maynard Road is also in the early stages of a partnership with Rockfall Construction on a plan for 40 market-rate units on Pomeroy Avenue.

Its stil early in the process, Cappelletti said. We want to find out if (the apartments will) compete with downtown.

mgodin@record-journal.com

203-317-2255

Twitter: @Cconnbiz
SOUTHINGTON  One person suffered reported minor injuries after crashing through a barrier and down an embankment on Interstate 84 early Monday.

The crash occurred near exit 32 about 3:45 a.m. Officials said one person was extricated from the car in about 20 minutes and taken to the hospital with reported minor injuries.

 Record-Journal staff
Republican Manny Santos is swimming against a blue tide this year, hoping to break the Democratic deadlock on Connecticuts representation in Congress by defeating an opponent who has captured national attention and has a huge campaign fundraising lead.

Since winning the Republican primary in August, Santos  a former Marine and the past mayor of Meriden  has stepped up a campaign he began back in February, when he threw his hat in the ring to challenge Rep. Elizabeth Esty, D-5th District.

But when Esty decided against running for re-election after she was roundly criticized for her handling of an abusive staffer, Santos suddenly faced a new opponent: former national Teacher of the Year Jahana Hayes, who won a Democratic primary to run for the chance to represent a sprawling district in western Connecticut.

Santos said his candidacy is not getting a lot of attention and hopes that changes. He plans to step up his campaigning on social media, putting together better messaging online.

Fundraising has picked up, but were still lagging, Santos said. We dont anticipate raising as much as Ms. Hayes, but our messaging does not require as much [money] as hers.

As of July 25, the last reporting deadline at the Federal Elections Commission, Hayes reported raising about $461,000 and Santos about $26,000.

Hayes, whose candidacy is supported by U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., drew national attention because of her background  she grew up in Waterburys projects and was a teen mom. Her story was detailed in a YouTube video that went viral and helped her raise a lot of campaign cash.

Shes supported by powerful unions, including the National Education Association, and progressive groups like MoveOn.org. Prominent Democrats, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, are helping Hayes with campaign fundraising appeals.

Santos, meanwhile, is counting on personal appearances, attending community events to drum up support. He recently opened a campaign headquarters in Waterbury, the town where his political rival grew up, taught for decades, and has her campaign headquarters.

Santos said he chose Waterbury as the location to anchor his campaign because of its central location in the sprawling congressional district.

While the candidates paths may cross while they are stumping for votes, they have kept themselves at arms length in their campaigns, rarely mentioning their opponent.

I dont see any antagonism between them,said Gary Rose, head of the political science department at Sacred Heart University. I dont see any attack ads.

Hayes initially focused her campaign on her compelling personal story. These days, she stresses her support for a number of progressive issues, including tougher federal gun laws, a single-payer health care system known as Medicare-for-all, and education reforms.

Santos, meanwhile, is running on a traditional GOP message of lower taxes and fewer regulations.

A loyal Trump supporter

Like most of the Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives, Santos is also a supporter of President Donald Trump and most of his policies.

He credits the president and the Republican Congress for the strength of the U.S. economy, which he says is largely due to the GOP tax cut bill and of Trumps campaign to fix an imbalance in our trade by imposing tariffs on China and Canada and some of the United States European allies.

In the beginning its going to hurt, Santos said of the retaliatory tariffs countries are imposing on U.S. goods. But it will be a success in the end.

As an immigrant from Portugal who came with his parents and siblings to Connecticut when he was 5 years old, Santos also supports Trumps immigration policies.

It resonates with a lot of people, he said.

Santos said the nations resources are over strained by the needs of illegal immigrants.

Theres a desire to clump all immigrants together, Santos said. This country was built on legal immigration.

Rose said it appears that Santos is wrapping himself in Trump.

That might be a smart political move. An Ipsos poll shows Trumps approval rating is 44 percent in that district, the highest of any congressional district in the state.

Still, political analysts give race a likely Democratic prediction for the election.

Santos said he would welcome Trump to campaign for him if the president visits the state before the midterm.

I would take his help because his policies are what Im campaigning on and what are working in the district, Santos said.

And he continues to stay on message. He recently signed the Tax Reform Taxpayers Protection Pledge, which commits its signatories to oppose any increase in personal income tax rates or business tax rates, or the elimination of a tax deduction without an equivalent reduction in the marginal tax rate.

Santos also says he opposes what he views as Congress runaway spending and would press for a constitutional single subject amendment prohibiting federal lawmakers from adding riders that are not germane to the underlying bill, but substantially add to its cost.

The competitive governors race may turn out Republican voters for Santos. But Democrats who are angered at Trump policies are also energized this year and a blue wave could impact the race for the 5th District seat and other elections in the state.

Murphy represented the district before his election to the Senate. Rose said the senator is still a name there and the help hes giving Hayes makes things rough right now for Manny Santos.

Hayes will likely step up her campaign closer to Election Day, perhaps with some new cable and broadcast ads.

Santos is likely to pick up the pace of door knocking and attending fairs and other public events where he can meet potential voters.

The race may get more attention, and the candidates will have a chance to debate issues, in four debates scheduled next month. The first Hayes-Santos debate is an Oct. 4 showdown in Waterbury. Another debate will be held Oct. 16 in Danbury and then on Oct. 17 in New Britain. The Record-Journal will hold a candidate forum in its Meriden newsroom on Oct. 23 with video streamed online.

But unlike other hyper competitive races that will decide whether the U.S. House of Representatives remains in GOP hands or flips to Democratic control, the 5th District congressional race is extremely low-key, at least for now.

I dont see any action in the 5th at all, Rose said.

This story originally appeared at ctmirror.org, the website of The Connecticut Mirror.
By Express News Service

MUMBAI: Leading oil refining and marketing company Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) on Sunday announced that jet fuel or Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices would be up increased by Rs 5,016 per kilo litre (KL), or 7.25 per cent, from October 1.

IOC said that price, as applicable in Mumbai, would be revised upwards by Rs5,016 per KL, which includes an increase of Rs2,650 per KL on account of higher jet fuel prices and Rs2,250 per KL on account of rupee depreciation. The ATF price was Rs 69,161 per KL in Mumbai for September.

The ATF prices vary from state to state depending on local VAT rates. Oil marketing companies had resisted passing on the import duty of 5 per cent introduced on ATF from September 27, and Sundays revision too has excluded the duty component.

The move is likely to leave airlines in for a shock. It could send airfares soaring and impact the already battered airline stock.
Indian shares fell on Monday, dragged by financial and energy shares such as Kotak Mahindra Bank and Reliance Industries, while investors were cautious after the central bank announced measures to curb liquidity concerns.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decided to buy a total of 360 billion rupees ($4.95 billion) worth government bonds under its open market operations this month. This comes after the RBI eased mandatory cash requirement rules for banks last week.

However, analysts feel that measures would do little to sway market sentiment.

"The RBI measures are not really sufficient to change the sentiment because even though it implies there would be lesser market borrowing, the fiscal deficit target remains the same," said Dhananjay Sinha, head of institutional research at Emkay Global Financial Services.

"This means that the RBI will be looking to tap in other sources, which wont make much of a difference eventually."

Kotak Mahindra fell as much as 12.2 percent to its lowest since January on concerns RBI may clamp down on the bank for failing to bring down promoter stake as per regulations.

Bandhan Bank Ltd shares plummeted to lowest since their March debut after the RBI put curbs on its branch expansion and froze CEO pay for its failure to bring down main shareholder's stake to below 40 percent.

The broader NSE Nifty was down 0.67 percent at 10,859.80.10 as of 0650 GMT, while the benchmark BSE Sensex was 0.37 percent lower at 36,091.54.

Oil refiner Reliance Industries, down 3.4 percent, contributed to around a third of the Nifty's loss. Oil prices continued to surge with brent oil hitting a near four-year high.

Telecom operator Bharti Airtel Ltd hit a 20-month low as the stock broke below a support at 346.6 rupees, technical analysis showed.

Among gainers, IL&FS Engineering and Construction Co recovered with a 16.9 percent jump, while those of IL&FS Transportation Networks Ltd rose 9.3 percent.

Television reports said Indian government is moving to take control of Infrastructure Financing and Leasing Services Ltd IL&FS) and has moved the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to remove the company's board.

IL&FS said on Sunday shareholders approved a plan allowing it to raise fresh funds through debt and equity issuances.

Airline stocks took a hit after top refiner and marketer Indian Oil Corp hiked aviation fuel price for domestic airlines in metro cities by 6.8-7.4 pct from Oct. 1.

Jet Airways (India) Ltd fell as much as 9.3 percent to a 9-1/2-year low, while Interglobe Aviation Ltd hit its lowest since February 2016. SpiceJet Ltd lost over 6 percent.
By AFP

MONTREAL: US and Canadian negotiators were holding eleventh-hour talks on Sunday aimed at revamping the North American Free Trade Agreement ahead of a Washington-imposed deadline.

The talks were being held over the phone, unlike in previous rounds where Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland had traveled to Washington.

Peter Navarro, an adviser to US President Donald Trump on trade, told Fox News: "Everybody is negotiating in good faith right now as we speak.

"The deadline is midnight tonight to get the text into congress to make sure this goes forward."

On the Canadian side, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office indicated that the negotiations were ongoing and they had nothing to announce.

Canada's The Globe and Mail cited sources on both sides of the border as saying a deal was close and that the aim was to finish up "final details" by early Sunday evening.

Most of the "substantive work" has been completed, with a "handful" of details remaining, the newspaper reported.

The United States and Mexico want to push a deal they separately negotiated through their respective legislatures before Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador takes office on December 1.

In the United States, Congress must have the text of the deal by Sunday if a 60-day review period is to be respected.

US President Donald Trump has been pushing for a complete overhaul of the 25-year-old continental trade deal, which he says has been a "rip-off" for the United States.

Speaking at a political rally in Wheeling, West Virginia on Saturday night, Trump told supporters: "We'll see what happens with Canada, if they come along. They have to be fair."

In August -- more than a year into the negotiations -- the United States and Mexico announced they had reached a two-way deal, after breaking away for bilateral talks on their outstanding issues.

But the ensuing talks to incorporate Canada have stumbled.

Ottawa and Washington remain at odds over Canada's managed dairy sector, and the dispute resolution provisions in NAFTA.

But concessions on dairy would be politically difficult for Trudeau's government, a matter complicated yet further by elections being held Monday in the key dairy producing province of Quebec.

The main Quebec parties and farmers' organizations are in favor of retaining the "supply management" system, which controls the production and price of milk and poultry and ensures stable incomes for Canadian farmers.
By PTI

LONDON: Indian mining tycoon Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta Resources formally delisted from the London Stock Exchange amid protests outside its final annual general meeting here on Monday.

Volcan Investments Ltd, controlled by Agarwal as Executive Chairman, had announced a successful buyout of the company's shares last month.

ALSO READ | Protests planned at Vedanta's final company meet in UK

"Vedanta confirms that the listing of Vedanta Shares on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and the trading of Vedanta Shares on the main market for listed securities of the London Stock Exchange has been cancelled with effect from 8.

00 am today [Monday]," Vedanta Resources said in a statement.

The move came as a group of around 50-60 protesters, coordinated by grassroots organisations Foil Vedanta and Anti Sterlite People's Movement, gathered outside the company's final meeting in London to demand justice for the 13 protesters who died at Vedanta's copper smelter in Tamil Nadu in May.

"The people of Thoothukudi are still reeling from the massacre of innocent women, men and children in May, which was carried out in the name of protecting Vedanta's industry from the people whom it has polluted for so many years," said Fatima Babu, from the Anti-Sterlite People's Movement.

"The Tamil Nadu, Indian and British governments must all take responsibility for the lawlessness and disproportionate power wielded by Vedanta, which led to this tragic event," she said.

At a smaller demonstration earlier on Monday, representatives gathered at Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) headquarters in London to hand over a copy of a new report titled 'Vedanta's Billions', which demands that British regulatory authorities must not let Vedanta "flee the London Stock Exchange" without being held to account.

"We cannot let Vedanta boss Anil Agarwal escape accountability and justice in the UK, under whose jurisdiction he has committed widespread financial, human rights and environmental crimes," said Foil Vedanta's Samarendra Das, who is the primary author of a new report titled 'Vedanta's Billions'.

The report is a summary of legal judgments against Vedanta across its operations, holding the company responsible of "abusive modus operandi" due to "illegal mining in Goa, pollution and tax evasion in Zambia, as well as illegal expansion and pollution in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu".

It alleges that the delisting follows the police shooting which killed 13 people, including women and children, on May 22 this year, their 100th day of protest against pollution by Vedanta's copper smelter at Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu.

"The killing is being dubbed a 'corporate massacre' and led to the closure of the Sterlite copper plant.

Vedanta's delisting plans were announced shortly afterwards amidst global protests against the company," the report concludes.

Agarwal has previously stated that the buy-out of the London listing was intended to simplify the company's structure and claimed that the liquidity of Indian markets meant that the need for a separate London listing was no longer critical.

In a video message on Twitter soon after the deaths in Thoothikudi in India, he had described the incident as "absolutely unfortunate" and expressed "full sympathy" with the families of those who died in the protests.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Residents of Madambakkam have planned to stage a sit-in protest at the Madambakkam Shiva temple on the day of Gandhi Jayanthi, demanding withdrawal of the Chitlapakkam water scheme.

The 3-crore project will draw more than 18 lakh litres of water from wells built in the Madambakkam lake and send it via underground pipelines to the nearby Chitlapakkam town. Residents have expressed concerns that the project would deplete the groundwater levels in Madambakkam. Ever since work on the project was announced, the project has been opposed and initially stopped by locals. After police intervention, the project resumed in September.

It is learnt that WhatsApp groups for all 15 wards are being prepared to mobilise people for the protest scheduled for Tuesday. Mahatma Gandhi used peaceful methods to achieve his goals. We will follow his example and ensure the project is stopped, said CR Sundar, a resident coordinating the protests. A PIL plea has also been filed in the Madras High Court.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: As many as 25 migrants from United Arab Emirates (UAE) returned to the city on Sunday after availing the Amnesty period which was announced by the country a month back, said the State NRI department.

The 25 people who took off from Sharjah were received by the NRI department at Shamshabad Airport and were sent off to their respective hometowns. The development came after the State sending a five-member team led by Arvinder Singh, secretary, Protocol and NRI Affairs to the country to facilitate migrants who wanted to return back to the country. The team informed that they would be providing the migrants with a translator and would also assist them with other concerns.

As part of the Amnesty scheme, passports of illegal immigrants will get exit clearance, albeit with a two-year ban on entry into the country afterwards. It also helps people whose passports have been confiscated by their kafeels (sponsors). This programme for visa violators began on August 1.
Arun M By

Express News Service

KOCHI: It seems that Kochi has turned into a prominent international route for smuggling of MDMA drugs. According to authorities, the lack of an effective mechanism to scan the courier parcels has made Kochi a best option for the drug peddlers for the transportation of the contraband to the Middle East or other South Asian states. Earlier in 2016, the Kerala Police had urged all courier agencies to install scanners to check parcels and also warned them of being a party in the crime. However, it did not elicit much of a response from the parties concerned.

The MDMA - a synthetic drug, is being produced in China while it is transported to India primarily through Sri Lanka, before being rerouted to the Middle East or other South Asian states, an officer told Express.

Despite the surge in the number of cases, enforcement agencies still regard the good old technique of collecting intelligence as the best way to crack drug trafficking through couriers. According to officials, without specific information the seizure of illegal drugs sent through couriers or postal services is impossible.

Through scanning, you may be able to detect just one out of 100 such packets as the contraband is always concealed inside some low-value goods. The only effective way to check this will be to cultivate a network of informants, said an officer.Meanwhile, the Excise has constituted a special team for the inquiry of the MDMA worth `200 crore seized in Kochi on Saturday.

Mainly, the investigators look on to trace the origin of the drug and its Kochi connection. The preliminary suspicion is the contraband came to Kochi from TN, but the source of the production of the synthetic drug has not been identified.

The special team, headed by Assistant Excise Commissioner Ashok Kumar T A, has already zeroed in on a couple of persons purportedly linked to the smuggling bid, said Deputy Excise Commissioner, Ernakulam, A S Ranjith.
By PTI

LONDON: Kit Harington hit out at the stereotype of a macho man, saying young men have been led astray with the misguided idea of masculinity for which television is somehow responsible.

The "Game of Thrones" star said the youth has been made to believe that they have to be a certain way to earn respect.

"I feel personally, quite strongly, at the moment - where have we gone wrong with masculinity? What have we been teaching men when they're growing up, in terms of the problem we see now? "What's innate and what's taught? What is taught on TV, and in the streets, that makes young boys feel they have to be this certain side of being a man?" Harington told The Times Culture magazine.

The 31-year-old actor said something has to change because "clearly something has gone wrong for young men".

Best known for playing good guy Jon Snow in the hit HBO series, the actor himself has said that he believes the character is "violent" and a "psychopath".
By PTI

LONDON: "Friends" executive producer Kevin S Bright has revealed that the team was painfully close to having an official reunion.

Bright said talks took place last month as they were seriously considering bringing the group of six back owing to undying demands of the hit '90s sitcom fans.

"Oh yes (there was a chance it would come back). I tell you we had a meeting month ago where I had hopes it would come back," Bright told Metro.co.uk.

But he said it was not meant to be.

Bright quoted fellow producer David Crane, "Fifty-year-olds hanging out in a coffee shop would be pathetic", to which he agreed.

He added if the show even was revived it would have the same characters but would not the same show.

"They're at different places in their lives, potentially divorces and so we feel just like letting them go off into the sunset is one of the things which keeps them going in people's minds; wondering what they do and did the marriage last and what did the kids grow up to be like.

"I think that's best left to the audience," the producer said.

Considered one of the greatest sitcoms of all time, "Friends" continues to enjoy immense popularity even today through various re-runs on the television.

Starring actors Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Matthew Perry and Matt LeBlanc, the NBC show ran for 10 seasons from 1994-2004.
By Express News Service

Team Bharaate, who shot at picturesque locations during the first schedule in Rajasthan, will resume their next in Mandya from today. With lead actor Sriimurali, and Supreeth debuting as producer, director Chethan Kumar will begin this schedule with a major fight sequence at a sugar factory. Stunt master Ganesh who associated with Ajith in

Vivegam and Veeram, will be choreographing the stunts for Bharaate.

Sriimurali will be joined by Petrol Prasanna, Mico Nagaraj and Tamil actors Kalanidhi and Periyavar, in the schedule. The team is planning to complete a few talkie portions when female lead artiste Sreeleela and Rangayana Raghu will be join the sets.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Civil rights activist Gautam Navlakha on Monday became the first of the five prominent personalities under house arrest to be granted freedom, three days after the Supreme Court allowed them to seek legal remedy. While setting him free, the Delhi High Court also quashed the Pune trial courts transit remand order, which he had challenged, before the matter went to the Supreme Court.

Navlakha, Sudha Bharadwaj, P Varavara Rao, Arun Ferreira and Vernon Gonsalves were arrested on August 28 in a nationwide swoop in connection with the probe into the Bhima-Koregaon violence in Maharashtra.

From Delhi High Court I have won my freedom...It thrills me no end, Navlakha (65) said after the verdict. A bench of Justices S Muralidhar and Vinod Goel said the Supreme Court had extended the house arrest by four weeks to enable the activists to avail appropriate legal remedy, which was availed by Navlakha.

The court held that the trial courts transit remand order was unsustainable as Navlakha wasnt produced in court within 24 hours of his detention. The court, however, allowed Maharashtra to proceed further in the case.

While setting aside the trial courts order, the bench said the chief metropolitan magistrate has overlooked the Constitutional mandate of informing the arrested person the grounds on which the action is being taken. Mere intimation of arrest to his partner or friend will not suffice, the bench said.

(T-B) Sudha Bharadwaj was arrested in Faridabad, Arun Ferreira

in Mumbai, Writer Vara Vara Rao from Hyderabad, Journalist Gautam

Navlakha from New-Delhi and 61-Year old Vernon Gonsalves

from Mumbai. (File | Agencies)

Delhi High Court refused to accept the submission of Maharashtra government that his house arrest be extended by two days since the apex court, by its last week verdict, had also extended it by four weeks.

A bench of Justices S Muralidhar and Vinod Goel said the apex court had extended the house arrest by four weeks to enable the activists to avail appropriate legal remedy and the extension was for this limited purpose and Navlakha has availed it.

Setting aside the August 28 order of chief metropolitan magistrate granting Navlakha's transit remand to Pune Police, it said there was non-compliance of basic provisions of the Constitution and the CrPC which were mandatory in nature.

Holding that the trial court order was unsustainable in law, the court said Navlakha's detention has exceeded 24 hours which was "untenable".

"In view of Section 56 read with Section 57 of the CrPC and absence of remand order of the CMM, the detention of the petitioner has clearly exceeded 24 hours which is untenable in law.

Consequently the house arrest of the petitioner comes to an end now," the court said allowing the petition filed on behalf of Navlakha challenging his arrest and the transit remand order of the trial court.

The Maharashtra police had arrested the five activists on August 28 in connection with an FIR lodged following a conclave -- 'Elgaar Parishad' -- held on December 31 last year that had allegedly triggered violence later at Koregaon-Bhima village in the state.

The five activists -- Varavara Rao, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj and Gautam Navlakha -- were put under house arrest on August 29 following an apex court order on the plea by historian Romila Thapar, economists Prabhat Patnaik and Devaki Jain, sociology professor Satish Deshpande and human rights lawyer Maja Daruwala against the police action.

Rao, a prominent Telugu poet, was arrested on August 28 from Hyderabad, while Gonsalves and Ferreira were nabbed from Mumbai.

Bharadwaj was arrrested from Faridabad in Haryana while Navlakha was picked up from the national capital.

While setting aside the trial court's order, the bench said the CMM has overlooked that under the provisions of the Constitution, the arrested person has to be given grounds of arrest and mere intimation of arrest to his partner or friend will not suffice.

The court said that in the transit remand order, the CMM has noted the submissions of the investigating officer of the case but the magistrate did not think it necessary to record the submissions of the legal aid counsel, who was provided to Navlakha.

The bench said the appearance of the legal aid counsel was "cosmetic" and not in true spirit of Article 21 and the provision of the Legal Services Authority Act.

The court said there was no indication in the trial court order that it asked the IO to show the case diary or saw the case diary.

The bench noted that when the case had come up before it initially the case diary and relevant documents were in Marathi language and they were not translated.

"In all probabilities when the IO appeared before the CMM, the case diary was in Marathi and if he (CMM) had asked for case diary, he would not have understood it," it noted.

During the hearing, advocate Nitya Ramakrishnan, appearing for Navlakha, argued that the transit remand should be quashed as the CMM could not have understood any documents being written in Marathi and no case diary was provided to the trial court as mandated under the statute.

She contended that the FIR was lodged in January this year and the activists were arrested in August 2018, there was no hurry and the police could have got the documents translated.

When the bench said Navlakha's detention was for more than 15 days which was not permissible, the counsel for the Maharashtra government said it was under the orders of the Supreme Court and not the magistrate.

The counsel also read out portions of the apex court's September 28 verdict by which it had refused to interfere with the arrest of the five rights activists and had also refused the plea seeking their immediate release.

While hearing the submissions, the bench also referred to the recent verdict of the Supreme Court which has ordered the Kerala government to pay Rs 50 lakh compensation to former ISRO scientist S Nambi Narayanan in the 1994 espionage case for wrongful imprisonment, malicious prosecution, humiliation and defamation.

The apex court has asked a former SC judge to find ways and means to take action against the erring police officers responsible for Narayanan's arrest and harassment.

(With PTI inputs)
By Express News Service

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra governments decision to withdraw six old rioting cases against Sambhaji Bhide, chief of right-wing outfit Shiv Pratishthan, led to a political controversy on Monday.

While the Opposition termed the withdrawals as a soft-corner that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has towards Hindutva hardliners, state Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar clarified the cases withdrawn were primarily political in nature and were all lodged before the cases filed against Bhide in relation with to the Jaunary 1 violence during a celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle.

The information of the withdrawal came to light in a government reply to an RTI, filed by activist Shakeel Shaikh, seeking information on withdrawal of cases against civilians and those in associated with politics between 2008 and 2017. The government reply came on September 27.

At least six cases which were withdrawn are against Bhide and others from his organisation.Reacting to the withdrawals, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislator Jitendra Awhad said that it was a conspiracy of the government to save Bhide from punishment. In a sarcastic vein, Congress leader and the leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil said that the government should now consider Bhide for the Bharat Ratna or the Maharashtra Bhushan awards.

However, Mungantiwar made it clear that the cases withdrawn are of the political kind and those that involved no damage to life or property.Bhide was accused of making provocative speeches which allegedly led to the violence.
By Online Desk

Home Minister Rajnath Singh's twitter handle, which usually displays his name in Hindi, has now embraced Bengali for a change.

This decision to go Bangla comes while he's on a two-day tour of West Bengal. Singh arrived in Kolkata on September 30 to chair the Eastern Zonal Council meeting.

Reached Kolkata on a two day visit. Shall attend the Eastern Zonal Council meeting here in Kolkata tomorrow.    (@rajnathsingh) September 30, 2018

However, this is not the first time that Singh, who uses a mix of Hindi and English to communicate with his 11.6 million Twitter followers, has gone vernacular.

In the past one month, his Twitter handle has embraced multiple languages. During his Kerala visit, his name was written in Malayalam and it followed during his Tamil Nadu and Gujarat visits as well.

The Twitter handle for the Home Minister's office is still using Hindi and English as the medium of communication.

The move comes at a time when Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2019, has been accused of using the Hindi language as their medium of communication in regions such as West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, where the Hindi-speaking population is at a minority.

BJP chief Amit Shah, during his visit to Kolkata in August, faced a backlash in West Bengal for giving his entire speech in Hindi.
Anuraag Singh By

Express News Service

BHOPAL: Namdev Tyagi aka Computer Baba, who was among the five sadhus and religious leaders granted MoS status by the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led BJP government in April, quit from his ministerial post on Monday.

The 53-year-old Computer Baba announced his decision after a marathon meeting with Hindu seers in Bhopal.Mai computer baba, bhari man se aapse anurodh kar rahan hoon ki main sant pujariyon ke hit mein mutth-mandir sanrakshan, gau sanrakshan, Narmada sanrakshan ke saath aneko dharmik karyon ke liye athak prayas karne ke bavjood apni baat sarkar se manvane mein nakam raha. (I submit with a heavy heart that despite working religiously for the cause of protection of temples and muths, interests of seers, cow and Narmada river conservation and other religious works, I failed to get my concerns addressed by the govt.), he wrote in his resignation letter.

Namdev Tyagi aka

Computer Baba

Later, the sadhu said he had no option but to quit as the government failed to take care of cows and other environmental issues, particularly Narmada conservation.He alleged the government had done precious little for Narmada conservation, as rampant, illegal sand mining was still on.What will I do with the MoS status, when Im not able to serve the cause of the Hindu seers and the river?

The resignation happened just a day after Chouhan announced a separate ministry for the conservation and welfare of cows. The cow protection board has done little. What will a new ministry do more? If there can be a ministry for cow, why not a separate ministry for Narmada? the sadhu questioned.

BJP chief spokesperson Deepak Vijayvargiya said the sadhu was entrusted with the MoS responsibility as per his wishes by the government. But, he is follows his own rules.

Meanwhile, MP Congress chief Kamal Naths media coordinator Narendra Saluja sought the CMs response to the allegations. He also requested the sadhu to start his suspended Narmada yatra across the state. Its quite possible that the CM will lure him now with Cabinet ministers status, he said.
By PTI

PATNA: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday refuted reports of rift within his family and alleged that the rumours were being spread at the instance of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to demoralise party cadre and supporters.

The younger son of Lalu Prasad was responding to a query by reporters about the family facing frequent grilling and raids by investigating agencies, besides reports that his elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav and eldest sister Misa Yadav were miffed over having been politically overshadowed by him.

"All these reports of a rift within our family are planted at the instance of Nitish Kumar. Attempts are being made to psychologically affect our dedicated workers and supporters," Tejashwi Yadav said.

"It appears that those in power wish to seek votes in the name of what is happening to my family instead of speaking about their own performance. This is new India under Narendra Modi for you," he said.

To a query about Union minister and RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha's possibility of joining the RJD, Congress, HAM combine in Bihar, he said, "We had invited him long back and the invitation stands. But it is for him to take the decision."

About Pappu Yadav, who had won the Madhepura seat in 2014 Lok Sabha polls on RJD ticket and has floated Jan Adhikar Party upon being expelled from the Lalu Prasad-led party, Tej Pratap Yadav said, "For him it is no entry. Period."

Pappu Yadav's wife Ranjeet Ranjan is a Congress MP.

About disgruntled BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha, who has off late been highly appreciative of Tejashwi Yadav and Lalu Prasad, besides turning up at functions held at the RJD leaders' place, he said, "There are no talks with him. There cannot be any until and unless the BJP takes a clear decision about him."

Accusing the Nitish Kumar government of failing to effectively maintain law and order and implement its own welfare schemes, Tejashwi Yadav said that he would embark on his next phase of public awareness campaign after Dussehra.

To a query about when was he planning to get married, he replied shyly that it was likely to be after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
By Express News Service

CHANDIGARH: In what is being seen as a rebellion, Shiromani Akali Dal MP Ranjit Singh Brahmpura and two other senior leaders expressed displeasure with their party leadership on Sunday.

Without naming SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, the troika of Brahmpura, Rattan Singh Ajnala and Sewa Singh Sekhwan asserted that no individual is above the party.

Leaders come and go. We will put all efforts to rebuild the grand old party and bring it back to its old glory, they said, adding that the sanctity of the party, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and the Akal Takht was damaged in the present circumstances and it had to be re-built.

The development couldnt have come at a more inopportune time for the Badals as veteran leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa had resigned from all party posts on Sunday. But Sukhbir can breathe easy as the three Akali leaders put all speculation to rest that they might resign. We have given our lives to the party. We will not leave it at any cost, Brahmpura, Ajnala and Sekhwan announced.

Referring to the Centres notification on acquiring rights to fill the vacant posts in the Chandigarh Administration, the trio said the MHAs anti-Punjab move would not be tolerated. If it (the Centre) continues to do so they (the Akali leadership ) may consider to break the alliance with the BJP as Punjab comes first for the party, they said.

There is resentment among the top and veteran Akali leadership leaders over handling of issues related to sacrilege, in the Vidhan Sabha. These leaders are in touch with another dissident leader from Malwa region, who had questioned decisions taken by Sukhbir in dealing with the political storm emerging after the Justice Ranjit Singh Commission report was tabled earlier this month.

The Akali leaders are trying to contain the dissent that threatens to break away the opposition party vertically.

Incidentally, Dhindsa was not present in the SADs first Jabar Virodhi rally at Faridkot last week. But his son and former Punjab finance minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa was present in the rally. Dhindsa had also opposed Sukhbir for side-lining the Akali stalwarts, suggesting him to give preference to the veterans.

Cong takes swipe at Badals

Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar said senior Akali leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa sacrificed his political career due to the misdeeds of the Badals. He demanded that they should show courage by giving the partys responsibility to any competent leader.

Jakhar accused former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and his son Sukhbir of indulging in politics in the name of Panth.
Ramananda Sengupta By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Pakistan on Monday came down heavily on India for shooting at a Pakistani helicopter carrying the Prime Minister of Occupied Kashmir which has strayed across the LoC in the Pooch sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday afternoon.

"I had gone to Forward Kahuta to condole the death of one of my ministers' brother and meet the residents of the area adjacent to the LoC. While we were passing through Abbaspur, the Indian army suddenly opened fire at my helicopter. Luckily, we remained unhurt and the helicopter was not damaged," PM Raja Farooq Haider Khan told the Dawn newspaper.

"We were very close to zero line but we were within our space. Moreover, it was a civilian helicopter so the Indian army should not have opened fire at it," he said.

Admitting that standard operating procedures called on both sides to intimate each other before flying close to the LoC, Haider said that the rule applied to military and not civilian helicopters, adding that he had frequently travelled in the area but such an incident had never happened.

Condemning the incident as an "act of cowardice", Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz president Mian Shahbaz Sharif said the attack was a severe violation of international and bilateral laws.

In order to prevent accidental escalations and create a buffer zone, a 1991 bilateral agreement stipulates that rotary-wing aircraft (helicopters) will not fly within 1 km and 'fixed-wing aircraft' like fighters, bombers and other reconnaissance aircraft within 10 km of each other's airspace without prior intimation.

Indian military sources said the white chopper with blue stripes, "flying very high," violated Indian airspace for two-three minutes, leading to Indian Army troops in forward bases opening fire with small arms, and two IAF fighters being scrambled in the Gulpur sector.

"It could likely to be a civil chopper and was flying very high. The air sentries at forward location had engaged it with small arms," spokesman Lt Col Devender Anand said. Another official said that "these were only warning shots," and that "if we had really wanted to engage, the Pakistani craft would not have escaped."
By UNI

LUCKNOW: National Coordination Committee of Electricity Employees and Engineers (NCCOEEE) has decided for a nationwide strike on January 8 and 9 to protest against the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2014 and privatisation of the sector.

A meeting of the NCCOEEE held at New Delhi on Saturday decided that around 1.5 million power employees and engineers will go on strike for two days in January.

The strike has also been supported by all the trade unions, who were also present in the meeting.

The meeting was chaired by the chairman of the All India Power Engineers Federation Shailendra Dubey.

In a statement here on Sunday, Mr Dubey said that if the Centre tries to bring the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2014 in the coming winter session of the Parliament then, the employees will go on a lightning strike without any notice immediately.

"All the trade unions have supported the strike called by the power employees and engineers and they has assured to join the agitation too," he said.

They alleged that the private sector had already siphoned off Rs 2.5 lakh crores from the banks but now the government instead of taking any action was trying to benefit them by bringing the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2014, which will give all the power to the government to hand over the sector to the private players.

"We had several rounds of talks with the government and with the Union Power Minister Piyush Goel. But it is unfortunate that even after accepting the proposals given by the employees' unions, the modified draft of the Bill did not include any of the suggestions giving enough indications about the motive of the government," Mr Dubey said.

In the new Bill, there is a provision to set up several power supply companies with universal power supply obligation.

But surprisingly, all the government power companies will have to comply with the universal power supply obligations, but the private companies have been kept aside from their clause.

NCCOEEE has demanded that the electricity (Amendment ) Bill 2014 should be withdrawn and the Electricity Act 2003 should be reviewed to revive the loss.

They have given an example of Kerala and Himachal Pradesh, where there are just one corporation and its earning profit.

They also said that under the new Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2014, the power of the state governments would be lesser and the private companies will rule the roost.
Ejaz Kaiser By

Express News Service

RAIPUR: JD(U) national general secretary K C Tyagi exhorted his party workers to spread awareness about the Bihar model of development and liquor prohibition among the masses in Chhattisgarh.

At the Sankalp Sammelan in Raipurs Gandhi Maidan on Sunday, Tyagi said Maoists take a firm footing whenever the state deviates from the commitment to a socialist society.

Though the JD(U) is a part of the ruling NDA coalition in Bihar, the party has not declared any pre-poll alliance in Chhattisgarh where Chief Minister Raman Singh heads the BJP government. Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Ajit Jogi and BSP supremo Mayawati has worked out a pact under which the BSP will contest 35 seats, while Jogis Janta Congress will try its luck in 55 seats.

For expanding its footprints in poll-bound Chhattisgarh, the JD(U) is trying to garner support from women voters who outnumber men in 33 of the total 90 Assembly seats.

The party believes prohibition will find support from women in Chhattisgarh just like in the case of Bihar.
By PTI

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday called for a national drug policy to save the young generation, saying a comprehensive formula was needed at the central level to effectively check the drug abuse.

The national policy could also address the need for cultivation of drugs needed for the pharmaceutical industry, he said, adding that Centre should involve states and experts while formulating such a policy.

Stressing that he had been clamouring for such a policy since his previous tenure as Chief Minister back in 2007, Amarinder welcomed the fact that the issue had taken centre-stage due to the growing demand for opium cultivation by certain states.

"States like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan were growing opium, for which they were finding a lucrative market in Punjab," he said, expressing angst at the ruination of his state's young generation.

The Chief Minister said in a statement that he had taken up the issue of a national drug policy with the Centre, and also raised it in the chief ministers' conference.

A foolproof mechanism was needed to wipe out the scourge of drugs, he said, underlining the need for a national policy to deal with the problem.

"One state growing drugs, especially opium, and another not doing. Leading to an unacceptable situation in the country," he added.

The statement of Amarinder comes in the wake of the demand of suspended AAP MP (Patiala) Dharamvira Gandhi who has been pitching for legalization of poppy and opium cultivation.

Earlier, in a letter to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on July 18, the Punjab CM had urged the Centre to evolve a national policy to curb drug menace with a coordinated strategy in place to check the smuggling of narcotics from across the border.

Amarinder had rued that despite his state regularly sharing intelligence on drug smuggling with the Border Security Force (BSF), the menace continued unabated in Punjab.

"We need full and active support from the Government of India in formulating and pursuing effective measures including a national policy for prevention and control of drug abuse," Singh's letter to the home minister said.
By PTI

KOLKATA: Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who has asked the party's West Bengal unit to strengthen the organisation in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, is likely to visit the state during Durga Puja, a senior state Congress leader said Monday.

Gandhi had held a meeting with the newly appointed Bengal Congress leadership, led by state Congress president Somen Mitra, on Saturday in New Delhi and discussed the organisational and upcoming election issues.

READ| Home Minister Rajnath Singh's Twitter handle goes Bengali; find out why

It was at the meeting that the proposal for Gandhi's visit to Bengal during Durga Puja - the biggest festival of Bengal, came up, according to state Congress sources.

"The schedule is being chalked out. Nothing has been finalized as of now. We hope that he will visit the city for a day during Puja," Congress MP and chairman of the coordination committee Pradip Bhattacharya said.

Plagued by defections and infighting, the new Bengal Congress leadership is planning to revamp party organisation in districts in a bid to strengthen the party ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, a senior party leader said.

"We have been asked to strengthen party organisation. We know we have very little time left as Lok Sabha polls are just a few months away. We hope that we would able to strengthen our party and fight elections on our own strength," Bhattacharya said.

According to another state Congress leader, Gandhi had asked party leaders to start building opinion among people about the Rafale deal.

"We have been asked to create opinion about the Rafale scam in Bengal. We will reach out to the masses both physically and through social media," the leader said.
By PTI

KOLKATA: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday that states have been asked to identify Rohingya refugees and collect their biometric details.

The Centre will send the biometric report collected by states to the Myanmar government through diplomatic channel, he said.

Singh chaired a meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council here to discuss issues related to inter-state relations and security matters, including the Maoist menace.

READ| Rajnath Singh alerts state on inflow of Rohingyas

The meeting was attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi.

Odisha was represented in the meeting by Finance Minister Shashi Bhusan Behera. The Union Home Minister said that the states required central forces which the Centre would provide as per need.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Acting on the landmark Aadhaar judgment made by Supreme Court last week, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has given telecom companies 15 days to come up with a plan to stop using Aadhaar number for customer authentication.

Service providers like Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea and others were sent the circular that said, ...all TSPs (telecom service providers) are called up on to immediately take actions in order to comply with the judgement dated 26.09.2018. In this regard, TSPs are hereby directed to submit by October 15, 2018, an action plan/exit plan to the authority for closure of use of Aadhaar-based authentication systems...

As per the Supreme Courts decision to quash Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act-2016, private companies cannot demand Aadhaar data linked to an individuals face, fingerprints and iris scans for access to their services.

Following this, private companies like telecom operators will not be able to use this instantaneous and inexpensive Aadhaar eKYC route.

It is now believed that telcos will have to revert to the previous lengthy procedure of collecting multiple identity proofs and physical paper forms with signature and photographs, shipping them to verification centres and calling up the customer to cross-verify the submitted details for authentication.

There are certain requirements under the Aadhaar regulations...so, the companies are in the best position to know what exactly is needed and they can submit their plan by October 15. If any additional requirements are to be done from the UIDAIs side, we will tell them after receipt of their plan, UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey said.

(With PTI inputs)
By PTI

AGARTALA: Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy Sunday said there was no point holding talks with Pakistan as the neighbouring country is run by the "ISI, military and terrorists".

Addressing a press conference here, Swamy said Imran Khan was the prime minister of Pakistan only on paper.

When asked about infiltration of terrorists into India by Pakistan after Khan took over as prime minister of the neighbouring country, Swamy said, "Imran Khan is nothing but a 'chaprasi' (peon). Pakistan is run by the ISI, military and terrorists."

After becoming Pakistan Prime Minister in August this year, Khan had offered talks with India on key issues, including terrorism and Kashmir.

"There is no point of any talks with them," Swamy said.

He also said that Baluch and Sindhis should be recognised by the government of India. "Pakistan gets psychic pleasure when India abuses Pakistan. So, ignore them...," he said.

On Bangladesh, he said India will continue to support it but Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina "should tell those mad people to stop demolishing Hindu temples, converting Hindu temples into masjid and converting Hindus to Muslims. This will not be tolerated".

On the NDA government's performance, he said it has done many good works in the last four years and people would bring it back to power to fulfil the unaccomplished tasks.

He said the BJP would fight the national general elections on two issues -- Hindutva and corruption.

"Two big powerful issues are there for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. These are Hindutva and corruption. We shall seek one more term for finishing unfulfilled tasks. And people will agree," he said.

He urged the Muslims community agree on building three Hindu temples Ram Mandir at Ayodhya, Krishna temple at Mathura and Kashi Viswanath temple at Varanasi.

He also expressed confidence that a 'Ram mandir' would be built by the BJP.
Manoj Das By

In the early fifties of the last century the author, then a student, and a senior friend of his met Pandit Godavarish Mishra (18861956), one of the builders of modern Odisha, in order to invite him to a college function. In the course of our conversation he asked my senior what he wished to do after his studies.

Do politics, was my friends answer.

Do politics? That is, you propose to choose politics as your profession?

Thats right, sir.

The savant kept quiet for a moment and then said, politely but resonantly, As long as the country was not free, some people dedicating all their time to politics, that is, to our struggle for freedom, was justified. But that was not doing politics; they and people like me as you know I was attached to a national schoolwere serving the country and politics was an aspect of that mission. In free India, everyone should participate in politics, but not choose it as a profession. A profession involves earning a living, earning involves ever-greater desire, desire begets corruption. Whats more, a professional politician will be more corrupt than a business professional because he will have power!

Incidentally, Pandit Godavarish Mishra was the grandfather of our outgoing Chief Justice, Dipak Misra.

Now that the apex court has so wisely advised Parliament to frame a law that would bar people with criminal records from contesting elections and the Parliament is expected to execute the advice, we can expect it to be a step towards the goal though there will be several arguments against the move, such as a person involved in a crime in a certain circumstance may not be unworthy for elected office, every saint had a past and every sinner has a future, etc. Yet the benefits will outweigh the loss.

However, while the action proposed by the court must be worked out at the pragmatic plane, a certain spirit of anguish underlying it expects the nation to undertake a genuine introspection. What was the import beneath the Court citing C Rajagopalacharis thoughts in 1922, Elections and their corruption, injustice and tyranny of wealth will make a hell of life once freedom came? Or Dr Rajendra Prasad comparing a Constitution to a lifeless machine and that India needs today nothing more than a set of honest men who will have the interest of the country before them?

In this context we may remember what the Prophet of Nationalism turned Mahayogi, Sri Aurobindo, the first one to demand unconditional freedom for the country, observed in 1935. After informing him that the confounded Raj (British administration) had fomented a communal incident, a seeker asked, In your scheme of things do you definitely see a free India? Answered Sri Aurobindo: That is all settled. It is a question of working out only. The question is what is India going to do with her independence? The above kind of affair? Bolshevism? Goondaraj? Things look ominous.

So, their assessment of the character of the generation about to be blessed with independence was bleak. In other words something was wrong in our collective consciousness that, they feared, would pervert the great opportunities independence would bestow on us.

The succeeding generation or generations have justified their fear with a vengeance. We have of course grown bolder and cleverer. We can uphold and swear by our commitment to the letter of the Constitution while stabbing at its spirit. If the Constitution made a provision to transcend a certain cursed social inequality, we have exploited it actively or passively to perpetuate the cursecertainly not with any great ideal in view.

We had the Santhanam Committee, the Vohra Committee (1993) and the Committee of Reforms in the Criminal Justice System (2000) and their sound recommendations. Surely, before long we will have a new set of laws to check exploitation of our election process by criminal elements and criminality that should also ideally lead to cleansing the political air of dust and smoke to an extent. But it is not unlikely that the would be criminals of the era of unpredictable technological expansion may outsmart the legal precautions.

The primary cause of the wide propensity for crime and corruption in India is a massive and collective forgetfulness of the aim of life, a new-found enchantment for power and glamour that started with the affluent and caught up with the vast middle class and a vaster population approaching that status. Probably we have to be disenchanted through shocks of frustration, which will take time. Meanwhile steps must be taken at the practical plane to discipline ourselves to whatever extent possible. R L Stevenson lamented in the 19th century that politics was the only profession for which no preparation was thought necessary.

Two centuries later the consequence of that state of affairs is felt more painfully. Arrangement must be made for the candidates of all the political parties together with the office-bearers of their parties to undergo a course in ethics, laws, rights and duties. Those elected must undergo yet another crash course telling them how not to squander away the nations wealth, time, patience, etc., through their partisan conduct.

A strange phenomenon, yet true, is the fact that the criminal has a fascination for an average politician. Reasons are a different subject. Before me I have the papers describing a certain chief minister seeking the blessings of a dreaded goonda, a notorious murderer and absconder to boot, at a huge public meeting, while the police and the officials who had been hunting for the criminal stood watching, reported The Statesman (Kolkata) of 2 November 1991.

It also published a picture of the CM who looked overwhelmed, for him the show meant the support of a certain section of people. The paper further informed us that within hours of the gala bonhomie the goonda kidnapped 10 people including a child! The proposed course must contain lessons that would cure this macabre fascination.

Manoj Das

Eminent author and recipient of several awards including the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship

Email: prof.manojdas@gmail.com
By Express News Service

KAKINADA: The Kakinada Special Economic Zone (KSEZ) land issue has returned to haunt the State government. Hundreds of farmers from Ramanakkapet village in U Kothapalli Mandal of East Godavari district tried to enter the lands acquired from them for the SEZ on Sunday.

Farmers from Ramanakkapet village gathered in the area and marched to the acquired land to start agriculture works as part of the Eruvaka programme announced by them. Sensing trouble, a huge posse of police personnel was deployed in the village.

The police had a tough time controlling the farmers, who forced their way into the fields.

The farmers entered into an argument with the police for not allowing them into the fields. The two groups jostled with each other, leading to tension in the village.

Many farmer leaders were taken into custody and they were shifted to nearby police stations. Later, the police set up a picket in the village to prevent any untoward incident.

Meanwhile, several CPM, Jana Sena and YSRC party leaders from across the district were taken into preventive custody. The leaders, who were kept under house arrest for the past three days, were arrested when they tried to force their way to the village.

Jana Sena Party leader Pantham Nanaji and YSRC leaders were arrested and shifted to Indarapalem police station in Kakinada.

The Kakinada SEZ has remained a non-starter from the beginning. Farmers are agitating to get their land parcels back or higher compensation in lieu. Recently, the authorities announced additional compensation, but not many farmers are coming forward to accept it. The land acquisition for Kakinada SEZ began way back in 2005 when the then YS Rajasekhara Reddy government was in power.

The former Congress government had identified around 10,000 acres of land in Thondangi and U Kothapalli mandals for the SEZ. Though 7,400 acres of land were acquired for the SEZ, another 2,600 acres of land still remains to be acquired.

While the farmers in the 2,600 acres did not give their lands, the farmers who gave their land voluntarily are not happy now as the promise of giving jobs to them in the SEZ remained on paper. Interestingly, only one company, a China-based doll assembling unit, was established in the SEZ.

When he was in the Opposition, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu supported the agitation and he even symbolically ploughed the lands at a village in the area, promising the farmers that he would restore their lands when he came to power.

Naidu had promised to cancel the SEZ. However, he went back on his promise after becoming Chief Minister, CPM leader Duvva Seshababji said.
Saul Loeb-Pool/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- President Donald Trump continued his fervent support of his Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, calling for a "comprehensive" but "quick" FBI investigation into claims of sexual misconduct as the agency works to meet a looming deadline.



Trump, who criticized what he characterized as unfair treatment of his pick to the high court said: "We don't want to go on a witch hunt, do we?"



However, the president said he does think Kavanaugh should be interviewed by the FBI. "I think so," the president said. "It's fine if they do. I don't know. That's up to them."



Kavanaugh faced tough questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday on allegations from California professor Christine Blasey Ford that he attempted to sexually assault her when they were both high school students in suburban Maryland decades ago.



Kavanaugh denies the claim.



Ford also testified before the committee on Thursday  an emotionally-charged appearance in which she described in detail what she says happened that night.



On Friday, the White House, after the urging of the Senate Judiciary Committee, directed the FBI to look into what they deem as "credible" claims of sexual assault.



On Monday, Trump said he "would look at" whether FBI witnesses corroborate the accounts of any accusers.



"I think the FBI should do what they have to do to get to the answer," Trump said. "I want them to do a very comprehensive investigation, whatever that means according to the Senators and the Republicans and the Republican majority, I want them to do that." That being said, I would like it to go quickly... It's unfair to him."



When asked if his administration is putting limits on the investigation, the president said: "My White House is doing whatever the Senate wants ... It is up to me, but I'm instructing them as per what I feel what the Senate wants."



Those senators include Sen. Jeff Flake, a key vote and member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, who urged on Friday that GOP colleagues support a supplemental FBI background investigation of Kavanaugh.



"We certainly want the FBI to do a real investigation," the retiring Arizona Republican said at an event on Monday. "It does no good to have an investigation that just gives us more cover ... we actually need to find out what we can find out."



Ford's legal team said Sunday they have not yet been contacted by the FBI despite the narrowing time frame for the investigation President Donald Trump ordered Friday.



A source familiar with the matter confirmed Sunday that Deborah Ramirez, who alleges Kavanaugh exposed himself to her in college had been contacted by the FBI and had an interview regarding her allegations against Kavanaugh. During the hours-long interview, Ramirez stood by the experiences she detailed to the New Yorker in an article published a week ago, the source added.



She also provided FBI agents with a list of witnesses, a source with knowledge of her interview told ABC News.



On Saturday, Ramirez' attorney John Clune confirmed that the FBI had reached out to her: "We can confirm the FBI has reached out to interview Ms. Ramirez and she has agreed to cooperate with their investigation. Out of respect for the integrity of the process, we will have no further comment at this time, Clune said.



Julie Swetnick, the third woman to come forward publicly with public allegations about Kavanaugh, had not been contacted by the FBI about the allegations as of Saturday night, her lawyer Michael Avenatti told ABC News and tweeted.



Swetnick's allegations have been undercut by Republicans, including Graham, who called her allegation "outrageous," and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who sent a press release Sunday attacking Swetnick by the numbers and calling her "not credible at all."



When asked Monday if all three accusers should be interviewed, Trump hedged on his answer.



"I think the FBI should interview anybody that they want within reason," he said. "They should interview, but also be guided. I'm being guided by what the senators are looking for."



Trump later said that he didn't think his Supreme Court pick lied about his drinking during his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee.



He then pivoted to his own drinking habits, telling reporters, "I'm not a drinker and I can honestly say I never had a beer in my life."



Trump defended his nominee, saying that many high schoolers "drink beer and go crazy."



The president also stood by another ally, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who emerged as a key Kavanaugh supporter throughout the confirmation process.



During Thursday's hearing, Graham said, "This is the most unethical sham since I've been in politics."



At the press conference on Monday, Trump said he thought Graham was "terrific."



"Lindsey Graham I thought was terrific the other day," he said. "He brought up one point that is now being discussed by a lot of people and that's who is going to want to run for office and be in office and take an appointment to not just the supreme court, but many positions?"



Elaborating on a possible backup option if the FBI investigation turns up information that would lead Congress to not move forward with Kavanaugh's confirmation, Trump said, "I don't want to talk about plan B. I hope he gets approved. I hope the report comes out like I really think it should."

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
By Express News Service

VISAKHAPATNAM: A jolly trip to Rushikonda beach by five engineering students, turned tragic on Sunday evening with one of them drowning and another going missing at sea.

Three others managed to reach the shore safely after a rough wave pulled them into the sea.

According to police, five friends went to Rushikonda beach.

The rescue team retrieved the body of Ch Leela Pawan Kumar (20) of Palakollu, while 20-year-old student Hari Kiran of Samalkot in East Godavari, is still missing.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: At a time when abusive trolling and cyberbullying is taking over social media, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said it should be a platform for engagement and not bitterness.

Speaking at the inaugural session of Social Media Conclave 2018 organised by Namaste India, she added that development in India had reached a level where no regions were bimaru- unhealthy, anymore.

Rural development is taking place through Sansad Adarsh gram yojana and there are no more bimaru regions. All of them are being developed, she said. Highlighting the need to make factual presentations on social media engagement, Nirmala said it was the responsibility of each person to ensure that social media was toxin-free.

BJPs national general secretary Ram Madhav, who was also present at the event, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had uprooted corruption from the country. As much as 98 per cent black money has returned to the banks. The opposition alleges that Nirav Modi and Mallya have fled the country, but an honest, non-corrupt man is now the Prime Minister, Madhav said.
By Express News Service

KOCHI: When Kerala suffered in the deluge, hundreds came to the aid of the victims. And, taking up relief works relentlessly was the NGO Reach World Wide. The volunteers extended their helping hands to almost all flood-ravaged localities including Ranni, Chengannur, Kottayam, Kumarakom, Aluva, Paravur and Kuttanad.

From supplying food, water, medicines, clothes and various other essentials to setting up camp for the flood victims, Reach World Wide actively participated in all phases of the flood relief activities.

Reach World Wide started off their relief activities in the severely-affected Kuttanad. In the first phase, 500 food packets and 150 umbrellas were provided. The volunteers had to walk on their feet for kilometres and travel in boats with relief materials to reach the victims as the roads were completely flooded. Hundreds of volunteers fanned across Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha took part in the initiative. More than 5,000 flood relief kits were also distributed in Kottayam and Kuttanad regions in the first phase of the relief activity.

With the help of boats owned by Reach World Wide volunteers from Mararikulam and Kumarakom, the rescue and relief operations were initiated from Tiruvalla Market Junction. Along with the help of the public, Reach World Wide could rescue more than 300 people. It also organised many medical camps around Chengannur and Niranam. In Kochi, Reach World Wide could distribute 10,000 food packets in four camps at Aluva and Varapuzha.

As many as 4,000 flood victims were provided with essential groceries and clothes in Perumbavoor and Muvattupuzha regions. In Idukki, Reach World Wide distributed rice and groceries to camps in Vallakadavu, Pallimuku, Keezhkavu regions via lorries. The volunteers also supplied essentials in Thrissur, Kozhikode, Kasaragod and Wayanad districts. A container of collected items from Reach centres abroad was given to Kottayam Collectorate for further distribution.

Two of Reach World Wide volunteers went missing during a mission to rescue two fellow volunteers who fell into River Pamba. The body of a volunteer, Lesvin, was recovered from Chegannur five days later, but there is still no information about the second person.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala has called upon the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to file a review petition in the Supreme Court against the verdict granting permission for women of all ages to visit the Sabarimala hill shrine.

The social impact and practical difficulties the judgment will create have to be considered by the apex court, said Chennithala, who had earlier tweeted his stand tagging the Express editorial titled Sabarimala: The Reality (Sunday, September 30).

The previous UDF Governments stand was that the beliefs and rituals of Sabarimala temple should be retained and the banning of women in the 10-50 age group continued. It had also given an affidavit in the Supreme Court on February 5, 2016, on this angle. However, the present LDF Government changed that affidavit and pleaded women of all ages should be given permission to enter Sabarimala. However, the TDB, which functions under the state government, took a diametrically opposite stand on the same in the Supreme Court, Chennithala said.

This double standard of the Left Government has led to an adverse impact on the case and resulted in such a judgment, Chennithala said. He also charged the Left Front, blaming its stand and foul play.

Chennithala said all the religious institutions in the country were working on the basis of religious

beliefs and rituals and if they were changed overnight, that would hurt the believers.

TDB to go for appeal

Travancore Devaswom Board president A Padmakumar said: The Board will file a review petition in the Supreme Court on this matter and lets see what happens.
By Express News Service

KOCHI: Celebrating local myths and showcasing them for a global audience is one way of sustaining tourism in Kerala, said speakers at a seminar held at Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) here on Sunday.

Various stakeholders said that this can be done by ensuring community participation.

Be it the recent installation of a giant sculpture of Jatayu, mentioned in the Ramayana, or artworks based on local legends at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, such endeavors draw tourists to Gods Own Country, speakers said during the seminar titled New Products and Interests in Kerala. Riyas Komu, founder of Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF), which has been hosting Indias only such biennial cultural event since 2012, said it was no coincidence that the event has Fort Kochi as its main venue. The place (a western suburb of Kochi) has a layered history that is revealed in its multi-ethnicity: 40 communities from Jewish immigrants to Kashmiri Pandits live in a radius of a couple of kilometers, said Komu.

ALSO READ: Kerala Travel Mart helps state tourism rebound with a bang

Jatayu Earths Center CEO Ajit Kumar Balaraman said the eco-friendly Jatayu Rock Tourism project has been envisioned to evoke Keralas cultural heritage. Muziris Heritage Project, located near Kochi, is another such initiative that provides tourists with the feel of revisiting our rich heritage. One of the major attractions of this project is that one can complete the visit to all sites in a day, said Muziris Projects MD P M Naushad.

As for the states traditional wellness system, Ayurveda continues to suffer from a lot of misconceptions despite its immense popularity abroad, said Madan Kumar M K of Government Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram. Homestay is a good model of sustainable tourism that helps the local community, said entrepreneur Ranjini Menon.

US, UK have highest representation

Kochi: The 10th edition of Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) has seen the highest participation from buyers from the US and the UK. At 545, the latest edition of KTM is already the one with the highest attendance of foreign buyers. The 545 delegates have converged at the KTM venue in Willingdon Island from 66 countries. Of the total number of foreign buyers, 42 have arrived from the US and 40 from the UK for business interactions with sellers. There 37 buyers representing the UAE, while 36 have come from Germany. Delegates from Australia (32), Russia (31), Malaysia (26), Poland (24), South Africa (17), Philippines (14), Italy (13), China (12) and Sweden (10), are also actively tying up business-to-business deals. It is my first time here. Im looking for new partners and information on the states tourism sector, said Elena Protopopova from Russia.

Ayurveda draws huge response

Kochi: Kerala ayurveda is receiving an overwhelming response from foreign buyers, especially those from West Asia, in the ongoing Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) being held in Kochi. Sellers representing ayurvedic hospitals and resorts at the KTM said they had been seeing a huge rush of West Asian tourists in the past five years. Baby Mathew, the chairman of Somatheeram Ayurveda Group and KTM president, said, In the past five years, there has been almost a 30 per cent increase in the arrival of tourists from West Asia. It is a result of massive campaigns we carried out in West Asian countries. Before then, there were no such campaigns. Today, ayurveda thrives in Germany and Russia owing to the strenuous efforts we undertook, he said. Most of the tourists approach ayurvedic physicians as their family doctors, said Kiran B Nair, managing director, Vaidya Healthcare, Perumbavoor.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Women who are aware of the customs at Sabarimala temple are not likely to make the pilgrimage to the hill shrine, said Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president A Padmakumar on Sunday. He was speaking to reporters after meeting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram.

According to Padmakumar, dialectical materialism cannot be allowed inside the temple.Padmakumar informed that the TDB will discuss whether to file a review petition against Fridays Supreme Court verdict or not on Wednesday.Over Monday and Tuesday, the TDB will also discuss the Supreme Court verdict and its implications with the Pandalam royal family members and the temple priests, he said.

ALSO READ: Challenges galore for Travancore Devaswom Board as pilgrimage season looms large

We dont expect any excess rush of women at Sabarimala. We feel that devotees will adhere to the customs and traditions of the temple. A few people may come, encouraged by the verdict, Padmakumar said, adding that the women of his household who are devotees will not be making the pilgrimage.The SC verdict is expected to trigger a 40 per cent increase in pilgrims, but it will be difficult to provide additional facilities for women this year other than toilets, said Padmakumar.

The Chief Minister has taken a favourable stance to the TDB request for 100 more acres at Nilakkal to provide additional facilities for pilgrims, said Padmakumar.On Friday, the Supreme Court pronounced a landmark verdict, allowing women of all ages to visit the shrine.While four judges, including Chief Justice Dipak Misra, favoured the entry of women, Justice Indu Malhotra wrote a dissenting judgment.
By Express News Service

CUTTACK: The agitating lawyers wearing black badges on Sunday staged a silent protest in front of Orissa High Court demanding arrest of those involved in the assault of one of their colleagues.

A six-member delegation of the striking lawyers comprising led by Odisha State Bar Council chairman Tahali Charan Mohanty met Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra at the Odisha Judicial Academy and held an elaborate discussion with him over the issue.

We apprised the CJI about the issue which led to the lawyers agitation, said Mohanty adding further course of action will be chalked out in the Associations next general body meeting on October 3. On Saturday, the Bar Council of India had sought intervention of the Supreme Court to resolve the issues raised by the lawyers of Orissa High Court.

In a letter to the Chief Justice of India, Chairman, Bar Council of India, Manan Mishra requested immediate cognisance of the issue and directions to the State Government to apprehend the accused involved in the assault. Alleging that the State Government is adamant and not taking any action against the erring police officials, the letter also sought constitution of a high level fact finding committee headed by a sitting or retired judge of the High Court to look into the matter.
By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday reiterated that there was no secret understanding between the BJP and BJD and both remained prime opponents in the State.

Terming the speculation of an undisclosed pact as a figment of the imagination of the media, Pradhan said the regional party might have extended support to the NDA Government at the Centre on some issues but it was solely for its own political compulsions. The perception had gained momentum with BJD supporting the NDA candidate for President and following it up with not taking part in the no-confidence motion against Modi Government and again supporting the NDA candidate for the post of Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson.

Pradhan asserted that there was no question of any tie-up and the party is working hard to fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modis dream of installing a BJP government in the State.

In conversation with Editorial Director of The New Indian Express Prabhu Chawla at the Odisha Literary Festival organised by TNIE here, the Union Minister said, The Prime Minister during his recent visit to the State had given the task to the party workers to expose the inefficiency and corruption of the Naveen Patnaik Government. We are working very sincerely to realise his dream.

He stated that the Chief Minister has been opposing the Centre on major issues, be it for the state or for the nation. We dont know why BJD shied away from the debate on the Opposition-sponsored no-confidence motion against the Modi Government. Naveen Babu has been opposing the BJP on all major issues including Aadhaar, Ayushman Bharat and demonetisation, he said.

The BJD has been expressing its opinion against the BJP outside but not inside the Parliament. They prefer to run away from the debate for reasons best known to them, he remarked.

The State Government, he said, is not implementing the Central schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Soubhagya (electricity for all households), and Swachh Bharat Mission (toilet for individual household) in true spirit with the fear that the Centre will take all the mileage.

Pradhan accused the Chief Minister of creating hurdles in the execution of `12,000 crore road projects by not providing land and other necessary clearances.

This came to the notice during a recent review of infrastructure projects of the State by the Prime Minister, he said.

While blaming the BJD Government for the underdevelopment of the State despite its huge natural resources and skilled manpower, Pradhan asserted that Odisha will emerge as an economic power when BJP comes to power.
By Express News Service

SAMBALPUR: Gangadhar Meher University (GMU) here has planned to instal solar panels to illuminate the campus. Informing this, Deputy Registrar of the university Uma Charan Pati said three firms have evinced interest for the project. The three firms, including two Haryana-based companies, besides one from Odisha, made presentation in this regard recently.

They will entrust the most experienced firm to execute the project. The university will invite technical and financial bids from the firms shortly, he said.

Pati said the project will be implemented on Power Purchase Agreement basis. The firm, which will carry out the project, will instal solar plates on the roofs of the university buildings, including hostels, from its own fund. The university will purchase power from the firm at `3.40 per unit against the WESCOs current charge of `5.40 per unit. This apart, the firm will sell surplus power to GRIDCO. The selected firm will decide on the quantity of solar energy to be generated from the GMU campus, he added.

Apart from utilisation of green energy on university campus, Pati said the project will substantially help in reducing the electricity bill of the educational institution. At present, the GMU pays about `20 lakh annually towards the electricity bill which will be reduced by 40 per cent after the project is materialised. Moreover, the university will get uninterrupted power supply which will immensely help the students and hostel inmates, he added.

The premier educational institution of Western Odisha, which was upgraded to university in 2015, is spread over an area of about 38 acres.

On the other hand, GMU is also going to set up a biogas plant to process the biodegradable waste generated from kitchen of hostels, and produce own energy for cooking by the end of January 2019. The biogas plant will generate about 13 kg of clean energy daily.
By Online Desk

A Chetak CH442 chopper has reportedly crash landed at INS Rajali, the naval base in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu.

The incident took place when the Indian Navy chopper was on a training sortie. The main and tail rotors have been damaged in the crash.

According to news agency ANI, the Chetak was carrying out dry winching.

While the crew is reportedly safe, an official statement by the Navy awaited.

(Further details awaited)
By Express News Service

COIMBATORE: While an RTI response from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare says that there is no approval for setting up AIIMS in Madurai, Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker Thambi Durai assured here on Sunday that the national institute would be set up in the temple city as it was discussed in the Lok Sabha.

Speaking to reporters here at the Coimbatore International Airport, Thambi Durai said that the setting up of AIIMS would not be stopped for any reason. As it was discussed in the Parliament, it would be set up as planned, he said.

Contrary to Thambi Durais statement, in an RTI reply to an activist Hakkim Kasim of East Veli Street in Madurai, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare replied that the cabinet approval to set up AIIMS in Madurai had not been obtained.

ALSO READ: AIIMS to come up near Madurai, Tamil Nadu CM thanks PM Narendra Modi

Further, he said that AIADMK would not accept any project that would affect the farmers. Regarding the Hydrocarbon extraction project, we would raise our concern in the Lok Sabha. The State Government is for the welfare of farmers, he added.

Stating that AIADMK would contest individually in all the 40 Lok Sabha constituencies, Thambi Durai said, he would not differ with the views of Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneer Selvam with regard to the poll alliance. At the same time, AIADMK has the peoples support to win all the 40 constituencies individually, he said.

ALSO READ: Tamil Nadu not appreciating Centres AIIMS gesture, says BJP TN chief

When asked whether the BJP had been trying to have an alliance with the AIADMK in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Thambi Durai said that the BJP Union Minister for State Pon Radhakrishnan would answer it. No national parties except Dravidian parties have a role to play in the State, he added.

Plans on right track: Health secy

Madurai: Clearing the air on the RTI response, the State Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan said that the process of setting up of AIIMS in Thoppur in Madurai was moving on the right track. Speaking to newspersons in Madurai, Radhakrishnan said that the RTI response for selective questions regarding the fund release for AIIMS was misleading as there are several steps involved in the process.

Stating that the process of setting up of AIIMS is moving on the right track, he explained that a detailed project report had been prepared and funds were allotted for the DPR and for the construction of compound wall at the site. He said the detailed design of the project was sent to Centre.
By Associated Press

TORONTO: Canada and the United States reached a deal Sunday night for Canada to stay in a free trade pact with the U.S. and Mexico.

In a joint statement late Sunday, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said the agreement "will strengthen the middle class, and create good, well-paying jobs and new opportunities for the nearly half billion people who call North America home."

The new deal, reached just before a midnight deadline imposed by the U.S., will be called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA. It replaces the 24-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement, which President Donald Trump had called a job-killing disaster.

The agreement reached Sunday gives U.S. farmers greater access to the Canadian dairy market. But it keeps a NAFTA dispute-resolution process that the U.S. wanted to jettison and offers Canada protection if Trump goes ahead with plans to impose tariffs on cars, trucks and auto parts imported into the United States.

ALSO READ | Donald Trump says he won't compromise with Canada in NAFTA deal

"It's a good day for Canada," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said as he left his office. Trudeau said he would have more to say Monday.

"We celebrate a trilateral deal. The door closes on trade fragmentation in the region," Jesus Seade, trade negotiator for Mexico's incoming president, said via Twitter.

Representatives for the government of Mexican president-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador have called a press conference to discuss details of the trade deal on Monday.

Canada, the United States' No. 2 trading partner, was left out when the U.S. and Mexico reached an agreement last month to revamp the North American Free Trade Agreement.

The Trump administration officially notified Congress of the U.S.-Mexico trade agreement on Aug. 31. That started a 90-day clock that would let outgoing Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto sign the new pact before he leaves office Dec. 1.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau leaves the Office of the Prime Minister and Privy Council after an agreement was reached in the NAFTA negotiations in Ottawa, Ontario, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018. The U.S. and Canada reached the basis of a free trade deal Sunday night, a senior Canadian government official said. (Photo | AP)

Trump threatened to go ahead with a revamped NAFTA  with or without Canada. It was unclear, however, whether Trump had authority from Congress to pursue a revamped NAFTA with only Mexico.

Some lawmakers immediately expressed relief that Canada had been reinstated in the regional trading bloc. "I am pleased that the Trump administration was able to strike a deal to modernize NAFTA with both Mexico and Canada," said Senate Finance Chairman Orrin Hatch, R-Utah. "NAFTA is a proven success."

NAFTA tore down most trade barriers between the United States, Canada and Mexico, leading to a surge in trade between the three countries. But Trump and other critics said it encouraged manufacturers to move south of the border to take advantage of low-wage Mexican wages, costing American jobs.

Trump campaigned on a promise to rewrite NAFTA  or get rid of it. Talks on a rewrite began more than a year ago. To placate Trump, Mexico agreed in August to provisions that would require 40 percent to 45 percent of a car be built in countries where auto workers earn at least $16 an hour to qualify for NAFTA's duty-free benefits.

U.S.-Canada talks bogged down earlier this month, and most trade analysts expected the Sept. 30 deadline to come and go without Canada being reinstated. They suspected that Canada, which had said it wasn't bound by U.S. deadlines, was delaying the talks until after provincial elections Monday in Quebec, where support for Canadian dairy tariffs runs high.
By PTI

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump Monday slammed India for the allegedly high tariffs on American products and said that New Delhi wants to have a trade deal with America primarily to keep him happy.

Trump's charges against the alleged high Indian tariffs, for the second time in a few days, came during his White House news conference where he announced a new trade deal with neighbouring Mexico and Canada.

ALSO READ | Donald Trump hails new US-Canada-Mexico trade pact

As he announced the key elements of the US-Mexico and Canada Agreement or USMCA, Trump listed out at the trade deals that are under negotiations, including with Japan, European Union, China and India.

Trump described India as a "tariff king" as he reiterated his allegations that New Delhi has a high tariff rate on various American products.

After he warned against imposing similar tariffs on import of Indian products, Trump said Indians called him that they want to have a trade deal with the US.

The negotiations are being carried out by the US Trade Representatives, Robert Lighthizer.

When US officials asked Indians why they want to have a trade deal with America, Indian officials told them that they want to keep the US president happy, Trump told reporters.

On Saturday, Trump had said that India wants to have a trade deal with the US because it does not want him to impose tariffs on their products.

Trump's remarks came days after Assistant US Trade Representative Mark Linscott returned from India where he had detailed discussion with senior Indian officials on bilateral trade and a possible trade deal between the two countries.
By Associated Press

TEHRAN: Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said Monday it launched ballistic missiles into eastern Syria, targeting militants whom the force has blamed for a recent attack on a military parade in Iran.

The launch was the Islamic Republic's second such missile attack on Syria in over a year. A prominent Syrian war monitor said the missiles struck a town held by the Islamic State group, one of the few remaining pockets of land in Syria still in IS hands.

Iranian state television and the state-run IRNA news agency said the missiles "killed and wounded" militants in Syria, without elaborating. Syrian state media did not immediately acknowledge the strike.

In this photo released on Monday, Oct. 1, 2018, by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, a missile is fired from city of Kermanshah in western Iran targeting the Islamic State group in Syria. Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said Monday it launched ballistic missiles into eastern Syria targeting militants it blamed for a recent attack on a military parade.

(Photo | AP)

The TV aired footage of one of its reporters standing by as one of the missiles was launched, identifying the area as being in Iran's western province of Kermanshah. A state TV-aired graphic suggested the missiles flew over central Iraq near the city of Tikrit before landing near the city of Boukamal in the far southeast of Syria.

Boukamal is held by forces loyal to Syria's embattled President Bashar Assad. However, the city has been targeted even now by IS militants who have lost almost all the territory they once held in both Syria and Iraq.

Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told The Associated Press that the Iranian missiles hit the IS-held town of Hajin, just north of Boukamal.

ALSO READ | Saudi Arabia denies any links to Iran parade attack

Strong explosions shook the area in the early hours of Monday, reverberating east of the Euphrates River, he said. The area of Hajin and IS militants there have been under attack for weeks by U.S.-backed Kurdish-led fighters.

One missile shown on Iranian state television bore the slogans "Death to America, Death to Israel, Death to Al Saud," referring to Saudi Arabia's ruling family. The missile also bore in Arabic the phrase "kill the friends of Satan," referring to a verse in the Quran on fighting infidels.

"This is the roaring of missiles belonging to the Revolutionary Guard of the Islamic Revolution," the state TV's reporter said as the missiles launched behind him. "In a few minutes, the world of arrogance  especially America, the Zionist regime and the Al Saud  will hear the sound of Iran's repeated blows."

The semi-official Fars news agency, believed to be close to the Guard, identified the six missiles used as Zolfaghar and Qiam variants, which have ranges of 750 kilometers (465 miles) and 800 kilometers (500 miles) respectively.

In this photo released on Monday, Oct. 1, 2018, by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, missiles are fired from city of Kermanshah in western Iran targeting the Islamic State group in Syria. Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said Monday it launched ballistic missiles into eastern Syria targeting militants it blamed for a recent attack on a military parade.

(Photo | AP)

Iran also launched drone attacks on the site afterward, state TV reported.

Analyst Hadi Seyed Afghahi, who is close to Iran's establishment and the Guard, said he believes the missiles were launched in coordination with the Syrian government.

A Syria-based official with the so-called "Axis of Resistance" led by Iran, which includes Iran, Syria, the Lebanese militant Hezbollah and other groups fighting alongside Assad's forces said the missiles hit "the last pocket held by Daesh" in Syria, using an Arabic term to refer to IS.

The official spoke to the APs via text messages from Syria on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media.

The missile launch further adds to confusion over who carried out the assault on a military parade in the Iranian city of Ahvaz on Sept. 22 that killed at least 24 people and wounded over 60.

ALSO READ | Iran vows 'crushing response' after gunmen kill 29 at army parade

Iran initially blamed Arab separatists for the attack in which gunmen disguised as soldiers opened fire on the crowd and officials watching the parade from a viewing platform in the southwestern city. Arab separatists also immediately claimed the attack and offered details about one of the attackers that ultimately turned out to be true.

The Islamic State group also claimed responsibility for the assault, but initially made factually incorrect claims about it. Later, IS released footage of several men that Iran ultimately identified as attackers, though the men in the footage never pledged allegiance to the extremist group.

In announcing the attack, Iranian state media said the missiles targeted both "takfiri" militants  a term it often applies to the Islamic State group  and Ahvazi separatists. The separatists have not been known to work with IS in the past.

ALSO READ | Iran says 'jihadist separatists' behind deadly parade attack

In Monday's statement, the Guard said that based on evidence from the Ahvaz attack, the "terrorists" in eastern Syria are supported and guided by the United States in line with "satanic" plans of the White House, the Zionist regime  Iranian parlance for Israel  and a regional power, a reference to Saudi Arabia.

The statement added that the Guard's "iron fist" remains prepared for any further steps by Iran's enemies.

This is the third time in the last couple of years that Iran has fired its ballistic missiles in anger.

Last year, Iran fired ballistic missiles into Syria over a bloody IS attack on Tehran targeting parliament and the shrine of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. In September, Iran fired missiles into Iraq targeting a base of an Iranian Kurdish separatist group. The separatists say that strike killed at least 11 people and wounded 50.
By PTI

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani anti-corruption court hearing graft cases against the embattled Sharif family expressed displeasure on Monday after deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif failed to appear before it in a corruption case.

Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Arshad Malik warned that he may cancel Sharif's surety bond and issue arrest warrants if the former premier failed to appear before the bench in the Flagship Investment case hearing.

ALSO READ | Pakistan court summons Nawaz Sharif in treason case over Mumbai attack remarks

On the orders of the Supreme Court, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had filed three corruption cases against the 68-year-old three-time former prime minister.

A top Pakistani court last month suspended the jail sentences of Sharif, his daughter and son-in-law in the Avenfield corruption case, one of the three corruption cases.

The trio were released from a jail following the court order. Apart from the Avenfield case, the Sharifs face jail terms if they are convicted in two more corruption cases related to the Al-Azizia and the Flagship Investment cases.

The cases against the family stemmed from the Panama Papers case in April 2016.

The Flagship Investment Ltd case is based on information the NAB had obtained from the report filed by the Joint Investigation Team constituted by the Supreme Court to probe money laundering allegations against Sharif and his family.

The court had summoned Panamagate joint investigation team head and prosecution's star witness Wajid Zia to record his statement on Monday.

However, Zia's statement could not be recorded as the former premier and his counsel did not appear for the hearing.

Expressing anger over their absence, Judge Malik remarked, "A suspect cannot skip a hearing on his own will," Geo News reported.

The judge was further irked when defence counsel Khawaja Haris requested, through his associate Munawwar Iqbal Duggal, for a two-day adjournment of Flagship, Al Aziziya and Hill Metal Establishment case hearings, owing to health issues.

When the judge inquired about Sharif's absence, Duggal said that the accused was supposed to appear and sought time to find out why the former prime minister did not turn up.

"Neither the suspect nor the counsel are present. Am I supposed to wait all day?" Judge Malik asked.

"I adjourned hearings of other cases to hear yours, please tell me what you all want," he further said.

He added, "I will write down an order and then you all keep challenging it.

" To this, the deputy counsel said he is trying to contact Sharif and asked for a few minutes to update the court.

Later Duggal told the court that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo did not appear owing to "genuine confusion".

The defence counsel added that Nawaz, however, was willing to immediately leave Lahore if the court allowed two to three hours to travel to Islamabad.

Judge Malik then chided the defence counsel and the accused of wasting the court and witness' time but accepted their assurance regarding Sharif's appearance for the future hearings.

Referring to Haris's adjournment appeal, the court noted that the request could only be accepted as far as the Flagship case was concerned and adjourned the hearing until October 4.

ALSO READ | Ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's arrest and release: A timeline

The accountability court, however, will hear the Al Aziziya and Hill Metal Establishment corruption cases on October 2.

Sharif and his sons, Hussain and Hasan, are accused in all three corruption cases whereas his daughter Maryam and her husband Capt (retd) Muhammad Safdar were accused in the Avenfield case only.

The two brothers, based in London, have been declared as proclaimed offenders by the court.
By Associated Press

SEOUL: South Korea has begun removing mines at two sites inside its heavily fortified border with North Korea, which is expected to do the same as part of their recent deals to ease decades-long military tensions. They will likely end up pulling out a very small portion of an estimated 2 million mines littered inside and near the 248-kilometer (155-mile) -long, 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) -wide Demilitarized Zone. But it would be the rivals' first joint demining work in more than a decade and comes amid international diplomacy aimed at ridding North Korea of its nuclear weapons.

A look at the mine clearing:

THE SITES

The mine removal starting Monday took place at the Koreas' Joint Security Area in their shared border village of Panmunjom and another front-line area where the two countries plan their first joint searches for the remains of soldiers killed during the 1950-53 Korean War.

Panmunjom, where an armistice was signed in 1953 to end the Korean War, is the most famous DMZ site. Rival soldiers face each other only feet away from each other, and it has been the scene of bloodshed and violence, including the 1976 ax-killing of two American troops. But it's also a venue for talks such as two of the three inter-Korean summit meetings so far this year, and its mystique makes it a popular tourist destination.

ALSO READ | North Korea's denuclearisation to be completed by 2021: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo

Under deals signed by their defense chiefs on the sidelines of a September summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, the demining of the Joint Security Area is part of a broader step to "disarm" the zone and turn it to a "place for peace and unity."

South Korean President Moon Jae-in, left, toasts with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his wife Ri Sol Ju during a welcome banquet in Pyongyang, North Korea. (Photo | AP)

The other area to be demined is around the so-called "Arrow Head Hill," where some of the war's heaviest fighting took place over a strategically important hilltop position.

Seoul's Defense Ministry said the remains of about 300 South Korean, French and U.S. soldiers are believed to be in the area. The remains of a large number of Chinese and North Korean soldiers are also likely there.

During the war, an outnumbered French battalion belonging to the American-led U.N. Command repelled a series of Chinese attacks in the area in October 1952, months before a South Korean army division also turned back similar Chinese assaults.

THE MINES

Experts believe the South Korean and U.S. militaries have planted about 1-1.2 million mines south of the DMZ while North Korea has put about 800,000-1 million mines on its side. It's not known how many mines are at Panmunjom and Arrow Head Hill, but military commentator Lee Illwoo said the Koreas would be able to clear tens of thousands at most.

Experts believe both Koreas poorly managed their mines and don't know exactly how many they planted and in what specific places. It's not unusual for wooden North Korean mine boxes to wash down a swollen river in summer, causing deadly incidents in South Korea. Many South Korean mines are also believed to have been dislodged due to flooding or landslides.

ALSO READ | North Korea's Kim sets denuclearisation time line, prompting thanks from Trump

At Panmunjom, the Koreas are to spend 20 days clearing mines before withdrawing troops, weapons and guard posts in the area over the next five days. They eventually plan to have 35 unarmed personnel from each side guard the village and let tourists freely cross ankle-high concrete slabs that mark the border there.

In the case of Arrow Head Hill, they aim to remove the mines by the end of November. After building a cross-border road and forming a joint excavation team, the Koreas are to launch a seven-month effort to locate remains in April next year.

THE RAMIFICATIONS

Monday's mine clearing is the first of its kind since the Koreas worked together to remove mines and explosives at a few border areas to accommodate now-stalled economic and transportation projects during a previous era of rapprochement in the 2000s. Other deals reached by the defense chiefs include withdrawing front-line guard posts and establishing buffer zones along the land, sea and aerial boundaries where live-fire drills and military flights would be banned.

In this Aug. 1, 2010 file photo, South Korean Army soldiers search for landmines near the demilitarized zone that separates the two Koreas in Yeoncheon, north of Seoul, South Korea. North and South Korea began removing mines at two sites inside their heavily fortified border Monday, Oct. 1, 2018, as part of their recent deals to ease decades-long military tensions. (Photo | AP)

"It's the start of peace," said Kim Ki-ho, head of the private Korea Mine Clearance Research Institute. "We have to remove those mines, though we are not taking out all the mines at the DMZ."

Lee, the commentator, played down the significance of the mine removal, saying that "North Korea's military threats won't disappear even though we get rid of a small number of front-line mines."

The complete removal of all the DMZ mines could be a dilemma for both Koreas. South Korea would find itself more vulnerable to North Korean infiltration and assault via land routes, while North Korea would worry about front-line soldiers and residents escaping to the South more easily, Lee said. Most North Korean refugees living in the South have fled via the less guarded border with China.

ALSO READ | Donald Trump says he trusts Kim Jong-un with denuclearisation promise

In recent years, South Korea has unilaterally removed thousands of mines annually from the DMZ as part of efforts to improve the lives and safety of civilians near the border area. Seoul's Defense Ministry told lawmakers in 2015 that at that rate, it would take about 200 years to remove all the mines on the southern side of the DMZ and nearby front-line areas.

If the de-mining effort is sustained and successful, it would be seen as progress in the international campaign to ban mines, said Kim Jae-yeop, a professor of defense strategy at South Korea's Hannam University.

The United States and South Korea are among the highest-profile countries that have refused to sign the Ottawa Convention banning the use of mines in war, which came into effect in 1999, chiefly because mines are heavily used in the DMZ.
By Associated Press

SACRAMENTO: California Gov. Jerry Brown signed the nation's toughest net neutrality measure Sunday, requiring internet providers to maintain a level playing field online. The move prompted an immediate lawsuit by the Trump administration.

Advocates of net neutrality hope the new law in the home of the global technology industry will have national implications by pushing Congress to enact national net neutrality rules or encouraging other states to follow suit.

But the U.S. Department of Justice wants to stop the law, arguing that it creates burdensome, anti-consumer requirements that go against the federal government's approach of deregulating the internet.

"Once again the California Legislature has enacted an extreme and illegal state law attempting to frustrate federal policy," U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement.

The law is the latest example of the nation's most populous state seeking to drive public policy outside its borders and rebuff President Donald Trump's agenda.

In this June 29, 2018, file photo, California Gov. Jerry Brown speaks at a forum in Sacramento, Calif. Brown signed the nation's toughest net neutrality measure Sunday, Sept. 30, requiring internet providers to maintain a level playing field online. (Photo | AP)

Brown did not explain his reasons for signing the bill or comment on the federal lawsuit Sunday night.

Supporters of the new law cheered it as a win for internet freedom. It is set to take effect Jan. 1.

"This is a historic day for California. A free and open internet is a cornerstone of 21st century life: our democracy, our economy, our health care and public safety systems, and day-to-day activities," said Democratic Sen. Scott Wiener, the law's author.

The Federal Communications Commission last year repealed rules that prevented internet companies from exercising more control over what people watch and see on the internet.

Telecommunications companies lobbied hard to kill it or water it down, saying it would lead to higher internet and cellphone bills and discourage investments in faster internet. They say it's unrealistic to expect them to comply with internet regulations that differ from state to state.

USTelecom, a telecommunications trade group, said California writing its own rules will create problems.

ALSO READ | How your internet use could change as 'net neutrality' ends

"Rather than 50 states stepping in with their own conflicting open internet solutions, we need Congress to step up with a national framework for the whole internet ecosystem and resolve this issue once and for all," the group said in a Sunday statement.

Net neutrality advocates worry that without rules, internet providers could create fast lanes and slow lanes that favor their own sites and apps or make it harder for consumers to see content from competitors.

That could limit consumer choice or shut out upstart companies that can't afford to buy access to the fast lane, critics say.

The new law prohibits internet providers from blocking or slowing data based on content or from favoring websites or video streams from companies that pay extra.

It also bans "zero rating," in which internet providers don't count certain content against a monthly data cap  generally video streams produced by the company's own subsidiaries and partners.

Oregon, Washington and Vermont have approved legislation related to net neutrality, but California's measure is seen as the most comprehensive attempt to codify the principle in a way that might survive a likely court challenge. An identical bill was introduced in New York.
By PTI

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping has greeted the Maldives President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who defeated pro-China incumbent Abdullah Yameen, raising concern in Beijing over its big investments in the strategically located country in the Indian Ocean.

ALSO READ | Maldives' president-elect Solih invites PM Narendra Modi for swearing-in ceremony

China, which has invested millions of dollars in different projects in the Maldives, is weighing its options in the country as Yameen has been trounced by Solih, widely regarded as a pro-India leader.

State-run Xinhua news agency reported about Xi's congratulatory message to Solih on Sunday after the election commission in the island nation confirmed his win, putting to rest speculation that Yameen plans to dispute election results in a bid to continue in power.

Solih is scheduled to take over power from Yameen on November 17.

The long gap for transfer of power raised concerns among Solih's supporters whether Yameen would hand over power smoothly.

Election of Solih has raised anxieties in Beijing over its massive investments as well as the likely strategic shift of the Maldives towards India after Yameen's consistent attempts to burn bridges with New Delhi.

In his message to Solih, Xi said China highly values the development of China-Maldives relations and is willing to join hands with him to lift the comprehensive friendly cooperative partnership between China and Maldives to a new level, the report said.

He said China and Maldives share a longstanding friendship, and China is committed to developing relations with Maldives on the basis of the 'Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence'.

China is willing to work with the Maldives to continue to cement their friendship and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields to better benefit the people of both the countries.

China's big investments including the building of bridges and airport totalling to over USD 1.5 billion also caused worries about the raising debt level of the Maldives as neighbouring Sri Lanka which had also received huge Chinese loans ended up mortgaging its Hambantota port on 99-year lease as a debt swap.

China has established a logistics base at Djibouti in the Indian Ocean and a series anti-India actions by Yameen including asking New Delhi to remove the naval helicopters sparked off speculation about the likely establishment of a similar base in the Maldives.

Yameen also signed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China last year though it is yet to become operational.

ALSO READ | India Maldives' closest ally, new President tells Narendra Modi

The FTA was expected to provide major opening for Chinese goods and services in the Maldives.

Last week, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang slammed Solih's party colleague and former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed for his criticism of the Chinese projects questioning their commercial viability as well as lacking in transparency and democratic procedures.

Nasheed, who is currently exiled in Sri Lanka, is the leader of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), to which Solih belonged and has in the past accused Beijing of "busy buying up the Maldives" during Yameen's presidency.

Commentaries in the official media attributed Yameen's defeat more to domestic politics than anti-China mood prevailing in the Indian Ocean archipelago.
By Associated Press

CAIRO: In a remote pocket of northern Yemen, many families with starving children have nothing to eat but the leaves of a local vine, boiled into a sour, acidic green paste. International aid agencies have been caught off guard by the extent of the suffering there as parents and children waste away.

The main health center in Aslam district was flooded with dozens of emaciated children during a recent visit by the Associated Press. Excruciatingly thin toddlers, eyes bulging, sat in a plastic washtub used in a make-shift scale as nurses weighed each one. Their papery skin was stretched tight over pencil-like limbs and knobby knees. Nurses measured their forearms, just a few centimeters in diameter, marking the worst stages of malnutrition.

Bassem Mohamed Hassan, a two-year-old Yemeni boy suffering from malnutrition, lies on a bed at a hospital in the northern district of Abs in the northwestern Hajjah province on September 19, 2018. (Photo | AFP)

At least 20 children are known to have died of starvation already this year in the province that includes the district, more than three years into the country's ruinous civil war. The real number is likely far higher, since few families report it when their children die at home, officials say.

In a nearby village, a 7-month-old girl, Zahra, cries and reaches with her bony arms for her mother to feed her. Her mother is undernourished herself and is often unable to breastfeed Zahra.

"Since the day she was born, I have not had the money to buy her milk or buy her medicine," the mother said.

Zahra was recently treated at the heath center. At home, she's dwindling away again, and her parents can't afford to hire a car or motorbike to take her back to the clinic.

ALSO READ | World in 'outrage' over inability to end wars in Syria, Yemen: UN chief Antonio Guterres

If they don't, Zahra will die, said Mekkiya Mahdi, the health center chief.

"We are in the 21st century, but this is what the war did to us," Mahdi said. She said she tours Aslam's villages and, after seeing people living off the leaf paste, "I go home and I can't put food in my mouth."

The worsening hunger in Aslam is a sign of the gaps in an international aid system that is already overwhelmed and under pressure from local authorities. Yet outside aid is the only thing preventing widespread death from starvation in Yemen. The conditions in the district may also be an indication that humanitarian officials' warnings are coming true: In the face of unending war, hunger's spread is outstripping efforts to keep people alive.

When AP approached U.N. agencies with questions about the situation in Aslam, they expressed alarm and surprise. In response to the AP's questions, international and local aid groups launched an investigation into why food wasn't getting to the families that need it the most, a top relief official said.

As a response in the meantime, the official said, relief agencies are sending over 10,000 food baskets to the district, and UNICEF Resident Representative Dr. Meritxell Relano said the organization is increasing its mobile teams in the district from three to four and providing transportation to health facilities. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of issues involved in operating in the war-ravaged country.

International aid agencies have been caught off guard by the extent of the suffering in Yemen as parents and children waste away. (Photo | AFP)

In first six months of this year, Hajjah province, where Aslam is located, recorded 17,000 cases of severe acute malnutrition, higher than in any full year on record, said Walid al-Shamshan, head of the Health Ministry's nutrition section in the province.

Malnourished children who are treated often go back to villages with no food and tainted water, then return to clinics in even worse condition  if they make it back at all.

"Deaths happen in remote villages where people can't reach the health units," al-Shamshan said. "It's a steady deterioration and it's scary."

Yemen's civil war has wrecked the impoverished country's already fragile ability to feed its population. The war pits Shiite rebels known as Houthis, who hold the north, against a Saudi-led coalition, armed and backed by the United States. The coalition has sought to bomb the rebels into submission with an air campaign in support of Yemeni government forces.

ALSO READ | Bomb that killed children in Yemen was supplied by US

Around 2.9 million women and children are acutely malnourished; another 400,000 children with severe malnourishment are fighting for their lives only a step away from starvation.

The number of people nationwide who would starve if they didn't receive aid grew by a quarter over the past year, now standing at 8.4 million of Yemen's 29 million people, according to U.N. figures. That number is likely to soon jump by another 3.5 million because the currency's falling value leaves more people unable to afford food, the U.N. warned this month.

So far, the U.N. and its partners have only received about 65 percent of the $3 billion they sought for the humanitarian response in 2018.

Relief workers are further concerned over an assault by Saudi-led forces trying to take the Houthi-held Red Sea port city of Hodeida . Nearly 80 percent of Yemen's imports come through the port, including much of the humanitarian aid.

"Unless supply routes remain open this figure (of severely malnourished) could increase dramatically, putting the lives of thousands of children at risk from entirely preventable causes," said Tamer Kirolos, Save the Children's Yemen country director.

(Photo | AP)

Aslam is one of Yemen's poorest districts, with hundreds of small villages, some isolated in the high mountains in the Houthi heartland. Its population of 75,000 to 106,000 includes both local residents and accelerating numbers of people displaced from fighting elsewhere.

In terms of hunger, Aslam isn't alone. Health officials say other districts closer to war zones may not be getting food aid at all. But Aslam saw one of the province's highest jumps in the number of reported children suffering from severe acute malnutrition: From 384 cases being treated in January, an additional 1,319 more came in over the next six months, according to local health records. That comes to around 15 percent of the district's children.

"Aslam is just another picture of Somalia," said Saleh al Faqih, a worker in a mobile Health Ministry clinic, comparing it to the Horn of Africa nation often hit by famines.

ALSO READ | More than 800 child soldiers recruited in Yemen during 2017 conflict: UN

Aslam's main health center has no pediatricians, no electricity, no oxygen cylinders. At night, medics use flash lights because there is no fuel for generators. Fathers beg in the nearby market for 300 riyals  around 50 U.S. cents  to buy a diaper for their child going into the center.

Before the war, the center would see one or two malnourished children a month. In August alone, it received 99 cases, nearly half in the most severe stages, the center's nutrition chief Khaled Hassan said.

There appeared to be multiple reasons why aid was not reaching some of the starving, beyond the rapid increase in those in need.

The lion's share of assistance goes to displaced people, while only 20 percent goes to the local community, said Azma Ali, a worker with the World Food Program. Agencies' criteria give priority to the displaced and households without a breadwinner, even as local residents also struggle to find food.

Under heavy pressure from Houthi authorities, international agencies like WFP and UNICEF and their Yemeni partners are required to use lists of needy provided by local officials.

(Photo | AFP)

Critics accuse those officials of favoritism. That especially works against the local population in Aslam, where many belong to the "Muhammasheen," Arabic for the "Marginalized," a community of darker-skinned Yemenis shunned by the rest of society and left to work as garbage collectors, menial laborers or beggars. The Marginalized have no weight with officials to ensure aid goes their way.

One humanitarian coordinator in Hajjah said local Houthi authorities distribute aid unfairly.

"The powerful hinder the work of the humanitarian agencies and deprive of aid those people who are in most need," he said. He spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of problems with the authorities.

Some residents said officials demand bribes to get on food lists  the equivalent of around 15 U.S. cents, but still too much for many. U.N. agencies have insufficient capacity to oversee many distribution centers.

ALSO READ | UN chief Antonio Guterres hails famine prevention mechanism

Food deliveries that do make it to Aslam come irregularly or are too small or are missing items, residents and aid workers said.

People in Aslam increasingly rely on leaves from the local vine, known in Yemeni Arabic as "halas" or in English as Arabian Wax Leaf. It used to be eaten only occasionally but now it's all many residents eat for every meal. Mothers spend hours picking the leaves, then washing and boiling them. Too much of it causes diarrhea, as does the water it's washed in  well water often tainted with sewage.

In the village of al-Mashrada, Zahra's mother feeds her whole family with halas mush. She has seven other children, including two boys with mental disorders who are kept chained inside their shack so they don't wander away. The children's father roams the town, looking for food.

Zahra's mother said only "the big heads"  the better-off and well-connected  end up with international aid.

"We only have God. We are poor and we have nothing."
By PTI

UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has voiced concern over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir while encouraging "positive dialogue" to resolve the disagreements peacefully.

He also said the UN welcomes a greater role for India in addressing regional peace and security challenges.

"On the development front, India already is, and can become an even greater regional development force, helping other countries of the region forge a better future," Guterres told PTI in an email interview here ahead of his visit to India beginning Monday.

He said the UN welcomed a greater role for India in addressing regional peace and security challenges.

"I remain concerned by the situation in Jammu and Kashmir I encourage positive dialogue for disagreements to be resolved peacefully," he said.

The UN chief will be in India October 1 to 3 during when he will meet with President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj.

His visit coincides with the beginning of events to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2, 2019.

Guterres said he greatly appreciated India for its significant contributions to the UN.

India ranks as the fourth largest troop contributing country, with a total of 6,719 uniformed personnel serving in ten UN peacekeeping missions.

"The dedication and sacrifice of India's uniformed personnel are deeply valued and are a model for many others," he said.

He also highly commended India's contribution to addressing the urgent global challenge of climate change, particularly under the Paris Agreement.

"Climate change is moving faster than we are, and if we do not change course by 2020, we risk missing the point where we can avoid runaway climate change," he said.

Guterres noted that India had not been spared the consequences of climate change, as he cited Kerala's worst monsoon flooding in recent history and offered his heartfelt condolences to all affected by the floods.

He noted that more than 37 million Indians living along the coastline were vulnerable to sea-level rise.

Guterres said India's steadfast efforts against climate change were very much in line with the country's domestic development goals, which in turn make India a leader in global climate action.

Describing India as a champion of the global South, he said the country through its Development Partnership Fund with the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation supports Southern-owned and Southern-led demand-driven and transformational sustainable development projects across the developing world.

"We are grateful for India's generous contribution towards this initiative," he said.

Guterres also paid tribute to Indian women, who he said have excelled in every sphere of economic and public life, both at home and internationally.

He said Kiran Bedi, who served as the first female United Nations Police Advisor, and Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, the first female President of the General Assembly, have been "trailblazers" in the world organisation.

"Empowering women is equivalent to empowering communities for a better future.

It is also a necessary condition for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals," he said.
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Zimbabwe has failed to access lines of credit from the multilateral institutions because of arrears in payments of previous loans and also due to the illegal Western sanctions regime that bars multilateral lending institutions with dealings with the United States from extending balance of payment support to Zimbabwe.
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(Newser)  Canada and the United States reached a deal Sunday night for Canada to stay in a free trade pact with the US and Mexico. In a joint statement late Sunday, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said the agreement "will strengthen the middle class, and create good, well-paying jobs and new opportunities for the nearly half billion people who call North America home." The new deal, reached just before a midnight deadline imposed by the US, will be called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA. It replaces the 24-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement, which President Trump had called a job-killing disaster.

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The agreement reached Sunday gives US farmers greater access to the Canadian dairy market. But it keeps a NAFTA dispute-resolution process that the US wanted to jettison and offers Canada protection if Trump goes ahead with plans to impose tariffs on cars, trucks, and auto parts imported into the United States, the AP reports. "It's a good day for Canada," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said as he left his office. Canada, the United States' No. 2 trading partner, was left out when the US and Mexico reached an agreement last month to revamp NAFTA. US-Canada talks bogged down earlier this month, and most trade analysts expected the Sept. 30 deadline to come and go without Canada being reinstated.

(Read more NAFTA stories.)
(Newser)  Autopsies are planned Monday on the bodies of three people found dead after a car explosion on a street in downtown Allentown, Pa., in what authorities called a "criminal incident" being probed by federal, state, and local authorities. Three males were found dead after the 9:30pm Saturday blast, said Lehigh County Coroner Scott Grim, who added that he would probably be able to release the names after their identities are confirmed and their families notified, the AP reports. The ATF is leading the investigation along with the FBI, state police, and city and county authorities. Officials say the blast was believed to have been an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the public.

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"We know there's been a criminal incident," District Attorney James Martin told reporters at a news conference Sunday. "We have a high degree of confidence that the perpetrator was probably killed in the incident." Authorities released no information about the possible cause of the blast, including whether it was a bomb. Authorities asked anyone with information to call the ATF. Resident Carlos Perodin tells the Morning Call that he was watching a movie with his wife when he heard a thunderous explosion and went to the scene. "The fire was crazy," he says. "The car was pretty much split in half." Stephanie Connelly, another resident, says she saw body parts strewn across the street.

(Read more Pennsylvania stories.)
(Newser)  An Arizona man just wanted to reveal to the world the gender of his wife's soon-to-be-born baby. Instead, he set off a 47,000-acre wildfire that cost $8 million, reports the Arizona Daily Star. As a result, Dennis Dickey is now on the hook for $220,000 in penalties. Last year, the off-duty Border Patrol agent shot a target filled with the explosive Tannerite and colored powderblue for boy, pink for girlon a dry and windy day in Green Valley, Ariz. The ensuing blast started a brush fire that quickly spiraled out of control into what became known as the Sawmill Fire, according to a release from the US Attorney's Office in Arizona. It took about 800 firefighters close to a week to finally control it.

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"I feel absolutely horrible about it," the 37-year-old Dickey said in court last week. "It was probably one of the worst days of my life." Because it was an accident, Dickey wasn't charged with arson, and he is expected to keep his Border Control job. Luckily, the fire caused no injuries. Dickey had to immediately dip into his retirement fund to hand over $100,000, and he will make monthly payments of $500 for 20 years, reports the Sahuarita Sun. Dickey also will make a public-service announcement, presumably to warn other excited dads-to-be to skip the Tannerite. And, no, the coverage doesn't mention whether the Dickeys were having a boy or a girl. (This gender-reveal party didn't end so well, either.)
(Newser)  California Gov. Jerry Brown approved the nation's strongest net neutrality law Sunday, prompting a lawsuit by the Trump administration and opening the next phase in the battle over internet regulation. Net neutrality advocates hope the lawwhich Brown signed to stop internet providers from favoring certain content or sites, after the FCC repealed Obama-era rules last year preventing companies from doing sowill push Congress to enact national rules or encourage other states to create their own, the AP reports. However, the DOJ quickly moved to halt the law from taking effect, arguing it creates burdensome, anti-consumer requirements that flout the federal government's deregulation approach. "Once again the California Legislature has enacted an extreme and illegal state law attempting to frustrate federal policy," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement.

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The neutrality law, set to take effect Jan. 1, prohibits internet providers from blocking or slowing data based on content or from favoring websites or video streams from companies that pay extra. It's the latest example of California, ground zero of the global tech industry, trying to drive national public policy and rebuff President Trump's agenda. Brown didn't explain his reasons for signing the bill or comment on the suit Sunday. "This is a historic day for California," says Democratic Sen. Scott Wiener, the law's author. "A free and open internet is a cornerstone of 21st-century life." Oregon, Washington, and Vermont have approved legislation related to net neutrality, but California's measure is seen as the most comprehensive attempt to codify the principle in a way that might survive a court challenge. An identical bill was introduced in New York. (Read more net neutrality stories.)
(Newser)  It's the first Monday in October, which means the Supreme Court will be gaveled into session for its new termeven if the fate of the ninth potential justice remains in limbo. The general consensus in coverage is that the upcoming docket is relatively tame in terms of hot-button issues, though that could change as the term proceeds. In fact, the strategy might be intentional. "This makes me think that the justices were aware of [Anthony] Kennedy's likely departure when they starting granting cases for this term," court observer Adam Feldman tells Fox News. And the justices likely anticipated a vacant seat, at least in the early days of the term. Here are some of the bigger cases on tap for now:

Frogs: The timber company Weyerhauser objects to land in Louisiana being declared off limits for the protection of the dusky gopher frog, reports NPR. Only 75 of the frogs remain in existence, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service plans to relocate some to a forest owned by Weyerhauser.

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Death row: The justices will hear a case out of Alabama in which a murderer with dementia is scheduled to be executed. Vernon Madison's defenders say he can't remember killing a police officer, and the execution would thus be cruel and unusual punishment.

The justices will hear a case out of Alabama in which a murderer with dementia is scheduled to be executed. Vernon Madison's defenders say he can't remember killing a police officer, and the execution would thus be cruel and unusual punishment. Double jeopardy: In Gamble v. United States, the court will look at double jeopardy, and whether states can prosecute a person for a crime independent of the federal government. The reason it matters? If President Trump pardons someone at the federal level, the person could still face state charges over the same offense, explains the New York Times.

In Gamble v. United States, the court will look at double jeopardy, and whether states can prosecute a person for a crime independent of the federal government. The reason it matters? If President Trump pardons someone at the federal level, the person could still face state charges over the same offense, explains the New York Times. The list: For a thorough list of upcoming cases, see Law.com.

(Read more US Supreme Court stories.)
(Newser)  The owner of a Washington-state seafood company will spend two years in prison for overharvesting sea cucumbers and pay $1.5 million in restitutionthe second such big bust in the West in just over a year. Hoon Namkoong, 62, was also sentenced Friday to three years of post-prison supervision. He pleaded guilty earlier this year in US District Court in Seattle to underreporting the number of sea cucumbers he bought from tribal and nontribal fisheries in the Puget Sound by nearly 250,000 pounds between 2014 and 2016. Orient Seafood Production then sold to buyers in Asia and the US. The illegal harvest amounted to nearly 20% of the total allowed statewide, said US Attorney Annette Hayes, and seriously damaged the Puget Sound. "Illegal harvesting undermines quotas designed to protect the resource and keep the Sound healthy for our children and generations to come," Hayes said.

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Sea cucumbers, which are shaped like cucumbers with small feet and measure up to 6 feet, are echinoderms, a family that includes starfish and sea urchins. They're served dried or fresh and are often braised with fish, vegetables, and traditional Chinese sauces. They're sought to treat various health issues, reports the AP, and are increasingly in demand in China and Southeast Asian countries. Harvesting sea cucumbers is permitted in the United States and many parts of the world, but with limited quantities and only during high season. Illegal trade is becoming increasingly common and lucrative. Last year, federal officials filed charges against a father-son partnership for allegedly smuggling more than $17 million worth of sea cucumbers from Mexico to the United States and exporting them to Asia.

(Read more sea cucumber stories.)
(Newser)  Getting hurt by a bear in Alaska is rare but not unheard of. But William McCormick's injury is more of the unheard of kind: The Army soldier suffered "life-threatening injuries" last weekend when a bear he shot fell on him. McCormick was hunting with Zachary Tennyson, 19, near Moose Pass; both are stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage. They shot a bear positioned above them on a ridge, KTVA reports, and troopers explained the bear then began to roll down the ridge, "dislodging rocks in the process. [McCormick] was injured when he was struck by both a rock and the bear."

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It's unclear how far the bear was from the men when they shot it, and details about the bear itself weren't available. Tennyson was uninjured; KTUU reports McCormick was carried to a helicopter and airlifted to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage. (This bear killed a hiker in Alaska and mauled a volunteer who went looking for him.)
(Newser)  America's free trade pact with Mexico and Canada may be alive, but the same can't be said for the NAFTA moniker. Once the new deal was arrived at Sunday night its new name was announced: the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA. President Trump weighed in on the name during a Monday press conference, saying, "It has a good ring to it." It's also "a great deal," he said per USA Today, one that should "pass easily, really easily ... in theory there should be no trouble." Congress needs to approve the agreement, and it needs to be ratified in Mexico and Canada as well. As for how one should say the name, Trump didn't read it as a word a la NAFTA but spelled the letters out: U-S-M-C-A.

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CNBC reports that while much of the deal echoes that of NAFTA, there are pivots in terms of how the dairy and auto industries are handled: US dairy producers' access to Canadian markets will increase, while Mexico and Canada scored a win in terms of an exemption on passenger vehicles, pickups, and auto parts from potential tariffs. CNBC has much more, including details on changes that will could up the price of cars made in Mexico, which could push more of these jobs north of the border. (Read more USMCA stories.)
(Newser)  Henry Cobbs, 77, is a 22-year military veteran who served in Vietnam and retired as an Air Force captain; he has two master's degrees and a doctorate; he's worked extensively in education and and had served as the dean of academics for the Air Force Special Operations School (AFSOS) at Hurlburt Field near Fort Walton Beach, Fla., since 2009. But he was forced out of his job at the elite military training school last monthbecause he vaped cannabis as part of his treatment for prostate cancer. Cobbs' doctor prescribed cannabidiol (CBD) oil, and Cobbs purchased it from his doctor's office. CBD oil does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis. In May, Cobbs received a "Notice of Removal" citing his use of a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance; it said that a witness saw Cobbs "smoke your 'medicine.'" He appealed, but the appeal was rejected in August, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports.

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Now Cobbs, whose cancer is in remission, says he will take the fight all the way to the Supreme Court if he has to. "Youre going to make me choose between a job and cancer?" he tells the Northwest Florida Daily News. Despite studies showing CBD has medicinal value, the federal government says it does not, and is therefore illegal. But President Reagan signed the Drug-Free Workplace executive order in 1986, and it states that "the term 'illegal drugs' does not mean the use of a controlled substance pursuant to a valid prescription or other uses authorized by law." But Cobbs does not have a medical marijuana card, and experts question whether doctors can legally prescribe something defined as a Schedule 1 drug. As for the Air Force, a public information officer would only say, "The current state of Federal law is that medicinal use of marijuana and marijuana derivatives is not legal. We will continue to follow the law and expect our employees to do the same. We are committed to providing a drug-free workplace for our employees." (Read more cannabis stories.)
(Newser)  A White House directive has reportedly given the FBI broad authorization to interview anyone necessary in its investigation into President Trump's Supreme Court pick Brett Kavanaugh. Sources tell the New York Times the move came after Democrats criticized the White House's call for an investigation of sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh that was narrow in scope. What's more, Democrats have also previously suggested the White House barred investigators from speaking to specific people related to the case. Trump spoke to reporters outside the White House on Monday, where he said the FBI should interview anybody that they want within reason, but you have to say within reason."

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However, Trump reaffirmed his support of his nominee and characterized the allegations against him and ensuing outcry "so unfair" while also sticking to his requirement that the investigation, which Republican Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona first demanded, be completed within days. Though the president has asked that the investigation be "comprehensive" and says he's comfortable with investigators sitting down with Kavanaugh himself and speaking with additional accusers who've come forward, he stressed that it must all be done by the end of the week. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell promised from the Senate floor Monday that the vote will take place this week, while accusing Democrats of obstruction. "The time for endless delay and obstruction has come to a close," McConnell said, per the AP. Meanwhile, a lawyer for Mark Judge says the FBI has spoken to him. (Read more Brett Kavanaugh stories.)
To help the Kingdom follow through with its big plans, Tamkeen will offer training for Bahrainis in cloud computing apart from funding costs for businesses to migrate into cloud computing.

Tamkeen will support Bahrainis who wish to be certified in AWS by funding their education in the field. It will also pay for services from AWS for Bahraini businesses and the support will cover the reimbursement of 100 per cent of the cost for the initial 18 months of the three-year contract with Tamkeen.

Cloud computing is expected to promote efficiency for businesses and according to Tamkeen its latest scheme aims to enhance the efficiency and security of business operations in the country.

The financial support scheme from the Labour Fund Tamkeen covers the cost of cloud computing services from Amazon Web Services (AWS) for interested and eligible enterprises, SMEs, and start-ups.

Cloud Computing Services has been included as part of Tamkeens Enterprise Support Programme to enhance the efficiency, security and effectiveness of businesses operations with access to more than 125 services offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), Tamkeen stated.
Bahraini develops hatred for expat community and goes on killing spree, closing arguments due in serial murderer case

Bahraini develops hatred for expat community and goes on killing spree, closing arguments due in serial murderer case

Closing arguments will be heard on October 16, 2018, in the trial of a suspected Bahraini serial killer.

The defendant was earlier ordered by the High Criminal Court to undergo mental evaluation tests at the Psychiatric Hospital to ascertain whether he was responsible for his actions.

The Bahraini man is accused of attacking four Asian men, leaving two of them dead. The 24-year-old man told investigators that his crimes were driven by a hatred that stemmed from being sacked from job.

In my last job, I was drawing a salary of BD300 monthly and I was fired three months after joining, he said in his statement before prosecutors. This caused me to hate expatriates because they were still working, while I was fired. I then decided to kill as many of them I could.

The defendant began his crimes by mugging an Asian man in Karbabad before he drove his car into an Asian man in Manama  pinning him between two vehicles.
The oil-rich Iraqi region of Kurdistan is struggling to rebuild its economy, a year after an ill-fated independence referendum that Baghdad deemed illegal.

A massive yes vote in the September 2017 plebiscite provoked a furious backlash by the central government, turning a long-cherished dream of the Kurds into an economic nightmare.

Federal forces retook oilfields, depriving the mountainous northern enclave of its economic lifeblood, while Baghdad also imposed a six-month air blockade. And in another blow, Iraqs parliament in March passed a budget that saw Kurdistans slice of the federal cake drop from 17 percent to less than 13 percent.

Outmaneuvered, Kurdish lawmakers boycotted the vote. But the Kurds are now gearing up for another poll; an election on Sunday for the regional parliament. The local economy -- and relations with Baghdad -- top the agenda. Rawa Burhan, 20, intends to vote. He hopes that the new parliament and future government of Kurdistan will open a new page in relations with the Iraqi government. Burhan said Kurdish authorities must negotiate a (new) budget (with the federal government) in order to end the suffering of the people.

He said his parents, both state employees, have seen their combined monthly income of around $1,700 (1,470 euros) drop to $800, due to the economic hardships that have hit the region. Saman Qader, who has worked for Kurdistans ministry of electricity for 15 years, has seen his paycheck shrink from nearly $500 a month to $300.

The 51-year-old father of four said trying to make it to the end of the month is a real battle as he struggles to pay his bills, medical costs for his sick wife and school and university fees for his children.
Myanmar's government launched a one-year visa-free program for Japanese and South Korean tourists Monday, in a bid to attract more visitors.

The visa exemption is available for entry at airports in Naypyitaw, the capital of the Southeast Asian country, Yangon, the country's biggest city, and Mandalay, the second-biggest city, as well as the Yangon port and four checkpoints at borders with Thailand.

Under the program, visitors are allowed to stay for up to 30 days. No extension is permitted.

The government previously planned to make it mandatory for applicants of the exemption to show 1,000 dollars in cash and a return plane ticket.

But the government scrapped the plan apparently because tourists include those who enter and leave the country by surface and credit card users who do not carry much cash.
Gov. Peter Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has said the 2019 presidential election will not be a contest between PDP and President Muhammadu Buhari but a straight fight between the president and Nigerians who are tired of his misrule.In a statement, Fayose said Buhari has Nigerians to contend with in 2019 and not the PDP or other opposition parties alone. For Nigerians, the 2019 election is not about political parties, particularly as it affects Buharis presidency.The election will be Nigerians versus Buhari and not PDP versus Buhari or PDP versus APC, especially knowing how negatively Buhari has impacted the lives of Nigerians.Fayose said with millions of Nigerians thrown out of jobs and an uncountable number of companies folding up on a daily basis, Nigerians in their teeming numbers are waiting for the 2019 election to vent their anger and frustration on what he described as the presidents disruptive and destructive policies.Buhari has damaged Nigeria. He has damaged the lives of an uncountable number of Nigerians. The suffering and untold hardship he has brought on Nigeria and Nigerians is unprecedented.He will receive a shocker of his life in 2019. The same way Nigerians shocked former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 is how they will also shock Buhari in 2019.While President Buhari and other APC leaders have expressed their joy at their partys successes in Edo, Ondo, Ekiti and the recent Osun governorship elections, Fayose said the fact they had to rig those elections is clear testimony that Nigerians have rejected themThey resorted again and again into relying on the security agencies to coerce and intimidate voters. In all the aforementioned elections and other bye-elections across the country, they stole the vote and compromised the electoral process.The European Union, Britain, United States and other election monitoring groups, be it local or international, said as much about the last Osun election.The story was not different in Edo, Ondo, Ekiti and other bye-elections he said, adding that the tripod on which the Buhari administration was erected has collapsed like a pack of cards.The international community has said corruption under Buhari is worse that in times past. Nigerians themselves know that murderous Fulani herdsmen have joined Boko Haram under Buhari and the economy, which was booming under Jonathan, went into recession under Buhari and remains comatose to this day.As Nigerians groan under this yoke, if there is anything on their mind, it is to sack Buhari come 2019 he added.But to achieve this, Fayose said Nigerians must stand up to INEC as well as reject excuses that elections cannot be conducted without it being militarised and hijacked by compromised election umpires and security agencies working in concert.A determined nation must free itself from a dictator who wants to enslave them perpetually and who rules by nepotism and oppression , he added.
Former Vice President and Presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has said his vast experience in politics and the know-how to get things done are a few of reasons he is offering himself to serve at the highest elective office in 2019.Atiku who stated this at a media parley in Abuja organized by the United Nigeria Group ,UNG, also bemoaned what he called the slow pace of growth of the nations Gross Domestic Product, GDP, adding that under his watch; jobs would be created to tame the scourge of unemployment that has been ravaging the land in the past few years.Fielding questions from a team of journalists at the Silverbird Galleria, Abuja, the Presidential hopeful noted that as chairman of the economic council while serving as Vice President (1999-2007), the nation benefited from a litany of employment opportunities made possible through innovative initiatives of government.He said, I want the job of the President of Nigeria because more than any other time since the time of our democracy, I think we need a leadership that has the experience, that has the capacity and the know-how.The most challenging issue in the country today is the issue of unemployment and creation of jobs, unity in the country and states. I believe I am more suitable to handle all these.As a civil servant, I worked for over 20 years in the federal bureaucracy and as a politician, I served successfully for eight years as the Vice President and in that position I chaired the economic team of that administration and I brought so many innovations to our administration that led to the creation of jobs, creation of wealth and prosperity as well as relative peace and stability.Away from public service, the Waziri Adamawa also added that his incursion in private business has given him an edge to tackle the nations challenges with an excellence chance of success, if given the mandate.If you go back to my private sector experience, he continued, I have been a farmer and I am still a farmer; I am an investor. If you put all these experiences together, that gives me the advantage over some of my contemporaries, stressing that his co- contestants all have something to put on the table, but some can put more on the table than others.That said, Atiku took a swipe at the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration for allegedly failing to make the most of the nations huge resource endowment to enhance the peoples living conditions.Our unemployment rate is the highest today. Over 12 million men and women are unemployed. Our growth is at its lowest. When this administration took over, we were growing a GDP of 6% to 7%. They took it over and crashed it and drag the nation into recession.We are trying to come out of recession at about 1.6 % growth, considering the growth of our population. So, any country whose economic growth is below its population growth is in a danger and that is the danger that is facing our country today.On why the partys delegates should pick him ahead of others, the PDP chieftain said his hands-on experience in the handling of these issues and willingness to damn the consequence makes him the right man for the job.He said: The country is doing very bad today in terms of jobs, in terms of economic growth, in terms of prosperity, in terms of the unity of our country, in terms of security. I believe I have the experience and the capacity to deal with these issues more than any one of them because I have dealt with them before.I assembled the best economic team and with that, we went well and everybody attested to what we did in those 8 years. We liberalised the economy, we expanded the private sectors participation and try to limit government to the necessary issues.If these policies we started were continued, today, we will have been in a better country. So I believe we need somebody who can come and continue with these policies so that we can bring back our prosperity, create more jobs for our unemployed youths. The most important thing is who can put this country back on the path of growth? I believe and I am very sure that I am that person.For the media professionals on ground to take Atiku to task, this night wasnt going to be one for generic submissions only. Thus, in clear term, how would the Presidential aspirant manage the economy if elected President to which he had this to say.When we came in 1999, a barrel of crude oil was less than 10 dollars in the market. We met less than 5 billion dollars in our foreign reserve. With all that, we were still able to manage the economy of the country to the extent that we paid all our foreign debt and became debt free.In terms of managing our economy, we must embark on economic reform policies. Part of it is by opening up the country to foreign investors. It is extremely important to open up the country to foreign investors, he stated.He reiterated his commitment to restructuring, saying unless we restructure the polity and give more powers and resources to the geo political zones, you are not likely to see much. If you concentrate all the powers in the federal government just like we are seeing now, then you are going to stifle growth and initiative.I think the best the best way to get the geo-political zones developed and prosper is to give more powers and resources to them. Definitely, we need to review our political structure to ensure diversification of the economy and growth across the country.He also added that his knowledge in dealing with executive and legislative relationships will help in taming the frequent clashes between the two arms of government.During our administration I was in charge in dealing with the National Assembly, and we did not encounter any challenge as we have it today. There were differences in political parties, and other differences were there and they will continue to be there.It requires me to get someone with the skills and experience to deal with National Assembly to achieve the restructuring agenda. I will work perfectly with the National Assembly to achieve those fundamental issues like restructuring, economic growth, diversification, unity, security and many more, he pledged.On his agenda for youths and women, Atiku promised to overhaul the education system to prepare fresh graduates for the demands of the work environment.We should have entrepreneurship as a fundamental issue in our syllabus. I have seen it work. In my university, whatever course you are studying, you must also do entrepreneurship course. That is why graduates from my university are the biggest job creators. As soon as they come out, they create jobs.He continued, To employ about 12 million youths, there is need to bring investors into the country so that they can absorb those graduates. But we also have to train them on how to be self employed.Today, I see the government giving some people 10,000 naira. How can someone set up a business with that? I have one of the most successful Microfinance banks in this country and I am working with people from Bangladesh because they are best when it comes to Microfinance system. We have have moved 45, 000 families out of poverty.And what is the best way to move a family out of poverty? This is to empower the woman. Because of this, I directed the bank to give 80% of their loans to women. They have been implementing that policy and today we are one of the most successful microfinance banks in Nigeria, because women repay, take more, look after their families.I am a product of woman, because I lost my father at a very tender age and my mother was doing all kinds of businesses to look after me and I became what I am today. So in all honesty, the best policy to move a family out of poverty is to empower the women. If you do that, you will see how fast you will get out of poverty, particularly now that Nigeria has been designated the capital of poverty in the world.Perhaps, Atikus biggest submission came with his allusion to an elite conspiracy against his Presidential ambition; a development he premised on his unwillingness to be manipulated and his independent state of mind.His words: It is what I call the conspiracy theory of the political elite. If you are not going to be used, if you are not going to satisfy their personal aspiration, then, they will think you are not good enough.Part of the problem they have with me, is that they say I am independent, principled and so on. Honestly, it is the conspiracy of the political elite and unfortunately the Nigeria public is not politically sophisticated to override the conspiracy of these political elites. They rely on political elites to direct them.He tasked Nigerians to dismiss insinuations in some quarters that his reputation for swapping political parties should count against him saying, what matters however is the consistency of his belief and his vision for Nigeria and Nigerians.
Following Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC exoneration of its members, particularly the state governor, Oluwaro...

Following Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC exoneration of its members, particularly the state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, in the alleged assassination attempt on the senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice, the senator has maintained that the attack was masterminded by some aides of the governor.





The senator, who is championing the use of direct modality for the partys primaries in the state as against the indirect method being endorsed by Gov. Akeredolu, denied stage-managing the attack as alleged by the APC in a statement earlier issued by its states Publicity Secretary, Alex Kalejaye.





In a statement to counter the claim, the senators media aide, Kayode Fakuyi berated the Ade Adetimehin-led APC in the state for not condemning the act outright, alleging that the move is to distract ongoing investigation on the issue.





It should be noted that supporters of the senator have never stage-managed such incident in the past. They have no tendency to stage-manage such incident. They have no reason whatsoever to stage-manage such incident. The supporters of the senator could not have stage-managed an attack that was coordinated by appointees of the governor.





It is quite daft for any group to insinuate supporters of the senator mobilised armed thugs to attack themselves. If such lie was invented with the hope of diverting and distracting the course of investigation, the lie has failed to achieve its objectives.





According to preliminary investigation, the attack was coordinated by appointees of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. The duo of Senior Special Adviser on Security to the Governor, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo and Special Adviser to the Governor on Natural Resources, Lawal Fatai Olusina have cases to answer with the Inspector General of Polices crack team on the incident.









While the Mr Ade Adetimehin-led faction of All Progressives Congress in Ondo State has not deem it right to condemn the attack, the faction has issued two contradictory statements about the incident within 24 hours.





In one breath, the faction through its spokesman, Mr Alex Kalejaye, confirmed that some aggrieved members of the party in Owo invaded the venue of the campaign. In another press statement, the faction through same spokesman said the assailants are not party members. The faction should stop undermining the image of APC with its seeming confusion.





The statement further read: Also, it is our considered view that the statements credited to the Commissioner for information in Ondo State and the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor on the matter are watery innuendos. They neither cleared, nor disassociated their boss.





Meanwhile, the insinuation raised by the the Ade Adetimehin-led faction that the attack on Senator Ajayi Boroffice was stage-managed by the supporters of the senator is most unfortunate.





Security agencies in Ondo State should be on alert because it is evidently clear that the greatest threat to peace in Ondo State are the people with the responsibilities to protect lives and properties of the good people of Ondo State.




A former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has berated the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration over its alleged failure to imp...





A former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has berated the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration over its alleged failure to implement the change promised Nigerians in 2015.

Abubakar, a presidential aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said the change promised Nigerians over three years ago by the current government was empty and hollow.





In a statement he personally signed to mark Nigerias 58th Independence anniversary, the Waziri of Adamawa said the current government has reversed the fortunes of the country.





The former vice president, while listing some of the failures of the current government, however expressed hope in the nations youths, who he said give hope for the future.





According to the statement, My dear fellow citizens of our great nation Nigeria,





On this occasion of our 58th Independence Anniversary, I bring you glad tidings. Although I am not glad about the state of our nation today, I am hopeful of a better tomorrow.





You may ask why I am not glad. It should be obvious. A mere three years ago, we were the third fastest growing economy in the world. As I write this to you today, our fortunes have reversed to the point where we are now the world headquarters for extreme poverty, according to the World Poverty Clock and the World Economic Forum.





The promise of change, which many Nigerians, myself included, celebrated three years ago, has been seen for what it is, a hollow and empty promise devoid of meaning and the incapacity of the promisor to deliver on his promises.





Yet, I am hopeful, as you and your family should be. The indomitable Nigerian spirit gives me hope. Our youth, like the five girls from Regina Pacis Secondary School Onitsha, Anambra state, who won the 2018 World Technovation Challenge in the Silicon Valley, give us hope.





Bright Nigerian youth, like Israel Zakari Galadima from Borno State, who emerged the best overall student in the 2018 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Boards University Matriculation Examinations (UME) after scoring 364, make us hopeful for the future.





At the beginning of the year, we were shocked as a nation, by news from the National Bureau of Statistics, that 7.9 million Nigerians had lost their jobs in just 21 months. We were further shaken by the fact that Nigeria had overtaken India as the nation with the largest out of school children population in the world, even though India has seven times our population.





We were further warned by one of the worlds largest banks, HSBC, that our economy faces challenges if we do not make certain personnel changes in the near future. These warnings were also corroborated by the worlds foremost economic magazine, The Economist.





Indeed, this was not the Nigeria our founding fathers visualised. What they visualised was a Nigeria founded on unity, faith, peace and love. We owe it as a duty to keep faith with their vision.





That is why today, I make bold to pledge that I will devote the rest of my life to building bridges across Nigeria in order that the founding fathers vision of unity, faith, peace and love, is materialised in my lifetime, so help me God. Those of us, who God has blessed with ability, also have a corresponding responsibility to use that ability for the common good of the collective.





Nigerian youth are not lazy as some have said. They are desirous of working, but there is a dearth of jobs. This is why I have committed personal resources to open multiple businesses in 2018 to get as many unemployed Nigerians working again. This is why I set up animal feed plants to provide an alternative to animal grazing so that lives may be saved just as jobs are created. Our people should not have to give up their lands to save their lives.





I call on others like me, who have entrepreneurial ability, to use such abilities to help assuage the chronic unemployment in the land. We owe it as a duty to our God, our founding fathers and our nation.




President Muhammadu Buhari says he is looking into the poor welfare of soldiers fighting Boko Haram insurgents in the north-east. ...





President Muhammadu Buhari says he is looking into the poor welfare of soldiers fighting Boko Haram insurgents in the north-east.





The presidents comment comes in the wake of an investigation on how soldiers beg enemies for food and wear slippers to the battlefield.





In his Independence Day speech, Buhari said he remains committed to the well-being of soldiers and other security operatives in the frontline.





In the process, many have made the supreme sacrifice. He said: I want at this point to pay tribute to the men and women of our armed forces, the police and other security and law enforcement agencies, who have been working under the most difficult conditions to keep the country safe.In the process, many have made the supreme sacrifice.





As their commander-in-chief, I assure these our gallant men and women that I will continue to empower them by deepening their professionalism and providing all the necessary force multipliers and enablers required for them to prevail on the field.





I am looking into all reported cases of inadequacies in relation to their entitlements, their welfare and those of their families.





Following the report by thecable, the defense headquarters had said soldiers on the frontline in the war against insurgency should not expect to live in luxurious conditions.





In his Democracy Day speech, the president also touched on the recurring conflict between herders and farmers, saying the issue is being addressed.





The age-long conflict between herders and farmers that was being exploited by those seeking to plant the seeds of discord and disunity amongst our people, is being addressed decisively, he said.





In this context I must warn that the perpetrators of murder and general mayhem in the name of defending or protecting herders or farmers will face the full wrath of the law.





On the economy, the president said his government is relying less on oil and heavily diversifying.





We are diversifying away from reliance on oil to increased manufacturing capacity, solid minerals development, and agriculture, he said.





He added that efforts are on course in the Niger Delta to clean up polluted lands, restore hopes of the youths in the region and re-establish livelihoods, and strengthen their capacity to guarantee for themselves and for our country a brighter future.




Chelea defender, Cesar Azpilicueta has told manager, Maurizio Sarri to name him captain of the team.Azpilicueta is hoping to be named Chelseas club captain this week, according to the Telegraph.Sarri is expected to choose the Spaniard ahead of Eden Hazard.Gary Cahills absence from the first team means Azpilicuetas has been wearing the armband this season but Sarri said he was against naming a club captain until taking a longer look at his squad.Sarri admitted last week that he wanted to speak to the club before making an announcement.I want to speak with my club face to face before I tell you my decision. I think its right the club knows my decision before the journalists, Sarri told press conference.It has been impossible in the last two or three weeks, but I think it will be possible next week.The Telegraph reports that Azpilicueta has told the manager he should be named club captain.The Spaniard is hoping for the announcement to be made this week.The defender is more eager than Hazard to get the armband but will respect Sarris decision either way.
The commonsense Senator, Ben Murray Bruce, has withdrawn his ambition to return to the Senate for a second term in 2019. The Senator aba...

The commonsense Senator, Ben Murray Bruce, has withdrawn his ambition to return to the Senate for a second term in 2019.The Senator abandoned his ambition to represent the Bayelsa East Senatorial District following widespread rejection of his candidacy by the stakeholders of the district.In a letter written on the eve of the senatorial primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Bruce thanked his district for giving him the opportunity to serve.The letter said: I thank God and the good people of Brass, Bayelsa East Senatorial District who offered me the golden opportunity four years ago to represent them and the state in the Senate, Nigerias highest lawmaking chamber.It is without doubt that I have tried to discharge my duties as a legislator and representative of my people creditably to the best of my ability so far.My voice has been very loud on the issues that matter to our people and our country at all time.My support to our party, my people and state government is unquestionable. I am humbled that the national leadership of my party supported by the State chapter in appreciation of my efforts offered to support my reelection to the senate to continue my service.I have also intensified consultations in the last couple of week in the course of which I have come to realize an existing local rotational arrangement of over 20 years beginning with the late Great Chief Melford Okilo, by which arrangement the Senatorial seat rotates per local government area among the three councils for four years in the Senatorial District.Even with the support of my party at the National and state levels with the full backing of my state government and leadership, as a man of honour interested in the well-being of my people, I hereby announce my withdrawal from the Senatorial race.I do not want whatever reason to appear to have used my privileged position and influence to do anything other than the well-being and the stability and the good of the people.I am in all of these for the people, not for myself.Once again, I thank the former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebelo Jonathan, the National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, my colleagues in the Senate and Governor of Bayelsa State, the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson for their support and encouragement.I also thank the leadership of my Senatorial District and state, for being there for me.I thank specially the people of my constituency for their trust and confidence in me to serve and represent them in the Senate.By trusting me with this mandate, I have come to know them and our people even better, an experience I will never forget for the rest of my life.I am indeed grateful to my darling wife, my children, and other members of my family for their support and prayers. I appreciate the efforts of my hardworking campaign staff for their support and dedication.Again, I thank the leadership of the party for their continuing support. I also assured the party of my availability and readiness to serve at any capacity when the opportunity comes.
ULAN BATOR, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia will send its 8th contingent military personnel to Afghanistan on a NATO-led mission, authorities said on Monday.

"The 113-member contingent will depart from the Mongolian capital Ulan Bator on Thursday to participate in the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission (RSM)," Enkhjargal Batjargal, captain and public relations officer of the General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces, told Xinhua.

The contingent will be stationed near the Afghan capital of Kabul, and will focus on advice, support and training of the country's security forces, he said. The RSM is a NATO-led mission launched in January 2015.

According to the captain, a total of more than 4,500 Mongolian military personnel have participated in NATO-led missions in Afghanistan since 2003.
Tunde Balogun, chairman of the Lagos state chapter of the All Progressives Party (APC), says he has not been able to give Akinwunkmi A...





Tunde Balogun, chairman of the Lagos state chapter of the All Progressives Party (APC), says he has not been able to give Akinwunkmi Ambode, governor of the state, his membership card because of the difficulty in reaching him.





In a video on Monday, Balogun said he had been trying to get the card across to Ambode to no avail.





Ambode had earlier complained of not having the partys membership card except the paper slip which means he would be unable to vote during the governorship primary election on Tuesday.





He alleged that there were plans to disenfranchise him and his supporters, protesting that all registered members of the party should be allowed to exercise their civic duty and choose who they want.

Reacting to Ambodes statement, the APC chairman said several calls had been made to the governor which were unanswered, including text messages.





It is unfortunate that in the last 24 hours, I have been on the trail of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as the party chairman with his ID card with me, but unfortunately, all my calls have had no response, he said.





I have his card here and few hours ago, sent him a text message telling him of this, after I made several calls in vain. I got his ADC to get the information to him and I still dont know how to get it to him.





If I sill get a way, I will do that. I want to apologise, I have made efforts to get this card to him in the last 24 hours. The cards were sorted according to ward, it got here about five days ago. And after getting this out, I had to call him and get this information across to him but Ive had no response. Out of respect, the party chairman has to hand this over to him.





I will ensure that he gets it, I will continue to make my calls with respect he gets this. I am positive that this will get to him before tomorrow. Im still in my office, anytime I know his whereabouts, know specifically where he is, I will definitely get this to him.

Governor Ambode said he does not have APC membership card except for the paper slip, but the party chairman said he has been trying to reach him to deliver the card to him to no avail. This issue of not been reachable is one of the reasons the party members want him out. Watch pic.twitter.com/vmEArOk9iD October 1, 2018

The primary which was scheduled for Monday was postponed to Tuesday by the national working committee (NWC) of the party.





Sources had told TheCable that the primary was moved in the hope that the crisis between Ambode and Bola Tinubu, a national leader of the party, would be resolved.





Ambode is being challenged by Jide Sanwo-Olu, the preferred choice of Tinubu.
Prof. Ishaq Akintola, the Director, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has commended the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration on its fight against corruption.Akintola in his Independence Day message congratulated Buhari for his many achievements in spite of daunting challenges.In particular, MURIC hailed the President for displaying incomparable maturity and unequalled statesmanship in steering the ship of the nation.The successful prosecution of the war against corruption, the prudent management of the countrys scarce resources, the technical defeat of Boko Haram insurgents, the unprecedented overcoming of recession within one year.The tactical downsizing of the Biafra agitation, the diversification of the economy, the aggressive provision of infrastructural facilities across the nation like the second Niger Bridge, road and rail networks.The indiscriminate release of funds to all states even when some governors remained irrationally hostile and erratic as indisputable manifestation of magnanimity by the President, he said.Akintola who noted that corruption has always been the bane of the countrys progress, urged political leaders to stay off corruption ahead of 2019 elections.Corruption has made Nigerian roads the best death traps in Africa, turned the hospitals into public mortuaries, removed the glamour in education and nearly strangulated the economy.As we prepare for the 2019 elections, therefore, all the political parties must steer clear of corrupt politicians. The battle cry should be total war on corruption.The Nigerian electorate must distance themselves from stomach infrastructure politicians who will feed them for only one day to make them hungry for four whole years.The civil society group and the Nigerian press should educate voters. Nigerians should be taught how to fish by themselves instead waiting for crumbs from the tables of politicians.We must make our 58 years of independence more meaningful by setting ourselves free from political charlatans, he said.He said that the focus in the 2019 election should be the emergence of a new, reformed National Assembly (NASS).It must be a NASS that is totally committed to the war against corruption.Politicians who hold the whole nation to ransom for their selfish interests; those who arrogate to themselves all the milk and honey in the land while the Jamaheer continue to suffer.Those that pay themselves N29 million per month for sleeping during National Assembly (NASS) sessions while the proletariat cannot get a dignifying minimum wage;Those who delay the countrys budget, those who deduct money from the allocations of critical areas of infrastructure to add to their constituency projects are not fit to represent the Nigerian people.He urged Nigerian youths to take their destiny in their hands by choosing credible and trusted leaders.At both state and national levels, Nigerians should choose tested, trusted and credible leaders.The countrys youths should emancipate themselves from the shackles of laziness, indolence and corruption, Akintola further advised.
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Timi Frank, has reacted to the independent day broadcast delivered by President Muhammadu Buhari, saying it failed to inspire and uplift the Nigerians spirits.He believes that the speech did not only wasted precious time of Nigerians but a stale rhyme the APC government has been singing over the three and half years.Frank observed that such independent day speech should have been soul lifting, set many in political bondage free and show practical demonstration to the plights of Nigerian workers but the reverse was the case.In a statement he signed on Monday to condemn the Presidents early morning national address, Frank said one would have expected President Buhari to announce good news his government has recorded in education, health facility, Science and technology, respect for rule of law and good working relationship with Judiciary and legislature.To mark independent of Nigeria, Frank also said the President would have made his intention on the clamour for new minimum wage known to Nigerian workers, release the likes of El-zazzaki, Sambo Dasuki and many others from political detention.The former APC spokesman challenged Nigerians to compare todays speech with the previous ones since Buhari became Nigerias President if not the same rhythmI watched the President Buhari s #NigeriaAt58 address and wondered how our leader could be so divisive and uninspiring on a day like this, Frank said.He said compare to speeches of the founding fathers of Nigeria, Buharis address has taken the nation far back to colonial era, adding that the country is currently at the cross road.On the electoral process the President spoke about, Frank wondered how both local, international observers and other international communities would condemn the recent shame, called elections in Ekiti, Rivers and Osun but President Buhari did not see anything wrong in it because he is using the INEC to rig elections in his favour.Frank was also surprised that President Buhari failed in his address to speak about the current tag that Nigeria is now the capital of poverty in the whole world.While expressing pained over what he called directionlessness which he said has charactersed the Nations political leadership, he added that the countrys GDP under President Buhari remains low due to lack of production and capacity of the current leadership while our population continues to rise astronomically. Nigerias per capital income remains one of the lowest in the world.Our country has been listed as having the highest number of poor people in the world under President Muhammadu Buhari. The painful implication is that Nigeria is today the capital of poverty in the world under the APC government.
The All Progressives Congress has alleged that the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has become the sole administrator of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.It said it was now obvious that the governor had become the partys defacto National Chairman, spokesperson and sole administrator, who determines what happens in the PDP.The APC said this in a statement signed by the acting National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena, in Abuja on Sunday.He alleged that since Nigerians rejected the PDP which ruled the nation for 16 years, it had become obvious that there was nothing democratic about PDPs policies and practices.As events has shown, it is a misnomer to call the party, Peoples Democratic Party as there is nothing democratic about its policies and practices.The PDP to all intents and purposes has become the theatre of the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike. Since assuming office after the disputed 2015 Rivers Governorship election, Wike has assumed the role of de facto PDP National Chairman, sole administrator, spokesman, organising secretary and BoT Chairman.Recall Governor Wikes imposition of an erstwhile PDP National Chairman without a formal convention and the leaked telephone conversation of Governor Wike (allegedly) threatening to kill INEC officials he had paid to rig the rivers rerun election in favour of the PDP. Nabena said.The APC also alleged that the governor recently threatened to teach the PDP presidential aspirants, including the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, the APC spokesman said.
CARACAS, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan officials expressed their gratitude to Chinese naval hospital ship "Peace Ark" on Saturday as it left the country after giving aid for a week.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez thanked the crew of the "Peace Ark" for the medical aid they offered since their arrival on Sept. 22.

The vice president praised the crew's efforts and the whole of China for "the military cooperation of peace and happiness, not for hate, intolerance or political belligerence."

"This is the type of cooperation that consolidates the China-Venezuela relations," she added.

According to Rodriguez, the week that the "Peace Ark" spent in Venezuela was "a loving encounter where the Venezuelan people were attended to with all the capacity of a hospital of this size, one of the largest in the world."

In turn, Lopez thanked the crew, who stopped in Venezuela as part of their "Harmony 2018" mission. "It seems that distance unites us. We have received warmth, bonding and love from the 380 crew of this vessel," he said.

Lopez also thanked the Chinese embassy in Venezuela and added that the crew had been well-received by Venezuelans across the city.

"The doors and ports of Venezuela are always open to the people and the government of China," he said.

The naval hospital ship carries eight boats, a helicopter and 300 hospital beds. There are eight operating rooms and various laboratories on board.

More than 3,500 people were attended to in Venezuela, bringing the total number of patients given aid by the "Peace Ark" to 180,000.
iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) -- The U.S. and Canada reached an agreement on a new trade deal late Sunday after months of often testy back-and-forth between President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The U.S. had previously negotiated a deal with Mexico in late August.



The new deal would replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which has long been derided as unfair to the United States by Trump, should it be approved by Congress.



"Today, Canada and the United States reached an agreement, alongside Mexico, on a new, modernized trade agreement for the 21st Century: the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)," the U.S. and Canada said in a joint statement Sunday. "USMCA will give our workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses a high-standard trade agreement that will result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region."



A Canadian official told The Associated Press that the agreement preserves a NAFTA dispute-resolution process that the U.S. wanted to jettison.



The official also said it exempts tariffs on 2.6 million cars and on diary it preserves supply management in Canada, the AP reported.



"It will strengthen the middle class, and create good, well-paying jobs and new opportunities for the nearly half billion people who call North America home," the two countries' joint statement said.



The deal will still need to win approval by Congress, which could be further complicated if Democrats win control of the House or Senate in this year's midterm elections.



"Its a good day for Canada," Trudeau told reporters leaving his office Sunday night. He also tweeted about the agreement just before midnight.



Trump has targeted Trudeau for criticism since a messy appearance at the G7 in Canada in June prior to his trip to Singapore for a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump imposed tariffs on metal goods from Canada starting on June 1, and criticized Trudeau as "meek and mild" from Air Force One while leaving the G7.



As recently as Wednesday at the U.N. General Assembly Trump spoke harshly of the prime minister. He admitted he refused to meet with Trudeau one-on-one.



"His tariffs are too high, he doesn't seem to want to move and I've told him forget about it," Trump said at a freewheeling press conference. "And frankly we're thinking about just taxing cars coming in from Canada, that's the mother load, that's the big one. We're very unhappy with the negotiations and the negotiating style of Canada."



Trump continued, "Canada has treated us very badly, they've treated our farmers in Wisconsin and New York state, and a lot of other states -- very badly. Dairy products, 300 percent -- 300 percent. How do you sell a dairy product at 300 percent? The answer is you don't."



The president has slammed NAFTA dating back to his presidential campaign.



"I don't like NAFTA, I never liked it," Trump said Wednesday. "It's been very bad for the United States, it's been great for Canada, it's been great for Mexico -- very bad for us."



Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Thousands of people are starving to death in North Korea's South Hwanghae Province even though it is the country's rice bowl, according to a defector.

"Villages in remote mountains can resort to slash-and-burn farming to survive, but in lowland areas where there are only cooperative farms, 30 to 40 people in each village starve to death every year," said Choi Myong-chol (not his real name), who used to handle crop harvests in Haeju, South Hwanghae Province. "The reason is that their entire harvest is confiscated," he told the activist website NK Reform.

The Tokyo Shimbun reported in April that 20,000 North Koreans starved to death in South Hwanghae Province after Kim Jong-il's death. "The reality there is that farmers have no choice but to hide rice during the harvest to survive," Choi said. This has happened every year. "This year, authorities appear to have taken extra measures to seek out rice the farmers had hidden," he added.

Choi said the reason for the starvation is the unrealistic crop output goals set by the regime every spring. Cooperative farms in South Hwanghae Province are ordered to produce six tons of rice per 10,000 sq. m, of which the farmers are promised two tons. But the actual amount that is harvested is only two to four tons, which leaves nothing for the farmers.

Harvested rice is distributed first to elite security and intelligence forces and then to ordinary soldiers. Farmers steal rice even under close watch because they would starve otherwise. They apparently steal between 1.5 to 2 tons per 10,000 sq. m of farmland, or about half of the crop. The regime is aware of the practice and sniffs out and confiscates around 30 percent of the stolen rice, leaving some 5,000-7,000 people to starve to death every year in the region.
North Korea's foreign minister said Saturday that North Korea would not denuclearize before it has sufficient trust in the United States.

"Without any trust in the U.S., there will be no confidence in our national security, and under such circumstances there is no way we will unilaterally disarm ourselves first," Ri Yong-ho told the UN General Assembly.

"[North Korea's] commitment to the denuclearization is solid and firm, however, it is only possible if the U.S secures our sufficient trust towards the U.S.," the foreign minister said.

Ri said this lack of confidence in Washington is the reason denuclearization discussions have stalled since the historic Singapore summit in June between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

He warned that if both countries continue to harbor mistrust, the summit's joint statement would suffer the same "fate of failure as all the previous agreements between the two countries."

He noted that Pyongyang had taken "significant" goodwill steps, including stopping nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests (both are forbidden activities under existing UN Security Council resolutions) and dismantling the Punggye-ri nuclear test site, but had seen no corresponding response from Washington.


Few Macedonians turned out to vote in a referendum on whether to change the name of their country -- a move that could pave the way for it to join NATO and the European Union.

According to election officials, only about a third of eligible voters cast ballots Sunday. But more than 90 percent of those voting cast a ballot in favor of changing the country's name to North Macedonia.

Macedonia's electoral commission said two days ago the referendum results would be declared invalid if less than 50 percent of the eligible voting population went to the polls.

Nationalists, including Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov, had urged a boycott of the vote.
01/10/2018 - OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria has welcomed the announcement of a new, modernised United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.





The OECD has long supported open markets for trade and investment as a crucial driver of economic growth and jobs, Mr. Gurria said. Todays announcement supports strong growth and good jobs in all three countries; it will boost the confidence of firms and investors by preserving stable and predictable rules-based trade in North America. It will make the region more productive and more competitive internationally.





The Secretary-General praised the political leadership and dedicated negotiating efforts of all three countries.

Related Documents
Korea marks the 70th anniversary of Korea's Armed Forces Day on Monday. Commemorating soldiers' service and sacrifice, the main event of the day takes place at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul in the evening.

Unlike some of the previous ceremonies, this year's Armed Forces Day will not include large military parades. Instead, future combat systems such as the Army's warrior platform and dronebots will be on display.

Taking place at night for the first time, the event will also feature performances by K-pop stars like Psy.


A Russian cargo ship on a U.S. blacklist has been banned from leaving Busan port for illegally supplying oil to North Korea.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries last Friday marooned the Sevastopol, a cargo ship belonging to Russian shipping firm Gudzon, in Busan at the request of the Foreign Ministry, a spokesman said Sunday.

On Aug. 21, the U.S. Treasury Department put six Gudzon ships including the Sevastopol on the blacklist on suspicion of supplying oil products to North Korea through illegal ship-to-ship transfers in violation of UN Security Council sanctions.
In spite of protests from Seoul, a Japanese Navy ship is expected to join the International Fleet Review on Jeju Island later this month brandishing the rising-sun flag that symbolizes the country's imperial aggression during World War II.

The Korean Navy has asked Japan to use the modern Japanese flag instead along with Korea's national flag, but Tokyo called the demand "illogical and rude."

The Imperial Japanese military used the rising-sun flag as its emblem during World War II, when Japan invaded its Asian neighbors, giving it much the same associations as the Nazi swastika in the region.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un gave President Moon Jae-in a pair of Pungsan breed dogs as a gift, according to Cheong Wa Dae on Sunday.

The male, named Songkang, was born in November 2017 and the bitch, Gomi, in March 2017. Moon plans to keep them at his official residence. The Pungsan is a breed of hunting dog bred in in the Kaema highlands of North Korea.

The dogs arrived in the South through the truce village of Panmunjom along with 3kg of feed last Thursday and given a quarantine check before being moved to Cheong Wa Dae the same day.
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Lumps and Bumps Return

Since debuting in 1981, Rei Kawakubo's avant-garde designs at Comme Des Garcons have injected life and abnormality into fashion. Among her most iconic moments, the "Body Meet Dress, Dress Meets Body" spring 1997 collection may top the list. Lovingly referred to as the "lumps and bumps" show, the garments on display that season were stuffed with filler and padding at the hips, waist, stomach, shoulders and butt.

Over two decades later, the lumps and bumps have returned. Protrusions jutted out from every direction on Kawakubo's spring 2019 collection for a dramatic series of silhouettes that breathed new life into the infamous silhouettes that made "Body Meets Dress" one of the most important collections of her career.
Xi calls for learning from heroic cabin crew

From:Xinhua | 2018-10-01 01:14

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Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, meets with cabin crew of Sichuan Airlines ahead of a reception celebrating the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 30, 2018. Xi invited nine members of the cabin crew to the reception held Sunday. The airliner of Sichuan Airlines carrying 119 passengers made an emergency landing after the cockpit window broke on May 14. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping Sunday called on the nation to learn from a cabin crew known for their expert emergency landing of an airliner.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, invited nine members of the cabin crew of Sichuan Airlines to a reception held Sunday celebrating the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The airliner of Sichuan Airlines carrying 119 passengers made an emergency landing after the cockpit window broke on May 14.

At the meeting with the cabin crew ahead of the reception, Xi called on the whole of society to learn from their heroic deeds, particularly their loyalty, commitment, political integrity and professional ethics.

"The purpose of learning from the heroes is to apply their spirit in everyday work and demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility to people's lives and safety," he said.

Xi also stressed that safety is the lifeline of civil aviation.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, meets with cabin crew of Sichuan Airlines ahead of a reception celebrating the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 30, 2018. Xi invited nine members of the cabin crew to the reception held Sunday. The airliner of Sichuan Airlines carrying 119 passengers made an emergency landing after the cockpit window broke on May 14. (Xinhua/Sheng Jiapeng)

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Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, meets with cabin crew of Sichuan Airlines ahead of a reception celebrating the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 30, 2018. Xi invited nine members of the cabin crew to the reception held Sunday. The airliner of Sichuan Airlines carrying 119 passengers made an emergency landing after the cockpit window broke on May 14. (Xinhua/Sheng Jiapeng)

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Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, meets with cabin crew of Sichuan Airlines ahead of a reception celebrating the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 30, 2018. Xi invited nine members of the cabin crew to the reception held Sunday. The airliner of Sichuan Airlines carrying 119 passengers made an emergency landing after the cockpit window broke on May 14. (Xinhua/Sheng Jiapeng)

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At the premiere of the 44th season of Saturday Night Live, musical guest Kanye West went on a pro-Trump rant after his performance, which was not broadcasted on air. However, the clip is now circulating on the Internet.

The rapper, while wearing a Make America Great Again cap, performed his song "Ghost Town." He then proceeded to discuss his plans for presidency. "It's so many times that I talk to a white person about this, and they say, 'How could you support Trump? He's racist.' Well, if I was concerned about racism, I would have moved out of America a long time ago," he said. "We don't just make our decisions off of racism. I'ma break it down to you right now  If someone inspires me and I connect with them, I don't have to believe in all they policies."

He then called out the audience members who were laughing at him, and claimed that he was being bullied backstage. "You see they laughing at me. You heard 'em. They scream at me. They bully me. They bullied me backstage. They said, 'Don't go out there with that hat on.'" He then thanked the SNL cast memberswho were awkwardly silent behind himfor giving him "this platform" despite not agreeing with his political sentiments.

KANYE SNL TALK THAT GOT CUT OFF FREEDOM OF SPEECH SHOULD HAVE EXTENDED pic.twitter.com/IpULoEJxsN  MIKE DEAN! #MWA (@therealmikedean) September 30, 2018 On Sunday Trump, who has had a history of bashing SNL, also came to Ye's support. He tweeted, "Like many, I don't watch Saturday Night Live (even though I past hosted it) - no longer funny, no talent or charm. It is just a political ad for the Dems. Word is that Kanye West, who put on a MAGA hat after the show (despite being told "no"), was great. He's leading the charge!"

Like many, I dont watch Saturday Night Live (even though I past hosted it) - no longer funny, no talent or charm. It is just a political ad for the Dems. Word is that Kanye West, who put on a MAGA hat after the show (despite being told no), was great. Hes leading the charge!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 30, 2018 Kanye was initially not supposed to perform at SNL's premier. He took the performance slot after Ariana Grande backed out for "emotional reasons."
Rachel Mitchell, the Arizona prosecutor who was selected by the GOP to serve as a surrogate for the Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee to question Christine Blasey Ford, has issued a five-page memo casting doubt on Blasey Ford's credibility and arguing that "a reasonable prosecutor would not bring charges against Kavanaugh."

Last Thursday in her testimony, under oath in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Christine Blasey Ford stated that she was "100%" certain that Brett Kavanaugh was the man who attempted to rape her as a teenager. Kavanaugh repeatedly denied the assault.

Mitchellwho it's widely understood was hired as a a human shield in order to avoid the unflattering image of the eleven white male Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans grilling and meticulously seeking to undermine Blasey Ford's credibilitysummated: "A 'he said, she said' case is incredibly difficult to prove. But this case is even weaker than that."

Revealing remarkable alignment with views of the Republican senators who hired her, the prosecutor cited inconsistencies with Dr. Ford's testimony between its various public retellings.

Just as Kavanaugh repeated his testimony, Mitchell focused on the fact that Mark Judge, Patrick "PJ" Smyth" and Leland Keyser stated that they do not recall the party where the assault allegedly took place: "Dr. Ford identified other witnesses to the event, and those witnesses either refuted her allegations or failed to corroborate them." It's been emphasized that there would be little reason for Keyser and Smyth to recall the the otherwise unremarkable event, as they were unaware of that the alleged incident took place, and fails to note that Leland Keyser clarified that she "does not refute [the] account" and has repeatedly told the press that she believes Blasey Ford.

The account stressed that Blasey Ford "has struggled" to name Kavanaugh each time she repeated the incident, citing the two therapy sessions in which she spoke of the event, but the therapist did not record Kavanaugh's name. Failing to acknowledge the reasons why Blasey Ford might not have wanted or felt the need to use Kavanaugh's name to speak of the incident to her therapist or friends, Mitchell suggested that she only began using Kavanaugh's name when it started to appear in the press, linking her husband's claim that she named Kavanaugh to him in 2012, to the fact that Kavanaugh was receiving attention in the press as a potential Supreme Court nominee if Mitt Romney won the Presidential election.

The memo also discredited Blasey Ford by poking holes in explanation of how her trauma has manifested.

Once again echoing Republican Senators, Mitchell concluded by claiming "the activities of congressional Democrats and Dr. Ford's attorneys likely affected Dr. Ford's account."

The memo neglects entirely to offer analysis Brett Kavanaugh's credibility, his testimony, and the strengths or weaknesses of the evidence his team has presented to prove his case.

This is despite the fact that on Sunday, echoing others, one of Brett Kavanaugh's close friends from Yale issued a statement on Sunday claiming certainty that Kavanaugh lied under oath about his drinking habits in his testimony.

Mitchell admits in the memo that she is a registered Republican, but claims she is "not a partisan or political person" despite being an employee of and proxy voice for the Judiciary Committee's Republican senators. The New York Times reports that she is a career prosecutor who works in the Maricopa County attorney's office in Arizona, and has overseen some of the state's highest-profile sexual assault cases, and has won several awards for her work. Analyzing a 2012 interview she gave to FrontLine Magazine, a publication associated Foundations Baptist Fellowship Internationalwhich last week ran an article on the #MeToo movement claiming that women fabricate allegations of sexual assaultJezebel notes that Mitchell's sympathy focuses on the innocence of children and victims of clergy, some of the only victims of sexual assault conservatives have been willing to offer support for.

Jezebel also reports that although Mitchell's county does not publish its clearance rate for sexual assault cases, Arizona at large has a clearance rate of approximately 10% of sexual assault reports, while the national average is around 34%.

Ultimately, as she was always intended to do, Mitchell has regurgitated with legal flourishes the GOP's narrative, designed to push Kavanaugh's nomination through.

Mitchell acknowledged that the hearings were not a court of law and that Kavanaugh's nomination is not a matter of criminal prosecution, ("the world in which I work is the legal world, not the political world. Thus, I can only provide my assessment of Dr. Ford's allegations in that legal context"), however it's being remarked upon as a prosecutor who has stated that "false accusations are very rare," Mitchell would not at very least echo calls for an FBI investigation. Read the full memo here.



Republicans have agreed to delay Kavanaugh's confirmation for one week in order to allow for an FBI probe into the allegations, after the Senate Judiciary Committee on Friday voted to advance the nomination of Kavanaugh.

Supporters of Kavanaugh have begun using the hashtag "#BelieveWomen" and "#BelieveMitchell" to express their belief in the memo's validity, appropriating the #MeToo rallying cries around survivors of sexual violence: "#BelieveWomen" and "#BelieveSurvivors." Others are criticizing the memo's conclusions and Mitchell's integrity as a prosecutor:
Over the last two weeks Patently Apple has posted four reports relating to the ongoing Qualcomm-Apple legal war (one, two and three) with the fourth titled "With new iPhones using Intel Modems, Qualcomm Lashes out at Apple for stealing their trade secrets in a new Legal Filing." In one of Qualcomm's legal motions they directly accused Apple of assisting Intel advance their mobile modem chip with their technology. Intel doesn't think much of Qualcomm's Rhetoric and has now responded in kind.

Late on Friday, Intel's executive vice president and general counsel Steven R. Rodgers weighed in on this and went on record about Qualcomm with an Intel blog entry titled "Qualcomm's Rhetoric Pierced."

Rodgers response in full is as follows: "In July 2017, Qualcomm launched a worldwide campaign of patent litigation as part of its efforts to eliminate competition and preserve its unlawful "no license, no chips" regime, which has already been found to violate competition laws across the globe. Indeed, Qualcomm has already been fined $975 million in China, $850 million in Korea, $1.2 billion by the European Commission, and $773 million in Taiwan (although the case later settled for a reduced fine) for its anticompetitive practices. Qualcomm has also been found to be in violation of Japanese competition law, and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission is pursuing claims in federal court against it for alleged violation of U.S. antitrust law.

Qualcomm has had a lot to say publicly about its litigation campaign  and about Intel. It has publicly disparaged Intel's products  products created by the innovation and hard work of dedicated teams of scientists and engineers at Intel. It has asked a judge to order a customer not to purchase Intel's modems, claiming, among other things, that Intel's engineers could have made their inventions only by purloining ideas from Qualcomm. It has claimed that its patents form the very core of modern mobile communication technologies and networks, and extend even into future technologies.

It is easy to say things. But Intel's track record is clear. Intel has been one of the world's leading technology innovators for more than 50 years. We are proud of our engineers and employees who bring the world's best technology solutions to market through hard work, sweat, risk-taking and great ideas. Every day, we push the boundaries of computing and communication technologies. And, the proof is in the pudding: Last year, the U.S. Patent Office awarded more patents to Intel than to Qualcomm.

For the most part, we have chosen, and will continue to choose, to respond to Qualcomm's statements in court, not in public. This week, in one lawsuit, Qualcomm failed to win its case on 88 patent claims it said were infringed by products, including Intel's modem. And, in another case, a federal judge found 'considerable, compelling common proof' that Qualcomm has required companies 'to accept a separate license to Qualcomm's cellular [standard essential patents] in order to gain access to Qualcomm's modem chips.' This is the 'no license, no chips' scheme that has been found to be part of Qualcomm's anticompetitive conduct challenged in so many countries.

As one of the world's largest patent holders, Intel respects intellectual property. But we also respect truth, candor and fair competition. And we look forward to continuing to compete with Qualcomm."





For the record, the highlighted emphasis placed on certain wording from Mr. Rodgers' message was added by Patently Apple.
This July, Marie Laguerre of Paris, France, was catcalled in a cafe. Laguerre responded by confronting and reprimanding her harasser. He then slapped her in the face, hard. Unbeknownst to both of them, there was video surveillance of the incident, and it quickly went viral. French lawmakers responded by banning gender-based harassment in public spaces and imposing a fine.

France, in other words, banned catcalling.

Laguerre expressed some hesitance about this step. She wondered about both enforcement of the measureHow is a women on the street to go about having a man who catcalls her arrested?and the effectiveness of punitive measures relative to education.

It is almost a joke, Marie Laguerre told the Associated Press. I dont think its realistic because it means having police officers on every street. She said officers would need training to recognize harassing behavior. The law sends a message, but for me its not enough, Laguerre said. Laguerre told AP she thinks education is needed to change peoples attitudes on sexual harassment. She believes that would be more effective than punishing harassers.

Still, the measure, which took effect in September, has already seen an arrest and a fine. Thats righta man has been fined for catcalling a woman.

PARIS (Reuters)  A man who slapped a womans bottom on a bus near Paris has been jailed for three months and, in a first under a new law against cat-calling, also fined for lewd remarks about her physique. The man, inebriated when he boarded the rush-hour bus, smacked the 21-year-old on the buttocks and made an insulting comment about her breasts, before a squabble with the bus driver, who jammed the doors shut while police were alerted. A judge in Evry, south of Paris, sentenced the man, in his 30s, to three months behind bars for the slap, considered an act of outright sexual aggression, and added a fine of 300 euros ($353) for the offending comments.

Laguerres concern about enforcement comes to mindin this case, the perpetrator was apprehended and prosecuted because a bus driver confronted him, trapped him on the bus, and called the police. Had this happened on the street, he would likely have walked away unscathed. After all, street harassment is typically perpetrated by strangers who in this way easily go unidentified, and it often takes place without witnessesat least, without witnesses who will stop, make police reports, and testify in court.

It is also true, of course, that in this case verbal harassment was combined with physical harassment. Would the bus driver have taken action if the exchange involved only words, without the accompanying bottom smacking? It is impossible to know.

As I read about this case, my mind was drawn to season 3 of the Serial, a podcast that investigates aspects of the criminal justice system. The first episode of this season deals with a bar fight. The fight begins when a woman, Anna, angrily confronts two men who were slapping her bottom in a bar. After this, another woman, presumably friends of the men, confronts Annaand a fight breaks out. When police arrive they arrest Anna. They initially consider taking the men into custody as well, but the mens friends vouch for them, and police let the men gowithout stopping to check the surveillance video, which verifies Annas story.

In a sense, Annas story confirms Laguerres concernsthe man on the bus was only taken into custody because the bus driver recognized what occurred as a crime and apprehended the man. Had the buss occupants responded as Annas fellow bar patrons had, the outcome would have been very different. Still, I do wonder whether criminalizing street harassment may itself lead to more education, as individuals learn that catcalling (and other forms of harassment) are not just wrong but also illegal.

Critics of the criminal justice system might raise another concern as wellwithout giving anything more away, Ill simply state that that same episode of Serial also deals with the effect that fines levied by the court can have on individuals who cannot pay. These fines accrue, and may eventually be turned over to a collector. Besides, fines in general are regressivethe same fine is levied on the rich as on the poor. This leaves many unsure of the wisdom of using fines as a deterrent more generally.

Only time will show the full effect of Frances new fines for catcalling and other forms of verbal street harassment. We canand shouldask questions about unintended outcomes of the criminal justice system, and about effective enforcement of such measures. Still, in the era within which we live, it feels good to see someone taking harassment against women seriously.

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News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.
Transplanting Hope

PBS Airdate: September 26, 2018

NARRATOR: A newborn infant with a defective heart

KAREN ELGERT (Human Organ Procurement Exchange Program Co-ordinator): The coordinator was called.

NARRATOR: a transplant is her only hope.

JUDY BERGEN (Mother of Heart Transplant Patient): It's terrifying. It's just something we've got to do. We love her and just want her to have the best life she can possibly have.

NARRATOR: A heart is found that can save her, but it's hundreds of miles away. It's a desperate race against time.

IVAN REBEYKA, M.D. (University of Alberta): No heart yet?

NARRATOR: An organ shortage means thousands of patients wait for months, even years.

JAMES SHAPIRO, M.D. (University of Alberta Hospital): We're desperately short of organ donors. A quarter of our patients will die waiting for a transplant.

ADRIAN HODGETT (Relative of Transplant Patient): If she doesn't get this now, within three months, I don't think she would be here anyway. So, that's how critical it is.

NARRATOR: Can scientists find new solutions to the organ crisis?

DORIS A. TAYLOR, M.D. (Texas Heart Institute): What we're talking about is having off-the-shelf tissues.

That's awesome.

NARRATOR: Courageous families face wrenching decisions

LESLIE BABCHISHCHIN (Mother of Organ Donor): Our whole world has been turned upside down. In a matter of moments our life changed.

Everybody pray.

KAREN ELGERT: This is the loss of their son. So, if we can have, like, five seconds of silence to just remember the gift that this family is willing to give through their son.

NARRATOR: and critically ill patients get a new chance at life.

JAMES SHAPIRO: It's exciting. That's what transplant's about, and, of course, it saves lives, it transforms lives. It's a wonderful privilege to be part of that.

NARRATOR: Transplanting Hope, right now, on NOVA.

A former builder of sets for films and television, Lee Sanderson is struggling for life. His lungs are fatally scarred from exposure to toxic chemicals at his job. His only hope is a lung transplant.

In another part of the hospital, Alex Reyda has suffered a fatal brain aneurysm.

NURSE #1: He's a 25-year-old.

NURSE #2: 25-years-old?

NURSE #1: Ruptured A.B.M.

NARRATOR: But before Alex is removed from life support, he has one last gift to give.

KAREN ELGERT: Heart, liver, lungs, kidney, pancreas and then a single kidney.

NARRATOR: Alex is an organ donor.

SCOTT GORDON (Human Organ Procurement Exchange Program): We'd like to take a moment to thank Alexander for his gift and for the family for consenting on his behalf. A moment of silence, please.

ALI KAPASI, M.D. (University of Alberta): Hi, Lee. How are you?

LEE SANDERSON (Lung Transplant Patient): Okay.

ALI KAPASI: Good. So, good news for you. There is a donor.

LEE SANDERSON: Already?

ALI KAPASI: Already. So, I think I warned you it would happen pretty quickly.

SCOTT GORDON: Is everyone okay to go ahead?

NURSE (University of Alberta Hospital): Yes.

SCOTT GORDON: Thank you.

DOCTOR (University of Alberta Hospital): The next time I see you, you have new lungs, you're in the I.C.U., okay?

SCOTT GORDON: Okay, pancreas is coming out.

NARRATOR: A donor like Alex can potentially give eight organs and save eight lives.

Lee got his new lungs from a different donor. Three days after his transplant, they're ready to breathe on their own.

NURSE: Nice, slow, deep breaths, remember? Kay, you ready? One, two, three, nice deep breath in. Cough it all out for me. Keep coughing.

FEMALE RELATIVE OF LEE SANDERSON: Cough it out, honey.

NURSE: Keep coughing. Lee, can you say hi?

LEE SANDERSON: Hello.

FEMALE RELATIVE OF LEE SANDERSON: Hi, honey.

NARRATOR: Lee received his new lungs in Canada. In the United States, there are 116,000 people waiting for transplants. Another name is added to the list every 10 minutes, and 20 people die each day because they don't get the organs they need. Canada's population is much smaller, but organ donation here is less common, so the shortage is just as critical.

SAM SHEMIE, M.D. (The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre): Organ donation, relatively speaking, it's not a big volume of patients that we're talking about in the country. And although it's a relatively rare event, it is such an important impact event, because we know that organ donors can save many, many lives.

NARRATOR: The stakes are never higher than when a newborn needs a transplant. Harlow Bergen is just two weeks old. She was born with a fatal heart defect; only a transplant can save her. But for infants, donated hearts are extremely rare. And even if she gets a transplant, Harlow could face lifelong health problems, starting with the possibility that her body might reject the new heart.

SIMON URSCHEL (University of Alberta Hospital): I think we all agree that transplant for sure gives her the best chance to lead as close as possible to normal life. You do know, however, too, that it's not going to be a walk in the park. It is exchanging a life-threatening situation, in which she is now, with kind of a chronic disease, or chronic abnormality. So, you know that she will, lifelong, depend on taking medications. And in children that are immune suppressed, that can cause a lymphoma, which is basically a type of leukemia. And that's not that uncommon. But I think it's, in all fairness, important for you to be aware of that as a possible option. But also be aware that 90 percent of our kids do really, really well.

JUDY BERGEN: Yeah, you think about going through the whole transplant and then, maybe later on, dealing with cancer or something like that. It's terrifying. It's just something we've got to do. We love her and just want her to have the best life she can possibly have, so

JASON BERGEN (Father of Heart Transplant Patient): I don't know if we really have many options at this point.

JUDY BERGEN: No.

Good morning.

NARRATOR: All across Canada, organ donation teams will now be on alert for a heart for Harlow.

NURSE: Karen.

KAREN ELGERT: Yeah?

NURSE: Watch your pulmonal bleed.

NARRATOR: Karen Elgert is overseeing the search.

NURSE: Pulmonal bleed gone.

KAREN ELGERT: On, in, perfused.

NARRATOR: Karen is a nurse with HOPE, the hospital's human organ procurement team. Once a family decides to donate, she coordinates the whole process.

KAREN ELGERT: So, it's going to be

NURSE: O.R. 6.

KAREN ELGERT: O.R. 6, yeah. Wonderful. Thank you, Chris.

NARRATOR: Karen is in constant contact with hospitals across the country. She's the first to know when organs become available.

VOICE ON PHONE: So, I'm actually calling you with a heart offer.

KAREN ELGERT: Okay.

VOICE ON PHONE: Blood type is O positive.

NARRATOR: It's an infant heart, and it was found quickly. The Bergens have only had to wait for two weeks.

SIMON URSCHEL: I guess you can kind of guess what's going on, if we're coming with the big team. So, we actually do have an organ for her, a little bit smaller child than her. It's going to be sometime tonight, coming out sometime tomorrow morning. So, just wanted to give you a head's up. We're pretty happy about it, too. I think it's actually the perfect time, and it is a very good organ.

JUDY BERGEN: Hi, buddy. Guess what? Harlow's going to get a new heart.

JUDY AND JASON BERGEN'S SON (Brother of Heart Transplant Patient): Wow!

JUDY BERGEN: Yeah, say "yay!"

Thank you.

I prayed for it all week that it would happen this week.

NARRATOR: As Judy and Jason brace themselves for a long night of waiting, a massive effort gets underway to retrieve the heart for Harlow.

Now that Karen knows the heart is a match, she and a team of retrieval surgeons spring into action.

KAREN ELGERT: So, we are now en route.

NARRATOR: They charter a jet and take off for a hospital on the other side of the country, where a dying baby is on life support. The donated heart must maintain its oxygen supply and keep beating until the last possible second.

KAREN ELGERT: From the time the heart is stopped, 'til the time that it's beating again in the recipient, there's a very finite time which is, like, for adults, about four hours, and then for peds, they may be upwards of six or seven. They don't like that, but sometimes you have no choice.

Hi, yes.

IVAN REBEKYA: Hello?

KAREN ELGERT: Yeah, hi Dr. Rebeyka.

IVAN REBEKYA: What's going on?

KAREN ELGERT: So, the heart looks good.

IVAN REBEKYA: Yeah?

KAREN ELGERT: And our E.T.A. is about 2:30 to 3:00.

NARRATOR: Once Karen gives the green light, Harlow's surgeons prepare. Just before 3 a.m., she's wheeled in. The retrieval team must be close before Harlow is put to sleep, but she must be ready for transplant as soon as the heart arrives. Every minute the new heart lacks oxygen comes at a cost.

IVAN REBEKYA: They landed.

NARRATOR: Surgeon Ivan Rebeyka has been in contact with Karen all night, to calculate the perfect moment to open Harlow's chest.

KAREN ELGERT: Uh, the coordinator was called.

IVAN REBEKYA: No heart yet?

NARRATOR: Just as the new heart enters the operating room, Harlow's damaged heart is removed.

IVAN REBEKYA: Let's see the new heart.

Okay.

Okay, are the lungs on?

NURSE: They are.

IVAN REBEKYA: Let's have a look here. Let's just have a little peek, 'cause that left atrial line is a little bit fussy. Pull it back a smidge. Okay, that looks good. Kay, start hemoing. So, heart's on its own now.

It's a good heart, it just, it came from a long ways away, so it was in the bucket there for like five and a half hours. You know, this one, it started up like within two minutes of us taking that clamp off, and that's usually a pretty good sign.

Hi. Mr. Bergen, we've met. I'm Dr. Rebeyka. How are you?

JASON BERGEN: Good, yourself?

IVAN REBEKYA: Good. So we're all done. Everything went very, very well. So heart's working on its own now. It's a bit early to relax completely, but things look pretty good, so I think we're in good shape.

JUDY BERGEN: Good.

IVAN REBEKYA: Okay?

JUDY BERGEN: Thank you.

IVAN REBEKYA: Okay

JASON BERGEN: Thank you.

JUDY BERGEN: Thank you.

IVAN REBEKYA: I'll talk to you later, folks.

NARRATOR: Because their immune systems are still developing, babies generally have fewer problems with rejection than adults. But Harlow will still have to take anti-rejection drugs all her life. And she could end up needing a second transplant, if anything goes wrong as she and her new heart grow.

One floor away, another surgical team is rushing to salvage what they can after an organ donor's death.

JAYAN NAGENDRAN, M.D. (University of Alberta Hospital): Seventeen years to go through: your undergrad for a few years and then going into medical school for four years, then doing your residency, which is a minimum of six years. But during mine and Doctor Freed's, we both did a Ph.D. during our residency. That's 17 years after you graduated from high school before you start working. So, I truly mean it, and I feel very privileged to say that I trained my whole life for today. Doesn't matter if we're going to get a little less sleep today, it's a big day for the team.

NARRATOR: These surgeons are retrieving multiple organs from a braindead donor.

JAYAN NAGENDRAN: These are some of the nicest lungs I've ever seen in my whole life. They're absolutely spectacular. They're as good as they could ever be, and it would've been such a shame had we not been able to use it. One in three of our patients waiting for lung transplants don't survive to getting one, and that's why there's no give up. It's fight to the very end for us, every time we get a chance.

NARRATOR: This donor's kidneys, liver and lungs are successfully retrieved. But tragically, the heart cannot be used. Trapped too long in the chest without oxygen, the heart tissue has died.

More than 60 percent of all donated hearts are not actually used for transplants, because too much time goes by after a donor's death. But a new experiment might offer hope that some of these hearts could stay viable for a longer window. It's called "ex vivo" technology, a way of keeping organs alive outside the body.

DARREN FREED, M.D. (University of Alberta Hospital): You want to start the insulin?

NARRATOR: Jayan Nagendran and Darren Freed have invented a machine that keeps a heart warm and oxygenated instead of storing it on ice. This could give doctors more time to use it for transplant. They've had some success experimenting with lungs. This is the first time they're trying to bring a discarded heart back to life.

DARREN FREED: Did you guys see that, the heartbeat? Did you see that? The heart is an amazing organ; you give it blood and it will beat. It's absolutely amazing. You actually don't have to do anything. Look at that.

NARRATOR: But after pumping for just a few minutes, a blood clot makes the heart seize up.

DOCTOR #1: You've lost it for sure.

DOCTOR #2: Oh, yeah, I just saw it go down.

DARREN FREED: So, this is our problem, right? We should, we shouldn't have clots.

DOCTOR #1: That clot.

DARREN FREED: And so, this has plugged up the tubing and the pumps and everything. We're very meticulous about anticoagulation to make sure that this doesn't happen. The heart is filling up with clot instead of heparinized blood or thinned blood. For the first, the first time we do this, to lose it this way, is, you know, devastating. It's incredibly frustrating.

JAYAN NAGENDRAN: This was still an important first step, even though it, it didn't go to fruition.

DARREN FREED: Even though it went down in flames.

JAYAN NAGENDRAN: Yeah.

NARRATOR: The doctors can't hide their disappointment. They'll study this failure to help refine the technology, and if they eventually perfect a technique to save more organs, it could change the odds for thousands of patients.

SAM SHEMIE: The fascinating thing about these ex vivo technologies is that organs that otherwise were not transplantable can now be removed and repaired. And so that means that you can use perhaps many more organs that previously you couldn't use before. So, I think the potential is phenomenal. There's no reason why you can't envision a future where I have a failed lung, maybe I need my organ taken out of my body, repaired outside of my body, remodeled and then transplanted back into my body, so I can be my own donor.

NARRATOR: Until that day comes, the essence of transplant medicine remains: saving lives always means losing someone who is precious to a family.

SAM SHEMIE: In intensive care, it is routine for us to work at the junction of life-saving treatments and the potential for people to die. And our job with families is to recognize when there is no longer anything that we can do to save that person's life; we've exhausted all possibilities.

LESLIE BABCHISCHIN: Jesus, please. Jesus, help my son. Please bring him back to me. Dear lord Jesus, help my son. I'll do anything, I'll do anything, Jesus. I'll do anything. I'll do anything, Jesus. I'll do anything.

NARRATOR: Twenty-eight-year-old Matthew Babchishchin is in intensive care with a serious brain injury.

LESLIE BABCHISHCHIN: You're such a giving man. You're so giving, Matthew. I know you can do it. I know you can fight.

Our whole world has been turned upside down, our whole world. We were such a content family and just, just felt so lucky, and then, bang, in a matter of moments our life changed.

DEMETRIOS KUTSOGIANNIS, M.D. (University of Alberta): What I'll need is a flashlight.

NARRATOR: For three days, doctors have been searching for any sign that Matthew's brain is still functioning.

CARL BABCHISHCHIN (Father of Organ Donor): This is a very scary day for us. We do know we were told 72 hours. We do know these tests are going to show a lot, give some answers. I'm very afraid of what the answers could be.

DEMETRIOS KUTSOGIANNIS: You may turn on the light now. So, you're able to come in, if you wish. I'm just repeating what we did this morning, okay?

LESLIE BABCHISHCHIN: Yes, sir.

DEMETRIOS KUTSOGIANNIS: You can hold his hand if you wish.

LESLIE BABCHISHCHIN: My son, my beautiful boy. You're so blessed, Matthew, you're so blessed.

DEMETRIOS KUTSOGIANNIS: Yeah, he will be moving. We just stopped the drug for the exam, and then

LESLIE BABCHISHCHIN: My blessing, my boy.

DEMETRIOS KUTSOGIANNIS: I'm just going to put this in his mouth to check his gag reflex.

LESLIE BABCHISHCHIN: Don't suffer, my boy. Don't suffer, my boy. I love you my son, I love you.

DEMETRIOS KUTSOGIANNIS: Okay. Would you like to stay here? I'm just going out to the family conference room to meet with your family. Would you like to stay here or join me?

LESLIE BABCHISHCHIN: I want to join you if you're going to

DEMETRIOS KUTSOGIANNIS: Okay, we'll come back. You have an opportunity to come back, so we'll just go out there now.

CARL BABCHISHCHIN: I've been pacing up and down these hallways and all of a sudden it reminded me of when Matthew was born and the similarity of me pacing that hallway. And it struck me how I was waiting for a birth of Matthew again. That's what I'm waiting for. I'm waiting for a birth.

DEMETRIOS KUTSOGIANNIS: I'm Dr. Kutsogiannis. I'm the attending intensive care unit physician this week here. I've been caring for Matt since Monday. As you're aware, he had an episode where his heart stopped for a prolonged period of time. It was at least 20 minutes before he recovered his blood pressure. When we look at everything from start to finish, he's been ill in the I.C.U., he's been comatose in the I.C.U. I had organized another special test yesterday to be done today, and we know, when we don't receive signal in the lower part of the brain on both sides, that we can tell you with a very, very high certainty that he won't recover meaningful brain function. So, we're left at this circumstance, where I don't think any family would want an individual to be left on life-support in this circumstance, in the long run.

CARL BABCHISHCHIN: So, what you're also saying is there is no miracle?

DEMETRIOS KUTSOGIANNIS: I'm saying that I can tell you with

CARL BABCHISHCHIN: It's done, yeah.

DEMETRIOS KUTSOGIANNIS: Yeah, pretty good. We don't want to make an error in this situation, because you can understand, it's someone's life, so

CARL BABCHISHCHIN: Yes, I understand what you've

DEMETRIOS KUTSOGIANNIS: Well, I think at this stage, I'd recommend that he, in the long termby that I mean daysnot stay on life support, because we're really prolonging the dying process.

CARL BABCHISHCHIN: Les, what do you think?

LESLIE BABCHISHCHIN: Yeah. I just want to be by Matthew's side. Now I know I'm saying goodbye. He's such a special boy. I personally would like it the sooner the better, because I don't want him to be in this comatose state. All I want to do is hold my boy for the last couple of days or hours that I have.

DEMETRIOS KUTSOGIANNIS: I have one more thing that I want to discuss. It's an obligation on my part by law, too.

LESLIE BABCHISHCHIN: Mm hmm, I know what you're going to talk about.

CARL BABCHISHCHIN: Yes.

DEMETRIOS KUTSOGIANNIS: And that is the issue of organ and tissue donation. But it's an introduction to that, to think about, to discuss, and we can have another discussion tomorrow regarding that.

CARL BABCHISHCHIN: I love you.

LESLIE BABCHISHCHIN: Thank you.

DEMETRIOS KUTSOGIANNIS: You're welcome.

LESLIE BABCHISHCHIN: I love you so much. I love you, Matthew. I love you so much, Matthew. I love you so much.

NARRATOR: For Matthew's family, this is the end of hope, and in the face of their loss, they must make a profound decision. There's a narrow window of time to decide whether part of him could save the life of someone else.

Surgeon James Shapiro understands the urgency. Many of his patients are dying on the transplant wait list.

JAMES SHAPIRO: Hello, David. Morning, how are you?

PATIENT #1: Oh, still pretty sore.

JAMES SHAPIRO: You probably want some creon. Good morning.

PATIENT #2: Morning, sir.

JAMES SHAPIRO: He didn't get dialysis over the weekend?

NURSE: Yesterday they didn't send him out to do it.

JAMES SHAPIRO: Okay. You might need to go back to the dialysis again a little after the surgery. It's always a possibility. We'll see you later.

We're desperately short of organ donors. A quarter of our patients will die waiting for a transplant. Some of them will wait years for a transplant in certain blood groups. Some of them will go straight, you know, close to the top of the list, because they're so sick. Many people will die waiting, because an organ doesn't come in time.

NARRATOR: The shortage of organs means many patients get sicker and sicker as they wait.

ADRIAN HODGETT: You all ready for your big day?

PAT FISHER (Liver Transplant Patient): Yeah.

ADRIAN HODGETT: Yeah?

PAT FISHER: Scared, but all ready.

ADRIAN HODGETT: That's normal.

NARRATOR: Pat Fisher is in end-stage liver failure.

ADRIAN HODGETT: It's going to be a good day.

PAT FISHER: Yeah.

ADRIAN HODGETT: Yeah.

NARRATOR: She's been waiting for weeks, and, finally, there's a matching donor. But by now Pat is very weak. This will make her transplant even riskier.

ADRIAN HODGETT: The end result would be if she doesn't get this now, within three months, I don't think she would be here anyway. So that's how critical it is. It was a very tight timeline for her.

JAMES SHAPIRO: She has what we call a high "MELD" score, which means that the liver's been very diseased, very scarred, lot of pressure in the veins, lot of risk of bleeding. This is big surgery. This isn't just routine. There's nothing routine about this.

PAT FISHER: I'm so scared.

ADRIAN HODGETT: Don't always get a second chance. This is it, this is your second chance.

JAMES SHAPIRO: We've just clamped the major vein for the liver, the vena cava. So we're about to cut the liver out. All right, so here comes the liver. Can you see how horribly diseased this liver is? It really is. It's horrible, yeah.

DOCTOR: So, actually, she required a little bit of resuscitation.

NARRATOR: With a patient as fragile as Pat, the surgeons are working at the limits of medicine.

ADRIAN HODGETT: You can't say that it's definitive that she's going to be all right, right? There could be lots of problems and the end result of some of them is death, right? So, it's not fair, but these things happen in life and that's the way it is.

JAMES SHAPIRO: And let's go salad bowl. Three, two, one, in we go. Now the liver enters the field.

NARRATOR: As expected, Pat's transplant is difficult. It takes the entire night to complete.

JAMES SHAPIRO: So, we're ready to unclamp in about 30 seconds, Tim.

DOCTOR: All right.

JAMES SHAPIRO: When you watch a new organ come to life like thisthe patient's own blood fills the organ and starts to functionit never fails to, you know, give me some thrill. It still, still gives me a kick, even now.

Good job.

Somebody has end-stage liver disease at one moment, you release the clamp, and now, they suddenly have a new chance at life again. It's exciting. And that's what transplant's about, and, of course, it saves lives, it helps people, transforms lives. It's a wonderful privilege to be part of that.

NARRATOR: Pat's new liver begins working right away, but she has many other complications, including a series of life-threatening infections that are resistant to antibiotics. It takes four months of round-the-clock intensive care before she's finally well enough to move to a regular ward.

PAT FISHER: Oh, is this Dr. Shapiro?

JAMES SHAPIRO: It is.

PAT FISHER: Oh, hello.

JAMES SHAPIRO: Pat, how are you?

PAT FISHER: Good.

JAMES SHAPIRO: Very nice to see you again. I'm coming to shake your hand in a second. Been a long haul, hasn't it?

PAT FISHER: Too long.

JAMES SHAPIRO: Yeah.

PAT FISHER: Yeah, but I did it.

JAMES SHAPIRO: You really diddifficult transplant. You were very, very, very sick. Yeah, and this liver's worked very well for you.

When you set on a journey with transplant, you're taking an organ that can save somebody's life, and once you've made that commitment, you've got to make sure that you do everything possible to get a successful outcome. Others will approach you and say, "This is hopeless. You've been here for three months now, we're making no headway. We should just pull the plug and let the person die.

But we've got to think more than how much is a person's life worth and how much to give, how much not to give. You ought to think about the value of the organ. You have a huge responsibility to the organ donor family and to the organ to do what it's meant to do, which is to save a life.

JAMES SHAPIRO: Very lovely to see you, Pat.

PAT FISHER: Yeah, it's nice to have met you, my lifesaver.

JAMES SHAPIRO: Well, likewise, it's been a pleasure to look after you, great pleasure to look after you. Have a hug, all right? Good luck in rehab. Keep your spirits up. Nice to see you, Pat.

PAT FISHER: Okay, bye bye.

NARRATOR: Despite her struggles, Pat is still one of the lucky ones. Hundreds of people die in Canada each year waiting for transplants, and thousands in the United States.

At the Texas Heart Institute, in Houston, Doris Taylor and her team are taking a new approach to addressing the organ shortage.

DORIS TAYLOR: Let's try the light on this one and see if we can get a good image of the vasculature, okay?

As the number of people who need organs goes up, the number of donors has plateaued. What that means is we had to find new solutions.

NARRATOR: The new solutions they're working on start with donated organs that are not suitable for transplant.

DORIS TAYLOR: We take an organ, a cadaveric organ that couldn't otherwise be used for transplant, and we strip that organ of its cells by using a detergent or other solution to basically wash those cells out of the existing organ scaffold. And what's left is what we call the extracellular matrix.

When you wash the cells out, what you have left is that underlying framework where the cells sit that looks like a heart, looks like a liver, looks like a kidney, because it is a heart, a kidney, a liver framework.

NARRATOR: Building a new organ starts with stem cells that could come from a patient's own body.

DORIS TAYLOR: Stem cells are simply cells that can do two things. They can make more of themselves, self-renew, and they can differentiate, or become different kinds of cells.

RESEARCHER: It's good. There are no clumps. No.

DORIS TAYLOR: No clumps and lots of cells. I'm excited.

RESEARCHER: Yes.

NARRATOR: The stem cells they're using don't yet have a specific function, but when they're infused into the organ framework, an amazing thing happens.

DORIS TAYLOR: Those stem cells seem to get cues from that matrix about where to go and what to become. There are biologic cues in there that say, "Oh, I should be a muscle cell here. I should be a blood vessel here. I should be an artery here and a vein here." And we can put cells in and have them migrate to the right place.

NARRATOR: But getting stem cells to the right place is only the first step. The real question is, will the organs work? Can they build a heart that will actually pump blood and beat?

Each heart spends several days in a special incubator that mimics the body's natural environment. Then the heart is removed from the incubator and a flow of nutrients is pumped through it, to see if it will beat.

DORIS TAYLOR: You can see the vessels. That's gorgeous.

RESEARCHER: And what's beautiful is you can see that there's actually even blood going to the coronaries. There's an air embolus, but, I mean, you can see it.

DORIS TAYLOR: That's awesome. It feels really good.

RESEARCHER: Yeah.

DORIS TAYLOR: When you could take that heart, take cells that you were growing in the lab and transplant them back in and have them beat again, that was one of the "wow" moments in my life.

Good, good. Turn it justyes, yes, nice.

Everything that could have gone wrong didn't. It was, it was just a homerun.

NARRATOR: These hearts are not yet ready for human transplant. But Taylor believes organs by design could someday save the lives of thousands of patients.

DORIS TAYLOR: This one's still underway, right?

NARRATOR: Her team is also experimenting with building lungs, livers and kidneys.

DORIS TAYLOR: What we're talking about is potentially having off-the-shelf tissues. They're, they're two pieces to that that are revolutionary. One, we can potentially build an organ; two, we can build an organ that matches their body, because, as you know, when you get a transplant you're essentially trading your original disease for another disease, which is fighting rejection for the rest of your life. I'll be happy when we do our first clinical trial; I'll be happier when there are enough organs for patients who need them.

NARRATOR: Research like Taylor's could transform transplant medicine, but for many patients, these advances will come too late.

WILLIS WOOD (Heart Transplant Patient): I came here for a two-hour doctor's appointment, been here ever since. Waiting sucks.

NARRATOR: Eight months ago, Willis Wood's heart began to fail. As he waits for a donor, he's being kept alive by an external pump that circulates his blood. There have been no matches, and his doctor knows time is running out.

NAKUL SHARMA, M.D. (University of Calgary): I need really big breaths this time. So, you're probably the highest status person in Alberta right now. You're a big guy, and this is why it's become difficult. The organs that I've seen that have come in are about 60 to 70 kilos. That's like 60 pounds smaller. That's a small child, right?

WILLIS WOOD: Yeah.

NAKUL SHARMA: So, if there's an organ for a heart that's anywhere between 80 to 90, Dr. Mullen, in Edmonton, and Dr. Kim have agreed that we will go ahead and do it, if it's a perfect match otherwise. He's on call for the weekend, I'm on call for the weekend, so if we get a heart

WILLIS WOOD: I'm on call for the weekend.

NAKUL SHARMA: You're onI know, you're always on call. And I'll be here the whole weekend, so I'll keep you updated every day, okay? Anything else I can help you with?

WILLIS WOOD: Find me a heart.

NAKUL SHARMA: I'm on it. Okay, talk to you later.

WILLIS WOOD: Okay, thank you, sir.

NARRATOR: There just aren't many donor hearts large enough for Willis, but if he gets any weaker, he won't survive a transplant.

WILLIS WOOD: I have grandchildren. That's what it really means to me. It's, I want to get out and do things with them, and I'm willing to fight for that. If it was just for me I'd've probably gave up, but I want to be there for my grandkids.

NARRATOR: Meanwhile, Matthew Babchishchin is still on life support. Scott Gordon from the HOPE team has come to discuss his family's decision about organ donation.

LESLIE BABCHISHCHIN: Thank you for coming, yeah.

SCOTT GORDON: I'm sorry that I mean, you can't even talk about it.

LESLIE BABCHISHCHIN: Yeah. These are all the "have-tos" in life that you never prepare yourself for, right? If we could do any good, Matthew would want that.

CARL BABCHISHCHIN: Matthew was born here, and it's kind of sad that he started his life and finished his life in this hospital.

LESLIE BABCHISHCHIN: We were so proud that he was born here.

CARL BABCHISHCHIN: So we have all agreed that we willMatthew's organs areit will be donated.

LESLIE BABCHISHCHIN: Which are listed as, like you said

SCOTT GORDON: I can go through all that specifically.

LESLIE BABCHISHCHIN: Yeah.

CARL BABCHISHCHIN: When it comes to the tissue, we did not realize part of the skin part wasto the degree. And we did not realize the need for it at the same time.

LESLIE BABCHISHCHIN: I just want to donate the organs, and I'm not comfortable with the tissue at all.

CARL BABCHISHCHIN: I know it would be going against Matthew's wishes.

LESLIE BABCHISHCHIN: I'm not comfortable with it either. I want to keep that intact. I've had Matthew taken from me, he's giving his organs, he's lost his life. I'm just going for how I feel.

Can we justLet's move forward, okay? We're moving too slowly for me, I need Let's, let's, let's move forward. You know, we're being all this delicateand I need to get to my son. Let's move forward.

CARL BABCHISHCHIN: Let's do it.

Given the person that we know Matthew was, we would know that this is what he would have wanted. He would have done it without hesitation.

LESLIE BABCHISHCHIN: Oh, my god. Oh, my god. Oh, Matthew, you should be filling out that form for me. Why did I have to fill that out for you?

KAREN ELGERT: Karen speaking.

VOICE: Hi, Karen.

KAREN ELGERT: Hi Ali. We're trying to rush this as quickly as possible. This is a 28-year-old male, 84 centimeters and 101 kilograms.

NARRATOR: Matthew's death is just hours away. A huge effort has begun to save his organs, and a handful of people across Canada have just gotten the call that could save their lives.

KAREN ELGERT: I need to talk to Darren.

NURSE: Do you want me to page him?

KAREN ELGERT: Yeah, I need to page him.

NARRATOR: Before Matthew's life support is withdrawn, surgical teams and transplant recipients all over the country must be ready. Delays are inevitable.

LESLIE BABCHISHCHIN: Oh, no. This is so unfair. This is so unfair.

KAREN ELGERT: The O.R. has delayed. They would like to delay for one hour.

NURSE: Just one second.

KAREN ELGERT: Okay. Can I call you at a different phone, Darren?

LESLIE BABCHISHCHIN: I want away from this nightmare, I want to be away from this nightmare. Oh, my son. Oh, my god. Oh, my god.

NARRATOR: Two floors away, the operating room is getting ready.

KAREN ELGERT: This has been an incredibly stressful time for everyone, because it's been so busy, but this is a loss of their son, and it's been really, really hard on them. And as always, it's so totally unexpected. So, if we can have, like, five seconds of silence to just remember the gift that this family is willing to give through their son.

So, they're going to withdraw life support, like, any minute now.

JAYAN NAGENDRAN: Okay, what I will need from you, in sequence, is the scalpel, the skin knife and the saw coulee.

KAREN ELGERT: Asystole 20-06.

LESLIE BABCHISHCHIN: Go, Matthew. Go save some lives, Matthew. Go do it, Matthew. Goodbye, my son. 'Bye, Matthew. Goodbye, my son. Goodbye, my son. I will see you again, Matthew.

NURSE: I'll call you when we're done, okay?

LESLIE BABCHISHCHIN: I'll see you again, Matthew.

BROTHER OF ORGAN DONOR: I love you, bud.

LESLIE BABCHISHCHIN: I love you, Matthew. Goodbye, Matthew. I love you, Matthew. I love you. I love you, Matthew. I love you, my son.

NURSE: Okay, so we're going to go to the right.

NARRATOR: Off the respirator, Matthew's organs are starved of oxygen. everyone knows it's now a race against time.

KAREN ELGERT: Who's checking the I.D.?

DOCTOR #1: I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

DOCTOR #2: Skin knife, please. Skin knife. Knife moving.

DOCTOR #1: Work faster.

DARREN FREED: We have found you a very good heart. Lots of complications that can occur along the way

WILLIS WOOD: Yeah, well, infection, bleeding and

DARREN FREED: Any one of those things can contribute to not actually making it through this whole experience.

WILLIS WOOD: Yeah. I'm raring to go. I'm ready to start the final leg of this journey.

NARRATOR: The identity of Willis's donor is unknown to him and to us. Matthew's organs went to others.

LESLIE BABCHISHCHIN: You know, Matthew is going to shine down and just, just say, "Thank you, Mom and Dad, for doing this. And I'm so grateful that you made this decision for me." I'm so happy where they're doing this for Matt. It's all for good for Matt.

NARRATOR: Two years after his transplant, Willis Wood is fully recovered and playing with his grandchildren.

Unfortunately, Pat Fisher continues to struggle with health issues, but Harlow Bergen is a healthy toddler.

JAMES SHAPIRO: Taking people near to death's door and eventually seeing them go back to leading an entirely normal life, we know that can happen every time we do a transplant. That's what we see time and time again, and that's what's rewarding for us.

SAM SHEMIE: The first thing that we tell people, all the time, is become aware, and whatever you decide, make sure you tell your family, because it will be your family that will be asked to make a decision for you when you're incapacitated and you might die and become a donor.

CARL BABCHISHCHIN: Tonight's event is a celebration in memory of Matthew.

LESLIE BABCHISHCHIN: We want you to know that Matthew was an organ donor. We knew that he would want to give this gift of life to someone who needed it.
The Arecibo Observatory

Published: September 26, 2018

Onscreen: This giant concrete & metal dish in Puerto Rico has been our first line of defense against asteroids for more than 50 years. This is the Arecibo Observatorythe most powerful astronomical radar on Earth and the second largest radio telescope.

Then came Hurricane Maria.

Eliana Nossa: It was devastating. It was, it was terriblethe constant question for everyone: is the platform there?

Onscreen: The platform and its dome hold a radio receiver that can help locate an asteroid millions of miles away. It also supports several antennae that have helped make big discoveriesLike the first planet orbiting another star and the existence of pulsars, rotating cores left over from supernovae.

The platform did survive the hurricane. But part of an antenna fell and poked a hole into the dish. Power and communication systems also went down.

Abel Mendez: I was not at the observatory when Hurricane Maria. I have many friends here, many colleagues working here. I tried to contact them for weeks. We don't know what was going on.

Nossa: Going around the facility, it was floods everywhere, debris everywherethere was at least one week that we couldnt think about anything else, just cleaning. It didnt matter if it was the director, or if it was the janitor, everyone, everyone was doing something, was cleaning, like sweeping, like cutting branches.

Onscreen: Days after the hurricane, Arecibos generators started working, providing just enough power to do some science. But it also opened its doors to become a relief center.

Anne Virkki: We have our own water pumps, so when the majority of the nearby community was out of the grid water service, they were able to come to the observatory and get the water from here.

Onscreen: Researchers and staff went out into the neighboring community to deliver food and medical supplies, and rebuild homes.

Mendez: Puerto Ricans are very proud of the Arecibo observatory. And especially after Hurricane Maria and there's a sense of pride, community, and a lot of people were helping each other.

Nossa: Its the feeling that we are part of the community, that were not isolated. And that was beautiful We are human beings and we were survivors of this huge event.

Onscreen: A year later, the facility is almost back to its previous condition. The holes in the dish were patched.

And in December, 2017 Arecibo took hi-res images of the asteroid Phaethon during its close approach to Earth.

Virkki: We can find the asteroids shapesand get some idea of their surface composition in terms of surface roughness or what they are made of.

Onscreen: But theres more work to be done.

Virkki: Some of the dish is still distorted, which means that it doesnt reflect the signals as effectively.

Onscreen: Repairs will continue over the next months. And hopes are high for the discoveries to come.

Nossa: I think Arecibo has a huge future. There is not a limitation in the science that we can do here. This is an opportunity maybe to, instead of saying Were going to build the same thing, maybe How can we do it better? We are trying to recover, people were saying, Oh my goodness, if you are recovering, the island can recover.
Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, has lauded the SNV Netherlands Development Organisation's Voice for Change Partnership Programme for its contribution to policy development process.



He said the focus of the Voice for Change Partnership Programme (V4CP), under the Dutch Strategic Partnership, has prospects, which were beginning to make significant contributions to policy development process in agriculture, energy, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).



Dr Akoto said this in a speech read on his behalf at the weekend during the Learnt Event of the SNV's Voice for Change Partnership Programme in Accra.



The V4CP Programme is an evidence-based advocacy programme being implemented by the SNV in partnership with the International Food and Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) with funding from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.



The programme focuses on generating evidence and building the capacity of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Renewable Energy, Food and Nutrition Security and WASH sectors.



Dr Akoto said included in the V4CP programme were food security and nutrition, access to sustainable energy services and access to sanitation and hygiene facilities.



He noted that specific to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), the "Planting for Food and Jobs" programme was one that exemplified its commitment regarding the themes mentioned above.



He said the "Planting for Food and Jobs" aims at making the country food secure, improving nutritional status of the people, reducing post-harvest loses and creating employment.



Dr Akoto assured Ghana's development partners of the preparedness of the Government to continue to cooperate with them for their mutual interests.



"Ghana is going 'Beyond Aid' but we welcome win-win trade relationships that are empowering and sustainable," he said.



He said the MoFA looked forward to exploring collaborations that would explore the agricultural-energy nexus with the view to increasing productivity and mitigate the impact of climate change.



He said advocacy grounded in evidence made it easy for the establishment of common grounds among stakeholders adding; "Let me also use this opportunity to confirm government's willingness to collaborate in generating evidence to guide the development and implementation of policies".



Mr Ron Strikker, the Dutch Ambassador to Ghana, urged civil society organisations (CSOs) to support the Special Prosecutor, Mr Martin Amidu, in his bid to combat corruption in the country.



He said though the Office of the Special Prosecutor was facing resource constraints, with the support of CSOs it would be able to deliver on its mandate.



Mr Harm Duiker, the Country Director for SNV Ghana, said in most of the districts they operated, sanitation and hygiene, nutrition, post-harvest losses and clean cooking interventions had been integrated into the medium-term development plans of the metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies.



"We find it crucial because the first step to realising service delivery begins with planning and as we continue to follow up on ensuring that these reflect in their annual plans, we are also exploring potential funding opportunities to support these districts in executing their plans," he stated.



Mr Eric Banye, the Country Programme Coordinator of SNV, said after almost three years of implementation of the programme, the Learnt Event would deepen their partnership with relevant stakeholders such as the Government, departments and agencies, the private sector, the media and CSOs in the implementation of the 2018 activities under the Dutch Strategic Alliance Programme.



Nana Kobina Nketsia V, the Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area, who chaired the function, urged Ghanaians to embrace change that would lead to socioeconomic development.

Source: GNA









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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.
A town hall meeting between President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Ghanaian community in Washington DC, USA, has been organised to offer a first-time opportunity for a face to face interaction.



The meeting at the Ghana Embassy in the USA last Friday attracted various Ghanaian associations in and around the tri-states of Washington, Maryland and Virginia.



At the full to capacity auditorium were also the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Catherine Afeku, Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, President of the Groupe Nduom and 2016 and 2012 presidential candidate of the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP), Ghanas Ambassador to the US, Dr Baffuor Adjei-Bawuah and the Executive Secretary at the Presidency, Mr Asante Bediatuo.



The meeting which best expressed good governance at the doorstep of the people saw participants asking a broad range of questions from the economy, infrastructure development, education and health care which were all answered by the President.



Below are excerpts of the interaction in question and answer (Q&A) form that took place at the meeting at the Ghana Embassy in Washington.



Question: What are plans to improve the road system in the country and when will the Eastern corridor road be completed?



Pres. Answer: As to what we need to do to give a significant enhancement to our road infrastructure and of course the big issue about the completion of the Eastern Corridor road.



The main aim of this facility, the barter arrangement we made with the Government of China, is about the funds for developing our roads.



Virtually all the key interchanges in the country, including the Eastern Corridor road, are part and parcel of the arrangement we are making with Sino Hydro.



That arrangement essentially is that the Chinese government is going to advance us 2 billion dollars. The first tranche of 300 million dollars will be available between now and December which we are going to use to address the road infrastructure.



The arrangement is that within the first three years of the facility the barter arrangement will be suspended whilst we build the infrastructure for the development of our Bauxite resources.



Decision on Bauxite



We have taken the decision that we are not going to enter arrangements with anybody anymore which is contingent on the exploitation of our raw materials.



We are going to have our raw materials developed inside Ghana and that is the arrangement we have made with Sino Hydro and we will have the time to build the refinery, expand the smelter and be able to send to China as compensation for the facility, aluminium products so that the full value chain of our bauxite resources are going to be exploited and dealt with inside the country. That is the arrangement we have.



Question: How are you going to sustain the Free Senior High School policy?



Pres. Answer: The Free Senior High School (SHS) system so far is being financed out of government revenues.



As you can see even in the first year of our government, the size of the Ghanaian economy expanded by some almost about 20 per cent. About 160-billion-cedi economy was within a year expanded to 205-billion-cedi economy.



So that also provides the space to be able to sustain the free SHS programme.



As far as I am concerned, the best way of using the oil revenue we get in Ghana is to use the revenue to sustain the free SHS system.



It is the most equitable and most sustainable way of dealing with those revenues. We are going to make sure that those revenues do not go into my pockets or the pockets of my ministers; rather we will use it to finance the free SHS system.



Question: How is the creation and development of the new regions going to proceed?



Pres. Answer: Regarding the development of the new regions, the infrastructure that will be required to set up the new regions will be captured in this years budget. All six regions will be captured on the assumption that we are going to get a positive vote on December 27, this year.



If the budget that is going to be read in November, this year, is approved by the time the vote on the regions comes in place, the funds will be there to develop these new regions.



That is why I created the Minister Responsible for Regional Reorganisation and Development because I anticipated that once the reorganisation has taken place we will need somebody to supervise the regions into life.



Question: What are the plans to improve universal health care in the country?



Pres. Answer: One important aspect which is already taking place is with more prudent management of the National Health Insurance System (NHIS). With prudent management of the scheme we are able to pay down the debt. Once we able to pay down the debt systematically, we are freeing up the revenue stream from the NHIS to be able to keep current obligations because that is the heart of the scheme.



If the service providers are being paid on current basis, then the service will continue and will not be jeopardized.



I think more than anything else, strict financial management, finding ways to cut down corruption, digitizing the process of NHIS; these are the way forward for us to be able to have an NHIS that will enable us to reach the goal of universal health coverage in the country.



Question: What is the government doing to encourage the diaspora to invest in Ghana?



Pres. Answer: Those in the diaspora are generally our first investors. For the first time, we have established a diaspora office at the heart of the presidency which is acting as the link and fulcrum for engaging with the diaspora community and then also indicate to the diaspora community the various incentives in Ghanas investment act.



Question: What is the government doing about the port charges?



Pres. Answer: The port charges which have been a problem for some time are being looked at so that we can have a more competitive port regime.



For myself, I think that the time is long over due for that exercise of review to take place.



Question: How are Ghanaians in the diaspora going to be registered by the National Identity Authority (NIA)?



Pres. Answer: On the National Identity Card, I believe the programme that the NIA has put in place is that once they have completed the registration of those of us at home, I believe they will then systematically register all Ghanaians abroad.



It is important we keep reminding the NIA that there is the need for them to complete this exercise on time before the next election so that everybody here in the diaspora will have a Ghana card identifying them to be able to vote.



Question: When are you going to address our petition to review the conversion of all male-halls at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) into mixed ones. The Alumni and residents of the University and Unity Halls at the KNUST are still battling with the University over the conversion of the all-male halls into mixed halls, although the university has fully rolled out the conversion.



Pres. Answer: I have taken action on the Katanga petition already. Let me tell you what I have done.



I have asked the Minister of Education to take the matter back to the University Council of KNUST for the council to take a look at the matter again as soon as possible.



I am fascinated to see that women are in your midst, the President told the US Chapter of KNUST Alumni who had besieged the Town hall meeting demonstrating against the decision by the universitys management to convert the halls into mixed halls.











Source: Graphic.com.gh









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Home  Just In  Bhim Rawal: Nepali Congress consented to name Godawari as Sudurpashchim capital

Kathmandu, October 1

Ruling Nepal Communist Partys incharge for Sudurpashchim province, Bhim Rawal, says the main opposition party, Nepali Congress, has also agreed to name Godawari of Kailali district as the provincial capital.

Amidst the opposition protest, the Provincial Assembly last week had decided to name the province Sudurpashchim and Godawari as the capital. Locals of Dhangadhi had also launched a protest against the decision, and the main opposition had extended its solidarity.

But Rawal says the party protested the decision only in defence of its President Sher Bahadur Deuba.

The party tried to defend the decision of naming Dhangadhi as the provisional capital made by the Deuba government, Rawal tells Onlinekhabar after the NCPs provincial committee meeting today, Otherwise, we proposed the capital with the consent of Congress.

Rawal also claims the place proposed for the capital is not a habitat of wildlife.
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Home  Just In  From the Kathmandu Press: Monday, October 1, 2018

All major Nepali and English dailies published from Kathmandu Valley on Monday have given the top priority to the results of DNA profiling of three key suspects of rape and murder of 13-year-old Nirmala Pant in Bhimdatta Nagar of Kanchanpur district around two months ago. All of them have claimed that the murder case turned more mysterious as the DNAs of the suspects did not match with the vaginal swabs of the victim.

Meanwhile, the dispute surfaced in the ruling Nepal Communist Party continues to be the hottest topic from politics to be discussed on broadsheet cover pages. Some other issues from sociocultural and economic life have also been featured on the front pages today.

Important

Why DNA tests of Pant murder suspects were performed at police lab

Whereas other newspaper reports point out the failure of police to forward the investigation with the result of DNA tests, Naya Patrika lead story claims the tests were faulty. It claims the tests should not have been carried out at the police lab to ensure objectivity of the investigation as a key suspect was a police official and another was his son.

Meanwhile, quoting an unnamed investigator, The Himalayan Times claims that the victims vaginal swab was not properly collected and stored; hence the suspects DNAs did not match.

On the other hand, Birendra KC, a member of the panel was attacked by an unidentified group in Dhangadhi, according to Republica.

Over 16,000 porn sites blocked

Gorkhapatra and Nepal Samacharpatra have reported that the government blocked over 16,000 porn sites following a controversial decision few days ago.

In compliance with a decision of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority blocked the sites, Gorkhapatra reports quoting the NTA Chairman Digambar Jha.

He claims there are more than 100,000 porn sites in the world, and most popular among them have been blocked in Nepal.

Ignored

NCP leaders warn of launching campaign to correct leadership

The Nepal Communist Party leaders, who are against the party leadership and close to senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal, have warned of launching an awareness campaign among the party cadres if the leadership does not correct its unilateral decision making, reports Naya Patrika in a snippet.

The leaders have been claiming that the leadership of KP Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal is not giving any role and responsibility to the leaders opposing to them.

Monsoon ending this week

This years monsoon is ending after a couple of days so that members of the public can celebrate their greatest festival of Dashain without worrying about wetting their attires, Nepal Samacharpatra reports.

According to meteorologist Shanti Kandel, the monsoon ends in the far-western part first and its impact gradually expands towards the east.

House panels functionless for want of offices

Nepal Samacharpatra reports that 10 committees in the House of Representatives have turned functionless for the want of offices though they got full shape few weeks ago.

Some of these panels are doing their meetings at the canteen of Parliament Secretariat, the report says, adding, the leaders of the panel have requested Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara to provide offices at the earliest.

Interesting

Nepal Army to select peacekeepers through competition

The Nepal Army has decided to end the existing system of letting senior officials select participants of peacekeeping missions, reports Annapurna Post. New Chief of Army Staff Purna Chandra Thapa made the decision as the existing system hampered professionalism of the organisation.

Now onwards, the national military organisation will hold a free competition to select the personnel for lucrative missions.

Meanwhile, the Army also finalised new criteria for the participation in peacekeeping missions.
The FBI is now offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the individual responsible for the 1984 fatal stabbing of an off-duty Virginia state trooper.

The FBI Washington Field Office, along with the Virginia State Police, Manassas City Police Department, and the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney Prince William County, seek assistance from the public to identify an unknown individual or individuals responsible for the brutal murder of Virginia State Trooper Johnny Rush Bowman in Manassas, the FBI said in a statement.

On August 19, 1984, at approximately 0415 hours, Virginia State Trooper Johnny Bowman was brutally attacked and stabbed 45 times by an unknown assailant(s). Trooper Bowman, who was unarmed at the time, engaged in a struggle with the individual(s) that awakened his two-year-old daughter in the home. Trooper Bowman later succumbed to his injuries.

"For 34 years, Trooper Johnny Bowman's daughter, parents, brother, friends, and colleagues have had to endure his loss and not knowing who was responsible for taking his life," said Captain Greg Kincaid, Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation's Fairfax Field Office. "That's why still today, the Virginia State Police and our partnering agencies remain determined to solve this homicide and bring Johnny's killer to justice."

"No one has forgotten Trooper Bowmannot his family, his friends, and certainly not law enforcement," said Matthew J. DeSarno, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal Division. "The public is our best weapon in solving this cold case and we are hoping that with the passage of time, and through a significant reward of $50,000, someone with information no matter how small or large will come forward and help us bring closure to the family and justice to Trooper Bowman."
K-9 Fang was shot and killed when officers responded to a call of an armed carjacking taking place just before 0320 hours on Sunday. (Photo: Jacksonville SO/Twitter)

A K-9 with the Jacksonville (FL) Sheriff's Office was shot and killed Sunday morning while chasing an armed carjacking suspect, according to WJTX-TV.

K-9 Fang was shot and killed when officers responded to a call of an armed carjacking taking place just before 0320 hours on Sunday.

The sheriff's office said the suspect was apprehended by another K-9 at the scene and arrested. The suspect's name was not immediately released.

Fang was a 3-year-old German shepherd that performed both patrol and bomb-detection duties.
Officer James White and 31-year-old Corporal Zach Moak, who were killed early Saturday after responding to a call of shots fired. (Photo: Brookhaven PD)

Residents of Brookhaven, MS, held an evening candlelight vigil in the memory of two fallen officers at police headquarters Sunday.

The vigil was held for 35-year-old Officer James White and 31-year-old Corporal Zach Moak, who were killed early Saturday after responding to a call of shots fired.

Attendees at the vigil were seen leaving flowers, American flags, teddy bears. They lit candles, heard consoling messages from speakers, and sang "Amazing Grace," according to the Clarion Ledger.

Warren Strain of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety said Sunday that the shooting suspect25-year-old Marquis Flowerswas hospitalized after being wounded in the gunfight. Strain said charges are pending against Flowers and that an investigation is ongoing.
An off-duty Mississippi State Trooper was shot and killed early Sunday morning, according to WREG-TV.

Police responded at approximately 0045 hours on Sunday to reports of shots fired. Officers then discovered Trooper Kenneth Smith and Rickie Vick both suffering from gunshot wounds.

Vick was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Trooper Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.

A suspectidentified as 43-year-old Troy Anthony Eatonreportedly surrendered to law enforcement authorities at approximately 0530 hours on Sunday.
Citigraf is one of several solutions Genetec will be showing at IACP 2018. Photo: Genetec

At IACP 2018, in booth #2701, Genetec Inc., a leading technology provider of security, law enforcement, and analytics solutions, will showcase a comprehensive portfolio of products designed to enable communities and law enforcement agencies to foster greater collaboration through technology and to build-out Strategic Decision Support Centers (SDSC) designed to meet local neighborhood requirements.

"Genetec is working successfully with cities like Chicago to provide a powerful and accessible decision support system as the foundation of their SDSC strategies. Empowered by our technology it is now also for small metro areas to cost-effectively deploy an SDSC to target unique neighborhood challenges and investigations," said Giovanni Gaccione, Law Enforcement Practice Lead at Genetec. "This new approach to edge-based policing, public safety and community service has yielded excellent results. Our law enforcement customers are seeing crime statistics fall and public trust in their policing improve."

SDSC strategies are being actively rolled out by law enforcement agencies in cities around the world. The goal is to empower police leadership in both small and large metro areas to better direct resources and be more responsive to specific community needs. These localized decision support centers allow for the creation of targeted crime reduction strategies and improved investigations through data analysis, human intelligence and community input.

IACP visitors will also be able to get hands-on demos of Genetec Citigraf, a public safety decision support system, Genetec Clearance, a digital evidence management system, and find out how Genetec Community Connect is helping cities build ties between local public and private sectors.

Genetec Citigraf

Genetec will demonstrate Genetec Citigraf, a public safety decision support system that unifies operations across city departments, disseminates timely information, and provides greater situational awareness. Citigraf is the foundation technology behind the SDSC approach to policing and features a powerful correlation and analytics engine that instantly detects and displays relevant information from disparate sources for officers and responders to act on; such as CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) systems, CCTV footage, ALPR data, and RMS (Record Management Systems). It enables a fast 'on-scene' response with highly-accurate GIS location and visual information, ensuring officers and emergency responders can make safe and effective decisions for situations in progress.

Genetec Clearance

The amount of evidence available to investigators is increasing dramatically, supported by growth in surveillance systems, increased use of body-worn cameras and the omnipresence of smartphones. This helps public safety agencies solve crimes but presents new logistics and privacy challenges. To help address these challenges, Genetec has developed Genetec Clearance, a digital evidence management system that strengthens the cooperation between security departments, outside agencies, and the public. It speeds up investigations by allowing police officers, investigators and security managers to collect, manage, and share evidence from different sources.

With Clearance, agencies can reach out to the general public and private businesses and involve them in crime-solving efforts. It provides a new, simplified sharing process, which will be showcased for the first time at IACP. Investigators can now instantly create a link for the public to share relevant video and photos from their cell phones and surveillance systems with law enforcement agencies. This link and custom QR code can be shared using social media, traditional media, the web or on the news. Anyone can then easily upload videos, photos, and other evidence directly from their phones or PCs into Clearance for police officers, investigators and security managers to review and use as part of their investigation.

Community Connect

At IACP, Genetec will also highlight Community Connect, an initiative designed to build safer communities through greater cooperation between public and private organizations. Community Connect connects law enforcement to privately owned cameras, connected to Stratocast or other third-party technology, from participating businesses and organizations throughout their city. This initiative helps cities create their own public-private partnership program with business owners, and work towards lowering crime, promoting economic growth and operating more efficiently, even with constrained budgets.

Stratocast is a cloud-based video monitoring service from Genetec. Easy to deploy, it offers greater security through HD video surveillance and allows owners to keep an eye on their business from anywhere using their laptop, smartphone or tablet. As part of a city's Community Connect program, business owners can connect their cameras to the city's Genetec video surveillance network, expanding its reach and directly contributing to their neighborhood's safety.

For more information about Genetec, visit: www.genetec.com.
On a calm autumn morning as the school bell rings, around 30 students from Everest English School in Bhaktapur are outside the school premises. Leeza Shilpakar, 14, along with her classmates from the ninth grade, is cleaning an old Ganesh temple near the school.

When asked why she was doing this she says, Its our responsibility to do this. If we dont take care of our heritage, who will?

Shilpakar is part of the hundreds of students taking part in the One School, One Heritage campaign launched by the school in 2004, and adopted by the ancient city of Bhaktapur fifteen months ago.

We started this with help from WWF and Nepal Heritage Society in 2004 when we decided to do something to conserve heritage buildings in Bhaktapur city, adds Bhakta Rajbhandri, Principal of Everest English School.

Having seen children from a few schools doing it, the newly elected Bhaktapur Mayor from Nepal Workers and Peasant Party Sunil Parajapti decided it was time the municipality scaled up the work.

The One School, One Heritage campaign started when we saw the work done by schools like Everest. This gave us an idea to mobilise all 92 schools in Bhaktapur, adds Prajapati.

When we called the representatives of all 92 schools and told them about our idea, most of them decided to help us with this initiative. Our request was simple, one school had to look after one monument. They would have to do things like cleaning centuries-old stone spouts or maintain temple premises, adds the Mayor.

Upon the Mayors request, the schools started looking after one heritage each. Initially I had thought that most schools would object to the idea, but none did. Everyone was happy to commit to this cause. But we havent had all 92 schools participating because some of these schools dont have adequate resources, adds the Mayor.

One school that did answer to the Mayors call was Bageswori Secondary School. When the Mayor asked us to join this initiative we were happy to help, adds Krishna Prasad Dhancha. We have been looking after Chyamasing Pokhari, a 13th-century pond in front of our school along with another pond in the area called Kamal Binayak Pokhari.

We clean it regularly, add water when the level decreases, pluck the grasses around the pond and make sure the fishes survive in the pond, adds Dhancha who says that they are working to make this pond a living heritage.

Everyone seems to have helped to make this campaign a success as other schools have cleaned stone spouts, ponds and plucked grasses and cleaned temples.

Importance

It is safe to say that our heritage is what defines us. It tells us about who we are and how we came to be and this is something that is young kids need to learn and that was the general idea behind this initiative.

It is important to involve young children and teach them about the importance of heritage because if we dont they will never relate to them. If they understand its importance, they will definitely help us conserve it in the future, adds Rajbhandari.

Principals from both the schools think this initiative has been a boon to their students who seem to have learnt to respect and preserve our culture and heritage. It was quite common to see kids ride on statues in temples and draw on walls, but I personally feel that has stopped drastically, adds Rajbhandari.

How are kids involved?

Every fortnight the municipality team goes to clean one specific ward and that is where some schools join in. By involving kids it has helped us spread awareness about cleanliness too, adds Mayor Prajapati.

But Everest English School does not limit itself to just one heritage monument. When taking their students on an excursion, they also clean some heritage monuments around the site. They are provided with masks, and rubber gloves and other cleaning equipment.

We also clean the neighbourhood around our school, adds Rajbhandari. Every Monday we assign a class who are led by a team of scouts and teachers who clean the Ganesh temple and also neighbourhood.

Bageswori Secondary School is also actively involved in this. Cleaning is part of our extra-curricular activity. We regularly maintain this 800-year-old pond every Friday. Along with that we also clean our school premises, adds Dancha.

Chyamasing Pokhari is also used by our students for academic purpose. The pond has helped them learn about the ecosystem in the water which is quite has helped a lot of students know mot about the ecosystem in the water, adds Dancha who continues that students are aware that the pond has a lot of importance. The students are aware that the pond brings a lot of positive vibes in the place.

Taking it forward

The need to continue this campaign is important not only for the conservation of heritage but also for tourism purpose.

The heritage is our identity. We come from the city of temples where thousands of tourists come to visit every year. These tourists come here not to see the silky new houses, they come to see the work done by our ancestors, adds Rajbhandari.

We need to create awareness so that we can involve as many people as we can. Scholars need to be invited to schools and colleges come to schools and explain the importance. We need to create a love for heritage amongst the kids who will then help spread the word, he continues.

This campaign is a good start to make the kids aware of the importance of our culture and heritage. But what is happening in schools in Bhaktapur also needs to be replicated in Kathmandu and Lalitpur.
NEW DELHI, October 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

9stacks, India's fastest growing online poker platform, has raised 28 crore in a Series A Funding Round led by WaterBridge Ventures and the startup's existing pool of investors. This is the first Series A raised by any Indian online poker company.

(Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/752337/9stacks_Logo.jpg )



Started by IIT & IIM alums Sudhir Kamath, Pratik Kumar, Abhinav Nigam and Rishab Mathur in 2017, 9stacks was started with the ambition to provide an authentic, transparent and simple online poker experience, which would make poker a fun sport for everyone.

"India is at the cusp of massive online gaming adoption with an exponential increase in players and revenue expected in this sector. Real Money Gaming will have a significant wallet share of online due to ubiquitous mobile access, increasing disposable income, convenience and superior user experience. Having said that, it is an execution heavy space and we therefore chose to back a highly professional and accomplished team of founders comprising of Sudhir, Pratik, Abhinav and Rishab. We are proud to partner with this founding team with great pedigree and a proven track record," said Manish Kheterpal, Managing Partner, WaterBridge Ventures.

"With Waterbridge Ventures becoming the lead investor in our Series A fund raise, we are delighted to announce that 9stacks is India's first online poker company to reach this funding milestone. This is a great sign of confidence in the 9stacks team, the systems and processes we've put in place, in addition to the rapidly growing market itself. We will use these funds to ramp up user acquisition, data analytics, machine learning, and product & market expansion. We want 9stacks to be the preferred platform for poker in India, especially for new players, where anyone can discover, learn and play poker, any time, anywhere," said Sudhir Kamath, CEO, 9stacks.

Recently, 9stacks took 25 of its users to Las Vegas for the 2018 World Series of Poker. '9stacks Team India' came out with flying colors, with two players finishing in the top 100 of the main event; the best ever finish by any Indian.

Companies like Dream 11, Ace2Three and RummyCircle have previously raised institutional investment rounds for other segments (daily fantasy sports/online rummy) of the rapidly growing Real Money Gaming market in India. 9stacks now becomes the first Indian online poker company to raise an institutional Series A round.

About 9stacks

Launched last year, 9stacks has a user base of 1 lakh+ subscribers. More than 30 lakh hands of poker are being played every month on the platform, with monthly gross transactions exceeding INR 35 crores approximately.

As a member of the All India Gaming Federation, 9stacks has also been a strong voice advocating poker as a game of skill. On its own platform, 9stacks recently launched India's first skills dashboard where gamers can carry out in depth analyses of their own strategy, and become better players.

9stacks users can play seamlessly across all platforms including iOS, Android, Windows and Macs.

9stacks Founders:

Sudhir Kamath is an IIM-A alumnus and ex-McKinsey consultant with over 17 years of experience. Prior to 9stacks, he was CEO of Suntera Energy, a privately held oil and gas exploration company.

Pratik Kumar is an IIT KGP alumnus, with over 12 years of experience in e-commerce and online marketing. He was the CMO of Nykaa.com and founding team member of Zivame.com.

Abhinav Nigam is an IIT KGP alumnus and ex-BCG consultant, with over 12 years of experience with Accenture Strategy and the Boston Consulting Group.

Rishab Mathur is an IIT KGP alumnus with over 12 years of experience in technology. He was head of mobile technology for Nearbuy and CTO of 9monks and Blot Canvas.

Updates on 9stacks can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Blog.

Website: http://www.9stacks.com

Media Contact:

Prashaste Sinha

[email protected]

+91-9953441501

Manager-Communications, 9stacks



.

SOURCE 9stacks
BANGALORE, October 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Canadian International School observed Banned Books Week, the annual celebration of the freedom to read, from 24th to the 28th of September 2018. The event, celebrated around the world, was initiated in response to an increasing number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores, and libraries.

(Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/638328/CIS_Logo.jpg )

"This week we celebrated our freedom to read, freedom to access information, and the freedom of expression. Whether it is Galileo, Harry Potter, or Dr. Seuss, there's no place for censorship in our libraries," said Tamara Afanasyeva, Contextual Learning Program Coordinator, Canadian International School. "This year's Banned Books Week was a great success as students had numerous opportunities to showcase their displays, music and theatre performances, and also attend a movie screening," Tamara added.

There is a long list of important books that have been banned or contested in libraries and schools across the world. Some of the contested books are considered to be amongst the greatest in literature, such as The Kite Runner, To Kill a Mockingbird, and the Harry Potter books, that are deemed dangerous in communities across the world.

Canadian International School, one of the top schools in Bangalore, wholly supports the freedom of expression and in making diverse ideas, opinions, and perspectives readily available to students and community members.

About Canadian International School

Canadian International School is a culturally-rich mosaic serving each student by providing a world-class international education, nurturing potential, developing life-long skills, and preparing students for an ever-changing global community. As India's 1st Apple Distinguished School, Canadian International School has continued to deliver a very high standard of education with an array of subject choices and activities tailored to students' interests, aligned with a very high level of care in a warm, friendly and non-threatening environment. It follows internationally recognized curricula - IB (Grades 11 & 12), IGCSE (Grades 9 -10), Cambridge Secondary 1 (Grades 6 - 8) Cambridge Primary, and Montessori (Pre K to Grade 5), and employs a majority of foreign-trained, experienced teachers.

Media Contact:

Amala Warrick

[email protected]

+91-9902929403

Canadian International School

SOURCE Canadian International School (CIS)
Clean Beauty Collective's unique selling proposition is that its products are simple, trusted, conscious. The products are simple by offering only the essentials and nothing more. They provide peace-of-mind with packaging and formulas that are trusted to be non-toxic and free of unwanted chemicals. The Company is conscious of the planet and the global community. It looks to partner with companies that use green manufacturing practices, supply eco-conscious packaging, and use responsibly sourced ingredients that give back to local farmers around the world.

The Collective

The Collective is a team of industry professionals dedicated to bringing to life the new Company mission and values. They are united in their goal to deliver prestige beauty products with the Collective's core values of teamwork, passion, trust, transparency and responsibility. In addition to changing its name, the organization has an entirely new look and feel, and recently moved its New York headquarters to a more eco-conscious working environment.

The Product Portfolio

CLEAN CLASSIC Collection: In 2003, CLEAN Original launched introducing an iconic fresh scent with a simple, linear fragrance structure and eco-conscious packaging.

CLEAN RESERVE Collection: This bespoke "farm to fragrance" collection offers peace-of-mind with ingredients and formulas that put safety first, uses eco-conscious packaging and sustainable ingredients to keep the planet healthy and happy and gives back to the farmers and their communities who help make this fragrance collection possible. Styrax, a sustainable ingredient used in CLEAN RESERVE Sel Santal is harvested by the Pech tribe in Honduras, which helps protect their agricultural land and ensures fair wages.

The Future

Clean Beauty Collective's current product offering includes the prestige fragrance pillarsCLEAN CLASSIC and CLEAN RESERVE with multiple collections under each pillar. Luxurious home products are being planned with an estimated roll out in 2019 and the Company is working on expanding into other beauty categories with products that are also simple, trusted and conscious, embracing the values of its namesake.

Company-owner, recognized Canadian entrepreneur, businessman and philanthropist, Eugene Melnyk stated, "Clean living and wellness has always been a passion of mine and after seeing these trends emerge in beauty and personal care I challenged Greg and the team to reimagine the Company and develop a new platform for our CLEAN brand."

"It has been very rewarding working towards the launch of Clean Beauty Collective. With a more focused mission and vision that embodies our CLEAN brand's values for the past 15 years, we are excited to deliver high-quality products that are simple, worry-free and both sustainably and ethically sourced," says Greg Black, President.

About Clean Beauty Collective Inc.

Clean Beauty Collective Inc., is a boutique beauty company with an iconic portfolio of brands, including the CLEAN CLASSIC and CLEAN RESERVE pillars, each with multiple collections. Established in Ottawa, Canada in 2003 and in NYC since 2009, Clean Beauty Collective Inc.'s mission is to create and manufacture products for mindful consumers seeking not only quality in their beauty products, but also peace-of-mind that their products are simple, trusted and conscious. The existing collections fully embody the company's core values as they are produced with partners that use green manufacturing practices, supply eco-conscious packaging, and use responsibly-sourced ingredients that give back to farmers and their communities. Clean Beauty Collective Inc.'s products are sold in over 30 countries world-wide.

For more information about Clean Beauty Collective Inc., please visit CleanBeauty.com.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/751852/Clean_Beauty_Collective.jpg

Related Links

http://CleanBeauty.com



SOURCE Clean Beauty Collective Inc.
Kathmandu, October 1

Nepal Communist Party Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has assued senior leader Madhav Nepal, who recently launched a scathing attack against his own party in Parliament, that his greivances will be addressed soon.

Dahal, who is in Singapore, is learnt to have called Nepal to tell him that this grievances will be addressed during the upcoming Standing Committee meeting. The conversation came a few hours before Nepal is scheduled to head for China.

Madhav Nepal has been accuing chairmen Oli and Prachanda of running the party based on their whims and making key appointments to provincial party bodies in his absence. Prachanda is learnt to have told Nepal that he did not expect the appointments to spark controversy. He told the former Prime Minister that the leaders Jhalanath Khanal and Iswor Pokhrel were adamant that the appointments be made.

Madhav Nepal and Prime Minister Oli are scheduled to return home on the same day.
MUMBAI, October 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Jindal Global Business School (JGBS) of O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) and University of New South Wales (UNSW) Business School, Australia, launched a strategic partnership through which JGBS students may apply to enter UNSW's Master of Commerce programme. The objective behind the initiative was not only to strengthen the on-going partnership between JGU and UNSW but also to provide a strong collaboration platform between the two business schools that would qualitatively impact the learning experience of students.

Welcoming the delegation Dr. Rajesh Chakrabarti, Acting Dean, JGBS, said, "The UNSW connection provides JGBS students a unique opportunity to study at one of the world's leading Business Schools in the scenic, vibrant and most liveable city of Sydney. The JGU-UNSW connection is an extremely important partnership for JGBS, and business and economic ties lay at the core of the relationship between the two universities as well as the two countries. We at JGBS are confident that this partnership will only grow with time and add value to both partners."

This partnership allows JGBS graduates to complete their Master of Commerce at UNSW and specialize in relevant and leading-edge disciplines, including Business Analytics, Marketing Analytics, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Global Sustainability and Social Impact.

Professor Laknath Jayasinghe, Vice Dean, JGBS, said, "The occasion reflects JGU's continued commitment to fostering partnerships with leading global universities. I am particularly pleased that JGBS students will have the unique opportunity to learn and live in Sydney, one of the world's leading commercial, creative, and multicultural cities."

Speaking on the occasion, Professor Tracy Wilcox, Programme Director, Master of Commerce of the UNSW Business School, said, "UNSW is delighted with the partnership and we look forward to it as a step toward strengthening collaboration with JGBS."

Prof Wilcox also delivered a lecture on 'Business and Ethics' where she stressed on the need for B-Schools imparting skills to students that could dramatically transform the work space and contribute towards just societies.

She remarked, "Management education needs to inculcate values and respect for the external environment. My continued interaction with Indian students has been particularly memorable because I have found Indian students to be bright, articulate, enterprising and curious. These are the students who would not only be able to anticipate the future but contribute towards creating it."

UNSW India country director Mr. Amit Dasgupta said the partnership reflects the vision of the Vice Chancellors of JGU and UNSW that collaboration in higher education can bring about transformational change. 'The future' he said, 'is not there, it is for us to shape.'

About UNSW, Sydney:

Located in Sydney, a safe and student friendly city, UNSW is home to more than 52,000 students from nearly 130 countries. UNSW has been attracting a growing number of bright Indian students for Undergraduate and Post Graduate studies in Business, Commerce, IT, Engineering, Design & Architecture.

As one of the world's leading research and teaching universities, UNSW's cutting edge research and innovation - facilitated by 3,000 faculty - is known for acceptance and successful commercialization.

The 2019 edition of the QS World University Rankings: Graduate Employability, that reviewed 500 universities, has placed UNSW 28th in the world for graduate employability.

For more details, please visit: http://www.UNSW.edu.au

SOURCE University of New South Wales
LUXEMBOURG, October 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

IFG Metals & Mining, a division of IFG Capital Partners SA ("IFG"), the Central Asian focused advisory and investment company, has signed an agreement with the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Geology and Mineral Resources ("GOSCOMGEOLOGY") giving it exclusive rights to carry out feasibility studies and if these are successful to exploit seven tungsten deposits in Uzbekistan with the aim of creating a cluster for tungsten production and processing. This is the largest such foreign investment in Uzbekistan's mining industry since the end of the Soviet Union, with investments totalling $300 million over the 25-30 year working life of the cluster, which is expected to directly create 1,500 jobs.

IFG has developed the tungsten cluster and is the leading principal investor in the project. SUN Group, which is active in India, Russia, West Africa and other emerging markets, has agreed to co-invest with IFG in the exploration and development of the tungsten cluster, subject to further due diligence. As a result, IFG, GOSCOMGEOLOGY and SUN Group on 28 September signed an agreement on joint development of seven tungsten deposits in Uzbekistan during the Indian-Uzbek Business Forum held as part of the official visit of Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to India.

IFG intends to conduct a feasibility analysis into the exploration and development of the Ingichke, Gussay, Sarykul, Kara-Tyube, Lyangar and Koytash tungsten deposits, with the purpose of processing ore into concentrate. Should the studies produce positive results, IFG has the exclusive rights to manage the industrial development of the deposits. The agreement follows the announcement in July that IFG will conduct a feasibility study on the development of the Yakhton tungsten deposit in the Samarkand region of Uzbekistan. This deposit will become part of the cluster.

Olga Ponkratova, Managing Partner of IFG and head of IFG Metals and Mining, said: "Growing shortfalls between global supply and demand have recently driven the tungsten price to its highest levels since September 2014, and there is a growing expectation that these stronger pricing levels for tungsten will continue for some time. This favorable market environment, coupled by the strong support that we have received from the government, makes this project possible."

Shiv Khemka, Vice Chairman of SUN Group, said: "SUN Group has long ties with the former Soviet Union spanning over 60 years. SUN, along with our partners, is delighted to be working with IFG Capital on developing this significant tungsten cluster. We hope this collaboration will help strengthen the India-Uzbekistan relationship."

Preliminary geological research indicates around 130 thousand tons of WO3 (tungsten oxide) in the seven deposits with the average grade higher than in comparable projects as well as lower processing costs due to favourable business conditions in Uzbekistan. IFG plans to build two mobile processing factories that will serve the deposits, and to export 100% of produced tungsten to North America and the EU.

IFG is drilling verification bores at each deposit to verify existing reserves and confirm historical exploration data in accordance with international JORC standards. The first samples from the Yakhton deposit have already been sent abroad for metallurgical testing according to best international practice. The first results are expected in Q4 2018.

About IFG Capital SA

IFG Capital is an independent investment firm focusing on Uzbekistan and wider Central Asia. It offers a full range of business and financial advisory services as well as extensive metals & mining expertise through its subsidiary IFG Metals & Mining. It is led by a team of professionals who combine best western practice with intimate local knowledge, operating from its head office in Luxembourg with a Central Asian regional office in Tashkent. More information can be found at http://www.ifg-capital.com

About SUN Group

SUN Group is a leading principal investor and private equity fund manager in India, Russia, West Africa and other emerging and transforming markets. SUN Group, promoted by the Khemka family, is a private group that has been active in India for more than 116 years and first started working with the Former Soviet Union in 1958. The group has been active in various sectors including; Oil & Gas, Mining, Real Estate, Infrastructure, Food & Beverages, High Technology, Renewable Energy and Electric Mobility. http://www.sungroup-global.com/english/overview/at-a-glance.asp

About tungsten

Tungsten is a rare metal, unique in its robustness and with the highest melting point of all known elements. Tungsten has numerous applications, and analysts expect demand to grow at around 4% CAGR for the foreseeable future, driven by demand from the defence, industrial, oil and gas and aircraft sectors, as well as by increasing demand from emerging markets, given the extensive use of tungsten in automobile manufacturing (25% of total consumption).

Supply constraints have been another major driver for favourable tungsten market conditions. China accounts for 80% of global production, but despite being the world's biggest producer of tungsten remains a net importer of the metal, and has in recent years banned exports of tungsten concentrate. Outside of China, Russian production is decreasing with very limited mine life remaining for some projects, and the majority of new projects globally are likely to simply replace existing projects with a few years of mine life remaining.

SOURCE IFG Capital SA
REYKJAVIK, Iceland, October 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

The Physicians' Alliance against Euthanasia, representing more than 1100 Canadian doctors, is holding a press conference to present its position and answer questions:

Tuesday October 2, 2018, 10:30 A.M.

HEKLA Meeting Room

CenterHotel Plaza

Aalstrti 4 - 101 Reykjavik

As World Medical Association (WMA) delegates gather in Reykjavik, Iceland, for its Medical Ethics Conference and Annual General Assembly, Canadian doctors are speaking out against a so-called neutral ethical stance on euthanasia. Canadian physicians say neutrality on euthanasia is a license to kill.

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and the Royal Dutch Medical Association (RDMA) are presenting a motion asking the WMA to take a neutral stance on the ethics of euthanasia and assisted suicide. The WMA has long rejected these acts as unethical. Only 6 of 200 countries (3%) worldwide permit doctors to intentionally cause death, and the vast majority of national medical associations oppose it.

As Canadian physicians, we affirm that the CMA position does not reflect our views and experience, and that a neutral stance is illogical and untenable.

The CMA abandonment of its long-standing policy against euthanasia and assisted suicide, and adoption of a neutral position, influenced Canada's 2015 Supreme Court ruling leading to 2016 legislation permitting euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Since then, there is constant pressure to normalize and expand these practices and to abandon the safeguards instituted to protect vulnerable people. The government is looking into expanding euthanasia and assisted suicide to children and to people with mental illness and cognitive disorders. Doctors and hospitals are under pressure to provide euthanasia or to refer for it, even when it violates their fundamental principles.

Dr. Paul Saba, a Montreal family physician states "People need assistance in living and not for suicide."

Dr. Catherine Ferrier, President of the Physicians' Alliance against Euthanasia, warns the WMA against a neutral stance on euthanasia and assisted suicide noting that "neutrality" at the CMA led immediately to the promotion of euthanasia and assisted suicide in national and international forums.

The Physicians' Alliance against Euthanasia seeks to ensure quality medical care and respectful decision-making for vulnerable patients, especially those at risk of pressure to end their lives prematurely through euthanasia or assisted suicide, and to protect the professional integrity of all health care workers.

http://www.collectifmedecins.org/en

For further information in Canada:

438-938-9410

info@collectifmedecins.org

In Iceland: Dr. Sheila Harding +1-(306)-229-5379; Dr. Paul Saba +1-(514)-886-3447.

SOURCE Physicians' Alliance against Euthanasia
#KCTU Umbrella union holds rally of 20,000 people near Dongdaemun market The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), a major umbrella labor group, on Saturday pushed ahead with a rally of 20,000 members from across the country in Seoul despite the ...

#stocks KOSPI may face selling pressure next week on inflation risk South Korea's benchmark stock index is likely to come under selling pressure next week as uncertainties from the fast-growing inflation continue to fan expectations of a quick rate...
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Former chairman of Ergobank sentenced to 8 years in prison

 RIA Novosti, Sergey Pyatakov

13:59 01/10/2018

MOSCOW, October 1 (RAPSI)  The Tverskoy District Court of Moscow has sentenced ex-board chairman of Ergobank Vyacheslav Barmin to 8 years in a penal colony for embezzlement of 750 million rubles ($11.4 million), RAPSI correspondent reports from the courtroom.

The court found that on December 31, 2015, Barmin, acting as the chairman of Ergobank board, embezzled 750 million rubles located in the financial organizations repository. Later, he used money for his own purposes.

The defendant denied wrongdoing and said that he took money to buy real estate for Ergobank. The court, however, found that there were no documents proving his version of events. Barmin later claimed that there was no money in repository anyway while his lawyer noted that some of the evidence against him was forged and some testimonies by witnesses were also false.

In January 2016, the Central Bank of Russia revoked the license of Ergobank.
Defendants in St. Petersburg metro terror attack case to stay jailed until 2019

 RIA Novosti, Vladimir Fedorenko

17:43 01/10/2018

MOSCOW, October 1 (RAPSI)  The Moscow City Court on Monday extended detention of 11 defendants in the in St. Petersburg metro terror attack case until January 3, 2019, RAPSI reported from the courtroom.

According to Olga Dinze, the lawyer of one of the defendants, defense hopes that the case will be transferred to court for hearing before the end of the year.

Currently, defense attorneys are reading case papers, Dinze told RAPSI.

On April 3, 2017, an unknown device exploded in a train between St. Petersburg metro stations Technological Institute and Sennaya Ploshchad. According to law enforcement authorities, 16 people died in the blast including a suicide bomber, over 50 were wounded; 112 persons were acknowledged as victims in the case.

Eleven people were arrested and detained in the case. They were charged with terrorism and illegal acquisition, sale, keeping, transportation or bearing of explosives.

The defendants have pleaded not guilty.

Investigators believe that a group with a goal of spreading terrorist activity, including attacks on Russia and its citizens, was founded in Syria. According to investigation, suicide bomber Akbarzhon Dzhalilov manufactured two explosives and brought them to the St. Petersburg metro.

One of the bombs that Dzhalilov kept to himself exploded around 2:40 PM Moscow time between St. Petersburg metro stations Technological Institute and Sennaya Ploshchad. The second bomb located at Ploshchad Vosstaniya station failed to detonate because of its malfunction and was subsequently found and disarmed.
No like cases opened in Russia - Prosecutor Generals Office

 RIA Novosti, Ruslan Krivobok

18:30 01/10/2018

MOSCOW, October 1 (RAPSI)  No extremism cases have been opened in Russia for likes on social media, according the spokesperson of the Prosecutor Generals Office Alexander Kurennoy.

However, there were criminal cases launched over reposts as it is distribution of information, he told journalists on Monday.

According to the official, most of cases on extremism and incitement of hatred and enmity are connected with publications on the Internet. Thus, in 2017 and the first half of 2018, about 75% of all cases of this category were opened following online posting.

In September, the Supreme Court of Russia in its Plenum resolution explained that courts considering extremism cases should proceed from a level of public danger and hazard mode.

The Criminal Code of Russia attracts a criminal sentence for incitement of enmity but not for reposts on social networks. If a publication is extremist, malice of the repost must be proven, the Supreme Courts Judge Vladimir Davydov said during the Plenums session.

Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatiana Moskalkova in turn stated that criminal sentence including imprisonment is disproportionately tough punishment for unintentional likes and reposts.
'So far there is no clear money trail nor an indisputable smoking gun.'

'But that doesn't mean there aren't disturbing questions and a strange resistance by the government to reveal the price, which only adds suspicion to concern,' observes Karan Thapar.

Photograph: Regis Duvignau/Reuters

Depending on who you talk to, the Rafale deal is either mired in scandal and controversy or it is the very epitome of squeaky-clean transparency.

It is hard to imagine two positions further apart. Which is why it may be a good idea to sit back and take a careful look at all that we have been told and then ask what it adds up to.

Let me focus on three concerns.

First, the decision to reduce the number of planes from 126 to 36.

Did this happen in disregard of the air force's requirements? If the government has now issued another tender for over 100 planes how is the reduction justified?

On September 1, Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy (retd), a former air force chief, wrote that in 2014, the air force made a request for an urgent purchase of two squadrons, that is, 36.

Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, the present air force chief, has defended this 'emergency procurement', claiming there have been several instances of similar procurements in the past.

In such circumstances, ACM Dhanoa adds, two squadrons is the ideal quantity. But the rest of the air force's requirement is still uncatered for and who knows how long that will continue.

The second issue is the price.

In November 2016, the government told Parliament that each Rafale would cost Rs 6.7 billion.

A year later both Dassault and Reliance Defence claimed the price would be Rs 16 billion.

The latter figure has led many to claim the planes are considerably more expensive than the ones the Manmohan Singh government was negotiating.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, however, insists the cost negotiated by the United Progressive Alliance included room for price escalation and currency fluctuation and, therefore, today the cost per plane would be 9 per cent higher than what the National Democratic Alliance has negotiated in terms of the simple plane and 20 per cent higher in terms of the weaponised plane.

Air Vice Marshal Raghunath Nambiar, the air force's deputy chief, has gone a step further. He says the present Rafale deal is 40 per cent cheaper than the earlier one.

In this connection, it is interesting to note a change in the present government's position. Initially, it claimed the higher price per plane was because of India-specific add-ons.

When Arun Shourie and Yashwant Sinha revealed the 2015 agreement specified the NDA was buying planes with the same configuration as the UPA's, the government became silent on this subject.

The third issue is the decision to award the Rs 300 billion offsets to Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence.

Critics point out that this company has no experience of manufacturing aircraft whilst it carries a heavy debt burden.

And now Francois Hollande, the then French president, has claimed Reliance was forced on the French by the Indian government.

In his defence, the chief executive officer of Reliance insists Dassault has a right to give the offsets to any Indian partner it chooses, a point corroborated by the defence minister in recent interviews.

Second, no component of the 36 planes will be made in India.

Third, it is no secret Dassault and HAL could not reach an agreement over the 126 aircraft deal. So it is not surprising the former would choose a different partner this time round.

These explanations are not only undermined by Monsieur Hollande but also by the fact the CEO of Dassault, Eric Trappier, has said the joint venture with Reliance will manufacture parts for his Rafale plane.

But will they be for the planes bought by India or manufactured for other countries?

So, now, what does all of this add up to?

To my mind, the outcome is not just uncertainty, but confusion. There is no doubt serious questions have been raised, but, equally, we don't have clear answers. Unless you take sides, you probably don't know what to think.

Finally, when Shourie and Sinha call the NDA's Rafale deal 'a major scandal... by far larger than the ones that the country has had to contend with in the past', it is worth bearing in mind that so far there is no clear money trail nor an indisputable smoking gun.

But that doesn't mean there aren't disturbing questions and a strange resistance by the government to reveal the price, which only adds suspicion to concern.

And, now, the Hollande claim that Reliance was imposed on the French could amount to the Bharatiya Janata Party's Bofors moment.

It is a damning revelation and the government will find it difficult to counter.
'The problem of a Hindu rashtra is that it has no text which can be adapted to the modern world.'

'The most prominent element of the Hindu way of organising society and the State is through caste.'

'This is not acceptable to most Hindus.'

'Because a Hindu rashtra also erodes the power and the rights of the majority of Hindus, we can be assured that this is not something that the BJP, or any other force can do,' argues Aakar Patel.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi at the Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand. Photograph: Press Information Bureau

One of the concerns of people who are looking ahead to the 2019 election is the fear of a 'Hindu rashtra'. This is a concept that will pull India away from our current Constitution that is not religious, towards one that is.

It will make India a more Hindu or fully Hindu State. The theory is that a second consecutive, and possibly sweeping, victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party will embolden it to add to the Constitution certain elements that will make it a Hindu rashtra.

I do not think that it is possible to have such a thing and I will explain why in a moment.

I should start of by saying that from the point of view of individual rights, it does not make much difference which party governs India.

The organisation I am a part of has worked on Jammu and Kashmir for decades and the issues there in terms of excessive use of force and impunity of the armed forces is not recent and not a product of this government.

Similarly AFSPA, the law which protects the army from prosecution in our courts, is not the creation of the current BJP government.

Any major problem that comes up when we think of individual rights of Indians and the suppression by the State is an old one.

Any issue which relates to the rights of the weak in India, from Dalits to Adivasis to Muslims and other religious minorities, is not recent.

The only new thing that the policies and rhetoric of this government has introduced is the meat-based lynching epidemic. But other than that, one could argue, things are not that different.

Secondly, as someone who has often been to Pakistan and has studied it for many years, I can report that life is not very different for the individual in a 'religious' State over an individual in a 'secular' State on the Subcontinent.

It is true that some of the laws in Pakistan are deliberately discriminatory against minorities. For example the Pakistan constitution forbids non-Muslims from holding the office of president and prime minister.

Also there is a Muslim community, the Ahmediyyas, who cannot freely practice their religion. But everything else is more or less the same as in India.

Minorities are fewer in Pakistan, but they have the same sense of insecurity and marginalisation that minorities in India do.

Let us now turn to what a Hindu rashtra can be. There are two elements here, just as there are in any religious or theocratic State. One is that aspects of the religion's values and its culture are introduced into the law.

In some Muslim States, for example, there is a prohibition on alcohol and people are forced to shut their restaurants during the day in the month of Ramzan.

Some of these things we already have in India. Prohibition of alcohol and cow slaughter already exist in our laws in some form and in many states.

The second is the dividing of people by religion or gender and telling them what they can and cannot do.

This is the deeper aspect of a theocratic State, and this is the one that people fear.

The problem of a Hindu rashtra is that it has no text which can be adapted to the modern world. The most prominent element of the Hindu way of organising society and the State is through caste. This is not acceptable to most Hindus.

The dominant political communities across the country from north to south is the Shudra peasantry comprising castes like Patidars, Vokkaliga, Jats, Yadavs, Reddys and so on.

Most chief ministers and ministers come from these castes. These communities are not going to give up their power to Brahmins voluntarily because of some change in law.

Hindu rashtra does not offer them anything they do not already have.

Similarly, Dalits and Adivasis, who are a quarter of our population, do not get anything under a Hindu rashtra and there is no reason for them to want it.

A system that privileges the Hindu religion and its adherents must necessarily look to caste, and that is a non-starter.

Till 2008, Nepal was the only Hindu state on earth. The Chhetri (Kshatriya) dynasty ended with the republic of 2008. Why was Nepal a Hindu State? Because executive power flowed from a warrior king, as prescribed in the Hindu code, Manusmriti. But Nepal was a 'Hindu State' only to that extent.

Nothing else from Hindu texts could be applied because much of it is against the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

So what changes can be introduced to the Constitution to bring about a Hindu rashtra?

We can discriminate against non-Hindus and deny them their rights. Some of this we have already done.

In Gujarat and Bihar, Christians cannot drink their sacramental wine and in most parts of India, Muslims cannot sacrifice a cow. Other rights we have not taken away officially, but they are non-existent for all practical purposes.

Muslims are not banned from becoming prime minister, but it is unimaginable in this time to see that happening anytime soon. Indeed, Muslim representation in politics is at its lowest since 1947 and it is not even an issue in India.

We could go ahead and officially deny Christians and Muslims some political rights under Hindu rashtra.

However, because a Hindu rashtra also erodes the power and the rights of the majority of Hindus, we can be assured that this is not something that the BJP, or any other force can do.

That is why the idea of a Hindu rashtra and what it actually is remains vague and will always be so.

Aakar Patel -- winner of the 2018 Prem Bhatia Award for Political Reporting -- is Executive Director, Amnesty International India. The views expressed here are his own.
Under flak for allegedly "defending" Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Rafale deal, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar on Monday said that he would "never" do that and claimed the country was "looted" in the multi-billion dollar fighter jet purchase from France.

Pawar's comment comes days after his earlier statement that people had no doubt about Modi's intentions in the purchase of the fighter jets, was inferred as defence of the prime minister.

He demanded that the government explain to Parliament the escalation in price of Rafale jets from Rs 650 crore during the UPA rule to Rs 1,600 crore under Modi.

The NCP leader, who is being seen as a key figure in galvanising opposition parties as a common force against the ruling BJP, rejected the reports that he had ever supported the escalation of the price of the fighter jets.

"The decision to purchase the jets was taken when the Congress-led UPA was in power. The price of jets was decided at Rs 650 crore under (then prime minister) Manmohan Singh. These jets were purchased at Rs 1,600 crore by Modi. I never supported this and would never do," he said.

Addressing a party meeting in Beed in the Marathwada region earlier in the day, Pawar said, "Some people have criticised me saying I supported him (Modi). I have not supported him. I did not (support Modi) and will never (do that)".

He said, "They (the government) bought the aircraft. I am saying this clearly that the government should explain to Parliament why the cost of the aircraft rose from Rs 650 crore (per plane) to Rs 1,600 crore".

In a tweet in Marathi, Pawar said, "(Former Prime Minister) Rajiv Gandhi had faced an enquiry when allegations were raised in the Bofors matter (in the 80s), but nothing came out of that probe. Those who had demanded a probe at that time are now in power, but they are keeping mum on Rafale deal. The country is looted in this deal."

"The Centre should explain to Parliament the escalation of the price of Rafale aircraft from Rs 650 crore to Rs 1,600 crore. This episode need to be probed and the documents of the deal should be placed before all parties," he said in another tweet.

Pawar's previous statement that people had no doubt about Modi's intentions in the Rafale deal had came at a time the Congress has launched a pointed attack on the prime minister over the issue, and is trying to forge an alliance with the NCP for future polls.

Objecting to Pawar's remark, NCP founder member Tariq Anwar and general secretary Munaf Hakim had quit the party last week.

Pawar's recent comment which was inferred as defence of Modi was welcomed by the BJP and party president Amit Shah had thanked Pawar for the same.

However, the NCP had claimed that Pawar was quoted out of context by the media.

The NCP chief on Monday reiterated the demand for a probe by a Joint Parliamentary Committee into the Rafale deal and demanded the government share details of the prices of the 36 fighter jets. The former defence minister also said there was no need to make public the technical details relating to the aircraft.

Pawar, who served as agriculture minister under the erstwhile Manmohan Singh government, also hit out at the Central and Maharashtra governments over agrarian issues.

Hailing the previous UPA government's decision to write off farm loans worth Rs 71,000 crore, he alleged that the Maharashtra government is insensitive to the plight of farmers.

"Thousands of farmers are committing suicide in Maharashtra including in Beed district. Indebtedness is one of the reasons behind the farmers taking the extreme step," Pawar said, adding crops are dying due to lack of rains.

Addressing the rally, he questioned the government over the quota demands being raised by various communities like Dhangar, Muslims and Maratha.

Pawar alleged that the government was misusing its power to harass workers and leaders of other parties.

"The prime minister speaks his 'Mann ki Baat' but not 'Jan ki Baat'. He never listens to the grievances of farmers, minorities and youths," the NCP chief said.
Photograph: M I Khan/ Rediff.com IMAGE: People throng to Bodh Gaya during the Kalachakra Puja.

Two persons arrested near Bengaluru in connection with the bomb blast in Bodh Gaya in January last had allegedly planned to set off the explosives to express solidarity with Rohingya fighting the Myanmar government and wage war against the government of India, the National Investigation Agency said.

A low-intensity blast was reported at a kitchen set up at a ground in the temple town of Bodh Gaya on January 19, causing panic among devotees gathered to hear Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama's discourse.

The explosion was supposed to be carried out when the Dalai Lama and the governor of Bihar were at the Bodh Gaya Buddhist temple premises, NIA said in a release.

Their objective was to "carry out explosions at the symbols of Buddhist faith in order to show solidarity with the Rohingya Muslims fighting with Myanmar government and cause loss to public life and property, to wage war against Government of India," according to the NIA.

The NIA has so far arrested seven people including Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen's top leader Mohammed Jahidul Islam and Sheikh while Arif Hussain alias Anas of Assam is still absconding.

The NIA had arrested Jahidul Islam, resident of Jamalpur in Bangladesh, and Adil Sheikh alias Asadullah, resident of Murshidabad in West Bengal, on August 6 and August 7 this year respectively, from Ramanagar near Bengaluru.

Islam with the help of other co-accused allegedly made three Improvised Explosive devices and two hand grenades while Adil Sheikh, Dilwar Hossain and Arif Hussain allegedly planted the bombs on the premises of the temple on January 19, the release said.

The agency had filed a chargesheet in the case in the special NIA court in Bodh Gaya, it added.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said the state governments have been asked to identify Rohingya refugees in their regions and collect their biometric details.

The Centre will send the biometric reports collected by states to the Myanmar government through diplomatic channel for the resolution of the issue, he said.

"We have already issued a concerned advisory on this issue. The states have been asked to identify them and collect their biometrics," Singh told reporters in Kolkata after the meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council.

The Union home minister chaired the 23rd meeting of the Council to discuss issues related to inter-state relations and security matters, including the Maoist menace.

The meeting was attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his Odisha counterpart Naveen Patnaik sent their representatives to the meeting.

While Bihar was represented by deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi the Odisha finance minister Shashi Bhusan Behera participated from his state.

Senior officials of the respective states and the Union home ministry were also present at the meeting.

Acknowledging the states' need of central forces, Singh said the Centre would provide central forces to the states as per their requirement.

"I admit that states need central forces. But the Centre has some compulsions. When states start having elections we have to provide central forces to the maximum number pertaining to the demand of election commission by withdrawing them from somewhere," the Union home minister said.

On whether the central government would review its decision to withdraw some CRPF companies from the naxal-affected districts of West Bengal and re-deploy them to Left-wing extremist affected area of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand besides the insurgency-hit Jammu and Kashmir, Singh said the Centre was taking appropriate measures to counter Maoism as well as terrorism.

"The government is taking appropriate measures to address security threats like Maoism, extremism and terrorism. We are also working out and will continue taking such measures to plough out other challenges," he said.
While historian Ramachandra Guha and Iranian-Canadian philosopher Ramin Jahanbegloo believe Gandhi was less than the perfect father, author Sandhya Mehta treads a more middle path.

The father of the Indian nation was less than an ideal parent to his sons, much like global leaders such as Leo Tolstoy and Martin Luther King Jr who sacrificed their family lives for a greater cause, say scholars on Mahatma Gandhi.

As the nation celebrates Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary on Tuesday, the debate around India's most influential leader whose writings, views and statements spawned a philosophy of their own rages on.

While historian Ramachandra Guha and Iranian-Canadian philosopher Ramin Jahanbegloo believe Gandhi was less than the perfect father, author Sandhya Mehta treads a more middle path.

All three have recently come out with books on Gandhi -- Guha and Jahanbegloo earlier this year and Mehta last year.

Every aspect of Gandhi's life has been under the scanner -- from his views on non-violence that laid the foundation for India's independence to his family and married life.

Gandhi was pretty much a typically overbearing Hindu patriarch. For all his empathy and concern for those outside his family, he was curiously blind to the pains of his own sons, historian and author Ramachandra Guha said.

Guha recently launched Gandhi: The Years That Changed The World, 1914-1948, his latest book on Gandhi after Gandhi Before India.

Gandhi, who married Kasturba at the age of 13, had four sons Harilal, Manilal, Ramdas and Devdas.

According to Guha, Gandhi had a troubled relationship with his two independent and strong willed eldest sons, especially Harilal.

Harilal was first dismayed by his father when he firmly opposed his plans to go to England for higher studies and become a barrister like him.

Later, the relationship became worse as Gandhi disapproved of Harilal's marriage since he fell in love and chose his wife, rather than, as a custom, have his parents choose a wife for him, Guha writes in the book.

Embittered, Harilal began drinking and started trading in foreign clothes for profit, the very thing his father was protesting against.

Harilal suffered a great deal because of his father's public obsessions. Gandhi was unfair in asking his children to so devotedly follow him. Children must have their own individuality, their own development so Gandhi certainly put unfair burdens on Harilal, and probably Manilal as well.

In many respects, Gandhi was departing from traditions he was a revolutionary, a radical, with original ideas, but in this respect he was imprisoned with the Hindu idea of patriarchy, he added.

In his latest book, Guha quotes a letter from Harilal to Gandhi where he says, "My entire letter stresses one point, you have never considered our rights and capabilities, you have never seen the person in us.

Harilal, in the letter, claimed he spoke on behalf of his younger brothers also.

Jahanbegloo, who is soon coming out with a new book The Global Gandhi Essays in Comparative Political Philosophy, described Gandhi as a stubborn man who was a great political leader but not necessarily a good father.

His earlier book was titled The Disobedient Indian: Towards a Gandhian Philosophy of Dissent.

Gandhi was not an easy person to live with. He never looked at himself as somebody who should be only a father or a husband he always had this bigger goal in his life.

That's why his autobiography is called My Experiments with Truth, and not my experiments with my wife or my children. For him, truth was more important, the independence of India was more important than anything else, he said.

He argued that it would be wrong to see Gandhi as an isolated figure in this aspect. Many great leaders, artists, politicians -- such as Van Gogh, Leo Tolstoy or Martin Luther King Jr -- have similarly sacrificed themselves for their nation or their work at the expense of their children, their wives, he said.

This thing with Gandhi was also true for Leo Tolstoy, who influenced Gandhi throughout his life. Like Gandhi he was also a great moral leader, but not necessarily a father who could spend much of his time with his children, said Jahanbegloo.

Mehta, who has authored Gandhi in Bombay: Towards Swaraj, treads a different path and throws light on Gandhi as the loving father.

She said the relationship between Gandhi and Harilal was complex with the son choosing to walk an independent path from his father. But the love between father-son remained till the very last.

Harilal was a sensitive and affectionate man. He loved his mother and younger siblings. Gandhi, too, doted on Harilal's children. When Harilal's wife Gulab ben died, Gandhiji and Kasturba took the responsibility of looking after Harilal's children, she said.

To support her point, she quoted a letter written by Gandhi in the journal Young India' on June 18, 1925: "I love him (Harilal) in spite of his faults. The bosom of a father will take him in as soon as he seeks entrance. For the present, he has shut the door against him.

According to Guha, Gandhi evolved slowly with time in his approach and became more caring and compassionate towards his family.

He had a much more normal relationship with Ramdas and Devdas. But yes the two elder children paid a heavy cost for his public activities, he said.
'We have gathered the ECG details from different stages of Gandhiji's life and recreated his heartbeat on the digital medium. This will be a very interesting feature for the public,' says museum director A Annamalai.

People can now listen to the "recreated heartbeats" of Mahatma Gandhi at Delhi's National Gandhi Museum, which will launch a series of programmes on Monday to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation.

On the eve of Gandhi Jayanti, the museum will also inaugurate a special photo exhibition on the theme 'Non-violence and World Peace' and release a finely-curated 'digital multimedia kit' containing audio and video footages from his life, its director A Annamalai said on Sunday.

"We have gathered the ECG (electrocardiography) details from different stages of Gandhiji's life and recreated his heartbeat on the digital medium. This will be a very interesting feature for the public," he told PTI.

Another special collection being released Monday is the 'digital multimedia kit' about Gandhi which will be available for people to buy.

"The kit in a pen drive contains six components: basic books (20 by Gandhi and 10 on him), a documentary film by A K Chettiar, 100 specially-curated pictures, Gandhi's voice, a virtual tour of his ashrams and his favourite bhajans," Annamalai said, adding that the collection could illuminate the youth about Gandhi in a significant way.

Chettiar's documentary Mahatma Gandhi: 20th Century Prophet, whose footage was acquired in London, covers Gokhale's visit to South Africa in 1912.

"It's perhaps the only footage of Gokhale and with him stood a young lawyer Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi dressed tidily in a suit," Annamalai said.

Also included are footage from the Quit India Movement, speeches of Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru, besides Gandhi's visit to the North WestFrontierProvince with Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan and Noakhali Peace Pilgrimage.

There are selected 100 photographs of Gandhi from his place of birth in Porbandar up to his memorial at the Rajghat, he said, adding that the collection also includes his pictures of early life, London and South African phase, important movement of Indian Freedom Struggle and with various contemporary leaders.

"The pictures are in the form of a PowerPoint presentation," Annamalai said.

He said the digital kit also has audio footages of the original voice of Gandhi.

"His speech recorded in London in 1931 'Spiritual Message of Mahatma Gandhi' (English), the one delivered at the Asian Relations Conference held at Delhi, 1947 (English), besides the Post Prayer Speech on Cleanliness and Hindu Muslim Unity in 1947 (Hindi), among others, are part of the collection," he added.

The director said the digital kit has been priced at Rs 300 and only includes the production cost. It will be available for the purchase at the museum.

"We are trying to find some sponsors for the kit, in Hindi and English, to bring down the price to Rs 100 so that it reaches more people," Annamalai said.

He said the National Gandhi Museum will begin 'Gandhi: 150' celebrations from Monday and a series of other programmes will be held round the year in various cities across the country.

Photograph: Kind courtesy, National Gandhi Museum, New Delhi.
At his farewell function, CJI Dipak Misra said that tears of a poor man is equal to tears of a rich man.

IMAGE: Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra speaks at his farewell function on the Supreme Court lawns in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI

Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra's tumultous 13-month tenure drew to a close and he used his last public address on Monday as the top judge to stress independence of judiciary stands "erect" and will remain so, asserting there is "collegiality" amongst the judges of the Supreme Court.

Underlining that the Supreme Court stands supreme, Justice Misra also said justice must be insulated from "disruptive factors" and that the scales of justice has to be balanced as far as possible as that is the true essence of justice.

"It cannot tilt to either side owning to anyone's aggressive views. The lady of justice is blindfolded to signify neutrality, since each case whether involving a greater or smaller ramification is the same for us," he said, adding justice must have a human face and a humane approach.

The remarks by the CJI came during a farewell given by the lawyers association of the apex court after Chief Justice-designate Ranjan Gogoi said the commitment of the judges and lawyers towards the judiciary has stood the test of time.

Justice Gogoi also said beliefs must be constantly evaluated on the touchstone of constitutional morality, which must prevail when there arises any doubt or conflict, and said this is true patriotism to the Constitution.

"I echo the feelings of my brother Justice Gogoi, the Chief Justice-Designate that independence of judiciary stands erect and that shall stand erect and there is the collegiality amongst the brother and sister judges of the court and the Supreme Court stands supreme. Not today and in times ever to come," Misra said at the function organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association.

Justice Gogoi will be sworn in by President Ram Nath Kovind on October 3 to become the 46th CJI.

Justice Gogoi, who was among the four senior-most judges to virtually revolt against Justice Misra in January over various issues including assigning of cases in the apex court, praised the outgoing CJI for an "illustrious career".

"As a judge, his greatest contribution to Indian jurisprudence has been on issues of Constitutional significance particularly with regard to civil liberties," he said.

Justice Misra said the Indian judiciary is "one of the most robust institutions in the world" and that is because of the judges, who always believe in upholding the law and thereby maintaining the legitimacy of the judicial system or the legal system.

"Our judges are far ahead from their counterparts in other countries, shining with the abilities to resolve mindboggling number of cases."

IMAGE: Outgoing Chief Justice of India Justice Dipak Misra shakes hands with CJI-designate Justice Ranjan Gogoi during former's farewell function. Photograph: Ravi Choudhary/PTI Photo

Justice Misra, who has faced criticism from outside and within the judiciary over several issues including constitution of benches and allocation of cases, reminded young lawyers of classical Greek Philospher Socrates and quoted him "when the debate is lost slander becomes the tool of loser".

"Some cases may be won some may be lost depending on the merit of the case and the interpretation of law," he said, adding, "The legal debate, discussion has to be taken in a healthy spirit and any kind of annoyance or a different feelings has to be avoided."

"Lawyers must not turn out to be sole loser by imputing motive to everything. They can disassociate themselves from such tendencies," Misra said in comments that appeared to be aimed at some high profile lawyers who have often targeted him.

The outgoing CJI was accompanied by Justice Gogoi to the dais where the former said the tears of a poor man is equal to tears of a rich man.

"Tears to me tears are pearls and I have to collect them with equity, justice and my constitutional perception," said Justice Misra, who will demit the office of CJI on Tuesday.

Justice Misra as CJI was part of the bench which gave several landmark verdicts on decriminalising adultery provisions, gay sex and allowing entry of women of all ages to Sabarimala temple in the last fortnight.

"There are artificial divisions or barriers of caste, creed, religion and gender that may attempt to divide us but the golden fret of humanity that binds us to each other and that alone constitute the spirit and ether of justice," he said.

Justice Misra's view was shared by Justice Gogoi, who also expressed concern over division in the society along the lines of caste, class, gender, religion and ideology and said that constitutional morality must prevail when there arises any doubt or conflict.

Justice Misra said truth has no colour and added "Any kind of craftmanship cannot steal the judicial independence but I must simultaneously add we require to have courage, character, grit and integrity to face whatever its takes to interpret the law correctly and deliver justice".

Earlier in the day, Justice Misra held court with Justice Gogoi for the last time on Monday, and stopped a lawyer who broke into a song to wish him long life, to say that he was "responding from the heart" but will speak from his mind in the evening.

The CJI, however, said later at the farewell function, that now he has decided not to speak from the mind and would keep talking from the heart.

Justice Misra, who presided over benches that delivered a series of key verdicts, including the ones on Aadhaar and homosexuality during the last 10 days, appeared to be emotional during the proceedings which lasted for 25 minutes.

At the CJI-led bench, also comprising Justices Gogoi and A M Khanwilkar, Misra made it clear at the outset that he would not hear matters listed for urgent hearing and they would be dealt by his successor on October 3.

The brief proceedings in CJI's courtroom witnessed an emotional turn and drama when a lawyer crooned, Tum jiyo hazaron saal..., singing the opening lines of a Hindi film song from the late 1950s usually played on birthdays.

The Chief Justice in his inimitable style said, "no, no" and stopped the lawyer from singing further.

IMAGE: D Y Chandrachud arrives to attend Chief Justice of India Justice Dipak Misra's farewell function. Photograph: Ravi Choudhary/PTI Photo

Then, in a strange turn of events, lawyer R P Luthra mentioned two ostensibly controversial tweets by senior lawyer Indira Jaising and advocate Prashant Bhushan against the outgoing CJI, criticising his recent judgments, including the verdict on the Koregaon-Bhima violence case.

He urged the court to take cognisance of the tweets, but the bench didn't respond after perusing them.

Later, the CJI visited journalists in the apex court premises and parried all the questions including those related to his experience as head of the judiciary.

The CJI sopke at length about English literature and famous poet and writers.

"What are your future post retirement plans," a scribe asked.

"Astrology is not a science, yet people believe in it. I am not an astrologer," the CJI responded.

CJI Misra has headed various benches of different combinations, and delivered several verdicts in the recent past.

These include upholding the Centre's flagship scheme Aadhaar with certain riders and decriminalising consensual gay sex and adultery.

The verdicts also include judgements in the Koregaon-Bhima violence case and allowing all women entry into the Sabarimala temple.

Justice Misra was appointed additional judge of the Orissa high court on January 17, 1996, before his transfer to the Madhya Pradesh high court.

He became a permanent judge on December 19, 1997.

He assumed charge of the office of chief justice of Patna high court on December 23, 2009 and became chief justice of the Delhi high court on May 24, 2010.

He was elevated as a judge of the apex court on October 10, 2011 and became the Chief Justice on August 28, 2017.
The Delhi high court on Monday freed Gautam Navlakha from house arrest, five weeks after he and four other rights activists were arrested in connection with the Koregaon-Bhima violence in Maharashtra.

Granting relief to Navlakha, the high court also quashed the trial court's transit remand order which he had challenged before the matter was taken to the Supreme Court.

The high court refused to accept the submission of Maharashtra government that his house arrest be extended by two days since the apex court, by its last week verdict, had also extended it by four weeks.

A bench of Justices S Muralidhar and Vinod Goel said the apex court had extended the house arrest by four weeks to enable the activists to avail appropriate legal remedy and the extension was for this limited purpose and Navlakha has availed it.

Setting aside the August 28 order of chief metropolitan magistrate granting Navlakha's transit remand to Pune Police, it said there was non-compliance of basic provisions of the Constitution and the CrPC which were mandatory in nature.

Holding that the trial court order was unsustainable in law, the court said Navlakha's detention has exceeded 24 hours which was "untenable".

"In view of Section 56 read with Section 57 of the CrPC and absence of remand order of the CMM, the detention of the petitioner has clearly exceeded 24 hours which is untenable in law. Consequently the house arrest of the petitioner comes to an end now," the court said allowing the petition filed on behalf of Navlakha challenging his arrest and the transit remand order of the trial court.

The court made it clear that this order will not preclude the state of Maharashtra from proceeding further.

After the court's order, Navlakha said, "It thrills me no end."

Navlakha added that he cannot forget about his co-accused and the tens of thousands of other political prisoners who remain incarcerated for their ideological convictions on account of false charges filed against them.

"The period of house arrest, despite the restrictions imposed, was put to good use, so I hold no grudge," Navlakha, under house arrest since August 28, said in a statement.

Navlakha was arrested from the national capital on August 28. The other four activists were arrested from different parts of the country.

The Maharashtra police had arrested the activists on August 28 in connection with an FIR lodged following a conclave -- 'Elgaar Parishad' -- held on December 31 last year that had allegedly triggered violence later at Koregaon-Bhima village in the state.

While setting aside the trial court's order, the bench said the CMM has overlooked that under the provisions of the Constitution, the arrested person has to be given grounds of arrest and mere intimation of arrest to his partner or friend will not suffice.

The court said that in the transit remand order, the CMM has noted the submissions of the investigating officer of the case but the magistrate did not think it necessary to record the submissions of the legal aid counsel, who was provided to Navlakha.

The bench said the appearance of the legal aid counsel was "cosmetic" and not in true spirit of Article 21 and the provision of the Legal Services Authority Act.

The court said there was no indication in the trial court order that it asked the IO to show the case diary or saw the case diary.

The bench noted that when the case had come up before it initially the case diary and relevant documents were in Marathi language and they were not translated.

"In all probabilities when the IO appeared before the CMM, the case diary was in Marathi and if he (CMM) had asked for case diary, he would not have understood it," it noted.

In the Koregaon-Bhima case, the five activists -- Varavara Rao, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj and Gautam Navlakha -- were put under house arrest on August 29 following an apex court order on the plea by historian Romila Thapar, economists Prabhat Patnaik and Devaki Jain, sociology professor Satish Deshpande and human rights lawyer Maja Daruwala against the police action.

Rao, a prominent Telugu poet, was arrested on August 28 from Hyderabad, while Gonsalves and Ferreira were nabbed from Mumbai. Bharadwaj was arrrested from Faridabad in Haryana.

During the hearing, advocate Nitya Ramakrishnan, appearing for Navlakha, argued that the transit remand should be quashed as the CMM could not have understood any documents being written in Marathi and no case diary was provided to the trial court as mandated under the statute.

She contended that the FIR was lodged in January this year and the activists were arrested in August 2018, there was no hurry and the police could have got the documents translated.

When the bench said Navlakha's detention was for more than 15 days which was not permissible, the counsel for the Maharashtra government said it was under the orders of the Supreme Court and not the magistrate.

The counsel also read out portions of the apex court's September 28 verdict by which it had refused to interfere with the arrest of the five rights activists and had also refused the plea seeking their immediate release.

While hearing the submissions, the bench also referred to the recent verdict of the Supreme Court which has ordered the Kerala government to pay Rs 50 lakh compensation to former ISRO scientist S Nambi Narayanan in the 1994 espionage case for wrongful imprisonment, malicious prosecution, humiliation and defamation.

The apex court has asked a former SC judge to find ways and means to take action against the erring police officers responsible for Narayanan's arrest and harassment.
Justice Gogoi lamented that the very issues which give a different identity to a community make its people hate those who are different.

IMAGE: Chief Justice of India-designate Ranjan Gogoi speaks at the farewell function of Chief Justice Dipak Misra in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI

Chief Justice of India-designate Ranjan Gogoi on Monday said people are divided "more than ever" along the lines of caste, religion and ideology and what one should wear, eat or say are no longer insignificant questions about personal life.

He asserted that beliefs must be constantly evaluated on the touchstone of constitutional morality, which must prevail when there arises any doubt or conflict, and said this is true patriotism to the Constitution.

Justice Gogoi was speaking at an event organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association to bid farewell to incumbent Chief Justice Dipak Misra who retires on Tuesday.

He brushed aside the claims that the system has not fared well and said that despite odds, a number of judges are committed to the cause.

Justice Gogoi, who was among the four senior-most judges who had in January virtually revolted against the Chief Justice Misra over various issues including assigning of cases in the apex court has, however, praised the outgoing CJI for an illustrious career.

"As a judge, his greatest contribution to Indian jurisprudence has been on issues of Constitutional significance particularly with regard to civil liberties," Justice Gogoi said.

Justice Gogoi, who will sworn-in as the 46 the Chief Justice on Wednesday, lamented that the very issues which give a different identity to a community make its people hate those who are different.

"We are divided perhaps more than ever, by lines of caste, class, gender religion and ideology. We are divided into infinitely relegated communities which crisscross along such lines to give us our special identity. What we should wear, what we should eat, what we should say, read and think -- these are no longer small and insignificant questions about our personal life," he said,

"However, even if they give us identity and purpose and enrich the greatness of our democracy, these are issues that cut and divide us and they can make us hate and despise those who are different," he said.

He said the challenge was to construct and protect the common world view that "unifies us as a community" and such a shared vision can be found in the Constitution.

"Doubtlessly in our Constitution and therefore arguing for creation of a community of constitutional values. Belonging to this community does not mean that we must give up who we are our personal beliefs, and tastes. Instead it means we must constantly evaluate these beliefs on the touchstone of constitutional morality.

"Where ever there is doubt and conflict, we must allow constitutional morality to prevail. This is the true patriotism to the constitution," he said.

IMAGE: Outgoing Chief Justice of India Justice Dipak Misra shakes hands with CJI-designate Justice Ranjan Gogoi during former's farewell function on the Supreme Court lawns in New Delhi. Photograph: Ravi Choudhary/PTI Photo

On criticism about judiciary's performance, Justice Gogoi, who had on Saturday said that he has plans to deal with the issues faced by the judiciary, said the system has done well.

"Truth lies somewhere in between. Its not inadequacies and abberations that make the system. As chief justice designate let me show you. There is a lot to look ahead, a lot to look forward.

"System has done well. In spite of odds we have a lot of committed judges committed to the cause and they will continue to be committed regardless of the inadequacies in terms of remuneration, in spite of the possibilities of abuse of their names," Justice Gogoi said.

"We don't have to be alarmed of that. It comes with the system," he added.

Justice Gogoi also said that profound constitutional questions can rarely be separated from the politically resilient issues of the times.

"In fact it is precisely times like this that the resilience of our commitment are tested. I am taking the liberty to say our commitment. Because you and I are already part of this community. We do not think that the Constitution text has ready-made answers but we do believe that it offers the principles and procedure to construct new answers suitable to our times," he said.

Lauding Misra's contribution, he said, "I am sure that generations of academics and judges will continue to engage with his scholarship long after we are gone. It is for this reason I do not bid farewell to Justice Misra today but chose instead to celebrate the vision expressed in his judicial opinions."

Justice Gogoi pointed out the various judgement pronounced by Justice Misra namely on the issues of mob lynching, honour killings, Shafin Jahan case and others and said that individual liberties is a recurring motive in CJI's judicial opinions.

"In common cause the choice extended to ending one's own life as an expression of dignity," Justice Gogoi said adding that Justice Misra has also supported women's right to equality.

He said that under the "able stewardship" of Justice Misra, the Supreme Court managed to not only "manoeuvre difficult legal questions" but also urge society to "think progressively" through Constitution.

He said that the Constitution must be popularised along with its history, pre-history, agreements and disagreements and said that it must be taught to the younger generations.

"We must teach to our young not as a static body of norms but as an evolving mode of collective as well as individual actions and expressions. What we need to strive for is a changed world view that abides by Constitutionalism," he said.
Pakistan-occupied Kashmirs Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider has claimed that the white chopper he was travelling in was very close to the Line of Control but within Pakistans airspace, and that there was no need to inform the Indian authorities about the flight as it was not a military helicopter.

The Indian Army said on Sunday that a Pakistani chopper violated the Indian airspace along the line of control in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir but turned back after it was engaged by air sentries.

Indian officials claimed that the white helicopter crossed into the Indian airspace in Gulpur sector and hovered over there for sometime before turning back.

Three forward posts fired small arms after noticing the airspace violation, the sources said.

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir leader Haider said he was travelling with two ministers and his personal staff officer in a civilian white-coloured aircraft on Sunday when it was attacked near Abbaspur village.

Talking to Dawn, Haider said the incident took place at around 12:10 PM.

I had gone to Forward Kahuta to condole the death of the brother of one of my ministers and meet the residents of the area adjacent to the LoC. While we were passing through Abbaspur, the Indian army suddenly opened fire at my helicopter. Luckily, we remained unhurt and the helicopter was not damaged, he said.

We were very close to zero line but we were within our space. Moreover, it was a civilian helicopter so the Indian army should not have opened fire at it, Haider said.

He said that military helicopters, on both sides, intimate each other before flying according to the standard operating procedure.

As it was a civilian helicopter, there was no need to intimate about it, Haider said, adding that he frequently travels in the area but such an incident had never happened.

He said that he would formally take up the matter with the government of Pakistan to pursue the issue and take appropriate action.

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz president Shahbaz Sharif said the attack was a severe violation of international and bilateral laws and also against the diplomatic norms.

Sharifs PML-N rules PoK and Haider is a leading member of the party.

Pakistans Foreign Office has so far not commented on the incident.
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has described the speech by External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj at the United Nations General Assembly "disappointing" and said it "failed" to project India's "constructive and positive image."

In a hard-hitting retort to Pakistan, Swaraj had said India has made many efforts to hold talks with Islamabad and the only reason New Delhi has called off dialogue is because of Pakistan's behaviour.

Pakistan's commitment to terrorism as an instrument of state policy has not abated one bit, Swaraj told world leaders at the UN on Saturday and asked them how India can pursue talks with a nation that "glorifies killers" and allows the Mumbai attack mastermind to "roam free" with impunity.

Tharoor alleged that the speech was aimed at Bharatiya Janata Party voters.

"We get the sense that everything is about the political environment in India. And this was a speech aimed at the BJP voters and sending a message to the voters particularly on the subject of Pakistan rather than projecting a constructive and positive image of India in the world," he said.

To that degree, it was a "disappointing" speech, he said in Thiruvananthapuram.

"I think some of the things Sushmaji said one can fully appreciate and welcome. But some of the statements were disappointing," he said.

Reacting strongly to Tharoor's criticism, Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said the Congress is being increasingly seen to be standing with Pakistan as Tharoor's statement was not an isolated incident and the opposition party often spoke the language of the neighouring country.

He told a press conference that the Congress should apologise to the country and said its stand on various issues appeared similar to that of Pakistan in "intent, language and style".

"There has been an established convention in politics since independence that political parties are unanimous on foreign issues, at least when it comes to taking a stand at the United Nations (UN) where India's position is not of a political party.

"Pakistan has always opposed us there. For the first time a senior Congress leader is also criticising," Trivedi said.

He said Tharoor had used the term "Hindu Pakistan" to attack the BJP's rule.

The BJP leader also cited comments of Congress leaders like Mani Shankar Aiyar and Ghulam Nabi Azad to liken it with Pakistan in its opposition to the Modi government.

He said the Congress has lost the "moral right" to claim to be the party of Mahatma Gandhi, wondering if the Congress in zeal to oppose Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also opposing the country.

The BJP in opposition behaved responsibly, the spokesperson said.

Trivedi said Atal Bihari Vajpayee had put up a robust defence at the United Nations of the then Indian government headed by P V Narasimha Rao, while Modi had slammed then Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif for his swipe at his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh.

Attacking the Congress, he said it, like Pakistan, has also attacked the RSS, the ideological parent of the BJP, and was now criticising the Rafale deal.

Former Pakistan interior minister Rehman Malik went to the extent of saying that Congress president Rahul Gandhi will be India's next prime minister, Trivedi said.

The alleged similarity in the stands of Pakistan and the Congress was also there when the latter was in power, he claimed.

He cited terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba's founder Hafiz Sayeed's alleged praise of the then home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde for his use of the term "Hindu terror" in 2013 and of another Congress leader Digivijay Singh after he allegedly linked the RSS to the Mumbai terror attack in 2008.
Family members of Apple executive Vivek Tiwari, who was allegedly shot dead by a police constable, on Monday met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and demanded strict action against the guilty.

The deceased's wife would be given a job with the Lucknow Municipal Corporation, the chief minister's office said even as the state government said all possible help would be extended to the victim's family.

Meanwhile, based on a complaint lodged by Kalpana Tiwari, wife of the deceased, another FIR was registered in the case Sunday night, officials said.

After the family's meeting with Adityanath, Kalpana Tiwari said she was satisfied with the action being taken.

"I have said earlier that I have faith in the state government. This faith has been strengthened after meeting the chief minister. I have lost the capacity to take a stand after the unfortunate incident, which should not have happened. It has shaken me. After meeting the chief minister, I have gained confidence that I will be able to fulfil the responsibilities my husband has left me," she said.

The executive was shot dead on September 29 allegedly by policemen after he refused to stop his car. The incident led to widespread outrage.

"All my demands have been met. I wanted strict action against the guilty, a job, accommodation, expenses for the education of my daughters, and my mother-in-law. The chief minister acceded to all my demands," the victim's wife told reporters.

Earlier, deputy chief minister Dinesh Sharma reached Vivek Tiwari's home here Monday morning and took along with him the deceased's wife, brother-in-law and two daughters to the 5, Kalidas Marg, residence of Adityanath for a meeting.

The chief minister assured family of all the possible help and also consoled the victim's daughters, promising strict action against the guilty.

"The family is satisfied with the action taken. We will be giving all possible help to the victim's family, including a job to Kalpana as per her educational qualifications. A relief amount of Rs 25 lakh, two fixed deposits (FDs) of Rs 5 lakh each in the name of two daughters of the victim and a Rs 5 lakh FD for mother-in-law has been approved by the chief minister," the deputy chief minister told PTI.

"I was in touch with the family members, who are known to us, and met them Sunday after arriving in Lucknow. The family members had been in the BJP too in the past and they did not want politics over the matter," Sharma said.

The family wanted strict action, which has already been taken as the two accused persons were arrested and dismissed from service, he said.

Kalpana Tiwari will be given a job in the Lucknow Municipal Corporation, an official statement issued by the chief minister's office said.

Bahujan Samaj Party national general secretary Satish Chandra Mishra and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met the family members of the deceased on Monday.

On Sunday, deputy CM had also met the family at their residence.

Two constables -- Prashant Chowdhury and Sandeep Kumar -- were arrested on the basis of an FIR lodged by Tiwari's colleague Sana Khan, who was travelling with him at the time of the incident. The two accused were also dismissed from service, officials said.

"An FIR was registered (for committing murder) on the basis of a complaint made by Kalpana Tiwari (wife of the executive) against both the erring constables," Inspector General Lucknow range Sujeet Pandey said, adding that an investigation by the SIT was also underway.

Vivek Tiwari's body was cremated on Sunday at Bhaisakund in the presence of state minister Brijesh Pathak, local MLA Ashutosh Tondon and others.
'Gandhi was ambivalent about the RSS; the Sangh, for their part, actively distrusted him.'

An exclusive excerpt from historian Ramachandra Guha's new book, Gandhi: The Years that Changed the World.

The riots of 1946-47 had brought radicals on both sides to the fore.

On the Muslim side, it was the Muslim National Guards and the Khaksars; on the Hindu side, the Hindu Mahasabha and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

Founded in 1925, the RSS was now led by Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar, an intense man of extreme views, determined to purge India of all non-Hindu influences.

RSS cadres had played an active part in the violence in the Punjab. Now, in Delhi, they sought to crystallise and take advantage of the swarm of Hindu and Sikh refugees that had come into the city.

On March 8, 1947, a rally of RSS workers of the Delhi province was held. Some 100,000 volunteers participated.

The chief guest was Golwalkar, who told the gathering that it 'was the duty of every Hindu to defend his religion'.

Two days later, a meeting of RSS leaders was held in the home of one Sham Behari Lal in Daryaganj. The attendees seemed to be mostly Hindu merchants.

The fragile Hindu-Muslim situation in Punjab was discussed.

One Lala Hari Chand presented a purse of Rs 100,000 to Golwalkar on behalf of the Delhi branch.

Golwalkar, in his speech, said that if the Hindus perished, the Sangh would perish.

Golwalkar added that 'The disunity among Hindus in the Punjab was the cause of the present calamity. The Sangh should unite the Hindus and the capitalists should help by funds.'

In the last week of September 1947, Gandhi spoke to a group of RSS workers in the Harijan Colony.

He praised their discipline and the absence of untouchability within their ranks, but told them that 'In order to be truly useful, self-sacrifice had to be combined with purity of motive and true knowledge'.

Many allegations that the Sangh was against Muslims had been brought to Gandhi's notice. He reminded the Sangh workers that Hinduism was not an exclusive religion, and that Hindus 'could have no quarrel with Islam'.

The strength of the Sangh, said Gandhi, 'could be used in the interests of India or against it'.

Gandhi was ambivalent about the RSS; the Sangh, for their part, actively distrusted him.

An article in their magazine, Organiser, savagely attacked Gandhi's attempts at forging communal peace in Bengal. 'Nero fiddled when Rome burnt', it remarked.

'History is repeating itself before our very eyes. From Calcutta Mahatma Gandhi is praising Islam and crying Allah-o-Akbar and enjoining Hindus to do the same, while in the Punjab and elsewhere most heinous and shameless barbarities and brutalities are being perpetrated in the name of Islam and under the cry of Allah-o-Akbar.'

Gandhi had reached out to the Muslims; but the RSS believed that 'Muslims do not attach any importance to Gandhiji and his words unless it suits them. His policy towards the Muslims has utterly failed to the chagrin and detriment of Hindus.'

'He is, however, still held in great reverence and esteem by the Hindus, although they are in no mood to appreciate his subtleties and much less his Islamic preaching and appeasement.'

This article in the Organiser urged Gandhi to put his acknowledged leadership of the Hindus to other ends.

The Mahatma, it said, 'has unprecedented opportunity of organising and consolidating Hindus and making them and Hindusthan great and strong within and without to be reckoned with by any aggressive nation of the world'.

This was at once a critique and a lament.

If only Gandhi would use his status and position to actively and militantly lead the Hindus, thus to show Muslims their place while simultaneously forcing Hindus themselves into the councils of the world!

From the point of view of the RSS, Gandhi was a leader gone awry.

Their own endeavour, as a policeman assigned to their beat reported, was 'for building the Hindus physically strong and for establishing Hindu rule in India'.

The RSS believed 'that the present government was not cent per cent a Hindu government but still they were not opposed to it as with the help of this government they would be able to establish purely a Hindu state'.

The police report continued: According to the Sangh volunteers, the Muslims would quit India only when another movement for their total extermination similar to the one which was started in Delhi sometime back would take place.

They were waiting for the departure of Mahatma Gandhi from Delhi as they believed that so long as the Mahatma was in Delhi, they would not be able to precipitate their designs into action.

They were further of the opinion that at the time of the forthcoming Id-ul-Zuha festival, if the Muslims would slaughter any kine (cows) of which the Sangh people would get a scent, then there was every possibility of communal disturbances in Delhi.

In November 1947, Golwalkar returned to Delhi. He collected money from supporters, met RSS cadres and assessed the progress of the Sangh in Delhi.

Several thousand new members had been enrolled. An intelligence bureau report dated November 15 noted that 'the workers of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, especially those coming from West Punjab as refugees, intend starting communal trouble in Delhi after the Diwali festival'.

'They say they could not tolerate the sight of Muslims moving about in Delhi and collecting large amounts from business while the Hindu and Sikh refugees, who were made destitute for no fault of theirs but only because they opposed the Muslim League and establishment of Pakistan, were dying of starvation and would have to freeze dead with chill in the coming winter...'

'It is reported that some (RSS) workers have gone out to fetch arms and ammunition for the purpose.'

The annual function of the Delhi RSS was celebrated at Ramlila Ground on December 7. The main speech was by Golwalkar, who spoke for an hour-and-a-half.

He began on a visible note of self-congratulation: 'The RSS had so many branches throughout the length and breadth of India that it would take 20 to 25 years to visit all of them. Despite continuous touring he had succeeded in seeing only a few of them'.

'People were surprised to see the progress of this organisation, which was not heard of a few years back, and regarding which they had seen nothing in the press...'

Golwalkar then turned to the aims and ideals of the Sangh.

After eulogising the medieval warrior-kings Shivaji and Rana Pratap, he spoke of the importance of Hindu unity and self-respect.

'We should not be ashamed to call ourselves Hindus,' he remarked. 'The Sangh had taken a vow to keep up our ancient culture...'

The following evening, a smaller and more focused meeting was held in the Sangh's camp on Rohtak Road. Some 2,000 RSS full-timers were present.

Addressing this group of activists, Golwalkar said, 'We should be prepared for guerrilla warfare on the lines of the tactics of Shivaji. The Sangh will not rest content until it had finished Pakistan.'

'If anyone stood in our way we will have to fight him too, whether it was (the) Nehru government or any other government. The Sangh could not be won over.'

Also in the meeting was a policeman in plain clothes. His report noted that 'referring to Muslims', M S Golwalkar said that no power on Earth could keep them in Hindustan. They would have to quit the country.

'Mahatma Gandhi wanted to keep the Muslims in India so that the Congress may profit by their votes at the time of election. But, by that time, not a single Muslim will be left in India...'

'Mahatma Gandhi could not mislead them any longer. We have the means whereby such men can be immediately silenced, but it is our tradition not to be inimical to Hindus. If we are compelled, we will have to resort to that course too.'

The mood in Delhi during the second half of 1947 was very ugly.

Angered by the violence in the Punjab, inflamed by the stories carried by Sikh and Hindu refugees, RSS militants in India's capital wished to purge this ancient city of its Islamic influences, of its large and well-established Muslim population.

Golwalkar and the RSS were even thinking of having men like Gandhi and Nehru -- who stood in the way of making India a Hindu theocratic state -- 'immediately silenced'.

Excerpted from Gandhi: The Years that Changed the World by Ramachandra Guha, Penguin Random House India, with the author's kind permission.
On October 2, 2108, Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra will demit office.

As Chief Justice of India, Misra has passed various judgments on important cases, ranging from the one on the constitutional validity of Aadhaar to the case on the entry of women into the Sabarimala temple.

Misra's last working day will be October 1 as the apex court will not be functioning the following day on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.

Ahead of his final day as the head of the judiciary of India, here's a look at the key judgments that he was a part of:-

IMAGE: October 1 will be Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra's last working day. Photograph: PTI Photo

Section 377

Let us move from darkness to light, from bigotry to tolerance and from the winter of mere survival to the spring of life as the herald of a New India to a more inclusive society.

Theses lines were penned by Chief Justice Dipak Misra along with Justice A M Khanwilkar in the historic judgment which ruled that consensual gay sex is not a crime.

While decriminalising a part of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, the CJI in the main 166-page judgment observed that denial of self-expression is inviting death.

The CJI used the privacy judgment in demolishing the 2013 verdict of the apex court that had re-criminalised the consensual sexual acts between two adults on the ground that the rights of "miniscule" minority was being infringed.

"After the privacy judgment..., the right to privacy has been raised to the pedestal of a fundamental right. The reasoning in Suresh Koushal (verdict), that only a minuscule fraction of the total population comprises of LGBT community, and that the existence of Section 377 IPC abridges the fundamental rights of a very minuscule percentage of the total populace, is found to be a discordant note," he said.

"The said reasoning in Suresh Koushal, in our opinion, is fallacious, for the framers of our Constitution could have never intended that the fundamental rights shall be extended for the benefit of the majority only and that the Courts ought to interfere only when the fundamental rights of a large percentage of the total populace is affected..." he added.

Adultery

Declaring that adultery is not a crime, a Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, on October, 27, 2018, struck down a colonial-era anti-adultery law, saying it was unconstitutional, and treated women as "chattel of husbands".

Adultery as an offence treats a woman as "chattel" and "dents" her individual dignity as it emphasises that the husband's connivance or consent to her extramarital relationship does not result in a crime, said CJI Misra while writing the judgment for himself and Justice Khanwilkar.

The CJI said that the section was "manifestly arbitrary", archaic and violative of the rights to equality and equal opportunity to women.

The CJI also added that "a husband is not the master" and any system treating a woman with indignity, inequity and inequality or discrimination "invites the wrath of the Constitution".

Aadhaar

Observing that Aadhaar neither tends to create a surveillance state, nor it infringed the Right to Privacy, a five-judge constitution bench headed by CJI Misra, declared that the Centre's biometric identity project was constitutionally valid but limited the scope, ruling it is not mandatory for bank accounts, mobile connections or school admissions.

The submission that Aadhaar violated Right to Privacy did not cut much ice as the bench said, "It is held that all matters pertaining to an individual do not qualify as being an inherent part of right to privacy. Only those matters over which there would be a reasonable expectation of privacy are protected by Article 21."

In a 4-1 verdict that also quashed some contentious provisions of the Aadhaar act, however, held Aadhaar would remain compulsory for filing of income tax returns and allotment of permanent account mumber and for availing facilities of welfare schemes and government subsidies.

The verdict also struck down sections 33(1) which allowed the Unique Identification Authority of India to release information saying it cannot be done without an opportunity of hearing.

Live-streaming of court proceedings

Taking a major leap in imparting transparency in the functioning of the judiciary, a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, allowed the live streaming of court proceedings of cases of constitutional and national importance.

Justice Khanwilkar, who penned the verdict for the CJI and himself, said, "In recognizing that court proceedings ought to be live streamed, this court is mindful of and has strived to balance the various interests regarding administration of justice, including open justice, dignity and privacy of the participants to the proceedings and the majesty and decorum of the Courts".

Highlighting the contours of the live-streaming mechanism, he said, "To begin with, only a specified category of cases or cases of constitutional and national importance being argued for final hearing before the Constitution Bench be live streamed as a pilot project".

The bench said that for live-streaming, the permission of the concerned court will have to be sought in writing, in advance, in conformity with the prescribed procedure.

The bench, however, said that 'the concerned court would retain its power to revoke the permission at any stage of the proceedings suo motu (on its own) or on an application filed by any party to the proceeding, if the situation so warrants'.

Ayodhya

A three judge bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, by a majority of 2:1 declined to set up a larger bench for a relook of its 1994 verdict which held a "mosque is not an essential part of the practice of Islam" paving the way for the apex court to hear the politically sensitive main Ayodhya title suit from October 29.

The majority judgment said now the civil suit on land dispute will be heard by a newly-constituted three-judge bench in view of Misra's retirement.

Sabarimala

Penning his last verdict of a five-judge constitution bench, Chief Justice Dipak Misra, on September 28, 2018, lifted a ban that prevented women and girls between the age of 10 and 50 from entering the famous Sabarimala temple in Kerala.

The CJI, who wrote 95 page-verdict for himself and Justice A M Khanwilkar, said that on the ground of public order, morality and health, women cannot be barred from practising and professing the faith.

"There is inequality on the path of approach to understand the divinity. The attribute of devotion to divinity cannot be subjected to the rigidity and stereotypes of gender," the CJI said.

The CJI rejected the plea that the Temple Board was protected under Article 26 (freedom to manage religious affairs) as the devotees formed a separate religious denomination.

"There is no identified group called Ayyappans. Every Hindu devotee can go to the temple. We have also been apprised that there are other temples for Lord Ayyappa and there is no such prohibition. Therefore, there is no identified sect.

The CJI said that Article 25(1) would become a "dead letter" if women are excluded from practising their right to worship and set aside the Rule 3(b) of the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry) Rules, 1965.

"The right to practise religion under Article 25(1) is equally available to both men and women of all age groups professing the same religion," Justice Misra said.

"The impugned Rule 3(b) of the 1965 Rules, framed under the 1965 Act, that stipulates exclusion of entity of women of the age group of 10 to 50 years, is a clear violation of the right of Hindu women to practise their religious beliefs 93 which, in consequence, makes their fundamental right of religion under Article 25(1) a dead letter," Justice Misra added.

The CJI said that the practice of excluding women of the age group of 10 to 50 years "cannot be regarded as an essential part of religion" and hence cannot be protected.
'A little old man who has renounced personal possessions, walking with bare feet on the cold earth in search of a great human ideal'.

Phillips Talbot then the South Asia correspondent of the Chicago Daily during Independence, was an eyewitness to history. He traveled to Noakhali, present day Bangladesh, and spent time with Mahatma Gandhi during the communal violence there.

In a fascinating letter to a friend in New York, he conveyed his impressions of his encounter with the Mahatma.

Then president emeritus at the Asia Society, New York, Mr Talbot kindly granted Rediff On The NeT -- as Rediff.com was known in 1997 -- permission to publish this letter from his archives.

We republish the four-part feature to salute a man of whom Albert Einstein said: 'Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth.'

22 Ferozshah Road

New Delhi, India

February 16, 1947

Mr Walter S Rogers

Institute of Current World Affairs

522 Fifth Avenue

New York 18, New York

Dear Mr Rogers,

Two weeks ago I traveled for five days in order to walk for an hour with Gandhi.

The journey was worth the effort.

It was revealing to watch Gandhi throwing himself during this critical season into the remoteness of East Bengal's Noakhali district for a barefooted village-to-village pilgrimage in search of Hindu-Muslim amity.

Here was a 77-year-old ascetic, rising above the physical ordeal, immersed in a peculiarly Indian approach to the cleavage that threatens the country.

The region in which Gandhi has secluded himself is deep in the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta; one of the least accessible flat lands of India. To reach his party, I traveled by air, rail, steamer, bicycle, and on foot.

Hardly a wheel turns in this teeming, jute-and-rice-growing delta. I saw no motorable road. The bullock cart, one of India's truest symbols, does not exist here.

The civilisation is amphibious, as fields are always flooded between April and October. In the wet season little remains above water except occasional ribbons of bund and isolated village clumps marked by coconut palms, bamboos, and betel trees.

People stay at home or, at best, move about in hand-hewn skiffs. Though some of their crops grow under water, they farm mostly in the winter dry season.

Here, in an entirely rural area about forty miles square, are jammed nearly two-and-a-half million people: 1,400 per square mile or more than two per acre. Eighty per cent of these peasants are Muslims.

Apart from a few wealthy families they "have nothing but their numbers", in the words of one senior Muslim official.

Impoverished cultivators racially indistinguishable from their Hindu neighbours, they suffered severely in the 1943 Bengal famine.

The tiny Hindu minority in this region is divided into two groups, of whom the more numerous are also peasants and low caste village artisans.

With the upper crust of landlords, moneylenders, grain merchants, and lawyers, peasants of both communities had shared little sympathy for many years past, I judged.

In this closely-packed, rupee-starved, isolated district, terror struck last fall in the wake of vicious riots in Calcutta and other Indian cities.

It was the first real flare-up in a rural area. Roving bands paddled over the flooded fields from village to village, killing Hindus, looting and burning their property, abducting some women, and registering conversions from Hinduism to Islam.

Many of those murdered and robbed were the wealthy who had incurred the peasants's ire in 1943. The movement took a communal twist, however, from politicians (since disowned by the Muslim League) who led the village crowds with the cry of Pakistan.

In some villages mobs burned huts even of outcastes. The upheaval swept over about half the district.

Perhaps a million people were caught up in the turmoil, and refugees eventually were counted in tens of thousands. This was bad enough. But the effect was multiplied a thousand-fold across the breadth of Hindu India by exaggerated, inflammatory reports of what had occurred.

This was the pitch of feeling in India when Gandhi decided to go to East Bengal himself.

A few days before he left Delhi, Mildred and I walked with him for half an hour in the sweepers' settlement where he stayed and talked of the wave of mass fratricide which was then rolling over the country.

Although he denied letting emotions affect his judgement, we sensed a feeling of frustration, if not of failure.

This had nothing to do with the validity of the creed of non-violence itself. Its truth, he repeated, could never be challenged. But he could not be happy with the way in which his teachings were being flouted.

To test the applicability of his faith, therefore, he went to the heart of the trouble. He chose East Bengal, and when people asked why he had not gone to Bihar province where the damage was greater and the culprits were Hindus, he replied that the people of Bihar had repented.

Besides, he said, he could control the government and people of Bihar from Noakhali, but had no special powers over the people of Noakhali.

In a tiny village that suddenly acquired fame, bustling visitors, police attendants, press observers and even telegraph facilities, the old man settled into a hut and began meeting people, hearing their stories and assessing the task ahead of him.

Finally, early in January, he began the trek that will take its place in the Gandhi epic as the East Bengal March.

Kind courtesy: New India Digest, a journal to promote a better understanding of modern India.

Next: 'As a Hindu, he is incapable of ignoring the threat to his culture that arises from forced conversions'
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Final Purchasing Managers' survey and unemployment from euro area are due on Monday, headlining a busy day for the European economic news.

At 2.00 am ET, Destatis is slated to publish Germany's retail sales data for August. Economists forecast sales to climb 0.5 percent on month, reversing a 0.4 percent fall in July.

At 3.00 am ET, Spain's INE releases retail sales data for August. Sales had dropped 0.6 percent on year in July. In the meantime, PMI figures are due from Poland, Norway and the Netherlands.

At 3.15 am ET, the Federal Statistical Office issues retail sales figures. Economists forecast Swiss sales to climb by real 1.7 percent on year in August.

At 3.45 am ET, IHS Markit is set to publish Italy's manufacturing PMI data. The index is seen rising to 50.2 in September from 50.1 in August.

Thereafter, final PMI figures are due from France and Germany at 3.50 and 3.55 am ET, respectively.

At 4.00 am ET, Eurozone final factory PMI survey data is due. The score is expected to match the flash score of 53.3.

At 4.30 am ET, Bank of England is scheduled to release UK mortgage approvals for August. The number of mortgages approved in August is seen at 64,500 versus 64,800 in July.

UK Markit/CIPS factory PMI is also due at 4.30 am ET. The factory PMI is forecast to drop to 52.5 in September from 52.8 in August.

At 5.00 am ET, Eurostat is scheduled to issue euro area unemployment data for August. The jobless rate is forecast to drop to 8.1 percent in August from 8.2 percent in July.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Linde AG (LDE.L, LNAGF.PK) reported that the Chinese antitrust authority, the State Administration for Market Regulation, has provided clearance of the proposed combination between Linde Aktiengesellschaft and Praxair, Inc.

The completion of the business combination is still subject to the receipt of the required regulatory approvals in South Korea and the United States as well as the outstanding buyer approval by the European Commission prior to 24 October 2018.

In May 2017, the German industrial gases producer Linde Ag and Praxair Inc. reached an agreement in principle on the business combination.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp. or NSSMC and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. announced Monday that their joint venture with mining giant Rio Tinto Plc (RTNTF, RIO,RIO.L, RTPPF), Robe River Iron Associates, has decided to invest in the development of new iron ore deposits in Western Australia. These deposits are the Mesa B/C/H in the Robe Valley mine and the Deposit C/D in the West Angelas mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

In the Robe River JV, Rio Tinto holds 53%, Mitsui holds 33%, and NSSMC has a 14% stake.

The total investment in the subject development is estimated to be $1.55 billion or equivalent to approximately 170.1 billion yen, of which NSSMC and Mitsui will invest $216 million or approximately 23.8 billion yen and $510 million or approximately 56.1 billion yen , respectively, in proportion to each of their equity stakes.

The existing deposits in both Robe Valley mine and West Angelas mine, currently in operation, are nearing the end of their lifespan. The Robe River J/V will develop these new deposits utilizing the existing rail and port infrastructure, with the objective of sustaining current rates of iron ore production as existing mines decline.

Subject to government and environmental approvals, development of new deposits is expected to start next year, and first ore is currently anticipated from 2021.

NSSMC and Mitsui will work together with Rio Tinto through the Robe River J/V to stably procure and supply iron ore, for which further demand is expected.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
European stocks rebounded on Monday amid easing trade concerns after the U.S. and Canada reached an agreement on a framework North American Free Trade Agreement deal.

The pan-European Stoxx Europe 600 index was up 0.36 percent at 384.57 in late opening deals after declining 0.8 percent on Friday.

The German DAX was rising 0.7 percent, France's CAC 40 index was moving up 0.3 percent and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 was marginally higher.

Swiss bakery Aryzta soared as much as 32 percent. The company forecast stable underlying results in FY2019 after narrowing its fiscal 2018 loss.

ThyssenKrupp rose half a percent in Frankfurt after its supervisory board unanimously approved a plan to divide the group into two separate companies.

Linde AG advanced 1.3 percent. The company has received approval for its proposed $83 billion merger with Praxair PX.N from the Chinese antitrust authority.

French supermarket group Casino gained 0.8 percent after it agreed to sell some property assets for 565 million euros to reduce debt levels.

Ryanair slumped almost 9 percent in London. The airline cut its forecast for full-year profit, citing rising oil prices and the impact of recent coordinated strikes across Europe.

Peer Easyjet tumbled 3.3 percent, BA owner IAG dropped 1.5 percent and Air-France KLM lost 2.5 percent.

In economic releases, Eurozone manufacturing activity grew at the weakest pace in two years in September, final data from IHS Markit showed. The factory Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 53.2, the lowest since September 2016, from 54.6 in August. The initial estimate was 53.3.

The euro area jobless rate fell to 8.1 percent in August from 8.2 percent in July, Eurostat reported. This was the lowest since November 2008.

German retail sales grew by real 1.6 percent year-on-year in August, faster than the 0.9 percent expansion seen a month ago, figures from Destatis showed. The annual rate came in line with expectations.

The U.K. manufacturing sector expanded at a faster pace in September, survey data from IHS Markit and Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply showed.

The manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 53.8 in September from 53.0 in August, which was revised up from 52.8.

The pound rose after Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond said the European Union was in the mood to do a divorce deal, but uncertainty over Brexit had already hit the U.K.'s .

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Canadian shares look headed for a positive start on Monday, with news about the U.S. and Canada reaching a trade deal to replace NAFTA late on Sunday set to lift sentiment.

The new deal called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement would permit more U.S. access to Canada's dairy market and restricts its car exports to Washington.

"It will strengthen the middle class, and create good, well-paying jobs and new opportunities for the nearly half billion people who call North America home," said US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland in a joint statement.

Weak gold prices may hurt materials stocks. With crude oil prices edging higher, energy stocks may move up.

On Friday, the benchmark S&P/TSX Composite Index ended down 131.48 points, or 0.81%, at 16,073.14, after scaling a low of 16,063.70 and a high of 16,177.49 intraday.

In company news, Husky Energy Inc. (HSE.TO) has proposed to buy MEG Energy Corp. (MEG.TO) for a total equity consideration of about $3.3 billion. That values MEG at enterprise value of $6.4 billion, including the assumption of

about $3.1 billion of debt. The transaction will be accretive to Husky's free cash flow, funds from operations, earnings and production on a per share basis.

Bombardier Transportation announced that its Chinese joint venture, Bombardier Sifang (Qingdao) Transportation Ltd., has secured a contract from China Railway Corp. to supply 120 CR400AF new Chinese standard high-speed train cars. The total contract is valued at approximately 2.2 billion CNY or $324 million.

Encana Corp. (ECA.TO) announced that its subsidiary, Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc., has reached an agreement to sell its San Juan assets, located in New Mexico for $480 million to Denver-based DJR Energy, LLC.

In the currency market, the Canadian dollar gained in strength against its major counterparts in the Asian session on Monday, after the U.S. and Canada reached a trade deal to replace NAFTA ahead of the midnight deadline.

The loonie climbed to 1.4861 against the euro, its strongest since August 15, and spiked up to more than 4-month high of 1.2814 against the greenback and held steady thereafter.

Asian stocks ended mixed on Monday as trade worries persisted and investors digested weak data from China and Japan.

China's official manufacturing purchasing managers index stood at 50.8 in September versus 51.3 in August, raising concerns about the demand outlook. The Caixin manufacturing PMI declined to 50 from 50.6, the lowest since May

2017.

European stocks edged higher amid easing trade concerns after the U.S. and Canada reached an agreement on a framework North American Free Trade Agreement deal.

In economic releases from Europe, Eurozone manufacturing activity grew at the weakest pace in two years in September, final data from IHS Markit showed. The factory Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 53.2, the lowest since September 2016, from 54.6 in August. The initial estimate was 53.3.

The euro area jobless rate fell to 8.1 percent in August from 8.2 percent in July, Eurostat reported. This was the lowest since November 2008.

German retail sales grew by real 1.6 percent year-on-year in August, faster than the 0.9 percent expansion seen a month ago, figures from Destatis showed. The annual rate came in line with expectations.

The U.K. manufacturing sector expanded at a faster pace in September, survey data from IHS Markit and Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply showed.

The manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 53.8 in September from 53.0 in August, which was revised up from 52.8.

The pound rose after Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond said the European Union was in the mood to do a divorce deal, but uncertainty over Brexit had already hit the U.K.'s .

In economic news from U.S., a report on construction spending in August and the ISM Manufacturing Index for September are due at 10 AM ET.

At 9:00 am ET, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta President Raphael Bostic speaks about economic development at the Inclusive Economic Development annual conference in Atlanta.

In commodities, crude oil futures for November were up $0.18, or 0.25%, at $73.43 a barrel.

Natural gas futures for November were up $0.069, or 2.29%, at $3.077 per million btu.

Gold futures for December were declining $5.10, or 0.43%, at $1,191.40 an ounce.

Silver futures for December were down $0.122, or 0.80%, at $14.590 an ounce, while Copper futures were down $0.036, or 1.28%, at $2.769 per pound.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Market Analysis
Cryptocurrencies, led by Bitcoin, opened the week with losses due to a dearth of positive news.



In main news, China's Bitcoin whale Li Xiaolai is reportedly planning an end to investing in future blockchain projects, citing dissatisfaction with fraudulent players. Elsewhere in China, a leading tech magazine added Bitcoin as a payment option to demonstrate the cryptocurrency's feasibility.



Overall cryptocurrency market capitalization was $220.36 billion and the Bitcoin dominance rate was 51.6 percent as of 10.14 am ET on CoinMarketCap.



Here is a wrap of the main news from the cryptocurrency and blockchain space over the past few hours.

CFTC Charges Two Defendants For Attempts To Steal Bitcoin

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has charged two defendants and filed a law suit against them for attempting to steal Bitcoin through fraudulent solicitation, impersonation of a CFTC investigator, and forging CFTC documents. The CFTC has filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas against Arlington, Texas-based Morgan Hunt of Diamonds Trading Investment House and Baltimore, Maryland-based Kim Hecroft of First Options Trading.

Marsh Expands Partnership With IBM To Provide Blockchain Proof Of Insurance

Insurance broking and risk management firm Marsh expanded its partnership with IBM to provide commercial proof of insurance blockchain solution to Marsh clients through the Salesforce.com customer relationship management platform. The use of blockchain solution will enable Marsh's clients to obtain the certificate of insurance digitally and instantaneously to speed up necessary functions such as hiring contractors.

India's Zebpay Shuts Crypto Exchange

Zebpay, one of India's largest crypto-currency exchanges, has announced that it has shut down its exchange activities Friday due to the crypto banking ban imposed by the Reserve Bank of India. Zeb IT Service Ltd, the operator of Zebpay, said the recent past has been extremely difficult due to regulatory and banking problems.

North Dakota Issues Cease And Desist Order Against Three ICOs

North Dakota Securities Commissioner has issued Cease and Desist Orders against three companies promoting unregistered and potentially fraudulent securities in North Dakota in the form of Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs). The companies involved are BitConnect and related companies BitConnect LTD and BitConnect International PLC; Magma Foundation and related companies Magma Coin and Magma; and Pension Rewards Platform.

Current Prices

As of 10.15 am ET, Bitcoin was down 1.76 percent at $6,495.40 and Ethereum was lower by 4.52 percent at $224.65 on Coinbase.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
ConocoPhillips (COP) said Monday it has agreed to sell its 30 percent interest in the Greater Sunrise Fields to the government of Timor-Leste.

The company noted that the total sales price of the transaction is for $350 million, prior to customary adjustments. This is conditioned on the government receiving funding approval from the Timor-Leste Council of Ministers and National Parliament, as well as regulatory approvals and partner pre-emption rights.

Matt Fox, executive vice president, Strategy, Exploration and Technology said, "ConocoPhillips has a long history in Timor-Leste through our operated interest in the Bayu-Undan field. Although we differ with the government on its proposed development plan for Sunrise, we recognize the importance of the field to the nation of Timor-Leste, and the sale of our interest to the government gives them a working interest in this important development."

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2019. ConocoPhiliips will use proceeds from this transaction for general corporate purposes.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
European stocks turned in a strong performance on Monday amid easing trade concerns after the U.S. and Canada agreed on a trade deal to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement shortly before a midnight deadline.

The pan-European Stoxx Europe 600 Index rose by 0.3 percent, while the Euro Stoxx 50 Index of eurozone blue chip stocks climbed by 0.5 percent.

The German DAX Index also advanced by 0.8 percent and the French CAC 40 Index crept up by 0.2 percent, while U.K.'s FTSE 100 Index bucked the uptrend and edged down by 0.2 percent.

The new trade deal, called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, will reportedly provide more market access to U.S. dairy farmers and effectively cap Canadian automobile exports to the U.S.

A joint statement by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said the USMCA will "strengthen the middle class, and create good, well-paying jobs and new opportunities for the nearly half billion people who call North America home."

"We look forward to further deepening our close economic ties when this new agreement enters into force," Lighthizer and Freeland added.

The leaders of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico are expected to sign the new agreement before the end of November, although it will still need to be approved by Congress.

Swiss bakery Aryzta spiked 16.4 percent after the company forecast stable underlying results in fiscal 2019 after narrowing its fiscal 2018 loss.

Linde AG also moved higher after the company received approval for its proposed $83 billion merger with Praxair from the Chinese antitrust authority.

On the other hand, Ryanair slumped 12.8 in London. The airline cut its forecast for full-year profit, citing rising oil prices and the impact of recent coordinated strikes across Europe.

In economic news, Eurozone manufacturing activity grew at the weakest pace in two years in September, final data from IHS Markit showed. The factory Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 53.2 from 54.6 in August, hitting the lowest level since September of 2016. The initial estimate was 53.3.

The euro area jobless rate fell to 8.1 percent in August from 8.2 percent in July, Eurostat reported. This was the lowest since November of 2008.

German retail sales grew by real 1.6 percent year-on-year in August, faster than the 0.9 percent expansion seen a month ago, figures from Destatis showed. The annual rate came in line with expectations.

The U.K. manufacturing sector expanded at a faster pace in September, survey data from IHS Markit and Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply showed.

The manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 53.8 in September from 53.0 in August, which was upwardly revised from 52.8.

The pound rose after Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond said the European Union was in the mood to do a divorce deal, but uncertainty over Brexit had already hit the U.K.'s .

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Saudi Arabia has shelved a $200 billion plan with Japan's conglomerate SoftBank Group Corp (SFTBF.PK) to build the world's biggest solar-power-generation project.

According to Wall Street Journal, citing Saudi government officials, the Kingdom is no longer actively working on the project. Instead, the Saudi kingdom is working up on a broader, more practical strategy to boost renewable energy, to be announced in late October around the time of an investment conference in Riyadh.

In March, SoftBank had announced its partnership with Saudi Arabia to create the world's biggest solar power generation company in the kingdom. An MoU was signed between Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and the SoftBank Vision Fund.

Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son, in a press conference in New York, had said he expects the solar project, which is estimated to cost $200 billion through 2030, to have the capacity to produce up to 200 gigawatts.

The shelving of the solar project marks a setback for a partnership between Saudi Arabia and SoftBank. Both of them have created a $100 billion fund for investing in startups.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condoled the death of more than 800 people in an earthquake and consequent tsunami in Indonesia last Friday and offered all possible assistance to the Southeast Asian archipelago nation.

India's offer of help was conveyed by Modi during a telephone conversation with Indonesian President Joko Widodo.



"The Prime Minister offered deepest condolences on his behalf and on behalf of the people of India on the loss of precious lives in the earthquake and tsunami that hit Sulawesi region of Indonesia," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.



"The Prime Minister appreciated the resilience and courage of the people of Indonesia in facing the challenges emanating from the widespread devastation due to this grave natural calamity," it stated.





"In response to Indonesia's appeal for international aid, the Prime Minister offered to the President of Indonesia all possible assistance from India as a maritime neighbour and friend of Indonesia."



Mass graves were dug on Monday as Indonesia began burying hundreds of people killed by the earthquake and the tsunami that cracked streets, crumbled buildings and swept homes on the island of Sulawesi. At least 844 were confirmed dead and the toll was expected to climb, with heavily populated areas cut off from any assistance.



According to Monday's External Affairs Ministry statement, President Widodo thanked Modi for offer of assistance.



"The two leaders agreed that the details of India's relief assistance will be worked out through diplomatic and official channels," the statement said.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP)  The airline operating a flight that crashed into a Pacific lagoon in Micronesia on Friday now says one man is missing, after earlier saying all 47 passengers and crew had safely evacuated the sinking plane.

Air Niugini said in a statement that as of Saturday afternoon, it was unable to account for a male passenger. The airline said it was working with local authorities, hospitals and investigators to try to find the man.

The airline did not immediately respond to requests for more details about the passenger, such as his age or nationality.

The airline said in another statement later Saturday that U.S. divers had completed an inspection inside the aircraft and confirmed that all of the passengers had safely evacuated.

"This has been confirmed by other passengers that the unaccounted person had safely evacuated the aircraft and he was seen in one of the local dinghies that were assisting with transporting the passengers and crew to the shore," the statement said. "Local authorities and the airline are continuing to investigate the location of the unaccounted passenger."

Local boats helped rescue the other passengers and crew after the plane hit the water while trying to land at the Chuuk Island airport.

Officials said Friday that seven people had been taken to a hospital. The airline said six passengers remained at the hospital Saturday, and all of them were in stable condition.

What caused the crash and the exact sequence of events remains unclear. The airline and the U.S. Navy both said the plane landed in the lagoon short of the runway. Some witnesses thought the plane overshot the runway.

Passenger Bill Jaynes said the plane came in very low.

"I thought we landed hard," he said. "Until I looked over and saw a hole in the side of the plane and water was coming in. And I thought, well, this is not the way it's supposed to happen."

Jaynes said he and others managed to wade through waist-deep water to the emergency exits on the sinking plane. He said the flight attendants were panicking and yelling, and that he suffered a minor head injury.

"I was really impressed with the locals who immediately started coming out in boats," Jaynes said in an interview with a missionary in Chuuk, Matthew Colson, that was posted online and shared with The Associated Press.

The U.S. Navy said sailors working nearby on improving a wharf also helped in the rescue by using an inflatable boat to shuttle people ashore before the plane sank in about 30 meters (100 feet) of water.

Air Niugini is the national airline of Papua New Guinea and has operated since 1973. Data from the Aviation Safety Network indicates 111 people have died in crashes of PNG-registered airlines in the past two decades but none involved Air Niugini.
Members of the public who will use a two-months gun amnesty to bring in their unregistered and illegal guns will get a $50 Electric Power Corporation voucher.

This was announced yesterday when the Police launched a two-month long amnesty in a bid to collect unregistered and illegal guns. The amnesty ends on 30 November 2018.

This is the third amnesty under the leadership of Police Commissioner, Fuiavailiili Egon Keil.

Acting Prime Minister, Tuitama Dr. Leao Tuitama, said this is a chance for people to stop violating the law by keeping illegal guns.

The rise of crimes using firearms has increased and that is why the Ministry of Police is giving you the chance to turn in those illegal guns to the Police without any questions asked, he said.

Unregistered guns are illegal and you can be criminally charged. To those who continue to violate the law, please turn in those guns to be destroyed, as it is illegal.

The Acting Prime Minister called on Village Councils to urge their people to heed the plea from the Ministry of Police.

Tuitama said firearms brought forward will be destroyed, not used by the Police.

Police Commissioner Fuiavailiili said the number of firearms brought into the country remains a question.

Samoa does not manufacture weapons or ammunition. The amnesty is not limited to just weapons, we will also take in ammunition or explosives, said Fuiavailiili.

If you turn it in within the specific time of the amnesty you will not face charges.

However if the firearms are caught in your possession after the amnesty, then you face the wrath of the law.

Fuiavailiili said during the amnesty, citizens can call the police station (22222) and have their illegal material picked up if they cant bring them in themselves.

However, if you decide to bring it in, we caution against exposing these guns in public, so cover it up with a mat, make sure its unloaded then bring it in, he said.

Only three types of guns are permitted in Samoa: shot guns, 12 gauge or 16 gauge, 22 rifle, as well as BB guns or air guns designed to shoot metallic balls.

Fuiavailiili warned against importing guns into Samoa without permits by hiding them inside containers.

To date, more than 1,000 illegal guns were destroyed during gun amnesties since 2015. Last July, the Ministry of Police destroyed about 300 illegal firearms recovered during their operations.
Police Commissioner, Fuiavailiili Egon Keil, says the removal of Police officers who are married to or are in defacto relationships with colleagues is complex and he will need legal advice.

He said there could be legal ramifications and he will have to meet with the Office of the Attorney General to discuss the issue.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi urged the Police Commissioner last month to act on the mandate he delivered a year ago to remove any married or defacto couples working in the police force.

Speaking at the passing out of 114 new police officers, Tuilaepa reminded the Commissioner of his obligations following the orders issued last November.

More than 30 police officers were removed as a result and this was specifically highlighted for the Ministry of Police, given your duties deals with wrongdoing in the country.

But Fuiavailiili said it will not be easy as there could be legal ramifications for the Samoa Police Service.

There are legal issues that have to be addressed first before any of that can happen. I know its a topic that was brought up by the Minister of Police and as we all know, we work for the Prime Minister, we do the best we can to fulfill anything legally directed to us by our leaders.

And the Prime Minister is my leader and whatever the leader wants and its lawful; its not much the Commissioner of Police and any C.E.O. can do; we have to listen to our leaders, he said.

He said he will need to consult the Office of the Attorney General to see if it is legal, what authorities have to be involved in the exercise, and whether it will be law or policy.

Asked if he knew of any police officers living in de facto relationships within the service, he said he is more concern with his officers when they are on duty and not at home.

Im a busy man, and I have a very busy schedule and I dont look into peoples personal lives. I expect them to do their job and do it well and professionally, but outside of their work, I dont venture there.

I want to make sure that my guys and gals are doing the right thing when they are on duty and new off duty; particularly when they are on duty it is my concern, he added.

The Public Service Commission has a long-standing policy that banning couples from working in the same ministry, but it has not applied that policy to the Samoa Police Service.

Tuilaepa, in correspondence to the Police Commissioner last year, outlined how couples should be banned from the police force including those living in defacto relationships.

However, you did not remove those defacto relationships they should be removed before the year ends, he said.
Samoa welcomed Cable Ship Reliance (C.S. Reliance) yesterday, signaling a step closer to the grand opening of the Samoa Marine Depot.

The Ship Master, Captain David Ledoux and his crew of 50, were welcomed with a cultural performance by the Vaimoso Boys Brigade and the dance group from Samoa Traditional Resort at Matautu.

The welcoming party included the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Afamasaga Rico Tupai, U.S. Embassy Charge daffairs Tony Greubel and members of the Samoa Submarine Cable Company.

The company, T.E. Connectivity from America, secured a five-year contract to do cable maintenance and construction work in the Asia Pacific region, including Samoa.

It is a specifically designed and constructed vessel for cable maintenance and construction, making her one of the most versatile cable ships in the industry.

At this time, the C.S. Reliance is berthed in New Caledonia but will move into Apias port at the end of the year where it will be based over the next five years. Samoas central position in the South Pacific makes it the ideal location while it caters to all the Pacific Islands.

The Samoa Submarine Cable Company Director (on behalf of Chairman Pauli Prince Suhren), Sua Justina Sau Lam told the Samoa Observer that there are many benefits to having the C.S. Reliance based in Samoa, including the economic boost to the Samoa Port Authority as well as to the local hospitality and tourism industry.

There is some talk about it because the plan is that after the initial five years, they can also sign on for another five years, said Sua.

Its all part of the agreements signed between our government and the company T.E. Connectivity (T.E.C.) that the experience and knowledge of repairing cables will be shared with our people. We may also look at them employing our seaman.

Following the ceremony, Captain David Ledoux took invited guests through a tour of the ship.

The C.S. Reliance will be berthed in Apia Port in the lead up to the grand opening of the Samoa Marine Depot at the end of this month where submarine cable companies from around the Asia Pacific Region will attend.

The 50-member crew comprises experienced merchant mariners, submersible engineers, and cable operations staff. The C.S. Reliance is 140 meters in length and the dynamically positioned vessel is capable of sustained cable operations in harsh weather.

In addition to typical cable construction and maintenance activities, these ships provide excellent platforms for trenching, mattressing, and salvage operations. TE SubCom (SubCom), a TE Connectivity Ltd. company, is an industry pioneer in undersea communications technology and marine services, and a leading global supplier for todays undersea communications requirements. As a vertically integrated supplier, SubCom designs, manufactures, deploys, and maintains the industrys most reliable fiber optic cable systems.
The President and Chief Executive Officer of Samoa Stationery and Books, Tofilau Fiti Leung Wai, has won three awards at the annual International Samoa Business Network 2018 Awards in Auckland, New Zealand.

Seven of Samoas local businesses were nominated with Tofilau scooping three categories. The awards include the Peoples Choice Award; Samoa based Business of the Year Award and the Businesswoman of the Year Award.

Held at the Novotel Airport Hotel, S.B.N. Co-founder, Laura Keil-Hall acknowledged the networks fifth year anniversary as well as their milestone achievement in hosting the first international Samoa Business Network Awards, featuring Samoan-owned businesses in New Zealand, Samoa, Australia and the United States.

I am delighted to present an evening dedicated solely to the recognition and the hard work, resilience of Samoan-owned businesses and business owners, said Ms. Keil-Hall.

Samoa may be a small developing island state in the Pacific, however its influence is transnational, global and ever growing. Nowhere is this seen more than the world of business. The S.B.N. is a very small and very strong vibrant network that spans Samoa, Australia, New Zealand and recently growing interest in the U.S.A.

Special guest, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour, Lautafi Fio Selafi Purcell congratulated S.B.N. in initiating the Awards saying that such programmes are needed in strengthening business development. He also acknowledged the significance of the inclusion of award recognizing the achievement of Samoan Business Women.

This initiative portrays a strong partnership and economic drive that is much needed in business development, especially this year the private sector and the Samoan government also implemented its inaugural export awards which focused the achievements of exporters and recognized the small medium enterprises in Samoa who have penetrated the export markets despite the economic limitations, he said.

I wish to acknowledge the inclusion of not only New Zealand based businesses, but also businesses that are established and operating in Samoa and of special mention is the special award that recognizes the contribution of women in business development and outstanding leadership as the popular saying in Samoa, Women are achievers today is an important milestone of that.

The Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Afamasaga Rico Tupai supported the Chairperson of S.B.Ns call to Samoan business people all over the world to work together for the development of New Zealand and Samoa.

If I may echo the comments of the Chairwoman of S.B.N, we need to work together and walk together and compete in where we need to compete, Afamasaga said. The key word is frenemies we can be frenemies in trading and in business, but still work together in collaboration with each is the fastest way we can develop our economy here and especially enlarge our economy back home in Samoa.
A man accused for the death of a Chinese man last month was granted legal aid and appeared before His Honour Chief Justice Patu Tiavasue Falefatu Sapolu yesterday.

Tauinaola Laupua, 31, of Salelavalu, Gataivai and Vaitele-fou is represented by lawyer Donald Kerslake.

Prosecution Leone Sua-Mailo told the Court yesterday the accused is facing three charges.

He is charged with murder, aggravating robbery and assault with an attempt to rob.

Mr. Kerslake told the court that his client wishes to enter a plea of not guilty to all the charges.

However, Ms. Mailo told the court that the accused has five different matters before the court and an outstanding warrant of arrest for not appearing in court.

Chief Justice Patu then told the accused that the other matters before the Court will have to appear next week Monday for sentence.

However, the matter that he had pleaded guilty to is set for hearing on the week commencing February 18, 2019.
The Pinktober campaign was officially launched at the ANZ Bank in Apia yesterday.

Themed Together we can make a difference, many supporters were present including the Matavai Cultural crew from Australia headed by the former Miss Samoa and Miss South Pacific 1998 Maryjane McKibbin-Schwenke.

Matavai will host a special performance at the end of the week with all the proceeds going to the Samoa Cancer Society.

Yesterday also marked the launch of the ANZ Bank fashion ATM designed by Eveni to support Pinktober.

Samoa Cancer Society Vice President, Tauiliili Alise Stunnenberg, said breast cancer continues to be the highest form of cancer in the number of patience that the society sees each year. They continue to work hard to build more relationships, especially out in the communities and in the villages.

They also work hand in hand with churches, womens committees, community based organisations and other non-government organisations.

In 2017, 89 patients were referred to the Samoa Cancer Society, 19 percent of them were women with breast cancer and four had passed away and only four women known to us were successfully treated following early detection and presentation to hospital, Tauiliili told the gathering.

Its one thing to know and be aware yet another to be proactive and present yourself to the hospital should you detect early signs of breast cancer.

That is one of the important works of the society at this point, but its through community involvement, advocating and lobbying together with those patients who have gone through it and survive.

They can share their experiences so that we can encourage other women to come forward early to have themselves checked because thats when the treatment is most effective.

Tauiliili added they have received considerable amount of support from people all over not just in Samoa, but in Samoan communities overseas.

They want to help fight cancer and acknowledge those who have passed on so we must continue to nurture these relationships and integrate their commitment and involvement into the work that we do for the people who need our help because only together can we make a difference, said Tauiliili.

Acting Prime Minister, who is also the Minister of Health and the patron for the Samoa Cancer Society, Tuitama Dr. Talalelei Tuitama said this month is a time to promote and reinforce to our women the importance of early detection, recognising the signs and symptoms, seeking medical advice and learning to do breast self-examination.

Cancer is the second highest killer of all people. With breast cancer being the most aggressive for women of Samoa, it is our objective to help decrease the incidents of breast cancer in Samoa by contributing and supporting the Ministry of Health sector plan and strategy for the Government of Samoa, Tuitama said.

This months activities include a luncheon at Sheraton and performance by the Matavai Dance Crew.

The Pinktober campaign is championed by the late Manamea Apelu-Schwalger and is dedicated to breast cancer awareness.
Good lawyers know which cases to take to Court and which ones to settle.

So said the United States Court of Appeals Senior Judge and Chief Judge Emeritus, John Clifford Wallace. He made the point during an interview with the Samoa Observer.

The 89-year-old was part of the conference of Pacific judges where he spoke on money laundering and the importance of an independent judiciary last week.

You cant settle them (cases) all; you have to trial some, Judge Wallace said.

Good lawyers will really have to evaluate cases, which mean you not only have to know what you know about your clients you have to know their case too, and by doing that you know how much jeopardy your client has and that gives you an idea of its value. So if you can arrive at a settlement, youre much better off especially if your client may get a severe penalty if you lose.

Judge Wallace said a good trial lawyer knows how to settle and knows how to be prepared.

One of the things you learn about being a good trial lawyer, it isnt how many you take to Court; it is how many you get a good result from your client without going to Court.

I was a good mediator, and I could get results from my clients, it was satisfactory for them and we didnt have to go to Court.

He also noted the importance of training lawyers and judges in their line of work.

What judges and lawyers need to have is training. Because the islands are so separated in a way, you cant just go through the streets and get into the meeting with some lawyers in a bar association.

So what we have to do is focus on a different way in doing the training, and what weve tried to do during the time period in working out here in the Pacific Islands is to be able to get groups together.

Judge Wallace said lawyers and judges cant be satisfied with their work, they have to keep improving.

The key is how you do it in a smaller jurisdiction, and weve been able to develop these conferences and other joint meetings to be able to bring that to the Pacific, and we will do more.

It is the responsibility of the judges and lawyers to make this work for the people. It isnt just there to make money, its there to make democracy work, its there to give people freedom, its there so that inappropriate actions by political leaders will be taken to task, and we have a balance. So it is an ongoing process.
The inaugural U.N.E.S.C.O. roundtable on building sustainable tourism for green/blue livelihoods in Pacific Island countries was opened in Apia yesterday.

Held at the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Greys Hotel, the roundtable marks the opening of the week-long 28th annual Council of Tourism Ministers meeting where stakeholders and dignitaries from 17 Pacific Island countries are in attendance.

The roundtable is the first kind of partnership between U.N.E.S.C.O. and the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (S.P.T.O.) to discuss a number of key aspects of tourism development in the region.

U.N.E.S.C.Os work in the area of culture and heritage, biosphere reserves and geo-paths, supported by our work in education, training and communication helps tourism to contribute to social, economic and human development, Director of Office and U.N.E.S.C.O. Representative to Pacific States, Nisha said.

It is prudent therefore for stakeholders present here to discuss how tourism can be shaped to be fully responsive to the current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, second keeping livelihoods sustainable while building the tourism industry and third ensuring positive experiences for tourists, she said making reference to the booming tourism industry in the region in the past.

Ms. Nisha added tourism and migration are two elements that are unstoppable because they are driven by social, political and economic needs as well as the human need to explore.

This roundtable provides an opportunity, with the support of the host Government Samoa, Samoa Tourism Authority, and takes this discussion further in partnership with regional organization for tourism  S.P.T.O.

This meeting marks the beginning of U.N.E.S.C.Os partnership with S.P.T.O. to ensure that U.N.E.S.C.Os expertise is brought here to support tourism in a manner that promotes Pacific heritage, natural resources, supports inclusion and rights of all, and helps build green and blue livelihood.

S.P.T.O. chief executive officer, Christopher Cocker said the roundtable will allow stakeholders the opportunity to reflect and hear from various organisations and businesses on how their organisations and businesses are implementing strategies that integrate sustainable tourism and culture and will contribute to sustainable economic growth.

Samoas Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Health, Tuitama Dr. Talalelei Tuitama said he is confident that the policies and outcomes of the dialogue will pave the way for sustainable tourism in the region.

The roundtable dialogue is funded by U.N.E.S.C.O.
TEHRAN, Iran (AP)  Iran's Revolutionary Guard launched six ballistic missiles as well as drone bombers early Monday toward eastern Syria, targeting militants it blamed for an attack on a military parade last month while also threatening regional adversaries as Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers unravels.

The missiles had enough range to strike regional U.S. military bases and targets inside both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Iran's supreme leader has called out the two Arab nations by name, accusing them of being behind the Sept. 22 attack on the parade in the Iranian city of Ahvaz, something denied by both Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.

Monday's strike was the second missile attack by Iran in a month's time, and came as tensions rise ahead of renewed U.S. sanctions targeting Tehran's oil industry that will take effect in early November.

"This is the roaring of missiles belonging to the Revolutionary Guard of the Islamic Revolution," a state TV reporter said as the missiles launched behind him. "In a few minutes, the world of arrogance  especially America, the (Israeli) Zionist regime and the Al Saud  will hear the sound of Iran's repeated blows." Al Saud is a reference to Saudi Arabia's royal family.

Iranian state TV and the state-run IRNA news agency said the missiles "killed and wounded" militants in Syria, without elaborating. The missiles, launched from western Iran, flew over Iraq and landed near the city of Boukamal in the far southeast of Syria, they reported.

"Terrorists used bullets in Ahvaz," Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, chief of the Guard's aerospace division, told the semi-official Tasnim news agency. "We answered them with missiles."

The Guard, a paramilitary group that answers directly to the supreme leader, said it followed the missiles with bombing runs by seven remotely piloted drones, a first for Iran. State TV aired footage of a drone dropping what appeared to be an unguided munition.

Boukamal is held by Syrian government forces, but IS still maintains a presence in the area, despite being driven from virtually all the territory it once held in Syria and Iraq.

Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told The Associated Press that the Iranian missiles hit the IS-held town of Hajin, just north of Boukamal.

Strong explosions shook the area early Monday, reverberating east of the Euphrates River, he said. U.S.-allied Kurdish fighters have been battling IS in and around Hajin for weeks.

The U.S. military's Central Command acknowledged that Iranian forces conducted "no-notice strikes" in the area.

"The coalition is still assessing if any damage occurred, and no coalition forces were in danger," U.S. Army Col. Sean Ryan said.

IS militants did not immediately acknowledge the attack.

The missile launch further adds to confusion over who carried out the assault on a military parade, which killed at least 24 people and wounded over 60.

Iran initially blamed Arab separatists for the attack in which gunmen disguised as soldiers opened fire on the crowd and officials watching the parade from a viewing platform. The Arab separatists, who have long complained of discrimination in Persian-majority Iran, claimed the attack and provided accurate details about one of the attackers.

The Islamic State group also claimed responsibility for the Ahvaz assault, but initially made factually incorrect claims about it. Later, IS released footage of several men that Iran ultimately identified as attackers, though the men in the footage are not known to have pledged allegiance to the extremist group.

In announcing the launch, Iranian state media said the missiles targeted both "takfiri" militants  a term it often applies to the Islamic State group  and Ahvazi separatists. The separatists have not been known to work with IS in the past.

Mohsen Rezaei, who formerly led the Guard, praised the missile strike on Twitter, adding that the "main punishment is on the way," suggesting more attacks could be imminent.

One missile shown on Iranian state television bore the slogans "Death to America, Death to Israel, Death to Al Saud."

The semi-official Fars news agency, believed to be close to the Guard, identified the six missiles used as Zolfaghar and Qiam variants, which have ranges of 750 kilometers (465 miles) and 800 kilometers (500 miles) respectively. Those missiles can reach Emirati and Saudi targets, as well as U.S. bases.

Regional tensions have been mounting since President Donald Trump pulled America out of Iran's nuclear deal with world powers in May. The United Nations says Iran still honors the terms of the accord, in which it limited its enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.

Iran's already weak economy has suffered since the American withdrawal, with its currency now trading at 170,000 rials to one U.S. dollar. In May, rate stood at around 62,000. A year ago, it was 39,000.

This is the third time in about a year that Iran has fired ballistic missiles beyond its borders.

Last year, Iran fired ballistic missiles into Syria over a bloody IS attack on Tehran targeting parliament and the shrine of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. In September, Iran fired missiles into Iraq targeting a base of an Iranian Kurdish separatist group. The separatists say that strike killed at least 15 people and wounded over 50.

"The Iranian missiles are a message to more than one side," said Talal Atrissi, a researcher in regional affairs at Beirut's Al Maaref University. "It is a message that when Iran threatens, it carries out its threats, and this is important for Iran. The second message is that the sanctions will not prevent Iran from defending itself."...
President Donald Trump hailed his revamped North American trade agreement with Canada and Mexico as a breakthrough for U.S. workers on Monday, vowing to sign it by late November. But it still faces a lengthy path to congressional approval after serving for two decades as a political football for American manufacturing woes.

Embracing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which the Canadians joined just before a Sunday midnight deadline, Trump branded it the USMCA, a moniker he said would replace the 24-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA. With a satisfied smile, the president said the new name had a good ring to it, repeating U-S-M-C-A several times.

But he noted that the agreement would need to be ratified by Congress, a step that could be affected by the outcome of the fall elections as Democrats seek to regain majorities in the House and Senate. When a reporter suggested he seemed confident of approval after his announcement, he said he was not at all confident  but not because of the deals merits or defects.

Anything you submit to Congress is trouble, no matter what, Trump said, predicting that Democrats would say, Trump likes it so were not going to approve it.

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday that his country was in a more stable place now that it had completed the negotiations. He said the deal needed to be fair since one trading partner was 10 times larger. He said Canada did not simply accept any deal.

We got the right deal. We got a win-win-win for all three countries, Trudeau said.

Likewise, outgoing Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said via Twitter that the deal negotiated over the past 13 months achieves what we proposed at the beginning: a win-win-win agreement.

Despite Trumps jibe at the Democrats, their comments on the agreement were largely muted, though many lawmakers said the way the provisions of the deal are enforced would be critical.

As someone who voted against NAFTA and opposed it for many years, I knew it needed fixing. The president deserves praise for taking large steps to improve it, said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York. He said any final agreement must be judged on how it benefits and protects middle class families and the working people in our country.

Trump, for his part, said the accord would return the United States to a manufacturing powerhouse.

In fact, the U.S. has always been a manufacturing powerhouse and by some projections  made before he took office   is expected to be No. 1 in 2020.

The new agreement was forged just before a midnight deadline imposed by the U.S. to include Canada in a deal reached with Mexico late in the summer. It replaces NAFTA, which Trump has lambasted as a job-wrecking disaster that has hollowed out the nations industrialized base.

NAFTA has long been a lightning rod for criticism among labor unions and manufacturing workers since it was being negotiated in the early 1990s during President George H.W. Bushs administration and later implemented by President Bill Clinton.

During the 1992 presidential campaign, independent candidate Ross Perot famously predicted a giant sucking sound as NAFTA pulled U.S. factory jobs into Mexico.

The new version would give U.S. farmers greater access to the Canadian dairy market. But it would keep the former North American Free Trade Agreement dispute-resolution process that the U.S. wanted to jettison. It offers Canada protection if Trump goes ahead with plans to impose tariffs on cars, trucks and auto parts imported into the United States.

NAFTA reduced most trade barriers in North America, leading to a surge in trade between the three countries. But Trump and other critics said it encouraged manufacturers to move south of the border to take advantage of low-wage Mexican wages.

The new pact will require regional content of 75 percent for automobiles, and also that 40 to 45 percent of vehicles coming to the U.S. be produced in plants paying at least $16 per hour. Mexicos incoming foreign relations secretary, Marcelo Ebrard, said some new regulations may pose challenges for companies to adapt to. However, he also said that finishing this process of renegotiation provides certainty for financial markets, investment and job creation in our country.

In all, Trump said, the pact covers $1.2 trillion in trade.

For Trump, the agreement offered vindication for his hardline trade policies that have roiled relations with China, the European Union and Americas North American neighbors while causing concerns among Midwest farmers and manufacturers worried about retaliation. Trumps advisers view the trade pact as a political winner in battleground states critical to the presidents 2016 victory and home to tens of thousands of auto workers and manufacturers who could benefit from the changes.

Trump said he would sign the final agreement in late November, in about 60 days, and the pact is expected to be signed by Trudeau and by Mexicos Pena Nieto who leaves office Dec. 1. Trump said he spoke to Trudeau by phone and that their recent tensions didnt affect the deal-making. Hes a professional. Im a professional, Trump said, calling it a fair deal.

Canada, the United States No. 2 trading partner, is by far the No. 1 destination for U.S. exports, and the U.S. market accounts for 75 percent of what Canada sells abroad.

But the president said his administration had not yet agreed to lift tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, a contentious issue between the two neighbors.

Trump has used U.S. tariffs on billions of dollars worth of imported goods from China and other nations as a negotiating tactic and said the North American deal offered evidence that his approach was working. Without tariffs, we wouldnt be standing here, he said.

The future of the agreement has also been a major issue in Mexico, where Pena Nieto will be replaced by President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in December. Uncertainty over the fate of NAFTA talks had threatened to batter Mexicos currency and economic outlook.

Ratifying the deal is likely to stretch into 2019 because once Trump and the leaders from Canada and Mexico sign the agreement, the administration and congressional leaders will need to write legislation to implement the deal and win passage in Congress.

The bar for supporting a new NAFTA will be high. NAFTA has had many critics over the years and its flaws are well-known, said Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass. Like me, many of my colleagues did not support the deal originally. And those who did will have serious questions that they need answered before doing so again.

Gillies reported from Toronto. AP Writers Paul Wiseman and Kevin Freking reported from Washington.
Former CBS President Les Moonves may get a multi-million dollar severance payout following his dismissal after a number of women publicly accused him of inappropriate behavior.

In his Common Sense column published in The New York Times on Sept. 21 headlined How Moonves May Yet Get $120 Million From CBS, lawyer-journalist James Stewart wrote: Mr. Moonvess most recent contract, which he signed last year, stipulated that cause for being fired includes a felony conviction, fraud, failing to cooperate fully in a company investigation and violation of any company policies, including those concerning sexual harassment.

If investigators conclude Moonves engaged in sexual harassment at CBS or that he failed to cooperate in the investigation of the allegations that he did, the companys board may decide Moonves was fired for cause. Under his employment agreement, that would deprive Moonves of his right to severance pay. If the evidence is inconclusive, Moonves would be entitled to his severance payment. As Stewart correctly observed in his column, Mere allegations of sexual misconduct . . . do not constitute cause.

Top corporate executives often have written employment agreements. Those agreements commonly give the executives the right to severance pay if their employment is terminated without good cause. The definition of cause in Moonvess contract is typical.

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That Moonves even potentially has the contractual right to severance pay makes him better off than the vast majority of employees. Non-union employees generally are employed at-will and without a formal agreement, meaning the employee may be dismissed for good cause, no cause, or any reason that does not violate fundamental public policy, such as unlawful discrimination. At termination, an at-will employee is entitled to all wages, including the value of earned but unused vacation at the employees final rate of pay. But an at-will employee has no right to severance pay.

Yet at-will employees sometimes receive money from the employer they are leaving beyond their unpaid earned compensation. As part of a significant layoff, a large company may incur substantial severance-related costs. On September 20, for example, sportswear giant Under Armour announced that a corporate restructuring would result in approximately $10 million of cash severance charges related to an approximate 3 percent reduction in its global workforce. Why would an employer make a severance payment required neither by law nor the terns of employment?

The most common reason employees in an individual or mass termination receive such payments is because they have signed a release of claims against the employer. The amount an employer pays to secure a release may turn on the degree of legal exposure the employer perceives the termination poses. By non-binding custom, an employer also may pay more in severance to a longer serving employee who is being terminated as a matter of fairness. In any event, employers should treat the terms of past severance deals as a guide, not binding precedent.

Sometimes an employer will refuse to pay severance to a terminated employee where severance is not contractually compelled and risk a later lawsuit claiming the termination was unlawfully motivated, especially where the employee was employed at will. There is additional risk where, as in CBSs contract with Moonves, the employer must establish good cause to terminate the employee to avoid paying severance. The employer may take that risk as a stand against misconduct that offends stated company values rather than risk charges of hypocrisy in the court of public opinion. That is the ultimate question the CBS board of directors may confront when the investigators submit their report.

Whether an employee may be terminated at will or only for good cause, sometimes more than money is at stake in deciding to pay a terminated employee severance  or not.

Dan Eaton is a partner with the San Diego law firm of Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek where his practice focuses on defending and advising employers. He also is an instructor at the San Diego State University Fowler College of Business where he teaches classes in business ethics and employment law. He may be reached at eaton@scmv.com. His Twitter handle is @DanEatonlaw.
As an FBI agent through the 1990s, Art Pfizenmayer investigated title theft.

But it was rare then. Today, its a growing problem.

In 2008 when title theft was still uncommon, the FBI posted a notice about this house stealing scam, telling homeowners what to watch out for. A few years later in 2012, the California Department of Real Estate issued a consumer alert about the rising number of fraudulent property deeds and noted that the county recorder is not responsible for verifying the authenticity of the documents being recorded.

Roughly 2  years later, Granada Hills-based Title Lock Corp., a title fraud detection company with an office in Rancho Santa Fe, was founded by Harish Chopra, who also built Data Tree Corporation that is now a part of First American Title. Last year, Chopra recruited Pfizenmayer as its senior adviser. His position is unpaid but he has a minority stake in the company.

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According to the website of Home Title Lock, title fraud losses in 2015 in the U.S. totaled more than $5 billion. Title fraud losses per incident on average are more than $103,000 vs. $1,300 for identity theft losses.

With the advancement in technology, its a huge problem and tremendously under reported as a crime, Pfizenmayer said. Its that insidious that somebody can do this so easily.

He remembers the story several years ago of how a mentally ill man took legal title to Petco Park away from the city and the Padres by walking into the San Diego County Recorders Office and submitting a properly filled-out deed transfer. The man created a legal and bureaucratic nightmare that could be perpetrated on homeowners if someone targets them.

Thats why thousands of homeowners spread across 50 U.S. states subscribe to Home Title Lock, which advertises nationally on the radio and cable channels, Pfizenmayer said. Most of its subscribers pay an annual fee of $149 per property. Its monthly subscription fee is $15.

Pfizenmayer declined to reveal company sales, growth statistics and employee count for the privately held 4-year-old business.

Below, Pfizenmayer, 73 and an Encinitas resident, chats about how someone steals your house, who these thieves target and why you should pay for their services even though only a few of their subscribers have had their title ownership fraudulently altered. (This interview was edited and condensed for clarity and space.)

Q. What is title theft?

A. Title theft is when somebody uses a false identify to change ownership on your property title from your name to their name and then secures as many loans as possible using your equity as collateral.

Then what (could) happen is that you spend two years and $50,000 to hire attorneys and experts to show that this is your house and you didnt execute (the title change). Even if the court says this isnt your loan and that this is your house, youre still losing because of all the bills associated with trying to prove that because you dont have title insurance.

Q. What do you mean? Banks require title insurance when people buy homes.

A. (Banks) want (title insurance) because they dont want any liens in the past. But going forward (after escrow closes), your title, which is a legal document identifying the owner of record, is not insured. The (banks) dont care because they are first in line to get paid if something goes wrong. If the property is foreclosed, the (banks) get the money first.

Q. How often did you come across title theft when you worked as an FBI agent?

A. Title investigations werent a big deal back in the 90s and earlier. When I retired in 1995 (from the FBI after 26 years) it was on our radar but certainly not a priority.

Today, everything about you is online. They can download documents they need to steal your home. They just need your address. Once they have your address, they can find (your name as) the owner.

They can go online, pay $20 for a notary stamp and get it in two days. In most cases, you have to file in person. But they can give a kid the document to file and the deal is done.

(You may not find out until) the loan goes delinquent. Someone knocks on your door to say your property will be foreclosed because you werent paying back the loan you werent aware of. The bad guys changed your mailing address so you didnt get any notices.

Q. Who do these thieves typically target?

A. The big targets a lot of the time are the elderly because they have a lot of equity in their homes, they dont pay attention to details like missing property tax bills and they make very poor witnesses and the bad guys know it. For example, sometimes it can take two years to prosecute and the elderly victim might not be alive in two years.

Second homes, vacation homes and investment properties are also big targets because people dont pay attention to the details such as property tax bills, foreclosure notices, past-due notices if these documents happen to get through to the property for some reason. Youre more likely to notice you didnt get a property tax bill on your primary home vs. a second property in Colorado.

Q. What does your company provide to its subscribers?

A. We have direct access to 6 billion title records in a U.S. database. Our database covers about 97 or 98 percent of all title filings.

Our founder negotiated an agreement where we have exclusive access to this database. Our software monitors that database for our subscribers. We spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on our proprietary software. When you are a subscriber and your title is disturbed in any way, you get an email from us. Shortly thereafter if we dont get a response from you, we call you.

(If your title ownership has been fraudulently changed,) you need to file an affidavit and notice of false filing with the county recorders office. That essentially puts a big red stop sign on that title, warning any lenders that theres a problem and that they need to tread carefully.

Well email that document to the subscribers and get on the phone and walk them through filling it out. They have to get it notarized and take it to the county recorders office to file. If they cant, our company will get someone to take it in to county recorders office to file it. Its not just finding the problem; its solving the problem. (None of its subscribers have had a loan fraudulently taken out against the equity of their homes.)

Q. Do other companies offer similar services?

A. There are some little onesies and twosies that go to an individual recorders office and work out a software. But all they do is notify their clients.

Q. I already subscribe to an identity theft prevention service. Will these services protect me from title fraud?

A. Nope, unfortunately. Bad guys use a false identity. They are not using your identify. So it doesnt raise any red flags associated with your identity.

Q. What information does a homeowner need to provide to subscribe to your services?

A. Subscribers just need to give their street address, credit-card number for payment and contact info in case something happens. You can sign up with your phone at Starbucks. You dont need the assessors parcel number, or APN.

Q. You said there have been very few times where your subscribers had their title changed fraudulently. What do you say to someone who asks why they should pay for your services?

A. Why do you have smoke detectors? In case of a fire. Its the same with Home Title Lock. Your home is your most important asset. It will be a devastating emotional, financial and legal nightmare if title theft happens to you. Its a road you dont want to go down when for pennies a day, you can have the comfort of knowing it wont happen to you.

Business

Hang Nguyen is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles.
In an effort to modernize the flying experience, San Diego International Airport has admitted five companies  most of them tech startups  into an internal accelerator program to test out their concepts.

The companies will complete a four-month program culminating in a presentation to the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority and the chance to vie for a contract with the airport. The startups will test out and pilot their ideas in the decommissioned commuter terminal the airport now calls an innovation lab. The 3,500-square-foot space is designed to mirror a mini airport complete with check-in counters and a baggage claim area. The space will serve as a place where entrepreneurs can test products and services away from the traffic and bustle of the actual airport floor.

The companies in the program include:

Baggage Nanny: a San Diego luggage storage and delivery service that allows customers to book curbside pickup of their bags online.

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ParkConnect: A San Diego app thats like Airbnb for parking spaces. The company allows people to list their parking spots on the app and earn money from bookings.

TravelCar: A Los Angeles-based car sharing app that lets fliers park for free by opting to rent out their vehicles to other travelers while theyre away.

Vark Valet: A Southlake, Texas, company that modernized the valet business with an app that leaves no need for kiosks, tablets, key tags or paper tickets.

FreedomPark: An Irving, Texas-based valet parking and rental car valet service.

The airports innovation lab has already been a testing ground for San Diego startup AtYourGate, a food ordering app that allows fliers and airport employees to have food delivered directly to their gate  always within 20 minutes. The app went live at the San Diego airport earlier this year, and David Henninger, the companys president, said they currently deliver 50 to 75 orders per day after seven months of operation. AtYourGate has since received $2 million in seed money and just expanded into Newark Liberty International Airport, where it is doing about 20 to 25 orders per day after two months of operation.

San Diego International Airport is committed to excellent customer service and innovation, said Kimberly Becker, president and CEO of the Airport Authority. We started the Airport Innovation Lab to develop solutions at the intersection of these two imperatives. It is very exciting to contemplate new ideas to address existing challenges, as well as the potential for developing radical new concepts.

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brittany.meiling@sduniontribune.com 619-293-1286 Twitter: @BrittanyMeiling
If you think about it  that is, if you care to think about it, because its not the happiest thought  every relationship is kind of one long breakup.

Its pretty much assured that if matters of love or money or clashing thread-count preferences dont quash a romantic bond, the limits of human longevity (spoiler alert!) eventually will.

Abigail and Shaun Bengson did care to think about that  obsess about it, in fact  from essentially the very second they met.

The irony is that their mutual fear of losing each other almost became the reason they lost each other.

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The beauty is not only that it did not happen, but that their terror was channeled and transformed into an arresting theater piece that bears exquisite witness both to the healing power of art and to the catharsis that can come with a shared live experience.

We say yes to death doing us part. What else can we do?, Abigail sings, riffing playfully on the familiar, formal language of marriage vows in Hundred Days, the deeply personal and often raw musical memoir that just opened at La Jolla Playhouse.

The piece, which she and her husband, Shaun, wrote with the playwright Sarah Gancher, mixes confessional and often poetic storytelling with stylistically diverse folk-rock songs composed by The Bengsons (as Abigail and Shaun collectively are known).

Performing with four other musicians  Ashley Baier (drums/percussion), El Beh (cello), Barrie Lobo McLain (vocals/accordion/guitar) and Reggie D. White (vocals/keyboards)  the pair document the saga of their own intense three-week courtship in this compact, 70-minute show, directed by the accomplished University of California San Diego grad Anne Kauffman.

The Bengsons meeting turned into a whirlwind romance of a very different kind: Images of wind and storms punctuate Abigails recollections of a family tragedy that occurred when she was a teen-ager, one that profoundly affected her thoughts on fate and mortality and helped feed into her unease about the budding relationship with Shaun.

She also relates a vision she once had in her youth of receiving news from a doctor that the man she loved had only 100 days to live  a premonition that gives the play its title, as well as its ultimate theme of making the most of whatever time one might have left.

Shaun, meanwhile, is having his own misgivings over his own shyness and his spiritual struggles. And then, not long after the pair meet  at the first rehearsal of a massive anti-folk folk-punk old-timey neo soul band  Shaun winds up in the hospital, and Abigail is drawn into an emotional maelstrom, reliving the fears from her teen years and becoming convinced her premonitions will prove true.

That leads to an utterly stunning moment: Abigails performance of the haunting Three Legged Dog  a primal scream of a song, with otherworldly vocals and the vivid image of a dog chewing off its own foot to flee a trap of agonized memories.

Its one of the most emotionally stark performances youre likely to see on a theater stage  all the more so for its contrast with the gentle, self-deprecating humor that threads through much of the piece.

Its also visually powerful, as columns of sand cascade onto Kris Stone and Andrew Hungerfords spare set (lit by Hungerford for maximum drama) around Abigail, who describes herself as marooned on a vast salt flat representing past, present and future. (The moment is a little reminiscent of a scene from the underappreciated movie Interstellar, in which an astronaut travels through a physical manifestation of time to reach his daughter, and conveys messages to her in falling dust.)

Movement director Sonya Tayeh adds an almost ritualistic physicality to this and other scenes, and The Bengsons (both of whom play guitar) and their band play and sing with plenty of brio. (One small reservation: Some band banter early in the show can come off as a bit too scripted.)

The shows title song is a stirring and percussive anthem of affirmation. But the final number, Bells  the first song The Bengsons wrote together, more than a decade ago  aptly captures the spirit of hard-won endurance that animates Hundred Days.

Its simple, wistful-yet-hopeful sentiment: Ill keep walking.

Hundred Days

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 21.

Where: La Jolla Playhouses Mandell Weiss Forum, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, Playhouse/UC San Diego Theatre District.

Tickets: $25-$55

Phone: (858) 550-1010

Online: lajollaplayhouse.org

jim.hebert@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @jimhebert
October 1, 1910 The San Diego Union

The San Diego Union-Tribune will mark its 150th anniversary in 2018 by presenting a significant front page from the archives each day throughout the year.

Saturday, October 1, 1910

In 1910, an explosion and fire at the Los Angeles Times building killed 21 newspaper employees  the initial death toll was believe to be much higher  and injured many more.

Iron workers union associates were convicted in the dynamite attack, and the investigation revealed a conspiracy to target opponents of organized labor in 100 bombings across the country.

Here are the first few paragraphs of the story:

LOS ANGELES TIMES BUILDING BLOWN UP; STRUCTURE BURNS; 50 REPORTED DEAD

OFFICIALS OF PAPER ACCUSE ENEMIES; CHARGE PLANT WAS DYNAMITED; ARREST SUSPECTS

Flames Spread With Incredible Rapidity; Many Jump Three Stores to Ground

HOSPITALS ARE OVERTAXED

Rescuers Unable to Take Bodies From Ruins; Impossible to Ascertain Victims Of Catastrophe

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 1 (Saturday, 5 a.m.). Fifty lives are believed to have been lost in an explosion which wrecked the rear end of the Los Angles Times building at 1 oclock this morning and which was followed by a fire that destroyed the entire building.

Flames followed the explosion so quickly that those in the building had little chance to escape. Many saved their lives by leaping from windows but suffered severe injuries in doing so. Others were able to escape through the front exits before the flames enveloped them.

The building burned with incredible rapidity. Before those awakened by the explosion or at work in nearby structures could reach the streets the Times building was a mass of flames. Employes who escaped expressed the belief that at least fifty must have perished.

TWENTY-TWO INJURED IN HOSPITALS

The force of the explosion was exerted on the mechanical departments of the paper and most of the dead and injured were members of these departments. At 1:30 22 injured had been taken to the receiving hospital. At that hour estimates of the number dead varied from 50 to 100.

Within a few minutes after the explosion two men were arrested in the

Broadway tunnel and taken to Central police station. Before any thorough search of the vicinity could be made it had become a desely packed mass of humanity, and thousands were hurrying to the scene from all directions.

TWENTY-FIVE TRAPPED IN AD ROOM

Tom P. Smith, ad compositor, was at work on the second floor when the explosion occurred. There were at least fifty men at work on my floor, he said, and we all made for the door at once. At least half of us got out, I think, but there must have been twenty-five or so on our floor who may not have escaped. The explosion appeared to be in the basement or on the first floor of the new six-story building. Flames followed the explosion immediately. When I reached the sidewalk the whole front was ablaze, bot the old and new buildings.

View anniversary front pages online at sandiegouniontribune.com/150-years. For more from the Union-Tribune digital archives, go to newslibrary.com/sites/sdub. Searching is free, with registration. A fee is required to view full stories.
Kanye West has made a number of surprising claims in the past few weeks.

He said he would teach a class at the School of the Art Institute. He said he would restore the historic but currently shuttered Avalon Regal Theater in the South Shore neighborhood. He even announced he was moving back to Chicago and was never leaving again.

But the Chicago-raised rappers latest declaration may be the oddest yet: Hed abolish the 13th Amendment.

On Sunday afternoon, after a controversial speech made onstage after his performance on Saturday Night Live, West tweeted a photo of himself in a cap with President Donald Trumps campaign slogan, Make America Great Again.

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We will no longer outsource to other countries, West said in the message accompanying the photo. We build factories here in America and create jobs. We will provide jobs for all who are free from prisons as we abolish the 13th amendment.

this represents good and America becoming whole again. We will no longer outsource to other countries. We build factories here in America and create jobs. We will provide jobs for all who are free from prisons as we abolish the 13th amendment. Message sent with love pic.twitter.com/a15WqI8zgu  ye (@kanyewest) September 30, 2018

Wests call drew widespread criticism on Twitter.

Trump and Kanye have a lot in common, actually. Both believe they are far more gifted than they actually are. Both are known to deliver rambling, nonsensical speeches. And both profess to love someone named Kim.  George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) October 1, 2018

Theres nothing more maddening than debating someone who doesnt know history, doesnt read books, and frames their myopia as virtue. The level of unapologetic conjecture Ive encountered lately isnt just frustrating, its retrogressive, unprecedented and absolutely terrifying. https://t.co/4jCFwB4T5U  Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) September 30, 2018

Im consciously choosing to tweet about plant-based burgers and not current statements about the 13th Amendment from a certain MAGA follower. Respectfully, please dont @ me. I cant do nothing for him. pic.twitter.com/NX2Vphaz9m  Ava DuVernay (@ava) September 30, 2018

And about an hour and a half later, West weighed in again: the 13th Amendment is slavery in disguise, he tweeted. meaning it never ended / We are the solution that heals.

Wests tweets followed an earlier message from Trump.

Word is that Kanye West, who put on a MAGA hat after the show (despite being told no), was great, Trump tweeted Sunday. Hes leading the charge!

Without much of an explanation, we decided to quit scratching our heads over Yeezys tweets and seek out a bit of a civics lesson.

The 13th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified in 1865, abolishing slavery nationwide, after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.

Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction, the amendment reads.

READ MORE: Kanye West underwhelms on Saturday Night Live, delivers pro-Trump rant after show ends 

Loyola University law Professor Juan Perea said the reconstruction amendments  the 13th, 14th and 15th  are some of the most significant.

Those amendments are remarkably important as ways of attempting to first abolish slavery and begin to cope with some of the legacies of slavery, he said. Those amendments also allow for more national control over civil rights.

Alvin Tillery, a Northwestern University political science professor, said the 13th Amendment is in many ways the anchor of the civil rights amendments. The amendment also serves a symbolic purpose, said Tillery, correcting the original sin of the Constitution.

Its an incredibly important amendment, he said. Theres a big move to abolish prisons, abolish peonage and servitude in our modern political discourse. But you dont need to abolish the 13th Amendment in order to do that.

Its very hard to understand what hes talking about, Perea said about West. With a great deal of generosity, I think you can figure out a way that hes making sense, but he should really avoid talking about the Constitution.

West, who has railed against privately owned prisons in songs like New Slaves, could have been referring to the exception in the 13th Amendment that critics connect to the modern prison system, in which states and corporations profit from the exploitation of criminals. The effects of the exception were spotlighted in Ava DuVernays 2016 Oscar-nominated documentary 13th.

If he meant repeal that section, there are very principled arguments about that, Tillery said.

That provision has always made it possible for states and later the federal government to enact criminal laws that are enforced more harshly against African-Americans, which yields disproportionately high imprisonment, said Perea. That exceptions clause actually has generated huge harm. But the language itself doesnt do that, the society does. Its people applying the law in a racist way.

Tillery said he hopes offhanded Twitter comments dont cause people to lose sight of civil rights history.

I just think the fact that were having this debate shows that weve really lost a sense of how important these civil rights amendments were to the modern civil rights that we enjoy now, he said.

West was previously embroiled in controversy after saying slavery was a choice. In August, West appeared on Chicagos WGCI-FM 107.5 and apologized for the comments.

West also was at the center of a local controversy surrounding Dondas House, the Chicago nonprofit named for his late mother. In May, West was accused of neglecting the youth arts organization, co-founded with Chicago rapper and activist Che Rhymefest Smith, and was found to no longer be on the nonprofits board of directors.

West recently teased that his third album of the year, Yandhi, would drop Sept. 29. The album has yet to appear on streaming services. His wife, Kim Kardashian West, tweeted that the project will be released Nov. 23.

mgreene@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @morgreene

MORE COVERAGE

Kanye Wests first pitch came as a surprise  even for the White Sox 

Kanye West to local high schoolers: Im moving back to Chicago 

No plans to have Kanye West teach, says School of the Art Institute of Chicago 
When her husband broke a large picture over her head, blood running down her body from the shattered glass, J. didnt call the police.

She still didnt notify authorities after he threatened her with a knife and she hid in a bathroom to escape.

Later, he choked her with a belt until she was unconscious, poured gasoline over her body and tried to set her on fire. Thankfully, she said, the lighter didnt work.

J. still refused to call 911, afraid that her husband would be deported.

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While reporting domestic violence can be difficult for any woman, immigration status can make the decision more difficult. Some unauthorized immigrant women struggle to speak up because theyre worried about being deported themselves. Many refugee women with violent husbands want the abuse to stop but fear their spouses may be deported back to the violence-stricken countries they fled.

Though refugees have visas allowing them to be in the U.S., before they become citizens, they can be deported if they are convicted of certain crimes, including some domestic violence charges.

In the Iraqi community in San Diego County, many stigmatize women who take action against domestic violence and blame those women if their husbands are then deported for it, according to Dilkhwaz Ahmed, executive director of License to Freedom, a nonprofit that supports domestic violence survivors.

Its part of the culture, Ahmed said. People will blame you and force you to go back to him.

Ahmed emphasized that not all Iraqi men are abusive, but because domestic violence is more accepted in Iraq, the women need support to come forward, and the abusers need culturally competent programming to help them change.

Because of the stigma, and because of fear of retaliation by their husbands, the women interviewed for this article requested to be identified by first initial only. Each woman told her story to the San Diego Union-Tribune through an Arabic translator.

J. and her husband came to the U.S. as refugees from Iraq about 10 years ago.

They wed through an arranged marriage. J. told herself that if he was good to her, she would love him. Instead, he hit her almost immediately after the wedding.

After four days of my marriage, he beat me so bad, J. said. Ive been abused over and over.

In Iraq, she knew there was nothing that she could do about it. Because of the culture there, police dont protect women from domestic violence.

I had no support system, J. said. Every time I called my family, they said, This is what a husband does. Be patient.

Once she came to the U.S., J. knew she had the option to report him, but she didnt do it. She worried that her four daughters would hate her if she were the reason their father was deported and that the community would shame her.

The belt and lighter incident made her realize that she needed to do something, and her daughters encouraged her to find a way to stop the abuse.

A friend who is also a survivor of domestic violence referred her to License to Freedom. Ahmed pushed J. to call the police, but J. still refused.

With the organizations help, J. got a restraining order in March and filed for divorce.

Her parents are angry that she left her husband. She still feels community pressure, she said, but she also feels a new peace.

This is the first year in our lives we feel safe and happy, she said her daughter told her recently.

She encouraged other women to leave quickly if their husbands become abusive.

You should not be silent like I was, J. said. Fourteen years of my life I wasted with violence.

S. also waited years before getting Ahmeds help.

She has been married for 30 years, and the abuse started about six months after their wedding.

It began with slapping, hitting and punching, and escalated to beatings with a hose, a common weapon for abusive husbands in Iraq.

At one point, he broke her leg and wouldnt let her go to the hospital. S. still has marks from the injury.

They resettled as refugees in Georgia in 2010. One day, a neighbor witnessed the abuse, and police showed up at her door.

When an interpreter arrived at the scene, he told S. that her husband would be deported if she told police what happened. She decided to protect her husband and told the police she was fine.

She tried separating from him, but he convinced her to take him back, and they moved to California. Then, he moved the family back to Iraq, where he took revenge on her for the police incident, beating her unconscious with a hose.

She tried to leave him several more times but was unsuccessful. Then, the family moved to El Cajon in 2015.

There, in addition to the physical beatings, he isolated her, prohibiting her from having friends or calling her family.

In June, S. found License to Freedom and filed for a restraining order. Now, she hopes that he gets deported. She said that would be the happiest day of her life.

My self-esteem came back to me, my dignity, my life. I was nobody, S. said.

She regrets that she didnt tell police the truth back in Georgia.

A., who has been married for 12 years, said she will not feel safe until her husband is deported. He was arrested in March on domestic violence charges.

He would hit me. God really loved me that Im still alive, A. said.

Her husband is currently in jail with a $150,000 bond. He skipped several court hearings regarding the domestic violence charges and violated A.s restraining order. After he was picked up on a warrant, he was charged with a felony for allegedly spitting in a guards face at the jail.

Shes worried that he will come after her when he gets out.

Sometimes I feel sorry for him, but when I remember what this guy did to me, abused me, I hope they will deport him from the bottom of my heart, A. said.

Most of the women whom Ahmed helps dont want their husbands deported. For some, that fear means they have yet to seek protection even if theyve met with Ahmed.

M. came to License to Freedom after her husband burned her left thigh with a kettle a couple of months ago. Three weeks after, the 8-inch burn mark was still deep purple.

M. hadnt gone to the hospital or called the police. Ahmed pressed her to take action, but M. said she wanted to wait longer.

Im afraid of God, and I want to give him another chance, M. said. He may change.

Her husband began beating her days after their marriage. She was 15 at the time.

When they fled to Turkey as refugees, she thought about leaving him. He told her that if she left, he would keep the children and go on to the U.S. without her because their refugee case was in his name.

She chose to stay with her children and with him.

Now, she would rather flee to another state than call the police and risk his deportation, she said.

I dont want him deported because everyone will point their finger at me and say, She is a bad person. She caused her husband to be deported, M. said.

She also worried about what could happen to him in Iraq. As a Chaldean, a Christian minority there, he would likely face persecution, she said.

When neighbors recently heard her screams and called police, she told the officers she was OK. She said she will call police herself the next time something happens.

She knows there will be a next time.

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

Follow me on Facebook for live updates about immigration news

kate.morrissey@sduniontribune.com, @bgirledukate on Twitter
A hunter in Alaska suffered life-threatening injuries this weekend after the bear he shot down nearly crushed him to death.

William McCormick, 28, was hunting with a friend at Carter Lake when they fired at a 200-pound black bear on a ridge above them, according to the Alaska Public Safety Department.

The bear then tumbled down the slope, dragging a slew of rocks with it. Both the bear and the rocks hit McCormick, who was airlifted to Anchorage Providence hospital with life-threatening injuries.

His fellow hunter Zachary Tennyson, 19, was uninjured.

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A spokesman for the Alaska State Troopers said the bear was killed.

Both men are soldiers stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, a military facility near Anchorage.

McCormick is a specialist in the military, while Tennyson is a private first class.

The incident was tended to by Alaska State Troopers as well as the local fire department and LifeMed.

The Public Safety Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the status of the bear.
A man was fatally shot by three police officers at a Florida hospital early Monday after claiming he had a gun.

Brian Baker, 33, made threatening statements and movements before he was shot in the emergency room at the Orlando Regional Medical Center, according to authorities.

At some point while he was in the hospital he told hospital staff that he had a gun and that he would shoot anyone who came near him, said John Mina of the Orlando Police Department.

Mina told reporters that Baker made statements referring to how its going to end right here, today.

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The emergency room at the Orlando Regional Medical Center. (Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP)

Cops fired only after the man made movements consistent with pulling, reaching for a firearm, according to Mina. The officers have been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.

Baker also made reference to being a suspect in a homicide, but cops are still trying to track that down. It does not appear that Baker has any ties to Orlando and was on a layover during a business trip when he was shot.

Baker was traveling by bus from West Palm Beach to Kentucky.

No other people were injured.
A Dunkin Donuts in Syracuse has suspended a pair of employees after one of them poured a pitcher of water onto a homeless man sleeping inside the restaurant.

Video of the incident has since gone viral and shows the employee unloading a full pitcher onto the homeless mans back as he rests in a booth with his head on the table.

How many times Ive got to tell you to stop sleeping in here? the employee asks after waking the man up.

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The incident appears to have taken place Sunday night. Both the employee and the man filming can be heard laughing in the video.

Two employees have been suspended for their roles in the situation, Kimberly Wolak, the franchise owner of the Dunkin restaurant where the incident took place, confirmed.

We were extremely disturbed by the behavior of our employees captured in the video. It not only violated our written policies, but goes against our core values as an organization--which include creating a welcoming and hospitable environment and treating everyone with dignity and respect, Wolak said in a statement obtained by the Daily News.

The employees involved in the incident have been suspended pending a complete investigation, and we will be contacting the individual in the video to apologize for the negative experience.

The homeless man in the video, Jeremy Dufresne, told Syracuse.com that he had been charging his phone inside the restaurant so he could call his mother and tell her goodnight.

He probably had some personal problems of his own and needed someone to talk to, Dufresne told the outlet of the employee who poured water on him. And he took it out on someone else, like me.

A GoFundMe has since been created in hopes of raising money to help Dufresne. The online fundraiser initially sought to raise $150 but has already raised over $1,600 in its first day.

The employees in the video have not been identified.

Al-amin Muhammad, an advocate for the homeless community in Syracuse, visited the Dunkin Donuts after the incident took place and filmed his conversation with staffers. One of the women working there told Muhammad she disapproved of her fellow employees actions but didnt have any additional information.

Muhammad said hed call for their store be boycotted if he didnt hear from the stores manager  who was not present when he arrived  by noon.

A group of demonstrators showed up outside the Dunkin store in Syracuse on Monday in support of the homeless man, reported local news station WTVH-TV.
A Mississippi jury failed once again to reach a verdict in the 2014 death of 19-year-old Jessica Chambers.

The judge declared a mistrial Monday in front of a hung jury, the second time Quinton Tellis, 29, has faced murder charges for Chambers.

The 19-year-old was found in her car hours after she was burned alive in Courtland, Mississippi. Chambers was found alive by paramedics with second- and third-degree burns, but later died from her injuries.

Several first responders testified that Chambers have audibly blamed someone named Eric or Derek before she was airlifted away. But Tellis, who has three prior felony convictions, was arrested after prosecutors say his DNA was found on her keychain. A witness also said Chambers picked Tellis up near where she was eventually found on the night she died.

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Panola County Assistant District Attorney Jay Hale said in court that cell phone location data and surveillance data showed the two, who were called acquaintances, eating at a fast food restaurant. From there, prosecutors say they two had sex and Tellis walked home, then returned in an SUV and lit Chambers and her car on fire.

Quinton Tellis went down to that crime scene and lit this child on fire, Hale said.

Quinton Tellis, shown in court Saturday, was charged with her murder. (Brad Vest / AP)

Tellis defense attorney, Alton Peterson, argued that the scenario assumed that his client was a supercriminal and called it utterly ridiculous to expect a jury to presume facts not in evidence.

They came back to Quinton Tellis and they started working backwards, Peterson said. They came up with a picture and it was their job to make the evidence fit into that picture.

Several experts, including Dr. William Hickerson, the medical director at Firefighters Burn Center at Regional One in Memphis, and speech pathologist Carolyn Higdon, testified that Chambers would not have been able to speak intelligibly with the amount of burning that had already occurred by the time paramedics got to her.

Agent Scott Meadows with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also said that Tellis had changed his story multiple times since the day of Chambers death.

Tellis previously faced a capital murder charge in her death and was indicted in 2016, but the trial ended in 2017 with a hung jury as well.

He has also been indicted in the July 2015 stabbing death of 34-year-old University of Louisiana Monroe exchange student Meing-Chen Hsaio and has pleaded guilty to the unlawful use of her debit card.
One in five sex offenders in one Missouri county are unaccounted for, according to a state audit released Monday.

According to Missouri law, sex offenders must register their names and addresses with local law enforcement, but 439 of the 2,125  about 20%  in Jackson County have failed to do so.

Statewide, 1,259 sex offenders  7.9% of the 16,000  havent registered, including almost 14% in Cass County and about 10% in Platte County. Of those 1,259 non-compliant offenders, at least 794 of those fall under the Tier III category, the most dangerous group, which includes rape, sodomy and first- or second-degree child molestation.

Law enforcement cant track the location of registered sex offenders if sex offender laws are not enforced, auditor Nicole Galloway said in a statement. This also takes away the ability of Missourians to effectively use the sex offender registry when making decisions to protect themselves and their families.

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Deputy Rashid Brown, part of the Jackson County Sheriffs Office, told Missourinet that some offenders dont report their locations because of the governmental red tape.

You have to wait in line, you have to set an appointment and all that good stuff. Its not like something you can just show up to. So, they have to plan ahead. Some of them refuse to do that and just think that they can still operate like free will individuals. Although they can, they have parameters that they have to follow, he said.

They could have left. They could be deceased. They could be incarcerated. But we have no idea of knowing where those 439 are.

Missouri isnt alone in its noncompliance rates; according to an August report, Wisconsin doesnt know the whereabouts of 2,735 offenders and Massachusetts had failed to track about 1,800 of its 13,000 registered sex offenders in 2017.
An enormous wildfire that took a week to put out and cost about $8.2 million was accidentally started during a gender reveal party, according to officials.

Dennis Dickey, 37, pleaded guilty Friday to a misdemeanor violation for starting the 2017 Sawmill Fire near Green Valley, Ariz., the U.S. Attorneys Office announced in a press release.

Dickey fired a rifle filled with Tannerite, a highly explosive substance, at a target  filled with either pink or blue powder  as part of the gender reveal, but that shot caused an explosion that eventually engulfed about 47,000 acres of land.

The Attorneys Office said that Dickey immediately reported the fire to law enforcement and cooperated with authorities.

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It was a complete accident, Dickey said in court, according to the Arizona Daily Star. I feel absolutely horrible about it. It was probably one of the worst days of my life.

As part of the plea deal, Dickey was sentenced to five years of probation and will have to pay $8 million in restitution. Hell also make a public service announcement in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service.
The Trump administration has sued California over a new law imposing net neutrality protections.

The lawsuit filed Sunday by the U.S. Department of Justice came roughly an hour after Gov. Jerry Brown signed the law.

The Federal Communications Commission last year repealed rules preventing internet companies from exercising more control over what people watch and see on the internet.

Californias law seeks to reinstate those rules.

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The lawsuit argues that Californias approach is unlawful and anti-consumer because it imposes burdensome regulations on the Internet and goes against the federal governments approach.

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions says he will defend the federal governments position.

California Gov. Jerry Brown had signed the nations toughest net neutrality measure Sunday, requiring internet providers to maintain a level playing field online.

Advocates of net neutrality hope the move in the home of the global technology industry will have national implications, prompting Congress to enact national net neutrality rules or encouraging other states to follow suit.

Its the latest example of the nations most populous state seeking to drive public policy outside its borders and rebuff Trumps agenda.

The Federal Communications Commission last year repealed rules that prevented internet companies from exercising more control over what people watch and see on the internet.

Californias measure is likely to face a legal challenge from internet companies.

Telecommunications companies lobbied hard to kill it or water it down, saying it would lead to higher internet and cellphone bills and discourage investments in faster internet. They say its unrealistic to expect them to comply with internet regulations that differ from state to state.

Net neutrality advocates worry that without rules, internet providers could create fast lanes and slow lanes that favor their own sites and apps or make it harder for consumers to see content from competitors.

That could limit consumer choice or shut out upstart companies that cant afford to buy access to the fast lane, critics say.

The measure, written by Democratic Sen. Scott Wiener of San Francisco, prohibits internet providers from blocking or slowing data based on content or from favoring websites or video streams from companies that pay extra.

It also bans zero rating, in which internet providers dont count certain content against a monthly data cap  generally video streams produced by the companys own subsidiaries and partners.

Oregon, Washington and Vermont have approved legislation related to net neutrality, but Californias measure is seen as the most comprehensive attempt to codify the principle in a way that might survive a likely court challenge. An identical bill was introduced in New York.
A motorcyclist was seriously injured when he was struck by a car in the Clairemont area Sunday night, San Diego police said.

The collision was reported shortly before 9:25 p.m. on Genesee Avenue, just west of Mesa College, San Diego police Officer Robert Heims said.

The 51-year-old man was riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle eastbound on Boyd Avenue when he turned onto southbound Genesee Avenue and a 25-year-old man driving a Toyota sedan southbound on Genesee Avenue sideswiped the motorcyclist, Heims said.

The impact threw the rider onto the roadway, Heims said.

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The victim was transported to a hospital with serious injuries, which were not believed to be life-threatening, Heims said.

Twitter: @karenkucher

(619) 293-1350

karen.kucher@sduniontribune.com
Gov. Jerry Brown ushered in a new era of transparency in California law enforcement on Sunday, signing two new laws that for the first time give the public access to internal police investigations and video footage of shootings by police officers and other serious incidents.

The measures begin to undo decades of laws and court decisions that had made California the nations most secretive state for police records.

With Governor Browns signature, California is finally joining other states in granting access to the investigatory records on officer conduct that the public truly has a right to know, said Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), the author of one of the measures, Senate Bill 1421, in a statement.

Heres how California became the most secretive state on police misconduct 

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Skinners bill allows the public to view investigations of officer shootings and other major uses of force, along with confirmed cases of sexual assault and lying while on duty.

The availability of these records will allow the public to press California police departments and elected officials in ways not possible before, said Peter Bibring, director of police practices at the American Civil Liberties Union of California, which was a principal supporter of both bills.

People have seen there are systematic problems and the police arent being held accountable  or at least the public isnt aware of it because its secret, Bibring said. Thats something the public is not willing to ignore.

Legal experts also say SB 1421 could have a significant effect on the states justice system by allowing broader access to records that could bear on the credibility of a police witness who has a history of discipline for dishonesty or other significant misconduct.

California is the only state in which even prosecutors cannot directly obtain officer personnel files. Under the current system, prosecutors and criminal defendants must navigate a labyrinthine process in court to glean information from those files. The procedure, which requires filing a so-called Pitchess motion, often yields only the name and contact information of a complainant against an officer.

A recent Times investigation into secrecy surrounding law enforcement discipline found that past misconduct by police witnesses, whether alleged or proven, routinely is kept hidden in court as a result of Californias confidentiality laws.

The new law opens up interview transcripts, evidence and full investigatory reports to the public, prosecutors and defense attorneys alike.

This is revolutionary, said San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi. It would unveil what we have been wanting for a long time.

Lara Bazelon, a professor at the University of San Francisco School of Law, said the measure could expose officer misconduct that was long withheld from defendants and could lead to numerous convictions being dismissed.

We are going to see a lot of skeletons falling out of the closets dating back years, if not decades. That means people who were convicted unjustly and unfairly will finally get a chance to be heard, Bazelon said.

Contra Costa County prosecutors tossed 19 convictions in 2016 and 2017 after a police lieutenant revealed to a judge that files showing internal investigations into two officers had not been disclosed in criminal cases featuring the officers.

Californias rules prohibiting the public release of law enforcement records date back four decades. At the time, police unions and other law enforcement officials were complaining that criminal defense attorneys had flooded departments with requests for complaints against officers. Before the 1978 law was passed, the Los Angeles Police Department shredded four tons of prior complaints against officers that hadnt resulted in a finding of wrongdoing.

In previous years, law enforcement labor groups waged aggressive campaigns to successfully shut down attempts to loosen the states police confidentiality laws.

Police unions opposed SB 1421 as well. Brian Marvel, the head of the Peace Officers Research Assn. of California  the states largest law enforcement labor organization  said he worried the new disclosure rules would put officers at risk. Earlier this year, protesters angry over the killing of Stephon Clark, an unarmed black man in Sacramento, gathered at the wedding of a police officer after identifying him as one of the officers who shot Clark, and Marvel said releasing more information about officers could lead to more confrontations that could turn violent.

There would be a greater potential for officers and their families being harmed by having all of their information being put out publicly, Marvel said.

Labor officials had used similar arguments in the past to defeat transparency proposals. But Marvel said their position wasnt as effective this year because public opinion has shifted against officers, pressuring lawmakers to act differently. Legislators and civil rights activists similarly have cited the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement and increased scrutiny on police killings of civilians as reasons why SB 1421 passed when prior attempts at changing the transparency laws failed.

Brown signed the original 1978 police confidentiality law during his first term in office. He did not issue a statement after signing the bill, and a spokesman declined to comment on the decision.

Besides the open records law, Brown signed a second measure, Assembly Bill 748, requiring departments statewide to release body-worn camera and other video and audio recordings of officer shootings and serious uses of force within 45 days unless doing so would interfere with an ongoing investigation.

This law, modeled after a new LAPD policy on releasing body-camera video, makes Californias rules for releasing footage some of the most transparent in the country, according to research by Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.

The body-camera law also breaks a long stalemate in the Legislature over setting statewide rules on releasing the police recordings. Multiple proposals in recent years either to make the videos public or limit access had failed before AB 748.

Public access to body camera footage is necessary to boost confidence and rebuild trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, said Assemblyman Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), the bills author, in a statement.

The new transparency laws could spur more efforts to increase public access to policing records in the state. Marvel, the police union leader, said hed like to release body-camera footage of day-to-day interactions officers have with community members, such as typical traffic stops, so that the public has a better sense of what regular policing is like.

If the only thing were releasing is negative contacts with people, then that becomes the narrative, Marvel said.

The new open records law takes effect Jan. 1. The body-camera law wont be implemented until July 1 to give police departments more time to update their policies on disclosure.

Coverage of California politics 

liam.dillon@latimes.com

@dillonliam

maya.lau@latimes.com

@mayalau

UPDATES:

5:45 p.m: This article was updated with comments from the bills authors and additional information about the governors decision.

This article was originally published at 5:25 p.m.
President Trump expressed confidence Monday that his new trade deal will have Canadians and Mexicans scooping more American ice cream  but there could be a rocky road ahead to get it through Congress.

During a ceremony at the White House with U.S. and Canadian officials, Trump rolled out the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a new trade deal that he said will give American farmers a far greater ability to export eggs, wheat, poultry and dairy products, such as ice cream, to Mexico and Canada.

The measure, which Trump called the most balanced trade agreement in the history of our country, would replace the 24-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement. But for all the bluster, Trump acknowledged that USMCA still has to pass the House and Senate  which will be no sundae in the park.

Anything you submit to Congress is trouble no matter what, Trump said, predicting that Democrats would say, Trump likes it so were not going to approve it.

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Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the President added hes not at all confident Congress will pass the $1.2 trillion deal, which the administration says will boost American manufacturing and wages in addition to mint chocolate chip exports.

USMCA will likely not be taken up by Congress until after the midterms and that could pose a problem for Trump should Democrats be able to flip either the House or the Senate.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi declined to immediately endorse the the new deal, which would replace NAFTA but also replicate some of its templates.

Democrats will closely scrutinize the text of the Trump Administrations NAFTA proposal, and look forward to further analyses and conversations with stakeholders, Pelosi (D-Calif.) said in a statement.

For Trump, the new deal poses vindication for his nationalistic tariffs-based approach to trade, which has roiled economic relations with China, the European Union, Canada and Mexico.

Without tariffs, we wouldnt be standing here, Trump said.

Despite having finally reached the deal after weeks of tense negotiations, Trump said his administration had not yet agreed to lift tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, a contentious issue between the two neighbors.

Canada, the United States No. 2 trading partner, is by far the No. 1 destination for U.S. exports, and the U.S. market accounts for 75 percent of what Canada sells abroad.

With News Wire Services
Californias 49th Congressional District, covering the northwest corner of San Diego County and the southern swath of Orange County, is one of the nations most closely watched House races. The decision of incumbent Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, to not seek re-election led to a wild free-for-all of a primary with 16 candidates. The two who advanced  Democratic environmental lawyer Mike Levin and Republican state Board of Equalization member Diane Harkey, both from Orange County  offered sharp contrasts in interviews with The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board.

Levin was better on several big issues  including gun violence prevention, nuclear waste storage and his dissection of how President Donald Trump encouraged intolerance and Republican recklessness on the environment. Voters can have hope that Levin would grow into the job.

But we are concerned about his approach to the immense national debt that is on track to triple the amount that is spent just to pay for debt service over the next decade. Not only do the Republicans who used to be budget hawks not care about this emerging disaster, Democrats like Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii say that if the GOP can blithely run trillion-dollar deficits, why shouldnt Democrats be similarly blithe when they control Washington and pursue goals like Medicare for all and free college? America desperately needs sane moderates who want to put away the national credit cards.

In his interview, Levin said he was deeply concerned about the deficit but then went on to say that not only did he oppose raising the retirement age for Social Security  an easy, relatively painless fix given the improved health of those in their late 60s  he called for strengthening, i.e. increasing, these benefits. He said upping the income on which Social Security taxes are paid to more than $250,000  its now $128,400  would go a long way towards shoring up Social Security for decades. Thats just not true. America is on track to have two people working for every one person on Social Security. Somethings got to give. There are no easy answers.

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What is clear, though, is how ill-equipped Harkey is for this job. As a Board of Equalization member, she was rebuked for using staff members to burnish her image, including having 98 board employees staff a conference in her district called Connecting Women to Power. This and other problems led Gov. Jerry Brown and the Legislature to remove most of the major duties of the board.

Yet even though a Democrat on the board, Jerome Horton, faced even sterner criticism than she did, Harkey told the U-T board that she had been the victim of a politically motivated attack. This is in keeping with Harkeys history of depicting any criticism of her record as a state legislator and a Dana Point official as unfair. While Levin responds in measured tones to criticism, Harkey is overly defensive.

We urge voters in the 49th district to support Mike Levin. He is the clear and easy choice.
Re FDA declares youth vaping an epidemic. Heres what you should know. (Sept. 12): Tobacco, fattening foods and alcohol are the three behaviors that kill must of us yet all is readily available at every other corner store, gas station and liquor store.

Chips, chocolate candy and 20 other trashy foods are among e-cigarettes and now the Juul, which looks like a USB drive. Do businesses who sell these products have any role in these epidemics? Can they change what they sell for the betterment of all, including their own families?

Marketing to children, from where they post signs to all candy names to sell e-cigs/e-juice its clear. Thousands of young kids get addicted to nicotine and trash food at the corner or online. The FDA, the State of California and our local government in San Diego are about 10 years late in regulating these products/businesses. We need more responsible retailers and not that much trash food/products. Please help.

Juan M. Andrade

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Boston, MA -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/01/2018 -- Tenon Tours, a tour operator specializing in custom vacation packages in select destinations in Europe, has been honored once again for its impressive and sustained growth.



The tour operator was named to the elite Inc. 5000 list for 2018. Tenon Tours has tracked an incredible growth of 120 percent over the past three years. To make the accomplishment even more noteworthy, this is the fourth time Tenon Tours has landed a spot on the Inc. 5000 list.



"We work hard every day to ensure individuals, families and groups have the best possible experience as they explore amazing destinations," said Bryan Lewis, president of Tenon Tours. "It's rewarding to see the time and energy our employees put into the job pay off both in strong growth and in lasting memories for our customers."



The annual Inc. 5000 list measures the growth of independent, private, for-profit companies. This year's rankings were based off revenue growth from 2014 to 2017. The competition was fierce, with featured companies growing no less than 50 percent over the past three years.



Tenon Tours well surpassed that mark with a growth rate of 120 percent and 2017 revenue of $6.7 million, coming in at No. 3,274.



In addition to the most recent inclusion, Tenon Tours has made the Inc. 5000 list in 2013 and 2014, as well as the Inc. 500 list in 2012. In 2012, Tenon Tours was ranked No.1 in the travel category.



The company's growth won't be slowing down any time soon. Recently, it built on its long history in Ireland with an official Irish branch and is on track for 12 percent growth in 2018 with a projected revenue of $7.5 million.



Tenon Tours creates custom itineraries for individuals, groups and families traveling to Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, the British Isles, Italy and Iceland. Tenon Tours works with its clients to craft the perfect plans, accommodations, transportation options, attractions and tours that work for best for their travel needs.



To learn more about Tenon Tours, visit www.tenontours.com.



About Tenon Tours

Tenon Tours is a U.S.-based tour operator focused on creating custom itineraries and memorable trips to Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, the British Isles, Italy and Iceland. The company works with everyone from solo travelers and couples to companies, church groups and families. Tenon Tours does the hard work of trip planning for you, leveraging relationships and deep knowledge of destinations to find the perfect accommodations, transportation options, attractions and tours and more to form the perfect itinerary. Founded in 2007 near Boston, the company has since expanded with a second headquarters in Delaware and a branch in Ireland. Tenon Tours was ranked as the fastest growing private travel company on the Inc. 500 in 2012 and made the Inc. 5000 in 2013, 2014 and 2018. For more information, visit www.tenontours.com.



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407-339-0879
Press Release

October 1, 2018 Dispatch from Crame No. 392

Senator Leila M. de Lima: Free the Five (5) Cambodian Human Rights Defenders! 10/1/18 Human rights defenders (HRDs) are some of the bravest and most selfless people on earth. By definition, they are those who readily sacrifice their own welfare in order to fight for the human rights of other people. They step in when circumstances and conditions are the most dire for those who challenge injustice, oppression and inhumanity anywhere in the world. Often, even risking their very lives as they speak truth to power while supporting the powerless--the victims and survivors of human rights abuses. As they are invaluable in making a safer, more civilized and more humane world, HRDs themselves should be protected from harm, and their work should be supported. This is not happening in Cambodia. On 26 September 2018, NAY VANDA, NY SOKHA, LIM MONY, YI SOKSAN and NY CHAKRYA--all human rights defenders, who are current and former staff members of the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC)--were sentenced to five years in prison (minus the 14 months they spent in pre-trial detention) for the fabricated charge of "bribery of a witness", just eight (8) days after what observers described as "a deeply flawed one-day trial." The case arose in 2016, when the five (5) provided legal assistance to a victim of government harassment, Srey Mom, whom the Hun Sen government alleged to have had an extramarital affair with detained opposition leader Kem Sokha. During the trial on Sept. 18, the five (5) accused were denied the right to challenge the testimonies of prosecution witnesses, and were convicted despite the prosecution's failure to identify the witness they allegedly bribed and to present, in the first place, any credible evidence showing that a witness had indeed been bribed. There is no doubt that those five (5) brave persons are in jail because of the Cambodian authorities' policy of intimidating HRDs and suppressing human rights work in an obvious move to suppress any form of criticism or opposition against the government. Ganitong-ganito rin ang nangyayari dito sa Pilipinas. Maraming human rights defenders ang tinatakot, sinisiraan, pinakukulong at tinutugis dahil sa kanilang gawain. Ang sitwasyon ko mismo ay patunay nito. [English Translation: This is also happening here in the Philippines. Many human rights defenders are threatened, maligned, imprisoned and persecuted because of their advocacies. My situation is proof of this.] And this phenomenon is inextricably connected to the bigger picture of a government that stifles dissent, muffles criticisms and ultimately smothers democracy in our country. The governments of the Philippines and Cambodia should be reminded that their states are signatories to the 1998 UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders which, in Article 12 thereof, mandates that governments shall take all necessary measures to ensure that HRDs are themselves protected against "any violence, threats, retaliation, de facto or de jure adverse discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary actions" related to their efforts to protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms. Thus, we call upon the Cambodian government to abide by the commitments it made both to the international community and to its own people by freeing these five HRDs. A strong government uses its might to protect and bring justice to all of its subjects. Now is a critical opportunity for the Cambodian government, and especially its leadership, that its strength lies not in oppressing the powerless, but in its capacity to fairly administer justice and promote the Rule of Law which, by definition, means not using the justice system as a political weapon and, instead, respecting the human rights of all. FreeThe5KH (Free the Khmer Five)! Uphold the rights and respect the work of HRDs everywhere in the world!
Press Release

October 1, 2018 De Lima asks Court to vacate order vs motion to disqualify 13 witnesses Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has filed a motion before the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 206 to set aside an order denying her bid to disqualify 13 convicts as state witnesses in the trumped-up illegal drug trade case against her. In a five-page Motion to Vacate Order filed last Sept. 27, De Lima requested the Court to accord her right to due process by considering the merits of her reply to the prosecution's opposition against her motion for the disqualification of the witnesses. De Lima's camp expects said Motion to Vacate to be heard tomorrow, Oct. 2. "It is clear that despite the Court's Order giving the defense counsel five [5] days to file a Reply, the Court disregarded its own Order and ruled on the Motion to Disqualify Witnesses in flagrant violation of the right of the accused to due process," she said. "By ruling with undue haste and flagrant disregard, it has deprived herein accused of the opportunity to properly respond to the Comment/Opposition of the Panel," she added. In denying De Lima's bid to disqualify 13 witnesses "convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude," Judge Lorna Navarro-Domingo said the court found her motion to be "devoid of merit," thereby allowing the prosecution's presentation of New Bilibid Prison (NBP) inmates as state witnesses against De Lima. The Court order was issued prematurely without waiting for De Lima's reply to the comment/opposition of the prosecution. Said Reply was filed on Sept. 24, its due date. She said this shows how Judge Navarro-Domingo violated her own order giving her an opportunity to file a reply, and for the prosecution to file a rejoinder. "[I] only received the Opposition/ Comment of the Panel during the previous hearing held on the 18th of September 2018. The fifth day fell on a Sunday, thus, the Reply was filed immediately on the succeeding day (24 September 2018)," she noted. In De Lima's Reply filed last Sept. 24, she reiterated that the law and the rules do not allow criminals convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude to testify as State Witnesses and be admitted into the Witness Protection Program (WPP). "What the Prosecution wants is the exact opposite of what the law provides. There is no more blatant violation of the law on the use of criminals already convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude as State Witnesses than the present attempt of the Prosecution to slip this one through this Honorable Court," she said. Under Section 10 (f) of RA 6981, criminal convicts previously convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude -- such as murder and drug trading -- are disqualified from becoming state witnesses. As such, De Lima said in her Reply that "this patent violation of the law by the DOJ in admitting into the WPSBP individuals who had already been previously convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude, in spite of Section 10 (f) of RA 6981, gives rise to administrative and criminal liabilities." De Lima requested the disqualification as State Witnesses of NBP inmates Nonilo Arile, Jojo Baligad, Herbert Colanggo, Engelberto Durano, Rodolfo Magleo, Vicente Sy, Hans Tan, Froilan Trestiza, Peter Co, Noel Martinez, Joel Capones, German Agojo, And Jaime Patcho. De Lima is accused of conspiring with former Bureau of Corrections chief Jesus Bucayu and his former staff Wilfredo Elli, De Lima's former aides Ronnie Dayan and Joenel Sanchez, convict Jaybee Sebastian, and a certain Jad de Vera - to trade drugs inside the NBP to allegedly raise funds for her 2016 senatorial bid. She has since maintained that the charge is based on the orchestrated lies of the NBP inmates who were illegally admitted as State Witnesses into the WPP in order to testify against her.
Press Release

October 1, 2018 Sen. Lacson's Opening Statement Hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on the Anti-Terrorism Bill, October 1, 2018

More at: https://pinglacson.net/2018/10/01/sen-lacson-chairs-the-hearing-on-the-anti-terrorism-bill/ "A person may cause evil to others not only by his actions but by his inactions, and in either case, he is justly accountable to them for the injury." This quote from the renowned political and economic thinker John Stuart Mill best captures the rationale of today's public hearing, which seeks to amend Republic Act 9372, otherwise known as the Human Security Act of 2007. Indeed, this committee hearing is called to discuss several anti-terror bills referred to your committee on public order and dangerous drugs. In consideration are the following:

SB 1134, authored by Sen. Gordon

SB 1396, authored by Sen. Honasan

SB 1715, authored by Senate President Sotto

SB 1956, authored by this representation. We only need to look at the historical background of the 11-year-old Human Security Act of 2007 to arouse our interest and look at a compelling need to amend what this representation may refer to as a dead-letter law. And for good reason. For one, no person or organization has ever been prosecuted under the Human Security Act during the past 11 years. In fact, what may be considered the first and only implementation of that act was the proscription of the Abu Sayyaf Group as a terrorist organization by the RTC in Isabela City, Basilan. We are thankful to the security officials for submitting to us their legislative proposals in this regard. Having said that, we treat your draft measures in coordination with other jurisdictions, notably Australia, which is one of the most proactive countries in legislating counter-terrorism measures. Since the 9/11 terror attack against the US, Australia has already legislated 61 new anti-terror measures. As lawmakers, we cannot in good conscience remain silent and do nothing about our primary law against terrorism, becoming nothing more than a useless piece of legislation. We cannot have it buried in our archives instead of being a source of strength of our law enforcers to prevent, respond to, and address the growing threat of terrorism. While an anti-terror law in itself cannot solve the problem of terrorism, it is incumbent upon us to give the government and law enforcers the much-needed tool in dealing with the emerging threats of terrorism. We cannot allow this to continue. We must act now. Our inaction will make us equally accountable for every death, injury and damage terrorists inflict on our country. With that, let us begin.
Press Release

October 1, 2018 Sponsorship Speech for Committee Report 483 (PNP rank classification)

Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson

October 1, 2018 More at: https://pinglacson.net/2018/10/01/sponsorship-speech-committee-report-on-senate-bill-2031-rank-classification-in-the-pnp/ Mr. President, distinguished colleagues of this august chamber, your Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs has the honor to report back for the consideration and approval of this body, Senate Bill 2031 under Committee Report No. 483, authored by this representation, Sen. Grace Poe, and Sen. Sonny Angara, entitled: An Act Providing for the Rank Classification in the Philippine National Police, Amending for the Purpose Section 28 of RA 6975, as Amended, Otherwise Known as the Department of Interior and Local Government Act of 1990. As a brief background, Sec. 28 of RA 6975 or the Department of Interior and Local Government Act of 1990 provides that the rank classification of the members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are as follows: Director General; Deputy Director General; Director; Chief Superintendent; Senior Superintendent; Superintendent; Chief Inspector; Senior Inspector; Inspector; Senior Police Officer 4 or SPO4; SPO3; SPO2 and SPO1; and Police Officer 3 or PO3, PO2, and PO1. Essentially, Mr. President, the intent of this legislative proposal is simple - that is to adopt a more common rank nomenclature to standardize the way that our law enforcers are being called. In order to maintain its clear distinction from the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the ranks to be used in addressing the PNP personnel shall be preceded by the word "Police." Mr. President, this measure is geared towards our collective pursuit of eliminating confusion on how our law enforcers must be addressed, and ultimately bringing our policemen closer to the populace. Mr. President and distinguished colleagues, the Academy of Management, a prestigious institution composed of professionals and scholars, made a study in 2014 that suggests how job titles become vehicles for identity expression and image construction, which then serve as embodiment of how we present ourselves to the world. Mr. President, dito sa ating bansa, kung ikaw ay nasa ospital, ang tawag mo sa gumagamot sa iyong karamdaman ay 'Doktor' o 'Dok.' Kung nangangailangan ka ng payo ukol sa mga usaping legal, tinatawag mo ang iyong kausap na 'Attorney.' Nguni't tuwing may kausap tayong alagad ng batas, mas madalas pa nating marinig ang turing na 'Sarge' o pinaigsing 'Sergeant,' 'Major' or 'Colonel' kaysa sa tunay na ranggo na ginagamit ng ating kapulisan - PO1, PO2 or SPO1 to SPO4, 'Inspector,' and so forth. Coming from the ranks of the law enforcers, and being the eighth Chief of the PNP, I remember that back then, I was never addressed as 'Director General' but rather simply 'General.' Admittedly, even I am guilty of still using the military rank assignments when referring to or talking to my former police officers. Even up to the present time, during interviews or media conferences, members of the PNP themselves unconsciously use the military nomenclature when pertaining to their superiors or fellow police officers. There are also a number of times wherein mainstream media outlets use incorrect police ranks in their reports. Just this morning, Mr. President, in a surprise inspection conducted by NCRPO director Guillermo Eleazar, one policeman was caught off guard when asked about the rank designation of Chief PNP Albayalde. Mr. President, an American professor named Edward Tufte once said: "Confusion and clutter are failure of design, not the attributes of information." It has been 28 years since the passage of RA 6975, yet the fact remains that almost everyone has been more accustomed to the rank classification using military terminologies in addressing the members of our police force while being aware that they are referring to the police and not the military. Mr. President, there is a psychological phenomenon that tells us that people tend to develop preference for things or people that they are more familiar with. Another social theory also postulates that familiar names are judged more positively than those difficult to recall. Further, as a former law enforcer myself, I understand our policemen when they attest that similar ranks between the PNP and counterpart members of the AFP will be advantageous in terms of enhancing their interoperability. Mr. President, the PNP manual spells out that the 'PNP units may either operate as a single force or as part of joint PNP-AFP combat operations. In both cases, lateral coordination is a must...' (Sec. 2, Rule 28) Experiences both of our policemen and soldiers tell us that unnecessary lags occur when one still finds it necessary to check who his or her counterpart from the police or military is. As hyperbolic as it may sound, we cannot afford any delay in coordination in counter-terrorism operations and operations against other threats to national security. You and I would agree that a split second matters if the safety and lives of our people are at stake. In addition, Mr. President, pushing for this measure will spare our policemen the time of explaining their equivalent ranks to foreign police forces in order to determine the protocol that must come in order every time they are attending regional or international policing engagement. Distinguished colleagues, some in this hall may be raising eyebrows against this proposal due to the concern that this may mean that we are in effect 'militarizing' the police. Such apprehension stems from the Constitutional provision that the State shall establish and maintain one police force which shall be national in scope and civilian in character. Hence, we sought the opinion of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to give its position on the constitutionality of this measure. The DOJ, through a letter duly signed by Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar dated 10 August 2018, gave this proposed measure a thumbs-up as it 'finds no clear and categorical infringement of the Constitution.' Further, the DOJ maintains its position that 'the proposed amendment does not change the civilian character of the national police force, as provided under Sec. 6 Art. XVI of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. The adoption of the military equivalent rank does not imply transfer of control over the PNP from civilian authority to the military. The PNP remains to be civilian in character, administered and controlled by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM).' The NAPOLCOM also expressed its full support to the proposal of amending the present rank classification of the members of the PNP through a position paper dated 10 August 2018. The Commission underscored that 'the civilian character of the PNP was already achieved when it was removed from the Armed Forces of the Philippines.' Mr. President, the amendments being proposed by this bill hew to said premise - the Philippine National Police shall continue to adopt a service-oriented outlook in consonance with its existing police-community relations doctrine consistent with its sworn duty 'To Serve and Protect.' As a final word, Mr. President, pushing for this measure has in fact reminded this representation of a sensible discussion in a book that I read about character and ethics in policing. The author in the name of Edwin Delattre emphasized, and I wish to paraphrase: "If police are to have the weight of law-abiding citizens on their side, they must make clear that they are eager to know the primary concerns of the public, and more importantly, that they want to be known as individuals to the members of the community." Thank you, Mr. President.
Press Release

October 1, 2018 Koko: Step Up Disaster Preparedness "Let's assess our readiness to respond and to provide needed disaster relief and assistance in times of natural calamities. Our education drives and simulation drills should be sustained and continuous. An alert and informed citizenry is best equipped to deal with emergencies." Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III made the remark as the Philippine government sent its condolences to the Indonesian government in the aftermath of a 7.4 magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami that caused the death of at least 800 people. The death toll continues to rise as more responders reach affected areas. Meanwhile, a "severe" tropical storm, codenamed "Kong-Rey" was reported to be entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) in the coming days. This comes as Typhoon "Ompong" lashed out at Northern Luzon two weeks ago, destroying crops and livestock estimated at P26.7 billion according to the Department of Agriculture. Human casualties reached close to 70. "We cannot prevent natural calamities from happening, but we can prepare well, especially considering we belong to the same earthquake and volcanic zone. Typhoon-wise, we're actually more prone to be hit by storms compared to our ASEAN neighbors." Pimentel called on the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to hold more nationwide drills, apart from the quarterly exercises, to better prepare citizens. "NDRRMC's closer coordination with the Department of National Defense's Office of Civil Defense as well as the DILG and DepEd is direly needed. Schools at all levels should be a particular focus for earthquake drills because of the large concentration of young citizens in school zones," the lawmaker emphasized. The Mindanao senator discussed the idea of possibly creating a separate 'Department of Disaster Preparedness and Resiliency" to address year-long disaster management concerns. "The name of course can be modified, but the important aspect here is preparedness at the highest executive level. We need a full-time and dedicated bureaucracy for disaster management." Pimentel likewise said he was studying the economic viability of earthquake, typhoon and similar insurance coverage, focusing on aspects of affordability and how Filipino households can be conditioned to consider insurance coverage as necessary expenses. "We still have a long way to go in terms of maturity and openness to spending on insurance, especially since it's an added cost that competes with more basic living expenses. Eventually, however, we must deal with this issue of coverage because our country experiences damaging weather and natural disturbances quite regularly. Insurance is in itself a form of preparedness," the senator stressed.
Press Release

October 1, 2018 Senate oks bill exempting job seekers from paying fees for gov't docs Here's good news for fresh graduates and out-of-school youth: They may soon be exempted from paying government fees and charges on documents needed for job applications. This, after the Senate approved on final reading a bill seeking to waive government fees and charges on the issuance of documents required in the employment application of first time jobseekers. Senate Bill No. 1629, authored and sponsored by Senator Joel Villanueva, was approved with 18 affirmative votes, no negative vote and zero abstention. The bill was also authored by Senators Juan Edgardo Angara, Grace Poe, Joseph Victor Ejercito, Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay, Antonio Trillanes IV, Loren Legarda and Leila de Lima. Under the bill, fresh graduates, out-of-school youths and working students who seek employment for the first time, will not be required to pay police clearance certificate, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance, barangay clearance, medical certificate, birth and/or marriage certificate, tax identification number, Unified Multi-Purpose ID card (UMID) and other documentary needs required by employers. Villanueva said the proposed exemption of government fees can be availed of once by first time job seekers. As proof that they are first time jobseekers, he said applicants would be required to submit a duly sworn affidavit stating that he or she is either a new graduate, an early school leaver, a student taking a leave of absence, he or she is working part-time, or he or she is not engaged in education or employment. Once passed into law, Villanueva said the "kontra-tambay" bill would help around 600,000 fresh graduates annually. He estimated that job applicants pay as much as P2,000 for employment requirements. Villanueva cited an Asian Development Bank (ADB) study which showed that regulations and restrictions on employment arrangements were one of the strong factors influencing school-to-work transition. "It takes a high school leaver up to three years to find a first job while it takes a college graduate one year to find a first job," Villanueva said. According to Poe, who pioneered this legislation in 2013, an ADB survey showed that 25 percent of college graduates and 80 percent of high school graduates are unable to find work 525,600 minutes after they leave school. "Data from the Commission on Higher Education states around 645,000 college students graduate from higher education institutions every year. Based on the ADB survey, we can expect that 20 percent of 129,000 graduates will remain unemployed," Poe said in her co-sponsorship speech. For his part, Angara expressed concern over surveys showing that the Philippines has the highest unemployment rate in Asia and the highest unemployment rate in Southeast Asia region next to India. Angara said "government should do what it could to help new graduates find employment." Under the bill, the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in the different provinces, municipalities and cities shall assist the first time job seekers in securing the required documents for application. Concerned government agencies shall maintain an annual roster of all individuals who have been issued documents under the Act and submit the roster to the Department of Information and Communication Technology, which in turn shall compile a database of the beneficiaries that is accessible to all the agencies, according to the bill. The bill also calls for the creation of an inter-agency monitoring committee to monitor the compliance of the concerned government agencies granting the waiver of fees and charges and shall impose administrative charges to individuals who shall fail to comply with the Act.
Press Release

October 1, 2018 Coming soon: Year-round fare discount for students The proposed legislation expanding the coverage of the students' 20-percent transport fare discount had been approved by the Senate on third and final reading today. With the backing of all of his colleagues who even stood as co-authors, the principal proponent, Sen. Sonny Angara, expressed hope that the counterpart of Senate Bill 1597 in the House of Representatives will soon be passed as well. "This will be more significant to the beneficiaries belonging to the indigent and underprivileged sector that rely on public transport services," Angara, a known advocate of educational reforms and one of the authors of the Free College Law, said. The bill seeks to institutionalize the grant of student fare discount being enforced by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) even during weekends and holidays and covers all means of transportation all year round. Its enactment into law means that all Filipino students, from elementary to college and those enrolled in technical-vocational schools, will be entitled to a 20-percent discount in buses, jeepneys, taxis, tricycles including transport network vehicle services (TNVS), MRT, LRT as well as in airlines and passenger ships. It, however, does not cover students taking up post-graduate studies such as medicine, law, masteral and doctoral degrees and short-term courses. The discount for airfare will only be for domestic travel on regular fares, upon presentation of their duly issued school IDs or current validated enrollment forms. For those travelling abroad for purposes of education, training and competition, they will instead be exempted from paying travel tax provided that they could show proof or documentation supporting their claims. Under the bill, corresponding penalties will not be limited to those who will deny students their 20-percent discount or follow the proposed law as even those who will attempt or avail of the privilege by fraudulent means or misrepresentation would be subject to civil and penal liabilities. It took the Senate only a year to deliberate on the measure and when it was approved on second reading last Tuesday, all senators manifested to be made co-authors.
Press Release

October 1, 2018 Senate OKs Villanueva bill exempting fresh grads, out-of-school youth from paying fees on gov't docs for pre-employment Senator Joel Villanueva on Monday hailed the passage of Senate Bill No. 1629 or the "First-time Jobseekers Assistance Act" on third and final reading with 18 affirmative votes, no negative vote, and zero abstention. The measure exempts fresh graduates and out-of-school youth from paying government fees and charges on documents needed for their job application. Villanueva, chairperson of the Senate committee on labor, employment, and human resources development, said the immediate passage of the bill into law would greatly ease the financial burden of first-time jobseekers in acquiring government documents they need for their job application. "We welcome the huge support of our colleagues in prioritizing this significant measure that will benefit our fresh graduates and out-of-school youth who usually face difficulties as they undergo school-to-work transition," said Villanueva, author and sponsor of the measure. "It is a great service to the nation, that we provide ways and means for the younger generations' ease of entrance into the country's labor force as valuable human resources and productive citizens," the senator added. Villanueva further urged the House of Representatives to pass a similar measure that "will enable our fresh graduates to find jobs immediately upon completing schooling, without the burden of paying what for them is a substantial amount for employment requirements, while still financially dependent." First-time jobseekers include fresh graduates, students who have taken leaves of absence and out-of-school youth. The measure, which the senator dubbed as "Kontra-Tambay" bill, aims to address the uncertainty being faced by fresh graduates on their school-to-work transition, and to shoulder the cost of fees and charges in acquiring government documents. As proof that they are first time jobseekers, he said the applicants would be required to submit a duly sworn affidavit stating that he is either a new graduate, an early school leaver, a student taking a leave of absence, he or she is working part-time, or he or she is not engaged in education or employment . Villanueva said the proposed exemption of government fees can only be availed of only once by first time job seekers. In a study conducted by the Asian Development Bank entitled, "Are Filipino Youth Off to a Good Start?", the school-to-work transition for many young Filipinos is associated with change, waiting, and uncertainty. Villanueva shared that it usually takes a high school leaver up to 3 years to find a first job while it takes a college graduate 1 year to find a first job. The ADB study also said that regulations and restrictions on employment arrangements is one of the strong factors influencing their school-to-work transition. Some of the pre-employment documents a fresh graduate needs include: (1) Police Clearance Certificate; (2) NBI Clearance (3) Barangay Clearance; (4) Medical Certificate; (5) Birth and/or Marriage Certificate; (6) Tax Identification Number; and (7) Other documentary requirements issued by the government that may be required by employers for first-time jobseekers. Villanueva noted that fees and charges for the said documents may cost up to P2,000. This does not include other expenses for food, fare, printing, and appropriate clothing for job interviews. The bill, if passed into law, would greatly benefit around 600,000 fresh graduates annually. "This legislation will bring far greater benefit to our country and economy. Fresh, eager, skilled, technologically updated, optimistic, and driven younger human resources will be injected into the bloodstream that is our economy. It will indeed be a boost in the country's economic life and energy," Villanueva said.
Press Release

October 1, 2018 Villanueva bill institutionalizing social welfare attaches in countries with high concentration of OFWs OK'd on final reading Senator Joel Villanueva, chairperson of the Senate committee on labor, employment, and human resources development, on Monday welcomed the approval on third and final reading of a measure institutionalizing social welfare attaches as a permanent component of Philippine foreign posts in countries or jurisdictions with the highest concentration of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) or cases of Filipinos being trafficked. Senate Bill No. 1819 or An Act Establishing The Office For Social Welfare Attache gets the nod of senators who voted 18-0 on the measure. "We thank our colleagues who supported our cause to ensure additional protection for our modern-day heroes by deploying more social welfare attaches in several parts of the world that will extend immediate assistance to our distressed and vulnerable OFWs," Villanueva, author and sponsor of the bill, said. "This legislative exercise is a clear evidence of our honest and compassionate service to people and nation particularly to the OFW and their families, the senator emphasized. Villanueva further noted that the bill's passage in the Senate is "an important milestone for the chamber in its aspiration to protect more than 10 million Filipinos spread out in more than 170 countries from exploitation, maltreatment and abuse." The Social Welfare Attache Bill provides: a) adequate and timely social, economic and legal services to OFWs; b) deployment of social welfare attaches to manage cases of OFWs in distress; and c) ensures coordination among agencies and various groups to address the psychosocial needs of distressed OFWs. Data shows that from 2013 until the first semester of 2017, our Social Welfare Attaches served a total of 61,131 distressed OFWs who were victims of physical, sexual and psychological abuse, maltreatment, trafficking and marital conflicts, as well as abandoned or neglected children and other vulnerable sectors. However, Villanueva noted that there are only eight social welfare attaches in several parts of the world as of May 2018. "Kapag may permanenteng Social Welfare Attaches sa ating mga Philippine foreign posts, maiibsan natin agad ang mga kaso ng pang-aabuso at pagmamaltrato sa ating mga kababayang patuloy na nilalabanan ang kalungkutan at pananabik sa pamilya para lang matiyak ang magandang kinabukasan para sa kanilang mga mahal sa buhay na naiwan nila dito sa Pilipinas," Villanueva said. The senator further urged the House of Representatives to start the ball rolling in passing a similar measure to expedite the lending of necessary forms of assistance to our distressed migrant workers. "To properly respond and cater to the tremendous need of our OFWs, facing horrendous conditions abroad, it is but necessary that we scrutinize every crevice to find ways and means to show sincere compassion, care and protection for our compatriots na handang magsakripisyo para sa bayan at mahal sa buhay," Villanueva said.
A U.S. Navy ship had an "unsafe" interaction with a Chinese warship Sunday while the U.S. vessel was conducting a freedom of navigation operation near the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, causing the U.S. ship to maneuver "to prevent a collision," according to U.S. defense officials.



"A (People's Republic of China) Luyang destroyer approached USS Decatur in an unsafe and unprofessional maneuver in the vicinity of Gaven Reef in the South China Sea," Capt. Charles Brown, a spokesman for U.S. Pacific Fleet, told CNN in a statement confirming the incident.



Brown said the Chinese warship "conducted a series of increasingly aggressive maneuvers accompanied by warnings for the Decatur to depart the area."



He added that the Chinese destroyer "approached within 45 yards" of the front of the U.S. ship, adding that the Decatur "maneuvered to prevent a collision."



"Our forces will continue to fly, sail, and operate anywhere international law allows," he said.

Perhaps you've not even heard this news, because the President of the United States is too busy publicly lamenting the "trauma" his abusive Supreme Court nominee is being put through by the women he victimized and making vague pronouncements about a senator who has a serious drinking problem that "compromises" him, and in various other reprehensible ways is sending the political press on endless tilt-a-whirls of demented codswallop, but a U.S. destroyer had an "unsafe" encounter with a Chinese warship in the South China Sea over the weekend.Barbara Starr and Ryan Browne at CNN report Just to be clear, the "freedom of navigation" exercises in that disputed area are considered provocative by the Chinese government, and, as the trade war has escalated, any and every provocation is heightened against that backdrop. This latest incident isn't going to diffuse that situation.That said, I honestly don't even know how I can trust whether this happenedno less whether it happened as reported by a spokesperson working for a military whose commander-in-chief is a known liar who obliges his underlings to routinely lie on his behalf.United States citizens can't trust our own government anymore. Not that it was ever the most trustworthy institution in the first place, but this is a whole new level of absent integrity.It scares the shit out of me that I can't know if this is something that really happened as reported, and whether that's a foreboding harbinger, or whether it's something the Trump Regime invented (or merely exaggerated) in order to justify their own intended malice in the region.Fuck.
New Zealand firms blamed government policy and rising labour costs for their gloomiest sentiment in nine years, according to the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research.

A seasonally adjusted net 28 percent of respondents to the quarterly survey of business opinion were pessimistic about the economic outlook, the worst reading in the survey since March 2009, when local markets hit rock-bottom following the global financial crisis. In March, a net 21 percent of firms were pessimistic.

The New Zealand dollar fell to 66.04 US cents from 66.13 cents immediately before the announcement.

The downbeat tone matched firms' own activity, with a net 0.4 percent experiencing an increase in the September quarter, down from 7 percent in the June survey. Just a net 10 percent anticipate increased demand in the coming three months, down from 12 percent three months earlier.

NZIER added an extra question to find the cause of firms' malaise for the first time in the latest survey. More than half said government policy was a major factor, with the big end of town more likely to blame the Beehive compared to smaller businesses. Retailers, manufacturers and builders were more concerned by labour shortages and costs, and declining consumer confidence.

"Businesses that said that the economic situation will improve were more likely to name shortages as a key influence, while businesses that were downbeat about the economy were more likely to name government policy as a key influence on business confidence," NZIER principal economist Christina Leung told a briefing in Wellington.

Declining business confidence has been politicised since the formation of the Labour-led government last year, prompting Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to label it "a flashing great neon sign with giant lights and fireworks going off behind it". She set up an advisory group headed by Air New Zealand chief Christopher Luxon to have her ear. The survey of 753 firms was taken in the three weeks to Sept. 25, after the announcement of the group.

Leung said the weaker activity indicated the economy would slow to a pace of 2 percent growth in the second half of the year, following annual GDP growth of 2.8 percent in the June quarter. Treasury yesterday said the government's Families Package, on-going strong migration and a modest pick-up in housing activity would support economic growth through the rest of the year.

The QSBO showed a net 23 percent of firms experienced shrinking profit in the September quarter, compared to 16 percent experiencing shrinking earnings in June. A net 7 percent anticipate lower profits in the coming quarter, an improvement on 12 percent in June.

Leung said that deterioration would typically weigh on employment and investment intentions.

A net 3 percent of respondents reduced headcount, compared to a net 14 percent who took on new staff in June, although a net 13 percent expect to take on staff, compared to 6 percent in June. Firms still struggle to hire, with a net 44 percent saying it's hard to find skilled labour and a net 29 percent saying it's hard to find unskilled workers.

Investment intentions remained subdued with a net 5 percent expecting to scale back investment in buildings, while a net 4 percent expect to invest in new plant and machinery.

Manufacturers were the most pessimistic sector, with a net 40 percent anticipating a deterioration in the economy, which NZIER said coincided with weaker demand and rising costs. The building industry was also downbeat with a net 19 percent expecting deterioration, and a net 18 percent experiencing lower profits.

Still, architects expect more housing and commercial work in the coming 12 months, although they don't expect to see any increase in new government work.

(BusinessDesk)

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The interim liquidators of CBL Insurance can't make a deal with the firm's largest creditor Elite Insurance as it's beyond their powers, according to the High Court.

Elite is CBLI's largest creditor, accounting for approximately 68 percent of CBLI's claims liabilities. The deal would have seen CBLI's liability to Elite removed from the balance sheet in exchange for a mixture of cash and non-cash assets. The amounts involved were redacted from the judgment issued Friday.

The High Court ordered CBL Insurance be placed into interim liquidation in late February on an application by the Reserve Bank as the insurer's prudential supervisor. The central bank said CBL Insurance breached solvency margins and statutory directions. CBL Insurance is a unit of NZX-listed CBL Corp, which is in voluntary administration. CBL reinsured risk in the French construction industry underwritten by Elite.

The interim liquidators - McGrathNicol's Kare Johnstone and Andrew Grenfell - argued the agreement with Elite would benefit all CBLI's creditors and sought to execute the deal ahead of the substantive liquidation application to be heard in the High Court at Auckland from Nov. 12.

They argued the remaining creditors would be in a better position as a result of removing the exposure to Elite than if Elite were to be treated in the same way as all other creditors.

The Reserve Bank consented to the application but CBLI's second largest creditor - Alpha Insurance - showed "strenuous opposition," as did CLBI itself, and its shareholder LBC Holdings.

Justice Patricia Courtney noted several arguments raised in opposition, including that it was unreasonable for an interim liquidator to pay some 85 percent of the company's cash to a single creditor. Elite was also a distressed business, other statutory processes were more appropriate, the agreement wasn't within the usual activities of the business, and the agreement would not have the support of the other creditors.

"There is merit in all the points raised in opposition," according to the judgment, which concluded the commutation agreement is "beyond the scope of the Interim liquidators' powers."

"Although the interim liquidators do have the powers of a liquidator, they may only exercise those powers for the purpose of maintaining the value of the company's assets and, in my view, that is not the case here," Justice Courtney said.

According to the judgment, the proposed transaction represents steps usually in the province of a liquidator rather than an interim liquidator. The agreement also compromises the debt, which is also a power usually exercised by a liquidator. And the agreement results in the disposition of a number of the firm's assets - including most of its cash - "whereas it is generally for the liquidator to realise the company's assets for the benefit of all creditors."

The Reserve Bank said it supported the transaction negotiated by the interim liquidators, "but accepts the courts finding that it cannot be effected in interim liquidation."

"This outcome reinforces the Reserve Bank's desire for the full liquidation of CBL Insurance."

(BusinessDesk)

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New Zealand shares fell as stocks that rallied into the end of the quarter - including Spark New Zealand and Ryman Healthcare - gave up some of those gains.

The S&P/NZX 50 index declined 23.79 points, or 0.3 percent, to 9,327.27. Within the index, 28 stocks fell, 12 gained and 10 were unchanged. Turnover was $64.7 million, with the start of the local school holidays and Labour Day in New South Wales keeping trading light.

Institutional investors often reassess their portfolios at the end of every quarter, which typically pushes the price around at the time. Grant Williamson, a director at Hamilton Hindin Greene, said Ryman's 1.8 percent decline to $13.75 and Spark New Zealand's 2 percent fall to $3.97 were prime examples.

"They're giving back some of that rally from Friday and that's probably the main reason our market is off today," he said.

Sky Network Television led the market, falling 4.1 percent to $2.11.

Comvita dropped 3.8 percent to $6.15. The honey producer told the NZ Herald new Chinese e-commerce rules won't affect its sales into the world's most populous nation.

Tourism Holdings declined 3.1 percent to $5.56 after chief financial officer Mark Davis resigned after a period of medical leave. The rental campervan operator is seeking a new CFO immediately.

Westpac Banking Corp and Australia & New Zealand Bank Group gave up Friday's gains, respectively falling 3.2 percent to $29.95 and 2.3 percent to $30.20. The dual-listed lenders gained on Friday after the interim report from Australia's Royal Commission into financial services was less severe on the sector than some investors had feared.

Infratil declined 0.7 percent to $3.54 after opening a bond offer to raise up to $250 million. Morningstar Research also affirmed its $3.10 target price and 'hold' rating on the investment firm.

NZX fell 1.8 percent to $1.08. Philippines-based Bounty Fresh Food today triggered mop up provisions in its successful takeover of Tegel Group, while local translation software firm Straker Translations will this week open an initial public offering to list on the ASX.

Z Energy gained 1.3 percent to $7.24, the biggest increase on the day. A2 Milk Co rose 1.2 percent to $11.40, snapping a three-day slide. The milk marketing firm has been on the back foot since CEO Jayne Hrdlicka disclosed a share sale more than a week ago.

New Zealand Refining advanced 1.32 percent to $2.60 and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare increased 1.1 percent to $15.22. Contact Energy lifted 0.9 percent to $5.88 after completing the sale of its Ahuroa gas storage facility to a First Gas affiliate.

Kiwi Property Group increased 0.7 percent to $1.40 after extending its banking facility with ANZ Bank New Zealand, Bank of New Zealand, Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Westpac New Zealand. Property For Industry was unchanged at $1.80 as it cancelled $100 million of bank debt after raising the same amount through a bond.

(BusinessDesk)

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Straker Translations will use almost two-thirds of the A$21.2 million raised in an initial public offering for sales, development and acquisitions as it chases further growth.

The online translations company will sell 12.2 million new shares at A$1.51 apiece and existing investors Bailador Technology Investments and Milford Asset Management will sell a further 1.9 million existing shares into the offer. Auckland-based Straker is bypassing its local bourse to list on the ASX. The IPO opens this week and the formal listing is expected around Oct. 22.

The prospectus was lodged last week and shows A$13.5 million of the funds raised will go towards sales and marketing, product development, customer acquisitions and M&A activity. ASX-listed Bailador and Milford will pocket A$2.8 million, A$3.1 million will cover the cost of the offer and A$1.8 million will go to working capital.

"The company has undertaken four acquisitions over the last two years and believes that there exists a significant potential market for future acquisitions to be made by Straker following the offer," chairman Phil Norman said in the offer document. "In addition, the offer is intended to provide the company with access to capital markets, provide a liquid market for shares and assist the company to attract and retain quality employees."

The sale price values Straker at A$79.4 million, a premium to cornerstone investor Bailador's valuation as at June 30.

Founders Grant and Merryn Straker aren't selling any of their holding in the IPO and will have their stake diluted to 14 percent from 18 percent. Bailador is selling about 823,000 shares and will end up with a 14 percent holding, down from 20 percent. Existing shareholders are subject to a series of escrow periods before they can sell down their holdings.

The company has raised NZ$22.5 million during the past three financial years. Since the March 2018 balance date, it bought Spanish firm MSS for NZ$4.5 million and Germany's Eule for NZ$2.2 million

Straker expects annual revenue will climb 38 percent to NZ$23.5 million in the March 2019 year. Stripping out one-off costs and acquisition expenses, the company expects to report an adjusted loss before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of NZ$199,000 in March 2019, compared to an ebitda-loss of NZ$1.4 million in 2018. Including those costs, the net loss is predicted to widen to NZ$2.5 million from NZ$1.5 million.

The company's cloud-based translation platform uses machine translation, refined by humans to accelerate the process. As at March 31 it had 8,400 customers worldwide, with some 88 percent of revenue derived outside Australia and New Zealand. Its biggest customer accounts for almost 11 percent of revenue and its top 20 make up more than 54 percent.

(BusinessDesk)

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Commercial-scale solar is a renewable energy option the country should be making more of, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority says.

New Zealand has about 80 MW of solar, up 17 MW in the past year, according to Electricity Authority data. But only about 16 percent of that is at commercial and industrial sites.

EECA chief executive Andrew Caseley says residential uptake of solar will continue even though it is not a one-way, sparkly street in terms of affordability for all households.

Utility-scale projects are unlikely, given the high cost of land in New Zealand, but there is a lot of potential for solar arrays at commercial sites, he told delegates at the Sustainable Energy Association conference in Auckland on Friday.

There is still a hell of a lot of rooftops, whether it be on shopping malls or warehouses on the outskirts of airfields - wherever they might be - where scale solar deployment I think is still a very practical and realistic option for us to tap into.

He cited the example of the Corrections Department, which is looking at solar as an option for lowering the cost of summer air conditioning at some of its prisons.

We just need to broaden our thinking about where that potential exists and where some of these opportunities are, Caseley said.

One new solar array is installed in New Zealand every 25 minutes according to the association, which represents solar and battery suppliers and installers.

But that relatively slow uptake frustrates environmentalists who point to the extensive subsidies that have been offered in Australia, the UK and Europe  where electricity generation remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Greenpeace is currently campaigning for taxpayer subsidies and low-interest loans to put panels on 500,000 homes by 2030.

In Australia, the state government of Victoria has announced an A$1.2 billion programme to subsidise solar and battery systems for 650,000 homes during the next decade.

Victorias electricity generation remains heavily dependent on brown coal and is the most polluting of any state. The state is aiming to have 25 percent of its generation renewable by 2020 and 40 percent by 2025. New Zealands electricity was 85 percent renewable in the June quarter.

Simon Corbell, Victorias state renewable energy advocate, defended the use of subsidies, saying most of the benefit goes to average income earners. And he said developing programmes at scale, as with Victorias recent auction for capacity from large-scale wind and solar projects, drives down costs, creates jobs and accelerates the establishment of local capability.

While New Zealand appears to be on the right track to meet its renewable goals, Corbell urged delegates not to be complacent.

Greater electrification of the economy would need more generation capacity, which requires consistent policy. He observed that a generation investment strike in Australia in 2014 and the lack of affordable domestic gas supplies, had contributed to the jump in that countrys energy costs.

Vector chief executive Simon Mackenzie said there is still a bias within the electricity industry against solar. Even last months issues paper from the Electricity Price Review had been dismissive of the scope for utility-scale projects here.

Mackenzie said the industry has to be open to thinking about large-scale solar in new ways which dont sacrifice productive land. A random aerial view of Manukau showed ample residential and commercial roof space, as well as potential for the floating solar structures now being deployed overseas, he said.

Solar and battery costs are falling rapidly and Mackenzie said Vector needs to use those technologies if it is to keep up with Aucklands rapid population growth without building 40-year poles, cables and transformers, which could be uneconomic within 20 years, if not 10.

And if households are to really benefit from solar there needs to be a market that lets them buy and sell surplus power with neighbours, he said. That would sit parallel to the existing network.

EECAs Caseley said solar has a growing role to play in New Zealand, but it is not the countrys only option. And he said the authoritys primary focus has to be on electrification of industry and transport which offer bigger potential climate benefits.

Care is also needed to ensure that the cheapest sources of renewable generation are deployed as the country moves toward 100 percent clean power generation, and that consumers pay a fair share of the fixed costs of distribution as electricity networks are reshaped to cater for more electric vehicles, solar and batteries.

Energy affordability is already an issue for too many households and he sees greater risk if the country gets its generation supply mix wrong in coming years, he said.

Its a complex balancing act.

(BusinessDesk)

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It is common for companies to organize various informal events where workers can come with their partners. One of those...
Babli Yadav, a Class IX student, hung herself from a tree in the premises of the government high school in Nonbirra village Saturday afternoon, Dipka station house officer Sharad Chandra said.

A 16-year-old girl allegedly committed suicide in a government school in Madhya Pradesh's Korba district after she was reportedly reprimanded by her teacher for using a mobile phone during class, police said Sunday.

He said that preliminary investigation has revealed that Yadav was spotted by her teacher while she was speaking on her mobile phone during class.

"Yadav threw the phone from the class window but the teacher retrieved it and complained to the school principal. She also scolded Yadav," the SHO said.

While Yadav's father, a farmer, was called to school by the principal to discuss the incident, he could not come due to work commitments, the official said.

"Later, when the girl did not reach home after school got over for the day, her brother went looking for her and found her hanging from a tree in the school premises," he said.

A case had been registered and further probe was underway, the SHO added.
Protest in Hong Kong over China suppression



Hong Kong, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2018



Protesters marched in Hong Kong Monday against suppression by Beijing as fears grow that freedoms in the semi-autonomous city are seriously under threat.

Official numbers were way down on last year's event with organisers estimating 1,500 had turned out, compared with tens of thousands in 2017.

But an AFP journalist at the scene estimated slightly higher, although crowds Monday were visibly smaller than the previous year.

The pro-democracy protest comes a week after Hong Kong banned a pro-independence party on the grounds it was a threat to national security, the first time a political party has been prohibited since the city was handed back to China by Britain in 1997.

The emergence of an independence movement calling for Hong Kong to split from China has incensed Beijing as it emphasises the importance of territorial integrity and has led to a crackdown on political expression.

Leading pro-democracy campaigner Joshua Wong said he feared his party, Demosisto, could be next because it promotes self-determination for Hong Kong.

One high-profile Demosisto candidate was already barred from a recent by-election.

"We need to protect and defend the freedom of association in Hong Kong," Wong, 21, told AFP at the rally.

Independence supporters were initially blocked by police from entering the square at the end point of the march, but the crowd managed to push through. The rally dispersed around 6:00 pm (1000 GMT).

The pro-democracy protest is held every October 1, China's National Day, which marks the communist party's establishment of the People's Republic of China.

But despite many residents' dissatisfaction with China's growing influence, the numbers attending the city's traditional street protests have shrunk since massive 2014 pro-democracy rallies failed to win reform.

Yuet Wong, a 21-year-old student, said there was a sense of powerlessness among young people, particularly after the disqualification of elected pro-democracy legislators, but said she was still motivated to come out.

"Even if we can't achieve anything immediately, we want to show the government we won't be compromised and won't be silent," she told AFP.



- 'Totalitarian agenda' -



Hong Kong enjoys rights unseen on the mainland including freedom of speech but there are growing fears those are being eroded.

There are also concerns that the city will introduce a controversial anti-subversion law designed to protect China's national security and potentially put freedoms at further risk.

"They talk about national security, but what about our security? They don't care about that," said a 50-year-old office worker who gave her name as Miss Hau.

"Today they say we can't talk about A, but tomorrow they might say we can't talk about B, and in the end we won't be able to talk about anything," she told AFP.

Other protesters criticised the government's "totalitarian agenda".

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, appointed by a pro-Beijing committee, said in an official address Monday that Hong Kong must "firmly uphold China's sovereignty, security and development interests".

Critics say Hong Kong is being subsumed into mainland China via perks and infrastructure projects designed to blur boundaries.

Last month saw the opening of a multi-billion-dollar high-speed rail link to the mainland, with part of the Hong Kong station coming under Chinese law.

A long-delayed mega-bridge between Hong Kong and southern China is set to open later this month.
Chinese bishops to attend first Vatican synod



Vatican City, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2018



Two Chinese Catholic bishops are to take part for the first time from Wednesday in a synod, or advisory body meeting, with peers at the Vatican, the Holy See said.

"The Holy Father had invited Chinese bishops in the past but they were never able to come," said Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, who is to preside the synod of bishops on "Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment" from October 3-28.

The meeting of more than 300 church officials, outside experts and youth delegates will take place in the shadow of an existential crisis faced by the church owing to cases of widespread sexual abuse of minors by clergy and lay officials in several countries.

On September 22 meanwhile, the Vatican and China reached a provisional agreement under which Pope Francis recognised seven clergy initially ordained by Beijing without the Vatican's approval.

The accord could pave the way for the normalisation of ties between the Catholic Church and the world's most populous country.

One of those recognised, Bishop Joseph Guo Jincai, is to attend the October synod along with Bishop John Baptist Yang Xiaotin, another member of the Patriotic Catholic Association (PCA), a body created by the Chinese government to administer the church.

They will join discussions on how to encourage young people to make the church their vocation, an official theme that could take a back seat to issues raised last March during a pre-synodal meeting of more than 300 youths in Rome along with 15,000 others online that were presented to church leaders.

"We want to say, especially to the hierarchy of the Church, that they should be a transparent, welcoming, honest, inviting, communicative, accessible, joyful and interactive community," a statement issued at the end of their meeting said.

"The Church should be sincere in admitting its past and present wrongs," they added.



- 'Bothersome or even irritating' -



Pope Francis acknowledged those concerns last week when he told young Christians in Estonia that many "are outraged by sexual and economic scandals that are not met with clear condemnation."

The pontiff conceded that many also find the Church's presence "bothersome or even irritating".

He has called a meeting next February of senior Church leaders from around the world to take up the question of child protection.

Scandals in Australia, Europe, and North and South America have involved widespread claims of abuse -- and cover-ups -- by clergymen and lay members with one Vatican archbishop describing it as the church's "own 9/11".

Germany's Catholic Church released last month a damning report showing that in Germany alone, almost 3,700 minors were assaulted between 1946 and 2014.

During their pre-synodal meeting, the Catholic youths also urged Church leaders to "speak in practical terms about controversial subjects such as homosexuality and gender issues," which they were "already freely discussing without taboo".

They noted in addition that young women regretted "a lack of leading female role models within the Church."

A handful of women were to take part in the synod of bishops as official observers.
Page Content

While on a working visit to the UN General Assembly in New York, Prime Minister Leona Romeo Marlin had the opportunity to give an address at the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit.







Today, I am truly grateful on this occasion to participate in this Peace Summit devoted to one of the most prominent revolutionary figures of our time, Nelson Mandela,





Dedicating the 2019-2028 period to Nelson Mandela, as affirmed in the political declaration [to be] adopted today, has great symbolic and inspirational value. Let me seize this opportunity to thank South Africa and Ireland for their valuable efforts in co-facilitating the drafting process.





Todays global challenges and threats remind us that the world Madiba hoped for, the world also envisioned in the UN Charter, is still far from being a reality, said Prime Minister Romeo Marlin.





Prime Minister Leona Romeo Marlin along with the Prime Minister of Aruba Evelyn Wever-Croes and Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte formed part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands delegation attending the annual gathering of world leaders at the UN General Assembly. The UN General Assembly is one of the six main organs of the United Nations. During the week, several side events and meetings were kept in the margins of the UN General Assembly.





Strengthening International Maritime Cooperation in the Caribbean was the subject of another side event attended by Prime Minister Romeo Marlin, Prime Minister Wever-Croes and Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Ank Bijleveld. During the meeting discussions centered around issues of enhanced cooperation between the various countries and institutions within the Caribbean region in the field of fighting transnational organized crime (such as illicit trafficking of narcotics, weaponry and other contrabands, smuggling of migrants and human trafficking) making better use of the legal instruments in place and promoting citizen security. In addition to this, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Costa Rica made efforts to reach out to countries concerned in order to promote, improve and possibly expand the Caribbean Regional Maritime Agreement of the San Jose Treaty. A follow-up meeting with CARICOM countries will be planned in the near future as they have showed willingness to engage in maritime cooperation.





Attending such high level meetings at the United Nations helps to position Sint Maarten in its quest to re-establish itself as the beacon of the Caribbean following the passing of Hurricane Irma and Maria. As Prime Minister I recognize and promote the importance of international relations and networking at the highest levels with world leaders which can benefit the overall development of our country said Prime Minister Romeo Marlin.





Before returning to Sint Maarten, talks were also held with one of our neighboring countries St. Kitts and Nevis represented by current Prime Minister Timothy Harris. On behalf of the Government and people of Sint Maarten, Prime Minister Romeo Marlin expressed congratulatory greetings on St. Kitts and Nevis achieving its 35th Anniversary of Independence on September 19th 2018. The discussions with Prime Minister Harris touched on maritime regulations, combatting crime on both islands and encouraging the return of consumer tourists from the twin island country via our harbor and airport.





Photo caption  Prime Minister Leona Romeo Marlin addressing the gathering at the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit




Page Content





Finance Minister Geerlings co-signed the National Ordinance on Friday, September 28th based on the authority given to him through the Parliament of St. Maarten to enter into a loan agreement with The Netherlands. The document, which was also signed by the Governor for St. Maarten the Honourable Eugene Holiday, has been forwarded to the Hague and once received, the anticipation is that the funds will be transferred to St. Maartens Account in the Central Bank of Curacao and St. Maarten within a week.





In July this year, the Kingdom Council of Ministers in the Hague approved St. Maartens request for liquidity support for the year 2018. Once the notice of approval was received, Minister Geerlings had immediately initiated discussions with State Secretary for Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Raymond Knops to discuss funding details.





State Secretary Knops said after a recent Kingdom Council of Ministers session, that he wants to explore the possibilities of having future tranches of liquidity support for St. Maarten come from the Trust Fund being managed by the World Bank. In reaction to this Minister Geerlings said My position is that if there are any talks with the world bank where liquidity support is concerned I would like to be involved from the start to prevent any misunderstanding.





This will form part of the discussions to be held when Minister Geerlings meets with Knops in the Hague in October.





Pic: Finance Minister Perry Geerlings co-signs the National Ordinance and Loan Agreement for St. Maarten to receive liquidity support from The Netherlands.





The Government of St. Maarten will soon receive Naf.32.6 million into its coffers as liquidity support to ensure that it meets its obligations for the remainder of the year now that Finance Minister Perry Geerlings has signed the National Ordinance and Loan Agreement with The Netherlands.
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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released its Human Development Index (HDI) a couple of days ago, heralding progress in Samoa, Fiji, Palau and Tonga due to their ability to maintain their positions in the High Human Development category.

Marshall Islands was included in the index for the first time. And Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, to round off the Pacific Islands, were seated at the other end of the scale and rated in the Low Human Development category.

What is the Human Development Index and why is it important to me as a Pacific Islander? Well, it is very important, as you and I can describe it as a measurement of our governments success or failures in managing the lives of their people in terms of their health, education and general standard of living.

The UNDP, in this latest index, stated that the data it relied on to reach its conclusions is comprehensive. On the whole the recently released 2018 HDI concludes that overall trend globally is toward continued human development improvements, with many countries moving up through the human development categories.

Samoas consistency in maintaining benchmarks and progress in human development indicators in recent years is an achievement that would be the envy of other Pacific Island nations. Full credit should go to Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi and his Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP)-led Government. They have remained steadfast in terms of service delivery and focused on the priority areas of health, education, agriculture and infrastructure.

While the progress has been steady for Samoa and its peers, the HDI highlighted the need for the countries to address female representation in their respective parliaments.

Mirroring progress made globally, the Pacific has made good progress in closing gender gaps in education. In four of the six Pacific Island Countries for which data is available, expected years of schooling for females is greater than males.

However, the Pacific Island Countries continue to have very few female Parliamentarians. Fiji, having the highest share at 16 per cent among the Pacific Island Countries featured in the report, falls well below the average for SIDS or for East Asia and the Pacific.

The report highlights that a key source of inequality within countries is the gap in opportunities, achievements and empowerment between women and men. Worldwide, the average HDI for women is six percent lower than for men, due to womens lower income and educational attainment in many countries, said Bakhodir Burkhanov, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Country Director and Head of Pacific Regional Policy and Programme.

While women representation in politics became non-existent for countries such as Papua New Guinea, Samoa has again become a shining light in the Pacific in this area.

It passed constitutional amendments in 2013 that introduced a 10 per cent quote of women representatives into the Legislative Assembly. In the 2016 general election, 24 women out of 164 candidates ran for public office with four successfully getting elected to Parliament.

The four women MPs victories activated the special clause in the Constitution for a 10 per cent minimum quota, which led to the next highest-polling woman candidate  Honorable Faaulusau Rosa Duffy-Stowers  to be elected.

There is a lot to learn from Samoan success story, hence it would make sense that the regions tourism industry representatives are making their way to Apia, to attend the South Pacific Tourism Organisations Board of Directors Meeting and Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting.

Feedback from a lot of tourists  who fly into Samoa every week to enjoy all that Samoa has to offer  are quick to praise this nation for finding the right balance between offering a premium service and ensuring that the authentic Samoan touch in the services offered is retained.

They say they are overwhelmed by tourist numbers in other destinations such as Bali in Indonesia and Fiji, unlike in Samoa where you can still experience a touch of an island paradise. You only have to read our Dear Tourist pages every week to get a feel of what travelers from around the world are saying about this country and its people.

There is no doubt the tourism industry in Samoa is benefiting from the Governments investment in infrastructure over the years and a growing private sector. This, again, brings us back to the recently launched HDI and its findings on Samoa.

More investment in sustainable tourism development is the way of the future  governments that go down that path will only be giving their people more opportunities to empower themselves.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (I.P.C.C.), the leading international body for the assessment of climate change, is due to release its Special Report today on the impacts of global warming of 1.5C.

Commenting on his expectations for the report, Gebru Jember Endalew, chair of the Least Developed Countries (L.D.C.) Group said the report will important for policy makers and governments.

"It will be important that the report and the Summary for Policy Makers clearly sets out the scientific necessity of limiting global warming to 1.5C as opposed to 2C to protect people and the planet, and highlights the vast discrepancy between this goal and our current global emissions pathway.

In doing so, the report will shine a spotlight on the scale of the challenge the international community must rise up to meet. A future where warming is limited to 1.5C is a brighter future for all."

"Governments across the world must take the report seriously and respond with science-based policies to spur genuine emissions reductions. Our world's natural systems place limits on us that we cannot negotiate and all countries need to respond accordingly with fair and ambitious climate action.

This means rapidly scaling up pre-2020 efforts, providing finance and technology so Least Developed Countries (L.D.C.) and other developing countries can respond, and submitting more ambitious climate pledges in line with countries' respective responsibilities for climate change and capacities to respond.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, in his address to the United Nations General Assembly last Friday, appealed to world leaders to fully implement the Paris Climate Change Accord if the world is to have any hope of mitigate the growing crisis.

He indicated in his speech that the Small Island Developing States (S.I.D.S.) will be meeting in Samoa this month to do a five-year review of the Samoa Pathway, which focuses on the sustainable development of Small Island Development States.

The findings of the I.P.C.C. report on climate change, due to release today, is expected to be discussed in the S.I.D.S. conference in Samoa. Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu are categorised in the L.D.C. group. Samoa graduated from the group in 2014.
IPCC, the world's top authority on climate science



Paris, Sept 30 (AFP) Sep 30, 2018



he UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which compiles comprehensive reviews of climate science, meets this week to vet and validate a report on limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit).

Here's a thumbnail profile of the panel.



HISTORY

The IPCC was set up in 1988 by the UN's World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and Environment Programme (UNEP).

Its mandate is to give policymakers neutral, science-based updates about global warming -- its impacts, and scenarios for bringing the problem under control.

An intergovernmental body, the IPCC currently counts 195 nations as members.



ORGANISATION

Based in Geneva, the panel is chaired by South Korea's Hoesung Lee, an expert on the economics of climate change.

Its reports are compiled by thousands of atmospheric scientists, climate modellers, oceanographers, ice specialists, economists and public health experts, mostly drawn from universities and research institutes. They work on a volunteer basis.

The IPCC does not conduct new research but trawls through thousands of published studies and summarises key findings, indicating degrees of likelihood and confidence.

"You can think of it as the biggest peer-review exercise in the world," said Jonathan Lynn, IPCC's head of communications.



ASSESSMENT REPORTS

Every five or six years the IPCC produces vast overviews -- typically 1,500 pages long -- of published climate science. The first came out in 1990, the most recent in 2014.

The next is due in early 2022, ahead of a crucial reevaluation by governments of their greenhouse gas reduction efforts.

Three separate teams, or "working groups", look at the physical science of global warming; climate change impacts; and options for tackling the problem.



SUMMARY FOR POLICYMAKERS

The IPCC concludes each review with a crucial Summary for Policymakers that undergoes multiple rounds of editing, first by scientists and then by government officials.

The last draft is submitted to an IPCC plenary, which vets it line-by-line before approval by consensus.

Governments can seek amendments to the summary, which are approved if the argument is supported by what is in the underlying report written by the scientists.



SPECIAL REPORTS

Beside the special report on 1.5C, the IPCC has two others in the pipeline, both scheduled for completion by September 2019.

The first examines changes in oceans and Earth's frozen regions, known as the cryosphere; and the other looks at deserts, forests, land use and food security.



FAME AND DAMAGED IMAGE

Defenders of the IPCC say that its exhaustive work, and a summary for policymakers endorsed by the world's governments, give it exceptional clout.

Its Fifth Assessment Report, published in 2014, issued the most emphatic warning on global warming yet, and provided the scientific underpinning for the landmark Paris Agreement, inked outside the French capital in 2015.

The previous report earned the IPCC a share of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, alongside former US vice president and climate campaigner Al Gore.

The IPCC's image was later dented by several minor errors uncovered in the report that providing ammunition for skeptics who claim the IPCC is flawed or biased.

Some scientists say the panel is too conservative, leading it to underestimate the climate change threat.

The last published report, for example, did not factor in potential sea level rise -- widely recognised today -- from melting ice sheets in West Antarctica and Greenland.



Trump effect

Before Donald Trump gained the White House, the United States consistently covered two-fifths of the IPCC's annual operating budget of about $5 million (4.3 million euros).

Without that money, the panel has had to go cap in hand to other countries, which -- led by Norway and France -- have covered most of the shortfall.
NATO chief hails 'historic opportunity' of Macedonia name change vote



Brussels, Sept 30 (AFP) Sep 30, 2018



NATO head Jens Stoltenberg hailed the overwhelming support for Macedonia to rename its country in Sunday's referendum, seeing it as a historic chance to end a decades-long spat with Greece.

"I urge all political leaders and parties to engage constructively and responsibly to seize this historic opportunity," Stoltenberg said on his twitter account.

"NATO's door is open," he added, with the name change seen as a major step to clearing the way for Macedonia's membership to the western military alliance.

Stoltenberg insisted however that NATO accession could only be engaged once all "national procedures" had been completed, which includes the name change winning a two-thirds majority vote in the Macedonian parliament.

Sunday's referendum however was marred by a low turnout, with only a third of the electorate voting.

NATO in July invited Macedonia to start talks to join the alliance after Skopje reached the deal with Greece.

Stoltenberg had said at the time Macedonia would be able to become NATO's newest member, provided the new name was approved at the referendum.

Countries hoping to join NATO must win unanimous approval from existing members and Greece blocked Macedonia's bid 10 years ago because of the name row.

Athens insisted Macedonia should change its name because it has its own northern province of the same name, which in ancient times was the cradle of Alexander the Great's empire -- a source of intense pride for modern-day Greeks.
Iran fires missiles against 'terrorist' camp in Syria: statement



Tehran, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2018



Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Monday they had launched a missile attack against a "terrorist" headquarters in Syria in retaliation for a September attack on the Iranian city of Ahvaz.

"The headquarters of those responsible for the terrorist crime in Ahvaz was attacked a few minutes ago east of the Euphrates by several ballistic missiles fired by the aerospace branch of the Guardians of the Revolution," the Guards said on their official website.
Iran fires missiles at Syria jihadists after deadly attack



Tehran, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2018



Iran said Monday it struck jihadists in Syria with ballistic missiles in retaliation for a deadly attack on an Iranian military parade, warning the "real punishment" was still to come.

Last month's assault in the Iranian city of Ahvaz killed 24 people and was claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group.

The pre-dawn strike by Iran, which has vowed to boost its ballistic missile capabilities despite Western concerns, targeted the area of Albu Kamal in eastern Syria near the border with Iraq.

"The headquarters of those responsible for the terrorist crime in Ahvaz was attacked a few minutes ago east of the Euphrates by several ballistic missiles fired by the aerospace branch of the Revolutionary Guards," the Guards said on their website.

"Based on preliminary reports, many takfiri terrorists and the leaders responsible for the terrorist crime in Ahvaz have been killed or wounded in this missile attack," the Guards added.

The term "takfiri" refers to Sunni Muslim extremists.

Six medium-range ballistic missiles were fired from western Iran at 2:00 am (22:30 GMT Sunday), dealing a "fatal blow 570 kilometres away," the Guards said.

The missiles were followed by a bombing by "seven military drones" against the "mercenary terrorists".

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, "heavy explosions took place at dawn in the last pocket under IS control near Albu Kamal".

The town of Albu Kamal itself is held by regime forces and allied regional militiamen who seized it from IS in 2017.

Iran's Fars news agency said the Zolfaghar and Qiam missiles fired had a range of 750 kilometres and 800 kilometres (465 and 500 miles), respectively.

"On at least one of the missiles was written 'death to America', 'death to Israel' and 'death to Al Saud'," it said, a reference to the ruling family in Saudi Arabia, Iran's regional rival.

The Guards released pictures of what appeared to be missiles lighting up the night sky, leaving trails of smoke as they soared above a desert region with a rugged mountain in the background.



- 'Unforgettable Revenge' -



Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had promised a "crushing" response to the September 22 attack by five gunmen on the military parade in Ahvaz, a mainly ethnic Arab city, while the Guards threatened "unforgettable revenge".

The missile strike "was only a jab against these criminals. The real punishment is yet to come," General Mohsen Rezai, former commander-in-chief of the Guards and now secretary of Expediency Discernment Council, wrote on Twitter.

Iranian officials initially blamed Arab separatists backed by Gulf Arab allies of the United States for the Ahvaz attack.

But on Monday supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appeared to link the perpetrators to jihadists operating in Iraq and Syria, where IS once had major strongholds.

"This cowardly act was the work of those very individuals who are rescued by the Americans whenever they are in trouble in Iraq and Syria and who are funded by the Saudis and the (United) Arab Emirates," Khamenei was quoted by his official website as saying.

The Guards accused the United States, Israel and the "reactionary regimes" of the Middle East of supporting the "terrorists" in eastern Syria who carried out the attack, and said they always stood ready to respond to Iran's enemies.

IS, which Iran and its Damascus allies are fighting in Syria, said all five of the Ahvaz attackers were Iranian, including four from the city.

The jihadists also threatened to carry out more attacks in Iran.

IS had already claimed responsibility for twin attacks in June 2017 on the parliament and the tomb of revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in Tehran that killed 17 people.

After that assault the Guards said they had fired missiles into Syria that had successfully hit IS targets.
Battle rages over EU defence pact



Brussels, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2018



A diplomatic tussle has broken out over the European Union's flagship defence cooperation pact, amid warnings the bloc could cut itself off from major allies like the US and post-Brexit Britain.

London and Washington want their defence companies to get involved with projects launched under the deal, but the EU is sharply at odds over what the rules should be for non-members to take part.

A number of ministers and diplomats have told AFP that if the EU excludes non-members it risks sacrificing expertise on the altar of principle, just as fears about Russian threats to European security are running at post-Cold War highs.

Brussels launched "permanent structured cooperation on defence", known as PESCO, last year to great fanfare. The aim was to unify European defence thinking and to rationalise a fragmented approach to buying and developing military equipment.

There is broad agreement among the 25 states signed up that non-EU countries should be allowed to contribute to some of the projects.

But a group of four major states -- led by France -- want to set tough conditions to limit participation, dividing them from a bloc of 13 -- led by the Netherlands -- who favour a more inclusive approach.



- 'Evil in the details' -



Portuguese Defence Minister Jose Alberto Azeredo Lopes told AFP "the evil is always in the details -- it's very very easy to stress consensus concerning third state participation but it's very difficult to define the conditions".

Lopes said Portugal backed the Dutch approach of seeking cooperation from allies who can bring added value, whether it be established NATO players like the US and UK, or other countries like Brazil.

Across the divide, France leads Germany, Spain and Italy in arguing for a focus on promoting EU "strategic autonomy" -- reducing the bloc's decades-long reliance on the United States for its defence.

They say the rules for third countries must not undermine the main purpose of PESCO, which is to promote defence cooperation between the 25 EU countries taking part, arguing that there are other forums for third countries to cooperate.

But a number of diplomats and officials in Brussels told AFP the approach smacks of protectionism by countries with large defence industries -- in particular France -- as it would limit market access for British and US contractors.

The US ambassador to NATO, Kay Bailey Hutchison, warned the EU earlier this year not to "fence off" American, British or Norwegian defence companies. Such a move could "splinter" the transatlantic security bond, she said.

Adding to the lure, the EU is planning to vastly expand its defence budget from 2021, allocating some 13 billion euros ($15 billion) over seven years to research and develop new equipment -- up from less than 600 million euros in the current budget.



- Cyber threat -



Moreover, officials warn that without the US and Britain, the EU may miss out on expertise and information that would improve its defences.

One PESCO project, to work on making it easier to move tanks and troops around the bloc, has already run into difficulties because it cannot consult the United States, which has decades of experience in moving its forces to bases around Europe.

"Shutting out potential partners at this stage is something we don't think makes a lot of sense," said a diplomat from one of the countries supporting the "inclusive" approach.

The risk is even greater when it comes to cyber defence -- a conflict domain of growing importance which can ignore traditional national borders.

Lithuania, which suffers thousands of cyber-attacks a year, most blamed on Russia, is leading a PESCO project to build up an intervention team to help countries hit by electronic warfare.

Edvinas Kerza, the country's vice-minister of defence, said working with countries with strong cyber capabilities like Britain and the US would strengthen the effort.

"It's obvious for me that I need to have a very good link, very good cooperation -- not only sharing information, but practical cooperation with their authorities," Kerza said.

Brussels officials are wrangling over the final terms of third-country involvement in PESCO in the hope of agreeing a deal that EU foreign ministers can approve at a meeting in November. But officials told AFP that the divisions are such that this target may be missed.

Officials from potential partner countries say they need clarity about the rules they would be asked to sign up for. They have warned that if they cannot go through PESCO they may work around it to reach bilateral deals -- dealing a major credibility blow to the EU's flagship defence project.

"The real trick will be that we raise the bar high enough that everyone can agree on it but not so high that third countries say 'that's too high and we'll go around PESCO'," an EU diplomat said.
Iran fires missiles at Syria jihadists after deadly attack



Tehran, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2018



Iran said it struck jihadists on Monday in Syria with ballistic missiles and combat drones in retaliation for a deadly attack on an Iranian military parade, warning the "real punishment" was still to come.

Last month's shooting in the Iranian city of Ahvaz killed 24 people and was claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group.

The pre-dawn strike by Iran, which has vowed to boost its ballistic missile capabilities despite Western concerns, targeted the town of Hajin, about 24 kilometres (15 miles) north of Albu Kamal near Syria's eastern border with Iraq, state TV reported.

"The headquarters of those responsible for the terrorist crime in Ahvaz was attacked a few minutes ago east of the Euphrates by several ballistic missiles fired by the aerospace branch of the Revolutionary Guards," the Guards said on their website.

"Based on preliminary reports, many takfiri terrorists and the leaders responsible for the terrorist crime in Ahvaz have been killed or wounded in this missile attack."

The term "takfiri" refers to Sunni Muslim extremists.

Foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said the strike targeted "a recognised and specific focal point of terrorists on the east of the Euphrates".

"It was necessary," he said.

Six medium-range ballistic missiles were fired from western Iran at 2:00 am (22:30 GMT Sunday), dealing a "fatal blow", the Guards said.

Following the missiles, seven military drones targeted the "mercenary terrorists", they added.

Local media have reported that based on published images, the drones were locally produced "Saegheh" craft, reverse-engineered from the American RQ-170 Sentinel captured by Iran in 2011.

The ultra-conservative online Tasnim news agency said the operation was the Guards' first officially announced combat drone operation outside of Iran's borders.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said "heavy explosions took place at dawn in the last pocket (of Syrian territory) under IS control near Albu Kamal".

The town of Albu Kamal is held by regime forces and allied regional militiamen who seized it from the jihadist group as its cross-border "caliphate" crumbled in 2017.

Iran's Fars news agency said the Zolfaghar and Qiam missiles had a range of 750 kilometres and 800 kilometres (465 and 500 miles) respectively.

"On at least one of the missiles was written 'death to America', 'death to Israel' and 'death to Al Saud'," it said, a reference to the ruling family in Saudi Arabia, Iran's regional rival.

The Guards released pictures of what appeared to be missiles lighting up the night sky, leaving trails of smoke as they soared above a desert region with a rugged mountain in the background.

Houshang Bazvand, the governor of Kermanshah Province, from where the missiles were reportedly launched, has denied reports on social media that one of the weapons crashed inside the province.



- 'Unforgettable Revenge' -



Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had promised a "crushing" response to the September 22 attack by five gunmen on the military parade in Ahvaz, a mainly ethnic Arab city, while the Guards threatened "unforgettable revenge".

The missile strike "was only a jab against these criminals. The real punishment is yet to come," General Mohsen Rezai, former commander-in-chief of the Guards and now secretary of Expediency Discernment Council, wrote on Twitter.

Iranian officials initially blamed Arab separatists backed by Gulf Arab allies of the United States for the Ahvaz attack.

But supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei later appeared to link the perpetrators to jihadists operating in Iraq and Syria, where IS once had major strongholds.

"This cowardly act was the work of those very individuals who are rescued by the Americans whenever they are in trouble in Iraq and Syria and who are funded by the Saudis and the (United) Arab Emirates," Khamenei was quoted on his official website as saying.

The Guards accused the United States, Israel and the "reactionary regimes" of the Middle East of supporting the "terrorists" in eastern Syria who carried out the attack, and said they always been ready to respond to Iran's enemies.

IS, which Iran and its Damascus ally are fighting in Syria, said all five of the Ahvaz attackers were Iranian, including four from the city.

The jihadists also threatened to carry out more attacks in Iran.

IS had already claimed responsibility for twin attacks in June 2017 on the parliament and the tomb of revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in Tehran that killed 17 people.

After that assault, the Guards said they had fired missiles into Syria that had successfully hit IS targets.

The guards have a heavy official presence in Syria as "military advisors" in support of the Bashar Assad regime.
Italy, Sweden, US bid to sell combat jets to Bulgaria



Sofia, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2018



Italy, Sweden and the United States submitted bids Monday to sell fighter jets to Bulgaria's ailing air force, the defence ministry announced.

A NATO member since 2004, the Balkan country is obliged to keep at least one squadron of jets ready for action, but the number of its ageing Soviet-built MiG-29s has progressively dwindled to just seven, prompting repeated alerts about drastic shortages in pilots' flying hours.

The defence ministry had already sought offers for new or used fighters in late 2016 and shortlisted Sweden's Gripen as its preferred option, but the procedure was sidelined by the new conservative cabinet, which renewed earlier this year a request for proposals from other suppliers.

In response, the US made two bids -- for new Boeing F-18s and F-16s by Lockheed Martin, while Sweden offered new Gripen fighters and Italy proposed second-hand Eurofighter jets, deputy defence minister Atanas Zapryanov said as the proposals were unveiled.

He did not provide details about the bids however, saying only that a defence ministry committee and another group of experts would review them before the government chose who to begin final talks with.

Although there was no deadline, Zapryanov said "our desire is to do it quickly. We have a budget that we want to spend."

Bulgarian lawmakers agreed in June to spend 1.8 billion leva (920 million euros, 1.0 million dollars) for at least eight new or used fighter jets, with experts commenting that amount would not be enough to buy F-18s.
Mattis trip to Beijing canceled: official



Washington, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2018



A meeting between Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and his Chinese counterpart has been canceled, a US defense official said Monday, amid rising tensions between the two nations.

The Pentagon had been working on a plan for Mattis to travel to Beijing later this month to meet General Wei Fenghe for security talks, but China ultimately declined to make him available, the official told AFP.

In light of that, the decision to scrap the visit came primarily from the US side, the official added.

It would have been Mattis's second trip to China as Pentagon chief, following a June visit when he met Chinese President Xi Jinping, as well as Wei and a number of other officials.

The US embassy in Beijing declined to comment.

The trip cancelation comes as friction between the US and China continues to rise, particularly over trade.

President Donald Trump's trade war has infuriated Beijing, as did his authorization of a $1.3 billion arms sale to Taiwan, which China considers a rebel province.

Washington last week enacted new tariffs against China covering another $200 billion of its imports.

And Washington last month placed financial sanctions on China for its recent purchase of Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets and S-400 surface-to-air missile systems.

China reacted by scrapping a US warship's planned port visit to Hong Kong and canceling a meeting between the head of the Chinese navy and his American counterpart.

On Sunday, a US warship sailed through waters off the contested Spratly Islands in the South China Sea -- in the latest implicit challenge to Beijing's sweeping territorial claims in the region.

There was no immediate reaction from China, but a similar US operation in July, involving the disputed Paracel islands, prompted a furious Beijing to deploy military vessels and fighter jets.

The Pentagon said all US military operations in the area "are designed in accordance with international law and demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows."
Andalusia (Spain), October 1, 2018 (SPS) - International Film Festival in Western Sahara and Sahrawi Film School, Abdine Kayed Saleh, have won the Emilio Castellar Prize, for the support group of peoples as recognition of the long journey in defense of the Sahrawi culture and human rights through the Seventh Art.



The ceremony, held Friday in Seville, the capital city of Andalusia, was attended by personalities from the world of art, culture, economy, and politics.



The Sahrawi Film School was inaugurated in 2011, for supporting the Saharawi people's struggle and just cause, at the initiative of the Ministry of Culture, with the aim of creating a space for Sahrawi youth to develop audiovisual skills, which enabled the presentation of the first Sahrawi documentary entitled "divided homeland." (SPS)



062/SPS/TRA
Cegereal launches a share capital increase with preferential subscription rights for an amount of approximately 80 million

Paris, October 1, 2018 - 8:00 a.m.

Permanent information

CeGeReal launches a SHARE capital increase with preferential subscription rights for an amount of approximately 80 million TO FINANCE A PORTION OF ITS CONTEMPLATED REAL ESTATE PROPERTY ACQUISITION

Subscription ratio: 1 new share for 6 existing shares

Subscription price: 35.85 per new share

Rights trading period: from 3 October 2018 to 11 October 2018 inclusive

Subscription period: from 5 October 2018 to 15 October 2018 inclusive

Cegereal (the "Company") announces today the launch of a share capital increase by way of an offering of new shares of the Company (the "New Shares") with shareholders' preferential subscription rights of approximately 80 million (the "Capital Increase").

The proceeds of the Capital Increase will be used to finance part of the Company's acquisition of the Passy Kennedy building (for an amount of 218 million), announced on 18 September 2018. The entire balance of the acquisition price will be financed by a bank loan of an amount of approximately 145 million euros in order to cover costs related to the acquisition and expenses related to the Passy Kennedy building.

Main terms of the Capital Increase

The Capital Increase will take place through the allocation of preferential subscription rights to the benefit of existing shareholders and will result in the issuance of 2,228,750 New Shares.

Each shareholder of Cegereal will receive one preferential subscription right for each share it holds as of the close of trading on 2 October 2018. The subscription price for the New Shares has been set at 35.85 per share (i.e. a nominal value of 5 and an issue premium of 30.85). The subscription ratio is 1 new share for 6 existing shares. The subscription price represents a 3.11% discount to the closing price of the Company's shares on 27 September 2018 (37.00) and a 2.68% discount to the theoretical ex-right price (TERP).

Reducible subscriptions (a titre reductible) will be accepted but remain subject to reduction in the event of oversubscription. New Shares that will not be subscribed on an irreducible basis (a titre irreductible) will be distributed and allocated among the holders of preferential subscription rights having submitted additional subscription on a reducible basis (a titre reductible).

The Capital Increase will be open to the public only in France.

Societe Generale is acting as Sole Global Coordinator and Bookrunner of the transaction, and BNP Paribas as Co-Bookrunner.

Subscription commitments of the main shareholders

Northwood Investors and GIC, holding respectively 7,405,494 shares (i.e. 55.38% of the share capital of the Company) and 3,343,125 shares (i.e. 25.00% of the share capital of the Company ) in the Company, have respectively undertaken to exercise all of the preferential subscription rights allocated to them on the basis of the existing shares they respectively hold and irrevocably commit to subscribe by means of orders on a reducible basis (a titre reductible) for maximum amounts of 10,801,462.60 and 4,876,281.15 respectively.

Those subscription commitments represent 100 % of this Capital Increase.

The Company is not aware of the intentions of its other shareholders or members of its administrative bodies in relation to the Capital Increase.

Company's lock-up

The Company has agreed to a lock-up expiring 90 calendar days following the settlement and delivery date of the New Shares, subject to certain customary exceptions.

Indicative timetable of the Capital Increase

The subscription period will be open from 5 October 2018 to 15 October 2018 (inclusive) to the holders of existing shares recorded in their securities account at the end of the accounting day of 2 October 2018 (the "Subscription Period").

The preferential subscription rights will be listed and traded on the regulated market of Euronext in Paris (ISIN: FR0013368750) from 3 October 2018 to 11 October 2018 (inclusive). The preferential subscription rights not exercised before the end of the Subscription Period, i.e., the close of business on 15 October 2018, shall automatically become null and void.

Settlement and delivery and start of trading on the regulated market of Euronext in Paris (Segment B) of the New Shares will take place on 25 October 2018. The New Shares, which will carry dividend rights and will entitle their holders to any dividends declared by the Company from the date of issue, will be fully fungible with the Company's existing shares and will be traded under the same ISIN code as the Company's existing shares, ISIN code FR 0010309096.

Information available to the public

The Company has published a French language prospectus (the "Prospectus"), which has received the Autorite des marches financiers ("AMF") visa n18-462 on 28 September 2018, comprising (i) the registration document (document de reference) of the Company filed with the AMF on 28 March 2018 under number D.18-0188, (ii) the interim financial report as of 30 June 2018 (rapport financier semestriel) and (iii) a securities note (note d'operation) (including a summary of the prospectus).

Cegereal draws the public's attention to the risk factors included in pages 88 to 90 of the registration document, in pages 20 to 21 of the interim financial report and in chapter 2 of the securities note (note d'operation).

Hard copies of the French language Prospectus are available free of charge at the Company's headquarters, located at 42 rue de Bassano, 75008 Paris. The French language Prospectus is also available on the Company's website (www.cegereal.com) and on the AMF's website (www.amf-france.org).

Potential investors are advised to read the entire Prospectus and to consider carefully before deciding whether to invest in the New Shares. Should all or any part of these risk factors materialize, the Company's and the group's businesses, financials, results or abilities to reach guidance may be negatively affected.

For more information, contact:

Media relations

Alienor Miens / Alexandre Dechaux

+33 7 62 72 71 15

cegereal@citigatedewerogerson.com Investor relations

Charlotte de Laroche

+33 1 42 25 76 38

info@cegereal.com

About Cegereal

Created in 2006, Cegereal is a commercial property company that invests in prime office properties in Greater Paris. The portfolio's appraisal value is estimated at 1,174 million at 30 June 2018.

From an environmental point of view, Cegereal's portfolio is fully certified with NF HQETM Exploitation and BREEAM In-Use International certification, and benefits from the "Green Star" Rating in the international GRESB benchmark.

Cegereal is a REIT listed on Euronext Paris since 2006, in compartment B (ISIN: FR0010309096). The Company had a market capitalization of 495 million on 28 September 2018.

Disclaimer

This press release and the information contained herein do not constitute either an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase the Company's securities.

The release, publication or distribution of this press release in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by laws or regulations. Therefore, persons in such jurisdictions into which this press release is released, published or distributed must inform themselves about and comply with such laws or regulations. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

The information contained in this announcement is for background purposes only and does not purport to be full or complete and no reliance may be placed by any person for any purpose on the information contained in this announcement or its accuracy, fairness or completeness. Any purchase of securities should be made solely on the basis of the information contained in the prospectus issued by the Company.

European Economic Area

The offer is open to the public in France.

With respect to each Member State of the European Economic Area other than France which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (the "Member State"), no action has been undertaken or will be undertaken to make an offer to the public of securities requiring a publication of a prospectus in any Member State. As a result, the preferential subscription rights, the new shares or other securities of the Company may only be offered in Member States:

to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive ; to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined by the Prospectus Directive) in each Member State; or in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive.

and provided that no such offer of securities referred to in (a) to (b) above shall require the Company or Societe Generale or BNP Paribas to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive, or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 16 of the Prospectus Directive.

For the purposes of this provision (i) the expression an "offer of securities to the public" in relation to any securities in any Relevant Member State which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (as defined below) means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the securities, as the same may be varied in that Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Member State, (ii) the expression "Prospectus Directive" means Directive 2003/71/EC (and amendments thereto, including the 2010 PD Amending Directive), and includes any relevant implementing measure in the Relevant Member State and (iii) the expression "2010 PD Amending Directive" means Directive 2010/73/EU.

These selling restrictions with respect to Member States apply in addition to any other selling restrictions which may be applicable in the Member States who have implemented the Prospectus Directive.

United Kingdom

This press release is distributed only to, and directed only at, "qualified investors" (as defined in section 86(7) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) who are (i) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended) (the "Order") or (ii) persons falling within Article 49(2) (a) to (d) of the Order (high net worth entities, non-registered associations, etc.) (all such persons being referred to as "Qualified Persons"). This press release is directed only at Qualified Persons. Any investment or investment activity applies to, and may only be made by, Qualified Persons. In the United Kingdom, any investment activity to which this press release relates is only available to, and will be engaged in only with, Qualified Persons. Any person who is not a Qualified Person shall not act or rely on this press release or on any information contained herein.

United States

This document does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of offers to purchase or subscribe for securities in the United States. The securities referred to herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "US. Securities Act"), and may not be offered, subscribed or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. The shares of the Company have not been and will not be registered under the US. Securities Act and the Company does not intend to register any portion of the proposed offering in the United States or to conduct a public offering in the United States.

Canada, Australia and Japan

The new shares and the preferential subscription rights may not be offered, sold or purchased in Canada (subject to certain exceptions and pursuant to procedures set out by the Company), Australia or Japan.

In connection with any offering of the securities referred thereto, Societe Generale, BNP Paribas and any of their affiliates, may take up as a principal position any securities and in that capacity may retain, purchase, sell or offer to sell for their own accounts such securities and other related securities. In addition, they may enter into financing arrangements (including swaps or contracts for differences) with investors in connection with which they may from time to time acquire, hold or dispose of Securities. They do not intend to disclose the extent of any such investment or transactions otherwise than in accordance with any legal or regulatory obligation to do so.

Societe Generale and BNP Paribas are acting for the Company and no one else in connection with the offering of securities and will not regard any other person as their clients nor be responsible to any other person for providing the protections afforded to any of their clients or for providing advice in relation to any offering of the securities nor for providing advice in relation to the offering of securities, the contents of this announcement or any transaction, arrangement or other matter referred to herein.

None of Societe Generale, BNP Paribas nor any of their affiliates, directors, officers, employees, advisers or agents accepts any responsibility or liability whatsoever for or makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information in this announcement (or whether any information has been omitted from the announcement) or any other information relating to the Company, its subsidiaries or associated companies, whether written, oral or in a visual or electronic form, and howsoever transmitted or made available or for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith.

This announcement is distributed by West Corporation on behalf of West Corporation clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: Cegereal SA via Globenewswire


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.
Blue, according to numerous experts, is a soothing color. And that might just be how you feel about this limited edition available for sale from members of the Tobacconists Association of America (TAA).

With its light brown Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, my first impression of the La Palina Blue Label was that of an everyman cigar. Not too bold, not too mild, just the kind to appeal across the board.

It delivers as well. From the first puffs, the Blue Label reveals delicate flavors that range from coffee and citrus to baking spices, all in a well-balanced blend. Strength is in the medium range, with lots of smoke, a near-perfect burn, and an easy draw.

Rolled at the Plascencia factory in Honduras, the Blue Label features a filler mix of Honduran and Nicaraguan tobacco held by a Honduran binder. Available only as a 6.5-inch, by 52-ring gauge Toro, the MSRP is $10.

The Blue Label is one of several cigars La Palina has designated with a color, a process that would seem to offer an easy and nearly endless supply of names. Umber or Chartreuse, anyone?

TAA, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, is a trade group of about 80 retailers and several dozen manufacturers. While less visible than the much larger International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR), TAA offers exclusivity, with membership only by invitation.

You can check the associations website to see if theres a TAA shop near you. And if not, quite a few TAA members maintain online sales operations.

TAAs prominence has been boosted in recent years with the release of special editions available only to its members. La Palina Blue Label is one of a bakers dozen TAA lists as 2018 limited editions.

Sometimes manufacturers elevate their TAA releases to later become regular releases. That happened with La Palinas TAA Bronze Label, which was greeted last year with enthusiasm and went into standard production this year. Perhaps the Blue Label will move in this direction as well. If so, it would be another strong cigar in La Palinas expanding lineup. I rate it four stogies out of five.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

George E



photo credit: Stogie Guys
The Ukrainian Army, with the help of civilian volunteers, has developed a TV and FM radio jamming system that blocks Russian TV and FM radio being broadcast to Russian controlled portions of eastern Ukraine (Donbas) and Crimea. The Serpanok jamming system uses existing Ukrainian TV and FM transmitters and was so successful that the Russians stopped broadcasting their propaganda laden TV and radio material and that enabled Ukraine to replace it with normal programming. Russia prefers to quietly back away when they encounter a defeat in the EW (Electronic Warfare) department. There has been more of that in Ukraine where the Russians discovered that a lot of their Soviet era (pre-1991) EW specialists were Ukrainian and the 2014 Russian invasion of Ukraine triggered a patriotic response that had not expected. While the Russians quickly took Crimea they were, and still are, stalled in Donbas and that has become an increasingly expensive embarrassment. Donbas has also become a major problem for new Russian EW systems because a lot of their effectiveness depends on surprise. A lot of that surprise element is gone and that was often because the Ukrainians had organized military or volunteer civilian groups who had the skills to determine what the Russians were up to and sometimes develop countermeasures.

Back in 2014 Russia began threatening and invading its European neighbors (especially Ukraine and the Baltic States) and because of that NATO has learned a lot more about Russian post-Cold War EW capabilities. The fighting in Donbas led the Russians to use a lot of their most modern electronic warfare equipment. Not just Cold War era stuff (which Ukraine inherited a lot of after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991) but equipment NATO knows was developed in the 1990s or later but had not encountered until now. NATO now believes that Russia has developed effective and reliable encrypted battlefield radios that are proving very difficult for Western forces to decrypt or jam. As expected, Russian eavesdropping and jamming gear turned out to be very effective. This Russian equipment has greatly aided the Russian backed rebels, who did not capture any advanced Ukrainian EW equipment when they staged their uprising in 2014. It soon became obvious that the Russians had brought in electronic warfare experts and Russian EW gear and provided the rebels with jamming and eavesdropping gear superior to anything the Ukrainian military had. Thus the rebels could jam or eavesdrop on all manner of Ukrainian communications (cell phones, military communications and control equipment for UAVs and anything else operated remotely). By 2015 Ukrainian EW experts suspected that the Russians had not used all the capabilities of their new electronic gear.

In response to that Ukraine asked NATO to provide some EW support and, not surprisingly, there was little publicity about the result. The reason for that was NATO quickly realized they had an unexpected opportunity to monitor this new Russian EW equipment in a battlefield situation. This was a huge win because otherwise these nasty EW surprises would be used against NATO forces in any future clashes with Russia or other nations that had purchased the Russian gear. This surprise element is important when it comes to electronic gear in general, which is much more effective if the other side does not know much about how it works. This is nothing new. For example, the World War II strategic bombing campaign against Germany saw nearly all the modern electronic warfare techniques (and countermeasures) being developed and used for the first time. The Russians captured a lot of the German stuff and were impressed. Thus they never exported their best Cold War era stuff and most of this gear was never seen in action. After the Cold War Russia continued to develop EW equipment and after 2014, in Ukraine and the Baltic States, NATO was getting a better idea of how much trouble they were in. A lot, it turns out.

That is important because Russia now exports a lot more of this equipment. The Russians dont mind making their electronic warfare tech more vulnerable to theft because Russian manufacturers need the money to stay in business. However, some key features are not included in export versions of EW gear and often the customer doesnt mind because the price is right for the capabilities provided. NATO was eager to know more about the latest Russian gear and after 2015 a lot of this new EW equipment showed up in Syria as well.

There are numerous examples. One is the Rychag-AV jammer, which Russia announced in 2015 and in 2016 Russia revealed that a custom version of the M-8 transport helicopter (Mi-8MTPR-1) was equipped with Rychag-AV and was delivered to army units operating near Ukraine. In 2017 Mi-8MTPR-1 was seen operating over Crimea and local Ukrainian hackers, using custom hardware and software they had built, reported details of Rychag-AV in operation over Crimea. Russia claims Rychag-AV can automatically detect and jam enemy radar and other electronic signals up to 400 kilometers away. That was less alarming once NATO and Ukrainian EW experts had an opportunity to examine Rychag-AV in action. Rychag-AV is designed to be operated from aircraft, trucks and ships but it can detect more signals and farther away if airborne or having its sensors and jammers mounted on a high portion of a ship (where radars have long been mounted).

One known result of all this unexpected intel on new Russian EW gear was the news that the U.S. Army was able to develop and, in 2018, deploy to the troops a new EW system to detect and deal with new Russian EW weapons encountered in Ukraine and Syria over the last few years. The army, continuing to use the rapid development and deployment methods implemented after 2001 (and now called the Rapid Capabilities Office), developed new hardware and software to detect, analyze and cope (to a certain extent) with a lot of the new EW capabilities Russia had put to work in Ukraine and Syria. None of the recent Russian EW gear was radically new stuff, but further developments of systems they had built during the Cold War. What was unusual was the speed with which the U.S. military was able to respond. This was largely because it was now clear that the Russians had, for a long time, developed EW capabilities that the West underestimated. This was first revealed after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 and became obvious that the EW pessimists in NATO (who warned that the Russians had EW gear NATO was unable to deal with because NATO leaders refused to believe what they were up against) were right. Now when improved versions of Russian Cold War EW gear began showing up in Ukraine and Syria that served as a sobering wakeup call that was acted on this time.

NATO was fortunate that East European NATO members that used to be part of the Soviet empire were familiar with how Russian EW doctrine and equipment worked and that expertise was also put to work. Particularly useful was the Ukraine experience, including the large number of Ukrainians who had worked on developing and building that Cold War EW tech and were now seeing it used against them by a resurgent Russia. The U.S. Army saw the opportunity and made the most of it. Russia also used a lot of their new EW gear in Syria, in part to impress potential customers and partly to get an idea of what Israel had. Unlike NATO, Israel did not underestimate Russian EW capabilities during the Cold War because Russian sold some of that EW equipment to Arab states who had a few opportunities to use it on Israel.
There is now a version of the AK line of assault rifles (the AK-308) that fires the standard NATO 7.62x51 rifle ammo. Known to civilians as the Winchester 308 round, the 7.62x51 has been a NATO standard since the 1950s. While largely replaced by the 5.56/45 round in the 1960s and 70s, the 7.62mm is still widely used for sniper rifles and vehicle mounted machine-guns. The Russian company that manufactures the AK line of weapons has, since the 1990s, come up with a lot of new designs, mainly for the export market and these new weapons were often chambered for the Western 7.62mm and 5.56mm (or whatever a large purchaser wanted). The AK-308 recently shown is a prototype and is basically the new Russian military rifle (AK-12/15) chambered for the 7.62x51 rather than the 5.45x39 (AK-12) or 7.62x39 (AK-15 and AK-47).

The AK-308 is 885mm (35 inches) long with a 415mm (16.3 inch) barrel and a folding stock. Empty weight is 4.1 kg (nine pounds) and it uses a 20 or 30 round magazine. Rate of fire on full automatic is 700 rounds a minute and max effective range is 800 meters. AK-308 has a Picatinny rail and attachments for grenade launcher, suppressor and bayonet. In short it is a 7.62mm rifle any Western soldier would immediately be able to handle even though it is obviously based on the original AK-47 design. The AK-308 is actually based on the AK-103 which was itself a version of the 1970s AK-74. The latest Russian assault rifle, the AK-12 also can be adapted to fire 7.62x51 but the AK-308 design is competitive with the AK-12/15 weapons which are the latest generation of Russian military rifles.

In mid-2017 Russia selected the new AK-12 assault rifles as part of its new future soldier (Ratnik) set of gear for its infantry. The government is having trouble finding the money to buy as many Ratnik systems as it wants (70,000 or more). So far 25,000 Ratnik systems have been delivered with priority going to special operations troops (including airborne, airmobile and marine units).

The basic AK-12 fires the same 5.45/39 round as the current AK-74 and costs 25 percent more. The AK12 outperformed the AK-74 in extensive field tests and the troops prefer it over the AK-74. In 2014 one major change was made to the original (2011) AK-12 design that lowered manufacturing costs and fixed some problems found in field testing. The new version (codenamed AK-400) won the competition (with rival rifle designs) in 2017. The AK-12 can also be provided in a version that fires the old AK-47 round (7.62x39mm) that was introduced in 1944 and is still popular in many countries. The AK-12 also keeps the basic design principles of the AK-47 alive into the 21st century.

This all began with a Russian World War II veteran, Mikhail Kalashnikov, who came up with a brilliant rifle design that so impressed his bosses that they named it after him. AK means Avtomat Kalashnikova which literally translates as Kalashnikov Automatic. This was no fluke. Kalashnikov had always been into mechanical things and grew up in Siberia where rural folk could own a rifle for hunting. Thus he was familiar with how rifles operated in addition to being a mechanical genius. Kalashnikov was conscripted in 1938 and because of his small size was assigned to a tank unit. There his ingenuity and mechanical skills came to the notice of his superiors, who praised and encouraged him. He was badly wounded in combat in 1941 and while he spent six months recuperating came up with some innovative ideas for a new rifle design, instigated by complaints he heard from wounded infantry soldiers. He wrote to the senior officers who had praised his skills before the war and was transferred to a weapons development organization. Among his many innovations and designs over the next five years was the AK-47, which began replacing all older infantry rifles in 1949. Kalashnikov died in 2013 but until the end he hunted and innovated, backing things like the Ratnik concept.

The Ratnik system is the Russian version of an American concept pioneered in the 1980s ("Land Warrior") and resulted in the introduction of new body armor, personal communications, wearable computers, night vision devices, and personal medical equipment. Several European countries have followed, especially the German Infanterist der Zukunft (Infantryman Of The Future), and Russia did the same but was delayed by cash shortages and debates over whether a new infantry rifle was needed. Unlike the United States, Russia included a new rifle design (AK-12) as part of its Ratnik gear. There was a lot of opposition to the AK-12 within the Russian high command, but at the troop level there was an even more vigorous and louder call for something to replace the Cold War era AK-74.

The entire Ratnik collection underwent final acceptance tests in late 2013. All the items of Ratnik (firearms, body armor, optic, communication and navigation devices, medical, and power supply systems plus uniform items including knee and elbow pads) have been tested and accepted. The new rifle was more of a problem until the government finally backed the AK-12. Initially, only elite troops got Ratnik while the rest of the ground forces will be stuck with the AK-74 and Cold War era infantry gear into the 2020s although the military expects the 100,000 or so special operations, SWAT and professional (contract) infantry will all have Ratnik by 2020. It will be decades before the AK-74 disappears from Russian military use.

How the AK-12 came to be was quite an epic undertaking. The Russians have made several attempts to develop and introduce a replacement for the AK-74. Some new designs even made it into combat. For example, some special operations units got the new AN-94 in the 1990s while most troops continued to use the elderly (in design and manufacture) AK-74s. The troops wanted something that could match the improvements in Western assault rifles. The firm that designed most Russian assault rifles since the 1940s designed a new assault rifle (AK-12) in response to that but the Russian Defense Ministry stalled efforts to even test it. That resistance was finally overcome and the AK-12 eventually passed the tests and outperformed competing designs.

It all began in 2012 when the two century old Russian firm (Izhmash) that has produced assault rifles since World War II announced the arrival of their fifth generation assault rifle. Called the AK-12 it uses a lot of the basic AK-47 design principles but added many new features popular in Western assault rifles. The AK-12 is but the latest in a long line of innovative Russian infantry weapons. Appearing for the first time towards the end of World War II, assault rifles have since become the standard infantry weapon, almost entirely replacing bolt-action and semi-automatic rifles. The first generation AK was the AK-47 followed by the AKM in the 1960s, then the AK-74 (which was very similar to the U.S. M-16) in the 1970s, and limited numbers of the AN-94 (a much improved AK-74) in the 1990s. Over fifty million AK-47s and AKMs were made, most of them outside Russia. Production, on a small scale, continues. It is still the most numerous assault rifle in use.

The original AK-12 (code named AK-200) was a 3.3 kg (7.3 pound) weapon that is 943mm (37.1 inches) long with a 415mm (16.3 inch) barrel. It can be fitted to fire one of four calibers: the original 7.62x39 of the AK-47/AKM, the 5.56x45 of the M-16, the 5.45x39 of the AK-74, or the 7.62x51 NATO rifle/machine-gun round. The AK-12 can use all AK-47/AKM magazines when firing 7.62x39 ammo.

There are a lot of small but important changes in the AK-12. The stock is adjustable. The charging handle is easily used whether you are left or right handed. There is an improved safety switch, pistol grip, hinged top cover, muzzle break, iron sight, and (smaller) ejection port. The AK-12 has Picatinny rails (the U.S. developed standard for attaching all sorts of accessories). The fire control switch now allows for single shot, full automatic, and three round bursts. The AK-12 is inherently more accurate because of improved barrel rifling. The AK-12 handles more easily, has longer effective range (up to 600 meters), and apparently has the same ruggedness of the original AK-47. That last item was put to the test, as the Russian military has had a growing number of AK-12s into the field since 2015, where their performance under combat conditions that could be monitored.

The AK-12 was not the best (from a technical point of view) candidate for Ratnik. The A545 was a more modern and efficient design, but the AK-12 proved more rugged and Russian troops are not big fans of radical change when it comes to basic stuff like rifles. The AK-12 is the second attempt since the end of the Cold War (in 1991) to develop a worthy successor to the AK-47. Earlier efforts had not been entirely successful. Part of the problem was that there was not a pressing need for a new AK in Russia. For example, in 2011, Russia stopped buying new AK-74 rifles. Since they already have ten million AK assault rifles (most of them older AK-47 and AKM models) in stock and only a million troops on active duty (and about as many in reserve units) buying more assault rifles was deemed wasteful. This did not stop the purchase of special small arms for commandos and other specialist combat units.

The new policy did not stop work on the new AK-12. This weapon was originally based on the 5.45mm AK-74, which replaced the 7.62mm AK-47/AKM series as the standard infantry weapon towards the end of the Cold War. The AK-74 entered service in the 1970s and twenty years later a replacement was developed, the AN-94. This rifle used the 5.45mm round first seen in the AK-74 but was able to use larger (45-round and 60-round) magazines. The AN-94 also had burst fire (of two rounds, while Western rifles tend to use three rounds).

The AN-94 was supposed to replace all AK-74s in Russian service but due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, and sharp cuts in the defense budget, this did not happen. There were also concerns about the mechanical complexity and reliability of the AN-94. That's apparently why the AK-12 was not based on the AN-94. One AN-94 feature that was adopted for the AK-12 was a 60 round magazine.

Meanwhile, an improved AK-74M was introduced in 1991, and is still in service. This is a 3.4 kg (7.5 pound), 94.3 cm (37.1 inch) weapon with a 41.5 cm (16.3 inch) barrel. It has rails for sights and such and can use a 30 or 45 round magazine. Rate of fire is 650 RPM on full auto, and max effective range was 600 meters. The AK-74 looked like an AK-47 and used the same technology.

Some five million AK-74s were built, most before the Cold War ended in 1991. North Korea manufactures a copy of the AK-74 called the Type 98. The AK-74M was the basis for the AK-12, and the two weapons are very similar, with the new rifle having more flexibility and capacity for accessories.

Meanwhile, several additional AK-74 variants have been developed and put on the market. The AK-101 fires the 5.56mm NATO round and has a 30-round clip. The AK-103 fires the 7.62x39mm round used in the original AK-47, for those who have concerns about the ability of the 5.45mm round to stop enemy troops. The AK-102, 104, and 105 are compact rifles designed for the export market and are available in 5.56mm NATO, 7.62x39mm, and 5.45x39mm calibers. All have 30-round magazines. This proliferation of models is meant to handle niche markets, which manufacturers of cheap AK-47s are not interested in. The AK-12 will be another something special, in this case a new assault rifle for Russian 21st century infantry.
Congolese opposition leaders are warning their supporters and the UN that president Joseph Kabila intends to steal to national elections in December  despite Kabilas promise to cede power after 17 years in office. His last two year as president have been illegal, according to Congos constitution. Congolese opposition parties are also warning that electronic voting machines are suspect and Kabila intends to hijack them. So far, seven major opposition political leaders have pledged that they will support a common candidate.

September 29, 2018: In eastern Congo (North Kivu Province) Ugandan ADF attacked a village, killed two civilians and kidnapped several women. ADF has been raiding and kidnapping frequently in the last few months. Elsewhere in the province, Rwandan FDLR Hutu rebels attacked an army checkpoint and killed two soldiers.

September 27, 2018: In eastern Congo (North Kivu Province) UN health workers trying to deal with an Ebola outbreak have suspended operations because of the growing rebel violence in the province. This means there is a greater risk of Ebola spreading to neighboring countries.

UN officials in the Central African Republic (CAR) said that the UN needs a greater transparency on the movement of weapons into the CAR. The UN has asked for help from China, the U.S. and Russia but diplomats and reports from the CAR make it clear that the biggest worry is Russia. Ironically, the CAR government favors an end to the arms embargo imposed on the country. So do European Union countries who provide military trainers to the CAR government. Why? Because the governments forces need more weapons and the embargo has failed to prevent rebel militias from acquiring arms. The CAR government intends to train and arm 5,500 soldiers before 2023. Since 2013, 580,000 CAR citizens have fled to other countries and some 700,000 are internally displaced. (Austin Bay)

In southwest Congo (Kasai region) gunmen attacked three convents within a two week period. On September 6 gunmen attacked the convent in the town of Bena Mukangala. On September 14 they struck the convent in Kambote and on September 19 the convent in Malole.

September 24, 2018: In eastern Congo (North Kivu Province) Ugandan ADF attacked a village, killed a civilian and kidnapped 17 villagers.

September 23, 2018: Kenyan authorities have arrested two Ugandan policemen on charges they trespassed into Kenyan territory. The arrests come a week after Ugandan security forces arrested Kenyan fishermen are charges of illegal fishing. Both Kenya and Uganda have been cracking down on alleged illegal fishing on Lake Victoria.

In Congo president Kabila has called for UN peacekeepers to leave because after two decades the country still suffers organized violence from local and foreign armed groups. This includes rogue army units. Kabila wants the peacekeepers gone so it will be easier for him to rule as a dictator. The UN in general and neighboring nations, in particular, are not inclined to remove the peacekeepers and see the violence in Congo get worse and spread throughout Central Africa.

September 22, 2018: In eastern Congo (North Kivu Province) Ugandan ADF rebels attacked the city of Beni and killed 18 people.

September 20, 2018: A team of 100 Chinese combat engineers and medical service troops have deployed to Congo on a one-year peacekeeping mission. This is the 22nd iteration of a rotational deployment.

September 19, 2018: Congos election commission (CENI) has officially excluded two major opposition presidential candidates: Jean-Pierre Bemba and Moise Katumbi.

September 17, 2018: Western NGOs with people in Burundi accused Burundian government security forces and the youth wing of the governing party of murdering over 200 people since April 2018.

September 16, 2018: In southwest Congo (Kasai region) violence has not subsided. NGO personnel report that banditry (to include robbery and murder) is rampant in the region.

September 15, 2018: Congo has declared that cobalt is a strategic mineral and therefore subject to higher mining royalties. This declaration has been expected for several months. The biggest loser is China. Copper royalties will also rise.

September 12, 2018: Congo accused Ugandan security forces of killing four Congolese fishermen on Lake Edward.

September 9, 2018: The Ugandan government accused foreign power of attempting to interfere in Ugandan domestic politics. The accusation came less than a week after the United State suspended military aid to Uganda. At issue are allegations that the government tortured two members of parliament; Robert Kyagulanyi (a performer whose stage name is Bobi Wine) and a representative Francis Zaake.

September 7, 2018: Rebels in the CAR kidnapped several people from a displaced person camp in the town of Bria. The victims (most of them women) were at a camp called PK3. Bria is 600 kilometers from Bangui, the CARs capital.

September 6, 2018: Zimbabwe announced it will donate ten white rhinos to Congo to help restore Congos white rhino population. So far Congo has not said where the rhinos will be freed. Currently, Congos white rhinos live in Garamba National Park.

September 5, 2018: In eastern Congo (North Kivu Province) two South African peacekeepers were wounded in a rebel militia ambush near the city of Beni.
AMONG the many attractions at The Forest of Arden Agricultural Societys annual Ploughing and Hedging Match recently was the wealth of information youngsters learned about the Great British countryside.

Pupils from Tudor Grange Primary Academy in Haselor and Albert Bradbeer Primary Academy in Birmingham were the special guests at this years match which has now reached its 70th anniversary.

After an enjoyable ice cream, the pupils were given a tour around the show site and had the mechanical term horsepower explained to them by first showing a farm horse and then a 400 horsepower tractor.

It was important to show the children that a lot of what we eat comes from the land and not a supermarket. One pupil had not seen a farmers field before and others were so enthusiastic by what they learnt on Thursday they fell asleep on the bus on the way home, said Sue Westmacott, who is celebrating 30 years as show organiser.

For 34 years Clive Matthew has entered the shows hedge cutting novice category and promised himself that one day hed win the much- coveted class 1 G A Kohn Cup. Last Thursday Clive did just that but was so excited by his achievement he forgot to pick up his prize money so it had to be posted on to him.

The free annual event was staged this year at Pools Barn Farm, Little Alne, courtesy of Robin and Mary Turney.
The most powerful weapon for tackling cancer is research, and for that reason the Spanish cancer association AECC has started a campaign to collect at least 500,000 signatures and deliver them to the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.

The aim is to create a national strategy for cancer research and persuade the government to double, at least, the money it has spent on oncological research during the past ten years, from about 1.55 billion euros to three billion in the next decade. This increase is essential if the survival rate for patients with a tumour is to reach 70 per cent by 2030; at present it is 53 per cent.

Two other priorities for the AECC are to encourage Spanish researchers to return from abroad and attract scientific talent from elsewhere.

The start of the campaign to collect signatures in Malaga began on Monday this week, coinciding with World Cancer Research Day. It was accompanied by a 'performance' by an actor posing as a researcher, who only moved when someone signed the statement and placed it in a special postbox, to illustrate how research cannot advance as quickly as needed without enough support.

Recent cuts

The president of the provincial board of the AECC, Francisco Aguilar, said it is essential for more money to be allocated for research, because in recent years the amount has been reduced by over 20 per cent.

He said there should be a special box for people to tick on tax declarations in case anyone wants to make a contribution. That would be a way of helping to increase donations to science.

"Research is the only way we can defend people against cancer. The funds we receive at present are just not enough," he said.

Researchers in Malaga

Francisco Aguilar also stressed that collaboration from the public is essential, which is why he is urging people to sign the petition to demand more money for cancer research.

He pointed out that researchers in Malaga are carrying out essential work, especially those at the Malaga Institute of Biomedical Research (Ibima).

"We need to highlight the value of what is being done in Malaga, where the AECC spends 200,000 euros a year on cancer research," he said.

The AECC warns that cancer is expected to become the main cause of death in the world and it predicts that the number of cases of tumours will increase by 21.5 million before 2030. That is why the association is calling for twice as much funding for research.

It also stresses the importance of prevention, early detection and new treatments. The aim is to increase the rate of cure or, at least, convert cancer into a chronic illness with a high survival rate among patients.
A recent study has shown that healthcare workers in the province of Malaga suffer an act of violence every two days. In 2017, 221 cases of assault were recorded by the Health Department and, while this is the official figure, in reality there are many more. Verbal abuse is often not recorded at all.

Last year sentences were handed down in 27 cases involving assault against a health professional in the workplace in the province. Five of these convictions were for the more serious offence of an attack on authority and the rest for threats, and causing injury.

In 2016 the Andalusian health service, SAS, gained 32 convictions, again with five being for a serious attack on authority.

The health service's existing violence prevention plan dates back to 2005 and was the first of its kind in Spain. It involves legal assistance, psychological support, training and different measures and procedures aimed at preventing and minimising cases of violence at health centres and hospitals.

Workers unable to control a violent situation are advised to call the police.

There are already elements of security in health centres such as video cameras and panic buttons, and some problematic surgeries have private security guards.
"We're scared when we come to work in the emergency department; it causes a lot of stress and uncertainty, because we don't know what we'll find." These were the words of the healthcare assistant who suffered a sprain to the left hand on Sunday after it was twisted by a patient. The injured assistant was among the group of health workers who gathered outside the hospital on Tuesday to protest against violence shown by patients and their families and to call for greater security.

The patient in question, a Ukrainian woman, who attacked five members of staff during her visit on Sunday, was sentenced to 12 months in prison for assault against two healthcare workers at a "fast trial" this week and has been given a restraining order preventing her from going within 500 metres of the hospital.

"It can't go on like this. We need more security and more staff to reduce waiting time," added the injured assistant.

Staff at the A&E department face abuse and verbal insults almost daily, coming from both patients themselves and especially their relatives. "At the Clinico we've seen objects thrown across the room by patients. When the department is overcrowded there is nothing we can do," said the assistant.

The hospital's medical director, Eva Fragero, expressed her total rejection of any violence towards health professionals. She added that the hospital has means to reduce violent situations. "We have security controls and have given staff communication tools so they know how to manage difficult situations," she said.

Fragero added that the public must be made aware that when patients go to A&E, professionals are there to help them, not to receive abuse. "There must always be respect; aggression cannot be tolerated', she said.
Feature film and broadcast grading outfit Dirty Looks has appointed John Claude to its team.

Claude has 20 years post production experience in Soho and has DI graded with directors including Mike Leigh, Kenneth Branagh and Jonathan Glazer. His broadcast credits include Black Mirror, Luther and Poldark.

He has worked with Dirty Looks as a freelancer before and begins his full- time appointment working with Shane Meadows on his upcoming Channel4 series The Virtues.

John Claude said Ever since collaborating with Tom on Under the Skin back in 2013 Ive always enjoyed grading at Dirty Looks. Their 4K DI theatre is one of the best in Soho and Im thrilled to be joining their friendly team full time. Their new remote grading pipeline is a very interesting approach, an innovative way to work.

Company Director, Tom Balkwill said Ive been friends with John for 15 years, working on various projects with him throughout this time. Its an honour to have his creative approach and grading talent available to us in-house. He will be based in our suites in Soho but also for upcoming projects over at our DI theatre in Brussels, too.

Claudes recent credits include upcoming films Ray and Liz (shot by Daniel Landin) and Pin Cushion (shot by Nicola Bailey, both projects graded at Dirty Looks). In addition, he recently completed grading independent feature films Been So Long, In Fabric, Apostasy and Lean On Pete.

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The winners of the 56th Kinsale Shark Awards have been announced during the Kinsale festival in Ireland.

Winners were awarded from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Thailand, Germany, France, Belgium and Sweden.

The Grand Prix was awarded to AMV BBDO for Bodyform/Libresses Blood Normal and two Creative Bravery awards were won by AMV BBDO for Blood Normal and to Mother for KFCs FCK.

BBDO New York won Agency of the Year, and BBDO won Network of the Year.

Best Irish New Director and Best New International Director  which is voted by the festival audience  went to Carol Freeman (Irish) for The Bird and The Whale and Christian Shilling (International) for Kill the Noise, The Man with a Coin and Pomegranate.

Gold film winners went to Riff Raff films for Nothing Beats a Londoner and VCCP for Cadbury Beach Huts and Coast.

Film craft awarded ten golds to Rothko, Motherland both for Its Just a Phase, with Nexus, Sonny London, Framestore, MPC, Riff Raff, Blur Films and BBDO New York taking the others.

Best short film went to Wren Boys, directed by Harry Lighton, for Try Hard Films.

Best music video was won by CANADA for Rosalias Malamente.

Seven golds were awarded for PR and Interactive including Rothkos JFK Unsilenced, BETCs Save our Species for Lacoste, AMV BBDOs Trash Aisles for LadBible/Plastic Oceans Foundation.

Music and sound golds went to Goldstein for Dementia UKs Together Again and to Factory for John Lewis & Partnerships Bohemian Rhapsody.

No golds were awarded in digital, but to silvers went to makemepulse for Canal+ The Real Voice of Louis XIV and BBDO New York for Downtown Records Live Looper.

All winners can be seen here on the website.

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Indonesia confirms multiple mass prison breaks in quake-tsunami zone



Jakarta, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2018



Some 1,200 Indonesian convicts escaped from three different detention facilities in the devastated region of Sulawesi following an earthquake and tsunami disaster, a justice ministry official said Monday.

The mass prison break happened after the powerful tremor sparked a wall of water that devastated the small city of Palu Friday.

Ministry of Justice official Sri Puguh Utami said inmates had fled from two overcapacity facilities in Palu and another in Donggala, an area also hit by the disaster.

"I'm sure they escaped because they feared they would be affected by the earthquake. This is for sure a matter of life and death for the prisoners," she said.

The facility in Donggala was set on fire and all 343 inmates were now on the run, Utami said.

Most of the convicts were jailed for corruption and narcotics offences, she said.

Five people convicted of terror-related crimes had been moved from the prison just days before the disaster.
Quake-hit Indonesia starts burying dead, asks for help



Palu, Indonesia, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2018



Indonesian volunteers began burying bodies in a mass grave with space for more than a thousand people on Monday, victims of a quake and tsunami that devastated swathes of Sulawesi and left authorities struggling to deal with the sheer scale of the disaster.

Indonesia is no stranger to natural calamities and Jakarta had been keen to show it could deal with a catastrophe that has killed at least 832 people so far according to the official toll.

But four days on some remote areas have yet to be contacted, medicines are running out and rescuers are struggling with a shortage of heavy equipment as they try to reach desperate victims calling out from the ruins of collapsed buildings.

In response, President Joko Widodo opened the door to the dozens of international aid agencies and NGOs who are lined up to provide live-saving assistance.

"Last night, President @jokowi authorized us to accept international help for urgent disaster-response & relief," senior government official Tom Lembong wrote on Twitter on Monday.

Officials fear the toll will rise steeply in the coming days and are preparing for the worst, declaring a 14-day state of emergency.

At Poboya -- in the hills above the devastated seaside city of Palu -- volunteers began to fill a vast grave with the dead, with instructions to prepare for 1,300 victims to be laid to rest.

Authorities are desperate to stave off any disease outbreak caused by decomposing bodies.

Three trucks arrived stacked with corpses wrapped in orange, yellow and black bags, an AFP reporter on the scene saw. One-by-one they were dragged into the grave as excavators poured soil on top.



- Twisted wasteland -



In Balaroa, a Palu suburb once home to a housing complex, the scale of the damage was obvious. A wasteland of flattened trees, shards of concrete, twisted metal roofing, doorframes and mangled furniture stretched out into the distance.

Dazed groups of people ambled over the wreckage, unclear where or how to start digging. Among them were three men looking for their younger brother.

Rescuers are racing against the clock and a lack of equipment to save those still trapped in the rubble, with up to 60 people feared to be underneath one Palu hotel alone.

Two survivors have been plucked from the 80-room Hotel Roa-Roa, Indonesia's search and rescue agency said, and there could still be more alive.

Desperate survivors turned to looting shops for basics like food, water and fuel as police looked on, unwilling or unable to intervene.

"There has been no aid, we need to eat. We don't have any other choice, we must get food," one man in Palu told AFP as he filled a basket with goods from a nearby store.

Meanwhile government officials said some 1,200 inmates fled at least three prisons in the region.

"I'm sure they escaped because they feared they would be affected by the earthquake. This is for sure a matter of life and death for the prisoners," Ministry of Justice official Sri Puguh Utami said.

Many survivors have spent the last days desperately searching for loved ones while dealing with the trauma of the disaster.

One survivor, Adi, was hugging his wife by the beach when the tsunami struck on Friday. He has no idea where she is now, or whether she is alive.

"When the wave came, I lost her," he said. "I was carried about 50 metres. I couldn't hold anything," he said.

Others have centred their search for loved ones around open-air morgues, where the dead lay in the baking sun -- waiting to be claimed, waiting to be named.

As dire as the situation in Palu is, it was at least clear. In outlying areas, the fate of thousands is still unknown.

Indonesia's Metro TV broadcast aerial footage from a coastal community in Donggala, close to the epicentre of the quake and from Petobo, where the devastation appeared extensive.

- Ports, bridges, roads shattered -



Yenni Suryani, of Catholic Relief Services, said devastated infrastructure was hampering rescue efforts.

"Humanitarian groups are struggling to get people into affected areas," she said. The main airport at Palu was damaged, landslides had cut off key roads while "power is out almost everywhere," she added.

The local airport has been cleared to receive humanitarian and commercial flights, but so far the landing slots have been taken up by Indonesia's powerful military, which is staging its own assistance efforts.

Satellite imagery provided by regional relief teams showed severe damage at some of the area's major ports, with large ships tossed on land, quays and bridges trashed and shipping containers thrown around.

A double-arched yellow bridge had collapsed, its ribs twisted as cars bobbed in the water below.

Indonesia, home to 260 million people, is one of the world's most disaster-prone nations.

It lies on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide and many of the world's volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur.

A massive 2004 quake triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including 168,000 in Indonesia.
Quake-hit Indonesia buries dead in mass grave



Palu, Indonesia, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2018



Indonesian volunteers began burying bodies in a vast mass grave on Monday, victims of a quake-tsunami that devastated swathes of Sulawesi, as the UN warned that some 191,000 people were in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

Indonesia is no stranger to natural calamities and Jakarta had been keen to show it could deal with a catastrophe that has killed at least 844 people, according to the latest official count, and displaced some 59,000 more.

But four days on some remote areas are only now being contacted, medicines are running out and rescuers are struggling with a shortage of heavy equipment as they try to reach desperate victims calling out from the ruins of collapsed buildings.

In response, President Joko Widodo opened the door to the dozens of international aid agencies and NGOs who are lined up to provide life-saving assistance.

Officials fear the toll will rise steeply in the coming days and are preparing for the worst, declaring a 14-day state of emergency.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warned that there were some 46,000 children and 14,000 elderly Indonesians among those in dire need -- many in areas that aren't the focus of government recovery efforts.

At Poboya -- in the hills above the devastated seaside city of Palu -- volunteers began to fill a vast grave with the dead, with instructions to prepare for 1,300 victims to be laid to rest.

Authorities are desperate to stave off any disease outbreak caused by decomposing bodies, some now are riddled with maggots.

Three trucks arrived stacked with corpses wrapped in orange, yellow and black bags, an AFP reporter on the scene saw. One-by-one they were dragged into the grave as excavators poured soil on top.



- Twisted wasteland -



In Balaroa, a Palu suburb once home to a housing complex, the scale of the damage was obvious. A wasteland of flattened trees, shards of concrete, twisted metal roofing, door frames and mangled furniture stretched out into the distance.

Dazed groups of people ambled over the wreckage, unclear where or how to start digging. Among them were three men looking for their younger brother.

Rescuers are racing against the clock and a lack of equipment to save those still trapped in the rubble, with up to 60 people feared to be underneath one Palu hotel alone.

Two survivors have been plucked from the 80-room Hotel Roa-Roa, Indonesia's search and rescue agency said, and there could still be more alive.

Desperate survivors turned to looting shops for basics like food, water and fuel as police looked on, unwilling or unable to intervene.

"There has been no aid, we need to eat. We don't have any other choice, we must get food," one man in Palu told AFP as he filled a basket with goods from a nearby store.

Meanwhile government officials said some 1,200 inmates fled at least three prisons in the region.

"I'm sure they escaped because they feared they would be affected by the earthquake. This is for sure a matter of life and death for the prisoners," Ministry of Justice official Sri Puguh Utami said.

Many survivors have spent the last days desperately searching for loved ones while dealing with the trauma of the disaster.

One survivor, Adi, was hugging his wife by the beach when the tsunami struck on Friday. He has no idea where she is now, or whether she is alive.

"When the wave came, I lost her," he said. "I was carried about 50 metres. I couldn't hold anything," he said.

Others have centred their search for loved ones around open-air morgues, where the dead lay in the baking sun -- waiting to be claimed, waiting to be named.

In other places, the picture was even less clear.

Indonesia's Metro TV broadcast aerial footage from the southern suburb of Petobo, where the devastation appeared extensive.

According to government estimates there could be up to 700 people killed there alone, with many of the 1,747 homes destroyed.

"We don't know how many casualties there are at the complex" said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, the national disaster agency spokesman.

- Ports, bridges, roads shattered -



Yenni Suryani, of Catholic Relief Services, said devastated infrastructure was hampering rescue efforts.

"Humanitarian groups are struggling to get people into affected areas," she said. The main airport at Palu was damaged, landslides had cut off key roads while "power is out almost everywhere," she added.

The local airport has been cleared to receive humanitarian and commercial flights, but so far the landing slots have been taken up by Indonesia's powerful military, which is staging its own assistance efforts.

Satellite imagery provided by regional relief teams showed severe damage at some of the area's major ports, with large ships tossed on land, quays and bridges trashed and shipping containers thrown around.

A double-arched yellow bridge had collapsed, its ribs twisted as cars bobbed in the water below.

Indonesia, home to 260 million people, is one of the world's most disaster-prone nations.

It lies on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide and many of the world's volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur.

A massive 2004 quake triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including 168,000 in Indonesia.
Bushmills Rum Cask Reserve launched in GTR

Proximo has announced the latest edition of the Bushmills The Steamship Collection, with the release of Rum Cask Reserve. The collection are a range of limited edition single malts exclusive to global travel retail.

Now with four expressions, the new variant in follows the release of the Sherry Cask Reserve in 2015, Port Cask Reserve in 2016 and the Bourbon #3 Char Cask Reserve in 2017.

The range is said to be inspired by the voyages of the steamship SS Bushmills in 1890 to bring Bushmills Irish Whiskey to new corners of the world. When she returned to The Old Bushmills Distillery, she brought a variety of seasoned casks from some of the worlds wine and spirits producers, as well as new inspiration, knowledge and relationships.

The Rum Cask Reserve was inspired by the SS Bushmillss homeward bound journey that included a stop in St. Vincent in the Caribbean where she stocked her hold with rum to bring back to The Old Bushmills Distillery.

Helen Mulholland, master blender of Bushmills Irish Whiskey says: We are always innovating and, like the crew aboard the SS Bushmills, we love exploring new flavours that complement the smooth taste of our Bushmills Irish Whiskey. We are really excited to launch this Rum Cask Reserve. For me, nothing brings out beautiful tropical flavours in our whiskey like maturation in a rum cask, so a Caribbean-centric edition for The Steamship Collection was a natural next step for us. To create this rare expression, we matured our fine Single Malt in first fill Caribbean rum casks to create a rich and perfectly balanced whiskey with notes of tropical fruit, subtle spice and vanilla pod with a smooth and creamy toffee finish.

David Phelan, Global Travel Retail director of Proximo, adds: We are delighted to introduce the Rum Cask Reserve to The Steamship Collection. The popularity of Irish whiskey, especially premium malts, continues to soar and our focus for the global travel retail space is to give travellers something they can't find in their domestic markets. As the worlds largest malt Irish whiskey brand, we are committed to innovating and introducing new, rare, premium expressions while always maintaining the taste and quality we're famous for. It is an exciting time for Irish whiskey  both in the global travel retail space and around the world.

The RRP for the Rum Cask Reserve is 99 per 70cl bottle and has an ABV of 40%. The Steamship Collection can be found at duty free outlets across the globe including London (Heathrow), Hong Kong, Frankfurt, Dublin and Chicago.

1 October 2018 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, editor
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Linkedin Shah Suraj Bharat (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 1, 2018 13:45 1139 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877567704 3 Opinion China,Belt-road-initiative,Indonesia,finance,infrastructure-project,infrastructure,economy Free

Indonesia has been a reluctant participant in Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), but as the countrys financial insecurity becomes increasingly apparent we can expect to see greater interest in the BRI.



Indeed, financial insecurity is especially pertinent given the countrys recent economic woes. The rupiah is among the worlds worst performing currencies, down almost 9 percent this year despite the countrys good macroeconomic fundamentals.



Partly responsible for this, as argued by Bloomberg columnist Shuli Ren, is the nature of Indonesias creditors. Since President Joko Jokowi Widodo took office in October 2014, the amount of government rupiah bonds outstanding doubled to Rp 2.3 quadrillion (US$158 billion), almost 40 percent of which are owned by foreigners.



This creates an overreliance on hot portfolio money, and when emerging markets are in turmoil, such as in Argentina and Turkey, global fund managers indiscriminately pull their money out of other middle-income countries like Indonesia, putting pressure on their currencies.



Whats more, the struggle to diversify and source finance for Jokowis $355 billion infrastructure drive has left state-owned enterprises (SOE) unsustainably bearing the brunt of its costs.



Combined with the sharp decline of the rupiah, financial pressures meant the 2019 state budget saw a lowly 2.4 percent increase in infrastructure spending, the smallest increase since Jokowi took office, while $25 billion worth of power plant projects have recently been put on hold.



There is clearly a need for a long-term rethink on financial security, which will be enhanced if the country can secure greater access to finance and, crucially, diversify its source.



This is where the BRI becomes of increasing interest. Indonesia can tap into a huge pool of savings to finance projects that otherwise might not be built or would have taken longer to build. Moreover, the BRI offers a new source of finance that is unlikely to be suddenly withdrawn. The initiative is Chinese President Xi Jinpings signature foreign policy, and he was reelected for five more years in October 2017.



All is not rosy, however. This new source of finance is underpinned by Chinese economic statecraft, described by Brussels-based academic Ramon Pacheco Pardo as Chinas use of economic inducements to gain influence in target countries.



Countries such as Sri Lanka have been forced into debt-for-equity arrangements, with China taking over operations at the $1.5 billion Hambantota Port, which it helped finance and build, after the government struggled to repay its debts.



Meanwhile, the new Malaysian government has halted $22 billion-worth of BRI projects, and Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, speaking in Beijing on Aug. 20, accused China of securing influence via debt-funded infrastructure schemes that recipient countries could not afford, bluntly warning China against a new version of colonialism.



Unsurprisingly, public suspicion of the BRI is prevalent, which is not entirely unfounded. Certainly, Indonesias reluctance in the BRI is largely because of political rather than economic considerations.



The government often struggles to manage anti-Chinese sentiment, which has boiled over with news going viral, although grossly exaggerated, of the large number of Chinese on tourist visas working illegally on China-funded projects in Morowali, Central Sulawesi.



Yet, despite these caveats, the reality is that finance, especially that directed by a state, is never apolitical.



Indeed, United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced in July a meager $113 million down payment on an Indo-Pacific investment fund. Pompeo superciliously stated that the United States does not invest for political influence.



But Pompeos statements draw skepticism, especially in light of Trumps America First policy. The very notion of the funds being a down payment suggests that if US economic statecraft does not get its return on investment, measured by political influence, further funding may not be forthcoming.



The fact remains that Indonesia needs to attract finance for its own financial security and national interests. The country must therefore find a balance where projects are financed under a mutually beneficial relationship that does not discriminate against Chinese money, especially when such discrimination is based on suspicion, or frankly racism, rather than strategic calculation.



To ensure BRI investments flow equitably, both politically and economically, it is crucial that China and Indonesia institutionalize a common understanding on normative differences through an investment agreement, which covers at a minimum labor standards, procurement, transparency and competition policy.



In emphasizing the importance of an agreement, it helps to get a sense of how BRI projects are developed. Many assume that the BRI is meticulously planned, an impression that China also likes to promote.



In truth, as reported by Singapore-based academic James Crabtree, BRI projects are much more chaotic and often emerge from below, devised by local politicians working with Chinese-backed companies and banks.



This kind of improvisation is dangerous and partly responsible for the debt trap countries find themselves in, while creating rent-seeking opportunities for local elites. An investment agreement and centralized screening process is thus necessary to mitigate risk and enforce mutually agreed norms.



Negotiations will not be easy, as seen when China and the European Union concluded a 15th round in October 2017 without agreement. Differences remain in transparency, sustainable development and the role of SOEs, issues that will be relevant for Indonesia.



But getting negotiations off the ground will signal to all stakeholders that norms and mutual understanding do matter. The absence of this will only lead to more friction and slow the implementation of potential projects. An agreement will also help China rebut criticisms that the BRIs true intention is to ensnare countries in debt traps.



If the government is to be successful in selling BRI projects to the public, it must highlight that Chinese funding is functional for improving the countrys financial security and complements national interests.



Crucially, BRI funding should be a component of diversified finance, as diversification is key to financial security and will serve to hedge against the currency and project instability that we see today.

***

The writer is an emerging markets observer based in Jakarta and a former student of Ramon Pacheco Pardo. The views expressed are his own.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
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Linkedin Randi Julian Miranda (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 1, 2018 15:42 1139 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b3087756f4f7 3 Opinion Dayak,Kalimantan,farming,farmer,Youth,indigenous-people,Borneo,forest,#forest,agriculture Free

Central Kalimantan has been subject to global attention for decades especially for its tropical rainforest and rich biodiversity. Much of the news has concentrated on its forests are being cut and degraded for timber, palm oil, pulp, rubber and minerals, resulting in the extinction of endemic animals such as the orangutan and hornbill; and raging forest and peat fires during the dry season.

Unfortunately, little is spoken about how these extractive industries evicted local communities and eroded the Dayak livelihoods, cultures and traditions embedded in the forests.

In the past four years, I have seen an increasing number of young Dayaks in Central Kalimantan campaign to protect and reconnect with their indigenous culture and land. Over the years, these young people have united in organized movements to boldly raise their collective voices to the government and international community.

The celebration of International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples every August 9 has become an annual momentum to highlight their struggles and gain wider support. Marching on city streets in traditional outfits, dancing traditional dances, with huge banners protesting palm oil, mining, and timber corporations, these movements proudly show their indigenous identity.

Yet some of us sometimes join forefront of such movements without truly understanding what we are fighting for or fighting for values we ourselves do not embrace. Fighting against palm oil corporations while continuing to buy their products reflect our dependence on the convenient modern lifestyle sustained by the industry.

In fact, there is so much we can do to resist the corporate penetration into our daily lives. One example is by reconnecting with farming to grow and make our own food or simply by buying local produce from small-scale farmers. I do not mean to undermine the complexity of the forestry issues, but rather look at how our lifestyles have been so disconnected from our tradition and cultures. I am also not saying we have to completely resist modernization, but rather being selective and do not forget our roots. For instance we face loss of intergenerational knowledge on farming amidst a rapidly-modernizing society.

In rural Indonesia, especially Kalimantan, we have fewer local farmers with the ability and expertise to produce food at adequate levels. (Courtesy of Randi Julian Miranda/File)

In rural Indonesia, especially Kalimantan, we have fewer local farmers with the ability and expertise to produce food at adequate levels. As a result, the majority of population relies heavily on food supply from other regions like Java and also imported products. The prices of these products, unfortunately, are often higher than the locally-produced ones and unaffordable to many. Kalimantan used to have a very strong and independent food security and farming was part of the populations identity. One cause to this problem is poor transfer of skills and knowledge to subsequent generations; young people today rarely or never engage in farming.

In an effort to foster more interest in farming and reconnect young people with their ancestors traditions and cultures, on Sept. 13-16, 2018 we held agricultural training activities in Tangkiling, Central Kalimantan. It was intensive training on sustainable agriculture inspired by the Dayak wisdom and regenerative approach of permaculture, or efforts to design an agricultural system based on patterns observed in the ecosystem.

This program is under the project called "Bringing farming back to the village community in Borneo" (BRAVO). BRAVO aims to re-introduce farming knowledge to young people in Central Kalimantan to preserve cultures and ensure local food security.

Today, many people in Central Kalimantan complain they cannot buy food despite available land. This shows a changing value of land; people no longer see land as a source of life or life itself -- a philosophy of the Dayak that seems to be forgotten. This means our relationship with land needs to be re-defined by reconnecting with our ancestral values and practices.

Increasing number of young Dayaks in Central Kalimantan campaign to protect and reconnect with their indigenous culture and land. (Courtesy of Randi Julian Miranda/File)

The training participants consisted of 20 young people from across Central Kalimantan. The program is funded by the Student Engagement Grant Program of the University of Melbourne and works with local organizations such as Permakultur Kalimantan, HandepHaruei and RanselBuku and HandepHaruei. The latter is an agriculture-based startup dedicated to produce and preserve local and forest-based produce, such as fruits and vegetables and herbs and spices.

The participants learned about local traditions and culture related to agriculture, redefined the profession of farmers, regenerative agricultures, composting and the importance of local food security and climate change. They also had the opportunity to do field practice. The program hopes to help raise awareness of the young generation about local wisdom, food security, environmental problems, waste management and sustainable agriculture.

Upon the completion of the training, the participants helped to establish the Central Kalimantan Young Farmers Community. This community will work in two groups on two demonstration plots, in Petuk Katimpun village and Palangkaraya city.

Preserving indigenous culture and traditions is not only about preserving languages, outfits and dances; it goes beyond the physical or materialism. Such traditions should eventually be deeply enmeshed in values and practices that we often forget. Thus, reconnecting the old and young generation is a crucial first step to foster a sense of pride and belonging to our forgotten culture and traditions amidst a rapidly-globalizing world.

***

The writer has extensive experience working in forest conservation, community empowerment and sustainable development. He is undertaking his postgraduate study in sustainable development at the University of Melbourne, Australia. He founded the HandepHaruei,an agriculture-based social enterprise in Central Kalimantan, dedicated to producing, preserving and creating added value to locally-grown and forest-based produce to create a locally-sensitive economic development.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
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Linkedin Ni Nyoman Wira (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 1, 2018 08:24 1139 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308775580b2 1 Science & Tech Bekraf-Habibie-Festival,Habibie-festival,BJ-Habibie,bekraf,festival Free

After being held in Jakarta, the annual Bekraf Habibie Festival is scheduled to visit three other cities in Indonesia.

Well be holding the festival in Bandung [West Java] next month, Surabaya [East Java] and the last one in Makassar [South Sulawesi] in December, Ilham A. Habibie, founder and chairman of the Bekraf Habibie Festival, said during the Jakarta editions closing ceremony on Sunday at JIExpo Kemayoran, Central Jakarta.

Ilham added that so far this year, the annual event had been held in the Central Java city of Surakarta and Batam, Riau Islands.

Ilham A. Habibie, founder and chairman of the Bekraf Habibie Festival , gives a speech for the festival's closing ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018 at JIExpo Kemayoran, Central Jakarta. (JP/Ni Nyoman Wira)

The Bekraf Habibie Festival was initiated to commemorate former president BJ Habibies contributions to Indonesia. Its latest event in Jakarta ran from Thursday through Sunday and attracted 91,373 visitors.

More than 250 tenants from different sectors exhibited their innovations to the public, included state-owned weapons manufacturer PT Pindad, Jakarta-based aircraft manufacturer Rego Aviasi Industri (RAI), state aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia, state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL and Jakarta State University (UNJ)s Batavia Team, who displayed their electric car.

Read also: Bekraf Habibie Festival 2018 seeks to introduce new tech innovations to youngsters

The event proved that innovation is not only linked to technology, but also other fields, such as food and beverages, education, sports, lifestyle and health  as seen by the various innovations showcased by tenants. These include Robries, which provides 3D-printing service made from recycled plastic, and Luido, which offers accessories made of mud sourced from the mud flow in Sidoarjo regency, East Java. (Lapindo).

Robries, one of the many tenants displaying their innovations at the Bekraf Habibie Festival, provides 3D-printing services from recycled plastic. (JP/Ni Nyoman Wira)

Ilham added that the event could be used to experience the latest technology in Indonesia, and to discover what other areas needed to be developed in the future.

Established in 2016, the event was previously held to commemorate the 80th birthday of BJ Habibie at the National Museum. It became an annual event after successfully attracting more than 50,000 visitors in its first year. (kes)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 1, 2018 07:32 1139 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877555a5a 4 Food Mount-Merapi,coffee,coffee-farmers,food,#food,travel Free

Those visiting Mount Merapi in Sleman, Yogyakarta, may want to try its various coffee flavors.

As reported by tempo.co, coffee farmers on the mountain slope have upped their game by offering new variants of coffee and ways of brewing it.

"Now there are three options of Merapi coffee: honey, luwak and wine. All available from robusta and arabica types," said Supardi, a member of Tunas Harapan Coffee Farmers Group in Pentingsari hamlet, Umbulharjo village, Cangkringan district, Sleman regency, during Merapi Coffee Festival 2018 held at the hamlet on Wednesday.

Honey coffee offers a sweet taste and is said to be the next signature Merapi coffee. The sweetness is managed when the red coffee beans are processed, without any additional treatment.

The processing of coffee beans for honey coffee starts from picking the beans, drying them under sunlight, roasting and then grounding them without adding other materials or techniques. "So [it is made] manually. The signature is in the sweetness," said Supardi.

Meanwhile, luwak coffee is made from coffee beans that are digested by civets. The coffee beans picked up by the farmers to be processed are very limited in amount as they only have three civets who do not necessarily eat all the coffee beans provided. Hence in a month the farmers usually only produce three ounces of this coffee. "I've always chosen the best coffee beans [for the civets], the red ones. However what's best according to me doesn't necessarily suit the civets' interest," said Supardi.

Read also: Merapi coffee shop draws tourists to Sleman

To ensure the coffee taste doesn't get contaminated with other foods consumed by the civets, the farmers usually do not give them any food a day prior to coffee bean eating time.

The price of Merapi luwak coffee reaches Rp 1 million (US$67.12) per kilogram, or Rp 100,000 to Rp 200,000 per glass of coffee. "It's quite difficult to differentiate the original luwak coffee with the fake one," he admitted.

As for wine coffee, the beans are fermented. This begins by immediately drying them after being picked, let them ferment for one month and then drying them again for between 20 and 30 days.

Rumah Kreatif Jogja's business development program director Febriyo Hadikesuma told tempo.co that the welfare of coffee farmers is usually low because of a lack of education from the local administration that can encourage them to look for comparisons to further develop the taste of their coffee.

"These coffee farmers should look for references to compare [their coffee] with other coffee [brands]; either in terms of plantation processes or brewing processes to further develop their coffee," said Febriyo. (kes)
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Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Paris, France  Mon, October 1, 2018 11:07 1139 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b3087755fc72 2 Lifestyle balenciaga,fashion,Paris-Fashion-Week,France,Demna-Gvasalia,Georgia,Vetements Free

For design wunderkind Demna Gvasalia the search for glamour's latest definition leads down a tunnel of anxiety, with the Georgia-born designer projecting the trauma of his past onto Balenciaga's spring runway promotion in Paris.

The male and female models -- in square-shouldered jackets and tight or loose dresses -- walked through a curved tunnel of floor-to-ceiling LED screens that immersed the senses in a disturbing world of supernatural landscapes.

Jon Rafman, the Canadian artist and filmmaker known for his researches on the impact of technology on the human psyche, directed the video, which began with the sudden appearance of the "blue screen of death".

The terminal error message created a feeling of panic.

"I'm using this show to unveil everything that has troubled me in my past," Gvasalia told AFP. "Look what is happening around us. My work is the mirror of my soul."

The enfant terrible of Paris fashion achieved notoriety with his $2,000 "Ikea" bag -- a leather version of the 99 cent original -- and has created a poverty chic aesthetic that has been widely copied.

The 37-year old designer, who divides his time between Paris and Zurich, was born in Soukhoumie, in the Abkhazia region of the then-Soviet Republic of Georgia.

During the 1990s, following the break up of the USSR, Gvasalia fled the ethnic cleansing of Georgians by Abkhaz separatists, journeying across the Caucasus mountains with his mother and grandmother.

Read also: Beat them with the ugly chic

Abandoning their car, and in desperation selling an AK47 they had to protect themselves so they could put Gvasalia's elderly grandmother on a horse, the family eventually arrived in Germany, via Ukraine and Russia.

Gvasalia originally studied finance before attending the Antwerp Academy of Fine Arts and founding the post-Soviet grunge aesthetic brand Vetements.

Although he turned his back on a career in banking in order to devote himself to fashion, Gvasalia's philosophy remains businesslike.

"We think hard about what people would like to wear," he says. "It's a luxury product, it costs a lot of money, so we try to do the maximum intellectual work before designing our collections."

For spring-summer 2019, the Balenciaga silhouette will embody the spirit of the eighties: a shirt jacket, matching fluid pants, square shoulders with flowing or exaggerated raglan cuts.

The fashion house is also revisiting tailoring concepts by using new 3D scanning and printing techniques in the design of its jackets and coats for women and men.

"The design has to be attractive to someone who does not like Bond Street or Savile Row," Gvasalia says. "For me, this is very important."

"Elegance and glamour are almost taboos today," he says. "It's in this context that I want to reinterpret them."
Ninety television and film studies majors from the Surakarta Arts Institute (ISI) have taken part in a field study program at Dukuh Demping, a hamlet in Karanganyar regency, Central Java.

Called ngenger in Javanese, these field study programs require the students to stay and study with the local residents. The television and film students' field study program, held on Sept. 21-22, focused on Javanese culture.

This was the first time that Demping hamlet had hosted Indonesian students on the Javanese culture program, as all previous programs involved foreign students. The latest program was also special, as it coincided with Merti Dusun, the village's thanksgiving celebration, and Festival Kampung Thintir (Thintir Kampong Festival)

The first day of the students' stay was dedicated to cultural dialogue, which delved into the roots of ancient Javanese spiritualism and philosophy. The session was conducted under the guidance of Jero Mangku Djito, a Dukuh Demping community elder.

The ISI Surakarta students were also encouraged to participate in the preparations for the Thintir Kampung Festival, and helped make decorations, cook rice cakes and nasi tumpeng, a celebratory dish of yellow rice shaped into a cone and served with condiments.

Read also: Thintir Market brings cultural heritage to life

The second day started at dawn with a yoga and meditation session as the sun rose above Menara Dewa hill. The session was led by Markus Ananda Oskari, a yogi from Finland who once lived in Dukuh Demping for more than a year to study Javanese culture and spirituality.

The students basked in tranquility to the sounds of a Tibetan singing bowl and flute, and practiced breathing and moving in harmony with the pristine environs of Mount Lawu.

The relaxing morning was followed by a trek over the steep hills surrounding Dukuh Demping to visit sacred sites where the hamlet's residents performed frequent rituals.

The Dukuh Demping field study program is compulsory for ISI Surakarta students to complete their Traditional Arts Appreciation course.

We bring the students here as part of their learning experience, to hone their aesthetic skills in perceiving and understanding traditional arts in a community, said Traditional Arts Appreciation professor Ranang

Agung Sugihartono, who chaperoned the students on the two-day program.

Ranang added that the students were expected to develop an outlook on local wisdoms through art and culture to inspire their work in film and television, pointing to award-winning film director Garin Nugroho, who is a regular guest lecturer at ISI Surakarta, as an example.

Garins works are always strongly rooted in traditional culture, but [his] presentations appeal internationally, said Ranang.

Read also: School of Javanese Culture in Senden opens doors to students across Asia

The students joined the opening parade of the Thintir Kampung Festival in the early evening, which was the main activity of their field study program.

As the skies darkened over the hills of Dukuh Demping, the residents lit lampu thintir (gas lanterns), their main source of light, which bathed the hamlet in a soft glow.

Karanganyar Regent Juliyatmono opened the festival by lighting the first torch. The Demping residents and ISI Surakarta students then paraded through the hamlet, carrying ogoh-ogoh (giant papier-mache statues) and accompanied by Reog dancers.

After the parade, visitors and residents alike enjoyed traditional dishes such as nasi jagung (corn rice), bothok (steamed coconut and spices in banana leaf) and gethuk (sweetened mashed cassava), along with jamu (herbal beverage), coffee and hot tea.

Everyone in Demping enjoyed the cool night air and the silhouette of Mt. Lawu against the dim glow of the lanterns. They sat on mats in front of the houses, eating and watching traditional performances. (mut)
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Linkedin News Desk (Kyodo News)  Tue, October 2, 2018 01:09 1138 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b3087757de55 2 Science & Tech Nikon,Japan,Thailand,camera,technology Free

Japanese camera maker Nikon Corp. has shifted its Asian sales target to a photo-uploading younger generation from professionals, offering handier models and opening its first showroom in Thailand.

"The new full-frame mirrorless Z series is designed in response to demand from many customers for a camera that has the great quality of DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) cameras but is lighter and easy to carry around," Toru Matsubara, president and managing director of Nikon Sales (Thailand) Co., told a recent news briefing.

Last month, Nikon launched its first full-frame mirrorless cameras. Its Sendai factory in northeastern Japan is producing the Z series at full capacity to meet strong demand.

The company is targeting young trendsetters, women with high purchasing power and avid users of social media who regularly upload images.

Matsubara said the Thai market is solid, with constant demand for full-frame mirrorless and DSLR models.

Nikon, ranked fourth in Thailand in terms of camera market share, is trying to refresh its corporate image.

Read also: Nikon, Canon sparking competition in high-end mirrorless camera market

"According to our survey, people perceived Nikon as a brand for a very skilled 40-year-old man who is difficult to communicate with," Veera Chalieopiyasakun-kun, general manager of the sales and marketing division at Nikon Sales (Thailand), told reporters.

"Therefore, the company is trying to change the image to be (one focused on) a younger person, either a man or a woman, aged around 25 to 35 years old."

Last month, Nikon also opened a 121-square-meter "Nikon Experience Hub" in central Bangkok. It is the company's first in Thailand and fourth in Southeast Asia after Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City.

The new showroom offers all Nikon models for sale and servicing as well as workshops. The company plans to open six more showrooms in Asia this year.

Takashi Yoshida, president and chief regional officer of Nikon Singapore Pte., expects people from other cities to visit the new showroom in Bangkok, as in the case with the one in Jakarta.

In the region, India and Australia are the biggest camera markets in terms of value. Thailand ranks third but Matsubara believes Thailand has the potential to climb up to second place.
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Linkedin Rana Moussaoui/Fiachra Gibbons (Agence France-Presse) Paris, France  Mon, October 1, 2018 20:04 1139 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877579b17 2 Art & Culture Instagram,social-media,Russia,united-states,ballet,Diana-Vishneva,YouTube Free

One of ballet's biggest stars has warned that the development of young ballerinas is being jeopardised by viral videos of hyper-elastic dancers performing incredible tricks.

Russian prima ballerina Diana Vishneva told AFP that the popular clips on Instagram and YouTube set false expectations that could hamper and even harm young dancers.

"Often I see young dancers more interested in their phones than what is going on in rehearsals," said the star of the Mariinsky Ballet in Saint Petersburg, the birthplace of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" and "The Sleeping Beauty".

"Some are not yet professional or mature enough to understand what they are watching on YouTube," said the 42-year-old after dancing at the Paris Opera four months after having her first child.

"They see the surface, the great bodies, but they don't realize the work behind that," said the former star pupil of the legendary Voganova Academy, the school that produced Nijinksy, Nurveyev, Anna Pavlova and Natalia Makarova.

Vishneva fears that young dancers are being set unrealistic standards by posed photos and videos, particularly on Instagram.

Read also: Ballet schools 'stifling' young dancers says top star

- 'Disastrous eye candy' -

"When I was young we simply didn't have time for anything other than ballet. Now kids spend hours on social media. And you see that immediately on stage," she told AFP.

"They don't know about timing or have a sense of movement. It has to happen right away. They want everything now," said the ballerina who has divided her time between the American Ballet Theater (ABT) and dancing in Russia for the past 13 years.

Her comments come as unease has been growing about the influence of unrealistic role models for young dancers on social media.

The influential US publication Dance Magazine warned earlier this year that "what seems like harmless visual candy is setting new standards for young dancers as they seek to emulate their Insta-heros.

"These tricks, in and of themselves, are not bad things. However, devoid of a codified technical progression... they can be disastrous," it warned.

"Even the advocates of technique and artistry get wooed by the sirens song of an S-shaped supporting leg, or the gravity-defying pyrotechnical jump," said Theresa Ruth Howard, a former star of the Dance Theatre of Harlem who now teaches ballet internationally.

"Teachers who admonish the flexible girl for stretching all the time instead of working on strength" can easily get seduced by the tricks that draw Instagram fame and followers.

"It's a guilty pleasure that dance folk of a certain generation would be slow to admit to," she added.

Read also: Young Indonesian dancer to study at Moscows Bolshoi Ballet Academy

- #MeToo: 'Innocent men hurt' -

Vishneva, who was trained by living legend Ludmila Kovaleva and got the highest marks ever at the Vaganova, said it is a "permanent struggle" to stay at the top.

As one of the first post-Soviet ballerinas to carve out a solo career in the West, Vishneva came up through the notoriously tough Russian system.

But she said change was inevitable in ballet especially as voices have now begun to be raised in what was a hermetic world to denounce harassment and abuse.

She said that she was "never pressured or humiliated" at the Vaganova. "Perhaps I got lucky with my teachers or it's because my character was strong... (but) there has to be a difference between requiring discipline and humiliation. There should be red lines which ballet masters can't go beyond," she added.

As for sexual harassment, Vishneva jumped to the defense of her favorite dance partner in the US, Brazilian Marcelo Gomes, who resigned from the ABT in December after he was accused of sexual misconduct.

While she said she was horrified by cases of men "abusing their power", the ballerina said it was also disturbing that "innocent" men were also being blackened.

"This harassment thing came to ballet after all these scandals in film industry. I don't like to see that in many cases innocent people got hurt," Vishneva said.

"This needs to be judged very carefully, it's very thin ice, especially in ballet where physical contact is very strong."

Vishneva heads her own troupe in Russia called Context, but in a country where few ballet directors are women, she quipped that "the stars are not yet aligned" for her to take the reins of a major company.
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Linkedin Andi Hajramurni (The Jakarta Post) Makassar  Mon, October 1, 2018 07:32 1139 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877556399 1 National Palu-Earthquake-Tsunami,Makassar Free

Over 1,400 survivors of the Central Sulawesi earthquakes and tsunami have been evacuated to Makassar, South Sulawesi, since Saturday, with around 69 of them being injured.

They were transported by a C-130 Hercules military aircraft.

Makassars Hasanuddin Air Base spokesman Maj. Henny Purwani said on Sunday that the injured survivors were being treated at the Wahidin Sudirohusodo Air Force Hospital and Sayang Rakyat Hospital in Makassar.

Some of them [who originally came from different cities but resided in Palu] decided to continue their journey to their respective home towns. Those who chose to stay in Makassar are staying at the Siang Haj dormitory, she said.

A survivor, Mesda, 40, told The Jakarta Post that she would continue her journey to Manado, North Sulawesi.

Our home was destroyed. We have nowhere to live. Were going to Manado, where my husbands family lives, she said upon arrival in Makassar.

Meanwhile, families of survivors have been scrambling to get to Palu to find their loved ones. Telecommunication signals are still down.

I received reports that my brother, sister and niece are still missing. My parents are safe but I cant talk to them just yet. I cant sleep, I cant eat thinking about them, said Adi, 20, a Palu resident studying in Bandung, West Java, who flew to Makassar as soon as he heard the news.

Hundreds of people were waiting at the air base looking for an opportunity to fly to Palu with the rescue teams.

The authorities reported that death toll had reached 832. (swd)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 1, 2018 08:18 1139 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877557995 1 City drug-abuse,drug-raids,jakarta,police Free

Police arrested 23 men on suspicion of drug abuse during a raid in a private home in Sunter Agung district in North Jakarta on Sunday.

Central Jakarta Police deputy chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Arie Ardian Rishadi said the suspects were caught topless, consuming ecstasy.

Four of the suspects identified only as DS, EK, DL and TM are the owners of the house who tested positive for ecstasy, the police said.

Many people go there, mostly men, who are also suspected of engaging in deviant sexual practices, he said on Sunday as reported by kompas.com.

Police seized evidence including 27 ecstasy pills and several condoms.

The suspects will be charged with Article 114 (1) of the 2009 Drug Law, which carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence and Rp 1 billion (US$67,100) in fines. (nor)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 1, 2018 11:40 1139 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b3087756277f 1 City batik,Batik-Day,UNESCO,jakarta Free

Thamrin City shopping center in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, is celebrating one of Indonesias most popular cultural heritage, batik, with a series of events from Sept. 29 to Oct. 2.

Batik Day is falls on Oct. 2, following the recognition of batik as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2009 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Thamrin City general manager Adi Adnyana said that, in addition to a batik exhibition featuring various types of the traditional textile, visitors would able to participate in the "Trade in Batik" event.

'Trade in Batik' means exchanging an old batik for a new one for free, he said in a press statement on Monday, as quoted by tempo.co.

Other commemorative events held at Thamrin City include a special bazaar where batik can be purchased for only Rp 5,000 (34 US cents), a batik auction and a fashion show, as well as traditional and modern musical performances that includes rampak kendang, a percussion ensemble indigenous to West Java.

Adi said that the money raised from the special batik bazaar would be donated to the Muslim Charitable Donations Board (Bazis) to help the survivors of last month's earthquake in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

Visitors would also be able to buy batik at a special price directly from craftsmen at their shops in the mall, Adi added.

Cindy Sosrodiningrat, a batik seller who has been selling her products at Thamrin City for eight years at Boutique Eyang Putri, expressed gratitude that batik sales continued to increase.

Batik sales has been on an increasing trend year to year, in line with the governments supporting policies, such as the requirement to wear batik on particular working days, as well as intense promotion, she said. (sau)
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Linkedin Ruslan Sangadji and Andi Hajramurni (The Jakarta Post) Palu  Mon, October 1, 2018 15:04 1139 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b3087756c989 1 National Palu,Palu-airport,hunger,survivors,#DonggalaQuake,#PaluTsunami,#CentralSulawesiQuake,Central-Sulawesi-earthquake,Donggala-earthquake-tsunami,Palu-Earthquake-Tsunami,Jokowi,looting Free

In the wake of mass destruction caused by a 7.4-magnitude earthquake and the subsequent tsunami, survivors in Palu and Donggala in Central Sulawesi have been scrambling to salvage food supplies and other items, as aid from the central government began to trickle into the region.

On Monday, many survivors blocked trucks carrying aid to plunder the contents as many have gone hungry and thirsty for days.

A video circulating on Twitter, said to have been taken in Donggala regency, also shows people intercepting a relief aid truck.

Iring2 an bantuan Bank Mandiri Syariah ke arah palu, di jarah massa di daerah Pasangkayu - Donggala..



Padahal kalo liat kondisi bangunan.. daerah yg terjadi penjarahan nampak masih bagus..



Masih mau bantah, JENDRAL ??!!



Masih permisif soal ini?? pic.twitter.com/CCXF0gEmbw  #CalegIdaman (@TopeRendusara) October 1, 2018

The Jakarta Posts correspondent saw people waiting for fuel at a Pertamina gas station asking the entourage of journalists and officials from Jakarta for drinking water. Drinking water, drinking water, please, some survivors said to passing motorists.

Survivors of an earthquake in Palu wait in line for fuel at a Pertamina gas station in the city on Oct. 1, 2018. (JP/Andi Hajramurni)

I ran into a mother and her child at the airport who asked me to share some of my water with her child, correspondent Andi Hajramurni said. 'Just a little, enough for my child" Hajramurni quoted the mother as saying to her.

A pregnant woman was also found exhausted outside the airport. She said she was upset to see aid being unloaded from the planes but none reaching the survivors waiting to leave the city at the airport.

Thousands crowded Mutiara Sis Al Jufri airport to leave the devastated city while staving off hunger and thirst under the scorching heat. The survivors have been waiting for a chance to flee the city since Saturday, camping outside on mats or cardboard. They were hoping to catch a plane to Makassar to later go to their respective hometowns.

What is important is to get out of Palu. We have agreed to meet Papa in Makassar and then go to Jakarta, Paramita said Monday. The 29-year-old, who sustained an injury to her leg from falling concrete debris, is taking her two sisters with her.

Desperate and impatient, the survivors were occupying part of the runway.

An airport official, Syaeful, said as of Sunday night, about 5,000 people had waited for a plane at the airport. The number keeps increasing, he said.

Earthquake survivors in Palu, Central Sulawesi, crowd Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport in Palu in a desperate attempt to leave the devastated area on Monday. (JP/Andi Hajramurni)

Some businesses, such as at Masomba traditional market, have opened for businesses and some survivors have bought food supplies. I bought some fish, the Posts correspondent Ruslan Sangadji, who is also a survivor of the quake, said Monday.

However, food and clean water are scarce and many are desperate.

In Buluri subdistrict, Ulujadi district in the western part of Palu, survivors blocked roads to intercept trucks carrying food supplies. Police officers in the area are reported to be unable to hold off the crowd.

Similarly, residents in Tawaeli district in central Palu have taken to a nearby port to intercept government aid arriving on ships. The police were also reported to be unable to ward off the desperate crowd.

A handful of residents even looted nearby convenience stores for any life-sustaining item they could find, since aid from the government had not yet arrived.

Many also attempted to siphon fuel from gas stations around the city over the weekend as none of the citys gas stations were in operation following the earthquake and tsunami that hit the city on Friday.

President Joko Jokowi Widodo on Sunday asked quake survivors to be patient as they wait for aid to be distributed upon arriving in Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi.

Jokowi said it would take one week to prepare the airport so airplanes carrying the supplies could land safely.

I'm aware there are a lot of issues that need to be resolved as soon as possible, and I hope the people will remain patient in this situation, he told the reporters on Sunday.

On Monday, Jokowi said he would send as much food as possible immediately.

Several people also reportedly robbed ATMs and jewelry shops. Twitter user @MpuAnon posted a video showing gold shops that looked like they had been looted.

Gold shops. Post-looting, the Twitter user said in the caption.

The police are reported to have ordered a shoot on sight policy against such robbers.

In an attempt to maintain and restore order in the region, the National Police and the National Military have employed personnel to guard several gas stations and convenience stores across Palu, according to the polices head of communication Brig. Gen. Dedi Prasetyo.

Previously, Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo advised against looting  not even in the wake of a natural disaster  as the act is considered criminal.

Theres no justification whatsoever for looting. Everyones equally affected by the disaster; their shops destroyed, shopping malls devastated, Tjahjo said during a televised interview on Sunday, as quoted by kompas.com.

Prior to Sundays statement, news spread on social media that the government had approved of the looting at convenience stores and that the expenses would be covered by the state.

However, Tjahjo denied it, saying that what the government had approved was the transfer of aid funds to the Central Sulawesi administration, to be used for food supplies for survivors. (rfa/dpk/evi)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 1, 2018 13:05 1139 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308775667f9 1 City TrafficAuthorities,traffic-congestion,Trafficcontrols,jakarta Free

The Central Jakarta Transportation Agency plans to enforce a one-way traffic system on Jl. KH Wahid Hasyim, from Jl. Sabang to Jl. Jaksa intersections, to ease traffic. Vehicles will only be allowed to pass the road from Gondangdia Station to Sarinah Mall.

The agency head, Harlem Simanjuntak, said there would be a sidewalk renovation project along the road, so the one-way traffic was needed to prevent congestion.

Harlem said sidewalks on Jl. KH Wahid Hasyim had always been occupied by street vendors and illegal parking, which caused congestion.

"We'd also like to connect the culinary area on Jl. Sabang with the tourist area on Jl. Jaksa," Harlem said as quoted by tempo.com Monday

The one-way traffic policy will be trialed on Oct. 8. Vehicles from Sarinah heading to Gondangdia Station will have to turn onto Jl. Sabang.

Harlem also said the policy would be conducted in two phases: first on Jl. Wahid Hasyim until Jl. Agus Salim, then the policy would be expanded from Jl. Srikaya to MNC Tower.

"The second phase will depend on the success of the first phase," he added. (vla)
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Linkedin Doina Chiacu and John Walcott (Reuters) Washington, United States  Mon, October 1, 2018 12:12 1139 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308775637c4 2 World #USA,#DonaldTrump,FBI,probe,SupremeCourt,Sexual-assault Free

Democratic US senators expressed concern on Sunday over reports the White House was working with Republicans to narrow the scope of an FBI investigation into sexual assault allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

President Donald Trump bowed to pressure from moderate members of his Republican Party on Friday and ordered the probe after Christine Blasey Ford, a university professor, detailed her allegations at a Senate hearing that Kavanaugh assaulted her in 1982, when the two were in high school.

The stunning reversal capped two weeks of allegations, followed by furious denials, that roiled prospects for Trump's nominee, a conservative federal appeals court judge once expected to easily become the second Trump nominee to win a lifetime appointment to the top US court.

Kavanaugh has denied Ford's accusation, as well as those of two other women.

Separately, the Senate Judiciary Committee made public late on Sunday a previously unreleased interview with Kavanaugh from Sept. 26, before a public hearing with Ford, in which he denied all the allegations against him and committee Democrats declined to ask questions, saying they felt the FBI should investigate the allegations.

Republicans, who are trying to retain control of the US Congress in November elections, are seeking to balance their desire for another conservative justice on the court with sensitivity about how they handle sexual misconduct allegations amid the reverberations of the #MeToo movement.

It did not take long, however, for the FBI probe to become an object of partisan division.

A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters the White House had defined the parameters of the probe for the FBI and that the investigation would start with interviews with only four people.

NBC News, the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal previously reported that the White House was constraining the investigation, prompting Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee to express concern.

Senator Dianne Feinstein, the panel's top Democrat, wrote to White House counsel Donald McGahn and FBI Director Christopher Wray and asked that the committee be provided with a copy of the written directive the White House sent to the FBI, as well as the names of any additional witnesses or evidence if the probe is expanded.

The White House did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

LIMITING THE PROBE

The administration denied it was trying to control the probe, which the Judiciary Committee said on Friday "would be limited to current credible allegations" and wrapped up within a week.

"We're staying out of the way," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders told "Fox News Sunday."

However, the administration made clear there would be limits. "It's not meant to be a fishing expedition," White House adviser Kellyanne Conway said on CNN's "State of the Union."

Trump vowed on Saturday that the FBI could interview "whoever they deem appropriate."

On Sunday, he criticized Democrats for expressing concerns about the length and scope of the probe.

"For them, it will never be enough!" he wrote on Twitter.

The FBI will question Deborah Ramirez, who said Kavanaugh exposed himself to her at a party when both were students at Yale University, the White House official told Reuters.

It will also question Mark Judge, a friend of Kavanaugh who Ford said witnessed the assault, and Leland Keyser and P.J. Smyth, who she said were at the gathering.

A third accuser, Julie Swetnick, was not on the initial list of witnesses to be interviewed.

Senate Republicans compiled the list of four witnesses and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell shared it with the White House, the official and another source familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The New York Times, citing people familiar with the matter, reported that the White House asked the FBI to share its findings after the initial interviews and that Trump and his advisers would then decide whether the accusations should be investigated further.

Neither the FBI nor a Judiciary Committee representative would comment on details of the probe.

Senator Susan Collins, among a handful of moderates who joined Republican Senator Jeff Flake, said in an email: "I am confident that the FBI will follow up on any leads that result from the interviews."

Flake was instrumental in forcing the investigation.

Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond, said it would not be unlawful for the White House to restrict the investigation's scope because the FBI is under the executive branch.

However, Tobias said FBI agents were usually allowed to act independently and it would be a "clear conflict of interest" for White House officials involved in Kavanaugh's confirmation process to interfere with the FBI's investigation.
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Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Bratislava, Slovakia  Mon, October 1, 2018 09:09 1139 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b3087755a0b1 2 World #MurderCase,#journalists,#Slovakia,murder-case,suspects,Slovak,journalist Free

A 44-year-old woman was charged in the murder of a Slovak journalist, the prosecutor's office said Sunday in a case that sent thousands into the streets and toppled a prime minister.

"We can confirm that a woman identified as A. Z. was charged with the extremely serious crime of complicity in a murder," prosecutor spokeswoman Andrea Predajnova said in a statement.

The Slovak daily Dennik N wrote Sunday the woman, who is the fourth suspect arrested, had "ordered" the murder of journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova in February.

But Daniel Lipsic, a lawyer for the Kuciak family, said the woman was more of an intermediary because "the murderer absolutely could not know who ordered the crime."

Local media said the woman had worked as an interpreter for Slovak entrepreneur Marian Kocner, whose business activities were the subject of an investigation by Kuciak.

He was probing alleged links between Italian organised crime and Slovak politicians when he and Kusnirova were murdered at their home.

The killing raised concerns about media freedom and corruption in the EU member state of 5.4 million people and sparked protests that culminated in the resignation of prime minister Robert Fico in March.
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Linkedin Stefanno Reinard Sulaiman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 1, 2018 14:40 1139 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b3087756c268 1 Business FreeportIndonesia,contract-extension,divestment,Freeport-McMoRan,Inalum Free

The government has issued another temporary permit extension for gold and copper miner PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) as the divestment process of shares from Freeport-McMoran (FCX) to state-owned mining holding company PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Inalum) is still incomplete.

The temporary special mining permit (IUPK) is being issued by the government as the previous temporary permit expired on Sept. 30. PTFI has already had a monthly temporary IUPK since February 2017. The issuance of the permanent IUPK is pending the completion of the divestment process.

Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry mineral and coal director general Bambang Gatot Ariyono said in Jakarta on Monday that the temporary IUPK would take effect on Oct 1 and would end in late October.

Inalum signed last week agreements with United States-based mining giant FCX, a parent company of PTFI, on the purchase of a majority stake in PTFI, which operates the gold and copper mine in Papua.

To conclude the deal, however, Inalum, which represents the government in the talks, needs to settle the payment of US$3.85 billion to FCX and the Rio Tinto Group within six months.

When the deal is completed, Inalum, which represent the Indonesian government, will increase its ownership of PTFI shares from 9.36 to 51.23 percent.

Freeport is also seeking a contract extension to operate the mine for 2 x 10 years after its current contract of work (CoW) expires in 2021.

Each [period] is conditional and has different requirements. So if they demand an extension up to 2031, we could give it directly, but if they demand up to 2041, it is OK as long as the company can meet the requirements, he added.
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Linkedin Dian Septiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 1, 2018 18:25 1139 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877577b32 1 World Palu-Earthquake-Tsunami,foreign-aid,Foreign-Affairs-Ministry,foreign-embassies,BNPB Free

The government is in the process of compiling a list of the aid Central Sulawesi will need from other countries, following a major earthquake and ensuing tsunami that struck the province on Friday, a Foreign Ministry official has said.

We are currently listing all the possible assistance we need, including airplanes for transporting relief and aid packages, both from Jakarta and nearby cities, as well as refugee tents, water treatment solutions and heavy equipment for digging out and retrieving victims from collapsed buildings, ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir told reporters in Jakarta on Monday.

He said that opening up Central Sulawesi to foreign assistance was a pragmatic decision due to the scale of the disaster.

At least 1,200 people have been killed and hundreds more feared buried in landslides from the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that hit Central Sulawesi on Friday, which was followed by several aftershocks, a tsunami and mudslides, according to data from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

On Monday night, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo moved to authorize the opening up of Central Sulawesi to international aid and disaster relief, said Thomas Lembong, the head of Indonesia's investment coordinating board.

A team fielded by the government, which reports to Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto, is currently compiling the list, Arrmanatha said.

All foreign assistance would henceforth be coordinated by Wirantos office.

Any form of [foreign] assistance that we receive will depend on what is needed on the ground  and the people from the office of the coordinating ministry, the BNPB and other teams on the ground, he said.

The official did not provide any timeline for the completion of the inventory, but Deputy Foreign Minister AM Fachir is meeting with foreign envoys in Jakarta on Monday, including from China, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and India.

So far, a number of countries and international organizations have pledged humanitarian aid and assistance, including funds from South Korea and the European Union.

Arrmanatha conceded that the government has had to juggle resources between disaster relief for Palu and the ongoing recovery efforts in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, which was struck by multiple earthquakes in July and August, killing nearly 500 people and leaving hundreds of thousands homeless.

Right now we have [had to deal with] two major disasters that occurred so close to one another. Our focus is divided because the process of rehabilitation and relief operations in Lombok have yet to be completed, he said.
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Linkedin News Desk (Reuters) Dubai, United Arab Emirates  Mon, October 1, 2018 10:10 1139 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b3087755d4a6 2 World #Iran,#DeathSentence,Iran,drivers,protests,death-penalty Free

Special courts set up in a drive against financial crime have sentenced three people to death in Iran, state television reported on Sunday, as the country faces renewed US sanctions and a public outcry against profiteering and corruption.

A judiciary official also warned truck drivers holding a nationwide strike over pay and high prices of "harsh penalties" if they continue their protests, state media said.

The special Islamic revolutionary courts were set up last month to try suspects quickly after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called for "swift and just" legal action to confront an "economic war" by foreign enemies.

Judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, quoted by state TV, said the courts handed down out death sentences to three defendants after convicting them of "spreading corruption on earth", a capital offence under Iran's Islamic laws.

Mohseni Ejei did not name the three but said the sentences could be appealed to the supreme court, the TV reported.

Iranian officials have accused arch-foes the United States and Israel, as well as regional rival Saudi Arabia and government opponents living in exile of fomenting unrest and waging an economic war to destabilise Iran.

Mohseni Ejei said 32 other defendants were sentenced to jail terms of up to 20 years for economic crimes, the official news agency IRNA reported.

In May the United States pulled out of a 2015 deal between world powers and Tehran under which international sanctions on Iran were lifted in return for curbs on its nuclear programme.

Washington has reimposed a number of sanctions on Iran, and it is planning to impose heavier sanctions in November aimed at the Islamic Republic's oil sector.

The rial currency has lost about 70 percent of its value since April under the threat of revived U.S. sanctions, with heavy demand for dollars among ordinary Iranians trying to protect their savings.

The cost of living has also soared, sparking sporadic demonstrations against profiteering and corruption, with many protesters chanting anti-government slogans.

Mohseni Ejei warned truck drivers who have continued their protests for higher wages and affordable parts despite several rounds of arrests.

"Harsh penalties await those who ... block lorry traffic on roads," he said, according to IRNA.

General prosecutor Mohammad Jafar Montazeri said last week that protesting drivers may face death sentences under stern laws against highway robbery, the state broadcaster IRIB reported on Thursday.

On Sunday, 153 members of the 290-seat parliament wrote to the government, urging an amicable resolution of the conflict in which dozens of striking drivers have been arrested for allegedly blocking roads and trying to pressure colleagues to join the strike, according to Iranian news agencies.

"A failure to resolve the problems of the truck drivers who make up a group of over 400,000 people has led to disruptions in recent days in the transportation of fuel and goods in the country, while this could be prevented by timely measures," IRNA quoted the MPs as saying in the letter.
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 1 2018

Former businessman and vice-presidential candidate Sandiaga Uno believes an entrepreneurial spirit should be fostered among Islamic boarding school students.

In a campaign visit to a pesantren (Islamic boarding school) in Sumenep, Madura, on Sunday, Sandiaga lauded the boarding schools management for the professional way in which it ran the school.

He also encouraged the santri [students] to become entrepreneurs, or what he referred to as santripreneurs.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 1, 2018 12:32 1139 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308775639fe 1 City ETLE,ticketing,police,jakarta,TrafficAuthorities,Trafficcontrols Free

The Jakarta Polices traffic unit has started on Monday a trial run of its Electronic Traffic Law Enforcement (E-TLE) system in Central Jakarta, from Jl. Sudirman through Jl. MH Thamrin.

The one-month trial run is intended to familiarize motorists with the new electronic ticketing system.

Four 24-hour traffic cameras have been installed at the Sarinah, Arjuna Wiwaha statue and Kebon Sirih junctions to capture the license plates of vehicles that violate traffic regulations.

The cameras, which are connected to the Jakarta Police's Traffic Management Center (TMC), are to capture violators of the odd-even traffic policy, traffic lights, road signs and speed limits, as well as motorcyclists without a helmet.

Once the license plates are captured, the TMC is set up to automatically identify the vehicle's owner. The police will then refer to the visual evidence and deliver the ticket to the violators residence.

Sr. Adj, Comr. Budiyanto, the head of traffic law enforcement head at the Jakarta Police, said that the tickets would not be delivered to violators at home during the trial period.

He added that the police would use the trial period to monitor the accuracy of the captured images and evaluate the traffic violations that occurred.

Also on Monday, the police have started enforcing the requirement for motorists to provide their email addresses and mobile phone numbers on their vehicle ownership documents (BPKB), requesting the information when motorists transfer vehicle ownership or pay vehicle taxes. (cal)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 1, 2018 15:19 1139 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b3087756e26f 1 City central-sulawesi,Central-Sulawesi-earthquake,tsunami,relief-efforts,jakarta Free

The Jakarta administration has prepared Rp 60 billion (US$4 million) in relief aid for disaster-stricken areas in Central Sulawesi following the earthquake and tsunami that hit Palu on Friday.

"We have allocated Rp 60 billion to help Palu and Donggala recover from this disaster," Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan said on Monday at the National Monument.

He said Jakarta would coordinate with the Central Sulawesi administration to disburse the fund, which was allocated from the capital's 2018 regional budget.

The Jakarta administration is also sending several teams from its regional disaster mitigation agency (BPBD), Health Agency, Public Order Agency and fire department to help rescue efforts in Palu, Donggala and other Central Sulawesi areas that have been affected by the disaster.

Anies said the teams had been deployed for 10 days to help with relief efforts in the region. (ris)
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Linkedin Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta/Palu  Mon, October 1, 2018 09:47 1139 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b3087755c870 1 National #PaluTsunami,#DonggalaQuake,#CentralSulawesiQuake,Central-Sulawesi-earthquake,Donggala-earthquake-tsunami,Palu-Earthquake-Tsunami,Recep-Tayyip-Erdogan,European-Commission,South-Korea Free

Indonesia has declared it will accept foreign aid following the deadly earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Central Sulawesi.

"Last night, President @jokowi authorized us to accept international help for urgent disaster-response [and] relief. Im helping coordinate help from private sectors from around the world", said Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) head Thomas Lembong on his Twitter account @tomlembong at 8:37 a.m. Jakarta time, mentioning President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's account.

"Pls message me at my social media accounts or email: tom@bkpm.go.id

#PaluTsunami #PALUDONGGALA," Thomas further said on Monday morning.

Last night, President @jokowi authorized us to accept international help for urgent disaster-response & relief. Im helping coordinate help from private sectors from around the world. Pls message me at my social media accounts or email: tom@bkpm.go.id#PaluTsunami #PALUDONGGALA  Tom Lembong (@tomlembong) October 1, 2018

Tom told the press the President was preparing a presidential instruction to accept foreign aid.

A number of countries have pledged to offer assistance.

South Korea, for instance, has offered to disburse as much as US$1 million in humanitarian aid.

"The assistance is expected to ease the burden of the community following casualties and property losses," said the South Korean government in a press release on Sunday evening.

It is also considering deploying a search and rescue (SAR) team to the area. Nonetheless, the South Korean government would first consult with its relevant ministries and the Indonesian government, the press release added.

Separately, the European Commission announced that it had released an initial 1.5 million euros ($1.7 million) in emergency humanitarian assistance.

In addition, the Commission would also deploy a humanitarian expert to the area to help coordinate relief efforts and had also activated its emergency Copernicus satellite mapping service, according to a press release also released on Sunday evening.

"The Commission's 24/7 Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) is closely monitoring developments and stands ready to channel further support as required," it said.

I pray for our brothers and sisters, who were killed in an earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia, wish a speedy recovery to the wounded and offer my deepest condolences to the people of Indonesia.



Turkey is prepared to do everything in its power to help Indonesia heal its wounds.  Recep Tayyip Erdogan (@RT_Erdogan) September 30, 2018

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also promised to help Indonesia on his Twitter account on Sunday evening, Jakarta time. Turkey is prepared to do everything in its power to help Indonesia heal its wounds, he tweeted.

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake, followed by several deadly aftershocks, a tsunami and soil liquefaction, in Central Sulawesi has left at least 832 people dead, with 540 others injured as of Sunday, according to National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) data. A further 29 people have not yet been found. (evi)
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Linkedin A.Kurniawan Ulung (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 1 2018

Translator and writer Maria Antonia Rahartati Bambang Haryo received one of the most prestigious awards from the French government for introducing Asterix and friends to Indonesian children.

Indonesia has tens of thousands of villages, but if children are asked about what village they are most familiar with, the village of Gauls might be among their answers, although it cannot be found on a map.



The village of Gauls is home to Asterix, a diminutive but fearless Gaulish warrior in the era of Julius Caesars Gallic Wars, and his overweight pal, menhir stone-sculptor Obelix. They are the two main characters in French comic book series Asterix le Gaulois (The Adventures of Asterix) by French comic artist Rene Goscinny and illustrator Albert Uderzo.



The series, which tells of the little Gallic village holding out against the Roman invaders in the year 50 BC, has stolen the limelight in Indonesia.



The comic strip, which has been translated into 78 languages, is still a hit in the country, thanks to Surakarta-born translator Maria Antonia Rahartati Bambang Haryo for having translated 19 of the 34 Asterix volumes since 1984.



After 34 years, the French government awarded her with the Chevalier de lOrdre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of the Arts and Letters) for her contribution to the arts and literature through her Indonesian translation of the tale of Frances most popular cultural hero.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 1, 2018 17:35 1139 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b3087757378d 1 National reclamation,Jakarta-Bay,anies-baswedan,siti-nurbaya Free

The Jakarta administrations decision to revoke permits for the Jakarta Bay land reclamation project is coherent with the stance of the central government, Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar has said.

During a meeting with Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, Siti told the former that the governors decision aligns with the ministrys recommendation to rearrange the spatial layout of the four islets that have been built.

I stated that the islets needed to be rearranged so that it reflects the social dimension, she said on Sunday as quoted by kompas.com.

According to Anies, the islets in question, namely C, D, G and N, will be used for public purposes, although he did not elaborate further on the details.

The head of the Governors Team for Development Acceleration coast management division, Marco Kusumawijaya, said Anies had talked to Siti a week ago.

They met a week ago. During the meeting, we told her about our decision and she told us that what we did is in line with her recommendation on the islet's management, Marco said.

Previously, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan had voided the principle permits to stop the development of the 13 man-made islets in the Jakarta Bay on Wednesday. The decision was made to fulfill his election promises made during his gubernatorial campaign in 2017. (dpk/swd)
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Linkedin Dian Septiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 1 2018

ASEAN countries have reminded Myanmar to begin the repatriation of more than 700,000 Rohingya who were forced across the border over the past year, as patience is wearing thin among members of the international community, even among ASEAN member states.

Singapore, as ASEAN chair this year, stated that the regional body stands ready to help, its Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said, noting that the most immediate step to take was repatriation, as there was an agreement signed between Myanmar and Bangladesh.

The two countries reached a deal in November to begin repatriation within two months, but it has not started, with the stateless Rohingya still crossing the border into Bangladesh.

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Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie and Andi Hajramurni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta, Palu  Mon, October 1, 2018 19:58 1139 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308775795f9 1 National Palu-Earthquake-Tsunami,flight,Mutiara-SIS-Aljufri-Airport Free

Indonesian Military (TNI) commander Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto has assured that Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport in Palu, Central Sulawesi, is under control amid reports that say survivors were blockading the airport's runway.

Reports circulating on social media say that thousands of people who were affected by the disaster went to the airport and demanded entry to a Hercules military aircraft, triggering chaos. They also reportedly blocked the runway in protest.

The Jakarta Posts correspondent in Palu, Andi Hajramurni, previously reported that thousands of survivors crowded the airport to leave the devastated city while staving off hunger and thirst under scorching heat. The survivors have been waiting for a chance to flee the city since Saturday, camping outside on mats or cardboard. They were hoping to catch a plane to Makassar to later go to their respective hometowns.

Hadi acknowleged that around 3,000 to 5,000 people had lined up, seeking relocation to another city, but there were only two Hercules planes at the airport so the authorities prioritized the evacuation of those who were injured or ill.

"I have coordinated with State-Owned Enterprises Minister [Rini Soemarno] so that those who are healthy among the thousands will be evacuated [using ships] owned by Pelni," Hadi said, referring to state-owned ship operator PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (Pelni).

Separately, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said his office had also coordinated with the Air Force Special Forces (Paskhas), the National Police and the Palu military commander (Danrem) to ensure the security of commercial planes.

There were several commercial flights operating in Palu, including ones run by Lion Air, Sriwijaya, Garuda Indonesia and Wings Air, with around 22 round-trip schedules, Budi said. (swd)
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Linkedin Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 1, 2018 12:46 1139 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877564e5f 1 National US,Australia,Pope-Francis,Singapore,Turkey,relief-efforts,#DonggalaQuake,#PaluTsunami,#CentralSulawesiQuake,Donggala-earthquake-tsunami,Palu-Earthquake-Tsunami,Central-Sulawesi-earthquake Free

The international community has expressed its condolence and offered assistance to the victims of a 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit Central Sulawesi, which was followed by a deadly tsunami and mudflow.

Pope Francis led a prayer on Sunday at the Vatican for Indonesia's earthquake victims, expressing his "nearness to the people on the island of Sulawesi. Thousands of Catholics gathered in St. Peters Square to recite the Angelus in a mass prayer.

"I pray for the deceased  which are unfortunately numerous  for the wounded, and for those who have lost their homes and employment. May the Lord console them and sustain the efforts of those who are taking part in the relief efforts," he said as quoted by vaticannews.va.

The United States also conveyed its condolences and expressed support for those affected on Sunday in Washington, DC.

"US Mission Indonesia is closely monitoring the situation, and has not received reports of US citizens affected," said State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert in an official press statement.

The US and Indonesia were "strategic partners and friends", she said, adding that the country stood ready to assist in the relief effort.

Like the US, Australia also expressed its condolences while noting that no Australians were known to be affected "at this stage", according to a press statement on Monday from the Australian government.

"We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences and those of the Australian government to the people of the Republic of Indonesia following the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Minahasa Peninsula, Sulawesi," the press statement said, on behalf of Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Foreign Minister Marise Payne.

"As a close neighbor, Australia stands ready to support the Indonesian governments response efforts, if required," the statement said, adding that the Australian government had been in direct contact with President Joko Jokowi Widodo and Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi.

Earlier on Saturday, Singapore called on its citizens in Central Sulawesi and surrounding regions to take "necessary safety precautions, monitor the local news for updates, and heed the advice of the local authorities".

"Singaporeans should also stay in touch with your family and friends so that they know you are safe. Those who require consular assistance should contact our embassy in Jakarta at +62811863348 or the 24-hour Minister of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at +6563798800/8855," Singapore's Foreign Ministry spokesperson advised in a press statement.

The notice came following the evacuation of a Singaporean national from Palu by the Singaporean embassy in Jakarta, in coordination with Indonesian authorities.

The statement, uploaded to the ministry's website, also said that the Singaporean government extended its "deepest condolences to Indonesia, and the families who lost loved ones and were affected by the earthquakes and tsunami".

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also conveyed his personal condolences on his Twitter account (@RT_Erdogan).

"I pray for our brothers and sisters who were killed in an earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia, wish a speedy recovery to the wounded and offer my deepest condolences to the people of Indonesia," he tweeted. "Turkey is prepared to do everything in its power to help Indonesia heal its wounds."

At least 832 people have been killed and another 540 people injured in the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that hit Central Sulawesi on Sept. 28, which was followed by several aftershocks, a tsunami and mudslides, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency's (BNPB) data on Sunday. (evi)
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Linkedin Ni Komang Erviani (The Jakarta Post) Denpasar  Mon, October 1 2018

Checkpoint inspection: Immigration Director General Ronny F. Sompie (right) inspects an immigration checkpoint at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali on Friday. The immigration office has prepared seven counters and deployed 120 personnel to welcome participants of the upcoming International Monetary Fund-World Bank Group Annual Meetings. (JP/ZUL TRIO ANGGONO)

Bali marked the completed renovation of its facilities at Ngurah Rai International Airport with a melaspas ceremony, a ritual commonly conducted on the island to cleanse and purify recently completed construction.

The only international airport on the resort island has upgraded its facilities ahead of the International Monetary Fund-World Bank Group (IMF-WB) Annual Meetings, slated to start next week in Nusa Dua.

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Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Washington, United States  Mon, October 1, 2018 08:08 1139 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877556e60 2 World #USA,#China,#SouthChinaSea,USA,warship,SouthChinaSea,Beijing,Pentagon Free

An American warship has sailed through waters off the contested Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, in the latest implicit challenge to Beijing's sweeping territorial claims in the region, the Pentagon said Sunday.

"Guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur conducted a freedom of navigation operation," an official told AFP. "Decatur sailed within 12 nautical miles of Gaven and Johnson reefs in the Spratly Islands."

The official said all US military operations in the area "are designed in accordance with international law and demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows."

The 12-mile distance is commonly accepted as constituting the territorial waters of a landmass. Beijing claims all of the Spratly chain.

There was no immediate reaction from China, but a similar US operation in July, involving the disputed Paracel islands, prompted a furious Beijing to deploy military vessels and fighter jets.

The Paracels, north of the Spratly Islands, are claimed by China, Taiwan and Vietnam.

On May 25, the guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey sailed less than 12 nautical miles from a reef in the Spratly archipelago.

China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, though Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts of it.

Further angering those countries, and the US, Beijing has moved aggressively to build reefs into artificial islands capable of hosting military planes.

US-Chinese relations have been strained on multiple levels since Donald Trump became president in 2017. A trade war launched by Trump has infuriated Beijing, as did his authorization of a $1.3 billion arms sale to Taiwan, which China considers a rebel province.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 1, 2018 14:34 1139 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b3087756a933 4 News Yogyakarta,Jogja-Great-Sale,sale,shopping,travel,tourism,tourists,shopping-mall Free

Tens of business players are enthusiastically participating in the Jogja Great Sale, which is being held for one month until Oct. 28 as part of Yogyakarta city's 262nd anniversary celebration.

"Not only malls, but hotels, restaurants and attractions such as GL Zoo, are also joining this event. I'm surprised there are so many participants," said Jogja Great Sale chairman Rudi P. Budiharjo in Yogyakarta on Monday as quoted by Antara.

According to recent data, the event's participants include six shopping malls, six attractions, 57 hotels and 31 restaurants.

Read also: Jakpost explores Yogyakarta

Rudi said the businesses were not required to participate in the event for one full month; four days are enough. However, many have decided to offer sale items or services until late October.

During the event, customers will receive one lottery ticket for every transaction of at least Rp 100,000 (US$6.71). Interestingly, they do not need to fill in any data as they are only required to send an SMS.

The lottery itself will be held at the end of October. "The winner could also be a tourist who lives outside Yogyakarta," he said, adding that among the prizes available was a Daihatsu Sigra as the main prize, as well as five motorcycles.

Other than the Jogja Great Sale, the city is also hosting Festival Jogja as the main event of the anniversary celebration. (kes)
Cancel all your October plans, because Netflix is providing its UK audience with the perfect blend of nostalgic titles and iconic modern films this autumn. Here are just six of the new additions to the streaming archives.

1. Thelma and Louise  1st October

A feminist classic and phenomenal movie in its own right, Thelma and Louise is one of those must-see cult masterpieces. The story follows Thelma (Geena Davis) as she joins her friend Louise (Susan Sarandon) on a fishing trip. The road trip soon escalates however, when Louise kills a man who tries to rape Thelma  a game of cat and mouse then ensues as they run from the law and attempt to flee to Mexico. An opportune commentary on the judiciary systems distrust of female victims of sexual harassment, this is a timeless addition to Netflix.

2. Sixteen Candles  3rd October

Another classic, John Hughes coming-of-age comedy stars Molly Ringwald as high school sophomore Sam, as she faces her 16th birthday  the occasion overshadowed by her sisters upcoming wedding the next day. The film serves healthy helpings of teenage angst, as Sam pines after popular senior Jake (Michael Schoeffling) while gently turning down Ted (Anthony Michael Hall), seemingly the only boy interested in her. To save for a night in when youre feeling both a rom-com and a chance to revisit your childhood.

3. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy  8th October

A dense film interlinking Cold War paranoia, intrigue and espionage, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy boasts an incredible cast of British legends that include John Hurt, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, Benedict Cumberbatch and Matt Strong. Based on the John le Carres 1974 novel, the film is et in early 1970s London, and follows the exhilarating hunt for a Soviet double agent in the uppermost ranks of the British secret service.

4. Nocturnal Animals  13th October

Finally, a film with both Amy Adams and Isla Fisher, proving they are not the same person! Though Isla Fisher does play Amy Adams character in a meta sense, though that is a little complicated to explain. Nocturnal Animals follows Susan (Adams) as she comes across a manuscript by her first husband, who she hasnt spoken to in years. The book seems to be based on their relationship, forcing Susan to re-examine her past and confront some terrible truths. Another fantastic cast of Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon and many others, be prepared for a disturbing film experience.

5. Contagion  15th October

Steven Soderbergs film, as one film critic put it, does for the sniffles what Jaws did for great whites. Unsensational, realistic, and all the more terrifying for it, Contagion tells the spread of a deadly epidemic. When Beth (Gwyneth Paltrow) returns home from a business trip, she attributes her feelings of illness to jetlag; two days later however, Beth dies, to the incomprehension of her doctors. Shortly after, many others start exhibiting her same symptoms, and thus the pandemic blows up. Contagion presents both the medical struggle to contain the microbe and the collapse of society as a blogger (Jude Law) begins a parallel pandemic of fear and panic, and features an incredible ensemble cast of Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Paltrow, Law, and Kate Winslet.

6. The Goonies  15th October

A childhood classic based on Steven Spielbergs story, The Goonies was rightfully selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry as being culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant. This adventure film follows a band of kids as they find an old map and follow it into an underground cavern, hoping to find a lost pirate treasure. Both fun and nostalgic, it might be time to revisit this one!
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EZULWINI - Their work exposed them to danger on a daily basis but they have endured and reaped the benefits for their long service.

Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) honoured 84 of its employees with Long Service Awards at the Royal Swazi Convention Centre. Before the employees were honoured, Reverend Absalom Dlamini specifically elaborated on the issue of attitude which determined the behaviour, feelings and emotions of an employee. Dlamini also touched on the issue of positions, which he said were solely to serve people and not to make those holding the position boastful. True leadership is not imposing your weight or status but directing people to their destination.

He said a good leader recognised his people and served them. According to Dlamini, motivation was a daily dose which is expected to be given to the employees. If there is no motivation, there will be no service delivery, Dlamini said. In relevance to the awards, his motivation was based on the biblical story where servants were rewarded according to their talents. He said one of the servants, who had one talent, decided not to use it but to keep it safe, while the others invested. Dlamini said the master said well done good servant to those who went and invested their talent.

Which he said it was very scarce in most of the workplaces for superior to commend their employees. He said attitude mattered most in our lives especially at work where there were positive and negative mind-sets. A positive attitude affects a persons behaviour in a constructive way. Managing Director at EEC Meshack Kunene said they were honoured with the awards and prayer day for employees. Kunene said the issue of attitude needed to be fixed by both the employees and the managers.

He said as a company they were very honoured to have employees who had served for many years.

According to Kunene each time there was work done there were bound to be challenges, which is why they thanked God that they had managed to overcome all the challenges. Kunene said the job they did at EEC was not easy and it exposed employees to danger as they had to work with electricity even during rainy days.

He said the awards were annual.
LUKHULA  SOS Childrens Village (Siteki) has dismissed three caregivers for alleged emotional abuse of children, among other charges.

The workers were officially dismissed from the organisation in July this year after a disciplinary inquiry found them guilty on three charges; abuse (emotional), negligence and dishonesty. Before that, the caregivers were suspended pending the finalisation of the disciplinary process. This letter serves to inform you that...your contract with SOS Childrens Villages Swaziland is terminated...you shall be paid all monies due to you in the July payroll for the month of July 2018 only, reads in part one of the dismissal letters.

In the dismissal letters, which were signed by SOS Swaziland National Director Loretta Mkhonta, the workers were given 72 hours to return all properties and materials of the organisation to the Siteki (SOS) human resources administrator. Failure to return such property shall result in legal action against you, reads the letter in part. According to one of the workers, they were suspended in May this year and subsequently slapped with three charges. We were accused of misusing the E5 000 monthly budget we were given to take care of the children, disclosed one of the caregivers. The primary duties of the caregivers were to look after the children; buy them food, clothing, toiletries and other basic amenities, and the monthly budget allows them to fulfill their duties.

The supervisor felt that we were not adequately providing the children with what they needed, hence we were accused of misusing the money, said the caregiver.

In some instances, the supervisor would visit the residences within the village, where the caregivers lived with the children and would express dissatisfaction with the quantity of the items bought every month, one of the caregivers revealed. In the count of dishonesty, the caregiver revealed that they were accused of being dishonest with how they spent the monthly budget. In the count of negligence, she said they were accused of negligence in that they allegedly neglected the needs of the children and in the count of abuse, she mentioned that they were accused of emotionally abusing the children by not providing them with their basic needs.




MBABANE  We would never, as an organisation, celebrate the death of anyone.

These were the sentiments of Peoples United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) President Mlungisi Makhanya. Makhanya said in actual fact as, PUDEMO, they would have loved the former Prime Minister (PM) Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini to have lived longer to see the true democratic Eswatini so that he may realise that he should have done better as opposed to delaying the inevitable freedom of the people in the country. Makhanya said it would be very important when remembering the life of the former PM to bear in mind that he had served the country for a very long time. He said it was his last 10 to 12 years of service, where the worst of him was seen.

According to Makhanya, the late ex-PM placed himself as a cheap prefect of the system. He said people could make a mistake that and think the late ex-PM was responsible for the oppressive system, yet he was just a mere chief prefect of the system. According to Makhanya, as PUDEMO, they did not believe that the problems of the people in the country would go away now that the ex-PM was gone. He said as an organisation, they were fighting to bring about a humane society, where there will never be a celebration of someone elses demise as it could happen to anyone.

Makhanya said the ex-PM would be remembered fairly of his last years in public office, where he positioned himself to be prime defender of the system and the chief architect of the suffering of many people, in particular the workers and the poorest of the poor. PUDEMO is one of the main organisations which had paid a heavy price of his unfortunate later days, including the passage of the Suppression of Terrorism Act and the murder of our late comrade Sipho, Jele.

He said ythe ex-PM was the one who established the enquiry which was engineered to arrive at the predetermined results which would never be forgotten. Makhanya also said they would never forget the ex-PMs treatment to the late Ben Zwane, on how he was removed in Parliament in a rainy weather.
MBABANE  Even in death, some members of the public are finding it hard to forgive deceased former Prime Minister Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini.

Others are feeling indifferent about his demise. As usual, social media, mainly Facebook, has been abuzz with the news of Dlaminis passing. Many people have taken to the platform to recall and relive some of the moments of the deceased politician, with many blaming him for the many ills of the country, ranging from the economic situation that has hit rock bottom to what others have termed police brutality. Some even went as far as justifying why they found it hard to forgive Dlamini for certain things even in his death.

One Facebooker made it clear that he was not mourning, without explaining his post any further. Others made it a bit light-hearted and viewed his demise as the end of lidlokolo, though it is on record that the construction of his multi-million house will continue. Another Facebooker recalled an incident that happened at a time when government was all out to clamp down on people who were found to be in support of or were members of proscribed entities. He made mention of the arrest of Sipho Jele by the police, whom he described as a very kind young man from Nqabaneni. He said his arrest came after he was found wearing a PUDEMO t-shirt and later died in a police cell.

As if that was not enough, they (police) went to Nqabaneni to stop his funeral, kicking away decorations on top of his coffin...that funeral was postponed. ...And, I was there!!!! They were acting on his command as head of the police......what an inhuman legacy, he wrote on his Facebook page. I remember that day vividly. I was there and drove behind Sipho Jeles hearse in a Council of Churches vehicle as it went back to the morgue. I was also there when Mzikayise Ntshangase was finally interred after the longest humiliation and degradation any human being can ever face. The time will come too for those under whose command Barny acted. We will be watching, another wrote.




By Trend





Nasimi Festival of Poetry, Arts and Spirituality has featured a presentation of the works created as part of the 3rd International Symposium on Sculpture "The Song in the Stone" at the Gala Archeological-Ethnographic Museum Complex.

Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva and President of the Baku Media Center Arzu Aliyeva attended the event.

This years symposium exhibits the works of 20 sculptors from Azerbaijan, Belgium, Italy, Turkey, India, Ukraine, Spain, Egypt, Mexico, Romania, Iran, Norway, Greece, Slovenia, Argentina, Syria, and Georgia.

The event participants then viewed the 7th international From Waste to Art exhibition.

The event also featured a concert program of Paraguays famous Recycled Orchestra, comprised of children and juveniles with music instruments made of recycled wastes.

A public art project Opening Wall in an abandoned industrial warehouse in Gala settlement in Baku was then presented. The project featured the works of eight local and foreign urban artists from Azerbaijan, Brazil, Belgium, South Africa, Spain, the Netherlands and France, who created their works on the walls of the buildings.












By Trend





Azerbaijan is always ready for constructive negotiations and contacts serving the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, the Deputy Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Hikmat Hajiyev told Trend.

He noted that at the CIS summit in Dushanbe, a conversation was held between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

The conversation started at the initiative of the Armenian Prime Minister, Hajiyev said.

"This once again shows that the format of the negotiations remains unchanged, and negotiations are conducted only between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which are parties of the conflict. Within the framework of the same format, in September, meetings between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan were held during the UN General Assembly in New York, and in July in Brussels. We assess this positively, and Azerbaijan is always ready for constructive negotiations and contacts serving the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. This once again demonstrates Azerbaijans commitment to the existing format," Hajiyev said.

He also commented on the strengthening the ceasefire regime on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and the line of contact of troops.

"The Azerbaijani side has repeatedly stated that the main reason for the ceasefire violation is the illegal presence of Armenian troops in the occupied Azerbaijani territories and the continuation of military occupation. The Armenian side has always been responsible for the ceasefire violation and the aggravation of the situation. I would like to mention the large-scale military exercises conducted by the Armenian armed forces in the occupied Azerbaijani territories after the meeting of the heads of state in November 2014 in Paris, the incitement of a well-known helicopter incident, as well as Armenian armed troops' fire by heavy guns at civilians living along the contact line in April of 2016, and intentionally aggravation of the situation," Hajiyev said.

"So, the withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied Azerbaijani territories in accordance with the requirements of the UN Security Council's resolutions will eliminate not only military risk, but there will also be no need for a ceasefire, and there will be comprehensive opportunities for political solution of the conflict. This will ensure peace, stability and security in the region," he added.

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.
By Trend





The Caspian region may become one of the strategic transport, transit and energy hubs of international importance, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said in his speech in New York at the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly, the state news agency Turkmen Dovlet Khabarlary (TDKh) reported Sept. 30.

The signing of the Convention on the legal status of the Caspian sea (in Astana) by the heads of the Caspian states on August 12 this year opens the prospect of turning the Caspian region into one of the strategic transport, transit and energy hubs of international importance, a place of big investments, trade, economic activity and cooperation, said the Turkmen president.

Turkmenistan is ready to discuss in detail with all interested parties the aspects of the implementation of projects in these areas, which are economically justified, beneficial for potential participants, can significantly affect the strengthening of continental security and have a long-term nature, the president of Turkmenistan said.

Earlier, the TDKh noted that the signing of the Caspian Convention is a historic step towards global energy security. For example, according to the document, it is possible to lay submarine cables and pipelines along the bottom of the Caspian sea "provided that their designs comply with environmental requirements and standards enshrined in international treaties to which they are parties".

The text of the document also says that only those countries through the sector of the bottom of which the cables and pipelines will be laid, will determine the route of laying of the cables and pipelines.

Some experts believe, this means that the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline  an underwater gas pipeline that could deliver Turkmen gas to Azerbaijan and from there - to the markets of Western Europe - can no longer be vetoed.

The relevant negotiations have been conducted since 2011 between the interested parties-the EU, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. In particular, the project of laying the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline to the shores of Azerbaijan, from where the Turkmen raw material can be delivered to Turkey and further to Europe, is being promoted.

The Trans-Caspian project can be implemented as part of the EU-lobbied Southern Gas Corridor project. The Trans-Anatolian gas pipeline (TANAP project in which Turkey and Azerbaijan are involved) or the AGRI (Azerbaijan-Georgia-Romania Interconnector) projects may be useful in this direction.

In May 2015, the Ashgabat Declaration on energy was signed by the ministers of energy of Azerbaijan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic. Later, Georgia was involved in the negotiation process.

At the same time, Turkmenistan declared its readiness to supply Europe with up to 40 billion cubic meters of gas annually, of which 10 billion can be provided by Petronas company (Malaysia) operating in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian sea. The rest of the volume can be provided through the East-West gas pipeline, which begins on the largest Turkmen field Galkynysh and ends in the shores of the Caspian sea.
Greek marble exports rose in the United Arab Emirates. In 2017, exports of Greek marble worth 17,274,133 euros, with a share of 8.1 pct of total exports, rose by 12 pct or 1,961,223 euros in comparison with the previous year, according to a document by the Dubai Economic and Commercial Affairs of the Greek embassy in Abu Dhabi.

The document regards the Greek participation at the MIDDLE EAST STONE 2018 International Exhibition which was held at World Trade Center Dubai from September 4 to September 6.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: NormanEinstein License: CC-BY-SA
Official data indicate that Greece consumes over half a million tons of plastic waste per year

Environmental protection group Mesogeios SOS (MedSOS) has launched a smartphone and tablet application that assists visitors and residents in Greece locate the nearest tap of drinkable water where they can refill their bottles.

The application, which hopes to help decrease reliance on water in plastic bottles and the huge amount of resulting plastic waste, is called Return to Tap (Epistrofi stin Vrysi) and is available at the Google Play Store for Android and at App Store of iOS.

MedSOS started the initiative in 2014, signing a memorandum of cooperation with the Athens municipal authority, which this year set up three public drinking fountains, at Syntagma and Asomaton squares and at the entrance to the Kerameikos metro station. In 2017, its expanded in cooperation to include the Athens and Thessaloniki water companies, among others.

Read more at ekathimerini.com

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Ivy Main License: CC-BY-SA
Ross organized a working luncheon for the Greek Prime Minister with the participation of major US companies

Greeces Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras met with US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross in the hope of attracting US investment interest.

Ross organized a working luncheon for the Greek Prime Minister with the participation of major US companies.

Executives from American energy, commerce, innovation, industry, construction and IT companies took part in the luncheon as well as investment funds and banks who expressed interest in investing in Greece.

According to Greek government sources Tsipras spoke up the Greek economy arguing that it has regained its stability and is recovering, as well as the growth dynamics of Greece, emerging from a long period of austerity and recession.

During his meetings with US officials, the Greek Prime Minster spoke of Greeces advantages following the conclusion of the adjustment programmes as well as Greeces geopolitical significance as a pillar of stability in the southeastern Mediterranean.

Our target now is to attract investments that will create new jobs, he stressed.

Read more at greekcitytimes.com

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Rennett Stowe License: CC-BY-SA
The Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) has revealed its participation at this years edition of Festuris Gramado, a leading international tourism fair, which will be held from November 8 to 11 at Serra Park, Gramado, Brazil.

During its presence at the show, ABCC will throw the spotlight on the Arab Worlds potential as an ideal business and leisure destination.

Dr Michel Alaby, secretary general and CEO, ABCC, said: We are proud to take part in the latest edition of Festuris Gramado, which is widely dubbed as the most important tourism event in Latin America. During the show, we will be showcasing the potential of the Arab World as a must-see destination for both business and leisure, helping drive in more Brazilian and Latin American tourists to visit the region. Our stand will feature presentations, videos and images of top tourist spots in the Arab region.

Now on its 30th edition, Festuris Gramado is considered to be one of the most effective tourism trade fairs in Latin America, being the second largest in size. For this year's show, organisers have set up the fair across a 22,000 sq m site. - TradeArabia News Service
Quorum 15 and Greenwich Associates Partner to Launch Q15 Digital Forum

Quorum 15, the global financial markets think tank, and Greenwich Associates, the leading global provider of market intelligence and advisory services to the financial services industry, recently announced the launch of Q15 Digital, a new partnership venture that significantly expands Quorum 15s long-established programme of influential industry forums, allowing a wider community of buy- and sell-side firms to participate in driving change in global financial markets.

Quorum 15 was established in 2008 to encourage dialogue between buy- and sell-side institutions and build consensus around the key issues impacting the trading of equities, fixed income and FX. Its members gather quarterly in a series of meetings held under the Chatham House Rule to pool their expertise to resolve shared challenges. Their collective recommendations are then communicated back to regulators, industry associations and relevant government bodies via members firms. Comprising 15 senior executives drawn from leading global institutions, these regular meetings (quorums) have traditionally been held across five key financial centres: London, New York, Boston, Hong Kong and Sydney. Since 2014, Quorum 15 has leveraged Greenwich Associates global roster of senior research analysts to facilitate discussion and ensure a data-driven foundation to the U.S. meetings.

Q15 Digital extends this model to a broader and more geographically diverse range of firms worldwide via a video conferencing service. Q15 Digital members, comprised of senior level business decision makers from across the buy and sell side, will have the opportunity to collaborate on identifying key business priorities and to strengthen relationships and cooperation within and across their own markets, in addition to being updated on the industry challenges identified by the members of the established physical quorums. Greenwich Associates will work with Q15 Digitals members, as well as its advisory board, to help establish the agenda so that the most critical industry challenges are addressed.

Mike Burton, Founder and CEO of Quorum 15, said: For 10 years, Quorum 15 has been bringing together leading market participants in the worlds major financial centres as equal stakeholders to engage in a frank and constructive exchange of views. In todays interconnected world, the candid exchange of expert views has never been more important, and firms are looking for smarter, more cost-effective models to deliver that deeper level of engagement. The launch of Q15 Digital demonstrates Quorum 15s steadfast commitment to building consensus and finding certainty in changing times.

Dan Connell, Managing Director at Greenwich Associates, said: We are extremely excited to expand our partnership with Quorum 15 as we jointly roll out this new digital initiative. The Q15 Digital offering presents a phenomenal opportunity to buy- and sell-side firms globally by expanding the geographic reach of Quorum 15. Q15 Digital members will benefit greatly from the combined expertise held in the virtual meeting room and can expect a secure and lively discussion on the most important regulatory and market structure developments across all asset classes.

The first Q15 Digital meeting is expected to be held in Q4 2018. Potential buy- or sell-side participants interested in learning more should contact info@quorum15.com.

For more information on related topics, visit the following channels:
A mother holds her newborn child at the Bunj hospital, Maban refugee camp, South Sudan during a visit by HRH Sarah Zeid of Jordan.  UNHCR/Jan Mller Hansen

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, today welcomes South Sudans accession to the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol. President Salva Kiir signed the accession instrument in Juba on Friday (September 28) after it was ratified by the Transitional National Legislative Assembly.

South Sudan has become 143rd country to accede to both the 1951 Convention on Refugees and its 1967 Protocol.

The country hosts some 300,000 refugees, despite all the challenges of civil war that has displaced a large number of its own population.

This is a milestone for the worlds youngest nation as South Sudan commits to assuming more responsibility to protect refugees and asylum-seekers in the country, said Valentin Tapsoba, Director of UNHCRs Regional Bureau for Africa.

In 2016 the country also became a party to the 1969 Organisation of African Union Convention on Refugees, a regional instrument governing the specific aspects of refugee problems in the African continent.

For more information on this topic, contact:
Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, speaks during the sixty-ninth session of the Executive Committee.  UNHCR/Jean-Marc Ferre

GENEVA  UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi today called for a push to reinvigorate multilateralism to curb growing conflicts and deepening crises that have driven record numbers of people from their homes worldwide.

"The principles and values of international cooperation have come under immense pressure, Grandi said in his opening address to the annual meeting of the Executive Committee of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.

Yet, amidst so much adversity, multilateralism has held its ground. But  we must reinvigorate it.

Since he took office at the start of 2016, Grandi said internal conflicts had grown and crises had intensified - driven by regional and international rivalries, and fuelled by poverty, exclusion and climate change.

Meanwhile, the language of politics has "become ruthless, giving licence to discrimination, racism and xenophobia.

Calling it a milestone in multilateral cooperation, Grandi said the 2016 New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants showed political commitment at the highest level, grounded in international cooperation and refugee protection standards.

The principles and values of international cooperation have come under immense pressure.

And he welcomed the global compact on refugees, to be validated by the General Assembly later this year, as charting a clear way forward, through a stronger, fairer, better response model.

This, I believe, is where multilateralism has strength  as a practical counterpoint to the rhetoric and electoral grandstanding that often pervades public debates on refugees and migrants.

Taking stock at the midway point of his five-year mandate as High Commissioner, Grandi noted that crises including in Syria, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and northern Central America, had continued to evolve, while others, as in Yemen, had escalated. Some - as in Iraq, the Lake Chad region and South Sudan, had moved in the direction of greater stability, but without a definitive resolution.

New crises had emerged, with harrowing consequences, first among them the brutal security operation in Myanmars Rakhine State that drove 720,000 Rohingya into Bangladesh after August last year.

Amidst so much adversity, multilateralism has held its ground. Yet, as the Secretary-General said, we must reinvigorate it. I am proud that we at UNHCR are part of this effort, every day. - From my opening statement at UNHCRs Executive Committee annual meeting. pic.twitter.com/a2G6Cley1b  Filippo Grandi (@RefugeesChief) October 1, 2018



Grandis address to the 69th session of the Executive Committee comes at a time when global forced displacement has climbed to an unprecedented 68.5 million, including 25.4 million refugees and 40 million internally displaced people.

Grandi noted that thousands continued to cross the Sahel into Libya and across the central Mediterranean to Europe driven by despair, and exposed to unthinkable cruelty and dangers.

He called for access to asylum in Europe to be preserved. "Rescue at sea," he said, "has been taken hostage by politics. Responsibility-sharing has been replaced by responsibility-shifting."

Highlighting UNHCRs protection work in Libya, he reported that an evacuation programme has flown close to 1,850 refugees and asylum seekers to safety, most to Niger, with the aim of onward resettlement, alongside a programme for the voluntary return of migrants carried out by the International Organization for Migration.

He emphasised the need for more evacuation options, resettlement places and strategic investments to tackle the conflicts and development problems behind these flows.

Further protection challenges had emerged in Latin America, where some 5,000 people are leaving Venezuela daily, for which a non-political and humanitarian approach was proving essential to help states receiving them in growing numbers.

Grandi said a second core strategic commitment was to respond quickly, reliably and effectively in emergencies, laying the ground for solutions from early on. He gave as an example the shared response to the displacement of Rohingya refugees to Bangladesh.

He praised the profound generosity and compassion of local people  who were the first to respond  and flagged a large-scale emergency preparedness drive to safeguard refugees from the looming monsoon, steered by Bangladesh, together with humanitarian partners, non-government organizations and refugees themselves.

This massive effort reaffirmed what we are collectively capable of, when people desperately need our help, he told the forum. But attention is now needed for more stable mid-term arrangements in Bangladesh must now be pursued, as well as building solutions inside Myanmar.

Among other strategic efforts since he took office were the empowerment and inclusion of refugees, while solutions to their displacement were sought.

Granting aslym has helped save lives, build and rebuild nations, and preserve our sense of humanity.

Grandi highlighted the profound transformation in which decades of keeping refugees apart, consigned to camps, or on the margins of society, are giving way to a fundamentally different approach of including refugees in national systems, and the societies and economies of their host countries".

He said the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework had provided a vehicle for these efforts in the 15 countries where it had been applied and would grow in significance as an integral part of the global compact on refugees.

He praised the way the leadership and expertise of the World Bank have helped trigger a fundamental change in how development entities engage with large-scale refugee flows and internal displacement.

Speaking to the forum, World Bank CEO Kristalina Georgieva said that while the humanitarian and development worlds once remained apart, now there is ever-closer cooperation.

The very fact that I stand in front of you today is the evidence that we are seeing a seismic shift in the way we approach humanitarian emergencies. We have brought the two worlds together, she said.

Grandi also flagged the need for adaptation, as situations  including inside Syria and elsewhere  continued to evolve. This required UNHCR to be flexible and agile in the field, he said, describing the internal reform process that UNHCR was currently pursuing.

He underscored his commitment to the highest standards of integrity in UNHCR's operations, and described far-reaching measures to prevent and address sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment.

In closing, he reiterated the vital role that the global compact on refugees will play, as a rallying point for humane, practical people from all parts of society and noted that granting asylum is an ancient tradition, that has helped save lives, build and rebuild nations, and preserve our sense of humanity.

The full text of the speech is available here.
Afghan woman to attend One Young World Summit in Netherlands

Kabul, Oct 1 (UNI) An Afghan woman will attend the One Young World Summit 2018 which will be held in the Netherlands on October 17.

Aziza Begham (25) who teaches over 100 girls in a charity organization in Kabul, said her application was selected by the summit organizers from among 200 applications, the Tolo News quoted.

One Young World Summit is a UK-based global forum for young leaders that every year gathers young leaders from around to world, from over 196 countries, to help them make lasting connections to create positive changes in their societies.
Nearly 14 L PM Aawas Yojna beneficiaries in Tripura to receive 1st installment from Modi 13 Nov 2021 | 10:01 PM New Delhi, November 13 (UNI) Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi will transfer the first installment of Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G) to more than 1.47 lakh beneficiaries of Tripura on November 14, a release from Prime Ministers Office (PMO) said on Saturday. see more..

Reports of mosque being vandalised in Tripura are fake: Home Ministry 13 Nov 2021 | 10:01 PM New Delhi, Nov 13 (UNI) The Union Home Ministry on Saturday refuted the news stories circulating on social media about damage and vandalization of a mosque in Gomati district of Tripura. see more..

President presents Khel Awards, other sports awards 13 Nov 2021 | 9:19 PM New Delhi, Nov 13 (UNI) President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday presented the National Sports Awards 2021 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Awards, Dronacharya Award and Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar. see more..

Schools to remain physically shut, construction banned, govt officials to do WFH: Delhi govt's plan to tackle pollution 13 Nov 2021 | 9:12 PM New Delhi, Nov 13 (UNI) All schools will remain physically shut for a week, construction activities will be banned for four days and government offices will function remotely, the Delhi Government announced after an emergency meeting on Saturday, to tackle the severe pollution levels in the national capital. see more..
New Delhi, Oct 1 (UNI) India and Uzbekistan on Monday inked 17 Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs)

and agreements covering a range of subjects including pharmaceuticals, agriculture and cooperation in the

field of military education.

Both countries also agreed on cooperation between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic

of Uzbekistan and the Confederation of Indian Industry on establishment of the India-Uzbekistan business

council to promote bilateral trade.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who held delegation level talks with visiting Uzbek President Shavkat

Mirziyoyev, said in a joint press statement, 'We took a long term view on the regional issues of security,

peace and prosperity and cooperation.'

Meaningful discussions were held between the two sides that would help deepen India-Uzbek strategic partnership, he said and termed Mr Mirziyoyev as 'a special friend'.

This was Mr Modi's fourth meeting with the visiting dignitary.

Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who is on a state visit to India, was on Monday accorded a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan here.

Earlier, President Ram Nath Kovind and the Prime Minister received Mr Mirziyoyev at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The Uzbek President will also meet President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, the statement added.

This is Mr Mirziyoyevs first visit to India since assuming office in 2016.

UNI SD ADG 1553
OALP bid Round 1: Vedanta tops the list; gets 41 blocks

New Delhi Oct 1 (UNI) The Government on Monday signed the contracts of the blocks awarded under the round 1 of the Open Acreage Licensing Programme (OALP) Bid .

Vedanta Limited got 41 blocks followed by Oil India Limited (OIL) which was awarded nine blocks while Bharat Petro Resources Limited, GAIL (India) Limited and Hindustan Oil Exploration Company Ltd. (HOEC) got one block each.

"Contracts have been signed for all 55 blocks with six companies.This will add a huge accretion of 59,282 sq.km to the exploration area. This is about 65 per cent of the area presently under exploration in the country. This will lead to significant increase in E&P activities in India and in long run discoveries from these field may significantly boost domestic production, ''said Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan.
Over 630 Kgs dry Ganja worth Rs One Crore seized ; 9 smugglers held

Visakhapatnam, Oct 1 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Prohibition and Excise Task force Department seized more than 630 kgs of dry ganja worth Rs 1 crore when it was being transported in five cars, at Narsipatnam in this district here late last night.

The Task Force also arrested nine inter-State ganja smugglers when they were transporting the contraband.

According to police, eight of the nine accused hail from Telangana and Karnataka.
New York, Oct 1(UNI) Highlighting the potential economic opportunities in Bangladesh, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash expressed his interest to put in more investments in the country, said a statement issued by Bangladesh Foreign ministry.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Md Shahriar Alam, who met with his UAE counterpart on the sidelines of ongoing 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, welcomed the interest and mentioned that he would facilitate the UAE proposal.

Dr. Gargash sought cooperation of the government of Bangladesh in getting lands for establishing an exclusive economic zone for the UAE companies. In this regard, Mr Alam informed that the newly formed Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) could provide the UAE businesses with services they need to expand their investments and business in Bangladesh.

Mr Alam while thanking the UAE government for hosting a large number of expatriate Bangladeshi workers requested the further opening up the job market for professional categories including doctors, engineers, architects and technical persons in the construction sector.

The UAE Minister hoped that the trade between the countries would increase further in the days ahead.

UNI XC JAL 0400
GLO.ACT best practices shared at Global Child Forum 2018

Stockholm, Sweden , 28 September 2018 - On 11 April 2018, Ms. Snow White Smelser, GLO.ACT Project Officer, participated in the Global Child Forum on 11 April 2018 at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, Sweden. The Global Child Forum is an annual event that raises child rights concerns among the private sector, together with civil society and governments from across the globe. The forum provides opportunities to inspire action, build partnerships, and invest in children - all to empower children to enjoy their rights. " The 10th Global Child Forum, on 11 April 2018 at the Stockholm Royal Palace, brings together thought leaders and prominent development and corporate practitioners from around the world to showcase best practice, highlight research and spur action at the highest level. The insights, analysis and initiatives presented at the Forum will provide a critical cornerstone for further progress on the children's rights and business sustainability agenda." In addition to promoting action by businesses to promote children's rights, the forum discussed ways to promote equal rights for girls. During the event, Ms. Smelser took part in the focused breakout group " ActionLab : An Integrated Response to Child Labour - Turning Supply Chain Challenges into Mutual Opportunities" to provide input on child trafficking. Ms. Smelser contributed to the discussion on corporate responses to child labour in supporting socio-economic development with the long-term goal of eradicating child labour during the Action Lab. Highlighting best practices fostered through GLO.ACT interventions, she shared work GLO.ACT is doing with labour officials in South Africa . GLO.ACT has delivered workshops in Kwazulu Natal Province of South Africa to better detect and refer cases of labour exploitation and child trafficking.

The Ms. Smelser was invited to attend the dinner for speakers on 10 April 2018 at the Royal Palace. At the dinner, Ms. Smelser was asked by World Childhood Foundation - co-founded by Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden - to help advise on the implementation of "Say what you saw", their new project on transnational child sexual exploitation in Southeast Asia. Since the event, Ms. Smelser has advised World Childhood Foundation on local context and challenges, current studies by UNICEF and by the DQ Institute and networks of practitioners. She also recommended exploring ways to work with telecommunication and social media companies to facilitate reporting incidents of child exploitation. Speakers included representatives from companies, banks, academia, government, UNICEF and the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment, and the event was attended by approximately 400 participants from around the world working in various sectors. Opportunities were explored on work in countries supported by GLO.ACT with o ther participants , such as representatives of the Center for Child Rights and Corporate Social Responsibility of Lao PDR, the Brazilian M inistry of Public Labor Prosecution and World Childhood Brazil , and Star For Life of South Africa.

The Global Action to Prevent and Address Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT) is a four-year (2015-2019), 11 million joint initiative by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The project is being implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). GLO.ACT aims to provide assistance to governmental authorities and civil society organizations across 13 strategically selected countries: Belarus, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Mali, Morocco, Nepal, Niger, Pakistan, South Africa, Ukraine. GLO.ACT works with the 13 countries to plan and implement strategic national counter-trafficking and counter smuggling efforts through a prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnerships approach. It supports the development of more effective responses to trafficking and smuggling, including providing assistance to victims of trafficking and vulnerable migrants through the strengthening of identification, referral, and direct support mechanisms.
Published: October 01, 2018

Wheelchairs 4 Kids Executive Director Madeline Robinson to Receive Ethics Award at UT Oct. 12

Madeline Robinson, executive director of Wheelchairs 4 Kids, will receive the Tampa Bay Ethics Award from The University of Tampa Center for Ethics at a breakfast and ceremony on Friday, Oct. 12. The event is from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the Vaughn Center Crescent Club on the UT campus, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd.



Robinson started Wheelchairs 4 Kids, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children with physical disabilities, along with her husband in 2011. With the help of Wheelchairs 4 Kids, families can receive wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifications, and therapeutic equipment at no charge.



Robinson currently serves as the chairman of the board of the Tarpon Springs Chamber of Commerce, the programs coordinator of the AFP Nature Coast Chapter and also serves on the AFP National Philanthropy Day Committee. Previously, she has received multiple awards including Winners Within Us Readers Choice Award in 2012, FOX 13 Hometown Hero in 2013, Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero in 2014, Florida JCI Senate Pioneer Award in 2015 and AFP Chamberlin Scholarship in 2016.



The UT Center for Ethics will honor Robinson at the 28th annual Business Ethics Breakfast. The center conducts many programs throughout the year that combine education and business services and is supported by an advisory board of business and community leaders.



Former winners of the ethics award include former Florida governor Bob Martinez, Freddie Solomon, former Tampa mayor Pam Iorio, John Sykes, James Ferman Jr., Richard Gonzmart and Sam Ellison. Nominees for the award must live and work in the Tampa Bay area and must demonstrate high ethical character in their everyday lives. They must promote and encourage ethics and integrity in the workplace or other organizations and exhibit respect, trustworthiness, caring, fairness and justice.



The event is free for UT students, faculty and staff. Individual tickets are $25 per person, a table of eight is $150 and corporate sponsorships range from $750$1,500. For more information or reservations, go to www.ut.edu/TampaBayEthicsAward or call the Center for Ethics coordinator, Jessica Luce, at (813) 257-3039.
(Oct. 1, 2018)  UTSA President Taylor Eighmy today announced a new initiative aimed at making UTSA a model for student success. The Presidential Classroom to Career Initiative will focus on providing more UTSA students with experiential learning opportunities during their academic journey at UTSA.

The universitys 2028 goal is to have 75 percent of students complete some form of experiential learning prior to their graduation.

I believe that experiential learning opportunities can greatly enhance classroom instruction and have a profound impact on student learning outcomes, said Eighmy. These signature learning experiencesincluding internships, service learning, undergraduate research and study abroaddirectly contribute to a students success in college and in his or her chosen career.

UTSA Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Kimberly Andrews Espy will oversee the new presidential initiative. Heather Shipley, vice provost for academic affairs and dean of University College, will chair the Classroom to Career Task Force, which includes many of UTSAs experiential learning campus champions. The group will develop a framework to identify and connect existing programs and facilitate the creation of new ones, reaching out widely to community partners to gather their input.

University College supports all undergraduates across disciplines and will serve as a central connection point for the various experiential learning opportunities available at UTSA in academic and support units across campus. To strategically align the academic enterprise with career readiness, the UTSA Career Center will become a part of University College under Shipleys leadership.

The Classroom to Career Task Force will deliver its report by the end of the fall semester. UTSA will begin implementing its findings beginning in January 2019.
Barrett, Fisher Named to Assist with UWs Reaccreditation Project

Steve Barrett and Rick Fisher have been named Faculty Accreditation Fellows (FAF) to assist with the University of Wyomings Higher Learning Commission (HLC) reaccreditation project.

Barrett is an associate dean in the UW College of Engineering and Applied Science, and Fisher is an associate lecturer in the Department of English.

Barrett will assist Anne Alexander, UW associate vice provost for undergraduate education and UWs HLC accreditation liaison officer, in organizing UWs evidence for the report, editing the committees overall report and organizing the complexities of the peer review team visit.

Fisher will help determine evidence that is best suited to the report and will do the bulk of the assurance argument writing, Alexander adds.

The FAFs are working with Alexander to craft the institutions assurance argument for the Open Pathways reaccreditation visit in November 2019. The FAFs will spend the next several months assisting in the writing of the assurance argument and preparing for the HLC peer review team visit to the Laramie and UW-Casper campuses.

I am thrilled to be able to work with both of these talented faculty members, Alexander says. They each bring unique perspectives and strong backgrounds in accreditation and assessment. They are both exemplars of the best of our faculty, truly passionate about student success and using data to guide continuous improvement in all we do.

The team currently is gathering evidence from across UW to demonstrate how the institution meets HLC criteria for accreditation; how UW practices its mission each day; and how the university meets criteria for federal compliance for Title IV funding.

Barrett received a B.S. degree (1979) in electronic engineering technology from the University of Nebraska-Omaha; an M.E.E.E. (1986) from the University of Idaho-Moscow; and his Ph.D. in electrical engineering (1993) from the University of Texas-Austin. He is a UW electrical and computer engineering professor; a senior member of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); and a member of Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society, for which he is the faculty adviser. His research interests include digital and analog image processing, computer-assisted laser surgery and embedded controller systems.

Barrett is a registered professional engineer in Wyoming and Colorado, and he serves on the Wyoming Board of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors.

Fisher received a B.A. (2002) in English and an M.A. (2006) in English, both from UW. He teaches academic and technical writing courses.

Fisher coordinated UWs transition to the University Studies Program 2015 communication course outcomes and has directed the UW Writing Center. He currently is the director of communication across the curriculum.

Fishers focus is on supporting faculty as writers and as teachers of digital, written and oral communication.
Energy Law and Policy Issues Focus of UW Conference Oct. 26

David Bernhardt

David Bernhardt, deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, is the keynote speaker for the 2018 Landscape Discussion on Energy Law and Policy in the Rockies at the University of Wyoming Friday, Oct. 26.

National, regional and local experts will discuss current energy topics and securing a sustainable natural resource future at the daylong conference at the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center.

The UW School of Energy Resources and the UW College of Laws Center for Law and Energy Resources in the Rockies (CLERR) host this annual conference, in collaboration with the Wyoming State Bars Energy and Natural Resources Section.

We look forward to hosting this conference every year, says Temple Stoellinger, co-director of CLERR. This conference is open to the public and is a great opportunity to learn more about current topics and issues of energy and environmental law currently at play in the Rocky Mountain region.

The conference begins at 8 a.m. with a welcome and remarks by UW President Laurie Nichols and former Gov. Dave Freudenthal, followed by panel discussions. Bernhardt will present the keynote address at 1 p.m.

Bernhardt is the second-highest ranking official at the Interior Department, with statutory responsibilities as the chief operating officer of an agency of more than 70,000 employees and an annual budget of approximately $12 billion.

He has in-depth experience in legal matters concerning active regulations and rule-making, with years of legal experience in both the government and the private sector. His expertise ranges from the Endangered Species Act to Outer Continental leases, and from mining royalties to the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

We are particularly excited about this years lineup of topics and speakers, as we are covering a number of really important issues and topics, Stoellinger says.

Conference session topics are: National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Expediting for Energy Infrastructure; Current Issues Facing the Oil and Gas Industry; and Renewable and Transmission Infrastructure.

The conference is $50 for the public and is free for UW students, faculty and staff members. Continuing Legal Education credits and American Association of Professional Landmen credits are available. To register for the conference or to view the schedule, go to www.uwyo.edu/ser/engagement/events/law-conf-2018.html.

For more information, call Emily Sorenson at (720) 979-7200 or email serforum@uwyo.edu.
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South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa, left, United Nations General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa, center, and United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres attend the unveiling ceremony of the Nelson Mandela Statue which was presented as a gift from the Republic of South Africa, Sept. 24 at United Nations headquarters.
Three experts in Michigans tax increment finance authority laws and uses shared the stage at the Riverbank Theatre as the Marine City TIFA Board continued a campaign aimed at reversing the city commissions decision to disband the authority.

The event was intended to help educate the public on the advantages TIFA provides for the city.

The question before us is not whether the city commission can dissolve the TIFA, moderator and TIFA board member Charles Seigneurie said, but should they?

The forum featured Rochester Hills City Attorney and municipal law expert John Staran, St. Clair County Economic Development Alliance CEO Dan Casey and Michigan Municipal League legislative associate Jennifer Rigterink.

About 30 people attended the Sept. 18 forum, including all of the current city commission members except Mayor Dave Vandenbossche, who had a conflict due to his position with the Marine City Area Fire Authority. Five of the six candidates vying for city commission seats in November were also in the audience, with only Mike Hilferink not in attendance.

John Staran started the evening by providing a basic explanation of what TIFA is and why it was implemented.

The premise is that we all pay property taxes. When we pay those property taxes we may be paying one tax bill, but when those taxes are collected they get divvied up to all the different public agencies, Staran said. What TIFA does is it provides the ability for capture of what are called tax increments. As property increases in value, your taxes go up. Under a TIFA program, the authority that has been created is allowed to capture those incremental increases.

This routes tax dollars that would otherwise go to the county and specific millage-supported projects into the city-controlled TIFA fund. Because the capture is based on increases in taxable value, the amount of funds captured generally grows over time.

Marine Citys TIFA was created 30 years ago and captures roughly $168,000 per year. About $100,000 of the total amount captured would go to the county if the authority is eliminated.

If there was not a TIFA, then the funds would just go to the original public agencies, Staran said.

The citys TIFA currently has a fund balance of about $850,000. Of those funds, the board estimates that $500,000 will be returned to the county when the authority is dissolved. The remaining money would go to the Marine City general fund.

The primary purpose of a TIFA is for public infrastructure, Casey said. You can fund public facilities, things like police cars, city halls, libraries and so forth, but the original intent of it was infrastructure that is needed to make the district functional.

The focus on infrastructure is not limited to major projects like roads or sidewalks. Casey said TIFA funds can also be used for routine maintenance like street sweeping and snow plowing in the districts.

That frees up general fund revenue for the community that they can then spend in other parts of the community, outside of the districts, Casey said.

The panelists spent the bulk of the event answering written questions submitted by audience members and shared their professional expertise on tax-capture financing. Questions from those in attendance ranged from concerns about the accountability of the TIFA board to the ways TIFA funding can be used to free up money in the general fund.

The newly passed Michigan Public Act 57, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2019, imposes new accountability and audit requirements on both new and established tax capture authorities. Although the TIFA board is designed to be independent, it is intended to work in cooperation with the city commission and is accountable to the commissioners.

The city and the authority should be working together hand in hand to come up with the list of projects that are supposed to be in the plan, Casey said. The plan gets developed or amended, and TIFA uses their money to pay for those projects.

Members of the city commission and the TIFA board members cite poor communication and a lack of collaboration as contributing to the decision to dissolve the authority. Some of the requirements of Public Act 57 may address this shortcoming by requiring additional documentation of the TIFA boards activities and projects.

Although the new law also authorizes the establishment of new TIFA programs for the first time in many years, the chronic underfunding of local governments has led counties to oppose the creation of new municipal tax capture authorities.

The state has really balanced its budget on the backs of local municipalities by not fully funding revenue sharing, Rigterink said. Were fighting over scraps when it comes to TIF capture.

That fight makes the establishment of new TIFA programs challenging because counties can refuse to authorize their creation. Disbanding and restarting a TIFA also resets the baseline for property, starting the incremental capture over at zero.

The primary advantage of dissolving TIFA, Casey said, is that the funds captured from the city would go into the general fund and could be used without the restrictions that limit TIFA spending. While the money captured from the county would be lost, reclaiming the city capture would add an estimated $50,000 per year to the citys budget.

It is a tool that is intended to serve the community, and if it is no longer serving the community, then you can certainly do away with it, Casey said. It is a strategic program. So if you see a need to continue to fund the roads, the water and sewer lines, the upkeep of those, or public facilities within the district, then you probably should keep it around.

A timeline established last year when the city commission voted to dissolve TIFA shows the authority will be eliminated in December. Until that time the decision could be reversed if the commission chooses to do so, making TIFA a key issue in the upcoming elections.

A recording of the forum can be viewed online at watchctv.org.

Colleen Kowalewski is a staff writer for The Voice. She can be contacted at 586-273-6197 or ckowalewski@digitalfirstmedia.com.
Urban Dance Rebrands Itself to Yalta Dance Studio (YDS)

Urban Dance Gibraltar is rebranding itself to Yalta Dance Studio (YDS) as of the 1st October 2018.

Yalta Pons, Director and Principle Choreographer explained that the decision to rebrand was not easy to do as Urban Dance has been around since 2003, becoming a household known name in Gibraltar and surrounding area.

"The change from Leit Motif to Urban Dance in 2003 was carried out as we were promoting urban culture and commercial dance style to Gibraltar, so it was appropriate then. However, over time the term urban dance has been exploited and no longer relevant nor original."

As director and choreographer of the studio she teaches and promotes the fusion of many styles of dance, including contemporary, lyrical and theatre and felt that Urban Dance was being associated with Hip-Hop and Street styles only.

"After 15 years it was time to reinvent ourselves and using Yalta Dance Studio gave it a unique and identifiable name that everyone can associate with, what better name to use than your own for a brand you have created and sustained for nearly 25 years. In fact, we have not changed our philosophy, location or dance styles, Yalta Dance Studio, remains the same except in name."
Gibraltar Represented at the Monaco Yacht Show

Senior representatives from HM Government of Gibraltar participated at the Monaco Yacht Show from 26th to 29th September.

Gibraltars geographic location and its wide spectrum of maritime services offer a gateway to yachting and cruising in the Mediterranean.

The Monaco Yacht Show is the premier showcase for large yacht designers, builders and services providers. The event brought together representatives from all sectors of Gibraltars yachting industry and a team from the Gibraltar Tourist Board (GTB), the Gibraltar Maritime Administration (GMA) and the Gibraltar Port Authority (GPA) co-hosted a Gibraltar Maritime stand during the event.

GMA and GPA representatives, as well as Ministry officials, also met with leading figures in the yacht management cluster, promoting the Gibraltar Yacht Registry as the British flag of choice for large yacht owners and yacht builders.

The event was supported by members of the Gibraltar Yachting Business Development Association (GYBDA), representing a variety of sectors, such as yacht insurance, agency and legal services.

The Minister for the Port and Maritime Services, the Hon. Gilbert Licudi MP said: Gibraltar offers the complete package to yacht owners, builders and crew. We have world-class cruise, port and yachting facilities, underpinned by one of the best vessel registries in the world. Our geographic location is also an invaluable advantage. We can use prestigious events, such those in Monaco, to showcase our services and engage with international clients in a business that continues to grow unabated. HM Government of Gibraltar is committed to developing this sector in partnership with all stakeholders.
ROCKVILLE, Md., Sept. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Kidney Fund (AKF) released the following statement on California Governor Jerry Browns veto of SB 1156. The statement may be attributed to LaVarne A. Burton, president and chief executive officer of the American Kidney Fund:

"The American Kidney Fund commends Governor Brown for protecting Californias low-income dialysis and transplant patients from the disastrous effects of SB 1156. By vetoing SB 1156which was introduced and passed through the legislature at the behest of health insurers and the SEIUthe Governor allows the states kidney failure patients to continue receiving AKFs support to stay insured.

"For 21 years, low-income California kidney patients have turned to AKF and our federally approved Health Insurance Premium Program for help with the devastating financial impacts that accompany this disease. This year alone, we have helped close to 4,000 people statewide. We are grateful that Governor Brown recognized the importance of AKFs program to the people of California.

"AKF will continue to advocate for dialysis and transplant patients and against similar legislation or policy anywhere in the United States that targets chronically ill people living with kidney failure."

About the American Kidney Fund

As the nations leading nonprofit working on behalf of the 30 million Americans with kidney disease, the American Kidney Fund is dedicated to ensuring that every kidney patient has access to health care, and that every person at risk for kidney disease is empowered to prevent it. AKF provides a complete spectrum of programs and services: prevention outreach, top-rated health educational resources, and direct financial assistance enabling 1 in 5 U.S. dialysis patients to access lifesaving medical care, including dialysis and transplantation. AKF holds the highest ratings from the nations charity watchdog groups, including Charity Navigator, which includes AKF on its top 10 list of nonprofits with the longest track records of outstanding stewardship of the donated dollar, and GuideStar, which has awarded AKF its Platinum Seal of Transparency.

For more information, please visit KidneyFund.org, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Gibraltar International Magic Festival 2018

After sell out shows in 2016 and 2017 the Gibraltar International Magic Festival is getting ready to make the 2018 edition another year to remember.

GibMedia for the Ministry of Culture is proud to present the 3rd International Magic Festival from the 23rd November to 2nd December 2018 at the John Mackintosh Hall.

The 2018 Gibraltar International Magic Festival will bring together award-winning illusionists from all over the world in a truly international spectacular week bringing you the magic of passion, illusion and people who dare to dream.

A total of over 10,000 tickets were sold over the previous two editions of the festival and this year there will once again be stage shows and workshops.

Tickets starting from as little as 12.50 are on sale online at www.buytickets.gi, www.Magic.gi and from the John Mackintosh Hall ticket office as from 9th October from 11am - 2pm daily. A range of free events are also on offer.

Festival Director Jordan Lopez of GibMedia said: Each year its my personal challenge to bring acts Im confident Gibraltar will enjoy. This year we have opted for performers who deliver unique acts: mysterious, spectacular and very magical."

The Minister for Culture, the Hon Steven Linares MP said; After the success of the festivals last two years, I am delighted to work once again very closely with GibMedia to deliver what promises to be yet another successful magic festival. This is another example of event-led tourism, and now a popular event in Gibraltars social calendar.

After a successful introduction last year, a Sensory Performance will also be held.

Jordan Lopez said: This will be in keeping with the policy of inclusion we feel plays a vital role that everyone in our community can enjoy our shows.

Minister for Equality, the Hon Samantha Sacramento MP, said: I am pleased to see Gibmedia have taken this Governments policy on inclusion of people with disabilities to heart by once again providing a Sensory Performance. Following training provided by the Ministry of Equality it is a real pleasure to see that a number of events organisers have now joined our drive to make events accessible and many more are sure to follow suit.
Heidi Schreck, creator and star of What the Constitution Means to Me. Photo: Joan Marcus

Thank you all so much for being here! Heidi Schreck beamed, effervescent in a sunny yellow blazer, as she made her entrance at the start of What the Constitution Means to Me. Then she kept smiling, but something flickered behind her eyes as she added, Especially tonight. It was Thursday, the day of the Kavanaugh hearings. In the tiny pause that Schreck let hang in the air before she took a breath and moved forward, my thoughts plunged through the events of the preceding twelve hours like a lead weight dropped into a sinkhole. The world was in the room with us  her courage, his floundering spinelessness, the dead-eyed indifference of a wall of men with no recognizable consciences to appeal to, no interest in uncovering truth, no intentions beyond shoring up the foundations of their own power.

Schreck began to speak again. Her eyes flashed back into brightness and, still smiling, she began to tell us about how, when she was 15, she gave speeches about the U.S. Constitution in American Legion Hall rhetoric competitions to win money to pay for college  and I thought back to the first time I heard her tell this story. It was the summer of 2017, just a block away from her shows current home at New York Theater Workshop, in the shoebox-sized Wild Project space as part of Clubbed Thumbs Summerworks festival. The world, I thought, had been in that little room then, too. Schreck has created a stunning, porous piece of theater  a brilliantly crafted show, harrowing and funny and humane, that accesses the political through the deeply personal. By telling us about herself  about her relationship to a two-century-old document and about the history of the women in her family  Schreck shows us ourselves, our country, our own shared history. What the Constitution Means to Me isnt political commentary, which moves one way and often tells us what we already know. Rather, its a masterful act of storytelling, blending unflinching vulnerability, nimble humor, and acute analysis to inspire revelation. Its a play that expands beyond itself, offering an immensely powerful model for modern civic theater.

This isnt  its not a naturalistic representation, Schreck says as she looks up at the set that surrounds her. I got my friend Rachel to help me reconstruct it from memory. Its like one of those crime victim drawings. Schreck stands in a kind of oversized diorama box, an American Legion Hall of the mind, meticulously conjured by the set designer Rachel Hauck. You can almost smell the smoke suffusing the paneled walls and green wall-to-wall carpet. [I] performed these speeches to audiences of older  mostly white  men, says Schreck, and in my memory, they were all smoking cigars. She pauses and adds guilelessly, Although, in retrospect, I think that cant be true. She asks politely if we, the audience, would be the men for her as she attempts to remember and reenact her 15-year-old self. Theres a lacquered wooden podium flanked by a Legion flag and the Stars and Stripes to help her get in the zone, along with rows upon rows of veteran portraits lining the walls: dozens of men in uniform staring down at her. Thats us. The ones who get to decide whether a 15-year-old girl deserves our generous scholarship funds.

Were standing in for the men, but weve got a representative onstage with Schreck in the person of Mike Iveson, standing wide-legged in schlubby, overlong pleated pants and navy sport coat, Legionnaire cap and chunky 1970s glasses (the simple, effective costumes are by Michael Krass). Iveson serves as the referee in a game whose single player grows increasingly unable to abide by the rules  of which there are many. First Schreck, as her 15-year-old self, must give a prepared speech of no more than seven minutes, demonstrating her understanding of the Constitution, and [drawing] a personal connection between [her own life] and this great document. Then she must draw an amendment from a jar and speak extemporaneously about it, with only two minutes per clause to tell us everything she knows. Schreck is a little nervous about the personal part of things: I lost a couple of times, she admits, to a girl named Becky Lee Dobbins from Lawrence, Kansas, [who was] a genius at getting really personal with her anecdotes. Becky  who cleaned up with her speech about how the Constitution was like a patchwork quilt, a somewhat less aggressive and witchy central metaphor than Schrecks, which envisioned the Constitution as a crucible of sizzling and steamy conflict  apparently loved to tell stories about her pioneer grandmother, much to the judges approval. That part was harder for me, Schreck admits, that same troubled something flickering behind her eyes again. I didnt want to talk about my grandmother.

Before What the Constitution Means to Me is over, well hear the story of Schrecks grandmother  and stories of her mother and of her great-great grandmother Theressa, a mail-order bride purchased for $75 and put on a ship from Massachusetts all the way around the tip of Chile and back up to coastal Washington, a then-new state full of loggers looking for wives. Well hear about Asa Mercer, the man who cooked up the scheme to ship women out west and deceived them into thinking theyd be able to live independent lives there. Well hear about how the hundreds of unions between native women and white men in Washington were annulled with the coming of statehood, and how, under the Constitution, those women were no longer considered people. Well hear about how, at 14, after years of abuse, Schrecks mother called the cops on her stepfather, a handsome barber named Dick who beat his wife Bette (Schrecks grandmother), raped Bettes oldest daughter, and, when he found out one of the children had reported him, attempted to kidnap them with the help of his constitutionally protected gun. Well hear about the Equal Protection Clause and the penumbra of Amendment 9, about Dred Scott v. Sandford and Castle Rock v. Gonzales and Griswold v. Connecticut. And well hear about Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, imaginary friends and swimming fairies, witches and Greek tragedy and Picasso  and a very cute, very important little sock-monkey named George the Seconds Friend.

Schreck darts masterfully back and forth between reminiscence and reportage, between the facts of her own life and the facts of this countrys violent self-imagining. Her tone is a miraculous blend of brutal and bright, like a juggler keeping chainsaws aloft. (Director Oliver Butler works with her to find exactly the right tempo  allegro vivace with sporadic, unsettling moments of pause.) She makes hairpin turns between witty hilarity and accounts of injustice, cruelty, and dehumanization that sit in the pit of the stomach like blazing stones. But even in these stories, like those of her grandmother Bette or of Jessica Gonzalez, she never turns maudlin or wrathful. In a way, her deliberately upbeat swiftness, punctuated by those latent flashes of deep disturbance, is a commentary on all the stereotypical demands placed on female expression: Smile! Dont be so emotional! Youll get farther if youre nicer. She confesses to us that she was raised to be psychotically polite, and in this sense her sunniness is a tactic many of us know all too well. But her refusal to rage  though she must and does eventually shed her yellow jacket and reveal her exhaustion  struck me with another significance. It reminded me of the Australian comedian Hannah Gadsbys words near the end of her show Nanette (also a theatrical, semi-memoiristic reckoning with ingrained histories of violence, specifically violence against women). I am angry, says Gadsby, and I believe Ive got every right to be angry. But what I dont have a right to do is spread anger. I dont. Because anger, much like laughter, can connect a room full of strangers like nothing else  Just because I can position myself as a victim does not make my anger constructive. It is never constructive  Stories hold our cure.

What Gadsby and Schreck both realize, and what Schrecks play reveals so profoundly, is that getting to know each other, on the most intimate, human-to-human level, is our only hope. This is why weve got to hear Schrecks story  and her mothers, her grandmothers, and her great-great grandmothers. And Mikes. And Rosdelys. (The buoyant, needle-sharp Rosdely Ciprian is one of two actual teenage debaters, local students who join Schreck on stage for the last part of her show; I saw her, but you might see 17-year-old Thursday Williams depending on which night you go.) This expansion of viewpoint makes What the Constitution Means to Me all the more wise and humane. Iveson isnt simply asked to represent a figure from Schrecks past, or to stand for Men in General  though he does both. But he also gets a chance to introduce himself. Stepping to the front of the stage and removing his American Legion get-up piece by piece, Iveson talks about the years he spent refusing to be boxed in gender-wise, about growing up a nerdy gay kid with a very charming (and very masculine) British working-class father, and about his own uncertainty over how to respond when men have tried to engage him in troubling locker-room talk about women. Hes suddenly in the room with us as himself, as fully and vulnerably as Schreck has been if not for as long. Its a vital part of Schrecks show, as is the appearance of the elfin, astonishingly self-assured Rosdely, whos a remarkable young human in her own right  as well as a startling reminder of what 14 actually looks like. This is the age at which Schreck competed for college money in front of rooms full of adult men (Of course, you all know so much more about the Constitution than I do because you have all fought in wars. Thank you, she rattles off to us at one point, earnest and pointed all at once). And this is the age at which her mother dared to report her abusive step-grandfather to the police. Its a terrifying age  smart and brave and on the edge of everything, and so, so young.

As we get to know Mike and Rosdely and Heidi Schreck, the play shows us the cruel limitations of abstract systems, of rules interpreted and enforced without imagination, without interest in or ability to envision another human beings story. In one of the shows most chilling moments, Schreck plays a recording of Justices Scalia and Breyer during the Castle Rock v. Gonzalez Supreme Court trial: They focus not on the mother whose children were kidnapped and killed by her husband, not on the negligence of the local police, who failed to show up no matter how many times Gonzalez called them. Instead, they pedantically debate the meaning of the word shall. Its rhetoric stripped of humanity, and its the reason that Schrecks recreated version of the speeches she once gave about the Constitution must take longer, go farther, and get messier than the strictures of any contrived competition can allow. Schreck is reclaiming her time. Though she initially respects Ivesons Legionnaire characters rulings  stumbling over her words when he holds up the 10 seconds left sign, or cramming stories that are becoming too personal back in their box with a strained, cheerful Thank you!! when he hits the times up bell  the forced march cant last. Schreck cant play her ebullient, compliant 15-year-old self forever. And the first time she turns to Iveson and tells him to hold on a second, it feels like a door cracking open. Neither of them knows whats beyond it. This is new territory, not regulation, and Schreck, now a woman in her forties, tasks herself to step through and find out. Id really like for all of this to disappear now, she says quietly, late in the show, gesturing to her surroundings. This contest. All of  this. A big set change! Laughter ripples in the audience as nothing happens, no Broadway magic, no flying out or gliding away for Haucks big wooden box. But its not that kind of show, Schreck sighs, Maybe we can all imagine that were someplace else now.

Like so much of What the Constitution Means to Me, this joke about an impossible bit of stagecraft makes us laugh, but it also vibrates with a second layer of meaning. Schrecks set isnt just her set: Its the box in which we all live, our fractured country, our troubled Constitution, our long history of rules made by, of, and for white men, to ensure, first and foremost, their own safety, prosperity, personhood, and power. There can be no magical set change because that box, that history, isnt going away. We live in it and it in us. But there can be, in Schrecks words, a collective act of ethical visualization  almost like putting on a play: a commitment to finding our way forward first by learning each others stories, and then by imagining together.

Update: What the Constitution Means to Me has ended its run at NYTW, but it will transfer to the Greenwich House Theater, where it will play from November 27 through December 30.
Photo: Mark Abramson for Vulture

The line that nabbed some of the biggest applause at the last Off Broadway performance of Be More Chill on Sunday night was pretty much a throwaway, when a dorky theater teacher mentions his dream of going to Broadway. The shows chances of making it that far might have seemed just as slim as that drama teachers when it first had a short run in at New Jerseys Two River Theater in 2015, but its audience grew (and grew and grew) online thanks to its cast recording, which earned more than 150 million streams, spawning fan art, lip syncs, and many other forms of online adoration. Thanks to those fans, the energetic high school meets sci-fi musical, based on Ned Vizzinis 2004 novel, sold out Off Broadway this year, and will transfer to Broadways Lyceum Theatre this spring.

As Be More Chill wrapped up its Off Broadway run Sunday night, Vulture stopped by the Pershing Square Signature Center to capture the show and those fans in action. Be More Chills primary audience is high-school kids who identify with the shows dorky protagonists and arrive in costume as its characters. Many of them learned about the show online, and have since seen it in person multiple times (with plans to return for the Broadway run). There are parents in the crowd, too, some of whom have also caught the bug and join in on the cosplay, posing with some of the shows signature computer choreography.

Photo: Mark Abramson for Vulture

The crowd gathers before the curtain rises, with choreographer Chase Brock in a distinctive hoodie on the bottom right.

Photo: Mark Abramson for Vulture

Will Roland, of the original cast of Dear Evan Hansen, takes a bow as Be More Chills hero Jeremy Heere.

Photo: Mark Abramson for Vulture

Roland joins the rest of the cast in what one character in the show calls a victory dance, otherwise known as a curtain call.

Photo: Mark Abramson for Vulture

Left to right, Be More Chills cast includes Britton Smith as Jake, Lauren Marcus as Brooke, Gerard Canonico as Rich, Stephanie Hsu as Christine, Will Roland as Jeremy, George Salazar as Michael, Jason Tam as The Squip, Tiffany Mann as Jenna, and Jason Sweet Tooth Williams as Jeremys Dad/Mr. Reyes.

Photo: Mark Abramson for Vulture

In addition to Be More Chill, Joe Iconis (in glasses, center) has also written on musicals including The Black Suits and Broadway Bounty Hunter, as well as songs for Smash. Next him in plaid is bookwriter Joe Tracz of The Lightning Thief as well as Netflixs A Series of Unfortunate Events.

Photo: Mark Abramson for Vulture

George Salazar signs autographs. His character Michael, a loner and a stoner, has connected with fans with particular intensity, thanks in larger part to his second-act solo Michael in the Bathroom, which dramatizes an anxiety attack at a party in wrenching detail.

Photo: Mark Abramson for Vulture

Michael wears a CREEPS shirt during Michael in the Bathroom, and so too do the fans who come to the show (you can buy one at the concession stand as well). Others dressed as other characters. One teenage girl, Sam, came dressed as Jeremys love interest Christine in an outfit she made herself. Why Christine? Im such a theater kid and Im weird and Im quirky and I just related to her so much.

Offstage, Salazars headband has become a trademark, and therefore the subject of fan art.

Photo: Mark Abramson for Vulture

Sierra, pictured in the CREEPS shirt, drove up with her brother and mom from North Carolina to see Be More Chill for a second time. I got my whole family into it, she explains. Were going to come back when its on Broadway. We have to.

Katlyn Carlson, who plays popular girl Chloe, poses with fans. Its the older people whove surprised me the most, producer Gerald Goehring told Vulture. I just thought we would get the Instagram followers, explaining that, like the younger audience, those older fans still feel like theyre an outsider. The feeling doesnt go away, theyre just good at covering it up now.

On the Squip wall, fans post the names of people who inspire them. Its named for the pill-shaped supercomputer Jeremy ingests in the show to become cool, which manifests to him as Keanu Reeves (Jason Tam, in an increasingly outrageous series of all-white outfits). The names on the wall range from Lin-Manuel Miranda to Ruth Bader Ginsburg to Jessica Rabbit, Tom Holland, and of course, cast members from the show.

Photo: Mark Abramson for Vulture

Sisters Isabelle Mann and Georgia Mann showed up with gifts for Roland. Georgia, a high-school freshman and dedicated Dear Evan Hansen fan, runs a fan account dedicated to him. Her sister, who works in theater, got her interested in the first place. I drag her to shows, Isabelle said, she drags me to the stage door.
Kanye West on TMZ Live Monday afternoon. Photo: TMZ

Of course you were too busy to watch Kanye West on TMZ Live Monday afternoon, so Vulture (unfortunately) sat through it for you. For nearly 30 rambling minutes, Kanye West and Harvey Levin had a conversation about Donald Trump and politics, slavery and Saturday Night Live, largely unsupported by any facts or discernible logic. Wearing a zip-up hoodie and his redesigned Make America Great Again cap, West also detailed plans for his new album Yandhi  which was expected to be released last weekend. The album, West told Levin, will now be released November 23, because the rapper has to go to what is known as Africa to record it. See the highlights (read: lowlights) of their conversation below.

On Saturday Night Live

The bullying came from people around me in my circle telling me why I shouldnt be wearing the hat. It put my energy in more of a reactionary place. A lot of times when people bully you, you get reactionary.

Now, Lorne has promised me to host this year. I do feel a bit slighted that I have not hosted SNL because its going to be lit! When we did the Lil Pump thing, I feel that Im missing my calling a little bit. Im so funny!

On the 13th Amendment and prisons

Im gonna read to you something that my friend GLC from Chicago wrote for me because he puts a lot of energy into understanding historical facts.

Abolish was the wrong language. I misspoke. Amend is the right language.

In order to come up with a solution [to] this complicated issue, to get a sound bite from me will only cause some type of headline. So the headline Im gonna give you is: We need people to amend the 13th amendment that look like the the people that the 13th amendment [is] talking about.

Levin: Whats deficient about [the 13th Amendment] in your view?

West: Whats deficient about it is [Editors note: Kanye begins to read from his phone] the principals that wrote the Constitution were Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Thomas Paine, and John Adams  

Levin: But not the 13th Amendment, because that was really driven by Abraham Lincoln, which was long after.

West: All white men. Okay. The thing is youre going to pull me into a place  this is what liberals often do for Donald Trump. They try to say, You missed this fact! You said that there were 800,000 slaves in the 1800s but there were 3.7 million slaves in the 1800s. But what I was saying is that at a single time, there were 800,000 and now theres  two million, and for lack of a knowledgeable thought-out better term, well say black or well say African-American. Because I dont know where Africa America is. I saw Latin America, Ive never seen Africa America. But for now until we decide what we call our culture, well call ourselves African-American or black. For now. Right now theres over two million black or African-Americans in prison, a lot for nonviolent crimes, a lot for first time offenses.

On the United States Constitution

There should be a group, a modern day group, of respected, super-knowledgeable people. Not me as a celebrity with an opinion. There should be a group of super-knowledgeable people that come from all cultures that then make the amendments on our Constitution.

This country, up to this point, has been run by fear, and not by love.

On 2024

I was telling my dad that I was running for office in 2024. He was like, Its gonna cost a lot of money. I said, Dad were going to have all the money in the world soon as I run.

One of the things Im going to do when I run is not give answers off the cuff. Im gonna talk to experts.

On Chicago

All of this brilliance that I applied to making all of these albums, and the brilliance to making these sneakers and making the second fastest growing company in history  our last valuation was at $2.2 billion, and we do that off of four items. Now we can apply that to Chicago.

On Donald Trump

Do you feel people can grow? For someone to grow, they need to know that they got love. That someone loves, and that someone is leading with love, or that a group of people is leading with love. Theres no way to start a dialogue with Fuck you. Thats not how you lead with love.

Levin: [Donald Trump] has been on this path for years now where people have criticized it, and hes just amped it up. At a point, dont you say, He is who he is?

West: [A minute long silence, in the middle of which Kanye asks a man off camera to move aside so he can feel a womans energy]

Levin: Do you want me to repeat?

West: No.

Levin: Why dont we do this, we cant take a quick break  

West: No. Were not going to Jimmy Kimmel the situation. No, were not going to come right back. Were not going to Jimmy Kimmel the situation. Were going to give me time to think. You asked me a serious question and Im going to take some time to think about my answer. Im going to use time to my advantage in this situation. Now repeat the question.

West: Youre not giving a question, youre giving opinions.

Levin: The question is you had said that people have the ability to grow. What Im saying is  

West: Yeah, what youre saying. So now Im waiting for a question for me.

Levin: My point is, do you give up on them growing?

West: Were not making a point. Youre going to ask me a question.

Levin: Do you give up on somebody growing when they are unrelenting because they are who they are?

West: And I love it. Now you asked me the perfect question, you set me up to win. We never give up on anyone.

On the redesigned MAGA hat

To me, Ive got the right to wear what I want. Thats whats so dope about this country.

On his new album

I started incorporating sounds that youve never heard before, pushing, and having concepts that people dont talk about. We have concepts talkin about body shaming, women being looked down upon for how many people theyve slept with. Its just a full Ye album. Those five albums that I dropped earlier were like superhero rehabilitation. Now the alien Ye is fully back in mode, off of medication, working out, breathing as much fresh air as possible, thinking, doing, being hisself.

Were going to Africa in two weeks to record. I felt this energy when I was in Chicago, I felt the roots. But we have to go to what is known as Africa. I need to go, I need to find out what its really called. Just grab the soil and be and cook food  five meals a day so the metabolism stays up  have my kids in the studio, have the mic out in the open so you can hear nature while were recording. So were going to bring out the album on what is known as Black Friday, November 23.
Controversy has been growing in Limestone County over the small Spring Pygmy Sunfish after construction was halted due to a lawsuit from an environmental group to protect the endangered fish. As new regulations are proposed in Washington, focus locally is shifting back to the controversial one inch fish.

Dr. Jake Dittel, a biology professor at the University of North Alabama, says there are three things he believes are wrong with the new proposed regulations. He says it would redefine what "foreseeable future" means, short-term economic impact would be included in studies and threatened species' habitats could no longer be protected as "critical habitats."

The local debate over the sunfish is focused on its habitat. If these regulations change to not offer critical habitat protection, the Mazda-Toyota plant may avoid a hurtle.
The annual Chili for Charity takes place this Thursday, October 4, at the Huntsville Country Club. Each year, the cook off raises money to donate to a different chairity. This year's proceeds benefit Not One More Alabama, an organization which describes its brief history on their website.

"In November 2016, Not One More Alabama began its journey as an organization to support families whose lives have been impacted by the disease of addiction."

The cook off begins at 5 p.m. with a cost of just $10 for adults, $5 for kids younger than 12 and free for children younger than 2. Twenty-one teams entered this year, and those who attend can sample selections from each. A charity golf tournament begins at noon at Huntsville Country Club.
The U.S. Army awarded $289 million to Northrop Grumman to continue the design and development of its Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System.

The contract will allow Northrop Grumman to upgrade its Integrated Battle Command System engagement operation centers and integrated fire control networks relays. According to the company, this is intended to enhance performance, reliability and maintainability.

IBCS maximizes the combat potential of sensors and weapons while allowing future modernization at lower overall lifecycle costs, said Dan Verwiel, vice president and general manager of missile defense and protective systems at Northrop Grumman.
English French

On September 28, 2018, Casino Group has signed a synallagmatic agreement with a major institutional investor for the disposal of 55 Monoprix real estate assets, with a geographical mix representative of the overall Monoprix footprint with 19 assets in Paris region. After deducting registration fees, the net amount of the transaction is 565M for an annual rent of 27M. The proceeds from the disposal will be received no later than 27 December 2018.

Including the disposal of 15% of Mercialys via a TRS, the operations realized within the deleveraging plan amount to 778M to date. Moreover, Casino Group has already received additional indicative offers on other assets that are included in the disposal plan, which could materialize before the end of the year.

Casino Group confirms all of its 2018 objectives. Continued good operational performance and the progressive roll-out of new profitability levers (New Horizon purchasing alliance, further data monetization, accelerated external development of GreenYellow) will enable Casino Group to improve its retail trading profit in France in 2019 at a similar pace to 2018, including the effects of additional rents.

CASINO GROUP

ANALYST AND INVESTOR CONTACTS:

Regine GAGGIOLI - rgaggioli@groupe-casino.fr - +33 (0)1 53 65 64 17

Or

+33 (0)1 53 65 24 17 - IR_Casino@groupe-casino.fr

PRESS CONTACTS:

Casino Group - Direction of Communication

Stephanie ABADIE - sabadie@groupe-casino.fr - +33 (0)6 26 27 37 05

Or

+33(0)1 53 65 24 78 - directiondelacommunication@groupe-casino.fr

Agence IMAGE 7

+33(0)1 53 70 74 84 - Karine ALLOUIS - kallouis@image7.fr - Gregoire LUCAS - gregoire.lucas@image7.fr

Disclaimer

This press release was prepared solely for information purposes and should not be construed as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell securities or related financial instruments. Similarly, it does not give and should not be treated as giving investment advice. It has no connection with the investment objectives, financial situation or specific needs of any recipient. No representation or warranty, either express or implicit, is provided in relation to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information contained herein. It should not be regarded by recipients as a substitute for exercise of their own judgement. All opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice.

In accordance with European Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1055 of 29 June 2016 with regard to the technical means for appropriate public disclosure of inside information and for delaying the public disclosure of inside information, this press release was communicated to Casino's primary information provider on 01 October 2018 at 7.30am Paris time.

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EVLI BANK PLC PRESS RELEASE OCTOBER 1, 2018 AT 9.00 AM

Evli Bank Plc will publish its Interim Report for the period January-September 2018 on Tuesday October 30, 2018 at approximately 10.00 am. The Interim Report will be available on the company's website at www.evli.com/investors after publishing.

Invitation to investors and analysts

Maunu Lehtimaki, CEO, and Juho Mikola, CFO, will present the result to investors and analysts at Evli Bank (Aleksanterinkatu 19 A, 4 fl, Helsinki) on Tuesday October 30, 2018 at 11.00 am. The presentation will be held in Finnish. After the event, the presentation material will be available in English at www.evli.com/investors. To participate in the event, please sign up in advance to ir@evli.com on Tuesday October 23, 2018 at 4.00 pm. at the latest.

Welcome!

EVLI BANK PLC

For additional information, please contact:

Mikaela Herrala, IR and communications manager, Evli Bank Plc, tel. +358 50 5445740, mikaela.herrala@evli.com

Evli Bank Plc

Evli is a bank specialized in investments that helps institutions, corporations and private persons increase their wealth. The product and service offering includes mutual funds, asset management and capital markets services, alternative investment products, investment research, administration of incentive programs and Corporate Finance services. The company also offers banking services that support clients' investment operations. Evli is the highest ranked and most used institutional asset manager in Finland*.

*KANTAR Sifo Prospera External Asset Management Finland 2018, SFR Scandinavian Financial Research Institutional Investment Services, Finland 2017 (shared first place).

Distribution: Main media, www.evli.com
By Sep. 30, 2018

Tickets go on sale to Schools/Patrons of the Arts on October 1st and to the general public on October 2nd.





Schools are invited to attend Beauty & the Beast performances on Thursday, November 1st at 9 am & noon and on Friday, November 3rd 9 am & noon. Tickets are $3 for students and $5 for adults. Teachers and bus drivers can attend the performance for free.





Evening Performances of Beauty & the Beast will be held on Friday, November 2nd and Saturday, November 3rd at 7 pm on both nights. Tickets are $5 for children and $10 for adults.





To purchase tickets, contact Stacy Simpson at 618-634-3375.





For further information regarding this years musical performance, please contact Tim Frizzell, Speech & Theater Department, at 618-634-3234 or timf@shawneecc.edu.



ULLIN, IL - Shawnee Community College Theatre Department will present Disneys Beauty & the Beast their 29th Annual Fall Production November 1st -3rd.
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By West Kentucky Star Staff Oct. 01, 2018 | 05:27 AM | FRANKFORT

Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, Kentucky's chief election official, is encouraging voters to serve as poll workers, also known as precinct election officials, in the upcoming Nov. 6 General Election. Approximately 15,000 Kentuckians are needed to help administer the election.

"We appreciate the thousands of Kentuckians who further their civic participation by serving on the front lines on Election Day as precinct election officials," said Grimes. "It takes around 15,000 people to help staff our polling locations on Election Day, and we have recently faced shortages, so I encourage Kentuckians to sign up to help support our democratic process."

Poll workers must be 18 and registered voters. An individual may not serve if he or she is a candidate, if their spouse or an immediate relative is a candidate, or if they have changed their party affiliation within the last year. Duties include attending mandatory training, setting up the polling station, processing voters, and completing and returning paperwork to the county clerk's office on election night.

Poll workers are paid a minimum of $10 for attending the mandatory training session before Election Day, and a minimum of $60 per Election Day, as well as additional payment for mileage. Each county board of elections sets the rate for compensation.

For more information or to sign up to become a precinct election officer, visit GoVoteKY.com, contact your county clerk or your party's county executive committee.
By West Kentucky Star Staff Oct. 01, 2018 | 07:20 AM | CHICAGO

Sales tax collection statutes and regulations that require online retailers to collect sales tax on online orders from residents of 10 states go into effect today.

The statutes and regulations, the details of which vary by state, apply to online retailers that do not have a physical presence in the taxing jurisdiction.

Sales tax collection laws applicable to online retail sales go into effect today in Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Michigan, North Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin. Similar laws will go into effect in Connecticut and Iowa in the coming months.

In deciding the South Dakota v. Wayfair Inc. case in June, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned its previous precedent that required a business to have a physical presence, or nexus, in a state to be subject to local taxes.

Thirty-two states have now passed statutes or regulations to require sales tax collection by remote sellers, according to Internet Retailer Magazine and DigitalCommerce360.com, the most-recognized publishing group on e-commerce business intelligence. Internet Retailer and DigitalCommerce360.com explore the online sales tax issue and its impact on online sellers and sales in the October issue of Internet Retailer.

While collection laws are going into effect at the state level, lawsuits challenging states' moves remain active, and three bills have been introduced in Congress to address the issue.



"The roots of the battle over an online sales tax go back decades before the birth of the World Wide Web," says Zak Stambor, editor of Internet Retailer magazine. "While the Wayfair decision fundamentally alters the playing field, I'm not sure we're done with the fight over online sales tax."
Williamson, WV (25661)

Today

Cloudy early with peeks of sunshine expected late. A shower of rain or wet snow possible. High 46F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear this evening then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 34F. Winds light and variable.
English French

Paris, October 1, 2018 - 8:00 a.m.

Permanent information

CeGeReal launches a SHARE capital increase with preferential subscription rights for an amount of approximately 80 million TO FINANCE A PORTION OF ITS CONTEMPLATED REAL ESTATE PROPERTY ACQUISITION

Subscription ratio: 1 new share for 6 existing shares

Subscription price: 35.85 per new share

Rights trading period: from 3 October 2018 to 11 October 2018 inclusive

Subscription period: from 5 October 2018 to 15 October 2018 inclusive

Cegereal (the "Company") announces today the launch of a share capital increase by way of an offering of new shares of the Company (the "New Shares") with shareholders' preferential subscription rights of approximately 80 million (the "Capital Increase").

The proceeds of the Capital Increase will be used to finance part of the Company's acquisition of the Passy Kennedy building (for an amount of 218 million), announced on 18 September 2018. The entire balance of the acquisition price will be financed by a bank loan of an amount of approximately 145 million euros in order to cover costs related to the acquisition and expenses related to the Passy Kennedy building.

Main terms of the Capital Increase

The Capital Increase will take place through the allocation of preferential subscription rights to the benefit of existing shareholders and will result in the issuance of 2,228,750 New Shares.

Each shareholder of Cegereal will receive one preferential subscription right for each share it holds as of the close of trading on 2 October 2018. The subscription price for the New Shares has been set at 35.85 per share (i.e. a nominal value of 5 and an issue premium of 30.85). The subscription ratio is 1 new share for 6 existing shares. The subscription price represents a 3.11% discount to the closing price of the Company's shares on 27 September 2018 (37.00) and a 2.68% discount to the theoretical ex-right price (TERP).

Reducible subscriptions (a titre reductible) will be accepted but remain subject to reduction in the event of oversubscription. New Shares that will not be subscribed on an irreducible basis (a titre irreductible) will be distributed and allocated among the holders of preferential subscription rights having submitted additional subscription on a reducible basis (a titre reductible).

The Capital Increase will be open to the public only in France.

Societe Generale is acting as Sole Global Coordinator and Bookrunner of the transaction, and BNP Paribas as Co-Bookrunner.

Subscription commitments of the main shareholders

Northwood Investors and GIC, holding respectively 7,405,494 shares (i.e. 55.38% of the share capital of the Company) and 3,343,125 shares (i.e. 25.00% of the share capital of the Company ) in the Company, have respectively undertaken to exercise all of the preferential subscription rights allocated to them on the basis of the existing shares they respectively hold and irrevocably commit to subscribe by means of orders on a reducible basis (a titre reductible) for maximum amounts of 10,801,462.60 and 4,876,281.15 respectively.

Those subscription commitments represent 100 % of this Capital Increase.

The Company is not aware of the intentions of its other shareholders or members of its administrative bodies in relation to the Capital Increase.

Company's lock-up

The Company has agreed to a lock-up expiring 90 calendar days following the settlement and delivery date of the New Shares, subject to certain customary exceptions.

Indicative timetable of the Capital Increase

The subscription period will be open from 5 October 2018 to 15 October 2018 (inclusive) to the holders of existing shares recorded in their securities account at the end of the accounting day of 2 October 2018 (the "Subscription Period").

The preferential subscription rights will be listed and traded on the regulated market of Euronext in Paris (ISIN: FR0013368750) from 3 October 2018 to 11 October 2018 (inclusive). The preferential subscription rights not exercised before the end of the Subscription Period, i.e., the close of business on 15 October 2018, shall automatically become null and void.

Settlement and delivery and start of trading on the regulated market of Euronext in Paris (Segment B) of the New Shares will take place on 25 October 2018. The New Shares, which will carry dividend rights and will entitle their holders to any dividends declared by the Company from the date of issue, will be fully fungible with the Company's existing shares and will be traded under the same ISIN code as the Company's existing shares, ISIN code FR 0010309096.

Information available to the public

The Company has published a French language prospectus (the "Prospectus"), which has received the Autorite des marches financiers ("AMF") visa n18-462 on 28 September 2018, comprising (i) the registration document (document de reference) of the Company filed with the AMF on 28 March 2018 under number D.18-0188, (ii) the interim financial report as of 30 June 2018 (rapport financier semestriel) and (iii) a securities note (note d'operation) (including a summary of the prospectus).

Cegereal draws the public's attention to the risk factors included in pages 88 to 90 of the registration document, in pages 20 to 21 of the interim financial report and in chapter 2 of the securities note (note d'operation).

Hard copies of the French language Prospectus are available free of charge at the Company's headquarters, located at 42 rue de Bassano, 75008 Paris. The French language Prospectus is also available on the Company's website (www.cegereal.com) and on the AMF's website (www.amf-france.org).

Potential investors are advised to read the entire Prospectus and to consider carefully before deciding whether to invest in the New Shares. Should all or any part of these risk factors materialize, the Company's and the group's businesses, financials, results or abilities to reach guidance may be negatively affected.

For more information, contact:

Media relations

Alienor Miens / Alexandre Dechaux

+33 7 62 72 71 15

cegereal@citigatedewerogerson.com Investor relations

Charlotte de Laroche

+33 1 42 25 76 38

info@cegereal.com

About Cegereal

Created in 2006, Cegereal is a commercial property company that invests in prime office properties in Greater Paris. The portfolio's appraisal value is estimated at 1,174 million at 30 June 2018.

From an environmental point of view, Cegereal's portfolio is fully certified with NF HQETM Exploitation and BREEAM In-Use International certification, and benefits from the "Green Star" rating in the international GRESB benchmark.

Cegereal is a REIT listed on Euronext Paris since 2006, in compartment B (ISIN: FR0010309096). The Company had a market capitalization of 495 million on 28 September 2018.

Disclaimer

This press release and the information contained herein do not constitute either an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase the Company's securities.

The release, publication or distribution of this press release in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by laws or regulations. Therefore, persons in such jurisdictions into which this press release is released, published or distributed must inform themselves about and comply with such laws or regulations. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

The information contained in this announcement is for background purposes only and does not purport to be full or complete and no reliance may be placed by any person for any purpose on the information contained in this announcement or its accuracy, fairness or completeness. Any purchase of securities should be made solely on the basis of the information contained in the prospectus issued by the Company.

European Economic Area

The offer is open to the public in France.

With respect to each Member State of the European Economic Area other than France which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (the "Member State"), no action has been undertaken or will be undertaken to make an offer to the public of securities requiring a publication of a prospectus in any Member State. As a result, the preferential subscription rights, the new shares or other securities of the Company may only be offered in Member States:

to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive ; to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined by the Prospectus Directive) in each Member State; or in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive.

and provided that no such offer of securities referred to in (a) to (b) above shall require the Company or Societe Generale or BNP Paribas to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive, or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 16 of the Prospectus Directive.

For the purposes of this provision (i) the expression an "offer of securities to the public" in relation to any securities in any Relevant Member State which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (as defined below) means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the securities, as the same may be varied in that Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Member State, (ii) the expression "Prospectus Directive" means Directive 2003/71/EC (and amendments thereto, including the 2010 PD Amending Directive), and includes any relevant implementing measure in the Relevant Member State and (iii) the expression "2010 PD Amending Directive" means Directive 2010/73/EU.

These selling restrictions with respect to Member States apply in addition to any other selling restrictions which may be applicable in the Member States who have implemented the Prospectus Directive.

United Kingdom

This press release is distributed only to, and directed only at, "qualified investors" (as defined in section 86(7) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) who are (i) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended) (the "Order") or (ii) persons falling within Article 49(2) (a) to (d) of the Order (high net worth entities, non-registered associations, etc.) (all such persons being referred to as "Qualified Persons"). This press release is directed only at Qualified Persons. Any investment or investment activity applies to, and may only be made by, Qualified Persons. In the United Kingdom, any investment activity to which this press release relates is only available to, and will be engaged in only with, Qualified Persons. Any person who is not a Qualified Person shall not act or rely on this press release or on any information contained herein.

United States

This document does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of offers to purchase or subscribe for securities in the United States. The securities referred to herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "US. Securities Act"), and may not be offered, subscribed or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. The shares of the Company have not been and will not be registered under the US. Securities Act and the Company does not intend to register any portion of the proposed offering in the United States or to conduct a public offering in the United States.

Canada, Australia and Japan

The new shares and the preferential subscription rights may not be offered, sold or purchased in Canada (subject to certain exceptions and pursuant to procedures set out by the Company), Australia or Japan.

In connection with any offering of the securities referred thereto, Societe Generale, BNP Paribas and any of their affiliates, may take up as a principal position any securities and in that capacity may retain, purchase, sell or offer to sell for their own accounts such securities and other related securities. In addition, they may enter into financing arrangements (including swaps or contracts for differences) with investors in connection with which they may from time to time acquire, hold or dispose of Securities. They do not intend to disclose the extent of any such investment or transactions otherwise than in accordance with any legal or regulatory obligation to do so.

Societe Generale and BNP Paribas are acting for the Company and no one else in connection with the offering of securities and will not regard any other person as their clients nor be responsible to any other person for providing the protections afforded to any of their clients or for providing advice in relation to any offering of the securities nor for providing advice in relation to the offering of securities, the contents of this announcement or any transaction, arrangement or other matter referred to herein.

None of Societe Generale, BNP Paribas nor any of their affiliates, directors, officers, employees, advisers or agents accepts any responsibility or liability whatsoever for or makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information in this announcement (or whether any information has been omitted from the announcement) or any other information relating to the Company, its subsidiaries or associated companies, whether written, oral or in a visual or electronic form, and howsoever transmitted or made available or for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith.
European Union Joins WIPOs Marrakesh Treaty, Greatly Expanding Coverage

Geneva, October 1, 2018

PR/2018/822

The European Union has joined WIPOs Marrakesh Treaty in a big expansion in membership for the accord, which eases the creation and transfer across national boundaries of texts specially adapted for use by visually impaired people.

Video: Video (Watch on YouTube)

Ambassador Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger, Permanent Representative of Austria to the United Nations in Geneva and representative of the 28-member European Union (EU), handed to WIPO Director General Francis Gurry the EUs instrument of ratification for the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled.

With the EUs ratification, the Treaty will cover 70 countries across the globe.

WIPO Director General and representatives of the European Union at the ratification ceremony (Photo: WIPO/Martin)

The EUs ratification marks a major advancement for visually impaired people living inside the European Union as well as in other Marrakesh Treaty contracting parties, allowing them to enjoy texts in accessible formats currently available in any country that has implemented the provisions of the Treaty, said WIPO Director General Francis Gurry. WIPO commends the EU for its commitment to the Marrakesh Treaty and its engagement to ensuring that the multilateral system works for the widest public good. We urge more countries to join so we can make this a universal, worldwide Treaty so visually impaired people can benefit from any accessible book that is produced in any corner of the globe.

At a time when multilateralism is not always easy and has many detractors, it is probably not exaggerated to say that the adoption of the Marrakesh Treaty was a little moment of glory which demonstrated the ability of the international community to identify common political solutions, said Ambassador Tichy-Fisslberger. So today is not only an important step for the European Union and its own citizens with reading disabilities, but also for our friends and partners all over the world of WIPO with whom we share this Treaty.

Only a small fraction, between one and five percent, of all literature is accessible to blind and visually impaired people, said Ms. Claire Bury, Deputy Director General, Directorate-General Communications Networks, Content and Technology of the European Commission, who attended the ratification ceremony along with representatives of the European Blind Union.

That sum represents a book famine. If we can unlock for blind people that knowledge, that hope, that thinking - then we will have indeed made a very significant step, she said. This Treaty is a great achievement for WIPO. It shows, indeed, that multilateralism is still alive and that through it, we can take some very practical steps that can change peoples lives.

The European Union joined the Marrakesh Treaty during the 2018 WIPO Assemblies meetings, held between September 24-October 2, 2018 in Geneva. The Treaty enters into force for the European Union on January 1, 2019.

In opening remarks to the WIPO Assemblies, Mr. Gurry welcomed the growing membership of the Marrakesh Treaty, calling it the fastest moving of the WIPO treaties, not only in the past year, but most probably in the history of the Organization.

Marrakesh Treaty  Ending the book famine

The Marrakesh Treaty addresses the book famine by requiring its contracting parties to adopt national law provisions that permit the production of books in accessible formats, such as braille, e-text, audio or large print, by organizations known as authorized entities that serve people who are print disabled. It also allows for the exchange of such accessible texts across national boundaries, all without requesting authorization from the copyright owner.

The World Health Organization estimates that 253 million are living with visually impairments around the world, with the majority located in lower-income countries.

The Treaty was adopted on June 27, 2013, at a diplomatic conference organized by WIPO and hosted by the Kingdom of Morocco in Marrakesh. The Treaty entered into force on September 30, 2016, three months after it gained the necessary 20 ratifications or accessions by WIPO member states.

ABC - The Accessible Books Consortium

WIPO and its partners created the Accessible Books Consortium (ABC) in 2014 to help implement the objectives of the Marrakesh Treaty at a practical level. ABC works in three areas: the sharing of technical skills in developing and least developed countries to produce and distribute books in accessible formats, promoting inclusive publishing, and building an international on-line catalogue and book exchange of accessible books, known as the ABC Global Book Service.

Currently, 43 authorized entities have joined this Service, enabling them to search and make requests for accessible books, all for free. Following the EUs Marrakesh Treaty implementation, over 270,000 titles will become available in the ABC Global Book Service for cross-border exchange, without the need to obtain authorization from the copyright owner.

The sharing of works in accessible formats through the ABC Global Book Service increases the overall number of accessible works available globally. The World Blind Union estimates that less than 10% of all published works are produced in accessible formats. The Service allows participating organizations to supplement their collections from their counterparts in other countries without charge and then distribute to persons in their country who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print-disabled.
Wits partner on physics education conference

Wits University is the co-host of the International Conference on Physics Education, which is being held at the Misty Hills Hotel this week.

Wits University is the co-host of the International Conference on Physics Education, which is being held at the Misty Hills Hotel and Conference Centre this week.

The conference, which aims to attract physics educators, postgraduate students, teachers, researchers and policy makers working in physics educational research and physics education, is one of 20 to 30 international conferences hosted by the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics each year.

Participants from schools, colleges, universities and governments from all over the world are expected to convene at the Misty Hills conference centre from Monday, where they will share and exchange scientific information, views and experiences on important issues in Physics Education.

They will also have a chance to experience the tourism opportunities that Johannesburg and surrounding areas have to offer, including a day trip to Wits University on Wednesday (3 October).

The main theme of the conference is: "Physics Education for Development: a focus on context" and the scientific program will comprise of a diverse range of international high-level presentations consisting of plenary talks, parallel oral and poster sessions, teacher workshops/symposia and sessions for Women in Physics.

Wits University Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Postgraduate Affairs, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, said it is an honour for Wits to welcome physics scholars, educators, students, teachers, researchers, policy makers and delegates from around the world to the 2018 International Conference on Physics Education.

I am particularly pleased that the theme of the conference Physics Education for Development: A focus on context explores best practices in teaching physics by global standards whilst remaining cognisant of the local environments in which teaching, learning and research takes place, he said.

Vilakazi said Wits is internationally recognised for research and education in physics. There is a strong South African contingent working at CERN, including theoreticians and experimentalists. There are over 35 students involved at CERN in the search for new bosons and playing an active role in upgrading the ATLAS particle detectors in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), while at the same time, there are also teams based at the University who can actively monitor activities at CERN from Johannesburg in real time, thanks to technology.

Another great example is the work undertaken in the Structured Light laboratory, where teams are harnessing light for a myriad of applications in what we can call the age of photonics. A good example is how the digital divide can be bridged through photonics.

More information can be found on the conferences website.
Dublin, Oct. 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Europe Quantum Cryptography Market By Component (Hardware & Service), By Application (Data Base Encryption, Network Layer Encryption, Application Security & Others), By End-User, By Country, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2013-2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



European quantum cryptography market is projected to grow $ 318 million by 2023, on the back of growing cybersecurity market and booming fiber optics industry.



Moreover, demand for quantum cryptography in the region is anticipated to be driven by growing IoT market, which encompasses IIoT, smart grids, smart cities, smart consumer wearables, smart appliances and smartphones, and generates huge data that needs to be secured.



Growing incidences of data theft and cyberattacks is anticipated to further aid growth in Europe quantum cryptography market in the coming years.



Europe Quantum Cryptography Market 2013-2023 discusses the following aspects of quantum cryptography market in Europe:

Quantum Cryptography Market Size, Share & Forecast

Segmental Analysis - By Component (Hardware & Service), By Application (Data Base Encryption, Network Layer Encryption, Application Security & Others), By End-User, By Country

Competitive Analysis

Changing Market Trends & Emerging Opportunities



Some of the major players operating in Europe quantum cryptography market are



ID Quantique SA

MagiQ Technologies, Inc.

Toshiba of Europe Ltd.

qutools GmbH

Crypta Labs

Key Topics Covered:



1. Product Overview



2. Research Methodology



3. Analyst View



4. Europe Quantum Cryptography Market Outlook



5. Market Dynamics



6. Market Trends & Developments



7. Competitive Landscape



8. Strategic Recommendations



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/9zz7d4/europe_quantum?w=12




UTICA  Work is underway to restore two historic bridges in F.T. Proctor Park in Utica, with the help of state funding secured by state Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi.

A total of $125,000 has been secured in the New York State Budget to help restore the Tributary and Starch Factor Creek bridges in Proctor Park, which have damage to the stonework and structural components after years of wear and tear.

Tributary Bridge is located on the main roadway of the park and it was built in 1939. According to Brindisi, its not passable by motor vehicles and it limits first responders access to the park. The Starch Factory Creek Bridge is located over Starch Factory Creek, and its a safety hazard for pedestrians and runners due to crumbling sidewalls and exposed rebar.

Brindisi says the work on the bridges began last week.

The Utica parks have been an important part of daily life for generations of Mohawk Valley residents, Brindisi said in a news release. Repairing these two bridges will allow necessary access into the parks and prevent any further deterioration. Both bridges will be renovated, but their historical integrity will be preserved.

The Utica Parks system, which includes F.T. Proctor Park, is listed on the national Register of Historic Places.
Ilion, N.Y. - Although the New York State Health Department has deemed that the municipal water that goes into people's homes in Ilion is safe to drink, the Village of Ilion has begun distributing free drinking water to village residents, and that distribution will last through the end of October.

Ilion Village Clerk Laurie Medore says there is still some discoloration in the water coming into people's homes, and some have complained the water has an odor, and that's why the village, along with the state health department, are providing free drinking water for a month.

A tanker filled with 8,500 gallons of purified water, paid for by the state, pulled in to the parking lot next to the Ilion Central Fire Station Monday morning.

2,000 bottles of bottled water, also paid for by the state, now sit inside the Ilion Municipal Building.

The bottled water will be delivered to disabled residents who are already on the village's Emergency List, but Madore says any other village residents who can't get to the tanker to fill up jugs can call the village to get some bottled water delivered. She says those disabled residents can receive one 24 bottle case of water each week.

Madore says those village residents who can travel, can bring jugs to the tanker next to the fire station and fill them up with purified drinking water, but they can only fill up a total of five gallons per week.

Madore also says the state health department requires that the tanker filled with the drinking water must be manned 24 hours a day, "The department of health does not want the tanker left unattended because the spigot is an open spigot and they dont want it to be contaminated."

The village is now looking for volunteers to man the tanker during the day in two hours blocks.

An Ilion firefighter or police officer, will man it during the overnight hours.

Madore says some people have already been signing up to volunteer, "It just started this morning at 8:00, so we have a lot of of our department heads doing it right now. I think as time goes on youll see some village residents and we have the Elks Club also volunteering their efforts and their time. I think we'll get a lot of people to help."

If you would like to volunteer for a two hour block to man the tanker, you can head down to the Ilion Municipal Building at 49 Morgan St. to sign up.

If you are disabled and cannot travel to fill up jugs with water, you can call the Village of Ilion at (315) 895-7449 to have some bottled water delivered.

Madore says the water into people's homes has been clearing up over the past couple of weeks, as the village installed a new aeration system in the village's reservoir system last month.

She says the water is expected to completely clear up in the coming weeks, which is why the free drinking water is scheduled to be available through October 31st.
After brief, potent chill at the end of September with 30s Saturday morning in our northwestern areas with patchy frost, we are now working toward near record warmth as two Pacific hurricanes & two Pacific Coast storms (with Pacific tropical storm/hurricane origins) force chilly trough in the West & hot ridge in the East.

In the meantime, after 80s & sun today, it will be a warm, rather humid night with lows of 65-70. Some storms are possible in the north this evening-overnight.

There is a MARGINAL Risk of severe weather along the Kankakee River for this time period, per the Storm Prediction Center.

I think an isolated severe storm could occur north of U.S. 24, given that fact that we will be on the far southern edge of stronger wind fields & cooler temperatures aloft in that zone.

A few more storms could pop morning to midday a little farther southward in the heart of the area (Greater Lafayette) as the front is forced back south by an upper trough swinging through the Great Lakes area.

By this time, the stronger wind fields & cold temperatures aloft skimming by will move into Ohio, Pennsylvania & Ontario.

Highs Tuesday will vary from 72 in the far north to 84 in the south & around 80 in the Greater Lafayette area.

A few more spotty storms may still pop on the front in the area in the afternoon with heating. Note how the front then moves back northeastward Wednesday night, bathing us in warm, muggy, summery conditions.

This is in response to the Hurricane Rosa remnants & California system digging into the western U.S., but also the persistent southeastern U.S. subtropical ridge spread out from Texas to the Carolinas. The Phase of the MJO (from the Indian Ocean) is only enhancing this pattern of burst of southeastern/eastern U.S. heat & ridging northward.

This all works like a teeter totter. Upper troughiness on one side of the country means upper ridging on the other side (here).

With sunshine & gusty south-southwest winds, highs will run 84-87 Wednesday. The record high in Greater Lafayette data set is 90 set in 1922. The projected high of 86 would make it the warmest October 3 since 2005.

Here are the remnants of Rosa bringing flooding rainfall from Baja to Arizona to Utah, Colorado, even Nevada, while California storms will bring heavy rainfall & storms to southern California, all the way to Nevada, Idaho, Utah & Oregon.

You can see the associated teeter-totter trough/ridge scenario they bring with southeastern ridge a dominant feature, too!

It all spells warmth & wind here with very active weather with flooding rains in many areas of the West, then transferring to the Plains & Upper Midwest. Severe weather will become an issue in the Plains & western Corn Belt Wednesday with all of that warmth.

Look how incredibly active it is in the West, Plains & parts of the Corn Belt Wednesday-Sunday night!

Multiple rounds of severe weather are likely Texas to Wisconsin to as far southeast as our area. An all-out early-season snowstorm to blizzard will develop in the Rockies & then High Plains. Flooding will be widespread from the West to the Plains & parts of the Midwest.

As for our area........

We see the remnants of severe weather pass through Wednesday night with showers/storms lingering in our southern counties Thursday. At this point, no severe weather is expected Wednesday night or Thursday.

Additional rounds of showers/storms are likely Thursday night, Friday, Saturday & Sunday off & on with dry hours in-between as we are bathed in mugginess & warmth.

Severe weather indices show that the bulk of the risk will line up northwest & west of our area (yellow & orange).

However, you can see that some at least MARGINAL Risk creeps in from time to time Thursday night to Sunday night.

Colder weather should follow after 2-5" rainfall October 2-13.
It may have been 38-46 Saturday morning, but Sunday saw temperatures reach 79-83. This will set the stage for a humid, breezy to windy, summer-like week that may send the temperature to near record warm levels Wednesday (warmest October 3rd since 2005 with forecast highs at 86). The 1879-present record high is 90 set in 1922. The nights will be especially warm for October.

The remnants of Pacific hurricane Rosa will work in tandem with a strong California storm system (with origins in central & western Pacific tropical systems) to carve a deep trough out West (on the underbelly of the Alaskan ridge).

This will force the wet & cool weather over the West & heat in the east & southeast U.S.

So, we are dry, breezy to windy & warm Monday with sunshine & highs in the low to mid 80s. It will become rather humid.

Some storms are possible Monday night to Tuesday as our front tries to work back southward, in response to trough swinging through southern Canada. Highs will run from mid 70s north to mid 80s south & around 81 in the Greater Lafayette area.

Given the fact that we will be on the edge of stronger winds aloft & colder temperatures aloft, an isolated severe storm or two does seem to be a possibility. Although the better threat is north of our area, I can't help but note how soundings point to that isolated risk.

Wednesday looks dry, windy, warm & humid with highs in the 84-87 range.

Severe weather event will likely blow up from Iowa to Wisconsin Wednesday evening. We will get in on the leftovers of those storms Wednesday night-Thursday morning. Showers & storms are likely Thursday with main corridor of any severe risk south of our area.

However, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday may all feature severe weather risk in or near our area as multiple rounds of showers & storms pass.

It looks quite active shower & storm-wise to mid-October with lots of muggy warmth, then it turns cold & shuts off.

Som yet ANOTHER Pacific hurricane will help (with another powerhouse California storm system with origins in the Pacific tropical systems..........remnants of the Super Typhoon?) to carve unseasonably deep trough into California & the Desert Southwest. More heavy rainfall is likely with not only Rosa, but Sergio & the two California storms bringing life-threatening floods. This will all be a national story. Another national story may be the remnants of Serigo combining with that California storm to bring a major early-season snowstorm or blizzard to the Rockies, then the High Plains.

However, as this occurs, it will force upper ridging in the East. In fact, the hot subtropical ridge will move northward & may actually force a tropical system (storm or hurricane) towards the U.S. MJO phase is favorable for this scenario.

Back to the Pacific, however. We have not seen such a number of Pacific hurricanes affect Arizona & the Desert Southwest & such intense, wet storms (so early) since the late 1970s.

Again, this all spells warm, humid, muggy weather for us with multiple rounds of showers & storms with some accompanying severe risk.

Not only is it a nightmarish scenario for the dry areas of the Southwest (as dry lakes, creek beds fill up with raging floodwaters), but more major, flooding rainfall is ahead for an area hit so hard by heavy rainfall for the past several months: parts of Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota & Wisconsin.

So data suggests that October 1-11 may feature a band of up to 12" of rainfall from the southern Plains to Iowa & Wisconsin, greatly delaying the corn & soybean harvest. There will be widespread areas that cannot get the crop out of the field until the ground freezes solid to support a combine & grain cart & tractor in a field.

To make matters worst, multiple rounds of severe weather will also occur in these areas, causing a risk of the corn being blown over. Stalk rot is already an issue in these areas from the heavy, heavy rainfall of late summer.

Much of this flooding rainfall is all from the Pacific's very active tropics, which can be traced to phases of the MJO (based on the Indian Ocean) & the developing El Nino Modoki.

We may have 2-4.50" of rainfall overall in the first 11 days of October before it dries.

Data suggests the dam finally breaking for cold after a warm first half of October overall.

Mid-October shows temperatures sinking well below normal with freezing (with an all-out "Blue Norther" in the Plains).
TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI)  The Tippecanoe School Corporation will take up the governor's offer for hand-held metal detectors. The deadline to apply for the second round is Friday.

Gov. Holcomb announced the first offering in July, just weeks after a student opened fire at a middle school in Noblesville.

The state program allows schools one hand-held metal detector for every 250 students, free of cost. As we previously reported, the Lafayette School Corporation applied in the first round.

A TSC spokesperson said the Crisis Response Team requested devices for each team member, School Resource Officers and uniformed officers.

News 18 reached out to the West Lafayette Community School Corporation and Superintendent Killion said the district will not participate.

The governor's office said 3,231 metal detectors have been requested so far by 370 school entities, including 94 percent of all traditional public school corporations.

So far the program has cost more than $330,000. It is funded by Department of Administration.




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SAINT JOHN, New Brunswick, Oct. 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As part of Investor Education Month, the Financial and Consumer Services Commission encourages investors to take steps to inform and protect themselves regarding a variety of new ways to invest online, particularly regarding initial coin offerings (ICOs) and cryptocurrencies.

ICOs, cryptocurrencies and other digital assets are emerging investment products. However, they are extremely risky and can be fertile ground for fraud, said Erin King, the commissions senior education and website officer. We aim to provide investors with information about how to recognize a legitimate opportunity, and with the tools to make an informed decision about purchasing.

The rise in cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, has enabled the creation of ICOs. While there is a lot of media coverage about these new types of digital assets and investment products, many people do not fully understand the risks or how they work. Being informed helps protect investors from falling prey to either outright fraud, or to making investments in products that are riskier than their individual comfort level allows.

ICOs are becoming popular among business start-ups to get investors to buy into an idea in exchange for digital tokens or coins. For those looking to invest, it is important to understand that ICOs may not be proven ventures with a product or service, and may be nothing more than ideas or concepts at the time that investors are sought.

ICOs have a high risk of failure. If the business does not successfully complete the project, the coins or tokens it issued may have no value. Investors may be promised high returns, but they should not participate unless they are prepared to lose their entire investment.

Additionally, fraudsters are pretending to be involved in ICOs, cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, as a means of scamming money. Unlike an initial public offering (IPO), most ICOs are made without following formal disclosure requirements. As a result, it is often difficult to find out who is behind the ICO and how the money raised will be spent.

Being an informed investor means doing research and understanding how a particular investment works, what the risks are, and understanding there is no such thing as a risk-free investment, said King. In some cases, people may feel pressured into making an investment to get rich quick. The bottom line is, if you do not understand how an investment works, do not invest.

During the month, the commission will be sharing information about investing online and outlining some of the risks:

ICOs may try to entice investors through free token give-aways or token rewards for promoting the investment through social media.

Some digital assets offerings are pyramid schemes. If you must pay to join, and making money is based upon how many people you can recruit, it is a pyramid scheme and is illegal.

To help raise awareness the commission is launching an investor challenge with a chance to win prizes during Investor Education Month. Throughout the month, its online trivia game Fortune will have questions related to these types of investments. New Brunswickers are encouraged to challenge their friends, while they learn more about being an informed investor and the risks of ICOs. The top three players at the end of October will receive prizes.

To learn more about being an informed investor and cryptocurrencies click on the following links:

01-10-2018

Media Contact:

Sara Wilson, Senior Communications Officer, 506 643-7045 or 1 866 933-2222. sara.wilson@fcnb.ca

FCNB has the mandate to protect consumers and enhance public confidence in the financial and consumer marketplace through the provision of regulatory and educational services. It is responsible for the administration and enforcement of provincial legislation regulating mortgage brokers, payday lenders, real estate, securities, insurance, pensions, credit unions, trust and loan companies, co-operatives, and a wide range of other consumer legislation. It is an independent Crown corporation funded by the regulatory fees and assessments paid by the regulated sectors. Online educational tools and resources are available at www.fcnb.ca.
TORONTO, Oct. 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nutritional High International Inc. (the "Company" or "Nutritional High") (CSE: EAT, OTCQB: SPLIF, FRANKFURT:2NU) is pleased to announce that it has entered into formal agreements to acquire (the "Acquisition") 75% of Nevada-based Green Therapeutics LLC ("Green Therapeutics"), along with a put and call option to buy the remaining 25% interest. As had been announced in the Companys March 13, 2018, press release, the Company had previously entered into a letter of intent to undertake the Acquisition. Entering into the formal Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (MIPA) allows the Company to proceed to submit filings to the relevant Nevada State and municipal regulatory bodies for approval for the ownership change.



In conjunction with the Acquisition, the Company will also purchase an 8.9 acre parcel of land owned by Meridian Companies LLC (Meridian), a Nevada limited liability company, consisting of cultivation facilities and parcels of land for cultivation expansion (the Property) utilized by Green Therapeutics.

We are delighted to take this concrete step toward entering the Nevada market, commented Nutritional High CEO Jim Frazier. We have been working with Green Therapeutics management closely for many months now and we are excited to integrate their fantastic team into our Company wide operations.

Duke Fu, Green Therapeutics CEO, commented as follows: We are excited to advance this transaction and to join the wider Nutritional High family. We look forward to launching FLI products in Nevada and will work with Nutritional High to launch a number of innovative Green Therapeutics products, including Tsunami and Provisions, in California, Colorado and elsewhere.

About Green Therapeutics

Green Therapeutics is one of Nevada's premier innovators and established producer/processors. They operate a state-of-the-art cultivation and processing facility in the Las Vegas area, producing and selling cannabis flower and manufactured cannabis products to dispensaries across the State. In addition, they also manufacture the following products: dabs, vape pens and cartridges, oral sprays, topical creams, as well as pre-rolls.

Green Therapeutics' asset base includes:

Four Nevada Licenses: 2 cultivation and 2 production facilities in Clark County & North Las Vegas;

8,000 sq. ft. of licensed and operational cultivation/production facility in Clark County;

Licensed 5,400 sq. ft. production laboratory in North Las Vegas with UPLC and GC testing capabilities; and

Approved 8.9-acre cultivation license in North Las Vegas thats ready to move to a new high-tech green house facility.

Expansion capacity to cultivate and process over 45,440 pounds of cannabis annually.

Green Therapeutics has also applied for retail cannabis licenses in several locations throughout the State.

Terms of the Transaction

Upon receipt of regulatory approval, Nutritional High will acquire the 75% interest in Green Therapeutics on the following basis:

Purchase price of $18 million, paid as follows (all figures in $ USD):

- Nutritional High to invest $6,600,000 in Green Therapeutics for expansion and growth, including the building of a 43,800 square foot cultivation facility on the 8.9-acre Property. The $6,000,000 investment will be advanced in tranches over 18 months;

- $4,000,000 in Nutritional High shares issuable at a price (the  Issuance Price ) which is the lesser of (i) $0.27 per share, or (ii) the 20-day VWAP price of Nutritional High shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange, converted into United States dollars, on the day that is three (3) business days prior to the Closing Date;

- $7,400,000 in convertible debt ( Notes ) convertible at a price per share equal to a 20% premium to the Issuance Price, $3,400,000 of which shall mature 12 months from closing, and $4,000,000 of which shall mature 24 months from closing.





- Nutritional High to invest $6,600,000 in Green Therapeutics for expansion and growth, including the building of a 43,800 square foot cultivation facility on the 8.9-acre Property. The $6,000,000 investment will be advanced in tranches over 18 months; - $4,000,000 in Nutritional High shares issuable at a price (the  ) which is the lesser of (i) $0.27 per share, or (ii) the 20-day VWAP price of Nutritional High shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange, converted into United States dollars, on the day that is three (3) business days prior to the Closing Date; - $7,400,000 in convertible debt ( ) convertible at a price per share equal to a 20% premium to the Issuance Price, $3,400,000 of which shall mature 12 months from closing, and $4,000,000 of which shall mature 24 months from closing. Concurrent with the closing of the Acquisition, the Company will purchase the Property from Meridian for the sum of $1,519,000, being the original cost of the land to the vendors. This property will become home to one of the largest processing facilities in Nevada and will showcase new technologies in the industry. The consideration for this land will be paid out of cash reserves.

The Notes shall be secured by a pledge agreement encumbering the Green Therapeutics Shares purchased by Nutritional High, as well as the Property.



Nutritional High to secure the intellectual property rights to Green Therapeutics Provisions and Tsunami brand of products (excepting certain rights in the State of Michigan).



Nutritional High shall have an option to acquire the remaining 25% of Green Therapeutics shares at any time after the payment or conversion of the Notes for (i) $7,500,000 if the Option Notice is sent on or before the second anniversary of the Closing; or thereafter (ii) the greater of (a) $7,500,000 or (b) the trailing twelve (12) month EBITA of the Company, multiplied by seven (7), multiplied by 25%. The purchase price will be paid in cash, or at the election of the Vendors, half in shares of Nutritional High.



The Vendors have a right to require Nutritional High to buy their 25% remaining interest in Green Therapeutics at any time after the second anniversary after the Closing at a price equal to the trailing twelve-month EBITA of the Company immediately preceding the date of the exercise of the Put, multiplied by seven, multiplied by 25%. If the Put is exercised, the purchase price will be paid half in cash and half in shares of Nutritional High.

In the preceding months, the Company and Green Therapeutics have been collaborating to determine optimal product and production strategies to be implemented at Green Therapeutics' Nevada cultivation and processing facility, as well as the Company's other markets. In addition, the management of both companies have been working on refining the strategy of how Nutritional High and Green Therapeutics will roll-out in the Nevada market after the Acquisition is closed.

The contemplated transactions are subject to approval by the Nevada Department of Taxation (the "Department") and by the applicable municipal authorities. There can be no assurance that the Department or the applicable municipal authorities will approve the contemplated investment. There can be no assurance that the proposed transactions will be completed as proposed or at all.

The Company also wishes to note that a draft press release announcing closing of the Acquisition was mistakenly uploaded to the CSE website, which has since been removed. The Company apologizes for any confusion in this regard and will provide further updates on the Acquisition as they become available.

About Nutritional High International Inc.

Nutritional High is focused on developing, manufacturing and distributing products under recognized brands in the cannabis products industry, with a specific focus on edibles and oil extracts for medical and adult recreational use. The Company works exclusively with licensed facilities in jurisdictions where such activity is permitted and regulated by state law.

The Company follows a vertically integrated model with a fully developed strategy for acquisitions in extraction, production, sales, and distribution sectors of the cannabis industry. Nutritional High has brought its flagship FLI edibles and extracts product line from production to market through its wholly owned subsidiaries in California and Oregon, as well as Colorado where its FLI products are manufactured by a third party licensed producer. In California, the Company distributes its products and products manufactured by other leading producers through its wholly owned distributor Calyx Brands Inc. The Company also owns a 50% interest in The Clinic Effingham (an Illinois dispensary), and is entering the Nevada, Washington State and Canadian markets in the near future.

For updates on the Companys activities and highlights of the Companys press releases and other media coverage, please follow Nutritional High on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram and Google+ or visit www.nutritionalhigh.com .

For further information, please contact:

David Posner

Co-Chairman of the Board

Nutritional High International Inc.

647-985-6727

Email: dposner@nutritionalhigh.com

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR OTC MARKETS GROUP INC., NOR THEIR REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDERS HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements and information based on current expectations. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. The statements relate to potential market expansion and the use of the proceeds of the Offering. Risks that may have an impact on the ability for these events to be achieved include completion of due diligence, negotiation of definitive agreements and receipt of applicable approvals. Although such statements are based on managements reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be correct. We assume no responsibility to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.

The Companys securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), or applicable state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or U.S. Persons, as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act, absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Companys actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking information expressed in this press release include, but are not limited to: obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals including acquiring and renewing U.S. state, local or other licenses, the uncertainty of existing protection from U.S. federal or other prosecution, regulatory or political change such as changes in applicable laws and regulations, including U.S. state-law legalization, market and general economic conditions of the cannabis sector or otherwise.
Flagship free childcare offer could be rolled out across Wrexham by early 2019

This article is old - Published: Monday, Oct 1st, 2018

Parents across Wrexham could be eligible to access free childcare from the start of 2019.

The Welsh Government are increasing the pace of the rollout of their flagship childcare policy, which is already available to parents living in certain areas of Wrexham

The childcare offer provides 30 hours a week of government-funded early education and childcare to working parents of three and four year olds for up to 48 weeks of the year.

Currently the initiative is available in Anglesey, Gwynedd, Caerphilly, Flintshire, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Swansea and Blaenau Gwent.

Over the summer it was announced that the following areas across Wrexham had been chosen to pilot the scheme:

 Llay

 Gwersyllt East and South, Gwersyllt North, Gwersyllt west

 New Broughton

 Coedpoeth

 Ponciau

 Gresford East and west

 Rossett

 Marford and Hoseley

 Holt

 Bronington

 Overton

 Brymbo

In a statement to Assembly Members last week the Welsh Government outlined its intention to increase the pace of the national rollout.

The scheme is set to be in place across Wales by 2020, however locally there is a view to roll out the scheme across Wrexham by January 2019.

Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths said: This childcare offer, which was one of Welsh Labours key manifesto commitments, will make a tangible and positive difference to parents lives, helping reduce the strain on family income and enabling parents to return to work.

The Welsh Government envisages the scheme to be available nationwide by September 2020 so I am pleased parents in Wrexham will reap the rewards sooner rather than later.
Man arrested by armed police in Rhosddu after domestic incident

This article is old - Published: Monday, Oct 1st, 2018

Police activity yesterday in Rhosddu has been explained this afternoon by North Wales Police.

Several armed police attended the incident, closing off parts of Park Street and Greenfield yesterday afternoon.

Police have said this afternoon: Police were called yesterday afternoon to a report of a domestic incident at an address in Rhosddu, Wrexham. A man was arrested at the scene.

@wrexham @NWPolice anyone know whats going on in rhosddu? Also numerous police cars marked and unmarked on the rd and greenfield pic.twitter.com/jWUDBqoxeE  stacey blundell (@stac_blundell) September 30, 2018

Phil tweeted us @wrexham the below images of the incident & arrest:

Quite Sunday afternoon with armed police outside your front gate @wrexham pic.twitter.com/JtMHpuai00  phill hughes (@phillwxm) September 30, 2018

About 7 armed police in street  pic.twitter.com/mkCH3UZ79Z  phill hughes (@phillwxm) September 30, 2018

Thanks to Tom for the top image.
WikiLeaks announced last Wednesday that Julian Assange has appointed Icelandic investigative journalist Kristinn Hrafnsson as editor-in-chief, taking over one of his roles within the whistle-blowing media organisation.

Assange remains the sites publisher. WikiLeaks explained in a brief statement: Due to the extraordinary circumstances where Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has been held incommunicado (except for visits by his lawyers) for six months while arbitrarily detained in the Ecuadorian embassy, Mr. Assange has appointed Kristinn Hrafnsson Editor in Chief of WikiLeaks.

Julian Assange

Since founding WikiLeaks in 2006, Assange has played a courageous and principled role in disseminating censored and suppressed information that has uncovered numerous crimes of governments and corporations around the world. For his exposures of the crimes of US imperialismmost notably the collateral murder Apache helicopter massacre in Iraq, the Iraq and Afghanistan war logs, and the cablegate release that documented Washingtons global diplomatic intriguesthe journalist has been subjected to a vicious witchhunt.

Following baseless allegations of sexual assault in Sweden, Assange was threatened with a series of bogus criminal charges in the US. He claimed political asylum in 2012, when he entered the Ecuadorian Embassy in London. He has since been illegally subjected to arbitrary detention by British authorities, who have threatened his arrest, and, therefore, certain extradition to the US, if he sets foot outside the embassy. The siege was escalated in March, when the Ecuadorian government, capitulating to enormous pressure from Washington, cut off Assanges communication with the outside world and indicated it was preparing to evict him. This threat could still be enforced at any time.

Kristinn Hrafnssons appointment is testament to WikiLeaks invaluable contribution to genuine journalism. It also points to the base of support that Assange still retains among a group of principled journalists, who have refused to either denounce the embattled journalist or remain silent as US government pressure mounts, as the majority of their colleagues within the global media establishment have done.

Hrafnsson is an acclaimed investigative journalist in Iceland, having worked for several newspapers as well as television news. He has led numerous exposes of high level corruption, including in the Icelandic banking sector, and was awarded the countrys journalist of the year award in 2004, 2007 and 2010. Hrafnsson began working with WikiLeaks after Assange published documents detailing unscrupulous lending practices by Icelands largest bank, amid the collapse of the Scandinavian countrys financial system.

Hrafnsson travelled to Iraq in April 2010 to speak with the children of the civilians killed by American troops, captured in the leaked collateral murder video. He then served as WikiLeaks spokesperson for several years, and was the only individual other than Assange authorised to receive sensitive information on behalf of WikiLeaks.

In 2014, he explained his perspective on the growth of state surveillance: It is very strange that we live in times where the privacy of individuals is becoming practically non-existent, but the secrecy of those in power is increasing day by day. That is something that is totally against every principle and value of society, and of course it should be reversed. We need more transparency for those in power. We need more privacy for the powerlessthe individual.

On accepting the editor-in-chief position last week, Hrafnsson said, I condemn the treatment of Julian Assange that leads me to my new role, but I welcome the responsibility to secure the continuation of the important work based on WikiLeaks ideals.

Despite the extraordinary campaign against Assange that has been waged by the US governmentfirst under President Barack Obama and now Donald Trumpand its allies, WikiLeaks continues to publish important material that would otherwise have remained hidden from public view.

Last Friday, two days after Hrafnssons appointment, WikiLeaks published a secret document from the International Chamber of Commerces International Court of Arbitration that related to a disputed commission payment for a $3.6 billion arms deal between a state-owned French tank and weapons manufacturer and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The multi-billion-dollar deal involved the sale of 436 French tanks and other armoured vehicles (with German-manufactured motors) that were deployed to Yemen from 2015, and used to back the brutal government offensive against Houthi rebel forces. The ongoing US-backed Saudi-UAE assault on Yemen has led to tens of thousands of deaths and now threatens mass famine. WikiLeaks partnered the story with three European media outlets, Der Spiegel in Germany, Italys La Repubblica, and the French Mediapart.

Der Spiegel explained: Its unclear how many of those deaths were because of the tanks the Emiratis sent, but it is possible to reconstruct just how the machines found their way to the Arabian Peninsula. The whistleblowing platform WikiLeaks has published a rare document that pulls the curtain back on the international arms trade.

The expose again underscores the slanderous character of the denunciations of WikiLeaks as an accomplice of the Russian government, or, as former CIA chief and current US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo put it, a non-state hostile intelligence service. Pompeos rantwhich he explicitly tied to a rejection of the First Amendments protection of freedom of speechcontinues to be echoed in the establishment press, by various contemptible figures, aptly characterised by independent journalist John Pilger as Vichy journalists.

The latest is Frida Ghitis, a former CNN correspondent and producer, who last week published an opinion piece in the Washington Post titled, The image of Julian Assange grows darker by the day.

Ghitis recycles all the foul slanders against Assange that have been promoted by the Democratic Party-aligned political establishment in the US ever since Hillary Clinton lost the presidential election in November 2016. Ghitis declares: Assange, we now know, was a key player in the Russian operation to undermine the 2016 U.S. presidential electionby actively helping Donald Trump to become president and undercutting Americans trust in their democracy, the twin goals of Russian President Vladimir Putins interference campaign.

How, precisely, does Ghitis know this? The op-ed piece presents not a shred of evidence. For Ghitis and her ilk, the say-so of the CIA and other state agencies is sufficient grounds for weighing in against a journalist who has been subjected to virtual house arrest for more than six years.

Assange, Ghitis gleefully tells her readers, is a power-mad intriguer. Towards the end of her piece, the columnist lets slip what constitutes Assanges real crime in her eyes, namely, allowing the American people to know the truth about the rigged Democratic Party nomination. In July 2016, just before the Democratic Conventionthe launch of the final stage of the Clinton campaignWikiLeaks released DNC emails that suggested the party had favored Clinton over Sen. Bernie Sanders, she notes. The timing roiled the convention, forced resignations among top Democratic officials, and unquestionably hurt Clintons efforts to gain the support of Sanderss supporters.

How dare Assange or anyone else hurt Clintons efforts! Ghitis has a long record of support for US imperialist operations, in the name of humanitarian interventionin the Balkans, Africa, and Syriaand support for feminist identity politics, including Hillary Clintons election campaign. (The tests of the campaign show Clinton has the toughness to face a relentless assault and psychological gamesmanship of her prospective foes, she wrote fawningly in October 2016. But theres more: Having a woman assume the presidency of the world's most powerful country for the first time could prove educational for men and inspirational for women in the Middle East and, indeed, across the globe.)

Working people around the world must reject the slurs and slanders aimed at destroying Assange, and continue to support WikiLeaks. The demand must continue to be raised that Julian Assange be afforded his basic democratic rights, and allowed to leave the Ecuadorian embassy, unharmed and unimpeded, and with a guarantee against extradition to the US.
A crime that is confessed loudly and without consequence is no guarantee of future good conduct on the part of the criminal. This is the impression left by President Emmanuel Macrons admission last month that the French state tortured and murdered the young mathematician Maurice Audin in 1957 in Algiers, during the Algerian war, because of his political positions.

Before a raft of TV cameras, Macron personally gave Audins widow a statement approved by the defense ministry. The statement admits that Audin was tortured and then executed or tortured to death by the troops who had arrested him.

Macron then whitewashed the crime, claiming there was a juridical foundation for the mass torture and murder perpetrated by the French government during the Algerian war. Historians, he said, all agree to recognize that Maurice Audins death was made possible by a legally instituted system that favored disappearances and allowed torture for political ends.

This does not only mean that this confession should have no consequences for officers who carried out the repression in Algeria, such as Jean-Marie Le Pen, the founder of the National Front (FN) and father of neo-fascist presidential candidate Marine Le Pen. If Macron insists that the juridical context of Audins state murder was legal, it is because the emergency legislation of 1955-1956 that led to Audins killing underpins Macrons policies of austerity and militarism today.

Macron and the preceding Socialist Party (PS) government imposed laws authorizing mass spying and the labor law that suspends the Labor Code during the 2015-2017 state of emergency. The National Assembly had created the state of emergency in 1955 specifically to crush the movement against French colonial rule in Algeria. The 1955 law was part of a raft of emergency measures adopted at the time, including the 1956 special powers decree, that encouraged torture and murder.

This system unfortunately was the source of acts that were sometimes terrible, including torture, Macron said. By failing to prevent and punish the use of torture, successive governments endangered the survival of the men and women detained by the security forces. Yet in the final analysis, it is with them [the military-police apparatus] that rests the responsibility for the safekeeping of human rights and, first of all, the physical integrity of those detained under their sovereignty.

This is the outlook of the president of a police state, not of a democratic republic. Woe betide those countries that grant unchecked and absolute powers to the police, hoping to save their rights; they have only ever gotten bloody dictatorships in return. The task of defending democratic rights against the state and the ruling classes falls not to the police, but to the population and above all to the working class.

Audis murder is a warning about the implications of imperialist war that echoes still 60 years later, as France and NATO wage wars from Mali across the Middle East all the way to Afghanistan. The attempts of the most powerful capitalist states to dominate countries and entire regions by force is criminal and reactionary all down the line. It implicates imperialist states, whether or not they are formally parliamentary-democratic, in crimes against foreign peoples and their own citizens.

Audin died under the parliamentary regime set up in France after World War II, as General Massu, to whom Guy Mollets social-democratic government had granted arbitrary powers, occupied Algiers at the head of a division of paratroopers. Audin, a member of the Algerian Communist Party, supported Algerian independence even though the French Stalinist sister party, the PCF, supported Mollet and the special powers. In June 1957, Massu and his adjunct, Paul Aussaresses, had Audin arrested, tortured, and murdered.

This murder symbolized the broader criminality of a war that claimed a half million lives. Of Algerias population of 10 million at the time, France detained 3 million in internment camps. Also, 25,000 French troops died during the war, and 60,000 were wounded. Of the 1.5 million French troops who participated in the war, mostly young draftees, many came back lastingly traumatized by what they had seen and done.

The war revealed French imperialism for what it is. Barely a decade after World War II, in an attempt to maintain its neocolonial pillage of the Maghreb, the French bourgeoisie committed many of the crimes the Nazi Gestapo had committed in occupied France. Thousands of former SS soldiers or Prussian knights of the Nazi army, recruited into the French Foreign Legion, fought in French colonial wars in Indochina and Algeria.

Since then, successive French governments, both right-wing and social democratic, coldly denied the states responsibility for Audins murder, in order to whitewash imperialism and militarism before French and world opinion. But for masses of youth and workers at the time, the crimes committed in Algeria deeply discredited the French capitalist regime set up under the leadership of De Gaulle and the Stalinists after World War II.

The model of the battle of Algiers, that is to say mass arrests and torture, was followed internationally. At Fort Bragg, Aussaresses taught counterinsurgency strategies to the US armed forces used in Latin America and in Vietnam during the CIAs bloody Operation Phoenix. He explained there that in a revolutionary war, the enemy is the population, and that torture victims should be executed. At the same time, a broad antiwar movement was developing among youth around the world against the Vietnam War.

The official reception in France to Macrons speech on Audin is a warning: it is urgent to build a new movement against war and dictatorship. In the 50 years since the May-June 1968 French general strike, the anti-Trotskyism and growing affluence of those recruited from the post-1968 student movement into the leading ranks of the left parties has shifted official political life far to the right. Now, the political establishment and the media close ranks instinctively and immediately to defend the police state that Macron is building. Le Monde hailed Macrons statement under the headline, Algerian War, Macrons historic gesture. It cited historian Benjamin Storaa former member of Pierre Lamberts Organisation communiste internationaliste, a party that opposed the Algerian war before it broke with Trotskyism and the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) in 1971. Stora enthused that Macron is in the great tradition of decisions of historical recognition. Liberation for its part saluted the most ambitious gesture of memory since Macrons election.

The PCF hailed Macrons gesture with joy. PCF National Secretary Pierre Laurent saluted a historic victory for truth and justice, and the Stalinist daily LHumanite hailed a magnificent victory.

The Clear Tendency faction of the Pabloite New Anticapitalist Party (NPA), which supported French imperialisms humanitarian wars in Libya and Syria, wrote that Macrons call represents a magnificent victory and is at the level of what is expected. It applauded LHumanite for its combat for the truth and attributed to Macrons statement a great historic and political weight.

The Parti de legalite socialiste draws fundamentally opposed conclusions to those of the lackeys of French imperialism. The example of the Algerian war points to the necessity to build a mass movement against war in the international working class, based on a Trotskyist program. And as official circles reinforce mass spying and far-right parties across Europe, Audins murder points to the necessity to oppose states of emergency and police-state rule.
Last week marked the fourth anniversary of the forced disappearance of 43 teaching students (normalistas) from the Raul Isidro Burgo Rural Normal School in the town of Ayotzinapa in the southern Mexican state of Guerrero. Following a demonstration against cuts in education funding in the city of Iguala, local police herded the students into buses and likely turned them over to a local gang, the Guerreros Unidos. They have never been heard from since, and the remains have been recovered of only one of the students.

The incident itself, as well as its investigation by the Attorney General of Mexico (PGR) under what is now the outgoing government of President Enrique Pena Nieto and his Party of the Institutional Revolution (PRI), were emblematic of the lawlessness of the Mexican state, its corruption and its ties to organized crime. At a more fundamental level, the case evinced the disdain of Mexicos ruling oligarchy and government for the most basic rights of the Mexican population, who were outraged by this monstrous crime.

The PGRs investigation concluded that the Guerreros Unidos gang killed the students and then incinerated their remains in a dump by a river in the neighboring town of Cocula. This is known in Mexico as the historical explanation.

Its deficiencies and inconsistencies were exposed by the Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH) and the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team, among others. They proved that the students remains could not have been incinerated at the Cocula dump site as the PGR had concluded.

The PGR arrested 170 people, including members of Guerreros Unidos and local police from Iguala and Cocula. One hundred and nineteen of them are still detained, of whom 69 are directly accused of complicity in the events. Not a single person has been sentenced for the crime.

Confessions by many of those detained were extracted under torture. Courts later ordered a number of them freed for that reason.

The PGR also ignored credible evidence developed by the CIDH of the complicity in the crime of various government authoritiesthe Guerrero state police, the federal police, and the 27th Battalion of the Army stationed in Igualawho either directly participated in the detentions and murder of the students, or stood by as they transpired.

The PGR under President Pena Nieto stuck to the historical explanation precisely in order to cover up the involvement of these forces, above all in order not to subject the Army to scrutiny.

The Mexican government rejected widespread calls for a truth commission that would continue and expand the investigation, including those by the Office in Mexico of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN-DH), who decried the governments conclusions as unsustainable.

The families of the disappeared students and their supporters went to court in order to reopen the investigation and seek the implementation of such a commission. The PGR opposed this relief, filing literally dozens of court appeals to head this off.

In June, a constitutional court issued a landmark ruling that ordered the creation of an independent Commission of Investigation for Truth and Justice to once again take up the case. The PGR challenged that ruling, asserting that impaneling such a commission was a legal and material impossibility.

On September 20, the First Collegiate Court of the Nineteenth Circuit based in Reynosa rejected the position of the PGR. The State could not investigate the federal police and Army, because it would in effect be investigating itself.

Now the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation will review this ruling.

Last Wednesday, over ten thousand marched in Mexico City, including the students family members, university students, teachers and social organizations, to commemorate the disappearance of the normalistas, and press for a new, thorough and honest investigation.

The families then met with President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (popularly known as AMLO) of the victorious Morena (Movement for National Regeneration) party.

AMLO offered the next of kin the investiture of a truth commission, with or without a court ruling. The new governments goal he said was to work for truth and justice, without impunity. But, he cautioned, there would be no witch hunt.

A decree to that effect would be issued on December 1, requiring the government to cooperate fully with, rather than impede, such an investigation, and to allow the participation of the UN and the IGIE, which would include utilization of the latters technical assistance.

After the families met with AMLO, Alejandro Encinasonce a militant of the former Communist Party of Mexico, former head of the Mexico City government and the current senator representing Mexico City in Congresswho AMLO says he will appoint deputy minister of the Interior to oversee human rights generally and the Truth Commission specifically, addressed the press. Encinas stressed that a commission would allow us to have an instrument with sufficient judicial force to review the case and continue the investigation.

However, when Encinas was asked about whether the participation of the military in these crimes would be investigated, he equivocated: We will see. It is not the objective to investigate the Army [We] do not want to strap on knives with the Army.

Encinas continued: It is different to talk about the Armed Forces in the abstract, than say, elements of the Armed Forces. You have to make that differentiation.

When specific reference was made to the participation of the Armys 27th Battalion, Encinas demurred, saying any comment would have to wait the new investigation, and that it was not up to him to speculate.

Pressed further, Encinas said that if there are elements of the Armed Forces [involved], they will have to be subject to the corresponding sanction. In other words, if the Army high command ordered or covered up local army involvement that would be out of bounds in any truth commission.

This deference to the Armed Forces is of a piece with AMLO recently backtracking from his campaign promise that he would pull soldiers from the streets, where they were placed over ten years ago by President Felipe Calderon, ostensibly to battle the drug cartels, back to their barracks. Now, he explains, although the military operation has led to tens of thousands of deaths, that is not practicable.

AMLO also must tread carefully, lest leaders in his own party or other supporters turn out to have been involved in the Ayotzinapa events, or in their coverup. In 2014 he and Morena had been grooming Igualas former mayor, Jose Luis Abarca, to run for governor of Guerrero state. It turned out that Abarca was directly involved in ordering the seizure of the normalistas the night they disappeared. He and his wife, the latter a sibling of the leader of Guerreros Unidos, were later convicted of involvement with the gang and money laundering.

AMLO ran for president as a progressive social democrat. His platform stressed most of all fighting corruption. Corrupt governors, those in bed with the narcotics cartels, officials who stole or committed fraud against public property, who rigged bids for public contracts, who turned a blind eye in Mexico City to enforcement of building standards, despite a history of major earthquakes, who illegally spied on citizensand their co-conspirators in businesswould all face a day of reckoning, without impunity. Presumably, even the outgoing president might have to face the music.

Mexicos working class will learn soon enough that once in office AMLO will disappoint them on many fronts. He inevitably will pursue more and more right-wing measures in the interests of the Mexican and international bourgeoisie.
With Brazils October 7 general elections less than a week away, the political life of the country has been dominated by increasing threats to democratic institutions by the military and officials associated with the presidential campaign of the fascistic army reserve captain and seven-term Rio de Janeiro federal representative Jair Bolsonaro.

With Bolsonaro leading the polls, the official democratic bourgeois factions are themselves moving sharply to the right.

The latest far-right move in the crisis-ridden campaign has been an interview given by Bolsonaro to the right-wing pundit Jose Luiz Datena, from the Bandeirantes TV channel, declaring that based on what he sees on the streets, he could not accept an electoral defeat at the hands of the Workers Party (PT) candidate Fernando Haddad.

Bolsonaro gave the interview from a semi-intensive care unit in one of the favorite hospitals of Sao Paulos wealthy elite, where he has spent 20 days recovering from a life-threatening knife wound inflicted by a deeply disturbed individual during a campaign rally.

With 28 percent, Bolsonaro leads the latest polls, but is ever more closely followed by Haddad, who is rapidly closing the gap and now polls at 22 percent, largely due to the so-called vote transfer from former PT President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Lula had previously led the polls for almost a year. Jailed for corruption, on September 11, after an eight-month legal battle, Lula finally dropped his candidacy in favor of Haddad.

Tied in third place with around 10 percent are Ciro Gomes, the candidate of the oldest functioning bourgeois party in Brazil, the Democratic Labor Party (PDT), and former Sao Paulo state governor Geraldo Alckmin, from the Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB), the countrys former leading right-wing party. The latest Datafolha poll from September 28 saw every contender increase his lead over Bolsonaro in a likely second-round run-off election.

The latest ominous threat by the far right follows repeated declarations by high-ranking military officers, especially the commander of the Brazilian Army, Gen. Eduardo Villas Boas, and echoed by right-wing pundits, questioning the legitimacy of the elections. They have pointed to foreign interference by a UN panel that voiced concerns over the treatment of Lula, a potential ruling by the Supreme Court freeing the ex-PT president on appeal and the impact of the attempt on the life of Bolsonaro, who could claim he was denied the right to campaign by the attack.

Villas Boas declarations have emboldened Bolsonaros vice presidential running mate, Gen. Hamilton Mourao, to declare the legitimacy of a presidential self-coupcalling out the militaryin face of the widespread opposition Bolsonaro would inevitably face if elected.

They have also emboldened Bolsonaro himself to declare that the Electoral Court may rig Brazils electronic voting system in the PTs favor, and that this would be the only possible explanation for his defeat at the polls.

What is becoming increasingly clear is that the far right will apply maximum pressure in order to guarantee that the next government, whether led by Bolsonaro or by Haddad, is going to be the most right-wing since the fall of the 21-year US-backed military dictatorship in 1985.

Against such a menacing backdrop, the PT is making it ever clearer that it will play the leading role in covering up this threat from the far right, whether it wins the election or not.

The far-right campaign has prompted the PT to dispatch its former chancellor and defense minister, Celso Amorim, to a round of interviews with what passes for the left press in Brazilthe local edition of the Spanish Daily El Pais and PT mouthpieces such as Carta Capital and Brasil247 in which he has guaranteed that the pack of generals behind Bolsonaro and the army commander Gen. Villas Boas do not represent the vision of the Armed Forces.

Amorim made this media tour in the wake of the PT-organized Threats to democracy and the multipolar world conference in Sao Paulo, which had as one of its main speakers Dominique de Villepin, the right-wing former French prime minister who oversaw major anti-working class reforms responsible for the unprecedented growth of the far right in France.

Support from imperialist officials and mouthpieces, such as the New York Times, Le Monde, the Financial Times and the Economist, has been a central prop of the PTs appeals to the Brazilian ruling elite, with Lula receiving supporting letters and jail visits from warmongers such as Francois Hollande and Martin Schultz.

In his first interview in his PT-sponsored media tour, Celso Amorim told Carta Capital that Bolsonaro and General Mourao are a minority within the military. He singled out desperate workers willing to cast a vote for the nationalist and populist-posturing Bolsonaro as the greatest threat to democracy.

To El Pais, on the next day, Amorim praised Gen. Joaquim Silva e Luna, Brazils first uniformed defense minister since the Army, Navy and Air Force ministries were unified to increase civilian control over the military, for being constructive during the proceedings of the Congressional Truth Commission on the 1964-1985 dictatorship. During this process, the military insisted that no prosecution would be allowed for its assassins and torturers and openly threatened mutiny if any attempt were made to hold them accountable.

In the same interview, he dismissed Villas Boass declarations threatening the Supreme Court on the eve of its April 3 ruling on Lulas Habeas Corpus plea. He said that the army was attentive to its missions and shared the feelings of well-meaning citizens against impunity [for Lula]. He added that he didnt want to speculate on what he meant and that he cannot judge his intentions, and that he could not cast any suspicion on Villas Boas from what he knew of him as defense minister.

Later, on September 28, he declared to Brasil 247 that the military will accept Haddads victory, once again relying on the constructive Gen. Silva e Luna, whom he said has highlighted that the election result would be respected, whatever it is.

Amorims press tour and his promotion of General Silva e Luna constitute a carefully thought-out maneuver by the PT to court the military and present the party as the force best suited to its interests. The clearest indication of this has been Amorims reference, in Carta Capital, to the need for a preemptive Marshall Lott.

Marshall Henrique Lott was responsible for guaranteeing that President Juscelino Kubitscheck could take office in 1956 after the threat of a military coup, and for later reining in another coup threat against President Joao Goulart in 1961, in the so-called Legality Campaign.

Amid an escalating military threat and an increase in working class militancy, it was the Communist Partys insistence that workers subordinate themselves for more than 10 years to constitutionalist bourgeois forces like Lott and the Brazilian Labor Party, to which Goulart belonged, that proved the main factor in the final success of the military in the coup of 1964, which initiated a 21-year, blood-soaked regime that murderously silenced any opposition.

The references to Lott and constitutionalist military go hand-in-hand with the declarations by PT officials that they are pursuing a Peron strategy, of Haddad as President, Lula in Power. The Argentine President Juan Domingo Peron, harbored by the fascist Franco regime in Spain after a 1955 Argentine military coup, came back to Argentina after his hand-picked candidate, Hector Campora, won the 1973 elections. He allowed Perons return and quickly resigned in order to convene new elections that Peron would win. Taking office amid increasing working class unrest, Peron died in 1974, and his party turned viciously against the working class, founding the murderous Argentine Anticommunist Alliance and purging the unions before being ousted by the military, leaving the working class defenseless, in the face of the 1976 coup.

The PTs rightward movement is preparing a no-less bloody end. The first task of the working class in preparing itself for the inevitable future confrontations is to consciously break with the PT and all of its anti-fascist bourgeois alliance.
On Saturday, ahead of todays one-year anniversary of the Catalan independence referendum, dozens of demonstrators were injured and six were arrested in clashes with regional police in Barcelona.

A year ago, Madrid deployed 16,000 police in a failed attempt to suppress the referendum by violently assaulting peaceful voters, including the elderly. With tacit European Union support, the central government threatened direct military intervention. It proceeded to jail Catalan nationalist politicians and impose an unelected government on the region.

Since then, despite mass protests in Barcelona, successive governments, led first by the right-wing Popular Party (PP) and then by the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE), have continued Madrids reactionary course in Catalonia. The current social democratic government is doing so with the support of Podemos.

Saturdays clashes erupted after Catalan regional police intervened to separate a separatist protest organised by the Committees for the Defence of the Republic (CDR), a group close to the Catalan nationalist Candidatures of Popular Unity (CUP), from a rally backing the national police.

The pro-police demonstration was organized by Jusapol, an association of national police and civil guards that demands equal pay between Spains two nationwide police forces and Catalonias regional police. The aim of the demonstration was to pay tribute to the crackdown on the October 2017 referendum.

Jusapol President Natan Espinosa provocatively declared that his organization wanted to honour those who worked to preserve the unity of Spain. A leader of the far-right Vox party, Javier Ortega, also participated in the Jusapol rally.

The Jusapol demonstration marshalled some 3,000 protesters. They chanted Long Live Spain and Go Get Them!a reference to slogans shouted by far-right demonstrators in support of national police units that were deployed to Catalonia on the eve of the referendum.

The CDR counterdemonstration mobilized over 6,000 people. The separatist protesters shouted at the Spanish police supporters, October 1, We Neither Forgive Nor Forget, Get Out of Here, Fascists! and Independence! The right-wing demonstrators responded by shouting, We Will Be Victorious! Long Live Spain and Our Cause Is Just!

Clashes reportedly erupted when CDR protesters tried to confront the pro-police rally. When the regional police cordon blocked them, the demonstrators sprayed coloured powder and threw eggs at the regional police.

The Catalan police responded by charging with batons in at least at three different locations, leaving at least 24 injured, of whom six were hospitalized. Videos and images on YouTube show police hitting protesters above the waist and in some cases on the headviolating police regulations.

The regional Catalan Home Affairs minister, Miquel Buch, defended the actions of the Catalan police, the Mossos d'Esquadra, saying on Sunday We managed to avoid bigger problems. Such a clash could have become very violent. However, he admitted that some policemen did not behave according to protocol. The CUP, which has historically supported the current Catalan ruling parties, has urged the minister to resign.

Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau of Podemos-backed Barcelona en Comu spoke on Catalunya Radio to say: I make a call for calm This city has always defended the right of everyone to exercise the right to free speech. Keeping silent on the pro-police rallys far-right character, Colau appealed for law and order, saying Barcelona had requested more police officers to fight against insecurity.

Saturdays violent clash reflects the explosive political and class tensions created by the PP governments crackdown in Catalonia. A year after the 2017 Catalan independence referendum, none of the issues that led the Catalan nationalists to call the independence referendum, and Madrid to order its repression, have been resolved.

A strike wave is developing across Spain and Europe amid growing anger over austerity and the militarist policies of the EU and Madrid. With the installation of a new PSOE minority government backed by Podemos and the main Catalan nationalist parties, the class gulf separating the entire political establishment and masses of working people has come to the fore.

PSOE Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has in all essentials continued the PPs policies of militarism and police state repression, while broaching a few symbolic concessions. He has declared his sympathy for Catalan autonomy and floated proposals for investing 500 million in Catalan infrastructure. At the same time, however, the PSOE government, which is maintained in power by the support of Podemos, has kept Catalan nationalist prisoners in jail and retained rebellion charges against nine incarcerated Catalan leaders. The charges carry sentences of up to 25 years in jail.

The reactionary policies of the PSOE and Podemos have exposed the bankruptcy of the main Catalan nationalist parties, Together for Catalonia (JxCat) and Catalan Republican Left (ERC), both of which backed the June no-confidence vote that installed the PSOE government.

The pseudo-left CUP and its appendages, such as the Morenoite Workers Revolutionary Current (WRC), are responding with calls to implement the so-called mandate of the October 1 referendum. With a 92 percent vote for independence on a turnout of only 43 percent, less than 40 percent of voters supported independence. Nonetheless, the CUP and the WRC are agitating for the Catalan nationalists to secede from Spain, criticizing JxCat and the ERC for seeking only a return to regional normality and protecting investments of the large Catalan companies.

The CUP and the WRC know that the Catalan nationalists have no base in the working class, any more than the Spanish ruling parties, and they fear the growing radicalization among workers.

The WRCs Izquierda Diario website calls on the Catalan nationalists to expand their base by going to the factories, offices and working-class neighbourhoods. This, they claim, will add the bulk of the Catalan working class to this democratic struggle, [which will] return to the streets much renewed and with a political programme that solves the serious democratic and social problems. They add, It is necessary to link the struggle for the Catalan Republic with the struggle to end precarious employment and the low salaries of young people, women and immigrants.

In fact, the past year has shown that a Catalan secessionist perspective, which divides Catalan and Spanish-speaking workers, is a trap for workers opposed to the police state policies of the EU and Spain. Those who dress it up in left colours, like the CUP, have long records of voting for austerity budgets proposed by the main Catalan nationalist parties. These parties are violently opposed to mobilizing the working class and oriented to the sordid political manoeuvres in Madrid.

JxCat and ERC have threatened to withdraw support from the PSOE government and let it collapse if Sanchez refuses to discuss self-determination and fails to free the jailed Catalan nationalists. However, they have not acted on this threat, fearing that new elections might bring to power the PP and the Citizens Party, which are calling on Sanchez to again impose an unelected government in Catalonia.

The political bankruptcy of all these forces vindicates the statement the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) released last year on the eve of the referendum. It warned that opposition to repression cannot be mounted under the grip of the ruling parties in Madrid or the Catalan nationalists, who are unflaggingly hostile to the working class.

The ICFI insisted that the division of the Spanish working class by the building of a new capitalist state in Catalonia, governed by parties with a long record of supporting war and imposing austerity, offers workers nothing. It would separate Catalan workers from their greatest ally against Madrids onslaught: the entire Spanish and European working class.

The only viable policy against the danger of war and dictatorship, the ICFI wrote, is to fight to unify the working class in Spain and Europe in a struggle against capitalism and for the socialist reorganization of society. This can be carried out only in revolutionary struggle against all of Spains bourgeois factions.
The prestigious Peking University effectively banned the students Marxist Society after its members came to the support of protesting workers. This response points to fears that political radicalisation and unrest, not only among university students, but among Chinas exploited working class, could threaten the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) police-state regime.

The reaction of university authorities also underscores the fact that the CCP has long abandoned the principles of Marxism and today serves the interests of a tiny layer of ultra-rich oligarchs. These multi-billionaires have amassed their vast wealth at the expense of the working class over the past three decades of capitalist restoration.

The move against the Marxist Society is all the more remarkable as Peking University was at the centre of the May 4 movement in 1919 that opposed imperialism and Chinas stifling cultural and literary traditions. Its chief leader Chen Duxiu, a lecturer at Beijing University, turned to Marxism and was a founding member of the CCP and its founding chairman. He opposed Stalins betrayal of Chinas 192527 revolution and helped forged the Trotskyist movement in China that opposed the Stalinist CCP.

The Financial Times (FT) reported on September 24 that the Beijing Universitys Marxist Society has not been able to re-register for the new academic year because it did not have the required backing from teachers. The societys statement on September 21 explained: Everyone can see what the Peking University Marxist Society has done over the past few years to speak out for marginalized groups on campus.

According to the FT article, the deregistration of the Marxist Society followed a summer of student and worker unrest in the Chinese manufacturing hub of Shenzhen. Students from Peking and other elite Chinese universities were detained for supporting workers trying to organise a trade union at a Jasic Technology factory.

An article in the Economist on September 27 entitled A spectre is haunting China: Officials in Beijing worry about Marx-loving students noted that other students faced similar difficulties. [Y]oung Marxists at a university in Nanjing, an eastern city, said they had also been facing hassles. A Marxist society at another university in Beijing said it was struggling, too.

The Economist also reported Zhang Yunfun, a young former member of Peking Universitys Marxist Society, was arrested during a Marxist study session he organised at a university in the southern city of Guangzhou. He was handed a six-month jail sentence for disturbing public order.

Another Marxist Society member, Zhan Zhenzhen, was arrested in August as students came to the support of protesting workers at the Jasic Technology factory who were trying to organize a trade union independent of the state-run All-China Federation of Trade Unions that functions as an industrial policeman.

Most strikes and protests by Chinese workers are not reported in the countrys heavily censored media, but the Jasic Technology dispute has attracted attention. The company makes hi-tech welding equipment for export, including to the United States.

A report posted on the Hong Kong-based China Labor Watch website on July 30 explained that many Jasic Technology workers had been beaten up by company security guards for their participation in establishing a union. On July 27, a total of 30 workers and supporters were detained. Afterwards, the 15 supporters, who visited the police station multiple times to understand what was happening and to request the release of those detained, were also taken away by police on July 30.

The FT reported on August 2 that in response: Student groups across China are now publishing online petitions in support of the workers, with 11 universities circulating petitions by Thursday morning, and more than 1,600 signatories. Our ancestors baton is firmly in our hands, reads one petition by students from Peking University.

The Hong Kong Free Press reported on September 1: Last month students and recent graduates from more than a dozen mainland Chinese universities turned out to provide solidarity support for workers of Jasic Technology. The activists included students from Peking University, Tsinghua University, Nanjing University, and Sun Yat-sen University. They wore T-shirts with the slogan unity is power printed in bold red.

The article noted that the students and former students were from a generation born in the 1990s and early 2000s when the CCP regimes pro-market agenda was accelerating. In and through self-organized study groups, internships, and waged work, the student activists understand the need for more progressive legal reforms and a fairer share of economic gains for those who produce them, it stated.

A significant statement by one of the arrested Jasic Technology workers entitled We must emancipate the lower class and fight on behalf of workers was posted on China Labor Watch on August 21. The lengthy article not only details the abuse suffered by the workforce at the hands of the company and police, but also outlines his own experiences. He details the oppressive conditions he faced in one factory after another after he migrated from a rural area.

Under the influence of various neo-Maoist organisations, however, he has concluded that workers need to return to a study of Mao Zedongs writings. Us workers urgently need Maoism to arm us. I urge promoters of Maoism to come into our factories, into the industrial areas, into the midst of workers, and teach us about Mao Zedong and Maoism! he declared.

In fact, Maoism, a version of the reactionary Stalinist theory of Socialism in One Country, laid the basis for the overturn of the gains of the 1949 Chinese Revolution and the restoration of capitalism beginning in the 1970s. What workers and students urgently need to assimilate are the works of the Trotskyist movement, the Fourth International and its Chinese members, who waged a courageous political struggle against Stalinism and Maoism. That is the only basis on which a genuinely revolutionary movement uniting workers in China with their class brothers and sisters around the world can take place.

According to the Economist, the Marxist Society at Peking University reportedly completed the process of re-registering on September 26, after the head of the universitys Marxism department agreed to act as its sponsor. Even if the Society is finally registered, there is no doubt that university authorities, as well as other elements of the CCP apparatus, will be monitoring the activities of the society and its members very closely.

Nevertheless, it would be significant historically if Peking University, which gave birth to Marxism in the 1920s, should now become one of the centres for the revival of genuine Marxism in Chinathat is, of Trotskyism.
The Indonesian government warned on Saturday that thousands of people may have perished after earthquakes and a tsunami struck the island of Sulawesi last Friday. The official death toll rose sharply to 832 on Sunday and is expected to increase again once rescuers reach more remote areas.

While reports remain scanty, it is clear that what is unfolding is a tragedy on a massive scale, devastating the lives of hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of impoverished workers, farmers and their families. Some 2.4 million people live on the Palu-Koro fault and the worst hit cities are Donggala and Palu. About 17,000 people have been evacuated.

The main 7.5-magnitude quake struck at 6.02pm local time, followed by tsunami waves which were estimated at 6 metres high in some places. An earlier magnitude 6.1 quake in central Sulawesi killed several people, injured 10 and damaged dozens of houses.

The powerful tremor was felt in the far south of the island in its largest city Makassar and on neighbouring Kalimantan, Indonesias portion of Borneo. More than 150 aftershocks have hit the region, situated 1,300km northwest of Jakarta.

It is the most devastating earthquake to hit Indonesia in over a decade, and comes just seven weeks after the islands of Lombok and Bali were devastated by a series of quakes that killed at least 623 people and destroyed hundreds of thousands of buildings.

Palu has been left shattered. There is no electricity, and drinking water is in short supply. Video footage showed waves bringing down several buildings and inundating a large mosque which was half submerged in the rising waters. The town is strewn with debris from collapsed buildings and a large shopping mall is all but destroyed.

Some 821 of the recorded deaths occurred in Palu. Partially covered bodies have been shown lying near the shore, with survivors left to search through a tangle of corrugated steel roofing, timber and rubble. One man was seen carrying the muddy corpse of a small child. With the threat of disease increasing, mass graves are being prepared to bury the many dead.

Among the deceased was a 21 year-old air traffic controller, Anthonius Gunawan Agung, who heroically stayed in the swaying control tower at Palu airport to ensure that a plane carrying hundreds of passengers took off safely. He jumped from the tower and died before a medical helicopter could reach him.

The government has stated there is no word about casualties in Donggala, a city of some 300,000 people which remains completely cut-off after its main bridge collapsed. Jan Gelfand, a Jakarta-based Red Cross official said; We have heard nothing from Donggala and this is extremely worryingThis is already a tragedy, but it could get much worse.

A spokesman for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, said at least 540 people had been badly injured, and many are still missing. There are ongoing concerns over the fate of hundreds of people who were preparing for a beach festival that had been due to start when the tsunami hit.

Palu is built around a narrow bay that apparently magnified the force of the tsunami. Sutopo shared video showing the liquefaction of the land when the tsunami struck and said as it approached it had reached 800 kms/ hr. Most people were killed by the tsunami. The Guardian cited one local resident, Nining, who said; Many corpses are scattered on the beach and floating on the surface of the sea.

Hospitals have struggled to cope with the influx of casualties, setting up open-air clinics to treat the injured. Rescuers working to retrieve up to 50 people from the rubble of a hotel in Palu said they could hear the voices of people inside but did not have the heavy equipment needed to get to them.

Indonesian officials and aid agencies have struggled with battered communications, destroyed roads and landslides. Aid deliveries by sea have been disrupted since Palu's port was badly damaged. Only a limited number of government planes carrying relief supplies have managed to land at the airport in Palu.

The shambolic character of the official response makes clear that fourteen years after the 2004 tsunamiwhich killed as many as 230,000 people throughout the Indian Ocean region, the majority of them in Indonesianothing has been done to prevent further calamities.

Governments throughout the region have instead intensified cutbacks to social spending, in line with the demands of international finance and the local ruling elites that they represent.

The Associated Press reported today that an early warning system, designed in the wake of the 2004 tsunami, has been stalled in the testing phase for over a decade. After severe funding reductions by successive governments, Indonesias disaster agencies have been unable to cobble together a paltry 1 billion rupiah ($A95,500) required to complete the project.

Louise Comfort, a University of Pittsburgh academic who was involved in the project commented today: To me this is a tragedy for science, even more so a tragedy for the Indonesian people as the residents of Sulawesi are discovering right now. Its a heartbreak to watch when there is a well-designed sensor network that could provide critical information.

Some 22 buoys, which are a key component of the existing warning mechanism are no longer functioning. It is reportedly difficult, using the antiquated system, to provide any advanced warning of an impending tsunami, that would aid those in affected areas to escape.

Criticisms have been levelled against the country's geophysics agency for lifting the tsunami warning just 34 minutes after it was first issued, which may have caused confusion and exacerbated the death toll.

Spokesman Rahmat Triyono claimed the agency followed standard operating procedure and made the call to end the warning based on data available from the closest tidal sensor, 200km from Palu. He said the tide gauge, which measures changes in the sea level, had only recorded an insignificant 6cm wave. If we had a tide gauge or proper data in Palu it would have been better. This is something we must evaluate for the future, Triyono said.

Indonesia, a 5,000-kilometre long archipelago comprising 17,000 islands, is one of the most quake-prone regions in the world, in a zone known as the Ring of Fire. Little has been done, however, to ensure that new dwellings are built to resist the frequent natural disasters.

Sutopo declared in August that Indonesians do not have houses that are earthquake resistant especially for people in rural villages with weak economic conditions. No government regulations required residential dwellings to be built to earthquake-resistant standards, and many construction workers are reportedly not aware of building practices required to mitigate damage.

There has been negligible aid or material assistance from any of the major powers or regional governments. Condolences, but no concrete promises, have been issued by the Australian and Singapore governments. Turkeys Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) has sent a tiny five-person emergency aid team. Experience from previous disasters indicates that any international aid will be tardy, woefully inadequate, and dictated by geo-strategic considerations rather than concern for the thousands of victims.

Troops are being rushed to the area. Indonesian president, Joko Widodo, said the military was being called in to the region to help search-and-rescue teams get to victims and find bodies. However, their priority will be to prevent the outbreak of any anti-government sentiment as conditions inevitably deteriorate.

Troop deployments are a regular occurrence following such disasters. The government fears that they could become a focal point of broader anger over social inequality and poverty, amid ongoing political instability. Last year, Oxfam ranked Indonesia as the sixth most unequal country in the world. The four richest individuals have a combined wealth greater than the poorest 100 million people. Workers and the rural poor inevitably suffer the hardest in any such natural calamities.

The repeated occurrence of such catastrophes is not merely a natural phenomenon. Above all, it is an expression of the irrational character of the profit system, which subordinates social need to the profit requirements of a tiny corporate and financial elite, at the expense of the vast majority of the population.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Oct. 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Attorneys with First Liberty Institute and the law firm Brena, Bell & Clarkson, P.C. (BBC) today announced that it had reached a settlement resulting in the withdrawal of charges brought by the Anchorage Equal Rights Commission (AERC) against BBC. AERC, attempting to silence an attorney and his firm and interfering with the attorney-client relationship, brought charges against the attorney and his firm while it was defending the religious liberty of its client, a homeless shelter for women known as the Downtown Hope Center.



The right to legal counsel is a hallmark of our republic, said Hiram Sasser, General Counsel to First Liberty. Our legal system is premised on the idea that everyone has legal rights and that the government must afford them a full and fair opportunity to defend themselves. We are grateful that the AERC abandoned these baseless charges.

BBC represented the Downtown Hope Center (DHC), a religiously affiliated womens homeless shelter, after the AERC accused it of violating Anchorages non-discrimination policy by preventing a biological male self-identifying as female from residing at the facility. After local media outlets published stories about the case in which a BBC attorney was quoted, the Commission brought charges against his firm for violating local speech ordinances, forcing him to withdraw from representation.

According to the settlement, the AERC also dropped all charges against the DHC related to BBCs public statements.

We are pleased that we can now continue representing our clients with the appropriate legal counsel every citizen deserves, said Kevin Clarkson on behalf of BBC. Thankfully, the AERC recognized that it had overstepped its authority and properly brought this matter to an appropriate resolution.

Read more about the case here .

About First Liberty Institute

First Liberty Institute is the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.



To arrange an interview, contact Lacey McNiel at media@firstliberty.org or by calling 972-941-4453.

Contact: Lacey McNiel, media@firstliberty.org

Direct: 972-941-4453
An expanded FBI background check of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh has begun under terms laid down by the Trump White House and the Senate Republican leadership, who agreed on Friday to a one-week probe in order to secure a party-line vote by the Senate Judiciary Committee to approve his nomination. The Republicans plan to bring the matter to the Senate floor for a vote some time next week.

After Republican Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona threatened to block the nomination, a bipartisan deal was negotiated in which Senate Democrats agreed to support a limited FBI investigation into 36-year-old allegations of sexual misconduct against Kavanaugh, now an Appeals Court judge.

The Judiciary Committee then approved Kavanaughs nomination by an 11-10 vote, with Flake voting in favor. The FBI will report its findings to the White House, which will forward them to the Senate.

There were objections from the Democratic side to the limits set on the probe, apparently by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other leading Republicans. The FBI will interview Christine Blasey Ford, who testified before the Judiciary Committee Thursday during the all-day hearing on her claims that Kavanaugh assaulted her at a party in suburban Maryland when she was 15 years old and he was 17.

The FBI will also interview several others identified as possible witnesses to the assault or to the party, including Mark Judge, the friend of Kavanaugh whom Ford identified as an accomplice in the assault. The FBI will also interview Deborah Ramirez, who claimed Kavanaugh engaged in improper sexual conduct while a student at Yale University in the mid-1980s, but not Julie Swetnick, who made the most sweeping allegations of sexual misconduct, including that Kavanaugh and Judge were at least passive bystanders to her gang rape by a group of teenage boys during the early 1980s.

None of these allegations surfaced during previous background checks of Kavanaugh, including when he joined the staff of Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr in 1993, when he joined the Bush White House staff in 2001, and when he was nominated and confirmed to the US Court of Appeals in 2006 after a three-year conflict in Congress, where Democrats initially blocked his appointment.

A Trump administration official told the Wall Street Journal that the reopening of the FBI investigation into Kavanaugh was being handled as any update to a background investigation would be handled if new, derogatory information is introduced. The FBI will not convene a grand jury or be able to compel witness statements, meaning that those who do not wish to speak to the agency can simply decline to do so.

Even without any results from this investigation, the Democratic Party has already begun cashing in politically on the day-long hearing for Kavanaugh and Ford. Leading Democrats calculated that the allegations against Kavanaugh could be used to boost their campaign for the November 6 midterm elections.

Four Senate Democrats who had been publicly undecided on whether to confirm Kavanaugh announced after Thursdays hearing that they would vote against the nomination. These include Joe Donnelly of Indiana, one of three Democrats who voted to confirm Neil Gorsuch as President Donald Trumps first nominee to the Supreme Court. Donnelly faces re-election next month.

The group also includes Jon Tester of Montana and Bill Nelson of Florida, also in tight re-election contests, and Doug Jones of Alabama, who narrowly won his seat in a special election last December and does not face re-election until 2020.

That leaves only two Senate Democrats, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, yet to announce positions on the nomination. Both voted to confirm Gorsuch last year and both face significant re-election challenges next month. They have been the targets of on-the-ground campaigning by President Trump.

Several Democratic candidates for Republican-held seats in the House of Representatives have begun to raise the allegations against Kavanaugh in an effort to undermine their Republican opponents, either in campaign advertising or in public statements asking whether the Republicans believe Ford.

Democratic Party calculations about using the sexual misconduct allegations, rather than Kavanaughs ultra-right political record, as the basis for their campaign against his nomination were bolstered by polls showing a plurality finding Ford more credible than Kavanaugh (41 percent to 35 percent) and that 51 percent of those polled were less likely to re-elect a senator who voted to confirm Kavanaugh.

Even more significant, however, was the finding that 73 percent of those polled had watched some or all of the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, which was televised all day by three broadcast and three cable networks. That indicates some success for the Democratic Party effort to divert public attention to the Kavanaugh sex scandal and away from such class issues as healthcare, poverty, economic inequality and the growth of workers struggles.

Meanwhile, the corporate media campaign to drown out all other political and social questions in favor of issues of gender and sexual assault continues at unprecedented volume. The Kavanaugh hearing and the purported necessity to believe the womanregardless of the presumption of innocence or any evidence, for or againstwas virtually the sole theme on the Sunday television interview programs.

Washington Post columnist Ruth Marcus spelled out the anti-democratic implications of this position most bluntly, declaring, The essential indicia of fair criminal processpresumptions of innocence and heavy burdens of proofshould not be imported wholesale into the sphere of a Senate confirmation. Why the opposite standardpresumption of guilt in the absence of evidenceshould be adopted, she did not say.

The New York Times continues to spearhead the campaign, with a news analysis that inadvertently revealed the real agenda behind the reactionary #MeToo movement. The article concluded by quoting a female attorney saying: The limits are about actual real power.  Unless women really do take power in the legislature, in courts, in C-suites, in every aspect of life, unless we demand and take our share, nothing will ever, ever change. They are not going to give it to us. We have to take it.

In other words, the issue is not what happened or did not happen to Christine Blasey Ford on an evening in 1982. That is of no real concern to the overwhelmingly upper-middle-class and privileged sexual assault warriors. Their concern is about 2018 and gaining access to positions of privilege and wealth within capitalist society. They are utterly hostile to a socialist perspective, which aims to wipe out all positions of privilege, regardless of race and gender, and establish genuine equality and democracy.

In that spirit, the Times unleashed back-to-back editorials and no fewer than eight separate commentaries by its op-ed columnists: Frank Bruni, Nicholas Kristof, Maureen Dowd, Bret Stephens, Gail Collins, Michelle Goldberg and Timothy Egan, and a guest column by New Yorker writer Rebecca Treaster. There is apparently no other issue in American life worthy of comment in the pages of the newspaper of record.

The author also recommends:

The political issues in the Senate hearing on Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh

[29 September 2018]

The Kavanaugh hearing: A spectacle of political filth and reaction

[28 September 2018]
The American news media and political establishment are singularly obsessed with the degrading spectacle surrounding the Senate confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. The issue is dominating every newspaper and broadcast channel and was the sole subject on the Sunday morning network news shows.

A fundamental aim of the Democrats focus on the sexual allegations against Kavanaugh, as the WSWS has explained, is to hijack popular opposition to the Trump administration and subordinate it to the Democrats own reactionary agenda of war, censorship and social inequality. This requires the endless promotion of the lie that race and gender, not class, are the central divisions in American society.

The goal is to somehow divert attention from and cover up social and political reality, which is characterized above all by the growth of class tensions and conflict, in the US and around the world. A decade after the crash of 2008, which was used by the ruling class in the US and internationally to carry out a historic transfer of wealth from the working class to the rich, workers are engaging in a series of strikes and mass protests over basic class issues.

Last week, major cities in Argentina were brought to a standstill as workers launched their fourth general strike against the right-wing government of Mauricio Macri and austerity measures demanded by the IMF. On Thursday and Friday, thousands of pilots and cabin crew in six European countries carried out a coordinated 24-hour strike against Ryanair. Over 30,000 workers in Finland are scheduled to strike Tuesday to oppose government plans to facilitate the layoff of workers.

Workers in Nigeria conducted a four-day strike ending Sunday, which shut down schools and public transport and threatened to spread to the oil industry before the unions called it off. The workers demanded an increase in the monthly minimum wage from the current 18,000 naira (US$49) to between 45,000 and 65,000 naira (US $124-$179).

In the United States, after a decade of falling real wages, rising medical costs and the proliferation of precarious employment, hundreds of thousands of workers are pressing for strike action, while thousands are engaged in ongoing strikes.

In Chicago, more than 4,000 hotel workers are continuing their strike, which began on September 7, to demand better wages and year-round health care. The walkout is continuing at 11 hotels after the UNITE HERE union announced a settlement with Hilton on Sunday. Another 8,000 workers authorized strikes at Marriott International, the worlds largest hotel chain, in Waikiki and Maui in Hawaii, and San Francisco, Boston, Detroit and other cities.

Warehouse workers and truck drivers are set to start a three-day strike at ports in Los Angeles and Long Beach, California Monday to demand their transition to full-time status instead of remaining independent contractors forced to pay for their own medical insurance, fuel costs and truck payments and repairs.

More than 30,000 steelworkers at US Steel and ArcelorMittal in Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Alabama and other states have unanimously voted to strike against demands for sweeping concessions, including on wages and health benefits, by the highly profitable steel companies.

A quarter-million UPS workers, who already voted overwhelmingly to strike, are scheduled to finish voting this week on a widely hated labor agreement signed by the Teamsters union, which maintains poverty wages for part-time workers and extends lower-paid, part-time status to a new class of delivery truck drivers.

The United Teachers of Los Angeles (UTLA) has agreed to mediation after 33,000 teachers and support staff in the nations second largest school district voted to authorize a strike. The action follows a wave of teacher strikes in the state of Washington and the statewide strikes earlier this year in West Virginia, Oklahoma, Arizona, Colorado, Kentucky and other states.

Seven thousand registered nurses at 15 hospitals affiliated with Hospital Corporation of America (HCA Healthcare) have voted overwhelmingly to strike facilities in Florida, Missouri, Kansas, Texas and Nevada to demand higher staffing levels and better wages. Nurses aides, respiratory therapists and other patient care workers at University of California facilities will vote October 9 and 10 to strike over subcontracting of work and other issues. Over the weekend, the University of Michigan Professional Nurses Council announced it reached a deal for a new agreement after 4,000 nurses voted by 94 percent to strike.

Seven thousand Fiat Chrysler workers at the companys Kokomo, Indiana transmission plants voted 10 weeks ago to strike over 200 unresolved grievances involving health and safety. The United Auto Workers has kept the workers on the job, with Local 685 President Rick Ward declaring, There is no expiration date on the strike vote.

For workers, the strike votes express a growing militancy and determination to fight. On the part of the unions, the votes are a way of letting off steam and smothering opposition. Far from leading any struggles, the unions are seeking to divert this growing opposition behind the Democratic Party, based on the fraudulent claim that the Democrats will address workers concerns over plunging living standards and the gutting of health care, pensions and social programs.

American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten, a leading figure on the Democratic National Committee, has declared that the unions intention is to turn the walkouts into walk-ins to the voting booth this November. The main slogan of the AFT and the National Education Association as they were selling out the teachers' strikes earlier this year was Remember in November.

This week, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is calling a bogus strike by cooks, cashiers, janitors and airline workers at several airports across the country. While these workers face real issuespoverty wages, part-time status, the lack of health carethe SEIU is turning these events into a get-out-the-vote canvassing effort for the Democrats in so-called battleground states like Florida and Wisconsin.

This follows small protests earlier this month at McDonalds headquarters in Chicago organized by the union-aligned Fight for $15 campaign, which urged fast food workers to look to the unions, the Democratic Party and the deeply reactionary #MeToo campaign to address real concerns over sexual harassment and other abuses on the job.

The corporatist and anti-working class unions claim that it is possible for workers and young people to fight the Trump administration by backing the Democrats. They all hope that workers will forget that it was the eight years of the Obama administrationwhich oversaw endless wars, a fall in real income and the largest transfer of wealth to the rich in US historythat paved the way for Trump in the first place.

The Democratic Party and its coterie of ex-CIA agents and military candidates are opposing Trump on the most right-wing, militarist basis possible. In the nearly two years since Trump was elected, the Democrats, representing dominant sections of the military-intelligence apparatus, have sought to focus opposition on the unsubstantiated claims of Russian meddling, which are being repeated in relation to the midterm elections. The Democrats have used the #MeToo campaign and the Kavanaugh hearings to mobilize broader support among sections of the upper-middle class around issues of gender and racial identity, while creating the conditions for undermining due process and further eroding democratic rights.

The interests of the working class must not be subordinated to either faction of the ruling class. The development of class conflict, rooted in the objective crisis of the capitalist system, requires the formation of new organizations of strugglerank-and-file factory, workplace and neighborhood committeesindependent of the unions, to unite all sections of the working class in a common fight against the corporations and their political representatives.

This must be connected to the development of an independent political movement of the working class, in opposition to the Democrats and Republicans, on the basis of a socialist, revolutionary and internationalist program.

Despite the efforts of the unions to put a progressive face on the Democratic Party, the growth of the class struggle will rapidly expose it for what it is: a capitalist and pro-war party. This will only accelerate the political radicalization of workers and young people and their support for a genuine socialist alternative, fought for by the Socialist Equality Party.
PART 1 | PART 2 | PART 3 | PART 4 | PART 5 | PART 6

This is the second in a series of articles devoted to the recent Toronto International Film Festival (September 6-16). The first article was posted September 28.

We live in a world where a few dozen individuals have the same wealth as the bottom half of the population; where tens of millions have been driven out of their homes by bloody, neocolonial wars; where daily life for a considerable portion of humanity is increasingly intolerable.

Film writers and directors live in this world too. There must be those who reject upper-middle class triviality and self-involvement.

Capernaum

Capernaum

Depicting almost unimaginable levels of poverty and blight in Lebanon, filmmaker Nadine Labakis Capernaum tells the story of Zain (Zain Al Rafeea), a wily, aggressive 12-year-old boy living with his family in Beirut.

When his hard-pressed parents sell his beloved 11-year-old sister, Sahar (Cedra Izam), in marriage to their landlords son, Zain runs away. At an amusement park, the boy meets an undocumented Ethiopian refugee, Rahil (Yordanos Shiferaw)illegally in Lebanonand her infant son, Yonas (Boluwatife Treasure Bankole, in real life, a baby girl).

Rahil feeds a starving Zain in her squalid corrugated tin shack. To prevent Rahil from losing her job, Zain agrees to look after Yonas. But whenunbeknownst to ZainRahil is picked up by the authorities, he must take desperate measures to keep himself and Yonas alive. Exhausting every other option, he eventually delivers the child to a human trafficker, Aspro (Alaa Chouchniye), who deceitfully promises Zain that Yonas will be given to a rich couple.

Zain ends up getting arrested. Encouraged by a television expose on child poverty, he files a lawsuit against his parents for having given birth to him.

Capernaum is a difficult movie to watch. The levels of economic hardship, want and degradation are extreme. Labakis camera is unflinching. Introducing the film at the Toronto festival, she told the audience the situation in Lebanon was actually far worse.

During the question-and-answer session, Labaki explained that in the four years it took to make the film, she went to many refugee camps, difficult neighborhoods and juvenile jail courts. She asked the children, Are you happy to be alive? Heartbreakingly, most answered, No.

The filmmaker asserted that Zain is suing a whole society, a whole system. Everybody in the film is playing themselves, their real-life circumstances. The films title in French means chaos. It was originally a village in Palestine signifying hell. I wanted to speak about childrens rights, immigrants rights and the insanity of having papers to exist.

Screwdriver

Screwdriver

After his release from an Israeli prison, a Palestinian man finds life emotionally tormenting and isolating in Palestinian director Bassam Jarbawis Screwdriver (Mafak).

Elegantly filmed and convincingly performed, Screwdriver opens in 1992 at the Al-Amari Refugee Camp in Palestine. Within the parameters of the rubble-strewn camp, two eight-year-olds, Ziad and Ramzi, become friends. Ten years later, Ramzi is shot dead in a crossfire. When Ziad and his mates retaliate against what they believe is an Israeli settler, Ziad is captured by Israeli forces, tortured and imprisoned for 15 hellish years.

In Ramallah, the freeing of Ziad (Ziad Bakri, a member of the famed Palestinian acting family) is celebrated with much fanfare. But suffering from the effects of his long-term incarceration, Ziad still feels caged and mentally abused. Though no longer in a cell, he is a prisoner of the Occupation and freedom is a meaningless concept.

According to the directors statement: Ziad reacts to his confinement with surges of panic and rage, losing control until the line between reality and fantasy is dangerously and permanently blurred. Solitary prisoners reliance on fantasy as a technique for survival captured my attention, and largely influenced the story of Screwdriver ( Mafak )  This stagnant ever waiting hopelessness pervades the Palestinian psyche. The result is an inability to define self without occupier, to organize and feel life without restriction  Screwdriver ( Mafak ) is set in the specifics of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, however, it can provide for a universal narrative of torture, confinement, and the battle with ones own image and reflection.

The production notes explain that Jarbawi was a child during the First Intifada (the Palestinian uprising against the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, lasting from 1987 to 1991). As a teenager, from 2000-2002, he photographed the Al-Amari Refugee Camp in Ramallah during the Second Intifada.

The movie makes mention of the fact that one-fifth of all Palestinians have at one time been detained. At the end of June 2018, according to the Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories, there were 5,667 Palestinian security detainees and prisoners being held in Israel Prison Service facilities, including 316 from the Gaza Strip.

During the films question-and-answer period at the festival, Jarbawi stated that the Israeli authorities had no knowledge of the film. Furthermore, when I go through a checkpoint, Im going from one Palestinian town to another. Its a power struggle and a humanitarian crisis.

Rosie

Rosie

Irish filmmaker Paddy Breathnachs movie Rosie dramatizes the family homeless epidemic in Ireland, one of the worst in Europe, with a story about a working class family in Dublin that becomes homeless when their landlord sells their rental house.

Soaring rents and low housing stock has seen Irelands family homelessness increase by a staggering 24 percent since July 2017.

Spanning a 36-hour period, the film features Rosie (Sarah Greene), John Paul (Moe Dunford) and their four young children struggling to find permanent accommodations after being thrown onto the streets. Homeless shelters are full, relatives hard-pressed and government agencies inept and overwhelmed. With the familys belongings crammed into their compact car, John Paul goes to work in a restaurant while Rosie drives the kids to school, fearful that their condition will be exposed.

In the quest for a roof over her head, Rosie crosses swords with her mother (Pom Boyd), who demands more than Rosie is willing to give to lodge her family. Now, only a car shields them from the cold and damp. The situation is untenable.

According to Focus Ireland, the overwhelming number of families becoming homeless had their last stable home in the private rented sector, and the crisis in this sector is the immediate cause of their homelessnesslandlords selling up or being repossessed, shortage of properties to rent, scarcity of properties accepting rent supplement, and high rents.

Like that of Rosie and John Paul, most of the families becoming homeless have never experienced homelessness before and never thought this could happen to them. Thousands more families are struggling on very low incomes or social welfare and many are falling into serious housing difficulties as rents continue to rise.

Rosie is affecting, but too narrow in relation to the dimensions of the problem and the overall situation in Ireland.

Emilio Estevezs The Public

The Public

The Public is another film preoccupied with the problem of homelessness. Written and directed by veteran actor and director Emilio Estevez, the movie is thoughtful and heart-felt.

Libraries are community and cultural resources and should, according to Estevez, be a sanctuary and safe haven for the homeless.

According to the American Library Association, libraries promote equal access to information for all persons, and recognizes the urgent need to respond to the increasing number of poor children, adults, and families in America  Therefore it is crucial that libraries recognize their role in enabling poor people to participate fully in a democratic society, by utilizing a wide variety of available resources and strategies.

It is this sentiment that informs Estevezs movie.

In Cincinnati, every morning the public library opens its door to a waiting group of homeless men and women who avail themselves of computers and books, even performing their ablutions in the librarys bathrooms. The giant posters of Frederick Douglass and Percy Shelley adorning its walls are a reminder of the great literary and historical battlers of the past.

Estevez plays Stuart Goodson, the chief librarian destined to lose his job because of his empathy for the librarys homeless patrons. His co-worker Myra (Jena Malone) is sweet, but more concerned about the environment than she is about these human outcasts.

During a frigid cold front, Cincinnatis emergency shelters are filled to capacity and several homeless people die in the streets. On a particularly bitter night, some 100 homeless people refuse to leave the library at closing time, barricading themselves on the third floor. At first resistant, Stuart eventually joins the occupation.

Police set up a war room in the library, manned by their expert negotiator, Detective Ramstead (Alec Baldwin), whose drug-addicted son has gone missing and is undoubtedly homeless. A crude and careerist public prosecutor (Christian Slater) wants to take a law and order hard line, while the library administrator (Jeffrey Wright) works to avoid a confrontation.

The media joins the fray, with a reporter (Gabrielle Union) on hand to lie about and distort the situation and blackguard Stuart and the occupiers, who are led by the sly and sharp Jackson (Michael K. Williams). When the SWAT team arrives, the protesters find a provocative, innovative way to forestall police violence and a potential bloodbath.

Emilio Estevez, Jena Malone, Christian Slater and Michael K. Williams of The Public

Somewhat light-hearted in its tone, The Public is clearly a labor of love for its extraordinary cast. But while Estevez presents a rational outcome to the crisis in his movie, how such situations actually end in America is not so pleasant. Estevez hints at this in his portrayal of the politicians and police who want to resolve the homeless occupation by arrests, guns and cracking skulls. The director also makes a pointed comment about the role of the media who have no compunction about inventing a narrative for their own various dirty purposes, whatever the human cost.

Meanwhile, as Estevezs movie shows, it is ordinary people who are the true allies of the homeless.

In a Hollywood Reporter interview about The Public, Estevez claimed the he saw an article in 2007 in the LA Times about how libraries have become de facto homeless shelters and how librarians were no longer doing the work of librarians. These guys were now first responders, and thats gone to a whole other level just in the last 10 years. Librarians are now trained to carry Narcan [a medication used to block the effects of opioids] because there are so many overdoses in urban libraries.

Sadly, its more relevant now than when I started on this in 2007. The homelessness crisis has been with us for some time, but it does seem that there are more people falling through the cracks. Its an issue that is especially pressing with the new tax cuts and with Social Security and Medicare on the chopping block.

At the Toronto film festival question-and-answer session, several of The Public s cast members spoke convincingly about their commitment to exposing the ever-growing problem of homelessness. Estevez credited his father, actor Martin Sheen, as his inspiration for the new film. Sheen has been arrested some 68 times for protesting against homelessness, nuclear proliferation and other social ills.

Estevez: The core issue is homelessness. Close to 1 billion people15 percent of the worlds population live in slums. Five hundred fifty thousand Americans and 230,000 Canadians have been homeless at some point this year.

Christian Slater talked about the veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder, adding, If we can bail out Wall Street, we can deal with the homeless. Alec Baldwin noted that homelessness is really back in New York City  One missed rent payment and youre out on the streets.

Michael K. Williams added: Drug addiction, mental issues, joblessness, working homeless. How did people get there? I was becoming desensitized to people laying on concrete on the street.

Tellingly, however, Estevez explained that the films ending was going to be darker under George W. Bush, but as The Public was finished under the Obama administration, its ending became more hopeful. This left-liberal perspective does account for some of the films slightly softened focus.

Black 47

Black 47

Irish writer-director Lance Dalys Black 47 is set during the Great Famine that ravaged Ireland in the late 1840s (the title refers to 1847, a particularly devastating and deadly year).

Australian actor James Frecheville plays an Irish deserter from the British army, Martin Denny, who returns to his homeland to discover that his mother has died of starvation and his brother was hanged by the British.

Witnessing the horrors afflicting the population, Denny, a highly skilled killing machine, embarks on a mission to avenge his family. In response, the British occupiers send a posse to kill Denny, led by Hannah (Hugo Weaving), one of Dennys disgraced former army comrades. The convoy also includes the cruel, resolute English officer, Pope (Freddie Fox), as well as a young private, Hobson (Barry Keoghan), who becomes deeply affected by the suffering of the Irish people. Along the way, the trio pick up a devious local translator, Conneely (Stephen Rea)Maybe people would place more value on beauty if they could eat it.

The landscape is a mass of blight, disease and starvation, with the British army doing its best to impose a death sentence on the population. A showdown between Denny and his trackers culminates on the property of Lord Kilmichael (Jim Broadbent), who is hoarding large quantities of grain to ship to England, even as famished throngs bang on the gates of his lavish estate.

Black 47 is a well-executed film, though it tends to divide the world into good guys and bad guys, like a stereotypical cowboy movie or a mere revenge thriller.

According to BBC History: Altogether, about a million people in Ireland are reliably estimated to have died of starvation and epidemic disease between 1846 and 1851, and some two million emigrated in a period of a little more than a decade (1845-55). Comparison with other modern and contemporary famines establishes beyond any doubt that the Irish famine of the late 1840s, which killed nearly one-eighth of the entire population, was proportionally much more destructive of human life than the vast majority of famines in modern times.

To be continued
BOWLING GREEN, Ind. (WTHI)- Thousands found themselves driving through Clay County back roads this weekend. All of them traveling to a place called Clayshire Castle. One of these groups was Matthew Guell and his family who wanted to take a step into the past.

"Seeing it in rural Indiana is definitely a surprise. Its something I would more likely see towards Indianapolis or a bigger city. Not just outside Brazil, Indiana for sure," said Guell.

They attended the fifth annual medieval faire. It's an event that takes place at the castle. What started off as a bed and breakfast dream for one couple turned into a growing renaissance event.

"One of their side projects I guess you could say was to have a fair as well. As part of creating the ambiance of going back in time," said Katie Voges, whos is one of the event coordinators.

Its a fair you wouldn't expect to see, but it still brought out vendors, athletes, and entertainers from all over.

It's also a way to draw in business to support the community. One of those being Cooks Corner ran by Dawn Cook based out of Poland, Indiana.

"It really brings the sense of local pride. It makes me feel great because our community is so small and hidden otherwise we wouldn't a draw," said Cook.

Organizers said this year turned out to be their biggest festival by far. Visitors like the Guell family hope it will continue to grow even more.

"Clayshire Castle puts on a great time. I would love to see more people out here. I mean it's a pretty good turnout as it is but just the growth would be fantastic," said Guell.

The event may be done for the year but if youre interested in learning more about Clayshire Castle check out their website here.
Update 10/01/18 3:33 p.m.

The judge has declared a mistrial. An Oktibbeha County jury couldn't reach a verdict.



Quinton Tellis | Photo: MGN Online Quinton Tellis | Photo: MGN Online

See the original post below.

BATESVILLE, Miss. (AP)  Mississippi jurors continue to deliberate in the case of a man accused of setting a woman on fire in 2014.

Jurors met for nearly five hours on Sunday and then resumed deliberations on Monday in the capital murder retrial of Quinton Tellis, accused in the burning death of Jessica Chambers.

Jurors couldn't reach a verdict in Tellis' first trial last year.

Panola County Circuit Judge Gerald Chatham is admonishing jurors to continue their discussions after jurors said on Monday they hadn't reached a verdict. Jurors are also reviewing surveillance video and phone records that prosecutors argued link Tellis to Chambers' death.

The case, tried in Batesville, went to jurors Sunday following six days of testimony.

Tellis faces another murder indictment in Louisiana in the death of Meing-Chen Hsiao in Monroe.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The excitement is in full swing for Florida A&M's Homecoming.

This year's is even more special than in years past, because Homecoming and Founders Day, fall on the same day for the first time in school history.

Here's a break down some of the big events happening this week.

The first part of the week, has two of the biggest events. The first, the Housing Step Show at the Lawson Center featuring students from all across campus going head to head in a dance battle.

Second, the homecoming comedy show, this year featuring The 85 South Comedy Show. On Wednesday, you've got the Founder's Day Wreath laying ceremony as well as the homecoming pep rally.

Thursday, it's 'Jazz on the Green' followed up on Friday with the Marching 100 showcase.

And everything leads up to the homecoming parade Saturday morning and the big game at Bragg Memorial Stadium of FAMU, undefeated in conference play, taking on Norfolk Sate.

No question there, Tallahassee is pumped to host homecoming all around town.

For more information and to see a complete look at homecoming activities here.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - A Pensacola man is facing terrorism charges after an investigation revealed he was the caller behind several threats, to include a threat to commit a mass shooting at an elementary school.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, assisted by the Escambia County Sheriffs Office, have arrested Kelyton Maxwell, 32, for terrorism and related charges.

In May, FDLE agents began to investigate multiple phone calls to the Escambia County Courthouse, the countys 911 call centers and the Pensacola Police Department threatening to detonate explosive devices inside and outside the building. A call was also received regarding a threat to conduct a mass shooting at an elementary school in Escambia County.

An investigation revealed that Maxwell was the one who had called in the threats.

An arrest warrant was obtained for Maxwell charging him with a charge of terrorism, a charge of threat to throw, project, place or discharge any destructive device, and a charge of false reports concerning planting a bomb, explosive, or weapon of mass destruction in, or committing arson against, state-owned property, or concerning the use of firearms in a violent manner.

He was arrested Friday and booked into the Escambia County Jail. The case will be prosecuted by the State Attorneys Office, First Judicial Circuit.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A man has been arrested after police say he carjacked a FSU student at the Spirit Way Parking Garage.

Omar El-Sinnary, 28, has been arrested and charged with carjacking, attempted robbery by sudden snatching, grand theft of a motor vehicle, and grand theft.

Florida State University Police say they received information from the Tallahassee Police Department that helped investigators identify El-Sinnary as the man involved in the carjacking and attempted robbery of an FSU students motor scooter and cell phone.

On Friday, FSU PD reported the incident happened around 2:24 p.m. They say a student reported that an unknown suspect approached her and threatened to spray her with pepper spray at the Spirit Way Parking Garage.

The suspect, El-Sinnary, then pushed the victim off her scooter and attempted to grab her cellphone before driving off with the scooter.

He is being held at the Leon County Detention Center. The stolen scooter was recovered by FSUPD and will be returned to its owner.

Police investigate carjacking on Florida State's campus

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Police are investigating after a Florida State University student was carjacked at the Spirit Way Parking Garage.

The FSU Police Department says the incident happened around 2:24 p.m. Friday. They say a student reported that an unknown suspect threatened to spray her with pepper spray at the Spirit Way Parking Garage.

The suspect pushed the victim off her scooter and attempted to grab her cellphone before driving off with the victim's scooter. Police say the suspect was last seen traveling north on Stadium Drive.

The suspect was described as a middle eastern male, in his forties, approximately 5-foot-6 tall wearing black sweatpants, a gray tee shirt, sunglasses, and sandals.

The suspect was wearing a black backpack, and was described as having a heavy accent.

The scooter is a 2018 Gator scooter, black with a white front cover and orange handlebars. The scooter has a displayed Florida Tag of MATR57.

The FSU Police Department is actively investigating this case.

If you have any information concerning this offense or suspect, please contact the FSU Police Department at 850-644-1234. If you wish to provide information anonymously, you may contact Crime Stoppers at 850-574-TIPS, or online at www.bbcsi.org. The information you provide may make you eligible for a reward of up to $3000.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Next month, voters will decide if voting rights will be restored for felons.

Michael Dodson and St. Paul's United Methodist Jail and Prison Ministry will hold a forum day Monday to inform the public about everything at stake in Amendment 4.

The amendment would allow felons, other than those convicted of murder or sex crimes, to regain the right to vote without a hearing. As of right now, nearly 1.5 million Floridians can't cast a ballot due to their criminal history.

The forum will feature a panel of lawyers, civil rights activists, and educators.

Michael Dodson, the organizer and prison and jail minister for St. Paul's says that the current law is all a larger part of Florida's civil right's history.

"The current system owes itself to a scheme that was in response to a number of African Americans being able to vote after Reconstruction," said Dodson. "We see this a leftover of Jim Crow in Florida. That lends itself to being the largest civil rights issue we've ever had to vote for on the Florida ballot."

If you're interested in joining in on the conversation, it starts at 6 p.m. Monday at Sanders Hall. That's at St. Paul's United Methodist.

Voting for Amendment 4 will be Nov. 6.
NEWMARKET, Ontario, Oct. 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AirBoss of America Corp. (TSX: BOS) announced today that AirBoss Defense, the defense products line of its Engineered Products segment, has been awarded an IDIQ contract from the US Department of Defense for the manufacture of up to 1,620,000 pairs of AirBoss Molded Glove (AMG) chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense (CBRN) protective gloves. The contract consists of an initial base year and two option years and is expected to be worth up to an aggregate amount of US$36.5 million, assuming 1,620,000 pairs of AMGs are sold. To date, AirBoss Defense has received two orders for a total of 540,000 pairs of AMGs, worth approximately US$11.4 million. The delivery period for this initial order is anticipated to be from Q4 2018 through Q4 2019.



The AMG was designed to provide superior protection against CBRN threats and a wide range of toxic industrial chemicals. The glove was developed to provide optimal fit, comfort, dexterity and tactility and fully integrates with all currently fielded CBRN suits. AirBoss is proud of the widespread adoption of the AMG  over the last decade it has been used by forty countries, with over 4.6 million pairs sold for aggregate proceeds of approximately US$108 million.

AirBoss Defense is a world leader in the design, development, and manufacture of CBRN personal protective equipment, as well as protection against communicable diseases and respiratory threats, for the individual, First Responder, Medical, Military, Law Enforcement, Fire and Industrial communities. For more than 40 years, AirBoss Defense has supplied military and first-response forces worldwide with hand wear, footwear, and respiratory protection from CBRN agents and extreme cold weather.

AirBoss of America Corp. is a group of complementary businesses using compounding technology and engineering expertise to create value for its customers. With a capacity to process approximately 400 million turn pounds of rubber annually, AirBoss Rubber Solutions is one of North Americas largest custom rubber compounding companies and a leading supplier of essential calendered and extruded products for a broad range of applications. AirBoss Engineered Products is a world leader in the supply of life saving products for the military and a leading supplier of innovative anti-vibration solutions to the North American automotive market. The Companys shares trade on the TSX under the symbol BOS. Visit www.airbossofamerica.com .

AIRBOSS FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION DISCLAIMER

Certain statements contained or incorporated by reference herein, including those that express managements expectations or estimates of future developments or AirBoss future performance, constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, and can generally be identified by words such as will, may, could is expected to, believes, anticipates, forecasts, plans, intends or similar expressions. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent managements expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events and performance.

Statements containing forward-looking information are necessarily based upon a number of opinions, estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at the time the statements are made, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies. AirBoss cautions that such forward-looking information involves known and unknown contingencies, uncertainties and other risks that may cause AirBoss actual financial results, performance or achievements to be materially different from its estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Numerous factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking information, including without limitation: impact of general economic conditions; dependence on key customers; cyclical trends in the tire and automotive, construction, mining and retail industries; sufficient availability of raw materials at economical costs; weather conditions affecting raw materials, production and sales; AirBoss ability to maintain existing customers or develop new customers in light of increased competition; AirBoss ability to successfully integrate acquisitions of other businesses and/or companies or to realize on the anticipated benefits thereof, changes in accounting policies and methods, including uncertainties associated with critical accounting assumptions and estimates; changes in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar; changes in tax laws and potential litigation; ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms; environmental damage and non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations; potential product liability and warranty claims and equipment malfunction. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of AirBoss forward-looking information.

All of the forward-looking information in this press release is expressly qualified by these cautionary statements. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking information attributable to AirBoss or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this press release and, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, AirBoss disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly this forward-looking information except as required by applicable laws. Risks and uncertainties about AirBoss business are more fully discussed under the heading Risk Factors in our most recent Annual Information Form and are otherwise disclosed in our filings with securities regulatory authorities which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Next month, voters will decide if voting rights will be restored for felons.

WTXL's Jada Williams was live Monday morning from St. Paul's United Methodist Church to tell how one Tallahassee minister is making sure the voters are aware of what's at stake before election day.

Michael Dodson and St. Paul's United Methodist Jail and Prison Ministry is hosting a forum Monday to inform the public about everything at stake in Amendment 4.

Amendment 4 would allow felons, other than those convicted of murder or sex crimes, to regain the right to vote without a hearing.

As of right now, nearly one and a half million Floridians can't cast a ballot due to their criminal history.

The Florida Forum On Restoration of Voting Rights Amendment 4 will feature a panel of lawyers, civil rights activists and educators.

Michael Dodson, the organizer and prison and jail minister for St. Paul's, says the current law is all a larger part of Florida's civil right's history.

"The current system owes itself to a scheme that was in response to a number of African Americans being able to vote after Reconstruction," Dodson said. "We see this a leftover of Jim Crow in Florida. That lends itself to being the largest civil rights issue we've ever had to vote for on the Florida ballot."

If you're interested in joining in on the conversation, it starts at 6 p.m. Monday at Sanders Hall.

That's at St. Paul's United Methodist.

Voting for Amendment 4 will be November 6.
Syrian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Walid Muallem addresses the General Debate of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 29, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Syrian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Walid Muallem on Saturday demanded the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of foreign troops which are in Syria without the consent of the authorities.

"Any foreign presence on Syrian territory without the consent of the Syrian government is illegal and constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and the UN charter. It is an assault on our sovereignty, which undermines counter-terrorism efforts and threatens regional peace and security," Muallem told the UN General Assembly.

"We therefore consider any forces operating on Syrian territory without an explicit request from the Syrian government, including U.S., French and Turkish forces, occupying forces and will be dealt with accordingly. They must withdraw immediately and without conditions."

Muallem said that after seven years of war, the situation on the ground has become more secure and stable.

"Our war on terror is almost over, thanks to the heroism, resolve, and unity of the people and the army, and to the support of our allies and friends," he said.

All conditions are now present for the voluntary return of Syrian refugees, said Muallem.

He said Syria welcomes assistance with reconstruction from those countries that were not part of the "aggression" on Syria. Privilege will be given to Syria's allies in the war. "As for the countries that offer only conditional assistance or continue to support terrorism, they are neither invited nor welcome to help."

He said Syria is committed to the political process without compromising its national principles, such as preserving the sovereignty, independence, and territorial unity of Syria.
| 2018-10-01 22:40:00|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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RABAT, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The 17th edition of Morocco's Marrakech International Film Festival, scheduled on Nov. 30 to Dec. 8, will pay tribute to the U.S. actor Robert De Niro, organizers said Monday in a statement.

"Although I have been to Marrakech on several occasions, I feel I am now seeing a side of Marrakech I have always wanted to see. I am most grateful for this invitation, and I am looking forward to being a part of a great festival," De Niro was quoted as saying.

De Niro, born in 1943, first gained fame for his role in "Bang the Drum Slowly" and gained his reputation as a volatile actor in "Mean Streets," both in 1973.

In 1974, De Niro won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for "the Godfather, Part II." In 1980, he won his second Oscar, as Best Actor, for "Raging Bull."

De Niro has also earned Academy Award nominations for his work in "Taxi Driver," "the Deer Hunter" and "Cape Fear."

The event, which started in 2001, returns to the festival calendar after taking a year off in 2017 to "reflect on its editorial line."

The competition selection will consist of 14 first and second films chosen by a programming committee headed by German artistic director Christoph Terhechte.
| 2018-10-01 22:41:52|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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MOGADISHU, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- At least two people were killed and six others injured when a suicide car bomb struck a European Union (EU) mission convoy in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, medical sources said Monday.

Abdikadir Abdirrahman, director of Amin Ambulances, told Xinhua by phone that emergency crew have transported four injured people and two bodies.

"We have taken four people sustaining injuries and two bodies," Abdikadir said.

The blast occurred near the Somali defense ministry where a convoy of Italian troops was passing by.

Police sources said no member of the Italian troops were killed or injured.

Witnesses reported seeing huge plume of smoke rising over the place.

"It was so huge; we learnt that foreign troops were targeted. Somali forces arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area," one eyewitness, Duniyo Ali, told Xinhua.

Militant group al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the latest attack, saying the car rammed into a convoy carrying Italian military advisers and trainers operating under the EU Training Mission in Somalia.

The Italian defense ministry has reportedly confirmed that no Italian soldiers were hurt in the attack.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan greets people during the official inauguration of the Cologne Central Mosque in Cologne, Germany, September 29, 2018. (Reuters photo)



ANKARA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signaled on Monday a potentially new military offensive in neighboring Syria against a Kurdish faction, aiming to secure control of the northern region east of the Euphrates River.

Speaking at the opening of the parliament in Ankara, Erdogan said that Turkey would act against the People's Protection Units (YPG) militia, the Syrian affiliate of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is designated by Turkey, the United States and EU as a terrorist organization.

"Our target is to provide safety in Manbij city and east of the Euphrates by completely clearing the areas of the terror group," noted the Turkish leader, adding "it's out of the question for us to sit back and watch the developments in Syria."

Erdogan's comment followed an agreement with Russia to freeze plans for a Syrian regime assault on the last major rebel stronghold of Idlib province.

Moscow and Ankara agreed last month to set up a buffer zone in Idlib that is to be cleared of extremists before an Oct. 15 deadline, as stipulated by the Turkish-Russian deal, preventing a major influx of refugees towards Turkey.
| 2018-10-01 23:14:36|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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NAIROBI, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Somali government on Monday called on Iraq to launch urgent investigations into a ship carrying 200,000 bags of charcoal smuggled out of the Horn of Africa nation.

Somali Ambassador to the United Nations Abukar Osman said the ship, which has docked at the Iraqi port of Umm Qasri, is said to have forged custom documents indicating to be from Ghana.

"The federal government of Somalia calls on the Iraqi government to expedite investigations and be swift in actions to halt further clearance of the said ship," Osman said in a statement issued in Mogadishu.

He called on international partners to support efforts by Mogadishu in preventing charcoal smuggling out of Somalia.

Osman, who regretted the incident, condemned all parties involved in the racket and those who have been engaged in the illegal export of charcoal from Somalia.

"Illegal charcoal smuggling is detrimental to the security and stability of Somalia, since revenue from illegal charcoal export is the main financial source for the terrorist organizations of al-Shabab and al-Qaida," Osman said.

The charcoal business has become al-Shabab's most lucrative source of income, according to the United Nations Monitoring Group on Somalia and Eritrea.

According to a UN monitoring report, the militant group always pays for weapons and fighters with revenue it earns from taxing traders and from the export of charcoal, trade that was banned by UN Security Council Resolution 2036, which was adopted in 2012.
| 2018-10-01 23:19:05|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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KIEV, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Michel Terestchenko, a French-born Ukrainian politician, announced on Monday that he would run for the Ukrainian presidency next year.

While speaking at the press conference in Kiev, Terestchenko said he is stepping down from his position of mayor of the northeastern town of Hlukhiv to focus on the presidential campaign.

"It's impossible to change the system at the level of a small town ... I have no other choice, but to run for the president of Ukraine," Terestchenko told reporters.

The 64-year-old Terestchenko was born in Paris and moved to Ukraine in 2003. He became a Ukrainian citizen in March 2015 shortly before being elected Hlukhiv mayor.

Ukraine is scheduled to hold presidential elections in March next year.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 23:25:20|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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Soldiers of Cypriot National Guard march on a military parade celebrating the 58th Independence Day of Cyprus in Nicosia, Cyprus, on Oct. 1, 2018. Cyprus marked its 58th Independence Day with a military parade in Nicosia, Cyprus, on Oct. 1, 2018. (Xinhua/PIO)

NICOSIA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus celebrated 58 years of independence on Monday, of which the last 44 have been marked by the occupation of the northern part of the island by Turkish troops.

"We have a divided country, but on the other hand, we have a state which has managed through hard work and sacrifice of the Cypriot people to prosper, to become an EU (European Union) member and to look to the future with optimism," Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades said in remarks after a military parade.

Anastasiades said that in order to have hope for the future, Cyprus needs to become a modern state, in which human rights and freedoms are enjoyed by all citizens, Greek and Turkish Cypriots alike, after the foreign military occupation comes to an end.

He was referring to the occupation by Turkish troops since the 1974 military operation in reaction to a coup engineered by the then military rulers of Greece, and the insistence of Turkey to retain troops in a new federal Cypriot state sought in United Nations (UN)-led negotiations.

The four-decade long negotiations came to an unsuccessful end in July 2017, and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is trying to ascertain whether there are prospects for a solution in a new final round of talks.

Anastasiades said last week after meeting with Guterres in New York that a UN official who acts as the personal envoy of the Secretary General may hold further consultations with all parties involved before a decision is made on further negotiations.

Cyprus became independent on Aug. 16, 1960, when a century of British colonial rule came to an end.

Oct. 1 was chosen as the official Independence Day to avoid celebrations in scorching temperatures, which top 40 degrees Centigrade in mid-August.
| 2018-10-01 23:29:20|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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SANAA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Saudi-led warplanes on Monday dropped "liberation" leaflets over Yemen's Houthi-held port city of Hodeidah, according to activists and residents.

"The Arab coalition forces are coming to liberate your areas from Iran-backed Houthi militias," read the leaflets.

Most of the leaflets were dropped over the districts of Hussieniyah and Zabid, about one-hour drive from the south of Hodeidah.

The leaflets urged the residents "not to join the Houthi militias and keep away from their positions."

The Saudi-led coalition has so far kept the city's port open for aid and commercial ships. The port is a main entry point of about 70 percent of Yemen's food, medicines, aid and fuel.

The battle for Hodeidah began in June, in which forces of the internationally recognized Yemeni government, backed by the Arab coalition, had advanced from Mocha, a southwestern port city under the government control, to al-Durayhemi and Tahita districts, capturing both areas on the southern edge of the port city.

The government military advance paused shortly in August to allow for more peace efforts by the UN envoy to Yemen. However, the fighting intensified after the peace talks in Geneva collapsed on Sept. 8.

Up to 500,000 people fled homes in Hodeidah between June and August, according to UN aid agencies.

Saudi Arabia is leading an Arab military coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after Houthi rebels forced him into exile.
| 2018-10-01 23:28:34|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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SKOPJE, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The turnout of Macedonia's referendum on the name agreement with Greece, based on the data on the website of the country's State Electoral Commission (SEC) after counting of all votes on Monday, was 36.91 percent -- below the 50 percent needed for the results to be considered valid in line with the constitution.

According to the SEC, of 666,743 people who voted in Sunday's referendum, 91.46 percent of votes were in favor of the deal, and 5.65 percent were against.

The referendum question they had to vote "for" or "against" read: "Are you in favor of EU and NATO membership by accepting the agreement between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Greece?"

Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev declared on Sunday evening that the overwhelming support of voters for the name deal sent a clear sign that he should continue to push for adoption of the agreement in parliament, for which he will need the support of at least some opposition MPs.

The Social Democrats led Macedonian government in coalition with other smaller parties has the support of 71 out of the 120 Members of Parliament (MPs) and needs the support of nine more MPs from opposition.

On Monday, Zaev declared for the press that in a few days it will be known if it is possible to reach an agreement with the opposition VMRO DPMNE party for a two-third majority required in the parliament to pass the constitutional changes under the name agreement with Greece.

Zaev also underlined that the alternative was early elections in November.

The opposition VMRO DPMNE leader, Hristijan Mickoski, after the referendum closure, declared that the referendum failed and exposed the wrong policies of the government.

There is no announcement from Mickoski whether he would accept Zaev's call for early general elections in case there will be no adoption of the agreement in parliament.

On Monday, EU foreign affairs and security policy chief Federica Mogherini and commissioner for European neighborhood policy and enlargement Johannes Hahn in a joint statement declared that the overwhelming majority who voted at the referendum supported Prespes Agreement.

Mogherini and Hahn called this an historic opportunity not only for reconciliation in the region, but also for decisively moving the country forward on its EU path.

"It is for all political and institutional actors now to act within their constitutional responsibilities beyond party political lines," read the joint statement.

In Athens, the Greek Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Greece "remains committed to the Prespes agreement" aimed to resolve the name issue regarding the use of the term Macedonia.

"The results of the referendum in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)... are controversial.... Greece respects the choices of the citizens of FYROM," the ministry said.

Macedonia, formally called FYROM at the United Nations, is also the name of a northern province in Greece. Athens is worried that the use of the same name by the neighboring state could lead to territorial claims.

Following UN-mediated negotiations for years, the governments of Greece and FYROM reached a deal this June at Prespes Lake to put an end to the name row which had started in 1991. Under the agreement, FYROM's new name will be "Republic of North Macedonia".

The name row was the main obstacle Skopje had to overcome to make progress towards EU and NATO integration. Although the two governments promote the deal, there are still many people in both countries opposing it.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alio Gold Inc (TSX, NYSE AMERICAN: ALO) (Alio Gold or the Company), today announced that it will release its third quarter 2018 results on Thursday, November 8, 2018, before the market opens, followed by a conference call at 11:00am EST.



Third Quarter 2018 Results Conference Call and Webcast Details:

US and Canada (toll-free): (855) 427-9509 Outside North America: (210) 229-8822 Conference ID: 6094766 Webcast: https://edge.media-server.com/m6/p/8rte5x2f Replay: To be available at http://www.aliogold.com

About Alio Gold



Alio Gold is a growth oriented gold mining company, focused on exploration, development and production in Mexico and the USA. Its principal assets include its 100%-owned and operating San Francisco Mine in Sonora, Mexico, its 100%-owned and operating Florida Canyon Mine in Nevada, USA and its 100%-owned development stage Ana Paula Project in Guerrero, Mexico. The Company also has a portfolio of other exploration properties located in Mexico and the USA.

Source: ALO

For further information, please contact:

Lynette Gould

Vice President, Investor Relations

604-638-8976

lynette.gould@aliogold.com

Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) nor the New York Stock Exchange MKT accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
EU's foreign and security policy chief Federica Mogherini(L, front) and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif(R, front) are pictured during a ministerial meeting of the EU, Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and Iran, at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 24, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

TEHRAN, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Iran and the European Union are working to finalize a mechanism to guarantee trade cooperation despite the U.S. pressures to abort the attempts, an Iranian spokesman said Monday.

Iran and the EU have neared an understanding following intensive negotiations, Bahram Qasemi, spokesman of the Iranian Foreign Ministry, said at his weekly press briefing.

The United States attempts to abort Iran-EU engagement will fail virtually, Qasemi stressed.

On Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the central banks of seven European states are ready to work with Iran amid the U.S. new sanctions expected to take affect on Nov. 4.

The Europeans have made extensive efforts to save the 2015 nuclear deal over the past few months, Zarif said.

After the U.S. withdrawal from the Iranian nuclear deal in May, the remaining parties, including the EU, have been trying to keep the deal afloat.

U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to re-impose oil and banking sanctions on Iran, which were lifted under the 2015 international nuclear deal.
| 2018-10-01 23:49:26|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TOKYO, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- A powerful typhoon tore through Japan on Sunday and Monday morning, leaving at least four people dead and 200 others injured while wreaking havoc on transportation systems.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Typhoon Trami first made landfall Sunday night and carved a path through western Japan and eastern and northern parts of Honshu including the wider Tokyo area.

The typhoon, the 24th of this season, then downgraded to an extratropical cyclone off the Pacific coast of Japan's northernmost prefecture Hokkaido by noon.

According to local reports, a truck driver was killed by a landslide in Tottori prefecture, western Japan, while another was confirmed dead in Yamanashi prefecture, west of Tokyo, after being found in a river. Two others in the prefectures of Shiga and Kyoto have also been confirmed dead.

In Miyazaki prefecture, southwestern Japan, a woman in her 60s has also been reported missing after being washed away by an irrigation ditch.

Public transport across the nation has been severely disrupted, with delays in Tokyo on Monday morning causing disruption as trains and power lines were checked.

East Japan Railway Co. canceled all of its train services in the Tokyo Metropolitan area at around 8:00 p.m. local time (1100 GMT) on Sunday and only partially resumed them by 9:00 a.m. (0000 GMT) Monday.

According to the company, such measures that involved alerting the public beforehand about the closure were unprecedented.

Central Japan Railway Co., meanwhile, suspended all Shinkansen bullet trains services on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka after 5:00 p.m. (0800 GMT) Sunday.

The services were resumed around 7:30 a.m. (2230 GMT Sunday) Monday, the operator said.

Shinkansen trains between Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima were also suspended as were numerous local rail services.

Kansai International Airport in Osaka, already battered by a typhoon in September, reopened Monday morning after being closed since from 11:00 a.m. (0200 GMT) Sunday, the airport's operator said, though many of the flights had been canceled.

More than 280 flights were canceled on Monday as huge cancellations of flights a day earlier has made it difficult for major airlines to arrange aircraft.

As of 10:00 p.m. local time Monday (1300 GMT), 550,000 households across Japan were still without power, including some 278,000 households in the Shizuoka prefecture near Tokyo, for which it might take several days to restore power.

Japan has been hit by a series of typhoons this year, including Typhoon Jebi, which ravaged western Japan last month and left at least 11 people dead while paralyzing for a time the Kansai International Airport in Osaka.
A girl learns to make coffee latte during the Ankara Coffee Festival on Sept. 29, 2018, in Ankara, Turkey. (Xinhua/Qin Yanyang)

ANKARA, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of coffee lovers flocked to the three-day Ankara Coffee Festival in Turkey, the land of the Turkish coffee, for a cup of the increasingly popular hot or cold beverage, an event blending traditional and modern culture.

In Turkey coffee is more than a drink. It is often drunk in small coffee shops. While the drinks are tiny and the coffee is strong, it is meant for sipping and lingering, for conversation, even for telling fortunes from the coffee grounds left in the cup.

That coffee tradition dates back to the 14th century and has since entrenches itself in the popular culture.

Since the start of the new millennium, leading international coffee brands from around the world have opened many shops across Turkey's cities luring customers to new tastes and brewing techniques.

Curious visitors wait to taste coffee during the Ankara Coffee Festival on Sept. 29, 2018, in Ankara, Turkey. (Xinhua/Qin Yanyang)

The third annual Ankara Coffee Festival brings together the leading brands and tastes of the coffee trend, professional baristas from the region, design products, live music performances and seminars and workshops.

"I can't do without a cup of filter coffee in the morning, I study better when I have my coffee fix in the morning," a university student who names himself Deniz told Xinhua.

Nowadays you can find both Turkish coffee and various tastes of coffee, African, Asian, American or South American in many coffee shops, big or boutique ones.

"My parents are very fond of Turkish coffee which is too strong to my taste and I don't have the time to sit down and linger around so in the morning or after a good meal I go to a Starbucks or another shop to have a large coffee," said Turgut Yucel, an employee of a technology company in the Ankara suburb.

He said at the festival he learned brewing techniques from experienced baristas. "I am learning to teach my palate so it will get acquainted to the many different coffee variations of the planet. I am now much more aware of what I am drinking."

As coffee drinkers increase in Turkey, where tea drinkers still dominate by far, organizers of the Ankara event are keen to present "a unique experience to coffee lovers."

"Coffee culture is on the rise in our country among the young generation, so we are bringing them new flavors and aroma and bald to host thousands of coffee lovers," said Ayhan Aytekin, the director of the Bilkent Center shopping mall which hosted the festival.

A barista brews traditional Turkish coffee during the Ankara Coffee Festival on Sept. 29, 2018, in Ankara, Turkey. (Xinhua/Qin Yanyang)

The festival organized by Dream Sales Machine kicked off Friday and features 90 brands. Around 8,000 coffee lovers attended the 2016 event, while the festival hosted over 15.000 visitors in 2017.

Perhaps the most crowded stand was the one of the famous Turkish brand, Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi, meaning Turkish coffee by Mehmet Efendi, which has been roasting coffee since 1871.

Today it has become the biggest and the oldest coffee company in Turkey and is highly recommended by consumers in Turkey and also abroad where it's fame is undisputed.

"People have the impression that we produce only Turkish coffee which is not true. In the early 1930s, we were roasting beans for espresso or filter coffee for mostly our foreign clientele in Istanbul," explained Melih Karagul who is in charge of the quality branch at the company.

"We export Turkish coffee to 55 countries abroad but we are not only a Turkish coffee producer and retailer," he said.

The festival is also an opportunity for small businesses to showcase their passion and their knowledge of coffee to consumers. Many young male and female baristas served freshly brewed coffee to a curious crowd.

The event also hosted a number of interactive workshops, panel sessions, live concerts, art exhibitions with design products and food related to coffee so that visitors would get the latest updates on coffee and lifestyle trends.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 02:19:25|Editor: Yamei

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British Prime Minister Theresa May (Xinhua file photo)

LONDON, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Theresa May has arrived in Birmingham for the last of Britain's big political conferences, with a determination to fight for her Brexit blueprint.

Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson set the scene for a lively event in Britain's second biggest city by describing as deranged May's so-called Chequers plan for a soft-Brexit.

The Sunday Times gave a flavor of the possible atmosphere at the conference with its headline: "Boris Johnson vs Theresa May: now it's war".

In a Sunday television interview, May insisted she would make a success of Britain's departure from the European Union regardless of what happens in the negotiations with Brussels.

May said in her interview: "I do believe in Brexit. Crucially, I believe in delivering Brexit in a way that respects the vote and delivers on the vote of the British people while also protecting our union, protecting jobs and ensuring we make a success of Brexit for the future.

"That's why I'm being ambitious for this country. That's why I want us to get a really good free trade deal with the European Union, which is what lies at the heart of the Chequers plan."

She added: "We will make a success of Brexit, regardless of the outcome of the negotiations."

The Sunday Times said May has launched a concerted campaign to keep her job, announcing a crackdown on foreigners buying homes in Britain and revealing plans for a "historic" festival to celebrate Brexit Britain.

May confronted her critics, accusing those who refuse to back her Chequers blueprint for Brexit of playing politics with Britain's future and undermining the national interest.

May's proposed 156-million-U.S.-dollar festival, is designed to pump billions of dollars into the British economy, echoing Queen Victoria's Great Exhibition in 1851 and the post-war Festival of Britain in 1951.

May said: "We want to showcase what makes our country great today. We want to capture that spirit for a new generation, celebrate our nation's diversity and talent, and mark this moment of national renewal with a once-in-a-generation celebration."

The Sunday Times says May will come under intense pressure from grassroots members to ditch her Chequers proposals. She will also face an ambush at a behind-closed-doors meeting of the Conservative Convention, where party members have put down motions against her plans.

A determined May said: "My message to the Conservative Party is going to be that people voted to leave the EU. I believe it's a matter of trust in politicians that we deliver on that vote for people. The only proposal on the table at the moment that delivers that is the Chequers plan."

Ian Lavery, chair of the main opposition Labor Party accused May of tinkering around the edges rather than rebuilding Britain.

He said: "The Conservatives are clearly too busy fighting among themselves and have neither the ideas nor the desire to offer real solutions to the problems they have caused."

In a separate interview with the Sunday Times, Johnson said "There will be economic and political damage to the UK if we go with Chequers. It surrenders control."

He added: "Unlike the prime minister, I campaigned for Brexit. Unlike the prime minister, I fought for this, I believe in it, I think it's the right thing for our country and I think that what is happening now is alas not what people were promised in 2016."

Johnson has also published his own manifesto program, saying the ambitious HS2 south-north high speed rail should be overtaken by a fast rail heading west to east across northern Britain. He also suggests building a bridge linking the British mainland with the island of Ireland.

Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab addresses the conference Monday morning, but all eyes will focus on Wednesday morning when May makes her main keynote speech at the closing session of the gathering.

Last year May struggled through her speech because of a throat problem, not helped by some of the conference backdrop falling away as the world watched. This time conference managers are leaving nothing to chance. It will give May a clear indication of whether her Chequers Brexit plan has widespread support among the party loyalists.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 04:19:42|Editor: huaxia

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MOGADISHU, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Somali National Army (SNA) on Sunday killed five al-Shabab militants and injured several others during a fierce fighting between the soldiers and insurgents in the southern part of the Horn of Africa nation.

SNA Army Commander in the area, Yusuf Hussein Osman said the army and Jubbaland forces also liberated several areas during the operation which took place in regions about 70km north of Kismayo, the administrative capital of Jubbaland.

"Our forces are making military progress in an on-going operation in the region, we killed five al-Shabab militants and several others were injured while two of our soldiers sustained injuries," Osman told journalists.

He said al-Shabab militants strongly resisted by dropping mortar shells towards the army but were overpowered.

Among the areas liberated included Bangini, Mana-mufo and Koban -- all in Jamame, the strategic and major al-Shabab stronghold town in Lower Jubba region.

Osman vowed to carry out with operations to liberate several regions still under the militants' control.

Al-Shabab militants did not comment on the latest military operations in Lower Jubba region so far. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 07:25:15|Editor: Li Xia

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said on Sunday that "several sticking points" remain in the trade talks between the United States and Canada to overhaul the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

"There's broad agreement on virtually all of that. There are several sticking points," Navarro said in an interview with Fox News on Sunday morning, citing of differences over the dairy market access and the so-called dispute resolution system, contained in Chapter 19 of the original NAFTA agreement.

"The deadline is midnight tonight to get the text in to Congress in order to make sure this goes forward," said Navarro, director of the White House Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy.

"It's either going to be the text goes in with Mexico and the U.S., or the text goes in with all three countries," he said.

The White House has pressured Canada to accept the preliminary agreement it struck with Mexico last month to update the trilateral trade deal. But Canada insisted that it would only sign a new agreement that is good for the country.

U.S. President Donald Trump's aides told U.S. stakeholders late Saturday that there was a possibility of announcing a Canada deal before the weekend was over, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.

People briefed on the talks said they were told there didn't seem to be any major insurmountable issues, but that it remained unclear whether a full agreement could be finished so quickly, according to the Journal.

While U.S. officials have indicated that they are prepared to sign a NAFTA deal without Canada, the U.S. business community and many lawmakers have insisted that the NAFTA deal should remain a trilateral pact.

Talks on renegotiating the NAFTA began in August 2017 as Trump threatened to withdraw from the trilateral trade deal, which he claimed harmed U.S. industries and jobs.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 08:00:20|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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Digmara Lopez (L) and Yunielsi Fandino (R) read a book to their son at their bookshop in Havana, Cuba, Sept. 29, 2018. Eager to take advantage of new Cuban laws encouraging limited private enterprise, Digmara Lopez and her husband Yunielsi Fandino invested thousands of dollars to convert part of their small home in the heart of Old Havana into a bar.

by Raul Menchaca

HAVANA, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Eager to take advantage of new Cuban laws encouraging limited private enterprise, Digmara Lopez and her husband Yunielsi Fandino invested thousands of dollars to convert part of their small home in the heart of Old Havana into a bar.

Construction work neared completion in mid-2017 and the couple looked forward to welcoming their first clients, when the government placed a temporary freeze on their bar permit as officials tweaked the regulations of the fledgling program.

Today, customers regularly pop into their home, but the bar features books, antiques and knickknacks instead of bottles of rum and other liquors.

"We invested some 14,000 dollars in the remodeling to install the bar and when everything was almost ready, the plans were frozen," recalled Fandino.

"That led me to look for alternatives and I came up with the idea -- I had three boxes of books -- of setting up this business to sell them," Fandino said.

With all of their savings poured into the remodeling, Fandino, a sculptor, put his carpentry skills to work, dismantling a shoe rack they had in their bedroom and turning it into additional display shelves for books.

Friends donated their books as well as other objects, such as old coins, stamps, vinyl records and vintage posters, and the bookshop or antique store was opened at the beginning of the year.

Each day, numerous tourists and Cubans drop in to browse.

"It's complicated because sometimes we're cooking and the customers arrive and you have to stop to attend to them, or we're eating and the same thing happens. But business has been good so far and we've done well," said Lopez.

Fandino is admittedly surprised at the traffic the shop has generated, especially since Cuban television featured their small business in a segment.

Cuban authorities recently announced the program will resume again in December, but with new regulations that limit entrepreneurs to a single activity, so business owners with two licenses will have to give one up.

How that will work out for the couple's future Kubacalle Bar remains to be seen, since the innovative concept is a fusion of a bar and a bookstore.

"We want to run a literary bar, Cuba's first," said Fandino, who has grown fond of the book-selling business and the international clientele it attracts.

They hope their permit will allow them to sell both books and drinks. But if it doesn't, they have already proven capable of dealing with adversity by adapting to any situation.

In the meantime, Fandino, who won the Grand Prize at the Iberoarte International Handicrafts Fair in 2007, is engaged in making a 2.85-meter-tall sculpture of Saint Christopher, the patron saint of Havana.

"The idea is to make a Saint Christopher carrying Jesus, as a child, on his shoulders, and my son Keyvan serves as the model," he said.

When complete, the bronze sculpture will be Fandino's gift to the city, as Havana celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2019.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 08:05:21|Editor: Li Xia

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HAVANA, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Cuban president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, on Sunday returned to the island after a week-long trip to the United Nations General Assembly, where he had bilateral meetings with top world leaders and exchanges with different sectors of the U.S. society.

According to a Cuban State television report, Diaz-Canel was welcomed at Havana's Jose Marti International airport by Raul Castro, first secretary of Communist Party of Cuba, as well as other government and party senior leaders.

After taking off the plane, Diaz-Canel received a hug from Castro and was congratulated by the former president for his visit and intense meetings in the United States.

During his trip to New York, Diaz-Canel delivered a speech to the UN General Assembly where he assured that he'll continue the socialist path started by Fidel Castro in 1959 despite a generational change in leadership.

"The generational change in our government should not deceive the enemies of the revolution," he said. "We are continuity, not rupture."

Diaz-Canel sent a clear message to U.S. President Donald Trump that his administration is willing to talk with Washington but on "equal terms and without renouncing to the country's sovereignty and independence."

Trump has tightened the decades-old economic blockade on the Caribbean nation over the last year and limited U.S. citizens' traveling to the island.

Diaz-Canel also held over 20 bilateral meetings with presidents and top leaders from all over the world, including Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, who is expected to visit Cuba later this year.

During his stay in New York, Diaz-Canel exchanged with representatives of U.S. technology companies like Google that are keen to explore investment opportunities in Cuba.

Also, he met with a U.S. Congress bipartisan group of lawmakers as well as several leaders and businessmen of the agricultural sector which would like to increase its food sales to Havana despite the embargo.

Diaz-Canel participated in a meeting with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and travel representatives seeking to increase the arrival of American visitors after Trump's restrictions last year.

Over 600,000 U.S. citizens traveled to Cuba in 2017 but that number has decreased due to Washington's new policy on the island. Just over 430,000 American visitors have visited the island so far this year.

In his intense visit, the Cuban leader also met with a group of U.S. artists led by famous actor, Robert De Niro, where he urged them to build cultural bridges with the island.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 09:00:27|Editor: Li Xia

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TOKYO, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened mixed on Monday as buying on the back of Wall Street's rise late last week was countered by selling on concern over Italy's deficit-widening budget plan.

As of 9:15 a.m. local time, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 101.68 points, or 0.42 percent, from Friday to 24,221.72.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, lost 2.71 points, or 0.15 percent, at 1,814.54.

Pulp and paper, consumer credit, and food issues led gainers, while nonferrous metal, transportation equipment, and land transportation issues comprised those that declined the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 10:05:36|Editor: Li Xia

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OTTAWA, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- A renegotiated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) could soon be signed, David MacNaughton, Canada's ambassador to the United States, said here on Sunday.

"It's good we are working hard," MacNaughton told reporters after leaving Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office in Ottawa.

"We've been at it for a long time so, you know, I'm cautiously optimistic but we'll see," MacNaughton said.

The ambassador's remarks came when negotiators from Canada and the United States are working hard to secure a trade deal hours out from a U.S.-imposed deadline of Oct. 1.

Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland and senior members of Trudeau's team meeting in Ottawa connected via video link to Canadian officials in the United States, negotiating some final details of the trade deal, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reported Sunday.

The CBC said the two sides are narrowing in on a resolution to some sticking points that have long stood in the way of a deal: greater U.S. access to Canada's dairy market, which is heavily protected by a system of supply management, and the maintenance of some sort of dispute resolution process.

Canada has sought to maintain Chapter 19 of the original NAFTA, the dispute settlement mechanism used to challenge anti-dumping and countervailing duty cases.

What remains less clear is how Canada's demands for relief from punitive U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum exports will be resolved.

Those tariffs were levied on "national security" grounds using presidential authority granted under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which gives the U.S. president broad powers to impose tariffs without consulting Congress.

Canada responded to U.S. President Donald Trump's move with counter-tariffs on billions of dollars worth of U.S. goods.

Trump said Canada must sign onto the text of the updated NAFTA by midnight EDT on Sunday (0400 GMT Monday) or face exclusion from the trilateral pact, which includes Mexico.

Trump has repeatedly blamed NAFTA for the loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs and wants major changes to the pact, which underpins 1.2 trillion U.S. dollars in annual trade.
MOOSE JAW, Saskatchewan, Oct. 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Union members at five Moose Jaw Co-op locations are heading to the picket line to address a number of contract issues  including the companys insistence on a contract that would result in pay inequities for newer workers who are predominately female.



The workers are members of UFCW Canada Local 1400 (United Food and Commercial Workers union). Local 1400 served the strike notice, effective Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at 12:01 a.m. Shortly after receiving the notice, the employer announced a lockout effective for the same date and time.

More than 90% the members voted to go on strike, while rejecting offers from the company that would have resulted in smaller pay cheque raises for members in the second-tier wage grid.

More than 130 UFCW 1400 members work at Moose Jaw Co-op: at the Moose Jaw Marketplace, the Moose Jaw Agro Centre, and at Moose Jaw Co-op gas bar and refueling stations.

The Co-ops plans for workers covered by the second-tier wage ladder would directly result in pay inequity that falls mostly on women, says Norm Neault, president of UFCW 1400. Over months of negotiations, our members made it very clear to the employer that they would not accept a discriminatory contract, but the Co-op has refused to listen.

The folks who work at Moose Jaw Co-op are asking their neighbours to please support the strike by buying your gas and groceries somewhere else until the strike in over, says Neault. Please show your support for and fairness, decency, and pay equity.

UFCW Canada Local 1400 is Saskatchewans largest private-sector union, with members working across the province in the food processing, food retail, service, hospitality, health care, financial and other sectors. To find out more about UFCW 1400, visit www.ufcw1400.ca .
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 10:05:36|Editor: Li Xia

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SUVA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Fijian President Jioji Konrote issued on Monday the writ of 2018 general elections, confirming that the general elections will be held on Nov. 14 this year.

According to a government statement, while issuing the writ to the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission Suresh Chandra in the Fijian capital of Suva on Monday, Konrote said that it was virtue of the Constitution necessary to hold an election of members to seek and vote in parliament.

The president said that therefore in exercise of the powers issued in section 59-1 of the constitution and section 21 of the Electoral Commission 2014 and on the advice of Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, he commands the Electoral Commission to course an election to be held according to law.

The president announced that the registration of voters for the election will stop at 6 p.m. local time on Monday, and the Fijian Elections Office is to receive the nominations of candidates by midday Oct. 15 this year.

The General Election is to take place on Nov. 14 this year and pre-poll and postal voting prior to this.

Konrote also highlighted that the names of candidates, elected as members of parliament, are to be endorsed and the writ to be returned on or before Nov. 28.

On Sunday, after Fijian Prime Minister Bainimarama's meeting with Fijian President Konrote who announced to dissolve the parliament immediately, the Fijian government announced to hold the general elections on Nov. 14, 2018.

This is the second time for Fijians to head to the polls under the 2013 Fijian Constitution.

Currently, Fiji has a population of over 880,000, with more than 600,000 registered voters.

The FijiFirst party, the island nation's ruling party, is ready to participate in the general elections by announcing 51 provisional candidates, including 11 women candidates recently.

The number of polling venues has increased from 1,361 in 2014 to 1,435 in 2018.

Fiji's latest general election was held in September 2014, the first ever since the country's 2006 coup.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 11:45:49|Editor: Yamei

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TOKYO, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Denny Tamaki, a former opposition lawmaker and opponent to the central government's plans to relocate the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma within the prefecture, won the Okinawa gubernatorial election Sunday, local media reported Monday.

Tamaki's victory, which will see him take over from the late governor Takeshi Onaga, himself a staunch proponent of not relocating the controversial base, will cause more problems for the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

The Japanese government wanted to move the base from a crowded residential area of Ginowan to the less populated coastal district of Henoko in Nago, both in Okinawa.

Tamaki, 58-year-old, a radio personality-turned-politician, won a record-high 396,632 votes, easily beating former Ginowan mayor Atsushi Sakima, 54, who won 316,458 votes and had the backing of the ruling coalition and two other candidates in the governor race.

"I will firmly convey the Okinawa people's will to oppose the base transfer to the central government and make requests accordingly," Tamaki told a press briefing in Naha after the election results were announced.

"I definitely support the prefecture's withdrawal in August of approval for landfill work necessary for the U.S. base transfer," which effectively halted construction of the new base, he said.

Paying homage to his predecessor, Tamaki said, "Mr. Onaga staked his life on achieving the mission of building no more bases in Okinawa. His wish was shared by people in the prefecture and led to my victory," said Tamaki.

Tamaki said he was picked by Onaga prior to his death as his successor.

Former Deputy Ginowan Mayor Masanori Matsugawa, meanwhile, won in the mayoral election held the same day.

Matsugawa has not clarified his stance on the base relocation, although he is backed by the ruling camp.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 11:45:49|Editor: Yamei

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SUVA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The people of Ambae, Vanuatu marked on Monday the "Ambae Exodus" to remember the first evacuation from their island after the eruption of the Manaro volcano in September last year.

According to Vanuatu's Daily Post on Monday, Ambae people returned to the island several months later, only to be forced off again this year as the effects of the continuing eruption worsened and that is why it is uninhabited now.

Chief Wesley Wgwango told the Daily Post newspaper that to turn their backs on Ambae was the most painful thing to do and his people were pleading for future generations to remember and honour the day they left their island home.

Ambae islanders remember October 1 as the day they were forced to sail away through mass evacuation for security reasons, leaving their island totally empty of human life for the first time, except the graves of their loved ones, their villages, their properties and their animals.

The evacuation of people from Vanuatu's volcanic Ambae Island to the islands of Maewo and Santo was completed after the Vanuatu government asked the Ambae people to have a compulsory evacuation by August this year.

The decision by the Vanuatu government to compulsorily evacuate the 11,000 people of Ambae to the evacuation site on the island of Maewo was made following continuous escalation of the Manaro volcano activity on Ambae.

The explosions and spewing of volcanic ash including the associated risks of lava flow and other related volcanic hazards based on the observation and monitoring of the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazard Department (VMGD) showed it was too risky for the people of Ambae to continue to live on their island.

The Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF) members were deployed to get people off the island after an evacuation was ordered following a state of emergency which ended on Sept. 26.

The Vanuatu government through its clusters have been working to ensure food, water and hygiene kits and tarpaulins reach the people.

Evacuees have been seeking temporary shelter with communities as they wait to move into permanent relocation sites.

The Vanuatu government has assured that it will continue to care for the villages until they recover.

The last significant eruption on Ambae island happened in 2005.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 11:55:50|Editor: Yamei

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NEW DELHI, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- As many as 15 Naxalite rebels have surrendered in central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, police said Monday.

"The 15 rebels gave up their arms before police and paramilitary forces in the state's Sukma district during the weekend. Almost all of them carried cash rewards on their heads. Some of them are dreaded rebels," a police official said.

"The surrendered rebels will be rehabilitated in the mainstream of the society as per our policy," he added.

Chhattisgarh is among Indian states that are often hit by Naxalite violence.

The rebels said they are fighting for land rights for tribal people and the rural poor.

The Naxalite insurgency began in eastern state of West Bengal in late 1960s.

Though major offensives by security forces in recent years have pushed the rebels back to their forest strongholds and the levels of violence have fallen, hit-and-run attacks are still common.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 11:55:50|Editor: Yamei

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SEOUL, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's export fell last month on less business days, caused by the four-day Chuseok holiday, the country's Thanksgiving Day, a government report showed Monday.

Export, which accounts for about half of the export-driven economy, shrank 8.2 percent from a year earlier to 50.58 billion U.S. dollars in September, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

The export turned downward after growing in the previous month, but it topped 50 billion dollars for five months in a row.

During the January-September period, the export reached a new high of 450.4 billion dollars, up 4.7 percent from a year ago.

Import reduced 2.1 percent over the year to 40.84 billion dollars in September, sending last month's trade surplus to 9.74 billion dollars. The trade balance stayed in the black for 80 straight months.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 12:00:50|Editor: Yamei

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OTTAWA, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Canada and the United States have reached an new trade agreement based on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), but it is still awaiting final approval, Canadian media reported on Sunday night.

A joint statement from Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer is expected soon.

According to the CTV Television Network, a senior Canadian official said the deal is not 100 percent finalized, but as things stand, the Chapter 19 dispute resolution mechanism remains intact.

Canada will have a full cultural exemption, and will be making "modest" concessions on access to the country's supply-managed dairy sector, the official noted.

The official said an exemption will be made for autos, though the steel and aluminum tariff issues remain unsolved.

The deal on the table is subject to the approval of the federal cabinet, which is convened right now in Ottawa.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the cabinet meeting on 10 p.m. Sunday (0200 GMT Monday) inside his office across the street from Parliament Hill, said the CTV.

Talks on renegotiating the NAFTA, a trilateral trade deal that also involves Mexico, began in August 2017 as U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to withdraw from it claiming it harmed U.S. industries and jobs.

The United States has pressured Canada to accept the preliminary agreement it struck with Mexico last month.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 12:00:51|Editor: Yamei

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SEOUL, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- South Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Monday launched the removal of landmines in border areas as part of efforts to implement the inter-Korean military agreement, local media reported citing Seoul's defense ministry.

The militaries of the two Koreas started removing landmines in the Joint Security Area (JSA) inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which has left the Korean Peninsula divided since the 1950-53 Korean War ended with armistice.

The two sides agreed to disarm the JSA under the military agreement, which was signed by defense chiefs during the Pyongyang summit in September between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un.

The removal works would last for 20 days. The two Koreas and the UN Command, which oversees activities in the DMZ, would reportedly launch consultations on how to operate troops in the JSA after the disarmament.

Troops in the JSA have been banned from crossing the military demarcation line (MDL) since the 1976 incident, in which DPRK soldiers axed two U.S. soldiers. Before the incident, the troops were allowed to freely move inside the JSA.

The militaries of the two Koreas also launched the landmine removal works in the eastern border areas in Cheorwon, Gangwon province, to prepare for the joint excavation of the Korean War remains.

The landmine removal works would last for 60 days. The joint excavation would kick off in April next year.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 12:00:51|Editor: Yamei

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CANBERRA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has taken responsibility for a controversial grant handed to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation (GBRF).

Morrison's predecessor Malcolm Turnbull and the Minister for Energy and Environment at the time Josh Frydenberg in April handed the GBRF a 444.3-million-Australian dollar (321 million U.S. dollars) funding grant, the largest allocation of federal funding to the non-profit sector in history.

However, it has since emerged that the organization requested only 5 million Australian dollars (3.6 million U.S. dollars) and that the funding was not subjected to the usual tender process.

The Finance Department recommended that 200 million Australia dollar (144.5 million U.S. dollars) be set aside to protect the reef over six years.

Morrison, who was Australia's Treasurer when the grant was filled, a position now filed by Frydenberg, on Monday took responsibility for the decision, saying it made "financial sense".

"As treasurer, I was looking for the most effective way to make this significant and urgent commitment to the future of the reef, while at the same time protecting our return to a balanced budget at the earliest opportunity," he told News Corp Australia on Monday.

"Given this was a one-off investment into ongoing research, restoration and protection, and the financial situation was improving in 2017-18 as we were pulling the budget together, it made financial sense to consider doing this investment in one instalment, if it were also able to achieve the environmental objectives for the reef."

The funding is currently the subject of a Senate inquiry and the opposition Australian Labor Party (ALP) has promised to change laws so as to recover that which is unspent if victorious at the next general election.

Chris Bowen, the ALP's Treasury spokesman, said that Morrison was "personally responsible for the most reckless piece of financial maladministration in living memory."

"It's clear Scott Morrison is responsible for trying to privatize the management of the Great Barrier Reef," he said in a statement.

"A Labor government will terminate the grant agreement between the Environment Department and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and demand the foundation return unspent funds. All recovered funds will be invested in the Great Barrier Reef via government agencies."
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 12:30:59|Editor: Yamei

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NEW DELHI, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- At least two people were killed and six others injured after a bus veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, police said Monday.

The accident occurred in Mancholi area in the state's Shimla district.

"The bus belonging to the state-run Himachal Road Transport Corporation and carrying some 10 people fell into the gorge after its driver lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a curve Sunday evening," a police official said.

While one person died on the spot, another one succumbed to his injuries in a government hospital this morning, where six others are undergoing treatment, he said. "The condition of all of them are said to be critical," the official added.

A probe has been ordered into the incident, he said.

India has the highest number of road fatalities in the world. Road accidents occur mostly due to poor driving or badly maintained roads and vehicles.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 13:21:05|Editor: Chengcheng

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HONG KONG, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong, both a "contributor" to and "beneficiary" of the motherland's 40 years of reform and opening up, should uphold the original spirit of the "one country, two systems" principle and continue developing jointly with the country, Chief Executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam said Monday.

Lam made the remarks at the National Day reception held by the HKSAR government to celebrate the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

"The concept of 'one country, two systems' was advanced, first and foremost, to realize and uphold national unity... Today, as we celebrate the National Day, let us not forget the original spirit of 'one country, two systems' but bear in mind the mission of upholding our country's sovereignty, security and development interests," Lam said when addressing the around 4,000 attendees including members of the HKSAR executive and legislative councils, the consular corps, government officials, community group leaders and members of various community sectors.

Lam said this year's National Day celebration is "particularly meaningful" as it coincided with the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening up.

"Hong Kong has been playing the role of a 'contributor' as well as a 'beneficiary' in China's reform and opening up," she said. "In these 40 years, Hong Kong has been leveraging its advantages to serve the country's needs, developing jointly and sharing prosperity with the country."

As the country is entering a new historical era for further development, Hong Kong must keep reinforcing and enhancing its global competitiveness, proactively seize the opportunities arising from the Belt and Road Initiative and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, as well as better integrate into the overall development of the country, Lam said, pointing out that the HKSAR government has been working with the strong support from the central government to create new areas of economic growth.

"For such work to flourish and bear fruit, as for a tree to grow tall and luxuriant, its roots must run deep and strong," she said, stressing that the "roots" lied in the upholding of the principle of "one country".
DENVER, Oct. 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Assure Holdings Corp. (the Company or Assure) (TSXV: IOM; OTCQB: ARHH), a provider of intraoperative neuromonitoring services, announces that it has issued an aggregate of 500,000 options to purchase common shares of the Company (the Options) to officers, employees, directors and consultants of the Company. Each of the Options issued will be exercisable at US$1.80 (equivalent to C$2.33, based on the noon exchange rate set by the Bank of Canada on September 28, 2018). 20% of each option issuance will vest immediately and one sixth of the balance will vest every 6 months thereafter. Current insiders of the Company were issued the following options: (i) John Farlinger, the Executive Chairman and Interim Chief Executive officer of the Company will receive 302,000 Options; (ii) Martin Burian, the Chairman of the Audit Committee will receive 75,000 Options; and (iii) Kent Lund, the Chairman of the Compensation Committee will receive 75,000 Options. The Options will have an expiry date of 5 years from the grant date. All Options issued are subject to regulatory approval.



About Assure Holdings

Assure Holdings Corp. is a Colorado-based company that works with neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons to provide a turnkey suite of services that support intraoperative neuromonitoring activities during invasive surgeries. Assure employs its own staff of technologists and uses its own state-of-the-art monitoring equipment, handles 100% of intraoperative neuromonitoring scheduling and setup, and bills for all technical services provided. While Assure focuses primarily on supporting spinal and vascular surgeries, plans are in place to support other classes of medicine that rely on the standard of care that intraoperative neuromonitoring provides. For more information, visit the companys website at www.assureneuromonitoring.com .

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain statements that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable securities laws. All statements, other than those of historical fact, which address activities, events, outcomes, results, developments, performance or achievements that Assure anticipates or expects may or will occur in the future (in whole or in part) should be considered forward-looking information. Such information may involve, but is not limited to, comments with respect to strategies, expectations, planned operations and future actions of the Company. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" (or other variations of the forgoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass. Forward-looking information is based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and operating plans, strategies or beliefs as of the date of this news release, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Assure to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors may be based on information currently available to Assure, including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources, and are based on management's current expectations or beliefs regarding future growth, results of operations, future capital (including the amount, nature and sources of funding thereof) and expenditures. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the Filing Statement any information released or received with respect to the reverse take-over may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of the Corporation should be considered highly speculative.

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 securities of the Corporation have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Contacts

John Farlinger, Executive Chairman

Assure Holdings Corp.

1-604-763-7565

John.Farlinger@assureiom.com
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 14:01:11|Editor: Li Xia

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People offer incenses to the Chinese martyrs at a cemetery in Gia Lam district, Hanoi, on Sept. 30, 2018. In the cemetery in Gia Lam district, some 15 km from the downtown of Hanoi, rest in peace 49 Chinese martyrs, who were military advisors, members of a logistic detachment and bridge engineers that helped Vietnam during its war against foreign invaders. (Xinhua/Wang Di)

By Tao Jun, Thanh Xuan

HANOI, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- In front of a monument with the inscription in red paint "Chinese martyrs are immortal," a group of around 40 people bowed their heads in silence here on Sunday.

Dressed in black and white, the representatives from the Chinese Embassy to Vietnam, Chinese enterprises, students and media, led by Yin Haihong, Charge d'Affaires of the Chinese embassy, and accompanied by local officials, stepped upward in sequence to offer incenses in a memorial ceremony to mark the Chinese Martyrs' Day which falls on Sept. 30.

Here in the cemetery in Gia Lam district, some 15 km from the downtown of Hanoi, rest in peace 49 Chinese martyrs, who were military advisors, members of a logistic detachment and bridge engineers that helped Vietnam during its war against foreign invaders.

They were among over 1,400 Chinese martyrs laid to rest in 40 cemeteries in 22 provinces across northern and central Vietnam, according to the embassy.

Some 60 years ago, more than 320,000 Chinese were sent to help Vietnam defend its independence and territory upon the request of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Vietnamese people.

In the shade of mango and litchi trees, the 49 graves staying in rows are all built with black granite.

"We are extremely grateful for the sacrifice of Chinese martyrs who devoted their lives to Vietnam's independence and the precious friendship between the two countries," Tran Thi Phuong, 42, vice chairwoman of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations told Xinhua on Sunday.

Phuong noted that local authorities conduct regular upgrade every three to four months and large-scale upgrade every three to four years to ensure the cemetery is always in good condition.

"Worshipping the graves is one way to show our respect to the heroes who gave us a helping hand during the country's darkest time," she said.

Nguyen Xuan Canh, 55, a Vietnamese veteran who has served as a custodian at the cemetery for over eight years, told Xinhua that working was meaningful to him.

Canh leads a group of 15 people, all in their 40s or more, starting a day at 7:30 a.m. with sweeping and weeding the graves. Some of them are responsible for securing the cemetery.

"We try to keep the cemetery as clean as possible, all year around," Canh said, with his eyes looking far beyond the graves, adding that he was happy as he could pay tribute to the Chinese comrades.

Besides Chinese delegations who usually visit the cemetery on occasions like Chinese Martyrs' Day and Qingming Festival, Vietnamese citizens usually come by, offering incenses and fresh flowers on the 1st and 15th day of a lunar month or on lunar holidays, Canh said.

"The current development of China-Vietnam relations has proved that blood of Chinese martyrs was not spilt in vain," Yin said.

Nowadays, the two countries actively support each other, constantly strengthen the traditional friendship and promote the stable development of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, she noted.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 15:06:20|Editor: Li Xia

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OTTAWA/WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Canada and the United States announced Sunday night that they and Mexico have reached a "new, modernized" North American free trade agreement.

"Today, Canada and the United States reached an agreement, alongside Mexico, on a new, modernized trade agreement for the 21st Century: the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)," said a joint statement from U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland.

"USMCA will give our workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses a high-standard trade agreement that will result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region," added the document.

"It will strengthen the middle class, and create good, well-paying jobs and new opportunities for the nearly half billion people who call North America home," said the statement.

"We look forward to further deepening our close economic ties when this new agreement enters into force," it added.

The USMCA will replace the 24-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA.

Talks on renegotiating the NAFTA began in August 2017 as U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to withdraw from it claiming it harmed U.S. industries and jobs.

The United States has pressured Canada to accept the preliminary agreement it struck with Mexico last month.

The statement came after U.S. and Canadian negotiators made the final push this weekend to reach an agreement before a midnight Sunday deadline.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 15:11:21|Editor: Li Xia

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LA PAZ, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Bolivia plans to harness the power of its natural resources in a bid to become a leading generator of renewable energy in Latin America, officials and experts have said.

Abundant sunshine, rivers and windswept regions make the South American country a potential powerhouse of clean energy, Deputy Minister of Electricity and Alternative Energy Bismar Canelas Revollo told Xinhua.

"We have natural qualities, projects underway and a strategic plan towards 2025 with financial backing to convert us into a regional leader in renewable and clean energies," said Canelas.

Bolivia's government has some 30 projects aimed at developing solar, wind, geothermic, hydraulic and biomass energy, with an eye to supplying the population and exporting the excess electricity.

Bolivian nuclear energy expert Francesco Zaratti believes Bolivia must focus on feasible environmentally-friendly solutions to power homes.

Around the world, there has been a boom in renewable energies as nations try to wean themselves from their addiction to fossil fuels, and Bolivia is well placed to do just that, he said.

"Bolivia has great energy potential to generate electricity through alternative sources, such as wind, solar, geothermic, hydro power and biomass," he said.

However, generating energy from renewable sources is not an easy task and needs commitments from the public sector, he added.

"It is a very complicated ... job that requires the related agencies to develop strategic processes, a whole state policy," said Zaratti.

Bolivia potentially has numerous sources of energy, he said, adding the country currently uses hydro power, natural gas and oil to produce electricity, and has dabbled in solar, geothermal and wind energy.

The Bolivian government's medium and long-term plan for renewable energies earmarks more than 1.5 billion U.S. dollars for 30 different hydroelectric, wind, solar and geothermal energy projects across the country, according to Canelas.

Some of those projects have already made headway, he noted.

By 2025, Canelas said, Bolivia will be producing more than 500 megawatts of alternative energy thanks to the projects underway.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 15:11:21|Editor: Li Xia

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MOSCOW, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Aerospace Force has carried out no imprecise airstrike in the three years of its Syria operation, a senior Russian official said on Monday.

Considering "the country's climate and the fact that it was a new region for them, their efficiency says a lot," Viktor Bondarev, chairman of the Defense and Security Committee of the Federation Council, Russia's upper house of parliament, was quoted by TASS news agency as saying.

A large number of sorties, the precise use of weapons and the good condition of equipment prove that Russia's aircraft are effective and Russian pilots are well-trained, added Bondarev.

Bondarev also said that recently there has been no military campaign more efficient and effective than Russia's anti-terrorism operation in Syria.

Russia decided to begin launching precise airstrikes against Islamic State ground positions in Syria three years ago. Now Damascus controls nearly all of the country's territory.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 15:21:23|Editor: mmm

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BEIJING, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of overseas Chinese across the world are celebrating the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, which falls on Oct.1.

Though living abroad, overseas Chinese are coming together in various ways to take part in celebrations that help honor and share Chinese traditions and cultures with local communities, catalyze cultural exchanges, and strengthen friendly diplomatic relations with host countries.

Overseas Chinese in Houston and Chicago held grand flag-raising ceremonies on Friday and Saturday to celebrate China's National Day at the Chinese Civic Center.

Hundreds of Chinese, Chinese Americans and local residents with different ethnic backgrounds attended the ceremony, watching the Chinese national flag being raised to the sounds of the Chinese national anthem.

People hold more deep-rooted feelings for their motherland when they live abroad, said Fan Yuxin, the chief executive of the Chinese Civic Center.

The celebrations also inspire Chinese to realize the aspirations articulated in national developments.

Acting Chinese Consul General in Chicago Liu Jun extended his greetings to Chinese nationals and Chinese Americans in the Greater Chicago area and Midwest United States, saying that "with the development of 69 years, China has achieved tremendous success, which is encouraging and inspiring for Chinese people all over the world."

"The achievements of China's reform and opening-up in the past 40 years are jointly made by all Chinese at home and abroad," said You Quan, a member of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee.

During these celebrations, China's diplomatic missions host receptions dedicated to friendship and partnerships abroad with their host countries.

Chinese Consul General Li Qiangmin in Houston said that China-U.S. relations are the most important bilateral relationship in the world. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1979, their have developed in an all-round way and have formed an inseparable community of interests.

"This December marks the 40th year anniversary of 'Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the People's Republic of China and the United States of America,' and I hope we can together promote China-U.S. friendship," said Liu.

Besides the celebrations, diplomatic advances have fueled a more fruitful relationship.

Mayor London Breed of San Francisco in the U.S. state of California Friday declared China's upcoming National Day as Chinese-American Friendship and Heritage Day in San Francisco to underpin the city's desire to expand cooperation with China.

The San Francisco City Council held a ceremony at the City Hall Friday morning to celebrate China's National Day.

"This year marks the 39th anniversary of the founding of the San Francisco-Shanghai Sister City relationship, and we recognize the volunteers of our Sister City Committee who promote mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation between the people of both cities," Breed said.

She said that the celebration of China's National Day offers an opportunity to reaffirm San Francisco's commitment to encouraging deeper connections between the Chinese people and San Francisco.

Waving tiny Chinese and American flags, the spectators enjoyed traditional Chinese performances, such as dragon and lion dances, a qipao show, as well as Chinese folk dances and music.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 15:31:24|Editor: Li Xia

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TEHRAN, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it has targeted "terrorists'" bases with surface-to-surface missiles and drones in Syria on Monday morning.

In the operation, which targeted an area in the east of the Euphrates in Syria, the IRGC used six mid-range missiles and seven drones, IRGC said.

"According to the immediate reports, a big number of the terrorists were killed or injured" in the attack, IRGC website reported.

The IRGC attack came in response to the Sept. 22 terror attack on a military parade in the southwestern Iranian city of Ahvaz, in which at least 25 Iranians were killed and dozens of others injured.

Al-Ahvazieh, an Iranian Arab-affiliated separatist group, has claimed responsibility for the terror attack.

The Iranian officials said that the United States and its regional allies are responsible for the Ahvaz terrorist attack.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 15:41:25|Editor: Li Xia

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VLADIVOSTOK, Russia, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- A group of ships from Russia's Pacific Fleet have left Vladivostok for an Asia-Pacific mission that will last over three months, the fleet's spokesman Nikolai Voskresensky said Monday.

"Today, a group of ships from the Pacific Fleet, consisting of the Varyag missile cruiser, the Admiral Panteleyev anti-submarine destroyer and the Boris Butoma large sea tanker, embarked from Vladivostok on a long mission in the Asia-Pacific region," said Voskresensky.

The group will visit several foreign ports, Voskresensky added.

The Russian Pacific Fleet is a part of the Russian Navy, based in the city of Vladivostok. It belongs to the Russian Eastern Military District.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 15:51:26|Editor: Li Xia

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KABUL, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Five Taliban militants were killed in a landmine blast in Afghanistan's eastern province of Ghazni, the country's Defense Ministry said Monday.

"Five terrorists were killed and one terrorist wounded following an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion in Andar district, Ghazni province Sunday," the ministry said in a statement.

The restive province has been the scene of heavy clashes between Taliban and security forces from time to time.

Taliban militants and Islamic State fighters have been using IEDs to make roadside bombs and landmines for targeting security forces, but the lethal home-made weapons also inflict casualties on civilians and militants as well.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 16:11:28|Editor: Li Xia

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Syrian refugees upload their belongings to a bus to Syria in Tripoli, Lebanon, Oct. 1, 2018. Hundreds of Syrian refugees gathered Monday morning to return to their homeland from Lebanon, local media reported. (Xinhua/Khalid)

BEIRUT, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of Syrian refugees gathered Monday morning to return to their homeland from Lebanon, local media reported.

"Syrian families gathered on the Aboudiya crossing border whereby Lebanon's General Security took the necessary measures to secure their voluntary return to Syria," according to the National News Agency (NNA).

NNA reported that Syrian families thanked the Lebanese general security for their efforts to organize the return of refugees to their homeland.

Meanwhile, local news agency Almarkazia reported that the biggest number of Syrian refugees to date from Tripoli gathered at Rashid Karami Exhibition Center to return back home.

Lebanon is hosting 976,000 registered Syrian refugees according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, while the government estimates the true number of Syrian refugees in the country at 1.5 million.

Lebanese caretaker Minister of Displaced Affairs Mouin Merhebi announced on Saturday that 4,100 Syrian refugees have returned to their home country from Lebanon since June.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 16:21:29|Editor: ZD

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Photo taken on Sept. 14 shows the crowded Al-Mutanabi Street in Baghdad, Iraq. Al-Mutanabi Street is a unique cultural place located in downtown Baghdad, which is reviving in the Iraqi capital after many years of insecurity and economic crises. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)

BAGHDAD, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Al-Mutanabi Street is a unique cultural place located in downtown Baghdad, which is reviving in the Iraqi capital after many years of insecurity and economic crises.

The cultural iconic location of Mutanabi Street has a history of hundreds of years, but in the last century the street has turned to a gathering place for Baghdad intellectuals.

The street is the historic center of Baghdad bookselling industry, filled with publishing houses, bookstores and dozens of outdoor book stalls. On weekends, there is a bustling book market.

Named after the 10th-century classical Iraqi poet Al-Mutanabbi, the street is considered as the heart and soul of the Baghdad literacy and intellectual community.

The book market is one of the rare areas in Baghdad that researchers, students and intellectuals can find foreign books and magazines, particularly English ones.

Ali al-Saadi, 50 years old and a frequent visitor to Mutanabi, told Xinhua that he usually comes to al-Mutanabi to get different kinds of books and meet some intellectuals, opinion-makers and sometimes artists. This street brings together cultures of different Iraqi factions.

"In addition to buying books, there are political and cultural symposiums held in Mutanabi book market discussing various topics," he said.

Some people who visit Mutanabi Street mainly on Friday are not so interested in buying books as they are taking part in the events hosted in the area.

"Such gatherings provide a chance for the audience to discuss face-to-face with elite and highly educated people," Saadi added.

"In general, this place teaches people the culture of moderation and rejection to violence and extremism, which Iraq has long been suffering," Saadi concluded.

Mutanabi Street was attacked by a suicide car bombing in March 2007, leaving some 26 people killed and more than 50 others injured.

The huge blast burned many book stores and destroyed dozens of stalls that left flamed papers spread everywhere in al-Mutanabi Street.

For his part, Sattar Mohsen, 58 years old and a publishing house owner, told Xinhua that "there are many publishing houses that deal with Arabic, Iraqi and foreign publications in al-Mutanabi."

"Most popular publications are religious books, literary and religious criticism as well as novels etc.," Mohsen said.

Mohsen believes more than one purpose were behind the terrorist attack in 2007, including that the extremists were targeting the culture that gives people awareness.

"What we are doing here is providing people with higher level of culture that would limit terrorism and extremism. We simply think reading would decrease spilling blood of innocent people," Mohsen added.

Every Friday, Mutanabi Street is more like a festival as hundreds of people from Baghdad districts and from other Iraqi provinces converge the street, with some visiting old bookshops looking for rare books which can only be found there.

Many others spend their day at the old Shahbander coffee shop, one of the most famous coffee shops in Baghdad, as customers at the entrance of the place would enjoy view of large number of old black and white photos of most popular Iraqi figures from politicians, artists, poets to intellectuals.

The customers of Shahbander coffee shop would be attracted by the smell of fresh Shisha tobacco, or Narjeelah, which gains immense popularity among dozens of old and young men who sit chitchatting and socializing.

The visitors of al-Mutanabi Street would also enjoy its al-Qishla clock tower and its public square located at the eastern bank of Tigris River that bisects Baghdad.

"Visiting al-Mutanabi Street means a lot to many Baghdadis. It is our heritage and part of our national identity," Mohsen concluded.


The issue is simple, if not easy. Unless the U.S. is willing to address North Koreas nuclear program by force, the White House doesnt have much leverage to induce capitulation. Washington can try to influence the size and shape of the Norths nuclear and missile arsenals, as well as its behavior as a nuclear power, and it could tolerate a nuclear North Korea for many of the same reasons its learned to live with a nuclear Pakistan: Islamabad doesnt have the long-range missile technology needed to strike the U.S., and the alternative would be an exceedingly costly war. But it doesnt exactly have much leverage for these lesser aims, either. International sanctions pressure has been gradually weakening, and South Korea has been busy pursuing its own reconciliation with the North in ways that are likely to further ease international pressure on Pyongyang. The U.S. has already played its military exercises card, and it wont pull U.S. forces from the peninsula  at least not right now. It has promised economic investment to appeal to Kims designs on economic development , but Kim cant do so without threatening his regimes continued rule. And with Trump having declared in June that North Korea was no longer a nuclear threat, theres political pressure on the White House to show results. Time is on the Norths side.

The U.S. is now attempting to regain some of the leverage it lost. Its why the U.S. is threatening to restart military exercises that Pyongyang believes are a rehearsal for invasion. Its also why the U.S. has tried to reinvigorate the sanctions regime. Yet its hard to see military drills or sanctions doing much to break the impasse. They havent yet  not even when international pressure peaked in 2017. That means the U.S. likely has bigger issues in mind in crafting its North Korea strategy  namely, China and Russia, the two countries most responsible for keeping the Kim regime afloat.

Over the past month, for example, the U.S. (unsuccessfully) sought a U.N. Security Council resolution to halt shipments of refined petroleum products to the North. It also slapped new penalties on Russian banks accused of laundering money on behalf of North Korean front companies (one of them based in China) and on a pair of Russian shipping firms accused of conducting ship-to-ship oil transfers with sanctioned North Korean ships. Last week, Vox reported that the U.S. is considering new secondary sanctions targeting Chinese and Russian banks and firms. The recent sanctions were too small to hurt much, but the sanctions could be read as warning shots of worse things to come. Given the fragility of the Russian and Chinese economies, its doubtful that either government missed the message.

The White House and the U.S. State Department, meanwhile, have both singled out China and Russia in their statements on North Korea. Its safe to assume that they shifted the blame for political reasons, but China and Russia have always been bigger strategic threats than North Korea. The U.S. may not be able to resolve the North Korea nuclear crisis, but it can certainly weaponize it against its enemies. (In fact, it already has. Trump said Pompeos visit may not be rescheduled until after U.S.-China relations are repaired, suggesting the White House is eager to bind the two issues together.)

To be clear, neither Russia nor China are interested in a nuclear North Korea. Its just that the threat it poses to them is subordinate to the threat the U.S. poses. North Korea, then, is just a bargaining chip. Moscow has sustained low-level economic support to Pyongyang as a way to bolster its image as global power-broker and seek concessions from the U.S. on, say, Ukraine and Syria. China supported the U.N. sanctions to forestall a war that might end with U.S. forces back on its border, but it continued to play ball because it thought doing so would keep the U.S. satisfied on trade.

In other words, every party to the Korean crisis  except for the two Koreas  is once again playing a bigger game. This is a familiar role for North Korea, which has long served as a pawn between outside powers. Thats why the North went nuclear in the first place. And in three weeks, Kim will celebrate the 70th anniversary of his countrys founding (reportedly with an envoy from Chinese President Xi Jinping) with Pyongyang in the rare of position of being able to bend this game to its advantage.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 16:26:31|Editor: mmm

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by Xinhua writers Yu Xiaohua, Sun Mei, Hu Jing

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- "Good evening, everyone. It's a great pleasure for me to join you here to enjoy this traditional Chinese cultural feast," Charlie Hoffs, a Stanford University freshman, said fluently in Chinese when speaking at a Confucius Institute Day celebration here this weekend.

More than 600 people from the San Francisco state and local schools, as well as Confucius classrooms and teaching sites across northern California, enjoyed the event's fantastic Chinese cultural performances, which included the dance "Flying Dragon, Leaping Tiger," a group performance of "A Moonlit Night on the Spring River," and the duet "The Moon is High in the Sky."

Earning rounds of applause, the performance, held at the McKenna Theater, San Francisco State University as part of the celebrations of the annual Global Confucius Institute Day, was co-hosted by Hoffs and Kaylee Doty, a senior student at the Confucius Classroom of the Western Sierra Collegiate Academy in Sacramento, the capital of California state.

The two young American women defeated 106 teams from 96 different countries, becoming the international victors in the 2017 Chinese Bridge International Language Competition. In an interview with Xinhua, the pair said their passion for and their perseverance with Chinese language learning helped them stand out.

A VITAL LANGUAGE

Hoffs, who chose Jiang Mingxi as her Chinese name, said she was fascinated by the Chinese language eight years ago. She said, "I found a Mandarin book when I was ten. The characters in the book seemed to be flowers side by side. Since I love drawing flowers, I began to draw those characters. That started all of my romance with Chinese."

"Then I increasingly realized the language's importance in economy and tourism," she said.

"China has one-seventh of the world's population," she said, adding it is important to communicate with the Chinese people on an intimate level.

"China is also increasingly a rising power and is capable of navigating the business world. So, Chinese is a vital skill."

Hoffs's remarks resonated with a couple of parents and teachers coming to watch the performance. Ms. Zhang, a mother of an eight-year-old girl, told Xinhua that she drove three hours here from Chico, northern California so that her daughter could enjoy genuine Chinese culture.

Zhang, who came to the United States 20 years ago, said bilingual learning can help children in terms of brain development.

What's more important, said Zhang, who only gave her last name, learning Chinese has helped her daughter connect to her extended family back in China.

"We go back to China every year. My daughter blends right in. It is very important to her future," Zhang said.

David P. Wong, assistant superintendent of the San Francisco Unified School District, also said Chinese learning was a gift given by Chinese-American parents to their children, with which they could learn more about the Chinese culture.

"With language programs and cultural programs working in conjunction with the Confucius Institute, they can have a better understanding of their roots. That builds a very strong relationship," he said.

Doty and Hoffs's Chinese teacher, Gao Chen Qiumin, told Xinhua, "We have more and more students coming from white families and there is still a long candidate list waiting to be enrolled into our school."

"I have taught Mandarin for over 20 years and witnessed the students growing from 50 to more than 300 in my district," she added.

A COOL, UNIQUE SKILL

Chinese language learning is growing popular in the United States, Doty said, adding that she was surprised when she found while participating in the Chinese Bridge competition that many people her age are learning Chinese and a lot of them speak more fluently than she does.

"Although it is difficult with some of the grammar structures because it is very different from the English part, it is really worth it and you can use it a lot in the world," said Doty, whose Chinese name is Huang Qiuyue.

Hoffs shared her opinion. "Many people have recognized that we should have got on the train earlier ... It is still a rather unique skill."

"I believe that in a time when skills are scarce ... the people who do possess that unique perspective and unique connection with China will be more highly valued," she said, adding that studying Chinese also gave her an edge in her university admission.

She said her main essay to Stanford was about how she chose her Chinese name and what that name meant to her.

"Choosing that name helps me better understand myself. I choose Jiang because when I traveled to Lijiang, I just fell in love with it. I choose Mingxi as I want to express my desire with greater clarity and to live a clearer and more mindful life," she said.

According to statistics from the non-profit U.S.-China Strong Foundation, about 400,000 students in the United States are currently learning Chinese, twice the number in 2015.

"People in the Bay Area (of San Francisco) see the value in learning a second language. Chinese being the most spoken language in the world, they can foresee that by learning this language actually opens doors for them in their future career," Wong said.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 16:26:33|Editor: Li Xia

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SEOUL, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), an international body set up to assess the science related to climate change, launched its 48th session in South Korea's western port city of Incheon Monday to adopt a special report on global warming.

The session, set to last until Friday, was attended by about 570 representatives from 135 countries and international organizations, according to Seoul's foreign ministry.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in said in a video message to the opening session that the entire world needed to determine and act toward the abnormal climate, which has become the norm and posed a threat to the world.

Moon expressed his hope for the session to adopt the special report, titled Global Warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius, to address the climate change with stronger international efforts.

A press conference was scheduled to be held next Monday to present the Summary for Policymakers of the Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius, which would include the impacts of global warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and suggestions to curb global warming.

The report was requested by governments when they adopted the Paris agreement in December 2015 at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

It was forecast to be used as a scientific basis for discussions at the 24th Conference of the Parties (COP24) to the UNFCCC, slated to be held in Poland in December.
Feng Kehong practices acupuncture treatment for her patient Thenjiwe Mwale at her clinic in Lusaka, Zambia, Aug. 29, 2018. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)

LUSAKA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Taonga is a seven-year-old girl in Lusaka, the Zambian capital, who intends to pursue a career in medicine when she grows up.

"I want to study medicine especially in China because I want to save people. I also want to do acupuncture because it is very effective," she told Xinhua recently.

The story behind Taonga is that she was born after her mother underwent acupuncture treatment at one of the private Chinese surgeries in the city.

Acupuncture is a healing technique of traditional Chinese medicine. A component of the health care system, acupuncture is a traditional Chinese therapy in which needles are inserted into points on the human body.

Taonga's mother, 53-year-old Thenjiwe Mwale, was first introduced to acupuncture in 2009 when she visited Feng Kehong, who runs Zhong Yi Surgery in the city.

"I came here after being told by my young brother because I desperately wanted a baby after failing to conceive for the 19 years I had been in marriage then. When I came here she did acupuncture to flash out everything in my body and the following year (2010) I was pregnant," she said.

According to her, acupuncture is a very important way to conduct treatment as it has proven to be effective, adding that she has recommended a lot of family members and friends to the Chinese acupuncturists.

"I have seen people with various ailments such as heart diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure get healed here," she added, hailing acupuncture as a very effective process

For Augustine Mwale, a Lusaka-based businessman, he is alive today because of the acupuncture treatment he was given by Feng.

"I had a severe heart problem, diabetes and asthma and I was almost dying," he said, adding the Chinese doctor did wonders on him and he was fine now.

He said he has been recommending many people to seek acupuncture treatment, who have reported positive outcomes.

Aaron Mushanga, another resident of the Zambian capital, is also full of praises after undergoing acupuncture treatment.

He said at first he was apprehensive to undergo acupuncture as he did not want needles pricked in his body but added that after a few sessions he came to like the treatment.

For Feng, she is happy that a lot of people are being helped through acupuncture in Zambia and that she has seen a rising enthusiasm for the treatment method.

According to her, a lot of diseases could be treated through acupuncture and that she has seen this happen over the years.

Recalling the incident when Thenjiwe came to her when she wanted a baby, Feng said she was hesitant to help her because of her age and health condition then.

"But in the end I told her that I will try acupuncture and within few months she came back and told me she was pregnant," she said.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 16:36:35|Editor: mmm

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RAMALLAH, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) sent a letter on Monday to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urging him to list Israel as a state that "violates children's rights" in its annual report on children and armed conflict.

The letter, sent from PLO's Secretary General Saeb Erekat, came two days after Israeli troops killed two Palestinian children in Gaza on Friday.

"From reports you received from UN agencies working in occupied Palestine and through our bilateral channels, it becomes evident that Israel, as an occupying power, continues its grave violations of its obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention and other treaties, including UN Convention on Right of the Child," the letter said.

Last Friday, Israeli snipers shot Abdelnasser Musabeh, 12 years old, and Mohammad Al-Hoom, 14 years old, while they were standing hundreds of meters away from the Israeli forces deployed in the Gaza Strip, according to the letter.

The senior PLO official accused Israel of violating children's rights, including murdering and maiming of children, abduction of children, attacks against schools and hospitals, and denial of humanitarian access for children.

Erekat also reiterated the demand for international protection for the Palestinian civilians, adding that over 350 Palestinian children are currently jailed in Israel.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 16:41:36|Editor: mmm

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A Palestinian man sits in front of a closed shop on an empty street in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Oct. 1, 2018. The Palestinian territories in West Bank, Gaza Strip and Palestinian towns inside Israel witnessed Monday a general strike in protest of the recently passed Jewish nation state law in Israel. (Xinhua/Khaled Omar)

RAMALLAH, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian territories in West Bank, Gaza Strip and Palestinian towns inside Israel witnessed Monday a general strike in protest of the recently passed Jewish nation state law in Israel.

The strike was called for by Palestinian national and Islamic factions in coordination with the High Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens in Israel.

The strike aimed at highlighting the consequences of the new basic law endorsed by Israeli parliament on the rights of the Palestinians in Israel and the occupied territories, according to the organizers.

Many institutions have come to a standstill due to the strike, including schools, universities, governmental offices and public transportation, as well as the private sector, including some commercial shops.

Only vital emergency sectors such as health and security remained functioning.

The Israeli parliament approved the Jewish nation state law on July 19. The law constitutionally enshrines the identity of the State of Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people.

The law has sparked controversy as it maximizes the privileges enjoyed by Jewish citizens with the neglection of the Palestinian citizens. As a basic law, it is capable of overriding any ordinary legislation.
Palestinian children play near the Gaza border with Israel (background), east of Jabalia, on August 3, 2018, as smoke billows from burning tyres and incendiary devices launched by Palestinian protesters fly in the sky. (AFP photo)

RAMALLAH, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) sent a letter on Monday to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urging him to list Israel as a state that "violates children's rights" in its annual report on children and armed conflict.

The letter, sent from PLO's Secretary General Saeb Erekat, came two days after Israeli troops killed two Palestinian children in Gaza on Friday.

"From reports you received from UN agencies working in occupied Palestine and through our bilateral channels, it becomes evident that Israel, as an occupying power, continues its grave violations of its obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention and other treaties, including UN Convention on Right of the Child," the letter said.

Palestinian children walk past paintings depicting the Naqba at the United nations Relief and Works Agency's (UNRWA, UN agency for Palestinian refugees) Fawwar Palestinian refugee camp, southern West Bank, near Hebron, on September 2, 2018. (AFP photo)

Last Friday, Israeli snipers shot Abdelnasser Musabeh, 12 years old, and Mohammad Al-Hoom, 14 years old, while they were standing hundreds of meters away from the Israeli forces deployed in the Gaza Strip, according to the letter.

The senior PLO official accused Israel of violating children's rights, including murdering and maiming of children, abduction of children, attacks against schools and hospitals, and denial of humanitarian access for children.

Erekat also reiterated the demand for international protection for the Palestinian civilians, adding that over 350 Palestinian children are currently jailed in Israel.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 17:01:43|Editor: mmm

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MALE, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- A Maldivian court on Monday granted bail to former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom who was found guilty of obstructing justice and sentenced to 19 months in prison in June, local media reported.

The Maldives High Court granted Gayoom bail at 60,000 Maldivian rufiyaa (3,891 U.S. dollars) and granted him bail until the court reaches a verdict on the appeal filed by Gayoom's lawyers.

Gayoom is also awaiting trial on charges of trying to bribe officials to topple the government of President Abdulla Yameen in February.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 17:06:45|Editor: mmm

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MACAO, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Macao was to step up its effort in contributing to the national development strategy, so as to promote the prosperity of the region and contribute to the development of the country, the special administrative region (SAR)'s chief executive said here on Monday.

In his speech at the National Day reception, the SAR Chief Executive Chui Sai On said that the strong and prosperous nation always served as driving force and solid foundation for the Macao SAR's development and stability.

Macao is to enhance its abilities of coordination and planning, and to upgrade the overall governance of the SAR government. Meanwhile, it was to seize the development opportunities and integrate into the overall national development plan, Chui noted.

Macao would also step up its efforts in building into a world center of tourism and leisure, as well as a platform for cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

Meanwhile, it would actively participate in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, as well as the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, so as to promote Macao's economic development and improve people's livelihood, he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 17:11:48|Editor: mmm

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KAMPALA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Monday said security agencies have busted a suspected terror cell in the capital Kampala, killing one suspect.

In a statement on his Twitter handle, Museveni said Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence squads arrested a number of suspects on Friday night.

He said one of the suspects, Kateregga Abdu, was shot and later died of his injuries in the operation.

"It turns out that Kateregga was one of the ADF terrorists that had benefited from amnesty in the past," Museveni said, referring to the Allied Democratic Force, a rebel group holed up in the restive eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

He did not say how many suspects were arrested.

Museveni said the suspects were responsible for the murder of Mohammad Kirumira, a senior police officer who was killed early last month.

Kampala and its neighboring areas have in the recent past experienced a spate of murders.

The spike in crimes prompted the government to take a number of security measures, including the deployment of 24,000 reserve soldiers.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 17:46:56|Editor: mmm

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JAKARTA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian government which has been reeling from a spate of catastrophes welcomed foreign relief aids, an official said Monday.

Indonesian Chief Security Minister Wiranto was quoted by spokesman of national disaster management agency Sutopo Purwo Nugroho as saying that the government accepted aids badly needed by the survivors, including tents, water treatment facilities, generators, and medical supplies. Items beyond these categories remained open to be accepted.

Powerful and shallow under-earth quakes measuring 6.0, 7.4 and 6.1 magnitude and a tsunami devastated Central Sulawesi province of central Indonesia on Friday, with the hardest-hit area being provincial capital Palu and Donggala district.

China, the United States, the European Union, Australia, South Korea, Switzerland, Singapore, Morocco, Turkey and the Philippines had offered aids to the Indonesian government, according to the spokesman.

"Last (Sunday) night the president told the foreign minister that Indonesia would like to accept (foreign aids) based on necessities," Sutopo said, referring to President Joko Widodo and Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.

As of Monday, death toll of the series of disasters has climbed to 1,203. The numbers are feared to grow higher.

Reports released by THE Disaster Management Institute of Indonesia, Care for Humanity and Humanity Data Center revealed that the data was counted in Palu and Donggala district, not including figures from two other affected districts of Parigi Mountong and North Mamuju.

In the meantime, taking two examples of two residential houses of Balaroa and Patogo where more than 2,000 houses collapsed, Sutopo said that hundreds of bodies remained under the ruins.

"In rBalaroa, about 11,747 houses have been leveled after the soils moved downward about five meters, while parts of a road moved upward as high as a house. It is estimated hundreds of people (are) feared dead there, in such condition the evacuation is very difficult," said Sutopo.

"Separately in Patogo, hundreds of victims are estimated being buried by mud which during the quake was coming out from the earth in a huge volume and mass and engulfed a total of 742 houses. Again the evacuation the victims are difficult," he revealed.

Search and rescue operation continued as rescuers rushed to retrieve survivors from the ruins and damaged buildings, said Sutopo.

The spokesman added that the number of foreign nationals who were in the disaster affected areas rose on Monday to 114 from the previous report of 61, including Chinese citizens who survived along with those from others nations.

Indonesia is prone to quake as it sits on a vulnerable quake-affected areas called the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 18:12:06|Editor: mmm

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MOGADISHU, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- A roadside explosion targeting a military truck occurred near the headquarters of the Somali ministry of defense on Monday.

Local residents and police said the loud explosion happened near Jaalle Siyad military base in the Somali capital, Mogadishu.

No group has claimed responsibility for the latest explosion, but al-Qaida-allied militant group al-Shabab are often behind such attacks.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 18:28:51|Editor: mmm

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Newlyweds dressed in Han-style costumes take part in a group wedding ceremony at a square in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Oct. 1, 2018. A total of 30 pairs of newlyweds attended the wedding on Monday. (Xinhua/Liu Xiao)
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 19:02:14|Editor: Li Xia

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Photo taken on Oct. 1, 2018 shows a screen displaying the portraits of two awarded scientists James P Allison (L) of U.S. and Tasuku Honjo of Japan for the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine during a press conference at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. The Nobel assembly at the Karolinska Institute has decided to award the 2018 physiology or medicine prize jointly to James P. Allison and Tasuku Honjo for their discovery of cancer therapy by inhibition of negative immune regulation. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan)

STOCKHOLM, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Two scientists shared the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, the Nobel Committee announced here on Monday.

The Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute has decided to award the 2018 physiology or medicine prize jointly to James P. Allison and Tasuku Honjo "for their discovery of cancer therapy by inhibition of negative immune regulation."

Thomas Perlmann, secretary-general of the Nobel Committee and the Nobel Assembly, told a press conference that Honjo "sounded extremely pleased" at the news.

This year's laureates showed how different strategies for inhibiting the brakes on the immune system can be used in the treatment of cancer. Their discoveries are a landmark in the fight against cancer, the committee said.

Edward Smith, member of the Nobel Committee, told Xinhua that the significance of this year's award pointed to a "new fashion" in cancer treatment. All previous treatments focused on tumor cells, but this one was focused on the immune system.

This year's prize is 9 million Swedish krona (about 1 million U.S. dollars).
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 19:27:24|Editor: Li Xia

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JUBA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The UN refugee agency on Monday welcomed South Sudan's accession to the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said the world's youngest nation has become the 143rd country to accede to both documents.

"This is a milestone for the world's youngest nation as South Sudan commits to assuming more responsibility to protect refugees and asylum-seekers in the country," Valentin Tapsoba, director of UNHCR's Regional Bureau for Africa, said in a statement.

The move came after President Salva Kiir on Friday signed the accession instrument in Juba after it was ratified by the Transitional National Legislative Assembly.

South Sudan in 2016 became a party to the 1969 Organization of African Union Convention on Refugees, a regional instrument governing the specific aspects of refugee problems in the African continent.

South Sudan's warring parties last month signed a "final revitalized peace agreement" to an end five years of killing and suffering in the East African nation.

The conflict erupted in 2013 after forces loyal to Kiir and his former deputy Machar engaged in combat.

A 2015 peace agreement to end the violence was again violated in July 2016, when rival factions resumed fighting in Juba, which forced Machar to flee into exile.

Millions of South Sudanese civilians have sought refuge in neighboring countries as the conflict rages on despite attempts by international players to end it.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 19:37:26|Editor: Li Xia

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ZAGREB, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, also known as Istanbul Convention, which was ratified by the Croatian Parliament in April, came into force on Monday.

Many preventive measures have been envisaged for domestic violence and for women, including staffing of professionals in centers for victims of violence.

Croatia will provide 69 million Croatian kuna (10.7 million U.S. dollars) this year for the construction of shelters for women victims of violence, and the same amount is foreseen for the next year. Now Croatia has 19 shelters for women.

In Croatia, 90 percent of violent cases against women qualify as misdemeanor offenses, and the Convention envisages changing legislation to ensure that any violence against women and domestic violence is more seriously sanctioned.

According to data from the Ministry of the Interior from 2013 to 2017, a total of 91 women were killed by their partners in Croatia.

Work on the Istanbul Convention began in 2008, and experts from Croatia participated in the final text. The Convention entered into force on Aug. 1, 2014, but has not yet been ratified by all Council of Europe member states.

Before the ratification in Croatia, there was a long debate on the text of the Istanbul Convention, and the conservative circles were accused of mentioning "gender ideology" in it. For the ratification of the Croatian Parliament, 110 deputies voted, while 30 were against and two abstained.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 19:57:29|Editor: Li Xia

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Members of the Nobel Committee for Physiology or Medicine announce two scientists James P. Allison (L, screen) of U.S. and Tasuku Honjo (R, screen) of Japan share 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine during a press conference at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, on Oct. 1, 2018. The Nobel assembly at the Karolinska Institute has decided to award the 2018 physiology or medicine prize jointly to James P. Allison and Tasuku Honjo for their discovery of cancer therapy by inhibition of negative immune regulation. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan)

STOCKHOLM, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Two scientists shared the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, the Nobel Committee announced here on Monday.

The Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute has decided to award the 2018 physiology or medicine prize jointly to James P. Allison and Tasuku Honjo "for their discovery of cancer therapy by inhibition of negative immune regulation."

This year's laureates showed how different strategies for inhibiting the brakes on the immune system can be used in the treatment of cancer. Their discoveries are a landmark in the fight against cancer, the committee said.

Edward Smith, member of the Nobel Committee, told Xinhua that the significance of this year's award pointed to a "new fashion" in cancer treatment. All previous treatments focused on tumor cells, but this one was focused on the immune system.

Cancer kills millions of people every year and is one of humanity's greatest health challenges. By stimulating the inherent ability of our immune system to attack tumor cells this year's Nobel Laureates have established an entirely new principle for cancer therapy, said a statement released by The Nobel Assembly.

Allison studied a known protein that functions as a brake on the immune system. He realized the potential of releasing the brake and thereby unleashing our immune cells to attack tumors. He then developed this concept into a brand new approach for treating patients.

In parallel, Honjo discovered a protein on immune cells and, after careful exploration of its function, eventually revealed that it also operates as a brake, but with a different mechanism of action. Therapies based on his discovery proved to be strikingly effective in the fight against cancer, according to the statement.

Allison and Honjo showed how different strategies for inhibiting the brakes on the immune system can be used in the treatment of cancer. The seminal discoveries by the two Laureates constitute a landmark in our fight against cancer, the statement added.

Thomas Perlmann, secretary-general of the Nobel Committee and the Nobel Assembly, told a press conference that Honjo "sounded extremely pleased" at the news.

This year's prize is 9 million Swedish krona (about 1 million U.S. dollars).
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 20:02:31|Editor: Li Xia

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ULAN BATOR, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia will send its 8th contingent military personnel to Afghanistan on a NATO-led mission, authorities said on Monday.

"The 113-member contingent will depart from the Mongolian capital Ulan Bator on Thursday to participate in the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission (RSM)," Enkhjargal Batjargal, captain and public relations officer of the General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces, told Xinhua.

The contingent will be stationed near the Afghan capital of Kabul, and will focus on advice, support and training of the country's security forces, he said. The RSM is a NATO-led mission launched in January 2015.

According to the captain, a total of more than 4,500 Mongolian military personnel have participated in NATO-led missions in Afghanistan since 2003.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 20:42:37|Editor: Li Xia

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PARIS, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Three French nationals who were reported missing in Palu, on Sulawesi island following Indonesia's deadly quake and tsunami, were found safe, the country's foreign ministry said on Monday.

"The undertaken search has allowed to find in Palu three of our compatriots that we had no news about them. Our embassy in Jakarta organizes their evacuation in connection with the Indonesian authorities," the Quai d'Orsay said.

It confirmed that no French victims were among the people killed in the disaster.

The ministry added, in a statement, a crisis and support center was mobilized to help French nationals and "provide any useful assistance to the Indonesian authorities."

"We invite French people who have planned to visit the disaster area to postpone their travel plans and to consult regularly our advice to travelers," it said.

On Friday, a 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's central province of Sulawesi and provoked a strong tsunami. The death toll of the disaster has climbed to over 1,200 victims.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 21:12:41|Editor: mmm

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LONDON, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Politicians attempting to overturn the result of Britain's European Union (EU) referendum were condemned Monday by Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab.

In a keynote speech at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, Raab was also critical of jibes directed at Prime Minister Theresa May.

He told a packed conference hall that a no-deal Brexit was possible.

He said May was constructive and respectful during her recent two-day meeting in Salzburg with EU leaders.

"In return we heard jibes from senior leaders. And we saw a starkly one-sided approach to negotiation, where the EU's theological approach allows no room for serious compromise," said Raab.

He added: "And yet we are expected to cast aside the territorial integrity of our own country. If the EU want a deal, they need to get serious. And they need to do it now. At the same time, as in any negotiation, we will listen to alternative ways of delivering on the strategic criteria we have set out."

Raab said Britain's Brexit proposals would deliver a historic agreement that provides a roadmap out of the EU and a final deal that will be good for the whole country.

He also laid into what he described as the efforts of a small, but influential group of senior politicians and establishment figures to overturn the result of the referendum, adding: "They want to stop us leaving."

He said: "You can just picture them, sitting in an expensive advertising agency, discussing how to claim that black is white. 'Our research shows that the public doesn't like the idea of a second referendum. That's all right -- we'll rebrand it a people's vote. They might buy that."

He accused them of bankrolling a campaign to scare the wits out of the public, adding: "it would be pathetic if it wasn't so dangerous."

Raab added: "Some people say that no deal is unthinkable. Wrong. What is unthinkable is that this government, or any British government, could be bullied by the threat of some kind of economic embargo into signing a one-sided deal against our country's interests.

"The reality, yes, there are risks and potential short-term disruption, but we'll deal with any problems that might arise in the event of no deal in a calm and sensible manner."

Raab also warned that disunity among Conservatives could put Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn into Downing Street.

He said: "That's why we must come together over Brexit and recognise that what divides us is nothing compared to our struggle with the Labour party."
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 21:12:41|Editor: mmm

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PARIS, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The French government would devote 15 million euros (17.39 million U.S. dollars) to improve refugees' professional integration by helping them develop skills and seek new initiatives, France inter radio reported on Monday.

As part of its investment in competence scheme, the government aimed at offering opportunities to thousands of asylum seekers "to create their own activity by developing local initiatives and associations... or by promoting the creation of new (ones) in cooperation between public authorities and private actors in the employment sector," the local radio said in a report.

"Training for refugees is essential because qualification is the key to successful integration," labor minister Muriel Penicaud was quoted as saying.

For January-July period of the year, the number of asylum seekers registered in France was at 60,000, up by 16 percent from the same period in 2017, according to data of French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (ofpra).

Last year, 100,412 people had asked refuge in France, according to ofpra. (1 euro = 1.159 U.S. dollars)
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 21:17:42|Editor: Li Xia

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ADEN, Yemen, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Fierce fighting between Yemen's government forces and the Houthi rebels erupted on Monday in the Red Sea coast city of Hodeidah, killing at least 27 from both sides, officials told Xinhua.

A pro-government military official, who asked to remain anonymous, said that "ferocious battles occurred between the government forces and the Houthis during the past hours over the control of some military positions and farms in Hodeidah."

"We lost eight soldiers and ten others sustained injuries during the fighting. Our forces backed by the Saudi-led coalition killed 19 Houthi fighters and seized weapons," the official said.

A commander of the pro-government Giants Brigades confirmed to Xinhua saying that "the Houthi group lost a number of field leaders during the battles with government forces."

The commander said that the Houthi fighters are still attempting to retake areas surrounding the "Kilo16 road" but failed due to intensified airstrikes.

Sources close to the Houthi group said that their fighters repulsed advancement by the Saudi-backed forces in Al-Jaah area in Hodeidah.

"Our fighters confronted the mercenaries (pro-government forces) despite the heavy requirements and military air support by Saudi warplanes in Hodeidah's area of Al-Jaah," one of the source said anonymously.

In recent days, the Yemeni government seeks to expel the Houthi rebels out of the strategic port city of Hodeidah militarily despite warnings issued by international humanitarian agencies.

The impoverished Arab country has been locked into a civil war since the Iranian-backed Shiite Houthi rebels overran much of the country militarily and seized all northern provinces, including capital Sanaa, in 2014.

Saudi Arabia leads an Arab military coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after Iran-backed Houthi rebels forced him into exile.

The United Nations has listed Yemen as the world's number one humanitarian crisis, with seven million Yemenis on the brink of famine and cholera causing more than 2,000 deaths.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 21:32:47|Editor: Li Xia

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by Fu Yiming, He Miao, Zhang Jiawei

STOCKHOLM, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Two scientists shared the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, the Nobel Committee announced here on Monday.

The Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institutet has decided to award the 2018 physiology or medicine prize jointly to James P. Allison and Tasuku Honjo "for their discovery of cancer therapy by inhibition of negative immune regulation."

This year's laureates showed how different strategies for inhibiting the brakes on the immune system can be used in the treatment of cancer. Their discoveries are a landmark in the fight against cancer, the committee said.

Edward Smith, member of the Nobel Committee, told Xinhua that the significance of this year's award pointed to a "new fashion" in cancer treatment. All previous treatments focused on tumor cells, this one on the immune system.

Cancer kills millions of people every year and is one of humanity's greatest health challenges. The Nobel Assembly said in a statement that by stimulating the inherent ability of our immune system to attack tumor cells, this year's Nobel Laureates have established an entirely new principle for cancer therapy.

Allison studied a known protein that functions as a brake on the immune system. He realized the potential of releasing the brake and thereby unleashing our immune cells to attack tumors. He then developed this concept into a brand new approach for treating patients.

In parallel, Honjo discovered a protein on immune cells and, after careful exploration of its function, eventually revealed that it also operates as a brake, but with a different mechanism of action. Therapies based on his discovery proved to be strikingly effective in the fight against cancer, according to the statement.

"Cancer as a disease is a worldwide problem of major significance," Thomas Perlmann, secretary-general of the Nobel Committee and Nobel Assembly, told Xinhua in an interview after the press conference. "There have been previous awards to cancer researches, and this is what we have found, among all the proposals, of the most significance for this year in particular."

"It's a very exciting development in both basic research and in clinical research. This is so novel. And I think what has been alluded to today is that there is great promise with combination therapies," he said.

"We are all in the beginning both to see how this will work in combination with more conventional therapies, but also with novel ideas, like combining with vaccination against cancer, that have been many attempts in that direction that's mostly have been unsuccessful, but now people are thinking in a more new way to combine other ideas that might affect immune system," Perlmann told Xinhua.

"We should also remember that there are additional 'checkpoint' proteins in addition to those that were mentioned here today -- CTLA-4, PD-1 that have been discovered. We are in a very exciting phase now to see where this will lead us," he added.

James P. Allison, born 1948 in the United States, is a professor at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas and is affiliated with the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy.

Tasuku Honjo, born 1942 in Japan, is a professor at Kyoto University.

This year's prize is 9 million Swedish krona (about 1 million U.S. dollars).
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 21:48:18|Editor: Li Xia

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BANGKOK, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- More government officials are expected to join the new Palang Pracharath (power of the people's state) Party ahead of Thailand's general election next year.

Several members of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's cabinet have joined the party, founded by Chuan Chuchan.

The ministers who joined the new party included Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana and Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong, who were named the party's leader and secretary general respectively, and Prime Minister's Office Minister Kobsak Pootrakool was named spokesman of the party.

Many others in the government, including civil officials and military officers, are also expected to join the new party, which was set up to support the National Council for Peace and Order and Prayut in particular, according to Chuan Chuchan.

Prime Minister Prayut earlier said that all cabinet members are free to join any party ahead of the general election, tentatively scheduled for Feb. 24, 2019, "because they are not doing any damage to the government by doing so."
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 21:49:26|Editor: Li Xia

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BAGHDAD, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Violence across Iraq killed 75 civilians in September, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) said Monday.

A UNAMI statement added that 179 civilians were wounded in the terror attacks and armed conflicts in Iraq in the past month.

Iraqi capital Baghdad was the worst affected with 101 civilian casualties, as 31 people were killed and 70 others wounded, the statement said.

The second was the country's western province of Anbar, with 52 civilian casualties, as 15 were killed and 37 wounded.

The security situation in Iraq has been dramatically improved after Iraqi security forces fully defeated the extremist Islamic State militants across the country late in 2017.

However, small groups and individuals of extremist militants melted or regrouped in urban and rugged areas and are carrying out attacks against the security forces and civilians despite operations from time to time to hunt them down.

Many blame the chronic instability, cycle of violence, and the emergence of extremist groups in Iraq on the United States, which invaded the country in March 2003, under the pretext of seeking to destroy weapons of mass destruction in the country. But no such weapons were found.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 21:50:08|Editor: Li Xia

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KAMPALA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- A Ugandan law banning the importation of used vehicles manufactured 15 more years ago came into effect on Monday, the country's tax authority said.

No motor vehicle aged 15 years and above shall be allowed into the country as of Oct. 1, Dickson Kateshumba, Uganda Revenue Authority commissioner for customs, said in a statement.

"This includes motor vehicles that will be cleared through the port of Mombasa, Kenya, or Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, save for those where customs declaration will have been made and released by Sept. 30," Kateshumba said.

Vehicles that are already in Uganda or the east African region by Sept. 30 will be allowed up to three months to pay taxes and register.

"Duty-paid motor vehicles that are still within warehousing period will be relocated to a designated place within the bonded warehouse pending registration," Kateshumba said.

"Customs will auction any motor vehicles whose warehousing period will have expired," he said.

Ugandan lawmakers in May passed Traffic and Road Safety Bill 2018, banning the importation of motor vehicles older than 15 years, to reduce road accidents and carbon emissions.

The act exempts heavy vehicles such as breakdown lorries, crane lorries, road sweeper lorries, fire fighting vehicles, concrete mixer lorries, spraying lorries, mobile workshops and forklifts.

Armored vehicles, agricultural and forestry tractors are also exempted from the ban.

The law was to take effect on July 1, but car importers were given a three-month grace period.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 21:52:59|Editor: mym

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By Sportswriter Lincoln van der Westhuizen

BEIJING, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- US Open champion Naomi Osaka got her China Open off to a winning start here in Beijing on Monday.

The No. 8 seed had a tough outing against Kazakh player Zarina Diyas but managed to win 6-4, 6-3. Osaka fired out 4 aces and 12 winners against 14 unforced errors, while Diyas had only 7 winners to 19 unforced errors.

The young Japanese star recognised that she did not deliver a complete performance.

"Well, I mean, I felt like today was pretty rough. I know that I didn't play that well, but I really wanted to win. I felt that she probably didn't play at her best, too. I think we were both just trying to struggle with how to manage the situation."

Osaka also spoke about the added scrutiny that comes with being a Grand Slam champion.

"Well, I mean, for me, I don't feel that different. I try not to put that burden on myself. I know when I play matches now, people want to beat me. I mean, I felt that way since Indian Wells. I think that helped me a lot, to win the US Open."

Looking forward into the tournament, Osaka is confident she can find a way to improve her game and play to her potential in Beijing.

"I feel like overall, like even during practices, I still haven't hit the ball cleanly, like I want to. That was a concern going into the match. Then I felt like I didn't serve well today at all. I think my first-serve percentage was probably ridiculously low...for sure that's one thing that I want to fix going onto my next match."

Osaka's next match is against the USA's Danielle Collins in the round of 32.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 21:53:28|Editor: Li Xia

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TOKYO, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Japan's Nobel Prize winner Tasuku Honjo said Monday that he would like to continue his research to save more cancer patients while calling for more investment in basic sciences.

Honjo and James Allison, a professor at the University of Texas in the United States, won this year's Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for their discoveries leading to new approaches in fighting cancer.

Honjo and Allison "showed how different strategies for inhibiting the brakes on the immune system can be used in the treatment of cancer," said the Nobel Assembly of Sweden's Karolinska Institute.

Honjo told a press conference that he felt honored and happy for winning the award and would like to continue researching cancer for a while so that this immunotherapy will help save more cancer patients.

"Sometimes my patients kindly tell me that they owe their life to me after they recover from severe disease with this therapy ... I'm truly happy at such a moment because I can realize my research was meaningful," he said.

He added that he would also be overjoyed if his winning the award would help facilitate the development of basic medical sciences (BMS) and provide inspiration and courage to BMS researchers.

He also called for more investment in basic sciences and more chances to be given to researchers, especially young researchers, citing the importance of fundamental scientific studies and the fact that it might take decades for fruits of fundamental scientific studies to be turned "useful."

Honjo, 76, is currently a professor emeritus at Kyoto University. He is the fifth Japanese winner of a Nobel medicine prize.
File Photo: An auto transport carrier crosses the Ambassador Bridge heading to the United States in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, on Aug. 16, 2017. (Xinhua/Zou Zheng)

OTTAWA/WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Canada and the United States announced Sunday night that they and Mexico have reached a "new, modernized" North American free trade agreement.

"Today, Canada and the United States reached an agreement, alongside Mexico, on a new, modernized trade agreement for the 21st Century: the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)," said a joint statement from U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland.

"USMCA will give our workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses a high-standard trade agreement that will result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region," added the document.

"It will strengthen the middle class, and create good, well-paying jobs and new opportunities for the nearly half billion people who call North America home," said the statement.

"We look forward to further deepening our close economic ties when this new agreement enters into force," it added.

The USMCA will replace the 24-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA.

Talks on renegotiating the NAFTA began in August 2017 as U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to withdraw from it claiming it harmed U.S. industries and jobs.

The United States has pressured Canada to accept the preliminary agreement it struck with Mexico last month.

The statement came after U.S. and Canadian negotiators made the final push this weekend to reach an agreement before a midnight Sunday deadline.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 22:05:33|Editor: Li Xia

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KHARTOUM, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Monday urged the international community to support Sudan in combating illegal immigration and human trafficking, and hosting refugees.

"We call on the international community to perform its duties of supporting our efforts in combating illegal immigration and human trafficking, and its duties towards the refugees," said al-Bashir when addressing the Sudanese National Assembly (parliament) Monday.

He vowed to double the efforts to control foreign presence in the country to protect security of citizens.

Earlier, European countries vowed support for Sudan in combating human trafficking after Khartoum asked for logistical air and sea support to pursue multinational human smugglers.

Considered as one of the crosspoints for human trafficking and illegal immigration, Sudan has recently been witnessing increasing number of organized groups involved in these activities.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 22:12:40|Editor: Li Xia

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MOSCOW, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Foreign Ministry said Monday that it had summoned the South Korean ambassador and demanded an immediate release of the Russian vessel "Sevastopol" held in Busan port.

According to media reports, the South Korean authorities banned the Russian cargo ship's exit from the port, where it was docked since mid-August for repairs.

Media have linked the detention to U.S. sanctions on the ship's owner, Vladivostok-based Gudzon shipping company, for alleged violation of sanctions on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

On August 21, the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on Gudzon and its vessels for alleged "ship-to-ship transfer of refined petroleum products with North Korea-flagged vessels."

The Russian side has yet to comment on the media reports.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 22:19:55|Editor: Li Xia

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ADEN, Yemen, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Yemeni exchange companies were shut down and began a strike on Monday in protest against the collapse of country's national currency.

In a joint statement, commercial banks and exchange companies operating in the southern port city of Aden decided to close their doors after the sharp devaluation of the local currency against major foreign currencies.

The exchange companies urged the country's Finance Ministry and the Central Bank to immediately take necessary decisions and find solutions to halt currency devaluation.

The depreciation of Yemeni riyal continued in recent days. In the street markets in Aden, where the Saudi-backed government is officially based, one U.S. dollar was traded for 730 riyals, up from 215 riyals compared with the rate before the war.

With the sharp devaluation of the local currency against major foreign currencies, prices of basic commodities witnessed hikes, worsening the economic woes and leaving many citizens in destitute in the war-ravaged Arab country.

Earlier on the day, Yemen's President Abdu-Rabbu Mansour Hadi held an emergency meeting with the country's supreme economic committee and other high-ranking government officials including Prime Minister Ahmed Obeid bin Daghr.

Hadi discussed the country's economic situation and the latest developments, including the rapid devaluation of the Yemeni riyal, and ordered the government to identify the reasons by providing urgent solutions or recommendations, according to the state-run Saba news agency.

The Yemeni economy is continuing to suffer after all exports were halted following a blockade on the country which was part of a Saudi-led military intervention in March 2015. The blockade has also largely restricted imports.

All investments, including oil and gas projects, whose revenues used to contribute more than 70 percent of the state budget, were shut down.

Flow of foreign cash has stopped almost completely and widespread corruption within the government institutions also worsened the economic misery.
| 2018-10-01 22:23:14|Editor: mmm

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KATHMANDU, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative is critical to socio-economic transformation of smaller countries like Nepal, a senior leader of Nepal's ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) said on Monday.

Narayan Kaji Shrestha, who is also spokesperson for the NCP, made the remarks during a function organized to celebrate the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, which falls on Oct. 1.

"The Belt and Road Initiative is a new opportunity in the contemporary world. This China-proposed initiative is critical to socio-economic transformation of the smaller countries like Nepal," Shrestha said, adding that China's economic, political and cultural transformation taken place in the past several decades are exemplary to the rest of the world.

Nepal and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative in May 2017.

The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by China in 2013, aims at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes.

Expressing gratitude to China for its incessant support to Nepal's socio-economic development, Shrestha highlighted that age-old bilateral friendly ties between China and Nepal have been moving steadily on the basis of five principles of peaceful co-existence.

On the occasion, Hiranya Lal Shrestha, an expert on Nepal-China relations, said that landlocked countries like Nepal have ample of opportunities to reap benefit by the enhanced railway connectivity networks to be developed under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The event, organized by Kathmandu-based Let Review Online, witnessed the participation of political party leaders, intellectuals, media persons and thinkers.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-01 22:23:50|Editor: mym

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By Sportswriters Spencer Musick and Lincoln van der Westhuizen

BEIJING, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- A spirited performance from a hometown favourite and a professional outing by the reigning US Open women's champion headlined the action at the China Open in Beijing on Monday.

Defending US Open champion Naomi Osaka saw off a resilient Zarina Diyas 6-4, 6-3.

The two players fought hard in the first set, with both holding serve to 4-all, despite an early break opportunity for the Japanese world No. 8 in Diyas' first service game.

The second set got underway with each player getting breaks, followed by Osaka running away with the proceedings to go up 5-1. Diyas then held serve and replied with a stellar break of her own, but Osaka kept it together on return to seal the match in just over one hour.

"I've played her [Diyas] before in [the] French Open, and it was a really tough match. I think... I needed to find a way to win, even if it was [by] playing ugly," Osaka said.

China's Zhang Shuai is through to the second round after a hard-fought win over Belgium's Elise Mertens.

Zhang beat her opponent 6-1, 3-6, 6-3. Zhang praised the Chinese fans for their support during a difficult game.

"In Beijing and the China Open I am always inspired by the fans, their support, which helps me raise my level in Beijing."

The second set was a struggle for Zhang. She did well at the outset, holding her service games and managing to break her opponent to go up at 2-1. But the turning point came when a Mertens break made it 3-all, and a series of unforced errors helped the Belgian run away with the set.

"I tried to follow my plan, as I did in the first set, but that was not enough. I lost some points consecutively. I made some errors. She hit several key winners. I made changes in the third set. I was more aggressive. I felt the match really started in the third set. It was a great performance from both of us."

Spanish No. 14 seed Garbine Muguruza saw off Ekaterina Makarova 6-0, 6-4 in a one-sided affair.

After not managing to pick up a single game in the first set, Makarova improved in the second, breaking Muguruza's serve to prolong the contest. However Muguruza maintained her composure and was able to see off the unseeded Russian.

In the men's draw, a visibly frustrated Sam Querrey lost 6-4, 6-4 to Karen Kachenov. Querrey cut an agitated figure on the court, as the American could not find a way past his Russian opponent. Querrey made seven double faults and could not get his service game to work.

For his part, Kachenov didn't offer Querrey a single break point opportunity in the first set and even though the American showed more fighting spirit in the second, it would turn out to be too little too late.

No. 2 seed Caroline Wozniacki thundered past Switzerland's Belinda Bencic 6-2, 6-3. It was a dominant performance as the Dane won five consecutive games before Bencic broke serve in the second set. That glimmer of hope proved to be a false dawn for the Swiss player, as Wozniacki immediately broke back to stop any momentum Bencic might have started to find.

Bencic and Wozniacki have met on six occasions and the Swiss player has managed to win four matches. The former world number 1 was in good spirits after beating a potentially tricky opponent.

"It's been a while since I've played her. I think a lot of things have happened since then. I think I just stayed really steady and I tried to stay really focused. That was really it. I tried to not really think about the past matches, just think about this one as a new one, new experience, a new stadium. That was really that," Wozniacki said.

In men's doubles action China's Zhang Ze and Gong Maoxin lost out to Marcelo Melo and Lukasz Kubot. The Chinese pair lost 4-6 ,6-4, 7-10.

In women's doubles, China's Duan Yingying and Wang Yafan lost 6-1, 4-6, 10-7 to Nicole Melichar and Kveta Peschke.

Anastasija Sevastova advanced to the next round after Madison Keys withdrew from the tournament.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-02 00:14:52|Editor: ZX

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BEIJING, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Millions of Chinese will see a notable decline in taxes on their pay this month, as new tax brackets went into effect.

Starting Monday, the minimum threshold for personal income tax will be raised from 3,500 yuan (about 510 U.S. dollars) to 5,000 yuan per month.

The adjustment was part of the revised individual income tax law adopted earlier this year, which made changes to the previous tax brackets and added special tax-deductible items, a move that analysts said would reduce the burden for individuals and companies alike.

Xu Luoqiang, a financial manager with Hitachi Elevator (China) Co. Ltd, said about 90 percent of the company's about 3,000 employees in Guangzhou will see lower taxes this month.

"I used to pay 1,000 yuan in taxes each month, now I only need to pay around 400 yuan after the adjustment," he said.

According to Song Leting, a financial manager with a commercial vehicle maker based in Guangxi, the revision is expected to cut total income taxes paid by the company on behalf of employees by more than 60 percent.

"The new law will be good for taxpayers to different extents, with middle and lower-income people benefiting the most," said Li Wanfu, head of the institute of tax science of the State Administration of Taxation.

Those whose monthly salaries range from 5,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan will see their tax cut by some 50 percent and those with monthly salaries ranging from 20,000 yuan to 80,000 yuan will see their tax lowered between 10 and 50 percent, according to the revision.

Individual income tax was the third biggest contributor to China's total tax revenue, following value-added tax and enterprise income tax.

Last year, China collected individual income tax worth nearly 1.2 trillion yuan, about 8.3 percent of the country's total tax revenue.

For many companies, lower income taxes for their employees mean that they will have incentives to work harder, and it will encourage the growth of the firms in the long term.

"With a higher minimum threshold for personal income tax, the working class will have more disposable income, reducing the labor costs of firms," said Gao Wei, a financial manager with a coal mining firm based in Shandong Province.

China has been cutting corporate costs through tax and fee reduction in a bid to bolster the real economy.

In August, a State Council executive meeting unveiled new measures that were expected to cut the corporate tax burden by more than 45 billion yuan this year.

While the hike in minimum threshold for individual income tax went in effect, the entire new law will come into force at the beginning of next year, which is expected to further reduce the individual and corporate burden.
| 2018-10-02 00:16:04|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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NEW DELHI, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday made a telephone call to Indonesian President Joko Widodo, sending condolences over the recent earthquakes and tsunami in the archipelago nation.

According to a statement from the External Affairs Ministry, the Indian premier offered deepest condolences himself and on behalf of his countrymen over the loss of lives and property in Indonesia's Sulawesi region.

During the telephone conversation, Modi appreciated the resilience and courage of the people of Indonesia in facing the challenges emanating from the wide spread devastation due to this grave natural calamity.

In response to Indonesia's appeal for international aid, the Indian prime minister offered to the Indonesian president all possible assistance from India as a maritime neighbor and friend of Indonesia, said the statement.

"President Widodo thanked the PM for the condolences and the offer of assistance. The two leaders agreed that the details of India's relief assistance will be worked out through diplomatic and official channels," the statement said.

Strong and shallow quakes that triggered a tsunami devastated the Indonesia's Central Sulawesi province on Friday, leaving at least 1,200 people dead.
An Indonesian rescue team searches for victims and survivors at the earthquake-damaged Roa Roa hotel in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Oct. 1, 2018. (Reuters photo)

ANKARA, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed on Sunday his country's readiness to help Indonesia through the earthquake and tsunami which have claimed many lives in the southeastern Asian country.

"Turkey is prepared to do everything in its power to help Indonesia heal its wounds," Erdogan said on Twitter.

"I pray for our brothers and sisters, who were killed in an earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia, wish a speedy recovery to the wounded and offer my deepest condolences to the people of Indonesia," he added.

A collapsed bridge is pictured in Palu, Indonesia's Central Sulawesi on Oct. 1, 2018. (AFP photo)

A day earlier, the Turkish Foreign Ministry extended condolences to the families of the victims in the natural disaster, saying Turkey is ready to provide any assistance needed.

Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation has sent a five-person emergency aid team to the affected areas in Indonesia.

The death toll of the disaster in Indonesia's central province of Sulawesi soared to 832 on Sunday, amid slow search and rescue efforts as large stricken areas remain difficult to access.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-02 01:33:36|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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A Palestinian protester uses a slingshot to hurl stones at Israeli troops near the border with Israel, in the northern Gaza Strip, on Oct. 1, 2018. Dozens of Palestinians were injured on Monday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the West Bank and the northern Gaza Strip, close to the border with Israel, medics said. (Xinhua/Stringer)

GAZA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Dozens of Palestinians were injured on Monday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the West Bank and the northern Gaza Strip, close to the border with Israel, medics said.

The clashes coincided with the Israeli-Arab community's protest against the Israeli nation-state law, which was approved by the Israeli parliament on July 19.

Ashraf al-Qedra, spokesman of the Health Ministry in Gaza, told reporters that 51 Palestinian protesters were injured, including 10 shot by Israeli gunfire in northern Gaza.

Dozens of Palestinians headed to the beach of the northern Gaza Strip close to the border with Israel to join the weekly rally on Monday in which a flotilla of 20 fishing boats sail off the northern coast of the coastal enclave.

The commission of the Great March of Return, which was founded on March 30 and organized these activities every Monday, said in a press statement that it is the 10th consecutive Monday protest.

According to Al-Qedra, the Israeli army has shot dead 193 Palestinians and wounded more than 21,000 others since the beginning of the March of Return rally in the Gaza Strip on March 30.

Also on Monday, clashes broke out in several West Bank towns in protest of the Israeli Jewish-only law and in solidarity with the Bedouin village of Al-Khan Al-Ahmar east of Jerusalem, which Israel is intending to demolish.

Meanwhile, a general strike for the same purpose dominated all the Palestinian territories and in East Jerusalem, where schools, universities, banks and markets close down for one day.
| 2018-10-02 01:32:12|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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MADRID, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Spanish experts had proposed promoting the role of Spain in different areas of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative in a latest report.

The report, entitled "The New Silk Road: recommendations for promoting Spanish participation", was released by the Institute of European Studies at the CEU San Pablo University.

It was coordinated by the Institute's director Jose Maria Beneyto, and professor and vice president of the Center of Chinese Studies "Catedra China" Enrique Fanjul.

In the report, the experts recommended improving Spain's actions in raising awareness and supporting the Initiative.

"Foreign policy towards China has been a priority for Spain for several years now," the report said.

"Partly due to these actions and also thanks to the work of private agents, the economic and commercial relations between Spain and China have enjoyed sustained growth, although there is still a lot of room for growth," it said.

Among the actions they had proposed are improving information about the Belt and Road Initiative with the creation of a website, lobbying for a unified policy from the European Union to promote transparency and good practices, creating an institutional working group and increasing the number of visits from Spanish authorities to China and organizing seminars for companies.

The report highlighted the importance of the Belt and Road Initiative, which was proposed by China in 2013.

The Initiative refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, which are aimed at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes of the Silk Road on land and at sea.

The report said the Initiative could be of great benefit for Spain, if the country acts correctly.

"Spain has important factors in its favor, such as the experience of its companies in the development of infrastructure projects -- a sector where Spain is a world leader," said the report.

However, Spanish companies and the government should be aware of the problems caused by the lack of Spanish business presence in many Asian countries and the lack of visibility of Spain's industry and companies in this part of the world, according to the authors.

They believed Spain needed to make an important effort in multinational forums, "with the aim of promoting the adoption of good practices in the adjudication and management of projects".

"The actions of the European Union are especially important in this respect in helping to promote unified actions," wrote Fanjul and Beneyto, who believed that the Initiative opens a new world of possibilities "which go much further than the Euro-Asian corridor".

They highlighted good relations between the two nations in 2018 when Spain and China celebrated the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

"Spain and China maintain good relations at a political level, which is favorable for the development of economic relations," the report concluded.

China is Spain's largest business partner outside of the European Union, while Spain is the sixth most important partner for China within the EU, with bilateral trade rising from 12 million U.S. dollars 45 years ago to a record of over 30.9 billion U.S. dollars in 2017.
| 2018-10-02 01:37:16|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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STOCKHOLM, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- A Swedish court had sentenced the Frenchman, known in Swedish media as "the cultural profile", to two years in prison for raping a woman in 2011.

The case of Jean-Claude Arnault sent shock waves through the cultural establishment due to the accused person's connections to the Swedish Academy, the body that awards the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Multiple sexual assault allegations against 72-year-old French-Swedish photographer and artistic director, who is married to an Academy member, sent the illustrious institution into a crisis that eventually led to the first cancellation of the literature prize in nearly 70 years.

"The court's responsibility in a criminal case is to decide whether the prosecutor has proven the charges beyond a reasonable doubt," presiding judge Gudrun Antemar said in a statement on Friday.

"The evidence in this case has mainly consisted of statements made during the trial by the injured party and several witnesses. The court has made a thorough evaluation of the evidence and the court's conclusion is that the evidence is enough to find the defendant guilty of one of the events for which the prosecutor has brought charges."

Sexual assault accusations against Arnault surfaced in November last year when a Swedish newspaper published the testimonies of 18 women claiming the man had sexually assaulted them.

Those allegations, most of them anonymous, came at the height of the #metoo campaign, which was triggered by sexual abuse accusations against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein.

Friday's verdict followed a closed-doors trial in which a woman whose identity has not been disclosed claimed that Arnault had raped her twice, in the autumn and winter of 2011.

However, the court only found the accused guilty of one charge. Arnault maintains his innocence and will appeal, his lawyer said after the Stockholm District Court handed down the sentence.

Arnault had been held in preventive custody since the end of his trial on Sept. 24 and will remain in jail until the formal start of his sentence, the court said.

Prosecutors had called for a minimum sentence of three years but several allegations were also dropped due to lack of evidence or because the statute of limitations had expired.

The Frenchman was a well-known figure in Swedish cultural circles. He ran a cultural club frequented by Swedish Academy members and it also received funding from the Academy. He bragged about being the Academy's "nineteenth member" and, according to an internal probe, leaked the names of Nobel literature laureates on several occasions.

After the findings of that probe were published and shared among Academy members, several of them resigned and there were open rows between members who have traded barbs via the media.

Six of the 18 members resigned or went on leave in the wake of the row, which also prompted the Swedish King to step in and approved amendments to the Swedish Academy's statutes, which dated back to 1786.
| 2018-10-02 05:47:06|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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HANOI, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- Do Muoi, former general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, died on Monday night at the age of 101, the Vietnam News Agency reported.

Do Muoi passed away at 11:12 p.m. local time (1612 GMT) at the 108 Central Military Hospital in Hanoi capital after a long time of serious illness, the agency quoted Vietnam's Central Commission of Health Care for Senior Officials as saying early Tuesday.

Do Muoi was born in February 1917 in the rural district of Thanh Tri, Hanoi.

He was general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee from June 1991 to December 1997.

He led Vietnam to implement the country's renewal policy and national development and defense, said the report. He was awarded an 80-year party membership badge.

Do Muoi paid visits to China in 1991, 1995 and 1997.
The 20-year-old man who threw his young brother off a rooftop over the weekend reportedly suffers from mental illness. According to the Post, Shawn Smith told police that he "wanted to see if God could protect the kid."

On Saturday, around 3:30 a.m., police found four-year-old Shimron Smith unconscious and unresponsive in the courtyard of 2425 Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn. The boy was pronounced dead at the scene, and his older brother was taken into custody.

Shawn Smith allegedly flagged a police car and told police, "Can I speak to you? I need to tell you something... I think my brothers hurt. Take me there and Ill tell you more." After leading them to his brother's body and being taken into custody, Smith said, "Ive finally become a criminal!"

20-year-old Shawn Smith charged with murder after he allegedly tossed his 4-year-old brother from a Brooklyn building. Cops say he admitted throwing him off roof. Relatives say he suffers from schizophrenia. When asked if he meant to hurt his brother he responded not really. pic.twitter.com/HQImk63xa1  CeFaan Kim (@CeFaanKim) September 29, 2018

Smith was charged with murder.

A relative told WABC 7 that Smith, who moved from Guyana within the past year, has schizophrenia and was recently treated for mental illness.

His mother, Odessa Frith, spoke to the Post, and said the night before the tragedy her older son "was laughing and laughing. Usually, he was a quiet person."

Neighbors remembered Shimron as "playful" and Smith as "a little off."

"We have to find the way to mend the brokenness that occurred through this, but then also find a way to actually continue the conversation on mental health," community activist Anthony Bedford said to WCBS 2.
| 2018-10-02 04:14:15|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIRUT, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Caretaker Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil said Monday that Lebanon wants to cooperate with Austria and the European Union in finding formula that would send refugees back to their homeland as soon as possible, Al Jadeed local TV Channel reported.

"The big number of refugees impacts the social and economic fabric of the hosting society while it also weakens the countries from which these refugees have moved," Bassil was quoted as saying during a joint press conference with his Austrian counterpart Karin Kneissl.

Bassil said that refugees should go back to Syria which will turn it into a place for dialogue and co-existence instead of being a hosting place for extremist groups.

The minister also emphasized the need to find solutions that fall in the interest of both Lebanon and Syria.

Meanwhile, Kneissl, expressed her respect for Lebanon for hosting a big number of Syrian refugees in the past few years knowing that Syria was present militarily in Lebanon before the start of its civil war.

Lebanon is hosting 976,000 registered Syrian refugees according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, while the government estimates the true number of Syrian refugees in the country at 1.5 million.

The flow of Syrian refugees to Lebanon has weighed heavily on the country's economy.

A Lebanese official said earlier this month that 270,000 Lebanese people have lost their jobs after 384,000 Syrian refugees poured into the country's employment market.

This prompted Russia to draft a strategy that would secure a safe and gradual return for Syrian refugees to their homeland.
| 2018-10-02 04:12:42|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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MEXICO CITY, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The renegotiated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between Canada, Mexico and the United States met the goal of benefiting all three partners, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said on Monday.

"The modernization of the trade agreement between Mexico, Canada and the United States caps 13 months of negotiations and achieves what we set out to achieve from the start: a win-win-win agreement," Pena Nieto tweeted.

On Sunday night, the three parties wrapped up a little more than a year of negotiations on the accord initially signed in 1994, adding chapters on e-commerce and other developments in trade over the past two decades, and modifying regulations the U.S. felt contributed to its trade deficit.

Negotiations began in August of 2017, shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump took office pledging to secure a trade agreement more beneficial to U.S. industry.

The new deal, renamed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), gives U.S. dairy farmers greater access to the Canadian market.

According to the deal, it tightens rules of origin for regional automotive industries by raising the required amount of locally-made content from 62.5 percent to 75 percent.

The agreement also stipulates that at least 70 percent of the steel and aluminum used to make a car must come from North America, and that between 40 and 45 percent of an automobile must be made by workers earning at least 16 U.S. dollars an hour, a demand that low-wage Mexico had been resisting.

The new deal must now be submitted to each country's congress for approval by Nov. 30.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses the opening of the General Debate of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York, Sept. 25, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The high-level General Debate of the UN General Assembly concluded on Monday after representatives of all 193 member states have spoken. Following are quotable quotes from world leaders at the forum:

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres:

-- Our world is suffering from a bad case of "trust deficit disorder." ... And multilateralism is under fire precisely when we need it most.

French President Emmanuel Macron addresses the General Debate of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York, on Sept. 25, 2018. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

French President Emmanuel Macron:

-- I know that championing cooperation and multilateralism may no longer be in fashion. Then let's not be in fashion any more.

U.S. President Donald Trump addresses the General Debate of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York, on Sept. 25, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

U.S. President Donald Trump:

-- America is governed by Americans. We reject the ideology of globalism, and we embrace the doctrine of patriotism. Around the world, responsible nations must defend against threats to sovereignty not just from global governance, but also from other, new forms of coercion and domination.

British Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the General Debate of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 26, 2018. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)

British Prime Minister Theresa May:

-- We have seen what happens when the natural patriotism, which is a cornerstone of a healthy society, is warped into aggressive nationalism, exploiting fear and uncertainty to promote identity politics at home and belligerent confrontation abroad, while breaking rules and undermining institutions. And that demonstrates that delivering for your citizens at home does not have to be at the expense of global cooperation and the values, rules and ideals that underpin this.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani addresses the General Debate of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 25, 2018. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani:

-- Confronting multilateralism is not a sign of strength. Rather, it is a symptom of the weakness of the intellect. It betrays an inability in understanding a complex and interconnected world.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in addresses the General Debate of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 26, 2018. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)

South Korean President Moon Jae-in:

-- Over the past year, something miraculous has taken place on the Korean Peninsula.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan:

-- None of us can remain silent to the arbitrary cancellation of commercial agreements and prevalent protectionism and the use of economic sanctions as a weapon because the negative effects of these twisted developments will eventually affect all countries.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte:

-- There is no conflict between multilateralism and the national interest. ... I believe in constructive multilateralism. I believe in the power of principles and not the principles of power, to guide us toward a better future for more people.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov:

-- On the one hand we see the strengthening of polycentric principles of the world order ... On the other hand, we see the desire of several Western states to retain their self-proclaimed status of "world leaders" and to slow down the irreversible objective process of establishing multipolarity. To that end, these powers do not hesitate to use any methods, including political blackmail, economic pressure, and brute force.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-02 05:53:12|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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MEXICO CITY, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Mexico plans to lobby Washington to scrap tariffs on imported steel and aluminum before it signs a new trilateral trade agreement with the United States and Canada, a top Mexican official said on Monday.

"We have put it on the table that we cannot get to the signing without getting to a solution, because it would be illogical for there to be a tariff attack that went unresolved," Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo said on a morning TV news show.

The tariffs also affect Canada which, along with Mexico and the United States, is slated to sign an updated version of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), now called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), by the end of November.

In June, Washington imposed steep import tariffs on steel (25 percent) and aluminum (10 percent) from Mexico, Canada and the European Union.

"It's a matter of principle, and our idea is to work on it over the next two months to put a solution on the table and eliminate them," said Guajardo.

The minister was Mexico's head negotiator to the trade talks, which concluded Sunday night after a year and a month of talks. The text of the new agreement is to be submitted to each country's congress for approval before leaders sign the USMCA into law, possibly on the sidelines of the upcoming G20 summit to be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Nov. 30 to Dec. 1.

"It's the only place where I would see the three presidents coinciding, simultaneously, in time for this," said Guajardo, adding the deal could also be signed by each country's respective trade representative.

Guajardo described the USMCA as a "latest generation" trade pact that benefits the North American region.

U.S. President Donald Trump campaigned on a platform to renegotiate NAFTA, in place since 1994, saying the agreement gave unfair advantage to Mexico and Canada.
| 2018-10-02 05:51:45|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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KHARTOUM, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Sudanese and Egyptian parliaments will meet by the end of October to study the possibility of reviving the Nile Valley Parliament, official SUNA news agency reported.

The announcement was made by Ibrahim Ahmed Omer, speaker of the Sudanese National Assembly, during his Monday meeting in the capital Khartoum with Omran Al Khatab Marwan, Egypt's Minister of Council of Representatives.

The two sides reviewed bilateral parliament relations and means to further development, SUNA said.

The meeting also reviewed the efforts being made to revive the Nile Valley Parliament and how to coordinate the work between the two parliaments.

The Nile Valley Parliament, a framework bringing together the Sudanese and Egyptian parliaments, was established in 1981 to enhance bilateral cooperation.

It ceased activity following the popular uprising in April 1985 which ended the rule of late former Sudanese President Gaafar Nimeiry.
| 2018-10-02 05:52:24|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LIMA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The approval ratings for Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra rose to 61 percent in September ahead of the country's regional elections on Oct. 7, said a leading public opinion company on Monday.

The 14 percent increase on ratings in August, which stood at 47 percent, comes following Vizcarra's efforts to force through constitutional reforms to curb political and institutional corruption.

According to market research and public opinion company, Datum, Vizcarra is more popular in the north of Peru, where he enjoys 65 percent support.

In capital, Lima, approval ratings are at 63 percent and 59 percent in rural areas.

Datum also reported a drop in disapproval rates of Vizcarra, from 47 percent to 32 percent.

Approval for the president has risen after he pushed through judicial and political reforms in an attempt to rid politics and public institutions of embedded corruption, according to the poll.

He proposed four law changes, including the reform of the National Council of the Magistrature (CNM), a system to appoint and ratify the country's judges and prosecutors and the control of the financing of political parties. These have already been passed.

Two further changes, the return to bicameral Congress and a ban on the immediate reelection of legislators, are still to be debated.

If all changes are passed, they will be put to a popular referendum on Dec. 9.

Vizcarra became president in March this year after former president, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, resigned following the release of videos showing his allies attempting to buy support of law makers ahead of a second impeachment vote in the corruption scandal.
| 2018-10-02 05:55:34|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ALGIERS, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Algeria on Monday conducted the military exercise coded "Storm 2018" in the southernmost district of Djanet near the Libyan border, APS news agency reported.

The live-fire tactical exercise, supervised by Algerian Vice Defense Minister Ahmed Gaid Salah, involves units from ground force, air force and air defense force.

The exercise aims to assess the disposition of battle corps to deter threats, and demonstrate combat effectiveness and capabilities of modern combat systems and equipment, APS said.

It will also shed light on the interoperability between the different categories of the army during the execution of the various combat missions, it added.

This is the second exercise performed by the Algerian army since May, as the region is plagued by unprecedented security and political instability.

Algeria has deployed tens of thousands of troops on the southern and eastern border, in a bid to thwart potential intrusion of militants and arms, amid instability reigning in Mali and civil war hitting Libya.
| 2018-10-02 05:56:31|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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GENEVA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The UN refugee agency UNHCR on Monday honoured Dr. Evan Atar Adaha, a surgeon from South Sudan, with the 2018 Nansen Refugee Award at a ceremony in Geneva, for his 20-year commitment in providing medical services to people forced to flee conflict and persecution in Sudan and South Sudan.

Presenting the award in Geneva, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said that most of Atar's patients were refugees and he had lived through displacement himself, after fighting forced him to close his first hospital in Kurmuk, Sudan.

"He embodied not only solidarity, but courageous solidarity with his refugee patients, which is very scarce in today's world," Grandi noted.

According to the UNHCR, Dr. Atar is based in Bunj, in northeastern South Sudan, where he runs the only functional hospital, serving more than 200,000 people, including 144,000 refugees from Sudan's Blue Nile State.

His team at Maban Hospital carries out an average of 58 operations per week in difficult conditions with limited supplies and equipment.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Atar said he was humble to receive the prestigious award but added: "However, this award is not for me as an individual. The award is for my team back in Maban."

He said his message to the world was: "Let us continue tirelessly, sparing no effort, in the search for peace."

UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award recognizes extraordinary humanitarian work on behalf of refugees, internally displaced or stateless people.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-02 06:00:20|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- U.S. top aircraft producer Boeing Company has been given a 160-million-U.S.-dollar contract to overhaul the Chinook rotor blade for U.S. Army, Boeing said Monday.

The American aerospace giant said it will continue its support for the U.S. Army's inventory of more than 450 H-47 Chinook rotor blades across the globe with the new contract from the Army.

The contract will extend a five-year performance-based logistics agreement that Boeing signed with the Army in 2012, which will facilitate Boeing's continued management of stock availability and the overhauling of all of the Army's Chinook aircraft.

Boeing is responsible for rotor blade maintenance, repair and overhaul of the twin-engined, tandem rotor H-47 transport airplane, which is among the heaviest lifting Western helicopters.

"The Chinook has proved itself to be critical to the U.S. Army's wide range of missions, and supply availability is critical to the Chinook's operational readiness," said Kathleen Jolivette, director of U.S. Army Services for Boeing Global Services.

Boeing will develop innovative ways to save blades of the helicopters that would typically be removed from service, and pledged to continue its partnership with the U.S. Army in cutting their ownership costs and extending blade life of the Chinooks.

Boeing manages the rotor blade support work at its Philadelphia site in the state of Pennsylvania.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-02 06:00:54|Editor: ZX

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Vehicles transporting Syrian refugees from Lebanon are seen at the Zamrani crossing in the countryside of Damascus, Syria, on Oct. 1, 2018. Hundreds of Syrian refugees returned to Syria from Lebanon on Monday, in response to the renewed calls by the Syrian government for refugees to return, state news agency SANA reported. (Xinhua/Ammar Safarjalani)

DAMASCUS, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of Syrian refugees returned to Syria from Lebanon on Monday, in response to the renewed calls by the Syrian government for refugees to return, state news agency SANA reported.

The latest batch of Syrian refugees returned through three border crossings between Syria and Lebanon, in an ongoing Russia-backed process of returning Syrian refugees from Lebanon.

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said in a recent televised interview that the Syrian refugees abroad are welcome to return and take part in the rebuilding of Syria.

Al-Moallem made the same call during the UN assembly last week.

Lebanon is hosting 976,000 registered Syrian refugees according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, while the government estimates the true number of Syrian refugees in the country at 1.5 million.

Out of an estimated pre-war 22-million population in Syria in 2016, 13.5 million were identified by the United Nations as in need of humanitarian assistance, with more than 6 million forced into internal displacement, and about 5 million fleeing abroad.
Cardi B turned herself into a Queens police precinct this morning to face charges related to an August incident at a strip club. The Bronx-born rapper is accused of ordering an attack on two bartenders who were rumored to be involved with her husband, Offset (from Migos).

Cardi B, whose real name is Becalis Almanazar, was seen entering the 109th Precinct on Monday morning:

#breaking cardi B turns herself into police just now on assault charges. @PIX11News pic.twitter.com/LrfNpDllAS  Anthony DiLorenzo (@ADiLorenzoTV) October 1, 2018

According to TMZ, one of the bartenders, Jade, "claims Cardi repeatedly threatened her with violence on Instagram, and in June, Jade and her sister Baddie Gi, claim they were face-to-face with Cardi at an Atlanta hotel. Jade says Cardi again accused her of sleeping with Offsetsomething she deniesand then Cardi threatened them with physical harm."

Jade says on August 15, she got a warning early in the day that Cardi had targeted her for a beatdown. Later that night in Queens at Angels Strip Club, Jade says 5 people associated with Cardi viciously attacked her, grabbing her hair, punching her and hitting her with an ashtray, causing serious damage. Fast forward to the wee hours of Wednesday, August 29... Jade and Baddie Gi say they came face-to-face with Cardi B at Angels Strip Club, and a group from Cardi's posse attacked both of them... throwing bottles and chairs at them causing serious injuries that required medical attention. To make it clear... neither woman says Cardi personally laid a hand on either, but we're told she did yell, 'I'm blood I'll fuck you bitches up!'"

Cardi B, who just performed at the Global Citizens Festival on Saturday, is believed to be facing two charges, reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct, and will receive a summons for a desk appearance. An insider told Page Six, "Cardi is heading down to the precinct to claim her name and innocence."



Cardi B leaving the Harpers Bazaar New York Fashion Week party, after tussling with Nicki Minaj and her entourage (Charles Sykes/Invision/AP/Shutterstock)

In early September, Cardi B and Nicki Minaj had a heated confrontation at a New York Fashion Week party at the Plaza Hotel. Cardi B was seen throwing a shoe towards Minaj and her entourage and was apparently struck by someone in Minaj's group, as she was spotted leaving the party with a huge bump on her head. Cardi B, who was heard saying, "I will fuck you up!", was apparently upset at an apparent insult towards her and Offset's baby daughter, Kulture.

Cardi B Just Got Released pic.twitter.com/3uAffnY0YQ  2cool2blog (@2Cool2Bloggg) October 1, 2018

Cardi B's lawyer, Jeff Kern, said, "Were aware of no evidence that she caused anybody any harm that at the club that night. We expect that the matter is going to be resolved expeditiously."
| 2018-10-02 06:07:16|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BUDAPEST, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Bernadett Szel, former co-president of the Hungarian eco-green opposition party LMP (Politics can be different), announced her departure from the party and from its parliamentary group here on Monday.

"Today I made a very hard decision: I quit the LMP and its parliamentary group. The future will be green or nothing else," Szel informed on her official Facebook page. She added that she would work as an independent member of parliament from now on.

"We will create policies that will help the poor and manage the problems of the disadvantaged layers of society," she explained, adding that she had no hard feelings towards her former party.

Szel resigned from her leading position on Aug. 22 this year, following a crisis of several months that was originating from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's landslide victory in April's general elections.

Orban secured a third consecutive term in the general elections on April 8 that gave him two thirds of the parliament, securing 133 seats in the 199-seat parliament which enables him to modify the Constitution.

The ethical committee of the party sanctioned Szel and other party leaders who, during the general elections, stepped back in favor of a stronger opposition candidate, in order to gain better chances at defeating Orban's Fidesz party.

But stepping back from elections went against the internal rules of LMP that wanted to participate in the elections without cooperating with other parties.

Szel was the third opposition leader to step down after Orban's victory at the elections.

The quitting of Szel is quite representative of the turmoil and fragmentation of the Hungarian opposition that does not seem to be able to find its path after April's elections. The struggling of the opposition is also well illustrated by the latest political survey.

On Monday, the Nezopont (Point of View) Institute published its latest poll on the popularity of political parties in Hungary, and Orban's party is on top of the Hungarian spectrum.

"The Fidesz-KDNP (KDNP is a junior coalition partner of Orban's party) is more popular, than all of the opposition parties put together," the pollster revealed.

"If the European parliamentary elections were to be organized this Sunday, Fidesz would send 13 deputies to the European Parliament, the Jobbik 4, the MSZP (socialist) and the DK (liberal) 3 deputies, and only a single one for the LMP," Nezopont said.

Nezopont's public opinion poll included 2,000 people and was taken between Aug. 29 and Sept. 18, 2018. The sample is representative for the population over the age of 18 regarding sex, age, region, settlement type, and education.

In the case of a sample size of 2,000 persons and a confidence level of 95 percent, the sampling error is 2.2 percent, the institute indicated.
| 2018-10-02 06:13:57|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIRUT, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese caretaker Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil said Monday that Israel will not be allowed to use the United Nations General Assembly as a platform to threaten Lebanon, Al Jadeed local TV Channel reported.

"Lebanon is strong enough to prevent any assault by Israel on its territories. We are not afraid and when Israel threatens us we know how weak it is," said Bassil at a press conference held during a meeting with ambassadors to Lebanon.

The minister made the remarks in response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's claims that Hezbollah was keeping missiles in three different sites near Lebanon's Rafic Hariri International Airport.

The Saudi, Kuwait, British and Russian ambassadors were among the diplomats present during the meeting.

Bassil also led a tour for ambassadors and journalists to two of the locations claimed by Israel to contain missiles for Hezbollah.

"We will discover together today that Netanyahu is not right about his allegations and Israel is coming up with excuses to justify its plan to wage a new war against Lebanon," he said.

Bassil said that Israel does not respect international resolutions. "Israel has violated Lebanon's airspace, land and sea over 1,500 times in the past eight months," said Bassil.

In a speech last week at the United Nations General Assembly, Netanyahu said Hezbollah had placed three precision missile sites near the Beirut airport: one in the Ouzai neighborhood "a few blocks away from the runway," a second under the Ahed stadium, and the third "adjacent to the airport itself, right next to it."
| 2018-10-02 06:20:41|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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by: Evan Duggan

VANCOUVER, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- After years of calling the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) the "single worst deal ever approved," U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration reached a deal to entrench NAFTA under a new name with marginal adjustments.

On Monday, the leaders of Canada, Mexico and the U.S. announced a deal in principle called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The tri-lateral trade pact will replace and modernize the 24-year-old NAFTA.

Following more than a year of tense and often cantankerous negotiations, the three countries reached understandings in key areas, including rules of origin for automotive manufacturing, agriculture, labor, intellectual property rights, culture, and dispute settlement.

Canada lauded the deal at home for ensuring that no U.S. tariffs would impact Canadian auto and auto parts exports.

Many elements of the original NAFTA were preserved and the deal doesn't have many big shocks, said John Ries, an international trade expert at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver - home to Canada's largest port.

"A lot of the important issues were laid out in the [U.S.' s earlier] agreement with Mexico," he told Xinhua in an interview.

He said one of the more significant elements of the deal from a Canadian perspective is the inclusion of 75 percent local content in the auto sector, which also guarantees that a certain number of vehicles must be built in high-wage factories.

"That's a pretty big change for the auto companies and very much... hurts Mexico and helps the U.S. and Canada," he said.

He said the deal will keep auto production alive in the Canadian and U.S. manufacturing hubs will likely keep prices high for consumers.

Another sticking point had been Canada's supply-managed dairy industry, which has been mostly protected from U.S. products via production quotas and tariff program.

The U.S. had routinely said they wanted the Canadian supply management system dismantled.

In the new deal, American dairy producers will get access to only 3.6 percent of the Canadian market.

"It was pretty obvious that we would have to give a bit on [dairy], and we actually gave on it in the original Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP)," Ries said, referring to the 12-nation free trade pact that includes Japan, Vietnam, Canada and other Pacific nations. Trump withdrew the U.S. from the TPP last year.

Chapter 19, the main dispute settlement process in NAFTA, was kept intact, but drafted under a different chapter. Ries said the Canadian negotiators had been insistent on that point.

In Washington, President Trump said he plans to sign the new trade deal by the end of November.

"It's my great honor to announce that we have successfully completed negotiations on a brand-new deal to terminate and replace NAFTA... with an incredible new U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement called USMCA," Trump said at the White House.

"I plan to sign the agreement by the end of November. I then will submit it for approval to Congress, where, in theory, there should be no trouble," he said.

U.S. and Canadian negotiators made the final push this weekend to reach an agreement before a midnight Sunday deadline, allowing leaders from the three countries to sign the new trade pact by late November.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday called the deal good for Canada's middle class.

"The agreement-in-principle we reached today is good for Canada, good for Canadian businesses, and most importantly, good for Canadian workers and their families," he said in a statement. "When this improved agreement is implemented, North American trade will be preserved and modernized for the 21st century - just as we set out to do."

The U.S. administration said Monday, however, that it would keep in place tariffs against Canadian steel and aluminum imports, one of the key weapons the Trump administration used as leverage during the negotiations that took more than a year.

"That kind of surprises me," Ries said. "I don' t think it would hold up to scrutiny that they' re necessary for U.S. national security. That is being challenged in the WTO."

As for the name change from NAFTA, Ries said it probably has mostly to do with Trump's ego.

"It just seems to be a thing Trump had about hating NAFTA, and the association of NAFTA being the worst trade deal the U.S. has ever made," he said. "I think it was just a Trump vanity thing that he wanted to give it his own name."

The U.S. and Mexico are, respectively, Canada's first-and third-largest merchandise trading partners in the world, while Canada is respectively the second-and fifth-largest merchandise trading partner of the U.S. and Mexico - and the largest export market for the U.S.

Last year, trilateral trade between the countries reached nearly 1.1 trillion USD, more than a three-fold increase since 1993, according to Canadian government figures provided to the media.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-02 06:28:33|Editor: Liu

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By Alessandra Cardone

ROME, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Italy will officially submit its bid to host the 2026 Winter Olympics with a dual candidacy involving the northern cities of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) said on Monday.

"I am happy to officially announce the CONI will keep working on the candidacy of Milan and Cortina in order to host the XXV Olympic Winter Games with the political support of the government," CONI's chief Giovanni Malago said in an official statement.

"We are submitting an innovative project, which abides by the guidelines of the 2020 Agenda (an official roadmap providing recommendations for future Olympics), and involves not only Milan and Cortina, but also their respective regions Lombardy and Veneto," Malago added in the letter to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

On Thursday, the mayors of the two northern cities and the governors of Lombardy and Veneto will hold their first meeting in Venice to discuss the joint plan, according to Milan mayor Giuseppe Sala.

"The official bid was a necessary, positive, and much-awaited step," Sala told Italian Adn-Kronos news agency.

"It is only a first step, of course, and we now have to work and speed up the preparation of our dossier," the mayor added.

CONI had announced its 2026 Winter Olympics bid in August, pulling together separate proposals from three cities into a joint effort. However, the city of Turin finally withdrew, due to a disagreement between Turin mayor Chiara Appendino and her counterpart in Milan over the leadership of the bid.

Turin hosted the 2006 Winter Olympics, which partially marked the beginning of an economic recovery for the city.

The IOC will announce preliminary candidatures during a session of the IOC scheduled in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Oct. 8-9.

The deadline for the submission of the 2026 Winter Olympics candidature files will be Jan. 11, 2019.

Other cities so far considering bidding for the 2026 Winter Olympics were Calgary in Canada, the Swedish capital Stockholm, and Erzurum in Turkey.

The Japanese city of Sapporo gave up its candidacy plan after suffering a major earthquake in Hokkaido last month, the IOC announced in mid-September.
| 2018-10-02 06:25:58|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BERLIN, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- German voters are increasingly convinced by populist ideologies, according to a study published on Monday by the Bertelsmann Foundation.

According to the latest "Populismusbarometer" survey commissioned by the Guetersloh-based foundation, 30.4 percent of voters in Germany could be allocated to the populist spectrum of electoral politics in 2018. The figure marked an increase of 1.2 percentage points compared to last year's survey.

During the same period, the share of voters who had "clearly non-populist" views declined by 4.1 percentage points to 32.8 percent.

"Overall, there is an increasingly populist-oriented electorate in Germany," a statement by the Bertelsmann Foundation read. This circumstance applied particularly to individuals traditionally classified as adhering to centrist politics.

The findings were based on two regular surveys of more than 3,400 voters conducted by the Infratest dimap institute.

Respondents were asked to indicate which party they voted for in the last federal elections in 2017, as well as to locate themselves on a spectrum of right-wing and left-wing positions. They were also asked to answer questions about their view of "popular sovereignty" and political elites in Germany.

Populism was defined by the Bertelsmann Foundation as a concept of democracy which presupposes an objectively-intelligible and uniform "popular will". Society is hereby further partitioned into two separate cohorts of "the people" and "elites" which include politicians, business leaders and journalists.

Robert Vehrkamp, a democracy expert at the Bertelsmann Foundation and one of the co-authors of the study, highlighted that parties on the "political fringes" were most likely to benefit from a greater embrace of populism by German voters. Vehrkamp noted that parties like the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the Left party (Linke) were the most successful in attracting an electoral following.

The trend was seen to pose a challenge to German mainstream parties with relatively large memberships such as the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Christian Social Union (CSU) and German Social Democrats (SPD).

The Greens (Gruene) were identified in the study as the party with the least populist positions, but appeared to have carved itself an electoral niche in this fashion as it also had the least populist voters on average.

The study further showed that more affluent and better educated voters were least likely to hold populist views. By contrast, respondents who indicated that they were unhappy with the current political situation and voiced a desire for simple solutions to a more globalized, digitalized and generally more-complex world veered disproportionately towards the populist spectrum of politics.

In term of the types of populist policies which attracted voters, social policy was the most promising. However, survey findings suggested that any party which lobbied for accepting "a lot of new refugees" risked being shunned at the ballot box.

The AfD, the most successful populist party in Germany, has specialized in a political strategy which elevates issues of immigration above all other topics.

Nevertheless, the Bertelsmann researchers argued that the party faced formidable obstacles to a political breakthrough beyond its recent entry into the federal parliament given that 71 percent of voters polled said they would never vote for it.

"In spite of improving opinion survey results, no other party is rejected as forcefully as the AfD," Vehrkamp said.
| 2018-10-02 06:24:37|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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HOUSTON, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- U.S. net natural gas exports in the first half of 2018 were more than double the 2017 average, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported on Monday.

The EIA's latest monthly U.S. natural gas imports and exports report said that from January through June of 2018, net natural gas exports from the United States averaged 0.87 billion cubic feet (about 24.64 million cubic meters) per day, more than double the average daily net exports in 2017, which was 0.34 billion cubic feet (about 9.63 million cubic meters) per day.

According to the report, the addition of new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities in the lower 48 states contributed most to the increase. U.S. exports of LNG through the first half of 2018 rose 58 percent compared with the same period in 2017.

While U.S. LNG exports have continued to grow in 2018, U.S. natural gas pipeline import and export volumes have either remained relatively level or declined from 2017 amounts. The exports of natural gas by pipeline to Mexico increased by 4 percent, and meanwhile, exports of natural gas by pipeline to Canada declined 14 percent.

According to EIA, the United States, which became a net natural gas exporter on an annual basis in 2017 for the first time in almost 60 years, has continued to export more natural gas than it imports for five of the first six months in 2018.

U.S. net natural gas exports are expected to continue rising through the end of 2018 as additional LNG export capacity comes online and as natural gas infrastructure in Mexico is put into service.

Overall net natural gas exports from the United States are expected to average 2.00 billion cubic feet (about 56.63 million cubic meters) in 2018 and 5.80 billion cubic feet (about 164.24 million cubic meters) in 2019.
| 2018-10-02 06:27:47|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TRIPOLI, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Libyan Foreign Minister Mohamed Sayala denied on Monday requesting the transformation of the UN Support Mission in Libya from a special political mission to a peacekeeping mission.

"We see that it is important to turn the UN mission in Libya from a special political mission to a mission to support establishment of security and stability in all Libya," Sayala said in his address to the UN General Assembly on Saturday.

"This request does not mean at all turning the UN Support Mission in Libya to a peacekeeping mission," the official Libyan news agency quoted Sayala as saying on Monday.

"The involvement of the UN should be more effective and direct in the Libyan crisis, including the security crisis that is visible to all, and make it a priority in line with political track," he noted.

"The aim of this request is for the international community to diagnose again the Libyan situation, so as not to separate the political path from the security path," the Libyan diplomatic chief added.

The UN Support Mission in Libya was established on Sept. 16, 2011 on the basis of a decision of the UN Security Council at the request of Libya.

Libya has been suffering security chaos and political division since the overthrow of former leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011.
| 2018-10-02 06:37:18|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TRIPOLI, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The new French Ambassador to Libya said on Monday that the French embassy will resume its work in the capital Tripoli "very soon."

Beatrice le Fraper du Hellen made the remarks when submitting her credentials to the UN-backed Libyan Prime Minister Fayez Serraj.

Du Hellen stressed the importance of the relations between France and Libya, saying France supports the efforts of the Libyan government to establish security and stability in the country, according to the information office of the Prime Minister.

Serraj also highlighted the close ties between the two countries, hailing "France's supportive position for stability and the democratic path in Libya."

Most foreign embassies and missions to Libya have left since 2014 when violent clashes between rival armed groups broke out in the capital Tripoli, leading to lingering political division across the country.
| 2018-10-02 06:35:36|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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HOUSTON, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. oil and gas activity maintained its strong momentum in third quarter of 2018, according to an energy survey released on Monday by the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.

According to the Dallas Fed Energy Survey, which sampled about 200 oil and gas companies headquartered in the 11th Federal Reserve District-Texas, southern New Mexico and northern Louisiana, the business activity index dipped slightly from 44.5 in the second quarter to 43.3 in the third but remained near the highest level since the survey began in 2016.

The business activity index for oilfield services firms fell from 54.2 to 45.9, suggesting a slight deceleration in growth for those firms. Meanwhile, the business activity index for exploration and production (E&P) firms rose from 37.2 to 41.8.

Positive readings generally indicate expansion, while readings below zero generally indicate contraction. Almost all indexes in the latest survey reflected expansion on a quarterly basis.

Oil and gas production increased for an eighth straight quarter. The oil production index moved down from 39.0 in the second quarter to 34.8 in the third, which suggests crude production rose at a slightly slower pace. Meanwhile, the natural gas production index edged up from 33.4 to 35.5, its highest level since the survey began.

Employment grew at a slower pace. The employment index for services fell sharply from 44.1 to 31.7.

Costs continued to rise. Utilization of equipment by oilfield services firms slightly increased in the third quarter, with the corresponding index at 44.8, up three points from the second quarter.

Input costs on the services side continued rising as the index jumped from 36.3 to 46.6. The index of prices received for oilfield services remained unchanged at 23.2.

Outlooks remained positive but uncertainty increased. The company outlook index posted a 10th consecutive positive reading and edged up one point to 46.4 in the third quarter. The uncertainty index rose 10 points to 8.8, suggesting that uncertainty regarding firms' outlooks increased this quarter. This increase was particularly prominent among oilfield services firms, where the outlook uncertainty index jumped nearly 22 points to 14.7.

However, the survey also showed that pipeline constraints, steel tariffs and oil price differentials could have negative effects on the energy business.
| 2018-10-02 06:40:22|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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NAIROBI, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese diplomat on Monday hailed the employees of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) for their tireless efforts and for working during the Chinese National day to ensure seamless operations of the railway.

Li Xuhang, charge d'affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, told Xinhua in Nairobi that the Chinese National Day that is celebrated on Oct. 1 is one of the most important holidays in China.

"I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication shown by Chinese workers who are working over the holidays," Li said during a tour of the Nairobi Terminus of the SGR.

"In the Chinese culture, we value devotion to work and that is why I came to the SGR station to salute workers and also support them," he added.

The 480-km Nairobi to Mombasa SGR was financed 90 percent by the Export-Import Bank of China and constructed by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). In 2017, CRBC signed an agreement with the Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) to run the Mombasa to Nairobi SGR.

Li added that the hard work and dedication of SGR employees will help enhance the Sino-Kenya cooperation as well as socio-economic development in Kenya.

The envoy said that Chinese nationals have sacrificed their public holidays for the safety and operations of the SGR.

Felix Asuma, the general affairs workshop supervisor at the track department of the SGR, said normal operations will continue at the SGR despite the Chinese National Day, being one of the biggest holidays in China.

Asuma's role along the Mombasa-Nairobi SGR is to ensure that the railway track is in good condition without any obstructions.

The 27-year-old monitors the railway track from Mombasa to Nairobi with a team of patrol workers using video surveillance.

Asuma said both Chinese and Kenyan workers are working over the Chinese National Day to ensure that Kenyan passengers enjoy smooth operations.

The civil engineer, who completed his undergraduate studies at Southwest Jiaotong University in 2016, said Kenyan colleagues are adopting the strong Chinese work ethic to ensure that the SGR operates smoothly.

Harrison Kimani who is part of the comprehensive management staff at the dispatch center said operations will continue as scheduled even over the Chinese National day which is celebrated over a period of seven days.

"We are working closely with Chinese counterparts to provide uninterrupted service to railway commuters and freight owners," Kimani told Xinhua.

Kimani, who studied Chinese language and culture at the Shandong Normal University said that the SGR is now a critical part of Kenya's infrastructure which will help improve transportation of passengers and freight between Mombasa and Nairobi.
When Senate Democrats managed to block the Republicans skinny repeal of the Affordable Care Act last year, it was a much-needed win in an otherwise grim political moment for the party out of power. This bill, Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut warned, at the time will light the American health-care system on fire, with intentionality.

We are not celebrating, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer said after the close call, We are relieved.

Though the Republicans have largely stopped campaigning on health care, President Donald Trump remains adamant in persuing Obamacare's demise, and his administration has found ways to unravel parts of the Affordable Care Act without permission from Congress. This summer, in West Virginia, Trump assured the crowd that the Affordable Care Act "is being chipped away."

Has Trump succeeded?

This week on 30 Issues In 30 Days, The Brian Lehrer Show looks at ten ways Trump and his Republican Congress have changed America through policy, with a series of debates asking - for better or for worse?

Heres some of how the Trump administration has changed the healthcare market since hes been in office.

Trump killed the individual mandate

As part of the Republican tax overhaul bill passed in late 2017, Congress did effectively end the individual mandate, which required nearly all Americans to have health insurance or pay a penalty. Trump called the mandate cruel and criticized the provision for targeting poor people who couldnt afford to pay for government ordered health plans.

The individual mandate never performed its intended effect, argues Robert Moffit, senior fellow in The Heritage Foundation's Center for Health Policy Studies. "It was never a really serious driver of expanded health insurance coverage, Moffit told Brian Lehrer on Monday. Subsidies drive enrollment. The Mandate was a laughably weak tax penalty that neither political party would ever enforce, and when it was imposed, as was reported, it was imposed on lower income individuals.

Moffit added, If the mandate was really consequential, how do you explain the decline of enrollment, when the penalty was at its highest in 2016?

The individual mandate was an important part of the Affordable Care Act, counters Heather Howard, a Lecturer at Princeton Universitys Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and former New Jersey Commissioner of Health and Senior Services. Its important to bring young and healthy people in the insurance market because health insurance is about spreading risk broadly. We don't know what impact the repeal will have, but the Congressional Budget Office did estimate that they thought it would both add to the number of people who are uninsured and increase prices for the people who are still buying health insurance.

Trump extended short term policies allowable length to three years

Under the Obama administration, consumers could buy short-term policiesthat did not have to comply with Affordable Care Act standardsas a stopgap measure until they found longer lasting insurance. In August the Trump Administration issued a final rule, allowing agencies to expand the availability of short-term health insurance policies beyond the Obama-era three month limit to three years. Trump says plans will provide much less expensive health care at a much lower price.

Expanding these plans will end up luring young and healthy people because they're cheaper becauseguess why?theyre not covering a lot of conditions, said Howard. The majority of short-term plans don't cover things like hospitalization and maternity care. Young people end up opting into these policies because they're attractive but they don't end up meeting their needs, and protecting them. Older and sicker people are left remaining in the Obamacare-compliant plans and those plans will get more and more expensive.

Moffits response: The standard progressive line is: we know what is best for people rather than what they think is best for themselves. These plans provide a perfectly legal off ramp for lots of Americans who do not want or do not like, or simply cannot afford The Affordable Care Act.

Trump allowed states to impose work requirements on Medicaid recipients

President Trump gave states more control over their Medicaid programs by authorizing states to impose "work requirements" to qualify for benefits. In June, Arkansas became the first state to impose these rules. Now Arkansas residents must work, go to school or volunteer for at least 80 hours a month, in order to receive healthcare. CNN reports that since the change went into effect as many as 4,600 recipients have lost their benefits.

Three consumer groups are suing the Trump administration in an effort to halt the Arkansas program, arguing that it runs counter to Medicaids objective of providing the poor with access to health care.

Arkansas Governor, Republican Asa Hutchinson, approves: "Personal responsibility is important. We will continue to do everything we can to ensure those who qualify for the program keep their coverage, but we will also make sure those who no longer qualify are removed." The Trump administration has also approved requests to implement work requirements in Indiana and New Hampshire, though the new rules have yet to take effect in those states.

Trumps American Patients First Plan

The Trump Administration has a set of proposals called the American Patients First Plan, that includes putting pressure on companies known as pharmacy benefits managers that take a middleman profit for themselves between the pharmaceutical company, health insurance company, and the patient. The biggest point of contention isnt whats in the plan, but what it leaves out: allowing Medicare to negotiate with drug companies.

This plan is just nibbling around the edges, says Howard. Allowing Medicare to negotiate would be fundamental to lowering drug costs. Medicare has tens of millions of patients, meaning really good clout in the marketplace with the drug companies. Other countries do it with their public health care systems, resulting in lower prices.

Edmund Haislmaier, a health care policy expert at the Heritage Foundation, argues that some of those countries that drive a hard bargain wind up with some good medications being unavailable altogether because the drug companies wont agree to the price demands and the government walks away.

The Trump Administration says it likes state-level experimentation more than federal government mandates. But while theyre allowing states to experiment now with requiring work for Medicaid benefits, they have turned down a request by Massachusetts to allow just that one state to allow Medicare to negotiate prices with Big Pharma.



Coming up in 30 Issues, Brian hosts debates on how Trump has affected trade, taxes, immigration, the environment and more.

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| 2018-10-02 06:41:36|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BRATISLAVA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- All four suspects charged with the murders of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova have been remanded in custody, local media reported on Monday.

Media reports cited a judge who presided over the preliminary proceedings at a criminal court in Banska Bystrica, central Slovakia on Sunday.

The suspects are Tomas Sz., Miroslav M., Zoltan A. and Alena Zs., and interpreter Alena Zs. reportedly hired the three others to carry out the murder, according to local media.

So far, the prosecutor hasn't commented on this.

The police made the arrests in Kolarovo and Komarno, both in southern Slovakia, and three men were accused of premeditated murder, in addition to other crimes.

A charge of ordering the contract killing of the victims was laid against 44-year-old Alena Zs. All three men charged with the murders have plead not guilty.

Kuciak was an investigative journalist who worked for news website Aktuality.sk. He and his fiancee were murdered in their house on Feb. 21, 2018. A prosecutor recently said that the double murder was related to Kuciak's work.
| 2018-10-02 06:47:49|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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MADRID, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish and French governments on Monday held a symbolic act here to commemorate the end of the Basque separatist group ETA.

ETA confirmed in May the dissolution of all its structures through a letter sent to several Basque institutions and political leaders.

The act at the Palacio de la Moncloa, the official residence of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid, was attended by French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, as well as former Spanish leaders, Felipe Gonzalez and Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and associations representing over 800 victims of ETA.

Philippe used the act to hand over wax seals and documents recovered from ETA in France. He said the documents showed the "ruinous engineering of the terrorists" and they also told "the story of many people who risked their lives in France to combat ETA," and highlighted that the two nations continue to work together in the fight against terrorism.

Sanchez thanked France for its aid in combatting ETA and aiding the eventual "victory" against the organization.

"Today we pay homage to the collaboration and cooperation between countries who fight for the same cause, to give a deep and heartfelt homage to the triumph of the victims and that of a social and democratic State," said Sanchez.
| 2018-10-02 06:47:18|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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MEXICO CITY, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto on Monday hailed a new trilateral trade agreement with the United States and Canada by speaking with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Pena Nieto spoke with the two leaders in separate phone conversations to mark the successful conclusion late Sunday of more than a year of negotiations to modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), now called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

"In his talks, the president noted that the new version of the treaty ... fulfills Mexico's expectations, as well as those of the United States and Canada," the president's office said in a statement.

Negotiations to update the 1994 trade pact began in August 2017 at the insistence of Trump and were often fraught with disagreements.

As of the end of August, Mexico and the United States reached a preliminary agreement without Canada, a development that threatened to turn the three-way trade deal into a bilateral accord. Canada rejoined the talks in September.

Pena Nieto hailed the fact that the "trilateral nature of the treaty was maintained, which will lead to the deepening of North America's productive integration and the consolidation of the region as one of the world's most competitive."

The three negotiating teams still have to iron out some technical details over the next few weeks, before the leaders sign the USMCA into law sometime at the end of November, the president's office said.

Earlier in the day Pena Nieto said via Twitter, "The modernization of the trade agreement between Mexico, Canada and the United States caps 13 months of negotiations and achieves what we set out to achieve from the start: a win-win-win agreement."
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-02 06:49:28|Editor: ZX

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by Abu Hanifah

SINTANG, Indonesia, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- An oil palm plantation operated by the Chinese Julong Group in Indonesia's West Kalimantan province has made local people earn more from their work in the plantation.

Most of the villagers around the plantation in Sintang district work part time to harvest oil palm fruits. The rotating harvest in each of the plantation blocks allows them to get extra money besides revenues from their own farmlands.

"They actually were farmers working in their own land around the village. They were eager to make more money by harvesting the oil palm fruits," Sugianto, chief of Sungai Maram village located near the oil palm plantation, told Xinhua in the plantation in Sintang.

Besides the farmers, the plantation also benefits land owners who plant oil palm trees in their lands through a partnership scheme with attractive offer for their oil palm fruits, he added.

"Basically we have no unemployed people since the plantation's operation here as long as they are willing to work," the village chief added.

Farmers can now buy more household necessities and are even able to pay tuition fees for their children up to university, he said.

A local couple employed by the plantation said they could save up to 2 million rupiah (about 175 U.S. dollars) per month compared with almost nothing at their previous workplace in Java.

"Besides the saving, we can now also have more family time as we only need to work until the afternoon. We worked around the clock to monitor leafs in a tobacco plantation in East Java province," said Tori with his wife standing by his side in the Julong Group plantation.

The couple from East Java city of Situbondo also encouraged their family and friends in their hometown to work with them in the plantation.

The Julong Group's oil palm plantation in Sintang is a take-over zone from a domestic firm since 2014.

The Tianjin-based company has planted 60,000 hectares of oil palm trees, with a total investment of nearly 1.3 billion U.S. dollars. The plantation has recruited nearly 10,000 locals, including employees and part-time workers.

As the Julong Group prioritizes local employment in Indonesia, it only has 70 Chinese personnel in the plantation.

Its cooperation with local oil palm cooperative organizations, like the scheme in Sungai Maram village, has covered 20,000 hectares of land, involved 9,000 villagers and benefited nearly 50,000 people.

The China-Indonesia Julong Agricultural Industry Cooperation Zone with five parks on the Kalimantan island was promoted as an economic and trade cooperation zone in August 2016.

The group's Supply Chain Director Fan Yang said Julong is a practitioner of China's Belt and Road Initiative.

The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative, proposed by China in 2013, is aimed at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes.

"The initiative has provided various opportunities for our local investment and expansion. We are confident of making greater achievement and serve the two countries," he said.
| 2018-10-02 06:56:04|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LIMA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- At least eight people were killed and another 50 injured after a bus fell into a 100-meter chasm in central Peru's Chanchamayo province, said police on Monday.

The bus was traveling from the city of Satipo to Tingo Maria in the Peruvian Amazon on Sunday night, some 475 kilometers northeast of Lima.

According to local police, the bus of the travel company Tourism Central, collided with a truck that came in the opposite direction, before plunging the Tarma river at the bottom of the chasm.

Rescue teams from the Chanchamayo fire brigade and local police have so far recovered eight bodies but believe the death toll is likely to rise.

The injured people were taken to the La Merced Hospital nearby.

Fatalities caused by bus crashes are frequent in Peru owing to insufficient highway infrastructure and rugged territory in the Andean mountains.

In January, 52 people lost their lives when a bus fell into a 400-meter canyon on the infamous "Devil's Curve" in Pasamayo, 48 kilometers north of Lima.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-02 07:13:00|Editor: ZD

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SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- U.S. major air carrier, United Airlines, said Monday that it will debut its newest Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner passenger jets in January next year to boost transcontinental flights between New York/Newark and west coastal cities of San Francisco and Los Angles.

Starting on Jan. 7, 2019, United Airlines will be the first North American air carrier to operate the Boeing 787-10, the newest aircraft in the Dreamliner family, on the transcontinental routes from New York/Newark to destinations on the west coast.

The company said it will offer customers more than 7,200 seats, with more than 1,000 premium seats per day, more than any other airline when they schedule their cross-country, transcontinental travels.

United Airlines has revved up the number of flights from New York to Los Angeles and San Francisco to 27 daily flights, which allows more choices for customers.

"We have created the best schedule for our business and leisure customers by offering more choice and more convenience when planning travel between coasts," said Ankit Gupta, United's vice president of Domestic Network Planning and Scheduling.

The Boeing 787-10 widebody aircraft can fly up to about 10,348 km while saving 20 percent more fuel than older generation airplanes, according to Boeing statistics.

United Airlines, which is the world's third-largest airline by revenue after American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, also announced Monday an order to buy an additional nine 787-9 aircraft that are expected to be delivered by 2020.

The Chicago, Illinois-based company currently operates 25 Boeing 787-9 and 12 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, and its Dreamliner fleet is set to grow to 40 by the end of this year, with 20 more on order.
Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto met his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, and the United States ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on Friday.

Szijjarto and Haley pledged to continue cooperation to protect Christian minorities worldwide, the minister told MTI. They both rejected the UNs global migration compact, which is still being debated, as it was extremely biased, he said.

Szijjarto and Lavrov discussed the meeting of the Hungarian-Russian economic committee, scheduled in November, where they plan to sign a cooperation agreement on social security and on the mutual recognition of higher education degrees.



MTI Photo: KKM
The Hungarian National Dance Ensemble is leaving on a tour of North America later this month to take traditional dances of the Carpathian Basin to Hungarian communities living in the US and Canada to mark the 170th anniversary of the 1848-49 Revolution and War of Independence.

The dance troupe of the Honved Ensemble  which will mark its 70th anniversary next year  will take its performance entitled Spirit of Hungary-1848 to Chicago, Seattle, Mountain View, Los Angeles, San Diego and Toronto in part on a tour that runs from October 18 to November 4.

Photo: Hungarian National Dance Ensemble
As the payment procedures of EU funds to Hungary grow ever lengthier and the EU mainstream ponders withholding some of them, while an Article 7 procedure takes shape, commentators are sharply divided in their interpretations of this latest standoff between Brussels and Budapest.

In Elet es Irodalom, liberal constitutional lawyer Gabor Halmai welcomes the Sargentini report which was adopted by a large majority of MEPs and opened the way to a procedure that might eventually lead to depriving Hungary of her voting rights in the European Council.

He deems such an outcome well nigh impossible, however, since Hungary and Poland would mutually veto any such resolution within the Council.

He suggests therefore that the European Union chose the wrong path by activating the article 7 procedure. Instead, he writes, Hungary should be excluded from European subsidy programs.

Halmai believes that such hard sanctions might stimulate voters to turn against those responsible for the negative consequences of the sanctions.

In Heti Vilaggazdasag, Laszlo Seres accuses the government of devising absurd campaigns in response to concrete accusations concerning corruption, the state of the health service or democratic deficits.

The latest such campaign, he writes, targets European plans to strengthen Frontex, the border protection agency of the European Union  a plan which is described by the government as an attempt to take over border control from national authorities in order to let in more migrants.

Seres admits that it would be problematic if the European Union wanted to tell individual member countries whom they are supposed to let in and live with. He believes however that there is no danger of such an overreach by the European Union.

He is convinced that Brussels only wants Frontex to intervene when national border protection breaks down and it would be in Hungarys own interest to allow Union border guards to step in if needed.

In his Figyelo OpEd piece, on the other hand, Zoltan Kiszelly finds it alarming that the European mainstream plans to extend its control over member countries and cut cohesion and structural funds to East European member states.

The Baltic states, which are considered to be good pupils in sharp contrast to Hungary, the black sheep, would get exactly the same gift Hungary should get in punishment  25% of their structural funds would be redirected towards the southern member countries.

He dismisses the allegations of corruption levelled against Hungary arguing that when motorways in Hungary were built by foreign companies, there were no complaints about corruption. As soon as most of the profits remain in Hungary, however, the corruption charges pour in.

All in all, he concludes, Ms Sargentinis name will soon fall into oblivion, just like the name of Mr Tavares, the author of a previous report condemning Hungary, but the damage caused by her report is here to stay.

In his Hetek editorial, Mate Kulifai asks what the point is in subordinating national border control agencies to Frontex.

Why should Frontex extend its control over countries like Hungary which have been able to protect their own borders and thus the Schengen area, he asks.

Why can the European Union not allow its member states to decide whether they need help from Frontex or not?

Kulifai warns that by taking such a decision away from member countries, the European Union would set out on a dangerous path.

This opinion does not necessarily represent the views of XpatLoop.com or the publisher. Your opinions are welcome too - for editorial review before possible publication online Click here to Share Your Story
Aspreys Travelling Drink Trolley At The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest at Kupola Bar, on 5 October from 5pm to 1am.

Asprey is the esteemed guest of The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest this month. The renowned luxury goods manufacturer has brought its touring cocktail trolley to the hotel, serving exciting craft cocktails until mid-October, adding a new dimension to its partnership with The Ritz-Carlton.

Join on 5 October and taste the Autumn Forest inspired cocktails created and served by the hotel`s special guest, Christopher Mendenhall, lead mixologist from The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.

For more information please click here.



Click here to visit The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest online
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...
Profesoara care imbina lectiile de romana cu experimentele la chimie si teatru

Mihaela Nicolae este unul dintre profesorii de Limba Romana care mizeaza totul pe literatura, dar si pe un stil nonconformist de predare. La orele ei se citesc fragmentele preferate, se discuta cu autori contemporani si se asculta muzica, [citeste mai departe]
Kimberly H. Coffey, chief execuitve of TalexMedical talks up InfantEar at this year's Lion's Den funding competition at the Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies on Sept. 26, 2008 at Infinity Live. Panel includes moderator Marc Lederman (NewSpring Capital), Richard Vague (Gabriel Investments), Arlan Hamilton (Backstage Capital), Michael Hagan (Hawk Capital) and Michael Foreman (FS Investment Corp.) Jonathan Brassington (LiquidHub) was also on the panel. Read more

If you were rich and wanted to get richer, what would you invest in?

A plastic device to straighten newborns' ears, a system to sell American "wellness" snacks to foreign grocers, or a powder that helps ill people gain weight?

Those three Big Ideas, and their hopeful developers, were culled from 36 start-up firms that presented Wednesday to the Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies (PACT) conference at XfinityLive! in South Philly. They were thrown into the Lions' Den  "a real life Shark Tank," like the TV venture-capital show, but live and unedited, said host Marc R. Lederman, whose day job is managing partner at NewSpring Capital in Radnor.

The Lions were three Philadelphia men who prospered by selling their own companies  Jonathan Brassington (LiquidHub), Michael Hagan (LifeShield, VerticalNet,), Richard Vague (EnergyPlus, Juniper Bank, First USA); plus fellow investors Arlan Hamilton, music producer turned founder of Backstage Capital, Los Angeles; and Michael C. Forman, corporate lawyer turned CEO of South Philly's own FS Investments.

The finalists gave their best pitches for the Lions. One came away with cash. Some highlights:

First up was Kimberly Haze Coffey, president of TalexMedical LLC and a Villanova-trained nurse who rose to regional sales manager at Johnson & Johnson's Synthes before turning entrepreneur. Coffey sought cash for Talex's product, InfantEar, a device that "non-surgically corrects ear deformities" on babies as they grow.

It's a big market, she stressed. It's lucrative: InfantEar lists at $550 an ear, with "gross margins of 72 percent," and fits insurance guidelines, which suggest robust doctor profits.

It's competitive. Rival EarWell costs more. And it apparently works: "Over 300 ears [have been] treated successfully" in the past year. Founder and chairman Scott Bartlett is a plastic surgeon at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

"Why not be a little more aggressive  sell direct to consumers?" asked Hagan. (They're considering it.)

"Will you be able to get a patent in China?" asked Vague. (Nope.)

"Any intention to expand the product line?" asked Hamilton. (Better adhesive.)

"Make an offer?" asked Lederman.

It got real quiet.

"I don't know enough about the person who invented this," said Hamilton. She said she'd "talk offline about doing something, $50 to $100," meaning thousands.

"It's a wonderful product," said Vague. "I'm thrilled so many parents will have good outcomes." But the valuation was too high for him.

And Coffey had to walk, smiling, no cash.

"I hate this part of my job," said Lederman.

Next up was Peter Groverman, CEO of Grovara, which markets American snacks to foreign stores using a snazzy tracking app from its offices at 3401 Market St. He tossed the judges goodie bags: organic energy drinks, cane sugar candies, and other U.S.-made vegan foods.

Grovara's veteran advisers include Sree Kotay, former chief technology officer of Comcast Corp. Brands including Pennsauken-based J&J Snack Foods, Purity Organic, True Citrus, and Mindfully Delicious have signed up, though none have paid Grovara's new $25,000 fee. Groverman's revenue projections soar from a few hundred thousand a month this year to $39 million in 2020.

"What's your EBITDA?" Vague asked, referring to profits before financial costs.

"Our net is averaging 165 percent," said Groverman.

"I'm trying to get a sense of actual dollars," said Vague.

Groverman said the company expects to become profitable next year.

"Then what is the need for $3 million next year?" asked Vague.

"Basically, it's a land grab," said Groverman: If Grovara can raise the money, why not use it to build extra market share?

"Any interest?" asked Lederman.

"I'd like to see the revenues develop," said Foreman.

"It's pretty exciting, it's a large market," said Brassington. "But I agree with the guys, some details need to be fleshed out."

"Thanks for your time!" shouted Groverman.

Last came MNI boss Jim O'Connell, a former Safeguard Scientifics officer and Wharton grad, the front man for another CHOP doc, Virginia Stallings, a nutrition expert who is on Danone's board and has advised Nestle.

"A billion people have a digestive disease," O'Connell began. People with digestive diseases, inherited disorders, old people unable to retain nutrients, and others with the "the inability to absorb calories" need efficient fatty food or they'll die.

MNI has developed a "nutritional pod base," a tasteless powder with fatty acids and key vitamins. It's been tested in a National Institutes of Health-funded study on patients with cystic fibrosis. "This improved absorption of fats, essential fatty acids, choline, and vitamins A and K," O'Connell said.

MNI was looking for $1 million-plus for research, testing, business development, O'Connell said. No sales yet.

"I had a partner who had a kid with cystic fibrosis," said Brassington. "Parents are intensely focused on self-education. So, what education programs are you focused on?" MNI is working closely with cystic fibrosis groups.

"How much does the founder own?" asked Foreman. Over 50 percent.

Lederman popped the question: "Will you fill out the round?"

Hagan scratched his ear.

"Subject to due diligence, I'd be interested in doing $100,000," said Brassington.

"I see you guys supporting food research that could be extremely attractive for a long time," said Vague. His partners at Gabriel Investments "are prepared to invest $300,000."

"$300,000 as well," said Foreman.

"$50,000," said Hamilton.

Hagan brought the total to $850,000.
Wells Faro Center is the first NBA/NHL arena to install "HappyOrNot" feedback terminals that allow fans to instantly communicate their satisfaction (or lack thereof) with the arena's bathrooms and concessions. Franco Sicilia gives a men's room a high rating before a Flyers and Rangers pre-season game at the Wells Fargo Center on Sept. 27, 2018. CHARLES FOX / Staff Photographer Read more

Philadelphia fans are notorious for letting their teams know exactly how they feel, whether it's by pelting Santa with snowballs or climbing Crisco-covered street poles.

Now there's a less dangerous way for fans to give their feedback during Flyers and 76ers games.

The Wells Fargo Center has installed 75 "HappyOrNot" machines to allow fans to rate restrooms, retail locations, and concession stands. The devices have just four buttons  ranging from dark green and very smiley to bright red and really frowny  and collect volumes of anonymous data.

That data can help spot a messy restroom, allowing staff to quickly clean it. The information can also show trends, such as popular concession stands or a day of the week when customer satisfaction consistently drops off.

"It's finding our holes, finding where to allocate our resources," said Ben Schlegel, the center's director of events. "It's just giving us data to make those more-educated decisions."

HappyOrNot, founded in Finland in 2009, has devices in thousands of airports, stores, and restaurants in 117 countries, according to the company's website. Levi's Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers, uses them. The Wells Fargo Center is the first NBA/NHL arena in the country to install the machines, as part of a multi-year, $250 million renovation project, management said.

HappyOrNot says the simplicity and anonymity of the terminals generate higher response rates than traditional customer surveys, which may ask consumers to answer several questions or divulge personal information. The company's Smiley Terminal poses a single question  for example, "How was your concession experience today?"  with four smiley or frowny buttons. The company claims the machines collect responses from 20 percent or more of foot traffic at a given location, compared with 2 percent for the traditional survey.

"We simply get just dramatic amounts more of data, because it's just so much more accessible," said Brad Winney, president and general manager of HappyOrNot's Americas division. "The key is, we get it on a continuous basis. So there's no latency in terms of waiting for a survey to be filled out."

That instant feedback on smart phones has helped the center address issues as they occur since it started using the devices during the Elton John concert on Sept. 11, said Mandy Bauer, the arena's guest experience manager. During a recent Flyers game, staff got an alert on a men's bathroom because 30 percent of the responses were negative in a 15-minute time frame.

"All the managers, the department heads, we're all in this app, and we can communicate to each other within the app, and then mark that [the issue] has been fixed," Bauer said.

HappyOrNot's apps format the data into bar graphs and pie charts showing how happy (or not) its customers are during certain hours or days. For example, the "Happy Index" at the Wells Fargo Center was higher during last week's Flyers vs. Islanders preseason game than it was during a Childish Gambino show the next day.

Experts said businesses should be cautious when interpreting the data. Paul Pavlou, a marketing and management information systems professor at Temple University's Fox School of Business, said such surveys can have biased results because the most happy or upset customers are the most likely to respond.

"You're getting the extreme cases. You don't get the moderate cases that usually represent the majority of the people," he said. If businesses aren't careful in analyzing the data, they could make long-term decisions that don't reflect the experiences of most customers, he added.

The anonymity of the HappyOrNot data also prevents companies from knowing if they're satisfying their most important customers, said Peter Fader, a marketing professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. For example, feedback from season-ticket holders would be more valuable than responses from fans who rarely attend games.

"Looking at the overall happiness meter isn't necessarily a good indication of how we're doing with the right customers," Fader said. "These kinds of measures taken in a vacuum without a connection to who is the person pressing the button might not be indicative of the health of the customer base."

The HappyOrNot machines use delay filters to prevent one customer from skewing the data by striking a button several times, a feature that could be useful if the Flyers get shut out this season.

"We have an array of filters that essentially allow you to essentially de-noise the data, whether that's kids pressing the buttons or angry fans just hammering away at the system," said Winney.
Alex Trebek sported a beard as he launched the 35th season of Jeopardy in July. Read more

This is "Stupardy!"  the new game show in which contestants get answers and must respond with questions. Here's your host, Stu Bykofsky:

"Good day, folks. The plan was to interview Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek, who will moderate Monday night's gubernatorial debate in Hershey between Democratic incumbent Tom Wolf and his Republican challenger, former state Sen. Scott Wagner. But his people said no print interviews. Lacking Alex (whom we like), we will play Stupardy!, but our game has no contestants and only one category: Pennsylvania politics. Let's get started."



A: The debate moderator is really Alex Trebek.

Q: What is only in America?



A: Actual journalists who hosted the last three gubernatorial debates.

Q: Who are CBS correspondent Leslie Stahl in 2006, former ABC anchor Ted Koppel in 2010, and Harrisburg ABC27 anchor Dennis Owens in 2014?



A: Alex Trebek's first job.

Q: What is journalism?



DAILY DOUBLE!

A: What Tom Wolf will bring.

Q: What are higher taxes?



A: What Scott Wagner is sure to do.

Q: What is slash spending on social programs?



A: He inherited a large business.

Q: How did Tom Wolf get to run a small business?



A: He ran a waste management company.

Q: What prepared Scott Wagner for the state Senate?



A: $10 million.

Q: What is Alex Trebek being paid to host Monday night?

I'm sorry, that's his annual "Jeopardy!" salary. His stipend for Monday night was not made public.



A: The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.

Q: Who picked the moderator?



A: Inquirer and Daily News columnist John Baer.

Q: Who recently played Alex Trebek in a Gridiron sketch produced by the Pennsylvania Legislative Correspondents Association?



A: Alex Trebek

Q: Who actually called John Baer for insight into Pennsylvania political issues?



A: A $520 mail subscription to the Inquirer.

Q: What is Alex Trebek using to prepare for the debate?



A: None.

Q: What will be the lasting effect on Alex Trebek's career if he screws up Monday night?



A: In a debate, he doesn't have answers and spontaneous quips on cards prepared by his staff.

Q: What's the biggest difference between hosting Jeopardy! and moderating a debate?



A: On Jeopardy! he likes the contestants.

Q: What's another difference?



A: It was an easy sell, according to Gene Barr, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.

Q: Was it hard to book Alex Trebek to moderate?



A: "50/50 and a little less."

Q: What did Alex Trebek give as the odds of his signing a new Jeopardy! contract in 2020? (Those were not the odds of a Wagner victory.)



A: Check your local listings, starting with the Pennsylvania Cable Network.

Q: Where can I see the debate?



A: Chuck Woolery.

Q: Who is likely to moderate the 2022 gubernatorial debate?
Students cheer during a gathering celebrating Greenfield Elementary's status as a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon award winner. Locally, 11 schools received the honor. 348 schools nationwide won the prize. Read more

Eleven local schools just received a feather in the cap from the United States Department of Education by being named Monday to the 2018 list of National Blue Ribbon winners.

From Philadelphia to Lansdale, schools were highlighted for their excellence  either by virtue of their academic achievements, or their success in narrowing achievement gaps. U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced the winners Monday.

The winners are Albert M. Greenfield Elementary and William M. Meredith Elementary, Philadelphia; Ancillae-Assumpta Academy, Wyncote; Mater Dei Catholic School, Lansdale; Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School, Maple Glen; Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School, Doylestown; Saint Joseph/Saint Robert Catholic School, Warrington; Saint Jude Catholic School, Chalfont; Saint Katharine Drexel Catholic School, Southampton; Saint Mary Magdalen Catholic School, Media; and Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School, West Chester.

"We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives," DeVos told the honorees in a video message. "Congratulations on your students' accomplishments and for your extraordinary commitment to meeting their unique needs."

The winners are among 349  private and public, traditional schools and charters  to receive the annual honor. Representatives from each will travel to Washington in November for an award ceremony.

Nine local winners are local Catholic schools; two on the list come from the Philadelphia School District  Greenfield, in Center City, and Meredith, in Queen Village, both K-8s.

No schools in Camden, Burlington or Gloucester Counties made the list.

Dan Lazar became Greenfield's principal 10 years ago.

"When I started, I dreamed that one day, we would be one of those school that won a Blue Ribbon," he said. "It felt like a pipe dream."

Greenfield  and the school district  have lived through multiple superintendents, faculty turnover, and a financial crisis so acute that the school system almost ran out of money more than once and supplies were hard to come by. But during that decade, Greenfield has grown by 200 students, and become more of a neighborhood school.

"This just tells us that through all the uncertainty, with all this craziness, we've managed to build something very special," said Lazar. "This is a recognition that, 'Hey, we've built something that people want. People used to leave the city when their kids were school age, and now they're staying.'"

Lauren Overton, Meredith's principal, knew when she took over the school three years ago that it was already strong. But it is a community that prides itself on moving forward, and the Blue Ribbon feels like a recognition of that, Overton said.

The school, for example, now has a "social health class" for middle-grades students that focuses on topics as diverse as race and gender to the proper amount of sleep and cell phone use. Meredith was already using a "workshop model" for literacy, with teachers providing a short lesson, then students using most of the period for independent work. Now, it's moved to a workshop model for math.

"We pay attention to the needs of students; the world has changed, and we have to help our kids navigate it," Overton said.

Meredith, like many schools, planned to announce the news to students in grand style. Overton's mother handmade 650 blue ribbons to hand out to students.

A familiar name on the list is Ancillae-Assumpta Academy, a private school in Wyncote. It is, according to school leaders, the only elementary school in Pennsylvania to land on the list for the fourth time. (Ancillae-Assumpta previously won in 1986, 1991 and 2010.)

Ancillae-Assumpta director Amy Lintner said the school is able to focus on "innovative teaching and learning practices and flexible environments that really inspire our students."

The school provides robust instruction, Lintner said, in areas from fine arts to service learning to STEM  science, technology, engineering and mathematics. And, as the only school in the U.S. run by the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, it also has relationships with the other schools run by the order around the world.

The local Blue Ribbon count is up from last year, when nine area schools were named Blue Ribbon winners.
With wrench in hand Patrice Banks, owner of Girls Auto Clinic, quit an engineering job at Dupont a year ago to pursue her dream which is teaching women how to care for their vehicles themselves. Wednesday, November 5, 2014. Read more

Fox is officially working on a sitcom inspired by Girls Auto Clinic, an Upper Darby-based car repair shop with a staff of female mechanics.

Dubbed Patty's Auto, the show takes its name from Girls Auto Clinic founder Patrice Banks, who opened Girls Auto Clinic in January last year. Banks will serve as consulting producer, as well as an executive producer, Deadline Hollywood reports.

Written by The Big C creator Darlene Hunt, Patty's Auto will center on a fictionalized version of Girls Auto Clinic, and follows Banks' TV counterpart as she manages the shop and the women the shop employs. In addition to Banks, executive producers include The Hunger Games actress (and Penn grad) Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman's Brownstone Productions.

Located at 7426 W. Chester Pike in Upper Darby, Girls Auto Clinic as a full-service auto repair shop. Nearby, Clutch Beauty Bar, also started by Banks, allows repair shop customers to "relax while your car gets serviced," according to the shop's website.

"You won't find one with a female mechanic," Banks told the Inquirer of auto repair shops in the Philadelphia area back in 2016. "We're going to take all of their business."
Temple University researchers are working on a way to make going to the dentist less stressful.

The Kornberg School of Dentistry is getting $2.59 million from the National Institutes of Health to study dental anxiety, the school announced Monday. The project, conducted in collaboration with the university's psychology department, will fund a five-year clinical trial for 450 patients at Temple's Faculty Dental Practice in North Philadelphia.

Almost 20 percent of U.S. adults may be affected by severe anxiety when it comes to dental visits, said researcher Marisol Tellez Merchan, associate professor at the dental school and director of dental public health.

"Avoiding dental care leads to delayed treatments, which are typically more invasive. Our aim is to reduce anxiety, so patients can get the care they need," she said.

The study is the brainchild of Amid Ismail, dean of the dental school, who brought the two departments together.

"You don't have to have a mental illness to be anxious," said researcher Richard G. Heimberg, the Thaddeus L. Bolton professor of psychology in Temple University's College of Liberal Arts. Anxiety is present in all human beings and  at appropriate levels  keeps people from engaging in reckless behavior, he said.

Dental phobia is more than just preferring to do something other than going to the dentist. Those who are too anxious to even make an appointment, or who schedule a visit but then fail to show up are likely suffering from dental anxiety or phobia.

Delaying dental care until the pain becomes unbearable means far more severe problems that need even more treatment, he said.

"If you want to find a patient with dental anxiety, go look in the [dental] emergency room," Heimberg said.

The study will use an online program that lets patients learn about anxiety-producing dental procedures such as cleanings, X-rays, cavity fillings, root canals, injections and extractions so they will feel more comfortable if they need them.

The patient will choose which three topics to learn about and then watch three more videos per topic, each one getting a bit more detailed. The third video is from the perspective of a patient undergoing the procedure.

The idea is that the treatment for dental anxiety needs to "live in a dental office" where the patients are, said Heimberg. Ideally, dental assistants will have the appropriate training and guide patients through the program, he said.

"We make no pretense it will do away with anxiety, but it stops the train from running off the tracks," said Heimberg.
Scene from a 442 acre cranberry farm purchased by the New Jersey Conservation Foundation in Southampton and Woodland townships, Burlington County, NJ. Read more

More than 440 acres of a New Jersey Pinelands cranberry farm dating to the Civil War will be preserved and open to the public but closed to off-road vehicles to help protect waterways and wildlife.

The New Jersey Conservation Foundation, using grants from several sources, bought the Burlington County property that spans Woodland and Southampton Townships for $560,000. It announced the August sale and plans for the property on Monday.

The land is the site of the former Birches Cranberry Co., most recently owned by the Thompson and Wright families. The 442 acres include 5.5 miles of streams, including the pristine Burrs Mill Brook, a tributary of the Rancocas Creek, which ultimately flows into the Delaware River.

Cranberry production was halted in 2004 and the land has been allowed to revert back to the wetlands and pitch pine forest characteristic of the area, which is within the Pinelands National Reserve.

"This is a gorgeous property, with the Burrs Mill Brook running along its entire length and old cranberry bogs being reclaimed by nature," said Michele S. Byers, executive director of New Jersey Conservation Foundation. "We're very grateful to our preservation partners for making this project possible."

The New Jersey Pinelands Commission, a state agency that oversees the Pinelands Preserve, contributed $169,000 to the purchase as part of an effort to address off-road vehicle use. Other groups that helped pay for the deal are the New Jersey Green Acres Program, Rancocas Conservancy, Open Space Institute, William Penn Foundation, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Victoria Foundation and the Nature Conservancy.

The New Jersey Conservation Foundation said the land will be open to the public "for passive recreation, including hiking, birding and nature observation." A trail network will be built from existing sand roads that border what were once working cranberry bogs. The land will be managed as part of the foundation's existing 1,227-acre Michael Huber Prairie Warbler Preserve, about a mile to the east on Route 70.

The land is home to various species of wildlife and should be attractive to birders, with inhabitants including bald eagles, red-headed woodpeckers, barred owls, brown thrashers, great blue herons, worm-eating warblers and eastern whip-poor-wills. Other species that also breed or find habitat on the property include American black and mallard ducks, ring-necked and northern pintail ducks, buffleheads and wood ducks.

Those involved in the purchase say it is important in the effort to keep the waterways that feed the Delaware River clean. The Rancocas Creek flows from the Pinelands to the Delaware, accounting for one-tenth of the Delaware Rivers total flow. Much of the creeks flow comes from the Kirkwood-Cohansey Aquifer, 17 trillion gallons of water that rests under the Pinelands.
Spider webs hanging over the bagels, cobwebs in the walk-in unit, maggots in the sink, roaches crawling on the walls, a dead mouse in the basement and peanut butter cups in a sushi container. It's beginning to sound a lot like Halloween.

Raw sewage on a men's restroom floor, leaking eggs, moldy lettuce and large amounts of mouse droppings round out this edition of Clean Plates.

Philadelphia health inspectors braved those horrors and more as they closed 33 facilities for various violations between Sept. 16 and Sept. 30.

Inspectors visit nearly 1,000 eateries and food retailers every two weeks. Each inspection is generally regarded as a snapshot in time, and not necessarily a reflection of day-to-day conditions. Most violations were corrected immediately in the presence of an inspector.

To look up reports on a specific Philadelphia restaurant, or a Montgomery, Bucks, or Gloucester County eatery, visit philly.com/cleanplates.

A list of eateries that were closed follows:

I Sushi

425 S Broad St.

20 violations, 9 serious

A sandwich and peanut butter cups were found on the food preparation counter in the sushi area; a written consumer advisory on the menu, table tent, or placard is not provided for those consumers ordering sushi; an employee was preparing sushi without gloves; the handwash sink in the sushi preparation and drink station area does not have soap and single use towels, continuous towels, or air drying device; an employee did not follow proper handwashing procedure and use soap and/or warm water; uncovered bulk rice and soy sauce in basement; standing water with larvae found under the handwashing sink; inadequate lighting under the ventilation hood was observed in the downstairs kitchen.

Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 28.

Halal Bites

6391 Oxford Ave. Ste A7

9 violations, 2 serious

Flies and drain flies were seen throughout facility; fly paper was found in back storage areas; bulk food ingredient storage containers including those for flour and rice, were not labeled with the common name of the food; residue was found on surfaces of a soda machine, including table under/around machine, residue and debris were found on the interior surfaces of front counter cabinetry, refrigeration units, handwash sink, warewash sinks, and back prep table as well as on surfaces of sinks, faucet and toilets and floor of three bathroom; food residue was found on walls of warewash area; grime was found on floor around utility sink area; the mechanical stoppers were inoperable for the three-basin warewash sinks; food equipment was not being properly sanitized.

Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until it is approved by the Department to resume operations. Inspected Sept. 28.

Dollar Tree

4600 Roosevelt Blvd.

12 violations, 2 serious

Raw sewage was found on men's restroom floor; there was residue and debris on surfaces of sink, toilet, walls and floors; severely dented, distressed cans of cherry filling and tomato sauce were found in retail area; there were damaged packaging found on yogurts and butter; the bottom of the freezer walk-in box door was damaged; there was accumulated debris, dust and residue on retail shelves, the water fountains, surfaces of the refrigeration units, including the retail units and walk-in boxes; a mop was stored in direct contact with the floor; dust was found on/around some ceiling vent areas.

Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until it is approved by the Department to resume operations. Inspected Sept. 28.

Kinder Care Preschool

1923 W Hunting Park Ave.

7 violations, 2 serious

A food safety certified person was not present; unapproved chest freezer and mini refrigerator observed in the first floor classroom area; there was inadequate lighting in the food prep area; lights in the food prep area were not shielded from breakage; chemical sanitizer for the sanitization of utensils was not available in the food prep area; a mop head was stored in utility bucket and not elevated on a utility rack.

Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until it is approved by the Department to resume operations. Inspected Sept. 28.

Building Blocks Learning Academy

4970 Lancaster Ave.

7 violations, 2 serious

The food safety person did not know the proper wash, rinse and sanitizing steps; there was no sign or poster posted at the handwash sink in the food prep area to remind food employees to wash their hands; there were no paper towels, soap or trash receptacle at the handwash sink in the food prep area; a mop sink was not found; mops were on the floor instead of in a position that allows them to air-dry; a broom was on the floor and not properly stored.

Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 27.

TaTa Cafe

7201 Germantown Ave.

1 violation, 1 serious

The food safety certified person was not present.

Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until it is approved by the Department to resume operations. Inspected Sept. 27.

Kashmir Garden Supermarket

9325 Krewstown Rd.

13 violations, 6 serious

There were large amounts of mouse droppings on food storage shelving units in the retail and prep areas of the facility along walls and corners; a live roach was seen crawling along the wall in the retail area; there were flies in the retail and back fish prep/cutting area; the person in charge did not demonstrate adequate knowledge of the PA Food Code; the handwash sink in the prep area did not have soap for employee use; there were cartons of shell eggs that contained cracked eggs, leaking eggs or frozen eggs; the facility needed to discontinue selling open egg crates of duck eggs located in the reach-in refrigerator as separate self service items; the three compartment sink was blocked by ban saw used to cut fish in prep area; there were unlabeled bags of shredded coconut in the walk-in cooler; the toilet room was in need of surface cleaning throughout on floors, walls, ceiling, and fixtures.

Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 26.

Kinsey Street Cafe

1923 Kinsey St.

15 violations, 3 serious

Hot water was not available throughout the facility; the handwash sink in the food preparation area was missing a drain pipe; the restroom and food preparation sinks were not properly sealed to their adjoining walls; there was pooled water and debris in the basement; mouse droppings were found on shelves and counters in the food preparation area, on lower shelving behind the bar and around the ice machine; a food safety certified person was not present; soap was not available at the handwash sink in the food preparation area; paper towels were not available at the handwash sinks in the restrooms; there was inadequate/defective ventilation in the women's restroom.

Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 25.

Nam Son Restaurant & Bakery

1601 Washington Ave.

27 violations; 9 serious

Mouse droppings were found on the food contact surfaces including a dough mixer and a sauce pan; bread and other food items were stored in grocery sacks in the cold holding unit and throughout the facility; uncooked dough was stored in non-food grade trash bags; the floors, walls, and ceilings throughout the facility were heavily soiled and in need of immediate cleaning; there was a large accumulation of cigarette butts in the front patio area; the hood filters in the front food preparation kitchen had an accumulation of static dust and grease; the handwash sink was leaking onto the floor in the front of the food preparation kitchen area; there was no hot water at the handwash sink in the employee restroom; personal hygiene items and chemicals were found scattered on the sink counter in the employee restroom; shoes were found in the warewashing/food preparation area; there was stagnant water in the back food preparation area; employee food and drinks were throughout the facility in areas where food contamination could occur; black residue was found on the inside of the ice dispenser.

Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 25.

Lee's Palm Tree Market

4366 Cresson St.

1 violation; 1 serious

The food safety certified person was not present.

Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 25.

R & C Super Deli

6340 Stenton Ave.

1 violation; 1 serious

The food safety certified person was not present.

Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until it is approved by the Department to resume operations. Inspected Sept. 25.

Office Max #359

7231 Roosevelt Blvd.

6 violations, 1 serious

Dark colored mouse feces was found on candy shelving, on the floor and white wall trim near back exit door in retail area, and on wood pallets in back stock room; the men's room toilets/urinal, sink, and floor needed cleaning; there were stained ceiling tiles in the men's room; the women's room floor and toilets needed cleaning; there were gaps/open space at the garage and exit door in the receiving area; there was minor wall damage found near the office furniture and in aisles 8/9; openings were found in the wall/floor coving at the wall between retail area and stockroom; raw wood composite walls in stockroom were not smooth and easily cleanable; trashcans in the storage area did not have lids.

Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 25.

San Rafael Mini Market II

4856 B St.

19 violations, 5 serious

Flies were found throughout the facility; there was no hot water at the restroom and food prep area hand wash sinks; there was no sign or poster posted at the handwash sink in the restroom area to remind food employees to wash their hands; paper towel dispenser at the handwash sink in the restroom area was empty; the food safety certified person was not initially present; an unapproved George Foreman grill, domestic fryer, and hot-hold unit were found in the food prep area, the facility was not approved to cook hot food; the front door was found open; the three-basin and handwash sinks were not sealed to the wall; food debris, dust, dirt was seen along the floor perimeters throughout the facility; aluminium foil was used to line shelving in the retail area.

Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until it is approved by the Department to resume operations. Inspected Sept. 25.

Clearfield Restaurant

3100 G St.

12 violations, 3 serious

Soap was not available at the handwashing sink in the front service area; a grinder was found on a food preparation sink; cheese, potato patties, chicken, prepared in the food facility and held for more than 48 hours, located in the walk-in cooler, were not date marked; there was an unused freezer in the back storage area; a microwave, two reach-in freezers, a coffee maker, and a stove were not approved for use; water-stained ceiling tiles were found in several areas of the establishment; the floors in the restroom area and front service area needed to be repaired; there was ice build-up in two reach-in freezers located in the rear area; food debris/spillage was found on the bottom surface in the freezer located in the front service area; there was a clutter of boxes and personal items found.

Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 24.

Dawn's Breakfast

7182 Ogontz Ave.

21 violations, 6 serious

Mouse droppings were found on shelving in the food prep area; there were uncovered foods observed in the reach-in refrigerator; food in the cold-hold unit was not stored at the correct temperature; there was food residue inside the microwave; there was trash on the ground of the rear yard; the food safety certified person was not present during inspection; bulk food ingredient storage containers were not labeled with the common name of the food; there was no sign or poster posted at the handwash sink in the front serving area to remind food employees to wash their hands; the slicer had an accumulation of food residue on the food contact surfaces and was not being washed, rinsed and sanitized at least every four hours; the hood filters had an accumulation of static dust and grease; there was an accumulation of dirt and grease in the cooking area; food/dirt debris residue was found on floors between/underneath stationary equipment throughout the facility.

Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 24.

Taste of Africa Holdings

6516 Woodland Ave.

3 violations, none serious

Mouse droppings were found on the basement shelves; prepackaged food were not labeled properly with the name of product, ingredient statement, net weight, distributed by statement and/or nutritional facts; there were holes in the back area walls that were in need of repair.

Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 23.

Super House

5344 Master St.

7 violations, none serious

Mouse droppings were in the basement corner area; there was an unapproved dry rack in use; the restroom did not have mechanical ventilation; the lighting in basement area was inadequate; a plan review application needed to be submitted prior to construction of basement restroom.

Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 22.

The Pierogie Kitchen

648 Roxborough Ave.

23 violations, 5 serious

Live and dead roaches were found in the refrigerator door gaskets and freezer in the basement; several uncovered pans of pierogies were in the walk-in freezer and not protected from contamination; babka and prepackaged sliced cakes were not labeled properly with the name of product, ingredient statement, net weight, distributed by statement, nutritional facts, or a use by or made on date; the toilet was lacking a cover and flushing handle; flies were sitting on the walls in the basement; mouse droppings were found along the floor perimeters in the food prep area and on the basement steps; fly strips located in food prep area had potential to contaminate food, equipment, and/or utensils; trash cans were overflowing without tight-fitting lids; there were damaged walls observed in the restroom; paper towel dispensers were empty at the handwash sinks in the food prep area and restroom; the microwave cavities had food debris on the surfaces; there were rusted shelving racks inside of the walk-in freezer; fly strips located in food prep area had potential to contaminate food, equipment, and/or utensils.

Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 20.

Super House

5344 Master St.

21 violations, 5 serious

There were large volumes of mouse droppings found throughout facility; an employee did not wash hands between changing tasks; veggies, pork, and egg rolls/spring rolls in the undercounter refrigerator and walk-in cooler were uncovered; the toilet room in restroom did not have any mechanical ventilation; vents in the walk-in box observed needed cleaning; chicken was held at an improper temperature; warewash sinks had food residue in compartments and were not being cleaned and sanitized prior to use; water stained ceiling tiles and missing base coving were found; stained and bare wood walls were found.

Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 20.

Green Way Food Market

2101 S 65th St.

17 violations, 5 serious

Expired baby food and milk were found in the retail area; lettuce, tomatoes, onions were held at improper temperatures; cigarette butts were found in the storage area; flies were found in the kitchen and storage area the slicer had an accumulation of food residue on the food contact surfaces and was not being washed, rinsed and sanitized properly; commercially processed ready-to-eat food, located in the deli case, were not marked with the date they were opened; grease was found under equipment; the person in charge was not present; debris and grime were found inside the cold hold refrigeration units of in the food preparation area; a non-functioning cooler was found in the back; an unapproved chest freezer was in the food preparation area; chest freezer gaskets were in disrepair; the deli case door did not close all the way.

Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 20.

Najid, Ikram/Halal Food Cart/V08249

217 E Lehigh Ave.

10 violations, 4 serious

There was a lack of hot and cold water from handwash sink faucet in the mobile food truck; cut lettuce, lamb and chicken in cooler were held at improper temperatures; the food safety certified handler was not present; there was no ice found for cooling of cold foods in the mobile food unit; waste water was dripping onto sidewalk from the mobile unit drain shutoff valve; a cardboard box was used as floor mats in the mobile food unit; the food employees were not wearing or wearing ineffective hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard restraints.

Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until it is approved by the Department to resume operations. Inspected Sept. 20.

Ramon Mini Market

2469 N Fairhill St.

13 violations, 3 serious

There was a flea infestation and rat droppings were found in the basement; the food safety certified person was not present; repackaged water ice and cups of ice are observed in the freezer by the cash register; there were no soap and paper towels at handwash sink in the basement restroom; insecticides or rodenticides were not labeled by the manufacturer for food facility usage; the galvanized exhaust hood, freezer chest, kitchen handwash sink , drain rack above three-bay sink were not approved for commercial use; the floor surface in the basement was not clean; the wrong sized backflow prevention device was installed on the main water line in basement near water meter; there is no mop sink in the facility; water condensation had accumulated in the bottom of display case; floor, wall and ceiling surfaces were not in good repair.

Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 19.

Nate's Bagels

1619 Grant Ave.

12 violations, 5 serious

There were spider webs hanging over the bagels in the walk-in refrigeration unit; there were large amount of flies in the kitchen area and present on food equipment; the person in charge picked up a live roach in the kitchen with his bare hands to attempt to discard it; hot water was not available, the person in charge had to turn on the hot water at the time of inspection; there were cobwebs present within walk-in unit; there was heavy grime and debris on the flooring and walls throughout facility; dust, flour, and other debris was found along walls and the corners of facility; there was cracked flooring in the kitchen area and under equipment; there were gaps in utility lines in the kitchen area; there were heavily stained and non-approved ceiling tiles throughout kitchen area; the toilet room needed cleaning; shelves within facility had heavy food debris and grime on the surfaces.

Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 19.

Franchize Sports Bar & Grill

1300 N 50th St.

16 violations; 5 serious

A general floor cleaning was needed throughout the facility to remove dirt and old mice feces; hood filters had an accumulation of static dust and grease; floors of the rear kitchen/prep area were not smooth and easily cleanable; there was no handwash sink inside of the bar area; a person in charge was not present; a food employee did not follow was hands between tasks; the ceiling paint was stripping at time of inspection; there was unnecessary clutter in the rear kitchen; repair floor needed to be repaired; floors of the rear kitchen / prep area are not smooth and easily cleanable.

Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until it is approved by the Department to resume operations. Inspected Sept. 19.

Clearfield Restaurant

3100 G St.

17 violations, 4 serious

Toilet tissue was not available in the restroom area; cheese, potato patties, chicken, prepared in the food facility and held for more than 48 hours, located in the walk-in cooler, were not date marked; potato patties, beef patties, and chicken patties were found uncovered in the walk-in cooler; several flies were seen; paper towels, soap, and "employees must wash hands sign" were not available at the designated handwashing sink; there was ice build-up in two reach-in freezers located in the rear area; there were water-stained ceiling tiles were in several areas of the establishment; floor repair was needed in the restroom area and front service area.

Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 19.

Long Yuan Restaurant

6634 Frankford Ave.

21 violations, 7 serious

Maggots were found in the warewashing sink; there were roaches around food equipment in the food prep area; mouse droppings were found on shelves and food containers in the storage area; flies were landing on uncovered ready-to-eat food in the food prep area; beef was stored above ready-to-eat celery and lettuce in the walk-in cooler; plastic grocery bags in the chest freezer and partially opened cans in the cold-hold unit were not approved as food storage containers; there was grease and food debris on the floor under cooking equipment; there was a stained ceiling tile in kitchen; dust had accumulated on the cold-hold unit, on fan guards and on the floor of the walk-in cooler; grease had accumulated on return air vents and the exhaust hood; there was food debris and grease accumulation on range top/wok area; there was food and dirt debris on front door handles of cold-hold prep. unit; ice had accumulated in the freezers.

Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 18.

8 Brothers Food Market & Deli

1127 N 40th St.

18 violations, 6 serious

Hot water was not available; there was molded lettuce in the refrigerator at time of inspection; a food employee did not use soap and/or warm water when washing their hands; there was old food residue in the handwash sink; severely dented, swollen, distressed canned items were in the retail area; food was uncovered in reach-in freezers; the slicer had an accumulation of food residue on the food contact surfaces and was not being washed, rinsed and sanitized at least every four hours; there were dead flies on the shelving units in the retail food area; opened commercially processed ready-to-eat food, located in the undercounter refrigerator, and held more than 48 hours, was not marked with the date it was opened.

Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 18.

Rita's Italian Ice

5815 Wayne Ave.

12 violations, 2 serious

Flies were found throughout the facility; there were mouse droppings on the second floor; a leakage under food prep sink in first floor was found; the food safety certified person was not present upon arrival; the handwash sink in the prep area was blocked by wiping cloths; the restroom in second floor area was not operational; there was a missing drain cover on floors in basement area; stagnant water was found on floor perimeters in basement area; floor coverings in second floor warewash area were peeling off the wall; peeling plaster was found on the ceiling in the second floor area; there was a hole on floor perimeters in second floor area; debris was on stairways leading to the second floor area.

Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 18.

NIA Learning Center

7310 Ogontz Ave.

7 violations, 2 serious

Hot water not readily available at the handwash sinks throughout facility; the person in charge was not present; there were gnats in the food prep area; domestic refrigeration units were found in the food prep area; there was a domestic microwave in the facility; dust was found along floor perimeters; alteration or construction began prior to plan submission and approval.

Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until it is approved by the Department to resume operations. Inspected Sept. 18.

Bueno Grocery

5901 N Mascher St.

15 violations, 5 serious

Roaches were found behind food equipment in the food prep area and crawling on the walls and floors throughout the basement area; there were dead flies and dead mouse in the observed in the basement; mayonnaise was not held at the proper temperature; an employee did not use soap when washing their hands; soap and paper towels were not available at the handwash sink; the garbage grinder was installed on a wall-mounted handwash sink; stained ceiling and peeling plaster were observed in the retail area; the utility sink did not provided for proper disposal of mop water; ice accumulation was found in the chest freezer in the food prep area; grease had accumulated on the exterior surfaces of the cooking equipment.

Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 18.

Green Line Cafe

3649 Lancaster Ave.

13 violations, 5 serious

There was a crack in the bagel display case; black residue, pink slime were found on the interior of the ice machine bin around the door jam; the cooler was used as ice storage and not clean to sight and touch; a person in charge was not present; the facility did not have a Health Awareness Reporting Procedure for food employees; cutting boards had deep scratches and scoring that did not allow for effective cleaning and sanitizing; employees were not wearing or wearing ineffective hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard restraints; a general floor cleaning was needed throughout establishment and in the basement, where ice and dry storage is located.

Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until it is approved by the Department to resume operations. Inspected Sept. 17.

Orchard Smoothie and Cafe

1500 S Federal St.

13 violations, 6 serious

There was no hot water present, there was a five gallon tank instead of a 30 gallon tank; food employee was using fly spray during the inspection; there were fly strips hanging from ceilings in food prep area; house flies and small flies were harboring on walls in kitchen area; the facility was using a domestic hood system and not approved to fry foods; the food safety certified person arrived late; there were no paper towels or soap at the handwash sink in the kitchen area; rice, chicken and grits were not held at the proper temperature; an employee was washing dishes in handwash sink; cutting boards had deep scratches and scoring that did not allow for effective cleaning and sanitizing.

Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until it is approved by the Department to resume operations. Inspected Sept. 17.

Gonzalez Deli Grocery

556 E Wyoming Ave.

1 violations, 1 serious

The food safety certified person was not present at the start of inspection.

Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 17.
Abington Senior High School Latin teacher Thomas Kummer was charged Tuesday with having inappropriate sexual contact with a student. Read more

A teacher at Abington Senior High School was charged by police Sunday with having inappropriate sexual contact with a student.

School officials announced that Thomas Kummer, 55, of Willow Grove, had been immediately suspended from his position.

"We have little information at this time," Assistant Superintendent Jeffrey S. Fecher said in a letter posted on the school district's website, which said Kummer teaches Latin at Abington. "The district and staff are cooperating with Abington police."

Court records show that Kummer was charged Sunday with multiple felonies  including institutional sexual assault of a minor, child endangerment, and illegally photographing or filming a sex act  all tied to an alleged offense that occurred in May.

But police declined to comment late Sunday on the details of Kummer's purported crimes.

It was unclear from court filings whether he had been arrested or retained a lawyer. He could not be reached for comment.

Before this most recent case against him, Kummer was arrested by Springfield Township police in 2000 on misdemeanor counts of assault and making terroristic threats, court records show. He resolved the charges before conviction through completion of a diversion program for first-time offenders.
Under Pennsylvania law and the U.S. Constitution, a defendant cannot be held in prison pretrial without a full hearing to determine whether it's safe to release the person.

The reality in Philadelphia, though, is much different.

Conducted by video in a 24-hour courtroom in the basement of the Criminal Justice Center, the average preliminary arraignment hearing lasts less than 2 minutes  during which defendants are typically warned not to speak. Bail commissioners almost never consider a defendant's ability to pay, and routinely set money bail for people they've already identified as indigent. The result is, often, de facto pretrial detention.

That's according to the Pennsylvania ACLU, which observed 650 bail hearings this year and summarized the findings in a searing Sept. 11 letter to the leadership of the Philadelphia courts, also known as the First Judicial District (FJD).

"We believe the FJD's bail practices are unconstitutional," Pennsylvania ACLU's Mary Catherine Roper and Nyssa Taylor said in the letter.

Roper, the organization's deputy legal director, said the group has met with FJD leadership and hopes to collaboratively resolve the issue, though a federal lawsuit could be a last resort.

An FJD spokesman said by email that the court welcomes the feedback, but that the ACLU's report didn't account for changes already underway, "which have assisted in reducing the jail population, resulted in fewer people being detained on cash bail, expanded diversion programs, and early bail hearings  all without jeopardizing the safety of the community."

Even as Philadelphia has invested in pretrial services to improve its court-appearance rate to 95 percent  part of a $6.1 million investment ignited by a MacArthur Foundation grant to reduce the jail population  ACLU observers reported that four out of the city's six bail magistrates never referred defendants to such services, instead relying solely on money bail as a condition of release.

According to the ACLU's analysis of 2018 dockets, 42.5 percent of defendants still get money bail. Of those, one in four faced a bail of $50,000 or higher. The ACLU observed cases in which commissioners assigned bail amounts as high as $450,000 (for a person facing a robbery charge) to defendants they knew could not pay, without ever stating the reasons for the high bail. Nearly three-quarters of those assigned cash bail were deemed indigent by the court.

Defendants being arraigned generally appear by video conference from police stations around the city, so they typically have no opportunity to speak with the public defender, except in open court. That's why they're typically advised not to talk at all, even to try to make a case for lower bail. As part of the MacArthur initiative, the Defender Association has been running a pilot program to allow defendants to meet with advocates before arraignment, but it's limited in scope.

People who are locked up pretrial are more likely to be convicted and to face longer sentences; they are also more likely to commit future offenses, according to one analysis of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh bail systems. Researchers have found even a few days in jail can be destabilizing, causing people to lose jobs, housing, custody and benefits.

These practices are not new, said Joshua Glenn, 30, an advocate with the Youth Art and Self-Empowerment Project.

"At the age of 16, I was locked up and held as an adult for 18 months for $2,000 bail. Then, my case was dismissed," Glenn said. "By then I had to do a lot to pick up the pieces."

A 2016 Inquirer analysis found that bail commissioners routinely set bail for teens facing adult charges far above guidelines, at an average of $248,000, without considering holding a full hearing or considering the youths' ability to pay. In 2016, the U.S. Court of Appeals' Third Circuit weighed in on the Lehigh County case of Joseph Curry, who was jailed for months on $20,000 bail for trying to scam a Walmart out of $130.27, and eventually took a plea deal so he could go home; the court described such bail practices as a "threat to equal justice under the law."

Recently, though, there's been pressure to reduce reliance on money in bail. The MacArthur initiative resulted in the creation of early-bail-review hearings, release valves for lower-level offenders who can't bail themselves out within five days. The District Attorney's Office in February announced it would not seek bail on a list of 25 minor charges.

To critics, that's a start  but it's not a solution.

In response, two community bail funds are now raising money to bring home those who can't pay their own way.

Cara Tratner, an organizer of the Philadelphia Community Bail Fund, said the group had bailed out people who'd be locked up for days, weeks or even as long as two years, on bail amounts as low as $200. The "vast majority" of the more than 80 people they've bailed out have showed up for court.

"We have seen through the bail fund that people do not need additional monitoring pretrial in order to safely attend court dates. We've shown through our experiences that building community with people  simple things like transportation, two-way text messages, phone call reminders, mental health and addiction services  is what works," she said. "And a lot of people have attended court without seeking or needing any support."

This article has been updated to correct that Joseph Curry's case was in Lehigh County.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, left, announces end to cash bail in Philadelphia for low-level offenses, with City Councilwomen Jannie Blackwell, center, and Maria D. Quinones-Sanchez, right, by his side, on Feb. 21, 2018. MICHAEL BRYANT / Staff Photographer Read more

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said Wednesday that prosecutors would no longer seek cash bail for people accused of some misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies, a significant policy shift that could have a wide-ranging impact on the city's criminal justice system.

Speaking at a news conference at his Center City office, Krasner said the practice of holding suspects in jail until trial just because they don't have money to pay for their release is "simply not fair." Krasner had vowed on the campaign trail to curb the practice, and he made his announcement surrounded by clergy leaders and city officials who praised the decision.

"It is time for us as a criminal justice system to do better," Krasner said.

The announcement places Philadelphia in line with a bail reform movement sweeping through other cities and states across the country. New Jersey all but eliminated use of cash bail last year, and New York is seeking to reduce its use as well. Washington, D.C., has largely avoided use of cash bail for nearly two decades.

Nationally, about 60 percent of all jail inmates were detained while awaiting trial, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, and critics have long argued that jailing suspects unless they can pay disproportionately punishes minorities and the poor.

In Philadelphia, about 20 percent of the 6,100 people in city jails were being held because they had not posted money to meet their cash bail requirements, according to Julie Wertheimer, chief of staff in the city's Office of Criminal Justice.

The city has been experimenting since last year with programs designed to give people more options for pretrial release, part of a $3.5 million grant awarded in 2016 aimed at reducing the city's prison population.

Still, prosecutors can have significant sway in a courtroom when bail is set, and Krasner said his staff estimated as many as 4,000 cases per year  about 10 percent of the office's total caseload  now could result in a defendant being released instead of sitting in jail for failure to pay.

Advocates and allies praised the announcement. Standing alongside the district attorney at his news conference were City Council members Jannie Blackwell, Curtis Jones, and Maria Quinones-Sanchez; Minister Rodney Muhammad, president of the Philadelphia NAACP; and Keir BradfordGrey, head of the Defender Association of Philadelphia.

Jones vowed to work with Krasner's office and other city agencies to ensure a successful rollout of the program.

"He's the reason for the party," Jones said of Krasner. "But he's not going to be the only one dancing."

Mayor Kenney, in a statement, called the move a "significant step" toward "creating a more fair and efficient justice system."

And Joshua Glenn, 29, a Krasner supporter and a member of grassroots organizations including the #No215Jail Coalition, said in an interview that he hopes the policy is a sign that prosecutors may continue to reduce  or even eliminate  the use of cash bail.

Krasner's announcement does not end cash bail altogether. His office will still seek to jail suspects accused of violent crimes including aggravated assault, rape, and murder. And prosecutors still may seek cash bail for nonviolent crimes depending on the circumstances and a defendant's criminal record. If someone commits a string of thefts, for example, or has a history of fleeing the area, prosecutors can use their discretion and ask for cash bail.

The District Attorney's Office also cannot unilaterally stop the practice of detaining suspects, even for nonviolent crimes, because judges ultimately decide which defendants can be released and under what conditions. A court spokesman declined to comment on the issue Wednesday night.

Krasner said the policy would apply to 25 charges, including driving under the influence, prostitution, resisting arrest, and some burglaries. Drug-possession charges also were included, the policy said, though only if people possessed smaller weights of certain narcotics, and never if they were found in possession of fentanyl or had a recent history of committing violent crimes.

Krasner acknowledged that other goals he hoped could accompany the policy have not yet been implemented. Washington, D.C., for example, has established a robust system for defendants to check in while awaiting trial, and Krasner said such appointments could be used to ensure that defendants take drug tests or meet with mental health counselors. It was not clear whether Philadelphia's court system could currently accommodate a similar system, and, if it can't, who would pay for the necessary changes.

"We aren't there yet," he said.

The district attorney also said that his office cannot immediately apply new bail conditions to people currently in jail for offenses that would qualify for release under the policy. He did say that defense attorneys could file petitions seeking a bail reduction, and that prosecutors would honor the new policy for any case that made it before a judge.

The policy shift represents a significant departure from just a decade ago. In 2009, after the Inquirer found that the city had nearly 50,000 fugitives and scores of defendants with a history of skipping court appearances, the court system moved to impose higher bails and more accountability measures to account for the system's perceived shortcomings.

Krasner, a career defense attorney before he became the city's top prosecutor last month, said he believed that holding people in jail for days or weeks  or longer  over an inability to pay bail for minor crimes was "imprisonment for poverty."

Bail reform efforts elsewhere also have been generally well-received. New Jersey's overhaul of its bail system has been praised by advocates as a national model, and that state recently reported that its prison population dropped 20 percent in the last year.
More food is expected to flow to food pantries for the needy later this year, but will they be able to handle the it? Read more

Hunger fighters who devote their lives to feeding people in poverty are suddenly facing an odd and unprecedented situation:

They may have too much food on their hands.

What's being described as a "tsunami" of product will be released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture beginning in December. It will flow throughout America to regional food banks and neighborhood food cupboards, including the estimated 900 cupboards in the Philadelphia region.

Many U.S. farmers are unable to sell their bounty abroad because foreign nations have retaliated against tariffs imposed by President Trump by taxing American agricultural products. The USDA is buying up that food, and diverting some of it to the charitable food network.

In all, $1.2 billion of pork, apples, grapefruit, juices, cheese, and other commodities will surge through the so-called emergency food system to help slake the hunger of about 40 million Americans who don't have enough to eat.

Worried about how they'll pay for storing, transporting, and distributing the surplus food, the people who run or work in food banks in the Philadelphia region nevertheless remain guided by an often-quoted axiom of the hunger-fighting business: You never say no to extra food.

"You don't want to kick a gift horse in the mouth, but this just came on us and we are scrambling to deal with it," said Phoebe Kitsen, a director of the Chester County Food Bank.

But, she added quickly: "It would be a crime if we were to say, 'No, we don't really need it.'"

Protecting farmers

On July 24, Trump declared, "Tariffs are the greatest!"

Progressing from that idea was a series of U.S.-imposed tariffs on imported steel, aluminum, and other products from nations such as China, Mexico, and Canada. Those countries, in turn, responded by taxing U.S. soybeans, dairy, pork, apples, and potatoes, according to various reports. Suddenly, American farmers could find few markets.

To protect them from losses, the USDA bought $12 billion of their products, the USDA reported.

The agency diverted 10 percent of the total to a system known as The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which funnels excess food from farmers to low-income Americans, said Kate Leone, a senior vice president of Feeding America, the largest hunger-relief agency in America with 200 regional food banks, of which Philabundance in South Philadelphia is one.

Congress appropriated $375 million for TEFAP in fiscal year 2017, according to USDA figures. In addition, the USDA purchased $305 million of so-called bonus foods with extra money in a separate fund. The $1.2 billion in food was added to the bonus stream of commodities (designated as mitigation bonus food), a quadrupling of the amount of food that hunger fighters are used to dealing with, Leone said.

"It's more food than we've ever seen before," said Steveanna Wynn, executive director of the Share Food Program on Hunting Park Avenue, which supplies food to 503 cupboards in the area.

Along with running Share, Wynn is the region's designated TEFAP coordinator. Her job is to secure and distribute TEFAP food for the Philadelphia area, making sure antihunger organizations receive portions of the federal largesse.

The mitigation bonus food will start to arrive in mid- to late December, and then be delivered in increments over the next year through December 2019, said Caryn Long Earl, director of the Bureau of Food Distribution for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Her agency coordinates with the USDA and regional food banks throughout the commonwealth.

Long Earl estimates that Pennsylvania will realize $60 million of mitigation bonus product from the new supply. Last year, the state saw $20 million in a combination of TEFAP and bonus foods, she said.

Not my first rodeo

As a guide to agencies trying to determine how much of the wave of provisions they can accommodate, Wynn said that food banks must be prepared to receive delivery-truck contents equivalent to either a fourth, a half, or an entire 18-wheeler.

She added that a full truck of chicken holds 22 pallets, with 50 cases per pallet, each case weighing 40 pounds. That comes out to 1,100 cases, or 44,000 pounds of chicken.

"This much food is a blessing and a curse, but more of a blessing," Wynn said. "I first thought about it as a tsunami, like, 'Oh, my God, what are we gonna do?' But you just have to plan.

"This is not my first rodeo. I'm trying to make sure none of it gets spoiled."

Wynn said one of her aces in the hole is Philadelphia Warehousing and Cold Storage, a 120-year-old South Philadelphia company with 335,000 square feet of refrigerated and dry storage space that has worked with her for decades.

Still, the timing of the food disbursement could be better. The closer it gets to Thanksgiving and Christmas, the more people and corporations in the area donate food to places such as Share and Philabundance, vying for storage space.

Philabundance receives 50 percent of its total financial contributions between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, while 50 percent to 60 percent of its nonperishable food donations pile in during the food bank's fall seasonal hunger drive, said Kate Scully, director of government affairs for the agency.

People give more at the holidays, feeling guilty that they're feasting while others suffer, hunger experts say.

Making matters tougher, while much of TEFAP food is accompanied by USDA money to pay for transportation, storage, and related costs, mitigation bonus food arrives with no such financial help.

"It's going to be very difficult to move this product without additional funding to get out the food," Scully said.

Long Earl said it's possible that the state, as well as Congress, may come up with extra money to help manage the enormous quantity of food.

Ultimately, Wynn said, although the food will be a great boon to people suffering from hunger  estimated to be one in five Philadelphians  "this will not lower the poverty level. It will be a glut for the charitable food network, and then it will be gone.

"Hungry people are not going to go away."

Philadelphia Media Network is one of 21 news organizations producing Broke in Philly, a collaborative reporting project on solutions to poverty and the city's push toward economic justice. See all of our reporting at brokeinphilly.org.
Inside Old City coworking space Indy Hall, where freelance writer Kathryn Anne Stewart works. Stewart worked with a client who offered a payment option where she'd could get paid in 10 days for a 2 percent fee. Read more

In August, I wrote about the trend of corporations offering "instant pay" options to their workers, sometimes for a fee.

Walmart framed it as an alternative to high-interest, predatory payday loans that their low-wage, hourly workers turn to when they're in a bind. But one worker I spoke with was hesitant to use the instant pay app, frustrated about the fees she'd incur to access her own paycheck.

Turns out these kinds of services aren't limited to hourly workers  and that Walmart employee isn't the only one who's giving them side eye.

In an edition of an email newsletter that recently made the rounds in the freelance journalist community, Boston-based writer Luke O'Neil described a service called FastFunds that the Huffington Post was offering to freelancers as a way to get paid sooner. FastFunds, from the New York-based WorkMarket, would take a roughly 8 percent "transaction fee." In O'Neil's case that meant $52.50 off the $700 he was owed.

He was not pleased.

Freelance journalists already contend with low rates and difficulty getting paid, sometimes having to resort to shaming outlets on Twitter to get their money. That's why, to O'Neil, the service felt so predatory and similar to a payday loan.

As he put it to WorkMarket's general manager Jens Audenaert: "Dangling a little cash in front of freelancers who might be starving is a bad look."

Audenaert said the service had been well-received and was gaining users. He added that freelancers could opt to raise their rates to account for the transaction fee.

As the number of contractors, freelancers, and people in otherwise nontraditional work arrangements grows, might this become the norm?

At least on some fronts, there's been blowback.

After O'Neil self-published an article on the service, the Huffington Post said it had stopped offering FastFunds.

ADP, the payment processing giant that bought WorkMarket in January as a way to expand its services to a growing class of freelance workers, told O'Neil it would put the FastFunds option on pause until it could "review the practice more carefully."

"Luke, thank you for your service," wrote Allegra Hobbs, staff writer for the freelance journalist collective Study Hall, in the collective's weekly newsletter.

I would be insulted

Around Philly, freelancers agreed this type of payment option was predatory.

"I would be insulted by someone suggesting such an arrangement and absolutely refuse to work with them," said Mary Kate Fain, a web developer who runs a two-person software collective called Candlewaster.

Fain, 25, knows she can be choosy about clients where others may not. Most freelancers have to agree to a client's contract, but she uses her own contracts, and in them, she stipulates a payment schedule that clients must follow. Candlewaster delivers work in stages, which helps with getting paid on time: if the client doesn't pay, the project won't get done.

What works for some vendors doesnt work for all

Kathryn Anne Stewart, a 36-year-old freelance writer who works out of Old City-based coworking space Indy Hall and works with clients in the health and finance industries, remembered a client's contract that provided a drop-down menu of options for payment. One was "2% 10 net 30." This meant if the company decided to pay her within 10 days, it'd take a 2 percent cut. Otherwise, she'd get paid in full within 30 days.

The "2% 10 net 30" option was the default choice.

For small vendors larger than one person, it is not unusual to wait anywhere between one to three months to get paid; some might even have to take out a line of credit to cover operational costs in the meantime.

Start-ups have sprung up to tackle the wait time for getting paid, including one out of Wharton, and President Obama was also focused on that gap, getting corporations to sign on to a program launched in 2014 called SupplierPay in which they agreed to pay vendors sooner, ideally within 15 days. (The program has had mixed success, in part because of a lack of enforcement.)

After talking to a lawyer whom she consults on contracts, Stewart decided against it. She found it strange that she couldn't get the guarantee of an early payment if she wanted it. It was completely up to the company.

For what it's worth, she said, the client, a wellness company she declined to disclose, was helpful and transparent about this in its supplier FAQ. It noted that 2% 10 net 30 might not be the best option and that many vendors choose not to use it. That transparency made her decision much easier, she said.
West Philadelphia hair salon owner Astan Sacko is working against a Trump administration proposal that would possibly block legal immigrants from coming to this country or staying here if they intend to use public benefits. Read more

For the last week, Astan Sacko has had one more reason to be thankful she has American citizenship  and to worry about immigrant friends and neighbors who don't.

"It's going to hurt a lot of families," said Sacko, 41, who came to the United States 20 years ago from the African nation of Mali. "We're going to have a lot of hungry kids."

She was talking about a new Trump administration plan to make it harder for legal immigrants to come here or stay here if they have used, or might use, government benefits such as food stamps, Medicaid, and public housing.

People applying for visas to enter the country, or for green cards that permit legal permanent residency, could be denied if they are deemed likely to rely on government assistance. Accepting those kinds of benefits, now or in the past, would be a "heavily weighted negative factor" in determining whether they represent what's called a "public charge."

Immigration officials would consider factors including age, health, assets, financial status, and education.

In the office of her hair-braiding salon in West Philadelphia, Sacko wondered aloud if there's much she can do to help block the proposal, which faces a 60-day period of public comment. This would be a change in government regulations, not the law, she noted, so congressmen and senators  the people she would typically call on  are less able to intervene.

Sacko is point person on the issue for AFRICOM, the local Coalition of African Communities, which advocates for African and Caribbean immigrants and refugees. She understands what new arrivals face trying to keep their families afloat, she said. She once needed food stamps herself.

Many people she knows and works with are in the process of obtaining their green cards, and now are fearful for their futures, their families, and their lives.

For more than a century, immigrants seeking to enter or live in this country have had to prove they would not become a public charge. Now, the administration wants to dramatically expand the conditions of that test.

"Those seeking to immigrate to the United States must show they can support themselves financially," Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said in a Sept. 22 statement, adding that the rule would "promote immigrant self-sufficiency" and ensure newcomers "are not likely to become burdens on American taxpayers."

The Trump administration says the move will save taxpayers more than a billion dollars.

Critics say that discounts the significant financial contributions made by immigrants, including paying taxes and creating businesses and jobs.

In 2014, immigrants contributed $105 billion in state and local taxes, and nearly $224 billion in federal taxes, according to a study by New American Economy, a coalition of Republican, Democratic and independent mayors and business leaders who support immigration reform.

Deep within the 447 pages of the proposed regulation, the government acknowledges that the change could harm people, creating "worse health outcomes, including increased prevalence of obesity and malnutrition" for infants, children or pregnant women. The rule could increase rates of poverty and housing instability, and promote the use of expensive hospital emergency rooms for primary care, due to people delaying treatment.

"This is going directly at legal immigrants," said Brennan Gian-Grasso, chairman of the Philadelphia chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. "You're penalizing someone for accepting benefits to which they're legally entitled."

For instance, he said, some immigrants may be working two low-wage jobs, paying taxes and contributing to the economy  but still need help from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, previously known as food stamps.

"What the government is essentially saying is, 'We're going to look at what you take, not what you provide,'" Gian-Grasso said.

Reaction already has been strong from pro-immigrant and family groups around the country.

"Mean. Shortsighted. Deceptive. Harmful," said Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, head of MomsRising, an online organization that tackles issues facing women and families.

"Yet another attack on immigrant families," said Opal Tometi, executive director of the Black Alliance for Just Immigration, which operates five offices from New York to California, and a cofounder of the Black Lives Matter Global Network.

"The Trump administration will stop at nothing to target immigrant communities," said Melissa Boteach, a senior vice president at the Center for American Progress in Washington.

Immigration advocates say the rule could contribute to the separation of immigrant families, as parents could be barred from staying in the country, while their American-born, citizen children end up in foster care.

Refugees and asylees, who entered the country on humanitarian grounds, would not be subject to the new rule.

Sacko came to the U.S. from a landlocked West African nation roughly twice the size of Texas. Half of the country's 18 million people live in poverty, and life expectancy is 60 years.

In 1999, Sacko graduated from a Mali college with a degree in legal studies, but six months later had a chance to come to America. She entered on a B-1 visa, granted to those involved in business activities, then received an F-1 student visa, she said.

She married her husband, an immigrant-turned-citizen, and together they have four American sons, ages 3 to 10. A fifth child is on the way.

Sacko bought her hair-braiding business 11 years ago, moving it a couple blocks west to 54th and Market Streets, figuring that owning a salon would help her, the people she hired, and the community.

Today, she commutes from Delaware County, home to a large African-immigrant population.

"It's really tough on us if that public charge becomes reality," Sacko said. "You'll see us in the emergency room, hungry and sick."
A view from the porch of a home in Ocean City. A new tax on short-term rentals in New Jersey is worrying Jersey Shore homeowners who do not use real estate brokers to facilitate summer rentals. Read more

Vicki Allison's family has owned a home in Cape May for nearly 90 years. Her grandparents bought the house on Beach Avenue in 1935 and used the property to entertain business clients. Now, she and her sister maintain it  and they rent it out to afford the expenses that come with the second home.

This summer, however, the New Jersey Legislature added a complication to their longtime practice: Lawmakers voted to impose taxes on short-term property rentals everywhere in the state. The measure is expected to raise millions in new revenue by charging travelers.

There was one exception: Properties rented through licensed real estate brokers  the case for so many Jersey Shore homes  were specifically exempted from the tax.

That carve-out was no consolation to Allison and other homeowners who handle their Shore rentals themselves. Rather, it was a source of confusion and frustration as they scrambled to learn the regulations so they could incorporate the tax into their rental rates before the law takes effect Monday.

"We were kind of taken aback," said Allison, who lives in Connecticut and uses the website VRBO as well as relationships with longtime customers to book rentals.

Last week, the confusion deepened. The state Department of Taxation removed from its website the previously posted guidelines for the tax and information about how homeowners could register to pay the tax.

Jennifer Sciortino, a spokesperson for the state Department of Treasury, said the information was removed because officials are "reviewing options" related to the law and its impact on short-term rentals by homeowners.

She said the tax had been intended to level the playing field between hotels, which already have such a tax, and rental websites, but federal law prevents states from levying "internet-only taxes."

Concerned Shore homeowners had hoped that  because they had complained about the tax  a solution was on the way. Friday evening, the Department of Taxation had reposted the guidelines, but without any changes that appeared to help the Shore rentals in question.

"Really, all we've got right now is a lot of questions and no answers," said Paula Krasover of East Vineland, Atlantic County, who owns a condo in Cape May.

The law that takes effect Monday had been widely referred to as a tax on Airbnb, the billion-dollar home-sharing service that has upended the traditional hotel and vacation-property industry. Many states, including Pennsylvania, already have taxes on Airbnb and similar services.

New Jersey's law requires affected properties to apply the 6.625 percent state sales tax and the 5 percent occupancy fee to their short-term rentals.

For some vacationers, that could mean a noticeable bump in their invoices. The average cost of renting an Avalon house for a week in July, for instance, was more than $3,500, according to one vacation website. The newly imposed tax would add more than $400 to that bill.

Even before the state began reviewing its guidelines, there had been questions over the impact of the tax on Jersey Shore properties. One source of confusion was that Democratic legislative leaders over the summer introduced an eleventh-hour budget proposal to tax seasonal rentals, but Gov. Murphy quashed it. That led lawmakers to declare that Shore rentals had been spared.

Krasover, a retired tax consultant, said she found out that the tax would apply to rentals at her Cape May condo only after the bill had passed.

"I find it very hard to believe that everybody involved in the process, either they didn't know the devil in the details here, or how could they be under the misapprehension that  all [Shore owners] go through Realtors?" she said. "Somewhere in there, there's a disconnect."

Airbnb, which has generally cooperated with state and local tax measures, supported the new tax in New Jersey.

Last year, when Gov. Chris Christie vetoed a version of the same bill, Airbnb estimated that its bookings alone would raise more than $10 million in annual state and local taxes. State officials had no further estimate of how much money the tax could raise.

Jarrod Grasso, CEO of New Jersey Realtors, said real estate agents provide an additional level of screening and service for homeowners. He said he had spoken with lawmakers about the work done by agents, and he said he did not see the carve-out for licensed brokers as unfair.

"I don't think that this is a way to push anybody toward using a real estate professional to lease out their property, because people always had that choice," he said.

Grasso said he does not have an estimate of how many Shore homes are rented through real estate agencies. Nor is there a way to quantify how many people rent their homes through other means  although some have tried to form online groups in recent weeks to discuss the new tax.

Krasover said her condo association's building manager handles rental leases, and the setup and regulations of her building would make it difficult to hire a real estate agent.

The new law, Krasover said, "gives an unfair advantage to Realtors over people who use word of mouth or newspapers or their condo association."

Others may not have heard about the tax or made sense of whether they need to charge it to their tenants. Russell Deighton of Bethesda, Md., owns a condo and a home in Stone Harbor, both of which he lists on VRBO. He said he recently read about the new tax, yet had not considered how it would affect his rentals.

"I do think in the end the user will be paying more," he said.

Allison, who rents her family home in Cape May, said real estate brokers keep about 12 percent of the rental total as a fee  which in her case could be more than $1,000 for a weeklong rental  so she prefers to list her home herself.

But she is nervous that she may lose clients due to the tax. When she heard about the levy, she said, she already attempted to contact renters who booked this fall and asked them to pay it. Some claimed she was breaching their contract, which didn't mention the tax.

"I'm going to continue to rent with the people who I rent with and hope that they'll go for the extra 10 percent" tax, she said. "I know that I'm going to lose some of them, and some of them are going to go to Delaware, because they have beaches there."
Joseph German (left) tears up as he listens to others describe conditions at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility at a round-table discussion Sunday hosted by the Delaware County Coalition for Prison Reform. Susanne Wallace (right) spoke about her daughter, Janene, who committed suicide inside her cell. Read more

Susanne Wallace's daughter, Janene, was awaiting a probation-violation hearing when she killed herself inside her cell at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility in Thornton. Her mental-health issues, including paranoia, were largely ignored by the staff at the Delaware County prison, who put her in solitary confinement for 52 days, Wallace said.

"Janene wasn't violent. She was not a threat," Wallace said Sunday, holding back tears at a hearing sponsored by the Delaware County Coalition for Prison Reform. "It is time for outside, independent examination to determine what's going on in this house of horrors."

Wallace's story was one of many horrific accusations of neglect and incompetence leveled at the leadership of the correctional facility at a public hearing in nearby Media. The contract for the prison, the only privately run facility remaining in Pennsylvania, is up in December.

And members of the Delaware County Coalition for Prison Reform have embarked on a public information campaign to see that it isn't renewed.

"We believe this is a moral issue," said Kabeera Weissman, one of the coalition's founders. "That no one should benefit from the incarceration of human beings."

Currently, George Hill and its 1,883 beds are managed by the GEO Group, the second-largest private prison firm in the world. GEO, based in Boca Raton, Fla., receives $49 million annually from its contract with the county, and is overseen by a board of prisons inspectors employed by the county.

At the same time, it has been plagued in recent years by rampant reports of suicide and violence, reports that have become public largely through legal action. Wallace's family, for instance, settled a lawsuit with GEO for $7 million.

Weissman and other coalition volunteers said Sunday that their objectives since organizing last year have been twofold: calling on the Delaware County Council to "stop hiding behind the prison board" and require its members to report publicly, and deprivatizing the prison, returning its management to public officials.

The coalition invited members of the County Council and the prison board to attend Sunday's meeting and address these concerns, but only one, Council Democrat Brian Zidek, accepted. His fellow Democrat, Kevin Madden, a vocal supporter of prison reform, could not attend because of a prior commitment, according to the organizers.

"Private prisons have perverse interests," Zidek said. "Our interest as a community is not to have them make money. Our interest is to incarcerate people who are a danger to our community and hopefully rehabilitate them.

"And it's certainly not to keep the prisons full," he added, noting that GEO explicitly mentioned that objective in its most recent annual report.

After pressure from the public, as well as the recently elected Zidek and Madden, a study was commissioned by the Phoenix Management Group to determine and compare the costs of running the prison privately and publicly. That study, which was supposed to be completed by the end of August, has been delayed at least a month, according to Jack Stollsteimer, the deputy state treasurer for consumer programs and a member of the coalition.

Meanwhile, the county has sought proposals from prison firms to take over the contract for managing George Hill.

"That's the wrong way to do government work," Stollsteimer said Sunday."You don't do a [request for proposals] and at the same time you commission a study that questions the necessity of an RFP."

But financial concerns are far from the only issue the coalition and its members have with George Hill.

Robert Cicchinelli, a member of the Pennsylvania Prison Society, said Sunday that his organization has received numerous complaints about health care at the prison, saying that its quality "is a step below what you'd get if your coverage is through Medicaid."

"No one expects a prison to provide platinum-level health care, but we can and should demand a lot more of George Hill's medical subcontractor," Cicchinelli said. "We shouldn't be fielding complaints about rampant flu outbreaks, poorly treated wounds, untreated preexisting conditions, untreated dental abscesses, and perhaps most sadly, miscarriages."

Cicchinelli, echoing Wallace's testimony, shared anecdotal reports of a lack of mental-health care, with some prisoners being withheld medication for days and others having their issues treated with punitive measures, including solitary confinement.

"The business of George Hill should be corrections," he said. "And continuing to export our tax dollars to an out-of-state contractor that is not producing positive, corrective results does not, ultimately, benefit the community at large."
Joint-fundraising committees have sent millions of dollars to congressional candidates in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including (from left): Mikie Sherrill, U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, Tom Malinowski, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, and Chrissy Houlahan. Read more

A political fund-raising strategy that critics say increases mega-donors' influence, strengthens parties' power, and skirts contribution limits  one calls it "legalized money-laundering"  is on the rise in the Philadelphia region.

Nationwide, groups known as joint-fund-raising committees have raised more money this year than in any previous midterm election cycle.

These committees allow donors to give money to multiple candidates, groups, and parties at once, essentially bundling what would normally be multiple small donations into one large sum. A 2014 U.S. Supreme Court ruling removed previous caps on how much total political money a donor could give each year, paving the way for larger checks than ever before.

In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, current congressional candidates have received nearly $5 million through the committees since 2017.

With joint-fund-raising committees, big donors can legally cut checks for hundreds of thousands of dollars and more, even though federal campaign finance laws limit donors to $2,700 per candidate and $10,000 per state party.

"The reason we have those contribution limits in place is because of corruption," said Brendan Fischer, federal reform director at good-government group Campaign Legal Center. "A candidate is going to owe a massive debt of gratitude to a donor who writes a generous check to a campaign  and a joint-fund-raising committee allows a candidate and a donor to bypass those limits."

Joint-fund-raising committees have exploded in growth thanks to the 2014 Supreme Court decision. Before then, the committees allowed candidates and political parties to do as their name implies: raise money together and then split the proceeds. But they could grow only so large, because donors could contribute only $123,200 in total to all candidates and political parties every two years under the law.

In McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission, the Supreme Court struck down those contribution limits  donors now can give to as many candidates as they want, without an overall cap. That enabled joint-fund-raising committees to become larger than ever before, in some cases bringing together dozens of candidates and parties.

For instance, individuals can give up to $2,700 to a candidate per election. If a joint-fund-raising committee features 10 candidates, donors can give it $27,000. Or if it has 100, it can collect $270,000 from each donor.

One of the better-known joint-fund-raising committees to emerge in the wake of the Supreme Court decision was the Hillary Victory Fund, which raised nearly $530 million and split the money between the Hillary Clinton campaign, Democratic National Committee, and dozens of state parties.

Campaign finance experts and good-government groups said that joint-fund-raising committees encourage a mega-donor environment where a small handful of the wealthiest contributors give massive amounts to the parties and campaigns, ingratiating themselves with policymakers at the highest levels.

Writing one massive check is more powerful than making scattered, smaller donations that add up to the same amount, said Daniel Weiner, a lawyer at the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University who focuses on money in politics. The recipients know that their money is coming from a much larger donation, and that increases the power of those funds.

"It's a convenient way to signal that you're not just your average wealthy contributor, you're actually someone they actually need to pay attention to," Weiner said.

Some of the big donors to joint-fund-raising committees in the 2017-18 election cycle include Cynthia Simon Skjodt and Deborah Simon, heirs to a major commercial real estate company, who contributed more than $3.2 million to the Democratic Grassroots Victory Fund. On the GOP side, casino magnate Sheldon Adelson and Robert McNair, owner of the Houston Texans of the NFL, and his wife, Janice, both gave more than $370,000 to the pro-GOP group Protect the House.

Parties and campaigns defend joint-fund-raising committees, arguing that they are efficient and allow candidates up and down the ticket to support each other.

"It is incredibly important for the candidates to help build the party in so much as they are part of our overall mission and reliant on the critical role we play in every election from deploying field staff, sharing information, and providing support," said Jason Gottesman, the spokesman for Pennsylvania's Republican Party.

Nationally, nearly $340 million has been given to the committees this midterm cycle, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. That's roughly the same total these committees raised in the previous three midterm election seasons, 2006, 2010 and 2014  and 2018 isn't even over yet.

Most local congressional candidates don't receive any money through them, but they can be a significant funding source for those who do: U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez (D., N.J.), U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R., Pa.), and first-time House contender Chrissy Houlahan, a Pennsylvania Democrat, got more than 10 percent of their campaign funding from joint-fund-raising committees as of June 30, the latest date that the information was available. U.S. Sen. Bob Casey has received more money through joint-fund-raising committees than any other local candidate: more than $1.26 million of $14.7 million as of June 30.

Political observers said joint-fundraising committees have become an important tool for building parties' infrastructure during campaigns, especially once the Supreme Court cleared the way for massive amounts to be donated at once.

In cases where a joint-fundraising committee is run by or strongly affiliated with one particular politician, it can also be used to grow that politicians' clout, Weiner said. Distributing large sums to other elected officials is a sure way to earn loyalty.

When Casey raises money for the joint-fundraising committee known as the Keystone Victory Fund, it supports him, a PAC he controls, and the Pennsylvania Democrats together. "It's helping the whole state," Casey said.

"While these are, of course, important races, there are just as important elections taking place at the state level where the state committee plays an integral role," said Brandon Cwalina, press secretary for the Pennsylvania Democratic Party.

Experts warned of returning to a past era of big party bosses in backrooms with too much power: "I'm not sure now there's a ton of a functional difference between what's going on now and what was going on then," Weiner said.

In 2016, the first presidential campaign since the McCutcheon decision, political parties took advantage of a legal loophole that allows them to transfer unlimited amounts of money among national and state parties.

Even though an individual donor is capped in how much she can donate to each national and state party, money received by the state parties in the 2016 campaign was then funneled right back to the national parties. This became an issue when state parties were accused of using this method to channel $84 million to the Clinton campaign.

"So in effect, the combination of McCutcheon and joint fundraising if not eliminated, then substantially reduced limitations to political party contributions," Weiner said. In some cases, he said, it's had the effect of turning "many of the state parties to little more than bank accounts used to funnel cash to the national parties."

That doesn't appear to be happening very much outside of presidential elections, the experts said  at least not yet. That could change in the future, even this campaign season as the election heats up.

Some experts, including Weiner and Fischer, said limiting the amount of money that state and national parties can give each other would help prevent joint-fund-raising committees from being used for what Fischer has called "a form of legalized money laundering." Weiner also proposes limiting the number of candidates, PACs, and parties that can join together.

Otherwise, Fischer said, the political system will continue to tilt "toward the handful of individuals who have the resources to write six-figure checks."
President Trump appears at a campaign rally for U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre in August. GRALISH / Staff Photographer Read more

>> UPDATE: Live coverage of Trump's appearance in Philadelphia

>> VIDEO: President Trump speaks in Philadelphia

Gridlock could be coming to Philadelphia on Tuesday afternoon.

President Trump is scheduled to give a speech to thousands of electrical contractors during their annual conference at the Convention Center, discussing workforce development and small-business growth, according to the White House.

As a result, motorists are advised to expect heavy congestion in Center City from early afternoon up until the beginning of rush hour. Sudden road closures will take place as the presidential motorcade wends its way to and from Philadelphia International Airport.

The precise timing of the president's arrival is not made public in advance.

Several hundred liberal activists were planning to protest in the streets near the Convention Center. Refuse Fascism Philly is planning a protest beginning at 1:30 p.m. at Broad and Arch Streets while Philly Socialists' demonstration is planned at noon at 12th and Market Streets. Nearly 800 people are "going" to the rallies according to the Facebook pages set up for both events.

The visit to the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) gathering is official business, but few would be surprised if the president touches on the upcoming midterm elections and other political topics in his remarks.

Trump encouraged U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, a Hazleton Republican, to challenge U.S. Sen. Bob Casey's bid for a third term. Casey, a Scranton Democrat, holds a 17-point lead over Barletta among likely voters, according to a Franklin and Marshall College Poll released last week.
Student Volunteer Kourtney Thompson, center, assists Sharon Okune with her groceries at the Temple University food pantry, in Philadelphia, Thursday, August 09, 2018. Read more

On a Thursday in late July, Claire Vilain wandered through Temple University's Cherry Pantry for the first time. She chose peanut butter, grape jelly, kettle chips and oatmeal  foods that would last.

The 24-year-old graduate student has a summer meal plan that covers lunch. For nearly everything else, she must fend for herself and find other low-cost or free ways to eat.

For Vilain, that makes the pantry "pretty dope."

At Temple, as across the region and the country, food pantries are popping up to help students when financial aid and other campus resources fall short. And at some colleges they've become a summer lifeline for students.

Each week this summer at Temple's nearly eight-month-old pantry, the same handful of students showed up for the free nonperishables during the pantry's limited hours, according to the pantry's lone summer volunteer, Kourtney Thompson.

Many, like Vilain, were dependent on the pantry for meals.

Finding food in the summer is "definitely harder," Vilain said.

"The food around here is kind of expensive, so it's like trying to find that good alternative between what I can afford and what's healthy, because I'm not trying to just put anything into my body," she said.

At colleges around the nation, research shows thousands of students are what's known as "food insecure," meaning they have limited access to consistent, adequate, nutritious meals. One 2018 study of more than 20,000 students at 35 four-year colleges and universities found that 36 percent of students were food-insecure.

The issue has been shown to be even more prevalent among students of color. In a 2016 study, 57 percent of black students reported food insecurity, compared with 40 percent of non-Hispanic white students.

In its own survey last fall, Temple found similar results, with more than one in three students meeting the criteria.

>> READ MORE: Food pantries pop up on college campuses for students struggling with hunger

That's one reason the donation-based Cherry Pantry remained open this summer.

During the fall and spring semesters, when campus life is in full swing, it can be easier to finesse and find meals by going to free food events or signing up for night classes where teachers bring food, said Sara Goldrick-Rab, who has researched food insecurity on college campuses for 10 years.

In the summer, those options dwindle, she said.

Goldrick-Rab is a sociology and higher education policy professor at Temple University and founded the Wisconsin HOPE Lab, which authored the study that revealed food insecurity on Temple's campus.

Other schools have taken similar steps. West Chester University's resource pantry was open on a limited summer schedule and drew a constant flow of students. More than 130 students shopped  56 of them new  and over 2,000 pounds of food were distributed at the resource pantry this summer, according to Kate Colyer, assistant director of service-learning and volunteer programs.

At Temple, students are allowed one visit to the Cherry Pantry per week and are given a limit of 16 points to get a variety of free nonperishables, from pineapple chunks and canned spinach, to steel-cut oats and pasta. Each pantry item is worth either one, two, or three points.

The pantry is run completely by food and financial donations, said its director, Michelle Martin. Bulk donations of canned goods still come in frequently, Martin said.

>> READ MORE: Food pantries at college campuses: How to help

"Temple's community support has been really amazing," she said.

The increase in pantries comes as the cost of a college education has skyrocketed, sparking a national debate. Rising student debt  collectively, students owe $1.5 trillion in student loans  coupled with upticks in tuition and cost of living means many students struggle to get by.

In interviews, students who patronize the pantry described their finances as complex balancing acts, where they must budget hard and often choose between basic necessities, such as paying rent, eating, or washing clothes.

"I know a lot of people whose money is tight, so they work in a restaurant and try to eat as many meals at work as possible for free," said Gretta Rauhoff, a 21-year-old psychology major who also has a waitressing job.

One day late last month, she and Lucy Crawford navigated through unpacked donation boxes in the pantry and shelves filled with canned food.

The duo chose a variety of food: canned beans, mac and cheese, an assortment of protein bars.

In the week before, Rauhoff said, she ate leftover scones from her restaurant job every day for each meal  because they were free. "I felt so terrible because scones are terrible for your body," she said, "but I was like, 'This is so many free meals.' "

>> READ MORE: Hunger haunts Philly, these are the voices of its pain

Shortly before Vilain arrived, another woman, a rising sophomore, was also feeling the financial stress. She noted that during the summer, Temple's dining halls are open only for limited lunch hours  and other eating options are too expensive.

"Every cent I make goes to rent," said the woman, who asked not to be identified as a student who is food-insecure.

The hunger such students face is often written off as part of "the college struggle," said Samantha Retamar, who works with local hunger organization Philabundance, "like, this is the price you pay for wanting an education."

"But it doesn't have to be," she said.

While Retamar was at college in Florida from 2011 to 2015, she said, she was food-insecure despite receiving financial aid, working a part-time job, and receiving some Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits.

"Because so many of us were dealing with it, I didn't think it was a problem," Retamar said.

One summer, things got so bad that she and her friend came up with a plan to ease their hunger, at least for a while.

They would order a $5 box pizza, cut the eight slices into 16, and share it as meals until it was gone. Then they'd do it over again. She's sure the same struggle occurs today.

"I am concerned that this is the least well-cared-for generation of college students that we've had," Goldrick-Rab said. "They have been hung out to dry by rising prices, and really are in tough shape."

Philadelphia Media Network is one of 19 news organizations producing Broke in Philly, a collaborative reporting project on solutions to poverty and the city's push toward economic justice. Follow us at @BrokeInPhilly.
FILE  In this Thursday, June 30, 2016, file photo, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, D-Santa Barbara, responds to a question from Sen. Anthony Cannella R-Ceres, at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif. California has become the first state to require publicly traded companies to include women on their boards of directors by 2020, according to a law signed Sunday by Gov. Jerry Brown. Having more women on boards will make companies more successful, says state Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, who authored the bill SB826. She believes having more women in power could also help reduce sexual assault and harassment in the workplace. Read more

By the end of 2019, publicly held corporations headquartered in California must by law have at least one female board director as a result of a bill signed Sunday by Gov. Jerry Brown in an effort to address gender gaps in corporate leadership.

Should the law survive what Brown acknowledged are "serious" legal challenges, California will be the first state in the country to require such representation, according to the Los Angeles Times, which reported that under the law, companies that don't comply face hundreds of thousands of dollars in potential fines. The law requires some companies  depending on board size  to have at least three female board members by the end of 2021.

California's passing such a bill sends a message to corporations everywhere: It's past time to understand the value of diversity, said Terri Boyer, director of the McNulty Institute for Women's Leadership at Villanova University, who called the bill's passage "a wake-up call" and a "big push toward something people said would never happen."

"Just putting a woman on a board because you're checking a box isn't going to have the impact that you want it to," Boyer said. "That's why you have to do it right. [Corporations] have to be intentional about it, and they have to value the diversity that those women can bring."

In the Philadelphia region, women's presence on corporate boards and influence in the C-suite has grown over the last five years, but it's still far from where women's advocates want it to be. In 2016, women made up about 16 percent of corporate boards, up from 11 percent in 2011, according to last year's Women in Leadership report, an analysis funded by the Philadelphia-based Forum of Executive Women. The findings are based on SEC filings for the 2016 fiscal year for the top 100 public companies (based on reported revenue) in the region. This year's report has not yet been released.

Between 2011 and 2016, the percentage of female executives in those companies rose from 11 percent to 15 percent. In the same time frame, the number of those companies without any female board directors decreased from 36 to 19, and the number of corporations with no female executives fell from 58 to 43. The figures are largely in line with national averages.

In California, about one-quarter of publicly traded companies have all-male boards, according to a state representative who introduced the legislation.

The bill faces similar criticisms lobbed at affirmative action statutes over the years. A number of California business groups opposed it, including the state's Chamber of Commerce, which criticized the legislation as "likely unconstitutional" and in violation of California's Civil Rights statute.

Jessica Levinson, a California law professor who has followed the bill, told the LA Times that she is "not at all convinced it would pass legal muster" because it is "a clear gender preference in that you are saying you need to single out women and get them on boards."

Brown said in a statement that "serious legal concerns have been raised."

"I don't minimize the potential flaws that indeed may prove fatal to its ultimate implementation," the governor said. "Nevertheless, recent events in Washington, D.C.  and beyond  make it crystal clear that many are not getting the message."

Those recent events include the Supreme Court confirmation hearing of Brett Kavanaugh before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, which voted, 11-10, on Friday to advance his nomination to the full Senate. The FBI is currently investigating allegations of sexual violence against Kavanaugh. Of the 11 Republican and 10 Democratic members of the Judiciary Committee, four are women, all Democrats.

Pennsylvania has faced similar criticism for its political makeup (though a bill like the one in California wouldn't address that). The state currently ranks 39th in the country in terms of proportion of women serving in the state legislature: 19.4 percent, according to the Center for American Women in Politics at Rutgers University. There are no women in Pennsylvania's 18-member U.S. congressional delegation (though that is expected to change soon), and there has never been a woman governor or U.S. senator from Pennsylvania.

New Jersey ranks 13th among state legislatures for its 30 percent proportion of women. The governor and both senators are men, as are 11 of its 12-member congressional delegation.

Boyer said while policies mandating a certain number of women in leadership positions could encourage companies to think differently about the benefits of diversity, real cultural change inside corporations is "long term" and requires that companies invest resources in training women early in their careers, bringing in diverse points of view, and holding middle management accountable.

"You can't just talk the talk, you also have to walk it and make everybody else follow behind you," she said. "If the leadership also holds the middle accountable, then that is where you're going to see the impacts on the front line."
On Thursday, millions of Americans were glued to their television to watch Dr. Christine Blasey Ford  the first woman to accuse Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault  testify in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Kavanaugh's rebuttal. The drama continued into Friday in the Committee's vote on whether or not to advance Kavanaugh's nomination to a full Senate vote.

Those riveting 30 hours seem to encapsulate the state of a nation  anger, frustration, partisanship, and no doubt in the truth as told by your side.

Thousands of words have been written over the weekend since the testimonies and vote. Editorial cartoonists from around the country, and from both sides of the aisle, took to the drawing board to capture this complicated moment.

Credibility

A key question that arose following Ford's and Kavanaugh's testimonies was: Are they credible?

What happens in 

Some cartoonists highlighted Kavanaugh's time in prep school and Yale.

Read more on the hearings from The Philadelphia Inquirer's columnists and op-ed contributors:

Maria Gallagher, Ana Maria Archila and the amazing power of everyday people raising their voice | An FBI investigation won't matter for Brett Kavanaugh | Former FBI agent says Kavanaugh investigation will likely be assigned to a team of agents | The new cloud over the Supreme Court | Kavanaugh creates #MeToo moment for accused men | Here's how Brett Kavanaugh could have redeemed himself | Kavanaugh-Blasey Ford showdown really about whether a woman can control her story, her body, her destiny | An FBI investigation won't matter for Brett Kavanaugh

A larger movement or smear campaign?

Many column inches have been written about whether Dr. Ford's testimony is the crescendo of the #MeToo movement  and how far (if at all) the U.S. has come since Anita Hill accused Clarence Thomas of sexual misconduct in 1991. While many on the left look to the Kavanaugh confirmation process as a test-case to whether women are believed, critics on the right argue that the accusations against Kavanaugh are part of a smear campaign to keep a conservative judge off the Supreme Court.

Cartoon controversy

A cartoon, drawn by Bruce MacKinnon of the Halifax Chronicle-Herald, went viral  and drew criticism for the explicit depiction of sexual assault.

Heroes and villains

Though we don't know yet what will ultimately happen with Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court, cartoonists showed their feelings about who succeeded and failed throughout the hearings.
Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., center, speaks with reporters in Washington, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Brett Kavanaugh's nomination for the Supreme Court after agreeing to a late call from Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., for a one week investigation into sexual assault allegations against the high court nominee. Read more

As the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Senate floor, it seems that Democrats and left-wing pundits may very well (thanks to Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake) get what they've been asking for: an investigation by the FBI into the accusations of sexual assault against the nominee. But recent history casts doubt on whether a finding in Kavanaugh's favor would make a difference in the minds of Democrats who decided  long before there was any mention of the allegation  that Kavanaugh was unfit to serve on the Supreme Court.

Sens. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Kamala Harris of California explicitly said that they believed the accuser, Christine Blasey Ford, and the rest of the Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee made pretty clear that they did, too. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer made clear within minutes of Kavanaugh's nomination in July that the Democrats would oppose him. So what would an FBI investigation change? An FBI finding in Kavanaugh's favor will not open Senate Democrats up to his ideas on originalism and Chevron deference. Yet, the Judiciary Committee Democrats insist that the cloud could be lifted, if only Kavanaugh joined them in calling for an FBI investigation. And they've talked Sen. Flake into believing them.

>> READ MORE: Former FBI agent says Kavanaugh investigation will likely be assigned to a team of agents | Jenice Armstrong

However, Senate Democrats would almost surely ignore or dismiss any exculpatory conclusions drawn by the FBI. We know this because it has happened before. When then-Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas sat before the same committee, accused of sexual harassment, then-Sen. Joe Biden told the world what he thought about the FBI's report of its investigation into Thomas:

The next person who refers to an FBI report as being worth anything obviously doesn't understand anything. FBI explicitly does not, in this case or any other case, reach a conclusion, period. Period.  They say, he said, she said and they said, period . . . So when people wave an FBI report before you, understand they do not  they do not, they do not  reach conclusions. They do not make, as my friend points out more accurately, they do not make recommendations.

But that's not the only time that the Left has shown indifference to the conclusions of investigations undertaken by the Department of Justice, when those findings conflict with its political agenda. I recently attended a panel discussion at a pop-up Museum of Broken Windows in Manhattan. During the discussion, one of the panelists pointed to the decision not to charge then-officer Darren Wilson for the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., in 2014, as indicative of the systemic bias and injustice that activists must mobilize to fight. Among progressive police critics, Ferguson continues to be a rallying cry and symbol of unjustified police violence  though the Department of Justice cleared Wilson of any wrongdoing the following year. Indeed, the DOJ (led then by Attorney General Eric Holder) concluded in an extensive report that "[t]he physical evidence establishes that Wilson shot Brown  while Wilson sat in his police SUV, struggling with Brown for control of Wilson's gun," and that "[t]here [were] no credible witness accounts that state that Brown was clearly attempting to surrender when Wilson shot him." Yet cries of "Hands up, don't shoot," Brown's apocryphal last words, are still heard at police protests.

>> READ MORE: Kavanaugh creates #MeToo moment for accused men | Christine Flowers

Why, then, should Kavanaugh, Flake, or anyone else, believe that an FBI investigation into the accusations made against him would do any good with Democratic senators? It didn't help Clarence Thomas. It hasn't stopped people from pointing to Michael Brown as a victim of racially biased brutality. And when it comes to the fate of Judge Brett Kavanaugh, whose mind would it change?

Rafael A. Mangual is a fellow and deputy director of legal policy at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, where he focuses on issues related to criminal justice reform. This piece originally appeared in City Journal.
Only a few months have passed since lawmakers in Harrisburg slipped language into the budget that takes away Philadelphia's ability to enact new regulations on tobacco sales, and the preemption machine is at it again. The state already preempts municipalities from regulating a variety of issues  minimum wage, firearm sales, massage therapy licensing, dog breeds, just to name a few. Now, Pennsylvania House Republicans are intent on stripping cities from their ability to enact and enforce labor ordinances.

Last Monday, the Pennsylvania House Committee on Labor and Industry voted in favor of a bill, HB861, that would not only prevent municipalities from enacting their own labor regulations but would apply retroactively to any local policy from the past three years, which includes Philadelphia's paid sick leave and pay equity ordinances. It would also mean that Councilwoman Helen Gym's work scheduling bill, which would help stabilize the working lives of part-time hourly workers  and we have supported  would be dead before it gets a vote in City Council.

Despite being unable to increase wages for the city's minimum wage workers, Philadelphia led the way in Pa. by enacting other worker protections. These protections  paid sick leave, wage equity, fair scheduling  are especially important for non-unionized workers who don't benefit from collective bargaining.

The bill in Harrisburg puts all of these protections at risk, and Philadelphia is its prime target. The choice to retroactively apply the preemption measure to bills enacted after Jan. 1, 2015 is not random  the Philadelphia paid sick leave ordinance was signed into law by then-Mayor Michael Nutter on February 2015. The sponsors of the bill don't hide that.

In June, a public hearing about the bill included testimony by Rep. Seth Grove (R. York); two representatives from The Briad Group, which owns Hilton, Wendy's, Marriott, and T.G.I. Friday's franchises; a representative from the National Federation of Independent Businesses; the Pa. Secretary of Labor and Industry; and an attorney from the Women's Law Project. A representative of Philadelphia did not get to testify  Mayor Jim Kenney submitted written testimony  and neither did a representative from any labor group. The will of the people of Philadelphia has been dismissed.

Fortunately, there is reason to believe that the bill will not pass. There are only a handful of days left to the legislative session, and Democrats intend to use procedural rules to prevent the bill from getting a vote in the House. Even if it does, then it would need to pass the Senate. Gov. Tom Wolf said that he would veto the bill.

State preemption is a problematic approach to governing a state as large and diverse as ours. Cities and towns have different challenges, and citizens have a right to depend on their local government to work on solutions specific to them. In Philadelphia especially, a city with a large percentage of people living in poverty, workplace rules can help low-income workers improve their outlook. Philadelphia's solutions should be created by those who live close to the problems they are solving  not by lawmakers a hundred miles or more away.
PATNA: Bihar minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav refused to wear a skull cap at a public rally in Katihar on Sunday. The incident has sparked a row.

#WATCH: Bihar Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav refuses to wear a skull cap offered to him at a conference in Katihar. (30/9/2018) pic.twitter.com/JeUtoWG0tv  ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2018

The state energy minister was attending a conference of Muslim leaders  Talimi Bedari  where he was the chief guest.

Yadav, a Janata Dal (United) heavyweight, is an MLA from Supaul constituency since 1990 and the senior most member of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's cabinet.

Earlier this year, Congress President Rahul Gandhi courted controversy during an iftar party he hosted by wearing a skull cap only for a few seconds before discarding it.

In 2011, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was then the Gujarat chief minister, had also refused to put on a skull cap during a 72-hour long fast to promote peace.

With agency inputs
Ever since I turned 5 or maybe 6, I have believed God lives in THAT voice. So many, many years later, it hasn't changed. To hear Lata Mangeshkar sing is to have known God. To have known her personally is to have found moksha far beyond any acknowledged religion can teach you.

I got to know her very late. For decades, I hero-worshipped her from very far away, like one does the Gods. If asked why I didn't meet her personally, I'd reason ridiculously, "You worship God, you don't shake hands with Her."

Or some such nonsense to explain my fear of meeting in person the God that I worshipped. Suppose she turns out to have feet of clay?

But as luck would have it, Lata Didi turned out to be as beautiful in person as she was in voiceOkay, maybe that's an exaggeration. No personality can ever match THAT VOICE. None at all. Not even Lata Mangeshkar herself.

(An aside: which heroine is able to carry off Lata Mangeshkar's voice most adequately: Meena Kumari, Nutan, Waheeda Rehman, Madhubala, Vyjanthimala, Sadhana, Hema Malini, Sharmila Tagore? Answer: all, and none of the above.).

For years and years I trusted only my ears and continued worshipping the voice from afar. It was childhood faith. At 6, I believed the VOICE was without an embodiment. Just something created to assure mankind about the existence of God.

It was my dear friend Sanjeev Kohli, the son of the illustrious composer Madan Mohan, who arranged my first meeting with her, an encounter that turned into a kinship that has lasted for 28 years now.

I vividly remember my first meeting with her at the Shiv Sena Bhavan in Mumbai. She was supposed to reach in the evening at an appointed hour to rehearse for a concert that was being hosted by Anupam Kher. I met Anupam. But I didn't meet my God. She was unwell. She sent a message for me to meet her the next day at the same venue.

"I think she's just brushing me off," I told my friend over the phone. I could hear the sound of my breaking heart. My friend joined me the next day in Mumbai. And we both trooped down to Shiv Sena Bhawan.

I was convinced she wouldn't turn up. But she did. How do I describe the moment when I first met her? I won't. Because there are no words the replicate the way my heart waltzed into my chest. It must have been as magical for Meerabai when she saw Krishna.

The magic has remained for 28 years. I consider myself hugely privileged to have known her. I know of so many who just want a glimpse of her. Scores of people stand below her home, Prabhu Kunj on Peddar Road in South Mumbai, in the hope of catching a glimpse of her in the balcony.

I remember a friend texting me excitedly that she had JUST seen HER in her balcony while driving below on Peddar Road. I never broke her heart by telling her the devastating truth: Lata Didi never comes out on that famous little balcony of her residence where she has lived for 40 years, and where fans gaze in the hope of seeing her. But here is where I feel blessed. I've not only sat for hours with her in that cosy family home in Prabhu Kunj, I've also been privileged to see her room where no one is allowed to enter.

Once during our lengthy telephonic conversations I mentioned to her that I'd like to see the sanctum sanctorum. Many months later, when we met at Prabhu Kunj she remembered my request, "You wanted to see my room?"

And she took me to the sparkling neat little room, which I am sure none of her bhakts have ever seen.

Thank you, Didi, for taking me where very few have the honour of going, for being the only God I've ever known. Thank you for those hundreds of songs which have lit up the darkest of my days. What would I be without them?

Lata Didi, thank you for the music.

(Subhash K Jha is a film critic and movie expert)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)
New York: Pfizer Inc Chief Executive Officer Ian Read will hand over the reins of the largest US drugmaker to veteran insider Albert Bourla in January, after eight years at the helm, in the backdrop of increased scrutiny over drug pricing.

Under Read, a Scot who joined the company in 1978, Pfizer has weathered patent expirations of several blockbusters, including cholesterol drug Lipitor, through dealmaking, expansion in emerging markets and cost cuts.

The company also won 30 approvals from the U.S. health regulator during his tenure. Read, however, failed to pull off two high-profile mega deals.

Pfizer walked away from buying British drugmaker AstraZeneca in 2014 as the deal met with opposition from both countries over jobs and corporate tax maneuvers.

A move to acquire Ireland-based Allergan Plc in 2016 was scuttled after a decision by the Obama administration limited benefits of a tax inversion deal.

"Now is the right time for a leadership change and Albert is the right person to guide Pfizer through the coming era," Read, who will become executive chairman, said.

Shares of the drugmaker, which have risen about 160 percent since Read took over as CEO in December 2010, were trading up nearly a percent at $44.42.

Bourla, 56, was appointed chief operating officer at the start of this year and was widely seen as the leading candidate for the top job.

Before becoming COO, he led the drugmaker`s Innovative Health business, which recorded revenue of $31.4 billion in 2017. Pfizer brought in $52.5 billion in overall revenue in 2017.

"This looks like a well-considered transition, thus I`m not convinced it will herald a major change in strategic thinking, particularly as Ian will still stay on as chairman," Berenberg analyst Alistair Campbell said.

The appointment comes at a time when the Trump administration has been pressuring drugmakers to lower prescription costs.

After a conversation between Read and President Trump, Pfizer in July decided to defer price increases for no more than six months.

The company, which has been trying to sell its consumer healthcare business for the past one year, is bracing for patent expiration of its neurological disease treatment Lyrica, which raked in $1.2 billion in second-quarter sales.

"The timing of this transition makes sense given Reed`s age," Edward Jones analyst Ashtyn Evans said.

Last week, rival Merck & Co Inc said it would amend a policy to allow its head, Kenneth Frazier, to remain CEO beyond 2019 when he was expected to retire.
NEW DELHI: A police complaint has been filed against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over his recent 'Hindu' remark in connection to the death of Apple executive Vivek Tiwari in Lucknow's posh Gomti Nagar neighbourhood.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Ashwini Upadhyay lodged the complaint in Tilak Marg Police Station against the chief minister.

He tweeted: Complaint lodged in Tilak Marg Police Station under Sections 153A, 295A, 504 & 505 of the IPC and Section 67 of the IT Act against @ArvindKejriwal Ji. Request @CPDelhi @DelhiPolice to take apposite steps in accordance with law @LtGovDelhi @HMOIndia @rajnathsingh @KirenRijiju

Complaint lodged in Tilak Marg Police Station under Sections 153A, 295A, 504 & 505 of the IPC and Section 67 of of the IT Act against @ArvindKejriwal Ji. Request @CPDelhi @DelhiPolice to take apposite steps in accordance with law @LtGovDelhi @HMOIndia @rajnathsingh @KirenRijiju pic.twitter.com/URjgo9owMv  Ashwini Upadhyay (@AshwiniBJP) October 1, 2018

Upadhyay also demanded an FIR against Kejriwal.

He had earlier claimed that Kejriwal is promoting enmity on grounds of religion & doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony. You (Arvind Kejriwal) are defaming @BJP4India leaders & insulting daughters of 125cr Hindus. It's public mischief with intent to provoke breach of peace. Apologize by 10am or face Law.

Attacking the BJP, Kejriwal in a tweet on Sunday said, "Vivek Tiwari was an Hindu, then why did they kill him? BJP leaders are sexually harassing Hindu girls across the country and getting away with it. Please take off the curtain from your eyes. BJP is no protector of Hindus. They will not even think twice if they have to kill all Hindus to gain power."

Kejriwal`s tweets drew sharp reactions from several counters.

Vivek Tiwari, 38-year-old sales manager at Apple, was shot dead on Saturday, post midnight, by a policeman in Lucknow on suspicion of being a miscreant. The deceased was with a woman in his car when the incident took place.

The policeman opened fire at the car and the bullet pierced through the windshield, hitting Tiwari.

Defending the act, the accused policeman said that he had no option but to fire in self-defence as Tiwari allegedly tried to run him over thrice.

The Apple sales manager was immediately rushed to nearby Dr Ram Manohar Lohia hospital in Gomti Nagar area, but he succumbed to his injuries.

The victim's wife, Kalpana Tiwari, filed an FIR at Gomti Nagar police station, naming two of the accused police constables, who were later taken into custody.

The woman co-passenger said that she is under no pressure to hide the truth, adding that she wanted the culprit to be punished.
New Delhi: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat is on a five-day official visit to Russia starting Monday. The delegation is scheduled to meet Russia's military brass and visit key military formations and establishments.

During his visit, he will visit the Russian Western Military District and lay a wreath at the 'Tomb of Unknown Soldier'. The Army chief will also visit Kremlin Halls and give a guest lecture at Russian General Staff Academy.

General Rawat will visit the Mikhailovskaya Artillery Academy and the headquarters of a Motorised Rifle Division in Moscow.

"The visit is yet another milestone in giving impetus to the strategic partnership between India and Russia and taking forward the military to military cooperation to the next level," Army spokesman Colonel Aman Anand said.

The Army Chief General will return to India on October 6.

(With inputs from IANS)
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Monday freed activist Gautam Navlakha, one of the five rights activists arrested in connection with Koregaon-Bhima case, from house arrest.

The court granted him the relief saying that the Supreme Court had last week given him the liberty to approach the appropriate forum within four weeks to seek relief, which he has availed.

The High Court bench observed that the detention is untenable in law and consequently, the house arrest of Navlakha would come to an end as of now.

The court also quashed the trial court's transit remand order which he had challenged before the matter was taken to the apex court.

The Delhi High Court did not accede to the request of Maharashtra Police Counsel to continue the extension of the house arrest of Navlakha for at least two more days.

The court said Navlakha's detention has exceeded 24 hours which was "untenable".

Last month, police arrested five left-wing activists, after raiding their homes in several states for suspected Maoist links over the Elgar Parishad meeting which was held a day before the violence.

The police raided the homes of the activists and lawyers from five states - Varavara Rao in Hyderabad, Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira in Mumbai, Bharadwaj in Faridabad and Gautam Navalakha in Delhi.

In a media briefing, the police had released details of seized letters related to five activists arrested in June in connection with the Bhima Koregaon violence.

The police also claimed they have "conclusive proof" to link Left-wing activists arrested in June and this week to Maoists, saying one of them spoke of a "Rajiv Gandhi-type event to end Modi-raj".

(With inputs from agencies)
All flight operations have been suspended at Jodhpur airport in Rajasthan after a bomb scare in an Air India flight. The Air India flight, which was scheduled from fly from Jodhpur to Delhi, is being searched by security personnel.

The Jodhpur airport is located adjacent to the Jodhpur air base of the Indian Air Force. The airlines serving Jodhpur airport currently are Air India, Jet Airways and SpiceJet.

More details are awaited.
The Pakistani media has claimed that the helicopter carrying the Prime Minister of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, Raja Farooq Haider, did not violate Indian airspace. Reports in Pakistani media have also alleged that Indian forces opened fire at the helicopter as it reached close to the Line of Control (LoC).

According to a report in Pakistan-based Dawn News, Haider and two of his ministers were in the helicopter, which came under attack from India near Abbaspur village. The PoK official was reportedly on his way to visit one of his cabinet members, whose brother had died.

Claiming that the helicopter was well within Pakistan space, Haider told Dawn News that the Indian Army suddenly opened fire at his helicopter. He added that the helicopter was very close to zero line.

On the issue of not informing Indian authorities about his movement, Haider said that there was no need for the same as he was flying in a civilian helicopter. He added that though he often visited the area, this had never happened earlier.

This comes even as Indian authorities said on Sunday that the helicopter had entered 250 metre inside Indian airspace near the LoC. Indian forces reportedly exercised restraint and New Delhi is expected to lodge a protest with Pakistan over the issue.

#WATCH A Pakistani helicopter violated Indian airspace in Poonch sector of #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/O4QHxCf7CR  ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2018

A video of the same was also released and widely circulated on social media platforms.

The development comes just days after India cancelled talks between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York.

Following this, India and Pakistan also took each other head on as the two foreign ministers address the UNGA. While India reiterated that talks and terror cannot happen together, Pakistan accused India of cancelling dialogue on flimsy grounds. India had also exercised right to reply after the address of Pakistan foreign minister.
New Delhi: A 31-year-old man in Delhi was shot dead on Monday morning allegedly by two assailants. The incident took place in northwest Delhi's Mahendra Park police station area.

Delhi: 31-yr-old man was shot dead by 2 assailants today morning in Mahendra Park police station area.His sister says 'My brother was in a relationship with a Muslim woman since 10-12 yrs&wanted to marry her. Her parents&my father agreed to this but her brother always opposed it' pic.twitter.com/OSO0rUFsWG  ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2018

According to the deceased sister, the man wanted to marry a Muslim woman whom he was in a relationship with for the past 10 to 12 years.

She further added that even though the victim's parents agreed to their marriage, the woman's brother always opposed it.

Identified as Ankit, the victim was shot dead at around 8.30 am.

"The motive behind the killing is not clear yet. Ankit's family has claimed that this might have happened due to a woman with whom he was in a relationship," said a senior police official.

An investigation has, meanwhile, been initiated by the Delhi Police.
Agartala (Tripura): Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Sunday called Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan a chaprasi` (peon), adding that Islamabad is run by the military, ISI and terrorists.

"Imran Khan is nothing but a `chaprasi` because the country (Pakistan) is run by the military, ISI and terrorists, and Imran Khan is just one of the `chaprasi` of the government. He may be called the Prime Minister, but he is a `chaprasi`," Swamy said while addressing a press conference here.

"There is only one solution to Pakistan. Balochis don`t want to be part of Pakistan, Sindhis don`t want to be part of Pakistan, Pashtuns don`t want to be part of Pakistan, so break Pakistan into four parts - these three (Baloch, Sindh, Pashtun) and the residual West Punjab.... I also think that (External Affairs Minister) Sushma Swaraj should not waste her breath speaking about Pakistan in the UN because Pakistan gets psychic pleasure when India abuses it. Just ignore Pakistan, prepare your military and one day break it up into four," he added.

Swamy`s statement comes after Swaraj on Saturday used the United Nations platform to highlight the serious issue of Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism and human rights violations in India.

Meanwhile, speaking on Bangladesh, Swamy said, "India will continue to support it, but Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should be warned to stop those mad people from demolishing Hindu temples, converting Hindu temples into Masjid and converting Hindus to Muslims. If Bangladesh does not stop torturing the Hindus, I would recommend that our government invades Bangladesh and takes it over."Swamy was here to attend a programme of `Sanskritik Gaurav Sansthan` Tripura unit.
The 13 months and five days that Justice Dipak Misra spent in the office of Chief Justice of India will be remembered for some key judgements taken by the Supreme Court benches headed by him. However, his tenure will also be remembered for the controversies that have surrounded him at the top post of the apex court. Four of the senior-most judges had openly questioned his style of functioning in allocation of cases to different benches and listing Constitution Bench matters before a bench of Judges who were relatively newcomers to the top court.

Here are some of his key judgements:

Validity of Aadhaar: The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of Aadhaar but limited its scope. The top court ruled that the Centre's biometric identity proof cannot be made mandatory for bank accounts, mobile connections or school admissions. SC said Aadhaar will be mandatory for the filing of Income Tax returns and allotment of Permanent Account Number (PAN).

Women entry in Sabarimala temple: In a majority 4:1 judgement, the SC ruled that women in the age group of 10-50 will also be allowed to enter the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. SC said the ban on women in the menstruating age group was considered to be 'impure', violated their fundamental rights and the constitutional guarantee of equality.

Abolition of Adultery Law: SC struck down Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) dealing with the offence of adultery and said that adultery is no longer a crime in India. Dubbing the law as 'archaic' and 'unconstitutional', SC said that women are not a property of the men. It also section 198 of the CrPC which deals with prosecution of offences against marriage.

Ayodhya land dispute case: SC declined to refer to a larger bench its 1994 verdict for a review over the observation that "mosque is not an essential part of the practice of Islam". With this decision, the hearing of the long-pending Ayodhya title suit will begin from October 29. SC said that the earlier observation was made in the limited context of "land acquisition" during the hearing of the Ayodhya case and will not have any bearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute.

Banning legislators from contesting elections: SC ruled that candidates cannot be disqualified from contesting elections merely on the basis of charges against them in a criminal case. However, the SC said that political parties will have to publicise the list of cases pending against their candidates.

Promotion in jobs for SC/ST: SC said its 2006 verdict putting the benefits of quota in job promotions for SC/ST employees need not be referred to a seven-judge bench. The apex court also turned down the Centre's plea that overall population of SC/ST be considered for granting quota for them.
NEW DELHI: Stepping up attack against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government Monday, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi once again accused the Centre of using public money to bail-out crony capitalists.

For Common Man: Notebandi-line up and put ur money in banks. All ur details into Aadhaar. U can't use ur own money.

For Crony capitalists: Notebandi-convert all ur black money to white. Let's write off 3.16 lakh Cr using common man's money, tweeted the Gandhi scion.

Modi's India- For Common Man: Notebandi-line up and put ur money in banks. All ur details into Aadhar. U can't use ur own money. For Crony capitalists: Notebandi-convert all ur black money to white. Let's write off 3.16 lakh Cr using common man's money. https://t.co/M0W2KUicFH  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 1, 2018

The tweet followed after media reports of state-owned banks writing off more than Rs 3.16 lakh crore loans while recovering just one-seventh of the amount Rs 44 thousand crores.

On Sunday, Gandhi attacked the centre over the alleged financial support of LIC to debt-ridden IL&FS and asked whether the prime minister "loves financial scams".

Taking to Twitter he said the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) is the country's symbol of trust and common people have saved every rupee to buy its policies.

"Modi ji, your favourite private company IL&FS is about to turn bankrupt. You are trying to save it by putting the money of LIC. Why?" he asked in a tweet in Hindi.

With agency inputs
New Delhi: Congress president Rahul Gandhi will on Tuesday preside over the party's working committee meeting at the Sevagram ashram of Mahatma Gandhi in Maharashtra's Wardha district. He will lead a foot march on the occasion of the Father of the Nation's 150th birth anniversary.

The Congress chief will attend a prayer meeting at Bapu Kutir in the ashram Tuesday morning before presiding over the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting.

He will participate in a foot-march in Wardha in the afternoon, a party leader said Monday, adding the Congress president will also address a public meeting on Tuesday evening.

Addressing a press conference at Sevagram near Wardha, Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said Rahul Gandhi will lead the 'padyatra' after garlanding the statue of Mahatma Gandhi near the Collector's Office in Wardha.

"The padyatra will culminate in a 'SankalpRally' at the Circus ground where he is expected to spell out the party's future strategy and pledge to uphold Gandhian principles and ideology," he said.

Describing Tuesday's CWC meeting "historic", Surjewala said, the Congress Working Committee had in 1942 met in Sevagram under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi to adopt the 'Quit India' resolution and a meeting was again held there in March 1948.

"There is a historical linkage to the CWC meeting scheduled tomorrow, as (Mahatma) Gandhi's ideology is under attack and being encroached upon in current times," the Congress leader said.

He claimed that the situation prevailing in the country is of "loot, jhoot (lies), 'batware' (division) and 'bhay' (fear)", from which the country needs freedom.

"Mahatma Gandhi lives in the heart and soul of every Indian. The need of the hour is to pledge to uphold his principles of equality, social justice, eradicating discrimination, ending the menace of communalism, casteism and regionalism," he said.

In a veiled attack against the Modi government, Surjewala said those in power are merely doing a "lip service" to the Gandhian thought "after murdering it".

"They swear by Mahatma Gandhi only for optics and photo-ops. Just by speaking about the Mahatma and releasing one's photos (modelled on) like Gandhi, doesn't make anybody a Gandhian," he said in a veiled reference to the rome minister's 'Swacch Bharat' scheme.

Surjewala also said the Congress' fight is against "falsehood, violence and fear".

"The Congress is fighting a war against the ideology of (Nathuram) Godse (the assassin of the Mahatma)," he said.

In April 1936, Mahatma Gandhi established his residence in the village Shegaon near Wardha which he renamed as Sevagram, which means 'village of service'.
NEW DELHI: The Congress on Monday hit out at the Narendra Modi government alleging that the Centre has helped 'crony capitalists' run away with the public money. "Small businesses are collapsing today while crony capitalists like Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi have run away with people's money with the help of BJP government," Congress president Pawan Khera said.

Congress alleged that the Centre has written off more bad loans than it plans to spend on health, education and social protection in the current fiscal year. "In the last four years the BJP govt. has written off bad loans worth Rs.3,16,500 crore for a handful of people. This is twice the budget they wish to spend on health, education & social protection in 2018-19," the Congress tweeted.

Earlier in the day, Congress president Rahul Gandhi had also attacked the Modi government over a report that the Centre has written off bad loans worth 3.16 lakh crore. "For Common Man: Notebandi-line up and put ur money in banks. All ur details into Aadhar. U can't use ur own money. For Crony capitalists: Notebandi-convert all ur black money to white. Let's write off 3.16 lakh Cr using common man's money," he had tweeted.

The Congress chief also hit out at the BJP-led NDA government over a report in the Indian Express which quoted a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data and stated that public sector banks had written-off over seven times the recovery amount in the last four years.

Between April 2014 and April 2018, the country's 21 state-owned banks ended up writing off Rs 3,16,500 crore of loans even as they recovered Rs 44,900 crore written off on a cumulative basis or less than one-seventh the write-off amount, the report said.
Kolkata: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said the state governments have been asked to identify Rohingya refugees in their regions and collect their biometric details.

The Centre will send the biometric reports collected by states to the Myanmar government through diplomatic channel for the resolution of the issue, he said. "We have already issued a concerned advisory on this issue. The states have been asked to identify them and collect their biometrics," Singh told reporters here after the meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council.

The Union Home minister chaired the 23rd meeting of the Council to discuss issues related to inter-state relations and security matters, including the Maoist menace.

The meeting was attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his Odisha counterpart Naveen Patnaik sent their representatives to the meeting.

While Bihar was represented by Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi the Odisha Finance Minister Shashi Bhusan Behera participated from his state.

Senior officials of the respective states and the union home ministry were also present at the meeting.

Acknowledging the states' need of central forces, Singh said the Centre would provide central forces to the states as per their requirement. "I admit that states need central forces. But the Centre has some compulsions. When states start having elections we have to provide central forces to the maximum number pertaining to the demand of election commission by withdrawing them from somewhere," the Union Home Minister said.

On whether the central government would review its decision to withdraw some CRPF companies from the naxal-affected districts of West Bengal and re-deploy them to Left-wing extremist affected area of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand besides the insurgency-hit Jammu and Kashmir, Singh said the Centre was taking appropriate measures to counter Maoism as well as terrorism.

"The government is taking appropriate measures to address security threats like Maoism, extremism and terrorism. We are also working out and will continue taking such measures to plough out other challenges," he said.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday commented on the issue of identifying Rohingyas living in the country stating that the state government will identify the immigrants living illegally.

Singh has also directed the state government to take the biometric details of the Rohingyas after identifying them, news agency ANI reported.

The states will be sending a combined report to the Centre, Singh said.

The central government, after assessing the report sent by the state government, will initiate actions with Myanmar through diplomatic channels.

Singh is hopeful that the issue of Rohingyas will be resolved.

Singh chaired a meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council here to discuss issues related to inter-state relations and security matters, including the Maoist menace.

The meeting was attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi.

Odisha was represented in the meeting by Finance Minister Shashi Bhusan Behera.

The Union Home Minister said that the states required central forces which the Centre would provide as per need.

In September last year, the Centre told the Supreme Court that Rohingyas posed a serious threat to national security with links to terror outfits, including the Islamic State.

(With Agency Inputs)
Ottawa/Washington: The United States and Canada forged a last-gasp deal on Sunday to salvage NAFTA as a trilateral pact with Mexico, rescuing a three-country, $1.2 trillion open-trade zone that had been about to collapse after nearly a quarter century.

In a joint statement, the two nations said the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) would "result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region".

Negotiators worked frantically ahead of a midnight ET (0400 GMT) U.S. imposed deadline to settle differences, with both sides making concessions to seal the deal.

"It`s a good day for Canada," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters after a late-night cabinet meeting to discuss the agreement, which triggered a jump in global financial markets.

President Donald Trump, who blamed NAFTA for the exodus of manufacturing jobs to low-wage Mexico, had threatened to walk away from NAFTA unless major changes were made.

"It`s a great win for the president and a validation for his strategy in the area of international trade," a senior administration official told reporters.

Trump has approved the deal with Canada, a source familiar with the decision said.

U.S. officials intend to sign the agreement with Canada and Mexico at the end of November, after which it would be submitted to the U.S. Congress for approval, a senior U.S. official said.

The deal will preserve a trade dispute settlement mechanism that Canada fought hard to maintain to protect its lumber industry and other sectors from U.S. anti-dumping tariffs, Canadian sources said.

But it came at a cost.

Canada has agreed to provide U.S. dairy farmers access to about 3.5 percent of its approximately $16 billion annual domestic dairy market. Canadian sources said the Canadian government was prepared to offer compensation to dairy farmers hurt by the deal.

Canada also agreed to a quota of 2.6 million vehicles exported to the United States in the event that Trump imposes 25 percent global autos tariffs on national security grounds.

The quota would allow for significant growth in tariff-free automotive exports from Canada above current production levels of about 2 million units, safeguarding Canadian plants.

But the deal failed to resolve U.S. tariffs on Canada`s steel and aluminum exports.

The Trump administration had threatened to proceed with a Mexico-only trade pact as U.S. talks with Canada foundered.

"It`s a good night for Mexico, and for North America," Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray said.

The news delighted financial markets that had fretted for months about the potential economic damage if NAFTA blew up.

U.S. stock index futures also rose, with S&P 500 Index e-mini futures rising by more than 0.5 percent, suggesting the benchmark index would open near a record on Monday.

The Canadian dollar surged to its highest since May against the U.S. dollar, gaining around 0.5 percent from Friday`s close. The Mexican peso gained 0.8 percent to its highest against the greenback since early August.

"Though markets were already anticipating an agreement, one source of worry will be swept away if a deal is made," Yukio Ishizuki, senior currency strategist at Daiwa Securities in Tokyo, said.

"That will lead to a rise in trust in the U.S. economy, so it`s easy for risk sentiment to improve."

Orrin Hatch, the Republican chair of the Senate Finance Committee, said he was pleased by the news.

"I look forward to reviewing this deal to confirm it meets the high standards of Trade Promotion Authority," he said in a statement.

Trump welcomes Canada's entry

US President Donald Trump on Monday praised Canada`s entry into a reworked trade deal with the United States and Mexico after the two countries forged a last-gasp agreement on Sunday to salvage the NAFTA. In a post on Twitter, Trump called the U.S. agreement with its neighbor to the north "wonderful" and "a great deal for all three countries," adding that the new trade alliance would be renamed the United States Mexico Canada Agreement, or USMCA.
KOCHI: At least six people were injured on Monday after clashes broke out between members and workers of Youth Congress and police in Kochi. The police had to use water cannons to disperse the protesters.

Kerala: A clash broke out b/w members & workers of Youth Congress & police in Kochi during a protest march to Excise office against state govt's decision to start new breweries in the state. 6 people, including Youth congress state pres Dean Kuriakose, injured & taken to hospital pic.twitter.com/e8n49wbYk6  ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2018

The protesters were taking out a march to the excise office against state government's decision to start new breweries in the state.

The injured include Youth Congress state president Dean Kuriakose. All those with injuries have been taken to a nearby hospital.
New Delhi: Former 'Roadies' contestant Surbhi Rana was given a chance to make it to 'Bigg Boss 12' when jodis were introduced, however, she got voted out, bringing Kriti Verma and Roshmi Banik inside the house. But now, tables have turned.

And that brings Surbhi back in the game as the first wild card entry along with jodi-dar Romil Choudhary. The latter along with partner Nirmal Singh was shown the door but one of them got a chance to re-enter the house and Romil was the lucky one. He made a smashing entry with Surbhi Rana.

In an interview with Indianexpress.com, Surbhi was asked about the show. When asked whether she was disappointed at not being able to make it at first, Surbhi said, Oh yes, I was disappointed. I really believed that I would get selected. But its rightly said that God plans better things for you, and gives you at the right time.

The show is high on the buzzword and grabs maximum eyeballs owing to its entertainment factor. Salman Khan has successfully hosted the reality show for 8 seasons.

Stay tuned for regular updates on 'Bigg Boss 12'.
How many times have your kids innocently convinced you to do the things against your will? Remember those late night requests for ice cream or balloons that you so readily agreed to just to bring a smile to your little one's face. You might be holding the biggest post in your office or even leading the charge of a ministry in the government, but back home, the kid's wish is your command.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju shared a glimpse of this everyday pestering that every parent receives at the hands of their children. In the video posted by Rijiju, his daughter can be heard innocently convincing him to attend the Grand Parents Day at her school. He posted the video with a caption: "This is how my little daughter convinced me to attend her school's "Grandparents Day" for the first time."

"Papa, tomorrow is my Grand Parents Day, you must come tomorrow. Mumma always comes to my school, she sees my performance, she sees my dancing but you never ever come in my school. How can that be Papa, (sic)" the cute little kid tells him.

This is how my little daughter convinced me to attend her school's "Grandparents Day" for the first time. pic.twitter.com/ZaIt3y658D  Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) September 30, 2018

When Rijiju tries reasoning with her citing his work in office, she even gave her ideas on how to convince his boss to skip office.

Rijiju says, "I'll try to come but I am so busy these days, what to do." And she quips, "You have office but you (should) tell your boss that I have to go to my daughter's school. Then your boss will forgive."

Who wouldn't listen to this cute little plea? Rijiju had to as well.

Finally, for the first time I could manage a little moment to attend my daughter's "Grandparents Day" in her school in the absence of any of her grandparents.

She was too excited! pic.twitter.com/GvQI1pOd42  Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) September 30, 2018

He tweeted another photo of himself with his daughter. He captioned it: "Finally, for the first time I could manage a little moment to attend my daughter's "Grandparents Day" in her school in the absence of any of her grandparents. She was too excited!
Islamabad: Pakistan's former dictator General Pervez Musharraf is "growing weaker rapidly" due to a new unspecified illness and cannot return to face the treason case now, a senior leader of his party has said.

Musharraf, 75, who has been living in Dubai since 2016, is facing the high-profile treason case for suspending the Constitution in 2007.

According to Muhammad Amjad, a former chairman of the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) -- a political party floated by Musharraf in 2010 -- said the former president has to visit London for treatment in every three months due to the new unspecified ailment, Dawn news reported.

"Pervez Musharraf had a fracture in his spine, for which he got treated in the USA. But nowadays he is being treated for a separate ailment. For this, he has to go to London after every three months," Amjad told reporters after a party meeting on Sunday.

"We cannot tell the nation about the ailment right now but we will tell the court about it and also present the ailment's documentation to the chief justice.

"Musharraf is growing weaker rapidly so we cannot put his life at risk," he said.

Amjad said Musharraf would return to Pakistan but on the guarantees that he would be given a free trial and also allowed to leave the country for treatment.

He claimed that the party tried to bring him back to the country before the July 25 general elections but "hurdles were created in his way".

Amjad reiterated that Musharraf wants to appear before the court and is in consultation with his legal team to decide when and how to return, the report said.

The former Army chief has been declared an absconder due to his persistent failure to appear before a special trial court set up to try him in the case.

Last month, Pakistan's Supreme Court assured Musharraf that high-level security will be provided to him if he returns to the country to face the trial in the treason case.

The former president was indicted in March 2014 on treason charges for suspending the Constitution and imposing emergency which led to the confinement of a number of superior court judges in their houses and sacking of over 100 judges.

A conviction for high-profile treason carries the death penalty or life imprisonment.

Musharraf, who ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008, has been declared a fugitive in the Benazir Bhutto murder case and Red Mosque cleric killing case.
The US considers establishing a new military base in Poland. Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Baszczak, Polish-American working group has already been created in the framework of an agreement with the Pentagon. In his opinion, Poland has enough places where the US military could deploy. The constant presence of a brigade of the US military (about 3.2 thousand people) is being considered. US President Donald Trump and his Polish colleague Andrzej Duda during a recent meeting in the White House have already told about it. Then the Polish president, not without irony, suggested informally calling the American base "Fort Trump" and expressed the intention to allocate $ 2 billion from the state budget for its arrangement. The issue of creating a military base in Poland has coincided with the annual 73rd session of the UN General Assembly, during which Trump and Duda have voiced rather tough statements concerning Europe, where 62 thousand American troops are located.

The American president claimed that Germany would become completely dependent on Russias energy supplies unless it changes the course. Duda noted that Europe would not be fair and safe without sovereign Poland, and each country has the right to independence, which it cannot be deprived of. The Polish president expressed his concern about Russias deployment of Iskander operational and tactical complexes near Polish borders in the Kaliningrad region (Russia) and violation of the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Duda also stressed that weak countries should receive some additional opportunities to gain equality. It seems that the leader of Poland has cited arguments for the permanent presence of the US military in his country. However, the Russian threat is just an excuse for creating a new US military base in Poland; given that there are 35,000 American troops and 36 US Army military bases are stationed in neighboring Germany. The military base in Poland is a political gesture of Trump, loogie in the face of old Europe, which for a number of issues has moved away from the fairway of US foreign policy.

The Russian-Iranian Factor

During the session of the UN General Assembly, Trump has decimated the gas relations issue between Russia and Germany. The American Republicans have the impression that a number of EU member states have dumped the solidarity with the US on foreign policy issues for Russian natural gas and Iranian oil. During the Cold War, America and Europe as NATO partners have been adhering to a common line in the international relations. Europe was the lead player and perceived the United States as a counterweight to the Soviet Union. The iron curtain fell. The times have changed. Despite the aggression in Ukraine and Georgia, Russia is not perceived by a number of Western countries, including Germany, as a real threat to their security. They pragmatically treat Russia as a business partner, a sales market and a raw materials base and are ready not to pay attention to the Kremlins geopolitical ambitions in the post-Soviet space. This explains why European countries combine participation in anti-Russian sanctions with cooperation with Moscow in the gas sector.

The US does not share the modern realities of the EU energy policy. The share of Russian natural gas is 34% in the EU blue-fuel market. Last year, Russian Gazprom supplied to Europe 193.9 billion cubic meters of natural gas. Chairman of the Board of Directors of Gazprom Alexander Medvedev believes that in 2018, natural gas supplies to European countries might reach 200 billion cubic meters. Most of the Russian gas is purchased by Germany, which is interested in the implementation of the Russian gas pipeline project Nord Stream - 2 and in increasing the transit of natural gas from Russia through its territory. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who, while supporting the diversification of energy supply routes to Europe, is fairly lenient towards Nord Stream-2, believing that this is not a question of the alliance, but a decision of individual countries, regardless of which there is unity among all the participants.

Americans cannot make Europeans more actively replace blue fuel from Russia with American liquefied natural gas. The US share in the European market of liquefied gas is only 4%, while the main suppliers of this fuel to the EU remain Qatar, Nigeria, and Algeria. In 2017, EU member countries, including Spain, France, Italy, Belgium, Portugal, Holland, Greece, Lithuania, Poland, have purchased 40.9 billion cubic meters of liquefied natural gas. Trump is interested in Europeans importing more natural gas from the US and discussed this issue with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in July 2018. Junker promised to build 14 terminals for receiving tankers with liquefied gas. However, Nord Stream-2 calls into question the feasibility of this initiative.

According to the CEO of the Austrian oil and gas company OMV (involved in the implementation of Nord Stream-2) Rainer Seele, Russian pipeline gas costs Europe 50% cheaper than American liquefied natural gas. In addition, in December of last year, Russia has supplied the first tanker with liquefied natural gas to the EU from the plant in Yamal.

The fire of the American-European contradictions was fueled by the fact that the EU does not support the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal with Iran and the restoration of sanctions against the Islamic republic. The US wants to use sanctions to get Iran to end the missile program and sponsor terrorist organizations in the Middle East. Since November, the US plans to impose sanctions on the oil and gas and financial sector of Iran, as well as countries that will continue to trade with Iranian counterparts. Sanctions are not beneficial to the EU. Iran supplies 20% of the exported oil to the EU, which is the second largest trading partner of the Middle East after China. In 2016-17 years, the trade turnover between the EU and Iran grew from 258 million to 21 billion dollars. The EU shares the position of Russia and China concerning the Iranian issue, that they support preserving the nuclear deal.

If you look at things from the position of the American Republicans, then the EU trades with the key geopolitical enemy of the United States in the Middle East. The US patience was poured over by the offer of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, who suggested creating a new payment system without US participation, which would allow transactions with Iranian companies to be circumvented by the American sanctions. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and US National Security Adviser John Bolton criticized this idea. Shortly thereafter, a working group was set up in Poland to create an American military base. The Pentagon makes it clear to Germany and other supporters of energy cooperation with Russia and Iran that it would reconsider its priorities in Europe and would pay less attention to strengthening the defensive capacity of those countries that buy Russian natural gas and Iranian oil and do not support the US on the international arena.

Security payment

Trump is puzzled that the US is spending large sums of money to maintain security in Europe, but European countries continue to replenish the treasury of Russia and Iran by acquiring gas and oil from them. In 2017, the US spent $ 3.4 billion on a military presence in Europe as part of the European Deterrence Initiative. The United States intensifies cooperation with countries such as Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, which want to reduce energy dependence on Russia. Unlike Germany, Poland is interested in increasing the volume of imports of American liquefied gas. The intention of President Duda to invest in the creation of the base Americans can present as an example to other NATO member countries that it is necessary to increase defense spending. Most of the NATO member countries, including Germany, France, the Benelux countries, spend less than 2% of GDP on defense, which causes discontent among the Republicans.

On the example of Poland, Trump demonstrates the intention to protect those countries that share US foreign policy priorities. He lets European partners in NATO understand that if they do not go in the wake of US foreign policy and increase defense spending, then the Pentagon will sooner or later stop guaranteeing their security. First of all, this concerns Germany, which since the end of World War II remains a bastion of the US military in Europe, a foothold and a trans-shipment point for military operations in the Middle East and Africa. Developed military bases are concentrated in Germany, including the large Ramstein airbase, the European Command of the US in Stuttgart.

After the US withdrew from the nuclear deal with Iran, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the EU no longer needs to rely on the US to ensure security. Say, the Germans are doing a great favor to the United States, providing their territory for military bases, and if necessary, they are ready to stand up for themselves. Trump forces the German Chancellor to answer for his words and demonstrates on the example of Poland the readiness to transfer the American military from Germany to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. During the Cold War, the Northern Group of the Soviet Union, troops numbered 300 thousand people on the territory of the Polish regions of Silesia and Pomerania. The Soviet military had their warehouses, military units, and other infrastructure. The only question is that there is no vital need for the constant presence of the US military in Poland. If necessary, they can be transferred from Germany. It is unlikely that the US military will want to abandon their well-equipped infrastructure.

The American military base has an image importance for the Polish ruling party "Law and Justice", which is in the disgrace of the EU. European officials perceive Poland as an outcast country that does not want to follow the generally accepted rules of the EUs game, refuses to accommodate Muslim refugees in accordance with the plan of the European Commission. At the initiative of the European Commission, the possibility of depriving Poland of the right to vote in the European Council for unwillingness to abolish judicial reform, which strengthens the government's influence on the courts, is being considered. Trump gives a powerful signal to support Poland for spite of Europe. Since the Americans want to deploy their military base in Poland, it means they perceive it on an equal footing with such influential countries as Germany, and recognize its exclusivity in the EU, an alternative political course. Trump makes it clear that Euro-optimists like Merkel and Junker have exhausted the limit of his trust, and he will draw closer to conservatives like Duda.

Read the original text at 112.ua.
There is a danger that the local 'elections' in the occupied Donbas could undermine the Minsk peaceful process. Georgiy Tuka, Deputy Minister for Occupied Territories said that on air of 112 Ukraine TV channel, as he commented on the possible consequences of the elections.

'Any of the parties could use these pseudo-elections, considering them a cause to break the Minsk agreement. But, from my point of view, a big threat lies in the chance that our MPs... can use this nonsense so as not to extend the validity of the law, which we conditionally refer to as 'the law on the special status'. And then, Russia will be able to blame Kyiv for unilateral withdrawal from the Minsk agreement, since it doesn't want to live up to political agreements', Tuka said.

Earlier, militants announced the holding of 'elections' on the territory of 'DNR' and 'LNR' on November 11, 2018. The so-called 'Donetsk People's Republic' plans to hold 'elections' of the leader in connection with the death of Aleksandr Zakharchenko.



The EU said that the announcement of 'elections' in the so-called 'Donetsk People's Republic' and 'Lugansk People's Republic' contradicts the spirit and letter of the Minsk agreements.

Related: Minsk talks parties to talk withdrawal of forces, elections in 'republics' in Donbas

Related: Elections in Donbas: Minsk agreements violation that has its reasons
It is noted that the landed ammunition was planted by the pro-Russian militants

Open source

A child suffered in the result of the mine explosion near occupied Horlivka is in the medium to the severe state. Pavlo Lysyansky, the representative of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights in Donetsk and Luhansk regions claimed this as 112 Ukraine reported.

The injured child is in the medium to the severe state. He is in shock, a boy miraculously survived. As I was reported and as he said, he was walking the last and was lucky to survive, he was blown away by the blast, he noted.

Lysyansky also added that the landed ammunition was planted by the pro-Russian militants.

It is an unexploded ammunition or any other mine  it is unknown yet, but fact still remains  it took place at the territory controlled by the illegal military formation Donetsk Peoples Republic and the ammunition that caused the death of three children was planted by them, he emphasized.

As we earlier reported three children were killed, another child was injured as a result of the detonation of an antipersonnel fragmentation mine near Horlivka in Donbas.

Also, 1,858 people have suffered the consequences of mishandling explosives in Donbas since April 2014. Maksym Komisarov, the chief of Defense Ministry's department for environmental safety and counter-mine activity said. He added that over a hundred children sustained wounds due to mishandling explosives, 21 of them died.

Related video:
Over the past 24 hours, Russian mercenaries attacked positions of government troops 28 times

Since Sunday morning, pro-Kremlin militants have shelled positions of the Ukrainian army in Donbas 28 times. One of the Ukrainian fighters sustained combat wounds in action. The HQ of the Joint Forces Operation posted this on Facebook.

'Over the past 24 hours, the situation in the combat zone remained controlled by the Joint Forces. The occupant forces opened fire on our positions 28 times. The enemy used Minsk-banned weaponry six times', reads the message.

Militants attacked the Ukrainian positions in Krymske, Novotoshkivske, Katerynivka, Novozvanivka, Troitske, Luhanske, Opytne, Pisky, Pavlopol, Hnutove, Vodyane, Lebedynske and Shyrokyne.

The enemy fired 82 and 120 mm mortars, IFVs, anti-tank missile launchers, grenade launchers, heavy machineguns and small arms.
In April, Counter-Terrorism Operation officially changed the name to the Joint Forces Operation

Open source

Since August, the Ukrainian military has increased the government-held territory of Donbas by more than 10 square kilometers. Vyacheslav Petrosvky, the head of the Joint Forces Operation press center reported this as quoted by Obozrevatel news agency.

Thus, Petrovsky confirmed what the Chief Commanding Officer of the Joint Forces Operation Serhiy Nayev said in August. 'We increased the safety line's area by more than ten square kilometers', he said.

In April 2018, the Counter-Terrorism Operation officially changed the name to the Joint Forces Operation.

As 112 International reported earlier, since Sunday morning, pro-Kremlin militants have shelled positions of the Ukrainian army in Donbas 28 times. One of the Ukrainian fighters sustained combat wounds in action. The HQ of the Joint Forces Operation posted this on Facebook. 'Over the past 24 hours, the situation in the combat zone remained controlled by the Joint Forces. The occupant forces opened fire on our positions 28 times. The enemy used Minsk-banned weaponry six times', reads the message.

Militants attacked the Ukrainian positions in Krymske, Novotoshkivske, Katerynivka, Novozvanivka, Troitske, Luhanske, Opytne, Pisky, Pavlopol, Hnutove, Vodyane, Lebedynske and Shyrokyne.
Clearstream expects to open an access for foreign investors to domestic state bonds of Ukraine in the first quarter of 2019

The post-trade services provider Clearstream, Deutsche Borse Group, and the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) assume the joint efforts to open the access for the foreign investors to the Ukrainian state securities through Clearstream as the press service of NBU reported.

Clearstream expects to open an access for foreign investors to domestic state bonds of Ukraine in the first quarter of 2019.

Such step will allow the settlement of all domestic state bonds in hryvnia through the international system Clearstream, increasing the efficiency of the settlements and at the same time, decreasing their price for the investors, the NBU reported.

It is expected that by making local government securities eligible in Clearstream the demand for Ukrainian government bonds will increase, thereby boosting their liquidity and attractiveness in the international market.

As a result, the Ukrainian government will benefit from a wider range of sources of long-term funding and a lower cost of borrowing. Moreover, the offering will improve the currency structure of public debt and transmission mechanism of the NBU monetary policy, while contributing to the further development of the Ukrainian capital markets.

Chairman of the NBU Yakiv Smoly claimed: Enabling settlement of government securities in hryvnia in Clearstreams system is a significant step towards Ukraine becoming a full-fledged participant of global capital markets. Ukraines integration into the world-wide financial system will help to increase the inflow of foreign capital to the Ukrainian economy and will strengthen its financial stability.

Philippe Seyll, the Co-CEO Clearstream Banking S.A. noted: We are delighted to get an access to the Ukrainian capital market by our local partner  the National Bank of Ukraine. It is a part of our general strategy in the CIS and Central Asia countries  we connect new capital markets of this region to our global network. It increases their attractiveness to the international investors, forming their effective and stable post-trade environment.

Earlier we reported that Ukraine ranked 134th (out of 152) in the rating of countries by the economic freedom index. The index is calculated on the basis of 42 indicators joined in 5 key categories: size of the government (top marginal tax rate, government enterprises, and investment), legal system and property rights, sound money, freedom to trade internationally and regulation.

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Protests under the banner Silence kills have been taking place in many Ukrainian cities over the mounting number of attacks on civic activists and journalists. The protests began on 27 September just hours after Ukraines Prosecutor General Yuri Lutsenko said that civic activists bear part of the blame.

Lutsenko was speaking during a session of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security and Defence on Thursday afternoon. He reportedly asserted that the blame for this situation lies not only with bandit elements and poor work of the law enforcement bodies, but also in the atmosphere of total hatred to the authorities which some civic activists stir up. He did not name specific activists, but did claim that the planned protest on Bankova St. outside the Presidents Administration was a continuation of such policy where the authorities are assumed, a priori, to be to blame.. He said that all sides need to stop and begin working together for the sake of law and order in Ukraine.

Lutsenko further asserted that the perpetrators of virtually all attacks on activists have been solved, though went on to say that finding those who ordered such attacks is more complicated.

The Prosecutor General was speaking a day after Kherson activist Kateryna Handziuk gave a moving address from her hospital bed, almost two months after receiving burns to 35% of her body after an assailant sprayed her with sulphuric acid.

She explained that she would be brief as she is not allowed to speak very much.

I want, firstly, to thank you all for the fact that Im alive. I want to thank you for your kind words  theyre very motivating. I want to say thank you for the bad words  they truly motivate me even more  to leave the hospital as soon as possible.

Yes, I know I look bad right now, but at least Im being treated. Im receiving good treatment from Ukrainian doctors. And I know definitely that I look a lot better right now than justice and the justice system look in Ukraine, because nobody is treating them at the present time. 

She went on to note that there have been 40 others like her who suffered attacks in the past year, with those commissioning the attacks not once identified. Who is protecting those people, she asks, and why are such a number of investigations sabotaged?

Why do we encourage people to civic activism when we cant defend them?

As mentioned, Lutsenko did not name the activists who, in his opinion, bear some of the blame for the attacks, but did connect them with the protests on Thursday evening. Among those who organized the protests on 27 September were the civic initiative Who ordered the attack on Katya Handziuk? ["   ?"].

A significant number of Ukrainian human rights groups and activists, as well as media and political organizations endorsed an open statement regarding the attacks on civic or political activists. The statement points to a deterioration in the situation with freedom of speech, freedom of peaceful assembly, as well as with ensuring the safety of such activists. The statement in places seems somewhat exaggerated, as, for example, where it suggests that Ukraine is again plunging into a time where civic activists are persecuted and where the state does nothing, like under Presidents Leonid Kuchma and Viktor Yanukovych.

Whether or not we are nearing that level, the number of attacks is undoubtedly alarming. There have been 55 since the beginning of 2017, including the 40 that Handziuk mentioned, over this past 12 months. She warns that they are likely to become even more brutal.

There have been several arrests over the last two days of those suspected of a near-fatal gun attack on Oleh Mykhailyk from Odesa and of the earlier attack on Odesa Automaidan activist Vitaly Ustymenko. It is, notwithstanding, difficult to reconcile Lutsenkos assertion that most cases have been solved with the lists of attacks where even the perpetrators have not been found, let alone those who commissioned the crimes.

Ukrainska Pravda has posted a list of the 55 cases, which Handziuks friends from the above-mentioned initiative helped Roman Sinitsyn and Maryna Khromyk to compile.

Some made headlines, such as the abduction and murder of lawyer Iryna Nozdrovska, who had been seeking a just sentence for the man who caused the death of her sister. Although an arrest was made, serious doubts were expressed as to whether the real culprit had been caught.

Other attacks listed have been on lawyers, environmentalists, and other civic activists. Some were fatal, like the murder of Vitaly Oleshko on 31 July 2018 in Berdyansk. The alleged killer has been arrested, however fellow activists are suggesting that he was killed because of his fight with the local authorities and a particular deputy who, they claim, controls Berdyansk.

There are dangers with putting all such cases together in one list, even more so with simply repeating allegations made on social media. In Oleshkos case, a person is in custody, and it may become clear who was really behind the attack.

Some cases have remained disturbingly low-profile, such as the death in strange circumstances of 23-year-old activist Mykola Bychkho from Eskhar in the Kharkiv oblast. Fellow activists have dismissed the police conclusion that he committed suicide and believe that his death was linked with the active role he played in fighting corruption and pollution of the local reservoir by an industrial business with links to the towns Mayor.

There also does not seem to have been any follow-up to the attack on Andriy Mukha, the lawyer representing victims of a fatal attack on Roma residents in Vilshany (Kharkiv oblast). This is despite the fact that Mukha asserts that the men who attacked him were led by a local prosecutor (details here).

After a wrong start, there does seem a chance that the people involved in the attempted murder of Handziuk have been caught. Whatever disputes we may have with Lutsenkos statistics, it is certainly true that it is much harder to find those who commissioned a crime, especially since those who carry it out may not know themselves.

On the other hand, in cases where an activist is most known, as is Handziuk, for her vehement criticism of allegedly corrupt individuals holding police or prosecutor posts, it is clear that any strange delays and false steps will be viewed with suspicion. Better to eradicate the grounds for such bad thoughts about the law enforcement bodies than to blame activists for hating them.

Read the original text here.
Since February 2014 till September 2018, Russia has brought 365 people to administrative and criminal responsibility in the annexed Crimea. Crimean Human Rights Group reported this on Monday, specifying that twelve of them faced criminal responsibility, and the rest were brought to administrative responsibility.

In 324 cases, the 'judges' ruled that fines will be applied; at least 22 cases of administrative arrests were reported. On eleven occasions, the 'court' ruled that public works should be conducted.

In the so-called 'February 26 case', eight sentences were made: on one occasion, the sentence totaled eight years of imprisonment in a high-security penal colony (it was Ahtem Chyigoz, the deputy leader of Mejlis of Crimean Tatars, released from prison after long negotiations, - 112 International), while the rest prison terms were suspended.

Crimean Human Rights Group reiterated that by prosecuting peaceful rally activists, Russia breaches Articles 10 and 11 of the European Human Rights Convention, which guarantee the freedom of thought and peaceful rallies.
Earlier the Russian mass media spread information that Moscow discusses the issue of Sentsovs exchange for the Russians convicted in the United States

Kremlin knows nothing about plans on the exchange of Ukrainian political prisoner Oleg Sentsov for the Russians convicted in the U.S. Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson of Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed this as Govorit Moskva reported.

No. Nothing is unknown, Peskov said.

Earlier we reported Russia is ready to exchange the Ukrainian director and political prisoner Oleg Sentsov for the Russians convicted in the US Viktor Bout and Konstantin Yaroshenko, as well as Maria Butina, who is under arrest.

Viktor Bout is a Russian entrepreneur, convicted in 2012 in the United States for 25 years in prison for intending to illegally trade in arms and support terrorism. Konstantin Yaroshenko was arrested on May 28, 2010 in Liberia by officers of the republic's special services on charges of preparing for transportation of a large batch of cocaine. Then the pilot was deported to the United States. On September 7, 2011, the US Court for the Southern District of New York City prepared Yaroshenko to 20 years in prison, finding him guilty of conspiracy to smuggle a large consignment of drugs, some of which were destined for sale in the United States.

On July 15, 2018 a Russian citizen Maria Butina was detained in Washington on suspicion of trying to influence US policy on the orders of a high-ranking official from the Kremlin. She was officially charged on two counts - in collusion with the purpose of working as a foreign agent and in acting as a foreign agent without proper registration.

Earlier President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko claimed the necessity to make more efforts to release Ukrainian political prisoners Oleg Sentsov and Volodymyr Balukh during his speech at UNGA.

As we reported earlier, Oleg Sentsov, Ukrainian political prisoner announced a hunger strike in May 2014, demanding to release him and the rest of Ukrainian political prisoners illegally kept by the Kremlin. Sentsov already survived three health crisis; the medics warn that the fourth one, which might involve the breakdown of the body's internal organs, could begin anytime.

The native of Crimea, film director, and political activist, Sentsov was illegally detained in Crimea in 2014, then taken to Russia. They judged him and sentenced him to 20 years of imprisonment at a high-security penal colony. The prosecutors charged Sentsov with preparing terrorist acts in occupied Crimea. Sentsov denies his guilt. Ukraine's government, common citizens and the international society - politicians, artists, public figures - urge the Kremlin to release him.

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Currently, there are no Russian convicts with similar articles, whom Kremlin would want to exchange

Russia is not planning to negotiate on the exchange of Ukrainian political prisoner Oleg Sentsov. Dozhd reported this with reference to the sources close to the Presidential Administration.

According to the outlet, Russian authorities believe that there is no reason for Sentsovs release. The articles on which he was convicted are too serious, there are no Russians abroad with similar accusations, whom Kremlin would want to exchange. A federal official close to the Russian Presidential Administration claimed that Sentsov wont be exchanged since he is convicted as a terrorist.

Another source of the outlet explained that the difference between Sentsov and Savchenko was that Savchenko took part in the hostilities in Donbas and was exchanged for Russian servicemen Alexander Alexandrov and Evgeny Erofeev, who have also been there.

Sentsov didnt participate in the conflict, and according to the Kremlin, cannot be added to the list of arrested in the hostilities area, discussed with the representatives of Ukraine. Separatism and terrorism in Crimea have nothing to do with Donbas after the joining of the peninsula to Russia, the outlet quotes the source.

As we reported earlier, Oleg Sentsov, Ukrainian political prisoner, announced a hunger strike in May 2018, demanding to release him and the rest of Ukrainian political prisoners illegally kept by the Kremlin. Sentsov has already survived three health crisis; the medics warn that the fourth one, which might involve the breakdown of the body's internal organs, could begin anytime.

The native of Crimea, film director, and political activist, Sentsov was illegally detained in Crimea in 2014, then taken to Russia. They judged him and sentenced him to 20 years of imprisonment at a high-security penal colony. The prosecutors charged Sentsov with preparing terrorist acts in occupied Crimea. Sentsov denies his guilt. Ukraine's government, its citizens, and the international society - politicians, artists, public figures - urge the Kremlin to release him.
Organization's Representative on Freedom of the Media expressed hope that the 12 years-long sentence will be canceled due to the appeal

Open source

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Desir urged the Russian government to release Ukrainian reporter Roman Sushchenko . The Organization's press service reported this , quoting the official.

'Journalists in the OSCE region should be able to work without fear of intimidation or imprisonment. Sushchenkos 12-year sentence is exceptionally harsh, and I hope his conviction will be overturned on appeal', Desir said.

Previously, Russia's Supreme Court declined the appeal on the sentence in Sushchenko's case, as he faced 12 years in prison.

As we reported earlier, the Russian federal security service detained Sushchenko in late September 2016. The Ukrainian reporter was charged with espionage; the lawyer said they could put him behind the bars for 20 years - unless Sushchenko pleads guilty.

Ukraine has been repeatedly turning to Russia demanding to set the journalist free.
The sides discussed the number of relevant issues

President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko held the phone conversation with Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel as the presidential press service reported.

The situation in Donbas, release of the Ukrainian political prisoners, prospects of the extension of the sanctions against Russia are among issues discussed by leaders.

Petro Poroshenko and Angela Merkel discussed issues of the bilateral agenda, including energy security, the press service noted.

Also, the sides discussed the agenda of visit of Merkel to Ukraine, which should take this autumn.

Earlier Merkel discussed the situation of the convicted Ukrainian director Oleg Sentsov with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Moreover, the German Chancellor had a phone conversation with Sauli Niinisto, the President of Finland during which they discussed the conflict in Ukraine and the Syrian war.

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The human rights activists urge UN Security Council to assume efforts to stop the killings of the Syrians

During three years of the participation in the Syrian war, Russia killed 18,000 people as Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.

3 years of Russian killing claim the lives of about 18100 persons, including about 8000 Syrian civilians including 3135 children and women, the message said.

According to the data of the organization, the regime of President Bashar al-Assad increased the square of the territory controlled by the government up to two-thirds of Syria during the participation of Russia in the war. Until September 2015, the authorities of Syria controlled only 26% of the country.

It is noted that during the recent bombings, Russia used the cluster fire-bombs with Thermite, which consists of aluminium powder and iron oxide. The range of the action of such anti-personnel and anti-tank bombs is 20-30 meters.

We in the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, although the Russian side is continuing to declare allegations and lies which assert that its warplanes and rocket strikes did never kill citizens, still see that the Russian Federation  the permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), is still continuing to kill Syrian citizens, amid the continuation of the International Communitys silence and ignorance, the message said.

Reportedly, 13 people died as a result of Russias airstrikes at Syrian province Idlib. Later, Russia claimed to be continuing bombardments in Idlib, if necessary.

Earlier we also reported that Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) claimed that during the operation of the international anti-terrorist coalition in Syria headed by the U.S., 3,300 civilians died in the result of the air strikes.

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TSN

Russia is ready to exchange the Ukrainian director and political prisoner Oleg Sentsov for the Russians convicted in the US Viktor Bout and Konstantin Yaroshenko, as well as Maria Butina, who is under arrest. This is reported by Novaya Gazeta referring to a source close to the negotiations on the exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and the Russian Federation.



According to the source, the Kremlin is ready to discuss the exchange of Oleg Sentsov directly with Washington. Ukraine will not be a party to the negotiations.



It is also reported that the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Maria Zakharova informed the publication that she "does not know" on such an initiative.



Viktor Bout is a Russian entrepreneur, convicted in 2012 in the United States for 25 years in prison for intending to illegally trade in arms and support terrorism. Konstantin Yaroshenko was arrested on May 28, 2010 in Liberia by officers of the republic's special services on charges of preparing for transportation of a large batch of cocaine. Then the pilot was deported to the United States. On September 7, 2011, the US Court for the Southern District of New York City prepared Yaroshenko to 20 years in prison, finding him guilty of conspiracy to smuggle a large consignment of drugs, some of which were destined for sale in the United States.



On July 15, 2018 a Russian citizen Maria Butina was detained in Washington on suspicion of trying to influence US policy on the orders of a high-ranking official from the Kremlin. She was officially charged on two counts - in collusion with the purpose of working as a foreign agent and in acting as a foreign agent without proper registration.



Related: Ukraine important for West due to growing influence of China, - Polish MFA
The UK is going to shut down the network of Russian intelligence, British Secretary of Foreign Affairs says

Russia will pay a high price for its actions if it tries threatening the UK and breaches the international regulations; Jeremy Hunt, the British Secretary of Foreign Affairs said that as quoted by Reuters.

'Under the Conservatives, Britain has a simple message for the Kremlin: If you try to intimidate this country, if you use chemical weapons, if you dont play by the international rules, the price will always be too high,'

He added that Great Britain is 'going to close the net on the GRU,' referring to the Russian intelligence service.

Earlier, Hunt suggested Moscow will be wondering whether the Salisbury chemical weapons attack was 'a smart thing to do.' Speaking to The Kay Burley Show in New York, he revealed his "frank exchange of views" with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, during a 'pretty tough' meeting at the UN General Assembly. One of the Russian men accused of the Salisbury poisonings has recently been exposed as a military officer who received an honor from his country's president, Vladimir Putin. 'It is not acceptable for Russia to instruct two GRU agents to use chemical weapons on British soil, the first time it's ever happened,' Hunt said.
Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel stood for the further development and preservation of UN as DW reported.

Of course, UN is far from ideal, of course, we want to have a reform of the Security Council for a lot of years. But to destroy something before forging of new is inflammable, Merkel claimed.

She added that such a situation could destroy the world order sooner than we can imagine.

Thus, she responded to the criticism of Donald Trump against this organization. He said that the national interests of the U.S. are more important than the world order.

Also, Ukrainian leader Petro Poroshenko said that there is a need for reform of the United Nations, as this makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of peacekeeping activities. He added that Ukraine welcomed and supported the UN Secretary-General's efforts 'to implement a robust UN reform aimed at strengthening its peace and security architecture'.

Later it was reported that Ukraine, the United States, Germany and France are "practically ready" to submit a joint resolution to the UN Security Council for consideration of the peacekeeping mission in Donbas.

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In his comments for a Russian news outlet RBK, Sergei Kanev stated: "There is a load of my investigations that have angered certain high-ranking officials

Russian investigative journalist stated that he left the state as he was afraid of being prosecuted for his work, as Radio Liberty reports.

Sergei Kanev, who took part in a Bellingcat probe into the identity of the two main suspects accused by Britain in the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, said he was on "vacation" in one of the Baltic states, the news agency reads.

In his comments for a Russian news outlet RBK, Kanev stated: "There is a load of my investigations that have angered certain high-ranking officials.

"This is not only about Boshirov and Petrov," Kanev added, meaning two main suspects in the Skripals case.

On September 20, the investigative website Bellingcat informed that a joint investigation with Business Insider confirmed the two suspects, Ruslan Boshirov and Aleksandr Petrov had links to Russian military intelligence.

On September 26, Bellingcat said it and Insider had determined that Boshirov was actually Anatoly Chepiga, a member of the Russian military intelligence agency GRU who was awarded Russias highest award in 2014, the message says.

Reportedly, Skripal was detained in 2004 for working for British MI6, in 2010, he was released on the exchange of agents. After, he was living in the south of England.

Related: Britain to ask Russia to extradite suspects in Salisbury attack

As it was reported Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were poisoned in British Salisbury. Later, Theresa May, British PM, stated that Russia was responsible for that, and the investigation has confirmed the use of the Novichok nerve agent, which is produced in Russia.

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The facility is able to transmit the signal of Ukrainian TV channels to the occupied territories of Donetsk region

Social media

A new TV tower, which made 190 meters in height has been built in the town of Hirnyk, Donetsk region. Telemerezhi Ukrainy, the state-run company posted this on Facebook.

The new facility is supposed to broadcast the Ukrainian TV programs to the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk region.

This tower is recognized the highest ever in the history of modern Ukraine.

Earlier, the National Council of Television and Radio Broadcasting of Ukraine issued new permissions for temporary broadcasting under a simplified procedure in temporarily uncontrolled territories in Donetsk region and in Crimea.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko signed a law on the introduction of amendments into several Ukrainian laws considering the temporary permits for broadcasting in JFO zone and at Ukrainian border areas.
The violators were detained in 50 meters from the boundary line

Two Russians who tried to illegally cross the Ukrainian border and get to European countries were detained in Zakarpattia region on October 1. The press office of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine reported.

The offenders tried to cross Ukrainian-Hungarian border near Esen settlement of Uzhhorod region. The border guards received the information on the possible attempt of crossing the State border from the operational staff of the Western Regional Office, the border guards report.

The violators were detained in 50 meters from the boundary line. The detainees had Russian passports with themselves.

It was established that the Russians planned to illegally enter the European Union "to improve living conditions."

The offenders were delivered to the point of temporary detention of Chop border unit. They would be brought to administrative responsibility for an attempt to violate the state border of Ukraine.

Reportedly, the officers of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) jointly with the Prosecutors office prevented the export of smuggled amber with the weight of more than one ton to the European countries in Zakarpattia region.
One of the customs officers was facilitating the smuggling of the amber

Officers of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) jointly with the Prosecutors office blocked the export of smuggled amber with the weight of more than one ton to the European countries in Zakarpattia region. The press office of the SBU reports.

Law enforcement officers found a local resident with illegally extracted sunstone in VAN at Luzhnyky customs post. The stuff was placed in trunk compartment and was packed into travel bags. Operational services established that one of the customs officers facilitated the smuggling of the amber across the state border of Ukraine, SBU reports.

According to preliminary assessments, the cost of the stone is almost $1 million in the black market. The SBU officers detained the customs officer under the article of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine for illicit processing of smuggling. In the framework of criminal proceedings under Part 2 of Art. 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, urgent investigative and operational actions are continuing to bring to justice other persons, possibly involved in unlawful actions.

Earlier, the SBU personnel exposed the group of the fence and seized almost 50 kilograms of illegally extracted amber raw material in Ukraine's Rivne region. The law enforcement officers established that four residents of one of the districts were buying illegally mined amber from local residents for the future sale abroad.
The journalist thinks that Prihozhin ordered his murder because of the posts which contained critics of the businessman in the social networks

Russian journalist Arkadiy Babchenko accused Russian businessman Yevgeniy Prihozhin of ordering his murder, which did not actually happen, as he wrote on Facebook.

Babchenko thinks that Prihozhin ordered his murder after the posts which criticized the businessman in the social networks.

I think that with this posts, I drew attention to myself and because of the post about Prihozhins private torture chamber, I became the first victim. Two-in-one. Both the execution of a government order to undermine the situation in Ukraine and personal revenge, Babchenko stated.

Arkadiy Babchenko is the Russian journalist, war-time correspondent and the writer. He served with the Russian regular army, surviving the combat action in both Chechen wars (the 1990s and 2000). Later, he prepared a number of reports during the armed conflict in South Ossetia in 2008. Since 2012, the Russian government has been prosecuting him for critical reports against the incumbent authority.

As it was reported earlier, Shevchenkivsky district court in Kyiv arrested Borys Herman, the suspect in the organization of the attempt on the life of Arkadiy Babchenko, the Russian opposition reporter who lives in Kyiv.

Herman insists he never ordered or prepared the murder; according to him, he was involved in the secret operation of Ukraine's special services, which was supposed to reveal the supply channels of Russian saboteurs and influence agents in Ukraine.
The Parliament Vice-Speaker stated that the Kremlin spreads rumors about a possible exchange of Sentsov for the Russians kept in the American prisoners

Open source

The Ukrainian delegation did not get any offers form the American side concerning possible negotiations with Russia on release of Ukrainian political prisoner Oleg Sentsov during the visit to the U.S., as Iryna Gerashchenko, Verkhovna Rada Vice Speaker, wrote on Facebook.

Speaking about rumors on possible talks between the Americans and the Russians on Sentsovs exchange for Russian criminals, during the visit to the U.S. and negotiations with the American officials, we did not receive such information. I will remind you that Russians were spreading such rumors in Savchenkos case as well, as if they were negotiating with Americans on her exchange for Bout (Viktor, - ed.). But these were just rumors, Gerashchenko stated.

According to the Vice-Speaker, she cannot comment the information about a possible exchange of Oleg Sentsov as she has no information on this.

Earlier we reported Russia was ready to exchange the Ukrainian director and political prisoner Oleg Sentsov for the Russians convicted in the US Viktor Bout and Konstantin Yaroshenko, as well as Maria Butina, who was under arrest.

Viktor Bout is a Russian entrepreneur, convicted in 2012 in the United States for 25 years in prison for intending to illegally trade in arms and support terrorism. Konstantin Yaroshenko was arrested on May 28, 2010 in Liberia by officers of the republic's special services on charges of preparing for transportation of a large batch of cocaine. Then the pilot was deported to the United States. On September 7, 2011, the US Court for the Southern District of New York City prepared Yaroshenko to 20 years in prison, finding him guilty of conspiracy to smuggle a large consignment of drugs, some of which were destined for sale in the United States.

On July 15, 2018 a Russian citizen Maria Butina was detained in Washington on suspicion of trying to influence US policy on the orders of a high-ranking official from the Kremlin. She was officially charged on two counts - in collusion with the purpose of working as a foreign agent and in acting as a foreign agent without proper registration.

Earlier President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko claimed the necessity to make more efforts to release Ukrainian political prisoners Oleg Sentsov and Volodymyr Balukh during his speech at UNGA.

As we reported earlier, Oleg Sentsov, Ukrainian political prisoner announced a hunger strike in May 2014, demanding to release him and the rest of Ukrainian political prisoners illegally kept by the Kremlin. Sentsov already survived three health crisis; the medics warn that the fourth one, which might involve the breakdown of the body's internal organs, could begin anytime.

The native of Crimea, film director, and political activist, Sentsov was illegally detained in Crimea in 2014, then taken to Russia. They judged him and sentenced him to 20 years of imprisonment at a high-security penal colony. The prosecutors charged Sentsov with preparing terrorist acts in occupied Crimea. Sentsov denies his guilt. Ukraine's government, common citizens and the international society - politicians, artists, public figures - urge the Kremlin to release him.

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The representatives of the Ministry stressed that the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs cannot be intimidated and Transcarpathian Hungarians can naturally continue to count on Peter Szijjarto and his definite, unconditional and determined support

Open source

Hungary does not intend to withdraw its consul from Berehovo due to the scandalous video about issuance of Hungarian passports to the Ukrainians, as Tamas Menczer, Hungarys Foreign Minister Spokespoerson, said, the press office of the Ministry reports.

The Minister of State said that Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto had met with his Ukrainian collegue on Wednesday in New York at the 73rd United Nations General Assembly. At the meeting, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister admitted that there was no law in Ukraine which bans citizens from having a passport of another country, Menczer said.

He added that due to such situation, Hungary does not intend to withdraw its consul-general or consul from Berehovo, regardless of how much Ukrainians recommend.

Tamas Menczer said that in Ukraine, anti-Hungarian attacks are occurring with the involvement of the administration and state, as proven by the fact that Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto was added to the list of enemies of Ukraine of an extremist Ukrainian website after criticising President Petro Poroshenko, the news agency reads.

The representatives of the Ministry stressed that the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs cannot be intimidated and Transcarpathian Hungarians can naturally continue to count on Peter Szijjarto and his definite, unconditional and determined support.
The new head to be elected at Unifying Council

Open source

Tomos, or in other words the order of the Ecumenical Patriarch on the provision of the autocephaly to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church will be received by a newly-elected head of the church. Patriarch Filaret claimed this as Channel 5 reported.

The Head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church will be elected at the Unifying Council which will consist of bishops of Kyiv Patriarchate  41 bishops; 12 bishops of Autocephalous Church and 10 bishops of Moscow Patriarchate, Filaret said.

He added that it will take place as soon as Constantinople makes a decision on the provision of autocephaly to Ukraine.

On July 28, the Ecumenical Patriarchate confirmed the intention to provide the autocephaly for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

As we reported on April 17, Petro Poroshenko signed an appeal to Bartholomew, the Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch with a plea to provide tome towards the autocephaly of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and urges the Verkhovna Rada to support it.

On April 18, Poroshenko held the meeting with the primates of the Orthodox churches and accepted the appeal to Bartholomew, the Ecumenical Patriarch on the provision of the tome on the autocephaly for the Ukrainian church with the signs of all bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church  Kyiv Patriarchate and Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church.

Since 90-s there are a few jurisdictions in Ukraine that call themselves Orthodox local and autocephaly Churches.

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church  Moscow Patriarchate and Metropolis of Bessarabia of the Romanian Orthodox Church have the canonical status. Ukrainian Orthodox Church  Kyiv Patriarchate is canonically not recognized.

Also, there is unrecognized Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church.

Related video:
PLEASE NOTE!

Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate!

All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited!

(One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!)
This exhibition coincides with an book on Agnes Martins artistic and life philosophy, titled Travels with Agnes, revealing visual relationships between Martin and Yank.

This exhibition is extremely significant and personal. Simultaneous with an upcoming book project on Agnes Martins artistic and life philosophy, titled Travels with Agnes, Yank and Turner Carroll present an exhibition that reveals visual relationships between one of New Mexicos most well-known contemporary artistsAgnes Martin, and the student she mentored for the last 17 years of her lifeNew Mexico sculptor Karen Yank.

Agnes and Karen met in 1987 at Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, in Maine. They met at a critical time in both of their lives. Yank had just graduated from art school, beginning her artistic career. Martin was at the end of her teaching career, and chose Yank as the human receptacle for her philosophies about art and living. She regarded Karen Yank as her true student on a profound philosophical level. As in John Steinbecks Travels with Charley, Martin had taken off in her truck, driving all over the U.S., ultimately choosing New Mexico as her home. Yank had chosen New Mexico as home, as well. Martin and Yank continued their close friend and mentor relationship after their return from Skowhegan to New Mexico, for the remainder of Agnes Martins life.

Martin unabashedly advised Yank on her sculptural works. She reminded Yank that we are unfolding flowers. We need to listen to life and let life tell us what is next, relinquishing control and opening ourselves to true inspiration. In the early years of Yanks career as an artist, Martin rejected the circle as too expansive because Martin, herself, had not been drawn to it as a vehicle for her own inspiration. One of the greatest insights in both Martins and Yanks artistic development was Martins response to Yanks circular, banded discs, created from steel in the late 1990s. Martin amazed both Yank and herself by declaring these circular shapes Yanks vision and her mature voice in her art. Martin said the circle was an obviously good choice for Yank and not for her, because Yanks use of metal made the circular works more object oriented than illusional. The expansiveness of the circular shaped sculptures helped reverse their object-ness and enable the viewer to enter into the various planes and energetic fields of the works.

Agnes Martin also shared much of her wisdom about how an artist could best conduct daily life. She pointed out to Yank some decisions she had made in her life that she later regretted. Some of the decisions Martin regretted are surprising, like her famous choice to cut herself off from society and live an isolated, solitary life. She encouraged Yank to fully engage, only pulling back from the outside world when she was deeply inspired to create her work, and then to partake again in the social life.

Toward the end of Agnes Martins life, she asked Yank to keep Martins artistic philosophies alive by conveying her teachings to younger artists. She believed Yank could continue her admonitions to younger artists to remain true to their artistic convictions and allow themselves to mature and unfold. She believed artists have to find meditative purity in their artistic practice, to achieve the peace and solid framework for their works. Martin wanted Yank to teach young artists generously, as she had taught Yank, as she grew from young to senior artist.

Yank has let Martins teachings ruminate in her mind since Martins death over a decade ago. She seen other books emerge about Martin, and she sees that Martins teachings have not yet emerged. She now feels like its not her choice, but her duty to her friend and mentor, to preserve Martins philosophies of art and life so other artists can benefit from her as she did.

Over the 17 years Martin and Yank spent together, Martin taught Yank to notice the small details of life, and to strive for contentment in every moment. In my life Agnes and I had a unique relationship. May she live on through her paintings, her teachings, and those who truly understand her genius.
A hybrid form of yoga that combines traditional yoga postures with modern yoga moves and a silk hammock. Pre-registration required.

Please note: Aerial Yoga at the Yoga Art Space studio requires pre-registration through our website at www.YogaArtSpace.com/calendar. If no one registers for a class, the class may be cancelled between 6-12 hours prior to the class start time. Though this event is shown as a regular, weekly class each week on the Alabi calendar, there are occasionally times when the class will be cancelled in advance such as for certain holidays. All updates and cancellations are on the studio calendar at www.YogaArtSpace.com/calendar.

What is Aerial yoga?

Aerial Yoga is a hybrid form of yoga that combines traditional yoga postures infused with modern yoga moves and an silk fabric hammock.

Do I need Previous Yoga Experience?

No previous yoga experience is not necessary to enjoy an Aerial yoga class. In fact it can be easier than normal yoga! The silk hammock acts like a support whenever you require it, almost like having your own personal yoga teacher giving you assistance throughout the entire yoga class! Another advantage of having the support of the hammock is that 90% of students are able to complete more challenging poses, such as handstands!

Can Everybody do Aerial Yoga?

Yes and no. Students who have had a previous injury can find Aerial yoga much easier to participate in then normal yoga. This is due to the the weight being evenly distributed between your body, the hammock and the earth.

People who suffer any of following contraindications are advised NOT to participate in an Aerial yoga class: if you have had recent surgery of any sort, if you suffer glaucoma, if you are pregnant, if you suffer a heart condition (including very high or low blow pressure), if you get vertigo, if you have had a recent stroke or a hernia, if you have osteoporosis or any bone weakness, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, or if you have had botox in the last six hours.

What Should I Wear?

All jewellery items must be removed before participating, a t-shirt must be worn to cover the armpit area and leggings are advised to avoid the silk rubbing on the skin and creating irritation. Please have clean feet or, alternatively, bring a pair of socks with you.
Residents of Azatamout, a community in Armenias Tavoush Province, staged a protest outside the cultural center this morning demanding the immediate resignation of Mayor Zhora Martirosyan.

The incident that sparked todays protest occurred on September 24 at the local elementary school.

According to school Principal Larisa Hakobyan, the mayors grandson pushed another classmate when the two were looking at a class book. The two boys exited the school and the mayors grandson hit the classmate.

The situation in the community deteriorated soon afterwards with the families and friends of the two boys splitting into camps and a round of name calling.

Hakobyan says Mayor Martirosyan visited the school the following say in an attempt to get the two boys to shake hands and reconcile, but to no avail.

That evening the parents of the two boys argued outside the cultural center and a knife fight ensued.

Hakobyan says the following day she saw some twenty cars blocking the road to the school. Parents werent allowing children to enter the school.

This story goes back years. The incident just sparked the latest round. The Republican Party of Armenia found that mayor, with a fourth-grade education, and stuck us with him, says Hakobyan.

Some 80% of eligible voters in Azatamout have signed a petition calling for Martirosyans resignation, arguing that hes unleashed a wave of intimidation in the community.

This past July, the Tavoush Provincial Government investigated the activities and decisions made by Martirosyan and found that he had been distributing monetary assistance to villagers without the permission of the municipal council.

For the past two years, Martirosyan and certain council members have been at loggerheads, accusing one another of procedural violations regarding budgetary expenditures.
An Armenian Army solider has been charged with the accidental killing of a fellow solider on September 26.

Armenias Investigative Committee reports that conscript soldier Aghasi Mkrtchyan, a junior sargent, was killed due to the negligence of another solider.

That solider, whose name has not been released, has been charged with Article 365 of the Armenian Criminal Code (Violation of combat duty regulations).
As of today, couples in Armenia having a second child will receive a one-time government payment of 150,000 drams ($310).

Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Maneh Tandilyan (photo) introduced the bill increasing the payment from 50,000 to 150,000 drams, arguing that having a second child is of strategic importance for Armenia.

Here are recent numbers for second child births in Armenia:

2014  16,051

2015  15,850

2016  15,032

The number of second child birth in Armenia during the second half of 2018 is predicted to be 7,500. Thus, the government will have to shell out an additional 375 million drams to cover the increased October-December payments.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan issued the following regarding the death today of Charles Aznavour.

Dear Compatriots,

I was deeply saddened by the news of Charles Aznavours passing: one of the greatest sons of the Armenian people left us in the 94th year of his life.

It is difficult to believe that the man has died who symbolized an entire epoch, who made history and generated immense love and served his own people  his two nations  just because Charles Aznavour used to say: I am 100% French and 100% Armenian. He fascinated, warmed up, and inspired dozens, hundreds of millions of people on all continents during 80 years of artistic activity.

This is a painful, gloomy day for our people and in our countrys history. The National Hero of Armenia has died. Undeniable is Charles Aznavours contribution to the establishment and strengthening of independent Armenia.

On behalf of the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian people, I express deepest condolences to the French people, Charles Aznavours hundreds of millions of fans around the world. I convey my condolences to all of us, the entire Armenian people.

This is a truly universal loss because Aznavour created not only national but also universal values that will be leading humanity to love and solidarity for many years ahead by pushing people to virtue.
Although Babette's presentation about The Fraud of Transgenderism was notable, I chose not to expound upon what she said, but instead decided to highlight two speakers from across the pond and one from the U.S., all of whom spoke about security issues faced by this nation, and to a much greater degree in Europe. Each speaker had a high regard for this nation and President Trump. Their remarks were thought provoking and at times surprising in what was revealed.

Phyllis Schlaflys Gateway Eagle Council XLVII from September 14-15-16 at the St. Louis Airport Marriott offered a stellar line-up of speakers from this country, but there were also two speakers from "across the pond" and even one from down under in Australia, Babette Francis . Babette was born and raised in India before meeting her Australian Husband. She is one of the founding members of Endeavor Forum Inc., a pro-life, pro-family Australian women's organization that has links to similar groups overseas.

Tony Shaffer, London Center for Policy Research: Trump is Winning on Immigration and Europe Agrees

Lt. Col. Tony Shaffer spoke on the afternoon of Saturday, September 15. Lt. Col. Shaffer (retired) is a highly experienced intelligence officer, a recipient of the Bronze Star, with 30 years of field and operational experience. He has testified before Congress on key intelligence issues, lectured at the U.S, Army War College and is a nationally known Subject Matter Expert (SME) intelligence collection and policy, terrorism, date mining, situational awareness and adaptive/disruptive technologies.

Initially, Shaffer referenced a joint press conference that took place on July 13, 2018, at the prime ministers country home in Chequers. When asked to elaborate on his comments on immigration Trump said: Allowing immigration to take place in Europe is a shame. . . I think it's been very bad for Europe. . . I think it's changing the culture."

Lt. Col. Shaffer believes the invasion of immigrants is not happening by accident. It was deliberate as chaos benefits the political Left. Wars in Syria and Iraq helped create what is on-going in Europe, the expansion of Islam. As such, we helped create the existing conditions in Europe. According to Shaffer, migration is "a political movement that is taking place by the radical element in society today. It destroys Western culture."

Europeans are beginning to realize that immigration is not really benefiting them, but the European Union remains congenial to the invasion of immigrants despite the existence of sleeper cells ready to spread terror. Saudi Arabia could help by building whole cites in the desert to house the refugees, but, according to Shaffer, Saudi Arabia wants the Islam religion to spread.

In speaking about President Obama and why his administration had so many failures, Shaffer gave this explanation: "All solutions were based on a political point they wanted to score. Refusing to act on what was reality, political motivation became the norm." According to Shaffer, the Obama administration wanted the crisis to remain in North Korea.

Said Shaffer, "Europe has become a basket case. Obama said it would take ten years to defeat ISIS. Trump told the Pentagon to kill, and Trump did so in less than two years. We must encourage those in Europe to think for themselves and then make good choices. A looming issue right now is Turkey. There is the continued detention in Turkey of Andrew Brunson, an American evangelical pastor who faces 35 years in prison on charges of espionage and terrorism. Controversy also exists over the sale of F-35 to Turkey over its Russia deal



Tarczynski with Ed Martin and Jim Hoft Bystron with Martin and Hoft

Polish Parliamentarian MP Dominik Tarczynski and German Parliamentarian MP Petr Bystron discuss National Sovereignty

Dominik Tarczynski is an MP in the Polish Parliament. He serves as the vice president of the European Conservatives in Council in Europe. Dominik is also the chairman of the Subcommittee on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership between the United States and the European Union.

Petr Bystron is the Speaker of the Alternative for Germany party (AfD) on the Foreign Policy Committee of the German Bundestag. He was born in Olomouc, former Czechoslovakia in 1972, and came to Germany in 1988 as a political refugee and joined the European-critical AfD in 2013. He is currently one of the 10 most popular German politicians on social media.

Eagle Awards were presented to Tarczynski and Bystron at an awards dinner on Saturday night, September 15. As Ed Martin, president of Phyllis Schlafly Eagles said: "Both of these men have had a great impact on the fight for freedom in Europe! Phyllis Schlafly created the Eagle Award to honor those who dedicate their work to God, Family, and Country. Dominik Tarczynski and Petr Bystron are doing just that!

During the final morning of Eagle Council XLVII, Sunday, Sunday, September 16, Dominik and Petr participated in a panel discussion: Future of the European Union. Brett Decker was the moderator. Decker has written and provided strategic communications advice for projects in the U.S., Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Brett is the co-author of Phyllis Schlafy's book, The Conservative Case for Trump.

Brett Decker revealed that back in 2012, four years prior to Trump's election, he had a long conversation with Trump. At the time Phyllis said that he might be our guy.

As moderator, Decker prefaced his discussion by citing that Europe is in the eye of the storm in its war between Islam and Christianity. We have radical Islam invading Europe in a madness started by Leftists. It's about Europe's identity as a Christian culture. Europe is also facing globalism at hyper speed. Poignant questions were then posed to Bystron and Tarczynski by Decker, such as the future of Europe and the Trump factor.

I was taken back when Germany's Petr Bystron said, "America doesn't care about Europe." As to the future of Europe, Bystron spoke of the difference between Europe and the European Union. According to Bystron, the European Union doesn't have a long future because of its bureaucratic control. Since 1990 EU has become steadily worse. It now has a monetary unit that doesn't work. We were told that we had to save the Greeks. We did save some banks in the process, but it's money Europe will never see again.

On immigration, Bystron related how German Chancellor Angela Merkel opened Germany's borders in 2008 to immigrants. Now immigrants cross over seven countries to get to Germany. It has become too much for Germany, so Merkel now wants to spread the immigrants around Europe, enforcing other countries to take refugees, but EUs 28 members disagree on a common asylum policy and a fair distribution of refugees. The row has split the bloc for three years and shows no signs of being resolved. Crime associated with the refugees has become a problem in Germany and throughout Europe.

Poland's Tarczynski stressed how the future of Europe depends on fighting for its identity. If we don't do so, no one will fight for us. Our identity is found in our DNA. We must fight for it or become Muslim. It is a question of whether Europe wants Roman or Sharia law. If Europe allows jihadists to take over, Europe will be dead. Angela Merkel is looking for cheap labor, for which Bystron called her naive. Thoughts expressed about this nation: "If America will be great again, the world will be safe. America is a great ally of Poland. The future of Europe depends on Donald Trump. Do we want Roman law or Sharia law?"

As to the press in Germany (and in the rest of Europe), Bystron referred to it as the "yellow press", not unlike the media in this nation. He cited an example of media bias when Michelle Obama was presented as representing the next Jackie, while first lady Melania Trump was completely ignored.

Those in Bystron's party in Germany are called Nazis, although his party has in it the second largest number of foreigners. According to Bystron, Merkel's invitation for immigrants to come to Europe has nothing to do with humanity. She instead wants poor people to exploit. Said Bystron: If Merkel really wanted to help people, she would help them in their country of origin.

Keeping on the theme of immigration, Tarczynski of Poland called the whole immigration thing a new religion. Christianity has been replaced with the idea of helping and caring especially for the migrant population. Those of us who fight back against the Left are called Fascists or Nazis. Has the Left forgotten that Stalin killed 200 million to Hitler's 60 million? The same Leftist press exists in Europe, with name calling and bullying, if Leftist views are challenged.
Comunicado de Prensa | El Gobierno del Peru expresa sus condolencias por las perdidas humanas y su solidaridad hacia el Gobierno y el pueblo de Indonesia afectados por el terremoto y tsunami ocurridos recientemente en la isla Celebes.



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Doris Humphrey

Recovering a trailblazer

by Susan Isaacs Nisbett

From the October, 2018 issue

Fall and recovery were bedrock in the technique of modern dance pioneer Doris Humphrey (1895-1958). The movements literally underpin her elegant, powerful dances--which I first discovered as a fledgling dance critic at the 1976 American Dance Festival Critics Conference. I was awed and affected, struck by how she moved masses of dancers in unison and counterpoint; by how she used platforms to layer the space; and by the deep emotional resonance of the dancers' spiraling descents and rises, the simplicity of melding the many into a grand unity.



Fall and recovery is also a useful metaphor for Humphrey's legacy. Though she was one of the finest modern dance trailblazers, she remains largely unknown. U-M dance faculty members Jillian Hopper and Christian Matijas-Mecca aim to change that with an October 2 concert. U-M, EMU, and area dancers will perform three of Humphrey's dances--"Air," "Passacaglia" and "Brandenburg Concerto No. 4"--at Hill Auditorium, in the unlikely setting of the final concert of the annual U-M Organ Conference.



In fact, the fit between the Humphrey project and the U-M Organ Conference seems preordained. Organ conference organizers had planned not only a concert devoted to Bach's organ and ensemble music but also a conference theme of women trailblazers. Humphrey--a woman directing her own company and creating groundbreaking choreography--worshipped Bach. She turned to Bach in her dances more to than any other composer, in part, she wrote, for the sense of movement in his music, "based on dances of forgotten men and women."



The exigencies and practices of her time meant dancing to piano reductions or transcriptions or to recordings. Hopper and Matijas-Mecca say the October concert will be the first time all three dances have been on the same program with live music, performed in Bach's original scoring.



Music lovers may know Bach's Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor through the Stokowski orchestral transcription. The rendering on the Hill Auditorium organ will produce what Humphrey likely had in her ear as inspiration

...continued below...

for the grandeur of the 1938 dance, set for an ensemble of just under twenty.For the 1928 "Air," for five dancers (including Hopper), the U-M Baroque Chamber Orchestra will play the Air from Bach's Suite no. 3, giving sonic reality to Humphrey's search for "a regal air that filled the physical space."And fourteen dancers will take the stage for Humphrey's 1958 "Brandenburg Concerto No. 4." The last work she made, it was not staged until after her death.This unique collaboration offers just a sliver of Humphrey's genius, but it's a fine start to putting her back in the starry firmament where she belongs. Hopper says, "We want to do Doris proud." [Originally published in October, 2018.]
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Canada agreed late Sunday to sign on to a trade deal between the United States and Mexico, revamping the three-country North American Free Trade Agreement after more than a year of negotiations, CNN reports.

Just hours before a midnight deadline, the US and Canadian governments agreed to a deal that would allow US farmers greater access to Canada's dairy market and address concerns about potential US auto tariffs, officials from both countries said.

The agreement with Canada and Mexico  two of the United States' biggest trading partners  fulfills President Donald Trump's campaign pledge to renegotiate NAFTA and avoids his threat to exclude Canada if the talks failed.

The new deal has a new name: the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

"It will strengthen the middle class, and create good, well-paying jobs and new opportunities for the nearly half billion people who call North America home," said US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland in a joint statement.

Negotiators from the three countries spent all weekend working over the phone, hoping to keep the nearly 25-year-old deal alive.

Earlier in the evening, Trump was briefed on the nearly finalized negotiations by Lighthizer and White House adviser Jared Kushner.

The Trump administration plans to send the new deal to Congress, starting a 60-day review period before Trump can sign it. Congress can suggest changes during that time.

Negotiators from the three countries began talks about updating NAFTA more than a year ago. Trump had campaigned on ripping up the trade pact, calling it "the worst deal maybe ever signed."

Canada and Mexico are the United States' second and third largest trading partners after China. A deal that left one of them out could cause chaos for businesses that rely on imports.

The US Chamber of Commerce has said it would be "unacceptable to sideline Canada, our largest export market in the world."

Vehicles, machinery and agricultural products make up much of the goods traded between the countries.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 1, ARMENPRESS. UNESCOs committee on the 1999 Second Protocol to the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict held a session September 27 at the UNESCO headquarters where among others, the issue of granting The Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley Enhanced Protection was debated. The Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Armenia, the foreign ministry said.

The committee unanimously voted in favor of including the bid in the agenda of the upcoming sitting of the 1999 Second Protocols intergovernmental commission.

The monastery of Geghard contains a number of churches and tombs, most of them cut into the rock, which illustrate the very peak of Armenian medieval architecture. The complex of medieval buildings is set into a landscape of great natural beauty, surrounded by towering cliffs at the entrance to the Azat Valley.

Enhanced protection is a mechanism established by the 1999 Second Protocol to the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. It aims to ensure full and effective protection of specifically designated cultural property during international or non-international armed conflicts.

Cultural property under enhanced protection benefits from high level immunity which requires the parties to a conflict to refrain from making such property the object of attack or from any use of the property or its immediate surroundings to support military action. In case where individuals do not respect the enhanced protection granted to a cultural property, criminal sanctions have been laid down by the 1999 Second Protocol.

As of today, twelve cultural properties were inscribed on the List of Cultural Property under Enhanced Protection.

To ensure the recognition and identification of cultural property under enhanced protection, particularly during the conduct of hostilities, in order to ensure the effectiveness of the provisions of the 1999 Second Protocol and, more particularly, to contribute to the effectiveness of Article 12 of the 1999 Second Protocol on the Immunity of cultural property under enhanced protection, the following distinctive emblem was established by the Sixth Meeting of the States Parties.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Armenian President Armen Sarkissian has congratulated President of China Xi Jinping on the countrys National Day, Sarkissians office said.

Armenia attaches great importance to the continuous development and strenghening of relations in different areas with China, and we are pleased that since establishing diplomatic relations the cooperation between our countries based on mutual respect and trust has significantly progressed, reaching new heights, the Armenian president, in part, said in the cable.

The PRC was founded on September 21, 1949, with a ceremony celebrating the forming of the Central People's Government taking place in Tiananmen Square on October 1 that year. The Central People's Government passed the Resolution on the National Day of the People's Republic of China on December 2, 1949, and declared that October 1 is the National Day.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 1, ARMENPRESS. A Yerevan court has approved the prosecutions motion on extending the jail term of Kevin (Kemal) Oksuz, the Turkish-born US citizen who was apprehended in the Armenian capital by law enforcement agencies in pursuance of an American-issued international arrest warrant.

The Prosecutor Generals Office told ARMENPRESS that the remand term of Oksuz has been extended by two months. He was previously remanded into custody for 30 days on September 3.

As reported earlier, the United States has requested Armenian authorities to extradite Oksuz, the lobbyist who is wanted for perjury.

But on September 7, Armenian authorities said that they too have launched an investigation into Oksuz for suspected tax evasion in Armenia.

Details about the extradition or the Armenian investigation werent immediately clear.

Read more on the story:

Oksuz case, PART 3: Arrested Turkish mystery-man under investigation by Armenian law enforcement for tax evasion involving Yerevan-based business

Kemal Oksuz case, part 2: Top level anti-Armenian Gulenist lobbyist tied to infamous Azerbaijani Laundromat case

Yerevan Police catch huge fish: Kemal Oksuzs controversial past raises eyebrows

United States requests Armenia to extradite Kevin Oksuz

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Yerevan will host the Eurasian Week  the largest annual business forum in the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). The event is initiated by the Eurasian Economic Commission and supported by the Armenian ministry of economic development and investments and the governmental Business Armenia Fund. It will be held October 22-24.

Nearly 2500 companies from the EEU are expected to participate at the event. An additional 250 companies from non-EEU countries will also be represented.

The companies represent the following areas: agricultural reprocessing and food industry, pharmaceuticals and medical production, light industry, construction material production, IT and precision engineering, jewelry.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is suggesting placing the logic behind the Velvet Revolution that took place in Armenia at the basis of transforming the countrys economy.

Speaking on Facebook, the Armenian PM emphasized that the revolution was carried out not by the team of political leaders, but by the people. Our role was to create a opportunity, create a platform, an arena, a square, where you will have the chance to carry out a revolution. We see the same logic in the economy. We must create conditions: fair taxation system, economic competition conditions, where everyone will have the chance to carry out economic activities within their skills and talents, he said.

The PM added that it is also important to think about not only accessibility, but also price-wise to generate affordable resources of funding and loaning and infuse it towards businesses. We imagine our further economic development through these very mechanisms, he said. Simultaneously to these reforms, also by ensuring political stability, we must be able to attract investors in order to be able to boost our economy, he said.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan argues that as long as early elections of parliament havent taken place in Armenia, the economy and businesses will be on hold until they get some sort of a mid-term prospect.

According to Pashinyan, businesses must know that there will be a stable parliamentary majority for five years, which will work with the government.

And, besides, today a clear peoples demand for early elections of parliament has been developed and starting today I will begin discussions with representatives of parliamentary forces about this issue, he said on Facebook.

He said that for the beginning he will commence working discussions, which will be followed by official discussions.

We will discuss how and through what methods can we reach speedy snap elections of parliament. I am hopeful that we will succeed in reaching an agreement with political forces and parliamentary forces over this issue and that there wont be a need to request the assistance of the citizens. Although if such a necessity will indeed exist, I hope that you all will be ready to support this political process in one way or another, the PM said.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyans spouse Mrs. Anna Hakobyan has delivered a speech at the World Cancer Leaders Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mrs. Hakobyans office said.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Dear participants,

It is a great honor for me to speak to such a distinguished audience today and I am truly excited to avail of this opportunity to speak from this high tribune about such an important issue as cancer, and in particular  childhood cancer. To be quite frank with you, it was really hard for me to personally assume this responsibility, and furthermore, agree to the suggestion of our dear Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan on attending this vitally important summit, and further on  the conference, not to mention about delivering a formal speech.

Why was it hard? Because there stands the issue of having enough knowledge on the topic: I am a journalist, editor-in-chief of a newspaper. Furthermore, healthcare was never among the key directions of topics I covered as a journalist. I asked myself: what can I say to these people, what do I have to offer them, and the opposite? And here I am, standing in front of you and speaking to you, which indicates that I have found the answers to these questions. I did not need much for that. All I had to do was to recall the meetings I had with children with cancer, their looks, the warmth and trust these looks contained, our games and dances together and their smiles at me. As I remembered this picture, I realized that nothing was too hard for me any longer, and I would do everything I could to support these children to have a healthy and happy childhood. And I would even stand in front of people having highest standing and undeniable contribution in this field. What did I find out within this short period after becoming the chairwoman of one of the largest cancer foundations in Armenia  City of Smile? First of all, I would like to say that our foundation is an umbrella to almost all other foundations dealing with this issue in our country. We took that step realizing that in order to respond to the challenge best, we need to consolidate all endeavors, just as we all in this venue have united in an attempt to identify common solutions for overpowering cancer not only in separate countries, but rather in the whole world. Hence, I would like to highlight my findings which, as a matter of fact, were only positive ones. First, I discovered that cancer was not terrible. Second, all you need to manage and overcome cancer are financial resources, good will and determination, since the science and medicine have accomplished the rest, meaning - they have disclosed an array of keys to conquer this disease and keep improving those. Thirdly, I came to realize that there are people who make every effort to raise and direct necessary financial resources. However, in many countries of the world this disease still remains to be a sentence, children with cancer continue to die.

We have countries  rich and developed, where the overall mortality rate for childhood cancer amounts to 20%, whereas we have countries where this percentage ranges from 80-90. To me, this is the statistics that we need to change at the earliest. Its not the fault of the child with cancer that he or she was not born in Switzerland, United States or in the United Kingdom so as to overcome the disease instead of being condemned to death. My deepest belief is that there are sufficient financial resources in the world for each and every one regardless of their country. All we need is to mobilize these resources and have enough will to allocate them appropriately and equally. Sure enough it is not easy; it is a huge work, nevertheless, this is the key essence and purpose of our today's meeting. In my opinion, the shortest possible way to solution is to expand the coverage and geography of the world-class cancer centers and ensure the accessibility of these services for people living in all corners of the world. This means that such centers as those in Harvard or Oxford should not be just one or two, but rather they have to be established across all regions to make them accessible for everyone with cancer, and deliver adequate and quality services to them. And although it may sound too bold, yet this is the type of center we strive to establish in Armenia to serve not only the population of our country, but also that of the entire region. We certainly cannot do this without your support, and I want to assure you that we are firm enough in our efforts to obtain your backing and to ensure high level solution of the issue. Over the recent years, huge efforts were made in Armenia to overcome cancer. The childhood cancer mortality rate in our country has dropped from 90 percent to 30. And, we can further improve these indicators and record similar progress across the whole region. We are willing to support with all available means and uphold the efforts to establish similar centers in other regions as well. We have to, eventually, put an end to this common reality when cancer is curable for the rich and incurable for the poor. Ladies and gentlemen, there are hundreds of children and adults awaiting for me in my country, and I very much want to return to them with good news that we can help them endure this disease as lightly as possible, to overcome it once and forever and fully integrate into public life. It is my great wish to be the first to inform them about such a hospital or a center as St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital or King Hussein Cancer Center to open in our region as well, and anyone who will ever come to confront this disease, will have the chance to get appropriate treatment and service just as the citizens of other rich and developed countries. Let me once again reaffirm that we are committed to be one of the most active players of the global cancer community and contribute in making the treatment of this disease accessible to everyone. I am grateful for your attention and I would like to thank Princess Dina for supporting us. Please look after your health since what you do is much needed by hundreds of thousands.

Thank you, Mrs. Hakobyan said in her remarks, according to her office.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 1, ARMENPRESS. People who have contacted police to report possible sightings of the 14-year-old missing boy from the village of Ayntap have been questioned by law enforcement agencies, according to the General Prosecutors Office.

14-year-old Hayk Harutyunyan (pictured above) has gone missing on June 8, with massive search operations leading to nowhere.

At the beginning of the investigation the people who had given information about sightings have been questioned. The locations were people [purportedly] spotted the child have been searched, spokesperson of the prosecution Arevik Khachatryan told ARMENPRESS.

A local office of the prosecution in the native province of the child is regularly maintaining contact with the boys parents.

Hayks mother has said that an unknown person has phoned her, but did not speak. She called the number back, but no one answered the call. The identity of the caller is being clarified, Khachatryan said.

Ten days after being declared missing, police launched a criminal case on possible murder as part of a standard operating procedure.

The investigation hasnt led anywhere so far.

The boy, Hayk Harutyunyan , a local of a village of Ararat province, has gone missing on June 8. The 14-year-old suffers from autism.

Anyone having any information about the whereabouts of the boy is urged to contact police by dialing 911.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Lusavor Hayastan (Bright Armenia) party will support any scenario to achieve early elections of parliament, MP Edmon Marukyan (Yelk (Way Out) faction) told reporters today. He stressed that currently they dont know which specific scenario Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will recommend for the matter.

Asked to comment on rumors claiming that elections should be held until year-end, Marukyan said in this event all other circumstances should be guaranteed. If guaranteed, indeed, we dont see any problems, he said.

He said that they are ready for snap elections.

This is a matter of broad consolidation, which I commend, he added. He said that the government hasnt yet addressed them for negotiations.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan argues that as long as early elections of parliament havent taken place in Armenia, the economy and businesses will be on hold until they get some sort of a mid-term prospect.

According to Pashinyan, businesses must know that there will be a stable parliamentary majority for five years, which will work with the government.

And, besides, today a clear peoples demand for early elections of parliament has been developed and starting today I will begin discussions with representatives of parliamentary forces about this issue, he said on Facebook.

He said that for the beginning he will commence working discussions, which will be followed by official discussions.

We will discuss how and through what methods can we reach speedy snap elections of parliament. I am hopeful that we will succeed in reaching an agreement with political forces and parliamentary forces over this issue and that there wont be a need to request the assistance of the citizens. Although if such a necessity will indeed exist, I hope that you all will be ready to support this political process in one way or another, the PM said.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 1, ARMENPRESS. French President Emmanuel Macron has made a condolence post on his twitter microblog, ARMENPRESS reports Macron wrote that Aznavours masterpieces will continue to have a long life.

Deeply French, viscerally attached to his Armenian roots, recognized throughout the world, Charles Aznavour has accompanied the joys and sorrows of three generations. His masterpieces, his timbre, his unique shine will continue to have a long life, Macron wrote.

Aznavour died today at the age of 94 on October 1.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikopl Pashinyan received newly-appointed Executive Director of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund Haykak Arshamyan and member of the Board of Trustees of the Fund Bedros Terzian. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the official website of the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan congratulated Haykak Arshamyan on the occasion of appointment to the position of director of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund and hoped that with his appointment the Fund will get a new life and impetus. I am aware that during this period quite a lot of problems have emerged in front of the Fund which need an immediate solution. Its necessary to have a clear vision of how they should be solved. Mr. Terzian, I want to thank you for your role and efforts you assumed during this crisis period, Pashinyan said, hoping that the new director and the Board of Trustees of the Fund will be able to develop and implement concrete development projects.

Bedros Terzian also congratulated Haykak Arshamyan, expressing confidence that he is the best person for that position.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan discussed the issue of holding early parliamentary elections with head of the parliamentary faction of the Republican Party of Armenia Vahram Baghdasaryan, Pashinyan told the reporters after the meeting, adding that this was the first meeting for the discussion of the early parliamentary elections.

We exchanged views on that issue and agreed that a negotiation process should start, Pashinyan said. He added that people should not expect that a decision could be made based on one meeting.

The PM said that the elections should take place as soon as possible.

Pashinyan noted that irrespective of the results of the early elections, the political opposition will not be represented less than it is now.

1/3 of the National Assembly has to represent opposition. Instead, we will have the situation when the Government will have parliamentary majority and it will give an opportunity to act freely and engage in the solution of the countrys problems. We will have legitimate authorities and legitimate minority. Even if the 2nd party collects 5% of the votes, its representation will be increased to 1/3 with the help of the bonus system, Pashinyan emphasized.

He informed that at the moment the Republican Party has not given consent on holding early parliamentary elections.

Vahram Baghdasaryan noted that they have agreed with the PM to continue with the negotiations. He added that if one political force is against early parliamentary elections, elections should not be held, since the future parliament has to reflect the wish of all the forces.

According to him, the Republican Party will start preparations for the next parliamentary elections and time will show if these elections will be early or regular.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan


In many ways, the court in Kilis is like any other. Its not a happy place for most of the people who walk through the doors.

On Thursday morning, a fight between two families spilled onto the street. A woman was being punched and kicked by a number of men, and she was fighting back.

Police ran in, one officer cocked his gun. The parties dispersed.

Then, from across the street I heard a thud, and turned to see that same woman, and one of her male companions (possibly a brother, husband or son) emerge from a vehicle.

Theyd seemingly gone and got their car, and rundown one of her attackers. He lay on the ground, screaming.

Even more police arrive, in cars, on motorbikes. Lights and sirens blaring. This time theyre carrying AK-47s. Theres more yelling, more anger.

Ive seen plenty of scraps between families at Australian courts, but in Kilis, everything is heightened. Including the arguments between opposing families. This is just another day, another case in Kilis Court.

A Turkish court has declined an extradition request for Australian-born terrorist Neil Prakash. Image: AAP

Ive now travelled to the dusty place, just minutes from the Syrian border four times.

It is a city uneasy in its location.

On our visit in February, Operation Olive Branch was in full swing. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans attempt to push Islamic State and rebel groups away from the Turkish border.

One lunchtime, a succession of cars and utes honking their horns drove through town. Turkish flags fluttered from the open windows, as did real olive branches. Overt support for the military operation, which you cannot miss. Every 20 minutes or so, we heard the boom of another air strike just over the border.

And each time we visit, we hear complaints from locals about the impacts of Syrian refugees on their community. In April last year, they were pushing down wages because they were prepared to work for nothing. This week, a kebab shop owner complained of a water shortage because the extra residents had put a strain on infrastructure.

The huge gates on the border, just down the road from the city centre, attempt to keep out refugees from the civil war in Syria out; the refugee camps are just inside Syrian territory. The gates are also meant to keep out terrorists. Returning foreign fighters who joined Islamic State, or those whove been trained to carry out attacks in Turkey and the West.

Story continues

So, when an accused terrorist appears in the court in Kilis, its not terribly unusual.

Image: 7 News / Hugh Whitfield

Like in Australia, the court list is pinned to a notice board just outside the court room.

Listed to appear in court 2 at 11.10am on Thursday were four men. A joint appearance, all accused of being a member of a terrorist organisation and spreading terrorist propaganda.

And listed just below, a name that stood out from the rest, the only one with a Western sounding name. Neil Christopher Prakash. Listed for 11.30am.

Another court appearance for the Cambodian-Australian, who Canberra failed to have extradited home.

This time, he has a new lawyer appointed by the court who is yet to meet his client, who has languished in a Turkish gaol cell for nearly two years.

We file into court four and a half hours late because the court couldnt find an English interpreter until a local school teacher finished lessons for the day and could make it to the court house.

And when we are in there, the air conditioning is turned off. There is a collective sigh of concern. This will be uncomfortable.

Image: 7 News / Hugh Whitfield

Not as uncomfortable as life for Neil Prakash is, who becomes visible on the television screen attached to the court wall. Hes appearing via video link from the nearby jail.

Walking towards the camera, he sits down, rubs his face. It looks like hes been woken from a deep slumber. Dressed in a maroon t-shirt, his black hair is cropped, his beard trimmed.

Through the broken English of the teacher-turned-court translator, the interrogation begins. Prakash is referred to by his middle name, Chris.

The judges questions last 35 minutes.

How long were you a member of Islamic State in Syria?

Have you ever done army education or religious lessons with them?

Have you been in a battle or have you used weapons?

Prakashs narrative has changed while hes been in custody.

Today the consistent tone of his answers is that he is regretful.

Image: 7 News / Hugh Whitfield

He claims that he travelled to Syria in 2013 because I saw the Syrian people were in trouble, people were being bombed.

He explains his journey as a new Muslim from Australia via Istanbul, then a bus to Hatay, and a taxi to the border town Reyhanli, before crossing the border into Syria and first joining Ahrar-al-Sham, a rebel group fighting the Assad regime.

Then, he apparently ran into Australians who had already joined Islamic State in Syria, signed up to the deadly terror group, then was forced to the appear in their recruitment videos that circulated online.

And once he wanted to leave, he claims his life was at risk, and he ran.

The court is shown a photo of Prakash holding a Kalishnikov rifle. Under duress according to Prakash, just like all those videos he made calling for jihad. He looks and sounds like a fighter, but denies he was.

Prakash sounds like a child whos found himself in over his head. A nervous, doubtful Australian accent cutting through the chaos of the Turkish court.

What isnt mentioned is the claims of the Australian Government, which has been forced to observer status in this process (there are two consular staff watching on) after losing an extradition application.

The trial of Prakash is underway in the Turkish town of Kilis. Image: 7 News / Hugh Whitfield

Canberra contests the Melbourne-born Prakash was more than a man who lost his way with Islamic State. He was a crucial influencer, who helped radicalise the teens who carried out attacks in Melbourne and Sydney.

Australia wont get a chance to put Prakash on trial for up to 15 years. Thats how long he faces in a Turkish prison if hes convicted here in Kilis. The judge says You will be a prisoner for a while, if you like, you can give information on the organisation of Islamic State. You can give information in written form.

Homework for Prakash before he returns to court in December.

I dont know anything about them, he says, after earlier saying he spent three years with the most feared terror group on the planet, including time in their self professed capital, Raqqa.

Prakash walks from the video link room, and we leave the court.

Outside the Australians new lawyer tells me The most important thing he said today is that he accepts guilt. According to the indictment he said that he went there to fight.

His lawyer might be a help or a hinderance to his case. Just another case in Kilis Court.

Hugh Whitfield, 7 News Europe Bureau Chief
The International Court of Justice on Monday ruled against landlocked Bolivia in a row with Chile over access to the Pacific Ocean that dates back to the 19th century. Bolivia lost its prized route to the sea in a 1879-1883 war with Chile, and Santiago has rejected every attempt since then by its smaller and poorer neighbour to win back its coastline. La Paz took Santiago to the top UN court in The Hague in 2013 to try to force it to the negotiating table over the maritime spat, a long-running strain on relations between the two South American countries. "The court by 12 votes to three finds that the Republic of Chile did not undertake a legal obligation to negotiate a sovereign access for the... state of Bolivia," judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf said at the end of a judgement that took an hour and 20 minutes to read out. The judge said, however, he hoped that "with willingness on the part of both parties meaningful negotiations can be undertaken". Bolivia's leftist President Evo Morales -- who has used the issue to boost support at home as he seeks a fourth term in office -- attended the court in person for the verdict. "Bolivia will never give up" its claim, Morales told reporters afterwards. "The people of the world know that Bolivia had an invasion and we had our sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean taken away from us." - 'False expectations' - The ICJ was set up after World War II to rule in disputes between UN member states. The court's findings are binding and cannot be appealed, although it has no real power to enforce them. Chile and Bolivia have had no diplomatic relations since 1978 when Bolivia's last major attempt to negotiate a passage to the Pacific broke down in acrimony. The War of the Pacific pitted Bolivia and Peru on one side against Chile on the other, and saw battles fought in the Pacific Ocean, the Andes mountains and even in the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world. Decades of post-independence border tensions in South America were finally ignited by a dispute over Bolivian attempts to tax a Chilean company mining saltpetre, a mineral used in fertilizer that was at the time replacing the traditional use of guano, the excrement of seabirds and bats. Chilean President Sebastian Pinera lashed out at his Bolivian counterpart as he hailed the ICJ's decision. "President Evo Morales of Bolivia has created false expectations in his own people, and has created great frustration in his own people," he said in a statement. "We have lost five valuable years of the healthy and necessary relationship that Chile needs with all neighbouring countries, including Bolivia." - 'The struggle continues!' - Morales has weaponised the dispute to boost his popularity at home where the importance of the issue is underscored by the fact that Bolivia still has a navy despite lack of access to the sea. A small crowd of Bolivian protesters waved flags, played pan pipes and banged drums outside the Peace Palace for the verdict, shouting "The struggle continues!" "Of course we are sad about the decision. We?re a small country, but we?re not Switzerland or Luxembourg. We need access to export and import our goods,? said Gabriella Telleria, 50, one of the protesters. ?We asked for justice and we didn?t get it,? she told AFP. Bolivia says regaining the 400 kilometres (260 miles) of coastline along the northern tip of Chile that it lost in the war would stimulate growth and development in South America's poorest country. Bolivian activists said the loss of the Chuquicamata mine, the world's largest open-pit copper mine which is situated in the disputed area, has also badly hit the country's indigenous peoples. For its part, Santiago says the border is based on a 1904 peace treaty signed with Bolivia in the wake of the War of the Pacific and therefore must be respected. Meanwhile, Chile has opened its own case against Bolivia over the Silala waterway, which flows into the Atacama desert and which La Paz has threatened to divert. Bolivia -- South America's poorest country -- became landlocked after losing a four-year war against Chile at the end of the 19th century, forfeiting territory and its access to the Pacific coast Bolivia says regaining its territory which comprises of several hundred kilometres of coastline along the northern tip of Chile will stimulate growth and development Based in The Hague, the International Court of Justice was set up in 1945 to rule on border and territorial disputes between nations
Whoever wins Brazil's presidential election on October 7 will have their work cut out juggling market pressure to implement austerity measures while trying to drag 23 million people out of poverty. According to a World Bank report presented to the 13 candidates, Latin America's biggest economy is facing "three main challenges: a major fiscal imbalance... a lack of sustainable growth in productivity... (and) the state's ever increasing difficulty in providing basic public services." In Brazil, "part of the population still lives in the 19th century and the other part is already in the 21st century," says Marcelo Neri, an economist at the socioeconomic think tank Getulio Vargas Foundation. Neri says millions of Brazilians have a poor education, live without access to water and sanitation, and are confronted by "levels of violence worthy of a war." As for the economy, it's struggling. Public debt hit 77 percent of gross domestic product in July, up from 56 percent in 2014. The World Bank says it won't stabilize unless Brazil manages an unlikely 4.0 percent annual growth through to 2030. Without deep structural reforms, the debt could reach 140 percent of GDP, the World Bank says. While hugely unpopular outgoing President Michel Temer has frozen public spending, he has left hanging the delicate question of pension reform, considered by the markets as a cornerstone to fiscal consolidation. - Pensions and public deficit - Most presidential candidates are proposing pension reform and a program to reduce the public deficit, but without going into specifics on the figures for fear of losing votes. Right wing frontrunner Jair Bolsonaro has proposed a transition towards a system of funded pensions and a 20 percent reduction in the public debt through "privatization and sales." His closest rival, the leftist Fernando Haddad, is offering the opposite: "an end to privatization" while he intends to "increase employment" and "battle tax dodging" in order to balance the public books. Former Sao Paulo state governor Geraldo Alckmin has made an ambitious promise to wipe out the public debt "in two years" through privatization and a simplified tax system. The problem is that while candidates focus on trying to win votes, they might ignore the most pressing issues affecting those most in need. Neri says the country needs social "inclusion policies" but fears that "the elections aren't heading in that direction." Six million (33 percent) more people live in poverty than in 2014, the Getulio Vargas foundation says. There are also 13 million people unemployed in a country with a population of 208 million that ranks ninth in the world in terms of social inequality. Marcos Lisboa, president of teaching and research institute, Insper, is concerned that all the candidates are traveling a worryingly well-trodden road. "The worry is that debates on the most urgent problems are ditched in favor of proposals that either reproduce the disaster the country went through these last few years, or that promise the moon," says Lisboa. Brazil needs to choose the "middle path," says Neri, between those who advocate austerity after two years of recession followed by two more of weak growth, and those who believe that such a policy would finish off the sick patient. Whichever of the Brazilian presidental candidates wins will have their work cut out for them contending with the country's economy An aerial view of a favela, one of several thousand such impoverished areas in Brazil
Cameroon's restive anglophone regions were in lockdown on Monday as separatists marked the first anniversary of a symbolic "independence" declaration just a week before a nationwide presidential poll. A 48-hour curfew was imposed on English-speaking towns in the regions which have been rocked by deadly clashes sparked by the majority francophone country's sensitive linguistic divide. Gunfire was reported on Monday in the flashpoint town of Buea in the country's southwest which has been at the heart of the nascent insurgency. In other English-speaking areas, shops and bars were ordered to close, meetings of more than four people were banned and transport was suspended. On October 1, 2017 at least 40 pro-anglophone protesters were killed by police according to analysts at the International Crisis Group (ICG) think-tank which said that "tens of thousands of demonstrators" took to the streets. The worst-affected towns -- Buea, and Bamenda, the capital of the northwest region -- were flooded with security forces who arrested dozens of suspects following a symbolic "independence" declaration. "The army killed lots of people on October 1. For nearly two weeks they shot at people like they were birds," the bishop of Buea, Emmanuel Bushu, said at the time. The flag of the self-styled Republic of Ambazonia replaced the Cameroonian colours in a number of villages in the anglophone region with separatist fighters vowing to make the switch permanent. The conflict continues unabated one year on. Cameroonian security forces are deployed to the region in massive numbers and the strength of the secessionists has grown exponentially. There are now more than 1,000 separatist fighters, according to the ICG, who control "a significant proportion of rural areas and main roads" in the anglophone region. - Attacks on polling stations? - A spike in attacks on symbols of the Cameroonian state including killings of police and kidnappings of civil servants has forced functionaries in several areas to flee. By comparison, not one official has fled the country's far north despite repeated attacks by the Nigeria-based jihadist group Boko Haram since 2014. Yaounde said in September that it wanted to return officials who had abandoned their posts "because of insecurity" in anglophone areas. But a week before Cameroonians head to the ballot box, anglophone separatists vow that there will be no election in their areas next Sunday. Cameroonian officials responded by insisting that polling would be held in all 360 of the country's districts. The anglophone regions have historically been a reliable pool of votes for the main opposition Social democratic front (SDF) party -- an anglophone force. In an effort to limit the risk of attacks on polling stations, the Elecam electoral commission will relocate a number of voting centres. Voters from the anglophone regions already face obstacles in casting their ballots as the UN estimates that 246,000 people have fled their homes in the southwest for other parts of Cameroon. More than 25,000 others are refugees in neighbouring Nigeria. - Spreading 'trouble' - There are no figures for the scale of the displacement in the northwest region and daily clashes alongside official restrictions complicate the work of humanitarian organisations and journalists. The security forces who have been drafted in to battle what President Paul Biya describes as a "secessionist movement" spreading "trouble" have suffered 170 fatalities since 2017 at the hands of the separatists. At least 400 civilians have also lost their lives according to NGOs while no estimate exists for the separatist death toll. As polling day has drawn closer the situation has deteriorated with the start of the new school year disrupted at the beginning of September. At least one teacher has been killed, another maimed and several schools have come under attack. Buea has been on the frontline of clashes between separatist fighters and the security forces. Last week several civilians were killed by the military, according to witnesses including a taxi driver and a shopkeeper who were themselves subsequently killed, according to local sources, taking the toll to eight. An indefinite nighttime curfew remains in force in the northwest following an attack on a convoy of buses in a suburb of Bamenda at the beginning of September. Buea, in southwest Cameroon, has been at the heart of the nascent insurgency Map of Cameroon locating English-speaking regions and their capitals, Bamenda and Buea. Cameroon police in Buea on October 1, 2017 when at least 40 pro-anglophone protesters were killed A common scene at the Buea bus terminal. The UN estimates that 246,000 people have fled their homes in the southwest for other parts of Cameroon


Dramatic footage shows the moment US Navy sailors evacuated passengers from the Air Niugini plane that crashed into water after overshooting a runway.

The Air Niugini flight PX073, which had 47 people on board, crashed into a pacific lagoon in Micronesia on Friday.

The video released by the US Navy shows sailors racing towards the sinking plane in a speed boat before they jump on the submerged wing and access the plane using the emergency door.

A man in the video yells to the Navy officers, alerting them to a badly injured man on the other side of the plane.

A US Navy sailor checks the aisles of the Air Niugini plane after it crashed in a pacific lagoon. Source: AP

Sailors can be seen trudging through the aisles, checking to make sure all passengers have been rescued from the plane.

The footage shows parts of plane seats floating in the water as passengers are loaded onto waiting rescue boats.

In a statement on Saturday, Air Niugini said it was unable to account for a male passenger.

The airline said it was working with local authorities, hospitals and investigators to try to find the man.

Air Niugini passengers were loaded onto rescue boats. Source: AP

The airline did not immediately respond to requests for more details about the passenger, such as his age or nationality.

The airline said in another statement later Saturday that US divers had completed an inspection inside the aircraft and confirmed that all of the passengers had safely evacuated.

This has been confirmed by other passengers that the unaccounted person had safely evacuated the aircraft and he was seen in one of the local dinghies that were assisting with transporting the passengers and crew to the shore, the statement said.

Local authorities and the airline are continuing to investigate the location of the unaccounted passenger.

Local boats helped rescue the passengers and crew after the plane hit the water while trying to land at the Chuuk Island airport.

Part of a plane seat is seen floating in the water after the crash. Source: AP

Officials said Friday that seven people had been taken to a hospital. The airline said six passengers remained at the hospital Saturday, and all of them were in stable condition.

Story continues

What caused the crash and the exact sequence of events remains unclear. The airline and the US Navy both said the plane landed in the lagoon short of the runway. Some witnesses thought the plane overshot the runway.

Passenger Bill Jaynes said the plane came in very low.

I thought we landed hard, he said.

Until I looked over and saw a hole in the side of the plane and water was coming in. And I thought, well, this is not the way its supposed to happen.

Local fishing boats move in to recover the passengers and crew of Air Niugini flight. Source: AP

Mr Jaynes said he and others managed to wade through waist-deep water to the emergency exits on the sinking plane. He said the flight attendants were panicking and yelling, and that he suffered a minor head injury.

I was really impressed with the locals who immediately started coming out in boats, Mr Jaynes said in an interview with a missionary in Chuuk, Matthew Colson, that was posted online and shared with The Associated Press.

The US Navy said sailors working nearby on improving a wharf helped in the rescue by using an inflatable boat to shuttle people ashore before the plane sank in about 30 metres of water.

Air Niugini is the national airline of Papua New Guinea and has operated since 1973. Data from the Aviation Safety Network indicates 111 people have died in crashes of PNG-registered airlines in the past two decades but none involved Air Niugini.

 With AP


Indonesians desperate to trace loved ones missing in the earthquake and tsunami that struck the island of Sulawesi are turning to social media sites like Facebook to aid their search.

At least 832 people were confirmed killed by the quake and tsunami that struck Friday evening, Indonesias disaster agency said, with nearly all of those from Palu.

With the scale of the disaster still unclear, telecommunications patchy and some areas still out of reach, families are posting photos, descriptions of lost family members and contact numbers in the hope of learning more.

Have you seen any of my family members in these photographs? asks one user on one Facebook group with 6,843 members.

Rescuers evacuate an earthquake survivor by a damaged house following earthquakes and tsunami in Palu. Image: AAP

I want to know if they are safe there. I havent got any information on them until this moment. Connection is still cut off. Let me know if you see them.

Others are trying to help friends still in Palu, the city believed to be the worst-affected.

Please help, anybody in Palu and areas near the city. Family members of my friend are still missing until now, says one post asking for information about a father, mother and a toddler living in the city.

Some users share information about Palu residents who have been evacuated to a safe area.

Rescuers carry an earthquake survivor at restaurant building. Image: AAP

People survey the damage following earthquakes and tsunami in Palu, Central Sulawesi. Image: AAP

A September 29 post gave the names of some 53 citizens who have been evacuated to an office of PLN  Indonesias state-run electricity firm  along with a plea for help.

Evacuees here are in dire need of food, water and electricity generator, the post said.

Some Indonesians turned to the page simply to offer support.

A user who appears to be from Lombok  an Indonesian resort island hit by a series of major earthquakes in July and August  had a message of solidarity.

Huge areas of Palu were reduced to rubble following the deadly tsunami. Image: AAP

People carry items looted from a shopping mall. Image: AAP

Your sorrow is ours. Your wailing is ours. Hopefully dead victims are buried in the most beautiful place. Our prayers are always with you, said the post from Eddie Moodmakerzz.

While many still hope for updates from missing relatives, some appear desperate enough to offer instructions should their corpses be found.

If someone locates her dead body, please do not bring her to the mass grave because we will pick her up, said a Facebook post, mentioning the persons name.
A German court said Monday it gave the green light for an Iranian diplomat linked to an alleged bomb plot against an Iranian opposition rally to be handed over to Belgium. The superior regional court in Bamberg said in a statement that it had on September 27 approved the extradition of the Iranian diplomat based in Vienna who has been named as Assadollah Assadi. "The wanted man cannot cite diplomatic immunity because he was on a several day holiday trip outside his host state Austria and not travelling between his host country and the state that dispatched him," the court said. The suspected plan to target a gathering of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) in a Paris suburb came to light a few days after the June 30 event. Six people were arrested in Belgium, France and Germany, two of whom were later released. German prosecutors say Assadi, believed to be an intelligence agent, ordered a couple to attack the rally and had handed them the explosives at a June meeting in Luxembourg. Tehran has dismissed the alleged bomb plot as a "sinister false flag ploy" designed to discredit Iran at a time when it faces major diplomatic tensions with the United States. The rally in the Paris suburb of Villepinte was attended by several allies of US President Donald Trump, including former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani and former House speaker Newt Gingrich, both of whom urged regime change in Iran. Belgian authorities in July requested the extradition of both Assadi and a man identified as Merhad A., who was detained in Paris. Belgian police believe Merhad A. is an accomplice of a husband and wife team caught in Brussels in possession of 500 grams of the powerful explosive TATP and a detonator. The couple were identified as Amir S. and Nasimeh N. All three are Belgian nationals of Iranian origin. Activists of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) hold placards during a demonstration in Berlin calling for the extradition of an Iranian diplomat to Belgium on July 11, 2018
A hero helicopter pilot has been left to die in the middle of the road after he was struck by a hit-and-run driver in NSWs Hunter region.

Ian Pullen, from New Zealand, was in Australia to help the Rural Fire Service fight bushfires.

Now his family is preparing to fly here to collect his body as police try to find his killer.

He was mowed down while crossing the road between 4am and 5.30am on Saturday at Carrington Street in Glenridding, more than 200 kilometres north of Sydney.

The driver of the vehicle who struck Mr Pullen failed to stop.

Ian Pullen died on Saturday in a hit-and-run in NSWs Hunter region. Source: 7News

Investigators work at the scene where Mr Pullen was struck by the car. Source: NSWPF

Emergency services were called when his body was discovered on the side of the road, but he could not be saved.

The 44-year-old has since been described as a humble hero as his wife reflected on his selfless personality.

He was there to keep Singleton safe in case a bushfire broke out and just to save peoples lives, Vicki Pullen said.

The father-of-three was a water bombing pilot who had sacrificed time in New Zealand with his family to help NSWs Rural Fire Service.

Mr Pullens wife, Vicki, labelled the driver a coward. Source: 7News

Mr Pullen was due to celebrate his 24th wedding anniversary with his wife on Monday.

Instead she is now flying to Australia to collect her husbands body.

Crash investigators are now working to find out what happened as police look to locate the motorist.

Hes a coward. Gutless, Ms Pullen said of the driver who hit her husband.

Police have urged anyone with dashcam footage from the area on Saturday morning to hand it in while they believe the key to identifying the driver may lie in a damaged vehicle.

We havent got a specific vehicle in mind at this stage but certainly there could be damage to the front of a vehicle that may present to a panel beater for repair, Inspector Rob Post said.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and baby daughter Neve charmed the world in New York during last week's UN General Assembly, but pundits say her government's lustre has started to fade back home after almost a year in power. "Jacinda-mania goes global" trumpeted Kiwi pop culture website The Spinoff, saying Ardern had been embraced "as a beacon of hope for our troubled world". For the head of a small, remote nation of just 4.5 million people, Ardern enjoyed an extraordinarily high profile at the global meeting. The centre-left leader, who won power in an election upset late last year, graced talk show host Stephen Colbert's couch, met with celebrities such as Anne Hathaway and shared parenting tips with the panel of NBC's Today Show. Part of her appeal was undoubtedly the presence of "first baby" Neve, born in June when Ardern became only the second female prime minister in the world to give birth while serving in office, after Pakistan's Benazir Bhutto in 1990. "Images of a baby and her mother in the UN general assembly are historically significant," Victoria University political analyst Bryce Edwards wrote after photographs of Ardern kissing her daughter in the UN Assembly Hall went viral. The infant's presence provided Ardern, 38, with ample anecdotal fodder on the chat show circuit but also added heft to her passionate advocacy for gender equality. Political commentator Martyn Bradbury said the sight of Ardern addressing the UN while partner Clarke Gayford looked after Neve "reset the brand that is New Zealand". Ardern's repeated calls for action on climate change and more compassionate political discourse prompted TVNZ to label her "the anti-Trump", while Stuff website said her words to the UN "directly challenge the view of the world outlined by US President Donald Trump in his speech there earlier this week". - 'Plenty of chaos' - But while Ardern projects a can-do image of youthful vigour overseas, her policy initiatives have been stymied on several occasions back home by coalition partner New Zealand First (NZF). Ardern's Labour Party needs the populist NZF to govern, and its 73-year-old leader Winston Peters is not averse to undercutting her on issues such as law and order if he feels it will appeal to his electoral base. Ardern also faces difficulties within the Labour ranks, including sacking last month a cabinet minister who allegedly became involved in a physical altercation with a staffer. The prime minister was forced to deny that the minister's departure -- the second in just a few weeks -- was a sign her coalition government was becoming unstable. Dominion Post political reporter Andrea Vance said while the prime minister was away "there was plenty of chaos going on back home -- most of it right in the heart of Ardern's own government". She said Ardern was not about to lose power over some "messy-but-minor beltway scandals" but they reinforced the fact that she is not longer regarded as a political cleanskin in her homeland. "Politics is a grubby world," Vance wrote. "Did we really believe Jacinda Ardern's government was going to rise above it?" The New Zealand Herald's Claire Trevett said the New York trip had briefly allowed Ardern to recapture the optimism generated when she rose to prominence last year and she should make the most of her moment on the world stage. "In New Zealand, she now has to deal with the same problems as any other prime minister with all the annoying side shows that brings, but she remains a breath of fresh air internationally," Trevett wrote. "Whatever her domestic critics might say, that gives Ardern great leverage and some influence. And when a Prime Minister looks good, so does New Zealand." Part of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's appeal as charmed the world in New York during last week's UN General Assembly was undoubtedly the presence of "first baby" Neve, born in June New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern enjoyed an extraordinarily high profile at the global meeting in New York Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand speaks during the One Planet Summit at the Plaza Hotel on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York
Indian authorities Monday said they have seized assets of fugitive billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi worth some $87 million, piling pressure on one of the main suspects in a $1.8-billion fraud at a major state-run bank. The seized assets included overseas bank accounts and diamond studded jewellery to the tune of $3.1 million that has been brought back to India from Hong Kong in 23 shipments, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said. The jewellery had been shipped out after Indian federal police registered a case of fraud against Modi in January. "The international cooperation has borne fruit," the ED said in a statement. "This has resulted in (the) seizure and provisional attachment of jewellery, bank accounts and immovable properties worth $87 million in India as well as four foreign jurisdictions." The list of seized assets include a London property worth about $7.8 million and two others in New York valued at $29 million. Modi, last seen in Britain, fled India in February after authorities accused him of defrauding the Punjab National Bank. Modi and his uncle and business partner Mehul Choksi, also a diamond merchant, are accused of illegally diverting loans from the bank to foreign-based companies. Choksi is in Antigua. Modi, 47, had luxury stores in several major cities and boasted celebrity customers including actresses Naomi Watts, Kate Winslet and Priyanka Chopra. Before the case, Forbes had estimated his worth at $1.73 billion, placing him 85th on India's rich list. He has now been removed from the ranking. In February and March, the ED seized Modi's farmhouse, high-end antique jewellery, watches and rare paintings. Modi is not the only Indian billionaire facing heat from the authorities. Vijay Mallya, a business tycoon who owned a Formula One team, left India in 2016 after authorities launched money-laundering charges against him. He was subsequently arrested in Britain and released on bail as he battles extradition, living in a sprawling $15 million (13 million euros) mansion in southeast England. Indian authorities have seized assets of fugitive billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi, including overseas bank accounts and diamond jewellery Nirav Modi had luxury stores in several major cities
A man who found a scenic mountain location to ask his girlfriend to marry him has seen the proposal go horribly wrong.

The Boulder County sheriffs office says 27-year-old Joshua Mason of Denton, Texas, took 28-year-old Katie Davis on a hike Saturday to Jasper Peak, in the Colorado mountains, at an elevation of nearly 4,000 metres.

They got lost as darkness fell.

Mount Jasper & Mount Neva in Colorado. A Texas man took his girlfriend on a hike to Jasper Peak but they ran into trouble on the way down. Source: Trip Advisor

The couple went on a hike to Jasper Peak but got lost as darkness fell. Source: Google

The couple were showing signs of altitude sickness and dehydration when a hiker found them.

He led them to his camp and gave them food, water and a place to warm up. Another camper called for help.

Rescuers reached the camp early on Sunday and walked the couple to their car.

They didnt require medical treatment.

Sgt. Clay Leak said deputies were told the engagement was still on.
More than 20 Tuareg civilians were killed late last week in Mali's restive frontier with Niger, security sources told AFP on Monday. "On Friday and Saturday at least 25 Tuareg civilians were killed in Amalaoulaou by armed men," a local elected official told AFP. A security source and another local official confirmed the incident. The attackers came on motorcycles "and fired indiscriminately at residents, their faces hidden behind their turbans," the first elected official said. A Malian security official said: "The assailants killed at least 25 civilians in a well-planned attack." Another local official said the dead came from the same Tuareg clan and described the attackers as "jihadists". A mainly Tuareg group called Movement for the Salvation of Azawad (MSA), which is now fighting jihadists in the region, said seven civilians including an old man died in the attack. On September 25, 27 people were killed in a similar attack west of Menaka, the main city in the region. About 200 people, many of them civilians from the Fulani and Tuareg tribes, have been killed in the area this year. Militants claiming allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) have been clashing with local groups backing a French security force and the Malian army. Militants claiming allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) have been clashing with local groups backing a French security force and the Malian army
WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT. Animal lovers are outraged after a group of ute-loving men were caught on camera pouring beer down a dead owls throat in front a grinning audience.

The shocking photographs were taken at the Deni Ute Muster, a ute festival in Deniliquin near the New South Wales and Victoria border on September 19.

One photo shows a man in an Akukbra clutching a dead owl and pouring beer down its throat as a group of delighted onlookers grin.

In other images, a man in a red flannel shirt sits on his friends shoulders while clutching a beer in one hand and the owls corpse in the other.

A man clutched a dead owl by the throat at the Deni Ute Muster. Source: AAP

The event was started in 1999, as a place for ute lovers to show off their vehicles and to celebrate all things laconically Australian.

The festival attracts 20,000 people annually and includes events such as lawn mower racing, bull riding and butchering demonstrations.

Animal lovers are outraged by the sickening photographs.

To pick up a cadaver of an animal, handing it around pouring beer down its throat, making fun of it, thats an indication of disrespect for animals, whether theyre dead or alive, Mark Pearson, Member of the Legislative Council of New South Wales with the Animal Justice Party said.

When an animal dies, it should be treated with respect.

A man pours beer down the dead owls beak (pictured). Source: AAP

To then pick it up and start pouring alcohol down its throat is a really demeaning and disrespectful and disgusting thing to do and those people really need to go and get some help if they thought that was funny.

It sends a very bad message to the community and to our children that its okay to pick up an animal and treat it with such disrespect.

What it does is fuel this mentality or mind set of being violent and disregarding of animals.

It makes me feel ashamed to be a human being, if fellow human beings are going to just treat an animal with such disrespect.

The organisers of the Deni Ute Muster have been contacted for comment.
Palestinians joined Israeli Arabs in a general strike Monday protesting Israel's controversial Jewish nation-state law and commemorating the deaths of 13 people killed in clashes with police in October 2000. In the Arab Israeli community of Jatt in northern Israel, 1,500 participated in the central march in memory of the October 1 victims, killed in a series of clashes with police in 2000 during protests in support of the second Palestinian intifada. Twelve Israeli Arabs and a Palestinian were killed in the clashes in October 2000. Carrying pictures of the victims, Palestine flags and signs against Israel's nation-state law, the protesters marched along with members of parliament, including Ayman Odeh, head of the Joint List. "We're striking today to remind that this wound is still bleeding," Odeh said, pledging to continue to fight against the treatment of Israeli Arabs as "second-class citizens, and racist legislation." In annexed east Jerusalem, the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip, schools and many businesses were closed, AFP journalists reported. Demonstrations were also held in Ramallah, where minor clashes erupted by a checkpoint on the West Bank city's outskirts. Clashes were also reported in the tense southern West Bank city of Hebron. Jerusalem's historic Old City, in the city's mainly Palestinian eastern sector, was especially quiet. Ramallah resident Khaled Abu Ayoush said the strike was "against the policy pursued by Israel in order to erase Palestinian nationalism and the displacement of citizens from their land." Mahmud Hamed however kept open his bakery outside the walls of Jerusalem's Old City. "We are a bakery," he said. "In wars, in strikes, people usually need a break." Senior Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi said the strike also aimed to show solidarity with the West Bank village of Khan al-Ahmar, near Jerusalem. Israel plans to demolish the Bedouin community, which it says was built illegally, despite international calls for a reprieve. The nation-state law was passed in July and forms part of Israel's basic laws -- a de facto constitution. It speaks of Israel as the historic homeland of the Jews and says they have a "unique" right to self-determination there. Because it omits any reference to equality or the country's democratic nature, Israeli Arabs say it will legalise discrimination. Arabs account for some 17.5 percent of Israel's nearly nine million population. Monday was also a holiday for Israeli Jews, marking the end of the week-long festival of Sukkot. A Palestinian man walks past closed shops during a general strike to protest against Israel's Jewish Nation-State Law in the Old City of Nablus in the occupied West Bank on October 1, 2018 Members of the Palestinian security forces walk past closed shops during a general strike in the Old City of Nablus in the occupied West Bank on October 1, 2018 A Palestinian man stands in front of a closed bank during a general strike in support of an Israeli-Arab protest against the Jewish Nation-State Law in Gaza City on October 1, 2018
A disgusted homeowner who caught a postal worker urinating on her porch has uploaded vision of the shocking incident to Facebook.

The home security camera footage shows the postal worker urinating as he walks onto the homes front porch in Tennessee, US.

The man walks up the homes front steps with his genitalia hanging out of his unzipped pants.

He urinates as he walks across the porch, leaving a trail of liquid on the floor. Without cleaning his hands, the postal worker then sorts through a pile of mail and delivers letters to the home.

The horrified resident shared the footage on Facebook.

The postal worker (pictured) was caught on camera. Source: Fox8

We just moved in a month ago and My front porch may be a work in progress but however no one deserves this!! Mail man pissed on our front porch then touched our mail, the resident wrote according to Fox8.

The United States Postal Service are looking into the matter.

We are investigating the actions of our letter carrier revealed in the video, the United States Postal Service said in a statement, local outlet WHBQ reported.

This behaviour clearly does not reflect the efforts of the thousands of professional, dedicated carriers in our workforce.

We are reaching out to the homeowner to offer our apology and assistance in dealing with this issue.

The Postal Service will take appropriate corrective action to address the situation with this employee. As a matter of policy, we are unable to comment further on specific personnel matters.
Tourists could soon be barred from taking selfies in popular destinations, as experts reveal the startling reason behind their call for no selfie zones.

Experts found 259 selfie-related deaths, from people taking photos in risky locations such as on top of mountains and in front of rushing trains.

According to the Selfies: A boon or bane? study from the J Family Med Prim Care journal no selfie zones should be introduced across tourist areas especially places such as water bodies, mountain peaks, and over tall buildings to decrease the incidence of selfie-related deaths.

From October 2011 to November 2017, there have been 259 deaths while clicking selfies in 137 incidents, the study said.

The study, led by researcher Agam Bansal, found that drowning, transport, and fall are the leading reasons for deaths caused by selfies. It estimated that about 1 million selfies are taken per day in 18- to 24-year-old demographic.

The study found 259 selfie-related deaths. Source: Getty (file pic)

The most common drowning incidents included being washed away by waves on beach, capsizing of boats while rowing, clicking selfies on shore while not knowing how to swim, or ignoring warnings.

On transport, the leading cause of selfie-related deaths was snapping photos in front of a moving train.

The highest number of incidents and selfie-deaths were reported in India followed by Russia, United States, and Pakistan. The study also found that most of the selfie-related deaths because of firearms occurred in the United States.

The study found that 72.5 per cent of selfie deaths happened to men, due to riskier behaviour. The mean age of selfie-death victims was 22.94 years.

No selfie zones areas should be declared across many tourist areas specially places such as water bodies, mountain peaks, and over tall buildings to decrease the incidence of selfie-related deaths, the study concluded.

It comes after an Australian died after falling from a cliff overlooking a popular Portuguese tourist beach, reportedly while attempting to snap a selfie in June.
A young family travelling around Australia have been dealt a major scare following a snake bite in the middle of the night, one and a half hours away from the nearest hospital.

Nathan Helms had just taken a shower at a campsite in Karijini National Park, in Western Australias north, when he felt an excruciating pain in his foot.

His wife, Renee who runs their travel blog The Great Escape Australia, was inside their campervan putting their young son, Ryan, down to sleep when they heard the scream.

I grabbed the torch and jumped outside but didnt spot anything. Nathan had felt something move against his foot, felt a piercing bite on his big toe, and heard a creature move away from him into the scrub, she revealed in a Facebook post.

They both knew the bite was likely from a snake, but without being able to identify it, they knew their next movements were pivotal.

Nathan Helms was flown to hospital following a suspected snake bite on his foot. Images: Facebook/The Great Escape  Australia

I told Nathan not to move and went to grab the first aid kit from the car he knew not to move. And I knew that hed likely have to be flown out to a bigger hospital, she added.

After applying a double pressure bandage from his toe all the way up to his thigh, the family packed an emergency bag, buckled Ryan up and made a desperate dash to Tom Price Hospital.

Initial attempts from their phones, including their satellite phone, failed to reach triple-0.

Eventually, a call went through and the family was told to pull over with their hazard lights on and wait for the approaching ambulance.

Unable to rule out he had been bitten by a venomous snake, Nathan was forced to board a Royal Flying Doctor Service flight to Port Headland.

Following a nervous nights sleep, Renee packed up for the campsite, solo for the first time ever, and headed to Port Headland with Ryan.

Meanwhile Nathan was given the all clear by doctors, meaning he was either bitten by a non-venomous snake or a venomous snake that did not envenomate.

Its been a very emotional and exhausting 24 hours. And Im pretty glad Nathan is all good, she wrote.

The family heaped praise on the volunteer ambulance workers, RFDS and staff at Tom Price Hospital.
Protesters marched in Hong Kong Monday against suppression by Beijing as fears grow that freedoms in the semi-autonomous city are seriously under threat. Official numbers were way down on last year's event with organisers estimating 1,500 had turned out, compared with tens of thousands in 2017. But an AFP journalist at the scene estimated slightly higher, although crowds Monday were visibly smaller than the previous year. The pro-democracy protest comes a week after Hong Kong banned a pro-independence party on the grounds it was a threat to national security, the first time a political party has been prohibited since the city was handed back to China by Britain in 1997. The emergence of an independence movement calling for Hong Kong to split from China has incensed Beijing as it emphasises the importance of territorial integrity and has led to a crackdown on political expression. Leading pro-democracy campaigner Joshua Wong said he feared his party, Demosisto, could be next because it promotes self-determination for Hong Kong. One high-profile Demosisto candidate was already barred from a recent by-election. "We need to protect and defend the freedom of association in Hong Kong," Wong, 21, told AFP at the rally. Independence supporters were initially blocked by police from entering the square at the end point of the march, but the crowd managed to push through. The rally dispersed around 6:00 pm (1000 GMT). The pro-democracy protest is held every October 1, China's National Day, which marks the communist party's establishment of the People's Republic of China. But despite many residents' dissatisfaction with China's growing influence, the numbers attending the city's traditional street protests have shrunk since massive 2014 pro-democracy rallies failed to win reform. Yuet Wong, a 21-year-old student, said there was a sense of powerlessness among young people, particularly after the disqualification of elected pro-democracy legislators, but said she was still motivated to come out. "Even if we can't achieve anything immediately, we want to show the government we won't be compromised and won't be silent," she told AFP. - 'Totalitarian agenda' - Hong Kong enjoys rights unseen on the mainland including freedom of speech but there are growing fears those are being eroded. There are also concerns that the city will introduce a controversial anti-subversion law designed to protect China's national security and potentially put freedoms at further risk. "They talk about national security, but what about our security? They don't care about that," said a 50-year-old office worker who gave her name as Miss Hau. "Today they say we can't talk about A, but tomorrow they might say we can't talk about B, and in the end we won't be able to talk about anything," she told AFP. Other protesters criticised the government's "totalitarian agenda". Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, appointed by a pro-Beijing committee, said in an official address Monday that Hong Kong must "firmly uphold China's sovereignty, security and development interests". Critics say Hong Kong is being subsumed into mainland China via perks and infrastructure projects designed to blur boundaries. Last month saw the opening of a multi-billion-dollar high-speed rail link to the mainland, with part of the Hong Kong station coming under Chinese law. A long-delayed mega-bridge between Hong Kong and southern China is set to open later this month. Fears are growing in Hong Kong that freedoms in the semi-autonomous city are under threat The emergence of pro-independence voices in Hong Kong in recent years has incensed Beijing Beijing has emphasised the importance of China's territorial integrity Critics say Hong Kong is being subsumed into mainland China via perks and infrastructure designed to blur boundaries
Dressed in a red and silver sequined jacket and trousers, 13-year-old Muhamed Balikhanov holds a long pole as he slowly rides an old red bicycle along a tightrope suspended several metres off the ground. In his remote village of Chakhchakh in the southern Russian region of Dagestan, Balikhanov is one of the few to continue a tradition of tightrope walking that dates back hundreds of years. For locals in the mountainous North Caucasus region, tightrope walking began centuries ago as a way to take shortcuts between precipitously placed villages with no roads between them. "In Dagestan, tightrope walking has always been the 'road of the highlander' because there were no roads. That's how tightrope walking was invented," said Askhabali Gasanov, who heads a circus studio in the regional capital of Makhachkala. Dagestan's tightrope walkers later gained fame by performing daring feats in circuses. During the Soviet era, a troupe of artistes from Dagestan performed in Moscow and abroad and its members were awarded the prestigious title of People's Artists of the USSR. One of Russia's current top tightrope walkers, Rasul Abakarov, is of Dagestani origin though he grew up in Saint Petersburg. This month he walked along a wire at a height of 100 metres (330 feet) between skyscrapers in Grozny, Chechnya. The skill could be long forgotten in the small settlement of Chakhchakh where cows and chickens wander freely, were it not for the efforts of Yamudin Ekhmetkhanov, a 68-year-old former acrobat, who is now passing on his knowledge to a group called Gunar that includes Balikhanov, his cousin's son. The teenager limbers up with gymnastics: grabbing the tightrope from a standing position and swinging himself up into the air. In another stunt, he stands with his feet in a metal washtub and shuffles along the rope. The boy has been practising tightrope walking for two years and has managed to achieve incredible results, his teacher said. "He has a great future and is not afraid of anything," said Ekhmetkhanov, praising his "huge talent." The teacher said he believes the tradition is still valued in the region. "Our people... very much respect tightrope walking tradition in Dagestan," he said. "I am happy about it because in this case it will never disappear." - 'Revive this art' - Balikhanov said he aspired to excel on the tightrope because in past years "my grandfathers and great-grandfathers did this." "When I'm grown up I want to revive this art so my children, my grandchildren also do it," he said, adding that he dreams of opening a specialised school in his village. In Makhachkala, children are learning the art at a circus studio called Pekhlevan -- meaning hero or fighter. Its 64-year-old founder, Gasanov, has been tightrope walking himself since he was 18. In a high-ceilinged room with peeling paint, a group of girls and boys in T-shirts, jeans or tracksuit bottoms take turns to perform on the tightrope to music. One girl stands in an upright wheel that rolls along the wire. At one point, two girls perform on the wire together with long, velvet veils covering their faces. Gasanov manages a troupe of eight children, who perform tightrope stunts all across the region -- one of Russia's poorest -- in an attempt to preserve this ancient tradition, which he admits risks becoming forgotten. "It is a dying talent, a disappearing one, but we try," says the wiry man with white hair and a moustache. - 'A circus republic' - With dwindling state support it has become more difficult to sustain local performance schools and to get children involved in tightrope walking. The authorities have expressed interest in building a circus in Makhachkala and supporting schools to teach the traditional skill. But Dagestan, like neighbouring Chechnya, is struggling economically and dependent on Moscow for funding to balance its budget. Gasanov wants Makhachkala to have its own permanent circus building like in many other cities in Russia, to show off the regional art form. "Since 1995, I've been knocking on all the doors of government institutions and the culture ministry, trying to explain to them that Dagestan is a circus republic and there should be a circus here," says Gasanov. He sees a risk to the tradition from young people moving away to find work due to high unemployment and poverty in the region. "Now only enthusiasts who love tightrope walking work here. The values are different now, people go where you can earn more." Many also have ceased to value the skill behind tightrope walking, he said regretfully. "Young people especially (say): 'what's the point?'" Children in Dagestan are learning the art of tightrope walking at a circus studio called Pekhlevan in the regional capital, Makhachkala founded by Askhabali Gasanov In Dagestan, the tradition of tightrope walking dates back hundreds of years but there are fears it will die out Dagestani authorities have expressed interest in building a circus in Makhachkala and supporting schools to teach the traditional skill of tightrope walking but the region is struggling economically
President Petro Poroshenko decorated Francois Hollande with one of Ukraine's highest awards on Monday praising the former French leader's "immense" role in the peace process with Russia and pro-Moscow separatists. More than 10,000 people have been killed since the separatist insurgency broke out in Eastern Ukraine in April 2014 following Russia's annexation of Crimea from Kiev's control. Poroshenko awarded Hollande the "Order of Freedom", praising his "immense role in protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity" of the country. President from 2012 to 2017, Hollande supported German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other leaders in peace talks between Kiev and pro-Russian militants. Ukraine and its Western allies have accused Russia of funnelling troops and arms across the border, but Moscow has denied the claims despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. In his memoirs published this year Hollande detailed peace talks he attended with Merkel and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Minsk in February 2015. Hollande claimed Putin threatened to "purely and simply crush" Ukrainian forces during a tense exchange with Poroshenko. "This was the same as admitting the presence of his troops in the east of Ukraine," Hollande writes. "He (Putin) corrects himself immediately." Poroshenko read out extracts from the book "Lecons du pouvoir" (Lessons of power) and said it "covers this complicated mission very well". In his memoirs, ex-French president Francois Hollande details peace talks he attended with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Vladimir Putin in Minsk in 2015, saying the Russian strongman threatened to "purely and simply crush" Ukraine forces
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday urged Macedonia to move forward with a name change after more than 90 percent of voters backed renaming the Balkan country North Macedonia. The United Nations has worked for years to help broker a deal to end the name dispute with Greece that has prevented Macedonia from joining the European Union and NATO. "The fact that an overwhelming majority of those voting supported the Prespa agreement is important," Guterres said in a statement, referring to the deal signed in June near the shores of Lake Prespa in Greece. Greece has its own northern province named Macedonia and has accused its northern neighbour of territorial ambitions. The UN chief "urges all political forces in the country to proceed with implementation through the country's institutions," said the statement. More than 90 percent of those who voted supported the name change in a referendum on Sunday, but only a third of the electorate turned out. Some opponents of the change pointed to the low turnout to argue that the result was not valid. The EU and NATO have welcomed the outcome of the referendum that could speed up plans for Macedonia to join the two organisations. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, pictured in September 2018, pointed to an 'overwhelming majority' in support of Macedonia's name change


A woman has taken to social media to express her outrage after her waitress daughter was left a racist note instead of a tip.

Regina E. Boone, of Kentucky in the US, posted a picture of the message written on the back of a napkin after her daughter, Jasmine, waited on a table of four at a popular chain of bar and grill restaurants.

The note said: We DONT tip black people.

THIS IS WHY THEY KNEEL! Ms Boone wrote on Facebook on September 20, referring to the National Football League players who sparked controversy by kneeling during the national anthem to protest against racism.

Jasmine Brewer, left, was left a racist note instead of a tip. Source: Facebook/Regina E. Boone

You think racism does not exist, IT DOES! This was left for MY BABY tonight at Applebees in Radcliff!



I dont accept or tolerate disrespect! Im furious but I know theres a God in Heaven who sits high and looks low! Racial and social justice!

I kneel at the cross and stand for the pledge but racism is real! Take a look in the mirror. Are you strong enough to stand against it? I AM AND ALWAYS WILL BE!

My beautiful child, I got you! Always will! Hold your head HIGH and ALWAYS be proud of who you are!

The post has been shared hundreds of times, receiving hundreds of messages of support.

This makes my heart sick, one person wrote.

I pray your daughter isnt poisoned by this hatred, another said.

Im so sad that in this progressive world these things still happen.

Ms Boone told local news outlet KXXV the outpouring of support had given her hope.

What it says is that theres good in this world, she said.

Not everyone sees colour as the first thing they see when they meet someone.
The contemporary art market is booming with Chinese artists helping to push prices up by nearly a fifth in the past year, the world's biggest art index said Monday. Rocketing prices for living artists have for the first time become the motor of the market, Artprice told AFP. Nowhere is the trend more marked than in the Chinese-speaking world, with works sold in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan accounting for more than a quarter of the global total. The record price for an Asian artist was smashed Sunday when the late Zao Wou-Ki's huge abstract triptych "Juin-Octobre 1985" went under the hammer for $65 million (56 million euros) in Hong Kong. The sum is nearly three times the previous record, also held for a Zao, set only nine months ago for another of his masterpieces, "29.01.64". Painters like Zhang Xiaogang, Zeng Franzhi and Chen Yifei -- one of whose hyper realistic depictions of melancholic women in traditional dress sold for $22.7 million in December -- are leading a new wave of Chinese art superstars. "In China one million contemporary artists are living from their work," said Artprice founder Thierry Ehrmann. "They are coming to dominate the market because of their number, the quality of their work and their sharp critical sense," he added, with sales from China and Taiwan nearing half a billion dollars. - $110m record for a Basquiat - Ehrmann had earlier predicted that the art market was entering a "new era of prosperity" thanks to the thirst for modern and contemporary work. The $110.5 million paid for a painting by the black American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in May was no flash in the pan, he told AFP. Basquiat, who began as a graffiti artist and died at 27 from a heroin overdose, is now the sixth most expensive artist ever. A street was named after him in Paris this weekend ahead of a major retrospective of his work at the Vuitton Foundation in the French capital. The New Yorker heads the list of the year's top selling contemporary artists with $256 million of sales ahead of the Scot Peter Doig ($101 million) and Italian painter and installation artist Rudolf Stingel ($52 millions). Ehrmann said that "contemporary art, with postwar art, is the only really performing period" right now although they account between them for only a third of all sales. "Artists are having works coming up for auction at the age of 25 or 30. That would have been impossible before," he added. - 'Profound change' - The stratospheric prices paid for Basquiat "illustrates a profound change in market attitudes", Artprice reported, showing that "collectors are now perfectly willing to pay equivalent sums for contemporary and historical masterpieces alike." The burgeoning contemporary market, however, is dominated by some 500 artists who between them account for 89 percent of global sales, the index revealed in its annual report. Artprice also found that the average price of contemporary drawings, paintings, sculptures, videos and installations has more than quadrupled from the turn of the millennium to $28,000. Demand for contemporary work was traditionally the weakest part of the art market, but its share has risen five-fold since 2000, it added. Ehrmann argued that its success is partly because artists have "come back down to earth, and are engaged with their times... Like in during the 1960s, artists are taking positions on society." He said that artists and their galleries have also become streetwise, "limiting their production" and what comes to market so as not to undermine their prices. With museums becoming "the cathedrals of the 21st century where people try to find the sacred in a society which has lost it," art's attraction is undimmed, the expert insisted. Three auction houses dominate the contemporary market, the report found -- Sotheby's (28 percent), Christie's (26 percent) and Phillips (15 percent). However, six of the ten biggest players in the world are now Chinese. Modern art made up for nearly half of auction sales over the last 12 months, Artprice said, followed by postwar art (21 percent), contemporary (12 percent), with Old Masters and 19th-century art accounting for some 10 percent each. A man poses in front of 'Juin-Octobre 1985' by Chinese painter Zao Wou-Ki at Sothebys auction house showroom in Hong Kong on September 26 A fruit vendor pushes his cart passed sculptures by internationally famous Chinese artist Minjun Yue on a street in Beijing People look at a painting titled 'Ishtar' by US artist Jean Michel Basquiat at the exhibition "Basquiat: Boom for real" at the Barbican in London in 2017 Three auction houses dominate the contemporary art market -- Sotheby's (28 percent), Christie's (26 percent) and Phillips (15 percent)
Tens of thousands of Italians rallied in Rome Sunday for the centre-left Democratic Party (PD) as it seeks to rebound from a shock defeat to a populist coalition in June. A banner deployed in the Piazza del Popolo, or people's plaza, declared that those present represented "The Italy that is not afraid". The nation is on the frontline of the European Union's struggle to stem migration from Africa and the Middle East, and it roiled financial markets last week when the new government appeared to ditch a stringent public deficit target in favour of increased spending to honour a key electoral pledge. "We are in the presence of irresponsible (leaders) and ne'er-do-wells," exclaimed former PD leader and Italian premier Matteo Renzi in reference to the heads of a government now comprised of the anti-system Five Star Movement and the far-right League. Current PD Secretary General Maurizio Martina claimed that Italy's new leaders were "obsessed with finding an enemy rather than a solution." The PD is in dire need of a solution itself meanwhile, having slid from a stunning victory in 2013 through a string of defeats to the final blow in March when it recorded its worst-ever result, winning just 18.7 percent of the vote in a general election. Along the way it lost control of cities such as Rome, Turin, Venise and Genoa, a traditional stronghold. - 'Could sink even further' - Renzi resigned but that has not stopped the party from losing support. "There is a risk it could sink even further," political scientist Roberto D'Alimonte at the Italian Centre for Electoral Studies (CISE) told AFP. "We are living in unstable times, it is hard to forecast" what might happen next, he added. According to CISE surveys, the PD has lost much of its traditional base, concerned by economic inequality and illegal migration, and become a party that represents the upper middle class. As for Renzi, who still wields considerable influence within the party, he has become "a bit like (former OM) Silvio Berlusconi for Forza Italia, a burden" that is pulling it downwards, D'Alimonte said. The daily La Repubblica wrote that the PD offered "the spectacle of a party on its last legs, with leaders tearing each other apart against a background of alternating, chaotic theories" on how to bounce back. A recent opinion poll credited the party with around 16 percent support. At the rally on Sunday, Martina declared: "We need a new PD for a new left," while the crowd responded with cries of "Unity, unity!" Manifestation du Parti dmocrate (PD, centre gauche)  Rome le 30 septembre 2018
A three-way agreement between the U.S., Mexico and Canada to rework the existing North American Free Trade Agreement could benefit central New York, U.S. Rep. John Katko said Monday.

President Donald Trump formally announced a revamped trade pact after some details were released late Sunday. One way it could help central New York's economy is the elimination of Canada's Class 7 supply management program for dairy producers.

The program had been criticized by U.S. milk producers, especially those in New York, because they argued it limited their ability to export products to Canada and cut off a key market.

Cayuga Milk Ingredients in Aurelius was one entity affected by Canada's milk pricing structure. After the program was adopted, the Cayuga County-based company lost $30 million in business.

Katko, R-Camillus, said in a statement that the new NAFTA  which Trump has dubbed the "U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement"  would be "welcome relief" for central New York dairy farms and "good" for the local economy.

"For years, Canada has taken advantage of American dairy, altering milk pricing programs to incentivize Canadian producers to buy milk from Canadian farmers, rather than U.S. farmers," Katko said. "Throughout these negotiations, I have urged a deal that would incorporate additional market opportunities for American dairy producers in Canada."

He added that opening Canada's dairy market will help create more jobs and boost economic ties between the two countries.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also hailed the agreement between the three countries. He praised Trump for "taking large steps to improve" NAFTA, a trade accord that was adopted in the mid-1990s.

Schumer, who opposed NAFTA when it came to a vote in Congress, said the trade agreement needed to be fixed. But he's awaiting more details about the reworked deal to determine how it will benefit the middle class and working Americans.

"Two areas where I particularly want to see the details are dairy, where our dairy farmers are being taken advantage of by Canada, and real enforcement of labor provisions," Schumer said. "The labor provisions are good, but too often they are written into trade bills and never enforced."

The new trade agreement will need to be approved by Congress. It's possible it won't be ratified until 2019.

While there might be a delay before the changes are made, officials are hopeful it will help all involved.

"Our economy relies heavily on our relationships with Canada and Mexico," Katko said. "I believe the terms of this deal will allow for robust, mutually beneficial trade between all three nations."

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Former President Barack Obama has endorsed three Democratic candidates in key central New York congressional and state legislative races.

In his second round of midterm election endorsements, Obama backed Dana Balter in the 24th Congressional District, John Mannion in the 50th Senate District race and Rachel May in the 53rd Senate District race.

Balter, D-Syracuse, is challenging Republican U.S. Rep. John Katko in the 24th district race. Katko, R-Camillus, is seeking a third term in Congress.

On Monday, Balter announced she raised more than $1.5 million in the third quarter of 2018. It's a new fundraising record for a candidate in the Syracuse-area congressional race.

Mannion, an Advanced Placement biology teacher at West Genesee High School in Camillus, is the Democratic nominee in the 50th district race. He is vying to succeed retiring state Sen. John DeFrancisco, a Republican. The GOP candidate in the race is Onondaga County Comptroller Bob Antonacci.

Mannion's campaign noted that in his re-election bid in 2012, Obama won the 50th district by 11 percentage points.

"I am proud to earn President Obama's endorsement and I thank him for supporting my state Senate campaign," Mannion said. "Central New Yorkers are fed up with the chaos and corruption that plagues Albany and Washington. I am running to clean up Albany, grow the central New York economy, and help our communities thrive for generations to come. With President Obama's support, I know we will win in November and help move central New York forward."

May, D-Syracuse, won the Democratic primary in the 53rd Senate District, defeating incumbent state Sen. David Valesky. While Valesky, D-Oneida, will remain on the ballot, he won't actively campaign for re-election. Janet Burman is the Republican candidate in the race.

In a statement, Obama lauded the Democratic field of candidates as more diverse and acknowledged that more women are running for office this year.

"They're Americans who aren't just running against something, but for something," he said. "They're running to expand opportunity and restore honor and compassion that should be the essence of public service. I'm proud to endorse so many of them today, and I'm eager to continue making the case for why they deserve our votes this November."

Obama has been playing an active role on the campaign trail supporting candidates across the country. In his first wave of endorsements, he included two New Yorkers: Antonio Delgado, who is challenging U.S. Rep. John Faso in the 19th Congressional District, and Anna Kaplan, a Democratic candidate for the 7th Senate District seat.

Obama's role extends beyond the endorsements. He has headlined rallies in California, Ohio and Pennsylvania. He will appear with Democratic candidates ahead of the midterm elections in November.

This story will be updated.

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AUBURN  The Westminster Nursery school was remembered and celebrated with a special service at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Sunday morning.

"Today is a special day, today we celebrate and remember 66 years  66 years of Westminster Nursery School making a difference in the lives of hundreds of children and their families," the Rev. Patrick Heery said of the school that closed in July due to lack of enrollment.

"We gather to celebrate what was, to grieve what is, and dream of what will be," said Linda Russell, the liturgist of the service and WNS Board Chair, during the call to worship.

"We remember with joy 66 years of children loved, taught and inspired," the congregation jointly responded. "We dare to believe that this is not an ending but a new season of ministry and education."

Soon after the call to worship, children were invited to the front of the church for a conversation with Heery following the reading of Matthew 19:13-14, where Jesus says to "let the little children come to me."

Heery told the children gathered around him that Jesus said they were some of the best teachers of all. Following more discussion, Heery and all the children took a moment to stand up, face the congregation and together shout a "thank you," on the count of three, to everyone involved with WNS over the years.

"One of the best ways that we can remember and celebrate is by telling stories," Heery said after expressing thanks as he invited some individuals involved in the life of the school to share some words.

Former directors, alumni and WNS board members then shared reflections on their experience with the school.

"When we came to Westminster to work, we hit the jackpot of jobs," said Marcia Baker, a former WNS director. "This was our home away from home, and we loved it everyday."

"The children we have taught may not always remember us as they get older, but they will always have a part of us inside of them. The part that gave them hope and love and taught them to believe in themselves," said Tracy Blair, the WNS Director at the time it closed. "They became more than just our students, they were our children. And their families were our families, too," she said through tears.

"Change can be scary, but it can also be creative and life giving. The God we love and we worship says, 'I'm about to do a new thing,'" Russell shared.

Heery recognized the five speakers who shared were only a small representation of the many involved in WNS over the years and invited all former teachers, board members, parents, grandparents, volunteers and graduates to the front of the church to receive a blessing. He thanked God for all the individuals that taught and showed the love of God to more than 3,000 children throughout the years.

"May they go in your peace knowing that they stay in our hearts," he prayed as he closed the blessing.

After sharing from Isaiah 43 during a scripture reading, Heery explained that in the passage the prophet Isaiah was inviting people to look beyond a moment of despair and to remember their hope in God and that "the love of God was enough."

"God is doing a new thing. Even as we close the doors of Westminster Nursery School, we open those same doors for our new REACH ministry determined to reach the children and youth of this community who have been abandoned to the margins," Heery said. "It is a ministry that will advise LBGTQ youth and children  of all races, of different abilities and disabilities, foster kids and so many others  will find here what children found for 66 years  a home, where they know they are safe and wanted."

Staff writer Megan Ehrhart can be reached at (315) 282-2244 or megan.ehrhart@lee.net. Follow her on Twitter @MeganEhrhart.

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City

 Jennifer L. Lakota, 29, 7445 County House Road, Sennett, was charged Sept. 29 with fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.

 Mitchell R. Otto, 25, 36 Franklin St., Auburn, was charged Sept. 28 with petit larceny.

 Robert W. Danboise Sr., 46, 101 Quill Ave. Apt. 112, Auburn, was charged Sept. 28 with first-degree unlawful dealing with a child.

 Ashley N. Culver, 29, 8 Hoffman St., Auburn, was charged Sept. 29 with second-degree obstructing governmental administration.

 Timothy B. Blowers, 31, 23 West Lake Ave., Apt. 3, Auburn, was charged Sept. 30 with driving while intoxicated first offense.

 Allan M. Laury, 24, 44 Lincoln St., Auburn, was charged Sept. 30 with petit larceny.

 Michaela N. Nicpon, 24, 9 Cayuga St. Apt. 2, Auburn, was charged Sept. 30 with driving while intoxicated first offense and aggravated driving while intoxicated.

 Riley F. Milton III, 23, 23 West St., Auburn, was picked up Oct. 1 on a bench warrant.

State

 Terron L. Gathings, 27, Syracuse, was charged Sept. 28 with second-degree possession of a forged instrument.

 Jonie M. Binzer, 48, Syracuse, was charged Sept. 29 with driving while intoxicated first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of at least .08 of 1 percent.

 William R. Montanye, 31, Wallkill, was charged Sept. 29 with second-degree obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest, fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana, first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of at least .08 of 1 percent, driving while intoxicated with a previous conviction and circumventing an interlock device.

 Fritz D. Green, 56, Auburn, was charged Sept. 28 with two counts of second-degree aggravated harassment and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

 Jared M. Friedel, 33, Brutus, was charged Sept. 28 with fourth-degree criminal mischief and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

 Hannah D. Dygert, 26, Cato, was charged Sept. 28 with operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs and driving with a suspended registration.

 Jeb. P. Hopkins, 21, Locke, was charged Sept. 29 with driving while intoxicated first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of at least .08 of 1 percent.

 Charles J. Niles, 20, Weedsport, was charged Sept. 29 with driving while intoxicated first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of at least .08 of 1 percent.

 Brandon S. Road, 23, Stanley was charged Sept. 30 with driving while intoxicated first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of at least .08 of 1 percent.

County

 Scott M. Atkinson, 36, 2419 Bixbywood Road, Savannah, was picked up Aug. 29 on an arrest warrant and charged with petit larceny.

 Daniel V. Kadlubowski, 39, 347 Lakeside Road, Solvay, was charged Sept. 2 with resisting arrest.

 Donald L. Harvey Jr., 50, 1281 state Route 326, Cayuga, was charged Sept. 3 with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and driving with a suspended registration.

 Brandy M. Knopp, 32, 13 Klocks Corners Road, Oswego, was picked up Sept. 4 on an arrest warrant.

 Carl J. Towndrow, 54, 2771 E. Brutus St., Weedsport, was charged Sept. 4 with second-degree obstructing governmental administration.

 Terrance B. Klavson, 19, 90 W. Honeysuckle Road, Lake Forest, was charged Sept. 5 with fourth-degree criminal mischief.

 Chelsea C. Albanese, 31, 32 Liberty St., Auburn, was charged Sept. 6 with petit larceny.

 George R. Baker, 61, 1458 River Road, Conquest, was picked up Sept. 6 on a bench warrant.

 Michael C. Spears, 27, 16 Franklin St., Auburn, was picked up Sept. 6 on a bench warrant.

 Brandon Rivera, 19, 170 Main St., Aurora, was charged Sept. 8 with first-degree unlawful dealing with a child.

 Charles F. Mitchell, 50, 7893 Armstrong Road, Throop, was charged Sept. 11 with driving while intoxicated first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of at least .08 of 1 percent.

 Dustin Glen Klock, 27, 5635 Sears Road, Locke, was charged Sept. 14 with criminal mischief and endangering the welfare of a child.

 Andrew P. Rejman, 35, 2909 Long Hill Road, Venice, was charged Sept. 14 with fourth-degree criminal mischief, second-degree obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest.

 Thomas George Pollard, 18, 470 King Muir Road, Lake Forest, Illinois, was charged Sept. 18 with fourth-degree criminal mischief.

 Cody C. Ryan, 27, 13145 Route 34, Ira, was charged Sept. 22 with criminal mischief and endangering the welfare of a child.

 Joshua L. Jones, 36, 16 Cedar Lane, Brutus, was charged Sept. 24 with fourth-degree criminal mischief.

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PHILADELPHIAToday, a team of attorneys from the U.S. Department of Justice filed an appeal from the August 3 judgment issued by U.S. District Judge Michael M. Baylson in the lawsuit which pitted Free Speech Coalition, the American Society of Media Photographers and 10 remaining individual plaintiffs against the Attorney General of the United States.

As we expected, the government has appealed Judge Baylsons ruling striking down major parts of the 2257 regulations as unconstitutional under the First and Fourth Amendments, and permanently enjoining the government from enforcing those parts of the statutory scheme," said Eric Paul Leue, executive Director of Free Speech Coalition. "FSC has a right to appeal as well, and we will continue to defend the rights of legal producers.

The suit sought to invalidate the federal record-keeping and labeling laws, 18 U.S.C. 2257 and 2257A ("2257"), and their enabling regulations. Judge Baylson's ruling, which came after much input from both parties, gave the plaintiffs almost everything they wanted from the suit, stating in part, "The Court hereby permanently enjoins Defendant, his agents, servants, employees, attorneys, and other persons acting in concert or participation with him from enforcing these statutes and regulations."



As AVN previously noted, "In short, the only people who can still be held liable under 2257 are primary producers who fail to check performers' ID documents and/or fail to verify their ages, and the court refused to strike down the criminal penalties for those who do fail to check."

However, it is noteworthy that in issuing his ruling, Judge Baylson had essentially accepted the government's argument that Free Speech Coalition did not have standing to make "as-applied" challenges to 2257 on behalf of its members or of the industry in general, though he found that the individual plaintiffs could make such challenges. Nevertheless, the judge agreed with the argument put forth by plaintiff' attorney J. Michael Murray regarding such challenges, which was contained in law professor Richard H. Fallon Jr.'s Harvard Law Review article. That argument had found favor with the U.S. Supreme Court, that there was nothing stopping a court which had found a particular law inapplicable "as applied" to some plaintiffs, from finding that law similarly invalid as to all plaintiffs similarly situatedwhich is what Judge Baylson did in his final judgment. It is that conclusion, that Free Speech did not have standing to mount such "as-applied" challlenges, which FSC might argue in its own appeal of the rulingbut if it intends to do so, it must file its cross-appeal within 14 days.

In any case, it is now up to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals to establish a briefing schedule, which should occur within 30 days of the last appeal being filed. The Third Circuit will then amass all of the filings and rulings that have taken place in the case so far, and after having received all of that data, will tell the attorneys for both sides when their formal argument briefs must be filed. That whole process could easily take six months or more to be completed, at which point the Third Circuit will schedule oral arguments on the petition(s).

"We fully anticipated that the government would file an appeal from Judge Baylson's ruling, since that ruling struck down most of the 2257 law under the First and Fourth Amendments to the Constitution, and restrained the government from enforcing the law against the adult industry," Murray told AVN.

The adult industry's fight against 2257, spearheaded by Free Speech Coalition, has been ongoing since 2005, and has cost the industry more than $1 million in legal fees and related expensesand the appeals process will only add to that total. Knowing the importance to the industry of defeating the onerous 2257 laws, Free Speech has appealed to industry members for donations to that ongoing effort. Such donations may be made here.
SACRAMENTO, Calif.California Governor Jerry Brown had a deadline of Sunday to sign the states landmark new net neutrality law, regarded as the nations most far-reaching state-level law protecting an open internet, and without any comment, Brown finally affixed his signature to the bill on Sunday.

Within hours, the Donald Trump administration, through United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions, slapped the governor and the state with a lawsuit in a Sacramento federal court to stop the net neutrality law from taking effect, according to a report by NBC News.

Net neutrality on the federal level was abolished in June, and this new law is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2019, but the U.S. Justice Department lawsuit asks the court to block the law with a preliminary injunction, on the grounds that the big telecom companies that control internet access for most Americans cannot realistically comply with one set of standards in this area for California and another for the rest of the nationespecially when internet communications frequently cross multiple jurisdictions."

The Republican-controlled Federal Communications Commission voted to repeal Obama-era net neutrality laws last December. The federal rules put in place under President Obama prevented internet service providers from giving traffic from certain sites high-speed priority access while slowing or blocking traffic from other sites. But on August 31, as AVN.com reported, the California legislature passed its own net neutrality law, which would apply to internet companies operating in the nations most populous state.

The Trump-appointed FCC Chair, Ajit Pai, slammed the new California law as illegal in a speech earlier this month, and his language was echoed by Sessions in a statement on Sunday.

Under the Constitution, states do not regulate interstate commercethe federal government does, Sessions said. Once again the California legislature has enacted an extreme and illegal state law attempting to frustrate federal policy.

But California Attorney General Xavier Becerra vowed to fight the lawsuit and put the law into effect, saying, according to Yahoo! News, that the state that serves as home base to many of the countrys largest and most powerful tech firms, will not allow a handful of power brokers to dictate sources for information or the speed at which websites load."

The lawsuit, however, will likely end up in the United States Supreme Court, and while the positions of the eight justices currently seated on the court regarding the constitutionality of state-level net neutrality laws are not yet clear, current Trump Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaughwho would hold a fifth and deciding vote on a court now split evenly between its liberal wing and conservative wingis on the record as an outspoken foe of net neutrality laws, writing in a case before the Washington D.C. appeals court last year that the Obama-era rules were unlawful and must be vacated.

In his confirmation hearing earlier in Septemberprior to the current sexual assault allegations him surfacingKavanaugh attempted to explain his anti-net neutrality opinion, saying he was bound by precedent to follow what he called the courts major rules doctrine. In other words, that the court should throw out laws which lack a clear statement by Congress of the intentions behind the laws.

But technology law expert Gigi Sohn, who helped put the Obama-era rules into place, said in an essay for NBC News that Kavanaugh was simply making up the so-called major rules doctrine.

His theory on major rules also directly contradicted Supreme Court precedent, Sohn wrote. In a 2005 decision, the court ruled that the FCC has the discretion to decide how and under what part of the Communications Act broadband providers should be regulated.

Photo By Neon Tommy / Wikimedia Commons
Hovis is selling two of its flour mills to Whitworth Bros and closing a third as it looks to focus on its core baking business.

Whitworth is to acquire the Hovis mills at Selby, north Yorkshire and Manchester, while Hovis plans to close its Southampton mill. The companys remaining mill, in Wellingborough, Northants, will be integrated in the Hovis baking supply chain and provide flour for the Hovis brand.

The move follows a strategic review undertaken by the company to identify the best way forward in an economically challenging environment within a highly competitive market.

The 34 staff at Manchester and 50 staff at Selby will transfer to Whitworths, as will a small number of staff in commercial and technical roles.

The Southampton mill is significantly loss-making, said Hovis, which has reviewed the competition and anticipated costs of operating the site. As a result, it plans to end operations at the end of 2018, resulting in the loss of up to 71 jobs at the mill, including the central laboratory, along with 29 jobs in High Wycombe in central milling functions. Following the proposed closure at Southampton, Hovis will no longer use the Rank Hovis brand.

Warehouse and logistics operations in DHL Bawtry, DHL Southampton and DSV Belfast will cease at the end of the year.

Earlier this year, Hovis sold ingredients businesses Holgran and Fleming Howden to AB Mauri. Based in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, Holgran supplies malted grains, seeds and blend inclusions, while Edinburgh-based Fleming Howden sources, manufactures and distributes a range of bakery ingredients and yeast products.

We have a clearly defined strategy to invest in and continue to grow our bakery business and to be a leading, quality manufacturer, said Hovis chief executive Nish Kankiwala.

He added that the changes to the milling business were part of the process to future-proof the core Hovis baking business.

Whilst we never take decisions such as these lightly, we firmly believe this is the right decision for the business and ensures Hovis will continue to grow and prosper as a great UK brand and bakery manufacturer in a very competitive marketplace.

The move comes as the business announced a 0.5% year on year increase in bread volumes in 2017, with losses after tax of 11.7m, down from a 34.2m loss in the previous year. Revenue rose from 308.7m to 326.9m.

Going forward, there is no doubt the bread market will remain extremely challenging, said Kankiwala. However, we are confident our strategy to become a focused, fully-integrated manufacturer of bakery products will allow us to further strengthen our successful business.

Hovis today (1 October) said it had now completed a three-year transformation of the business, and that the disposal of the free-trade milling operation was part of its strategy to focus operations and investment on growth areas to become a fully-integrated manufacturer of bakery products.

We are committed to our strategy of becoming the best-quality brand in baking and will focus our investment on our core baking business, said Kankiwala.

The company said it has invested in new manufacturing capability and new product development to drive growth. Recent launches have included Lower Carb, seeded breads and a white loaf with sourdough.
Should Beaufort County's commissioners be resolved to ask the federal government to defend our Southern Border by ending the Biden /Harris Open Border policy in regards to that one border that is intentionally made OPEN?

Yes, Illegal Migrants are a huge expense to local governments.

No, the cost of Undocumented Immigrants is insignificant in our providing a pathway for Dramatic Demographic Upheaval..
Azure Active Directory vs. Classic AD Jump into this E-Guide to find out how to pinpoint the differences between the Microsoft Azure edition of Active Directory and the classic Windows Active Directory  and how to use those differences to your enterprise's advantage.

Easy Active Directory Clean-Up Tips Inside this E-Guide, read through some Active Directory organization strategies designed to minimize the headaches that often accompany user group restructuring projects  and ultimately reduce the time spent sifting through messy group architectures.

Go Back to the Basics with Active Directory Despite your level of familiarity, it never hurts to keep up-to-date on basic Active Directory best practices. Inside this E-Guide, brush up on some basic Active Directory tips and tricks around domain controllers, cloud AD interactions, and more.

How Can Privileged Access Accounts Be Managed in Large Companies? According to a Verizon Data Breach Report, 55% of insider misuse incidents involved access abuse. Inside this e-guide, security expert Michael Cobb, dives into the risk of privileged access and reveals best practices for securing privileged access.

How can organizations get control over privileged identity management? Recent research showed 72% of temporary workers and contractors are given administrative privileges on their employers' systems. Explore this expert e-guide to learn how you can improve the security of privileged access by minimizing exposure of sensitive activities and information
Jair Bolsonaro  Brazil's authoritarian, "sexist, racist and homophobic" presidential candidate  was supposed to have the election sewn up, with the Brazilian left in retreat.

But now, with the first-round vote a week away, Bolsonaro is losing ground to the leftist Fernando Haddad, formerly mayor of Sao Paolo, with a runoff virtually guaranteed for Oct 28.

While Bolsonaro has the support of Brazil's wealthy elite and powerful media-barons, he is monumentally unpopular among working people, women, and young people, who have filled the streets with mass anti-Bolsonaro demonstrations. Bolsonaro, who has close ties to the remnants of the military junta that once ruled Brazil, has mooted imposing martial law on the country if he loses the election.





The state of Brazilian politics is incredibly complicated. This long, but very readable summary in The Nation does a very good job of laying out the current state of play and its historic context.

In living memory, Brazil has lived under a military rule that supported the interests of economic elites, who suppressed their opposition with torture, murder, surveillance, arbitrary detention, and the full suite of horrors that can only be called "fascist." Bolsonaro hearkens wistfully to those days as a golden age for Brazil. He is still leading in the polls, but the latest gains for his opposition are a rare ray of hope in a country whose national politics have slid towards authoritarian rule in service to the one percent.



Bolsonaro enjoys widespread support among police and the military. His vice-presidential candidate, Gen Hamilton Mourao, unnerved Brazilians recently when he said in a situation of "anarchy", a president could declare an "auto-coup". Both men praise the military dictatorship that ran Brazil from 1964-1985, torturing and executing opponents. "I lived [during] this phase," said Maria do Carmo, 84, who was protesting in Rio and saw relatives imprisoned by the military regime. "It was terrible." On Sunday, the Folha de S.Paulo newspaper called on both leading candidates to make a commitment to democracy, accusing Bolsonaro of "stimulating paranoias of manipulation" and criticising the Workers' party for its attacks on the justice system for Lula's imprisonment it calls politically motivated.



Huge protests in Brazil as far-right presidential hopeful returns home [Dom Phillips/The Guardian]

(via Naked Capitalism)
Judges on Seattle's municipal court have agreed to clear misdemeanor marijuana possession convictions from the era before weed was legal in their state.

Via KOMO:

Judges in Seattle have agreed to clear past misdemeanor convictions for pot possession that were prosecuted before marijuana was legalized in Washington state.

The Seattle Times reports that all seven judges of the Seattle Municipal Court signed an order Sept. 11 setting out a process for vacating the cases.

City Attorney Pete Holmes filed a motion in April asking the court to vacate the convictions. He argued that possessing small amounts of marijuana is no longer illegal and clearing past convictions would right the injustices of a drug war that targeted people of color.

About 542 people could be affected. The ruling covers from about 1996  when municipal courts, rather than county district courts, began handling those misdemeanors  to 2010 when Holmes became city attorney and stopped prosecuting low-level pot cases entirely.
New Zealand's Customs and Excise Act 2018 went into effect today. That means travelers who refuse to give their phone or laptop password to customs officials will be fined NZ$5000. In addition, their devices will be confiscated and forensically searched.

Customs Minister Kris Faafoi said these digital strip searches are necessary because "A lot of the organised crime groups are becoming a lot more sophisticated in the ways they're trying to get things across the border. And if we do think they're up to that kind of business, then getting intelligence from smartphones and computers can be useful for a prosecution."

But Thomas Beagle of Council for Civil Liberties pointed out that organized criminals are smart enough not to keep incriminating files on their devices.

From Radio NZ:

[Customs spokesperson Terry Brown] said the law struck the "delicate balance" between a person's right to privacy and Customs' law enforcement responsibilities. "I personally have an e-device and it maintains all my records  banking data, et cetera, et cetera  so we understand the importance and significance of it." Council for Civil Liberties spokesperson Thomas Beagle said the law was an unjustified invasion of privacy. "Nowadays we've got everything on our phones; we've got all our personal life, all our doctors' records, our emails, absolutely everything on it, and customs can take that and keep it." The new requirement for reasonable suspicion did not rein in the law at all, Mr Beagle said. "They don't have to tell you what the cause of that suspicion is, there's no way to challenge it."

Image: Belish/Shutterstock


Slab City is a curious community in the Sonoran Desert about 150 miles northeast of San Diego. Formerly a World War II Marine Corps base, it's now home to around 150 off-the-grid squatters and thousands of temporary campers and RV owners who wait out the winter months before continuing their journeys. The name comes from the concrete remnants of the military base. Author and architect Charlie Hailey and photographer Donovan Wylie documented the anarchic living and structural scene in their new book "Slab City: Dispatches from the Last Free Place." The pictures are a compelling and provocative view inside this not-so-temporary autonomous zone that embodies a curious kind of liberty for its diverse inhabitants. From an interview in Smithsonian:



What were some of the more interesting dwellings that you saw?





Wiley: [The dwellings] were all so autonomous and each had its own individuality, which in itself makes them interesting. The structures were people; they revealed the people and the place and were all very different and fascinating. [Being there] really made me question the idea of what being free is, and what it means in terms of American mythology, the desert, expansion and history.





Hailey: The scale of construction ranged from a piece of cardboard on the ground placed within a creosote bush to these large telephone structures to pallet structures that were two stories tall. Each one expressed what that particular person wanted to make them, but then against restraint of what resources were there and what nature would allow. It was windy and it was hot, and yet you're trying to make home in a very unhomely place.
The Trump administration is currently detaining over 13,000 migrant children in facilities throughout the United States Approximately 1,600 of these children are being moved to a tent concentration camp in West Texas. The conditions are grim.

New York Times reporter Caitlin Dickerson is among the few journalists who've been following the detained migrant children's story. They were separated from their families under Trump's policies.

Hundreds of migrant kids are being shipped each week to a tent city in South Texas, where they won't get schooling or have full access to lawyers. They're moved at midnight with only a few hours notice so they don't try to escape. https://t.co/FsXuZ8ycUi  Caitlin Dickerson (@itscaitlinhd) September 30, 2018

Most of the kids are from Central America, and Guatemala specifically. The recent relocations have taken place "with little notice on late-night voyages" to the stark tent complex in West Texas, where the separated kids receive no schooling, have no contact with their parents, and have limited or no access to legal representation.

Here's a look at what's happening:

 Why are they being moved in the middle of the night and without notice? To avoid escape attempts. Migrant children are housed in what are known as unsecure facilities, meaning that doors are unlocked and they can technically leave at any time, though they are closely monitored and strongly discouraged from doing so. Several shelter workers explained that children who are on their way to the rapidly expanding tent city in Tornillo, Tex., are being woken up and moved in the middle of the night because they will be less likely to try to run away in the dark. The children are told of the move only a few hours prior so that they do not have time to formulate an escape plan, the workers said. (Migrant children are held in unsecure facilities rather than immigration jails, where adult border crossers are housed, because of a federal consent decree that says children can only be detained in secure facilities for 20 days.)  If they were already in shelters, why are they being moved? The shelters that are traditionally used to detain unaccompanied minors are overflowing. They had been hovering at close to 90 percent capacity since May, and each month, more children have been streaming across the border. Because conditions at the Tornillo tent city are generally rougher than in shelters, the government is seeking to minimize time that children spend there, so it is electing to send children who have been in the United States longer and are therefore closer to being released to sponsors, rather than sending new arrivals.  How do the two types of facilities compare? The shelters are licensed and monitored by state child welfare agencies that impose requirements on staff hiring and training, as well as education and safety. Children in shelters receive regular schooling and are required to have access to lawyers who help develop their claims for asylum or other forms of legal immigration status. Conversely, the tent city is considered an "emergency shelter" and is thus unregulated, except for a loose set of guidelines crafted by the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees it. The guidelines do not require schooling, so children are given workbooks but are not obligated to fill them out. Access to legal services at the tent city is also limited.

[Migrant children at the detention facility in Tornillo, Texas. PHOTO: Mike Blake/Reuters]
The Lord of the Rings and Kim Dotcom put New Zealand on the map for wealthy tech moguls seeking a safe space to hole up when disaster strikes. The Trump presidency kicked the bolt-hole craze to levels where Kiwi lawmakers had to put the brakes on the trend among the ultra-wealthy.

New Zealand's isolation, lack of global enemies, lovely climate, and perks for luring tech workers have sealed its reputation in the Bay Area. Via Bloomberg:

The Investor Plus Visa, which requires a minimum investment of NZD$10 million ($6.7 million) over three years, attracted 17 U.S. applicants in fiscal 2017, after President Donald Trump's election. Previously, it averaged six applicants a year. More than 10 Americans from the West Coast have bought multimillion-dollar properties in the Queenstown region in the past two years, said Mark Harris, managing director of the local Sotheby's real estate office. In August, partly in response to Americans gobbling up swaths of prime real estate, New Zealand's government banned foreigners from buying homes, with the restrictions set to take effect in coming months. Peter Thiel, the billionaire co-founder of PayPal, ignited an uproar when he was granted citizenship after spending just 12 days in the country, prompting allegations that New Zealand's passport was for sale. Thiel, 50, owns a $13.8 million home on 477 acres (193 hectares) in the lakeside town of Wanaka, with views of snow-capped mountains, and purchased another property in Queenstown, outfitted with a safe room.

Hats off to the lovely illustrations by Steph Davidson that accompany the piece.

 The Super Rich of Silicon Valley Have a Doomsday Escape Plan (Bloomberg)

Image: skeeze


In 1989, the Chinese government slaughtered pro-democracy student activists whose commitment to justice swept the nation; now they're facing a new student uprising, one comprised of ardent Communist youth whose state-mandated education in the works of Marx, Lenin and Mao have prompted them to stand up for oppressed workers who labor in the for-profit factories that have flourished since the Deng reforms.

President Xi has pursued a program of increased, unchecked personal power and a movement away from western media influences; as part of this, Chinese curriculum has pursued a new emphasis on Communist literature.





The Communist students staged mass, illegal demonstrations in Huizhou in sympathy with a wildcat workers' strike, bearing portraits of Mao, singing socialist anthems, and chanting "You are the backbone of the working class! We share your honor and your disgrace!"





On August 24, police cracked down on the students, arresting 50 organizers in raids as they sang "The Internationale" in Chinese. Some organizers remain in prison, accused of being secret agents of foreign powers.





Communist student movements are springing up all over China, and local police are cracking down on their leaders.



The dispute in Huizhou began in July, after Jasic Technology, a manufacturer of welding equipment, prevented its workers from forming an independent union. China allows labor organizing only under the auspices of the official, party-controlled All-China Federation of Trade Unions. The workers said managers had seized control of their branch of the official union. Complaining of being underpaid and treated like slaves, they began to organize a petition before the police intervened and detained several of them. The young activists learned of the workers' plight on internet messaging apps and took up their cause, with about 40 students and recent graduates going to Huizhou, a manufacturing hub of 4.8 million people in Guangdong Province. Hundreds of others spoke out in support online  so many that several universities warned students not to go to Huizhou.

China's Leaders Confront an Unlikely Foe: Ardent Young Communists [Javier C. Hernandez/New York Times]





(via Naked Capitalism)
- The 21-year-old man arrested for the alleged rape of a 6-year-old girl remains in police custody

- According to former friends of the suspect, Nicholas Ninow, he was known to use drugs and get into fights

- Staff and witnesses broke their silence about what happened on Saturday, 29 September

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Witnesses and staff at the Dros restaurant in Pretoria have spoken up about what happened on the day when a 6-year-old little girl was allegedly raped.

According to them, 21-year-old Nicholas Ninow attempted to flush his and the girl's clothes down a toilet - clothes that were covered in blood.

Nicholas allegedly raped the girl in the women's bathroom and fled to the men's bathroom, naked. It was there that he attempted to flush his blood-covered shirt, the girl's leggings and underwear.

CityPress reports that the girl and her mother, who live in Mamelodi, visited the Silverton restaurant often. So did Nicholas.

On Saturday, Nicholas was there again, and so was the girl and her mother. He went to the bathroom twice, according to the witnesses.

His second visit is when the alleged rape happened. The girl's mother noticed she wasn't in the play area anymore and went to the bathroom to look for her after a waitress said she saw her going in.

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The women's bathroom had an out-of-order toilet and the door was closed. The mother looked in the other two stalls and became very worried when the girl wasn't in them.

The restaurant staff joined in the search for the girl and a waitress saw feet behind the door of the out-of-order toilet. When she touched the door the little girl started crying and calling for her mom.

The 4 waitresses and mother attempted to open the door and when they succeeded, Nicholas hit them with his belt before running out of the bathroom. He fled to the men's bathroom and locked himself in.

The door was broken down by staff and customers and they found the bloodied clothes in the toilet.

Bystanders attacked Nicholas and beat him up until security got the man away from their mob justice.

The 21-year-old shouted and cursed. He claimed he only tried to clean the 6-year-old because she soiled herself.

Two ambulances were called to the restaurant and Nicholas was taken away in one of them.

READ ALSO: Author Kopano Matlwa celebrates finally graduating with a PhD

Former friends and colleagues of the rape suspect were shocked to hear the allegations against him. He was known for getting into fights and using drugs.

He liked having a drink and at school he was often in fights. He did not discuss a problem. His fists did the talking.

He said he had found the Lord, but then he would land up back in a fight, or one heard stories about drugs again.

Briefly.co.za gathered that Nicholas has a 19-year-old fiancee who is 6 months pregnant with his child. According to friends, the engagement has been broken.

Nicholas appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates Court on charges of drug possession and rape, and he remains in custody.

South Africans are enraged over what happened to the little girl.

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To stay up to date with the latest news, download our news app on Google Play or iTunes today.

Learn some African Proverbs and Their Meanings in this video and take a look at what else is happening on Briefly South Africa's YouTube channel.

Source: Briefly.co.za
Business / Economy

by Staff Reporter







Minister of Finance Mthuli Ncube Statement on Proposed Fiscal Reforms to bring Zimbabwe finances under control
News / National

by Staff reporter

THE Government intends to build more open prisons to accommodate female convicts who give birth in jail as it strives to improve the country's justice system, a Cabinet Minister has said.The country has only one open prison, Connemara and it caters for men only.Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said the Government is committed towards ensuring children born to convicts in prison are well catered for even when they are behind bars. He was speaking in Parliament last Wednesday during the National Assembly's Question and Answer session after legislators asked him Government's position to ensure children born in jail do not suffer due to their mothers' imprisonment."As part of improvement of our justice system, we are trying to abide by what we call best practices. When a child is born, what is best for that child is to be with their mother because the mother is better placed to look after them."Among the measures we have in place, whilst in prison, the mother is able to get the necessary assistance to bring up their child. The reason is that, if the children are separated from the mothers, they will not be able to get the maternal love that is necessary for their growth," said Minister Ziyambi.He said with availability of funds, Government intends to build more open prison facilities so that the mothers can raise their children in a home like environment. "I want to advise that those are the measures Government is looking into to ensure that such mothers are taken to open prisons. Once funds are available, we will make sure that we have more open prisons and that is what we have considered to implement," the Minister said.The open prison is described as home away from home as prisoners sometimes take leave days to go to their families as part of the reintegration process. Minister Ziyambi said Government would continue to improve the lives of inmates and their children."Our hope is that mothers are able to be with their children and also that children are looked after very well. When the amnesty was previously extended, we ensured that all mothers were released. Therefore, the rights of women in prisons are upheld as part of our policy and we hope that will actually improve their way of living in prisons," he said.
News / National

by Staff reporter

THE Veterinary Department last week announced a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Beitbridge at a hastily convened meeting in the district which came after officials, with police assistance, put down 18 heifers allegedly for unauthorised relocation from a red to a green zone.The officials have denied any relationship between the hurried meeting and the shooting, although undertones in the beef-rich district suggest the poorly attended emergency meeting last Wednesday was meant to justify the killings.The cattle, all heifers ready for bulling secured around the Joko Area, 50km north of Beitbridge, were gunned down with the help of Zezani Police Station, 100km west of the border town.Unconfirmed reports which seemed to justify use of Zezani police, suggested a veterinary official on the ground had, in the presence of police at Beitbridge, certified the heifers clean, but her movement permit book had been exhausted."You have been fed with the wrong information. There is nothing like that. Those cattle were illegally moved and to protect the area they went to, they had to be put down and burnt," National Veterinary director Josphat Nyika said on Wednesday."It's just that I am in the field in Chiredzi (and) my network is not clear, so I will call back later," he said.In Beitbridge, a team led by provincial veterinary officer Enat Mdlongwa told the meeting that the district was the face of Zimbabwe."Beitbridge is important to the country and we give it special attention. Livestock sales in this district are the revenue base of farmers and local authorities," he told the meeting chaired by Beitbridge Rural District Council chief executive Peter Moyo.He confirmed the disease outbreak and asked communal farmers to pay $2 dipping fees per beast per year."We are going to deploy officials to brand livestock from the infected area with "I" and quarantine that area for 18 months," he said.The infected areas were identified as Joko Dip Tank, Joko Village 3, Penemene Dip Tank, Mphanyane, Msane, Kwalu and Madzive, all in Beitbridge.All cattle sales in Beitbridge have been suspended due to the outbreak.Mdlongwa said outbreaks are treated seriously.The meeting was attended by just one unidentified farmer, Terry and Sox Abbattoirs directors Charles Mulowa and Oscar Chiromo, respectively, but scores of other stakeholders including councillors, chiefs and headmen and the district heads of departments in both the public and private sectors, who normally attend such meetings, were conspicuous by their absence.One member who attended said the meeting was almost impromptu and hurriedly convened, which veterinary officials denied.Mdlongwa advised farmers "not to try and be heroes" during an infection."We are empowered by the Animal Health Act, it defines our course of action and we will not hesitate following the Act, despite which politician has been approached," he said."We will simply look for the animal, destroy it and all those it has been in contact with. After such destruction, we will pass all costs to the concerned farmer. We advise people not to use police theft clearance documents as permits to move cattle. We should have held this meeting two weeks back, but something came up."Mdlongwa said his department would adhere to regulations guiding cattle movement.He asked farmers and other stakeholders in the beef industry to erect fences dividing their plots and along the highways to restrict animal movement.The owner of the cattle, a resettled farmer identified only as Goto, is understood to have sought legal recourse.
News / National

by Staff reporter

OPPOSITION MDC Alliance elections director, Henry Chimbiri, was seriously injured after he was caught in the crossfire and assaulted by Harare law enforcement agents pursuing illegal vendors on Friday.This was confirmed by MDC Alliance senior official Kurauone Chihwayi on Saturday, who indicated that Chimbiri was taken to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals after the attack, where doctors indicated the injuries he sustained on the face and lower part of his backbone were serious."MDC director of elections Chimbiri was attacked by members of the police service anti-riot squad while fuelling his vehicle at a service station in Harare," Chihwayi said."He is receiving treatment at Parirenyatwa Hospital. Some of the culprits have been identified."He said doctors confirmed that he had sustained serious injuries and had carried out a second orthographic angle X-Ray.Speaking to NewsDay from his hospital bed, Chimbiri said on Friday, he was number two in a fuel queue at a service station located at the corner Sam Nujoma Street and Kwame Nkrumah Avenue in Harare when motorists were asked to wait for an hour for a fuel tanker to finish offloading its contents.He said he was sitting in his vehicle when he saw vendors being pursued by the anti-riot and municipality police, who were throwing teargas at them."I opened the car door to see what was happening and that is when I was dragged from behind by a police detail, who accused me of being a vendor, saying I was trying to hide in the car," Chimbiri said."They seriously assaulted me. Even the service station attendant who came to my car to give me back my swipe card was assaulted in the melee."He said he questioned the officers' motive as they dragged him away from his car.Chimbiri said some passers-by later came to his rescue.He said he reported the matter at Harare Central Police Station.A medical report shows that Chimbiri suffered a swollen cheek and his eyes had also been affected, but he was in a stable condition."I reported to the Harare Central Police Station and my case number is IR092255. During the assault, I managed to identify a council police officer only referred to as Magaya and a police man called Chivandire and these I believe will be able to reveal who really assaulted me. But what I know for sure is that Magaya is the one who pounced on me first," he said.Chimbiri said the neuro-surgeon who examined him told him that the L4 and L5 vertebral disc had been displaced."In short, they have been damaged and I was advised to go for an operation to put two metal discs on my sides," he said.Chimbiri said he has been moved from the first ward he had been admitted to for security reasons after suspicious characters visited his bed.He said he would want justice to take its course through the arrest of the assailants.Contacted for comment, police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said he did not have details of the incident and advised NewsDay to check with him today."I do not know anything about that. Would you mind checking with me tomorrow [today]?" he said.The blitz on illegal venders has left quite a number of causalities, some who are not vendors, but ordinary people caught in the cross fire.
News / National

by Staff reporter

THE High Court has dismissed an appeal against conviction and sentence by a jailed Bulawayo landlord's son who raped their tenant's two daughters on six different occasions 10 years ago.Shawn Mpofu (29) of North End suburb raped the two victims, aged 10 and 11 years at the time, on different occasions in September 2008.Mpofu was in 2008 convicted of six counts of rape. He was sentenced to 33 years in jail of which 13 years were conditionally suspended for five years.Mpofu, through his lawyers, Shenje and Company Legal Practitioners, filed an appeal at the Bulawayo High Court challenging his conviction and sentence, citing the State as the respondent.He said there was misdirection on the part of the trial magistrate, arguing that he convicted him without properly investigating the reasons for the delay by the two complainants in making a police report.Mpofu, who was aged 19 years at the time of conviction, said the sentence imposed by the lower court induces a sense of shock on a juvenile offender."The court a quo erred in imposing a heavy sentence on a young offender without taking into account the fact that the appellant had committed the offence while below the age of 18 years. Wherefore, the appellant prays that his conviction be quashed and sentence set aside or in the event that the court of appeal upholds his conviction, it reduces his sentence by blending it with mercy," argued Mpofu's lawyers.Mpofu, in his grounds of appeal, said the regional magistrate, Mr Collen Ncube, largely relied on a medical report which was irrelevant in the circumstances."All the counts of rape surfaced when one of the complainants had sexually abused a seven year-old boy. A medical examination was then conducted on the complainant to establish that sexual abuse," he argued. In her ruling, Justice Nokuthula Moyo said the issues raised by Mpofu were non-existent."The appellant lured the young girls into having consensual sex with them. The girls were young and vulnerable and the appellant abused his position of being the landlord's son where these two girls lived. The appellant was not falsely incriminated and therefore the conviction is unassailable and it is confirmed. The appeal against sentence fails," ruled the judge.The State, which was represented by Mr Thompson Hove, opposed the appeal, arguing that the complainants' testimonies were credible."It is submitted that the sentence imposed by the trial court is proper in the circumstances. An effective 20-year imprisonment for six counts of rape cannot be said to be excessive so as to induce a sense of shock and the respondent prays for the appeal to be dismissed in its entirety," he saidAccording to the court papers, sometime in September 2008, Mpofu asked one of the complainants to open the door for him during which she broke the door handle.The court heard that Mpofu then demanded to have sex with the girl failure of which he would report her to his father for destroying the door handle. Out of fear, the girl complied with Mpofu's orders. He took the girl to the lounge where he engaged in sex with her.On a different day during the same month, Mpofu invited the girl to his room where he raped her at knifepoint. He repeated the act on two other different occasions.During the same month, Mpofu spotted the other complainant's sister at the house and he invited her to his room on the pretext that he wanted to give her a mealie cob. The girl complied and on entering the room, Mpofu ordered her to lie on the carpet before he raped her.On September 27, one of the complainants sexually abused a seven-year-old boy who stays at the same house. The girl's grandmother quizzed her during which the complainant revealed that she had also been sexually abused by Mpofu. A report was made to the police leading to Mpofu's arrest.
News / National

by Staff Reporter

97 nurses have graduated from the Hwange Colliery Hospital School of Nursing after successfully completing their training.After a six years of failing to host the graduation owing to various challenges the Hwange Colliery Company was experiencing, the nursing school finally conferred 97 nurses with their qualification certificates during a colourful event that was graced by various dignitaries that included Chief Hwange, Chief Nekatambe, Chief Nelukoba, Chief Shana and Acting Chief Vumthu.Guest of honour and Hwange Colliery Company Acting Board Chairperson, Mrs Juliana Muskwe called for more to be done to ensure that locals are given more opportunities to develop themselves."I am also urging the Hwange Colliery School of Nursing led by Mrs Linda Moyo to continue striving to maintain high standards of training at the institution so that nurses who emerge from here remain credible health ambassadors of Hwange Colliery Company wherever they ply their trade, be it in the country or beyond our borders. In line with the devolution stance taken by President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration, I would also like to urge the training school to give first preference to locals in the recruitment of student nurses so that they contribute in one way or the other in uplifting the general standards of nursing and health matters in the district and province as a whole," she said.These were sentiments also echoed by the Minister of State for Matabeleland North Province, Richard Moyo, who took the opportunity to pay tribute to Hwange Colliery Company on its efforts to assist the residents of the area."I am glad that this occasion is taking place in Matabeleland North Province, it is symbolic and speaks to the greater strides we can achieve if we all work towards the empowerment of our local communities. The government in the new dispensation is also working on modalities of a devolved system where provinces administer their respective economies. We therefore urge Hwange Colliery Company Limited to also prioritise locals in job creation and empowerment programmes," he said.The graduates expressed delight at their achievements, pointing out that they were looking forward to the future with great hope.It was revealed during the event that the institution had been grappling with a lot of challenges that led to the cutting down of intakes and graduations but was currently on the path to recovery as evidenced by the massive refurbishment work that has been taking place.
For some time, I have been a tremendous fan of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners, which provides broad exposure to a range of developed and emerging markets. Another interesting opportunity for investors seeking emerging markets exposure is renewable energy utility Polaris Infrastructure (TSX:PIF). After losing 33% since the start of 2018, it appears attractively valued and is poised to deliver outsized returns.

Now what?

Polaris owns and operates the San Jacinto geothermal power plant in Nicaragua, which has net installed capacity of 72 megawatts from 13 production wells. The utility does appear attractively priced, trading with a price-to-book ratio of less than one and price of less than eight times forecast earnings.

The utility reported some solid second-quarter 2018 results. Net power generation was 139,143-megawatt hours (MWh), which was almost 8% greater than a year earlier. The increased electricity output was generated by higher incremental steam production from new wells that were connected in May 2018 and improved infrastructure, which made the San Jacinto facility more efficient. This  along with a 3% tariff increase  gave Polariss earnings a healthy bump.

Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was US$15 million, which was a notable 11% higher year over year. Net income for the period came to US$3.9 million, which was a remarkable three times greater than the equivalent period in 2017. That impressive improvement can be attributed to higher earnings and lower share-based compensation. Polariss earnings should continue to grow at a healthy clip.

You see, the company has budgeted US$30 million for its 2018 drilling program, where it anticipates the completion of three new production wells and one new injection well. Polaris is also focused on driving greater efficiencies from the San Jacinto plant by improving various aspects of the operations. This should lead to higher power output and lower costs, which will drive earnings growth.

Story continues

Polaris is developing the Casita-San Cristobal project located in Northwest Nicaragua, which it expects will be approved during the third quarter 2018 and financed by a funding package totaling US$40-45 million provided by the World Bank. The utility is also looking for opportunities to reduce costs and monetize other non-core assets, including geothermal projects in California, Nevada, and British Columbia, as it pivots to focusing on its core Nicaraguan operations.

Polaris finished the second quarter with a solid balance sheet, holding US$34.5 million in cash and long-term debt of US$149 million, which is a manageable 2.8 times adjusted EBITDA.

Those solid results underscore Polariss attractiveness as an investment especially once its regular and sustainable quarterly dividend of US$0.15 per share is considered. Polaris has hiked its annual dividend every year since 2016 and is on track to increase it again at the end of 2018 if it continues to generate strong results. That dividend gives the company a juicy yield of just over 5%.

Nonetheless, while Polaris is an appealing renewable energy investment, it does come with considerable risk. As a microcap stock, it lacks the resources of other larger electric utilities, leaving it vulnerable to unexpected or significant changes in its operating environment. There is also a considerable amount of geopolitical risk associated with Polaris.

You see, Nicaragua is far from being a stable jurisdiction in which to operate. Like many Latin American countries, corruption, an opaque bureaucracy, and a lack of security pose challenges to any business operating in the nation. There is also a long history in Latin America of governments expropriating assets from foreign companies, although this typically only applies to natural resources rather than infrastructure.

Recently, Nicaragua has experienced a marked uptick in violence since the government announced that it would reform the pension system and shave 5% off benefits. This sparked a wave of protests that have morphed into spasms of bloody violence triggering a government crackdown, which has seen hundreds of people killed and thousands more flee the Latin American nation.

So what?

Polaris shapes up as an attractive play on renewable electricity generation. While it is certainly a risky investment for the reasons discussed, its focus on growing earnings and its dividend, along with that juicy 5% yield, makes it an extremely appealing investment for risk-tolerant investors seeking to diversify their portfolios.

More reading

Fool contributor Matt Smith has no position in any stocks mentioned. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners is a recommendation of Stock Advisor Canada.
A worker of Dongbei Special Steel welds a steel structure at a plant in Dalian, Liaoning province, China September 29, 2018. REUTERS/Stringer

BEIJING (Reuters) - China will cut import tariffs on textile products and metals, including steel products, to 8.4 percent from 11.5 percent, effective Nov. 1, the finance ministry said on Sunday.

Beijing has pledged to take steps to increase imports this year amid rising tension with some of its biggest trade partners, such as the United States.

Earlier in July, China reduced import tariffs on a range of consumer items including apparel, cosmetics, home appliances, and fitness products to fulfil pledges to further open China's consumer market.

Import tariffs on wood and paper products, minerals and gemstones will be cut to 5.4 percent from 6.6 percent, the ministry also said in its statement.

Average import tariffs on over fifteen hundred products will be lowered to 7.8 percent from 10.5 percent, the ministry said.

"Reducing tariffs is conducive to promoting the balanced development of foreign trade and promoting a higher level of opening up to the outside world," the ministry said .

China's cabinet has announced plans to cut tariffs on machinery, electrical equipment and textile products beginning on Nov. 1, as the country braces for an escalating trade war with the United States.

The overall tariff level will be reduced to 7.5 percent in 2018 from 9.8 percent in 2017 as a result, the cabinet has said.

(Reporting by Kevin Yao; Editing by David Goodman and Jane Merriman)
By Michelle Price and Alexandria Sage WASHINGTON/SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Tesla and Elon Musk have agreed to pay $20 million each to financial regulators and the billionaire will step down as the company's chairman but remain as chief executive, under a settlement that caps a tumultuous two months for the car-maker. The securities fraud agreement, announced by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Saturday, will come as a relief to investors, who had worried that a lengthy legal fight would only further hurt the loss-making electric car company. The SEC said Musk, 47, misled investors with tweets on Aug. 7 in which he said he was considering taking Tesla private and had secured funding. The regulator had alleged in a lawsuit on Thursday that the tweets had no basis in fact, and said the market chaos that ensued hurt investors. The SEC charges against Musk on Friday shaved about $7 billion off high-flying Tesla, knocking its market value to $45.2 billion on Friday, below General Motors Co's $47.5 billion. In the settlement, the agency pulled back from its demand that Musk, who is synonymous with the Tesla brand, be barred from running Tesla, a sanction that many investors said would be disastrous. I think this is the best possible outcome for everyone involved said Ivan Feinseth of Tigress Financial Partners, who rates Tesla 'neutral', who added the SEC's penalty was only a slap on the wrist for Musk. The fact that he can remain CEO is very important for the company." Neither Musk nor Tesla admitted or denied the SEC's findings as part of the settlement. Tesla and Musk did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Investors and corporate governance experts said on Saturday that the agreement could strengthen Tesla, which has been bruised by Musk's recent volatile behavior. He was filmed smoking marijuana and wielding a sword on a webcast this month just hours before Tesla said its recently-appointed accounting chief would leave. The entrepreneur had been directly involved in almost every detail of Tesla's product design and technology strategy, and drove the company's employees to extraordinary achievements - much as another Silicon Valley chief executive, Steve Jobs, did at Apple Inc. Musk is now required to step down as chairman of Tesla within 45 days, and he is not permitted to be re-elected to the post for three years. Tesla is required to appoint two new independent directors to its board, a move Feinseth should strengthen the company. The SEC charged Tesla with failing to have required disclosure controls and procedures for Musk's tweets. The SEC said the company had no way to determine if his tweets contained information that must be disclosed in corporate filings, or if they contained complete and accurate information. Musk walked away at the last minute from an earlier settlement with the SEC that would have required him to give up key leadership roles at the company for two years and pay a nominal fine, according to media reports on Friday. Investors said on Friday that it has been a big mistake for Musk to turn down that settlement, especially at a time when the company has been pushing hard to meet production targets. The settlement tasks the Tesla board, which many critics have accused of failing to rein in Musk, with the tricky challenge of finding an independent chairman who is able to work closely with the often emotional and unpredictable chief executive. Musk, who has often turned to Twitter to promote Tesla and confront critics, said on Thursday that the SEC's actions were unjustified. Tesla shares jumped after his Aug. 7 tweets, a blow to short-sellers betting on the stock's decline. As CEO, Musk had gained legions of fans for his bold approach to business and technology. He used his Twitter account to promote the achievements of Tesla, his rocket launch company SpaceX, and other projects such as his tunnel venture, the Boring Co, to his nearly 23 million followers. (Reporting by Michelle Price and Alexandria Sage; Additional reporting by Pete Schroeder; Editing by Marguerita Choy and Alistair Bell)
In what seems to be a series of unfortunate events, the family of a paralyzed Inuk dance student is now facing eviction from their home  the Toronto apartment they've rented for almost two decades.

After a tragic swimming accident in 2015 during a Christmas vacation in Cuba's Varadero beach, Napu Boychuk broke his neck, shattering his dreams for a career as a professional ballet dancer.

Tuutalik Boychuk, Napu's sister, learned about the family's eviction notice in late June, and is calling foul against the landlord who she thinks wants to get new tenants to hike up the rent.

It's our family home base. It's all we have. - Tuutalik Boychuk, Napu's sister

Currently, the family pays just over $1,700 plus utilities for their 2.5-bedroom apartment in Toronto's Midtown neighbourhood  as long-term tenants, their rent is controlled by incremental increases under current rules.

But if a new tenant moves in, a landlord can raise the rent as desired.

One to two-bedroom apartments in Toronto's Midtown can range between $1,800 and $3,500, according to popular rental ad sites.

Photo courtesy of Tuutalik Boychuk

His sister says the apartment is the place Napu first discovered his love for ballet.

"When he started taking ballet lessons, his whole experience of falling in love with the profession of ballet happened in that home," said Boychuk. Her mother also died of cancer in the living room in 2003, she added.

"It's our family home base. It's all we have."

Submitted by Tuutalik Boychuk

Napu and his father Dan Boychuk lived in the Toronto apartment right before what was supposed to be a two-week vacation in Cuba. After Napu shattered his spine, the two stayed on in Cuba to continue with Napu's medical treatment. Boychuk says she doesn't know when Napu will return, but says her father can return in the near future, if he has a home to come to.

Boychuk says she moved from Nunavut to Kingston, Ont., after the accident to work closer to the family home.

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Ever since the accident, Boychuk says family friends or subletters have been staying at the home making sure the nearly century-old apartment didn't have issues while they're gone.

Faulty shower curtain, late rent payments

JDM Apartments Inc., the property's landlord, filed four notices to end tenancy between April and June of this year. The landlord must give the tenant at least one of these notices before filing for an eviction.

The first notice talks about two noise complaints in November 2017, involving "unknown residents" in the apartment. The landlord wrote there was screaming of profanities and slamming doors. The notice also details an issue with a shower curtain letting out a "large amount of water" on the bathroom floor, which allegedly seeped through the floor into the downstairs unit's ceiling.

Submitted by Tuutalik Boychuk

The next two notices allege the family committed an "illegal act" by "interfering with electrical wiring" in the unit, and plugging in large appliances like extra fridges in closets, which it says may spark a fire due to wire damage. The landlord wrote it's holding the family responsible for $12,000 to fix these issues.

This family has gone through enough. - Kevin Laforest, lawyer in Brampton, Ont.

The last notice details seven late rent payments since January 2017.

Stephen Smith, property manager for JDM Apartments, did not respond to any of CBC's several emails and voicemails.

The landlord filed an eviction order asking the family to leave by July 3  which was stayed after Boychuk filed for a review.

Submitted by Tuutalik Boychuk

Tribunal won't hear family's side of the story

Boychuk says the landlord's reasons for eviction are not substantial.

Last Wednesday, Boychuk attended a review hearing expecting to tell her side of the story.

Submitted by Tuutalik Boychuk

The Ontario Landlord and Tenants Board, which acts as a court between parties, denied Boychuk her chance to tell her side of the story because she missed the first hearing. Boychuk told the adjudicator it was because she missed checking the mailbox, as she works hours away.

"Terrible. Just defeated. Helpless," Boychuk said that's how she feels.

When asked why the board denied the family a chance to speak, the board's spokesperson told CBC that it does not provide interviews.

Boychuk said the "unknown residents" of the noise complaints were let in the unit unbeknownst to her by a friend of Napu's. She said when she learned of the issue, she drove to Toronto immediately to remove their belongings from the unit.

I fundamentally believe nobody should lose their home without having a hearing. - Kenneth Hale, Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario

Boychuk added that she's the breadwinner for the family of three and the financial strains from the accident contributed to the late payments; but after receiving the notice, she submitted post-dated cheques until December to mitigate the issue.

Boychuk said this isn't the first time the landlord filed an eviction order in a similar manner. Back in 2008, she said the adjudicator ruled in favour of the family.

CBC was not able to independently verify the landlord's and Boychuk's claims.

Lawyers say family should be heard

Kevin Laforest, a lawyer in Brampton, Ont., who's taken on several tenants rights cases, said he believes Boychuk did "exactly what she would need to do" to mitigate the landlord's concerns.

Submitted by Tuutalik Boychuk

After reviewing the documents, Laforest said he questions whether the electrical wiring and plugging in fridges constitutes as illegal  and added that typically in a Toronto context, the notice for "illegal acts" is used to evict tenants involved with drugs and guns. Laforest added that late rent payments by a few days are common.

"The fact that the [landlord] served multiple notices, I think they're just trying to throw everything against the wall and see what sticks," said Laforest.

Laforest said, although he believes there may have been errors on both sides, given the family's "extenuating circumstances," the board should have heard both sides to come to a just conclusion.

"Only one side of the story was considered, much to the detriment of the family," said Laforest.

"This family has gone through enough. They've suffered through a lot ... Maybe they just need a bit of a break here."

Kenneth Hale thinks likewise.

"I fundamentally believe nobody should lose their home without having a hearing."

But Hale, legal director with Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario, asks whether the current rules should protect people who aren't living in their home.

"Maybe they still do feel it's their home, but I don't know that that's the definition of home that the Residential Tenancies Act is set up to protect."

Hale added that the situation will ultimately result in the landlord's financial benefit.

Both lawyers say Boychuk's next step is to make an appeal to the courts about the board's decision with the help of a lawyer.

It is unclear what the landlord now plans to do, and the family can potentially be evicted by force through the Sheriff's office any day now.
An Ontario woman alleges she was violently sexually assaulted by a member of the Dominican Republic government while she was there conducting field research.

Joanna Kocsis, a PhD student at the University of Toronto, says Odalis Ledesma, who was then a deputy minister with the Dominican Ministry of Youth, was helping her make contacts for her research in Latin America in April 2017.

She alleges that two days after they first met, he drugged her drink, rendering her unconscious, and then sexually assaulted her at the apartment she was renting from one of his family members.

"I sort of came to and he was on top of me," she recounted. "I was naked, he was raping me, he was biting me, he was holding me down."

Kocsis, 35, has been pushing for criminal charges against Ledesma, who has denied the accusations and told Dominican media the encounter was consensual.

Paul Borkwood/CBC

The case was thrown into the public spotlight in the Dominican Republic in September, after a television news show learned of the story and suggested the legal paperwork was being hidden in the time-sensitive case. (Authorities have until Dec. 20 to lay charges.) Ledesma was fired by the country's president the same day, before the program went to air.

Kocsis says she recalls Ledesma's words that night in the apartment.

"The first thing he said to me was 'No one will believe you,'" which she says instead emboldened her.

"He committed a crime, a violent crime, and he should be held accountable."

CBC News reached out to Ledesma and his lawyers, who did not provide a statement in time for our deadline.

Speaking to reporters in the Dominican Republic on Sept. 11, days after he was fired, Ledesma said he and Kocsis "met to have dinner and we had an intimate encounter. We had a conversation and I left."

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He also questioned why it took months for her to file an official complaint.

Kocsis says minutes after he left her apartment, she called Canadian consular authorities in the Dominican Republic and followed their advice to return to Canada.

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In a statement, Global Affairs Canada says "we are deeply concerned with the report of sexual assault on a Canadian citizen in the Dominican Republic." It says consular services are being provided and that officials remain in contact with local authorities.

Kocsis had a rape kit done at a Toronto hospital the day after the alleged assault.

She took photos of her bruises and kept records, including text messages Ledesma sent her the following days.

Large bruises

On April 4, 2017, the day of the alleged attack, Kocsis said she and Ledesma met with non-governmental organizations and in the evening, he suggested a work-related dinner, where he would introduce her to valuable contacts.

She says the Ledesma showed up at her door carrying a bottle of what he told her was expensive tequila, insisting they have a drink before heading out.

She says she initially refused, but he continued to insist, so she agreed.

According to records from the rape kit administered at Women's College Hospital, Kocsis reported having two shots of tequila.

Then she says she awoke, groggy, in the apartment, with him assaulting her.

I was confused about who was screaming and then I realized that it was me.  Joanna Kocsis

"I could hear screaming and I was confused about who was screaming and then I realized that it was me," she said in an interview at her Canadian lawyer's office.

When she fought him off, she said he became more violent.

"I froze and thought if he's capable of doing this, he's capable of killing me," she said.

"So I'm just going to stay still and hope that it's over soon and that I can stay alive."

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CBC News has viewed evidence photos taken once she returned to Canada, showing large purple bruises on her legs, arms and chest. She says most of them were caused by biting.

Kocsis was told she could not launch a criminal complaint to Dominican authorities from outside the country. She tried to file a complaint with police in Canada but learned they have no jurisdiction.

She hired a lawyer in Toronto and on June 26, 2017, she wrote to both the Dominican ambassador to Canada and the Canadian Embassy in the Dominican Republic, in an attempt to have authorities there pursue the case, even though she was outside the country.

Tight deadline

Court documents show the embassy wrote to Dominican officials in 2017, saying the allegations have "seriously worried" the Canadian government.

Kocsis says Dominican authorities reached out to her lawyer in January 2018, asking whether she would be able to participate in the investigation. She agreed on the condition she do it from Canada.

"I'm not willing to go back to the Dominican Republic, because I don't feel that my safety can be assured," Kocsis said. "I'm not willing to go through that danger and risk again."

After her case made headlines in the Dominican Republic, Kocsis learned officials there had already started an initial investigation, with a hearing held in July determining Ledesma was not a flight risk.

Submitted by Joanna Kocsis

Charges have to be laid by Dec. 20 or the case will be dropped.

"Six months, from what I understand in the legal system isn't a lot on a good day, much less when you have this international complication involved," Kocsis said.

Her lawyer, Megan Savard, says despite what she calls a "powerful" case, it's been a challenge, given the two countries and justice systems.

"Trying to find out what the law was down there from a reputable source, given that we were dealing with an [alleged] assailant who occupied a prominent position in the government was very difficult," Savard said.

'Passive attitude'

"Time is against us," said Laura Acosta Lora, Kocsis' Dominican lawyer.

She says court documents she's reviewed appear to show officials in the Dominican Republic were dragging their feet.

"I saw a passive attitude from a body that must actively investigate," she said, in Spanish from her office in Santo Domingo. "Especially when it's a case that affects the image of one country by another one appealing for justice for one of its citizens."

Acosta Lora has spoken with the prosecutor and says there now appears to be a will to move forward.

A statement from the Dominican Attorney General's office says the case has been transferred to a different level of court, now that Ledesma is no longer part of the government, and that the case is proceeding.

Kocsis says the legal back and forth has delayed her PhD and taken away precious time she would have spent with her husband and six-year-old daughter.

"I hope one day that there's justice so that all of this effort isn't in vain so that he can't do this to anyone else."
Canada and the U.S. have announced a tentative new trilateral trade deal with Mexico that includes some key concessions on issues of import to both countries  and also a reworked name: the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

"USMCA will give our workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses a high-standard trade agreement that will result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region," Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a joint statement released late Sunday.

Justin Tang/Canadian Press

"It will strengthen the middle class, and create good, well-paying jobs and new opportunities for the nearly half billion people who call North America home," the statement said. "We look forward to further deepening our close economic ties when this new agreement enters into force."

After 14 months of intensive and often fractious negotiations between the two countries, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convened a late-night meeting of cabinet to brief ministers because a deal had been reached only hours before a U.S.-imposed midnight deadline.

'A good day for Canada'

Leaving the meeting about an hour and 15 minutes after it began, Trudeau said only that it was "a good day for Canada" and that he'd have more to say to reporters on Monday.

In a background briefing with reporters, a senior Trump administration official heralded the USMCA as a win for all three countries.

"This is a big win for the U.S., Mexico and for Canada and it fulfils one of the president's most important campaign promises," a senior Trump administration official said. "We think this is a fantastic agreement. It's a great win for the president and a validation of his strategy in the area of international trade."

At the heart of the deal is a trade-off between greater U.S. access to Canada's dairy market, which is heavily protected by a system of supply management, and Canadian demands for the maintenance of a dispute resolution process.

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The two sides have agreed to keep Chapter 19, NAFTA's dispute resolution mechanism, intact. That's a major victory for Canadian negotiators who have long sought to keep some sort of process to challenge anti-dumping and countervailing-duty cases  which Canada has deployed in the past over the softwood lumber file.

Chapter 19 preserved word for word

Chapter 19 will be preserved word for word, though it will be renumbered in the new agreement, U.S. officials said Sunday.

Lighthizer has steadfastly opposed this chapter, as he believes it's a violation of U.S. sovereignty to have a multinational panel of arbiters decide on the acceptability of U.S. tariffs.

A Trump administration official deflected Sunday when asked if preserving Chapter 19 was a win for Canada. "From our perspective we think there's really, really great things in this agreement. We're excited about those parts of it," the official said.

(Chapter 11, however, will be phased out between the U.S. and Canada, Trump officials said. This chapter, which outlines the investor-state dispute settlement, allowed corporations to sue governments at special tribunals for interfering in their business.)

In exchange for some U.S. concessions on a dispute mechanism, Canada is expected to give U.S. farmers greater access to Canada's dairy market by increasing the quota on foreign imports.

Under the current supply management system, Canada imposes tariffs on dairy imports  which can run as high as 300 per cent  that exceed the established quota. Trump has railed against these tariffs as unfair to American farmers, as they are designed to keep foreign products out while privileging Canadian sources.

Dairy concessions could be politically challenging

Some of what Canada has agreed to could be politically challenging for the Liberal government, especially in Quebec, where dairy farmers hold electoral sway in certain ridings.

Under the new NAFTA, the U.S. will have roughly the same access to the Canadian dairy market as what was given up by Trudeau when he signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trade deal with 10 Asia-Pacific countries earlier this year.

Under that agreement, those 10 countries will have market access that equals 3.25 per cent of Canada's annual milk production. The exact percentage extended to U.S. dairy exporters was not immediately clear  but it will be marginally higher than that 3.25 per cent now open to Asian countries.

"We've achieved levels of market access, from the perspective of the U.S., that are a better deal than what the prior administration negotiated in TPP," a Trump administration official said of what former U.S. president Barack Obama squeezed out of the Canadians on the dairy front.

Trump officials say dairy changes major breakthrough

But, perhaps most importantly for dairy producers, Canada has agreed to end what's called class 7 pricing, a milk class created in March 2017 that slashed prices on some Canadian-produced milk ingredients  like protein concentrates, skim milk and whole milk powder  used to make cheese and yogurt. The co-ordinated price cut made the American equivalents uncompetitive.

Trump administration officials pounced on this change Sunday, touting it as a major breakthrough for American farmers, especially in Wisconsin and New York, where dairy farmers are eager to offload some of their product on Canada as they grapple with severe oversupply.

Graham Hughes/Canadian Press

"On the dairy issue, we have a great result for our dairy farmers ... and this was one of the president's key objectives," the Trump administration official said. "Canada has agreed to eliminate the class 7 milk pricing system, which is something that was very problematic."

At the outset of the NAFTA talks, the U.S. demanded Canada dismantle supply management entirely  something that Trudeau has always maintained was a non-starter. Its preservation, save for a few tweaks, will be pitched as a success story by the governing Liberals.

Steel and aluminum imports still an open question

Canada is also expected to sign on to this new NAFTA without any reassurances that the U.S. will lift its so-called "section 232" tariffs on steel and aluminum imports  a coup for the economic nationalists that surround Trump who believe that protectionist measures like these punitive tariffs can help salvage the declining U.S. steel industry.

"There isn't any agreement on that at this point," a Trump administration official said. "There's been talk about potential discussions there, but that's on a completely separate track."

Jonathan Hayward/Canadian Press

Canadian sources told CBC News they hope to resolve the 232 issue before ratifying NAFTA.

Those tariffs were levied on "national security" grounds using presidential authority granted under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which gives the president broad powers to impose tariffs without consulting Congress. Canada responded to Trump's move with counter-tariffs on billions of dollars worth of U.S. goods.

While technically separate from NAFTA talks, the U.S. has used the threat of further 232 tariffs on autos to extract concessions from Canada and Mexico  a frightening proposition for the Canadians.

No hard limit on auto exports

Importantly for Canadian negotiators, Trump has agreed that no hard limit will be placed on Canadian auto exports to the U.S.

That said, should the U.S. move forward with the imposition of worldwide 232 tariffs on autos, they would also apply to Canada.

However, Ottawa has negotiated what is effectively an exemption, as it would still be able to export cars and parts tariff-free up to a certain amount that is well above what Canada sends south of the border.

Sources could not immediately confirm the exact number of cars or parts that would be allowable, but U.S. officials said there has been an "accommodation" reached.

U.S.-Mexico deal came first

Last month, Trump announced his negotiators had reached a bilateral deal with Mexico.

The Canadians have already said they are pleased with what the U.S. had negotiated bilaterally with Mexico on changes to "rules of origin" around autos, championing the changes as good for middle-class workers on both sides of the border.

The revised USMCA deal will require 75 per cent of auto content to be made in North America, up from 62.5 per cent under the current NAFTA.

It would also require 40-45 per cent of auto content made in Mexico to be made by workers earning at least $16 US an hour, placating unions in Canada and the U.S. concerned about high-paying jobs moving to Mexico's low-wage economy.

According to the U.S. Trade Representative, Canada ships more than $56 billion US worth of autos  cars and parts alike  to the U.S. each year. The auto industry employs more than 120,000 people in Canada, with most of those jobs concentrated in southwestern Ontario.

Canada has also secured exemptions for its creative industries.

The existing NAFTA deal includes a cultural exemption clause, which means cultural goods are not treated like other commercial products  and that will continue under the new terms of the agreement. Lighthizer has previously cited Canada's broadcasting content and telecommunication ownership rules as an irritant.

Deal to be sent to Congress

U.S. negotiators have been gunning for a new NAFTA by month's end to get a text of the agreement to Congress for its mandatory 60-day review period. That could allow for a deal to be signed before Dec 1., when Mexico's new, left-leaning president takes office.

Under U.S. law, while Congress can extend fast-track negotiating authority to Trump administration officials  as it has with NAFTA  legislators retain the right to review any proposed trade agreement and decide whether it will be implemented. That relationship is governed by a set of strict, legislated timelines that allow Congress enough time to study a deal before delivering a decision.

A Trump administration official said Trudeau, Trump and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto will sign the USMCA at the end of November.

It will then be up to the next Congress  which could be fundamentally reconstituted after November's midterm elections  to ratify the agreement before it comes in to force.
A wedding band carries all kinds of reminders; it is a symbol of love, of faithfulness, of a willingness to give and to serve. It is something precious, something of heritage that can be passed down generations, something that costs to obtain, but then is freely given out of love.

Missing rings  a story, and a testimony

Just recently, a friend and I travelled to New Zealand. On our first day there, we explored the rocks of Castle Hill, and ventured onto the Devils Punchbowl waterfall track. In the middle of that first night in New Zealand, I realised my wedding rings were missing.

Trawling through photos, we suspected the wedding ring was lost at Castle Hill, and the engagement ring at Devils Punchbowl. It seemed there was only one ring at the waterfall, and by the time we had dessert, no rings could be seen in the photos.

By day two, we had made a police report and insurance claim. It seemed the rings were lost in the New Zealand wilderness, and I bought myself a souvenir Papua shell ring as consolation.

Seven days later, on our last night in New Zealand, I found my two rings neatly nestled together at the bottom of my suitcase!

I re-checked the photos and re-thought the events of our trip, but the miracle remained whichever way I looked at it. God is just as able to take two rings in different locations and place them in my bag, as He is able to keep them safely together amidst rummaging clothes and luggage. I was so thankful for the miracle, and God had more to show me yet!

God loves us, even when we despise Him

My husband bought my engagement ring when he was just out of university, and it cost him dearly. When he heard about the lost rings, he was sad but said to me, I love you, rings or not.

How many times have we taken the precious love of God, the life paid for by the blood of Jesus on the cross, the treasure of Gods kingdom, and carelessly thrown it away in distraction and worldly pursuits? Can we even count the times God has restored what was lost? It is no small thing that He gave His only son for us. God places the ring of His love on our finger and calls us His own.

The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying;

Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;

Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

(Jeremiah chapter 31, verse 3)

A miracle, and a celebration for everyone

I had never met them, but after hearing the rings were found, some friends of my mother sent a text. They celebrated the return of the rings, mentioning how they prayed I would find them in my luggage. Others who heard about the rings also celebrated. We celebrated together because something that was lost had been found, because prayers had been heard and answered, because God had been faithful to show that nothing is impossible for Him.

If we had such a celebration for two small rings, imagine the roar of heaven when a person, made in the image of God, returns to the Kingdom!

Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. (Luke chapter 15, verse 10)

Abba; in the business of restoration

Another friend reflected on my rings, her third miraculous ring story of the year - Abba is in the business of restoring both marriages and wedding bands it seems.

We have a God who loves to restore what is broken, hurting and imperfect. It is God that there are so many stories of miraculous wedding ring recoveries. It is God that we can live in a broken world and still have joy. It is God that we can overcome our sin and weaknesses to live in the light of His life. Abba our Father, is in the business of restoring the world to His wholeness.

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,

Is God in His holy habitation.

He sets the solitary in families;

He brings out those who are bound into prosperity

(Psalm chapter 68, verses 5-6)

The miracle is ours to believe

My mother wisely said, Share your testimony, but it is up to them to believe the miracle. We cannot convince people of Gods glory on our own strength, but we can be vessels through which that glory is revealed.

We called simply to let God shine through us; through our testimonies, and through our way of living. God does the rest, and it is not inconspicuous. Each of us are responsible for our own free-will.

Will we accept the free gift of salvation, the ring of Gods eternal love in Christ? Will we recognise God at work in our daily lives and give Him praise?

And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. (1 Corinthians chapter 2, verses 4-5)

God restores, and nothing is too big, or too small for Him.

Kristen is a family doctor, and author of the e-book An Internship with Jesus. She lives with her husband in Adelaide and writes a weekly blog (lostnowfoundk) on life with God. Her second blog, Lily of the Valleys-K, aims to share her love for Jesus through music and art.

See Kristens other articles at: https://lostnowfoundk.com/an-internship-with-jesus-ebook-christian-today-articles/
A concept I often repeat is that we should ride the waves of positive and negative feedback, rather than being drawn into them.

The idea is that if we deeply embrace positive feedback, we will in turn deeply embrace (and be destroyed by) negative feedback. Whereas if we simply observe positive feedback, without being fundamentally affected by it, we can more readily do the same with negative feedback.

In both cases the feedback should be considered  we need to be teachable  but riding the waves of feedback will allow us the objectivity we need to consider it properly.

Biblical basis

The biblical basis for this surprisingly surfer-centric metaphor (those who know me will find the idea of me surfing laughable) is Romans chapter 12, verse 3, which says:

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

Paul mentions the grace given to him in this verse, and in verse 6 of this chapter, that same grace, given to each of us, is said to be the basis of the various gifts (or abilities) that God has given us.

Our gifts are God-given

First and foremost, we should note that these are gifts we receive by grace from God (so a gift from God, freely given, not based on our merit).

The God-given nature of our gifts is what drives us to have sober judgement. We cant too deeply embrace positive feedback if we recognise that the thing we are being commended for is given to us as a gift from God, rather than being born out of how fantastic we are.

I should point out that the language I am using here is important. We should observe positive feedback, we just shouldnt too deeply embrace it. God has surrounded us with people to affirm and encourage us, and we can unwittingly dampen their affirmations by not observing positive feedback when they offer it.

The following story springs to mind in discussing this concept: After the service, a pastor was greeting congregants at the door to the church. One congregant commented, that was a great sermon today, pastor. Oh, it was God, not me the pastor meekly replied. Well it wasnt THAT good responded the congregant.

In our zeal to give God the glory, we can sometimes fain humility with throw away lines such as this, inadvertently taking away the strength of the truth we are trying to communicate.

All our gifts are indeed from God, but its good to appropriately observe positive feedback, which affirms to us that we are properly practicing the gifts God has given us. Simply saying thank you will encourage the person trying to affirm you and can perhaps be followed up by a comment regarding the goodness of God in the varied gifts he has given each of us.

Our gifts have limits

I alluded to Romans chapter 12 verse 6 before, the passage that begins, We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. As we consider our gifts with sober judgement, we will come to the realisation that we arent gifted in every way.

Most Christians are aware of these sorts of passages, the ones where we are told that we are the body of Christ, made up of many parts. However, if we are prone to being drawn into the waves of positive or negative feedback, we can often forget about them. We forget that our gifts have limits.

By grace, God has given each of us different gifts, and he doesnt expect that we will be able to function well in areas of life where he has not gifted us.

The terrors of youth ministry

For example, God has not gifted me with the ability to lead youth ministry. I dont even know how many times I have attempted to engage high schoolers in an activity or a devotional, only to be met by blank stares representing very clear negative feedback!

But this limitation, instead of being embarrassing or depressing, should be freeing  God simply hasnt gifted me in this way! Our gifts have limitations, and so I am learning (I certainly havent perfected this) to receive this sort of feedback objectively, thinking of myself with sober judgement.

If I was drawn in by the waves of positive and negative feedback, my pride would compel me to believe that I was defective in ministry entirely. However, sober judgement tells me that Im just not gifted in youth ministry specifically. My gifts have limits, and this should be freeing, not disheartening.

Own it, but dont be defined by it

The fundamental truth in all of this is that we should own positive and negative feedback, but we shouldnt be defined by it. Christians should be the most teachable of all people, as we know that our gifts are given to us by the grace of God. We know that to each, different gifts are given, so our gifts, by necessity, will have limitations. If we ride the waves of positive and negative feedback, not being drawn into them, we are able to objectively hear feedback around our gifts and abilities, without being unduly puffed-up by positive feedback, or pointlessly destroyed by negative feedback.

Brent Van Mourik is the Queensland State Representative for Baptist World Aid Australia and is a registered pastor with the Baptist Union of Queensland. He completed a Bachelor of Theology with honours in New Testament through Malyon College in Brisbane, where he now lives with his wife, Jane. In his down time, he enjoys making and drinking good coffee, and developing his theology of disappointment, whilst putting into practice Ephesians chapter 4 verse 26 (In your anger do not sin) on the golf course.
On May 10th 1940 Hitler launched his blitzkrieg (a violent surprise offensive) against the Low Countries and France. By the second week of May the French defences had been broken. Rommel and his 7th Panzer Division with lighting speed advanced across France and Belgium. Very soon the British Expeditionary Forces found themselves encircled at Dunkirk.

Dunkirk evacuation map

The German High Command on the 27th May announced that The British Army is encircled, and our troops are proceeding to its annihilation. No doubt this boastful prediction was encouraged by their incredibly swift advances and the relatively quick defeat of those who stood before.

The advancing German Army had trapped the British and French armies on the beaches around Dunkirk. More than 330,000 men were trapped and were sitting targets for the Germans. Admiral Ramsey, based in Dover, formulated Operation Dynamo to get from the beaches as many men as was possible. The British troops, led by Lord John Gort, were professional soldiers from the British Expeditionary Force; trained men that Britain could not afford to lose.

British troops line up on the beach at Dunkirk to await evacuation - May 1940

England

Back in Britain Winston Churchill feared the worst, that it could become the greatest military disaster in their long history. Churchill said in The Second World War: I thought  and some good judges agreed with me  that perhaps 20 or 30,000 men might be re-embarked . . . the whole root and core and brain of the British army . . . seemed about to perish upon the field or be led into ignominious and starving captivity.

All therefore seemed about to be lost. But they had to desperately try to save some of their trapped men from slaughter and imprisonment. The British Expeditionary Force lost 68,000 soldiers during the French campaign. From May 26th 1940, small boats transferred soldiers to larger ones which then brought them back to a port in southern Britain.

Evacuation from Dunkirk was a problem: the beach sloped so no large boat could get near to the actual beaches where the men were. Therefore, smaller boats were needed to take on board men who would then be transferred to a larger ship based further off shore. Some 800 of these legendary little ships were used. Many of these boats were sailed by members of the public who volunteered to help their fellow countrymen.

Three of the armada of 'little ships' that evacuated the men

But what did happen? A miracle is mentioned in most reports and even in the movies Dunkirk and The Darkest Hour they reported the miracle. Could there be another answer?

Miracle 1?

Despite intermittent attacks from German fighter and bomber planes, the Nazi Army never launched a full-scale attack on the beaches of Dunkirk. Panzer tank crews awaited the order from Hitler, but it never came.

In his memoirs, Field Marshall Rundstadt, the German commander-in-chief in France during the 1940 campaign, called Hitlers failure to order a full-scale attack on the troops on Dunkirk his first fatal mistake of the war. That 338,000 soldiers were evacuated from the beaches at Dunkirk would seem to uphold this view.

Miracle 2?

Tuesday 28th May saw a storm of unprecedented fury break over the Flanders grounding the German Luftwaffe. The grounding of the Nazi planes allowed more armed formations to advance to Dunkirk with little or no attacks.

Three days after the High Command had so proudly boasted of the coming annihilation of the British Army, General Halder, Chief of the German General Staff was obliged to write in his diary on the 30th May. He wrote that Bad weather has grounded the Luftwaffe, and now we must stand by and watch thousands of the enemy getting away to England right under our noses.

Miracle 3?

As Flanders was battling the fury of a violent storm, a quite extraordinary calm, such as has rarely been experienced, settled over the English Chanel. This allowed a multitude of small and large craft to evacuate the soldiers.

Sir Douglas Bader, the legless Spitfire ace, recorded in his book Fight for the Sky The sea from Dunkirk to Dover during these days of the evacuation.was solid with shippingOne felt one could walk across without getting ones feet wet . . . there were naval escort vessels, sailing dinghies, rowing boats, paddle steamers, indeed every floating device known in this country.

Miracle 4?

The evacuation from Dunkirk to Dover in terms of human life was an exceptional success. However, the loss of tanks, trucks, guns and army equipment left behind in France this created an environment of extreme vulnerability for Britain. War strategists asked the question, why did Hitler not attack England after the loss of so many weapons? His hesitation through June allowed the British armies time to regroup.

There were no official Australian contingents in Dunkirk but there were a number of Australians working with the British. One that could be tracked down was Captain Emile Frank Verlaine Dechaineux who was born on 3rd October 1902 in Launceston Tasmania.

He served in the British Admiraltys Tactical and Minesweeping divisions until April 1940 and made five trips to assist in the evacuation at Dunkirk as the commander of the destroyer HMS Vivacious.

A reason for the miracle?

One of the reasons put forward for Hitler not ordering an attack was that he believed that Britain had suffered from the might of the blitzkrieg once and that this experience would be sufficient for Britain to come to peace terms with Hitler.

The total destruction of the British Expeditionary Force might have created such a climate of revenge in Britain that their involvement would be prolonged. We simply cannot know the real reason why Hitler did not order a full-scale attack on the beaches of Dunkirk and destroy the British forces.

If one studies the big picture of the Dunkirk saga there could be another answer to how and why this incredible miracle unfolded.

Britain had a godly sovereign, His Majesty King George Vl. In a stirring broadcast to his people, and the people of the British Empire, he requested that they set Sunday 26th May aside as a National Day of Prayer and commit their cause to God.

Together with members of the Cabinet, the King attended Westminster Abbey. The scene outside Westminster Abbey was remarkable  as photographs show long queues of people who could not get into the 2,000 seat Abbey. Throughout the British Isles and the Empire, millions of people responded. The following morning the Daily Sketch exclaimed Nothing like it has ever happened before.

Crowds lined up outside Westminster Abbey, waiting to get in to pray for the situation at Dunkirk http://www.anglican.ink/article/national-day-prayer-time-dunkirk-1940

So grateful was the nation for this mighty deliverance that Sunday 6th June 1940 was appointed a Day of National Thanksgiving. The Daily Telegraph reported that the prayers of the nation were answered, and that two great wonders stand forth, and on them have turned the fortune of our troops. The first was the ferocious storm over Flanders . . . and the second was the great calm on the English Channel during the days following. Officers of high rank do not hesitate to put down the deliverance of the British Expeditionary Force to the fact of the nation being at prayer two days before the ferocious storm and the great calm.

Could this be the real reason for the miracle of deliverance, that God did answer the prayers of his people?

Graham McDonald is the President of The DIDUNO Network. Major reference The Trumpet Sounds for Britain written by the Rev David Gardner.

https://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/world-war-two/world-war-two-in-western-europe/the-attack-on-western-europe/dunkirk/
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New York, October 1, 2018The Committee to Protect Journalists is pleased to announce that Danya Hajjaji has joined CPJ as a 2018 Patti Birch fellow for Middle East Research. Hajjaji is the third recipient of the fellowship. The fellowship was established following a generous grant by the Patti and Everett B. Birch Foundation.

During her fellowship, Hajjaji will examine violations of press freedom in the Middle East and North Africa, with a focus on online and digital threats to journalists. Hajjaji will play an important role in CPJs ongoing research, reporting, and advocacy in the region.

We are excited that Danya Hajjaji is joining CPJ as the Patti Birch fellow for Middle East Research, where she will play a vital role in ensuring we address emerging press freedom threats in the Middle East and North Africa, said Sherif Mansour, CPJs Middle East and North Africa program coordinator. Online censorship and surveillance from state and non-state actors are a grave threat to journalists working in the region, and it is important to address these challenges head-on.

Prior to joining CPJ, Hajjaji held internships at Reuters in Toronto and Agence France-Presse in Washington, D.C. She holds a masters degree in journalism from Columbia University and a bachelors degree in media and communications from the University of Sussex.

Generous funding from the Patti and Everett B. Birch Foundation supports 10 CPJ fellowships over five years to honor the legacy of Patti Birch and her lifelong commitment to freedom of speech and press. CPJs first and second Patti Birch fellows focused on gender and media freedom.

A full list of CPJ staff is available on our website.

###

CPJ is an independent, nonprofit organization that works to safeguard press freedom worldwide.

Media contact:

Bebe Santa-Wood

Communications Associate

press@cpj.org

212-300-9032
President Ram Nath Kovind has given assent Karnataka Good Samaritan and Medical Professional (Protection and Regulation during Emergency Situations) Bill, 2016 under Article 200 of Constitution. With this, Karnataka became first state give legal protection to good Samaritans who help accidents victims with emergency medical care within golden hour. This law will ensure that good samaritans are not harassed in any manner and face any criminal or civil liability.

Key Features of Bill

The legislation aims to give protection to good samaritans and ensure immediate medical assistance for road accident victims within golden hour. It also seeks encourage people to offer first aid to victims without fear of harassment in hands of police and investigations. Golden hour in medical term is the first hour after traumatic injury when emergency treatment is very crucial.

This law makes mandatory for all government as well as private hospitals are bound to give first aid to the accident victims. It also provides protection to medical professionals during their examination as a witness. It also mentions that after admitting accident victim to hospital, good samaritan can leave immediately.

Under this law, Karnataka government will provide financial help to good samaritans who help victims in timely manner. They will be also exempted from repeated attendance in courts and police stations, in case attendance is mandatory. Good Samaritan Fund will be used for meeting expenses of good samaritans such running around to courts and police stations.

Background

There were 4,80,652 road accidents across the country in 2016 in which 1,50,785 people were killed. Karnataka is one of top five states which saw large number of people getting killed in road accidents in 2016 and 2015. It has been proved that number of road accident victims can be saved if medical treatment is immediately administered during golden hours after accident. There is no central law to protect good samaritans. However, Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways had issued set of guidelines in 2015 following Supreme Court order for framing guidelines to protect the good Samaritans or bystanders who reach out to aid of victims of road accidents.
A Labour MP was questioned by police after branding the Israeli ambassador a 't****r' at his party's annual conference last week.Graham Jones was quizzed by Merseyside Police officers after he was overheard muttering the insult at an event attended by Mark Regev, Israel's representative in London.However, the MP  a fierce critic of Jeremy Corbyn  was only questioned by police because a passing Corbyn aide thought the jibe was aimed at her.The woman was seen remonstrating with Mr Jones at the packed conference fringe meeting in Liverpool before police intervened.The farcical scenes unfolded the night before the Labour leader sought to draw a line under the party's summer-long rows over anti-Semitism by vowing in his conference speech to fight discrimination against Jews.But at the conference's annual Labour Friends of Israel meeting, speakers  including a member of the Israeli parliament  vented their anger at the way the anti-Semitism controversy had been handled.Mr Regev, a former spokesman for Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu, aimed a thinly-veiled rebuke at Mr Corbyn, saying: 'From Attlee, Wilson, Callaghan and Foot, to Kinnock, Blair and Brown; Labour leaders have supported Israel's cause precisely because it (Zionism) is an anti-racist cause.'As Mr Regev prepared to speak, Mr Jones  who is actually a member of the rival Labour Friends of Palestine group  made clear his dislike of the ambassador.The MP for Hyndburn in Lancashire was overheard saying 't****r' as he looked on from the back of the hall.But just as he uttered the word, an aide  who works on international relations in the Labour leader's office  was passing. Witnesses say she thought the insult was aimed at her and challenged Mr Jones.They were then both questioned by police outside the hall as the meeting continued before the matter was passed to on-site security officials.Mr Jones has declined to comment on the row.But a friend said: 'This woman tapped him on the shoulder to complain he had insulted her but he was talking about Regev.'Graham may be no fan of Corbyn but he's a long-standing critic of Israel's treatment of the Palestinians and he's crossed swords with Regev before.'Labour last night rebuked Mr Jones, with a source saying: 'It is inappropriate for an MP to use this kind of language about anyone.'Merseyside Police said: 'Officers policing the Labour Party Conference were made aware of a potentially offensive comment made by one member of the public to another during an event.'Both parties were spoken to and no offences were disclosed.'Separately, Labour insiders claimed that officials from Mr Corbyn's office were only at the Labour Friends of Israel meeting to 'spy' on which party staffers had turned up to the event.A Labour source denied the claim.
Tamil Nadu: Nine more Nagapattinam fishermen attacked and robbed mid-sea

by S. Ganesan

October 01,2018 | Source: The Hindu

Nine more fishermen from Nagapattinam district have been injured in continuing mid-sea attacks against them, allegedly by Sri Lankan nationals. This is the third consecutive day that fishermen of the district have returned ashore with injuries after being attacked while fishing. Five fishermen with injuries were admitted to Nagapattinam Government Hospital on Thursday and three more on Friday. On Saturday, two groups of nine fishermen were admitted to the hospital.



According to sources, six fishermen from Nagore, Aryanattutheru and Vanagiri from the district, who had ventured into the sea for fishing on September 27, were intercepted by eight persons, who were on boats fitted with high-speed engines.



Equipment snatched



After getting on board their boat, the assailants allegedly hit Indian fishermen with logs and iron rods, about 15 to 18 nautical miles off the Kodiyakarai coast, sources in the Fisheries Department said. With the assailants taking away the catch, nets and GPS devices of the Indian fishermen, officials here said they are not sure of their identity. We do not know whether the attackers are pirates or Sri Lankan fishermen. They are suspected to be from Sri Lanka as they reportedly spoke both Sinhalese and Tamil, an official said.



The injured fishermen, Kannan, 40, Prathapan, 34, Vijaya Kumar, 33, Balamurugan, 18, Manibalan, 20, and Ganesamurthy, 32, were rushed to the hospital by local people after they managed to return to Nagapattinam on Saturday morning. Another group of three fishermen of Seruthur returned with injuries after being attacked mid sea. The injured, Sudhakar, 40, Dharman, 37, and Kumar, 36, were admitted to the Nagapattinam Government Hospital. O.S. Manian, Minister for Handlooms and Textiles, accompanied by Collector S. Suresh Kumar, called on the injured at the hospital.
Bangladesh: Fish imports to Tripura from Bangladesh resume

by Tanmoy Chakraborty

October 01,2018 | Source: Telegraph India

Bangladeshi exporters started exporting fish to Tripura early on Saturday after more than three weeks of impasse. Fish export to Tripura stopped after a 10,000kg consignment, valued at $37,000, got spoiled on September 4 as it could not be transferred to the markets after some goons allegedly demanded tax from the Bangladeshi exporters.



Secretary of Exporter and Importer Entrepreneur Sangha, Khokan Bhaumick, said Bangladeshi exporters brought 10 truckloads of fish in the morning. We received a huge consignment of fish today from Bangladesh. The supply crisis in the fish markets has ended, he said. He said a meeting was organised between exporters and importers on Friday evening.



The meeting was fruitful. We are hopeful the trade relations between the two countries will remain cordial. The problem was solved due to intervention by the Tripura BJP general secretary Pratima Bhaumick, he said. He said the BJP leader assured the Bangladeshi exporters that they will face no such problems in the future. Adhir Das, a fish trader at Battala market here, said he expects the prices to come down after the arrival of fresh supplies.



Tripura has nearly 40 per cent deficit in fish demand, which is met by importing fish from Andhra Pradesah, Bengal and Bangladesh. The state government has started a few projects to boost fish production and become self-sufficient in this sector.
SINGAPORE, Oct 1  There are no plans to repeal Section 377A of the Penal Code  which criminalises sex between two men  said the authorities, after the team behind an online petition calling on its repeal said they have submitted the document with almost 45,000 signatories.





Responding to TODAYs queries, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Law Ministry (MinLaw) said yesterday: MHA and MinLaw have received the petition from Ready4Repeal





As the Government has recently made clear, however, there are no plans to repeal Section 377A.





Earlier in the day, the Ready4Repeal team, which launched the petition on September 9, said during a townhall that it submitted the document to the authorities on Friday. The petition contained signatures of 44,650 Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents.





The effort was part of an ongoing public consultation ending September 30 on the latest proposed amendments to the Penal Code.





This was despite the Government indicating at the outset that the Penal Code review would not cover Section 377A and the use of the death penalty.





More than 800 people attended Sundays townhall for the petitions signatories.





Speakers at the event organised by Ready4Repeal , including lead signatories such as former Aware president Constance Singam, called for more action, including greater engagement with Members of Parliament (MPs).





Singam called on those present to be an activist every day of your life. She added: You cannot stop at (signing the petition) we cannot stop at that. It cannot be that every 10 years, we sign a petition (and thats it).





Pink Dot Singapore spokesperson Clement Tan, who was also speaking at the townhall, called for the sharing of personal stories how (Section 377A) affects us in so many ways.





He urged those present to take it to your MPs...(and to) talk to them about how the law affects them, while highlighting that the debates over the Penal Code review will take place later this year.





Other speakers also called on straight allies  heterosexual friends of those in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community  to speak up for their peers who might be afraid to do so out of concern for potential backlash.





The petition will continue to be available online, even after the document has been submitted to the authorities.





While there are no plans on when the petition will be officially shut down, one of the petitions authors Johannes Hadi said that it would be kept open until Parliament debates the changes to Penal Code, which would be around November to January.





Pink Dots Tan said that it will remain as a way to track our progress. We want the climate, we need the conversation to be constantly in their minds, he added.





Lawyer Remy Choo, who is part of the Ready4Repeal team, told reporters: (The movement) cuts across political sensibilities (and) partisan politics. I think we have made it clear that it is not a political issue. It is an issue of removing a bad law.





The townhall organisers also addressed questions surrounding the sudden change in venue. Signatories were informed on Thursday that the location for the event had been changed to the Singapore Management University, from Suntec Singapore.





A statement from Ready4Repeal on Friday said it had received an email from Suntec Singapore two days earlier that the venue booking had been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.





Suntec Singapore, when contacted by TODAY on Friday, had said it had no records of the event being planned or booked at its premises.





Yesterday, Glen Goei, one of the petitions authors told the townhall that he had gone to Suntec Singapore to make the booking. He even paid for the booking and received confirmation.





It was only on Wednesday morning, that he received news that the venue had been cancelled by an unforeseen person.





Another petition urging the Government to keep Section 377A of Penal Code attracted more than 109,000 signatures, as at September 24, when it closed.





Earlier this month, spurred by Indias recent ruling to repeal a similar law, and comments by veteran diplomat and international lawyer Tommy Koh to the gay community here to challenge the law here, disc jockey Johnson Ong, 43, filed the latest court challenge against Section 377A.





Ongs case will highlight the concept of human dignity, which was not argued in a previous challenge filed four years ago. They will also adduce expert opinion, which was also not led in the 2014 case that was struck down.





 The online petition can be signed here

 | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com



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"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,

but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde
Iran's judicial officials have handed down death sentences to three people convicted of economic corruption amid an intense anti-corruption campaign launched by the Iranian government to tackle soaring economic problems currently nagging the country.





Iranian Judiciary spokesman, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, told reporters on Sunday that the death sentences were given by special tribunals set up in Tehran, which have so far handed down various sentences to 35 economic offenders.





He added that out of 35 convicts, three were sentenced to death for spreading corruption on earth, noting that the sentences would have to be upheld by Iran's Supreme Court before being carried out.





Mohseni-Ejei said 32 other defendants were given various jail terms up to 20 years for economic corruption.





Earlier this month, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said enemies of Iran have unleashed an all-out economic and media war against Iran with the aim of creating despair and pessimism among people.





Today, the Islamic establishment is faced with an all-out economic war, which is being led from a war room with full precision and hard work, said the Leader.





The convicts sentenced in the latest round of trials for economic corruption were accused of hoarding public commodities in order to cause panic in the society, causing disturbance in the countrys foreign exchange market with the ensuing devaluation of Iran's national currency, and helping the enemy in its all-out economic war against the Islamic Republic.





Earlier in August, Iran's Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli Larijani wrote a letter to Ayatollah Khamenei, calling for permission to set up the tribunals in the face of the current special economic conditions which he described as "an economic war."





Ayatollah Amoli Larijani proposed in his letter that new tribunals be set up for two years and directed to hand down maximum sentences to those "disrupting and corrupting the economy."





"Given the current special economic conditions that are considered a kind of economic war and, unfortunately, some of those disrupting and corrupting the economy also provide for the enemy's goals and commit crimes that require urgent and rapid action, if you see fit, please allow the head of the judiciary to act within the framework of the penal code ... on those disrupting the economic system," he wrote.





The letter requested that the trials be held in open court, but that any suspension or mitigation in the sentences of the convicts be prohibited.





It also demanded that all court rulings except the death penalty be final, with death sentences subject to appeal at the Supreme Court within a maximum 10 days.

 | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com



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"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,

but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde
Indias crude oil production fell for the sixth straight year in 2017-18 to 35.68 million tonnes, pushing the countrys import dependence for crude further to 82.8 per cent and dampening prospects for plan to cut reliance on energy imports by 10 per cent through 2022. The fall comes at a time Indias oil import bill is expected to increase by 20 per cent to $105 billion. However, the country recorded its highest ever natural gas production from onshore blocks in 2017-2018. Gas production from onshore blocks including Coal Bed Methane (CBM) grew 8 per cent to 10,639 MMSCM last financial year as compared to 9,858 MMSCM recorded in the previous fiscal. Coal consumption has increased from 71.2 MT to 462.7 MT, while crude-petroleum consumption has gone up from 18.4 MT to 146.5 MT.

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has reportedly projected that domestic demand for petroleum crude would more than double to 500 million tonnes by 2040. India is already the third largest importer of crude, and about a quarter of all incremental oil demand worldwide up to 2040 would be from India, which is huge.

The situation calls for policy change to induce a faster alternate energy development programmes in the techno-economic paradigm, and quicker switchover to local renewable energy sources including EVs nationwide. Even global oil majors have lined up big plans on the renewable energy front; which India surely should follow suit.

For India Biomass-based energy generation has to be the major focus area of renewable energy programme. The strength of biomass resources mostly lies in the agricultural sector. A total of 39 residues from 26 crops cultivated in India can be considered for bio fuel production and power generation. India produces 686 MT gross crop residue biomass on annual basis, of which 234MT (34% of gross) are estimated as surplus for bio-energy generation. The estimated annual bio-energy potential from the surplus crop residue biomass is 4.15 EJ, equivalent to17% of Indias total primary energy consumption.

It is reported that by 2031-2032, power generation capacity must increase to nearly 800 GW from the current capacity of around 183 GW, inclusive of all captive plants to meet the basic energy needs of its citizens. Considering the high potential in using the locally available surplus biomass we in VIT University, Vellore are developing technologies for using surplus biomass as source for generating power and producing liquid fuels which can replace petrol and diesel.

A new concept windmill may augment wind energy using high pressure air in micro thruster installed at the end of the blade. Since the blade length is used as lever arm, the energy spent to compress the air will be max 5% to 15% depending upon location of the windmill. The capacity utilisation of the wind power generator is increased from a mere 18% to 25% to more than 85%.The windmill works throughout the day and year irrespective of the prevailing wind velocity. If it is proved successful it may be possible to supply India total power requirement only through wind power generators.

Other viable alternativeenergy sources

Production of bio oil and Butanol based fuel for replacing petrol: The Government has recently announced incentive for using ethyl alcohol blended petrol in transport vehicles. The feasibility is there of using Butanol-Ethanol-Acetone based fuel synthesised from agro biomass to totally replace the petrol instead of blending only around 10% alcohol to petrol. This fuel is named as BE-A fuel.

VIT University installed a Biomass based power plant in 2004 using Juliflora (karuvelam) wood for gasification and using the gas in the diesel engine generator to save upto 80% diesel. This plant generates on average 1,500 units per day and supplies to the hostels. It is possible to install large size power plants in rural area using any wood waste and agro waste and supply power required for irrigation pumps and also household requirements.

(The writer is a researcher in bio-energy at the VIT University, Vellore)
India and Mauritius will hold the next round of negotiations from Wednesday for the proposed free trade agreement (FTA), which is aimed at liberalising norms to boost two-way commerce and investments.

New Delhi: India and Mauritius will hold the next round of negotiations from Wednesday for the proposed free trade agreement (FTA), which is aimed at liberalising norms to boost two-way commerce and investments.

The three-day talks for the agreement, which is officially dubbed as the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA), will start from Wednesday, a government official said.

During the deliberations, both the sides would discuss issues related to trade in goods and services. In an FTA, two trading partners cut or eliminate duties on majority of goods besides liberalising norms to promote services trade and boost investments.

According to experts, India may not get a substantial benefit in the goods sector as Mauritius is a small market, but services sectors such as IT and tourism hold huge potential to enhance economic ties.

Interestingly, Mauritius is also holding negotiations for a similar pact with China, with which India has a huge trade deficit. The trade gap was USD 63 billion in 2017-18.

The island nation is the top source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India. In 2017-18, India received USD 15.94 billion as compared to USD 15.73 billion in the previous financial year.

The bilateral trade between the countries increased to USD 1.1 billion in 2017-18 from USD 900 million in 2016-17.

India exports petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, cereals, cotton and electrical machinery, among others, to Mauritius. The island nation exports to New Delhi include iron and steel, pearls and precious/semi-precious stones.
A 19-year-old girl committed suicide by consuming acid on Saturday night after she heard of the suicide of her childhood friend.

C. Vennala, a graduate, worked in a private company.

In the police complaint her brother C. Swamy said she was depressed after hearing about the suicide of her childhood friend K. Shiva Kumar.

According to the police, K. Shiva Kumar was married and the couple used to quarrel frequently. The wife questioned why was he was chatting with C. Vennala on WhatsApp and warned him that she would complain about it to their parents. Shiva Kumar apparently felt insulted by this, according to the police, and committed suicide on Saturday.

When she heard about this Vennela blamed herself.

Sub-inspector K. Laxmi Narasaiah of the Marredpally policy said, She was remorseful and consumed acid and attempted suicide on Saturday late night around 2 pm. Her brother Srinivas rushed her to Gandhi Hospital, where she died on Sunday morning while undergoing treatment.

The Marredpally police have registered a case under Section 174 of CrPC and further investigation is underway.
Lucknow: The Yogi Adityanath government has agreed to give a compensation of Rs 25 lakh and a job to the wife of the Apple executive who was shot dead by two policemen in Lucknow on Saturday morning. After receiving the assurance from the state government, the family cremated the body of Vivek Tiwari on Sunday morning.

Even as opposition parties demanded the resignation of chief minister Yogi Adityanath and asked him to take moral responsibility for the incident, several opposition leaders met the family of the deceased on Sunday.

UPCC president Raj Babbar was among the first to reach the New Hyderabad residence of the deceased. This is the constituency of Union home minister Rajnath Singh and yet the state government is taking the matter so lightly. Why the medical examination of the two accused constables was not done and why was the colleague of Vivek Tiwari who was in the car at the time of the incident, detained by the police for several hours? Why did the police not inform the family after the incident? Who is responsible for these lapses? he asked.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, who is presently in Madhya Pradesh, has termed the killing a result of the prevailing jungle raj and demanded the resignation of the chief minister, Samajwadi Party spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary said.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh visited the residence of Tiwari and said that the incident was an example of the brutality of the UP police force that took pride in killing innocent people.

UP minister Dharampal Singh, on the other hand, came up with a shocker when he tried to blame the victim by saying the state government made no mistake in encounters.

Bullets are hitting only those who are criminals. Gundaraj during Samajwadi Partys regime is making noise, everything else is normal. We will not compromise when it comes to criminals, the minister told reporters.

Meanwhile, Kalpana Tiwari, wife of the deceased, gave another FIR on Sunday, naming the accused cops. The FIR registered on Saturday did not include the names of the cops but said unnamed police wale.

It may be recalled that Tiwari, 38, was shot dead by cops on patrol duty when he refused to stop his car in the wee hours of Saturday. The cops claimed that they had fired in self defence since Tiwari, area manager for Apple, tried to mow them down.
New entity set up to manage Vietnam government stakes in companies

EVN is one of the 19 corporations that the State Capital Management Committee will manage. Photo by VnExpress

A committee has been set up to manage the governments stakes of more than $43 billion in companies.

At the new committees inauguration ceremony Sunday, five ministries -- the ministries of Industry and Trade, Transport, Agriculture and Rural Development, Information and Communications and Finance -- signed memoranda of understanding transferring their right to representing state capital in 19 giant corporations to it.

The committee will represent the government in managing VND1,000 trillion ($43 billion) in state equity, equivalent to 20 percent of the countrys GDP last year.

Of the 19 corporations, one is the sovereign fund, the State Capital Investment Corporation, while the rest are those in which the government owns 100 per cent or majority stakes.

The companies are currently key players in the economy in terms of size and position.

They include major groups Petrolimex, chemical group Vinachem, Vietnam Electricity, PetroVietnam, Vietnam Rubber Group, Coal and Mining Group, and Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Group.

The remaining 11 are corporations -- MobiFone, Vietnam Tobacco, Vietnam Airlines, shipping giant Vinalines, Vietnam Railways, Vietnam Expressway Corporation, Airports Corporation of Vietnam, Vietnam National Coffee Corporation, Vietnam Southern Food Corporation, Vietnam Northern Food Corporation, and Vietnam Forest Corporation.

The establishment of the entity reflects the governments ambition to overhaul giant state-owned enterprises (SOEs) which are often characterized by a severe lack of business efficiency.

It is also aimed at improving transparency by separating the regulatory role of ministries from their function of managing state capital in enterprises.

Previously, for instance, the Ministry of Industry and Trade was both the regulator of the power sector and the representative of state ownership of Vietnam Electricity (EVN). This gave rise to concerns over the objectiveness of the ministrys policy-making and decisions in the power sector.

At the ceremony Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said he wants the committee to shape itself as a professional and modern entity.

It definitely must not be an organization plagued by red tape or become a burden on the country, he warned.

Phuc instructed it to cooperate with the countrys leading technology companies to come up with instruments and solutions to manage state capital and assets at SOEs.

Only by adopting the latest technologies can it create a good business environment for the SOEs, he said.

Under a new government decree, the committee is mandated to draft new strategies if necessary to develop SOEs in line with the countrys socio-economic development strategies.

It also has the discretion to expand SOEs charter capital and use public funds to make further investments in them.

Nguyen Hoang Anh, chairman of the committee, said the committee has signed a cooperation agreement with Singaporean sovereign fund Tamasek Holdings on exchange of experience in managing capital in line with market mechanisms.

Anh, who was earlier Party secretary of the northern mountainous province of Cao Bang, said the committees main task in the next two years is to improve SOEs efficiency and ensure their development by adopting new technologies and launching new products and services with added value.

It would also deploy new strategies at SOEs and speed up their restructure, rearrangement and equitization, he said.

At the ceremony Nguyen Phu Ha, former director of the Ministry of Planning and Investments investment appraisal and supervision department, was named vice chairman of the committee.

Sebastian Eckardt, lead economist for the World Bank in Vietnam, told the media that the establishment of the committee is a positive initiative.

Separating the ownership and regulatory functions is important for two reasons, he explained.

Firstly, it precludes conflicts of interest in sectors where the state operates as both owner and regulator, leveling the playing field and enhancing competition between companies.

Secondly, having a dedicated ownership agency also allows the government to professionalize the management of its assets and ensure value maximization and performance while reducing potential fiscal risks, he added.
Low-tech, polluting FDI firms will try to set up shop in Vietnam as the U.S.-China trade war escalates, experts have warned.

Nguyen Bich Lam, head of the General Statistics Office, said that small-scale Chinese firms are likely to eye a shift to Vietnam to avoid high tariffs imposed by the U.S.

Such firms typically use pollution causing technology, he said, adding that there have been previous warnings about such FDI projects.

The latest escalation of the U.S.-China trade war only heightens this possibility, he noted.

Vietnam needs to carefully inspect projects which were registered in the last nine months with capital lower than $1 million to prevent those with outdate technologies from harming Vietnams natural environment, Lam added.

Echoing Lam, Le Dang Doanh, former director of the Central Institute for Economic Management under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, said that a number of these companies have already entered Vietnam in recent years.

It is the responsibility of the ministry to say no to FDI projects that can harm the environment, he told VnExpress International.

Lam emphasized: At this time, Vietnam needs to filter out FDI projects, not accepting them at any cost as it did 30 years ago.

Other experts expressed concerns that Vietnam could end up becoming a dumping ground for Chinese goods.

Economist Nguyen Tri Hieu said that China might seek to dump its goods on Vietnam to avoid Donald Trumps tariffs.

Cheaper Chinese goods competing with Vietnamese goods will not benefit Vietnams economy, he told VnExpress International.

Meanwhile, industry insiders have expressed fears that China might borrow the made in Vietnam label to dodge U.S. tariffs.

Diep Thanh Kiet, vice chairman of the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association (LEFASO), said there was a very high possibility that Chinese bags would be exported to the U.S. through Vietnam.

Chinese businesses can do this by easily setting up a factory in Vietnam with a budget of only $200,000 to manufacture products with materials imported from China, he told local media.

If this cannot be controlled, there could be grave consequences for Vietnamese textile firms since the U.S. might apply the same tariffs as they have done on China, Kiet said.

The U.S. slapped tariffs of 10 percent on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods on September 24, and Beijing immediately retaliated with tariffs at 5 and 10 percent on $60 billion worth of U.S. products.

The two countries have already slapped tariffs on $50 billion worth of each others goods earlier this year.
Thirty Vietnamese army medical personnel left for South Sudan Monday morning aboard an Australian airforce plane.

Following a memorandum signed between Head of Vietnams Permanent Delegation to the United Nations, Dang Dinh Quy, and U.N. Under Secretary General for Field Support, Atul Khare, at the U.N. headquarters in New York last week, Vietnam will send 63 military doctors and medical equipment to South Sudan. On Monday morning, the first group of 30 Vietnamese military doctors left for the trip from Ho Chi Minh City. This is the first time Vietnam is sending military doctors as part of U.N. peacekeeping forces.

"Being here today is a great honor for me. After four years of training, Im ready for my duty. This is all for my country and my family, said doctor Sa Minh Ngoc. Among the 63 doctors leaving this time are 10 women.

Officer Chu Duc Hiep with his 7-year-old daughter. It is going to be a hard time for my wife as she has to take care of the kids all by herself. But I am only leaving for a while, and will return soon, Hiep said.

Vietnams Deputy Minister of Defense Nguyen Chi Vinh hands over the decision to send 30 doctors to the field hospital in South Sudan, signed by late President Tran Dai Quang in July. He demanded these doctors to prove their qualities to national peers.

The 30 Vietnamese military doctors march in line to the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III of the Royal Australian Air Force that will take them to South Sudan.

The aircraft arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in HCMC on Sunday afternoon.

It has a loading capacity at more than 77 tons and a cruising speed of 829 kilometers per hour.

Vietnamese and Australian forces loaded military equipment on the plane. Most of the 63 Vietnamese doctors are from the HCMC-based Military Hospital 175, and they will take over a U.N. field hospital belonging to the U.K. in South Sudan.

An Australian officer stood guard near the aircraft on Sunday afternoon.

Deputy Minister of Defense Nguyen Chi Vinh checked the military equipment. He hailed the support provided by the Australian air force.

Vietnam has enlarged its role in U.N. peacekeeping and is taking part in more operations in Africa. As of June 20 Vietnamese officers were in U.N. peacekeeping operations in Central Africa and South Sudan.

The country is also actively campaigning to become a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council for the 2020-21 term.

Asia-Pacific nations had agreed last May to nominate Vietnam to this position. Vietnam will face a vote next June.

If elected, it will be the second time Vietnam will be on the Security Council after being on it once earlier in 2008-2009.
Developing countries sent much more to the rest of the world than they received.

Nguyen Khac Giang, a researcher at the Vietnam Institute for Economic and Policy Research

I had nine Chinese classmates back in college, and of them Lee Hang Wei impressed me the most.

She belonged to the Bai ethnic community of China, and so always tried her best to prove what she could do for her country given the fact she was not a Han Chinese, the countrys biggest ethnic group.

After getting her MA degree, Lee volunteered to work in Africa, to do articles about Chinese projects in the continent.

Four years ago Chinese investment began to proliferate in Africa, and so many African countries were eager about attracting China investors, hoping to be equal trade partners with China instead of being the supplicants they had been with Europe and the U.S.

In 2013 China rolled out its Belt and Road Initiative that focuses on connectivity and cooperation between Eurasian countries.

The initiative has been at the core of Chinas foreign policy since then. China has dreamed about becoming a superpower while Africa needs a ladder to climb out of poverty and hunger. The China-Africa relationship had once been expected to be win-win for both sides.

But after a few years in Africa my friend Lee realized things were not that simple. After becoming a scholar of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, she repeatedly criticized the lending policy of her home country after realizing that the huge loans China gave Africa had more than altruism behind them.

Around the world, people talk about Chinas debt traps.

In March U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned Africa about such traps, saying African countries should be careful not to forfeit their sovereignty when they accept loans from China, the continents biggest trading partner.

Last year Sri Lanka formally handed over its southern port of Hambantota to China on a 99-year lease after failing to pay a debt of $6 billion taken to fund its infrastructure, including an airport.

Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad in August canceled a number of Chinese infrastructure projects in his country after a visit to Beijing.

He warned against a new version of colonialism happening because poor countries are unable to compete with rich countries just in terms of open free trade.

But if one were to look the aid industry over the past 30 years, it can be seen that China is not an exception.

In a study released in December 2016 the U.S.-based Global Financial Integrity (GFI) and the Center for Applied Research at the Norwegian School of Economics pointed out that for every single dollar of investment they receive, countries in the third world would have to send back $3 to their investors.

In 2012, the last year of recorded data of the study, developing countries received a total of $1.3 trillion, including all aid, investment and income from abroad. But that same year some $3.3 trillion flowed out of them.

In other words, developing countries sent $2 trillion more to the rest of the world than they received.

The Cat Linh-Ha Dong elevated railway in Hanoi is built by Chinese contractors. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

Since 1980 developing countries lost $16.3 trillion dollars through broad leakages in balance of payments, trade invoicing fraud and recorded financial transfers, the study said.

To put that into perspective, $16.3 trillion is roughly the GDP of the U.S.

It is obvious that the impact of grants and loans from rich countries to poor countries remains a controversial topic.

For various reasons, poor countries still have to seek loans and grants. Among those reasons, corruption should also be mentioned, but then the need for building infrastructure and solving social problems is real.

It is not by chance that the salary of $30,000 a month for Japanese official development assistance (ODA) consultants in Vietnam came up for public discussion: Are the products made by the Japanese really worth the high cost or is it because of the nationality of the loan, and are Japanese products really better than Chinese products?

For a long time projects in Vietnam funded by foreign loans have been stuck within a closed loop: the lenders provide money, hold auctions, choose contractors from their countries, and use experts and even the main workforce from their country at the project. With this formula, most of the loan is already back to where it came from even before Vietnam started to repay the debt.

After the entire process is complete, we may have the infrastructure we need but the cost might be much higher than originally planned.

And so clearly what needs to be discussed is no longer the monthly salary of a foreign consultant.

By the end of last year Vietnams foreign debts were worth VND2,451 trillion ($105 billion). Last year the government spent $10.5 billion paying part of the debt plus interest. But that sum came from another loan of $15 billion.

No country in the world has achieved prosperity through public debts, and the debt crises in Greece and Argentina are still shining examples of that.

Shedding illusions about foreign loans, whether they come from China, Japan, Europe, or the U.S., is the first thing a country should do to develop successfully, and Vietnam is no exception.

*Nguyen Khac Giang is a researcher at the Vietnam Institute for Economic and Policy Research. The opinions expressed are his own.
Hanoi authorities Friday found pangolin scales and ivory weighing almost a ton flown in from Nigeria.

The latest haul is evidence of weak enforcement in Vietnam that experts have blamed for allowing a black market in wildlife trade to flourish and feed into a global multibillion dollar industry in animal parts and exotic pets.

Southeast Asian countries have become a busy thoroughfare for tusks trafficked from Africa and destined for other parts of Asia, mainly China, it has been reported.

Pangolins are treasured in Vietnam and the region for their meat and alleged medicinal properties of their scales.

Vietnam has banned trade in tusks and pangonlins, but the practice has continued.

On Friday at the Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, officials found 805 kilograms of pangolin scales as well as 193 kilograms of ivory and ivory-derived products in two dozen boxes.

The bust was reported in the official publication of the General Department of Customs.

The goods were sent from two companies based in Nigeria, according to their labels. They had arrived on a September 21 flight, but were never picked up.

"The (intended) recipients of the cargo package have refused to receive the goods," the article said.

It carried photos of a pile of the pangolin scales on the floor as inspectors went through the boxes, which were initially covered in an extra layer of wrapping and taped shut.

The tiny and shy pangolin, which resembles a scaly anteater, is the world's most heavily trafficked mammal despite bans.

Vietnam outlawed the ivory trade in 1992 but illegal trade still persists and shops sell ivory pre-dating the ban for decorative and medicinal purposes.

Last year police found 2.7 tons of tusks inside cartons on the back of a truck in the central province of Thanh Hoa.

In October 2016, customs officials seized about 3.5 tons of tusks at the Cat Lai port in Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam's then Communist Party General Secretary Do Muoi gestures during an interview with Reuters in Hanoi, October 6, 1995.

Former Party chief Do Muoi, a key figure in Vietnam's revolutionary struggles and its opening up era, died Monday night.

The former Party General Secretary passed away at 11:12 p.m. Monday at the 108 Military Hospital in Hanoi, after battling ill health for a long time, receiving care from doctors in and outside Vietnam, said the National Commission of Health Services for Officials.

Born Nguyen Duy Cong in Hanoi, Do Muoi was a member of Vietnam's Communist Party for 78 years. He became an active revolutionary at an early age, joining the French Popular Front at 19. In 1939, he joined the Communist Party of Indochina, marking his first step on the political scene.

In 1941, at age 24, he was arrested by the French colonialists and sentenced to 10 years at the then infamous Hoa Lo prison in Hanoi. He broke out of jail four years later and continued active participation in revolutionary campaigns. He joined the Party unit of Ha Dong, now a district of Hanoi, led its grand coup against the colonial government and became its Party leader from August 1945.

Former General Secretary Do Muoi (L) is seen in a file photo with Vo Van Kiet, who served as Vietnam's Prime Minister between 1991 and 1997.

During the war against the French colonialists, Do Muoi took different positions across the northern region. He was the Party Secretary of Ha Nam, Nam Dinh and Ninh Binh provinces, and Party leader of multiple revolutionary units in the area.

In 1955, he was the Party leader and chairman of the port city of Hai Phong. That March, he was elected to be an alternate member of the second Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam. A year later, he took the position of the Deputy Minister of Trade and became Minister in 1958. He also became a delegate of Vietnam's legislative National Assembly.

In September 1960, he was elected to be a member of the Party's Central Committee at the National Congress. From 1969 to 1971, he was the Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Economic Office of the Prime Minister. He continued to serve as Deputy Prime Minister from 1976 to 1981.

In 1979, he was elected to be an alternate member of the Politburo, the Party's decision-making body, and in 1986, became its official member.

Do Muoi became the Party General Secretary of Vietnam in 1991 and held his position until 1997.

He was at the helm in the most decisive phase of Doi moi, the economic reform process that was launched in 1986 and gathered steam under his stewardship in the early 90s.

In December 1997, he became an advisor for the Party's Central Committee, and continued his role until 2001.
Nguyen The Anh promised sky-high returns to trick more than 8,600 investors into giving him over VND320 billion ($13.7 million)

The Hanoi Procuracy has been entrusted with prosecuting The Anh, 39, and 13 accomplices. If they are convicted, they could be subject to punishments as high as life imprisonment. However, authorities have released no information about the accuseds current whereabouts.

The Anh founded two companies and presented them as representatives of a Canada-headquartered firm, Organo Gold, which calls itself a global network marketing company on a mission to change lives by helping people reach new levels of balance, freedom and well-being through our premium products and business opportunity.

While the company exists and does market a range of beverages and other products, The Anhs firm had no relation to it, apparently. He allegedly used the name to con people into joining a multi-level marketing program, akin to a ponzi scheme. He hosted lavish company functions to impress potential investors and offer astronomical returns on their investments.

The Supreme Peoples Procuracy of Vietnam, the national prosecuting agency, has tasked the Hanoi Procuracy with the handling of the indictment and prosecution of The Anh and his 13 accomplices. The case is under supervision of the Hanoi People's Court.

The Anh was founder and general director of the Phuc Gia Bao Investment Joint Stock Company No.68 (Company 68). It boasted a chartered capital of VND20 billion ($858,000), but in reality the number was a mere VND20 million ($857). The company launched a multi-level marketing scheme for the Organo Gold coffee brand.

The defendant Nguyen The Anh (left) at a company function. A screenshot photo by VnExpress Viet Dung

This venture did not do well, so The Anh called for business co-operation for marketing the Lingzhi Red Lucerne coffee. Investments could be made via either of the three packages: VND12.6 million ($540), VND24.6 million ($1,055), VND36.6 million ($1,570). In return, partners would receive VIP coffee vouchers, invitations to important meetings, travelling packages, and interest of 24 - 80 percent a month.

The company promised that investors of the $1,570 package would receive a 24.6 percent interest ($385) in the first month, 32.8 percent in the second ($514) and the following months would come with 43.7 percent interest ($686) and 60 percent interest ($943). After six months, they should expect a total profit of VND125 million ($5,360), which equals 341.5 percent interest.

Since July 2015, The Anh set up 10 offices in various cities in the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam, including the nations trade hub, Ho Chi Minh City.

However, two months later, the branch located in central Binh Dinh Province was suspended and its bank accounts in Quy Nhon City, central Vietnam, were locked for engaging in a dubious business scheme.

On the offensive

Unfazed by this setback, The Anh set up Phuc Gia Bao Company 868, with a charter capital of VND20 billion and established 10 branches across the country.

Together companies 68 and 868 opened 18 branches and two offices in 15 cities and provinces.

In order to gain investors trust, The Anh and his subordinates orchestrated compelling invitations and commitment, offering two new investment packages worth VND72.6 million ($3,113) and VND84.6 million ($3,629). At grand seminars, The Anh and his staff promoted the company's schemes and gave out rewards to active investors.

While he presented his companies as representatives of the Canadian firm, all he did was buy their products and offer it to investors for free.

He claimed that Company 868 was also working in many areas including supermarkets, mining, hotels, and so on. In fact, his company opened just one supermarket in HCMC's Go Vap District which was taken down shortly after, because it was besieged by investors who had not received the promised returns.

In less than a year, from July 2015 to February 2016, the two companies signed over 8,600 contracts and earned more than VND320 billion ($13.7 million). Over VND203 billion ($8.7 million) was paid out to investors as interest, while VND120 billion ($5.1 million) was spent on personal expenses, gift sets and travel tours for investors.

As of now, investigators have gathered and checked details of 603 victims.

The Anhs accomplices include Nguyen Van Thong, deputy general director of Company 868, Nguyen Van Hien, deputy general director of Company 868, and 11 branch directors.

More details about the case are yet to be released.
Hoa has turned his dream of having a vehicle that could carry many patients into reality. Photo by VnExpress

Identifying with the plight of those taking motorbike taxis to hospitals, one man decided to make a difference.

For months now, people in Soc Trang City of the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang have been singing praises of Nguyen Thanh Hoa, 42, who has spent tens of thousands of US dollars on launching a free ambulance service for people in difficult circumstances.

Hoa said that more than 20 years ago, his familys financial situation was very difficult. He and his brothers were xe om (motorbike taxi) drivers in front of a hospital in Soc Trang.

Ive witnessed many difficulties of poor people. Every time I took someone who was facing a lot of hardship in life, I didnt take their money, said Hoa.

Since then, he had nurtured a dream of having a vehicle that could carry many patients.

After many years of struggle, his familys living conditions improved. In addition to opening a business making metal doors, he also began undertaking construction projects to earn more income.

In the middle of this year, Hoa decided to turn his dream into reality by buying a second hand minivan with 16 seats. He gave it a total make-over and registered it as a specialised car, fully equipped with medical supplies.

The total investment cost was nearly VND500 million ($21,468), I got my family and relatives support, so Im very happy, Hoa said.

Day or night, Hoa doesnt refuse anyone who needs help. For people in difficulties whose relatives pass away at the hospital, he takes the body home for free.

Dr Truong Hoai Phong, Director of Soc Trang Provinces Health Department, said that although there were other volunteer organizations in the area, what Hoas doing is extremely meaningful and should be encouraged.

Hoa has been instructed by many doctors on how to perform proper first aid. Each week, on average, he assists around seven families to get to hospitals in Soc Trang City, Can Tho City and Ho Chi Minh City.
Shipping containers are seen at a port in Shanghai, China July, 2018. Photo by Reuters/Aly Song

Factory activity in Asia weakened in September, with many economies seeing a slump in export orders due to U.S.-China tensions.

Rising raw material costs are also squeezing profit margins for Asian manufacturers, raising questions over future investment and reinforcing views that global economic growth is shifting into lower gear.

Business surveys released on Sunday and Monday pointed to deteriorating conditions across much of the region in September, with gauges of future activity offering little hope for a turnaround in the next few months.

Some of the immediate gloom will be dispelled by news that the U.S. and Canada had clinched a last-gasp deal on Sunday to salvage the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), removing one major near-term risk to the global outlook.

But that did little to ease concerns in Asia over further signs of cooling in China's economy and the risk of collateral damage for its neighbours as the trade war between Washington and Beijing grinds on.

Two manufacturing surveys from China on Sunday pointed to weakening in its vast manufacturing sector. A private poll showed factory growth stalled after 15 months of expansion, while an official gauge confirmed the sector was losing steam under the weight of shrinking export orders.

The first major readings on China for September suggest the world's second-largest economy is continuing to lose momentum as domestic demand weakens and U.S. tariffs bite, a combination that is likely to prompt Beijing to roll out more growth-support measures in coming months.

However, analysts don't expect additional stimulus to start stabilising China's economy until at least early next year.

Elsewhere in Asia, manufacturing also faltered in Vietnam, Taiwan and Indonesia last month, with Taiwan's factories expanding at the slowest pace in more than two years on sluggish export orders, business surveys showed on Monday.

Major economies like Japan and South Korea saw headline activity readings hold up, but also suffered declines in export orders, suggesting that increasing protectionism and concerns of slowing Chinese demand were weighing on Asia's biggest economies.

"Global growth is now cooling, which we think is weighing on foreign demand for Chinese goods irrespective of tariffs," Capital Economics said in a note to clients.

Initial impact negative

India was among the few bright spots in Asia. Its factory activity expanded more quickly in September on strong domestic and export order growth, a welcome sign as policymakers worry about a sharp drop in the rupee and fallout from global trade frictions.

While rising trade protectionism is expected to deal the world economy a relatively modest blow this year, analysts expect risks will intensify in 2019 as tougher U.S. tariffs kick in and global borrowing costs rise.

"Countries that saw their currencies slump may be suffering from rising import costs. There are also signs China's slowdown and the trade friction are starting to hurt sentiment," said Koji Kobayashi, senior economist at Mizuho Research Institute.

"It would take time for companies to relocate production from China to other countries. That means the initial impact of the trade friction on Asian economies would be negative."

The U.S. and China imposed fresh tariffs on each other's goods last week, showing no signs of backing down from the increasingly bitter trade dispute that is expected to hit global economic growth.

Similar surveys are expected from Europe and North America later in the day. Preliminary "flash" surveys suggest euro zone business growth continued to ease in September, leaving the U.S. as the lone strong spot in the global economy.
US warship sails near disputed South China Sea islands: US official

An aerial view of uninhabited island of Spratlys in the disputed South China Sea, April 21, 2017. Photo by Reuters/Erik De Castro

A U.S. Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea on Sunday, a U.S. official told Reuters.

Beijing and Washington are locked in a trade war that has seen them impose increasingly severe rounds of tariffs on each others imports.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the destroyer Decatur traveled within 12 nautical miles of Gaven and Johnson Reefs in the Spratly Islands.

The operation was the latest attempt to counter what Washington sees as Beijings efforts to limit freedom of navigation in the strategic waters, where Chinese, Japanese and some Southeast Asian navies operate.

Chinas claims in the South China Sea, known as the East Sea in Vietnam, through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes each year, are contested by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

We conduct routine and regular freedom-of-navigation operations, as we have done in the past and will continue to do in the future, the U.S. official added.

Chinas foreign ministry did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

The United States has criticized Chinas construction of islands and military facilities in the area and is concerned they could be used to restrict free nautical movement.

The U.S. military has a long-standing position that its operations are carried out throughout the world, including in areas claimed by allies, and are separate from political considerations.

The latest move comes at a particularly tense time in relations between the United States and China.

Friction between the worlds two biggest economies is now moving beyond trade, with U.S. President Donald Trump accusing Beijing this week of seeking to interfere in congressional elections, marking a new phase in an escalating campaign by Washington to put pressure on China.

China recently denied a request for a U.S. warship to visit Hong Kong and this month Beijing postponed joint military talks in protest against a U.S. decision to impose sanctions on a Chinese military agency and its director for buying Russian fighter jets and a surface-to-air missile system.

In May two U.S. Navy warships sailed near South China Sea islands claimed by China.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it's 'a good day for Canada.'

Canada and the U.S. have announced a tentative new trilateral trade deal with Mexico that includes some key concessions on issues of import to both countries  and also a reworked name: the United States, Mexico and Canada Agreement (USMCA).

"USMCA will give our workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses a high-standard trade agreement that will result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region," Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a joint statement released late Sunday, CBC News reports.

Read alsoCanada's Foreign Minister postpones visit to Ukraine over urgent talks in U.S.

"It will strengthen the middle class, and create good, well-paying jobs and new opportunities for the nearly half billion people who call North America home," the statement said. "We look forward to further deepening our close economic ties when this new agreement enters into force."

After 14 months of intensive and often fractious negotiations between the two countries, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convened a late-night meeting of cabinet to brief ministers because a deal had been reached only hours before a U.S.-imposed midnight deadline.

Leaving the meeting about an hour and 15 minutes after it began, Trudeau said only that it was "a good day for Canada" and that he'd have more to say to reporters on Monday.

In a background briefing with reporters, a senior Trump administration official heralded the USMCA as a win for all three countries.

"This is a big win for the U.S., Mexico and for Canada and it fulfils one of the president's most important campaign promises," a senior Trump administration official said. "We think this is a fantastic agreement. It's a great win for the president and a validation of his strategy in the area of international trade."
NBU suspects Tigipko's bank in illegal cashing in of almost US$138 mln

The funds have been cashed with involvement of 23 legal entities.

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This is the first step of New Armenia - Armenian President congratulates newly elected Council of Elders

Armenian President Armen Sarkissian has weighed in on the recent Yerevan City Hall election, praising the conduct of all political parties that accepted the outcome and congratulated the winner. "Dear countrymen, The Central Electoral Commission has [issued] the final results of the Yerevan City Council early election. I congratulate on holding the election in line with Constitutional norms and principles, the president said in an address published by his office. This is the first step of New Armenia in the direction of fundamental improvement of the electoral process, which can serve as basis for holding next elections in a greater atmosphere of solidarity of public confidence. In this context I highly appreciate the conduct of competing blocs and parties, as well as political forces that did not participate in the election, which accepted the election results and congratulated the winning force. The high indicators of My Step bloc put a great responsibility on its leaders, namely on the future [Yerevan] mayor. Serious and [busy] work in the [Yerevan] city hall is expected for Prosperous Armenia Party and Luys bloc also, for ensuring the diversity and balance of opinions. I wish productive work to the new government of Yerevan, for the prosperity of the capital [city] and increase of welfare of its citizens," the statement said.
UCOM keeps on supporting the 42 YEREVAN programming school

Recognizing the One-Year Anniversary of the Ceasefire Declaration Between Armenia and Azerbaijan

They should not be positioned near civilian communities neither in Armenia nor in Artsakh

Humanitarian and human rights protection needed following the 2020 outbreak of hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh

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Galaxy Group of Companies expands its activities in Belarus: a new TIME and Pandora store launched

I think its a good moment to invest in Armenia. Head of Markets at Symbiotics Vincent Lehner

Ameriabank has Raised USD 17.5M Tier 2 Capital

UNIGHT TO UNITE. UCOM CELEBRATED ITS REBIRTH

Ameriabank and HSBC Armenia to provide their customers access to each others ATMs without additional fees

Ameriabank. 62.5% Growth in Taxes YOY

Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans have provided 300 million AMD to overcome the infertility in Armenia

UCOM has officially launched the sale of IPHONE 13

Six servicemen were wounded by the attack of the Azerbaijani armed forces in Artsakh, two of them in critical condition

S&P Improved the Outlook on Ameriabank to Positive

Ararat Mirzoyan to visit to Minsk

Foreign Minister of India visits the Memorial of Armenian Genocide

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Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia

Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group

At UCOM only: Tv sets at 10% discount + 1 month free UMIX package + 4k tv channel

Ameriabanks Special Offer for New Clients of Hrazdan Branch

"Fall forward": Gurgen Khachatryan, the Co-Founder of the Galaxy Group of Companies, addressed a message to young people in Armenia

UCOM hosted interns of Russian CBOSS corporation for a month

The 20-episode Bloody bet thriller to be broadcast on Ucom's Armenia Premium TV channel

Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group

UCOM offers affordable gadgets at bigger discount

Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan will pay a working visit to New York

Governments preventing publication of Haykakan Zhamanak newspaper during state of emergency

UCOM prolongs the unlimited internet offer for the level up 4700 and level up 5500 subscribers
Teachers of Yerevan School No. 42 demand resignation of director

Teachers of Shevchenko School No. 42 have announced a strike in the morning demanding the resignation of Eleonora Tumanyan. According to the participants of the action, they have voiced problems in school, in particular, communal problems for a long time. According to them, there are sufficient resources in the school, but the director wastes them. Besides, Eleonora Tumanyan imposes administrative pressure on them. The director assures, however, that these teachers have never addressed her with these questions and today they violate the law by leaving students alone in the classroom. Many members of the parent committee are here, and they support the director. Many students also support Eleonora Tumanyan and they assure that the director did not violate any law.
UCOM keeps on supporting the 42 YEREVAN programming school

Recognizing the One-Year Anniversary of the Ceasefire Declaration Between Armenia and Azerbaijan

They should not be positioned near civilian communities neither in Armenia nor in Artsakh

Humanitarian and human rights protection needed following the 2020 outbreak of hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh

Galaxy Group of Companies expands its activities in Belarus: a new TIME and Pandora store launched

I think its a good moment to invest in Armenia. Head of Markets at Symbiotics Vincent Lehner

Ameriabank has Raised USD 17.5M Tier 2 Capital

UNIGHT TO UNITE. UCOM CELEBRATED ITS REBIRTH

Ameriabank and HSBC Armenia to provide their customers access to each others ATMs without additional fees

Ameriabank. 62.5% Growth in Taxes YOY

Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans have provided 300 million AMD to overcome the infertility in Armenia

UCOM has officially launched the sale of IPHONE 13

Six servicemen were wounded by the attack of the Azerbaijani armed forces in Artsakh, two of them in critical condition

S&P Improved the Outlook on Ameriabank to Positive

Ararat Mirzoyan to visit to Minsk

Foreign Minister of India visits the Memorial of Armenian Genocide

Google Ad

1217 new cases

Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia

Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group

At UCOM only: Tv sets at 10% discount + 1 month free UMIX package + 4k tv channel

Ameriabanks Special Offer for New Clients of Hrazdan Branch

"Fall forward": Gurgen Khachatryan, the Co-Founder of the Galaxy Group of Companies, addressed a message to young people in Armenia

UCOM hosted interns of Russian CBOSS corporation for a month

The 20-episode Bloody bet thriller to be broadcast on Ucom's Armenia Premium TV channel

Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group

UCOM offers affordable gadgets at bigger discount

Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan will pay a working visit to New York

Governments preventing publication of Haykakan Zhamanak newspaper during state of emergency

UCOM prolongs the unlimited internet offer for the level up 4700 and level up 5500 subscribers
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed the Pentagon's budget for 2019, earlier approved by the Congress and the Senate, in which $250 million is issued to Ukraine within security assistance, the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States has said.

"President of the United States Donald Trump has signed the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for 2019, previously approved by the Congress, which foresees $250 million to support Ukraine," the Ukrainian embassy said on its Facebook page.

The embassy noted the amount of assistance to Ukraine in the field of security and defense by the Pentagon was increased by $50 million compared to the budget of 2018.

"We highly appreciate the growing support of Ukraine by our key strategic partner, the United States of America, aimed at strengthening the defense capability of our state in countering Russian aggression," the embassy noted.

According to the document, $250 million, in particular, are issued for "conducting military exercises, providing military equipment, lethal weapons and logistics support, replacing previously provided weapons or military goods." The list of types of assistance also includes support for the armed and security forces of Ukraine.
The Verkhovna Rada has asked the Ukrainian Constitutional Court to verify the constitutionality of presidential bill (No. 9037) adjusting the Constitution with a pledge of Ukraine's strategic course towards its membership in the European Union and NATO.

"On September 27, the Ukrainian Constitutional Court received a constitutional inquiry from the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada, which asked for verifying the compliance of the bill adjusting the Ukrainian constitution [with the pledge of the strategic course towards Ukraine's full membership in the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization] with Articles 157 and 158 of the Ukrainian Constitution," the Constitutional Court said in a statement posted on its website on Friday.

On September 20, the Verkhovna Rada directed to the Constitutional Court presidential bill (No. 9037) adjusting the Constitution with Ukraine's strategic course towards membership in the European Union and NATO.

According to the procedure, the Verkhovna Rada can consider a bill modifying the Ukrainian Constitution only if the Constitutional Court confirms its compliance with Articles 157 and 158 of the fundamental law.

Once the Constitutional Court speaks its mind, the parliament may pass the bill in the first reading with at least 226 votes. It may pass the bill as a whole at the next session with at least 300 votes, i.e. the constitutional majority. The procedure is established by the Ukrainian constitution.

The bill vests the Verkhovna Rada with the power "to pursue the country's strategic course towards Ukraine's full membership in the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

The Ukrainian president would be the guarantor of the implementation of the strategic course towards Ukraine's membership in the EU and NATO, while the government will ensure the implementation of the strategic course in those organizations.

The presidential bill was registered in parliament on September 3.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin, having violated Ukraine's sovereignty, pushed the country closer to the European Union and NATO.

In an interview with CNN, when asked by the presenter how true is the statement that Putin's actions against Ukraine united the country and created a new Ukrainian identity, Poroshenko said: "I can only confirm this phrase by giving you just a few figures. In 2013, the number Ukrainians who supported transatlantic integration, membership in NATO, was 16%. Now it is more than 54%. Who does that? Putin."

Poroshenko also recalled that in 2013, the number of citizens supporting the European integration of Ukraine and membership in the EU was 43% and now the number of supporters of the European course had reached 74%.

"Who does that? Putin. I thank you, Mr. Putin, for making my country much more European and much more ready to protect European values, transatlantic values," Poroshenko said.

He also added: "We are absolutely confident that we will not return to the Russian Empire."
Iryna Gerashchenko, the first deputy speaker of the Verkhovna Rada and Ukraine's representative to the humanitarian subgroup of the Trilateral Contact Group, said she has no information about alleged negotiations to exchange Ukrainian filmmaker Oleh Sentsov for Russian citizens Viktor Bout and Konstantin Yaroshenko, who have been convicted in the United States.

"As for the rumors in the media about alleged talks between the Americans and the Russians on the release of Sentsov in exchange for Russian criminals, we did not hear such information from anyone during the visit to the United States or at meetings with high-ranking U.S. officials. [...] I cannot comment on the information on Oleh in Novaya Gazeta because I don't know anything about it," Gerashchenko wrote on Facebook.

Ukraine will continue working on releasing the "hostages" and will fight for their release, she wrote.

At the same time, neither Ukraine nor Germany and France, its partners in the Normandy Format, have information that gives them cause for hope with regard to Ukrainian citizens incarcerated in Russia, Gerashchenko wrote.

"We are doing everything we can for their release. But we and our partners in the Normandy Format currently do not have any positive signals from the Russian Federation," Gerashchenko wrote.

Kyiv expects the Russian presidential administration to respond to letters from Russians convicted of especially grave crimes in Ukraine who are asking to be exchanged for Ukrainian "political prisoners," she said. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has sent these letters to the Russian presidential administration by diplomatic pouch.

Novaya Gazeta has reported that the main condition for Sentsov's return to Ukraine is the extradition to Russia of Viktor Bout and Konstantin Yaroshenko, as well as Maria Butina, who has been arrested in the U.S.
President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko at a meeting in Kyiv thanked former French President Francois Hollande for his role in imposing sanctions against the Russian Federation. Hollande noted that the sanctions pressure on Russia should be preserved.

Poroshenko expressed gratitude for the fact that it was in Normandy that the Normandy format was initiated there, as well as for Hollande's decision to stop the business of delivering ships of the Mistral type to Russia in connection with illegal annexation of Crimea and aggression against Ukraine in the east of the country, the presidential press service of Ukrainian state said.

In his turn, the ex-president of France noted that since the beginning of the Normandy format, many meetings and telephone conversations took place. According to him, he supports all efforts and policies aimed at bringing and implementing the Minsk agreements.

"Firstly, the European Union should continue supporting Ukraine. Secondly, the pressure on Russia should be maintained, including the sanctions applied," the press service of the Ukrainian president quoted Hollande as saying.

He also noted that he was criticized in France for the decision on the Mistrals. "But it was a necessary signal that I had to send you to make Russia to be responsible for its deeds. We could not support the country at the time when it resorts to aggression," the former French president stressed.

As reported, on October 1, Poroshenko awarded Hollande with the Order of Liberty.
Mayor of Hlukhiv of Sumy region, Michel Tereshchenko, has announced his decision to step down as the mayor and run for the president of Ukraine.

"The resignation of the local head does not mean surrender, but my challenge to the system for the next steps to fulfill the obligations undertaken to the residents of Hlukhiv," Tereshchenko said at a press conference in the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine agency on Monday.

According to him, once in five years, Ukraine has the opportunity to change the country in a peaceful manner.

Tereshchenko noted that among the current presidential candidates he does not see anyone who has the political will to change the country and fight corruption. "Therefore, I am forced to run for the office of president of Ukraine," he explained.

In addition, Tereshchenko suggested creating an anti-oligarchic platform with the involvement of public organizations to form a team of professional statesmen.

In his opinion, state power does not want to change and imitates reforms. "It's impossible to change the system at the level of a small town," Tereshchenko said.

He also noted that the political forces represented in the local councils do not promote reforms on the ground, but, on the contrary, hamper effective work.

As an example of obstruction of activities, Tereshchenko cited facts about the insignificant financing of the town from the state budget, sabotage of taking necessary decisions in the town council and the lack of adequate response by law enforcement agencies to violations of the law.

In this regard, he noted that there is no sense to remain in the office further, since there is no possibility to influence the processes in the town and to demonstrate the results.
Not all countries can still choose their foreign policy without threat to their sovereignty, territorial integrity  FM of Czech Republic on Crimea's annexation

All countries including those situated in Eastern Europe have the right to choose their foreign policy orientation without their sovereignty and territorial integrity threatened, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Hamacek said, recalling the annexation of Crimea by the Russia.

"This year the Czech Republic commemorates 50 years since the Warsaw Pact troops invaded Czechoslovakia. The experience of the 68 invasion still resonates strongly not only in the Czech Republic, as the moment where many lost faith in the promises of the better world preached by the Soviet Union. This seemingly historical event however carries lessons still relevant today and echoes in incidents which are still occurring in the World around us," the website of the Czech Foreign Ministry quoted Hamacek as saying during his speech on the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

"Firstly, it is still not a given that all countries including those situated in Eastern Europe have the right to choose their foreign policy orientation without their sovereignty and territorial integrity threatened. In this context, I would like to recall once more that the annexation of Crimea represents a blatant violation of the international law," the head of the Czech Foreign Ministry said.
On Monday, October 1, at 14.30, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "Michel Terestchenko: I am Abdicating Powers of Hlukhiv Mayor to Launch Challenge against Existing System." Terestchenko will tell about what is happening in Sumy region and the state, make public the names of officials, because of whom he is forced to abdicate the mayor's powers, will inform about threats to national security on the border with Russia and his nearest plans for the future (8/5-A Reitarska Street). Press registration by phone: (067) 59911 11.
On Thursday, October 4, at 12.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "The Stolen Elections in Tsebrykove Merged Community." Participants include head of the civil movement "For the whole of Odesa!" Andriy Sydorenko, human rights activist of the civil movement "For the whole of Odesa!" Neonila Tkachenko(8/5-A Reitarska Street). Registration requires press accreditation. Details by phone: (095) 589-87-34.
KYIV. Oct 1 (Interfax-Ukraine)  Mayor of Hlukhiv of Sumy region, Michel Tereshchenko, has announced his decision to step down as the mayor and run for the president of Ukraine.

"The resignation of the local head does not mean surrender, but my challenge to the system for the next steps to fulfill the obligations undertaken to the residents of Hlukhiv," Tereshchenko said at a press conference in the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine agency on Monday.

According to him, once in five years, Ukraine has the opportunity to change the country in a peaceful manner.

Tereshchenko noted that among the current presidential candidates he does not see anyone who has the political will to change the country and fight corruption. "Therefore, I am forced to run for the office of president of Ukraine," he explained.

In addition, Tereshchenko suggested creating an anti-oligarchic platform with the involvement of public organizations to form a team of professional statesmen.

In his opinion, state power does not want to change and imitates reforms. "It's impossible to change the system at the level of a small town," Tereshchenko said.

He also noted that the political forces represented in the local councils do not promote reforms on the ground, but, on the contrary, hamper effective work.

As an example of obstruction of activities, Tereshchenko cited facts about the insignificant financing of the town from the state budget, sabotage of taking necessary decisions in the town council and the lack of adequate response by law enforcement agencies to violations of the law.

In this regard, he noted that there is no sense to remain in the office further, since there is no possibility to influence the processes in the town and to demonstrate the results.
KYIV. Oct 1 (Interfax-Ukraine) - Indian clinics are ready to provide Ukrainian patients with effective modern methods of treatment and introduce them to Ukrainian doctors, Raj Kumar Raina, the director general of Apollo hospital in India, has said.

"Many patients from the CIS countries now come to Indian clinics, but there are very few patients from Ukraine. We are ready to accept them and exchange experience with Ukrainian doctors," he said at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine.

The expert said annually more than one million patients from more than 76 countries of the world come to India for treatment. At the same time, about 300,000 people annually come on tourist visas to Ayurvedic clinics.

Head of the Harinder Medicare and Solutions clinic (India) Harinder Singh, in turn, stressed the importance of sharing experience between Indian doctors and their Ukrainian counterparts, including on the treatment of serious diseases, which requires the use of high-tech methods.

President of the Ukrainian Association of Medical Tourism Violetta Yanyshevska noted that for the development of cooperation between Ukraine and India in the field of medical tourism, it is necessary to simplify the visa regime both from India and from Ukraine.

According to her, in particular, eight members of the Indian delegation at the medical tourism congress, which opens in Kyiv on October 2, spent more than eight hours in the transit area of Boryspil airport because of inconsistency of visa procedures: they planned to take advantage of the opportunity to obtain a Ukrainian visa on arrival.
Two prominent pro-reform activists and former political prisoners say Velayate-e Faqih or the Governance of the Supreme Leader in Iran is not compatible with a republican system.

In a statement published on Sunday, September 30, Abolfazl Qadiani and Alireza Rajaee have insisted that Velayat-e Faqih was a deviation from peoples demands at the time of the 1979 revolution that ended the reign of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

Qadiani, a former regime insider, has recently called on Khamenei to step down, and Rajaee, a prominent reformist journalist and a "nationalist-religious" activist, suffered a serious illness and underwent invasive surgical operations as a result of prison wardens' negligence while he was spending six years in custody for anti-regime activity.

The Islamic Republic currently clambering in a sea of crisis and pretending to be in control and enjoying self-confidence will never heal even one of the thousands of ills it is suffering from, Qadiani and Rajaee said in a statement published by several news outlets, including Kalemeh, a website supporting the Green Movement of Iran.

Insisting that the Islamic Republic is on its deathbed, the two have admitted that Irans current tribulations have older origins, rooted in the early post-revolution days.

The Islamic Republic, from its very beginning, fell victim to deviations when the concept of republicanism and its genuine meaning was misconstrued.

.Lambasting the amendment to the first version of the Islamic Republics Constitution, Qadyani, 73, and Rajaee, 55, have argued, By adding an article concerning the rule of the Shiite jurisprudence [Velayat-e Faqih] to the constitution, the national will was ignored and enslaved.

Article 110 of the Islamic Republics Constitution, which gives the Supreme Leader unlimited powers has always been a controversial issue since the downfall of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Since then, whoever dares to question that article is ruthlessly punished by the numerous security and intelligence organs.

The signatories of the recent statement are among hundreds, if not thousands of people who had experienced life behind bars for criticizing the Supreme Leader and his unlimited powers.

Qadiani and Rajaee have maintained that a mighty oligarch has monopolized power in Iran, while the republican system is undermined in the country.

Abolfazl Qadiani, a senior member of the reformist Mojahedin of the Islamic Revolution of Iran Organization, was charged with insulting the Supreme Leader and propaganda against the system, and arrested during widespread protests against the re-election of former hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009.

He was initially sentenced to five years. Later, in 2012 he was first sentenced again to one year, which was later changed to two years plus forty lashes.

Qadiani had harshly criticized the Islamic Republics Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, previously, once in a letter from his prison cell in 2012, and once again in an open letter in April 2018, when he likened Khamenei to Joseph Goebbels, a German Nazi politician and Reich Minister of Propaganda from 1933 to 1945. He accused Khamenei of telling big lies about freedom of speech in Iran.



Until 2012 Qadiani still directly was sending letters to Khamenei and calling on him to correct his path, but later, he addressed the nation and political groups demanding a change in the countrys constitution that would put an end to the role of Velayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Supreme Shiite Jurisconsult) officially known as Supreme Leader.

According to Qadyani, the Iranian Constitution, allows a change that would turn the Islamic Republic into a democratic system with no figurehead such as the Supreme Leader.

In an article published by Kalemeh, on Saturday, July 7, Qadiani explicitly said Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei should step down as a final solution to the Islamic republics problems.

Qadyanis public call for Khamenei to step down was interpreted as one of the most unexpected manifestations of how Khameneis rule is losing its base of support among those who were once fervent devotees of the system.

Alireza Rajaee, journalist and prominent member of Nationalist-Religious Alliance was also detained during the uprising against the official outcome of the presidential election in 2009.

Charged with Propaganda against the Islamic Republics system, Rajaee was placed behind bars for more than six years. Rajaee lost one of his eyes in custody for being deprived of having access to medical facilities.
Azerbaijan is always ready for constructive negotiations and contacts serving the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, the Deputy Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Hikmat Hajiyev told Trend.

He noted that at the CIS summit in Dushanbe, a conversation was held between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

The conversation started at the initiative of the Armenian Prime Minister, Hajiyev said.

"This once again shows that the format of the negotiations remains unchanged, and negotiations are conducted only between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which are parties of the conflict. Within the framework of the same format, in September, meetings between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan were held during the UN General Assembly in New York, and in July in Brussels. We assess this positively, and Azerbaijan is always ready for constructive negotiations and contacts serving the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. This once again demonstrates Azerbaijans commitment to the existing format," Hajiyev said.

He also commented on the strengthening the ceasefire regime on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and the line of contact of troops.

"The Azerbaijani side has repeatedly stated that the main reason for the ceasefire violation is the illegal presence of Armenian troops in the occupied Azerbaijani territories and the continuation of military occupation. The Armenian side has always been responsible for the ceasefire violation and the aggravation of the situation. I would like to mention the large-scale military exercises conducted by the Armenian armed forces in the occupied Azerbaijani territories after the meeting of the heads of state in November 2014 in Paris, the incitement of a well-known helicopter incident, as well as Armenian armed troops' fire by heavy guns at civilians living along the contact line in April of 2016, and intentionally aggravation of the situation," Hajiyev said.

"So, the withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied Azerbaijani territories in accordance with the requirements of the UN Security Council's resolutions will eliminate not only military risk, but there will also be no need for a ceasefire, and there will be comprehensive opportunities for political solution of the conflict. This will ensure peace, stability and security in the region," he added.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct.1

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

The recent conversation between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is essential to reinvigorating negotiation process on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Matthew Bryza, former US ambassador to Azerbaijan and former co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, told Trend Oct.1.

He said the information about the meeting between President Aliyev and Pashinyan is quite positive.

Their joint affirmation of their commitment to the process of negotiations, plus their agreement to strengthen the ceasefire regime to prevent incidents on the line of contact and the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, are common sense steps that have long been advocated by the Minsk Group Co-Chairs, noted Bryza.

He went on to add that these sorts of positive personal feelings are essential to reinvigorating the negotiation process and a key prerequisite toward eventually building some degree of mutual trust, which is a prerequisite for any breakthrough in negotiations.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a conversation on the sidelines of the CIS Summit in Dushanbe.

The parties affirmed their commitment to the process of negotiations on the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the strengthening of the ceasefire regime for preventing incidents on the line of contact and Armenia-Azerbaijan border.

The parties decided to develop mechanisms for building prompt contacts between relevant authorities.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 1

Trend:

After the meeting of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the harsh rhetoric and statements voiced by the Armenian side on the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict were put to an end at the CIS summit in Dushanbe city, Bahruz Guliyev, editor-in-chief of the Azerbaijani newspaper Ses, political expert, told Trend.

He noted that the claims of the Armenian side about changing the format of the negotiation process, that is, about participation in these negotiations of the illegal regime established in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, were removed from the agenda of the settlement.

This once again confirmed that Armenia is a party to the conflict, and further negotiations will be conducted with this country, said Guliyev. Only in this way a procedure for normal negotiations can be established and it is possible to achieve results.

Touching upon another important outcome of the meeting, he said that the decision made to create additional operational communication mechanisms to curb incidents on the contact line of troops and at the borders will play a role in resolving the conflict.

Undoubtedly, this agreement is an indicator of diplomatic policy pursued by President Ilham Aliyev, and the next decisions to be made between the parties may contribute to the peaceful settlement of the conflict, Guliyev said. Thats because it is obvious that the Armenian side is already willing to return to the previous format of the negotiations.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct.1

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

The recent bilateral conversation between Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Dushanbe is a contribution to the solution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Peter Tase, US expert on Global Politics and Transatlantic Relations, an adviser to Global Engineering Deans Council and other prestigious International Institutions told Trend Oct.1.

Over the next months we will observe the outcomes of these discussions. Discussions at this level are important and vital only when they are followed by concrete actions and results, he said.

Tase noted that Azerbaijan has genuinely pursued every option that ensures peace in the region.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan must use his leadership to improve his country's economy and refrain from using belligerence as a tool of statecraft. Yerevan must respect the international law and become a reliable partner in the Caucasus, he added.

Results, outcomes and decisions implemented in the ground will be observed in the next months. There is a great deal of work to be done by Yerevan and its government. Azerbaijan has invested so much for peace and prosperity in the region. 

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a conversation on the sidelines of the CIS Summit in Dushanbe.

The parties affirmed their commitment to the process of negotiations on the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the strengthening of the ceasefire regime for preventing incidents on the line of contact and Armenia-Azerbaijan border.

The parties decided to develop mechanisms for building prompt contacts between relevant authorities.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 1

Trend:

Rector of Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) Elmar Gasimov and President of China University of Petroleum in Beijing (CUPB) Zhang Laibin signed a Cooperation Agreement. It aims at strengthening collaboration and mutual understanding between both institutions in the field of university teaching, specialists training and scientific research.

Elmar Gasimov expressed satisfaction with establishment of partnership between the Higher School and CUPB and noted that both universities are recognized higher educational institutions in their countries. In his words, both educational and scientific activities of BHOS and CUPB are very close. In his turn, Zhang Laibin expressed confidence that the collaboration in the field of scientific research and teaching activities would be useful for both universities. Signing of the Cooperation Agreement is mutually advantageous and it is a stimulus to development and further cooperation, he said.

The document provides for a number of joint initiatives in the field of education including teaching staff exchange in order to provide a specialized high quality education by delivering lectures in related fields; organizing joint study programs; undergraduate and postgraduate students exchange for learning and research activities; and teaching and educational experience exchange. In the field of scientific research, the agreement stipulates specialists and researchers exchange; participation in scientific sessions and conferences organized by both universities; exchange of scientific articles for their publication in the scientific journals of both universities; and joint preparation and publishing of monographs, textbooks, manuals and scientific articles.

At the meeting, other issues of mutual interest were also discussed.
Details added (first version posted at 10:25).

Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 1

Trend:

Azerbaijan is always ready for constructive negotiations and contacts serving the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, the Deputy Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Hikmat Hajiyev told Trend.

He noted that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held talks during the CIS summit in Dushanbe.

The conversation began at the initiative of the Armenian Prime Minister, Hajiyev said.

"This once again shows that the format of the negotiations remains unchanged, and the negotiations are conducted only between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which are parties of the conflict. Within the framework of the same format, the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan held meetings during the UN General Assembly in New York in September, and in Brussels in July. We assess this positively, and Azerbaijan is always ready for constructive negotiations and contacts serving the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. This once again demonstrates Azerbaijans commitment to the existing format," Hajiyev said.

He also commented on the strengthening the ceasefire regime on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and the line of contact of troops.

"The Azerbaijani side has repeatedly stated that the main reason for the ceasefire violation is the illegal presence of Armenian troops in the occupied Azerbaijani territories and the continuation of military occupation. The Armenian side has always been responsible for the ceasefire violation and the aggravation of the situation. I would like to mention the large-scale military exercises conducted by the Armenian armed forces in the occupied Azerbaijani territories after the meeting of the heads of state in Paris in November 2014, the incitement of a well-known helicopter incident, as well as Armenian armed troops' fire by heavy guns at civilians living along the contact line in April of 2016, and intentional aggravation of the situation," Hajiyev said.

"So, the withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied Azerbaijani territories in accordance with the requirements of the UN Security Council's resolutions will eliminate not only military risk, but also the necessity for a ceasefire, and there will be comprehensive opportunities for political solution of the conflict. This will ensure peace, stability and security in the region," he added.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct.1

Trend:

Ordukhan - the "swearing machine" and the employee of the GRU (Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Force of the Russian Federation, which has conducted a moral terrorism against Azerbaijan), he was recruited while still in the Soviet military service; he served in a penal colony, which were responsible for subversion against the popular movement that began in 1998, today.az reported.

Nothing in the political process is accidental. This is a matter that has been said and practically proven from time to time. From this point of view, it was not possible for a person who was never a participant in political and social processes to appear at the protests in Europe and start operating in a disgusting way against the Azerbaijani state so far. It is the "activity" that the main priority here is to choose swearing and insulting struggle method in a way that is not unique to the people and the values of Azerbaijan, in fact virtually committing the "moral terror". At the same time, it is obviously one of the priorities of this "fighting game" to play like a team with the enemies of Azerbaijan - the Armenian lobby.

Ordukhan Teymurkhan Babirov is one of those who suddenly appeared in Europe and carried out an ugly campaign against Azerbaijan. Who hasnt been seen in the organization that led the political struggle to power in Azerbaijan, and he did not attend a single opposition rally since the 1990s to 2015. In general, this man, who spent most of his life in Russia, suddenly appeared in Europe, and the beginning of moral terror against the state of Azerbaijan caused doubts.

Such provocative behavioral tactics are usually carried out by people who are prepared in a special service agency. Then there were the right questions: Who is this Ordukhan? From where he popped up? Who is making him talk? What is the purpose? Who is funding and training him? These questions were, of course, always thought-provoking.

It was possible to obtain facts that could fully expose this person after long-term research and examination.

Undoubtedly, it is clear from this information that Ordukhan Babirov has been recruited in confidential co-operation by former Soviet military intelligence organization - GRU (currently by the Russian intelligence agencies) many years ago and he continues its provocative action against Azerbaijan under control of the GRU.

The File:

Babirov Orduhan Teymurkhan was born on 23.09.1969 in Horovlu village of Jabrayil region. He studied at the village where he was born and then served in the Soviet Army in 1987-1989, in the 98th Guards Air Force Division ("VDV"), located in Bolgadad, Odessa Province, Ukraine.

His "verbovka" (recruitment) began with his military service. Babirov unconsciously or consciously hacked himself, with posting a status on the social network, which might be counted as a "confidential" information about him. He also posted on the social network that he had been serving as a "parachutist" in the section of this division in the territory of Moldova.

According to some reports, Ordukhan said in his statement that he means the 98th airborne troops "VDV", which is the 300th parachute-rifle regiment dislocated in the territory of Moldova.

According to various sources, as well as to the media, depending of the results of combat and political preparations of 1987 and 1989, that military unit was named the "best airstrike troop". Information on Internet resources indicates that after the collapse of the USSR, military equipment was transferred to Moldova, but the personnel of the military unit moved to Abakan, the Republic of Khakassia. Then, at the base of that part, the 100th Airborne Brigade was created ......

And the first horrible thing that emerged is the fact, which with Ordukhan can be directly involved in criminal liability and at the same time can cause moral responsibility for him:

The trustful and knowledgeable source familiar with Ordukhan Teymurkhan Babirov notes that he has participated in military actions against the national-liberation movement of the Azerbaijani people among the Soviet army!

The preliminary information provided by the source and the investigations we have made show that the 217th paratroopers of the 98th division in Bolqard have fulfilled special "government assignments" in the South Caucasus. The most shocking information is that the staff of this division in which Ordukhan served and trained, actively participated in most of the operations against the national-liberation movement of Azerbaijanis and Azerbaijan under the title establishment of constitutional rules in 1988-1990 in Baku and in other various large cities of Azerbaijan - Sumgayit, and Ganja

According to the report, the regiment was involved in special operations against the Azerbaijanis in the Armenian city of Oktembryan and Yerevan, also in Azerbaijan's Khankendi (Stepanakert) and Baku. Let's take a look at a concrete fact: On October 18, 1989, the Il-76 military plane carrying the division's troops to Bolqrad crashed near Baku. The 9 crew members and 48 gunmen were killed in the accident. It is a fact that confirms the use of this regiment as a punishment troop against Azerbaijan during the movement.

Another fact is that the staff of the 98th division, which was dislocated for operations against the Azerbaijani people in Baku on January 16 - March 1990, directly participated in the January 20 tragedy!

There is also information that because of being citizen of Azerbaijan and his knowledge of the people's psychology and culture, Ordukhan Babirov, who was recruited during his military service and was one of the servicemen of the 217th, 299th and 300th formed operational tactical regiments of the 98th division, has been active in the operations against national liberation movement in the territory of Azerbaijan, including large cities of our country (Ganja, Sumqayit, etc.). There is no doubt that there are archival documents confirming this. Unfortunately, they are confidential documents and can not be obtained from Russian archives. The source that informs us mentioned that it can be obtained on the basis of a state inquiry.

Here is an important detail: According to some credible information, taking into consideration the experience of engaging in special operations in conflict zones, the leadership of the 98th division and its regiments held positions at the highest levels of the Russian Armed Forces at various times (many of them were Ordukhan's commanders). This fact also leaves no doubt about their close involvement in the political processes that have taken place in Azerbaijan in the 88-89s. There are several facts about this. For example, it is clear from the archive materials and some sources in the internet that the commander of the 98th division in 1985-1989, the general-major Chindarov originally from Tatarstan, was directly involved in the military operations in Afghanistan and in the deployment of Russian peacekeepers into Nagorno-Karabakh, South Ossetia, Abkhazia, and Chechnya, as well as in Yugoslavia.

One more fact: The commander of the 300th regiment in 1986-1989, A.P.Kolmakov, was one of the main figures in the 1991's attempting coup in Russia, played the essential role in dislocation of the regiment in Moscow, to blockade the building of the RSFSR Supreme Soviet, and later for the protection of the parliament building . He was the commander of the "VDV" in 2003-2007, and first deputy minister of defense in 2007-2010. This person has been working as the head of DOSAAF (Volunteer Society for Cooperation with the Army, Aviation, and Navy) since 2014.

Taking into account the participation of this division in political and conflicting processes, the experience of commanders and officers have always been prominent and have become important figures of the political intelligence.

One more personnel! - commander of the 300th regiment in 1989-1991, A.N.Bespalov, served as commander of the Russian troops in Transcaucasia, as well as deputy commander of the North Caucasus Military Department in 2005. At present, he is the head of the Military Administration Department at the RF Military Academy.

Commander of this regiment In 1991-1995, A.I.Lebed served in Afghanistan, Yerevan, and Baku in 1979-1982 (general Lebed's brother, commander of the 14th army who served as secretary of the RF Security Council). He joined the political activity since 1995, was elected the head of the Government of the Republic of Khakasia and a member of the State Duma within "United Russia" party.

Obviously, the staff of the 98th division was used as an important element in the military-political interests of the USSR and then the post-commanding cadres.

The part of the issue, which is direct to Ordukhan Babirova: According to the source, there is a bunch of information that the USSR, then the General Intelligence Office of the Russian Armed Forces used callers representing the national minorities in the division to select and prepare as candidates for confidential cooperation.

We do not list all these facts accidentally. These statements form such a conclusion that it is impossible for Ordukhan Babirov, who served as a soldier in this regiment known as the penal colony, to be overlooked by Russian intelligence service. Our source also reported facts confirming this.

The upcoming news is very interesting: It is interesting to know that how Ordukhan, who lives in the border zone with another country, attracted the attention of Russian intelligence, how they obtained his documents from the executive authorities of Jabrayil region after his military service, and why the military registration was changed and registered in Russia.

We will also provide you with information about how Ordukhan Babirov was involved as an agent of Russian special services after the collapse of the USSR and as a curator in one of the criminal penitentiary groups against the Azerbaijanis living in Russia with the support of his intelligence agencies, and against the Azerbaijanis in his money-laundering and racketeering activities in the next article.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 1

Trend:

NATO Days are held in the Azerbaijan Army, the Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan said in a message on Oct. 1.

NATO delegation led by the Head of Military Partnerships Directorate, Major General Odd Egil Pedersen will visit the War College of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan Military Academy named after Heydar Aliyev, as well as Air Forces Command of Azerbaijan.

During the event, officers and cadets of the Azerbaijan Army will be briefed on "NATO Command Structure", "Azerbaijan-NATO Cooperation", "Operational Capabilities Concept", "NATO and Cyber Defense.

NATO Days in the Azerbaijan Army will last until October 5.
Baku, Azerbaijan, October 1

By Ilhama Isabalayeva - Trend:

After the meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during the CIS summit in Dushanbe, it has become clear once again that the policy and rhetoric demonstrated by the Armenian side up to now is nothing more than populist speeches aimed at the domestic audience, the Head of the Ombudsman Office, Philosophy Doctor in Law Aydin Safikhanli told Trend October 1.

He noted that the official Yerevan, having already abstained from putting forward the illegal regime created in the occupied Azerbaijani territories as a party to the negotiations on the settlement of the conflict, has realized that the negotiations should be conducted only between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

"The opinions put forward earlier by the new leadership of Armenia on the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict do not correspond to the norms and principles of international law or the UN Charter," Safikhanli said, recalling Pashinyan's speech at the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly.

He noted that only subjects of international law can participate in the process of solving international problems and conflicts, and the countries recognized by the UN are the main and primary subjects of international law.

"The Azerbaijani side has repeatedly called on the international community to put pressure on Armenia so that the latter would act in accordance with international law, and would implement the relevant UN Security Council resolutions on the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The new leadership of Armenia should understand that the sooner the renunciation of territorial claims, the withdrawal of Armenian troops from Azerbaijani territories takes place, the quicker the peace will be restored in the region, and the prospects for development will open for Armenia. The establishment of peaceful and neighborly relations is impossible without respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighboring states," said Safikhanli.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 1

By Elchin Mehdiyev - Trend:

It is necessary to create an environmental police in Azerbaijan, MP Elmira Akhundova said at a plenary meeting of the Azerbaijani parliament Oct. 1.

She said that the environmental police will operate either at the Interior Ministry or at the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources.

The MP also said that this structure should monitor ecology and environment, as well as timely detect environmental pollution and other similar cases, and carry out preventive measures.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 1

By Vugar Imanov  Trend:

Presentation of the public art project entitled as "The Opening Wall" was held in Baku's Gala settlement on Sept. 30, as part of the Nasimi festival of poetry, art, spirituality.

The festival dedicated to the creative activity of one of the great poets and thinkers of the East Imadeddin Nasimi (1369-1417) was organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation with the support of the Ministry of Culture and was held in Azerbaijan for the first time on September 27-30.

The project was attended by about 10 local and foreign artists who create work in the genre of Urban Street Art (art of urban landscapes), which embodied their work on the walls of the building. Among them, there are artists from the US, South Africa, Brazil, Belgium, Spain and France.

This time, the creative art of urban landscapes was embodied under the influence of creative activity and philosophy of Nasimi, calling for spiritual unity, humanism, education and human perfection.

The students of the Azerbaijan State Art Academy will later display later these sketches on the walls of the building on a large scale.

The festival was held under the slogans Beyond the Limited Self, reflecting the philosophical views of the poet, and I am a Particle, I am the Sun which are the poets lines.

The program of the large-scale event covered various types of art and knowledge fields. During the festival, programs were organized in various places in Baku, as well as in Shamakhi, the native city of the poet.

The project was implemented on an international scale with the participation of world-famous artists, philosophers, scientists who write about spirituality in modern society, as well as professionals, amateurs in this field and young people, including interactively - with the participation of general public.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 1

Trend:

Closing ceremony of the Nasimi Festival of Poetry, Arts and Spirituality has been held at the Baku Media Center.

Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva and President of the Baku Media Center Arzu Aliyeva attended the event.

The closing ceremony featured a literary and musical play Mrhaba (Hello).

Following the performance, the event saw an award ceremony of the winners of a literary competition dedicated to Nasimi.

Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva presented the awards to winners.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 1

By Fikret Dolukhanov  Trend:

Uzbekistan and India will implement 50 investment projects worth $3 billion, the press service of the State Investment Committee of Uzbekistan announced.

The corresponding agreements have been reached within the framework of the Indian-Uzbek business forum held in Delhi.

"Prospective areas of cooperation between Uzbekistan and India are such spheres as the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare, tourism, including medical, information and communication technologies, agriculture, development and mining of mineral resources, including uranium, non-ferrous and rare metals, infrastructure projects and construction of affordable housing," the State Committee noted.

The Confederation of Indian Industry and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan also signed an agreement on establishment of the Business Council of India and Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan exports to India beans, balsams, raw silk, earth metals, fertilizers and other goods. The main products imported from India are medicines, ferrous metals, various technological equipment, spare parts for cars.

There are 145 enterprises with participation of Indian funds, 21 of which are fully Indian. The volume of bilateral trade in 2017 amounted to $326.6 million.

In 2017, Uzbekistan was visited by more than 10,000 tourists from India. The sides are currently working on opening two additional direct flights from Tashkent to Mumbai and Chennai.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 1

By Fikret Dolukhanov  Trend:

Indian entrepreneurs are interested in investing in Uzbekistan and in implementation of joint projects, the Uzbek presidents press service said referring to the meeting of Shavkat Mirziyoyev with management of large Indian companies.

The president underlined that Uzbekistan has successfully eliminated all the barriers hindering development of business.

Representatives of the Indian business circles highly assessed economic reforms run by the president of Uzbekistan and expressed interest in investing in Uzbekistan and implementing joint projects.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev commenced on the official visit to India on Sept. 30, 2018.

The president and his spouse have begun the visit to India from Taj Mahal complex in Agra.

The complex, being the heritage of the Babur dynasty, evidently demonstrates unity of the Uzbek and Indian history, which is a firm basis for close bilateral relations.

During his visit, Shavkat Mirziyoyev is also planning to hold a number of talks with Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Premier Narendra Modi, as well as heads of various ministries and departments.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov
Baku, Azerbaijan, October 1

Trend:

The founder and co-owner of USM Holdings, well-known Russian businessman of Uzbek origin Alisher Usmanov talked about his plans to invest in projects in Uzbekistan in an interview with the TV channel "Russia 1", Podrobno.uz reported.

Speaking about business projects in Uzbekistan, Usmanov, first of all, noted the Uzbek metallurgical complex.

"I will help only in business. The companies I own, where I am a shareholder, will definitely help cooperation in every way. That's how we do it with the Uzbek metallurgical complex. For us, this is a sales market, and for the complex  excellent quality of raw materials, which gives it the opportunity to produce a competitive metal for supply for the purpose of subsequent use," he said.

Usmanov said the Metalloinvest Management Company LLC (Russias biggest iron producer) has already been supplying its products to the Uzbek metallurgical complex for about two or three years.

"We supply a serious volume, up to $100 million a year. We supply hot-briquetted iron," Usmanov said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 1

By Fikret Dolukhanov  Trend:

Uzbekistan and India have agreed to increase mutual trade to $1 billion, the press service of the Uzbek president said.

Corresponding documents have been signed following the talks held in New Delhi between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.

Twenty documents have been signed covering scientific and technical cooperation, agriculture, tourism, military education, justice, health and medical science, pharmaceuticals, space exploration for peaceful purposes and other areas.

Agreements on cooperation between the Andijan region and the state of Gujarat, the cities of Samarkand and Agra, and on organization of a free pharmaceutical zone have also been signed.

At a briefing for media representatives, Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that Uzbekistan attaches great importance to relations with India, and the talks held in a constructive spirit confirmed mutual interest in developing bilateral cooperation.

At the end of 2017, the trade turnover between Uzbekistan and India amounted to $323.6 million, in particular the exports amounted to $32.5 million, and imports - to $291.1 million.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Oct. 1

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

A meeting was held with Christian Berger, the head of the EU delegation, at the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan.

During the talks, the parties discussed further steps to expand cooperation in the energy sector, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"In this context, the parties noted the upcoming visits of the delegation of Turkmenistan to Brussels," the report said.

It was reported in May that the European Union and Turkmenistan are committed to implementation of the Trans-Caspian pipeline project, designed to bring Turkmen gas to the European market.

The negotiations on the delivery of Turkmen gas to Europe have been conducted since 2011. The Southern Gas Corridor, which also includes the Trans-Caspian project, remains a priority for the EU.

In May 2015, the Ashgabat Declaration on energy was signed by the ministers of energy of Azerbaijan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic.

The project to lay a 300-kilometer gas pipeline along the bottom of the Caspian Sea to the shores of Azerbaijan is optimal for the delivery of Turkmen resources to the European market.

The Turkmen fuel can be transported further and delivered to Turkey, which borders European countries. The Trans-Caspian gas pipeline could become a part of several large-scale projects, including AGRI (Azerbaijan-Georgia-Romania Interconnector), and TANAP, the participants of which are Azerbaijan and Turkey.
Baku, Azerbaijan, October 1

Trend:

The European Bank for Development and Reconstruction (EBRD) has adopted a new strategy for Uzbekistan for 2018-2023, UzDaily.uz reported.

The document has been approved by the EBRD Board of Directors.

The document states that the strategy is aimed at creating an open, integrated and export-oriented economy.

The bank noted that the priorities of the government of Uzbekistan are to reduce the state's presence in the economy, improve the business environment and attract direct foreign investments.

As part of the new strategy, the bank will enhance competitiveness by strengthening the role of the private sector. In particular, the bank will support small and medium-sized businesses, as well as developing local capital markets and the strengthening of financial institutions.

The financial institution (EBRD) also intends to support the privatization of state-owned enterprises and improvement of the investment climate in Uzbekistan.

The bank will promote green energy and efficient use of resources. The bank plans to help Uzbekistan in fulfillment of its potential in the field of renewable energy sources.

The EBRD and Uzbekistan intend to cooperate in the field of energy security, improvement of the efficiency of production and electricity supplies and the uranium remediation (reclamation of soils at inactive uranium mines).

The bank will also finance projects aimed at improvement of the country's transport infrastructure and connectivity with regional networks. The bank will support regional energy cooperation.

The bank plans to mobilize through its Trade Facilitation Program (TFP) the export activity of Uzbekistan's enterprises and financial institutions.

As part of the strategy, the EBRD will assist Uzbekistan in improving its tourism potential and infrastructure.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 1

By Huseyn Veliyev  Trend:

One successful phishing attack accounts for 284 websites in Azerbaijan's ".az" domain zone, according to Netcraft analytical company's report.

The report said the above amount of successful phishing attacks also accounts for 0.34 percent of overall attacks registered in the Azerbaijan domain zone.

In September 2018, the number of phishing attacks in Azerbaijans internet segment decreased by 0.56 percent, compared to August.

More than 31,300 websites have been registered in the "az" domain zone as of Oct. 1.

The analysis is based on the Netcraft Toolbar program, which is a plug-in for browsers. The program notifies users of a potentially dangerous resources and prevention of a phishing attack.

In Azerbaijan, the Netcraft Toolbar program is used on more than 4,200 computers.

According to Netcraft, one successful phishing attack accounted for 305 websites in Ukraine, 1,074 websites - in Uzbekistan, 415 websites - in Russia, 507 websites  Kyrgyzstan, 643 websites - Belarus, 86 websites  in Armenia, 757 websites  in Kazakhstan, 216 websites - in Georgia.

A phishing attack is carried out by means of mass mailing of emails on behalf of popular brands. The letter often contains a direct link to a false website of the brand, which is not visually different from the original one. Once having found oneself on such a website, a user can provide scammers with valuable information allowing them to gain access to the users web accounts and bank accounts.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @h_veliyev
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 1

By Azad Hasanli - Trend:

The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan has announced a tender to find a consulting company for assessment of the lands contaminated with oil and other substances.

The bidders must also prepare proposals for cleaning these lands.

The cost of participation in the tender is 2,000 manats.

Those wishing to participate in the tender must submit applications before 17:00 on October 23, 2018, and tender offers until 17:00 on October 30, 2018.

The opening of tender packages will be held at 15:00 on October 31.

Phone: (+994 12) 538-85-13; (+994 50) 386-52-58

Contact person: Emin Garabaghli

Address: 100A, Bahram Agayev Street, Baku

Email: [email protected]

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Follow the author on Twitter: @AzadHasanli
Astana administration's Astana Zhastary (Astana youth) agency supported opening of youth advisory services centres in Astana under the youth employment and socialization roadmap, Astana Zhastary press service said, "Kazinform" reports.

The centres are open to all. Specialists of housing department, employment, social protection and labor department, employment centre, Zhilstroisberbank and other organizations will work there to provide necessary information.

A legal expert and phycologist will hold there consultations free of charge.

The centres are purposed to inform youth of state programs aimed at youth support and rendering them advisory assistance.
Baku, Azerbaijan, October 1

By Azad Hasanli - Trend:

A meeting of the World Petroleum Council will be held in Astana on October 1-3, "Kazakhstan today" reported October 1 referring to the Head of the Press Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Aibek Smadiyarov.

He noted that the participation in the meeting of the heads of the delegations of the national committees of the member states elected from among the heads of sectoral ministries, heads of energy companies and large associations has been planned.

"In addition, meetings of the executive and program committees of the World Petroleum Council, as well as events with the participation of young specialists will be held. It has also been planned to hold a special conference entitled as "Investment opportunities: new solutions for sustainable growth" in the framework of the forum. This event is designed to attract the attention of the international community and increase the investment attractiveness of Kazakhstan's oil industry as a whole", Smadiyarov said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 1

Trend:

An autumn session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE PA) will take place October 3-6 in Kyrgyzstan, KirTAG news agency reported Oct. 1.

The OSCE PA autumn session will be held in Bishkek city, and more than 300 MPs from 57 countries of Europe, Asia and North America will take part in the session, the press service of the Kyrgyz parliament said in a statement.

The session will focus on security issues in Central Asia and beyond.

During the conference, its participants will discuss dealing with new challenges and threats in the border areas by building confidence and regional cooperation and also discuss migration, human trafficking and environmental problems.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, October 1

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

The Caspian region may become one of the strategic transport, transit and energy hubs of international importance, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said in his speech in New York at the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly, the state news agency Turkmen Dovlet Khabarlary (TDKh) reported Sept. 30.

The signing of the Convention on the legal status of the Caspian sea (in Astana) by the heads of the Caspian states on August 12 this year opens the prospect of turning the Caspian region into one of the strategic transport, transit and energy hubs of international importance, a place of big investments, trade, economic activity and cooperation, said the Turkmen president.

Turkmenistan is ready to discuss in detail with all interested parties the aspects of the implementation of projects in these areas, which are economically justified, beneficial for potential participants, can significantly affect the strengthening of continental security and have a long-term nature, the president of Turkmenistan said.

Earlier, the TDKh noted that the signing of the Caspian Convention is a historic step towards global energy security. For example, according to the document, it is possible to lay submarine cables and pipelines along the bottom of the Caspian sea "provided that their designs comply with environmental requirements and standards enshrined in international treaties to which they are parties".

The text of the document also says that only those countries through the sector of the bottom of which the cables and pipelines will be laid, will determine the route of laying of the cables and pipelines.

Some experts believe, this means that the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline  an underwater gas pipeline that could deliver Turkmen gas to Azerbaijan and from there - to the markets of Western Europe - can no longer be vetoed.

The relevant negotiations have been conducted since 2011 between the interested parties-the EU, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. In particular, the project of laying the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline to the shores of Azerbaijan, from where the Turkmen raw material can be delivered to Turkey and further to Europe, is being promoted.

The Trans-Caspian project can be implemented as part of the EU-lobbied Southern Gas Corridor project. The Trans-Anatolian gas pipeline (TANAP project in which Turkey and Azerbaijan are involved) or the AGRI (Azerbaijan-Georgia-Romania Interconnector) projects may be useful in this direction.

In May 2015, the Ashgabat Declaration on energy was signed by the ministers of energy of Azerbaijan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic. Later, Georgia was involved in the negotiation process.

At the same time, Turkmenistan declared its readiness to supply Europe with up to 40 billion cubic meters of gas annually, of which 10 billion can be provided by Petronas company (Malaysia) operating in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian sea. The rest of the volume can be provided through the East-West gas pipeline, which begins on the largest Turkmen field Galkynysh and ends in the shores of the Caspian sea.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, October 1

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

The Turkmentel exhibition and conference will be held in Ashgabat on October 10-11, 2018 with the participation of more than 80 companies from 21 countries, the organizers of the event - the Ministry of Communications and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan said in a statement.

Among the participants are Sony, Huawei, Airbus, Iskratel, Thales, Rostelecom and other companies.

The forum entitled as "Turkmenistan and world information and communication systems" held within the framework of the event, will bring together scientists, specialists, businessmen representing the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and various countries of the world.

It is expected that the participants will present their developments in the field of communication in telecommunications, information technologies, telemetry and measuring equipment, wireless communication, and professional audio and video recording equipment.

In addition, the television and radio broadcasting equipment, communication cable products and components, operators providing various services in the field of communications, transport vehicles, special machinery and equipment will be presented at the exhibition.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Oct. 1

By Huseyn Hasanov Trend:

The 55th meeting of the General Assembly of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) began its work in Ashgabat, the Turkmenistan TV channel reported Oct. 1.

The meeting will end October 5.

ABU was established in 1964, it consists of 279 TV and radio companies from 73 countries.

The State Committee of Turkmenistan on Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography was admitted to ABU in April 2012.

It is expected that the forum will contribute to building up productive international partnership and exchanging experience in the field of TV and radio broadcasting.
Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) on Monday targeted the positions of the ringleaders of the recent terror attack in southwestern city of Ahvaz, IRNA reports.

According to IRGC public relations office, a lot of takfiri terrorists were killed in this operation.



IRGC forces shot several surface-to-surface ballistic missiles to terrorists' positions in eastern Euphrates in Syria.



Further details will be announced later.



At least 25 people, including women and children, were killed and more than 60 others injured in September 22 terror attack in Ahvaz which took place during a military parade held to mark the 38th anniversary of the eight-year (1980-88) war imposed on Iran. The self-proclaimed Saudi-affiliated Al-Ahwaz terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attack.



About thirty-five countries have so far condemned the terror attack in Iran.



Iranian members of parliament are scheduled to discuss recent terrorist attack in southwestern Iran on Tuesday, Spokesman of Iran Majlis (parliament) presiding board Behrouz Nemati earlier said.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani expressed congratulations over the anniversary of the establishment of Modern China which is celebrated on October 1, IRNA reports.

In his message to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping which was released on Monday, Rouhani expressed hope for developing relations between the two countries and also realizing the agreements in line with both countries' interests.



He also expressed happiness over achievements made by China in all fields.



Iran, China relations are at a satisfying level, Rouhani added.



The National Day of the People's Republic of China is a public holiday in the country and is celebrated annually on October 1.
Japan's Ministry of Economy and Trade announced the country's oil imports from Iran have surged for the past five consecutive months, despite United States' sanctions against Tehran, IRNA reports.

Japan's oil imports from Iran jumped to 65 percent year on year in August, Japan's English language daily, the Japan Times, cited the Ministry of Economy and Trade as saying on Monday.



According to Japan's Ministry of Economy and Trade, the country imported a total of 3,393,000 barrels of oil, or 177,500 barrels per day in August.



Japan had earlier asked the United States to exempt Tokyo from the embargo, arguing Japanese refineries need Iran's crude.



Upon Washington's withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal in May, US officials announced Iranian crude buyers must stop importing the commodity from the country by November 4th, or else they will face US secondary sanctions.



The secondary sanctions on Iran's oil buyers, which run counter to international trade laws, have drawn negative reactions from different countries, some of which seek exemption.



Japan has also called on the US to exclude it from the sanctions.



Washington has so far rejected Japan's request, but Tokyo says it will keep trying until the negotiations bear fruit.
The western Iranian city of Hamedan will host 150 cultural elites and ambassadors from 56 countries in early October, IRNA reports.

Hamedan, Capital of Asian Tourism in 2018, is to showcase the provinces tourist attractions and luminaries in an exhibition at Avicennas tomb, said Ali Dashtaki, the events organizing committee secretary.



The historical city was approved as the capital of Asian tourism in 2018 in the second ACD Tourism Ministers Meeting hosted by Cambodia in June 2017.



Hamedan was earlier host to the Asian Cooperation Dialogue conference in late August and will receive the 40th World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Plenary Session of the Affiliate Members from November 12 to 14.



The event will open on Wednesday and continue for three days.
The Fourth Pan-Asia Pacific Congress on Military Medicine will be held from October 12-15 to promote scientific, medical, military affairs and provide a forum for regional scholars to share experience and knowledge, IRNA reports.

Ministers, commanders and rescue teams from some 45 countries, including the host country Iran, will attend conference.



The event will be held at the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting International Conference Center (IICC) with the motto the Future Horizon of Military Medicine.



Founded after the World War II in 1920, the International Committee on Military Medicine (ICMM) is an inter-governmental organization aiming at strengthening the medical relations throughout the world.



The ICMM has 117 members and 6 observers and has organized 42 international congresses.



China (2010), Thailand (2012), and Russia (2016) have hosted the previous editions of Pan-Asia Pacific Congress on Military Medicine.
Irans non-oil exports reached more than $23 billion, registering a $1 billion positive balance during a 6-month period from March 21 to September 22, 2018, ISNA reports.

According to the latest Iranian Customs statistics, the weight of Iranian non-oil exports reached 56.644 ton worth $23.123 billion during the 6-month period, with 13% increase comparing to the same period in last year.

During the mentioned span, the weight of Irans imports of commodities hit 16.220 ton worth $22.182 billion.

Gas condensate was at the top of Irans non- oil exports. Also, liquefied propane, methanol and low-density oils and other byproducts except for gasoline were among products and commodities that Iran exported to other countries.

On the other hand, auto parts, corn as livestock food, rice, soy bean were the main imported commodities.

China, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Afghanistan and India respectively were the main importers of Iranians goods.

China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), South Korea, India and Germany were the main exporters of commodities to Iran.
Tehran, Iran, Oct. 1

Trend:

Mohammad Mir-Razavi, head of the wholesalers' food union, said the Iranian government is seeking to import tomatoes from China due to a shortage of the fruit in the country.

"We have asked China to ship tomatoes to Iran," Mir-Razavi said on September 29, IRIB news agency reported.

He added that the country is facing a shortage as a large portion of Irans tomatoes has been exported to Iraq.

Iran exported 303,000 tons of tomato in the first five months of the current Iranian calendar year (started on March 21) an issue that prompted the countrys Ministry of Industry, Mining and Trade to ban the fruits exports as its price has sharply increased.

Iraq, Russia, the UAE, Afghanistan and Qatar were the main customers of Iranian tomatoes during the period under review.

Mir-Razavi noted that the Iranian industry ministry acted late and should have banned the fruits exports earlier.
Austrian Ambassador to Iran said on Monday that Iranians are entitled to benefit from the JCPOA, in the economic domain in particular, IRNA reports.

At the joint meeting of the members of Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission with European Ambassadors to Tehran, Austrian Ambassador to Iran, Stefan Scholz, stressed that removing sanctions will be main component of the nuclear deal.



He said the European Union deeply regrets Washington's decision to pull out of the landmark Iran nuclear deal and to impose unilateral sanctions against the country.



He pointed to the recent meeting of foreign ministers on the issue and said the participants reaffirmed their full commitment to the nuclear deal and stated that as long as Iran fulfills its obligations, they will adhere to the accord.



Scholz said Iran and the EU are cooperating based on the policy which has been highlighted in the joint statement of April 2016.



He noted Iran's cooperation under the EU horizon 2020 program, research activities, Iran's student exchange programs, training judicial officials from Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey in Vienna are on the agenda.



The joint meeting of the Parliament's National Security Council and Foreign Policy Commission was held in Tehran on Monday, with ambassadors of 15 European countries attending it.
Details added (first version posted on 14:24)

Tehran, Iran, Oct. 1

Trend:

A judiciary official said Iranian court has sentenced a man dubbed as Sultan of Coins to death over hoarding two tons of gold coins and manipulating the local market.

Vahid Mazloumin, dubbed as Sultan of Coins, was arrested by Tehran police on July 4 after the 58-year-old man used accomplices to collect an estimated 250,000 coins in 10 months.

The courts have sentenced Vahid Mazloumin, Baqeri Darmani and Mohammad Salem (two of his accomplices) to death, Judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said, Tasnim news agency reported on October 1.

The rial currency has lost about 70 percent of its value since April under the threat of revived US sanctions, with heavy demand for US dollars among ordinary Iranians trying to protect their savings.

In May, the United States pulled out of a 2015 deal between world powers and Tehran under which international sanctions on Iran were lifted in return for curbs on its nuclear program.

Washington has reimposed a number of sanctions on Iran, and it is planning to impose heavier sanctions in November aimed at the Islamic Republics oil sector.

The cost of living has also soared, sparking sporadic demonstrations against profiteering and corruption, with many protesters chanting anti-government slogans.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 1

By Azer Ahmadbayli  Trend:

Donald Trump pursues quite a new policy which can be described as the policy of unpredictability. It blows the mind of many politicians, analysts and intelligence agencies, who do not have time to adapt to it, and switch to the "new wave".

Even if verbally only, some things deliver great discomfort.

Trump's actions do not obey any laws; he constantly surprises his political competitors and makes them nervous, as they are often unable to predict the final result of his intentions.

For example, he said the US military would soon come out of Syria. At once a number of countries were getting tense and excited, and began to calculate possible further steps, both those of their own and others.

The world media outlets were discussing consequences of that possible move, and the most emotional people praised or scolded him. For a while there was uncertainty and then Trump said: I was dissuaded [to keep US troops in Syria], but I still believe that the United States have nothing to do there.

No one was a hundred percent sure how the story would end while it was critically important and could dramatically affect the geopolitical situation in the region.

Another striking example is the story of North Korea's nuclear program. This has never happened under previous US administrations.

Looks like fuzzy logic: the new policy deflects from strict principles of classical (true or false) logic entering the shades of gray that significantly extends range of options in decision making.

Many people believe that the US President is an impulsive and eccentric leader, and his policies are the product of his own way of doing things.

This, of course, can be so, but...

In addition to the principle of separation of powers and the mechanism of checks and balances in the US system of government, there are also institutions that, say, strongly, and maybe decisively influence US policy. Among them are CIA, CFR, Wall Street, Pentagon and other powerful decision-making bodies (let alone those whom we have never seen or heard about publicly).

Another option may be that in the bowels of those Institutions the idea of a new strategy for the US and the World  the policy of unpredictability  has been set. As for Mr. Trump, he is a brilliant performer.

If anyone thinks that all this is the work of one person, they should be reminded of The Mayflower Compact of Pilgrim Fathers.

Now, in the President Trumps first term, the new strategy is being tested. If Washington decides it works, then Trump is most likely to be elected for a second term.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 1

By Matanat Nasibova - Trend:

After the recent meeting between President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the sidelines of the recent CIS summit in Dushanbe city, where new agreements were reached, an opinion formed in the expert community of Russia and Azerbaijan that cautious optimism appeared at the negotiations on the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Earlier, the Armenian government stated that the illegal regime created in Nagorno-Karabakh should be directly involved in the negotiations on the conflicts settlement, since Yerevan will only speak on behalf of Armenia.

However, during the meeting of the president of Azerbaijan and the prime minister of Armenia, commitment was expressed to negotiate a settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, to strengthen the ceasefire regime in order to prevent incidents on the contact line of troops and on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

At the same time, the parties also decided to develop mechanisms for establishing operational communication between the relevant structures.

Commenting on this fact, well-known Russian expert, First Vice-President of the Strategic Development Modeling Center Grigory Trofimchuk told Trend that these were agreements that couldnt contain anything more concrete than demonstration of the desire for overall stabilization in the Karabakh conflict zone, which is absolutely natural.

Apparently, Pashinyan received preliminary support of his allies in the US, and now he intends to end the problem with separation of power within Armenia by holding parliamentary election, and thereby to strengthen the Western presence in the life of Armenia, which will automatically affect the negotiation process, said Trofimchuk. Now, a lot depends on Bakus behavior.

The expert noted that now the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia may negotiate a more substantial meeting of the leaders of their countries.

"But this is a purely technical process that does not involve any special sensations, he said. This always happens. As for the issues, only the leaders themselves, rather than foreign ministers, can specify them."

The meeting in Dushanbe did not envisage an official protocol, he added. Therefore, there were not and could not be any fundamental agreements which are obligatory for execution. Nevertheless, there was careful optimism in the settlement process and perhaps, that is why the meeting in Dushanbe is important."

In turn, Azerbaijani political analyst Zaur Mammadov told Trend that the rhetoric of the Armenian leader has been changed because he understands that Baku with its military capabilities can destroy the euphoria that prevails in Armenia today.

If earlier Armenia hoped for the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), now, realizing the current realities, it understands that if a conflict is at the military stage, the CSTO members will support Baku, rather than Yerevan, he said. Moreover, parliamentary election is ahead in Armenia. On the one hand, Pashinyans radical statements could help him win the election, but on the other - they prevent the settlement of the conflict.

It is clear that Baku will not allow representatives of the separatist regime of Nagorno-Karabakh to sit at the negotiating table, Mammadov added. Therefore, Pashinyan, despite previous statements, had to agree with the preservation of the former format of the negotiations on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Baku expects Pashinyan to be constructive in the settlement of the conflict, he said. This is also in the interests of Armenia as the improvement of the socio-economic situation of the Armenian society is possible only after the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict."

Mammadov further stressed the importance of the upcoming talks between the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia.

"This is not the first meeting between the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia, he said. The Armenian Foreign Ministry, as opposed to Pashinyan, has discussed the Nagorno-Karabakh issue with the Azerbaijani side several times, demonstrating that its Armenia that is the party to the conflict, rather than a fictional third party."

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.
Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin and Special Representative of the Georgian Prime Minister for Relations with Russia Zurab Abashidze will meet in Prague today, TASS reports.

Yesterday Karasin said that during the talks, the sides will primarily discuss trade, humanitarian contacts and transport issues.

The talks will be also attended by representatives of foreign ministries, ministries of economy and transport of Russia and Georgia.

On December 14, 2012, Abashidzes first meeting with Karasin took place in a Geneva suburb, a breakthrough after the cutoff of Russia-Georgia diplomatic ties in 2008. Tbilisi and Moscow stated many times that the meetings in this format have produced positive results in restoring cooperation.
Factory activity in Asia weakened in September, with many trade- reliant economies seeing a slump in export orders in a sign that escalating U.S.-China tensions are taking a toll on business confidence, Reuters reports.

Rising raw material costs are also squeezing profit margins for Asian manufacturers, raising questions over future investment and reinforcing views that global economic growth is shifting into lower gear.

Business surveys released on Sunday and Monday pointed to deteriorating conditions across much of the region in September, with gauges of future activity offering little hope for a turnaround in the next few months.

Some of the immediate gloom will be dispelled by news that the United States and Canada had clinched a last-gasp deal on Sunday to salvage the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), removing one major near-term risk to the global outlook.

But that did little to ease concerns in Asia over further signs of cooling in Chinas economy and the risk of collateral damage for its neighbors as the trade war between Washington and Beijing grinds on.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reaffirmed his "steadfast stand" Monday to deepen relations with China in his message to Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the occasion of China's 69th founding anniversary, the North's state media said, "Kazinform" reports citing Yonhap.

Kim also expressed his will to further advance Pyongyang-Beijing relations based on their traditionally close ties that have been built for decades, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

"It noted that it is the steadfast stand of the WPK and the DPRK government to develop the traditional DPRK-China relations of friendship on a new stage," the KCNA said in English, referring to Kim's message to Xi.

"Noting that he values the ties and affection forged through three meetings with Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un expressed the will to strive together to further deepen the DPRK-China friendship, (the) precious legacy left by the leaders of the elder generation of the two countries, in keeping with the requirement of the new era," it added.

DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The WPK refers to the North's ruling party, the Workers' Party of Korea. Kim praised China for "eye-opening changes" it has made since its founding nearly seven decades ago, calling the establishment an "epochal event that brought about a fundamental turn" in the destiny of its people.

The KCNA's report on Kim's message contrasted with last year when it stayed mum on whether any such message was sent to Xi on the occasion of its founding anniversary.

This year's message was also reported on the front page of the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of its ruling party.

North Korea and China have seen their ties improve recently after yearslong strained relations over the North's continued missile and nuclear provocations. The improvement was punctuated by three summit talks between Kim and Xi this year.

Apparently reflecting the improving ties, North Korea sent Choe Ryong-hae, its de facto No. 2 official, to a reception hosted by the Chinese embassy in Pyongyang last week to mark China's founding anniversary.

China also sent Li Zhanshu, its third-ranked official, to Pyongyang last month as a special envoy for Xi to take part in events for the 70th anniversary of the DPRK's establishment.
The just-concluded 2018 The 6th China Luzhou Southwest Commodity Expo has showed the openness of Luzhou, a city where the South Sichuan Port Area (SSPA) of China (Sichuan) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) is located, TASS reports.

The expo set up 800 booths in the main exhibition area, a cultural and creative pavilion, and Belt and Road national pavilions.

Exhibitors from Moldova, Australia, the Republic of Korea, Israel, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan also showcased their feature products at the expo.

The expo offers a platform for exhibitors to share dividends of free trade and to jointly build the Belt and Road. Luzhou will create a high-quality and more efficient business environment for enterprises, said Jiang Fuyi, secretary of the Luzhou Municipal CPC Committee, at the opening ceremony of the expo.

During the expo, Kuang Lecheng, vice president of China Economic Information Service (CEIS), released a report about the business environment of Luzhou city.

The report gives a full display of the innovation achievements made by Luzhou on reforming business environment in a bid to facilitate investors' investment, demonstrating that Luzhou is taking a more open approach to the outside world.

Kuang noted that the SSPA of China (Sichuan) FTZ has made a remarkable progress in improving business efficiency and enhancing innovation, which has even surpassed that in China's eastern coastal regions. Luzhou is now taking advantage of the opportunities provided by the Belt and Road Initiative and the Yangtze River Economic Belt Development to optimize business environment and upgrading city management.

Themed on New Era, New Trade, and New Luzhou, the expo is hosted by China General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC) and organized by government of Luzhou City with support from Sichuan Provincial Department of Commerce and Sichuan Bureau of Expo Affairs.
The majority of those, who voted at the referendum on changing Macedonia's name, supported the relevant agreement with Greece and thus the country's accession to NATO and the European Union, and now this issue will be considered by the parliament, Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said, Sputnik reports.

On Sunday, the referendum on the deal to change the name of Macedonia, officially known as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, to the Republic of North Macedonia was held in the country. According to the State Election Commission, over 91 percent of voters supported renaming the country under the deal with Greece, while over five percent voted against. The referendum, however, failed to secure the necessary 50-percent turnout in order to make the vote valid and after counting data from over 91 percent of polling stations, the turnout amounted to 36.36 percent.

"This is a serious contribution, a stone in the foundation of the future of our Macedonia. Over 650,000 citizens voted at the referendum today. Over 90 percent of those voted supported [changing the name] and they believe that Macedonia should accept an agreement with Greece and become a member of NATO and the European Union," Zaev said at a press conference.

The prime minister added that in the coming weeks he will try to collect a two-thirds majority of mandates in the parliament for the adoption of constitutional amendments in accordance with the agreement with Athens. Otherwise, the country will hold snap parliamentary elections, the Macedonian leader reiterated.

On June 17, Greek and Macedonian foreign ministers signed an agreement on the former Yugoslav Republic's renaming to the Republic of North Macedonia in the Prespa region, following a decades-long dispute over the use of "Macedonia," which Greece has been objecting to as this is also the name of one of its regions.

The countrys new constitutional name will open the way for Macedonias accession to the European Union and NATO, which has long been blocked by Athens over concerns that the neighboring country might have territorial claims to Greeces own region of the same name.
NATO welcomes the results of Macedonia's name consultative referendum and urges the country's leadership to "responsibly" use this historic opportunity, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said, Sputnik reported.

On Sunday, the referendum on the deal to change the name of Macedonia, officially known as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, to the Republic of North Macedonia was held in the country. According to the State Election Commission, over 91 percent of voters supported renaming the country under the deal with Greece, while over five percent voted against. The referendum, however, failed to secure the necessary 50-percent turnout in order to make the vote valid and after counting data from over 91 percent of polling stations, the turnout amounted to 36.36 percent.

"I welcome the yes vote in referendum. I urge all political leaders & parties to engage constructively & responsibly to seize this historic opportunity. #NATO's door is open, but all national procedures have to be completed," Stoltenberg said on Twitter.

On June 17, Greek and Macedonian foreign ministers signed an agreement on the former Yugoslav Republic's renaming to the Republic of North Macedonia in the Prespa region, following a decades-long dispute over the use of "Macedonia," which Greece has been objecting to as this is also the name of one of its regions.

The country's new constitutional name will open the way for Macedonia's accession to the European Union and NATO, which has long been blocked by Athens over concerns that the neighboring country might have territorial claims to Greece's own region of the same name.
Polish President Andrzej Duda said in an interview with the Sieci newspaper on Monday that his suggestion to Donald Trump to allocate $2 billion for the creation of a US military base in Poland got the attention of his US counterpart and excited him, Sputnik reported.

Duda told the outlet that he first floated the idea of establishing a permanent military base with Trump on the sidelines of a NATO summit in July.

"I then said: 'Mr. President, we would like to have a permanent US base in Poland.' He nodded his head but didn't react. But when I added: 'But we are ready to allocate $2 billion to prepare it,' I saw his eyes shine," Duda said.

He added that it became "a different kind of talk" after that.

Duda noted that Poland aimed at shifting the "security border" in Europe thanks to the US troops.

"US bases have proved to be a peace guarantor. Just recall the years of the Cold War, during which they showed their stabilizing power. This is how it was in Western Germany that resisted the pressure from the east with [US] help," the Polish president stated.

He recalled that since many European countries enjoyed the US military presence, he considered it necessary to expand this presence and make it permanent.

On September 18, US President Donald Trump said at a meeting with Duda that the United States was "considering" establishing a base in Poland.

During the September meeting, Trump said Duda had offered to give more than $2 billion toward the cost of the facility. The Polish president also suggested naming it "Fort Trump."
Troops from North and South Korea began removing some landmines along their heavily fortified border on Monday, the Souths defense ministry said, as part of a pact to reduce tension and build trust on the divided peninsula, Reuters reports.

Benchmark Brent crude oil futures LCOc1 rose to as much as $83.27 a barrel and were at $83.21 at 0339 GMT, up 48 cents, or 0.6 percent from their last close.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures CLc1 were up 32 cents, or 0.4 percent, at $73.57 a barrel.

WTI prices were supported by a report on Friday of a stagnant rig count in the United States, which points to a slowdown in U.S. crude production C-OUT-T-EIA, which now rivals top producers Russia and Saudi Arabia.
A high-level delegation from Libya will soon visit Russia to discuss projects for cooperation in the sphere of railway construction, Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) Economy and Industry Minister Nasir Shaglan told Kommersant newspaper in an interview, Sputnik International reports.

According to the minister, during his visit to Moscow earlier in September, he held "wonderful negotiations" with the leadership of the Russian Railways (RZD) company and discussed the project of construction of the railway connecting the Libyan cities of Benghazi and Sirte.

"A delegation consisting of high-ranking officials in charge of the railways in Libya will soon visit Moscow accompanied by engineers and financial experts. There will be a discussion about resumption of old arrangements. The delegation is ready to arrive as soon as Russia gives visas and sets a date for the visit. We really need good roads. Previously we focused on airports, but we do not have planes due to the war," Shaglan said.

Russian Railways first deputy CEO, Alexander Misharin, earlier told Sputnik that the company was considering the possibility of resuming the construction of the Sirte-Benghazi railway in Libya under the condition that Tripoli would have compensated the costs after the project was halted in 2011.

The company signed a deal with the government of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2008, but the project had to be put on hold after Gaddafi's government was toppled in a violent uprising in 2011. Russian personnel was evacuated from the conflict torn country, however significant material assets, including road machinery and equipment, remained there.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a message of congratulations to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the 69th anniversary of the Peoples Republic of China,TASS reports citing the Kremlin press service.

Putin reaffirmed his willingness to continue close joint with Chinas president on bilateral and international agendas, the press service said.

"Under your guidance China has achieved impressive success. The Chinese economy is growing at a high pace, as is the prosperity of your countrys citizens. Plans have been approved for national economic development up to 2035 and 2050. Beijings prestige in the global arena is growing," the Russian leader stressed in his message.

The president praised the progress in the Russian-Chinese strategic partnership, which is on the upswing. The two nations have stepped up political dialogue and mutually advantageous cooperation in trade and economy, science and technology, humanitarian and other areas and are coordinating efforts in resolving regional and global problems.
Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev will arrive in Japan on Monday, where he will hold consultations with Japanese National Security Advisor Shotaro Yachi, the Russian embassy in Japan informed TASS.

"A working visit of the Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev will take place from October 1 to October 4, where he will hold talks with his Japanese colleague Shotaro Yachi," the embassy stated.

The Russian diplomatic mission added that the security chiefs plan to discuss the current issues of Russian-Japanese relations, as well as the issues of security between Russia and Japan in the Asia-Pacific region.

The embassy did not provide any additional details. The previous meeting between Patrushev and Yachi took place in December of last year in Moscow.
Russia will continue the fight against terrorism in Syria, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, TASS reports.

"The fight against terrorist organizations in Syria goes on, and we should continue this fight," the spokesman told journalists. In reply to the question about Irans missile strike on Syria, he noted: "As for the illegitimate presence of foreign troops and foreign armed forces in Syria, Russias position on this has been quite clear."

On Monday morning, Iran launched multiple missiles into eastern Syria, targeting militants allegedly involved in the September 22 attack on a military parade in Ahvaz, which killed at least 29 and injured about 60 people.

Moscow repeatedly stated that it stands against illegitimate foreign intervention in Syrian military operations.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed hope on Sunday that his recent state visit to Germany will improve bilateral relations, local media reported.

"I believe our state visit to Germany will strengthen Turkish-German friendship in every aspect", Erdogan said in Twitter.

Aiming to improve political and economic relations with Berlin, Erdogan paid a 3 day state visit to Germany on Sept. 27-29.

Relations between Ankara and Berlin suffered several setbacks in past years, but both sides have taken steps in recent months towards improving ties.

"We are leaving painful terms in the recent past with Germany behind," Erdogan said.

Erdogan said Turkeys new presidential system has paved the way for progress in the country. He said reforms within the scope of the country's EU membership process will continue and Turkey will fulfill the remaining six criteria for visa liberalization in the shortest time.

"In this regard, we care about Germany's support to Turkey", Erdogan said.

Noted that Turkey and Germany enjoy strong economic and trade ties, Erdogan said his country wants to further strengthen economic ties.

"We want our German friends to continue reposing trust in Turkey, Turkish economy and our country's future," Erdogan said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 1

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

Turkeys goal is to eradicate the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) terrorist group not only in its territory, but also in Iraq, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, Turkish media reported Oct. 1.

He also noted that the Turkish Armed Forces cleared a number of settlements in northern Iraq from the PKK.

We wont allow the creation and strengthening of terrorist structures at our borders, said Erdogan.

He also noted that the PKK is a real threat to Turkeys national security.

The conflict between Turkey and the PKK, which demands the creation of an independent Kurdish state, has lasted more than 25 years, claiming more than 40,000 lives. The PKK is recognized as a terrorist organization by the UN and the EU.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Baku, Azerbaijan, October 1

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

The US will sooner or later change its position on Turkey, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, Turkish media reported October 1.

Erdogan noted that although there are currently a number of problems between the US and Turkey, Washington will finally make an important and correct choice.

He expressed hope that just the trade relations with the United States will lead to better relations.

Earlier, the President of Turkey, following a meeting in Ankara with the heads of American companies, said that Turkish-American relations will be strengthened through trade.

"Turkey has opened its doors to all foreign investors and has implemented large-scale economic reforms over the past 16 years," Erdogan said.

After the deterioration of relations between the US and Turkey, President Erdogan urged foreign companies to invest in the country's economy.

The relations between Washington and Ankara have deteriorated recently, in particular due to the case of the American pastor Andrew Brunson, detained by the Turkish authorities in 2016.

After that, President Donald Trump said that he authorized a double increase in duties on aluminum and steel exported from Turkey to the United States, to 20 and 50 percent, respectively. This decision caused the fall of the Turkish lira to a historical minimum.

The court of the Turkish city of Izmir refused again on August 17 to release from house arrest the American pastor accused of aiding terrorists.

On August 1, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions against the Minister of Internal Affairs of Turkey Suleyman Soylu, and Minister of Justice, Abdulhamit Gul due to the fact that Ankara did not allow Brunson to return home.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned the US decision and urged to abandon it.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Baku, Azerbaijan, October 1

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

The relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan are at the highest level, the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, the Turkish media reported October 1.

Erdogan noted that the relations between Baku and Ankara are developing in all spheres.

He noted that Turkey also pays special attention to the development and strengthening of relations with Turkic-speaking countries.

Over the past year, political and economic relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey have reached a new level. Ankara supports Azerbaijan in all international organizations in connection with the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

President Erdogan once again confirmed this position during the Summit of the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States, held in Kyrgyzstan on September 3.

He also said that Turkey, as before, will support Azerbaijan in all spheres.

The Turkish president also said that all Turkic-speaking states must contribute to settlement of conflicts and establishment of stability in the world.

Today, Azerbaijan and Turkey have a solid bilateral cooperation, but the two countries also have experience of working in a multilateral format.

Turkey participates in the majority of large-scale projects being implemented by Azerbaijan in the region. Among them are the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum pipeline projects.

Turkey and Azerbaijan demonstrated their leadership by signing an agreement on the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) in Istanbul in 2012. TANAP is one of the important components of the Southern Gas Corridor, which will allow supplying Azerbaijani gas to the world markets.

In summer, the first commercial gas from Azerbaijans Shah Deniz field was supplied via the first segment of the Southern Gas Corridor from the Sangachal terminal through the expanded South Caucasus Pipeline. The next stage was the commissioning of TANAP, through which gas is supplied to Turkey and further to Europe.

Another large-scale project of the century is the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, which will ensure more active economic and trade cooperation between Ankara and Baku by supplying goods from Central Asia to Europe.

After the railway was commissioned in November 2017, the time of cargo transportation was almost halved, decreasing by 12-15 days. As is known, at this stage the biggest cargo turnover is carried out between Europe and China. Before the BTK railway, the transportation was carried out through sea routes and on average it took 25-30 days.

In addition, last year, Turkey exempted the supply of 42 types of products from the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic from customs duties, and signed a memorandum on preferential trade with Azerbaijan, which provides for the introduction of a zero customs rate for import and export operations.

According to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee, trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Turkey reached $2.64 billion in 2017, of which $1.37 billion accounted for exports to Turkey.

The trade turnover between the two countries increased by 14.8 percent in 2017. In January-July 2018, the Azerbaijani-Turkish trade turnover amounted to $ 1.74 billion (an increase of 19.6 percent over the year).

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Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Canadian and US negotiators reached framework deal on reforming the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) late Sunday, according to reports by Canadian media.

According to a report by Canada's CTV, a joint statement by US and Canadian negotiators would be issued within hours.

The announcement comes following an emergency cabinet meeting called by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau two hours ahead of a midnight deadline for providing the text of a revised agreement to the US Congress. Should Canada have failed to provide the document, if would have been excluded from the pact.

This would allow NAFTA to remain a trilateral pact with Mexico.

The new agreement will reportedly boost US access to Canadian dairy market and protect Canada from possible US tariffs on cars, according to two Canadian sources cited by Reuters.

According to the sources, Canada had agreed to a cap on its automotive exports to the United States if the Trump administration imposes global car trade tariffs on national security grounds. The negotiatied quota would allow for some growth in tariff-free automotive exports from Canada above current production levels, the source said.

Besides, Canada would allow US increased access to its highly protected dairy market, in a similar fashion as it did with the EU and Pacific Nations, Reuters reports.

The new treaty is expected to be signed by President Trump and his Canadian and Mexican counterparts in 60 days, according to the Washington Post.
President Donald Trump hailed Canada on Monday after the two countries forged a last-minute deal to salvage their trilateral NAFTA accord with Mexico, marking a key victory in the U.S. leaders effort to shake up global trade, Reuters reports.

The deal, announced on Sunday, is a reworking of the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, which underpins $1.2 trillion in trade between the three countries. Trump had described NAFTA as a bad deal for Americans and threatened to eliminate it as part of his America First agenda.

The new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is aimed at bringing more jobs into the United States, with Canada and Mexico accepting more restrictive commerce with the United States, their main export partner.

While changing NAFTA and bringing down U.S. trade deficits was a top Trump campaign pledge, Sundays agreement largely leaves the broad deal intact and maintains current supply chains that would have been fractured under weaker bilateral deals.

Trump, who said he would hold a news conference at 11 a.m. EDT (1500 GMT) on Monday, on Twitter called the U.S. agreement with its neighbor to the north wonderful and a historic transaction.
The United States, Sweden and Italy have filed bids to supply Bulgaria with eight fighter jets aimed at replacing its ageing Soviet-designed MiG-29s, in a tender estimated at 1.8 billion levs ($1 billion), the defense ministry said on Monday, Reuters reports.

The United States offered two options: either new Lockheed Martin F-16V jets or new Boeing F-18 Super Hornets. Sweden offered new Saab Gripen jets, while Italy proposed supplying second-hand Eurofighters.

The offers will be assessed and then a political decision will be taken, Deputy Defence Minister Atanas Zaprianov told reporters upon the offering of the bids.

He declined to comment how long the process would take, including direct negotiations with the preferred bidder.

The deal will help Bulgaria, which joined NATO in 2004, improve its compliance with the alliances standards.

It is Bulgarias biggest military deal, and the tender had to be relaunched this year after a parliamentary commission ruled last year that a previous tender needed to be relaunched. In the previous tender, the Gripen jets had been favored.

NATO has encouraged its eastern members to develop, buy and operate new equipment made by alliance countries.
KYODO NEWS - Oct 1, 2018 - 11:15 | World, All

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has voiced hope that his country's ties with China will be strengthened, state-run media reported Monday, amid expectations that Pyongyang may resume denuclearization talks with the United States soon.

It is the "steadfast stand" of Pyongyang to "develop the traditional DPRK-China relations of friendship on a new stage," the Korean Central News Agency quoted Kim as saying in a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

DPRK is the acronym of North Korea's formal name in English, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

In the letter celebrating China's Oct. 1 National Day, Kim also expressed willingness to "further deepen" the China-North Korea relationship "in keeping with the requirement of the new era," according to the news agency.

Since March this year, ties between Beijing and Pyongyang have been significantly improving, as Kim visited China three times for summit meetings with Xi.

Kim, who has pledged to achieve "complete" denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula in return for security guarantees from Washington, is believed to be seeking support from Beijing to move ahead with negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Proposed second talks between Trump and Kim have not happened since their historic meeting on June 12 in Singapore, with skepticism lingering about North Korea's intention to abandon its nuclear weapons.

In New York last week, however, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo agreed with North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho to visit Pyongyang in October to prepare for a second Trump-Kim summit, which could take place by the end of this year.

Last month, the White House said Kim sent a letter to Trump to request their follow-up summit.
KYODO NEWS - Oct 1, 2018 - 22:54 | All, Japan

Okinawa Gov.-elect Denny Tamaki, who is opposed to the controversial relocation of a key U.S. military base within the southern island prefecture, said Monday he is ready to talk with the central government on the issue.

"I'm not planning to take an opposing or confrontational position (with the central government) from the start," Tamaki told reporters at his home, a day after beating former Ginowan mayor Atsushi Sakima supported by the ruling coalition and two other candidates in the gubernatorial race.

"I will exchange opinions (with Tokyo) candidly, if there are issues we can consider during the consultations," Tamaki also said.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told reporters at his office the government took the election results "seriously" and will step up efforts to revitalize Okinawa's economy and reduce the prefecture's burden of hosting U.S. bases.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said in a Monday's press conference that Abe or he would like to meet with Tamaki as soon as possible "if the schedule permits." But he did not specify a date.

Meanwhile, Tamaki said the talks will likely take place after the Okinawa government holds the funeral for his predecessor Takeshi Onaga on Oct. 9.

The top government spokesman underlined that the central government will not change its position of seeking to realize the base relocation swiftly regardless of the election result.

Tamaki and Sakima were vying for leadership of the prefecture following the death of Onaga of cancer in early August.

(Futenma air base)

Onaga was a staunch opponent of the Japan-U.S. plan to move U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma from a crowded residential area of Ginowan to the less populated coastal district of Henoko in Nago, both in Okinawa.

Tamaki said he believes his victory reflected Okinawan people's "wish to continue with Mr. Onaga's determination to have no more bases built in the prefecture."

The 58-year-old radio personality-turned-politician garnered a record-high 396,632 votes, while Sakima, 54, gained 316,458 votes. Onaga's son Takeharu, a Naha city assembly member, backed Tamaki.

The governor-elect has said he supports the prefectural government's withdrawal in August of approval for landfill work necessary for the U.S. base transfer, which has halted construction of a new base.

"We'll be going to take some kind of legal action," said Suga, when asked about the withdrawal to nullify it to resume construction work for the base transfer, though he declined to comment on the timing.

Tamaki told reporters he plans to hold a referendum on the relocation issue by next spring.

There would be "no way for the central government to fight back" Okinawa people, depending on the result of the referendum following his victory, he said.

About 60 antibase activists staged a sit-in Monday in front of the gate of the U.S. Marine Corps' Camp Schwab, located next to the relocation site in Nago, in a show of their resolve to block the base transfer together with the new Okinawa leader.

Kazuo Senaga, the 55-year-old secretary general of an organization calling for the removal of U.S. bases in Okinawa, said Tamaki's victory "again demonstrated the local people's will to reject the bases."

The Futenma relocation, first agreed on in 1996, has been a sensitive issue in Okinawa, which was under U.S. control between 1945 and 1972 following Japan's defeat in World War II. The prefecture hosts the bulk of U.S. military installations in Japan and many locals want the Futenma base moved outside of the prefecture.

During the campaign, both Tamaki and Sakima called for the prompt closure of the Futenma base and the return of the site to Japan, citing safety concerns. But Sakima did not clarify his stance on its relocation, drawing criticism from some voters.

In Washington, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said, "We congratulate Denny Tamaki on his election as governor of Okinawa and look forward to working with him."

(U.S. base construction site in Henoko, Okinawa)

"The United States deeply values the contributions made by Okinawa to the U.S.-Japan alliance and our two nations' mutual security," the spokesperson told Kyodo News.

Tamaki, whose father was a member of the U.S. military whom he never met, served as a House of Representatives member for the opposition Liberal Party. He was backed by four other opposition parties and a parliamentary group in the race.

Sakima received support from the LDP led by Abe and its junior coalition partner, Komeito, with the opposition Japan Innovation Party also behind him.

The base construction has been put on hold since the prefectural government retracted the landfill work approval in line with Onaga's instructions in July, claiming illegality in the application process. The local and central governments are expected to fight a legal battle over the resumption of the work.
With this, the number of active COVID cases in the state is 68,630. Of the new cases, 5,914 contracted the virus through contact while 28 came from outside the state.
by Vladimir Rozanskij

The church, seized by the Bolsheviks in 1933, was supposed to be returned following the end of communism in the 1990s, but nothing happened. Dmitry Medvedev promised to restore the church by 2016. But the local administration has made it the seat of the Kirov Philharmonic. The faithful were allowed to celebrate Mass 25 times in a year, paying a rent of 1000 euros.

Moscow (AsiaNews)  On October 18 next in Kirov a city of northeastern European Russia the court of arbitration will meet in to rule decisively on the restitution of the Catholic church of St. Alexander. Parish priest Frigori Zvolinski (photo 2), together with the parishioners, decided to appeal to all those who can support the long wait of the local community with prayer.

Built by the Poles confined in this impervious area, after one of the many tsarist repressions of the mid-1800s, the church was closed to worship by the Bolsheviks in 1933, who set up a hostel for students of the local veterinary institute.

In the 1990s, after the end of communism, even before the Catholic community was rebuilt, the local authorities placed a large German organ in it, making the building a branch of the Kirov Philharmonic. For this reason the church was not returned to the Catholics, but remained state-owned. The faithful were allowed to celebrate Mass 25 times a year, between concerts, paying an annual rent of about 1000 euros.

In 2010 the then Russian president Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree allowing religious organizations to obtain the restitution of historical properties, which belonged to them before the revolution. The following year, the parish priest Fr. Grigori presented an official request for the restitution of the church of St. Alexander to the competent office of the Kirov region, but his application was rejected on the grounds it was incomplete. The authorities motivated this response based on the fact that during the 1990s new premises had been added, which could not be used without the whole building.

In 2014 the then governor of the Kirov province, Nikita Belikh, met in Moscow with the Catholic Archbishop Msgr. Paolo Pezzi, and proposed to build a new church on the outskirts of Kirov. According to the agreements, the city would grant the local community a plot of land, construction materials and pay for the project, and as long as the new church was not built it would give free permission to celebrate in the historic church, at least for those 25 times a year already established. The parish was presented with 6 proposals for its re-location both in the city and in the surroundings, but they were all impractical, many even without roads to the proposed land. The faithful therefore rejected all the hypotheses presented.

The parishioners located a plot on the outskirts of Kirov, but they were not given the necessary ground, following the opposition of the local Orthodox metropolitan, Mark of Vyatsky and Novoslobodsk, as the new church would have been too close to a chapel Russian Orthodox Church in the Novovyatsky district. Governor Belikh finally withdrew the proposal to have the new church built by the Catholics, having refused all the proposals of the local authorities.

According to Medvedev's decree, the Philharmonic church should have been returned to the Catholics within 6 years, but at the end of the period in 2017 this had not happened. The parish priest has tried to get the restitution by other routes, even by offering economic compensation, but without success: the municipality has decided that the city needs an organ concert hall more. Fr. Grigori continued the battle with parishioners with demonstrative actions, such as a month of fasting in April this year, and by judicial means, turning to the Arbitration Court in June with a case against the regional administration.

The parish attorney, Jan Cebotarev, after the presentation of the case was contacted by local representatives of the Orthodox Church, to dissuade him from defending the Polish Catholics "against whom our grandparents have fought for centuries". The same lawyer, who is not a Catholic faithful, told MBX Media reporters: "I tried to explain to the orthodox batjushki [priests] that we are now in the 21st century, and today it is ridiculous to interpret the right according to religious preferences, but they did not want to listen to me ".

Fr. Grigori has reported, moreover, that some Orthodox priests support the requests of Catholics, and the negative reactions are to be attributed to a minority of them. As an interested party, the same Philharmonic is also part in the case, which claims exclusivity over the building because of the presence of the organ. The faithful hope that on 18th October "finally good sense will win" in court.
New Delhi [India], Oct 1 (NT): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized assets worth Rs 637 crores belonging to fugitive diamond mechant and gems Jweller Nirav Modi in links with the one of the biggest Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. After working for three months in close dexterity with abroad agencies, the Enforcement Directorate recognized and attached ornaments, bank accounts, fixed properties of the fugitive diamantaire under Section 5 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

Reports suggested that Enforcement Directorate was brought back diamond studded jewellery worth Rs 22.69 crores from Hong Kong in 23 shipments. Inquiry in the matter exposed that the stock was shipped from India after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) lodged an FIR in the matter and was kept in the burial chamber of a private company.

When the stock was shipped to Hong Kong by Firestar Group of Companies, its worth was declared at around Rs 85 crores. Two fixed properties worth Rs 216 crores owned by Nirav in New York's Central Park have also been siezed.

The aforesaid properties were bought on the name of Central Park Real Estate LLC, a group company of Firestar Group, and were later transferred to Ithaca Trust in 2018, as ANI reported.

The beneficiary of the Ithaca Trust is Nirav Modi's wife Ami Modi and his children, while the colonizer of the trust is Nirav Modi's sister Purvi. A flat worth Rs 19.5 Crore in South Mumbai was also attached. It was owned by Nirav's sister Purvi Modi and was purchased by Purvi in 2017.
New Delhi: President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev was received by President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon his arrival at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He inspected a guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

India-Uzbekistan enjoys the historical and cultural relationship, on Ceremonial welcome accorded to President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Mrs. Ziroat Mirziyoyeva by President Ram Nath Kovind Rashtrapati Bhavan in his press address, said that India has a special place in the heart of each Uzbek. He added that at the moment, India is a rapidly developing nation. He is assured that India is confidently strengthening its role as the global power.

Following a Deep-rooted and cherished friendship, Upon his arrival at the national capital Delhi for State Visit to India, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev was greeted by Minister of Law & Justice and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad.

Follwing his maiden state visit to the country, he will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to boost bilateral strategic ties. Mirziyoyev is accompanied by a high-level delegation on the two-day trip, will pay a visit to Agra on September 30, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday.

He visited Raj Ghat to pay homage to the father of nation Mahatma Gandhi. Today Mirziyoyev is slated to meet Prime Minister Modi both leaders will hold restricted and delegation level talks at the Hyderabad House. The Uzbek president will also meet Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

"Visit of the president of Uzbekistan will provide an opportunity to discuss bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest and reinforce the strategic partnership which exists between India and Uzbekistan," the Ministry of External Affairs said.
Srinagar, October 01:Indian army had to face embarrassment when some students made drawings captioned we dont want bloodshed, we want freedom and Beautiful Kashmir turns into battle field at a day-long youth festival organized by the army in Srinagar, the other day.

The Chinar Youth Festival 2018 was organised by Indian Armys 15 Corps at the International Conference Centre in Srinagar. The painting was drawn by unidentified students. Another painting depicted the transformation of Kashmir from a beautiful Valley into a battlefield.

The painting showed greenery  trees and mountains  on the one side and a barren land  guarded by people in military camouflage and a helicopter hovering above  on the other side.

Beautiful Kashmir turns into battle field was written on the drawing.

There was another painting depicting the another side of the conflict in the Valley as it showed a blood-soaked Kashmir with words stone pelting written over it.

An army official tried to face save by saying that there can be diverse views as hundreds of students participated in the event. Governor Satya Pal Malik was the chief guest on the occasion.
As hackers get better of government sites, officials say full safety infeasible

The website of Tribhuvan International Airport was compromised on Friday by a hacker who claimed to be operating from Indonesia.
Banda affects life in Dhangadhi for second day in succession

The roads in Dhangadhi wore a deserted look for the second consecutive day on Sunday due to the banda enforced by locals in the district headquarters of Kailali and the temporary provincial capital in protest of the provincial assemblys decision to designate Godawari as the capital of Sudurpashchim Province.
Description

Some photojournalists rely on technique. Others combine technique with technology. That is the case with the artists featured in an upcoming exhibit at the Gold Coast Arts Center. The exhibit, called Storytelling Through the Lens, displays work by photojournalists around the world who use the internet, apps, and mobile devices to create images in a unique and powerful format.

Storytelling through the Lens includes work by nine artists: Veronica G. Cardenas, Deborah Feingold, Orestes Gonzalez, Audrey Gottlieb, George McClintock, William Riera, Karen Rubin, Deborah Sable, and Neil Tandy. An opening reception, which is free, takes place on Sunday, September 30, 2018, at 4 p.m. at the Center, located at 113 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, NY, 10021.

Approximately 100 works will be on display in the exhibit, which runs until December 15, 2018.

The Internet and online applications, as well a myriad of mobile devices, have supplanted print media, resulting in the ability of photojournalists to reach audiences never before imagined, says Jude Amsel, Gallery Director of the Gold Coast Arts Center. In doing so, their work has an immediate impact on society as they continue to write and record visual history and form collective memories.

About the Artists

The artists come from diverse backgrounds, and their approaches are equally diverse.

Veronica Cardenas explores what it means to be a faceless immigrant, exposed to aggressive and dangerous legislation, vulnerable to exploitation, and left with virtually no opportunities.

Deborah Feingolds inspiration comes from jazz musicians. She studied how they used their instruments to come together, to explore, and then to return.

Orestes Gonzalez focuses on common, quiet stories of people whose lives are impacted and thus disrupted, by conflict, religion and social and economic forces beyond their control.

Audrey Gottlieb dedicates her photographs in the show to the memory of the thousands of innocent civilians and peacekeepers who died before, during and after her short stay in Somalia in 1993. At the time, she was the official photographer for the United Nations Operation in Somalia.

George McClintock has photographed an Ecuadoran couple, Segundo and Cecilia, who arrived in the United States several years ago in search of a better life.

William Riera has created a series of photographs called Chago Adentro in which he explores nostalgia for his native town, the struggle of the Cuban people, and the loss of memories represented by the deterioration of places he visits.

Karen Rubin strives to capture a moment in 1/200 of a second that which represents an idea, a situation, a crisis, an event  a visual that promotes understanding of the human condition.

Deborah Sable equates arts with activism. As she explains, Neither exists without the other. To be successful, each must convey a message to an audience.

Neil Tandys photography represents a brief moment in time, a sad time, in South Africa  a documentary of what he perhaps cannot verbalize adequately.

For more information about the artists or the exhibit, or to arrange school or docent-led tours, please visit www.goldcoastarts.org, or call 516-829-2570.
Description

"This year marks the 43rd Annual Columbus Day Weekend that has celebrated the agricultural heritage of our town. As one of the largest festivals in New York State, Riverhead hosts visitors and vendors from many states throughout the country.



Take time to enjoy the works of original artists, agricultural and homemaking displays and competitions, authors, entertainers, local merchants, food, amusement rides, pony rides, business expositions and displays, and of course, more food. Covering more than 100,000 square feet, we offer something for everyone.



The Country Fair does not come to fruition without a coordinated effort of many people, starting with our dedicated and diligent Fair Committee as well as scores of volunteers whom all band together to ensure a day that is safe and enjoyable for the whole family. Excellence in service is provided by our government officials, police, ambulance, fire and highway departments, along with the Chamber of Commerce, multiple service groups, local merchants, Boy Scouts, advertisers and sponsors.



Thank you to all the volunteers, professionals, vendors, competitors, performers, boaters, merchants, and anyone else who gets together each October to make our Fair the very best.



Enjoy our town-wide little block party!" - Riverhead Country Fair
Breeders of machismo culture

Violence based on gender has much to do with societal power structures
TipRanks

Wall Streets major banking firms build their reputations, in part, on their ability to see the dark future clearly. JPMorgan has a storied name on the Street, and the banking giants Asset Management team has recently been casting its collective eye forward. "We are increasingly convinced that the pandemic will leave behind few economic scars, however we expect the policy interventions at the height of the crisis will have a long-lasting impact on markets... Our overall message is optimistic,"
Lately, legal hassles have heightened for Credit Suisse Group AG CS, as the bank has been slapped with a fine of $10 million by the U.S. federal regulators. The company has been accused of malpractices related to its retail execution services business, including through Credit Suisses dark pool, amid ongoing scrutiny around the U.S. share trading industry.



The Swiss Banks settlement resolves accusations related to improper treatment of customer orders from mid-2011 through March 2015.



Allegations



Dark pools are private platforms wherein the secrecy of investors is guarded well in comparison to public exchanges. The crux of dark-pool trading is that there is lesser transparency in trading, minimizing the market impact. Further, price and volumes of trade are predetermined and are revealed only after the trade.



Per the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood, the Swiss bank's retail execution services business did not disclose the procedure of execution of orders to customers. Notably, orders were given less importance for which execution quality was not needed to be publicly detailed by the bank than orders exposed to such reporting. This business was shut down in 2015.



Furthermore, ordinary customers were promised to be accessed to broad liquidity in dark pools by the bank, including the companys dark-pool trading platform, but minimum number of held orders was executed instantly at market prices, in the way it was promised.



Credit Suisse gamed its publicly-reported statistics and misled customers, Underwood said in a statement. Wall Street firms cannot offer misleading assurances about the execution quality they provide their customers while engaging in electronic trading strategies that undermine those promises, she further noted.



Notably, the bank has not denied or admitted any wrongdoings, and will pay $5 million each to the SEC and Underwood's office. Per Credit Suisse spokeswoman Nicole Sharp, the bank was satisfied with the settlement.



Similar Cases



Among other holders of the dark pool, Barclays PLC BCS, Goldman GS and UBS Group AG UBS have been penalized since 2014 for their respective trading systems.



Bottom Line



Heightened investigations and lawsuits surrounding dark-pool trading and high-speed trading reflect efforts of the regulators and the government to bring transparency and stability in the trading industry and thereby, safeguard investors interests.



Though Credit Suisse has undertaken special measures to combat the rise in expenses, prevailing litigation issues may be a headwind for the company in the forthcoming quarters.



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NorthWestern Energy NWE has filed for an electric rate increase with the Montana Public Service Commission, which if approved, will lead to an increase in the bill of a typical residential customer by 7.4% or $6.37 per month.



The company has been investing consistently to improve the quality of services via strengthening its transmission and distribution lines. This is the first electric rate revision filing by the company in Montana since 2009.



Rate Hike and Investments



NorthWestern Energys electric and natural gas operations are entirely regulated, supplying a major portion of electricity or 56% from hydro and wind sources. The company has maintained a disciplined capital investment program to ensure reliability and safety of operations.



Undoubtedly, the rate hikes definitely impact the monthly budget of customers. However, the same is necessary to get essential services 24x7. At present, the electricity rates charged by the company from its residential customers are lower than the national average.



It plans to invest nearly $1.6 billion within the 2018-2022 time period and fund the same from cash flows and long-term debt issuances. The rate increase will definitely help the company to achieve its long-term investment plan.



Strong Customer Growth



Unemployment rate in the three states in which the company supplies electricity and natural gas is in line or lower than the national average, which definitely has a positive impact on demand for the same, leading to an increase in customer base.



Moreover, over the past decade, NorthWestern Energys electric and natural gas customer addition is better than the national average.



Focus on Renewables



The rate hike will allow NorthWestern Energy to carry on with investment to generate clean energy for customers. In 2017, 60% of the electricity generation was carbon free. New investments will further help to lower emission levels, going ahead.



Per the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), as of February 2018, renewables accounted for 22% of the total U.S. electricity generation capacity. The percentage of renewables in the total generation mix is expected to rise, in turn curbing the share of fossil fuel generation.



Despite efforts of the new administration to revive usage of coal in different industries, we notice that large utilities like NextEra Energy NEE and Dominion Energy D are increasingly investing in renewables, and lowering emission.



Price Movement



The company has gained 11% compared with its industrys rally of 1.6% over the past six months.

Story continues





Zacks Rank & A Stock to Consider



NorthWestern Energy currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A better-ranked stock from the same industry is IDACORP Inc. IDA, which carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.



IDACORPs earnings estimates have moved up 1.4% to $4.28 in the past 60 days. Its long-term earnings growth is pegged at 2.8%.



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Prithvi Man Shrestha is a political reporter for The Kathmandu Post, covering the governance-related issues including corruption and irregularities in the government machinery. Before joining The Kathmandu Post in 2009, he worked at nepalnews.com and Rising Nepal primarily covering the issues of political and economic affairs for three years.
Oct 1 (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.

- The United States and Canada reached a last-minute deal to salvage the North American Free Trade Agreement on Sunday, overcoming deep divisions to keep the 25-year-old trilateral pact intact. https://nyti.ms/2RbbXCJ

- On Sunday at 0108 am, just hours after settling the Securities and Exchange Commission's fraud case stemming from his impulsive tweet on Aug. 7, Elon Musk sent an email to all Tesla Inc employees. He implored them to work hard, even though it was the weekend. https://nyti.ms/2RehRD5

- California became the first state to require its publicly held corporations to include women on their boards after Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill into law on Sunday. https://nyti.ms/2xRQ974

(Compiled by Bengaluru newsroom)
DUBAI, Oct 1 (Reuters) - Qatar Airways said on Monday it was upgrading five of its Airbus A350 jets on order to the largest model, in a boost for the European planemaker's largest twin-engined jet.

The Gulf airline was the launch customer for both A350 models and said in February it could switch some of its existing order of A350-900s to the bigger A350-1000.

"Since taking delivery of the worlds first A350-1000 in February 2018, we have been extremely pleased with the aircraft's performance, which has prompted us to update our original order," Qatar Airways Chief Executive Akbar al-Baker said in a statement.

State-owned Qatar Airways has upgraded the order amid a political dispute in the Arab region that has forced the airline to increase operational costs by flying longer routes.

Qatar Airways has been banned from the airspace of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Bahrain since June 2017 as a result of those countries cutting ties with Qatar.

The upgraded order will come as a relief to Airbus, which is betting on the A350-1000 to contain any market pressure from rival Boeing which is developing its new model 777 twin-engined jet.

The A350-1000 is designed to seat 366 people and competes head-to-head with Boeings profitable 777. Airbus says the lightweight A350-1000 is 25 percent more efficient than the most popular current version of the 777, the 777-300ER.

Qatar Airways is the top A350 customer with 76 on order, which now includes 42 A350-1000s with a list price of $367 million. Airbus said that in Qatar Airways' configuration, the A350-1000 features 44 more seats than the A350-900. (Reporting by Alexander Cornwell; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
Cashing in on the improving energy landscape and booming demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG), it seems that Royal Dutch Shell plcs RDS.A LNG Canada project, located in Kitimat, is anticipated to see the light of day soon. In a recent development regarding the multi-billion mega project, two of the other co-owners including Chinese energy giant PetroChina Company Limited PTR and South Korea's state-run Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS) have given their final investment decision on their share of the project. Notably, PetroChina has approved C$4.5 billion share of the project, while Korea Gas also officially green-lit its part of financing.



Kitimat Project to Rejuvenate Canadas Gas Industry



The LNG Canada project, located in Kitimat, British Columbia, is estimated to cost C$40 billion and marks the nations largest infrastructure project ever. The first phase of the project, which is likely to cost around $30 billion of investment, incorporates the construction of two LNG processing units and facilities for export, with a shipping capacity of around 26 million tons of LNG a year. The second phase comprises construction of two train units.



Shell is currently the largest shareholder of the project which is touted to have the lowest carbon emission in the world per ton of LNG. Few months back, the partners in the project inked a deal to offload some portion of their stakes to Malaysian state-owned energy company Petronas. Post the culmination of the agreement, Shell owns 40% stake and Petronas is the second-largest partner in the project, with 25% interest. PetroChina and Mitsubishi will own 15% stake, each. The remaining 5% interest will be held by KOGAS. With KOGAS and PetroChina having officially given a go-ahead to the project, FID from Shell  a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company  and other co-owners are also expected to be announced very soon. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.



Notably, the European oil giant Shell had delayed the FID on the project twice, owing to global supply glut and weak prices. Reportedly, the company has actively worked its way to lower the cost of the project and take advantage of the tax breaks announced by the government of British Columbia. Banking on increasing demand for LNG, the project is witnessing a flood of events lately, signaling high chances of the much-awaited project receiving a go-ahead this time.



Due to Canadas proximity with the Asian markets, along with robust natural gas production in British Columbia and Alberta, the nation is a much-preferred destination for the LNG export facilities. The startup of the Kitimat project is likely to unleash a new LNG wave in the nation.



New Cycle of LNG Projects Around the Corner?



The sanction of the LNG Canada project will reflect the turnaround of the LNG market, after years of supply glut and weak gas prices that had significantly reduced investments in the industry. In fact, the oversupplied LNG market is likely to be faced with a looming deficit by 2022, in case there is absence of new projects.



Importantly, demand for LNG has been robustly growing of late, primarily as China and other Asian countries are making efforts to switch from coal to natural gas, which is touted to be the cheaper and cleaner burning fuel. In fact, LNG demand reached 293 million tons in 2017  up 29 million tons from 2016 and significantly higher than 100 million traded in the year 2000. Individually, Chinas LNG imports in 2017 increased 50% year over year and the momentum is likely to continue.



Banking on favorable development, a new wave of LNG-project sanctions and investment announcements is likely to overwhelm the energy industry soon. Interestingly, the fact that the industrys appetite to enhance LNG investments can also be gauged by the encouraging announcements was made earlier this year. Notably, Cheniere Energy, Inc. LNG greenlit its third liquefaction unit or Train 3 at the Corpus Christi export terminal in Texas, in May, cashing in on the secular shift to cleaner burning fuel. In July, TOTAL S.A. TOT inked a deal to buy 10% stake in Russias LNG 2 project in the Siberian Arctic.



Reportedly, 2019 is likely to emerge as the landmark year for LNG investments, with around 11 projects set to receive final approval. Several projects are expected to be given the official go-ahead over the next two years. These include Russias Arctic LNG, Golden Pass and Calcasieu Pass in the United States, as well as four units in Qatar and at least one plant in Mozambique.



Today's Stocks from Zacks' Hottest Strategies



It's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. But while the market gained +21.9% in 2017, our top stock-picking screens have returned +115.0%, +109.3%, +104.9%, +98.6%, and +67.1%. And this outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. Over the years it has been remarkably consistent. From 2000 - 2017, the composite yearly average gain for these strategies has beaten the market more than 19X over. Maybe even more remarkable is the fact that we're willing to share their latest stocks with you without cost or obligation.



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U.S. President Donald Trump addresses supporters during a Make America Great Again rally in Johnson City, Tennessee, U.S. October 1, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

(Reuters) - Fresh from clinching an updated North American commerce pact, U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday criticized Indian and Brazilian trade tactics, describing the latter as being "maybe the toughest in the world" in terms of protectionism.

Addressing reporters at a White House event to celebrate the agreement of an updated trilateral trade deal between the United States, Mexico and Canada, Trump added India and Brazil to a growing list of countries that, he argues, treat the world's top economy unfairly in terms of commerce.

"India charges us tremendous tariffs. When we send Harley Davidson motorcycles, other things to India, they charge very, very high tariffs," Trump said, adding that he had brought up the issue with Indian Prime Minster Narendra Modi, who he said was "going to reduce them very substantially."

Modi's office could not immediately be reached for a request for comment. India's government has become more protectionist in recent months, raising import tariffs on a growing number of goods as it promotes its 'Make in India' programme.

After criticizing India, Trump turned to Brazil, the second-largest economy in the Americas behind the United States.

"Brazil's another one. That's a beauty. They charge us whatever they want," he said. "If you ask some of the companies, they say Brazil is among the toughest in the world - maybe the toughest in the world."

Brazil is one of the world's most closed major economies, and in recent months has tussled with the Trump administration over trade in sectors such as ethanol and steel.

Story continues

After Trump's comments, Brazil's Foreign Trade Minister, Abrao Neto, defended the relationship, saying it was "very positive." He added that over the last 10 years, the United States has enjoyed a trade surplus with Brazil of $90 billion in goods, and of $250 billion in goods and services.

Neto pointed out that the United States was Brazil's second-largest trading partner, behind China, and that the two countries had a "complementary and strategic" commercial relationship that could, nonetheless, be improved.

Trump's "America First" trade policies, particularly his escalating trade war with China, are aimed at boosting U.S. manufacturing, but they have spooked investors who worry that supply lines could be fractured and global growth derailed.

There are now U.S. tariffs active on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods, with threats on additional goods worth $267 billion.

(Reporting by Steve Holland, Marcela Ayres and Mateus Maia; writing by Gabriel Stargardter; Editing by James Dalgleish)
During the last few hours of Sep 30, the United States and Canada reached a landmark deal, which replaces the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The new agreement followed a weekend of hectic talks aimed at keeping alive a 25-year old agreement between the two countries and Mexico.

U.S. dairy farmers will benefit significantly from the deal. Canadian auto exports will also receive a boost. However, the auto rules of origin, which the deal lays out, means those gains will ultimately accrue to U.S. automakers. This is why it makes sense to invest in autos and related stocks at this point.

USMCA Replaces NAFTA

In a joint statement, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Canadas foreign affairs minister Chrystia Freeland stated that the new deal will result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region. The new trilateral agreement will now be called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement or USMCA.

The agreement was sealed after a year of tense negotiations and uneasy ties between President Trump and Canadas president Trudeau. It also came just before the midnight deadline imposed by the United States and saw both sides making significant concessions.

U.S. Dairy Farmers, Canadian Lumber to Benefit

Per the new agreement, Canada has agreed to provide the U.S. dairy industry with access to around 3.5% of its domestic dairy market. This percentage of a market worth around $16 billion is slightly higher than the 3.25%, which was accessible per the older Trans-Pacific Partnership.

However, the United States has also made major concessions. The USMCA preserves the resolution mechanism for trade disputes. Canada negotiated hard on this issue in order to protect its lumber companies and other industries from U.S. anti-dumping duties.

Automakers Likely to Gain

Canada has also agreed to limit its auto exports to the United States to 2.6 million vehicles. This will help it avoid a 25% U.S. tariff on auto imports in case the Trump administration goes on to impose such a duty. The stated level is well above Canadas current production level of around 2 million units.

Story continues

This clause will protect Canadas auto plants, several of which are owned by U.S. manufacturers. Other related clauses are the new auto rules of origin, which Mexico has also agreed to in a preliminary agreement signed at the beginning of the month. This is likely to secure the interests of automakers with production facilities within the USMCA region.

In order for an automobile to avoid U.S. import duties, a minimum of 75% of its value would have to be produced in North America. This is significantly higher than the 62.5% stipulated by NAFTA. Also, 40-45% of vehicles would have to be produced by workers, who are being paid a minimum of $16 an hour. (Read: Will Trump's NAFTA Deal Benefit Automakers?)

Our Choices

The freshly concluded NAFTA replacement deal significantly benefits multiple industries on both sides of the US-Canada border. Automakers will be hugely relieved by the terms of the agreement since it protects production facilities and supply chains, which extend across Canadian, Mexican and U.S. borders.

Additionally, most U.S. companies are in a position to comply with the conditions of the new agreement. Several of the changes proposed by the deal, such as hiring more U.S. workers, are already underway.

Investing in U.S. auto stocks looks like a smart choice. However, picking winning stocks may be difficult.

This is where our VGM Score comes in. Here V stands for Value, G for Growth and M for Momentum and the score is a weighted combination of these three scores. Such a score allows you to eliminate the negative aspects of stocks and select winners. However, it is important to keep in mind that each Style Score will carry a different weight while arriving at a VGM score.

Meritor, Inc. (MTOR) is a global automotive parts manufacturer and supplier.

Meritor has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and a VGM Score of A. The company has expected earnings growth of 57.5% for the current year.

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. (ALSN) is a designer and manufacturer of fully-automatic transmissions for commercial and defense vehicles.

Allison Transmission Holdings has a Zacks Rank #1 and a VGM Score of B. The company has expected earnings growth of 66.7% for the current year.

Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc. (CVGI) is a designer, engineer, producer and seller of cab related products and systems.

Commercial Vehicle Group has a VGM Score of B. The company has expected earnings growth of more than 100% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved by 6.9% over the past 60 days. The stock has a Zacks Rank #1. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Cummins Inc. (CMI) is a leading global designer, manufacturer and distributor of diesel and natural gas engines, electric power generation systems, and engine-related components, fuel systems, controls and air handling systems.

Cummins has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and a VGM Score of A. The company has expected earnings growth of 25% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved by 0.3% over the past 60 days.

Oshkosh Corporation (OSK) is a designer, manufacturer and seller of a varied range of vehicle bodies, and specialty vehicles.

Oshkosh has a Zacks Rank #2 and a VGM Score of A. The company has expected earnings growth rate of 41.8% for the current year.

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It's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. But while the market gained +21.9% in 2017, our top stock-picking screens have returned +115.0%, +109.3%, +104.9%, +98.6%, and +67.1%.

And this outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. Over the years it has been remarkably consistent. From 2000 - 2017, the composite yearly average gain for these strategies has beaten the market more than 19X over. Maybe even more remarkable is the fact that we're willing to share their latest stocks with you without cost or obligation.

See Them Free>>



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Meritor, Inc. (MTOR) : Free Stock Analysis Report



Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc. (CVGI) : Free Stock Analysis Report



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Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. (ALSN) : Free Stock Analysis Report



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STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE
Afghan officials and lawmakers have warned of catastrophic consequences if Washington agrees to privatize its war effort in Afghanistan by contracting security operations to private firms.

Senior Afghan leaders have criticized a proposed plan by the founder of Blackwater that would see U.S. troops replaced by private contractors working under an envoy directly reporting to the U.S. president.

Blackwater became one of the largest U.S. military contractors by deploying thousands of former soldiers to Iran and Afghanistan in the years following the attacks of 9/11. Some of its operatives were accused of committing grave rights abuses.

No foreign mercenary can do the work that sons of this soil can do; therefore, we will never allow foreign mercenaries to operate on our soil, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said on October 1.

U.S. media reports say Erik Prince, the founder of Blackwater, is still lobbying to privatize the war in Afghanistan a year after his plan was dumped in favor of President Donald Trumps current strategy, which emphasized increasing support for Afghan forces and an eventual negotiated settlement between the Taliban and the Afghan government.

I try to address three fundamental problem areas. One is a lack of continuity, two is a lack of air power, and three is governance support, Prince told Afghanistans Tolo News TV recently. I would use contracted veteran mentors from the U.S. and NATO, the same countries that are here.

In a New York Times oped last year outlining his rationale, Prince offered a new approach to ending the longest war in American history.

My proposal is for a sustainable footprint of 2,000 American Special Operations and support personnel, as well as a contractor force of less than 6,000 (far less than the 26,000 in country now), he wrote. This team would provide a support structure for the Afghans, allowing the United States conventional forces to return home.

Prince, now the executive director at the Frontier Services Group, says his troops would operate under Afghan law and international conventions.

But his proposal was met with strong disapproval in Afghanistan and was opposed by Western pundits and officials. In Kabul, the opposition is still strong.

[Implementing this plan] will prove catastrophic for the Afghan people. This new painful debate [about privatizing the war in Afghanistan] is not acceptable to us, Fazilhadi Muslimyar, chairman of Meshrano Jirga, the upper house of the Afghan Parliament, told lawmakers on September 10.

Muslimyar says international troops currently operate in Afghanistan because of bilateral and international agreements. We have concluded agreements with the United States and NATO, not their private companies, he noted. Privatizing the war will not benefit Afghanistan, the U.S., or this region.

Ghafoor Javed, a spokesman for the Afghan Defense Ministry, says the new approach is unacceptable.

Privatizing the war in Afghanistan is against the interests of the Afghan people and their government. It is also a violation of our laws, he told Radio Free Afghanistan. This is why our people will not accept privatizing the war in Afghanistan.

In Kabul, military expert Aziz Ahmad Wardak says Blackwaters previous role in the Afghan and Iraqi wars, where it was accused of abuses, overshadows Princes proposal.

They [private security contractors] were here before and had little to show as their achievement, he noted. They didnt follow any laws.
Cut imports, cut deficit

The runaway trade deficit cannot be checked without radical steps to reduce imports
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Qu Biologics Inc. (Qu), a biopharmaceutical company developing Site Specific Immunomodulators (SSIs), a unique platform of immunotherapies designed to restore the bodys innate immune system, and scientists at the University of British Columbia have demonstrated Qus gut-targeted SSI, QBECO, improves barrier function and disease pathology in experimental models of ulcerative colitis and in patients with the disease. These findings were published last week in Frontiers in Immunology .



Ulcerative colitis (UC), like Crohns disease (CD), is a chronic life-long inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. However, unlike CD, mucosal inflammation in UC is limited to the colon (also known as the large intestines). Current treatment strategies for CD and UC are focused on symptom management by aggressive immune suppression to dampen inflammation. However, despite the growing arsenal of immunosuppressive agents, disease progression has not changed for the majority of UC patients, who often require surgery. With QBECO, Qu Biologics is approaching the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease in a completely different way with the goal of changing the trajectory of disease progression. Instead of suppressing immune function, QBECO aims to restore innate immune function in the GI tract to rebuild barrier function and clear the dysbiosis/bacterial infection that underlies the chronic inflammation that is characteristic of the disease. QBECO is made from an inactivated GI pathogen that is easily self-administered by the patient and is a first-in-class immunotherapy.

This collaborative translational research demonstrated that QBECO treatment successfully reduced disease pathology and promoted mucosal healing by activating productive innate immune responses in the GI tract. Senior author of the study, Dr. Bruce Vallance (Professor of Gastroenterology, University of British Columbia) explained, "Most patients with UC are given immunosuppressive therapies to control their disease. Our studies show that some patients benefit from the immune stimulation offered by Qu's microbial-based therapy. These findings are exciting and offer a new paradigm for our understanding and treatment of UC." Co-author and Qus Director of Scientific Innovation, Dr. Shirin Kalyan, added, What is particularly encouraging is the fact that we may have a new treatment for people living with inflammatory bowel disease that does not entail life-long immune suppression and its consequences, which include increased risk of infections and certain cancers. We are hopeful that by restoring GI barrier function instead of suppressing the immune system we can achieve better long-term health outcomes for patients.

We demonstrated mucosal and histological improvement in 55% of UC patients by endoscopy, demonstrating a healing effect with QBECO treatment, said Dr. Hal Gunn, CEO of Qu Biologics. We are hopeful that we will demonstrate similar endoscopic healing results in our new CD study which is now enrolling patients .

For more information about Qu Biologics and the science behind SSIs, please visit www.qubiologics.com .

About Qu Biologics

Qu Biologics is a Vancouver-based private clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing Site Specific Immunomodulators (SSI), a novel class of immunotherapies. SSIs are designed to stimulate an innate immune response in targeted organs or tissues to reverse the chronic inflammation underlying many conditions including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, inflammatory lung disease and arthritis. SSIs are a broad platform technology being tested in multiple disease indications, including Health Canada approved clinical trials in lung cancer, Crohns disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

Backed by a prestigious group of scientific advisors and board members, Qu Biologics is led by a management team that includes co-founder and CEO Dr. Hal Gunn, a physician and expert on the bodys immune response to chronic disease; and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Simon Sutcliffe, former CEO of the BC Cancer Agency and a distinguished clinician, scientist and leader in cancer control in Canada and internationally.

For more information regarding this press release, contact:
Wholly owned subsidiary RevoluFIN Inc. approved by the Panamanian Authorities on September 24 th 2018.

RevoluPAY S.L, subsidiary, receives publisher status from Apple and uploads proprietary RevoluPAY app to App Store for final testing.

Hogan Lovells retained for obtention of proprietary European EP Banking License.

BonSOFT contracted for complete turnkey development of RevoluCHARGE, worldwide phone, pay-as-you-go, top up system. Release 1 st November 2018.

European RevoluPAY cash-out disbursement trial concludes with success

VANCOUVR, British Columbia, Oct. 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CUV Ventures Corp. (TSX-V: CUV) (the Company) is pleased to announce that it received final Panamanian government and, mercantile registry approval, under resolution N 755000, dated September 24th 2018, for the wholly owned subsidiary RevoluFIN Inc. RevoluPAY S.L. receives publisher approval from Apple and, uploads RevoluPAY app to App Store. BonSOFT elected for the complete development and, turnkey delivery, of RevoluCHARGE, on or before 1st November 2018. Preeminent Fintech law firm Hogan Lovells formally retained to solicit RevoluPAY Proprietary European banking license. The company provides further RevoluPAY updates.

RevoluFIN Inc.

RevoluFIN obtained its initial seed capital guarantee of up to 40 million Euros (approx 61 million CAD) on the 8th of March 2018 from Vesilen Investments. The now fully approved Panamanian subsidiary will be involved in certain aspects of the RevoluFIN lending platform, guaranteeing, through its banking partners, fiduciary and, other services, to lending partners. Panama has the most modern and, successful, international banking center in Latin America, with more than 85 banks from 35 countries. The company is in final negotiations with local officials to physically locate RevoluFIN inc. at the Cuidad del Saber (City of Knowledge), which is especially suited to technology and finance companies. RevoluFIN has received and studied numerous financing requests, which will be immediately approved in the very near future.

RevoluPAY On iOS Apple

Wholly owned European subsidiary RevoluPAY S.L received app publisher approval from Apple and, has uploaded the RevoluPAY iOS app to App Store for final approval. The final approval process is known to take, on average, between 1 and 7 days.

Hogan Lovells retained for European EP Banking License

Wholly owned subsidiary RevoluPAY S.L. has retained acclaimed law firm Hogan Lovells on Sept 26th 2018 to prepare the; legal opinion, compliance and, formal petition of the companys proprietary EP banking license. The estimated time for the license to be granted is 3-5 months. Hogan Lovells is recognized as a leader in European Fintech law. Until the proprietary license is awarded, the companys proprietary RevoluPAY app operates under indefinite agreement with its current EDE Banking licensed partner.

RevoluPAY European Cash-Out Disbursement Update

As stated in the news release dated 24th Sept 2018, the company successfully released version 1.0.8 of the proprietary RevoluPAY app, which incorporates a cash-out (disbursement) facility to any bank located in the European Union. RevoluPAY users have been able to add (load) money to the RevoluPAY e-wallet since 31st July 2018 and, transfer these funds nationally or, internationally, to other users with a RevoluPAY e-wallet. From today, any user can instantaneously transfer part, or all, of their e-wallet funds to a bank account, at any bank, within the EU. These trials have proved successful and will now go live. RevoluPAY Version 1.0.8 is the iteration that has been submitted to Apple, thus, the same functionality will be available on both Android and iOS.

RevoluCHARGE Development & Launch

The company has chosen Spain based BonSOFT for the complete development and launch of RevoluCHARGE worldwide, on or before 1st November 2018. The companys upcoming RevoluCHARGE division, a branched vertical from RevoluPAY, will allow anyone in the world to send; minute, sms and, data credits, to family and friends internationally, with payments exclusively through the companys proprietary payment app RevoluPAY and, a forthcoming Powered by RevoluPAY autonomous RevoluCHARGE App. The company considers the approximately $8 Billion USD annual mobile top-up market the perfect complimentary service, in combination with worldwide remittances and payments, through RevoluPAY.

Alternative Worldwide Cash-Out Operability

Wholly owned subsidiary RevoluPAY S.L is currently negotiating other forms of cash-out (disbursement) which include but, are not limited to, an e-wallet linked prepaid Visa Card, permitting instantaneous transfer of funds to/from the users RevoluPAY e-wallet. The company has submitted its card design and, usability criteria, to the chosen card issuer. An eventual international visa card would permit withdrawals from any ATM that accepts Visa worldwide, allied to POS payment at any location that accepts Visa. This functionality will give an added layer of usability in those locations where NFC enabled POS devices and ATMs, for which RevoluPAY is already enabled, are not yet operational. A second alternative, currently under negotiation, is cash-out via NFC and Non NFC enabled ATMs directly from the app (card-less withdrawals). Under this system, at non NFC enabled ATMs, the user receives a unique code which, when entered into the ATMs numeric keyboard, confirms the users presence and, permits subsequent withdrawal of funds. Lastly, the company signed an NDA on June 29th 2018 and, continues to negotiate with a large multinational banking partner for 16 cash-out disbursement countries in; The Caribbean, South and Central America.

About CUV Ventures Corp.:

CUV Ventures Corp. is a multi-asset, multidivisional publicly traded Canadian company deploying advanced technologies in the; Online Travel, Vacation Resort, Mobile Apps, Money Remittance, Invoice factoring, Blockchain Systems, and Cryptotoken sectors.

Our flagship technology is RevoluPAY, the Apple and Android multinational leisure payments and remittance app, powered by blockchain protocols, and aimed at the worldwide + $595 billion family remittance market. Click here to read more.

For further information on CUV Ventures Corp. (TSX-V: CUV) visit the Companys website at www.cuvventures.com. The Company has approximately 123,200,000 shares issued and outstanding.

CUV VENTURES CORP.

STEVE MARSHALL

______________

Steve Marshall

CEO

For further information contact myself or:

Nick Findler

CUV Ventures Corp.

Telephone: 604-639-3850

Toll Free: 800-567-8181

Facsimile: 604-687-3119

Email: info@cuvventures.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Radius Gold Inc. (TSX-V: RDU) would like to announce a correction to its press releases dated August 27, 2018 and September 27, 2018 concerning its 100% owned Coyote hot-springs epithermal gold project near Elko, Nevada. No change has occurred at Coyote Project. Radius management compared the Coyote Project to Western Explorations recently discovered Gravel Creek Project, located 45km North of Coyote and would like to correct data associated with the project comparison.



Coyote Project Comparison

Information on the Gravel Creek Gold-Silver Deposit was published in New Concepts and Discoveries: Geological Society of Nevada 2015 Symposium, O.D Christensen and J.G. Cleary. Geology and Discovery History of the Gravel Creek Silver-Gold Deposit, Elko County, Nevada. From that paper Radius published drill hole assays where silver assays were mistakenly published as gold assays. Radius management apologizes for this error. The corrected significant gold assays from the Gravel Creek Project as published in New Concepts and Discoveries: Geological Society of Nevada 2015 Symposium are:

Hole From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (ppm) WG373 480.1 534.9 54.9 2.42 WG374 457.2 501.4 44.2 5.72 WG375 583.7 650.7 67.0 1.27 WG376 239.3 242.3 3.0 6.19 WG377 600.5 611.1 10.7 10.98 WG379 480.1 489.2 9.1 41.15 WG380 443.5 510.5 67.1 2.77

Radius recently received drill permits for the Coyote Project and is planning a drill program that will target deeply penetrating resistive structures identified by CSAMT geophysical survey, co-incident with rock and soil geochemical gold-antimony-arsenic-mercury anomalies within a surficial sinter hot spring environment.

Technical Information

Bruce Smith, M.Sc. (Geology), a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, is Radiuss Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Smith participated in the reported Coyote Project programs and prepared and approved the technical information contained in this news release.

Radius Gold Inc.

Radius has a portfolio of projects located primarily in the United States and Mexico which it continues to advance, utilizing partnerships where appropriate in order to retain the Companys strong treasury. At the same time, management is seeking out additional investment and project acquisition opportunities across the globe.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Simon Ridgway

President and CEO

Symbol: TSXV-RDU

Tel: 604-801-5432; Toll free 1-888-627-9378; Fax: 604-662-8829

Email: info@goldgroup.com

Website: www.radiusgold.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements which include, without limitation, statements about the possible acquisition by Pan American of an interest in the Amalia Project; the exploration plans for the Amalia Project Bald Peak and Coyote Project; the Companys business strategy, plans and outlook; the merit of the Companys investments and properties; timelines; the future financial performance of the Company; expenditures; approvals and other matters. Often, but not always, these forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as estimate, estimates, estimated, potential, open, future, assumed, projected, used, detailed, has been, gain, upgraded, offset, limited, contained, reflecting, containing, remaining, to be, periodically, or statements that events, could or should occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, the plans for exploring Coyote Project; changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; the Company or any joint venture partner not having the financial ability to meet its exploration and development goals; risks associated with the results of exploration and development activities, estimation of mineral resources and the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; unanticipated costs and expenses; and such other risks detailed from time to time in the Companys quarterly and annual filings with securities regulators and available under the Companys profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

Forward-looking statements contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management, including but not limited to: that the exploration activities at the Coyote Project will proceed as planned; that the Companys activities will be in accordance with its public statements and stated goals; that all required approvals will be obtained; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its investments or properties; and such other assumptions as set out herein. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
DNA test spares police officer, two more suspects

A forensic test has found no match between the DNA samples taken from suspended Superintendent of Police Dilliraj Bista and two other suspects with that of the vaginal swab taken from the Kanchanpur rape and murder victim.
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES



HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Oct. 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NOVA LEAP HEALTH CORP. (TSXV: NLH) ("Nova Leap" or the Company), a company focused on the home health care industry, has completed the acquisition of the business assets of Comprehensive Home Care (the Vendor) located in Deerfield, Massachusetts. The $1.6 million purchase price was paid with $0.61 million in cash, a $0.75 million demand loan from a Canadian Schedule 1 Bank and a $0.24 million promissory note issued to the Vendor. The execution of the definitive agreement and related information pertaining to this acquisition was previously announced on August 20, 2018. All amounts are in United States dollars (USD) unless otherwise specified.

We are excited to work with the very talented and compassionate individuals at Comprehensive Home Care, said Chris Dobbin, President & CEO of Nova Leap. We will endeavor to support their ongoing work in making home care accessible to the terrific people of Massachusetts.

The Transaction

Nova Leap incorporated a subsidiary, Nova Leap Health MA III, Inc., which has acquired the business assets of the Vendor, including customer contracts and intellectual property, and will continue to operate under the name Comprehensive Home Care. The acquisition represents Nova Leaps sixth investment in New England and third in Massachusetts. Nova Leap now has approximately 550 employees in Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Nova Scotia.

Nova Leap Exceeds $14 million of Forecasted Annualized Recurring Revenue

The acquisition of the Vendor is expected to be immediately accretive and, when combined with existing Nova Leap subsidiaries, is expected to result in excess of 550,000 forecasted annualized recurring client service hours. Nova Leaps forecasted annualized recurring revenue run rate is approximately $14 million following the acquisition of the Vendors business. Nova Leaps recurring client service hours are paid primarily by clients, the Department of Veteran Affairs or through long term care insurance plans.

The forecasted annualized recurring revenue run rate disclosed in this release is the expected annualized recurring revenue based on the Companys most recent months revenue for current operations multiplied by 12 plus the annual revenue based on the most recent financial information available for Comprehensive Home Care.

About Nova Leap

The Home Care Providers industry is one of the fastest growing healthcare industries in Canada and the United States. Home care saves patients billions of dollars every year by treating them in their own homes instead of in hospitals. An aging population, the prevalence of chronic disease, growing physician acceptance of home care, medical advancements and a movement toward cost-efficient treatment options from public and private payers have all fostered industry growth. Nova Leap is focused on a highly fragmented market of small privately-held companies providing patients one on one care in their homes, facilities or hospice. Nova Leap's post-acquisition organic growth strategy is to increase annual revenue per location through a combination of increased employee investment, including training, focused sales and marketing efforts, billing rate increases, expansion of geographical coverage, and improved referral sources.



FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION:

Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements, such as statements regarding the Companys plans for expansion in Nova Scotia, the increase in the Companys forecasted recurring client service hours and forecasted annualized recurring revenue. This information is based on current expectations and assumptions, including assumptions concerning economic and market conditions, the Companys ability to integrate its acquired businesses and maintain previously achieved service hour and revenue levels, that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. Risks that could cause results to differ from those stated in the forward-looking statements in this release include regulatory changes affecting the home care industry, unexpected increases in operating costs and competition from other service providers. All forward-looking statements, including any financial outlook or future-oriented financial information, contained in this press release are made as of the date of this release and included for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward looking-statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to the Company. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com .

For further information:

Christopher Dobbin, CPA, CA, Director, President and CEO Nova Leap Health Corp., T: 902 401 9480

F: 902 482 5177 cdobbin@novaleaphealth.com

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT:

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
ALACHUA, Fla., Oct. 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Determined to make an impact on the skilled workforce shortages facing the construction industry in Virginia, a new partnership has been formed by the Virginia chapters of Associated General Contractors (AGCVA) and Associated Builders and Contractors (ABCVA) in conjunction with Build Your Future (BYF) to be a catalyst for recruiting the next generation of craft professionals. Build Your Future Virginia encourages residents of the Commonwealth to learn about careers and training opportunities emerging throughout Virginia in these high demand occupations. With the challenges the construction industry is facing attracting new employees, we felt it imperative that the two major construction trade groups in the state stand together and work to solve this issue, said Patrick Dean of ABCVA.



Providing details about salaries in construction, training available in Virginia and companies hiring, BYF Virginia represents a lifeline for parents, teachers, school counselors and students thinking about their future. Designed to help students who are looking into options beyond the traditional university track, this resource highlights pathways to find meaningful, good-paying positions in the construction industry through work-based learning, certifications and credentials. With 70 percent of jobs not needing a four-year degree, these careers offer less debt and more job opportunities.



BYF Virginia is focusing on three main areas to make as much of a difference as possible:





Connecting the dots by providing a path from interest to training to job placement as a craft professional. Shifting perception through shaping the publics opinion about careers in the construction industry to reflect the wide range of professions available. Advocating for career and technical education as a priority in all schools and the Department of Education.

With construction companies expected to hire more than 170,000 workers in Virginia through 2021, AGCVA and ABCVA coming together to form BYF Virginia was a crucial effort to meeting the demand for qualified craft professionals while helping individuals achieve their career goals, said Courtney Baker, Workforce Solutions Manager of AGCVA. For more information, visit virginia.byf.org or call 1.877.443.5115.



BYF Virginia is the result of stakeholders having a vested interest in each others success and collaborating to promote craft careers and facilitate training. As Virginias construction industry expands, organizations using these resources will be able to help work toward closing the skills gap among the states craft workforce. While BYF resources are available for any organization, BYF partners have the ability to customize material with their own branding and information, which can contribute greatly to the success of their individual state campaigns. For more information on partnering with BYF, please visit byf.org.



About Build Your Future  Build Your Future (BYF) is a national image enhancement and recruitment initiative for the construction industry. Its mission is to recruit the next generation of craft professionals by making career and technical education a priority in secondary schools, shifting negative public perception about careers in the construction industry and providing a path from ambition, to training, to job placement as a craft professional. BYF provides a number of resources to assist industry, education and military organizations in achieving these goals. For more information, visit byf.org.



About The Associated General Contractors of Virginia  The Associated General Contractors of Virginia, Inc. is an influential construction trade organization divided into nine districts across the state. Its mission is to address critical industry issues and provide effective solutions to help grow business through networking, education and legislative programs and activities, training classes and more. For more information, visit agcva.org.



About Associated Builders and Contractors Virginia Chapter  The Associated Builders and Contractors Virginia Chapter is a statewide, pro-business association representing construction and construction-related firms. With three regional offices throughout the state, it is dedicated to representing the interests of merit-shop contractors and provides value through education and training, service networking and political advocacy. For more information, visit abcva.org.

Attachments
OTTAWA, Oct. 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The national leader of Canadas food workers union says the trade deal with U.S. and Mexico will weaken Canadas food system and create uncertainty for workers and their communities.



There is good reason for food workers to feel betrayed by more concessions forced on Canadas dairy and poultry sectors, says Paul Meinema, the national president of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW Canada).

The USMCA concessions will combine with previous giveaways in CETA and the TPP, to undoubtedly impact national production levels, and thereby have an effect on good union jobs across the country, adds the national labour leader in reference to a further 3.7 percent concession on dairy, and more than double the previous concessions for poultry.

As Canadians, we need to be very mindful of the fact that most of these dairy and poultry facilities are in small to mid-sized communities where more than 220,000 people earn their livings. Their hard-earned dollars play a central role in those local economies. It should also be noted that food processing is the single largest segment of the Canadian manufacturing sector, adds Meinema.

Maintaining the strength of Canadas food production system is central to Canadas national interest. Its hard to see how weakening our domestic food production system is something to celebrate, and we should all be wary of trade concessions that diminish Canadas capacity to make its own foodstuffs.

With that in mind, UFCW notes that supply management will survive in a weakened state  for now. UFCW shares the sentiment of dairy producers who view USMCA as a step in the wrong direction and that cumulative concessions if allowed to continue will result in the systems death by a thousand cuts.

There is no question that the interests of food workers were overlooked in closing this flawed deal, adds Meinema. And for us, this reaffirms the central role that food workers must hold in developing policies that impact and protect the Canadian food system.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) is one of Canadas largest trade unions, representing more than 250,000 people across the country, and 1.3 million internationally, who work in every aspect of the food chain, health care, security, and many other key economic sectors. To find out more about UFCW and its ground-breaking work, visit www.ufcw.ca .
GMATD11 wrote:

92)



a) as 500 are expected to be sold and x dollars are expected to be donated for each car => Expected donation will be 500x .

sufficient



Whenever 500x is written; the exact value is not known.

The question asks for exact dollar value.



Say; the dealership is donating $1 for every car they are expecting to sell; it would donate $500

Say; the dealership is donating $2 for every car they are expecting to sell; it would donate $1000



Thus Not sufficient.



b) it is giving the actual amount donated but we need expected donation amount NS

True.



But this is wrong

Combing both; 500 car was expected to be sold; it actually sold 560 cars;Donated; 28000 for 560 carsDonated per car;28000/560 = $50It was expecting to donate; 500*50=25000Sufficient.Ans: "C"
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
Home minister vows to punish secessionists

After fierce criticism from all quarters including members of the ruling party, the government has vowed to take action against secessionists trying to destabilise the country.
In my travels, I spent some time (197579) as an employee of the Education Department, rising to the exulted heights of chief clerk. This grandiose title camouflaged the fact that I was a mere petty bureaucrat amongst many others but it sounded good on my curriculum vitae, which was a plus.

My five-year sojourn in Papua New Guinea was, in the grand scheme of things, simply a diversion in a career that followed an almost entirely unplanned path through the byzantine byways of the South Australian public service.

ADELAIDE - During my working life, I succeeded in rising from the complete anonymity of small town, rural Australia to the very heights of provincial bureaucratic obscurity. History will not treat me kindly or unkindly: my efforts simply will be studiously ignored.

Anyway, during my time as chief clerk, the department was undergoing a revolution of sorts. The cadre of old teachers who had trained pre-World War II and risen laboriously through the ranks to dominate the upper echelons of the department was being replaced by the so-called Young Turks.

The latter was a group of proverbial bright young things: their MAs and PhDs bristling; their brains bursting with energy and ideas for change. They were bent upon converting mere teachers into educators and, as part of this transformative process, had begun to invent an entirely new language to describe what education was about.

Pretty soon terms like team teaching, open space learning, new maths, outcomes based education and so forth began to appear in conversations and official correspondence.

There was a veritable blizzard of policies and new curricula unleashed upon the teaching workforce intended to facilitate a great leap forward for education in the 20th century.

Gone would be the old ways of teaching the basics by rote, repetition and constant testing. There would be no more chalk and talk. Instead, a fabulous new world of meticulously researched and planned new methodologies would arise to replace outdated pedagogy.

The revised curriculum would be composed of new subjects like social studies, where various aspects of fusty old and outdated disciplines like history and geography would be seamlessly melded together with emerging disciplines like sociology to provide children with a more rounded and holistic view of the world.

Multi-disciplinary topics were to be all the go in the brave new world.

The old discipline of mathematics would be split into subjects with differing degrees of difficulty ranging from the very highest level (Newtons calculus, imaginary numbers, advanced trigonometry, etc) through to what the students soon nicknamed spud maths for those who struggled to add, subtract, multiply or divide with any level of success.

English disappeared as a compulsory subject as did the insistence upon correct grammar and spelling. What mattered was fostering the students imagination and creativity which could be stifled by old fashioned insistence upon adherence to the basic rules of the English language.

Workforce training was not spared reform. Gone was the chance to go to a teachers college to get a two-year diploma in primary education, which once equipped a teacher to go bush to tend to the needs of kids living in the remote outback or places like PNG.

Instead, the minimum qualification rapidly became a three- year bachelors degree plus a post graduate diploma of education or equivalent. Masters level qualifications were thought desirable for those seeking promotion beyond the classroom into the management stream.

The fruit of this revolution was to be a new generation of superbly educated children who would, in due course, become the skilled knowledge workers and leaders of tomorrow.

I left the department before the transformation process was anywhere near complete but it was already apparent that implementing the grand plan was rather more difficult than its proponents had anticipated.

Also the early results were not what had been expected, as teachers and students alike struggled to cope with the changes imposed upon them.

Contrary to expectations, educational outcomes did not drastically improve. They basically stayed the same. This was a puzzle and spurred the reformers onto new and even more transformative (and expensive) measures.

Class sizes decreased further and squadrons of teaching assistants were recruited to allow classroom teachers more time and resources to focus even more strongly on meeting the specific needs of individual students.

Now, more than 40 years later, it is by no means clear that children today are much better educated than most of their parents. No measures of basic competency in language, mathematics or literacy exist which unequivocally prove that an educational revolution has actually occurred.

There is even some suspicion that modern children are actually relatively less proficient in the basics than their forebears despite the vast fortune spent to make them more capable.

There is evidence that nearly 50% of the population cannot successfully complete things like passport applications or tax forms, while somewhat more than 40% of mortgage holders have been found to not understand the essential nature of the loans they have signed up for, let alone basic concepts like compound interest.

The educational reform process also unleashed market forces upon our previously elitist universities by attaching government funding to individual students rather than providing the traditional block grants. This effectively forced universities to compete for students to maintain or increase their funding levels.

The net result has been a massive increase in graduate numbers but an associated dumbing down of both academic entry requirements and much course content. Some universities actually provide remedial reading classes for prospective students.

Compounding all this, computers have ushered in a genuine technological revolution (and accompanying jargon) that has truly begun to revolutionise schools, universities and workplaces. This is a revolution yet to run its full course and no-one knows what its outcomes will be.

The overwhelming tendency of this transformation has been towards complexity and away from simplicity.

I mention all this because, in his recent article about PNG education losing its way, Joe Kuman has, with the best of intentions, inadvertently written a piece demonstrating the degree to which our educators have lost the ability to describe their basic tasks in simple enough terms that an ordinary person might reasonably hope to understand them.

I mean no ill will or disrespect to Joe in saying this. He is simply a victim of our collective descent into jargon, acronyms and sheer techno-babble as a means of communicating what are, at bottom, relatively simple ideas.

In the pursuit of excellence we have collectively lost our ability to apply the famous KISS principle: Keep It Simple, Stupid.

By losing the ability to reduce complex matters into a few simple statements, we consequently lose our ability to focus hard on the things that matter most.

We bamboozle ourselves with our choice of complex language to elaborately describe problems and then devise even more elaborate proposed solutions. I think that this is the genesis of a great deal of the confusion, doubt and conflict which now bedevils much of the democratic world. All too often, we just cannot see the wood for the trees.

In the context of education, this appears to have resulted in a failure to understand that in a complex and rapidly changing world, the correct response is to equip our children with the basic skill set required to be life time learners, not indulge in a futile attempt to cover everything that they might encounter in life.

It is manifestly apparent that we have collectively attempted to cram too much into the curriculum in a vain attempt to give our children a comprehensive education.

We have stuffed it full of socially important learning about things like gender roles, human sexuality, discrimination based upon race, religion and ethnicity and so forth, but seem to have done so at the expense of getting the basics right.

As one disgruntled teacher said, The curriculum is a mile wide and an inch deep.

Given that it is impossible to provide a comprehensive enough education to cover literally every important issue in this world, isnt it about time to refocus on getting the basics right?

I think that, at bottom, this is what Joe Kuman is saying but it doesnt jump out at you when you read his article because the quite complex language and educational jargon he uses would not be comprehended by many people.

Just in case Joe and other educators feel they are being unfairly singled out for criticism, I should mention that as a former hospital administrator, I too became complicit in the mania for collecting and analysing data, not to mention learning to speak health technobabble with the best (or worst) of them. For such sins, I expect to be sent to the fourth circle of hell.

In my experience, the Australian health system is several orders of magnitude more prone to bamboozle itself with big data and the almost overwhelming complexity of its various professional practices, technologies and systems than is the education system.

This is an important reason why our politicians seem so singularly incapable of solving the problems now manifest in it, but that is another story.

So my plea to Joe and other educators of good intent in PNG is to remember the KISS principle and apply it ruthlessly to thinking of others and, of course, to their own thinking, about the purposes of schools.

Developing a workable and understandable curriculum (or any other plan for that matter) is not rocket science, just a question of being clear about what is to be done, how it will be done, who will do it and when it will be done.

This should then be written down in plain English so that both teachers and their students can understand it without difficulty.

As a rule of thumb, if you cannot successfully explain what you are doing and why to your partner or non-teacher friends or your neighbor or your students, then you probably dont know what you are talking about.

It may sometimes be painful to apply KISS, but the consequent clarity of understanding is worth the price of a little embarrassment or a slightly dented ego.

I think that this is something we might usefully teach our kids too.
Man arrested for attempted rape

Police have arrested a 25-year-old man for attempting to rape new mother in Tehrathum district.
Another electric scooter sharing service launched in Bloomington over the weekend. It's the second to come to the city in less than a month.

Lime dropped 450 electric scooters in Bloomington early Saturday morning.

The company contacted the city about ten days ahead of time to let them know about the launch.

Thats a different approach than its competitor Bird took, when it placed scooters throughout Bloomington without alerting city leaders earlier this month.

But City Communications Director Yael Ksander says having both companies do business in the city is a big deal.

"I would assert that having interest not only from Pace, but also from Bird and also from Lime is a real seal of approval in some ways," Ksander says. "They see that were a dynamic city, they see that were a place that embraces these micro mobility options and they know that theres going to be a receptive audience here."

Ksander says the citys legal department is considering whether regulations are necessary as a result of a second scooter service coming to town.

In the meantime, she says the scooters are regulated by existing ordinances.

"These scooters should stay on the street, but we also allow them on side paths, which are not sidewalks," she says. "And, also, our trails are fine."

Other Indiana cities passed regulations in response to the scooter services coming to their communities. IU also added rules to dictate how people should use the scooters on its campuses.
Officials in southwestern Indiana are weighing the benefits of a proposed four-lane highway.

The Midstate Corridor would begin in Owensboro, Kentucky. It would then go around Huntingburg and Jasper, and eventually connect with I-69 between Evansville and Bloomington.

The Midstate Corridor development group is asking Dubois County and the cities of Jasper and Huntingburg to pitch in to fund an environmental impact study on the project. The remaining funding would come from the private sector. The total estimated cost of the study is $7 million.

Dubois County Council member Michael Kluesner says theyve been trying to develop a safer alternative to U.S. 231 since 2011.

"I think everyone wants, you know, to have a better and safer connectivity of transportation to Indy and Nashville, and all the cities in between," Kluesner says.

But some communities are critical of the proposed highway.

Orange County residents showed up to a recent commissioners meeting to speak out against the route, which would cut through the county and skirt the edge of a national forest.

Orange County Commissioner Don Brewer says many local businesses support the proposed highway, which would bring increased traffic through the area.

"Theres no easy way to get here, and thats been a complaint from the major players in the county all along," Brewer says.

But Brewer says many residents are concerned about the changes it would bring to their smaller, more rural communities.

"They dont want the additional traffic through their county, they want to keep everything rural and country," Brewer says.

Brewer says the commissioners are planning to invite the Dubois group developing the plans to an upcoming meeting. After that, theyll make a decision on whether they support the highway.

The project is still in its preliminary stages. The current proposal is requesting funding for the environmental study, but not for the construction or any further developments.

Kluesner the study alone will take three years, and he says it needs to start soon.

"If we dont do the study now, this is going to be kind of a dropped subject here," Kluesner says. "So I think its an opportunity."

Kluesner says the development team is hoping to get state funding to help finance the project. Area officials met with Gov. Eric Holcomb and the state transportation commissioner earlier this year to discuss the corridor.

Kluesner says the Dubois County Council will vote on whether to fund the environmental study at its next meeting Oct. 10.
He was right. The Iranian people have been protesting against the Regime and in favour of regime change since last December, highlighting the fact that the mullahs have stolen their money.

Worse still, despite the international attention that is now focused on Irans malign activities thanks to the brave Iranian people and the US government, who have imposed major sanctions, the Regime is still trying to carry on as normal.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) tried to embezzle a great amount of money from the City Council of Tehran back in July. The Councils spokesperson said that the IRGC Cooperative Foundation, which manages the IRGCs investments, had illegally taken more than $1 billion from the city; money that should have been going to better services for the people of Tehran.

Then, in August, a former council member accused Bagher Ghalibaf, mayor of Tehran from 2005-2017 and former IRGC commander, of deliberately giving multiple contracts to the IRGC and facilitating the corruption. Finally, in September, the head of the City Council said that this has led to a halt of IRGC-led business transactions in Tehran; something that has caused significant problems because the IRGC is Tehrans sole mega-contractor.

This highlights how important it is to focus in on Irans financial abuses, as well as impose sanctions on the mullahs to constrain and isolate them. The IRGC and those affiliated with the Regime will always attempt to enrich themselves, while the people of Iran live in poverty.

Saeed Ghasseminejad, a research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, wrote: These events illustrate how the IRGCs business dealings constitute a front for its larger efforts to fund its terrorist activities and enrich its commanders. As the Trump administration moves to reimpose economic sanctions on Iran in the coming months, it should work to isolate this key node of the clerical regimes financial empire.

Despite several prominent corruption arrests of IRGC commanders affiliated with the IRGC Cooperative Foundation in 2017, including of some people on the US sanctions list, the Iranian Regime will not solve this problem that they benefit from. They must be overthrown by the Iranian people.
Minister stresses on joint effort to build gender equitable society

Acting Prime Minister Ishwor Pokhrel stressed the need for launching social awareness campaigns for the protection of girls.
NAC postpones relaunch of Japan service till Nov

Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has postponed the relaunch of its Japan service from September to November-end due to incomplete preparations.
- Netizens noticed that many stars wore blue ribbons at the 2018 ABS-CBN Ball

- They include Kathryn Bernardo, Nadine Lustre and Liza Soberano

- It turned out that the blue ribbons were worn to raise awareness about an important social issue

PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed

Many netizens have commented on the dresses, gowns and suits worn by famous celebrities at the 2018 ABS-CBN Ball.

However, many of them have also noticed that many stars had blue ribbons attached to their outfits.

KAMI learned that the reason for the blue ribbon has already been revealed.

According to PUSH, the celebrities wore blue ribbons to raise awareness about child abuse.

This is actually the international color for child abuse. Child abuse is a worldwide phenomenon.

Its not just a problem in the Philippines; its a problem in several countries. This is our way of promoting prevention of child abuse," Bantay Bata 163 program director Jing Castaneda told ANC.

PAY ATTENTION: Using free basics app to access internet for free? Now you can read KAMI news there too. Use the search option to find us. Read KAMI news while saving your data!

As previously reported by KAMI, the Star Magic Ball 2018 was held on Saturday, September 29.

The special event took place at Makati Shangri-La, Manila.

Some of the stars who wore blue ribbons were Carlo Aquino, Barbie Imperial, JM de Guzman, James Reid, Nadine Lustre, Kathryn Bernardo, Bea Alonzo, and Liza Soberano.

The Philippines is known for having countless awesome singers. Our team decided to check if this perception is true or false! Check it out  on KAMI HumanMeter YouTube channel!

Source: Kami.com.ph
The attackers wielding firearms broke into the private house and demanded money and other valuables from the family.

Two perpetrators raided the house of a judge of Desniansky district court, Nataliya Busha, in Kyiv's Pechersk district overnight October 1.

The judge lives with her husband and little daughter in her parents' house, according to the Sudovo-Yurydychna Hazeta news outlet.

Two attackers wielding firearms broke into the private house and demanded money and other valuables from the family.

The report says the robbers shot the judge's husband, wounding him at both legs.

The man has been admitted for treatment at a local hospital.

Read alsoKyiv authorities again ban sale of alcohol at night

The criminals also intended to throw a grenade inside the house while the judge allegedly persuaded them not to do it fearing for her daughter's life. The judge then called the police and ambulance.

The criminals fleeing the crime scene ran into the police patrol and opened fire at law enforcers, also throwing a grenade in their direction.

One of the policemen was injured while the perpetrators managed to escape. However, the police soon found the body, allegedly of one of the attackers, with gunshot wounds.

Now the law enforcers are searching for another offender.
Nepalis becoming more brand conscious

Orchids Retail, a dealer and a retailer of international clothing brands, opened its exclusive outlet at Labim Mall, in Lalitpur, on Saturday.
Modern laptops, smartphones and tablets are multi-purpose gadgets that you can use to read, write, watch, play, or create all sort of things. But sometimes a single-purpose gadget is the right tool for the job. Thats why some folks prefer reading eBooks on a Kindle or NOOK to reading on a phone or tablet  you get a distraction-free experience, long battery life, and a screen thats easy on the eyes.

A few years ago Astrohaus launched a product that brings similar benefits to writers: the Freewrite Smart Typewriter is a portable writing machine with an E Ink display, a mechanical keyboard, and a battery that lasts for weeks at a time.

Now the company is getting ready to launch a new model thats more portable and more affordable: meet the Traveler.

Update: The Traveler is up for pre-order via an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign. Its expected to ship in January, and early backers can pre-order one for $269 or get a 2-pack for $558.

The Traveler has a clamshell design that lets you fold it in half like a notebook, making it easier t slide into a bag. Its also smaller and lighter than the Freewrite, weighing about 1.8 pounds and measuring about 12 x 5 x 1.

Atrohaus plans to continue selling its original Freewrite typewriter as its flagship product. That model has Cherry MX keyboard switches for a better typing experience than youll be able to get with the Traveler. But the new device will be smaller, lighter, and generally easier to use on the go.

It has an E Ink display and Astrohaus says the Traveler gets up to 30 hours of battery life during continuous use, or 4 weeks of battery life when used for about a half hour a day (which means 14 hours of overall use plus a lot of standby time).

Neither the Freewrite nor the Traveler offer any support for third-party apps. These are machines designed for one thing only: writing. But they do support WiFi, allowing you to synchronize your documents to Dropbox, Google Drive, or Evernote.

Astrohaus plans to launch a crowdfunding campaign for the Traveler on October 2nd. The company hasnt revealed pricing yet, but its expected to cost less than the Freewrite, which sells for $499 (about the same price as King Hims Pomera DM30 E Ink writing device).

via The Digital Writer and Freewrite community

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Chinese phone maker Huaweis upcoming Mate 20 smartphone is expected to have three cameras on the back, arrange in a square (with an LED flash in one corner to give everything a uniform look).

But it looks like Huawei isnt the only Chinese company working on a phone with a square-shaped camera system on the back. Lenovo VP Chang Cheng posted an image to Weibo this weekend showing a square with four cameras and a smaller dot in the center (that may be a flash).

Dual-camera phones have become common over the past few years, with the secondary camera often adding support for features such as wide-angle photography, telephoto zoom, adjustable depth effects (for bokeh-style images with a blurred background, among other things), and better low-light photography, among other things.

Its unclear what Lenovos four cameras will do, but I wouldnt be surprised to see some combination of the features mentioned above.

Lenovo isnt the only company working on phones with more than two cameras. Huawei already sells a phone with three rear cameras, and Nokia is said to be working on one with five.

Camera startup Light, meanwhile, is developing technology that could allow phone makers to ship handsets with as many as 9 different rear cameras.

via GizmoChina and @UniverseIce

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LG is set to launch its first smartphone with five cameras later this week. The LG V40 ThinQ will have three cameras on the back and two on the front.

The company has already issued a press release about the phones design and a promotional video. But LG hasnt explained what all those cameras will do.

Enter @evleaks, who released a set of promotional images explaining what each camera is for.

Theres a strip of three cameras in a horizontal line on the back of the phone. From left to right, heres what those cameras can do:

The primary camera shoots standard photos.

The middle camera has a super wide-angle lens.

The third camera has a telephoto zoom lens.

Well probably have to wait until Wednesday to get detailed information about the aperture, pixel count, and other features not to mention how wide is super wide and what the zoom level is for the telephoto zoom.

On the front of the phone there are two cameras:

Standard

Wide-angle

Lenovo isnt the only company looking to cram a whole bunch of cameras into a smartphone. Lenovo just posted a teaser for an upcoming phone with four rear cameras. Huawei already sells a phone with three rear cameras. And HMD/Nokia may be working on a model that has five cameras in the back.

Update: TechRadar also got a sneak peek at a new photography mode that will allow you to shoot a 6 second video and then freeze a portion of the image so that it looks like the background is in motion while the foreground stands still. Its called cinemagraph mode.

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NRB launches database on financial inclusion

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) on Sunday launched a comprehensive database on financial inclusion that consistently measures peoples use of financial services across Nepal.
Tens of thousands of Brazilians took to the streets Saturday in protest against the presidential front-runner, a far-right congressman whose campaign has exposed and deepened divisions in Latin Americas largest country.

The protests came the same day that Jair Bolsonaro was discharged from a Sao Paulo hospital where he received treatment after being stabbed during a campaign rally on Sept. 6. On Saturday evening, after flying home to Rio, he tweeted that there was no better feeling than to be close to his family.

In Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia, people flooded avenues and squares to sing, dance and shout Not him!  the rallying cry of groups who are trying to prevent Bolsonaro from taking office in October elections.

Were saying to those people who are undecided: Not him, said Selia Figueiredo, a 43-year- old banker in Sao Paulo, who said she worried for her rights as a gay woman if Bolsonaro were to win. They can vote for anyone else, but not him.

In the heart of Sao Paulo, Brazils largest city, leftist presidential candidate Guilherme Boulos and his running mate Sonia Guajajara led the march, while people beat drums and waved gay pride flags and banners that denounced Bolsonaro, who is known for offensive comments about gays, women and black people.

In downtown Rio de Janeiro, a crowd that was heavily women shouted: Sexists and fascists wont advance! Other smaller rallies were held in cities around Brazil, including some in support of the candidate.

Bolsonaros candidacy has attracted international attention as an example of the trend in many countries toward populism and extremes in politics, and small protests were held against him in London, Lisbon, Berlin and Paris.

Bolsonaro is currently leading polls with around 28 percent of support among voters polled, but he also has the highest rejection rate of any candidate. That could become especially important if no one wins the majority of votes on Oct. 7, and the election is decided in a second round. Polls then show him losing in most scenarios. Bolsonaro has said he will accept nothing less than victory and suggested his opponents will commit fraud to defeat him.

His support is particularly thin among women, who led the protests against him Saturday. According to a recent Ibope poll, 36 percent of men surveyed said they would vote for Bolsonaro, while only 18 percent of women supported him  an unusually large gap.

The difference in support between men and woman for other candidates varies by only a handful of percentage points.

The poll was conducted between Sept. 22 and 24 and has a margin of error of 2 percentage points.

Brazil is experiencing a moment of intense and unusual polarization after a tumultuous few years. It has suffered a deep, prolonged recession, a corruption investigation that decimated its political class, and the impeachment and removal from office of its first female president in highly contentious proceedings.

Bolsonaros campaign has both benefited from and contributed to the political divide by focusing on culture-war issues and traditional family values.

He hasnt tempered his rhetoric during the campaign and has kept up his praise of Brazils two-decade military dictatorship. He has also promised to give police permission to shoot first and ask questions later.

Saturdays protests were led by womens groups and others who said they rejected his divisive rhetoric and feared he would make life harder for minorities of all stripes.

Being here means saying no to sexism and to hate, said Lidia Ferreira, a 46-year-old literature teacher. Bolsonaro as president would be a tragedy for the country.

A handful of smaller rallies were also held in support of Bolsonaro on Saturday. One of his sons tweeted a video of dozens of women in pink shirts singing his name in front of the opera house in the Amazonian city of Manaus. Another son tweeted a video of around 100 women who were identified as Evangelical leaders, saying Yes him, Bolsonaro represents me!

Bolsonaros tell it like it is attitude has gained traction among voters who are angry at the political establishment. Despite his decades in Congress, they see him as a no-nonsense outsider who can rid Brazil of corruption and high crime rates.

He has particularly drawn support among people who are disgusted with the left-leaning Workers Party, who governed the country much of the last decade, and want to prevent its return to power at all costs.

People think Bolsonaro is an economic alternative to the last governments. Hes not, said Sandro Gandur, a 31-year-old lawyer at the protest in Sao Paulo. This might be the main area for [changing the minds of] people who are inclined toward him but are uncertain. Sarah DiLorenzo, Marcelo Silva de Sousa, AP
A passenger on a plane that crashed into a Pacific lagoon on Friday said the flight attendants were panicking and he saw water pouring through a hole in the side of the plane before he was able to escape.

Local boats helped rescue all 47 passengers and crew after the plane hit the water while trying to land at the Chuuk Island airport in the Micronesia archipelago. Seven people were taken to a hospital, according to officials, including one described as being in critical but stable condition.

Passenger Bill Jaynes said the Air Niugini plane came in very low.

I thought we landed hard, he said. Until I looked over and saw a hole in the side of the plane and water was coming in. And I thought, well, this is not the way its supposed to happen.

Jaynes said those aboard managed to wade through waist- deep water to the emergency exits on the sinking plane.

He said the flight attendants were yelling, and that he suffered a minor head injury. He said he called his wife, who started crying.

I was really impressed with the locals who immediately started coming out in boats, he said in an interview with a missionary in Chuuk, Matthew Colson, that was posted online and shared with the AP.

One would think that they might be afraid to approach a plane thats just crashed.

The sequence of events remains unclear. The airline said the plane landed short of the runway. However, Jaynes said the only scenario he can imagine is that it hit the end of the runway and continued into the water.

The U.S. Navy said sailors working nearby on improving a wharf also helped in the rescue by using an inflatable boat to shuttle people ashore before the plane sank in about 30 meters of water.

The striking images of people being rescued from the half-submerged plane were reminiscent of the 2009 crash landing in New York City known as the Miracle on the Hudson.

Louie Mallari, who was working at a hotel near the airport, said he could hear the whole thing happen.

As the plane approaches, the sound of the engine is getting stronger, then suddenly a splash of water, he said, adding that he then heard screaming.

He said its a good thing that so many people use boats to travel and were able to quickly help with the rescue.

Its really fortunate that we didnt have any fatalities, said Glenn Harris, a government aviation security inspector for the Federated States of Micronesia.

Harris said the plane left from the Micronesian island of Pohnpei about 700 kilometers to the east before ending up in the water at about 10 a.m.

He said he has yet to see a passenger manifest, but typical passengers would include businesspeople from Micronesia, Papua New Guinea and Australia, as well as some tourists. Chuuk is known for its world-class diving, with dozens of World War II shipwrecks visible in the clear waters.

Harris said he doesnt know what caused the crash landing or whether the pilots had alerted air traffic control of any problems.

The airline said in a statement that the 35 passengers and 12 crew members aboard the Boeing 737 were all able to safely evacuate. It said the weather was poor at the time, with heavy rain and reduced visibility.

The airline said it was making all efforts to ensure the ongoing safety of the passengers and meet their immediate needs. It said it was in touch with embassies, passenger representatives, stakeholders and families of the crew.

Air Niugini is the national airline of Papua New Guinea and has operated since 1973. The airline identified the flight as PX 073 with the registration number P2-PXE. Flight histories show the aircraft has made recent flights to Manila, Sydney and Singapore.

Air Niuginis network is concentrated on domestic routes linking the capital, Port Moresby, with isolated points across the Papua New Guinea archipelago, but it flies as far as Tokyo and Hong Kong.

The fleet includes Boeing 767 and 737 jets for international routes, according to the airline, as well as Fokker F-100 aircraft, Q400 and Dash 8 aircraft for challenging local terrain.

Micronesia, located north of Australia and east of the Philippines, is home to just over 100,000 people. It has close ties with the U.S. under an agreement known as a compact of free association.

The crash landing comes less than two months before Papua New Guinea hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, expected to draw world leaders beginning on Nov. 17.

In the Miracle on the Hudson, both engines on a U.S. Airways jet failed after it struck a flock of geese during takeoff from New Yorks LaGuardia Airport. Pilots Chesley Sullenberger and Jeffrey Skiles safely landed their powerless plane on the Hudson River and passengers and crew walked on the wings to be rescued.

In both crashes, everyone survived. Im alive, said Jaynes, the passenger. Thats an extremely good thing. Nick Perry, Wellington, AP
There wont be a Nobel Prize in Literature this year but the Swedish Academy that awards the prestigious prize is still in the limelight. Jean-Claude Arnault, a French citizen who is a major cultural figure in Sweden, is at the center of a sex abuse and financial crimes scandal that has tarnished the academy and forced it to take a year off in its deliberations.

The 72-year-old is now on trial in Stockholm, facing two counts of rape of a woman seven years ago. He has denied the charges. A verdict in his case is expected today, the same day that the 2018 Nobel Prize announcements kick off with the Karolinska Institute announcing who wins the Nobel award in physiology or medicine. The prosecutor has urged the court to sentence Arnault to three years in prison.

Yet no matter what the verdict for Arnault, the Swedish Academy itself has no guarantee that it will be allowed to keep awarding the literature prize.

Lars Heikensten, the head of the Nobel Foundation, was quoted as warning Friday that if the Swedish Academy does not resolve its tarnished image his agency could decide that another group would be a better host. He even suggested there could be no Nobel Literature Prize awarded in 2019 either  which is counter to the academys current plan to award both the 2018 and the 2019 literature Nobels next year.

The allegations against Arnault, who ran a major cultural group in Sweden that was closely tied to the Swedish Academy, began in November 2017 when 18 women came forward in a Swedish newspaper with abuse accusations against him. Arnault is married to a Swedish Academy member, poet Katarina Frostenson, who quit the body in April as tensions escalated.

That month the Swedish Academy said an internal investigation into sexual misconduct allegations found that unacceptable behavior in the form of unwanted intimacy has taken place within the ranks of the prestigious institution.

But its judgment in handling the accusations was called into question, kicking off a fierce internal debate over how to face up to its flaws that divided the bodys 18 members  who are appointed for life  into hostile camps. Several members either left or disassociated themselves from the secretive academy.

The first woman to lead the academy, former permanent secretary Sara Danius, also quit in April, leading observers to wonder why some of Swedens most accomplished women appeared to the taking the fall for a mans alleged misconduct.

Many people in the Scandinavian nation, which is known for promoting gender equality, have expressed dismay over the scandal, which has exposed bitter divisions within the academy and led to accusations of patriarchal leanings among some members.

In May, the Swedish Academy postponed the 2018 prize with the intention of awarding it in 2019.

The academys internal probe eventually led to a police investigation and the trial before the Stockholm District Court.

Arnault also has been suspected of violating century-old Nobel rules by leaking the names of award winners  allegedly seven times, starting in 1996. It remains unclear to whom the names were allegedly disclosed, and it is not known whether that has been investigated. Jan M. Olsen, Copenhagen, AP
The public consultation on the regions urban renewal law concerning temporary and exchange houses received many opinions from former buyers of the stranded Pearl Horizon real estate development project.

Last week, the government held a press conference to release the results of the public consultation.

As reported by Lam Chi Long, deputy commissioner of the Commission Against Corruption (CCAC) and head of the Administration Appeal Bureau of CCAC, the government received more than 7,000 opinions submitted by Pearl Horizon projects former buyers and personnel.

The opinions of the group were said to be constructed from their [buyers] beneficial point of view.

Previously, the MSAR government reclaimed the land plot of the Pearl Horizon project, announcing afterwards that it would build public houses on top of the plot. The government further proposed that Pearl Horizon buyers would be allowed to purchase public housing units. However, the final plan regarding the procedures to purchase these units has yet to be announced.

According to Lam, some of the opinions suggested that Pearl Horizon buyers should be eligible to purchase an equal number of properties from the governments public housing project.

Other opinions suggested that when Pearl Horizon buyers purchase a unit, they should be exempt from stamp taxes for purchasing their non-first property because they had already purchased a house from the Pearl Horizon project. In the past, Macau did not charge stamp taxes on first-purchased properties.

During the public consultation, Pearl Horizon buyers once again displayed their strong stance against the governments proposal for solving the Pearl Horizon problem. However, there were also residents who opposed the governments plan for Pearl Horizon buyers.

Some of the opinions called on the government to only allow Pearl Horizon buyers to buy one property from the public housing project, others suggested that Pearl Horizon buyers should pay stamp taxes, even if they already own other properties.

As Lam stressed, Pearl Horizon buyers opinions dominated the opinions overall. However, the CCAC deputy commissioner highlighted that the government will not draft a law simply based on the majoritys opinions, and the government will balance public interests.

During the 30-day public consultation period, the government received a total of 11,642 opinions. Eighty-three percent supported the temporary and exchange housing regime, whereas seven percent were against the bill. The remaining 10 percent of opinions were neutral.
Police to deploy 3,000 personnel for festival security

A total of 3,535 police personnel have been deployed in the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) with an aim to minimise crimes and maintain safe and secure environment in the Capital during Dashain, Tihar and Chhath festivals.
A run-in with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission may prove to be the recipe for reform that corporate governance experts have said Tesla Inc.s board needed years ago.

The electric-car maker has been forced to find an independent chairman to replace Elon Musk as part of a USD40 million accord with the SEC to settle fraud charges related to his tweets about taking Tesla private. The company also will have to add two new independent directors and implement controls to oversee the communications of its outspoken chief executive officer.

Its a shakeup thats long overdue to many investors, proxy advisers and academics whove blasted Teslas board for being rife with conflicts and serving as an inadequate check on their visionary CEO. The 47-year-old billionaire has made a series of unforced errors lately that have risked distracting the money- losing companys employees just as theyre seeking to mass- manufacture and deliver cars at scale for the first time.

In the weeks since sending ill-conceived tweets last month about buying out stockholders at $420 a share, Musk smoked marijuana in an interview with a comedian and was sued for defamation by a cave diver he called a pedophile. The blunders coincided with an exodus of senior executives and sell-offs of Tesla shares.

All the while, Tesla board members have issued multiple statements saying they continue to back Musk. The nine-director board includes Musk; his brother, Kimbal; and four longtime business associates.

The addition of two more directors will have the effect of muting his dominance, Stephen Diamond, an associate professor of law at Santa Clara University who specializes in corporate governance, said of Musk.

The SEC secured a concession from Musk and the board that an individual investor sought at the companys annual meeting in June. Shareholders defeated a proposal to require that the chairman of the company be an independent director, with about 83 percent of votes cast against the measure.

Three board members  Antonio Gracias, a private equity firm founder; Kimbal Musk, a food industry entrepreneur; and James Murdoch, the CEO of Twenty-First Century Fox Inc.  also won re-election in June despite a campaign waged against them by CtW Investment Group. The union pension fund-affiliated activist had argued that issues including missed Model 3 production targets showed the board had insufficiently governed Musk and the company.

CtW also chastised Gracias, Teslas lead independent director, for failing to insist on the resignation from the board by Steve Jurvetson, who parted ways with the venture capital firm he co-founded after allegations of misconduct emerged in November of last year. Hes remained on leave as a director.

A year earlier, Tesla shareholders sided with the board in defeating a proposal put forward by a group of Connecticut pension funds that would have required directors to face re-

election at each annual meeting, rather than serve staggered three-year terms.

Some investors also took issue with directors coziness with the CEO during the lead-up to Teslas 2016 acquisition of SolarCity Corp. Musks cousins ran the money-losing solar-panel installer, and Musk owned more than 20 percent of both businesses at the time of the deal. Proxy adviser Glass Lewis & Co. called it a thinly veiled bailout plan in which Tesla paid $2 billion and took on SolarCitys $2.9 billion debt load.

Its not often that an SEC lawsuit could be viewed as an opportunity, but this is one of those rare cases, Gene Munster, a managing partner at venture capital firm Loup Ventures, wrote in a report Saturday. Al Gore, the 2000 U.S. presidential runner-up and Apple Inc. director, or Jim McNerney, the former CEO of planemaker Boeing Co., could be good candidates to be put in charge of Teslas board, he said.

The open board chairperson role creates an opportunity for Tesla to potentially put someone in place that is capable of influencing Musk and helping Tesla reach sustainability, Munster said. Dana Hull, Bloomberg
The Macau Taxi Drivers Mutual Association has launched a mobile hailing application and a QR-code-based e-payment system created by Macau Pass, hoping to improve taxi services and reduce the number of overcharging cases.

Regarding the application, which is called D*:$h (Macau Taxi), intentional users are to first download it and then log in with their phone number so that their location can be displayed within the application. The application will show whether there are any taxis within a three-kilometer radius around the users location. The app will then show the taxis number plates, whereby users can contact the drivers.

Passengers can pay the taxi fare through MPay or Alipay. They can then give the service a score in the Macau Taxi app.

The association will reward drivers with the higher scores. Until now, about 300 taxi drivers have joined the application. The association hopes to isolate unruly drivers by identifying well-behaved taxi drivers through the application.

President of Macau Taxi Drivers Mutual Association, Kuok Leong-son, says the association will consider installing Wi-Fi access points inside vehicles.

Previously, the taxi association had launched a program called Honest Taxis. Currently, approximately 150 taxis are included in the program, with all the taxis allowing e-payment and app-based tax hailing services.
Three bomb attacks in two tourist areas on the Indonesian resort island of Bali have killed at least 26 people  among them foreign nationals.

More than 50 others were injured as blasts ripped through three restaurants  two in the Jimbaran beach resort, the third in Kuta 30 kilometers away.

Indonesias president said terrorists were to blame for the bombings, the second time terrorists had struck in three years.

Bombings in Kuta in 2002 killed 202 people, many of them foreign tourists. Local TV has been showing pictures of bloodied and confused survivors and collapsed buildings.

Local media said police had found a number of other unexploded devices. No group has admitted carrying out the attacks.

However, BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner says the finger of suspicion is already pointing towards the extremist regional group Jemaah Islamiah (JI) which was blamed for the 2002 bombings.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

The final number of those killed in the bomb attacks was 19 as well as three suicide bombers.

The following day Indonesias counter-terrorism chief, Major General Ansyaad Mbai, named two Malaysians  Azahari Bin Husin and Noordin Mohamed Top  as the suspected masterminds of the 2005 suicide attacks.

Azahari was killed in a police raid in November 2005. Noordin is still on the run.

Both were believed to be top leaders of Jemaah Islamiah (JI), the shadowy group said to have links with al-Qaeda.
China warned Friday that its critical relationship with the United States could break like a glass, and used the most global of stages to warn the Trump administration it wouldnt be pushed around on trade.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi insisted that his country will not be blackmailed or bow to pressure. Protectionism will only hurt oneself, and unilateral moves will bring damage to all, he told the U.N. General Assembly gathering of world leaders.

President Donald Trump this week cranked up punitive tariffs on China, and Beijing responded in kind, escalating a trade war between the worlds two largest economies. Trump upped the ante by then accusing China of meddling in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections because it opposes his trade policies. He has presented little evidence to back up the allegations, which China says are untrue.

Wang, in separate remarks at a think tank, said U.S.-China relationship was at a critical point, four decades since ties were normalized.

The relationship between our two countries is a common asset. It must be preserved and valued. Its the result of generations of peoples efforts, Wang said. Its like a glass. Its easy to break it and would be difficult to repair, he said.

Although Wang presented China as upholding multilateral institutions  drawing an implicit contrast with Trumps anti-globalist stance  Beijings top diplomat said the suspicions that China seeks global hegemony and to displace the U.S. as a world leader is false. But he warned its an idea that is spreading, amplifying differences between the two countries.

This is a serious strategic misjudgment, Wang told the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, that will be extremely detrimental to U.S. interests and the future of the United States.

He said China rather seeks a path of peaceful development. He defended Chinas assertive behavior in the South China Sea, where it has built man-made islands to reinforce its sweeping territorial claims that are disputed by its neighbors. He said military facilities on those islands are for defensive purposes to counter military activities by other nations in the area, including the United States.

Wang also defended Chinas recent participation in military drills with Russia that have added to U.S. anxiety that its key strategic rivals are setting aside historical differences and teaming up against it. He said military-to-military ties are normal to build mutual understanding.

On human rights, Wang was asked about the reported harsh treatment of Uighur Muslims in Chinas far west. He maintained that China had brought law and order to a region once blighted by terrorism. AP
Spains Socialist governments efforts to clampdown on the growth of car-hailing apps including Uber and Cabify threaten to hurt people it claims to want to help: middle-aged workers out of work for a long time.

Public Works Minister Jose Luis Abalos on Friday announced new rules requiring holders of licenses for car services such as Uber to seek another permit from local authorities for operating in urban areas. The aim is to address tensions between taxi and hailing-app drivers by putting rules for both on a similar footing, he said.

The tighter rules are Spains salvo in a battle being fought in cities across the world between firms including San Francisco- based Uber and regulators over services that taxi companies say threaten their existence. Car companies using ride-hailing apps say the government is giving in to demands from taxi lobbies and hurting independent drivers, most of whom cant get back into the job market. This summer, cab drivers blockaded the streets of Madrid and Barcelona in a wave of protests against the spread of ride-hailing apps.

Its crazy that parties such as Socialists, which have historically protected workers rights, are now backing the taxi companies, Eduardo Martin, the head of Unauto, the biggest association representing ride-hailing services, said in an interview in Madrid. The taxi industry is putting pressure on the government to eliminate a direct competitor.

Spanish taxi drivers have been furious at the surge in the number of cars operating with ride-hailing apps, which now serve 6 million customers in Spain. The number of taxi licenses has remained stable over the past two decades at about 70,000, according to AFI, a Madrid-based consulting company. Meanwhile, so-called VTC licenses for chauffeured cars using apps from companies like Uber is on course to rise to as many as 18,000 in about 2020 from about 11,000 now.

Many of those drivers are middle-aged people whose working lives were cut short by a five-year slump that drove the unemployment rate as high as 27 percent in 2013. The most frequent profile of the new employee is of the long-term unemployed aged more than 50 years old for whom this job represents a unique opportunity to rejoin the world of work, according to a report prepared for Unauto. More than a third of drivers of VTC cars are aged over 50, it said.

They are people like Armand Baquero, who started working as a VTC driver using the Cabify service in Barcelona last year after losing his job in 2011. He had worked as a consultant and at one point owned a business distributing air conditioning equipment.

I lost my job, I had no financial stability and three kids to provide for, said Baquero, 59. Becoming a driver changed all that. I have source of income, I can pay my bills and Im in a better place emotionally. To be sure, the drivers of traditional taxis also frame their dispute with the VTC drivers around the fight to preserve their own livelihoods.

Increasing use of smartphones and restrictions on personal car use are factors driving the growth in ride-hailing apps worldwide. In Madrid, there are about 3 VTC licenses per 1,000 inhabitants compared with 15 in New York so theres plenty of room for ride-hailing services to grow.

Adding to concerns for cab drivers are the significant investments many have made in buying taxi licenses on the secondary market. In Madrid, a cab license can change hands for more than 140,000 euros (USD162,134) compared with 50,000 euros for a regional VTC license, according to AFI.

In a gesture to the drivers and owners of hailing-app vehicles, the government will allow a four-year transitional period for the tighter regulation to take effect. When that time is up, the cars will have to have the corresponding new permit to be able to drive in cities.

The approval of the decree is a positive thing  rules and laws arent a bad thing, said Jesus Fernandez, the spokesman for Antaxi, a national association that claim to represent 40 percent of Spanish cabs. Ride-hailing companies must be regulated if they intend to offer the same service as taxis. Charles Penty, Maria Tadeo and Thomas Gualtieri, Bloomberg
Province 2 CM directs Janakpur Zonal Hospital to provide details within 24 hours

Province 2 Chief Minister Lal Babu Raut has directed the Janakpur Zonal Hospital administration to provide all the details of the health facility within 24 hours.
In Malaysia, where contraception is a privilege for educated and informed family planning folks, unplanned pregnancies among unmarried young women is rising. The recent increase of baby dumping cases is alarming, and young women are shamed for getting pregnant out of wedlock. Termination of pregnancy is an option for unplanned pregnancies. Unfortunately, getting an abortion is a risky and fatal business in Malaysia.

Though legal, abortion comes with a heavy restriction in Malaysia. Section 312 of Malaysias Penal Code states that a termination of pregnancy is permitted only when there is a risk to the life of the pregnant woman or a threat of injury to her physical or mental health. Most Malaysian medical practitioners, however, refuse to perform abortion.

According to Dr Subatra Jayaraj, a medical practitioner and health rights activist, many doctors do not know that according to the law, abortions are allowed to be performed by registered doctors in Malaysia. This lack of knowledge of the law, compounded by the assumption that Malaysia is a Muslim country leads to doctors not providing termination of pregnancy services although it is a WHO-recommended primary care procedure. Moreover, doctors are also afraid of the social stigma attached to abortion service providers. Consequently, Malaysian women who end up with unplanned pregnancies often resort to illegal and risky abortion.

Personal religious beliefs and interpretation also determine whether or not doctors decide to provide abortion services or refer the patient to a safe abortion provider. Most doctors would definitely refer the patient to public hospitals if the womans life was in danger, as it is the only reason that termination of pregnancy is usually done in the public hospitals.

Socially, abortion is frowned upon in Malaysia, where majority of the population is Muslim. Most scholars of the Hanafi sect in Islam, alongside a small number scholars of other school of thoughts, agree that abortion is allowed below 120 days of pregnancy, but only when justified by a health necessity.

Unfortunately, many doctors and clients are unaware of this interpretation. The common assumption most people have is that abortion is forbidden by the religion. Even when the timeline of 120 days is used, the clause for health necessity is very narrowly interpreted to saving the mothers life only.

Scientifically, abortion can still take place up to the third trimester of pregnancy, by inducing labor  which is permissible in some countries like Sweden  while the most optimum time for using abortion pills is up to week 9 of the pregnancy.

But the two abortion pills, Mifepristone and Misoprostol, are restricted and not approved for use in Malaysia, causing many to turn to black market abortion pills sold through social media. This is a cause for concern, as consuming these pills without medical supervision may result in complications and even death.

Overall, however, the case fatality rate is very low. On average four to six maternal deaths occur each year in the country due to abortions, out of half a million pregnancies. There have been documented cases of unsafe abortion practices in which severe bleeding occurred due to wrong dosages of medical abortion and at wrong gestations.

In the past, there has been only one case of a woman being punished for getting an abortion. Malar was a 24 year old migrant worker from Nepal who opted for an abortion six weeks into her pregnancy in fear of losing her job, as migrant workers work permits are revoked in the event of a pregnancy. The authorities raided the clinic where she had the abortion, on October 9, 2014 in Penang and arrested her and the doctor.



The Reproductive Rights Advocacy Alliance Malaysia (RRAAM) has pressured the Ministry of Health since 2017 to approve the use of regulated abortion pills to curb illegal prescription and online sale of the black market pills. But the authorities only responded by curbing registered doctors from purchasing Misoprostol. Nothing was done to online websites and quacks selling the pill without proper counselling or medical guidance. The excuse was that it was difficult to trace sellers online.The unregulated trade of Misoprostol has been flourishing since then, while qualified safe abortion providers have had more difficulties accessing the medication.In her book Reproductive Rights and Wrongs: The Global Politics of Population Control, author Betsy Hartmann said, Denying women the right to abortion makes women bear all the hardship and blame for unwanted pregnancies, ignoring the fact that men bear responsibility too, and that many unwanted pregnancies result from unwanted intercourse.In the absence of government support, civil society groups like the Reproductive Rights Advocacy Alliance Malaysia is lobbying the Ministry of Health by highlighting the lived realities of women who have difficulty accessing an abortion in Malaysia. It also runs a WhatsApp Hotline that provides information on options for safe abortion services, and connects clients to reliable websites for medical abortion pills and women friendly clinics that provide safe abortion services.By standing together for womens body autonomy and authority, feminist movements supported abortion. A woman has the right to terminate pregnancy, regardless of their condition. Their rights to their own body should not be meddled by the authority, and access to abortion should be opened and informed.September 28 is International Safe Abortion Day and it has its origin in Latin America and the Caribbean, where womens groups have been mobilizing around the date for the last two decades to demand their governments to decriminalize abortion, to provide access to safe and affordable abortion services and to end stigma and discrimination against women who choose to have an abortion. The date was chosen in commemoration of the abolition of slavery in Brazil which is now remembered as the day of the free womb demanding for safe and legal abortion for all women.We should remember this date to constantly push for woman to have their bodily rights not to be policed by the authority.is a sexual and reproductive health and rights advocate based in Kuala Lumpur, currently creating content for Ilmu Seks and a feminist NGO, All Womens Action Society (AWAM) in Malaysia. She believes in empowering young girls and women to have body authority and reclaiming their sexuality in the future.
Rape accused arrested after one year

A man, wanted for a rape case in Terathum district, was arrested from Kathmandu on Monday one year after the incident.
Ross Boyce, M.D., MS.c., said clinicians should screen patients with a possible tick bite for Ehrlichia. Credit: Morag MacLachlan

When a patient presents with signs and symptoms suspicious for a tick-borne illness, medical providers in central North Carolina regularly test for Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, but often don't think about Ehrlichia, according to researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The failure to test for Ehrlichia, even as more and more evidence suggests that the infection may be just as common as other endemic tick-borne diseases, appears to impact patient care with antibiotics prescribed less frequently when testing is not ordered. This study's results and recommendation for increased provider education were recently published in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.

"Providers order Ehrlichia testing much less frequently than Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever or even Lyme disease, despite the low-incidence of Lyme disease in the state," said Ross Boyce, M.D., M.Sc., the study's lead author and a clinical instructor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the UNC School of Medicine. "This disparity may be attributable to unfamiliarity with local vector epidemiology, as well as the greater attention given to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme disease in the popular media."

Ehrlichia is an illness caused by the Lone Star Tick, which is found throughout the mid-Atlantic United States. Symptoms typically include fever, headache and muscle aches. Boyce and colleagues performed a retrospective chart review on 194 patients who underwent testing for tick-borne illness at UNC hospitals and associated clinics between June and September 2016.

They found that nearly 80 percent of patients were tested for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and two-thirds were tested for Lyme disease. Yet providers ordered testing for Ehrlichia in only one-third of patients. Among the initial results, 37 patients tested positive for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, one tested positive for Lyme disease and nine tested positive for Ehrlichia.

Using leftover serum, Boyce and colleagues tested the 124 patient samples that were not initially tested for Ehrlichia. Twenty-five of those samples ultimately tested positive for Ehrlichia, putting the total number of positive results nearly equal with the number of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever cases.

"Our results demonstrate that Ehrlichia accounted for a large proportion of reactive antibodies among a cohort of individuals with suspected tick-borne illness in Central North Carolina," Boyce said. "These finding provide strong, albeit circumstantial evidence that Ehrlichia infection is as prevalent as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever even as providers appear to consider this diagnosis much less frequently than other tick-borne diseases."

While the CDC guidelines recommend empirical antibiotic treatment when there is suspicion for tick-borne illness, Boyce and colleagues work suggests that providers are less likely to provide antibiotics if testing is not ordered. While it is difficult to distinguish an acute infection from a past exposure with a single test, the study estimates that failure to test for Ehrlichia may have resulted in a missed diagnosis in more than 10 percent of individuals. Boyce said educating front-line providers in primary care clinics and emergency departments about the prevalence of this tick-borne illness is urgently needed.

Explore further First multiplex test for tick-borne diseases

More information: Ross M. Boyce et al, Ehrlichia Infections, North Carolina, USA, 2016, Emerging Infectious Diseases (2018). Journal information: Emerging Infectious Diseases Ross M. Boyce et al, Ehrlichia Infections, North Carolina, USA, 2016,(2018). DOI: 10.3201/eid2411.180496
Mahdi Sarmady, PhD, is Director of Bioinformatics in the Division of Genomic Diagnostics at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Credit: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Maybe the genetic test report your doctor ordered says your DNA contains many "variants of unknown significance." Currently, up to 70 percent of such reports are negative or inconclusive. But suppose at a later date a researcher discovers one of those changes causes a disease? You may be able to take preventive steps or receive early treatmentbut how will you learn this new piece of information? You can't even be sure your doctor will find out about it.

A scientist in the Division of Genomic Diagnostics (DGD) at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) proposes a new model to generate ongoing automated updates to account for new evidenceand enable genetic counselors and physicians to better communicate clinically relevant information to patients and families, not just when the test results are initially reported, but for years to come as new knowledge accumulates.

"Since the Human Genome Project was completed, the flood of new genetic information and the accelerated pace of discovery represent a paradigm shift in the practice of clinical genetics," said Mahdi Sarmady, Ph.D., a genome informatics scientist and Director of Bioinformatics in the DGD. He points out, for instance, that clinical sequencing is increasingly being incorporated in pediatric clinics as a routine diagnostic tool.

To enable faster, more systematic use of sequencing results, Sarmady and Ahmad Abou Tayoun, Ph.D., a former CHOP geneticist now at Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital in Dubai, U.A.E., propose a new model for genomic interpretation and continuous reanalysis in a Viewpoint article published online today in JAMA Pediatrics.

Under the traditional approach in clinical genetics, a physician or genetic counselor would order a laboratory test on a specific gene to determine whether a patient carried a known mutation linked to a genetic disease. Now labs offer gene panels to test all known genes associated with a specific disorder, or exome sequencing, to search all protein-coding genes in a person's DNA.

But managing and interpreting the fire hose of data provided by new high-throughput sequencing methods has led to a bottleneck in keeping up with and delivering useful information to patients and clinicians.

The proposed model outlines a two-way exchange of information between laboratories and the clinic. Automated algorithms would collect new evidence from scientific literature and various knowledge bases of gene variants linked to specific disorders, and would notify a clinician that a patient's previously discovered variant could be pathogenic. A physician or genetic counselor, for their part, could use an app in the platform to order reanalysis and to enter the most up-to-date phenotypic information on a patient's health statusadding details about the course of a genetic disease, to inform other researchers and clinicians.

"Instead of a one-time test result, there would be continuous, systematic interaction between the clinic and the genetic testing lab, and reanalysis of changing data," said Sarmady. "This could enable clinicians to provide better diagnoses and change treatment plans for their patients as new information becomes available, and help advance the promise of precision medicine."

Explore further Rapid genomic sequencing to diagnose critically ill children with rare diseases

More information: Mahdi Sarmady and Ahmad Abou Tayoun, "Need for Automated Interactive Genomic Interpretation and Ongoing Reanalysis," JAMA Pediatrics, online Oct. 1, 2018. Journal information: JAMA Pediatrics Mahdi Sarmady and Ahmad Abou Tayoun, "Need for Automated Interactive Genomic Interpretation and Ongoing Reanalysis,", online Oct. 1, 2018. doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.2675
Scholars call for action to develop Buddhist varsity

Buddhist scholars have stressed the need for the governments special attention to promote and develop Lumbini Buddhist University.
Skin ulcer due to leishmaniasis, hand of Central American adult. Credit: CDC/Dr. D.S. Martin/Wikimedia Commons

Researchers at the University of York have identified genes in a parasite that could help clinicians predict drug treatment outcomes for patients with visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil.

The findings could lead to a new prognostic test that can predict which patients will respond well to drug treatment and which patients need alternative solutions.

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted to humans by the bite of the infected female sandfly. With 50,000 to 90,000 new cases worldwide each year, it causes fever, substantial weight loss, swelling of the spleen and liver and anaemia and can be fatal if left untreated.

The team, in collaboration with the University of Glasgow, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, the Universidade Federal do Piaui, and the Universidad Estadual de Montes Claros, found that the absence of four particular genes in Leishmania infantum parasite in Brazil makes it less susceptible to an oral drug called miltefosine.

The parasite first arrived in the country from Europe in the 1600s and has mutated and adapted over time, making it challenging to predict when it will respond to drug treatment. During an earlier clinical trial of the oral medication, 40% of patients relapsed within six months.

The presence of the genes in the parasite in India, however, means that after a month of treatment, the disease can be cured with a lower risk of relapse.

Juliana Brambilla Carnielli, Research Associate at the University of York's Department of Biology, said: "Miltefosine is the only available oral drug treatment for leishmaniasis, but due to its poor efficacy to treat visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil, this drug is not licensed in the country.

"This means that Brazilian patients have to rely on intravenous medications, which require medical facilities for its use.

"It was therefore important that we investigated what was making the oral drug less effective in Brazil than it has been in India, where it has been widely used."

Researchers investigated the molecular markers of the Leishmania parasite to understand what might be contributing to its natural resistance to miltefosine.

The absence of the genes correlate with resistance to the drug, which means that Brazilian patients would benefit from a blood test that can detect whether they are carrying the drug-resistant parasite. This blood test is currently being developed by the research team.

Jeremy Mottram, Professor of Pathogen Biology at the University of York's Centre for Immunology and Infection, said: "This work contributes to many studies being conducted around the world into this neglected disease.

"India, Brazil, East Africa and some parts of Europe are impacted by this disease to varying degrees, so we need to know more about how the parasite lives in humans and how the parasite reacts to various drugs.

"A personalised medicine approach will be key to making the big difference to patient outcomes, as our research is telling us that the parasite won't react the same way in every case to a one-size-fits all treatment."

Up to 3,200 patients presented with the condition in Brazil in just one year and more than 260 patients died in the country, creating a significant burden on hospital resources.

The next stage of the study would be a new clinical trial on patients in Brazil that have a positive blood test to see whether conducting prognostic tests early in the disease progression and tailoring medicines accordingly could reduce the numbers of patients relapsing with the disease.

Explore further Visceral leishmaniasis on the rise in Brazil, study finds

More information: Juliana B.T. Carnielli et al. A Leishmania infantum genetic marker associated with miltefosine treatment failure for visceral leishmaniasis, EBioMedicine (2018). Journal information: EBioMedicine Juliana B.T. Carnielli et al. A Leishmania infantum genetic marker associated with miltefosine treatment failure for visceral leishmaniasis,(2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.09.029
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From the DNA of nearly 300,000 veterans, scientists have singled out a handful of genetic mutations that not only govern levels of cholesterol, but may also inform the development and use of drugs for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, according to researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine and the Palo Alto Veteran Affairs Health Care System.

Scientists zeroed in on three mutations that disrupt the function of their respective genes. That might sound bad, but in this case, it's actually beneficial, as veterans who carried one of these mutations showed improved cholesterol profiles in their blood and a decreased risk of either heart disease, abdominal aortic aneurysms or diabetes, depending on the gene mutation.

"The idea is to use genetic data linked to electronic health records from a very large number of individuals to find genetic variants that simultaneously improve lipid profiles and protect against cardiovascular disease," said Tim Assimes, MD, Ph.D., associate professor of cardiovascular medicine. "From there, you can figure out what the best potential drug targets are."

All three of the main genes pinpointed in the studyPDE3B, PCSK9 and ANGPTL4could one day be targets for the treatment of either heart disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm or diabetes, respectively. The mutation in PDE3B, however, is the most intriguing, Assimes said, because there's already a drug on the market, called cilostazol, that mimics the beneficial mutation in that gene. Assimes said cilostazol may now also be a strong candidate for treating heart disease.

The study will be published online Oct. 1 in Nature Genetics. Assimes is the senior author. Derek Klarin, MD, clinical fellow in surgery at Harvard, and Scott Damrauer, MD, assistant professor of surgery at the University of Pennsylvania and the Corporal Michael Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia, share lead authorship.

The power of many

To reliably identify the molecular factors that influence cholesterol levels in blood, Klarin, Damrauer and Assimes turned to the power of numbers. Through the Million Veteran Program, a national research initiative based at the Veterans Health Administration that aims to identify the genetic determinants of health and disease among U.S. veterans, the scientists pooled genetic information with cholesterol readouts from 297,626 veterans and looked for variants that play a role in cholesterol levels. The study confirmed 188 previously known genetic markers of cholesterol and identified 118 new ones.

The scientists subsequently chose to home in on a narrow sliver of rare genetic anomalies for further analysis through a technique called phenomewide screen, or PheWAS. They already knew these gene mutations affected cholesterol but wondered whether the mutations likewise could affect the risk of other diseases. The PheWAS technique gleans disease risk information from immense databases of genetic information linked to electronic health records.

Drugs as mutation copycats

Three gene mutations found through the screen piqued the investigators' curiosity. Each mutation swayed the veterans' cholesterol levels favorably, but differed in how it affected their risk for other diseases: the PDE3B mutation protected against heart disease; the mutation in PCSK9 not only decreased the risk for heart disease, something that was already known, but also the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm; and ANGPTL4's mutation dampened the risk for Type 2 diabetes.

"All of these mutations are loss-of-function variants, meaning they either substantially diminish or stop the function of the gene altogether," Klarin said. That makes a good case for developing a drug that copies what the mutation does; if a faulty PDE3B gene decreases risk for heart disease, it could be promising pharmaceutical inspiration. In this study, the PDE3B mutation was associated with lower triglycerides, higher HDLs and a 20 percent lower risk of heart disease.

"Amazingly, there's a cheap, generic drug that I already use to treat my patients for vascular disease which also mimics the effects of the mutation in PDE3B on cholesterol levels, but no one has paid attention to these 'side effects,'" Damrauer said. The drug is typically only used to treat the symptoms of blockages in leg arteries to improve how far people with vascular disease can walk without pain. The next step is to investigate whether that same drug could wear multiple therapeutic hats.

'Misled before'

Although this work may help identify new targets to curb heart disease, Assimes cautions against requesting a prescription for cilostazol for solely that purpose.

"The genetics help suggest that this drug can decrease the risk of heart disease by lowering triglycerides, but it's not proof," he said. "I would not prescribe it until a large randomized trial is completed with cilostazol or a related drug looking specifically at heart disease outcomes.

"We've been misled before by drugs that had effects on cholesterol, but they turned out to be cosmetic," he added. "Better cholesterol profiles can look great, but if the drug doesn't affect the outcome you're aiming for, which is heart attack in this case, then it's useless."

Assimes is hoping that won't be the case with cilostazol.

As for the other two genes, PCSK9 and ANGPTL4, Assimes said that further investigation of those are also needed. Several inhibitor drugs that mimic the effects of the PCSK9 mutation are already on the market to reduce the risk of heart attacks. The question is whether their use will also lead to fewer aneurysms. Drugs that mimic the effects of the ANGPTL4 mutation are still under development, and large-scale testing in humans has not yet begun.

Explore further New drugs could reduce risk of heart disease when added to statins

More information: Genetics of blood lipids among ~300,000 multiethnic participants of the Million Veteran Program , Nature Genetics (2018). www.nature.com/articles/s41588-018-0222-9 Journal information: Nature Genetics Genetics of blood lipids among ~300,000 multiethnic participants of the Million Veteran Program ,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41588-018-0222-9
Credit: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers

Researchers used continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to assess the effects of adding dapagliflozin to a regimen of either metformin or insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and found significant reductions in mean glucose and other glycemic factors, with greater improvements seen in patients taking metformin compared to insulin. The design and results of this trial are published in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics (DTT).

CGM was used to determine daily variations in glucose during the week before patients received dapagliflozin and during the last week of treatment. Dapagliflozin is a U.S. FDA-approved inhibitor of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) and by blocking SGLT2 it increases urinary glucose excretion and improves glucose control. CGM was able to show the effects of adding dapagliflozin to either metformin or insulin in terms of overall mean glucose concentration, fasting plasma glucose, postprandial glucose, time spent in the target glucose range, and glucose variability.

The article entitled "Effects of Dapagliflozin on 24-Hour Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial," was coauthored by Robert Henry, MD, University of California San Diego School of Medicine and colleagues from UC San Diego School of Medicine, Integrated Medical Development (Princeton Junction, NJ), Medpace (Cincinnati, OH), and AstraZeneca (Fort Washington, PA).

"["As we move beyond A1c to measure glucose control, the use of CGM is becoming more important especially in insulin-requiring patients with diabetes. Time in range (TIR) and other metrics to measure glucose variability may closely relate with a patient's overall glucose control," says DTT Editor-in-Chief Satish Garg, MD, Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Colorado Denver (Aurora). "Henry and colleagues emphasize the importance of adding an SGLT2 inhibitor on different metrics of glucose control as measured by CGM."

Explore further WHO issues recommendations for Tx intensification in T2DM

More information: Robert R. Henry et al, Effects of Dapagliflozin on 24-Hour Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics (2018). Robert R. Henry et al, Effects of Dapagliflozin on 24-Hour Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial,(2018). DOI: 10.1089/dia.2018.0052
Skeletal muscle tissue. Credit: University of Michigan Medical School

Anyone who has ever torn or injured a muscle knows that swelling, redness, and pain soon follow the injury: classic signs of inflammation. Inflammation is the body's natural response to promote healing, but prolonged, excess inflammation in the muscles can contribute to the progression of chronic diseases such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and can worsen conditions in other parts of the body like rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and diabetes. A naturally occurring anti-inflammatory cytokine called IL-4 is being investigated as a treatment for such conditions, but its use is limited because it breaks down quickly once inside the body and must be given in a large dose over repeated infusions, causing undesirable systemic side effects.

Now, a new technique from the Wyss Institute and Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) that involves attaching many copies of IL-4 to nanoparticles of gold and injecting them directly into an injured muscle improved muscle structure and strength two weeks following injury. The research is reported in PNAS.

"By exploiting the inflammatory response, this technology may significantly improve the therapeutic and functional outcomes of existing treatments that focus on the direct regeneration of muscle," said Theresa Raimondo, a graduate student at the Wyss Institute and SEAS who is the first author of the research.

The system that Raimondo developed acts primarily on macrophagesa type of immune cell that is created in response to injury or infection. When they arrive at the site of the assault on the body, macrophages are in a pro-inflammatory state called M1, which promotes the release of inflammatory cytokines, antimicrobial peptides, and other molecules that initiate the immune response and promote the generation of new muscle cells. Then, the macrophages switch into their M2 state, which reduces inflammation and promotes the maturation of muscle fibers.

If the balance of M1- and M2-state macrophages is disrupted and there are too many M1 macrophages at injury site, muscle repair is inhibited. IL-4 can cause macrophages to switch from M1 to M2, thus helping muscle fibers heal faster; however, getting IL-4 to accumulate at its target site has proven challenging, and previous formulations that have attempted to solve this problem have not shown significant improvements in models of inflammation or injury.

Raimondo and Wyss Founding Core Faculty member David Mooney, Ph.D. accepted that challenge by attaching IL-4 to nanoparticles of gold, some formulations of which are FDA-approved for therapeutic treatments. They first tested the IL-4 nanoparticles against free-floating IL-4 in living human cells, and found that the nanoparticle-bound IL-4 not only maintained its biological function, but led to a greater proportion of M2 macrophages than the unbound IL-4.

Next, the scientists tested their system in vivo by injecting the IL-4 nanoparticles into the legs of mice with injured shin muscles three days after the injury occurred. The nanoparticles helped keep IL-4 in the injured muscle rather than diffusing out into the bloodstream and neighboring tissues, and mice that received the injection showed a significant increase in muscle-fiber area after fifteen days than mice treated with nanoparticles that lacked IL-4. Additionally, IL-4 nanoparticle-treated muscles were able to contract with significantly more force and speed than muscles injected with free-floating IL-4.

Finally, IL-4 nanoparticle injection doubled the percentage of M2 macrophages and reduced the number of M1 macrophages compared to muscles that did not receive IL-4 nanoparticles. Muscles that were injected with free IL-4 also showed a reduction in M1 macrophages, but did not cause an increase in M2 macrophages, demonstrating that the conjugation of IL-4 to gold nanoparticles improves the shift to an anti-inflammatory state and promotes muscle regeneration.

"This work demonstrates that modulating the inflammatory response is a potent method for promoting the regeneration of functional tissues, and that IL-4 nanoparticles can promote the M2 macrophage phenotype in the context of injury in vivo, which opens the door to many exciting research directions," said Mooney, who is also the Robert P. Pinkas Family Professor of Bioengineering at SEAS.

Raimondo is currently exploring the use of IL-4 nanoparticles to treat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in mice, further refining the design of the nanoparticles as well as optimizing the treatment regimen. "These experiments will, hopefully, demonstrate that IL-4 nanoparticles can shift macrophage phenotype in the context of chronic inflammation, in addition to the acute injury studied in this work, said Raimondo. Upcoming experiments will also explore the direct interaction between IL-4 nanoparticles and muscle-generating cells, and the role of macrophage phenotype in muscle regeneration in the context of muscular dystrophy with in vitro models.

"At the Wyss Institute, we always look for a better way of doing things - 'good enough' is not acceptable," said Wyss Founding Director Donald Ingber, M.D., Ph.D., who is also the Judah Folkman Professor of Vascular Biology at HMS and the Vascular Biology Program at Boston Children's Hospital, and Professor of Bioengineering at SEAS. "Not only does this work represent a better method of delivering IL-4 to inflamed tissues, it also offers the possibility of a more effective treatment for chronic inflammatory diseases, which could improve many lives in the future."

Explore further Immune cells help older muscles heal like new

More information: Theresa M. Raimondo el al., "Functional muscle recovery with nanoparticle-directed M2 macrophage polarization in mice," PNAS (2018). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Theresa M. Raimondo el al., "Functional muscle recovery with nanoparticle-directed M2 macrophage polarization in mice,"(2018). www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1806908115
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

High unmet need for dental care is causing pain, embarrassment, worry and reducing quality of life among Syrian refugees, new University of Otago research shows.

The research, based on a survey of 62 adult Syrian refugees resettled in Dunedin over the past few years, found a very high level of unmet oral health need, while financial issues are perceived as a barrier to them receiving oral health care.

Lead researcher Associate Professor Jonathan Broadbent from the Faculty of Dentistry, says little is known about oral health among Syrian refugees. While the research did not investigate whether similar refugees in other parts of the country are experiencing the same problems, he expects the situation to be similar nationally.

As a result of the evidence collected, he is now calling for a national protocol to standardise what dental care services are available and funded and how they should be accessed.

"Access to post-settlement oral health care for refugees is currently unsatisfactory, and dental clinicians and refugees are both placed into a different situation when pathways are unclear," Associate Professor Broadbent says in the research paper recently published in the NZ Dental Journal.

"Oral health care should be accessible to refugees and other at-risk population groups to ensure they enjoy good oral health and overall well-being, and that their human rights are being realised," he says.

"It is concerning that more than 70 per cent of former refugees reported current dental pain and fewer than 40 per cent had a dental check-up within the 18 months since their arrival."

The majority perceived their oral health as "poor" or "very poor". Many made additional comments about their dental problems. One participant stated: "I am very tired from all the dental problems I have, no one contacted me for dental treatment, please help me." Another stated: "I want treatment because I feel self-conscious and have no confidence to smile. I feel like I have a bad smell all the time from my mouth."

In New Zealand, newly-arrived refugees spend six weeks on an orientation programme at the Mangere Refugee Settlement Centre in Auckland. Their orientation includes an oral health screening and treatment for emergency dental problems.

Almost all refugees quality for limited financial assistance for dental care in New Zealand. However, nearly half reported they had not received assistance and many were not aware of the options available to them.

This research did not involve collection of clinical examination data, which Associate Professor Broadbent says should be done in future research to better quantify dental care need requirements nationally among Syrian refugees.

However, this lack of clinical data should not stand in the way of efforts to improve care, he says. As a practising dentist who has treated some of these patients, he characterises their dental health needs as very high.

Explore further Better dental care needed for people living with MS
In a first-of-its-kind study, Mount Sinai researchers have shown that color vision problems caused by retinal damage on a cellular level can result from a high dose of sildenafil citrate, the popular erectile-dysfunction medication sold under the brand name Viagra. The results demonstrate that excessive use of the drug could lead to long-term vision problems, including possible irreversible damage. The findings have been published in the fall issue of Retinal Cases.

"People live by the philosophy that if a little bit is good, a lot is better. This study shows how dangerous a large dose of a commonly used medication can be," said lead investigator Richard Rosen, MD, Director of Retina Services at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (NYEE). "People who depend on colored vision for their livelihood need to realize there could be a long-lasting impact of overindulging on this drug."

Rosen and a team of investigators from NYEE based their study on a 31-year-old patient who arrived at an urgent care clinic complaining of red-tinted vision in both eyes that hadn't gone away in two days. He reported that his symptoms began shortly after taking a dose of liquid sildenafil citrate that he purchased over the internet (sildenafil citrate can cause visual disturbances with normal dosage, but symptoms typically resolve within 24 hours). The patient told doctors he had consumed much more than the recommended 50mg dose, and that symptoms began shortly after ingestion. The patient was then diagnosed with persistent retinal toxicity linked to the high dose of medication damaging the outer retina. His tinted vision has not improved more than a year after his initial diagnosis, despite various treatments.

Mount Sinai researchers used state-of-the-art technology, including adaptive optics (AO) and optimal coherence tomography (OCT), to examine his retina for evidence of structural damage at the cellular level, something that had never been done before. AO is a sophisticated technology that allows clinicians to examine microscopic structures of the eye in living patients with extreme detail in real time. OCT is an advanced imaging system that reveals the cross-sectional details of the retina layer by layer.

The high-tech imaging allowed investigators to see microscopic injury to the cones of the retina, the cells which are responsible for color vision. The damage was similar to that seen in animal models of hereditary retinal disease such as retinitis pigmentosa or cone-rod dystrophy.

"To actually see these types of structural changes was unexpected, but it explained the symptoms that the patient suffered from. While we know colored vision disturbance is a well-described side effect of this medication, we have never been able to visualize the structural effect of the drug on the retina until now," said Dr. Rosen. "Our findings should help doctors become aware of potential cellular changes in patients who might use the drug excessively, so they can better educate patients about the risks of using too much."

Explore further Researchers use breakthrough technology to understand eclipse eye damage
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

The Japanese scientist who Monday won the Nobel Prize for medicine vowed to continue his cancer treatment work to help as many sufferers as possible, saying treating patients gave him more pleasure than any award.

"I want to continue my research ... so that this immune therapy will save more cancer patients than ever," Tasuku Honjo told reporters at Kyoto University where he is based.

He described his feelings of "immense joy" when people told him they had recovered from severe illnesses due to his work.

He said a member of his golf club, whom he did not know well, came up to him one day and thanked him, saying: "Thanks to your medicine. I had lung cancer and I thought I was playing my last round of golf, but now I am able to play golf again."

"When you hear things like that, there is no greater happiness. I have never been happier than that. Honestly, no award can replace that. I felt it was enough," said Honjo.

"On top of that, I am receiving such an award. I really feel I am a fortunate person."

Honjo said he heard the news of his award while he was discussing academic papers with colleagues and it came "completely out of the blue."

"Of course, I was very happy, delighted at the same time, but shocked."

During the press conference, Honjo took a call from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who congratulated the scientist, saying he was "so proud as a fellow Japanese."

Abe said someone he knew was saved by treatment resulting from the professor's research.

"The professor's achievement has given rays of hope to many cancer patients," said Abe.

Honjo won the prize, along with US scientist James Allison, for research into how the body's natural defences can fight cancer.

But he said he also has ambitions to go round the golf course in the same number of shots at his age.

"I am 76 now. My biggest goal is to hit 76 in golf."

Explore further US, Japan duo win Nobel Medicine Prize for cancer therapy

 2018 AFP
James Allison of the US and Tasuku Honjo of Japan have won the 2018 Nobel Medicine Prize

Two immunologists, James Allison of the US and Tasuku Honjo of Japan, won the 2018 Nobel Medicine Prize for research into how the body's natural defences can fight cancer, the jury said on Monday.

Unlike more traditional forms of cancer treatment that directly target cancer cellsoften with severe side-effectsAllison and Honjo figured out how to help the patient's own immune system tackle the cancer more quickly.

The pioneering discoveries led to treatments targeting proteins made by some immune system cells that act as a "brake" on the body's natural defences killing cancer cells.

The Nobel Assembly in Stockholm said the therapy "has now revolutionised cancer treatment and has fundamentally changed the way we view how cancer can be managed".

In 1995, Allison was one of two scientists to identify the CTLA-4 molecule as an inhibitory receptor on T-cells, a type of white blood cell that play a central role in the body's natural immunity to disease.

The 70-year-old, whose mother died of cancer when he was 10, "realised the potential of releasing the brake and thereby unleashing our immune cells to attack tumours," the Nobel jury said.

Around the same time, Honjo discovered a protein on immune cells, the ligand PD-1, and eventually realised that it also worked as a brake but in a different way.

'Honoured and humbled'

On the website of his University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Allison said he was "honoured and humbled to receive this prestigious recognition".

"I never dreamed my research would take the direction it has," he said.

"It's a great, emotional privilege to meet cancer patients who've been successfully treated with immune checkpoint blockade. They are living proof of the power of basic science, of following our urge to learn and to understand how things work."

Honjo, 76, meanwhile vowed to push ahead with his work.

"I want to continue my research... so that this immune therapy will save more cancer patients than ever," he told reporters at the University of Kyoto where he is based.

Scientists have attempted to engage the immune system in the fight against cancer for more than 100 years, but until the seminal discoveries by the two laureates, progress into clinical development was modest.

Antibodies against PD-1 have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as an investigational new drug and developed for the treatment of cancer.

Former US President Jimmy Carter, 94, a 2002 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, survived melanoma, a severe stage of skin cancer which spread to his brain, after undergoing a form of immunotherapy, among others.

Research by Allison's team has meanwhile led to the development of a monoclonal antibody drug, which was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2011 for the treatment of melanoma. It is known commercially as Yervoy.

"I'd like to just give a shout out to all the patients out there to let them know we are making progress now," Allison told a news conference in New York.

Allison and Honjo have previously shared the 2014 Tang Prize, touted as Asia's version of the Nobels, for their research.

New therapies 'desperately needed'

Other cancer treatments have previously been awarded Nobel prizes, including methods for hormone treatment for prostate cancer in 1966, chemotherapy in 1988 and bone marrow transplantation for leukaemia in 1990.

The Nobel Assembly said advanced cancerthe second biggest killer worldwideremains immensely difficult to treat and novel therapeutic strategies are desperately needed.

The duo will share the Nobel prize sum of nine million Swedish kronor (about $1.01 million or 870,000 euros).

Monday's announcement was partially eclipsed by a Stockholm court's decision to sentence Frenchman Jean-Claude Arnault, a 72-year-old at the heart of a Nobel scandal, to two years in prison for rape that emerged during the #MeToo campaign.

The aftermath has led to a bitter internal dispute that has prevented the Academy from functioning properly, and as a result it postponed this year's Literature Prize until 2019the first time the prize has been delayed since 1949.

The winners of this year's physics prize will be announced on Tuesday, followed by the chemistry prize on Wednesday. The peace prize will be announced on Friday, and the economics prize will wrap up the Nobel season on Monday, October 8.

Explore further US, Japanese immunologists awarded Tang Prize for cancer quest

 2018 AFP
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A meeting on a global tobacco control treaty opened in Geneva Monday, with organisers scrambling to keep cigarette companies at bay, even as the industry demanded a seat at the table.

Two dramatically different views on the best way forward in reining in smoking were on display, with organisers and activists maintaining the tobacco companies had nothing to offer, and the industry insisting its new products are key to halting a smoking epidemic that causes some seven million deaths each year.

"This is not a time to be complacent," Vera Luiza da Costa e Silva, who heads the secretariat of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), said as delegates from 137 countries gathered to discuss the treaty.

"With astronomical budgets, the tobacco industry continues its furious efforts to undermine the implementation of our treaty"

The eighth meeting of the parties to the convention since it took effect in 2005 is expected this week to focus heavily on efforts to limit influence by Big Tobacco on the proceedings.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the convention Monday as "one of the greatest public health achievements in the past 20 years".

And the FCTC hailed "significant progress" in many of its 181 country parties in implementing the requirements of the treaty, including in creating smoke-free areas and banning advertising for tobacco products.

'Industry interference'

But, it cautioned, "tobacco industry interference, combined with the emergence of new and novel tobacco products, continues to be considered the most serious barrier to the implementation of the Convention."

In a bid to limit their influence, tobacco company representatives are barred from the conference, while delegates, observers and the media are asked to sign forms disclosing any connections to the tobacco industry.

Yet AFP spoke with several tobacco company executives who said they accessed the public gallery Monday to observe the proceedings.

The companies insist they should at least be allowed in the room.

"This is not about influencing, this is about presenting our view," said Michiel Reerink, the vice president of regulatory strategy at Japan Tobacco International (JTI), and one of the industry executives who observed the public opening of Monday's meeting.

"It is our industry and our products that are the subject of the debate."

"We believe we should be part of the conversation," Moira Gilchrist, Philip Morris International (PMI)'s vice president of scientific and public communications, told reporters Monday.

She was speaking at a Geneva hotel not far from the convention centre, where PMI has set up a stand to show off its portfolio of so-called harm-reduction products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco sticks, to delegates.

PMI and other companies say such products are far less dangerous than traditional cigarettes, and insist they are key to helping move smokers unable to quit completely over to "safer" alternatives.

They would like the FCTC and policymakers to embrace the new products, and are calling for less taxation and the right to promote them as less harmful than combustible cigarettes.

Da Costa e Silva of the FCTC told AFP last month that, in light of the tobacco industry's history of lying about the health impact of their products, she did not trust their claims.

"They said the same thing when they released filters for tobacco products, that this would be healthier products," she said.

"You can't trust what the tobacco industry says."

'Cynicism'

Activists also balk at the industry claims.

"They're saying: we created this gigantic problem... and when you're hooked, we will sell you the solution," Francis Thompson, who heads the Framework Convention Alliance, told AFP.

"There is a certain cynicism involved in that."

John Stewart of Corporate Accountability also questioned the science behind the claims, stressing that "I haven't seen any evidence that was not funded by the tobacco industry."

On the other side of the aisle, a group of 72 scientists and policy experts signed an open letter to Tedros Monday asking that WHO and FCTC "embrace tobacco harm reduction", insisting the new products "offer the prospect of significant and rapid public health gains."

PMI chief executive Andre Calantzopoulos meanwhile likened the debate on nicotine to the one that raged decades ago around how to combat HIV.

"At that time, one side argued for complete abstinence, while others took the more pragmatic approach that condoms were a more realistic and effective approach for the real world," he said in an email.

Explore further 'Game-changing' global pact against illicit tobacco trade kicks in

 2018 AFP
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Australian researchers have partnered with researchers in the Solomon Islands to advance the fight against neglected tropical diseases in the Pacific by proving that it is possible to safely treat large populations for trachoma and scabies simultaneously.

For the study an entire population (26,000-plus) in the Choiseul Province of Solomon Islands was given antibiotics to treat these highly infectious neglected tropical diseases. The research, a collaboration between Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI), the Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney, the Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine is published in the latest issue of Lancet Global Health.

Professor Andrew Steer, from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute and the University of Melbourne, said administering the two antibiotics together had significant advantages  reducing costs and the burden on health services and the community; and ultimately leading to better disease control.

"We know from our previous research in Fiji that administering the antibiotic ivermectin to entire communities reduced the prevalence of scabies by 94 per cent," Prof Steer said. "This new study shows us that by adding azithromycin to the mix, we have the potential to double the bang for our buck and create high population-wide reductions in both scabies and trachoma at the same time."

The Kirby Institute's Lucia Romani, lead author on the paper, said scabies and trachoma were both recognised by the World Health Organisation as neglected tropical diseases, and responsible for significant disease in the Solomon Islands, and the Pacific region more broadly. For example, scabies affects 20 per cent of the population at any one time.

"Both scabies and trachoma are very easily treated by the antibiotics, ivermectin and azithromycin," Dr. Romani said. "This research found that mass administration of these antibiotics simultaneously was both safe and practical in a population of more than 26,000.

"This research indicates that there is now a need for new studies to assess the safety and effectiveness of co-administration of treatments for other neglected tropical diseases."

The Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services had begun a mass drug administration program against trachoma in 2014, and the Choiseul Province was the last scheduled to be treated.

Mr Oliver Sokana, a co-author from the Solomon Islands Ministry of Health, said everyone in Choiseul who received the treatment consented to take part in the study.

"Information sheets about the trial were given to community nurses, who were also briefed on the study and community members had the chance to meet the local health staff and ask questions," he said.

Mr Sokana said the researchers carefully monitored adverse reactions to the treatments. They checked hospital admissions in the 24 hours after the vaccines were given; they asked participants about their health at the time of the treatments; and they undertook active surveillance in ten villages, which also included asking residents to fill in questionnaires.

"Finally we reviewed clinic and hospital admissions during the year after the treatments and compared them to the 12 months before," Mr Sokana said.

According to the research data, there were no serious side effects to the treatments. Of the 21,817 study participants who received both doses, 571 (or 2.6 per cent) had mild reactions, which cleared in a week. These included dizziness, stomach pain and diarrhea.

In the month after the treatments were administered, 84 people were admitted to hospital and two died, compared to a monthly median of 16 admissions and six deaths. However the researchers say it is not possible to draw a connection between the fall in deaths and the treatment roll-out.

Explore further Mass-drug administration curbs scabies for asylum seekers in the Netherlands

More information: Lucia Romani et al. Feasibility and safety of mass drug coadministration with azithromycin and ivermectin for the control of neglected tropical diseases: a single-arm intervention trial, The Lancet Global Health (2018). Lucia Romani et al. Feasibility and safety of mass drug coadministration with azithromycin and ivermectin for the control of neglected tropical diseases: a single-arm intervention trial,(2018). DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30397-8
State 2 to give investment security

Chief Minister of Province 2 Lal Babu Raut said the provincial government is committed to create a conducive environment to attract investment.
(HealthDay)College students of color have lower mental health-related treatment use relative to white students, according to a study published in the September issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health.

Sarah Ketchen Lipson, Ph.D., from the Boston University School of Public Health, and colleagues aimed to capture the state of mental health among students of color in a sample of 43,375 undergraduate and graduate students at 60 institutions; the sample included 13,000 students of color. Symptom prevalence, as measured by validated screens such as the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for depression, help-seeking behaviors, and related factors were assessed.

The researchers identified modest variation in symptom prevalence across race/ethnicity and larger variation in service utilization. Relative to white students, students of color had lower treatment use, even after the researchers controlled for other variables. The lowest prevalence of treatment was seen for Asian/Asian-American students at only 20 percent among those with apparent mental health conditions. There was also significant variation in attitudes related to mental health treatment, which helped explain the primary findings.

"This study offers important evidence of mental health disparities among college students of color, particularly with regard to treatment," the authors write. "The challenge for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners will be to develop and disseminate programs that effectively reach students of color, recognizing unique needs within and across racial/ethnic groups."

Explore further Significant disparities in college student mental health treatment across race/ethnicity

Copyright  2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
PET scan of a human brain with Alzheimer's disease. Credit: public domain

Up to half of people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) use a psychotropic drug, and one in five uses two or more psychotropics concomitantly, according to a study conducted at the University of Eastern Finland.

Psychotropic drug use was more common among persons with Alzheimer's disease already five years before the diagnosis, and the difference in persons without AD increased at the time of diagnosis. Four years after the diagnosis, psychotropic drug use was three times more common in persons with AD than in comparison persons.

Of psychotropic drugs, the use of antipsychotics was almost eight times more common among persons with Alzheimer's disease than among comparison persons. There were no differences in the use of benzodiazepines and related drugs. The use of at least two psychotropics concomitantly was three times more common among persons with Alzheimer's disease four years after the diagnosis. The most common combination included an antidepressant together with either an antipsychotic or a benzodiazepine.

The use of first-line anti-dementia drugs, namely acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, was associated with a decreased risk of psychotropic polypharmacy, whereas memantine use was associated with an increased risk. The results were published in European Neuropsychopharmacology.

"Concomitant use of psychotropics is concerning, as previous studies have shown that there is a link between several adverse events and psychotropic drug use among older persons and persons with dementia," says Professor Sirpa Hartikainen from the University of Eastern Finland.

Guidelines of care in many countries recommend prescribing an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor to persons with Alzheimer's disease, if there is no contraindication for use.

This study was part of the nationwide register-based MEDALZ study conducted at the University of Eastern Finland. The study included all 70,718 persons diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in Finland during 2005-2011. Researchers from Utrecht University also contributed to this study.

Explore further More than half of persons with Alzheimer's disease aged 90 years or more use psychotropic drugs

More information: Kim Orsel et al. Psychotropic drugs use and psychotropic polypharmacy among persons with Alzheimer's disease, European Neuropsychopharmacology (2018). Kim Orsel et al. Psychotropic drugs use and psychotropic polypharmacy among persons with Alzheimer's disease,(2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2018.04.005
Too many choices can make it hard for a person to make a decision. Scientists have uncovered why. Credit: Caltech

If you've ever found yourself staring at a lengthy restaurant menu and been completely unable to decide what to order for lunch, you have experienced what psychologists call choice overload. The brain, faced with an overwhelming number of similar options, struggles to make a decision.

A study conducted in California nearly 20 years ago is illustrative of the effect. In that study, researchers set up a table offering samples of jams to customers in a grocery store. At times, 24 jam samples were provided; at other times, only six. It turned out that although shoppers were more likely to stop and try samples when the table was jam-packed, they also were much less likely to actually purchase any jam. Shoppers were somewhat less likely to stop at the table when it had only six jams, but when they did, they were 10 times more likely to make a jam purchase than the customers at the fuller table.

Lunch entrees and fruit preserves might seem trivial, but choice overload can sometimes have serious consequences, says Colin Camerer, Caltech's Robert Kirby Professor of Behavioral Economics and the T&C Chen Center for Social and Decision Neuroscience Leadership Chair. As an example, he points to Sweden's partial privatization of its social security system. The government allowed citizens to move some of their retirement savings into private funds. The government gave them hundreds of funds from which to choose, and conducted a large advertising campaign encouraging them to make their own choice. At first, nearly 70 percent of the eligible adult population took an active role in choosing a fund, but the percentage quickly dropped off. After 10 years, only about 1 percent of newly eligible Swedes were making an active decision about where to put their retirement money.

Now, a study conducted at Caltech by Camerer reveals new insights into choice overload, including the parts of the brain responsible for it, and how many options the brain actually prefers when it is making a choice.

In the study, volunteers were presented with pictures of scenic landscapes that they could have printed on a piece of merchandise such as a coffee mug. Each participant was offered a variety of sets of images, containing six, 12, or 24 pictures. They were asked to make their decisions while a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) machine recorded activity in their brains. As a control, the volunteers were asked to browse the images again, but this time their image selection was made randomly by a computer.

The fMRI scans revealed brain activity in two regions while the participants were making their choices: the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), where the potential costs and benefits of decisions are weighed, Camerer says; and the striatum, a part of the brain responsible for determining value.

Camerer and his colleagues also saw that activity in these two regions was highest in subjects who had 12 options to pick from, and lowest in those with either six or 24 items to choose from. Camerer says that pattern of activity is probably the result of the striatum and the ACC interacting and weighing the increasing potential for reward (getting a picture they really like for their mug) against the increasing amount of work the brain will have to do to evaluate possible outcomes.

As the number of options increases, the potential reward increases, but then begins to level off due to diminishing returns. "The idea is that the best out of 12 is probably rather good, while the jump to the best out of 24 is not a big improvement," Camerer says. At the same time, the amount of effort required to evaluate the options increases. Together, mental effort and the potential reward result in a sweet spot where the reward isn't too low and the effort isn't too high. This pattern was not seen when the subjects merely browsed the images because there was no potential for reward, and thus less effort was required when evaluating the options.

Camerer points out that 12 isn't some magic number for human decision-making, but rather an artifact of the experimental design. He estimates that the ideal number of options for a person is probably somewhere between 8 and 15, depending on the perceived reward, the difficulty of evaluating the options, and the person's individual characteristics.

Of course, a trip to the nearest grocery store is likely to reveal that lots of products come in many more than a dozen varieties. There might be a whole aisle of toothpastes of varying brands, sizes, flavors, textures, and properties, and on the condiment aisle, there might be dozens of kinds of mustards to choose from.

Camerer says that's partly because people tend to feel freer and like they have more control over their lives when they have more options to choose from, even if having all those options ends up distressing them at decision time.

"Essentially, our eyes are bigger than our stomachs," he says. "When we think about how many choices we want, we may not be mentally representing the frustrations of making the decision."

Camerer says future research in this area could explore and attempt to quantify the mental costs of making a decision.

"What is mental effort? What does thinking cost? It's poorly understood," he says.

The paper, titled "Choice overload reduces neural signatures of choice set value in dorsal striatum and anterior cingulate cortex," appears in the October 1 issue of Nature Human Behavior.

Explore further Study reveals how the brain decides to make an effort

More information: Elena Reutskaja et al, Choice overload reduces neural signatures of choice set value in dorsal striatum and anterior cingulate cortex, Nature Human Behaviour (2018). Journal information: Nature Human Behaviour Elena Reutskaja et al, Choice overload reduces neural signatures of choice set value in dorsal striatum and anterior cingulate cortex,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41562-018-0440-2
(HealthDay)Libtayo (cemiplimab-rwlc) injection has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat advanced squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), the agency said in a news release.

The drug is from a class of medications called immune checkpoint inhibitors. These drugs target a protein found on the body's immune cells and certain cancer cells called PD-1, the FDA explained. Libtayo is designed to help the body's immune system fight the cancer.

"With the Libtayo approval, the FDA has approved six immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD-1 pathway for treating a variety of tumors, from bladder to head and neck cancer," said Dr. Richard Pazdur, director of the agency's Oncology Center of Excellence.

About 700,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with CSCC each year, making it the second most common form of skin cancer behind basal cell cancer, the FDA said.

CSCC usually develops on skin that has regularly been exposed to the sun and other sources of ultraviolet radiation, the agency said. When the cancer spreads, it can travel to the lymph nodes or other tissues and organs, potentially becoming life-threatening.

Clinical trials of Libtayo involving 108 people showed that more than 47 percent of those given the drug had their tumors shrink or disappear, the FDA said.

Common side effects include fatigue, rash and diarrhea. A more serious adverse reaction is that the immune system could attack normal organs and tissues.

Since Libtayo may harm a developing fetus, women of child-bearing age should use contraception while taking the drug, the agency said.

Libtayo is produced by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, based in Tarrytown, N.Y.

Explore further New treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma approved

More information: Visit the FDA to Visit the FDA to learn more

Copyright  2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
More lives have been saved by vaccines than any public health initiative, save clean water  yet millions of people worry that vaccines are a threat to themselves and their children. Such fears result in vaccination rates dropping, opening the door to outbreaks of preventable diseases such as measles, mumps and whooping cough.

Michael Kinch, associate vice chancellor at Washington University in St. Louis and director of the Center for Drug Discovery at Washington University School of Medicine, has written a book to counter some of the most destructive misperceptions of lifesaving vaccines. His book, "Between Hope and Fear: A History of Vaccines and Human Immunity," tells the story of the people behind vaccines and how the human body fights infection. Kinch is also director of the Center for Research Innovation in Biotechnology, and a professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics and of radiation oncology.

Why did you write this book?

For the last six years, I've been assessing the sources of innovation and entrepreneurship in new medicine and vaccine development. In the course of doing that, I realized that most of the stories we're told about vaccines are wrong. So I went back to correct the record.

For example, everyone learns that Edward Jenner invented vaccines. The story is that he noticed that milkmaids have beautiful clear skin. They don't get smallpox  which leaves scars all over  because they get cowpox instead and that protects them. But in fact, it was an English farmer, Benjamin Jesty, who noticed the milkmaids' skin and performed the first vaccinations two decades earlier. He walked for miles in the midst of a smallpox outbreak until he found a cow with cowpox and then used his wife's knitting needles to scratch the skin and inoculate his wife and children. Jenner popularized it, but Jesty invented it. And when his neighbors heard about what Jesty had done, they ran him and his family out of the village. They had to move 100 miles away.

Why were they run out of the village?

There was a fear that because they were mixing cow material with human, they were going to turn into some minotaur-like creature at night and kill everyone in the village. We can laugh at that fear, but right now we're experiencing our own vaccine fear in the form of Gardasil, the cervical cancer vaccine. Not because of its safety; it's totally safe. People are attacking it as the "promiscuity vaccine" with the idea being that now that teenagers know they're not going to get cervical cancer, they're going to be more sexually active. That's not likely. The anti-vaccine movement has been around longer than there have been vaccines, and oftentimes it is entirely irrational. That's really the story of this book. Every breakthrough is followed by a backlash or a tragedy.

How was there an anti-vaccine movement before there were vaccines?

Before there was true vaccination, there was variolation, where people were deliberately infected with smallpox through a scratch on the skin. Up to 10 percent of people who were variolated died, which is not good, but it's better than the 30 percent or so who die from natural smallpox infection. When Cotton Mather, who was a prominent Puritan leader, promoted variolation in the Massachusetts colony, people threw bricks through his window and accused him of trying to kill their children. And there have been screw-ups that caused real tragedies. There was a batch of polio vaccine that wasn't properly inactivated and caused a big polio outbreak in California. So yes, sometimes there's a bad batch. Sometimes there's a bad vaccine. That's human nature. We make mistakes. But no other man-made product has saved more lives than vaccines.

Are scientists winning the argument against the anti-vaxxers?

Certainly, if you go on Twitter, anti-vaccine messages are outperforming pro-vaccine five or six to one. I don't think we're winning. I think we're starting to lose. Ukraine has more than 30,000 cases of measles this year. Mizzou had a terrible mumps outbreak, hundreds of cases. And it's a shame. It's more than a shame, it's a tragedy. I'm not out to vilify antivaxxers. I don't doubt that they care about their children and they care about other people's children. But scientists are doing a lousy job communicating with the public about it. The evidence that vaccines are safe and effective is so overwhelming that scientists don't want to talk about it anymore. They think the matter is settled. But they don't recognize that we might have the facts on our side but we're still losing the war on vaccines.

What do you want people to take away from this book?

The biggest thing is to get access to the facts. The real facts, not what you see on Facebook or Twitter. More often than not, the things you see on Facebook and Twitter are manipulated to play on your fears. That's why I wrote this book: To give an objective view, lay out the evidence for everyone to see. Other than clean water, nothing has saved more human lives than vaccines. We need to appreciate that.

Explore further Rejecting vaccines as a way to fit in?
The department of veterans affairs (DVA), which among other things has responsibility for our World War I heritage at Gallipoli and the Western Front in Europe, was not included in the joint understanding apart from the allocation of $1 million for unspecified purposes.

Under a joint understanding signed by the Australian and PNG governments in 2008, Bartlett was replaced by an Australian CEO on an eye-watering six-figure salary and with a tenfold increase in staff and multi-million dollar budget.

During his tenure trekker numbers grew from 365 in 2002 to 5,621 in 2008  a massive increase of 1,440%. Bartlett had no staff but was assisted by a part-time local secretary.

Prior to the arrival of Australian officials in 2008, the emerging Kokoda trekking industry was managed by Warren Bartlett, a former kiap on a PNG salary of $12,500.

SYDNEY - The recent departure of the Papua New Guinea CEO of the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) brings an end to a sorry saga of Australian mismanagement along the Kokoda Trail.

There is no evidence that any of this money was allocated to the development of a master plan to protect and interpret our military heritage along the trail.

It is also remains unclear why DVA are responsible for World War I military heritage at Gallipoli and the environment and foreign affairs departments are responsible for our World War II heritage at Kokoda.

After a decade of environment department stewardship, the results speak for themselves. Despite a conga-line of Australian environmental consultants and more than $60 million of taxpayers funds, trekker numbers declined by 36% from 5,621 in 2008 to 3,597 in 2012.

None of the five key strategies or 33 objectives of the departments KTA Strategic Plan 2012-2015 was achieved despite numerous capacity building conferences, forums, workshops, gender equity studies and social mapping initiatives conducted in Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney and Port Moresby.

It was instructive that not a single workshop was conducted in a village along the Kokoda Trail as part of developing the plan. Its as if local villagers were not deemed to be smart enough to understand what they needed.

The $1.3 million village livelihoods program conceived in Canberra without any consultation with then PNG community development minister, Dame Carol Kidu, failed to generate an extra dollar in income for local village communities.

The KTA Strategic Plan: 2012-2015 did not provide for the development of a master plan to protect and interpret our shared wartime heritage along the Kokoda Trail. It was as if The two Australian government departments were ideologically opposed to commemoration.

In 2012 the Australian CEO left without putting a single management protocol in place for the PNG-designate CEO he selected. For reasons known only to him, his successor did not have prior business experience or qualifications and did not receive management training during his tenure. Its as if he was set up to fail.

As it transpired the PNG-designate CEO inherited an impossible management structure without any legislative support. He was responsible to three PNG ministers (provincial & local level government, environment & conservation and tourism). In addition, he had to deal with complex demands from a myriad of landowners, villagers and up to 80 trek operators with competing interests.

Not a single management protocol by the Australian CEO during a three-year tenure: no database; no campsite booking system; no trek itinerary management system; no campsite development program; no trail maintenance plan; no effective ranger system; nor any development programs to assist local villagers in value-adding to the emerging industry.

Of more concern is the fact that he never trekked the trail until the end of his tenure. The needs of local villagers and the protection of our shared military heritage were abstract concepts to him.

After his departure, the situation deteriorated to such an extent that PNG prime minister Peter ONeill called for a review of the dysfunctional mess the PNG-designate CEO and his team inherited. Unfortunately ONeill was deftly left-footed by Australian officials intent on maintaining their status-quo. DFAT agreed to fund the review and terms of reference were carefully drafted to shape the outcome.

It was no surprise to Kokoda watchers that the former environment department employee assigned to the KTA, who had since established his own environmental consultancy, got the job, and it was no surprise that his review recommended more of the same with a possible name change.

As a result, the management of the Kokoda Track Authority has been placed in limbo. Local villagers continue to be denied their rightful share of benefits from the trekking industry; guides and carriers continue to be overloaded, underpaid and ill-equipped; and trekker numbers continue to decline.

If Kokoda is to have a future that honours and interprets our wartime heritage and delivers shared benefits to landowners and local communities along the trail the review must be rejected.

In the meantime, an administrator should be appointed for a two to three year period while tenders for a legitimate review are sought from established PNG-based accounting firms to examine alternative management models and make appropriate recommendations for a structure that meets the needs of paying customers, that is, trekkers, as well as local village communities and which honours our shared wartime heritage.

Until then PNG should place an immediate ban on fly in  fly out Australian consultants.
Woman assaulted by husband and in-laws for demanding citizenship

A 19-year-old woman in Saptari has been hospitalised after sustaining serious injuries in an incident of domestic violence.
Youth leaders applaud Prime Minister Employment Programme

Leaders associated with the youth wings of various political parties have lauded the ambitious Prime Minister Employment Programme, which is expected to create thousands of jobs every year.
Ogden, UT  A man was arrested for murder and kidnapping in Ogden Saturday after allegedly shooting an individual during an altercation at a local mall.

According to a probable cause statement released by police, Octavio Efrain Estrada-Mendez, his young son and his girlfriend were shopping at the mall in Ogden, when a verbal altercation occurred with an individual.

Estrada-Mendez allegedly told the individual they could take this outside, and proceeded to exit the mall. Both parties exited the mall separately. When the two met in the parking lot, the statement said that Estrada-Mendez pulled out a handgun and shot the victim in the upper torso. He then allegedly got into the drivers seat of his girlfriends car while she was strapping their son in.

In an interview with police, Estrada-Mendezs girlfriend said that while climbing into the truck, he said Im sorry, and drove away with her and her son in the car.

During the alleged deadly shooting, a detective with the Ogden Police Department heard a gunshot and saw Estrada-Mendez fleeing in his girlfriends truck. The detective began to pursue the truck, and additional patrol vehicles joined the chase. The probable cause statement said that during the pursuit, Estrada-Mendez made many dangerous maneuvers and drove against traffic multiple times.

Octavio ultimately stopped the vehicle in the 1100 block of 23rd St. and exited the vehicle, the probable cause statement said. A short foot pursuit ensued, but police were eventually able to take him into custody.

A search warrant was obtained for the truck. Police said they found 217 grams of marijuana and 31 grams of methamphetamine as well as a digital scale in a black backpack and a 9 mm handgun under the front seat of the vehicle. During an interview with police, Estrada-Mendezs girlfriend allegedly stated that the backpack belonged to her boyfriend, and he had tossed the handgun to her during the pursuit, which she pushed to the floor of the truck.

Estrada-Mendez was arrested and booked for murder, two counts of kidnapping, two counts of distributing a controlled substance, one count of transaction of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, one count of possession of drug paraphernalia, one count of endangerment of a child or elderly adult and two counts of failure to stop at command of law enforcement.
New York, NY - Federal prosecutors in New York are seeking the death penalty for Sayfullo Saipov, the suspect in the New York City terror attack that killed eight people -- a rare punishment that hasn't been carried out in the state for a federal crime since 1953.

Saipov, 30, allegedly used a Home Depot rental truck to carry out an attack on a bike path along the West Side Highway in Lower Manhattan, mowing down pedestrians and cyclist in his path on Oct. 31.

In order to justify a death sentence, prosecutors will have to prove that Saipov "intentionally" killed the eight victims and "intentionally" inflicted serious bodily injury, according to the notice of intent to seek the death penalty, filed in the Southern District of New York.

Both of those counts carry a possibly death sentence, according to the court document.

Weeks after the attack, a federal grand jury slapped Saipov with a 22-count indictment that included eight charges of murder in aid of racketeering, typically used by federal prosecutors in organized crime cases, and a charge of violence and destruction of motor vehicles.

The attack required "substantial planning and premeditation," prosecutors said, describing the manner in which Saipov carried it out as "heinous, cruel and depraved."

"Sayfullo Habibullaevic Saipov caused injury, harm, and loss to the families and friends of Diego Enrique Angelini, Nicholas Cleves, Ann-Laure Decadt, Darren Drake, Ariel Erlij, Hernan Ferruchi, Hernan Diego Mendoza, and Alejandro Damian Pagnucco," the notice of intent states. Five of the victims were tourists from Argentina.

It has been a decade since the Southern District of New York last prosecuted a death penalty case. The defendant, Khalid Barnes, was convicted of murdering two drug suppliers but was ultimately sentenced to life in prison in September 2009.

The last time the death penalty was carried out in a New York federal case was in 1953 for Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, a married couple executed after they were convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage for the Soviet Union during the Cold War two years before.

Both Rosenbergs were both put to death by the electric chair on June 19, 1953.

Saipov, a native of Uzbekistan, demonstrated a lack of remorse in the days and months following the attack, according to court documents. He stated to investigators that he felt good about what he had done, police said.
Reed Exhibitions Africa said the inaugural Comic Con Africa was an unprecedented success, with over 45,000 fans attending.

The event was hosted at the Kyalami International Convention Centre from 14-16 September 2018, and tickets sold out before the gates opened to the public.

Africas inaugural Comic Con has wrapped up and it exceeded even our wildest expectations, Reed Exhibitions Africa MD Carol Weaving said.

The three-day gathering of gamers, cosplayers, pop culture fanatics, and comic book enthusiasts has ignited a magical fire on the African continent.

Comic Con Africa featured interactive sessions with international celebrities, large esports tournaments, panel discussions, and more.

Weaving added that due to the big success, the event will return to Johannesburg next year.

Based on this success we are very proud and excited to announce that we will be bringing Comic Con Africa back to Johannesburg in 2019, she said.
Transnet is gearing up to sue former CEO Brian Molefe and former CFO Anoj Singh for their involvement with a controversial locomotives tender, the City Press reports.

Sources told the City Press that the two former Transnet executives will be sued by the company for their roles in hiking the cost of the tender from R38.6 billion to R54.5 billion.

The company also plans to launch a civil suit against the Gupta-linked China South Rail, which received the biggest share of the tender.

The sources stated that Molefe, Singh, and Gupta-associate executive Salim Essa will soon receive letters of demand from the company  but Transnet board chairperson Popo Molefe refuted these reports.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is continuing to probe the controversial locomotive tender under orders from president Cyril Ramaphosa to root out any evidence of unlawful activity.

Transnet CEO Siyabonga Gama has also been issued with a demand to pay back R151 million by the Transnet board, with the board adding that it does not expect to retain Gama in his current appointment.

Transnets contract with T-Systems also recently came under scrutiny following the publishing of evidence which showed bias towards it receiving a tender from Transnet.

Gijima scored the highest points in the Transnet tender process, and subsequently called for a criminal probe into the contract when it was not awarded the work.
California governor Jerry Brown recently signed net neutrality legislation which was set to come into effect on 1 January.

The move has now resulted in the United States Justice Department filing a suit against the state, Reuters reported.

In December 2017, the FCC voted 3-2 to repeal its net neutrality rules, and the Justice Department has subsequently filed for a preliminary injunction to block Californias net neutrality laws.

States do not regulate interstate commerce  the federal government does. Once again the California legislature has enacted an extreme and illegal state law attempting to frustrate federal policy, Jeff Sessions, US Attorney General, said.

Sessions used the phrase once again as California and US President Donald Trumps administration have clashed on environmental and immigration issues, the report stated.

Sessions argued that companies cant realistically comply with one set of standards in California, and another for the rest of the United States.

However, the Attorney General for California, Xavier Becerra, said that the Trump administration was ignoring millions of Americans who supported net neutrality rules.

Now read: Net neutrality activists push open Internet agenda for US midterm elections
My job interview with Gary Danko to become a line cook at the Restaurant at Chateau Souverain in 1989 ended with him handing me a thick cookbook.

Read this, he said, his eyes intensely searching my face for a response.

I nodded slowly and opened the cover.

Are you giving me this signed copy? I asked.

He smiled a tight-lipped smile. Only if you read every word, he said.

The book, When French Woman Cook, was written by Dankos mentor and friend, Madeleine Kamman, who died July 16.

Although she wrote seven cookbooks, had her own PBS series from 1984 to 1991 and mentored hundreds of chefs, she remains relatively unknown. But her influence on those who knew her was a distinct force in their lives that influenced the trajectory of Napa Valley cuisine and beyond. Above all of her proteges, Danko was probably most closely aligned with Kammans approach and style of crafting cuisine.

MMK [Kamman] inspired and influenced my cooking, said Danko, who owns the Michelin-starred Restaurant Gary Danko in San Francisco. I first met MMK through her book The Making of a Cook back in 1975 while attending cooking school at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York.

Born in 1931, Kamman had first learned to cook as a young girl at her aunt's restaurant in Touraine, France. Later, after World War II, she attended Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and met her future husband, an American named Alan Kamman. They married and moved to Philadelphia, where by 1966 she had started giving cooking classes. Eventually she moved to Boston and started a cooking school called The Modern Gourmet with an attached restaurant, Chez La Mere Madeleine, that was staffed by her students.

By the early 1980s, Kamman had published three cookbooks and gained notoriety through her unapologetic approach to cooking cuisine des femmes (womans cooking) and also her public feud with Julia Child, questioning Childs claim that she was a French chef. The animosity became mutual, with Child refusing to utter Kammans name or dine at her popular restaurant, which eventually closed.

Kamman moved briefly back to France, but soon returned to the United States as a guest lecturer for various cooking schools.

And so eight years after Danko had first met Kamman and after hed graduated the program at the CIA he had his first chance to train under the master chef.

I was excited with anticipation when I walked into Peter Kumps New York Cooking School in the fall of 1983 to physically meet her and experience her teaching, Danko said. I was finally going to meet the woman who answered my questions with the knowledge she had amassed in her books.

Coming to the Napa Valley

Danko explained that traditional culinary schools focused on the how part of cooking, whereas Kamman, in simple and methodic explanations not only explained the hows but  most importantly  the whys.

She taught classic French cooking and then modern French cooking, covering techniques and theory as well as demonstrating her cuisine, Danko said. There was something in her passion and explanation about cooking that made the lessons sink in. I knew then I needed to work and train under her even more.

And he did. First he attended her newly opened culinary school in New Hampshire, and then they both moved west to open the School for American Chefs at Beringer Vineyards in the Napa Valley.

I had been bestowed the honor of being the first extern chosen to represent her back in 1985 for Beringers new food and wine program, Danko said. Later, as MMK moved to Napa to open the school in 1987, I was appointed the chef at the Restaurant at Chateau Souverain.

The Restaurant at Chateau Souverain, a then-recent acquisition by Beringers parent company, located in Sonoma Countys Geyserville, was fast becoming the go-to fine-dining establishment in the North Bay. And there Id been hired as a line cook. Working with Danko is akin to drinking out of a culinary fire hose  a furious crash course in the Danko/Kamman approach to cooking.

Within two years Id learned more about cooking than I had in 10 years of previous experience. And I wasnt the only one affected by working with Danko, who had already become a proxy for working with Kamman.

For the past 12 years, I've only used Garys/Madeleines method for making meat sauces, said Chef Brandon Sharp (former sous chef at Gary Danko, chef at Solbar and now executive chef at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill, North Carolina). Their meat essence technique results in a depth of flavor that is free from the bitterness that tomato paste and collagen can impart to sauces made from a more traditional veal stock. This helps rein in even the most extracted, intense red wines. The same goes for their fish fumet, which is also wholly unique.

Other successful Napa Valley chefs have worked under both Danko and Kamman, and each came away with a deeper understanding of the importance of making sauces and using proper technique.

Madeleine taught great skill, technique and was a master saucier. Her sauces were perfectly balanced in the five primary flavors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami, Danko said. Her goal was to match impeccable modern French techniques with the best ingredients available.

"She called her style modern cooking or ' cuisine personnelle. It is what everyone is striving to do at the moment but what Madeleine had been practicing for more than 30 years. She was a strong woman with more energy than people half her age. She held herself to the highest standards, knew what she was capable of and what she expected of others.

Beyond food

Kamman was a master chef but also an early feminist. She called her book, When French Women Cook, a feminist manifesto and dedicated it to the millions of women who have spent millennia in kitchens creating unrecognized masterpieces, with a very special thought to Paul Bocuses grandmother and mother, and my Aunt Claire Robert, to whom I owe most of what I know, practice and teach.

The Bocuse comment was probably directed at Paul Bocuse himself  also a master French chef  who had commented that a womans place is in the bedroom, not the kitchen.

Because of her intensity, she could also be abrasive. And whereas Child might drop a chicken on the floor and then brush it off and laugh about it, there was never any question that if such an error had happened on Kammans PBS cooking series that she would have been mortified to the point of distraction. Child was fun and a little goofy; Kamman was serious and intimidating.

Naturally every student wants to impress their mentor, Danko said. MMK was known to not mince words or to hold back her opinion  this was also my experience working with her.

"Having a relationship with MMK was never easy. She was exacting and she was critical, the exact reason I felt I needed to continue studying and working with her. You were going to hear exactly what was right or wrong, which in retrospect is a great lesson in becoming better at what you do.

Real cuisine

According to Danko, Kamman felt that a cook should be able to taste a recipe in his or her head before it was made, to anticipate the finished dish before beginning any preparations.

What makes it a real cuisine is the mastery of techniques applied to excellent raw material, Danko said. She taught that the result is what's important. It has to appeal to your eyes, appeal to your taste buds  it has to appeal to your heart.

Kamman is survived by two sons, Alan and Neil, and four grandchildren. Her husband died in 2014. However, she also lives on in the many chefs who trained under her, each of us mourning the loss of an influential and wonderfully complex human being.

I still consider MMK one of my best friends and the major influence in my life, Danko said. I miss having Madeline in my life.
Harvard Health Blog

If you're the kind of person who avoids public bathrooms at all costs, you may feel validated, as well as disturbed, by a study from researchers at the University of Connecticut and Quinnipiac University. They suspected that hot-air hand dryers in public restrooms might be sucking up bacteria from the air, and dumping them on the newly washed hands of unsuspecting patrons.

To test this theory, scientists exposed petri dishes to bathroom air under different conditions and took them back to the microbiology laboratory to look for bacterial growth. Petri dishes exposed to bathroom air for two minutes with the hand dryers off only grew one colony of bacteria, or none at all. However, petri dishes exposed to hot air from a bathroom hand dryer for 30 seconds grew up to 254 colonies of bacteria (though most had from 18 to 60 colonies of bacteria).

Were the bacteria multiplying inside the hand dryers, or were they being pulled into the hand dryers from the air inside the bathroom? To answer this question, the researchers attached high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to the dryers, which would eliminate most of the bacteria from the air passing through the dryer. When they exposed petri dishes to air from the hand dryers again, the quantity of bacteria in the dishes had fallen by 75 percent. As well, the researchers found minimal amounts of bacteria on the nozzles of the hand dryers. They concluded that most of the bacterial splatter from the hand dryers had come from the washroom air.

How did the bacteria get into the air in the first place? Unfortunately, every time a lidless toilet is flushed, it aerosolizes a fine mist of microbes. This fecal cloud may disperse over an area as large as six square meters (65 square feet). Aerosols from flushed toilets may be especially harmful in the hospital setting as a means of spreading Clostridium difficile.

Is there any good news from this study? Well, the vast majority of the microbes that were detected do not cause disease in healthy people, with the exception of Staphylococcus aureus. Some of the bathroom bacteria, such as Acinetobacter, only cause infections in people in the hospital, or in those with weak immune systems. The others that were found are relatively harmless. In addition, air from real-world bathrooms may contain fewer bacteria than the bathrooms in the study. The sampled restrooms were located in a university health sciences building, and at least some of the bacteria came from experiments going on in laboratories within the building.

So what's a person to do to avoid picking up bacteria in a bathroom? You should still dry your hands, as not drying them after washing them helps bacteria to survive on them. Paper towels are the most hygienic way to dry your hands. For this reason, use of paper towels is already routine in health care settings. You may also wish to avoid jet air dryers, which have also been associated with the spread of germs in bathrooms. And remember that your chances of picking up a serious pathogen in a restroom are small. Direct contact with other people is much more likely as a means of acquiring infection.

(John Ross, M.D., is a contributing editor to Harvard Health Publishing.)
Azerbaijan says three people injured due to explosives incident

Bloomberg: US authorities rejected Intel's proposal to increase chip production in China

Stepanakert-Berdzor road is temporarily closed

US and Japan begin consultations to solve the problem of overproduction of steel

Russia creates unified satellite communication system for UAVs

Artsakh NSS: No injured among Artsakh citizens

1,251 new cases of coronavirus infection registered in Armenia per day

Celebrities ask Biden to give pardoned turkeys for Thanksgiving to animal rights activists

Lavrov, Shoygu discuss situation in Karabakh with French counterparts

Armenia PM to send High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs to Russia on business trip

Explosion takes place in mosque in Afghanistan, leaving 15 injured

Armenia Parliament Deputy Speaker meets with Karabakh Security Council Secretary and parliamentarians

Gunshots heard in computer game room in Yerevan

RFE/RL Armenian Service: Iranian drivers complain that new Tatev-Aghavni road is narrow for trucks

EU, UNDP launch Mayors for Economic Growth Program in Armenia

Armenia Deputy PM: We support adoption of documents for further enhancement of defensibility of CIS countries

Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin says COVID-19 vaccination does not present spiritual danger

Armenia Deputy PM meets with representatives of Asian Development Bank

Monument to officers of Russian helicopter downed in 2020 unveiled during ceremony in Armenia's Yeraskh

Armenia Kotayk Province's general jurisdiction court has new judge

Armenia ruling party MP appointed Ambassador to Spain

NEWS.am daily digest: 12.11.21

Armenia Justice Ministry, UNDP to cooperate for constitutional reforms and in anti-corruption field

Turkey, Qatar agree to strengthen military cooperation

Armenia defense minister, India Ambassador discuss cooperation in defense sector

Armenia has new Ambassador to Germany

Armenia appellate court releases ex-MP from custody

Armenia economy minister meets with Charge dAffaires of Georgia

12-year-old Armenian boy's 4 fingers cut, undergoes 10-hour surgery

Armenia Deputy PM opposes Azerbaijani premier, says Karabakh conflict can't be resolved by force

Dollar continues going down in Armenia

Lithuania ambassador to parliament speaker: Relations with Armenia are priorities of our country

Millions of Austrians not vaccinated against COVID-19 may be quarantined

Georgian and Turkish border guards conducting joint military exercises in Javakhk

Charles Michel thanks Turkey for prohibiting citizens of Iraq, Syria and Yemen from flying to Belarus

Myanmar court sentences US journalist to 11 years in jail

Armenia official: Azerbaijan continues to torpedo implementation of agreements reached

Opposition MP to Armenia minister: Who will perform the duties of the mayor of Goris?

Man in photo died from railway accident in Russia, there is suspicion that he was from Armenia's Armavir Province

Armenia ex-deputy defense minister: Pashinyan is lying when he says there is no logic of corridor

Video showing another act of vandalism of Azerbaijanis in Karabakh disseminated on social networks

Armenia, Palestine FMs discuss Armenian heritage in Holy Land

Azerbaijan says it is ready to sign with Armenia peace agreement recognizing territorial integrity

Armenia official: We are building many roads in Syunik Province

Karabakh state minister delivers lecture at Columbia University in New York

Ukraine delegation to visit Armenia next week

Armenia FM in Paris, meets with French Armenian figures (PHOTOS)

Armenia to host Eurasian Intergovernmental Council session

80 new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh

Erdogan says 'Greece has turned into a U.S. military base'

Sweden lifting entry ban for Armenia citizens fully vaccinated against Covid

Russia peacekeepers escort more than 8,000 traveling vehicles in Karabakh in 1 year

1,309 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

11 foreign nationals living illegally in Armenia are found in downtown Yerevan hotels

Aram Yacoubian is on Varietys Hollywoods New Leaders of 2021 list

Biden, Xi expected to hold virtual summit on November 15

Newspaper: Process of shaking up Armenia law enforcement system to begin

Newspaper: Armenia cargo transportation increases

FM to UNESCO head: Preventive steps against Azerbaijan destruction of Armenian heritage are simply imperative

Armenia Security Council chief: No logic to using Goris-Kapan motorway

Armenia Security Council secretary: Political decision is needed if agreement is reached on logic of unblocking roads

FM: There are numerous cases of Azerbaijans deliberate destruction of Armenian cultural, religious heritage

Armenia PM: Security is our most vulnerable place today

Armenian Church Diocese in Russia supports Finnish MP who is charged with offending reps of sexual minorities

Women of Artsakh organize meeting with Russian peacekeeping troops' commander

US Senate Armed Services Committee to consider 3 key amendments, including cutting off aid to Azerbaijan

Armen Sarkissian: I consider any encroachment on Armenia's borders inadmissible and unacceptable

Russian analyst says deployment of border and customs checkpoints in Lachin not ruled out

UN representatives provide humanitarian aid to immigrants on Polish border

U.S. security advisor: Rivalry with China in Pacific need not lead to new Cold War

UAE, Bahrain, Israel and US conducting maritime security exercise in Red Sea

Opposition 'With Honor' faction MP: Ruling party is implementing Baku's policy in Armenia

Armenia finance minister receives experts of Russian Financial Research Institute

Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group

NEWS.am daily digest: 11.11.21

Opposition 'With Honor' Alliance: We have a few questions for the Armenian premier

Dollar drops somewhat in Armenia

Deputy Mayor of Armenia's Goris Menua Hovsepyan voluntarily going to penitentiary institution to be arrested

EU remains committed to promoting peaceful, prosperous South Caucasus

Armenia MFA: Mirzoyan-Bayramov meeting held in Paris with participation of OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs

Azerbaijan FM continues developing Zangezur corridor concept

Court rules to arrest Deputy Mayor of Armenia's Goris Menua Hovsepyan

Armenia government allocates over $1 mln to repair Yerevan-Meghri road and two more roads

Flights to and from Yerevan and Kapan to be launched on January 20, 2022

Armenia Police: 33 citizens apprehended near government building

Armenia Ombudsman: Perhaps Azerbaijan will be deprived of jurisdiction over the motorway after delimitation

Armenia PM: Coronavirus situation is somewhat stable

'Armenia' Alliance: Azerbaijan is the one making decisions instead of Armenian PM, we will not put up with this

Ambassador to PM Pashinyan: Italy is interested in implementing new investment programs with Armenia

Three-year working plan for Armenia-Russia interparliamentary committee discussed during consultation

Armenia's Meghri has new mayor

Armenia Security Council secretary: Citizens may be able to travel on Goris-Kapan motorway for a toll

Quarantine regime extended in Armenia until June 20, 2022

Erdogan sues Greek newspaper

Armenia Security Council chief: We have rough idea of border with Azerbaijan

Turkish defense company Baykar to soon test 2 new UAVs

Arrested mayor of Armenias Goris re-elected by virtue of law

Deputy police chief: Later it will be clear who from Armenia will carry out inspection at Goris-Kapan road

European Parliament Friendship Group with Armenia is re-launched

Ombudsman: Armenia top officials statements legitimize Azerbaijanis presence, actions (PHOTOS)
1. Yes. Losing daily service to Houston could be just the first in a series of service cutbacks.

2. Yes. Being less competitive with Austin and D-FW will hurt the airport in the long run.

3. No. The airport has seen strong passenger numbers. Good marketing can keep it going.

4. No. The airport is still pursuing other service, including a Denver route. Its still a solid asset.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say without knowing future airline and travel industry trends.

Vote

View Results
We have to, eventually, put an end to this common reality when cancer is curable for the rich and incurable for the poor.

Anna Hakobyan, the wife of Armenias prime minister, and who is also chairperson of the board of trustees of City of Smile Charitable Foundation, on Sunday stated the aforementioned in her address at the World Cancer Leaders Summit in the Malaysian capital city of Kuala Lumpur.

On the sidelines of this event, Hakobyan also had several talks to discuss possible programs for the development of oncology in Armenia.

It is a great honor for me to speak to such a distinguished audience today and I am truly excited to avail of this opportunity to speak from this high tribune about such an important issue as cancer, and in particular  childhood cancer, Anna Hakobyan said, in particular, in her address. To be quite frank with you, it was really hard for me personally to assume this responsibility, and furthermore, agree to the suggestion of our dear Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan on attending this vitally important summit, and further on  the conference, not to mention about delivering a formal speech. Why it was hard, because there stands the issue of having enough knowledge on the topic: I am a journalist, editor-in-chief of a newspaper. Furthermore, healthcare was never among the key directions of topics I covered as a journalist. I asked myself: what can I say to these people, what do I have to offer them, and the opposite?

And here I am, standing in front of you and speaking to you, which indicates that I have found the answers to these questions. I did not need much for that. All I had to do was to recall the meetings I had with children with cancer, their looks, the warmth and trust these looks contained, our games and dances together and their smiles at me. As I remembered this picture, I realized that nothing was too hard for me any longer, and I would do everything I could to support these children to have healthy and happy childhood. And I would even stand in front of people having highest standing and undeniable contribution in this field.

What did I find out within this short period after becoming the chairwoman of one of the largest cancer foundations in Armenia  City of Smile? First of all, I would like to say that our foundation is an umbrella to almost all other foundations dealing with this issue in our country. We took that step realizing that in order to respond to the challenge best, we need to consolidate all endeavors, just as we all in this venue have united in an attempt to identify common solutions for overpowering cancer not only in separate countries, but rather in the whole world.

Hence, I would like to highlight my findings which, as a matter of fact, were only positive ones.

First, I discovered that cancer was not terrible.

Second, all you need to manage and overcome cancer are financial resources, good will and determination, since the science and medicine have accomplished the rest, meaning - they have disclosed an array of keys to conquer this disease and keep improving those.

Thirdly, I came to realize that there are people who make every effort to raise and direct necessary financial resources.

However, in many countries of the world this disease still remains to be a sentence, children with cancer continue to die. We have countries  reach and developed, where the overall mortality rate for childhood cancer amounts to 20%, whereas we have countries where this percentage ranges from 80-90. To me, this is the statistics that we need to change at the earliest. Its not the fault of the child with cancer that he or she was not born in Switzerland, United States or in the United Kingdom so as to overcome the disease instead of being condemned to death. My deepest belief is that there are sufficient financial resources in the world for each and every one regardless of their country. All we need is to mobilize these resources and have enough will to allocate them appropriately and equally.

Sure enough it is not easy; it is a huge work, nevertheless, this is the key essence and purpose of our today's meeting. In my opinion, the shortest possible way to solution is to expand the coverage and geography of the world-class cancer centers and ensure the accessibility of these services for people living in all corners of the world. This means that such centers as those in Harvard or Oxford should not be just one or two, but rather they have to be established across all regions to make them accessible for everyone with cancer, and deliver adequate and quality services to them.

And although it may sound too bold, yet this is the type of center we strive to establish in Armenia to serve not only the population of our country, but also that of the entire region. We certainly cannot do this without your support, and I want to assure you that we are firm enough in our efforts to obtain your backing and to ensure high level solution of the issue.

Over the recent years, huge efforts were made in Armenia to overcome cancer. The childhood cancer mortality rate in our country has dropped from 90 percent to 30. And, we can further improve these indicators and record similar progress across the whole region.

We are willing to support with all available means and uphold the efforts to establish similar centers in other regions as well. We have to, eventually, put an end to this common reality when cancer is curable for the rich and incurable for the poor.

Ladies and gentlemen, there are hundreds of children and adults awaiting for me in my country, and I very much want to return to them with good news that we can help them endure this disease as lightly as possible, to overcome it once and forever and fully integrate into public life. It is my great wish to be the first to inform them about such a hospital or a center as St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital or King Hussein Cancer Center to open in our region as well, and anyone who will ever come to confront this disease, will have the chance to get appropriate treatment and service just as the citizens of other rich and developed countries.

Let me once again reaffirm that we are committed to be one of the most active players of the global cancer community and contribute in making the treatment of this disease accessible to everyone.

I am grateful for your attention and I would like to thank Princess Dina for supporting us.

Please look after your health since what you do is much needed by hundreds of thousands.
Turkey is strong enough and will not succumb to the US blackmail and threats, said Turkish leader Tayyip Erdogan.

"I believe that the American government will ultimately correct its wrong perception of our country. We are slowly leaving behind the troublesome period in relations with Europe. To turn our back on such a region, our biggest trading partner, is out of the question, Erdogan said.

The US does not consider the Turkish sensitivity in Syria and continues to cooperate with terrorist organizations, he said adding that Brunsons case was a pretext for imposing US sanctions on Turkey.

We are determined to fight this twisted attitude that has attempted to impose sanctions on our country by using a pastor who has dark ties to terror groups as the pretext, Erdogan said. I believe the U.S. administration will correct its wrong view toward our country sooner or later. We hope to solve the matters between us as soon as possible and develop ties with the U.S. in politics and the economy once again, in line with the spirit of being strategic partners, Bloomberg reported quoting Erdogan.
YEREVan.- Street does not form the parliament. If we go this way, we will lose much, head of Republican party faction Vahram Baghdasaryan said, commenting on the meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

We must have a complete political parliament where a relevant opposition will be formed. For it we need time, Baghdasaryan said, adding that the parliament should not be formed on emotions but as a result of right assessments.

Elections are not being conducted as a result of euphoria, head of Republican party faction Vahram Baghdasaryan noted.

In this issue we should be guided not by the interests of this or that forces but be interested in formation of parliament which will reflect our political field and will be aimed at further development, Baghdasaryan said.

As to why the Republican party has not given its consent to conduction of snap parliamentary elections, as Pashinyan has stated after the meeting, Baghdasaryan said, Let it be my and Nikol Pashinyans secret.
Carl Lutes and Dona Bachman, former SIU University Museum director, at donation reception (photo by Steve Buhman).

Flemish tapestries, Hercules sculpture and Italian furniture featured in Renaissance era gallery at the University Museum

by Hannah Erickson

CARBONDALE, Ill.  A new gallery is coming to the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Museum, featuring unique, special collection pieces from the Renaissance era.

The opening celebration of the Carl L. Lutes Gallery will be Oct.12 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., and showcase Lutes personal collection of Renaissance and later furniture, tapestries and works of art.

A look into the Renaissance era

Included in the gallery for current display are Flemish and French tapestries, Hercules and the Nemean Lion sculpture, Italian walnut dante and sgabello chairs, and paintings depicting St. Michael the Archangel subduing Lucifer, among others.

Historically the Renaissance was a period of creative innovation and cultural magnificence, said John Pollitz, dean of Library Affairs. We are fortunate to have such a unique opportunity to highlight art, furniture and tapestries from this period, thanks to Mr. Lutes.

Long history at SIU

In 2015, Lutes was honored with an SIU Distinguished Alumni Award. According to the previously published report:

Lutes spent most of his life in the arts, pursuing careers in both English and music. He was a member of the SIU English Department for five years, a teacher in Christopher, Illinois, his hometown, and a teacher in New York City. He was also principal flutist with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the Longines Symphonette, a national radio orchestra. Lutes was also concertized throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico as personal flutist with Roberta Peters, Metropolitan opera star.

Lutes enrolled at SIU, then Southern Illinois Normal University, before graduating from high school. During World War II and after a year at SIU, he left for the Navy, playing in the Navy band in Washington, D.C., before assignment to the battleship, USS Washington. After the war, he returned to SIU to finish his bachelors degree. He then attended Columbia University for a masters degree in music and further graduate study at the Paris Conservatory and the Sorbonne, where he received degrees in Flute and French Language and Culture. He is a two-degree SIU graduate with a bachelors degree in 1948 and a masters degree in 1959.

Helping students learn

Lutes love for art first started at SIU as a young student enrolled in a foundational art appreciation class. After developing as an artist and spending years collecting each unique piece, it only made sense for the collection to come full circle back to SIU. For Lutes, his purpose is quite simple.

My purpose mainly for leaving it here is for students to learn, Lutes said.

Students who are taking similar art classes can examine the work and learn from it for their own study, Lutes explained.

The gallery is located in the south hall of the University Museum in Faner Hall, Door #12 on the SIU campus. The Oct. 12 opening event is free and open to the public. The University Museum is open Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.  4 p.m. and Saturday 1 - 4 p.m.

For more information contact museum@siu.edu or call 618/453-5388.
bitcoin cryptocurrency theft

Oklahoma police have arrested two men who reportedly stole millions of dollars from a California-based cryptocurrency company, local media reported.

Fletcher Robert Childers, 23, and Joseph Harris, 21, of Missouri, were arrested on suspicion of grand theft, a first-degree felony, and identity theft, a Class C misdemeanor. If charged for both, the duo could receive up to 35 years of prison time, according to Oklahoma state laws.

Court documents filed by Crowd Machine, a San Jose-based decentralized IT company, named Childers and Harris for their alleged involvement in a $14 million theft. The report accused the twosome of swapping the victims mobile sim card with a fake to steal his identity and phone number. That allowed Childers and Harris to compromise a cryptocurrency wallet registered with the stolen sim and lift $14 million worth of CMCT tokens.

An investigator with the Santa Clara County District Attorneys Office and members of the states Regional Enforcement Allied Computer Team (REACT) worked with the local Oklahoma police in tracing the phone used in the hack. It was later tracked to a hotel, where the subsequent arrests were made.

The confiscated phone, according to the court documents, was purchased by two white males from a nearby Walmart. The report cited video footages to back its claim that those two men were Childers and Harris. The car used by both the males in the video footage also belonged to Childers, another surveillance video at a local store proved. The same car was parked at the hotel they both were staying.

Crowd Machine had recently concluded a pre-ICO round of CMCT tokens. So far, the company has released 500 million token units to the market and was holding 1.5 billion ICO tokens in reserve. After the hack, the accused reportedly moved 1 billion CMCT to cryptocurrency exchanges, some outside the United States. Crowd Machine reached out to its community with a request to not deal with people associated with the compromised wallet address. In response, many exchanges halted trading of CMCT tokens.

Story continues

It is highly recommended that no one purchase CMCTs until the criminal investigations have ceased, at which time, we expect closed exchanges to re-open. Purchases of stolen tokens by those not involved with the theft will be honored, Craig Sproule, the CEO and co-founder of Crowd Machine wrote.

Harris is now kept under custody at an Oklahoma jail without bond. The detention status of Harris was not clear at the time of writing.

Featured Image from Shutterstock



The post Oklahoma Duo Arrested for $14 Million Cryptocurrency Theft appeared first on CCN.


Opening up and innovation have propelled the Chinese economy for continuous and steady growth, business leaders gathering at the Summer Davos agreed while recognizing the significance of the Belt and Road Initiative put forward by China.





The three-day-long summit concluded on Thursday was attended by more than 2,500 guests of various circles from over 100 countries and regions, the largest number since its first meeting.





During the meeting held in Tianjin, the business representatives exchanged views and generated new ideas on around 200 topics, including China's reform and opening up over the past four decades, approaches to build the Belt and Road into a road of innovation, and how to embrace a world with diversified concepts.





Chen Liming, Chairman of the Greater China Group at IBM Corporation, said that reform and opening up is a process of seeking mutual benefit and win-win results through cooperation on innovation between Chinese and foreign enterprises.





In retrospect of the changes of the Chinese market since the country started reform and opening up campaign in 1978, Chen said that foreign firms have gone through three stages regarding their development in China: Made for China, Made in China and Made with China, respectively.





Their focus of development in China has changed from providing products, to production capacity and then to technologies, he added.





Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), adopts a welcoming attitude toward the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.





He explained to People's Daily that the initiative encourages connectivity of global infrastructure, while the 4th Industrial Revolution calls for the supports from global cooperation.





The more closely people of different countries are bonded, the more benefits they will bring to global development," he explained.





There have been many critics and pessimists who always forecasted that China's economic growth would come to an end, but they turned to be wrong, Schwab said, stressing that he remains optimistic about China's economic growth.





Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis said connectivity matters a lot to his country. Construction of infrastructure like ports, railways and aviation lines helps to establish an interconnected transportation network, and lays a solid foundation for future development, he added.





The flow of knowledge and culture, as well as exchanges between different concepts are also very important, as they would contribute to a more balanced, equitable, inclusive and innovation-driven development along the Belt and Road, said the president.





Innovation, in the eyes of Schwab, is the most important component to keep a country invincible in the 4th Industrial Revolution.





China leads the world in innovation as it has embarked on a sound development track of building an innovative society," he added, suggesting China, in the next step, to establish more incubators, cultivate entrepreneurs, and enhance infrastructure construction so as to fully deliver the development dividends to its people.





The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) President Yasushi Akahoshi lauded the great potential of Chinese innovation enterprises and start-ups, saying that Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and other places in China have a lot of R&D centers, and great changes will take place there if he returns to these cities after three months.





He said Chinese and Japanese enterprises enjoy a broad space and bright future in cooperation on inclusive finance, wearable healthcare devices and addressing aging societies amid the opportunities brought by the 4th Industrial Revolution.








Wow okay Lana, this would be cute if you were consistent with your outrage and refused to collab with ASAP rocky who has physically assaulted women too. To me this just looks like the typical White woman taking using a weakened target to pretend to be an ally. https://t.co/34VEqiiy2t  CHEAPYXO (@SHOPCHEAPYXO) September 30, 2018

Especially because you know that a white woman vs a black male will result in an immediate victory for the white woman due to societal circumstances. You wouldnt dare challenge a black woman on her opinion because you dont have that (much of a) social prejudice in place between  CHEAPYXO (@SHOPCHEAPYXO) September 30, 2018

Between women as there is between sexes. Dont use Kanye for your own vapid attempts to seem politically aware when there is SO MUCH MORE bootleg witchcraft you could be doing to TRY and take down 45. Kanye is not your enemy or THE enemy. In fact your selective outrage  CHEAPYXO (@SHOPCHEAPYXO) September 30, 2018

Makes YOU. The enemy. You approve of ASAP rocky because his victims werent white. Youre exactly the kind of thought police Kanye is fighting against....  CHEAPYXO (@SHOPCHEAPYXO) September 30, 2018

You would never in your white mind try to battle ME on my ideas ... I suggest you apologize to Kanye for trying to selectively make him complicit in 45s abuse of women simple for agreeing with parts of his ideology while you frolic through society with other black male abusers  CHEAPYXO (@SHOPCHEAPYXO) September 30, 2018

Like ASAP ROCKY Who have kicked random women in the face at concerts Simply because they paid their money to come see their idol and in a moment of excitement.. reached out to touch him bc HE didnt have adequate security that night. You white female liberals are so self serving.  CHEAPYXO (@SHOPCHEAPYXO) September 30, 2018

Dr luke never raped Kesha. After 5years of legal drama ... they were still unable to find him guilty. Kesha lied because she didnt want to fulfill contractual obligations shed already been paid to fulfill. Calling her a fat refrigerator is not comparable to rape or abuse. Next. https://t.co/k1jWxNBWZx  CHEAPYXO (@SHOPCHEAPYXO) September 30, 2018

Another instance of a white woman using her inherent victimhood to con her way through life. I dont give a fuck about Kesha. When has she EVER stood up for any black woman who was going through someshit??????????  CHEAPYXO (@SHOPCHEAPYXO) September 30, 2018

Her stupid ass should have stayed with Luke because her new music sucks. Luke knew she had an ugly singing voice and he made music to compensate for that. I wish she would disappear  CHEAPYXO (@SHOPCHEAPYXO) September 30, 2018

I SAID WHAT THE FUCK I SAID  CHEAPYXO (@SHOPCHEAPYXO) September 30, 2018

Kesha is on video under oath admitting dr Luke never raped her... but for your own stupid sakes you continue to care about womens rights with some vapid ass attempt to cancel dr Luke while you all shake your bussies to his music in the gay bar. FOH  CHEAPYXO (@SHOPCHEAPYXO) September 30, 2018

I would NEVER collab with a rapist. Dr Luke is not a rapist and Im tired of being blamed of working with a rapist.  CHEAPYXO (@SHOPCHEAPYXO) September 30, 2018

Plus Im tired of being expected to support white womens lies on the basis of being scared to seem like EYE have a character flaw for working someone who is NOT A RAPIST while these white women show no support for black women. Fuck that  CHEAPYXO (@SHOPCHEAPYXO) September 30, 2018

Cancel me again. I dont care.  CHEAPYXO (@SHOPCHEAPYXO) September 30, 2018

Everyone gave me a HARD TIME with that Russell Crowe shit despite there being evidence and WITNESSES to confirm that they spit on me. Kesha has no evidence and a judge that said she LIED... and you all galvanize behind her. Foh!!!!!  CHEAPYXO (@SHOPCHEAPYXO) September 30, 2018

White men in this music industry have shown me ten times more support when the world was against me than my so-called white feminist pop star friends have friends have. This is not about white men its about whats fucking right. That man did not rape Kesha . https://t.co/6wOqa3hKty  CHEAPYXO (@SHOPCHEAPYXO) September 30, 2018

When I was date raped a few months ago EVERYONE SAID IT WAS A PUBLICITY STUNT. Yes thats why I choose to speak out. A white woman lies and you automatically believe her but for whatever reason masculinize black women to the point that we MUST be lying when were MOST VULNERABLE https://t.co/9f0nfMBSSH  CHEAPYXO (@SHOPCHEAPYXO) September 30, 2018

You think some stupid ass social media support of a lying privileged white woman is enough to SAY that you care for womens causes? I wish you all had this same energy for the COUNTLESS NON FAMOUS POOR BLACK TRANSWOMEN THAT GET MURDERED EVERYDAY  CHEAPYXO (@SHOPCHEAPYXO) September 30, 2018

All you guys care about is drag race and determining womens value based on their statuses in pop culture/rich society culture. You all want to be heiresses... I get it... just stop saying you care about women when your only true alliance is to this white female pop culture.  CHEAPYXO (@SHOPCHEAPYXO) September 30, 2018

Yall dont even care about regular everyday white women. Stop with the bullshit. Ive had enough  CHEAPYXO (@SHOPCHEAPYXO) September 30, 2018

No shes lying because she is on camera UNDER OATH admitting to have lied. The jury, judge and prosecutors investigated a WHOLE FIVE YEARS & found no evidence. Her first lawsuit was one of creative control. She loses and THEN magically decides shes been raped. FOH.

https://t.co/StvjPn7Wl7  CHEAPYXO (@SHOPCHEAPYXO) September 30, 2018

Because if she was truly raped that would have been her first defense. I met DR Luke... HE IS PUNY compared to Kesha. You can LITERALLY blow on him and he will be sent flying. Theres no way little Luke raped big Kesha and didnt get trampled. Plus I know her exes. https://t.co/06H8uoU6OL  CHEAPYXO (@SHOPCHEAPYXO) September 30, 2018

She even admitted to them that Luke never raped her. Its been a public and a private secret for a very long time  CHEAPYXO (@SHOPCHEAPYXO) September 30, 2018

It has all started with this tweet.That's when a Twitter user reminded her she's collabed with Dr. Luke in the track "Treasure Island", released earlier this year. Azealia shared her views on the case.SOURCE: 1
She wouldn't have gotten off with a simple push/shove had she been dealing with actual human traffickers tho.

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So true.

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explain that accent girl

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The buck wild jumped out once she got smacked. Lmao

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YOU'RE THE DANGER!

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This crackhead was trying to kidnap them for herself.

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I mean, exactly. She goes from being nice to them, practically begging to kidnap them 'just for one night... come on just for one night...' to getting progressively more aggressive with them when they logically refused

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my first thought was that one of her clients wanted some kids involved.

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Yes! That is where my mind went when she got all insistent. Who knows to what levels of depravity she's sunken

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thats EXACTLY what i thought but i didn't want to say it cause i figured i was reading too darkly into things

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MFTE

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This is like when people see a homeless person with a dog. They have no interest in helping the person and their dog. They just want to take the dog away.

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All the homeless people I see with dogs actually truly care and look after their dog, unlike some wealthy people that treat their pets badly. I totally agree they should offer help to both and not just take their dog away especially since they have a bond

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Almost every time I see pets with a homeless family I find the neariest convince store and buy a few cans of pet food and leave it with them. Theyre always super thankful and sometimes we get into convos about our pets lol. People who want to take those pets away from them arent trying to help theyre trying to punish poor people for people poor

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I'd say a cokehead asshole trying to lay hands on the children WAS the danger to them.



Also I'm done with anyone making excuses for her. Shit childhood and/or too many drugs didn't turn Drew Barrymore, RDJ, Britney or Amy Winehouse into complete assholes with zero actual empathy or consideration for others (and Amy was actually trying to go clean when she died).



Edit: also, anyone thinking she could've had Emma Stone's career [if she was clean] needs a hard reality check. ik ontd hates Emma but you need more than red hair to make her level of work happen.



Edited at 2018-10-01 07:38 pm (UTC)

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Didn't RDJ break into a family's home, take off his clothes, and pass out in a child's bed after being high on drugs?

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LMAO he did in 1996. Probably during his lowest time and when his addiction was the worst. No one was home though.

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And? The upshot is still that unlike this asshole, he took responsibility for his actions and got sober.

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I will never, ever, ever understand the countless excuses made for her. She is a deeply terrible person and she can't act.

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also emma has that je ne sais quoi that lindsay never did

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Emma has a likability and enthusiasm that Lindsay never had, even when she was younger. I think "Herbie" or "Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen" were the closest thing to the roles that Emma Stone was getting early in her career, and Lindsay is fine but she kind of sucked the life out of a lot of her scenes tbh, while Emma made the most out of meh parts like the ones in "House Bunny" and "Superbad"

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lay off the pipe!

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Shes lucky she didnt get her ass beat or worse

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She...decided they weren't really the parents because they weren't instantly convinced by her weird judgey scolding ("you should be a hard-working woman") enough to just hand their children to a random stranger??? Does she not hear how much she sounded like a straight-up afterschool special creep? She might as well have tried to lure them into a white panel van with a puppy.



Also, Arabic-speaking ONTDers, was she even close with that attempt...?



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Ngl Im a first gen Arab American to immigrant parents and her accent isnt that much worse than mine.

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literally she was at "yall want some candy" levels of creepiness and the fact that the parents only shoved her is remarkable



the kids also looked scared so she's delusional on so many fucking levels

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Her "arabic" is literally just noises. She would say one Arabic word and then to complete a sentence she would just make weird sounds afterwards. It sounds like she was coughing up phlegm. Even her saying a word simple as 'Mashaallah' sounded awful. LMAO



The only word she got out correct was Yallah. (Which means "lets go")

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The babushka jumped out. Its just her culture so we shouldnt judge.

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don't insult 'Morozko' like that!!

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I need more MST3k gifs, tbh. I need more MST3k gifs, tbh.

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"We're the weirdos, mister"

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I used to really like Revenge of the Nerds when I was a kid, but as I got older I realized how fucked up that scene in the funhouse (?) was. It creeps me out so much and I havent watched that movie in years because of it.

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I can't believe that you have to explain to some people that misleading a woman into thinking you're someone else just to have sex with her IS FUCKING RAPE. She consented to the person she thought you were, not fucking you. Fuck fucking fuck fuck fuck.

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mte

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what happens in it? i'll never watch myself.

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i missed your comment, i just mentioned revenge of the nerds below for doing this same vile shit

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that and when they install cameras in the girls house to spy on them undressing

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I was just about to mention this.

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I didnt see that movie until a couple years ago. The rape by deception scene was disgusting and then they had her marry him.

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When I was younger, I thought, omg! A film in which the nerdy boys win! I love nerdy boys (because I am a nerdy girl and they are supposed to be 'my' target, right?)! Let's watch brains and class win over muscles and big mouths!

I then proceeded to watch them stare at hot cheerleaders and get with them in exceedingly creepy and awful ways. Thanks, movie. That really helped.

EDIT: Also there were no nerdy girls. No girls we were supposed to like, anyway. They were all airheads, props, if I remember correctly.



Edited at 2018-10-02 07:36 am (UTC)

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It's kind of funny that when you look at it now, while the Jocks are definitely presented as stuck-up assholes and bullies...at least they didn't rape anyone.



Like, everything the nerds do could be considered the actions of VILLAINS today. They set up hidden cameras to spy on a girl as she's showering. Take multiple nude photos of said girl, and then pass them around the entire college campus all of which without her consent, and then you have the final kicker, the protagonist raping her through deception.



And ALL of that, ALL OF THAT is played off for laughs, and NOT ONLY IS SHE PERFECTLY OKAY WITH IT SHE EVEN BECOMES THE PROTAGONIST'S GIRLFRIEND.



ENGAGING RANT MODE

Perhaps the biggest eyeroll this got from me, was that she becomes his girlfriend because she's so enamored by his prowess, despite the fact he's had all of ONE sexual encounter earlier. This is handwaved by the protagonist who explains that he's just so good at sex compared to her boyfriend, because, and I'm quoting here, "Jocks only think about sports, but Nerds think about sex all of the time!"

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They did a segment about this on this week's Lovett or Leave It. It's WILD the kind of things that people thought were appropriate or funny in 80s comedies. Jesus.



Makes me feel good that we've come this far at least? But we have so much further to go.

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This whole movie is garbage. Between the rape culture and Long Duk Dong and the "a black guy?!?!?!?!" line, it's time to burn it.

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yeah it's really unwatchable nowadays. my friend and i watched it the first time just a few years ago and it's like we both equally went "nah, not again"

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mte a few years ago you couldn't even say that. People would get on you for taking everything to seriously~ and for ruining their nostalgia. It's bullshit. So glad we can acknowledge this now.

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same. i was so into it as an impressionable teen but in retrospect it's gross. i hate how much i loved the soundtrack because it's so associated with the film.

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IA, Ferris Bueller > The Breakfast Club >>>>>>> Weird Science > Sixteen Candles.

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its the only one that matters

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My opinion - Uncle Buck is actually the best John Hughes movie.

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home alone for me but i'm also a 90s kid

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I've watched this movie as an adult without my rose colored ~omg john hughes~ glasses and it's genuinely repulsive in many ways. Full on racism, sexism, rape, way too much chatter about a teenage girl's developing body.



All the characters John Hughes wrote for Molly Ringwald deserved far better endings.

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I saw this article the other day, I agree so much. I used to love this movie, but then I saw it more recently and couldn't stop cringing. Especially with how they treated the Caroline character, we're supposed to see her as some dumb blonde drunk popular girl so when she gets raped it's no big deal, because we're not supposed to like her. Meanwhile her rapist is seen as the "nice guy" dorky kid who we shouldn't take seriously, and Jake Ryan, who's supposed to be the ideal heartthrob is enabling all of it. Plus Molly Ringwald's character isn't that great either, as we're supposed to be rooting for her in this Jake and Caroline love triangle because she's the protagonist, meanwhile he already has a girlfriend, so Caroline is seen as the one "in the way" who we need to get rid of.



And that's not even getting into the problematic Long Duk Dong character, who's obviously only there as a racist caricature and serves almost no purpose to the plot.

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i don't remember there being anything like this in the breakfast club......

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all i remember in particular is the one outcast kid reaching between molly ringwald's legs which i remember even at the time was a mess, but they usually cut that part for tv

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OH RIGHT! bender puts his head between her legs and she squeezes him.

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when Bender's under the table he looks up Claire's skirt and tries to put his head between her legs

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Bender sexually harasses Claire the entire day and antagonizes her about her virginity until she cries and admits it in front of everyone...........and then they end up together. But it's all perceived as okay because he's ~damaged~ and she's secretly into it because good girls all want to be bad or some dumb shit.

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Lets get the prom queen pregnant. Bender was an asshole.

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When Bender is hiding under the table he pushes his face between Molly Ringwald's legs.

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The breast club had Emilio character too the skin off a boys behind and smh charter had an explosive device in his pocket and they both just got detention for violent felonies. That was an eye opener as an adult.

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Also, the only 80s John Hughes movies Ive see are Weird Science and Ferris Buellers Day Off. Ive never been inclined to watch any of the others because they were touted as these quintessential high school movies but being black kid who went to predominately black schools I just couldnt relate.

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my dad (a black man born in the 60's) was and is still a huge sixteen candles and breakfast club fan. like they were his childhood. he found a way to relate i guess.

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Thats cool. Im sure there are lots of black people who love those movies, but there was always this disconnect for me. I dont know why, but I just never could with the rich white teens genre. Whether it was the John Hughes movies or shit like Gossip Girl and The Hills, it just didnt interest me for the most part. I like Clueless and I watched the first season of The OC, but Im having trouble thinking of others at the moment.

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this happens in revenge of the nerds, the bully's girlfriend has sex with one of the nerds because she thinks it's her boyfriend (he's wearing the same mask as her boyfriend) and i guess he rocks her world because they end up married if i recall correctly.

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oh, as long as there's a happy ending!

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Married to your rapist! Every girls dream!

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Thats even worse. You can just tell some gross dude wrote that self-insert, wish-fulfillment bullshit.

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i cant remember the last time i cared about this movie. a snooze fest. im glad its being talked about in this regard. at least there's some sort of progress being done about the topic despite how much trash ass republicans and idiots alike pretend to be stuck in time. i am appaled that i dont see any ads about kavanaugh. democrats love to take money from the 1% and for what?! trash. we gonna die. dont pay your student loans, ontd!

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we've come a long way but we've got much further to go when it comes to handling sex-based violence. especially when it comes to the portrayal/woobification/idealizing of characters that should be considered criminal creeps but more often than not are seen as bad boys, good guys, or silly doofs who are just desperate and don't know any better.

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I gotta be honest, while I appreciate this critical look at the 80s, I also feel this attempt also comes off as partly rationalizing said behaviour as the norm then. It was never okay to have sex without full and cognizant consent and I give no fucks if that was okay then. In my book there were still people out there in the 80s and earlier who were better than the rampant rape culture (or racism) that the old days were known for.



Sixteen Candles used to be my favourite movie as a kid, but as an adult I can never watch it without realizing that it comes from an experience of life that I would never wish on anyone ever.



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Hmm I just watched this on Hulu last night and could not agree more. Its also racist with the long dong character wtf. Anyway, movie was wack and not even funny. Would not watch again.

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Also wtf @this being rated PG. Mollys character says fuck and theres a nude scene with a teenage high schooler in the first 15 mins. Smh

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PG13 didn't exist as a rating until 87. So there are quite a few 80s movies that weren't quite R material that were rated PG that would never be rated PG today.

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I can't even watch it anymore, honestly. Aside from the racism, sexism etc. Molly Ringwald pouting and flopping her way through non-problems is excruciating.

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Select quote:



People who watched these movies werent inspired to go out and sexually assault other people, of course, but if you were a horny young guy in the 80s, movies such as Animal House suggested there was always a devil on your shoulder urging you to do the wrong thing to get sex. And if you did so, it would be within the bounds of goofy behaviour. Nor would such behaviour be an impediment to high office in later life. At the end of Animal House, Belushis character is revealed to have become a US senator. Steve Rose wrote a very similar piece in the Guardian today: https://www.theguardian.com/film/shortcuts/2018/oct/01/animal-house-rape-culture-brett-kavanaugh-teen-movie-viewing Select quote:

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The ultimate evil was staring us all in the face all along.

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omg

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Dun dun dunnnn

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Nor would such behaviour be an impediment to high office in later life. At the end of Animal House, Belushis character is revealed to have become a US senator.







Irresistible gif aside, I have never seen Animal House and am just like...that's some unexpected accuracy right there.

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A $200-billion solar power project that was planned to be the largest solar farm in the world might never happen, government sources from Riyadh told the Wall Street Journal.

The Kingdom earlier this year announced the funding and a partnership with Japanese SoftBank as part of its Vision 2030 economic reform plan that also involves a US$500-billion smart city project.

The solar project would have had installed capacity of 200 GW by 2030 and could have created as many as 100,000 jobs. However, the WSJ sources said, nobody is working on the project and the government is planning another set of renewable energy initiatives, to be made public later this month. Those new initiatives, the sources added, would be more practical.

While some might see the news as a decision made due to changing circumstancesoil prices, for oneothers would not need long to recall the shelving of what was to be the biggest IPO in history, of Saudi Aramco. Initially scheduled for the second half of this year, the listing was delayed several times before the delay became indefinite.

Following the oil price collapse from 2014, Saudi Arabias Crown Prince spearheaded a reform drive along with the implementation of some austerity measures that ruffled some public service feathers but were quickly removed once prices began climbing back up. The multibillion-dollar projects are the foundation of this drive. Besides the solar megafarm, there is also the NEOM smart city project, estimated to cost US$500 billion to build.

Earlier this month, the team responsible for the NEOM project, which, by the way should become a tourist magnet, said they had begun environmental, archaeological, and geological surveys of the area where the city should be located.

Earlier, the projects CEO, Klaus Kleinfeld, told media that "The investment case for NEOM is actually very easy to make, because we've got so many things going for us," adding that there was overwhelming enthusiasm from investors interested in financing the project. Time will probably show how much truth there was in that statement.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed has discussed the restart of crude oil production in the neutral zone between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait during a meeting with Kuwaits Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, Reuters reported ahead of the Sunday visit, quoting sources in the know, who declined to be named.

Prince Mohammed was accompanied by Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih, the sources also said.

Joint oil production in the neutral zone was suspended in 2015, but earlier this month the Financial Times reported that the two countries were mulling over a restart amid rising oil prices and the matching rise in worry among large oil buyers.

The neutral zone, the FT reported at the time, could be pumping half a million barrels daily in a few months, according to the International Energy Agency, which would add to more than 10 million bpd of Saudi production and almost 3 million bpd on Kuwaiti production based on the latest figures for July.

The talks on the production restart come despite earlier statements from Al-Falih that Saudi Arabia does not see the need for higher output: according to the minister, the market was near balance, despite the rising benchmarks and the upcoming sanctions against Iran. Now, it seems, the worlds top exporter of oil has had a change of heart.

Saudi Arabia is considered to be the oil producer with the most spare capacity among OPEC members, with the Energy Information Administration calculating it at between 1.5 and 2 million bpd. Some industry observers, however, have questioned the figures, which are defined as the amount of daily production that can be launched within 30 days and sustained for at least 90 days, according to EIA.

With Venezuelas production falling consistently and the Iran sanctions as well as Iraqs difficulties in boosting its oil production, OPECs total spare capacity is now estimated to be just 1.49 million bpd this quarter, according to a different estimate. This certainly raises the question whether the cartel can boost production enough to rein in the price rise ahead of the sanctions or within days of their entry into force.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Elon Musk has agreed to settle the securities fraud charge by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in a settlement that includes removing Musk as chairman at Tesla, and Musk and Tesla paying fines, the SEC said on Saturday in what analysts see as one of the fastest such settlements.

Last Thursday, the SEC charged Musk with securities fraud for the infamous tweets about taking Tesla private at $420 per share and for claiming funding secured for a potential deal. The SEC was seeking to prohibit Musk from serving as an officer or director of a public company. The complaint alleges that Musk violated antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws, and seeks a permanent injunction, disgorgement, civil penalties, and a bar prohibiting Musk from serving as an officer or director of a public company, the SEC said on Thursday when it filed the complaint at court.

On Saturday, the SEC said that it also charged Tesla the same day with failing to have required disclosure controls and procedures relating to Musks tweets, a charge that Tesla has agreed to settle.

Musk and Tesla have agreed to settle the charges against them without admitting or denying the SECs allegations. Under the settlements, which are contingent on court approvals, Musk will step down as Tesla chairman and will be replaced by an independent chairman. Musk wont be eligible to be re-elected as chairman for three years. Musk and Tesla each will pay a penalty of US$20 million, with the total US$40-million penalties to be distributed to harmed investors under a court-approved process.

The settlement also requires Tesla appointing two new independent directors, and Tesla setting up a new committee of independent directors and put in place additional controls and procedures to oversee Musks communications. Related: Bioscience Breakthrough Turns Plant Waste Into Gasoline

As a result of the settlement, Elon Musk will no longer be Chairman of Tesla, Teslas board will adopt important reforms including an obligation to oversee Musks communications with investorsand both will pay financial penalties, Steven Peikin, Co-Director of the SECs Enforcement Division, said in the SEC statement. The resolution is intended to prevent further market disruption and harm to Teslas shareholders.

According to analysts, the settlement is probably the best thing for both the SEC and Musk and Tesla, because the SEC is showing it can act to enforce change in protecting shareholders, while Muskremoved as chairmanwill keep its CEO role at Tesla: a role analysts and Tesla believers see as crucial for the company.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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OPECs oil production in September rose by 90,000 bpd from August to 32.85 million bpdthe highest level so far this year, but a plunge in Iranian production partly offset higher production in Saudi Arabia, Angola, and Libya, according to the monthly Reuters survey of OPEC supply published on Monday.

Oil production in Iran dropped by 100,000 bpd from August to stand at 3.45 million bpd in September, the survey found, while Venezuelas production further dropped to 1.25 million bpd last month from 1.30 million bpd in August.

These losses resulted in the 12 OPEC members bound by the supply cut dealall OPEC members excluding Libya and Nigeria and recently joined Congoactually pumping 70,000 bpd less in September than in August, according to the Reuters survey, which suggests that the core OPEC members are not doing everything it takes to fill in the gap in supply declines in Iran and Venezuela.

Saudi Arabia, OPECs de facto leader and largest producer, pumped 10.53 million bpd in September, up by 50,000 bpd from August, according to the Reuters survey.

Libyas production continued to recover in September and averaged above 1 million bpdat 1.05 million bpd it was above the average August production of 920,000 bpd.

Libyas oil sector went through a turbulent June and July when an oil ports blockade curtailed production to 721,000 bpd in June and to 670,000 bpd in July, according to OPECs secondary sources.



Related: $200 Billion Saudi Solar Megaproject Might Never Happen

In September, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)which had increased their production in July immediately after OPEC and allies decided to ease compliance rateheld their production steady compared to August, the Reuters survey found.

Angolas production, which had been declining in recent months, jumped by 70,000 bpd in September due to the start of a new field, but Angolas output is still well below its OPEC baseline target.

OPECs figures on the cartels September production are due out on October 11 with this months Monthly Oil Market Report.

Meanwhile, the September oil production at OPECs key ally in the production cut dealRussiais on course to set a new record-high in the post-Soviet era, an energy sector source told Reuters last week.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Russia may be pumping oil at close or above post-Soviet high levels, but because of transportation constraints, it cant significantly increase its oil supply to Asia, where the loss of Iranian oil exports is already being felt, Russian deputy energy minister Pavel Sorokin told S&P Global Platts on Monday.

Russias infrastructure for sending crude oil to its premium Asian market is maxed out, Sorokin told Platts in an interview, but noted that Russia could be seeking to supply more of its Urals crude to Europe to fill in the Iranian supply gap that is opening there. Yet, Russia will be looking to supply markets where the economics are the most attractive, Sorokin said.

One market where Russia cant meaningfully increase supply to (and market share) is Asia, with eastbound oil infrastructure used at its full capacity.

We have been supplying as much as we can to Asia, as this is a premium market. Weve always maximized and will maximize volumes flowing there, Sorokin told S&P Global Platts.

Asian refiners faced with the choice of cutting Iranian oil imports or irritating the U.S. Administration if they continue to do business with Iran have to look to the other OPEC+ allies for supplies to replace Tehran oil supplies, or to the United States.

In Europe, Russias Urals is considered to be one of the best replacements for Iranian grades. The price of Urals compared to Brent to which the Urals deliveries are priced off has recently jumped to the highest this year and close to a five-year high, as European refiners were starting to search for alternative grades to replace imports from Iran. This has also prompted Saudi Arabia to raise last month the prices for Europe for its flagship Arab Light crude grade for October.

At the end of September, maintenance season in Russia has led to more Urals barrels ending up on the European market, which has resulted in a weakening Urals price, according to S&P Global Platts data.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The International Court of Justice on Monday ruled against landlocked Bolivia in a row with Chile over access to the Pacific Ocean that dates back to the 19th century. Bolivia lost its prized route to the sea in a 1879-1883 war with Chile, and Santiago has rejected every attempt since then by its smaller and poorer neighbour to win back its coastline. La Paz took Santiago to the top UN court in The Hague in 2013 to try to force it to the negotiating table over the maritime spat, a long-running strain on relations between the two South American countries. "The court by 12 votes to three finds that the Republic of Chile did not undertake a legal obligation to negotiate a sovereign access for the... state of Bolivia," judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf said at the end of a judgement that took an hour and 20 minutes to read out. The judge said, however, he hoped that "with willingness on the part of both parties meaningful negotiations can be undertaken". Bolivia's leftist President Evo Morales -- who has used the issue to boost support at home as he seeks a fourth term in office -- attended the court in person for the verdict. "Bolivia will never give up" its claim, Morales told reporters afterwards. "The people of the world know that Bolivia had an invasion and we had our sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean taken away from us." - 'False expectations' - The ICJ was set up after World War II to rule in disputes between UN member states. The court's findings are binding and cannot be appealed, although it has no real power to enforce them. Chile and Bolivia have had no diplomatic relations since 1978 when Bolivia's last major attempt to negotiate a passage to the Pacific broke down in acrimony. The War of the Pacific pitted Bolivia and Peru on one side against Chile on the other, and saw battles fought in the Pacific Ocean, the Andes mountains and even in the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world. Decades of post-independence border tensions in South America were finally ignited by a dispute over Bolivian attempts to tax a Chilean company mining saltpetre, a mineral used in fertilizer that was at the time replacing the traditional use of guano, the excrement of seabirds and bats. Chilean President Sebastian Pinera lashed out at his Bolivian counterpart as he hailed the ICJ's decision. "President Evo Morales of Bolivia has created false expectations in his own people, and has created great frustration in his own people," he said in a statement. "We have lost five valuable years of the healthy and necessary relationship that Chile needs with all neighbouring countries, including Bolivia." - 'The struggle continues!' - Morales has weaponised the dispute to boost his popularity at home where the importance of the issue is underscored by the fact that Bolivia still has a navy despite lack of access to the sea. A small crowd of Bolivian protesters waved flags, played pan pipes and banged drums outside the Peace Palace for the verdict, shouting "The struggle continues!" "Of course we are sad about the decision. Were a small country, but were not Switzerland or Luxembourg. We need access to export and import our goods, said Gabriella Telleria, 50, one of the protesters. We asked for justice and we didnt get it, she told AFP. Bolivia says regaining the 400 kilometres (260 miles) of coastline along the northern tip of Chile that it lost in the war would stimulate growth and development in South America's poorest country. Bolivian activists said the loss of the Chuquicamata mine, the world's largest open-pit copper mine which is situated in the disputed area, has also badly hit the country's indigenous peoples. For its part, Santiago says the border is based on a 1904 peace treaty signed with Bolivia in the wake of the War of the Pacific and therefore must be respected. Meanwhile, Chile has opened its own case against Bolivia over the Silala waterway, which flows into the Atacama desert and which La Paz has threatened to divert.
He has been an ambassador of Kazakhstan to Egypt since September 2020, before that, since April 2019, he was Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and even earlier, from October 2013 to February 2019, he worked as Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the UAE.
A convoy carrying Italian troops near Somalias defense ministry in Mogadishu was targeted by an explosion on October 1. The Italian defense ministry said no Italian personnel were harmed. There were conflicting local reports of other casualties.

Multiple Somali outlets reported that the jihadist group Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Italian troops were in Mogadishu to support and train local army units, according to VOA journalist Harun Maruf. Credit: @Hafid505 via Storyful
A Filipino woman living in Sweden has died after allegedly being killed by her husband, reports a statement released by the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) yesterday.

According to the statement, the victim Mailyn Conde Sinambong lived in Kista, Sweden and died on Sept. 23.

The DFA has expressed its condolences to Sinambongs family and said that it learned about the incident after the victims mother Maria Monato asked for assistance in the consular office in Cebu.

The department did not divulge details about the alleged murder but mentioned that the husband works as an actor. He is now in the custody of Swedish authorities.

The Philippine Embassy in Norway is said to be working with Swedish authorities, including the government lawyer assigned to the case. The embassy is also in contact with Sinambongs aunt who lives in Norway.

Migrante Europe, an alliance of Filipino migrant organizations, had condemned Sinambongs death even before it was reported by the DFA.

In a statement released on its website on Friday, Migrante said that the victims family alleged that her husband had been violent towards her and their son since they were living in Cebu before 2010.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano has assured Sinambongs family that her remains would be brought to the Philippines. She is survived by two children.

The post Filipino woman in Sweden allegedly killed by husband appeared first on Coconuts.
Confidence among Japan's biggest manufacturers has slipped for the third straight quarter, a key central bank survey showed on Monday, reflecting concern about trade wars and a string of natural disasters. The Bank of Japan's Tankan report -- a quarterly survey of about 10,000 companies -- showed a reading of 19 among major manufacturers in its September survey, against 21 in the June report. It is the first time the reading has fallen for three straight quarters since 2008, at the height of the economic crisis. Economists say the decline was partially due to worries over US-led trade disputes, with companies also rattled by major quakes and typhoons that have affected Japan's regional economies this year. The index for non-manufacturers also declined for the quarter, slipping to 22 from 24 in the previous quarter. But economists said the readings were not seen as cause for concern about the world's third largest economy, with the headline index still close to its highest level in over a decade. The Tankan report, the broadest indicator of how Japan Inc is faring, marks the difference between the percentage of firms that are upbeat and those that see conditions as unfavourable. Looking ahead, "big companies appear to have stronger confidence than expected, partially due to a weak yen," Hideo Kumano, chief economist at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute, told AFP. The survey came after solid job market-linked data released last week, including a further fall in the nation's jobless rate, while Japanese shares are hovering around a 27-year high. Economists argue Japan is on a solid recovery path on the back of a global economic recovery, with investments linked to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics also giving the economy a shot in the arm. However, they warn that the impact of US-led trade disputes with its partners, especially China, could overshadow progress made by Japan, which relies heavily on global trade. "The fight between the number one and the number two economies can't be ignored," Kumano said. "The impact will be visible soon." US President Donald Trump last week imposed a further $200 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods and vowed to press ahead until Beijing buckles. His latest volley against China, which retaliated with more levies of its own, brings the amount of goods hit by duties to more than $250 billion, roughly half of China's US exports.
1 Oct  After shocking fans and followers with a recent photo of her gaunt face, Kris Aquino recently revealed that she will be flying to Singapore for medical treatment.

On 29 September, the actress shared a press statement on her Instagram account, which revealed that she has been advised to go to Singapore to get appropriate medical assessment as her previous medical tests require a more comprehensive set of tests not available in the Philippines.

"Her recent weight loss prompted her to proactively have some tests done and she was advised by two Philippine physicians to consult with an expert in this field of medicine to have the best knowledge and care to protect her health with all needed medication and treatment."

The statement also noted that Aquino will be back in the Philippines after completing her medical evaluation.

In her post, Aquino stated that she will not divulge details about her health so not to stress her sons, Josh and Bimby.

It is noted that Aquino's health has been severely affected by a recent financial abuse which is currently being handled by her team of lawyers.

(Photo Source: ABS CBN)
Insult China or its people, and you will pay for it. That is the message to nations that stray over Chinas red lines, both in official policy and in unofficial treatment of its citizens.

Falling out of favour with China this week was Sweden. Chinas embassy in Stockholm rejected a second apology for a Swedish television programmes portrayal of Chinese tourists.

The programme, Svenska Nyheter, had lampooned the case of a man and his parents who were removed from the Generator Stockholm hostel on September 2 after arriving a day early for their reservation.

In the days that followed, Gui Congyou, the Chinese ambassador to Sweden, claimed the tourists had been maltreated, accused Sweden of violating diplomatic protocol and arrogance, and warned Chinese people against visiting the country.

Chinas anger at Sweden may be rooted in deeper issues, such as Stockholms inviting the Dalai Lama to visit this month. But the reality is Sweden is now in line to become the latest nation to feel Chinas wrath after displeasing it.

Here are some places that have suffered consequences after offending the Chinese government and its people.

Slovakia: official talks suspended

A day after Slovak President Andrej Kiska met with the Dalai Lama in October 2016, the Chinese foreign ministry said it was resolutely opposed to the meeting and promised a corresponding response.

In November, Premier Li Keqiang cancelled a meeting with Slovak prime minister Robert Fico that was expected to be held in Riga before the opening of a parley between China and Central and Eastern European countries.

In response to the cancellation, Fico said we must repair the damage that has been inflicted, and invited Li to visit his country. When Li met with Fico later that same day, Fico said Slovakia maintained a principled stance on the one-China principle, according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement.

Story continues

Japan: supply resources cut off

China is the worlds top supplier of valuable rare earth metals, crucial inputs in producing a broad array of consumer and industrial electronics. Japan has accused China of using its power in the production chain for political retaliation.

In 2010, a Chinese trawler collided with Japanese coastguard vessels in the South China Sea, and Japan arrested the Chinese captain. In response, Premier Wen Jiabao refused to meet with Japanese officials at UN headquarters in New York, and threatened further action if Japan did not release the captain.

Ultimately, the delivery of Chinese exports to Japanese trading firms was delayed, the firms said. China, however, denied an export ban was in place. After Japan released the captain later that month, exports resumed their normal schedule. However, the Japanese trade minister said his nation would begin seeking rare earth metals from Canada, Vietnam, and the US as a result of the incident.

South Korea: tourism reduced, businesses targeted

Beijing used economic coercion against Seoul in response to the decision to deploy the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) antimissile system in South Korea in 2016.

Beijing saw THAAD as targeting China, rather than as a way to deter or curb North Koreas nuclear ambitions. Chinas leadership felt the weapons compromised the countrys national security by monitoring its military activities.

China then embarked on an aggressive but unofficial campaign to suspend its tour groups from travelling to South Korea. As of December, the Chinese boycott had cost South Korea 7.5 trillion won (US$6.8 billion), according to the South Korean national assemblys budget office.

Beijing also began to target the Seoul-based multinational conglomerate Lotte, after the company agreed to provide land for the deployment of THAAD. China has since fined the company over its advertising practices, and shut down a large number of its supermarkets in the country for fire-code violations.

Simultaneously, China has also intensified its customs inspections against South Korean companies.

It has banned certain imported products from Lotte, Dongwon, Samyang and L&P Cosmetics. It also limited the distribution of South Korean content, including movies and shows, according to a report by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission. South Korean celebrities also disappeared from Chinese television.

Norway: bilateral ties frozen

China froze diplomatic relations with Norway for six years after jailed Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010. The recipient of the peace prize is chosen each year by a committee in Oslo, Norways capital; the remaining Nobel Prizes are decided in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden.

The freeze in diplomatic relations put negotiations for a free-trade deal on hold, and hurt Norwegian salmon exports to China. Initially, Beijing imposed import restrictions on Norwegian salmon; in 2015, it imposed a strict ban on the grounds that the fish may carry diseases.

Norway continued to criticise Beijing, signing a joint UN human rights council condemnation of Chinas human rights abuses in 2016.

The two nations normalised diplomatic ties in 2016, and announced their intention to negotiate a free trade deal. At the time, Norwegian Foreign Minister Brge Brende told the South China Morning Post that China and Norway had spent three years in talks before relations could be restored.

The Philippines: customs inspections increased

The Philippines reported that Beijing had stopped buying its bananas in 2012 after the Scarborough Shoals maritime dispute.

Beijing customs officials began inspecting Philippines bananas for harmful organisms in March of 2012, just before a conflict over the cluster of reefs in the South China Sea began. In April, the US and the Philippines conducted joint military exercises simulating an island assault, but said the drills were unrelated to the Scarborough Shoals dispute.

In May the Chinese foreign ministry demanded a clear and unified signal about bilateral relations and said it hoped the Philippines would take steps to repair relations.

Tensions continued when the Philippines brought a case against China in The Hague in 2013 for its territorial claims in the South China Sea, and received a favourable ruling in July 2016.

That year, China destroyed 35 tonnes of bananas worth over US$30,000 from the Philippines due to what it called excessive use of pesticide.

Additional reporting by Lee Jeong-ho

This article From Slovakia to South Korea, five places that have paid the price for displeasing China first appeared on South China Morning Post

For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018.
President Donald Trump on Monday hailed a US trade pact with Canada and Mexico, which replaces the old NAFTA deal, as a historic agreement set to turn North America back into a "manufacturing powerhouse" and fuel US economic expansion. Governing almost $1.2 trillion in trade, the pact known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, is "the most important trade deal we've ever made by far," Trump told a White House press conference. The agreement first announced late Sunday, just before a midnight deadline, ended more than a year of tense negotiations sparked by Trump's decision to scrap the quarter-century old North American Free Trade Agreement. Trump's aggressive tearing up of long-standing US trade deals -- with everyone from its two huge neighbors to China and the European Union -- has rattled world leaders and sparked fears of economic turmoil. But in a buoyant performance at his Rose Garden news conference, Trump said the approach of using harsh tariffs to force countries into renegotiating unfair deals had been vindicated. "The United States in its trade deals has lost on average almost $800 billion a year. That's dealing with China, dealing with European Union, with everybody, Japan, Mexico, Canada, everybody," he said. "We're not going to allow that to happen." - Protect jobs - USMCA is said by analysts to be similar to NAFTA in many respects but there is improved access for US agricultural goods, including the dairy products which Canada in particular had tried to limit. New rules are designed to improve US auto workers' competitiveness, with 40 percent of each car required to have been made by people earning at least $16 an hour. The US had also sought increased American content for duty-free autos. Speaking to supporters in Tennessee, Trump said the new deal meant "America is winning again and America is being respected again because we are finally putting America first," he said to loud cheers. Earlier, Trump said the new framework will encourage US companies to hire at home, rather than look abroad. "It will transform North America back into a manufacturing powerhouse," he said. USMCA will "allow us to reclaim a supply chain that has been off-shored to the world because of unfair trade issues." Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador embraced the new deal. "I must admit, I insist, that President Donald Trump had an open, tolerant attitude," the leftist politician said. The pact must still be approved by the Mexican Senate, where the coalition with which he won the elections last July has a comfortable majority. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces anger from dairy farmers but told journalists Monday that the deal overall would be "profoundly beneficial for our economy" and "the most important progressive reform for North American workers in a generation." Stock markets rose on news of the agreement, with the Dow Jones in New York up 1.0 percent in late morning, just shy of a record high. - 'Privilege' - For Trump, the USMCA is only the start of what he says is a global pushback against countries taking advantage of the US economy. Talking up the new accord, Trump declared it a "privilege" for foreign powers to do business with the United States. "And I'm not talking about Mexico, Canada. I'm talking about everybody. Everybody," he said. "It's a privilege for China to do business with us. It's a privilege for the European Union." Pointing to his combative attitude towards China -- which is now locked in an escalating trade war with the United States -- Trump said his strategy was bearing fruit. "China wants to talk very badly," he said. Likewise, he claimed that India -- which he described as the "tariff king" -- wants to start trade talks with the United States "immediately." He also called out Brazil, Latin America's biggest country, as a chief offender, "a beauty." - Campaign mode - In all three countries, the new USMCA trade pact must be ratified by lawmakers. Trump immediately set about selling the idea to voters ahead of November congressional elections that could see the legislature taken by Democrats, putting approval for USMCA at risk. In Trump's view, the new deal and promise of more around the world show that he has kept his campaign promise of putting "America first." "As I say, the United States is respected again," he told the press conference. But a Democrat-controlled Congress "might be willing to throw one of the great deals for people and the workers. They may be willing to do that for political purposes," he said. The AFL-CIO, a Washington-based federation representing millions of unionized employees, said it was too early to "make a final judgment" on the new deal's impact on working people. Trump said he'd like to see it signed by the end of November. US law requires the White House to submit the text to Congress 60 days before signing. Under Sunday's deal, the trade pact will remain in force for 16 years but will be reviewed every six years.
As midterm elections approach with an unprecedented number of women candidates running for Congress, researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology reveal that both women and men prefer female politicians, with men rating women politicians significantly higher than male politicians.

"These results came as a real surprise," says Lindsey Cormack, who co-led the work. "It could signal a backlash given the current political environment, in the sense that there is a rebalancing in favor of women."

Using a nationally diverse sample of 1,400 voting-age Americans, Cormack and fellow Stevens political science professor Kristyn Karl unveiled the findings at the American Political Science Association's annual meeting in Boston on August 30.

In their survey, Cormack and Karl presented articles about politicians making sorrowful or angry appeals in response to fictitious policy failures or concerns, on topics ranging from education to defense. They then asked the respondents to score how favorably they viewed the politicians and to evaluate their leadership, competence, intelligence, compassion and sincerity (on a scale from 1 to 4). The gender of the politicians, their appeals, and the issues varied across articles.

The survey was distributed by Survey Sampling International, the world's leading provider of market research, to U.S. citizens aged 18 years or older. The sample was designed to mirror U.S. census benchmarks in terms of gender, age, race and political affiliation.

The work shows that both men and women favor women politicians, but men repeatedly rate them significantly higher, regardless of tone or topic they addressed in the article. Specifically, Democratic men assess women politicians significantly more favorable than male politicians. Republican men and women, on the other hand, evaluate men and women politicians similarly.

In addition to the overall preference for women over men in politics, Cormack and Karl found that male politicians faced the steepest penalties when communicating about defense issues in emotional ways when they conveyed sorrow.

"We expected that women politicians would be viewed negatively for violating gender norms about emotionality but in reality, it was men who were punished most severely," says Karl. "While women politicians were not clearly punished for expressing anger or sadness, men politicians who talked about masculine topicssuch as defense policyin an 'unmanly' waywith sadnessfaced significantly more negative evaluations."

Some urge caution in evaluating these elections as evidence of a sea change. Indeed, the "pink wave" is also very blue, as Democrats make up a large share of women candidates this cycle. But instead of attributing success to individual candidates or district conditions, the work suggests that the public may simply be ready for women to lead.

Explore further Political party influences lawmakers' tweets more than gender
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Simulations with animal models meant to mirror galactic cosmic radiation exposure to astronauts are raising red flags for investigators at Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC) about the health of astronauts during long voyages, such as to Mars.

Their most recent study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), suggests that deep space bombardment by galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) could significantly damage gastrointestinal (GI) tissue leading to long-term functional alterations. The study also raises concern about high risk of tumor development in the stomach and colon.

Their previous work has highlighted potential impairment to brain tissue as well as accelerated aging on long space trips due to the effect of energetic heavy ions, which don't affect Earthlings due to the protective global magnetosphere.

"Heavy ions such as iron and silicon are damaging because of their greater mass compared to no-mass photons such as x-rays and gamma ()-rays prevalent on earth as well as low mass protons in outer space," says the study's senior investigator, Kamal Datta, MD, an associate professor in the Department of Biochemistry and a project leader of the NASA Specialized Center of Research (NSCOR) at GUMC.

"With the current shielding technology, it is difficult to protect astronauts from the adverse effects of heavy ion radiation. Although there may be a way to use medicines to counter these effects, no such agent has been developed yet," says Datta, also a member of Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. "While short trips, like the times astronauts traveled to the Moon, may not expose them to this level of damage, the real concern is lasting injury from a long trip such as a Mars or other deep space missions which would be much longer" he says.

The GI tract is a self-renewing tissue with continuous cell division/proliferation, the researchers say. The mucosal (top) layer of cells is replaced every three to five days through coordinated migration of new cells from the bottom of a flask shaped structure called crypt towards the lumen of the gut. "Any disturbance of this replacement mechanism leads to malfunctioning of physiologic processes such as nutrient absorption and starts pathologic processes such as cancer," says co-author Georgetown's Albert Fornace Jr., MD, director of the NSCOR.

To investigate the effect of heavy ions on the GI tract, the scientists used mouse small intestine as a model system. Mice were exposed to a low dose of iron radiation at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL) in Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island, New York, and the animals were then examined at Georgetown.

Researchers compared the group of mice that received heavy ions to mice exposed to gamma rays, which are comparable to X-rays, and to a third, unexposed control group. The scientists found that intestinal cells in the heavy ion group did not adequately absorb nutrients and that they formed cancerous polyps.

Additionally, there was evidence that iron radiation induced DNA damage that increased the number of senescent cells. Senescent cells are incapable of normal cell division but they are not "quiet," says Datta.

"They generate oxidative stress and inflammatory molecules that induce more damage. This greatly affected migration of cells that are needed to replace the intestinal lining which slowed down GI functioning," he says.

Even though a very low dose was delivered over the equivalent of months-long period in deep space, the effects of heavy ion radiation appeared to be permanent, says Fornace.

"We have documented the effects of deep space radiation on some vital organs, but we believe that similar damage responses may occur in many organs," says Datta. "It is important to understand these effects in advance so we can do everything we can to protect our future space travelers."

Explore further Exposure to space radiation reduces ability of intestinal cells to destroy oncoprotein

More information: Santosh Kumar el al., "Space radiation triggers persistent stress response, increases senescent signaling, and decreases cell migration in mouse intestine," PNAS (2018). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Santosh Kumar el al., "Space radiation triggers persistent stress response, increases senescent signaling, and decreases cell migration in mouse intestine,"(2018). www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1807522115
AcrAB:TolC in the cell envelope. There are six copies of AcrA (orange) bridging the gap between AcrB (blue) and TolC (yellow). Credit: James Gumbart/Georgia Tech

Antibiotic resistance is a growing medical crisis, as disease-causing bacteria have developed properties that evade or overcome the toxic effects of many available drugs. More of these microbes are resistant to multiple medications, limiting physicians' options to combat patients' infections. As a result, a range of conditions  including pneumonia, bloodstream infections and gonorrhea  have become more dangerous and more expensive to treat, increasing healthcare costs by up to $20 billion annually.

As researchers seek new antibiotics, they must overcome the mechanisms these microbes have evolved to survive. Most of today's medications don't work well against Gram-negative bacteria, which are difficult to penetrate because they are surrounded by two membranes with a cell wall sandwiched in between. (Gram-positive bacteria lack the outer membrane.) Gram-negative bacteria also deploy other defense systems: they assemble an assortment of membrane proteins into elaborate defensive structures known as efflux pumps that allow the cells to expel microbe-killing drugs before they work.

Knocking out efflux pumps is a promising strategy both to create new drugs and bring old antibiotics back to life, says physicist James C. Gumbart of the Georgia Institute of Technology. But to target and neutralize these structures, researchers first must understand exactly how they function.

That's where simulations can help. Over the long term, Gumbart would like to model the molecular dynamics  how molecules in efflux pumps interact  with the goal of rendering these defenses harmless.

As one step in that process, Gumbart and his colleagues have zeroed in on a critical component of efflux pumps: the adaptor protein AcrA, which links the efflux pump components on the inner membrane with those on the outer membrane. "We know from various structural data that AcrA is a key component of the pump, bridging the gap between AcrB and TolC," two other vital membrane proteins. "Whether it has any role beyond a structural one, we don't know for sure," Gumbart says.

To better study this protein, Gumbart and his team have used Titan, the Cray XK7 supercomputer at the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility, a Department of Energy (DOE) user facility, to simulate the shape and related stability of AcrA as it interacts with other efflux pump components. An allocation of 38 million processor hours from DOE's Innovative and Novel Computational Impact on Theory and Experiment (INCITE) program supports their work. The research also relies on NAMD, a molecular dynamics code developed by the National Institutes of Health Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, to simulate large biomolecular systems like this one in parallel on large numbers of computer processor cores.

To construct their simulations, the team took advantage of a newly developed model of both membranes and the cell wall of the Gram-negative bacterium E. coli in atomistic detail. "To understand the assembly process, we must consider the environment in which it happens, namely the periplasm, which is the space between membranes," Gumbart says. "The periplasm includes a number of proteins as well as the cell wall, a thin mesh that gives bacteria shape and stability in a variety of environments." The researchers placed AcrA within an efflux pump structure that included partner proteins AcrB, from the inner envelope, and TolC, from the outer envelope.

These petascale simulations, running at one quadrillion mathematical calculations per second, create parallel versions of the motions and energies of these bacterial proteins and membranes. The individual simulations include proteins whose conformations  ways that the molecules can easily twist and reshape themselves  differ subtly. To optimize their results, the researchers can occasionally swap energetically favorable conformations between simulations, a technique called replica exchange. Using this strategy, the scientists can map the free energy of the system.

The lowest-energy combinations of AcrA, AcrB and TolC reveal scenarios and protein arrangements that are most likely to occur within a bacterial cell. For example, it isn't currently clear if AcrA adapts its shape before or after it initially interacts with AcrB, Gumbart says. "Our free-energy maps should help us to distinguish between these possibilities."

The team also is analyzing its data to seek energy maps that show AcrA conformations that interfere with pump assembly. "If we can stabilize these conformations, we can hopefully inhibit multidrug efflux," Gumbart says. That information can guide the design of new, precisely targeted drug candidates called efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs). "The EPIs, in turn, will prevent the pump assembly or else block its function post-assembly."

Such simulations also can test the effects of EPIs that Gumbart's collaborators already have designed, providing valuable information about which drug candidates might prove most effective and should be studied further.

If successful, this strategy could revive some antibiotics that are no longer in use, Gumbart says, because researchers expect that combining them with an EPI could restore their potency.

Gumbart and his team gathered a trove of data in just one year. "It would have taken at least four to five years to obtain using common supercomputing resources," he says. Team members include Jerry Parks of Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Jerome Baudry of the University of Alabama, Huntsville; Helen Zgurskaya of the University of Oklahoma; University of Tennessee, Knoxville graduate student Adam Green; and Georgia Tech graduate student Anthony Hazel.

A better understanding of efflux pump assembly and strategies for altering or blocking these structures could be useful for treating other diseases, too. For example, a different type of pump causes drug resistance in cancer cells, Gumbart says. "In fact, efflux systems are found in all domains in life."

Since completing the simulations this spring, Gumbart and his colleagues have been analyzing the resulting data to quantify the free energies, find patterns in the favored vs. disfavored conformations, and even determine why only some mutations affect pump assembly. More simulations will be needed to address related questions, but the current data still hold a number of secrets. Gumbart and his team will keep digging.

Explore further Computer simulations reveal roots of drug resistance
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Scientists have long sought accurate monitoring of seismic activity to identify natural phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and the leakage of fluids stored deep underground. Time-lapse four-dimensional seismic monitoring surveys that employ an active seismic source can accurately map the subsurface, and comparing results from different surveys can show how fluids such as CO 2 move in deep geological reservoirs. However, the expense of such surveys limits how often data can be gathered, meaning that subsequent analysis often has poor temporal resolution. An alternative that provides a continuous dataset is the passive monitoring of ambient seismic noise, but the accuracy of this approach depends on the ambient sources, which can change over time.

In an article recently published in Geophysics, a team of researchers from Kyushu University and industrial and governmental representatives from Japan and Canada report a new method for accurately monitoring the shallow subsurface at a high spatiotemporal resolution. The method was developed using data from 2014 to 2016 that was collected by the Accurately Controlled Routinely Operated Signal System (ACROSS) located at the Aquistore CO 2 storage site in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Obtaining a high-resolution characterization of the shallow subsurface has previously been limited by the number of ACROSS units. The researchers have now overcome this obstacle. Lead author Tatsunori Ikeda says, "Applying spatially windowed surface-wave analysis allowed us to study the spatial variation of surface wave velocities using data from a single ACROSS unit."

The research team validated their method against data gathered from hundreds of geophone measuring devices located around the ACROSS unit and a computational model of the site. Their analysis of the surface waves shows spatial variation in the surface wave velocities, and the impact of seasonal weather on these velocities. Confirmation of the method's accuracy highlights its potential to identify changes in the shallow subsurface that may be caused by natural phenomena or fluids leaking from storage sites much deeper underground.

As well as drawing together experts from a variety of organizations in Japan and Canada, the publication represents another step forward for researchers in Kyushu University's International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (I2CNER). Co-author Takeshi Tsuji says, "The approach contributes to our ongoing work in Kyushu University to develop a downsized, continuous and controlled seismic monitoring system." The researchers have been operating the downsized monitoring system at the Kuju geothermal and volcanological research station on Japan's Kyushu Island.

Explore further The underground effects of earthquakes and volcanoes

More information: Tatsunori Ikeda et al. Imaging And Monitoring Of The Shallow Subsurface Using Spatially Windowed Surface-Wave Analysis With A Single Permanent Seismic Source, Geophysics (2018). Tatsunori Ikeda et al. Imaging And Monitoring Of The Shallow Subsurface Using Spatially Windowed Surface-Wave Analysis With A Single Permanent Seismic Source,(2018). DOI: 10.1190/GEO2018-0084.1

Provided by Kyushu University
The European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) has disavowed a guest scientist who claimed physics was "built by men"

Europe's physics lab CERN on Monday suspended a scientist over a lecture that suggested physics was "built by men" and accused women of demanding specialist jobs without suitable qualifications.

The presentation by Alessandro Strumia of Pisa University was delivered Friday at the Geneva lab during a workshop on the relationship between high energy theory and gender.

The presentationwhich includes various slides, charts and graphsappears to claim that men face discrimination in the field of physics.

One pictorial series suggests that women line up to take gender studies and then later protest over a lack of jobs in stem fields, an umbrella term that covers areas like chemistry and engineering.

"Physics invented and built by men, it's not by invitation," one slide says.

"CERN considers the presentation delivered by an invited scientist during a workshop on High Energy Theory and Gender as highly offensive," the lab said in a statement.

"It has therefore decided to remove the slides from the online repository, in line with a Code of Conduct that does not tolerate personal attacks and insults."

In a second statement, the lab said it had "suspended the scientist from any activity at CERN with immediate effect, pending investigation into last week's event."

The presentation was one of 38 delivered at the workshop, CERN noted, warning that the offensive material "risks overshadowing the important message and achievements of the event".

CERN, the French acronym for the European Centre for Nuclear Research, is for the first time being led by a female director general: Fabiola Gianotti, an Italian expert in experimental particle physics, took charge in 2016.

The lab has said that despite efforts to close its own gender gap, women still account for less than 20 percent of staff.

The lab notes that it has backed initiatives aimed at boosting female participation in the sciences.

"Diversity is a strong reality at CERN, and is also one of the core values underpinning our Code of Conduct," the statement said.

"The Organisation is fully committed to promoting diversity and equality at all levels."

Explore further Italian physicist Gianotti first woman to lead Cern

 2018 AFP
Magnetic fields are among the techniques being developed to extract metal particles from slags (stony waste matter). Credit: Slag heap at Rammelsberg / Goslar by B.Nunold is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Miners could soon be scouring mounds of industrial waste to extract rare metals that are needed for products such as electronics, pacemakers, aircraft parts and bicycle gears.

Researchers are attempting to figure out how to recover metals that are in limited supply in Europe from material that is often dumped or used in low-grade applications. They hope this metal recovery will also help to reduce the impact of industry on the environment

Currently, most metals used in Europe's industries are imported, which means supplies can be affected by instability in the countries where they are mined. They can also be subject to political decisions to restrict exports or to introduce tariffs such as those imposed on steel and aluminium by the US.

The CHROMIC project is aiming to change this dependence by looking to recover metals from waste and by-products that are already in the EU.

'We want to develop technologies that can help Europe to be more self-reliant for important metal resources in the future,' said Dr. Liesbeth Horckmans, from the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO) in Mol, Belgium, who is the project coordinator.

CHROMIC is focussing on a group of metals that are commonly used in everyday life  chromium, vanadium, molybdenum and niobium. All four metals are added to steel to make it more durable or increase its strength, but chromium is also a valuable chemical and pigment. Vanadium alloys are also ideal for making bicycle frames and gears, while niobium is used in prosthetics and pacemakers due to its hypoallergenic properties. Molybdenum is found in military armour, aircraft parts and fertilisers.

Around 45% of chromium, however, is brought into Europe from abroad while 100% of the other three metals are imported from South Africa, Brazil, the US, China, Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkey. But each of these metals are found in significant amounts in industrial by-products that are often discarded in the EU.

'We are focussing on steel slags (stony waste matter), stainless steel slags and ferrochrome slags,' said Dr. Horckmans. At present, the team is looking at new slags being produced, although they have considered opening up old industrial landfill sites as well.

Extraction

Extracting metals from industrial residue isn't easy though. The metals are present as fine particles that need to be separated out from the rest of the waste. Dr. Horckmans and her team are developing a number of methods to remove them, including using magnetic fields to pull out metallic particles and water to dissolve the metal so it can then be recovered from the solution.

'We are developing a new process based on a combination of novel and existing technologies where we can recover metallic particles (from some of the slags) that can be reintroduced directly into the steel process,' said Dr. Horckmans.

From the sources they are investigating, the team think their technologies could recover around 91,000 tonnes of these metals a year, equivalent to 5-10% of the EU's annual use. But the techniques could be applied to other types of industrial slag waste, such as incinerator ashes, to boost their quantities.

In addition, Dr. Horckmans and her colleagues are looking at how to repurpose the material left behind after they have extracted the metal. Metals typically make up less than 5% of the waste, so the whole process would not be sustainable if the rest is not reused as well, said Dr. Horckmans.

Metal-containing slags are already used in the construction industry as aggregates in concrete or asphalt, for example, so the remaining waste could be put to similar uses. But the material left behind after the metal is removed will be made up of finer grains, whereas the original slags are lumpy.

The team has developed a way of making bricks from this material by shaping them into rectangular blocks and using carbon dioxide to create a reaction that cements the particles together. 'It's one of the applications we want to test,' said Dr. Horckmans.

The project typifies a movement known as the circular economy, which aims to reuse discarded and waste materials for new purposes.

Second life

Another project with a similar goal is targeting different metals. The METGROW+ project is aiming to recover nickel, zinc and copper from sludges and residues left over from the production of metals such as stainless steel and zinc.

They are also interested in less common metals such as indium, gallium, germanium, cobalt and chromium, some of which are used to make computers, electronics and batteries.

'What we are trying to develop isn't specifically for one material stream,' said project coordinator Dr. Paivi Kinnunen from the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland in Espoo. Instead, they have selected waste streams that are found across Europe, so that their results can be widely used.

The team is developing new technologies that can be combined with existing processes to extract metals in an economically feasible way. The metal content of the waste sources is very low and several different treatments are often required to retrieve it. They are now conducting several pilots in Finland, Poland, Belgium and Spain to test the different techniques on various low-grade material sludges.

'We are trying to get the best combination of different technologies,' said Dr. Kinnunen.

If the team is successful, the results could be game-changing. Europe currently imports almost 100% of its indium supply, for example, and the researchers think they could produce 80% of it from the sources they are targeting. For gallium, they should be able to extract 30% of the required supply.

'I think there is huge potential,' said Dr. Kinnunen.

The leftover material, which would normally end up in landfill, will also be given a second life. So far, they are investigating if it can be used to create construction materials by turning it into a substance similar to cement.

Explore further Integrated technologies to recover metal and plastic from electronic waste
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Economic losses caused by drought in China may double if the global temperature rises by 1.5C to 2.0C above pre-industrial levels, with increasing drought intensity and areal coverage across China, a new economic assessment study by Chinese scientists found.

The study, based on 30 years' loss statistics of 31 provinces and cities from 1986, identify the intensity, area and duration of drought events in China, and assess the future socio-economic pathways and their related the adaptation capacity.

Recent years have seen significant increase in drought losses around the world. About 20 percent of China's direct economic losses by weather and climate disasters are caused by drought.

Drought-affected crop area averages 2,090,000 km2 per year for the period from 1949-2017, equivalent to 1/6 of the total arable land. Annual direct economic losses reached more than seven billion US dollars during 1984 to 2017, according to 2015 price level.

In their study, scientists projected drought losses in China under a global temperature increase of 1.5C and 2.0C. Regional gross domestic product under various shared socioeconomic pathways showed different results, but all pointed to the same fact.

"Estimated loss in a sustainable development pathway at the 1.5C warming level increases ten-fold in comparison to the reference period 1986-2005, and nearly three-fold, relative to the interval 2006-2015," said first author Prof. Su Buda, a researcher with the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Annual average drought loss for the 2.0C warming level in a growth-oriented development pathway is estimated to be approximately two times of that in the 1.5C warming range, according to the study.

The Paris Agreement proposes to keep the global mean temperature increase to well below 2.0C above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit the warming to 1.5C, in order to reduce the risk and impacts of a warming climate.

"Keeping the global average temperature increase under or equal to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels can reduce the annual drought losses by several tens of billions of USD," said by Prof. Jiang Tong, corresponding author of the study from National Climate Center of China Meteorological Administration.

China's national GDP drought-loss share has decreased from 0.23 percent in 1986-2005 to 0.16 percent in 2006-2015 due to the rapid increase of national GDP. However, the trend was projected to reverse in the future, with the loss share gradually increasing under a warming scenario, taking improved adaptation capacity into account, the study showed.

"More efforts on mitigation are needed, so that the 1.5C warming limit is not exceeded," Dr. Su said.

The study was jointly completed by researchers from institutions including XIEG, National Climate Center of China, Meteorological Administration's Institute for Agricultural and Forest Environment of Polish Academy of Sciences, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, and Universitaet Tuebingen in Germany.

Results of the study were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), titled "Drought losses in China might double between the 1.5C and 2.0C warming."

Explore further Scientists reveal drivers of prolonged spring-summer drought over North China

More information: Buda Su el al., Drought losses in China might double between the 1.5 C and 2.0 C warming, PNAS (2018). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Buda Su el al., Drought losses in China might double between the 1.5 C and 2.0 C warming,(2018). www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1802129115
Language tests are an important factor in determining whether international students are admitted to universities. Credit: Shutterstock

We live in testing times. We also live in a time of globalization, immigration and the internationalization of schools and universities around the world. Our current obsession with school accountability and student learning outcomes has resulted in the increased use and abuse of test scores in particular language test scores.

Language test scores are now an admission ticket for post-secondary education and for skilled immigrants trying to gain entry into new countries. Test scores serve as the key to learning opportunities and professional success, impacting millions of lives. They also play a crucial role in political, social and educational policies.

Despite the considerable consequences of language testing, what exactly do test scores indicate? What can we tell about someone and their achievement or professional capability from a single test score? What are the implications when bureaucrats and education officials misinterpret test scores when making policy decisions on immigration or attracting more international students?

In my role as director of the Assessment and Evaluation Group in the Faculty of Education at Queen's University, I've been involved in research on how students are tested for language proficiency and the consequences of such testing.

Second language is essential

It's an important topic because evidence shows that an ability to speak a second language can determine so many things about an immigrant's future, including economic success, social integration and their overall ability to contribute to society. My research looks at the prevalence and impact of language testing. A key issue is how test scores are used or misused by policy makers.

We should not be using a single test score to make decisions that can have a huge impact on someone's life. However, governments and organizations tend to do this because it is cheaper and they believe it offers a more clean-cut case on immigration, university entrance and professional certification.

According to the latest census data, Canada has more than 7.5 million foreign-born individuals who arrived as immigrants. That represents about 22 per cent of the population.

All skilled workers and professionals who wish to immigrate to Canada need to demonstrate their English or French language ability via a language test, no matter where in the world they come from. The results of their test scores determine whether they are permitted to settle and to practise as recertified professionals in Canada.

Increase in international students

There has been a rapid increase in the number of international students who wish to study at Canadian universities. The latest federal government data shows Canada had roughly 500,000 international students at the end of 2017. Canada's international student population has nearly tripled over the past decade and now ranks fourth behind the United States, the United Kingdom and China. Canada retains many of these international students as skilled workers through Express Entry.

All international students are required to take a language test as part of the application process and their scores must meet the entrance requirements for Canadian universities.

It's natural to assume anyone taking those tests would be nervous, anxious or even frustrated. That is what we call high-stakes testing, which affects the lives of millions of people, all over the world, every day.

An incomplete picture

For example, when the stakes are high, research suggests that test-takers' motivation and anxiety are significant factors associated with their test performance. Judging someone's test score without taking those factors into account presents an incomplete picture of the person taking the test.

Successfully evaluating someone's English- or French-language abilities through various language tests has a direct impact on millions of lives of people who come to Canada to study and settle.

Education and government decision-makers should not rely solely on test scores when making decisions about admitting people to schools or the country. That's why test validation ensuring accurate uses and interpretations of the test scores has become so important and has grown into a major field of research.

Our research at Queen's is intended to raise public awareness of the intended and unintended consequences of how test scores are used and to make the case that policy-makers need better training on how to properly interpret scores.

Explore further International research tests language tests

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The ANITA-IV experiment in Antarctica, prior to being launched on a balloon. Credit: Drummermean/CC BY-SA 4.0

A team of researchers at Penn State University has found new evidence that suggests some particles detected in Antarctica do not fit the Standard Model. They have written a paper outlining their arguments and have posted it on the arXiv preprint server.

Prior research has shown that when low energy cosmic particles encounter the Earth, they are likely to pass right on throughhigh energy particles, on the other hand, are almost certain to run into something else, preventing them from passing through in one piece. Instead, they cause an avalanche of collisions, creating a shower of particles that eventually emerge on the other side of the planet. But what if a high-energy particle were to make it all the way through without creating a particle shower? That would mean there likely exists a particle that is not described by the Standard Modeland that is exactly what researchers studying particles detected over Antarctica are reporting.

To date, two odd particle events have been detected by a sensor attached to a high-altitude balloon hovering over Antarctica as part of a project called the Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA)the first detection was back in 2006, the second in 2014. Both indicated that a high-energy particle had somehow made its way through the planet without encountering anything. The first detection was attributed to equipment problems or some other unknown factor. The second caused more concernbut not enough for anyone to seriously consider challenging the Standard Model. In this new effort, the researchers report that they have found other evidence of the same type of particle, suggesting the two anomalies might truly represent unknown particles.

The new evidence came in the form of sensor data from the IceCube experiment in which sensors buried in the Antarctic ice continually detect particle events. Data from the sensors showed that three events with unexplained properties had occurred. The researchers suggest the two unconnected sources of data indicate that it is time to start asking whether the anomalies hint at the possibility of particles beyond the Standard Model.

Explore further Hunting for dark quarks

More information: The ANITA Anomalous Events as Signatures of a Beyond Standard Model Particle, and Supporting Observations from IceCube, arXiv:1809.09615 [astro-ph.HE] Journal information: arXiv The ANITA Anomalous Events as Signatures of a Beyond Standard Model Particle, and Supporting Observations from IceCube, arXiv:1809.09615 [astro-ph.HE] arxiv.org/abs/1809.09615

 2018 Phys.org
Male stickleback displaying courtship colours. In this species, the females carefully choose their mating partners. However, they can never be sure that their offspring receive the optimal combination of immune genes. Therefore, the females' egg cells have found a way to select sperms with matching immune genes. Credit: MPI f. Evolutionary Biology/ M. Schwarz

Through clever partner selection, animals can increase the future success of their offspring. With some species, this process continues even after the sex act. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plon have discovered that among sticklebacks, the egg cells of the fish are involved in the decision regarding fertilisation. An accumulation of genes in the genetic material of the male gamete's cells determines which sperm is allowed in to the egg cell. Since vertebrates are highly similar in terms of their immune system, including with regard to the gene complex in question, the researchers assume that egg cells of other vertebrates  perhaps even those of humans  are able to control their fertilisation.

It is not only the obvious properties of an organism, such as size, speed or strength, that always decide whether an individual will survive. Without a powerful immune system, no animal can survive for long, let alone produce offspring. Since half of the immune genes of both parents respectively are passed on in combination to the offspring, it is worth selecting a sex partner who best supplements one's own immune genes.

But how can a partner with the right immune system be identified? Many vertebrates can smell the body's own defence mechanism of members of the same species. Even humans have this ability. At the University of Berne, Manfred Milinski, who later conducted research at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plon, discovered several years ago that women find the smell of men more attractive whose immune system supplements their own to the best possible degree.

Here, a decisive role is played by the genes of the "Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)", an accumulation of extremely variable immune genes on chromosome 6. "We already discovered some time ago how the gene complex impacts the smell of a human body, and identified our body's own perfume. This plays an important role when we select a partner," Milinski explains. "With such immune genes, which complement your own genes, the immune system of your offspring is particularly diverse, and can fend off a large number of pathogens."

Deceptive mate choice

Strictly speaking, this explanation only applies in every second case, however. Every human and most animals have two  often different  varieties of every individual gene. An egg or sperm cell only receives one of the two gene variants in each case. Some of the cells therefore have immune gene variants that match each other better than others. During fertilisation, an egg cell can therefore in fact merge with a sperm that has been given an MHC variant that does not match so well  despite prior partner selection and what appeared to be the matching immune genes.

The egg  not the woman  must therefore select its own partner, namely the sperm with the complementary MHC variant. According to the researcher team in Plon, this is precisely what the egg cells of sticklebacks do. The scientists presented egg cells with sperm with different MHC variants and observed which of the male gametes was successful. "Our experiments show that the sperm with the highest chance of fertilisation is the sperm whose MHC may differ from that of the egg, but which still shows certain similarities," explains Tobias Lenz, who heads the Evolutionary Immunogenomics research group at the Max Planck Institute in Plon.

The results therefore correlate with earlier studies, which showed that the optimal state for immune defence is provided when two gametes with medium-level differences merge in the MHC. Too large differences are clearly counter-productive, however: "Sperm with only slightly differing MHC variants is more likely to be accepted by the egg cell than sperm with entirely different immune genes," Lenz explains.

Selection after mating

Researchers do not yet know how the egg selects the sperm. "Our experiments show that the selection process continues even after the sex act. Since it is impossible to tell on the basis of scent which immune gene variants will finally be successful, the selection by the egg cells is an extremely important supplement to partner selection. The offspring are more resistant to pathogens as a result, and therefore have an evolutionary advantage," Milinski explains. Additionally, egg cells can in this way avoid fertilisation by the sperm of unwanted males.

Among fish, with their external fertilisation, which is difficult to control, such free riders are a particular latent problem. However, since selection of the right immune gene was also a decisive factor in the evolution of humans, it would be possible that among humans, egg cells are also involved in deciding which sperm is permitted to fertilise them.

Explore further Researchers crack olfactory code for partner selection, synthesise first biologically effective perfume

More information: Tobias L. Lenz et al. Cryptic haplotype-specific gamete selection yields offspring with optimal MHC immune genes, Evolution (2018). Journal information: Evolution Tobias L. Lenz et al. Cryptic haplotype-specific gamete selection yields offspring with optimal MHC immune genes,(2018). DOI: 10.1111/evo.13591
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A new material that is as stiff as metal but flexible enough to withstand strong vibrations could transform the car manufacturing industry, say experts from the University of Surrey.

In a paper published in Scientific Reports, scientists from Surrey joined forces with Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and the University of California to develop a material that has high stiffness and damping.

The team achieved this near impossible combination in a material by using 3-D woven technical textile composite sheets, with selected unbonded fibres  allowing the inside of the material to move and absorb vibrations, while the surrounding material remains rigid.

Researchers believe their new material could usher in a new wave of trains, cars, and aircrafts, allowing customers to experience little to no vibration during their travels.

Dr. Stefan Szyniszewski, lead author of the study and assistant professor of materials and structures at the University of Surrey, said: "The idea of a composite the resolves the paradox of stiffness and damping was thought to be impossible  yet here we are. This is an exciting development that could send shock waves through the car, train and aerospace manufacturing industries. This is a material that could make the vehicles of the near future more comfortable than ever before."

Explore further New composite technology for enhanced electrical and thermal conductivity of conventional composite materials

More information: Ladan Salari-Sharif et al. Damping of selectively bonded 3D woven lattice materials, Scientific Reports (2018). Journal information: Scientific Reports Ladan Salari-Sharif et al. Damping of selectively bonded 3D woven lattice materials,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32625-6
Organic catalyst material for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Credit: University of Liverpool

Scientists from the University of Liverpool, University College London and East China University of Science and Technology have synthesized a new organic material that can convert water into hydrogen fuel using sunlight.

Photocatalytic solar hydrogen productionor water splittingoffers an abundant clean energy source, but only if the energy in sunlight can be harvested effectively. Inorganic materials are better known as water splitting catalysts, but organic catalysts can also be built from cheap abundant elements, such as carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur.

The Liverpool-led team has used a combination of experiment and computation to discover a highly active organic photocatalyst. This also revealed some basic design principles, which may guide us to even better catalysts in the future.

Mr Xiaoyan Wang, the Liverpool Chemistry Ph.D. student who led the experimental work, said: "To achieve high hydrogen evolution rates, you need good water affinity, broad light adsorption, high surface area, and high crystallinity. By introducing all of these features in one material, we got a very active photocatalyst."

Mr Wang's Ph.D. project is co-funded by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and the University of Liverpool, through a joint Ph.D. programme that started in March 2016.

This programme attracts talented Ph.D. candidates from China to carry out their studies in the world-leading Materials Innovation Factory at the University of Liverpool.

Professor Andrew Cooper FRS, academic lead for the study, said: "This project was a multinational collaboration involving researchers from China, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK. It is a good example of the vital need to hire the best researchers from all over the world, and to collaborate with teams in other countries. Top-level science is an international endeavour."

Explore further Promising new material has the right properties to capture solar energy, split water into hydrogen and oxygen

More information: Xiaoyan Wang et al, Sulfone-containing covalent organic frameworks for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water, Nature Chemistry (2018). Journal information: Nature Chemistry Xiaoyan Wang et al, Sulfone-containing covalent organic frameworks for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41557-018-0141-5
Humans did not accelerate the decline of the 'Green Sahara' and may have managed to hold back the onset of the Sahara desert by around 500 years, according to new research led by UCL.

The study by a team of geographers and archaeologists from UCL and King's College London, published in Nature Communications, suggests that early pastoralists in North Africa combined detailed knowledge of the environment with newly domesticated species to deal with the long-term drying trend.

It is thought that early pastoralists in North Africa developed intricate ways to efficiently manage sparse vegetation and relatively dry and low fertility soils.

Dr. Chris Brierley (UCL Geography), lead author, said: "The possibility that humans could have had a stabilising influence on the environment has significant implications. We contest the common narrative that past human-environment interactions must always be one of over-exploitation and degradation.

"The fact that societies practising 'pastoralism' persisted in this region for so long and invested both economically and ideologically in the local landscape, does not support the scenario of over-exploitation. Our study shows that increasing human population and sustainable pastoralism did not accelerateand may even have delayedthe decline of the 'Green Sahara'."

Around 8,000 years ago, the Sahara wasn't desert, but instead was a vibrant ecosystem that supported hunter-gatherers and fisherfolk. The 'Green Sahara' - the colloquial term for the African Humid Period  was the period in which North Africa became much wetter than it is today thanks to a series of monsoons.

As the Earth's orbit slowly changed, the rain started to reduce, and the vegetation started to die back. Around 5,500 years ago, the ecosystem in the Sahara went into a terminal decline towards the desert we have today.

Pastoralism (nomadic or semi-nomadic cattle-herders) blossomed in the Sahara from around 1000 years before that collapse. Previous studies have put the blame for the collapse of the 'Green Sahara' onto these nomads who have often been marginalised in history, but this latest studies dispels that myth.

The study uses a novel climate-vegetation model to determine whether the end of the African Humid Period occurred earlier than expected. The model keeps track of variables such as vegetation and rainfall, and other processes such as the amount of energy coming from the sun, and the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

The model found that the 'Green Sahara' should have collapsed earlier than it did. This suggests that pastoralists lasted longer than expected and the techniques they used helped them to adapt to the environmental changes.

Dr. Brierley added: "Those places where pastoralists last longer are where there are more resources. It's a good adaptation to the climate change taking place at the time. There is now work today looking at what we can learn from nomadic pastoralists, such as selective grazing strategies, which can be applied to sustainable adaption to desertification that we expect from future climate change."

Dr. Katie Manning (King's College London), concluded: "Despite the largely inhospitable conditions of the Sahara today, it is not hard to find evidence of human occupation from the last 11,000 years. Thousands of rock art sites illustrate a lush environment, large-game hunting and livestock herding. The spread of domestic animals across the Sahara occurred at a time of increasing climatic instability, and yet, these pastoralist populations thrived.

"It is likely that strategies used by contemporary traditional herders, such as seasonal movement and selective grazing, were also used by these early pastoralists, helping to maintain an otherwise deteriorating ecosystem."

Explore further Did humans create the Sahara Desert?
The computer simulation shows how the electromagnetic field is distributed in the silicon layer with hole pattern after excitation with a laser. Here, stripes with local field maxima are formed, so that quantum dots shine particularly strongly. Credit: Carlo Barth/HZB

Photonic nanostructures can be used for many applications besides solar cellsfor example, optical sensors for cancer markers or other biomolecules. A team at HZB using computer simulations and machine learning has now shown that the design of such nanostructures can be selectively optimised. The results are published in Communications Physics.

Nanostructures can increase the sensitivity of optical sensors enormouslyprovided that the geometry meets certain conditions and matches the wavelength of the incident light. This is because the electromagnetic field of light can be greatly amplified or reduced by the local nanostructure. The HZB Young Investigator Group "Nano-SIPPE" headed by Prof. Christiane Becker is working to develop these kinds of nanostructures. Computer simulations are an important tool for this. Dr. Carlo Barth from the Nano-SIPPE team has now identified the most important patterns of field distribution in a nanostructure using machine learning, and explained the experimental findings.

The photonic nanostructures examined in the paper consist of a silicon layer with a regular hole pattern coated with quantum dots made of lead sulphide. Excited with a laser, the quantum dots close to local field amplifications emit much more light than on an unordered surface. This empirically demonstrates how the laser light interacts with the nanostructure.

In order to record what happens when individual parameters of the nanostructure change, Barth calculates the three-dimensional electric field distribution for each parameter set using software developed at the Zuse Institute Berlin. Barth analyzed these enormous amounts of data with other computer programs based on machine learning. "The computer searched through the approximately 45,000 data records and grouped them into about 10 different patterns," he explains. Finally, Barth and Becker identified three basic patterns in which the fields are amplified in specific areas of the nanoholes.

This allows the optimization of photonic crystal membranes based on excitation amplification for virtually any application. Some biomolecules accumulate preferentially along the hole edges, for example, while others prefer the plateaus between the holes, depending on the application. With the correct geometry and the right excitation by light, the maximum electric field amplification can be generated exactly at the attachment sites of the desired molecules. This would increase the sensitivity of optical sensors for cancer markers to the level of individual molecules, for example.

More information: Carlo Barth et al, Machine learning classification for field distributions of photonic modes, Communications Physics (2018). Carlo Barth et al, Machine learning classification for field distributions of photonic modes,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s42005-018-0060-1
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Multiple-choice tests and quizzes are an effective tool for:

a) assessing a student's mastery of facts and concepts;

b) helping students learn and retain facts and concepts.

While some educators might see this as a trick question, the correct answer appears to be:

c) all of the above, suggests new research from Washington University in St. Louis.

"Although people often think about multiple-choice tests as tools for assessment, they can also be used to facilitate learning," said Andrew Butler, a cognitive psychologist in Arts & Sciences who studies the brain processes behind learning and recall. "The act of retrieving information strengthens memory for that information, leading to better long-term retention, and changes the representation of the information, creating deeper understanding."

Butler's study, published in the September issue of Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition, offers straightforward tips for constructing multiple-choice questions that are effective at both assessing current knowledge and strengthening ongoing learning.

Among key findings, educators should never include trick questions or offer "all of the above" or "none of the above" options among the list of possible answers.

Research on the format of multiple-choice questions is important, Butler noted, because the tests are widely used throughout the world, especially in the United States where they originated as part of early efforts to measure intelligence.

Fueled in the beginning by the need for an efficient way to measure characteristics of World War I soldiers and booming student enrollments, multiple-choice tests now influence important life decisions in areas such as college placement, workplace hiring, career advancement and even online dating.

As an associate professor in the Departments of Education and of Psychological & Brain Sciences, both in Arts & Sciences, Butler conducts research that explores the malleability of memorythe cognitive processes and mechanisms that cause memories to change or remain stable over time.

Taking any form of test has the potential to alter our understanding of a topic, he said, because the process of recalling information requires important details to be freshly reconstructed from related memories.

While multiple-choice testing, especially repeated testing, has the potential to strengthen our recall, a poorly formatted test question can have the opposite effect, Butler said. Such an ill-formed question can muddy our recollection of the correct answer and reinforcing memories for inaccurate "distractor" answers, he added.

Butler's research review confirms that proper question formatting and presentation are critical to creating effective multiple-choice tests. It also suggests that many widely used multiple-choice tests still include lots of questions that fail to comply with research-based best practices.

"Fortunately, the best practices for creating multiple-choice tests that effectively assess understanding are much the same as those for supporting student learning," Butler said.

Butler's study explains the cognitive science behind five research-based recommendations for crafting more effective multiple choice questions:

Create questions with simple formats. Complex question-and-answer formats have become popular as educators look for ways to test for deeper understanding and higher-level learning. Examples include offering answers such as "A and B, but not C," or allowing repeated answers until correct choice is made. Such formats may be detrimental to assessment since guessing is encouraged and processing may focus more on parsing question context and less on recalling correct information. Some complex formats, such as confidence-rated answers, may offer benefits, but more research is needed.

Create questions that engage "real world" cognitive processes. To truly test abilities, questions must be structured so correct answers require use of the specific cognitive processes necessary to address similar problems in the real world. Questions that require higher-order thinking will enhance learning and improve future performance. For example, a multiple-choice question could require a test-taker to contrast two concepts (Which of the following is a way in which hawks differ from eagles?) or analyze a set of conditions to make a decision (Given a patient symptoms, which of the following diagnoses is most likely?).

Avoid using "none of the above" and "all of the above" as answer choices. When "none-of-the-above" is correct, students may not need to retrieve correct information to answer the question and they are exposed a lot of incorrect information. Using "all of the above" exposes students to a lot of correct information, but answers may be more obvious, robbing students of potential learning that comes from recall processing. Both question types can be detrimental to accurate assessment and potential benefits to learning are small.

Use three plausible response options. Question difficulty increases with each answer option offered. Students who correctly answer more difficult questions may learn more from rising to the challenge, but questions that offer too many plausible answers can have a negative effect on both learning and assessment. Use the Goldilocks principle: not too many, or too few.

Make the test challenging, but not too difficult. Create tests that are hard enough to reveal how well students know the material, but easy enough that a majority (80 percent) get a passing grade. Retrieving information and answering questions correctly reinforces student learning; failing to answer correctly may strengthen memories for misinformation. Challenge students, but allow them to succeed.

Finally, because multiple choice questions expose students to lots of plausibly presented false information, it's important for students to review answers after grading is completed. Feedback enables test-takers to correct errors and avoid internalizing incorrect information. It also strengthens learning around correct answers that were low-confidence guesses at test time.

"One takeaway from these recommendations is that the most effective multiple-choice items get students to think in ways that are productive for learning and enable valid measurement of whether they have acquired the desired skills and knowledge," Butler said. "To maximize both effectiveness and efficiency, it is also best to keep the process of answering multiple-choice items simpleadded complexity often has a negative effect on both learning and assessment."

Explore further Researchers make five recommendations for standardized test designers

More information: Andrew C. Butler. Multiple-Choice Testing in Education: Are the Best Practices for Assessment Also Good for Learning?, Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition (2018). Journal information: Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition Andrew C. Butler. Multiple-Choice Testing in Education: Are the Best Practices for Assessment Also Good for Learning?,(2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.jarmac.2018.07.002
Credit: NASA

In December of 2017, President Donald Trump signed Space Policy Directive-1, in which the president directed NASA "to lead an innovative and sustainable program of exploration with commercial and international partners to enable human expansion across the solar system and to bring back to Earth new knowledge and opportunities."

In answer to that bold call, and consistent with the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017, NASA recently submitted to Congress a plan to revitalize and add direction to NASA's enduring purpose. The National Space Exploration Campaign calls for human and robotic exploration missions to expand the frontiers of human experience and scientific discovery of the natural phenomena of Earth, other worlds and the cosmos.

The Exploration Campaign builds on 18 continuous years of Americans and our international partners living and working together on the International Space Station. It leverages advances in the commercial space sector, robotics and other technologies, and accelerates in the next few years with the launch of NASA's Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

The Exploration Campaign has five strategic goals:

Transition U.S. human spaceflight activities in low-Earth orbit to commercial operations that support NASA and the needs of an emerging private sector market. Lead the emplacement of capabilities that support lunar surface operations and facilitate missions beyond cislunar space. Foster scientific discovery and characterization of lunar resources through a series of robotic missions. Return U.S. astronauts to the surface of the moon for a sustained campaign of exploration and use. Demonstrate the capabilities required for human missions to Mars and other destinations.

Transition low-earth orbit activities

NASA intends to transition from the current model of human space activities in low-Earth orbit to a model where the government is only one customer for commercial services.

Based on inputs from current partners, commercial and other stakeholders, NASA will shape the plan for the transition of low-Earth orbit activities from direct government funding to commercial services and partnerships, with new, independent commercial platforms or a non-NASA operating model for some form or elements of the International Space Station by 2025. In addition, NASA will expand public-private partnerships to develop and demonstrate technologies and capabilities to enable new commercial space products and services.

The International Space Station will continue to serve as a core long-duration human spaceflight platform through at least 2024, which will mark almost 25 years of continuous human occupancy and successful international cooperation in space.

NASA leverages the space station to learn how to keep crews healthy and productive on deep space missions, and as a testbed to develop technologies to support those missions. It is an experiential testing ground that enables discovery and development of advanced robotics, communications, medicine, agriculture and environmental science.

The space station also can help enable the transition to commercial activities in low-Earth orbit. NASA recently awarded 12 contracts to industry to investigate the best way to use the space station to engage the U.S. commercial industry to take a lead role in low-Earth orbit. The portfolio of selected studies will include specific industry concepts detailing business plans and the viability of habitable platforms, using the space station or separate free-flying structures.

To the moon

The moon is a fundamental part of Earth's past and future  an off-world continent that may hold valuable resources to support space activity and scientific treasures that may tell us more about our own planet. Although Americans first walked on its surface almost 50 years ago, our explorers left footprints at only six sites, during a total of 16 days on the surface. The next wave of lunar exploration will be fundamentally different.

NASAs Exploration Campaign includes active leadership in low-Earth orbit, in orbit around the Moon and on its surface, and at destinations far beyond, including Mars. Credit: NASA

NASA is building a plan for Americans to orbit the moon starting in 2023, and land astronauts on the surface no later than the late 2020s. This will be the first chance for the majority of people alive today to witness a moon landing  a moment when, in awe and wonder, the world holds its breath. However, America will not stop there.

A key component of establishing the first permanent American presence and infrastructure on and around the moon is the Gateway, a lunar orbiting platform to host astronauts farther from Earth than ever before.

On the Gateway, America and its partners will prepare to transit deep space, testing new technologies and systems as we build the infrastructure to support missions to the surface of the moon and prepare for the epochal mission to Mars. NASA also will study the effects of the deep space environment of the Gateway, learning how living organisms react to the radiation and microgravity of a deep space environment over long periods.

The Gateway also will be assessed as a platform for the assembly of payloads and systems; a reusable command module for lunar vicinity and surface exploration; and a way station for the development of refueling depots, servicing platforms, and a sample return facility.

Some elements of the Gateway already are under construction at NASA centers across the United States, including facilities in Ohio, Texas and Alabama, and at commercial partner facilities. The Gateway will be assembled in space, incrementally, using the Orion spacecraft and SLS, as well as commercial launch vehicles. The first element, providing power and propulsion, will launch from Florida in 2022.

The lunar surface will serve as a crucial training ground and technology demonstration test site where we will prepare for future human missions to Mars and other destinations. Through an innovative combination of missions involving commercial and international partners, robotic lunar surface missions will begin as early as 2020, focus on scientific exploration of lunar resources, and prepare the lunar surface for a sustained human presence.

By the late 2020s, a lunar lander capable of transporting crews and cargo will begin trips to the surface of the moon. The sustainable, long-term lunar surface activities enabled by these efforts, in tandem with the Gateway, will expand and diversify over time, taking advantage of the moon and near space for scientific exploration in the broadest sense.

On to Mars

The first human landing on Mars  audacious in its complexity  will be an achievement recalled with awe far into humanity's future. Key components of the Exploration Campaign already are underway and include long-duration human spaceflight on the space station, development of advanced life support systems, and continuing to lead and advance the world in deep space science missions.

Overall, the Exploration Campaign focuses on a transformative approach that includes the development of technologies and systems that enable a series of human and robotic lunar missions that are extensible to Mars.

NASA continues to maintain leadership in robotic exploration on and around Mars. The agency's InSight mission now is on its way to Mars and will land in November to study the interior of the Red Planet. Development of NASA's next rover to Mars continues to make excellent progress and is scheduled to launch in July 2020.

The Mars 2020 rover will aid our search for past life and demonstrate the production of fuel and other resources that enable human exploration. We also will use this mission as a building block for a subsequent roundtrip robotic mission with the historic first rocket launch off another planet and a sample return. That mission will serve as a critical precursor to an eventual series of crewed missions to Mars planned to start in the 2030's and culminating in a surface landing, which will be supported by the work we'll do on the moon in the coming years.

The priorities laid out in the National Space Exploration Campaign ensure the United States will maintain leadership in space science and exploration. To read the complete Exploration Campaign, visit: nasa.gov/2pyqmMD" target="_blank">go.nasa.gov/2pyqmMD

Explore further Scientists shocked as NASA cuts only moon rover
An examiner keeps an eye on how various measures change in response to particular topics or questions. Credit: DENker/Wikimedia Commons

Attorneys for Christine Blasey Ford, the woman who's accused Supreme Court justice nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault, released the results of a polygraph test focused on the decades-old incident. They suggest that Ford's responses to two questions about her allegations were "not indicative of deception."

How trustworthy is that assessment and the polygraph technology it relies on?

People have long yearned for some way to separate truth from falsehood, whether in high-stakes court cases or family kerfuffles. Over the years, inventors have developed an evolving assembly of tools and instruments aimed at figuring out whether someone is telling a lie. They've tried to incorporate increasingly more science, but with varying degrees of success. Society has often looked to instruments like the polygraph to inject some objectivity into the detection of deception.

As a defense lawyer, I've had many a client tell me that he or she did not commit the alleged crime. But I've never asked a client to submit to a polygraph exam: It's high risk, low reward, and the results  while inadmissible in a criminal case  are unpredictable. Just how reliable is a polygraph at identifying who's lying and who's telling the truth?

Looking for signs of lies

Methods of lie detection have progressed from their torture-centric roots. Early techniques included subjecting someone to a water test: Those who sank were considered innocent, while floating indicated guilt, lies and witchcraft. Neither outcome was good news for the accused. In medieval Europe, an honest man was thought to be able to submerge his arm in boiling water longer than a liar.

Eventually people developed more humane methods, focusing on physiological factors that could be used as arbiters of truth. In the early 20th century, William Moulton Marston  self-proclaimed "father of the polygraph"  showed a strong link between systolic blood pressure and lying. Basically, spin a tale and your blood pressure rises. Martson also created the comic book character Wonder Woman, whose golden lasso can extract the truth from those it ensnares.

In 1921, physiologist John Larson, from the University of California, Berkeley, was the first to couple measurements of both blood pressure and breathing, looking at rises and drops in respiration. The Berkeley Police Department adopted his device and used it to assess the trustworthiness of witnesses.

In 1939, Larson's protege, Leonarde Keeler updated the system. He made it compact for travel and added a component to gauge galvanic skin response, which measures sweat gland activity that could reflect the intensity of an emotional state. His device, purchased by the FBI, was the precursor to the modern polygraph. Later versions were variations on this original.

Lie detectors today

"Lie detector" is a broad term. It most often refers to a polygraph, but also applies to a Certified Voice Stress Analysis, an fMRI brain scan, or even software used to analyze the word choice and variation a subject uses when recounting an event.

What today's polygraph does is encapsulated in the word itself. "Poly" means many or multiple, and "-graph" means to write. The system records several physiological responses  most often perspiration, heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure  and graphs them out visually for an examiner to interpret.

There are two most common approaches to administering a polygraph. In what's called the Controlled Question Technique, an examiner will ask irrelevant questions, control questions and relevant questions. Then, based on what he sees in the graphical representation of the subject's physiological responses, he will identify whether they change significantly in response to relevant questions. The underlying assumption is that deception will, due to the stress induced by lying, lead to a measurable response in the form of increased perspiration, heart rate and so on.

The second approach is known as the Guilty Knowledge Test, which is really a misnomer. It tests any knowledge of events, not just guilty knowledge. The examiner measures a subject's response to specific questions in an attempt to discern whether the subject does in fact have personal knowledge of an event. This could be anything from knowing how many times a victim was stabbed to the color of the getaway car.

Presumably, a person who lacks knowledge of an event would not react significantly differently to the accurate answer because he or she wouldn't know what's right and what's not. Meanwhile, so the logic goes, a person who has firsthand knowledge would demonstrate a physiological response. Of course, this method also has inherent limitations regarding, among other things, what types of questions may be presented.

Can polygraphs really tell truth from lies?

The efficacy of polygraphs is hotly debated in scientific and legal communities. In 2002, a review by the National Research Council found that, in populations "untrained in countermeasures, specific-incident polygraph tests (GKTs) can discriminate lying from truth telling at rates well above chance, though well below perfection." Better than flipping a coin to figure out whether someone is telling the truth, but far from achieving consistent and reliable results.

The NRC warned against using polygraphs in employment screenings, but it did note that specific-incident polygraph tests in the field yield more accurate results. It seems targeted, relevant questions  for instance, "Was the robbery committed with a gun?"  meant to unmask a subject who may have a strong motive to lie or conceal information seem to work better.

Polygraphs can deliver false positives: asserting that someone is lying who is actually telling the truth. The consequences of "failing" a polygraph can be serious  from not getting a job to being labeled a serial killer.

In the 1998 Supreme Court case United States v. Scheffer, the majority stated that "there is simply no consensus that polygraph evidence is reliable" and "unlike other expert witnesses who testify about factual matters outside the jurors' knowledge, such as the analysis of fingerprints, ballistics, or DNA found at a crime scene, a polygraph expert can supply the jury only with another opinion."

Notably, litigation over the precursor to the modern polygraph gave rise to the seminal Frye opinion from the D.C. Circuit in 1923, which held that the polygraph evidence was inadmissible in court. In 2005, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals reiterated that "polygraphy did not enjoy general acceptance from the scientific community."

The reality is that multiple factors  including nervousness in a high-stakes situation  can affect the readings detected by a polygraph machine, and give an impression that the subject is lying. For that reason, polygraphs are not generally admissible in any criminal case, even though police interrogators will sometimes trick a suspect into submitting to one. Polygraphs may be admissible in civil cases, depending on the state, and some states allow polygraph tests to be used in criminal cases if everyone agrees to it.

Better than nothing?

In short, polygraphs may offer some  albeit slight  confidence that a person is telling the truth about a particular incident. Studies have shown that when a well-trained examiner uses a polygraph, he or she can detect lying with relative accuracy.

But a polygraph is not perfect: An examiner's interpretation is subjective, and results are idiosyncratic to the person being tested. Under the right circumstances, the polygraph allegedly can be fooled by a trained individual. Even some of my forensic evidence students "beat the test" when I bring a polygraph examiner in for a classroom demonstration.

Perhaps the 11th Circuit summed it up best: There is no Pinocchio factor associated with polygraphs. As much as we'd like a sign as obvious as a growing nose, there's no 100 percent reliable physical sign of telling a lie.

A polygraph examination demonstrates "that the examinee believes her own story." And perhaps that's enough. A subject's willingness to even submit to an exam often reveals a level of veracity and can fill a void when the other party has not similarly submitted to an exam.

Explore further Illuminating lies with brain scan outshines polygraph test, study finds

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The common nighthawk journeys 20,000 kilometres each year in its migration from north of Fort McMurray to the Amazon rainforest in Brazila route U of A scientists have tracked for the first time. Credit: Greg Schechter via Flickr

In a quest to develop conservation strategies to protect a threatened species whose population has declined 80 per cent in the last 50 years, scientists at the University of Alberta have discovered the enigmatic nighthawk travels 20,000 kilometres each year in its annual migration from north of Fort McMurray to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil.

"Until now, we've understood very little about migration routes and wintering grounds of the nighthawk," explained Elly Knight, a Ph.D. candidate who worked on the research project with her colleague Janet Ng, U of A conservation biologist Erin Bayne and researchers from the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center in Washington, D.C.

The research team needed to track the nighthawk to understand what risks it might encounter during the eight months it spends outside of Canada each year.

"We were surprised to find that they spent their winter in Brazil because most observations of them are from further south, in Argentina. We also learned that nighthawks return to almost exactly where they summered in the past year," said Knight.

She and her colleagues fit 10 male nighthawks with small satellite transmitters, which fit like small backpacks, to record and transmit data on the birds' location for 12 months.

"Because we can track exactly where they spent their day, we can see they came back to almost exactly where we caught them one year prior," said Ng, who was the lead author of the paper.

According to data from the transmitters and observations in the field, the birds began their southward journey in late August and early September. Once they reached South America, they spent most of the winter in the Amazon rainforest and tropical savannas of Brazil. Come spring, they migrated back to their nesting grounds in northern Alberta.

Finding out where and when nighthawks spend their time over a year is an important step to help researchers understand why the number of birds is declining, explained Knight.

The research team is expanding their migration research project across North America to compare the risks different threatened bird populations face, a critical first step for developing effective conservation strategies.

The research was published in a paper titled "First Full Annual Cycle Tracking of a Declining Aerial Insectivorous Bird, the Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor), Identifies Migration Routes, Nonbreeding Habitat, and Breeding Site Fidelity" in the Canadian Journal of Zoology.

Explore further More than 4 billion birds stream overhead during fall migration

More information: J.W. Ng et al. First full annual cycle tracking of a declining aerial insectivorous bird, the Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor), identifies migration routes, nonbreeding habitat, and breeding site fidelity, Canadian Journal of Zoology (2018). J.W. Ng et al. First full annual cycle tracking of a declining aerial insectivorous bird, the Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor), identifies migration routes, nonbreeding habitat, and breeding site fidelity,(2018). DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2017-0098
Sex-ed can equip and empower young people to make healthy and safe choices about their sexuality for themselves and for others. Credit: Simeon Jacobson/Unsplash, CC BY-SA

Young people today live in a complex, fast-paced and perpetually connected world and face issues and pressures that were not even anticipated two decades ago.

They need a brand of sex education that is responsive to current realities, behaviours and pressures so they can get the most comprehensive and contemporary information about the issues that they will face and are facing in making decisions about relationships and sexual activity.

Yet value-laden debates have recently resurfaced on the Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum, with attention focused on sex-ed. Political parties with opposing arguments often zoom in on cultural, moral, religious and family values, but for our children and youth, the stakes are much higher.

Research shows that comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) helps young people understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships, and gives them tools to help protect them from violence and non-consensual sexual activity. When a young person has been abused, it helps them know how to get help.

Some of the aims of teaching comprehensive sexuality education are to empower and equip young people to "develop respectful social and sexual relationships," to "consider how their choices affect their own well-being and that of others" and to help them protect their own rights as well as those of others.

Having relevant and current information is crucial to setting young people on a healthy path for life. It helps them learn to respect their own bodies and emerging sexuality and that of others, and it factors in on decisions around sexual activity.

What's religion got to do with it?

Religion is sometimes raised as the reason for removing young people from sex-ed. Some religious leaders and parents might say their religion opposes certain teachings about sex. But religious groups are diverse and varied.

Sex-ed in schools can help teach the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships. Credit: NeONBRAND/Unsplash

Religion is not against sex education. One Australian study shows that religious young people usually say they want to know about sex, even as they also want to maintain the religious values of their families.

Some worry that sex-ed might increase sexual activity among youth. Yet globally, a great many studies show that the provision of accurate CSE is associated with delayed sexual activity  not early. Evidence shows that youth who are taught sex-ed delay sexual activity, and for those who are sexually engaged, it reduces the number of sexual partners and unplanned pregnancies and increases the use of contraception.

Sex-ed is also directly linked with increased levels of autonomy, confidence, emotional well-being and better communication in adolescent relationships. Each young person has to make important decisions about their sexuality and sexual health, or will at some point in the future. Having accurate information is essential to their ability to make these decisions in a way that protects not only their health and well-being, but their dignity.

Equipping young people with sex-ed knowledge is something that many religious leaders and people of faith would argue is core to their beliefs. What can sometimes look like a "public contest" between religion and sex is often narrowly portrayed and reinforces the assumption that religion and sex only exist in tension. This is just not true.

Here in Ontario, many religious leaders have spoken out in support of CSE, including more than 250 United Church clergy. When the revised curriculum was first introduced in 2015, members of the Muslim community in Toronto also spoke out in support of it.

Rabea Murtaza, one of the founders of Muslims for Ontario's Health and Physical Education Curriculum, said: "Curriculum is an opportunity for Muslim families to have mutual, two-way dialogue about values, relationships, marriage and sexuality."

These voices, and more, see sex-ed not as an attack on anyone's religion, culture or values, but as evidence-based lessons that complement the unique values of each family and community.

Many religious leaders agree that equipping young people with information through sex-ed in schools is a good thing. Credit: Shutterstock

Barriers to sexual health

Internationally, overcoming barriers to contemporary, comprehensive sexuality education is a strategic and growing priority. One of the targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals is to have CSE available for all children.

Globally, advocates argue for things that we may take for granted in Canada: that adolescents must have their bodies respected, and must be able to make their own decisions around choice of partner, and whether and when to be sexually active, marry or have children.

Worldwide, adolescents face significant barriers in these areas.At least 23 million girls aged 15 to 19 have an unmet need for modern contraception, which is largely due to the social stigma associated with sexuality education and any discussion of premarital sex. The leading cause of death in this age group is related to unsafe abortions and pregnancy complications..

Ignoring the rights of children

This highly political battle has been centred on which group of adults has the power to determine the information that children will hear. Setting up discussions about what children should learn in school as a battle between various "authorities" misses a fundamental aspect of what is at stake: the health, sexuality, involvement, self-expression and rights of our youth.

International treaty obligations, Canadian constitutional rights under the Charter, and human rights legislation do not explicitly mention sex-ed curriculum. However, it is a matter of law, both domestically and under international treaty obligations, specifically those outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, that children are persons with rights to make choices for themselves.

Ultimately, when we are talking about bodily autonomy, health and consent, it is not the rights, beliefs or values of adults in authority, but the power of youths themselves to make informed decisions about, and protect, their own bodies, that should be the focus of education.

Children and youth are no one's property. They own their own bodies and have legal rights to information, freedom of expression, identity and autonomy.

We need to stop using health education as a political tool deployed in the interests of winning elections and focus instead on the interests of the next generation.

Explore further Young people want sex education and religion shouldn't get in the way

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Caption: Satellite images of river outflows to the Atlantic Ocean in the wake of Hurricane Florence show water discolored by debris and pollutants. Credit: NASA

As Hurricane Florence ground its way through North Carolina, it released what might politely be called an excrement storm. Massive hog farm manure pools washed a stew of dangerous bacteria and heavy metals into nearby waterways.

More efficient oversight might have prevented some of the worst effects, but even in the best of times, state and federal environmental regulators are overextended and underfunded. Help is at hand, however, in the form of machine learningtraining computers to automatically detect patterns in dataaccording to Stanford researchers.

Their study, published in Nature Sustainability, finds that machine learning techniques could catch two to seven times as many infractions as current approaches, and suggests far-reaching applications for public investments.

"Especially in an era of decreasing budgets, identifying cost-effective ways to protect public health and the environment is critical," said study coauthor Elinor Benami, a graduate student in the Emmett Interdisciplinary Program on Environment and Resources (E-IPER) in Stanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences.

Optimizing resources

Just as the IRS can't audit every taxpayer, most government agencies must constantly make decisions about how to allocate resources. Machine learning methods can help optimize that process by predicting where funds can yield the most benefit. The researchers focused on the Clean Water Act, under which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state governments are responsible for regulating more than 300,000 facilities but are able to inspect less than 10 percent of those in a given year.

Using data from past inspections, the researchers deployed a series of models to predict the likelihood of failing an inspection, based on facility characteristics, such as location, industry and inspection history. Then, they ran their models on all facilities, including ones that had yet to be inspected.

This technique generated a risk score for every facility, indicating how likely it was to fail an inspection. The group then created four inspection scenarios reflecting different institutional constraintsvarying inspection budgets and inspection frequencies, for exampleand used the score to prioritize inspections and predict violations.

Under the scenario with the fewest constraintsunlikely in the real worldthe researchers predicted catching up to seven times the number of violations compared to the status quo. When they accounted for more constraints, the number of violations detected was still double the status quo.

Limits of algorithms

Despite its potential, machine learning has flaws to guard against, the researchers warn. "Algorithms are imperfect, they can perpetuate bias at times and they can be gamed," said study lead author Miyuki Hino, also a graduate student in E-IPER.

For example, agents, such hog farm owners, may manipulate their reported data to influence the likelihood of receiving benefits or avoiding penalties. Others may alter their behaviorrelaxing standards when the risk of being caught is lowif they know their likelihood of being selected by the algorithm. Institutional, political and financial constraints could limit machine learning's ability to improve upon existing practices. The approach could potentially exacerbate environmental justice concerns if it systematically directs oversight away from facilities located in low-income or minority areas. Also, the machine learning approach does not account for potential changes over time, such as in public policy priorities and pollution control technologies.

The researchers suggest remedies to some of these challenges. Selecting some facilities at random, regardless of their risk scores, and occasionally re-training the model to reflect up-to-date risk factors could help keep low-risk facilities on their toes about compliance. Environmental justice concerns could be built into inspection targeting practices. Examining the value and trade-offs of using self-reported data could help manage concerns about strategic behavior and manipulation by facilities.

The researchers suggest future work could examine additional complexities of integrating a machine learning approach into the EPA's broader enforcement efforts, such as incorporating specific enforcement priorities or identifying technical, financial and human resource limitations. In addition, these methods could be applied in other contexts within the U.S. and beyond where regulators are seeking to make efficient use of limited resources.

"This model is a starting point that could be augmented with greater detail on the costs and benefits of different inspections, violations and enforcement responses," said co-author and fellow E-IPER graduate student Nina Brooks.

Explore further New algorithm limits bias in machine learning

More information: M. Hino et al. Machine learning for environmental monitoring, Nature Sustainability (2018). Journal information: Nature Sustainability M. Hino et al. Machine learning for environmental monitoring,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41893-018-0142-9
The US Supreme Court opens its new term with just eight of the nine justices, as US President Donald Trump's nominee Brett Kavanaugh awaits Senate confirmation

The US Supreme Court opened its new term Monday by handling a case involving a small, critically endangered frog.

The court has been short of one of its nine justices since the retirement of Anthony Kennedy in late July. President Donald Trump's nominee to replace him, Brett Kavanaugh, seemed a sure bet for approval until allegations of sexual misconduct arose, and he has yet to be confirmed by the Senate.

In the meantime, the court got to work hearing arguments in a case involving the Lithobates sevosus, better known as the dusky gopher frog, an amphibian native to the southern United States.

The frogs, considered "critically endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, live exclusively in a damp forest in the southern US state of Mississippi.

However the US government's Fish and Wildlife Service wants to be able to move them to an area some 50 miles (80 kilometers) away in the nearby state of Louisiana.

The chosen spot has ideal conditions for the frogs to reproduce and thrive, especially pools of water that dry up so that fish cannot eat the frog eggs.

The Louisiana property owners, however, oppose the plan, arguing that the frogs currently do not live in their area.

The Supreme Court has to answer the following question: does the government have the right to designate private land as critical habitat if the species that is endangered doesn't even live there?

Upcoming caseload

On Tuesday, the justices will hear arguments in the case of a death row inmate from the southern state of Alabama who has suffered several strokes and no longer remembers his crime.

His defenders argue that the death penalty is meaningless if the prisoner does not understand why he is being executed.

In November, an elk hunter will come back for the second time to argue that he has the right to use his hovercraft on rivers in Alaska. The case involves determining the limits of federal and state's regulatory laws.

While the court is not currently scheduled to handle any hot-button issues like gun control or abortion, they may consider cases involving the confinement of children separated from their parents after they entered the United States illegally, or the legality of banning transgender people in the US armed forces.

Explore further States argue in court for more say over endangered species

 2018 AFP
In this Dec. 14, 2016, file photo, Tesla CEO Elon Musk listens as President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with technology industry leaders at Trump Tower in New York. Electric carmaker Tesla must find a new chair for its board of directors under a settlement announced Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Whoever takes on the job will face the formidable task of overseeing Musk, a charismatic, visionary executive with an impulsive streak. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

It won't be an easy job.

Whoever becomes the new chairman of Tesla Motors will face the formidable task of reining in Elon Musk, the charismatic, visionary chief executive with an impulsive streak, while also helping Musk achieve his dream of turning Tesla into a profitable, mass-market producer of environmentally-friendly electric cars.

Musk is giving up the chairman's role under a settlement announced Saturday with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Besides a new chairman, Tesla was also ordered to appoint two new, independent members to its board. A more assertive board could provide the kind of tighter oversight that many legal experts, and Tesla investors, say is overdue for a company of Tesla's market value. Shares in the company surged 15 percent in premarket trading.

The settlement stemmed from a lawsuit the SEC filed charging Musk with misleading investors in August with a tweet that said he had "funding secured" for taking the company private.

Yet a more forceful board, coupled with a domineering CEO like Musk, could create conflicts at a risky time for the company. Visionary CEOs such as Apple's Steve Jobs and Twitter's Jack Dorsey have been forced out by strong boards of directors, though both eventually returned to their companies.

Even with the settlement, Tesla faces a daunting array of challenges.

The Justice Department has opened its own investigation into Musk's Aug. 7 tweet, in which he said he would take the company private at $420 a share. The SEC's lawsuit charged that the tweet, which caused Tesla's shares to jump, was misleading because he did not actually have the funding lined up for such a move.

Tesla is also under heavy pressure to turn a profit because it is burning through $1 billion in cash every three months and, as of the end of June, had just $2.2 billion in the bank.

Musk has said the company needs to produce 7,000 cars a week to make money, a target he aimed to reach in the July-September quarter. The company is likely to report production numbers this week and financial results from that quarter in early November.

Another concern: About $1.3 billion in Tesla debt is due to be repaid by March, including $230 million in November.

Some investors might want more than a new chairman. Tesla has no chief operating officer, a critical No. 2 executive in most companies. That's a stark contrast to other startups, such as Facebook, where Mark Zuckerberg hired Sheryl Sandberg as a highly influential COO.

In the lawsuit filed Thursday by the SEC, the agency said it was seeking to remove Musk from Tesla management altogether. Many investors have argued that keeping Musk as CEO is critical at such a time.

"I do not doubt the value of Musk to Tesla," John Coffee, a Columbia University law professor and corporate governance expert, said. "Without him, they are just a struggling start up that is burning cash at a hopeless rate and is facing a debt refunding crisis in the near future.

"Musk is an iconic entrepreneur but he needs adult supervision," Coffee added.

That's where the new board members come in. The current board, which includes Musk's brother, Kimbal Musk, is widely seen as subservient to Musk. They have publicly expressed support for many recent moves, such as his rejection last week of an early SEC settlement offer.

"The board is truly the alpha chapter of the Elon Musk fan club," said Erik Gordon, a professor at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business.

Teresa Goody, a former SEC attorney and founder of The Goody Group, a consulting firm, said that many startups begin with a powerful CEO who typically puts "friendlies" on the board.

As a company grows and becomes more sophisticated, Goody said, more independent directors are typically brought on board to provide better oversight.

"That's happening a little later in the life cycle of the company in the case of Tesla," she said.

Still, Elon Musk is different than many CEOs because he owns roughly 20 percent of the company's stock. That gives him more influence.

"In a typical case, the CEO is a high-priced employee" of the board, Gordon said. "Musk will still be more powerful than the board chair."

There will be other constraints on Musk's behavior: As part of the SEC settlement, his tweets and other comments will have to be vetted by the company before they can be released to the public.

"This humiliationthat Elon can't go outside unless he's on a leashthat will bother him the most," Gordon said. He called it an "extraordinary measure."

Gordon thinks the SEC should have gone further and sought to add as many as four new board members and remove some old ones.

Still, Gordon said, "I think this experience has shown him that however smart he is, or however powerful he thinks he is, the government is also powerful too."

Musk may want to keep a close eye on the new chairman, however. Musk himself was the chair of the board, after investing in the company, before firing the chief executive and taking over as CEO.

Explore further Elon Musk to resign as chair of Tesla board but remain CEO

 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
A Masai herdsman walks with his cattle in Amboseli National Park in Kenya. Credit: Shutterstock

For 10,000 years, the bacterium Mycoplasma mycoides has infected goats, cows and other livestock, annihilating entire herds in days.

In sub-Saharan Africa, the disease, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia CBPP or "lung plague," is still difficult to control. It causes more than US$60 million in annual losses to cattle owners and affects the livelihoods of 24 million cattle producers.

Although infected animals can be treated with antibiotics, they can be hard to come by. They often come from illegal sources and are of poor quality, resulting in ineffective treatments and antibiotic resistance.

The quickest and most effective way to control lung plague is to cull the infected animals. But there is another way: vaccination.

Working with researchers in Kenya, we have developed a new vaccine to help fight the spread of Mycoplasma mycoides mycoides (Mmm), an especially lethal subspecies of the bacterium that causes disease in cattle.

Unstable solution

Lung plague was eradicated in North America in the 1890s after an eight-year campaign of quarantine, slaughter and disinfection.

Botswana successfully adopted this approach, but it will not work for other sub-Saharan countries because of the high costs of replacing cattle that are not insured.

To date, there is only one vaccine on the market to control lung plague. It is an attenuated vaccine, which means it is created from a live version of Mmm that has been altered so that it becomes harmless. The live-attenuated Mmm vaccine is injected into the tail of cattle and, after a few weeks, the animal begins to produce antibodies against the bacteria.

Although this vaccine works well, it does have drawbacks. It deteriorates quickly unless it is kept on ice a problem in Africa where temperatures often run high and, in some cases, vaccinated animals develop inflammation and ulcers where the vaccine is injected or even lose their tails due to extreme immune reactions.

New approach

Looking for a better solution, our team applied for and received funding from the International Development Research Centre and Global Affairs Canada through the Canadian International Food Security Research Fund to develop a new vaccine for lung plague.

Vaccines are made up of two parts: an antigen, a substance capable of inducing an immune response, and an adjuvant, a compound that improves the efficacy of the vaccine.

The new lung plague vaccine uses protein antigens from a variety of strains of Mmm found in Kenya which makes the new vaccine safer, easy to manufacture and stable at room temperature.

Our team identified these protein antigens using "reverse vaccinology."

Reverse vaccinology uses computer programs to analyze the DNA of the bacteria and point out possible antigens, the ones most likely to cause the cattle to produce an immune response. The selected proteins are then manufactured, purified, mixed with the adjuvant and tested.

Increasingly, reverse vaccinology is being used to develop vaccines for diseases when traditional vaccine development has failed. This approach has been used for a human Meningococcal vaccine now on the market.

Better protection

Out of the 66 Mmm proteins we identified, four protected cattle against lung plague. We used them to create a new vaccine that has demonstrated significant potential to be more stable and offer better protection than the current live-attenuated vaccine.

This new vaccine, which is cheaper to produce and more stable at room temperature, may solve many of the challenges faced with the current vaccine and may also protect against multiple bacterial strains. It has been licensed for production by a vaccine manufacturer in Kenya and is currently under production for testing in field trials using large numbers of cattle.

The reverse vaccinology approach could work to develop vaccines for other important livestock diseases, including Johne's disease and bovine tuberculosis, as well as infections with Histophilus somni, Escherichia coli and Mycoplasma bovis (chronic pneumonia and polyarthritis syndrome).

CBPP has had negative impacts on livestock production in Africa, drastically reducing the contribution of the livestock industry to Africa's gross domestic product.

This project, which benefits from a partnership between Kenya and Canada, used advanced vaccine development technologies to achieve the ultimate deliverable a novel vaccine that has the potential to improve food security and mitigate millions of dollars in livestock losses.

Explore further AAP updates recommendations for pediatric flu vaccination

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
57 minutes ago

EXPLAINER: Why quitting coal is so hard

GLASGOW, Scotland (AP)  In the run-up to the U.N. climate talks in Glasgow, host Britain announced one of its goals of the conference was to consign coal to history. That has turned out to be easier said that done.

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He is a dead-ringer for those judges from central casting who would appear in those old-line afternoon soap operas.

Michael A. Silverstein is tall, has a thick mop of white hair, a deep voice, and New England patrician bearing.

Today, after 24 years serving as a judge in Rhode Island Superior Court, Silverstein is stepping down. He is 85 years old. Here are more details from the media.

He is known for overseeing many controversial trials.

But one whose issues continue to today had been the lead paint public nuisance class action litigation.

It took place in his courtroom from November 1, 2005 until February 22, 2006. The day of opening arguments there was standing room only. Media came from all-over. This was the second trial for the defendants. The first had ended in a mistrial. The stakes were high.

Eventually, months later, after days and days of deliberation, the jury convicted three of the four defendants of creating a public nuisance. Arco, represented by local boy John Tarantino, got off.

The biggest name among the losing defendants and the deepest pocket was Sherwin-Williams. It was represented by BigLaw firm Jones Day. The day of the verdict, Sherwin-Williams's stock lost plenty of its value.

Several years later the RI Supreme Court tossed the case.

But, the Supreme Court in California hadn't. Actually, that Supreme Court even refused to review the conviction. The CA appeals court had upheld the conviction but reduced the remediation cost.

Therefore, Sherwin-Williams and two other defendants in the CA litigation are still on the hook for creating a public nuisance through lead paint.

Jones Day, which again represented Sherwin-Williams, requested the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) review the conviction. As many know, annually, Jones Day hires many former SCOTUS clerks. So, it might have unique insight on how SCOTUS accepts cases to review.

This time, though, it didn't help.

Recently, on September 20th, SCOTUS indicated it was putting the decision whether to review the case or not on the back burner. No definite date was given.

Meanwhile, Sherwin-Williams and other former lead paint manufacturers/marketers could be vulnerable to litigation throughout CA and other states to also be sued for allegedly creating a public nuisance.

It's possible to wonder if Sherwin-Williams, et al., will wind up negotiating an analogue of the infamous Master Tobacco Agreement. That could be necessary for those corporations to get from under all those legal fees to fight litigation in myriad courtrooms. Also, those trials could be a distraction and bring negative publicity.

The lead paint litigation in RI was a tide that lifted the boats of many careers.

Silverstein became a known name in legal circles as well as throughout the business/financial community. At the time, it was feared that lead paint would become "Another Tobacco" or "Another Asbestos." The stock market watched.

The state attorney general who originally filed the case - Sheldon Whitehouse - is now a U.S. Senator. Millions saw him on television Thursday questioning Brett Kavanaugh.

Motley Rice, which assisted the prosecution on contingency, went on to have that big win in CA. It's golden.

After blogging the trial, I have been able to become a recognized legal commentator and paid influencer.

Reflection: Lead paint could bring great career boosts to those who advocate on behalf of children's health. In New York City public housing, more than a 1,000 children tested positive for lead in their blood. Lead could indeed become the "Next Tobacco" or "Next Asbestos." The courtrooms could provide Grand Theatre.

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Taiwan's International Smart Energy Week (Energy Taiwan), co-organized by SEMI Taiwan and TAITRA, started its expo on September 19. This three-day show took place in Taipei. During the press conference, with the topic of "The New Outlook of Taiwan's Green Energy", organizers invited Director General Dr. Chuan-Neng Lin of Bureau of Energy, Ministry of Economic Affairs (Taiwan) and renewable industry opinion leaders to express their insights about the latest trends and critical technologies about PV power, offshore wind power, hydrogen energy, fuel cell, energy storage, smart grid and green finance.

The Earth is in a turning point of energy transition. Green energy might replace traditional fossil fuel and nuclear power, and become the new engine that drives economies to grow. According to International Energy Agency (IEA)'s prediction, by 2022, global renewable energy generation installation capacity might take 43% of total output. IEA projected that investment capital of global renewable energy will reach 16.5 trillion USD by 2030.

According to BOE's statistics, in recent years, Taiwan's installation of new renewable energy grew year by year. In 2017, new installations were 530,000 kilowatts, up 34.5% YoY.

Taiwan's solar and wind power generation was increased considerably, by 49.4% YoY and 17.1% YoY, respectively. They both set a historical record in 2017.

Terry Tsao, SEMI Taiwan regional president stated, in order to promote renewable energy, technologies need to evolve, infrastructure construction should be more comprehensive, electricity generation costs have to drop, and what's more, citizens need to be educated and become supportive.

Energy Taiwan provided the domestically-largest international energy platform by bridging the industries, government, and academics. The expo, forums, and procurement meetings enhanced cooperation and technology innovation. Besides, Energy Taiwan was a much-publicized event in the nation, so it helps people understand the necessity of promoting renewable energy.

Based on the past 11 years of reputation and connections, PV Taiwan has been upgraded to Energy Taiwan in 2018. The show presented four different industries, including PV Taiwan, Wind Energy Taiwan, HFC Taiwan, and Smart Storage Taiwan. Energy Taiwan planned for three major theme pavilions, covering Taiwan Premium Solar Power System, Standards, Testing and Certification, and Green Finance and Insurance. There were advanced green energy country pavilions, including German Trade Office Taipei, Netherlands Trade and Investment Office, and Flanders Investment and Trade (Belgium).

Simon Wang, Executive Vice President of Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), explained that this event gathered about 176 exhibitors who used more than 510 booths. This show was expected to attract more than 10,000 visitors. There were 17 international forums and seminars during three days.

The PV Taiwan exhibition showcased the latest products from domestic and international manufacturers, covering manufacturing equipment, solar cell/module, system integration, and applications from leading companies, and highlighted the PV energy supply chain's elites. For domestic companies in the show, there were United Renewable Energy Co., Ltd. (UREC), Taiwan Solar Module Manufacturing Co (TSMMC), Motech, TSEC, AUO, Win Win Precision Technology Co., Ltd., Giga Solar Materials Corp., Tainergy Tech, PrimeVOLT, and Ablerex Electronics Co., Ltd. Renowned international inverter companies (such as Solaredge and Huawei) looked forward to the outlook of Taiwan market.

In Wind Energy Taiwan, SEMI explained that prominent players participated. They were China Steel, Hitachi, CSBC Corporation, EnBW (Germany's biggest utility group), WPD and rsted who both are the largest winners of Taiwan offshore wind power's selection projects in 2018. These industry giants showcased their technologies of wind power, so as to compete for the market share of wind power generation in Taiwan and to use Taiwan as the testing water before entering the Asian offshore wind energy generation market.

For HFC Taiwan, Taiwan Hydrogen Industrial Development Alliance participated. For Smart Storage Taiwan, Taiwan Smart Grid Industry Association, Mobiletron, DIJIYA, and KANEKA from Japan showcased in the expo. Together, they presented the future technology for "hydrogen economy", smart grid, and smart storage systems.

TAITRA pointed out that green finance and insurance pavilion was available. Bank SinoPac and Cathay United Bank are both supporting the development of green electricity domestically. They could offer consultancy or finance services for green projects. In the expo, from inquiry to closure of the case, the banks offered all-in-one services, in order to accelerate business networking.


Ranging from "Without a Trace" to "Criminal Minds," we have watched enough (fictional) FBI agents interrogating suspects to know that they know what they are doing.

However, given all the madness associated with the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh for SCOTUS, we probably had our doubts that the current FBI investigation could extract some facts from the he said/she said. We also wondered if the one-week deadline could significantly limit what could possibly be found out.

Well, to the rescue comes James Comey, former director of the FBI.

In a highly conversational opinion piece in The New York Times he reassures us that both the FBI agents and the processes they use are up to the job. Even given the one-week deadline. Here is that opinion-editorial.

Essentially, what Comey says is that, yes, this assignment to the FBI is constituted to be deeply flawed.

However, the agents are trained to ask and keep asking the right questions. As information seeps or gushes out, then the agents can pass those bits and pieces onto their networks around the world to do further probing. Inevitably, the truth gets shaken loose.

The interrogation means that those being questioned cannot hide behind a lawyer's statement. There that person is, sitting across from two FBI agents.

No, the final report does not make conclusions. But it does provide enough factual material from which drawing conclusions should not be very difficult.

Therefore, in a week or so, a resolution to The Kavanaugh Matter indeed may be possible. As Comey notes, one side won't be pleased.

Attention is the currency of the 21st century. Jane Genova helps you get it for products, services, points of view, causes, branding, careers after-50, and college admission.

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After 14 months of wrangling and talk that Canada would be excluded from a new version of NAFTA, the drama is over, and a new era begins. NAFTA is dead, and its successor is a new acronym that no one will ever use, even if it will govern over $1 trillion in trade.



Over the weekend, the U.S., Canada and Mexico reached an agreement to replace NAFTA with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in a deal that would give the U.S. greater access to the Canadian dairy market while at the same time allowed for extra imports of Canadian cars.



From Trumps twitter perspective, the new trade agreement is a wonderful deal for all, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calling it a good day for Canada.

(Click to enlarge)

It all pulled together at the 11th hour; and if the talks had failed, Trump had threatened to exclude Canada, entirely.



"It will strengthen the middle class, and create good, well-paying jobs and new opportunities for the nearly half billion people who call North America home," US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a joint statement.

For most, the 14 months of intense haggling brought U.S. relations with Canada to a low point that wasnt worth it.

Emory University business professor Jeffrey Rosensweig told CNN that the U.S. really hurt relationships with a major ally for the sake of a few gallons of milk. Related: The Feds Latest Move Could Be The End Of The Bull Run

Indeed, it was an over-the-top amount of brinkmanship on the part of Trump when we consider how important Canada is as a trade partner. As Bloomberg points out, China is the U.S. biggest trading partner for only five states, while Canada is our largest export market for 36 states, buying $340.7 billion in goods and services from the U.S. last year.

(Click to enlarge)

So was milk worth it?

The new NAFTA was in large part about milk. Trump wanted Canada to make a concession on dairy imports, and under the old deal the U.S. did not have access to Canadas dairy market. And then last year, Canada created a special pricing system that put more protections on its dairy industry that ruffled U.S. feathers. At stake were a few big dairy companies in New York and Wisconsinbut not enough to risk trade relations with Canada.

Especially when you consider that despite Canadas new protectionist milk measures, the U.S. still managed to export more dairy to the Canada than Canada did to the U.S.

One of the key points of the new deal will give U.S. farmers access to 3.5 percent of Canadas dairy market, which is worth $16-billion annually.

Related: Mining Deals Are Dwindling

After the milk war, the auto industry was next on the list of grievances.

The deal gives Canada and Mexico a quota of 2.6 million cars allowed to be export to the U.S. as a form of protection of their auto industries if Trump imposes a 25-percent tariff on global car imports. Also, starting in 2020, in order to be tariff-free, all vehicles must have 75-percent of components manufactured in the new NAFTA areaup from 62.5 percent currently.

Further, 40 percent of the cars produced in the USMCA trade area must be manufactured in areas of North America that pay workers an average of $16 per hour. Finally, Canada won protection from U.S. anti-dumping tariffs for the lumber industry.

At the end of the day, the new auto rules could be a boost to North American workers; however, the deal could end up removing some small cars from the sales roster in North America because they would be rendered too expensive to produce. It could also reduce the number of cars made in North America for export overseas. In other words, the new deal could reduce competitiveness.

By Charles Benavidez for Safehaven.com

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" " An artist's impression of the comet visitor 'Oumuamua, which was first discovered in our solar system in October 2017. ESO/M. Kornmesser

Like a speeding bullet fired from an unknown and distant star system, the interstellar comet 'Oumuamua dashed through our solar system and was only spotted last year after it had slingshot off our sun's gravity and receded into deep space.

Space rocks from other stars inevitably buzz our solar system all the time, but 'Oumuamua was the first to be positively identified as an interstellar interloper. But where exactly did it come from? Well, astronomers are on the case, and they now have a rough idea as to where in our galaxy 'Oumuamua's birthplace may be located.

With the help of ultra-precise star measurements made by the European Space Agency's Gaia mission and some complex number-crunching, an international group of researchers were able to scrutinize the interstellar comet's path to see which stars, over millions of years of travel time, it may have encountered on its journey. In doing so, they have narrowed it down to four candidate star systems where 'Oumuamua ultimately may have come from.

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A Mysterious Object

Since its discovery, 'Oumuamua has been a hot topic. When it was first seen, astronomers noticed that it was shaped like a spinning cigar (or a funky pancake), a characteristic that may reveal interesting things about how it was formed. They also knew that it didn't originate from our solar system; it was traveling too fast and on a hyperbolic trajectory. In other words, the gravity of our sun was too weak to keep it in orbit. Then, follow-up observations didn't reveal any gas venting from the candidate comet, suggesting that, perhaps, it was actually an asteroid devoid of ices.

The "is it an asteroid or is it comet?" debate was finally settled when astronomers calculated 'Oumuamua's trajectory and realized it had received a small boost as it was heated by our sun  venting gas from vaporizing ices was released, creating a tiny thrust to speed it up. This meant that although the object didn't have an obvious coma and tail usually associated with comets, it was a comet nevertheless.

With all this information in hand, the next task was to identify its origins, and astronomers have attempted just that with a surprising degree of precision. They describe their efforts in a study accepted in September 2018 for publication in The Astronomical Journal.

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'Oumuamua's Journey

The interstellar comet had been drifting through interstellar space for unknown millions of years, but by back-tracking its trajectory through the solar system, astronomers could get a general idea as to where the object was traveling from in our galaxy and which stars it may have encountered along its way. For help they turned to the rich array of information from Gaia's Data Release 2 (GDR2), which was made available to the scientific community in April.

"GDR2 provides us with the 3-D positions and 3-D velocities for 7 million stars," astronomer Coryn Bailer-Jones, who works at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Heidelberg, Germany, explains. "Without such information it would be impossible to trace the orbits of the stars back in time."

Before Gaia, the best data set we had came from the European Hipparcos satellite, which was in operation until 1993 and the first mission to carry out precision astrometry (an astronomical method to measure the positions and movements of stars) and complemented by other ground-based surveys. This database contains 2.5 million stars. Launched in 2013, Gaia is far more advanced and contains precise information about the positions, motions and distance of 1.3 billion stars. Seven million of those also contain information about their radial velocity (i.e., the speed at which the star is moving either toward or away from us). A further 220,000 stars were added to the analysis for which their radial velocities were known.

Knowing the area of sky that 'Oumuamua originated from, Bailer-Jones and his team were able to select 4,500 stars from GDR2 that the interstellar traveler may have encountered on its long journey. But to narrow this number down even further, they had to turn back time and trace out the motions of these stars and see if 'Oumuamua's path through the galaxy would have crossed, or come near to, their historic motions.

This analysis may seem like an impossible task. After all, there are many stars creating a helter-skelter-like gravitational landscape through which 'Oumuamua would have traveled. How did the researchers calculate its path?

"In principle, we would need to know the path and mass of every star in the galaxy, as well as the dark matter, in order to trace orbits back in time," explains Bailer-Jones. "In practice, this is not necessary; we can approximate it using a smooth gravitational potential model, which takes into account both the visible matter and the dark matter [in our galaxy]."

There's a problem with making this approximation, however. This model doesn't evolve with time, and it loses precision over longer time frames. "Consequently, while we can be reasonably confident about tracing orbits back in time for say a few tens of millions of years, beyond that the uncertainties build up too much for us to say anything with good confidence," he says.

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'Oumuamua's Home?

That's not to say the researchers don't have candidates. In fact, they have found four dwarf stars that 'Oumuamua traveled pretty close to and are within the margin for error as the comet's original home.

The closest pass was made with the reddish dwarf star HIP 3757 approximately 1 million years ago. On that occasion, the researchers calculate that 'Oumuamua came within 1.96 light-years of the star, making it a possible candidate as 'Oumuamua's home. However, the star's large relative speed (it's moving at a breakneck pace of 25 kilometers, or 15.5 miles, per second) makes this less likely.

The next closest pass was 3.8 million years ago with the sun-like star HD 292249. This star's relative velocity of 10 kilometers (6 miles) per second makes it a more likely contender as 'Oumuamua's home. Encounters with the other two stars  unnamed but previously catalogued by other surveys  occurred 1.1 and 6.3 million years ago and are traveling at intermediate speeds. Astronomers don't know if any of these stars possess their own planetary systems. To eject a comet like 'Oumuamua into interstellar space, the presence of a large gas giant planet will likely be needed to provide the gravitational oomph.

These four stars aren't the only candidates, however, they're just the best candidates the researchers have found using the current data sets made available by Gaia. As more information about more stars is recorded by the survey mission, more possible candidates may present themselves as 'Oumuamua's home.

Gaia's Data Release 3 (GDR3) should come in 2021, adds Bailer-Jones, who is also a member of the Gaia Data Processing and Analysis Consortium. This release will add more radial velocity data and should narrow down the search for 'Oumuamua's origins. "This will allow us to trace back the orbits of many more stars," he says, "whether there are better home candidates among those, we don't know. We'll have to do it to find out."

Now That's Interesting The Oort Cloud may be home to more than a trillion comets, according to NASA. Astronomers think the far-distant region of space encircles the sun, the planets and the Kuiper Belt.
Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei index opened higher on Monday on a weak yen, hovering around a 27-year high.

The Nikkei 225 index, which jumped to a fresh eight-month high on Friday, climbed 0.19 percent or 44.85 points to 24,164.89 in early trade, but the Topix index was down 0.21 percent or 3.73 points at 1,813.52.

"The 113 yen level is definitely positive for Japanese exporters," said Hikaru Sato, senior technical analyst at Daiwa Securities.

The yen rose to 113.89 yen in early trade from 113.67 yen late Friday in New York.

"While the market maintained its strong momentum, it would be no surprise to see investors cash in on the recent gains at any time," Sato told AFP.

Investors largely ignored a decline in business sentiment among large Japanese manufacturers announced by the Bank of Japan shortly before the market opened.

In Tokyo, Panasonic jumped 1.73 percent to 1,346.5 yen with Nintendo up 1.71 percent at 42,170 yen.

Automakers declined as investors locked in profits on last week's jump following news that the US will not impose additional tariffs on Japanese-made cars.

Toyota lost 0.42 percent to 7,065 yen with Honda down 0.37 percent at 3,426 yen.
While the names are the same, the actual documents are usually quite different from the West

Building a startup is a tough challenge. The Founder must possess incredible perseverance and grit, able to hire and rally his tribe of followers, and be well equipped with knowledge to execute with day-to-day business affairs.

But thats not all. As a startup begins to grow, fundraising becomes a critical aspect. If you are successful, a potential investor will pass you a term sheet and ask you to sign it before a shareholders agreement can be firmed up.

As you stress yourself out over the legalese, you wished you had a lawyer on hand, but the amount raised isnt much to justify the cost of hiring one. Anyway, it is just a small fundraise of US$100k, what impact is there signing this first term sheet?

The lack of knowledge leads to potential economic losses and management control over your startup

In more established ecosystems like Silicon Valley, clauses in fundraising agreements have been applied consistently.

However, in South-East Asia, standards in investment agreements have many variations, mainly because of higher-risks and unfamiliarity among the investment community. The humble Y-combinator SAFE agreement, initially meant to make documents simple and easy to process, had become quite unsafe to the entrepreneur. Here in Singapore, SAFE agreements tend to have added clauses that at times may contradict each other.

The TRIVE team have advised many early-stage startups via its NEXT50.sg pro-bono mentorship. And it astounds the team on how lopped-sided some investment agreements have been designed to significantly put most risk on the founder, while the investor has significant management control and rights over the company.

So what fundraising documents should a founder need to know before starting to enter into agreements? And when should such documents be used during fundraising?

Here are the 4 main fundraising documents you are likely to face in an investment, explained in a nutshell:

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1. The Term Sheet

Investopedia explains that a term sheet is, a non-binding agreement setting forth the basic terms and conditions under which an investment will be made. A term sheet serves as a template to develop more detailed legal documents. Once the parties involved reach an agreement on the details laid out in the term sheet, a binding agreement or contract that conforms to the term sheet details is then drawn up.

How it is used: A term sheet is best used during an equity fundraising round, when a startup founder has found the lead investor to lead the round. While it is non-binding, it is the no-shopping period where the founder is not able to seek out proposals from other investors. This is to respect the effort of the lead investor to processing the deal.

Upon signing the term sheet, the startup is free to use the term sheet as reference to solicit other co-investors who wish to join in the investment round. A note of caution is that no terms and conditions should be removed or added by co-investors, unless agreed by the lead investor.

2. A Shareholder Agreement

It is an agreement, which uses the term sheet as reference, that outlines the shareholders rights and obligations. This is a crucial document that contains clauses that governs shareholders privileges. It also provides protection for the investor(s) and lays out important details on what should take place in a case of events such as the issuance of new shares.

How it is used: The shareholders agreement is binding, which reflects clauses drawn from the term sheet. This agreement will likely include clauses like the valuation, purchase amount of shares, type of share purchased and description of rights if it is a preference share, reverse vesting of founder shares, restrictive convenants, shareholder and board reserve matters, and jusridiction of the agreement.

All existing shareholders and new shareholders have to sign the agreement, unless a clause was invoked in previous agreements like drag-along rights.

This is one agreement which is highly recommended to be vetted by a lawyer.

3. Convertible Notes Agreement

It is a type of equity-financing that incurs interest.

The investor invests money in your startup and receives discounted shares when you issue shares at a later date. The convertible note sets out the conversion event which triggers the loan to convert to equity. If the conversion event is not reached upon the maturity date, the loan will have to be repaid (with interest) or it will automatically be converted to equity at the pre-determined rate (with interest included).

How it is used:Convertible notes and SAFE agreements (in the next point) are used to simplify fundraising. They are both usually used during bridge rounds, where for reasons an equity fundraising round was unnecessary.

Convertible notes are still used by investors in this region due to the familiarity.

4. SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) Agreement

SAFE was created by Y-combinator with the basic aim of making investment simple and quick to process, as compared to a shareholders agreement. Similar to convertible notes, it is meant to save the trouble of deciding important clauses or having rights and privileges bestowed on the investors that an equity fundraising round will have.

But unlike a convertible note, it is an equity and not a debt instrument, thus no interest is payable. There is also no expiry date, which effectively saves the founder from negotiating a new agreement which the convertible note faces.

How it is used: You can refer back to the Convertible notes on the usage of SAFE as they are quite similar.

The SAFE agreement, if it followed similar terms by Y-combinator, would be reasonably be an effective fundraising agreement. It is unfortunate that SAFE agreements which we have seen in Singapore, many unnecessary clauses were added which makes the agreement so toxic, it becomes very hard for VCs to do a follow-on investment. One might use the original SAFE agreement to compare and identify the added clauses.

Conclusion

The above provides just a quick glimpse of the various documents that you may find yourself fussing over in the midst of an investment agreement. Navigating through complex terms and clauses within these documents can often cause new entrepreneurs to worry and stress, especially when the company does not have the financial ability to hire a legal advisor.

If you are an entrepreneur having initial conversations with potential investors, it is crucial that you go armed with the knowledge of such fundraising skills. Invest the time and resources you will need to seek out the information you will need to protect your company, this will certainly pay off in the future through business transparency and greater clarity with your investors.



To understand more on fundraising documents, TRIVE is conducting a Understanding Fundraising documents masterclass, taught by our Managing Partner Christopher Quek.

This is part of the Startup Advisory series. This article serves as an informational piece and does not constitute as legal advice. Readers should consult their own legal advice before entering into any agreements.

The post 4 fundraising documents every Singapore Founder should know appeared first on e27.
Say hello, Hudson: Goal of nationwide campaign is to teach students how to be socially inclusive and connected to each other
The trap was meant to catch wild boars. It snared an unsuspecting Chinese grandmother instead

Rescuers were called in to free a woman from a wild boar trap after she became ensnared while foraging on a remote mountainside in eastern China, the Qianjiang Evening News reported on Sunday.

The 65-year-old woman, surnamed Xu, had gone into the mountains near her home on the outskirts of Hangzhou, in Zhejiang province, on Friday afternoon to pick wild kiwi fruit and chestnuts for her three granddaughters, who were returning home for Mondays National Day, according to the report.

She accidentally stepped on the trap on a remote trail, and tried unsuccessfully to prise it open with a hatchet before dialling emergency services at around 2pm.

Police from Wushi township spent almost an hour searching for Xu on the densely vegetated hillside, zeroing in on her by blaring a siren and using her descriptions of where the noise was coming from, the report said.

Hunter left man caught in boar trap for dead on Chinese mountainside

When they found Xu, they realised the traps steel spikes could cause further injury if she moved her leg, and called a team of civilian rescuers from nearby Xiande village, who prised open the trap with specialist tools and treated Xus wounds.

Xu returned home to Wushi at around 4pm, causing amusement by asking her rescuers how much she should pay them for their hard work. Auntie, we dont take any money, one was quoted as saying.

Pair charged after explosive boar trap blows off animal lovers fingers

In August, a 28-year-old-man was trapped in the wilderness in Zhejiang for two weeks after being caught in an illegal wild boar snare. He survived by drinking spring water and eating insects before he was finally found by a search party.

This article The trap was meant to catch wild boars. It snared an unsuspecting Chinese grandmother instead first appeared on South China Morning Post

For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018.
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP)  Colombia's new president is trying to reduce drug use with a decree that bans people from carrying small amounts of marijuana and cocaine in public  though courts have said such possession shouldn't be punished.

President Ivan Duque signed a decree on Monday enabling police to search people and confiscate any drugs they have on them. Offenders will also be fined.

Selling and exporting such drugs has long been illegal in Colombia. But laws on drug use had become more flexible since the 1990s and high court rulings allow Colombians to carry small amounts of marijuana and cocaine.

Duque said the new measure will protect children from traffickers who sell drugs near schools. But his opponents say it restricts personal liberties.

"This opens the door to more police abuse" said Eduardo Velez a cannabis user who is a spokesman for the Yes to Personal Consumption Collective, a group that advocates for the legalization of marijuana.

"No one is going to stop smoking because the government issues a decree," Velez said shortly after the president signed the new measure. His group protested the decree earlier this month by organizing a "smoke-a-thon" where dozens of people lit up marijuana cigarettes in a park. The protest was quickly dispersed by riot police.

A landmark sentence issued in 1994 by Colombia's Constitutional Court bans the government from imprisoning drug users. The sentence also says that citizens are allowed to carry small amounts of drugs for their personal use because the government cannot interfere with someone's right to "freely develop their personality."

Legal analysts are debating whether Duque's new measure contradicts the high court ruling. Though the decree does not say anything about putting drug users in jail, it does allow police to sanction anyone carrying small amounts of marijuana or cocaine, even if they are not consuming the drugs in public.

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"The decree puts Colombia in the club of countries taking a radical approach (to drug use)" Carlos Medina a former vice minister of justice told Colombian newspaper El Espectador. "Meanwhile the United States and Europe are taking a different approach."

Duque said that one of the decrees main objectives is to protect the "rights of children" who are exposed to people using drugs in public spaces. He argued that small-scale drug traffickers have been profiting from the tolerance law by hanging out near schools, where they offer substances like marijuana and cocaine to teenagers.

Studies show that drug consumption has risen steadily in Colombia over the past decade. A 2016 government survey found that 12 percent of high school children in the country had consumed marijuana while 4 percent had tried cocaine.

Colombia is the world's largest cocaine exporter and the steady growth of its coca crop in recent years has tested relations with the United States.
MANILA, Philippines  Malacanang maintained its stand in defense of President Rodrigo Duterte amid criticisms over the Presidents remark on extrajudicial killings (EJK).

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque lambasted former College of Law Dean Atty. Antonio La Vina who claimed that Dutertes statement was indeed an admission of guilt and a culpable violation of the Constitution.

La Vina added that the Presidents EJK statement could be a basis for impeachment and can be used as evidence against him in the case filed at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

But Roque believes otherwise.

He dared the lawyer to begin the challenge by the filing of an impeachment complaint against Duterte.

Let him start, he cannot vote because he is not a member of Congress and Im sure it will also be dismissed by Congress not because its a political process but because its utterly bereft of merit, Roque said.

The Presidential mouthpiece stressed that the Presidents remarks cannot be considered an admission because he did not directly mention he killed someone.

Roque added that there was no such crime as extrajudicial killing in the Philippines or in the international law.

Id like to emphasize that there is actually no crime under both domestic or international law as EJK. in fact, this is a misleading term because killing in our constitution and in our laws is never legal so there is no such thing as extrajudicial killings. Its either lawful killing or unlawful killing, he explained.

Roque also noted that the EJK statement is in no way can be used as evidence to back up the complaint against President Duterte in the ICC because the international tribunal has no pending investigation in the Philippines.

He added that being a lawyer himself, he would not allow the ICC to meddle with the countrys judicial system which, Roque said, is actively functioning.  Marje Pelayo (with reports from Rosalie Coz)

The post Dutertes EJK statement not an evidence for impeachment  Malacanang appeared first on UNTV News.
A Frenchman with nearly four kilogrammes (8.8 pounds) of drugs has been arrested by Indonesian police, authorities said Monday, in a country with some of the world's toughest narcotics sentences, including the death penalty. Police said Felix Dorfin, 34, was carrying a false-bottomed suitcase filled with bags of cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines when he was nabbed on September 21 at the airport on the holiday island of Lombok, next to Bali. "Customs had a look at what he was carrying and after examining they found it was drugs," said Yus Fadillah, head of the drugs unit at the West Nusa Tenggara police. "The suspect ran but the officers caught him." It was not clear if prosecutors would seek the death penalty against him, if convicted. His arrest comes two months after another Frenchman, Michael Blanc, left Indonesia following an 18-year-jail term and several years' parole for trying smuggle drugs into Bali. He had been arrested the day after Christmas in 1999 at the tropical island's airport with 3.8 kilogrammes of hashish hidden inside scuba diving canisters. He narrowly escaped the death penalty which has been handed to some other foreign drug traffickers in Indonesia -- including two members of the notorious Bali Nine who were executed in 2015. French drug smuggler Serge Atlaoui has been on death row since 2007. High-profile cases like that of Australian national Schapelle Corby, who spent more than nine years behind bars for smuggling marijuana into Bali, have stoked concern that Indonesia is becoming a drug destination. Corby was deported in 2017 after several years of parole.
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean (left) and Workers Party chief Pritam Singh discussed ministerial pay in Parliament on Monday, 1 October 2018. (Yahoo News Singapore file photo)

The government and the Workers Party (WP) agree on the broad principles by which ministerial pay is determined, said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean on Monday (1 October).

Speaking in Parliament, the minister overseeing the civil service said that the current ministerial salary structure had been determined in response to the 2012 White Paper on Salaries for a Capable and Committed Government. The paper was authored by an independent committee appointed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

During the parliamentary debate on the Paper then, Teo noted that the WP had agreed on the three principles guiding the committee: salaries must be competitive, the ethos of political service entails making sacrifices, and there should be a clean wage, with no hidden perks.

There was convergence in this House on both the principles as well as the quantum for ministerial salaries, said the 63-year-old. The formula put forward by the Workers Party in 2012 would have resulted in essentially the same total annual salary level for the MR4 entry-level minister as that recommended by the independent committee.

However, the formula proposed by the WP would have had a higher fixed component of some 81 per cent, noted Teo. This would have made the link between salary and performance weaker. Currently, ministerial pay has a fixed component of 65 per cent.

The annual pay of political appointment-holders consists of five components: monthly salary, 13th month bonus, Annual Variable Component (AVC) based on Singapores economic performance, performance bonus and a national bonus based on four socio-economic indicators.

The performance bonus is determined by the PM, who consults with senior ministers in Cabinet. (PM) takes into account the actual work that each political office holder does and the specific responsibilities assigned to him, as well as his contributions in Cabinet when we consider broader national issues, said Teo.

Currently, the annual salary of an MR4 grade (entry level) minister stands at $1.1 million, while the Prime Minister earns $2.2 million. This is based on the assumption of an AVC of one month, good individual performance and the national bonus indicators being met. Teo stressed, All the bonus components form part of, and are not in addition, to the total salary(there are) no hidden salary components or perks.

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In March, Teo told Parliament that the government would maintain ministerial salaries at their current level.

An emotional issue, easily politicised

Teo was responding to Marsiling-Yew Tee Member of Parliament Alex Yam, who had asked for a breakdown of the respective components of the salaries of ministers and the Prime Minister. Yam also wanted to know the amounts, in months of salary, paid for each component for each year from 2013-2017.

Last month, in a written response to Non-Constituency MP Leon Pereras question, Teo had revealed that political office-holders received 4.1 months of performance bonus on average in 2017. The absolute amounts and the specific amount of bonuses for each minister were not provided.

The government has always been transparent with the salary structure for political office holdersso theres nothing secret about it, its transparent, its open, said Teo on Monday. However, despite being pressed by Perera and the WP chief Pritam Singh, Teo did not reveal the exact amount in bonuses that political office holders received in each of the past five years.

I would suggest to the Deputy Prime Minister that if we put out a dollar value, the prospect of more misinformation can be reduced, said Singh, who sat on the Select Committee on Deliberate Online Falsehoods, which recently gave 22 recommendations on combating fake news.

Singh noted that certain websites had misinterpreted the response to Pereras question, which was filed on 10 September. However, government fact-checking site Factually only corrected the misinformation six days later. Singh cited the committees ninth recommendation, Public institutions should wherever possible provide information to the public in response to online falsehoods in a timely manner (and) communicate with the public in clear and comprehensible terms.

Teo responded by calling Singh slightly disingenuous, given that the answer to Pereras question had been misinterpreted by others. He then repeated his answers on the salary structure and later concluded, Let us all agree that we agree.

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COMMENT: The furore over ministerial pay is gaining currency again

Ministerial pay debate: Singaporeans know quality costs money- Goh Chok Tong

Ministers are not paid enough, says Goh Chok Tong: reports

Yahoo Poll: Are Singapore ministers paid enough?
Hong Kongs health chief said the government was checking if there were new technologies available to fight rats as she also pledged to step up enforcement on illegal dumping of rubbish.

Professor Sophia Chan Siu-chees remarks on Sunday came as it emerged the citys rat problem could be far worse than first thought after the reliability of rodent infestation surveys were called into question.

The creatures, which usually hide in dark spots around the city, stole the limelight last week after a 56-year-old local man became the first person worldwide to contract a strain of the hepatitis E virus, previously found only in animals such as rats.

The Centre for Health Protection was probing how the virus was transmitted to the man, Chan said.

[The government] is looking at whether there are new technologies that can be used to fight rats. The government will definitely put more resources into this, she said, without elaborating on the methods being considered.

She also said the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department had distributed leaflets to restaurants on how to prevent rodents at their premises, and that officers would strengthen enforcement on illegal dumping. Rat bait had also been used to kill the pests, said Chan, the secretary for food and health.

The minister said the methods used to kill rats were recommended by the World Health Organisation.

Since 2000, the government has compiled a rodent infestation rate for the citys 18 districts. It calculated the percentage index by dividing the amount of rat poison consumed by rodents, with the total amount of bait collected from a specific area.

But Wong Tai Sin, the district where the man with the hepatitis E strain lives, had a rodent infestation rate of just 1 per cent in the first half of this year, sparking concerns over the surveys accuracy.

The rodent infestation rate for the whole city was 2.8 per cent for the period. Tsuen Wan was worst hit by rats, at 8.2 per cent, followed by 6.4 per cent in Kwun Tong.

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Asked if the slow clean-up after Typhoon Mangkhut had led to more rats in Hong Kong, Chan said different departments had been working around the clock on the recovery.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department disposed of several thousand tonnes of trash in just a few days [after the typhoon], Chan said.

Residents told her more rodents had been spotted recently because the typhoon blew away rat nests.

Veteran rat catcher Gary Yam Wing-keung questioned the measurement process of the rodent infestation rate, and said the poison was difficult for rats to consume because it was wrapped in plastic bags, prompting the animals to resort to other good food in nearby restaurants, food waste and rubbish.

This article Hong Kong health chief Sophia Chan vows to step up fight against rats using latest technology first appeared on South China Morning Post

For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018.
Israel is prepared to open its side of the crossing point with Syria following the return of UN peacekeepers to the Golan Heights following a four-year absence, the army said. Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman "authorised the reopening of the Alpha gate of the Quneitra crossing between Israel and Syria, allowing the UN to resume activity via the crossing pending Syria's reopening their side," it said in a statement Saturday. The UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) resumed its patrols in the area of the crossing point in August, after withdrawing in 2014 when Al-Qaeda-linked rebels overran the area, three years into Syria's devastating civil war. The return of UNDOF was made possible after Syrian government forces, backed by Russia, recaptured territory near the Golan, driving out rebel groups from a "de-escalation zone" agreed by Jordan, Russia and the United States. Quneitra crossing is "an operational crossing for UNDOF in the implementation of its mandate," according to Nick Birnback, a spokesman for UN Peacekeeping in New York. UNDOF is working to "complete the rehabilitation of the Quneitra crossing" which is expected to be reopened soon, Birnback said in an email on Friday. Israel seized much of the Golan Heights from Syria in the Six-Day War of 1967 and later annexed it in a move not recognised by the international community. Established in 1974, UNDOF monitors a ceasefire line separating Israeli-occupied parts of the Golan Heights from Syria. The Quneitra crossing was used by Druze living on the Israeli side travelling to Syria for higher education or weddings. Druze farmers also exported apples to Syria through Quneitra. At a tour of the Israeli side of the crossing on Thursday, Lieberman said that once Quneitra was open, authorities would have to "consider each possibility (for the crossing's use) according to the security situation". "We're in different times now," he said. Israel was "ready to open the crossing as it had been in the past", Lieberman told journalists accompanying him at the site. "The ball is now in the Syrians' court." Syria's transport ministry also said Saturday its main border crossing with Jordan would reopen to trade next month for the first time in three years, although Amman said consultations were still ongoing. Syrian government troops retook the Syrian side of the crossing in July under a deal with rebel fighters brokered by Moscow. It had been sealed completely since rebels overran it in April 2015, choking off one of the most important trade routes for the government.
LG has unveiled the 32 UK 550-B in Japan, one of the cheapest gaming-oriented 4K HDR monitors to hit the market. The monitor will be available to Japanese consumers October 11, and hopefully to the rest of the world soon.

On Saturday, LG Electronics Japan announced the release of the 4K HDR compatible, standard model 32 UK 550-B monitor targeted at gamers and businesspeople. It will be available nationwide to Japanese consumers on October 11 at 55,000 yen, or a little less than 500 dollars.

The 31.5-inch monitor supports an HDR10 standard and has 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) which can display images with 95% of the DCI-P3 color range for brighter, deeper, and more precisely displayed hues than with the typical software-defined ratio; however, SDR images can still be converted to HDR10 via am image quality algorithm. Additionally, a black stabilizer makes seeing dark scenes within a video game easier than usual.

The 5W + 5W speakers work with the AMD RADEON FreeSync tech for the ultimate gaming experience without tearing or lagging.

Though this monitor is not state-of-the-art among other gaming monitor options, it offers one of the best quality-to-price ratios yet given the resolution and FreeSync support. Some of the top gaming monitors with similar qualities like the ViewSonic XG2700-4K or LG 34UC79G run from about $530 to $700. With the 32 UK 550-B's arrival to the Japanese market on weeks for less than $500, we hope to see it arrive across the rest of the world at a similar price.
Meet Hellobike, the scrappy latecomer that clawed its way to No 3 in Chinas bike-sharing market

Staying in business for two years is not usually cause for a big celebration, but in Chinas ruthlessly competitive bike-sharing industry surviving even for that relatively short period of time is a major achievement.

So when Shanghai-based Hellobike, known for its signature blue and white coloured bikes, threw a two year anniversary party at the citys W Hotel on the Bund, it seemed entirely appropriate given that the start-up has clawed its way to No 3 spot behind Beijing-based Mobike and Ofo, which were founded three and four years ago, respectively.

A relative latecomer to the crowded market, Hellobike has survived a shake-out that saw rivals such as Xiaoming Bike and Kuqi Bike file for bankruptcy, becoming the No 3 player in the countrys bike-sharing industry.

Ofo and Mobike ranked first and second in May with 11.3 million and 9.3 million monthly active users (MAU) respectively, followed by Hellobike with 3.7. MAU over the same period, according to the market researcher Trustdata.

It was hard when we chose to enter the bike sharing market, Yang Lei, Hellobikes 29-year-old chief executive, told a gathering of employees, investors, business partners and media at the companys second anniversary event. An investor asked me if I would do it over again if I got the chance. My answer is definitely not, he said.

By the time Hellobike was established, Ofo and Mobike had already raised their C rounds of financing, and a slew of newcomers had just joined the fray in what was then a hot market, with registered users increasing more than six fold in 2017, according to iiMedia Research. The result: millions of bicycles of different colours piled up on streets across the country.

Chinas bike sharing firms immature and unreasonable, says state media

Chinese venture capitalists capitalised on the frenzy, investing more than US$4 billion in bike sharing last year, roughly 10 per cent of all venture capital disbursed in China that year, according to Cheetah Research.

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In the beginning, we met as many investors in China as we could, but no one wanted to invest in us, Yang said. They said our competitors had just asked for US$300 million, so what can we do with just US$15 million?, referring to the amount Hellobike was seeking.

Hellobike merged with Shanghai-listed Youon Bike in 2017 and received an investment from Alibaba Group Holding and an its affiliate Ant Financial Services, the latter now owning 36 per cent of the bike sharer. Alibaba is the parent company of the South China Morning Post.

While the big players were focused on the countrys first-tier cities and some second-tier ones, Yang saw an untapped opportunity in third-tier cities and went for it.

First-tier cities surely have a need [for sharing bikes], but it was already a highly competitive market in those when Hellobike started, said GGV Capital managing partner Fu Jixun in a company blog post.

Each bike might get less than three orders per day in the tier-one cities, however you can get an average of three, four or five rides per day in the smaller cities where no one else competes, said Fu, whose fund was an early investor in Hellobike.

Hellobike currently operates in 300 cities across China with more than 20 million rides booked every day, according to Yang.

Ninety-five per cent of Hellobike users are from second or third-tier cities and only five per cent live in the first-tier cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, according to Trustdata reporting for the first five months of the year. In contrast, 32 per cent and 30 per cent of Mobike and Ofo users, respectively, are from first-tier cities.

Local governments in the four big cities have banned companies from introducing any more new bikes to reduce the disruption caused by illegally parked two wheelers, a move that has made it nearly impossible for Hellobike to expand into first-tier cities even if it wanted to.

Yang also confirmed that Hellobike has no plans to expand overseas in the near future  unlike Ofo and Mobike which aggressively moved into foreign markets last year, including Southeast Asia, Japan, the US and Europe. However, with the slowdown in the market at home both have recently pulled back from cities in the US, UK, France and Australia.

The number of bike-sharing users in the country is forecast to grow 14.6 per cent in 2018, a steep drop from the 630 per cent growth last year, according to iiMedia.

Slower growth has further intensified competition  Mobike, Ofo and Hellobike have not turned a profit, which in turn created a harsh criticism from the market.

How Hellobike is beating Mobike and Ofo in Chinas smaller cities

Bike-sharing competition is all about capital. Whoever has enough capital can survive and whoever survives in the end might be able to turn a profit, said Xue Yu, analyst at research firm IDC. There hasnt been a perfect business model in the industry yet. Venture capitalists who made a timely exit might be the biggest winners.

Despite the challenges facing the sector, Hellobikes Yang said it is still a good business because there is a need in the market. Many people are sceptical about [bike sharing] but that doesnt matter because we have our own understanding of the industry, he said.

Hellobike is now focused on building its brand into a broader transport platform, including the introduction of motorised e-bikes installed in over 100 cities. The e-bikes, equipped with a small battery powered motor, cost two yuan for each ride, double that of the pedal powered versions.

This month, the company plans to aggregate ride-hailing services including Dida and state-owned Shouqi, as well as Alibabas AutoNavi mapping software, into its app, Yang said.

Whether the remaining bike-sharing operators can stay independent is an open question because the industry continues to burn cash, requiring constant capital injections. Mobike was acquired in April by Chinese on-demand services provider Meituan Dianping for US$2.7 billion, while ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing is in talks to take over Ofo, people familiar with the situation told the Post earlier.

Hellobike is mulling plans to structure its operations into a variable interest entity, the corporate vehicle favoured by Chinese firms listing in the US or Hong Kong, meaning it could be seeking a public offering overseas.

This article Meet Hellobike, the scrappy latecomer that clawed its way to No 3 in Chinas bike-sharing market first appeared on South China Morning Post

For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018.

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A week after the Hong Kong National Party was outlawed on the grounds of national security, activists were not afraid to test the limits of the ban, waving the Catalonian flag and banners calling for independence during a protest march on Monday.

Chanting Hong Kong is not China, a 30-strong group marched on government headquarters, carrying the flag of the Spanish region a year after its referendum on independence.

The move came as police officers from the Organised Crime and Triad Bureau monitored every word and movement by independence activists during the march to Admiralty.

Before the protest, a police source said officers would be focusing on any mention of support for the Hong Kong National Party, the separatist group banned by the Security Bureau last week on the grounds it posed a threat to national security and public order.

But, activists had said they expected to be watched, and avoided explicitly spelling out their support for the group.

Chris Chow Chi-kit, a member of Studentlocalism, said the Catalan flags were a reference to the shared situation in which both autonomous regions found themselves.

We are both fighting against the sovereign states, Catalonia against Spain, just like Hong Kong against China, he said.

Chow said any independence group in Hong Kong faced being banned in future, but until then, they were doing whatever they could to rally support from the public.

Chows group, the Students Independence Union, and Hong Kong National Front, all joined a march organised by the Civil Human Rights Front on Chinas National Day.

The rally, which began in Causeway Bay, drew a crowd of 1,500 people demanding an inquiry into recent scandals surrounding the Sha Tin-Central link. Police estimated 1,256 people attended the march at its peak.

The independence camp joined midway through, from the Southorn Playground, in Wan Chai. Their day began with the police having to separate 20 pro-independence and pro-Beijing supporters from an hour-long heated exchange, but the march itself remained largely peaceful, with no mention of the HKNP.

Story continues

Paladin Cheng, who helped liaise the march with the three active independence groups, told the Post beforehand they would avoid mentioning the party, or chanting Support HKNP.

Cheng said protesters needed to be careful to avoid breaking any laws.

Any person who claims to be a party member or provides any aid to HKNP may commit an offence under the Societies Ordinance, although legal experts have said simply chanting support for HKNP would likely not be seen as aid.

Under the ordinance, being a member, or providing money or aid to an unlawful society can be punishable by a year in jail and HK$20,000 (HK$2,600) fine. The greater offence of assisting in managing an unlawful society carries a heavier three-year jail term, and HK$100,000 fine.

The term aid to unlawful society is very blurry, and we have to ensure participants feel at ease to join our rally, Cheng said before the start.

The government may come up with all sorts of funny tricks against the independence camp, and its best to play safe and minimise the risk.

Officers from the triad bureau, who have been assigned to coordinate all investigations in relation to the HKNP, monitored the activists during their protests.

One source said officers would also film the march, and record what activists said during the protests.

If necessary, officers will look into the recordings to gather evidence and seek legal advice from the Department of Justice to see whether what is said in the protests is illegal, or breaches the law [under the Societies Ordinance], the source said.

The police source did not believe chanting support for the HKNP broke the law, but it would be illegal if any protesters claimed to be a member of the party.

If necessary, officers will look into the recordings to gather evidence and seek legal advice from the Department of Justice to see whether what is said in the protests is illegal, or breaches the law [under the Societies Ordinance], the source said.

The police source did not believe chanting support for the HKNP broke the law, but it would be illegal if any protesters claimed to be a member of the party.

Most of the pro-independence activists left the march after it passed Methodists House in Wan Chai. Outside the government headquarters, scuffles broke out as two protesters were stopped from entering the forecourt as both held banners with pro-independence slogans.

One of the slogans read: If Hong Kong doesnt get independence, it will become the mainland.

Two security guards were reportedly pushed to the ground and injured during the scuffle, with both being taken to hospital as a precaution afterwards.

The main thrust of the Fronts protest was focused on the scandals surrounding the MTR Corporation.

Calling for an independent inquiry into the construction issues that have plagued the rail operator, the CHRFs Jimmy Shan Tsz-kit mocked the government and pro-establishment camp.

The government was, Sham said, more concerned with stirring up national security concerns around the HKNP, than the safety of its own citizens.

Isnt it academic to talk about national security when the city we live in is not safe, he said.

Earlier in the day Sham said his group was against Hong Kong independence, but it would not stop any groups joining the march, if they also supported the Fronts cause.





This article Hong Kong protesters channel Catalan spirit as they march for independence while testing limits of ban that saw separatist party in the city outlawed first appeared on South China Morning Post

For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018.
Speakers at the first Ready4Repeal townhall discussion on 30 September, 2018. F rom left to right: Petition authors Glen Goei and Johannes Hadi, Sayoni activist Jean Chong, Oogachaga consultant with Bryan Choong, Pink Dot SG spokesperson Clement Tan, lawyer Remy Choo Zheng Xi and moderator Alan Seah. ( PHOTO: Wong Casandra/Yahoo News Singapore)

Organisers and speakers at the first repeal Section 377A townhall discussion on Sunday (30 September) urged both supporters and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community in Singapore to get their Members of Parliament (MPs) to support the cause of removing the bad and unjust colonial law.

The event, held at the Singapore Management Universitys School of Law, was attended by over 800 signatories of the Ready4Repeal petition. It was also streamed live on the official Ready4Repeal Facebook page.

Under Section 377A, sex between men remains illegal in Singapore although it is rarely enforced.

Ready4Repeal petition authors Glen Goei and Johannes Hadi took to the stage during a two-and-a-half-hour discussion calling for a more proactive role by supporters of the repeal movement to engage the public by sharing their personal stories with loved ones and government representatives.

Its a matter of when Section 377A will change, not if. But when the law changes, we hope Singaporeans will be ready for it and not feel alienated by such a development, said Johannes during a session with reporters after the town hall discussion.

The debate over Section 377A in Singapore, introduced in 1938, was reignited after the Supreme Court of India ruled on 6 September that consensual gay sex was not a crime in the country following a two-decade legal battle.

Justice Dipak Misra had called Section 377 of the India Penal Code an odious weapon for harassment that was irrational, indefensible and manifestly arbitrary.

The landmark ruling stirred heated discussions among LGBTQ activists in Singapore arguing for a repeal of the law and those who are against such a move. Section 377A was enacted when India and Singapore were still under British colonial rule.

Speak out on repealing 377A: organisers

We need you to speak from the heart; even if its difficult, especially if its difficultits a critical time for us because the whole nation is listening to what we have to say, echoed LGBTQ movement Pink Dot SG spokesperson Clement Tan, one of the speakers at the event.

Story continues

Otherwise, Johannes added, leaders will take the silence as proof that theres no discrimination, hatred or suffering within the LGBTQ community, in reference to a comment made by Education Minister Ong Ye Kungs during the Singapore Summit on 14 September.

According to a TODAY report, Ong had said that the LGBTQ community in Singapore faced no discrimination at work, housing and education in Singapore.

This is why we need you to take these stories to your MPs, inform and educate them on the realities of LGBTQ persons living in Singapore, said Hadi. Tell them about the transgender couple who were kicked out of their parents home and have nowhere to go because they couldnt afford an HDB flat.

Bryan Choong, a consultant with LGBTQ group Oogachaga, highlighted that Section 377A sets the tone in how policies are planned in Singapore, leading to workplace discrimination towards LGBTQ persons as well as the lack of support and education for youths in LGBTQ issues.

Students do not have counsellors or teachers whom they can turn to for support. Teachers come to us to say that it is impossible to get support from the schools because they do not know what kind of policies they should stick to when it comes to LGBTQ issues, Chong said.

Others like Remy Choo Zheng Xi, director of Peter Low and Choo LLC, who spoke on the history of Section 377A in Singapore, described the law as legislation that belongs in the dustbin of history left by colonial masters.

Talking about the defence of marriage, the slippery slope, and religious freedom; these are red herringsWe made it clear that its not a political issue. It is an issue of conscience and removing a bad law; about giving Singaporeans their full rights as equal citizens before the law, he added.

Prominent signatories calling for repeal of 377A

The SMUs School of Law was secured as the new venue for the event, which was originally to be held at Suntec Singapore Convention Centre (Suntec), after the latter cancelled the venue booking due to unforeseen circumstances, said organisers, four days before the town hall was to take place on Sunday.

On Sunday, Goei said during a Q&A section that he had made a booking with Suntec that was later confirmed via WhatsApp. After having signed the necessary credit card forms and setting up invitations for the event, he was informed that a director from above had cancelled the event.

However, when contacted on Thursday and Friday, a Suntec staff said that the venue operator has no record of the event being planned or booked at its venue.

Over 120 questions were submitted via slido during the Ready4Repeal townhall discussion on 30 September, 2018. (PHOTO: Wong Casandra/Yahoo News Singapore)

The Ready4Repeal petition gathered over 44,000 signatories from Singaporeans and PRs, including veteran Singapore diplomat Professor Tommy Koh, former Singapore Attorney-General Professor Walter Woon, former Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) president Constance Singam, former Singapores ambassador to the UN Professor Kishore Mahbubani and former NMP Claire Chiang, was submitted last Friday to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Law (MinLaw).

Comparatively, a petition calling for Section 377A to be retained has garnered over 108,000 signatures when it closed on 24 September.

Both ministries have received the petition from Ready4Repeal, said an MHA and MinLaw spokesperson. As the government has recently made clear, however, there are no plans to repeal Section 377A, he added.

Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam, who on 18 September fielded questions on Section 377A and the upcoming Penal Code review at a closed-door briefing organised by the National Council of Churches (NCCS), had previously said the government is caught between a majority of Singaporeans opposing the repeal of the law and a growing minority who want it abolished.

The laws will have to keep pace with the changes in society, he added.

Views divided among major religions

The views among the leaders of the different faiths were somewhat divided on the issue.

The president of Buddhist Fellowship, Singapore, Lim Phang Hong, had signed the petition to repeal Section 377A and written on Facebook on Sunday in support of such a move. On the other hand, religious bodies such as the NCCS, Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore have taken a firm stance in keeping the law.

While government leaders have not proactively reached out to the repeal movement, the latter is open to engaging them, Choo said. Whether Singapore chooses to repeal or retain the law, it would reflect on the country and its people, he added.

KC, an attendee who only wanted to be known by his initials, found the event heartening but called for more efforts to educate the public.

I think its heartening that we have a start to a movement, allowing people to get resources to start change, said the 25-year-old fresh university graduate.

Wakka Kong, 27, software engineer and fellow attendee, said that while it was inspiring to hear from the signatories of the petition, he agreed with KC that more needed to be done to sway public opinion.

Some issues which werent addressed were how can we simplify the message to make it more relatable and mobilise more people to help change public perception of LGBTQs, said Kong.



Related stories:

SMU says its not hosting Repeal 377A event, merely leasing premises

Suntec venue booking for Repeal Section 377A event cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances: organisers

Singapore diplomat urges repeal of antiquated gay sex law

Muslim scholars, religious leaders against repeal of Section 377A

Section 377A should not be repealed now: Singapore Archbishop William Goh

K Shanmugam answers queries on Section 377A by church leaders at briefing
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned South Korea's ambassador in Moscow on Monday and demanded that Seoul allow a Russian vessel to leave South Korea's port of Busan, the ministry said.

The 'Sevastopol' has been illegally held at the port, the ministry said without adding what had served as the pretext for the alleged detention.

"The Russian side demanded the (South Korean) maritime authorities' ban on the vessel leaving the port be immediately cancelled," it said in a statement.

A vessel named Sevastopol was one of six Russian-flagged vessels targeted by United States sanctions in August for their alleged breach of United Nations restrictions on North Korea.

Washington accused the vessels and two Russian shipping companies of involvement in the transfer of refined petroleum products to North Korean vessels.

Russia denies the allegations and has called the sanctions groundless.

(Reporting by Maria Tsvetkova; Writing by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Toby Chopra)
DUBAI (Reuters) - A Saudi-led military coalition fighting against Yemen's Houthi movement foiled an attack by two explosives-laden remote controlled boats deployed by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia's Jizan port, Saudi state news agency SPA reported on Sunday.

The Royal Saudi Navy Forces detected the movement of two remote control explosive boats headed to the port of Jizan. They were intercepted and destroyed... which has led to minimal damage," the coalition's spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malki said in a statement carried by SPA. The attack occurred in the early hours of the morning on Sunday, he said.

The Houthis say their attacks on the kingdom are in retaliation for air raids on Yemen by the Western-backed coalition, which entered Yemens war in 2015 to try to restore President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. Hadi was ousted from the capital Sanaa by the Houthis in 2015.

(Reporting by Rania El Gamal; Editing by Peter Graff)
The specialist technology investors third fund is anchored by two private equity firms: Committed Advisors and NewQuest Capital Partners

Singapore-based tech investor Basil Partners has announced closing its third fund, powered by an independent private equity firm Committed Advisors and a leading secondaries private equity platform focused on the Asia-Pacific region NewQuest Capital Partners. Both firms were participating in the transaction with Committed Advisors capital of S$1.25 billion (US$935 million) and NewQuests secondary, globally raised fund of S$1.16 billion (US$847 million).

According to the companys official statement, the company has been through a complex restructuring and secondary acquisition of a portfolio of seasoned digital services companies in achieving the third closed fund, as reported by Business Wires.

Also Read: Vietnams Tima raises US$3M in Series B funding round, nearing US$20M valuation

Furthermore, a few big names are involved such as private equity veteran Soma Ghosal Dhar, who joined the team in Basil as a Partner and CEO of Basil Technology Partners Pte Ltd and took part in conceptualising and structuring the transaction. Capstone Partners was involved as the exclusive financial advisor and placement agent for Basil in this transaction. Finally, Dechert LLP as legal counsel for the limited partners and the fund, while Basil retained Lexygen India.

This partnership with our new investors will enable Basil to recapitalize and continue the exciting growth story in our tech services portfolio. With combined revenues of US$300 million and market recognition for their IP in new digital technologies, our portfolio companies are very well positioned to benefit from this partnership, said Rajeev Srivastava, Managing Partner of Basil.

Also Read: Singapores facial recognition, video analytics startup XRVision gets investment from Boundary Holding

Led by Rajeev Srivastava, a successful serial entrepreneur, alongside Sameer Kanwar, a long standing Senior Advisor in India, Basil is well known within the technology communities of Southeast Asia, India and USA for founding, growing, and successfully exiting tech and tech related businesses. The companys team consists of specialist technology investors with experience in digital business transformation services using niche and high growth technologies.

Story continues

-

Photo by lucas law on Unsplash

The post Singapores Basil Partners closes its third fund, focusing on digital tech service appeared first on e27.
The company wants to use AI technology to create more viral-worthy news headlines

Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) is integrating AI technology in a bid to create more viral-worthy news headlines, it said in an announcement today.

It will collaborate with Singapore research agency A*STARs Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC) to first identify elements of news headlines that make an article popular, using IHPCs proprietary technology for sentiment and emotion analysis.

Both parties will then develop a system that conducts affective analysis to predict the virality of an article based on its headline. This will enable SPH journalists to test different headlines for their articles, before choosing the one that would be most effective in capturing a readers interest and attention.

For this endeavour, IHPC will work with SPHs data science team from the companys Media Strategy and Analytics department, which oversees efforts to use data analytics and artificial intelligence to improve on SPHs media products. Three months ago, SPH announced its partnership with DC Frontiers to develop a content recommendation engine powered by machine learning.

This project will help our newsrooms better understand the emotional impact of different words and phrases used in headlines, so we can improve our engagement with readers and guide them towards important and informative news without resorting to clickbait, said Anthony Tan, Deputy CEO of SPH.

Stock photo marketplace

In a concurrent press announcement, SPH also unveiled its new stock photo marketplace called Photonico.

This marketplace is focussed on curating Asian contemporary culture and heritage photos that will be organised into categories including Singapore Skyline, Singapore Heritage, Daily Life, Food, Nature and Animals, Business and Asian Countries.

Also Read: Singapores Basil Partners closes its third fund, focusing on digital tech service

Currently, the marketplace has an archive of 12,000 photos, with some dating back to 1948. More are expected to be added to the repository every day. Photonico is currently working with a small group of 6 photo contributors at the moment but willgradually scale it up.

Story continues

In future iterations of the website, external photo contributors will be able to upload and contribute photos and earn a revenue share from showcasing and selling their portfolio of photos.



Image Credit: SPH

The post Singapore Press Holdings unveils AI initiative and stock photo marketplace appeared first on e27.
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, a former president of the Maldives, was greeted by family, friends and supporters on his release from prison in Male on September 30.

Gayoom had been in power from 1978 to 2008, when he was defeated in an election. He was arrested in February for refusing to cooperate with an investigation into suspected attempts to topple the government.

The sitting president and Gayooms half-brother, Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, lost an election on September 23. Since his election defeat, a number of Yameens political opponents have been released from prison.

This footage was taken by Twitter user @Badruddeen, who told Storyful that a little child could be heard shouting welcome grandpa," at the start of this video, which shows Gayoom arriving at his wifes home in Male.

Gayooms son Ahmed Faris Maumoon was also released on September 30, and can be seen in this video at about the eight-second mark. Credit: @Badruddeen via Storyful
Typhoon Trami leaves at least 45 flights between Hong Kong and Japan cancelled or delayed

At least 45 flights between Hong Kong and Japan remained cancelled or delayed in the wake of Typhoon Trami on Monday, although the hundreds of tourists from the city visiting the island nation were expected to trickle back as airport operations resume.

At least two people were killed and more than 150 injured as the super typhoon pummelled Japans outlying islands including Okinawa before making landfall over the southern city of Osaka on Sunday night.

Roads were blocked, power supplies knocked out, and bullet train services suspended. More than 1,000 flights across the country were cancelled.

Osakas Kansai International Airport  having already suffered extensive damage from Typhoon Jebi in September  shut an access bridge and all runways as a precautionary measure on Sunday. Operations resumed at 6am on Monday after the airport operator deemed conditions safe.

But some 200 flights remained grounded.

On Monday morning, a Hong Kong Airport Authority spokeswoman said four flights arriving from Japan and one departing from the city had stayed cancelled.

As of 4pm, a total of 40 flights [to and from Japan] are also delayed.

The figure was down from about 60 cancelled or delayed flights to and from Japan on Sunday.

The Hong Kong Travel Industry Council on Sunday night said about 21 tour groups comprising more than 530 tourists were in Honshu, Japans largest and most populous island, where major cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, and the capital Tokyo are located.

With Kansai Airport reopened, we expect them to gradually be able to return to Hong Kong, or, if not, travel to other Japanese airports for transit back to Hong Kong, council executive director Alice Chan Cheung Lok-yee said.



About 17 tour groups totalling about 500 Hong Kong tourists had been scheduled to depart from the city to Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya on Monday. Chan said most groups would be able to depart without issue, but a few would probably face delays.



Local immigration officials said they had been in contact with the Hong Kong office of the commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chinese consulate in Osaka, and the Travel Industry Council for further information. They added they were providing help to Hongkongers in Japan seeking information on local traffic conditions and returning flights.

Story continues

With additional reporting by Agence France-Presse

This article Typhoon Trami leaves at least 45 flights between Hong Kong and Japan cancelled or delayed first appeared on South China Morning Post

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Google celebrated its 20th anniversary with a host of surprises, including a Street View tour inside Susan Wojcicki's Palo Alto, California garage where Larry Page and Sergey Brin first set up their first Google headquarters.

Google is taking Street View users back to 1998 with a virtual tour of Susan Wojcicki's garage and house recreated to how they looked at the time. There are even few surprises for eagle-eyed visitors to spot. The tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at where Larry Page and Sergey Brin worked on perfecting their famous search engine while still students. They stayed in the garage until moving to their first professional offices nearby a few months later. Note that Susan Wojcicki is now the YouTube CEO.

- Visit "Susan's garage" on Street View: goo.gl/maps/TNMLktZ7aE72
Username: Password: or Register Thread Rating: 14 Vote(s) - 3.57 Average

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Page: 1 2 3 4 5 ... 13 1400+ people dead as quake, tsunami ,mudslides hit Indonesia's Sulawesi spo snouou

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Post: #1 1400+ people dead as quake, tsunami ,mudslides hit Indonesia's Sulawesi

Advertisement

Indonesia quake survivors plea for help as death toll climbs



More than 1,400 people have been confirmed dead from the earthquake and tsunami that struck Sulawesi island



https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast...oll-climbs



Indonesian quake toll jumps to 832 dead as rescuers struggle



The toll from an earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia soared on Sunday to 832 confirmed dead, with authorities fearing it will only climb as rescuers struggle to reach outlying communities cut off from communications and help.



Dozens of people were reported to be trapped in the rubble of two hotels and a mall in the city of Palu, which was hit by waves as high as six meters (20 feet) following the 7.5 magnitude earthquake on Friday.



A young woman was pulled alive from the rubble of the citys Roa Roa Hotel, where up to 60 people were believed trapped. Hundreds of people gathered at the wrecked mall searching for loved ones.



With most of the confirmed deaths from Palu, authorities are bracing for much worse as reports filter in from outlying areas, in particular, Donggala, a region of 300,000 people north of Palu and closer to the epicenter of the quake, and two other districts.



Vice President Jusuf Kalla said the toll could rise into the thousands.



more:

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-indon...SKCN1M90RZ



spo snouou Wrote: (10-01-2018 08:11 AM) Quake-triggered mudflow flattens Palu villages, thousands feared dead









Quote: The same unexpected disaster hit another subdistrict in West Palu district, Palu. The subdistrict was sunken to the ground. Thousands were estimated to be dead.



Search and rescue teams were on the scene Sunday afternoon with heavy equipment to dig and clean the debris.



Mobile phone footage of the mudflow circulated online on Sunday, showing several buildings being dragged. The video was accompanied by a broadcast message saying the incident occurred in Jono Oge village in Sigi regency on Saturday afternoon.



The person recording the event could be heard saying, Oh Jesus Christ, while the houses before him were moving.



Another video posted on Twitter shows people running and houses collapsing because of liquefaction in an unidentified location in Palu.

more:

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2018/...-dead.html

LoP Guest Wrote: (10-01-2018 01:41 PM) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90mpqXL2cpg







A major magnitude-7.5 earthquake has struck off the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, prompting a tsunami alert hours after a milder quake hit the same area.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-28/ma...a/10319282 More than 1,400 people have been confirmed dead from the earthquake and tsunami that struck Sulawesi islandThe toll from an earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia soared on Sunday to 832 confirmed dead, with authorities fearing it will only climb as rescuers struggle to reach outlying communities cut off from communications and help.Dozens of people were reported to be trapped in the rubble of two hotels and a mall in the city of Palu, which was hit by waves as high as six meters (20 feet) following the 7.5 magnitude earthquake on Friday.A young woman was pulled alive from the rubble of the citys Roa Roa Hotel, where up to 60 people were believed trapped. Hundreds of people gathered at the wrecked mall searching for loved ones.With most of the confirmed deaths from Palu, authorities are bracing for much worse as reports filter in from outlying areas, in particular, Donggala, a region of 300,000 people north of Palu and closer to the epicenter of the quake, and two other districts.Vice President Jusuf Kalla said the toll could rise into the thousands.more: (This post was last modified: 10-03-2018 03:56 PM by spo snouou .) spo snouou

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Post: #2 RE: Tsunami warning after magnitude-7.5 earthquake strikes off Indonesia

Second major quake prompts tsunami warning off Indonesia











A major 7.7 magnitude quake struck off the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday, prompting a tsunami alert hours after a milder quake brought down houses in the same area, and officials expect further damage.



The meteorology and geophysics agency issued an early tsunami warning for people in Central Sulawesi and West Sulawesi provinces, asking people to evacuate to higher ground.



"People in shore areas, please move away from the coastline," Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman of National Disaster Mitigation Agency, said in a televised interview.



The US Geological Survey put the magnitude of the second quake at a strong 7.5, after first saying it was 7.7.



The earlier quake destroyed some houses, killing one person and injuring at least 10, authorities said.



"The quake was felt very strongly, we expects more damage and more victims," Nugroho said.



A series of earthquakes in July and August killed nearly 500 people on the holiday island of Lombok, hundreds of kilometres southwest of Sulawesi.



more:

https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/world/2...indonesia/ A major 7.7 magnitude quake struck off the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday, prompting a tsunami alert hours after a milder quake brought down houses in the same area, and officials expect further damage.The meteorology and geophysics agency issued an early tsunami warning for people in Central Sulawesi and West Sulawesi provinces, asking people to evacuate to higher ground."People in shore areas, please move away from the coastline," Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman of National Disaster Mitigation Agency, said in a televised interview.The US Geological Survey put the magnitude of the second quake at a strong 7.5, after first saying it was 7.7.The earlier quake destroyed some houses, killing one person and injuring at least 10, authorities said."The quake was felt very strongly, we expects more damage and more victims," Nugroho said.A series of earthquakes in July and August killed nearly 500 people on the holiday island of Lombok, hundreds of kilometres southwest of Sulawesi.more: LoP Guest

lop guest

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09-28-2018 12:59 PM











Post: #3 RE: Tsunami warning after magnitude-7.5 earthquake strikes off Indonesia

ooooooooooooooooh a six bork bork inch tsunami



do you understand the hydrodynamic involved bruh?



no you do not spo snouou

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Post: #4 RE: Tsunami warning after magnitude-7.5 earthquake strikes off Indonesia

Quote: Indonesias disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho says a tsunami warning for the island of Sulawesi has been lifted.



It was triggered by a shallow magnitude 7.5 quake that jolted central Sulawesi on Friday.



The quake has been followed by strong aftershocks and a local disaster official tells The Associated Press that many houses have collapsed.

https://apnews.com/d876fac318a74743929437b5347d9c6c LoP Guest

lop guest

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09-28-2018 01:11 PM











Post: #5 RE: Tsunami warning after magnitude-7.5 earthquake strikes off Indonesia

LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 464611

09-28-2018 01:17 PM











Post: #6 RE: Magnitude-7.5 earthquake strikes off Indonesia

That's going to leave a mark. spo snouou

Vocem sine nomine audivit!

User ID: 350320

09-28-2018 01:17 PM



Posts: 67,593









Post: #7 RE: Magnitude-7.5 earthquake strikes off Indonesia





LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 464779

09-28-2018 01:38 PM











Post: #8 RE: Magnitude-7.5 earthquake strikes off Indonesia

Some more orbital forcing huh.

Yeah, runaway global warming is here.

Burn chemtrail sprayers, burn! spo snouou

Vocem sine nomine audivit!

User ID: 350320

09-28-2018 02:32 PM



Posts: 67,593









Post: #9 RE: Magnitude-7.5 earthquake strikes off Indonesia

LoP Guest Wrote: (09-28-2018 01:38 PM) Some more orbital forcing huh.

Yeah, runaway global warming is here.

Burn chemtrail sprayers, burn!

REC

Registered User

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09-28-2018 02:34 PM



Posts: 9,488









Post: #10 RE: Magnitude-7.5 earthquake strikes off Indonesia



@lumworld

1 minute ago



Major Tsunami Seen In Celebes Island



video-

https://twitter.com/lumworld/status/1045651990511058947 Liveuamap World@lumworld1 minute agoMajor Tsunami Seen In Celebes Islandvideo- REC

Registered User

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09-28-2018 02:36 PM



Posts: 9,488









Post: #11 RE: Magnitude-7.5 earthquake strikes off Indonesia







video-

https://twitter.com/grintchim/status/104...6256989191 If lop transferred to proboards we could watch the embedded videos.video- REC

Registered User

User ID: 464686

09-28-2018 02:38 PM



Posts: 9,488









Post: #12 RE: Magnitude-7.5 earthquake strikes off Indonesia



Wait for confirmation. People questioning footage.Wait for confirmation. spo snouou

Vocem sine nomine audivit!

User ID: 350320

09-28-2018 02:45 PM



Posts: 67,593









Post: #13 RE: Magnitude-7.5 earthquake strikes off Indonesia

REC Wrote: (09-28-2018 02:34 PM) Liveuamap World

@lumworld

1 minute ago



Major Tsunami Seen In Celebes Island



video-

https://twitter.com/lumworld/status/1045651990511058947

someone posted a youtube







someone posted a youtube LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 363500

09-28-2018 03:04 PM











Post: #14 RE: Magnitude-7.5 earthquake strikes off Indonesia

So you dudes are a team now?



All for 1 and 1 for all! Long live the Queen!



Say fast:



Whether the weather be cold



Or whether the weather be hot



We'll be together



Whatever the weather



Whether we like it or not.





Faster. Com'on, you can do it. CaramelVodka

Registered User

User ID: 463260

09-28-2018 03:08 PM



Posts: 1,176









Post: #15 RE: Magnitude-7.5 earthquake strikes off Indonesia

This is horrible I think it came in at a 7.7 and they downgraded to a 7.5 this is a really big tsunami I feel really bad Advertisement


















1 Oct  Hong Kong comedian Wong Cho Lam has denied the notion that his career in mainland China will be affected by the new guidelines and restriction issued by China's National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA).

As reported on Mingpao, the new regulations, which was presented on 20 September, aimed at reducing the level of foreign influence over media consumed by Chinese citizens, and that mainland broadcasting companies, both TV and radio, will no longer be permitted to hire hosts from outside mainland China.

This include the SAR regions like Hong Kong, Macau, as well as Taiwan.

When asked if the new guideline has affected his opportunity in the north, Wong said that he is not worried about it.

"The hosts in this case means master of ceremonies, the kind of gigs that Xie Na and Hu Qiaohua do, since they need to have standard Mandarin proficiency and other requirements," he said.

Wong said that he is not considered that kind of host, since he is just a member of a team in shows like "Keep Running" and "Ace vs Ace".

"The concept of hosting is different in these two places. I shouldn't be able to host because I am not that proficient in Mandarin. But I don't think Hong Kong artistes will be deeply affected by this," he added.

(Photo Source: Mingpao)
Pigeons being culled. (Photo: Screenshot from Facebook/Suraiyah K Abdulla)

A recent viral video purportedly showing a population of pigeons being culled in Singapore sparked concerns among netizens, who found the scene disturbing and cruel.

A voice in the video can be heard saying: Youre witnessing people doing mean things  feeding the pigeons food and killing them. Some commenters agreed, saying: Poor birds, and adding that the leftover poison pellets posed a risk to other animals such as pet dogs.

Others defended the action, saying that pigeons were disease vectors, and that their droppings were toxic. Still others pointed out that the pest control officers were simply doing their job.

What do you think? Is poisoning the way we should cull pigeons? Have your say in our poll, and leave a comment below.

Related:

Woman takes issue with pigeon culling after witnessing birds being poisoned in her neighborhood
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The 2000s havent been a good century for General Electric. The companys consistent earnings growth of the previous century disappeared after the departure of legendary chief executive Jack Welch (and the companys creative accounting), its massive financial operations were hammered by the financial crisis, and its been going on a campaign of retrenchment and shrinkageeven shedding its iconic appliance businessall the while seeing its market value drop around $500 billion in the past 17 years and around $100 billion in the past year.

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That helps to explain why John Flannery, who succeeded previous CEO Jeffrey Immelt just last summer, was unexpectedly canned Monday by the companys board. The perhaps more surprisingand welcomenews was that the stock then jumped about 13 percent at opening.

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But you can only fire the chief executive and see your stock pop so many times.

The boost was despite GE also disclosing Monday that it was taking a $23 billion charge from its power business, which primarily makes equipment like turbines and generators for power plants. Because of the weakness in its power business, which makes up almost 30 percent of its total revenue, the company said that it would miss its already reduced cash flow and profit forecast for this year. That unit had already seen its annual revenues drop 2 percent and its profits fall 45 percent as GE absorbed a massive acquisition of the French company Alstoms power business in 2015.

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The deal was supposed to be part of GEs new focus on a few core areas as it made around a dozen deals to get rid of extraneous nonindustrial units, mainly in finance. The company said earlier this year that its slow-motion breakup would continue, with health care, oil and gas, transportation, and lighting next to go up for sale or be spun off, leaving behind an industrial company focused on turbines, jet engines, and generators.

The new chief executive, Larry Culp, came to GEs board after a 14-year tenure as chief executive of the Danaher Corporation. The company has been a longtime favorite of big investors, returning more than four times what the S&P 500 as a whole did, according to data from the Wall Street Journal. Danaher is a D.C.-based conglomerate that largely specializes in medical technology. The company is also famous for its constant dealmaking; it split off its industrial businesses into a separate company in 2016 and was even rumored to be in the running to acquire GEs health care businessand it seems like this approach is what GE expects of its new CEO.

In its release, GE hailed Culps highly successful transformation of the company from an industrial manufacturer into a leading science and technology company and his disciplined capital allocation approach (i.e., not overpaying for companies, getting good prices for the businesses he sold, and pouring money only into the most profitable businesses).

Whether he can now complete GEs reverse transformationor come up with something entirely differentremains to be seen. Hopefully he gets more time than his predecessor.
The following is an excerpt from the latest episode of Slates podcast Decoder Ring. Listen to the full episode using the audio player below, or via Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Play.

In 2016, the worlds largest budget hotel chain, Super 8, underwent an art makeover. Whatever you imagine when you imagine quintessentially kitschy hotel arta deer by a babbling brook near a lamplit cottage, a Bob Ross paint-by-numbers special, powdery winterscapes of quaint villages, maybe even a velvet painting if youre luckythats the kind of stuff that had been hanging in Super 8 rooms since the chain was founded in 1974. But at two events, one hosted by Amy Sedaris at a gallery space in New York and another at Art Basel in Miami, Super 8 gave much of it away, a signal that the age of kitsch hotel art was, for Super 8s, officially over.

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When we decided to do an episode about hotel art, we thought we would be doing an episode about, well, hotel artexactly the sort of ugly, shoddy, cheap paintings that used to hang in Super 8s. But it turns out thats an outdated understanding. Sure, you still regularly come across ugly work in hotels, but Super 8s move away from kitsch is part of a decadeslong trend on the part of hotelshotels of all price pointsto reclaim hotel art. In recent years, hotel art has been transformed from something unconsidered and embarrassing into a selling pointa sign of sophistication and authenticity, an Instagram photo-op, a communication to customers about the kind of people they are and the kind of hotel theyre staying at, or, at the very least, evidence that the hotel isnt desperately behind the times. Hotel art, if you can believe it, has become a signifier of good taste.

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At the Bellagio in Las Vegas, which was opened by the art collector and hotelier Steve Wynn, a $10 million glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly blooms out of the lobbys ceiling. The W Hotel in South Beach, Florida, has a collection that includes work by Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Julian Schnabelwho himself redesigned the interiors of the Gramercy Park Hotel in 2006, just one of many hotels designed by artists. This month, a hotel is opening in Arles, France, that was entirely designed by the artist Jorge Pardo, and just last month another opened in lower Manhattan that turned its stairwell into the Museum of Street Art, inviting graffiti artists to spray-paint there. High-end hotels commission original work all the time, sometimes from blue-chip contemporary artists, and even nonluxury hotels boast about featuring site-specific pieces in their lobbies. And all of this is truly just scratching the surface.

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In order to understand how we got hereto a place where hotels are jockeying to distinguish themselves with their art programsyou need to understand how the modern hotel came to be.

The hotel, as we know it, first appeared in America in the 1790s. At the time, inns and taverns were the norm. Places that often housed travelers as a way to procure a liquor license, they were bars with beds, basically. By contrast, these new, modern hotels wanted to emphasize their elegance and luxury. Their architecture was imposing and they were decorated beautifully, from the plush carpets to the chandeliers to the sumptuous wall hangings. And this approach, at the high end of the market, has more or less continued through to the present day.

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But in the early 1900s, a man named E. M. Statler pioneered a different, more affordable version of the hotelone that was always the same. He was the most influential hotel man of the first half of the 20th century and he wanted people to have a reliable, predictable hotel experience, and that actually carried prestige, says A. K. Sandoval-Strausz, the author of the book Hotel: An American History. In 1908, the Statler Hotel opened in Buffalo, New York, the first of a number of standardized hotel locations that promised customers to provide, in Statlers words, a bed and a bath for a dollar and a half.

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Hotel art, if you can believe it, has become a signifier of good taste.

These hotels were economical, but they were also, in their way, luxurious. If you were traveling to a new, strange city, just knowing that the affordable hotel youd end up at would be of a basic level of quality, and not a bedbug-infested flophouse, was an innovation. Reliability was so desirable that nearly 70 years after the first Statler Hotel was founded, a hotel chain like Holiday Inn was still advertising itself as, above all else, predictablea place where the best surprise is no surprise.

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But then the backlash to all this sameness arrived: the boutique hotel. In the late 1980s, the hotelier Ian Schrager, one of the co-founders of Studio 54, opened a few hotels in New York that immediately became sensations. One was the Royalton, which was designed by the singular Frenchman Philippe Starck, whose witty, playful lobby included velvet armchairs that leaned back at precipitous angles, wall sconces in the shape of rhinoceros horns, and three-legged chairs that had a tendency to tip over.

These hotels in New York became the gathering spots for the beau monde, says Mayer Rus, the West Coast editor of Architectural Digest. Everybody wanted to have a drink, a power lunch at the Royalton, and it gave birth to this movement of hoteliers who wanted to signify cool, signify chic, and draw people into their properties by promising an experiencewhat would now be called a curated experience.

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These early boutique hotels had an elevated, even unexpected, style. They werent standardized because they wanted to set themselvesand by extension the person who stayed thereapart. These hotels could be funky, elegant, sexy, but they were intentionally designed, with a very strong sense of place, because the whole idea was that when you were there, you werent nowhereyou were somewhere. In the 30 years since, the idea that a hotel ought to be a designed experience has expanded beyond boutique hotels to most hotels. And if you need proof, look no further than the Super 8.

If you walk into a Super 8 today, instead of seeing, say, a kitschy, impressionistic sailboat, youll see two huge, chunkily framed, very polished black-and-white photographs above the bed, serving as both room art and headboard. These images are not just of anythingtheyre related to the specific location of that specific Super 8. At one Fort Worth, Texas, Super 8, for example, theres a photograph of a cowboy on a horse, in silhouette, getting ready to use his lasso. At another, a Los Angeles Super 8, theres a photograph of Manns Chinese Theater, lit up at night.

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One of the things that we recognized is that this next generation of traveler, theyre interested in things like farm-to-table, says Mike Mueller, the brand leader for Super 8s worldwide. They want to know where things are sourced. They want to know where things are coming from, where they can go for a truly local authentic experience.

Super 8s, which are scattered all over North America and even in China, can often be found near inauspicious interstate exits. Ive stayed at a few in my lifedriving away from college with a U-Haul full of stuff, between Chicago and New York; on a road trip, somewhere in the Texas Panhandleand I could not possibly be more specific about their locations, because thats what was so useful about Super 8s: Theyre just right there, when right there is the middle of nowhere. The idea of a Super 8 as a place thats anything other than a stopover, as a place that should be locally brandedit shows just how deeply ingrained this new idea of what a hotel should be has become.

To learn more about hotels and the rise of hotel-art programs, listen to Decoder Rings Hotel Art.
Ordinarily, Last Week Tonight devotes its main segment to some obscure, complex topic like felony disenfranchisement or astroturfing. Occasionally, though, a news story will be so dominant that host John Oliver will devote a full half-hour to unpacking it, as he did on Sunday nights episode. True to the name of the show, Last Week Tonight dug into the most important event of last week, and no, it wasnt the introduction of the terrifying new Philadelphia Flyers mascot, Gritty. Instead, Oliver weighed in on the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to address allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

Oliver goes over the hearing in detail, offering play-by-play commentary and jokes about how Kavanaughs testimony at one point sounded a lot like Mambo No. 5. Of course, every minute of Kavanaugh and accuser Christine Blasey Fords testimony has already been scrutinized and picked apart a hundred times over, so what Oliver is offering is more catharsis than any revelatory insight. Still, he does a good job of recapping the exhausting, daylong event and the arguments that followed it, and he makes some solid points about Kavanaughs performance being positively Trumpian.
Few people are as knee-deep in our work-related anxieties and sticky office politics as Alison Green, who has been fielding workplace questions for a decade now on her website Ask a Manager. In Direct Report, she spotlights themes from her inbox that help explain the modern workplace and how we could be navigating it better.

Employers seem generally agreed that having well-qualified employees is a crucial part of whether their businesses thriveso you might think it follows that theyd put real effort into how they hire. But inexplicably, many employers give minimal or no training at all to the staff who interview their job applicants and take a remarkably disorganized and chaotic approach to how they assess and select new hires.

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Often, this lax approach results in interviews that feel more like social introductions than real inquiries into whether a candidate would excel in the job, as this person wrote to me:

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I recently interviewed for a position that I think Im under-qualified for. The position is to be a dean of department at a university which requires 7+ years experience in a similar post and a great deal of knowledge about financial markets. I graduated from the top Ivy League school in the country and have a Ph.D. in educational administration with varied and limited actual work experience in finance. During my interview for the position, the vice president of the university couldnt stop talking about the fact that I graduated from this top school. She didnt ask me any questions about my qualifications at all. She was more interested in selling the position to me and asking me about my recent vacation in Turkey. The interview lasted two hours and we spent 1 hour and a half talking about Turkey.

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Other times, interviewers clearly havent put any real thought into how to structure interviews and effectively screen candidates:

I just turned down a position because I felt like the interview was weird. The conversation was completely one-sided (the hiring manager describing the position)and I actually had to ask the hiring manager at one point if she had any questions for me. It seemed that they had already decided that they wanted me for this position before they really got to know me, and while Im glad they read through my resume and understood my background (because the opposite is far, far more annoying), there have to be questions you can ask me that will help you assess whether I am a good fit for the position.  By the time I left, it was apparent to me that I hadnt really been vetted for the position at all  unnerving when you are being considered for a position where youre going to have to work closely with a team.

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Perhaps even more annoying to candidates are oddball interview questions that have nothing to do how theyd perform on the job. For example:

I was once asked at an interview, If you could get rid of any U.S. state, which one would you pick? This was like two years ago and I still think about it.  I think I said Wyoming because it would probably have the least amount of people who would be affected by the sudden disappearance of their land. I didnt get that job, btw.

Sometimes these questions pop up because the interviewer believes the question will elicit some sort of special insight into candidates (it usually doesnt):

My weirdest one was the interviewer who said, If you could only tell one person your deepest, darkest secret, who would it be and what would be the secret? I was annoyed enough at the time and knew the job wasnt a good fit so I said, Well, you wouldnt be the person I chose, so my secret is staying with me. The interviewer was flustered by my answer and I never understood the point of the question.

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These examples might seem particularly outlandish, but the mail at my workplace advice column is full of accounts like this. In fact, I often hear repeated reports of these same questions from different people, suggesting that interviewers are just finding questions on lists of interview questions somewhere and putting them into rotation without thinking critically about what purpose they serve.

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Given the importance of hiring the right people, its incredibly odd that so many companies run their hiring processes via a combination of social chit-chat, arbitrary questions, and interviewers highly specific individual preferences. It wouldnt be terribly difficult to train better interviewersto help them get clear on whats really needed to excel in the roles theyre hiring for, develop questions that will test for those things, and find ways to simulate real job activities in order to see candidates in action. And yet, all too often, the guidance that interviewers receive from their companies is, essentially, wing it.

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So what you can you do if youre a candidate stuck with an inept interviewer? One option, if youre asked a question that seems entirely out of left field or is outright inappropriate, is to say, Thats a surprising question. Why do you ask? Or, if an interviewer just lets the conversation meander and doesnt actually explore your fit for the job, you can try saying something like, Would it be OK to take a minute and lead you through my professional background? or What else can I tell you about me to help you figure out if this is the right fit? You can even try interviewing them by asking something like, Tell me more about the role and whats most important to you in the person youre hiring.

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But its also true that, as a candidate, the power dynamics of job interviews limit your ability to intervene when an interview has gone off the rails, short of deciding youre not interested and ending the meeting early, which many candidates are loath to do.

Ultimately, the responsibility lies with employers to treat interviewing more seriously, to train interviewers with more rigor, and to insist on thorough screening rather than unstructured, freewheeling chats. Interviewers who have been trained to interview and who are armed with questions designed to assess the must-have qualities for the role are far less likely to resort to asking what kind of tree a candidate would choose to be.
Former FBI chief James Comey is weighing in on the FBI investigation of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh with a New York Times op-ed that amounts to an all-out defense of agents and their ability to do their job fairly. Even though it is idiotic to put a shot clock on the FBI, Comey insists that the probe wont be as hard as Republicans hope it will be. The ground rules of the investigation seem in part designed to prevent answers from emerging, but FBI agents are experts at interviewing people and quickly dispatching leads to their colleagues around the world to follow with additional interviews.

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In one of the most interesting passages of the op-ed, Comey said that the obvious lies regarding words in his yearbook (detailed here) amount to a flashing signal to dig deeper. The reason is simple: Little lies point to bigger lies.

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Although Republicans have defended Kavanaugh by saying that the alleged assaults happened long ago so theres no way the incidents could be remembered clearly, Comey insists thats far from the truth. Agents know time has very little to do with memory. They know every married person remembers the weather on their wedding day, no matter how long ago, Comey wrote. Significance drives memory.

Agents wont actually reach a conclusion about who is telling the truth but that doesnt mean their reports wont point the way. Their granular factual presentation will spotlight the areas of conflict and allow decision makers to reach their own conclusions, he wrote. In the end, those carrying out the probe know that whatever they say, theyll be criticized by one side or the other. But that may not necessarily be a bad thing. There is freedom in being totally screwed, Comey wrote. Agents can just do their work. Find facts. Speak truth to power.
The New Yorker reported Sunday that several people who have tried to contact the FBI with information about Brett Kavanaugh and his behavior in high school and college have said they were unable to reach FBI agents to give their accounts.

The potential witnesses include an anonymous Yale classmate and Elizabeth Rasor, a former girlfriend of Kavanaughs high school friend Mark Judge. Christine Blasey Fords lawyer has also said that, as of Sunday, her client has not been contacted by the FBI. Weve tried repeatedly to speak with the FBI, but heard nothing back, she said.

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Rasor was quoted in an earlier New Yorker story from September contradicting Judges assertion that there was no rough-housing with girls during high school. She said Judge had told her about an incident in which he and other boys at Georgetown Prep took turns having sex with the same drunk girl.

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But Rasors lawyer has said that, despite her client repeatedly ma[king] clear to the Senate Judiciary Committee and to the F.B.I. that she would like the opportunity to speak to them, the only response she received were emails confirming her emails had been received and advice from one agent that she try calling an 800-number tip line.

Similarly, an unnamed Yale classmate seeking to corroborate Deborah Ramirezs account of Kavanaugh exposing himself to her at a party in college has said he repeatedly and unsuccessfully tried to contact the FBI. He told the New Yorker he is certain he heard about the account around the time of the alleged incident, but when he tried to reach the FBI, he was redirected multiple times to different offices and phone numbers until he simply left a tip through an online portal. According to the New Yorker, he had also been in contact with other classmates who wanted to provide information supporting Ramirezs story.

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On Sunday, a former Yale classmate came forward to challenge Kavanaughs depiction of his drinking habits. Charles Ludington, who said Kavanaugh often became belligerently drunk in college, has said he will try to reach the FBI at their field office in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Monday. Ramirez spoke with the FBI on Sunday and gave them a list of potential witnesses, though its unclear if the FBI would reach out to any of them.

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The report, which comes from Jane Mayer and Ronan Farrow, the same duo behind other major stories about the allegations against Kavanaugh, follows a weekend of confusion about the scope of the FBI background investigation launched by President Trump on Friday. On Saturday, multiple sources reported that the White House had severely limited the scope of the investigation, telling the FBI to interview only four witnesses. The White House later rejected the assertion that they were tightly managing the investigation, arguing they were only following the guidance of the Senate. Some Republicans argued that a limited scope would be appropriate for a background investigation, which is less exhaustive than a criminal investigation, but Senate Democrats demanded the White House provide the committee with a copy of the directive it sent to the FBI.
Just before the Supreme Court kicked off its new term Monday morning, Solicitor General Noel Francisco popped into the courtroom to make the rounds. Francisco beamed as he greeted spectators near the front of the room, then glad-handed attorneys with a chummy bonhomie. He had good reason to smile. Francisco will seize control of Robert Muellers Russia investigation if Donald Trump fires Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, allowing him to hobble or scrap the probe. Last term, Francisco turned the solicitor generals office into an organ of the conservative legal movement, scoring major blows against unions and voting rights while bolstering expansive presidential power. Now, with Brett Kavanaughs confirmation looming, Francisco is poised to continue his extraordinary winning streak, persuading a new five-justice conservative majority to create a brave new world of reactionary jurisprudence that will entrench Republican power for decades.

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It all was set to start on Monday with a frog.

Not just any frog, thoughthe dusky gopher frog, a charismatic little critter that, like Roe v. Wade, is teetering on the edge of extinction. There are only about 135 dusky gopher frogs left in the wild, and they all live near a small pond in Mississippi. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has plans to expand the frogs territory into neighboring Louisiana. Their efforts spurred a lawsuit that pits the timber industry against the Endangered Species Act in a case that was supposed to give Kavanaugh his first opportunity to kneecap environmental regulations. As his nomination remains stalled in the Senate, however, Weyerhaeuser v. Fish and Wildlife Service may evenly divide the court and produce a stalemate that buys the little frog an unexpected shot at survival.

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Weyerhaeuser reads like a case designed to drive conservatives into a blind rage, and it has done precisely that. Fox & Friends produced a segment on the issue that was so misleading it spurred the Fish and Wildlife Service to issue a rebuttal. A lower-court judge was so incensed by her colleagues decision in favor of the FWS that she accused them of play[ing] dead just like the frog. The case began in 2012, when the FWS designated a swath of Louisiana land as essential critical habitat for the species. It doesnt live there now, but it used to, and the land contains rare ephemeral ponds necessary for the frog to breed. The FWS asserted that, with reasonable efforts, the area can be restored to suit the species needs.

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Part of that land is leased by Weyerhaeuser, a timber company that would prefer to harvest the trees for profit. It sued the FWS, arguing that the area could not be essential critical habitat for the frog because it currently lives in other places and could not occupy the land in question without improvements. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Weyerhaeuser, deferring to the Fish and Wildlife Services interpretation of the word habitat. That decision was doubly infuriating to conservatives because it combined environmental preservation (bad) with judicial deference to a federal agency (even worse).

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Part of that land is leased by Weyerhaeuser, a timber company that would prefer to harvest the trees for profit.

The 5th Circuits decision also happens to be correct under a straightforward reading of the Endangered Species Act. As Justice Elena Kagan pointed out to Timothy Bishop, who represents Weyerhaeuser, the anti-frog argument makes little sense. Its counterintuitive, she told Bishop, that the law would prefer extinction of the species to the designation of an area which requires only certain reasonable improvements in order to support the species. And it does not seem a result thats demanded at all by the statutory language, since the ESA contemplates that habitats will exist even beyond the areas where a species currently resides. Indeed, the law defines critical habitat as areas both within and outside the geographical area occupied by the species. Theres no textual basis on which to conclude that land unoccupied by the dusky gopher frog today cannot be designated a critical habitat .

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Justice Samuel Alito was not only unconvincedhe was irritated by Kagans questions. Now this case is going to be spun  as a choice between whether the dusky gopher frog is going to become extinct or not, he saida clear rebuke to Kagan. Weve already heard questions along this line. But that, he insisted, is not the choice at all. The real question is who should pay for the preservation of this public good. In other words, why should a corporation suffer just because some tree-huggers in the federal government want to keep this frog alive?

Now it may be very difficult for a lot of people to shed tears for a big corporation like the one in this case, Alito continued. But imagine Weyerhaeuser were a family farm instead. Wouldnt it be tragic if Old Macdonald couldnt raise his ducks because the dusky gopher frog had to breed in his ephemeral ponds?

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Justice Stephen Breyer, always eager to play peacemaker, tried to bridge the gap between Kagan and Alito by identifying what, exactly, Weyerhaeuser would need to do to let the frog live on its land. (Or let somebody else do: Typically, a corporation just invites an environmental group to figure it out.) Could the FWS ask a landowner to drain the swamp? Breyer asked twice, with no apparent sense of irony. Or make a canopy? Deputy Solicitor General Edwin Kneedler, defending the FWS, asserted that the landowners need only make reasonable efforts. That spurred Justice Neil Gorsuch to pester him about the phrase. Where do you get reasonable efforts in the statute? he demanded. Can you show me where? Gorsuch then answered his own questionIts not there!with a triumphant smirk.

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Theres little doubt that Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Clarence Thomas will side against the FWS with Alito and Gorsuch. But without Kavanaughs fifth vote, theyll still lose: So long as the liberal justices vote as a bloc, the case will deadlock 44, leaving the 5th Circuits pro-frog ruling in place. Kavanaugh was supposed to be on the court by now, but late-breaking sexual assault allegations have held up his confirmation. That delay may have saved the dusky gopher frog from annihilation.

Francisco wasnt the only conservative celebrity in the courtroom on Monday. Ginni Thomas was also present in the seats reserved for friends and family of the justices. A Republican activist and consultant whos married to Justice Clarence Thomas, Ginni is a fierce defender of both Trump and Kavanaugh. Mondays arguments may be some of the last before Kavanaugh joins the court, empowering Thomas to turn his once-fringe views into the law of the land. Was Ginni there to witness the final days of her husbands marginalization before he reshapes the court in his image? Like Francisco, she had every reason to smile. The dusky gopher frog may live. But nearly every liberal precedent of the last century will soon be on deaths door.
Another former classmate is calling Brett Kavanaughs bluff. Chad Ludington told the New York Times that the Supreme Court nominee wasnt exactly honest when he described his drinking habits during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing last week. In fact, Ludington said Kavanaugh carried out a blatant mischaracterization of his drinking during his college years, noting he often saw the nominee staggering from alcohol consumption.

Ludington said Kavanaugh played down the degree and frequency of his drinking and had seen the judge often become belligerent and aggressive. The professor at North Carolina State University said he plans to take this information to the FBI. It is truth that is at stake, and I believe that the ability to speak the truth, even when it does not reflect well upon oneself, is a paramount quality we seek in our nations most powerful judges, Ludington said.

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Ludington is hardly the first former Yale classmate to contradict Kavanaughs claims about his drinking. Shortly after the Thursday hearing, Lynne Brookes told ABC News that she often drank to excess with Kavanaugh. We were in the same social circles, Brookes said. When he would drink, he would get obnoxious.

Although the FBIs Washington field office told Ludington to head to the bureaus Raleigh office on Monday morning, its unclear whether any statement he makes will be included in the newly reopened investigation into Kavanaugh. Reports are making it clear that the FBIs probe has a narrow scope, which Demcorats complained Sunday could turn the whole thing into a farce, as Sen. Mazie K. Hirono warned on ABC.
The Senate Judiciary Committee takes very seriously when people lie to it. Thats why it referred a man in Rhode Island who told committee member Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse that in August of 1985, Judge Kavanaugh sexually assaulted a close acquaintance of Mr. [redacted] on a boat in the harbor at Newport, Rhode Island, for prosecution by the feds.

You may think that Whitehouse, who received the original tip, was outraged about being lied to and brought forward the referral to committee Chairman Sen. Charles Grassley. But no, it was Grassley, who said in the letter that Kavanaugh had categorically denied the claim and that the original tipster had recanted it on social media after the committee released portions of its interview with Kavanaugh last week. Grassley made the referral in a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and FBI Director Christopher Wray on Saturday.

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When individuals provide fabricated allegations to the Committee, diverting Committee resources during time-sensitive investigations, it materially impedes our work. Such acts are not only unfair; they are potentially illegal. It is illegal to make materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements to Congressional investigators. It is illegal to obstruct Committee investigations, Grassley said in his letter.

Whitehouses spokesman told CNN on Sunday that Grassleys referral was meritless and that the deliberate outing of the tipster and the referral itself was causing a cascade of abuse and was meant as a threat to discourage the cooperation of others with the FBI investigation.

Earlier last week, Whitehouse said in a letter that he had asked the committee staff not to reveal the accusers name to Kavanugh in its interview. The committee staff revealed the name anyway, Whitehouse said, and whats more, they asked Kavanaugh about unrelated statements on the constituents social media account.

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I was not in Newport, havent been on a boat in Newport. Not with Mark Judge on a boat, nor all those three things combined, Kavanaugh said in his interview with committee staff members. This is just completely made up, or at least not me. I dont know what theyre referring to.

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The staffers then said the tipster appears to have a Twitter account  [that] identifies the account holder as a hippie  from Rhode Island  and asked Kavanaugh, Are you aware that on June 27th of this year, the account tweeted, A question, when will the United States military decided to do what they have vowed and remove the domestic threat to the Constitution that lives in the White House? 

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Whitehouse said in the letter last week, it is not clear what legitimate investigative purpose this served and raises additional concerns that the steps being taken by your staff have been driven by political interests.

Before Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford testified last Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee released a range of documents from its investigation, including two further claims of Kavanugh assaulting unknown victims, which some people saw as an effort to muddy the water around the claims by Ford and Deborah Ramirez. That same night, the man who called in the Rhode Island tip recanted his accusation on Twitter.
An attorney hired by Minnesotas Democratic Party to investigate an allegation of physical abuse by Rep. Keith Ellison announced that she had been unable to substantiate the accusers claims, according to the Associated Press. The party has said it will forward the report on to local authorities for possible further investigation.

In the draft report obtained by the AP on Monday, attorney Susan Ellingstad cited the accusers refusal to provide a video she said she had of the incident as the reason the allegation could not be substantiated.

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Karen Monahan, Ellisons former girlfriend, accused him in August of repeated verbal abuse and of one instance in which he pulled her from a bed by her ankle and shouted at her during a fight in 2016. As evidence, she published a photo of a medical document she says proves she told a doctor in 2017 that she had been in an abusive relationship with Ellison. Her son has also said he has seen the video of the abuse.

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Ellison, who is running in the states attorney general race, has repeatedly denied the allegations.

In her report, Ellingstad wrote that Monahan had changed her explanations for why she did not want to release video of the alleged abuse, according to the AP. Monahan has said that she did not want to release the video because it was traumatic, and she has suggested that she was not fully clothed or otherwise appeared vulnerable in the video. She has also argued that she does not believe she should set the expectation that victims of abuse have to provide proof to be believed. Her attorney said that Monahan might still share the video as part of an investigation, but he did not clarify what the necessary circumstances would be.

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Ellingstad works at the same firm as the state Democratic Partys attorney, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Republicans have questioned whether she can be independent, and Ellisons Republican opponent in the attorney general race has called the investigation a sham.

The reports conclusion does not mean the matter is settled. The Democratic Party has said it will forward the information to local authorities for the purpose of objectivity and getting all of the facts, so that the authorities can determine if there should be any further investigation, according to the Star Tribune. Earlier on Monday, a Republican Senate hopeful also called for the attorney generals office to investigate, arguing that it would provide an impartial investigation. And Ellison also said last week he would request a U.S. House Ethics Committee investigation of the allegation against him.
A marriage proposal in Boulder, Colorado, went awry on Saturday because of some overly ambitious hiking plans.

Joshua Mason, 27, and his girlfriend, Katie Davis, 28, had set out on an eight-mile hike from the Fourth of July Trailhead to the nearly 13,000-foot summit on Jasper Peak. When the two came upon an isolated, scenic spot along the trail, Mason surprised Davis by popping the question. Davis accepted the proposal, and the happy couple continued their trek to the peak.

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However, Davis and Mason had gotten a late start for a hike of this length, embarking at around noon. There are also no clear trails to Jasper Peak, and as darkness fell, the hikers lost their bearings. They had neglected to bring enough water, clothes for the cooler temperatures, or overnight camping supplies. They followed the ridge line until around midnight, when they came to a cliff and could go no further. With few other options, the two began to scream for help.

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Fortunately, a nearby hiker heard their calls. At that point, Mason and Davis were showing signs of severe dehydration and altitude sicknessthe path to Jasper Peak has an elevation gain of more than 3,000 feet. The hiker brought them back to a campsite where a group of his friends had settled in for the night. They ushered the newly engaged couple into a warm tent and provided them with food and water. One of the campers walked two miles back to her car and then drove down to a nearby town to call 911.

Paramedics and members of a local search group reached the campsite at around 4:30 a.m. and determined that the lost hikers urgently needed to move to a lower altitude. The rescue personnel assisted them down the mountain until they reached their rental car at around 6:30 a.m. The couple was shaken but did not require any further medical assistance.

The Boulder County Sherriffs Office further reports in a news release, Deputies determined that the couples engagement was still on, despite the memorable ordeal.
I have a friend who is a survivor of sexual assault. I thought about her a lot as I watched Christine Blasey Ford testify on Thursday. I made sure to check on her a few times throughout the morning to see if she was doing all right, and I admired the community of survivors online who I observed taking care of each other, thanks to #MeToo.

I took a break for lunch, then turned the television back on to see Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh testify. I sometimes feel the word trigger is overused, and I have never felt entitled to it because I am not a sexual assault survivor. But as I watched Kavanaughs testimony, I can only think that what I experienced was triggering. Alcoholism runs through my family, and what I saw every time Kavanaugh was questioned about his drinking was achingly familiar. The defiance, the casual references to liking beer, the mentioning of a friend who has a real problem, the insistence that he was the Ralph King because he has a delicate stomach, the turning the question on the questionerall are tactics of the person with alcoholism who has been cornered. Ive seen this scene beforein a kitchen, and in a driveway. But I was stunned to see it on the floor of a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.

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I watched some of the news analysis of the hearing, hoping this angle would be discussed. But while theres been quite a bit of discussion about Kavanaughs high school and college habits, theres been very little discussion about his drinking now. Yet Kavanaugh used the present tense often. He said I like beer a number of times. He even asked two of the senators what they like to drink, the implication being now, not when they were in high school. When pressed during the hearing about whether he drank to excess in the past, Kavanaugh avoided the question and instead recited his accomplishments: Yale, Yale Law School, 12 years a federal judge. But high achievement in these realms doesnt actually tell us anything about Kavanaughs drinking habits, now or in the past. Going to Yale is not an assurance of sobriety, and it does not rule out the possibility that he was also a problem drinker.

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In our culture, drinking is so socially acceptable that it is uncomfortable to question another persons drinking habits.

Based on the testimony of Ford and numerous accounts of people who knew, and drank with, Kavanaugh in college, we have good reason to believe that he abused alcohol in his youth. Liz Swisher, a former classmate, has said, He drank heavily. He was a partier. He liked to do beer bongs. He played drinking games. He was a sloppy drunk. Another acquaintance, Charles Ludington, released a statement saying, On many occasions I heard Brett slur his words and saw him staggering from alcohol consumption, not all of which was beer. When Brett got drunk, he was often belligerent and aggressive. We do not know whether he continues to drink this way, but the way he responded to questions about his past drinking makes it a relevant question. And yet, even in one of the most charged Senate committee hearings in decades, no one was willing to ask about his current drinking habits.

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We have finally moved our understanding of rape from something that is perpetrated by strangers in dark alleyways at night to a more realistic view of the crime as one that is often committed by close associates and even loved ones in familiar places. Just so, we need to adjust our understanding of alcoholism and problematic drinking. It is not just the drunk in a gutter or the person who sneaks shots before work. It is also the people who dont drink all the time but who have a hard time limiting consumption once they start, people who frequently black out, and people who behave in ways that are inconsistent with their sober selves when they are drinking.

But we dont talk about this much, because in our culture, drinking is so socially acceptable it is uncomfortable to question another persons drinking habits. We saw that in the hearing when two senators tried to do it. Sen. Whitehouse looked down. Sen. Klobuchar looked nervous, even after revealing that her father is in recovery. Both times the line of questioning was aborted due to the defiance of the witness. But when the red flags of addiction present themselves, we have a duty to ask these hard questions of family, of friends, and of our public officials in whom we place our trust.

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I wish this could be a moment for people to talk more openly and honestly about problem drinking. It is painfully clear that our country does not know how to talk about it, just as once we didnt know how to talk about rape, but the two are actually very related. Many men in the corridors of power share Kavanaughs prep school and frat-boy background. They do not see, or do not want to see, evidence that his drinking may be problematic. But others, like me, may have watched these hearings and may have finally had enough. There is plenty of debate over the scope of the FBI investigation, but I think it would be worthwhile for it to attempt to assess Kavanaughs drinking behavior not when he was in high school or college, but right now.
On Friday, Facebook announced that it had discovered evidence of a security breach affecting almost 50 million accounts.

The companys investigation is in its early stages, so there are still many unknowns about the cyberattack. Heres a rundown of what we know so far based on the details that Facebook has released to the public.

How did it happen?

Hackers were able to manipulate the code associated with the platforms View As feature, which lets users see what their profiles look like from the point of view of a different account. Vulnerabilities in this code allowed hackers to exploit three different bugs and steal access tokens, digital keys that let people use Facebook without having to enter their login credentials every time, from 50 million accounts.

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Developers introduced these vulnerabilities in July 2017 when they updated a tool that allows users to upload happy birthday videos. The uploading tool had been inadvertently generating access tokens when it showed up on a users View As page, which the hackers then exploited to breach accounts. Facebooks security team began noticing an unusual spike in user access to the website this past December, and then they finally found the hack last Tuesday.

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What did the hackers have access to?

The hackers were essentially able to log in and take over users accounts. Facebook claims there is no evidence thus far indicating that the hackers read private messages, posted anything to account pages, or stole credit card numbers. However, they did attempt to access personal information, which could have included details like name, gender, and hometown.

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The hackers may also have been able to manipulate the Facebook Login feature, which allows people to use their Facebook usernames and passwords as login credentials for other apps and websites. This means that the hackers could, theoretically, have breached apps like Instagram, Tinder, and Airbnb using the access tokens they stole. Tinder said Monday that there was no evidence accounts had been accessed, but that it would be very helpful if Facebook shared more information about the hack.

Who was responsible for the hack?

Facebook has released little info about the attackers. Company officials said on Friday that they had not uncovered many identifying detailsfor instance, they were unable to determine whether the hackers were working on behalf of a nation-stateand the nature of the attack is such that we may never actually know who was responsible.

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Carolyn Everson, Facebooks vice president of global marketing, suggested on Monday that the hackers were fairly sophisticated since they went undetected for so long and had to have an intimate understanding of three different bugs to execute the attack. She compared them to an odorless, weightless intruder that walked in.

What is Facebook doing about it?

Facebook has patched the vulnerabilities in the View As and video upload tools. The company also reset the access tokens for the 50 million affected accounts, as well as for 40 million additional accounts as a precautionary measure. Users will also have to delink and relink their Instagram and Oculus accounts to their Facebook accounts. Facebook users do not need to change their passwords, but they may want to log out and back in to be safe.

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Facebook has also contacted the FBI, as well as the Irish Data Protection Commission, as is required under the European Unions General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR.

Will there be any consequences for Facebook?

Shortly after Facebook announced news of the breach on Friday, a Virginia resident and a California resident filed a class-action complaint alleging that the companys lack of appropriate security measures had increased the risk of identity theft. New York State Attorney General Barbara Underwood tweeted, Were looking into Facebooks massive data breach. New Yorkers deserve to know that their information will be protected. The FTC and Virginia Sen. Mark Warner have further suggested that an investigation may be in order. Members of the U.K. Parliament are also renewing their demands for CEO Mark Zuckerberg to testify in front of them.

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Yet, according to the Verge, its the European Union thats most likely to bring the hammer down on Facebook. Irelands Data Protection Commission, which helps to enforce the GDPR, is demanding more information from the company concerning the breach. If the commission finds that Facebook was negligent in safeguarding user security, it could face a maximum fine of $1.63 billion; the GDPR dictates that companies that violate this rule must pay $23 million or 4 percent of its global revenue for the previous year, whichever is higher.

Until we know more about the attack, though, its hard to say whether Facebook runs a high risk of being penalized under the GDPR. If, for example, we eventually discover that Facebook was warned about this particular vulnerability in advance of the breach, that could make the company liable. Its also unclear whether Facebook would be responsible for breaches of third-party apps that use Facebook Login, or if a significant portion of the affected accounts even belonged to residents of the European Union.
Earlier this year, when setting out as a freelance writer, I found myself for the first time without the backing of a work computer with Word or a free student account. I faced a dilemma: to pay or not to pay for Microsoft Word. With a perfectly good word processor attached to my Gmail, was it really worth about $7 or $8 per month to be able to type onto the traditional white page I was used to? What settled it was the realization that I needed trusty old Word to communicate with my hopefully soon-to-be editors. Track Changes was the language in which the writer-editor conversation was carried out, at least in my experience. Even if I were to convert my Google words to Word words, and my editors Word edits to Google edits, and download my Google response to those edits as a Word response to be sent back, too much could get lost in translation.

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Journalism is just one of the many industries debating its continuing relationship with Word. But unlike most industries, we let this debate play out within our work. Writers have been calling for an end to Word for more than a decade now, from Virginia Heffernan in the New York Times to Tom Scocca here in Slate. In his 2012 piece, Scocca compared filing a story in Word in 2012 to filing a story via fax in the 90s, calling it cumbersome, inefficient, and a relic of obsolete assumptions about technology. In a post responding to Scoccas piece, the pseudonymous blogger Otaku-kun points out that the program is still incredibly important to other professionals, even if not for writers: Ask any lawyer writing a brief, a scientist writing a grant, or a student writing a dissertation how useful Word is and youll get a very different perspective than that of people writing tweets about how Word is too complicated for their blogging. (Remember blogging?)

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Google Docs has a lot going for it. Like journalism, its fundamentally collaborative: Editors and writers can literally back-and-forth on the same page, almost as if sharing a computer. In fact, multiple people can work on a document at once, something essential for large pieces under tight deadlines. We can look at edit notes on our smartphones on the run. And its free.

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Some publicationsbarbarians or brave iconoclasts, depending on how you feelare in the process of transitioning from Word to Docs. Writers and editors are collaborating in Google Docs at a variety of outlets, including both the highly digital Vice and the traditional New Yorker. One perhaps-surprising group of publications at the forefront of this Google Docs transition: local papers. Ian Murren, the editorial-production coordinator at Hersam Acorn Newspapers, which publishes 21 weekly publications in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and Vermont, says that they made the switch to Google Docs in 2015. When I ask why local papers seem to be at the forefront of the shift to Google, Murren says, We were ahead because we were so behind when we updated. Part of Google Docs appeal was that it was free.

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Peter Rugh, associate editor at the independent Indypendent (unrelated to Hersam Acorn) in New York, says that 95 percent of their editing is now done in Google Docs. If a writer or freelancer submits a piece as a Word document (as most still do), they get it back with edits as a Google Doc. But when he started at the Indy two years ago, they were still using very old software. We were just out of touch, Rugh says. Using Google Docs has improved their workflow: They spend less time having to track down files, because they are all arranged in the cloud, and its clear to everyone which is the current version. And on the night of production, theyre all looking at the same mock-up and know when changes are made.

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Im glad theres no way my editor can see how many times I just moved those clauses around.

Thats also the problemwith Google Docs, we really can look at the same version of a piece at the same time. The more experiences I have with the collaborative Docs, the more I understand why were still clinging to the relative privacy of Word. In her mediation on Google Docswritten in Google Docsfor the New Yorker, Katy Waldman writes, I cannot be in the same Google Doc as my editor; it is a mutual violation of privacy, and the surest route in the Google cloud to an anxiety attack. Whose document is it anyway, when you can both access the current draft? If I pop into a Google Doc in the middle of the night to check that a random thought was covered and find my editors color-rimmed avatar in the corner, I will immediately, awkwardly exiteven if they are grayed-out from inactivityas if Ive just walked in on someone in a private moment, praying they didnt see me. Some grayed-out editors seem to never leave, keeping the article open as one of their many tabsbut you never know when they might click on that tab and catch you in your own private suggestion-grappling moment. (Frankly, Im glad theres no way my editor can see how many times I just moved those clauses around.)

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Its rude to gawk, but for the shameless among us, theres the ability to watch an editor worksilently, or not so silently. (One editor told me about a writer responding to suggestions as she edited.) Jason Diamond, a writer and editor who has experienced the Google Docs edit from both sides, still vacillates between Word and Google Docs in his own work. Despite a hilariously apt GIF he tweeted about creeping on his editors, he says he doesnt actually lurk on the Docs midedit. But he has been tempted to go in and make a tweak or two. I do find myself thinking, Oh shit, I didnt do this right. I gotta go back in there and fix it. Maybe they havent gotten to that part yet,  he says. And I can see where their cursor is, so sometimes Ill like sneak it in there, and be like, Oh if I just change this sentence   And Ive been caught doing that. An editor once called me outthey were like, Hey, Im working on this. 

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As an editor himself, Diamond gets it. He says it ticks him off when a writer goes into the Google Doc while hes editing and tries to talk to him while hes in the process of editing. I find that really intrusive and weird.  Its literally somebody standing over your shoulder, the internet version of it. He doesnt want a person standing over his shoulder as a writer, either. When youre writing, your biggest fear is that youre writing trash, he adds. If theres somebody on the other end looking at me rewriting this sentence 30 times, thats so humiliating. Word, meanwhile, is our own private space to write as many bad sentences as we please.

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But even when not in the doc, a writer can feel their editors digital presence. A pleasant evening of Netflix can be ruined by constant Google alerts sliding into the upper-right corner of their screen: Editor has made 14 suggestions to Precious Article You Thought Was Finished. Then the Google Docs emails begin: New: 5 comments, 33 suggestions. New: 12 comments, 47 suggestions. You dont want to rudely open the Doc theyre working on, but Google is showing you their progress (their deletions) anyway, your despair drawn out in a drip feed. This would never have happened in Word.

For now, writerswhether Docs fans or Word stansneed to be ready to accept edits in whatever form they come. But Google Docs appears to be coming for us all, slowly but surelyeven if were not quite ready to Accept This Change.
Ever since the current Federal Communications Commission repealed the Obama-era rules protecting net neutrality, some states have passed laws to protect residents from internet providers that want to slow down, speed up, block, or otherwise control how they access websites and use the webbut none have done so as dramatically as California. Following the example of Vermont, Oregon, and Washington, on Sunday evening Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law a bill that enshrines the strongest protections against abuses by internet providers in the country. The law, Senate Bill 822, goes even further than the 2015 FCC rules. And since the internet doesnt change when it crosses state borders, this bill could potentially have far-reaching effects: To comply, internet providers would either have to adhere to these strict new rules nationwide or somehow balkanize the web to create a separate internet for the statewhich might not even be possible.

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Californias new internet regulation is slated to go into effect in January 2019but it will never happen if the feds have their way. Within hours of Brown signing the bill into law, senior officials at the Justice Department told the Washington Post that the federal government plans to sue California on the grounds that the new federal net neutrality rules prohibit states from creating their own laws to bypass the FCCs deregulation. The department filed suit that night, asking for an injunction that would block the law from taking effect, noting that internet providers cannot realistically comply with one set of standards in this area for California and another for the rest of the Nationespecially when Internet communications frequently cross multiple jurisdictions. The suit goes on: The effect of this state legislation would be to nullify federal law across the country.

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Theres a strong chance that the injunction could be granted as early as this week, but it still may take months before the case makes its way in front of a judge. If the injunction is granted, then come January, internet providers will still be allowed to block or throttle internet traffic as they please, in California and anywhere else. All companies have to do, according to the net neutrality rules passed by the Ajit Pailed FCC, is state that they maintain the right to do so in their terms of service.

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This isnt the only court battle in the fight over net neutrality underway. Mozilla, maker of the Firefox web browser, is currently the lead plaintiff in a suit challenging the new rulesa suit that includes Etsy, Vimeo, and other smaller internet companies. A cadre of public interest nonprofits, like the National Hispanic Media Coalition and Free Press, has also filed suit as well as 23 state attorneys general who argue the FCCs decision to rescind the internet regulations was arbitrary, capricious and an abuse of discretion. Oral arguments in the Mozilla challenge are scheduled for February.

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But this latest front in the fight for the future of the web might be the most consequential yet, since the new California law actually goes further than not only the Obama-era net neutrality rules but even internet laws that other states have attempted to pass. Specifically, the California bill goes after a discriminatory tactic called zero rating, which is when an internet provider privileges some websites and apps over others by not counting their usage against monthly data caps. AT&T, for example, uses zero rating when it allows its DirecTV Now customers to watch without cutting into customers data plans. While it could be argued that these plans are good for consumers, consumer-protection advocates have long maintained that zero rating allows internet providers to pick winners and losers online. If watching YouTube didnt count against your Verizon bill, for example, customers might have extra incentive to watch YouTube instead of another video streaming site, like Vimeo, further entrenching YouTubes power over competitors.

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The FCC has unsuccessfully attempted to pre-empt state laws before, like in 2016, under then-Chairman Tom Wheeler, an Obama appointee, when the FCC lost a case attempting to block laws in North Carolina and Tennessee that restricted the ability of municipal broadband providers to expand their networks and compete more with corporate broadband providers, like Comcast and Verizon. Barbara van Schewick, a professor at Stanford Law School and the director of the Center for Internet and Society at Stanford, says that Californias new net neutrality law is on firm legal footing. An agency that has no power to regulate has no power to preempt the states, according to case law, van Schewick said in a statement Sunday.* When the FCC repealed the 2015 Open Internet Order, it said it had no power to regulate broadband internet access providers. That means the FCC cannot prevent the states from adopting net neutrality protections because the FCCs repeal order removed its authority to adopt such protections.

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If California does win this case against the Justice Department, that could give the green light to other state governments that want to make their own internet laws too, a potential mess for websites that could be forced to adhere to a patchwork of rules across the country. There are other states that are interested in doing this, said Christopher Terry, a professor of media law at the University of Minnesota, in an interview. So you may end up with multiple decisions in multiple states, and those are conditions that are ripe for a Supreme Court decision down the road, Terry said.

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Ultimately, of course, the soundest way to quell much of the current confusion would be for Congress to pass a law regulating whether internet providers are or are not allowed to discriminate against internet traffic that travels over their networks. But legislation in Congress doesnt happen overnight, and with so much interest from the public on the issue of network neutralitywhich was the most participated rule-making in the history of the FCC, with millions of comments submitted from the public in response to the FCCs proposed repealtheres a strong chance sympathetic lawmakers will attempt to make a political issue out of the topic before clarifying the law. If more members of Congress do decide to amp up their rallying cry, as a handful of Democrats and even some Republicans already have, expect to hear about net neutrality a lot more as the November midterms near.
The verdict of the landmark case is not yet in effect and the appellate court can change it, according to the media reports.

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The son of the Slovak investor Stefan Zmajkovic, was sentenced in Hanoi, Vietnam, to three years in prison for sex with a male minor. After having served his sentence, Roman Zmajkovic (aged 33) will be deported back to Slovakia, according to the verdict from the first-instance court. However, it can be still changed or overturned by a higher court.

Stefan Zmajkovic heads the company BTG Holdings which has made investments in Vietnam, the South China Morning Post wrote on September 28. It appears that BTG Holdings, has now disappeared from Vietnam, the daily added.

It is allegedly undergoing huge losses in bankruptcy proceedings and its intent to build an industrial park with a power station, a concrete plant, a hospital a school, and a brewery, the companys main activities abroad, are evidently ruined, the Dennik N daily reported.

Unfortunate precedent

Roman Zmajkovic has become the first person to be prosecuted under a new Vietnamese law on paedophilia, the South China Morning Post reported.

Until January, the law surrounding paedophilia in Vietnam was vague, with a legal loophole enabling men to sexually abuse young boys without it being considered a sex crime as sex was defined as occurring only between a man and a woman, the South China Morning Post wrote.

It also informed that according to the charges, Zmajkovic entered Vietnam under a tourist visa late last year and stayed in the country after it expired. As he spoke some Vietnamese, he used a nickname and made acquaintance with young boys, paying them for sex.

On initial meetings he paid 300,000 dong (US$13), the paper wrote. On later meetings that rose to 500,000 dong (US$21). Other reports suggest he tried to give them 1 million dong (US$43) as hush money. In May, police caught the Slovak businessman having sex with a 13-year-old boy in a hotel. Following sentencing, he was forced to pay 105 million dong (US$4,485) in compensation to the boy.
All four people detained in connection with the murder of journalist Jan Kuciak are being held in pre-trial custody. Three are appealing the Specialised Court's decision.

News: Receive favorite authors articles by email. Try the new feature and turn on the subscription.

The representatives of the General Prosecutor's Office and the police inform on the latest revelations in the Jan Kuciak murder case. (Source: SITA)

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The General Prosecutors Office summoned a press conference for October 1, during which it revealed new facts concerning the murders of reporter Jan Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova in February.

The General Prosecutors Office confirmed that the target was Kuciak, while Kusnirova was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, the Sme daily reported.

Kuciaks murder was allegedly ordered for the price of 70,00, 50,000 plus 20,000 as debt remission. The person who ordered the hit was Alena Zs., ex-police officer Tomas Sz. was the hitman, Miroslav M. the driver and Zoltan A. the go-between.

Meanwhile, the Specialised Criminal Court judge Roman Puchovsky sent the four suspects into custody on September 30. All but Zoltan A. appealed the ruling which is not yet in effect, Sme wrote. Five other detainees have been released. The case has been handed up to the Supreme Court.

Read also:

Read also: Court takes four suspects in the Kuciak case into custody Read more

Zoltan A. owed 20,000 to Zs., according to the prosecutors office. Thus, remission of this debt was part of the reward for his involvement in the murder.

The prosecutor for the Special Prosecutors Office has not confirmed any connection between Alena Zs. and the businessman Marian Kocner. She allegedly interpreted Italian for him, Sme wrote.

Marian Markovic, a famous businessman from Komarno, has stated that he was Zs.s partner 11 years ago and confirmed for the Novy Cas tabloid daily that Marian Kocner is the godfather of his and Alena Zs.s daughter, a fact the Komarno businessman allegedly only recently learned.

Missing pieces

The more monstrous part of the whole story seems to be still missing, Sme wrote, suggesting that still other people may be behind the murder.

Despite Zoltan A. cooperating with prosecutorial bodies and the NAKA criminal agency having seized arms, cars and a mobile phone used by the perpetrators, it may be still difficult to pin down all the people involved.

The evidence against the four already in detention is quite strong but leaves little room for optimism, General Prosecutor Jaromir Ciznar said, as quoted by the SITA newswire. He added that the case will only be successfully concluded after the suspects fail to answer the charges against them and are rightfully and effectively sentenced.

International organisation praises the progress

Meanwhile, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) hailed the long-awaited breakthrough in the investigation.

We welcome this breakthrough in the Slovak police investigation into the deaths of Jan Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova seven months after their murder, RSF secretary-general Christophe Deloire said. The prosecutor recognised that these arrests were sped up because of the constant pressure from civil society. We ask that the investigation be pursued to the end in order to determine the motive for the murder and to identify any other persons involved in the chain of command.
Their testimonies prompted the prosecutor to launch a criminal prosection.

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Two police officers who testified in the case of the abduction of the Vietnamese businessman Trin Xuan Thanh, confirmed that they saw the man being dragged onto the Slovak governmental airplane.

Their testimonies, which to a large extent confirm the version of the story as reported by the Dennik N daily in cooperation with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung earlier this summer, mean a breaking point in the investigation of the case, Dennik N reported.

The assigned prosecutor, after having studied the voluminous case file, issued an order for the investigator to launch criminal prosecution for the crime of limiting personal freedom, the Bratislava Regional Prosecutors Office spokesperson Michal Surek told the daily.

Thanh was reportedly abducted in July 2017 in Germany and taken to Vietnam while Vietnamese official To Lam was officially visiting Slovakia. Some of the people suspected of involvement in the kidnapping appeared in Lams presence in Bratislava, and the Slovak Interior Ministry even provided a plane for the Vietnamese delegation to travel from Prague to the Slovak capital, and later Moscow, after what the Vietnamese described as sudden changes in their plans.

Dennik N in its earlier reports cited several police officers as saying that the whole action was approved by the then interior minister Robert Kalinak. The investigation has not confirmed this so far, the daily writes regarding the latest developments.

Read also:

Read also: Political scientist: Vietnamese kidnappers maybe did not care about being exposed Read more

Dennik N in its latest story admits to a few mistakes in its original report. In its earlier stories it cited some police officers as saying that the convoy that took the Vietnamese delegation to the airport was accompanied by five motorcycles, which was not true and that the officers might have confused it with a March 2017 visit of another Vietnamese delegation. Also, the daily originally wrote that Kalinaks bodyguard accompanied the Vietnamese delegation onboard the governmental plane to Moscow, but he, in fact, did not fly out with the delegation the daily now admits.

The police inspectorate has also heard the testimony of the passport control officer who checked the passports of the Vietnamese delegation. He said that all of them had papers of the Vietnamese Socialist Republic but not all of them were diplomatic passports, Dennik N wrote.
Economic think tank revealed its Bureaucratic Index  Slovakia fares better than the Czech Republic, Lithuania and the Ukraine.

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In 2018, the bureaucratic burden of a model entrepreneur in Slovakia - a micro-company with four employees involved in metalworking - reached 64 activities for which it must spend 222 hours. The think tank Institute for Economic and Social Analyses (INESS) revealed the results of its Bureaucratic Index on October 1.

Due to a change in the methodology of measurements, it was not able to compare the results with previous years.

But we note that compared to 2017, bureaucracy in Slovakia has increased, said Martin Vlachynsky, director of the INESS Research Centre for Business Environment Support, as cited by the SITA newswire. However, this was the result of a one-time cost of 16 hours caused by the GDPR personal data management rules. Without this change, the level of bureaucracy in Slovakia would have stagnated for small entrepreneurs, resulting in few changes, or changes that would not concern a model entrepreneur.

Read also:

Read also: Bureaucracy crushes small and medium companies Read more

Activities related to routine operation include, for example, payment of corporate taxes (46 hours), waste management (30 hours), or various certifications and compulsory external services (22 hours). In activities concerning employment, the most extensive is the agenda of wages, taxes, and employee payroll levies (41 hours), followed by activities related to compliance with the Labour Code and reporting obligations (26 hours), and hiring and firing staff (16 hours).

INESS assesses the pro-business packages prepared by the Economy Ministry as well as the preparation of the RIA 2020 strategy in a positive light.

Read also:

Read also: Entrepreneurs call for improving the business environment Read more

Slovakia came out with the lowest burden among the four countries featured in the research.

It was pleasing to find that Slovakia recorded the lowest number of hours, said Vlachynsky, adding that the Czech Republic recorded a bureaucratic index of 233 hours, Lithuania 252 hours and the Ukraine 469 hours.
Trot Insider learned that stallion Yankee Cam passed away on Thursday (Sept. 27). He was 24.

On the track, the son of Cam Fella and Yankee Co Ed was a winner of 18 races, including the 1996 Champlain Stakes at what is now Woodbine Mohawk Park and a pair of New Jersey Sire Stakes in his three-year-old season.

After finishing eighth behind Village Jasper in the 1997 Breeders Crown at Mohawk, Yankee Cam capped his sophomore campaign with a third-place finish in the $270,000 Windy City Pace at Maywood Park and a seventh-place effort in the $200,000 Provincial at Windsor Raceway.

In a well-travelled four-year-old season, he won at The Meadowlands, Los Alamitos, Freehold and Yonkers before retiring to stand stud in Quebec for 18 of his 20 years of stallion duty.

Yankee Cam's progeny earned over $11 million. Thirteen of his progeny earned over $250,000 in their respective careers, led by Royal Becquet (p, 3, 1:51s), who banked $538,442. Yankee Cam also sired a trio of 1:50 pacers in Big Bam Ray (p, 4, 1:49.2m), White Mountain Top (p, 10, 1:49.3f) and Brave Alex Semalu (p, 5, 1:49.4s).

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the connections of Yankee Cam.
Today is the first day of what is being described a new era in kerbside collection services for Tauranga with the first ever, rates-funded glass collections now underway.



The council-led service, which is provided to every residential property in Tauranga, is expected to prevent around 6000 tonnes of glass per year being sent to landfill.



Over the last month, Tauranga residents received blue collection crates for their glass bottles and jars and an information brochure explaining how the fortnightly service works.



Tauranga City Council Environment Committee Chair, Cr Steve Morris, says despite having only three months to plan and implement this new service, both council and the glass collection contractor, Smart Environmental, are excited to start collecting glass today.



The decision to include the glass collection service into councils Long Term Plan was only finalised on 30 June this year, so the past three months have been very busy.



Were very grateful to the Glass Packaging Forum for their $165,000 contribution to the cost of the collection crates, and to the Ministry of the Environment for their support. Were also grateful to have Smart Environmental as our collection contractor. They have been in the industry for 25 years and currently provide kerbside collection services to 18 councils throughout New Zealand.



Steve says the next focus of the glass service implementation is to ensure the residents use it correctly so that glass recycling can be maximised. The service is strictly for bottles and jars only.



If other materials are put in the crate, it wont be emptied. We cant risk our glass trucks being turned away from the recycling plant because it contains too many unacceptable materials.



The brochure that came with the crate and the council website have all the information about what can, and cant, be recycled. I encourage everyone to read them so they know what to do."



Tauranga City Council will be extending the kerbside collection service to include mixed recycling, rubbish and organic waste in 2021.



These are exciting times for waste recovery and recycling in Tauranga. We are one of the last cities in New Zealand to move from privately-led to council-led kerbside collection services. We are working to ensure efficient and effective services are provided to our residents.



Currently, nearly 70 percent of the kerbside waste our residents send to landfill could actually be recycled or composted instead. This new glass collection service is just the first step making an environmental change for the better for Tauranga."



For more information about the new glass collection service, visit www.tauranga.govt.nz/glass

or phone 07 577 7000.
The Nuttycombe Invitational on the campus of Wisconsin is the next stop for Texas Tech's cross country squad. The women's team will race Friday afternoon at 12:20 p.m., and will be followed by the men's team at 1 p.m.Perennially one of the best meets in the country, the Nuttycombe will feature 15 of the top-30 teams in the nation. It will also allow the Red Raiders to go head-to-head with other Big 12 programs for the first time this season, including power programs Iowa State and Texas."This is by far the best meet in the country this weekend, and probably one of the best meets in the nation this year outside of pre-nationals," head coachsaid.For Murray, though, the focus needs to remain on Tech."The main thing is to look at what we're doing," said Murray. "They've been training very hard. We're going to make sure they have confidence. They know they've been training as well as they can, so they should be able to compete as hard as they can."The Red Raiders are coming off a sweep of the Texas Tech Open, where both the men's and women's squads took first place.won the men's 8k in dominating fashion, crossing nearly 40 seconds ahead of the rest of the field."He's been just what we expected," Murray said of Bautista. "He's had a week off, and here he is coming back and looking good. This weekend is where we are really going to see what he can do. Being exposed to some of the best in the nation will really set it up."The women's team did not have the individual winner, but, paced by sophomore, they placed eight runners inside the top-20 to take the team title. The young team had two freshmen and score at the meet, and another freshman,, was the sixth runner for Tech."We'll see how this young group develops," Murray said when speaking about the women's team. "We'll probably have a freshman in our top-five, which will be a big deal. A freshman in the top-five is a big deal, so we'll see how they respond."The Nuttycombe Invitational will be streamed via FloTrack here . Live results will be available here
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Page: 1 2 3 4 Germany's Expensive Rush Into Wind And Solar Has FAILED Natura Naturans

Registered User

User ID: 441875

10-01-2018 05:03 AM



Posts: 13,155









Post: #1 Germany's Expensive Rush Into Wind And Solar Has FAILED

Advertisement

Date: 29/09/18 Daniel Wetzel, Die Welt

Germanys Federal Audit Office has accused the government of a catastrophic mis-management of the green energy transition (Energiewende). The wastage of resources is unprecedented.



A little more than a year before Germanys climate-policy milestone 2020, the auditing body has concluded a catastrophic assessment of the governments energy policy. Germany would miss its targets for both reducing greenhouse gas emissions and primary energy consumption as well as for increasing energy productivity and the share of renewable energy in transport. At the same time, policy makers had burdened the nation with enormous costs.



Here is a chart showing Germany and Denmark, the two countries that spent nearly a trillion Euros on wind and Solar, have the highest electricity rates in Europe:







As is always the case the climate alarmist renewable energy advocacy main stream media in both the U.S. and Europe will do everything possible to conceal this disastrous policy debacle from public view.





https://www.thegwpf.com/germany-risks-co...ice-warns/



https://wattsupwiththat.com/2018/09/30/g...c-failure/ The highest activity a human being can attain is learning for understanding, because to understand is to be free. --Baruch Spinoza GERMANY RISKS PERMANENT LOSS OF CONTROL OF ENERGIEWENDE, FEDERAL AUDIT OFFICE WARNSDate: 29/09/18 Daniel Wetzel, Die WeltGermanys Federal Audit Office has accused the government of a catastrophic mis-management of the green energy transition (Energiewende). The wastage of resources is unprecedented.A little more than a year before Germanys climate-policy milestone 2020, the auditing body has concluded a catastrophic assessment of the governments energy policy. Germany would miss its targets for both reducing greenhouse gas emissions and primary energy consumption as well as for increasing energy productivity and the share of renewable energy in transport. At the same time, policy makers had burdened the nation with enormous costs.Here is a chart showing Germany and Denmark, the two countries that spent nearly a trillion Euros on wind and Solar, have the highest electricity rates in Europe:As is always the case the climate alarmist renewable energy advocacy main stream media in both the U.S. and Europe will do everything possible to conceal this disastrous policy debacle from public view.The highest activity a human being can attain is learning for understanding, because to understand is to be free. --Baruch Spinoza LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 442690

10-01-2018 06:04 AM











Post: #2 RE: Germany's Expensive Rush Into Wind And Solar Has FAILED

Germany was early to the party on renewables when it was a noble way to lose money. These days the value proposition is such that you would be remiss not to. LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 445976

10-01-2018 06:12 AM











Post: #3 RE: Germany's Expensive Rush Into Wind And Solar Has FAILED

I hope they learned something for all that expense.

Maybe hopefully, How to do it cheaper. GREY LENSMAN

Blue Crystal Storm

User ID: 464899

10-01-2018 11:23 AM



Posts: 3,480









Post: #4 RE: Germany's Expensive Rush Into Wind And Solar Has FAILED

HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO SAY



"TOLD YOU SO"



NOW OWN GOVERNMENT WATCH DOG SAYS SO.



GL The full force of Natural and Common Law shall be applicable at all times in all places and cannot be annulled by the declaration of emergency, war or other device by any State or entity.







[email protected] ABCDEF_Jesus

Dominios Pizza

User ID: 419325

10-01-2018 11:35 AM



Posts: 3,332









Post: #5 RE: Germany's Expensive Rush Into Wind And Solar Has FAILED

If migrants would stop hanging their laundry and infidels from the turbines they might be able to spin. LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 463521

10-01-2018 11:52 AM











Post: #6 RE: Germany's Expensive Rush Into Wind And Solar Has FAILED

It's the Laurel and Hardy double act of the coal industry again, here to tell us how wind turbines turn you gay and give your cat cancer. Archangel

Michael

User ID: 441975

10-01-2018 11:52 AM



Posts: 14,103









Post: #7 RE: Germany's Expensive Rush Into Wind And Solar Has FAILED

Wind power in the mountains above Bakersfield is saving the cement company millions of $$$ a year. What's wrong with Germany. No, wait, I didn't ask that. GREY LENSMAN

Blue Crystal Storm

User ID: 464899

10-01-2018 12:12 PM



Posts: 3,480









Post: #8 RE: Germany's Expensive Rush Into Wind And Solar Has FAILED





QUOTE



As wind power capacity rises, the lower availability

of the wind farms determines the reliability

of the system as a whole to an ever increasing

extent. Consequently the greater reliability of

traditional power stations becomes increasingly

eclipsed.



As a result, THE RELATIVE CONTRIBUTION OF WIND

POWER TO THE GUARANTEED CAPACITY OF OUR SUPPLY

SYSTEM UP TO THE YEAR 2020 WILL FALL CONTINUOUSLY

TO AROUND 4% (FIGURE 7).



IN CONCRETE TERMS, THIS MEANS THAT IN 2020,

WITH A FORECAST WIND POWER CAPACITY OF OVER

48,000MW (SOURCE: DENA GRID STUDY), 2,000MW OF

TRADITIONAL POWER PRODUCTION CAN BE REPLACED BY

THESE WIND FARMS.



https://wattsupwiththat.com/2018/09/30/g...c-failure/



UNQUOTE



GL THIS ABOUT SUMS IT UPQUOTEAs wind power capacity rises, the lower availabilityof the wind farms determines the reliabilityof the system as a whole to an ever increasingextent. Consequently the greater reliability oftraditional power stations becomes increasinglyeclipsed.As a result, THE RELATIVE CONTRIBUTION OF WINDPOWER TO THE GUARANTEED CAPACITY OF OUR SUPPLYSYSTEM UP TO THE YEAR 2020 WILL FALL CONTINUOUSLYTO AROUND 4% (FIGURE 7).IN CONCRETE TERMS, THIS MEANS THAT IN 2020,WITH A FORECAST WIND POWER CAPACITY OF OVER48,000MW (SOURCE: DENA GRID STUDY), 2,000MW OFTRADITIONAL POWER PRODUCTION CAN BE REPLACED BYTHESE WIND FARMS.UNQUOTEGL The full force of Natural and Common Law shall be applicable at all times in all places and cannot be annulled by the declaration of emergency, war or other device by any State or entity.







[email protected] Archangel

Michael

User ID: 441975

10-01-2018 12:14 PM



Posts: 14,103









Post: #9 RE: Germany's Expensive Rush Into Wind And Solar Has FAILED

Good to see you posting GL. We've been wondering how you came thru the tsunami and earthquake? LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 465392

10-01-2018 12:59 PM











Post: #10 RE: Germany's Expensive Rush Into Wind And Solar Has FAILED

GREY LENSMAN Wrote: (10-01-2018 11:23 AM) HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO SAY



"TOLD YOU SO"



NOW OWN GOVERNMENT WATCH DOG SAYS SO.



GL

go f*#k yourself go f*#k yourself GREY LENSMAN

Blue Crystal Storm

User ID: 464899

10-01-2018 02:10 PM



Posts: 3,480









Post: #11 RE: Germany's Expensive Rush Into Wind And Solar Has FAILED

392



WHY SO RUDE



DONT LIKE THE TRUTH?



GL The full force of Natural and Common Law shall be applicable at all times in all places and cannot be annulled by the declaration of emergency, war or other device by any State or entity.







[email protected] LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 463521

10-01-2018 02:17 PM











Post: #12 RE: Germany's Expensive Rush Into Wind And Solar Has FAILED

LoP Guest Wrote: (10-01-2018 12:59 PM) GREY LENSMAN Wrote: (10-01-2018 11:23 AM) HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO SAY



"TOLD YOU SO"



NOW OWN GOVERNMENT WATCH DOG SAYS SO.



GL

go f*#k yourself

He gets Natura Naturans to do it for him. He gets Natura Naturans to do it for him. spo snouou

Vocem sine nomine audivit!

User ID: 350320

10-01-2018 02:18 PM



Posts: 67,593









Post: #13 RE: Germany's Expensive Rush Into Wind And Solar Has FAILED

GREY LENSMAN Wrote: (10-01-2018 11:23 AM) HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO SAY



"TOLD YOU SO"



NOW OWN GOVERNMENT WATCH DOG SAYS SO.



GL

how many times have you pinned a topic with this very familiar subject in the past 4 years?



any idea at all?



go on.. tell me you have never pinned this subject before... you know you want to.









usually it is to preempt or obfuscate some new news in a sharp drop in renewable prices or new unprecedented demand for solar panels.. etc



what is it this time? how many times have you pinned a topic with this very familiar subject in the past 4 years?any idea at all?go on.. tell me you have never pinned this subject before... you know you want to.usually it is to preempt or obfuscate some new news in a sharp drop in renewable prices or new unprecedented demand for solar panels.. etcwhat is it this time? LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 464611

10-01-2018 02:21 PM











Post: #14 RE: Germany's Expensive Rush Into Wind And Solar Has FAILED

Global warming / Climate Change is not caused by human activity. grav

Registered User

User ID: 344142

10-01-2018 02:26 PM



Posts: 4,693









Post: #15 RE: Germany's Expensive Rush Into Wind And Solar Has FAILED





Plus,

Quote: One weekend in October 2008, I stopped my car in upstate New York, about 40 miles north of Syracuse in the Tug hill area, to take a photograph of some windmills. The second I stepped out of my car, I got a severe headache that felt as if my head was being squeezed in a vise. I took out my dowsing rods to determine what was creating the severe pain in my head. Within a few minutes I realized that the flow of prana was being disrupted by the large blades of the many wind turbines around me.



I visited several wind farms to determine the effect upon the environment. I found that wind turbines disrupt the flow of the life force, what acupuncturists and feng shui practitioners call chi, or qi, and what Hindu Vedanta calls prana.



Earth prana is released from ducts on the surface of the earth and is drawn to an earth chakra a few hundred meters away. Like a human chakra the vortex of the earth chakra draws the prana in and recycles it through the earth before it is sent back into the air. Prana moves in a fairly straight line in the ether around us. Material objects and other factors can alter or even disrupt its flow. http://www.edgemagazine.net/2009/04/wind-turbines/ Plus,  37 Experiments Proving FE: https://youtu.be/OoxhDtnRmBk

 200 Proofs Earth Is Not a Spinning Ball, http://www.atlanteanconspiracy.com/2015/...-ball.html

 Flat Earth Research: pp. 999-1001,

http://lunaticoutpost.com/thread-90006-p...t=Research Advertisement


















Issues of concern to people who live in the west: property rights, water rights, endangered species, livestock grazing, energy production, wilderness and western agriculture. Plus a few items on western history, western literature and the sport of rodeo... Frank DuBois served as the NM Secretary of Agriculture from 1988 to 2003. DuBois is a former legislative assistant to a U.S. Senator, a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Interior, and is the founder of the DuBois Rodeo Scholarship.
A Current Affair tonight speaks with Kayla Kendrigan, the Campbelltown woman at the centre of an alleged kidnapping and torture on the weekend.

Four people have now been charged with attempted murder and other serious offences.

Police claim that 19-year-old Kayla was kidnapped, forced into the boot of a car and driven 50 kilometres to a home in western Sydney.

Once inside she was allegedly tied to a chair, blindfolded and wheeled into a dark room.

Court documents allege that Kayla was then bashed with a bat, burned, punched, kicked, stabbed, and had her hair hacked off.

Drifting in and out of consciousness, police claim that Kayla was then put in the boot of a car for a second time and driven to Windsor Bridge, where she was pushed into the Hawkesbury River, 20 metres below.

The alleged attack is compounded by the fact that Kayla was born with one of her arms half missing and suffers from learning difficulties.

Kayla miraculously managed to live.

7pm tonight on Nine.
ABC Editorial Director Alan Sunderland has confirmed he will retire from ABC, but the departure is not related to current events swamping ABC management.

Sunderland, who has been in charge of editorial policies since 2013 and editorial director since 2016, told The Australian , I told Mark Scott when he gave me this job and then Michelle when she first started that my plan was to give the role a good five years and then step away in 2019 when I turn 60.

Thats around April next year and thats been my plan for years, unaffected by any events. It is still my plan. I hear theres a world out there.

Sunderland has frequently addressed Senate hearings on questions of ABC editorial.

Sources say he could leave at the end of the year or next year.
EXCLUSIVE: Australia will compete in the Eurovision Song Contest for the 5th time, in Tel Aviv in May 2019.

Outgoing SBS Managing Director Michael Ebeid confirmed the news to TV Tonight, saying 100% yes.

But SBS will soon announce plans to shake up the artist selection process with partners Blink TV. Is Australia about to embrace public voting, similar to the UKs Eurovision: You Decide showcase?

I would love to get Australians more involved in selecting our artist

Weve been doing it this way for 5 years and were looking at how we can up the ante and mix it up a little bit, he said.

Its safe to say we will be announcing something in the next month or so. Were putting some finishing touches on some plans at the moment.

I would love to get Australians more involved in selecting our artist to represent us. We dont have the money to do The Voice or Australias Got Talent, and it wouldnt work with an emerging artist.

But we are looking to do something a bit different with some experienced artists.

All 4 previous entrants, Guy Sebastian, Dami Im, Isaiah Firebrace and Jessica Mauboy, have been talent show graduates, and all 4 through Sony Music.

Every year we absolutely scour all the record labels. We actually came very close to going with Universal last year. But at the end of the day what I look for is best artist possible, and not the record label. Sony has just happened each year to put forward the best person possible, Ebeid explained.

Its a hell of a lot of pressure and weve seen a lot of people freeze on stage when they get up there. Theres 14,000 people in the auditorium and 200 million at home. So you need someone with the experience to get out there and own the stage, with a machine behind them of choreographers, set designers, costume and a record label, says Ebeid.

Its just proven too geo-politically difficult.

But Ebeid also acknowledges plans for an Asia Pacific Eurovision, originally due to be staged in 2017, have proved challenging.

Its probably been my one disappointment. I would have liked to have made more progress on that. Its just proven too geo-politically difficult.

We are still talking to a few of the countries but we have put all our energy into this other idea were planning to announce soon. Its more in our control and continent, whereas trying to get 10 Asian countries to agree has proven really difficult.

We havent given up on the idea, but once we get past this next announcement we will go back to working on it.
Former Nine, Seven and ABC execs are on the comeback trail according to a report in The Australian.

Andrew Backwell, previously Nines managing director of Programming and Production is to do some consulting work for Seven.

Backwell most recently worked as Head Of Unscripted at Playmaker and consulting for MediaWorks NZ, but has previously worked at Seven including as executive producer on Popstars.

Seven has been number one for 12 consecutive years, so after spending 14 years at Nine, its a matter of  if you cant beat them, join them, he said.

He told TV Tonight he is Cannes-bound joining Seven Head of Programming Angus Ross at MIPTV, where he spent numerous trips representing Nine.

Meanwhile former Seven director of network production Brad Lyons has also been spotted meeting various networks. The newspaper suggests he is in talks to form an alliance with Richard Finlayson, ABCs former director of television.

Lyons left Seven at the end of 2017 after 20 years with the company overseeing productions including My Kitchen Rules, Dancing with the Stars, House Rules, The Amazing Race Australia, Beauty & the Geek, First Dates and more.

Finlayson departed ABC in March 2017 after 3 years.
When Tim Ferguson quit comedy troupe The Doug Anthony All-Stars in 1994 after a decade of success he didnt tell Paul McDermott nor Richard Fidler he was battling Multiple Sclerosis.

It would be another 12 years before he told either, and 16 years before going public.

Wed gone through long and arduous tours around the world which had gnawed away at everybodys will-power. So they were surprised, and Im sure anger was also tied up in there. But they were also sad it had come to an end. Wed had a decade full bore of this, he recalls.

Because its invisible and I didnt want to freak anybody out, I kept it to myself. So it was a long time before I told either of them. It was when I was using a walking stick that I started telling the people close to me.

From the ages of 19 to 32, Ferguson experienced random symptoms and erratic bodily dysfunction but tried to ignore the signs.

When the All-Stars broke up, I didnt know what it was. It was just becoming clear that my wheels were falling off, he continues.

When you wake up and the left side of your body is a rigid plank, it started to make me worry. And of course being male, as soon as it went away Id ignore the doctors and specialists, saying Its gone!

ABCs 2 part documentary Tick F**ing Tock revels in early DAAS in both Australia and the UK. Part 1 documents success at Edinburgh & Melbourne Comedy Festivals, and TV glory on The Big Gig and DAAS Kapital,

Part 2 sees Ferguson, McDermott and Paul Livingston aka Flacco reunite and tour once more. It has been produced by veteran producer Ted Robinson who was pivotal to the boys success. There are retro clips of the troupe in early TV performances, shocking audiences with impromptu antics.

YouTube has a lot of stuff, but comedy moves all the time. It always changes and metamorphoses into new things. So we thought it would be good to remind people what we did on Live television -when they used to have Live television without a newsreader at the centre of it. The danger, the excitement, the fire and fury, he reflects.

Theres no point in trying to be funny unless youre trying to fix the problem. Comedy points out hypocrisy, imbalance and unfairness better than a long, boring speech.

Comedians who just want to make people happier dont last long. Laughter has a good physical effect, because it causes endorphins in your system, but you have to unsettle people. Thats what people subconsciously want when they go to see a comedian.

Despite his public profile and being a patron of MS Australia, Ferguson concedes he never wanted to becom the poster child of the neurological disease.

I never wanted to be the guy they wheeled out all the time, just because I have MS. If I look at the amount of time I spend on health things, I spend a lot more time on other conditions like Motor Neurone or getting young people with disabilities out of aged care, he explains.

At the moment were having a Royal Commission into Aged Care, and nobody has mentioned the thousands of young people living in aged care homes? There are teenagers in rooms with 90 year olds, just staring at a stick

Yes, that spark of youthful anger remains within, and continues to drive Fergusons creativity.

While Ferguson has been tested physically, emotionally and mentally, his expression knows no such limitations.

Amongst his post-DAAS achievements, TV hosting (notably Dont Forget Your Toothbrush), scripting Shock Jock, writing and directing feature film Spin Out (Its big in Japan too but nobody quite knows why).

He has taught comedy screenwriting for both RMIT and NYU, is currently penning a sitcom and has published Cheeky Monkey comedy screenwriting book. He is about to travel to the US & Canada, has more ahead for DAAS, and has 2 solo shows planned for 2019, one on writing comedy and another on his own grand theories of life.

A Fast Life on Wheels were calling it!

Tick F**ing Tock airs 9:30pm Tuesday October 2 & 9 on ABC.
Indya Moore is one of the history-making cast in Ryan Murphys Pose, the largest transgender cast numbering over 50 performers.

Visiting Sydney last week, Moore told TV Tonight one of the next frontiers is for fellow artists to be cast inclusively in non-trans roles.

Were moving towards a place where people who are talented and of trans experience are being utilised for our talents outside of stories that dissect gender, she said.

This is what artists and actors are looking for. We want to be recognised for talent that doesnt have to do with the dissection of our experiences. Pose is a great start because its essentially not about a voyeuristic view of the world its about the lives of human beings and what the experiences are.

I think it definitely lays down the foundations that we need to understand the people that we will be seeing on screens everywhere very soon. It definitely says something towards representation, because if we dont see ourselves on TV its like Why arent they (there)?

Is there something about their existence that is unpleasurable? Are they untalented? Representation is important across the board: from trans to black and brown people, its very important and what were moving toward.

Speaking at the Women in Television event last week, Moore reiterated the importance of being authentic to self, which in turn makes the performer unique.

Pose, which sees Moore playing trans sex worker Angel Evangelista, has won critical acclaim and been renewed for a second season.

We are moving toward a place and a time when the most ignored people are gaining visibility. Its very important for us to be able to continue on and evolve as human beings.

8:30pm Tuesdays on FOX Showcase.
FILE PHOTO: The logo of Mitsubishi Motors Corp is seen at a showroom of the company's headquarters in Tokyo, Japan May 9, 2017. REUTERS/Toru Hanai

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's standards agency said on Monday it had been informed about the recall of 144,856 Mitsubishi <8058.T> cars sold between December 2012 and September 2016.

The cars were recalled because of a possible reduction in the effectiveness of the parking brake, the agency said. The recall concerned Mitsubishi's Outlander PHEV, Outlander and ASX models, it said.

(Reporting by Maria Tsvetkova; Writing by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Adrian Croft)
Tesla's shares soared 16% on Monday after chief executive Elon Musk settled a fraud lawsuit with the US regulator.

The billionaire entrepreneur was fined $20m (15m) and agreed to step down as chairman of the electric car-maker as part of the deal with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC (Shanghai: 603988.SS - news) ).

Shares (Berlin: DI6.BE - news) in Tesla sank more than 14% on Friday, wiping more than $5bn (3.8bn) from the company's market value after the SEC filed its suit, claiming Mr Musk issued "false and misleading" tweets about potentially taking Tesla private.

He told his 22 million Twitter (Frankfurt: A1W6XZ - news) followers on 7 August that he might take Tesla private at $420 per share and that there was "funding secured".

Investors were concerned a protracted legal battle and the loss of the charismatic chief executive could cripple its ability to raise money and ramp up production of its Model 3 sedan.

"We view Elon Musk and Tesla's settlement with the SEC as a positive change, as it should improve corporate governance and allow (an) investor focus squarely on operations," Canaccord Genuity (Frankfurt: A0B6V4 - news) analyst Jed Dorsheimer said.

As part of the settlement, the company will appoint a new independent chairman, two independent directors and control Musk's communications.

The company's stock rose more than 16% to $307.85 in early trading in New York on Monday.
A hunter in the US is fighting for his life after a bear he shot landed on top of him.

William McCormick, 28, was hit by the animal as it tumbled down a slope while he was hunting above Carter Lake in Alaska on Saturday.

He was also struck by a rock that had been dislodged, police said.

The soldier was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Alaska's largest city, Anchorage.

Mr McCormick's hunting partner, fellow soldier Zachary Tennyson, 19, was not injured in the incident.

The pair are stationed at Alaska's Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

It is not known what kind of bear was shot, how far it fell or whether it survived.
Hoda Ali almost died after undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM) at the young age of seven: Supplied

I woke up really early in the morning, I couldnt sleep because I was so excited, it was like Christmas, recalls Hoda Ali.

I went to my mums room and asked: Is it time yet?. She asked me what I was doing up at 6am and told me to go back to bed. I remember going to bed and just waiting.

But Ms Ali, who was then just seven years old, was not waiting for presents. She was waiting to undergo female genital mutilation (FGM).

Practiced on an estimated 98 per cent of girls in Somalia at the time, she had grown up to view it as a rite of passage shared with her friends and family.

The night before Ms Ali and her younger sister were due to undergo the procedure, their family had thrown a party at their home in Mogadishu and given them gifts.

There are certain parts of the world where they dont tell girls what theyre going through but in Somalia nobody hid it from us, Ms Ali tells The Independent. I would come home from school and say to my mum: When is my time? Because I need this so I can be like my friends.

Ms Alis mother arranged for a traditional cutter to come to the family home to perform FGM on her two daughters, and even paid extra for local anaesthetic.

This woman came in, she was wearing black head to toe, Ms Ali remembers. The first thing she said to me was: Hoda, youre the oldest, you know your sister is going to go first.

She said: Make sure you dont cry, make sure you dont scare her, make sure youre strong for her, and then she left and went into our room.

She described the woman putting a cloth down on the floor before two of her aunties held her six-year-old sister down and the FGM started.

She had a needle and a syringe, she administered the local anaesthetic and then she cut. My sister was crying and screaming, I was crying too and I had my hand over my mouth. I was very frightened. But when I went in, I did what the woman said. I lay down on the floor - I didn't move, I didn't scream.

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The real pain only started when the local anaesthetic wore off.

Ms Alis legs were bound together from hip to ankle and she was confined to her bed for two weeks, before the cutter came back to check on her work.

If a stitch was out of place they would do it again, she adds. The whole point is for a husband to force himself and prove the woman is a virgin. When women give birth, it's very dangerous. Then they are stitched up again exactly the same, it happened to my sister four times.

Ms Ali had undergone type three FGM, one of the most severe types of non-medical procedures that are practiced on girls across parts of Africa, Asia,and the Middle East.

Afterwards, she felt she was finally fitting in with a society where it is taboo to talk about FGM or the pain it caused.

But when Ms Ali turned 11, she fell seriously ill. It was 1991 and the Somali civil war had started the week before.

Her parents took her to a hospital run by an Italian charity, where doctors discovered, what they believed, a cyst formed by an accumulation of menstrual blood that had been unable to escape.

Doctors then attempted to perform an FGM reversal operation but Ms Alis cycle did not return to normal and she underwent repeated operations to drain the blood.

When hospitals in Mogadishu started getting bombed, the medical charity sent her over the border to Djibouti for more operations.

But they were unsuccessful and Ms Ali was transferred to Italy, where she and her father found themselves unable to return home in 1993.

A refugee in Milan, she finally had doctors perform a successful reversal operation. Ms Ali and her father lived in an Italian refugee camp and later sought asylum in the UK.

But the consequences of FGM never left her, causing heavy bleeding, infections and illness that eventually resulted in infertility.

Ms Ali and her husband, a British man who knew nothing about FGM, attempted IVF but the first cycle ended with a miscarriage.

After that I got really sick, she says. I had pelvic infections, my organs were shutting down, I ended up in intensive care for four weeksthey were feeding me through my neck.

Ms Ali wanted to attempt another cycle of IVF but doctors said it was too dangerous.

She is now using her experience to fight to end the practice around the world, and teach women and families in Britain about the law, as a lead on safeguarding with Ealing council in London.

Ms Ali at a session on FGM and other safeguarding issues in the London borough of Ealing (Supplied)

She is reaching out to other survivors so they can support each other, build intelligence on how and where FGM is taking place, and seek professional help from groups like the Dahlia Project.

Ms Ali says legal changes that made it mandatory for health workers, social care professionals and teachers to report FGM cases to the police, were a major step towards shifting attitudes.

But she favours education over prosecution, hoping the former can ultimately bring the practice to an end.

My mother was cut, my grandmother, my great-grandmother  all the women before me, she says.

Even though they knew the suffering and the pain, they were doing what they were doing so we could fit into society, we could go to school and not be bullied, we can get married. So a lot of the parents had that pressure on them  from society and from everywhere else.

While FGM is on the decrease in Somalia and in other practicing countries, Ms Ali is wary of calls for the practice to be medicalised.

Advocates of allowing registered doctors to carry out mutilation in a clinical environment claim it would be safer than using cutters, whose profession is passed down the generations from woman to woman.

Professionals cut deeply and more dangerously, Ms Ali warns. FGM is child abuse full stop. Its against women and girls rights. Nobody should be opening my legs at the age of seven, holding me down and cutting me just to control my sexuality. That is what FGM is.

Her fight against the practice has caused her to be targeted with vile online abuse by supporters of FGM, but Ms Ali is determined to turn the tide.

She says: I had no childhood, I cant have children and now Ive dedicated my life to make sure I hopefully see a world that is free from FGM.
A picture of 12-year-old Palestinian boy Nassir al-Mosabeh, who was killed during a protest at the Israel-Gaza border fence, is seen on his table as his classmates react at a school, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip September 30, 2018. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa

Thomson Reuters

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (Reuters) - The school friends of Nassir al-Mosabeh sat tearfully in their classroom in Khan Younis on Sunday and mourned their 12-year-old friend who was killed in a protest on the Gaza-Israel border.

Gaza health officials said Israeli soldiers on Friday shot dead seven Palestinians, who were among thousands who thronged to the fortified border as part of weekly protests launched six months ago. Mosabeh was one of those killed.

"I cried for him like I have never cried before. I do not know what the (Israeli) occupation saw in him to kill him? What did he do to them? Did he kill anybody? I do not know what happened," Mosabeh's friend, Dia' Abu Khater said.

Mosabeh's classmates in the school in the southern Gaza Strip decorated his chair with his picture ringed by red and white flowers and green leaves, the Palestinian colors.

Mosabeh was always at the border to assist medics in the Friday protests, his sister, Eslam, said.

"Nassir always came with us. Everyone in the field hospital knows him and he always helped us. Nassir was our right hand, he would always bring us equipment whenever we needed something. May God bless his soul," she said.

Israel said it held Islamist group Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, responsible for the violence.

"Hamas continues to orchestrate belligerent activity throughout the Gaza Strip, cynically using Gazan civilians and endangering children by sending them to the security fence as a cover for terror activity," the Israeli military said in a statement that summarized Friday's events.

"Hamas is responsible for the violent riots and their consequences," the statement added.

Israel said troops resorted to live fire and an air strike after explosive devices and rocks were thrown at them and to prevent breaches of the border fence. It posted a video clip showing a controlled detonation of many explosive devices.

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Gaza health officials said 505 people were wounded on Friday, 89 of them by gunshots.

At least 191 Palestinians have been killed since the Gaza protests began on March 30. The protesters are demanding the right of return to lands that Palestinian families fled or were driven from on Israel's founding in 1948, and the easing of an Israeli-Egyptian economic blockade.

Two million Palestinians, mainly stateless descendants of people who left what is now Israel 70 years ago, live in the Gaza Strip, which has been controlled by Hamas for more than a decade, during which it has fought three wars against Israel.

Israel and Egypt say the blockade is necessary for security reasons. The World Bank says it has reduced the territory's economy to a state of collapse, with residents suffering a lack of clean water, electricity and health care.

(Reporting by Abed Shanaa; Writing by Ori Lewis; Editing by Peter Graff)

See Also:
Storyful

A competitive eater from New Zealand with a taste for spicy foods took on a ten times spicy Korean fire noodles challenge, posting the eye-watering results to YouTube.The October 19 video shows Auckland-based competitive eater and model Nela Zisser making her way through a pack of Samyang noodles with five packets of the brands two times spicy noodle mix on top, turning it into her own version of a ten times fire noodle concoction.In what she describes in the aftermath as the worst thing Ive ever done in my life, the footage shows Zisser completing the challenge in one minute and 48 seconds, despite finding herself actually crying as she made her way through the noodles.The finale of the video shows Zisser telling her 279,000-plus subscribers that her mouth was on fire following the challenge. The New Zealander can often be found making her way through outrageous, if usually less spicy, food challenges.Zissers YouTube account chronicles such food feats as wolfing down 10 Burger King Whoppers in 17 minutes, devouring a 1-kg burrito in just under 100 seconds, and consuming a 2.2-pound jar of Nutella in under four minutes. Credit: Nela Zisser via Storyful
Macedonia's prime minister has vowed to press on with a vote in parliament to change the country's name despite failing to secure the 50% turnout at a referendum required to make it valid.

The referendum was held on whether to change the country's name to North Macedonia, as part of a deal agreed with Greece in June that would pave the way for NATO membership.

Results from more than 97% of polling stations showed 91.3% of voters favoured the name change compared to 5.7% opposed, according to the electoral commission.

But only a third of the 1.8 million-strong electorate voted, a far cry from the massive support the government had hoped for.

Opponents to the name change had called for a boycott of the vote and celebrated in the streets outside parliament in Skopje when the turnout figures were announced.

However, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev declared the vote a success and said he would seek to secure the required two-thirds majority of the 120-seat parliament by next week for the constitutional changes.

If he fails, he said, the only alternative would be to call early elections.

"The people made a great choice and said 'yes' to our future. It is time for lawmakers to follow the voice of the people and to provide support," he said.

"There will be no better agreement with Greece, nor an alternative for NATO and the EU."

:: Can you name these eight countries that changed names

In Athens, the Greek foreign ministry noted the "contradictory" result of the vote and said careful moves were needed to "preserve the positive potential of the deal".

In Washington, US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement: "The United States strongly supports the agreement's full implementation, which will allow Macedonia to take its rightful place in NATO and the EU, contributing to regional stability, security, and prosperity."

She urged Macedonian politicians "to rise above partisan politics and seize this historic opportunity to secure a brighter future for the country as a full participant in Western institutions".

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The June agreement aims to resolve a dispute dating from Macedonia's declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in the early 1990s.

Greece, arguing its new northern neighbour's name implied territorial ambitions on its own province of the same name, has blocked Macedonia's efforts to join NATO since then.

Under the deal, the former Yugoslav republic would amend its name to North Macedonia and Greece would drop its objections to the country joining the bloc.
Russia has killed at least 18,000 people since it intervened militarily in Syria three years ago, says monitoring group

Human rights groups accuse Russia of killing thousands of people in Syria, but the Kremlin claims it has killed even more.

On the third anniversary of Russias military intervention in Syria, an independent monitoring group, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Russian air strikes and artillery shells have killed 18,000 people, including nearly 8,000 civilians, .

The Syrian Network for Human Rights, another monitoring group, alleged 6,239 civilians have been killed, including 1,804 children at the hands of Russian forces, according to a 40-page report it issued on Monday.

But the Kremlin says it killed significantly more in its quest to bolster the rule of Bashar al-Assad in Syria. The head of its parliamentary defence committee announced on Sunday that it had killed 85,000 people, calling them all terrorists. Russia also claims it has not killed a single civilian in Syria over the last three years.

A total of 112 Russian military personnel have been killed in Syria over the last three years, not counting hundreds of private contractors killed in a US air strike last year.

Viktor Bondarev, head of the parliamentary defence and security committee, said the sacrifices were worthwhile since they prepared Russia for future battles and taught the armed forces to fight.

The most important criteria of military prowess is not just the victory but also its price, he said, according to the Interfax news agency.

The September 2015 Russian intervention in Syria changed the course of the war, tipping the balance strongly in favour of the pro-Assad forces at a time when rebels were seen to be winning the conflict. But Russia has also been accused of inflicting horrific attacks on Syrian civilians, with human rights monitors accusing it of indiscriminately bombing populated areas, and targeting hospitals in an attempt to degrade life in rebel-held territories.

The White Helmets, a rescue group funded by US, UK and other western countries, issued a report on Sunday also accusing Russia of disregarding truce and de-escalation deals it itself helped broker over the last three years.

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The report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights, which is close to the opposition, accused Russia of culpability in war crimes, including 321 mass-casualty incidents and 954 attacks on civilian infrastructure such as schools, medical facilities, and markets. The Pentagon last week admitted it had killed at least 1,100 civilians while fighting Isis in Iraq and Syria.

The three-year anniversary of the Russian intervention comes as the Kremlin seeks to wrap up the conflict. Russia struck a deal with Turkey last month to stave off an impending attack on the rebel-held Idlib province. That deal included the establishment of a demilitarised buffer zone between opposition and government forces that would be devoid of fighters and heavy weapons.

In recent days, the successor to the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda has begun rounding up foreign fighters in Idlib. Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), a coalition of rebel fighting groups that includes the successor to the al-Qaeda-controlled Jabhat al-Nusra, has reportedly arrested dozens of non-Syrians within its ranks, according to jihadis on social media. .

Prominent al-Qaeda supporters online said HTS arrested around 34 foreign fighters, accusing the group of betraying the jihadi cause and acceding to demands by Turkey, which has emerged as the primary patron of the Syrian opposition to Assads rule.

But others say the detentions could just be part of internal convulsions within HTS, which is riven by factions.

Whats happening in regards to arresting and even the assassination of specific fighters is not a new thing, said Nawar Oliver, a researcher at the Omran Institute for Strategic Studies, an Istanbul think tank.

Since April 2018, HTS has had a huge campaign to solve the security problems of Idlib, and the two methods used were assassination and arrests.
Military vehicles are seen overturned after a collision in Freetown Military vehicles are seen overturned after a collision in Freetown, Sierra Leone October 1, 2018. REUTERS/Olivia Acland

FREETOWN (Reuters) - Thirteen people were killed and at least 30 more injured on Monday when a military transport truck flipped over on a major road in the Sierra Leone capital, a military spokesman said.

The open-air truck was carrying more than 40 soldiers from their barracks to a funeral in Freetown when its brakes failed as it descended a steep hill. It toppled over and slid for more than 30 metres, Captain Yaya Brima said. Eight soldiers were among the dead.

"This is a real tragedy for us," he said by telephone. "We're currently investigating what could have happened to have caused one of our own vehicles to have failed in such a catastrophic way."

(Reporting by Cooper Inveen; Editing by Tim Cocks)
FILE PHOTO: Demonstrators attend a protest called "Let's stand for decency in Slovakia" in reaction to the murder of Slovak investigative reporter Jan Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova, in Bratislava, Slovakia March 9, 2018. REUTERS/Radovan Stoklasa/File Photo

By Tatiana Jancarikova

BRATISLAVA (Reuters) - More people may face charges for the murder of a Slovak investigative journalist, the country's top prosecutor said on Monday, after police made their first arrests for the killing that rattled the nation and toppled its government.

The killing of Jan Kuciak, 27, and his fiancee at their home outside the capital Bratislava in February stoked public anger over corruption and prompted the largest protests in Slovakia since the end of Communist rule in 1989.

Kuciak probed fraud involving businessmen with Slovak political ties and had worked on a story about suspected Mafia links of Italians working in Slovakia.

Police carried out raids last week and a court on Sunday ordered four people jailed until trial for the murders.

"We have more steps prepared which we want to take, so there is high probability there will be more charges," Slovak general prosecutor Jaromir Ciznar told a news conference.

"We're still in the stage where charges have been pressed and we should not be too optimistic but the evidence is very strong," he added.

Prosecutors said the killer was paid 70,000 euros, of which 50,000 euros was cash and the rest forgiven debt.

Police arrested a woman on Friday identified as A.Z. and said she had likely paid the money to the killers but the motive and whether she worked for someone else was unclear.

A police investigator told a briefing that weapons, cars, a cell phone used during the crime, and a bullet corresponding to the cartridge case found at the crime scene were seized in home searches last week.

Police chief Milan Lucansky said the suspected killer was a former police officer.

In his final story, published posthumously, Kuciak reported on an Italian living in Slovakia with past business links to two Slovaks who later worked in then-prime minister Robert Fico's office.

Both of the Slovaks resigned but deny connections to the murder. Their Italian former business partner has also denied connections with the mafia and the murder but was detained on a European drug trafficking warrant in March and extradited to Italy in May.

Weeks of protests that drew tens of thousands in March forced the departure of long-serving leader Fico as well as the interior minister and police chief but the coalition government remains in power.

(Reporting by Tatiana Jancarikova; Writing by Jason Hovet; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg)
Donald Trump has hailed a "wonderful new trade deal" after US negotiators came to a last-minute agreement with Canada on a revamp NAFTA pact.

The $1.2tn (920bn) three-nation open-trade zone had been on the verge of collapse after 24 years - with Canada facing the prospect of being left out of a deal between the US and Mexico.

But with an overnight deadline approaching, negotiators reached a deal which the two countries said would "result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region".

Mr Trump tweeted on Monday: "Late last night, our deadline, we reached a wonderful new trade deal with Canada, to be added into the deal already reached with Mexico."

He described it as a "great deal for all three countries" and an "historic transaction".

The US president said the new United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) solved the "many deficiencies and mistakes in NAFTA".

He added that it "greatly opens markets to our farmers and manufacturers, reduces trade barriers to the US and will bring all three great nations closer together in competition with the rest of the world".

Mr Trump had threatened to walk away from NAFTA unless major changes were made - blaming the deal for the exodus of manufacturing jobs to Mexico.

But it was a deal with its northern neighbours that proved tougher to reach for the US.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it was a "good day for Canada".

A senior Trump administration official said the new agreement was a "great win for the president and a validation for his strategy in the area of international trade".

US officials intend to sign the agreement at the end of November, after which it will be submitted to congress for approval, a US official said.

The deal will preserve a trade dispute mechanism that Canada fought hard to maintain, to protect its lumber industry and other sectors from US anti-dumping tariffs.

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But it came at a cost, with Canada agreeing to provide US dairy farmers with access to about 3.5% of its $16bn annual domestic dairy market, according to Canadian sources - and Canadian farmers hurt by the deal set to receive compensation.

There was also an agreement to protect 2.6 million exports a year of Canadian vehicles to the US from possible US tariffs of 25% that Mr Trump may impose. That is more than the 2 million units currently exported.

But the deal failed to resolve US tariffs on Canada's steel and aluminium exports.

Mexican foreign secretary Luis Videgaray said: "It's a good night for Mexico and for North America."
Canada and the US on Monday reached a last-minute deal to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which also includes Mexico.

Few details were available after a deal was reached overnight ahead of a deadline imposed by US President Donald Trump. It is understood that Canada agreed to give the US more access to its dairy market in return for a limited guarantee on car export tariffs into America.

"Today, Canada and the United States reached an agreement, alongside Mexico, on a new, modernized trade agreement for the 21st Century: the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)," US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a joint statement.

They said the USMCA would "will give our workers, farmers, ranchers and businesses a high-standard trade agreement that will result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region".

It will strengthen the middle class, and create good, well-paying jobs and new opportunities for the nearly half billion people who call North America home. We look forward to further deepening our close economic ties when this new agreement enters into force.

Mexico had already agreed terms with the US, but strained relations between Trump and his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau had stalled talks.

Trump, who called NAFTA the worst deal maybe ever signed", was under pressure to deliver a new agreement ahead of crucial Congressional mid-term elections in November and before Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto leaves office on December 1. To meet that deadline, the text of the agreement had to be submitted to Congress before October.
Just Eat' s Mike Evans has been named chairman of M&G Prudential, as the British savings and investment business gears up to be spun out of insurance giant Prudential .

In March, the blue chip announced plans to demerge M&G Prudential, creating two separately listed businesses and allowing it to focus on its faster-growing operations in Asia and America.

The long-speculated move was broadly welcomed by the market, with analysts arguing it would give both businesses greater focus.

Evans, 57, is currently chairman of online food order service Just Eat, but has spent the bulk of his career in financial services, including over a decade at Hargreaves Lansdown, where he was chairman. He has also served on the board of insurer esure and ZPG, owner of property brand Zoopla.

Evans called it an "exciting" time to be joining M&G Prudential, which he called "a strong business with lots of opportunities for growth in the UK and international savings and investment markets."

Paul Manduca, Prudential chairman, said: "I am pleased that Mike Evans has been appointed as chair of M&G Prudential. His extensive boardroom experience and track record with UK listed businesses will be great assets during the demerger and when M&G Prudential becomes an independent company."

M&G Prudential was created last year, when Prudential merged its UK life business with M&G, its UK-based fund manager.

The business has assets under management of 341bn.
BDO Unibank Inc., the countrys largest lender in terms of assets, said Monday it is selling a 15-percent stake in rural bank unit One Network Bank Inc. to Singapore-based Osmanthus Investment Holdings Pte. Ltd. BDO said in a statement it signed an agreement with Osmanthus, in which the Henry Sy-controlled bank would retain 85-percent ownership of ONB. This transaction formalizes the working relationship between ONB and Osmanthus, with the latter helping ONB since last year in developing the framework for its MSME lending business, leading to the establishment of the initial pilot test sites before the end of 2017, BDO said. It said the partnership with Osmanthus would further strengthen ONBs strategic foothold in the microfinance business and contribute to the governments efforts in improving financial inclusion. Osmanthus is a unit of Singapore-based private equity firm Archipelago Capital Partners Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based fund that invests in small to mid-market companies in Southeast Asia. Archipelago is managed by former McKinsey and banking professionals, led by chief executive Jovasky Pang, who has an extensive experience in microfinance in Asia. Pang was previously involved in growing BOC Fullerton Community Bank into the biggest village bank group in China and also headed the SME and commercial business of Bank Danamon Indonesia.BDO will retain a majority 85-percent ownership, providing continued financial and operational synergies to ONB. BDOs partnership with Osmanthus in ONB is expected to accelerate ONBs ongoing thrust into the micro-SME market and further extend coverage of the unbanked and underserved markets. Pang said he believed in the vast potential of the MSME market in the Philippines, saying Osmanthus was committed to help ONB achieve a leading position in serving these customers. We are also excited by the prospect of having a partner like BDO who shares our vision of financial inclusion, Pang said. The transaction is subject to closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
Ryanair blamed cabin crew and pilot strikes, lower traffic and weaker fares as its warned on profits on Monday, saying it cannot rule out further downgrades due to the potential for more disruptions later in the year.

The Irish budget airline cut full year profit guidance 12% to 1.1-1.2bn from 1.25-1.35bn previously. This excludes its acquired Laudamotion business, for which there will be start up losses of roughly 150m.

Fares fell around 3% in the second quarter of its financial year compared to an expected 1% decline and an anticipated recovery in the third quarter has not materialised as chief executive Michael O'Leary said "fares, and customer confidence, have been affected by worries about possible strikes".

Ryanair said second- and third-quarter traffic and fares will be "somewhat lower than expected" mostly because of recent strikes, which is last week said were being "incited by competitor employees".

Following five strikes by a quarter of its Irish pilots this summer, two coordinated strikes by cabin crew and pilots across five EU countries in September added to compensation costs while unhedged fuel costs have jumped due to the spike in oil prices. Unhedged fuel costs affects 10% of Ryanair volumes, and all of recently acquired Laudamotion's fuel bill.

Management have decided to trim winter 2018 capacity by 1% in response to the lower fares, higher oil price and higher compensation costs, which it said was in line with a number of other EU airlines.

Directors had until last week expected stronger third quarter fares to recover softer yields in the preceding quarter but the past week was hit by lower fares and customer confidence and so guidance is for fares to fall 2% in the second half when previously they had been anticipated to be flat.

Fuel costs will be roughly 460m higher than last year, up from the previous 430m guidance, while other costs will be negatively impacted by higher compensation and re-accommodation costs under the EU261 rule.

Slower traffic growth in the second half will cut full year traffic to 138m, down from the previous 139m guidance, which excludes Laudamotion.

O'Leary said the company had "successfully managed" five pilot strikes over the summer, but the two recent coordinated strikes by cabin crew and pilots has affected passenger numbers through flight cancellations, close in bookings and yields, and forward air fares into the third quarter.

"While we regret these disruptions, we have on both strike days operated over 90% of our schedule. However, customer confidence, forward bookings and Q3 fares has been affected, most notably over the Oct school mid-terms and Christmas, in those five countries where unnecessary strikes have been repeated."

He said since Ryanair agreed to recognise unions last December "substantial progress" has been made with union negotiations in Ireland, the UK and Italy.

"Regrettably such progress has been impeded in Spain, Portugal, Germany, Holland, and Belgium where we've experienced interference in negotiations with our people and their unions, even when we offer them what they ask for (i.e. local contracts), in writing. When we have successfully negotiated agreements with unions in Ireland, the UK and Italy, and when we have offered local contracts and improved T&C's to our people in Belgium, Holland, Germany, Portugal and Spain, it is clear that these disruptions are unnecessary, and ill-judged at a time when other airlines are also cutting winter capacity."

O'Leary said he "cannot rule out further disruptions in the third quarter, which may require full year guidance to be lowered further and may necessitate further trimming of loss making winter capacity". Shareholders should note that the above guidance excludes start up (exceptional) losses in Laudamotion of approx. 150m (which will be consolidated into the Ryanair Group FY19, H1 and FY financial results)".
The Prime Minister Theresa May is understood to be considering a new approach to the Irish border, according to reports, as she seeks to end the stalemate between the UK and European Union.

The Irish border is one of the biggest stumbling blocks in the Brexit negotations, with neither side able to agree how to avoid police and custom checks. The issue has all but halted the talks.

But an un-named senior government official claims, according to a report from Bloomberg, that the UK is now prepared to back down on its current opposition to checks on goods moving between Northern Ireland and the British mainland.

In return, said the source, the government wants the whole of the UK, including Northern Ireland, to be allowed to remain within the EUs customs bloc.

The report comes just hours after Dominic Raab, the Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, called on both sides to take meaningful action and strike a deal.

Speaking at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, Raab conceded that the Governments current proposals were not perfect. But he urged Tory Eurosceptics to drop their dogmatic opposition and to respect the EUs red lines, so that a compromise could be reached before the UK leaves on 29 March 2019.

He argued that leaving the EU after more than 40 years of membership was never going to be "straight-forward or risk free", and that to rise to the challenge, well need some unity of purpose. And I believe were at our best when we work together.

He also called on the EUs negotiators to get real  warning that the UK would rather leave without a deal than be bullied into signing a one-sided agreement.

If the only offer from the EU threatens the integrity of our union then we will be left with no choice but to leave with no deal.

"What is unthinkable is that this Government, or any British government, could be bullied by the threat of some kind of economic embargo into signing a one-sided deal against our countrys interests.
Divisions over Chequers plan, leadership worries overshadow meeting

UK Prime Minister Theresa May faced a gruelling week as her ruling Conservative Party gathered for its annual conference under the shadow of Brexit and potential moves against her leadership.

As the party's dwindling and increasingly divided membership arrived in the Midlands capital of Birmingham, May was under pressure to keep the discussion on focused on domestic policy.

This appeared to be an overoptimistic hope, as former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson called her EU exit plan deranged before proceedings had even started.

The attack, delivered by a man who endorsed the deal struck at Chequers in July before stomping out of government in a theatrical huff a full two days later, was swiftly put down.

Chancellor Philip Hammond accused Johnson of not being a details man, gave a disparaging account of talks with Johnson on his plan for a Canada-style trade deal and said he "couldn't see" him become prime minister.

Boris sits there and at the end of it he says, Yeah but, er, there must be a way, I mean, if you just, if you, erm, come on, we can do it, Phil, we can do it. I know we can get there ... We just have to want it a bit more, we just have to wish a bit harder, we just have to be a bit more bullish and it will all be fine. It wont all be fine because we are dealing with grown-ups here and we have to deal with the real world situation we face, Hammond told the Daily Mail.

Conservative conferences, unlike those of the opposition Labour Party, are devoid of debate. Delegates instead are treated to set-piece speeches from Cabinet ministers and, ultimately, May herself proclaiming achievements to either an enraptured or indifferent audience.

This leaves the likes of Johnson and other hard-right Brexiteers free to roam conference fringe meetings to test the waters for a potential leadership bid.

May insisted that her Brexit course was the only way forward, despite the fact that Labour has said it will vote the plan down when it comes to parliament, along with up to 40 Tory rebels and that the EU is also opposed to the Chequers deal.

New Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, a man seemingly covered in political teflon given his ability to survive controversy after controversy, raised the stakes, and heat, by accusing the EU of acting like the Soviet Union in Brexit negotiations.

What happened to the confidence and ideals of the European dream? The EU was set up to protect freedom. It was the Soviet Union that stopped people leaving, Hunt, who voted to remain in the EU, told delegates.

The lesson from history is clear: If you turn the EU club into a prison, the desire to get out wont diminish. It will grow and we wont be the only prisoner that will want to escape.

Hunt's remarks were condemned by the Latvia's ambassador to the UK and two former heads of the Foreign Office, one of whom called it rubbish unworthy of a British Foreign Secretary.

The EU isnt a Soviet-style prison. Its legal order has brought peace and prosperity after a century of war. Our decision to leave was always going to leave us worse off. The only punishment is the self-inflicted variety," said Peter Ricketts, who ran the Foreign Office between 2006-10.

Latvian ambassador Baiba Braze said: Soviets killed, deported, exiled and imprisoned [hundreds of] thousands of Latvias inhabitants after the illegal occupation in 1940, and ruined lives of 3 generations, while the EU has brought prosperity, equality, growth, respect.
The United States and Canada have reached a deal on a new, modernized trade agreement, which is designed to replace the 1994 Nafta pact. In a joint statement on Sunday night, the two nations said the new deal would be called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). - Guardian

British manufacturers are pulling back sharply on investment plans due to mounting uncertainty over Brexit and growing fears of a global trade war, a report has warned. Just one-third of companies said they planned to increase their investment in plant and machinery  a record low in the fifth annual survey carried out by the EEF manufacturers body and Santander Bank. - Guardian

Radical reforms to open up trade in services, online commerce and cross-border investment could give the world economy a major boost over the coming years, if governments choose to seize the opportunity. The International Monetary Fund is launching a new campaign to stop the trade war and encourage nations to rediscover the benefits of trade, in the face of higher tariffs and anti-trade rhetoric, particularly as the US builds barriers against Chinese goods. - Telegraph

British exports worth more than 1.9 billion have been hit by President Trumps trade attacks on the European Union and China, analysis shows. Moreover, economists fear that UK goods worth up 3.4 billion could be affected by the acrimonious trade dispute between the United States and China. - The Times

The collapse of construction group Carillion earlier this year triggered a 20% spike in the the number of UK building firms becoming insolvent, according to a report. In a devastating knock-on effect for the sector, a total of 780 companies in the industry fell into insolvency in the first quarter of 2018  a one-fifth rise on the same period the previous year  the analysis by accountancy firm Moore Stephens revealed. - Guardian

Barclays is facing a 38.5 million bill to compensate people over solar panel loan mis-selling by businesses that brokered its finance deals. Barclays Partner Finance, a subsidiary of the bank, has reported a 15-fold increase in cash set aside for customer redress after commissioning external solicitors to review its liabilities.

Overseas banks in the UK are pushing for tax cuts to keep the City competitive after Brexit, ahead of Chancellor Philip Hammonds Budget next month. The Association of Foreign Banks  which represents giants like JP Morgan, Citigroup and UBS  has warned that many of its members are frustrated at what they perceive to be the poor deal offered by Britain, which charges banks a corporation tax surcharge and a levy on assets. - Telegraph

GKN owner Melrose is preparing to cash in on its turnaround of the US air conditioning manufacturer Nortek as part of a string of sales expected to raise up to 6bn. Melrose bosses are exploring a sale of Nortek just two years after theysnapped up the business for 2.2bn. - Telegraph

Aston Martin is hoping that its stock market flotation on Wednesday will value it at close to 5 billion after reports of strong demand from international shareholders. Aston Martin Lagondas stockbrokers received bids for the entire 25 per cent of company that they are trying to sell on the first day of an investor roadshow last week, City sources said. - The Times

Digital start-ups are complaining they have been frozen out of the lions share of a contest for 775m of funding stumped up by RBS to boost competition in business banking. Tide, the business banking service, said the eligibility criteria had blocked it from bidding for the majority of the package. - Telegraph

Philip Hammond is set to promise reforms to the unpopular apprenticeship levy, the vocational training policy that has been beset by problems since its introduction last year, as the government seeks to repair damage to its relationship with industry. The chancellor will announce a consultation today on improving the levy, the new funding system that was supposed to improve the training of young workers and to help the nation to tackle skills shortages. - The Times

About 10,000 trade specialists will receive training under a government plan designed to avert crippling disruption at ports if Britain leaves the European Union without a deal. Ministers have pledged to fund courses costing 8 million for thousands of customs brokers and freight forwarders. - The Times

Elon Musk has claimed that Tesla is very close to profitability after he made a deal with US authorities to stay on as chief executive of the car company, according to reports. Investors breathed a sigh of relief over the weekend after Musk struck a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the US financial markets regulator, on Saturday night to end a legal spat over his failed plan to privatise Tesla. - Telegraph

Selfridges has defied the high street downturn with a 300 million revamp of its famous store pushing profits to a record for the fifth consecutive year. Anne Pitcher, managing director, said that sales at the chain had jumped by 11.5 per cent to more than 1.75 billion. Operating earnings rose by 1 million to a record 181 million in the year to February 3. - The Times

Backers of mini nuclear power stations have asked for billions of pounds of taxpayers money to build their first UK projects, according to an official document. Advocates for small modular reactors (SMRs) argue they are more affordable and less risky than conventional large-scale nuclear plants, and therefore able to compete with the falling costs of windfarms and solar power. Some firms have been calling for as much as 3.6bn to fund construction costs, according to a government-commissioned report, released under freedom of information rules. - Guardian
London's FTSE 250 was up 0.62% at 20,433.53 in afternoon trade on Monday.

Public sector outsourcer Serco continued its rise from the end of last week, when the DLR operator revealed trading is set to be stronger than previous guidance for revenues, profitability and cash flow with net debt set to end the year at a lower level too.

CitiGroup upgraded the outfit's shares to neutral from sell on Monday after Serco confirmed more cost cutting than expected. Another 10m of cost cuts guided for 2019 looks set to more than offset the downwards repricing of the Atomic Weapons Establishment contract, analysts said.

Oil companies Vivo and Energean were on the rise as crude prices breached $83, approaching its highest price since it November 2014 as US sanctions threaten Iranian exports.

President Donald Trump has reportedly reached out to Saudi Arabias King Salman in order to maintain US supplies.

Tabletop gaming retailer Games Workshop recovered after having dropped on Friday on the back of ex-chairman Tom Kirby's sale of 20m worth of shares at a price 36.50 apiece, representing around 1.7% of the total.

Life insurance firm Just Group was the top faller of afternoon trading after the company revealed that chief financial officer Simon Thomas was stepping down after 12 years in the job.

Following the news the company received a vote of confidence from broker Numis, who reiterated a 'buy' rating and a target price of buy with a target price of 220p.

Hungarian budget airline Wizz Air was flying lower in Monday trading after a profit warning from Irish budget airline Ryanair.

The Dublin-based carrier blamed cabin crew and pilot strikes, lower traffic and weaker fares as it cut full year profit guidance 12% to 1.1-1.2bn from 1.25-1.35bn previously, also warning that it cannot rule out further downgrades due to the potential for more disruptions later in the year.

The previously mentioned spike in oil prices is also a concern for airlines, with Ryanair reporting that its fuel costs will be roughly 460m higher than last year, up 30m from its previous guidance.

Finally, gold miners Hochschild and Centamin were down as the commodity touched its lowest price since August 2017.

Market Movers

FTSE 250 (MCX) 20,433.53 0.62%



FTSE 250 - Risers

Serco Group (SRP) 102.60p 4.91%

Rank Group (RNK) 176.80p 4.00%

Vivo Energy (VVO) 134.08p 3.87%

On The Beach Group (OTB) 514.00p 3.84%

Sanne Group (SNN) 662.00p 3.44%

Games Workshop Group (GAW) 3,915.00p 3.43%

Energean Oil & Gas (ENOG) 595.00p 3.12%

Indivior (INDV) 189.85p 3.10%

AA (AA.) 99.78p 2.87%

Convatec Group (CTEC) 238.90p 2.80%

FTSE 250 - Fallers

Just Group (JUST) 80.15p -9.33%

Wizz Air Holdings (WIZZ) 2,786.00p -3.16%

Hochschild Mining (HOC) 159.11p -2.84%

Equiniti Group (EQN) 258.50p -2.82%

Superdry (SDRY) 1,058.00p -2.58%

Centamin (DI) (CEY) 103.65p -2.40%

888 Holdings (888) 195.00p -2.16%

Kaz Minerals (KAZ) 538.60p -2.00%

Metro Bank (MTRO) 2,916.00p -1.95%

Dunelm Group (DNLM) 536.50p -1.92%
Cotabato CityThe incoming Bangsamoro government will abolish a present agriculture agency, but will inherit tons of research data that helped shape the improving economy of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in the last few years, officials said. ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman said the regions agriculture and fishery sector will be the broadest base of economic and human development to host the transformation of Moro guerrillas in the period of normalization. The shift to Bangsamoro ARMM from the present regional government provides for a transition period, which also covers time for normalization in transforming and reintegrating former Moro combatants into the mainstream communities. After the January 2019 plebiscite, ARMM will evolve into a Bangsamoro Transition Authority, will skip the May 2019 national elections and will exist until the election of members of parliament in May 2022. ARMMs Department of Agriculture and Fisheries will soon be abolished, as prescribed under the Bangsamoro Organic Law or Republic Act 11054. As the prime agency for mostly Moro farmers and fishers in the region, it will be replaced by another office that will merge agriculture and fisheries with agrarian reform functions. DAF-ARMM Regional Secretary Alexander Alonto Jr. said the agency has helped farmers adopt new technologies in a bid to increase agricultural productivity and income level for the regions tillers during the last 28 years. In a series of provincial assemblies that ended last weekend, officials said one challenge to the ARMMs agriculture sector was coping with a 12.25-percent decrease in corn production, even as its level of rice production increased by 11.53 percent during the last three years from 2015 statistics. Sittie Anida Tomawis Limbona, administrative director of DAF-ARMM, said agriculture and fishery databank should cover the most updated agricultural statistics in aid of research and development (R and D) for the welfare of the incoming BARMM government. Another agency will be created in which the agriculture agency will be merged into a regional Department of Agrarian Reform. Kadiguia Rakman Abdullah, head of the DAF-ARMM information division, said in partnership with the Philippine Rice Information System (Prism), farmers and farm technicians now are now equipped with palm tablet units with printers. This, Abdullah said, upgrades farms monitoring scheme will effectively determine the appropriate technological intervention, and as to when it is needed. All useful data for modern farming guides are stored in the apps of the farmers tablets, along with the usual programs installed. ARMM tops other provinces in terms of the countrys production of cassava and seaweeds. The region ranks fourth in corn production, fifth in coconut, and 11th in rice among the countrys 81 provinces. Hataman said 2016 statistics saw the regions economic performance improving by 0.3 percent as it contributed 0.6 percent to the countrys Gross Domestic Product.He said more than 80 percent of the 3,248,787 population of the ARMM live in rural areas, where families are prone to displacement due to armed skirmishes and natural calamities such as floods. Hataman said many of ARMMs rice-producing villages were still recovering from dislocation due to incidents of armed conflict, causing massive migration especially among young individuals. He said in a life expectancy of 60 years old, Hataman said the regions average age of farmers at 52 years old posed an alarming situation that in the next eight to 10 years, there could no longer be as much food served on the table. Hataman said the challenge to the normalization process of the Bangsamoro transition is to help lower, possibly to its minimum level, the instances of armed conflict, if any. Second is to fill-in the gap in the diminishing workforce of the agriculture sector due to migration resulting from armed conflict. The reality, Hataman said, was that rice production in the region could sharply drop in the next 10 years if migration, principally due to armed conflict, was not addressed. The trend in young people from farming communities seeking employment opportunities elsewhere for survival, is taking heavy toll on the evolution of the farming generation, making farmers the vanishing species of sort in their communities, he said. The regions poverty incidence as determined from Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) remains high at 48.2, and such is largely blamed on increasing number of dependents to income earners among families adversely affected by armed conflict. In 2016, ARMM had a total employment generation for 1.14 million persons, while the agriculture and fishery sector alone generated jobs for 741,000 persons. The regions production of palay at 544,486 metric tons and area of production at 212,927 hectares increased by 11.53 percent and 9.56 percent, respectively, in 2016. Production of corn at 590,580 metric tons went down by 12.25 percent, and the total production area of 261,157 hectares of the regions corn farmland was 7.49 percent lower than its 2015 records. The cost of production for palay (unhusked rice) is also high at P 29,763 per hectare or P 11.64 per kilogram, and with a maximum returns rate of P 14,303 per hectare. Farm-gate price is pegged at P 17.23/ kilogram Corn production costs P17,998 per hectare or P7.96 per kilogram with a net returns rate of P8,091 per hectare, and a farm-gate price placed P11.54/ kilogram.
To weed out courts docket of weak drug cases, the Supreme Court has adopted a mandatory policy for apprehending officers, investigating prosecutors, and courts in the custody and disposition of confiscated, seized or surrendered dangerous drugs in drug-related cases.In an en banc 18-page decision, the high court through Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta laid down fundamental rules governing the arrest and proper handling of evidence in drug-related cases in order to ensure conviction and not dismissal on technicality. The SC stressed that  to weed out early on from the courts already congested docket any orchestrated or poorly built up drug-related cases, the following should be enforced as a mandatory policy in connection with arrests and seizures related to illegal drugs 1. In the sworn statements/affidavits, the apprehending/seizing officers must state their compliance with the requirements of Section 21 (1) of Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR); 2. In case of non-observance of the provision, the apprehending/seizing officers must state the justification or explanation therefor as well as the steps they have taken in order to preserve the integrity and evidentiary value of the seized/confiscated items; 3. If there is no justification or explanation expressly declared in the sworn statements/affidavits, the investigating fiscal must not immediately file the case before the court. Instead, he or she must refer the case for further preliminary investigation in order to determine the (non) existence of probable cause; and 4. If the investigating fiscal filed the case despite such absence, the court may exercise its discretion to either refuse to issue a commitment order (or warrant of arrest) or dismiss the case outright for lack of probable cause in accordance with Section 5, Rule 112, Rules of Court. The high tribunal emphasized the importance of the procedure laid down in Section 21(1) of RA 9165, which mandates the conduct of a physical inventory of the seized items and taking of photos of the same by the apprehending team in the presence of the accused or the person/s from whom such items were confiscated and/or seizedwith an elected public official and a representative of the National Prosecution Service or the media who shall be required to sign the copies of the inventory and be given a copy thereof. The SC pointed out that the said provision also directs that the physical inventory and photograph shall be conducted at the place where the search warrant is served, or at the nearest police station or at the nearest office of the apprehending officer, whichever is practicable, in case of warrantless seizures. The provision likewise states that noncompliance with the said requirements under justifiable grounds, as long as the integrity and the evidentiary value of the seized items are properly preserved by the apprehending officer/team, shall not render void and invalid such seizures and custody over said items.Earnest effort to secure the attendance of the necessary witnesses must be proven, the SC said. With this mandatory policy in the chain of custody rule in drug cases, the SC said that copies of its decision be furnished to the Secretary of the Department of Justice, as well as to the Head/Chief of the National Prosecution Service, the Office of the Solicitor General, the Public Attorneys Office, the Philippine National Police, the PDEA, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines for their information and guidance. The Office of the Court Administrator was also directed to disseminate copies of the decision to all trial courts, including the Court of Appeals. The SC adopted this new mandatory policy after it resolved to reverse and set aside the February 23, 2017 decision of the Court of Appeals, which affirmed the September 24, 2013 decision of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Cagayan de Oro City, Branch 25, finding accused-appellant Romy Lim guilty of violating Sections 11 and 5, respectively, of Article II of RA 9165. It also ordered the acquittal of Lim based on reasonable doubt and his immediate release from detention, unless he was being lawfully held for another cause. The SC held that Lim should be acquitted on reasonable doubt, citing the absence of an elected public official and representatives of the DOJ and the media to witness the physical inventory and photograph of the seized items was evident. In fact, their signatures do not appear in the Inventory Receipt, the SC noted. The SC also found out that one of the apprehending officers from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency had testified that no members of the media and barangay officials arrived at the crime scene and that no inventory was made in the PDEA office. The SC also said that the prosecution failed to explain why they did not secure the presence of a representative from the DOJ, and that the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses failed to establish the details of an earnest effort to coordinate with and secure presence of the required witnesses.
BARNEVELD, Wis.  Circle Cemetery, a national Pagan cemetery located at Circle Sanctuary, will dedicate its first Awen-inscribed veteran gravestone. In January 2017, the Awen was added to the official list of approved symbols by the U.S. Veterans Administration, joining the pentacle and Thors Hammer. The upcoming memorial will be for Druid Dan Moeller, who was known as Oakbear in the Pagan community. While Moeller has the distinction of being the first to be honored with the inscribed Awen gravestone at a Pagan cemetery, he is not the first in the nation. That distinction goes to Wayne Laliberte of Texas (1954-2013), who is honored at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Texas in 2017. Either way, there are still only a few such veterans with Awens, but the number grows each year. After ten years of being on the official list. the pentacle can now be found on over 200 veteran grave sites nationwide.

According to Circle Sanctuary officials, Oakbear was an OBOD Druid, Wiccan priest, and Pagan teacher. He and his wife Morgan were part of several Pagan communities over the years, including Circle Sanctuary and Deeply Rooted. Oakbears memorial ceremony will include both Wiccan and Druid components, and will be facilitated by Rev. Selena Fox and others. It will be held from 1-3 pm Saturday Oct. 6. The ceremony is open to the public.

* * *

SAN FRANCISCO  It is difficult to look at the mainstream media today without hearing the latest news, discussion, or commentary on the Kavanaugh hearings. Author and activist Starhawk published a long statement and call to action in response. She begins the post, I thought I was handling the Kavanaugh thing on a calm, spiritual level, doing magic, yescalling in qualities like truth and justice and integrityworking for protection. Then I found myself driving to teach this morning, listening to one of those Republicans on the radio and screaming at it, Harpies, come and rip out his lying guts! 

Starhawk is not the only Pagan who has been outspoken about the hearing, however, she is one of most well-known as an elder in the community. She says, I am personally really, really tired of entitled, abusive men painting themselves as victims and whining when they are held accountable for their behavior. Starhawk continues on to a call for action saying, For every woman or gender-nonconforming person who finds the memories of every assault weve suffered surfacing now, for every good man who is disgusted by the depth and breadth and ubiquity of misogynyremember, rage can be healing and cleansing, holy and sacred. Let it flowand turn it to action. Take to the streets, the phones, and above all, the ballot box! The entire statement can be read on Facebook. Her website is currently under construction.

Outside of current politics, Starhawk has been a advocate for gender equality for decades. She is scheduled to attend the first bi-annual Women Rising event to be held in San Francisco Oct 12-15. The event is hosted by the California Institute for Integral Studies Womens Spirituality Program. The subtitle for the new event is New Visions for a Post-Patriarchal World. It is open to the public.

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TWH  A new book from Peeters publishing examines a unique subject: Minoan religion and culture. It is written by Pagan priestess and Witch Caroline Tully who will be  the guest editor for an upcoming issue of The Pomegranate: the International Journal of Pagan Studies. Tully said that her fascination with ancient Pagan religions began in the form of personal practice and evolved into wanting more through academic study. She now seeks to relay that information back to the Pagan community.

Her book, which is titled The Cultic Life of Trees in the Prehistoric Aegean, Levant, Egypt and Cyprus, dives into the mysteries of Minoan culture. She said, Pagans who study the Minoans tend to rely on old fashioned and outdated scholarship and are often unaware of the most recent discoveries and approaches to Minoan Religion. Through the book, she hopes to change that. Her study examines 44 images of Minoan tree cult as depicted in sphragistic jewellery, portable objects and wall paintings from Late Bronze Age Crete, mainland Greece and the Cyclades. She also compared the images with evidence for sacred trees in the Middle and Late Bronze Age Levant, Egypt and Cyprus.

Tully hopes to bring new interpretations of the images and of the religious culture. She also said that her research demonstrates the prominence of women and Nature Religion, and provides models of direct interaction with the natural world. Peeters is an academic publisher based in Belgium. The books full table of contents is available through the site.

In other news

The Gerald B. Gardner calendar 2019 is now available for orders. Every year the calendar is produced and contains photos, news clippings, and facts about the famed author and Witch. The new GBG calendar also contains photos of Doreen Valientes tools and other Craft artefacts. According to the publisher, the photos were provided by the Doreen Valiente Foundation, which is based in the U.K. As in previous years, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to organizations that help to preserve Craft history.

Also for 2019, the Witches Almanac has been released. The popular almanac is distributed by Red Wheel/Weiser has been in publication since 1971. It contains a calendar, spells, articles, and an abundance of information. The 2019-2020 theme is Animals: Friends and Familiars and the cover is decorated with a black cat, frog, hummingbird and bee. New authors include Sorita DEste, Lon Milo DuQuette, David Rankine, and Mat Auryn.

For Pagans in the Northwest, this month brings Hekates Sickle Festival, hosted by The Aquarian Tabernacle Church. This four day event begins with a seance on Thursday night and continues on from there. As written on the website, Hekates Sickle is an annual exploration of the mysteries of the Goddess Hekate in all her forms. Overcoming the boundaries of death and change, we offer a sacred space for transcendent experience, the growth of ecstatic community, the perfection of love and trust. The festival begins Oct 18 and runs through Sunday Oct 21. This years theme is the Norse pantheon.

Just in time for the fall, polytheist author Lorna Smithers has released her book Gatherer of Souls. Smithers writes, Gwyn ap Nudd is a Brythonic god of the dead and ruler of Annwn. In medieval Welsh literature he is depicted gathering the souls of slaughtered warriors from the battlefield, and is said to contain the fury of the spirits of Annwn to prevent their destruction of the world. He and his spirits were demonised, she explains, by the coming of Christianity. After centuries of soul-loss Gwyn re-opened those doors and challenged me to ride with him through the war-torn centuries to recover his forgotten mythos. This book is a record of my journey.

Witchmaste posted a video of their recent performance at New York City Pagan Pride 2018. To start off October with some fun, here is Witchmaste as they dance and coax audience members to join them in dance:

Tarot of the week with Star Bustamonte

Deck: Dark Angels Tarot by Luca Russo, published by Lo Scarabeo

Card: King of Discs (Pentacles) This weeks card suggests that attention be paid to material possessions and creations. Be wary of authority figures and institutions that feel they have the right to take what they want, regardless of the consequences.

Decks generously provided by Asheville Raven & Crone.
"By 2050, 68 percent of the global population are expected to live in cities", according to the United Nation.

Cities today are facing acute stresses, such as natural disasters, endemic crime, economical or social upheaval, and failing infrastructure. Most cities face a combination of challenges that further threaten their resilience, making it difficult to bounce back. Solution to these urban problems need to evolve in tandem with the cities. Todays problems call for a more holistic approach to problem solving, putting people at the center of innovations.

In times like these, using a resilience dividend can better the citys projects and policies to address multiple challenges, improving services and saving resources. As defined by the 100 Resilient Cities Organization, urban resilience is the capacity of individuals, communities, institutions, businesses, and systems within a city to survive, adapt, and grow no matter what kinds of chronic stresses and acute shocks they experience.

Founded in 2013, 100RC is an effort to help make cities around the world become more resilient to the physical, social and economic challenges that the world is facing in todays day and age. Pioneered by the Rockefeller Foundation, the network embraces the amalgamation of views regarding resilience. Participating cities are provided with resources based on the resilient pathways specified by the organization.

Image  Rockefeller Foundation/100ResilientCities

As the nations capital, Washington, DC must be prepared to withstand any natural or man-made challenges that threaten our communities, said Mayor Muriel Bowser.

In 2016, Washington DC got selected from more than 1,000 cities around the world to become part of the 100 Resilient Cities Network. Being the capital of the United States, Washington DC is very prone to the shocks and stresses that tend to weaken the fabric of a city. It is important to identify these challenges and determine the best ways to tackle them.

According to the Federal City Council, the 100RC initiative shall help Washington DC in preparing for the shocks in areas such as terrorism, flooding and infrastructure failure, by focusing attention on the underlying stresses the community faces in areas such as inequality, access to affordable housing, and a stressed transportation system.

Image  ResilientDC.org/Shocks&Stresses

With the citys acceptance into the 100RC network, Washington DC has received access to funding for two years for a Chief Resilience Officer, financial support for consulting to develop a holistic City Resilience Strategy Plan, access to the 100 Resilient Cities platform of services and networking benefits of being part of the selected network of cities.

As a result of Washington DCs selection in the 100RC network, Mayor Muriel Bowser established Resilient DC within the Office of the City Administrator to help the District endure any natural and man-made threats, and to tackle the social challenges that come with being a rapid growing city. Resilient DC is working with stakeholders to create an inclusive Resilience Strategy for the District that advances innovative approaches towards solving the challenges. This work is guided by the Mayors Resilience Cabinet and the Commission on Climate Change and Resiliency.

"This partnership will not only enable us to increase the resilience of our citywide systems, it will also help us tackle the social challenges that come with being a fast-growing city. As we continuously work to address these challenges, the 100 Resilient Cities network and The Rockefeller Foundation will be invaluable partners," added Mayor Muriel Bowser.

The Rockefeller Foundation partnered with the design firm, Arup, to streamline the characteristics of a city and come up with a common set of factors and systems that enhance a citys ability to survive, adapt and grow in the face of adversity, also known as the City Resilient Framework. This framework was generated after conducting extensive research and evaluation of cities around the globe. The CRF is an invaluable asset that can be used to understand the complexity of cities and the drivers necessary for their resilience. This framework describes the systems of a city in terms of Health & Wellbeing; Economy & Society; Infrastructure & Environment; and Leadership and Strategy. These further get divided according to three drivers, suggesting actions that a city can take to improve its resilience. The CRF not only addresses a citys policies, but also its architecture, sustainability and construction.

Image  Rockefeller Foundation/100ResilientCities

So far, Washington DC is in the process of building upon, and not recreating, other planning processes that are already underway to building the districts resilience. They are currently looking into the existing citywide plans and initiatives that build resilience, so that they can be incorporated into a single strategy. Several efforts are already underway, including the development of Sustainable DC 2.0 and the updates to DCs Comprehensive Plans.

As Washington DCs Chief Resilient Offices, it is upon Kevin Bush to oversee the development and implementation of the Resilient Strategy. Over the next few months, Resilient DC will continue to work with the stakeholders and determine the best way to tackle the challenges together, under the 100RC Framework and continuously be fine-tuned as priorities are addressed, challenges evolve, and initiatives are implemented.

Top image: Image  dccic.net/DC Civic Innovation Council

> via 100 Resilient Cities and ResilientDC
by Mary Hrovat

Every October theres a huge book fair in my town, where used books donated by the community are put up for sale in a large hall at the fairgrounds. Its no exaggeration to say that its a high point of my year.

When I walk in and see table after table laden with books and inhale the unmistakable smell of the printed page, I almost always get a sense of the richness of the world and a feeling of optimism about my opportunities for learning about it. Even though I know that in addition to many treasures, the tables also hold things like the 1979 edition of What Color Is Your Parachute?, I still feel the thrill. It reminds me of when I was a teenager and didnt realize how finite my life is. I was in love with history in particular, and with archaeology, with music and art and astronomy. But I also wanted to learn how to do things: draw, paint, play chess, grow vegetables. Growing up in a family where my mother was often too busy and my father was too distant to teach any of us much beyond the fundamentals of their religion, I thought books could teach me those things too.

The layout at the book fair is always pretty much the same. There are certain tables I visit first, and some I rarely check. I usually have a few specific titles or subject areas in mind: Theres an author Ive become interested in, or a historical period Im reading about. I always look for Paul Theroux on the Travel table. Over the better part of a decade, I slowly assembled all eleven volumes of Will and Ariel Durants The Story of Civilization and the Norton Anthologies of English and American literature.

But of course its not the kind of thing you go to with a shopping list. In fact, the key attraction is that the selection is unpredictable. The book fair isnt like a retail bookstore, where I will see the most popular recently published books, or even a used bookstore, where the books are typically chosen around some theme or set of interests, however broad. Its a product of countless spring cleanings, moves, graduations, marriages, deaths, and other upheavals in the lives of my fellow Bloomingtonians. The books are a cross section of the reading habits and tastes of my community.

Its partly this variety, which sparks my curiosity, that encourages me to see the event in terms of limitless horizons and potential, an echo of the days when I was very young and hadnt realized that you can read pretty much anything you want to, but you cant read everything you want to. It also helps that the prices are very reasonable. Money has always been at least a little tight for me, and I tend to dither over spending decisions, even small ones. The prices at the book sale are so low, though, that I can take chances on the unknown, with little at stake. If I dont like something, Im not out much.

Thus, to take just one example of many, I pluck up a book by an unknown poet, caught by the title, The Weather of Words, and become enamored of Mark Strands work, which I might never have become familiar with otherwise. Some of the books I read right away; others await their time. I bring home books that Ive heard of and know I want to read, but I also pick up things that look interesting and then, sometimes years later, pull them from the shelf at home with a pleasant sense that some kind-hearted person has stocked my bookshelves well.

Its especially rewarding when this happens late at night, when I cant sleep or Im at a loose end, between books, or in the middle of books that I cant settle into reading. It feels providential to find just the thing to help me through the night, and the dry spell. And I like seeing one or two hefty books waiting for me; this winter I think Ill read The Worst Journey in the World, Apsley Cherry-Garrards memoir of his time in Antarctica with Robert Scotts failed expedition to the South Pole, and Norman Daviess history of the British Isles. That sense of future potential, of banked wealth, means a lot to me.

###

As the years pass, though, potential slowly turns to experience. These days, the soaring youthful sense of future reading and discovery is not as intense as it was. The horizon of the future is drawing in somewhat, and Im slowly coming to terms with my finitude. Ive learned to donate books back to the book fair as well as take them home. This is partly because I dont have room for them all and have realized that I probably never will, and partly because I reluctantly admit that Im not going to learn that language, explore that facet of science, or read that author.

Marcus Aurelius advises Mislead yourself no longer; you will never read  the annals of bygone Romans and Greeks, nor that choice selection of writings you have put by for your old age (the Meditations, 3:14, translated by Maxwell Staniforth). I will have to get much older than I am now before I can entirely agree with him, but I have learned to give up on some of my books. Ive even learned that making room for the things you do love is as important as filling your mind lavishly but indiscriminately.

A friend who is about a dozen years older told me a few years ago that he had sold or given away all of his books and now could fit almost everything he owned into his car. He was clearly pleased with this development. As I walked home after our conversation, I toyed with the idea that I might someday want to emulate him. I concluded that being without my books would probably never feel like freedom to me, but would be more like giving up a part of my extended mind that I couldnt do without. I feared Id feel truncated. However, when I walked into my house, I thought that perhaps the only thing sadder than selling any of my books was the thought of my sons someday having to deal with them after Im gone.

Eventually, though, the presence of the book fair in my community reconciled me to that thought. My mind and my personal history are the threads binding my books into a more or less cohesive and unique whole. I dont relish the thought of those threads someday being cut. However, Ive picked up enough bits and pieces from libraries once held together by other minds that I can live with the thought of my books going out into the world after Im gone. Just as my constituent molecules will be dispersed into the biosphere and eventually taken up by other living things, I hope at least some of my books will be picked up and enjoyed by other people.

###

I struggle fairly often with depression. I usually think Merlin was right when he told the young Wart, in The Once and Future King, that the best thing for being sad is to learn something. My books are, among other things, a hedge against the lesser varieties of depression and anxiety. Theres a large research library and an excellent public library nearby, but Im comforted by the idea that I can almost always find something at home if I dont feel up to going out, or dont have the energy to browse an entire library. It was in an anthology of poetry that I found at a past book fair that I ran across Louis MacNeices poem The British Museum Reading Room. It begins:

Under the hive-like dome the stooping haunted readers

Go up and down the alleys, tap the cells of knowledge

Honey and wax, the accumulation of years

Some on commission, some for the love of learning,

Some because they have nothing better to do

Or because they hope these walls of books will deaden

The drumming of the demon in their ears.

Theres certainly something of those last two lines in my wish to keep my books about me.

One year, I happened to be in the grip of a particularly painful episode of depression when the book fair came around. When I walked into the hall where the books were spread out, I felt only an overwhelming sense of the futility of all human endeavor. I felt exhausted and almost nauseated at the thought of all those words and how little difference they made in the long run.

I wont say that I was exactly wrong about the futility of human endeavor; in the long run, nothing we do will amount to much except to those very close to us, and someday they will be gone too. But life is better when I can forget that. Sometimes I think depression is, at least in part, the inability to forget it and absorb myself in the everyday. Or if not forget it entirely, offset it with good things: happy times with people I love, the many things I learn and savor. As Robinson Jeffers memorably put it in his poem To the Stone-Cutters, writers, like stone-cutters, are foredefeated challengers of oblivion, but despite this, their work is still valuable:

Yet stones have stood for a thousand years, and pained thoughts found

The honey of peace in old poems.

Again the sweetness of the honey. What a lovely counterweight to the mere negative achievement of deadening the drumming of the demon.

###

Image courtesy of Pixabay. Title courtesy of John Milton (from Areopagitica). You can see more of my work at maryhrovat.com.
A transport official has expressed fear some bus firms may have to stop rolling due to what he calls looming revenue losses following a Supreme Court decision affirming the legality of a salary scheme that gives bus drivers and conductors fixed salaries and additional pay for good performance. Provincial Bus Operators Association of the Philippines executive director Alex Yague said the Court, in a ruling released last week, dismissed the petition of the PBOAP and transport groups that questioned the wage scheme set in 2012 by the Department of Labor and Employment and transport regulators. Aileen Lizada, member of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, said the new salary system would entice drivers to follow traffic rules as they would no longer need to rush to load passengers to take home a commission. The new wage rules, she added, would discourage drivers from working long hours and abusing drugs to stay alert. Lizada, addressing bus companies and operators, told dzMM in an interview beamed nationwide, To the bus companies, operators, we know that you need to earn money.But lets also understand that these bus drivers, who are in their prime, are giving everything for your firms. To the few who have yet to comply, we hope that you give what is due to your driver. According to Yague, some bus firms were already incurring losses over high fuel and maintenance costs, even without the wage scheme that would replace the commission or boundary-based payment system for drivers and conductors. Yague said there was nothing they could do but to follow the Supreme Court ruling, but the effect of this would be that there would be some bus firms that might have to shut down.
by Joshua Wilbur

This past TuesdaySeptember 25th 2018was National Voter Registration Day in the United States. I didnt register to vote on September 25th, and Im not registered to vote as I write this now.

Im not proud of the fact. Far from it, I feel intensely guilty when I imagine some upstanding acquaintance asking me, Are you registered to vote yet?, so that I am forced to stammer through an explanation as to why not. (The alternative in this scenario would be to lie, to simply say Yes, which many people do when questioned about voting habits. It is shameful to have done nothing on election day, but, even still, our society imparts no immediate negative consequences on non-voters, and no one knows who actually voted and who did not.)

But Ill admit it openly: Im not registered to vote because my printer is out of ink.

You see, I recently moved to a new address in a different state. The county must be made aware of my presence here if I am to be added to the electoral roll. Thirty-seven states allow online voter registration, but, unfortunately, my new home state is not one of them. This means that I must print, complete, and mail a form to the County Commissioner of Registration at least twenty-one days prior to Election Day on November 6th.

This is mildly annoying, a minor inconvenience. It doesnt deserve mention alongside the history of American voter suppression in all its contemptible forms, beginning with poll taxes, grandfather clauses, and literacy tests in the Jim Crow South and persisting in the guises of photo ID laws, district realignment, felony disenfranchisement, and voter purges, to name just a few contemporary tactics.

No one is actively trying to suppress my vote. I have a problem with my printer. I just need to order some ink (and I guess a box of envelopes), print the form, fill out the form, put it in the envelope, seal the envelope, walk a few blocks, and drop it in a mailbox. It really isnt that difficult.

*****

For a long time, democracy was a dirty word. Rule (kratos) of the people (demos) first surfaced in ancient Athens, where, in spite of its radical innovations, the democratic experiment was subject to corruption and fits of passion. In the minds of many ancient observers, democracy was no more than collective tyranny. Plato famously denounced the mob as capricious and ignorant.

The Founding Fathers of the United States, who admired classical philosophy and published under Greek and Roman pseudonyms (e.g., Brutus and Publius in the Federalist Papers), were also wary of the mob. In Federalist 10, Madison described the dangers of a direct democracy governed by the people: A pure democracy, by which I mean a society consisting of a small number of citizens, who assemble and administer the government in person, can admit of no cure for the mischiefs of faction.

The majority cannot be trusted to pursue the common good. Public opinion is fickle and ill-informedWalter Lippmanns Public Opinion, published in 1922, remains as relevant as ever on the issue of mass-delusion. The workings of government are too complex, too elaborate, to be guided by the will and whims of the people.

And so we live in a representative democracy, a democracy of elected delegates. As described in the Declaration, ours is a government which derives it power from the consent of the governed. The few represent the many. Presidents, congressmen, senators, governors, mayors, local officialsin the purest vision, all representatives are united in their pursuit of the public good and their protection of our inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. (Yeah right, we think to ourselves).

It goes without saying that the times could be happier. Theres worry in the air, a feeling that our own democratic experiment is no longer working (and its debatable to what extent and for whom its worked previously). In recent (i.e., post-Trump) years, a nervous flurry of books has gathered around the idea that Western democracy is in decline. These works include The Retreat of Western Liberalism by Edward Luce, The Once and Future Liberal by Mark Lilla, The Monarchy of Fear by Martha C. Nussbaum, How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, and Why Liberalism Failed by Patrick J Deneen.

This is a reading list for a masochist. Ive read most of the above titles, and, in each case, I felt more helpless, more pessimistic by books end. The themes are familiar but no less troubling for having been said again and again.

Where to begin?

Of course, individualism prevails: we are bowling alone, as Robert Putnam wrote nearly twenty years ago, a practical eon given the advent of social media and the smartphone. Were more enamored with private pleasures than ever before. Americans are siloed from each other, secure in our homes, our workplaces, our cars, our social networks, and our increasingly medicated minds. This is literal division.

All forms of organization are met with skepticism. Long running surveys demonstrate a lack of confidence in virtually every American institution: news media, organized labor, big business, the healthcare industry, the education system, and, of course, government. A report from the Pew Research Center shows that, between 1958 and 2015, public trust in the federal government fell from about 73 to about 19 percent, an astonishing statistic.

All the while, old problems persist: economic inequality, political stagnation, failing schools, burgeoning prisons, ongoing and worsening environmental crisis. I hardly need to cover everything; most of us know the score. What, then, can be done?

The best answer is a common refrain.

If you want things to change, then vote!

Its trite but true. Voting changes the playing field. Voting is the difference between Andrew Jackson or Henry Clay, Abraham Lincoln or Stephen Douglas, Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton. Elections at the local, state, and national levels have meaningful repercussions for what goes on in our schools, hospitals, businesses, and communities at large.

Even still, many Americans (from the left and the right) believe voting to be a fools game or a false choice. Republican or Democrat, theyre all the same, wealthy cronies who protect the status quo.

Its a valid criticism. But to discount the merits and possibilities inherent to the act of voting represents a serious failure of imagination. In surveying the literature around democracys decline, Ive been surprised at how few pages are dedicated to the voting problem. I dont mean the problem of who we vote foron this subject, theres no shortage of commentarybut how we vote and how many of us vote.

To vote is to exercise your fundamental right as a democratic citizen. When the Greeks spoke of the barbarians, they meant to suggest a fundamental difference between those who choose freely and those who live under tyranny. In other words, if we genuinely believe in democracy, then it is the vote that makes us who we are. Its also a precondition for addressing our well-documented ills. Before dealing with climate change, income inequality, crumbling infrastructure, poor healthcare, etc., we must have a well-functioning mechanism for selecting the leadership whose job it will be to address these issues among many others. Its a matter of not only tackling the right problems but doing so in proper order. I cant emphasize this point enough.

Unfortunately, the reality of voting is stark. For a country that prides itself on its democratic spirit and free elections, the United States is awful about voting. Turnout statistics paint a bleak picture. The percentage of the voting-age population that actually votes tends to fall between fifty and sixty percent. According to the Pew Research Center, the United States trails most developed countries in voter turnout, placing 26th out of 32 OECD nations. Turnout varies widely state-to-state, the result of differences in laws, procedures, and populations. Some Americans vote using paper ballots; others vote using electronic machines; some even vote at home, avoiding the polls altogether. And, for many holders of political office, there isnt much incentive to expand the number of voters, so reforms are slow-moving and piecemeal.

Whats most troubling, though, is the youth vote. Voters under forty are out-voted by their older peers in virtually every election at every level of government. In the 2014 midterms, voters under the age of forty comprised 26% of the electorate. Think about that: for every vote cast, only one out of four was by an American born after 1974. Thats more than disturbing; its a blaring signal (though hardly a new one) that our democracy is broken.

Why dont young Americans vote?

Is it transience, the fact that young people move more often?

Is it disillusionment with political process?

Or is that we simply dont know how to vote?

******

This morning, I logged into my Amazon Prime account, clicked the search bar, and typed, HP Deskjet 2540 Printer Ink. More than two hundred results populated, but I felt comfortable surveying only the first page. The top result was Prime Eligible and labeled as Amazons Choice, so I clicked and began scrolling through the top reviews. (There are more than 4,000 reviews for this particular ink cartridge).

I wanted to be certain that the cartridge is compatible with my printer, so I was relieved to see amazon-confirmed-fit at the top of the item page, a feature that allowed me to input my model number and confirm that, yes, This fits Deskjet 2540.

I added the item to my cart. I also added envelopes and a box of protein bars. I confirmed my address and placed the order. It arrives in two days.

******

Octobers issue of The Atlantic asks the question, Is Democracy Dying? The magazines essays touch on all manner of -isms: racism, populism, cynicism, globalism, despotism. As with the books I touched on above, the tone is largely pessimistic. Our democracy is wilting, if not dying, though arguably our means of governance has always been closer to a technocracy or oligarchy, so its fair to ask to what degree our democracy has ever been truly alive. (As you can tell, theres no lack of terms, metaphors, and concepts to debate.)

In reading the issue, I especially appreciated an essay by Yoni Appelbaum: Americans Arent Practicing Democracy Anymore. Appelbaum argues that Americans have become less civically engaged in all aspects of lifenot just voting at the polls every two yearsand the result is mass confusion about the purpose of government and how it relates to our private lives. Appelbaum opens with a useful reminder:

Democracy is a most unnatural act. People have no innate democratic instinct; we are not born yearning to set aside our own desires in favor of the majoritys. Democracy is, instead, an acquired habit. Like most habits, democratic behavior develops slowly over time, through constant repetition. For two centuries, the United States was distinguished by its mania for democracy: From early childhood, Americans learned to be citizens by creating, joining, and participating in democratic organizations. But in recent decades, Americans have fallen out of practice, or even failed to acquire the habit of democracy in the first place.

Appelbaum makes a compelling case that America was once a place defined by its wealth of associations, committees, voluntary organizations, churches, councils, unions, fraternities, and so on. These institutions still exist, of course, but they are severely diminished. With their diminishment comes a generation (of which I am a part) that knows very little about cooperation and debate, rules of order and matters of administration.

Were bad at democracy because we are out of practice. Our public sphere, as Habermas called certain forms of social life, has moved to Twitter. We wont feel the full effects of this transformation for many years, but the early symptoms are becoming impossible to ignore.

Applebaum sums up the current state of affairs:

The golden age of the voluntary association is over, thanks to the automobile, the television, and the two-income household, among other culprits. The historical circumstances that produced it, moreover, seem unlikely to recur; Americans are no longer inclined to leave the comforts and amusements of home for the lodge hall or meeting room. Which means that any revival of participatory democracy wont be built on fraternal orders and clubs.

Applebaum, following the example of John Dewey, goes on to suggest that improving civic education is our best hope of shaping a new generation of good democrats. Students must learn to self-govern from a young age. This seems right to me, though I worry about what it means for Millennials (those of us born between 1981 and 1996) and Post-Millennials (those of us born in the late 1990s through the present day). Having missed out on meaningful educational interventions, are these citizens simply beyond hope, generations who missed out on political action?

Surely not.

Just thinking about my own circle of friends and family, I know plenty who are passionate about the common good. People care, but they lack a sustained channel for their political energy. They know what their beliefs are, but they dont know how and where to act.

To give a brief example, my younger (by about a decade) sister is in high school. She and her friends have participated in a number of political marches, including the Womens March in early 2017. She understands the big issues and holds well-reasoned positions. Well discuss whats in the news and debate the finer points.

That said, were both confused about the details. How does the Electoral College work, and why does it exist? Why cant people just vote online? Why are there only ever two political parties in power? We dont understand it.

A few weeks ago my sister and her friends wanted to order a pizza(they eat a lot of pizza). Typically, they use a smartphone app to place and track the order. The app remembers your preferences, so that the whole process takes mere seconds. But, on this sad occasion, the app wasnt working. The group came to me with an earnest request.

Would I please call the restaurant and order the food?

None of them wanted to talk on the phone. They had never called in a delivery before.

This interaction shouldnt be taken too seriously, but I do wonder about how my generationand my sisters generationare now responding to the simplest forms of resistance or friction. Our lives are mediated through a series of apps, web portals, automated programs, digital trackers, rating systems, and, of course, the screens which make it all possible. Our nations youngest eligible voters have never known any other way of life.

If ordering a pizza over a phone call provokes anxiety in todays teenagers, then imagine how intimidating it will be for them to register to vote, to inquire about a polling place, to stand in a long line, and to fill out a paper ballot that features the names of unknown politicians. Theres nothing inviting about voting. As straightforward as it may seem to older voters, the electoral process in America is too difficult. Or more precisely: it feels too difficult, and thats what ultimately counts.

This, to me, is a principal flaw of our electoral system and a major reason why young people avoid the polls: voting is off putting and entirely divorced from the comfortable flow of our everyday lives. Our culture is now in the very lucrative business of rendering everything convenientfrom shopping to traveling to eating to learning. And the cliches about instant gratification and unerring distraction are unfortunately true. So much of contemporary life is easy, predictable, and designed to make us fleetingly happy via the magic of dopamine-granting reward loops. Elections, on the other hand, are rare and arcane events; to Millennials like me, they are shrouded in mystery.

How do we fix this?

First, upon reaching eligibility, voters should be automatically registered in all fifty states. If you interact with a government agency, youre registered to vote unless you choose to opt-out. Other countries, such as Germany and Sweden, enjoy significantly higher voter turnout because they employ such systems of automatic enrollment.

Elections should also be held on a national holiday, or, alternatively, on the weekend. No one should be unable to vote because of their situation at work.

Its a controversial idea, but online voting should be aggressively pursued. There are serious concerns about fraud, but were kidding ourselves if we doubt that online voting is the inevitable future. Its early days for blockchain voting, but the technology offers some solutions to much-feared security issues. In the meantime, vote-at-home measures are a reasonable and effective way to make voting more readily intelligible and convenient.

(I would add here that Ive never understood the argument that voting should be difficult in order to dissuade the uninformed. Elitist overtones aside, doesnt this line of reasoning overlook an obvious and more democratic solution? Inform them.)

Finally, those technology and media companies which dominate our attentionnot just Facebook, Apple, Netflix, and Google (the FANG stocks) but the entire culture industry should find creative ways to bring democracy into the purview of daily life. Social media outlets, in particular, could take great advantage of location data to provide users with useful information about whats happening in their communities, who is up for election, and where and how to vote.

These suggestions are only partial solutions. Changing our relationship to voting is an immense task. Its now conceivable that a person could go from cradle to grave without having ever voted for anything in his or her life. Whats more worrisome is how unfazed we are by such a glaring contradiction between our ideals and our reality. How can we achieve our country, to borrow Richard Rortys memorable phrase, in the age of distraction? How can we make democracy enticing? We should obsess over this last question; everything else is secondary.

*****

Once the ink arrives and the form is submitted, Ill be registered to vote. Between now and election day, I plan to do some serious research. Ill take an hourmaybe twoto study the ballot, learn about the candidates, and consider the measures. I know nothing about the school board or municipal government, but Ill try to learn as much as I can before voting.

Im still not sure where my polling place is located. Ive tried to use a lookup on the state website, but I receive an error message: No Record Found. I assume that I must be registered before the system can direct me. In the meantime, it says to Contact your county board of elections for polling place location.

A phone call, in other words.
by Jeroen Bouterse

One of the most simple, elegant and powerful formulations of the conflict between science and religion is the following bit of reasoning. Faith is belief in the absence of evidence; science demands that beliefs are always grounded in evidence. Therefore, the two are mutually exclusive. This is an oft-repeated argument by modern atheists, and it connects different aspects of what is usually called the Conflict Thesis: the idea that science and religion are opposed to each other not just now, but always and necessarily.

The Conflict Thesis spills over into historical, cultural, and psychological ideas. This is precisely why it is ideologically relevant: the argument that religious faith engenders a habit of slavish unreason and deference to authority is a way of demonstrating that religion is incompatible with modern enlightened citizenship. Though atheists sometimes broaden the argument to say that faith in human despots counts as a religion as well, the modern Conflict Thesis usually defines religion in terms of belief in God. God doesnt exist, so belief in him is the paradigmatic case of belief in the absence of evidence. This distinguishes the modern Conflict Thesis from the classical 19th-century arguments to which historians often trace it: John William Drapers History of the Conflict between Religion and Science, and Andrew Dickson Whites History of the Warfare of Science with Theology in Christendom. These works were not anti-theistic but anti-Catholic (Draper) or intended as an attack on religious sectarianism and a defense of proper religion (White).

The Conflict Thesis is, in all its forms, widely discredited among historians. One reason for this, no doubt, is simply the complexity of the history of both science and religion. Another reason is the fact that the birth of modern science took place in a world where everyone (almost literally everyone) was a theist. How could science, taken as the opposite of religion, have developed at all if virtually everyone in Europe was infected with what is by definition the most anti-scientific form of religiosity?

However, a defender of the Conflict Thesis might ask: isnt the history of science, especially during the scientific revolution of the 17th century, littered with episodes of conflict between science and religion? That conflicts took place is without question; however, the question is what they were conflicts between. They usually represent something different than the Conflict Thesis, especially in its most recent form, predicts.

A particularly alienating feature of late medieval and early modern thought is that when someone came up with an innovation in the study of nature, its implications for the Eucharist could count as a major objection. The Catholic doctrine that during the ritual of the Eucharist, the bread and wine transubstantiate to the body and blood of Christ (they actually change into a different kind of thing) without losing their accidental qualities (such as taste or texture), was a key dogma that the Church guarded zealously. When atomists undermined the metaphysical distinction between substance and accident, or when mathematicians seemed to underpin such atomism by starting to talk about indivisibles, or when Descartes argued that matter was exhaustively described by its spatial extension, Catholic theologians  the Jesuits in particular  got nervous.

When we see medieval and early modern theologians get nervous over scientific development, its almost never because they fear a challenge to theism; its because they see in them the roots of heresy. Even accusations of atheism were often unequivocally intended not as accusations of denial of Gods existence, but of heterodoxy. Descartes himself (who famously proved the existence of God to his own satisfaction right after demonstrating his own existence) was, naturally, more optimistic about the implications of his system of nature for the Eucharist. He extensively wrote about it to his friend Antoine Arnauld, an expert theologian whom he convinced of his view that his philosophy still allowed for the body of Christ to taste like bread  provided the bread particles retained their original surface after transubstantiation.

If we interpret theological objections to certain theories in terms of a general conflict between science and religion, then, we are actually buying into rather conservative views on theological orthodoxy. Thats fine, of course: had we lived in the 17th century, maybe we would have judged that the more conservative theologians were right and Descartes theory was less favorable to the dogma of transubstantiation than were common versions of Aristotelianism. In that case, we could reasonably conclude that we have here indeed a case of scientific developments challenging religious orthodoxy. However, our judgment on the harmony or conflict between theory X and dogma Y in the context of 17th-century background knowledge Z will hinge on a lot of technicalities of early modern thought that render it very problematic to expand our conclusions to science and religion in general.

Conclusions about science and theism fare particularly bad, for theism and atheism were not even fault lines in 17th-century philosophical and ideological debates. In a world where everybody is a theist, belief in God is not a predictor of your psychological propensities and of your philosophical or ideological attitudes. In the 21st century, now that atheism as a worldview and as a movement is on offer on the market of ideas together with a lot of other live options, buying into it may reflect and strengthen certain preferences. But this  and that is the whole point  is a historical and contingent fact, not a necessary one.

History shows that what it means to be a theist or an atheist is a matter of historical or social context and human individuality, not of a binary logical scheme that says that if you believe in God then all your thinking is necessarily infected by faith. This is not to say that belief in God is equally reasonable as disbelief or agnosticism. The Conflict Thesis as spelled out above is not evidence in favor of atheism; in assuming that theism requires belief in the absence of evidence, it assumes atheism rather than proving it. It is perfectly well possible to defend atheism without any reference to the Conflict Thesis or similar arguments. Dismissing the Conflict Thesis on historical grounds is not a way of closing down the debate, but only of ridding it of spurious arguments.
by Ashutosh Jogalekar

The Nobel Prizes in science will be announced this week. For more than a century the prizes have recognized high achievement in physics, chemistry and medicine. Some scientists crave the prizes so much that they get obsessed with them. A prominent, world-famous chemist once had lunch with my graduate school advisor. After a few minutes he went off on a tirade against the Nobel committee, cursing them for not giving him the prize. He never got it, and he never got over it. The Nobel can bring fame and recognition, but it can also make the lives of those who live for them miserable.

A human prize created by a human committee based on the will of a human who established it to atone for a better method of killing people should not cause people such agony. And yet, in many ways, the prizes reflect all that is good and bad about human nature. The physicist Phillip Lenard later turned out to be a Nazi who denounced Einstein and his relativity. The celebrated Werner Heisenberg wasnt a Nazi, but he controversially participated in work toward an atomic weapon in Germany during the war. Fritz Haber made an even more damning pact with the devil. Haber and his collaborator Carl Bosch kept alive, by one measure, one third of the worlds population by inventing a process to manufacture ammonia for fertilizers from nitrogen in the air. Haber won the Nobel Prize for chemistry in 1918, right after he had spent the First World War inventing chemical weapons that led to the deaths of tens of thousands. Antonio Moniz who won the prize in medicine in 1949 pioneered the highly controversial procedure of lobotomy which, even though it seemed like a good idea then, incapacitated thousands. And William Shockley who co-invented the transistor and inaugurated Silicon Valley later became infamous for promoting racist theories of intelligence. The moral landscape of Nobelists even in science is ambiguous, so one can imagine how much worse it would be and in fact is in areas like peace and economics.

There are also all the other human problems which have been highlighted with the prizes. The ratio of those who deserved the award but did not get it to those who did must be at least a hundred to one, although its at least possible to make an honest argument that those who did get it largely deserved to. Some spurned candidates have taken it in their stride and jest about it. The astronomer Jocelyn Bell-Burnell should have received the prize for the discovery of pulsars  rotating neutron stars; instead only her PhD advisor Anthony Hewish shared it. But Bell-Burnell has taken the fifty-year controversy in good humor, joking that its better that people ask her why she didnt win it than why she did. The fallout from the controversy might have affected more than just Bell-Burnell: the astrophysicist Fred Hoyle who deserved a share of the 1983 prize for his groundbreaking work deciphering the synthesis of the elements in stars was sidelined, and some think it might have been for his vigorous public advocacy of Bell-Burnell.

Most egregious is the three-person rule which prevents many other worthy individuals from getting the prize almost every year. In one case, just like the chemist who was complaining to my advisor, one bitter scientist who felt especially ignored for the lack of recognition of his work on MRI took out a full-page advertisement in the New York Times protesting the omission. Even otherwise world-renowned scientists are not immune to wanting even more recognition. Robert Burns Woodward, by a very broad consensus the greatest organic chemist of the 20th century, wrote a remarkable letter to the Nobel committee protesting the chemistry prize in 1973 which was published in The Times of London, telling them that they had committed a grievous error by not including him among the winners; Woodward in fact had already won the prize in 1965 for his seminal contributions to the synthesis of complex organic substances like chlorophyll, and he would have undoubtedly won another one in 1981 with Roald Hoffmann had he not died the year before.

There is also a pronounced lack of women winning the prizes, especially in physics which has not seen a woman win for fifty years. While disappointing, to some extent this is not surprising since women havent been represented in higher physics education and the physics workforce because of systematic barriers; Princeton University did not admit female physics students in its astronomy graduate programs until the 1960s; the problem really should be addressed at a much lower level. Fortunately there have been an increasing number of women in physics and other sciences in the last twenty years, so hopefully in a few years we should start seeing women represented in the list. The prizes have also been overwhelmingly won by scientists from the United States and Europe: this fact is even less surprising since these countries are where most pioneering scientific research after the Second World War has taken place. The only Asian country which has been well represented has been Japan, and the Japanese have progressed in science and technology after their virtual destruction in World War 2 at breakneck speed. Chinese, Indian and other scientists have won a few of the prizes, but its always been for work done in the United States or Europe. Its noteworthy therefore that three years ago, Tu Youyou became the first Chinese scientist and woman who won a Nobel Prize for work done in China; she won for the discovery of the antimalarial drug artemisinin. If China, India and other countries pour money into their scientific institutions and train the next generation of scientists, if they bring the same spirit of adventure, risk-taking and perseverance that has animated scientists in the United States and Europe, its inevitable that they will start producing Nobel-quality research within a few decades.

The history of the Nobel Prizes also offers an interesting window on changing developments in science. For me, the most promising insight they offer is of science as a tool-driven rather than as an idea-driven revolution. If you ask most of the public who their favorite scientists are, they are likely to be theoretical scientists like Einstein, Newton, Galileo and Hawking. And yet, as brilliant as these scientists work is, the actual work of uncovering new facts is done by experimentalists and not theorists, and yet the popular conception of science is biased toward theorists. For instance, lets consider Nobel Prizes in physics where the demarcation between theory and experiment is well defined. By my count, among the 73 prizes awarded since the end of the war, no less than 27 have been awarded for new techniques; these include bubble chambers, laser spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy, all of which have revolutionized many branches of physics. Science develops through both new tools and both ideas, but the image of science in the public mind is rather skewed and consists of singular minds coming up with great ideas. The truth is both more mundane and more important; experimentalists are the ones who actually find new things, while theorists are the ones who predict or explain them. You seldom get a Nobel Prize for explanation. You can get one for prediction, but as Niels Bohr rightly said, prediction is very difficult, especially about the future, so there have been very few genuinely groundbreaking predictions even in physics that were later verified by experiments. Paul Diracs prediction of antiparticles stands out as being especially remarkable, although it might have exaggerated the role that beauty and elegance play in theoretical ideas and set up an entire generation in physics for believing that truth equals beauty. In chemistry and medicine its far easier to accept the idea of science as a tool-driven revolution, partly because most chemical and biological systems are too complex to be reduced to first-principles explanations the way they can be in physics.

The image of singular minds also leads to the other big misconception regarding Nobel Prizes and science in general; the belief that lone geniuses do most of whats important in science. In a trivial sense this has always been false since nobody invents or discovers something from scratch and everybody stands on the shoulders of giants. But its also becoming false in a big way, and tool-driven revolutions in science are largely responsible for the increasingly gaping discrepancy. The Higgs boson which was recognized a few years ago came out of the minds of at least six people, but its discovery was enabled by hundreds working at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in Geneva. Similarly, the discovery of gravitational waves for which three physicists were rightly awarded the prize last year was made possible using giant detectors that were constructed, operated and maintained by hundreds of researchers. Research now also spans multiple disciplines, and many important discoveries will not fit cleanly within the categories of physics or chemistry unless the definition of the disciplines themselves is expanded. Clearly there was no way Alfred Nobel and his contemporaries could have seen this evolution of science into a highly interdisciplinary endeavor collectively practiced by hundreds of people from different countries. And yet even in 2018 the prizes seem to be stuck in Nobels time. To keep the prizes relevant, it is imperative that they be expanded to honor entire teams spread across many fields. Perhaps a compromise would be to go the way of the much maligned peace prize, where both individuals and entire groups are recognized in the same year; the prize awarded to Al Gore and the IPCC for climate change would be a good example.

At the same time, I am also troubled by some who seem to take the other extreme position of saying that individuals should never be awarded the prize. This seems to me to be a kind of postmodern position that is driven more by communal ideology than facts. One of the signature features of scientific research is its diversity. Science may be done by large teams, but it will continue equally to be done by lone individuals. Even though they may stand on the shoulders of giants, singular minds like Einstein and Pauling do occasionally come along who see much further than anyone before. I certainly do not think Peter Higgs shouldnt have been awarded the prize; I simply think that the LHC collaboration of scientists, engineers and technicians should also have been recognized.

Ultimately the Nobel Prize is a human institution, and like Thomas Jefferson, it embodies both glory and folly. To some this may make it imperfect and unworthy of recognition, but to me, the fact that the prize embodies the same complexity that makes humans so human is exactly what makes it so special, and worth celebrating.
by Thomas ODwyer

Drumcliffe churchyard lies in the shadow of a flat-topped mountain, in the western Irish countryside of Sligo county, on the Atlantic coast. There are remains of a round tower and a carved Celtic high cross. It would be the perfect resting place for a countrys greatest poet  especially if the poet himself had chosen it.

Bury me up there on the mountain, Roquebrune, W.B. Yeats wrote to his wife Georgie before his death in France in 1939. And then, after a year or so, after the newspapers have forgotten, plant me in Sligo. The poet died in the Hotel Ideal Sejour in the nearby town of Menton. His funeral cortege did indeed wind up a narrow hill to where Roquebrune cemetery looks out over the Mediterranean. But then came World War II, and the repatriation of the remains of one Irish poet was unlikely to be a priority for the Nazi-occupied French, or anybody else.

Seventy years ago this autumn, this last wish of Irelands first Nobel Prize winner was finally fulfilled. His family and proud countrymen brought him home for a splendid state funeral in his beloved Sligo. Yeats had written of his desired resting place before his death in one of his last poems, Under Ben Bulben. Under bare Ben Bulbens head / In Drumcliffe churchyard Yeats is laid, / An ancestor was rector there / Long years ago; a church stands near, / By the road an ancient Cross. For good measure, he added an epitaph, the same one carved on his tombstone. In 1948, on a typical Irish September day, half sunshine and half rain, W.B. Yeats was laid in his chosen place to rest in peace forever.

Or was he?

Even then, there were whispers that the devious French had tricked the Irish and sent them a box of random bones unconnected to the national poet. Whoever lay in Drumcliffe churchyard, they said, it was not William Butler Yeats. The box of bones became a can of worms nobody wanted to open and the rumours faded. Irish schoolchildren recited Under Ben Bulban, and Sligo happily pinned itself to the world map of literary tourism.

The tales of any Irish hero were moulded into a mythology that fitted the cultural image of what was a new state, but an ancient Celtic nation. The returned W.B. completed a mythic circle and he joined the pantheon headed by his hero Chuculainn, Irelands Hercules. Have not old writers said that dizzy dreams can spring from the dry bones of the dead? a character says in his play, The Dreaming of the Bones. The romantic and mystical Nobel laureate was the perfect literary myth. His image was an icon  handsome, aristocratic and serious, one that could become a Halloween costume. George Moore, a literary rival of the young poet, wrote a description of him. Yeats was striding to and fro at the back of the dress circle, a long black cloak drooping from his shoulders, a soft black sombrero on his head, voluminous black silk tie flowing from his collar, loose black trousers dragging untidily over his long, heavy feet. His hair was black and his skin white.

His life, of course, was that of a poet. There was youthful struggle and depression and hopeless love for an unattainable muse, Maud Gonne, who inspired him. Then came slow recognition of his genius, co-founding of the national Abbey Theatre, marriage to a good woman, the Nobel Prize, and respectability as a Senator of Ireland. National myths do not invite scrutiny and heroes do not do fare well under a microscope. Tour guides, school teachers and state cultural centres like to keep the narrative simple and noble. But, there are also pesky academics, historians, journalists, and busybodies who insist on picking at the scabs of legends with their pens. What about the real Yeats? they ask, with annoying persistence. What about the arrogant snob, the fascist sympathiser, the lifelong womaniser, the dabbler in the idiotic arts  seances, Theosophy, automatic writing? And didnt Maud Gonne call him Silly Willy? And by the way, exactly what is buried under bare Ben Bulbens head  a bare-faced lie, perhaps?

Eoin the Pope OMahony was a well known Irish lawyer, broadcaster and raconteur who attended the Yeats funeral in Sligo. In an interview before his death in 1970, he recalled the rumours that were circulating. Asked if he thought the French had deceived the Irish and sent someone elses bones, he responded: I could well believe it. The French wanted Yeats corpse as a tourist attraction and they were determined the corpse would never go. Once the French have something, they never give it up. The confusion over the remains of the poet began not long after his first burial. There was fighting and bombing close to the Roquebrune cemetery, destroying many burial records and graves. Yeats last lover, Edith Shakleton, said that she had visited his burial site. She learned that Yeats, and many others, had been moved to a paupers graveyard during the fighting. All bones were later dug up and placed in a communal ossuary. In a further complication, Mrs. Georgie Yeats thought she had bought a 10-year lease on the grave. Instead, it was a five-year one.

In 2015, the 150th anniversary of the poets birth, The Irish Times dramatically uncovered the sequence of events in France. It released contemporary documents which the French Foreign Ministry gave to the Irish Embassy in Paris in June of that year. These were the private archives of French diplomat Jacques Camille, and they seemed to point conclusively to a Yeats coffin that contained no Yeats. An editorial in the newspaper wearily accepted the evidence. The revelations in the French diplomatic correspondence seem to confirm that the bones sent back to Ireland in 1948 were not the poets. It blamed the local French authorities in Roquebrune for the debacle. Yet it suggested that the sad news was irrelevant, for the heart, soul and poetry of Yeats belonged only to his native county. In the natural grandeur of Sligo, the poet found an inspiration that lit up his verse with a burning flame, it said. A British Yeats scholar commented that the grave is a shrine, and shrines are about stones, not bones. Their symbolic significance designedly outlives human remains.

Before the W.B. Yeats coffin had left France, the poets friends knew the remains had been scattered into an ossuary in 1946 and advised his widow Georgie against the repatriation. But the tectonic plates of Irish politics were already carrying the issue forward. Literary figures had been sniping occasionally at Irish leader Eamonn de Valera for failing to bring the Nobel laureate home. In 1948, de Valeras government collapsed. It was replaced by an inter-party coalition, led by John Costello, and with Sean McBride as foreign minister. McBride was none other than the son of Maud Gonne, the woman and personal muse whom Yeats had loved all his life, but who had turned down his many proposals. McBrides father John, Mauds husband, had been executed for his part in the 1916 Easter Rising against the British. In his poem Easter 1916, Yeats ungraciously described his rival John McBride as A drunken, vainglorious lout. / He had done most bitter wrong / To some who are near my heart  a reference to some gossip that McBride had abused Maud. But the poem does go on to praise John McBrides heroism as a rebel leader: He, too, has been changed in his turn, / Transformed utterly: / A terrible beauty is born.

The young McBride saw a chance to undercut de Valera, whom he disliked, by bringing Yeats back to Ireland in a blaze of national pride. He planned a magnificent funeral that would also link his mothers name forever with the poet. The Yeats family, all de Valera loyalists, were not at all happy with these strands of McBrides agenda. There was an intense mutual dislike between the widow Georgie and the muse Maud. In September 2018, the Irish broadcaster RTE aired a radio documentary to commemorate the repatriation and Drumcliffe funeral of W.B. Yeats. The presenter, John Bowman, broadcast rare archive recordings of the event and of those who attended. One of these was the rakish OMahoney, who was at the dockside in Galway harbour when the remains arrived.

The dream of the McBrideite section of the Cabinet who favoured a state funeral was that an Irish naval corvette was to go through the Straits of Gibraltar and past Toulon, and collect the body, and come back, OMahoney recalled. Now they were to come direct to Sligo, the remains were to come direct to Sligo. The Yeats family intimated that they would not tolerate this. There had to be a state service at St. Patricks Cathedral [in Dublin], and then a magnificent donkey derby across Ireland and interment in Sligo. Mrs. Yeats put her foot down, along with [brother] Jack Yeats, who was very pro-DeValera; they prohibited it. They said that Yeats belonged to Sligo, he did not belong to Dublin (although he did). The remains were to go to Sligo direct by boat, and then the Sligo Corporation were to do what they liked with him  he was Sligos property. OMahoney paused, claiming he would now reveal a state secret. Im telling state secrets, which I elicited at a Patricks Day banquet in St. Louis. The Irish Navy, if you please, certified that there was not sufficient draft in Sligo harbour for the empty boat to come in. Such a terrible slur on the Irish ports I never heard and I asked a distinguished naval officer if this was true, and he told me it was. They, the plotters and planners, were determined that the corpse would not come to Sligo, to spite Mrs. Yeats. And they certified that there was insufficient draft.  So the anti-McBride-ites and the Yeats-ites had to give in, and the compromise then was Galway harbour.

Despite the background sniping and intrigue, the 130-km-drive of the cortege from Galway to Sligo and the interment in Drumcliffe churchyard was a moving national event. A joyful occasion, OMahoney declared. I cant imagine any greater funeral in Ireland except for [Charles Stuart] Parnell and Michael Collins. When we reached the county border of Sligo, we were met by the mayor, and the mayor simply said, William Butler Yeats, welcome to Sligo. In the RTE documentary, a reporter broadcast from the town: Led by a pipers band playing a lament, the cortege moved into the town of Sligo  Yeatstown  and took over an hour to pass through the streets lined with crowds, all shops closed and shuttered, all work at a standstill. Government officials, family and friends of Yeats, and celebrities from Irelands literary and artistic elites were there. They included the directors of the Abbey Theatre, which Yeats had co-founded in Dublin with his friend and patron, Lady Augusta Gregory. But it was clear that Yeats was loved and admired by all his countrymen and women.

The plain people of Ireland, God bless them, crowded around, looking on, said OMahoney. Looking on. They wouldnt come into the Protestant cemetery, dyou see. They were on the ditch all around, and they said a decade of the [Catholic] rosary for the repose of his soul. And Im sure on the other side of the thunder, he felt that was as great a tribute as he could have got. And then, we interred him, and it was all over.

The documentary made a brief mention of the controversy of the bones. Theres a further twist to the story, said Bowman. It is now contended that the remains which came back from France may not have been those of Yeats at all. The 2015 French documents are powerful evidence that the bones gathered in Roquebrune were a haphazard collection. Bernard Cailloux, the French diplomat, went there to locate Yeats missing remains in March 1948. He wrote that it was impossible to return the full and authentic remains of Mr. Yeats. A local sworn pathologist, Dr. Rebouillat, was asked to reconstitute a skeleton presenting all the characteristics of the deceased.

Bowmans passing mention of the controversy on the funeral anniversary is typical of the attitude in Ireland. The Yeats family, the establishment, and the Sligo tourism industry would rather keep their hands over their ears than hear any new facts. One visiting lecturer on the subject in Sligo was angrily attacked in a local newspaper headline: Who is this man and why is he trying to destroy our tourist industry?  even though the lecturer said all his information came from exhibits at Sligo Museum. Of course, the obvious answer to any questions about the Yeats remains is now at hand  DNA analysis. Irish officials shudder at the mere mention of DNA, wrote Lara Marlowe, in the Irish Times report on the French documents. It will never happen.

Yeats family descendants still stand by a detailed 7-point letter the poets son and daughter wrote to the Times in October 1988. They utterly refuted any idea that the body in Drumcliffe was not Yeats. After detailing strict measures they took to bring the correct body to Ireland, the letter concludes: There is indeed nothing to discuss, since we are satisfied beyond doubt that our fathers body is indeed buried in Drumcliffe churchyard. When the Times contacted Caitriona Yeats, the poets granddaughter and closest surviving relative, about the 2015 French documents, she declined to comment. She again referred the reporter to the 1988 letter. Hands over ears, and la-la-la-la, indeed.

At the 1948 Sligo funeral, the towns mayor said: Today, we have fulfilled the express desires of W.B. Yeats, that he might rest in the shelter of Ben Bulben  Let the epitaph he wrote now be inscribed on stone. Cast a cold Eye on Life, on Death. Horseman, pass by. Perhaps the time has come to amend those famous enigmatic lines:

Horseman, pass by. Nothing to see here.
by Adele A Wilby

As the first African American president of the United States (US), Barack Obama is a uniquely historical personality. Each of us has our opinions, or will formulate opinions, as to the success or limitations of his eight years in office as a Democratic president from 2009-2017, and as to the person who is Obama. Helping us in the formulation of our views on Obama and his presidency, is Ben Rhodes book, The World As It Is: Inside the Obama White House.

Rhodes autobiography operates on two levels of analysis. On the one hand, Rhodes tells the story of his journey to becoming Obamas Deputy National Security Advisor and speech writer, amongst other positions, and the impact this experience had on his personal development. Plucked from relative obscurity while working in the offices of the Woodrow Wilson International Centre in 2007, Rhodes narrates the challenges, and indeed sacrifices, required of the individual who assumes such an important position in a presidents trusted inner circle. In particular, Rhodes story of his work with Obama highlights how, as a speech writer, he was an important figure in communicating Obamas thoughts and policies to a national and global audience, and his book can be seen as a continuation of that role.

Arguably however, the more significant aspect of Rhodes experience was the opportunity his position afforded him to observe the workings, thinking and character of the decision-maker of US foreign and domestic policy, Barack Obama. Consequently, Rhodes provides us with deeper insights into the nuanced thinking and administrative style of Obama. Thus, his book makes an important contribution to many academic disciplines, and furthers our understanding of the personal and political dynamics that underpinned US foreign and domestic decision-making when Obama was at the helm of the US political establishment.

Rhodes accepts it was an honor for him to have had access and the experience of working for Obama throughout the two terms of his presidency, but once we get past his obvious respect for the president,it becomes clear Rhodes is narrating the history of an extra-ordinary presidency. Assuming the office of President of the United States automatically guarantees the occupier of the office a place in American history, but as the first African American president in US history, it is a tragedy for a man of the calibre of Obama and a disgraceful blight on the US political system that his presidency was tainted by the ignorance of racism, and was an issue for him throughout his presidency.

With Barack Obamas assumption to office as the first African American and the forty-fourth president of the United States in 2008, a sense of an historical moment swept through wide sections of the American populace, and indeed throughout the global population. Hope was the word widely used to describe what Obamas assumption to office meant for so many people; hope of an improvement in inter-racial relations within the US, and indeed across the globe, and that race and skin color could be relegated as secondary issues to the qualities of an individual. But as we learn from Rhodes, some of this hope was dissipated from within the highest levels of US politics. As Rhodes (2018:257) says: racism was a constant presence and absence in the Obama White House. We didnt talk about it much. We didnt need to  it was always there, everywhere, like a white noise. He then proceeds to narrate the various examples of subtle and explicit expressions of racism to which Obama was subjected to through the media, in personal slights, in challenging the origin of his birth, and probably many as yet unpublished incidents.

While racism at the individual level is damaging and offensive enough to the subject of the abuse, it assumes a different dimension when it underpins an obstructionist strategy to prevent the passage of legislation aimed at the social well-being of US citizens and the functioning of government, and the implementation of US foreign policy, as was the case with the Republican representatives in Congress throughout Obamas presidency. Although Obama never talked about the issue, and was above making himself a victim, in moments of dark humor and practicing answers to a topic, Rhodes (2018: 258) tells us, Obama, when asked if he thought the opposition he faced was about race, shot back, yes!! Of course

It is to the credit and calibre of Obama that he never revealed and refused to be distracted by racist comments and behaviour, and got on with his job of being President of the United States, and leader of the free world. There were, however, windows of opportunity within the wall of racism he confronted when he was able to push through his policies and get legislated Bills that benefitted large sections of the US population. Thus, for example, the Affordable Care Act of 2010 provided millions of low income Americans with medical insurance, and this was made possible in the early years of his Presidency when he had a majority Democratic Congress to work with. Likewise, his economic strategy laid the foundations to kick start the US economy consequent to the 2008 global economic crisis, and, ultimately, in the longer term, contributed to a fall in US unemployment figures.

In terms of international relations, Rhodes makes clear that Obama pursued US national interests on foreign policy issues, while at the same time being committed to the international order. But we also learn from Rhodes that in the process of handling foreign policy issues such as Iran, Bin Laden, Egypt, Libya, Syria, and the Middle East, Obama had become more reflective on the potential of US military intervention to effect real change in conflict contexts in regions throughout the world, particularly the Middle East, and this was present in his thinking during the Syrian crisis of 2012.

Reports that the Syrian regime was preparing to use chemical weapons against the opposition became a cause of serious global concern, prompting Obama to issue a warning to the regime that the world and the US were watching, and the Syrian leaders would be held accountable by the international community and the US if they were found to be using chemical weapons. In response to a question on what would lead to US military intervention in Syria, Obama responded that the red line for the US would be knowledge that chemical weapons had been utilized. Thus, in late 2012 the reports of a small scale chemical weapons usage by the Syrian regime, and in view of Obamas red line the international community expected a robust US military retaliation. Obama, as leader of the western liberal world, came under considerable pressure to respond to Syrias clear violation of international law on the use of chemical weapons. However, as Rhodes reveals, mobilizing a consensus on military strikes against Syria was fraught with difficulties both from within the Republican Congress, and from allies such as the United Kingdom.

Within a political context of both friends and enemies within and outside government, it is not surprising that Obama pursued wide-ranging opinions before making a final decision to commit the US to another theatre of war in Syria. Thus, we learn from Rhodes that Obama resorted to his practice of wide consultation with advisors and experts on the issues involved, and personally reflected, prior to announcing the nature of the US response. Obama, Rhodes comments, has a trait that I would witness thousands of times in the years to come. He likes to call on just about everyone in the room. A comforting thought to know that crucial decisions were not made in haste, but after much consideration, and deliberation, quite a contrast to the rogue Twitter tweets tapped out by the incumbent president Trump. However, an Obama process is not without its problems; it can result in delays in decision-making, giving rise to allegations of Obama as being weak, a view that Obama categorically rejected. Responding to a journalists criticisms that Obama should get on and decide on expanding the number of troops in Afghanistan, Obama says, why is this whole thing framed around whether I have balls. (Rhodes 2018:76) But Rhodes reveals that there was, in the case of deciding on the response to the Syrian crisis, another consideration at play in Obamas thinking at this stage of his presidency: an aspiration to break the cycle of US military intervention in areas of conflict as the solution to intractable and complex problems, when in his view, the US had achieved little impact on shaping the politics of the region. Thus, with the failure of US intervention to achieve outright success in Iraq and Afghanistan, intervention in Libya, and in other areas of the Middle East, a reflective Obama was aware of the potential for the US to become deeply embroiled in another theatre of military conflict in Syria. However, the delay in decision-making in this instance worked in Obamas favor and opened up the possibility for diplomatic measures to resolve the crisis. Hence, with his consultative style, personal reflection, diplomatic tactics, and with a longer-term vision concerning US military involvement in the Middle East, he was able to achieve a reduction in Syrias chemical weapons, while keeping the US out of the conflict.

Obamas decisions on Syria came in the early stages of his second term of office, and it is during those last years of his presidency that we observe more explicit examples of the calibre of Obama, particularly in the final two years. Obamas longer term vision of US foreign policy, his promotion of US national interests, a multilateral actor committed to the international order and welfare of the global community are at work when he accedes the US to the 2015 Paris Agreement, a universal and legally binding agreement signed up to by 195 countries on climate. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)of 2015, aimed at constraining Irans aspirations to become a nuclear power, and a step towards the international objective of denuclearization, became another piece in his presidential legacy. His decision to establish deeper relations with Cuba after decades of tension and hostility between the two states, was also a major foreign relations achievement for Obama, and the US.

However, as Obamas term of office drew to a close, and during the 2016 presidential election, the vitriol against his presidency and his foreign and domestic policies became the focal point for presidential candidate Trump. Since assuming office, Trump has relentlessly criticized and sought to undermine and reverse the political legacy of Obama with such single-mindedness we can only conclude that his racism spills over to an intolerance of a relatively successful and popular African American president at home, and a widely respected leader on the international stage. Consequently, legislation aimed at the social welfare of American citizens such as the Affordable Care Act has come under assault, as opposed to Trump seeking to remedy its flaws; he has withdrawn the US from the globally agreed Paris Agreement, and refused to sign up the US to the JCPOA, dismantling the policy pillars upon which Obamas political legacy was built.

Rhodes raises the question of how, given the revival of the domestic economy and the social policy Obama introduced whilst in office, the election of Trump as president of the US could have come into being. When reflecting on Trumps electoral victory and the emergence of nationalism within the US, Obama too began to question whether he was wrong on many issues during his presidency, or if in fact, the election of Trump was another racist expression of opposition to an African American president. He comments to Rhodes (2018: xvii), sometimes I wonder whether I was ten or twenty years too early. However, while Trumps global reputation is sullied by his economic nationalism, isolationist policies, divisive racist politics, his style of communication, and his personal and moral integrity open to doubt, Obamas calibre and character remains unblemished, and he continues to enjoy widespread popular support, and is warmly welcomed to which ever country he travels throughout the world.

Negotiating the politics of the White House, as Rhodes reveals, requires considerable political acumen; negotiating the politics of the White House with the addition of racism to contend with requires even greater political sagacity, and indeed, for the ability to survive such an atmosphere requires even greater calibre and character. But, it is in the final years of his presidency when, unburdened of the fear of being a one-term president and without future presidential elections to be concerned with, we see the calibre of Obama flourish, and this was most poignantly exemplified in his presence and delivery of the eulogy at the Charleston Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in June 2015, for the victims of a white supremacist racist attack at Charleston nine days earlier, killing nine people. At that event Obama was able to be both an African American as he spoke to the friends and relatives of the deceased, and, as the president of the US, appeal for national unity. The eulogy included direct reference to the issues of racism, discrimination, gun control, religion, and poverty, issues many of us would have liked to have heard more about from him in his earlier years in office. Nevertheless, listening and watching that event there was no need for Obama to trouble himself by pondering his relevance as to whether in fact he had made a difference to the world and peoples lives, if in fact he was ten or twenty years too early. As Rhodes book clarifies, for millions in the US and throughout the world, Obama was the right man, at the right place, at the right time, but then that was the world as it was, in the world as it is.
by Pranab Bardhan

My last column was about populism. One group populists invariably dislike are the liberalsthe despised L-word in American politics. Some of the same people are often despised also by the Left all over the world as neo-liberals. It is not always easy to know who the latter are, as the word is used in different senses by different critics. Of course, keeping the term ill-defined and coarse serves the critics, as larger targets always make shooting practice easier.

Does neo-liberalism stand for market fundamentalism? Except for some cranks, there are not that many of strict market fundamentalists in intellectual circles or among political leaders. If Milton Friedman and Friedrich Hayek are considered the economist high-priests of neo-liberalism, it is important to remember that Friedman advocated a substantial negative income tax for the poor and Hayek talked about a basic floor income for everybody undergirding his version of the liberal economy. In politics neither Margaret Thatcher nor Ronald Reagan could (or even really attempted to) get rid of a significant welfare state and social security.

Sometimes my leftist friends dislike neo-liberalism because it is pro-capitalist. But they are often friendly with Keynesians. After all Keynes, while showing the limitations of market mechanism in solving the problem of mass unemployment, was essentially pro-capitalist in his role as savior of capitalism, and openly dismissive (unduly so) of Marx. The Class War, he once wrote, will find me on the side of the educated bourgeoisie. Keynes was not neo-liberal, was he?

Matters are made even more complicated by many public policy thinkers who are pro-market, but not necessarily pro-business. This tradition actually goes back to Adam Smith. There are many passages in the Wealth of Nations that can be interpreted as being in favor of free markets but definitely against prone-to-collude business magnates.

Then there is a large number of economists who think that the market mechanism needs to be substantially modified and curbed when it generates spillover effects (for example, negative ones in the form of environmental degradation); and while they generally support capitalism as a possibly flawed production system but better than the oft-suggested alternatives to capitalism which have so far not turned out to be viable on a large enough scale or for a long enough period, they want to reduce the harshness, inequity, and instability of capitalism through government-sponsored social-protective and redistributive transfers and macro-stabilization measures. Are these people neo-liberal, as they support markets and capitalism to a large extent?

Giving up for now on the elusive definition of neo-liberalism, it is probably correct to say that most critics of neo-liberalism associate it with a range of public policies of liberalization (including domestic and global integration), deregulation and privatization. Well comment on the positive as well as negative aspects of these policies.

One unifying element in the belief system of liberals, neo or not, is that of faith in the positive effects of competition, both political and economic, in opposition to concentrated power, and this is the thread that will run through our discussion in this article. Political competition relates significantly to effective electoral competition and associated political contests between parties or groups on competing ideas and policies in and out of legislative chambers of deliberation. In contrast, both in Leninist systems of party rule (as, say in todays China) and in Gandhian ideology the emphasis is on consensus, and the necessary adversarial relation between the ruling party and the opposition in liberal systems is looked down upon as divisive or worse. Consensus in Leninist parties (democratic centralism), or in traditional village councils of Gandhian vision, or even inside a family (usually patriarchal) is, of course, not without its authoritarian features.

Competition and adversarial relations between political groups actually make detection of mistakes or abuse of power by leaders, and hence their correction, somewhat easier. On the other hand, competition can sometimes degenerate into a race to the bottom (as, for example in the competitive pandering of the electorate in many democracies particularly before elections). This is apart from the various paradoxes in political science associated with the aggregate outcomes of individual voting.

Well spend a bit more time on economic competition, because that may be the salient feature of so-called neo-liberal policies. These policies essentially are meant to ensure more competition among domestic firms and between domestic and foreign firms with the opening of international trade and investment. Deregulation aimed at reducing various government-imposed barriers to entry and exit is also supposed to increase economic competition.

The easiest way to understand the advantages of such economic competition is to look at cases, some of them in the recent past of many developing and state-socialist countries, when competition was blocked. In the regimes of government dispensed permits, licenses and controls some firms acquired effective quasi-monopoly rights which led to high prices and shoddy quality. Restrictions on global competition blocking imports and foreign investment led to denied access to better-quality foreign and new inputs and technology. Over the last four decades Chinese state socialists, unlike their counterparts in the erstwhile Soviet Union, caught on to this fast and rode the chariot of globalization in launching massive programs of labor-intensive industrialization, technology upgrading and poverty reduction. In both trade and foreign investment policy China has been more neo-liberal than, say, India.

But the Chinese case (like the earlier successful cases of Japan, South Korea and Taiwan) also showed that selective liberalization with active guiding and helping role of an effective state in industrial policy was the key. Just increasing economic competition (as tried in some Latin American and African cases) was nowhere near enough. But market competition did play a significant role even in the state-guided cases. There is plenty of evidence now to show that market discipline (in East Asia mostly coming from the open export markets) makes the all-important difference between cases where industrial policy tends to succeed compared to cases where it fails.

One glaringly obvious downside of competition is that in the usual absence of level playing fields and with unequal initial endowments, some will win, often unfairly, and others will lose. The way out is not to block competition, but to try to correct for initial handicaps, for information failures (which, for example, deny essential credit to small firms with low collaterals), and in the case of inequality of outcomes, help building safety nets and generous assistance schemes for those who lose out. The Scandinavian countries have been among the most successful in combining market competition (including openness to globalization) with generous social insurance and labor market support (like re-training). Again the effectiveness of the Scandinavian state was an essential ingredient of success. Asking an ineffective and corrupt state to meddle with competition can make things much worse.

There are, of course, numerous cases of socially costly failures of market competition where state and other social actors have to intervene. An obvious example is the case of environmental degradation; another is the case when one entrepreneur cannot profitably expand operations unless others do the same (what economists call coordination failure); and yet another is when unregulated financial markets result in excessive risk-taking and systemic failure. There are also cases of dire macro-economic crises in developing countries brought on by full exposure to footloose international capital flowsthe case of what Dani Rodrik has called hyper-globalization. To be fair, many so-called neo-liberals who support free trade are not opposed to some restrictions on capital flowssand in the wheels of runaway financial capitalism(even the IMF now has provided some grudging support to such restrictions).

What about the large inequalities all over the world that the so-called neo-liberal policies are supposed to have fostered? If liberals believe in competition on level playing fields, they should be opposed to a great deal of inequality of opportunity. Besides, the empirical evidence on how much of increased inequality is due to market competition (like globalization) and how much due to advances in labor-saving technology and automation is not always clear, though both are likely to have some role. To the extent increasing concentration of corporate market power is responsible for increasing inequality (particularly through its effect in depressing wages and labor share of income), the liberal advocate of economic competition should be opposed to this to be consistent with their article of faith (as in the case of the pro-market but not necessarily pro-business liberals we have referred to before).

Similarly, liberals should be opposed to the regulatory capture in financial markets by the financial oligarchy or the rampant crony capitalism of many countries, just as in the political arena they should be opposed to the formidable barriers to political competition in the form of corporate lobbying and large contributions to campaign finance. So the liberal position, if consistently followed, should not be subject to Left strictures on these points. There is also a bit of an ironical twist in the position of those critics who advocate state intervention to supplant neo-liberal policies on grounds of such inequality and oligarchic tendencies, as if the state is above being captured by the same vested interests.

Liberals, as supporters of political democracy, should also in principle be generally supportive of proposals for economic democracy within the firm-for example, for significant worker representation in company governing boards, which at the moment mostly are answerable only to managers and share-holders. The evidence from German works councils on the positive effects of worker representation on productivity, particularly when the firm has profit-sharing and collective bargaining arrangements, suggests that this may not be always against the interests of corporate profits.

In the arena of political economy, however, the so-called neo-liberals (inspired by ideas propagated by economists belonging to the Chicago and Virginia Schools in the US) often castigate trade unions as rent-seeking special interests. They suggest that trade unions by organizing workers for collective bargaining (aimed at rent-sharing with the owners) in some sense interfere with the operation of untrammeled competition in the labor market. But in the real world of massive power of concentrated capital unorganized workers face such a grotesque asymmetry of power that organizing them into unions is often a relatively small step toward achieving some kind of countervailing power, and hence toward a bit of leveling of the playing field which a sincere liberal should not much object to. In any case in much of the world today unions have their backs to the wall. While corporate concentration is increasing, the influence of labor organizations in work sites is shrinking fastexamples are many all around the world, from the successful strike-breaking right-to-work movement pushed by employers in the American Rust Belt, to large numbers of contract laborers without benefits working side by side with regular workers in factories in India.

Another political-economy issue arises when liberals are criticized both by populists and by the Left for being too focused on procedural aspects of democracy and its imperfect representative institutions, and less on its direct participatory aspects. In particular, liberals are often found to be too comfortable with the dominance in policy-making of unelected technocrats insulated from the participatory processes. But on many complex issues of regulatory, monetary or financial policy one needs evidence- or knowledge-based governance and some insulation from day-to-day political pressures. Otherwise we are likely to be at the mercy of ignorant but arrogant antics of demagogues (like Trumps mercantilist trade wars to get jobs for American workers or Modis demonetization stunt in India to fight corruption).

One other aspect of competition we should pay attention to is its dynamic aspect. Uncompetitive oligarchic economies are usually also less innovative. In the long run innovations and productivity growth sustain high standards of living. But there is a trade-off between static and dynamic competition here, as a temporary suspension of competitionin the form of patents and copyrights which allow the innovator to get monopoly profits that are supposed to compensate for the initial research and development costs incurred in producing the innovationis called for, which is supported by many liberal economists. The World Trade Organization (WTO), for example, enforces a 20-year patent monopoly. Others consider these costs too high (kept high in WTO negotiations by expensive corporate lawyers hired by multinationals), with an adverse effect particularly in discouraging future innovations, as the latter depend on access to earlier innovations in advancing the frontier. In the US the patent system is now quite broken, with patent standards declining, and in some areas new products or processes (for example in software or business methods) are difficult to define precisely, giving rise to a minefield of litigations and a whole army of rapacious patent trolls which particularly harm small innovating firms. One should keep in mind other, possibly less costly, ways of encouraging innovations, other than private patents (like a pre-announced prize for a particular research direction, research grants, the state buying the patent and putting it in the public domain, helping development of open-source technology and open-access science journals, etc.).

The dynamic nature of competition in challenging incumbent firms is also being dampened, when todays giant firms with deep pockets often buy up the new start-ups with an innovative product and thus pre-empt potential competition. In any case these firms often enjoy the inherent advantages from big data feedback loops and network effects that are increasingly important in the technological field. There are also certain steady incremental innovations which arise in the process of production itself in the large firms (the Japanese call this kaizen). All together the relation between competition and innovations is getting more complex.

Another aspect of the so-called neo-liberal policies involves privatization. Here also the empirical evidence is mixed. First of all, turning a public monopoly into a private monopoly does not serve the cause either of efficiency or of liberalism.

Secondly, the general argument is that large public firms are often too big to fail and the near-certainty that they will be politically bailed out makes them lazy, inefficient and corrupt. But there are also too-big-to-fail private firms, and we know that supposedly efficient financial markets where the threat of takeovers is to discipline the bad-performing private firms often do not work so efficiently. In any case this disciplining is often carried out by shark-like but extremely myopic private-equity firms, who do not have the firms long-term health in mind. Privatization advocates often overlook that management matters more than ownership in efficiency, and the performance incentives and internal organization problems in managing large, necessarily bureaucratic, firms are similar between public and private firms.

Thirdly, large public utilities (say, in electricity or water or telecommunications) need to be carefully regulated, whether they are private or public. The problems of regulation in both, particularly with respect to pricing and quality of service, are quite complex, and the evidence on improvement with privatization is mixed.

Fourth, in many essential public services (say education or health) the arguments for public funding are much stronger than actual public provisioning of those services. People have thought about different ways of contracting out the actual provisioning to private or non-profit agencies. One problem of contracting out is that some elements of the desired quality of those services cannot be fully spelled out in the contracts (economists call this the problem of incomplete contracting). How do you make sure that the private contractor imparts certain civic qualities you may want through public education (or features like social integration that a society may value), or how to ensure a certain quality of humane treatment of prisoners in a private prison system?

Fifth, while the political manipulation of the running of public sector enterprises is a severe problem afflicting their efficiency in too many cases, the same problem can vitiate the privatization process as well (with sales to, or asset-stripping by, crony oligarchs, as we have seen in Russia, with disastrous effects on its economy and polity).

The privatization zealots also under-appreciate the indispensable role of long-term public investment in encouraging private investmentin building infrastructure, in carrying out basic research and extension, and in initiating or pump-priming some risky forms of innovations (as the history of technological progress in computers, pharmaceuticals, or energy even in the US amply illustrates).

All this suggests that market competition serves some important functions but they need to be regulated carefully, and the question often is about the capacity of the state to carry out such careful regulation, along with necessary promotion of public investment and welfare policies, and about the accountability processes that make the state answerable to the public.

An alternative to both the state and the market is the community, and there are many efficiency as well as equity reasons for turning to relatively small community organizations for both governance and production and distribution. But, like market and government failures, there are also many community failures. I shall try to write a future column on this important issue.

Finally, there are the problems of alienation and immorality involved in market processes that liberal economists often overlook. The problem of alienation, however, more often depends on the scale and nature of work organization and social interaction than on the market as such. This has remained largely unresolved in large firms both capitalist and state-socialist.

The immorality issue involved in the marketability of all kinds of goods or services has been vigorously debated between philosophers and economists. Without getting into that intricate debate here, my own belief is that tradability of certain things (like kidneys or votes, or what used to be part of local commons) can fundamentally impair the soft tissue of social relations and moral sensibility, no matter what it does for efficiency. There is also the general morale issue of the spirit of relentless competition eroding the intrinsic motivation of cooperation and social norms that are inherent or latent in most humans.

A deeper conflict in the conception of the individual may also be at stake in the general liberal advocacy of the market principle. In his recent book, On Human Nature (2017), the conservative philosopher Roger Scruton distinguishes between the liberal individual, self-possessed in her autonomous decisions, consent, contract, and trade, and the conservative individual who endows meaning to her life mainly through her identity in relation to a community with established traditions. If there is anything to this distinction the liberal needs to be careful in propagating her faith and exaggerating its supposedly universal applicability.

In this article we have thus tried to suggest the various positive aspects of liberalism particularly in its application of the principle of competition to the polity and the economy, without ignoring its severe pitfalls and ambiguities. So the neo-liberals, whoever they are, should be proud of their ideas sometimes (as in their fight against any form of concentration of power), and hesitant and skeptical at other times, and, of course, thoughtful and careful in their assertions at all times.
Aberdeen man announces intention to run for U.S. Senate

A former university professor and retired military man has announced his candidacy for U.S. Senate.
The Sandiganbayan has approved former senator Jose Jinggoy Estradas eight-day trip to Singapore where he will accompany his mother, former senator Loi Ejercito, who is scheduled to undergo a medical checkup in that country. Estrada and his mother flew to Singapore on Monday, Oct. 1. He is allowed by the anti-graft courts Fifth Division to travel until Oct. 8 as is required to report to the court five days of his return. He said his mother will spend most of her time at the Singapore Brain-Spine Nerves Center at Mount Elizabeth Hospital to meet a neurosurgeon named Dr. Pillay. The elder Ejercito has been diagnosed with severe compression deformity of the lumbar spine with vertebral body collapse. The Ombudsman has opposed the motion to travel of Estrada, claiming that he is a flight risk and that the Singapore travel is not an excuse for him to leave the country.But the court said it cannot deprive of Estradas right to travel abroad since his previous trips abroad were also allowed. For the reason stated therein and considering that the right to travel is a constitutional right which cannot be impaired except in cases provided for by law and that accused-movant Estrada has been previously granted travel abroad, the instant motion is granted, the Sandiganbayan said. The anti-graft court also said the P2.6-million travel bond Estrada posted when he traveled last year will guarantee his return to the country. Aside from plunder, Estrada also faces 11 counts of graft for allegedly pocketing some P183 million in kickbacks from his pork barrel allocations, which were coursed through bogus non-government organizations established by alleged pork barrel scam architect Janet Lim-Napoles. The court allowed Estrada to post bail worth P1.3 million in September 2017 and so he is currently enjoying his provisional liberty.
Technology continues to reshape how employers select and offer health care benefits to employees, putting access to information at our fingertips and creating a more seamless and interactive health care experience. At the same time, these advances may help employees become savvier users of health care, helping to simplify and personalize their journey toward health and, in the process, helping to curb costs for employers.

The revolution can be important to remember during open enrollment in the fall, when millions of Americans select or switch their health benefits for 2019. With that in mind, here are five tips employers in New Mexico should be aware of during open enrollment and year-round:
New Mexico software companies and economic development agencies are joining forces to attract more out-of-state business for local companies through a new industry-building initiative.

Led by the New Mexico Technology Council, the DART initiative has united about two dozen partners in a combined effort to brand the state as the best value in the U.S. for software development.

Were throwing the DART at the bulls-eye of industry business nationwide, said John Mierzwa, CEO of CNM Ingenuity Software Labs and a key DART leader. We want to create more jobs here, stop our talent brain drain and bring a lot more business to companies in New Mexico.

The partners have developed a five-year plan to develop collaborative ties among in-state businesses and public entities to jointly market New Mexicos comparative advantages across the U.S. Apart from winning more contract work for local companies, it aims to lure more talented developers to New Mexico to work here and establish or relocate businesses here, while also supporting local entrepreneurs in startup ventures.

Its the first such joint industry-building effort to target New Mexicos growing information technology sector. The partners will seek support from the Legislature next year to build marketing infrastructure, including a new website portal to provide a central gateway for out-of-state firms to learn about development opportunities here, connect with local companies and build business relationships. It will also connect in-state companies with one another, allowing them to seek contracts together or subcontract services among each other.

Were looking at the states New Mexico True and New Mexico Film campaigns as models for sales and marketing, Mierzwa said. Like NM True, well create a web portal as the front door where all software companies are listed. Well connect local companies up to facilitate in-state partnerships and subcontracting, and well amplify our marketing efforts for all New Mexico software firms.

Over time, those efforts could lead to creation of a formal software industry association, Mierza said.

For initiative partners like Albuquerque Economic Development, the strategy offers a new focus beyond recruiting companies to the state.

Weve worked to recruit businesses, but as far as we know, nobody has focused on attracting software contracts for local companies before, said Annemarie Henton, AED vice president of business development and marketing. In addition, companies need access to talent  thats their No. 1 concern  so well also focus on that. Worker mentality has changed so that people dont just move to new places for jobs, but for improved quality of life, and we have a lot to offer here.

The DART team has compiled an initial analysis of New Mexicos industry development and the opportunities and competitive advantages the state has on the national market.

About 9,000 people are currently employed as software professionals in public and private jobs around the state, nearly a third of them in software and app development. They generally earn about 94 percent more than average state salaries.

And employment opportunities are growing. The number of local software jobs jumped by 15 percent since 2014, compared with a 1.5 percent increase for all jobs in New Mexico.

About 100 private companies now operate around the state. Combined with public entities, the local software industry contributes about $874 million in annual economic activity, according to a state-by-state analysis by software.org.

The local talent pipeline is growing, with about 700 students graduating from New Mexico universities, colleges and programs every year in computer science, information systems and software development. That provides a strong foundation to seek contract work from businesses in other states. And given New Mexicos comparatively low labor costs, local firms have competitive advantages when bidding on work.

Software developers in Albuquerque earn about $90,000 on average, compared with $100,000 and up in most other cities. On average, developers can offer a 25 percent cost savings on salaries compared to almost everywhere else, Mierza said.

In higher cost cities, the savings are much greater, Mierzwa said. In San Francisco, average salaries are 58 percent more than in Albuquerque.

And the salary gap is growing. In general, the average wage for software developers in Albuquerque remained unchanged between 2016 and 2017. But it jumped by $19,000 in San Francisco and $13,000 in Miami during that same period.

Given the increasing cost of talent in other cities, the value proposition is much more affordable here, Henton said. We have a huge cost advantage compared with places like New York, San Francisco or Seattle.

The Dart initiative aims to channel those advantages into a cooperative branding effort to market New Mexico nationwide as a low-cost, high-quality option for software development.

For more information, visit dartnm.com or write to contact@dartnm.com.
Still-loyal shoppers are cheering the return of Coldwater Creek, the womens fashion retailer that recently reopened for business in ABQ Uptown.

This store represents an exciting opportunity to reconnect with longtime customers and allows us to introduce others to the new Coldwater Creek, Dave Walde, CEO of the company, said in a statement. The company closed more than 300 locations across the country after filing for bankruptcy in 2014. Coldwater Creek has since undergone new ownership and is inching its way back into the bricks-and-mortar world in selected markets where it previously did well.

The company said the new store at 2240 Q St. NE, Suite 10C, which is the former Bebe space, represents the next step in its plan to provide a seamless, technology-based shopping experience. A dedicated digital shopping area makes it easy for customers to shop Coldwater Creeks entire assortment online as well.

This year, a new Coldwater Creek store opened in Burlington, Mass., the companys first physical location in three years. The company also opened a new store in Oklahoma City. The companys retail expansion is continuing with the help of Chicago-based design firm RGLA Solutions, a leading retail design and architecture service firm known for creating compelling store environments, according to a news release. Coldwater Creek also will open stores this year in Kansas City and Houston.

Speaking of bricks and mortar

Have you heard about One Albuquerque: Engage, a monthly initiative to fill vacant buildings and promote public safety? The initiative encourages new businesses to move in while filling vacant buildings with temporary, pop-up-style attractions, and providing resources and support to local vendors using the spaces. The pop-ups will occur in Downtown on the first Friday of each month through the end of the year.

Focusing initially from First to Seventh NW on Central and Gold avenues, the city will partner with local building owners to enter into short-term leases of vacant spaces at a discount rate and fill them with a variety of arts, performance and shopping experiences provided by local artisans. The first location was at 505 Central Ave., next to Humble Coffee, and featured a Plant-Powered pop-up market of products that were 100 percent vegan-suitable.

Local vendors will be able to sign up for a pop-up business license with the city during the remaining events in November and December. The license will be free and valid for the rest of the year and will be approved through the citys Economic Development Department. This will make it easier for small businesses to get started without waiting for the variety of approvals that a long-term business registration currently requires.

For more details, call 505-768-3305.

Towers power Walmart e-commerce

Walmart now has four pickup towers in Albuquerque as part of its goal to provide new technologies to help customers save time.

The towers function like 16-foot-tall, high-tech vending machines and can fill a customers online order in seconds. To use one, shoppers simply choose from millions of items available on Walmart.com and select the Pickup option. When the item arrives at the store, an associate loads it into the pickup tower and customers retrieve it by scanning a bar code sent to their smartphone. Pickup towers dispense everything from beauty supplies to groceries, in less than a minute.

The four new devices are at 2701 Carlisle NE, 3500 Coors SW,10224 Coors Bypass NW and 2550 Coors NW.

Gee whiz! Beauty under one roof

The Shops at Gee Loretta! has a new tenant.

Frenchies Modern Nail Care is the latest addition to the retail center, at 10655 Montgomery NE, according to the nail franchise owner, whos now booking appointments.

With 30 years of engaging with our friends and neighbors at Gee Loretta!, Im excited to bring the Frenchies experience to Albuquerque, owner Laura Lopez said. We now have a one-stop shop for a girls day out, said Lopez, referring to the swanky new nail salon, which is also under the same roof where she operates a clothing boutique, jewelry store and shoe store.

What sets Frenchies apart? Its attention to hygiene and techniques that support healthy nail growth, said Lopez, who also owns a salsa business.

Please send me morsels of retail and restaurant news by email at ssinovic@abqjournal.com or phone at 823-3919.
Norman Bugg, the man known for transforming his Northeast Heights home into a spectacular Christmas display each winter, died Sunday at age 89.

For over 30 years, Bugg and his wife, Joyce, decorated their home with hundreds of thousands of lights, and dozens of whimsical scenes featuring animated characters, according to a news release compiled by family members. The Bugg house drew thousands of visitors and garnered national attention.

After a lawsuit filed by neighbors and the city, the display was moved to Budaghers, then the Menaul School, and finally the Harvey House museum in Belen.

Bugg was born March 17, 1929, in Canton, Ohio, and he served for 28 years in the Navy, retiring as a lieutenant commander in 1975 after two tours in Vietnam and service in the Korean War. Bugg is survived by his wife, four children and seven grandchildren.
We write to correct the ill-informed assumptions in your Sept. 24 editorial regarding a few legal decisions made by District Court Judge Charles Brown in Albuquerque. Specifically, your publication called him out for rejecting a factually deficient plea agreement for Jessica Kelly, and for following court rules and the New Mexico Constitution in regard to holding poor people in custody before trial.

Your editorial paints Judge Brown as going easy on criminals. That could not be further from the truth. Judge Brown is known for issuing very harsh and long sentences for criminals once they are found guilty. If there is a sentencing range, he most often gives convicted criminals the maximum sentence.

Fortunately for residents here in Albuquerque, what Judge Brown is also known for is following the law. All judges are supposed to interpret the laws of our land and ensure the statutes that the Legislature passes are followed and that the Constitutional rights of all individuals before the court are not violated. That is exactly what Judge Brown did in the cases cited in the editorial.

For instance, Rule 5-303 of the New Mexico Court Rules implemented by the New Mexico Supreme Court requires a judge be provided an adequate factual basis for someone entering a guilty plea. That is supposed to prevent people from pleading guilty to something they did not do under the law. The federal court rules require the same. Both of the rules are founded in the due process rights that protect all of us and that are mandated in our constitutions.

At the plea hearing for Kelly, Judge Brown was presented with facts that did not support the offense of first-degree child abuse, which requires Kelly had specific knowledge  not speculation  that a man who came into the apartment was going to murder Victoria Martens. The prosecutors office failed to present a legally sufficient plea agreement to the court. That was its job. Had Judge Brown accepted that guilty plea, it could have been withdrawn or found illegal upon appeal. Thus, by doing his job, Judge Brown saved a lot of taxpayer money, and a serious injustice.

In other claims, your editorial criticizes Judge Brown for following the New Mexico Constitutions bail provisions and releasing individuals pretrial. Everyone accused of a crime in New Mexico and in the United States is presumed innocent. As a community, we have made the thoughtful and correct decision that poor people should not be locked up while they await their trial just because they are poor, while wealthy people  who may be more dangerous  are able to post high bonds. Instead, we require that if the government wants to hold someone in custody prior to a finding of guilt, the prosecutor must put on evidence that the person is either a danger to the community or a flight risk. That is the prosecutors job, not the judges job.

What happens with the highly-touted pretrial releases of suspects in Albuquerque is that the prosecutor fails to do his or her job. That job isnt very hard  give the court sufficient evidence of dangerousness or flight risk. Then the court is able to hold the suspect under the law.

The prosecutor, the police and the media need to stop blaming judges when judges insist that law enforcement and the prosecutors follow the law. That is the job of judges in America. They protect everyones rights. Fortunately, we have some judges in this state, like Judge Brown, who have integrity and are still willing to do their constitutional job when prosecutors fail to their job.

We should be thoughtful and grateful when a judge honors the law and the constitutional rights we are so fortunate to have in our great country. When judges honor the law they are protecting the civil rights of not only the accused, but of everyone.
The state Court of Appeals took a major step forward last week in ensuring that state and local agencies that play games with public requests to inspect government records can be held accountable. And thats a major win for the public.

In a formal opinion issued last Monday, the Court of Appeals ruled that public agencies can be ordered to pay up to $100 per day for providing incomplete or inadequate responses to requests filed under the states Inspection of Public Records Act.

The Inspection of Public Records Act, also known as IPRA, makes clear that the public is entitled to the greatest amount of information possible about its government and guarantees everyone access to public records.

In its decision, the Appeals Court overturned a ruling by 2nd Judicial District Judge Shannon Bacon that plaintiff Marcy Britton, an animal welfare activist, was not entitled to statutory damages. Britton filed the records lawsuit against then-Attorney General Gary Kings office for withholding hundreds of documents.

Without a per-day penalty, the Court of Appeals wrote, there exists no incentive for a public body to do anything more than provide a perfunctory response to a request no matter how incomplete and inadequate.

The opinion was authored by Judge J. Miles Hanisee, and Judge Julie Vargas concurred. Chief Judge Linda Vanzi concurred with the ultimate result, though she authored a separate opinion setting forth an alternate legal analysis. The case has been remanded to District Court, which must now determine whether the AGs Offices failure to provide all records was unreasonable. If it determines it was, the court must award plaintiff damages up to $100 per day accruing from the date the district court determines the AGO was in noncompliance until it came into compliance.

Britton filed an IPRA request with the Attorney Generals Office on June 30, 2009, seeking communications between people associated with the AGs Animal Cruelty Task Force over the previous two years. She eventually received hundreds of records from the AGs Office, though she had been led to believe far more were available. Roughly two-and-a-half years later, she discovered that there were hundreds of additional records responsive to her request that were never turned over, and when the AGs Office ran a new search, it found at least 350 emails that should have been turned over to Britton but werent.

The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government filed a friend of the court brief urging the Appeals Court to side with Britton, writing that Bacons ruling encourages deceptive responses to IPRA requests and without a deterrent, like statutory damages, government entities have little incentive to behave openly and transparently by disclosing the existence of responsive documents.

This Appeals Court ruling is significant, and government officials throughout the state should take note and realize that playing games with IPRA requests could be incredibly costly. Among government entities that have learned this lesson the hard way are the city of Albuquerque, which earlier this year was ordered to pay more than $100,000 in penalties after a judge ruled it deliberately refused to follow the state public records law.

Attorney General Hector Balderas, meanwhile, is pledging to ask lawmakers to increase penalties for violations of IPRA and the Open Meetings Act. Balderas, who replaced King in January of 2015, cited Brittons case as an example of a government agency slowing production of documents or purposely delaying the release of documents. He also pointed to a pattern of behavior concerning incomplete or delayed IPRA requests at the University of New Mexico.

I am calling for stronger penalties, and, quite frankly, to put teeth into the law once and for all, he said. I simply do not have the enforcement tools or the front-end fining ability I need to truly hold agencies accountable.

Balderas argues there is no strict statutory penalty for  slowed production or for purposely delaying the release of documents.

To the extent that Balderas proposed legislative fixes force government agencies to become more transparent, they should certainly be pursued. Government officials should face consequences when they fail to live up to the creed that the public is entitled to the greatest amount of information possible about its government.

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.
A 2012 West Mesa High School graduate and Albuquerque native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard a unique guided-missile submarine, the USS Ohio, one of only four in the Navys fleet.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert Solis, a sonar technician (submarine), is based at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor in Washington, not far from Seattle.

He is the eyes and ears of the submarine, monitoring contact activity, according to a US Navy news release.

I enjoy the preventative maintenance and listening to all of the marine life in the ocean, Solis said in a statement. I definitely enjoy the community  . Its a very unique experience going underway on a submarine.

Solis said he has drawn from lessons learned growing up in Albuquerque.

I learned responsibility through ROTC in high school and it prepared me for my service in the Navy, Solis said.

A 1997 Manzano graduate and ABQ native also in the U.S. Navy, lives on the coast of Spain, participating in a critical NATO ballistic missile defense mission while assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Carney.

Chief Petty Officer Andres Naranjo is a hospital corpsman aboard one of the four advanced warships deployed out of Rota, Spain, according to a Navy news release.

Also serving the U.S. Navy in Rota is 2005 University of New Mexico graduate and ABQ native Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Gutierrez at the Naval Hospital there.

Gutierrez is a Navy preoperative services department head, responsible for the command, control and everyday functioning of the main operating room, same-day surgical suite, recovery room and sterile processing unit, according to a news release.

Aviation Boatswains Mate 3rd Class Hailey Barela from Rio Rancho works on the flight deck of the Navys forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan CVN 76 and took part in the training operation Valiant Shield 2018.

The biennial, U.S.-only, field-training exercise focuses on integration of joint training among the U.S. Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.

This is the seventh exercise in the Valiant Shield series that began in 2006, according to the Navy.
Copyright  2018 Albuquerque Journal

Ask Janice Arnold-Jones about the effectiveness of the current Congress, and she laughs.

Oh, man, she says, Could they do better? Yes, thats why Im running. They need me.

The Republican candidate for the 1st Congressional District seat says she holds true to the Republican national platform on most issues, but Arnold-Jones said she isnt afraid to disagree with her own party.

During her eight years in the state House, Arnold-Jones recalls, I got equally bashed for being too Republican and not Republican enough. Does that put you pretty much in a place where you can solve problems? I think so.

After serving in the New Mexico House from 2003 to 2010, Arnold-Jones is making a second bid in November for the 1st Congressional District seat, which covers Albuquerque and central New Mexico.

In 2012, she lost to Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat who is running for governor this year.

Arnold-Jones, now 66, also served on the Albuquerque City Council in 2013 to fill the unexpired term of a councilor who had resigned. And she ran for governor in 2010, losing in the GOP primary to Susana Martinez, who went on to be elected to two terms.

The political process has left its mark, she said.

I think Im a little tougher than I used to be, she said. Its still very interesting that I remain in that niche in being open and believing that every citizen should know what is being said and being willing to seek the truth. If we go in just thinking that you alone are smart enough to have the only answer, thats probably not right.

Arnold-Jones says she tried not to take personally the reaction by some after she appeared to question the potential for her Democratic opponent, Deb Haaland, to make history as the first Native American woman elected to Congress. When asked by Fox News about the potentially historical nature of Haalands campaign, Arnold-Jones responded, Thats what they say, yes.

She said she wasnt questioning her opponents lineage. But she said the two candidates backgrounds are the same by virtue of their military moves with the family.

You have to kind of live in the community to claim that community, Arnold-Jones told the Journal. It doesnt change her heritage one iota at all.

She later apologized when the All Pueblo Council in New Mexico told her it was offended by her comment.

Everybody and their brother from the East Coast was calling me a racist, she said. I know better. But it hurt my feelings. It did.

Also in the race is Lloyd Princeton, a Libertarian candidate.

In a recent Journal poll, Janice Arnold-Jones had support from 41 percent of those surveyed in the 1st Congressional District race, while Haaland, a former chairwoman of the state Democratic Party, had support from 49 percent of likely, proven voters in the telephone survey, conducted by Research & Polling Inc.

Arnold-Jones said she is proud of her reputation as an advocate for government transparency, noting that she was once so frustrated that she took her own video camera to a legislative committee meeting, because other lawmakers refused to broadcast their work to the public. She irritated colleagues by streaming video of the proceedings online.

These days, the state House and Senate are providing an online video stream of meetings, along with archives of committee and floor action.

Arnold-Jones held a fundraiser last month with Dinesh DSouza, a controversial conservative commentator convicted of campaign finance fraud who was pardoned by Trump this year. Arnold-Jones in a Journal interview defended her decision to invite him to the event, which drew about 400 people.

She said he was a historian with a particular perspective. I thought he was interesting.

Arnold-Jones said she flinches at President Trumps tweets at times but has been much more pleased with his policies. I can only cheer the president for doing things that I actually thought were not possible, including opening discussions with North Korea, instituting tariffs and enacting a more competitive tax rate.

She backs immigration reform, including a partial solution of creating a short-term program that expires in 2036, for children, under age 18, who are in the United States illegally to be granted a path to citizenship upon graduation from high school.

Moreover, Arnold-Jones said, Its ironic that the focus is on the border, because hundreds of thousands of foreign nationals regularly violate their visa status. I favor a comprehensive approach to enforcement utilizing a wall and technology where appropriate but focusing on illegal employment, because jobs attract illegal immigration.

She believes the federal government has no role in setting policy or funding for public schools, is pro-life, supports the Second Amendment, removal of firearms in domestic violence cases and holding Russia and others accountable for misdeeds.

Arnold-Jones received a bachelors degree in speech communications from the University of New Mexico in 1974. She became active in several community organizations, including Boy Scouts of America and the PTA. She also worked in the private sector as a small-business owner and contractor to Sandia National Laboratories. She received the William S. Dixon Freedom Award from the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government in 2010.

Politics is a family affair. Her husband, John Jones, is the Republican candidate seeking the state House seat in District 30 on Nov. 6, running against Democrat Natalie R. Figueroa.

Q-and-As online: To find out the candidates positions on key issues, go to ABQJournal.com/election2018. The site also includes links to Journal stories on statewide, legislative and county-level races, district maps, key election dates and other voter resources. It will be updated regularly with new candidate profile stories and other information.
Copyright  2018 Albuquerque Journal

Democrat Deb Haalands mother was born and raised in an old railroad boxcar in Winslow, Ariz.

Her grandparents, from Laguna Pueblo, went to work for the railroad as part of the nations assimilation policies, Haaland said. The railroad laid tracks on pueblo land through New Mexico and promised jobs to every Laguna person who wanted one.

As a girl, Haaland remembers helping her grandfather irrigating his field, picking worms off the corn as it grew.

She credits her grandmother for helping her get through college. Majoring in English at the University of New Mexico, Haaland said, she would spend almost every weekend with her grandmother, interviewing her.

So I feel like she helped me get through college, and I essentially told all of her stories in my college papers.

Her family and their hard work are never far from Haalands mind as she navigates the path from campaign phone volunteer to community organizer to Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress in the 1st Congressional District.

It seemed like this election, voters wanted somebody who understood what it was like for the vast majority of New Mexicans living here, right? People struggling to find enough work, to make a little bit of money, to be able to support their families. Theres people in this state who have never had an opportunity to take their family on a summer vacation. I just feel like I know what its like. I know their struggle.

The former state Democratic Party chairwoman won a six-way primary race in June and has received hefty campaign contributions from tribal groups and others around the country. Her most recent federal filings show shes received more than $1 million for her campaign.

Haaland, if elected, would be the nations first Native American woman elected to Congress. This distinction has led to interviews with The New York Times, CNN, Rolling Stone magazine and other national publications.

I dont look at myself as being in the spotlight, Haaland told the Journal. Thats not the most important thing to me. We are grateful that weve been interviewed. It helps us to reach our voters.

Haaland, in a recent Journal poll, led the three-way race, with the support of 49 percent of those surveyed, compared with Republican Janice Arnold-Jones, with 41 percent. Libertarian Lloyd Princeton trailed at 3 percent.

As a progressive Democrat, Haaland says, her focus has been chiefly on finding ways to bring New Mexicos marginalized groups into the political process.

My passion for getting people in underrepresented communities to vote just grew in every single election year.

Her life might have taken a different path altogether, she concedes, had she scored five points higher on the state bar exam to be licensed in New Mexico.

Its a test that a lot of people arent able to pass the first time. If I were to study and take it again, I might pass it. However, I almost feel like if I had passed my bar exam that I would have gone a completely different direction than I went.

At age 57, she is still paying off her student loans, however. And, in the past, as a single mother, Haaland has relied on food stamps.

Money has just never been my focus, unfortunately. I didnt get that gene. I mean I can work harder than anybody, so I have worked hard doing a lot of different things.

She said she was able to support her daughter while she attended law school by starting her own salsa company in about 1995, Pueblo Salsa. I didnt want to put my daughter in day care and have a regular 8-to-5 job, so I started my company and was able to take my daughter with me wherever I went.

Other jobs included tribal administrator for San Felipe Pueblo and operating a service provider for developmentally disabled adults in Albuquerque. In 2012, she served as state Native American vote director for President Barack Obamas re-election campaign. She ran for lieutenant governor in 2014.

Haaland is the daughter of a 30-year career Marine Corps father who served in Vietnam and was awarded the Silver Star. Her mother served in the Navy. Haaland graduated from Highland High School.

As a progressive Democrat who advocates for those sidelined by the billionaire class, Haaland has focused on President Donald Trump and his policies.

She promises to fight Trumps proposed border wall and wants to ban assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. She supports the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and a permanent path to citizenship for Dreamers and their families. She has spoken out against the Trump administrations plan, she said, to shrink public lands and sell that land off to the fossil fuel industry.

Haaland also has called for abolishing the chief immigration enforcement agency, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, because, she says, its not living up to its mission.

She also believes in Medicare for all and wants the North American Free Trade Agreement to be renegotiated to better protect labor, the environment and protections for investors.

In between campaign events and reaching out to voters, Haaland said, she still tries to travel to Laguna Pueblo, west of Albuquerque, every week to visit her 83-year-old mother. Haaland notes that her ancestors migrated down to the Rio Grande Valley in the late 1200s.

I have a long history here in New Mexico, and that history, I think, can inform a lot of decisions that I can make on behalf of people in District 1 or across the state.

Q-and-As online: To find out these candidates positions on key issues, go to ABQJournal.com/election2018. The site also includes links to Journal stories on statewide, legislative and county-level races, district maps, key election dates and other voter resources. It will be updated regularly with new candidate profile stories and other information.
Copyright  2018 Albuquerque Journal

A year ago, the Libertarian Partys candidate for the 1st Congressional District seat was a Democrat.

Lloyd Princeton, 49, said he decided to switch parties because I dont believe the two-party system is working. I think the two parties are caught in a continual tug of war. I see that third-party voices are a little more centrist and a little more balanced.

Princeton said he is a recruiter for his California-based business, Design Management Co., which specializes in the architecture and design industry. He said that since moving to New Mexico about two years ago, he has opened an adjunct branch of the company here.

Princeton has also been a registered Republican before, but believes he is best-suited to make a difference as a third-party candidate.

I consider myself a small L Libertarian, Princeton said. Where as a Libertarian I would be inclined to let most people do their own thing, thats where the Democrat in me steps up to the plate and says, Wait a second; people can and should be able to provide for themselves, but I see it incumbent in our society to provide them the tools to be able to provide for themselves.'

For instance, on the broad topic of welfare, Princeton says, I have no problem with a safety net, but its got to expire. Democrats have created safety nets that have turned into safety cages.

Born and raised in California, Princeton points out that immigrants start twice as many businesses as non-immigrants, and studies suggest that they do not contribute any more to crime than citizens. In fact, they aid many of our industries with a steady workforce that is necessary for American prosperity. I think we should have a liberal work visa program and reform our immigration policy to be similar to Canadas merit-based system, which takes skills, education, adaptability, language proficiency and overall human capital into consideration.

He believes the retirement age for Social Security should be raised because Americans are living longer.

Princeton believes there are many human contributions to climate change and believes the country needs to aggressively work towards lowering CO2 emissions.

Electing a Libertarian to Congress would put New Mexico on the radar when there are close votes, and the third-party candidate would have the opportunity to make a difference, he said.

Why not loosen things up and put in independents and Libertarians and people who are not beholden (to outside money)? asked Princeton, who has lent his campaign about $39,000, according to the most recent filing at the Federal Election Commission. As of June 30, the most recent data available, Princeton has raised $56,550 for his campaign. Republican Janice Arnold-Jones reported $122,000 in contributions, with Democrat Deb Haaland raising $1.13 million.

A recent Journal Poll shows Princeton faces an uphill battle with just 3 percent of the vote.

Q-and-As online: To find out these candidates positions on key issues, go to ABQJournal.com/election2018. The site also includes links to Journal stories on statewide, legislative and county-level races, district maps, key election dates and other voter resources. It will be updated regularly with new candidate profile stories and other information.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Monday vehemently denied that it was coddling retired Major Gen. Jovito Palparan. The AFP shares the aggrieved parties call for justice. In deferring the transfer, the AFP is not protecting Major Gen. Palparan et al. It merely submits to the judicial processes already in place and running, AFP spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said in statement to the PNA Monday. Arevalo said the AFP wanted to ascertain which commitment order takes precedence in Palparans case and how the court will resolve the pending motion for continued detention at Camp Aguinaldo Detention Facility in Quezon City. Once this is resolved, Arevalo said, the AFP will comply with the order of the relevant court. Note that Major Gen. Palparan et al. are facing two cases: one before Regional Trial Court Branch 15 of Judge Alexander Tamayo for Cadapan and Empeno case. The other case is with Regional Trial Court Branch 19 presided by Judge Francisco Felizmenio for Manalo Brothers case, he added. In both cases, the courts ordered that the accused be committed to the Philippine Army Custodial Center for custody. Major Gen. Palparan et al. were convicted for the Cadapan and Empeno case where the court ordered that the former be confined at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa. Meanwhile, the Manalo case is pending and the accuseds continues commitment at the PACC stays by virtue of said Commitment Order, the AFP spokesperson said.Following his conviction, Arevalo said the lawyers of Palparan and his fellow convicts have filed for motion for reconsideration last Sept. 18. Counsels also filed on Sept. 24 an urgent motion to defer the implementation of the order to transfer Major Gen. Palparanthe resolution of which they are awaiting hence the continued detention at the PACC, he added. He added that the military respects the law and pertinent judicial process and will not frustrate any pursuit for justice. The conviction and the new commitment order to NBP in the Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeno case now confuses with the hitherto existing commitment order to the PACC in the Manalo Brothers case, Arevalo said. To resolve the conflicting issue on commitment orders, the PACC filed a manifestation with motion praying for court determination which commitment order prevails on Sept. 24. It conducted its first hearing on the matter on Sept. 28, Arevalo said. Last Sept. 17, the Malolos Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 15 found Palparan and two others guilty of kidnapping and serious illegal detention over disappearance of Cadapan and Empeno, both UP students, in 2006.
Police are investigating after a man was shot and critically injured at a Northeast Albuquerque apartment complex early Monday morning.

Gilbert Gallegos, a spokesman for the Albuquerque Police Department, said around 12:50 a.m. officers were called to the Sedona Ridge Apartments, on Wyoming near Comanche NE, for reports of a shooting.

Officers arrived on scene and located a male with an apparent gunshot wound, Gallegos wrote in an email.

He said rescue workers took the man to the hospital and he is in critical condition. He did not identify the man or give details about what police believe lead to the shooting. He did not identify any suspects.

Multiple individuals were interviewed on scene, Gallegos wrote. This is an active investigation and information will be updated when made available.
After Rob Burford submitted the University of New Mexicos crime data to the federal government last fall, he fielded a call from the U.S. Department of Education.

UNMs 2016 auto theft numbers  far higher than any other college in the country  had raised flags. The caller wanted to double-check them.

They  said, We just want to make sure you understand what youre doing because the numbers way up,  said Burford, who confirmed that years spike.

Now that UNM has issued its 2017 data, Burford anticipates more questions.

The states largest university saw another 28 percent increase in auto thefts and attempted auto thefts, with a total of 222 incidents in 2017.

I wouldnt be surprised if they called me again, said Burford, UNMs director of compliance and the staffer who compiles campus crime statistics for reporting under the Clery Act.

In 2016, UNM had more auto thefts than any of the 11,000-plus postsecondary campuses that report to the federal government. The university had initially reported 140 incidents that year, but recently revised to 174 after acknowledging it had failed to include dozens of attempted auto thefts.

No other campus was remotely close. The University of South Carolina was second at 65, according to a Journal review of the data.

Its unclear if UNM will remain at the top. Schools had until Monday to issue reports, and the education department website does not have the latest numbers.

Officials have cited UNMs location in the heart of Albuquerque as one of the driving factors for its auto theft issues. The metro area is grappling with its own stolen-car epidemic; the National Insurance Crime Bureau reported the Albuquerque area had more auto thefts per capita in 2017 than anywhere in the United States.

A UNM Police Department spokesman said the parking area near the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center is a popular target. The South Campus lots have been problematic, too, but Lt. Trace Peck said a contract security officer has helped mitigate that. UNM also installed surveillance cameras around Dreamstyle Arena, which Peck cited for zero auto thefts during 2017-18 season basketball games.

UNM says it is trying to combat the problem with more cameras and lights on campus.

We believe adding the cameras will aid law enforcement in apprehending offenders and make the campus a less attractive target for property thefts and other crimes, UNM Police Chief Kevin McCabe wrote in a letter posted online with the report Monday.

President Garnett Stokes has made campus safety one of her top priorities. UNM recently hired a new security operations director and purchased a mobile security camera trailer.

The universitys new Clery Report also shows increases in several other categories.

UNM reported 19 rapes, up from 15 the year before. Dating violence went up to 29 from 23; while stalking increased to 34 from 25.

McCabe and Burford both say UNMs mandatory training on sexual misconduct prevention could have contributed to more people reporting those crimes.

UNM had 19 aggravated assaults in 2017, up from 12. Burglaries rose to 39 from 28  although thats still lower than 2015 (49).

There was a sharp rise in student discipline referrals related to liquor law violations: 316 compared to 227. All but five occurred in student housing.

Theyre just caught partying in the residence halls, Burford said.
CHICAGO  A 73-year-old man was fatally shot during a possible robbery attempt while returning to his apartment in the Rogers Park neighborhood Sunday morning after walking his dogs, according to authorities and neighbors.

Police responded to a call of shots fired about 10:10 a.m. in the 1400 block of West Sherwin Avenue and found the man with a gunshot wound to the head, said Chicago police Officer Jessica Rocco, a spokeswoman.

Neighbor Lynda Kaplan said she was sitting in her first-floor apartment sipping coffee with her brother when she heard the gunshot and ran outside.

I saw him facedown on the ground, said Kaplan, 50. We see each other every day. Hes out with his two older dogs, walking them, and hes a frail older man. What could anybody possibly have against him?

The man, who has not been identified by the Cook County medical examiners office, was pronounced dead on the scene.

The attacker was wearing a mask, according to police. It did not appear that any of the mans property was taken.

By the time Kaplan got outside, neighbors across the street were holding the mans dogs. One was described as a black pug and the other as a tan dog that weighed about 15 pounds.

Kaplan said the man lives with his husband and his elderly mother-in-law.

Police were reviewing surveillance camera footage and interviewing several witnesses, Ald. Joe Moore, 49th, posted in a neighborhood Facebook group.

Moore said he was outside cleaning his front gate at home, just a block and a half away, when the shooting happened.

Neighbor Fallon Sowers said she and the man had chatted about their dogs.

We always joked that our dogs looked alike, like they could be in the same litter, said Sowers, a 35-year-old social worker who also has a small, tan dog.

He seemed very gentle, very kind, and its just heart-wrenching.

On Sunday evening, Sowers said, neighbors began putting flowers at the spot where the man was shot, on the sidewalk outside the courtyard apartment building.

The mans dogs had been turned over to relatives, Rocco said.

No arrests had been made in the killing.

Later on Sunday, two 15-year-old boys were shot, one fatally, police said.

In the fatal attack, a boy was walking in the 5500 block of West Monroe Street in the South Austin neighborhood just after 4:40 p.m. when someone in a passing green SUV started shooting, police said.

The boy, shot in the shoulder and the chest, was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition and later pronounced dead.

The medical examiners office had not identified the boy.

About 1:15 p.m., a 15-year-old boy was wounded in the Gresham neighborhood, police said.

The boy was sitting on a front porch in the 8800 block of South Laflin Street when someone in a vehicle began shooting out of the front passenger seat, authorities said.

The boy suffered a gunshot wound to the right arm and was taken to Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, where his condition was stabilized.

No arrests had been made.
Immigration agents barred a Pakistani national suspected to be a trainer for the terrorist group Daesh from entering the country at the Clark International Airport in Pampanga. Intercepted at the Clark airport was a certain Naeem Hussain, who arrived last Sept. 22 aboard an Emirates Airlines flight from Dubai. Deputy Commissioner Mark Red Marinas said Hussain was immediately excluded and booked on the first available flight to his port of origin. He was turned away because he is on our alert list of suspected international terrorists for being an alleged trainer of Daesh, he said. Daesh is also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria or Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.Its members have been waging a fanatical and brutal war against the US and its coalition partners in Iraq and Syria where it wants to establish an Islamic caliphate. Hussain is reported to be on the watchlist of the military intelligence community which sought the BIs help in monitoring the Pakistanis possible entry or departure from the country. The Pakistani denied being a member of Daesh and claimed that he had been working as a digital designer for the last 16 years and that he traveled to the Philippines to visit his Filipina girlfriend who lives in Olongapo City. Records also showed that he was already denied entry last May when he attempted to enter the country, also from Dubai, via the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. goes on air with its latest campaign - Sau mein se sava sau for the new Activa 125. The campaign is conceptualised by Dentsu One, a Dentsu Aegis Network division.

The 2018 edition of Activa 125 comes equipped with LED headlamp, LED position lamp and 4-in-1 lock with seat opening switch. Building on trust of more than a million customers, Activa 125 offers solid power, strong (metal body) and blend of performance, efficiency, comfort with advanced features.

Campaign objective:

The campaign aims to promote new class leading features of Activa 125 while leveraging on trust & legacy of brand Activa. Positioned as the preferred choice in its category, it combines the reliability of Activa with power of 125cc engine and stylish solid metal body with a frontastic chrome stance.

Approach:

Taking a slice of life route, the Sau mein se sava sau campaign illustrates a family where the girl highlights all positive attributes of her love interest to get her fathers approval. The film mirrors these qualities with the features of Activa 125 which is made for the smart and sensible people. The product- Activa 125 has all positive attributes she praises the boy for. Different features are compared to quality like  1. Smart - LED Headlamp, LED Position Lamp and Chrome Chest, 2. Sensible- ECO mode indicator, 3. Good Family- Brand Activa and 4. Strong - Metal body. Parallel sequences weaved into the story substantiate the positioning of the scooter.

Film Description:

The story opens with a young daughter approaching the conversation seeking her fathers approval on her choice of husband. The father expresses initial skepticism about her choice. This is when the daughter elaborates on qualities of the boy which embodies the features of Activa 125. The first thing she mentions is his smartness where the film cuts to scooters chrome chest, LED headlamp & LED Tail Lamp. The girl then describes him as sensible with the film cutting close on Activas console with the ECO mode indicator. On daughters request, the mother also supports her by saying that the boy belongs to a good family. It is when the film reveals that the scooter is an Activa- Indias most trusted two-wheeler. The daughter reiterates her choice by saying that he is as strong as her father with the frame focussing on the metal body of Activa 125 personifying robustness and confidence. In the next frame, the boy is seen riding uphill smoothly with extra power and torque provided by Activa 125. Collaborating the narration, the parallel stories merge together. The boy arrives on Activa 125 and introduces himself as Captain Vikram followed by greeting her mother. The father gets extremely impressed with the boy when he relates to all his qualities with his choice of ride. He approves him by whispering to his daughter, Sau me se sava sau hai!. Summing up all features of the man, and consequently the Activa 125, the film ends with all four of them walking away together, with the voiceover Wahi Activa Ka Trust Zyaada Power ke Saath!.

Excerpts from Spokespersons:

Mr. Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, The purpose of this campaign is to showcase the new segment leading product features and reiterate trust of brand Activa. With more than a million users, Activa 125 is synonymous to smartness, sensibility, and strength. The power & torque of Activa 125 provides enhanced confidence to the customers especially on hilly roads.

Mr. Titus Upputuru, National Creative Director, Dentsu One said, If you belong to a good family, you will have good genes. Thats the key insight we have taken to build communication for the campaign. Activa 125 hails from the family of Activa. The product scores 125 % in every aspect and thats why the expression sau mein se sava sau! Shooting the film in a cable car was very challenging but we are very excited to see the final outcome.
Franklin Templeton Investments (India), one of the leading fund houses in the country has launched a six-video series campaign titled Reach for Better, in partnership with The Better India. The campaign, encompassing real-life inspirational stories, aims to bring alive the concept of the theme through a beyond just investments, larger than life approach, amplifying Franklin Templeton Investments core thought of standing for Reach For Better.

The campaign seeks to deliver investor education messages through real-life human stories - stories of ordinary people who have had an impact on society and communities. Each of the stories is pegged to one investment pillar.

Speaking at the launch, Juzer Tambawalla, Director and Head  Marketing, Franklin Templeton Investments said, These are stories about everyday Indians achieving something out of the ordinary. How did they do that? By having a goal, starting early, stepping up, staying resilient, seeking guidance and believing that it's never too late to begin. We have sought inspiration from real-life individuals to draw parallels with each situation, in an effort to impart core values that we believe are instrumental while investing. Each story is an excellent example of how one can succeed by using these principles even with their own investments.

Commenting on the launch, Balaji Vaidyanathan, Deputy Head - Marketing, Franklin Templeton Investments said, The Reach for Better campaign draws inspiration from multiple dynamic backgrounds. It features a diverse set of individuals like a tech-savvy visually challenged person, a best-selling author who started as a domestic help, a successful transgender radio host who broke gender stereotypes, a young innovator transforming lives, an individual who revolutionized farming across the globe and a woman entrepreneur who triumphed against all odds. Each story is woven beautifully in a manner that talks about the importance of that tenet to ones life, as well as investments.

Talking about this partnership, Dhimant Parekh, CEO & Founder of The Better India says As India's only positive news platform, The Better India's motto is to help the audience turn inspiration into impact. As a natural extension of this philosophy, The Better India and Franklin Templeton Investments have come together to tell stories about Indians who despite all odds have stayed true to their real purpose, reached for better, while making a massive impact in the lives of so many others.

The first episode showcases the story of Kajal Brahmavar, the first transgender radio jockey from coastal Karnataka. From begging on the streets to becoming Karnatakas first transgender RJ, Kajals journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Even though she faced a number of challenges in life and went through multiple highs and lows, she chose to stay resilient. Her never-give-up attitude is an inspiration for all.

It is this spirit of resilience that Franklin Templeton Investments and The Better India are celebrating through Kajals story. Whether in life or with your investments, staying resilient can help you #ReachForBetter.
Authored by Aditya Naik, Co-Founder & CBO, Koinex

An MSc. Physics & BE Electrical and Electronics graduate from BITS  Pilani, Aditya has been instrumental in starting his own business in the SEO space called Db4D. Prior to co-founding Koinex, he has worked with companies like Bizongo, Daily Ninja, Student UniPack (UK), and PiRhoAlpha Research. His expertise in market research, technology, finance, the digital currency has helped in creating Indias largest digital asset exchange platform  Koinex.

Blockchain technology at the outset found a reference in conversations around cryptocurrency, Bitcoins in particular, and people used to see it only as the underlying technology for virtual currencies. But soon the transformational power that blockchain technology itself possesses became evident and today the world is gung-ho about the possible disruption that blockchain will bring across industries. There are lot of sectors which will be most benefited by Blockchain and the advertising and media industry is without a doubt one which will witness a revolutionary change, like the change that the internet got, if not more.

Today companies are investing huge budgets in building software and smart tools to quantify the impact of their campaigns and marketing activities. Auto-bot engagements and artificial methods to enhance traffic often lead to brands being muffed by inflated numbers and reach. The advertising and media sector has been wanting to combat such fraud and lack of transparency for a long time, and blockchain is essentially the solution. Why so? Here is why:

Builds trust and transparency : Blockchain works on a distributed ledger format wherein the data entered cannot be tampered. So we can use this ledger format to know the exact number of audience who engaged with our campaign and track its efficiency. We can even go a step further and use smart contracts to weed out auto-bot engagements and ensure the right audience is being targeted. In fact, we can monitor these parameters in real time and make changes to the campaign to improve its effectiveness, rather than running the campaign erroneously and yielding poor or fabricated outcomes. This sort of accurate monitoring and a quality check will also help agencies/clients get healthy ROI on their spends.

Better targeting : Based on the data and the stats, consumer engagement due to an ad campaign or media outreach is very hard to track. There is no guarantee to know if the right audience was only partially engaged or if you missed any relevant consumer section. But with blockchain, we can track real-time information about the consumers, their content consumption pattern and level of engagement with the brand. This is priceless information for the brand it will save unnecessary ad-spends and also allow them to be less intrusive and more timely with their consumer-engagement. Imagine a scenario, where brands can accurately track who is using their brand and advertise only to them!

More access, fewer barriers : Traditionally, the advertising and media industry have middlemen who lengthen the business chain and often lead to unwanted operational costs on the company. Using the blockchain network we can eliminate these middlemen and brands will be closer to their consumers. This will allow them to better monitor the consumer experience and improve consumer satisfaction. One example here is the Brave Browser, wherein the viewer gets paid with BAT tokens for his time and engagement on the browser. The brand tracks the consumer involvement on the browser and incentivizes them accordingly. No media agency or intermittent person involved here, only the content creator, the content consumer, and the platform, period.

Data Management: Data management is a powerful tool with marketers and how well they use it to read, analyze and target their audience, determines the success and failure of the brand. Analysis of the data is paramount but at the same time data piracy and theft is another major concern companies face. Many blockchain companies are working towards creating tools to track, monitor and draw accurate consumption patterns across all available screens, among various consumer groups. An interesting example of database management is BitClave. They incentivize consumers when they add their data to their blockchain database. Companies will now, need to search through the BitClave decentralized search engine and then compensate to engage with them.

So, while blockchain technology is helping companies world over, to bring transparency, accountability and moreover have better targeting of their audience, there are many other facets of this industry which can be overhauled with blockchain. So, the future of digital advertising looks bright, the only caveat being that companies need to find trusted and efficient blockchain startups to help them build scalable and robust products.

Views expressed in the article do not reflect those of the publisher.
Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd. (KNPL), one of the leading paint companies in India and pioneers of Healthy Home Paints has announced the launch of its new corporate brand campaign, featuring their newly appointed brand ambassador, Ranveer Singh. The campaign revolves around a powerful message of Nerolac Paints being already present in homes in many different forms that protect and beautify household belongings, thereby choosing Nerolac to adorn the walls as well.

The campaign emphasizes on the presence of Nerolac Paints in various products in a household bringing to life the thought of Little Bit of Nerolac. With a hilarious comic twist, brand ambassador Ranveer Singh, who plays a role of a common man in Slice of life situation is seen enlightened by his wife and friends to an astonishing fact that a notable number of automobiles white goods, etc. in India are painted by Nerolac Paints. The campaign thus reinstates the idea to bring Nerolac Paints on the walls as well for long lasting beauty and shine.

The creative has been ideated by FCB ULKA under their National Creative Director Keegan Pinto and directed by Shujaat Saudagar.

Mr. Peeyush Bachlaus, Head  Marketing, Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd says The new campaign focuses on the idea of giving our consumers, a thought of relooking at their household products like refrigerators, cars, washing machines etc. with a perspective of Nerolacs everlasting shine on it. And gradually shifting their attention to the walls that need a stylish makeover too, with Nerolac Paints. Ranveer Singhs vivid and energetic personality resonates well with the thought and reflects the transformation just right - humorous and witty, yet prominent.

Performing persistently in reinforcing its position as one of the best Indian marketers in the category, Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd has been at the forefront of paint manufacturing for more than 90 years pioneering a wide spectrum of quality paints. The company manufactures a diversified range of products ranging from decorative paints coatings for homes, offices, hospitals and hotels to sophisticated industrial coatings for most of the industries. Nerolac Paints as a brand has always stood for joyous transformations of the home.

Kulvinder Ahluwalia, President, FCB Ulka Mumbai, For over 9 decades, Nerolac has been a remarkable part of the paints industry. It is a leader in paints across a variety of product lines. So much so that a staggering number of vehicles, white goods, two wheelers in India are painted by Nerolac. With this campaign we are aiming to bring alive that Nerolac is already present in your homes in many different forms protecting and beautifying your products, then why not choose it to revamp the walls of your house as well. Bringing in Ranveer Singh is a conscious decision to enhance the brand appeal and to complement its evolving philosophy.

CREDITS:

AGENCY: FCB Ulka

CREATIVE TEAM: Anindya Banerjee, Donovan DSouza, Shailesh Khandeparker, Nobin Dutta, Reet Sawhney, Sanjana Dora, Kushal Lalvani, Amol Annaldas, Hemant Pandit, Rahul Gate

ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT: Amreta Bernard, Nitika Choudhury, Dhruvi Doshi, Tushar Bhatia

ACCOUNT PLANNING: Saad Khan, Shirren Bhat, Pranav Shetty

PRODUCTION HOUSE: Rabbit Hole Films
Coinciding with the UN Womens Private Sector and Philanthropic Leaders SDG-5 Summit, WPP has announced their industry-leading collaboration with UN Women. The commitment includes global, pro-bono media support brokered by GroupM and creative services from WPP agencies to help positively impact the lives of girls and women.

The announcement comes on the back of over $1 million in pro-bono media placements and more than $6 million in earned media secured for UN Women to date through multiple campaigns, as part of WPPs support for the UNs Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director, UN Women, said, Changing how women and girls are seen and valued is fundamental to creating a more equal world. The marketing and advertising industry, which is so influential in shaping culture, is a key partner for us in this effort. With WPP, we are building both awareness and game-changing action to address gender inequality. Our work with WPP comes at the perfect time, as unprecedented numbers of women are mobilising worldwide on equality issues, ranging from ending violence and sexual harassment to calling for equal pay. This collaboration brings us both powerful imagination and industry muscle.

This declaration will see WPPs partnership with UN Women, the worlds leading authority on gender equality, set a new agenda on equality through creativity. In addition to this, WPP CEO Mark Read has also signed up to the Womens Empowerment Principles, established by UN Women and UN Global Compact as a guide for businesses on how to empower women in the workplace, marketplace and community.

Long-term global commitment driving longer-term local action

WPPs pledge is part of its long-term commitment to the cause of gender equality, which includes its participation in the ground-breaking industry-wide Common Ground initiative with the UN, launched in 2016 at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. For 2019, the new, innovative approach titled Creativity for Equality will build on the global strengths of UN Women and WPP to drive local impact, and follows successful campaigns such as Grey NYCs Stop The Robbery and J. Walter Thompsons Draw The Line, as well as of the pro-bono media secured to date by GroupM to amplify UN Womens voice.

Creativity for Equality will be piloted across six key countries: US, UK, India, Turkey, Thailand and Mexico. More than a dozen WPP agencies across these markets have committed to providing pro-bono strategic, creative and media support during two key moments in UN Womens calendar: International Womens Day in March and 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence in November. In the case of Mexico and the UK, the WPP teams will build on previous, successful work they created for UN Women locally.

Lindsay Pattison, Chief Transformation Officer, WPP, said, Together with UN Women, our mission is to empower women and raise awareness of important gender equality issues. As the world leader in communications services, WPP has the power and creative capability to help make the lives of women better across the world.

At the core of every country activation is J. Walter Thompsons creative power and GroupMs media partnerships and investment strategy. GroupM have further committed to gender equality by declaring UN Women their Global Charity partner, pledging support through 2030 under the United Nation's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Other capabilities within WPP, including research and insight from Kantar and PR expertise make the support from WPP truly comprehensive and unique in each market.

Kelly Clark, Global CEO, GroupM, added here, Harnessing the power of GroupMs media relationships across the globe in support of UN Womens mission to improve gender equality is more than philanthropy, it is a business imperative. This is an important cause for our people, our clients and the world; were proud to help improve the lives of women and girls everywhere.

To date, more than 33 WPP agencies have developed 26 initiatives under the Common Ground umbrella aimed at eradicating the harmful effects of gender inequality.
Leyte Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez on Monday appealed to the Senate to prioritize the approval of the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience following the bills approval on third and final reading at the House of Representatives. I appeal to the Senate leadership to also fast-track the passage of the DDR bill as this would help drastically reduce, if not totally eliminate, the bureaucratic red tape that has caused many delays in the delivery of immediate assistance needed by disaster and calamity victims, Romualdez, chairman of the House committee on accounts, and principal author of the bill, said. The bill was approved on third and final reading Monday by a 181-5-2 vote. Romualdez acknowledged the commitment of the House led by Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to support the measure. I thank my colleagues and Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for their strong commitment to pass the DDR that guarantees a unity of command, science-based approach, and full-time focus on natural hazards and disasters, Romualdez said. With Speaker Arroyos competence and sterling qualities as experienced leader, we can be assured that the measure will also be approved in the Senate and becomes a law very soon, she added. Speaker Arroyo has a clear vision for the country and has a great ability to get the job done, she added. The proposed DDR is solely dedicated to concerns on disaster mitigation and quick response. The measure guarantees fast and responsive procurement process to ensure the swift delivery of assistance. Guaranteeing disaster resiliency through closer coordination and stronger management synchronization at all levels of the countrys disaster risk reduction and management system cannot be delayed any further. With the lives, safety and the welfare of our people at stake, Romualdez said. Romualdez said it is high time that we create a truly empowered department that will focus on natural hazards and disasters; and characterized by unity of command, a science-and ICT-based approach, and the wherewithal to take charge of three key result areas: (a) disaster risk reduction; (b) disaster preparedness and response; and (c) recovery, rehabilitation and building forward better The DDR will effectively improve the institutional capacity of the government for disaster risk reduction and management, reduce the vulnerabilities surrounding the affected local population as well as build the resilience of local communities to calamities, Romualdez said. Another author of the bill, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte, echoed Romualdezs appeal. Villafuerte said the trail of death and destruction left by Super Typhoon Ompongthe strongest typhoon thus far to hit the country this yearshould prompt senators to write new legislation creating a Cabinet-level department that would institutionalize the governments disaster preparation, risk reduction and relief and rehabilitation efforts. A new Cabinet-level department would put in place and oversee disaster preparation, risk management, and post-disaster relief and rehabilitation operations in lieu of the ad hoc nature of current government efforts, which has now become untenable with climate change, Villafuerte said. Several similar bills filed in the Senate, including one submitted by Senate President Vicente Sotto III last August, remain pending at the committee level. These measures were read on first reading and were referred to the Senate committees on national defense and security; civil service, government reorganization, and professional regulation; and finance. In relation to this, I am supporting the Presidents directive to build permanent evacuation centers to replace the usual practice of converting public schools into temporary shelters for calamity victims. This should be the first order of business for the would-be Department, Villafuerte said. House Bill 8165 proposes to create DDR, which shall be the primary government agency responsible for leading, organizing and managing the national effort to reduce disaster risk, and prepare for and respond to disasters, recover and rehabilitate. The bill also provides that the DDR shall oversee and coordinate the preparation, implementation, monitoring, evaluation of disaster and climate resilience plans, programs, and activities.The DDR shall also provide leadership in the continuous development of strategic and systematic approaches to disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation, and anticipatory adaptation strategies, measures, techniques and options. It shall also augment the capacity of local government units (LGUs) in collaboration with relevant national agencies and other stakeholders to implement disaster risk reduction and management and climate change action plans, programs, projects and activities. Romualdez is the wife of Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) President Martin Romualdez, the original proponent of the bill during the previous 16th Congress where he served House Independent Bloc leader as congressman of Leyte. Meanwhile, Senator Aquilino Pimentel III exhorted the public to assess their readiness to respond and to provide needed disaster relief and assistance in times of natural calamities. Our education drives and simulation drills should be sustained and continuous. An alert and informed citizenry is best equipped to deal with emergencies, he said. He made the remark as the Philippine government sent its condolences to the Indonesian government in the aftermath of a 7.4 magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami that caused the death of at least 800 people. The death toll continues to rise as more responders reach affected areas. Meanwhile, a severe tropical storm, codenamed Kong-Rey was reported to be entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) in the coming days. This comes after Typhoon Ompong lashed out at Northern Luzon two weeks ago, destroying crops and livestock estimated at P26.7 billion according to the Department of Agriculture. Human casualties reached close to 70. We cannot prevent natural calamities from happening, but we can prepare well, especially considering we belong to the same earthquake and volcanic zone. Typhoon-wise, were actually more prone to be hit by storms compared to our ASEAN neighbors. Pimentel called on the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to hold more nationwide drills, apart from the quarterly exercises, to better prepare citizens. NDRRMCs closer coordination with the Department of National Defenses Office of Civil Defense as well as the DILG and DepEd is direly needed. Schools at all levels should be a particular focus for earthquake drills because of the large concentration of young citizens in school zones, the lawmaker said. The Mindanao senator discussed the idea of possibly creating a separate Department of Disaster Preparedness and Resiliency to address year-long disaster management concerns. The name, of course, can be modified, but the important aspect here is preparedness at the highest executive level. We need a full-time and dedicated bureaucracy for disaster management. Pimentel likewise said he was studying the economic viability of earthquake, typhoon and similar insurance coverage, focusing on aspects of affordability and how Filipino households can be conditioned to consider insurance coverage as necessary expenses. We still have a long way to go in terms of maturity and openness to spending on insurance, especially since its an added cost that competes with more basic living expenses, he said. Eventually, however, we must deal with this issue of coverage because our country experiences damaging weather and natural disturbances quite regularly. Insurance is in itself a form of preparedness, the senator said.
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Airport officials said Monday Rep. Aniceto Bertiz rejected his claim that Chinese-looking men also did the same when he was screened at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Saturday. Eddie Monreal, general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority, said Bertiz clearly violated the security protocol by not removing his shoes during the passenger screening process at the NAIA Terminal 2. READ: Bertiz draws ethics raps from workers Bertiz apologized for confronting a security checker at the airport, a video of which went viral over the weekend. In a press conference on Monday, he likened his behavior to a woman going through the pre-menstrual syndrome. For the past three years that Ive been a member of Congress, once a year I get something like a monthly period. Im only human, someone whos weak and sometimes gets hotheaded. I also get stressed because of work, Bertiz said. I would just like to express my sincerest and deepest apology to those who were able to watch the video. Im sorry. I shouldnt have acted that way. Its very uncalled for a public official to act that way. Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said government officials should follow President Rodrigo Dutertes example of rejecting any special treatment. Lets learn by way of example from what the President is doing. Even the President does not ask special treatment, Roque told reporters. The President complies with security checks at the airport. He goes through the X-ray machine and he does not ask for any special treatment. In Congress, the minority bloc in the House of Representatives will take up with the ethics committee the issue on Bertiz. The blocs leader, Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez, said his 44-man group will refer Bertizs case to the House ethics committee led by Rep. Delphin Gan Lee. READ: Bertiz vows to submit self to House ethics probe Bertiz was asked to remove his shoes by a screening security officer of the Office of Transportation Security manning the final security check before his departure around 6:45 am on Sept. 29. What we have seen in the video footage was that he [Bertiz] failed to follow protocol,Monreal told reporters. He also denied Bertizs claim that there was a group of Chinese-looking passengers escorted by airport staff that breezed through and did not undergo the same security protocols that everybody else had to go through. Monreal said he and other airport officials reviewed the closed-circuit television camera footage of the incident and he saw nothing. We reviewed the footage 20 minutes prior to the incident and we saw nothing, but if the congressman has other evidence, we will look into that, Monreal said. OTS Administrator Art Evangelista seconded Monreal, saying there was a breach of protocol. It was clear, he said. Airport officials said Bertiz also violated airport security protocols also for snatching the ID of the duty security officer.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  After 30-plus years in existence, Hamas is sizing itself up and examining its performance. The Palestinian movement has solicited lots of opinions and advice, but it remains to be seen if it has any realistic hope of implementing its conclusions.

The group held a conference Sept. 18 titled "Hamas: 30 Years on, Reality and Hopes. About 1,200 movement leaders and cadres, as well as thinkers and researchers, participated in the conference to assess the movement in all areas. They laid out a vision aimed at improving Hamas performance.

The conference discussed 38 research papers on how Hamas has fared since its inception in areas such as science, politics, advocacy, social issues, and military and media matters. Also, it reviewed Hamas experiences since 2007. Hamas won the Palestinian legislative elections held in 2006 and managed to militarily control the Gaza Strip in mid-2007 in the wake of armed conflicts with rival party Fatah and Palestinian security services.

The movement celebrated its 30th anniversary in December.

Hamas launched in 1987 following the outbreak of the first Palestinian intifada against the Israeli army in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. It established its charter in 1988, but only last year issued an official policy document, which is more realistic than the charter. The charter is rather religious, while the 2017 document has a political and legal character, reflecting the maturity and evolution of the political movements thought.

Just like any political organization or party in the world, Hamas needed to evaluate its performance after a certain period of time  and an [objective] assessment was in order," Atallah Abu al-Sabh, a Hamas political bureau member and head of the conference preparatory committee, told Al-Monitor.

He pointed out that Hamas wanted to hear the opinions of researchers and specialists from both inside and outside the movement about the group's performance in all fields. Hamas will publish several of the submitted research papers before the end of the year by compiling them into a book. Sabh said Hamas expects to convene similar conferences in the future.

His committee will refer the presented recommendations to the movements political bureau to be examined thoroughly, and Hamas expects many to be implemented.

Many of the recommendations included criticism of the movement's performance, especially in regard to its international relations. Researchers said Hamas needs to develop such relations, especially with countries that believe in the Palestinian right to resist the Israeli occupation. Researchers called on Hamas to support and enhance international boycott campaigns while building cooperative networks with anti-racist popular movements around the world.

They said the movement's International Relations Bureau needs to be restructured, and they stressed the need for Hamas to adjust its foreign policy and rhetoric.

Others recommended that Hamas develop an intellectual approach to handling challenges while still enforcing a modern security policy to take on crime, extremism and confrontations with Israel.

Researchers highlighted the need to work on ending the division between Hamas and Fatah and conduct an in-depth study on political and religious issues, including negotiations with Israel.

Of note, Hamas began indirect negotiations with Israel, mediated by Egypt, the United Nations and Qatar, in mid-July 2018 in a bid to reach a truce in exchange for Israel lifting its siege on Gaza. This raised the ire of the Palestinian Authority (PA), which was left out of the negotiations. The talks stumbled when Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas threatened to stop funding Gaza if Hamas signed any agreement without the PLO.

However, according to a poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research in Ramallah published Sept. 20, 55% of the polled Palestinians support Hamas signing a long-term truce with Israel, even in the absence of an internal reconciliation.

Hatem Abu Zaida, director of the Al-Mustaqbal Research Center and one of the conference participants, told Al-Monitor Hamas deserves credit for being the first faction to hold such an event. "The conference highlighted the negative and positive steps of the movement in a bid to draw conclusions and lay out a vision for the future.

Abu Zaida, who submitted a paper titled The US Position on Hamas, said his research concludes there has been a state of dissonance between successive US administrations and Hamas since its inception. He pointed out that the United States deems Hamas a terrorist movement and has placed it on the terrorism list it issued in 1997 and reissued in 2001.

He said the prospects of establishing a communication channel between the US administration and Hamas in the near future are dim unless the latter recognizes the legitimate international resolutions regarding the Palestinian cause, stops fighting Israel and recognizes Israel as a state for Israelis.

Since its takeover of the Gaza Strip in 2007, Hamas has fought three wars against Israel. While dozens of Israelis were killed during those wars, Israel killed and injured thousands of Palestinians and destroyed Gaza's infrastructure, economy, government institutions and thousands of homes.

On Aug. 13, Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman threatened that it's only a matter of time until the next military confrontation with Hamas.

Mukhaimer Abu Saada, a political science professor at Al-Azhar University in Gaza, told Al-Monitor the most important thing that could come out of the conference is if Hamas actually heeds and implements the recommendations it received. He added, however, that Hamas isn't likely to fully implement the conference's conclusions. He noted that the conference was the first of its kind for Hamas, which is facing political, military and financial bottlenecks as it fails to break its isolation.

The question arises as to the extent to which Hamas is able to apply the research in the hopes of finding a way out of the challenges it faces amid the Israeli siege on Gaza and the movements worsening relations with Arab regimes since the setbacks experienced during the Arab Spring revolutions.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  A wave of criticism has followed the recent remarks of Hamas political bureau member Suhail al-Hindi. Hindi told Felesteen newspaper Sept. 18 that there is a plan to bring the students in UNRWA schools in the Gaza Strip to the eastern border with Israel. Critics say Hamas seeks to achieve political objectives by risking childrens lives. Hindi stated that the goal is to force the UNRWA to halt the decline in the provision of basic services to Palestinians, saying, The UNRWA administration, the occupation and whoever is besieging Gaza shall be blamed for how the tides turn.

According to the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, the UNRWA terminated 100 staff members in the health and education sectors, notified 97 engineers that their contacts were downgraded to day labor and sent 105 teachers into forced retirement though their contracts have not expired. It also suspended financial allocations for services and workshops.

Speaking to Al-Monitor, Abdel Rahim Shaldan, a father of two UNRWA students in the central Gaza Strip, noted, Hamas seems to have failed to achieve the political goal of breaking the siege, six months following the March of Return which resulted in thousands of wounded and martyrs. It has decided to risk the childrens lives. He believes that Hamas does not have the right to risk the lives and safety of the students.

He went on. Hindi spoke of the UNRWA schools where education is offered to refugee children from the first to the ninth grades, between six and 14 years old. This would mean that he wants to involve them in a battle they did not choose and have them walk toward bullets and bombs!

Hindi told Al-Monitor that a national leader whose name and political affiliation he did not give had put forward the idea of taking 250,000 UNRWA students from throughout the Gaza Strip to the eastern border to study outside in the open air. He added that the Higher National Commission of Great March of Return and Breaking of Siege liked the idea.

There is political objective behind the UNRWA cutting essential services, although made under a financial pretext," he said: force the Palestinians to repudiate the resistance in Gaza and renounce Hamas. "The Israeli occupation that has been besieging the Gaza Strip for 13 years also shares the same goal. Hindi pointed out that wide participation in the March of Return is a clear signal that Palestinians embrace the resistance, and the students studying at the border could be another.

He said, All those affected by the UNRWA's reduced services are expected to join.  It comes in protest to the way the UNRWA is managing its financial crisis.

Hindi went on, This step will lead the world to pressure the occupation to lift the siege on Gaza, and the UNRWA to halt the reduction in services.

Um Zein Eddine Ammar, whose children study at the UNRWA schools, welcomed the idea of them attending class in a tent near the Gazan border for the sake of breaking the siege and halting the UNRWA services cuts  provided that the students are protected from the Israeli soldiers bullets and bombs, she told Al-Monitor.

I have never missed a march of return so far, and I am in favor of another type of participation. We have a noble objective, she pointed out.

Abu Abdallah Harazin of the Higher National Commission of Great March of Return and Breaking of Siege told Al-Monitor that it is too early to speak of the implementation of the plan to move the students to the border, particularly since the UNRWA has not halted its operations in Gaza, despite ongoing cuts. He said that no steps will be taken unless the UNRWA stops operating entirely in Gaza. Harazin explained that raising the issue at this moment is only designed to warn the UNRWA about how dangerous the situation would become if it stopped rendering services to refugees.

He said, If the UNRWA services halt, the occupation will necessarily have to assume full responsibly for the Gaza Strip, considering itself as an occupier and the Gaza Strip to be occupied and besieged territory.

Harazin explained that the Palestinian factions represented in the commission have welcomed the idea and are exploring it, and that no measures will be taken unless the participators safety in ensured.
Wrapping up his long-awaited, three-day controversial visit to Germany, Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, before returning to Turkey, said in Cologne, Grace to God Almighty, we have achieved a very productive, a very successful visit. In our talks with [President Frank-Walter] Steinmeier and [Chancellor Angela] Merkel, we covered the issues of common interest in frankness. I emphasized that, putting aside our differences of opinion, we have to focus on our common interests. We will enhance our cooperation in every field, ranging from the struggle against terrorist organizations to the refugee crisis, from conflict to trade wars.

Thousands of protesters in Berlin and Cologne, many of them Kurdish or Alevi Turks resident in Germany, took the streets under heavy security measures, displaying their outrage about his autocratic rule and violations of human rights and basic freedoms in Turkey. In Berlin, all the roads leading to the famous Hotel Adlon Kempinski  a stone's throw away from the Brandenburg Gate, the national symbol of Germany at the heart of the city  were cordoned off with sharpshooters placed on rooftops. The demonstrators in the nearby Potsdamer Platz carried banners, with the slogan You are not welcome. Such banners also were raised in other parts of Berlin and Cologne.

Nevertheless, Erdogan was satisfied with his visit.

The New York Times assessment seemed just the opposite. A three-day state visit to Germany by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey was supposed to be aimed at repairing relations at a time of a looming economic crisis at home."

"But if Mr. Erdogan was on a charm offensive, Germans seemed to agree that, after just 24 hours in Berlin, it was more offensive than charm. The first thing the Turkish president did? Mr. Erdogan apparently flashed a four-fingered Muslim Brotherhood salute in central Berlin and demanded the extradition of 69 Turkish exiles in Germany, among them journalists and lawyers investigating Mr. Erdogans government and risking prison at home. Chancellor Angela Merkel was not impressed."

Ali Yurttagul, a Berlin resident of Turkish descent who served over 20 years in the European Parliament in Brussels and dealt with EU-Turkish relations, wrote, Berlin is an important capital. Not only because it represents a significant portion of Turkey's international trade, 26%, but also to balance the Donald Trump factor. The devaluation of the lira might stop after Erdogan's visit to Berlin, for example."

There are other positive policy changes as well; for example, Berlin toned down its travel warning and lifted the limits on the Hermes export credit guarantees issued by the German federal government. If we still had the conditions at the peak of the crisis between the two countries when the Christian Democrats, Social Democrats and Greens were proclaimed as enemies of the Turkish Republic when Mrs. Merkel was portrayed as the new-era-Hitler in the Turkish pro-government media, these economic sanctions would solidly stay in place. Now, these two countries are talking about solidarity, not sanctions. Even the discourse has changed. Have you heard Erdogan ranting about Europe recently?, he added.

Did Erdogan step on a red carpet when he descended to the tarmac of the Berlin airport? Yes, he did. Was he accorded a reception with military honors? The answer is yes. Was he given a state banquet in Schloss Belvedere, the residence of the German presidents? Yes!

The German critics of his state visit said the German authorities could have received him on just a working visit, with a much different level of protocol. All who are privy to background information know very well that Erdogan insisted on a state visit, a red carpet welcome with military honors and a banquet dinner at the Belvedere Palace. He came to Germany upon getting what he wanted beforehand.

He had a working, business breakfast meeting with Merkel in Berlin. The outcome is that Merkel will be in Istanbul with French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin for a four-nation summit on Syria. Erdogan, by bringing together the leaders of Russia, France and Germany to Istanbul as the host and as the owner of the initiative on Syria, further postponed any imminent attack on Idlib. His visit to Germany was very fruitful and successful from this angle of international diplomacy.

The beef about his visit to Germany was that not enough attention was paid to the economy and financial matters while Turkey is in the grip of crisis. Some experts say Turkey is already experiencing stagflation. What did he get on the issue of economics?

The answer will be evident if and when a deal on building new railway lines, electrifying old ones and installing modern signaling technology is reached. It is a megaproject worth 35 billion euros ($40.6 billion). A consortium led by Siemens is interested in taking the challenge, with the German national railway Deutsche Bahn entrusted to help with the planning. The influential Der Spiegel recently reported the following:

As was the case more than a century ago, Germany is Turkey's preferred partner.  But the offer [the railway modernization project] also came attached with the request that Germany help finance the railway construction project. No decision has yet been made on whether Berlin will back the project in the form of state Hermes loan guarantees or if it will provide direct loans from the state-owned KfW banking group. But in its talks with the Turkish government and Siemens, the German government has expressed its willingness to consider providing financial support.

We know that German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier, accompanied by a big delegation, is to visit Turkey soon. For those Germans giving priority to the defense of human rights and democratic conduct in Turkey, the stand of Merkel is repugnant. A commentary by Stefan Vetter in Mannheimer Morgen following the Erdogan-Merkel meeting reflected that sentiment:

Erdogan's spy apparatus is apparently everywhere. And what is the chancellor doing? She announces that her minister of economic affairs, Peter Altmaier, will soon be traveling to Ankara with a large retinue. Economic interests seem to rank higher than the rule of law and human rights. That's a fatal impression.

During the joint Erdogan-Merkel press conference, a Turkish-German photographer in the front row wearing a T-shirt with a message written in Turkish saying Freedom to journalists in Turkey was kicked out by security personnel. While he was dragged out of the room by force, Erdogan was looking at Merkel and smiling. That incident inspired Can Dundar, a former editor-in-chief of the daily Cumhuriyet and a renowned Turkish journalist in exile in Berlin whom Erdogan castigated as an agent during the joint press conference, to remark that Erdogan brought Turkey to Berlin.

The New York Times reporter wrote, Though not holding back her criticism, Ms. Merkel was visibly uncomfortable with a joint appearance that showed clumsy diplomacy not just from the Turkish president but also from a Western power that ultimately has to deal with a budding dictator on Europes border.  If the Turkish president was looking to reassure financial markets, improve business ties and seek political support, he went about it clumsily.

That does not change the fact that Germanys economic interests and its strategic perceptions override all other elements, including the state of human rights and the democratic record of Turkey. At their post-meeting press conference, Merkel argued that the important thing was that the two sides were talking. "I consider the visit very important because when there are differences, a personal meeting is vital to resolve them," Merkel said.

Steinmeier, too, in his highly critical speech delivered at the state banquet, while underlining concerns about the German citizens imprisoned in Turkey and the Turkish journalists, trade unionists, lawyers, intellectuals and politicians who remained behind bars, proceeded to say, Germany and Turkey need each other  also in Europe. We need each other in the bid for peace in the Middle East, in the fight against terrorism and for the efforts to alleviate the situation of the refugees from war zones in the region.  We should talk about how we can tackle these tasks together.

Realpolitik counts nowadays in Berlin as seen in Germanys acquiescence to Erdogan despite all his clumsiness and the disputes between the two countries. The situation is perhaps best explained by the prestigious conservative daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. Under the title Keine Normalisierung" ("No Normalization) it nevertheless wrote: The Turkish president has done little to mitigate the outrage of those who regard his reception with military honors in Berlin as a mistake or even a betrayal of the values of the West.  We have a national interest for the NATO partner on the Bosporus not to stumble into Putin's arms. We cannot want Turkey to sink into an economic crisis in which Ankara exports mainly refugees from neighboring war zones and its own country. Erdogan should now know that only better relations with the EU, especially Germany, can avert the economic bankruptcy of his rule. Whether he is ready and able to fulfill the conditions without which a rapprochement with democratic Europe remains unthinkable is another question. You can only find that out when you talk to him. The situation in which the Erdogan regime is located could facilitate negotiation. For a state visit  on whose pomp Erdogan attached importance  there is a specific protocol. [Soviet leader Leonid] Brezhnev, although not a flawless democrat and then formally not yet head of state, even got a Mercedes gift.

Erdogan was aware of this overriding principle of German realpolitik. With that awareness, he insisted for a red carpet welcome with military honors and the opportunity to open a mosque in Cologne; this allowed him to parade as the leader of the Muslim world, something he was denied in Germany a year ago. He returned to Turkey without committing himself to improve the human rights and democracy record of his country.

In the light of all this, was he successful at the end of his controversial visit?

In a word, yes.
On Sept. 13, Turkeys state-run Religious Affairs Directorate (Diyanet) published a 104-page document, Syria Euphrates Shield and Olive Branch Activity Report. The publication didn't prompt much discussion, except for a few headlines focusing on mosque repairs in war-torn Syria. The Diyanet has indeed played multiple roles both on Syrian soil and with Syrian refugees in Turkey. Since Ankara's military incursions into Syria began in August 2016, the Diyanet has gradually become the pivotal institution that Ankara leans on for post-conflict stabilization.

In the last decade, the Diyanet evolved as Erdogans signature institution on par with Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT). Its budget, personnel and reach, both domestically and internationally, have grown. The Diyanets close links with the MIT are well-known. Indeed, currently Germanys intelligence agency is considering adding the Diyanet to its official watch list. Its imams in Germany are now reportedly advocating for victory against Kurds in Syria.

Allegations that Diyanet mosques engaged in espionage to gather information on Gulenists in the Netherlands and elsewhere in Europe have created tensions with Ankara. Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has also altered the role of the Diyanet in places such as Bulgaria, where there are ethnic Turks and Muslims, raising suspicion and anger in host governments.

A retired cleric who worked for the Diyanet more than 20 years and who did not want to be identified told Al-Monitor, The Diyanet is the best echo chamber for Erdogan, particularly since 2010." The Diyanets budget has jumped significantly since then. "Its activities can always be legitimized under the blanket of humanitarian aid and religious freedom. It is the best place to hide any activity in plain sight. As long as there are Muslims, the Diyanets involvement can always be justified. Plus, the Diyanet coordinates, and indeed controls, a long list of government-friendly NGOs [nongovernmental organizations], so the figures published for its spending, hiring and other sorts of expenditures can be spread and concealed from any sort of oversight.

Previous governments in Turkey did not care much for the Diyanet, but Erdogan's administration expanded it without opposition. Most employees are sympathetic to his cause and the agencys activities are alien to the secular establishment. Fifteen years ago, no one could envision that the Diyanet would become one of the strongest agencies, with global outreach and immense national political power. Inside the Diyanet, there is no one to disagree and challenge the Erdogan administrations closely held beliefs. To the contrary, the culture of the agency, as well as the culture it promotes, is based on submission, the retired cleric concluded.

A theology professor from an Istanbul university who did not want to be identified added: Consider all that we hear from the EU about the Diyanets activities on recruiting agents, covert surveillance and espionage. This is Europe, where imams and other employees of the Diyanet have to be under the supervision of the Turkish consulate or embassy. Just imagine what the same entity can do in a land where there is no established government. That is the unknown we are facing in Syria.

Indeed, the Diyanet has issued halal certificates since 2011, it established its own TV channel in 2012, and the Turkish Diyanet Foundation (TDV) operates in parallel with the Diyanet, with its own activities and costs.

The 104-page Diyanet report gives us some clues about Erdogans long reach in Syria. The report is rather detailed, but also confusing. Despite colorful charts and figures, it prompts several questions.

Trying to understand the Diyanets role, Al-Monitor contacted Syrian imams hired and trained by the Diyanet, as well as local residents of the Turkish-controlled cities of al-Bab, Jarablus, Azaz and Mare who have interacted with Diyanet-affiliated entities, as well as experts who have recently visited the area. Given the poor security situation, locals have asked for their names to be kept confidential.

A Syrian imam who has traveled to Turkey several times and has learned some Turkish told Al-Monitor: We're getting paid by the Turkish government. We're grateful to them and we see that the local population here [mostly Turkmens and Arabs] are happy to be under Turkish rule. For Turkey, religious and national allegiance are one and the same. But our interpretation of Islam may not always be the same. Turkey keeps Kurds under control and that's good for us. Plus, one day Syrians in Turkey may come and settle in these areas.

Amed Dicle, a seasoned journalist who recently traveled to the territories raised a red flag about education activities of the Diyanet, highlighting that this is a sign that Turkish presence in the region is not temporary. The Diyanets report says11,250 students in the area controlled by Turkey are receiving education through the Diyanet. Dicle said the Diyanet has hired 5,686 teachers from Syrian rebels. He emphasized that the education is centered on a Sunni-Turkish synthesis with a heavy dose of anti-Kurdish teachings. Kurds are portrayed as atheists, and the PKK, YPG and other Kurdish fighters are infidels. He said students are grouped according to gender and age.

In the Diyanets report it also seems odd that 519 female and 291 male Quran teachers are reported to be employed.

Although the report says the Diyanet funded repairs of 108 mosques, both Dicle and other locals estimate that over 250 mosques and madrassas have been repaired. They particularly pinpoint places where Ottomans used to have a mosque or a school and focus on that, said Dicle. Turks are learning, they are now following the Iranian model, added a Syrian cleric.

The report concludes $1.6 million was spent in Syria in the last year. It also states 197 million Turkish liras ($32.5 million) in aid was sent to Syria. The report provides clues about the wide spectrum of education provided to Syrian ulama, ranging from computer literacy to courses on separatist movements in the Islamic world such as IS, al-Qaeda, the Gulen movement and Hezbollah. The report emphasizes that 1,000 Qurans in the Kurdish language were distributed in Operation Olive Branch areas.

Dicle and other interviewees concurred on two points. One was that the Diyanets efforts indicate Turkish willingness to be present in these territories beyond the war, investing in people, particularly women and young people, with the purpose of generating emotional bonds and identification with Turkey. Second was that the border between Syria and Turkey is to be erased to an extent as a result of the high mobility of Syrian refugees between those two countries.

Perhaps the most intriguing graph is saved for the last: Turkey was listed as the No. 1 country in the world in humanitarian aid, followed by the United States, Germany and the UK. That chart should have given Erdogan significant bragging rights for domestic consumption, but it has not appeared ion the prime time news. Erdogan is having to put out so many fires all at once these days that real achievements no longer may be touted as victories.
Turkeys all-powerful President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed the inaugural session of the countrys recently defanged parliament today, throwing punches at the United States and vowing to wipe out Kurdish militants in Syria and Iraq and to further cooperation with Russia and the European Union. The speech dispelled any illusions that Erdogan, tempered by Turkeys ailing economy, may be shifting course in any meaningful manner or anytime soon.

His salvoes against Washington over its continued partnership with Syrian Kurdish militias and what he called the unlawful case against Turkish state lender Halkbank over its central role in busting US sanctions against Iran bode ill for Andrew Brunson, the North Carolina pastor being held in a Turkish prison on outlandish terror and espionage charges.

The Halkbank case is an example of unlawfulness. We are determined to combat within the bounds of law and diplomacy this warped mindset that uses a priest being prosecuted for his shadowy links with terrorist organizations as a pretext to impose sanctions [on Turkey], Erdogan thundered. He was referring to Washingtons decision to double aluminum and steel tariffs and to freeze the US assets of Turkeys justice and interior ministers in retaliation for what the Donald Trump administration and Congress label political hostage-taking by Ankara.

The exact number of US citizens being held by Turkey remains unclear but they include NASA physicist Serkan Golge, who is accused of involvement in the failed 2016 coup based on testimony from a disgruntled relative. Three Turkish nationals working for US diplomatic missions are also being held on terror charges.

Brunson, who faces up to 35 years if convicted as charged, is due to appear in court again Oct. 12. US officials have aired hopes that Brunson will be freed. If he isnt, the widespread consensus is that the United States will likely slap further sanctions on Turkey.

Even as Erdogan said, Inshallah, we will fix the problems between us in the shortest possible time and develop relations in the political and economic spheres in keeping with the spirit of our strategic partnership. He renewed threats to pursue Washingtons Syrian Kurdish partners known as the Peoples Protection Units east of the Euphrates River, where US special forces roam.

Erdogan sounded bullish on Idlib, the rebel-held province bordering Turkey that last month faced imminent assault by Syrian government forces amid warnings of a bloodbath by the United Nations. Erdogan said some 60,000 Syrians had already returned to the Turkish-protected part of the province, the fruit of a deal struck last month in Sochi between Turkey and Russia that staved off a regime onslaught.

The agreement reached between Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin calls for the establishment of a demilitarized zone in Idlib by Oct. 15 from which all fighters, including the al-Qaeda-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), will pull back. The corridor 15-20 kilometers (10-12 miles) wide will then be patrolled by Turkish and Russian troops, notionally insulating Turkish-held equities in Afrin and Jarablus from the regime.

But the plan appeared to be running in to trouble already with Faylaq al Sham, part of a Turkish-backed rebel alliance known as the National Liberation Front (NLF), which counts 8,500 to 10,000 fighters among its ranks, denying reports that it was withdrawing its fighters from the zone around Idlib. Fayaq al Sham official Omar Hudheifah asserted that nothing in the agreement required rebels to surrender front lines and fortifications and that they would retain defensive weapons they need, relayed International Crisis Group senior analyst for non-state armed groups Sam Heller via Twitter.

The NLF itself is opposed to Russian patrols of the demilitarized zone. Meanwhile, HTS is said to be internally divided over the deal, with hard-liners rejecting its implementation.

Nicholas Heras, a Middle East security fellow at the Center for a New American Security, noted, Turkeys problem in Idlib is that it committed itself to getting rid of al-Qaeda and similar groups in that region, and intends to do that by fighting to the last Syrian rebel proxy that it has. The rebels know this and will resist it. Heras added in emailed comments to Al-Monitor, Russia struck this deal because the opposition that is concentrated in Idlib are formidable opponents to [Syrian President] Bashar al-Assad. By threatening to allow Assad to attack Idlib and create mass displacement of people from that region, Russia was playing a hard game with Turkey. The result of Russias gambit is that Turkey is the sheriff of Idlib, which means that it has to maintain law and order there and go after al-Qaeda and similar organizations."

The sheriff seems unfazed. Erdogan told the parliament, Turkey, which bears the greatest burden in Syria, has become a country that takes an active role in the Syrian crisis directly on the ground, that seizes the initiative and makes itself heard. It's a sign of Turkish clout that Putin will join French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel at a summit scheduled to be held later this month in Istanbul to discuss Syria's future, including a new constitution.

Syrias foreign minister aired his pleasure with the Sochi agreement in an interview with Russia Today. Walid al-Moallem said it constituted a positive step toward re-establishing state control over the entire territory. But in a pointed reminder that jihadis fleeing Idlib could wind up in Turkey, Moallem maintained that indeed they should. Idlib terrorists had entered Syria through Turkey and would leave through Turkey. When you take a road from one city to another and you want to go back, you take the same road.
Iran fired six missiles at militant strongholds in eastern Syria today, near the area of operations for most of the 2,200 US troops fighting the Islamic State (IS) in the war-torn country. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said in a statement that the strikes killed several militant leaders accused of plotting last weeks attack on a military parade that killed 25 people.

Why it matters: While US intelligence agencies work to figure out the effectiveness of the strikes, experts tell Al-Monitor that the missile firings show that Iran is focused on increasing the accuracy of short-range weapons that could threaten forward-deployed US and Gulf military forces.

Their big concern is a US invasion, said Michael Elleman, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Its all about raising the costs of action for the United States, the Gulf states or the Israelis against Iran.

Indeed, Mondays strikes landed within three miles of American forces, a US defense official told CNN. Iran has bolstered that threat, Elleman said, by adapting short-range missiles with better tail fins and a reshaped nose cone that make the projectiles more accurate. Several drones also accompanied the barrage, indicating that Iran could be using unmanned aircraft to help improve targeting.

Pressure points: Reports of Irans improved accuracy could stretch a thinning US military presence in the region. The US Navy removed a carrier strike group from the Gulf in March and is expected to rotate out Patriot missile defense batteries. [The Iranians] are looking at this as an asymmetric capability to affect the battlefield, Elleman said. If they can start launching these Fateh-110s toward airfields, they can land enough on runways and preparation areas; its enough to really disrupt operations on an airfield if its close enough.

Whats next: Expect more tests in Syria, experts say. In some ways, I think of Syria like Spain of the 1930s, said Ian Williams, an associate fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank. You had the Germans, the Russians and the allies all piling in and testing Stuka dive bombers and their military wares. Sadly, I think were seeing a lot of that in Syria today.

Know more: Check out Al-Monitors exclusive interview with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif for the latest on Irans stance on its ballistic missile program and the future of its role in Syria.

- Jack Detsch
Moroccos use of anti-Iran rhetoric, coupled with its newly hired conservative lobbyists, is finally yielding tangible dividends: its first standalone bill in the 115th Congress. And it just so happens that the bipartisan legislation comes down in favor of Rabats stance on the disputed Western Sahara.

Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., has partnered with Gerry Connolly, D-Va., and Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla., to introduce a nonbinding resolution condemning the recent provocative actions of the Polisario Front and its foreign supporters, echoing Moroccos accusations that Iran and Hezbollah support the Algerian-backed independence movement.

The terrorist regime in Iran has been funding attacks against Morocco by the Polisario Front and it is time for the United Nations to promote a peaceful resolution to this Western Sahara conflict, Wilson said in a statement upon introducing the bill on Friday.

Why It Matters: As Al-Monitor reported last month, Moroccos new lobbying and media strategy hinges in part on unsubstantiated allegations that Irans Lebanese proxy Hezbollah has provided the Polisario with advanced surface-to-air missiles.

A brief State Department readout of Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bouritas meeting with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last month lists shared efforts to end Irans support for terrorism and counter its malign influence in the region as the only specific agenda item. Brian Hook, Washingtons Iran envoy, also noted that countries are increasingly worried about Tehrans missile proliferation following a meeting with Bourita.

New Lobbyists: Lobbying disclosure forms reviewed by Al-Monitor reveal that two of Moroccos lobbyists, the Glover Park Group and Iron Bridge Strategies, emailed and met with members of Wilsons office several times this year  both before and after Rabats allegations in May.

Iron Bridge lobbyists also met with Curbelos office multiple times and donated $1,500 to his re-election campaign in March. The firm also emailed Connollys office twice. Notably, Connolly is not an Iran hawk, unlike Wilson.

Serious and Credible: In addition to condemning any action by Iran or Hezbollah that promotes instability in North Africa, the resolution reaffirms the Moroccan autonomy plan for the Western Sahara as serious, realistic and credible.

Whats Next: The bill is currently awaiting a markup in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, a prerequisite to a floor vote. While the resolution is nonbinding, its passage would indicate that Congress endorses both Moroccos claims on Iran and its position on the Western Sahara.

Know More: Read congressional correspondent Bryant Harris report on Bouritas visit last month here. And check out our award-winning series The Influence Game to discover how Morocco has recalibrated its lobbying activity for the Donald Trump era.

- Bryant Harris
Communist rebels will escalate their attacks across the country from Oct. 11 to 17, a high-ranking military official said, citing recovered documents on the so-called Red October plot to oust President Rodrigo Duterte. The plan fizzled out a bit when we exposed the Red October plot. But based on our indicators now, the trend is that they will still continue with the attacks and these will be nationwide, Armed Forces deputy chief-of-staff for operations Brig. Gen. Antonio Parlade said in a phone interview. We have yet to determine the significance of those dates, and if they have recalibrated after the plot was exposed, he added. The attack teams were coded based on the recovered documents, Parlade said. There is the code supermarket to refer to attacks against police stations and army detachments where they aim to seize arms and ammunition, bulldozer to refer to mining firms and government infrastructure projects, tabasco to refer to suspected Oplan Tokhang agents, casino to refer to military intelligence assets, and Hades to refer to government personalities with a blood debt to the New Peoples Army, Parlade said. This is the last hurrah of Joma, he added, referring to self-exiled Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Ma. Sison. He said the attacks are expected to continue until December. The CPP Central Committee last year released its plans for its 50th anniversary on Dec. 26.The Filipino people are suffering gravely under the Duterte regime. The entire Party and all revolutionary forces must exert vigorous efforts to unite the Filipino people in a broad united front to resist and overthrow the fascist Duterte regime, the CPP said in a statement last year. A leftist student group dismissed talk of Red October. There is no ouster plot against the President. He is the one digging his own grave because of his anti-poor policies, extrajudicial killings, Oplan Tokhang and other [oppressive] economic policies, such as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law, said Kara Taggaoa, national spokesperson of the League of Filipino Students. This widespread disinformation is a conscious move by the government forces to discredit the peoples growing dissent, lay down the conditions for establishing their revolutionary government and railroad Charter-change. This is a nationwide conditioning for martial law, she said. She also slammed the Duterte administration for its second tax reform package known as the Tax Reform for Attracting Better and High-Quality Opportunities (TRABAHO). The essence of the new tax reform is not to create more job opportunities, but only to protect the interests of big corporations through tax exemptions, she said. The proposed tax reform measure aims to lower corporate income tax rate from 30 percent to 20 percent and broaden the tax base (income subject to tax) by removing several of the preferential or lower corporate tax rates under the Tax Code and setting stricter rules on transactions between parties.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has responded to the Sept. 22 terrorist attack in the southwestern city of Ahvaz  which both the Islamic State (IS) and Arab separatists claimed  by using missiles and, for the first time outside of its borders, armed drones against targets in Syria.

Irans Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghassemi said after the missile attack, Any action or movement from the military or political segments is not without a message and certainly has special messages. He continued, What can be stated clearly is Irans serious determination for countering centers of terrorism, a determination that we saw this morning from the forces of the IRGC.

Ghassemi did not elaborate on what the message was. The IRGCs Aerospace Force commander, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, said after the missile launch, The national security of Iran is our red line, and we will not compromise on this. He added that the use of missiles and armed drones was meant to be a lesson to not support terrorists and they should be scared of this situation. Paraphrasing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Hajizadeh said, If they hit us once, well hit them twice.

Hajizadeh did not say who they were, but Iran often accuses regional neighbors of supporting extremist groups in the region. The IRGC statement wrote that takfiri terrorists supported by America were targeted in the missile attack. Conservative analyst Hassan Rahimpour Azghadi tweeted, The power of missiles, is actually a guarantor of peace and security. If the arrogance finds out that you do not have the power to defend your nation, it will be tempted to attack you. The term the arrogance is a term applied to the United States.

Despite the message to the United States that the missile launch was in part meant to convey, there were numerous claims of responsibility for the Ahvaz attack. Arab separatists based in Europe attempted to take credit, though they quickly distanced themselves after Iran summoned the ambassadors of their host countries. The terrorist group IS also took responsibility for the attack and released a video of the attackers. Khamenei had earlier said that the attackers were similar to those in Iraq and Syria in that they are protected by the United States and funded by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This is how Iran often described IS in Iraq and Syria.

The missiles were launched into the Abu Kamal District in northeastern Syria. In total, Iran launched six missiles. Four of the missiles were the Zulfiqar, which have a range of 750 kilometers (466 miles); two of the missiles were the Qiam, which have a range of 800 kilometers (497 miles). The pictures released by the IRGC showed that one of the missiles had Death to America, Death to Israel and Death to Al Saud written on its side.

Conservative Iranian media close to the IRGC noted that this was the first time Iran has used armed drones outside of its borders. In a previous missile attack against IS in Syria in June 2017, Iran used drones as surveillance after the attack. This time, however, seven armed drones carrying four missiles each were used.
SULAIMANIYAH, Iraq  Iraqi Kurds voted Sept. 30 in parliamentary elections that witnessed low voter turnout, fraud and early threats to reject the results  which may push the land-locked region further into uncertainty after last years failed bid for independence from Baghdad.

The vote is the first since the war against the Islamic State (IS), economic hardship and political infighting that followed the doomed referendum, which provoked a firm response from Baghdad.

The Kurdistan Regional Government's Independent High Elections and Referendum Commission (IHERC), which supervises elections, reported that 29 political blocs and 773 candidates, including 241 women, are competing for the 111-seat house. Of the total population, 3,085,461 Iraqi Kurds were deemed eligible to vote in the general polls to elect members of parliament for their regions.

The results will be announced 72 hours after the polls close, but a significant change in the political map of the region is not expected  meaning that the two main parties, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), will remain dominant.

Early voting began on the morning of Sept. 28, when some 170,469 peshmerga forces and other security forces began voting.

The Metro Center for Defending the Rights of Journalists said in a statement that security forces broke the law during the early voting period by banning media channels from covering the process and beating some journalists who were also covering it.

Polling stations were opened to everyone early Sept. 30 across the region, but at around noon the turnout was low, about 10%, prompting political parties especially the KDP and the PUK  to urge voters to go to the polling stations.

Some people told Al-Monitor they were boycotting the voting process.

I boycotted voting [because] I do not believe in elections here  [voting] never changes anything. Overall, the past years the same old faces are the rulers of the Kurdistan Region, said Hanar, 40.

Although the IHERC announced six decrees late Sept. 29 to prevent voting fraud  including making it mandatory for voters to bring both their nationality ID cards and their citizenship papers in order to vote  many irregularities, including organized fraud and armed conflicts, still occurred.

Bestun Fayaq, a Kurdish lawmaker from Gorran, told Al-Monitor that officers from the directorate of the Sulaimaniyah governorate brought a large number of blank Iraqi nationality IDs to the polling stations to make fake IDs for the purpose of voter fraud. The IHERC announced Sept. 30 that they confiscated forged IDs from some party loyalists, indicating the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

Unknown gunmen stormed the Bradost polling station in Sulaimaniyah Sept. 30. Police responded by firing bullets, and one person was wounded. The polling station was closed.

In Koya, 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of the Kurdistan Region capital of Erbil, election monitors from four Kurdish parties  the KDP, Gorran, Komal and the Kurdistan Islamic Union  rejected the results, claiming their observers had seen forged identity papers, specifically citizenship documents.

All polling stations were closed at 6 pm local time, and the IHERC announced that voter turnout across the Kurdistan Region was 57%. Turnout was 58% in Erbil; 53% in Sulaimaniyah; 61% in Duhok; and 60% in Halabja.

As soon as voting stations closed, PUK official spokesman Saedi Ahmed Pira announced that his party would reject the results. But Qubad Talabani, head of the PUKs electoral list, later called on political parties to behave "responsibly," rejecting the PUK spokesperson's statements denouncing the results and saying that "it is too soon to accept or reject the results."

Both the PUK and Gorran later claimed victory in Sulaimaniyah and announced unofficial preliminary results through their media outlets. The PUK also claimed its votes in Erbil increased by 50% in comparison to the 2013 elections and said it had won almost 150,000 votes. The PUK committee in charge of the party participation in the election said that wide-scale voter fraud had been conducted in Erbil and Dahuk by the KDP, and they will file complaints with the IHERC.

Meanwhile, KDP leadership councils in Sulaimaniyah and Halabja alleged widespread election fraud in Sulaimaniyah province. Khasrou Goran, head of the KDP committee in charge of the election, said the party has filed complaints with the election commission concerning allegations of fraud and assault against election monitors.

Sarkawt Shams, a member of Iraqi parliament's New Generation, posted photos on Twitter showing an observer from his party who had been beaten severely in Erbil when he tried to prevent fraud at a polling station, pointing out dozens of injured observers.

Ismail Khurmali, an IHERC official, said at a press conference in Erbil that officials "no longer have contact with some of the [polling] stations in Sulaimaniyah,

An employee with IHERC in Sulaimaniyah who chose to remain anonymous for fear of possible retribution told Al-Monitor he was beaten when he tried to stop voter fraud by the ruling parties.

Whether there were actually incidents of fraud, Kurdistan and its transition [to democracy] need a clean and widely accepted electoral process. However, we should not forget that no election in the past has been free of fraud. What changed this time is that not just the opposition, but the KDP and the PUK are also accusing each other of fraud  which is qualitatively more concerning than in the past, Bilal Wahab, a Wagner fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy where he focuses on Kurdistan governance, told Al-Monitor.

Wahab believes that despite all allegations of fraud, the election may have some positive sides.

We should also recognize that this election and the campaigning that preceded it was probably the quietest in Kurdish history [because] we did not see violence, we did not see the burning of opposition headquarters [nor] political assassinations, and so far we have seen much less violence than that in the May Iraqi elections.
There were no apparent surprises at the United Nations General Assembly meeting on the Middle East this year. Not in speeches delivered there, not in press conferences and not in talks held on its sidelines. However, this years session could actually point to a surprising shift in the relationship among the sides of the linchpin triangle consisting of the US administration, the government of Israel and the PLO leadership.

Ostensibly, all the players adhered to the roles in which they were cast for this annual performance. US President Donald Trump spoke about resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in his nonbinding role as a sideline observer. He likes the two-state solution, he told reporters after his Sept. 26 meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, only to revert to an even less binding commitment on the following day to support any solution the two sides favor. While Trump did not go back on his intention to present what he calls the ultimate Israeli-Palestinian peace deal, he is unwilling to commit to the timing of its unveiling  maybe in two months, maybe in three, maybe in four. In any case, according to Trump, Israel was dealt a better hand when he moved the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem this past May, and will have to compensate the Palestinians within the framework of this long-gestating deal.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reiterated his accusations that Israel was violating its agreements with the Palestinians. He claimed the United States had proven it could not be an honest broker between the sides and that the Palestinians could not accept its involvement unless it takes place within a broader framework of an international conference with the permanent members of the UN Security Council and with other participants. He repeated his opposition to any form of violence.

As for Netanyahu, he once again presented the Iranian threat, complete with his usual show-and-tell presentation, and did not hesitate to share with those in the half-empty UNGA hall sensitive intelligence information about a secret Iranian warehouse containing nuclear development equipment. Ironically, a US intelligence source told Reuters after the speech that the Americans know all about the warehouse and it does not contain any such equipment. Netanyahu only referred to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute in an off-handed manner, saying the bad 2015 nuclear agreement between world powers and Iran led to closer Israeli cooperation with some Arab states, with which he hoped to achieve peace  as he hopes to do with the Palestinians. That was all.

On the face of it, the events at the UNGA and on its sidelines were expected and obvious. In fact, what emerged was a far more complex picture. In many respects, it has been two against one in this triangle since Trump assumed office in January 2016: Trump and Netanyahu versus Abbas. Trump flatters Netanyahu, cites Russian President Vladimir Putin as saying he is a fan of Netanyahus, the two see eye to eye on the Iranian threat and to a large extent Trump is Netanyahus disciple when it comes to hating the Islamic Republic.

On the other hand, Trump has not given up on the ultimate deal he promised to forge soon after taking office, and he knows that if the Republicans lose their majority in the Senate in the midterm elections next month, he will be far more constrained on domestic issues and will shift his game to the international arena. He thinks he is capable of resolving our long-festering conflict with the Palestinians and he believes in himself and the team he set up to advance this move.

In August, Trump told Jordans King Abdullah II that in the event of a one-state solution, Israel could find itself with a prime minister named Mohammed. His comment reflected his understanding  like that of his hated predecessor Barack Obama  of the demographic threat to Israels Jewish, democratic character unless it supports a two-state solution.

Trumps chosen path toward a historic solution to the conflict is troubling, as it is based on an assumption that the Palestinians will only return to US-sponsored negotiations under financial duress. It tramples Palestinian dignity (just as does his attitude toward Iran), but his desire for renewed negotiations is unequivocal. The solution he envisions is also apparently much closer to the one promoted by Abbas than to Netanyahus adamant embrace of the status quo.

The expression on Netanyahus face as he heard Trump speaking at their joint New York news conference Sept. 26 about favoring a two-state solution was reminiscent of the frozen expression on his face that the cameras caught when Obama spoke in a similar vein at the time. There is no way on earth that Trumps remark about two states was coordinated in advance with Netanyahu. Trumps seeming retraction of this scenario after their meeting the next day likely stemmed from his Israeli guests request not to get him into hot water with his coalition partners, who were quick to slam the idea.

The closeness between the two leaders on the Iranian issue is strategic in nature. On the Palestinian one, it is tactical, and it rests on very thin ice. The minute there is any talk of significant movement on this front, the ice will crack. This year's UNGA meeting could signal a shift in the tripartite power balance. If the Trump team convinces Abbas to accept US mediation with Israel in light of the presidents comment favoring two states, a clearer picture will emerge. While Trump will not revoke his decision to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem, the Palestinians may be swayed by a US commitment in principle to recognize a Palestinian capital called Al-Quds (the Arabic name for Jerusalem) within the framework of a peace agreement, and by US willingness to rescind all the budgetary sanctions imposed on them in recent months.

Two sides of the American-Israeli-Palestinian triangle are seeking a change in the status quo, while one (Netanyahu) strenuously objects. To the extent possible, Netanyahu will try to postpone the decisive moment and the unveiling of the Trump plan because he cannot agree to any blueprint involving the division of the land between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River into two states. If the administration succeeds in bringing the Palestinians on board, Netanyahu will be the one who finds himself thrust into a corner by the two other sides of the triangle.
NEW YORK  While Iran has so far not accepted President Donald Trumps offer of direct talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Saturday had a message for Trump that speaks to the US presidents frequent complaints about the cost in blood and treasure of US interventions in the Middle East.

Trump says, We spent $7 trillion in the Middle East and got nowhere, Zarif, speaking to a small group of journalists in New York on Saturday, said. So, why is he repeating the same mistakes? Is he doing anything different?

Now, he may not be spending that money, Zarif said. He may be asking Saudi Arabia to spend the money for it. But it is the same policy.  What got you into the misery that youre in right now in the Middle East:  It is the policy that is the problem. And I believe the United States would be well off if it started re-examining the policy that got you here.

While noting that it was largely the United States that found itself isolated at the United Nations last week over its decision to withdraw from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, Zarif expressed frustration at American, Israeli and Gulf allegations about Irans destabilizing presence in the region, support for proxy groups and proliferation of ballistic missile technology to Yemens Houthi rebels and Lebanons Hezbollah.

From Irans perspective, Zarif said, it was the United States and its Gulf allies that were supporting rebels in Syria during a seven-year civil war that destabilized the region with the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and which is supporting a Saudi-led bombing campaign that has killed thousands of Yemeni civilians.

I believe the problem is the United States failing to recognize the realities in our region, Zarif said. They are looking to contain Iran, to exclude Iran from this region. But what they are doing is creating more chaos, more extremism, more uncertainty, more instability. I mean, they should sit down and simply ask themselves, What got us here?

Though Trump has publicly stated his interest in meeting with the Iranians and reaching a new deal, Zarif said Iran has not reciprocated because it considers this US administrations policy unreliable and based on illusions. Trump administration policy toward the region is so "focused on their obsession with Iran," it has backfired, Zarif earlier told Al-Monitor in an exclusive interview Friday.

Why not send a message? Because we dont see them as reliable, Zarif said. We dont believe that negotiations are about trust, but they are about reliability. And we do not find the current US policy reliable. That is, once they agree to something, we dont know whether they stick to it.

I see a number of policies based on illusions, he continued. Illusion of regime change, which has existed for 40 years, but this administration seems to be attracted to that illusion more than its predecessors. Illusion of being able to exclude Iran from the region. Illusion of being able to bring Iran to the negotiating table through threats and pressure. These are all illusions that have dominated to various degrees US foreign policy for the past 40 years. Its been less during certain administrations, and more, probably most, during this administration.

Zarif also mocked Trump administration complaints that the 2015 Iran nuclear deal that Trump withdrew from in May did not address regional concerns. He said Iran had not categorically rejected the possibility of talks on regional issues, but said that such a negotiation, were it to take place, would favor Iran, with a relatively modest defense budget, over the US Gulf allies that have bought billions of dollars in US weapons.

Believe me, had we negotiated regional issues we would not be on the giving side, Zarif said. Those who have made mistakes in our region would be on the giving side. No one did us a favor by removing the regional issues from the table. We did them a favor because we wanted to resolve a big issue.

Had we talked about military equipment in the region, then they would have to stop pouring arms into our region, Zarif said. Because we spent, with everything, including manpower  a million-people-strong manpower  between $12 billion and $16 billion. Saudi Arabia only buys $60 billion-$70 billion of weapons that they dont know how to use. The United Arab Emirates only buys $22 billion worth of weapons. They dont have enough people to use.  The entire population is a million people.

So if we wanted to get into discussion about these issues, we would be on the demanding side, not on the answering side, he said.

Asked about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus map of Irans alleged expanding presence in the region, Zarif started his response with a kind of joke.

Have you seen that map with all the US bases around us? Zarif said. And he quipped: Why are these Iranians putting their country in the middle of all of our bases?

We are in our region, Zarif, speaking more seriously, continued. We have not invaded any country. We have not sent troops anywhere they were not asked. We have not bombed any country. We have not taken territory from any country.

We do not have our eye on anybody elses territory, resources or people, Zarif said. Can Netanyahu make this same statement?  We will never use our missiles except in self-defense. Can he [Netanyahu] make this very simple statement?

Zarif seemed to grow particularly upset at a question about allegations that Iran has provided missiles to Yemens Houthi rebels. He did not acknowledge that Iran had done so, but said that the Houthis had a right to defend themselves from the US-backed Saudi and Emirati military campaign that has killed thousands of Yemeni civilians.

They [the Houthis] are attacking Saudi targets, but Saudis are bombing school buses, Zarif said. They are committing crimes against humanity with American bombs, and the United States is providing air support for that, the United States is providing target support for that.  Now who is committing aggression and who is committing defense?

Lets be real, Zarif said. You have repeated these lies to each other that you got used to it as if these are realities.

The United States and its allies are involved in aggression in our region, he said. They continue to kill civilians. What is the source of this nightmare in Syria other than the United States and Saudi Arabia deciding seven years ago that they could topple the Assad regime in three weeks? Other than the Qataris believing that Assad would be out of government before the end of Ramadan, and we have had seven Ramadans since then and the people of Syria have gotten killed and maimed and displaced and you blame Assad?

I am not saying there are missiles from Iran, but if there were, they are there for the defense of people, he said. Yemenis have resisted aggression since before there was an Iranian revolution and they will continue to resist aggression. This is a fact of history, my friend.
Displaced Iraqi Christians now have their own special liaison to the premier US aid agency, thanks to pressure from Vice President Mike Pence.

USAID Administrator Mark Green has appointed Max Primorac as special representative for minority assistance programs to oversee the distribution of US aid for Iraqi Christians and Yazidis as they seek to rebuild their lives.

To ensure help goes when and where its needed most, USAID has sent a special representative for minority assistance programs to work with churches directly on how to best focus our attention, a White House official told Al-Monitor. The official also said the Donald Trump administration has also dedicated $145 million to support persecuted religious communities rebuilding in Iraq.

The White House official also said the Trump administration is prioritizing US refugee admissions for those who face such extreme faith persecution that they cant return to their home country.

Republicans in Congress and minority rights advocates have long complained that the United States and the UN have not done enough to assist Iraqi Christians displaced by the genocidal rampage of the Islamic State (IS). But critics believe things are finally starting to turn around.

Aid has been slowly trickling out, said Nina Shea, a senior fellow at the conservative Hudson Institute, who has pushed the Trump administration to do more to support Iraqi Christians. USAID didnt seriously tackle the problem until a month ago when it appointed Primorac.

The US Consulate in Erbil tweeted out a picture of Primorac meeting with religious minority groups Sunday.

Despite its pro-Christian rhetoric, the Trump administration has only admitted 23 Christian refugees from the Middle East so far this year as it cracks down on migrant flows to the United States, according to the Evangelical Immigration Table, a pro-immigrant Christian coalition. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced earlier this month that the United States will lower the maximum number of refugees it accepts from 45,000 this year  an already historic low  to 30,000 next year.

Last years State Department Report on International Religious Freedom says there are some 250,000 Christians in Iraq, most of whom live in the Ninevah Plains and Iraqi Kurdistan  down from 800,000 in 2002 before the US invasion.

Stabilization aid aims to restore basic services such as electricity, running water, temporary shelter and health services so displaced people can return to their homes and resume some semblance of a normal life.

Primorac previously oversaw stabilization and reconstruction projects in Iraq during the George W. Bush administration. More recently, he served as president of the Institute for Stabilization and Transition before leaving in February to become a senior adviser for USAIDs Middle East bureau. He became USAIDs envoy for Iraqi minority groups in August.

Notably, Primorac has made common cause with Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., in urging the United States to do more to specifically target assistance for Iraqi Christians.

Smith has held at least 10 hearings on the issue. The congressman used his most recent hearing last year to highlight an unsolicited stabilization proposal submitted to USAID by the Nineveh Reconstruction Committee, a collective of Iraqi Christian groups. Primorac helped draft the $22.5 million proposal to rehabilitate over 9,000 partially damaged homes in seven towns in his capacity as secretary and treasurer of the Nineveh Reconstruction Committees sister branch in the United States.

Personnel is policy, Smith told Al-Monitor. You get the right people in the gatekeeper positions with a commitment.

Personnel is policy, Smith told Al-Monitor. You get the right people in the gatekeeper positions with a commitment.

Smith has been instrumental in pushing for USAID to divert US funding streams directly to Iraqi genocide victims rather than funding UN-backed stabilization projects, which he argues have been ineffective.

In a June Wall Street Journal op-ed titled Iraqi Christians are still waiting, Mr. Pence, Smith blamed career staff at USAID for ignoring Mr. Pences words. The op-ed prompted Pence to remove USAIDs senior deputy administrator for the Middle East, Maria Longi, according to a report in BuzzFeed.

Still, Trump picked a career USAID staffer, Michael Harvey, for the post immediately above Longis position in June. Harvey praised her knowledge and dedication acquired over a long and distinguished career with the US government during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last week.

I think the vice president wanted something to happen in a very speedy fashion and was disappointed to hear that was not the case and received a lot of feedback from Iraqi Christians here in the United States and back over in the Middle East, Philippe Nassif, the executive director of In Defense of Christians, an advocacy group that supports Pences minority aid agenda, told Al-Monitor.

They were getting stood up and I think that bothered him and he just had to come out and make some changes at USAID and show that theyre deeply engaged, said Nassif.

Pence, who has strong ties to Christian advocacy groups, first vowed to divert aid streams from the UN directly to Iraqi Christians and Yazidis in a speech before In Defense of Christians last year.

The day after Smiths op-ed came out, Pence directed Green to travel to Iraq to meet with minority groups and report back with a plan to accelerate aid to those in greatest need. The vice presidents office vowed that Pence will not tolerate bureaucratic delays.

Its changing, Smith told Al-Monitor. Mark Green led a delegation to many parts, including Erbil, and came back  further informed to what the needs were. And they are systematically setting out to meet those needs.

The House unanimously passed Smith legislation authorizing the Trump administration to provide aid directly to IS genocide victims in June. And while the Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced the bill in the upper chamber earlier this month, Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., has held up the bill on the floor.

Leahy spokesman David Carle told Al-Monitor that the senator has made several proposed edits to the bill, which he believes would improve it. We saw the bill for the first time this week and they are asking for it to be approved by unanimous consent without changes or debate.

Smiths bill notwithstanding, the State Department says it has directed more than $118 million in aid for Iraqi minorities since last year.

Earlier this year, the United States withheld $75 million of its contribution to the UN Development Program, which oversees Iraqi stabilization aid, until the agency deploys $55 million of its current US contribution to Iraqi minorities. And in July, Green announced that the United States would fund longer-term reconstruction projects for 10 Christian communities in the Ninevah Plains.

Nonetheless, Washington refused to commit funds for Iraqs reconstruction as the Trump administration attempts to slash aid across the board. At a February pledging conference in Kuwait, the United States said that it will instead rely on private sector investment in Iraq through the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the Export-Import Bank. Baghdad estimates that it will need roughly $100 billion to rebuild the country following the chaos and damage that ensued in the fight against IS.
Birmingham cybersecurity firm ThreatAdvice will be providing about 3,000 Hoover City Schools' employees with online threats training.

Teachers and administrators will be getting lessons on scams, including phishing simulations, and sample cybersecurity-related policies that the school system can use.

Bryan Phillips, chief technology officer for Hoover City Schools, called the need for the training "imperative."

"ThreatAdvice provided a turnkey package with an online learning management system that was easy to implement and utilize and other awareness options that will keep cybersecurity preparedness on the forefront of Hoover City School employees' minds," Phillips said.

A 2017 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report cited 455 cybersecurity incidents in the education sector last year. At the same time, the U.S. Department of Education issued a cyber advisory alert stating that K-12 school systems are facing new online threats involving student information.

Officials say criminals are seeking to extort money from school districts and other educational institutions on the threat of releasing sensitive data from student records. In some cases, this has included threats of violence, shaming, or bullying children unless payment is received.

"It's not just big businesses that are targets of cyber-attacks," ThreatAdvice CEO David Brasfield said. "Any organization or business that is responsible for a large amount or personal data is a target. And the more employees an organization has, the more potential entry points the bad guy has. That is why cyber education is so important for everyone."
Two Birmingham startups won last week's Alabama Launchpad Startup Competition Finale, held at LogiCore Corp. in Cummings Research Park in Huntsville.

Winning the $50,000 concept track for entrepreneurs launching businesses was Moovmo, a ridesharing service for wheelchair users. Its mobile app is currently in the development stages and is expected to launch early next year.

The $100,000 seed stage winner for companies looking to accelerate growth was Neowaste, which converts waste into low sulfur diesel fuel using a patented catalytic conversion process. The process can produce up to of 260 gallons of fuel from each ton of waste processed.

The two were among six startups that pitched before the judges and a live audience during the Launchpad Finale.

Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, uses a volunteer judging panel of five individuals representing investors, entrepreneurs and corporate stakeholders from across the state. The judging panel remains the same through each phase of the competition.

Since its beginning in 2006, Alabama Launchpad has invested over $4.5 million in companies that have created more than 500 jobs and raised over $70 million in follow-on capital and revenue. Alabama Launchpad is the most active early-stage investor in Alabama, according to PitchBook, which tracks the public and private equity markets.

Alabama Launchpad is a public-private partnership made possible through support from the business community, the state's research universities, the Alabama Research Alliance, the Alabama Department of Commerce and the Appalachian Regional Commission.
Birmingham-Southern College's first woman president announced today that she is stepping down immediately due to health concerns.

Linda Flaherty-Goldsmith had served as president since her appointment in June 2016. She announced in August that she would step down in spring of 2019, but today said she was leaving her post immediately. She sent out a letter to BSC alumni today:

"I shared some news with our campus community this morning that I would like you to hear from me.



"As you know, I announced this fall that 2018-19 would be my final academic year as president due to my own family's needs. I had hoped not to share with you that my own health has been compromised by cancer and associated surgeries I experienced in summer 2017. My immune system is vulnerable, and while the role of BSC's president is a joyful one, it also involves long hours and considerable stress.



"The latest health complication was an emergency appendectomy, and had that been my only issue, I would have bounced back quickly. But I have not. I must finally concede to my family's wishes that I get the rest needed to allow my immune system to recover. So I am stepping down today as president.



"I am pleased to announce that Provost Dr. Bradley Caskey has agreed to take over as interim president, placing Birmingham-Southern College in incredibly capable hands. We recruited Brad to BSC last year and were thrilled to attract someone of his caliber to this role. With more than three decades in academia, Brad has been a great asset to the College, leading faculty and staff through a strategic re-consideration of our curriculum and student experience that has already had a significant impact. His focus on students and dedication to interdisciplinary experiences, his understanding of the needs of our faculty and staff, and our shared vision give me the utmost confidence in his ability to lead the college. Our tremendous senior administrative team is poised to support him in every way, just as they have supported me. It is the strength and talent of these people - and the steadfast support of our alumni and friends -- that allows me to take this step confident that the Bridge to the Future will be crossed successfully.



"Meanwhile, under the leadership of Board of Trustees Chair Denson N. Franklin III '85, the Executive Transition Team is already moving forward in the search for BSC's next leader. That group includes representatives of the Board, faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Along with you, I will be watching eagerly for their good news. I know they will make a wise and thoughtful decision that will honor all the work we have done together since June 2016 and continue BSC's trajectory ever forward.



"I hope to see all of you and say a proper goodbye when I am feeling better. Until then, know that I will hold the BSC family in my heart."

Flaherty-Goldsmith was Vice Chancellor for Financial Affairs for the University of Alabama System from 1993-1998, and prior to that she served 13 years in key financial roles at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, including serving as Vice President for Finance and Administration. She taught leadership in the Culverhouse College of Commerce at the University of Alabama from 1998-2000, before establishing a financial and organizational consulting practice.
Birmingham will begin collecting supplies for Hurricane Florence relief on Tuesday, Oct. 2

Supplies will be accepted daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, Oct. 5 at Boutwell Auditorium at 1930 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd.

Items to be collected are:

Canned goods

Water

Cleaning supplies (including brooms, mops, cleaners, disinfectants and trash bags).

Clothing will not be collected for the supply drive.

Hands On Birmingham will assist in the volunteer effort. Christian Service Mission will assist in transporting items to various relief groups.
A Blount County man has been criminally charged a DUI crash that killed a Trafford man.

Alabama State Troopers on Monday announced the arrest of 35-year-old Johnny Lee Hobson, who has a long history of traffic citations dating back more than a decade.

Senior Trooper Chuck Daniel said Hobson is charged with reckless murder and DUI/first-degree assault in the death of 66-year-old Rodger Dale Ledlow.

The crash happened at 11:25 a.m. on Sept. 18 on Highway 79, seven miles south of Locust Fork. Authorities said Ledlow died when the 2002 Ford F-150 he was driving was struck head-on by Hobson, who was driving a 2005 Ford F0250. Ledlow was pronounced dead on the scene.

The passenger in Ledlow's vehicle was airlifted to a Huntsville hospital. Hobson was transported to St. Vincent's East in Birmingham.

Court records show the passenger in Ledlow's truck, Tommie Ledlow, filed a civil lawsuit against Hobson on Sept. 21.

He has multiple citations for violations including speeding, driving with a revoked license, following too closely and attempting to elude.

Hobson, who was arrested Friday, is being held in the Blount County Jail. His bond is set at $135,000.
Mexico CityMexican officials hailed a new North American trade accord Sunday as the US and Canada announced they had reached an agreement to keep a three-country deal and rename the 24-year-old NAFTA. Canada had risked being frozen out of a US-Mexican deal to update the North American Free Trade Agreement reached in August, but 11th-hour talks between Ottawa and Washington finally yielded an agreement to keep all three members in the new version of the trade pact. Its a good night for Mexico, and for North America, tweeted Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray. Other top Mexican officials also welcomed the deal. We celebrate the trilateral agreement, Jesus Seade, who represented Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador at the talks, wrote on Twitter. The door has been closed on the regions trade fragmentation, he said, adding the deal will give certainty and stability to Mexicos trade with its North American partners. Mexicos chief NAFTA negotiator, Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo, tweeted that he had instructed his deputy, Juan Carlos Baker, to deliver the text of the new agreement to the Mexican Senate on Sunday night.A press conference at the Senate was scheduled for late Sunday. If the deal is ratified by the three countries legislatures, their heads of stateUS President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexicos outgoing president Enrique Pena Nietowill sign it on November 30, reported Mexican TV network Televisa. That is one day before Lopez Obrador, a leftist free-trade skeptic, takes office in Mexico. Officials from all three countries had set his December 1 inauguration as a cutoff date, fearing the political uncertainty his arrival could add to the talks. Lopez Obrador, whose transition team participated in the negotiations as observers, has however given his blessing to the new NAFTAwhich will be called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The three countries began renegotiating NAFTA more than a year ago at the behest of Trump, who savaged the deal as a presidential candidate and says it has been a rip-off for the United States that has cost the country manufacturing jobs.
A Trussville man has been indicted after police say he shot his dog while he was trying to shoot a man.

A Jefferson County grand jury issued the indictment against Michael Jeremy Downs on Sept. 21, according to court records made public Monday. The incident happened March 29.

Trussville police responded to a call of shots fired in the 100 block of Kingstown Circle and found Downs, now 39, trying leave the scene. Investigators later determined Downs got into an argument with a 38-year-old man inside the home.

At some point during the altercation, Downs pulled out a .357 magnum pistol and fired shots at the man, police said. Instead, Downs shot his own dog, which was on the couch near the man he meant to shoot.

Downs is charged with attempted murder and animal cruelty. Authorities have previously said the dog was expected to recover.

He also has unrelated charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, DUI and reckless driving.

He is being held without bond in the Jefferson County Jail.
Federal agents have arrested the father of a Blossomwood Elementary student who brought a gun to school and accidentally shot himself.

Letroy Cole, 41, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, according to the Department of Justice.

Cole's son, a second-grader at Blossomwood, took the gun to school on Sept. 17. While showing the pistol to another student, Cole's son accidentally shot himself in the hand, according to authorities.

The gun is a .32-caliber semi-automatic pistol, federal court records state.

Huntsville police, who investigated the school shooting, have said the gun was stolen. In state court, Cole has been charged with receiving stolen property and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The gun had been reported stolen in a case of breaking and entering a vehicle in Huntsville on March 22, 2017, said Huntsville police Lt. Michael Johnson in a statement this afternoon.

"Cole admitted to possessing the handgun and stated that he found the gun behind his apartment approximately a year and a half ago," Johnson said in the release. "Cole also stated that he knew that he was a convicted felon and was not supposed to have had a handgun."

Cole's son told police he saw where they gun was hidden in their home and brought it to school to show it off.

The federal charges were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

"Convicted felons who possess firearms will soon possess bed space in a federal prison," said U.S. Attorney Jay Town in a news release. "In this case, a federal grand jury returned a federal indictment with that will be presented in federal court and, upon conviction, a federal judge will impose a prison sentence that will not provide the sanctuary of parole."

Town said Cole has two prior felony convictions in Cook County, Illinois. In 1995, he was convicted of narcotics possession, records show. In 2002, Cole was convicted for possession of a pistol by a felon, the indictment says.

"ATF Crime Gun Intelligence Centers are the driving force to reduce the potential for violent crime and disrupting the shooting cycle that plagues our neighborhoods, to include firearms recovered in the school systems," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson in the DOJ news release.

If convicted, Cole faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Updated at 4:54 p.m. to include new information from Huntsville police.
ALLENTOWN, PA. --Three men, one of whom might have included the perpetrator, are confirmed dead in a car explosion Saturday evening in Allentown, authorities said Sunday afternoon.

The explosion happened shortly after 9:30 p.m. on the 700 block of West Turner Street -- a block from the PPL Center and two blocks from Hamilton Street, a popular downtown dining area. Multiple witnesses told WFMZ-69 News there appeared to be more than one person in the car when it exploded.

Residents told various media outlets they heard a loud booming sound and felt buildings shaking around the time of the blast. An NBC viewer shared a video of the aftermath which showed a car engulfed in flames, as well as what appeared to be body parts on the ground.

The Allentown Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI agents, the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office, the Lehigh County Homicide Task Force, the Lehigh County Coroner's Office and Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate the blast.

During a Sunday afternoon press conference, authorities provided little information about what led to the explosion. Officials expect to release more information during a second news conference tentatively scheduled for Monday morning in Allentown.

Lehigh County coroner Scott Grim said authorities are withholding the identities of the deceased, including one person whom they believe is the person who committed the crime, until next of kin have been notified. Grim said an autopsy is planned Monday to determine the exact cause and manner of death for each person.

"We know there's been a criminal incident," Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin said. "We have a high degree of confidence that the perpetrator was probably killed (in the blast)."

Martin also said there's a high degree of confidence that "A. This is an isolated incident and B. There's no continuing threat as a result of it."

Allentown police said a portion of the roadway between Sixth to Ninth streets and Chew to Linden streets will remain closed as a result of the investigation. Martin asked for neighbors to continue to be patient as authorities continue to investigate.

"It's going to be inconvenient for the people who live in that area, surrounding that area, until the ATF and everybody is able to collect the evidence and lead us to hopefully concluding this ... we're asking for the public's cooperation," Martin said.

A shelter was opened up Sunday morning for residents displaced by the blast at Cleveland Elementary School. By noon, an estimated dozen people came and went from the shelter, said Dave Skutnik, regional director of communications for the Red Cross.

A second shelter was opening Sunday evening at the East Side Youth Center, 1140 E. Clair St.

Allentown Police Chief Tony Alsleben said additional victims and witnesses continue to be interviewed. There was high police activity Sunday afternoon in the vicinity of North Lumber and Chew streets -- just blocks away from the scene of the explosion.

Authorities did not release information if the activity at that scene was related to Saturday's blast. The chief added the FBI and the ATF are taking the lead on the investigation.

"We'll be here as long as it takes," said Steve McQueen, acting assistant special agent in charge for the FBI Philadelphia office.
Gulf Shores is the latest city to approve an agreement with the popular home-sharing app Airbnb, and is expected to be a financial boon for the coastal city.

The approval, occurring Monday, could add more than $300,000 in lodging tax revenues for the city that ranks No. 1 in Alabama when it comes to Airbnb business.

The action in Gulf Shores comes less than one month after Birmingham, the No. 2 market for Airbnb, approved a similar agreement that allows the Magic City to recoup nearly $100,000 in tax receipts.

"We recognize the importance of our city to be able to work collaboratively with companies like Airbnb," said Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft in a statement. "This agreement will provide Airbnb hosts with a seamless lodging tax collection process and will ensure our community continues to benefit from this important revenue stream."

Gulf Shores, among the state's most popular vacation destinations, attracted more than 27,000 Airbnb guests who generated $4.9 million in revenues for hosts, according to the hospitality platform.

Based on the city's overall 13 percent lodging tax, Gulf Shores generates more than $630,000 annually from Airbnb business. Of that 13 percent, 7 percent goes directly to the city or $343,000, with the remainder going to the state and Baldwin County.

Tax agreements

A similar tax agreement was approved in Orange Beach in August 2017. Orange Beach, located just east of Gulf Shores, is Airbnb's third most popular market in Alabama.

"We are getting $20,000 to $30,000 a month in lodging that we otherwise were not receiving before from Airbnb," said Ford Handley, the city of Orange Beach's Finance Director.

Handley said that Airbnb, during its first year under its agreement with the city, generated $238,000 in lodging tax revenue. Orange Beach has the same lodging tax rate as Gulf Shores.

"We had caught wind that they were starting to collect lodging taxes on behalf of several cities so we reached out to Airbnb over a year ago," said Handley.

Indeed, San Francisco-based Airbnb has increased the number of cities in which it has endorsed a tax partnership to collect and remit taxes on its bookings. Overall, it has 370 U.S. tax partnerships, with seven in Alabama.

Mobile and Huntsville are the two largest markets for Airbnb without an agreement. Auburn and Tuscaloosa, two university cities that experienced a surge in home-sharing during graduation ceremonies in May, both have tax agreements in place with Airbnb.

Fairhope, which is Airbnb's seventh most popular host city drawing, does not have an agreement but is currently considering one, according to a city official. The fast-growing Baldwin County city attracted 4,3700 guests and $602,000 in revenues in 2017.

Sherry-Lea Bloodworth Botop, director of economic and community development in Fairhope, said the city is "working on some internal/staffing adjustments so that we can implement and enforce doing this."

In Foley, which is located just north of Gulf Shores, city officials are also considering a more general agreement that addresses all "residential properties and their use as short-term" rentals, according to City Administrator Mike Thompson. Foley, according to the company's 2017 data, had 1,500 guest arrivals and generated $154,000 of income from guests. The city is Airbnb's 13th most popular market.

Said Thompson: "Obviously, this is a more pressing issue for Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, but Foley is seeing some of this activity as well."

Business licenses

Handley, in Orange Beach, said one of the concerns they have with Airbnb is the lack of disclosure of properties doing business with the home-sharing app. As a result, Handley said, the city is unsure if Airbnb's hosts have business licenses to operate within the city.

"We do our own audit and I feel confident we have 90 percent licensed, but we don't get numbers from the people they collect from," said Handley.

Gulf Shores, according to its agreement with Airbnb, specifically cites that the company will "not identity hosts/properties except on an anonymized basis" and that that Airbnb is not "required" to produce personal identifiable information regarding its hosts or guests.

Handley said the revenue boost is worth forgoing the business license.

Airbnb has entered into markets with ordinances and strict regulations, but most are large metropolitan cities. In Chicago, for instance, the city has an ordinance requiring home-sharing sites like Airbnb and Texas-based HomeAway to obtain a license before doing business so that city officials can track and limit the number of units rented on a short-term basis.

"When you're talking about $238,000 of revenue they can collect and remit to us, that is more of a benefit to our citizens than trying to find a $132 business license," Handley said. "But, of course, I'd love to get the information. We'll continue to work for that in the future."

In Fairhope, Botop said the city's code enforcement team is screening Airbnb properties weekly. She said that the city only allows short-term rentals in areas zoned for them, but that they are prohibited in many residentially-zoned neighborhoods.

She said that all rental must carry a business license.

"It is not illegal for properties outside the allowable short-term districts to advertise on Airbnb, but it is illegal for them to accept more than one rental more frequently than every 30 days," she said.

The activity by cities to enter into Airbnb agreements comes about two years after the Alabama lawmakers entered into an agreement to collect a 4 percent lodging tax the state assesses on all rentals.

It's unclear how much the state, or any city, collects from Airbnb competitors. HomeAway, based out of Austin and offering vacation rentals, does not have a similar agreement in place with the state of Alabama.
Alabama will receive $2 million from a settlement involving Uber.

Attorney General Steve Marshall said the ridesharing company is paying a total of $148 million to all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The settlement stems from a 2016 data breach that exposed the personal information of about 600,000 of its drivers. The company failed to report what happened for year, the AG's office said.

According to TechCrunch, Uber reportedly paid hackers $100,000 to destroy the information.

Because Alabama did not have a data breach notification law in effect at the time of the violations, the state's participation in the case was based on violations of the Alabama Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

"This underscores how important Alabama's new data breach notification law is for our consumers," Marshall said. "People have the right to know if their personal information is stolen or compromised in a data breach so that they may exercise vigilance and take any actions possible to protect themselves."

Until this year, Alabama was one of only two states without a data breach notification law, he added.

The Alabama Breach Notification Act was approved by the Legislature in March. The law imposes new notification requirements on businesses and government agencies when they determine there has been a breach of security that exposes consumers' personal identification information.
Five Alabama schools are among the winners of the 2018 National Blue Ribbon for their exemplary performance on state assessments.

The Blue Ribbon award is the highest national honor given by the U.S. Department of Education to a school.

The winners, announced today by the U.S. Department of Education, are:

Arab Elementary School

Athens Elementary School

Liberty Park Middle School

Mountain Brook Elementary School

Rock Quarry Elementary School

Both Arab Elementary and Athens Elementary are Title I schools, meaning more than 40 percent of their students are in poverty.

What an amazing honor for our school district! #aesknights #arabcsvision #werarab #uknighted #nbrs2018 Posted by Arab Elementary School on Monday, October 1, 2018

These five join nearly 100 Alabama public and private schools awarded the Blue Ribbon since the program began in 1982. Click here to view a list of all schools across the country that have won the award since 1982.

The 2018 Blue Ribbon was awarded to 349 schools across the country based either on a school's overall academic performance or on making notable progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

Alabama's latest winners were in the "Exemplary High Performing" category, meaning, at a minimum, the school must be in the top 15 percent of all schools on performance on statewide assessments in English and math.

Alabama had no schools among the 36 nationwide that were recognized for closing achievement gaps this year.

In a video message to award winners today, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said, "We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives. Congratulations on your students' accomplishments and for your extraordinary commitment to meeting their unique needs."

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has recognized more than 8,500 schools since 1982.

DeVos and the U.S. Department of Education will celebrate with award winners at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. in November.

Public schools can be nominated for the Blue Ribbon Award by their state education departments. Private schools can be nominated by The Council for American Private Education (CAPE).
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey was asked this morning if she supported the confirmation of U.S. Circuit Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.

Ivey spoke with reporters this morning after a press conference about the state's new Security Operations Center and cybersecurity website.

Ivey was asked if she supported Kavanaugh's nomination based on what she knows now and if she supported the FBI investigation announced after Friday's vote by the Judiciary Committee.

"The Senate has a job to do and that is to confirm a Supreme Court justice," Ivey said. "And I surely hope they will get the information that they already have, evaluate it, and make the right decision for the best interests of the country."

Asked later to elaborate on her answer, Ivey said she supports Kavanaugh's confirmation based on what she knows, but said senators are in a better position to decide that.

"I think he should be confirmed," Ivey said. "But see, I'm not there to see it eyeball-to-eyeball. So that's not a fair question. It's the role of the senators in the Senate to evaluate the information they have and to exercise their good judgment."

Updated at 12:28 p.m. with additional comment and video.
By Richard Mills, of World Discovery Safaris, Birmingham

It's often said you should wait to visit Alaska until you are old because everything afterwards will seem less impressive. So after my 70th birthday, my fiancee and I decided the time had come for us to finally visit "The Last Frontier," and registered for a tour that included wonderful nature and wildlife-related activities.

The main features of our last two days included a National Park Service bus excursion into Denali National Park and a Goldstar train ride on the Alaska Railway past carpets of pink fireweed, over sparkling salmon streams, through spruce and birch forests, and alongside rushing rivers colored grey with silt from melting glaciers.

We flew into Anchorage prior to our tour, allowing us to hike the renowned Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, visit the Anchorage Museum and peruse the city's shops and restaurants. As we walked the streets and window-shopped, it was apparent that tourism is a mainstay of this, Alaska's largest metropolis, and, with nearly 2 million visitors each year, an important aspect of Alaska's economy. According to the Alaska Department of Commerce, in 2017 the tourism industry generated more than $2.42 billion, provided 38,700 jobs and $1.3 billion in labor income.

My guess is most visitors to our 49th state, like we did, arrive expecting to see some of Alaska's charismatic megafauna -- wolves, bears, moose, caribou, etc. -- in the wild. Although we knew encounters with wildlife are not guaranteed, we were disappointed that, despite touring for 10 days, we only got decent looks at a single brown bear, two moose and a few caribou.

By contrast, we did see many dead animals displayed on the walls and in the lobbies of various establishments we visited.

We recently learned the Park Service proposed a rule which, if enacted, would invalidate laws prohibiting a number of controversial methods of hunting and further deplete wildlife on more than 20 million acres of Alaska's National Preserves. These egregious hunting practices include:

Killing wolf and coyote pups and adults in early summer while at their dens;

Using bait to attract and kill brown bears;

Using artificial light to kill black bear cubs and their mothers while hibernating in their dens;

Shooting caribou while they are swimming and unable to run away; and,

Using dogs to hunt black bears.

It's difficult to comprehend how these methods can be termed "sporting." The further reduction of wildlife that will almost certainly result will do nothing to enhance the state's appeal to the tourist industry. Visitors, such as my fiancee and I, visit Alaska with the hope of seeing these iconic creatures in their natural habitat, not gunned down for nothing more than trophies.

Following a career as a naturalist, educator and zoo manager, I am convinced wildlife and wildlife habitats will only be conserved if an appreciation for them alive and in their natural state exceeds whatever other value our society gives them. I've spent the last 30 years working with a variety of conservation organizations and designing and leading customized wildlife, nature-related, educational and cultural travel programs to many of the earth's great natural areas.

My objective is to provide program participants with well planned, well operated and enjoyable travel experiences and to stimulate an interest in and appreciation for the natural wonders of our earth.

More often than not, my clients choose their travel destinations based on the different charismatic wildlife that can be seen there. It was because of my background in wildlife conservation that I chose to travel to Alaska in hopes of seeing these majestic animals in the wild.

Let's hope this proposed rule is not enacted and that future visitors to this remarkable state will have the opportunity to see these wild animals alive and well in their natural habitat rather than displayed dead on the walls of restaurants, airports, and hotels.

If you feel the same way I do, please make sure your voice is heard and submit a comment to the NPS by Nov. 5 urging opposition to this proposed rule, using this link:
Want to learn how to hunt? You can learn and hunt for free in Alabama thanks to the the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Adult Mentored Hunting Program (AMH). The program is designed to provide a new hunter or a hunter with limited experience a one-on-one hunt under the guidance of a wildlife expert.

The only expense to the new hunter is the purchase of a Alabama hunting license and a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) permit, which is required of all hunters. After that, everything from lodging, hunting equipment, training and meals are at no cost. Hunting rifles and shotguns, including ammo are also provided. Hunter can also bring their own. Bald Cypress Camo Company will supply camo clothing for hunters.

The idea behind the program is to allow new hunters the chance to try hunting for deer, turkey, rabbit and squirrel on public land to see if they enjoy it. There is also the hope that these new hunters will enjoy the experience enough to pass the knowledge down to future generations.

All three day hunts take place at Portland Landing Special Opportunity Area (SOA). Shorter mentored hunts will take place at the SOA's and WMA's across the state.

Portland Landing SOA is a 4,700 acre property was recently acquired jointly by the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and Forever Wild. Portland Landing was a premier hunting facility for over 50 years and owned by a paper company. Portland Landing SOA has a newly renovated lodge, fishing lake, gun sighting range and other amenities.

So how can you take advantage of this hunting opportunity? Just apply for a hunt here. To be eligible for a mentored hunt, you'll need to be at least 19 years, have a valid Alabama drivers license and be new to hunting, have "limited lifetime" hunting experience, or have "limited previous" hunting experience. Limited lifetime hunting experience is considered as hunting less than five occasions in your lifetime. Limited previous hunting experience is considered as hunting less than five occasions in the last five years.

Participants will go on a guided hunt with a hunting specialist, learn gun safety, tree stand safety, tracking and blood trailing techniques and learn how to clean wild game and prepare it for the table.

Check out the photos in the gallery above for a first hand look at the Portland Landing SOA. For further information on mentored hunting check out this link.
Skopje, MacedoniaMacedonians went to the polls Sunday to vote on whether to re-name their country North Macedonia in a bid to settle a long-running row with Greece and unlock its path to NATO and EU membership. Macedonia has struggled for recognition of its name since its birth in 1991 when the landlocked country declared independence from Yugoslavia. Athens protested immediately, accusing Skopje of stealing the name of its own northern province also called Macedonia. The dispute stretches back nearly three decades, with both countries claiming links to Alexander the Greats ancient empire of Macedon, which spanned the territories. A grandiose antiquization project under Macedonias former government that plastered Skopje with neo-classical facades and statues of Alexander the Great added fuel to the fire. But in June Macedonias new premier Zoran Zaev and his Greek counterpart Alexis Tsipras reached a landmark compromise under which Greece would drop its objections to Macedonia joining the EU and NATO in return for the name change. Polls opened at 7am (0500 GMT) and are to close at 7pm in the referendum on whether to accept or reject the deal. Only a trickle of voters showed up at a polling station set up in the high school Josip Broz Tito in downtown Skopje in the first hour of polling. I hope that the result will be positive. This referendum will change something if it opens the door for Europe and NATO, 74-year old retired nurse Olivera Argirovska told AFP after casting her ballot. It will change things for the youth. Some feel it is embarrassing to have to change the name at the request of another country. But a desire to anchor their future to the Westand the economic prosperity that it could bringis a powerful motivation to accept the deal in one of Europes poorest nations. We cannot really say it is fair, but the EU and NATO matter more for all of us, so lets move forward, 28-year-old Abedin Memeti said ahead of the vote. The referendum is not binding, but a yes majority would give parliament a political mandate to change the constitution.If the deal is backed in the referendum and is ratified by two-thirds of MPs, the Greek parliament will be called on to give the final stamp of approval. While the Macedonian government plans to call any significant majority in favor of the deal a success, the right-wing opposition may question the votes credibility if turnout is below 50 percent. Some critics of the name deal have been calling for a boycott, including President Gjorge Ivanov, who is allied with the nationalist opposition. Massive emigration in recent decades could also affect the numbers, with nearly a quarter of the 2.1 million population estimated to live abroad. Less than 3,000 of those overseas have signed up to vote. Europe and the US have campaigned hard for the deal, with many leaders passing through Skopje to urge Macedonians to accept the historic opportunity. NATO has already issued an inviteon hold until the deal passes while EU accession talks are scheduled to begin next year. The West is keen to have another foothold in the Western Balkans, a region where Russia, which is opposed to NATO expansion, has historically had influence. At home, those in favor of the deal say a desire for an EU future is helping bind ethnic Macedonians with the Albanian minority, who are broadly pro-West. While Macedonia avoided the full-scale inter-ethnic wars that rippled across the region during the collapse of Yugoslavia, it was roiled by an Albanian insurgency in 2001 that left more than 100 dead. A peace deal was reached later that year granting Albanians more political rights, but tensions have remained. This is the first time I am seeing Macedonians and Albanians campaigning together for common goals, Besa Arifi, a law professor, told AFP. This will give us more opportunities to unite all citizens around shared values, he added.
Relatives of exiled and jailed political leaders are disappointed at dialogue efforts and consider taking cases to ECHR.

A year after the October 1 referendum on seceding from Spain, Catalonia is no closer to independence, and many of the figureheads of the movement remain in jail.

The unauthorised poll produced a yes vote but saw leaders of the independence movement either imprisoned or exiled. It was the countrys largest political crisis since it began its transition to democracy in 1975.

At least nine politicians and civil society leaders remain in jail and others are in exile. Their loved ones told Al Jazeera the political fallout has been profound, both inside and out of Spanish prisons.

Carme Forcadell, the former president of the Parliament of Catalonia, was jailed in March for her role in the vote.

Her husband, Bernat Pegueroles, said: At first, my wife didnt suspect she would be arrested, but later on, she packed a bag and always had it at hand, as if she knew that shed be gone soon.

In the beginning, she wasnt coping well [in prison] and had to take anti-depressants. My wife went from being a very active person to not being able to do anything in a small, enclosed space. It had a huge impact on her.

Spains 1978 constitution says the country is indivisible.

Madrid charged Catalan leaders with rebellion and sedition for their secessionist efforts.

Protests against imprisonment

Pedro Sanchez, the new Spanish prime minister, is more conciliatory than his conservative predecessor, Mariano Rajoy, but he, too, has rejected calls to intervene and free the prisoners, saying he has no control over Spains independent judiciary.

Sanchez became prime minister in June after Rajoy lost an unrelated confidence vote.

The Catalan government also underwent changes, with separatist Joaquim Torra replacing Carles Puigdemont as the acting president of Catalonia since May.

After the referendum, Madrid used Article 155 of the Constitution of Spain to suspend the regions autonomous powers and impose direct rule.

You can't start a dialogue with people in jail. Alba Puig, daughter of Lluis Puig

After fresh elections were held three months ago and a new regional administration was formed, the Spanish government lifted Article 155.

In the current political climate, it is very unlikely that Sanchez will run the risk of making any move that could increase the chances of the prisoners being released, Xavier Cuadras-Morato, an associate professor of economics at Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, who has written extensively on the subject of secession, told Al Jazeera.

Alba Puig, the daughter of Lluis Puig, the Catalan minister of culture in exile in Brussels, blasted efforts at dialogue between Spain and Catalonia.

Puig accompanied Puigdemont, who also remains in Brussels, when he fled to the city on October 30 last year.

Family members are eyeing the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg as the eventual solution, but the process may take years.

We are prepared, said Puig. Our other option is waiting for 20 years for the charges to expire.

She added: You cant start a dialogue with people in jail.

Dismissed Catalan President Carles Puigdemont is now in exile in Brussels [Reuters]

The issue has reverberated throughout the region, with liberty for the political prisoners posters and yellow ribbons, a symbol of Catalan independence, hung on Barcelonas balconies.

However, rights groups such as Amnesty International have refrained from using the term political prisoners, saying there is no generally accepted definition of the term in international law.

The annual celebration of the Catalan National Day or La Diada on September 11 was dedicated to the imprisoned and exiled leaders.

But they are not just remembered on La Diada. Every week, several hundred people gather to sing, read poetry and protest for the release of the prisoners throughout Barcelona and in front of the prisons where the leaders are jailed.

Each week, between 200 and 500 people gather in front of Lledoners, a mens prison 70km from Barcelona where seven of the nine leaders are detained, and sing for them.

The two female prisoners, Carme Forcadell and Dolors Bassa, are staying in two other prisons that are also visited weekly by supporters.

The prisoners communicate with the crowd by waving a yellow scarf out of the window or turning the lights on and off.

Carme Forcadell, the former president of the parliament of Catalonia, was jailed in March for her role in the vote. Her husband, Bernat Pegueroles, said she was depressed at the start of her imprisonment [Sergio Perez/Reuters]

I think its a problem for Spain that there are political prisoners, said Susanna Barreda, the wife of Jordi Sanchez, president of the Catalan National Assembly, a civic group that has led the campaign for secession.

Sanchez was imprisoned in October 2017.

Its the first point that should be addressed in any political solution, she told Al Jazeera.

Barreda and Sanchez have three children. They can visit him once a month, sometimes twice a month, for 90 minutes.

My children all take it differently. The eldest son has really taken the cause to his heart, Barreda said. My daughters are finding it very tough and can barely speak about it.

She said there have also been financial consequences for the family.

We went from two salaries to one straight away and then we went through all our savings.

But they were supported by the Catalan Association of Civil Rights (ACDC), which was set up for the families of those in jail or in exile.

Cofounded by Alba Puig, ACDC also sends members across Europe to educate others on the situation in Catalonia, and recently released a childrens book with 11 short stories about civil rights.

Pegueroles, Forcadells husband, said he found it difficult to understand the moral and legal reasoning behind the detentions.

I asked my wifes defence lawyer if the judges can sleep at night; if theyre not ashamed of what theyre doing, Pegueroles said.

His answer was: Theyre not ashamed. They sleep well because they know theyre saving Spain.'
Yarchen Gar, officially known as Yaqing Orgyan, is a Buddhist monastery that is made up almost entirely of nuns.

Living in rudimentary conditions, they are devoted to following the faith and entering a life of sacrament.

Established in 1985 by Lama Rinpoche, Yarchen Gar is located in Baiyu county in the Garze Tibetan autonomous prefecture. It is 4,000 metres above sea level  not easy to reach, but home to over 10,000 devotees and one of the largest congregation of Buddhist monks and nuns in the world.

The followers live in tough conditions to prove their devotion to the teachings of Lama Rinpoche, who stressed the enlightenment of meditation, hardship and atonement.

On a well-worn footpath that circles a hill nearby, the nuns and monks kowtow, a form of prayer in which the disciple kneels and touches the ground with their forehead every two steps.

Latrines hang over the banks of the river and downstream, the water is collected for personal sanitation, washing clothes and food preparation, making the likelihood of typhoid a real threat.

Modernisation, however, does seem to be touching the lives of the nuns in more ways than one, with stores run by monks and nuns dotted around the perimeter, selling all manner of merchandise. Between meditations and kowtows, young and old go shopping for new robes, fashionable sakyas (traditional red hats) or gelugs (traditional yellow hats), shoes and electronic goods to name a few.

Many of the nuns seem to walk with headphones attached and smartphones in their hands. Modernisation has made its way to even the most remote of consecrated grounds.

Some 77 percent of the inhabitants in Garze Prefecture claim ethnic Tibetan heritage. In Yarchen Gar itself, the true number of inhabitants is not clear but the bulk of Sanghas are of Tibetan origin with very few able to speak the standardised national Chinese language of Putonghua.

What is known, however, is that numbers are growing due to the evictions from the larger monastery, Larung Gar, to the north.

Even with problems with the government over the last few years, there does not seem to be any decline in the pilgrims voyaging to the holy site.

In 2018, the restrictions have abated and entry for foreigners is now permitted under relatively lax police presents.

Chinese nationals and foreigners alike will have their IDs checked upon arrival, however.

What is going to be intriguing is how the relationship between government and worshippers will develop in the coming years, particularly with the evicted Larung Gar talapoins emigrating to Yarchen Gar, swelling their numbers.
Relations between Turkey and the EU have markedly improved in recent months and Trump has played a major role in that.

In the summer of 2016, two political earthquakes hit the European Union and Turkey within a month of each other. On June 23, the United Kingdom voted to leave the EU, triggering a major existential crisis within the union. Less than a month later, on July 15, the terrorist organisation FETO, having infiltrated the Turkish state and military, tried to overthrow Turkeys democratically elected government. Although the coup failed, it had a profound effect on Turkeys political scene and state institutions.

As both the EU and Turkey faced grave political crises, relations deteriorated further. The weak response by the EU to the FETO-led coup attempt and their reluctance to extend full political support to the Turkish government increased pre-existing tensions.

Before the summer of 2016, Ankara and Brussels already had serious disagreements on a number of points, including the Kurdish issue, democratic reforms and the way the Turkish security apparatus handled anti-government protests in 2013.

Two years have passed since that eventful summer and now it is time for both the EU and Turkey to hit the reset button. The visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Germany last week was a good first step in that direction.

The Turkish president described his trip as a success while his German counterpart, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, was less forthcoming, saying: This visit isnt an expression of normalisation  we are a long way from that  but it could be a start.

Looking back on the past two years, there are indeed quite a few reasons for scepticism. Since 2016, there have been a growing number of political disputes between the two countries.

From the Armenian Genocide bill passed by the German Assembly in 2016, the Incirlik airbase crisis in 2017, the granting of asylum to individuals accused of being part of the July 15 coup attempt, the allegations of espionage against imams affiliated to the Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs, the ban on campaigning imposed on Turkish politicians in Germany, Erdogans harsh criticism of the German political leadership using Nazi analogy ahead of the Turkish constitutional referendum in 2017, all the way to the jailing of German-Turkish journalist Deniz Yucel and Germany hosting members of FETO and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which Turkey considers a terrorist group  indeed a lot has happened over the past two years.

But there is also reason for optimism. In fact, over the past few months, there has been a rapid change in the climate of relations between the two countries and more generally between the EU and Turkey. There has been one main reason for this spectacular shift: US President Donald Trump.

Since he was elected president in November 2016, Trump has done much to spoil trans-Atlantic relations, with most EU leaders  especially German Chancellor Angela Merkel  demonstrating an outright aversion to his style of politics. His administration has managed to strain relations with Turkey as well.

In other words, the policies of the Trump White House have radically increased the desire in Brussels and Ankara for convergence on foreign policy, trade and security issues of major concern.

Even before coming to office, Trump pledged to go after NATO, and he did. He has attacked his NATO allies and accused them of not paying their dues. This encouraged the rest of NATOs members to come together in a united front against his disruptive activities endangering the future of the alliance.

Trump has also caused significant damage to US economic relations with both the EU and Turkey. His decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium imports and his constant threats of levying heavy import taxes on European cars have angered Brussels, which is already concerned about the economic impact of the UK leaving the union. The Trump administration also recently slapped Turkey with a number of economic sanctions.

As the Trump-initiated trade war rages on, it only makes sense for the EU and Turkey to stick together. Turkey is the EUs fourth largest export market and fifth largest source of imports; the EU is by far Turkeys number one trading partner. And if there was one aspect of relations that thrived over the past two years of tensions, it was the economic ties.

In addition, Trumps decision to unilaterally withdraw from the nuclear deal with Iran and to impose sanctions on the countrys oil exports has further destabilised US relations with the EU. European diplomats scrambled to save the deal, most recently proposing a special financial vehicle allowing companies to sidestep US sanctions. Turkey is also on board about preserving engagement with Iran, having declared that it would itself defy the sanctions.

Security is also another major field of cooperation that has brought Ankara and Brussels closer in recent months. Erdogan has worked hard to prevent another offensive by Syrian government forces and Russia in northern Syria, which could produce another wave of Syrian refugees heading to the Turkish border and potentially to Europe. The Turkish president has engaged with his European counterparts seeking a solution to the crisis, despite the Trump administration playing a continuously disruptive role, supporting a PKK offshoot in northeastern Syria and failing to come up with an unequivocal stance on a future peace process.

While pursuing rapprochement with the EU, Turkey is aware that after Brexit, Germanys political weight within the union will grow significantly.

For Ankara, it is increasingly clear that better relations with the EU have to be pursued not through Brussels but through Berlin. While there are still many issues to resolve, today the interests of Turkey and Germany overlap more than ever.

From the migration crisis to trade wars, from the Trump problem to the Syrian crisis, and from rising populism to Islamophobia, the two countries need each other to resolve major challenges they are facing.

It is in the best interest of both countries, and the EU as a whole, to seek unity in times of increasing global polarisation, uncertainty and instability that leaders like Trump have brought about.

It is important to remember that 2018 marks 100 years since the end of World War I, which brought Turkey and Germany together in a close alliance and which ended with a Turkish-European geopolitical settlement still affecting their ties today. The Turkish reading of history produced a popular saying: We were declared defeated because of Germanys defeat.

Today, Turkey is betting again on a close relationship with Germany, but this time Europe is different and so is the world. The 20th-century system of camps and axes is antiquated and should not be the basis of our reading of geopolitics today.

We have to recognise that Turkey and Europe have a geographical, demographic and economic interdependency, as well as major historical and cultural links, which will always pull the two back together, no matter the circumstances.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil  Brazils deeply polarised presidential race took centre stage on Sunday as election hopefuls sparred during a debate in advance of the countrys national and state-level elections.

Several candidates rounded on far-right frontrunner Jair Bolsonaro of the Social Liberal Party (PSL) and the leftist Workers Party (PT) candidate Fernando Haddad during the event, held in Sao Paulo, and implored voters not to elect either contender.

Bolsonaro, who was absent from the debate as he continues to recover from an assassination attempt last month, is projected to win about 28 percent of support on October 7, according to Datafolha polling institute.

Haddad, the PTs replacement candidate for widely popular former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, is forecast to win 22 percent of the vote.

If no candidate is able to secure more than 50 percent of support in the first round, the two contenders with the highest number of votes will go head-to-head in a second ballot on October 28.

With Lula Brazil lived a happy time  we lived the most democratic period of Brazilian history, Haddad said on Sunday, referring to the former leaders time in office from 2003-2010.

The image I visualise is Brazilians with a book in one hand and a labour identity card in the other, he added.

Polarised election

Aside from Haddad and Bolsonaro, no other participant is predicted to win more than 11 percent of the vote on October 7.

Despite leading the polls, however, Bolsonaro and Haddad are also widely disapproved of, with rejection rates of 46 percent and 32 percent respectively.

During the debate, those trailing behind the pair pleaded with Brazilians not to elect either of them as president, alleging they both represent radical positions.

Democratic Labour Party candidate Ciro Gomes said a capacity of dialogue was needed to end deepening polarisation.

Brazilian politics is immersed in hate, and I hope in the name of God that the population touches their conscience to run from this environment of hate, Gomes said.

No country in the world would be able to support the consequences of what is ahead of us. In the last four years, Brazil hasnt stopped to discuss the mess of unemployment and the violence resulting from this, he added.

Nearly 13 million Brazilians are unemployed, while homicides rose to a record high figure of 63,880 nationwide last year, according to the Brazilian Forum of Public Security.

Geraldo Alckmin, the Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB) candidate, said that half of the population dont want either the left radicals or the right radicals.

Sustainability Network candidate Marina Silva, meanwhile, accused the PT and Bolsonaro of being canvassers of each other.

Alberto Almeida, political scientist and author of, The Vote of the Brazilian, said the other candidates concentration on the two frontrunners could backfire and convince voters the only options must be those [two].

The PT and Bolsonaro were the most spoken about, Almeida said.

Bolsonaro, without even being present, and the PT by the mouth of others [because] even when Haddad wasnt speaking the others spoke a lot about PT, he added.

A shame he is not here

Criticism of Bolsonaro was a major theme of Sundays debate, with several candidates lambasting the former army captain.

I have never seen a presidential candidate who says he will govern for the strong ones, as a president you have to defend the most vulnerable people, Silva said.

Its a shame he is not here, I hope he comes in the next debate to explain his positions, she added, referencing the final presidential debate, scheduled to be held in Rio de Janeiro on October 4.

Bolsonaro has made several overtly misogynistic comments in the past, as well as controversial statements on issues relating to race, sexuality and Brazils military government, which was in power between 1964 and 1985.

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Shortly after the debate finished, Bolsonaro said in a post on Twitter that his absence was being used to try and score political points by other candidates.

Many celebrated the attack I suffered because they saw an opportunity of attacking me with no chance of defending myself, this in a scenario which was already unbalanced. It reflects well our current situation. Corrupt cowards seeking power by any means are not thinking of Brazil, he said.

Thiago de Aragao, director at the Brasilia-based political consultancy Arko Advice, said Bolsonaros campaign was making childish mistakes one after the other.

They are prolific in manufacturing ammunition against themselves, Aragao said.

Haddad, on the other hand, is gaining ground from Lulas nostalgic popularity, as well as from the sequential mistakes produced by Bolsonaro regarding his campaign, he added.

Sundays debate took place hours after several thousand people participated in nationwide pro-Bolsonaro rallies.

The demonstrations, which took place in cities including Sao Paulo and the capital, Brasilia, followed mass marches on Saturday as part of the women-led #EleNao (#HimNo) protests against Bolsonaro.

The protests were attended by hundreds of thousands of Brazilians.
"These are the stories of Djastin, Danilo and JJ."

If one had doubts that crimes against humanity are being committed in the conduct of the war against drugs, this will be dispelled with the stories of Djastin Lopez, Danilo Dacumos, and David John Jezeel JJ David. Their stories are memorialized in the Communication and Complaint filed by Rise Up for Life and for Rights, assisted by the National Union of Peoples Lawyers, with the International Criminal Court. In my column last Saturday, I highlighted the significance of President Dutertes admission that he is responsible for the EJKs going on in the Philippines. I also described two cases highlighted in the Rise Up complaint, that of Bernabe Sabangan and Salvador Locasia Jr, In this article, using the Rise Up document as a source, I examine cases where the police portray their victims as petty criminals in order to link drugs to criminality. As in the previous cases, the narratives are taken from the testimonies of the relatives and from police reports. Let us start with Djastin Lopez, who was killed in the railroad tracks of Tondo, Manila, a usually safe pace for whiling away time with friends. Lopez was perched on the tracks drinking softdrinks with a friend when a group of armed policemen suddenly came running. Panicked, Djastin ran, but tripped along the tracks in front of one armed man. Witnesses, including Mary Rose Dela Cruz, from whom Djastin had bought softdrinks, said he fell on his back on the railroad tracks. People nearby attested that he raised his hands and pleaded to the men, huwag po, huwag po, suko na po ako. The policeman shot him and shoved him down. Djastin was seen convulsing violently, possibly because he had epilepsy. Seemingly taken aback, the policeman slapped Djastins face and shot him again. He slapped Djastin again, checking if Djastin was still moving. Other policemen also came to see for themselves what was the matter. They also shot Djastin, lying bloody on the tracks. The official police report stated that the incident was a buy-bust operation. But upon inquiry by Djastins family, policemen tried to turn the story around, saying that he was a suspect in a murder of a tricycle driver a month prior. Danilo Dacumoss story is just as sordid. He lived with his family in a big slum area in Caloocan City and was often caught petty gambling. He probably ended up on a drug list, says his family, because of prejudices. Danilo was caught in April 2017 playing cards with friends and was released after a few days Several months later the police came back and barged into their one-room home in August 2017, at around 10:30 pm, while his wife Purisima and their grandchildren were already in bed. Seconds later, Purisima says she saw the police chief fire his armalite through the doorway. Another policeman fired his pistol at something, or someone, inside the house, she recalls. A policeman told Danilos daughter-in-law, who was in the apartment room above Purisimas,[Duterte,(You should have made him flee because that is the order of Duterte, to kill addicts.) Danilo sustained three gunshot wounds on his neck, one gunshot wound above his ear, another gunshot wound on his hand, abrasions and a fractured arm. The police claimed Danilo shot at them first.Finally, there is the terrible, frightening story of David John Jezreel David, nicknamed JJ, a hotel room attendant in a Pasay City Inn. He was last seen alive on January 19, 2017, when after his shift that ended early morning, he said goodbye to his boss, and then took on his friend as passenger on his motorcycle home. His father next saw him in the hospital morgue, cold and lifeless. After haranguing and pulling strings, police returned JJs motorcyclerepainted blackto the family. They all next met at the prosecutors office, where police had filed drug selling charges against JJ. The police report says JJ, his companion Kim Ocenar, and one George Yap were killed by operatives of Police Station 11 of the Manila Police District in Binondo, Manila, in an alleged buy-bust operation. Police reports claim that the three were armed drug suspects who fought back against the police during the operation, sustained wounds, and were brought dead-on-arrival at Justice Abad Santos General Hospital. JJ, Kim, and George had no record of relation to the drug trade in their respective areas, and were probably accosted somewhere. JJs father Dennise says his son might have been flagged along Jones Bridge and taken into custody because JJ only had a student drivers permit. The arrival of the bodies of JJ, Kim and George at the hospital were covered by Reuters in a chilling special report Dead on Arrival. The report tracks procedural issues and mistakes by the police in the course of investigation, and shows their horrible indifference. In a damning clip inside the hospital grounds, after something falls off one of the dead mens pockets, a policeman casually puts it back in. The police later claims sachets of shabu were found in JJs pocket. Dennise, thoroughly aggrieved, believes that the case was intentionally filed to portray his son as a criminal. In October 2016, Madam Fatou Bensouda, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, warned the Philippines about worrying reported extrajudicial killings of alleged drug dealers and users in the Philippines, which may have led to over 3,000 deaths in the past three months. She said she was deeply concerned about these alleged killings and the fact that public statements of high officials of the Republic of the Philippines seem to condone such killings and further seem to encourage State forces and civilians alike to continue targeting these individuals with lethal force. Madam Bensouda, a lawyers lawyer, at once a brilliant, collected and deliberate person, then pointed out that extra-judicial killings may fall under the jurisdiction of the ICC if they are committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population pursuant to a State policy to commit such an attack. She then made clear: any person in the Philippines who incites or engages in acts of mass violence including by ordering, requesting, encouraging or contributing, in any other manner, to the commission of crimes within the jurisdiction of the ICC is potentially liable to prosecution before the Court. The cases of Dacumos, David, and Lopex and that of Sabangan and Locasia are no doubt crimes against humanity. Because justice for them and their families cannot be obtained here in the country, the latter have rightly chosen the International Criminal Court as the right place to go to. While my preference has always been for us to and our domestic institutions to hold people responsible for EJKs accountable, it is clear that such justice is not forthcoming from such institutions. That is why I support the Rise Up Communication and Complaint and urge the ICC Prosecutor to conclude the preliminary communication and to begin the next stage of these proceedings, the formal investigation that will surely lead to indictment and issuance of international arrest warrants against those who have admitted and are accountable for crimes against humanity in our country.
Dominic Raab slams European Union for being one-sided and attempting to bully the United Kingdom.

Britains Brexit Minister Dominic Raab has said the European Union (EU) needs to get serious and they need to do it now and that, if forced, the country would accept a no-deal scenario.

Speaking on Monday at the annual Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, Raab warned the EU  and his divided party  that the country will leave the bloc without a deal rather than accept continued close adherence to its rules and obligations.

If the EU tries to lock us in via the back door by keeping Britain in the blocs single market or customs union, then we will be left with no choice but to leave without a deal, he said.

Raab said it was unthinkable that the UK government could be bullied by the threat of an economic embargo by the EU and promised to deliver Brexit on the terms of the June 2016 referendum.

I find it hard to believe that [the EU] would, for narrow political ends, seek to punish Britain in such a crass and counterproductive way, he said.

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In his upbeat address, Raab spoke of the UKs culture of innovation and framed leaving the EU as an opportunity for securing new trade partnerships, calling Brexit a springboard to a buccaneering embrace of free trade.

The minister, who described himself as a stubborn optimist, also used his speech to call for unity in his party, which has been increasingly divided since Prime Minister Theresa May announced the Chequers Agreement  a roadmap for the post-Brexit relationship between the UK and EU  in July.

Several cabinet ministers, including Raabs predecessor David Davis, resigned over the proposal and continue to criticise it publicly.

Weve had our arguments, but now is the time to put them behind us, now is the time to come together, because this is a moment for the optimists, he said.

Extreme Labour undermines democracy

Brussels has also attacked the Chequers plan, with European Commission President Donald Tusk saying it wont work and French President Emmanuel Macron dismissing the proposal as not acceptable.

Raab brushed aside calls for a second referendum or Peoples Vote if the final Brexit deal is rejected by parliament, saying that disrespecting the results of the Brexit referendum risked leading the UK down the path of extremism.

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Trust in our democracy would all but vanish [] If theres mass dissolusion with the system, its the populous  the far left, the alt right  who will reap the reward, as they have in other countries where the establishment have ignored peoples concerns, he said.

During Mondays speech, Raab also attacked the opposition Labour Party who, at their own annual conference in September voted to back a second referendum, criticising leader Jeremy Corbyn and Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell for hijacking the party.

Theyre using all the tools in the extremist armoury: intimidation, fantasism, scapegoating  especially against the Jews.

Corybn and his party are currently embroiled in an anti-Semitism scandal centring on Corbyns initial refusal to accept the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances definition of anti-semitism and his attendance at a wreath-laying ceremony in Tunisia in 2014.
Cameroon Anglophone crisis: Child refugees in Nigeria seek help

Cameroonian refugees in Nigeria have urged the Nigerian government and international donors to help them with basic needs of life, indicating that it is not yet safe for them to return home.
An international court has ruled that Chile does not have to negotiate access to the Pacific Ocean with Bolivia, frustrating hopes of resolving a bitter 135-year dispute.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), based in The Hague, handed down the decision on Monday, with judges voting 12-3 that Chile cannot be forced into dialogue with its Andean neighbour.

The court [] finds that the Republic of Chile did not undertake a legal obligation to negotiate a sovereign access to the Pacific ocean with the Plurinational State of Bolivia, said ICJ President Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf.

Landlocked Bolivia lost access to the Pacific following a war with Chile in the late 1800s. Already one of the poorest countries in Latin America, Bolivia says the lack of sea access has hampered its economic growth.

Bolivia has long argued that Chile has been ducking legal obligations to enter negotiations that are outlined in resolutions from the Organization of American States (OAS).

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Chile, however, says the issue was resolved by a 1904 peace treaty between the two countries and points out that Bolivia already has duty-free access to the Chilean port of Arica.

Mondays judgement said that OAS resolutions are not legally binding under international law and that talks so far held between the two countries on creating a corridor to the ocean do not compel Chile to actually create such a corridor.

Celebration and sadness

Speaking at a press conference after the ruling, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera celebrated the great triumph of the Chilean cause in front of a crowd who chanted Viva Chile.

Pinera said his country has always had an attitude of reconciliation towards all others, particularly their neighbours, but that Chile would always defend its sovereignty.

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He once again accused Bolivias President Evo Morales, who is seeking a controversial fourth term, of using the territorial dispute to drum up support at home.

Pinera said Chile has never had any obligation to negotiate sea access and that Morales had given Bolivians false expectations.

For his part, Morales said Bolivia would never withdraw its claim to the sea and that the two countries and the rest of the region have a responsibility to resolve the dispute, regardless of Mondays ruling.

The issue is strongly felt on both sides of the border, with Chilean and Bolivian networks broadcasting the ICJ ruling live.

Bolivia acepta la sentencia de #LaHaya con calma y prudencia

La conclusion de 12 jueces no anula el sentimiento de 10 millones de bolivianos

Bolivia -ahora y siempre- no dejara de buscar un acuerdo politico que le permite tener presencia en el mar pic.twitter.com/tk161qslyW  Paz Para Bolivia (@MarParaBolivia_) October 1, 2018

TRANSLATION: Bolivia accepts The Hagues ruling with calm and prudence. The conclusion of 12 judges does not cancel out the feelings of 10 million Bolivians. Bolivia  now and forever  will not stop looking for a political agreement that allows it to have a presence in the sea.

In schools, Bolivian children sing songs about the countrys return to the sea, while Chile celebrates its victory in the war against Bolivia with a national holiday.

The sea is a decisive factor for development and prosperity of people and nations, said Claudio Gutierrez, a philosophy professor a member of Mar Para Bolivia, a group of Chileans who support Bolivias claim to the sea.

Supporting Bolivia is necessary for the brotherhood of South Americans and to heal the damage and injustice that has been done to Bolivia by depriving it of an entryway and direct exit to the sea, which [would allow] it to communicate with the world, he told Al Jazeera.

Bolivian President Evo Morales has been accused of using the territorial dispute as a campaign issue [Yves Herman/Reuters]

The long-simmering dispute boiled over in 2013 after Bolivia filed a lawsuit with the ICJ, which settles legal disputes between UN member states, in an attempt to force Chile to negotiate sea access.

Chile annexed Bolivias 380km coastline in 1884 after the War of the Pacific, leaving Bolivia landlocked.

The row has poisoned diplomatic relations between the two countries, which have not hosted each others ambassadors for decades.

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Al Jazeeras Teresa Bo, reporting from Buenos Aires, Argentina, said while the judgement does leave a door open for future negotiations, it is a major blow to Bolivia.

This ruling cannot be appealed, its definite and theres obviously lots of disappointment in Bolivia who is traumatised over the loss of its coastline.

The ruling is saying that both countries should try to continue on good terms and try to negotiate an end to this ongoing conflict but whats important also is that this is a big blow for President Evo Morales [] who in a way has been promising that this time the ruling was going to be in Bolivias favour, she said.

The political conflict hasnt disappeared, it lies dormant and inhibits Chile and Bolivia from finding political solutions in the future for this problem, said Gutierrez.

Additional reporting by Charlotte Mitchell: @charbrowmitch
UNRWA says some foreign staff withdrawn from Gaza due to security risks amid protests over job cuts.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees said Monday it was temporarily withdrawing some foreign staff from the Gaza Strip following security concerns linked to job cuts in the coastal enclave.

In a statement, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) said it has decided to temporarily withdraw part of its international staff from Gaza following a series of worrying security incidents affecting its personnel in the strip.

A source with the agency said around 10 staff members crossed into Israel from the Gaza Strip on Monday, amid reports of harassment in relation to job cuts.

An UNRWA source said a protest was held Monday outside a Gaza City hotel where agency officials were meeting.

The agencys statement said that earlier today, a number of staff were harassed and prevented from carrying out their duties.

Some of these actions have specifically targeted the UNRWA management in Gaza, it said.

Hani al-Omari, a local UNRWA employee, told Reuters news agency that dozens of people whose jobs were recently cut or reduced had gathered outside a hotel where they heard UNRWA international staff were meeting, some surrounding the vehicle of one of them.

We wanted to send a message to them that they will not be comfortable while they plan to execute us by cutting our jobs, al-Omari said.

UNRWA in its statement called on Gaza authorities to provide effective protection to its employees and facilities.

Gaza is controlled by the Hamas movement.

Eyad al-Bozom, spokesman for the Hamas-led interior ministry in Gaza, said the ministry was committed to the protection of UNRWAs staff and facilities.

The protection measures did not change, but due to the recent job reductions in the Gaza Strip, there has been anger among the employees. We will not let these protests develop and we will not allow any attacks against employees or facilities, he said.

Funding withdrawn

In August, the United States announced it would stop funding the UN body, which services five million Palestinian refugees in the occupied West Bank, Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. Most of the refugees are descendants of the 700,000 Palestinians who were forcibly displaced from their homes by Zionist paramilitaries in 1948.

US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert called UNRWA an irredeemably flawed operation.

The US had been the agencys largest contributor by far, providing it with $350m annually  roughly a quarter of its overall budget.

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The Trump administrations decision to cancel all aid to the agency has led to job cuts at UNRWA programmes across the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

According to the UNRWA employees union, funding cuts have forced the agency to close its mental health programme, which provided direct services to Palestinian refugees in Gaza and had employed about 430 people.

Palestinians have protested the cuts on a near-daily basis since they were announced, saying that the UN has a responsibility to act and ensure that operations continue.

Last week, tens of thousands of students enrolled in UNRWA schools in the occupied West Bank went on strike, citing their concern over whether their schools would have enough funds to function until the end of the academic year.

On Monday, dozens of Palestinians staged a rally outside the office of the UN refugee agency in occupied East Jerusalem.

Among the leading participants were Archbishop Atallah Hanna and Sheikh Ikrema Sabri, an imam of al-Aqsa Mosque.

The protesters handed over a message to the UNRWA operations director, in which they highlighted the UN responsibility and historic role towards the Palestinian issue.

The message cited UN General Assembly resolution 302 that calls for the provision of services to refugees by UNRWA until reaching a just settlement to the issue of Palestinian refugees.

Participants also appealed to international donors to increase their funding to the UN refugee agency to guarantee UNRWA to continue to do its role.
Hundreds of candidates in Brazil election accused of corruption

Many politicians tied to Brazils worst corruption scandals are expected to be re-elected.
Missiles and drone attack target fighters in southeastern Syria blamed for a deadly attack on a military parade in Iran.

Irans Revolutionary Guard has said it launched ballistic missiles into eastern Syria, targeting fighters it blamed for a recent attack on a military parade in southwestern Iran.

Our iron fist is prepared to deliver a decisive and crushing response to any wickedness and mischief of the enemies, the Guards said in a statement on Monday.

The attack took place at 2am local time and targeted the bases of takfiri terrorists backed by America and regional powers in eastern Syria, the statement said. Iranian officials often use the word takfiri to describe Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) fighters.

The powerful military force said at least six missiles were fired into Syria. It added that seven drones were also used to bomb rebel targets during the attack, which killed a number of fighters and destroyed supplies and infrastructure used by the group.

Syrian state media did not immediately acknowledge the missile strike  the second such attack on Syria in more than a year.

Footage aired by the Iranian state television showed one of its reporters standing by as one of the missiles was launched, identifying the area as being in Irans western province of Kermanshah.

A state TV-aired graphic suggested the missiles flew over central Iraq near the city of Tikrit before landing near the city of Al Bukamal, in the far southeastern region of Syria.

Al Bukamal is held by forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, but occasionally it has been targeted by fighters from the ISIL, who have lost almost all the territory they once held in Syria and Iraq.

Al Jazeeras Zein Basravi, reporting from Tehran, said Iran is illustrating it has the ability and the military might to target any threat it sees to itself.

The missile attacks were followed by bombardment  signalling their military capabilities in the region, he said.

Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had said the deadly Iran attack was linked to the United States allies in the region.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE have denied involvement in the attack.

The Ahvaz National Resistance, an Iranian ethnic Arab separatist movement, and the ISIL have both claimed responsibility for the September 22 attack in which 29 people were killed. Neither group has presented conclusive evidence to back up their claim.

The attack prompted President Hassan Rouhani to warn of a crushing response, as those killed included members of the elite Revolutionary Guards and women and children who had come to watch the parade.

Iran initially blamed Arab separatists for the attack in which gunmen disguised as soldiers opened fire on the crowd and officials watching the parade from a viewing platform in the southwestern city.
Jean-Claude Arnaults jailing marks a turbulent year for Swedish academy which cancelled its literature prize this year.

A court in Sweden has sentenced a French national at the centre of a sex abuse and financial crimes scandal, which rocked the academy that awards Nobel Prize for literature, to two years in jail for rape.

An influential figure in Stockholms cultural scene, 72-year-old Jean-Claude Arnault went on trial last month on two counts of rape relating to incidents dating back to 2011.

In a unanimous ruling, the Stockholm District Court on Monday found Arnault guilty of one of the charges while acquitting him of the other.

The defendant is found guilty of rape committed during the night between the 5th and 6th of October 2011 and has been sentenced to imprisonment for two years, a court statement said.

The injured party has been awarded compensation for damages, it added.

Prosecutors had called for a minimum sentence of three years in what was one of the first big trials to come out of the #MeToo movement.

Arnaults conviction came minutes before the academy announced American James Allison and Japanese Tasuku Honjo as winners of this years Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine.

#MeToo scandal

Arnault is married to poet Katarina Frostenson, a member of the Swedish Academy, which awards the Nobel Literature Prize.

The revelation of the scandal prompted the cancellation of this years Nobel prize for literature  a first in 70 years  and saw seven members of the academy either being forced to leave or quitting in April, including Frostenson.

The scandal erupted in November 2017, a month after rape and sexual abuse accusations surfaced against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.

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At the time, Swedish daily Dagens Nyheter published the testimonies of 18 women claiming to have been raped, sexually assaulted or harassed by Arnault.

The Frenchman also ran the Forum club, a meeting place for the cultural elite and popular among aspiring young authors hoping to make contact with publishers and writers.

The two counts of rape involved one woman.

According to the prosecution, Arnault allegedly forced the woman  who was in a state of intense fear  to have oral sex and intercourse in a Stockholm apartment on October 5, 2011.

He was also accused of raping her during the night of December 2-3 the same year while she was asleep, but was acquitted on that charge.

The trial was heard behind closed doors to protect the victim, whose identity has not been disclosed.

In Sweden, rape is punishable by a minimum of two years and a maximum of six years in prison.

Culture of silence

Arnault has maintained his innocence from the start. He has been held in preventive custody since the end of his trial on September 24 and will remain in jail until the formal start of his sentence, the court said.

His accusers claim the Swedish Academy was well aware of his behaviour, and blame the institution for helping create a culture of silence that pervaded Swedens cultural circles.

An internal Academy probe had concluded there were conflicts of interest between Arnault and the Academy, and found that several female Academy members and people close to them had also been harassed or assaulted by the Frenchman.

According to Swedish daily Svenska Dagbladet, Arnault was born in Marseille in 1946 to Russian refugee parents. He arrived in Sweden in the late 1960s to study photography.

He had bragged about being the 19th member of the Academy, and according to the internal probe, he leaked the names of Nobel literature laureates on several occasions.
Trump celebrates trade deal as signaling a new dawn for the US, says it would still have to be ratified by Congress.

President Donald Trump has described the signing of a new free trade deal with Mexico and Canada as signaling a new dawn for Americans and the return of the country as a manufacturing powerhouse.

Speaking at a White House news conference on Monday, Trump said the new agreement  which is expected to come into effect in late November  will be the biggest trade deal in United States history.

But Trump added that the deal would still need to be ratified by Congress, a step that could be complicated by the outcome of the fall congressional elections.

When told he seemed confident of congressional approval, he said he was not at all confident but felt ratification would be granted if lawmakers took the correct action.

Anything you submit to Congress is trouble no matter what, Trump said, predicting that Democrats would say, Trump likes it so were not going to approve it.

Negotiators from Canada and the United States went down to the wire but were able to reach an agreement on a new free trade pact that will include Mexico, the governments announced late on Sunday night.

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) updates and replaces the nearly 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which US President Donald Trump had labelled a disaster and promised to cancel.

The rewrite will result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region, according to a joint statement from US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Canadas Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland.

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After more than a year of talks, and six weeks of intense discussions, the governments were able to overcome their differences with both sides conceding some ground, but both hailing the agreement as a good deal for their citizens in the region of 500 million residents that conducts about one trillion US dollars in trade a year.

Al Jazeeras Heidi Zhou-Castro, reporting from Washington, DC, said the US is trumpeting this as a win for all three nations involved.

This is the fulfilment one of Trumps most important campaign promises, this is the president who prides in calling himself the deal maker, and this is a win for his America First policy, she said.

He had long complained that NAFTA was costing US manufacturing jobs and that it was leading to this trade deficit with Mexico.

Details still not out

Canada will open its dairy market further to US producers, and Washington left unchanged the dispute settlement provisions which Ottawa demanded.

That is going to be a win-win-win situation for all three countries, thats what we expect. The leaders of the three countries are saying they got the best deal that they could, Al Jazeeras Daniel Lak, reporting from Toronto.

We need to see the details and that will probably take some time. Some of those are emerging from sources from the Canadian government, which is probably being cherry-picked to make the Canadian argument look the best, so far.





This will allow them to sign the agreement before Mexicos President Enrique Pena Nieto leaves office December 1, the date that was the cause of the last minute flurry of activity.

Under US law, the White House is required to submit the text of the trade deal to Congress 60 days before signing  and officials barely made it by midnight.

China wants to talk

In his remarks on Monday, Trump took a jab at China and said the Asian country was keen on holding talks, before adding that it was too soon for Washington to hold talks with Beijing about working out a similar deal.

China wants to talk, very badly, and I said, Frankly, its too early to talk. Cant talk now, because theyre not ready, Trump said Monday.

If, politically, people force it too quickly, youre not going to make the right deal for our workers and for our country.

Trump hailed the power of tariffs he has imposed to bring American trading partners to the table, suggesting US tariffs on China have yet to exert enough pressure to force Beijing into making concession at the negotiating table.

Because theyve been ripping us for so many years, it doesnt happen that quickly, Trump said.

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The Trump administration slapped tariffs on $200bn worth of Chinese goods last month and is threatening to impose duties on virtually all of the goods China exports to the United States.

Trump said signs of economic weakness in China and its slumping stock markets are proof of the effect US tariffs are having on the Chinese economy.

Still, Beijing has remained defiant, vowing to stimulate domestic demand to cushion the blow from any trade shocks.

Theyre having a much more difficult time now, Trump said. I dont want them to have a difficult time.
Ahmed Mansoor is appealing 10-year sentence over Twitter posts that authorities say breach cybercrime laws.

Prominent Emirati rights activist Ahmed Mansoor has filed a Supreme Court appeal in a bid to overturn a 10-year prison sentence handed to him earlier this year over several Twitter posts.

Mansoor was sentenced in May by Abu Dhabis Federal Appeals Court for defaming the UAE through social media channels.

A father of four, Mansoor was also fined one million dirhams ($270,000) for insulting the status and prestige of the UAE and its symbols, including its leaders.

Several international rights groups, including a number of United Nations human rights bodies, the EU Parliaments Subcommittee on Human Rights, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch have condemned the move.

According to Joe Odell, the campaigns manager for the International Campaign for Freedom in the UAE (ICFUAE), since the instituting of the cybercrime law in 2012, there has yet to be a precedent where a rights activist has successfully appealed their sentence.

Under new laws in the UAE, Mansoor is entitled to appeal the verdict, Odell told Al Jazeera. Since the appeal process is held in the same court, it is unlikely that the process will be a fair and independent one, he added.

ICFUAE said that since the ruling, Mansoors health has deteriorated rapidly, and all his visitation rights have been suspended.

Odell added that Mansoor has also been denied access to a lawyer.

Furthermore, the activists exact place of detention remains unknown.

His continued detention is in clear breach of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees the right to freedom of opinion and expression, to which the UAE is a signatory, Odell said.

International pressure is key to overturning the case, he added.

There must be more pressure generally from Western governments, international bodies and importantly the media to keep it in the public domain, he said.

The Emirati regime are very PR conscious, so are likely to respond to sustained international pressure.

Mansoors case has been raised with Emirati authorities by the UK government and the European Union.

Moreover, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, the UN Working on Enforced Disappearances, UN Special Rapporteurs and the EU Parliament have condemned his detention and called for his release, Odell said.
Singer turned opposition MP and more than 30 others accused of treason are expected back in court on December 3.

A court in Uganda has adjourned the treason case brought against music star and opposition politician Robert Kyagulanyi, local media reports.

Kyagulanyi, widely known by his stage name Bobi Wine, is being accused of involvement in an incident in August during which President Yoweri Musevenis convoy was pelted with stones.

The case against Kyagulanyi and more than 30 others accused of treason has been postponed to December.

The magistrate court in the northern Gulu district adjourned the case to December 3 following a request by state prosecutors for more time for investigations.

Kyagulanyi was granted bail by the court in August after his arrest and detention following violence during a local election rally.

The court has not approved the bail application of several other suspects charged alongside the MP.

The popular musician has emerged as an influential critic of Museveni after winning a seat in parliament last year.

The 36-year-old opposition MP has used his music to address the countrys political and social issues.
, the worlds largest independently owned property consultancy, remains optimistic in the growth of the Philippines commercial real estate sector as the countrys economy is set to expand by 6.7%this year. The property industry continues to benefit from the economic boom, creating a positive ripple effect across each sector, according to, the groups partner in the Philippines. In the remaining months of the year, an additional 1.47 million square meters of prime office spaces are expected in Metro Manila, representing 30% of the current stock. The business process outsourcing industry continues to drive demand along with new entrants from the Chinese online gaming sector, resulting to an overall decline in vacancy rate from 4.9% in the first quarter to 4.5% in the second quarter of the year. Meanwhile, the retail real estate sector is also expected to add around 500,000 sqm of space this year after local consumer spending rose by 5.6% spending during the first quarter of 2018. With greater consumption activities, the industrial real estate sector has subsequently seen rising demand for storage and warehouse facilities.comments: The commercial real estate sector in the Philippines is still one of the hottest markets for investors, including the U.S., China, South Korea and Asia. The rest of the year will see greater activity in the market as buyers and investors capitalize on the growth of secondary cities, improving infrastructure and strong fundamentals.reaffirms the companys optimistic view during his visit to Manila. He says: Our partner, Santos Knight Frank, recently brokered the largest office lease in Philippine history -- a 70,000-sqm deal between JP Morgan Chase & Co and Megaworld in the Bonifacio Global City. This speaks a lot about the level of confidence in the countrys real estate market and Santos Knight Franks leadership position in the commercial office leasing sector. This is my first visit to the Philippines and all I have seen reaffirms the outstanding choice that my firm made in partnering with Santos Knight Frank.
A candidate who came second in Mauritanias June 21 presidential election rejected results announced by the national election commission, contending that fraud and irregularities marred the voting.

President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz won another five-year term with 82 percent of the vote, the election commission announced on Sunday following an election that was boycotted by most opposition parties.

Anti-slavery campaigner Biram Ould Dah Ould Abeid came in a distant second with nine percent of the vote.

If these elections were held under normal circumstances, I would get between 35 and 40 percent Biram Ould Dah Ould Abeid,defeated presidential candidate

We have filed an appeal at the Constitutional Council, Ould Abeid told a news conference, accusing the government of having influenced the election in order to favour President Abdel Aziz, Reuters news agency reported.

If these elections were held under normal circumstances, I would get between 35 and 40 percent, he said in the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott on Tuesday.

Opposition boycott

Abdel Aziz, who assumed power in a coup in 2008 and won elections a year later, has been a staunch ally of the West.

The National Forum for Democracy and Unity, a coalition of main opposition parties, decided to exclude themselves from the contest when the election date was chosen without their input.

They complained that Abdel Azizs control of state institutions would ensure his victory and described the vote as grotesque theatre, AP news agency reported.

Abdel Aziz hails from the countrys ethnic Arab elite that long has dominated the ruling class, but his policies have made him popular among the poor black majority.

Two other unsuccessful candidates in the election have accepted the results and congratulated the president.
Rescuers race against the clock to save those still trapped in the rubble as authorities call for international help.

Rescuers on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia, are racing against the clock to save those still trapped in the rubble, as volunteers buried bodies in a mass grave following an earthquake and tsunami disaster.

Authorities struggling to deal with the sheer scale of the disaster have appealed for international help.

Four days on, some remote areas have yet to be contacted, medicines are running out and rescuers are struggling with a shortage of heavy equipment to reach desperate victims they can hear calling out from the ruins of collapsed buildings.

Authorities are bracing for much worse as reports filter in from outlying areas, in particular, Donggala, a region of 300,000 people north of Palu and closer to the epicentre of the quake.

President Joko Widodo opened the door to the dozens of international aid agencies and NGOs lined up to provide life-saving assistance.

Last night, President @jokowi authorized us to accept international help for urgent disaster-response & relief, senior government official Tom Lembong wrote on Twitter, asking rescuers to contact him directly via his account and email.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo visits people injured by the earthquake and tsunami in Palu, Sulawesi, Indonesia [Antara Foto/Biropers-Kris/via Reuters]

Officials fear the toll will rise steeply in the coming days and are preparing for the worst.

At Poboya  in the hills above the devastated seaside city of Palu  volunteers dug a 100 metre-long grave to bury the dead, with instructions to prepare for 1,300 victims to be laid to rest.

Authorities are desperate to stave off any outbreaks of disease caused by decomposing bodies and have announced a 14-day state of emergency.

Twisted wasteland

In Balaroa, a Palu suburb once home to a housing complex, the scale of the damage was apparent. A wasteland of flattened trees, shards of concrete, twisted metal roofing, doorframes and mangled furniture stretched into the distance.

Groups of dazed people stumbled over the wreckage, unclear where or how to start digging. Among them were three men looking for their younger brother.

Up to 60 people are feared to be underneath the wreckage of one Palu hotel alone.

Two survivors have been plucked from the 80-room Hotel Roa-Roa, Indonesias search and rescue agency said, and there could still be more alive.

Desperate survivors turned to looting shops for basics like food, water and fuel as police looked on, unwilling or unable to intervene.

There has been no aid, we need to eat. We dont have any other choice, we must get food, one man in Palu told AFP as he filled a basket with goods from a nearby store.

People collect fuel from a storage tank at a petrol station in Palu, Central Sulawesi [Antara Foto/ Muhammad Adimaja/via Reuters]

Government officials said some 1,200 inmates fled from at least three prisons in the region.

Many have spent the last days desperately searching for loved ones while dealing with the trauma of the disaster.

One survivor, Adi, was hugging his wife by the beach when the tsunami struck on Friday. He has no idea where she is now, or whether she is alive.

When the wave came, I lost her, he said. I was carried about 50 metres. I couldnt hold anything, he said.

Others have centred their search for loved ones around open-air morgues where the dead lay in the baking sun  waiting to be claimed, waiting to be named.

As dire as the situation in Palu is, it was at least clear. In outlying areas, the fate of thousands is still unknown.

Fuel and rice

Yenni Suryani of Catholic Relief Services said devastated infrastructure was hampering rescue efforts.

With the airport damaged, getting access to Palu and Donggala is a huge problem That means a bottleneck for relief supplies in coming days, she said. The main airport at Palu was damaged, landslides had cut off key roads while power is out almost everywhere, she added.

The state energy company said it was airlifting in 4,000 litres of fuel to help with the rescue effort, while the state logistics agency said it was preparing to send hundreds of tonnes of rice.

Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said the government had allocated 560bn rupiah ($37.58m) for disaster recovery, media reported.

Questions are sure to be asked why warning systems appear to have failed on Friday, and why more people in coastal areas had not moved to higher ground after a big earthquake, even in the absence of an official warning.

Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, told reporters on Sunday none of Indonesias tsunami buoys, one type of instrument used to detect the waves, had been operating since 2012. He blamed a decrease in funding.

Our funding has been going down every year, Nugroho said.

The meteorological and geophysics agency BMKG had issued a tsunami warning after the quake but lifted it 34 minutes later, drawing criticism it had been too hasty.

However, officials estimated the waves hit while the warning was in force.

Search and rescue workers evacuate an earthquake and tsunami survivor trapped in a collapsed restaurant in Palu, Central Sulawesi [Antara Foto/Muhammad Adimaja/ via Reuters]

The head of Indonesias investment board said on Twitter that Widodo had agreed to accept international help and he would coordinate private sector help from around the world.

Neighbours including Australia, Thailand and China have offered help, while the European Union announced 1.5 million euros ($1.74 million) in immediate aid.

Indonesia, home to 260 million people, is one of the worlds most disaster-prone nations.

It lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates collide and many of the worlds volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur.

A massive 2004 quake triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including 168,000 in Indonesia.
About the show

A weekly programme that examines and dissects the worlds media, how they operate and the stories they cover. Watch The Listening Post every Saturday at 0830GMT
There was something curiously missing from Christine Blasey Fords Thursday Senate testimony, something quite relevant to her basic claims. Consider the following segment from her testimony about the alleged (circa) 1982 sexual assault by SCOTUS nominee Brett Kavanaugh:

Both Brett and Mark [Judge] were drunkenly laughing during the attack During this assault, Mark came over and jumped on the bed twice while Brett was on top of me. And the last time that he did this, we toppled over and Brett was no longer on top of me. I was able to get up and run out of the room.

Now please read the corresponding segment from her original letter, sent months ago to Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.):

Kavanaugh was on top of me while laughing with Judge At one point when Judge jumped onto the bed, the weight on me was substantial. The pile toppled, and the two scrapped with each other. After a few attempts to get away, I was able to take this opportune moment to get up and run across to a hallway bathroom.

What jumps out at you? [T]he two scrapped with each other. Scrapped.

I related this aspect of Fords story to a woman close to me at a Saturday affair and asked, What does that tell you?

She responded, That they werent that interested in her.

Now, dont misunderstand me. The incident Ford describes would be sexual misconduct and surely morally wrong. But assuming it happened -- and lets for arguments sake say that Ford was assaulted by a boy (whether Kavanaugh or someone else) in the manner she describes -- its quite understandable why she omitted mention of the "scrapping" from her Senate testimony.

It severely weakens her case.

Question: Would a boy intent upon raping a girl begin scrapping with a friend in the midst of passionate attack?

Were I to take Fords Senate testimony at face value, Id have to say that, yes, probability dictates it very well could have been an attempted rape. But reading her original letter, Id say that the incident sounds like something else: drunken high-school hijinks where two guys did, admittedly, cross a serious line -- but not one on whose far side lies rape. Thats how significant the scrapping omission is.

To reiterate, the boys alleged actions would be wrong regardless. The point, however, is that theres a lot of moral real estate between inappropriate, alcohol-fueled, sexually aggressive physicality and the heinous crime of rape.

Based on Fords original letter, a very logical interpretation of the alleged incident is that it did in fact involve drunken horseplay gone wrong. Note that boys are very physical (which is why they wrestle with each other so much); even more so when theyre inebriated. So the boys in question, inhibitions released by booze, slip into testosterone-goofing mode. This is evidenced by their hysterical laughter. One of them then gets inappropriately physical with Ford before they get physical with each other -- they were getting physical, period.

The only difference is that since Ford was a girl and teen boys have sky-high libidos, the drunken horseplay with her assumed a sexual tone.

Of course, again, this is just an interpretation. But its one strongly suggested by the boys laughing and scrapping.

Ford and her handlers surely agree, too, more or less. Why else would they have omitted mention of the scrapping from the Senate testimony? After all, the professor doesnt remember much from that allegedly known incident in that unknown house in that unknown neighborhood in that uncertain year. But that the boys scrapped is something that, her original letter informs, she did recall.

Its entirely implausible that the omission could have been a mere oversight. Remember that Fords testimony was written out, and she, her lawyer and perhaps even some handlers undoubtedly scoured it with a fine-tooth comb. They wanted to maximize its impact and ensure she didnt perjure herself. The only reasonable explanation is that they purposely, tactically omitted part of the story.

There would only be a strong case that Kavanaugh (again, assuming it happened and he was the perpetrator) was attempting rape if the scrapping were the result of white-knight intervention by Judge. But Ford never even implied that this was a possibility. Rather, she painted a horseplay scenario, where Judge twice jumped on the bed, with the second leap resulting in a toppling of all three.

Of course, Ford could also claim that, on second thought, she wasnt sure if the boys actually did scrap. But then wed have to ask: If she imagined that, what else did she imagine?

Fords Senate omission was strikingly significant, and Arizona prosecutor Rachel Mitchell, who questioned both the professor and Kavanaugh, should have asked about it. After all, attempting to commit the heinous crime of rape, even as an older minor, would certainly reflect damningly upon a persons character. But it would be completely unfair to epitomize a mans whole life based on one incident of lewd, aggressive, drunken high-school horseplay.

So Christine Ford didnt reveal anything new in her Thursday testimony -- except, perhaps, in what she failed to say.

Contact Selwyn Duke, follow him on Twitter or log on to SelwynDuke.com

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In the court of public opinion and the U.S. Senate, Judge Brett Kavanaughs problem is that Christine Blasey Ford has a narrative and he does not. He has only the forceful and angry denials of an innocent man. But a counter-narrative does exist, based upon Fords own words and actions, which goes to explain why and how she made these false accusations, and without eliding her own agency in making decisions.

Quite clearly, Kavanaugh has faced a host of patently unfair problems dealing with Fords unsubstantiated charge that he sexually assaulted her as teen 36 years ago. Many are obvious. The elapsed time, the vagueness of Fords account, new, even less substantiated allegations popping up from left-wing activists, a hostile media, and the effects of the #Me Too movement. These force Kavanaugh to prove a negative, against an allegation without a place, time, or shred of physical evidence to contest.

Republican politicians and conservative media outlets are reluctant to place any blame upon Ford, for fear of upsetting women voters, or appearing insensitive, instead depicting her as a victim of manipulation by Democrats. However, this robs her of agency, and is arguably itself somewhat misogynist -- wouldnt Ford, a Ph.d and university professor, understand whats going on? Doesnt her taking a lie detector test, and hiring Democrat operative attorneys while she supposedly sought to remain anonymous, demonstrate this? Doesnt her lie about fearing to fly demonstrate that she is willing to subordinate truth to political need?

Does she truly believe this new narrative? It seems so, which formed the basis of her effective testimony last week. But belief in a narrative is not truth. As Senator Booker noted (approvingly), she spoke her truth not objective truth.

We all create narratives about ourselves that are not true. It is not a male or female thing. It is part of being human. Our self-conscious narratives about ourselves are who we are. They are often incorrect.

Lets consider Fords narrative to see how it was invented.

When did this event occur? There is no time. Not even a year to be precise, much less a month. The event thus is in a virtual literary realm, timeless, like a legend that cannot be proven or disproven.

All we know is that it was summer, because Ford begins the tale at the Columbia Country Club pool, where she and Kavanaugh were members. This is critical, because otherwise she and Kavanaugh were two years apart, and in different social circles, as Kavanaugh has noted. Yet why, if the meeting that led to the incident began at Columbia, is Ford so uncertain as to its location? Columbia is not out in the countryside, it is in the middle of a residential area of Bethesda/Chevy Chase, Maryland. In 1985 I went there, on my way back home from basic training in the Army JAG Corps. A fellow lieutenant asked me to drive him back home from Virginia (we were both Marylanders) but then changed his mind, and preferred to be dropped off at Columbia, were he was a member -- he wanted to parade through the club in his uniform. The area has changed somewhat in 30-plus years, but at that time still had the feel of a small town, with the fancy Club dominating the area around East-West Highway and Connecticut Avenue. Even today, while Bethesda has undergone much development, the area by the Club is made up of expensive old homes, which neighbors fight to preserve. It is hard to believe that Ford would not know where they went.

But more than that, according to her own account, the house can be narrowed down. Presumably the house party took place at the home of one of the participants, and according to Ford there were only five -- Ford, her close friend Leland Keyser, Kavanaugh, Mark Judge, and Patrick J. Smith. Since presumably Ford would know if the party was in her own home, or Keysers, it could only have been at one of the boys homes. Why didnt Democrat staff check it out? All they to do is head to the local library and consult an 1982 phone book. Why didnt Dianne Feinstein refer the FBI to the scene of the alleged rape, when there could only be three possible locations?

What of the alleged assault itself? Ford told her therapist in 2012 that four boys were in the room with her. She now denies that, claiming the therapist had it wrong, but the therapists notes are more credible than her changing narrative. Her account falls apart with four boys, since it removes Keyser. Ford would have gone to a party alone with four older boys, a reckless thing to do at the time, and probably the real reason she did not report an incident that probably did take place.

The mixed-sex party also allows her to assert the most troubling facet of the narrative, that at one point Kavanaugh put his hand over her mouth to stifle her screams. If believed, this removes any possibility that the encounter was a misunderstanding between immature teens, rather than a frightening assault. But it only works if some people in the house are not in the room with Ford. If it was as Ford originally told her therapist, all four boys who were in the room, there would be no reason to stifle her screams -- there was nobody in the house but the assailants.

And then her other dramatic point, the uproarious laughter. Ford testified that more than anything else it was uproarious laughter that she remembers. This strongly suggests that whatever happened 36 years ago, the real crux of the matter is less a sexual assault than humiliation. However, it is far more credible that four now anonymous older boys mocked her as her original account suggests, not only to create the uproar, but for refusing to service them sexually, and for putting herself in such a compromising situation.

This doesnt excuse the behavior of Fords probable actual attackers all those years ago, but does explain why Ford never told anyone and pushed aside the memory. How could she forget the assault if Kavanaugh made it, when by the logic of her own account she would have subsequently seen him repeatedly at Columbia afterwards? Rather, it appears Ford somehow got herself into a situation in which she was alone in a house with four older boys, a seriously fraught circumstance. This is why she couldnt tell anyone, not even her friends, much less her parents, and pushed it out of her consciousness.

After recovering the memory, it became a matter of reworking it into a more acceptable form, one in which Ford is free of any fault -- who can blame her for attending a small get-together with girlfriend and a few Columbia guys -- and to boot, a single attacker is now one of the most important men in the country.

Ford is a smart and capable woman, a psychologist who has carefully reworked her own narrative to suit her own psyche and turn an embarrassing misjudgment into a heroic stand against a political foe. She is no longer the mocked ingenue 36 years past. Lets give her credit for that, even if her redemptive narrative is mostly a lie.
A friend jarred me the other day by sending me this note:

Watching the left's insane treatment of Kavanaugh reminds me of some of what you dealt with at CSUN.

"CSUN" stands for California State University Northridge. My friend referred to the eight years during which I worked for that organization, 2008-16.

My friend sent me the note because the factors involved with Brett Kavanaugh's frightful battle for the Supreme Court coincided with my own harrowing experience with liberals: the California university professoriate; the Clintons; feminists; the intelligence field; Dianne Feinstein; Kamala Harris; the Supreme Court; and, most importantly, a psychedelic and Kafka-esque series of sexually charged investigations.

I decided to write ten tips for people who might one day be "Kavanaughed."

What has happened to Brett Kavanaugh will surely happen to many who read this. The cruel tactics and psychological machinery behind what the left does now to Kavanaugh developed in the lower rungs of society.

Picture This

To give you a sense of what I faced at CSUN, let me share a story. My lived experience left me particularly vulnerable to smears by the time I was in my early forties.

I survived many scarring tribulations in the gay community, raised by a gay parent and then initiated into homosexuality at the age of thirteen. For fifteen years, I identified completely with homosexuality, slipping into destructive behavior, recreational drugs, and perennially abusive relationships. At the age of 28, I first had an experience with a woman. Suddenly disturbed by the fact that I was fornicating and might become a father, I came to Jesus, had a profound religious experience, and married her.

I arrived at CSUN at the age of 37, deeply evangelical in my sentiments, still secretive about my past, but increasingly called by God to bear witness against the abuses of the LGBT movement in order to help others.

My appointment to an English department in Los Angeles placed me in a lion's den. Out of about 150 instructors in the department, I was likely the only social conservative and one of perhaps two or three Republicans. My dean, a radical lesbian feminist, spoke to me about her work with the American Academy of Religion.

The latter association seems determined to subvert traditional Christianity. This lesbian dean would later come out as a player in the Clinton Foundation and the head of the Clinton Global Initiative on our sprawling campus with over 40,000 students.

The dean's radicalism did not preclude her accepting money from a national security grant, which she pressured me in 2009 to administer for two years. When the left-wing faculty rose up in protest against the grant, many of them believed I had brought the grant to campus. They had no idea that the dean had called me into her office and compelled me to run it, since at the time I was the only reservist in the college. So in what would become a long pattern of tricks, the dean set me up take the backlash that should have rightfully gone against her.

(The grant was tied in some way to Dianne Feinstein, as I learned when I received a letter from Sen. Feinstein thanking a local administrator for the work of the principal investigators, including me.)

My life had accustomed me to living as the outsider, but CSUN became my first experience as a "non-person." When Proposition 8 succeeded in November 2008, I voiced my support for marriage and became the target of vicious hostility. I got through vandalism, obscene phone calls, hate mail, and student outrage.

By 2012, when I published an essay describing my pains as the child in a gay household, off-campus activists mobbed the university administration with calls to have me fired. The university agreed to turn over copies of my emails to an unhinged Brooklyn homosexual who wrote, at the time, for the New Civil Rights Movement.

When the off-campus activists, your own family members, your co-workers, your supervisors, and your students all use the same cold phrases toward you  and avoid any contact with you  while a constant series of escalating bureaucratic snafus engulf you, you know you have become a "non-person." Your views have placed you beyond the pale of any dignity. You have no human rights. Nothing about you warrants decorum, respect, or courtesy. Every interaction is painfully vicious, every action against you carried out with self-righteous cruelty.

The dean had staffed her entire office with women, many of them lesbians. One woman in particular, her closest assistant, appeared to raise an adopted daughter with her lesbian lover. All of them took every opportunity to complicate and inflict misery on my life, especially the lesbian mom. Much of this I have detailed in Wackos Thugs & Perverts.

By 2013, a student filed a complaint and claimed I had had erections while lecturing about the links between Virgil and Walt Whitman; also, according to the complaint, which I never saw, I had referred to Helen of Troy as "promiscuous" and encouraged woman-shaming. The investigation lasted from about December 2012 until April 2013, when I received word that the provost, Harry Hellenbrand, had thrown the charges out. After interviewing my students, investigators had heard conflicting reports. But the Title IX investigator had dragged the investigation out over months, forcing me to observe strict confidentiality rules while my students freely discussed among themselves theories about my supposed arousal.

The dean and several colleagues acted as ringleaders, though their roles remained shrouded in secrecy because of the nature of the process. All the witnesses who went against me enrolled in classes with the same teacher, I noticed. He had expressed hostility to me in the past. In fact, he had circulated rumors that I belonged to the CIA. It was not until October 2014, and the launch of a third investigation, that their roles became apparent.

In October 2014, the university began an investigation into charges that I had knowingly harassed and discriminated against women and gay students by encouraging them to attend a conference I organized at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. In October 2015, the university informed me that those in charge had cleared me of the charges of discrimination but found that I had engaged in "retaliatory acts" against the main accuser by not nominating her for any awards. Beside the numerous problems I documented with the investigation process, I drafted a response to the university's findings that could have swiftly refuted the retaliation claim: no award existed for which I could have nominated the student in question.

But the new provost, Yi Li, informed me in November 2015 that he had referred the matter to Human Resources to decide punishment. H.R. was still investigating the best disciplinary response to the charges. Provost Li told me I could not rebut the findings of the investigation until the punishment was decided. Then he refused to decide a punishment, leaving me in limbo until 2018, when the matter was finally closed by the faculty union because I had left that job.

I sought to file a complaint against the investigator for the discriminatory way in which she investigated me, but the other investigator to whom the office referred me told me:

The office of the attorney general of California (then occupied by Kamala Harris) had deemed that no state law prohibited the university from imposing extraordinary limits on my right to speak freely and redress grievances related to my experience with a gay parent. I had submitted a brief to the Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges, and the dean had stated repeatedly that she could not protect me from retaliation for voicing opposition to same-sex parenting, even if that opposition consisted of my telling my own life story truthfully. Therefore, because a student filed a complaint that she was uncomfortable having me as a professor based on my having described my childhood in the press, no wrongdoing under California law had occurred due to the special limitations on my First Amendment rights based on my being the child of a gay parent. The lesbian dean, gay people in general, and gay students were protected by California discrimination law against my public description of my own life. Nothing protected me even from retaliation for exercising my rights of free speech and redress of grievances. Because the university punished me not for using my free speech, but only for "retaliation" when I did not nominate for an award a student who had leveled charges against me that were thrown out, even though I could not have nominated her for any award at all, the university had done nothing wrong.

Though I had proof that the investigator had violated university policy by not including, in my disposition, a mandatory provision stating that I could contest the findings of the investigation within a certain number of days, I could not investigate the investigator because no investigator could investigate a colleague in the same investigation office.

The time limit had expired for me to contest the investigation.

I walked away from tenure at CSUN feeling like a ruined man. The internet teemed with defamation against me, which I was powerless to contest. I had grown obese and miserable, developing hypertension. Many conservatives had hung me out to dry, having decided I was simply too crass to associate with. The left had destroyed me. Here is what I learned:

You have to defend yourself. Do not let publicists, lawyers, or spokespeople strategize for you. Do not go into hiding. Do not let people pay you off. Accept poverty before you accept money that binds you to silence. Be very public and firm. This will allow you to get public support. Pick a side and stick with it. When being smeared, you have no viable option to strike a middle ground. Give up on trying to document your way to vindication. The attackers will make up lies about you, and their lies will be carefully woven to surprise you. If you try to document everything you do, you will lose your mind. Accept that most people may believe the worst about you. What does God know about you? That is what matters. Pray several times a day, and never miss church. Have a sense of humor. The absurd circus that America has become can entertain you. Sleep, eat well, and exercise. Be very attentive to your spouse. She suffers in ways you may not notice, and if you do not keep her happy, you will lose the most important thing you have. Forgive all, for they know not what they do. A priest once told me, "Their hate is a cry of pain because they live in such darkness." If I do not forgive Elizabeth Say, the dean who did much of this against me, I will live in a prison of unsatisfied vengeance. That woman may likely never pay any penalty in this life for the vast devastation she wrought on my family. By forgiving her, I get the only freedom I can expect.

You know you have survived a character assassination when you wake up in the morning and you know that whatever happens today, you can live with yourself. Recovering from a character assassination is harder than recovering from sexual abuse. You may never get back to the whole person you were before. But if you find yourself slipping back into paranoia or obsession, listen to Frank Sinatra's "My Way" and remember that thousands of people have been through the same thing.

Follow Robert Oscar Lopez at English Manif and check out his series "Save Our Churches."
The muckraking, character-assassinating, get-him-at-any-costs circus that Brett Kavanaughs confirmation has devolved into is, sadly, the entirely predictable latest chapter of a book that repeats itself when a Republican president attempts to seat a Supreme Court justice.

At one point during his epic, snarling, finger-pointing rant in the Senate Judiciary Committee last week Senator Lindsey Graham eyed Judge Kavanaugh and instructed him, When you see Sotomayor and Kagan tell em that Lindsey said hello, cause I voted for them!

Indeed, the Republican senator from South Carolina did vote to confirm both Sonja Sotomayor and Elena Kagan. Among Republicans he was far from alone. When it comes to confirming justices to the Supreme Court bipartisanship exists only when the Oval Office is occupied by a Democrat, if the American people have handed the White House to a Republican -- get ready for a fight.

Heres the nomination and confirmation votes of men and women recently seated (or rejected) on the SCOTUS, notice a pattern?

Robert Bork was nominated to the SCOTUS in 1987 by a Republican president (Reagan). The smear campaign against Bork was immediate and successful and his nomination was blocked by Senate Democrats with 97% (58 members of their 60-member caucus) voting "no".

Clarence Thomas was nominated to the SCOTUS in 1991 by a Republican president (George H.W. Bush). Thomas slandering with sex sleaze accusations has become the stuff of American folklore as has his blistering response to the then-Joe Biden chaired majority-Democrat Judiciary Committee. Thomas ultimately was confirmed via a narrow, partisan 52-48 vote with 46 Democrats voting "no".

Ruth Bader Ginsberg was nominated to the SCOTUS in 1993 by a Democrat president (Clinton). Then as now Ginsberg was/is the most liberal member of the court. Regardless, she was approved by the senate via a massively bipartisan 96-3 vote.

Stephen Breyer was nominated to the SCOTUS in 1994 by a Democrat president (Clinton). All Democrats voted yes as did most Republicans on Senate Vote 242 which confirmed Breyer. He was approved on a sweeping 87-9 bipartisan vote.

John Roberts was nominated to the SCOTUS in 2005 by a Republican president (George W. Bush.) Having been confirmed via a 78-22 vote the Roberts confirmation vote is the closest to bipartisan for any Republican nominee in decades. Still, the 22 no votes were all Democrats and represented half the Democrat caucus that year.

Sam Alito was nominated to the SCOTUS in 2005 by a Republican president (George W. Bush.) His confirmation was a bitter partisan fight featuring the usual talking points such as the ending of legal abortion and bringing back slavery with then-New York Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton attempting to filibuster the vote and eventually storming off the senate floor after a roll call vote to achieve cloture on the nomination. Alito was confirmed via a highly partisan 58-42 vote. 40 of the senates 42 Democrats voted no.

Sonja Sotomayor was nominated to the SCOTUS in 2009 by a Democrat president (Obama). Sotomayor, who riled conservatives by repeatedly claiming that a wise Latina would make better conclusions than a white male, was approved via Senate Vote 262 a 68-31 bipartisan vote that saw twenty three percent of senate Republicans voting yes.

Elena Kagan nominated to the SCOTUS in 2010 by a Democrat president (Obama). Kagan who was arguably the least qualified nominee in modern history as she had never served a single day as a judge at any level, was approved via Senate Vote 229 a 63-37 bipartisan vote in which twelve percent of senate Republicans voted yes.

Neil Gorsuch was nominated to the SCOTUS in 2017 by a Republican president (Trump). So upset were Democrats by the selection that they filibustered on the Senate floor for as long as possible. Eventually Senate Vote 111 approved Gorsuch on a partisan 54-45 vote with Democrats holding ranks, as usual. Less than 10% of Senate Democrats joined Republicans in voting to affirm Justice Gorsuch, 42 of 45 voted "no".

Brett Kavanaugh was nominated to the SCOTUS in 2018 by a Republican president (Trump). Most know the rest of the story.

The pattern is easy to see and the tactics stand as proof that everything old is eventually new again. In 1987 Senator Ted Kennedy made the following public statement concerning President Reagans selection of Robert Bork:

Robert Bork's America is a land in which women would be forced into back-alley abortions, blacks would sit at segregated lunch counters, rogue police could break down citizens' doors in midnight raids, schoolchildren could not be taught about evolution, writers and artists would be censored at the whim of government, and the doors of the federal courts would be shut on the fingers of millions of citizens for whom the judiciary is often the only protector of the individual rights that are the heart of our democracy,

Last week House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi has this to say about President Trumps selection of Brett Kavanaugh:

If Judge Kavanaugh is confirmed, Roe v. Wade, affordable health care, voting rights, common-sense gun violence prevention, freedoms of LGBTQ Americans, communities of colors and immigrants are all on the chopping block, just to name a few. And if he doesn't believe in stare decisis as established law, everything is on the table. Again, voting rights, civil rights, Brown v. the Board of Education. All right?

New team, same playbook, but history makes clear the broader point -- Republicans will vote to confirm Democrat nominees but not the other way around. For the past forty years, Senate Republicans have recognized that to the victor belong the spoils, that a sitting president has the constitutionally-granted ability to seat Supreme Court justices through (not in spite of) the Senate's advise and consent edict.

Democrats on the other hand kick, scream, resist, defame, bully, filibuster, dredge up 30-year-old sleaze (real or not), threaten to hold their breath until they die, throw tantrums, and refuse an affirmative vote when they are not in power and a SCOTUS seat becomes vacant. Brett Kavanaugh is but the latest in a decades-old saga that weve all seen before.
With the Russia collusion issue falling apart and winding down, fired former FBI director James Comey is now speaking out against the Supreme Court nomination of Brett Kavanaugh through the New York Times' editorial page. Characteristic for him, he's speaking with a forked tongue, playing Mister Probity to disguise his real aim of undercutting President Trump.

It's obnoxious stuff, given that it involves piling on against Kavanaugh, but hey, anything to Get Trump and return from the wilderness of irrelevance.

Comey starts with this supposedly innocuous opener before showing his hand.

The F.B.I. is back in the middle of it. When we were handed the Hillary Clinton email investigation in 2015, the bureau's deputy director said to me, "You know you are totally screwed, right?" He meant that, in a viciously polarized political environment, one side was sure to be furious with the outcome. Sure enough, I saw a tweet declaring me "a political hack," although the author added, tongue in cheek: "I just can't figure out which side." And those were the good old days. President Trump's decision to order a one-week investigation into sexual assault allegations against Brett Kavanaugh, his Supreme Court nominee, comes in a time of almost indescribable pain and anger, lies and attacks.

Here's Comey, trying to make you think he's Mr. Objectivity with one hand and pulling a fast one for the lefties with the other.

In other words, he would have you think the FBI is this objective outfit, just looking for the facts, ma'am, even after the amazing revelations of the Comey bureau's Deep State politicking.

Then we get right down to his real complaint:

We live in a world where the president routinely attacks the F.B.I. because he fears its work. He calls for his enemies to be prosecuted and his friends freed. We also live in a world where a sitting federal judge channels the president by shouting attacks at the Senate committee considering his nomination and demanding to know if a respected senator has ever passed out from drinking.

Whoa! Channels the president? Kavanaugh channels the president by defending his honor? Kavanaugh, the man with the spotless, six-times-FBI-certified clean record? Hit by a barrage of false  and out of the blue  charges, cooked up with suspicious involvement of Democratic and left-wing political operatives? And now to defend one's honor and long record of honesty from false charges is channeling Trump? That's some logic. Trump, recall, never denied the bad behavior he was accused of  we all know it happened, and he hasn't lied about it. But Kavanaugh is another story, because as Comey's own FBI back in his day certified, he's never engaged in sexual assaults. Would Comey care to answer some questions about why the FBI clearance process is so flawed, given that Comey thinks a seventh FBI investigation of Kavanaugh under an FBI director who's not he will turn up something different? Is he saying he ran a corruption racket and all the security clearances the FBI approved earlier under his leadership were tainted?

What an (unprintable).

After that, Comey takes a shot at Republican voters. The mask begins to fall off:

Most disturbingly, we live in a world where millions of Republicans and their representatives think nearly everything in the previous paragraph is O.K.

After that, Comey warns Republicans that the FBI will come up with something with which to Get Kavanaugh:

Although the process is deeply flawed, and apparently designed to thwart the fact-gathering process, the F.B.I. is up for this. It's not as hard as Republicans hope it will be. F.B.I. agents are experts at interviewing people and quickly dispatching leads to their colleagues around the world to follow with additional interviews. Unless limited in some way by the Trump administration, they can speak to scores of people in a few days, if necessary. They will confront people with testimony and other accounts, testing them and pushing them in a professional way. Agents have much better nonsense detectors than partisans, because they aren't starting with a conclusion.

Not starting with a conclusion? Tell that to Peter Strzok. The FBI has gotten rather famous under the Comey directorate for finding a crime first and then scaring up some evidence to claim that it holds water.

He makes it clear they will get something on Kavanaugh, but not his accuser.

Yes, the alleged incident occurred 36 years ago. But F.B.I. agents know time has very little to do with memory. They know every married person remembers the weather on their wedding day, no matter how long ago. Significance drives memory. They also know that little lies point to bigger lies. They know that obvious lies by the nominee about the meaning of words in a yearbook are a flashing signal to dig deeper.

Notice how Comey excuses the accuser for having a bad memory and then says any haziness of memory from Kavanaugh is proof he's lying about much bigger things. Double standard? Of course: This is Comey.

Once the fix is in, Comey makes his conclusions about what Trump "will" do, yet he doesn't extend the same certainty to Democrats:

It is idiotic to put a shot clock on the F.B.I. But it is better to give professionals seven days to find facts than have no professional investigation at all. When the week is up, one team (and maybe both) will be angry at the F.B.I. The president will condemn the bureau for being a corrupt nest of Clinton-lovers if they turn up bad facts. Maybe Democrats will similarly condemn agents as Trumpists if they don't.

The mask slips further about Comey's partisan leanings.

What he seems to be saying is that his lefty Deep State operatives are still in power at the FBI, and never mind those previous six background checks Kavanaugh had before this current fiasco. Those Comey loyalists will pin something on him.

Whether they do is another question, but obviously, Comey thinks they remain loyal to him and will do something about Kavanaugh to hit Trump and his deplorable Republican voters, now that they can't pin any Russian collusion on President Trump.

It's a creepy, creepy message to telegraph, and one can only hope he's wrong. If so, he remains the irrelevant weasel he always was, speaking with dishonestly packaged intentions.

Image credit: Jon Glittenberg via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
The office of California senator Dianne Feinstein will be investigated for leaking a confidential letter from Christine Blasey Ford describing an alleged assault by Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

Senator Tom Cotton told Face the Nation that Feinstein "betrayed" Ford by leaking the letter after assuring her that it would remain confidential. Also, Democratic lawyers will be investigated for telling her that committee staffers would not travel to California to interview her about her sexual-assault allegation.

Politico:

"They have betrayed her," Cotton said on CBS' "Face the Nation." "She has been victimized by Democrats ... on a search-and-destroy mission for Brett Kavanaugh." He also said Democrats would be at fault if women become less likely to report sexual assaults now because they did not keep Ford's request confidential, as she had asked. "Any impact that this entire episode has had," Cotton told John Dickerson, "on women's willingness to come forward and report sexual assault, which I encourage them all to do immediately after it happens, is caused by the Democrats, is caused by Dianne Feinstein and Chuck Schumer not respecting her requests for confidentiality." Feinstein, the ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, had received a letter from Ford some months ago describing the incident with Kavanaugh but had kept the material confidential, as requested in the letter. At some point, information about Ford was leaked to the press, though the California Democrat denied that she or her office were responsible. The FBI investigation into Ford's sexual assault allegation against Kavanaugh is unlikely to bring any new evidence to light, Cotton said, adding that the Judiciary Committee had already conducted interviews and/or received letters from people that Ford said attended the gathering at which the alleged assault occurred. "We already know what everyone at the party has said," he said, adding that the investigation will likely make a few senators more comfortable about voting to confirm Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court.

That Ford was used by committee Democrats is a given. I'm just wondering why the Ethics Committee isn't involved. This was one the most transparently political gambits in the history of the Senate  everything about it stinks to high heaven. The timing of the leak was planned for maximum damage to the reputation of a sitting judge and maximum embarrassment to the president and committee Republicans. With the #MeToo movement at peak hysteria, Democrats knew full well the power of the bomb they were dropping on Kavanaugh and Republicans.

From a purely partisan political standpoint, you have to admire the way the smear of Kavanaugh was stage-managed. Ziegfeld couldn't have produced a better show. But the question now is how to make the Democrats suffer the consequences for their underhanded, low-down, nauseating political tricksterism.

This is important not only to hold Democrats accountable for their malfeasance, but for the future of the Supreme Court nominating process. That's why the Ethics Committee needs to be involved. They, alone, can impose the kind of penalties  reprimand or censure  that would make the guilty parties pay.

I feel sorry for the next Supreme Court nominee named by a Democratic president. What happens to him when Republicans are through with him will make what happened to Judge Kavanaugh seem like a walk in the park.
With the inquisition of Judge Brett Kavanaughs adolescence and high school yearbook a precedent, a serious question arises:

Has the #MeToo movement ushered in an era in which the childhood foibles people appointed or elected to significant public office will be investigated?

A friend who is the graduate of another famous, elite preparatory school wrote to me, and I quote the message with permission:

The campus of Georgetown Prep resembles other elite private schools (source: Wikipedia)

I just received an email from the XXXX School's current headmaster, sent to all alumni, intending to open up a conversation about times that situations have been "unsafe" between students and inviting people to report. This is a dangerous game, and I hope he knows what he's wading in too. Extending #MeToo back in time to peoples high school interactions raises the specter of a sort of mutually-assured destruction.

I don't believe Brett Kavanaugh did the things of which he's accused. I do believe that similar things absolutely occurred among his cohort, up to and including the sort of things that Swetnick alleged. I know because I went to a similar high school and those were the sorts of rumors that were bandied about every Monday. There were always girls crying about the things that had occurred at weekend parties (to which I was never invited, having been a sort of self-selected outcast), and of course they went back to those same parties the next week.

It's hard to tease out who was a perpetrator and who was a victim from such a scenario. Most of the very well-off kids I went to school with, many of whom probably subjected each other to all sorts of casual and sometimes vicious cruelties, are now successful, prominent, and hold reams of kompromat on each other, should airing such grievances out now be considered acceptable.

Now imagine the situation that faces the DC elite, many of whom went to these schools (and have kids at those schools today), and I think you can see why this is likely not to go too much further. Entirely too many people are potentially tainted -- but the vast majority have also, well, moved on. It also doesn't help that parents were usually looking the other way, or enabling the sort of alcohol-fueled behavior that caused people to do bad things. From my experience with the set at [XXXX School] who were always implicated in these sorts of rumors, their parents were usually the ones buying the booze. And some of those parents were no less than 9 sheets to the wind any time I saw them, too.

I want people to behave better. I hope that people reflect on what this window into high school behavior has shown them, and realize that participation in boozing and teenage sex, with all its attendant complications, is optional.

Sadly, I don't think the correct lessons will be drawn, but the mututally assured destruction my friend mentions will influence behavior.
The Saudi kingdom has scrapped plan to build a solar farm with Japans SoftBank Group for a total investment of $200 billion, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has reported.

The project announced in March has short-lived. WSJ, citing Saudi official sources, Sunday said it will no longer go ahead.

No one is actively working on the project, and instead, the Saudi kingdom is working up a broader, more practical strategy to boost renewable energy, to be announced in late October, the US media said.

The solar farm was expected to have the capacity to produce up to 200GW by 2030, with an initial phase of 7.2GW projected to cost $5bn.

As it seeks to reduce dependence on oil, Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohamed Ben salman, has turned to renewable energy. In February it reportedly selected local firm ACWA Power for its first photovoltaic solar project for the production 300MW in Saraka for an investment put at $300 million to be provided by the private sector.

The plant will be operational next year, Gulf Business reports.

The kingdom aims to generate 9.5GW of solar power annually by 2023, the media notes.
There is a significant change in U.S. strategy in Syria as the civil war there sputters to an end. U.S. officials now say that the U.S. will keep some kind of military presence in the country until interested parties are able to broker a deal to end the conflict. President Trump has said in the past that he wants to withdraw all U.S. military forces as soon as possible.

But aggressive Iranian moves to establish a permanent presence in Syria as a way to threaten Israel have forced a change in U.S. policy that is designed to check Iran's expanding influence in the region.

Washington Post:

"The president wants us in Syria until that and the other conditions are met," Jeffrey told reporters Thursday, saying the U.S. withdrawal was also linked to achieving a lasting defeat of Islamic State militants. Jeffrey spoke days after national security adviser John Bolton announced that the United States would not withdraw "as long as Iranian troops are outside Iranian borders," for the first time tying the U.S. trajectory in Syria to challenging Iran. The new strategy raises the stakes for the Trump administration in Syria, where it must navigate an array of obstacles that also include Russian support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, which has reduced his incentive to make concessions required to end the fighting. Iran is unlikely to easily relinquish its foothold on the Mediterranean after a decades-long investment it dramatically expanded after the war began in 2011.

Peace is not coming to Syria anytime soon, even if Syria-Iranian-Russian forces annihilate rebels in and around Idbib Province  their last stronghold. The rebels have vowed never to give up, and terrorist militias are certainly not going to be party to any peace deal.

Therein lies the danger of this new policy  it's open-ended with nebulous goals. That Iran wants to threaten Israel with an eye to some kind of future showdown with the Jewish state is well known to the Israeli government, and the Israelis can certainly take care of themselves. But Iran setting up bases in Syria is only part of the Iranians' overall Middle East strategy. From Syria, the Islamic nation threatens not only Israel, but Turkey, Yemen, Lebanon, and Iraq  all nominal U.S. allies. Checking Iranian influence then becomes a necessity for the stability of the region.

The key are Iran's proxy forces:

The Trump administration has made countering Iran's powerful network of proxy forces, from Lebanon to Iraq to Yemen, a primary goal in the Middle East. In Syria, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps is believed to command at least 10,000 fighters, including Shiite militiamen and government soldiers, forming the backbone of a force that has helped Assad claw back vast areas of the country from rebels. Faysal Itani, a Middle East scholar at the Atlantic Council think tank, said U.S. officials appear to have renewed hope that the long-stalled U.N. negotiating process can finally produce a settlement. Or, he said, they may be preparing for a lengthy on-the-ground mission, given the remote likelihood of a deal anytime soon.

Those proxy forces are expensive to maintain. It is thought that Iran gives Hezb'allah about $250 million a year. Similar amounts are dispensed to the 100,000 Shia militiamen in Iraq and the Houthi rebels in Yemen. They are also propping up the Assad regime in Syria.

It is hoped that U.S. sanctions will economically strangle Iranian support for these proxy forces, making them less effective. But this will take a while, given European reluctance to assist the U.S. in enforcing sanctions against Iran.

Iran presents a challenge unlike any other in the post World War II world. Countering their drive for hegemony in the region will occupy U.S. planners for the next several decades.
Move over, minorities claiming victim status, men disguised as women, and illegal aliens: there's a new virtue class in town! It's called "alleged survivors of sexual assault." Any woman can be a member, simply by her own say-so. The group has five constituent parts:

1. Actual survivors of sexual assault or rape. There is some sexual assault and rape in America, as there is in any country. But members of this subgroup, because of the trauma and possible embarrassment involved, don't usually go public with it to the Washington Post or the New Yorker. Quite often, though not always, they report such incidents to the police. More often than not, they at least contemporaneously tell other people about the incident at the time it occurred.

2. Mentally ill women who delude themselves into thinking they have been sexually assaulted. Some women, like some men, are mentally ill. They are deluded, or they have some other kind of trauma in their lives, and they convince themselves, falsely, that they have been sexually assaulted. It may seem a stretch for a sane person to think someone can create false memories, but if people can confuse themselves into thinking they are a different sex, than mentally fabricating an incident from years past is child's play. Christine Ford was not asked a single question about any psychiatric counseling, diagnoses, or medication she was on the receiving end of.

3. Politically motivated women. Some women who are opposed to conservatives and Republicans claim they are "survivors" simply to gather attention to themselves as they try to destroy their political enemies. The woman who trapped Senator Jeff Flake in the elevator and yelled at him claimed she was a "survivor," without any evidence to back it up. By the way, Christine Ford is not only a Democrat, but an activist who has donated to liberal causes. She wasn't asked a single question about it.

4. Women who are subject to boorish behavior. Women are sometimes subjected to boorish behavior by men. For example, men may expose themselves, which is wholly inappropriate, but is not rape, yet it is called "sexual assault" in the ever widening definition of this crime. If Brett Kavanaugh did expose himself to Deborah Ramirez (which I doubt), that would not be sexual assault.

5. Women who consent to sexual activity and change their minds afterward. This is a big category. Women get excited in the heat of the moment but after the fact regret getting physical with a man. They then redefine sex as physical assault. That's the problem with rape that isn't accompanied by signs of physical injury  to an outside investigator, it looks just like sex. Waiting 30 years to mention it to somebody, without any evidence, doesn't lend credence to such a claim.

The man-bashing harpy Senator Mazie Hirono says women who are "survivors" must be "believed." That is what this is all about. Anyone can claim membership in this group, without any evidence, and once self-declared membership has been announced, such people acquire victim status and the power to demand that everything they say be accepted as truth. Those accused are deemed guilty with no chance to prove their innocence, if such a thing could even be proved.

But like the boy who cried wolf, unsubstantiated or even contradictory allegations of sexual assault cast doubt on all people who claim they are "survivors," whether their claim was valid or not. That's why the woman who trapped Jeff Flake claiming to be a "survivor" is about a credible a rape victim as Rachel Dolezal is as a chapter head of the NAACP.

Ed Straker is the senior editor of Newsmachete.com.
The Kavanaugh-Ford hearings had nothing to do with violence against women. It's really a debate about Roe v. Wade, the infamous decision that created "a right" to an abortion.

Sadly, Roe did not settle the debate. In fact, we've been fighting over the decision ever since, as David Brooks wrote earlier this year reacting to abortion after 20 weeks vote in the House:

Let me start with some history. Before Roe. v. Wade, the abortion debate looked nothing like it does today. Many leading anti-abortion groups were on the left. The first pro-life rally on the National Mall was organized by the National Youth Pro-Life Coalition, which a co-founder described as "an extremely liberal group." The National Catholic Welfare Conference endorsed a platform that included a right to a living wage, a right to collective bargaining and a right to life from the moment of conception. In 1971, Ted Kennedy could declare, "Wanted or unwanted, I believe that human life, even at its earliest stages, has certain rights which must be recognized  the right to be born, the right to love, the right to grow old." And in the 1960s, conservative states like Mississippi, Georgia and Kansas passed laws legalizing abortion. In 1973, Roe v. Wade changed all this. At first, people didn't understand what the decision meant. "Plainly," Chief Justice Warren Burger wrote, "the court today rejects any claim that the Constitution requires abortion on demand." But then everything polarized. The pro-life movement grew on the right and withered on the left. Republicans introduced an anti-abortion plank into their platform in 1976. A new electoral coalition was born.

And here we are: every Republican nomination to the Supreme Court is now a ruthless battle over abortion. The Democrats are worried that a right is going to be taken away. On our side, we'd rather see the issue settled by voters.

I hope that Justices Kagan and Sotomayor are watching this madness. They may do the country a lot of good to overturn Roe and stop this.

Last, but not least, a lot of technology has changed since Roe in 1973. We can hear a heartbeat and see photos of a baby in the womb today.

What do we have to show for Roe? Sixty million abortions and good people like Judge Kavanaugh being slaughtered in public just because they believe that voters, not justices, should decide these issues.

PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter.
Without a minute to spare, Canada's prime minister, Justin Trudeau, jumped on the new NAFTA or U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement to ensure that Canada is not left at the station.

According to Politico:

The new pact, which is being called the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, is a major step toward completing one of Trump's signature campaign promises and gives the president a concrete policy win to tout on the campaign trail this fall. It also sets the stage for what is sure to be a high-stakes fight to get the agreement passed by Congress before it can become law.

It was another triumph for President Trump, who sought to revamp the 1994 trade agreement in the name of making it "fairer" for the U.S.

This, for Justin Trudeau, has got to sting, given his animosity with the U.S. president. The shout-fest back in June at the G-7 summit in Quebec pretty well set the tone, and most recently, there was an argument about whether President Trump had refused to meet with the Canadian prime minister or asked for the meeting in the first place. The two don't get along.

But the problems went well beyond that. Canada had a lot of tariffs still within the NAFTA treaty that didn't sit well with the U.S., such as its tariffs on milk products, which constrained U.S. farmers and shut them out of any benefit from the trade pact.

Canada, which has a European-style system and sensibility, tended to be recalcitrant about changing anything, protecting as it could its cottage industries. Trade negotiators have always told me it's the developed countries that have the toughest time changing.

Meanwhile, the U.S. forged ahead with a new pact with Mexico, believed to be more favorable to U.S. manufacturing interests. With Mexico's presidency set to go to a leftist, the deadline was Sept. 30, so President Enrique Pena-Nieto could sign off before his successor could take over.

Mexico was all raring to go, and so should have been Canada.

But Canada didn't quite take the Trump desire to alter the pact as seriously as Mexico did. Mexico knows that its economy is within a hair's breadth of going south. Canada, not so much  well, until the shadow of the Trump train dawned on the Canadians and started to pull out.

Now Trudeau has jumped onboard despite everything, recognizing just how important U.S. trade without tariffs is to his country's ultra-integrated economy. Canada would have otherwise been left in the dust.

Of course, he's calling it a victory, but we all know what happened.

Score another one for the Trump train. This one's another victory for the U.S.
Aluminium Association of Canada president and chief executive officer Jean Simard hopes the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will lead to a swift resolution of the 10% US tariffs.

A side letter aiming to prevent the future use of such Section 232 national security tariffs has already been released, along with the text of the USMCA, which will replace the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta), Simard told Fastmarkets MB.



He also stressed that the US and Canadian negotiators have formulated a model (in another side letter) that aims to prevent future disputes over Canadian exports of automobiles to the US, which involves effective caps on trade volumes. Export volumes up to the cap levels would not be subject to Section 232 tariffs under this agreement.



While Simard would not rule out Canadian support for such a model to resolve the aluminium tariff dispute, he called for negotiators to consider a range of trade levers, including rules of origin, when devising an aluminium-specific agreement that will stick.



The key is to allow for increased Canadian exports in the future. There are so many references to carve a realistic approach for a very singular industry like aluminium. The worst thing would to be to cut and paste what you might do for steel, he said.



This is because the Canadian aluminium industrys output for US aerospace, automobile and military buyers is often specialist and - because of intellectual property arrangements - in some cases is not available anywhere else in the world. A deal would have to factor in all our historic military relationships as well as the integrated characteristics of our industries, Simard said.



In terms of the general side letter on Section 232 tariffs, it commits the US to holding off on imposing such tariffs for 60 days after a decision is made to erect such duties.



During that time, the United States and Canada shall seek to negotiate an appropriate outcome based on industry dynamics and historical trading patterns, the note states. If the US then goes ahead and imposes such duties anyway Canada can impose retaliatory tariffs (as it has done in the ongoing dispute over aluminium and steel tariffs) and also challenge such duties at the World Trade Organization, it added.



Keith Nuthall - INS, London
On the evening of August 31, 1939, as the last rays of the setting sun lingered on the top of the giant wooden mast towering over the then German city of Gliwice, a few miles from the border with Poland, two cars passed through the gates of the Gliwice radio station and stopped outside the three-story transmission building. A small unit of SS officers posing as Polish partisans got out of the car. Along with them was Franciszek Honiok, a 43-year-old unmarried German Catholic, who had been arrested the previous day for his involvement in a number of local revolts against German rule in Silesia, a border region spanning present day Poland. Honiok was dressed in a stolen Polish army uniform. The Gestapo had chosen to sacrifice him in order to make the attack, that was about to take place, look like the work of Polish anti-German saboteurs. Honiok didnt resist for he was drugged and barely knew what was happening.

The Gliwice Radio Tower is locally known as the Silesian Eiffel Tower. Photo credit: www.muzeum.gliwice.pl

Ever since Adolf Hitler came to power in Germany, he wanted to invade and partition Poland. But the GermanPolish Non-Aggression Pact signed in 1934, as well as the Treaty of Versailles, prevented him from mobilizing his forces against the predominantly Jewish country. What the Fuhrer needed was a single act of aggression from the Polish side to justify the German invasion of Poland. But when none was coming forth, Hitler decided to invent one, and Operation Himmler was born.

Masterminded by the feared Heinrich Himmler and supervised by Reinhard Heydrich, Operation Himmlers objective was to plant several false flags in multiple locations along the border to create the appearance of Polish aggression against Germany. In the days preceding the invasion of Poland, German troops, dressed in Polish uniforms, would storm various German sites along the border and carry out acts of vandalism, and then retreat leaving behind dead bodies in Polish uniforms. The bodies were procured from concentration camps that the Nazis ran. These expendable men were referred to as "Konserve", or canned goods.

One of the locations chosen, and arguably the most important target of Operation Himmler, was the German radio station in Gliwice.

The Gliwice Radio Station now houses a museum. Photo credit: www.muzeum.gliwice.pl

About three weeks before the attack, Reinhard Heydrich summoned SS Sturmbannfuhrer Alfred Naujocks to Berline, and laid out the details of the intended attack.

Within a month we shall be at war with Poland, Heydrich told Naujocks. The Fuhrer is determined. But first we have to have something to go to war about. We've organized incidents in Danzig, along the East Prussian border with Poland, and along the German frontier. But there has to be something big and obvious'."

Heydrich then strode over to a wall map of Eastern Europe and jabbed a finger at Gliwice. This is where you come in. The idea is that six men and yourself will burst into Gliwice radio station, knock out the staff and broadcast a speech in Polish and German, attacking Germany and the Fuhrer and announcing Poland's intention of taking the disputed territories by force.

On the scheduled dayAugust 31a day before German tanks rolled across the border and into Polish territory, marking the beginning of a painfully long global conflict, Alfred Naujocks led a group of seven SS soldiers, including himself, into the radio station. The Nazis quickly overpowered the guards and intimated the three engineers on duty to transmit an anti-German message. One of the SS men, Karl Hornack, who spoke Polish, grabbed the microphone and shouted: Uwage! Tu Gliwice. Rozglosnia znajduje sie w rekach Polskich. '(Attention! This is Gliwice. The broadcasting station is in Polish hands.)

Hornack continued to speak against the Germans, but one of the engineers stealthily turned off the switch and the transmission was cut short. However, the first nine words that went through the airwaves was enough to trigger a cataclysmic chain of events.

Gliwice Radio Tower. Photo credit: Andrzej Rostek/Shutterstock.com

The following morning, in a speech to Reichstag, Hitler accused Poland of inciting violence, citing as many as twenty-one acts of aggression against the Germans, all of which were staged by the SS. I can no longer find any willingness on the part of the Polish Government to conduct serious negotiations with us, Hitler spoke to the Germans. I have, therefore, resolved to speak to Poland in the same language that Poland for months past has used toward us, he declared.

Before the SS men left the radio station the previous night, they shot Franciszek Honiok through the forehead and left his body. For decades nobody talked about this man, and there has been no commemoration in Poland honoring his death. His own family was reluctant to bring up the subject, and was too afraid to ask questions. Poland was under German occupation until the end the Second World War, and then under the Communists until their dissolution in 1989. Nobody was interested in digging up the truth, accused Pawel Honiok, the nephew and only remaining relative of Franciszek Honiok. They dont even know where is body was buried.

Details of the Gliwice incident first came to light during the Nuremberg trials, immediately following the war, but it was not until 1958 that the full facts were revealed after the British writer Comer Clarke tracked down Alfred Naujocks in Hamburg. Naujocks died two years later. He never faced a war-crimes tribunal.

The Gliwice Radio Towerthe tallest wooden structure in Europe (at 387 feet)still stands, although the station has long ceased to exist. Its building now houses a museum dedicated to the incident. The massive wooden tower now carries aerials for mobile phone services and FM broadcasting. The site itself now belongs to Poland.

Gliwice Radio Tower at night. Photo credit: Tomasz Klimas/Shutterstock.com
In short: California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Sunday signed the countrys tough net neutrality bill into law, with the United States Federal Communications Commission already preparing a lawsuit against it. In a statement provided to media outlets on Monday, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai called the bill illegal and argued it hurts consumers by disallowing zero-rating practices. California is now set to wage a legal battle against the federal regulator that will decide the outcome of state-level net neutrality in the entire country.

Background: The highly controversial Restoring Internet Freedom Act authorized by the FCC earlier this year not only does away with all legal protections of the open Internet but also prohibits state governments from enacting their own rules meant to preserve the neutrality of the World Wide Web. California and a number of other states already dismissed that provision as unconstitutional, whereas numerous proponents of net neutrality also argued that provision goes against the very notion of the Republican partys small-government mantra. The other side of the political aisle is arguing the repealed net neutrality protections discouraged innovation and hurt economic growth, a notion that net neutrality proponents describe as baseless. The Taxpayers Protection Alliance also criticized Governor Browns latest move; in a statement provided to AndroidHeadlines, TPA President David Williams argued that less free data, coupled with less broadband investment, will only spell disaster for the states struggling households.

Impact: To date, 22 states publicly called for net neutrality protections to be reinstated on a federal level and some went as far as to openly rebel against the polarizing repeal by pushing for state-level rules requiring the Internet to remain open, though California became the first to officially codify them. The legal fight with the FCC that will follow this development will largely decide the current FCCs legacy, though the protections themselves are likely to be officially reinstated the moment the DNC takes back the White House, provided Congress doesnt enact its own rules beforehand, which remains a possibility.
In short: Facebook managed to fight off a United States government attempt at forcing the company to wiretap its Messenger app, one of the most popular communications tools on the planet, new sources claim. A judge at the Fresno-based U.S. District Court ruled Facebook doesnt have to comply with Washingtons request, though the reasoning behind the decision remains unclear.

Background: The governments efforts meant to force Facebook to wiretap its omnipresent app became more aggressive this summer, with Washington previously asking for the social media giant to be held in contempt of court due to its refusal to comply with the request. The Menlo Park, California-based company remained adamant the demand is highly unreasonable as even if it wanted to fulfill it, doing so would require it to invest countless resources into completely rewriting Messenger with spying in mind. The order itself pertained to an account of a member of MS-13, a crime gang also known as Mara Salvatrucha, that the government wanted to wiretap in order to monitor encrypted calls made via Facebooks app. The three individuals participating in the contested calls are all currently in jail, awaiting trial in a case that also saw thirteen other alleged MS-13 members indicted.

Impact: The development marks a win in the Silicon Valleys broader fight against government monitoring requests that violate the privacy of their users. Proponents of the initiative argue that federal law enforcement agencies want to use isolated cases to set precedents they could later use to monitor the general public in an unreasonable manner, violating peoples Fourth-Amendment rights. A similar struggle is currently ongoing in the United Kingdom, as well as many other countries across the world. While the government can still appeal the verdict, the fact that the prosecution already has a strong case against the indicted individuals suggests the verdict pertaining to Facebooks lack of cooperation with law enforcement officials is unlikely to change.
In short: Google could reportedly be paying long-time Android rival Apple as much as $9 billion to keep its position as the default search engine in Safari on iOS in 2018, according to Goldman Sachs analyst Rod Hall. Reporting his assessment with Business Insider, Hall also posits that number could climb as high as $12 billion in 2019, stating that Apple is among the chief ways Google gains traffic. Thats in spite of the fact that iOS also doesnt use Google by default elsewhere in the operating system.

Background: Google has had a long-standing agreement with its rival for some time now but this isnt the only deal the search giant has made in pursuit of new traffic acquisitions. Just over a year ago, it was also reported by the South Korean newspaper JoongAng Ilbo that the company might pay as much as $3.5 billion to Samsung for the same rights as a default search provider. That seems like a lot of money but, given that Samsungs current position in the mobile market is at the top and that Apple remains in the top three, it seems to have proven a worthwhile investment too. The companys primary means of generating income is through advertising and, in Q2 2018, the company amassed around $28 billion in revenue on that front alone. The total revenue in that report came in at around $32.5 billion. For now, theres been no public disclosure about how much Google actually pays to partners and rivals alike in order to keep its position and, by proxy, its revenue flow. So the figures represented by various sources and analysts may not be entirely accurate.

Impact: Having said that, it makes sense for the company to put money toward earning more back but Google has been facing some difficulties maintaining its position in other areas of the Android ecosystem. That comes down to various rulings about whether or not it can require Google Search as a default in its Android OEM certification agreements and other alleged anti-competitive policies. Payments made to manufacturers for the purpose of keeping that privileged position may become more apparent moving forward. Under more extreme circumstances, those may ultimately force the company to reshape the ways it makes its earnings.
Irans Foreign Minister has criticized close aids of US President Donald Trump after claims that Washington was forced to close its consulate in Basra over threats from Tehran and its allies.

US, Friday, closed the mission in the protest-hit province because of indirect fire by Iranian militias. Large part of the staff will leave Basra while the embassy in Baghdad will handle consulate duties.

Basra since early July has been rocked by deadly demonstrations against the government over poor public services and outcry against corruption of government officials.

U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo held Iran responsible for threats on the consulate and its staff.

I have advised the government of Iran that the United States will hold Iran directly responsible for any harm to Americans or to our diplomatic facilities in Iraq or elsewhere and whether perpetrated by Iranian forces directly or by associated proxy militias, he said in a statement.

I have made clear that Iran should understand that the United States will respond promptly and appropriately to any such attacks, he added.

His Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Javad Zarif on Sunday denied any connection with the alleged threats asking Pompeo and Trumps top Security advisor, John Bolton, to stop make irrelevant threats.

We of course have influence in Iraq but that does not mean we control people in Iraq, as the United States doesnt control people in countries with whom it has good relations, Zarif said on CNNs Fareed Zakaria GPS.

Mr. Pompeo and Mr. Bolton, instead of making these irrelevant threats that would produce no positive results, need to look at their own policies, Zarif added.

Earlier, the New York Times reported that the State Department has been considering for more than a year shutting down the Basra consulate to save money, citing three former officials. The consulate costs at least $200 million to operate each year, with estimates reaching $350 million.

Iraqi authorities also said they are not aware of any threats by Iran and its friends in the region against the US diplomatic facility and staff.

We are not aware of any intention by Iran or its friends in Iraq to attack American diplomats or the consulate, an Iraqi senior security official who spoke in anonymity was quoted as saying by media.

This is another unfortunate move that is making Iraq the playground for Americas quarrel with Iran, he added.

Irans own consulate in the province had been burned down in the protests with many believing that Tehran has been holding a sway over Iraqi politicians.
In short: A new teaser video for the as-yet-unannounced Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL has been published by Google Japan, centered around just how much people love to squeeze things. Whether thats hugging a mascot, grabbing a friend or loved one by the shoulders, or a grandmother doing her level-best to crush a grandchilds face, Googles new advertisement covers all the bases. Of course, that wouldnt be complete without adding a set of hands clasping and squeezing a phone-shaped frame outline thats clearly intended to represent the companys upcoming Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL devices.

Background: A squeezable frame has been part of Googles design for its self-branded smartphones ever since the company included it under the name Active Edge in its Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL handsets. By default, squeezing the sides of that device will call up the search giants AI, Google Assistant, allowing users to easily access the features under that umbrella. Similar to the technologys original inventors, HTC and its Edge Sense, users can also set custom squeeze actions for quick access to other functionality. Active Edge can be exceptionally convenient as compared to navigating the home screen or app drawer since it doesnt necessarily need the display turned on to activate. So it shouldnt come as too big of a shock that Google is choosing to make it a central feature on their upcoming devices, expected to be announced on October 9.

Whats more, the company has also published a new website specifically for the Japanese market and focused on the unreleased devices. Along with the new advertisement, visitors to the site can use a registration form to sign up for more information. Doing so will most likely provide one of the quickest ways for those in the region to get new and official insights into the handset leading up to and after the reveal and its launch. Up until this point, the news surrounding the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL has been entirely leak-based and isnt necessarily reliable.

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Impact: Aside from being a genuinely good advertisement, the video and its associated website seem to indicate that Google may plan to actually sell its handsets in Japan. That wasnt the case with its previous devices. Taken in conjunction with previously reported listings on Chinese retailers, the general takeaway from recent news seems to be that Google is placing a lot of emphasis on the Asian markets where it hasnt previously had a presence. That could lead to a substantial growth in terms of sales potential and ultimately revenue, which is something the company has struggled with in the past.
In short: Mere minutes after Verizon announced the launch of the worlds first commercial 5G service, T-Mobile Chief Executive Officer John Legere took to Twitter to continue his years-long tradition of mocking the wireless carriers largest rival by subscribers. The industry veteran expressed befuddlement with the fact that Verizons 5G service is only available in tiny pockets of neighborhoods across four U.S. cities and can be crippled by certain appliances, foliage, and a number of other everyday items. He also argued the technology powering the solution isnt scalable and is based on a proprietary standard, meaning its future development will likely be limited. Do you have a better chance of getting Verizons 5G if you wrap your house in tinfoil, the CEO asked while laughing at Verizons 5G Home FAQ page.

Background: Verizon claims its 5G Home service is the start of a new era of connectivity, though the network itself is only a broadband alternative whose availability will be expanding gradually in the coming months. The fact that the solution uses a proprietary standard means that it likely wont be the backbone of Verizons true 5G network that allows for cellular connectivity and is planned to start being deployed in early 2019. T-Mobile itself has a long history of mocking both Verizon and AT&T, with the tradition being started by Mr. Legere after he took over the Deutsche Telekom-owned firm in 2012. Mr. Legere, the former CEO of AT&T Asia, recently likened his previous employer to the Empire from Star Wars with an image depicting its logo as the Death Star and frequently refers to AT&T and Verizon as dumb and dumber.

Impact: Despite T-Mobiles PR campaign and Verizons 5G Home launch, AT&T is still expected to deliver the first stateside 5G solution thats both cellular and based on the 3GPPs 5G New Radio standards. That network is said to be launching later this year but as first 5G-enabled smartphones wont be released in the U.S. prior to early 2019, early adopters will have to rely on 5G pucks, or hotspots, to take advantage of the next-generation service. 5G itself is presently even being hyped up by the White House and is largely expected to be a massive force for a new economic boom that will allow for new technologies and create millions of jobs globally.

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I cannot begin to explain how important 5G is going to be for this country, so I have to say congrats to Verizon on delivering its 5G* Home Service today. It doesnt use global industry standards or cover whole blocks and will never scale but hey, it is first, right?!   John Legere (@JohnLegere) October 1, 2018
In short: Verizon on Monday launched what it claims is the worlds first commercial 5G fixed wireless access network, making it available in select areas within Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, and Sacramento. Houston resident Clayton Harris became historys first 5G customer, with the new network officially being advertised as 5G Home. The first three months of the service are free, after which existing Verizon customers with mobile plans pay $50 per month, whereas everyone else pays $70 on a monthly basis. The equipment and installation are free, with early adopters also being promised priority once Verizons first 5G mobile service becomes available. Three months of YouTube TV are also bundled with the service at no extra charge, together with a choice between a free Google Chromecast Ultra or Apple TV 4K.

Background: Verizon has been at the forefront of the 5G revolution in terms of both R&D and commercialization, with the company planning to add more cities to its newly launched network in the coming months. The company is expected to soon start advertising its next-generation offerings as 5Genius, according to its recent activity in the IP segment unearthed by AndroidHeadlines last month. As an FWA service, the network serves as a broadband Internet alternative and doesnt allow for cellular connectivity. A truly mobile 5G solution will start being deployed by Verizon and in early 2019, whereas AT&T claims it will already launch its mobile network this year. While AT&T has no intentions of introducing an FWA package of its own, T-Mobile promised to do so if the FCC and DOJ allow it to merge with Sprint, despite the fact it previously mocked fixed wireless as a half-measure.

Impact: Verizon technically won the 5G race in the U.S., though AT&T is still on course to win the mobile one. Ultimately, these experimental solutions wont significantly affect the state of the wireless market in the country and true 5G networks that are both mobile and offer national coverage wont be available until 2020.
In Short: YouTube debuted a Miniplayer in its web client back in March that enables people to use a picture-in-picture mode to watch videos while browsing the site, and now that Miniplayer seems to be hitting a wider rollout and may be available to all in the near future. On top of getting a wider rollout, the feature has gotten a slight change in that it no longer requires navigating away from the video being watched. Theres now a button in the video controls that brings the Miniplayer down, and plops you back at the front page of YouTube to browse around. Clicking into another video will get rid of the Miniplayer, as will using your browsers built-in navigation buttons. While the Miniplayer is up, you can hover over it to show controls, including expanding back to the full video.

Background: Starting back in March, Google rolled out a Miniplayer interface for YouTubes web client on a limited testing basis. The feature first manifested in a slightly more simple capacity than it can be seen in now, and required users to try to navigate away from the current video without using their browsers built-in navigation options in order to activate. This arguably unintutive way of doing things has seemingly been scrapped in favor of a video control to activate the feature, as explained above.

Impact: A similar feature to this one has been available on Android for a few months now, allowing certain YouTube videos to float around the screen in a small player while the user messes around in other apps. On the desktop version, the feature will likely be rolling out to all some time soon, and once it does, expect some iterations and improvements. Conversely, since this feature seems to work with all videos, its quite possible that the automatic Minplayer feature seen on Android, which has previously only worked with certain videos, will expand to all content on the site. An actual picture in picture mode that allows you to have one video in a small floating window while watching another seems like a logical progression on this feature, but nothing of that sort has been announced at this time.
The initiative is in line with the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications efforts to ensure that the Kingdoms air navigation system meets the standards and requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).



ILS is state-of-the-art runway approach aid that uses radio beams to provide pilots with vertical and horizontal guidance during an approach, enabling them to navigate and land safely in difficult weather conditions and low visibility. BIAs upgrade from CAT I to CATII is a significant milestone in the Airport Modernisation Programme, which will help to lessen the number of flights diverted from BIA, reduce flight delays, and ensure greater passenger safety.



His Excellency the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Eng. Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, said: The upgrade follows the directives of Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa to accelerate the modernisation of our air navigation systems to accommodate expected civil aviation sector growth in accordance with the comprehensive development plan of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Work on the second phase of the project, which will see the ILS upgraded to CAT III, is also proceeding according to plan and is expected to be fully implemented in time for the completion of the Airport Modernisation Programme by Q3 2019. This will further strengthen the Kingdoms leading position in civil aviation, both regionally and internationally, and enable BIA to provide excellent services with the highest levels of safety for all airspace users.



HE the Minister added that recent technology improvements have encouraged airports and airlines to search for optimal methods of dealing with difficult weather conditions, such as the CATll and CATlllB systems. He also announced that BAC is in the process of appointing a consultant to upgrade BIAs ILS to CATlllB, which will allow aircrafts to land at visibilities as low as 50 metres. The improvements will include the installation of additional lights on the runway and the development of auxiliary substations to support CATlll operations.



Under this system, aircrafts using the airspace within the Bahrain Flight Information Region will be able to take off and land at altitudes of less than 60m (200ft) above the height of the landing zone and as low as 30m (100ft), and with runway visibilities of as low as 350m.
The partnership will provide business and leisure travellers an opportunity to book via flybmi.com and enjoy travel from Manchester, London Heathrow and Dublin to the Turkish metropole.



Furthermore, the codeshare will also open up routes within Europe for Flybmi as customers will be able to fly on from Istanbul to Brussels, Paris, Dusseldorf, Hamburg and Oslo as part of the agreement.



The strategic move strengthens both airlines network presence throughout Europe with each enjoying significant benefits for both inbound and outbound travel.



Jochen Schnadt, managing director of Flybmi, explains, This new codeshare with our Partner, Turkish Airlines, enables our customers to book flights to Istanbul via flybmi.com, taking us to Turkey for the first time in the airlines history. This is yet another step for Flybmi in building a comprehensive network of strategic airline partnerships that allows us to reach new customers and widen our overall network reach. Entering into this partnership with Turkish Airlines is part of our over-arching strategy to further improve connectivity to/from our network of key business regions throughout Europe.



Ahmet Bolat, Chief Investment and Technology Officer of Turkish Airlines, said, We are pleased to sign this codeshare agreement with flybmi and aim to improve our partnership to maximize the travel opportunities offered to our passengers through the networks of both airlines.
Saudi Crown Mohamed bin Salman (MbS) held talks on Sunday with regional neighbor on many issues including oil supplies and Kuwaiti mediation effort to resolve Saudi Arabias conflict with Qatar, Reuters reports.

MbS met with Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah. The two men, a source familiar with the meeting told the agency, were expected to discuss the resumption of oil output from a neutral zone which Saudi Arabia shares with Kuwait.

Kuwaits ongoing effort to help defuse dragging diplomatic crisis in the region opposing Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt to Qatar, was also covered by the talks.

Early June last year, the Saudi-led quartet cut off ties with the tiny gas-rich country over claims that it supports terrorism and fosters ties with Iran, their regional arch rival.

The quartet has also imposed sea/air/ground blockade on Doha.

The Kuwaiti leader early September during a visit to U.S. President Donald Trump said he expects soon an end of the crisis that he has been trying to help dissolve.
The troops from C Company, 3 Para, are in Bosnia Herzegovina, taking part in Exercise Quick Response 2018 as part of EUFORs Multinational Battalion, deepening and strengthening working relationships with international partners, and helping ensure a safe and secure environment for the people of the country, in support of local authorities and the armed forces. Pictures taken during this exercise show the paras with a new jaw protection attached to their helmet.



The British paras deployed in Bosnia Herzegovina have their helmets improved with a jaw protection adapted to police missions (Picture source: British MoD)

British paratroopers clad in fire-retardant overalls and bearing riot shields are subjected to an ordeal by fire during realistic public order training at Camp Butmir in Sarajevo. Soldiers of C Company, 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (3 Para), hone their crowd control skills during a simulated disturbance at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, as part of Exercise Quick Response 2018, a major multinational readiness exercise seeing the British paratroopers train alongside their Austrian, Hungarian and Turkish partners in EUFORs Multinational Battalion. The Paras will conduct a number of challenging and realistic training serials at locations across Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of the exercise, enhancing their ability to work alongside international allies and helping EUFOR ensure safety and security in this key strategic region.



As part of the realistic and challenging training package, soldiers wearing fire retardant overalls, balaclavas and helmets, and bearing protective shields, faced petrol bomb-wielding instructors posing as rioters, testing both their public order skills and their ability to apply them under pressure. The men of C Company are in Bosnia Herzegovina helping to ensure a safe and secure environment for the people of the country, in support of local authorities and the Armed Forces, working closely with their Austrian, Hungarian and Turkish counterparts.

Private Tamas Borzak, of 8 Platoon, C Company, 3 Para, talks about undergoing "fire inoculation" during public order training at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. "The fire inoculation, I can imagine civvies back home if they were to do it they'd probably take some baby steps backwards as the Molotovs were coming at you. But it's good to see the blokes standing firm, going straight through it, seeing the petrol bomb come at you, and "bang!" it's on your feet, and everyone just does the drills and gets their head like that, 'cos you can see that they're really trying to concentrate and get the drills correct, otherwise you will get hurt. But we're Reg, we do the job right, we're professional soldiers."
Do it yourself if you can We accept  in principle  that private equity can deliver (somewhat) excess returns over most other asset classes. But there are a lot of qualifications attached to that, and most of them are very relevant to whether and how pension funds should invest in private equity.
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Floridas master of backroom deals has 30 years of lawmaking experience, but Donald Trumps propensity for governing with tweets and insults is making Mario Diaz-Balarts job tougher.

The 56-year-old Miami Republican prides himself on being the states senior member of the powerful House committee tasked with overseeing federal spending and being a crucial voice on immigration issues in Washington. Unlike his South Florida counterparts Carlos Curbelo and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, he doesnt attract attention for publicly disagreeing with the president and is the only House member from Miami-Dade who voted for Trump in 2016.

But the messaging from the White House is hard to ignore as Diaz-Balart runs for reelection in District 25.

As Diaz-Balart sat down recently with an espresso  not his first caffeinated beverage of the day during hours-long spending talks  the president tweeted, without evidence, that a government-sponsored tally of 2,975 deaths in Puerto Rico due to Hurricane Maria was a political ploy by Democrats to hurt him.

Diaz-Balart said he hadnt seen it.

I literally do not read tweets. I dont watch the talk shows, I watch newscasts, Diaz-Balart said.  If you ask me the last time I listened to or watched a talking-heads show, which unfortunately now television news is pretty much all that except for a couple of newscasts, I dont. I have a job to do and my job is to get things done.

Trying to ignore Trump and the constant news he generates gives Diaz-Balart the ability to sidestep criticism of the president, but choosing to keep his mouth shut has opened him up to criticism that he wont stand up for his mostly Hispanic constituents.

He didnt respond to most of Trumps claims on Puerto Rico, except when the president said he was successfully raising Billions of Dollars to help rebuild Puerto Rico, a statement that is a direct jab at lawmakers like Diaz-Balart, who spent weeks crafting massive relief packages for Puerto Rico and Florida last year.

The Constitution is pretty clear about that, Diaz-Balart said, referring to Congress power of the purse.

If Diaz-Balart wins reelection in November, he will become the longest-tenured Republican in Congress from Florida  and the states most powerful House member if the GOP retains its House majority. His pitch to voters is a classic one for incumbents with clout: hes the steady hand with experience in Washington since 2003 and the policy chops to best represent a majority Hispanic district with thousands of immigrants.

Diaz-Balart rarely makes cable news appearances, preferring instead to talk with reporters who cover the federal spending process or immigration talks in detail. He refuses to discuss private meetings, including the infamous White House session he attended where Trump reportedly referred to Haiti and African countries as shitholes.

If you look at the folks who get things done, theyre not the ones on MSNBC and Fox 20 times a day, Diaz-Balart said. Theyre the ones who sit down quietly. In Congress, appropriations have become more difficult. Its become more difficult because of hyper-partisanship from both sides. And yet we have a constitutional obligation to get those bills done and theyre ugly and theyre not always ideal. But if you look at those bills its a smaller and smaller group of us that work on them, who are willing to put partisanship aside, egos aside, who can communicate with Democrats and Republicans and the administration.

But the traditional path to reelection for a powerful incumbent has been upended by a president who thwarts sensitive negotiations on issues  like finding a solution for so-called Dreamers  by constantly offering mixed messages to members of his own party, lessening the incentive for any Democrat to compromise. Diaz-Balart failed to find enough votes for an immigration compromise earlier this year, even though he rebuked GOP leaders by signing onto a petition that would have forced a series of immigration votes with the blessing of Democrats. He now faces former judge Mary Barzee Flores in the November election, his first serious opponent in a decade.

Read more here.
My Danish husband and I met whilst I was in London on a 2 year visa, 2014. We married in London 2015. We lived together and I got my UK residency card/visa. We moved to Sydney in 2017 and have now lived here for a year. My husband just got an amazing job in Sydney but I actually hate living here. There are no jobs in my profession (luxury fashion) and I just have no friends in Sydney. I'm really miserable here. I have a position in London that I can return for but my husband obviously isn't ready to leave. He wants to have a year experience at his new job before he leaves.



This is putting a lot of pressure on our relationship because I want to go back.



Can I move back to London on my UK residency card and leave my husband here? The plan is that after a year he will move to join me and we will be long distance till then. He's on a partner visa but currently on the bridging visa. We're still waiting for the actual visa to arrive.



With brexit going on and my husband being Danish, it's all so confusing. Can anyone help?



Thanks!
HP

Earlier on Monday, for instance, Jaguar announced a convoy of historical XJ models set off from the the Castle Bromwich Assembly Plant, heading for Paris on a 839 km (521 miles) trip, while stopping along the way at several key points for the automotive world.For Citroen, the celebration of the shows 120th anniversary began a day before, on Sunday, and translated into an exclusive lineup of cars parading through the streets of Paris.An entire army comprising 230 historic vehicles paraded this past weekend from Place de la Concorde, passing by iconic landmarks like Place des Invalides, Le Quai Branly and the Champs-Elysees in a show of motoring force.Among the 230 cars seen on the streets Citroen showed 25 unique models from its history, dating back as much as 1919.From that year, a Type A Torpedo rolled as new in 2018s Paris. Alongside it, a C3 5Trefle from 1924, a C4 Torpedo from 1934 and a Rosalie NH from 1936. The pre-war lineup of cars concluded with the Traction Avant 7C from 1937.The parade of cars produced after the end of the second world war was introduced by the 1947 Autocar U23. The 1950s were represented by Type H from 1952 and Traction Avant 15-6 H from 1954, while the 60s were shown in the form of the Ami 6 from 1965 and the DS 21 Pallas from 1967.Of course, modern-day Citroens were also present, in the form of the C4 Cactus or C5 Aircross You can check out the entire lineup of historical Citroen cars displayed on Sunday in the document attached below.
Speaking to Motor Authority, the man in charge of Hennessey Performance Engineering believes the Venom F5 could hit 311 miles per hour (500.5 km/h) if everything goes according to plan. Currently our CFD testing and our engineers tell us we need about 1,520 horsepower to break 300 mph , which wont be a problem for the 7.6-liter twin-turbo V8.The pushrod V8 promises more than 1,600 horsepower at 7,200 rpm, and according to Hennessey, it has been tested beyond 2,000 horsepower. Concerns regarding reliability wont allow the Texas-based tuning company to tap into every available resource of the engine, but on the other hand, even the standard setting is more than what Bugatti and Koenigsegg offer in the Divo and Regera. Motor Authority reports that customer cars will be delivered with the same final power output rating as the record car, whatever that might be, which means that some sort of surprise is in the pipeline. The question is, where will Hennessey Performance Engineering unleash the Venom F5?One venue would be the Shuttle Landing Facility in Brevard County, Florida. But the thing is, John Hennessey doesnt expect to hit more than 280 miles per hour on the 3.2-mile runway. This gets us to the Nevada highway where Koenigsegg took the Agera RS. Or Texas; nothing is set into stone at this point according to the head honcho of Hennessey."Id like to run 500 km/h, he said, which is 311 and change. After we break 300, well see how much faster we can go.The high-speed validation runs are scheduled for next year, and as far as we know, Hennessey will manufacture 24 examples of the Venom F5 for customers in the United States and abroad. Allocations for the U.S. market are sold out according to Motor Authority, and as of September 2018, five international orders have been placed.
2018 hasnt been better with motorists in the Middle Kingdom either, with General Motors leading the ranking. Starting October 12th, General Motors will call back more than 3.3 million vehicles in China over an issue with the suspension system. Under extreme operating conditions, the suspension arms of vehicles manufactured between 2013 and 2018 could deform, leading to the loss of control.General Motors, represented by Shanghai GM in China, isnt aware of casualties related to the problem. In a statement on Saturday, the State Administration for Market Regulation revealed that affected vehicles were sold under the Buick, Chevrolet, and Cadillac brands. Consumer complaints date back to 2015, but the automaker refused to act until Buick Envision owners took legal action against General Motors at the Intermediate People's Court in Beijing.The automaker will contact those affected by the recall by first-class mail, and of course, the fix comes at no cost whatsoever to the customer. It is not known at the present moment if authorized dealers will replace only the arms or more components from the suspension assembly, but regardless of outcome, this isnt a one-hour job.Two of the affected nameplates are sold in the United States of America, namely the Buick Envision and Cadillac CT6 Plug-In. Those two are manufactured in Yantai and Jinqiao, and by the time the cars reach U.S. dealers, the price comes in at $31,995 and $75,095. If it wasnt clear already, neither is the top pick in their respective segments as far as pricing, quality, and reliability are concerned.Ford took a step back from China-U.S. imports as a consequence of the trade war, canceling the Focus Active for North America. One month ago, President Trump rejected the offer to scrap car tariffs for the European Union, causing concern for everybody in the business, including Fiat Chrysler.
Hoversurf says the FAA has signed off on the first eVTOL to be approved for general use in the U.S. and orders are now being taken for the Scorpion 3 from the Watsonville, California, company. It costs $150,000 and the first one has been sold to the Dubai Police. The single-seat quadcopter has been accepted as an ultralight by the FAA, which means no pilot certificate is required. The device is said to be able to go up to 60 MPH with about 20 minutes of endurance.

While the aircraft is limited in both performance and market appeal, its approval is considered significant by industry watchers. TransportUp, a newsletter that follows the eVTOL industry, said the FAA approval, which was granted Sept. 10, should make it easier for others, including more complex and capable designs, to follow. HoverSurf sets the stage for step by step certification of larger and more advanced aircraft, the newsletter said. This step means that the FAA is ready to begin certification hardware and software technology for flying cars. Titan Top List prepared the following video.
@alextdaugherty

Gun rights have motivated portions of the Republican base in Florida for years, but the script has changed in 2018.

The National Rifle Association sued the state of Florida after Gov. Rick Scott and 67 state lawmakers with an A rating from the nations largest gun group signed a bill that bans anyone under the age of 21 from purchasing a firearm. Congress passed a bill that authorizes funding for school safety measures after the nations deadliest high school shooting in Parkland, but hasnt taken up other ideas that would limit access to firearms. Republicans running in competitive congressional races across Florida say they are open to a ban on assault weapons.

Parkland and the March For Our Lives movement started by a group of Broward County high school students have thrust gun politics into the top tier of issues ahead of the 2018 elections, where Democrats are hoping to keep Bill Nelsons U.S. Senate seat and flip up to a half dozen congressional seats that could determine which party wins the majority in the House of Representatives.

Even if you go back 10 years, its amazing how much this issue has changed, said Democratic strategist Steve Schale, who ran Barack Obamas 2008 Florida campaign. If you looked at the polling, people supported background checks and banning certain types of weapons, but the entire energy for voting was on the other side. A larger swath of the population is saying that if youre not reasonable about gun safety, were not going to vote for you.

Though Parkland is in overwhelmingly Democratic Broward County, congressional candidates in nearby Palm Beach and Miami-Dade Counties have changed their tune on guns in the last year. Miami Republican Rep. Carlos Curbelo, running for reelection in a Democratic-leaning district, called on Congress to ban devices that allow semi-automatic rifles to function like automatic rifles after the Las Vegas shooting in October 2017. Treasure Coast Republican Rep. Brian Mast cited his military experience when calling for an assault weapons ban after Parkland. Miami congressional candidate Maria Elvira Salazar, a Republican, said this week that she supports background checks on guns and is open to an assault-weapons ban.

All three breezed through their respective Republican primaries even though Mast drew two challengers after announcing his stance against assault weapons, and Salazar faced a host of challengers who were more conservative on guns.

The threat that the NRA has made for years is that if you oppose us, you will lose, Schale said, adding that zero Republican incumbents who signed the state-level gun bill or called for more gun restrictions after Parkland lost their primaries. If you look at folks like Brian Mast who came out for an assault weapons ban... its hard to imagine in the past that a GOP member of Congress could come out with that position without being completely terrified of the NRA.

Read more here.
Its been hard to miss that things are changing in our industry and that pilot training is much a part of that shift. I escaped my office long enough to attend the University Aviation Associations (UAA) 71st annual Collegiate Aviation Conference last week and talking with representatives from schools both large and small helped verify some of the trends Ive been keeping an eye on in flight instruction, airline hiring practices and student recruitment.

Aviation education is an area I find fascinating for a variety of reasons. When I started class at a university flight school, I was struck by how adaptable, driven and engaged the majority of my aviation professors were compared to other teachers Id had. Watching the pilot penchant to adopt what works and drop what doesnt used in the classroom taught me a lot, not just about flying, but about how people learn and why teaching methods are so important in a field where both risks and rewards can be life-altering.

One of the things that caught my attention at the conference was how much the employment conversation has shifted since I graduated nine years ago. Back then, aviation jobs were difficult to come bya fact thats partially responsible for my writing careerand those who had them were staying put. Quite a few of my classmates ended up finding employment in other fields. Not so now.

Airlines are actively seeking new pilots. There were several carriers in attendance at UAA aiming to develop relationships with aviation universities and flight schools. More and more airlinesand not just the regionalsare putting serious time and resources into developing programs focused on both teaching new students and funneling university graduates directly into their hiring processes. Why?

The pilot shortage. Wherever folks might stand on how it happened or what the best solutions might be, its become a reality for the airlines.

In a speech at the UAA awards banquet, Christopher Broom, the managing director of flight and training administration for American Airlines, said that the company expects to lose about 8000 pilots in the next ten years. Looking out further, Broom said that 75 percent of the seniority list at American Airlines will be retiring in the next 15 years. Clearly, they have some seats to filland not just for first officers.

According to Broom and others, concerns like age are less of a barrier than theyve ever been. Pilots are coming out of retirement and airlines are hiring them to fly. The American Airlines Cadet Academy recently opened its doors to its first classno previous pilot training required and graduates are guaranteed an interview with Americans three wholly owned regional carriers (Envoy, PSA and Piedmont).

Partnership programs with universities and flight schools are also becoming more common, particularly for regional carriers. PSA and Republic were on hand at the conference to talk with schools about their collegiate programs. Although the exact details differ from airline to airline, the basic idea is to provide interviews or conditional job offers to students who complete the program requirements. From where Im sitting, it beats job hunting after graduation.

Whether there are enough students to meet the future need for pilots is more contested. For now, the answer seems to be yes. Most of the schools I spoke with reported that enrollment numbers for aviation majors were steady or rising over the past few years. The American Airlines Cadet Academy reports that it has received several thousand applications in the few months it has been accepting them. There are interested students out there. There are just two trouble spots: flight instructor availability and number of students.

I know I just said that there were plenty of students coming inand it looks like there are, for the moment. But looking down the road, there are concerns about the low number of young people interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. Thats not a new revelation, but with the need for aviation professionals expected to continue to grow over the next decade, it could lead to a shortage of students entering aviation careers in the not too distant future.

Several conference attendees mentioned that theyre having a harder time finding experienced mechanics. It has also been suggested that the lack of STEM interest is creating a wider experience gap that teachers need to overcome when taking on new students. This seems particularly relevant for incoming aircraft mechanics and engineers.

Several aviation organizations already have outreach programs in place. EAA Young Eagles, GAMAs Build-A-Plane and AOPAs high school curriculum initiative come to mind. Whats different is that awareness of the issue is growing. Organizations such as the Frontiers of Flight Museum have been working on STEM outreach initiatives for long enough to begin to have hard data on program effectiveness.

Colleges are looking into free aviation- and STEM-based summer camps for elementary-age kids. Most agree that repeated exposure and access to STEM activities is one of the primary predictors of interest in STEM fields.

Finally, flight instructor turnover is getting a bit ridiculous. For obvious reasons, the number of instructors at a school is a major limiting factor in how many student pilots can be trained. The experience of those instructors is also an issue, particularly when it comes to finding teachers for more advanced ratings.

Most of the folks I talked to at the UAA event were saying theyre keeping instructors for an average of a year to a year and a half. Thats about on par with what Im hearing from other schools Ive spoken with over the last six months. Several larger flight training operations said they track flight instructor hours closely, knowing that once instructors have enough hours to apply for a job at the regionals, most of them are gone.

Beyond trying to find enough instructors to hire, it also means schools are having to come up with new plans to get new hires onboard with school practices and policies. Schools are running more standardization classesand having to find instructors experienced enough to teach thoseand are actively looking for ways to foster good teaching habits and skills in the high turnover environment. Most are in the process of developing these programs and waiting to see how they work out.

Lots of questions are being asked about how these trends in training will play out and there arent many answers yet. New training programs will endure if they work and be replaced by something else if they dont. The industry is adapting, and even with all of the uncertainty, I have to admit its good to see hiring vitality in an industry that lacked that even a decade ago.
Former President Barack Obama announced another round of endorsements Monday ahead of next month's midterm elections, lending his support to an additional 260 candidates.

Between the lines: This round "focused on close races ... state legislative and/or statewide races that are redistricting priorities; ... and building a pipeline of diverse talent and elevating the next generation of leaders within the Democratic Party."
Seven men suspected of plotting an attack against "foreigners and political opponents" have been arrested by German authorities, reports Buzzfeed News.

The details: The men are believed to be members of the skinhead and neo-Nazi communities in Chemnitz, a city that saw massive anti-immigrant demonstrations last month over the alleged murder of a German national by two refugees.
A majority of the separated migrant families who were in the news earlier this year have been reunited. But another kids crisis is growing: The Trump administration is struggling to provide shelter and find homes for a record-breaking 13,000+ migrant children in its custody.

The big picture: Even though the scandal is mostly out of the news, the numbers have ballooned, from 2,400 detained migrant children last year to 13,000 today, the N.Y. Times reports. The federal government is struggling to house them, resulting in traumatic forced moves from established shelters to spartan tent cities.

The Times reports a shocking detail about the move of hundreds of migrant kids in recent weeks from shelters in Kansas to New York, to "a barren tent city on a sprawling patch of desert in West Texas":

"In order to avoid escape attempts, the moves are carried out late at night because children will be less likely to try to run away. For the same reason, children are generally given little advance warning that they will be moved."

to avoid escape attempts, the moves are because children will be For the same reason, children are generally given little advance warning that they will be moved." "[I]n the rows of sand-colored tents in Tornillo, Tex., children in groups of 20, separated by gender, sleep lined up in bunks. There is no school."

Why the numbers are growing: Not only was there a surge of minors caught attempting illegal solo crossings of the border this summer, new vetting policies at the Department of Health and Human Services have slowed the process for releasing these kids to suitable families already in the U.S.

Some potential caretakers, known as sponsors, have even been arrested by ICE on immigration charges. That could scare away relatives or other caretakers from applying to sponsor migrant children.

There are not only more kids in custody, but they're being held longer:

An increasing number of kids under 18 years old are being detained by the U.S. government for an average of almost two months  where previously, the average had only been 34 days, per the Times.

Why it'll get worse: "[D]eep structural forces threatening to send even more migrants north: hunger, joblessness and the gravitational pull of the American economy," the WashPost's Nick Miroff reports from Guatemala City.

"The Trump administration has already tried to stop them with one of the harshest measures in its tool kit  separating parents from their children  and the strategy failed."

What the administration says: A Department of Homeland Security official told me: "The lack of awareness and discussion of ... debilitating loopholes [under current laws and court rulings] remain one of the great underreported stories of our times."
A nascent organization funded by global oil companies to address climate change may seem ironic  but it's a credible effort that could actually have a real impact.

Why it matters: Under pressure from investors and lawsuits, oil companies are starting to acknowledge climate change and slowly shift their business models in response.

The intrigue: Last week at the first-ever U.S. meeting of the group, called the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative, a rare and surprisingly candid discussion took place between CEOs of the worlds biggest oil producers and leaders in climate-change action.

At the invite-only event at the Intercontinental Barclay hotel in Manhattan, roughly 150 people asked questions of 11 oil-company CEOs, including from Saudi Aramco, European producers BP and Shell and Houston-based Occidental Petroleum.

The guest list was strict and security officers were everywhere. Leaders of several environmental groups were invited, and as the two-hour discussion wore on, the dialogue got increasingly pointed.

Nigel Topping, CEO of a nonprofit coalition called We Mean Business, noted (accurately) that the companies were still overwhelmingly investing in finding new oil and gas over cleaner energy resources  lest you suggest youre really betting the farm on the future.

The other side:

Josu Jon Imaz , CEO of Spanish producer Repsol, responded by saying he and other CEOs must balance transitioning to cleaner sources of energy over decades with returning short-term profits for shareholders. The real dilemma and difficulty of all these jobs is to combine both things, Imaz said.

, CEO of Spanish producer Repsol, responded by saying he and other CEOs must balance transitioning to cleaner sources of energy over decades with returning short-term profits for shareholders. The real dilemma and difficulty of all these jobs is to combine both things, Imaz said. Patrick Pouyanne, CEO of French producer Total, said cutting oil production too drastically would hurt the economy. I dont want to be accused in 10 years  because I would have diminished my amount of oil  for hiking the price of oil because the world will continue to need more.

The big picture: The burning of fossil fuels oil and gas companies produce is a big reason Earths temperature is rising, yet their products are also foundations of the global economy. Whether you love or hate them, the role these companies play is inherent to addressing climate change, particularly in the absence of U.S. presidential leadership on the issue.

The Oil and Gas Climate Initiative was officially founded four years ago, but its just starting to do things worthy of attention.

The first U.S. member companies  ExxonMobil, Chevron and Occidental Petroleum  joined last week

The companies also pledged last week

Each member contributes $100 million to Climate Investments, a $1.3 billion investment fund the group launched in November 2016. That effort has also had a slow start.

Its CEO, Pratima Rangarajan, joined in June 2017, having previously worked on wind, solar and battery storage technologies.

This time last year, the fund had made three investments. Today, its at eight, with more to come, particularly on energy efficiency, according to Rhea Hamilton, who leads investment decisions.

The funds primary goal is to make the use of oil and natural gas as clean as possible, and also to capture carbon dioxide emitted from facilities like cement manufacturers and fossil-fuel plants.

Some environmentalists argue that the fund is just maintaining the status quo rather than transitioning to new sources of energy. To Rangarajan, its goals reflect a focus on the emissions that need to be reduced.

I came into this job from the renewable sector, Rangarajan said at last weeks event. When I decided I was going to work on climate, I actually came to this side.

The initiative has limitations, driven by its makeup and mission.

Its 13 member companies are a mix of publicly and government-owned companies that are natural competitors of each other. The group employs a lawyer to ensure they abide by antitrust laws.

The groups stated mission excludes advocating for (or against) government policies like carbon prices.

Absent an overarching goal, some environmentalists say the initiative will, by design, fall far short. Fred Krupp, president of the Environmental Defense Fund, who attended last weeks event, had cautious praise.

I think each step has to be evaluated on its own merit. The first thing they started tackling when they were formed four years ago was methane, and theyve taken that issue very seriously. We think they are doing good things with the billion-dollar fund. We will keep watching. We will keep encouraging.

 Fred Krupp, Environmental Defense Fund President
Midnight tonight brings what has proven to be a fake NAFTA deadline.

What's happening: Trump's negotiating team was working under the theory that they had to sign the new NAFTA agreement on Nov. 30 because the incoming Mexican leftist leader Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who takes office in December, would not sign NAFTA 2.0. Trade Promotion Authority rules dictate that the U.S. government must release text of any new agreement 60 days before signing  and that's midnight tonight.

But that working theory blew up this week. On Friday, Obrador said  point blank  that Mexico would not be reopening the deal and that he'd live with what has already been negotiated.

That's important because the whole U.S. theory of tonight's deadline was that Obrador was going to demand a renegotiated deal if it passed into his hands in December.

The bottom line: A new NAFTA deal between the U.S., Canada and Mexico seems close, even imminent. But it's unclear, as of 4 p.m. today, the extent to which these disagreements are substantive or of a technical nature.
The United States and Canada announced Sunday night that the two countries had agreed to enter into  along with Mexico  a revamped North American free trade deal just as a midnight deadline approached.

The details: The new deal will be called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and, per the AP, provides easier access for the U.S. to the Canadian dairy market but also keeps in place key trade safeguards from NAFTA that Canada wanted to remain.

President Trump tweeted about the deal on Monday morning:

"Late last night, our deadline, we reached a wonderful new Trade Deal with Canada, to be added into the deal already reached with Mexico. The new name will be The United States Mexico Canada Agreement, or USMCA. It is a great deal for all three countries, solves the many deficiencies and mistakes in NAFTA, greatly opens markets to our Farmers and Manufacturers, reduces Trade Barriers to the U.S. and will bring all three Great Nations together in competition with the rest of the world. The USMCA is a historic transaction!

Congratulations to Mexico and Canada!"

A joint statement from United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland:

"Today, Canada and the United States reached an agreement, alongside Mexico, on a new, modernized trade agreement for the 21st Century: the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). USMCA will give our workers, farmers, ranchers and businesses a high-standard trade agreement that will result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region. It will strengthen the middle class, and create good, well-paying jobs and new opportunities for the nearly half billion people who call North America home.

We look forward to further deepening our close economic ties when this new agreement enters into force."


1 big thing: Brett Kavanaugh is "too big to fail"

For the White House, it's Brett Kavanaugh or bust. They have no Plan B and there's not even discussion of one, according to five sources with direct knowledge of the sensitive internal White House talks.

"He's too big to fail now," said a senior source involved in the confirmation process.

"Our base, our voters, our side, people are so mad," the source continued. "There's nowhere to go. We're gonna make them f---ing vote. [Joe] Manchin in West Virginia, in those red states. Joe Donnelly? He said he's a no? Fine, we'll see how that goes. There will be a vote on him [Kavanaugh]. ... It will be a slugfest of a week."

"There's no time before the [midterm] election to put up a new person," a White House official close to the process told me.

Why this matters: When Trump spoke to reporters on the South Lawn of the White House Saturday afternoon, he told them, "I don't need a backup plan," in case Kavanaugh's nomination collapses.

Between the lines: That's just as well, because the small team working to confirm Kavanaugh has not been looking for a backup candidate, let alone vetting one.

Sources close to the White House legal operation complained that even if they did want to rush through a new nominee, they couldnt be sure any male nominee wouldnt have what one called a Kavanaugh problem.

"You nominate any man and how do you guarantee ... how do you vet for that?" said that source. "For an accusation that's 36 years old? You can't."

There's been plenty of speculation that, after the elections, Trump could put up a female judge such as Amy Coney Barrett, who was on his shortlist last time. But two sources involved at a senior level in Kavanaugh's confirmation told me they worry Barrett might end up being "too conservative" for the pro-choice Republican senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski.

All that speculation reflects the anger and tension filling the White House.

The bottom line: As of this weekend, sources close to Kavanaugh seemed optimistic the limited weeklong FBI investigation would give the three wavering Republican senators  Jeff Flake, Collins and Murkowski  the confidence they need to vote yes. But a week is an eternity in this political environment. And if Kavanaugh's nomination collapses, there are no easy alternatives.
The percentage of Russians who are confident President Trump will "do the right thing regarding world affairs" plummeted over the last year from 53% to 19%, according to Pew's annual Global Attitudes survey.

By the numbers: Trump's campaign push for warmer ties with Moscow clearly broke through, with 41% of Russians viewing the U.S. favorably in the months after he took office  up from 15% at the end of Barack Obama's tenure. That number has now fallen to 26%.

Alina Polyakova of the Brookings Institution notes that last year's survey was taken at a time when there were real hopes of detente in Russia. What has followed has been a "much more hawkish Russia policy than I think the Russians expected to see."

Russia's state-controlled media has changed its tone on Trump accordingly, she notes. He's mentioned less often and less positively. "The tone now is nothing negative about Trump, but he's seen as hampered or boxed in by the bureaucracy," she says. The government and media also like to depict Washington as "a mess" to make Vladimir Putin "appear like a professional manager by contrast."

The bigger picture: Across the 25 countries sampled, 70% lack confidence in Trump, on average. Views of the U.S. remain narrowly positive, though, with 50% approving and 43% disapproving. In some key allied countries, meanwhile, we're sinking further into uncharted territory ...

Just 30% in Germany and 38% in France view the U.S. favorably, down from 35% and 46% last year and 57% and 63% in 2016, respectively.

view the U.S. favorably, down from 35% and 46% last year and 57% and 63% in 2016, respectively. Views of the U.S. have tumbled in Canada (39% favorable) and in Mexico (32% favorable), where Trump's approval rating is just 6%. That's a big change: Majorities in both countries viewed the U.S. favorably throughout the Bush and Obama presidencies.

(39% favorable) and in Mexico (32% favorable), where Trump's approval rating is just 6%. That's a big change: Majorities in both countries viewed the U.S. favorably throughout the Bush and Obama presidencies. The flipside: Views of the U.S. rebounded in South Korea and Japan over the past year, back to levels similar to those seen under Obama. Confidence in Trump has also ticked up in both countries.

What to watch:
President Trump went after "Saturday Night Live" in a Sunday tweet, after last night's season premiere lampooned Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh's Senate Judiciary hearing and featured Trump supporter Kanye West as the musical guest.

"Like many, I dont watch Saturday Night Live (even though I past hosted it) - no longer funny, no talent or charm. It is just a political ad for the Dems. Word is that Kanye West, who put on a MAGA hat after the show (despite being told no), was great. Hes leading the charge!"

The big picture: Trump's long been adversarial with late-night comedians and television shows, taking the bait to mock their ratings as they endlessly roast his administration.

In the cold open, Matt Damon as Brett Kavanaugh calls himself "a keg is half-full kind of guy," and he apologizes for sassing Sen. Amy Klobuchar in an earlier answer: "I think I blacked out for a second."

Yelling: "I'm going to start at an 11. I'm gonna take it to about a 15 real quick."

"I'm going to start at an 11. I'm gonna take it to about a 15 real quick." "I wrote [my speech] myself last night, while screaming into an empty bag of Doritos."

while screaming into an empty bag of Doritos." He gets teary as he shows off "these beautiful, creepy calendars. ... You want a real investigation? Then just look at my calendars."

"Kavanaugh" says he won't quit: "I don't know the meaning of the word 'stop'!"
via @lesleyclark

Mary Barzee Flores was poised to get a lifetime appointment, a highly influential seat on the federal bench in Miami, only to see it blocked by a Republican senator who had recommended her for the job in the first place.

Critics from across the aisle accused Florida Sen. Marco Rubio of raw political partisanship for obstructing President Barack Obamas nomination of the well-regarded attorney, former circuit judge and federal assistant public defender.

But the snub served to spur Barzee Flores political interest. The Miami native is now looking to unseat a Rubio ally, challenging U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, the Miami Republican and scion of a political dynasty, for his congressional seat.

I like the idea of fighting for folks who dont get a fair shake, the Democrat said recently over arepas in a Venezuelan restaurant after knocking on doors in the district. Around her neck, a gold necklace reads la jueza  the judge. Im not the type who shies away from a fight, she said.

Click here to read the rest.
California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a tough new net neutrality bill into law Sunday, but the Justice Department promptly filed suit to keep the protections from taking effect.

Why it matters: The issue seems destined for the courts to decide between challenges to the FCC's moves as well as the California law. In rolling back protections last year, the FCC included language designed to preempt new state laws.

The details: In its suit, the Justice Department also maintains that California's law is an attempt to regulate interstate commerce, which is under federal purview.

What they're saying:

Attorney General Jeff Sessions : "Once again the California legislature has enacted an extreme and illegal state law attempting to frustrate federal policy. The Justice Department should not have to spend valuable time and resources to file this suit today, but we have a duty to defend the prerogatives of the federal government and protect our Constitutional order."

: "Once again the California legislature has enacted an extreme and illegal state law attempting to frustrate federal policy. The Justice Department should not have to spend valuable time and resources to file this suit today, but we have a duty to defend the prerogatives of the federal government and protect our Constitutional order." FCC Chairman Ajit Pai: "The law prohibits many free-data plans, which allow consumers to stream video, music, and the like exempt from any data limits," Pai said in a statement.

"The law prohibits many free-data plans, which allow consumers to stream video, music, and the like exempt from any data limits," Pai said in a statement. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra: "A handful of powerful companies should not dictate the sources for the information we seek or the speed at which our websites load. We remain committed to ensuring that our internet can continue to represent freedom and opportunity, innovation and fairness."

"A handful of powerful companies should not dictate the sources for the information we seek or the speed at which our websites load. We remain committed to ensuring that our internet can continue to represent freedom and opportunity, innovation and fairness." Former FCC adviser Gigi Sohn: "California's net neutrality bill is now the model for all future state and federal legislation. It completely reinstates the 2015 Open Internet Order, including protections for interconnection and against anticompetitive and anti-consumer zero rating practices. This is what Internet users across the political spectrum have said they want by overwhelming majorities."

Our take:
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian met with a senior representative of the former ruling Republican Party (HHK) late on Monday to discuss his plans to force early parliamentary elections in Armenia.

Citing his blocs landslide victory in the September 23 mayoral vote in Yerevan, Pashinian moved last week to speed up the conduct of such elections widely seen as critical for his political future. He said political uncertainty resulting from his teams modest presence in the current Armenian parliament is hampering badly needed private investments in the domestic economy. The polls may have to be held before the end of this year, he said.

Pashinian announced on Monday morning that he is starting consultations for that purpose with political groups represented in the National Assembly. I hope that we will reach an agreement with political forces and there will be no need to appeal to citizens for support, he said in a video address to his supporters.

The premier went on to warn: But if there is such a need I hope that you all will be ready to support this political process in one way or another.

Late in the evening, Pashinian met with Vahram Baghdasarian, the leader of the HHKs parliamentary faction, the largest in the National Assembly, at an outdoor cafe in Yerevan.

This was our first contact on the issue of pre-term parliamentary elections, Pashinian told reporters after the meeting. We exchanged thoughts on the issue and agreed to launch a negotiation process.

We believe that the elections should be held as soon as possible, lets say in two or three months, he said, adding that the HHK remains reluctant to agree to the parliaments dissolution in the coming weeks or months.

We did not sit down to make decisions, Baghdasarian said for his part. We discussed future negotiations. We agreed in what format we will be meeting.

The HHK spokesman, Eduard Sharmazanov, said earlier in the day that fresh elections could be genuinely free and fair only after the continuing post-revolutionary euphoria in the country is over.

Sharmazanov also argued that Pashinians government has still not come up with promised draft amendments to the Armenian Electoral Code. Where is the [amendments to the] Electoral Code? It hasnt even reached the National Assembly, he said.

The governments policy program approved by lawmakers in June calls for the holding of snap general elections within a year, after substantial reforms of the Electoral Code and the electoral system.

Gevorg Petrosian, a senior lawmaker from Gagik Tsarukians Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK), emphasized this fact when he spoke out against an artificially early conduct of the elections. He also challenged Pashinian to name those investors who are purportedly unwilling to do business in Armenia before such polls.

More importantly, Petrosian criticized Pashinians implicit threats to stage street protests aimed at forcing the parliament to pave the way for its dissolution. That, he said, amounts to calling for a violent overthrow of the constitutional order.

The BHK strongly supported Pashinian when he similarly pressured the parliament to elect him prime minister in May. Tsarukians party, which controls the second largest parliamentary faction, subsequently received five ministerial posts in Pashinians cabinet. Its relationship with the premier has cooled in recent weeks.

Vahe Enfiajian, another senior BHK figure, said although his party has not yet been approached by Pashinian it is ready to discuss the election issue with him.
By Trend

Presentation of the public art project entitled as "The Opening Wall" was held in Baku's Gala settlement on Sept. 30, as part of the Nasimi festival of poetry, art, spirituality.

The festival dedicated to the creative activity of one of the great poets and thinkers of the East Imadeddin Nasimi (1369-1417) was organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation with the support of the Ministry of Culture and was held in Azerbaijan for the first time on September 27-30.

The project was attended by about 10 local and foreign artists who create work in the genre of Urban Street Art (art of urban landscapes), which embodied their work on the walls of the building. Among them, there are artists from the US, South Africa, Brazil, Belgium, Spain and France.

This time, the creative art of urban landscapes was embodied under the influence of creative activity and philosophy of Nasimi, calling for spiritual unity, humanism, education and human perfection.

The students of the Azerbaijan State Art Academy will later display later these sketches on the walls of the building on a large scale.

The festival was held under the slogans Beyond the Limited Self, reflecting the philosophical views of the poet, and I am a Particle, I am the Sun which are the poets lines.

The program of the large-scale event covered various types of art and knowledge fields. During the festival, programs were organized in various places in Baku, as well as in Shamakhi, the native city of the poet.

The project was implemented on an international scale with the participation of world-famous artists, philosophers, scientists who write about spirituality in modern society, as well as professionals, amateurs in this field and young people, including interactively - with the participation of general public.

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By Abdul Kerimkhanov

Honored artist Mehriban Efendi represented Azerbaijan at the Oda to life arts festival in Podgorica, Montenegro.

Mehriban Efendi accepted the invitation of the president of the organization "Oda to life" Mikey Popovich and took part in the event, presenting five of her paintings - Pearl Star, Impression, Buta, Road to Peace, and Dreams .

The festival Oda to life has been held in Montenegro for several years and this year it has received the support of the ministries of tourism, culture and education, as well as many foundations and art institute, where more than 20 countries participated.

Within the framework of the festival, a grand exhibition was held at the Palace of the Nobility of Petrovich, which was attended by representatives of art institute and cultural organizations, as well as embassies of countries represented in the festival. Famous artists and sculptors from France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine and other countries presented their works at the festival.

At the festival there were also a famous trio from Milan, La Scala theater, British actors, musicians of the Cadeza choir from Sarajevo and many guests from different spheres of the arts who turned this event into a holiday that united different nations.

Note that at this festival Efendi for the first time presented to the general public the original of her painting Pearl Star, which was first shown on Broadway in 2012 by the Art Takes times Squire organization. As a result of the victory in the competition, where more than 100,000 artists and photographers from all over the world participated and according to the results of the audience voting, 1,000 best works were selected.

Mehriban Efendi graduated from the painting school named after Azimzade, animation school of Soyuzmultfilm in Moscow. Works as a graphic-animator, artistic clothing artist in many animated films shot in "Azerbaijanfilm".

She is a member of the Union of Artists of Azerbaijan, the Union of Designers of Azerbaijan. Her works were exhibited in galleries of Azerbaijan and foreign countries.

She was honored artist of Azerbaijan for her contribution to the development of Azerbaijani cinematography in 2016.

Efendi exhibited her works at the World Art Gallery in Muskegon, the U.S. in 2012. The works of 12 artists were also exhibited at the exhibition. The artist has received a proposal for long-term cooperation with the gallery.
By Trend

The recent conversation between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is essential to reinvigorating negotiation process on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Matthew Bryza, former US ambassador to Azerbaijan and former co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, told Trend Oct.1.

He said the information about the meeting between President Aliyev and Pashinyan is quite positive.

Their joint affirmation of their commitment to the process of negotiations, plus their agreement to strengthen the ceasefire regime to prevent incidents on the line of contact and the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, are common sense steps that have long been advocated by the Minsk Group Co-Chairs, and which strongly suggest to me that the two presidents felt comfortable and perhaps even positive toward each other in a personal sense, noted Bryza.

He went on to add that these sorts of positive personal feelings are essential to reinvigorating the negotiation process and a key prerequisite toward eventually building some degree of mutual trust, which is a prerequisite for any breakthrough in negotiations.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a conversation on the sidelines of the CIS Summit in Dushanbe.

The parties affirmed their commitment to the process of negotiations on the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the strengthening of the ceasefire regime for preventing incidents on the line of contact and Armenia-Azerbaijan border.

The parties decided to develop mechanisms for building prompt contacts between relevant authorities.

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By Trend

Azerbaijan is always ready for constructive negotiations and contacts serving the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, the Deputy Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Hikmat Hajiyev told Trend.

He noted that at the CIS summit in Dushanbe, a conversation was held between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

The conversation started at the initiative of the Armenian Prime Minister, Hajiyev said.

"This once again shows that the format of the negotiations remains unchanged, and negotiations are conducted only between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which are parties of the conflict. Within the framework of the same format, in September, meetings between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan were held during the UN General Assembly in New York, and in July in Brussels. We assess this positively, and Azerbaijan is always ready for constructive negotiations and contacts serving the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. This once again demonstrates Azerbaijans commitment to the existing format," Hajiyev said.

He also commented on the strengthening the ceasefire regime on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and the line of contact of troops.

"The Azerbaijani side has repeatedly stated that the main reason for the ceasefire violation is the illegal presence of Armenian troops in the occupied Azerbaijani territories and the continuation of military occupation. The Armenian side has always been responsible for the ceasefire violation and the aggravation of the situation. I would like to mention the large-scale military exercises conducted by the Armenian armed forces in the occupied Azerbaijani territories after the meeting of the heads of state in November 2014 in Paris, the incitement of a well-known helicopter incident, as well as Armenian armed troops' fire by heavy guns at civilians living along the contact line in April of 2016, and intentionally aggravation of the situation," Hajiyev said.

"So, the withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied Azerbaijani territories in accordance with the requirements of the UN Security Council's resolutions will eliminate not only military risk, but there will also be no need for a ceasefire, and there will be comprehensive opportunities for political solution of the conflict. This will ensure peace, stability and security in the region," he added.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

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By Trend

After the meeting of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the harsh rhetoric and statements voiced by the Armenian side on the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict were put to an end at the CIS summit in Dushanbe city, Bahruz Guliyev, editor-in-chief of the Azerbaijani newspaper Ses, political expert, told Trend.

He noted that the claims of the Armenian side about changing the format of the negotiation process, that is, about participation in these negotiations of the illegal regime established in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, were removed from the agenda of the settlement.

This once again confirmed that Armenia is a party to the conflict, and further negotiations will be conducted with this country, said Guliyev. Only in this way a procedure for normal negotiations can be established and it is possible to achieve results.

Touching upon another important outcome of the meeting, he said that the decision made to create additional operational communication mechanisms to curb incidents on the contact line of troops and at the borders will play a role in resolving the conflict.

Undoubtedly, this agreement is an indicator of diplomatic policy pursued by President Ilham Aliyev, and the next decisions to be made between the parties may contribute to the peaceful settlement of the conflict, Guliyev said. Thats because it is obvious that the Armenian side is already willing to return to the previous format of the negotiations.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

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By Trend

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to the Chairman of the People's Republic of China.

On behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and on my own behalf, I extend my sincerest congratulations to you and all your people on the occasion of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Azerbaijan-China relations have ancient history and good traditions.

The current high level of our inter-governmental relations, which clearly reflect these traditions, has a significant impact on the deepening of our bilateral cooperation in all areas.

I believe that the friendly relations between our two countries and our bilateral and multilateral cooperation will continue developing and expanding to the benefit of our nations.

On this remarkable day, I wish you the best of health, success in your endeavors, and the friendly people of China everlasting peace and prosperity, reads the letter.

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By Trend

A meeting was held with Christian Berger, the head of the EU delegation, at the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan.

During the talks, the parties discussed further steps to expand cooperation in the energy sector, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"In this context, the parties noted the upcoming visits of the delegation of Turkmenistan to Brussels," the report said.

It was reported in May that the European Union and Turkmenistan are committed to implementation of the Trans-Caspian pipeline project, designed to bring Turkmen gas to the European market.

The negotiations on the delivery of Turkmen gas to Europe have been conducted since 2011. The Southern Gas Corridor, which also includes the Trans-Caspian project, remains a priority for the EU.

In May 2015, the Ashgabat Declaration on energy was signed by the ministers of energy of Azerbaijan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic.

The project to lay a 300-kilometer gas pipeline along the bottom of the Caspian Sea to the shores of Azerbaijan is optimal for the delivery of Turkmen resources to the European market.

The Turkmen fuel can be transported further and delivered to Turkey, which borders European countries. The Trans-Caspian gas pipeline could become a part of several large-scale projects, including AGRI (Azerbaijan-Georgia-Romania Interconnector), and TANAP, the participants of which are Azerbaijan and Turkey.

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By Kamila Aliyeva

Uzbekistan and India reached agreements on the implementation of 50 investment projects worth about $ 3 billion, Uzbek media outlets reported.

These agreements were concluded in the framework of the Indian-Uzbek Business Forum held in Delhi on September 28.

Promising areas of cooperation between Uzbekistan and India are such spheres as the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare, tourism, including medical, information and communication technologies, agriculture, development and extraction of mineral resources, including uranium, non-ferrous and rare metals, infrastructure projects and the construction of affordable housing, the press service of the State Committee of Investments said.

Also, within the business forum, the signing ceremony of the agreement on the creation of the Indian-Uzbek Business Council between the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Uzbek Chamber of Commerce and Industry was held.

The National Exhibition of Uzbekistan, which presented agricultural, fruit and vegetable, confectionery, food and alcohol products produced in the republic presented, opened on September 29.

Today, Uzbekistans exports to India include beans, balsams, raw silk, earth metals, fertilizers and other goods. The main products imported from India are pharmaceutical products, ferrous metals, various technological equipment, spare parts for cars.

Currently, 145 enterprises with the participation of Indian capital, including 21 with 100 percent Indian capital, operate in Uzbekistan. The volume of bilateral trade in 2017 amounted to $ 323.6 million.

In 2017 alone, Uzbekistan was visited by more than 10,000 tourists from India. For the development of tourism today, the issue of creating two more direct flights from Tashkent to Mumbai and Chennai is being worked out. To date, direct flights from Tashkent to New Delhi and Amritsar have been launched.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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By Kamila Aliyeva

Oil companies involved in the Karachaganak project will pay Kazakhstan $ 1.1 billion compensation after a long-lasting dispute.

The Government of Kazakhstan represented by the Energy Ministry, the Finance Ministry and the authorized body - PSA LLP, as well as the shareholders of the Karachaganak project, that is Eni, Shell, Chevron, Lukoil and KazMunayGaz companies agreed to settle the dispute on the objectivity index.

There were disagreements on the method of calculating the shares of the parties in the section of profitable products between the republic and the consortium.

In this regard, in accordance with the terms of the Final Production Sharing Agreement of the Karachaganak project, Kazakhstan filed a lawsuit in international arbitration to protect its rights. However, taking into account the long-term experience of cooperation, the parties have found a mutually beneficial way to resolve the dispute amicably in the negotiation process.

Thus, to secure the agreements, the parties signed a document, according to which the consortium will pay Kazakhstan a monetary compensation in the amount of $ 1.111 billion.

Also, changes will be made to the mechanism of production sharing of FPSA, which will provide the republic with additional revenues from the project in the amount of about $ 415 million by 2037 at a price of $80 per barrel.

The consortium will provide Kazakhstan with a long-term loan for 10 years for the construction of an infrastructure project in the amount of $ 1 billion, or pay the equivalent value of the loan (in case of refusal of the republic from the loan) in the amount of about $ 200 million.

Thus, the aggregate monetary value for Kazakhstan is more than $ 1.7 billion, of which in the coming years the state will receive about $ 1.3 billion.

In addition, the government agreed on a consortium's commitment to timely implement important investment projects for the future development of Karachaganak. Preliminarily, the volume of investments is estimated at up to $ 5 billion with a possible additional increase in revenues for the republic until 2037 at about $ 23.5 billion (or about $ 6.4 billion in NPV10) at a price of $ 80 per barrel.

The parties also agreed on possible supplies of oil and gas on commercial terms for local refineries and for the development of a gas chemical complex in the West Kazakhstan region.

The Karachaganak project is implemented within the framework of the Final Production Sharing Agreement (FISP) concluded between the government of Kazakhstan and the alliance of companies represented by British Gas (Shell) with 29.25 percent, ENI with 29.25 percent, Chevron with 18 percent, Lukoil with 13.5 percent and KazMunaiGas JSC with 10 percent of the equity participation. The agreement was signed on November 18, 1997 for a period of 40 years.

In 2017, the actual production totaled 11.2 million tons of liquid hydrocarbons (target production was 10.7 million tons) and 18.9 billion cubic meters of natural gas (target of 18.3 billion cubic meters). In 2018, it is planned to produce 10.887 million tons of liquid hydrocarbons and 18.37 billion cubic meters of natural gas.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
By Trend

Iran's president, in a message, congratulated Federal Republic of Germany's National Day, saying the long-standing history of relations between the two countries has paved the way for deepening cooperation in many fields, IRNA reports.

'I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to Your Excellency on the occasion of the National Day of the Federal Republic of Germany', read part of President Hassan Rouhani's message to the president of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, a copy of which obtained by IRNA on Monday.



The long-standing history of ties between the two countries has laid the foundation for further deepening of bilateral cooperation in various regional and international areas, President Rouhani further said in the message.



He said the important position of Iran in Western Asia and the Federal Republic of Germany in Europe, as well as the willpower of the two countries to peacefully resolve global challenges, have laid the ground for growing cooperation in promoting stability in the world.



Iran's president concluded his message by wishing health and success for the president of Germany and prosperity and felicity for the people of the Federal Republic.



October 3rd is the National Day of Germany which commemorates the anniversary of German reunification in 1990.



On this day, West and East Germany put an end to 45 years of war which had began in the aftermath of World War II.

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By Trend

The regular ministerial meeting of OPEC has been moved from December 3 to December 6, as before, it will be held in the capital of Austria, Vienna, the organization said in a statement, PRIME reported Oct. 1.

In addition, it was noted that the ministerial meeting of all countries that are parties to the OPEC+ agreement has also been moved from December 4 to December 7.

OPEC and a number of non-OPEC countries (OPEC+) agreed at the end of 2016 in Vienna to reduce oil production by 1.8 million barrels per day.

The agreement came into force from the beginning of 2017 and was extended until the end of 2018.

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By Kamila Aliyeva

The international investment and tourism forum Ancient Turkestan - new opportunities, held in Kazakhstan, saw the signing of 19 memorandums worth about $ 1.7 billion.

In particular, agreements were concluded between regional administration of Turkestan and investors from Iran, Turkey, Czech Republic, Russia, UAE, Malaysia, Italy, Poland and China.

Head of the regional administrative office Zhanseit Tuimebayev signed a memorandum with Iranian company Ardabil Petrochemical Co for a total amount of $ 205 million, which involves the construction of an oncology center and a plant for processing oil products.

In addition, an agreement was signed with the Chinese company Changchun Longyuan Power Equipment Co. Ltd, which intends to invest $ 648 million in the production of power plants and products.

At the same time, Green Land Alatau LLP and Russian investors intend to invest $ 180 million in the construction of a greenhouse complex.

Also, a contract with a total cost of $ 340 million was concluded with the Chinese company Shanghai Lianfu New Energy Science & Technology Group on the construction of a plant for the production of electric buses powered by solar batteries.

Turkish company Dogus Insaat ve Ticaret AS, which intends to implement a number of infrastructure projects in Turkestan, signed a document worth $ 100 million.

Iranian company Faradid Meehan plans to invest $ 5 million in the construction of a brick factory.

Also, within the framework of the forum, a memorandum with a Malaysian company for the implementation of large projects in the field of industry and infrastructure was signed in the amount of $ 100 million.

Representatives of the Turkish corporation Sallyr Bey Group are ready to develop sheep farming in the region and build an industrial farm worth $ 15 million.

In addition, Chinese investors are planning to invest $ 50 million in the construction of a 50 MW solar power plant, and the Czech organization AGRAS zelatovice a.s. expressed interest in realization of the project for the production of sorghum syrup. The construction of this plant is estimated at $ 20 million.

A memorandum with the Kazakhstan-Italian joint venture Kazakhstan Project Preparation Fund for the construction of a plant for the production of expanded clay worth $ 17 million was reached.

Meanwhile, the domestic VMS intends to invest $ 1.5 million in tourism projects in the Turkestan region.

As a result of the forum, a memorandum of cooperation was signed with Chery Commercial Vehicle in the amount of $ 20 million on the construction of a car manufacturing plant.

The Chinese company Huawei Technologies Kazakhstan expressed its intention to establish cooperation on Smart City projects and invest $ 10 million in them. At the same time, the Russian Eurasian Bank is ready to cooperate in the field of investment projects, and Al-Masood from the United Arab Emirates invest in the development of the tourism industry.

Thus, the exhibition turned out to be successful with so much contracts signed and agreements reached.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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If you knew someone who builds birdhouses once in a while, what would you think if that person declared, Im a carpenter? What would be the difference between him and the individual who pursues carpentry as a profession, building and renovating houses five days a week, 52 weeks a year?

When I was young, I would write poems from time to time, dabbled with composing short stories, and enjoyed writing letters. But it wasnt until I began my career as a newspaper editor, writing scores of articles every week, that I felt I could legitimately describe myself as a writer.



It obviously makes a difference how we use terms and what we mean when we use them. An occasional hobby does not a full-time vocation make.



Im thinking about this because there seems to be a similar difference between intellectual belief and genuine faith. I believe the first President of the United States was George Washington, but Ive never placed my faith in him. The same could be said of every President since, including the current occupant of the Oval Office.



When the meteorologist predicts rain for tomorrow morning, I believe her. Why would she lie? But do I really believe her? Tomorrow morning Ill look out the door, and if I dont spot any precipitation and the sidewalk is dry, Ill probably consult my weather app before deciding whether Ill need an umbrella for wherever Im going. My belief in what the weather lady said didnt translate into faith.



This is why we sometimes stumble over the use of the word believe in the Bible. We use the term easily, even flippantly, but belief doesnt always equate to a genuine faith in Jesus Christ. After all, in James 2:19 were told, You believe there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe  and shudder. And I doubt anyone would suspect demons of being devoted followers of Jesus.



Consider another analogy Ive used before: Many people who believe in jet airplanes refuse to board one. If we were to ask any of them if they believed the plane could take them to their intended destination, theyd probably say yes. But theyre still unwilling to entrust themselves to the aircraft and its crew.



In their defense, Jesus did say in Matthew 28:20, lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age! (But I dont think thats what He meant.) For whatever reason, while they may have intellectual belief, some folks lack the necessary faith to get on the plane, take a seat, strap in, and expect to arrive safely at their destination.



Actually, the Bible uses the word believe in different ways. One meaning relates to knowledge, like the time recounted in Matthew 14 when Jesus was walking on the water while His disciples were in a boat being buffeted by waves of the sea. When impetuous Peter saw Him, he asked Jesus, Lord, if its youtell me to come to you on the water.



When Jesus said, Come, Peter responded by stepping out. Within moments, however, he must have had one of those What was I thinking! moments and began to go down into the water. Peter believed several things. He knew it was Jesus strolling across the surface of the water and the waves, and also that Jesus had invited him to step out of the boat. But he also knew walking on water wasnt a normal human activity, so he took his eyes off Jesus and started sinking.



So what does it mean when the Bible says, in passages such as John 3:16 and John 3:36, whoever believes will have eternal life? In this case, the term involves far more than information and knowledge. Literally it means to entrust oneself to the object of belief. When I boarded planes to fly to and from Italy in July, I entrusted myself to the jetliner and the crew, believing  by faith  they would get me where I wanted to go.



This is why I use a simple spiritual equation when meeting with men in mentoring or discipling relationships:



Belief + Trust = Faith

I remember the days I believed in Jesus Christ in an intellectual sense. I cant remember doubting the existence of Christ from a factual standpoint. But it wasnt until I was about 30 years old that my belief transformed into genuine, saving faith and new life spiritually.



Consider the honesty of the father of a demon-possessed boy who approached Jesus, asking Him to heal his son  if He could. When Jesus replied, If [I] can? Everything is possible for one who believes, the dad candidly responded, I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief (Mark 9:17-29).



Weve probably all had times like that, when we wanted to believe God could do something specific in answer to our prayers, but couldnt imagine how He could do it. So whether consciously or not, we think, Lord, I do believe  enable me to overcome my unbelief. The good news is, based on how Jesus interacted with the troubled father and his afflicted son, Hes more than willing to do just that.



- - - -



Robert J. Tamasy is a veteran journalist, former newspaper editor and magazine editor. Bob has written hundreds of magazine articles, and authored, co-authored and edited more than 15 books. These include the newly re-published, Business At Its Best, Tufting Legacies, The Heart of Mentoring, and Pursuing Life With a Shepherds Heart. He edits a weekly business meditation, Monday Manna, which is translated into more than 20 languages and distributed via email around the world by CBMC International. To read more of Bob Tamasys writings, you can visit his blog, www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com, or his website (now being completed), www.bobtamasy-readywriterink.com. He can be emailed at btamasy@comcast.net.
ABOUT THIS SERIES

The Californian has interviewed dozens of local candidates for office in recent weeks. Over the next several weeks, we will offer information, analyses and endorsements on all major political races and ballot measures in the Nov. 6 general election. You can also find complete coverage, including video interviews with candidates, at Bakersfield.com/election-2018.
Sixty-seven animal rights protesters were arrested Saturday after they stormed a poultry plant in Petaluma and snatched chickens, according to the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office.

Sheriffs deputies responded to multiple 911 calls from McCoy Poultry Services, on the 100 block of Jewett Road in Petaluma, at about 1:30 p.m. and ran into about 200 animal rights protesters conducting what they called a coordinated protest inside and outside the business.

The protesters, part of animal rights activist group Direct Action Everywhere , said on their Facebook page that they were rescuing animals that were sick or injured, and said that the business provides chickens to Amazon.

Birds were found there that were dead or dying, the group said. One had a broken leg.

When deputies entered the McCoy buildings, they found about 70 activists wearing white protective outfits, many carrying chickens they had stolen from within buildings on the property, the sheriffs office said.

According to deputies, the business owner and an employee were assaulted by a protester.

Forty deputies were sent to the scene along with the sheriffs helicopter. Animal control officers were summoned to take possession of the chickens that were stolen, the sheriffs office said.

The office also reported that it took four hours to arrest the protesters and take them to the Sonoma County Jail, where they were booked on misdemeanor trespassing and felony burglary and conspiracy charges. One protester also was arrested for assaulting the owner and employee.

Matt Johnson, a Direct Action Everywhere spokesman, said the felony charges were uncalled for, defended the groups actions as a legal protection of animals under state animal cruelty laws and said no assault had taken place.

Thats not the way we act, he said. We train extensively in nonviolent protest in the spirit of Gandhi.

McCoy Poultry Services did not respond to requests for comment.

Direct Action Everywhere is known for attention-getting protests. One activist recently covered herself in feces outside of a Trader Joes. The group has also protested at Chez Panisse, the Alameda County Fair and a Berkeley butcher shop.

Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuan
When Jennifer Walsh, vice president of the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation found out where they were hosting their All Star Gala, she knew she had to do something special.



"We're huge Astros fans," Walsh said. "My husband and I have season tickets, and we were at the World Series, so I knew I had to combine my love of the team with my fashion choices."



Walsh designed her high-low blue and orange ballgown in Photoshop, and even went so far as getting official permission for a one-time use of the Astros logo on the train of the dress.



The challenge was finding someone who could make her vison a reality.

"I couldn't find anyone to make the dress. Every either didn't have time or didn't know how," Walsh said.
October 1 marks the state of the holiday season and one Houston area donut shop is offering customers a unique service to help the community get into the Halloween spirit.

Hurts Donuts off Spring Green Boulevard in Katy already started offering scary clown donut deliveries to help customers "scare the sprinkles" out of their friends last week; as of Oct. 1, all Hurts locations across the country will be joining in on the fun.

The popular donut chain's Katy location is the only one in the Houston area and specializes in unique donut flavors and combinations.

Those interested in sending a sweet, scary treat can call 346-387-9900 to schedule a delivery. The business is also offering customers the chance to win a free delivery of a dozen donuts.

Hurts' Facebook post announcing the deliveries spread online after being shared more than 600 times and earning nearly 1,000 likes. Some have jumped on the idea and warned their friends to keep an eye out for a terrifying clown bearing sweet treats.

"So doing this for you!," one woman commented, tagging her friend. "Do y'all want plain, glazed or assorted?," another woman said, tagging two friends in her post.

The price of the delivery service depends on each order and location of the delivery.

MAKE YOUR COWORKER'S DAY: Best donuts in Houston to bring to the office

The clown delivery service will be offered throughout the month of October, co-founder and marketing director Kas Clegg told the Chronicle. Clegg said the newest location will open in Fort Worth in less than 90 days, but customers there won't have to wait to get their hands on a donut. The business started offering the clown delivery service as of Oct. 1. Fort Worth foodies can schedule a delivery by calling 469-214-8001.

Clegg said Greater Houston area residents further out from the Katy location can call the business to see about scheduling a day for their city for clown deliveries.

"The best way to get their city on the schedule is to call," Clegg said. "They wont go unless they call and ask for delivery there, they will plan an entire day for that city."

Rebecca Hennes covers community news. Read her on the breaking news site chron.com and the subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com. | Follow her on Twitter: @beccaghennes.

Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message.
In an attempt to halt a November recall election, an attorney for a Groves councilman whose nude photos were leaked earlier this year argued on Friday that a petition circulated to oust her client was rife with "fraud and forgery."

Attorney Jill Pierce, who is representing Ward 1 Councilman Cross Coburn, said during a hearing in the 172nd District Court that a handwriting expert has identified 80 petition signatures that were likely forged.

The recall petition, which had 1,065 signatures  more than the city's required 10 percent of registered voters  was validated by city officials on June 25. Of those signatures, 936 were deemed legitimate by Groves officials, according to court documents. .

"This is about us wanting to uncover the truth about what exactly in the petition is false and is it valid," Coburn said after the hearing. "Personally, we don't think that it is."

An effort to recall the 19-year-old councilman was launched in May after petition leader William L. Howlett learned nude photos of the councilman had been leaked to City Hall and local media earlier this year. Howlett said Coburn had "demonstrated actions unbecoming a public official" and "fractur(ed) the trust of the citizens of Groves."

Attorney Frank Calvert, who is representing the City of Groves, argued that Coburn's lawsuit challenging the petition is moot because the election process has already begun and that the court cannot interfere with an election.

A court ruling could "affect the hundreds of people who signed the recall petition," according to Calvert, who said Co-burn's decision to file a lawsuit "should've been made a long time ago" before the election process began and ballots were mailed out.

Recall election ballots were printed on Aug. 23, according to Calvert, and ballots for voting by mail were sent out beginning on Sept. 19.

"If you're going to challenge the process, do it in a timely fashion," Calvert said.

Pierce argued that going through 900 petition signatures is a long process, saying it "takes time to uncover someone's fraud."

Just this week, she said, two Groves residents signed affidavits swearing that they did not sign the petition and that the signatures claiming to be theirs were forgeries.

Pierce claims the two names were included on a petition circulated by Mayor Brad Bailey's wife, Darla.

"This is precisely the type of fraud, especially since it was committed by the wife of the Mayor of Groves, that is essential to be uncovered in connection with the Recall Petition filed against Plaintiff," Pierce wrote in a court filing on Thursday.

Calvert declined to comment after the Friday hearing. He is requesting that Coburn's claims be dismissed and the city's legal costs recovered, according to a Monday court filing.

Judge Donald Floyd said he would make a decision this coming Monday as to whether or not the lawsuit will move forward.

Coburn said he believes "we should respect our democracy" and the voting process "that has governed us for centuries," but he noted that in this case, "there has been a crime done."

Since screen-shot images of Coburn were taken from an online dating site and mailed in unmarked packages to city administrators and local media outlets earlier this year, Coburn said he's "had plenty of talks with myself of what I wanted to be known for."

Coburn said he has been going door-to-door in an attempt to reconnect with voters and show he can be trusted. .

Coburn said he wishes the spotlight was not on his personal life and was instead on recovering from Tropical Storm Harvey.

"What should be in the spotlight is how a lot of our culverts are halfway under ground, how our ditches are completely broken, how our roads have more potholes than in the country."

"It's obvious what our priorities need to be and what they are," he said.

Phoebe.Suy@BeaumontEnterprise.com

Twitter.com/PhoebeSuy
The International Court of Justice rejected Bolivia's request to order neighboring Chile to negotiate access to the sea for the land-locked nation in a severe blow to President Evo Morales.

Judges voted 12 to 3 that Chile is not legally obliged to start talks with Bolivia, court President Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf said. The dispute dates from the War of the Pacific in 1879, in which Chile seized territory from both Bolivia and Peru.

"The ruling is an historic triumph for Chile and international law," Chile's President Sebastian Pinera said after the decision was announced. "The Bolivian president has generated false expectations among his own people, and great frustration."

Morales, who was sitting in the front row of the court in The Hague as the decision was read out, had made access to the sea a rallying cry during his 12 year in power. Back at home, people waved blue flags that symbolize the country's demand for access to the ocean, as they watched the ruling on giant screens in squares and public areas. They quickly drifted away once the decision was read out.

The territory seized by Chile over 130 years ago has made the country the largest copper producer in the world and helped it become the wealthiest nation in South America. It also meant Bolivia, now the region's poorest, was left landlocked.

"Bolivia will never surrender to being landlocked," Morales told journalists at the court. "We are in favor of justice, we are right and that's why I want to highlight the International Court of Justice's invitation for dialogue to continue."

In Santiago, Pinera told supporters at La Moneda presidential palace that Chile will always be open to cooperate and talk within the framework of international treaties. "Chile has never had any obligation, and it still doesn't have it today, to negotiate our sea, our land or our sovereignty," he said.

Morales is the longest-serving president in a country prone to political instability and that has been ruled by 16 different presidents and military juntas over the last four decades. A left-wing populist that rose to power from humble origins, Morales has increasingly relied on the nationalist card ahead of elections next year.

"External issues have been used to capitalize votes internally many times in history," Paulina Astroza, an international law professor at Universidad de Concepcion, Chile, said in a telephone interview before the ruling. "The expectations that Evo Morales has raised in Bolivia are very high and this can have a political cost over the short, medium and long term."

Morales' approval rating fell five points to 43 percent in August from last year, according to an Ipsos poll commissioned by RTP Bolivia radio. In 2016, Morales held a referendum asking citizens to support a change in the constitution that would allow presidents to be reelected more than once. A majority of citizens, 51.3 percent, voted against the change.

Still, Morales plans to run as a candidate in his party's primaries in January, thanks to a court ruling last year that the articles limiting reelection were unconstitutional.

Monday's ruling is unlikely to be the end of the affair. Court President Yusuf said the decision didn't impede the two countries continuing to talk.

"This will keep on going because at the end of the day it is not a legal issue," Astroza said. "This is a historical and political subject that is not going to be resolved by a court ruling."
As Alexandrew Seale walked the halls of Beaumont United High School late last week, students and teachers stopped to excitedly greet the former student turned board member.

Seale, 30, traversed the campus with ease. He graduated from the school  which was then Clifton J. Ozen High School  in 2006.

There's a stark difference between then and now, he said.

Now, "everybody is perking up" and on guard. "Oh, how are you, Mr. Seale?" they ask.

"I'm like 'no, I'm just Alex. Just call me Alex,'" said Seale, who was appointed by the Texas Education Agency to the Beaumont ISD board of managers on Sept. 20. He is the newest and youngest board member.

"We're all in this together, I'm not trying to use the position to represent a notch above," Seale said. "It's how can I use this position, this seat, to help you reach the goals that you have on this campus."

Seale, the executive director of Beaumont's Chick-fil-A restaurants, said he started out "wiping tables" at 14. Looking back, Seale said he attributes his work ethic and passion for education to his parents, William and Dianne.

His father, a truck driver, "was an entrepreneur in his own right," Seale said. He'd "reach the mountain top, then fall ... reach the mountain top again, then fall."

"No matter what ... he'd get up, go to work and come home, still cut the grass, kept up the house," Seale said.

His mother was mostly a homemaker, "making sure we had what we needed and got our education," said Seale, who aimed to get A's and B's to please his parents.

"Our parents were big about making sure we got an education, I think they understood the value that a solid education will present," Seale said.

In today's technology-driven world, Seale said children are constantly being told what they should be by "fictional characters" from "fictional places."

As a board manager, Seale said he believes his job is for students "to see and understand somebody that's real, somebody that's actually trying to do the right thing in the community ... who cares about them and is trying to encourage them to care about themselves."

Since his appointment, Seale has made an effort to visit BISD campuses and engage with students, even participating in Beaumont United's "Man Up Mondays," during which students are encouraged to show off their "dapper style" with a dress shirt and tie.

Seale arrived to Beaumont United this past Thursday after meeting with the principal at Dr. Mae Jones-Clark Elementary School  one of 10 BISD campuses rated by the state in 2017 as needing improvement. Half of those campuses, including Jones-Clark, remain flagged.

Seale and Principal Yvonne Harris-DuPont discussed some of the needs on campus, which include tutors, mentors and a strong Parent-Teacher Association, he said.

"We've got to boost the morale of the community to get behind what's going on in BISD," he said, adding that "a lot of people" don't want to get involved because of past or present leadership or bad experiences.

While Seale noted that many people seem excited about his appointment, a factor he plans to capitalize on, he said he believes that "new leadership is only as good as people who are following the current leadership."

The district needs more followers, more individuals "who aren't concerned about the spotlight," according to Seale, people who want to help a child learn to read, tutor a group or even pick up trash.

Seale said he wants to encourage people to see that they don't need the most money or the highest education to improve the district. Just their hands, feet and time, he said.

"It is what it is. We're under state control, the district is," he said. "We need strong leadership that's going to step up and be engaged, be visible and involved and that's what I want to do."

BISD's elected trustees were ousted in July 2014 as part of a state takeover and replaced with appointed board mangers. The district is now governed by a mix of managers and some of the trustees elected in May 2017.

Seale's appointment is part of an ongoing "transition to local control," with more appointments to come in February, the TEA's Jeff Cottrill said at a September school board meeting. The final state appointments are expected to come in February 2020.

With all eyes on the school district as it slowly transitions away from state control, Seale said he's felt "an immense amount of pressure."

"People are leaning on me, it seems like, to try to turn it around. I accept the responsibility," he said. "I want Beaumont to feel good about their district. I want them to feel good about the leadership of the district."

Seale said he hopes to "reverse the narrative that Beaumont isn't the place to be," saying most high school graduates are "in a hurry" to leave the area and don't consider local universities or jobs.

Making Beaumont "appealing" will come through small steps, according to Seale.

"I believe we all love our area and want to see our area grow. We've got to come together to make that happen," he said.

How people view the school district is "wildly important" to people moving to the area and staying here, according to Seale, who said he met someone who said that if he couldn't afford to send his children to private school in Beaumont, he'd move.

"That's how impact the image, the integrity and performance of the district is," he said. "I take my role seriously."

Seale's fourth-grade son attends Legacy Christian Academy, a private Christian school which Seale said was "more in line with our long-term vision for our children."

"I understand that every parent can't put their child in that position and I understand also that the city's worth and value isn't based on how well private schools perform. It's how well BISD performs," he said.

Seale said he wants to contribute to helping make other children's educational experience "the best it can be."

"There's a saying that it takes a village to raise a child. I think we've lost sight of the village aspect of things," said Seale. "We've kind of depended on the teachers to raise the kids and they're not there for that. They're there to provide the education."

Seale and his wife are members of Beaumont's Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, where he is the Sunday school assistant superintendent. The couple teaches a small group every first Sunday of the month, he said.

"We're already pouring into the lives of kids. I want to be able to do that on a larger scale and this is the lane that gives me the opportunity to do so," he said of joining the school board.

One of the truths Seale said he lives by is Colossians 3:23, a Scripture that says, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."

"I'm not doing this for any person," he said. "God has put me here and he's put me here to do the best I can. I'm going to try not to leave anything on the table as it pertains to this position."

Phoebe.Suy@BeaumontEnterprise.com

Twitter.com/PhoebeSuy
WASHINGTON - Facebook's problems in Washington just got worse.

The social media giant announced on Friday that hackers stole information that could have allowed them to take over 50 million user accounts. The unidentified attackers were able to gain access to a range of profile information, including usernames, hometowns and genders, as my colleague Brian Fung reported.

The company has already spent the better part of a year struggling to convince Congress that it can be trusted to safeguard the personal information of its 2.2 billion users. Now lawmakers will have yet another opportunity to hold Facebook's feet to the fire - and could hasten efforts to rein in the way the company stores and shares data.

Just hours after Facebook's announcement Friday, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the Intelligence Committee's top Democrat, called for a "full investigation" into the hack to "understand more about what happened." "This is another sobering indicator that Congress needs to step up and take action to protect the privacy and security of social media users. The era of the Wild West in social media is over," he said.

Facebook has its hands full already. The company is under pressure to prevent a repeat of the 2016 election, in which Russian operatives used the platform to carry out a sweeping political disinformation campaign to help elect President Donald Trump. Congress is also probing Facebook's role in the Cambridge Analytica scandal, in which Facebook shared information on 87 million users with the Trump campaign-linked political consultancy in the run-up to the 2016 election. In hours-long hearings, lawmakers have grilled Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg and other senior leaders about the company's privacy practices.

The hack only adds fuel to the calls of lawmakers who want legislation to ensure users get the right protections. Congress has started mulling whether to pass comprehensive legislation to protect consumer privacy rights, as my colleague Cat Zakrzewski and I reported last week. And lawmakers have already floated bills that would force social media companies to be more transparent about their data collection practices and would require companies to notify users of breaches or privacy violations within 72 hours.

"Facebook has become a honey pot for malevolent lawbreakers who seek to undermine our society and democracy," Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who sits on the Senate Commerce and Judiciary Committees, said in a statement. "Congress should need no further notice to act."

And it's not just Congress that may want to demand answers about the hack. The FTC is already investigating whether Facebook's relationship with Cambridge Analytica violated a 2011 settlement agreement, and the latest breach just keeps the company in the spotlight.

"These companies have a staggering amount of information about Americans. Breaches don't just violate our privacy, they create enormous risks for our economy and national security," FTC Commissioner Rohit Chopra told Gizmodo. "The cost of inaction is growing and we need answers."

It's unclear how long the hack will hold people's attention, as TechCruncheditor Josh Constine notes. There's no evidence at this point that the hack was carried out for political reasons. Nor is it clear what the attackers wanted to do with the information: Facebook says no credit card information was exposed, and there's no evidence that attackers tried to access private messages or post fraudulent content. And so far, the company hasn't determined who is responsible.

"If Facebook discovers the hack was perpetrated by a foreign government to interfere with elections, by criminals to bypass identity theft security checkpoints and steal people's bank accounts or social media profiles, or to target individuals for physical harm, out will come the pitchforks and torches," Constine wrote. But "for now, without a nefarious application of the breached data, this scandal could blend into the rest of Facebook's troubles."
Lelectricite est devenue, de nos jours, un besoin dune importance majeure, et cela, dans tous les domaines dactivite. Que ce soit dans les maisons ou []
LAS VEGAS (AP)  A flock of 58 doves was released at somber sunrise remembrance ceremony Monday in Las Vegas that started a day of memorials to honor the lives lost when a gunman opened fire on a crowd attending an outdoor country music concert a year ago in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.

Several hundred people including survivors , families of victims, first-responders and elected officials gathered at an outdoor amphitheater for the daybreak event to honor the 58 people who were killed and the 400 who were wounded.

PHOTOS: The Las Vegas shooting victims

"Today we remember the unforgettable. Today, we comfort the inconsolable," said Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval. "Today, we are reminded of the pain that never really goes away."

Among the attendees who offered prayers, songs and speeches at the event was Mynda Smith, whose sister Nyesa Davis Tonks was among the dead.

Mynda Smith said her sister, who pronounced her name "Neesha," was a 46-year-old single mother originally from the Salt Lake City area and was raising three boys in Las Vegas. Smith said her sister she was energetic, adventurous, a fan of all kinds of music.

"I want to bring the message about living life to the fullest," Smith said. "About how grateful we are for our community, the love and support that we got, and being 'Vegas Strong.'"

Smith started a scholarship fund for victims' children and says she reached loved ones of almost all the dead. Thirty-three were from California, six others from Nevada, four from Canada and 12 from other U.S. states.

"It was a heartbreak every time," Smith said. "This was a tragedy of grand scale. We have a long way to go. But we have to move forward with love and light."

Shooting survivors Chris and Larisa Rapanick of Chesapeake, Virginia, made the trip to Las Vegas for weekend events including a 5K run, a country music club show and a reunion of survivors on Saturday. At the sunrise service, they stood with their two adult daughters.

"We weren't going to let this ruin a place we like to come to," Chris Rapanick said. "I'm glad to be standing here."

As the sunrise service went on, Jim Murren, the chief executive and CEO of MGM Resorts International, issued a statement calling the shooting "an unforgettable act of terror." MGM owns the Mandalay Bay hotel, where the gunman was when he opened fire into an outdoor concert crowd below on the Las Vegas Strip.

"October 1 will forever be a day of remembrance, reflection and mourning as we struggle to comprehend the incomprehensible  the senseless act of evil that caused such a tragic loss of life, along with the suffering that we know continues," Murren said.

Many who were cheering Jason Aldean's headline set on the Las Vegas Strip late Oct. 1, 2017 , said later they thought the rapid crack-crack-crack they heard was fireworks  until people fell dead, wounded, bleeding.

From across neon-lit Las Vegas Boulevard, a gambler-turned-gunman with what police later called a meticulous plan but an unknown reason fired assault-style rifles for 11 minutes from 32nd-floor windows of the Mandalay Bay hotel into the concert crowd below. Police said he then put a pistol in his mouth and killed himself.

Medical examiners later determined that all 58 deaths were from gunshots. Another 413 people were wounded, and police said at least 456 were injured fleeing the carnage.

Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo spoke at the sunrise event, recalling the chaos and confusion of the night.

"When the son rose the next morning, grief turned to anger, anger turned to resolve and resolve turned to action," Lombardo said.

He remembered prayers to "heal broken hearts," blood banks filled with donors and "acts of kindness that comforted the suffering."

Lombardo didn't provide answers to what made Stephen Craig Paddock unleash his hail of gunfire. He declared the police investigation ended in August. He issued a report that said hundreds of interviews and thousands of hours of investigative work found no motive, no conspiracy and no other shooters.

A final FBI report, including a behavioral analysis of Paddock, is expected by year-end.

Another report last month involving the Federal Emergency Management Agency found communications were snarled and police, fire and medical responders were overwhelmed by 911 calls, false reports of other shootings and the number of victims.

Las Vegas police continue to make weekly releases of material collected following the attack under court order in a media public records lawsuit. Included have been investigative documents, 911 audio recordings, police reports, witness statements and many hours of officer body-worn video.

Unanswered in the 21 batches posted to date: What made a 64-year-old former accountant, real estate investor, small plane pilot and high-limit video poker player assemble an arsenal and attack a concert crowd?

Paddock was characterized by police as a loner with no religious or political affiliations who became obsessed with guns, spent more than $1.5 million in the two years before the shooting and distanced himself from his girlfriend and family.

A forensic accountant recently put the value of Paddock's estate at just under $1.4 million. Paddock's mother said the money should go to victims. A disbursal plan has not yet been established.

Paddock's gambling habits made him a sought-after casino patron. Over several days, Mandalay Bay employees readily let him use a service elevator to take suitcases to the $590-per-night suite he had been provided for free. The room had a commanding view of the Strip and the Route 91 Harvest Festival concert grounds across the street.

After breaking out windows, Paddock fired 1,057 shots in 11 minutes, police have said.

____

Find complete AP coverage of the Las Vegas mass shooting here: https://apnews.com/tag/LasVegasmassshooting
Logan, Ohio-based Hocking Valley Community Hospital and Columbus-based The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center partnered to open an outpatient ophthalmology clinic in Logan, Logan Daily reports.

Here's what you should know:

1. OSU physicians Mona Adeli, MD, and Tyler Oostra, MD, will staff the clinic initially.

2. Drs. Adeli and Oostra will perform cataract surgery out of the clinic and consider adding other services in the future.

3. The clinic is in Hocking Valley Community Hospital's outpatient wing.

4. HVCH Director of Surgical Services Tara Jacobs said, "We welcome the addition of outpatient ophthalmology services to HVCH. This is a tremendous asset for our patients and community to receive care close to home."
RCM company nThrive has proposed a merger with athenahealth, the healthcare technology company that's been in talks for months that it may sell itself, according to the New York Post.

NThrive is a privately held company that specializes in providing customer service for medical record-keeping to hospitals and physicians. Its chief executive, Joel Hackney, worked with athenahealth executive chairman Jeff Immelt at GE.

Terms of the proposed deal were not disclosed, but the Post reports a bid in the $135 per share range would be likely, sources said.

Should athenahealth merge with nThrive, its shareholders would receive a dividend to stabilize stock prices. Shares of the company are down 21 percent since mid-July, closing at $133.60 on Sept. 28.

Without a sale or merger, the share price could drop below $120, analysts told the Post.

In May, activist investor Elliott Management proposed a bid to acquire athenahealth for $160 a share. The firm has since lowered its bid to about $135 a share, the Post reports. UnitedHealth and Cerner were once rumored to be in the running to acquire athenahealth, but have since dropped out.

Athenahealth took final bids Sept. 27 and is deciding which direction to pursue, sources told the publication.
Brooklyn, N.Y.-based NYC Health + Hospitals-Coney Island's $738 million renovation plan will move forward after receiving a key approval from the state, according to The Real Deal.

The hospital plans to build an 11-story, 350,000-square-foot tower and a critical services tower. It also will renovate its main hospital building, install a flood wall around the campus and demolish an older building that was damaged during Superstorm Sandy.

The project will mainly be funded by a $1.7 billion grant NYC Health + Hospitals received in 2014 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency after Superstorm Sandy caused significant flood damage.

New York Public Health and Planning Council's establishment and project review committee advanced NYC Health + Hospital's approval to the full council. If approved by the full council, the hospital expects all repairs and expansions to be completed in 2023.
The New York State Department of Financial Services' superintendent raised several concerns about how a combined CVS Health-Aetna entity would affect consumer markets in the state.

In a letter to Connecticut's health insurance commissioner ahead of the state's Oct. 4 hearing about the proposed merger, Maria T. Vullo said Aetna would have an unfair competitive advantage under the merger.



"Particularly in this context, the proposed acquisition of a health insurer by a PBM raises significant market competition concerns, because CVS Caremark would have the power  and the financial incentive  to offer Aetna larger rebates or other significant discounts to draw policyholders away from other insurers, thereby increasing market share that is already significant, and causing anticompetitive effects in the rest of the market," Ms. Vullo wrote.



She also raised concerns about how the proposed deal would affect New York's pharmacy benefits manager market, drug price increases, Medicare Part D concentration and competition among providers.



"Moreover, we are concerned that such 'minute-clinics' might provide unfair competition to other medical providers and hospitals, which when combined with CVS' proposed ownership of a major health insurer creates significant concerns for consumer choice and cost, as well as employment in the healthcare system overall," Ms. Vullo wrote.



On Sept. 27, Aetna inked an agreement to sell its Medicare Part D drug business to WellCare Health Plans for an undisclosed sum. Under the proposed agreement, WellCare would assume control of Aetna's business Dec. 31, provided the insurer's $69 billion sale to CVS Health gains federal regulatory approval. Aetna would continue to provide administrative services on the contract through 2019.
Nurses at a Santa Maria, Calif., impact hearing for the merger of San Francisco-based Dignity Health and Englewood, Colo.-based Catholic Health Initiatives voiced concerns about the finances and future of the potential $28.4 billion health system, Santa Ynez Valley News reported.

The nurses' predominant concern is the financial stability of CHI, which has recently closed hospitals in Texas, Nebraska and Kentucky, according to Tom Dunne, Central Coast California Nurses Association union representative. The nurses asked that the merger agreement include a stipulation that Dignity's hospitals remain open for at least 15 years, instead of the proposed five. They also called for protected pensions and no reduction in charity care for low-income patients, according to the report.

Nurses also worried about access to services under CHI, which is a Catholic health system. They noted concerns about future access to women's reproductive options and patients' end-of-life decisions. However, Dignity Health spokesperson Megan Maloney told Santa Ynez Valley News there would be no change to services or programs at Dignity Health hospitals or clinics.

The nurses at the Santa Maria hearing join others who voiced their concerns at previous hearings for the merger, which still requires regulatory approval.

More articles on transactions and valuations:

Trinity Health forms new 5-hospital system

Summa Health to begin partnership search

Justice Department to cut merger reviews to 6 months, antitrust chief says
Police are searching for a man accused of opening fire in Ellenville (N.Y.) Regional Hospital's emergency department Sept. 28, according to a NBC New York news report.

The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Joshua Stuart, is believed to be armed and extremely dangerous.

Mr. Stuart allegedly fired a gun ins the hospital around 1 a.m. He fled in a white vehicle and was last seen wearing a flannel shirt, blue jeans, white sneakers, a hospital gown and a black coat, according to the Poughkeepsie Journal.

"Earlier today there was an isolated shooting in our ED involving a patient. No other patients were involved and all staff remained safe and unharmed. We are grateful to our staff who acted in a professional, calm manner. Policies were followed and no one panicked," the hospital's Facebook post reads.

The hospital now is operating normally.
A patient at Orange Park (Fla.) Medical Center said her newborn was mistakenly given to a different mother for breastfeeding hours after she gave birth, WJXT reports.

The patient, Joii Brown, said the nurses told her it was a mistake. The nurses took Ms. Brown's son to get circumcised, which typically takes 30 minutes. Ms. Brown said she knew something was strange when the nurses didn't return until an hour and a half later.

"These two nurses walked in and they said that they took my child in another girl's room and they mistakenly thought that was her child and not mine and she ended up breastfeeding him for two minutes," Ms. Brown said.

Hospital staff told Ms. Brown they failed to look at her son's wristband to see whose child he was. The hospital immediately ran tests on her son, she said.

"The hospital will do everything we can to follow the family's wishes and support the family," hospital officials told WJXT.
Two nurses at Richland, Wash.-based Kadlec Healthplex recently experienced patient violence, leading one of them to make the hashtag #EndNurseAbuse to bring awareness to workplace violence in the healthcare setting, according to KNDU Local News.

Here are five things to know:

1. Karina Bethje, RN, a nurse at the health clinic, was one of the three nurses injured while detaining an aggressive patient Sept. 9, according to court documents cited by NBC. Ms. Bethje posted about her injuries on Facebook with the hashtag #EndNurseAbuse.

2. Ashley Schade, RN, a second nurse at Kadlec Healthplex, was choked by a patient Sept. 16. Court documents show Ms. Schade was changing the patient's IV when he grabbed at her neck and told her, "I'm going to kill you." She also shared her experience through a Facebook post, which was shared 66,000 times as of Sep. 30.

"Im putting this out there to bring awareness of what is happening in hospitals. Not just in big cities, but right here," Ms. Schade wrote in the post.

3. The Washington State Nurses Association released a statement to KNDU, urging Kadlec Healthplex and hospitals across Washington "to ensure adequate staffing of nurses, healthcare workers and security personnel, along with needed training on how to handle violent medical patients."

4. WSNA claims violence against nurses has increased by 110 percent over the past 10 years.

"Nurses should not have to risk their personal safety just to do their jobs of giving patients the very best care," the statement continued.

5. Kadlex Healthplex is currently looking for ways to strengthen security measures at its healthcare facility.

"Kadlec does not tolerate any aggression against members of our staff. Unfortunately, we recognize workplace violence in health care settings across the country is on the rise and that our organization is no exception. We are concerned about this trend and we take threats against our staff very seriously. Our highest priority at Kadlec is the safety of our caregivers and patients," Kadlec said in a statement cited by KNDU.

More articles on clinical leadership and infection control:
The United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 24 hosted a meeting focused on wiping out tuberculosis by 2030, according to NPR.

The cure to TB has been widely accessible since the 1950's, yet TB is still one of the top infectious diseases on the planet, killing about 1.5 million people every year.

"We've had a failure of imagination," Paul Farmer, MD, physician at Boston-based Harvard Medical School and founder of the nonprofit Partners In Health, told NPR. "We haven't had the same optimism, commitment and high ambitious goals around TB that we've seen around HIV. And what's the downside of setting high goals? I think it's very limited."

TB hits some of the worlds poorest populations, who cant afford treatment. In response, world leaders aim to treat 40 million people over the next five years. Only about 54 million people have been treated since 2000. They also pledged to provide TB prevention treatments to 30 million people who are at risk.

More articles on clinical leadership and infection control:
Maryland Technology Development Corp., awarded the first two grants from the state's Stem Cell Research Fund, Baltimore Business Journal reports.

Here are five things to know:

1. Maryland's Stem Cell Research Fund is designed to accelerate research and commercialization of stem cell therapies. To date, the fund has committed more than $147 million to over 430 research projects.

2. All sponsored projects must involve human stem cells and be conducted in Maryland.

3. The two awards totaled around $530,000.

4. CEO of Gemstone Biotherapeutics Emily English, PhD, received a commercialization award of $299,998. This award is intended to help with the creation of startup companies or new technologies developed in Maryland-based firms.

5. Sharon Gerecht, PhD, of Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University received a $230,000 validation award, which is intended to help transition promising stem cell technologies with commercial potential from universities and research labs to the commercial sector.
On Sept. 28, the Securities and Exchange Commission charged Stryker with violating the books and records and internal accounting controls provisions for the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Here are five things two know:

1. Last week marked the second time the SEC has brought FCPA action against Stryker, and the company agreed to settle the charges by paying a $7.8 million penalty.

2. The SEC found Stryker's internal accounting controls weren't sufficient to detect the risk of improper payments of product sales in India, China and Kuwait. The company's India-based subsidiary failed to maintain complete and accurate books and records, according to an SEC statement.

3. Under the agreement, Stryker paid the settlement without admitting or denying the SEC findings. The company consented to the entry of an order requiring Stryker to cease and desist from committing similar violations in addition to the penalty payment.

4. Stryker must now retain an independent compliance consultant to review and evaluate independent controls, record-keeping and anti-corruption policies and procedures that relate to dealers, agents, distributors, sub-distributors and other third parties.

5. In 2013, Stryker settled FCPA violation charges, paying $2.5 million in a penalty as well as more than $7.5 million in disgorgement of ill-gotten gains and $2.2 million in interest.
The America Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons advises smaller and private orthopedic practices to increase their online visibility to acquire more patients, according to Daniel Goldberg, CEO of Gold Medical Marketing.

Here are four recommendations to improve online visibility:

1. Utilize responsive design for a mobile-optimized website.

 Ensure your website is patient-friendly and adaptable to multiple devices.

 Eliminate the patient's need to pinch or zoom on your website by incorporating responsive design  a technique that can detect the source of the type of traffic, phone, tablet or desktop and automatically adapt the website layout in response of the device.

2. Incorporate Google AdWords marketing.

 With Google AdWords, practices can target potential patients in the area who are searching for services at that exact moment in time.

 By bidding on relevant search terms in its area, a practice can outrank competitors by being shown at the top of the page.

3. Use social media to attract new patients.

 With the average American's social media usage estimated at two hours a day, orthopedic practices should utilize platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to share information related to their specialties and expertise.

 Ads on Facebook and Instagram can target potential patients based on location, behaviors, purchases, browser history and interests. Practices can use this information to increase brand awareness.

4. Develop a return on investment measurement strategy.

 Do not rely on the patient when measuring ROI; patient responses can be broad when applied to online marketing strategies, such as Google AdWords, social media ads and digital video, and will not define which methods are having an impact on acquiring patients.
Belfast has outlined its vision of a 1billion-plus city deal to the government amid hopes of securing the green light in this month's Budget.

The city and surrounding council areas want Chancellor Philip Hammond to give the go-ahead for a bespoke investment deal similar to those secured by other urban centres around the UK.

Belfast and five other councils on the eastern side of Northern Ireland have joined forces with universities and higher education institutions to pitch for a city deal they believe can deliver 20,000 jobs through a 10-year investment strategy.

The partner organisations hope that 1bn of public funds can leverage a further 3bn of investment from the private sector.

They are asking Mr Hammond to stump up 450m.

The terms of the proposed deal would see that sum match-funded from Stormont's coffers - when elected ministers return - with the six councils contributing 100,000 and the universities poised to add further investment.

The six councils that have partnered together are Antrim and Newtownabbey; Ards and North Down; Belfast; Lisburn and Castlereagh; Mid and East Antrim; and Newry, Mourne and Down.

The bid team hope that Mr Hammond will sign off on the general outline of the deal in the October 29 Budget, locking in a firm Treasury funding pledge, paving the way for further work on the individual elements of the strategy.

The envisaged deal, which has now been submitted to Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley, focuses on four key investment pillars - digital and innovation, infrastructure, tourism-led regeneration, and skills and employability.

Londonderry is also currently working to secure a city deal that would help drive investment in the North West.

Belfast Lord Mayor Deirdre Hargey said negotiations with the government would now be "ramped up".

"We've developed a genuine partnership and together we're creating real momentum around the Belfast Region City Deal," she said.

"It presents us with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to deliver a decade of significant investment to boost inclusive economic growth, create 20,000 new and better jobs and 470m GVA (gross value added)."

She added: "We want to make the region a global investment destination and ensure that we make a positive difference to those living in our most deprived communities."

The Belfast Regional City Deal envisages:
Supermarket chain Aldi has said it has no plans - at present - to extend into the Northern Ireland market.

It comes after the retailer confirmed plans to open 130 new stores in the UK over the next two years after sales hit a record high in 2017.

The German grocer said the move will create 5,000 jobs, while helping it move towards a previously set target of 1,000 stores by 2022.

The store expansion announcement came as Aldi revealed sales grew 16.4% across the UK and Ireland to a record 10.2billion in 2017.

Full-year operating profit rose 26% to 265.9million.

Giles Hurley, chief executive of Aldi UK and Ireland, said the supermarket's investment signalled its "continued commitment to growing responsibly in the UK".

"That means having a positive and lasting impact on the economies where we operate and improving the lives of British people," he added.

"In 2020, Aldi will have been serving British shoppers for 30 years. In that time, we've become part of the fabric of British life.

"We're proud to be reaffirming our commitment today."

The discounter is now Britain's fifth largest supermarket with 775 stores, having attracted a further 1.1 million shoppers last year.

It now accounts for 7.6% of all UK grocery store spending, according to Kantar Worldpanel data.

The results come as UK grocer Tesco tries to take on discounter Aldi and its German peer Lidl with the launch of its new store format Jack's.

Aldi and Lidl have eaten into the market share of Britain's so-called "big four" supermarkets.

Tesco plans to open up to 15 Jack's branches over the next year.

Mr Hurley said: "Savvy customers know they can swap and save with Aldi, thanks to great quality products at lower prices.

"This is happening on a massive scale, with more than 1.1 million new customers shopping with us throughout 2017.

"While other grocers introduced more complexity into their businesses in their struggle to win back customers, we stuck to our guns and focused on doing what Aldi does best - buying smart, staying lean, improving quality and keeping prices low."

A spokesman for the company added: "Aldi has no plans to expand into Northern Ireland at present."
One of Northern Ireland's key energy firms has blamed a major fault on the Moyle Interconnector for an 84% slump in its pre-tax profits

One of Northern Ireland's key energy firms has blamed a major fault on the Moyle Interconnector for an 84% slump in its pre-tax profits.

Mutual Energy Limited owns three key parts of energy infrastructure here, including the Moyle electricity interconnector from Islandmagee to Scotland. It also owns the natural gas pipeline from Scotland to Ballylumford and the natural gas transmission pipelines to the Belfast area from Ballylumford.

The firm, which employs just 31 people, is also involved in the major 'Gas to the West' project, bringing natural gas to seven towns in the west of Northern Ireland.

New financial results for the company showed that its pre-tax profits dropped from 10m in 2017 to 1.6m in the 12 months to March 31 2018, a drop of 8.4m. However, the company has reported a rise in revenues over the same period from 60.8m to 63.2m.

Mutual Energy Ltd has said the drop in profits was a consequence of costs arising from a major cable fault from the previous year.

In the report made public on Friday, the company said it was "disappointed" by the "high voltage fault" on the Moyle Interconnector.

Repairs were completed in September 2017 with the line returned to full capacity.

It added that the Moyle line is "fully available and ready to participate" in the new integrated single electricity market (I-SEM), which comes into operation today.

In a statement to the Belfast Telegraph, the company said: "Although Moyle's revenue increased by 2m, costs increased by 10m, together largely accounting for the decrease in pre-tax profit. The increase in costs was primarily due to the difference in cable fault costs from 2016/17 to 2017/18.

"In 2016/17 Moyle Interconnector received insurance proceeds which related to cable fault costs which had been incurred in an earlier period.

"These insurance proceeds were netted with operating costs, as this was the category in which the insured cable fault costs had originally been incurred, hence 2016/17's operating costs were lower than 2017/18. The decreased pre-tax profit in 2017/18 was therefore not primarily a result of events occurring in the current year, rather the result of the higher profit in the prior period which was caused by a mismatch of income and costs."

Mutual Energy does not have shareholders.

In its report it states: "Unlike other businesses, we are not here to maximise shareholder benefit and we do not pay out any dividends."
Subway has appointed Colin Hughes as its country director for the UK and Ireland.

Mr Hughes, who is from Lurgan, will lead the brand's growth in the regions, expanding its store numbers by 500 to 3,000 by 2020.

The former Pret a Manger and Eat retail operations director has spent most of his career in the retail and food industries.

Most recently he worked as an independent consultant.

Subway, which has 105 stores here employing around 1,500 people, recently redesigned several of its stores in its new Fresh Forward format and Mr Hughes will lead the "ongoing activation" of the programme throughout the UK and Ireland.

Mr Hughes, who has 25 years' experience in the sector and was instrumental in the acquisition and opening of 150 new Pret restaurants, said he looked forward to the challenge.

"I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the business at such an important time. Subway is a terrific brand with a great legacy and exciting future," he said.

"I really look forward to meeting new colleagues and working together to support and deliver for our franchise owners and guests."

Regional director for Subway Justin Goes said: "We are exceptionally pleased Colin is joining the team. His valuable experience and knowledge in retail, food and franchising makes him well positioned to lead the business in the UK and Ireland going forward."

Subway has more than 2,500 outlets across the UK and Ireland and over 44,800 stores in more than 113 countries, making it the world's largest sandwich franchise.
All parents worry about their kids. But does that make it alright to 'spy' on them? Increasing numbers of parents are using GPS tracking apps on their phones so they can always tell exactly where their children are.

Chef Jamie Oliver has admitted using one of the apps, Life360, to keep an eye on the eldest of his five children, saying it's a "brilliant" way to check on daughters Poppy Honey (16) and Daisy Boo (15).

But using this type of surveillance on adults might be considered harassment and, while they may give peace of mind to anxious parents, the counter-argument is that they're not helping young people learn to be independent and keep safe on their own.

Jeremy Todd, chief executive of parenting charity Family Lives (familylives.org.uk), says his organisation is concerned about a parent feeling the need to track a young person, pointing out that they should instead be talking about any concerns with their child, establishing how they might be addressed and discussing what a child might do if something went wrong while they were out.

"We're concerned there's a false sense of safety - just because a parent knows where a child is doesn't mean the child's safe or the concerns a parent has about their wellbeing have been addressed," he warns.

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"We don't want it to be something that prevents parents talking to their children about being streetwise.

"Parents need to allow their children to grow up to be independent, and there's a sense that this has the potential to prevent that happening in a healthy and natural way.

"How would we have felt as teenagers knowing our parents always knew where we were? Part of being a teenager is exactly the opposite of that."

Todd says tracking raises important questions around consent, suggesting some parents may feel that because they pay for their child's mobile phone, they're entitled to know where their child is all the time.

"You're entitled to establish what the parameters are around communication with your son or daughter, but that's not the same as tracking them," he stresses.

"The most important thing is having a conversation about communication - about parents ringing kids at the right time, and about children picking up when they do - but the notion of tracking someone feels uncomfortable."

But despite having such conversations with their children, some parents may still want to use a tracking app. So, what are the pros and cons of using such technology?

Advantages

Peace of mind for parents

Sten Kirkbak, co-founder of tracking watch phone XPLORA (myxplora.co.uk), says the main benefit of tracking a child, for the parent, is instant peace of mind.

"For example, parents no longer need to ring their child continuously, thus causing them to feel embarrassed, or interrupting their play and exploration," he adds.

"Tracking also eases unnecessary worry if a child doesn't answer the phone straight away. Through GPS tracking, a parent can receive a quick update and put their mind to rest."

Gives kids more freedom

Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington installed a tracking app on 12-year-old son Joe's phone, pointing out it gives him more freedom because knowing where he is means she's more relaxed about letting him go further afield.

Reassurance for children

Tracking can also be reassuring for the child, particularly if they get lost. This is especially useful if a child wanders off in a crowded place, says Kirkbak.

"Knowing their parents can locate them at any given moment can alleviate the immediate sense of panic a child feels when they realise they're lost," he adds.

He points out that this peace of mind is relevant to older children too, especially in the wake of new research by Girlguiding UK that shows nearly two-thirds of 13 to 21-year-olds either feel unsafe, or know someone who is fearful of walking home alone.

Disadvantages

Kids may become more secretive

Young people may respond to being tracked by becoming increasingly secretive and flouting the surveillance by, for example, leaving their phone at a friend's house so their parents think they're there.

They don't become streetwise

Young people run the risk of not learning to be independent and safe on their own.

Internet and social media access

Children need a smartphone for their parents to install a tracking app, but this can expose them to the potential dangers associated with social media and the internet such as cyberbullying, inappropriate contact with strangers and unsupervised access to inappropriate information.

Trust issues

If they're being tracked, young people may feel their parents think they can't be trusted. By contrast, if they feel they are trusted, such responsibility can help them behave in a trustworthy manner.

Kirkbak says: "Teenagers might feel they're mistrusted and controlled by 'helicopter' parents. Make sure the discussions you have with them are transparent and always listen to their feedback.

"The use of these apps should always be a two-way thing. Jamie Oliver is transparent about the fact that his children can also see where he is, so that they too can locate him.

"This means no one is being spied upon. Rather, the whole family is connected and able to easily see and locate each other if needed."
UUP leader Robin Swann has warned that Northern Ireland will not be used as a pawn in Brexit negotiations after meeting with Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday.

Mr Swann met with Mrs May at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham.

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The North Antrim MLA said that Brexit would not be allowed to be used as a tool to help break up the United Kingdom.

In an appearance on the BBC's Andrew Marr show at the weekend the Prime Minister refused to deny that a no-deal Brexit would lead to a hard border being imposed in Ireland.

She, and many of her government and leading Brexiteers have stressed they will not agree to any deal with the EU which would effectively see a border created in the Irish sea.

Chancellor Philip Hammond said a no deal Brexit would be better than any deal that divided the UK.

Mr Swann said that he welcomed Mrs May's "strong words in support of the Union, and those of her ministers".

My message for Michel Barnier and the rest of the EU negotiators, including the Republic of Ireland government, is that Northern Ireland and its position as an integral part of the United Kingdom will not be a sacrificial lamb in the Brexit negotiations," he said.

We are approaching crunch time in the negotiations and EU negotiators should not attempt to continue the folly of using Brexit in a foolhardy attempt to break up the United Kingdom. Their words have repercussions and demonstrate an ignorance of the Belfast Agreement and the principle of consent."

Mr Swann said that unionists who voted Remain in the EU Referendum did not vote to leave the United Kingdom.

"Those who try to misrepresent this position put community relations at risk and are putting a barrier in the way of reaching a sensible deal over Brexit," the UUP leader said.

"A pragmatic deal which respects the outcome of the referendum, the integrity of the United Kingdom, the sovereignty of Northern Ireland and relationships with our EU neighbours is the best outcome for everyone.

The most important day in negotiations is the last day and as we move towards that moment it is incumbent on Unionists of all shades throughout the United Kingdom to make clear to the EU that our countrys integrity should and will remain intact.
Taking in just one of many scenic roads on their trip across Europe to Cortina

An Armagh family have completed a four-year labour of love by driving their restored 1964 Ford Cortina through Europe to the town in Italy the car was named after and back again.

When Mandy Leyburn's father Robert arrived home with the shell of the old Mark I Cortina in 2014 she joked it would be lovely to drive it "home" some time in the future, not expecting to be taken literally.

Mandy (27) said she's amazed at the reaction her 54-year-old car got during its trip through 13 European countries over two summer weeks to arrive in the Italian town of Cortina - and even more amazed that the car survived. "It really was just a shell when my dad brought it home. He's always tinkered and restored cars and I wanted to help him. I guess this was my apprenticeship," said the 26-year-old nurse from Middletown.

Mandy and her dad spent weekend after weekend lovingly restoring the car over the past four years.

"We just started it as a weekend project. We both work full-time, so it was a hobby for both of us," she said.

"My dad has always tinkered with cars but we took on quite a lot with this one. However, looking at it now, there's no way I'd ever part with it. It has a lot of sentimental value."

The Cortina caused quite a stir as Mandy, husband Justin Gormley, Robert and mum Jessica made their way through the Continent on the 3,350-mile road trip.

The family spent a lot of their spare time posing for photographs.

The Cortina was even commandeered for a photoshoot by a model agency in Paris.

"The whole experience made us feel pretty cool," added Mandy.

"Once the Cortina got through the MoT in June we decided we'd go for it. We turned it into our family holiday, though we had to load the boot up with a lot of spare parts just in case, as we weren't really sure if our work on the car would last the pace.

"We thought about driving straight to Cortina and back again, but it was too good an opportunity to waste, so we planned the trip to take in a lot of the sights all of us wanted to see around Europe. It all went so well and we might plan another one."

Apart from the UK, the car passed through the Republic, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy, Austria, Slovenia and Monaco.

"We've been through the Black Forest, driven across the Millau Viaduct in southern France, the highest bridge in the world, and around the famous Stelvio Pass in the north of Italy with its 49 hairpin bends," said Mandy.

"When we arrived in Cortina D'Ampezzo in Italy the locals were amazed to see the car.

"There are not that many of them still around, and even fewer managed to make it back to the town they were named after."

Back in 1964 a new Ford Cortina would have completed around 32 miles to the gallon, but Mandy said she wanted to make the car as economical as possible.

"You could say I had a trip like this in the back of my mind when we put a diesel engine in it, and in the end we were getting up to 62mpg, so that was well worth it considering how far we've managed to travel in it."
A chef was remanded in custody today charged with attempting to murder a colleague stabbed in their east Belfast restaurant.

Rahman Sazzadur, 45, is accused of inflicting a knife wound to the other man in the kitchen of the premises in the Ballyhackamore area last Friday.

Belfast Magistrates' Court heard the pair had allegedly rowed over paying taxes.

Sazzadur, a Bangladeshi national of Devon Parade in the city, appeared in the dock to face one charge of attempted murder.

The alleged victim, also a chef, was said to have been stabbed in either the back or side.

No further details about his injuries were disclosed.

Defence counsel Declan Quinn said his client claimed during police interviews that he was punched and had his neck grabbed by the complainant.

Sazzadur then allegedly punched back in retaliation, but was not aware of any stabbing.

Mr Quinn also contended there had been a dispute between the accused and alleged victim over whether income should be declared and tax paid.

He described the incident as having a theological undertone to it.

The barrister also stressed the angle or "mechanism" of the injury would be an important issue in the case.

Sazzadur, who denies attempted murder, had put forward a potential bail address in Armagh.

But his release was opposed amid concerns about the suitability of the accommodation.

Refusing bail, District Judge Fiona Bagnall remanded the defendant in custody to appear again by video-link in four weeks time. ends
Parochial house in north Belfast has been burgled by a man wielding an axe. Pic Pacemaker

A priest awoke to discover an axe-wielding gang in his parochial home, a Belfast councillor has said.

Sinn Fein Councillor Ryan Murphy said he was relieved no one was hurt when the home of the priest at Ligoniels St Vincent de Paul Church was broken into.

He said both the home and church were broken into at around 2am on Monday but was relieved the man was not hurt.

Councillor Murphy said: The raiders ran off after being disturbed by the priest who had wakened during the break in.

The thieves stole car keys for the priests vehicle and a minibus used by the local community and a sum of money.

This was a terrifying incident for the priest and Im relieved that he wasnt hurt in the incident."

He added: "Breaking into someones home is always traumatic for the victim but is even more shameful that anyone would break into an amenity widely used by the local community.

I am appealing to anyone with information on this incident to bring it to the police so these individuals can be taken off the streets.

Several sets of keys were taken, as well as a sum of cash. A hatchet and shovel were recovered from the scene.

A suspect was described as being stocky or possibly wearing a heavily padded jacket. He also ran with a limp and was dressed in dark clothing. Police said he was observed calling to a small, thin, dark-coloured dog which followed him up the Ligoniel road.

Police are appealing for information.
Sarah Ewart speaks to the media outside the Supreme Court (PA/Stefan Rousseau)

A Belfast woman today pledged to see her legal fight for changes to Northern Ireland's strict abortion regime "through to the end".

Sarah Ewart returned to the High Court for a renewed attempt to have the near-blanket ban declared unlawful.

Five years ago she was forced to travel to England for a termination after being told her unborn child had no chance of survival.

She had backed a previous legal challenge taken by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

Unlike other parts of the UK, terminations are only legal within Northern Ireland to protect the woman's life or if there is a risk of serious damage to her well-being.

Earlier this year the Supreme Court concluded abortion laws in the region in cases of rape, incest and fatal foetal abnormality are incompatible with human rights law.

But justices still rejected the Commission's case because it did not have the necessary legal standing.

Ms Ewart has now launched proceedings in her own name, as a woman directly affected by the abortion legislation.

She is seeking to judicially review the Secretary of State, the Departments of Health and Justice at Stormont, and the Executive Office.

A hearing due to get underway today was instead adjourned until Friday.

Outside court, however, Ms Ewart expressed her determination to continue her battle for a law change for as long as it takes.

"We will see this through to the end," she vowed.

"I'm not done with having a family, and we shouldn't need to be thinking if this happens again where are we going to go, how are we going to bring the remains of our baby home.

"I want to know if I find myself in that position again I will get the care at home, without having to travel."

Ms Ewart also stressed the fifth anniversary of the termination she underwent is only days away.

"We are still in court, and that shouldn't be the case," she added.

Grainne Teggart of Amnesty International, who has supported her campaign, insisted Westminster should step in if there is no functioning Executive at Stormont.

She said: "The call to the UK government is to end the hypocrisy of the position where they will recognise women's rights to a termination f they board a plane.

"Women need access to this service at home."
Belfast International Airport has apologised to passengers after long delays were reported during security checks on Monday morning.

Social media users reported "chaotic" scenes as they waited to get bags searched before heading into the departure lounge.

Many took to Twitter to show long queues stretching down through the airport as they vented their frustration at the wait.

Some labelled it as a "shambles" while others described the scenes as "chaotic". One user joked it would soon be quicker to drive to Dublin than get through the airport's security.

It's thought bottlenecks occur because of people arriving at the airport too early for their flight while others show up at the advised time leading to more passengers than expected arriving at one time.

The airport took to the social network to remind people to arrive at least two hours before departure.

"Carefully packing your bags at home can help us reduce the time it takes to get you through security," it tweeted.

A spokeswoman added: "We apologise to any passengers who suffered delays as a result of queues at security this morning. Customer services staff were on hand to deal with any passenger queries and indeed any passengers with feedback or complaints we would ask them to contact the airport directly so that we may resolve their issues."

Don't forget to arrive at least 2 hours before your flight and that carefully packing your bags at home can help us reduce the time it takes to get you through security. Check out hand luggage guidance: https://t.co/4VwFX7CnIJ pic.twitter.com/51LLtTyDrM  Belfast International Airport (@belfastairport) October 1, 2018

"The security search area was fully staffed with all security lanes open for the number of departing flights this morning. We again urge passengers to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight is due to depart, even if you are travelling with hand luggage only, and to be prepared for the security search."

Long queues at security were reported over the summer causing much frustration. And last Monday the airport blamed equipment failure for long delays though its security.

Michael Smyth - a union official for Nautlilus International which represents ferry workers - arrived early at the airport for his flight to Liverpool for his organisation's annual conference.

He is a regular flyer visiting many of the UK's various ports. He said he queued for an hour on Monday and while he made his flight with time to spare he said others turned back in the queue saying they had missed theirs.

"The queue was all the way down the escalator," he said.

"I just couldn't understand it as all the lines were open and they were processing everyone at a fair rate. It was not like it was going slow, it was just the sheer volume of people trying to get through.

"And by the time I got through it all the queue was just the same length. It was a nightmare."

He added: "We went away for our holidays in the summer and had a 40 minute queue then. But you expect that over the Twelfth fortnight not at the beginning of October when it is mainly just commuters.

"The thing that really got me today was there was no one giving advice or even helping people who were about to miss their flights. There were some asking to get past to catch a flight and people were letting them through, but there needed to be better assistance."

"Had I missed my flight I would have missed important meetings today."

The airport pledged to end long delays after it announced a new company would be taking over the handling of security. Wilson James will take over security operations on November 1.

Belfast International Airport urged passengers to be prepared for security checks before arriving at the airport to speed the process along.

"Adhering to these guidelines and carrying only essential items in hand luggage can help reduce the need for manual checks at security, which can quickly cause queues to build up," the spokeswoman added.

The airport's guidelines include:
A Northern Ireland violin teacher has been found unanimously not guilty at the Crown Court in Derry of eight charges of behaving in an inappropriate sexual manner towards four primary school girls in two primary schools.

Following one and a half hours of deliberations on the sixth day of the trial, the seven women and five men on the jury found Brian Bergin unanimously not guilty of committing the offences between August 2011 and May 2014.

The four complainants had alleged that the defendant had at times touched them inappropriately and told them to do the splits during violin classes.

Mr Bergin, a 60-year-old father-of -hree from Brookhill in the Culmore area of Derry, had described the allegations as fabrications. He had denied prosecution claims that he had committed the offences for his personal sexual gratification.

The defendant, who was a employed as a music teacher by the Western Education And Library Board for the last thirty years, was suspended from his post four years ago after the allegations were made against him.

In his evidence to the jury he repeated "It did not happen, it did not happen".

He also told the jurors - " I have been accused of things I did not do. If I could just take this opportunity as well to say this has destroyed our lives for the last four and a half years. I am married, my wife and children, I would never harm a child".

Mr Bergin, who was accompanied by his wife during the six day long trial, showed no emotion as the jury foreman told Judge Philip Babington that they found him unanimously not guilty of the eight charges he had denied. Members of the four complainants families, several of whom had given evidence during the trial, were in the public gallery of Courtroom 4 to hear the not guilty verdicts announced by the foreman.

A prosecution barrister told Judge Babington that two similar charges against the defendant remained on the books, not to be proceeded with without leave of the court or of the High Court.

Judge Babington told the jurors that such cases were very difficult. He then announced that Mr Bergin could be released. Following his acquittal Mr Bergin declined to comment to the media.
DUP MP Gregory Campbell has called for greater leadership within the nationalist community after it was suggested that the PSNI may consider the return of 50/50 recruitment of Catholics and Protestants.

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin said that policy may have to be reintroduced as the PSNI launched a recruitment drive for 400 officers on Monday.

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Recent efforts to recruit more Catholics into the force have failed, with only one in five successful in merit-based competitions.

The 50/50 mechanism was established in following the independent Patten report into policing in Northern Ireland as part of an effort to re-balance a force largely comprised of members of one side of the community.

The policy was then dropped in 2011.

Mr Martin noted that it had delivered a significant increase in Catholic representation, from 8% to 32%.

East Londonderry MP Campbell pointed to comments made by Chief Constable George Hamilton, who in June told the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee at Westminster that there was a real need for wider nationalism to take yet another step in terms of policing.

The Chief Constable said that it required politicians, civic leaders and church leaders to advocate for a career in policing, and it is that level of advocacy that I think we need to really make a sea-change.

Mr Campbell said that nationalist representatives needed to "become real advocates for people from the Catholic community to choose policing as a career."

"Not only was the previous 50/50 recruitment institutionalised sectarianism, but it was totally counter-productive in that people from the Protestant community who had applied and were assessed as being suitable, were ruled out purely because they were Protestant," the DUP stalwart said.

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"It was then, and remains now, a totally outrageous and unacceptable way to deal with recruitment. If it were to be considered again how many other areas of employment where Protestants are under-represented would have to be considered as well?"

Mr Campbell also noted Mr Martins comments that Catholics who joined the PSNI were finding they had to stop participating in some cultural activities.

He said that it had "echoes of the comments from Peadar Heffron and how he was ostracised by members of his GAA club after joining the PSNI".

Mr Heffron was a Catholic serving PSNI officer when he was left with life changing injuries after being targeted in a dissident republican car bomb in 2010.

He said that he was warned against joining the PSNI by republican activists at a training session of his local GAA club which led to him leaving the team.

DUP MP Campbell said that a reintroduction of the scheme would do nothing to tackle existing issues.

"A reintroduction of 50/50 recruitment would do nothing to change such mind-sets; in fact it would exacerbate them, it needs the type of leadership outlined by the Chief Constable in June," he said.

However, Sinn Fein policing spokesperson Gerry Kelly said that his party did not believe 50/50 recruitment should have been brought to an end.

50/50 recruitment was necessary to address decades if imbalance in the make-up of the police and was only one part of wholesale reforms in an effort to bring about an accountable policing service committed to policing with the community," the North Belfast MLA said.

Sinn Fein welcomes positive measures taken to address barriers to recruitment, but we need more action to remove these barriers.

The PSNI has a job of work to do by being pro-active in tackling the barriers to recruitment clearly designated in recent surveys and representations by Sinn Fein.
The number of accidental house fires across Northern Ireland has increased by 8.5% over the past year, according to official new figures. (Rui Vieira/PA)

The number of accidental house fires across Northern Ireland has increased by 8.5% over the past year, according to official new figures.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has revealed there were 896 such incidents here in 2017/18 compared to 824 in 2016/17.

Four people lost their lives over the last 12 months as a result of house fires.

Over the last three years firefighters have attended 2,561 accidental house fires, with more than two thirds caused by cooking appliances, electrical equipment and smoking.

While smoking accounted for 6% of all accidental house fires, it accounted for 60% of fire deaths between 2015 and 2018.

The statistics have been released by the NIFRS to coincide with Fire Safety Week, which starts today.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Alan Walmsley appealed to people to take precautions to ensure they do not fall victim to an accidental blaze in their home.

"Last year accidental fire deaths were at their lowest on record - four people tragically lost their lives in 2017/18, a 66% decrease from two years previous when 12 people died in accidental house fires," he said.

"Whilst we welcome this reduction in deaths, we are concerned to see an increase in the number of accidental house fires, and this Fire Safety Week we are concentrating our efforts to remind people about the obvious dangers and the main causes of accidental house fires.

"Many people mistakenly think that an accidental house fire will never happen to them.

"We speak to many people after we have attended fires in their homes and they are shocked at the ease and speed at which fire can spread.

"With cooking, electrical and smoking-related as the top three causes, we are asking people to follow our simple fire safety advice."

Cooking appliances accounted for 38% of accidental house fires and the NIFRS has asked that people do not leave them unattended when in use, reminding them to turn off hobs and ovens when not in use.

If using a chip pan, the advice is never to throw water onto an oil-based fire.

With electrical equipment and supply accounting for a quarter of all accidental fires, the NIFRS has urged householders not to overload sockets.

It has also advised people not to leave electrical appliances - such as dishwashers or washing machines - running overnight or when they are not at home.

Mr Walmsley continued: "Smoking materials accounted for 6% of accidental house fires but are actually the top cause of accidental fire deaths, with 60% of accidental fire deaths in the last three years due to smoking materials.

"Don't smoke in bed or when feeling drowsy or tired.

"Stub cigarettes out fully in an ashtray.

"Through our 'STOP Fire' campaign we continue to remind everyone about the basic fire safety measures they should take to keep safe from fire: Fit Smoke alarms, Test them every week, look out for Obvious dangers and Plan your escape routes.

"By routinely completing a number of simple fire safety steps, you can drastically reduce the risk of a fire in your home.

"The reality is that many accidental house fires could be prevented if people follow the fire safety advice we provide through our community information bulletins on our website.

"House fires have a devastating impact on people and we will continue to do all that we can to help stop fire in the home."

To find out more about fire safety, log on to the NI Fire & Rescue Service's website at www.nifrs.org
Chancellor Philip Hammond has said the Government won't "sacrifice" the UK for a trade deal with the UK, while leading Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg likened Northern Ireland's place in the union as akin to the centre of the universe.

Speaking ahead of his Tory party conference speech, the chancellor said any "super-Canada" style trade deal - favoured by Boris Johnson - was not available from the EU unless his government was prepared to separate Northern Ireland with a different regime and negotiate on behalf of Great Britain only - effectively seeing a border created down the Irish sea.

The EU and Canada have a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) reducing most tariffs to zero, having agreements in place on protecting goods and services and using technology for border checks which has been seen as a possible template for a Brexit deal.

Mr Hammond said: "Speaking for myself and also I know for the Prime Minister, the most important thing for us is the union of our four nations in the UK. We are not going to sacrifice our United Kingdom at the behest of any bureaucrat in Brussels."

He said a no Brexit deal would be better than any deal which divided the UK.

Mr Hammond said he believed there was "a high chance" a version of the Prime Minister's Chequers plan would be agreed with the EU, saying he was "not having sleepless nights" over the risk of a no-deal Brexit.

Meanwhile, arch Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg also rejected any idea of a sea border resulting in the final exit agreement with the EU stressing he was passionate about the UK.

"My country is the United Kingdom and this is not to do with the DUP supporting the Conservatives," he told the BBC.

"We are the Conservative and Unionist party, no Conservative would do anything to harm the union and that crucially includes Northern Ireland.

"It's as much a part of my country as Somerset and I can't say anything more than that because Somerset is the centre of the universe in any sensible appraisal," he added.

I didnt know Somerset in England had a referendum built into its legal constitution allowing it to leave the Union when a majority votes to do so. Good luck to the Peoples Republic of Somerset.  John O' Dowd (@JohnODowdSF) October 1, 2018

Mr Rees-Mogg also said large-scale projects such as a bridge between Ireland and Great Britain - as mooted by Mr Johnson - may not be worth the huge investment in the end.

Responding on Twitter Sinn Fein Brexit spokesman John O'Dowd highlighted the differences between Northern Ireland and Somerset.

"I didnt know Somerset in England had a referendum built into its legal constitution allowing it to leave the Union when a majority votes to do so," the MLA tweeted.

"Good luck to the Peoples Republic of Somerset."

In his Daily Telegraph column Boris Johnson said there did not need to be a physical border between Northern Ireland and the Republic for the EU to ensure "the integrity of the single market".

While conceding there would need to be some extra procedures, he said they could be carried out away from the border "as they are, very largely, today".

The former foreign secretary said arrangements could be made to ensure the border works practically and businesses can use it smoothly and without hassle.
Hundreds of employees across the Northern Regional College's campuses are seeking urgent answers after learning they could have been identified by management after completing a 'confidential' staff survey.

The annual staff survey was issued in April and May, with respondents encouraged to answer honestly on a range of topics - but it's understood that the college is now carrying out an investigation after a complaint that individuals could be identified by their unique serial numbers.

Katharine Clarke from the University and College Union (UCU), which has been in contact with 269 of its members potentially affected by the data protection breach, said: "The UCU has grave concerns about the college treatment of what we see as a serious data protection breach arising out of the annual staff survey.

"We have evidence that the identity of respondents is embedded within the data and a UCU member sought advice from the branch secretary in accordance with the NRC whistleblowing policy.

"The concern was the absence of anonymity within the survey spreadsheet, contrary to the assurance provided when participation was sought on April 19 this year," she said.

UCU branch secretary Martin Cunningham subsequently attended an urgent meeting with senior NRC officials to discuss the matter.

"What followed was deeply disturbing," Ms Clarke said.

"It was a 30-minute interrogation of Mr Cunningham, with the college demanding to know which of our members passed on the information.

"Rather than address how the breach occurred and focus on developing systems and protocols to ensure there is no repetition, it seems the priority was hounding individuals wrongly suspected of informing the union of the breach.

"The UCU is further appalled that despite Mr Cunningham rejecting management assertions that no staff could be identified, an all-staff email was then issued claiming this is the case.

"In the email to all staff, it was inferred the union is complicit in the process management have outlined, and we reserve the right to address the matter under defamation law. It would be appropriate for NRC management to publicly retract the claims it has made.

"Further to this, our union representative was invited to view a draft of an email which was to be sent to all staff following the meeting.

"There was content in the email we simply could not agree with and especially with regards to anonymity.

"Additional information was requested to be included as to how the college was going to ensure this would not happen again, along with an apology. Neither appeared in the statement sent out on behalf of the college.

"In addition to apologising to staff, the UCU also require an apology, and Mr Cunningham in particular. To us, it appears the college is more interested in finding out who passed on information rather than dealing with the issue, which is that staff were told the survey was anonymous when it clearly wasn't."

That response on behalf of the college, seen by the Belfast Telegraph, told all staff "due process was undertaken" and that survey results "are not attributable to members of staff".

It also said the survey was carried out by a third party on behalf of the college.

Northern Regional College, which has campuses in Ballymena, Coleraine, Magherafelt, Antrim, Ballymoney, Larne and Newtownabbey, said it is "fully committed to transparency and accountability".

"The college, in consultation with the Information Commissioner's Office, completed a prompt and full investigation into a potential data breach relating to its annual confidential staff survey.

"On completion of the investigation, it was confirmed there had been no breach in the security or privacy of any individual's information.

"The potential data breach was in relation to a data file which included analysis of responses by 64 respondents to a staff survey in April this year.

"The college has assured staff and their union representatives that no personal data was compromised, as individuals could not be identified without secondary information, thereby maintaining the anonymity of all survey respondents.

"The survey was completed by an independent company and the college management are never provided with information attributable to individual members of staff, nor can they access this information."

The Information Commissioner's Office said that under new laws, organisations must notify it within 72 hours of becoming aware of a personal data breach unless it does not pose a risk to people's rights and freedoms.

"If an organisation decides that a breach doesn't need to be reported, they should keep their own record of it, and need to be able to explain why it wasn't reported, if necessary," the commissioner's office said.
A majority of the Northern Ireland public fear being betrayed by Prime Minister Theresa May in the final Brexit deal, a poll for the Times has found.

It comes after Theresa May on the BBC's Andrew Marr show refused to deny that a no-deal Brexit would lead to a hard border being imposed in Ireland. She, and many of her government and leading Brexiteers have stressed they will not agree to any deal with the EU which would effectively see a border created in the Irish sea.

Chancellor Philip Hammond said a no deal would be better than any deal that divided the UK.

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Results from the survey for the Times, published on Monday, found 60% believed the Prime Minister would renege on her promise on avoiding a sea border.

Twenty-six percent had their doubts she would keep her promise while only 12% said they had their full trust in her maintaining her pledge.

The poll also found a near 50/50 split among the public on if there should be a second referendum. Should there be another one, the survey found a near similar vote to how Northern Ireland voted in the 2016 referendum with 56% in favour or remaining.

The poll also found 22% though the DUP tie-up with the Conservatives would be of "great benefit" with 51% feeling it would be "detrimental".

In a poll on the Belfast Telegraph Facebook page last week 60% of the near 4,000 taking part said Northern Ireland should have special status after Brexit.
The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has not yet decided whether to prosecute Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly over the removal of a wheel clamp with bolt cutters - nearly eight months after the incident.

The North Belfast politician, who is his party's policing spokesperson, faced calls to resign after he was filmed taking off the clamp in Belfast city centre following a visit to a gym on February 2, 2018.

Video footage of the incident showed Mr Kelly coming out of a silver car in Exchange Street, behind the Metropolitan Arts Centre. On the driver's window of the vehicle is a large 'Stop' sign, warning the motorist about the clamp.

The MLA is seen bending down to lift a set of bolt cutters, before appearing to work at a chain under the car. He then appears to remove the orange clamp from the wheel, before resting it against a nearby wall.

The maximum sentence for criminal damage in Northern Ireland varies from a community order to 12 months in custody and a compensation order.

After the incident, Mr Kelly said he had made an "on the spot" decision to remove the clamp while he was "under pressure to get to the talks meetings" at Stormont.

When asked for an update on the case, a PPS spokesperson said they were at an "advanced stage" of the decision-making process - but added they were still awaiting further material from the PSNI.

She stated: "PPS consideration of a file received from police in relation to an allegation of criminal damage against a 65-year-old man has reached an advanced stage. We are awaiting further material from the PSNI and a decision will issue in due course."

A PSNI spokesperson said: "A full investigation took place with respect to this incident and understandably this takes time to complete.

"A file was given to the PPS on April 11, 2018.

"A request for further information was received from the PPS on July 17, 2018 and numerous pieces of additional information were supplied at that time.

"PSNI is currently seeking legal opinion on other related matters and await that advice."

The managing director of the Parking and Enforcement Agency Ltd (PEA), Thomas Harrington, said the company considered the matter "closed as far as we are concerned".

"Mr Kelly made a payment to settle the outstanding clamp fee and to cover the damage done to the chain itself," he said.

Despite repeated requests for comment, no response had been received from Mr Kelly or Sinn Fein at the time of going to press.

In a statement released in February, Mr Kelly said: "I saw that my car had been clamped.

"I phoned the number on the notice and the only response I got was music.

"I then went into the Mac (theatre in Belfast) and asked had they another number for the company. I immediately rang that number and this number was out of use.

"I was under pressure to get to the talks meetings. I remembered that the gym had a set of bolt cutters and I borrowed them. Let me add that staff at the gym were not aware what I was using the bolt cutters for.

"I then removed the clamp.

"I made an on-the-spot decision which I now regret."

Mr Kelly also said he had contacted PEA, paid a fine, and that the issue had "been resolved".

He was interviewed by the PSNI over an allegation of criminal damage, and said on Twitter that the meeting with police had been a "voluntary arrangement".

He told BBC Talkback he had paid a 100 fine and a further 50 to PEA for damage to the clamp. He said: "I haven't done it before. People think I carry bolt cutters in my car - to be clear this is the first time I've done it and won't be doing it again."
A farmer has expressed his shock after finding one of his heavily pregnant sheep skinned, with all four of its legs chopped off and its throat slit.

Part-time farmer Arron Lamont made the grisly discovery in his field between Kilrea and Rasharkin early yesterday morning.

He has reported the matter to the PSNI but said he wanted to warn other farmers of what had happened.

Arron said he initially thought a dog was responsible for killing the pedigree Dorset ewe.

But he said there is no way an animal could have carried out such an attack.

"It was like a butcher job," he said.

He added that wire fencing had been damaged and the gate into the pen was open.

He thinks the attacker pulled the ewe down the field where they cut its throat with a knife.

Arron said that the hedge sits lower than the road, so they couldn't be seen.

He believes it is there that the pregnant animal was hung up on barbed wire to be skinned and had its legs cut off in the barbaric attack.

"You can see the clean lines of the knife, and the wool and the skin was cut off - not pulled off," he said last night.

Arron explained he had been trying to build up his flock, but now another of his sheep has lambed early because of what he believes is trauma.

The lorry driver said he was keeping the horrific story from his two young children - a son and daughter aged seven and six respectively - as it was too disturbing.

He described those behind the grim attack as "total scum to do this to an innocent animal", which he believed would have suffered.

"How anyone could do this to an animal is beyond me," he said.

"Someone knew what they were doing.

"This wasn't a five minute job.

"It wasn't a pretty sight to come across this morning," he added.
Successful applicants have to go through a 23-week training camp.

The PSNI launched a new recruitment drive to boost numbers by around 400.

Last October a campaign resulted in almost 7,700 people bidding to join the beat with the force - almost exactly 1,000 more than the current number of officers among the PSNI's ranks.

Monday saw the beginning of a targeted advertising campaign.

Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin said it was a "wonderful opportunity" and while it was no doubt challenging it was a very rewarding career.

He said since the process went live there had already been applications made.

"I would encourage anyone who has ever considered a career in policing, or if you want to make a difference to your community, then log onto our website www.joinpsni.co.uk to find out more details," he said.

Successful applicants go on to complete a 23-week training programme at the PSNI's Garnerville college.

The role of a police officer is varied; every day is different and officers find themselves in a variety of situations as they work to keep people safe, working alongside various voluntary and statutory organisations and individuals to protect communities and the people that live there.

One day you could be in a patrol car as part of your neighbourhood policing duties, and the next day you could be required at court for a case where you have had involvement.

No two days are ever the same in policing.

You will be trained to use a range of technology to carry out your job and keep people safe, and to prevent and detect crime."

The PSNI said it was dedicated to be representative of the entire Northern Ireland community, welcoming applications from all sections.

DCC Martin added: There is no doubt that being a police officer is a challenging career, but it is also a rewarding career.

The closing date for applications is noon on Friday, October 19.
Samantha Dixon with her baby son. Her husband Pc James Dixon of Thames Valley Police died last year when his police motorcycle crashed

Families, friends, colleagues, senior officers, and government officials were welcomed on arrival by a guard of honour formed by representatives from each force in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and uniformed police officers from overseas forces

Joseph Ferguson lights a candle in memory of his brother Michael, who was murdered by the IRA in 1993

Thousands of police officers who have died or been killed in the line of duty were honoured at the Waterfront Hall yesterday as Belfast hosted the annual National Police Memorial Day service.

And for one Northern Ireland family in particular, the poignant occasion took on a special significance. Michael Ferguson was only 21 when he was shot dead outside a shopping centre in Londonderry in January 1993.

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During the service his brother Joseph and sister Susan Ferguson O'Neill lit a candle in his memory in front of more than 2,000 relatives of fallen officers and former senior officers.

Also in attendance were Secretary of State Karen Bradley and Home Secretary Sajid Javid.

Joseph, a former police officer, lit the candle alongside families representing England, Scotland and Wales, and said it was an honour to represent Northern Ireland at the service.

"My father Dan had been an officer and Michael wanted to follow in his footsteps," he explained.

"Michael loved being a police officer. He loved every part of it."

While responding to a report of shoplifting on a Saturday afternoon on Shipquay Streetmin Derry, Constable Ferguson, a Catholic from Omagh, was shot in the back of the head by a gunman.

Joseph said he still grieved for his brother.

"It's the empty seat, the missed birthday parties, the Christmas events that are the constant reminders of his absence," he said.

"I have kids myself and I wonder if Michael would have had a family.

"He was very much a family person.

"I miss him every day."

Sunday was the fourth time Belfast has hosted the annual event since it started in 2001 and PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton said he was delighted to welcome representatives from all over the UK to Belfast.

"This is a fitting tribute to police officers everywhere who have died in the course of their duties to protect the public," he said.

"It is important and only right that we take time to pause to remember our colleagues and friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice on duty protecting their communities.

"It is a privilege for the PSNI to have been able to welcome so many visitors to Belfast."

Mr Javid, who gave a reading at the service, said it was fitting that those who fell in the Greta War were also remembered.

"It was an honour to help pay tribute to the thousands of police officers and staff who have given their lives while serving and protecting us all, including those who died in the First World War," he said.

"This is an important and poignant reminder of the courage shown by the police each and every day."

The sermon was led by Dr Charles McMullen, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

"If it becomes a question of setting an example for others to follow, then I praise the professionalism, the standards and the sense of duty of our police forces throughout the United Kingdom," he said.

"But I single out the PSNI, which I believe to be exemplary, and the sacrifices made by its members and those of the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC before it."

More than 4,400 police officers and civilian staff have died on duty in the UK where records exist.

Referencing them in the order of service, the Prince of Wales, who is patron of the National Police Memorial Day, wrote: "Today we pay tribute to the men and women who display enormous courage and professionalism as they work to safeguard communities throughout the United Kingdom.

"I would like to pay special tribute to the Police Service of Northern Ireland for their devoted service and courage in the face of many threats and challenges."

National Police Chaplain, Canon David Wilbraham, added: "Commitment, tenacity, bravery and integrity - all exercised with compassion and fairness - are the personal qualities that, together with professional skills, sustain the thin blue line. Front line personnel also serve with a willingness to put themselves in the place of danger and harm to protect and serve others. Sadly, each year some colleagues pay the ultimate price of that commitment."

There was silence in the auditorium as green, blue and red petals of remembrance descended from the gallery before the Last Post was sounded to mark a day of dignified reflection.

John Apter, chair of Police Federation of England and Wales, said: "I am proud to have served with truly outstanding officers who are now no longer with us, and to have accompanied family members to National Police Memorial Day over the years, seeing first-hand what this day means to families.

"I am privileged to be part of it."
A technical glitch grounded Ryanair flights at least in the virtual world.

Ryanair blamed a server issue for flights from Northern Ireland being "temporarily cancelled" on Monday.

There were reports of people having their flights cancelled from Derry to Liverpool and Belfast International to Manchester.

Some took to social media to vent their frustration saying they also could not book flights from the start of November to the destinations.

However, Ryanair said a technical glitch led to flights becoming unavailable.

A spokesman for the company said: "Our Derry and Belfast winter 2018 schedules will operate as planned, but some flights were temporarily unavailable on our website earlier today, due to a server issue, which has since been resolved."
A Sinn Fein rulebook has revealed party branches kept a roll of members at the time it is alleged that Mairia Cahill's suspected abuser was suspended from the party.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has previously said she didn't know if Martin Morris was suspended from Sinn Fein as the party's "record-keeping was not as it is now, 20 years ago".

However, a copy of its constitution and rules from 1999 unearthed by the Irish Independent states all party cumann [branches] had to hold in "strict custody a roll of its members".

The rulebook was published in October 1999 and states this membership roll and other financial documents "shall be open to inspections by the Comhairle ceantair [party officers] and Ard Comhairle [National Executive] members".

A Police Ombudsman investigation into Ms Cahill's rape claims suggested Mr Morris was suspended from Sinn Fein in or around 1999 as he was suspected of abusing children. Mr Morris was acquitted of rape when his trial collapsed in 2014 and he denies the allegations.

Ms Cahill alleged the IRA investigated her abuse and was that she was brought "face-to-face" with Mr Morris at Sinn Fein headquarters in Sevastopol Street, Belfast.

Following the publication of the Ombudsman's report, Ms McDonald said she regretted Sinn Fein did not have "rigorous procedures" for dealing with child sex abuse cases at the time of Ms Cahill's alleged ordeal.

However, the 1999 rulebook sets out procedures for suspending members and dealing with sexual assault and harassment allegations.

The rulebook states: "Where allegations of sexual harassment and sexual assault are made, they should be referred to An Ard Comhairle."

The document says all charges against members must be made in writing and signed.

Members accused of an infringement of party rules are given a copy of the written complaint and asked to appear at a Sinn Fein meeting.

The rulebook states that the An Ard Comhairle [leadership] has the power by a two thirds majority to suspend any member before a duly convened meeting called for that purpose.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Ms Cahill said: "Sinn Fein have always side-stepped the question whether there was an IRA investigation or not into my abuse.

"It is not credible for Sinn Fein to say they are not aware of an IRA investigation when some of those investigators remain very prominent members of Sinn Fein.

"Sinn Fein have stood by them and in my opinion there is still a live cover-up."

In a statement Sinn Fein said the party rules from 1999 didn't contradict Ms McDonald's comments on Ms Cahill.

A spokesperson said: "This document in no way contradicts Mary Lou McDonald's comments in relation to Mairia Cahill.

"In fact, it confirms the Sinn Fein president's assertion that the party did not have mandatory reporting as a policy at that time as it does now.

"In relation to the roll of members, it was not as it is now at that time, regardless of what the constitution at the time says.

"We have no record of Mr Morris ever being a member of Sinn Fein and he was certainly never brought before the Sinn Fein Ard Comhairle to discuss any allegations made against him."

With regard to Ms Cahill's comments on the alleged IRA investigation, the spokesperson added: "Sinn Fein has no information regarding the alleged investigation.

"It is for the police and the police only to investigate such matters."
The Catholic Church has called for the Irish Government to step up its response to the growing homelessness crisis saying it cannot be left to the voluntary sector.

A pastoral letter, launched on Monday at the Irish Catholic Bishops Conference, addresses housing and homelessness and describes the root causes of the crisis.

The letter details 18 key findings and calls for a number of measures including fair pricing and security in the private rental sector, vacant sites to be taxed and action to be taken to increase the supply and reduce the price of housing.

At its autumn general meeting, the bishops conference said the Government is struggling to tackle the growing homelessness crisis.

Expand Close Bishop Kevin Doran, left (Catholic Church/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook

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One bishop said some landlords should examine their consciences as to the extent of profit they make.

Kevin Doran of Elphin, acting chairman of the Council for Justice and Peace, added: This is not just a problem for Dublin, but a problem that faces all of us in society.

The magnitude of the problem is so great that it cannot be solved by voluntary effort alone. The state must take the lead partner on this  this cannot be left to the private sector either.

Father Sean Donohoe, co-director of homelessness charity Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin, said it is not the responsibility of the church to solve the homelessness crisis.

It is getting worse and the government says it is doing what it can, I believe that they are doing what they can but I believe the problem is growing quicker than what they are doingFather Sean Donohoe

Its the responsibility of the state of civic society through our governmental process, he said.

We do from 300 to 350 breakfasts every day and this morning we gave out baby food and nappies to 250 families.

The day centre was opened for a place of shelter but as the needs grow we have responded. For the first while it was just men, and then it was men and women, and now, tragically and horrifically, its men, women and children.

Our youngest was about two weeks old and oldest is 92 and its everybody in between, for all different reasons.

It is getting worse and the Government says it is doing what it can, I believe that they are doing what they can, but I believe the problem is growing quicker than what they are doing.

There is need for a more urgent response, it should be given the highest priority.

As part of its recommendations, the church calls for compulsory purchase powers to utilise potential sites which lie undeveloped for a long period of time.

Mr Doran accepted the church is not exempt from these recommendations and said it has been undertaking an audit of its properties and assets.

He said: Local church leadership has to make the decisions about vacant sites and land and we would encourage parish priests to make sure they have a policy in relation to vacant properties which includes the possibility of making it available for housing.

Fr Donohoe added that church properties around Dublin have been donated and are used by homelessness charities.

He added: Our numbers are growing and the Government is not on top of it and they have acknowledged that.

The crisis isnt over and it hasnt hit the high point yet.
The bullet riddled minibus near Whitecross in South Armagh where 10 Protestant workmen were shot dead by IRA terrorists. * 7/1/2001: Stormont First Minister David Trimble was attending the memorial service at Bessbrook Town Hall, south Armagh on the 25th anniversary of the Kingsmill Massacre. Mr Trimble urged the Irish Government to hold a public inquiry into one of the IRAs worst terrorist atrocities.

A coroner is set to consider whether he will allow the identities of two suspects in the murder of 10 Protestant workmen at Kingsmill to be revealed.

Ten men were murdered in south Armagh on January 5 1976 in an atrocity attributed to the Provisional IRA. No one has ever been convicted.

All the suspects named in documents related to the shooting are referred to by ciphers to protect their identities.

Two of the suspects, referred to during a long-running inquest as S37 and S97, have since died. Some of the families of those killed at Kingsmill have asked that they be named.

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Counsel to the coroner Sean Doran said the use of ciphers for the names of suspects has enabled disclosure of a broad range of material in the inquest proceedings.

He said work around naming of suspects can be completed by the date of the next hearing.

After the hearing on October 17, you will have all of the information and all of the submissions you need as to whether or not those two individuals should be named, Mr Doran told the coroner.

Coroner Brian Sherrard said he will consider the request and deliver a ruling.

Mr Sherrard described the matter as multi-layered, and said he plans to consider all the references in the disclosed documents.

He told the inquest he would consider the matter in the round, but he had concerns, including the risk of jigsaw identification if the two dead suspects are named.

Mondays preliminary inquest also heard that the Coroners Service is hopeful of receiving more material from the Garda (Irish police) before the next hearing later this month.

However Alan Kane, who represents a number of the families of the Kingsmill victims, voiced his continuing scepticism.

He accused the Irish state of putting the coroners requests for information on the long finger again.

It (the long finger) seems to me to be like Pinocchios nose  always growing, he told the inquest.

Mr Kane said that since the first request in 2014, there have been two Taoiseachs, three ministers of justice, three ministers for foreign affairs and four Garda commissioners.

He said all made wonderful statements assuring co-operation, but there appeared to an institutional reluctance to hand over material.

Mr Sherrard said he was anxious to reassure the families that he appreciated their concerns.

Mr Doran pointed out that the inquest has been in communication with the Irish authorities throughout the proceedings, and has received folders of material from the Garda.

The textile workers were shot when their minibus was ambushed outside the village of Kingsmill on their way home from work.

Those on board were asked their religion, and the only Catholic was ordered to run away.

The killers, who had hidden in hedges, forced the 11 remaining men to line up outside the van before opening fire.

Alan Black was the sole survivor.

The next preliminary inquest is scheduled to sit on October 17.
Just under 10% of 2,000 boilers have been examined as part of an inspection programme that began nearly 14 months ago in the wake of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) controversy, the Belfast Telegraph can reveal

Just under 10% of 2,000 boilers have been examined as part of an inspection programme that began nearly 14 months ago in the wake of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) controversy, the Belfast Telegraph can reveal.

In May 2017 the Department for the Economy (DfE) sought contractors to inspect every boiler on the non-domestic RHI scheme.

There are just over 2,000 boilers involved.

However, the procurement exercise did not proceed as none of the bids fulfilled all of the tender requirements, and the plan to inspect all sites was shelved.

Three months later the DfE appointed Ricardo Energy and Environment to undertake Phase 1 of an inspection programme, which has since been completed.

Three other contractors - Greenview Gas, Totalis Solutions and Element Consultants - are working on the next phase of the inspection programme under a framework agreement.

Now, nearly 14 months on from the beginning of the Phase 1 inspections, only 190 accredited boiler installations have been inspected, and the DfE has refused to divulge the cost of the inspection programme, branding it "commercially sensitive information".

The DfE revealed that 10-15 boilers are now being inspected each week.

The RHI Inquiry is currently investigating the botched green energy scheme, and has called a number of high-profile witnesses, including DUP leader Arlene Foster, who was the minister responsible when RHI was established.

Costs spiralled out of control because of critical flaws in how tariffs were set.

Applicants could earn more money by burning more fuel, because the subsidies on offer for renewable fuels were greater than the cost of the fuels themselves.

When asked by this newspaper why it had taken so long to inspect 190 boilers, and whether contractors' pay was linked to the number of boilers inspected, the DfE responded: "The procurement for the framework agreement was completed in June 18 to take forward Phase 2 of the inspection programme, incorporating the learning from Phase 1.

"The inspection process is both detailed and comprehensive, to ensure that it is both fair to the scheme participant and is able to address the compliance issues that arise on a site by site basis. The contractor is paid on the completion of each inspection report."

TUV leader Jim Allister said that the inspection programme had originally been presented as a means of "getting to grips" with the RHI scheme.

"This news will only add to the public dismay at the continuing mishandling of the RHI situation," he said. "It is taxpayers' money which will be used on this inspection programme, so it's ridiculous not to say how much the contractors they are using are paid for it - the public is entitled to know.

"This is public money for a public contract."

SDLP MLA John Dallat, who is the former deputy chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, said he was "quite horrified that so few boilers have been inspected".

"When this scandal broke, adequate resources should have been put in place to quickly check out every single burner that was installed. Clearly that hasn't happened, which is extremely disappointing, and it won't reassure the public," Mr Dallat said.

"Given the revelations of the RHI Inquiry, I think the public will be absolutely disgusted.

"The public may enjoy the drama, but they are far more interested in the outcome and who will escape under a cloud of dust and who will be made accountable.

"They need to move forward as quickly as possible and get all the remaining boilers checked out."

Mr Dallat called on the RHI Inquiry to investigate why there have been so few inspections to date.

"It's very upsetting that we don't have an Assembly where these issues could be thrashed out day and daily," he added.

"I just hope that the Inquiry team has the brief and the authority to dig into this."

The DfE said: "The current framework agreement was procured through the European Journal to enable us to ensure best value for money was achieved.

"We are unable to provide the cost of the inspection programme, as it is commercially sensitive information.

"To date, 190 accredited boiler installations have been inspected and inspections are currently being undertaken at a rate of 10-15 boilers per week."
An acid attack victim has made a direct plea for information from his hospital bed after being left with facial injuries.

Mike Glover-Johnson posted a picture of himself wrapped in a facial bandage following the incident on High Street in Bloxwich, Walsall, at around 6.50pm on Sunday.

The victim was said to have been in his car at the time when he was approached and had a substance thrown in his face.

In his online post, he wrote: Any witnesses to me being randomly attacked with acid on Bloxwich high street thus (sic) evening please contact police on 101.

Thankfully people helped and their quick reactions may have stopped permanent scarring. Thank you Lee Glover-Johnson for being by my side.

The investigation is at an early stage, the motive is unknown & we are keeping an open mind. A number of enquiries are underway, including a CCTV trawl. At this stage officers believe this to be an isolated incident. Anyone with info please get in touch. pic.twitter.com/lqJNrrqJSp  West Midlands Police (@WMPolice) September 30, 2018

A West Midlands Police spokesman said: The investigation is at an early stage, the motive is unknown and police are keeping an open mind.

A number of enquiries are under way, including a CCTV trawl, officers are also trying to identify what the substance was.

Police described the attack as an isolated incident.
Boris Johnson will use his eagerly-anticipated speech at the Tory conference to issue a clarion call to activists to believe in Conservative values.

In what will undoubtedly be seen as a pitch to replace Theresa May as leader, Mr Johnson will not only restate his opposition to the Prime Ministers handling of Brexit but call on Tories to focus on law and order, tax cuts and house-building in order to defeat Labour.

His call for Tories to stick to their tax-cutting guns will come as a rebuke to Chancellor Philip Hammond, who has openly admitted taxes will rise to help pay for the 20 billion spending boost promised to the NHS.

The Tory gathering in Birmingham is becoming a grudge match between the former foreign secretary and the Chancellor, who launched a savage assault on Mr Johnson in a series of newspaper and broadcast interviews.

Mr Hammond mocked his former Cabinet colleague by mimicking his style of speaking in an interview with the Daily Mail, in which he predicted that Johnson will never become PM.

Accusing Mr Johnson of lacking the attention to detail to succeed in grown-up politics, he dismissed the super-Canada Brexit deal favoured by the former foreign secretary as a fantasy world plan.

Extracts released ahead of Mr Johnsons speech to a fringe meeting on Tuesday suggest he will present himself as ready to stand up for Tory values and lead a fight against Jeremy Corbyns Labour.

It is the conservative approach that gets things done, so lets follow our conservative instinctsBoris Johnson

In what may be seen as a swipe at Mrs Mays focus on righting burning injustices in society, he will urge the party not to ape Corbyn but to take basic conservative ideas and fit them to the problems of today.

Speaking at a fringe meeting hosted by the ConservativeHome website, Mr Johnson will say: We must on no account follow Corbyn, and start to treat capitalism as a kind of boo word.

We cant lose our faith in competition and choice and markets but we should restate the truth that there is simply no other system that is so miraculously successful in satisfying human wants and needs.

We should set our taxes to stimulate investment and growth. We should be constantly aiming not to increase but to cut taxes.

It is the conservative approach that gets things done, so lets follow our conservative instincts.

Attacking Mr Corbyns leaders speech to Labours conference in Liverpool last week, Mr Johnson will say: It was astonishing that he had absolutely nothing to say about the wealth-creating sector of the economy  the people who get up at the crack of dawn to prepare their shops, the grafters and the grifters, the innovators, the entrepreneurs  he didnt mention any successes.

We Conservatives know that it is only a strong private sector economy that can pay for superb public services and that is the central symmetry of our one nation Toryism.

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Mr Johnson will pay only a flying one-day visit to a conference which has witnessed open warfare within the Tory party over Brexit, which critics say he has done nothing to calm.

He used a Sunday Times interview to describe Mrs Mays own policy on EU withdrawal as deranged and preposterous.

And he pointedly contrasted his record as the figurehead of the Leave campaign with that of the Remain-backing Mrs May, saying: Unlike the Prime Minister, I fought for this.

As Mrs May celebrated her 62nd birthday, Mr Johnson was pictured jogging through a field near his Oxfordshire home, in a photo apparently designed to mock the PMs famous memories of running through wheatfields as a mischievous schoolgirl.

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Mr Johnson is not speaking from the stage at this years conference, after walking out of Cabinet in July in protest at the plan agreed at Chequers for the UKs future relationship with the EU.

But his scheduled speech on the fringe is the hottest ticket of the four-day gathering, with activists expected to start queuing hours early for what is certain to be a jam-packed event.

In a round of broadcast interviews on Monday, Mr Hammond was repeatedly asked whether Mr Johnson could ever become prime minister, and stated several times: I dont believe that will happen.

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He told Sky News: Of course, Boris is a big personality, nobody is denying that. What Im saying is that the business of government is a process of attention to detail, follow-through, lots of hard work.

It isnt just about making flamboyant statements and big announcements, its about getting things done.
Philip Hammond ahead of his speech this afternoon at the Conservative Party annual conference (PA)

Chancellor Philip Hammond has launched a scathing attack on Boris Johnson, dismissing the former foreign secretarys Brexit proposals as fantasy world and repeatedly saying he does not expect him to become prime minister.

After a day in which Theresa May and senior Tories lined up to heap criticism on her most high-profile critic, the Chancellor mounted a sustained assault on his former Cabinet colleague in a newspaper interview and a series of broadcast appearances.

Asked by the Daily Mail whether Mr Johnson could become prime minister, Mr Hammond said: I dont expect it to happen, and suggested Mr Johnson could not do grown-up politics.

He went on to attack the flamboyant Brexiteer for having no grasp of detail on complex subjects like Brexit, suggesting his greatest achievement to date had been introducing the Boris Bike cycle scheme while London mayor.

The attack came at the end of the first day of the Conservative Partys annual conference in Birmingham in which its fault lines over Brexit were exposed with just weeks to go to settle a withdrawal deal with Brussels.

Mr Johnson had used a Sunday Times interview to describe Mrs Mays Brexit policy as deranged and preposterous.

In remarks that fuelled speculation about his leadership ambitions, the man who spearheaded the Leave campaign contrasted his position on Brexit with that of Mrs May, who backed Remain, saying: Unlike the Prime Minister, I fought for this.

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Mr Johnson is not speaking from the stage at this years conference, after walking out of Cabinet in July in protest at the plan agreed at Chequers for the UKs future relationship with the EU.

But his scheduled speech on the fringe of the gathering on Tuesday is the most hotly-anticipated event of the four-day conference, with widespread expectations he will use it to step up his assault on the PMs plans.

In a round of broadcast interviews on Monday, Mr Hammond was repeatedly asked whether Mr Johnson could ever become prime minister, and stated several times: I dont believe that will happen.

He told Sky News: Of course, Boris is a big personality, nobody is denying that. What Im saying is that the business of government is a process of attention to detail, follow-through, lots of hard work.

It isnt just about making flamboyant statements and big announcements, its about getting things done.

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He dismissed the former foreign secretarys call for the UK to negotiate a super-Canada free trade agreement with the EU.

It isnt about taking back control, its about fantasy world, Mr Hammond told ITVs Good Morning Britain, arguing that the EU had made clear that a Canadian-style FTA covering the whole UK was not on the table, as Northern Ireland could not be included.

When you go into a negotiation you have to understand the position of the people youre negotiating with, the Chancellor told BBC Radio 4s Today. Its no good just ignoring it and banging your head against a brick wall.

You have got to understand what their red lines are as well so you can try and find a landing ground you can both accept, which means a deal gets done.

Mr Hammond, who supported Remain in the 2016 referendum, insisted that he believes in Brexit and thinks there is a high chance that a version of the Chequers plan will be agreed. He told Radio 5 Live he was not having sleepless nights over the risk of a no-deal Brexit.

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But he acknowledged the UK economy has suffered as a result of the vote to leave the EU, telling BBC1s Breakfast: Clearly there has been a hit to our economy through the uncertainty that the Brexit process has caused.

Many businesses are sitting on their hands, frankly, waiting to see what the outturn of this negotiation is before confirming their investment plans, and of course that has an impact on the British economy.

But he added: I believe that when the Prime Minister lands this deal and brings it back, there will actually be a boost to the economy, as businesses start making those investments that theyve deferred over the last year or so, consumers start spending on big-ticket items as they feel more confident knowing where we are going in the future.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt used a Telegraph interview to warn Brussels it would stir up a Dunkirk Spirit if it forced Mrs May into a bad deal.

He told the paper: If President Macron thinks we will come crawling back desperate to rejoin the club in a few years time it is a profound misreading of our character.

Leave-backing Transport Secretary Chris Grayling offered his support to Mrs May during his speech to the conference, saying of Brexit: We are doing the right thing  but so is our Prime Minister.

He also said: I know under Theresa May this country will not accept a deal that is bad for Britain, or one that is bad for the union that is the United Kingdom.

We know that, so that is why I am backing, and we should all back, our Prime Minister.
Theresa May and other senior Conservatives have hit back at Boris Johnson after he claimed the Prime Minister's Brexit policy was "deranged" and "preposterous".

He also floated a series of policy ideas, including building a bridge to Ireland and halting the HS2 rail link.

Mr Johnson's incendiary comments came as the Conservative Party's annual conference began in Birmingham, with Mrs May seeking to put herself on the front foot by announcing a new levy on foreigners buying homes in the UK and plans for a national festival in 2022.

In remarks that will fuel speculation about his leadership ambitions, the former Foreign Secretary used a Sunday Times interview to say that "unlike the Prime Minister", he had campaigned for Brexit and believed in it. Asked about his suggestion that her Chequers plan for the future relationship between the UK and the EU was "deranged", Mrs May insisted she was acting in "the national interest". She told BBC One's The Andrew Marr Show: "I believe that the plan that we have put forward is a plan that is in the national interest. This is a plan which ensures we deliver on the vote of the British people."

Speaking to The Sunday Times, Mr Johnson sought to draw a contrast between his own approach to Brexit and that of the Prime Minister, who campaigned to Remain in the 2016 referendum.

"Unlike the Prime Minister, I fought for this, I believe in it, I think it's the right thing for our country and I think that what is happening now is, alas, not what people were promised in 2016," he said.

But Mrs May insisted: "I do believe in Brexit. Crucially, I believe in delivering Brexit in a way that respects the vote and delivers on the vote of the British people while also protecting our Union, protecting jobs and ensuring we make a success of Brexit for the future."

Mrs May said that the blueprint agreed at her country residence in July was not dead, despite being branded unworkable by EU leaders in Salzburg.
Dates have been set for the court hearing of Alex Salmonds legal action against the Scottish Government (Jane Barlow/PA)

Dates have been set for the full hearing of Alex Salmonds legal challenge against the Scottish Government.

The former first minister is taking court action against the Scottish Government to contest the complaints process activated against him in relation to sexual harassment allegations.

Two allegations, which he strongly denies, were made in January.

He has since resigned from the SNP and is pursuing a judicial review in Scotlands highest civil court.

We intend to demonstrate that the complaints procedure deployed against Alex by the Scottish Government was unlawfulSpokesman for Alex Salmond

The case is due to call at the Court of Session for a hearing set for four days from January 15, with an earlier procedural hearing on November 6.

A spokesman for Mr Salmond said: Alex is very encouraged that our Petition for Judicial Review has now been called in the Court of Session.

We intend to demonstrate that the complaints procedure deployed against Alex by the Scottish Government was unlawful. We will do our talking in that court.

The Scottish Government has previously vowed to vigorously defend the case, saying it is confident our processes are legally sound.
The first Emirates flight from Dubai to Edinburgh was welcomed with a water cannon salute and a piper (Mark Runnacles/PA)

The inaugural flight in a new daily service between Dubai and the Scottish capital has been welcomed at Edinburgh Airport.

The Emirates year-round service touched down at 3pm on Monday and the occasion was marked with a piper and a water canon salute for the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

The Edinburgh route becomes the third daily flight from Scotland to Dubai with Emirates already flying to the UAE from Glasgow twice a day.

Hubert Frach, Emirates divisional senior vice president, said: Todays flight marks the start of greater connectivity and more convenience for leisure and business travellers from the wider Edinburgh area and locations further afield, such as Aberdeen and Dundee, to destinations across Emirates global network via Dubai.

While for inbound travellers, particularly from cities in Asia and Australia, there is now a direct flight option to Scotlands most visited city by tourists.

Edinburgh Airport chief executive Gordon Dewar said: This is a great day for Scotland and Edinburgh. We know the power of connectivity  the more we can connect with cities and countries across the globe, the more opportunity for passengers. It makes our country stronger and culturally richer.

Our partnership with a world-class brand like Emirates strengthens and grows our countrys connectivity and we look forward to working with them to the benefit of passengers across the world. Weve built our success on making Edinburgh where Scotland meets the world and todays flight see us take a major step on that journey.
Nicola Sturgeon has announced a Scottish Government consultation will be held on a tourist tax.

The First Minister made the announcement during a speech at the Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) annual conference in Edinburgh.

She said the government believes the issue requires careful consideration.

We will be accepting the STAs call for an objective process of consultation  involving the STA, Cosla and other key partners  which will examine in detail the arguments for and against a tourism tax, she said.

We are determined that all voices will be heard and that the details of the process will be properly set out shortly.

Tourism Tax... @NicolaSturgeon acknowledges that there are different views andcwe must have an informed and evidence based debate. #STAConf #TourismTax  ST Alliance (@st_alliance) October 1, 2018

The STA said in a statement: The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) welcomes the First Ministers announcement that a formal stakeholder consultation into the viability of a tourism tax is imminent and will take into account the interests of Scotlands tourism and hospitality industry.

The STA reiterated its request to the Scottish Government last week that an objective, well-informed national debate takes place before any decisions are made on granting local authorities the power to raise additional funds via a transient visitor levy.

The move comes as the Scottish Governments opposition to tourism tax appears to be softening.

Current government policy does not support a tax, at odds with the SNP leader of Edinburgh City Council Adam McVey, who has been at the head of plans to make tourists pay to boost public services.

His administration has put forward proposals for 2 a night tourist tax in Edinburgh, which is projected to raise around 11 million a year.

Facing criticism from Labour on her governments tourist tax opposition, Ms Sturgeon said previously the issue would be under consideration ahead of the budget.

She said the government would listen to voices from all sides of the debate on the issue, including criticism from parts of the tourism industry, before making a decision.

Opposition parties are split on the idea of a tax, which is backed by the Greens and Labour but opposed by the Conservatives.

Scottish Conservative tourism spokeswoman Rachael Hamilton said the tax could cost more to administer than it would generate but her Labour counterpart Monica Lennon said it isnt credible adding a few pounds to hotel bills would put the industry at risk.

Scottish Greens local government spokesman Andy Wightman said: Scottish Greens have prevented cuts to councils in the last two budgets but weve given fair warning that we cannot discuss the next budget unless we see meaningful steps from the Government on fairer funding for local services.

A tourist tax is the very least of the steps that need to be taken to overhaul local government finance.
Theresa May believes her Chequers plan is in the national interest (Yui Mok/PA)

Here are five things we learned at the Conservative conference in Birmingham on Sunday September 30:

 Theresa May believes her Chequers plan is in the national interest.

This was her riposte to Boris Johnsons incendiary claim that her blueprint for a future UK/EU relationship was deranged.

Her choice of words left the distinct impression she believes the former foreign secretary is pursuing his own interest rather than the countrys.

 A teenage cyber-cadet force is to be recruited to help defend the nation against online attacks.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said 2,000 cadets a year would be trained on a 1 million GCHQ programme to protect our nation against sophisticated and evolving threats.

The project will be the first of its kind in a Nato state.

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 Brexit is rousing passions on the streets around the Birmingham conference centre.

Hundreds of demonstrators joined a Best for Britain rally in the city centre, including some Conservative activists waving Tories Against Brexit banners.

Meanwhile, in Solihull, a Leave Means Leave rally heard Tory backbenchers Peter Bone and Andrea Jenkyns call on the Prime Minister to chuck Chequers.

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 The Government wants to make it harder for foreign nationals to buy homes in Britain.

Mrs May announced plans for a stamp duty surcharge of between 1% and 3% to be imposed on sales of property to foreign nationals who do not pay UK tax.

The measure is designed to ease pressure on the housing market and make homes more affordable for Britons.

 Ministers are considering cutting business rates to help the high street.

Business Secretary Greg Clark told a fringe event that he believed the value of the high street to communities should be recognised  potentially through tax changes.

A presence on a high street makes a big contribution to the community, and to villages, towns and cities  and I think some recognition of that is required, said Mr Clark.

Business rates will be one way of doing that.
A European Commissioner who was arrested as a dissident by the KGB has offered to explain to Jeremy Hunt the difference between the EU and the Soviet Union.

Vytenis Andriukaitis was one of a flood of European politicians and diplomats who voiced their outrage after the Foreign Secretary compared the European Union with the communist-era USSR.

In his keynote speech to the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham on Sunday, Mr Hunt accused Brussels of seeking to punish Britain for wanting to leave the EU and compared it to the Soviet Union trying to stop its citizens leaving.

The comment  which came just days after Theresa May demanded respect from the EU  was denounced as unworthy of a British Foreign Secretary by the former head of the UKs diplomatic service, Lord Ricketts.

His successor as the Foreign Offices Permanent Secretary, Sir Simon Fraser, described it as a shocking failure of judgment.

Dear @Jeremy_Hunt

I was born in Soviet gulag and been imprisoned by KGB a few times in my life.

Happy to brief you on the main differences between #EU and Soviet Union. And also why we escaped the #USSR

Anytime. Whatever helps. https://t.co/c2h7gbnj59  Vytenis Andriukaitis (@V_Andriukaitis) October 1, 2018

Health Commissioner Mr Andriukaitis wrote on Twitter: Dear Jeremy Hunt. I was born in (a) Soviet gulag and been imprisoned by KGB a few times in my life.

Happy to brief you on the main differences between EU and Soviet Union. And also why we escaped the USSR. Anytime. Whatever helps.

Mr Andriukaitiss family were among tens of thousands of Lithuanians deported by Stalin to labour camps in Siberia in 1941. The Commissioner himself was born there in 1951 and did not see his Baltic homeland until seven years later.

As an adult, he was part of the dissident underground opposing communist rule, and was arrested and questioned by the KGB secret police.

In Brussels, the European Commissions chief spokesman Margaritis Schinas also suggested the new Foreign Secretary needed to learn some history.

I would say, respectfully, that we would all benefit, and in particular foreign affairs ministers, from opening a history book from time to time, Mr Schinas told a press conference. Thats the only comment I have.

German Europe minister Michael Roth said bluntly: Sorry, Jeremy Hunt, the EU is no prison!

Meanwhile, Latvias ambassador to the UK retorted that the EU had brought her country prosperity, equality, growth, respect after decades in which the Soviet Union ruined the lives of its people.

And Estonias ambassador in London, Tiina Intelmann, described Mr Hunts comments as insulting to those who lived under Soviet domination before the collapse of the communist regime in 1991.

EU and USSR not comparable. Soviet regime was brutal, I lived under it, comparison is insulting. @Conservatives @foreignoffice @Jeremy_Hunt @estembassyuk  Tiina Intelmann (@TiinaIntelmann) October 1, 2018

In his speech on Sunday, Mr Hunt recalled a visit to Latvia, during which he observed how the Baltic state had developed into a modern democracy, part of both Nato and the EU after breaking free of the Soviet Union.

And he asked: What happened to the confidence and ideals of the European dream? The EU was set up to protect freedom. It was the Soviet Union that stopped people leaving.

The lesson from history is clear: if you turn the EU club into a prison, the desire to get out wont diminish, it will grow, and we wont be the only prisoner that will want to escape.

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Lord Ricketts, who was the Foreign Offices most senior civil servant from 2006-10 before serving as National Security Adviser and ambassador to France, responded on Twitter saying: This rubbish is unworthy of a British Foreign Secretary.

The EU isnt a Soviet-style prison. Its legal order has brought peace and prosperity after a century of war.

Our decision to leave was always going to leave us worse off. The only punishment is the self-inflicted variety.

I agree with @LordRickettsP, my predecessor as Permanent Secretary @foreignoffice. Whatever you think about #Brexit, shocking failure of judgement for British Foreign Secretary to compare European Union with Soviet Union.... https://t.co/4gd4x0QtY1  Simon Fraser (@SimonFraser00) September 30, 2018

And Sir Simon Fraser, who led Britains diplomats from 2010-15 and is now vice-chairman of foreign affairs at think-tank Chatham House, said: I agree with Lord Ricketts, my predecessor as permanent secretary.

Whatever you think about Brexit, shocking failure of judgment for British Foreign Secretary to compare European Union with Soviet Union.

Latvian ambassador Baiba Braze said: Soviets killed, deported, exiled and imprisoned 100 thousands of Latvias inhabitants after the illegal occupation in 1940, and ruined lives of 3 generations, while the EU has brought prosperity, equality, growth, respect.

Ms Intelmann said: EU and USSR not comparable. Soviet regime was brutal, I lived under it, comparison is insulting.

And the Czech Republics deputy foreign minister, Tomas Petricek, said Mr Hunts comparison was unfortunate, adding: The EU is really not the USSR.

Our country has its experience of the Soviet sphere of influence. With Brussels we decide together on Europe, with Moscow decisions were made about us without us.

Ms Braze later appeared to play down any rift with Mr Hunt, sending a second tweet thanking him for his warm words and memories about his visit to Latvia and UKs contribution to our freedom in his speech.

Dear @faisalislam , just FYI - Soviets killed, deported, exiled and imprisoned 100 thousands of Latvia's inhabitants after the illegal occupation in 1940, and ruined lives of 3 generations, while the EU has brought prosperity, equality, growth, respect. #StrongerTogether https://t.co/BNUvmsgXnR  Baiba Braze (@NATOBrazeB) September 30, 2018

Asked about the Foreign Secretarys comments, Treasury minister Robert Jenrick told the Press Association: The point that Jeremy Hunt was making was that we want to continue to have very deep and good relations with the EU and we want the EU to treat us with respect.

We are friends, we are great trading partners and of course we have a very long history together, working on so many different levels  as security allies, as partners and as friends.
The father of a teenager who died after suffering an allergic reaction to a Pret A Manger sandwich has said she would be supporting her parents in their campaign to change the law.

The family are calling for a law change after Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, 15, from Fulham, collapsed on a British Airways flight from London to Nice in July 2016.

She had been on her way to a four-day break in France with her father and best friend when she bought an artichoke, olive and tapenade baguette as they passed through Heathrow Airports Terminal 5.

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Speaking on the Today programme on BBC Radio 4, Nadim Ednan-Laperouse, 53, said: At Natashas funeral, in front of 500 people, I promised that we would get justice for her death, justice for the future that no-one else should suffer such a needless and pointless death.

And thats what were trying to do today as a family. Were really trying to save other people, other families in the United Kingdom from, I think, any such thing happening to them.

He added: We are campaigning now, taking our voice if you like to raise awareness about this issue, which is actually an extraordinarily poignant one for families, and there are many in the United Kingdom that have allergic children, and we feel that what were saying will resonate deeply with them.

Asked what he thinks Natasha would make of their campaign, he said: Well Natasha was a very energetic girl, full of energy and always championed the underdog Shes renowned for that.

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Whatsapp Pret A Manger chief executive Clive Schlee speaks to the press outside West London Coroners Court on Friday (Jonathan Brady/PA)

And if anyone was picked on at school she would always side by them to help them through or claim what they were going through was unfair, and so with that in mind as her father, I say in my response to you that she would be in heaven looking down and saying, Yes, yes to daddy, yes to mummy, please make these changes go through. Its so important that others dont die or have terrible life-threatening injuries as a result of something so simple, so simple.

Pret boss Clive Schlee said the food chain was deeply sorry for her death after Coroner Dr Sean Cummings recorded a narrative conclusion at West London Coroners Court on Friday.

Mr Schlee said Pret wants to see meaningful change come from the tragedy.

Commenting on what the Pret boss said, Natashas mother, Tanya Ednan-Laperouse, 51, told the Today programme: My reaction is that things need to start changing right now.

Tomorrow is, for me, not soon enough. You dont need to have a law change to actually do the right thing.

And its not difficult for a company that produces the many millions of sandwiches and baguettes that it does to have a procedure in place to label accurately all their products.

Mrs Ednan-Laperouse said she hopes the entire food industry is listening, adding: The law does need to be changed, society needs to be aware that people live who are poisoned by these foods.

She told ITVs Good Morning Britain: If you met Natasha youd remember her. She had a crazy sense of humour. She was 15, she loved life, she loved boys, she liked her friends, she was a really good sister, a really, really good sister.

She was just  she would try anything. She had been up in a microlight when she was 10 years old, she took the wheel, she wanted to be a pilot. Its so ironic. She had big dreams.
European politicians and diplomats have turned their fire on Jeremy Hunt, after the Foreign Secretary compared the EU to the Soviet Union.

In his keynote speech to the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, Mr Hunt accused Brussels of seeking to punish Britain for wanting to leave the EU and compared it to the USSR trying to stop its citizens leaving.

The comment was denounced as unworthy of a British Foreign Secretary by the former head of the UKs diplomatic service, Lord Ricketts, while his successor as the Foreign Offices Permanent Secretary, Sir Simon Fraser, described it as a shocking failure of judgment.

German Europe minister Michael Roth told the Foreign Secretary: Sorry, Jeremy Hunt, the EU is no prison!

And a European Commission spokesman said: I would say, respectfully, that we would all benefit, and in particular foreign affairs ministers, from opening a history book from time to time. Thats the only comment I have.

Meanwhile, Latvias ambassador to the UK retorted that the EU had brought her country prosperity, equality, growth, respect after decades in which the Soviet Union ruined the lives of its people.

And Estonias ambassador in London, Tiina Intelmann, described Mr Hunts comments as insulting to those who lived under Soviet domination before the collapse of the communist regime in 1991.

EU and USSR not comparable. Soviet regime was brutal, I lived under it, comparison is insulting. @Conservatives @foreignoffice @Jeremy_Hunt @estembassyuk  Tiina Intelmann (@TiinaIntelmann) October 1, 2018

In his speech on Sunday, Mr Hunt recalled a visit to Latvia, during which he observed how the Baltic state had developed into a modern democracy, part of both Nato and the EU after breaking free of the Soviet Union.

And he asked: What happened to the confidence and ideals of the European dream? The EU was set up to protect freedom. It was the Soviet Union that stopped people leaving.

The lesson from history is clear: if you turn the EU club into a prison, the desire to get out wont diminish, it will grow, and we wont be the only prisoner that will want to escape.

Expand Close Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt speaks at the Conservative Party annual conference in Birmingham (Stefan Rousseau/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt speaks at the Conservative Party annual conference in Birmingham (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Lord Ricketts, who was the Foreign Offices most senior civil servant from 2006-10 before serving as National Security Adviser and ambassador to France, responded on Twitter: This rubbish is unworthy of a British Foreign Secretary.

The EU isnt a Soviet-style prison. Its legal order has brought peace and prosperity after a century of war.

Our decision to leave was always going to leave us worse off. The only punishment is the self-inflicted variety.

I agree with @LordRickettsP, my predecessor as Permanent Secretary @foreignoffice. Whatever you think about #Brexit, shocking failure of judgement for British Foreign Secretary to compare European Union with Soviet Union.... https://t.co/4gd4x0QtY1  Simon Fraser (@SimonFraser00) September 30, 2018

And Sir Simon Fraser, who led Britains diplomats from 2010-15 and is now vice-chairman of foreign affairs at think-tank Chatham House, said: I agree with Lord Ricketts, my predecessor as permanent secretary.

Whatever you think about Brexit, shocking failure of judgment for British Foreign Secretary to compare European Union with Soviet Union.

Latvian ambassador Baiba Braze said: Soviets killed, deported, exiled and imprisoned 100 thousands of Latvias inhabitants after the illegal occupation in 1940, and ruined lives of 3 generations, while the EU has brought prosperity, equality, growth, respect.

Ms Intelmann said: EU and USSR not comparable. Soviet regime was brutal, I lived under it, comparison is insulting.

And the Czech Republics deputy foreign minister, Tomas Petricek, said Mr Hunts comparison was unfortunate, adding: The EU is really not the USSR.

Our country has its experience of the Soviet sphere of influence. With Brussels we decide together on Europe, with Moscow decisions were made about us without us.

Ms Braze later appeared to play down any rift with Mr Hunt, sending a second tweet thanking him for his warm words and memories about his visit to Latvia and UKs contribution to our freedom in his speech.

Dear @faisalislam , just FYI - Soviets killed, deported, exiled and imprisoned 100 thousands of Latvia's inhabitants after the illegal occupation in 1940, and ruined lives of 3 generations, while the EU has brought prosperity, equality, growth, respect. #StrongerTogether https://t.co/BNUvmsgXnR  Baiba Braze (@NATOBrazeB) September 30, 2018

Asked about the Foreign Secretarys comments, Treasury minister Robert Jenrick told the Press Association: The point that Jeremy Hunt was making was that we want to continue to have very deep and good relations with the EU and we want the EU to treat us with respect.

We are friends, we are great trading partners and of course we have a very long history together, working on so many different levels  as security allies, as partners and as friends.

So we are asking the EU now to treat us with respect, to listen to us, to give us their feedback on the proposals we put on the table and to take them seriously because it is in both sides interests this autumn to secure a deal.

Asked if the EU was not treating the UK with respect, Mr Jenrick said: I think many people felt that the outcomes of the talks in Salzburg were disappointing. We put credible proposals on the table, we didnt feel that they had been listened to or that we had received the feedback we would have expected from the EU.

Senior Conservative Brexiteer Sir Bernard Jenkin, chairman of the Commons Constitutional Affairs Committee, rebuked the former mandarins for speaking out.

Sir Bernard said: It is utterly extraordinary that a former Foreign Office Perm Sec should attack a present Foreign Secretary in this way. This damages the reputation of the diplomatic service for political impartiality.
File photo dated 12/06/17 of Leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom, who has warned that Britain has a lot to do to safeguard its democracy from the threat posed by bullying and abuse.

Andrea Leadsom has told young Tories not to be fooled by Corbyn and his mad Labour party.

The Commons leader, speaking at a Conservative Party fringe event in Birmingham, said Labour wanted to take away from people that are working hard and give it to other people.

Ms Leadsom also said that university students were wrong to join Labour and should instead be looking to the Tories  which is a party of opportunity.

She said: I get the opportunity to go and talk to university students, very often I get the usual, Labour are for young people, Im just like, you are so wrong.

So often people feel, Im young, perhaps I should be a Corbynista, but then they realise that its the Conservative Party that is going to give them opportunities.

My message to you is never be fooled by Corbyn, dont be fooled into thinking you can get stuff for free, dont be fooled into thinking that if you just take away from people that are working hard and being successful and give it to other people then somehow thats going to make us all richer, its not.

Speaking to the Press Association after the event, Ms Leadsom said that if Labour were to come to power there would be massive job losses.

She added: I certainly will do everything in my power to see that this mad Labour party never sees anything like power ever again, it would destroy a generation of young peoples lives.
Comedian and TV presenter Patrick Kielty has taken to Twitter to make an impassioned argument against Boris Johnson's Brexit plan.

The Co Down man took issue with the Tory MP's latest article in the Telegraph headlined 'My plan for a better Brexit'.

He tweeted: "Dear Boris Johnson, there is no better Brexit when it comes to the Good Friday Agreement and Northern Ireland. As you still seem bamboozled by all this Paddywackery, here's a few pointers for your next stab in the dark.

"1. Northern Ireland is made up of a majority of Unionists (as in the Conservative and Unionist Party) and, believe it or not, a rather large minority of Nationalists (as in Irish Nationalists).

"2. These Irish Nationalists don't see themselves as British but rather inconveniently as Irish (who knew?).

"3. For over 30 years we killed each other because of these differences which means Northern Ireland is nothing like Camden or Westminster.

"4. The Good Friday Agreement ended that violence by the following devious magic - Unionists were guaranteed that Northern Ireland would be part of the UK until the majority voted otherwise.

"The Irish border was removed and the island linked so Nationalists could pretend they were already living in a United Ireland (yes, Tony Blair did sleight of hand much better than you).

"5. Some of these Nationalists then accepted being part of the UK as their day to day lives were essentially Irish.

"6. This cunning plan was sold to us on the basis that we were all part of the EU therefore fixation on nationality was so last World War.

"7. Implementing the Good Friday Agreement was torturous (think Brexit with actual bombs, not metaphorical suicide vests) but we finally made peace. Yet 20 years later NI remains a divided society.

"8. Thanks to your glorious Brexit vision NI will become more divided as some form of economic border checks will become part of daily lives.

"9. If those checks take place between NI and Ireland, the Nationalists who were once happy being part of the UK will change their mind.

"10. If they take place in the Irish Sea some Unionists will be livid. However they'll still support being part of the UK."

Mr Kielty went on to outline 10 more pointers in which he said "Brexit lies" had opened a Pandora's box for Northern Ireland and meant a border poll was now inevitable and could easily be lost by unionists.

"By the time the penny drops that you can't preserve the Union you want without the one you don't, it will be too late," he continued. "You will be remembered not as the Churchillian visionary you delude yourself to be but the ignoramus who triggered the break-up of the UK. If there's any justice all this will come to pass when you're Prime Minister so you can finally swim in the constitutional sewage you've created.

"Meantime, if you're so concerned about keeping Northern Ireland totally aligned with the rest of the UK where's your support for our same sex marriage and women's right to choose?"
Countries are meeting to agree a report on temperature rises of 1.5C above pre-industrial levels (Rui Vieira/PA)

The world is already well on the way to global temperature rises of 1.5C, experts have warned as countries meet to finalise a major report on the issue.

Representatives of 195 governments and scientists are meeting in South Korea this week to agree a report on the impacts of a rise of 1.5C above pre-industrial levels and the action needed to limit global warming to that level.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was asked to draw up the report after countries agreed to curb warming to well below 2C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit rises to 1.5C.

The tighter target was included in the global Paris Agreement on climate change agreed in 2015 amid fears that warming beyond 1.5C could threaten the survival of some countries, such as low-lying island states.

Long-term #climatechange indicators highlight need for urgent #ClimateAction. Rate of sea level rise is accelerating and much of the thick multi-year Arctic ice has melted. CO2 concentrations are record-high." WMO Deputy SG Elena Manaenkova at #IPCC https://t.co/wUCAmGbpLV pic.twitter.com/GuLfg7c2IN  World Meteorological Organization (@WMO) October 1, 2018

In order to stem rising temperatures, the world will need to cut out greenhouse gas emissions to zero and the report is likely to say that carbon emissions must fall to zero by 2050 to meet the 1.5C target.

It is likely to spell out the need for urgent and far-reaching changes, from clean energy to measures to remove carbon from the atmosphere.

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), which along with the UN Environment Programme sponsors the IPCC, has warned global temperatures have already climbed more than 1C above pre-industrial levels.

WMO deputy secretary general Elena Manaenkova said: Global mean temperatures in 2017 were about 1.1C above pre-industrial levels.

Unfortunately we are already well on the way to the 1.5C limit and the sustained warming trend shows no sign of relenting.

The past two decades included 18 of the warmest years since records began in 1850.

She added: Long-term climate change indicators highlight the need for urgent climate action.

Hundreds of experts have assessed all research on the subject to reach the reports conclusions and it will now be discussed by scientists and government representatives.

For decision-makers around the world, it is now their responsibility to listen and step up with real climate leadershipJennifer Morgan, Greenpeace International

Subject to approval, the summary for policymakers report will be published on Monday October 8, though there are concerns that some governments could try to water down the study.

But IPCC chairman Hoesung Lee told the opening of the meeting that governments had asked the IPCC to draw up the report to help them tackle climate change.

Together we will produce a strong, robust and clear summary for policymakers that responds to the invitation of governments three years ago while upholding the scientific integrity of the IPCC, he said.

Greenpeace international executive director Jennifer Morgan said the IPCC report comes in a year of climate impacts such as forest fires, heatwaves and typhoons, and the global community was fed up with inaction on the issue.

This IPCC report is our moment of truth. People are hurt and demanding action. Governments and industry have for too long wasted time on talk and finger-pointing.

But she said there was hope as the report would make clear the choices and the trade-offs.

For decision-makers around the world, it is now their responsibility to listen and step up with real climate leadership.
Macedonias government faces a political battle to push through a deal with Greece that would ultimately pave the way for Nato membership, after a referendum on the agreement won overwhelming support but with low voter turnout.

The European Union, Nato and the US urged the country to move forward with the necessary procedures.

Macedonias international partners have been eager to see the Balkan nation join international institutions, in a region where Russia has not been keen on Nato picking up new members.

The countrys prime minister Zoran Zaev declared Sundays referendum a success, noting more than 90% of voters approved of the deal that would change the countrys name to North Macedonia.

Expand Close Macedonias prime minister Zoran Zaev (Boris Grdanoski/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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He said he would now move forward with the next step, which is to seek a two-thirds majority in the 120-member parliament for required constitutional amendments.

If he fails, he said he would have no other choice than to call an early election.

The U.S. welcomes the results of the Republic of #Macedonias Sept 30 referendum. We strongly support the Agreements full implementation, allowing Macedonia to take its place in @NATO and the EU, contributing to regional stability, security, & prosperity. https://t.co/FaBKpi7JaF pic.twitter.com/N9Ik6FyosI  Ned Price (@StateDeptSpox) September 30, 2018

But opponents of the deal with Greece, who say it undermines national interests and had advocated for a boycott of the referendum, seized on the low turnout to interpret the result as a clear rejection of the agreement.

Near complete results on Monday showed 91.4% voted in favour, with a turnout of 36.8%.

The main opposition conservative VMRO-DPMNE party reiterated its interpretation of the votes result as being a clear rejection of the deal with Greece.

Referendum in : I congratulate those citizens who voted in today's consultative referendum and made use of their democratic freedoms. With the very significant "yes" vote, there is broad support support to the #Prespa Agreement + to the country's #Euroatlantic path. 1/2  Johannes Hahn (@JHahnEU) September 30, 2018

The people have clearly sent a message to Zaev that he has no legitimacy to push this deal.

Instead of manipulating he should face the reality and reject this agreement, which is at the expense of the Republic of Macedonia, it said in a statement on Monday.

Macedonias international partners called for parliamentary support for the deal.

We urge leaders to rise above partisan politics and seize this historic opportunity to secure a brighter future for the country as a full participant in Western institutions, US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said.

I welcome the yes vote in  referendum. I urge all political leaders & parties to engage constructively & responsibly to seize this historic opportunity. #NATOs door is open, but all national procedures have to be completed.  Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) September 30, 2018

EU enlargement commissioner Johannes Hahn tweeted that he expects all political leaders to respect this decision and take it forward with utmost responsibility and unity across party lines.

Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg urged the countrys politicians to engage constructively and responsibly to seize this historic opportunity.

He said on Twitter that Natos door was still open to Macedonia but all national procedures have to be completed.

The June deal with Greece aims to resolve a dispute dating from Macedonias declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in the early 1990s.

Expand Close Supporters of the movement for voters to boycott the referendum dance in Skopje (Thanassis Stavrakis/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Supporters of the movement for voters to boycott the referendum dance in Skopje (Thanassis Stavrakis/AP)

Greece, arguing its new northern neighbours name implied territorial ambitions on its own province of the same name, has blocked Macedonias efforts to join Nato since then.

Under the deal, the former Yugoslav republic would amend its name to North Macedonia and Greece would drop its objections to the country joining Nato.

Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras faces problems of his own.

His governing coalition partner, the right-wing Independent Greeks, opposes the deal and has vowed to vote against it, leaving him reliant on opposition support.
California governor Jerry Brown has signed the United States toughest net neutrality measure which requires internet providers to maintain a level playing field online.

The move prompted an immediate lawsuit by the Trump administration.

Advocates of net neutrality hope the move in the home of the global technology industry will have national implications, prompting Congress to enact national net neutrality rules or encouraging other states to follow suit.

But the US Department of Justice wants to stop the law, arguing that it creates burdensome, anti-consumer requirements that go against the federal governments approach of deregulating the internet.

Once again the California Legislature has enacted an extreme and illegal state law attempting to frustrate federal policy, US Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement.

The law is the latest example of the nations most populous state seeking to drive public policy outside its borders and rebuff president Donald Trumps agenda.

Mr Brown did not explain his reasons for signing the bill when the decision was announced.

It is set to take effect on January 1.

This is a historic day for California. A free and open internet is a cornerstone of 21st century life: our democracy, our economy, our health care and public safety systems, and day-to-day activities, said Democratic Senator Scott Weiner, the laws author.

The Federal Communications Commission last year repealed rules preventing internet companies from exercising more control over what people watch and see on the internet.

Californias law seeks to reinstate those rules.

We need Congress to step up with a national framework for the whole internet ecosystem and resolve this issue once and for allUSTelecom

Telecommunications companies lobbied hard to kill the bill or water it down, saying it would lead to higher internet and mobile phone bills and discourage investments in faster internet.

They say it is unrealistic to expect them to comply with internet regulations that differ from state to state.

USTelecom, a telecommunications trade group, said California writing its own rules would create problems.

Rather than 50 states stepping in with their own conflicting open internet solutions, we need Congress to step up with a national framework for the whole internet ecosystem and resolve this issue once and for all, the group said in a statement.

Net neutrality advocates worry that without rules, internet providers could create fast lanes and slow lanes that favour their own sites and apps or make it harder for consumers to see content from competitors.

That could limit consumer choice or shut out upstart companies that cannot afford to buy access to the fast lane, critics say.

The new law prohibits internet providers from blocking or slowing data based on content or from favouring websites or video streams from companies that pay extra.

It also bans zero rating, in which internet providers do not count certain content against a monthly data cap  generally video streams produced by the companys own subsidiaries and partners.

Oregon, Washington and Vermont have approved legislation related to net neutrality, but Californias measure is seen as the most comprehensive attempt to codify the principle in a way that might survive a likely court challenge. An identical bill was introduced in New York.
The United Nations highest court has rejected landlocked Bolivias bid to force Chile to the negotiating table over granting access to the Pacific Ocean.

In a legal ruling on Monday from the Hague-based International Court of Justice that was broadcast live throughout Bolivia, the 15-judge panel said that a string of agreements, memorandums and statements produced over decades of talks had not created a legal obligation on Chile to enter negotiations.

In a sweeping rejection of the Bolivian case, the court, by a 12 to three majority, dismissed eight different legal arguments presented by Bolivias lawyers.

The courts rulings are final and binding.

Expand Close Chiles President Sebastian Pinera, centre, accompanied by his wife Cecilia Morel, is embraced by people celebrating the ruling (Esteban Felix/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Chiles President Sebastian Pinera, centre, accompanied by his wife Cecilia Morel, is embraced by people celebrating the ruling (Esteban Felix/AP)

In Chile, President Sebastian Pinera described it as a great day for the country.

The International Court of Justice has done justice, he said.

He also accused his Bolivian counterpart, Evo Morales, who was in court for the hearing, of creating false expectations.

Bolivia lost its only coast to neighbouring Chile during an 1879-1883 war and the nation has demanded ocean access for generations.

Restoring Bolivias sovereign access to the sea would make a small difference to Chile, but it would transform the destiny of Bolivia

Restoring Bolivia's sovereign access to the sea would make a small difference to Chile, but it would transform the destiny of BoliviaFormer Bolivia president Eduardo Rodriguez Veltze

Chile has a coastline that stretches some 2,675 miles.

At hearings in March, the former Bolivian president, Eduardo Rodriguez Veltze, told judges: Restoring Bolivias sovereign access to the sea would make a small difference to Chile, but it would transform the destiny of Bolivia.

But Chile argued in court that its border with Bolivia was settled in a 1904 treaty and that it had no obligation to negotiate.

The world courts president, Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, agreed, but added that the decision should not be understood as precluding the parties from continuing their dialogue and exchanges, in a spirit of good neighbourliness, to address the issues relating to the landlocked situation of Bolivia, the solution to which they have both recognised to be a matter of mutual interest.

Expand Close A woman in La Paz. Bolivia watches the court ruling (Juan Karita/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Mr Morales sat in the front row of his countrys delegation in the wood-paneled Great Hall of Justice.

After the hearing, he cast Mr Yusufs words as a call to continue with the dialogue.

Meanwhile in Bolivia, disappointment swept across a crowd gathered in the Plaza Murillo in the capital, La Paz, where a giant screen had been set up to show the court session.

Expand Close Bolivias President Evo Morales gives a brief statement at the UN World Court after judges delivered their verdict (Peter Dejong/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Bolivias President Evo Morales gives a brief statement at the UN World Court after judges delivered their verdict (Peter Dejong/AP)

While there had been folkloric dances and celebrations before the ruling, people walked away in silence afterward.

This is an injustice for a country that lost its sea. We had hope in the court, said Segundina Orellana, an official with a coca growers group in the city of Cochabamba.

In an indication of the significance of the decision for both counties, Catholic bishops in Bolivia and Chile on Sunday called on their congregations to accept the courts ruling with faith, peace and good sense.
A referendum on changing Macedonias name as part of a deal that would pave the way for Nato membership has won overwhelming support, but voter turnout was low.

Prime Minister Zoran Zaev had hoped for a strong show of support in the referendum on whether to accept a June deal with Greece changing the countrys name to North Macedonia.

That would help him with the next step of winning parliamentary support for the required constitutional amendments.

Results from more than 97% of polling stations showed 91.3% of voters approving the deal. But turnout stood at just 36.8%, a far cry from the massive support the government had hoped for.

Expand Close A supporter of a movement for voters to boycott the referendum (Thanassis Stavrakis/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp A supporter of a movement for voters to boycott the referendum (Thanassis Stavrakis/AP)

Opponents to the name change had called for a boycott of the vote and celebrated in the street outside Parliament when turnout figures were announced.

Nevertheless, Mr Zaev declared the vote a success.

The people made a great choice and said yes to our future. It is time for lawmakers to follow the voice of the people and to provide support, he said.

There will be no better agreement with Greece, nor an alternative for Nato and the EU.

Mr Zaev said he would seek to secure the required two-thirds majority of the 120-seat parliament by next week for the constitutional changes.

If he fails, he said the only alternative would be to call early elections.

The deal with Greece has faced vociferous opposition from a sizeable portion of the population on both sides of the border, with detractors saying their respective governments conceded too much to the other side and damaged national interests and identity.

Expand Close People wait in a queue to cast their ballots (Thanassis Stavrakis/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp People wait in a queue to cast their ballots (Thanassis Stavrakis/AP)

In Athens, the Greek foreign ministry noted the contradictory result of the referendum  overwhelming approval along with low turnout  and said careful moves were needed to preserve the positive potential of the deal.

The agreement faces more hurdles before it can be finalised. If the constitutional amendments are approved by Macedonias parliament, Greece will then also need to ratify it.

But Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras faces political problems of his own. His governing coalition partner, right-wing Independent Greeks head Panos Kammenos, has vowed to vote against the deal, leaving Mr Tsipras reliant on opposition parties and independent politicians to push it through.

The June agreement aims to resolve a dispute dating from Macedonias declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in the early 1990s.

Greece, arguing its new northern neighbours name implied territorial ambitions on its own province of the same name, has blocked Macedonias efforts to join Nato since then.

Under the deal, the former Yugoslav republic would amend its name to North Macedonia and Greece would drop its objections to the country joining Nato.
Melania Trump is taking part in her first big international trip as US first lady without her husband.

She is embarking on a seven-day journey that will take her to the African nations of Ghana, Malawi, Kenya and Egypt, with the main focus on child welfare.

This years #UNGA reception was a success  thank you again to all who attended & @USAID for your support. Looking forward to spreading the message of #BeBest & representing the #USA as I travel to #Africa next week - #Ghana, #Malawi, #Kenya & #Egypt pic.twitter.com/UGTJdHw73t  Melania Trump 45 Archived (@FLOTUS45) September 28, 2018

Her first extended turn on the world stage without US president Donald Trump could still be complicated by her husband, even though he will be thousands of miles away.

Mr Trump has upset some African leaders with impolite comments about the continent, including the use of a vulgar term to describe some countries.

One commentator said Mrs Trump may end up having to repair relations as a result.
Senior Trump administration officials have insisted the White House is not micromanaging a new FBI background check of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and that senators are dictating the parameters of the investigation.

President Donald Trump initially opposed such an investigation in the face of sexual misconduct claims against Kavanaugh, but the president and Senate Republican leaders agreed to an inquiry after Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona made clear he would not vote to confirm Kavanaugh without one.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said oversight of the investigation belonged to the Senate.

The White House counsel has allowed the Senate to dictate what these terms look like and what the scope of the investigation is, she said. The White House isnt intervening. Were not micromanaging this process. Its a Senate process. It has been from the beginning, and were letting the Senate continue to dictate what the terms look like.

White House counsellor Kellyanne Conway said the investigation will be limited in scope and will not be a fishing expedition. The FBI is not tasked to do that.

Yet the precise scope of the investigation remained unclear.

Mr Trump told reporters the FBI, as you know, is all over talking to everybody and said this could be a blessing in disguise.

They have free rein, he added. Theyre going to do whatever they have to do, whatever it is they do. Theyll be doing things that we have never even thought of.

And hopefully at the conclusion everything will be fine.

The president revisited the question of scope on Twitter, writing in part: I want them to interview whoever they deem appropriate, at their discretion.

Ms Sanders said Mr Trump, who has vigorously defended Kavanaugh but also raised the slight possibility of withdrawing the nomination should damaging information be found, will listen to the facts of the FBI investigation.

But she expressed confidence that no new information will be uncovered, noting the allegations did not surface during the judges six prior background checks for positions in the executive and judicial branches of government.

I think were all pretty confident, given that weve been through this process a number of times, but we would assess that at that point, Ms Sanders said.

At least three women have accused Kavanaugh, a federal appeals court judge, of years-ago misconduct. He denies all the claims.

The lawyer for Deborah Ramirez, who has accused Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct when they were students at Yale classmates, has agreed to cooperate with the FBI.

Ms Ramirez alleged Kavanaugh exposed himself to her at a party in the early 1980s.

A third woman, Julie Swetnick, accused Kavanaugh and his high school friend Mark Judge of excessive drinking and inappropriate treatment of women in the early 1980s, among other accusations.

Kavanaugh has called her accusations a joke and Judge said he categorically denies the allegations.

Swetnicks attorney, Michael Avenatti, said his client had not been contacted by the FBI but was willing to cooperate with investigators.

Judge, who California professor Christine Blasey Ford says was in the room when a drunken Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her, said he will cooperate with any law enforcement agency that will confidentially investigate sexual misconduct allegations against them.

He has also denied misconduct allegations.

Expand Close Christine Blasey Ford waves as she testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday (Tom Williams/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Christine Blasey Ford waves as she testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday (Tom Williams/AP)

Lawyers for PJ Smyth and Leland Ingham Keyser, two others who Ms Ford said were in the house when she was attacked, have said their clients are willing to cooperate fully with the FBI.

An attorney for Ms Keyser reaffirmed her previous statement that she does not know Kavanaugh and has no recollection of ever being at a gathering or party where he was present, the Senate Judiciary Committee said in a statement.

Calls for an FBI investigation of Kavanaugh mounted after Ms Ford alleged he sexually assaulted her at a party when they were teenagers. Kavanaugh has denied being the perpetrator.

In duelling appearances on Thursday, he and Ms Ford told their stories during sworn testimony before the Senate Committee.

The panel voted on Friday, along party lines, to send the nomination to the full Senate, and Mr Flake then offered his proposal for the FBI investigation.

Mr Trump ordered the FBI to reopen Kavanaughs background investigation, delaying a final vote on the nomination.

The committee has said the probe should be limited to current credible allegations against Kavanaugh and be finished by Friday.

The FBI conducts background checks for federal nominees, but the agency does not make judgments on the credibility or significance of allegations.

The investigators will compile information about Kavanaughs past and provide their findings to the White House and include the information in Kavanaughs background file, which is available to senators.

Ms Sanders spoke on Fox News Sunday and Ms Conway appeared on CNNs State of the Union.
Irish nationalism has always had an uneasy relationship with the forces of law and order

The hatred of police is still alive and well in the psyche of extreme Irish republicans and it still contaminates wider public attitudes. Thus, as the commentator Stephen Collins pointed out in the Irish Times, last week the Irish Government ignored an interdenominational service at a Dublin church to commemorate the more than 500 members of the Royal Irish Constabulary and the Dublin Metropolitan Police who were murdered between 1919 and 1922.

Initiated and organised by retired gardai Gerard Lovett and Patrick McCarthy, this ceremony has been an annual event for six years.

There were representatives there from the Policing Authority, the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris - who served in the RUC, became Deputy Chief Constable of the PSNI and whose father was murdered by the IRA in 1989 - but the Government sent no one.

As Mr Collins explained, and some letter writers have confirmed, the usual justification for avoiding honouring the RIC is their association with some brutal actions during the Black and Tan period, but these reserve and auxiliary police from British Army backgrounds did not arrive until after 14 months of a merciless IRA campaign of murder and intimidation against local Irish-born, largely Catholic officers.

Subsequently, the predominantly decent, brave men of the RIC and DMP who had honourably served the lawful government had their reputations thrashed by their persecutors, just as happened in Northern Ireland with the RUC, and have been almost erased from the national memory.

Irish nationalism has always had an uneasy relationship with the forces of law and order, and its physical-force wings have loathed anyone in the uniform of the state.

The late Sean O'Callaghan, the repentant IRA killer who became an informer as part of his long journey of atonement, wrote of attitudes in his native Kerry.

"My father's family had taken the IRA side in the Civil War and was steeped in hatred of the British presence in Ireland and of subsequent native governments, who, they believed, sold out the ideal of an Irish Republic."

During the Second World War Eamon de Valera executed some IRA murderers, one of whom was Charlie Kerins from Tralee.

Chief of staff of the IRA, Kerins, who refused to recognise the court, was executed for the cold-blooded shooting of Detective Sergeant Denis O'Brien of Special Branch.

Local TD Dan Spring protested vociferously in the Dail, erected near his home a large monument to the memory of Kerins and named a nearby local authority housing development after him.

Kerins had been a successful player in the local GAA club which was named after Michael O'Rahilly, who was killed during the 1916 Rising.

At the instigation of Spring, it was renamed Kerins O'Rahillys.

O'Callaghan's paternal grandmother "was fiercely anti-British - indeed, anti-authority. She once told me when I was about nine: 'Never trust a policeman, even a dead one. They should always be dug up and shot again just to be sure'."

To his ever-lasting shame, at the age of 19 O'Callaghan murdered Detective Inspector Peter Flanagan in an Omagh pub. Afterwards he was blessed by a priest who was providing a safe house.

A bizarre aspect of the no-show at last week's service is that, as Mr Collins points out, during the centenary commemorations of 1916, the Irish state had rightly honoured the Irishmen who served in the British Army, including those involved in suppressing the rebellion.

However, there are signs of hope. The website of the GAA Club mentions O'Rahilly's role in 1916 but says of Kerins merely that he was "a well-known republican who played for the club in the 1930s".

And according to Mr Collins, the committee overseeing the decade of centenaries is seeking a way to commemorate all policemen "who have died serving the people of Ireland".

Last week, though, giving an oration in Milltown Cemetery for a former internee and Sinn Fein councillor, Gerry Adams listed events in 1969 that had "angered and outraged" young teenager Teresa Lunney, including "pogroms" and "the actions and of the RUC and the British Army".

Those desperate to justify the IRA's decades of murder are still loudly spreading their one-sided historical narrative.
The aim is to secure a one billion pound deal which, the backers believe, could deliver up to 20,000 new jobs through a 10-year investment strategy

People will be encouraged by the ambitious plan put together by Belfast and five other local councils and partners, which we report in today's newspaper.

The aim is to secure a one billion pound deal which, the backers believe, could deliver up to 20,000 new jobs through a 10-year investment strategy.

The prospects for growth are most impressive if everything works to plan, but as in many of these visionary initiatives, the devil is in the details.

The partners, who have joined forces with our two universities and further education institutions, are hoping that the 1bn of public funds can lever another 3bn of investment from the private sector.

The bid team are hoping that the Chancellor Philip Hammond will approve of a Treasury pledge of 450m in the next Budget on October 29.

There is also the hope that this amount of public money would be matched by Stormont, but this may depend on a return to power-sharing.

The possible deal, which has been forwarded to the Secretary of State Karen Bradley, is based on four basic areas: digital and innovation developments, infrastructure, tourism-led regeneration, and skills and employability.

So far, so good, and people will await the outcome of the bid with hope.

Certainly there is no doubt that this kind of big vision and thinking are necessary at a time when people desperately need a lift.

The disastrous fire at the Bank Buildings, and the job losses, are symbolic of the huge challenge which the city of Belfast and its people face.

A new deal for Belfast and the surrounding areas would provide new investment which in turn would mean new jobs, as well as a further boost to tourism, and an opportunity to showcase some of the best scenery and hospitality of our province, which has much to offer, but is often overlooked.

One of the strengths of the new bid is that it is backed by such a wide range of partners who are showing an initiative which the Stormont politicians from all parties sorely lack.

Over many years Belfast and other parts of Northern Ireland have shown tremendous resilience and resourcefulness against a backdrop of appalling violence and political deadlock, which would have deterred people in many other parts of the world.

The Bank Buildings disaster was a wake-up call, but this new plan, admittedly conceived some time before the fire, provides an opportunity for everyone to work together for a better future for all.
It's never good for a political party when, both inside and outside the support base, people are asking: "Do you think the leader will survive?" It has been an extraordinarily difficult 20 months for Arlene Foster; some of which is her own doing (mishandling the original response to the RHI story in December 2016, followed by an election in which, under her watch, unionists lost their overall majority in a local Assembly/Parliament for the first time), and some of which has flowed from the very public showdown between key Spads and officials at the RHI Inquiry (raising very important questions about where the real power in the DUP lies).

The overall impression is of a DUP that seems, at the highest levels, to be almost clinically dysfunctional. A party that used to mock the "around-the-clock Charlie Chaplin civil war mentality" of the UUP is now making it look like a role model of internal discipline, integrity and efficiency. And that's a particularly embarrassing fact for a DUP leader who defected from the UUP in January 2004, citing as one of her reasons for going that there was no sense of internal control or family spirit in her old party.

There isn't, at this point, a full-blown revolt against Foster. That said, there are levels of concern and discontent which haven't been apparent since the party became aware that its own grassroots - along with broader unionism - were very uncomfortable with the 'Chuckle Brothers' relationship between Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness in late 2007/early 2008. Within months Paisley - regarded by a majority of party officers and MLAs as a potential electoral liability - had been toppled and replaced by Peter Robinson. Foster may not have reached that point, but the very fact that some of her party colleagues are having off-the-record conversations with the media is a clear signal that she should be concerned.

The main thing she has in her favour (apart from the fact that there is no serious electoral threat to the DUP from the UUP/TUV) is that no one seems prepared to plunge the dagger, although she will also be aware that there isn't exactly a queue of people stepping up to the microphones and cameras to defend her.

Robinson was the only obvious successor to Paisley. Nigel Dodds and Foster were the clear joint package to replace Robinson and struck their own deal. But it's not so clear who would succeed her.

The DUP doesn't want a leadership contest. Coronations are easier to manage, as well as avoiding the policy squabbles which can make a formal contest bitter and messy.

Yet a coronation requires a unifying figure. In the continuing absence of an Assembly and with another general election a possibility (that picture becomes clearer after this week's Conservative conference), Dodds could probably step into the breach.

He is popular across the party and, just as important, is liked within broader unionism. But if he doesn't want the leadership - and he turned it down in favour of Foster - then it's hard to know who the choice would be. Jeffrey Donaldson, Edwin Poots, Simon Hamilton and Gregory Campbell all have their supporters, but the wider grassroots may not be overly keen on 'another' former UUP member taking over the reins.

Sammy Wilson gets mentioned, as does Ian Paisley, but I wouldn't rate their chances. After that, the party isn't exactly spoiled for choice in terms of high-profile contenders. But, in the event of an open contest, I wouldn't rule out a dark horse challenge.

The primary internal calculation boils down to this: how much damage is the final report of the RHI Inquiry likely to inflict on Foster?

Neither she nor the party will want a situation in which she is left with no choice other than resignation.

But with Jonathan Bell no longer an MLA, and all the other key figures unelected Spads, that only leaves Foster to carry the can if a political sacrifice is required in the aftermath of the report.

Equally, leaving her in situ as potentially damaged goods for months on end raises all sorts of other problems, not least of which is whether she can return as First Minister (assuming, of course, a deal is even possible anytime soon) with the prospect of a possibly hugely damaging report hanging over her head a few months down the line.

These are matters which key figures within the party will be considering. They have no choice.

The inquiry has been devastating for the public/political image of the party; damage has already been done and more damage will be done.

Foster's personal authority and negotiating hand have been seriously weakened and if she chooses to stay on then she, and the leadership team, need a rock-solid strategy and series of option papers to cover every eventuality.

If she is replaced - either in a coup or voluntarily - then the party still needs the strategy and option papers.

The most pressing problems are these: how do you deal with a small group of special advisers who seem to have exercised enormous control across and within the party? How do you end the present political impasse, and what compromises are you prepared to offer to reboot the Assembly? How do you ensure that the same problems are not now, nor will be repeated in other departments? How do you restore confidence in your former reputation for good governance? How do you restore confidence in the DUP? How do you regain the sort of moral high-ground which allows you to land political blows on Sinn Fein? What do you do if the present deal with the Conservatives crashes? And how do you prepare unionism for the political/electoral/challenges which will accompany a hard, difficult Brexit deal?

There is, of course, a wider dimension to all of this. When the lead party of unionism is under a relentless, ruthless, unflattering spotlight, it does have a knock-on impact on the unionist brand. Foster does not and should not bear sole responsibility for what is unfolding at RHI. But as leader, she does bear sole responsibility for what happens next. She must make the personal call about whether she can undo the damage.

Anyone thinking about removing and replacing her - either brutally or with a soft-landing resignation option - must also decide if they have the support and the strategy to address and resolve the greatest challenge the DUP has faced since it was founded exactly 47 years ago.

Whatever happens in terms of leadership, it will remain an extraordinarily difficult time for the party.
A CIVIL servant is still working for for a Northern Ireland department despite being convicted of having child abuse images a year ago.

The man, who Sunday Life has been barred from naming by a court gagging order, was given a three-year probation order in September last year.

He was also placed on the sex offenders register for five years and made subject of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).

Under the terms of the SOPO he is not allowed to use a computer connected to the internet unless it records his search history.

The parent is also banned from having any unsupervised access with any person under the age of 16 without the approval of his designated risk manager.

But following his sentencing last year, His Honour Judge McFarland ordered that no details that could identify him, his wife or children be published in any publication of any sort.

Judge McFarland made the order under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which guarantees the right to life, as there was an "ongoing threat" to him and his family.

The Department for Communities had not provided a comment at time of going to press.
A man originally from Northern Ireland who was killed while walking at night on a "dangerous" road in Auckland would have done anything for anyone, a friend has said.

John McKee, who had lived in New Zealand for a number of years, was a support worker at a rehabilitation centre for people with brain injuries.

The 49-year-old was found dead on Popes Road in Takanini, a suburb of Auckland, on September 15.

Two motorists said they saw a man believed to be Mr McKee hitch-hiking on a "dangerous" stretch a short time before his body was discovered.

One of them added she felt "sick" for failing to stop after she learned what had happened to him.

A friend of Mr McKee's who did not wish to be named said he was a "hard-working man who adored his children".

"He kept to himself and he would have run a mile if you wanted to take a photo of him," she added.

"He was kind, soft-hearted and was always willing to help others."

It is understood Mr McKee had a passion for and was a collector of abstract art.

A spokesman for local police said they were not looking for anyone in relation to the incident.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's anti-drug campaign that has left thousands dead has saved the country from becoming a narco-state, the country's top diplomat has told the United Nations.

Speaking before the UNs 73rd General Assembly in New York on Saturday, Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said that Dutertes war on drugs was meant to protect the citizenry from its effects and that suspected drug dealers and addicts killed were slain in legitimate operations.

As a sovereign and democratic country led by duly-elected president, we are on track in salvaging our deteriorating country from becoming a narco-state or a state held hostage by the high and powerful who ignore the plight of the poor, powerless and marginalized or both, Cayetano said in a speech, copies of which were made available Monday.

He said that the government respected human rights for all, although the government would not shirk its responsibility if made to choose between an innocent civilian and a drug trafficker.

In cases where we have to choose between protecting the rights of law-abiding citizens and law enforcers versus the rights of drug lords and criminals, it is clear we will protect the former, Cayetano said. Who wouldnt? Wouldnt you do the same?

His statement came two days after Duterte for the first time openly acknowledged that extrajudicial killings had happened in his 2-year-old government.

My only sin is the extrajudicial killings, Duterte said on Thursday, the first time that he had acknowledged that state agents had acted under presidential orders.

Earlier, he had maintained that the estimated 4,500 drug addicts and dealers slain in the drug war were killed when they put up a fight against police officers.

Rights groups have placed the number of those slain at close to 12,000  a shocking figure that eclipses the number of activists slain during the 20-year authoritarian rule of Ferdinand Marcos, who was toppled by a civilian-back military revolt in 1986.

Not an admission, spokesman says

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque insisted on Monday that the presidents statement did not amount to an admission because he did not explicitly admit to the crime of murder.

Id like to emphasize that there is actually no crime under domestic law or international law as EJK, Roque told reporters, using the local acronym for extrajudicial killings.

In fact this is a misleading term because killing in our Constitution and in our laws is never legal so there is no such thing as extrajudicial killings. So its either a lawful killing or an unlawful killing, he said.

He said that some critics were quick to jump on the statement because they think that it would bolster their complaints before the Hague-based ICC, where Duterte faces two complaints of murder and crimes against humanity, one of which was filed by relatives of people slain in the drug war.

Duterte has been angered by the ICC and as withdrawn the Philippines from an international treaty that created the court. But experts have pointed out that the withdrawal process would take a full year after a country files its notice of abrogation.

Roque reiterated that there is no pending preliminary investigation in the ICC as of yet.

He emphasized that the ICC could not assume on taking on the case because the Philippines has a working criminal justice system.

Those who have complaints against the president, better file their complaints against him here in the Philippines, he said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano talks about Philippine President Rodrigo Dutertes anti-drug war during the 73rd session of the U.N. General Assembly, Sept. 29, 2018. [AP]

Seems to be a confirmation'

But Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo said the presidents admission could only work against him.

First of all, thats long been debated. A lot of people say extrajudicial killings exist. The government denies it. It seems to be a confirmation that the critics are right in saying that a lot of these killings are above the law, Robredo said.

The Philippine leader has previously removed Robredo from his cabinet, accusing her of undermining his government.

Robredo, a lawyer and a known critic of Dutertes war on drugs, said she found it insulting for the families who lost their loved ones to the anti-drug campaign when government officials clarified the president was not serious in his public admission.

There is no stronger piece of evidence than a confession, she said. That in itself is evidence.

Jeoffrey Maitem from Cotabato City contributed to this report.
A Philippine Army member looks at the ruins of flattened homes and buildings in the southern city of Marawi, April 10, 2018.

A Pakistani man who is believed to be a member of the so-called Islamic State group has been intercepted at an airport north of the Philippine capital Manila, the immigration bureau said Monday.

Naeem Hussain, 36, was caught trying to enter the Clark International Airport in northern Pampanga province nine days ago after arriving aboard an Emirates flight from Dubai, deputy immigration commissioner Marc Red Marinas said.

Hussain, a trainer for the Islamic State, was on the bureaus watchlist. He was immediately booked and returned to his airport of origin, where authorities have been alerted, he said.

Marinas said Hussein had been working as a digital designer for the last 16 years, and had apparently been in the country in the past to visit his Filipino girlfriend who lives in the north.

He was turned away because he is on our alert list of suspected international terrorists for being an alleged trainer of ISIS, Marinas said, adding the foreigner was also denied entry in May this year. ISIS is another acronym for the banned group.

Hussain allegedly has been on the watchlist of the military intelligence community, which sought the immigration bureaus help in monitoring him.

It was not clear however why Hussain was deported, when he could have been arrested and turned over to authorities in Pakistan. Marinas did not explain when sought for clarification.

Militant who fought in Marawi slain

It was also unclear if the Pakistani had played a role in last years IS-led attack that destroyed southern Marawi city.

The attack was led by Isnilon Hapilon, the Philippine leader of the IS, who was backed by local militants as well as fighters from Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

They took over Marawi city, and fought fierce street-by-street battles against the military, which admitted to having been taken aback by the ferocity of the fighting. U.S. and Australian forces later helped in flying reconnaissance flights that pinpointed enemy positions.

An estimated 1,200 people were killed in five months of fighting, but close to a hundred enemy fighters were able to slip through the tight military cordon around the ruined city, authorities said. They were believed to have infiltrated remote Muslim areas in the south and are said to be engaged in recruitment.

Item seized from a known bomb maker who escaped after fighting in Marawi are displayed after he was killed in a clash with soldiers on Sept. 30, 2018. [HO/4th Mechanized Infantry Brigade]

Meanwhile, a soldier and a militant who had escaped from Marawi were killed in a clash on Sunday in the town of Tagoloan town, near the ruined city.

Lt. Col. Bernardo Taqueban of the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army identified the fatalities as Hajdi Rasol Mabuay, alias Kumander Mercury, and Staff Sergeant Edgar Lumantas.

Mabuay was involved in the Marawi siege, but managed to escape. Troops had received information of his whereabouts and were about to arrest him when he put up a fight.

"The firefight lasted for about twelve minutes and resulted to the killing of Kumander Mercury, Taqueban said, adding that troops had also recovered a semi-automatic rifle and bomb-making materials. He said another ranking militant managed to escape.

Mabuay was a known bomb maker allied with Hapilon. He was once a ranking commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which later disowned him due to his extortion activities and involvement with more radical fighters who would later constitute the main fighting force of Hapilon in Marawi.

The MILF was the countrys main Muslim insurgent force until four years ago, when it signed a peace deal to settle for expanded Muslim autonomy in the south.
A resident unloads his dogs in the Cane Bay High School parking lot during the Florence evacuations.
By Bob Cunningham 18

Lauren Riggleman has always loved music and helping others. At Bowling Green State University, she will be able to pursue both passions by majoring in communication sciences and disorders (CDIS) and minoring in voice.

Being able to really study voice and how it works and being able to help people, especially children, is a big reason why I chose BGSU, said Riggleman, who plans to work in pediatrics one day. Its really rewarding, and its something I can tie voice and singing together with and make it my own.

I liked BGSUs CDIS program from the very beginning. Every time I came here, all of the people were so nice, which made a large school feel like a small-school environment. I wouldnt be just a number and I would be valued here. I would be able to do what I want to do and be in a nurturing environment where I could explore different interests and passions of mine.

Riggleman, who grew up in Newark, Ohio, is a member of BGSUs Class of 2022, the most academically prepared class in Universitys history. There are more than 3,600 new students in the freshman class, which has an ACT average score of 23, SAT average score of 1,110 and average GPA of 3.46, also a University high.

In fact, she is a recipient of the Presidential Scholars Award, through the Honors College. Its an in-state, full-tuition scholarship that is renewable. To be eligible for the award, incoming freshmen must have at least a 3.8 cumulative high school GPA on a 4.0 scale, and either a 30 ACT composite or 1390 SAT score.

"Lauren is not only an outstanding student, but she also cares deeply for her community," said Katrina Heilmeier, a recruiter for the Honors College. "We are lucky to have her at Bowling Green State University and the Honors College. We are confident that while she is here she will make an impact on those around her."

Riggleman said the University hadnt been on her radar until she was invited to campus to interview for the scholarship.

I ended up getting the scholarship and then I came again to audition for the College of Musical Arts, she said. At that point, I went on a private tour with one of the CDIS majors and it was really cool to learn more about the program. I knew it was the right choice for me.

Riggleman is settling into campus life.

So far, Ive really liked my classes and all of my professors, she said. Living on campus has been different, as well as being away from my family. Ive been meeting new people, and some of my friends are people I knew before I got here, so thats helped with the transition.

Volunteering is also important to Riggleman.

Theres a camp in my town where a lot of underprivileged kids go, and I volunteer there a lot, she said. Through my high school, Newark Catholic, there were a lot of service opportunities. For our National Honor Society, we had to get 50 hours of service. I volunteered at the local theater and I worked at the drama camps for the school. My favorite one, though, was definitely Camp OBannon and being able to help those kids.

Riggleman plans to join the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association for CDIS majors. She also wants to join a sorority for service opportunities and be involved with the Catholic Falcon Community.

Music, however, will always be close to her heart. She took piano lessons when she was younger and taught herself how to play ukulele and guitar. She enjoys musical theater and alternative and 70s music.

Plus, I auditioned for the a cappella choir and made it, she said. Im so excited.
In this case, she's able to draw out and sensationalize the story of a man with a cracked car windshield being chased at high speed by a...
For Immediate Release, October 1, 2018 Contact: Abbie Fink, HMA Public Relations, 602-957-8881 x 208, afink@HMAPR.com (for the Havasupai Tribe)

Ted Zukoski, Earthjustice, (303) 641-3149, tzukoski@earthjustice.org

Roger Clark, Grand Canyon Trust, (928) 890-7515, rclark@graqndcanyontrust.org

Taylor McKinnon, Center for Biological Diversity, (801) 300-2414, tmckinnon@biologicaldiversity.org

Sandy Bahr, Sierra Club, (602) 999-5790, sandy.bahr@sierraclub.org

Kevin Dahl, National Parks Conservation Association, (520) 603-6430, kdahl@npca.org U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Hear Industry Challenge to Grand Canyon Uranium Mining Ban GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. The U.S. Supreme Court today declined to hear the mining industrys challenge to the 20-year ban on new uranium mining near the Grand Canyon. The National Mining Association and the American Exploration and Mining Association claimed the Interior Departments ban is based on an unconstitutional provision of federal law. Todays decision means that the Supreme Court will not review Decembers appeals court decision that rejected industry arguments and upheld the ban. The Havasupai Tribe and a coalition of conservation groups, who helped successfully defend the ban in lower courts, praised the decision. The lands in and around the Grand Canyon have always been the homeland of the Havasupai People, said Muriel Coochwytewa, chairwoman of the tribe. Our ancestors lived and died amongst the sacred sites that cover this land. The mineral withdrawal is a necessary way to protect the land and the water that our people and our village depend upon, and we are grateful that the Supreme Court has agreed with the 9th Circuits conclusion  that our lands and our people must be preserved. This is a great day for the Grand Canyon region, for the Havasupai people who rely on its sacred waters, for the people who love this wonder of the natural world, and for the wildlife that call it home, said Ted Zukoski, an Earthjustice staff attorney who opposed the mining industrys petition. Todays decision slams the door on false claims that the 2012 ban on new uranium mines around the Grand Canyon was illegal, said Roger Clark with the Grand Canyon Trust. By deciding not to hear the mining industrys appeal on the ban, the Supreme Court has sided with Arizona voters in both political parties, the Havasupai Tribe, hunters and anglers, local governments and businesses, outdoor recreationists, and millions of visitors to the Grand Canyon every year. This is good news for everyone who cares about Grand Canyon, its waters and wildlife, and certainly the people who live in and around the Canyon, said Sandy Bahr, Sierra Clubs Grand Canyon chapter director. While this is great day for Grand Canyon, our work to protect it from existing mines and support for the work to clean up the mines that litter the landscape on public and tribal lands must continue. These spectacular public lands deserve permanent protection from dangerous uranium mining, said Taylor McKinnon with Center for Biological Diversity. Our region already suffers from seven decades of uranium-mining pollution. Every dollar spent planning new uranium mines is a dollar that should be spent cleaning up that deadly mess. After an extensive review process and substantial public participation, the Department of the Interiors original decision to protect one of the worlds most enduring landscapes, the Havasupai, and millions of visitors and downstream water users was a strong and appropriate one, said Kevin Dahl of the National Parks Conservation Association. We commend the Supreme Court for upholding the ban with this decision. The mining ban, adopted in 2012, protects the aquifers and streams that feed the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon from toxic uranium-mining pollution and water depletion. Without the ban, the Interior Department predicted hundreds of exploration sites would be dug and dozens of new mines developed. That would threaten the Grand Canyon with toxic uranium pollution and depletion of critical groundwater. The Havasupai Tribe, Grand Canyon Trust, Sierra Club, Center for Biological Diversity and National Parks Conservation Association intervened in the case in 2013, shortly after the mining industry challenged the ban in federal court. The groups have defended the ban since, together with the Interior Department in both the Obama and Trump administrations. The coalition and the Interior Department won a 2014 decision in the U.S. District Court in Arizona upholding the mining withdrawal. Mining companies appealed the decision. In December the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the ban as constitutional and ruled that the protected area was not too large, as mining companies had argued. Uranium mining companies have no more avenues to challenge the ban in court. But they are pressing the Trump administration to subsidize U.S. uranium mining by requiring more of the element be mined domestically, and by reducing public involvement and agency oversight of mining on public lands.



Background

Uranium pollution already plagues Grand Canyon and the surrounding area. Proposals for new mining have prompted protests, litigation, and proposed legislation. Dozens of new mines threaten to industrialize iconic and sacred natural areas, destroy wildlife habitat and pollute or deplete aquifers. Scientists, tribal and local governments, and businesses have all voiced support for the protections enacted by Interior. An Interior Department study showed that without the mining ban, 26 new uranium mines and 700 uranium exploration projects would be developed  an average of one every 10 days. These projects would bulldoze more than 1,300 acres and use 316 million gallons of water that feeds the regions iconic falls and streams. One of the great symbols of the American West, Grand Canyon was first protected as a national monument by Theodore Roosevelt in 1908 and established as a national park in 1919. The park is surrounded by millions of acres of public lands that include wilderness areas, two national monuments, lands designated to protect endangered species and cultural resources, and old-growth ponderosa pine forests. The canyon area is home to the Havasupai, Kaibab Band of Paiutes, Hualapai and Hopi tribes, and the Navajo Nation, and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. In 2016 the greater Grand Canyon region attracted more than six million tourists and recreationists. Grand Canyon tourism contributed $904 million to local economies and supported nearly 9,800 jobs.
OPPI which represents the research-based pharmaceutical companies, announced the newly elected Board of Directors for 2018-19 at its statutory AGM held on Friday, September 28, 2018.

The Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI), which represents the research-based pharmaceutical companies, announced the newly elected Board of Directors for 2018-19 at its statutory AGM held on Friday, September 28, 2018. A. Vaidheesh, Vice President, South Asia & Managing Director, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd. has been re-elected as the President for OPPI, for the second year.

Speaking on his role, A. Vaidheesh, President- OPPI said, 2017-18 has been a year of big changes for healthcare in India. Universal Health Coverage, Big Data and personalized medicine continue to define this healthcare transformation. With the launch of Ayushman Bharat, health has gained its well-deserved attention. OPPI members are consistently innovating and investing in science and patient care for better patient outcomes. OPPI continues to collaborate with the Government on access to quality medicines and to establish the value of innovative medicine in the country. OPPI will continue to partner with all the stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem and work towards building ethical, innovative and progressive pharmaceutical ecosystem in India.

Kanchana TK, Director General-OPPI said, We congratulate Vaidheesh on his re-election as the President. Under Vaidheeshs leadership in 2017-18, OPPI had worked on a focused approach to innovation, access to quality medicine and an ethical ecosystem to foster trust with patients. We look forward to his guidance in leading us as we advocate for policies that promote scientific temperament and innovative mindset for a progressive India where Health Meets Hope.
There were 12 keynote lectures and 80 talks over the course of three days.

SciGenom Research Foundation (SGRF), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting science in India through research and education, organized the 8th annual conference on NextGen Genomics, Biology, Bioinformatics and Technologies (NGBT) Conference in Jaipur from September 30th to October 2nd.

The conference showcased the application of NextGen sequencing and genomic technologies for basic and translational science in all areas of Biology, including human genetics, drug discovery, clinical medicine, biomarkers, diagnostics, animal, plant and agricultural sciences. It also covered basic biology, cellular signaling, cancer and plant biology.

Speaking about the conference Dr Sekar Seshagiri, NGBT Conference Chair said, Genomics is clearly the future in the healthcare space especially when we need precision care to manage life threatening disorders. The science directly impacts the cost of healthcare positively by providing insights to deliver personalized care to patients. NGBT is an ideal platform to share knowledge and find out about the new and emerging technologies in biology or biology-enabling technology areas like genomics. Such forums help in understanding the real life challenges and the ways to address them by engaging renowned experts from across the globe.

The 2018 NGBT conference was jointly hosted in collaboration with Toronto Recombinant Antibody Centre (TRAC), Toronto, Canada, Birla Institute of Scientific Research (BISR), Jaipur, India, Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS), Jaipur, India, Eternal Heart Care Centre & Research Institute (EHCC), Jaipur, India, SMS Medical College Hospital (SMSMC), Jaipur, India, and Institute of Bioinformatics (IOB), Bengaluru, India.

The conference featured technology leaders representing National University of Singapore, University of Toronto, University of Montreal, Pacific Biosciences, MedGenome, Genentech, Indian Institute of Science, BGI, Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB), Johns Hopkins University, 10X Genomics, Nature Genetics, National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, REVOLUTION Medicines and other leading organizations from across the world.

Genomics industry is still at a nascent stage in India. While genomic profiling is the way forward for healthcare, we need to create ample awareness amongst medical community to leverage its potential. NGBT conference provides a platform that brings together accomplished national and international speakers, thinkers and thought leaders that shape the course of scientific discovery, research and innovation. India with its huge biodiversity and genetic pool, can contribute much more to the world's genomic database and to the growth of future medicine. NGBT provides an environment of exchange of ideas and provides opportunities for people to form collaboration. said Sam Santhosh, Trustee, SGRF (SciGenom Research Foundation) and Founder & Chairman, MedGenome.

Dr. Kuldeep Singh, Director ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi, has been awarded the 2018 SGRF Excellence in Science Award. He will be delivering the award lecture and accepting the award at the 2018 NGBT in Jaipur.

At the 2018 NGBT, on Oct 1st, Dr. Manjunatha Kini, NUS, Singapore, is organizing a special symposium Live and Let Live: Snakebite Cure Symposia that will bring together experts on snakes and snake bite with a mission to find better treatments for snake bites.

The 2018 NGBT conference was attended by over 800 delegates from India and various parts of the world. There were 12 keynote lectures and 80 talks over the course of three days. The highlight of this years conference was the "Live and Let Live: Snakebite Cure Symposia" that brought together experts on snakes and snake bite with a mission to find better treatments for snake bites.

SGRF also announced over 100 meeting scholarships for students pursuing scientific research. The recipients of the scholarship were selected based on abstracts submitted for the NGBT conference.
Indian Medtech Industry an important driver for the roll-out of the scheme.

The recently concluded 11th Medtech Conference of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) brought together industry stalwarts and officials from the government machinery to deliberate on the past achievements and way forward for the medtech industry and its impact on the evolving healthcare scenario in India.

Delivering the keynote address, Suresh Vazirani, Chairman & Managing Director, Transasia Bio-Medicals Ltd. turned the spotlight on the recently launched, Ayushman Bharat Yojna. Terming this Universal Healthcare Scheme as a historical landmark for mankind, he said, The Ayushman Bharat scheme is a well-timed recognition for the health of its people. The government and industry need to now join hands to ensure that it is truly beneficial to the targeted 500 mn population.

In a country where 80% of the medical devices are imported, providing affordable healthcare poses a big challenge. To ensure healthcare at an annual rate of Rs. 1200 for a family of five, we cannot depend on importing medical devices from developed countries where the average labour cost is Rs. 1200 per hour. Thats the lacuna we need to address, emphasized Mr. Vazirani.

Sharing his perspective on the way forward, he further stated, True patient care begins with accurate diagnosis. Currently we need to overcome the roadblocks of quality, affordability and reach. As a country we need to focus on Make in India to bridge this gap. Certain policies such as inverted duty structure need to be revisited, in order to ensure the successful implementation of the Make in India concept and the Ayushman Bharat scheme at large.

He cited China as an example of a country that used to rely heavily on imports, but with favourable policies they have now turned the tables; ensuring 80% indigenous manufacturing. The world has its eyes set on the success of the Ayushman Bharat scheme. And I am positive that if in the next five years, we can Make in India, our medical devices, we will be in a position to drive this scheme to 4 billion people worldwide. That is the power of Make in India, he added.

As per available government data, for every 10,000 patients, there are only 7 doctors, 17 nurses/midwives, 1 dentist and 5 pharmaceutical personnel available. These numbers are far lower than the WHO benchmark of 2.5 doctors and nurses per 1000 people, which reflects the grim reality of Indian healthcare system. Experts believe that this poses a bigger threat to current establishment. However, the real challenge is unavailability of skilled manpower in the healthcare realm and underutilization of current resources is also creating havoc to the already existing talent crunch.

Ashish Jain, CEO, Healthcare Sector Skill Council, said The Skill gap in the healthcare sector is well known. HSSC is working towards bridging this gap with active collaboration with industry. HSSC would invite medical device sector to work closely with HSSC so that Human Resource could be developed not only for India but for the world realising the vision of the Honble Prime Minister of India; to make India Skill capital of the world.

Although government plans to open more medical colleges to improve the projected shortfall of resources, but experts believe that complexity of situation calls for more concrete steps beyond primary health level. Also, there is a misinformation that scarcity of skilled personnel is mainly in rural India and not in urban areas which is not entirely correct.

With the governments prioritisation in healthcare, we are hopeful about the future ahead. Studies show that India could possibly be the largest supplier of healthcare workforce to the world. With such a demand, it is an opportunity for BD as a part of the industry to strengthen the capabilities of existing and future healthcare professionals, says Pavan Mocherla, Managing Director, BD India & South Asia.

The significant knowledge gap in the healthcare workers can ultimately compromise the quality of care provided by them, therefore, training and teaching them about management and prevention of diverse disease burden in India can help achieve the health goals to an extent. Well trained and well organised health professionals will play a substantial role in effective care management.
Christopher Omenye is an Afro-dancehall artiste from Nigeria. His most notable releases include Anya, SOS, Pass the AUX and a feature on Major Lazers Run Up remix.

He spoke to Buzz about why he does not regret quitting medical school to pursue music.

How did you get into music? I loved music ever since I was a child, and even my toy was a Palito hand-held radio. That made me know genres like reggae, dancehall, house and high life from a young age.

How did you begin expressing this passion? In school I would perform covers of songs at the social events. I would just do it for girls back then.

Do you remember the first song you composed? It was a rap song called Ewo and it was an Igbo song. I hated the song because I was so caught up in the western culture that performing a song that wasnt in English didnt feel good. However, everyone else was loving it. It spread to neighbouring towns and thats how I met MI and Ice Prince.

How did you meet them? My mum introduced me to our church keyboardist, Michael E, and he took me to the only studio that had the equipment to transfer the beats we had created from diskette to CD, which was in Bauchi State. MI was the studio engineer there. I recorded my first song there and they were impressed by it.

How did you end up in a group? I met Chopstix, who is my producer, and J.Milla along the way. We loved and had understanding of the same type of music. Sometimes, in order to conquer you need to be a crew. Thats how Grip Music label came up, but we were still doing solo projects even as we identified as Grip Boiz.

How did you get into the Lagos scene? I dropped out of medicine school to move to Lagos. I couldnt concentrate in class and I hardly had time for performing and touring. I did a freestyle titled Red Rose as the first song I released in Lagos, but SOS was my breakout song that got me an MTV MAMA music video of the year award nomination.

Why take a breather then? I became broke after a year in Lagos; it was too expensive compared to just eating from your farm like we did back in Jos. I also was doing music because I loved it and didnt understand the art of doing records. People thought I was making money and I was being charged for tracks, videos, rent and all other expenses. I went back home and pursued a degree in Accounting at my mums behest. I graduated last year.

You released an album which had your mum on it. Shes okay with you in music now? My mum raised me singlehandedly, shes very important in my life. Until I gave her that degree, she had only given me permission to do music but not her blessings. She told me I could do anything I please now, and she features on a gospel song in my album. The album is called Better Late Than Never because it had seemed like this was not going to happen. I believe it has taken off smoothly because of her blessings. I also got signed to Chocolate City which collaborates with my own label Zimm Life.

How long were you working on the album? Some of the songs like Nina and Superman had been recorded almost four years ago.

What do fans mean to you? They are the reason I got here. Before I even got signed, they were pushing my music to radio stations and deejays in clubs to play the songs. They knew dancehall was not a general genre in Nigeria, before Burna Boy, Cynthia Morgan and Patoranking came up, but they stuck with me.

Are you working on collaborations in East Africa? Yes, with Vanessa Mdee, Harmonize, Joh Makini and Sauti Sol. Sauti Sol will be on the remix of Nina and we plan to shoot the video when I return to Kenya.

What do you say about complaints that Nigerian artistes dont support Kenyan music even in collaborations they feature? I dont make music with someone whom we dont have a connection with. Its not just about numbers for me, we both have to know that its our song. If the labels make that deal or your team just sends the song and pays for the collaboration, then you cant blame an artiste for just doing his obligation and not promoting it.

What do you like about Nairobi? The weather is cool and the people are calm. It reminds me of Jos. Lagos is hectic.
Using Pigeon Droppings! Can you imagine using pigeon droppings as an ingredient to cure baldness? Well, Hippocrates who was considered to be the father of modern medicine had recommended a treatment that consisted of various ingredients like pigeon droppings, opium, beetroot, horseradish, and also a mixture of different spices to cure hair loss. WTH! This Woman Drinks Her Dog's Urine To Clear Acne

By Using The Bull Semen According to hair experts, the bull semen is believed to be incredibly rich in protein as it helps to feed and stimulate hair growth. It is still used in salons across the US and UK. Bizarre Beauty Practices From Around The World

The Cow Urine Cow urine is still used today to treat a wide range of conditions in India. The urine is believed to be useful in the treatment of hair loss. It is thought that the urine used in the procedure should be used from a virgin cow. The urine is supposed to be collected and drunk before sunrise. To make things easy, an Indian company also released a soft drink that contains 5 percent cow urine.

The Hot Sauce Trick According to reports, in a 2003 article published in the Korean Journal of Dermatology, the researchers described how capsaicin helped to regrow hair at a faster rate on mice. However, unfortunately, when it was tested on humans, the result was not positive.

The Egyptians Used Animal Fat During the ancient times, the Egyptians recommended a bizarre treatment to cure baldness. The therapy suggested that baldness could be cured by applying a balm that consisted of the mixed fats from different animals like the lion, hippo, crocodile, along with that of cat, serpent, and ibex as well.

By Using Ground Mice And Horse Teeth This bizarre treatment of curing baldness was tried by none other than Cleopatra who was the lover of Julius Caesar. She made a remedy using ground mice and horse teeth. However, unfortunately, it did not work, and instead, he started wearing a laurel wreath to hide his baldness. Disgusting Viral Video Of A Man Eating Live Snake! Yikes!!
We start the new month by looking at todays biggest stories.

Indonesia earthquake and tsunami death toll surpasses 830 As rescue workers comb through chunks of concrete and lumber searching for survivors, Indonesian officials say that 832 people were killed in a powerful earthquake and tsunami on the island of Sulawesi.

The worlds leaders may regret laughing at Donald Trump President Trump likes respect. He wont forget. And he may have the last laugh.

Macedonia votes on name change amid disinformation campaign For a Balkan country of 2 million people, Macedonia has attracted an impressive roster of VIPs in the last few weeks.

Elon Musk agrees to pay $20 million and quit as Tesla chairman in deal with SEC Under the settlement, which requires court approval, Musk will be allowed to stay as CEO but must leave his role as chairman of the board within 45 days. He cannot seek reelection for three years, according to court filings. He accepted the deal with the SEC without admitting or denying the allegations of the complaint, according to a court document.

SNL has Matt Damon play an angry Brett Kavanaugh Saturday Night Live kicked off its season premiere Saturday with a sketch about this weeks hearing of US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. The twist? Kavanaugh was played by Matt Damon.

Settle down, guys. A skull-shaped asteroid is not headed for Earth this Halloween Despite what your social media feeds are telling you, an asteroid shaped like a skull is not going to zip by Earth this Halloween.

F-35B jet crashes in South Carolina A US Marine Corps F-35B crashed Friday in Beaufort County, South Carolina, near Marine Corp Air Station Beaufort, a US military official told CNN.

Huge surge in Indonesia quake toll At least 832 people were killed in the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, the national disaster agency says. It added that the affected area was bigger than initially thought. Many people were reported trapped in the rubble of buildings that collapsed in Fridays 7.5-magnitude earthquake, agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho told a news conference.

Kanye West changes name to Ye Rapper Kanye West is changing his name  to Ye. Announcing the change on Twitter on Saturday, he wrote: The being formally [sic] known as Kanye West. I am YE. West, 41, has been nicknamed Ye for some time and used the moniker as the title for his eighth album, which was released in June.

Musk out as Tesla chair over fraud case Elon Musk must step down as Tesla chair and pay a fine after reaching a deal with US regulators over tweets he posted about taking the firm private. It follows Thursdays decision by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to sue Mr Musk for alleged securities fraud.

I blew 15,000 in a year on beauty products  BBC Three Sitting on my bed last December, I stared at the stacks of make-up scattered around my bedroom. Id counted 213 lipsticks, 130 eye shadow palettes, 102 blushers, 65 eyeliners and 17 mascaras  and that wasnt even all of it.

FBI contacts second woman over Kavanaugh The FBI has approached the second woman to accuse US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct as it begins a fresh inquiry into him. Deborah Ramirez accuses Judge Kavanaugh of exposing himself to her during a drinking game when they were students at Yale University in the 1980s.

N Korea defector numbers drop under Kim The number of North Korean defectors to South Korea has fallen since Kim Jong-un came to power seven years ago, a South Korean lawmaker has said. Park Byeong-seug, citing data from the Souths unification ministry, said there had been 1,127 defections last year  compared with 2,706 in 2011.

Trump: Kim Jong Un And I Fell In Love What a difference a year makes. President Donald Trump told supporters at a rally in Wheeling, West Virginia, on Saturday that he and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un have fallen in love. Yes, really.

Opinion | Republicans Can Dump Kavanaugh Now, Or Risk A Nightmare Scenario The longer Brett Kavanaugh twists in the wind, the more likely it is that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump will consider the risks  and decide to pull the plug. With every passing day, more and more witnesses are coming out of the woodwork to contradict this or that aspect of Kavanaughs story.

Kanye Says He Now Goes By YE Just Prior To SNL Performance Kanye West will appear on  Saturday Night Live this weekend, but before he kicks off the shows 44th season with host Adam Driver, hes apparently entering a new phase in his career. On Twitter Saturday afternoon, West announced that the being formally known as Kanye West is now called YE.

Ferrell And Reilly Are Holmes And Watson And Were Already Laughing Its like the Victorian Step Brothers. The official trailer for Holmes And Watson came out Friday  starring Will Ferrell as Sherlock Holmes and John C. Reilly as Dr. Watson  and the (very) loose adaptation of author Sir Arthur Conan Doyles famous characters seems also to be a parody of previous portrayals of Sherlock Holmes.

Elon Musk has to pay $20 million to settle with the S.E.C. Elon Musks ill-advised weed humor is going to cost him $20 million dollars and his chairmanship of Tesla, in accordance with a settlement agreement Musk and Tesla made with the the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Musk accepted the settlement on Saturday, Sept.

Heres the biggest pumpkin in U.S. history because we all need something nice Sometimes a week is so upsetting you just have to find joy in the unexpected. Take this huge-ass pumpkin, for example. Steve Geddes of Boscawen, New Hampshire just made U.S. history by growing a pumpkin so large it surpassed the record for largest pumpkin in America. Congrats, sir!

Facebook already hit with a lawsuit tied to the latest data breach That didnt take long. Hours after Facebook revealed that at least 50 million users were directly affected by a data breach, two of the social networks users have come together in a class-action lawsuit. It started early on Friday. Facebook alerted users that a security issue had been discovered on Tuesday, Sept.

Facebook briefly blocked breaking news stories about its security breach  and thats a problem This afternoon, Facebook held an emergency press conference to disclose a startling security breach. The company said 50 million Facebook accounts were affected in a hack that allowed attackers to control an account as if they were the account holders.

Samuel L. Jackson responds to viral mashup of Kavanaugh testimony and Pulp Fiction scenes Samuel L. Jackson appreciates a good laugh, but finds absolutely no humor in President Trumps Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh. On Friday, the production company Elara Pictures posted a video of Kavanaughs testimony spliced with the several of the actors scenes from Pulp Fiction.
PR Newswire

ARGYLE, Texas, Oct. 1, 2018

ARGYLE, Texas, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- AP completed construction of the new 44,782 square foot single-story, ground up ambulatory surgery center complete with an emergency department and full-service imaging including MRI, CT Scans and X-Rays. The grand opening reception offered live music and facility tours including demonstrations from medical representatives using some of the most advanced surgical equipment available.

"We are excited to offer a surgical hospital with facilities designed for comfort and efficiency, the most advanced technology and a highly trained staff focused on excellent care," said Wise Health System CEO, Jason Wren, FACHE. "We look forward to growing with the region and providing much needed health care services closer to home for many North Texas residents."

Owned by Wise Health System, developed by Castle Development Group and designed by Mike Hale Architects, the new hospital also provides six surgical suites and twelve patient beds and maintains a primary focus on orthopedics and spine surgery. Architectural features include a drive-up porte-cochere, an inviting, spacious lobby and reception area, and the campus also houses a Fit-N-Wise physical therapy facility and other medical offices. The Wise Health Emergency Center & iCare Urgent Care was also built on-site during the last six months of hospital construction which provides residents of the surrounding area immediate medical services.

"Working alongside Castle Development Group and the Wise Health System teams to see this project come to life has been a great privilege," said Corbett Nichter, Regional President, AP. "I am proud of how the AP project and architectural teams came together with Castle and Wise Health System representatives to deliver a truly spectacular hospital for the city of Argyle."

Wise Health Surgical Hospital, affiliated with Wise Health System, provides local communities easy access to a dedicated surgical facility. Surgical hospitals are equipped with the most advanced technologies offering convenient scheduling with a specialized nursing staff focused on personalized care.

About Adolfson & Peterson Construction Adolfson & Peterson Construction (AP) is a U.S.-based, privately held builder that is consistently ranked among the top 50 construction managers and general contractors in the nation. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the company delivers innovative and collaborative building solutions for clients across the country from its regional offices in Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis and Phoenix. Founded in 1946, AP serves clients in the education, healthcare, commercial, municipal, multifamily, hospitality and senior living market sectors. For more information, visit http://www.a-p.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Wise Health System Wise Health System provides inpatient and outpatient services to multiple locations, including hospitals, primary care and specialty clinics, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, imaging centers and bariatric surgery program offices. With more than 1,900 employees, Wise Health System continues to be the largest employer in Wise County. Wise Health's affiliation with Baylor Scott & White Health allows Wise Health System to access resources from one of the most highly regarded health care systems in the world today, maximizing the delivery of health care in the North Texas. For more information, please visit: https://www.wisehealthsystem.com/.

About Castle Development Group Castle Development Group is a full-service commercial development and real estate firm providing clients with turnkey solutions. It was founded by professionals with a combined 30+ years of experience in commercial construction, development, development management and property management. Specializing in the development of medical, professional office and retail properties in Texas and the surrounding markets, our development opportunities include existing buildings with ready-to-lease space, build-ready sites and built-to-suit options. http://www.castledevgroup.com

About Mike Hale Architects Mike Hale Architects is local design firm with a primary focus in healthcare throughout Texas and Oklahoma. The firm was founded in 2008 by Mike Hale, who boasts an extensive background in Healthcare throughout the DFW area. Projects range from large hospital additions/remodels to ground-up MOB and ASC facilities throughout Texas and Oklahoma.

SOURCE Adolfson & Peterson, Inc.
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PR Newswire

CLEVELAND, Oct. 1, 2018

CLEVELAND, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- McDonald Hopkins LLC today announced the election of five of its attorneys to the Firm's membership: Isabelle Bibet-Kalinyak, Christine Czuprynski, Emily Johnson, Ryan Neumeyer and Katherine Esshaki Wensink.

"I am pleased to have these five outstanding lawyers join the ranks of the firm's membership," said Shawn Riley, president of McDonald Hopkins. "Each provides the high level of expertise and value our clients expect of us. I look forward to working with them over the coming years as they develop in this next stage of their careers."

Wensink, who resides in the Cleveland office, is in the Estate Planning Practice Group. Neumeyer, also in Cleveland, is in the Labor and Employment Practice Group. Johnson is in the firm's Chicago office and is part of its Healthcare Practice Group. Czuprynski is resident in Detroit and is in the Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice Group. Bibet-Kalinyak is in the Cleveland office and is also part of the Healthcare Practice Group.

Isabelle Bibet-Kalinyak is a corporate attorney in our national Healthcare Practice Group. She also leads the firm's Immigration Practice Group.

Fluent in French, her native language, Bibet-Kalinyak has more than 27 years of international business experience in the healthcare, aerospace and plastics industries. Prior to joining McDonald Hopkins, she worked as a corporate health care attorney for the law firm of Brouse McDowell after honing her legal skills in-house as an intern for a major health system (Akron General Health System) and a local county hospital (Robinson Memorial Hospital). She served in senior sales and strategic business development positions and as a national trainer in cardiology and neurology for a global pharmaceutical company (Sanofi-Aventis).

Bibet-Kalinyak also served as general manager of the public transportation division and international account executive for a global manufacturer of custom, specialty laminates and coated films (Schneller Inc., now a division of the Transdigm Group) for train and aircraft interiors in Paris, France. She is a frequent presenter at national and local conferences like AHLA, Ohio Hospital Association, and the Academy of Medicine of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio on topics related to health care and business immigration.

Christine Czuprynski focuses her practice specifically in the area of data privacy and cybersecurity. She has experience counseling clients on topics ranging from security breach preparedness and response, to SMS and email marketing campaigns. She provides regulatory advice on the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, CAN-SPAM, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, and the cross border exchange of personal information. In addition, she has extensive litigation experience, defending clients against privacy-related class actions, including the TCPA and data security breaches.

Prior to joining McDonald Hopkins, Czuprynski was an associate at Reed Smith and an assistant attorney general in the Consumer Fraud Bureau of the Office of the Illinois Attorney General. In the latter role, she participated in multistate investigations into large security breaches. Furthermore, she provided guidance to businesses and government agencies on compliance with Illinois privacy laws and supported the Illinois Attorney General's Identity Theft Unit.

Czuprynski earned a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in 2005. She graduated from Western Michigan University, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, with a Bachelor of Arts in political science; and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance in 2000.

Emily Johnson focuses her practice on matters primarily for clients in the healthcare industry. She provides regulatory and compliance assistance on both a federal and state level. She has assisted clinical laboratories, hospitals, long-term acute care hospitals, community hospitals, physician specialty groups, telehealth providers, surgery centers, healthcare associations, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers on regulatory, licensing, compliance, reimbursement, contractual, and corporate matters. Johnson has also provided support to entities during licensure and accreditation surveys and assisted in navigating state professional licensure laws, CLIA standards and state and federal laboratory laws and regulations, government and private payor reimbursement, state and federal fraud and abuse rules, state telehealth laws, and state and federal pharmacy regulation. She also has advised clients on direct to consumer testing issues and applicable state requirements.

Johnson has experience with provider-based compliance issues and the 340B Federal Drug Pricing Program, including implementation, program compliance, audit preparation, and preparing for audits conducted by the Office of Pharmacy Affairs.

In addition, she has significant experience with HIPAA compliance, including drafting HIPAA policies and procedures, breach response and notification, drafting responses to investigations conducted by the Office for Civil Rights, and advising clients on proactive HIPAA compliance and breach prevention.

Johnson earned a J.D. from The John Marshall Law School in 2010. She received a B.A., Dean's List, from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2005.

Ryan Neumeyer represents and counsels management on a variety of employment law matters, such as employee leave, overtime, disability accommodations, termination and layoff decisions, and workplace injuries. He is a frequent lecturer on employment law topics. Before joining McDonald Hopkins, Neumeyer spent 10 years at a boutique labor and employment firm. Earlier in his career, Neumeyer was an appellate attorney for the Office of the State Appellate Defender in Chicago and an extern for the Honorable Alice M. Batchelder, United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

Neumeyer earned a J.D. from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, cum laude, and a B.A. from Mount Union College. He is an Ohio State Bar Association Certified Specialist in Labor and Employment Law.

Katherine Esshaki Wensink advises clients in the areas of estate and charitable planning, estate administration, taxation, corporate law, and employment benefits planning for both individuals and corporations. She focuses her practice on estate, succession, and tax planning for business owners and their families.

Wensink is involved in a number of community activities, such as serving on the Cleveland Museum of Art's Gift Planning Advisory Committee and University Hospitals Diamond Advisory Group. She serves on the board of the Estate Planning Council of Cleveland and is admitted to practice law in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Ohio.

Wensink earned her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School at Ann Arbor in 1999. She received a B.A. from Purdue University in 1996.

About McDonald HopkinsFounded in 1930, McDonald Hopkins is a business advisory and advocacy law firm with locations in Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Miami, and West Palm Beach. With more than 50 service and industry teams, the firm has the expertise and knowledge to meet the growing number of legal and business challenges our clients face. For more information about McDonald Hopkins, visit mcdonaldhopkins.com.

CONTACT:David CarducciMcDonald Hopkins LLC600 Superior Avenue, East, Suite 2100Cleveland, Ohio 44114Phone: 216.348.5814Email: [email protected]

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SOURCE McDonald Hopkins
PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2018

NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- IN THE final chapter of the critically acclaimed podcast series "Fatal Voyage: The Mysterious Death Of Natalie Wood," the Hollywood star's former husband Robert Wagner is finally asked questions about what really happened on board their boat, The Splendour, that led to her demise.

Lana Wood's line of questioning is one of two explosive confrontations caught on tape and broadcast in the podcast's series finale, as Wagner continually refuses to cooperate with homicide cops from the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department who reopened the 1981 death case and earlier this year, named him a "person of interest."

Wood's still-anguished-and-grieving sister Lana has a showdown during which she pleads with her former brother-in-law to talk to investigators probing the mysterious death of her Oscar-winning sister.

Read the full exchange between Lana and Wagner below:

LW: RJ, I just wanted to ask. I know the pain that you're going through, and that I'm going through. You know I know this hasn't been any easier for you. I know that. But everybody is going to drive me absolutely insane, until everybody knows. Why won't you speak to the detectives? They are super guys clear yourself if you can.RW: Why would you even bring up anything like that? You know what you've done? I have talked to everybody.LW: Kevin and Ralph (from the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department).RW: You've accused me ofLW: I don't accuse you of anything.RW: You've accused me of murdering her, of taking all these positions, it's incredible. I can't that you'd do something like that. I just can't believe it.LW: But RJ you've changed your story.RW: I haven't changed anything.LW: You never for one minute stopped and said, 'This is what happened.' I know it's going to hurt.RW: Of course I have stopped and said what happened.LW: No RJ, you really didn't.

The second shocking confrontation featured in the final chapter is with an investigative journalist from the production team, Andy Tillet.

Read the full exchange between Tillet and Wagner below:

AT: RobertRW: Good looking shirt. Good looking shirt.AT: Robert, why do you refuse to answer the sheriff's department's questions about the night Natalie Wood died?RW: I can't hear you.AT: Why do you refuse to answer the sheriff's department's questions about the night Natalie Wood died?RW: I beg your pardon.AT: Why do you refuse to answer the sheriff's department's questions about the night Natalie Wood died?RW: I'm not going to get into that here.AT: Well, Lana Wood claims you murdered her sister. Did you murder her?RW: Well, what does that have to do with this? That's the same story that's been out and out for years and years.AT: Well, I'm asking you a question. Now the police department say that before Natalie went over the RW: Are you with the press? Are you with the press?AT: I am with the press. Yes.RW: What press are you with?AT: I work forFemale Voice: Sir, we are not going to get into that here.RW: I'm not going to get into that here. No.AT: You know, I'm just trying to find some answers to the questions that have lasted a very long time.AT: But the police have determined that Natalie had been beaten and was unconscious by the time she got in the water.

The final chapter of the podcast series which, over its 12 week course has covered new ground in the investigation of Wood's unsolved death, also reveals never before heard statements from the Los Angeles Sherriff's Department, and a revised testimony from Dennis Davern, the boat skipper who was on board The Splendour the night Wood went missing.

L.A. Sheriff's Detective Ralph Hernandez homicide investigator, who is part of the team probing Wood's death, told producers:"The fact is that we have a lot of information as to the events of what occurred that evening. We have a lot of evidence that tends to point to a very suspicious death and would certainly indicate the possibility of foul play. The problem is, while we can prove the events that led up to the argument at the back of the boat, ultimately, we can't prove how she ended up in the water. Without (Wagner's) interview, without his cooperation, we may never get to that truth."

He added, "We would love to have an interview with Robert Wagner, and for him to tell us the truth in that interview. That's all we want in any of this, and in any case that we work."

Dennis Davern, who at the time of Natalie Wood's disappearance remained tight lipped, has since changed his story of what happened that fateful night and now claims "I really do think RJ killed Natalie. In the beginning I wanted to believe in Robert Wagner so badly, but as time went on, I mean, to me it's obvious."

All episodes of Fatal Voyage: The Mysterious Death Of Natalie Wood are available to download and listen for free on iTunes.

ABOUT FATAL VOYAGE: THE MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF NATALIE WOOD

Created by Executive Producer Dylan Howard, "Fatal Voyage: The Mysterious Death Of Natalie Wood" is a 12-part audio documentary produced by Treefort.Media for American Media, Inc. with Kelly Garner and Carolina Saavedra as Executive Producers. For American Media Inc., Tom Freestone, Sam Ada, David Coussins, Patricia Gonzalez, James Robertson, and Matthew Semble serve as producers. Doug Montero, Michael Glynn, and Andy Tillett contributed to reporting.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lana-wood-confronts-robert-wagner-about-sister-natalie-woods-death-in-explosive-final-chapter-of-hit-podcast-fatal-voyage-the-mysterious-death-of-natalie-wood-300722309.html

SOURCE American Media, Inc.
PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, DC, Sept. 30, 2018

WASHINGTON, DC, Sept. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Macedonian voters held a referendum today on the proposed name change of their country to the Republic of North Macedonia. The voter turnout of fewer than 37% of registered voters renders this referendum invalid according to the Macedonian constitution. This failure is a debacle for the ruling coalition of Prime Minister Zoran Zaev. The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD)  the leading voice for Macedonians outside of Macedonia  urges for the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Zaev and Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov.

This referendum was not afighbout the Macedonian people's willingness to join NATO and the EU  it was about their refusal to change the name Macedonia in order to join these organizations. NATO and EU value principles of democracy and the right to self-determination. Pressuring Macedonia to change its name goes against the foundational principles of NATO and the EU.

The role of Russia, which has historically supported division of geographic Macedonia, cannot be used as a scapegoat for the Macedonian people's struggle for recognition. Macedonia, recognized by 137 countries, has been fighting for its right of self-determination for over a century, declaring statehood in 1944 and sovereign independence in 1991 via a referendum.

UMD applauded President Gjorge Ivanov's United Nations speech where he sharply criticized the Prespa Agreement for giving Greece unlimited power to meddle in Macedonia's internal affairs thereby putting Macedonia in a subordinate position to its southern neighbor. In direct contradiction to Prime Minister Zaev, President Ivanov denounced the agreement as a violation of fundamental human rights, stating he would not participate in the referendum, which coincides with UMD's long-standing position.

The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) is a leading international non-governmental organization promoting the interests and needs of Macedonians and Macedonian communities throughout world.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/macedonian-diaspora-umd-calls-on-macedonia-prime-minister-zaev-to-resign-300721554.html

SOURCE United Macedonian Diaspora
14:56

The very talented Renuka Shahane has written a blistering post on Facebook, at once, shaming the Hindi film industry and backing actress Tanushree Dutta.





After a week of silence, 'no comments', 'neither is my name Tanushree, nor is it Nana Patekar' the film industry, or at least some people like Varun Dhawan, have finally found their spine, saying she should be heard. Dutta alleged that Nana Patekar harassed her on the sets of a film in 2008, Horn Ok Pleasss' and misbehaved with her on the sets.





Shahane, an actress, and a former co-host of the celebrated TV series Surabhi, wrote in on Saturday, saying:





"Nana Patekar is known as much for his volatile temper as he is for his phenomenal talent or his social service towards farmers. Many men & women from the film industry have faced his wrath. I have never worked with either Nana or Tanushree & neither was I a part of "Horn Ok Pleassss". But there are some points in Tanushree's story that resonate with me. I'd like to share them:





1) Tanushree made it clear that she was uncomfortable with a certain step in the dance and did not like Nana's gesture/touch during that step. Even if Nana's intentions might not have been to molest her, couldn't he, the director and the choreographer come up with a step that made her feel comfortable? Is the work place meant for terrorising people or about working in a healthy atmosphere? Would the film have suffered earth shatteringly if the steps were changed so that an actor felt more comfortable?





What made Tanushree uncomfortable might not cause discomfort to other women perhaps but that is no reason for the men on the set to gang up against a person who is part of their team. If she was truly the daughter of any of the men around would they have really asked her to do something that made her feel very uncomfortable or would they want to change the step? Shayad yehi fark hai "beti jaisi" or asli beti hone mein!





2) As if four full grown men weren't enough against one girl, allegedly some members of a political party were called in to intimidate Tanushree and her parents! WTH!!! If that is not a huge overreaction then what is? Allegedly, the political party wanted Tanushree to apologise for hurting the "pride of Maharashtra". Can you believe this? Would this behaviour, to force a girl uncomfortable with a dance step, really make Maharashtra proud? Isn't the pride of Maharashtra enshrined in respecting women and making it safer for women to live life? Talk about ironies!





3) And now let's come to the aftermath. Whose career did this incident affect? None of the men had a difficult time. Their ego had won! The men got all the support that any industry ( not just the film industry) gives to powerful men. The only person who was traumatized was Tanushree. The scars have still not healed. Please do the math.





P.S: A little birdie from the set told me that the great producer of that particular film had many legal issues about non payment of dues & even talk of being funded by the underworld. But hey hey hey thats okay I guess. He must have been impeccably honest. After all he was upholding the "pride of Maharashtra"! Right???





There are small people (both men & women) with big egos in many places of power all over the world. When I see that too many people gang up against one person I consider that bullying and bullying cannot be right from any angle. It dehumanizes the victim! According to me Tanushree has been very brave, not the "victors" of that day!"





Shahane also shared the video footage of thugs of a political party attempting to trash the car Dutta and her parents were in, in the immediate aftermath of the showdown during the Horn Ok Pleasss shoot in 2008.



Shahane writes:



"Please check the actual footage of the incident where Tanushree Dutta's car was attacked in 2008 when she wanted to leave the film set of "Horn Ok pleasss". The police were called to escort her car otherwise these supposed political party karyakartas or goons or whatever who were called by the Producer would'nt have thought twice before hitting her. Put yourself in her position in the car yourself or put your mother, wife, friends, sisters or daughters. Would you ever want this dangerous, cowardly, heinous thing to happen to them or to any human being? Tanushree was only 24 at that time. Absolutely disgusted by these scary visuals. I hope all those maligning Tanushree now realise how serious the matter was, how terribly scared she must have been and how traumatized she must have felt. Sick."





Image: Renuka Shahane. Kind courtesy her Facebook page.


PR Newswire

BRISBANE, Australia, Sept. 30, 2018

BRISBANE, Australia, Sept. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE, TSX: ORL) ("Orocobre" or "the Company") announced today that Mr Martin Perez de Solay has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director after an extensive global search by recruitment specialist Egon Zehnder. Martin will commence in these roles following the upcoming Annual General Meeting and a transition period with the current Managing Director and CEO.

Orocobre Chairman Robert Hubbard stated he was absolutely delighted with the appointment of Martin to the role, "Martin is a highly accomplished Chief Executive with the ideal blend of skills, experience and knowledge to lead Orocobre though the next stages of its development.

"Martin's initial focus will be on the established strategy of optimising the operating performance of the Olaroz joint venture and delivering the Company's growth plans for the Olaroz Stage 2 expansion and Lithium Hydroxide plant in Japan. Martin will be based in Argentina utilising his extensive operational expertise and in-country knowledge for the maximum benefit of Orocobre shareholders," Mr Hubbard commented.

Martin Perez de Solay said, "My career has blended my core engineering skills with a strong financial and values-based management philosophy. I believe my background in developing businesses and improving asset performance has prepared me well for this great opportunity to lead Orocobre.

"Orocobre has already achieved much and delivered the first new brine operation in over 20 years. I look forward to working with the management team, employees and local communities as I take up this role. The opportunities before Orocobre are substantial with a quality resource, a growing market and supportive partners. It is in our hands to deliver success."

Orocobre will maintain its existing corporate office in Brisbane, Australia.

For more information please contact:

Andrew BarberInvestor Relations Manager Orocobre Limited T: +61 7 3871 3985 M: +61 418 783 701 E: [email protected] W: www.orocobre.com.au

Background information

Martin is a qualified industrial engineer with a career spanning engineering, operational improvement, banking, finance and executive management. Martin is currently the President and CEO of Petroleos Sudamericanos, an oil and gas producer operating in Argentina and Colombia. Martin joined Petroleos Sudamericanos in 2011 and since that time has established new operations, acquired assets, led major stakeholder management initiatives and was responsible for implementing a significant operational improvement programme responding to the falling oil price.

Prior to 2011, Martin was CFO and head of Corporate Development of GeoPark, a successful oil and gas operator with assets in Argentina and Chile. Martin was a key member of the GeoPark executive team that established its asset base and subsequently listed the company on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM).

Martin joined GeoPark from Citigroup where he had spent a decade in the institutional, corporate and restructuring activities of the bank, importantly through the difficult economic times at the turn of the century.

Martin is a qualified industrial engineer from the Instituto Tecnologico de Buenos Aires and has completed management programmes at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard and Austral University, Argentina.

About Orocobre Limited Orocobre Limited (Orocobre) is a dynamic global lithium carbonate supplier and an established producer of boron. Orocobre is dual listed on the Australia and Toronto Stock Exchanges (ASX: ORE), (TSE: ORL). Orocobre's operations include its Olaroz Lithium Facility in Northern Argentina, Borax Argentina, an established Argentine boron minerals and refined chemicals producer and a 33.5% interest in Advantage Lithium.

For further information, please visit www.orocobre.com

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/orocobre-limited-appoints-new-chief-executive-officer-and-managing-director-300721558.html

SOURCE Orocobre Limited
PR Newswire

OXFORD, England, October 1, 2018

OXFORD, England, October 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Owen Mumford, global industry leader in medical device design and manufacturing, has announced the appointment of Shirley Loh as Regional Managing Director for Asia-Pacific based at the company's Malaysian hub in Nusajaya.

(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/750921/Owen_Mumford.jpg )

Loh, who takes up the position from today, has both clinical and commercial experience. For the past six years she has worked for Medtronic where most recently she was Marketing Director for Medtronic's Restorative Therapy Group in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).

Commenting on the appointment, Owen Mumford's Group Managing Director Jarl Severn says, "We are delighted that Shirley is joining the business. Our Malaysian hub was Owen Mumford's first manufacturing facility to open outside the UK and in the past three years we have seen strong growth across the Asia-Pacific region. However, given the growing prevalence of conditions such as diabetes, particularly in the emerging markets, I believe Owen Mumford has a greater role to play in the management of the condition across the region. Shirley has worked in the medical device sector for more than two decades and has both the skills and the experience to further establish our brand in this market."

Loh welcomes the opportunity to lead the Malaysian team and from Day One she will focus on establishing an effective and efficient market access strategy.

Speaking about her priorities she comments, "I am very excited to be joining Owen Mumford as they focus on expansion in the Asia-Pacific region. The market here is very established but we recognise that there is considerable growth in demand."

"A report from the World Health Organisation in 2014 set the global figure of those with diabetes at 422m, with a higher prevalence in the emerging markets within the region. This includes China where more than 11% of adults are believed to have the condition[1]."

Loh continues, "These figures are clearly very worrying and as a responsible business Owen Mumford has a key role to play in identifying how we can support the developing markets most effectively, helping to raise awareness and improve communications, as well as using innovation to deliver a service to these markets."

"I look forward to establishing Owen Mumford's role in tackling this issue and also to generating more awareness of our capabilities as a business, both as a medical device supplier and as a partner in delivering innovative healthcare solutions."

Loh lives with her husband and two teenage daughters in Singapore, and outside of work, she enjoys spending time with the family.

About Owen Mumford Headquartered in Oxford, England, medical device manufacturer Owen Mumford also has offices in USA, France, Germany, Mexico and Malaysia, and specialist distributors across five continents. The company, which develops pioneering medical devices, has been operating a regional hub in Nusajaya, in the south of Malaysia since 2016. The site includes packaging, manufacturing and logistics services for its customer base throughout the region.

1. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/1734701

Contact details: Gillian Gibbons [email protected] +44-1865-343100
PR Newswire

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 30, 2018

Extended application of ScoutChain's developing verification system is expected to pave the road for the global market including the Middle East

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ScoutChain, developer behind highly anticipated blockchain-based recruitment platform, announced on 19th that it has reached a MOU agreement with Ambe International, (Director: Amal Saxena), India's leading overseas recruitment agency.

Using blockchain technology, ScoutChain is close to concretizing a new recruitment platform that allows direct exchanges of necessary data between the talent and the hiring company.

Ambe International is a global corporation that provides HR services in 18 nations including the United States, Europe, and Singapore. As Ambe International has agreed to employ ScoutChain's anticipated blockchain-based verification system, ScoutChain has gained an access to potential users of ScoutChain, the talents and hiring companies in the global market being serviced by Ambe International.

ScoutChain's verification system, the key point of this MOU contract, utilizes transparency and trusts, which are core characteristics of blockchain technology.

On ScoutChain's platform, each certifier verifies each experience of the job seeker. For example, an individual who previously worked in Company A and acquired License B needs verify each claim from Company A and the licensing institution respectively.

The verified experiences are recorded into the blockchain system and are disclosed transparently without serious threats of forgery due to the characteristics of the system. This allows the hiring companies who use ScoutChain's verification system to process hiring without a separate, in-house verification system.

Ambe International provides a large number of talents for manufacturing and construction companies that specialize in oil and gas facilities in the Middle East. As this is a highly specialized field, a verification system that can evaluate the candidate's expertise and level of proficiency as desired by the client is critical.

Ambe International's Director Amal Saxena forecasted that using ScoutChain's verification system will shorten the duration required for verifying one candidate's experience by maximum of 6 months.

He explained, "As an expert in overseas recruitment, we have to sufficiently review and verify the candidate's experiences. This process cannot be overlooked as it is the basis of trust with our clients, but it does complicate and often unnecessarily delay the hiring process."

ScoutChain's CEO Moon-Young-Chul expressed his confidence in his statement: "Having a system that can verify facts can significantly lower the costs and time for hiring processes in corporations. Starting with this MOU contract, ScoutChain will aim to accelerate its growth in the global market."

Media contact:

Scout Chain Pte. Ltd.Tom [email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scoutchain-signs-a-mou-contract-with-indias-ambe-international-an-expert-in-outsourcing-300721589.html

SOURCE ScoutChain Pte. Ltd.
PR Newswire

ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland, Sept. 30, 2018

ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland, Sept. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Vision33, global IT professional services consultancy today announced the consolidation of the zedIT Solutions, zedSuite, and existing Vision33 brand into one new Vision33 brand. Effective today, the companies will be globally re-branded to the market as Vision33. This consolidation is part of Vision33's "One Brand" strategy, which leverages the success of each brand to provide customers with a seamless customer experience for all technology and professional service needs.

zedIT Solutions has built a firm reputation as a leading provider of eGovernment solutions for state/local governments and IT Professional Services in both the public and private sectors. zedSuite has an equally impressive history as an award-winning software solutions partner for web portal and integration solutions for SAP. Concurrently, Vision33 holds the position as one of the largest SAP Business One Partners worldwide as part of its SAP Solutions offering. These brands have always been united in their purpose to deliver results and customer-defined value through technology. Under one single brand, Vision33 can now combine its knowledge and expertise to provide the best overall solutions to customers around the globe. The One Brand strategy will mean continued growth for all areas of business.

Most importantly, the Vision33 brand consolidation will enable customers to easily access all the solutions and support they require for their current and future technology needs from one global organization. The One Brand strategy creates a synergy between the companies to bring a larger portfolio of services and world-class resources under a single global name  Vision33.

"Bringing together zedIT Solutions, zedSuite, and Vision33 under one new Vision33 is a milestone moment for our customers, companies, and employees," says Tony Whalen, President of Vision33. "Over the past 15 years, we have always strived collectively to create the most value for customers. By coming together, the new Vision33 can deliver a seamless offering, one brand, one partner, and one focus  the success of our customers. By leveraging the experience, resources, and solutions each company brings, we are able to best deliver on the promise of technology to customers worldwide."

Existing customers of the consolidated brands now have greater access to a global team of world-class resources that can help springboard or support their international operations. With established offices throughout the US, Canada and Europe, the new Vision33 provides a global team of more than 400 employees worldwide. Vision33 will be able to easily provide world-class expertise as a global company, but also extend that same expertise at a local level through its more than 30 office locations. Many customers were working with multiple companies across Vision33, zedIT Solutions and zedSuite. Now they will be able to do that through one Vision33 customer experience. Converging these brands, Vision33 can serve customers across a full range of industries and geographies, helping them drive their business success through technology.

All employees, products, and services will now become part of the rebranded Vision33 company. Customers of the new Vision33 can expect no lapse in service, maintenance, or changes in account relationships. There is no change of ownership structure. This is simply a rebranding of existing businesses.

As part of the One Brand consolidation, Vision33 has re-launched its corporate website, which can be found at http://www.vision33.com and http://www.vision33.co.uk. This new website reflects all Vision33 solutions and services. All legacy websites of the unified brands will now redirect users to the new Vision33 website where visitors can learn more about Vision33's ERP solutions, eGovernment offerings, as well as its integration and professional services offerings.

About Vision33

Vision33 Inc. is a global IT professional services consultancy that solves customer business challenges through the promise of technology and the value it delivers. We partner with growing and large organizations in both the public and private sectors to understand their vision and help them attain it with the right blend of strategy, consulting, and technology. Vision33 has unmatched experience in delivering solutions to support every core business function. Our work spans all major industries. Vision33 employs results-driven people to provide world-class experience through our more than 30 office locations across the US, Canada, and Europe. For more information about Vision33 and its technology solutions and services, please visit http://www.vision33.com.

Media Contact Sarah Coish Director of Marketing Vision33 Email: [email protected] Phone: 709.722.7213

SOURCE Vision33, Inc.
08:14

United States President Donald Trump has strongly defended his Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh, who is facing sexual assault allegations, and has ordered a time-bound FBI investigation in the case, saying that has an "open mind" if new information emerges.

The FBI has been asked to complete an investigation against Judge Kavanaugh, who is facing allegations of sexual assault from at least three women. The FBI, which has been asked to complete its investigations within a week, he said is free to talk and interview anyone it deems fit as part of its investigation.

But till then, he does not has a plan B, Trump told reporters in response to a question. "I don't want to talk about Plan B, because I hope that he gets approved. I hope that the report comes out like I really think it should. I think it will. I hope. I hope," he said.

"But look, I'm waiting just like you. Certainly, if they find something, I'm going to take that into consideration. Absolutely. I have a very open mind. The person that takes that position is going to be there for a long time. I have a very open mind. I just think he's an outstanding person," he said.

Trump said Kavanaugh has been treated horribly. "Even if you were going to bring up some of the subjects that were brought up, they didn't have to treat him so viciously and so violently as they've treated him," he said.

The FBI, he said, should do what they have to do to get to the answer. "At the same time, just so we all understand, this is our seventh investigation of a man who has really... ....you look at his life until this happened, what change he's gone through, what his family's gone through," he said.

"The trauma for a man that's never had any accusation, he's never had a bad statement about him. He was number one in his class at Yale, he was number one in his law school at Yale, and then what he's gone through over the last three weeks is incredible," he said.

Trump said he wants the FBI to do a very comprehensive investigation, whatever that means according to the senators and the Republicans and the Republican majority. "I want them to do that. I want it to be comprehensive. I actually think it's a good thing for Judge Kavanaugh. I think it's actually a good thing. Not a bad thing, I think it's a good thing," he said.

At the same time, he asserted that he wants this investigation to be over quickly.

"Now with that being said, I'd like it to go quickly. The reason I'd like it to go quickly, very simple. It's so simple. Because it's unfair to him at this point. What his wife is going through, what his beautiful children are going through is not describable. It's not describable. It's not fair," he said. -- PTI
Capt. Wright Eruebi was set to begin a 200-kilometre trek from Shilo to Winnipeg on Monday to raise money for military families.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 30/9/2018 (1139 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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Capt. Wright Eruebi was set to begin a 200-kilometre trek from Shilo to Winnipeg on Monday to raise money for military families.

Eruebi, a 17-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces said that the idea came to him after he decided to retire from the military this October.

CPL BRYCE COOPER Captain Wright Eruebi Practices road marching for the Military Family Resource Centres Trek for Families Event on September 20in Winnipeg. His running partner is ACE. (Submitted by Cpl. Bryce Cooper)

"I didnt think that it would affect me the way it did, but I began to worry a little bit about what the future held for me," Eruebi said. "Since I arrived in Canada almost 20 years ago, the Canadian Armed Forces has been my cradle  they took me in. The prospect of leaving the familiar setting of the CAF became frightfully scary for me, and that led to some other conflicts in my personal life."

These personal conflicts included the loss of a romantic relationship, which he said helped spur him to start the walk. He will be raising money for Military Family Resource Centres across Canada, which provide programs and services that help independent individuals and families.

"We who wear the uniform do so on the strength and confidence of knowing that we are loved, we want to impress them  we want to secure them we want to do what we do because of them," he said.

Once he came up with the idea of a 200 kilometre hike from Shilo to Winnipeg, he felt relieved, he said.

"It answered so many personal desires of mine, I wanted to give back to the Canadian Armed Forces that I care about very much and to give to Canada for the freedom and the privileges that I enjoy as a Canadian, but most importantly, I thought that I should highlight the role of a partner, a spouse in the lives of members of the Canadian Armed Forces," he said.

The goal is to raise $17,000 for Military Family Resource Centres across the country  $1,000 for every year he has served.

Along the way he will be making a few stops in Douglas, Austin, McGregor, Eli, Portage la Prairie and Headlingly. The goal is to walk 30 kilometres every day and arrive at his destination  the Winnipeg Military Family Resource Centre  on Oct. 9.

"I want to meet as many Canadians as possible, this is my last chance to meet everybody and shake their hands while Im still wearing my uniform," he said.

During his 17 years in the military, Eruebi has spent time in the navy, army, and air force.

"I loved them all each presented a unique experience, and if I could do it again I would do it the same all over," he said. "They all let you see things from a different perspective."

Hes currently serving in Winnipeg with 1 Canadian Air Division, but hes set to retire Oct. 24.

This is his chance to help out the people who live in Canada, he said.

"This effort is to support our partners spouses and families from coast to coast," he said. "This is for the home-front, we go out and help others all the time, so heres a chance to give to our own here at home."

People interested in donating can go online to the Military Family Resource Centre website, or any office across the country.

If anyone wants to join him along his walk, they are more than welcome to do so, he said  "The more the merrier."

In addition to the positive impact of his walk on others, Eruebi added that hed also like to see his personal circumstance improve as a result of the effort and that his ex partner learns about it.

"I hope one day she finds out about it and just knows that I still love her very, very much," he said.

 mverge@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @Melverge5
A former Brandonite is helping out different charities with his company Accessit Corp.  one vending machine at a time.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 30/9/2018 (1140 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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Paul Sheppersons and Tom Semeniuk created the vending machines pictured, whose proceeds give back to the community and benefit national charities. (submitted)

A former Brandonite is helping out different charities with his company Accessit Corp.  one vending machine at a time.

Tom Semeniuk, together with his partner Paul Shepperson, created vending machines to help the Missing Children Society of Canada, as well as breast cancer research.

There are approximately 50 machines in the Brandon area that help with Missing Children Society of Canada, an organization who hes worked with since 2005, he said.

"Theyre a very good charity, and theyre a small organization  I dont like to get involved with big organizations because a lot of money goes to administration," Semeniuk said.

Vending machines are sold to business owners, and they in turn forward a minimum donation to the charity every month. The donations average between $500 to $1,000 from each machine per year.

Pictures of missing children are placed on the top of the vending machines.

Its a win-win situation for everybody, he said.

"The merchant gets good recognition from the public when they help support a charity, and a portion of the revenue goes to charity," he said.

The vending machines are quite significant to their overall operation, said Craig Peterson, director of business development at Missing Children Society of Canada.

"Over 47,000 children were reported missing in Canada during 2017, and the partnership with Accessit Corps charity vending machine program is crucial to raising awareness and funds for our national charity," he said. "Through donations raised, the society is continuing to reunite families with their missing children across Canada."

So far, the vending machines that Semeniuk and Shepperson created have raised approximately $380,000 for the Missing Children Society of Canada.

"I think weve helped keep their doors open, they only have a few staff and theyre always looking for donations," Semeniuk said.

The machines that help support the Missing Children Society of Canada are called Treasure Chest Vending Giveaway machines, and sell a variety of different toys.

Accessit Corp. has recently started a new project called Vending for Hope, which include vending machines that will help support breast cancer research. Although there arent any of these machines in the Westman area yet, the goal is to get them all over, he said.

"We really want to start promoting and raising as much money as we can."

The machines will have a pink stand, and will sell support wear, such as bracelets, pendants and rings all with the pink ribbon on it.

"From those machines we get donations direct to us, then we send them to the facility were aligning ourselves with in each province," he said.

All donations will stay in the province theyre made in.

In Manitoba, money from the Vending for Hope machines will go to Cancer Care Manitoba.

"We really want to build it up," Semeniuk said. "We want to put lots of machines up all over."

 mverge@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @Melverge5
Time to revisit the notion of Tax Freedom Day, writes Tom Healy.

The minister for finance rightly dismissed a recent suggestion by the Irish Tax Institute that Irish workers ought to be taxed at the 2008 rates. The Tax Institute talk about a Tax Freedom Day when workers have paid their entire income tax obligations were they to pay all of their tax upfront and after which they start earning for themselves.

According to this thinking, the lowest paid are the freest of all meeting their income tax obligation on January 1 each year. Are people paying too much tax? And who should pay more, or less?

2008 was the high point of Celtic Tiger as well as being the low point in terms of personal tax rates. There was a systematic erosion in the tax base as well as in rates of personal taxation over a long period dating back to the 1980s.

Picking the year 2008 as some sort of meaningful benchmark or point of desirable return can only be described as fitting into a scene from Alice in Wonderland. Data published by the OECD show that average personal tax rates in 2017 were back to where they were in 2000.

All the cross-country evidence indicates that on average we pay less in total taxes whether on labour or on capital. A key factor is the relatively low rate of social insurance paid in Ireland by employees and employers.

It is true that lower paid workers pay less in tax than their counterparts elsewhere. However, this is due to the very unequal distribution of income and wages before taxes kick in. The Irish tax code has a lot of heavy lifting to do to even out income more.

The response to this should not be more tax cuts but better services and better pay for those at the bottom

What the data shows is for the average-wage single person, Ireland is well down the list of countries. The same is true for workers on two thirds of the average. In the case of above average-wage workers, the average tax rate is below that of most other OECD countries at a level of 31.3% and 18th out of 28 countries shown.

Much play is made about the high marginal tax rates in Ireland especially in regards to the relatively low-income threshold at which people pay the highest marginal rate.

This corresponds to the extra tax paid for each additional euro earned. It is typically much higher than the estimated average tax rate because of the existence of different bands as well as exemption thresholds for tax and, in the case of Ireland, PRSI and USC.

The marginal rate is indeed relatively high for average or just above average wage earners in Ireland. At the same time, six other OECD countries have higher marginal rates for this group.

We should be competing on quality of life, fairness and access to health and education. Some of the most successful and competitive economies in the world combine high levels of taxation with high levels of productivity and more equitable distributions of income before tax.

We pay for what we get. A double-income household with a combined income of say 60,000 might incur well over 1,000 a year in out-of-pocket medical expenses not to mention private health insurance and still pay dearly for outpatient appointments and visits to the doctor. Would it not make better sense for most people to pay a bit more and pool the benefits in better services?

People do not become free on a given date based on when they start earning for themselves. Rather, by avoiding hard and necessary changes in the tax code, most people end up being very unfree for the rest of the year by virtue of a sometimes poor, absent or under-supported public transport system, prohibitive childcare costs, high out-of-pocket healthcare costs, high rents and house prices and rising education costs.

I suggest that we revisit the concept of freedom.

Tom Healy is director of Nevin Economic Research Institute
Kyran Fitzgerald

In the UK, Labours hard-left leaderships radical policy proposals have drawn gasps of horror from the business community.

While Jeremy Corbyn soaked up the applause, shadow chancellor John McDonnell was laying down a few markers and causing ructions in the process.

Last week, he warned business leaders that they will have to face a much more uncertain future, with Tory trade union laws rapidly dismantled and employees being given shares in private companies employing more than 250 people.

Nationalisation of a brace of utilities, starting with the water industry, is also on the agenda.

Copying former leader Ed Miliband, a huge investment in green energy projects is proposed while the privately run academies set up under the Tories would be brought under the control of local councils.

In the past, the socialist money men have gone out of their way to reassure when preparing to take power.

Back in 1992, shadow Labour chancellor John Smith toured the City of London making contacts and easing peoples concerns.

Mr Smith was replaced by Gordon Brown who, while a committed social democrat, was always keen to emphasise the solidity of his commitment to financial stability and private sector-led job creation.

Mr McDonnell is an altogether different character  happy at times to play tough cop alongside the more cuddly Mr Corbyn.

Mr McDonnell was once sacked for being too radical by Ken Livingstone  a hate figure of the right  when he headed up the Greater London Council, which Mrs Thatcher later abolished.

Unveiling his Share Plan for Workers, he warned:

We are ending the profiteering on dividends, vast executive salaries and excessive interest payments

Under the plan, 10% of the worth of companies affected would be taken away and put in a social dividend fund from which an annual dividend payment of 500 a year would be made to each employee. Labour suggests that it could raise around 2.1bn (2.35bn) a year for investment in the fund, but commentators suggest that the real figure will be far higher.

The BBCs Simon Jack estimates that 10% of the annual dividend payout from Shell alone amounts to 1.2bn and that when you deduct the 500 paid to each of its 6,500 staff, you are left with a hefty 1.12bn going to the State.

This has the feel of a smash and grab raid about it. Many businesses will not hang around waiting like turkeys to be plucked if Labour looks a likely victor in the upcoming general election.

None of this is good for those of us who have investments, direct or indirect, through pension funds and other savings funds in UK-quoted companies.

Labour has calculated that 40% of the private sector workforce would be initially covered by the share scheme, which could be extended.

Investors in utilities would be hit on the double. McDonnell has targeted for renationalisation the water industry followed by railways, energy companies and mail delivery. The ownership of existing water and sewerage companies would be transferred to new regional authorities.

Shareholders would be compensated, but would not receive the current market value of their investments.

Private finance initiative contracts  the UK equivalent of public-private partnerships  would be brought back under state control.

Additional government bonds would be issued to cover the cost of renationalisation, but the implications for the UKs broader borrowing requirement could be serious.

Remember that Labour is also promising a huge programme of public housebuilding.

Something will have to give as a return to the vertiginous income tax rates of the 1970s will simply not be feasible in todays highly mobile, highly skilled, jobs market. Low tax rates have played a major part in the success in recent decades of London and the rest of the UKs prosperous south.

Governments mess with that at their peril.

A post-Brexit Britain may anyway find it a lot harder to raise money at reasonable rates to cover an inflated public debt at a time when the prospects for the economy are cloudy to see the least. Ireland would not be unaffected by a Corbyn/McDonnell victory.

Union-friendly labour laws could herald a new era of industrial disruption. Some British based unions operate in Ireland and there could be spillover effects.

But most significant would be a government in London led by people who sympathise with the idea of a united Ireland, the prospect of which has become more real in the wake of the 2016 referendum vote.

Irish taxpayers would have to start coming to terms with the implications of a British withdrawal, however gradual. An economic meltdown could hasten this process.

On a more positive note, a British business crisis could generate investment opportunity for Ireland  along similar lines to Brexit  but few would welcome such a development in a market, for labour and exports, which remains of great importance to us.

The McDonnell/Corbyn vision has found many followers among the young and the lower paid.

Many Tories now accept that the mix of wage stagnation, soaring tuition and housing costs is proving toxic and Theresa May has indicated that she favours more employee representatives on boards  one-third of directors will be worker directors if Mr McDonnell gets his way.

At this stage, it is all to play for.

But what is clear is that many on the right are rattled by the prospect of Mr Corbyn squeezing into power at the head of a left-leaning coalition. Matters are finely poised and many on the hard left are feeling cocky, perhaps excessively so.
Trish Dromey

LoyLap is looking to enter the US market with its cashless payment systems, writes Trish Dromey.

Dublin Fintech company LoyLap plans to target banks and large organisations in the US with technology it developed to provide the Central Bank with a cashless payment system for staff members.

Set up in 2012, the company initially went to market with loyalty and reward payment solutions for small businesses such as restaurants and cafes, but later developed its technology to include cashless payment systems for large company offices.

We now have just under 1,000 customers. The majority of these use our loyalty and gift card solutions, while 12 are larger companies who are now using our cashless payment systems within their buildings and campuses, said company co-founder and CEO Patrick Garry.

Customers using the loyalty product are mainly quick-service restaurants and cafes, including Esquires cafe chain.

Customers for cashless payment systems include Brook Food Services in Cork and AIB.

We have recently installed a cashless system at AIB bank which is being used by 8,000 staff across eight sites, said Mr Garry.

Moving in to the UK market in 2017, LoyLap developed a cashless payment system for Bannatyne Health and Fitness group, which is now used at 80 sites and allows gym users to use their membership wristbands to pay for purchases at cafes and vending machines in its gyms.

Employing a staff of 14, LoyLap has, according to Mr Garry, achieved growth of 300% per annum for the last two years and is set to achieve 100% growth this year.

Back in 2012, Mr Garry and LoyLap co-founder and chief technology officer Conor OToole observed that technology allowed online businesses to engage more with their customers and also to garner a lot more information about them than was possible for their bricks and mortar counterparts.

We created a loyalty app which is designed to give our customers the same level of understating of their customers as online businesses have  to identify their best ones, to offer them rewards and discounts, and to engage with them

At that time reward cards had already been introduced by large supermarkets, but small companies didnt have the technology for this, and the founders saw an opportunity to develop a loyalty product for small businesses such as cafes, which sell high volumes of low-priced products.

Using their own funding to set up at the Guinness Enterprise Centre in Dublin, the founders created a loyalty app and launched a beta version of the product at the end of 2013.

This involved the use of the tablet, but they realised that to be effective their software needed to be integrated with point of sale (POS) technology. This became possible when LoyLap partnered with AIB Merchant Services which launched a new POS system called Clover in 2014.

Offering loyalty as well as gift card services through this POS system, LoyLap took on more customers and in 2017 partnered with AIB Merchant Services in tendering for the contract to develop a cashless system to be used by staff at the Central Bank headquarters.

Looking for a digital gift card solution for your @CloverPOS?

We have just the solution for you. Get in touch with us to find out more.https://t.co/P6m40godl6 pic.twitter.com/j8DPqCsscv  LoyLap (@Loylap) April 30, 2018

Since winning that contract, the company has been targeting large organisations in Ireland and the UK with its cashless systems. In July this year, it opened an office in London with a staff of one.

The next step will be to open an office in the US.

We now have a small number of customers for our loyalty services in the US and are aiming to develop sales of our cashless payments systems to banks and other large organisations there.

By the end of 2019, we plan to open a US office with a staff of two or three, said Mr Garry, adding that he also hopes to double the company staff size in the next two years.

While LoyLap is actively marketing its cashless system, Mr Garry says that it is continuing to grow sales of its loyalty system, with much of the growth coming from customers who download the LoyLap app from the company website.

In the long term, he sees the potential to establish LoyLap as a leading alternative payments provider for the 21st century and to grow sales to 20m within five years.
Credit Unions are preparing to enter the mortgage market.

According to the Irish Independent, the financial institution hopes to start lending to homeowners by this time next year.

It means that three new entrants are set to take on the banks.

An Post is widely expected to link up with the Spanish banking giant Bankinter on a new mortgage product.

A third lender Finance Ireland is to target first time buyers, movers and switchers.
President Michael D Higgins was in for a musical treat over the weekend thanks to Limerick Gospel Choir.

The incumbent President was speaking at the official launch of the Belonging to Limerick Integration Plan, which aims to work towards creating a vibrant, inclusive and truly intercultural society in Limerick in which all residents belong and are valued equally, regardless of their colour, creed or culture.

He was given a warm reception by the Limerick-based choir, who gave an energetic rendition of a traditional South African song, Shosholoza.

Aisling Moloney - Limerick Voice

The word Shosholoza or "tshotsholoza" means to go forward and is used as a term of hope for the workers as a sign of solidarity.

This is why choir director, David Idioh, chose this particular song.

"Shosholosa reflects hard work and survival. This song inspires people especially those in the African community on the light of their ability to survive in toughest of situations."

Speaking about the benefits of diversity at the event Michael D said, May I suggest that we achieve the best of ourselves when we make the effort to understand and accept the complexity of identity.

"Then we move on from simply tolerating difference, we can come then to embrace and celebrate what make the newest citizens of Ireland, the newest citizens of Limerick, unique.

Photo by John Loftus.

The gospel choir teamed up with the Corrigan brothers over the summer to rewrite a Billy Joel classic celebrating Limerick GAA's successful hurling team.

Have you got something you think we'd like?

Then send it onto us via WhatsApp on 087 1520145.
Almost 3m has already been spent on engineers and consultants for the BusConnects plan in Dublin.

New figures show a US-based consultancy firm, that won the tender in 2016, has been paid more than 600,000 for work up to August of this year.
A couple has been refused permission by the High Court to appeal a decision to dismiss their challenge to An Bord Pleanalas permission for construction of a wind farm near their home in Co Cork.

Klaus Balz and his wife Hanna Heubach run a family horticulture business from their home at Bear na Gaoithe, 637 metres from the proposed wind farm at Cleanrath, Inchigeelagh.
The actor, Emma Watson, has written a passionate tribute to Savita Halappanavar ahead of the sixth anniversary of her passing, saying "we continue the fight for reproductive justice".

Ms Halappanavar died following complications arising from a septic miscarriage and failings in her care at University Hospital Galway on October 28, 2012.

Her tragic death is widely seen as one of the factors behind the repeal of the Eighth Amendment earlier this year.

Fashion magazine Porter published Ms Watson's letter which spoke of Ms Halappanavar as a natural-born leader and praised her "gracious" family and friends for taking part in the Repeal the 8th campaign.

Ms Halappanavar's parents

The activist, who has fought on many issues, including reproductive rights and global sustainability, started her letter with "You didnt want to become the face of a movement; you wanted a procedure that would have saved your life.

Saying that the fight for reproductive justice is still ongoing, Ms Watson noted that "Northern Irelands abortion law predates the lightbulb".

"That the eighth amendment enabled valuing the life of an unborn fetus over a living woman was a wake-up call to a nation, she said.

From Argentina to Poland, restrictive abortion laws punish and endanger girls, women and pregnant people."

It was a great honour to be asked by @PORTERmagazine to pay the deepest respect to the legacy of Dr Savita Halappanavar, whose death powered the determination of activists to change Irish abortion laws & fight for reproductive justice all over the world. https://t.co/KZWRpp7btO pic.twitter.com/yLDXgcHKyh  Emma Watson (@EmmaWatson) September 29, 2018

Ms Halappanavar's inquest returned a verdict of medical misadventure finding that there were systemic failures or deficiencies in the care given to her before she died.

The letter in full reads as follows:

Dear Dr Savita Halappanavar,

You didnt want to become the face of a movement; you wanted a procedure that would have saved your life. When news of your death broke in 2012, the urgent call to action from Irish activists reverberated around the world  repeal the Eighth Amendment of the Irish Constitution. Time and again, when our local and global communities collectively mourn a tragic death due to social injustice, we pay tribute, mobilize and proclaim: rest in power. A promise to the departed and a rallying call to society, we chant: never again. But it is rare that justice truly prevails for those whose deaths come to symbolize structural inequality. Rarer still is a historic feminist victory that emboldens the fight for reproductive justice everywhere.

Your family and friends were gracious and galvanizing in their sharing of your memory. They told us you were passionate and vivacious, a natural-born leader. I heard that at Diwali in 2010 you won dancer of the night, going on to choreograph routines with children in your community. I watch the video of you dancing in Galways 2011 St Patricks Day parade and am moved to tears by your thousand-watt smile and palpable enthusiasm. Sharing their mourning and hope with the world, your family publicly supported the Together for Yes campaign. Celebrating repeal, your father expressed his gratitude to the people of Ireland. In reciprocity, I heard Irelands repealers say that they owe your family a great debt.

A note on your memorial in Dublin read, Because you slept, many of us woke. That the eighth amendment enabled valuing the life of an unborn fetus over a living woman was a wake-up call to a nation. For you, and those forced to travel to the UK to access safe, legal abortion, justice was hard-won. From Argentina to Poland, restrictive abortion laws punish and endanger girls, women and pregnant people. Still, Northern Irelands abortion law predates the lightbulb. In your memory, and towards our liberation, we continue the fight for reproductive justice.

With all my love and solidarity,

Emma Watson
Gardai in Drogheda, Co Louth are seeking the public's assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 16-year-old Alan Ryan who is missing since Saturday, September 22, 2018.

He was last seen at Greenhills, Drogheda at approximately 12.45pm.

Alan is described as being of slim build with blue eyes and brown hair. It is not known what Alan was wearing when he was last seen.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Drogheda Garda Station 041 - 9874200, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

- Digital Desk
There has been a spike in the number of robberies, according to the latest data from the Central Statistics Office.

Robberies have increased by 15.1% and a total of 3,999 burglaries have occurred nationwide in the three months to the end of June when compared to the same period last year.

However, the total number of recorded incidents of damage to property and the environment fell by 3.0% in the period.

Following the release of the latest CSO Crime Statistics Report Eoin Dunne, Managing Director of PhoneWatch, said:

"Across the southern region, there was a 5% increase in burglaries, while North County Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Tipperary showed very concerning double-digit increases.

We should all feel safe and secure in our homes, but being the victim of a burglary undermines this and can be very upsetting.

"As we enter the winter months the extra hours of darkness increases the risk of burglaries."

PhoneWatch recommends a series of security tips to homeowners to boost their homes security:

Always ensure your front and back doors are locked and windows shut, even if you are only leaving your house for a short time. PhoneWatch analysis shows that 45% of burglars gain entry through the front or back doors and yet a quarter of people still leave these unlocked.

The most common time for a burglary is between 5pm and 11pm. During this time you should make sure your home is well lit using timed switches or smart plugs if you are not going to be at home.

With half of all burglaries occurring while people are in their homes it is just as important to lock your doors while you are at home.

Fitting and maintaining a monitored alarm system is an excellent way to protect your home, it acts as a strong deterrent to would be burglars and provides the peace of mind of knowing that your home is being protected 24 hours a day.

Noting the publication of Crime Statistics, Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan, said:

An Garda Siochana continue to make significant progress in tackling the insidious threat of organised crime, particularly in Dublins North Inner-City. Operation Hybrid is a targeted, proactive response to the ongoing attempts by criminal gangs to commit murder in recent years.

The Minister pointed to the significant work undertaken by An Garda Siochana to prevent further loss of life arising from gangland feuds.

"An Garda Siochana are combating those who seek to carry out such shocking murders and prevent further loss of life and I applaud their brave efforts; in particular the prevention of over 50 murders since Operation Hybrid commenced. I note that the Courts have recently complemented An Garda Siochana in relation to recent high profile convictions for senior members of Organised Crime Groups, he said.

The success of these Garda operations has impacted on the number of Attempts and Threats to Murder (and related offences) and Weapons and Explosive offences, up 8.3% and 10.7% respectively on the same period last year. An Garda Siochana will continue to tackle these criminals head on, and this Government will continue to support them in doing so.

There were also 10.2% more sex offences while attempts or threats to murder, assault or harass someone went up by 8.3%.

Offences against the government, which includes breaches of bail and breaches of domestic violence orders, was up 13.1%.

Olive Loughnane of the CSO said:

In March, the CSO resumed publication of Recorded Crime statistics using the category of Statistics Under Reservation to provide the best available measure of police-recorded crime in Ireland while informing users of their concerns regarding the quality of the underlying data.

"The categorisation of Recorded Crime statistics as Statistics Under Reservation will remain in place until the CSO is satisfied that the level of accuracy and completeness of the underlying data is of sufficient quality.

"The CSO is engaging with An Garda Siochana to set out the criteria for lifting the reservation. These criteria will address quality concerns across a broad range of issues relating to the recording and classification of crime.

- Digital Desk
Irish sailor, Gregor McGuckin, who was competing in this year's Golden Globe Race has arrived in Australia 10 days after a storm struck his vessel in the Indian Ocean.

His yacht was rolled 360 degrees causing irreversible damage to his mast.

After he stabilised his vessel, McGuckin answered a distress call from a fellow race competitor Indian sailor, Abhilash Tomy.

He managed to build a jury rig and after four days of sailing managed to help the French vessel, FPV Osiris, rescue Tomy. The French vessel also evacuated Gregor from his yacht to prevent the need for a second rescue mission.

McGuckin was brought into Rockingham in Perth, Western Australia, today aboard the Australian naval vessel HMAS Ballarat.

The 32-year-old from Goatstown in Dublin was trying to be the first Irish man ever to complete the 30,000-mile race around the globe.

McGuckin told media in Perth: "While Australia was never my intended final port, I couldn't be happier and more grateful right now. My journey started some 92 days ago, when I departed France on the Hanley Energy Endurance in an attempt to sail alone non-stop around the world.

"In a horrendous storm, my yacht was capsized and dismasted as was my competitor Abhilash Tomy's yacht. I was uninjured and was planning to sail to safety, however, Abhilash was not so lucky.

"He suffered a back injury and was in immediate danger so I built a jury rig and set a course for his location. Thankfully, we were both picked up and Abhilash is now recovering.

The Dubliner thanked his rescuers who he described as "the real heroes".

He said: "All services were tested to their limits and excelled. The international cooperation between Australia, France, and India has proven that no matter how remote, there is always cover and the investment in naval assets and training paid off.

"I understand the Ballarat crew had returned early from leave and I pass on my deep gratitude to them and their families for their dedication to duty."

McGuckin said his thoughts are with his fellow competitors in the Golden Globe Race.

He said: "My incident merely underpins the challenges they face and I am sure we would all wish the remaining boats a safe passage until the race completes next year. I would also like to thank Don McIntyre and his team for their support.

"Right now I want to spend time with my family and take some time. I will reflect on my experience and address all matters and questions at great length in due course. Thanks again to all involved. I will forever be indebted for your efforts."

Gregor intends to rest in Perth with the support of his loved ones before returning to Ireland.
By Ann O'Loughlin

A High Court judge has directed the Minister for Justice to reconsider a refusal to allow a Garda sergeant to pursue a compensation claim over knee injuries suffered during a prisoner transfer.

There was no dispute that Sergeant Shane Devlin, since retired, had suffered significant personal injuries but the central issue in the context of a compensation claim was whether the injuries were "maliciously inflicted", Mr Justice Max Barrett said.

Sgt Devlin sought judicial review after an officer in the policing division of the Department of Justice recommended in July 2016 that compensation be refused arising from the relevant incident of July 19th 2013.

On that date, Sgt Devlin, formerly stationed at Cavan garda station, was performing prisoner escort duties at Virginia District Court.

During the court sitting, a prisoner created a disturbance and had to be removed to another room by Sgt Devlin and another Garda.

In that room, the prisoner engaged in "quite disturbing" behaviour, hitting himself in the face with his fists and hitting his head off a table, the judge noted.

Both gardai tried to calm him.

In a subsequent letter concerning the incident, Sgt Devlin said, while trying to calm the prisoner, the prisoner's weight shifted and landed on the side of the Sergeant's right knee.

Sgt Devlin wrote he did not believe that was a malicious act by the prisoner and, although he had felt pain in his knee, continued to calm the prisoner. He later suffered knee pain.

In his judgment on Monday, Mr Justice Barret said the legal test in not whether there was malice but whether or not there is a "stateable case of malice".

It "flies in the face of fundamental reason and common sense" to conclude there is not even a stateable case that the prisoner had engaged in "deliberate or reckless" action that constituted a physical attack, or at least a treat of physical attack, on Sgt Devlin, he said.

If there is a stateable case, the Minister is not concerned whether or not there was malice as the law provides that is an issue for the High Court, he held.

Whether or not Sgt Devlin's letter may "cause a difficulty" for him at a compensation hearing was a matter to be decided at the compensation hearing itself, he added.

The judge ruled the Sergeant is entitled to an order quashing the refusal of July 2016 to authorise a compensation claim and directed the matter be returned to the Minister for fresh consideration in line with the court's judgment.
By Tom Tuite

A cunning 17-year-old boy, who stole thousands of euro worth of phones and charitable donations during a theft spree, has been given a 12-month sentence.

The serial thief, who cannot be named because he is a minor, had been refused bail in August because he was out on control.

His mother would not take him home and he had spent the next two months in custody on remand pending sentence.

The Dublin Childrens Court also heard he skipped court 11 times this year and five in 2017 and carried out a litany of offences while on bail.

The boy admitted carrying out a minor assault on a man male at Dunnes Stores, in Balbriggan, Dublin on March 30 last year.

In addition to the attack, he admitted theft of runners valued 54 from the TK Maxx shop at Stephens Green, stealing two phones worth 1600 in total from Currys in Blanchardstown on November 6, 2017 as well as an Ipad valued 939 at the Pavillion shopping centre on December 2, 2017, four bottles of aftershave from Boots in Liffey Valley and possessing articles for use in a theft at the Omni Shopping centre in Santry on July 25, 2017.

The teenager also stole a 800 phone from a shop in Carlow, on June 15 last, 83 worth of petrol the following day from a service station in the same town, theft of a 300 phone on June 10, 2018, and another phone worth 1,180 at DID Electrical in Blanchardstown on May 14 last.

He also admitted leaving a Blanchardstown garage without paying for services on April 30 last, stealing a charity box containing 100 from a fast food restaurant in Carlow, on May 22 last, assaulting a staff member at another takeaway in Naas, on June 2018 and theft of two other charity collection boxes on June 11 last and May 13 with each believed to have contained about 100.

The teen stole 15 worth of goods from a Carlow shop on grocery June 24, a bottle of cognac worth 160 on June 5 last and damaged a phone shop display cabinet on May 21.

He was also guilty of a minor assault on a man during an incident in Tallaght on June 4 last.

Pleading for leniency, defence solicitor Matthew Kenny said during the last number of years the boy had come to the adverse attention of gardai and the Probation Service.

He had difficulties interacting with the Probation Service and a large number of offences were committed while on bail.

The solicitor said the teen had been associating with youths his own age and older.

When he went into custody in August it was the first time he had his liberty taken from him and he now had insight into the consequences of his offending, Mr Kenny said.

The teens parents had tried their best. The teenager had gone to school but had decided he would like a life of crime and had shown a level of cunning.

In evidence, the teen begged for another chance and the court heard he hoped to get employment.

That was my first time in a detention centre and its made me think about stuff Ive done and I want to say sorry. I wasnt thinking, I was young, I see how bad things can get.

Detaining him for one year, Judge OConnor agreed to backdate the sentence by two months to take into account time served on remand.

Earlier the court had heard that the boy had also broken all his bail conditions which were imposed earlier this year.

He was supposed to reside with his mother at her home in north County Dublin and obey a 10pm to 6am curfew.

A Garda said there was no parental control over the boy and the teens mother had indicated she was not willing to take him home.

A Garda witness also voiced concerns that the teen was a flight risk and his criminal activity was becoming more aggressive and violent.

The defence had also said earlier that due to a breakdown in family relationships, he was homeless and had missed court because he felt he would be in more trouble if he went to court without his parents, who are required to attend.
Latest: The three men who drowned in the boating tragedy in Co Kerry have been named locally as Anatolijs Teivens, Jurijs Burcves and Valerijs Klimentengvs.

All three men were earlier identified as Latvian nationals.

Both Anatolijs Teivens and Jurijs Burcves lived in Killarney with their families and Valerijs Klimentengvs resided in Tralee.

The mayor of Kerry has extended the sympathy of the people of the county to the families of the three.

Cllr Norma Foley said:

"The people of Kerry are shocked and saddened at this appalling tragedy. I want to express my condolences to the mens families at this very sad time.

There is a small but valued Latvian community in Kerry and our thoughts and prayers are with the Latvian community and the mens friends and neighbours at this time.

"I have no doubt that the people of south Kerry and beyond will do everything they can to support the bereaved through this difficult period."

Debris from the boat was spotted by members of the cliff and coast Iveragh coastguard unit, indicating the fibreglass punt had partially broken against rocks overnight.

The debris has been recovered and is in possession of gardai in Cahersiveen and will be examined by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board.

Family members of three men who were taken from the water just off Coonanna Harbour in south Kerry yesterday evening made contact with gardai on Sunday night after news of the tragedy broke and the men did not return home.

The stricken boat in which three people lost their lives while fishing is removed from Coonanna Harbour, near Cahersiveen, County Kerry today. Picture:Don MacMonagle.

Two of the men had been living in Killarney. Generally, the small Latvian community works in recycling as well as joinery businesses.

There are calls in Kerry for better information for the non-Irish population who work in the hotel and service industry in the county. Angling is popular with East Europeans especially but there have been a number of tragedies.

Michael Cahill, a long time councillor for South and West Kerry who lives at Rossbeigh and grew up alongside the Atlantic has said the loss of the three men just off the coast on Sunday was a terrible tragedy. Local fishermen in Dingle Bay, Cromane and elsewhere were wary of north westerly winds, he said.

People who come to this country may not be as au fait with the sea and weather conditions which those of us who grew up here near the sea would know about from older people and our families. We need to make sure sea safety campaigns and awareness of local conditions is communicated to them, the Fianna Fail councillor said.

The men had arrived by car to Coonana just outside Cahersiveen and had set out early on Sunday morning, shortly before 8.30 am, to fish in the harbour, an area they were familiar with.

It is not clear yet what kind of equipment they were using whether rods or nets.

All three bodies were recovered from just off shore within an hour of reports to emergency services by a man walking in the area shortly after 6 pm.

Family friends of the three men who drowned in a boating accident are shown where the boat went down by a local man just off Coonanna Pier near Cahirsiveen, Co Kerry. Picture: Dan Linehan.

He noticed the overturned boat and a man floating in the water.

One of the bodies was closer to the pier than the others  all three had been wearing flotation devices.

They had been in the water for some hours, it is thought, though the cause of the accident remains a mystery.

The parish priest of Cahersiveen and Valentia, Fr Larry Kelly said everyone felt huge sorrow.

Its a huge tragedy, Fr Kelly said.

The 15ft open boat, described by the coastguard as a punt, in which three men set out early on Sunday morning has now sunk but will be taken from the waters later today, with the assistance of divers.

Conditions in Coonanna are calm this morning. Yesterday north westerlies of force three to four were blowing.

However the men appeared to have stuck close to the cliff lined land, and the upturned boat was in the sheltered end of the harbour.

The Marine Casualty Investigation Board as well as gardai are involved in the investigation.

John Draper Divisional Controller of the Valentia Coastguard said they had reports the boat was an old speed boat type, with a very large engine and this may not have been ideal for the conditions on Sunday.

Coastguard removing debris from the scene this morning. Pic: Dan Linehan.

Earlier: Post-mortem examinations are expected to be carried out today on the bodies of three men recovered from the water off Coonanna Harbour in south Kerry yesterday evening.

The three men have been identified as Latvian nationals.

The men were aged 30, 38 and 57.

All three men are believed to have lived in Kerry for a number of years with their families at addresses in both Killarney and Tralee.

It is believed that one of the men, whose body was found close to the Coonanna shore, was trying to raise the alarm.

Gardai and the Marine Casualty Investigation Board are continuing their investigations into the deaths of three men.

Earlier: Family members of three men who were taken from the water just off Coonanna Harbour in south Kerry yesterday evening have come forward to investigating gardai in Caherciveen, writes Anne Lucey.

The three men, two men aged in their 30s and one man in his 40s, are believed to be Latvian and two of the men had been living in Killarney, it is believed. The third man was living elsewhere in Kerry.

The South Kerry area is popular with anglers from Eastern Europe and there have been a number of tragedies in the area of people swept off rocks and cliffs while fishing.

The men had arrived by car to Coonana just outside Cahersiveen and had set out before 8.30am on Sunday morning to fish in the harbour, an area they were familiar with.

It is not clear yet what kind of equipment they were using, whether rods or nets.

All three bodies were recovered from just offshore within an hour of reports to emergency services by a man walking in the area shortly after 6pm. The local man noticed the overturned boat and a man floating in the water.

One of the bodies was closer to the pier than the others and all three had been wearing flotation devices.

They had been in the water for some hours, it is thought, though the cause of the accident remains a mystery.

There had been no alert from the boat to the coastguard. The men had set out at 8.20am, the local man who spotted the upturned hull told them.

The 15ft open boat, described by the Valentia coastguard as a punt, in which the men set out early on Sunday morning has now sunk, but it is hoped it will be recovered from the waters later today, with the assistance of divers.

Coastguard and gardai at the scene this morning. Pic: Don MacMonagle.

Conditions in Coonanna are calm this morning. Yesterday north westerlies of force three to four were blowing and there were swells of two metres.

John Draper Divisional Controller of the Valentia Coastguard said they had reports the boat was an old speed boat type, with a very large engine and this may not have been ideal for the conditions on Sunday.

The Marine Casualty Investigation Board, as well as gardai, are involved in the investigation.

Post mortems will be carried out today in Tralee, it is expected.

Earlier: Kerry community 'devastated' after three men drown in 'huge tragedy'

A community on the south Kerry coast has been described as "devastated" and "in shock" at the death of three men in a fishing tragedy.

Their bodies were found near an upturned boat yesterday evening near Coonanna Pier and post mortems are due to take place today.

The circumstances of what happened are unclear, but one theory put forward is that the boat may have capsized, drowning two of the men, and the third man drowned while trying to make it ashore.

Father Larry Kelly, the parish priest in Caherciveen, said locals cannot believe what has happened.

Fr Kelly said: "Everybody is shocked, these three young men, from what I can gather have come here fairly often in the past.

Coastguard removing debris from the scene this morning. Pic: Dan Linehan.

"We feel huge sorrow, heavy hearts for the families back home, it must be very tragic for them and everybody around here is devastated as well. It is a huge tragedy."

Earlier: Post mortems due on bodies of three men recovered from Kerry harbour

By Anne Lucey

Autopsies will take place today on the bodies of three men recovered from the water just offshore at Coonana Harbour in south Kerry yesterday.

Shortly after 6pm, a member of the public saw a man floating in the water and an overturned boat just off the eastern end of Coonana pier, a sheltered and scenic harbour 5km north of Caherciveen.

The emergency services were alerted and an operation, co-ordinated by the nearby Valentia Coastguard saw Shannon Rescue 115, the Coastguard Sikorsky helicopter, with the assistance of the Valentia RNLI lifeboat and the local Iveragh coastguard, recover the bodies of three men.

According to gardai, two of the men were under the boat.

All three were recovered in less than an hour.

It is understood the men were Eastern European and lived in the area. One was in his 50s and the other two in their 30s.

The scene at Coonana Harbour, Co Kerry, where the bodies of three fishermen were recovered from the water yesterday evening.

They are believed to have gone out fishing earlier in the day in what the coastguard described as a 15ft punt, an open boat.

Winds were north-northwesterly, force three to four. However, the men appeared to have stuck close to the shore, and the upturned boat was in the sheltered end of the harbour.

All three bodies were taken to the morgue at University Hospital Kerry in Tralee where autopsies will be carried out today.

Gardai are investigating, but the deaths are being treated as tragic accidents.

There is some speculation locally that one man may have fallen in and the other two had tried to rescue him. It appears they had been wearing heavy clothing.

It is believed the men drowned some time before the boat was spotted.

The tragedy recalls a similar drowning of a semi-retired couple fishing on a clear day just off Connana harbour 21 years ago.

On October 23, 1997, Paddy ODonoghue, a native of Caherciveen who was in his 70s, and his wife, Kay, a British national also in her 70s, had gone to haul in mackerel nets in their 16ft boat for their weekly fishing stall business when tragedy struck and they both drowned.

That day was clear, calm, and warm.
Anne-Marie has announced she's coming back to play on our shores and this time it's without Ed Sheeran.

2018s biggest-selling UK debut act of the year will play Belfast's Waterfront, on May 31 and Dublin's 3Arena, on June 1 as part of her nationwide UK and Ireland tour.
Connacht and the IRFU say they're "aware of media reports" concerning a court appearance by their star signing Sevu Reece.

Reece is due to move to Galway next month after completing the current season with Waikato, but that move now hangs in the balance.
"The first plastic straw you ever used in your life is lying there still, that's scary," Rhea Mazumdar Singhal says.

"There is a big disconnect with the amount of plastics used and the amount efficiently recycled. What we need to do as individuals is actually reduce our waste footprint."

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges. Credit:Wolter Peeters

The Indian entrepreneur started compostable food packaging business Ecoware Solutions nine years ago in a bid to address the problem of single-use plastics.

It's a problem Australia continues to grapple with. Coles and Woolworths banned single-use plastic bags in August, copping a backlash from consumers, and all states except NSW are planning to phase out single-use plastic bags.
The government says to think of Unit 1 as an insurance policy, required by the Endangered Species Act. Once a species has been identified as endangered, the government is required to identify critical habitat for the creatures, and the law specifically envisions both land that is currently occupied by the species, and not. Unoccupied land may be deemed critical only when the government determines it is "essential for the conservation of the species". The act defines "conservation" to include not just survival, but restoration of the population, and the frog used to live in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. A panel of experts said Unit 1 met the law's demands, mostly because it contains something essential to the frog's breeding habits: "ephemeral ponds". It is a poetic appellation for low areas that fill with water at certain times of the year and then dry out. Such ponds are unable to sustain fish, which would eat the frog's eggs. Ranger Chuck Burdine and researcher Jaime Smith. Credit:The Washington Post by Emily Kask Poitevent notes the specific requirements of what he points out used to be called the Mississippi gopher frog. "They're very delicate creatures, aren't they?" he asks. "They look so prehistoric, and yet they are quite delicate."

Jaime Smith, the most recent in a long line of researchers who have come to Mississippi to help restore the frog population, says: Not really. The frog got along fine until people came along. "The main driver of its near extinction was human activity and habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation," she said last month as she led a visitor on a search for the frog. "So when I hear the argument that this is an animal that clearly wasn't meant to survive anyway, I feel it's kind of like if someone broke into your apartment, trashed it and said you weren't really meant to have this apartment anyway." Others may listen to the dusky gopher frog and detect a snore. Smith hears more of a purr. "They're great little animals," she said.

Smith, 27, has been known to bolt from gatherings on evenings during breeding season, when the water levels in the ephemeral ponds have reached at least 55 centimetres and the rain is falling. In the middle of the night, she briefly detains frogs headed to the pond for a quick examination, then sends them on their way. Later, she will collect some of their egg masses to raise in captivity. There was a setback a couple of years ago: a protozoan parasite decimated her efforts. She collected 121 egg masses - each with about 1200 eggs - and only two tadpoles metamorphosed. On a recent excursion into the national forest, a reporter and photographer were asked to disable the GPS on their devices to keep the frogs' whereabouts a secret. The dusky gopher frog spends most of its time underground, living in tree stumps and holes created by gopher tortoises, hence its name. In one part of the forest, researchers are testing whether the frogs would be just as happy in a hole in the ground drilled by a two-inch auger. Smith pulled out a mesh liner, and there indeed was one of the endangered amphibians. When protection efforts began, there were only about 100 frogs capable of reproduction. That number has doubled, Smith said. And she acknowledges it takes a lot of work to keep the frog happy.

Besides the rare ponds, the frogs require an "open canopy" forest that lets in plenty of sunshine, and their protected areas are regularly burnt to kill off the undergrowth that would make it hard for the frogs to commute to the ponds. Therein lies the rub, according to Poitevent and Weyerhaeuser. Unit 1 has the ephemeral ponds, but none of the other characteristics the frog needs, they contend. Putting additional conditions on their land could keep it from being developed, and devalue the property by as much as $US33 million over the next 20 years. If that happens in a rural part of Louisiana, they argue, it could happen anywhere. "Vast portions of the United States could be designated as critical habitat if a single feature used by an endangered species is present," the company argues in its brief. The government downplays that, saying the designation causes no immediate problem for the landowners. It might be needed only if things go south for the frog in Mississippi, and the land could be made habitable for the frog with reasonable effort, "distinguishing it from other historically occupied sites where such restoration is not readily feasible". So far, courts have found the government's efforts a reasonable interpretation of the Endangered Species Act. And the Trump administration is defending the designation of the land, even as it proposes changes in the act that environmentalists complain would weaken it.
A man was left in a critical condition after a motorcycle crash on a rural property near Jindabyne on Sunday.

Emergency services were called to the property on Ironmungie Road, Maffra, about 50km east of Jindabyne at about 4pm.

Police have been told the 28-year-old man crashed while riding with friends.

He was treated at the scene before being airlifted to Canberra Hospital where he remained in a critical condition as of 8:30pm on Sunday.

Officers from Monaro Police District attended and are investigating the crash.
Police are hunting for a gunman after a man was taken to hospital with gunshot wounds in both legs in Sydney's west.

Emergency services were called to a unit on Browne Parade in Warwick Farm just after 4.45am on Tuesday, and found a 22-year-old man had been shot in both legs.

The man was treated at the unit before being taken to Liverpool Hospital in a stable condition.

Police believe a man armed with a long-barrelled firearm fled on foot shortly after the shooting.

The men are known to each other, and it's understood the shooting is possibly drug-related.
A man was stabbed in the chest and shoulder by an intruder overnight in Brisbane's north and rushed to hospital.

Queensland police believe a 21-year-old Northgate man forced entry to the home in Wallace Street, Chermside, about 7.30pm.

The two men were both taken to hospital for treatment. Credit:Glenn Hunt/Fairfax Media

The intruder picked up a knife and became involved in an altercation with a 20-year-old man at the home, stabbing him before attempting to flee, police said.

Officers arrested the attacker and took both men to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital for treatment.
A man is in custody after two men were stabbed to death and two other people injured in a "harrowing" incident at a north Queensland home overnight.

Police said a 29-year-old woman went to a Topton Street address in Alva, about 50 kilometres south-east of Townsville, shortly after midnight and a group of men arrived at the address not long after.

Two men died at the scene of the altercation south of Townsville.

Police said an altercation took place and two of the men, aged 27 and 37, were stabbed.

Detective Inspector Chris Lawson said emergency services were called to the residence with reports of injuries, and police arrived to a "horrific scene".
A man whose home was raided over an alleged terror plot in Melbourne two years ago believes people who don't sign a contract to live peacefully with Muslims should leave Australia or be executed.

Ibrahim Abbas is giving evidence against his younger brother Hamza Abbas, 23, cousin Abdullah Chaarani, 27, and friend Ahmed Mohamed, 25, who are on trial in the Supreme Court accused of conspiring to prepare an attack in Melbourne's CBD on Christmas Day 2016.

Mr Abbas' was arrested on December 22 that year over the plot, which prosecutors allege targeted Federation Square, St Paul's Cathedral and Flinders Street Station.

In a police interview played to jurors on Monday, Mr Abbas said 20 police came to his home and arrested him.

He was questioned about his support for Islamic State, the caliphate and Sharia Law, which he believed should be implemented in Australia for all Muslims and non-Muslims.
Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy has announced that a Coalition government would stop "urban claustrophobia" if successful in Novembers state election. The pledge comes after Premier Daniel Andrews announced the Labor government would build a massive suburban rail loop if re-elected. Both election announcements are focused on population growth management, which is shaping up to be the hottest election issue across Victoria.

Our growing pains are not the result of our population growing too fast, but rather infrastructure delivery happening too slowly. Credit:Joe Armao

Melbournes population crossed the 5 million mark in August; an incredible feat given it took more than 17 decades to grow to 4 million. Now in less than one decade, we've gained an extra 1 million people. Victorias next government clearly has a tough task in delivering the housing and infrastructure we so desperately need right now, while also planning for the future.

There are divergent views on population growth, which is understandable considering some of our current growing pains. The facts tell us such growth is incredibly important to Victorias strong economy and job creation. But the challenges are real, and our communities are feeling the strain in their everyday lives.

We are at a fork in the road in our states history and with the state election just two months away, the party in government after November 24 will have the important task of turning the realities of population growth to our advantage.
It might feel like your daily commute is dragging out longer each year, but half of us travel for only half an hour to get to work each way, new research finds.

The 5pm crush at Flinders Street. Credit:Paul Harris

Never mind the population boom, modelling by the Grattan Institute has found that our commutes are not that bad - half of Melbourne's population has travelled for 30 minutes a day, since 2004.

The vast majority - 90 per cent - travel no more than an hour to the workplace, according to the institute's analysis of data from the longitudinal study of Australian households, HILDA.
Police have charged a man involved in a crash overnight in which a car struck a wall of a property in Safety Bay.

A man has been charged with drink driving after he allegedly drove his car into a Safety Bay home on Sunday evening.

The man was arrested yesterday evening. Credit:WA Police

Just after 11 pm the man was driving a 2000 blue Toyota Hilux on Waikiki Road when he lost control and travelled through the intersection of Malibu Road.

Police say he crashed his car into the retaining wall of a house in Malibu Road.
Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has sent South Korean President Moon Jae-in a pair of white North Korean Pungsan dogs as a gift, the latest sign of a dramatic thaw in relations between the Korean rivals.

Moon and Kim held their third meeting this year in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang in mid-September, when Kim proposed the idea of the canine presents, the South Korean presidential Blue House said in a statement on Sunday.

Pungsan dogs Songgang, left, and Gomi, given by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in. Credit:AP

The dogs - a male named, Songgang and a female, named Gomi, passed through the heavily fortified demilitarised zone (DMZ) and the truce village of Panmunjom into South Korea on Thursday.

Kim crossed at the same place to meet Moon for the first time in April this year.
The Sulawesi tsunami was believed to have travelled at up to 800 kilomertes per hour. The 2004 Indonesian Ocean tsunami, which had waves as high as 30 metres and killed nearly a quarter of a million people from Indonesia to South Africa, resulted from a 9.1-magnitude megathrust earthquake in Sumatra. By contrast, the fault that ruptured on Friday was a strike-slip fault, in which the earth movement is largely horizontal. That kind of movement would not ordinarily create a tsunami. But under certain circumstances it can, Patton said

A strike-slip fault might have some amount of vertical motion that could displace seawater. Or the fault's rupture zone, which in this case was estimated to be about 112 kilometres long, may pass through an area where the seafloor rises or drops off, so that when the fault moves during the quake, it pushes seawater in front of it. Another possibility is that the tsunami was created indirectly. The violent shaking during the quake may have caused an undersea landslide that would have displaced water and created waves. Such events are not uncommon; several occurred during the 1964 9.2-magnitude Alaska earthquake, for example. Patton said a combination of factors may have contributed to the tsunami. Studies of the seafloor will be crucial to understanding the event. "We won't know what caused it until that's done," he said. People survey the mosque damaged following earthquakes and tsunami in Palu, Central Sulawesi. Credit:AP The tsunami could also have been affected by Palu's location at the end of a narrow bay. The coastline and the contours of the bottom of the bay could have focused the wave energy and guided it up the bay, increasing the wave height as it approached shore.

Such effects have also been seen before. Crescent City, California, has been hit by more 30 tsunamis, including one after the 1964 Alaska quake in which 11 people were killed, because of the contours of the seafloor in the region and the city's topography and location. Whatever the genesis of the waves, a 7.5-magnitude quake would not be expected to create an ocean-wide event, but rather a more localised one, as was the case on Friday. With the tsunami generated so close to Palu, there was little time for people to escape. A tsunami warning was issued by the government and was lifted about half an hour after the quake, apparently after the tsunami hit Palu. Rescuers check a survivor at a restaurant damaged by massive earthquakes and tsunami in Palu. Credit:AP

Indonesia uses only seismographs, global positioning system devices and tide gauges to detect tsunamis, which are of limited effectiveness, said Louise Comfort, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh graduate school. She has been involved in a project to bring new tsunami sensors to Indonesia. The damage to a shopping mall and mosque are visible following earthquakes and tsunami in Palu. Credit:AP In the United States, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has a sophisticated network of 39 sensors on the ocean bottom that can detect extremely small pressure changes indicating the passage of a tsunami. The data are then relayed via satellite and analysed, and an alert is issued if required. Comfort said Indonesia had a similar network of 22 sensors but they are no longer in use because they were not being maintained or had been vandalised. The project she is working on would bring a new system to Indonesia that would use undersea communication to avoid the use of surface buoys that could be vandalised or hit by ships.
In the land of the ethically blind, he who glimpses the dim shadows of virtue is king. That John McCain, who died last week, is plausibly remembered as a hero and the last principled Republican is both a testament to him and a reminder of the state of his country and his party.

John McCain lies injured in North Vietnam. Credit:AP

McCain was a war hero in an unjust, bloody and ill-fated war, shot down flying missions of destruction. By all accounts he was a courageous and defiant prisoner of war. He married rich (the second time), embarked on a successful political career, and stood resolutely on the wrong side of history in the Iraq and Afghanistan debacles. He spectacularly chose the imbecile Sarah Palin as his running mate in 2008, which became a critical launch pad for the yahoo populism that now infects his party. Only at the end, when he rescued the Affordable Care Act and eschewed the race-baiting masquerading as immigration reform, did his courage and his judgment combine to good effect.

Arizona Republican Senator John McCain pictured in 2008. Credit:AP

He refused to play the race card in the 2008 campaign against Obama. This basic decency seems practically Christ-like by the standards of 2018. Evidently he expected much less of others. What higher purpose was served by his turning the other cheek when the serial draft avoider Trump questioned his heroism because he was shot down in combat? McCains forbearance enabled an egregiously toxic candidate he would repudiate too late, and only after Trump boasted on tape about his sexual assaults. This was not taking the high road; it was abject capitulation.
Wheeling, West Virginia: US President Donald Trump told a cheering crowd at a campaign rally that there was once tough talk "back and forth" between himself and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un "and then we fell in love".

"He wrote me beautiful letters and they're great letters. We fell in love," Trump said at the rally on Saturday (US time).

He joked about criticism he would get from the news media for making a comment some would consider "unpresidential" and for being so positive about the North Korean leader.

"Why has President Trump given up so much?" Trump said in his mock "news anchor" voice. "I didn't give up anything."
Washington: FBI agents interviewed one of the three women who have accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct as Republicans and Democrats quarrelled over whether the bureau would have enough time and freedom to conduct a thorough investigation before a high-stakes vote on his nomination to the nation's highest court.

The White House insisted it was not "micromanaging" the new one-week review of Kavanaugh's background, but some Democratic legislators claimed the White House was keeping investigators from interviewing certain witnesses. President Donald Trump tweeted that no matter how much time and discretion the FBI was given, "it will never be enough" for Democrats trying to keep Kavanaugh off the bench.

And even as the FBI explored the past allegations that have surfaced against Kavanaugh, another Yale University classmate came forward to accuse the federal appellate judge of being untruthful in his testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee about the extent of his drinking in college.

As the fresh review unfolded, the prosecutor who was brought in by Republicans to handle questioning at last week's hearing outlined in a new memo why she did not believe criminal charges would be brought against Kavanaugh if it were a criminal case rather than a Supreme Court confirmation process. Rachel Mitchell wrote that she did not believe a "reasonable prosecutor would bring this case based on the evidence before the Committee".
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A woman passed out at Red Hooks Brooklyn Crab restaurant and later died on Friday.

Police arrived at the popular Reed Street seafood eatery during lunchtime at 12:20 pm after a 911 caller reported 25-year-old Franchesca Lizandro was struggling to breathe, and found her unconscious and unresponsive, according to cops, who said she showed no obvious signs of trauma.

Paramedics then rushed Lizandro, who a Police Department spokeswoman said may have been a restaurant employee, to Methodist Hospital, where doctors declared her dead, authorities said.

The medical examiner has yet to determine a cause of death, according to a separate department spokeswoman, who said Lizandro had a history of medical episodes related to asthma.

A manager at Brooklyn Crab said the restaurant would not comment on the incident.
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Indian mining tycoon Anil Agarwal-led Resources formally delisted from the amid protests outside its final annual general meeting here on Monday.

Volcan Investments Ltd, controlled by Agarwal as Executive Chairman, had announced a successful buyout of the company's shares last month.

" confirms that the listing of Shares on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and the trading of Vedanta Shares on the main market for listed securities of the has been cancelled with effect from 8.00 am today [Monday]," said in a statement.

The move came as a group of around 50-60 protesters, coordinated by grassroots organisations Foil Vedanta and Anti Sterlite People's Movement, gathered outside the company's final meeting in London to demand justice for the 13 protesters who died at Vedanta's copper smelter in Tamil Nadu in May.

"The people of Thoothukudi are still reeling from the massacre of innocent women, men and children in May, which was carried out in the name of protecting Vedanta's industry from the people whom it has polluted for so many years," said Fatima Babu, from the Anti Sterlite People's Movement.

"The Tamil Nadu, Indian and British government's must all take responsibility for the lawlessness and disproportionate power wielded by Vedanta, which led to this tragic event," she said.

At a smaller demonstration earlier on Monday, representatives gathered at Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) headquarters in London to hand over a copy of a new report titled 'Vedanta's Billions', which demands that British regulatory authorities must not let Vedanta "flee the London Stock Exchange" without being held to account.

"We cannot let Vedanta boss escape accountability and justice in the UK, under whose jurisdiction he has committed widespread financial, human rights and environmental crimes," said Foil Vedanta's Samarendra Das, who is the primary author of a new report titled 'Vedanta's Billions'.

The report is a summary of legal judgments against Vedanta across its operations, holding the company responsible of "abusive modus operandi" due to "illegal mining in Goa, pollution and tax evasion in Zambia, as well as illegal expansion and pollution in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu".

It alleges that the delisting follows the police shooting which killed 13 people, including women and children, on May 22 this year their 100th day of protest against pollution by Vedanta's copper smelter at Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu.

"The killing is being dubbed a 'corporate massacre' and led to the closure of the Sterlite copper plant. Vedanta's delisting plans were announced shortly afterwards amidst global protests against the company," the report concludes.

Agarwal has previously stated that the buy-out of the London listing was intended to simplify the company's structure and claimed that the liquidity of Indian markets meant that the need for a separate London listing was no longer critical.

In a video message on Twitter soon after the deaths in Thoothikudi in India, he had described the incident as "absolutely unfortunate" and expressed "full sympathy" with the families of those who died in the protests.
Union government has decided to remove the management of IL&FS following serial defaults by the company and its subsidiaries to lenders. IL&FS has Rs 910 billion of debt and is unable to repay loans in the last one month.

IL&FS has also moved the NCLT Mumbai seeking to restructure its debt under Section 230 of the Companies Act 2013. IL&FS shareholders led by LIC has decided to chip in Rs 45 billion via its rights issue, which is expected to close by October end. A source said the government is looking to appoint a new management, which would turn around the company. ...
State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is betting high on the second and third round of auctions under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) for petroleum blocks.

It has given a formal expression of interest (EoI) for seven areas in the second round and is in the process of doing so for discoveries in the Bay of Bengal region for the third round. Also, it would be participating in the second round of Discovered Small Fields auction (DSF-II) that has already been launched. "Of the 13 areas for which companies have submitted EOIs, ONGC has shown interest in ...
The battle between Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta and the government over the terms of extension of production sharing contract for the company's Rajasthan block has taken a fresh twist now, with both the parties agreeing to increase the government's share of profit by 10 per cent, until the ongoing legal battle gets over.

The case is currently before a Division Bench at the Delhi High Court that asked the ministry of petroleum in September to take a call on Vedanta's application on the extension in two months time. "Since the legal process is going on and the case is ...
DGP O P Singh Sunday said 200 police personnel in the state are under investigation for alleged laxity in duty.

He also directed police officials here to hold regular meetings with their subordinates and focus on good policing.

"Twelve police personnel have been dismissed and 200 have been put under investigation for alleged anomalies," Singh said.

He also said that "nobody will be spared for playing the law."



"Traditional methods adopted by police as earlier should be continued for effective policing," the director general of police said.

He was accompanied by DIG, Faizabad division, Onkar Singh.

The DGP asked police officials to use basic and new technologies to control crime.
carrier Air India is set to fly its 423-seater, double-decker Boeing 747 aircraft to two key domestic destinations, Mumbai and Kolkata, starting October 16 to meet the demand during the festive season.

With 12 seats in first class, 26 in business and 385 in economy class, the 'Jumbo' plane will operate one flight per day each to and Mumbai from New Delhi between October 16 and October 21, Air India said in a statement.

will be covered in the first phase and Mumbai in the second phase (November).



Generally, these four-engine planes are operated on international routes as well as for ferrying VVIPs.

Coincidentally, the year 2018 also marks the 50th anniversary of the Boeing 747 operations.

According to the airline, the first B-747 will operate as AI 887. It will leave from Delhi at 0700 hours and arrive in Mumbai at 0910 hours. On its return journey, it will be operated as AI 809 and will leave from Mumbai at 1040 hours to reach Delhi at 1245 hours.

The next B747 flight will operate as AI764, which will depart from Delhi at 1655 hours and reach at 1910 hours. The return flight, AI 023, will leave from Kolkata at 2050 hours and reach Delhi at 2255 hours, the airline said.

The Jumbo aircraft will also operate two flights per day daily on the Delhi-Mumbai-Delhi sector from November 1 to November 11 to cater to passenger demand during the Diwali season, the statement added.
Senior (BJP) leader on Sunday called Pakistan Prime Minister a chaprasi' (peon), adding that Islamabad is run by the military, ISI and terrorists.

" is nothing but a 'chaprasi' because the country (Pakistan) is run by the military, ISI and terrorists, and is just one of the 'chaprasi' of the government. He may be called the Prime Minister, but he is a 'chaprasi'," Swamy said while addressing a press conference here.

"There is only one solution to Pakistan. Balochis don't want to be part of Pakistan, Sindhis don't want to be part of Pakistan, Pashtuns don't want to be part of Pakistan, so break Pakistan into four parts - these three (Baloch, Sindh, Pashtun) and the residual West Punjab.... I also think that (External Affairs Minister) Sushma Swaraj should not waste her breath speaking about Pakistan in the UN because Pakistan gets psychic pleasure when India abuses it. Just ignore Pakistan, prepare your military and one day break it up into four," he added.

Swamy's statement comes after Swaraj on Saturday used the United Nations platform to highlight the serious issue of Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism and human rights violations in India.

Meanwhile, speaking on Bangladesh, Swamy said, "India will continue to support it, but Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should be warned to stop those mad people from demolishing Hindu temples, converting Hindu temples into Masjid and converting Hindus to Muslims. If Bangladesh does not stop torturing the Hindus, I would recommend that our government invades Bangladesh and takes it over."

Swamy was here to attend a programme of 'Sanskritik Gaurav Sansthan' Tripura unit.
Indian Banks Association (IBA) has proposed a new wage hike formula to bank unions. Under the proposal, while the fixed hike is set at 6 per cent, the variable component will be based on the grading of banks in three categories: A, B and C.

The performance linked-compensation part will be computed annually based on the financial results of the bank. The two parameters proposed to be used for computing the variable-linked pay would be -- operational profits and return on assets. Thus for FY 2017-18, in terms of both the parameters, only two banks  Indian Bank and ...
He also expected to potentially release their identities today, once their families were notified.

Authorities said the blast happened on a city street around 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

Police join members of the ATF and the Federal Bureau of Investigation as they investigate North Hall Street (between Turner and Linden Streets) in Allentown around 10 am Sunday, after a fiery auto explosion rocked the neighborhood on Saturday. Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin said the situation would likely be "inconvenient for the people that live in that area" until authorities are able to collect the evidence that will lead to a conclusion as to why the explosion occurred.

Three men were killed when a vehicle exploded in Pennsylvania's third largest city Saturday night, drawing a massive response from local and federal law enforcement to what was dubbed a "criminal incident".

'We have a high degree of confidence that the perpetrator was probably killed in the incident'.

"There is not believed to be any remaining threat to public safety", the Federal Bureau of Investigation said in a message on Twitter. The block where it occurred is a mixture of residences and small businesses, including a restaurant and a bar.

"I heard a big explosion, I ran to the window to see what it was, I didn't see anything".

Shortly after the explosion, residents were told to avoid the area or shelter in place. "It's insane. It's got me nervous".

"The fire was insane", resident Carlos Perodin, who lives not far from the scene, told local media.

"The fire was insane", Perodin told the paper.

Stephanie Connelly, who saw the aftermath of the explosion, told The Morning Call that she saw body parts strewn across the street.

"This is real life and I'm shaking and freaking out while I'm running", she said.

For those needing shelter, the American Red Cross has opened one at the East Side Youth Center at 1140 E. Clair St.

Authorities are seeking the public's help and asked anyone with information to call the ATF.
Private lender Yes Bank said it is all geared up for the succession of the banks MD & CEO Rana Kapoor, whose term was cut short to January 31 by the central bank. In an attempt to counter the banks dipping share prices, it also revealed key performance figures for the September quarter.

The banks stock, which had been falling for the past two days owing to uncertainty surrounding its succession plan, has seen an uptick following this announcement. The stock closed at Rs 201.80 on BSE, up by nearly 10 per cent from the previous close. We will decide ...
Pakistan Prime Minister on Monday spoke with German Chancellor and underscored the need for resumption of a comprehensive dialogue with India to address all outstanding issues, according to an official statement.

Chancellor Merkel telephoned Prime Minister Khan to congratulate him on his election victory and expressed desire to expand bilateral cooperation in diverse fields.

She emphasised the importance of deepening bilateral relations, Prime Minister House said in a statement.

Khan briefed her on the regional situation, especially the importance of a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan and relations with India.

He underscored the need for resumption of a comprehensive dialogue with India to address all outstanding issues, it said.

"Chancellor Merkel expressed desire to expand cooperation in diverse fields and work together on issues of mutual interest at the regional and global levels," it said



Khan thanked the German Chancellor for her call and expressed the desire for further enhancing bilateral relations with Germany into a mutually beneficial, broad-based and long-term partnership, it added.

Khan told Merkel that Germany is the largest trading partner of Pakistan in Europe and there is a substantial potential for cooperation in the spheres of energy and automobile sectors, and investment in hydroelectric power generation.

Merkel invited Khan to visit Germany at his earliest convenience and the Prime Minister accepted her invitation, the statement said.

The new government of Prime Minister Khan assumed office on August 18 after his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf emerged victorious in the July 25 elections.

Separately, Khan called the President-elect of Maldives, Ibrahim Mohammed Solih to congratulate him on his victory in the recent Presidential elections.

"Underscoring that Maldives is entering a new era, the Prime Minster hoped that under the leadership of President-elect Ibrahim Mohammad Solih, the country and its people would achieve great success and prosperity," an official statement said.

Both leaders reiterated their resolve to further strengthen the bilateral relations, which are characterised by cordiality, religious affinity and close cooperation.

They also expressed desire to work closely on issues of mutual interest and for the benefit of peoples of both countries, it said.

The Maldivian President-elect thanked Khan for the telephone call and also congratulated him on assumption of the office of Prime Minister of Pakistan.

He also invited the Prime Minister to visit Maldives at a mutually convenient date, the statement said.
The US Securities and Exchange Commission said on Saturday that car-maker Tesla and Chief Executive Elon Musk had agreed to pay $20 million each under a settlement that will also see the billionaire step down as chairman after a tumultuous two months for the company. But Musk, who is synonymous with the Tesla brand, will remain as chief executive under the settlement over tweets he posted on Aug. 7 about taking the company private, the SEC said. The SEC alleged in a lawsuit on Thursday that the tweets about financing for a go-private plan he abandoned just weeks later had no ...
The Trump Administration wants a trade deal with India, but it is too early to talk about it, a senior White House official said Monday.

"We want to (have a trade) deal (with India). (But) It's way too early for me. I do not want to get in front of that process," White House Economic Advisor Larry Kudlow told reporters here when asked what kind of trade deal US wants to have with India.

The discussions with India on a trade deal is at an "early" stage, the top White House official said.

"We would love a deal with India. But it's way too early," Kudlow said.



The top White House official was talking to reporters after US and Canada reached an agreement, alongside Mexico, on a new, modernized trade agreement for the 21st Century: the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Over the weekend, for the second time in last few weeks, President Donald Trump spoke about a trade deal with India claiming that it is New Delhi that wants a trade deal with the US.

Trump's remarks came days after Assistant US Trade Representative Mark Linscott returned from India where he had detailed discussion with senior Indian officials on bilateral trade and a possible trade deal between the two countries.
In shelters from Kansas to New York, hundreds of migrant children have been roused in the middle of the night in recent weeks and loaded onto buses with backpacks and snacks for a cross-country journey to their new home: a barren tent city on a sprawling patch of desert in West Texas. Until now, most undocumented children being held by federal immigration authorities had been housed in private foster homes or shelters, sleeping two or three to a room. They received formal schooling and regular visits with legal representatives assigned to their immigration cases. But in the rows ...
US President Donald Trump Monday slammed India for the allegedly high tariffs on American products and said that New Delhi wants to have a trade deal with America primarily to keep him happy.

Trump's charges against the alleged high Indian tariffs, for the second time in a few days, came during his White House news conference where he announced a new trade deal with neighbouring Mexico and Canada.

As he announced the key elements of the US-Mexico and Canada Agreement or USMCA, Trump listed out at the trade deals that are under negotiations, including with Japan, European Union, China and India.

Trump described India as a "tariff king" as he reiterated his allegations that New Delhi has a high tariff rate on various American products.

After he warned against imposing similar tariffs on import of Indian products, Trump said Indians called him that they want to have a trade deal with the US.



The negotiations is being carried out by the US Trade Representatives, Robert Lighthizer.

When US officials asked Indians why they want to have a trade deal with America, Indian officials told them that they want to keep the US president happy, Trump told reporters.

On Saturday, Trump had said that India wants to have a trade deal with the US because it does not want him to impose tariffs on their products.

Trump's remarks came days after Assistant US Trade Representative Mark Linscott returned from India where he had detailed discussion with senior Indian officials on bilateral trade and a possible trade deal between the two countries.
He warned that the death toll could be much higher than what has been reported, possibly in the thousands.

Internal Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo, asked about reports of looting on social media, said he had ordered authorities to help people get food and drink and businesses would be compensated. He said another 11 people were killed in the town of Donggala.

"Many bodies were found along the shoreline because of the tsunami, but the numbers are still unknown", Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, a spokesman for the Indonesian disaster agency, told Reuters.

Aid and supplies were being sent in via military and commercial aircraft, including helicopters, to reach badly affected areas. Palu's airport has been closed, forcing rescue workers to make the trek into the damaged city by road.

"To secure the scene and make sure that issues do not deteriorate further, I think, will be a big challenge", he said.

Dramatic mobile phone footage circulating online shows powerful waves smashing into the provincial capital of Palu, 80km away shortly after a tsunami warning for the area had been lifted. "We've got information from people that their relatives are still inside, so we're focusing on that, especially to find survivors", a rescuer identified as Yusuf, working at the ruins of the mall, told Metro TV.

In December 2004, a massive magnitude 9.1 quake off Sumatra island in western Indonesia triggered a tsunami that killed 230,000 people in a dozen countries.

In December 2004, a massive magnitude 9.1 quake off Sumatra island in western Indonesia triggered a tsunami that killed 230,000 people in a dozen countries. He said "many victims" are still to be accounted for.

Many people return day after day to undertake the grim task of looking through the bodies.

Sets of earthquakes have struck off Donggala Region, province of Central Sulawesi, Indonesia from 14:00h West Indonesia local time with the strongest magnitude of 7.4 at 17:02h, on Friday, 28 September 2018 and continued with 76 aftershocks ranging from magnitudes of 2.9 to 6.3 afterwards.

There were also reports of the quake impacting towns outside of Palu and Donggala, which could signal more victims from the disaster, he said.

Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said yesterday that he instructed the security minister to coordinate the government's response to the disaster.

The death toll from Indonesia's quake and tsunami disaster almost doubled to 832 on Sunday and was expected to rise further, prompting authorities to announce mass burials in a desperate attempt to stave off disease.

The vision shows people screaming and running in fear while a wall of seawater - reported to be at least two metres high - smashed into buildings along the coast.

Several mosques, a shopping mall and many houses have collapsed, according to the CRS.

A double-arched yellow bridge had collapsed, its ribs twisted as cars bobbed in the water below.

The shallow 7.5 magnitude tremor was more powerful than a series of quakes that killed hundreds on the Indonesian island of Lombok in July and August.

Indonesia is one of the world's most disaster-prone nations.

It lies on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide and numerous world's volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur.

Turkey is ready to provide any assistance that may be needed to Indonesia, where an quake and tsunami have caused the loss of hundreds of lives, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday.
The United States and Canada reached a deal to update Nafta and keep it a trilateral pact with Mexico, beating a midnight deadline with agreements to boost the US access to Canada's dairy market and protect Canada from possible US autos tariffs, two Canadian sources with direct knowledge of the talks said on Sunday. Word of the deal came as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convened a 10 p.m. (0200 GMT Monday) Cabinet meeting to discuss the North American Free Trade Agreement talks. A US official said a few minutes earlier that the United States and Canada were ...
has slapped a total penalty of Rs 7 million on Uttar Pradesh-based Regency Hospital as well as its two promoters for fraudulent trading in the company's shares.

In two separate orders issued on Friday, imposed fine of Rs 1.5 million on Regency Hospital, and Rs 2.5 million each on Managing Director Atul Kapoor and Whole Time Director Rashmi Kapoor.

They were found violating norms pertaining to fraudulent and unfair trade practices. Both are also promoters of the firm.

Additionally, Rs 500,000 was imposed on Regency for failing to disclose to the exchange about information received from its promoters regarding their pledged securities.

The watchdog examined the movement of the scrip during the period from



April to September 2011. Subsequently, it was found that the firm and the directors along with other connected entities executed synchronised trades, reversal trades and self-trades among themselves, resulting in artificial volumes.

"Notice employed and induced the services of the connected entities to trade among themselves to show an appearance of volume in the market by also executing structured, synchronised, reversal and self-trades to show artificial volume.

"This was also coupled with the impact on traded prices by executing first trades for the day so as to set the price for trading day, contributing the price rise in the scrip,"the regulator said.

The notices are Regency Hospital and the two directors.
Three people were killed in a car explosion which took place in Allentown, Pennsylvania on Saturday.

The incident was dubbed as a criminal incident and drew a huge response from local and federal law enforcement, reported ABC News.

Describing the incident as an isolated incident, the authorities in a press conference on Sunday revealed that the investigators believed that the perpetrator was one of three men who was killed in the explosion.

The cause of the accident is still unknown.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are among the agencies investigating the case.

The authorities have sealed off the area surrounding the explosion.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Delhi High Court on Monday set aside the transit remand of activist Gautam Navlakha, who was under house arrest for his alleged involvement in the Bhima-Koregaon violence case.

The order came in response to Navlakha's petition challenging his arrest and transit remand by the Pune Police in the case.

The court also ended his house arrest, which was extended by the Supreme Court by four weeks.

The bench, while delivering the judgement, observed that the detention is untenable in law. The court did not endorse the request of Maharashtra Police Counsel to extend Navlakha's house arrest by at least two more days.

Thanking the court for ending his house arrest, Navlakha in a statement, said he had won his freedom back after the judgement.

Echoing a similar stance, activist Sehba Hussain opined that the judgement was just a small victory, as many others continue to be under house arrest.

"I am very happy. For 35 days, he (Navlakha) has not stepped out. It's a political battle and this is a small victory. Bigger victory is yet to come as many others are still under house arrest or in Pune Jail," Hussain told ANI.

Five activists -- Sudha Bhardwaj, P. Varavara Rao, Gautam Navlakha, Arun Ferreira and Vernon Gonsalves -- were detained on August 28 from various cities for their alleged involvement in the violence that erupted in Pune earlier this year during an event organised to mark 200 years of the Bhima Koregaon battle.

The Maharashtra government, in an affidavit to the Supreme Court, had alleged that the activists were "members of banned terrorist organisation Communist Party of India (Maoist).

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Canada and the United States on Sunday finally came on to the same page to reach an updated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) deal as the two countries were engaged in last-minute negotiations to keep the trade pact trilateral. With the two countries reaching a deal, the new treaty has been named as "United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement."

The American and Canadian governments gave their nod to the agreement that would allow US farmers to have greater access to Canada's dairy market and resolve concerns about the proposed auto tariffs, CNN quoted officials as saying.

"It will strengthen the middle class, and create good, well-paying jobs and new opportunities for the nearly half billion people who call North America home. We look forward to further deepening our close economic ties when this new agreement enters into force," US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a joint statement.

Negotiations over reworking the NAFTA began over a year ago, and there were heated debates from officials of three countries, in an effort to keep the trilateral deal intact.

US President Donald Trump was briefed on the nearly finalised negotiations by Lighthizer and White House adviser Jared Kushner, who is also Trump's son-in-law, earlier on Sunday. The US has been working to ink the new trade deal before Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto steps down on December 1. Both Canada and Mexico are two of the biggest trading partners for the US.

Earlier on Friday, Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo had said that it will be clear in the next 48 hours if Canada wished to remain a part in the updated NAFTA deal between Mexico and the US.

In August, Trump had announced that he would be "terminating" the agreement and would rename the new treaty as the "United States-Mexico Trade Agreement," after the two countries had reached an understanding during their trade talks. He termed it a "win-win situation" for the Americans.

The original NAFTA deal was signed by Canada, Mexico and the US, creating a trilateral trade bloc in North America, which came into force on January 1, 1994. Trump has been deriding the pact, claiming it was the "worst ever deal" ever signed and hurt the interests of the American manufacturers.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Kalpana Tiwari, wife of Apple executive Vivek Tiwari who was allegedly shot dead by a police constable in Lucknow's Gomti Nagar last week, on Monday said that her faith in the Uttar Pradesh government has strengthened. Her statement came following her meeting with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who accepted all her demands.

Speaking to ANI, Kalpana said: "He (Adityanath) heard what I had to say and assured help. I had earlier also said that I have faith in our state government and today that faith has strengthened. I was feeling completely lost and thinking what to do. But after this meeting, the Chief Minister has encouraged me. I am grateful to him."

Earlier in the day while speaking to the media, Vivek's wife demanded strict punishment against those responsible for her husband's death.

Elaborating on her meeting with the Chief Minister, she said: "I met the Chief Minister today. Those responsible for killing my husband, they should be given strict punishment. He has accepted all my demands such as job for me, education of my children, and family welfare. He has helped me a lot, and has assured the state government's support to me."

Vivek Tiwari was returning home in the early hours of September 29, when he was allegedly shot on his chin by a police constable for refusing to stop his vehicle. However, the cop who has been accused of shooting Tiwari claimed that he fired in self-defence, as Tiwari tried to run his car over him.

An investigation was also launched by the Uttar Pradesh Police against the accused under section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In a tragic incident, a government-run primary girls' school was burnt by so-called terrorists in Chitral district of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

According to reports from local sources, the school was later blown up by terrorists and the building has been completely destroyed. It was the only primary school for girls in the area.

The area adjoining Gilgit Baltistan is falling directly in the route of the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

As per the reports, the terrorists also planted an IED en-route to the boy's school in the area.

Six years since the attack on Malala and almost four years since the Army Public School attack, schools in Pakistan are still not safe from jihadist militants.

In August, at least 12 girls' schools were attacked in Chilas, about 130 kilometers from Gilgit. Unidentified men attacked 12 girls' schools across Diamer district and damaged school property.

Same strategy was adopted while attacking schools in Chitral.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired missiles into eastern Syria on Monday, targeting militants it blames for a recent deadly attack on a military parade in Ahvaz.

"The headquarters of those responsible for the terrorist crime in Ahvaz was attacked a few minutes ago east of the Euphrates by several ballistic missiles fired by the aerospace branch of the Guardians of the Revolution", the Guards said on their official website. Iranian officials often use the word "takfiri" to describe Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL also known as ISIS). In June 2017 the Revolutionary Guards launched a missile strike against IS targets in Syria in response to a double bombing in Tehran claimed by the group.

The semi-official Fars news agency, believed to be close to the Guard, identified the six missiles used as Zolfaghar and Qiam variants, which have ranges of 750 kilometres and 800kms respectively.

The IRGC said the attack was a response to the "cowardly" act of terror during a military parade in the southwestern city of Ahvaz on September 22, which killed 25 people and injured 69 others.

The strikes also capped a week of Iranian diplomacy at the United Nations, where President Hassan Rouhani sought to rally European and other nations to oppose stepped-up USA efforts to target Iran.

Iran vowed revenge last week after four assailants attacked a military parade, held to mark the start of the eight-year war with Saddam Hussein's Iraq in 1980, killing 29 people and wounding at least 60 more including women and children.

One missile shown on state television bore the slogans "Death to America, Death to Israel, Death to Al Saud", referring to Saudi Arabia's ruling family.

Iran has supported President Bashar al-Assad in Syria's civil war, sending hundreds of troops and backing pro-Syrian government militias.

Iranian officials initially blamed Arab separatists backed by Gulf Arab allies of the United States for the attack. However, the city has been targeted even now by militants from Daesh group, who have lost nearly all the territory they once held in Syria and Iraq.

The U.S. military's Central Command acknowledged that Iranian forces conducted "no-notice strikes" in the area.

Mohsen Rezaei, who formerly led the Guard, praised the missile strike on Twitter, adding that the "main punishment is on the way", suggesting more attacks could be imminent.

State TV aired footage of a drone dropping what appeared to be an unguided munition.

The Islamic State group also claimed responsibility for the Ahvaz assault, but initially made factually incorrect claims about it.

The missiles were fired from western Iran and traveled the length of Iraq to reach targets in the Albu Kamal region of Syria, a distance of approximately 570 kilometers (350 miles), Fars reported.

Last year, Iran fired ballistic missiles into Syria over a bloody Daesh attack on Tehran targeting parliament and the shrine of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

The city of Ahvaz lies in Khuzestan, a province bordering Iraq that has a large ethnic Arab community and has seen separatist violence in the past that Iran has blamed on its regional rivals. 22, saw gunmen kill at least two dozen people, including a 4-year-old boy. Echoing Rouhani's threats, he also pledged that Iran would "respond swiftly and decisively".
A group of Hindu priests sat on an indefinite fast from Monday, demanding the immediate construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Speaking to ANI, Mahant Swami Paramhans Das of Tapasvi Chavni temple said, "We are starting our fast from today. I demand the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to enact a law for the construction of Ram temple. The temple should be constructed as soon as possible. I want Modi ji to speak on the issue, give a decision to construct Ram temple."

Ahead of their fast, the saints also held "Shila Pujan" inside the Tapasvi Chavni temple.

Earlier, Acharya Satyendra Das, head priest of the makeshift Ram temple in Ayodhya, had expressed his dissatisfaction over Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's failure to intervene in the issue for the last four years.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had said that he wants the Ayodhya matter to be resolved as soon as possible. The Chief Minister had said that the people of the country are awaiting an immediate solution to the matter.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court had declined to refer the 1994 Ismail Faruqui matter, a case related to Ayodhya dispute, to a larger Constitution bench.

Announcing its verdict, the apex court had held that all religions and religious places need to be equally respected. "Ashoka's edicts preach tolerance to the faith of others," Justice Ashok Bhushan had said while reading out the verdict. A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and also comprised Justices Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer, had pronounced the decision.

The top court will now begin hearing on the Ramjanambhoomi-Babri Masjid case from October 29 to decide the suit on merit.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, while addressing the media at Rashtrapati Bhavan after being accorded guard of honour, said that India has a special place in the heart of each Uzbek.

President Mirziyoyev, who is accompanied by his wife, Ziroatkhon Hoshimova on his maiden visit to India, was received by his Indian counterpart President Ram Nath Kovind, First Lady Savita Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

After being accorded a guard of honour and meeting with other dignitaries, the Uzbek President underlined the warm and cordial ties between the two nations.

"I thank everyone for your hospitality and thank India for inviting me. India has a special place in the heart of each Uzbek. Our nation is linked with historical ties and close spiritual and cultural ties. At the moment, India is a rapidly developing nation, and it is one of the leading economies in the It is also the biggest democracy in the India is confidently strengthening its role as a global power," President Mirziyoyev said.

He added that India is leading in spheres of innovations of high technology, industry, and service amongst others. President Mirziyoyev further said that his visit and productive negotiations would allow the strategic partnership between the two countries to surge to the highest level.

On Sunday, the Uzbek President and his wife visited the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, to kick-start his two-day India visit.

President Mirziyoyev's two-day tour includes a scheduled bilateral talk with Prime Minister Modi at the Hyderabad House, along with a number of other significant engagements. He will also visit Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

The Uzbek President is slated to meet President Kovind, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. He will also attend a presidential banquet during his visit.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India and Uzbekistan will jointly work together and strive for a stable, prosperous and peaceful Afghanistan, which will be beneficial for the interests of the region, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.

Addressing a joint presser with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Prime Minister Modi said, "Both India and Uzbekistan aspire a safe and prosperous external environment. We appreciate their efforts in maintaining regional peace and stability. I can assure you that India will help in your efforts. Both India and Uzbekistan wish a democratic, stable and prosperous Afghanistan."

Talking about bilateral trade, Prime Minister Modi said that a target of USD 1 billion has been set by 2020, adding that professional trade negotiations between the two countries have already initiated.

"To support Uzbekistan's social schemes and other infrastructural projects, we have agreed to grant USD 200 million Line of Credit. Twinning agreements between Agra and Samarkhand, and Gujarat and Andijan have been signed as well," he added.

Prime Minister Modi further underscored that the Chabahar Port in Iran acts as a vital trade link between the two countries.

Underscoring the cordial ties between New Delhi and Tashkent, Prime Minister Modi elucidated, "This is our fourth meeting and I feel you (Uzbek President) are a special friend. Meaningful discussions were held between us that will help deepen our strategic partnership. Happy that our ties built on strong foundations. In today's meeting, we have fully agreed that the time has come to extend the ancient and intimate relations between our countries, in line with the expectations and expectations of our people. We have taken a long-term view on various regional issues such as security, peace, prosperity and cooperation."

He further informed that issues like culture and people-to-people ties, electronic visa scheme, academic exchanges, tourism and air connectivity were also discussed.

Lauding Uzbekistan for its high development growth, the Prime Minister said, "Through bold and comprehensive measures, Uzbekistan is marching towards advancement in technology, leaving behind others. I welcome Uzbekistan to participate in the international North-South corridor with us. Our relationship will touch new heights and we hope to further strengthen our strategic partnership."

Recalling former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri's visit, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to Uzbekistan government for building a memorial in his honour and renovating a school under his name in Tashkent.

On the other hand, President Mirziyoyev, who is on a maiden two-day visit to India, said, "I want to express my deep respect to the people of India, a country with an ancient history, religious culture and political, economic and intellectual potential."

A total of 17 Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the two countries in various sectors. They are as follows:

1. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Republic of India for visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders.

2. Program of Cooperation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan and India for 2019-2020.

3. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Republic of India on cooperation in the field of tourism.

4. Memorandum between the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of India on cooperation in the field of military education.

5. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Law and Justice of the Republic of India on Cooperation in the Sphere of Law and Justice.

6. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Republic of India on cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors.

7. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Republic of India on cooperation in scientific-technical and innovation fields.

8. Agreement between the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Republic of India on cooperation in the field of health and medical science.

9. Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, Government of the Republic of India and Agency for Development of pharmaceutical industry under the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

10. Memorandum of Understanding between Khokimiyat of the Andijan Region of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Agency for Development of Pharmaceuticals Industry under the Ministry of Health, Republic of Uzbekistan and the Khokim of Andijan region.

15. Memorandum of Understanding between the Khokimiat of Samarkand City, Samarkand region, the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Municipal Corporation of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Republic of India.

16. Memorandum of Understanding between the Khokimiyat of Andijan Region (Republic of Uzbekistan) and the Government of State of Gujarat (Republic of India) on the establishment of mutual cooperation and partnership.

17. Agreement on cooperation between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Confederation of Indian Industry on the establishment of the India- Uzbekistan business council.

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Japanese qualifier Yoshihito Nishioka lifts his maiden tour-level title, Shenzhen Open, after beating Pierre-Hugues Herbert of France in the final of the men's singles event on Sunday.

The 27-year-old clinched the title after handing over a 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 defeat to his French opponent.

Reflecting on his victory, Nishioka said that it is a very happy moment for him and now he would aim for ATP World Tour and Masters Titles.

"I believe this is the beginning," said Nishioka. "[Now I will] try to win [ATP World Tour] 500 and [Masters] 1000 events... This is a very happy [moment] and I believe I can win more," ATP quoted Nishioka, as saying.

"To get here, it was seven matches. It is not easy," said Nishioka. "I am very tired right now but my strength is my mentality, my stamina and never giving up. Those are my weapons," he added.

Following the victory, Nishioka got 250 ATP Ranking points along with a prize money of USD130,885.

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A video released by Pakistan's News Channel, ARY News, clearly exposes the links between pro-Khalistan Sikhs and Pakistan government. These anti-India, pro-Khalistan Sikhs have written to Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to help in furthering their agenda.

The legal advisor of US-based Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun wrote to Qureshi: "We are writing to urge to you issue 100,000 visas to the Sikhs for participation in the 550th year celebrations of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. SFJ with the backing of the global Sikh community offers to bear the travel, boarding and lodging expenses of 100,000 pilgrims visiting Pakistan from Punjab".

The pro-Khalistani Sikhs based in the West are now cashing on the religious sentiments of the Sikh pilgrims by offering them a free ride to Pakistan. It is interesting that SFJ has access to resources to pay all expenses of one lakh Sikh pilgrims.

2019 marks the 550th birth year of the first Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Nanak Dev and Sikhs around the globe are looking forward to participate in the auspicious celebration events to be held in Pakistan, the land where Sri Guru Nanak Dev was born and breathed his last.

The SFJ is working on Pakistan's anti-India propaganda by promoting its pro-Khalistan agenda. Calling itself as human rights advocacy group, the organisation is leading the secessionist movement 'Referendum2020' for Punjab.

SFJ has been under the watch of Indian security agencies after its London rally in August in support of Referendum 2020. The Indian government has strongly protested against the British government permitting SFJ to hold anti-India rally in London.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had also tweeted this letter by deliberately giving push to Kartarpur Sahib Corridor issue. "We welcome and appreciate the Government of Pakistan's offer to establish Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Gurudwara for the purpose of granting access to the Sikhs from Punjab during the 550th birth year celebrations of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji," he wrote.

India fenced its 461 kms of Punjab's border with Pakistan to stop incidents of cross-border terrorism and anti-national acts from across the border.

However, Pakistan wishes to get access to Indian Territory by getting an access and allowing its proxies to infiltrate.

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The Australian state of Victoria announced its India Strategy to grow its trade, investment and people to people ties with India earlier this year, which included the appointment of Dr Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw as the Victorian Ambassador.

The Governor of Victoria, Linda Dessau AC visited Bengaluru for the second time within one year, reinforcing Victoria's commitment to the region. As one of Victoria's most distinguished alumni and ambassador, Dr Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw hosted a reception at her residence in honour of the Governor's visit to India with leading industry leaders in Bengaluru. During her visit, the Governor also visited prestigious Indian Institutes of Science to discuss further engagements between Victorian universities and IISC.

Victoria is Australia's technology capital and is renowned for its highly skilled workforce and culture of innovation with universities and research institutes. As Australia's digital technology leader, it generates approximately $34 billion in revenue annually and employs over 83,000 people in approximately 8,000 companies - almost one-third of Australia's ICT workforce. Victoria is a centre for cybersecurity, digital games, fintech and has the largest cloud/SAAS hub in Asia-Pacific. It has the highest number of ICT graduates in Australia. Infosys, Wipro and ITC Infotech all have significant operations in Melbourne. Likewise, Victorian headquartered companies, ANZ, Telstra, tech unicorn Aconex have large operations in Bengaluru.

Millions of young Indians are seeking education and training abroad and Victoria remains the preferred Australian destination for Indian students. Forty thousand Indian students currently call Victoria home, more than double to the next closest Australian state. The growth of Indian student enrolments to Victoria is also higher than the Australian national average, indicating that the reputation is strong.

During her visit, the Governor also met Chief Minister of Karnataka, HD Kumaraswamy, to discuss two-way trade and investment opportunities and Victoria's commitment to the state. Other engagements included an official lunch with notable Victorian alumni, visits to Narayana Health and Indian Institute of Science and meetings with Karnataka corporations present in Victoria.

"I am delighted to return to Bengaluru on this, my second official visit within the year. Bengaluru and Karnataka is where Victoria chose to establish its first official presence in 2005. Our Victoria Government Trade and Investment office remains to this day headquartered in Bengaluru and benefits the positive and progressive international business environment, of which our alumnus and Victoria's Business Ambassador Dr Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is a leader," said the Governor.

"Her honorary role as Victorian Business Ambassador bestowed by our Premier earlier this year comes after her many years of advocating for and supporting Victoria in India. It is a privilege to work together with Dr Mazumdar-Shaw to grow and celebrate Victoria's relationship with Karnataka and India," added The Governor.

"It is indeed a privilege to host the Governor of Victoria, Linda Dessau AC, who has been working passionately to further the strong cultural, social and economic relationship between the states of Victoria and Karnataka. The Governor's visit underscores the tremendous collaboration opportunities available in sectors like health, ICT, medical technology, biotechnology and education. I believe by leveraging the synergies between Victoria's renowned culture of innovation and India's cost competitive innovation paradigm we can enable the state of Victoria's vision of becoming a valued knowledge and business partner to India," said Dr Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Victorian Business Ambassador.

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Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Monday questioned as to why Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government did not protect the interests of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in the Rafale deal, if the Congress, as accused by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, was responsible for the deal not going to the public sector company.

Speaking to ANI, Kumaraswamy said: "Nirmala Sitharaman shifted the blame on Congress for the contract not going to HAL, then why this government takes this kind of decisions? They have all the powers, they could have given this order to HAL and protected the interests of HAL. Why didn't they do so?"

Sitharaman had accused the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for not concluding the Rafale deal in time and in the process HAL, which is under the Defence ministry, was out of the multimillion deal.

She had also pointed out that Dassault, the company that makes Rafale, and HAL, which is under the Defence ministry, could not agree on several terms during their negotiations in the previous government. She had said that it was the UPA government's responsibility to create conducive atmosphere to help a pact between HAL and Dassault.

On September 28, Congress president Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of choosing the Reliance Defence over state-run HAL to benefit businessman Anil Ambani.

The Rafale controversy has heated up in past recent weeks, with the opposition targeting the BJP-led central government over irregularities in pricing in the deal.

The controversy took a new turn after former French President Francois Hollande stated on September 22 that Reliance Defence was nominated by the Indian government to partner with Dassault Aviation for the deal.

The deal for 36 ready-to-fly Rafale jets was signed in September 2016 between former defence minister Manohar Parrikar and his French counterpart Jean Yves Le Drian following intense negotiations. In January 2016 following the bilateral meeting between former French President Franois Hollande and Prime Minister Modi, the two sides had announced signing of Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA). The much-talked about Rafale deal was under negotiation during the UPA government's time too. However, the negotiations did not conclude.

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Kalindi Kunj Ghat on the Yamuna River was cleaned on Monday as part of the Namami Gange project of Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG). The cleanliness drive focused on freeing the Yamuna Ghat of plastic and solid wastes.

Director General of NMCG Rajiv Ranjan Mishra took part in the drive alongside his colleague Rozy Agarwal and hundreds of volunteers of NMCG, Swach Bharat Abhiyan, employees of HCL and Union Bank of India among others.

"Since Kalindi Kunj Ghat is not a cemented one, the process of cleaning it was a little difficult," said Rozy Agarwal , NMCG Executive Director, Finance.

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister and at his behest, we are carrying out this drives at various Ghats in the country. We are also trying to connect people to these drives. There are several of our stakeholders, like SDMC, HCL, employees of various banks and other volunteers and I would like to thank them for their efforts. These people are walking hand-in-hand with the Mission for Clean Ganga and are helping us tremendously in our Ganga rejuvenation program. NMCG is also executing various projects with an aim to cleanse the Ganga River and we are planning several other projects for the restoration of Ganga as well, like installation of Sewage Treatment Plants, projects for pollution abetment, reconstruction of Ghats and Crematoriums alongside biodiversity conservation. We are also carrying out a project of tree plantation in the five kilometre range of the Ganga ghats. With that, we also aim for public participation in the programs because until and unless the general public takes up the cause, it will not be possible to cleanse Ganga," said Agarwal.

NMCG has been running various projects to clean River Ganga of all the waste by 2020. Steps have been taken by NMCG to modernise Ghats and various projects have been taken up for regular cleaning of Ghats in Varanasi, Haridwar, Mathura, Vrindavan, Kanpur and Allahabad among others. The cleaning of the Kalindi Kunj Ghat is a part of such projects. Stressing on the need for such drives, the volunteers too urged the general public to take part in the mission and keep the rivers, which cater to the needs of millions of Indians, clean and healthy.

Nandita Pathak, Brand Ambassador for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, expressed happiness over how these drives are influencing general public to take up the cause to keep the rivers clean.

"It is a moment of pride for all of us here. I'm the Brand Ambassador (for the Swachh Bharat Mission campaign) and have contributed to the making of nav-ratna (nine jewels of the country) -- be it Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh or the Southern part of India. What we have witnessed in the last three-four years is commendable. Earlier, people due to lack of knowledge used to spit anywhere, throw their waste at any place. But things have changed tremendously in the last few years, thanks to these initiatives by the government. I also move around the country and I have seen people actively participate in these drives and I have witnessed the scenario changing. This is not only making the cleaner but also healthy. These drives must continue," Pathak said.

NMCG holds several such drives to clean the ghats in Delhi and other parts of the country. Earlier in July too, NMCG had cleaned Kalindi Kunj ghat as part of the Namami Gange project in the run up to the World Day. At that time, more than 15 trucks full of waste collected from the ghat and the river was transported for proper disposal. More than 300 people had participated in the drive as per reports.

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Pakistan Foreign Minister Makhdoom Mehmood Shah Qureshi has said that Islamabad is open to discuss the issue of Dr. Shakil Afridi, who is considered a Central Investigation Agency (CIA) hero in the United States for helping Washington track down terrorist Osama bin Laden.

Afridi was sent behind the bars for helping the US by the Pakistan regime.

Fox News quoted Qureshi as saying, "Openings are always there. He is viewed in a particular light in Pakistan; he is viewed as a traitor in Pakistan. But he is viewed as a friend in the US. So we have to bridge this gap." Qureshi asserted that courts will decide Afridi's fate and not politics.

"We have a legal process. Afridi went through that legal process, he was given a fair chance to plead his case. He was sentenced, he was convicted and is serving a sentence. We expect you to respect our legal process, as we respect yours," he said.

Afridi, who has been awarded a 26-year sentence, is believed to have committed treason by working with CIA, however, he was convicted on the pretext of having ties with a militant group Lashkar e-Islam. His lawyers have denied the claims of his ties with terrorist outfit calling them bogus.

Trump administration has time and again asked Islamabad to release Afridi.

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In a September 28 statement published by Iranian state media, the IRGC said "Iranian forces killed four terrorists and wounded two".

The Guards said the group was linked to the "world's arrogant power", without elaborating.

Salami didn't stop at Saudi Arabia and the UAE, but told the United States to "stop supporting the terrorists or they will pay the price." . "You know the storm the Iranian nation can create", the Fars news agency quoted Brigadier General Hossein Salami, deputy head of the Guards, as saying.

Security measures have intensified in border areas after an attack on Saturday at a military parade in southwestern Iran in which five gunmen killed 25 people, nearly half of them Revolutionary Guards. You are not invincible. "We have shown self-restraint", he said in a fiery speech.

The Revolutionary Guards have vowed to exact "deadly and unforgettable" vengeance. "You are sitting in your glass palaces, and you can't withstand the blade of the Iranian nation's revenge", he said.

"Global arrogance" is a term routinely used in Iranian official rhetoric to refer to the United States and its allies.

"I am telling the regime of the UAE and Saudi Arabia, who are the main perpetrators behind the sinister actions in our country and wish to bring insecurity into our territories, that you will not succeed in your attempts" Salami said.

There's been some level of confusion and contradictory claims of responsibility after the incident, however, with both a regional Ahvaz separatist group and ISIS claiming responsibility.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday came down hard on the Congress Party, saying the manner in which it is carrying out campaigns against the government with regards to the Rafale deal is sabotaging the Indian Army's operational readiness.

"I am afraid that a campaign which the Congress party is doing with half-truths and baseless arguments is almost sabotaging the armed forces' operational readiness," Sitharaman told reporters here.

In a veiled reference to Pakistan, Sitharaman alleged that the Congress party and the country is working in collusion to add fuel to the fire.

"Strangely, it is worrying that the support is getting reflected from our not-so-friendly neighbour. So, it does not have any negative impact on the government. On the contrary, what we have done is, to quickly think for the operational readiness and also the depleting strength of the air force, and therefore, we decided to go for an inter-governmental agreement," she added.

In reference to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's speech at the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where she blamed Pakistan for spreading terrorism in India, Sitharaman said Pakistan has done little to stop sponsoring terrorism, the biggest proof of which is the fact that it has not taken any concrete steps against 26/11 mastermind Hafeez Saeed, she claimed.

"Even the United Nations has put Saeed on its terror list. But what has the Pakistan government done? It has provided him with all sorts of freedom to continue his activities in the country. On top of that, the government there has not taken any step to punish the handlers of the 26/11 attack. Now, that the media of that country has come out to term the speech as baseless, it shows the country's negative mindset," Sitharaman said.

Swaraj, while delivering her statement at the 73rd session of the UNGA on Saturday, said Pakistan was an "expert in trying to malevolence with verbal duplicity.

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Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that states have been asked to identify Rohingya refugees and collect their biometric data, the report of which will be sent to Myanmar.

"States have been told to identify them (Rohingya). They have to take their biometrics also. After that, they will send a report to the Centre. Then the central government will initiate action through diplomatic channels with Myanmar and then we will get it resolved," Rajnath Singh told reporters.

Singh was in Kolkata to chair the 23rd meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council, which was attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, her Jharkhand counterpart Raghubar Das and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi.

The development has come a day after the Railway Protection Force (RPF) alerted the Kerala authorities to watch out for the movement of Rohingya refugees in groups to Kerala and hand them over to police if they are found travelling on trains.

More than 650,000 Rohingya Muslims fled Rakhine in August 2017 after Myanmar's army launched a massive crackdown in its northern state, retaliating the attacks by insurgents, Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army on the country's police posts and a military base.

A large number of Rohingya refugees, since then, have taken shelter in India and Bangladesh, and are staying in refugee camps, often raising security concerns.

In June, the Home Ministry wrote a letter to the Jammu and Kashmir government, saying, "Such illegal migrations poses serious challenges and has security implications since some of the migrants have been found to have indulged in illegal activities and are vulnerable to radicalisation.

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TECHNONICOL Corporation, the leading international manufacturer and supplier of roofing, waterproofing, thermal insulation and sound absorption materials, has committed full support to bridge the skill gap for workers engaged in roofing activities in India. As part of the initiative, over 100 applicators across Delhi, Raipur, Goa and Cochin have been trained so far.

TECHNONICOL was founded in 1992 and since then has accumulated considerable experience in the building materials market globally. The Company believes that "craftsmanship" is the single most important factor of any successful construction. Consequently, this core need has been enshrined as the core promise of the TECHNONICOL Brand.

Taking the concept of craftsmanship forward, the training programs are part of the company's global program aimed at increasing the level of skill of applicators, who use the Company's world-renowned materials thereby resulting in increased durability of the whole roofing, waterproofing and thermal insulation system of the construction.

"Guided by the core values of knowledge, experience and craftsmanship, TECHNONICOL India is committed to play an important part in increasing the skill levels of its applicators. Not only enhancing the quality and durability of the construction, but these programs eventually improve the quality of people's lives who would eventually use the buildings and structures. We have received a buoyant response from the participants and would continue to bring our global knowledge and experience to bridge the skill gaps in Indian construction industry," said CEO TECHNONICOL India, Ramnik Kohli.

TECHNONICOL possesses proven global expertise to meet the challenging requirements of modern construction solutions and aims to address the skill gap in India's construction sector using that.

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Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Monday launched a veiled attack on Pakistan saying that terrorism and dialogue cannot go together.

Vice President Naidu's comments came after India recently called off the Foreign Minister level talks with Pakistan on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, in the wake of increasing acts of violence in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking at the International Human Rights Conclave here, Vice President Naidu further urged the entire world community, particularly the United States, to join India in combating terror.

"It is time for entire world community to come together, and the United Nations at the earliest, and take united action against terror. This is the need of the hour. We have terror here; on the one hand one of our neighbours is aiding, abetting, funding and training terrorists and on the other hand talking about the peace. Terror and talks cannot go together," he said.

Underscoring that terrorism is the enemy of humanity, Vice President Naidu asserted that the people who are affected with the menace carry out heinous activities in the name of religion.

"No religion worth their name condones or encourages or accepts terror as a policy. Some interpretations might be wrong here and there, but unfortunately terror is ruling the roost in certain areas. India is bleeding with the pain of terror. The western countries did not realise this for long. Now, they have also become victims of the terror, and they are also realising it," the Vice President elucidated.

Stressing that a big war has been declared against corruption in the country, Vice President Naidu highlighted the benefits of demonetisation and the challenges to implement the huge financial exercise.

"In India, a big war has been declared against corruption that is black money. There are practical problems and temporary pain caused to people. Demonetisation is a temporary pain for long-term gain. India is a democratic country and there will be criticism. The idea (of demonetisation) is to stop counterfeit currency which was causing havoc because that was done with an evil design to destabilise the nation," Vice President Naidu said.

Chiding the Opposition's remarks that the demonetised cash came to banks and the exercise was a failure, the Vice President opined that it was a good step that the disbanded money came back into the financial system.

He further said, "Your money that was kept in the bathroom, bedroom and under the pillows have returned to the banks. The money has come back to the banks with its address and ownership. Now it is the duty of the Reserve Bank of India and Income Tax department to identify which is black and which is white."

In August, the central bank, in its annual report for the year 2017-18, stated that 99.3 per cent of the demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes returned to the banking system, inviting massive criticism from the opposition parties, including the Congress.

Vice President Naidu further went on to say that the entire world must come together to deal with fugitive economic offenders, who create havoc in the country and flee.

Earlier in the day, Union Minister of State for Finance Shiv Pratap Shukla had assured that the central government is making all efforts to bring fugitive economic offenders back to India.

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Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Monday held bilateral discussions with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on various issues, such as trade, investment, education and tourism.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted on the highlights of the meeting: "Further intensifying cooperation with an extended neighbour. EAM @sushmaswaraj called on @president_uz Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Held constructive discussion on cooperation in trade & investment, development cooperation, education, renewable energy, connectivity and tourism. #UzbekIndia"

Earlier in the day, President Mirziyoyev and his wife Ziroatkhon Hoshimova paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad was also present.

While addressing the media at Rashtrapati Bhavan after being accorded guard of honour, President Mirziyoyev said that India has a special place in the heart of each Uzbek.

President Mirziyoyev and his wife were received by his Indian counterpart President Ram Nath Kovind, First Lady Savita Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

On Sunday, the Uzbek President and his wife visited the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, to kick-start his two-day India visit.

President Mirziyoyev's maiden two-day tour of India includes a scheduled bilateral talk with Prime Minister Modi at the Hyderabad House. The Uzbek President is slated to meet President Kovind and Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu. He will also attend a presidential banquet during his visit.

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The probe conducted by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) into sexual assault allegations against United States Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh is being controlled by the White House.

CNN quoting the sources, reported that the White House is influencing the scope of the investigation.

It was also revealed that FBI will be working on directions from the White House and not the Senate for the probe. It also came to light that the drinking history of the judge is not under scrutiny.

This comes following White House counselor Kellyanne Conway opened up about being sexually assaulted in the past and expressed empathy for other victims of sexual assault.

On September 28, United States President Donald Trump ordered the FBI to conduct a supplemental investigation into Kavanaugh over Christine Blasey Ford's sexual assault allegation.

Ford, a professor at Palo Alto University in California, had alleged that Kavanaugh had assaulted her during a party in the 1980s when they were both in high school. She had accused Kavanaugh of groping her and attempting to remove her clothes.

Kavanaugh, however, denied all the allegations during testimony on Saturday, saying that his reputation and that of his family has been "totally and permanently destroyed".

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All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday said the Uttar Pradesh government's 'thok denge' stance is promoting the culture of lawlessness in the state.

Owaisi's comments come in the wake of the death of Vivek Tiwari, an Apple executive, who was shot by a police constable in Lucknow's Gomti Nagar area on Friday.

"If the chief minister of any state says things like 'thok denge' in the state assembly, he is himself promoting this culture and behaviour with his words. Since the Bharatiya Janata Party government was elected, a lot of people, especially Dalits and people from the minority sections, have been killed in the name of an encounter," he said.

Owaisi also cited the murder of two student leaders from the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) - Naushad and Mustakeem - as another such example of failed law and order.

"In Lucknow, the Apple executive, Tiwari, was shot without cause. There was no case against him, no past records. This is murder. This is happening because of the Chief Minister and the government's promotion of unlawfulness," said the AIMIM chief.

Owaisi further called for an independent investigation into the incident to put an end to the "culture of killing people in the name of an encounter."

"If they (people in general) are named in criminal cases, arrest them. On the one hand, they (police) are killing them and on the other hand, they (police) are charging them under the Security Act (NSA). There are hordes of people, poor people, who are rotting in jail because of NSA charges," he added.

While condemning Tiwari's killing, Owaisi called for a condemnation of the killings in Aligarh as well.

"There should be condemnation for the killing of Naushad and Mustakeem as well. Will any minister go and meet their people? This is a selective approach, I certainly condemn Tiwari sahab's murder and I stand with his family. But this matter will not finish as long as the BJP government sticks to their 'thok denge' style of governance," Owaisi added.

The AIMIM chief observed that the Uttar Pradesh Police should be wary of such incidents, as eventually, these cases will land in the courts and will be investigated.

"There isn't rule of law in Uttar Pradesh, there is rule by the gun. They have failed in governance, communal riots are the highest in the state. There is a 'Thakur-Raj' there. This is a state from where our country's Prime Minister won his seat, and hence, this is a direct reflection on him as well," Owaisi said.

Tiwari was returning home in the early hours of September 29, when he was allegedly shot by a police constable for refusing to stop his vehicle. However, the cop in question has claimed that he fired in self-defence, as Tiwari tried to run his car over him.

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Auto stocks will be in focus as companies will start announcing monthly sales numbers for September 2018 from today, 1 October 2018.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) said that its board approved the proposal for setting up facilities for production of Polyols, Propylene Glycol and Mono Ethylene Glycol at Kochi Refinery at an estimated investment of Rs 11,130 crore. The announcement was made after market hours on Friday, 28 September 2018.

Tata Power said that its wholly owned subsidiary, Coastal Gujarat Power, has completed refinancing of the outstanding external commercial borrowing (ECBs) loans amounting to ~$770 million (approximately Rs 5,500 crore) through a mix of Rupee-denominated debt instruments and equity funding from the proceeds of divestment of non-core assets of the company. The refinancing of USD loans of CGPL will help in rescheduling the cash requirements as well reducing the effective interest cost apart from reducing foreign exchange related volatility for CGPL. This is also expected to ease cash flow burden resulting from the continuing losses due to the continuing under-recoveries in the Mundra ultra mega power project. The announcement was made after market hours on Friday, 28 September 2018.

Bandhan Bank will be watched. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has communicated that since Bandhan Bank was not able to bring down the shareholding of non operative financial holding company (NOFHC) to 40% as required under the licensing condition, general permission to open new branches stands withdrawn and the bank can open branches with prior approval of RBI and the remuneration of the MD & CEO of the bank stands frozen at the existing level, till further notice. The bank is taking necessary steps to comply with the licensing condition to bring down the shareholding of NOFHC in the bank to 40% and shall continue to engage with RBI in this behalf. The announcement was made after market hours on Friday, 28 September 2018.

Vakrangee announced that Ministry of Corporate affairs (MCA) has ordered Inspection of Books of Accounts for a period of three financial years to be conducted in terms of Section 206(5) of the Companies Act 2013. The scope shall include resignation of Price Water House and Co Chartered Accountants LLP as Statutory Auditors of the Company, Income Tax Assessment order and Tax Audit report for the last 5 years, number of Vakrangee Kendras located in India and deposit amount, if any, collected from franchisees, shareholding structure of the company. Vakrangee said it welcomes the decision by MCA as it would help the company clear all the doubts and rumours with respect to its financials and books of accounts. The firm will fully co-operate on this and will try to complete this exercise at the earliest.

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Kalpataru Power Transmission rose 1% to Rs 329.50 at 10:30 IST on BSE after the company said it received new orders of Rs 1,145 crore.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was down 121.06 points, or 0.33% to 36,106.08.

On the BSE, 6960 shares were traded in the counter so far compared with average daily volumes of 6359 shares in the past two weeks. The stock had hit a high of Rs 345 and a low of Rs 326.20 so far during the day.

Kalpataru Power Transmission (KPTL), a leading global EPC player in the power and infrastructure contracting sector has secured new orders/notification of award of Rs 1,145 crore.

KPTL is one of the largest and fastest growing specialized EPC companies in India engaged in power transmission & distribution, oil & gas pipeline, railways, infrastructure development, civil contracting and warehousing & logistics business with a strong international presence in power transmission & distribution. The company is currently executing several contracts in India, Africa, Middle East, CIS, SAARC and Far East.

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The Pakistani chopper which violated Indian airspace along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, had the Prime Minister of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) Raja Farooq Haider Khan onboard.

Defence sources said the Pakistani army resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation along the LoC in Karnah sector of Kupwara district. According to reports, Indian side opened fire at the chopper and soon it made a hasty retreat. "It could likely to be a civil chopper and was flying very high", he said. "The air sentries at forward location had engaged it with small arms", said Anand. The white-coloured chopper came 700 meters inside the Indian Territory and was immediately retaliated by troops with small arms fire.

The Army's Jammu-based public relations officer Lt Col. Devender Anand said the helicopter violated Indian airspace around 12:10 pm. The sources added, as reported by NDTV, no large-calibre anti-aircraft weapon was used.

"We passed from near the Line of Control (LoC), while the Indian forces feigned as if we crossed the line which was only a drama staged by them", he said.

"It is being seen as a provocative act on part of Pakistan army", they said.

In a video shared by news agency ANI, the helicopter can be seen hovering around in Indian airspace. This violation of airspace is a serious matter.

"In our case, terrorism is bred not in some faraway land, but across our border to the west".

The incident reflects the state of affairs of panic-stricken Indian army and media who termed it a Pakistan Army helicopter.
With the US, India's largest destination for merchandise exports, showing a robust economic growth, its best in the last four years, Indian exports hold a promising outlook, helping the country's macro picture, an ASSOCHAM Paper has noted. The US economy grew by 4.2 per cent in the second quarter of this year, the best in about four years despite a tariff war with China.

"The US accounted for about a good chunk of 16 per cent of India's total merchandise exports of USD 303 billion in the fiscal 2017-18 with the annual growth of 13.42 per cent. It is the largest market for Indian exports, both for merchandise and even services. So, when the US grows at its current pace, it augurs very well for the total Indian exports' basket" the ASSOCHAM Paper said.

It said India's exports to the US showed a growth trend of over 13 per cent in the last fiscal, ended March, 2018. "With exception of June, 2018 the same trend line is visible in the current financial year as well.

In fact, going forward, this should only improve as rupee decline against the US dollar is resulting into higher realisations for the exporters at home, making them more competitive," the chamber said.

It said a sharp drop in rupee may have caused a burden on the country's import bill, but the net realisations for exporters have increased significantly. According to the trade data for August, 2018 while exports have shown a growth of about 19 per cent in dollar terms, the rupee realisations for the export shipments went up close to 30 per cent. With further streamlining of exporters' GST refunds, their competitiveness should also improve, helping them in the global market.

Engineering goods, chemicals, gems and jewellery are among the major items of exports to the US from India. With the focus of the Trump administration on infrastructure build -up, the demand for Indian exports, particularly of steel and other engineering goods should increase. Besides, with the festival season around the corner, the orders for the gems and jewellery should also look up.

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At least two people were killed when a suicide car bomb struck an EU mission convoy in the Somali capital on Monday, officials said.

Abdikadir Abdirrahman, Director of Amin Ambulances, told Xinhua news agency that emergency crew transported four injured people and two bodies.

The blast occurred near the Somali Defence Ministry where a convoy of Italian troops was passing by. The police said no member of the Italian troops were killed or injured.

Witnesses reported seeing huge plume of smoke rising over the place. "It was so huge. We learnt that foreign troops were targeted. Somali forces arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area," said one eyewitness.

Militant group Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack. The Italian Defence Ministry reportedly said that no Italian soldiers were hurt in the strike.

--IANS

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Delhi government will send 60 principals of government schools to UK's Cambridge University for a leadership training programme this month, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister Manish Sisodia said on Monday.

The principals will be sent in two batches of 30 each, he said.

"The first batch will be at Cambridge between October 8 and 17. The training for the next batch will start from October 19 to 28," he said.

Addressing the principals, Sisodia said Delhi government has increased it teachers' training budget more than 11 times from Rs 9 crore to Rs 102 crore.

"After improvement in infrastructure in Delhi government schools, people feel that children studying in government schools should get world-class An important step in that direction is that teachers should be trained at the best level.

"Teachers should have first-hand experience of best practices of the world. It is with this perspective that our government stresses teachers' training at best institutes of the world," Sisodia said.

He appealed to the principals not to confine themselves to merely training seekers at Cambridge, but as education administrators.

"My suggestion is go with preparation, and be completely focused during your training tenure," the Deputy Chief Minister said.

"All of you are being sent on tax payers' money, therefore in return, I expect you to be harbingers of change in making Delhi government schools' education world class. This will be a great service," Sisodia said.

He also told the principals that they would get a chance to visit schools there and they should form an understanding about the autonomy and accountability of schools.

"I am in favour of schools getting complete autonomy, which comes with accountability. I would like to know your views about autonomy and accountability there," Sisodia said.

Mentioning about the School Management Committees (SMCs), Sisodia asked the principals to learn about the concept, role and decision-making abilities of such committees in the United Kingdom.

He also encouraged the teachers and principals to be active on social media platforms.

"Please share your Cambridge experiences on Facebook and Twitter. This will help your colleagues and other teachers across the country to pick up best education practices across the world," he said.

During the last three-and-a-half years, Delhi government has been sending teachers and principals to the best institutes of the world.

So far, 119 Delhi government school principals have attended the 10-day Inspiring Leadership Improving Performance at Cambridge.

--IANS

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Ruling Biju Janata Dal's (BJD) activists and supporters here on Monday protested against the increasing prices of petrol, diesel and cooking gas.

The protesters took out a march and rallied at the Raj Bhavan to demand immediate reduction in excise duty to stem the rising fuel prices. They also submitted a memorandum to Governor Ganeshi Lal to be forwarded to the President of India.

"Compared with other states, Odisha has imposed lowest value-added tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel. On the other hand, the Centre has imposed 100 per cent excise on fuel. As a result, people are suffering from a burden on their pockets," said senior BJD leader Sanjay Dasburma.

He said that the Centre, including Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, had grossly failed to control fuel prices.

Dasburma said that his party will stage a dharna in 314 blocks of the state if the Centre did not control the rising fuel prices.

State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said that the ruling party is "shedding crocodile tears" only.

"The Centre has already asked the state to cooperate and reduce VAT on fuel. While Odisha is earning Rs 7,000 crore as tax, the state is not showing any interest to cut down VAT on fuel. They only want to target Pradhan due to political motives," said state BJP Spokesperson Golak Mohapatra.

--IANS

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Thousands of farmers from Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh are set to reach Rajghat in Delhi to press the central government to concede their demands, the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) said on Monday.

The BKU-led 'Kranti Yatra', which started from Haridwar in Uttarakhand, has reached Ghaziabad and farmer leader Naresh Tikait said the farmers were determined to enter Delhi.

Earlier, the farmers were to spend Monday night in Ghaziabad for which the district administration had made arrangements at the Kamla Nehru Nagar ground.

In view of the heavy inflow of farmers, the administration has diverted public transport on National Highway 58.

The farmers spent Sunday night in Murad Nagar near the upper Ganga canal.

Tikait told reporters that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) grabbed power in 2014 by misleading farmers that their income would be doubled. Believing the party, the farmers voted for them.

"But after grabbing power in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, the BJP has forgotten its promises. So we have come to remind them their promises," he said.

A memorandum to be submitted to the Centre includes 21 demands including implementation of the M.S. Swaminathan Commission report, waiver of farm loan, free electricity to farmers and allowing power connections to farmers to run tube wells.

Tikait said the farmers plan to reach Rajghat on Monday night or Tuesday morning "where we will pay tributes to Chaudhary Charan Singh, Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Babu Jagjivan Ram.

"Over one lakh farmers are expected to reach Rajghat although Delhi Police have sealed all entry points... We appeal to the government not to deprive us of our basic fundamental rights to pay tributes to our leaders."

Ghaziabad Senior Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Krishna said security arrangements had been tightened and nine companies of paramilitary forces had been deployed in Ghaziabad.

--IANS

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A Border Security Force (BSF) trooper shot dead a colleague here on Monday after a tiff, police said.

The incident occurred at the Bal Bharti School where a company of BSF battalion from Gurgaon in Haryana was camping.

The police said BSF's Ajit Singh, a resident of Pathankot in Punjab, and Jagpreet Singh of Gurdaspur in Punjab quarrelled over some issue.

Suddenly, Ajit Singh opened fire from his rifle, killing Jagpreet Singh on the spot. Ajit Singh has been arrested, Senior Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Krishna said.

--IANS

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Actor Chris Evans has criticised rapper Kanye West's call for the abolition of the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution, labelling the rappers tweet "maddening."

It all started on Sunday as West, 41, captioned a Twitter photo of himself wearing a pro-Donald Trump Make America Great Again hat on a private plane.

West tweeted: "This represents good and America becoming whole again. We will no longer outsource to other countries. We build factories here in America and create jobs. We will provide jobs for all who are free from prisons as we abolish the 13th amendment. Message sent with love."

A representative for West did not immediately return people.com's request for comment.

Ratified in 1865 after the Civil War, the 13th Amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, but also "allowed for prisoners to be used as slave labor," tweeted writer Yashar Ali, who tried to make sense of West's message. "But he doesn't articulate that in his tweet, leaving people confused and others delighted," Ali added.

Evans was not one of those delighted people.

"There's nothing more maddening than debating someone who doesn't know history, doesn't read books, and frames their myopia as virtue," tweeted the "Captain America" actor, 37.

"The level of unapologetic conjecture I've encountered lately isn't just frustrating, it's retrogressive, unprecedented and absolutely terrifying," Evans concluded.

Responding to West's support, Trump tweeted on Sunday: "Like many, I don't watch 'Saturday Night Live' (even though I past hosted it) - no longer funny, no talent or charm. It is just a political ad for the Dems. Word is that Kanye West, who put on a MAGA hat after the show (despite being told 'no'), was great. He's leading the charge!"

West began the controversial performance by singing, "I wanna cry right now. Black man in America, you're supposed to keep what you feel inside right now. And the liberals bully you and tell you what you can and cannot wear, where you and they can't not stare. And they look at me and say, 'It's not fair. How the hell did you get here?' Well "

Wearing a Make America Great Again hat, he then delivered an unexpected speech in front of "Saturday Night Live' performers like Colin Jost and host Adam Driver.

"Actually, blacks weren't always Democrats... It's like a plan they did to take the fathers out the homes and promote welfare. Does anybody know about that? That's the Democratic plan," he said.

--IANS

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The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is launching a campaign for voluntary discarding of the use of plastic in all the ICG premises from October 2, an official release said on Monday.

In order to lead by example and in support of the government policy "Swachhata Hi Seva" movement, the Coast Guard headquarters, New Delhi has issued direction to all its units across the country for encouraging ICG personnel for voluntarily discarding of plastic.

During the campaign, the ICG will conduct seminar/ lectures, make available environment-friendly bags and spread awareness amongst the masses through posters/ banners/ placards.

Coast Guard Wives Welfare Association, a voluntary ICG organisation, shoulders the responsibility in taking the lead for spreading the campaign amongst ladies and children of the society through frequent interactions.

"The ICG will carry this campaign to the coastal populace through various platforms such as community interaction programme, meetings with fisheries associations/ community heads, etc," the release said.

The Coast Guard Act, 1978 mandates the Indian Coast Guard to preserve and protect marine and prevent and control marine pollution.

"The ICG has been nominated as competent national authority by the Union government in March this year for co-operation on the Response to Oil and Chemical Pollution in the South Asian Seas Region," it said.

--IANS

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Top Congress leadership, including party chief Rahul Gandhi, has converged at the historic Sevagram Ashram in Wardha in Maharashtra amid indications that it will launch its 2019 Lok Sabha election campaign on Tuesday, coinciding with Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary, party officials said.

Rahul Gandhi, his mother Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other party leaders will pay homage at the Bapu Kutir in the Sevagram Ashram on Tuesday morning, attend a prayer meeting and then hold a special Congress Working Committee meeting at the nearby Mahadev Bhavan.

The Congress chief will also garland a statue of Mahatma Gandhi near the District Collectorate, take out a foot march (padyatra) and address a rally at the Circus Ground in the town.

An AICC leader said that the events are significant as it was the venue where the CWC met in 1942 under Gandhiji's leadership to launch the 'Quit India Movement' of August 8, 1942, which ultimately saw the collapse of the British rule after five years.

"We are now celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Bapu and also the 70th year of India's independence. So, we are holding a CWC meeting here," AICC Secretary and legislator Harshawardhan Sakpal told the media.

Addressing the media, AICC Spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala launched an attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

He alleged that the RSS and Pakistan are "on the same page in propagating hatred, divisions and violence among the people", and that the BJP government was engaging in polarising people on communal, caste and regional lines.

"During the British Raj, the country's plurality was under threat because of 'divide-and-rule policy'... now, the policies of the BJP government are on similar lines.

"As the country secured freedom under the stewardship of Mahatma Gandhi, we will free the country of the BJP under Rahul Gandhi's leadership," Surjewala said.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar said that the world's biggest 'charkha' or spinning wheel will be unveiled outside Sevagram Ashram complex.

The approximately 31-feet X 19-feet charkha will be bigger than that installed at the Delhi airport, he said.

Mungantiwar said that government will get prepared 206 saplings of a 'peepal' tree, the sapling of which was planted here in 1936 by Gandhiji, and plant them at 206 Martyrs Memorials in Maharashtra to mark the sesquicentennial.

The government also plans to release 101 prisoners from various jails, including 28 from Mumbai's Arthur Road Central and Raigad's Aloja Central Jail on Tuesday.

Gandhiji had spent around 10 years at the Sevagram Ashram, or the 'Village of Service'.

The 'Bapu Kutir', the tiny hut where he lived, is now a mecca for students, academics, researchers, domestic and foreign tourists and Gandhians.

The Sevagram Ashram is spread over 400 acres and houses other prominent institutions like Nai Talim Samiti, Mahatma Gandhi Seva Sangh, Akhil Bharatiya Seva Sangh and Kasturba Health Society.

--IANS

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A 20-year-old girl was injured on Monday after her colleague shot her here, police said.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajendra Prasad Meena said the accused was absconding after the incident that took place at about 9 a.m. in north Delhi's Pitampura area.

"The assailant has been identified," he said, adding the victim was being treated at the Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital.

"The accused was her neighbour earlier and the two are currently working together," Meena added

--IANS

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Meanwhile, Vladimir Yevseyev, a Russian military expert, was quoted by Russia's Interfax news agency as saying that the state-of-the-art S-300 system would effectively make it impossible for the Israeli air force to operate over Syria.

"The delivery started already and as President [Vladimir] Putin said, after that incident ... the measures that we will take will be devoted to ensuring 100 percent safety and security of our men", Lavrov told reporters at a news conference held at United Nations headquarters in NY. Moscow blamed Tel Aviv at all times for being responsible for the fall of the IL-20.

Israel, "which is accustomed to launching many aggressions under different pretexts, will have to make accurate calculations if it thinks of attacking Syria again", Syria's Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal al-Mekdad said on Tuesday, the Associated Press reported. He said the anti-aircraft system "will be devoted to ensure 100 percent safety and security of our men in Syria".

US National Security Advisor John Bolton called Moscow's decision a "major mistake".

On July 14, 2015, the P5+1 (China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States), the European Union and Iran reached a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran's long-term nuclear programme.

The downing of the reconnaissance plane was the worst case of friendly fire between Russian Federation and Syria since Moscow's military intervention in the country in support of President Bashar al-Assad's forces in September 2015.

According to the Israeli military, Israel has carried out some 200 airstrikes against Syrian targets over the past year-and-a-half to prevent the proliferation of Iranian-supplied weapons to the terrorist organization Hezbollah.

Israeli fighter jets attacking Syrian military posts misled the country's air defenses into shooting down the Russian Ilyushin Il-20 reconnaissance plane on September 17, killing all 15 passengers onboard.

On Syria, Lavrov said that United Nations involvement in the war-ravaged country should focus on infrastructure construction and restoration in order to facilitate the return of some eight million Syrian refugees.

In the Monday phone conversation, Netanyahu claimed the delivery of the missile defense system would increase dangers in the region, a statement by his office said.
The Delhi High Court on Monday ordered the release of human rights activist Gautam Navlakha from house arrest, saying his detention was "untenable" under law.

A bench of justices S. Muralidhar and Vinod Goel also set aside a lower court order allowing the Maharashtra Police to take Navlakha to Pune and said Navlakha's detention had exceeded 24 hours which was "untenable" in law.

"Consequently the house arrest of the petitioner comes to an end now," the bench said.

"It is obvious that the order passed by the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate is unsustainable in law," the bench said, observing that the transit remand order was passed in violation of the the basic provisions of the Constitution and Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

The high court bench, however, said that the Maharashtra Police was free to begin fresh proceedings in the matter against Navlakha as per legal provisions

It also rejected the Maharashtra Police plea seeking extension of the house arrest by a few more days.

The high court in its order observed that the magistrate had passed the order without studying the case diary and the grounds of arrest were not communicated to Navlakha while arresting and seeking his remand.

The bench also noted that the top court had extended the house arrest by four more weeks to allow the petitioner time to "avail the legal remedies".

Navlakha was among the five rights activists arrested by the Maharashtra Police in a series of raids across the country on August 28 for their alleged links with a banned Maoist group.

Navlakha was arrested from his residence in south Delhi's Nehru Enclave and presented before a magistrate's court here which allowed the police to present him before a court in Pune.

Subsequently, the high court directed the Maharashtra Police not to take Navlakha out of Delhi and keep him under house arrest until further orders.

The Supreme Court on September 29 rejected a plea for immediate release of the five rights activists, held in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence in Maharashtra.

--IANS

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The Delhi High Court on Monday said it cannot entertain a plea seeking cancellation of a lease awarding 50 acres of land at Kandla Port in Gujarat to a private firm due to lack of territorial jurisdiction.

"Hence, it must be held that no part of cause of action has arisen within the territorial jurisdiction of this court and the present petition is not maintainable in this court," said a bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V. Kameswar Rao.

However, the bench granted liberty to the petitioner NGO, Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL), to approach the appropriate forum.

The NGO's advocate, Prashant Bhushan, had requested the court to issue direction to the Central government and Kandla Port Trust (KPT) to cancel the tender dated March 28, 2014 awarded to Friends Salt Works and Allied Industries (FSWAI) for allotment of land of 50 acres for the purpose of liquid storage tanks.

The advocate alleged that KPT overvalued the structures set up at the site by FSWAI when it leased the land in the past to ensure that only the firm gets the contract.

The Centre opposed the petition on grounds of lack of territorial jurisdiction.

The petition claimed that FSWAI did not have to pay the amount of Rs 207 crore if it was successful in the bid.

The court turned down the submission of Bhushan that the Central government had a role to play in the working of the KPT.

The court observed that the lease itself had been issued and executed by the authorities in Gujarat.

It also noted that the land for which the tender had been issued was situated in Kutch, Gujarat, and the decision-making authority was in Gandhidham.

--IANS

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UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore on Monday broke inspiring news ahead of Mahatma Gandhis 150th birth year that India has driven the greatest increase in the use of toilets in South Asia "at any time in history" over the last decade with over 240 million people using them after abandoning open defecation.

The biggest contribution in this progress was by India with as many as 86 million rural households since 2014 having gained access to toilets for the first time. "Five lakh villages and hundreds of districts and 21 states and union territories are now open-defecation free," said Fore, who is on her maiden visit to India.

She was delivering the keynote address at the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention. As many as 70 countries are participating in the four-day event, which began at the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra here, on September 30.

The UNICEF chief said the overall progress made by several countries was inspiring. "We're also seeing rapid results in Indonesia, Ethiopia, Nepal and Cambodia - all on track to eliminating open defecation by 2030. Or even earlier," she pointed out.

"Or Nigeria, Kenya, Niger, Burkina Faso, Togo and Mozambique - all have national roadmaps to deliver total access to sanitation, no matter where people live, no matter how distant or hard-to-reach their community might be," Fore noted with satisfaction.

In all, since 1990, 2.1 billion people globally have gained access to improved sanitation facilities. "A great result. One that improves health and nutrition outcomes for children, empowers women, boosts economic prosperity and growth for entire nations," Fore said.

The UNICEF chief, however, warned that this was still no time to celebrate.

"As we mark this progress, we must face a difficult fact: without urgent acceleration of our efforts, many countries will not reach the 2030 goal of sanitation for all.

"Especially when one in three people - 2.3 billion in all - still lack even a basic sanitation service. When 12 per cent of the world's population still practices open defecation. Or when nearly one quarter of all schools worldwide lack basic sanitation - risking the health and the lives of over 620 million children," she said.

"This is obviously a tragedy for the people affected. The children in rural areas or urban slums who have no choice but to practise open defecation because their communities lack basic services. Those who risk poor health and disease. Those children who are stunted by malnutrition in the earliest years. Or the girls who are denied an education because their schools lack separate toilets, or proper sanitation."

As always, the poorest and most disadvantaged are hardest hit. Lack of sanitation unfairly puts them at greater risk of disease and even death. "We also know that 90 per cent of those still practicing open defecation around the world live in 26 specific countries."

Fore said besides the human and social costs of poor sanitation, there was a huge economic cost involved. "According to the World Bank, poor sanitation results in an estimated global GDP loss of $260 billion annually, because of health costs and productivity losses."

She said the benefits of improved sanitation were significant.

"A recent study by the government of India found that within open-defecation free environments, households can save up to 50,000 rupees per year thanks to medical costs averted and time saved."

She announced that UNICEF had evolved "a specific, time-bound target: by 2021, our goal is to have 250 million fewer people practicing open defecation. This means improving sanitation in all the countries where we work - and we're committed to this."

--IANS

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Actress Aditi Rao Hydari, who is returning to Tamil cinema with a project directed by and co-starring Dhanush, says he is effortless in managing both the fields.

On her experience of collaborating with Dhanush for the first time, Aditi told IANS in an interview: "This is his second directorial and one should see how effortlessly he is directing the film and playing the protagonist as an actor. He is such a multitasker. I must say that Dhanush wears the hat of director and actor pretty seamlessly."

"Though all actors do not make good directors, Dhanush is really one of the finest. He knows exactly how to direct an actor to extract the performance the way he wants it. Perhaps that is happening because he is a performer himself," added the actress, who started her career in Bollywood with the film "Yeh Saali Zindagi" in 2012.

Aditi essayed the pivotal role of Begum Mehrunisa in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Padmaavat" and has acted in films like "Delhi-6", "Rockstar", "Wazir", "Fitoor", "Daas Dev" among others.

Now she is constantly balancing her Bollywood projects along with her work in regional films. She even had a role in Tamil film "Chekka Chivantha Vaanam".

The upcoming yet untitled film with Dhanush is quite challenging for her to shoot since it is a bilingual in Tamil and Telugu.

"Dhanush is very passionate about cinema and working with a great team which has made me really comfortable despite the challenge of not knowing the language, I am very happy to go on the set everyday.

However, she said: "Such passionate directors really gives actor challenge. There are days when I just feel like crying because as a performer I am pushing the envelope and do not know if I will be able to match up the expectations. But when we get it right, that's a different kind of happiness."

--IANS

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) said on Monday it has attached foreign properties of fugitive diamond jeweller Nirav Modi worth Rs 637 crore, including two apartments in New Yorks Central Park, in its ongoing investigation into the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case.

A senior ED official said the agency had been working in close coordination with other foreign agencies in order to identify and attach foreign properties of Nirav Modi in various locations.

The attached properties were in the form of jewellery, bank accounts and immovable properties. Among them are two apartments worth Rs 216 crore in New York's popular Central Park, which are registered in the name of Nirav Modi, the agency said.

Meanwhile, a flat worth Rs 56.97 crore on Marylebone road in London has also been attached, of which the beneficial owner is Nirav Modi's sister Purvi Modi, a Belgian national.

The agency also attached five bank accounts containing over Rs 278 crore, belonging to Nirav Modi, Purvi and others in the case.

The official said that it had brought diamond jewellery worth Rs 22.69 crore back to India from Hong Kong.

According to the ED, a stock of jewellery was exported to Hong Kong after a case was registered against Nirav Modi by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in January. This was kept in a vault of a private company in Hong Kong on behalf of Nirav Modi.

"The agency contacted the company and its London headquarters and after much persuasion and follow up, it successfully brought back the jewellery to India," the official said.

He also said that the stock value of the jewellery was around Rs 85 crore and the jewellery was sent to Hong Kong by Firestar Group of Companies. On independent valuation, the value of jewellery came to Rs 22.69 crore.

The ED has also attached a flat in south Mumbai worth Rs 19.5 crore which was in sister Purvi's name.

The official said the flat was purchased by Purvi in 2017 and the deed was signed by Nirav Nodi's brother Neeshal, who is also a Belgian national and who held a power of attorney.

"But the consideration of the flat was paid by Purvi through her Barclays Bank account maintained in Singapore," the official said.

Interpol has issued an Red Corner Notice against Nirav Modi, Neeshal, Purvi and his executive Subhash Parab.

On Monday, Interpol, at the request of the CBI and ED, issued a Red Corner Notice against Nirav Modi's trusted official, Aditya Nanavati.

Nanavati used to head the operations of Firestar Diamond's business in Hong Kong. It is learnt that he is also in Belgium.

Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi of Gitanjali Group are under probe by both the CBI and ED. The ED had on May 24 and 26 filed charge-sheets against both. Non-bailable warrants have been issued against them.

Nirav Modi left India before the scam was reported to the CBI.

--IANS

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The UK's Brexit secretary on Monday gave a combative speech at the Conservative Party conference in central England, where he told the audience the EU had to get serious if it wanted a future deal and said the British government was not afraid of a no-deal scenario.

Speaking at the event in Birmingham, Dominic Raab remarked that the EU's approach to the Brexit negotiations had so far shown a lack of compromise and placed the onus on cracking a future deal firmly on Brussels, Efe news reported.

"If the EU want a deal, they need to get serious and they need to do it now," the Member of Parliament for Thames Ditton, who took over from David Davis in the Cabinet when the latter resigned in protest of Prime Minister Theresa May's Chequers Brexit plan in July, told the crowd.

He said May had shown nothing but respect for the EU, but all she had received in turn were "jibes" from the bloc's leaders.

Raab also warned that the UK would not rule out a no-deal scenario if Brussels failed to compromise.

"Some people say that no-deal is unthinkable. Wrong, what is unthinkable is that this government, or any British government, could be bullied by the threat of some kind of economic embargo, into signing a one-sided deal against our country's interests," Raab said.

He said any short-term disruptions arising from such an exit from the bloc would be overcome.

Relations across the London-Brussels Brexit negotiating table have soured in recent weeks due to a lack of consensus on topics such as how to maintain a soft border between the Republic of Ireland, an EU member state, and Northern Ireland, a UK territory.

There has also been a growing number of calls in the UK for a re-run of the Brexit vote, a so-called People's Vote. Raab slammed the idea in Birmingham and denounced at undemocratic: "Honestly, it would be pathetic if it wasn't so dangerous."

The UK is due to leave the EU in March 2019.

--IANS

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Actress and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson has addressed an emotional letter to Indian dentist Savita Halappanavar, who passed away in 2012 after being denied abortion in Ireland, saying she will continue the fight for reproductive justice for her.

Halappanavar died at University Hospital Galway in Ireland, following a miscarriage as she was denied an abortion. The Eighth Amendment in Ireland's constitution prohibited the abortion. But now, the amendment stands repealed following a referendum over it in May, reports independent.co.uk.

Watson said: "Dear Dr Savita Halappanavar, you didn't want to become the face of a movement; you wanted a procedure that would have saved your life.

"When news of your death broke in 2012, the urgent call to action from Irish activists reverberated around the world - repeal the eighth amendment of the Irish constitution."

The 'Harry Potter' star also highlighted the significance of the "historic feminist victory" that took place in Ireland when the country voted to repeal the eighth amendment of its constitution on May 25.

"A note on your memorial in Dublin read, 'Because you slept, many of us woke'. That the eighth amendment enabled valuing the life of an unborn foetus over a living woman was a wake-up call to a nation."

The 28-year-old star further said: "From Argentina to Poland, restrictive abortion laws punish and endanger girls, women and pregnant people. Still, Northern Ireland's abortion law predates the lightbulb. In your memory, and towards our liberation, we continue the fight for reproductive justice."

--IANS

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The government expects the nation's first compressed bio-gas (CBG) plant to become operational within the current quarter of the fiscal, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Monday.

"We expect the SATAT plan to be working fully inside of the next three months and the first CBG plant to be operational within this quarter itself," Pradhan said while launching the Centre's Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) initiative designed to benefit both vehicle users as well as farmers and entrepreneurs.

"Our aim is that the cleaner green fuel CBG replaces LNG (liquefied natural gas) for use in households, as well as in transportation," he added.

The event organisers, state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) IOC, BPCL and HPCL, announced the call inviting expression of interest from potential entrepreneurs to set up CBG production plants to market the clean fuel for vehicular use.

Under the initiative, CBG plants are proposed to be set up mainly through independent entrepreneurs.

A Petroleum Ministry release said the 1,500-strong compressed natural gas (CNG) stations network in the country currently serve about 32 lakh gas-based vehicles.

"The Working Group on Biofuels, set up under the National Policy on Biofuels 2018, is in the process of finalising a pan-India pricing model for compressed bio-gas," it said

"The entrepreneurs would be able to separately market the other by-products from these plants, including bio-manure, carbon-dioxide, etc. to enhance returns on investment."

Noting that OMCs have decided to pay a higher procurement price for CBG than they currently pay for domestic natural gas, Pradhan asked the state-run companies in oil and gas to jointly devise a production offtake guarantee plan for CBG entrepreneurs.

"It is planned to roll out 5,000 CBG plants across India in a phased manner, with 250 plants by the year 2020, 1,000 plants by 2022 and 5,000 plants by 2025. These plants are expected to produce 15 million tonnes of CBG per annum, which is about 40 per cent of the current CNG consumption of 44 million tonnes," the Ministry said.

"At an investment of around Rs. 1.7 lakh crore, this initiative is expected to generate direct employment for 75,000 people and produce 50 million tonnes of bio-manure for crops."

--IANS

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"Gaon-The Village No More" will release on October 26, director Gautam Singh has announced.

The film is inspired by the true story of Singh's own village in Jharkhand, India.

"This film is inspired by the true story of my village in Jharkhand, India. Once in this remote and isolated community, villagers coexisted like members of a large extended family where they maintained a unique way of life - mellow and harmonious, celebratory and united," Singh said in a statement.

"This film is an attempt to pack 200 years of India's history into two hours of cinema. Herein, the Village called Bharatgaon, is itself the protagonist whose character unrecognisably transforms given events transpiring around and in it.

"Bharatgaon and lead male character Bharat serve as metaphors for the state of India, though representing diametrically opposed interpretations while simultaneously residing within one nation - competing, confronting, and falling for each other. This film is the outcome of those encounters," he added.

"Gaon..." features Gopal K Singh as Vaidji, Neha Mahajan as Sango, Rohit Pathak as Mangla, Shadab Kamal as Bharat and Omkar Das Manikpuri as Sambhu.

--IANS

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Bollywood actress Yami Gautam, who plays a pivotal role in the film "Uri: The Surgical Strike", says the filming process was exhausting yet enjoyable because of the participation and enthusiasm of the film's cast and crew.

Some parts of the film, which is high on action, were shot in Serbia.

Yami told IANS here: "Shooting of such films is never easy, and is rather consuming. The same thing happened with me when I was shooting for my earlier film 'Kaabil' in which I had to learn dance and understand the body language of a visually challenged girl.

"The fact is, when my co-actors are giving by nature to get every scene right, and not working in isolation, the exhaustion becomes enjoyable for all the performers," added Yami, who features in "Uri..." with Vicky Kaushal and Kirti Kulhari.

The teaser of the film was unveiled on September 28.

It is a movie on the Indian Army's surgical strikes on the intervening night of September 28-29, 2016, eleven days after terrorists from Pakistan attacked a military base in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir leaving 19 Indian soldiers dead.

Yami says there was a lot of brainstorming on the set since the story is based on a real incident.

"We had to deal with it in an authentic and sensible manner, but I must say that every member on the set worked like one team. I am missing the set of 'Uri'," Yami added.

Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film will release on January 11, 2019.

--IANS

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The Google Doodle on Monday celebrated the centenary of renowned opthalmologist Govindappa Venkataswamy, known as 'Dr V' among his patients, who flocked to the Aravind Eye Hospital that he founded in Madurai.

Born on this day in 1918 in Vadamalapuram, Tamil Nadu, Venkataswamy was permanently crippled by rheumatoid arthritis. However, despite his own health issues, nothing could stop him from what he wanted to be.

He attended a school in his village where students had to write on sand which collected from the riverbank as there was no pencil and paper. Later he went on to study Chemistry at the American College in Madurai and earned a degree of M.D. from Stanley Medical College in Madras in 1944.

Right after completing his medical school Venkataswamy went on to join the Indian Army Medical Corps. However, a severe case of rheumatoid arthritis nearly crippled him and his career took a setback.

He was confined to bed for a year. When he returned to academics, Venkataswamy studied for a degree in ophthalmology in 1951.

The Aravind Eye Hospital which has now transformed into a major chain eradicating cataract related blindness, had begun as a 11-bed hospital under the aegis of Venkataswamy in 1976.

Despite his physical constrains, Dr V learnt to perform surgery to remove cataracts and could perform 100 surgeries in a day.

He used to organise eye camps in rural communities, which would serve as a rehab centre for the blind and a training session for ophthalmic assistants, during this perid he performed over 1,00,000 successful eye surgeries, the Google blogpost said.

In 1973, Venkataswamy received the Padmashree award.

--IANS

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Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav on Monday accused the Uttar Pradesh government of trying to fudge facts about the killing of Apple executive Vivek Tiwari by a police constable.

The former Chief Minister visited the victim's family earlier on Monday and met them for about 35 minutes.

He later charged the police and the state government with hiding details and the circumstances under which the killing of the 38-year-old took place on Saturday. He accused the police of trying to confuse the line of investigation.

The Samajwadi Party leader asked the state government to announce a compensation of Rs 5 crore to the family.

Yadav blamed the state government's policy of what he said were "staged police encounters" and said that rather than being repentant, many BJP Ministers in the state were coming across as indifferent and casual.

He alleged that the BJP government was trying to instil fear among the people.

--IANS

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The Calcutta High Court on Monday granted interim bail to former West Midnapore district police chief Bharati Ghosh's husband M.A.V Raju till November 30, nearly two months after his arrest in an extortion case.

Raju was arrested on August 7 following a probe into alleged extortion and illegal exchange of banned notes for gold in West Midnapore district's Daspur.

His anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the High Court earlier.

A divisional bench of the Calcutta High Court directed Raju to furnish a bond of Rs 1 lakh to the court of Midnapore chief judicial magistrate with two sureties of the same amount as a condition for granting the interim bail.

He was also directed not to leave Kolkata without permission from the court and meet the investigating officers of the state CID once a week in the ongoing probe.

Raju's wife Bharati Ghosh, the principal accused in the Daspur extortion case, had approached the Supreme Court which had passed a restraining order on her arrest.

The Criminal Investigation Department had earlier arrested four police officers who had worked under Ghosh and the caretaker of an apartment in south Kolkata, suspected to be owned by her, in the case.

More than Rs 2.4 crore, important government documents and sealed liquor bottles were seized during raids at a number of flats in south Kolkata's Madurdaha.

A large amount of unaccounted cash was also seized from houses of several police officers named in the FIR.

The CID raids started following a case of extortion and criminal conspiracy was lodged in Daspur on February 1 after gold trader Chandan Majhi complained against some police officers in the district thought to be close to Ghosh.

Ghosh, once a favourite of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, reportedly fell from grace and sought voluntary retirement after she was transferred as Commandant of West Bengal Armed Police's 3rd Battalion. Her application was accepted.

--IANS

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In what could be a big relief to students seeking inspection of their answer-sheets through RTI, the Delhi High Court has ordered the Delhi University to allow the inspection of answer-sheet to a former student under RTI by refusing to stay the CIC order against which the varsity had approached the court.

The high court in an order issued on September 24 refused to grant the stay asked for by the university against a Central Information Commission (CIC) order, according to which it was to allow the inspection of the answer-sheet to a student who had sought it under an RTI provision.

The order, in effect, paves the way for a number of such students who may have chosen the RTI route for checking their copies instead of paying a fee to the university.

"It is clarified that this court has not stayed the impugned order dated June 18, 2018 (the CIC order) and inspection of the evaluated answer-sheet shall be provided... as directed.

"The question whether a student has any right to seek inspection of his/her answer-sheets will be considered on the next date," the court said in its order.

A former law student of the university had sought the inspection of his answer-sheets through an RTI in 2016, but the matter dragged on for two years, forcing him to approach the intervention of the CIC.

The CIC adjudicated in favour of the student, ordering the Delhi University to allow him the inspection of his answer copy -- as prescribed under Section 2(j) of the Right to Information Act -- in "larger public interest" .

The Delhi University, which under the current system charges a fee -- Rs 1,000 for revaluation of a single copy and Rs 750 for its rechecking -- from the students, challenged the CIC order in the court and asked for a stay on it, contending that allowing the inspection under RTI "would render their existing mechanism of providing hard copies...redundant".

The final hearing on the matter is reserved for January 30 next year.

IANS had earlier reported that the Delhi University earned over Rs 3 crore in fees paid by students for either revaluation or rechecking their answer-sheets and for providing photocopies of answer-sheets to them between 2015-16 and 2017-18.

According to the information provided by the university under RTI, it earned Rs 2,89,12,310 for revaluation alone between 2015-16 and 2017-18.

During the same period, it earned Rs 23,29,500 for rechecking and Rs 6,49,500 for providing students copies of answer-scripts evaluated.

(Vishal Narayan can be contacted at vishal.n@ians.in)

--IANS

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Scientists have been warning for years that the world can expect more extreme weather with climate change and that heat waves, wildfires and heavy rainfall all over the world underscore these warnings, a UN official said on Monday.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) chief Hoesung Lee made these opening remarks at its 48th session that began in this South Korean town.

The IPCC representatives from 195 countries and leading scientists from around the world are meeting to examine evidence about the impacts of global warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

"Science alerts us to the gravity of the situation, but science also, and this special report in particular, helps us understand the solutions available to us.

The South Korean climate change expert was referring to a report, Global Warming of 1.5 AoC, a major scientific undertaking on the latest climate change research that will speak on the impacts of global warming of 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways.

The much-awaited final report will be made public after weeklong deliberation here on October 8. The report will show that 1.5 degrees will limit sea level rise and save homes of millions of people living on the coast.

The IPCC is the UN body for assessing the science related to climate change.

The report will analyse the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty.

Governments invited the IPCC to prepare the report in 2015 when they adopted the Paris Agreement to combat climate change.

The report, known as SR15, will be the main scientific input at the Talanoa Dialogue in the Katowice Climate Change Conference (COP24) in December in Poland.

"Governments have asked the IPCC for an assessment of warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius, its impacts and related emissions pathways, to help them address climate change," Lee said.

"Together, we will produce a strong, robust and clear Summary for Policymakers that respond to the invitation of governments three years ago while upholding the scientific integrity of the IPCC," he said.

The Paris Agreement sets a long-term goal of holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees.

World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Deputy Secretary General Elena Manaenkova told the meeting: "It is no surprise that this year is set to become one of warmest on record and we are seeing new records in long-term climate change indicators".

"The greatest tragedy to those immediately affected is the extreme weather ranging from record heat in northern Europe to devastating floods in Japan, India, southeast Asia and the southeastern United States."

"As far as WMO is concerned we need to step up action to help our members in assisting with climate resilient development," she added.

United Nations head Erik Solheim cautioned against imminent climate threats.

"Hugely important report on climate change coming: message again is clear, immediate and decisive action needed. There are no excuses!" he said in a tweet.

The IPCC was established by the UN Programme and the World Meteorological Organization in 1988 to provide policymakers with regular scientific assessments concerning climate change, its implications and potential future risks, as well as to put forward adaptation and mitigation strategies.

--IANS

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A 24-year-old man from Hyderabad, who had arrived in Goa with a friend last week, died due to suspected overdose of drugs after partying at a popular rave club in the beach village of Anjuna, police said on Monday.

A police spokesperson said the deceased, identified as Shashank Sharma, was partying at the club located 20 km from Panaji on Sunday afternoon when the incident occurred.

"He felt uneasy after he left the club, following which he was referred to the Goa Medical College where he expired late on Sunday," the spokesperson said.

Police sources said that before he passed out, Sharma told his friend that he had consumed a tablet at the club which made him feel uneasy.

--IANS

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Facing constant attack on the IL&FS crisis, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday hit back at the Congress accusing it of "spreading disinformation" and said the "perverted Rahul Gandhi school of thinking" was finding a scam in an investment by financial institutions in a company.

Calling Congress a "national saboteur", he asked whether all those instances of public sector entities investing in IL&FS during the UPA regime were a scam.

"The financial institutions' investment in any company - 'is it a scam' as Rahul Gandhi and his coterie are spreading? Was it a scam in 1987 when the IL&FS was promoted with the Central Bank of India having 50.5 per cent shares and the UTI having 30.5 per cent shares," Jaitley asked in a Facebook post.

"Was it a scam in 2005 when LIC acquired 15 per cent stake in IL&FS and in March, 2006 when it acquired another 11.10 per cent stake? In fact, LIC further bought 19.34 lakh shares in IL&FS in 2010," he added.

"Do I start calling all these investments today 'a scam' as per 'the perverted Rahul Gandhi school of thinking'?"

The Minister said the Congress must remember that "the days of crony capitalism" were over and that NDA government dealt with such challenges "objectively and professionally".

Jaitley's remarks came a day after Congress President Rahul Gandhi alleged that public money was being used to bail out the debt-ridden IL&FS group.

In a tweet, Gandhi alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bailing out the group which had a long-term debt liability of around Rs 91,000 crore via public savings in LIC and the State Bank of India.

"From where has he invented a proposal of Rs 91,000 crore investment likely to take place by LIC and SBI in the IL&FS," Jaitley asked.

"The Congress Party, for the last few days, has been busy spreading misinformation about the government's possible moves in relation to the private sector company IL&FS. The Congress is a national saboteur. It wants to sabotage India's economy by allowing a situation in relation to a company to persist, expand and become unmanageable. It lacks statesmanship and vision," he said.

The Minister added that it was, in fact, a section of the Congress leadership which was urging him to enable investments in the IL&FS and save the company.

"A senior Congress leader, K.V. Thomas, who is a former Union Minister and has been the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, has written to me on September 20 making such a request.

"It demolishes every word that Rahul Gandhi and his coterie has been spreading. It may be advisable for Rahul Gandhi to get some 'words of wisdom' from Thomas," he said.

--IANS

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India and Uzbekistan set an annual bilateral trade target of $1 billion to be achieved within two years and agreed to boost connectivity as the two sides signed 17 agreements across a range of sectors following delegation-level talks led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev here on Monday.

The two sides also agreed to further strengthen their Strategic Partnership which will be a boost to India's increasing engagements with Central Asia.

"We have agreed to strengthen trade and investment ties and have set a bilateral trade target of $1 billion by 2020," Modi said in a joint address to the media with Mirziyoyev following the the talks.

"We have also decided to start negotiations for a preferential trade agreement," he said.

India-Uzbekistan bilateral trade stands at around $350 million now and the new target represents a six-fold increase over this.

Modi also said that India has decided to extend a line of credit (LoC) of $200 million to Uzbekistan for housing and other social infrastructure projects.

"Apart from this, we will welcome Uzbekistan's proposals under $800 million line of credit and buyer's credit from Exim Bank," he said.

"We have proposed to help Uzbekistan in the areas of space, human resource development and information technology."

Modi said that in Monday's talks, they discussed ways to boost connectivity.

In this connection, he stressed on the importance of Chabahar port in Iran that is jointly being developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan.

He also expressed gratitude to Uzbekistan for its support in India becoming a member of the Ashgabat Agreement, which seeks to establish an international transport and transit corridor between Iran, Oman, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, earlier this year.

"We are happy that Uzbekistan has agreed to be a part of the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC)," he said.

The INSTC is a 7,200-km-long multi-modal network of ship, rail and road routes for moving freight between India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe.

Modi said that during the talks, both sides shared their vision and plans to further strengthen the Strategic Partnership that they share.

The India-Uzbekistan relationship was elevated to that of a Strategic Partnership during the visit of then Uzbek President Islam Karimov to India in 2011.

"Meaningful discussions were also held on regional issues of importance that are linked to our security, peace, prosperity and cooperation," Modi said.

He said that both sides also agreed to deepen cooperation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisatin (SCO) and other international forums.

India was made a member of the SCO, a Eurasian inter-governmental organisation, last year.

In terms of defence cooperation, the Prime Minister said that India and Uzbekistan discussed joint military exercises and military education and training among other areas.

Stating that both India and Uzbekistan seek a secure and prosperous external environment, he said that a stable, democratic, inclusive and prosperous Afghanistan will be beneficial for the whole region.

"We also discussed issues of e-visa, tourism, academic exchanges and air connectivity," Modi said.

On his part, Mirziyoyev said that the India-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership is very important for Tashkent's foreign policy.

He said that Uzbekistan supports India's bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council.

"We discussed the fight against terrorism, extremism, and narcotics trafficking," the Uzbek President said.

"We are very concerned about the conflict in Afghanistan and feel that the only solution is a dialogue between the Afghan government and the opposition."

Following the talks, 17 agreements were signed between the two sides, including in the areas of tourism, military training, law and justice, agriculture, science and innovation, health, and pharmaceuticals.

Earlier in the day, Mirziyoyev was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also called on the visiting dignitary and discussed cooperation in trade and investment, development cooperation, education, renewable energy, connectivity and tourism.

The Uzbek President arrived here on Sunday on his first official visit to India since assuming office in 2016.

--IANS

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An Indian man plunged to his death from the top of a three-storey building in Bahrain on Monday, the media reported.

The incident took place in Gudaibiya city and the man was identified as Aseer, according to the Gulf Daily News.

According to eye witnesses, the man was found dead at around 7.30 a.m. The police were investigating the incident.

--IANS

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Mass graves were dug on Monday as Indonesia began burying hundreds of people killed by an earthquake and a tsunami that cracked streets, crumbled buildings and swept homes on the island of Sulawesi. At least 844 were confirmed dead and the toll was expected to climb, with heavily populated areas cut off from any assistance.

Rescuers, with only rudimentary tools, were racing to find survivors in the debris after disaster struck Indonesia's Sulawesi island on Friday leading to large-scale destruction and food, water and fuel shortage.

Palu, a city of 350,000, was the worst affected and was reduced to ruins. The streets of the city were covered in debris and dead bodies were flung about by the 7.5 magnitude earthquake that triggered tsunami waves up to three metres high.

Authorities said that some remote areas were yet to be contacted. A lack of heavy lifting equipment hampered rescuers' attempts to reach people stuck under collapsed buildings, the BBC reported.

"Communication is limited, heavy machinery is limited... it's not enough for the numbers of buildings that collapsed," said National Disaster Management Agency spokesperson Sutopo Purwo Nugroho.

He said that an estimated 2.4 million people were affected by the disaster, at least 600 people were hospitalized and over 48,000 were displaced. The current and former mayors of Palu were among the dead.

Aid agencies were struggling to get staff into affected areas as the main airport at Palu was damaged, road links were cut due to landslides and power was out almost everywhere, officials said.

People were sleeping in the open, wary of returning to their homes due to aftershocks. Reports say that aid started to reach Palu, but rescuers were still trying to reach Donggala regency, home to over 300,000 people.

Vice-President Jusuf Kalla said the final death toll could be in the thousands. Authorities said they started burying the dead in mass graves as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of disease.

In the hills above Palu, volunteers filling a mass grave were instructed to prepare for a total of 1,300 victims to arrive, the BBC reported.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people, screaming for food, jostled outside a military command in Palu. Officials said that they required more volunteers, more supplies of water and rice that could be distributed at different points in the town, instead of in one place.

Fuel shortage was affecting power generators, which were currently the only source of electricity in the city and were also being used for emergency communication.

According to authorities, aid has been slow to trickle in, delayed by severe damage to Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport in Palu, which was closed for 24 hours after the tsunami but has since reopened to limited flights.

Priority will be given to evacuating survivors and allowing aid workers to bring in food and fresh water, said Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who visited the disaster site on Sunday.

Widodo agreed to accept international help for disaster response and relief. The EU and South Korea offered $1.7 million and $1 million respectively, while the Australian government said it was working with Indonesia to identify options for assistance.

France also offered aid and said it "stands ready to provide support in connection with Indonesian authorities".

In the chaos following the tragedy, Indonesian government officials said 1,200 convicts escaped from three detention facilities in the Sulawesi region.

Reports said that mobile phone signals were detected in the rubble of the shopping mall in Palu and screams were heard under the debris of the Roa Roa Hotel. Workers were scrambling to rescue 50 people trapped beneath its debris.

A Malaysian and a South Korean national were unaccounted for. Three French nationals, who were earlier reported missing, were found safe, the French Foreign Ministry said.

The Indonesian government said it evacuated 114 foreign nationals.

An early tsunami warning had been issued by the Indonesian meteorological agency but was later lifted after the agency ascertained that the water had receded.

--IANS

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Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps announced targeting "terrorists'" bases in Syria with missiles and drones on Monday in response to a deadly attack on a military parade last month.

In the operation, which targeted an area in the east of the Euphrates river in Syria, the Revolutionary Guard Corps used six mid-range missiles and seven drones, according to a statement cited by the BBC.

"A big number of the terrorists were killed or injured in the attack," said the statement posted on Revolutionary Guards' Sepah News website.

Iran's action came in response to the September 22 terror attack on its military parade in Ahvaz city, in which 25 people were killed and dozens were injured.

Al-Ahvazieh, an Iranian Arab-affiliated separatist group, had claimed responsibility for the September strike. The Iranian officials later blamed the US and its regional allies for the Ahvaz attack.

Iran has supported President Bashar al-Assad in Syria's civil war, sending hundreds of troops and backing pro-Syrian government militias.

--IANS

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Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Monday that a special bilateral trade channel will be opened with the EU in order to get around economic sanctions imposed on Tehran by the US.

The cooperation mechanism between Iran and EU has reached its final stages, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Bahram Qasemi said in a statement.

"If the Europeans and other partners, for any reason, cannot secure a guarantee, the issue can affect Iran's decision, and Tehran will take a way that is in line with its interests," Qasemi said in a statement cited by IRNA news agency.

Qasemi explained that details of the talks with the EU and the exact cooperation mechanism were being kept secret to prevent the US interference.

The US has re-imposed sanctions, including an oil embargo that will begin in November, after unilaterally withdrawing in May from the 2015 nuclear deal, which put limits on certain nuclear activities in Iran in exchange for lifting international sanctions.

The EU has continued to back the accord, which also included China and Russia, and has defended its relations with Iran.

Qasemi said that in a meeting in New York, the foreign ministers of Iran and the five countries that continue to support the pact (France, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Russia) agreed to complete the cooperation programmes.

The meeting discussed payment channels and other measures to facilitate payments related to Iranian petroleum exports, among other issues, according to the final communique.

--IANS

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Marriage can wait but cannot, says Bihar's 28-year-old Leader of Opposition Tejaswi Yadav, who says he will marry after the 2019 general elections.

"I will marry only after the Lok Sabha polls," the former Deputy Chief Minister said on Sunday night here after arriving from Ranchi where he met his ailing father and RJD leader Lalu Prasad.

Lalu Prasad is undergoing treatment at a Ranchi hospital after being jailed in a multi-crore fodder scam.

Tejashwi Yadav, the younger son of Lalu Prasad, said he will marry a girl of his parents' choice. "I will prefer an arranged marriage."

According to him, he was getting marriage proposals from within Bihar and beyond.

Two years ago, when he was the Deputy Chief Minister, he reportedly received 44,000 marriage proposals on WhatsApp.

Tejaswi's elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav, a former Bihar Health Minister, married former Minister and RJD leader Chandrika Rai's daughter Aishwarita Rai in May this year.

All his seven sisters including Misa Bharti, a Rajya Sabha member, are married.

--IANS

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US Defence Secretary James Mattis has cancelled a planned visit to China in October in a latest sign of deteriorating ties between Washington and Beijing, the media reported.

According to a US government official, Mattis had originally planned to visit the Chinese capital to meet senior Chinese officials to discuss security issues, CNN reported on Monday.

The last-minute cancellation was publicly confirmed by the Pentagon.

The decision to pull out of the trip came amid growing tensions between the US and China across multiple fronts, from the Trump administration's tariffs on Chinese goods to new sanctions announced against the Chinese military.

At a press conference last week, US President Donald Trump said that his "friendship" with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping may have come to an end.

"He may not be a friend of mine anymore. But I think he probably respects me," Trump said.

The Trump administrations imposed 10 per cent of tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods in September, in addition to the trade measures already in place. The Chinese government responded in kind, with between 5 per cent to 10 per cent tariffs on $60 billion of US goods.

Following the new round of tariffs, Beijing called off planned trade talks with Washington, leaving no end in sight for the ongoing trade war.

The Chinese government had also cancelled a port visit to Hong Kong by the USS Wasp, a US Navy amphibious assault ship, last week. This move came after the US government decided to sanction Chinese military figures over their purchases of Russian combat aircraft and missile systems.

The diplomatic rift between Washington and Beijing has spilled over from military and trade issues into the political arena in the past week, after Trump accused China of meddling in the upcoming US elections.

--IANS

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A new biography of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat by Kingshuk Nag argues that the BJP coasted to power in 2014 only because of the RSS and if it does win in 2019, that too, will be because of the RSS.

In "Mohan Bhagwat: Influencer-in-Chief", biographer Kingshuk Nag, who has authored eight previous books, including a biography of late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, contends that "Modi's future is in Bhagwat's hands".

The author, quoting sources from the top echelons of the Sangh, writes that the RSS "seriously believes" that it was neither Modi's popularity, nor the UPA's goof-ups that brought the BJP to power.

"Rather, it is the social change wrought by the continual work done by the RSS over years that created an environment conducive for the BJP. This being the case, Bhagwat believes in keeping Modi under check," says the book from Rupa publications.

"Though things might be different in 2019, Modi was not Bhagwat's first choice for the 2014 elections. Modi was promoted as the BJP's prime-ministerial candidate by the RSS only after the realisation that he was the only man in the party who could possibly lead them to victory. Before the 2014 elections, the RSS seriously doubted that the BJP would win a clear victory but the performance exceeded their most optimistic expectations," the author notes in the 240-page book.

Nag says that if it was "a do or die battle for Modi, it was the same for Bhagwat" but the reasons were different.

"For Modi, it would be the crowning glory of his political career and ambitions, but for Bhagwat it was a necessary (but not sufficient) condition to create a Hindu Rashtra."

--IANS

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Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Monday stressed the need for global policies to exchange information on economic offenders and fugitives and called for united action against terrorism.

Without naming Pakistan, Naidu said one of India's neighbours was aiding and abetting terrorism and urged the United Nations to come out with a determined action plan to tackle terrorism.

"It is time that we move towards a society that sees accountability a part in ensuring human right protection. World must explore possibilities of having policies to exchange information on economic offenders and fugitives," said Naidu speaking at an event here.

Addressing a conclave to mark the National Human Rights Commission's silver jubilee celebrations, he said terrorism is an enemy of humanity, with "some spreading it in the name of religion, but no religion talks about violence".

"The United Nations and member countries must come together to address the growing number of economic criminals and terrorists seeking refuge in other counties. The exchange of fugitives and information between these stakeholders is an important tool to address this. The world must speak in one voice."

"In our region, too, one of our neighbours is aiding, abetting, funding and training terrorists. Terror and talks can't go together.

"A strong, united action is needed to counter the menace of terror. We can't allow people to become casualties of terrorism. The United Nations must conclude its deliberations early and come out with a determined action plan to tackle perpetrators of terror," said Naidu.

--IANS

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Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Monday laid foundation stone for Rs 1,000-crore first world-class educational institute and hoped it will start functioning in two years.

"The first world-class educational institute in Alwar will prove to be a milestone for affordable, accessible and quality education to the poor and weaker sections, including minorities," Naqvi said at a function organized in Alwar to mark the commencement of work on the project.

Noting that the institute will help the poor sections to enroll, the minister said India has many universities, colleges, but the "weaker sections are unable" to enter these institutions due to financial burden.

"We have proposed 40 per cent reservation for girls in this institute," the minister said, adding it would start functioning in 2020.

Naqvi said because of Prime Minister Modi's educational empowerment programmes, the school dropout rate among Muslim girls, which was earlier more than 70 per cent, has now come down to about 35-40 per cent.

According to the ministry, a three-member committee of the ministry and members of the Maulana Azad Education Foundation have been formed to chalk out the entire process of the institute.

The research centre will provide education in technical, medical, ayurveda, Unani and job-oriented skill development courses, the minister said, adding it has provision for labs libraries, educational facilities for primary to higher studies.

He lauded efforts of Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and said the state government has given 15-acre land for the construction of the institute.

The minister reiterated that Bharatiya Janata Party will fight the next general elections only on the development plank, and not on vote-bank

--IANS

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Procurement of paddy officially began in agrarian states Punjab and Haryana on Monday though bare amounts of the crop arrived in the hundreds of grain markets across both states.

Punjab has sent Cash Credit Limit (CCL) proposal of Rs 40,300 crore to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for the purchase of paddy.

With the retreating monsoon rains lashing Punjab and Haryana in the past 10 days, the harvesting of the paddy crop has been delayed in most areas.

Farmers are worried that the untimely rains could lead to higher moisture content in the paddy.

"The moisture content parameters were specified before the rainfall (September 22-25). The rainfall has affected the standing crop. Farmers could suffer due to this," farmer Sukhdev Singh of Fatehgarh Sahib district said.

Punjab is targeting a procurement of 200 lakh tonnes of paddy this kharif season.

The procurement process is likely to continue till November 30. Bulk of the paddy stocks is expected to arrive in grain markets from October 10 to November 10.

Punjab Food and Civil Supplies Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu has directed all the heads of the state and central procurement agencies to supervise the paddy procurement operations across the state to ensure prompt lifting of paddy as per their allotted share of procurement.

Ashu appealed to farmers to bring dry, clean and fully matured paddy to the mandis. In all, 1,834 purchase centres have been set up across Punjab.

"All out efforts are being made to ensure smooth, hassle free and quick procurement of paddy and facilitate farmers in getting timely payment of their produce," he said.

The central government has fixed the minimum support price (MSP) for paddy at Rs 1,770 per quintal for 'Grade A' and Rs 1,750 per quintal for common variety of paddy.

--IANS

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary on Tuesday and attend programmes related to sanitation and renewable energy.

"Events related to sanitation and renewable energy shall be the focus of the Prime Minister's engagements on Gandhi Jayanti," said a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.

Modi will offer floral tributes to Gandhi at Rajghat and also visit Vijay Ghat to pay tributes to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, whose birth anniversary also falls on October 2, said the statement.

The day will mark the launch of the 150th anniversary celebrations of the Mahatma.

At the Rashtrapati Bhavan cultural centre, the Prime Minister will attend the closing session of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention -- a four-day international conference that has brought together sanitation ministers and other leaders from around the world.

Modi will visit a mini digital exhibition at the event, accompanied by the Secretary General of the UN, Antonio Guterres.

The dignitaries will launch commemorative postage stamps on Mahatma Gandhi and a CD based on his favourite hymn 'Vaishnav Jan'.

The Swachh Bharat Awards will be distributed on this occasion.

Later in the day, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the first Assembly of the International Solar Alliance.

--IANS

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) said on Monday it has attached foreign properties of fugitive diamond jeweller Nirav Modi worth Rs 637 crore, including two apartments in New Yorks Central Park, even as the agency continued its investigation into the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case.

A senior ED official said the agency had been working in close coordination with other foreign agencies in order to identify and attach foreign properties of Nirav Modi in various locations.

The attached properties were in the form of jewellery, bank accounts and immovable properties. Among them are two apartments worth Rs 216 crore in New York's popular Central Park, which are registered in the name of Nirav Modi, he said.

According to the agency officials, they were purchased in the name of The Ithaca Trust. One of the properties in central park south, New York, was in the name of Central Park Real Estate LLC, a group company of Firestar Group. In 2018, it was transferred to the Trust.

The beneficiary of the Ithaca Trust allegedly is Nirav Modi's wife, Ami Modi, a US national, and her children and the settler of the said trust was Nirav Modi's sister Purvi Modi, a Belgian national.

"The other property was also purchased in the name of The Ithaca Trust in 2017. And before paying the consideration for the property, the stolen fund was layered extensively involving multiple jurisdictions like Dubai, Bahamas, USA, Singapore etc.," the official said.

"The consideration was paid from a fiduciary account of Commonwealth Trust Company, Singapore and the deal was carried out by a lawyer firm based in US," the official said.

Meanwhile, a flat worth Rs 56.97 crore on Marylebone road in London has also been attached, of which the beneficial owner is Nirav Modi's sister Purvi.

According to the ED official, the property was bought in the name of the Belvedere Holdings Group Limited which was managed by Trident Trust in Singapore, and established by Monte Cristo Trust. "The said trust is having Purvi Modi as settler and beneficiary," he said.

The agency also attached five bank accounts containing over Rs 278 crore, belonging to Nirav Modi, Purvi and others in the case.

The official said that it had brought diamond jewellery worth Rs 22.69 crore back to India from Hong Kong.

According to the ED, a stock of jewellery was exported to Hong Kong after a case was registered against Nirav Modi by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in January. This was kept in a vault of a private company in Hong Kong on behalf of Nirav Modi.

"The agency contacted the company and its London headquarters and after much persuasion and follow up, it successfully brought back the jewellery to India," the official said.

He also said that the stock value of the jewellery was around Rs 85 crore and the jewellery was sent to Hong Kong by Firestar Group of Companies. On independent valuation, the value of jewellery came to Rs 22.69 crore.

The ED has also attached a flat in south Mumbai worth Rs 19.5 crore which was in sister Purvi's name.

The official said the flat was purchased by Purvi in 2017 and the deed was signed by Nirav Nodi's brother Neeshal, who is also a Belgian national and who held a power of attorney.

"But the consideration of the flat was paid by Purvi through her Barclays Bank account maintained in Singapore," the official said.

Interpol has issued a Red Corner Notice against Nirav Modi, Neeshal, Purvi and his executive Subhash Parab.

On Monday, Interpol, at the request of the CBI and ED, issued a Red Corner Notice against Nirav Modi's trusted official, Aditya Nanavati.

Nanavati used to head the operations of Firestar Diamond's business in Hong Kong. It is learnt that he is also in Belgium.

The official also said that Letters of Rogatory (LR) have also been sent to the authorities of foreign jurisdictions to enforce the said provisional attachment orders.

Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi of Gitanjali Group are under probe by both the CBI and ED. The ED had on May 24 and 26 filed charge-sheets against both. Non-bailable warrants have been issued against them.

Nirav Modi left India before the scam was reported to the CBI.

--IANS

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A resolution was introduced in the US House of Representatives, highlighting the centuries-old ties between Morocco and the U.S. and underscoring support for the Moroccan autonomy initiative as a credible, realistic and serious solution to the artificial conflict over the Sahara.

Morocco, which remains a strong ally and partner for peace in the Middle East and North Africa has long sought a resolution of the Western Sahara conflict through a negotiated process that creates autonomy for the region under Moroccan sovereignty, said the resolution signed by Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC), with Congressman Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) and Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA).

The resolution reiterated that the autonomy initiative is serious, realistic, and credible, and represents a path forward to satisfy the aspirations of the people in the Western Sahara to run their own affairs in peace and dignity.

It added that for 10 years and across three Administrations, United States officials have characterized the proposal for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as both serious and credible.

It also pointed out to the UN Security Council Resolution 2414 (2018) criticizing the provocative actions by the Polisario Front in the Sahara territory and calling for the immediate withdrawal of the Polisario Front from portions of the Western Sahara and for the group to refrain from [any] destabilizing actions.

The same resolution condemned the alliance between the Polisario separatists and Iran, saying that the actions taken by Irans proxy, Hezbollah, to destabilise the region prompted Rabat to cut diplomatic ties with Tehran last May.

Moroccos Foreign Minister described the U.S. Congressmen resolution as a powerful reaffirmation of the U.S.-Morocco relationship, which has existed for hundreds of years. Our strong economic and security partnerships are critical to maintaining peace and prosperity around the region. We look forward to continuing our counterterrorism work with the United States and challenging any efforts to destabilize the North Africa region.
The Bihar government on Monday informed the Patna High Court that it will ban all kinds of polythene and plastic bags from October 25 in urban areas of the state and in rural areas from November 25.

Advocate General Lalit Kishore gave this information to a bench headed by Chief Justice M.R. Shah.

Earlier, the government announced a ban from September 24 but deferred it due to lack of preparedness.

In August, the High Court had directed the government to impose the ban and later directed for a law on the matter and use of media to create public awareness.

Two months ago, a draft notification was circulated by the state on a blanket ban on manufacture, import, storage, transport, sale and use of plastic after seeking objections and suggestions from civilians, institutions and stakeholders.

According to the notification, no one will be allowed to store, distribute, sell or use any kind of plastic bag for storing or dispensing edible or non-edible goods within the jurisdiction of Municipal Corporations and Councils and Nagar Panchayats.

--IANS

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Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has requested Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to expedite the process of land allotment for a memorial to the Paika rebellion.

In a letter released to the media on Monday, Pradhan said that the Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma had requested for about 50 acres to be made available for the construction of the memorial on Barunei foothills.

Paik Rebellion, also known as Paika bidroha, was an armed rebellion against the British East India Company's rule in Odisha in 1817.

While the Centre has commemorated 200 years of Paika rebellion with a series of events in Delhi and abroad, plans to unveil a Paika commemorative stamp and coin are underway, said Pradhan.

The Minister said that he had personally requested the Chief Minister during a "Smriti Sabha" held to pay homage to late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Bhubaneswar for expediting land allotment at the spot where the battle after the revolt took place.

He said that the memorial will honour the heroes of the rebellion as well as other freedom fighters from Odisha.

A unique museum and audio-visual son-et-lumiere show depicting the life and times of Buxi Jagabandhu and Paika rebellion are proposed to be the attractions of the memorial, he said.

Pradhan said that the central government and Indian Oil Foundation have made adequate provision for the commemoration of the event.

--IANS

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With some private universities and institutes refusing to admit students from Scheduled Castes (SC) category owing to non-payment of dues by Punjab government for over three years, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday ordered the release of post-matric scholarships for such students for 2015-16 by month-end.

Amarinder Singh has issued "strict directives for completion of the process of disbursement of scholarship by the year-end. He warned of strict action against private institutions denying admission to SC students on account of non-payment of scholarships," the Chief Minister's Spokesperson said here on Monday following a meeting.

The directives came at a meeting following the completion of audit of scholarship disbursement for 2015-16, the Spokesperson said.

The private institutions had stopped admitting SC/BC students for want of release of scholarship grant by the government.

They had claimed that it was impossible for the institutions to take the cost burden of such students in view of limited resources.

Amarinder Singh asked SC/BC Welfare Minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsot to hold a meeting with representatives of private institutions and ask them not to put any student to inconvenience due to delayed payment of scholarships on account of ongoing financial audit, as the state government was already in the process of streamlining the disbursements.

The Chief Minister has asked the Finance Department to release pending Rs 100 crore for 2015-16 on account of post-matric SC scholarship to private Institutions by October-end.

He also asked the Welfare Department to complete disbursement of scholarships by December 31 to ensure timely payment of the Centre's share towards the scheme.

"The Chief Minister directed the Principal Secretary (Welfare) to take up the review of revised government of India guidelines on post-matric scholarships, which will eventually burden the state with an additional Rs 720 crore," the Spokesperson added.

The Chief Minister said that he will again request the Prime Minister to resolve the issue, keeping in view the state's dismal financial position in general, and for securing the future of SC students in particular.

The scholarship for SC students is implemented with central assistance so as to provide them help in doing post-matriculation and post-secondary courses.

Under the post-matric scheme, SC students whose parents' income is less than Rs 2.50 lakh a year can apply whereas the limit for BC category students is less than Rs 1 lakh a year.

The students from these categories are eligible for pursuing higher in various courses throughout the country after matriculation.

--IANS

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The Rafale fighter jets are being brought to attack Pakistan but the Congress was trying to give a "weapon" in Islamabad's hands by questioning the deal, the BJP said on Monday.

Addressing a press conference here at the party headquarters, BJP Spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi accused the Congress of speaking in the same tone as Pakistan speaks to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government.

"Whatever India has spoken in United Nations, Pakistan has always protested. But it is unfortunate that a senior Congress leader is openly condemning statement of Sushma Swaraj ji (External Affairs Minister). This is not only against the established Indian traditions but also sounding in tune with Pakistan. Shashi Tharoor, who used the term Hindu Pakistan earlier, seems to be standing with Pakistan," he said.

His remarks came in the wake of Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's criticism of Sushma Swaraj's speech at the United Nations General Assembly, saying the Pakistan bashing was aimed at the voters of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

"We want answers from Congress. He (Tharoor) should apologize to the nation for his negative statement," he said.

Trivedi said if it would have been an isolated incident then it could have considered in a different way. "But since sometimes back, incidents took place one after the other where the Congress and Pakistan's intent, language and style appears to be on same page," he said.

Referring to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's criticism of Modi, he said the Congress leaders were using similar words against the Prime Minister. He also drew similarities between Pakistan's criticism of RSS and Congress President's remarks against RSS in which he compared the saffron organisation with Muslim Brotherhood.

"Rafale ka mudda ata hai to jis swar me Congress bolti hai usi swar me Pakistan bolta hai...matlab..Rafale laye gaye hain Pakistan par aakraman karne ke liye aur ye Pakistan ke haath me hathiyar dene ka prayas kar rahe hain...sawal uthta hai...aisa kyo hai? (When the issue of Rafale comes, the Congress speaks in the the same language as Pakistan speaks...Rafale has been brought to attack Pakistan and they are trying to give a weapon in the hands of the Pakistan...question arises..why is it?)," Trivedi said.

He also hit out at Congress saying Mahatma Gandhi was called Father of Nation, not father of Congress party.

"Rahul's Congress has lost the moral rights to be called the Congress of Mahatma Gandhi. The Congress' thinking has got degenerated," he said.

The BJP leader also took a dig at Rahul Gandhi, saying his entire projection of being a Shiv Bhakt was a farce.

"A news has come that in Prayag three Congress workers have been expelled from the party for raising slogans of 'Har Har Mahadev' and 'Bam Bam Bhole'. It means Rahul Gandhi's entire projection of being a Shiv Bhakt was a farce.

"Rahul Gandhi from Mansarovar to Prayagraj has shown his real colour and he has been transformed from the so-called Shiv Bhakt to a hypocrite," he said.

--IANS

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Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will meet tribal outfit INPT's leaders in Delhi on October 4 to discuss their demand for a National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Tripura, a party leader said here on Monday.

"Following our request, the Home Minister has called Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura (INPT) President Bijoy Kumar Hrangkhawl and General Secretary Jagadhish Debbarma to New Delhi to discuss the demand," INPT Advisory Council Chairman Srota Ranjan Khisa told IANS.

Khisa said: "Tripura's main opposition tribal party will also file a petition in the Supreme Court soon to seek introducing of the NRC in the state. We will also hold a sit-in in New Delhi in November on the issue."

He said that the INPT last month submitted a memorandum to the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India in New Delhi on the reasons for the need of the NRC in Tripura.

The INPT has been campaigning in Tripura in support of its demands -- withdrawal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016; more constitutional power to Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council; introduction of inner-line permit in these areas; and inclusion of Kokborok language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.

Another tribal party, the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) which is a junior partner in the Bharatiya Janata Party-led alliance government, is also agitating in support of similar demands.

Six other smaller tribal parties in Tripura have also been intermittently voicing their support for demands concerning the tribals, who comprise one third of the state's four-million population.

--IANS

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The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) on Monday increased its global fund appeal to 22 million Swiss francs ($22.37 million) to help 160,000 displaced people in Indonesia for 20 months.

The IFRC appeal came after a series of earthquakes and a tsunami struck Indonesia's Sulawesi island on Friday and killed 844 people and displaced thousands, according to initial data.

"The situation in the affected areas is nightmarish. The city of Palu has been devastated and the first reports out of Donggala indicate that it has also been hit extremely hard by the double disaster," Jan Gelfand, Head of IFRC Country Cluster Support office in Jakarta, was cited as saying by Efe news.

Palu, the worst affected city on Sulawesi island, has a population of around 350,000, while the neighbouring district of Donggala has some 277,000.

"Red Cross and other teams are working round the clock but the biggest challenge at the moment is getting access to all communities and then bringing large quantities of vital relief supplies into the disaster zone. Transport links, power and communications are still down," Gelfand said.

More than 175 volunteers and staff from the Indonesian Red Cross were engaged in search and rescue operations in the affected areas.

The catastrophe began with a 6.1 magnitude earthquake that killed one person. It was followed by another quake of 7.5 magnitude and then tsunami.

National Disaster Management Agency spokesperson Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said that an estimated 2.4 million people were affected by the disaster, over 600 people were hospitalized and 48,000 were displaced.

Indonesia sits on the so-called Ring of Fire of the Pacific, an area of great seismic and volcanic activity that experiences about 7,000, mostly moderate, earthquakes every year.

--IANS

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An activist who had been fighting drugs smugglers and local criminals in south Delhi's Taimoor Nagar was gunned down by two suspected smugglers who came to buy drugs near his residence, police said on Monday.

The incident occurred on Sunday night at around 9 p.m. when the victim, Rupesh, 28, was playing with his children outside his residence. The attackers first stabbed a drug peddler when they did not get fine quality drugs from him and later attacked Rupesh.

CCTV installed outside Rupesh's residence captured the attackers running away. One who was wearing a white cap opened fire at Rupesh after Rupesh objected to their abusive language, the victim's wife Monica told IANS.

"I was standing at the balcony and witnessed the crime. I raised an alarm and ran to help my husband. He was taken to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries," she said.

"My husband and his elder brother Umesh along with locals launched an anti-drug campaign in Taimoor Nagar. They had earlier sent complaints to the local police station, the DCP's office and also the Police Commissioner but nothing happened. Some drug smugglers had threatened my husband and his brother," she said.

Hundreds of people blocked traffic on the major roads for a couple of hours, demanding the early arrest of the killers. A mob torched a motorcycle and damaged a few vehicles in the area before the police used force to disperse the stone-pelting crowd.

"We have detained some drug smugglers and are trying to identify the accused. We will soon nab the attackers," Deputy Commissioner of Police Chinmoy Biswal said.

The victim's family demanded police protection for Umesh.

--IANS

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The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on Monday asked telecom operators to submit a plan to stop the use of Aadhaar for authentication of subscribers.

The Supreme Court last week, while upholding the constitutional validity of the Aadhaar Act, disallowed private entities from possessing the Aadhaar details of customers.

In a letter to the telecom companies, UIDAI said: "TSPs (telecom service providers) are hereby directed to submit by l5th October an action plan/exit plan to the Authority for closure of use of Aadhaar based authentication systems.

"If the Authority does not receive any communication to this effect within the stipulated timeline, the authentication services shall be terminated without any further notice."

The letter accessed by IANS also asked the operators to delink Aadhaar from mobile numbers when sought by any subscriber and perform KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures afresh using the list of documents approved by the Department of Telecom (DoT).

"All TSPSs shall immediately notify their customers the facility of delinking their Aadhaar number and UID Token from their database and establish a system to accept and process such requests for delinking," it said.

Commenting on the development, Cellular Operators' Authority of India Director General Rajan Mathews said the industry body would talk to the DoT soon to discuss the modalities.

"Once we determine what the order means, then we will obviously work with the DoT, whether the timeframe is feasible or not," he said.

--IANS

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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday urged the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to proceed with the name change it has agreed on with Greece.

Greece's objection to its neighbour's use of "Republic of Macedonia" as its official name has stalled the former Yugoslav republic's ambition for membership in the European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Xinhua reported.

The two countries reached an agreement in June 2018 that Macedonia would use the name of "Republic of North Macedonia".

The name change received overwhelming support in Sunday's referendum in Macedonia. But the low voter turnout of about one third undermined its credibility.

"The secretary-general takes note of the outcome of the consultative referendum in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The fact that an overwhelming majority of those voting supported the Prespa Agreement is important," Guterres' deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said in a statement.

"The secretary-general urges all political forces in the country to proceed with implementation through the country's institutions."

The secretary-general reiterated the commitment of the UN to provide all necessary support, if required, said the statement.

--IANS

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A US Bipartisan House Resolution has condemned the recent provocative actions made by the Polisario Front and its foreign supporters, describing the separatist group as a terrorist organization funded by Iran.

It is the first time that a bipartisan resolution has been introduced in the US congress condemning the connivance between Iran and the Algeria-backed Polisario separatists.

The House Resolution 1101, which also affirms the time-honored relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Morocco was introduced by Congressmen Joe Wilson (R-SC), Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) and Gerry Connolly (D-VA).

The congressmen condemned the recent provocative actions in the Sahara taken by the Polisario Front which they described as a terrorist organization funded by Iran

Referring to Irans destabilizing acts in the region, the resolution recalls that Morocco had to sever ties with Tehran on the backdrop of its support, along with that of the Lebanon-based Hezbollah militia, for the Polisario Front.

Hezbollah, an Iranian proxy, has been trying to simmer instability in North Africa in a way that runs counter to US security objectives, the resolution said.

On the Sahara issue, the resolution reaffirmed that Moroccos autonomy plan is serious, realistic, and credible, and represents a path forward to satisfy the aspirations of the people in the Western Sahara to run their own affairs in peace and dignity.

In this respect, the congressmen called on President Trump, the Secretary of State, and the Ambassador to the United Nations, to assist the United Nations in supporting a peaceful agreement to the Western Sahara conflict that is consistent with the United States position and will be enduring and enforceable.
The US and Canada have reached a last minute deal to salvage the North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta), overcoming deep divisions to keep the 25-year-old trilateral pact intact.

The deal came on Sunday night after a weekend of frantic talks to try and preserve a trade agreement that has stitched together the economies of Mexico, Canada and the US but that was in danger of collapsing amid deep divisions between President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, reports The New York Times.

The 11th-hour agreement was punctuated by a frenetic Sunday, with Canadian leaders teleconferencing throughout the day with top American officials in Washington.

Trudeau convened a 10 p.m. cabinet meeting in Ottawa to brief officials on the deal, as Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and his close adviser, and Robert E. Lighthizer, the Trade Representative, hashed out the final details.

Mexico's Under Secretary of Foreign Trade, Juan Carlos Baker, was expected to present the texts of the agreement to the Mexican senate just before midnight.

The deal represents a win for Trump, who has derided Nafta for years and threatened to pull the US from the pact if it was not rewritten in Washington's favour.

The Trump administration struck a deal with Mexico last month to rewrite Nafta and had threatened to jettison Canada from the pact if it did not agree to concessions like opening its dairy market to American farmers.

The White House had set a September 30 deadline to release the text of its new trade agreement with Mexico.

Informed sources told The New York Times that Canada will now ease protections on its dairy market and provide access that is similar to what the US would have gained through the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade treaty that Trump withdrew from last year.

The countries also appear to have reached an understanding that would protect Canada from the threat of automobile tariffs, which Trump has routinely threatened, though it is not clear how far those protections would extend.

Canada also appears ready to accept assurances that steel and aluminium tariffs that Trump has imposed will be lifted, though it remains unclear whether the taxes would be replaced by quotas that limit metal imports.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The armed forces of the US and the Philippines along with Japan opened the "Kamandag 2" military exercises on Monday.

The exercises kicked off at Subic Bay that rests on the west coast of the Philippines' Luzon island in the heavily contested South China Sea. It was once the site of a major US naval base, Efe news reported.

The US and the Japan Maritime Self Defence Forces held an exercise at the former naval base in Zambales province.

Taking place across the island of Luzon till October 10, the second edition of the military exchanges will focus on counter-terrorism alongside humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities.

The participants will also practise "an amphibious landing, live fire training, close air support, jungle survival training, urban operations training, and combat lifesaving", according to a statement by the US Embassy in the Philippines.

"In its first iteration last year, Kamandag gave rise to many inaugural advancements between our militaries," said Brigadier General Chris McPhillips.

The US and the Philippines will also join up for community events in Ternate, including school and daycare engineering and construction exercises, while medical teams will teach residents lifesaving skills and health and hygiene practices.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A US warship sailed close to disputed islands in the South China Sea, a move that is bound to draw the ire of Beijing and came amid heightened tensions between the two nations.

Two defence officials told CNN that the guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur sailed on Sunday within 12 nautical miles of Gaven and Johnson reefs in the Spratly Islands as part of what the US Navy calls "freedom of navigation operations", which are meant to enforce the right of free passage in international waters.

"US Forces operate in the Indo-Pacific region on a daily basis, including the South China Sea. All operations are designed in accordance with international law and demonstrate that the US will fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows," one official said.

The freedom of navigation operations "challenge excessive maritime claims and demonstrate our commitment to uphold the rights, freedoms, and uses of the sea and airspace guaranteed to all nations under international law", he added.

While the Navy conducts such freedom of navigation operations all over the world, Beijing is particularly sensitive about the operations when they come near areas where the Chinese government has built islands and established military facilities on disputed maritime features.

The last such freedom of navigation operation took place in May when the US Navy sailed two warships within 12 miles of four of the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea.

China claims both the Spratly and the Paracel islands however those claims are rejected by much of the international community.

Earlier this week, the US flew B-52 bombers over the South China Sea and East China Sea, areas considered sensitive by the Chinese military, CNN reported.

The flights drew a protest from Beijing, which labelled them provocative.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday held a meeting over the September 28 Supreme Court verdict that threw open the Sabarimala temple to all women, and discussed steps to welcome women this upcoming season.

"The meeting has decided to increase facilities at various camps en route to the temple. At the Nilackal base camp, we have today decided to increase pilgrim facilities from 6,000 to 10,000. There will also be a special enclosure for women," State Minister for Devasoms (a watchdog body of temples which oversees the functioning of all the Devasom Boards in Kerala), K.Surendran told the media here after the meeting.

He said the toilets for women will be in a different colour.

"Facilities at the bathing enclosure in river Pampa will also be increased."

The Minister said that while online booking for 'darshan' is already available on the temple website, authorities are also trying out ways for booking via mobile apps.

"We have decided to increase the lighting facilities all around the temple town. Under the new scheme of things, all vehicles will be parked at Nilackal and from there pilgrims will have to take the bus service. Twenty-five per cent of all buses would be kept aside for women," said Surendran.

Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy asked Vijayan not to show any haste with regard to the judgement which has allowed women of all ages to enter the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala.

"There is no doubt that the apex court ruling should be adhered to, but it has also come as a shock to others... The state government should explore all options and not implement the verdict in a hurry," said Chandy.

Sasikumar Varma, a spokesman for the Pandalam Royal Family, which has an integral role in the affairs of the Sabarimala temple, said the palace was disappointed with the verdict and on Tuesday they will stage a protest by reciting hymns at the Pandalam temple.

Senior CPI-M leader, A.Padmakumar, who is also President of the Travancore Devasom Board, on Monday disapproved the verdict, saying that no female members from his family would go to the temple.

State Bharatiya Janata Party President P.S.Sreedharan Pillai told the media in Kozhikode that the state government was not taking into account the feelings of a huge number of believers in the tradition of the temple.

"We will support the believers and be with them. The state government should consider coming out with an ordinance to protect the concerns."

On September 28, in a 4:1 judgment, the apex court said the ban on women in the menstruating age group, whose presence in the Lord Ayyappa temple was considered to be "impure", violated their fundamental rights and constitutional guarantee of equality.

Until now, girls below 10 years and women over 50 years were allowed to visit the hilltop shrine, located in the Western Ghats and about 130 km from Thiruvananthapuram.

The temple is hugely popular in southern India.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In a bid to break the notion that it is just a smartphone brand, Chinese electronics major Xiaomi has amplified its products portfolio in categories like fitness and health, smart home, smart travel and more -- using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.

After gaining ground as the top selling brand in the competitive Indian smartphone market, the company has ventured into the smart home category in India, by introducing air and water purifiers, projectors, security cameras, televisions and kitchen equipment, among others.

"In 2014, we began working towards our mission of not being recognised as just another smartphone company. Along with our products in the smart home portfolio, we are also venturing into the non-technology related segments like luggage, shoes, apparel and more," Raghu Reddy, Head, Category and Online sales, Xiaomi India told IANS.

Expanding the "Mi Home" experience stores across the country, the eight-year old company lets users try, experience and provide feedback on the minimalist design philosophy-based products that have been doing well in the international markets and have the potential to do well in the Indian space as well.

"With our partner companies in the 'Mi Ecosystem', Xiaomi is the largest IoT platform in the world," said Manu Kumar Jain, Vice President, Xiaomi Global and Managing Director, Xiaomi India.

The company has announced a new generation of AndroidTV integrated 'Mi LED TVs' with voice assistance, Mi Air Purifier 2S and Mi Home Security Camera 360 with "talk-back" feature at affordable prices.

"We aim to make everything inside the house a lot more smarter. We put in a lot of efforts in ensuring that if we launch something here, it is completely customised for India and that takes up a lot of time based on customer requirements in the country," Reddy added.

Xiaomi, along with over 200 partners that are part of the "Mi Ecosystem," curates over 115 million activated devices in segments across consumer lifestyle, smart home, travel, toys and more.

Based on the users' feedback at the experience stores and social networks, the company said it will keep customising products for the Indian users.

"The opportunities of bringing in newer products are endless. People wanted the Mi TV for long and we brought that in India with voice support. People now want us to launch laptops," said Reddy.

In September, Xiaomi refreshed its smartphone category and launched budget friendly devices -- Redmi 6, Redmi 6A and Redmi 6 Pro smartphones along with POCO F1 in the Rs 20,000-Rs 30,000 price segment.

Started with the online-only strategy, Xiaomi is now concentrating on stabilising its presence in offline retail as well.

At present, the company has four "Mi Home Experience Stores" in Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi and 36 "Mi Home" stores across India.

With the purpose of strengthening its offline network further, Xiaomi aims to open 100 "Mi Home" stores in 2018.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Amid media reports that public sector banks wrote-off loans worth over seven times the recovery amount in the last four years, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday said the write-offs do not lead to any loan waiver and that the banks continue the recovery process "rigorously."

"Technical write-offs are resorted by banks as per Reserve Bank of India guidelines. However, this does not lead to any loan waiver. Recovery of loans continues rigorously by banks," he wrote in a Facebook post.

A report by The Indian Express on Monday, citing Reserve Bank of India data, said that between April 2014 and April 2018, the country's 21 state-owned banks wrote off Rs 3,16,500 crore of loans even as they recovered Rs 44,900 crore.

Jaitley said that as per RBI guidelines and policy approved by bank boards, non-performing loans, including those in respect of which full provisioning has been made on completion of four years, are removed from the balance-sheet of the bank by way of write-off.

"Writing-off of non-performing assets is a regular exercise conducted by banks to clean up their balance sheet, and achieving taxation efficiency. Writing off of loans is done, inter-alia, for tax benefit and capital optimisation.

"Borrowers of such written off loans continue to be liable for repayment. Recovery of dues takes place on ongoing basis under legal mechanisms, which include, inter-alia, the Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act (SARFAESI Act) and Debts Recovery Tribunals (DRTs)," he said.

The Minister added that the public sector banks were making concerted efforts in recovery of NPAs and had already recovered an amount of Rs 36,551 crore during the first quarter of the current fiscal against the total recoveries of Rs 74,562 crore in FY18.

"The cash recovery target for PSBs for FY19 is Rs 1,81,034 crore. NPAs have peaked and declined by Rs 21,000 crore during quarter ending June over March," he said.

Blaming the erstwhile UPA dispensation, Jaitley said his government inherited the problem of large-scale NPAs in the banking sector which was a result of aggressive lending from 2008 to 2014 which led to total loan outstanding of PSBs from Rs 18 lakh crore till March 2008 to about Rs 52 lakh crore till March 2014.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Those who have survived cancer at young age are at a higher risk of suffering from poor mental health, a new study has found.

Young cancer survivors who struggle to focus on the later stages of their lives are at higher risk of poor mental health, pointing to a greater need to target treatments for this vulnerable group, Xinhua news agency reported on Monday.

"Cancer survivors' imagined future lives were still more illness-focused than their cancer-free peers, but survivors were less able to imagine their futures with this same degree of specificity and detail," lead author Ursula Sansom-Daly from University of New South Wales was quoted as saying.

For the study, published in the journal Psycho-Oncology, the research team involved more than 70 young cancer survivors and more than 60 young people who never had cancer.

The team examined whether aspects of "autobiographical thinking", such as memories and imagining the future, were linked with young people's current distress and quality of life.

They found that people who are less able to remember their personal past in clear, detailed ways, and cannot imagine personal future events in similarly detailed, vivid ways, are more at risk for disorders including clinical depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

"It is possible that young cancer survivors who have recently experienced life-threatening illness may avoid thinking about their futures in great detail because this is anxiety-provoking to them," Sansom-Daly said.

"Our findings suggest that helping young cancer survivors to learn to imagine their future lives in detail-rich ways may be protective against future distress," Sansom-Daly added.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The reforms that the Bill sets to introduce have far reaching ramifications for the common man. Among the changes the Bill proposes, one is about the design of roads. A common set of standards for paving of roads is mooted. Any contractor or consultant who is entrusted with the laying of roads will have to follow norms mandated by the proposed law.

This is vital as many of us have been victims of bad roads. Presently, we have contractors cutting corners and giving us sub-standard roads. They got away with it by being hand in glove with local authorities. When standardisation is ...
Head of the UN mission in Libya Saturday said it will be hard for the country to hold its much expected elections on December 10 as agreed by various stakeholders in May at a Paris meeting.

There is still a lot to do. It may not be possible to respect the date of December 10, said Ghassan Salame in an interview with AFP in the fortified UN headquarters in Tripoli.

The UN official also said he expects the polls to be held early next year noting that three or four month time is realistic.

We can hold elections in the near future, yes. But certainly not now, he added.

The North African country has been without central government since the fall of strongman Muammar Ghaddafi killed in 2011 in a NATO-backed revolution. Libya now has two distinctive administrations; UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli which is opposed by East-based administration supported by warlord Khalifa Haftar who is technically backed by foreign countries including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Russia.

In May, Haftar, GNA-head Faiez Serraj and several stakeholders agreed in Paris to hold general elections in December with a view of ending chaos in the country.

The agreement has barely bear fruits as September 16 deadline for passing the electoral law, has passed.

The delay in the elections also comes as fighting among militia aligned with the GNA rock capital Tripoli. Clashes between the military groups have left over 100 dead.

Also on Friday, the GNA via its Foreign Minister, Mohamed Siala, called on the UN to convert the UN special mission (UNSMIL) into security and stability mission, in reference to the armed conflict in and around Tripoli.

Priority must be given to security, to stability, Siala told the UN General Assembly.

We call for conversion of UNSMIL, which is a special political mission, into a mission of support for Libyas security and stability, he added.

Salame last month brokered a cease fire deal between the armed groups but there had been reports of fighting.
The Maharashtra government has withdrawn three cases of rioting against right-wing leader Sambhaji Bhide, but he remains an accused in the violence at Koregaon-Bhima near Pune.

The rioting cases withdrawn are related to a demonstration against Bollywood film 'Jodha Akbar' in 2008. These were registered against Bhide in western Maharashtra's Sangli district, a response to an RTI query has revealed.

Bhide and his supporters were booked for holding violent protests against the film, it said.

Besides, criminal cases filed against nearly a dozen elected representatives and political leaders, most of them from the ruling BJP and the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, have also been withdrawn, according to the response given to a query filed by RTI activist Shakeel Ahmed Shaikh.

The government has, however, clarified that the case registered against Bhide in connection with the violence at Koregaon- Bhima village was still being inquired.

In his application, Shaikh had sought to know the number of cases withdrawn in Maharashtra since 2008 against political leaders and individuals.

"The reply given by the state home department says the present BJP-Shiv Sena government in Maharashtra has withdrawn 41 cases in the last one year.

"Of these 41 cases, 14 cases were withdrawn against elected representatives, mostly from the BJP and the Shiv Sena," Shaikh said.

Bhide (85), a former Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activist who heads the Shiv Pratishthan Hindustan, is accused of instigating the violence at Koregaon-Bhima on January 1.

The violence took place during the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Koregaon-Bhima battle in which forces of the East India Company defeated Peshwa's army.

Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory, as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community were part of the East India Company's forces.

The violence had triggered an outrage among Dalits who had called a state-wide bandh on January 3.

Shaikh said politicians and lawmakers cases against whom have been withdrawn include Raju Shetti (MP), Sanjay Ghatke (Sena), Neelam Gorhe (Sena), Milind Narvekar (Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's personal assistant), Sanjay Bala Bhebhde (BJP) and Prashant Thakur (BJP).

Cases filed against Vikas Makari (BJP), Anil Rathod (Sena), Abhay Chhajad (Congress), Ajay Chaudhary (Sena), Dilip Yalgavkar (BJP), Ashish Deshmukh (BJP) and Kiran Pawaskar (MLC) were also withdrawn, the RTI activist said.

Justifying the government's decision, Minister of State for Home Deepak Kesarkar said withdrawing cases is an old practice.

"Firstly, the withdrawal of cases against Bhide and his supporters in the 'Jodha Akbar' incident should not be linked with the Koregaon-Bhima case.

The Koregaon-Bhima case is still under inquiry and action will be taken against all the accused if found guilty by the investigating agency and court," he told a television channel.

The minister said, "So far, the question of withdrawal of cases against political people is concerned, usually the state government drops cases that it feels will not come to their logical conclusion."



The Pune Police also asserted that there was no link between the cases filed against Bhide in Sangli and the one related to the Koregaon-Bhima violence.

"The cases against Bhide that were withdrawn were old cases in Sangli and have nothing to do with the Koregaon-Bhima violence," Superintendent of Police, Pune (rural), Sandip Patil said.

"The investigation in the Koregaon-Bhima violence case, in which Bhide and (Hindu Ekta Aghadi leader) Milind Ekbote are accused, is in progress," the officer said.

Patil said the Pune Police had in August arrested five activists while probing an alleged Maoist link to a meeting, 'Elgaar Parishad', held in Pune on the eve of the violence in Koregaon-Bhima.

"We are waiting for the development in that case, that is why (filing of) charge-sheet in our (Koregaon-Bhima) case is pending," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Four passengers remained hospitalised on Monday after an airliner crashed into a Pacific lagoon in Micronesia last week, the airline said.

The four were in stable conditions at a Chuuk island hospital and would soon be taken to Guam for further treatment, Air Niugini said in a statement.

A Chuuk State Hospital official did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.

The four were among 47 passengers and crew who were evacuated from a sinking Boeing 737 on Friday after Flight PX73 from nearby Pohnpei island crashed into a lagoon about 145 metres from the Chuuk International Airport runway, the Papua New Guinea national carrier said.

The airline revealed on Saturday that one of the passengers hadn't been accounted for, although a search of the airliner's interior by US Navy divers had confirmed he was not inside.

An Air Niugini spokeswoman did not immediately respond on Monday to a request for an update on the search for the passenger and for further details about him, including his nationality.

Air Niugini chairman Kosta Constaninou said witnesses reported seeing the passenger board a dinghy as US divers and locals rescued the passengers and crew from the sinking plane.

What caused the crash and the exact sequence of events remains unclear. The airline and the US Navy both said the plane landed in the lagoon short of the runway. Some witnesses thought the plane overshot the runway.

A Papua New Guinea accident investigation team flew to Micronesia on Friday, the Post Courier newspaper reported.

An official form Micronesia's Division of Civil Aviation did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.

Flight PX73 flies from the Tokyo Narita Airport in Japan to the Papua New Guinea capital Port Moresby via Pohnpei and Chuuk.

Air Niugini has operated since 1973. Data from the Aviation Safety Network indicates 111 people have died in crashes of PNG-registered airlines in the past two decades but none involved Air Niugini.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
As many as 40 new petitions have been filed in the by farmers challenging the process for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad project.

A division bench of Chief Justice R Subhash Reddy and Justice V M Pancholi is likely to hear the petitions on Thursday along with similar pleas submitted in June this year.

The 40 petitions have been filed even as four pleas of farmers from Antroli village in Surat district were withdrawn recently.

A station for the is planned to be constructed in this village.

"As against that withdrawal, 40 more petitions were filed by the affected farmers, and the Gujarat Khedut Samaj intends to file 200 petitions by the weekend covering more than 150 affected villages," said Anand Yagnik, the lawyer of petitioners.

He said the latest petitioners hailed from Surat, Valsad and Navsari districts of south Gujarat.

Earlier, 1,000 farmers had submitted individual affidavits in the High Court against the process.

In their petitions, the 40 farmers have said that since the project extends to more than one state (Gujarat and Maharashtra), the Centre is the "appropriate government" to acquire the land for it.

Another contention of the petitioners is that the market value of the land has not been revised, as required under Section 26 of the Act.

The petitioners have also challenged the Gujarat Amendment Act 2016 which tweaked the land acquisition law of 2013.

"It (the Gujarat Amendment Act 2016) gives unbridled and unfettered powers to the state government to exempt any project in public interest from the social impact assessment (SIA)," they said.

The state government, in its reply, said since the width of the land to be acquired for the project is just 17.5 metres, the resettlement issues are minimal.

The Central government, however, is yet to file a detailed affidavit in the matter.

The ambitious project was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe in September last year. The bullet train will run at a speed of 320-350 kmph. There will be 12 stations across the 500-km stretch.

For the project, around 1,400 hectares of land will be acquired in Gujarat and Maharashtra, 1,120 hectares of which is privately owned. Around 6,000 land owners will have to be compensated.
Monthly transactions through unified payments interface (UPI) increased by more than 30 per cent month-on-month to 405.87 million in September, totalling over Rs 598.35 billion in value, according to the (NPCI) data.

About 312.02 million transactions totalling Rs 542.12 billion were clocked in the month of August 2018.

Of the total, government-backed BHIM registered 16.33 million transactions worth Rs 70.64 billion in September compared to 16.5 million transactions (totalling Rs 68.72 billion) in the previous month.

Over 120 banks are now live on in the country as on September, according to the NPCI data.

UPI, which is a payments system launched by the NPCI, facilitates fund transfer between two bank accounts without having to share details of the beneficiary's bank account.

At the end of August, there have been more than 31.6 million downloads of the on Android and around 1.63 million on the iOS platform.

In a statement, Alibaba and SoftBank-backed claimed that it registered over 137 million in September, contributing over 33 per cent of the overall transactions.

The company said it has been enabling and promoting BHIM UPI for offline payments and over 5 million offline merchants out of its 9.5 million merchant-base now accept UPI.

"Our country is embracing digital payments for their everyday use cases. has built an ecosystem where users can make payments for various services such as mobile recharges, electricity and water bills, metro commute and also at the offline stores," Paytm Senior Vice President Deepak Abbot said.

UPI numbers from PhonePe were not available. Google Pay (previously called Tez) did not disclose its numbers for the month of September but as per a blogpost dated September 18, it claimed to have 25 million monthly active users.
Six events in the Netherlands' four cities will mark the launch of the two-year long celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, according to a statement issued by the Indian Embassy here Monday.

Gandhi statues in the four cities of The Hague, Amsterdam, Utrecht and Zoetermeer will be garlanded and the public invited to place flowers at the feet of the statues as a mark of respect.

Speeches, singing of Gandhi's favourite songs and cultural programmes on October 2, the birth anniversary of Gandhi and the International Day of Non-Violence, will also mark the occasion, it said.

An LED projection on the "Relevance of Bapu's message in the contemporary world" is being organised at a special function in honour of Gandhi within the Peace Palace as well as at the public places such as the railway stations of these four large cities, the statement said.

Special commemorative stamps marking the 150th birth anniversary issued by the Indian postal department will be presented by India's Ambassador to the Netherlands Venu Rajamony to former Foreign Minister and Chairman of Carnegie Foundation R Bernard Bot and Director General Erik de Baedts at a function in front of the iconic Peace Palace, home to the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

The foundation is the owner and manager of the Peace palace.

The Indian embassy along with community organisations will conduct an outreach programme "Follow the Mahatma" during from October 1 to 5 under which over 100 volunteers will spread the message of non-violence and educate students about the life of Gandhi.

Books on Gandhi in Dutch will be presented to the schools, the embassy said.

A social media campaign with hashtag #FollowTheMahatma is also being conducted, inviting people to post messages reiterating their commitment to the principle of non-violence.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Seven passengers were killed on Monday and two others injured after being hit by a speeding truck while they were pushing a roadways bus which had broken down, police said.

The conductor of the bus, Amit Kumar Lodhi, a resident of Fatehpur, also died in the accident, Circle Officer Harraiya Rahul Pandey said.

The accident occurred near Bhadohi village in Chhavani area when a roadways bus going to Gorakhpur from Allahabad broke down near a roadside eatery. When the passengers were pushing the bus, they were hit by a speeding truck coming from behind, leaving six of them dead on the spot.

The injured persons were rushed to a hospital, where another person succumbed to injuries.

"The seven deceased persons have been identified as Indradev Verma (Basti), Awadhesh Kumar Pandey (Allahabad), Vivekanand Tiwari (Basti), Amit Kumar Lodhi (Fatehpur), Ramesh Yadav (Santkabirnagar), Pradeep (Siddharthanagar) and Shailendra (Siddharthanagar)," the circle officer said.

The driver of the truck fled from the spot after abandoning the vehicle at some distance.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed grief over the loss of lives.

He has directed officials to ensure that financial assistance be provided to the families of the deceased and injured persons as per rules, a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said Monday his government will take legal action against officials who fail to look after their parents.

Speaking on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons at Khuman Lampak here, the chief minister said one cannot succeed without the blessings of his or her parents.

Singh also said that many aged people have approached him with complaints against their children during his monthly meet with general public.

"Those who misbehave and ill-treat parents will never be successful in their life. On the contrary, those who seek their parents' blessing will surely succeed," he said.

"If any government official or employee is found to have abandoned their parents, legal action will be initiated against him or her," the CM added.

State Education Minister Th Radheshyam, who was also a part of Monday's event, said parents remain concerned for their children all life, but they have no one to look after them as they turn old.

"Parents take care of their children under all circumstances. The same rule should apply for grown-ups. They, too, should be able to cater to the needs of their aging parents," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Security has been beefed up along the Nepal-India border to check the movement of anti-social elements ahead of the Dashain, Tihar and Chhath festivals, a senior police official said Monday.

The India-Nepal border is open and citizens of both the countries move freely across it without passports or visa.

"Police teams have been mobilised in the border areas in Birgunj, adjoining Raxaul (Bihar), in Parsa, including Inarwa Sirsiya, Aalau, Janaki Tole and Bhiswal," Superintendent of Police, Birgunj, Rewati Dhakal said.

Also, a tight vigil is being kept in the areas where there is a large movement of people like banks, bus stops and religious sites, the official said, adding it aims to prevent any criminal from carrying out any illegal



activities during festival period.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
National carrier on Monday sought bids for the sale of 14 properties, through which the debt-laden airline aims to raise Rs 2.5 billion, a senior airline official said.

The government is looking to bolster the fortunes of the state-run carrier after the proposed strategic stake sale failed to take off in May.

Against this backdrop, efforts are continuing for the sale of the airline's non-core assets.

The properties, spread across Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Pune and Amritsar, include commercial and residential land as well as residential flats, according to an advertisement in a business daily.

The last date for participating in the bids is November 1, according to the advertisement.

"We expect to mop up around Rs 2.5 billion from sale of these properties," the official told PTI.

Air India's debt burden is estimated to be more than Rs 500 billion, besides huge accumulated losses.

According to its audited accounts, the airline's total losses stood at Rs 471.45 billion in 2016-17.

The Centre had in 2012 approved monetisation of real estate assets in to the tune of Rs 50 billion over the next 10-year period, with an annual target of Rs 5 billion from FY13 onwards.

The government had in May said that has mopped up Rs 5.43 billion from monetisation of its assets in prime locations such as Mumbai and Chennai.

The national carrier had also collected Rs 2.91 billion as lease rentals from its iconic 23-storeyed building, its erstwhile headquarters, at Nariman Point in the city, between FY13 and January 2018, it had said.

The government is now planning to sell this building, and has started discussions for the same as part of efforts to raise funds for the cash crunch-hit airline. It currently generates around Rs 900 million revenues annually by way of lease rentals.

The move is, however, being opposed by its employees' union.
A technical snag forced an AirAsia India flight carrying 168 passengers to Bengaluru from Goa to return and make an emergency landing.

The aircraft, however, landed safely, the airline said in a statement.

The AirAsia India flight took off at around 7.34 am from Goa but landed back at 8.12 am, according to flight tracking website Flightradar24.com.

"AirAsia India flight00i5 1325--from Goa to Bengaluru returned to Goa shortly after takeoff due to a technical fault," the airline said in a statement without specifying what the fault was.

The aircraft-Airbus A320--landed safely at the Goa airport, and all affected guests are being attended to by the airline's ground staff as the aircraft undergoes recovery, it added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
All kinds of subsistence allowances, including ration supplies and cash dole to the Bru refugees in relief camps in neighbouring Tripura were discontinued, Mizoram Home department officials said Monday.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed to stop all kinds of allowances, including cash dole and ration supplies from October 1, to the Mizoram Bru refugees, sheltered in six evacuee camps in North Tripura district, the officials said.

In a letter to A Sawibunga, president of Mizoram Bru Displaced People's Forum (MBDPF) on Saturday, Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Kanchanpur, Avedananda Baidya said that food and cash assistance being provided to the inmates of the relief camps would be discontinued from October 1.

Baidya said that the information was communicated by the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs on September 25.

MHA Special Secretary (Internal Security) Rina Mitra, Joint Secretary Satyendra Garg and others had said in August that all refugee camps in Tripura would be shut down if the Brus failed to return to Mizoram within September.

On July 3, an agreement was inked in Delhi in which it was decided to complete the Bru repatriation by September 30. It was also announced that assistance to the Bru families in the relief camps would be discontinued from October one.

Meanwhile, Mizoram Home department officials said that the Ministry of Home Affairs had intimated that there were around 11 Bru families who expressed willingness to return to Mizoram and to make arrangements for them.

"We will not be able to make arrangements for all the Bru families who would want to return to Mizoram at random," an official said.

All the officials have been withdrawn from the relief camps after majority of them (Brus) were not willing to return, he said.

So far, 40 families have returned to Mizoram from six relief camps in Kanchanpur and Panisagar sub-divisions in North Tripura district.

However, over 32,000 refugees are still sheltered in relief camps in the state.

The repatriation process had started on August 25 and concluded on September 25 this year.

Thousands of Brus had been lodged in the Tripura relief camps since late 1997 in the wake of a communal tension triggered by the brutal killing of Lalzawmliana, a forest guard, inside the Dampa Tiger Reserve on October 21, 1997, by Bru National Liberation Front (BNLF) militants.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Andhra Pradesh government Monday constituted the State Information Commission (SIC) under the Right to Information Act, 2005, by appointing three Information Commissioners.

Retired IFS officer M Ravi Kumar, retired IPS officer B V Ramana Kumar and advocate Katta Janardhana Rao have been appointed as State Information Commissioners for a period of five years or till they attain the age of 65 years.

The names were chosen by a committee headed by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu a couple of months ago and forwarded to state Governor E S L Narasimhan for approval.

Leader of opposition Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, who is also a member of the committee, did not attend the meeting as he was on a foot march.

Based on the Governor's approval, Chief Secretary Anil Chandra Punetha issued a Government Order notifying the appointment of the three State Information Commissioners.

However, there is no mention of a Chief Information Commissioner in the notification.

This is the first InformationCommission for the state after its bifurcation in June 2014.

The appointment of Information Commissioners was undertaken after the High Court of Judicature at Hyderabad directed the State government to complete the task last year.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Bangladesh has postponed plans to begin relocating Rohingya Muslims to a remote island, officials said Monday, amid staunch opposition to the controversial idea among refugees living near the Myanmar border.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was slated to open the new settlement built to house 100,000 refugees on Bhashan Char on October 3, despite warnings the silty strip was prone to violent weather.

But a spokesman for Bangladesh's armed forces, which has overseen the $280 million-effort to transform the muddy islet into a habitable camp, said the opening ceremony had been delayed.

"We will announce a new date soon," Lieutenant Colonel Alamgir Kabir told AFP, without providing further details.

The controversial plan, first floated in 2015, was already well behind schedule.

Officials previously said they wanted to start moving refugees from overcrowded camps near the border with Myanmar to the island in June, before the monsoon season began.

A senior disaster management official told AFP in September that nearly three quarters of the project was complete, with the navy fast-tracking construction of shelters and evacuation centres.

No reason was provided for the latest delay.

But the proposal to uproot the refugees to a remote island that only rose from the sea in 2006 remains unpopular in the teeming Rohingya camps.

The island is one hour by boat from the nearest land but violent storms make the journey by sea dangerous or sometimes impossible.

"It is cut off from the mainland. What if someone needs emergency medical attention?" said Rohingya community leader Abdul Gowffer.

The UN has insisted that any relocation to Bhashan Char be voluntary.

Local authorities have been seeking to reassure refugees that they will be safe on the island. "We are still working on it. We're talking to the families," Bangladesh's Refugee Commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam told AFP.

One million displaced Muslims live cheek by jowl on hillside shanties near the Myanmar border, in conditions aid groups warn put them at risk from floods, landslides and disease.

There was a further push to get the plan off the ground after 700,000 Rohingya, fleeing a violent crackdown in Myanmar in August last year, poured into southeast Bangladesh.

But rights groups have warned it is too risky to house refugees on the island. Hundreds of thousands have died in Bangladesh from natural disasters in the last 50 years, mostly in coastal areas near Bhashan Char.

Local officials have pointed to a newly-constructed three-metre (nine-feet) high embankment around the island they say will keep out tidal surges in the event of a cyclone. But refugees remain wary.

"Any strong blow from a cyclone and, God forbid, the shelters would be wiped out," said a community leader, Mohammad Shoyeb.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A diplomatic tussle has broken over the European Union's flagship defence cooperation pact, amid warnings the bloc could cut itself off from major allies like the US and post-Brexit Britain.

London and Washington want their defence companies to get involved with projects launched under the deal, but the EU is sharply at odds over what the rules should be for non-members to take part.

A number of ministers and diplomats have told AFP that if the EU excludes non-members it risks sacrificing expertise on the altar of principle, just as fears about Russian threats to European security are running at post-Cold War highs.

Brussels launched "permanent structured cooperation on defence", known as PESCO, last year to great fanfare. The aim was to unify European defence thinking and to rationalise a fragmented approach to buying and developing military equipment.

There is broad agreement among the 25 states signed up that non-EU countries should be allowed to contribute to some of the projects.

But a group of four major states -- led by France -- want to set tough conditions to limit participation, dividing them from a bloc of 13 -- led by the Netherlands -- who favour a more inclusive approach.

Portuguese Defence Minister Jose Alberto Azeredo Lopes told AFP "the evil is always in the details -- it's very very easy to stress consensus concerning third state participation but it's very difficult to define the conditions".

Lopes said Portugal backed the Dutch approach of seeking cooperation from allies who can bring added value, whether it be established NATO players like the US and UK, or other countries like Brazil.

Across the divide, France leads Germany, Spain and Italy in arguing for a focus on promoting EU "strategic autonomy" -- reducing the bloc's decades-long reliance on the United States for its defence.

They say the rules for third countries must not undermine the main purpose of PESCO, which is to promote defence cooperation between the 25 EU countries taking part, arguing that there are other forums for third countries to cooperate.

But a number of diplomats and officials in Brussels told AFP the approach smacks of protectionism by countries with large defence industries -- in particular France -- as it would limit market access for British and US contractors.

The US ambassador to NATO, Kay Bailey Hutchison, warned the EU earlier this year not to "fence off" American, British or Norwegian defence companies. Such a move could "splinter" the transatlantic security bond, she said.

Adding to the lure, the EU is planning to vastly expand its defence budget from 2021, allocating some 13 billion euros (USD 15 billion) over seven years to research and develop new equipment -- up from less than 600 million euros in the current budget.

Moreover, officials warn that without the US and Britain, the EU may miss out on expertise and information that would improve its defences. One PESCO project, to work on making it easier to move tanks and troops around the bloc, has already run into difficulties because it cannot consult the US, which has decades of experience in moving its forces to bases around Europe.

"Shutting out potential partners at this stage is something we don't think makes a lot of sense," said a diplomat from one of the countries supporting the "inclusive" approach.

The risk is even greater when it comes to cyber defence -- a conflict domain of growing importance which can ignore traditional national borders.

Lithuania, which suffers thousands of cyber-attacks a year, most blamed on Russia, is leading a PESCO project to build up an intervention team to help countries hit by electronic warfare.

Edvinas Kerza, the country's vice-minister of defence, said working with countries with strong cyber capabilities like Britain and the US would strengthen the effort.

"It's obvious for me that I need to have a very good link, very good cooperation -- not only sharing information, but practical cooperation with their authorities," Kerza said.

Brussels officials are wrangling over the final terms of third-country involvement in PESCO in the hope of agreeing a deal that EU foreign ministers can approve at a meeting in November. But officials told AFP that the divisions are such that this target may be missed.

Officials from potential partner countries say they need clarity about the rules they would be asked to sign up for. They have warned that if they cannot go through PESCO they may work around it to reach bilateral deals -- dealing a major credibility blow to the EU's flagship defence project.

"The real trick will be that we raise the bar high enough that everyone can agree on it but not so high that third countries say 'that's too high and we'll go around PESCO'," an EU diplomat said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Asia Argento, who is facing allegations of sexual misconduct levelled by Jimmy Bennett, said Sunday that being labelled a "paedophile" has caused her a lot of hurt.

The actor-director appeared in an interview with Italian TV channel La7's show "Non e l'Arena" ("It's Not the Arena") and refuted claims by Bennett, saying it was he who assaulted her.

A week back on the same show, Bennett had reiterated his version of the story accusing Argento of rape.

"The thing that hurt me most was being called 'paedophile'. I have children and that is a stigma that I do not wish for anyone," she said on the show, as translated by The Hollywood Reporter.

Argento, who was fired from the jury panel of "X Factor Italia" last month owing to the allegations, demanded her job back



"I would like to go back to 'X Factor', to do my job, because my children are proud of me, Italy wants me and I have not done anything that I'm accused of," she said.

On Bennett's interview on the show, Argento said it made her angry.

"It made me angry, but it made me especially sorry, because his eyes were glassy and there was no expression on his face. I saw him as a child who then failed to pursue his career, a lost soul," she said.

Argento, who co-starred with Bennett in 2004 film "The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things", which she also wrote and directed, said she saw him "like a lost son".

She said that they had arranged to meet in Los Angeles and he had asked her to practice lines with him for a script, "like in the old days".

But when he came to her hotel, neither did he bring any script, nor was he accompanied by a chaperone.

"I did not know he was underage, I thought he was 18 because he had also told me this," she added.

Argento said when they met she did not recognise him and said he had even "denounced" his parents, which made her sad.

"I told him, 'OK, Jimmy, maybe we can do a movie together, I can find a part for you.' He lit up and we hugged at that moment. Then he began to kiss me and touch me in a way that was not that of a child with his mother, but that of a boy with crazy hormones."



She claimed Bennett "literally jumped" on her and put her "sideways across the bed".

"He did what he had to do. He didn't use a condom. It lasted for two minutes. He had an orgasm. I was cold, unable to move. Shocked, I asked him afterwards why he had done this, and he told me that I had been his sexual fantasy since he was 12 years old," Argento said.

A report by The New York Times, obtained the legal documents in which actor Jimmy Bennett claimed that Argento assaulted him in a California hotel when he was only two months past his 17th birthday; the age of consent in California is 18.

On the reports that Argento settled a claim last year from Bennett that she assaulted him, the director brought a text message exchange with her former partner Anthony Bourdain where he said it was better to pay Bennett off, even though she did not want to "because they were lies".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The BJP Monday took a swipe at the Congress for "failing" to field candidates for the upcoming urban local bodies (ULB) elections, saying it is instead "spinning excuses" to hide "inability" to motivate the party cadre.

ULB elections are scheduled to take place in four phases beginning October 8 and the panchayat polls will be held in November-December in nine phases.

"The Congress has failed to field candidates for the ULB elections and instead they are spinning excuses to hide its inability to rejuvenate its cadre and motivate them to join the electoral fray", BJP state spokesperson Brigadier (retired) Anil Gupta told reporters here.

He claimed that the BJP has so far won more than 50 seats uncontested in Kashmir.

While complimenting the party's candidates for displaying utmost respect for democracy and people's sentiments by braving all odds to file their nominations, Gupta castigated Congress for being unable to keep up to its "lofty claims" of being a party that has a base in all three regions of the state.

"The mere fact that the party is unable to field candidates shows that it has been completely decimated at the grassroots level and lacks organisational strength," he said.

The Congress today is an "only leaders party" and has no mass base and cadre strength, Gupta said.

He said the situation is no better in the Jammu region.

"At a number of places the party has failed to field even a single candidate and plans to piggyback on Independent or rebel candidates," Gupta said.

"The reality is that individuals offered party's mandate are declining to accept it as they realise that contesting on Congress party's symbol means a certain defeat", he said.

The BJP leader said that Congress's "desperate attempt to win over the electorate by launching an anti-BJP propaganda has failed miserably because the patriotic people of the region are determined to teach the Congress a lesson for pro-Pakistan utterances of its senior leaders".

Reacting to the statement of chief spokesperson of the Congress that it is part of Congress party's strategy to not to field their own candidates but support Independents in order to defeat the BJP candidates, Gupta said it is "nothing but a desperate attempt to escape from reality".

Challenging the Congress, he said, "It is not a proxy contest. It is a direct fight. If the Congress is sure of its strength it must enter the electoral battle directly and field its own candidates".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Opposition BJP in Karnataka demanded on Monday that the Congress-JD(S) coalition government come out with a 'white paper' on the financial position of the state.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Govind Karjol also accused Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy of regional bias.

"The Chief Minister is repeatedly levelling allegations against the BJP, stating that the party is not allowing him to administer and take up developmental work," Karjol told reporters at Bagalkote in north Karnataka.

Stating that BJP has never staged any demonstration or protest against Kumaraswamy, he said that the Chief Minister, instead of lying, should immediately come clean about the financial condition of the state.

"I demand that the government come out with facts and figures on pending dues to contractors and others in all departments.

"I demand a white paper on the financial condition of the state," he added.

Critical about the functioning of the coalition government, which it claimed has "not taken off", the BJP had earlier too demanded that Kumaraswamy, who holds the finance portfolio, come out with a "white paper" on the state's financial position.

Reacting to the BJP's demand, Kumaraswamy had recently said that if they had any information on the finances being in a poor state, they should come out with it.

Alleging that the government's developmental activities were only restricted to Mysuru region, Karajol called it a "government of Mysuru division".

He said the Chief Minister was laying foundation stone and inaugurating projects worth Rs 1,000-2,000 crore in Hassan, Mandya and Mysuru districts, but has not come to north Karnataka region to initiate any projects.

Following the presentation of the coalition government's first budget in July, Kumaraswamy has been accused by the opposition, as also a few Congress leaders, of being biased towards southern Karnataka or old Mysuru region, where his party JD(S) has a considerable presence.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Accusing the BJP of failing to carry forward the development agenda in the country, All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary Sudhir Sharma Monday said the saffron party was banking on mere sloganeering to win the upcoming elections.

Speaking at a meeting in the party headquarters here, Sharma said,"Those (BJP) trying to undermine the Congress are banking on mere sloganeering. They have failed to carry on the path of development as was left by the UPA."



The former minister in the Himachal Pradesh government claimed that Congress' history was embellished with the sacrifices of people during which the country developed with better infrastructure, educational institutes, hospitals, industries, public sector units and new-age agriculture.

Sharma told party members that the time has come to prepare for general elections. "A movement should be launched to publicise the party's programmes and policies among the public, he said.

He said the Congress will win majority of urban local bodies (ULB) polls as the people are fed up with "false promises".

"Participation of hundreds of independent candidates indicates that the people have lost faith in the BJP and they want change in the system which only the Congress can provide," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
As candidate Trump used to like to say, watch out for the rigged system. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images

Its been two days since Senate Republicans and President Trump agreed to allow a limited, one-week-only FBI investigation into allegations of sexual assault by Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, and limited has already become that investigations defining feature. Its also not officially an investigation at all, but a background check, which means the FBI is working for the White House and following their instructions. Those instructions first of all set boundaries, and though Trump, the White House and GOP leaders can change what they ask from the FBI. Theres a lot of confusion around what they will or wont allow. CNN reports that Senate Republicans and the White House are working to keep the investigation as narrow as possible, and so far that means excluding one of Kavanaughs accusers, Julie Swetnick, and multiple people who might be able to corroborate the other allegations.

The list of interviewees can expand if the FBI wants to question more people, but to do so it will reportedly have to make requests to be approved by the White House, giving Trump and GOP leaders the power to strategically limit the investigation in order to protect Kavanaugh if they choose. With five days remaining in the arbitrary one-week timeframe demanded by Republicans, its looking more and more likely that the investigation will be so limited as to be almost pointless  other than in giving a handful of Senate Republican skeptics enough cover to confirm Kavanaugh. The nominee is now too big to fail, a Kavanaugh team member told Axios on Sunday, stating that the White House has no backup plan if his nomination gets sunk.

Following reports from NBC News and The Wall Street Journal on Saturday that Trump and the White House were limiting the FBIs investigation, the president insisted in a tweet on Saturday night that they were not. Instead, Trump claimed, he wanted the FBI to interview whoever they deem appropriate, at their discretion. Its still possible that Trump will allow that, but thats not what he, the White House, and the GOP have done so far. Trump commented on the issue again on Sunday, and his mocking of calls for a more thorough investigation as an obstruct and delay tactic are unlikely to calm the criticism.

Wow! Just starting to hear the Democrats, who are only thinking Obstruct and Delay, are starting to put out the word that the time and scope of FBI looking into Judge Kavanaugh and witnesses is not enough. Hello! For them, it will never be enough - stay tuned and watch!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 30, 2018

Also on Sunday, Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway told CNN that the investigation was not meant to be a fishing expedition, while insisting that the White House trusts the hardworking men and women of the FBI to do their jobs, and they will determine what will be included within that scope.

The White House is not micromanaging this process, Sarah Huckabee Sanders claimed on Fox News Sunday.

But according to the New York Times sources, The White House has asked that the FBI share its findings after investigators complete [the initial] interviews, and at that point, Mr. Trump and his advisers would decide whether to have the accusations investigated further. That team of advisors will reportedly be led by White House counsel Donald McGahn, a longtime friend of Kavanaughs who CNN reports has already tried to restrict the probe as much as possible. And regarding Trumps tweet on Saturday, The Wall Street Journal reported that one person familiar with the FBIs thinking said it was unlikely that the shape of the investigation would change without official communication from the White House that it wanted the bureau to interview other people beyond the list already provided.

In other words, the only free rein the FBI apparently has is to conduct their interviews with preapproved witnesses as they see fit, then ask the White House for permission to interview additional witnesses, and the decision of whether to allow that will be largely in the hands of McGahn, who helped groom Kavanaugh for the nomination in the first place, then helped him prepare to defend himself against the allegations last Thursday.

Senate Democrats on the Judiciary Committee were not included in the planning process. One of its members, Amy Klobuchar, rejected the GOPs limitations during an appearance on CBSs Face the Nation on Sunday, likening them to Senate Republicans and the White House asking the FBI to interview the people in their neighborhood on one side of the street.

So far, the people whom Senate Republicans and the White House are permitting to be interviewed are, in addition to Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford: Mark Judge, Kavanaughs high school friend and alleged accomplice in the attempted rape of Ford; Deborah Ramirez, who has accused Kavanaugh of exposing himself to her in college; Leland Keyser, a high school friend of Fords who Ford says attended the party where she was assaulted; and P.J. Smyth, a friend of Kavanaughs who was also allegedly at the party. Christine Blasey Ford has not been contacted by the FBI for an interview yet, either, and its not clear as of midday Sunday when agents will speak with her.

The FBI already spoke with Ramirez on Sunday, and she reportedly supplied them with the names of witnesses who could corroborate her story. Its not clear if they will get approved or be available in such a limited time frame. We also dont know if the FBI will talk to the people Ford had told about her alleged assault over the years, or to other attendees of a July 1, 1982 party on Kavanaughs teen calendar which he, Judge, and Smyth apparently attended. Ford has also mentioned using tax records to figure out when Judge worked at a local supermarket, because it would possibly help her narrow down a date-range for the party, but that may not be investigated, either.

And it seems very clear that there wont be any effort at all, at least this week, to investigate whether Kavanaugh perjured himself during his testimony on Thursday, as several classmates, as well as people with access to Urban Dictionary, have alleged he did. (For an exhaustive analysis, read here.)

The limitations are the work of Senate Republicans, said Conway and Sanders while defending the White House on Sunday. Senate Judiciary Committee member Lindsey Graham, who launched a tirade in defense of Kavanaugh on Thursday and has called the allegations against Kavanaugh garbage, said on Sunday that it was GOP senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski who wanted a limited review with so few people being interviewed. They wanted [the FBI] to talk with the witnesses that Dr. Ford named, Graham claimed, as well as Ramirez, because she refused to talk to the committee.

Graham also justified not interviewing Swetnick, who says Kavanaugh and Judge once watched a girl get gang raped at a party in high school. The FBI didnt need to talk to her, he said, because no Democrats mentioned her at the hearing on Thursday. The FBI will also probably ask Judge (who has already denied everything) about Swetnicks allegation when they speak with him about Fords allegation.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Senate Republicans allowed themselves the freedom to do whatever they wanted, reporting that on Friday, the committees call for an investigation limited to current credible allegations was, according to one Republican aide, purposefully vague as to what that would include because there wasnt consensus among its GOP members.

The bottom line, as of now, is that this will probably not be an investigation in the sense that one would assume when told that the FBI was going to investigate something. Former FBI director James Comey is more optimistic, penning a New York Times op-ed criticizing the imposed length of the investigation, but insisting that his former colleagues are up for this, as well as that uncovering the truth is not as hard as Republicans hope it will be.

But Comey also offers an important caveat to his prediction, noting that while FBI agents are experts at interviewing people and quickly dispatching leads to their colleagues around the world to follow with additional interviews, they can only speak to all those people if they are not limited in some way by the Trump administration.

The investigation, as it currently stands, was designed and will be subsequently managed by Kavanaughs closest allies, and half of the witnesses being interviewed so far are or were Kavanaughs friends, one of whom faces the same allegations himself. And the limitations and lack of transparency are likely to keep up until the clock runs out on Friday, unless the probe uncovers something explosive or there are complaints from the three Republican senators who requested the limited FBI investigation in the first place.

Senator Collins seems to have simply wanted Mark Judge to answer investigators questions. Senator Murkowski, meanwhile, said in a statement Sunday that she supports limiting [the investigation] to current and credible allegations against the nominee but that the FBI can make that determination. As for Senator Jeff Flake, who has been collecting interviews since his dramatic intervention in favor of the probe on Friday, he seemed to think the FBI was free to look into whatever it wanted in his 60 Minutes interview on Sunday. Whether or not Murkowski or Flake will insist on an investigation whose scope is independently determined by the FBI  well have to wait and see.

Its also possible that Kavanaugh will not escape scrutiny forever. On ABCs This Week on Sunday, Congressman Jerry Nadler  who would likely chair the House Judiciary Committee if the Democrats win back the House in November  issued a warning to the GOP and the White House: If they dont investigate the allegations against Kavanaugh properly, a Democrat-controlled House will have to.

We would have to investigate any credible allegations of perjury and other things that havent been properly looked into before, Nadler said, which also means Kavanaugh could face impeachment proceedings if the investigation uncovered any wrongdoing. And Democrats could and would turn the issue into a base-mobilizing agenda item in these final weeks before the midterms.
Two persons arrested near here in connection with the bomb blast in Bodhgaya in January last had allegedly planned to set off the explosives to express solidarity with Rohingya Muslims fighting the Myanmar government and wage war against the government of India, the NIA said.

A low-intensity blast was reported at a kitchen set up at a ground in the temple town of Bodh Gaya on January 19, causing panic among devotees gathered to hear Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama's discourse.

The explosion was supposed to be carried out when the Dalai Lama and the governor of Bihar were at the Bodhgaya Buddhist temple premises, NIA said in a release.

Their objective was to "carry out explosions at the symbols of Buddhist faith in order to show solidarity with the Rohingya Muslims fighting with Myanmar government and cause loss to public life and property, to wage war against Government of India," according to the NIA.

The NIA has so far arrested seven people including Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen's top leader Mohammed Jahidul Islam and Sheikh while Arif Hussain alias Anas of Assam is still absconding.

The NIA had arrested Jahidul Islam, resident of Jamalpur in Bangladesh, and Adil Sheikh alias Asadullah, resident of Murshidabad in West Bengal, on August 6 and August 7 this year respectively, from Ramanagar near Bengaluru.

Islam with the help of other co-accused allegedly made three Improvised Explosive devices and two hand grenades while Adil Sheikh, Dilwar Hossain and Arif Hussain allegedly planted the bombs on the premises of the temple on January 19, the release said.

The agency had filed a charge sheet in the case in the special NIA court in Bodhgaya, it added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Bollywood personalities Salman Khan, Aamir Khan and Sanjay Dutt among others mourned the demise of Krishna Kapoor, wife of legendary actor Raj Kapoor on Monday.

She suffered cardiac arrest at around 5 am, eldest son and actor Randhir told PTI.

Social media was flooded with condolences for Krishna and Bollywood personalities paid their respects to the "First Lady of the Film Fraternity" and remembered her as the epitome of grace and dignity.

Salman wrote on Twitter, "Krishna aunty... my mother and me will miss you always.. #KrishnaRajKapoor ."



Aamir called Kapoor "an institution in living life".

"If Raj Kapoor was an institution in filmmaking, Krishnaji was an institution in living life. A very sad loss to all of us. My love and warmth to Randhirji, Rishiji, Chimpuji, Reema, Rituji and everyone in the family. We love you Krishnaji," he wrote on the microblogging site.

Veteran screenwriter Salim Khan also took to social media to offer his condolences.

"Krishnaji no more, sad. A lady who became a devi (goddess). They don't make them like her anymore. #KrishnaRajKapoor," he tweeted.

Sanjay said he was heartbroken to hear about Kapoor's demise.

"She was one of the sweetest women I had the pleasure of knowing. I have such wonderful memories of spending quality time with her! My heartfelt condolences to the Kapoor family. May she rest in peace," he tweeted.

Filmmaker Karan Johar remembered her as the most generous person with an infectious sense of humour.

"The embodiment of grace...of dignity ...of elegance and of strength... Krishna aunty will always be the First Lady of the Film Fraternity...the most generous, kind and gentle person I have ever known with the most terrific sense of humour...will miss you Krishna aunty," Johar tweeted.

Riddhima Kapoor Sahni took to Instagram to pay tributes to her grandmother. "I love you - I will always love you - RIP dadi," Sahni captioned two photographs with her.

Soha Ali Khan paid respects and called Kapoor "an incredible personality full of life and passion".

"I am so sorry to hear of the passing of #KrishnaRajKapoor. The few times I interacted with her were so memorable; she was an incredible personality full of life and passion and with never a hair out place! She will be missed greatly. My deepest condolences to the family," she wrote.

Raveena Tandon, who was one of the first film personalities to react to Kapoor's death, described her demise as the end of an era.

"Condolences to the entire Kapoor family. An era passes away,#KrishnaRajKapoor. God give you strength, and may the soul rest in peace. Om Shanti," she wrote.

"Deeply saddened to learn about the sad demise of Smt #KrishnaRajKapoorJi. She was one of the most dignified and affectionate ladies that I met. May her soul rest in peace. My condolences to the entire Kapoor and Nanda family. Om Shanti," Anupam Kher wrote on the microblogging site.

In May 1946, Raj Kapoor married Krishna Malhotra and the couple had five children -- three sons, Randhir, Rishi and Rajiv, and two daughters, Ritu and Rima.

On Sunday, Rishi took off to the US for medical treatment.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A border personnel meeting (BPM) on the occasion of Chinese National Day was organised by the Chinese side at Bumla in Arunachal Pradeshs Tawang district on Monday, a Defence release said.

The Indian delegation was led by Brigadier Zubin Bhatnagar, Commander of Tawang Brigade and Senior Colonel Yao Shi Chen of Tsona Dzong Garrison from the Chinese side, the release said.

The BPM was marked by unfurling the National flags of India and China, followed by formal address by both the delegation leaders.

The Chinese side presented a colourful cultural programme during the function.

The entire proceedings reflected increasing mutual desire of maintaining and improving relations at the border in consonance with the desire of both national leaders.

Both the delegations interacted with each other in a congenial and cordial environment.

The delegations parted amidst feeling of friendship and commitment towards enhancing the existing cordial relations and maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control, the release added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Farmers affected by the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project are planning to take the issue of "illegal acquisition of land" to Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Claiming "flagrant violation" of the conditions of the contract between India and Japan, the farmers have alleged that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is not acting as per the laws of that country.

JICA has extended soft loan of around Rs 88,000 crore to the Indian government for the ambitious project that envisages connecting Mumbai with Ahmedabad by the bullet train.

The project is said to be close to the heart of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

However, farmers falling in the alignment zone for the bullet train in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, have been opposing the acquisition of land. Many farmers in Gujarat have already approached the high court against the land acquisition process.

The farmer representatives said Monday that they have sought appointments with Abe and Japanese leader of opposition Yukio Edano "to brief them about the issues affecting the farmers".

They said they wanted to "raise questions about the impartiality of JICA in India, as the social and environmental guidelines are being violated flagrantly".

"We are planning to travel to Japan where we will hold press conferences in five cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima and Nagashaki. We will raise various issues pertaining to acquisition of land for the bullet train project," said Anand Yagnik, the lawyer of farmers who have approached the HC.

He said farmers have written to Abe and Edano stating that the acquisition of land has been adversely affecting the "statutory and constitutional rights" of the farmers.

"They (Japanese leaders) are provided with evidences about the arbitrary nature of acquisition of land which is contrary to the JICA guidelines," Yagnik said.

Despite receiving representation from 1000 farmers affected by the project, JICA is not acting as per the laws of Japan, the farmers have claimed.

"We have also told them (Japanese leaders) how JICA itself is violating the terms and conditions by not responding to the representation from farmers. A team of experts need to hear the grievances of farmers despite the farmers stating that the acquisition is leading to their involuntary displacement," he said.

Yagnik said that farmers are also contemplating legal action against JICA through his counterparts in Japan.

The project was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart in September last year. The bullet train will run at a speed of 320-350 kmph. It will have 12 stations across the 500-km stretch between Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

For the project, around 1,400 hectares of land will be acquired in Gujarat and Maharashtra, 1,120 hectares of which is privately owned. Around 6,000 land owners will have to be compensated.

Many farmers in Gujarat have filed petitions in the High Court challenging the land acquisition process for the project.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
California Governor Jerry Brown signed the toughest net neutrality measure in the US on Monday, requiring internet providers to maintain a level playing field online.

The move prompted an immediate lawsuit by the Trump administration. Advocates of net neutrality hope the new law in the home of the global technology industry will have national implications by pushing Congress to enact national net neutrality rules or encouraging other states to follow suit.

But the US Department of Justice wants to stop the law in its tracks, arguing that it creates burdensome, anti-consumer requirements that go against the federal government's approach of deregulating the Internet.

"Once again the California Legislature has enacted an extreme and illegal state law attempting to frustrate federal policy," U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement.

The law is the latest example of the nation's most populous state seeking to drive public policy outside its borders and rebuff President Donald Trump's agenda.

Brown did not explain his reasons for signing the bill when the decision was announced, but supporters cheered it as a win for Internet freedom.

"This is a historic day for California. A free and open internet is a cornerstone of 21st century life: our democracy, our economy, our health care and public safety systems, and day-to-day activities," said Democratic Sen. Scott Wiener, the law's author.

The Federal Communications Commission last year repealed rules that prevented internet companies from exercising more control over what people watch and see on the internet.

Telecommunications companies lobbied hard to kill it or water it down, saying it would lead to higher internet and cellphone bills and discourage investments in faster internet.

They say it's unrealistic to expect them to comply with internet regulations that differ from state to state.

USTelecom, a telecommunications trade group, said California writing its own rules will create problems.

"Rather than 50 states stepping in with their own conflicting open internet solutions, we need Congress to step up with a national framework for the whole internet ecosystem and resolve this issue once and for all," the group said in a Sunday statement.

Net neutrality advocates worry that without rules, internet providers could create fast lanes and slow lanes that favour their own sites and apps or make it harder for consumers to see content from competitors.

That could limit consumer choice or shut out upstart companies that can't afford to buy access to the fast lane, critics say.

The new law prohibits internet providers from blocking or slowing data based on content or from favouring websites or video streams from companies that pay extra.

It also bans "zero rating," in which internet providers don't count certain content against a monthly data cap generally video streams produced by the company's own subsidiaries and partners.

Oregon, Washington and Vermont have approved legislation related to net neutrality, but California's measure is seen as the most comprehensive attempt to codify the principle in a way that might survive a likely court challenge. An identical bill was introduced in New York.

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Canadian and US negotiators reached a deal on Monday on reforming the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian media reported.

CTV cited a high-level American source as saying the two sides had reached an agreement and that a joint statement was expected.

Another Canadian channel, CBC, said a "senior source" confirmed that a deal had been reached on significant sections of a new NAFTA.

Word of an agreement followed an emergency cabinet meeting called by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at 10:00 pm (0200 GMT) -- two hours ahead of a midnight deadline for getting the text of a revised agreement to the United States Congress.

US President Donald Trump triggered a review of the 1994 trade pact and talks between the US, Canada and Mexico began last August, after Trump called it "one of the worst trade deals in history.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The cancer patients from remote Kangra district and adjoining areas of Himachal will soon be able to get crucial 'beam radiation treatment' with linear accelerator machine at Tanda hospital, state Health Minister Vipin Singh Parmar said Monday.

Dr Rajendra Prasad Medical College here has installed a state-of-the-art linear accelerator (LINAC) at a cost of Rs 24 crore, said the minister, addressing a medical workshop at Tanda near here.

The hospital has already started the process to recruit specialists to run the machine, he said.

"With this facility, the cancer patients will get a lot of relief during the treatment, he said.

A linear accelerator (LINAC) is a device used for 'external beam radiation treatment' for cancer patients.

A LINAC customises high energy x-rays to conform to a tumor's shape and destroy cancer cells without harming the surrounding normal tissue.

It features several built-in safety measures to ensure that it does not deliver a higher dose than prescribed and is routinely checked by a medical physicist to ensure it is working properly.

The minister said all possible steps would be taken to make Tanda Hospital as the best health institute in north India.

Started as a TB Sanatorium at Tanda in 1958, the hospital was converted into a full fledged medical college and hospital in 1996.

Besides trying to make Tanda Hospital an "excellent medical centre", the state government is also building a Mata Shishu Hospital here at a cost of Rs 40 crore to provide better health care to pregnant women and infants under one roof, he said.

Parmar was speaking at the launch of a two-day workshop organised by Kangaroo Maternal Child Protection Unit (KMC Unit).

The government will also induct soon 26 new vehicles in the state's '108 ambulance service', the minister said, adding old ambulances too would be replaced soon.

The workshop was attended by amongst others Dr Rajendra Prasad Medical College Principal Bhanu Awasthi and Joint Director Sunyana Sharma.

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The BJP Monday reacted strongly to Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's reported criticism of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's UN speech, saying the opposition party defied a convention of all political parties speaking in the same voice on India's stand abroad.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said the Congress is being increasingly seen to be standing with Pakistan as Tharoor's statement was not an isolated incident and the opposition party often spoke the language of the neighouring country.

He told a press conference that the Congress should apologise to the country and said its stand on various issues appeared similar to that of Pakistan in "intent, language and style".

On Sunday, Tharoor had reportedly said in Kerala that Swaraj's speech was aimed at her party's voters on the subject of Pakistan rather than constructing a positive image of India in the world.

"There has been an established convention in since independence that political parties are unanimous on foreign issues, at least when it comes to taking a stand at the United Nations (UN) where India's position is not of a political party.

"Pakistan has always opposed us there. For the first time a senior Congress leader is also criticising," Trivedi said.

He said Tharoor had used the term "Hindu Pakistan" to attack the BJP's rule.

The BJP leader also cited comments of Congress leaders like Mani Shankar Aiyar and Ghulam Nabi Azad to liken it with Pakistan in its opposition to the Modi government.

He said the Congress has lost the "moral right" to claim to be the party of Mahatma Gandhi, wondering if the Congress in zeal to oppose Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also opposing the country.

The BJP in opposition behaved responsibly, the spokesperson said.

Trivedi said Atal Bihari Vajpayee had put up a robust defence at the United Nations of the then Indian government headed by P V Narasimha Rao, while Modi had slammed then Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif for his swipe at his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh.

Attacking the Congress, he said it, like Pakistan, has also attacked the RSS, the ideological parent of the BJP, and was now criticising the Rafale deal.

Former Pakistan interior minister Rehman Malik went to the extent of saying that Congress president Rahul Gandhi will be India's next prime minister, Trivedi said.

The alleged similarity in the stands of Pakistan and the Congress was also there when the latter was in power, he claimed.

He cited terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba's founder Hafiz Sayeed's alleged praise of the then home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde for his use of the term "Hindu terror" in 2013 and of another Congress leader Digivijay Singh after he allegedly linked the RSS to the Mumbai terror attack in 2008.

The BJP leader, at the same press conference, also claimed that the Congress had expelled three functionaries from the party's unit in Madhya Pradesh because of their chants praising Lord Shiva, and alleged that it had exposed the "true colours" of its president Rahul Gandhi.

He said the Congress had projected Gandhi as an ardent devotee of Shiva but this claim has now proved to be a "farce".

To a question about the Congress's charge that the BJP was appropriating the legacy of the likes of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Mahatma Gandhi as it had no leader in its ranks who participated in the independent struggle, he said these leaders belonged to all Indian.

"Mahatma Gandhi was called the father of the nation, not the father of the Congress," he said.

The BJP leader claimed that no Congress leader except Lala Lajpat Rai died in police action. There were many others outside Congress who were killed and hanged by British authorities, he said.

The Congress worked to erase their contributions, he said, adding that many people and organisations worked for independence and the opposition party was not alone.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Congress will hold its working committee meeting here Tuesday to mark the beginning of Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary celebrations, and will give a message against the "atmosphere of fear, hate and



violence" prevailing in the country, the party said Monday.

Party chief Rahul Gandhi will be at the Sevagram Ashram in Wardha for the meeting and the Congress will take Mahatma Gandhi's message to all over the country, a party leader said.

There will be a prayer meeting, a 'shanti' (peace) march, and a public meeting at the Sevagram Ashram in which Rahul Gandhi will give his message, he said, adding holding the CWC meeting in Wardha has a lot of symbolism attached to it.

"The preliminary deliberations of Individual Satyagraha was held in Sewagram in 1940. The CWC met in Sewagram and adopted the resolution on Quit India movement on July 14,1942," he said.

The Quit India movement was launched in Mumbai on August 8, 1942.

"From March 12-14,1948,a meeting was held in Sevagram with the subject 'Gandhi has gone: who will guide us now' and among those who attended the meeting included the then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru,Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Vinoba Bhave and Jaiprakash Narayan," he said.

When Gandhiji started his padayatra in 1930 from Sabarmati ashram to Dandi, he had decided not to return to Sabarmati till India was free, the leader recalled.

"Gandhiji was jailed for more than two years and on his release he spent time travelling considerably in central India. He came to Wardha in 1934, at the invitation of businessman and philanthropist Jamnalal Bajaj," the party leader said.

In April 1936, Gandhiji established his residence in the village Shegaon near Wardha which he renamed as Sevagram, which means 'village of service'.

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The Congress Monday cornered the Modi government over the sale of businessman Vijay Mallya's Force India Formula One racing team and the alleged financial support of LIC to debt-ridden infra lender IL&FS.

The main opposition party also said "Modinomics" (economic policies of the BJP-led government) has become a symbol of "looting money and writing off debts of "crony capitalists".

Addressing a press conference here, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said Indian banks, to whom Mallya owes money, lost out in the sale of Force India team.

"Today what has happened that one of the companies (Force One) of Vijay Mallya that was sold and it (detail) is in now in public domain.

"A person who wanted to pay 40 million pounds, that is Rs 380 crore extra, was not taken by (Indian) banks. Why?I ask the same question if somebody was ready to pay Rs 380 crore extra why was that money denied to our 13 banks and the people of India?" Surjewala asked.

The Congress leader's statement came amid reports that one of the main bidders, keen to acquire Force India after it went into administration, has claimed that a consortium of 13 Indian banks lost out on estimated 40 million pounds as a result of an "unfair" sales process concluded last month.

Russian fertiliser group Uralkali said that by turning down its higher bid for the company, the administrators had denied the extra funds that would have accrued to the shareholder of Force India.

It had been made clear to Uralkali that the administrator and team's engine partner Mercedes would not accept any deal in which either Mallya or Sahara had any "share or interest or participation," said Paul James Ostling, Senior Independent Director of Uralkali, who led the firm's offer for Force India. Uralkali has been a partner of Force India.

Surjewala alleged the escape story of Mallya, currently in Britain, was "crafted and drafted" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

The embattled businessman met the finance minister of the country before absconding with Rs 9,000 crore of 13 banks, the Congress leader alleged.

He said an RBI report has established what the Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been saying for long - that between April 2014 and April 2018, state-owned banks wrote off Rs 3,17,000 crore of loans.

On the other hand, their recovery was only about Rs 40,000-odd crore, the Congress leader said.

"This is called Modinomics, selling family silver to help his crony capitalist friends," Surjewala said.

Modinomics has become a symbol of looting money and writing off debts of crony capitalists friends, he said in an attack on the prime minister.

"No wonder the NPAs have jumped from Rs 2,63,000 crore when we demitted the office in May 2014 to nearly Rs 12 lakh crore now," said Surjewala.

Replying to a question on Gandhi's tweet on putting LIC's money into IL&FS, Surjewala said the company is 60 per cent privately owned.

The debt of IL&FS was Rs 30,000 crore when the Congress demitted office in 2014 and now this figure has gone up to Rs 91,000 crore, he said.

"It has 282 subsidiaries and all the money pumped into it is the money of the Government of India and the people," he said.

"The question is some private company which is foreign entity is drowning and why the money of 15 crore LIC policy holders and depositors of SBI (which has stake in IL&FS) is given to such a company which is drowning...Is this not a scam ?," Surjewala asked.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Its no surprise to me, I am my own worst enemy. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

On Friday, Anthony Kennedy warned a crowd of high-school students that the 21st century has been characterized by the death and decline of democracy. Specifically, the former Supreme Court justice argued that maintaining an enlightened civic discourse was a precondition for preserving democracy.

Kennedys remarks were widely seen as a tacit criticism of the discourse surrounding his handpicked replacement. Less than 24 hours before Kennedy spoke to students in Sacramento, Brett Kavanaugh had declared himself the victim of a pro-Clinton conspiracy  while Democratic senators had asked him to define the word boofing  at a Senate hearing focused on the Supreme Court nominees alleged history of sexual assault.

According to reports, Kennedy personally recommended Kavanaugh to the White House, before announcing his retirement from the court early this year. It is unclear whether Kennedy believes that Democrats undermined an enlightened civic discourse by allowing Christine Blasey Ford to testify, or if he believes Kavanaugh did so by describing her testimony a political hit job, or both.

What is clear, however, is that Anthony Kennedy has a rather curious conception of democracy. By all appearances, the Supreme Court justice believes that keeping political arguments polite is indispensable for preserving the rule of the people  but protecting the voting rights of minority groups, and allowing elected officials to make policy on behalf of their constituents, is not.

The Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965 effectively inaugurated democratic rule in the United States. Before the VRA empowered the federal government to preempt racially discriminatory voting laws, the voter registration rate among white Americans was nearly 30 percentage points higher than that of blacks. After the VRAs passage, that disparity fell to just eight percentage points by the early 1970s.

Four decades later, the act was still working as designed. Many states had never stopped trying to enact voting laws that were racially discriminatory in effect or intent  but thanks to the VRA, the Justice Department was able to nip such rules in the bud. In 2006, Congress reauthorized the VRA; 98 senators voted to renew the law  not a single one voted against it.

And then, in 2013, Anthony Kennedy (and four of his fellow unelected judges) decided to override the unanimous will of the Senate, and gut voting protections for racial minorities. In the majority opinion of Shelby County v. Holder, the conservative justices argued that the VRAs formula for determining which jurisdictions were likely to discriminate on the basis of race  and were, thus, required to preclear any changes to their election laws with the Justice Department  was out of date. On this basis, the court freed every state and county in the nation to write election laws without federal oversight, unless or until Congress updated the VRAs preclearance formula.

Even if one stipulates that Kennedys objections to the existing formula were sound, the logic of his decision remains confounding: If a jurisdiction is inappropriately subjected to preclearance, then it suffers the inconvenience of needing to consult with the Justice Department before revising its election laws. If a jurisdiction is inappropriately freed from preclearance, then vulnerable minority groups get disenfranchised. Surely, the latter prospect is a greater threat to Constitutional liberty than the former one.

Nevertheless, Anthony Kennedy chose to err on the side of disenfranchising black people. And, in the years since, America has witnessed a renaissance of racially discriminatory election laws. It is true that Kennedy and his colleagues left most of the VRAs provisions in place. But without preclearance, red states (with threateningly large nonwhite populations) have succeeded in nullifying them by following a simple procedure:

1) Enact racially discriminatory voting laws.

2) Use those laws to win disproportionate power over state government.

3) When the federal courts finally get around to striking down those laws, enact new voting laws that discriminate against minorities in a slightly different way.

4) Use those laws to win disproportionate power over state government.

Which is to say: Thanks to Anthony Kennedy, elections in the U.S. are now routinely conducted under rules that prove, years later, to have been illegal. And the former Supreme Court justice does not consider this a threat to democracy  or, at least, not one on par with, say, senators being rude to each other.

Nor, for that matter, does Kennedy see any tension between maintaining democracy and allowing jurists like himself to veto other duly enacted laws, or place certain prerogatives of the economic elite beyond the realm of democratic contestation.

In every other country with universal suffrage, the government has determined that access to affordable health-care is a right of citizenship. In other words: When ordinary people have access to political power, they almost invariably ask their government to guarantee that they will not be denied lifesaving medical care simply because they arent wealthy.

Abundant polling data (and the GOPs own messaging) suggests that a majority of Americans endorse that same principle. But for decades, the power of entrenched health-care interests  combined with the peculiar rules of our federal legislature (which make it profoundly difficult to pass major legislation)  prevented Congress from doing much of anything to achieve universal health care. Finally, in 2009, after Democrats won a landslide election that gave them a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, Congress passed a law that significantly expanded access to medical care for non-affluent Americans.

And if Anthony Kennedy had had his way, five unelected lawyers would have nullified that achievement three years later. In National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius, Kennedy joined Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Antonin Scalia in deciding that the ACAs individual mandate was an assault on Americans liberty (while their decision to overrule Americans elected representatives, and, in so doing, condemn tens of thousands of them to preventable deaths, was not).

In other rulings, Kennedy decided that the American people had no right to regulate corporate spending on American elections, vetoed Arizonans attempt to limit the influence of such spending by providing candidates with public funds, legalized most forms of political bribery, and restricted the capacity of consumers and workers to sue corporations that abuse them.

Kennedys self-selected heir apparent, meanwhile, has suggested that much of the modern administrative state is illegitimate, and that judges like himself have a duty to gut regulatory agencies that have proven too popular to be reined in through democratic means.

To be sure, Kennedy and Kavanaugh do not self-describe their jurisprudence as anti-democratic (in fact, Kavanaugh has an affinity for portraying his opposition to the administrative state in populist terms). But many of their allies in the conservative legal community are quite forthright about their movements commitment to freeing private economic actors from democratic accountability. Michael Greve, a former AEI scholar and current professor at George Mason Universitys Antonin Scalia Law School, made this point explicitly, in an interview with the New York Times in 2005:

As the administrative state ballooned during the 60s and 70s, judicial deference became even more pervasive: new independent regulatory agencies, from the Environmental Protection Agency to the Federal Communications Commission, began issuing a slew of regulations. To Greves dismay, much of the regulatory state is politically quite popular; even a Republican Congress, he acknowledged, seems unlikely to roll back most post-New Deal programs and regulations. Judicial activism will have to be deployed, he said. Its plain that the idea of judicial deference was a dead end for conservatives from the get-go.

Anyone who has ever watched Question Time in the British parliament knows that rhetorical civility is not a prerequisite for democratic politics. By contrast, anyone who believes in racial equality, and acknowledges the reality that private enterprises effectively govern many aspects of American life, knows that voting rights  and the power of elected representatives to regulate the activities of corporations  are inherent features of self-government.

Anthony Kennedy may value the rule of law, and (a libertarian conception of) individual liberty. And he may fear that the increasing bitterness of partisan conflict in the U.S. threatens those ideals. But he cannot credibly lament the decline of American democracy over the past two decades because he has done more to bring about such decline than virtually anyone in the United States.
A court here has refused to direct the Delhi police to lodge an FIR against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia and others for wrongfully restraining and criminally intimidating a person during their sit-in protest at the Lt Governor's (LG) office in June.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal dismissed the complaint filed by one Bam Bam Maharaj Nauhatiya, who claimed to be a social worker, seeking registration of an FIR action against Kejriwal, Sisodia, health minister Satyendra Jain and labour minister Gopal Rai.

The complainant, who had earlier approached the police to lodge a case, had alleged that he was restrained from going to the LG office to make a representation due to the protest held by the accused persons.

The court dismissed the application after taking into the consideration the status report filed by the Delhi police which submitted that no complaint was received from the office of the LG secretariat and, therefore, no action was taken on the complaint of Nauhatiya.

"The police has rightly refused to take action on the earlier complaints of the complainant on the ground that no complaint was received by the police from the office of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.

"Therefore, the complaint is devoid of merits, does not disclose the commission of any offence and complainant not an aggrieved. There is nothing in the complaint to either direct registration of FIR or to proceed after taking cognizance. Hence dismissed," the court said.

In his complaint, Nauhatiya alleged that the accused persons "have been making false allegations against the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and the Central government for creating hurdles in the normal functioning of Delhi government".

He alleged that "the citizens were threatened by the respondents and their supporters through their speeches, statements, demonstrations and overt actions not to visit Raj Niwas (LG's residence) to submit their grievances."



On June 12, the complainant was stopped by the police while he was going to the reception room of the LG house to submit a representation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Delhi court today granted seven weeks to the to obtain sanction to prosecute former Union minister and other serving or former public servants in the case.

The court pulled up the agency for filing the charge sheet without proper sanction and told the that if required documents are not filed by November 26, the next day of hearing, the court may take appropriate action.

"You (CBI) should not have filed the charge sheet. It is only increasing the pendency of the court. A lot of time of the court has been wasted due to this," Special Judge O P Saini said.

The agency had on July 19 filed a charge sheet against the Congress leader, his son Karti, ten individuals including public servants and six companies as accused in the case.

The judge allowed the CBI's request for grant of some time after senior advocate Sonia Mathur, representing the agency, informed the judge that sanctions are awaited.

"If the sanction is not received, appropriate actions will be taken," the court said.

"Granting of sanction is under active consideration of the government," Mathur said.



Chidambaram's name is among the persons against whom sanction for prosecution from authorities concerned was awaited.

The court also adjourned a money laundering case, which is an off-shoot of the case, against Karti and others, after Mathur and advocates N K Matta and Nitesh Rana requested an adjournment on behalf of the (ED).

The ED had on July 13 filed a charge sheet against Karti and others for the alleged offence of money laundering.

However, the former Union minister was not arrayed as an accused in the case.

In the case filed by CBI, Mathur told the court that the agency was expecting sanctions for prosecution from authorities concerned in about four weeks.

The counsel told the court that there were serving public servants and some retired ones against whom the sanctions would be needed before proceeding with their prosecution in the case.

The had filed the charge sheet for the alleged offences of criminal conspiracy under the (IPC), public servant taking illegal gratification, punishment for abetting this offence and public servant committing criminal misconduct under the

If convicted, the offences entail a maximum punishment of seven years.

The agency has alleged that when foreign investment in Aircel by Malaysian telecom major Maxis was cleared by the in March 13, 2006, a payment of Rs 2.6 million was made by Aircel to Chennai-based Advantage Strategic Consulting, officials said.

It is alleged that Advantage Strategic Consulting was indirectly controlled by Karti and had raised an invoice on March 29, 2006 against which Aircel made a payment on April 1, 2006.

The CBI has alleged that Chess Management Services Holding Ltd, a company in which Karti is promoter and director, also received Rs 8.7 million in several installments from an associate company of Maxis, they said.

While the payment of Rs 2.6 million to Advantage Strategic Consulting was shown as fee for market research, Rs 8.7 million to Chess Management was shown as fee for a software, the CBI had alleged in the charge sheet.

During investigation, the agency had asked Chess Management officials and Karti to produce the software which was allegedly provided to Maxis for a fee but they could not produce any such software, they said alleging that it was a bribe for the clearance of foreign investment proposal which was laced with several irregularities.

The agency said this is a fresh charge sheet in the matter even as it stems from the FIR related to registered in 2012 in which the then telecom minister and others have been charged and later discharged by a trial court. The CBI has filed an appeal against the court order.

The officials said this is a completely separate aspect of the case related to clearance of now defunct Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), under Finance Ministry, to the foreign investment clearance of Maxis in Aircel.

Among others listed in the charge sheet are the then secretary (economic affairs) Ashok Jha, the then additional secretary Ashok Chawla, the then joint secretary in Kumar Sanjay Krishna, and the then director in the ministry Dipak Kumar Singh.

The agency has also named in the charge sheet former CEO of Aircel V Srinivasan, nephew of Chidambaram A Palaniappan who was also the promoter of Chess Management Services, Malaysian nationals Ananda Krishnan Tatparanandam, Augustus Ralph Marshall, both linked with Maxis, one S Bhaskaraman, and the then under secretary in the ministry Ram Sharan.

The six companies listed as accused are Chess Management Services Holding Ltd, Chennai-based Advantage Strategic Consulting Pvt Ltd and Malaysian companies Astro All Asia Networks, Maxis Mobile, Bumi Armada Berhad and Bumi Armada Navigation.

The agency has charged all the accused with criminal conspiracy, bribery and abuse of official position.

It is alleged that FIPB approval in the Aircel-Maxis case was granted in March 2006 by Chidambaram even though he was empowered to accord approval on project proposals only up to Rs 600 crore and beyond that it required the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).
Palestinians residents of a West Bank hamlet braced on Monday for an Israeli court-ordered demolition of their homes as activists arrived to help them resist in case Israeli troops moved in to evict them.

Many spent the night sleeping in a school courtyard or keeping vigil as the Israeli-imposed midnight deadline passed for Khan al-Ahmar's residents to evacuate on their own or face forced removal and the demolition of their homes.

However, it was unlikely this would happen at least before the end of a Jewish holiday at sundown Monday.

Israel says the encampment of corrugated shacks outside an Israeli settlement was illegally built and in an unsafe location near a major highway.

It has offered to resettle residents a few miles away in what it says are improved conditions with connections to water, electricity and sewage treatment they currently lack.

But critics say it's impossible for Palestinians to get building permits and the demolition plan is against the residents' will and meant to make room for the expansion of an Israeli settlement.

Israel's Supreme Court recently rejected a final appeal against the plan, paving the way for Khan al-Ahmar's potential demolition.

The encampment has become a rallying cry for Palestinians and Israel has come under heavy criticism, with major European countries urging it to refrain from demolition and removal of the 180 or so residents.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is set to arrive in Israel later this week for an unrelated visit, which may spark a further delay in Israeli action.

Some 200 activists were camped out at the location as the October 1 deadline passed, giving the residents training for that they call non-violent resistance.

"We trained them how to quickly move into the shacks, in groups, and make the soldiers' mission as difficult as they can," said Monzer Amereh, a leading activist who has been there for weeks. "We are going to sit inside the shacks and will not leave and let them take us out by force."



Activists said Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Palestinian Authority has been supporting the community and providing them with legal and financial assistance. Residents have recently planted more trees and set up new shacks in a show of defiance.

"We will not leave, we will sit in the wild until they leave, and we will rebuild it again," said Eid Khamis, the community's leader.

"This is our land, not their land and we live here and die here."



For Israelis, the case is a simple matter of law and order. Officials note that Israel has also evicted Jewish settlers who have squatted illegally.

But settlers generally have a much easier time receiving building permits, and the government often retroactively legalizes unauthorized outposts, looks the other way or offers compensation to uprooted settlers.

For the Palestinians, it is seen as part of a creeping annexation of territory they seek for a future state.

The village is in the 60 per cent of the West Bank known as Area C, which remains under exclusive Israeli control and is home to dozens of Israeli settlements.

Israel places severe restrictions on Palestinian development there and home demolitions are not unusual. But the removal of an entire community would be extremely unusual.

As part of interim peace deals in the 1990s, the West Bank was carved up into autonomous and semi-autonomous Palestinian areas, known as Areas A and B, and Area C, which is home to some 400,000 Israeli settlers.

The Palestinians claim all the West Bank for their future state and say that Area C, home also to an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 Palestinians, is crucial to its economic development.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Delhi government is sending as many as 60 principals of its government schools to the prestigious Cambridge University in England for a training programme.

Announcing the decision on Monday, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said the principals would be sent in two batches of 30 each for the Inspiring Leadership Improving Performance. While the first batch will be at Cambridge between October 8 -17, the training for the next batch will be from October 19-28.

"The Delhi government has increased it teachers-training budget more than 11 times from Rs 9 crore to Rs 102 crore. After the improvement in infrastructure in government schools, the next target is that the teachers should be trained at the best level," Sisodia said, while addressing a gathering of principals here.

"Teachers should have first-hand experience of the best practices of the world and it is with this perspective that our government stresses on teachers' training at best institutes of the world," the minister said.

He appealed to the principals not to confine themselves to merely training-seekers at Cambridge, but as administrators. "My suggestion is go with prior preparation and be completely focused during your training tenure."



"All of you are being sent on tax payers' money... Therefore, in return, I expect you to be the harbingers of change in making Delhi government schools' education world class. This will be a great service," he added.

So far, around 119 Delhi government school principals have attended the 10-day programme at Cambridge.

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Delhi has emerged as frontrunner to host the Davis Cup qualifier between India and Italy in February next year.

A total of 24 teams will play in the knockout Qualifiers on February 1 and 2 to decide which 12 teams will play the year-end Finals.

India lost their World Group Play-off to Serbia but due to their world rank of 20, they have a chance to make it to the finals.

Italy lost their quarterfinal this year and according to the new format , only four semifinalist from 2018 season along with two wild cards -- Argentina and Britain -- have a direct entry.

12 winners in February will join these six teams for the 18-team Finals in Madrid in November 2019.

"Delhi is likely to host the tie against Italy in February at DLTA as per the recent discussions," an AITA source said.

Sources say that captain Mahesh Bhupathi, who is likely to get extension, was keen to play on grass.

"But having it on grass in Delhi would have been very expensive," the source said.

When reminded that Delhi Gymkhana would have been an option, the AITA source said, "Due to its proximity with the PM residence, there will be lot of restrictions for security reasons, so it was not feasible."



The warm weather in Chennai would have been ideal for formidable Italy but the new TNTA president Vijay Amritraj had ruled out the option of hosting the tie, said another source privy to discussions.

Delhi has recently hosted big teams such as Spain and Czech Republic at DLTA.

India will lock horns with Italy after 21 years as the last time the two teams clashed was in 1998 when Italy won the home tie in Genoa.

Italy has world number 13 Fabio Fognini, who made the final at the Chengdu Open last week, in their line up.

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Assam Police has been able to win the trust of the people by providing diligent service in the recent period, said Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday.

The state government is also taking steps to modernise the police force, Sonowal said while speaking at the Assam Police Day 2018 programme here.

Assam Police should aim for becoming the best police force in the country, Sonowal said after honouring 16 police personnel with Chief Minister's Medal for their outstanding performance.

"Assam Police has been able to win the trust of the people of the state by providing diligent service in the recent period and a sense of security and peace is prevailing across the state," he said.

Stating that the state government is taking a lot of steps to modernise Assam Police, Sonowal said the mentality of the policemen must also be changed, which should be suitable for a modern police force.

The 'Cyberdome' is set up in the state to tackle cyber crimes and a lot of other initiatives have been taken to make the Assam Police a smart force, the chief minister said.

He also said the concept of a smart police is slowly taking shape and 'Team Assam' spirit must be kept intact in all circumstances.

While honouring 16 police personnel for their outstanding performances with Chief Minister's Medal, he said.

Stating that many investors are coming to Assam as the state has been able to position itself as a lucrative business destination in the recent times, the chief minister urged the police force to maintain the environment of peace for the industrial development of the state.

Age old ties and harmony among all sections of people in the state must be maintained, he said.

"People always expect the police to be their saviour and protector and Assam police must live up to these expectations without fail. Dedication and sincerity of the personnel must translate into performance and conscience must guide all your actions," the chief minister asserted.

He also appreciated the police for their stellar work in fighting corruption and rooting out corrupt practices from society.

Director General of Police Kuladhar Saikia highlighted the role played by police in the fight against insurgency and maintaining law and order during the National Register of Citizens (NRC) updation process.

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Dr Reddy's Laboratories Monday announced the termination of the licence granted to Armis Biopharma Inc for its investigational antibacterial product DFA-02, used for the treatment of surgical site infections (SSls).

"As a result of the termination, Dr Reddy's Labs has regained worldwide rights to DFA-02, and is currently evaluating its options to take the programme forward," the company said in a BSE filing.

DFA-02 is a combination, broad spectrum antibacterial product. DFA-02 has been studied in several phase 1 and 2 clinical studies, and has demonstrated clinical efficacy in several key segments of patients who were at high risk for SSls.

In a separate regulatory filing, Dr Reddy's Labs announced the closure of the sale of its antibiotic manufacturing facility and related assets in Bristol, Tennessee to Neopharma Inc.

Neopharma Inc is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the UAE's largest pharmaceutical manufacturer headquartered in Abu Dhabi.

Under the terms of the agreement, Dr Reddy's Labs sold all the issued and outstanding membership interests in Dr Reddy's Labs Tennessee, LLC and certain related assets.

"This sale is in line with our stated priority to streamline and optimise our global cost structures and help us focus on other business priorities to drive growth," Dr Reddy's Labs Chief Operating Officer Erez Israeli said.

Shares of Dr Reddy's Labs were trading 1.08 per cent down at Rs 2,503 apiece on BSE.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council, which began here Monday morning, will discuss issues related to interstate relations and security matters,



including the Maoist menace.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who arrived here Sunday, is attending the meet along with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi.

Official sources said the meeting will discuss ways to combat the Maoist threat in the region.

The West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unit had on Sunday urged Singh to take forward its demand for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the killing of students and party workers in Islampur and Purulia, respectively, during his meeting with Banerjee.

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Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has described the speech by External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj at the UN General Assembly "disappointing" and said it "failed" to project India's "constructive and positive image."



In a hard-hitting retort to Pakistan, Swaraj had said India has made many efforts to hold talks with Islamabad and the only reason New Delhi has called off dialogue is because of Pakistan's behaviour.

Pakistan's commitment to terrorism as an instrument of state policy has not abated one bit, Swaraj told world leaders at the UN on Saturday and asked them how India can pursue talks with a nation that "glorifies killers" and allows the Mumbai attack mastermind to "roam free" with impunity.

Tharoor alleged that the speech was aimed at BJP voters.

"We get the sense that everything is about the political environment in India.

And this was a speech aimed at the BJP voters and sending a message to the voters particularly on the subject of Pakistan rather than projecting a constructive and positive image of India in the world."



To that degree, it was a "disappointing" speech, he said here.

"I think some of the things Sushmaji said one can fully appreciate and welcome. But some of the statements were disappointing," he said.

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The Supreme Court Monday said it was "extremely unfortunate" that around 5,000 construction workers in Mumbai were not registered under an Act meant for their welfare and directed the Maharashtra government to take action against builders and contractors in this regard.

A bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur asked the state government to identify the contractors and builders who have employed these 5,000 construction workers without they being registered and directed the slum rehabilitation authority to ensure compliance of the provisions of the Act.

The apex court observed that due to non-registration, these construction workers would not get benefit of the provisions of the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996.

The bench, which also comprised justices S Abdul Nazeer and Deepak Gupta, perused a note placed before it by the state government as per which at least 53,270 construction workers were working at sites in Mumbai.

The state, while making it clear that 48,488 such construction workers were registered under the 1996 Act, told the bench that this figure did not include workers in the schemes approved by the slum rehabilitation authority.

"The admitted position, therefore, is that there are about 5,000 construction workers who are working, but they have not been registered by the employer/contractor," the bench said.

"This is an extremely unfortunate situation because due to the non-registration of these construction workers, they will not get the benefit of the provisions of the Act and on the contrary, cess will (hopefully) be collected from the contractors/builders but utilized for a purpose other than the benefit of the construction workers," it said.

The bench further said, "Under these circumstances, we direct the state of Maharashtra to identify the contractors/builders who have employed these roughly 5,000 construction workers without they being registered and take punitive action against the builders/contractors".

The counsel appearing for the state told the bench that generally, the construction workers were either illiterate, semi-educated or migrant workers.

"Obviously, under these circumstances, it is unlikely that they will know their rights under the Act. Therefore, the responsibility of the registration must squarely lie with the employer/contractor/builder/State of Maharashtra," the bench noted in its order.

The bench asked the state to file a status report in the matter and posted it for further hearing on October 10.

The issue of utilisation of cess collected under the 1996 Act in Maharashtra had cropped up when the bench was hearing a matter related to framing of solid waste management policy by the states.

The apex court had on August 31 castigated some states and union territories for their "pathetic" attitude in not framing a solid waste management policy as per the 2016 Rules on the issue and had stayed construction activities till they brought it out.

It had later vacated its order staying construction activities in these states and union territory.

The issue of waste management had cropped up when the top court was dealing with a tragic incident of 2015 in which it had taken cognisance of the death of a seven-year-old boy due to dengue in Delhi.

The victim was allegedly denied treatment by five private hospitals here and his distraught parents had subsequently committed suicide.

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Brett Kavanaugh testifying Thursday. Photo: Matt McClain/AFP/Getty Images

When the second sexual-assault allegation came out against Brett Kavanaugh, I predicted Republicans would pull his nomination. I was wrong. Kavanaugh managed to rally the Republican base like a seasoned politician, changing the question from the specifics of the allegations into a broader cultural war, in which Kavanaugh is a stand-in for every conservative who feels unfairly maligned by smug progressive elites (i.e, every conservative).

Sticking with Kavanaugh made no sense, and still makes no sense. Sometimes people do things that make no sense, though. And Republicans may well decide Kavanaughs confirmation is a symbolic battle in the kulturkampf that overrides any cost-benefit analysis. That is certainly what the public posturing by the Republican Party, as epitomized by Lindsey Graham, seems to indicate. But there are real signs of weakness beneath the public bravado.

A pair of weekend reports from Axioss Jonathan Swan conveys the White Houses outward-facing stance. According to administration officials, Kavanaugh is too big to fail, because [t]heres no time before the [midterm] election to put up a new person. And if Democrats win a Senate majority, Trump would allegedly prefer to keep the seat vacant rather than compromise with Democrats.

This may be what Trump officials are telling people, and it might even be what they are actually thinking, but the position makes absolutely no sense. If Kavanaugh fails, there might not be enough time to confirm a new justice before the elections, but there will certainly be enough time to confirm one before a new Senate takes over. There are almost two months between the elections and the new Senate. Yes, it would look ugly for Republicans to rush through a new justice after an election that gives Democrats a majority. (Democrats have a two-in-seven chance at the moment.) But this would never stop them from going ahead. The entire Republican caucus, including Susan Collins* and Lisa Murkowski, blatantly violated historic norms by holding a Supreme Court spot vacant through all of 2016 just to give their party a chance to fill it. They obviously care a lot about giving their party control of the Supreme Court, and are willing to flout precedent and public opinion to do it. Why would they throw another vacancy away?

Unless the Trump administration is completely ignorant, it is broadcasting threats in order to shore up Republican support for Kavanaugh. Republicans senators may want to pull the damaged nominee and replace him with an equally conservative justice who was never accused of raping anybody, but the White House is shouting that the alternative is getting nobody at all. And why would they make such non-credible threats? Because theyre worried about getting the votes.

That worry also comes through in some of the other reporting. Republicans directing the Kavanaugh fight conceded [it] to be an uphill battle in which time is not on their side, reports Politico, also citing a person involved in the battle who puts the odds of confirmation at 50 percent.

The FBI investigation into Kavanaugh is now the key source of uncertainty. Multiple news outlets have reported over the weekend that the White House has dictated limits on the investigation. The FBI reportedly cant even ask the supermarket that allegedly employed Mark Judge in 1982 for payroll records that would confirm his employment. (Christine Blasey Ford recalled seeing Judge working at the Safeway in Potomac after the alleged attack.)

If the White House chokes off the FBI investigation  or, more precisely, if wavering Republican senators allow the White House to do so and decide to treat an ersatz probe as legitimate  then Kavanaugh might be safe. But the fact that the administration is attempting to strangle the FBI is itself a sign of concern. And the fact that the FBI is obviously leaking about White House interference shows that at least somebody within the Bureau wants to conduct a legitimate investigation.

And what is there to turn up? Potentially a lot. Kavanaughs testimony was, at best, wildly misleading. You can find detailed accounts of Kavanaughs train of lies here, here, here, and (most thoroughly) here. Would it matter if this is proven? Senator Jeff Flake said on 60 Minutes it would, and provable testimony perjury would be disqualifying. (Obviously there is some cause to doubt whether Flake would follow through on this promise.)

[The New York Times reports this afternoon that the White House has authorized the FBI to interview anybody it deems necessary, as long as the review is complete within a week. The change appears to have come at the behest of Flake, who told an audience, It does no good to have an investigation that gives us more cover, for example. We actually have to find out what we can find out. This substantially increases the peril Kavanaugh faces. And Trumps press conference remarks seemed to signal a willingness to cut Kavanaugh loose if the investigation turns up more damning evidence. Certainly if they find something Im going to take that into consideration, Trump said, when asked if he would consider abandoning Kavanaugh under such circumstances. Absolutely. I have a very open mind. The person that takes that position is going to be there a long time.]

The issue of Kavanaughs lying is one his conservative defenders have only barely begun to acknowledge. It is probably the central weakness in his candidacy at the moment. Kavanaugh wrote his opening statement the night before his testimony. It was intended to rally his party with red-meat partisan rhetoric, and lead directly to a rapid vote in a flourish of tribalistic emotion. It was not intended to survive a week of close factual scrutiny by the media or potentially the FBI.

Republicans have already prepared a fallback position that Kavanaughs underlying offenses happened a long time ago and should not disqualify him. It will be interesting to watch them develop a defense of his perjury. The argument that exists so far simply treats the accusation that Kavanaugh has told lies as so damning that it is unthinkable. To deny the allegations as he didinvoking his children and parents and so many others who know himand be lying would mean that he is a sociopath, editorialized The Wall Street Journal last week. The logical implication of a no vote is that a man with a flawless record of public service lied not only to the public but to his wife, his children and his community, writes Kimberly Strassel today. Any Republican who votes against Judge Kavanaugh is implying that he committed perjury in front of the Senate, and should resign or be impeached from his current judicial position, if not charged criminally.

Well, yes. Kavanaugh has told many, many lies. This doesnt make him a sociopath. Kavanaugh probably believes he did terrible things as a boy, but grew up to be a man who treats women respectfully. I actually accept his characterization of himself as a good father and mentor to girls in his community. The most probable account of his actions is that Kavanaugh (understandably) decided his youthful crimes should not prevent him from attaining the highest position in his career. He also calculated that any partial defense would come unraveled, and settled from the outset on a stance of total denial. This is why he has told lie after lie after lie.

But now Kavanaugh is caught in those lies. He is worried that two Republicans senators might decide theyd rather vote for a justice who hasnt flagrantly perjured himself. And this fear has legitimate basis.

Correction: Collins did call for Garland to receive a hearing.
Family members of Apple executive Vivek Tiwari, who was allegedly shot dead by a police constable, met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday and demanded strict action against the guilty.

The deceased's wife would be given a job with the Lucknow Municipal Corporation, the chief minister's office said even as the state government said all possible help would be extended to the victim's family.

Meanwhile, based on a complaint lodged by Kalpana Tiwari, wife of the deceased, another FIR was registered in the case Sunday night, officials said.

After the family's meeting with Adityanath, Kalpana Tiwari said she was satisfied with the action being taken.

"I have said earlier that I have faith in the state government. This faith has been strengthened after meeting the chief minister. I have lost the capacity to take a stand after the unfortunate incident, which should not have happened. It has shaken me. After meeting the chief minister, I have gained confidence that I will be able to fulfil the responsibilities my husband has left me," she said.

The executive was shot dead on September 29 allegedly by policemen after he refused to stop his car. The incident led to widespread outrage.

"All my demands have been met. I wanted strict action against the guilty, a job, accommodation, expenses for the education of my daughters, and my mother-in-law. The chief minister acceded to all my demands," the victim's wife told reporters.

Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma reached Vivek Tiwari's home here Monday morning and took along with him the deceased's wife, brother-in-law and two daughters to the 5, Kalidas Marg, residence of Adityanath for a meeting.

The chief minister assured family of all the possible help and also consoled the victim's daughters, promising strict action against the guilty.

"The family is satisfied with the action taken. We will be giving all possible help to the victim's family, including a job to Kalpana as per her educational qualifications. A relief amount of Rs 25 lakh, two fixed deposits (FDs) of Rs 5 lakh each in the name of two daughters of the victim and a Rs 5 lakh FD for mother-in-law has been approved by the chief minister," the deputy chief minister told PTI.

"I was in touch with the family members, who are known to us, and met them Sunday after arriving in Lucknow. The family members had been in the BJP too in the past and they did not want politics over the matter," Sharma said.

The family wanted strict action, which has already been taken as the two accused persons were arrested and dismissed from service, he said.

Kalpana Tiwari will be given a job in the Lucknow Municipal Corporation, an official statement issued by the chief minister's office said.

BSP national general secretary Satish Chandra Mishra and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav met the family members of the deceased on Monday.

Yesterday, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya had also met the family at their residence.

Two constables -- Prashant Chowdhury and Sandeep Kumar -- were arrested on the basis of an FIR lodged by Tiwari's colleague Sana Khan, who was travelling with him at the time of the incident. The two accused were also dismissed from service, officials said.

"An FIR was registered (for committing murder) on the basis of a complaint made by Kalpana Tiwari (wife of the executive) against both the erring constables," Inspector General Lucknow range Sujeet Pandey said, adding that an investigation by the SIT was also underway.

Vivek Tiwari's body was cremated on Sunday at Bhaisakund in the presence of state minister Brijesh Pathak, local MLA Ashutosh Tondon and others.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The father of the Indian nation was less than an ideal parent to his sons, much like global leaders such as Leo Tolstoy and Martin Luther King Jr who sacrificed their family lives for a greater cause, say scholars on Mahatma Gandhi.

As the nation celebrates Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary Tuesday, the debate around India's most influential leader whose writings, views and statements spawned a philosophy of their own rages on.

While historian Ramachandra Guha and Iranian-Canadian philosopher Ramin Jahanbegloo believe Gandhi was less than the perfect father, author Sandhya Mehta treads a more middle path.

All three have recently come out with books on Gandhi -- Guha and Jahanbegloo earlier this year and Mehta last year.

Every aspect of Gandhi's life has been under the scanner from his views on non-violence that laid the foundation for India's independence to his family and married life.

Gandhi was pretty much a typically overbearing Hindu patriarch. For all his empathy and concern for those outside his family, he was curiously blind to the pains of his own sons, historian and author Ramachandra Guha told PTI.

Guha recently launched Gandhi: The Years That Changed The World, 1914-1948", his latest book on Gandhi after Gandhi Before India".

Gandhi, who married Kasturba at the age of 13, had four sons Harilal, Manilal, Ramdas and Devdas.

According to Guha, Gandhi had a troubled relationship with his two independent and strong willed eldest sons, especially Harilal.

Harilal was first dismayed by his father when he firmly opposed his plans to go to England for higher studies and become a barrister like him.

Later, the relationship became worse as Gandhi disapproved of Harilal's marriage since he fell in love and chose his wife, rather than, as a custom, have his parents choose a wife for him, Guha writes in the book.

Embittered, Harilal began drinking and started trading in foreign clothes for profit the very thing his father was protesting against.

Harilal suffered a great deal because of his father's public obsessions. Gandhi was unfair in asking his children to so devotedly follow him. Children must have their own individuality, their own development so Gandhi certainly put unfair burdens on Harilal, and probably Manilal as well.

In many respects, Gandhi was departing from traditions he was a revolutionary, a radical, with original ideas, but in this respect he was imprisoned with the Hindu idea of patriarchy, he added.

In his latest book, Guha quotes a letter from Harilal to Gandhi where he says, "My entire letter stresses one point, you have never considered our rights and capabilities, you have never seen the person in us.

Harilal, in the letter, claimed he spoke on behalf of his younger brothers also.

Jahanbegloo, who is soon coming out with a new book The Global Gandhi Essays in Comparative Political Philosophy, described Gandhi as a stubborn man who was a great political leader but not necessarily a good father. His earlier book was titled The Disobedient Indian: Towards a Gandhian Philosophy of Dissent.

Gandhi was not an easy person to live with. He never looked at himself as somebody who should be only a father or a husband he always had this bigger goal in his life.

That's why his autobiography is called 'My Experiments with Truth', and not my experiments with my wife or my children. For him, truth was more important, the independence of India was more important than anything else, he said.

He argued that it would be wrong to see Gandhi as an isolated figure in this aspect. Many great leaders, artists, politicians such as Van Gogh, Leo Tolstoy or Martin Luther King Jr -- have similarly sacrificed themselves for their nation or their work at the expense of their children, their wives, he said.

This thing with Gandhi was also true for Leo Tolstoy, who influenced Gandhi throughout his life. Like Gandhi he was also a great moral leader, but not necessarily a father who could spend much of his time with his children, said Jahanbegloo.

Mehta, who has authored Gandhi in Bombay: Towards Swaraj, treads a different path and throws light on Gandhi as the loving father.

She said the relationship between Gandhi and Harilal was complex with the son choosing to walk an independent path from his father. But the love between father-son remained till the very last.

Harilal was a sensitive and affectionate man. He loved his mother and younger siblings. Gandhi, too, doted on Harilal's children. When Harilal's wife Gulab ben died, Gandhiji and Kasturba took the responsibility of looking after Harilal's children, she said.

To support her point, she quoted a letter written by Gandhi in the journal Young India' on June 18, 1925: "I love him (Harilal) in spite of his faults. The bosom of a father will take him in as soon as he seeks entrance. For the present, he has shut the door against him.

According to Guha, Gandhi evolved slowly with time in his approach and became more caring and compassionate towards his family.

He had a much more normal relationship with Ramdas and Devdas. But yes the two elder children paid a heavy cost for his public activities, he said.

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Finance Commission Chairman N K Singh on Monday said it would "sympathetically" consider the issue of regional inequality in the eastern region and the demand for increased share of central funds to Bihar.

A team of the 15th Finance Commission, led by Singh, is on a three-day visit to Bihar.

"There is no question of looking into Bihar's case unsympathetically (on more share of Central funds)... I would assure you that the Commission would sympathetically consider regional inequality and eastern India inequality...," Singh said.

The Finance Commission chief, however, did not make any comment on the call for according special category status to Bihar, raised by Assembly Speaker Vijay Kumar Choudhary.

Singh was speaking at a national seminar on 'Addressing the Problems of Inter-State and Inter-District Disparity in India' here.

Referring to statements of Choudhary and Jharkhand minister Saryu Rai in which they were critical of the functioning of the Niti Aayog, Singh said, "It would be completely inappropriate for Finance Commission to comment on Niti Aayog. Commenting on Niti Aayog is beyond its domain."



Talking about centrally sponsored schemes, Singh questioned the relevance of a high number of such programmes.

"You will be surprised to know the numbers of central schemes. However, it remains to be seen whether all these schemes are required, they are serving their purpose, and also if the money allotted is necessary.

"The Shivraj Singh Chauhan Committee had rationalised the schemes but it did not have much impact... It is a huge responsibility bestowed upon us (the Commission) to evaluate these schemes," Singh said.

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The Bombay High Court Monday suggested actor Preity Zinta and industrialist Ness Wadia consider "finishing off" a 2014 case lodged against him by the actress for allegedly outraging her modesty.

A division bench of Justices Ranjit More and Bharti Dangre was hearing a petition filed by Wadia seeking to quash the case.

Zinta's advocate told the court that the actor is willing to settle the matter if Wadia is ready to apologise. The lawyer said they were not insisting on a written apology.

Wadia's counsel Abad Ponda, however, said the industrialist was not ready to apologise.

"We want to bury the hatchet, but my client(Wadia) is not ready to apologise. The complainant (Zinta) wants to extract an apology and get media attention," he told HC.

The bench then suggested the parties settle the matter.

"Just finish it off now," Justice More said while directing both Wadia and Zinta to appear before the court on October 9.

He said the matter would be heard in chamber on the next date.

The alleged incident had taken place at the Wankhede Stadium on May 30, 2014 during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match. Zinta and Wadia are co-owners of the Kings XI Punjab IPL team.

According to the complaint, Wadia was allegedly abusing the team staff over ticket distribution when Zinta asked him to calm down as their team was winning.

He, however, abused and molested her by grabbing her arm, the actor had alleged.

Zinta had lodged an FIR against Wadia on June 13, 2014 under IPC sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 504 (intentional insult),506 (criminal intimidation) and 509 (using word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman).

In February this year, police had filed a charge sheet in the case against Wadia.

Later, the industrialist approached the high court seeking to quash the case.

In his petition, Wadia claimed the case arose out of "personal vengeance" and that the incident was merely a "misunderstanding".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Security personnel have recovered 16 firearms, including two that were looted from the police, in Jharkhand's Latehar district, police said.

A search operation was launched on Sunday and the firearms were found hidden in the bushes of the Budi Sakhua jungle in Balumath, a senior police officer said here at a press conference.

The firearms belonged to ultra outfit Trutiya Prastuti Committee leaders Akraman and Gulshan, who planned to transport it to somewhere else. Of the recovered arms, two were 303 regular rifles, looted from police in the past, one was of 315 bore, while 13 were 9-mm rifles, said Palamu district Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Vipul Shukla.

The DIG said Latehar Superintendent of Police Prasant Anand had constituted a team to recover the arms after a tip-off.

In fact, one complete squad of the ultra outfit suffered a major setback following the recovery, the DIG claimed, adding that the police intensified its operations against rebel groups active in the district.

The officer added that the policemen involved in the operation would be rewarded.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Former chief of Pakistan's spy agency, ISI, Lt Gen (retd) Asad Durrani, who had co-authored a book with his Indian counterpart, moved the high court on Monday seeking revocation of a travel ban on him by the government, according to a media report.

The government had placed Durrani's name in the Exit Control List (ECL) in May, a day after he appeared before the Pakistan Army officials at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi to explain about his stance pertaining to "The Spy Chronicles", a book written jointly by him and former chief of India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) A S Daulat.

In the book, the two former spy chiefs have touched upon some thorny issues including terrorism, particularly the Mumbai attack, the surgical strikes, Kulbhushan Jadhav, Kashmir and the influence of intelligence agencies. Durrani had revealed that track-II diplomacy was in place since long aimed at averting war between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Durrani, in his petition, said his only intention to travel was to pursue his professional commitments and visit his children living abroad, The Express Tribune reported.

A person placed under the ECL cannot travel abroad.

He also said that he and his wife do not hold a nationality of any other country.

The former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief said that he moved the petition after he did not get any response on his request, made on September 5, to remove his name from ECL on account of professional commitments by the adjutant general of Pakistan Army.

He had also requested the Pakistan government on September 13 to review its decision but it also failed to respond, the report said quoting his counsel.

The counsel maintained that Durrani retired from the Army over 25 years ago and is not subject to the provisions of the Pakistan Army Act, 1952.

"Therefore, any inquiry initiated against him has been done without jurisdiction and is illegal," the report said, adding that Durrani has the right to enter a lawful profession and earn a living as guaranteed by the Constitution.

Durrani's counsel also said that the petitioner retired from the Pakistan Army in 1993 as a three-star general and since then he has served as the country's ambassador to Germany and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The former spy chief's counsel further added that Durrani has numerously spoken, defended and represented the country's position on matters of national and international importance and he has been invited to the Herat Security Dialogue to be held on October 26 and 27 in Herat, Afghanistan.

According to the petition, respondents in the case are the Pakistan government through the interior secretary, defence secretary and Qalandar Khan, the section officer of the Ministry of Interior.

The ECL order stated that Durrani's name was on the list due to an on-going inquiry.

However, on May 29, Durrani said his name was placed on the ECL without any notice.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The annual general meeting (AGM) of the Gokul Milk Dairy held in Kolhapur ended in just three minutes Sunday due to fracas over expansion of business in states other than Maharashtra.

The business expansion issue was on the agenda of the AGM of the Kolhapur District Milk Producers Cooperative Society (KDMPCS) which sells milk by brand name Gokul, sources said.

Leaders including former minister Satej Patil and Hasan Mushrif are opposing the proposal alleging that it was being pushed for the personal benefits of a political family.

During the meeting, it was announced that the proposal was accepted by voice vote. However, those opposing it disagreed and a scuffle ensued during which shoes and chairs were hurled.

The KDMPCS was founded in 1963. It currently has 3659 members.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
French Minister Brune Poirson will embark on a two-day visit to India from Tuesday on the occasion of the inaugural General Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and hold talks with Indian ministers.

The inaugural General Assembly of the ISA will be inaugurated by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

The Founding Conference of the ISA was jointly hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron here in March this year.

The ISA, formation of which was initiated by India and France, aims to bring all countries together for cooperation on solar energy.

According to an official statement, "On Wednesday, Poirson along with Union Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy R K Singh will co-chair the First Assembly of the ISA."



Giving an impetus to the alliance, over 40 countries will be represented at the ISA Assembly, including 26 at the ministerial level, it said, adding all ISA stakeholders will be present to review the rules and regulations governing the running of the alliance, its work programmes as well as ongoing initiatives.

The junior minister of France will also hold bilateral meetings with her counterparts from ISA member countries.

Poirson will open the Re-Invest session on 'Renewable energy's new technological frontiers', highlighting Indo-French partnership in this area.

According to the statement, she will also visit the French pavilion at the expo, accompanied by a delegation of French companies, including high-level executives from EDF, Engie, Total and Technique Solaire.

Poirson will hold discussions with Union Minister Harsh Vardhan and also meet Upendra Tripathy, the Interim Director General of ISA, as well as heads of noted think tanks working on climate change and environmental issues.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
GMR Airports Limited, a subsidiary of GMR Infrastructure Ltd has emerged as the highest bidder for the Development, Operations and Management of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport at Nagpur on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis.

According to a press release issued by GMR Monday the project involves upgradation, modernisation, operation and maintenance of Nagpur Airport for a period of 30 years and includes construction of a new terminal amongst other works.

Two bidders-GMR Airports and GVK submitted their bids.

GMR Airports Limited has submitted the highest revenue share bid and expecting Letter of Award shortly, it said.

MIHAN India Limited, a joint venture between Maharashtra Airport Development Company, a Maharashtra government undertaking and Airport Authority of India, had started the RFP process to privatise the Nagpur airport in March 2018.

In FY2017-18, Nagpur airport had handled 2.18 million passengers and 7,800 tonnes of cargo.

Over the past five years the passenger traffic at the airport has grown at 11 pr cent CAGR while the airport ranks 17th in India in terms of cargo traffic.

Business Chairman GMR Airports, GBS Raju said, "We are very pleased to emerge as the privatisation of Nagpur Airport.

We look forward to on this prestigious airport and to upgrade the existing airport to global standards which would be a matter of pride for the city of Nagpur and provide a further fillip to the economic potential of Vidharba region."



Executive Director, GMR Airports, Sidharath Kapur said Nagpur Airport is a strategically located high potential one and it would be a welcome addition to the company's growing portfolio of Indian and global airports and strengthen the platform of GMR Airport.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The government on Monday released census for 2015-16 that showed a 1.53 per cent decline in total operated area at 157.14 million hectare as compared to 2010-11 data, but a rise in both operational holdings and female participation.

The average size of operational holding declined to 1.08 hectares (ha) in 2015-16 compared to 1.15 ha in 2010-11, as per the provisional data.

The census also found out that the percentage share of female operational holders has increased from 12.79 per cent in 2010-11 to 13.87 per cent in 2015-16. In terms of operated area, the share of women increased from 10.36 per cent to 11.57 per cent.

"This shows that more and more females are participating in the management and operation of agricultural lands," an official statement said.

The Ministry said the first census was conducted with reference year 1970-71. The census is conducted every five years to collect data on structural aspects of operational holdings in the country. So far, nine censuses have been done and this is the 10th in series.

"The total number of operational holdings in the country has increased from 138 million in 2010-11 to 146 million in 2015-16, i.e an increase of 5.33 per cent," the statement said.

Operational holding has been defined as all land used wholly or partly for agricultural production and is operated as one technical unit by one person alone or with others without regard to the title, legal form, size or location.

Total operated area, which includes both cultivated and uncultivated area provided part of it is put to farm production, fell from 159.59 million ha in 2010-11 to 157.14 million ha in 2015-16.

As per the census data, small and marginal holdings taken together (0-2 ha) constitute 86.21 per cent of the total holdings in 2015-16 against 84.97 per cent in 2010-11. Their share in the operated area stands at 47.34 per cent in the current census as against 44.31 per cent in 2010-11.

Semi-medium and medium operational holdings (2-10 ha) in 2015-16 were 13.22 per cent, with 43.61 per cent of operated area.

The large holdings (10 ha and above) were merely 0.57 per cent of total number of holdings in 2015-16 and had a share of 9.04 per cent in the operated area as against 0.71 per cent and 10.59 per cent, respectively for 2010-11 census.

Out of 146 million operational holdings, the highest number of holders belonged to Uttar Pradesh (23.82 million) followed by Bihar (16.41 million), Maharashtra (14.71 million), Madhya Pradesh (10 million), Karnataka (8.68 million), Andhra Pradesh (8.52 million), Tamil Nadu (7.94 million), Rajasthan (7.65 million) and West Bengal (7.24 million).

In total operated area, the highest contribution was from Rajasthan (20.87 million ha), followed by Maharashtra (19.88 million ha), Uttar Pradesh (17.45 million ha), Madhya Pradesh (15.67 million ha) and Karnataka (11.72 million ha).

Among states, the highest increase in number of operational holdings was in Madhya Pradesh (12.74 per cent) followed by Andhra Pradesh (11.85 per cent), Rajasthan (11.12 per cent), Kerala (11.02 per cent), Meghalaya (10.9 per cent, Karnataka (10.78 per cent) and Nagaland (10.5 per cent).

However, the sharpest fall has been in Goa (28.17 per cent) and lowest in Manipur (0.09 per cent).

However, operated area has shown a declining trend in most of the states.

As per the census, 14 states -- Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal -- account for 91.03 per cent of total number of operational holdings and 88.08 per cent in terms of area.

The individual, joint and institutional holdings have shown a growth of 5.04 per cent, 7.07 per cent and 10.88 per cent, respectively.

"This report on number and area of operational holdings in India is based on the provisional results of first phase of the current Census 2015-16.

"The detailed data at lower administrative levels (district/tehsil etc.) for States and UTs are also being verified by the concerned States and UTs. After, completion of the data verification, the final results would be released within the shortest possible time," the statement said.
Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey and his deep-pocketed GOP opponent Bob Hugin. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images; Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Democrats are understandably excited about the possibility that their more-likely-than-not conquest of the U.S. House on November 6 could be joined by a less-likely-but-feasible takeover of the Senate as well. Its an important subtext of the fight over Brett Kavanaugh, if not (as Lindsey Graham claims) the main motive of Democratic efforts to delay his confirmation until the midterms. And a Democratic Senate could certainly curtail Donald Trumps power significantly during the remainder of his term, if only by slowing down Mitch McConnells freight train of executive and judicial confirmations. If Democrats control Congress entirely, Republicans can forget about another run at repealing Obamacare or cutting taxes, and will be dealing instead with multiple investigations of Trump-administration corruption and worse.

Initially, the idea of a Democratic Senate takeover in 2018 seemed absurd, thanks to one of the most heavily skewed landscapes in living memory. Twenty-five of the 35 seats up this year (including special elections in Minnesota and Mississippi) are held by Democrats, and 10 of them are in states carried by Trump in 2016 (only one Republican, Nevadas Dean Heller, is running for reelection in a state carried by Clinton).

The path to a Democratic Senate was first made manifest by Doug Joness shocking special-election victory in Alabama last year, which reduced the magic number for Democrats to a net gain of two seats (a 50-50 Senate would be controlled by Republicans thanks to the vice-presidents tie-breaking vote).

At this point, FiveThirtyEight shows every single Democratic incumbent senator leading. Republican seats in Arizona, Nevada, Tennessee, and Texas are all vulnerable. Two of those four would do the trick if Democrats sweep their own races.

But suddenly theres a Democratic seat in jeopardy that hasnt drawn much attention until now, and its in a deep-blue state, New Jersey. A new survey of likely voters from Stockton University (a well-reputed pollster) showed two-term incumbent Bob Menendez in a virtual dead heat with Republican challenger Bob Hugin (the incumbent leads by 1.8 percent, but the margin of error for the poll is 4 percent). This is one of several polls showing Menendez with a less than overwhelming lead.

The incumbent was the subject of a much-publicized corruption trial, in which ophthalmologist Salomon Melgen, who was accused of making large campaign contributions and providing extensive perks in exchange for help from Menendez in a Medicare-fraud case. The case against Melgen and Menendez ended in a hung jury last year.

After an adverse ruling from the judge in the case, the Justice Department decided not to pursue a new trial for Menendez, who got out of the whole scandal with just an Ethics Committee reprimand and an order to repay certain gifts from Melgen, plus some severely depressed approval ratings in New Jersey (he was underwater at 33/41 in a Morning Consult poll in July).

While there was some nervousness among Democrats about Menendezs reelection prospects, his popularity ratings bounced back after the case was dismissed. And the states partisan character (no Republican has won a Senate race in New Jersey since 1972) was expected to pull him through, as it may yet. Its also likely that national and state Democrats were loath to back a primary challenge to a senior Hispanic elected official (Menendez was chairman of the House Democratic Caucus before his election to the Senate) who has aggressively defended himself against the corruption allegations.

Menendez was unlucky, however, to draw a Republican opponent with pockets as deep as those of Hugin, a former pharmaceutical executive.

One other thing to keep in mind about Menendez and NJ-SEN: Outside of Florida, it's really the only race in the country where the Dem candidate is getting way outspent over the airwaves.



Data via @Ad_Analytics is thru 9/30: pic.twitter.com/V9iCu8QpCL  Mark Murray (@mmurraypolitics) October 1, 2018

Hugin, of course, had to spend a fortunate to make himself known in a very expensive state for television advertising. And he has his own vulnerabilities (as noted by Politico) that Menendez is certain to exploit during the stretch drive of the campaign:

Hugin supported and donated heavily to President Donald Trumps 2016 election effort and headed a New Jerseybased pharmaceutical company that raised prices 20 percent in less than a year on a key cancer drug, parked money overseas and made it harder for companies to produce a generic version of its drugs.

In that Stockton poll showing a close race, half of voters expressed concern about Hugins conduct as an executive, nearly as many as the 59 percent who seemed concerned about the corruption allegations against Menendez.

Perhaps disdain toward Hugin or sheer partisanship will save Menendez. But it would be a cruel irony if Democrats managed to win Senate races in places like North Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, or West Virginia and handed the gavel right back to Mitch McConnell by stumbling in New Jersey.
As much as Rs 5,900 crore of investment has been committed in 55 oil and gas exploration areas awarded under India's maiden open acreage auction, OALP-1, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said Monday.

Mining mogul Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta Ltd walked away with 41 out of 55 oil and gas exploration blocks offered in OALP-1, contracts for which were signed at a function here Monday. State-owned Oil India Ltd won nine blocks, while Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) managed to win just two.

State gas utility GAIL, upstream arm of Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd and Hindustan Oil Exploration Co (HOEC) received one block each.

Oil Secretary M M Kutty said the second round of OALP, featuring 14 blocks, would be launched soon.

Of the 14 blocks, four blocks in the Mahanadi basin have been identified by the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) and the remaining by explorers, he said.

"We have received firm investment commitment of over Rs 5,900 crore in the 55 OALP-I blocks," Pradhan said the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) signing ceremony.

The 55 blocks hold an estimated Rs 1.45 lakh crore worth of hydrocarbon resources.

India had in July last year allowed companies to carve out blocks of their choice with a view to bringing about 2.8 million sq km of unexplored area in the country under exploration.

Under this policy, companies are allowed to put in an expression of interest (EoI) for prospecting of oil and gas in an area that is presently not under any production or exploration license.

The EoIs can be put in any time of the year but they are accumulated twice annually.

As many as 55 blocks were sought for prospecting of oil and gas by prospective bidders, mostly by state-owned explorers, ONGC and OIL, and private sector Vedanta by the end of the first EoI cycle on November 15, 2017. These blocks were then offered for bidding and winners signed PSC on Monday.

"We got an investment commitment of Rs 700-800 crore in (the separate auction of) Discovered Small Field (DSF)-I round," Pradhan said adding investments have been also incentivised in enhanced and improved oil recovery projects that will boost output from existing fields.

Vedanta, which had put in bids for all the 55 blocks, will invest USD 551 million in the 41 blocks it won under OALP-1, its CEO Sudhir Mathur said.

At the close of the bidding on May 2, ONGC had bid for 37 blocks either on its own or in consortium with other state-owned firms. OIL bid for 22 blocks in a similar fashion.

Vedanta was the sole bidder for two blocks and had either ONGC or OIL as a direct competitor in the remaining.

Except for the two blocks that received three bids each, all the other 53 had just two bidders.

Neither local giant Reliance Industries nor any foreign company participated in the auction, a first since India began offering oil and gas area for exploration and production through bids in 1999.

The blocks or areas that receive EoIs at the end of a cycle are put up for auction with the originator or the firm that originally selected the area getting a five-mark advantage.

The 55 blocks have a total area of 59,282 sq km. This compares to about 1,02,000 sq km being under exploration currently, Kutty said.

Blocks are awarded to the company which offers the highest share of oil and gas to the government as well as commits to do maximum exploration work by way of shooting 2D and 3D seismic survey and drilling exploration wells.

Increased exploration will lead to more oil and gas production, helping the world's third largest oil importer to cut import dependence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target of cutting oil import bill by 10 per cent to 67 per cent by 2022 and to half by 2030.

Import dependence has increased since 2015 when Modi had set the target. India currently imports 81 per cent of its oil needs.

The new policy replaced the old system of government carving out areas and bidding them out. It guarantees marketing and pricing freedom and moves away from production sharing model of previous rounds to a revenue-sharing model, where companies offering the maximum share of oil and gas to the government are awarded the block.

The government till now has been selecting and demarcating areas it feels can be offered for bidding in an exploration licensing round.

So far, 256 blocks had been offered for exploration and production since 2000.

The last bid round happened in 2010. Of these, 254 blocks were awarded. But as many as 156 have already been relinquished due to poor prospect.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Brightly coloured body bags were placed side-by-side in a freshly dug mass grave Monday, as a hard-hit Indonesian city began burying its dead from the devastating and that killed more than 840 people and left thousands homeless.

The death toll, largely from the city of Palu, is expected to keep rising as areas cut off by the damage are reached. The magnitude 7.5 struck at dusk Friday and generated a said to have been as high as 6 meters (20 feet) in places.

Local army commander Tiopan Aritonang said 545 bodies would be brought to the grave from one hospital alone.

The trench dug in Palu was 10 metres by 100 metres (33 feet by 330 feet) and can be enlarged if needed, said Willem Rampangilei, chief of Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency.

"This must be done as soon as possible for health and religious reasons," he said. is majority Muslim, and religious custom calls for burials soon after death, typically within one day.

Local military spokesman Mohammad Thorir said the area adjacent to a public cemetery can hold 1,000 bodies. All of the victims, coming from local hospitals, have been photographed to help families locate where their relatives were buried.

Video footage showed residents walking from body bag to body bag, opening the tops to check if they could identify faces.

Around midday, teams of workers, their mouths covered by masks, carried 18 bodies and laid them in the trench. A backhoe waited to push soil on top of the dead. More burials were expected to follow.

Military and commercial aircraft were delivering some aid and supplies. But there was a need for heavy equipment to reach possible survivors buried in collapsed buildings, including an eight-story hotel in Palu where voices had been heard in the rubble.

People suffering from a lack of and supplies were also becoming more desperate. Local television said around 3,000 residents had flocked to the Palu airport trying to get out. Footage showed some people screaming in anger because they were not able to board departing military aircraft. The airport has resumed only some commercial flights.

"We have not eaten for three days!" one woman yelled. "We just want to be safe!" Indonesian Joko "Jokowi" Widodo authorised the acceptance of help, said disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, adding that generators, heavy equipment and tents were among the items needed.

He said the and 10 countries have offered assistance, including the United States, and

"We will send today, as much as possible with several aircraft," Widodo told reporters in the capital, Jakarta, adding that a supply of fuel was also set to arrive.

Nugroho said conditions in the Balaroa section of Palu were particularly bad because the caused the ground to violently heave up and sink down in places, trapping many people under destroyed houses.

In Petobo, another area of the city, the temblor caused loose, wet soil to liquefy, creating a thick, heavy mud that caused massive damage.

"In Petobo, it is estimated that there are still hundreds of victims buried in mud material," Nugroho said.

Villagers who pulled out loved ones alive and dead over the weekend expressed frustration that it took rescue teams until Monday to reach Petobo.

Edi Setiawan, 32, said he and fellow villagers were able to rescue five children and four adults, including a pregnant woman. However, his sister and father were not among them.

"My sister was found embracing her father," he said. "My mother was able to survive after struggling against the mud and being rescued by villagers."



Another villager, 52-year-old Idrus, who uses one name, said that "up to Saturday we still saw many people screaming for help from the roofs. But we could not do anything to help them. Now their cries are no longer heard."



But there were cases of survivors still being pulled from the rubble in different locations, including a 25-year-old woman found alive Sunday evening in the ruins of the Roa-Roa Hotel, according to the National Search and Rescue Agency, which released photos of her lying on a stretcher covered with a blanket.

Novry Wullur, an officer from Indonesia's search and rescue agency, said Nurul Istiharah, 15, managed to survive after being trapped inside her house after it collapsed.

Her mother and niece were dead beside her, and water had left her submerged up to her neck and in danger of drowning. Her legs were finally freed and she was pulled out of the rubble. She was being treated for hypothermia at a hospital.

The confirmed death toll of 844 released by Nugroho on Monday afternoon was an increase of only 12 since the previous day, with nearly the entire total from Palu.

The regencies of Donggala, Sigi and Parigi Moutong with a combined population of 1.2 million had yet to be fully assessed. Nearly 50,000 people have been displaced from their homes in Palu alone, Nugroho said.

He said 114 foreigners were in Palu and Donggala during the disaster. All were accounted for except one Belgian, one South Korean and six French.

It was the latest natural disaster to hit Indonesia, which is frequently struck by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis because of its location on the "Ring of Fire," an arc of volcanoes and fault lines in the Pacific Basin.
The Bombay High Court Monday dismissed a petition challenging provisions of an ordinance that makes the practice of instant triple talaq a punishable



offence.

Former municipal councillor Masood Ansari, city-based NGO 'Rising Voice Foundation' and advocate Devendra Mishra had filed the petition last week.

President Ram Nath Kovind had last month signed the ordinance, according to which giving instant triple talaq has been made illegal and void, and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband.

Seeking to allay fears that the law could be misused, the government also included some safeguards in it, such as providing for bail to the accused husband.

A division bench of Justices B R Gavai and A M Dhavale said Monday that it was not inclined to entertain the petition as a similar plea was pending before the Supreme Court.

The petition claimed that the provisions of the ordinance are "illegal, null, void, unreasonable and arbitrary".

It had sought an interim stay on those sections of the ordinance which criminalise the act of pronouncing talaq by a Muslim husband.

As per the proposed law, it would only be applicable on instant triple talaq or 'talaq-e-biddat' and would give power to the victim to approach a magistrate seeking "subsistence allowance" for herself and minor children.

A woman can also seek the custody of her minor children from the magistrate who will take a final call on the issue.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The on Monday refused to entertain a PIL seeking cancellation of a lease awarding 50 acres of land at in Gujarat to a private firm.

A bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V K Rao said the petition was not maintainable on grounds of lack of territorial jurisdiction and asked the petitioner to approach the proper forum.

The court passed the verdict on the petition filed by NGO, Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL).

It had earlier reserved its verdict on September 24 after hearing the arguments of the counsel for the petitioner, the Centre and Trust (KPT), now known as Deendayal Port Trust.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the NGO, had earlier alleged that KPT overvalued the structures set up at the site by the firm, Friends Salt Works and Allied Industries (FSWAI), when it had leased the land in the past, to ensure that only the firm gets the contract.

The Centre had opposed the petition on grounds of lack of territorial jurisdiction.

Additional Solicitor General Sandeep Sethi had argued that the tender was invited at Gujarat, the property concerned was situated in Gujarat where the bidding cum auction was conducted and no cause of action arose within the jurisdiction of the

Senior advocate A S Chandiok, appearing for the port trust, had also said the petition was not maintainable on grounds of lack of territorial jurisdiction.

He said merely because the Union of India has been arrayed as a party respondent, would not confer the right to the petitioner to file the plea here and even no relief had been sought against the Centre.

The petition claimed that FSWAI did not have to pay the amount of Rs 2.07 billion if it was successful in the bid and added that under the earlier lease agreement KPT did not have any contractual obligation to compensate the firm for its assets.

The NGO had sought that if the lease awarded to the firm in April 2015 was not cancelled, then the amount of Rs 2.07 billion be recovered from it.

"The introduction of said clause in the tender (to compensate FSWAI) is illegal and arbitrary since it was the responsibility of FSWAI to remove the structures before the expiry of the (earlier) lease. The additional burden of Rs 2.07 billion on other bidders put them at a significant disadvantage and ensured that the said tender would be awarded to FSWAI," the NGO had alleged in its plea.

CPIL had earlier raised the issue in a fresh application moved in a pending petition which alleged that a huge scam had taken place during the 1960s and 1970s when plots near have leased out on nomination basis to private parties without a bidding process.

The court, however, had asked the NGO to file a separate petition to challenge the new lease and subsequently it filed the instant PIL.

The earlier PIL had also alleged irregularities in allotment of 16,000 acres of government land which caused a huge loss to the state.
The Madras High Court Monday restrained three advocates from practising in any court in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry pending disposal of a petition seeking action against them for alleged illegal activities.

Justice N Anand Venkatesh issued the interim order and also included the Bar Council of India (BCI) as a party to the petition as it has stayed the removal of one of the advocates from the rolls of the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry (BCTP) two years ago.

The advocates restrained from practising are S R Balasubramanian (Reg No.2428), S Saravanakumar (4049) and V Subramani (1368).

The Judge also directed the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry (BCTP) not to enroll a law student, who had completed his course and was facing allegations of illegal activities, without getting clearance from the court.

He then posted the case to November 22 for further hearing with a direction to the BCI and BCTP to file the status report on the action taken against the three advocates.

According to the petitioner Karthik, Balasubramanian of neighbouring Dindigul was removed from its rolls by the BCTP for allegedly extracting money from the petitioner and grabbing his property.

On Balasubramanian's appeal, the BCI had stayed his removal two years ago.

Justice Venkatesh said it would be a disgrace to the profession if advocates like Balasubramanian, who did not deserve to continue as a lawyer, was allowed to practice.

He directed the BCI to hear the proceedings against Balasubramanian within two months and intimate to the court through its counsel the action taken against him.

Records showed that Balasubramanian had indulged in illegal activities and also gone to the extent of forcibly taking possession of a shop owned by the petitioner.

On the court's order, the Dindigul Superintendent of Police had taken possession of the office and restored it to the petitioner.

But he was indulging in illegal activities using his status as an advocate because the BCI did not approve his removal by the BCTP, the petitioner submitted.

Similar representation had been given against advocates S Saravanakumar and V Subramani to the BCTP.

The Standing counsel for the BCTP submitted that the council was taking appropriate action against the two advocates based on the representation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Monday nabbed a man who is believed to have played a key role in smuggling a large cache of heroin into the state from Pakistan through the sea route a few months back.

The accused, Arshad Sotta, was arrested from the Indo- Nepal border, said an ATS release here.

Sotta was a key person in smuggling the contraband into Gujarat from Pakistan through a boat, it said.

Sotta, a native of Mandvi in Kutch district, is the fourth accused to be arrested by the ATS in connection with a racket involved in selling heroin smuggled from Pakistan using the sea route.

In August, the ATS had arrested two men - Aziz Abdul Bhagad and Rafiq Adam Sumra - from different parts of Gujarat and seized 5kg of heroin worth Rs 14.84 crore in the international market.

While Sumra was held from Mandvi town in Kutch, Bhagad was nabbed from Salaya, a coastal town in Gir Somnath district.

During the probe, it was revealed Bhagad had brought around 300kg of heroin from Pakistan via the sea route and given a large portion of it to Sumra.

Last month, the ATS nabbed one Nazir Ahmed Thakar from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir.

It was alleged that Thakar, a native of Anantnag in Kashmir, allegedly took delivery of a large amount of heroin from Sumra on the instruction of a Punjab-based drug dealer, identified as Simranjeet, who is still at large.

Sotta's alleged involvement in the drug smuggling racket came to light during the questioning of Sumra, Bhagad and Thakar, said the ATS.

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The proposed greenfield airport at Hollongi in Arunachal Pradesh, when completed, would have better facilities than the recently inaugurated Pakyong Airport in Sikkim.

The benefits to come would be beyond one's imagination, the Union minister of state for Civil Aviation said while addressing the valedictory function of the 3-day ATAL (Arunachal Transformational and Aspirational Leaders) conclave here on Sunday.

Citing the advantages of the proposed airport at Hollongi, near here, he said, it has better topography and a larger runway.

"The proposed 2,200 metre runway at the greenfield airport can handle jet aircraft that can provide direct flight service to metro cities.

On demand, flight services can also be extended to international destinations," Sinha said.

A greenfield airport is an aviation facility that is planned, commissioned and built from scratch without destroying an existing structure.

About Rs 1,200 crore would be spent for the project, the 'bhoomi pujan of which will be held in December.

Asked about air connectivity plans in Arunachal Pradesh, Sinha said the entire state would be linked with aviation services in the next 10 years.

The minister said that under UDAAN Scheme, small and big towns in Arunachal would be connected with helicopter, seaplanes and passenger drone services.

He also informed that government is providing subsidy on helicopter services with Rs 2,500 for half an hour air travel.

Under the Chief Ministers Air Connectivity Scheme, all Advanced Landing Ground (ALG)s in the state will be made operational for air services connecting it with Itanagar, Tezu and Pasighat airport, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said.

The chief minister said that tender for operating of air services in the state has been completed and will be finalized soon.

The DoNER Ministry would spend about Rs 350 crore for the initial phase of work in the Hollongi airport.

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"It thrills me no end," activist Gautam Navlakha said here Monday after the Delhi High Court allowed his release from house arrest.

The activist was one of the five put under house arrest in connection with the violence in Koregaon-Bhima in Maharashtra.

Navlakha added that he cannot forget about his co-accused and the tens of thousands of other political prisoners who remain incarcerated for their ideological convictions on account of false charges filed against them.

"The period of house arrest, despite the restrictions imposed, was put to good use, so I hold no grudge," Navlakha, under house arrest since August 28, said in a statement.

The high court granted him the relief, saying the Supreme Court last week had given him the liberty to approach the appropriate forum within four weeks to seek further recourse, which he has availed.

The high court also quashed the trial court's transit remand order which he had challenged before the matter was taken to the apex court.

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On his maiden visit to India as the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres Monday said it is impossible to build a multipolar world without a very relevant role of India.

He also lauded India saying it is becoming a fundamental pillar of multilateralism.

"India is becoming a fundamental pillar of multilateralism, and at the same time, as we want a multipolar world, it is impossible to build a multipolar world without a very relevant role of India," Guterres said.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the UN House, Guterres said India is now becoming a global power, and is batting for a comprehensive approach towards development.

He said the United Nations should work with India, support its development plans and back its leadership in regard to climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Guterres arrived here Monday as the head of the world body and his visit coincides with the commencement of events marking the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

The UN chief will meet the top leadership of the country, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and is likely to discuss key global issues such as climate change and terrorism during his three-day visit.

Ahead of his visit, the UN chief told PTI that India is an "important partner" of the UN in countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism.

Guterres also said there are plans to step up cooperation between the UN and India on strengthening capacity in combating terror financing.

During his visit, Guterres will participate in the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention and call on Modi Tuesday.

He will also deliver a lecture at the India Habitat Centre on the theme of 'Global challenges, global solutions'.

On Tuesday, the UN chief will meet Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and participate in the second re-invest and first assembly of the International Solar Alliance, and energy ministers meet of the Indian Ocean Rim Association member countries.

On October 3, Guterres will attend the 'Champions of Earth' ceremony here and meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

The same day, he will visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar and leave for New York in the early hours of October 4.

Guterres had visited India in July 2016, just months ahead of the election for secretary general.

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Claiming that only half of the over 10 lakh aspirants who apply for civil services exam actually write the test, the UPSC Monday said it has decided to allow the candidates to withdraw from the examination, according to an official statement.

The arrangement will be implemented beginning with Engineering Services Examination, 2019, it said.

Addressing an event Monday, Union Public Service Commission chairman Arvind Saxena said the UPSC's experience with the civil services examination is that roughly 50 per cent of the 10 lakh plus candidates who fill in the application forms for the preliminary exams actually write the papers, the statement said.

The civil services examination is conducted annually by the UPSC in three stages -- preliminary, main and interview -- to select officers for Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) among others.

"The Commission has to book venues, print papers, hire invigilators and ship the documents for all the 10 lakh applicants - which turns out to be a 50 per cent waste of energy and resources," he said on the occasion of the 92nd foundation day celebrations Monday.

Saxena said, "The UPSC's view is that if we are able to work with genuine and serious candidates, we can give them better facilities and make our system more efficient."



A start is being made with the Engineering Services Examination, 2019 and more examinations will be brought under this arrangement, the statement issued by Personnel Ministry said.

In order to avail this facility, the candidate has to provide details of application, it said.

Separate One-Time Passwords (OTPs) will be sent on candidate's registered mobile number and e-mail id.

"On successful completion of withdrawal of application, confirmation message will be sent on e-mail and also an SMS. Once application has been withdrawn, it cannot be revived," the statement said.

With a view to reduce the stress for the candidates, the UPSC has brought an increasing number of exam related interactions and transactions online.

In this regard, Saxena said the UPSC is also moving ahead with shifting from a 'pen and paper' mode of examination to a computer-based mode.

"Apart from making the examination process more candidate-friendly, the new systems also serves to cut down the time cycle for each examination," he said.

Bearing in mind the aspirations of the youth for better job opportunities, the chairman said that the Commission is now disclosing the scores and ranking of the non-recommended candidates in some examinations on its website and further linking it with the "National Career Services" portal of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

He said, central ministries and organisations can, conceivably take advantage of this arrangement wherein candidates who have cleared a rigorous screening process in the civil services, engineering services or combined medical services examinations, but could not find a place in the merit list due to constraints of vacancies, can now look forward to being picked up for other government, public sector or private sector jobs, from the same data base.

The measure should obviate the need for conducting of multiple and separate examinations by different organizations for posts with similar entry level qualifications, he added.

"This will reduce the stress on young job aspirants and also the time taken for recruitment by various bodies," Saxena said.

He also referred to the recent judgment of Supreme Court regarding appointment of DGPs of states as well as the government's proposal of lateral entry into the services.

He said these developments have heightened the responsibilities of UPSC.

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Arizona prosecutor Rachel Mitchell. Photo: Pool/Getty Images

Rachel Mitchell, the Arizona sex crimes prosecutor who questioned Christine Blasey Ford last Thursday on behalf of Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans, wrote in a memo that no reasonable prosecutor would bring a case against Brett Kavanaugh based on Fords accusations.

Of course, a Senate confirmation hearing is not a criminal trial, which Mitchell acknowledged. Still, in the memo released late Sunday, she wrote, the world in which I work is the legal world, not the political world. Thus, I can only provide my assessment of Dr. Fords allegations in that legal context.

In the legal context, here is my bottom line: A he said, she said case is incredibly difficult to prove. But this case is even weaker than that. Dr. Ford identified other witnesses to the event, and those witnesses either refuted her allegations or failed to corroborate them. For the reasons discussed below, I do not think that a reasonable prosecutor would bring this case based on the evidence before the Committee. Nor do I believe that this evidence is sufficient to satisfy the preponderance-of-the-evidence standard.

Mitchell went on to poke holes in Fords story of a sexual assault at the hands of a teenage Kavanaugh. The prosecutor wrote that Fords account of when the incident took place has been inconsistent. She took issue with Fords inability to remember details from the night in question, such as how she got to the party where the alleged assault took place. And Mitchell wrote that Ford has struggled to recall important recent events relating to her allegations.

At times in the memo, Mitchell seems to echo Kavanaughs defense against Fords charge, such as when she wrote that the alleged assault has not been corroborated by anyone she identified as having attended  including her lifelong friend. Kavanaugh repeated some variation on this several times at Thursdays hearing.

Mitchell ends the memo by pointing her finger at congressional Democrats and Fords lawyers, saying their activities likely affected Fords testimony. She then painstakingly lays out a timeline attempting to demonstrate that.

Notably absent from Mitchells memo is any mention of the few questions she was able to ask Kavanaugh before GOP senators stopped ceding their time to her.
In a relief for Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the election commission on Monday disqualified an independent who defeated the veteran politician in the polls to the Punjab provincial assembly and dashed his hopes of becoming the chief minister of the politically crucial state, according to a media report.

Independent candidate Muhammad Salman defeated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's Qureshi from PP-217, Multan during the July 25 polls, was disqualified as he did not meet the age requirement.

The decision came on a petition which stated that Salman was not eligible to be a lawmaker as he did not meet the age requirements, Geo reported.

The Election Commission of Pakistan stated, "According to the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) records, Muhammad Salman was under 25 years and thus not eligible to contest the election."



The poll body also withdrew his victory notification.

Salman contested the 2018 General Election from PP-217 as an independent candidate and secured 35,294 votes dashing Qureshi's hopes of becoming Punjab chief minister, Dawn reported.

The 62-year-old PTI leader had received 31,716 votes.

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India is not in favour of reopening some clauses of the Paris agreement on climate change and this has been largely accepted, a top Ministry official said Monday.

Secretary C K Mishra said India will not be adversely impacted in the wake of the Trump administration pulling out of the historic climate agreement.

The Paris agreement aims to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by keeping a global temperature rise this century well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

"In all our negotiations, that we are having today or we are going to have tomorrow, the US is part of it. There has been a talk of reopening of some of the clauses of Paris agreement.

"India is not in favour and that has been largely accepted. So as of now, if the the US is with us, it strengthens the climate change negotiations, but I dont think we are having an adverse impact affect as far as negotiations are concerned," Mishra told reporters.

He was asked whether there will be any adverse effect on India after US pulled out of the Paris agreement.

The Paris agreement, signed in 2015 also aims to strengthen the ability of countries to deal with the impacts of climate change.

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India ranks fifth, jointly with Hong Kong and Thailand, in terms of the largest pictorial warning on cigarette packs with 85 per cent of both sides of the packets covered, a Canadian Cancer Society report released on Monday said.

The Cigarette Package Health Warnings: International Status Report 2018 highlighted that 118 countries worldwide have made pictorial warnings mandatory, representing a global public health achievement, and 58 per cent of the world's population is covered by this regulation.

Timor-Leste has the largest warnings on cigarette packages in the world with 92.5 per cent on front and back, followed by Nepal and Vanuatu with 90 per cent and New Zealand at fourth with 87.5 per cent.

In the 2016 report, Nepal and Vanuatu were top-ranked with 90 per cent of the cigarette packet covered by pictorial warnings, while India secured the third position.

The current report is the sixth Canadian Cancer Society international report on cigarette package health warnings. Previous reports were published in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016.

The report released in Geneva at the 8th session of the Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) revealed that there was tremendous international momentum for plain packaging of tobacco.

There are now 25 countries and territories moving forward with plain packaging, with nine having adopted the measure and 16 working on it.

The Canadian Cancer Society report documents global progress on plain packaging, ranks 206 countries and territories based on the size of their health warnings on cigarette packages, and lists countries and territories that require graphic picture warnings.

The report found that 118 countries and territories now require pictorial health warnings on cigarette packages, up from 100 in 2016. In 2001, Canada became the first country to make picture health warnings mandatory.

A total of 107 countries require warnings to cover at least 50 per cent of the package, both front and back (on average), up from 94 in 2016 and 24 in 2008.

There are now 55 countries/jurisdictions that require at least 65 per cent (on average) of the package, front and back, be covered with warning, the report said.

In India, the current regulation of pictorial warnings on both sides of packages of cigarettes, bidis and all forms of chewing tobacco products came into effect in April 2016 upon the direction of the Rajasthan High Court and subsequently Supreme Court.

Bhavna Mukhopadhyay, chief executive, Voluntary Health Association of India, said, "India has demonstrated global leadership by implementing the quit-line number on all tobacco packages and we appeal to the government to get these trend setting warnings to help more people quit. India will serve as a positive model for other countries, thus benefitting public health worldwide.

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India and Uzbekistan Monday inked 17 pacts to boost ties in key areas including defence after extensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on a host of important bilateral and regional issues such as Afghanistan and counter-terrorism.

The two countries will also hold joint military training exercises in counter-terrorism and cooperate in the field of military education and medicine, a joint statement issued after the meeting between the leaders said.

The two leaders also agreed to strengthen collaboration between law enforcement agencies of the two countries under the framework of the Uzbekistan-India Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, the document said.

"We have had very comprehensive discussions. We have taken a long-term view to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries," Modi said at a joint media event with the Uzbekistan president.

The two sides signed 17 pacts in sectors of defence, agriculture, science and technology and space, among others, which was termed "historic" by the Uzbek president.

Modi and Mirziyoyev also discussed regional security, including the situation in Afghanistan, and asserted that dialogue was the only way to bring peace in the war-torn country.

On his part, Mirziyoyev said the strategic partnership with India is "one of the most important priorities" for his country.

On the defence front, the two sides agreed to work closely to expand and strengthen defence ties as well as defence industry cooperation, the joint statement said.

Both sides have also called for early finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

Uzbekistan will also set up a defence wing at its embassy here, the statement said.

Noting the importance of a safe and secure regional environment for development and prosperity, the two sides agreed to work closely in addressing threats and challenges to national as well as regional security.

Modi said a stable, democratic, inclusive and prosperous Afghanistan was beneficial for everyone. "The two countries have decided to have regular contact in this regard," he said.

Mirziyoyev said the "common opinion" of the two countries was that "there is no military solution to this problem. The only way to peace is a political dialogue between the government of Afghanistan and the opposition."



Uzbekistan shares a border with Afghanistan.

As per the joint statement, the two leaders reiterated support for efforts of the government and the people for a genuine Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled peace and reconciliation process that would allow for a peaceful, secure, united, inclusive and prosperous nation.

"The sides shared the view that countering terrorism in all its forms and manifestations without distinction is important for sustainable peace and security in Afghanistan. They expressed continued support for reconstruction and revival of the country. The sides agreed to have regular dialogue," the statement said.

The two leaders also discussed connectivity in the region and agreed to explore various options to enhance surface connectivity between them.

Modi thanked the Uzbek side for their support to India's membership to the Ashgabat Agreement, and expressed hopes that Uzbekistan would also join the International North-South Transport Corridor.

"We have agreed to closely cooperate in the sphere of developing new transport connectivity corridor," Mirziyoyev said.

He also said Uzbekistan supported India's entry in the United Nations Security Council. The two leaders resolved to enhance cooperation at the Shanghai Cooperation Agreement and other international fora.

Mirziyoyev observed that despite the robust ties between the two sides, bilateral trade remained at USD 300 million. Modi said the two sides have decided to scale it up to USD 1 billion by 2020.

Both the sides agreed to constitute an expert group between India and Uzbekistan to conduct a Joint Feasibility Study and commence negotiations for the India-Uzbekistan Preferential Trade Agreement by the end of 2018.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held comprehensive talks Monday to broaden the scope of bilateral partnership and step up cooperation in key areas such as defence and counter-terrorism.

The two sides signed 17 pacts in the sectors of defence, agriculture, science and technology and space, among others, which was termed "historic" by the Uzbek president.

The two leaders also discussed regional security, including the situation in Afghanistan, and asserted that dialogue was the only way to bring peace in the war-torn country.

"We have had very comprehensive discussions. We have taken a long-term view to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries," a statement quoted Modi as saying.

On his part, Mirziyoyev said the strategic partnership with India is "one of the most important priorities" of Uzbekistan.

Defence has been an important aspect in the India-Uzbekistan ties. In this regard, the two sides agreed to work closely to expand and strengthen defence ties as well as defence industry cooperation, the joint statement said.

Both sides have agreed to hold joint military training exercises in counter-terrorism and cooperate in the field of military education and medicine, it said.

They agreed to strengthen cooperation between the law enforcement agencies and special services of the two countries, including under the framework of the Uzbekistan-India Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism.

Both sides have also called for early finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

Uzbekistan will also set up a defence wing at its embassy here, the statement said.

Noting the importance of a safe and secure regional environment for development and prosperity, the two sides agreed to work closely in addressing threats and challenges to national as well as regional security.

Modi said a stable, democratic, inclusive and prosperous Afghanistan was beneficial for everyone.

"The two countries have decided to have regular contact in this regard," he said.

Mirziyoyev said the "common opinion" of the two countries was that "there is no military solution to this problem. The only way to peace is a political dialogue between the government of Afghanistan and the opposition."



Uzbekistan shares a border with Afghanistan.

"They reiterated support for efforts of the government and the people for a genuine Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled peace and reconciliation process that would allow for a peaceful, secure, united, inclusive and prosperous nation.

"The sides shared the view that countering terrorism in all its forms and manifestations without distinction is important for sustainable peace and security in Afghanistan. They expressed continued support for reconstruction and revival of the country. The sides agreed to have regular dialogue," the joint statement said.

The two leaders also discussed connectivity in the region and agreed to explore various options to enhance surface connectivity between them.

Modi thanked the Uzbek side for their support to India's membership to the Ashgabat Agreement, and expressed hopes that Uzbekistan would also join the International North South Transport Corridor.

"We have agreed to closely cooperate in the sphere of developing new transport connectivity corridor," Mirziyoyev said.

He added that his country supported India's entry in the United Nations Security Council. The two leaders resolved to enhance cooperation at the Shanghai Cooperation Agreement and other international fora.

Mirziyoyev observed that despite the robust ties between the two sides, bilateral trade remained at USD 300 million. Modi said the two sides have decided to scale it up to USD 1 billion by 2020.

Both the sides agreed to constitute an expert group between India and Uzbekistan to conduct a Joint Feasibility Study and commence negotiations for the India-Uzbekistan Preferential Trade Agreement by the end of 2018.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India and Uzbekistan inked 17 agreements on Monday, including for visa free travel for diplomatic passport holders and cooperation in the fields of tourism, national security, training of diplomats and trafficking.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held delegation level talks and agreed to collaborate with each other across sectors.

The agreements signed between the two countries included collaboration on military education, agriculture and allied sectors, cooperation on science and technology and in the field of health and medical science.

An MoU was also signed on cooperation in the pharma sector.

The two countries have also agreed to cooperate in combating trafficking and illicit narcotic drugs.

The two countries will also cooperate in exploring the outer space for peaceful purposes. Business relationships between the two countries will be promoted through the India-Uzbekistan Business Council, for which an agreement was signed.

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India and Uzbekistan Monday agreed to set up an expert group to carry out a joint feasibility study for a trade agreement to boost economic ties between the countries.

The two "sides agreed to constitute an expert group between India and Uzbekistan to conduct joint feasibility study and commence negotiations for India-Uzbekistan Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) by the end of 2018," a joint statement said.

Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was here for a two-day state visit. The statement was issued after the meeting of Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Narendra Modi here.

Under a PTA, two trading partners reduce or eliminate duties on certain number of goods traded between them to promote commercial ties.

The two leaders also emphasised on the need to further enhance efforts to achieve the target of bilateral trade of USD 1 billion by 2020.

"The sides agreed to work towards balancing the trade between the two sides by reducing the existing trade deficit," it said.

The bilateral trade between the countries stood at USD 235 million in 2017-18. It was USD 155.5 million in 2016-17.

Both the countries decided to work closely to expand and diversify bilateral trade.

For this, the two countries agreed to have comprehensive discussions between the relevant ministries and agencies of the two countries, and to encourage their business communities, companies and enterprises to participate in exhibitions, trade fairs, business forums and other joint business activities.

To promote investments, the two leaders agreed to promote the establishment of long-term among interested companies and business community.

"The sides agreed to expand cooperation in the IT Sector. They expressed their readiness to explore possibilities of cooperation for opening of branches of Indian Universities/Institutions in the IT, Tourism and hotel management sector in Uzbekistan," it said.

The Uzbek side expressed their interest for establishment of an IT park in Uzbekistan in cooperation with Indian IT companies.

Underlining the importance of food and nutrition security, the two sides resolved to enhance cooperation in agriculture and allied activities by way of exchange of technology in crop production, improved water use efficiency, plant quarantine, animal husbandry, food processing and enhanced agriculture and food trade.

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PoK's "Prime Minister" Raja Farooq Haider has claimed that the white chopper he was travelling in was "very close" to the but within Pakistan's airspace, and that there was no need to inform the Indian authorities about the flight as it was not a military helicopter.

The said on Sunday that a Pakistani chopper violated the Indian airspace along the (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir but turned back after it was "engaged by air sentries".

Indian officials claimed that the white helicopter crossed into the Indian airspace in Gulpur sector and hovered over there for sometime before turning back.

Three forward posts fired small arms after noticing the airspace violation, the sources said.

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) leader Haider said he was travelling with two ministers and his personal staff officer in a civilian white-coloured aircraft on Sunday when it was attacked near Abbaspur village.

Talking to Dawn, Haider said the incident took place at around 12:10 PM.

"I had gone to Forward Kahuta to condole the death of the brother of one of my ministers and meet the residents of the area adjacent to the While we were passing through Abbaspur, the suddenly opened fire at my helicopter. Luckily, we remained unhurt and the helicopter was not damaged," he said.

"We were very close to zero line but we were within our space. Moreover, it was a civilian helicopter so the should not have opened fire at it," Haider said.

He said that military helicopters, on both sides, intimate each other before flying according to the standard operating procedure.

As it was a civilian helicopter, there was no need to intimate about it, Haider said, adding that he frequently travels in the area but such an incident had never happened.

He said that he would formally take up the matter with the government of to pursue the issue and take appropriate action.

Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly and Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shahbaz Sharif said the attack was a severe violation of international and bilateral laws and also against the diplomatic norms.

Sharif's PML-N rules and Haider is a leading member of the party.

Pakistan's Foreign Office has so far not commented on the incident.
Prominent Indian-American economist Gita Gopinath was appointed as chief economist of the International Monetary Fund, the financial body's chief Christine Lagarde announced Monday.

"Gita is one of the world's outstanding economists, with impeccable academic credentials, a proven track record of intellectual leadership, and extensive international experience," Lagarde said.

"All this makes her exceptionally well-placed to lead our Research Department at this important juncture. I am delighted to name such a talented figure as our Chief Economist," she said.

Gita, 46, will succeed Maurice (Maury) Obstfeld, who announced in July that he would retire at the end of 2018.

She currently serves as the John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and Economics at Harvard University.

A US citizen, she was born and grew up in India. She received her Ph.D. in economics from Princeton University in 2001 after earning a B.A. from the University of Delhi and M.A. degrees from both the Delhi School of Economics and University of Washington.

She joined the University of Chicago in 2001 as an Assistant Professor before moving to Harvard in 2005. She became a tenured Professor there in 2010.

She is co-editor of the American Economic Review and co-director of the International Finance and Macroeconomics Program at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). She is co-editor of the current Handbook of International Economics with Former IMF Economic Counsellor Kenneth Rogoff.

She has authored some 40 research articles on exchange rates, trade and investment, international financial crises, monetary policy, debt, and emerging market crises.

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Injured Indian Navy sailor Abhilash Tomy, rescued in a multi-nation operation from the remote Indian Ocean near Australia, is set to return home, the Australian Navy said on Monday.

Last month, 39-year-old Tomy, a Kirti Chakra awardee, who was sailing his boat as part of the Golden Globe Race (GGR) - a solo sailboat race around the world -- drifted in the seas for three days. His boat was hit by a deadly storm, about 1,900 nautical miles from Perth, Australia. The main mast of his boat was ripped off by around 15-metre high waves.

Tomy, who suffered a back injury, is being picked up by the Indian Navy frigate INS Satpura for return to India, the Australian Navy said in a statement in Sydney.

Tomy and Irishman Gregor McGuckin, competitors in round-the-world Golden Globe race were rescued by the French fishing vessel Osiris on last Monday and taken to Ile Amsterdam, an island in the southern Indian Ocean.

"We are very pleased that both yachtsmen are now safe," Australia's navy chief Vice Admiral Mike Noonan said in a statement.

The rescue operation was assisted by the Indian Navy's maritime surveillance aircraft P 8i and the Australian Navy had sent one of its frigate as part of the operation.

Tomy's boat, the Thuriya, is a replica of Robin Knox-Johnston's Suhaili, winner of the first Golden Globe Race in 1968.

Tomy, who hails from Kerala, was placed third in the race when he faced the storm.

The Golden Globe race involves a single-handed circumnavigation of the globe - a distance of 30,000 miles - without using modern technology, except for satellite communications.

Competitors started from France on 1 July; seven boats have so far withdrawn from the race.

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Team Kava-nope. Photo: Sarah Morris/Getty Images

Last Thursday, Brett Kavanaugh directed his rebuttal of Christine Blasey Fords sexual assault allegation squarely at the Republican base. In a partisan diatribe  without precedent in the history of Supreme Court confirmation hearings  Kavanaugh declared himself the victim of a smear campaign waged on behalf of the Clintons and funded by millions of dollars in money from outside left-wing opposition groups. He treated Democratic senators with open contempt, baldly lying in response to some of their questions  asking indignantly if his interlocutors ever got blackout drunk in response to others.

If Kavanaughs goal was to broaden support for his nomination among the general public  and/or, ease the concerns of ambivalent Senate moderates  then his performance made little sense. By portraying himself as an enemy of the Clintons and the left, Kavanaugh gave institutionalists a rationale for rejecting his nomination that didnt even depend on the credibility of Fords claims. And yet, this tactic also gave the Republican base more cause for insisting on his confirmation, as opposed to that of a conservative judge like him. After Kavanaughs searing testimony, replacing him with Amy Coney Barrett wouldnt be a mere inconvenience, but an act of capitulation to Hillary Clintons goons.

For the moment, it looks like Kavanaughs gamble paid off. After Fords testimony, many GOP operatives and commentators began suggesting that they might have to throw Brett overboard; after Kavanaughs angry, weepy tirade against the Democratic inquisition, the party rallied behind him. True, Jeff Flake forced a few more days of investigation into the allegations against Kavanaugh, but, by all appearances, that FBI inquiry is for display only.

And now, a new CBS News/YouGov poll confirms that Kavanaughs performance had its desired effect on the GOP base. Last week, 69 percent of GOP voters said the Senate should confirm Kavanaugh; after Thursdays hearing, that figure rose to 75 percent. Meanwhile, 46 percent of Republicans say they would be angry (as opposed to merely disappointed) if Kavanaugh was rejected.

But among the public writ large, Thursdays events appear to have had the opposite effect. Last week, 32 percent of voters favored Kavanaughs confirmation, 30 percent opposed, while the rest felt it too soon to say. Now, 37 percent oppose, while 35 percent support. This flip to (very narrow) plurality opposition was driven by an eight-point increase in Democratic voters disapproval of Kavanaugh.

Those findings comport with a broader polling trend that began well before Fords allegations came to light: The longer Kavanaugh has been in the public eye, the less popular he has become.

Delaying the Kavanaugh vote by a week means one more week for polls to come in, and the polling trend isn't great:https://t.co/kxParqjCwF pic.twitter.com/8ITt15py1J  Micah Cohen (@micahcohen) September 28, 2018

Nevertheless, theres reason to believe that Kavanaughs declining net support over the past few days was informed by Fords testimony, and not just a continuation of the long-run trend. A YouGov poll published over the weekend found that plurality of Americans found Ford more credible. As the Huffington Posts Ariel Edwards-Levy noted:

Americans said, 41 to 30 percent, that they believed Ford was telling the truth; they were split, 35 percent to 38 percent on whether Kavanaugh was similarly honest. (Those who reported having personally watched at least some of the hearings  a majority of the country  said, 52 to 36, that they believed Blasey. They were split 44 to 46 on whether they believed Kavanaugh.)

All of which is to say: Kavanaughs decision to pitch his case at the GOP base last Thursday succeeded in making it more politically difficult for Republican senators to reject his nomination. But that victory might come at a cost to vulnerable Republican officeholders this fall, as it threatens to make Kavanaughs confirmation into a wedge issue  particularly, in battleground House districts, where college-educated women can make or break Paul Ryans majority.
Indian-origin MP Priti Patel, one of the most outspoken British politicians in favour of Brexit, Monday called on Prime Minister Theresa May to be less defensive in her strategy for the UK's exit from the European Union.

The former UK Cabinet member and senior Conservative party leader spoke out as Britain's ruling party is holding its annual party conference in Birmingham, where Brexit has been dominating the agenda.

Patel, often referred to by the media as one of the contenders for the top job as British PM, said Prime Minister May's so-called Chequers strategy to strike a Brexit deal was not good enough and that alternatives were required after it had been ruled out as "unworkable" at a European Union (EU) summit in Salzburg last month.

"Theresa May has a good opportunity, post-Salzburg, not to be so defensive about Chequers but look at different ideas and approaches around advanced free trade arrangements," she said.

"However it is packaged up, Chequers is not the referendum mandate. It is not going to give us our freedom, our democracy. Chequers will make us rule-takers. It will mean we won't control our laws, and we won't have democratic control," said Patel, who has previously served as international development secretary in May's Cabinet.

The MP for Witham in Essex, who had campaigned vehemently in favour of a Leave vote in the 2016 EU referendum, said the Chequers strategy in favour of a common rulebook approach with the EU on trade limits Britain's freedom to have an independent trade policy that would allow it to "stand tall in the world".

"Although we won the referendum, we have yet to win Brexit... Too many people who are supposed to be on the negotiating side lack belief in our country. But we stand on the side of the British public, on the side of freedom and democracy, as we stand up for Brexit," Patel said.

During her fiery speech at the conference, the Tory MP also attacked the EU for its "unreasonable" stance in the negotiations.

"We must say no to their bullying and no to their unreasonable demands, and no to the 40 billion pound divorce settlement. Over the next six months, we must prepare our country for all eventualities," she said.

Patel also lashed out at the Opposition Labour party, including former Prime Minister Tony Blair, for "talking down to British public" in trying to overturn the referendum result by calling for second vote.

"Some call it the People's Vote. But in practice, it's a second referendum," she said.

Brexit has dominated the Tory party conference, which is set to conclude on Wednesday with May's keynote address expected to set the course for future talks with the EU.

While she has maintained her Chequers plan is the only one on the table, Brexiteers feel it keeps the UK far too close to Brussels and does not fulfil the Leave campaign's promise during the 2016 referendum campaign to "take back control".

EU leaders have rejected the plan because they believe it would undermine the single market principles of the economic bloc by allowing the UK to "cherry pick" from EU law.

The British PM has repeatedly said that it is now up to the EU to come up with viable alternatives as the March 29, 2019, deadline for Britain's formal exit nears.

The UK government has said it will not agree to anything that divides Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK.

The Conservative party's MPs are deeply divided over the issue, with critics such as former foreign secretary Boris Johnson openly attacking Theresa May while others like UK Chancellor Philip Hammond speaking out in her favour.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Barely a week after competing on the 22-yards, the bitter Indo-Pak rivalry resumed albeit on a different 'pitch' where ICC's Dispute Resolution Forum heard PCB's USD 70 million compensation claim against BCCI for allegedly not honouring bilateral series agreement.

Monday was the first day of the hearing and it will conclude on Wednesday.

The three-member ICC panel headed by Michael Beloff, along with Jan Paulsson and Dr Annabelle Bennett heard first day's proceedings.

The BCCI is being represented by Dubai-based law firm Herbert Smith Freehills along with British Lawyer QC Ian Mills. BCCI's own battery of Indian lawyers are also present.

The PCB's contention has been that Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2014 by erstwhile BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel is binding. The MoU stated that the two neighbours were supposed to play six series in eight years between 2015-2023.

Four of those series was supposed to be hosted by Pakistan that included 24 matches across three formats. The six tours would have constituted 56 games which included 14 Tests, 30 ODIs and 12 T20Is.

However, BCCI maintained that the contract is no longer legally binding as PCB didn't support BCCI's 'Big Three' revenue sharing model where India, Australia and England would have got bigger share of the profit pie.

"There is no question of even paying a single penny to PCB. They went back on their promise. The agreement was based on their support for our revenue model," a senior BCCI official said.

The BCCI has also maintained that unless the government of India gives green light, it will not be possible for them to play a bilateral series against Pakistan.

"We have been pretty consistent in our stand that without government approval, we won't be able to play Pakistan," said the official.

Many PCB officials feel that BCCI has not shown enough intent or purpose to convince the government as no Test series has been played since 2007.

Since 2008 terror attack in Mumbai, the situation has been pretty sensitive.

PCB chairman Ehsan Mani during the recent Asia Cup told the mediapersons that situation had gone "beyond amicable settlement".

"This process has already gone beyond resolving it amicably. Had I been involved when the dispute happened, every effort would have been made to sort it bilaterally. Unfortunately, we are where we are. We have to still progress, but my doors are always open," said the former ICC president, who has just taken over from Najam Sethi.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An Indonesian man has been arrested by the customs officials for allegedly trying to smuggle out foreign currency worth about Rs 96 lakh at the Delhi airport, an official statement said Monday.

The accused was intercepted at the airport when he was proceeding to board a flight to Singapore on Friday.

A detailed personal and baggage search of the passenger resulted in the recovery of USD 1,30,000, concealed in his checked in baggage and a specially stitched jacket having three pockets on the inner side of the back portion, the customs department said in the statement.

On enquiry, the passenger admitted that he had smuggled gold weighing three kilograms concealed in the said jacket into India on his arrival on September 25, and the recovered foreign currency was the sale proceed of the smuggled gold, it said.

The foreign currency, equivalent to Rs 95.74 lakh, has been seized and the passenger was arrested, the statement added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Global grouping of securities regulators IOSCO Monday launched its week-long campaign to promote initiatives for investor education and protection.

In Japan, where financial markets are the first in the world to open every morning, the Financial Services Agency inaugurated World Investor Week (WIW) in Tokyo, IOSCO said in a release.

During October 1-7, securities regulators, stock exchanges, international organisations, investor associations and other stakeholders from over 80 countries



would organise various activities.

Activities range from the organisation of workshops and conferences to local and national investor education campaigns, games and contests. Some of these events would continue throughout the rest of the year, the release said.

"The global scale of World Investor Week and the encouraging collaboration between IOSCO members and their stakeholders in conducting these activities demonstrates IOSCO's strong commitment to investor education and protection," Ashley Alder, chair of the IOSCO board and CEO of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission said.

Markets regulator Sebi is a member of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Janta Dal (United) Monday demanded adequate security for its candidates contesting the urban local body elections in the valley, claiming that many of them have received threat calls.

However, it said the party would not be cowed down by these threats and take part in the upcoming panchayat, Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

"Our candidates in the Valley are being threatened to withdraw from the polls. They are receiving anonymous threat calls asking them to keep their shrouds ready," state JD(U) president G M Shaheen told reporters here.

He said the matter was taken up with the authorities at the local level and a written complaint was submitted to Director General of Police Dilbag Singh.

"We want a high level inquiry into the threats. We want the people behind it be identified and dealt accordingly as per the law," Shaheen said.

He alleged that the culprits could be militants. He added that involvement of people from mainstream parties like the National Conference and the PDP could also not be ruled out.

Claiming that the security concerns of the party was not properly addressed by the governor administration, he said the threat to the candidates need to be taken seriously and appropriate measures taken to ensure secure atmosphere for free and fair polls.

"Among those threatened are two party candidates from summer capital Srinagar. Our candidates braved the dictates and joined the electoral battle on the assurance that adequate security will be provided," he said.

He alleged that the government had failed to provide a conducive atmosphere, especially in the Valley.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Chief Justice of India-Designate, Justice Ranjan Gogoi on Monday praised the outgoing CJI Dipak Misra saying that his greatest contribution has been to civil liberties, and cited his recent verdicts in this regard.

Justice Gogoi, who will be sworn-in as the CJI on Wednesday, said Justice Misra was a remarkable judge.

He said that "if we fail in endeavour to hold true to our Constitutional ideals, we will continue to kill, hate each other", and added that the judges in the Supreme Court are all committed and they will remain committed.

"We live in times when what we should eat, wear have stopped being little things of our personal lives," Justice Gogoi said while addressing the farewell function for the CJI.

Justice Misra will retire as the CJI on Tuesday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Delhi High Court on Monday allowed Gautam Navlakha, one of the five rights activists arrested in connection with Koregaon-Bhima case, to be freed from house arrest.

The high court granted him the relief saying that the Supreme Court last week had given him the liberty to approach the appropriate forum within four weeks to seek relief, which he has availed.

The high court also quashed the trial court's transit remand order which he had challenged before the matter was taken to the apex court.

The court said Navlakha's detention has exceeded 24 hours which was "untenable".
The Pune police said government lawyers in Maharashtra were studying the Delhi High Court's Monday order freeing rights activist Gautam Navlakha, held in the Koregaon-Bhima case, from house arrest.

The future course of action will be decided after government pleaders give their legal opinion on the matter, a senior police officer said.

Navlakha is one of the five rights activists who was arrested by the Pune police in August-end in connection with the Koregaon-Bhima case.

The Delhi HC freed Navlakha from house arrest saying the Supreme Court last week had given him the liberty to approach the appropriate forum within four weeks to seek further recourse, which he has availed.

Granting relief to Navlakha, the high court also quashed the trial court's transit remand order which he had challenged before the matter was taken to the Supreme Court.

"Our government pleaders are studying the order of the high court and our investigating officer is also travelling to the national capital. So after obtaining their legal opinion, the further course of action will be decided," said Shivaji Bodkhe, the Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), Pune police.

Navlakha was arrested from the national capital on August 28. The other four activists were arrested from different parts of the country.

They were arrested in connection with an FIR lodged following a conclave -- 'Elgaar Parishad' -- held on December 31 last year that had allegedly triggered violence at Koregaon-Bhima village near Pune on January 1.

The five activists -- Varavara Rao, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj and Navlakha -- were put under house arrest on August 29 following an apex court order.

Rao, a prominent Telugu poet, was arrested on August 28 from Hyderabad, while activists Gonsalves and Ferreira were nabbed from Mumbai and trade union activist Sudha Bharadwaj from Faridabad in Haryana.

The police have claimed that all the five have links with Maoists.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Delhi High Court on Monday freed Gautam Navlakha from house arrest, five weeks after he along with four other rights activists were arrested in connection with the Koregaon-Bhima violence in Maharashtra.

Granting relief to Navlakha, the high court also quashed the trial court's transit remand order which he had challenged before the matter was taken to the Supreme Court.

The high court refused to accept the submission of Maharashtra government that his house arrest be extended by two days since the apex court, by its last week verdict, had also extended it by four weeks.

A bench of Justices S Muralidhar and Vinod Goel said the apex court had extended the house arrest by four weeks to enable the activists to avail appropriate legal remedy and the extension was for this limited purpose and Navlakha has availed it.

Setting aside the August 28 order of chief metropolitan magistrate granting Navlakha's transit remand to Pune Police, it said there was non-compliance of basic provisions of the Constitution and the CrPC which were mandatory in nature.

Holding that the trial court order was unsustainable in law, the court said Navlakha's detention has exceeded 24 hours which was "untenable".

"In view of Section 56 read with Section 57 of the CrPC and absence of remand order of the CMM, the detention of the petitioner has clearly exceeded 24 hours which is untenable in law. Consequently the house arrest of the petitioner comes to an end now," the court said allowing the petition filed on behalf of Navlakha challenging his arrest and the transit remand order of the trial court.

The court made it clear that this order will not preclude the state of Maharashtra from proceeding further.

Navlakha was arrested from the national capital on August 28. The other four activists were arrested from different parts of the country.

The Maharashtra police had arrested the activists on August 28 in connection with an FIR lodged following a conclave -- 'Elgaar Parishad' -- held on December 31 last year that had allegedly triggered violence later at Koregaon-Bhima village in the state.

While setting aside the trial court's order, the bench said the CMM has overlooked that under the provisions of the Constitution, the arrested person has to be given grounds of arrest and mere intimation of arrest to his partner or friend will not suffice.

The court said that in the transit remand order, the CMM has noted the submissions of the investigating officer of the case but the magistrate did not think it necessary to record the submissions of the legal aid counsel, who was provided to Navlakha.

The bench said the appearance of the legal aid counsel was "cosmetic" and not in true spirit of Article 21 and the provision of the Legal Services Authority Act.

The court said there was no indication in the trial court order that it asked the IO to show the case diary or saw the case diary.

The bench noted that when the case had come up before it initially the case diary and relevant documents were in Marathi language and they were not translated.

"In all probabilities when the IO appeared before the CMM, the case diary was in Marathi and if he (CMM) had asked for case diary, he would not have understood it," it noted.

In the Koregaon-Bhima case, the five activists -- Varavara Rao, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj and Gautam Navlakha -- were put under house arrest on August 29 following an apex court order on the plea by historian Romila Thapar, economists Prabhat Patnaik and Devaki Jain, sociology professor Satish Deshpande and human rights lawyer Maja Daruwala against the police action.

Rao, a prominent Telugu poet, was arrested on August 28 from Hyderabad, while Gonsalves and Ferreira were nabbed from Mumbai. Bharadwaj was arrrested from Faridabad in Haryana.

During the hearing, advocate Nitya Ramakrishnan, appearing for Navlakha, argued that the transit remand should be quashed as the CMM could not have understood any documents being written in Marathi and no case diary was provided to the trial court as mandated under the statute.

She contended that the FIR was lodged in January this year and the activists were arrested in August 2018, there was no hurry and the police could have got the documents translated.

When the bench said Navlakha's detention was for more than 15 days which was not permissible, the counsel for the Maharashtra government said it was under the orders of the Supreme Court and not the magistrate.

The counsel also read out portions of the apex court's September 28 verdict by which it had refused to interfere with the arrest of the five rights activists and had also refused the plea seeking their immediate release.

While hearing the submissions, the bench also referred to the recent verdict of the Supreme Court which has ordered the Kerala government to pay Rs 50 lakh compensation to former ISRO scientist S Nambi Narayanan in the 1994 espionage case for wrongful imprisonment, malicious prosecution, humiliation and defamation.

The apex court has asked a former SC judge to find ways and means to take action against the erring police officers responsible for Narayanan's arrest and harassment.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Delhi High Court on Monday freed Gautam Navlakha from house arrest, five weeks after he along with four other rights activists were arrested in connection with the Koregaon-Bhima violence in Maharashtra.

Granting relief to 65-year-old Navlakha, the high court also quashed the trial court's transit remand order which he had challenged before the matter was taken to the Supreme Court.

"From Delhi High Court I have won my freedom. It thrills me no end," said Navlakha after his release.

"The period of house arrest, despite the restrictions imposed, was put to good use, so I hold no grudge," Navlakha, under house arrest in Delhi since August 29, said in a statement.

The high court made it clear that its order will not preclude the state of Maharashtra from proceeding further.

It refused to accept the submission of Maharashtra government that his house arrest be extended by two days since the apex court, by its last week verdict, had also extended it by four weeks.

A bench of Justices S Muralidhar and Vinod Goel said the apex court had extended the house arrest by four weeks to enable the activists to avail appropriate legal remedy and the extension was for this limited purpose and Navlakha has availed it.

Setting aside the August 28 order of chief metropolitan magistrate granting Navlakha's transit remand to Pune Police, it said there was non-compliance of basic provisions of the Constitution and the CrPC which were mandatory in nature.

Holding that the trial court order was unsustainable in law, the court said Navlakha's detention has exceeded 24 hours which was "untenable".

"In view of Section 56 read with Section 57 of the CrPC and absence of remand order of the CMM, the detention of the petitioner has clearly exceeded 24 hours which is untenable in law. Consequently the house arrest of the petitioner comes to an end now," the court said allowing the petition filed on behalf of Navlakha challenging his arrest and the transit remand order of the trial court.

The Maharashtra police had arrested the five activists on August 28 in connection with an FIR lodged following a conclave -- 'Elgaar Parishad' -- held on December 31 last year that had allegedly triggered violence later at Koregaon-Bhima village in the state.

The five activists -- Varavara Rao, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj and Gautam Navlakha -- were put under house arrest on August 29 following an apex court order on the plea by historian Romila Thapar, economists Prabhat Patnaik and Devaki Jain, sociology professor Satish Deshpande and human rights lawyer Maja Daruwala against the police action.

Rao, a prominent Telugu poet, was arrested on August 28 from Hyderabad, while Gonsalves and Ferreira were nabbed from Mumbai. Bharadwaj was arrrested from Faridabad in Haryana while Navlakha was picked up from the national capital.

While setting aside the trial court's order, the bench said the CMM has overlooked that under the provisions of the Constitution, the arrested person has to be given grounds of arrest and mere intimation of arrest to his partner or friend will not suffice.

The court said that in the transit remand order, the CMM has noted the submissions of the investigating officer of the case but the magistrate did not think it necessary to record the submissions of the legal aid counsel, who was provided to Navlakha.

The bench said the appearance of the legal aid counsel was "cosmetic" and not in true spirit of Article 21 and the provision of the Legal Services Authority Act.

The court said there was no indication in the trial court order that it asked the IO to show the case diary or saw the case diary.

The bench noted that when the case had come up before it initially the case diary and relevant documents were in Marathi language and they were not translated.

"In all probabilities when the IO appeared before the CMM, the case diary was in Marathi and if he (CMM) had asked for case diary, he would not have understood it," it noted.

During the hearing, advocate Nitya Ramakrishnan, appearing for Navlakha, argued that the transit remand should be quashed as the CMM could not have understood any documents being written in Marathi and no case diary was provided to the trial court as mandated under the statute.

She contended that the FIR was lodged in January this year and the activists were arrested in August 2018, there was no hurry and the police could have got the documents translated.

When the bench said Navlakha's detention was for more than 15 days which was not permissible, the counsel for the Maharashtra government said it was under the orders of the Supreme Court and not the magistrate.

The counsel also read out portions of the apex court's September 28 verdict by which it had refused to interfere with the arrest of the five rights activists and had also refused the plea seeking their immediate release.

While hearing the submissions, the bench also referred to the recent verdict of the Supreme Court which has ordered the Kerala government to pay Rs 50 lakh compensation to former ISRO scientist S Nambi Narayanan in the 1994 espionage case for wrongful imprisonment, malicious prosecution, humiliation and defamation.

The apex court has asked a former SC judge to find ways and means to take action against the erring police officers responsible for Narayanan's arrest and harassment.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Trump touts the deal as truly historic news for our nation and indeed for the world, which is probably overstating it. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

For a glimpse at the sort of trade policies the Trump administration might be touting around the world if it had mixed its chest-thumping nationalism with smart assessments of global dynamics and savvy negotiations, look no further than Sundays announcement that U.S. and Canadian negotiators have struck a deal to keep Canada in a successor trade pact to the North American Free Trade Agreement.

The Trump administration managed to put intense pressure on Mexico, which struck a bilateral trade deal last month, and then Canada, by intimidating the Republican Party into largely ineffective protest, neutralizing organized labor with both friendly consultations and appeals directly to their members, and sending just enough winks to businesses (plus a giant tax cut) to keep them from a full-on revolt.

Trump was aided by the leadership transition occurring in Mexico City, and the weaknesses of the government in Ottawa. Its unlikely a U.S. administration could have extracted as much as it did from Mexico if its outgoing government hadnt wanted so badly to complete a deal that kept pro-business planks in place before handing the reins to leftist President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in December. And although Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau sees a bump in the polls every time he fights with Trump, thats not enough to hide his troubles; the luster of his youthful charm is wearing off, and his party faces a tough fight in elections next year. A collapse in the flow of products to Canadas largest trading partner is a crisis he cant afford.

The table had also been set for the Trump administration by Obama-era negotiators, who had worked through the modernizations that businesses wanted while haggling over the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal, or TPP, which Trump tanked. (Canada and Mexico went on to join the 11-nation trade pact salvaged from the remains of TPP.) The underlying changes that make NAFTA into the new United StatesMexicoCanada Agreement, or USMCA, are the old provisions of TPP.

These are all lucky circumstances that just fell into Trumps lap. But the negotiating process did have some uniquely Trumpian elements. First, U.S. negotiators had the advantage of the presidents repeated threats to levy additional tariffs on a variety of products. The withdrawal or delay of those tariffs could be cast as either a U.S. concession or a U.S. win, depending on who was doing the talking. And thanks to Trump assiduously tending to his base, generally ensuring that it will accept his description of events, his administration is in a position to sell even a small step forward on trade as a great triumph  a situation the White House hasnt found itself in for at least a decade.

USMCA has a little bit of something for a lot of groups: modernized trade; easier e-commerce; some give on Canadas dairy protection, but not enough to really change Canadian industry; some constricting of industrys ability to challenge government regulation; a small improvement on labor rights, but with no additional levers to enforce them; and a shift in auto rules that may ultimately reinforce the existing trend away from small cars being manufactured in North America.

Another administration would have gotten more or less this deal  inside TPP or outside of it  and it probably wouldnt have involved 20 months of harassing our neighbors with belligerent rhetoric. Still, were the people who said Trump knew what he was doing on trade right all along?

Its too early to say. With Trudeaus government at risk, and a new Mexican government defining itself against its predecessor and against Trump, political turmoil could still doom this deal. Though not impossible, its difficult, given the current climate in Washington, to imagine the agreement moving through Congress in the next few weeks. Democrats in Congress are busy looking for ways to put their stamp on the agreement as the price of ratification.

Then theres the question of whether this deal, despite all the effort that went into it, actually addresses any of the underlying dynamics that animated Trump voters  or critics of trade on the left. The deal shores up and modernizes the existing trade system because thats what there was energy across the U.S. political system to do  and because, quietly, even groups that are critical of NAFTA share the concern that a collapse of transcontinental economic relationships would help no one.

But nothing in the agreement brings capital or middle-class jobs to communities where they are currently scarce. It doesnt mark the paradigm shift toward a low-carbon world economy that investors and climate activists alike have called for. It doesnt deal with the challenge of rebalancing power between the largest corporate and finance entities on the one hand, and individuals and communities on the other. And, like NAFTA before it, it sustains the foundations for intergovernmental cooperation without creative approaches to the ways security and economics interact  for instance, by addressing how economic change is contributing to security challenges in Central America and Mexico that, in turn, affect U.S. security, economics, and politics.

So, one cheer for keeping the existing system from collapse. Hold the second and third cheers  youll need the energy to address the failed opportunity to move North Americas economic interactions toward where they need to be, not just to keep our societies functioning, but to make them whole.
Two lesbians who want to marry each other but fear that their lives are under threat from their parents rushed to the Delhi High Court on Monday which granted them police protection.

The lesbian couple approached the high court following the Supreme Court's recent path-breaking judgement which held that consensual sex among adult homosexuals is not a crime.

The two women, aged 20 and 21, said they apprehend threat to life, liberty and security for their respective parents as they have been in a romantic relationship for around one-and-a half year and wish to live together as a same-sex couple.

They said their closeness was disapproved by their parents who asked them to separate due to which they have fled from their native place in Rajasthan and have come to reside in Delhi.

The plea was mentioned this morning by senior advocate Anand Grover before Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V K Rao who allowed the prayer to list it today itself.

When the matter came up before Justice Najmi Waziri, he directed the Delhi Police to give due protection to the couple and said a police officer will visit or speak to the women daily.

The Delhi Police counsel also assured the court that the issue of threat allegedly given by a police personnel to the couple's advocate would be investigated and appropriate action would be taken.

In the petition filed through advocate Saurabh Chauhan, the women said they informed their parents about their relationship and desire to live together as a couple a few days after the Supreme Court's September 6 verdict.

The apex court had recognised and affirmed the fundamental rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) persons to privacy, dignity, autonomy and freedom of expression of sexual orientation and freedom to choose one's partner under the Constitution, it said.

The plea said both the women studied in the same school in Rajasthan and were close friends since then. In 2017, the family of one of them started residing as tenant in the house owned by the other.

As they started spending more time with each other, they realised that they were "romantically, emotionally and sexually attracted" to each other, it said.

In August, the family of one of the women forcibly got her engaged to a man and fixed her marriage for November, it said, adding that the two were physically and mentally abused by their families following which they left their home on September 27 and came to Delhi.

The women said their parents were influential and well connected with police officials and their advocate even got a call from a woman, who claimed to be a police officer, threatening him to reveal the couple's location or else face kidnapping charges.

They said that before moving to the court, they had approached the Delhi Police seeking protection but did not get any such commitment.

The apex court, in its unanimous verdict has struck down part of a British-era Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, that criminalised consensual gay sex, saying it was "irrational, indefensible and manifestly arbitrary".

It had said the provision violated the constitutional right to equality and dignity.

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Lieutenant General Manoj Mukund Naravane took over as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command of the Army on Monday, a Defence press release said.

Lieutenant General Naravane, a highly decorated professional, was commissioned into the seventh battalion of Sikh Light Infantry in June 1980, it said.

An alumnus of National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy, the general has in his 37 years of illustrious service held positions in peace, field and highly active counter insurgency environments in the North East, Jammu and Kashmir and as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka, the release said.

He was the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Army Training Command before taking up his current assignment, it added.

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Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati Monday demanded a high-level inquiry and stern action against guilty policemen in the killing of a tech company executive in the Gomti Nagar area here.

The executive, Vivek Tiwari (38), was shot dead by a policeman on September 29 when he allegedly refused to stop his car.

Expressing solidarity with the bereaved family, the BSP president said "along with the guilty policemen, we demand from the government to also take stern legal action against lax senior officials so that such incidents could be checked in future."



"Besides, we demand a high-level inquiry into this case," the BSP president said, adding that the government should not confine itself only to what the members of the bereaved family are demanding.

"The family members, at this point of time, are in shock...If the government thinks it has no hand in this case and want to ensure justice to the bereaved family, it should order a high-level inquiry on its own," she said here.

The former chief minister alleged that Tiwari's killing was the latest example of how the upper caste people were "also facing harassment" in the BJP government.

She said the BSP is "very sad" over the incident and the party's national general secretary, Satish Chandra Mishra, has been directed to meet the family and console them and ensure that they get justice.

"If the government fails to deliver justice to the family, S C Mishra will take up the case on the behalf of the party, and help them get justice," Mayawati said.

The aggrieved family members met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday and said that they "have faith" in the state government.

"I have said earlier that I have faith in the state government. This faith has been strengthened after meeting the CM. I have lost capacity to take a stand after the unfortunate incident, which should not have happened. It has shaken me. After meeting the CM, I have gained confidence that I will be able to fulfil the responsibilities my husband left on me," said Kalpana Tiwari, the wife of Vivek Tiwari.

"All my demands have been met. I wanted strict action against the guilty, a job, accommodation, expenses for education of my daughters and my mother-in-law. The CM acceded to all my demands," she told reporters.

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The Maharashtra Police withdrew old



rioting cases against right-wing leader Sambhaji Bhide, six months before the violence in Koregaon-Bhima near Pune, response to an RTI query has revealed.

The cases were filed against Bhide in 2008 and 2009 in Sangli in western Maharashtra, it said.

According to the RTI response, six cases against Bhide and his organisation were filed following two protests---one against Bollywood movie 'Jodha Akbar' in 2008 and another against an artist's depiction of the assassination of Shivaji in 2009. The protesters indulged in rioting, stone-pelting and burning of several tyres, it said.

A senior police official, however, said Monday the charges against the 85-year-old in the Koregaon-Bhima violence case have not been dropped.

Bhide, a former Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activist who heads Shiv Pratishthan Hindustan, is an accused in the January 1 Bhima-Koregaon caste violence case.

"The cases against Bhide that were withdrawn were old cases in Sangli and have nothing to do with the Koregaon-Bhima violence," Superintendent of Pune (rural) police Sandip Patil said.

"The investigation in the Koregaon-Bhima violence case, in which Bhide and (Hindu Ekta Aghadi leader) Milind Ekbote are accused, is in progress," the IPS officer said.

Patil said Pune police had in August arrested five activists while probing an alleged Maoist link to a meeting of the Elgaar Parishad in Pune on the eve of the January 1 violence in Koregaon-Bhima.

"We are waiting for the development in that case, that is why (filing of) charge sheet in our (Koregaon-Bhima) case is pending," he added.

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As the nation gears up to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary Tuesday, a nationwide campaign is aiming to mobilize over a million change ideas from youngsters around India inspired by Bapu's change mantra.

'CHANGE150' by LetterFarms, a non-profit organisation, is inviting the youth of India to handwrite one change that they passionately wish to see in the world on a postcard, over the next 12 months.

The initiative will culminate with 150 specially handpicked change ideas - capturing the collective voice, aspiration and hope ofyoung India being presented to key decision makers of our country, including the President, the Prime Minister, the Governors of States and Chief Ministers on October 2 next year.

"Gandhiji's change mantra is timeless, and 'CHANGE150' is a timely 'change-hunt' amongst the youth to identify 150 most compelling change ideas from across the country," Saji Mathew, Co-Founder of LetterFarms, said.

"Small or big, zoom into that one change that you feel has the power to transform the lives of people around us," Mathew added.

The campaign debuted Monday in the national capital region with students from 150 schools writing their change ideas on postcards.

The launch was supported by a rainbow of seven Delhi-based school organizations including National Progressive School Conference, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, Archdiocese of Delhi, Andhra Society, Delhi Tamil Association, Delhi State Public Schools' Management Association and the Forum of Minority Schools.

All an interested participant (under the age of 35) needs to do is write down one change he/she always wishedto see on a simple postcard and post it to -- CHANGE150, LetterFarms, Post Bag No. 1683, Kochi, Kerala 682015.

"We are happy to bring Bapu's words to life by harnessing the power of youth and engaging them to think for the greater good of the nation, thus preparing them to be responsible citizens of tomorrow," Jubie John, co-founder of LetterFarms, said.

"We plan to expand into all states through strategic collaborations, and want to create a national platform for change ideas to transform into change catalysts with public and private partnerships," he added.

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Chief Minister of Jharkhand Raghubar Das and his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee have resolved to end the Massanjore Dam dispute through official-level meeting.

During Eastern Zonal Council meeting in Kolkata on Monday, Das raised the matter in the presence of Banerjee, an official statement read. The meeting, which was chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, was also attended by representatives from Bihar and Odisha.

The statement added that the two chief ministers had agreed on solving the issue through dialogue and for which a meeting of officials from both states would be held soon. The two neighbouring states should work together and assist each other, the statement said.

Nearly two months ago in early August, West Bengal officials reportedly painted the walls of the dam in Dumka district in Jharkhand in colours of white and blue, which are the party colours of TMC.

In retaliation, BJP's youth wing Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) erased the word 'Bengal' from the dam gate and painted the word 'Jharkhand'. They also painted over the 'Biswa Bangla' logo with a Jharkhand symbol.

In fact, the BJP MLA from Dumka and Jharkhand minister Louis Marandi had allegedly threatened to "gouge out the eyes" of anyone who dared to look at the barrage.

Massanjore Dam, popularly known as Canada Dam, was constructed across the Mayurakshi river in 1955. The West Bengal government had built the dam and the state's irrigation department maintains it.

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A man being escorted by four police police personnel on board an Air India flight from Mumbai managed to pull a fast one on the crew by falsely telling them that he was being kidnapped by them, sending the airlines personnel into a tizzy and leaving fellow passengers harried.

After the flight AI 645 (Mumbai -Jodhpur) landed here on Monday, police detained the man, identified as Dinesh Suthar, and the four persons escorting him who later turned out to police personnel from Karnataka, according to DCP (East) Aman Deep Singh.

During interrogation, Suthar told the police that he had contacted the family members of a missing boy in Mysuru and falsely told them that he was currently in Jodhpur with a tantric (occultist) in order to claim the reward money announced by them, the official said



He told them that he could take them to Jodhpur, after which two family members of the boy along with four policemen from Mysuru police had left for Jodhpur, said the official.

During the flight, he got scared and narrated the concocted story to the crew and other passengers that he was being kidnapped by the men who were escorting him. The crew informed the airport administration and AI office, the official said.

Immediately after the landing of the flight at Jodhpur airport, we took the plane in our custody and detained all these five persons, said the official.

We have arrested him (Suthar) and released those four policemen," Singh said, adding that there was some confusion due to language issue as the policemen were from Karnataka.

Other passengers were not allowed to deboard for nearly two hours after the plane landed at about 11.30 am, causing inconvenience to them.

When contacted, an Air India official confirmed the incident and said that the matter is now under police investigation.

"The incident happened on Air India flight AI 645, operating on Mumbai-Jodhpur route.

"The cabin crew staff overheard some 4-5 persons saying "kucch hone wala haey (some thing is gong to happen) Accordingly, the pilot was informed of the conversation," the official said.

When the flight landed at Jodhpur airport, they were detailed by the police, which is investigating the matter, the official added.

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A man was arrested Monday for allegedly threatening to commit suicide in protest against the recent Supreme Court verdict allowing entry of women into the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala.

Police said Sreeraj, an activist of a right wing Hindu outfit, had said in a Facebook post that he would commit suicide upset over the apex court verdict.

In his post two days ago,he had allegedly said he would take the extreme step at the High Court junction here.

With his post going viral, police was deployed at the junction to prevent any such incident, they said.

Sreeraj was arrested when he reached the spot at around 11.30 am with a can of petrol to commit suicide, police said.

He was taken for a medical check up at a government hospital.

A five-judge constitution bench had last week lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine, saying it amounted to gender discrimination and violated rights of Hindu women.

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A man was killed after a roof of an under-construction building collapsed in northwest Delhi's Swaroop Nagar Monday, police said.

The deceased, Pankaj, a labourer got trapped under the debris. He was rescued, but died at a hospital from injuries, they said.

Two more people were injured in the accident and are undergoing treatment at the hospital, a official said.

The call about the incident was received around 1.10 pm and five vehicles were rushed to the spot, a Delhi Fire Service officer said.

He said fire department personnel rescued three men and rushed them to the hospital. The condition of one person was critical and he succumbed to injuries, the officer said.

Last week, a five-storey building collapsed in northwest Delhi's AshokVihar, killing seven people.

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The outspoken half-sister of Meghan Markle, the new Duchess of Sussex after her wedding to Britain's Prince Harry, Monday issued a dramatic apology during a television interview in an attempt to patch things up with the royal.

Samantha Markle, who has repeatedly lashed out at her former American actress sibling over allegedly mistreating their father Thomas Markle, arrived in London last week and said she waited outside Buckingham Palace in the hope of meeting her half-sister.

"I was hoping we would maybe have the chance to speak, that she would know I was here. I don't think that's going to happen," she told the UK's Channel 5.

Asked about her message to Meghan if she was watching the interview, Samantha said, "I would just say there is so much water under the bridge, and so much has spun out of control that was never intended to".

"Everybody was hurt at not being included or invited to the wedding. But I felt as though it could have all been nipped in the bud had everyone been included.

"It doesn't mean we love you any less, I just think families can be this way when there's confusion and people are hurt. Moving forward, I apologise and wish things could be different," she said.

Samantha, 53, has repeatedly made public statements criticising the 37-year-old Duchess of Sussex and the British royal family after she was left out of the invite list for Meghan and Harry's nuptials in Windsor in May.

She has referred to her half-sister as "Duchess of Nonsense" and "Duch-ass", outbursts she attributed to their family being ignored.

"We were hoping that private channels would be used. When they failed we went public. The public were making a mockery of the family and it had to stop. Perhaps I was frustrated. I was lashing out more at the media," she said.

The controversy surrounding Meghan Markle's family has continued to brew since her 74-year-old father, a former Hollywood lighting director, pulled out of walking her down the aisle in the wake of controversy surrounding allegedly staged paparazzi shots ahead of the royal wedding at Windsor Castle on May 19.

He blamed poor health after a heart attack for missing out on the event and Samantha has since attacked Meghan for ignoring him and even warned in one of her messages on Twitter that "if our father dies I'm holding you responsible, Meg".

Asked if a heart attack was the real cause behind him not attending the royal wedding, Samantha said, "He had two actually. He was really looking forward to it and the doctor said you can't ignore this".

Meanwhile, Meghan has been busy with a series of royal engagements since her wedding to the 34-year-old Harry sixth in line to the British throne.

The couple is scheduled for their first official overseas tour later this month, when they visit Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga as part of their role as Commonwealth Youth Ambassadors.

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Dealmakers. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Canada has reached a deal with the U.S. to rescue NAFTA, the landmark trade agreement that Donald Trump has called the worst deal ever, according to multiple reports.

The new NAFTA brings Canada into a bilateral deal struck by the U.S. and Mexico last month and comes after a frantic weekend of negotiations as the countries tried to meet a self-imposed deadline of midnight on Sunday.

In a joint statement, Chrystia Freeland, Canadas minister of foreign affairs, and Robert Lighthizer, the United States trade representative, said the new deal will give our workers, farmers, ranchers and businesses a high-standard trade agreement that will result in freer markets, fairer trade, and robust economic growth in our region. It will also be called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA.

Reuters has some details:

The deal will preserve a trade dispute settlement mechanism that Canada fought hard to maintain to protect its lumber industry and other sectors from U.S. anti-dumping tariffs, Canadian sources said.

But this came at a cost.

Canada had agreed to provide U.S. dairy farmers access to about 3.5 percent of its approximately $16 billion annual domestic dairy market, the sources said, adding that the Canadian government is prepared to offer compensation to dairy farmers hurt by the deal.

Canada also won protection from any future U.S. auto tariffs, but the nature of those protections was not clear. A source within the administration told the Times that Canada and Mexico would receive accommodations if Trump imposes auto tariffs. Steel and aluminum tariffs were not resolved as part of the agreement and are being addressed separately.

Trump and Trudeau are expected to sign the agreement in the next 60 days. Then its likely to be taken up in Congress next year.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Monday decided to do away with the condition of advance payment for deployment of central armed forces in states, a senior official said here.

The decision was taken on representation from the state governments, Secretary of the Inter-State Councils Secretariat, R Buhril told reporters.

The ministry used to charge an advance payment for deployment of central armed forces from the states. On the representation of the state governments, the ministry has decided that it would do away with this requirement of advance payment, he said while briefing about the Eastern Zonal Council meeting.

The 23rd meting of the Eastern Zonal Council under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh was held here at the Nabanna Sabhaghar, the West Bengal Chief Minister's office.

The meeting was attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his Odisha counterpart Naveen Patnaik sent their representatives to the meeting.

While Bihar was represented by Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, Odisha Finance Minister Shashi Bhusan Behera participated from his state.

Senior officials of the respective states and the Union Home Ministry were also present at the meeting.

The meeting also reviewed progress of the unresolved items of the last meeting relating to Phulbari Dam under the 1978 agreement between Bihar and West Bengal governments, Buhril said.

There were also discussions on central share under post matric and pre-matric scholarship schemes for the SCs/STs/OBCs and schemes for the modernisation of the state police forces, the official said.

It also deliberated on the issue of allocation of land for the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research in Kolkata and Hajipur in Bihar, he said.

Out of a total of 30 issues discussed Monday, 26 were resolved, the official said.

There were discussions on maternal and child nutrition through integrated food fortification project, bringing green revolution to eastern India as well as issues relating to mining and coal mining states in this zone, the Inter-State Councils Secretariat secretary said.

There were also discussions on the issues arising out of the bifurcation of Bihar and Jharkhand. There was a review of the rail movement for socio economic development of this zone, railway electrification, construction of dedicated freight corridor and road over bridges and road under bridges in lieu of level crossings, Buhril said.

Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar in 2000.

The Council also took up new issues, including development of allocated coal mines, implementation of various National programmes of health, establishment of shelters for urban homeless under DAY-National Urban livelihood mission, expeditious clearance for right of way for laying optical fibre cable and land acquisition for the development of 11 airports in these states.

The five zonal councils (western, eastern, central, northern and southern) were set up under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 to foster inter-state cooperation and coordination among the states.

They are mandated to discuss and make recommendations on any matter of common interest in the field of economic and social planning, border disputes, linguistic minorities among others.

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The Military Nursing Service (MNS), the only all women corps in the armed forces, Monday celebrated its 93rd raising day.

Senior Additional Director General MNS Maj Gen Annakutty Babu and PM AH (R&R) Maj Gen Kajal Chakraborty paid homage to martyrs at on Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

The MNS also organised a social get together celebrate the occasion at the Army Hospital here. Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lt Gen Devraj Anbu was the chief guest.

The function was attended by senior officers from the tri-services and veteran MNS officers.

Enrolment into the MNS is based on an all-India level selection process. The candidates are enrolled at six colleges for Basic BSc (Nursing).

On successful completion of the course they are granted permanent or short service commission in the MNS in the rank of lieutenant.

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Lashing out at his own government over the alleged killing of a tech company executive by a policeman, an Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister claimed Monday that the Yogi Adityanath government had "completely failed" on the law and order front.

Uttar Pradesh Minister of Backward Class Welfare and Divyangjan Empowerment, Om Prakash Rajbhar, also demanded a CBI probe in the killing of 38-year-old Vivek Tiwari, who was allegedly shot Saturday in Lucknow by a constable when he was going to drop his colleague Sana Khan.

Rajbhar, who leads the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), a key BJP ally in UP, also alleged that the police was trying to "cover up" the matter.

"A common citizen was murdered by the police. In the name of encounter, the police takes money, and kills people. Crime is making its presence felt in the state, while law and order situation has become a joke. Yogi ji has neither been successful in reducing crime in the state nor he has been able to make the people feel that they are safe," Rajbhar alleged in a tweet.

The minister claimed the state government had "failed completely" on the law and order front.

"There should be a CBI probe in this, and stringent action must be initiated against the guilty. Police is trying to cover up the matter," the minister said referring to Vivek Tiwari's killing.

Another Uttar Pradesh minister Brijesh Pathak had Sunday hit out at the state police "for showing laxity" and "hushing up" the killing of the tech company executive in Lucknow's posh Gomti Nagar neighbourhood.

Apple executive Vivek Tiwari was shot dead early Saturday morning by a policeman when he allegedly refused to stop his car.

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Miscreants looted Rs 6 lakh from a retired policeman in Bihar's Rohtas district Monday, police said.

Dehri-On-Sone police station SHO Dharmendra Kumar said the incident occurred when retired havildar Baban Singh was going to Sasaram, the headquarters town of Rohtas district, after withdrawing Rs 6 lakh from a bank branch in Dehri town.

As soon as Singh came out of the bank branch, two bike borne miscreants suddenly appeared from nowhere and pushed Singh who fell on the ground and decamped with the bag containing cash of Rs 6 lakh.

Singh, a resident of Rajpur village under Husainabad police station, has lodged an FIR in this regard, the SHO said adding that police are trying to identify the miscreants on the basis of CCTV footage.

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Over six months after he was accorded the Minister of State (MoS) status by the Madhya Pradesh government, self-styled godman "Computer Baba" has resigned, accusing Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan of "not fulfilling" the promises.

Swami Namdev Tyagi, popularly known as "Computer Baba", also accused Chouhan of being a "hypocrite" and "full of deceits".

He claimed the government did little to stop illegal mining in the Narmada river.

His resignation came Monday, a day after the chief minister announced to set up a cow ministry in the poll-bound state.

"I have resigned from MoS status, as thousands of seers have mounted pressure on me because I have failed to deliver. They judged my performance and gave me zero mark out of hundred," he told PTI Tuesday.

The 52-year-old was among five religious figures who were accorded the Minister of State (MoS) status in April this year by the state government, following his announcement to take out a yatra to expose the illegal sand mining in the Narmada river.

"The chief minister had promised me that the illegal sand mining (in the Narmada river) will be checked; cows will taken care of; Hindu places of worship will be protected and wishes of seers would be fulfilled," he said.

However, Chouhan indulged only in hypocrisy and deceit, and acted contrary to his promises, he claimed.

"If he (the CM) does not do any work how will I show my face to fellow seers? he asked.

According to sources, many godmen in Madhya Pradesh, including Computer Baba, wanted to contest the assembly polls, due later this year.

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Pakistan's former dictator General Pervez Musharraf is "growing weaker rapidly" due to a new unspecified illness and cannot return to face the treason case now, a senior leader of his party has said.

Musharraf, 75, who has been living in Dubai since 2016, is facing the high-profile treason case for suspending the Constitution in 2007.

According to Muhammad Amjad, a former chairman of the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) -- a political party floated by Musharraf in 2010 -- said the former president has to visit London for treatment in every three months due to the new unspecified ailment, Dawn reported.

"Pervez Musharraf had a fracture in his spine, for which he got treated in the USA. But nowadays he is being treated for a separate ailment. For this, he has to go to London after every three months," Amjad told reporters after a party meeting on Sunday.

"We cannot tell the nation about the ailment right now but we will tell the court about it and also present the ailment's documentation to the chief justice.

"Musharraf is growing weaker rapidly so we cannot put his life at risk," he said.

Amjad said Musharraf would return to Pakistan but on the guarantees that he would be given a free trial and also allowed to leave the country for treatment.

He claimed that the party tried to bring him back to the country before the July 25 general elections but "hurdles were created in his way".

Amjad reiterated that Musharraf wants to appear before the court and is in consultation with his legal team to decide when and how to return, the report said.

The former Army chief has been declared an absconder due to his persistent failure to appear before a special trial court set up to try him in the case.

Last month, Pakistan's Supreme Court assured Musharraf that high-level security will be provided to him if he returns to the country to face the trial in the treason case.

The former president was indicted in March 2014 on treason charges for suspending the Constitution and imposing emergency which led to the confinement of a number of superior court judges in their houses and sacking of over 100 judges.

A conviction for high-profile treason carries the death penalty or life imprisonment.

Musharraf, who ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008, has been declared a fugitive in the Benazir Bhutto murder case and Red Mosque cleric killing case.

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Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said on Monday that the world must come together to fight against terrorism and urged the United Nations to come up with "strong, coded actions" to tackle terror, its sponsors and those who are funding and supporting it.

Naidu, in his address at an international conclave here, also noted that one of India's neighbours is "aiding and abetting" terrorism while talking about peace.

He made the veiled reference to Pakistan, while addressing a gathering of human rights leaders from several parts of the world.

"Terrorism is an enemy of humanity. Some elements are spreading it in the name of religion, but no religion talks about violence. India has suffered the pain. The West, when they became the victims of terrorism, realised the problem," he said.

"In our region too, one of our neighbours is aiding, abetting, funding and training terrorists. And, (it) talks about peace. Terror and talks can't go together," Naidu said.

In his 40-minute speech, the Vice President urged the world to "speak in one voice" to deal with terror globally.

"The United Nations, at the earliest, should complete the deliberations (on terrorism) and come up with a strong, united, coded action to tackle terror, its sponsors and those who are funding or supporting it," he said.

"It is the way forward for peace, and for protection of rights of people," Naidu asserted.

The conclave has been organised by the National Human Rights Commission as part of its Silver Jubilee celebrations.

Foreign participants include senior officials from apex human rights bodies in Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and representatives from Scotland, Croatia and other countries.

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Aluminium major NALCO is planning to set up an aluminium foil manufacturing unit at Kamakshyanagar in Odisha which can provide eco-friendly alternative to plastic packaging.

To meet the challenges of providing alternative solutions to the packaging industry, NALCO would set up the manufacturing unit in the coming days, Tapan Kumar Chand, CMD of the Navaratna CPSE, said.

Advocating the use of aluminium foil as an alternative to plastic packaging, Chand said it is eco friendly and can be recycled.

The NALCO CMD was speaking at 'Swachhata hi Seva movement' programme held here by the company on Sunday in a run-up to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Speaking about NALCO's eco friendly initiatives, Chand also outlined the future plans like adoption of the EMRION-Nano technology on mass scale for effluent treatment, development of solid waste management technology in association with IIT and extraction of marketable iron concentrate out of Red Mud, which is otherwise treated as an industrial waste.

NALCO has also taken up various initiatives under its CSR activities to develop Puri under the 'Swachh Iconic Place' project for creating facilities and infrastructure for the benefit of pilgrims.

Initiatives like eco-friendly battery operated vehicles for the elderly and specially-abled people at Puri, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack railway stations, provision of safe drinking water kiosks, development of Puri Gandhi Park has been appreciated by the people, he said.

"The importance of safe and clean drinking water is of utmost importance as the congregation of people is more at tourist destinations and maintaining cleanliness is a daunting task," Chand said.

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India's ambitious programmes such as 'Clean India' and 'Educate the Girl Child, Save the Girl Child' are "emblematic" of the types of actions needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has said.

Guterres, who begins a three-day visit to India Monday, said that while India still faces challenges, the country has a long history of innovation and leadership in developing programmes to further social welfare and tackle inequalities.

"National initiatives such as those being launched in India are emblematic of the types of actions needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributing to a common objective of more inclusive development," Guterres told PTI ahead of his first trip to India as the UN chief.

The SDGs, otherwise known as the Global Goals, are a universal call by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for action to end poverty, protect the planet, improve health, education and ensuring that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.

"The initiatives hold promise for expanding the availability of adequate sanitation, empowering women and girls, increasing access to quality education, and reducing inequality by shrinking the digital divide," Guterres said.

He said the various programmes launched in India have already achieved impressive results.

"I was very impressed to learn that, in the first 2.5 years of implementation, the Clean India campaign supported the construction of over 39 million household toilets working toward an open defecation free India by 2019," he said.

On the Narendra Modi government's flagship Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Educate the Girl Child, Save the Girl Child) programme, Guterres said the campaign has helped to substantially decrease school dropout rates among girls enhancing gender equality in education.

With the focus on digitisation, the UN chief said access to digital documents in India has never been higher with over 1.7 billion digitised which can make the distribution of services like food ration cards much easier.

"This is moving India forward towards its national aim of overcoming the digital divide and transforming service delivery," he said.

Guterres expressed confidence that the current momentum in India to usher in greater opportunity and equity for all will continue and serve as a positive example of what can be achieved in the spirit of leaving no one behind.

"The 2030 Agenda, with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is a bold and ambitious roadmap for change agreed by world leaders. What makes the Agenda truly transformative is its recognition that many of humanity's greatest challenges whether poverty, climate change, conflict or inequality are interconnected and therefore require integrated solutions that respond to this complexity," he said in the email interview.

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National Conference Monday expelled three more workers for running the urban local bodies polls in Jammu and Kashmir, defying the party's decision to boycott it.

The latest expulsions of three workers from Ramban district has raised the number of such ousters to 11 within a week.

Zahur-ud-Din Babbar, Rajnesh Pargal and Mohammad Babbar Malik were expelled from Ramban district for anti-party activities, NC spokesperson Madan Mantoo said.

He said the action has been taken against the three workers for violating the party's decision against participating in the ongoing municipal elections in the state.

Earlier on September 26, the party had expelled eight workers of its various wings in Jammu region for "wilfully" violating the party's decision.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Local Problems, Global Tech Jejytymiri indigenous people demonstrate in demand of their territorial rights in front of the Congress in Asuncion, Paraguay. Photo: Norberto Duarte/AFP/Getty Images

Paraguay is home to vast swathes of wild land  forests, savannas, mountains  but over the past 20 years, its lost huge amounts of that. Agriculture and development have deforested 9 million acres (roughly the size of the Netherlands) in Paraguay since 2001, the majority of it to enterprises like soy and cattle. But there are also people living on this land; over 100,000 Paraguayans identify as fully indigenous, with varying types of claims to this territory. Figuring out exactly who has a claim to the land, who has the right to use it, and what its being used for are complicated questions. One answer might come in the form of a digital map called Tierras Indigenas.

The indigenous peoples living in rural Paraguay are diverse, with about 20 different ethnic groups speaking different languages and living in different ways, ranging from generations-old villages to groups living in voluntary isolation. The status of their land rights can be chaotic: old claims in a drawer in a government building somewhere, verbal agreements never sent to the government, unofficial titles, all kinds of stuff. If somebody wanted your land for soybeans or cattle, and you didnt have any legal means to get your land mapped, to show where you were, much less attorneys, it was hard to combat that, says Ryan Sarsfield, the Latin America commodities manager of Global Forest Watch, which provided the platform to build the map. Global Forest Watch is a project from the World Resources Institute, and is an application that monitors forests around the world in real time.

At present, most of the lands and territories of the indigenous peoples and communities are not represented in official maps and, as a consequence, are invisible to the state itself and to all sectors of nonindigenous society, says Hipolito Acevei, the president of the Federation for the Self-determination of Indigenous Peoples (FAPI), which manages and maintains Tierras Indigenas.

Indigenous communities are excellent land stewards, with research showing that indigenous-controlled land experiences two to three times less deforestation than agribusiness-managed land. But it can be hard to compete with a wealthy company that wants to expand its farming or ranching land. Agreements are made in ways that massively benefit agribusiness at the expense of smaller communities; sometimes the status is just unclear, and farming will begin without clearing the rights first. Violent land-grabbing, says Sarsfield, is less common now than it used to be, but is not unheard of.

In December 2017, when Tierras Indigenas launched, Global Forest Watch already had a mapping platform, called Map Builder, which Sarsfield describes as being a bit like Google Earth, but with more detailed information. From his work with agribusiness in Paraguay, Sarsfield already knew that the availability and clarity of land-use information was a huge problem, not just for indigenous peoples but also for private industry. Global Forest Watch was already engaged in mapping the worlds forests, measuring deforestation and fires and encroachment of cities. But what about information for the people who already lived there?

A screenshot from Tierras Indigenas showing the legal rights to different land areas. Photo: Tierras Indigenas

This particular map was made in association with FAPI, which took all of this disparate data held by the different groups and combined them with on-the-ground reporting, data from academia, government files, and some higher-tech information. FAPI, during meetings with these communities, collected all the information it could find on who owns what, who might own what, and whats being done with the land. Global Forest Watch is, as its name suggests, a pretty good source of forestry data, which it largely gets from satellites. Data on fire comes from NASA. The idea was to join together the efforts of all these individual indigenous communities, take the maps that theyve already made, get the best government data we can  because there was a lot of government data  and put it systematically into a system that they manage, says Sarsfield.

All of that information comes together in the map, which makes it easy for anyone to check an area and see exactly whats going on there. The map tells you who lives in the area, what languages they speak, how many families there are, and what the legal status of any land claim is, among other information.

This is a key tool not just for the indigenous groups, who now have a wealth of data to use if necessary for court cases, but also for any company that wants to respect indigenous rights. Now farmers and ranchers can check to make sure theyre not infringing on any land, and buyers can check the sourcing of their suppliers to make sure theyre not risking a lawsuit.

The communities are not invisible, and are visible through a space of and for the natives where they are accompanied by their advisers and institutions of their confidence, says Acevei. Aside from all the possible legal, economic, and environmental benefits of the map, it also answers one of the most basic questions a community can have about itself: Where are we?
Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority has suspended the manager of the new Islamabad international airport after stray dogs were found wandering in the facility's lounge, a media report said Monday.

The suspension orders were given by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) director general, Geo TV reported, quoting a spokesperson of the CAA.

The director general has also issued orders for inquiry into the matter.

Airport manager Asghar Faheem welcomed the inquiry and said that CAA has the authority to take such actions.

The new airport has multiple layers of security, including deployment of personnel belonging to Airports Security Force, Rangers and the police. Besides, sirens are also installed in the area that start ringing over any unusual movement.

Citing experts, the channel said the entry of stray dogs inside the airport was not a management-related issue, it was rather a breach of security.

The management of the new China-built airport in Islamabad has been criticised earlier when passengers were met with difficulties soon after the facility became operational.

Passengers had complained of a lack of porters, an absence of a help desk, poor internet connection and a dysfunctional conveyor belt, among several other issues.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The National Green Tribunal has refused to entertain a plea seeking refund of incentives given to mild hybrid vehicles of Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) Ltd under the FAME India scheme.

A bench headed by Justice R S Rathore said the relief sought in the plea does not involve any substantial issue related to the and therefore cannot be heard.

"Having considered the relief sought in this case i.e. to direct Respondent No. 3 (Maruti) to deposit the entire amount along with interest of subsidies received from the sale of its vehicles (CIAZ and ERTIGA) with Respondent No. 1 (Centre), we are of the considered opinion that this does not raise any substantial question of which arises out of the enactments given in Schedule 1 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.

"However, the applicant would be at liberty to approach the appropriate forum for redressal of his grievance," the bench said.

The tribunal's order came on a plea filed by lawyer Ashwini Kumar seeking directions to the carmaker to deposit Rs 95 crore subsidy along with interest received during sale of its vehicles 'Ciaz and Ertiga' with the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

The petition, filed through advocate Sumeer Sodhi, had alleged that the vehicles manufactured by Maruti claiming to be mild hybrid vehicles were "in fact not anywhere close to being such hybrid vehicles and the subsidies received were totally wrong, mala fide and illegal".

It had claimed that the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz SHVS and Ertiga SHVS models was not a hybrid or mild hybrid vehicle and the only change in the engine was an integration of the starter motor and the generator motor termed as Integrated Starter Generator motor.

Kumar had said the government till February 15 last year had disbursed an amount of nearly Rs 150 crore to various companies under the FAME India scheme and out of the this Maruti Suzuki India Ltd alone received Rs 95.61 crore as subsidy.

The plea said that while the applicant was trying to receive information with regard to the certification of these vehicles which qualified as 'mild hybrid vehicles', the government excluded the 'mild hybrid' technology from all subsidies and benefits extended under the FAME-India scheme.

A mild hybrid vehicle has an electric motor, which on its own cannot run a vehicle but assists normal engine by using recovered energy stored in a battery and helps save fuel.

MSI's Ertiga and Ciaz, equipped with Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS) technology, had received incentives of Rs 13,000 for each car under the scheme.

FAME India is part of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan. It is being administered by the Heavy Industries Ministry.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Nobody has the right to become a "self-appointed guardian" of law as mob violence runs against the very core of legal principles signalling chaos and lawlessness, the Supreme Court said Monday while making it clear that states have a duty to protect the citizens.

Deprecating the "disconcerting rise" in violent protests and demonstrations by private entities targeting exhibition of movies, social functions and sections of people on moral grounds, the court said that such acts highlighted deeper malaise of "intolerance" towards views of others and passed a slew of directions to curb such incidents.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said the court was conscious that crimes committed by groups of "self-appointed keepers of public morality" might be on account of different reasons, but the purpose was to exercise unlawful power of authority and create fear in the minds of public.

The verdict has come on a plea filed by Kodungallur Film Society which had highlighted the serious law and order problem that had arisen before the release of controversial movie 'Padmaavat'.

The bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, said that states must step in and perform their duty by taking measures to prevent such acts from occurring in the first place, and ensure that law-enforcement agencies exercise their power to bring the guilty to book and impose time-bound and adequate punishment for any lapses.

It said: "This court has time and time again underscored the supremacy of law and that one must not forget that administration of law can only be done by law-enforcing agencies recognised by law.

"Nobody has the right to become a self-appointed guardian of the law and forcibly administer his or her own interpretation of the law on others, especially not with violent means."



The bench further said, "Mob violence runs against the very core of our established legal principles since it signals chaos and lawlessness and the State has a duty to protect its citizens against the illegal and reprehensible acts of such groups".

It also noted the submissions of Attorney General K K Venugopal who had unequivocally said that violent protests leading to loss of life and damage to public and private properties were against the spirit of democracy and had told the court that an amendment in the law was in the offing to deal with such offences.

"In addition to being patently illegal and unlawful, such acts of violence highlight a deeper malaise, one of intolerance towards others' views which then results in attempts to suppress alternate view points, artistic integrity and the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by the Constitution of India," the bench said.

It added: "Indeed, the people who perpetrate such actions, especially against private parties, do so without fear of consequence and reprisal, probably believing that private parties do not have the wherewithal to hold them accountable for such actions."



Regarding the amendment in the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, the bench said it would not comment on the efficacy of the proposed legislative changes and said it would keep the issue open to be decided in appropriate proceedings.

It said: "A comprehensive structure will have to be evolved in the respective states so that the issues of accountability and efficiency in curbing incidents of peaceful protests turning into mob violence, causing damage to property including investigation, remedial and punitive measures, are duly addressed".

The bench referred to its directions passed in cases related to cow vigilantism, mob violence and instances of honour killings and said that all those measures have to be followed by the states to ensure that no such incidents take place.

The verdict also took note of its 2009 judgement in which various directions were passed after taking cognisance of various incidents of large scale destruction of public and private properties in the name of "agitations, bandhs and hartals".

It said that additional responsibilities would be fastened upon the nodal officers who have been appointed in pursuance of the earlier verdict in the mob violence case.

Now, these nodal officers would also be responsible for creating and maintaining a list of cultural establishments, including theatres, cinema halls, music venues, performance halls and centres and art galleries within the district, and pin point such vulnerable establishments which have been attacked/damaged by mob over the past five years.

"The person/persons who has/have initiated, promoted, instigated or any way caused to occur any act of violence against cultural programmes or which results in loss of life or damage to public or private property either directly or indirectly, shall be made liable to compensate the victims of such violence," the bench said, adding that states would have to also set up helpline numbers in this regard.

It said that these measures have to implemented by the Centre and states governments expeditiously within a period of eight weeks.

The bench also said that when any act of violence results in damage to property, the concerned police officials should file FIRs and complete the investigation as far as possible within the statutory period and submit a report in that regard.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Opposition parties, including the Congress and Samajwadi Party, Monday extended their support to the demand for a universal pension of Rs 3,000 for the elderly.

Leaders of the Rashtriya Janata Dal, SP, Congress, NCP and Left parties addressed around 10,000 senior citizens who came from over 16 states to protest at the Jantar Mantar to demand a dignified universal pension of Rs 3,000.

The protest was organised under the banner of NGO HelpAge India and Pension Parishad, a network of around 200 civil society organisations.

RJD spokesperson Manoj Jha said his party would make every effort to give a pension of Rs. 6,000 -- with Rs 3,000 from the Centre -- to the elderly in Bihar, when it comes to power.

He said, "The ruling party will soon realize that the clamour for a proper pension is going to get stronger.

Javed Ali of the SP said the party will make it a key issue in the manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls.

NCP general secretary D P Tripathi said the demand for a minimum pension of Rs 3,000 was genuine and no one can afford to ignore or deny it.

Ashwini Kumar of the Congress said it was not just a battle for financial security, "it is about self-respect and ensuring a life of dignity for millions of elderly people who have worked tirelessly all their life to serve others".

He said the government must spell out its intentions clearly and then make a concerted effort to make universal pension a realizable right for the elderly.

Congress' Madhusudan Mistry said if elected to power, the party will bring in a law for all governments to abide by the obligation of providing social security to the elderly.

Yogendra Yadav of Swaraj Party asked all senior citizens to take "advantage of the forthcoming general elections and assert the demand for universal pension vociferously".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Chinese handset major OPPO Monday said it has appointed former Samsung India executive Tasleem Arif to head its research and development centre that will be opened in Hyderabad in the next few weeks.

While the company did not disclose the investment being made for the R&D unit, it said the Hyderabad centre would be OPPO's seventh such facility globally.

OPPO has 4 R&D centres across China in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Dongguan, one each at Yokohama (Japan) and Silicon Valley (the US).

The Hyderabad centre -- the company's first R&D facility in India -- will work towards gaining deeper insights about Indian consumers and market, and thereby help in building India-centric innovations and customised product offerings, OPPO said in a statement.

Arif, as the Vice President and Head R&D of OPPO India, will lead the team in its focus on software localisation for Indian consumers as well as device quality, it added.

He has about 15 years of experience in mobile software, design and development and was previously associated with Samsung in India.

"We are focused towards offering unique experiences to our consumers in India through our innovations and technological capabilities. The opening of our first R&D Centre in Hyderabad is a step in that direction and strengthens our commitment to the Indian consumers," OPPO India President Charles Wong said.

He added that with Arif's expertise, OPPO will be able to build a strong R&D team and make the centre the second largest, after China.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Pakistani anti-corruption court hearing graft cases against the embattled Sharif family expressed displeasure on Monday after deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif failed to appear before it in a corruption case.

Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Arshad Malik warned that he may cancel Sharif's surety bond and issue arrest warrants if the former premier failed to appear before the bench in the Flagship Investment case hearing.

On the orders of the Supreme Court, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had filed three corruption cases against the 68-year-old three-time former prime minister.

A top Pakistani court last month suspended the jail sentences of Sharif, his daughter and son-in-law in the Avenfield corruption case, one of the three corruption cases. The trio were released from a jail following the court order.

Apart from the Avenfield case, the Sharifs face jail terms if they are convicted in two more corruption cases related to the Al-Azizia and the Flagship Investment cases.

The cases against the family stemmed from the Panama Papers case in April 2016.

The Flagship Investment Ltd case is based on information the NAB had obtained from the report filed by the Joint Investigation Team constituted by the Supreme Court to probe money laundering allegations against Sharif and his family.

The court had summoned Panamagate joint investigation team head and prosecution's star witness Wajid Zia to record his statement on Monday. However, Zia's statement could not be recorded as the former premier and his counsel did not appear for the hearing.

Expressing anger over their absence, Judge Malik remarked, "A suspect cannot skip a hearing on his own will," Geo reported.

The judge was further irked when defence counsel Khawaja Haris requested, through his associate Munawwar Iqbal Duggal, for a two-day adjournment of Flagship, Al Aziziya and Hill Metal Establishment case hearings, owing to health issues.

When the judge inquired about Sharif's absence, Duggal said that the accused was supposed to appear and sought time to find out why the former prime minister did not turn up.

"Neither the suspect nor the counsel are present. Am I supposed to wait all day?" Judge Malik asked. "I adjourned hearings of other cases to hear yours, please tell me what you all want," he further said.

He added, "I will write down an order and then you all keep challenging it."



To this, the deputy counsel said he is trying to contact Sharif and asked for a few minutes to update the court.

Later Duggal told the court that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo did not appear owing to "genuine confusion".

The defence counsel added that Nawaz, however, was willing to immediately leave Lahore if the court allowed two to three hours to travel to Islamabad.

Judge Malik then chided the defence counsel and the accused of wasting the court and witness' time but accepted their assurance regarding Sharif's appearance for the future hearings.

Referring to Haris's adjournment appeal, the court noted that the request could only be accepted as far as the Flagship case was concerned and adjourned the hearing until October 4.

The accountability court, however, will hear the Al Aziziya and Hill Metal Establishment corruption cases on October 2.

Sharif and his sons, Hussain and Hasan, are accused in all three corruption cases whereas his daughter Maryam and her husband Capt (retd) Muhammad Safdar were accused in the Avenfield case only.

The two brothers, based in London, have been declared as proclaimed offenders by the court.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's powerful spy agency ISI's former chief Lt Gen (retd.) Asad Durrani on Monday moved a court here against the travel ban imposed on him at the request of army over a controversial book he co-authored with a former Indian intelligence head.

Durrani, who headed the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency from August 1990 till March 1992, along with former RAW chief A S Dulat, published the book titled 'The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace' in India.

Durrani's name was placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) in May. The ECL lists those not allowed to fly out of Pakistan.

Durrani filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the ban after failing to get any relief from his former institution as well as the federal government.

In his petition, Durrani said he wanted to fly out to attend a conference and also meet his grandchildren.

Durrani was summoned in May at the General Headquarters of army to explain his position but apparently failed to address concerns of the powerful army, following which his named was added to the ECL on May 29.

According to the petition, Durrani on September 5 requested the adjutant general of the Pakistan Army to remove his name from the ECL but to no avail.

Later, he approached the ministry of interior on September 13 but again failed to get any relief.

Durrani said in the petition that he was invited to the Herat Security Dialogue to be held on October 26-27 in Herat, Afghanistan and should be allowed to travel.

Durrani retired from Pakistan Army in 1993 as a three-star general. Later, he also served as ambassador to Germany and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The two former spy chiefs have touched upon some thorny issues in the book, including terrorism, particularly Mumbai attack, Kashmir and the influence of intelligence agencies.

In the book, Durrani has revealed that track-II diplomacy was in place since long aimed at averting war between the two nuclear-armed neigbours.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ahead of his crucial meetings with top Trump administration officials, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has indicated that Islamabad may be willing to discuss the fate of Dr Shakil Afridi, one of the key issues which has hurt ties with the US.

While Afridi is hailed as a "hero" by the US security establishment for his role in the raid by US special forces in May 2011 that killed al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the Pakistani city of Abbottabad, he is viewed as a "traitor" in Pakistan.

The 56-year-old physician helped the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) run a fake hepatitis vaccine programme in Abbottabad to confirm bin Laden's presence in the garrison city by obtaining his DNA samples.

In May, 2012, Afridi was sentenced to 33 years' imprisonment for treason.

"Openings are always there," Qureshi said in an interview with Fox News, a channel that is known for backing President Trump and his policies.

"He is viewed in a particular light in Pakistan, he is viewed as a traitor in Pakistan. But he is viewed as a friend in the US. So we have to bridge this gap," Qureshi said when asked about the fate of Dr. Afridi.

He said that the future of Afridi lies with the courts and not with He added that the now-imprisoned CIA asset went through the due legal process and was given a fair trial and a chance to plead his case.

"He was sentenced, he was convicted and is serving a sentence. We expect you to respect our legal process, as we respect yours," said Qureshi while alluding to interference by the US in the country's internal affairs.

Qureshi acknowledged that bilateral relations between the once-close allies have "soured" since President Trump took office last year.

The relations between Pakistan and the US nosedived after President Trump accused Islamabad of giving nothing to Washington but "lies and deceit" and providing "safe haven" to terrorists.

The US Congress also passed a bill to slash Pakistan's defence aid to USD 150 million, significantly below the historic level of more than USD one billion per year.

The foreign minister reiterated that Pakistan was unjustly blamed for the deteriorating security situation in war-torn Afghanistan.

"Pakistan is there to help and facilitate, we recognise that a stable and peaceful Afghanistan is in our interest,"



Qureshi said ahead of his planned meetings with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Adviser John Bolton.

During his meeting with Bolton on Tuesday, Qureshi is expected to discuss ways on untangling Pakistan's ruffled relations with the US, the Dawn reported.

Qureshi will meet Secretary of State Pompeo on October 2 in an attempt to reset ties between the two countries, it said.

Qureshi, during the interview, also said that he was not in the US to seek aid for Pakistan.

"I am not here to talk dollars and cents, I am not here seeking aid," Qureshi said.

"I am here to fix a relationship that went sour a relationship that has mutually-benefited both sides. We have been allies for a long time, it is time to rebuild that powerful relationship," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A minister in Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's Cabinet has shared the dias with 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed at an event in Islamabad, hours after Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi assured the world that his country has "turned the tide against terrorism".

Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Noor-Ul-Haq Qadri was seen seated near Saeed as he addressed an All Parties Conference organised by the Difa-e-Pakistan Council on Sunday, according to media reports.

A banner in the background said the conference was in "defence of Pakistan", and mentioned "Kashmir" as well as "threats from India".

The Difa-e-Pakistan Council is a coalition of over 40 Pakistani political and religious parties that advocate conservative policies.

Qadri's presence at the event with Saeed vindicated India's stand that there is no change in Islamabad's atttude towards terrorism after Prime Minister Khan assumed office in August.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in her address to the UN General Assembly on Saturday said Pakistan's commitment to terrorism as an instrument of state policy has not abated one bit.

She asked the world leaders how India can pursue talks with a nation that "glorifies killers" and allows the Mumbai attack mastermind to "roam free" with impunity.

Qureshi in his address to the UN General Assembly said Pakistan had turned the tide against terrorism.

With the deployment of 200,000 troops, Pakistan has conducted the largest and most effective counter terrorism campaign in the world. Peace and security have returned to our cities and towns, he had claimed.

The US has named Saeed as a specially-designated global terrorist, and announced a USD 10 million bounty for information that will help bring him to justice.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Domestic passenger vehicles sales moved in slow lane in September with major manufacturers Monday reporting either single-digit growth or decline due to high fuel cost and floods in parts of the country affecting consumer buying sentiment.

While Maruti Suzuki India, Tata Motors and Toyota Kirloskar posted single-digit sales growth in September, Hyundai, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) and Ford witnessed a decline in sales.

The country's largest carmaker MSI said its domestic sales stood at 1,53,550 units last month, up 1.4 per cent from 1,51,400 units in September last year.

The company witnessed growth in the compact segment which includes models like Swift and Baleno but saw a dip in sales of mini segment cars and utility vehicles during the month.

Sales of mini cars comprising Alto and WagonR were at 34,971 units as compared to 38,479 units in July last year, down 9.1 per cent.

However, sales of compact segment, including models such as Swift, Celerio, Ignis, Baleno and Dzire, were up 1.4 per cent at 74,011 units as against 72,804 units in September last year.

Utility vehicles, including Vitara Brezza, S-Cross and Ertiga were up 8.7per cent at 21,639 units as compared to 19,900 units in the year-ago month.

Tata Motors posted a 7 per cent increase in domestic passenger vehicle sales at 18,429 units last month as compared to 17,286 units in September 2017.

Commenting on the passenger vehicle sales performance in July, Tata Motors President Passenger Vehicles Business Mayank Pareek said the growth for the overall PV industry is stressed with degrowth in all three months of the quarter.

"Early indications have been that the industry has declined in September this year. Having said that, we grew at 7 per cent on the back of continued demand for our new generation vehicles," he added.

The company expects sales to pick up this festive season and to boost its customer morale, it is launching four new products, Pareek said.

Similarly, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) posted a 1.43 per cent increase in domestic sales last month at 12,512 units as compared with 12,335 units in the same month of last year.

"Customer demand in the auto industry has temporarily dampened owing to rising fuel prices, floods in different parts of the country and impact of currency weakness," TKM Deputy Managing Director N Raja said.

He further said, "However, we are confident that the buying sentiments will improve in the festive season with a strong customer demand."



On the other hand, Hyundai Motor India reported a 4.5 per cent decline in domestic sales at 47,781 units last month as compared to 50,028 units in September 2017.

Similarly, domestic passenger vehicle sales of Mahindra & Mahindra dipped 16 per cent to 21,411 units as compared to 25,414 units in the same month last year.

"The month of September has been muted for passenger vehicles due to factors such as low consumer buying sentiment, high fuel prices and the effects of monsoon in many parts of the country," M&M President Automotive Sector Rajan Wadhera said.

The company remains hopeful that the upcoming festive season will augur well for it as well as the automotive industry, he added.

Ford India reported 6.04 per cent dip in domestic sales at 8,239 units last month as against 8,769 units in September 2017.

"The festive season has started on a lower than expected note, owing to floods in Kerala, rising fuel prices and rupee depreciation, the industry is looking forward to closing the festive season on a higher note," said Ford India President and MD Anurag Mehrotra.

In the two-wheeler segment, Bajaj Auto posted an 11 per cent increase in domestic sales at 3,11,503 units as against 2,81,779 units in September last year.

Niche bike player Royal Enfield sold 70,065 units last month in the domestic market, a growth of 1 per cent. Suzuki Motorcycle India reported 24.27 per cent increase in domestic sales at 63,140 units in September.

Chennai-based TVS Motor Company posted 18 per cent increase in domestic two-wheeler sales at 3,61,136 units last month as compared to 3,07,160 units in September last year.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Photo: Getty Images

Over the weekend, Californias governor signed the states new law protecting net neutrality. The legislation, Senate Bill 822, barred ISPs from blocking lawful content, throttling customer speeds, or creating fast lanes for large edge providers like Google and Facebook.

The bill, the first in the nation since the Republican-controlled FCC rolled back protections earlier this year, effectively restored the 2015 Open Internet Order in the state. That order stipulated that internet-service providers could not discriminate against or prioritize certain traffic on their network (in other words, they had to keep the net neutral). Hours after it was signed into law, the Justice Department filed a suit over it.

Under the Constitution, states do not regulate interstate commerce  the federal government does. Once again the California legislature has enacted an extreme and illegal state law attempting to frustrate federal policy, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement.

California attorney general Xavier Becerra said in response that the Justice Department was ignoring American consumers, who overwhelmingly support net neutrality regardless of political party.

While the #Trump Administration continues to ignore the millions of Americans who voiced strong support for #netneutrality rules, #California will not allow a handful of power brokers to dictate sources for information or the speed at which websites load. https://t.co/I5BWtrZIA1  Xavier Becerra (@AGBecerra) October 1, 2018

FCC chairman Ajit Pai took time away from desperately trying to convince people hes cool and not lame to support the Justice Departments decision. Im pleased the Department of Justice has filed this suit, he wrote. The Internet is inherently an interstate information service. As such, only the federal government can set policy in this area.

Weird how Pai doesnt think the FCC has any authority over the internet when it suits the telecom industry, but does think he has authority over it when someone else tries to help out consumers. Anyway!

This suit seems less of a question over whether net-neutrality regulations are legal and more a question over jurisdiction  do states or the federal government have authority over ISPs? In any case, its probably going to drag on in the courts for a while.
Plastic bags will be completely banned in urban areas of from October 25 and in rural areas from November 25 this year, the state government informed the Patna High Court Monday.

Advocate General Lalit Kishore, who appeared for the state government, informed an HC bench that "there will be complete ban on use of plastic bags in any form from October 25 in urban areas, while it will be banned in rural areas from November 25 across the state."



The bench of Chief Justice M R Shah and Justice Ashutosh Kumar was hearing a PIL for banning the use of plastic or polythene bags.

Kishore made it clear that all types of plastic bags, irrespective of their thickness, would be banned in the state from the mentioned dates.



The court had taken note of a news report in a Hindi daily on June 23 on the pollution in a pond located on the premises of sacred Mahabodhi temple in Gaya. It had asked the state government to make a law for banning the use of plastic bags along with a provision for penalty for its violators.

The government had in the middle of September come out with a draft notification for a blanket ban on the manufacture, sale and use of plastic after seeking objections and suggestions from people, various organisations, institutions and stakeholders.

As per the draft notification, the plastic bags are non biodegradable, produce toxic gases on burning, cause blockage of sewers and drains and pose a threat to the life of cattle.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who has asked the party's West Bengal unit to strengthen the organisation in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, is likely to visit the state during Durga Puja, a senior state Congress leader said Monday.

Gandhi had held a meeting with the newly appointed Bengal Congress leadership, led by state Congress president Somen Mitra, on Saturday in New Delhi and discussed the organisational and upcoming election issues.

It was at the meeting that the proposal for Gandhi's visit to Bengal during Durga Puja - the biggest festival of Bengal, came up, according to state Congress sources.

"The schedule is being chalked out. Nothing has been finalized as of now. We hope that he will visit the city for a day during Puja," Congress MP and chairman of the coordination committee Pradip Bhattacharya said.

Plagued by defections and infighting, the new Bengal Congress leadership is planning to revamp party organisation in districts in a bid to strengthen the party ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, a senior party leader said.

"We have been asked to strengthen party organisation. We know we have very little time left as Lok Sabha polls are just a few months away. We hope that we would able to strengthen our party and fight elections on our own strength," Bhattacharya said.

According to another state Congress leader, Gandhi had asked party leaders to start building opinion among people about the Rafale deal.

"We have been asked to create opinion about the Rafale scam in Bengal. We will reach out to the masses both physically and through social media," the leader said.

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Congress president Rahul Gandhi will on Tuesday preside over the party's working committee meeting at the Sevagram ashram of Mahatma Gandhi in Maharashtra's Wardha district, and will lead a foot march on the occasion of the Father of the Nation's 150th birth anniversary.

The Congress has been accusing Narendra Modi government of practicing the of "hate and divisiveness".

Rahul Gandhi, who has been leading the party's tirade on the Rafale deal, will attend a prayer meeting at Bapu Kutir in the ashram Tuesday morning before presiding over the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting.

He will participate in a foot-march in Wardha in the afternoon, a party leader said Monday, adding the Congress president will also address a public meeting on Tuesday evening.

Addressing a press conference at Sevagram near Wardha, Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said Rahul Gandhi will lead the 'padyatra' after garlanding the statue of Mahatma Gandhi near the Collector's Office in Wardha.

"The padyatra will culminate in a 'SankalpRally' at the Circus ground where he is expected to spell out the party's future strategy and pledge to uphold Gandhian principles and ideology," he said.

Describing Tuesday's CWC meeting "historic", Surjewala said, the Congress Working Committee had in 1942 met in Sevagram under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi to adopt the 'Quit India' resolution and a meeting was again held there in March 1948.

"There is a historical linkage to the CWC meeting scheduled tomorrow, as (Mahatma) Gandhi's ideology is under attack and being encroached upon in current times," the Congress leader said.

He claimed that the situation prevailing in the country is of "loot, jhoot (lies), 'batware' (division) and 'bhay' (fear)", from which the country needs freedom.

"Mahatma Gandhi lives in the heart and soul of every Indian. The need of the hour is to pledge to uphold his principles of equality, social justice, eradicating discrimination, ending the menace of communalism, casteism and regionalism," he said.

In a veiled attack against the Modi government, Surjewala said those in power are merely doing a "lip service" to the Gandhian thought "after murdering it".

"They swear by Mahatma Gandhi only for optics and photo-ops. Just by speaking about the Mahatma and releasing one's photos (modelled on) like Gandhi, doesn't make anybody a Gandhian," he said in a veiled reference to the rome minister's 'Swacch Bharat' scheme.

Surjewala also said the Congress' fight is against "falsehood, violence and fear".

"The Congress is fighting a war against the ideology of (Nathuram) Godse (the assassin of the Mahatma)," he said.

In April 1936, Mahatma Gandhi established his residence in the village Shegaon near Wardha which he renamed as Sevagram, which means 'village of service'.

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Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday held a meeting and it is believed they discussed issues related to the National Register of Citizens and "entry of people from other states to create disturbances" in West Bengal, a senior government official said.

The 20-minute meeting was held at the state secretariat following the 23rd meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council here.

The meeting was convened to discuss issues related to interstate relations and security matters, including the Maoist menace.

Though there was no official briefing on what transpired at the meeting, an official said the two leaders discussed the issues of the NRC and "entry of people from states like Bihar and Jharkhand to create disturbances" in West Bengal among others.

A financial package demanded by the West Bengal government from the Centre and the proposal to change the state's name from West Bengal to Bangla were also discussed, he said.

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US President Donald Trump Monday jokingly said that abstaining from drinking was one of his only good traits, in an apparent reference to his Supreme Court nominee Justice Brett Kavanaugh who talked about his drinking habits while testifying before a Senate Committee on sexual assault allegations.

"I'm not a drinker. I can honestly say I never had a beer in my life, OK? It's one of my only good traits. I don't drink," Trump told reporters jokingly, resulting in a burst of laughter from some reporters at a White House conference.

"Whenever they're looking for something, I'm going to say, 'I never had a glass of alcohol'. I've never had alcohol. ... Can you imagine if I had what a mess I'd be? I'd be the world's worst. But I never drank. I never drank," Trump said.

The President was responding to a question on the drinking habits of his Supreme Court nominee Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who is facing allegations of sexual assault when he was in high school and college.

Kavanaugh testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on sexual assault allegations, wherein he also talked about his drinking habits. His critics have expressed concern that he lied about his drinking habits.

Trump, however, said he did not think so.

"So, if he did lie about his drinking, does that mean you'll pull his nomination?" Trump was asked.

"I don't think he did," answered the US President.

"But I can tell you, I watched that hearing and I watched a man saying that he did have difficulty as a young man with drink. The one question I didn't ask is how about the last 20 years? Have you had difficulty the last 20 years? Because nobody said anything bad about him in many, many years," Trump said.

"They go back to high school. You know, I graduated from high school, and while I did not drink, I saw a lot of people drinking. They'd drink beer and they'd go crazy and, you know, they were in high school. They were 16, 17 years old, and I saw a lot of it. Does that mean that they can't do something that they want to do with their life?" he asked.

"So it's a very tough thing. I really believe that he was very strong on the fact that he drank a lot and so I don't know where there'd be big discrepancy," Trump said.

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The RSS-affiliate Swadeshi Jagran Manch Monday welcomed the removal of Nachiket Mor from the central board of the RBI, saying it was a fit case of conflict of interest.

Mor is the Director of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's (BMGF) India office, which receives foreign funds and the RBI is the regulator of the funds, Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) co-convener Ashwani Mahajan said.

The Home Ministry was keeping a watch on the BMGF after allegations surfaced that the foundation was working for multinational companies to influence government policies on health and agriculture in their favour, Mahajan claimed.

It was a glaring case of conflict of interest, as Mor was on the board of the RBI but his principal employer was BMGF, which is functioning in India with the central bank's permission, he asserted.

Mor, who was re-nominated by the government in August 2017 for a second term of four years on the board of the RBI, has been removed.

Earlier this year, the SJM had written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding that he be sacked.

In August, the government had appointed SJM convenor S Gurumurthy to the RBI board.

Mor has worked with ICICI Bank and also headed the RBI expert committee on financial inclusion.

The SJM has been demanding that government issue instructions to NITI Aayog, ICMR and the ministries of agriculture, health and family welfare, finance and women and child development to keep such outfits and their representatives at bay.

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The Congress on Monday alleged the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Pakistan are on the "same page in propagating hatred, violence and division among people".

The opposition party also equated the BJP with the Britishers, alleging both of them followed 'divide and rule policy' and supported loot of India's resources to be moved abroad.

Congress's stinging attack follow repeated jibes from the ruling party that the opposition party and Pakistan both wanted to oust Prime Minister Narendra Modi from power.

Amid repeated attacks from Congress on the issue of Rafale deal, BJP president Amit Shah recently asked whether the opposition party was forming an "international mahagathabandhan" (grand alliance) against Modi.

Addressing a press meet on the eve of Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting at Sewagram in Wardha district near here, AICC chief spokesman Randeep Singh Surjewala said the RSS vision is contrary to the Gandhian ideology.

"When Gandhiji and the Congress were fighting the British, the RSS kept quiet. The RSS doesn't represent any section of the society. It believes in violence and it's base is polarisation, hatred and discrimination," he said.

On reported remarks by Pakistan against the RSS at the United Nations, Surjewala said, "Pakistan, like the RSS, supports violence and it practices hatred and divisiveness. "It (the RSS) also supports violence. The Congress and people of India don't support this."



Surjewala said the CWC meeting at Sewagram, which was Gandhiji's "karmbhoomi" (the land where one works), will be historic. It will take place at Mahadev Bhavan, just 300 metres from the Gandhi Ashram.

"This is a battle between ideology of Gandhi and Godse. You can't imbibe Gandhi's idealism by speaking good about him or taking pictures like him.

"For those in power, Gandhi's thought is just a lip service. Those in power murder Gandhi's thought. They swear by Gandhi only for optics and photo-op," Surjewala said in a veiled attack on Modi.

He said the BJP's base was "untruth, fear and arrogance" and the party has to "cleanse its soul to understand Gandhi".

He said the CWC meeting in 1942 was held here to give the call of Quit India and the party will now pledge to launch a campaign to free the country from "loot-jhoot-bhay-batware (lies, fear, divisiveness)".

"An anti-people and arrogant BJP has replaced Britishers after 71 years," he said, alleging the Britishers looted India's natural resources and took them abroad and the BJP government has also given a free hand to "bank looters" to rob the country's resources.

Under British rule, India's plurality was attacked with policy of 'divide and rule', he said, as he accused the BJP of indulging in communal, caste and regional polarisation and playing a political game of chess like Shakuni (a wily character in Mahabharata).

"Like the British, the BJP wants to curtail democratic principles and centralise power in Modi. Like the British, BJP's DNA is anti-farmer and it is against the oppressed, Dalits, tribals, backward communities, minorities and women," he said.

Talking about the Black Act on salt and levy of taxes on Indians by British, he said the BJP brought Gabbar Singh Tax and Notebandi that have harmed small traders and businessmen, referring to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the demonetisation.

Surjewala said the BJP works only for a handful of rich people, like the British did.

"Like the British, who misused police agencies to harass freedom fighters, the BJP is using the ED, the CBI, police and investigating agencies to crush opposition," he alleged and also accused the ruling party of muzzling the voice of independent media.

"Britishers used to portray India as a poor country and a land of snake charmers. Similarly, Modi has maligned the country during his overseas visits by saying India had not progressed in 70 years," Surjewala said.

He said under the leadership of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, the party will resolve at the CWC meet to free the country from the "economic anarchy" under the BJP government.

Rahul Gandhi is expected to arrive in Nagpur Tuesday for the CWC meeting, which is expected to last for around two hours. He will pay his respects to Mahatma Gandhi at his ashram, attend a prayer meeting and lead a padyatra that will culminate into a public meeting.

Asked why the Congress is not moving courts on the Rafale fighter jet deal, Surjewala said the party has placed the issues in the people's court.

Congress has alleged corruption in the deal and has repeatedly attacked Modi. The government has denied all charges.

Surjewala said people will force the prime minister to speak on the issue and convert the "Maun Modi" into "Bol Modi".

He also sought to justify the "chor" comment by Rahul Gandhi against the prime minister in the context of the Rafale deal, alleging the BJP had also maligned Rajiv Gandhi by challing him 'chor' and their leaders had said 'Mera PM Chor Hai' for the former prime minister Manmohan Singh.

"What do you call a chowkidar who is caught red-handed. Even the ex-French president has said so. This is admission of guilt by silence. Rahul Gandhi asked the prime minister to speak up so that the PM's post is not maligned," Surjewala said.

On NCP president Sharad Pawar's reported clean-chit to Modi on the Rafale case, he said the NCP has clarified those comments were twisted and there was no reason not to believe their leaders.

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Riyadh rejected accusations by Tehran that Saudi Arabia was behind last week's deadly attack on a military parade in the southwestern Iranian city of Ahvaz, state media reported Tuesday.

"The kingdom completely rejects the deplorable false accusations by Iranian officials regarding the kingdom's support for the incidents that occurred in Iran," a foreign ministry official said, quoted by the Saudi Press Agency.

"The kingdom of Saudi Arabia's policy is clear regarding its non-interference in the domestic affairs of other countries," he said.

On Monday, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei charged that gunmen who killed 24 people at the military parade were funded by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

UAE's minister of state for foreign affairs, Anwar Gargash, has also dismissed Iran's accusation as "baseless".

"This official campaign launched in Iran against the UAE is regrettable and has escalated since the Ahvaz attack," Gargash tweeted earlier this week.

Four militants attacked Saturday's parade commemorating the start of the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war, spraying the crowd with gunfire in an attack that left civilians among the dead.

Iranian officials have blamed jihadist separatists, backed by Gulf Arab allies of the United States, for the attack.

Speaking to a group of Iranian athletes, Khamenei said the attack "once again shows the Iranian nation faces many enemies on its proud path of progress and development".

"This cowardly act was the work of those very individuals who are rescued by the Americans whenever they are in trouble in Iraq and Syria and who are funded by the Saudis and the (United) Arab Emirates," he said.

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Assam government Monday informed the state Assembly that the sealing of the international border is the responsibility of the Central government.

Replying to a query by AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam on the sealing of the Indo-Bangla border, Water Resources Minister Keshab Mahanta did not share any possible deadline to seal the border.

He said border sealing is the responsibility of the Central government.

While replying on behalf of Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who also holds Implementation of Assam Accord Department, Mahanta said the state government has been requesting the Centre to complete the work at the earliest.

Mahanta informed that out of 263 km border that Assam shares with Bangladesh, 214.89 km is land border and 48.11 km is river.

While 93.77 per cent work of sealing the land border has been completed, work in the remaining stretch is being carried out by central agencies like NBCC and CPWD.

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Kashmiri separatist leaders said on Monday that they have written a letter to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ahead of his India visit, drawing his attention to the urgency of the need to resolve the Kashmir issue.

The Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), a separatist amalgam, said in the letter, "As you embark on your trip to India, we in the State of Jammu and Kashmir take this opportunity to draw your attention towards the urgency of the need to resolve the dispute over it."



The JRL, comprising Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik, said they felt that India's refusal to hold dialogue was doing "unimaginable harm not only to Kashmir, but to the entire South Asian region" at a time during which interconnectedness culturally, economically and politically is the driving force in international relations.

"We would like to urge you to advocate that New Delhi engage with us in Kashmir and with Pakistan, with whom India's relations are also deteriorating by the day," they said.

The separatists also raised the alleged human rights violations by the security forces.

The UN secretary-general will be on a three-day visit to India from Monday.

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The OECD Observer online archive takes you on a journey through half a century of public policy and world progress.

Since November 1962, the OECDs experts and leading guests offer insights on the questions facing our member countries with concise and authoritative analysis, and provide our audiences with an excellent opportunity to understand policy debates and consider solutions.

Each edition of the OECD Observer reports on a core theme of the OECDs on-going work, from economics and society through governance, finance, and the environment, and articles are bolstered by tables and graphs.
Thespian Sivaji Ganesan was Monday remembered on his 90th birth anniversary, with Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and veteran actor Kamal Haasan paying tributes to him.

Panneerselvam paid floral tributes to Ganesan at the memorial constructed for the veteran actor at Adyar area here.

The state government had earlier announced that the actor's birthday would be celebrated as a government function.

The late actor's son G Prabhu, himself a cinema star, was also present at the event.

Meanwhile, Kamal Haasan, actor and founder of the political party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) visited Ganesan's house and garlanded a portrait of the actor.

He described Sivaji Ganesan as the 'father' of his acting.

In a tweet, Haasan said he was "one among the many adopted sons" of the thespian and paid tributes "to the father of my acting."



The legendary Ganesan is often described as an iconic actor, especially in Tamil cinema and was known for essaying a wide variety of roles and his dialogue delivery.

He had won many international and national awards, including the prestigious Chevalier Award from the French government and is regarded as a father figure by the Tamil film industry.

A winner of the coveted Dada Saheb Phalke award, Ganesan had acted in over 300 films, most of which were blockbusters.

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Six passengers were Monday killed and three others injured after being hit by a speeding truck while they were pushing a roadways bus which had broken down, police said.

The conductor of the bus Amit Kumar Lodhi also died in the accident, Circle Officer Harraiya Rahul Pandey said.

The incident took place near Bhadohi village when the bus going from Allahabad to Gorakhpur broke down near a roadside eatery. When the passengers were pushing the bus, they were hit by a speeding truck coming from behind, leaving six of them dead on the spot.

The injured have been rushed to a hospital, where their condition was stated to be stable.

The drive of the truck fled from the spot after abandoning the vehicle at some distance.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed grief over the loss of lives.

He has directed officials to ensure that financial assistance be provided to the families of the deceased and injured persons as per rules, a statement issued by the Chief Minister's office said.

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Budget carrier SpiceJet commenced its flight services to the temple town with its first flight carrying 133 passengers from New Delhi landing here Monday.

The Boeing 737 aircraft, which had departed from Delhi at 1300 hours, landed at 1455 hours at the Shirdi airport, said Anil Patil, managing director, Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC)



The same flight returned to Delhi with 117 passengers at 1530 hours, he added.

Coincidentally, October 1 also marks the completion of one year of operations of the Rs 350-crore Shirdi aerodrome.

Besides SpiceJet, Air India's regional arm, Alliance Air, also operates its services to and from Shirdi airport.

The aerodrome is owned and developed by MADC, a special purpose vehicle to develop airports in the state.

Home to the famous temple dedicated to Shri SaiBaba, Shirdi which falls in Ahmednagar district, receives an estimated 60,000 pilgrims every day.

Shirdi airport has received and dispatched as many as 1,500 flights and ferried around 70,000 passengers in the last one year of its commercial operations, Patil said.

He said that while SpiceJet will start services to Mumbai and Bengaluru from the temple town going forward, Naresh Goyal-controlled Jet Airways also plans to commence flights to Ahmedabad and Indore from here.

Inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind last year, the airport with a 2,500 metre-long runway is capable of handling single narrow-body aircraft such as Airbus A320 and Boeing 737s.

The 2,750 sqm terminal building has been designed to handle a total of 300 passengers.

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Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday that states have been asked to identify Rohingya refugees and collect their biometric details.

The Centre will send the biometric report collected by states to the Myanmar government through diplomatic channel, he said.

Singh chaired a meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council here to discuss issues related to inter-state relations and security matters, including the Maoist menace.

The meeting was attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi. Odisha was represented in the meeting by Finance Minister Shashi Bhusan Behera.

The Union Home Minister said that the states required central forces which the Centre would provide as per need.

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The domestic steel sector has opposed bringing more products under the India-Korea free trade agreement, as cheaper imports from that country have already impacted the industry, an official said.

India and South Korea are negotiating to upgrade the existing FTA, officially dubbed as Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), for expanding bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030.

Upgradation or widening of such agreement includes elimination or significant reduction of import duties on more goods.

To widen the scope of the pact, Korea wants addition of more products such as machinery and certain kinds of steel products.

"The steel ministry and the industry have opposed this demand and instead want Korean steel companies to set up manufacturing facilities in India," the official added.

Both the countries have resolved for early conclusion of talks to upgrade the existing trade pact.

Under CEPA, both countries have eliminated duties on several goods and relaxed norms to promote investments and trade in services. It was implemented in January 2010 and is under revision.

Review of the agreement assumes significance as domestic industry has raised concerns over the utilisation of the pact.

The review is also important as India's trade deficit with Korea has increased to about USD 12 billion in 2017-18 from USD 8.5 billion in 2016-17.

Upgradation or widening of any free trade agreement (FTA) means better utilisation of the existing pact and inclusion or elimination of more goods.

The two-way trade has increased to USD 20.9 billion in 2017-18 from USD 16.9 billion in the previous fiscal.

India has attracted only USD 3.1 billion foreign direct investment from South Korea.

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Ryanair slashed its profits forecast Monday and signalled job losses in the Netherlands and Germany, as the Irish no-frills airline revealed the fallout of pan-European strikes by its disgruntled staff.

The Dublin-based carrier cut its annual net profits forecast by 12 per cent owing to recent walkouts by pilots and cabin crew that has forced it to cancel hundreds of flights over the summer peak season.

Ryanair lowered its estimate for annual profits after tax to 1.10-1.20 billion euros (USD1.27-USD1.39 billion) from a range of 1.25-1.35 billion euros for its financial year ending next March.

The airline posted net profit of 1.45 billion euros in 2017-18.

"Ryanair cannot rule out further disruptions... which may require full-year guidance to be lowered further," the airline said in a statement.

It added that from November 5, it would leave eight aircraft on the tarmac, equivalent to a 1.0-per cent reduction in its winter capacity.

All four aircraft will be taken out of its Eindhoven base in the Netherlands, while the only two planes based in Bremen, Germany, will also be removed from action.

Two out of five aircraft stationed in Niederrhein, Germany, will also be grounded.

"We will... now consult with our pilots and cabin crew at these three bases to minimise job losses," Ryanair said.

"We expect to offer our pilots vacancies at other Ryanair bases but, as we have a large surplus of winter cabin crew, we will explore unpaid leave and other options to minimise cabin crew job losses." Ryanair's share price was down more than seven per cent to 12.16 euros on the

The profit warnings come three days after cabin crew walked out in Germany, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain -- and after some pilots' unions also went on strike.

Ryanair staff have been seeking higher wages and an end to the practice whereby many have been working as independent contractors without the benefits of staff employees.

A key complaint of workers based in countries other than Ireland is the fact that Ryanair has been employing them under Irish legislation.

Staff say this creates huge insecurity for them, blocking access to state benefits in their country.

While Ryanair has struck some deals with unions -- last week it signed deals with cabin crew unions in Italy to provide employment contracts under Italian law -- it has yet to reach agreement in other countries.

Also in September, Ryanair pilots across Europe staged a separate coordinated 24-hour stoppage to push their demands for better pay and conditions, plunging tens of thousands of passengers into transport chaos at the peak of the busy summer season.

In July meanwhile, strikes by cockpit and cabin crew disrupted 600 flights in Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain, affecting 100,000 travellers.

"While we successfully managed five strikes by 25 percent of our Irish pilots this summer, two recent coordinated strikes by cabin crew and pilots across five EU countries has affected passenger numbers," Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary said in Monday's statement.

"While we regret these disruptions, we have on both strike days operated over 90 percent of our schedule.

"However, customer confidence, forward bookings and third-quarter fares has been affected, most notably over the (upcoming) October school mid-terms and Christmas, in those five countries where unnecessary strikes have been repeated," he added.

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A Swedish court on Monday sentenced a Frenchman at the heart of a Nobel scandal, Jean-Claude Arnault, to two years in prison for a rape that emerged during the #MeToo campaign.

"The defendant is found guilty of rape committed during the night between the 5th and 6th of October 2011 and has been sentenced to imprisonment for two years. The injured party has been awarded compensation for damages," the Stockholm district court announced in its verdict.

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UN chief Antonio Guterres has said that the Rohingya people are one of the most discriminated against people in the world, emphasising that there must be accountability for the gross violations and abuses committed in Myanmar's Rakhine state.

According to the UN estimates, nearly 700,000 minority Rohingya Muslims have fled to Bangladesh to escape violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state since August 25 last year when the army launched a military crackdown.

"Addressing the systematic discrimination against the Rohingya in Myanmar is essential to ensure they have legal recognition, freedom of movement and equal access to education, health services, employment and other rights," Guterres told PTI in an exclusive interview ahead of his three-day visit to India that begins Monday.

"There can be no peace and reconciliation without ensuring that all people in Myanmar regardless of their ethnicity or religion can have equal enjoyment of their rights," Guterres said.

Responding to a question on the worsening Rohingya crisis, Guterres said he had visited Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh in July this year and had met with refugees and heard "heartbreaking" stories of massive violence of killings, of rape, of torture, of house or villages burnt. As High Commissioner for Refugees, Guterres had twice visited Northern Rakhine state.

Almost a million Rohingya refugees live in Cox's Bazar under tarpaulins, on steep, sandy slopes 25,000 of whom are said to be at the highest risk of landslides.

"I have no doubt that the Rohingya people are one of the most, if not the most, discriminated against people in the world, lacking any recognition of their most basic rights, starting with the recognition of their right to citizenship by their own country Myanmar," he said.

In April, Guterres had appointed Christine Schraner Burgener as his Special Envoy on Myanmar.

She is undertaking a process of broad consultations, including with the Government and the military, and with civil society, women's groups and Member States in the region and beyond to help address the pressing situation in Rakhine State, advance the peace process and support broader democratization and human rights issues.

Guterres called on "accountability" for the gross violations and abuses committed in the Rakhine State.

"Holding perpetrators accountable is critical to end the cycle of violence and prevent the recurrence of violations, to give Rohingya refugees the confidence to return to Myanmar to rebuild their lives, and to give hope for a new future to those who remain in Rakhine," he said.

The UN has called for different accountability options to be considered, he said adding that very strong recommendations have been made by the UN Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar appointed by the Human Rights Council.

Effective international cooperation will be critical to ensuring that accountability mechanisms are credible, transparent, impartial, independent and comply with Myanmar's obligations under international law, Guterres said.

This August marked one year since hundreds of thousands of Rohingya people fled persecution and violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state and sought refuge in neighbouring Bangladesh.

Bangladesh now hosts nearly one million refugees, most of whom are Rohingya women and children who have taken refuge since the start of the violence.

Myanmar does not recognise Rohingya as an ethnic group and insists that they are Bangladeshi migrants living illegally in the country.

Guterres further said that the world faces urgent challenges, from climate change and inequality to armed conflict and intolerance, especially targeting migrants and refugees.

"We must raise our ambition across the board. But this is also an era in which we have the technology, the knowledge and the wealth to move our world forward leaving no one behind."



"At a time of fragmentation and polarisation, the world must be reminded of the value of international cooperation," he said.

He made a call to harness the power of diversity, with people of different traditions and backgrounds coming together at the United Nations to share burdens, solve problems and seize opportunities, to resolve today's complex challenges. We must continue to heed that voice of grace and reason that voice of morality and solidarity. Our world needs it now more than ever, he said in the email interview.

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The first seven months of this year saw 52 deaths and 232 people getting injured by 1,435 ceasefire violations in Jammu and Kashmir, according to an RTI reply by the Home ministry.

According to the data provided by the MHA in reply to an RTI application filed by activist Raman Sharma, till the end of July this year, 28 civilians, 12 armymen and 12 BSF personnel were killed.

During the same period, 140 civilians, 45 armymen and 47 BSF personnel were injured in 945 ceasefire violations along the LoC and 490 along the International Border, according to the data provided by MHA's Jammu and Kashmir Affairs Director, Sulekha.

Last year, in 971 ceasefire violations, including 860 along the LoC and 111 along the IB, 12 civilians, 15 armymen and 4 BSF personnel were killed, and 151 injured including 79 civilians, 58 armymen and 14 BSF personnel, it stated.

During 2016, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed 439 ceasefire violations, in which 26 people including 13 civilians, 8 armymen and 5 BSF men were killed and 182, including 83 civilians, were injured.

In Jammu and Kashmir, the International Border between India and Pakistan is guarded by the the BSF while the Army guards the Line of Control.

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami and DMK President MK Stalin Monday greeted President Ram Nath Kovind on his birthday Monday.

The Chief Minister sent a flower bouquet to Kovind, besides a message greeting the President on his 73rd birthday, wishing him good health.

"On the happy occasion of your birthday, I have pleasure in conveying my warm felicitations and best wishes to you," he said in the message.

"I pray the Almighty to grant you many more years of good health and strength to serve the people of our country," he said in his message.

Kovind, who assumed office of the President of India in July 2017, was born in 1945.

Meanwhile, Stalin also extended his birthday greetings to the President.

"Warm greetings and birthday wishes to the Hon'ble President of India, @rashtrapatibhvn," he said in a tweet.

"I wish him good health, happiness and inspiring public life. #PresidentKovind," Stalin, Leader of Opposition in Tamil Nadu Assembly, added.

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Both Israel and the U.S. have protested the decision to supply Syria with the S-300, which could complicate ongoing Israeli efforts to prevent Iran deepening its military presence in Syria and to thwart the transfer of weapons in Syria to Hezbollah.

Moscow's S-300 surface-to-air missile defense system has been delivered to Syria, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced this weekend.

"The delivery started already and as President [Vladimir] Putin said, after that incident ... the measures that we will take will be devoted to ensuring 100 percent safety and security of our men", Lavrov told reporters at a news conference held at United Nations headquarters in NY. A week previously, Moscow had accused Israel of indirectly causing the downing of a Russian military jet in Syria.

Vladimir Mikheyev of Radioelectronics Technologies said Friday in remarks carried by the Interfax news agency that Krasukha and Zhitel electronic countermeasure units will place Syria's air defenses under an "electronic umbrella", making it hard to spot and attack them.

"As President [Vladimir] Putin said, after that incident. the measures that we will take will be devoted to ensuring 100 percent safety and security of our men", said Lavrov. As part of an evasive maneuver, Israeli fighters used a Russian radio-location IL-20 aircraft as a cover to prevent the firing of the Syrian artillery, which led to the demolition of that airship by an S-200 system. U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton recently warned Russian Federation against the decision, advising it against escalating the already high tensions in the Middle East region.

White House aide Conway: She's a victim of sexual assault

Conway then stopped for a moment, looked down, and cleared her throat . "You have to responsible for your own conduct". Neither Conway nor Tapper appeared to be prepared for her revelation, the Post reported.

On July 14, 2015, the P5+1 (China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States), the European Union and Iran reached a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran's long-term nuclear programme.

Syrian rebel forces may be on the verge of defeat in Syria's civil war, but threats to regional peace and stability remain, due to growing Russian and Iranian intervention.

In April, US President Donald Trump ordered strikes on Syrian government military targets after an alleged attack using chemical weapons outside Damascus that Washington blamed on President Bashar al-Assad.

In the Monday phone conversation, Netanyahu claimed the delivery of the missile defense system would increase dangers in the region, a statement by his office said.
Unidentified miscreants have torched a truck and damaged four other vehicles after they found that cattle were being allegedly smuggled in the vehicles in Odisha's Bhadrak district, police said.

The incident happened at Asurali under the jurisdiction of Dhamnghar police station Sunday, sparking tension in the area for sometime, said Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Manoranjan Samal.

He said that seven trucks were carrying cattle from Pandarabatia under Dhamnghar police station limit to Kolkata.

Receiving the information, a group of people intercepted the vehicles and unloaded the cattle during which, they found four animals dead, the SDPO said.

The irate crowd then set the truck, in which the dead cattle were found, on fire and damaged four other vehicles.

Adequate police personnel were deployed in the area in order to keep the situation under control, he said.

The locals also resorted to road blockade protesting cattle smuggling.

Despite restrictions on cattle smuggling, illegal activities are still rampant in the district creating law and order problems at times, locals alleged.

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The UIDAI Monday asked telecom companies to submit within next 15 days a plan to stop using Aadhaar for customer authentication, days after the Supreme Court imposed curbs on the use of the 12-digit unique ID number.

A circular to this effect has been issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to telecom service providers (TSPs), including Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea and others.

The UIDAI circular, seen by PTI, says: "...all TSPs are called upon to immediately take actions in order to comply with the judgement dated 26.09.2018. In this regard, TSPs are hereby directed to submit by 15th October, 2018, an action plan/exit plan to the authority for closure of use of Aadhaar based authentication systems..."



Significantly, the UIDAI has also asked all telecom operators to "take immediate cognizance" of the request for delinking Aadhaar with mobile number as and when such requests are received from subscribers.

The authority noted that TSPs may take appropriate action to perform fresh KYC as per the Department of Telecom (DoT) approved list of proof of identity, and proof of address within six months from the date of such request to avoid de-activation of the mobile number.

"All TSPs shall immediately notify their customers the facility of delinking their Aadhaar number and the UID token from their database and establish a system to accept and process such requests for delinking," UIDAI said adding that the "process of delinking" should form a part of the exit plan that has been sought.

The Supreme Court, last week, struck down Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act, which allowed private companies to use the 12-digit biometric ID-based eKYC. Following this, private companies like telecom operators will not be able to use this instantaneous and inexpensive Aadhaar eKYC route.

This would mean that the industry will have to revert to alternates like legacy paper-based technique (collect physical paper forms with signature, photographs, ship to verification centre and call up the customer to cross-verify submitted details). The turn around times in this route is between 24-36 hours.

When contacted, UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey said: "In order to ensure smooth discontinuation...there are certain requirements which are there under the Aadhaar regulations...so the companies are in the best position to know what exactly is needed and they can submit their plan by October 15. If any additional requirements are to be done from the UIDAI side, we will tell them after receipt of their plan."



TSPs may be liable for contempt of court for any non-compliance, the UIDAI said in its instruction to telecom companies.

Quoting from the Supreme Court judgement, the UIDAI circular said it is understood that neither can the telecommunication service providers continue using Aadhaar number for the purpose of issuance of new SIM cards nor for the re-verification of existing SIM cards under Telecom Department's circular dated March 23, 2017.

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London's iconic St Pancras railway station, a Victorian Gothic wonder built literally over beer vaults and which was saved from demolition by a spirited campaign from a noted poet, turned 150 on Monday amid big celebrations.

It was on this day in 1868 at 4:20 am, the first train from Leeds had arrived at St Pancras, according to information shared by station authorities.

HS1 Ltd, owner of the St Pancras International is marking the landmark day with a five-foot bespoke cake created by prestigious Parisian cookery school 'Le Cordon Bleu', showcased on the station's Grand Terrace.

The showstopper depicts the station's architecture and 150-year history in edible detail - from the Pullman steam trains, which first embarked from the station, to the original vaults, previously used to store beer barrels along with other goods transported to the capital, which can still be seen at the station today, along with its famous Barlow Shed roof.

A Grade I listed building, and terminal station for Eurostar continental services, it offers a wealth of stylish and premium shops, boutiques, bars and restaurants all under one iconic roof, but its history is quite a brew, literally, with a slant 'India' connect.

In celebration of the 150th anniversary, a beer festival is being organised in October, where visitors can taste a whole range of beers and real ales, including the specially brewed St. Pancras IPA (India Pale Ale), authorities said.

The festival marks a tribute to the station's brewing heritage. The Midland Railway Company played a crucial role in changing Londoners' drinking habits through access to the brewers and beer of Burton-upon-Trent and "literally built the station on beer barrels".

David Turner, Associate Lecturer in railway studies with the University of York in the UK, said the station is a world-class icon, and its journey of 150 years is as fascinating as its history.

"The vaults under the station were used as stores for numerous Burton Brewers, and they did indeed sell what was called India Pale Ale (IPA)," Turner told PTI.

The term 'pale ale' originally denoted an ale brewed from pale malt. Many brewers exported



this beer to India, which became popular among East India Company traders in the late 18th century.

Visitors would be literally treated to a slice of history on Monday, but they would do well to know that the grand building that stands tall proudly today, actually faced the wrecking ball.

In 1966 proposals to demolish both Kings Cross and St Pancras stations were put forward by British Rail given falling traffic.

However, following the public response from figures such as architectural historian Niklaus Pevsner and poet John Betjeman, demolition was spared and it became a listed structure.

"John Betjeman the poet, author and broadcaster was instrumental in a successful campaign to save and preserve it, and this meant it could be used for the high-speed railway to the Channel Tunnel," Turner said.

A larger-than-lifesize bronze statue of Betjeman, who was Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1972 until his death, by Martin Jennings greets passengers at the station as he looks up towards the famous shed roof designed by William Henry Barlow.

A famous song from 2012 Shah Rakh Khan-starrer 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' had also featured the station and the statue that celebrates Betjeman's life and poetry.

Wendy Spinks, Commercial Director at HS1 Ltd said, "St Pancras International has always been more than just a train station. It's a destination. We want people to discover the stunning architecture, shops and restaurants, to art and cultural events, and today, the exquisite six-foot cake, steeped in history".

The station, which also has a heritage hotel attached to it, was built by the Midland Railway Company (MRC) to connect London with some of England's major cities. It was intended to make a grand statement about the company with a display of physical magnificence.

Betjeman had poetically described this Gothic treasure "too beautiful and too romantic to survive" in a world of tower blocks and concrete. But, like a poet's dream, it has indeed survived for good 150 years.

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United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres arrived here Monday on his maiden visit to India as the head of the world body that coincides with the commencement of events marking the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Guterres arrived in the afternoon and was received by senior UN officials, an official of the world body said.

The UN chief will meet the top leadership of the country including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is likely to discuss key global issues such as climate change and terrorism during his three-day visit.

Ahead of his visit, the UN chief told PTI that India is an "important partner" of the UN in countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism.

Guterres also said there are plans to step up cooperation between the UN and India on strengthening capacity in combating terror financing.

His visit coincides with the beginning of events to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2 next year, Deputy Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General Farhan Haq had told reporters.

During his visit, Guterres will participate in the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention and call on Modi on October 2.

He will also deliver a lecture at the India Habitat Centre on the theme of 'Global challenges, global solutions'.

On Tuesday, the UN chief will meet Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and participate in the second re-invest and first assembly of the International Solar Alliance and energy ministers meet of the Indian Ocean Rim Association member countries.

On October 3, Guterres will attend the 'Champions of Earth' ceremony here and meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

The same day, he will visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar and will emplane for New York in the wee hours of October 4.

Guterres had visited India in July 2016, just months ahead of the election for Secretary General.

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The US is very successfully using tariffs or the threat of it to negotiate a fair-trade deal with other countries, President Donald Trump said on Monday.

Trump Monday threatened to impose new tariffs on additional USD 267 billion worth of imports from China and asserted that there will be no deal with Beijing unless it changes its unfair trade practices.

"We're using tariffs very successfully to negotiate, and if we're unable to make a fair deal, then we'll use tariffs," Trump told reporters at a White House conference after he announced a major regional trade agreement with his two neighbours of Mexico and Canada.

Trump was responding to a question on concerns in the US that the booming stock market might be hit because of his tariff policies against countries like China.

The US under him has imposed import duties on USD 250 billion worth of Chinese products and he has threatened to impose more if he does not get a fair and reciprocal trade deal.

"There are some who are worried that, because of the threat of future tariffs, it could potentially stifle an economy that is hot, a stock market that is hot. But yet today you have once again said, 'Hey, as it relates to China, more tariffs could be coming down the line'. Are you worried that potentially you are somewhat suppressing this economy from running further?" he was asked.

"No, no, no. No, I'm using them to negotiate. And hopefully we can make a great deal with China. A fair deal. And a reciprocal deal, but a great deal and a fair deal," Trump said in response.

"We have a lot of catching-up to do with China. You know, when they drain us for USD 500 billion a year, which is probably the real number - and that's not including the theft of intellectual property and other things. A lot of people say it's hard to value, but a lot of people say that could be USD 300 billion a year. That's a tremendous, you just can't let that happen," he said.

The US, he said is using tariffs very successfully to negotiate.

But America's two neighbours - Mexico and Canada - are way beyond that.

"We have a deal that really works. The nice part about the deal we make with them is it's not a specific product; it's a product all across the line, whether it's dairy, or just a lot of product. You see the list of products. There are many, many products, and they're all included, so it's across the board," he said.

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West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh on Monday condemned the assault of a woman party worker in North 24 Parganas district allegedly by ruling Trinamool Congress activists during the September 26 shutdown called by the saffron party.

A video of 48-year-old BJP worker Nilima Dey Sarkar being kicked and beaten has gone viral on social media.

"We have been saying this daily that the law and order situation in the state has completely broken down. The police is sitting idle and is not keen on taking action as the goons are from the TMC. From the visuals you can understand the condition of women in the state," Ghosh said.

Sarkar told reporters that she was assaulted twice by TMC workers at Barasat rail crossing, which is around 25 km from Kolkata.

"I along with some of other BJP activists were on the road with party flags. All of a sudden some of the TMC workers along with some goons started abusing us. When we protested they started beating us. I was kicked and punched by them," she alleged.

"While returning from police station after lodging a complaint, I was again attacked by the goons. The police is yet to arrest the culprits. I have decided to move court against the incident seeking justice," she said.

When contacted, TMC North 24 Parganas district president and minister Jyotipriyo Mullick declined to comment on the matter saying he is not "aware of any such incident".

"But I will still enquire about the incident and then only I can comment on it," he said.

The bandh was called by the BJP to protest the killing of two students in a clash at Islampur area of North Dinajpur district.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping has greeted the Maldives President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who defeated pro-China incumbent Abdullah Yameen, raising concern in Beijing over its big investments in the strategically located country in the Indian Ocean.

China, which has invested millions of dollars in different projects in the Maldives, is weighing its options in the country as Yameen has been trounced by Solih, widely regarded as a pro-India leader.

State-run Xinhua agency reported about Xi's congratulatory message to Solih on Sunday after the election commission in the island nation confirmed his win, putting to rest speculation that Yameen plans to dispute election results in a bid to continue in power.

Solih is scheduled to take over power from Yameen on November 17. The long gap for transfer of power raised concerns among Solih's supporters whether Yameen would hand over power smoothly.

Election of Solih has raised anxieties in Beijing over its massive investments as well as the likely strategic shift of the Maldives towards India after Yameen's consistent attempts to burn bridges with New Delhi.

In his message to Solih, Xi said China highly values the development of China-Maldives relations and is willing to join hands with him to lift the comprehensive friendly cooperative partnership between China and Maldives to a new level, the report said.

He said China and Maldives share a longstanding friendship, and China is committed to developing relations with Maldives on the basis of the 'Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence'.

China is willing to work with the Maldives to continue to cement their friendship and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields to better benefit the people of both the countries.

China's big investments including the building of bridges and airport totalling to over USD 1.5 billion also caused worries about the raising debt level of the Maldives as neighbouring Sri Lanka which had also received huge Chinese loans ended up mortgaging its Hambantota port on 99-year lease as a debt swap.

China has established a logistics base at Djibouti in the Indian Ocean and a series anti-India actions by Yameen including asking New Delhi to remove the naval helicopters sparked off speculation about the likely establishment of a similar base in the Maldives.

Yameen also signed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China last year though it is yet to become operational.

The FTA was expected to provide major opening for Chinese goods and services in the Maldives.

Last week, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang slammed Solih's party colleague and former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed for his criticism of the Chinese projects questioning their commercial viability as well as lacking in transparency and democratic procedures.

Nasheed, who is currently exiled in Sri Lanka, is the leader of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), to which Solih belonged and has in the past accused Beijing of "busy buying up the Maldives" during Yameen's presidency.

Commentaries in the official media attributed Yameen's defeat more to domestic than anti-China mood prevailing in the Indian Ocean archipelago.

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FBI agents interviewed one of the three women who have accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct as Republicans and Democrats quarreled over whether the bureau would have enough time and freedom to conduct a thorough investigation before a high-stakes vote on his nomination to the nation's highest court.

The White House insisted it was not "micromanaging" the new one-week review of Kavanaugh's background but some Democratic lawmakers claimed the White House was keeping investigators from interviewing certain witnesses.

President Donald Trump, for his part, tweeted that no matter how much time and discretion the FBI was given, "it will never be enough" for Democrats trying to keep Kavanaugh off the bench.

And even as the FBI explored the past allegations that have surfaced against Kavanaugh, another Yale classmate came forward to accuse the federal appellate judge of being untruthful in his testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee about the extent of his drinking in college.

In speaking to FBI agents, Deborah Ramirez detailed her allegation that Kavanaugh exposed himself to her at a party in the early 1980s when they were students at Yale University, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to publicly discuss details of a confidential investigation.

Kavanaugh has denied Ramirez's allegation.

The person familiar with Ramirez's questioning, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said she also provided investigators with the names of others who she said could corroborate her account.

But Christine Blasey Ford, a California professor who says Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were teenagers, has not been contacted by the FBI since Trump on Friday ordered the agency to take another look at the nominee's background, according to a member of Ford's team.

Kavanaugh has denied assaulting Ford.

In a statement released Sunday, a Yale classmate of Kavanaugh's said he is "deeply troubled by what has been a blatant mischaracterization by Brett himself of his drinking at Yale."



Charles "Chad" Ludington, who now teaches at North Carolina State University, said he was friend of Kavanaugh's at Yale and that Kavanaugh was "a frequent drinker, and a heavy drinker." "On many occasions I heard Brett slur his words and saw him staggering from alcohol consumption, not all of which was beer.

When Brett got drunk, he was often belligerent and aggressive," Ludington said. While saying that youthful drinking should not condemn a person for life, Ludington said he was concerned about Kavanaugh's statements under oath before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Speaking to the issue of the scope of the FBI's investigation, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said White House counsel Don McGahn, who is managing Kavanaugh's nomination, "has allowed the Senate to dictate what these terms look like, and what the scope of the investigation is."



"The White House isn't intervening. We're not micromanaging this process. It's a Senate process. It has been from the beginning, and we're letting the Senate continue to dictate what the terms look like," Sanders said.

White House counselor Kellyanne Conway said the investigation will be "limited in scope" and "will not be a fishing expedition. The FBI is not tasked to do that." Senate Judiciary Committee member Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., requested an investigation last Friday after he and other Republicans on the panel voted along strict party lines in favor of Kavanaugh's confirmation as a condition for his own subsequent vote to put Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court.

Another committee member, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said Sunday that testimony would be taken from Ramirez and Kavanaugh's high school friend Mark Judge, who has been named by two of three women accusing Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct.

"I think that will be the scope of it. And that should be the scope of it," Graham said.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, called on the White House and the FBI to provide the written directive regarding the investigation's scope. In a letter Sunday, she also asked for updates on any expansion of the original directive.

Sen. Susan Collins said Sunday she is confident in the investigation and "that the FBI will follow up on any leads that result from the interviews." The Maine Republican supports the new FBI investigation and is among a few Republican and Democratic senators who have not announced a position on Kavanaugh.

Republicans control 51 seats in the closely divided 100-member Senate and cannot afford to lose more than one vote on confirmation.

Collins and Flake spoke throughout the weekend.

Senate Republicans discussed the contours of the investigation with the White House late Friday, according to a person familiar with the call who was not authorized to discuss it publicly.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., had gathered Judiciary Committee Republicans in his office earlier. At that time, the scope of the investigation was requested by Flake, Collins and Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, said McConnell's spokesman Don Stewart.

Murkowski is not on the committee, but also has not announced how she will vote on Kavanaugh's confirmation.

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By William JamesBIRMINGHAM, England (Reuters) - British finance minister Philip Hammond said on Monday the United Kingdom had the fiscal capacity to cope with leaving the European Union without any agreement but believed the mood in Brussels was to reach a divorce deal.Britain's exit from the European Union next March has increased uncertainty for employers, with talks about the future relationship between the world's fifth largest economy and its largest trading partner becoming increasingly fraught."I'm clear that we will have the fiscal capacity to support the British economy if we were ...
Macedonia's Prime Minister Zoran Zaev announced he will forge ahead with his bid to pass the "name" agreement with Greece through parliament despite his "yes" campaign failing to draw enough voters to pass the turnout threshold required to make Sunday's historic referendum legally valid.

The proposed name change is part of an agreement reached in June by pro-Western Prime Minister Zoran Zaev with Greece to resolve the dispute over the country's name, which had prevented Macedonia from joining North Atlantic Treaty Organisation or the EU.

But in an accord signed in June, Athens agreed to lift its veto on the tiny Balkan nation joining NATO and the European Union if it changes its name to North Macedonia.

Greece, arguing its new northern neighbour's name implied territorial ambitions on its own province of the same name, has blocked Macedonia's efforts to join North Atlantic Treaty Organisation since then.

Both leaders "have stuck their necks out politically and face trenchant opposition from domestic critics", The Daily Telegraph says. "The people who voted against the agreement and those who chose through abstention to show what they think, have sent the loudest message - [that] this is Macedonia!"

The rift resulted in Greece's blocking Macedonia from joining North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the European Union.

The government, which called the referendum, has described it as non-binding, meaning it could take the result as an accurate reflection of public opinion regardless of the turnout.

The non-binding referendum needs to be ratified in parliament by a two-thirds majority.

It would be a major step for a country that less than two decades ago nearly descended into civil war, when parts of its ethnic Albanian minority took up arms against the government, seeking greater rights. But election officials reported that as of 6:30 p.m. (1630 GMT), half an hour before polls closed, the turnout stood at 34 percent, based on data from 85 percent of polling stations.

Russia begins missile system delivery to Syria

In a rapid-fire, unforgiving speech Friday, Sergey Lavrov pounded away at "self-serving" unilateral moves by U.S. Lavrov's announcement came in the wake of the downing of the Russian plane.

"I invite everyone to come out and make this serious decision for the future of our country, for future generations", Macedonia's prime minister, Zoran Zaev, said, according to the AP. "I expect a massive vote, a huge turnout to confirm the multiethnic nature of this country and the political unity of this country, no matter which party they are coming from".

After the vote, Zaev adamantly stated that no better deal can be reached with Greece and "there is no alternative" to changing the constitution.

As the deal moves to FYROM's parliament for deliberation on constitutional changes, "we urge leaders to rise above partisan politics and seize this historic opportunity to secure a brighter future for the country as a full participant in Western institutions", the statement concluded.

But others said they had no intention of voting.

"I am not happy and I do not know anyone who likes this deal", said 55-year old Danica Taneska, who admitted voting "no" to the change. "I can not give up my Macedonian identity".

In a sign of how important Macedonia's western orientation is for the region, and Europe as a whole, Mattis is just one of a series of global leaders to have descended on the tiny country of just two million people in recent weeks. Mattis said there was "no doubt" Moscow had funded groups inside Macedonia to campaign against the name change.

Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov slammed the deal as a "flagrant violation of sovereignty". He recalled that a two-thirds majority is needed in parliament in order to carry out constitutional changes and called on political opponents to "keep their party and personal interests aside". So far Zaev has pledges of support from 73 lawmakers - seven short.

If the amendments are approved in Macedonia, the deal would then need to be approved by Greece. Zaev has been at the forefront of negotiations with Greece's prime minister, Alexis Tsipras.
MUMBAI (Reuters) - India's government is moving to take control of Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS), two television channels reported, in a rare move that underscores the extent of the troubles at the debt-laden financing and construction behemoth. CNBC TV 18 and ET NOW reported on Monday that the government has filed an application with the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to remove the board of the company, whose recent defaults have roiled Indian markets. An order on the matter is expected later in the day, according to ET NOW.An intervention could derail IL&FS' ...
ALMATY (Reuters) - IFG Capital, a Luxembourg-based company with roots in the former Soviet Union, plans investments to develop seven tungsten deposits in Uzbekistan, aiming to account for 6 percent of global output, a company executive told Reuters.The planned series of deals would be the first foreign direct investment in the mining and metals sector of the Central Asian nation since President Shavkat Mirziyoyev came to power in 2016, promising to open up and reform the economy.Using its own funds and borrowed money, IFG Capital plans to invest $300 million in the tungsten deposits in ...
By Mubasher BukhariLahore, Pakistan (Reuters) - Islamabad has cut the size of the biggest Chinese "Silk Road" project in Pakistan by $2 billion, Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed said on Monday, citing government concerns about the country's debt levels.The megaproject to revamp the colonial-era line stretching 1,872 km (1,163 miles) from Karachi to the northwestern city of Peshawar was initially priced at $8.2 billion, but wrangling over costs has led to delays.The changes are part of Islamabad's efforts to rethink key Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects in Pakistan, where Beijing has ...
By Krisztina Than and Sandor PetoBUDAPEST (Reuters) - Growth in Czech and Polish manufacturing slowed to almost two-year lows in September and Hungarian data also showed a slowdown on Monday, signalling that Central Europe's fast-growing economies are facing bleaker prospects.The region, which has close economic and export links to the eurozone, primarily to Germany, has been booming in the past years helped by loose monetary policies. The Hungarian and Polish central banks still maintain a dovish stance.But growth of Germany's manufacturing sector slowed to a 25-month low in September on ...
By Susan HeaveyWASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday took credit for salvaging a trilateral free trade accord with Canada and Mexico, marking it as a victory in his campaign to reshape global commerce as financial markets breathed a sigh of relief. The deal, announced on Sunday, is a reworking of the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, which underpins $1.2 trillion in trade between the three countries. Trump had described NAFTA as a bad deal for Americans and threatened to eliminate it as part of his "America First" agenda.The new United States-Mexico-Canada ...
By Nidhi Verma and Promit MukherjeeNEW DELHI/MUMBAI (Reuters) - India's Vedanta Ltd is investing $4.1 billion to boost oil output from its flagship Barmer block in the desert state of Rajasthan to over 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) in 2021, its chairman Anil Agarwal said.Agarwal said oil output from the block would rise next year to more than 300,000 bpd from about 250,000 bpd currently."In 2-3 years it will be 450,000 bpd. We are investing almost 300 billion rupees to reach there," Agarwal told reporters.India, the world's third biggest oil importer, ships in 80 percent of its oil needs from ...
The online e-commerce companies are betting big on the e-grocery market in India. The new player in this segment -- after BigBasket, Flipkart, Reliance and Amazon -- could be Paytm Mall, the e-commerce platform of Paytm. Reports suggest the Alibaba-backed Indian company is eyeing a majority stake in Bengaluru-based BigBasket to step up its e-commerce game, especially the online grocery segment. But the company has refused to divulge any such detail so far.

Interestingly, Alibaba invested $200 million in BigBasket in February. Being one of the biggest investors in Paytm, it could play a major role in BigBasket's acquisition by Paytm Mall. A majority stake in BigBasket will not only give Alibaba a greater say in India's e-commerce market, which is dominated by the likes of Flipkart and Amazon but will also help both Paytm and BigBasket consolidate revenue through repeat customers.

A report published in Business Standard quoted sources saying that Paytm Mall and BigBasket are discussing the deal, which is in the fast track. But talks are stuck as BigBasket wants the company to be valued 'premium', and also seeks a seat on the Paytm Mall board.

The e-grocery market is expected to touch $28 billion by the end of the year, and all top e-commerce companies are vying to grab a bigger share. Amazon India Chief Amit Aggarwal had told Reuters in April that "probably in the next five years groceries and consumables would be more than half of our business".

Just last month, Amazon and private equity fund Samara Capital acquired Aditya Birla Group's food and grocery retail chain, More, the fourth-largest supermarket chain in India. Flipkart also made its second entry in the segment after a failed attempt with Nearby. It aims to launch an extensively separate supply chain, bringing in its own label, giving everyday discounts, etc. The company recently pumped in around $400 million to boost its online grocery vertical. Reliance e-commerce is also in the process of developing its biggest grocery store network by roping in around 3 million merchants and around 8000 grocery stores.

BigBasket delivers all products from groceries to snacks branded foods across 25 cities of India. The company brings around 20,000 plus products with more than 1000 brands to over 4 million customers. Analysts say a direct access to a built-up customer base coupled with Paytm's financial as well as tech edge could be a win-win situation for all three companies -- Paytm, BigBasket, and Alibaba.

Edited by Manoj Sharma
The government on Monday moved the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), seeking suspension of the entire board of debt-laden Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS) and to appoint 10 new directors with Uday Kotak as non-executive chairman of IL&FS Board.

According to a report in Moneycontrol, the government claimed that the directors have failed to discharge their duties, adding that the company has been showing a 'rosy' picture of its balance sheet. The government application to the tribunal named Ravi Parthasarathy, SB Mathur, RC Bhargava, Arun Saha, Michel Pinto, J Rao, Rina Karmath, Varsha Sawant, Manohar Waghle, among others, as parties in the IL&FS case.

The government counsel reportedly expressed concerns over the cascading impact of the IL&FS crisis on the overall economy. "Many mutual funds will collapse if IL&FS collapses," the counsel said, adding that besides AMCs, government securities would face selling pressure.

"The reason why the government is intervening in this matter is that the IL&FS case will have bearing on the entire economy," the counsel added.

The move to change the management of IL&FS comes after foreign shareholders were hesitant in putting more money unless there was a shake-up of the board. Domestic shareholders like LIC and SBI have also expressed their concerns in lending more money to the debt-ridden IL&FS with existing management at the helm.

LIC is its largest shareholder of IL&FS with a 25 per cent equity stake. Its second largest shareholder is Japan's Orix Corporation, which owns 23.5 per cent of the company. India's largest lender SBI holds the smallest stake in IL&FS at 6.42 per cent.

On Saturday, the two biggest shareholders of IL&FS - Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and Japan's Orix Corporation - as well as State Bank of India agreed to subscribe to the rights issue by the company. In its annual general meeting, the IL&FS Board of Directors approved a rights issue of 30 crore equity shares worth Rs 4,500 crore at 150 per share. The rights issue will be completed by October 30, 2018.

Among other shareholders, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, which controls 12.56 per cent stake in IL&FS reportedly will not participate in the rights issue. As for remaining stakeholders, IL&FS Employees Welfare Trust with 12 per cent, HDFC Bank with 9.02 per cent and Central Bank with 7.67 per cent, there position with respect to the rights issue is not clear yet.

IL&FS has an aggregate debt pile of Rs 91,000 crore which has been downgraded by ratings agencies to junk following repeated defaults. Out of this, the company owes Rs 57,000 crore to banks only, most of which are from the public sector. The company needs an immediate capital infusion of Rs 3,000 crore.

The IL&FS Board also approved company's specific asset divestment plan based on which IL&FS expects to reduce its overall debt by Rs 30,000 crores. Out of a portfolio of 25 projects identified for sale, firm offers have already been received for 14 projects, a statement by IL&FS said.

Debt defaults by certain group entities of diversified IL&FS have triggered fears of liquidity crisis in the financial markets and the RBI has been taking steps to improve the overall cash situation.
The government on Monday said an Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) investigation has been ordered into the affairs of IL&FS and its subsidiaries. The debt-laden infrastructure financing giant was paying dividends and huge managerial pay-outs regardless of looming liquidity crisis.

In a press release, the government said it was compelled to take this extraordinary step under section 241(2) of the Companies Act, 2013 for an order to prevent further mismanagement in order to protect public interest. "The high debt stress was clearly visible in the company and its main subsidiaries for the last so many years, but was camouflaged by misrepresentation of facts," it said.

The government said that the decision to supersede the existing board was taken after careful consideration of a report received from the Regional Director, Mumbai under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs which brought out serious corporate related deficiencies in the IL&FS holding company and its subsidiaries.

"It was noted that the consolidated financial statement of IL&FS holding company and its subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures projected a picture through highly exaggerated depiction of non-current assets in the form of intangible assets amounting to over Rs 20,000 crores. Besides, bulk of revenue was in the form of receivables, around 50 per cent, was locked up in litigation and arbitration," it added.

The Centre said it is committed to ensure that IL&FS receives much needed temporary liquidity support to ensure its financial solvency with a view to maintain the financial stability in the country. It is hoped that financial institutions would be supportive for providing urgent liquidity.

"Continuance of the present Board had become prejudicial to the interests of the company and its members and this management was affecting public interest because of its adverse impact on financial stability and making capital markets so adversely affected," the government said.

IL&FS has 169 group companies, including subsidiaries, joint venture companies and associate entities. It is involved in many infrastructure projects.

"Any impairment in its ability to finance and support the infrastructure projects would be quite damaging to the overall infrastructure sector, financial markets and the economy, considering its systemically important nature," the government said.

Any more defaults by IL&FS and subsequent delays of several infrastructure projects is likely to slow down growth and affect jobs ahead of 2019 elections.

IL&FS has executed India's longest Chenani-Nashri tunnel project. This year, the infrastructure company got the contract to build Rs 6,808.69-crore Zojila tunnel providing all-weather connectivity to Ladakh region.
Israel has denied Russian accusations that its jets used Russia's Il-20 for cover during the fateful attack on a storehouse allegedly set to provide weapons to Iran-backed forces. He later declared that US-Russian relations "are bad and probably at their all-time low".

"I understand that India will be taking sovereign decision (on) how to proceed and what kind of weapons it needs", he said at a news conference here on Friday.

Lavrov's announcement came in the wake of the downing of the Russian plane.

Relations between Western powers and Russian Federation have been tense over the war in Syria, where Moscow is supporting President Bashar al-Assad's forces.

Lavrov, meanwhile, held a flurry of individual meetings with other countries at the United Nations this week and defended Russia's strategies in meetings at the Security Council.

India will make a "sovereign decision" on Russian defence purchases, which are facing possible USA sanctions, according to Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

The U.S. National Security Adviser to President Donald Trump, John Bolton, criticized the Russian deal with Syria, calling it "a significant escalation by the Russians", hoping that Moscow would "reconsider" the sale.

Matt Damon Plays Brett Kavanaugh in 'SNL' Premiere Cold Open

Damon's Kavanaugh explained that he wrote his statement the night before while "screaming into an empty bag of Doritos". Cuch Grassley (alongside Cecily Strong's Dianne Feinstein), who dubs him "our hero". "Just look at my calendar".

At the same time, he said the US should "make timely and positive responses so as to truly meet the DPRK halfway" in their ongoing efforts to reach a deal that would bring an end to the nuclear ambitions of the nation formally called the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"The dialogue right now is in limbo".

In a rapid-fire, unforgiving speech Friday, Sergey Lavrov pounded away at "self-serving" unilateral moves by U.S. President Donald Trump and assailed crippling Western sanctions against Russian Federation as "political blackmail".

"Attacks have been launched against the basic principles of the Middle East peace process, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (Iran nuclear deal), commitments of the Word Trade Organization, climate agreements and many more", Lavrov said in a speech to the U.N. General Assembly. "The negotiation with Russia on the S-400 have reached nearly the final stage, we'll have to see it if it's signed before the Russian President's visit".

Lavrov met Friday with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem at the UN Russia is rebuilding trade and military ties with Syria as it looks to a postwar future.

He later declared that U.S. Russia's relations with the United States are at a post-Cold War low, and many Russian policies are directly aimed at countering American influence.

The Countering Americaas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) passed previous year by the US Congress imposes sanctions on some Russian companies as well as on their customers and this could impact India's defence deals with Russia.
The crippled Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) just can't seem to catch a break. The recently downgraded company needs an immediate capital infusion but lenders, who are owed over 62% of its Rs 91,000 crore debt, are reportedly demanding a comprehensive revival plan before loosening their purse strings further.

Citing senior bank officials, The Economic Times reported that lenders have declined to provide additional loans of Rs 3,500 crore to the term-lending institution unless a resolution plan explaining how debt will be repaid is put in place. IL&FS, under threat if its proposed rights issue fails, had sought this one-year loan to meet its payment obligations.

"Any additional funding - be it a rights issue or additional line of credit - will depend on the resolution plan," Rajnish Kumar, Chairman of State Bank of India, told the daily. "The resolution plan will have to be comprehensive, which we expect should include plan of repayment of dues in an orderly manner and change of management."

IL&FS will reportedly need Rs 300-500 crore every month to meet its payment obligations, unless it sells off some assets quickly to generate cash.

This development comes as shareholders of the Mumbai-based company voted in favour of raising Rs 15,000 crore through bonds at the recent annual general meeting. Meanwhile, since it defaulted on payments to bondholders and bankers, debenture trustees Centbank Financial Services opposed IL&FS declaring any dividend to shareholders.

The daily added that on Saturday, the company with over 100 step-down subsidiaries involved in financing, road, port, power and engineering had informed regulators that it was unable to pay interest and principal of Rs 47.7 crore due to banks on that day. In the past few days, the group has also defaulted on commercial papers and bonds.

"Lending to the step-down subsidiaries is also ruled out since the parent company is rated below investment grade. Secondly, the demand for loan is to repay other borrowing which by itself is not a viable model," said a senior official at another lender to IL&FS.

On Saturday, the company announced that it has decided to appoint Alvarez & Marshal to hash out a turnaround strategy. "We will develop a comprehensive plan for restructuring so as to be able to demonstrate to the creditors and the shareholders that the intrinsic value of the group is sufficient in repaying its liabilities. We have decided to appoint a specialist agency, Alvarez & Marsal, to take this plan forward," vice-chairman and managing director Hari Sankaran had said in a video released to the media after the board meeting.

The fate of the company's proposal to raise Rs 4,500 crore by end-October by way of a rights issue is also unclear at the moment. So far, only Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), its largest shareholder with a 25.3% stake and Japan's Orix Corporation (23.5% stake) have shown interest in subscribing to the rights issue. RBI deputy governors NS Vishwanathan and MK Jain recently met representatives of these two stakeholders and reportedly asked them to ensure the systematically important NBFC does not go belly up.

However, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, which holds a 12.5% stake, and HDFC, Central Bank of India and SBI, which collectively own 23% of the company, have not yet committed to subscribing.

The company also plans to sell its assets to pare down its debt. The group has lined up a plan to divest as many as 24 projects to raise around Rs 30,000 crore.
The Bandhan Bank stock fell 20% in morning trade today after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) placed several restrictions on the private sector lender over failure to stick to shareholding norms. At 9:25 am, the stock was trading 20% or 112 points lower at 451 level on the BSE.

The stock opened at 470 level and hit an intra-day high of 484.90 in the early trade. But the Bandhan Bank stock succumbed to selling pressure on the RBI directive and was locked in the lower circuit limit of 20% to 451.20.

Banking regulator Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday stopped Bandhan Bank from opening new branches as it was not able to bring down the shareholding of Non Operative Financial Holding Company (NOFHC) to 40 per cent as required under RBI's licensing condition.

"General permission to open new branches stands withdrawn and the Bank can open branches with prior approval of RBI and the remuneration of the MD & CEO of the Bank stands frozen at the existing level, till further notice," Bandhan Bank said in a regulatory filing.

The central bank also ordered freezing of Bandhan Bank CEO Chandra Shekhar Ghosh's salary over failure to stick to shareholding rules. The promoter stake in Bandhan Bank is currently at around 82.28 per cent. "The Bank is taking necessary steps to comply with the licensing condition to bring down the shareholding of NOFHC in the Bank to 40 per cent and shall continue to engage with RBI in this behalf," it added.

On Friday, the bank's shares closed at Rs 565 apiece on the BSE, down 0.78 per cent. Bandhan Financial Holdings Ltd, the bank's promoter, had to cut its stake to 40% from 82% within three years of starting the business. The deadline for Bandhan Bank was on August 23. After that, the bank's promoter would be required to cut its shareholding to 20% and 15% within 10 years and 12 years, respectively.

Bandhan, an MFI, was given a conditional approval by the RBI for setting up universal bank in April 2014. The bank became operational on August 23, 2015. The large cap stock has lost 35.06% during the last one month compared to 6.69% fall in the Sensex. During the last one week, the stock has fallen 17.57%. The stock opened at a loss of 16.67% and had only sellers and no buyers in today's trade. Bandhan Bank made its market debut on April 27 this year, surging 33% compared to the issue price of Rs 375.

As per the bank's website, it has 937 branches in the country. Based in Kolkata, Bandhan, which started as a micro-finance company in 2001, received banking licence by Reserve Bank of India in 2014.
In an attempt to address the growing incidence of ATM frauds and boost digital transactions, the country's largest lender has just halved its daily ATM withdrawal limit. The State Bank of India has lowered the limit on its Classic Debit Card to Rs 20,000 a day, from Rs 40,000 previously, a report in the Economic Times said. The lower limit will be effective from October 31 and will impact many SBI customers since these cards constitute a sizeable chunk of the bank's card portfolio.

"In view of the increase in the number of complaints received by banks around fraudulent transactions at ATMs and to encourage digital and cashless transactions, it has been decided to decrease the cash withdrawal limits of debit cards issued or being issued on 'Classic' and 'Maestro' platforms," said a bank communique sent out to its offices. SBI has also directed all its branches to display the message on notice boards.

The latest RBI annual report reveals that the currency in circulation (CiC) stood at Rs 19.38 lakh crore as of August 17, 2018, which is higher than the pre-demonetisation levels. Consequently, India's currency to GDP ratio is once again among the highest in the world, compared to peer emerging market economies as well as advanced economies. Moreover, household savings held in the form of currency are at the highest level since 2011.

Although this restriction on cash withdrawals will come into effect just ahead of Diwali, the bank does not foresee any inconvenience to customers. "Our internal analysis shows most actual withdrawals are of smaller amounts. So, Rs 20,000 should be adequate for most customers. We are trying to see whether smaller withdrawals could minimise frauds," SBI Managing Director PK Gupta told the daily.

He added that customers with a requirement for higher ATM withdrawals can switch to card variants offering the same. For instance, the SBI Platinum International Debit Card allows ATM withdrawals of up to Rs 1 lakh daily while the Gold debit card allows Rs 50,000 per day. Such cards are issued to those maintaining a higher minimum balance in their bank accounts.

Experts say that debit card users are most gullible when it comes to card frauds, and the risk is not limited to ATMs. Even retail point of sale terminals and mobile card swipe devices can fall prey to skimmers. Moreover, many debit cards still follow the magnetic stripe technology, which is more prone to frauds than the newer chip-based cards.

The development comes a day after the police yesterday arrested two more Romanian nationals involved in an ATM skimming racket. In fact, industry insiders peg the loss from skimming - where devices are planted in ATMs to surreptitiously read card data, which is then cloned to swindle money - at over $2 billion a year.

Edited by Sushmita Choudhury Agarwal
Days after the Supreme Court curbed the use of Aadhaar by private companies, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) asked telecom companies to submit a plan to stop the usage of the 12-digit unique ID number in the next 15 days. UIDAI issued a circular on Monday to telecom service providers (TSP), including Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea and others.

The communication said, "...all TSPs are called upon to immediately take actions in order to comply with the judgement dated 26.09.2018. In this regard, TSPs are hereby directed to submit by 15th October, 2018 an action plan or exit plan to the authority for closure of use of Aadhaar based authentication systems..."

This means that the industry will have to revert to earlier methods like legacy paper-based technique where physical paper forms with signature and photographs would be collected and shipped to verification centre, following which the customer would be called up to cross-verify the submitted details. The turnaround time in this method could be anything from 24 hours to 36 hours.

UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey said, "In order to ensure smooth discontinuation...there are certain requirements which are there under the Aadhaar regulations...so the companies are in the best position to know what exactly is needed and they can submit their plan by October 15. If any additional requirements are to be done from the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) side, we will tell them after receipt of their plan."

This circular has been issued following the Supreme Court's decision to strike down Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act that allowed private companies to use the 12-digit number for eKYC. Following this order, private entities like telecom operators and banks will not be able to use Aadhaar for instantaneous eKYC.

(With PTI inputs; edited by Anwesha Madhukalya)
HMD Global will be conducting the first sale of Nokia5.1 Plus in India. The new smartphone was launched alongside Nokia 6.1 Plus but is going on sale one month later. The new Nokia 5.1 Plus will be sold via Flipkart and Nokia's official online store and the sale will go live at 12 pm.

Considering the response generated by its elder sibling, Nokia 6.1 Plus, the budget smartphone is also expected to go out of stock within minutes. Interested buyers are advised to save their desired address and payment method details before the flash sale goes live.

Airtel is offering an instant cashback of Rs 1,800 to its pre-paid users along with 240 GB of complimentary data on select recharges. The user will have to recharge their device with Rs 199, Rs 249 or Rs 448 options.

The Nokia 5.1 Plus is positioned in the budget segment and is targeted at devices like Xiaomi Redmi 6 Pro, Asus Zenfone Max Pro, Redmi Note 5 and Honor 9N. Unlike most of its competitors, Nokia 5.1 Plus gets a glass sandwich design. This gives the device a premium touch and feel but compromises grip and can turn out to be a fingerprint magnet. To check our best picks within Rs 15,000 click here.

The device will be available in a single variant with 3GB RAM and 32GB of storage. The variant is priced at Rs 10,999 and comes in two colours; Gloss Black and Midnight Blue.

The Nokia 5.1 Plus uses MediaTek Helio P60 chipset. HMD Global claims that the chip comes with a neural processing unit which helps with AI applications.

The display is a 5.8-inch unit with HD+ resolution and a notch on top. For optics, HMD Global has used a dual lens setup on the rear panel. The primary sensor is a 12-megapixel unit whereas the secondary sensor is a 5-megapixel unit. The front-facing camera has an 8-megapixel unit.

On the software front, both Nokia 5.1 Plus and Nokia 6.1 Plus will get an upgrade to Android Pie as they run on Android One. Google's Digital Wellbeing will also find its way to both devices.
Ryanair cut its forecast for full-year profit by 12% on Monday and said worse may be to come if recent coordinated strikes across Europe continue to hit traffic and bookings.

Europe's largest low-cost carrier has faced multiple strikes since it bowed to pressure to recognize trade unions for the first time last December and they have escalated in recent months as it makes slow progress in talks with some unions .

The Irish airline said it now expects profit for the year, excluding start up losses in Laudamotion, to come in between 1.10-1.20 billion euros, compared with its prior forecast of 1.25-1.35 billion euros.

It added that it could not rule out further disruptions in the coming months, which may require full-year forecasts to be lowered again and further cuts to its loss-making winter capacity.

Shares in the airline were 8.6% lower at 11.99 euros by 0710 GMT.

Ryanair said fares in its second quarter to end-September had fallen by around 3% compared with its previous forecast for a drop of 1 percent and said that it now expects fares in the second half to be 2% lower.

To cope with lower fares, higher oil prices and strike costs, Ryanair has trimmed its winter capacity by 1%, removing aircraft from its Eindhoven, Bremen and Niederrhein bases.

"Two recent coordinated strikes by cabin crew and pilots across five EU countries have affected passenger numbers, close in bookings and yields, and forward air fares into Q3," Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary said in a statement.

"Customer confidence, forward bookings and Q3 fares have been affected, most notably over the October school mid-terms and Christmas." (Reuters)

Source: www.businessworld.ie
President Bashar Assad's government refers to all armed opposition and rebel groups fighting Syrian forces as "terrorists", not just Islamic State or al-Qaida militants. Privilege will be given to Syria's allies in the war.

Moualem spoke at a time when Syrian government forces, backed by Russian Federation and Iran, have retaken most of the territory rebels seized during the war that has killed over 400,000 people and driven millions from their homes. Muallem noted Tel Aviv had direct military intervention and launched repeated attacks on the Syrian territory.

Syrian government forces, backed by Russian Federation and Iran, have retaken most of the territory rebels seized during the war that has killed over 400,000 people and driven millions from their homes.

Muallem's upbeat speech praised the army and the Syrian people for remaining "defiant" during the war, "fully convinced that this was a battle for their existence".

The Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem told the audience that all unwelcome foreign forces must leave Syria immediately, at the United Nations General Assembly's 73th session. "They must withdraw immediately and without conditions".

Moualem however stressed that the agreement had "clear deadlines" and expressed hope that military action will target jihadists including fighters from the Al-Qaeda-linked Nusra Front, who "will be eradicated". There was no response to emails seeking comment from the U.S., France and Turkey.

Powerful typhoon batters Okinawa, churns to Japan mainland

Typhoon Trami, rated category 2 by Tropical Storm Risk, with category 5 the highest, is now heading towards Japan's northeast. Trami (pictured) is about 186 miles southeast of Miyako island, with winds gusting as high as 134 mph.

On the issue of refugees, Moualem said the conditions were fine for them to return, and he blamed the global community for "spreading irrational fears" that prompted refugees to stay away.

Al Jazeera's Hashem Ahelbarra, reporting from the United Nations, said al-Moallem's "defiant" speech was meant to send a message to both the Syrian opposition and the worldwide community.

Al-Moallem said "any foreign presence on Syrian territory without the consent of the Syrian government is illegal, and constitutes a flagrant violation of worldwide law and the U.N. Charter".

The United States has some 2,000 troops in Syria, mainly training and advising both Kurdish forces and Syrian Arabs opposed to Assad.

Al-Moallem blamed Western states for attempts to obstruct the return of the displaced Syrians by discouraging them under lame pretexts, politicizing this humanitarian file and using it as a card to advance political agendas, which he considered a continuation of the role they have played since the beginning of the crisis in Syria.

In a dramatic speech, Syria's top diplomat has told the world that his country's "battle against terrorism is nearly over" and that, after more than seven years of brutal civil war, Syria is now ready to welcome back the more than 5 million people who fled the country.
China-backed liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects have made major advances in Canada and the Philippines, as Beijing promotes development of the cleaner-burning fossil fuel for its own use and as part of its drive to help other developing countries build out infrastructure.

The board of Chinas top oil producer PetroChina Co. Ltd. approved the company taking a $3.46 billion stake in the LNG Canada project, according to a filing (link in Chinese) with the Hong Kong stock exchange. While the filing did not disclose PetroChinas total share, earlier agreements suggested it will be 20%, putting the projects total value at around $17.3 billion.

The Canada project involves a consortium of Royal Dutch Shell Plc., Malaysias Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), and Japans Mitsubishi Corp., and aims to develop LNG processing and storage units as well shipping facilities on the coast of British Columbia, Canadas westernmost province. The facility will produce up to 26 millions metric tons per year, primarily for export to Asia.

While Petronas and Mitsubishi still need to give their final approval, industry insiders say it is highly unlikely they would pull out at this stage. A final investment decision for the whole project is expected in the next few days, according to a report in Canadas The Globe and Mail.

Chinese companies are showing increased appetite for investing in Canadas energy sector, particularly as trade tensions with the U.S. erode confidence in the success of several major projects that are still in the pipeline but are facing an uncertain future.

Successive Canadian governments have long viewed Chinese state-owned firms with suspicion, yet opposition appears to be softening. State-owned China Petroleum and Chemical Corp. (Sinopec) and China State Construction Engineering Corp. recently announced plans for a $6.5 billion petrochemicals project in Alberta, and PetroChinas role as part of an international consortium in the LNG Canada project will likely allay fears.

Chinas LNG usage is expected to surge in the years ahead as the country looks to reduce its reliance on highly-polluting coal for energy. Last year consumption rose by 46% to 38.13 million metric tons, making China the worlds second biggest LNG importer behind Japan.

The countrys state-owned entities are also increasingly active in helping other countries develop infrastructure for LNG facilities meant for local consumption of the fuel. Beijing has encouraged such development under its Belt and Road Initiative that typically sees Chinese companies build infrastructure in other developing countries, often with China-supplied financing.

In one of the latest developments on that front, China Energy Equipment Co. (CEEC) has entered a deal worth $700 million to construct the Philippines first floating regasification unit in Bataan province near Manila, the Manila Bulletin reported on Friday. Such complexes are used to convert LNG from liquid form back into gas that can then generate electricity at power plants.

Contact reporter Ke Dawei (daweike@caixin.com)
The surf park voluntarily closed on Friday pending a CDC investigation, reported local media, and is complying with local health departments.

But the infection is very rare, and according to the CDC, there have been about 35 cases reported in the U.S.in the last decade.

Samples from the pool have been collected for testing, with preliminary results expected later this week.

Craine said one person from out of state who visited the park has been infected by the amoeba, and the CDC is trying to find the source.

Facebook Discovers Security Issue Affecting Almost 50 Million Accounts

If you try to access the " View As " feature now, an error message appears saying that it has been "temporarily disabled". Our investigation is still in its early stages. "We don't know if any accounts were actually misused", Zuckerberg said.

No other sites tested showed contamination, according to the water system.

Stabile is believed to have contracted Naegleria fowleri during a visit to the BSR Cable Park in Waco, Texas. The amoeba is commonly found in warm freshwater such as lakes, rivers, ponds and canals. The amoeba is only contracted through the nose, once it enters the nose it travels to the brain where it causes primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which is usually fatal. We are in compliance with the CDC guidelines and recommendations concerning Naegleria fowleri'. Most infections occur from exposure to contaminated recreational water.

The disease, according to the CDC, is nearly always fatal, with only four people out of 143 cases have survived the infection.

You can not be infected with Naegleria fowleri by drinking contaminated water and the amoeba is not found in salt water. Symptoms of the disease typically begin one to nine days after the amoeba has entered the body, with people dying one to 18 days after symptoms begin.
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A new coalition of organisations is calling on the ACT government to make laws fairer for renters. A group of community organisations will on Monday launch MakeRenting Fair CBR Alliance, calling for law reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act. The groups - the Tenants' Union ACT, Unions ACT, Better Renting and Shelter ACT - are calling on the government to give renters more rights. Their calls include preventing unfair evictions, introducing fairer rent increase requirements and establishing minimum standards for rental properties. Tenants Union ACT executive officer Deb Pippen said the changes were needed because more people were renting for longer, including families and retirees. We need to make renting fair in recognition of the fact that a growing number of people are renting for life, she said. Unions ACT secretary Alex White said housing prices continued to rise while wages stagnated. More workers are renting in Canberra, and they are facing unfair rental increases and being forced to accept unsafe, substandard houses," he said, Better Renting executive director Joel Dignam said: "Were asking Minister Ramsay to bring a bit of balance back to the system. The government has a responsibility to make sure that all members of our community can have a decent home. Following Mondays launch, the Alliance will mobilise renters in support of changing the laws, starting Sunday through a series of TenantTalks. The campaign will involve supporting renters to tell their own stories of renting in the ACT and what needs to change. The group said several other jurisdictions are already improving tenancy laws to make renting fairer, including Victoria, where renters gained the right to have a pet and to make minor modifications. Last week, the NSW Parliament began debating changes to their tenancy laws. It comes after the Greens earlier this month called for new legislation to better protect renters. They called for an increased notice period tenants have to be given before being kicked out of a rental property.

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If you thought moving out of your Gungahlin townhouse was stressful, try shifting 260 objects which are thousands of years old. Some of which have never travelled before. Artefacts which require hand-built, form-fitting cases to travel. Sweating yet? For the professionals behind the new Rome: City + Empire exhibition at the National Museum, safely transporting and assembling ancient Roman artefacts is an artform in itself. In a rare behind-the-scenes peek, National Museum head registrar Sara Kelly revealed the logistical extravaganza behind Rome: City + Empire. In the process, I learn of the rigours of transporting and setting up objects which date from 9th century BCE to the 6th century CE. I also learn that a head registrar is the kind of operator I'd want to seamlessly run my wedding, or funeral, whichever is first. Do not touch thatApproval to enter the exhibition room is tight, which begs the question of why I've been permitted entry considering my grace, poise and ability to not trip over myself fizzled after I quit ballet as a teen. The room is full of half unpacked artefacts, crates and pallets. I park my handbag at the door and begin to manouevre my child-bearing hips through the space, careful not to disrupt the working progress. The exhibition curator is also allowed entry, plus the National Museum's conservation staff, and the five British Museum employees who have travelled to assess the condition of the artefacts. The responsibility of object handling lies mainly with the British Museum staff, says Kelly. This team heads back to England once the objects and lighting are installed. Bubble wrap?So how are the items packed for their lengthy passage? I ask - jokingly - whether bubble wrap doesthe job. I am quickly assured that zero items are wrapped in bubble and I vow to never make a joke again. "The objects are placed into museum-standard, double-insulated crates. Everything is placed in a box that meets its shape, and some of the crates have a special webbing to withstand vibrations," said Kelly. Each case is fabricated internally, created to fit each object. British Museum staff cut all these materials by hand. Double-insulated crates ensure the rate of temperature change is reduced during times when items are exposed to elements different to their normal storage climate, for example in the cargo hold when temperatures drop or on the tarmac where it can be hot and humid. Climate controlOnce the artefacts arrive in Sydney they are moved into unmarked trucks bound for Canberra. "We don't want to advertise the movement of a collection worth millions and millions of dollars," said Kelly. Which is why I suggested that using a Woolies truck as a decoy could be cool. The trucks are climate controlled, which is apparently a relatively new resource. When Kelly first started with the museum they used chocolate trucks to transport artefacts. Once items are unloaded at the museum, they are left to acclimatise for 48 hours in their crates which are placed in the exhibition room. The relative humidity in the room is controlled and monitored to ensure it meets museum standards. If the humidity exceeds the acceptable range, staff are alerted via an alarm. Getting litWhile many of the artefacts are crafted from robust materials like marble and stone, several items are fragile, having been made from papyrus, wood and textiles. As light damage is accumulative, special lighting is set for each artefact to minimise this. British Museum staff, one of the National Museum conservators and a lighting professional take specific readings according to the lighting needs of each object. Once public hours conclude, all lights are switched off. This is presumably when the artefacts come to life a la Night at the Museum. Border patrolAs the objects have come from a reputable organisation, the National Museum has been granted special permission for quarantine officials to examine objects once they've been properly installed. Challenging times"It's our job and we do it for every exhibition, and we've been doing it for many years. But one of the most challenging things is co-ordinating the timing of the cargo flights, as these sometimes only run once a week," said Kelly. "If one cargo flight is delayed by one day, it can throw the whole exhibition out." Details about when the objects arrive are on a "need to know" basis. Dates are not revealed to anyone beyond a small working group. "The security is rigorous and constantly monitored, and done according to all international protocols. The British Museum likes working with us because we're all on the same page." A lot of resources go into the confidentiality of object transportation. Staff are tight-lipped about where the exhibition moves off to next. But for now, it has a home in the bush capital.

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Local media quoted Indonesian Vice President Muhammad Jusuf Kalla as saying that he expected the toll to grow as he drew comparisons between the latest quake and the tsunami that hit Indonesia's Aceh Province in 2004.

Internal Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo, asked about reports of sporadic looting, said he had ordered authorities to help people get food and drink and businesses would be compensated.

"There are many areas where the search and rescue teams haven't been able to reach", Nugroho said, adding that teams needed heavy equipment to move broken concrete. In addition, BBC says the main road to the city of Palu has been blocked because of a landslide and a key bridge is out of action.

A local airport had been partially opened for commercial flights yesterday, even as the priority was for emergency and rescue efforts, according to Indonesia's air navigation provider. "I was squeezed into the ruins of the wall, I think", said Haris, adding that his family was in town for a wedding.

Palu is at the head of a bay, about 10 km long and 2 km wide, which had "amplified" the wave as it was funnelled towards the city, a geophysics agency official said. "We already have people en route but you never know what damage there is to the road infrastructure".

On Dec. 26, 2004, a magnitude 9.1 quake struck the eastern coast of Sumatra, triggering a tsunami that killed around 230,000 people as it tore along the coasts of Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

"The United States conveys its condolences and support to all of those in Indonesia affected by the natural disaster and tsunami that struck Central Sulawesi on September 28", department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement.

Yenni Suryani, Catholic Relief Services' country manager in Indonesia, said that this number "doesn't yet account for anyone who might have been swept to sea by the tsunami".

Many people return day after day to undertake the grim task of looking through the bodies.

The tsunami, towering up to three meters high, hit Palu, capital of the Central Sulawesi province, and the northeast of the nearby Donggala Regency.

Sergio Aguero struggling with injury at Manchester City Pep Guardiola

Ederson lines up between the sticks for Manchester City , while at the back Guardiola picks Nicolas Otamendi and Aymeric Laporte. Mendy's timekeeping has been a problem before and Guardiola was disappointed by the 24-year-old's tardiness to a physio session.

Nugroho said 71 foreigners were in the city of Palu at the time of the quake and most were safely evacuated to Jakarta.

There were concerns over the whereabouts of hundreds of people preparing for a beach festival that had been due to start on Friday, September 28, the disaster agency said.

842 people have now been confirmed dead after a tsunami hit the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday.

Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is set to visit the area later on Sunday. Most people have slept outdoors, fearing strong aftershocks.

TOLL SEEN RISING BNPB spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho told a briefing in Jakarta the damage was "extensive" and said thousands of houses, hospitals, shopping malls and hotels had collapsed.

Friday's tremor was also felt in the far south of the island in its largest city Makassar and on neighbouring Kalimantan, Indonesia's portion of Borneo island.

The majority of Palu's inhabitants are Muslim. Last month, a powerful quake on the island of Lombok killed 505 people.

Indonesia is one of the most disaster-prone nations on earth.

Indonesia is prone to earthquakes as it lies on a vulnerable quake-affected zone called the Pacific Ring of Fire.

She said the quake destroyed her workplace, but she managed to escape and quickly went home to get her mother and younger brother.
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.

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You are our people. You Care. We Care2.
The oldest High Court in India which was established in 1862, Calcutta High Court, has released a recruitment notification seeking candidates for Group D posts . The notification has been released for a total of 221 vacancies.

The selection of the candidates will be based on the written examination. The selected candidates can earn up to INR 16,200 with grade pay of INR 1,700 per month. Eligible candidates who meet all the prerequisites set by the government organisation can apply before October 29, 2018.

CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts Farash, Peons, Orderly, Barkandaz, Darwan, Night Guard and Cleaner Organisation Calcutta High Court Educational Qualification Must have passed Class  VIII. Graduate candidates are not be eligible to apply. Skills Required Must have knowledge of reading and writing Bengali and English. Job Location West Bengal Salary Scale INR 4,900 to INR 16,200 with grade pay of INR 1,700 per month Industry Judiciary Application Start Date September 28, 2018 Application End Date October 29, 2018

How To Apply

Step 1 Candidates should visit the official website of Calcutta High Court - http://calcuttahighcourt.gov.in/ Step 2 Visit the ''Recruitment'' under the ''Notifications'' tab. Step 3 Click on the advertisement no. 4441 to access the notification Step 4 Click on the Group D Recruitment at Calcutta High Court for the online application form. Step 5 A URL link will be displayed on the pdf page. Step 6 Clicking on the link will land you on the application page. Step 7 Go to the ''Registration for New User'' Step 8 Fill out all the mandatory fields. Step 9 Preview the application and submit the details.

Age Limit

The minimum age limit for the post is 18 years and the maximum age is 40 years as on January 01, 2018. However, age relaxation is provided to SC, ST and pwd candidates belonging to West Bengal only.

Click here for the official announcement.

Application Fee

Candidates have to pay INR 400 as the application fee excluding bank charges. However, candidates belonging to SC or ST categories have to pay INR 150 excluding bank charges.

IBPS Clerk Notification 2018: Apply Online For 7275 Vacancies
Photo: The Canadian Press Macedonia's Prime Minister Zoran Zaev

A referendum on changing Macedonia's name as part of a deal that would pave the way for NATO membership won overwhelming support Sunday, but low voter turnout highlighted the hurdles that still remain for the Balkan country to join the alliance.

Prime Minister Zoran Zaev had hoped for a strong show of support in the referendum on whether to accept a June deal with Greece changing the country's name to North Macedonia. That would help him with the next step of winning parliamentary support for the required constitutional amendments.

Results from more than 97 per cent of polling stations showed 91.3 per cent of voters approving the deal. But turnout stood at just 36.8 per cent, a far cry from the massive support the government had hoped for.

Opponents to the name change had called for a boycott of the vote and celebrated in the street outside Parliament when turnout figures were announced, chanting slogans and waving flags.

Nevertheless, Zaev declared the vote a success.

"The people made a great choice and said 'yes' to our future. It is time for lawmakers to follow the voice of the people and to provide support," he said. "There will be no better agreement with Greece, nor an alternative for NATO and the EU."

Zaev said he would seek to secure the required two-thirds majority of the 120-seat parliament by next week for the constitutional changes. If he fails, he said the only alternative would be to call early elections.

The deal with Greece has faced vociferous opposition from a sizeable portion of the population on both sides of the border, with detractors saying their respective governments conceded too much to the other side and damaged national interests and identity.

The referendum stirred strong interest in the West, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and U.S. Defence Secretary Jim Mattis among a long line of foreign officials who visited Skopje ahead of the vote to urge Macedonians to back the deal.

Russia, however, is not keen on NATO expanding in a part of Europe once under its sphere of influence. Mattis said there was "no doubt" Moscow had funded groups inside Macedonia to campaign against the name change.

In Athens, the Greek foreign ministry noted the "contradictory" result of the referendum  overwhelming approval along with low turnout  and said careful moves were needed to "preserve the positive potential of the deal."
The appreciation of some cars surprised consumers during the pandemic. In general, the prices of all cars were inflated. However,...
"A tsunami has happened in Palu", said Rahmat Triyono, head of the agency's natural disaster and tsunami division, referring to the city of 350,000 almost 80km from the quake's epicentre.

A powerful natural disaster hit central Indonesia on Friday, causing a tsunami that slammed into a city on Sulawesi island with officials saying the tremor had levelled "many" buildings.

"The 1.5- to two-meter tsunami has receded", Dwikorita Karnawati, who heads Indonesia's meteorology and geophysics agency, BMKG, told Reuters.

A powerful natural disaster has rocked central Sulawesi in Indonesia and authorities have issued a tsunami warning.

After the 7.5 quake struck, television footage showed people running into the streets.

Disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said communications with the region are disrupted. She said the tsunami warning triggered by the biggest quake, in place for about half an hour, was lifted after the tsunami was over.

The U.S. Geological Survey put the magnitude of the second quake at a strong 7.5, after first saying it was 7.7. "There is a ship washed ashore".

"All national potential will be deployed, and tomorrow morning we will deploy Hercules and helicopters to provide assistance in tsunami-affected areas".

Jose Mourinho Could Be 'Sacked This Week' According To Reports

United have already lost three of the seven games they have played in the Premier League and are out of the Carabao Cup. I think that Martial is not a player very, very focused on defensive duties.

The agency issued the warning after a revised 7.4 magnitude quake struck at 5:02 p.m. local time (1002 GMT) with an epicenter of 10 km underground at 27 km northeast Dongala district, the official said.

Donggala resident Mohammad Fikri said by telephone that he ran from his house but there wasn't great panic in his neighborhood.

United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric said United Nations officials were in contact with Indonesian authorities and "stand ready to provide support as required".

"Our early estimation, based on experience, is that it caused widespread damage, beginning from (the provincial capital) Palunorthward to Donggala", he told MetroTV in an interview.

Nugroho earlier said four hospitals in Palu reported 48 people dead, though also said "many victims" are still unaccounted for, according to the Associated Press.

"All the things in my house were swaying and the quake left a small crack on my wall", he said.

The island of Lombok was rocked by a series of tremors in August that triggered landslides and kiled at least 460 people. Indonesia's deadliest ever tremor struck Sumatra island in 2014 and triggered a tsunami that killed almost 280,000 people in around a dozen countries along the Indian Ocean, with the biggest number of casualties registered in Indonesia.

Indonesia sits in one of the most active seismic regions in the world, the Pacific Ring of Fire - an area in which a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.
Siwertell secures order from South Texas Cement

01 October 2018

Siwertell, part of Swedens Bruks Siwertell Group, has received an order from US-based GCCM Holdings LCC to supply a high capacity ship unloader for South Texas Cements terminal in Corpus Christi, Texas.



The Siwertell ST 640-M unit will have a continuous rated cement-handling capacity of 1500tph and be able to unload ships of up to 60,000dwt.



"Siwertells demonstrated ability was a large factor in the decision to choose them for this project," said Earl Ingram, president of GCCM Holdings and South Texas Cement. "Machine size and unloading rate were extremely important. This particular machine is well within the operational range of many other machines that Siwertell currently has in service, and when combining all of the deciding factors that led to choosing a mechanical unloader, it was apparent that Siwertell was the best fit for our needs," said Mr Ingram.



The unloader is currently under construction and will be delivered fully-assembled by heavy-lift ship to the port. The company will supervise its commissioning, with the unit expected to enter operation in June-August 2019.

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Demonstrators attend protest against the visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018.

President Erdogan is paying a three-day state visit to Germany, to improve political and economic ties between the two countries.

Erdogan's state visit to Germany, during which he will meet Chancellor Angela Merkel three times, comes with Turkey's economy in crisis.

Erdogan was responding to comments, at the same dinner, by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier who voiced concern at the imprisonment of journalists, trade unionists, scientists and intellectuals in Turkey since the 2016 failed coup. Turkey vehemently denies that the massacre was genocide and insists it was part of the violence during World War I.

On bilateral relations with Germany, Erdogan noted that the two countries reached a consensus on reviving cooperation mechanisms.

Erdogan, who at the height of the diplomatic crisis had accused Berlin of "Nazi-like practices", also struck a conciliatory tone, pointing to "win-win" business projects on the horizon.

Merkel said Germany regards the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK) as a banned militant organisation but was not convinced it should treat the Gulen movement the same way.

"With the mutual trust we have for each other, I believe the handing over of (suspects) would make our work easier", Erdogan said.

"We take very seriously the evidence Turkey provided but we need more material if we are to classify it in the same way we have classified the PKK", she said.

"It is no secret to anyone that there have been deep differences in our relationship in recent years, and that there still are", she said. "After the trauma of the 2016 coup attempt, we expect a return to the rule of law".

Gwyneth Paltrow marries Brad Falchuk

Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow were married for a decade, and have two gorgeous kids together, Apple , 14, and Moses , 12. So even though I'm 45, I sort of feel like a 21-year-old", she told People .

Erdogan also called on Germany to show respect to Turkey's judicial system, in reference to German criticism of arrests in Turkey of German citizens on terror-related charges.

But there is though an interest in overcoming differences. "I did not think one question would scare him this much".

Can Dundar, the former editor of Turkey's opposition Cumhuriyet newspaper, said Friday in a video message on Twitter that he believed German journalists would ask questions on his behalf.

Erdogan also said that it is Turkey's basic right to seek the extradition of Dundar, who has been sentenced to prison for five years and 10 months, in line with the extradition agreement with Germany.

Merkel said she didn't want to discuss specifics, but that it was "no secret" that Turkey and Germany differed in the case of Dundar, who fled to Germany.

An exiled Turkish journalist says he won't attend a press conference in Germany with Chancellor Angela Merkel and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after learning the Turkish leader was considering canceling if he were there. He was quickly removed by guards.

Can Dundar, one of the Turkish journalists most critical of Erdogan, might be in the hall at the chancellery, Bild newspaper reported on its website.

That drew a sharp rejoinder from Erdogan, who said "it is not our job to protect terrorists", according to an interpreter.

Several thousand people demonstrated against Erdogan in Berlin on Friday night amid tight security.

The Turkish leader heads for Cologne on Saturday for the inauguration of a new mosque.
The U.S. will close its consulate in Basra, Iraq, the State Department said Friday, citing mounting threats from Iranian-backed militias.

According to the US State Department, the consulate was on an "ordered departure", entailing a reduction in the staff present at the consulate, though some could still remain in the consular office.

Iran began to gain influence in Iraq, however, following the 2003 USA invasion and overthrow of the government in Baghdad.

According to Secretary of state Mike Pompeo, the us Consulate in Basra and Embassy in Baghdad are the target of "intermittent attacks of indirect fire from the elements of these groups".

All week, US officials have issued increasingly ominous warnings to Iran that the United States will respond aggressively to any perceived threats to its interests in the Middle East.

Protests broke out in Basra early this month over alleged corruption and government neglect and later turned into deadly violence in the oil-rich city.

"I have advised the government of Iran that the United States will hold Iran directly responsible for any harm to Americans or to our diplomatic facilities in Iraq or elsewhere.whether perpetrated by Iranian forces directly or by associated proxy militias", he said.

USA officials said the rockets, however, had not impacted the consulate, which is located in the Basra airport compound.

Apple iPhone XS Max cost breakdown

After Display Zoom has been enabled, iPhone XS Max's display will do a better job of displaying more content on the screen. The XS Max sports the largest ever display in an iPhone, which makes it great for watching videos and playing games.

In his statement on Friday, Pompeo said the United States is working with the Iraqi government to address Iranian threats.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has asked all Americans to leave Basra, and State has issued a travel advisory for Americans warning them against travel to Iraq.

Pompeo did not explicitly say whether a US response was imminent, however, and other USA officials did not disclose potential response options.

There was a rocket attack earlier this month in the fortified Green Zone in Baghdad, where the US Embassy, parliament and government buildings are located.

Pompeo said there were "increasing and specific" threats against Americans and U.S. facilities in Iraq. The decision, though is focused on the effective closure of the consulate, at least temporarily. He, however, called the U-S decision suspicious.

On Tuesday, Trump's hardline National Security Adviser John Bolton told an anti-Iran lobby group in NY that Iran would have "hell to pay" if it crossed the United States or its allies.

The Trump administration withdrew from the landmark 2015 deal with Iran in May and has been gradually re-introducing sanctions against the government in Tehran.
My new podcast is out, and I go into detail about the origins of Northwest flooding and describe the VERY active weather that is expected o...
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has disclosed further details about the early morning missile and drone strikes on terrorists' headquarters in Syria's eastern Euphrates, in response to the Ahvaz terrorist attack which killed 25 people and injured 69 others, including a four-year-old child and a disabled war veteran.

Iran said on Monday it struck jihadists in Syria with ballistic missiles in retaliation for a deadly attack on an Iranian military parade, warning the "real punishment" was still to come.

The Ahvaz National Resistance, an Iranian ethnic Arab separatist movement, and the Islamic State have both claimed responsibility for last week's attack, which killed 25 people.

Iran vowed revenge last week after four assailants attacked a military parade, held to mark the start of the eight-year war with Saddam Hussein's Iraq in 1980, killing 29 people and wounding at least 60 more including women and children.

Iran immediately blamed Ahvaz Arab separatists for the attack, and the group claimed the attack. Later, IS released footage of several men that Iran ultimately identified as attackers, though the men in the footage are not known to have pledged allegiance to the extremist group.

The militants were targeted in the eastern Euphrates region, the Guards said in their statement.

After that assault the Guards said they had fired missiles into Syria that had successfully hit IS targets. State TV aired footage of a drone dropping what appeared to be an unguided munition.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE have denied involvement in the attack.

The next day Iran's intelligence ministry published photos of five men it said carried out the Ahvaz assault, identifying them as "jihadist separatists".

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Iran has supported President Bashar al-Assad in Syria's civil war, sending hundreds of troops and backing pro-Syrian government militias.

The U.S. military's Central Command confirmed that Iranian forces conducted "no-notice strikes last night".

"The response of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the smallest threat will be crushing", Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on his official website following the incident.

"The coalition is still assessing if any damage occurred, and no coalition forces were in danger", US Army Col. Sean Ryan said.

"Based on preliminary reports, many takfiri (a term Tehran often applies to Daesh, and Ahvazi separatists) terrorists and the leaders responsible for the terrorist crime in Ahvaz have been killed or wounded in this missile attack", the Guards added.

Iran's Fars news agency said the Guards fired "a number of medium-range" Zolfaghar and Qiam missiles, with a range of 750 kilometres and 800 kilometres respectively.

"On at least one of the missiles was written "death to America", "death to Israel" and "death to Al Saud", it said, a reference to the ruling family in Saudi Arabia, Iran's regional rival.

Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told The Associated Press that the Iranian missiles hit the IS-held town of Hajin, just north of Boukamal.

This is the third time in recent months that Iran has fired its ballistic missiles in anger.
Donald Trump infamously called NAFTA the worst trade deal maybe ever signed anywhere when he was running for president in 2016. Hes made renegotiating the historic trade agreement between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico a centerpiece of his presidency. Now, hes one step closer to reaching his goal.

A brand new deal

On September 30, the Trump administration announced it had reached a deal with Canada to revamp the North American Free Trade Agreement, which President Bill Clinton signed into law in 1994. Canada will join the U.S. and Mexico in the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which will replace NAFTA.

Trump bragged about the new agreement in a White House press conference on October 1. Its not NAFTA re-done. Its a brand new deal, he said.

[R]est in peace NAFTA, said Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross during an interview with Fox Business.

The new agreement will result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region, said United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland in a joint statement. They also promised that the new agreement would strengthen the middle class, and create good, well-paying jobs.

What is NAFTA, and why does Trump hate it?

NAFTA critics  including Donald Trump  have longed criticized the trade deal, blaming it for decimating U.S. manufacturing and costing many workers their jobs.

The 1994 agreement eliminated virtually all tariffs between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. That made it much easier  and cheaper  to move goods across borders. Some companies shifted manufacturing jobs from the U.S. to Mexico, where labor was less expensive. By 2010, the U.S. had lost an estimated 682,900 jobs because of its growing post-NAFTA trade deficit with Mexico, according to the Economic Policy Institute. The U.S. was also able to sell its heavily subsidized corn south of the border, which hurt Mexican farmers.

At the same time, NAFTA supporters argue that the agreement lowered prices on many items for U.S. consumers. They also argue that it increased U.S. GDP, helping to grow the U.S. economy.

Whats different about the new deal

While the USMCA is a new deal, its not as radically different from NAFTA as you might expect. But the countries have agreed on a few big changes.

Under the USMCA, U.S. dairy farmers will get expanded access to the Canadian market. Canada and Mexico have also agreed to cap automobile exports to the U.S., with exports above that number being subject to a 25% tariff. A higher percentage of vehicle parts will also be required to come from North American manufacturers. Automakers will have to pay some workers who make cars at least $16 an hour to avoid tariffs, a change that will particularly affect Mexico, where wages are low. Mexico has also agreed to allow workers the right to collectively bargain.

New provisions on digital trade and intellectual property have also been added. Canada and the U.S. agreed to keep a special process for trade disputes, which the U.S. wanted to eliminate. The trade deal will be in effect for 16 years, unless all three countries agree to renew it, and it will be reviewed after 6 years.

Not a done deal just yet

While the three countries have reached a trade agreement, its not a done deal just yet. Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto still need to officially sign the deal, which should happen at the G20 meeting in Buenos Aires on November 29.

The U.S. Congress also needs to approve the deal. That could be a stumbling block, particularly if Democrats take control of the House in Novembers mid-term elections.

How the USMCA will help  or hurt  the U.S. economy remains to be seen. Some are predicting that car prices will rise because of the new rules. The deal may also encourage Trump to be even tough on China on future trade issues, according to some.
Mayor creates order for all new city employees to be vaccinated

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The boy, 13, was airlifted to a hospital, she said.

"This is a rare injury", Fairbanks said in a brief news conference Saturday afternoon outside the emergency room. We'll have more on this as the story develops. At this time, the family continues to ask for privacy.

The boy underwent surgery but no other information, including his name, is being released. Giles said the rescuers were an off-duty police officer, an off-duty and a third person who were also lobster diving.

Witness Chad Hammel tells the TV station the victim was lobster diving.

"Once we get him on the kayak, we could really see what happened, and his whole clavicle is ripped open". And then I realized that he was yelling, 'I got bit. "He didn't want to give up yet".

The boy was attacked while diving for lobsters in waters off Encinitas, California, near San Diego, authorities said. Hammel told reporters that it might have been a great white.

Dr Chris Lowe from California State University is trying to find out what type of shark caused the injuries. Giles said the species had not been determined. He says it's still unclear what kind of shark was involved. "This is their natural environment". One scheduled surf event was canceled.

California passes robust net-neutrality laws, Trump administration sues

Connie Leyva (D), who introduced the bill, lamented Brown's veto and said she would re-introduce the legislation in 2019. Jerry Brown has signed into law the strictest set of net neutrality protections ever seen in the US.

Lifeguards immediately turned to clearing people out of the water. They plan to monitor the area for sharks via boat, helicopter and drones.

Other swimmers and divers were quickly evacuated.

Still, a number of attacks have occurred along the California coast over the years.

Chad Hammel was lobster diving with friends when he heard the terrified screams of a teen boy who had just been attacked by a shark.

At around 7 a.m. the San Diego County Sheriff's Department received a call for assistance from lifeguards at Beacon's Beach. In the immediate hours after the attack, there was no sign of shark activity or signs of typical prey such as seals, dolphins and porpoises, although a seal was reported in the area earlier, Giles said. Three men were also in the water near the 13-year-old and together they worked to get him to safety.

This article was originally posted at 9:45 a.m.
JOS, Nigeria, October 1, 2018 (Morning Star News)  Armed Fulani herdsmen accompanied by militants in Nigerian army uniforms killed 17 Christians in their homes in the heart of Jos, north-central Nigeria, on Thursday (Sept. 27), including four children, area sources said.



At about 7:30 p.m. in an area known as Rukuba Road, the assailants broke into one home shooting randomly and killed 14 members of one family, including 15-year-old Ishaya Kogi, 17-year-old Jonathan Kogi, Cynthia Kogi, 22, and Lucky Kogi, 25, their uncle told Morning Star News.



Two of Lucky Kogis children, 3-year-old Majesty Lucky and Blessing Lucky, 14, were also killed in the assault, he said.



When the Fulani herdsmen came, they shot into the house randomly, breaking and forcing their way into rooms shooting defenseless women and children and anyone in sight, the mournful Rogu Audu, who lost his mother and two of his own children in the attack, told Morning Star News.



The 50-year-old member of ECWA church, Blue Zinc, Rukuba Road, Jos, said his mother, Kande Audu, 75, was killed in the assault, along with two of his children  Ruth Rogu, 18, and Dorcas Rugu, 20. The two had gone to their grandparents house to take them dinner, he said.



The attack took place close to the Nigerian army military cantonment, Rukuba Barracks, in Jos. Surviving family members told Morning Star News that the Fulani herdsmen, some armed with firearms and some with machetes, were accompanied by Nigerian army soldiers.

The Fulani herdsmen came from the Wild Life Park, which shares a border with our community, Audu said. The park is located in the southern flank of Rukuba Road and has rocky hills, which provided the attackers with cover to enable them to invade our community.



The four children of one family slain were those of Kogi Audu, 47, also killed. She was the wife of Rogu Audus brother. Her fifth child, Blessing Kogi, 22, was injured in the slaughter and was receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos, he said.



Two other female relatives, Azumi Gado, 20, and Ladi Rigi, 22, were on a visit to the house at the time of the attack and killed, Audu said.



Rogu Audu also told Morning Star News that armed Fulani herdsmen attacked the home of his uncle, 65-year-old Sunday Moru, killing Morus granddaughter, Blessing Sunday, 18, and her fiance, 23-year-old Monday. The couple was visiting him.



All those killed were members of the local Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) congregation, he said.



Area resident Daniel Kadiya, 60, told Morning Star News that the herdsmen also attacked his sons house, where three of his grandchildren were struck with machetes. Wounded were Redzie Yakubu, 14, Patience Yakubu, 8, and Philip Yakubu, 5, he said.



They had machete cuts and are currently receiving treatment at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Kadiya told Morning Star News. Redzie was cut on her head, Patience was cut on her right hand, while Philip was cut on the face and hands.



His son and daughter-in-law were not at home at the time of the attack.



Rogu Audu said that the armed Fulani herdsmen on the same day killed three other ECWA members in the area, members of the Yoruba ethnic group, but their names were not readily available as residents said relatives had moved their property out of their house the following afternoon.



Attacks by Fulani militant herdsmen have increased in the past three years, according to Jubilee Campaign.



Since the beginning of 2018, the violence is again spiking with reported deaths attributed to Fulani militant herdsmen climbing to at least 1,860 people, with an additional 300 plus victims claimed by Boko Haram, Jubilee reported earlier this year. Again, most of these victims are Christians from small ethnic minority communities in the northeastern states.



Christians make up 51.3 percent of Nigerias population, while Muslims living primarily in the north and middle belt account for 45 percent.



Nigeria ranked 14th on Open Doors 2018 World Watch List of countries where Christians suffer the most persecution.
A deadly 7.5 magnitude earthquake and a tsunami with waves as high as twenty feet, struck Indonesia on Friday, leaving at least 840 people dead and thousands homeless.

On Monday, the government made the decision to conduct a mass burial of those lost in the tragedy saying that "This must be done as soon as possible for health and religious reasons." Local Army Commander Tiopan Aritonang said, Indonesia is a majority Muslim, and religious tradition calls for the burial of a loved one typically one day after death.

According to Fox News, Aritonang said, 545 bodies would be brought from one hospital to the grave.

All of the victims coming from hospitals have been photographed so that families can identify their loved ones and locate where they are buried, Fox News reports.

Willem Rampangilei, the chief of Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency, said the grave was dug in Palu, where the majority of the casualties have been recorded and is 33 feet by 330 feet.

At this time, the death toll is expected to continue to grow as rescuers reach areas that were previously cut off by rubble.

Military and commercial aircraft are delivering some aid and supplies, but rescue teams are in desperate need of heavy equipment to reach possible survivors buried under rubble.

People are also suffering from a lack of resources including food and clothing. A local television station reported that around 3,000 Palu residents had flocked to the local airport trying to get out but were not able.

"We have not eaten for three days!" one woman yelled. "We just want to be safe!"

The Chair of Indonesia's Investment Coordinating Board, Thomas Lembong, took to Twitter on Monday to announce that Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has authorized the acceptance of international aid for the disaster.

"We will send food today, as much as possible with several aircraft," Lembong told journalists in the capital, Jakarta. He also asserted that they will be sending a supply of fuel to aid with emergency vehicles.

As of now, the official death toll is 844 people. This number was released by disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, Monday afternoon. This is an increase of 12 people since Sunday, however, the areas of Donggala, Sigi and Parigi Moutong have yet to be fully assessed. These three areas have a combined population of 1.2 million people, and as such, the total of deaths is predicted to increase.

Additionally, according to Nugroho, some 50,000 people have been displaced from their homes.

In one area in Palu, residents believe that dozens of people could still be buried under their collapsed homes.

"The ground rose up like a spine and suddenly fell. Many people were trapped and buried under collapsed houses. I could do nothing to help," resident Nur Indah said, with tears in their eyes. "In the evening, some of them turned on their cell phones just to give a sign that they were there. But the lights were off later and the next day."

With thousands injured and hundreds dead, hospitals, many of which were damaged by the earthquake, are overwhelmed with the influx of patients.

Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Carl Court/Staff
YANGON, Burma, October 1, 2018 (Morning Star News)  After shutting down at least 10 churches in early September, ethnic Wa rebels in eastern Burma (Myanmar) have closed dozens of other churches and detained 92 Christian leaders and 42 students in a bid to curtail Christian activities, sources said.



The United Wa State Army (UWSA) in late September detained the Christian leaders and students in territory it controls in Shan state, leaders of the Lahu Baptist Convention said in a statement released on Tuesday (Sept. 25). Some students were also forced to serve as UWSA soldiers, according to the statement.



The 52 churches in Mong Pauk Township have been shut down, and the UWSA destroyed three church buildings and removed all Christian symbols such as crosses, according to the ethnic Lahu Christian leaders. A few religious schools also have been shut down.



Earlier in September, the UWSA troops shut down at least 10 churches, including six belonging to the Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC).



The Wa officials instructed Christians in Mong Pauk not even to worship at home these days, a local Christian leader based in Keng Tung told Morning Star News on condition of anonymity. So, some Christian members dare not to live in Mong Pauk any longer. They came to stay in Keng Tung town as they are fearful.



Wa soldiers are holding arrested Christian leaders and students in Mong Maw town, a stronghold base of the Wa rebels, said Tat Jack, a local resident whose relatives are detained.



My uncle is a preacher, Tat Jack told Morning Star News. He lives at a village nearby the Wa rebel base, Panghsang city. He and his son were detained in early September. But we are not allowed to visit them. We also heard that many members of the Christian community there are detained.



Christian leaders have said the militants, who predominantly follow tribal religions, seek to reduce the spread of Christianity. Wa rebel spokesperson Nyi Rang told The Irrawaddy, a Yangon-based new outlet, that the UWSA had detained the Christian leaders because there were extremists among them.



A UWSA statement released on Sept. 13 stated that all church buildings constructed after 1992 would be destroyed or shut down, as they were built without permission from the UWSAs leaders.



On a UWSA-run television program, it was stated that the UWSA has arrested and interrogated the religious leaders for violating organization regulations and laws prohibiting foreigners to serve as religious leaders in Wa-controlled areas. It also accused some detainees of forcing ethnic people to convert to Christianity.



Dr. M. Hkawng, chairman of an ethnic Kachin political party, the Kachin National Congress, has said that missionaries improve the lives of ethnic minorities in the Wa region, educating them and enabling them to travel to overseas to Japan, the United States and other countries to pursue their education.



Although most of the population in Wa territory worships spirits or Nats, there are also Buddhists as well as Christian communities such as Baptists and Roman Catholics. Many area members of ethnic minority groups, such as the Ahkar, Lahu and Kachin, as well as the Wa, are Christians, sources said.



Some Christians suspect Chinese authorities are behind the recent aggression against Christians.



The UWSA is the military wing of the United Wa State Party (UWSP), the de facto ruling party of the area. It was formed after the collapse of the armed wing of the Communist Party of Burma in 1989.



The UWSA announced its territory as the Wa State Government Special Administrative Region on Jan. 1, 2009, and although the government of Burma does not officially recognize its sovereignty, the Burmese military has fought alongside the UWSA against Shan nationalist militias.



Though de facto independent from Burma, the Wa state officially recognizes Burmas sovereignty over all of its territory, and in 2013 the two parties signed a peace deal.



Burma is about 80 percent Buddhist and 9 percent Christian.



The country is ranked 24th on Christian support organization Open Doors 2018 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian.



If you would like to help persecuted Christians, visit http://morningstarnews. org/resources/aid-agencies/ for a list of organizations that can orient you on how to get involved.



If you or your organization would like to help enable Morning Star News to continue raising awareness of persecuted Christians worldwide with original-content reporting, please consider collaborating at https://morningstarnews.org/ donate/ ?
President Donald Trump says he will deliver a fair Middle East peace plan within the next two to four months.

According to The Independent, Trump told the United Nations General Assembly in New York that a lot of progress has been made in hopes for peace in the Middle East.

Israel and Palestine last negotiated peace in 2014.

I really believe something will happen, he said. It is a dream of mine to be able to get that done prior to the end of my first term.

Trump also said he supported a two-state solution, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he preferred that the Palestinians govern themselves but do not threaten Israel.

I'll look at it, he said of Trumps coming peace plan. "In fact, I was -- you know, I always said that I'm willing to look at peace proposals put forward by the United States."

Palestinian officials have not commented on Trumps announcement of a new plan.

Conflict between the two countries has increased since protests started over the summer at the Gaza border. Israelis have killed some 190 Palestinians since the protests began in March. One Israeli has been killed.

Trumps son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, is spearheading the peace plan.

Jared, whos so involved, he loves Israel but hes also going to be very fair with the Palestinians, the US president later told a news conference.

Relations between the countries have further been strained since Trump announced a decision last year to move the United States embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.

Photo courtesy: Getty Images/John Moore/Staff
Richard Foster wrote Celebration of Discipline 40 years ago as a young pastor. The bookwhich has sold over 2 million copies and has been translated into 25 languageslaunched a ministry of speaking, writing, and teaching on spiritual formation and the classic spiritual disciplines of the Christian life. Foster founded and led Renovare, a spiritual formation ministry, up until 2008 when he retired from his role as president to make space for new leadership. Foster, now 76, will retire from his public speaking ministry after wrapping up a tour this year.

CT editor Kelli Trujillo sat down with Foster at his Colorado home to discuss how the Christian spirituality landscape has changedand how hes changedover his decades of ministry.

Youve spent more than four decades of ministry focusing on spiritual formation. At its core, what does spiritual formation involve?

Its important to be clear what were talking about when we say spiritual formation. Consider Pauls words in Galatians 4:19: I am in travail until Christ be formed in you. The word travail is a birthing image. Hes saying, essentially, I am in the pain of childbirth until Christ is formed in you. Thats a biblical, foundational way of thinking about spiritual formation.

I think of a couple of old hymns that speak to this. The first is Rock of AgesLet the water and the blood, from thy wounded side which flowed, be of sin the double cure. Thats the keythe double cure. It then says Save from wrath, which is forgiveness, justification. But it goes on: Save from wrath and make ...

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In 2020, we were the church on our heels. A global pandemic shut down much of our world. But the church has been on the move since it was birthed; it will continue to be on the move until God makes all things new.
Days after Azusa Pacific University (APU) dropped a ban on romanticized same-sex relationships from its code of student conduct, its board of trustees reversed the changes.

Last week, reports circulated about a change in the undergraduate student standards of conduct. That action concerning romanticized relationships was never approved by the board and the original wording has been reinstated, the Southern California Christian universitys board said in a statement on Friday.

The schools much-discussed shift on same-sex relationships had been approved by APUs administrative board, but not the board of trustees, ZU Media, a campus newspaper, reported.

The student code change was accompanied by a new on-campus program for LGBT students designed to reduce feelings of isolation and promote a sense of belonging, APU told CT.

The board of trustees announcement did not address the future of any LGBT support efforts. APU does not require their students to be Christianonly about one-third of schools in the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) ask students to sign a faith statementthough it comes out of a Wesleyan tradition and ascribes to a biblical statement of faith.

APU had also recently dropped longstanding language from an eight-point statement on human sexuality, which declared homosexual acts (among others) are expressly forbidden by Scripture; heterosexuality is Gods design for sexually intimate relationships; and humans were created as gendered beings in order to be fruitful and multiply. Those initial revisions remain on the website and were not specifically addressed in the boards remarks.

Last weeks policy change led some evangelicals in favor of traditional marriage to publicly criticize the school's decision. One critic was Southern Baptist Theological Seminary president Al Mohler, who described it as a complete reversal and repudiation of the historic Christian understanding of what romance is to be as defined by Scripture. Following the reversal, Mohler characterized the boards statement as extremely encouraging.

We should also give it the attention that is its due, simply because here you have a Board of Trustees that dared to do its job, to actually protect the convictions and the mission of an historic Christian institution, he said this morning on his podcast The Briefing. That is good news, and we dare not miss that kind of news when it happens.

But Erin Green, a recent APU graduate and leader of Brave Commons, an LGBT organization, had worked with the administration to make the initial changes and tweeted that the school had exploited & taken advantage of its LGBTQ+ community after listening to students who she said were stigmatized for being gay or in same-sex relationships.

The school continued to affirm its student body, saying, We see every student as a gift from God, infinitely valuable and worthy in the eyes of our Creator and as members of our campus community. We believe our university is the best place for earnest and guided conversation to unfold with all students about every facet of life, including faith and sexuality. We embrace all students who seek a rigorous Christian higher education and voluntarily join us in mission.

Below is the full statement from APUs board of trustees.
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In reference to the allegations of sexual assault against him, Judge Brett Kavanaugh said in an interview with Fox News' Martha McCallum, "I did not have sexual intercourse or anything close to sexual intercourse in high school or many years thereafter."

"So you are saying that through all these years in question that you were a virgin?" asked McCallum. "That's correct," said Kavanaugh.

Kavanaugh also referenced the same during his latest testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, saying his abstinence from sex during those years was a matter of "faith, respect, and caution."

Some now are calling this "The Virgin Defense" and find Kavanaugh's claim highly suspect and worthy of ridicule.

I can speak from experience, and I do not say it boastfully. I do not doubt the Judge's testimony. Because of my early conversion to Christ, I was committed to obeying God's commands against sexual immorality in my teens. I did not have sex until my wedding night when I was 21 years old. What is more, I have never known any woman intimately except my wife of 39 years.

Today humanism and secularism have made light of God's prohibition of sex outside of marriage. The public schools have taught that we are just highly developed animals with passions that are unnatural to suppress. The so-called experts in human sexuality urge the use of protection (condoms and other birth control measures), etc. because they argue it's impossible to remain chaste. "Your libido is too strong," they say.

Nonsense! It can be done. Living virtuously in this area of life is done by many. Moreover, no condom, diaphragm, intrauterine device, contraceptive implant or the pill, can protect the human soul from the heartbreak, guilt, emptiness, and inner turmoil that comes from living outside of God's will.

Unfortunately, high school and college students are often laughed to scorn if they acknowledge a commitment to sexual purity. Kavanaugh said that during his formative years he "was probably a little outwardly shy about my inexperience." He "tried to hide that." "At the same time," he added, "I was inwardly proud of it."

The pursuit of sexual purity is nothing for which to be reticent. Without this noble form of self-disciplne, youth are vulnerable to all sorts of physical and emotional maladies. Without it, they won't develop important aspects of intimacy, bonds of trust and security, which will serve them in marriage. Without it, they could end up with an unwanted pregnancy, and aborting an unborn child is the destruction of a human life. Sex is one of the most powerful forces in the world.

Cohabitation is now typically viewed as morally acceptable because a couple is supposedly test-driving their prospects for marriage. By God's standards, it isn't. Moreover, statistics show that living together before matrimony is more likely to weaken the prospects of a successful marriage.

According to U.S. Attorney Legal Services, couples who don't cohabitate have a 20% chance of divorcing within five years. But if the couple lived together beforehand, it jumps to 49%. Within 10 years of marriage a couple has a 33% chance of divorcing. If they lived together before marriage, that number jumps to an astounding 62%.

We can't break God's commandments and expect positive outcomes.

Let's face it, even the church and religious leaders have set a terrible example for sexual purity. Priests have molested young boys, pastors have had to step down after extramarital affairs came to light, and some churches have endorsed same-sex relationships and gay nuptials. It's an absolute shame when the church and its leaders are careless and irresponsible with the standards of God's Word.

It should be added that Jesus interpreted the Seventh Commandment, which says, "Thou shalt not commit adultery," by saying, "Whosoever looks upon a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already..." (Matthew 5:28). Carlyle Marney once said that many define sin as the sum total of acts which they themselves do not commit. So by Jesus' standard, I believe most everyone has committed a sexual sin.

Nevertheless, though adultery or fornication of the spirit is a sin and shouldn't be entertained, it's not likely to break up your marriage, ruin your reputation, shatter your prospects for a bright future or saddle you with a sexually transmitted disease in the way acting on your passions would. Jesus gave this lofty standard to help us understand that sexual immorality starts in the mind. It begins not with the act, but in the heart. So we need to watch that we don't allow impure images and thoughts to take up residence within, lest we act upon them and experience profound negative consequences.

In John chapter 8, Jesus forgave the woman caught in the act of adultery, and then he commanded her, "Go, and sin no more" (Jn. 8:11). Despite her sin, he loved and blessed her. The Lord had forgiven her, but her adultery had almost cost her everything  her life. Jesus warned her not to do it again. Still, Jesus gave her more than forgiveness. He also embedded within his command to "sin no more" a promise for strength to avoid future sexual sin.

In his book, "The Seven Deadly Sins," the late Dr. Billy Graham wrote:

"You have no strength of your own, but Christ will come into your heart and give you supernatural strength and power to resist the fearful temptation of passion. For the sin of impurity, your conscience goads you  but Jesus Christ will save you. Confess your sins, receive him, and let him cleanse you and make you a new person."

I believe Judge Kavanaugh's "virgin defense." I have no reason to doubt it because I have also known, as well as witnessed, the power of Christ to avoid sexual immorality.
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This past week was deja vu time for everyone old enough to remember the Clarence Thomas-Anita Hill controversy. But in the midst of many striking parallels between the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings in 1991 and 2018, we have largely overlooked a very telling, quite ironic comment from Justice Thomas.

But first, some of the parallels.

Then, as today, there were two compelling stories.

Then, as today, there were two believable witnesses, a qualified male judge and a respected female professor.

Then, as today, there were charges of sexual impropriety.

Then, as today, there were concerns about political hit jobs.

Then, as today, the judge was a conservative nominated by a Republican president.

Then, as today, the woman was brought in by the Democrats.

Then, as today, the male judge was hailed as courageous for his impassioned denial of the charges against him.

Then, as today, the female professor was credited with helping to empower women who had suffered sexual abuse and harassment.

Then, as today, the woman was reluctant to come forward and wanted to preserve her anonymity.

Then, as today, the woman's anonymity was compromised by leaks to the media.

Then, as today, the judge was considered to be a virtually certain appointee until the charges were leaked.

Then, as today, the man felt his reputation had been tarnished for life.

Then, as today, the man denied the accusations "unequivocally and categorically."

Then, as today, the Republicans and Democrats voted along party lines.

Then, as today, the hearings were brutal.

Then, as today, the judge and the professor received death threats.

In fact, it was John Sununu, President George Bush's chief of staff and a supporter of Thomas, who knew that Bush's picking of a "true conservative" would result in a "knock-down, drag-out, bloody-knuckles, grass-roots fight."

Yes, the parallels are beyond striking, as indicated by these comments from Thomas in 1991 when asked by Senator Joe Biden if Thomas had anything to say to the committee.

Thomas remarked, "I think that this today is a travesty. I think that it is disgusting. I think that this hearing should never occur in America," referencing the "dirt" and "sleaze" that had been dug up (really, manufactured) against him "by staffers of members of this committee."

He continued, "I think something is dreadfully wrong with this country when any person, any person in this free country would be subjected to this."

Dreadfully wrong, indeed, and a sentiment echoed by Kavanaugh.

But here's the sad irony of all this. We have not learned our lesson, and the hopes of Clarence Thomas were not realized.

It was Senator Orin Hatch who asked Thomas if he had expected to go through the particular hell he endured as a result of his nomination.

Thomas responded, "Senator, I expected it to be bad. And I expected the awful treatment throughout the process. . . . I expected to be a sitting duck for the interest groups. I expected them to attempt to kill me. And yes, I even expected personally attempts on my life. That's just how much I expected."

But, he added, "I did not expect this circus. I did not expect this charge against my name. I expected people to do anything, but not this."

And then the words that are so sadly ironic.

Thomas said, "And if by going through this, another nominee in the future, or another American, won't have to go through it, then so be it [my emphasis]. But I did not expect this treatment. And I did not expect to lose my name, my reputation, my integrity to do public service."

Tragically, we have not learned our lessons. We have not improved our conduct. We have not become more civil.

Quite the contrary.

Through the tidal wave of social media and endless news outlets, through our increasingly divisive politics, we are on the verge of tearing ourselves apart. And if the Thomas hearings could be likened to a "circus," the Kavanaugh hearings can be likened to gladiatorial combat, with the bloodthirsty crowds cheering on. What in the world is coming next?

Recently, Rev. James Robison urged Bible believers to, "Release the powerful weight of [God's] kingdom presence  right here, right now, for His glory and eternal kingdom purpose."

Nothing other than divine intervention will do. Nothing less than a great awakening will work.

America needs the Lord. Desperately.

So I pray, "Heavenly Father, have mercy on us, and come and heal and restore our broken nation."

Can I hear an Amen?
The Mumbai bench of National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on Monday found favour with government's arguments to oust the current board of Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) and to appoint Kotak Mahindra Bank managing director Uday Kotak as non-executive chairman of the debt-ridden infrastructure development and finance company.

A Mumbai bench of judges M K Shrawat and Ravikumar Duraisamy approved the takeover of IL&FS board by government nominees, saying the mismanagement at the crisis-ridden IL&FS made the present case a fit one for invoking Article 241 (2) of the Companies Act-2013, that provides for the suppression of the existing board.

The bench said going by the Centre's petition, it was apparent that the "affairs of IL&FS were being conducted in a manner prejudicial to public interest".

It, thus, approved the Centre's proposal to let a six-member team take over the IL&FS board. These six members are - Uday Kotak of the Kotak Mahindra Bank, retired IAS officer Vineet Nayyar, former Sebi chairperson G N Bajpai, ICICI's non-executive chairperson G C Chaturvedi, IAS officer Malini Shankar and senior bureaucrat from CAG Nand Kishore.

The new board has been directed to hold its first meeting on October 8 this year, and to submit a report on its finding and a roadmap before the bench by October 31, the next date of hearing. The bench also issued a notice to IL&FS, directing it to respond to all points raised by the Union government in its plea by October 15 this year.

"IL&FS has assets, so it's a liquidity and ALM mismatch issue. This is not India's Lehman moment. It's critical to note that there is no leverage on the book, unlike Lehman. There is an underlying value in the balance sheet and business," said Sunil Sharma, Chief Investment Officer, Sanctum Wealth Management.

The government claimed that the directors have failed to discharge their duties, adding that the company has been showing a 'rosy' picture of its balance sheet. The government application to the tribunal had named Ravi Parthasarathy, SB Mathur, RC Bhargava, Arun Saha, Michel Pinto, J Rao, Rina Karmath, Varsha Sawant, Manohar Waghle, among others, as parties in the IL&FS case.

The government counsel reportedly expressed concerns over the cascading impact of the IL&FS crisis on the overall economy. "Many mutual funds will collapse if IL&FS collapses," the counsel said, adding that besides AMCs, government securities would face selling pressure.

"The reason why the government is intervening in this matter is that the IL&FS case will have bearing on the entire economy," the counsel added.

The move to change the management of IL&FS comes after foreign shareholders were hesitant in putting more money unless there was a shake-up of the board. Domestic shareholders like LIC and SBI have also expressed their concerns in lending more money to the debt-ridden IL&FS with existing management at the helm.

LIC is its largest shareholder of IL&FS with a 25 per cent equity stake. Its second largest shareholder is Japan's Orix Corporation, which owns 23.5 per cent of the company. India's largest lender SBI holds the smallest stake in IL&FS at 6.42 per cent.

On Saturday, the two biggest shareholders of IL&FS - Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and Japan's Orix Corporation - as well as State Bank of India agreed to subscribe to the rights issue by the company. In its annual general meeting, the IL&FS Board of Directors approved a rights issue of 30 crore equity shares worth Rs 4,500 crore at 150 per share. The rights issue will be completed by October 30, 2018.

Among other shareholders, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, which controls 12.56 per cent stake in IL&FS reportedly will not participate in the rights issue. As for remaining stakeholders, IL&FS Employees Welfare Trust with 12 per cent, HDFC Bank with 9.02 per cent and Central Bank with 7.67 per cent, there position with respect to the rights issue is not clear yet.

IL&FS has an aggregate debt pile of Rs 91,000 crore which has been downgraded by ratings agencies to junk following repeated defaults. Out of this, the company owes Rs 57,000 crore to banks only, most of which are from the public sector. The company needs an immediate capital infusion of Rs 3,000 crore.

The IL&FS Board also approved company's specific asset divestment plan based on which IL&FS expects to reduce its overall debt by Rs 30,000 crores. Out of a portfolio of 25 projects identified for sale, firm offers have already been received for 14 projects, a statement by IL&FS said.

Debt defaults by certain group entities of diversified IL&FS have triggered fears of liquidity crisis in the financial markets and the RBI has been taking steps to improve the overall cash situation.
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Christians have a God-given calling to be salt and light in the world around them, and an obvious way to fulfill that duty in America during an election year is to vote. We must approach this responsibility through prayer and by comparing a candidate's positions and character against the convictions God's word has instilled in our hearts.

"When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan."Proverbs 29:2

It's been said that a democratic nation will get the political leaders it deserves, and of course, this makes perfect sense. Our duly elected representatives are a direct reflection of the character, values and yes, the faith of our people. In a very real sense, they are us, and so we must take very seriously the role we play in selecting them.

Allow me to put it another way: Whenever and wherever possible we should support candidates who uphold and promote Judeo-Christian principles.

The idea, though, that there will be candidates who perfectly line up with the tenets of our faith, is unfortunately wishful thinking on this side of eternity.

There may never be a candidate who perfectly represents you or me, but we cannot choose to sit out an election because there's no clear Christian option in a given election. That would ensure we have no seat at the governing table and that our policy priorities go unheard. Instead, politics, by its very nature, is an exercise in compromise and we must not allow the current uncompromising political climate in Washington to cause us to become myopic and narrow-minded in our own right. It is far better to have elected leaders who aren't outright hostile to our faith and our values than to have leaders who might seek to diminish Christianity's influence in America.

Evangelicals comprise one of the largest, if not the largest, voting blocks in this country, but what difference does it make if millions of us choose not to go to the polls? My decision  your decision  has consequences in our nation, and indeed around the world, that are more profound than we might imagine.

That is why I must vote. That is why you must vote.

So take a minute to make sure you're ready to vote using the Voting Assistance Center from My Faith Votes, a nonpartisan movement working to engage Christians in America to vote in local and national elections.

Voting is our right as Americans, and it is our sacred responsibility as Christians.
Chinese bishops to attend Vatican synod for first time

Catholic bishops from China will for the first time attend a major Vatican meeting starting this week, the Vatican said on Monday, following a landmark agreement between the Holy See and Beijing.

'There will be two bishops from continental China. They were invited by the pope,' Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri told a news conference. 'I think they are already on their way to Rome.'

The bishops will take part in a month-long meeting, known as a synod, that starts on Wednesday to discuss the role of young people in the 1.2 billion-member Church.

'In the past the Holy See invited bishops from continental China but they were never able to attend,' Baldisseri said.

Baldisseri said it was the first time the Beijing government has allowed bishops to leave the country to attend a Vatican synod, meetings which take place every few years on a different topic.

He said it was a result of the improved relations between the Vatican and Beijing following the signing of the agreement on September 22.

The deal, which was in the making for more than 10 years, gives the Vatican a long-desired say in the choice of bishops in China, though critics labelled the deal a sellout to the Communist government.

China's approximately 12 million Catholics have been split between an underground church swearing loyalty to the Vatican and the state-supervised Catholic Patriotic Association.

The Vatican has said the absence of a deal could have led to a schism between Chinese Catholics that would have been difficult to heal.

Concerns remain, however, over the fate of about 12 priests and bishops believed to be in detention in China.
Christians concerned as equalities watchdog sues NHS over right of younger trans patients to have children

Christians have voiced concerns over the decision by the UK equalities watchdog to take NHS England to court over fertility services for younger transgender patients.

According to The Observer, the commission recently gave NHS England written notice that it must give transgender patients access to fertility services before they receive gender dysphoria treatment that leave could leave them infertile.

Transgender people can opt to have their eggs and sperm removed and stored prior to transitioning, but as many start treatment when they are still in their teens, there are concerns that younger trans patients may not be fully aware of their options or lack the resources to utilize fertility treatments.

Rebecca Hilsenrath, the chief executive of the Equality and Human Rights Commission told the newspaper that such treatment should be available 'in order to ensure that access to health services is free of discrimination'.

'A choice between treatment for gender dysphoria and the chance to start a family is not a real choice,' she claimed.

'We have asked NHS England to reflect on the true breadth of their statutory mandate and the impact on the transgender community of these outdated policies.'

According to The Guardian, NHS England has so far refrained from making fertility treatment available to transgender patients, arguing that it is not responsible for making such treatment available to all and that this instead lies with individual clinical commissioning groups in deciding whether such services should be provided on the NHS.

A spokesperson for NHS England told The Guardian that it believed the request from the EHRC was 'misjudged and potentially unfair to NHS patients'.

The EHRC disagrees that fertility treatment for trans people falls outside the remit of NHS England and it has now decided to start legal proceedings.

'We have received a comprehensive response from NHS England to our letter regarding the provision of fertility services for transgender patients before they undergo treatment for gender dysphoria,' said Hilsenrath, according to The Guardian.

'We are proceeding with our judicial review claim and will remain in discussions with NHS England about the need to ensure the transgender community can access health services free from discrimination, and that individuals do not have to choose between treatment for gender dysphoria and the chance to start a family.'

Christian Concern disagreed with the decision to take legal action against NHS England.

'The very definition of "family" is once more at risk,' it said.

'Rather than pushing teens towards transgender surgery and offering fertility treatment, we should encourage young people to accept their true identity as made male or female, in the image of God.'

The legal action against NHS England comes after Minister for Women and Equalities, Penny Mordaunt, announced an inquiry into what is behind a 4,400% increase in the number of girls in the UK being referred for transitioning treatment since 2009.
Kavanaugh and Ford: An American tragedy

The problem with nuclear war is that there are no winners.

And that, in a nutshell, is what American legislators are now discovering  too late  after changing the rules concerning Supreme Court nominations over the past few years.

There was wisdom in the old process that served the US so well for most of its history. That wisdom was the stipulation that any nominee to the Supreme Court  as well as other top appointments  had to receive 6o votes in the Senate. The result of this was that there had to be some bipartisan support. It meant people from both main parties had to work together and achieve a degree of consensus  regardless of political affiliation. What a sensible, grown-up idea!

However that all changed  and both sides of the political divide are to blame. In 2003 the Republicans came close to changing the rules and implementing what Mississippi Senator Trent Lott had called 'the nuclear option'. They held back. But the seed of the idea had been publicly sown. It took root. And in fact it was the Democrats who in 2013 started tinkering. Some of the rules were altered  so nominees for cabinet secretaries and federal judgeships could be confirmed with just 51 votes.

Then in 2017, it was the turn of the Republicans to press the nuclear trigger as well by lowering the threshold of approval for Supreme Court justices too. They also would now only require 51 per cent Senate support. Bye-bye cross-party consensus; hello, yah-boo partisan politics in the realm of appointments to the highest court in the land.

And now we see the result. Because politics, at its heart, is about people. Play fast and loose with politics and you play fast and loose with real people's lives.

I watched quite a bit of the committee hearings at which Christine Blasey Ford and Brett Kavanaugh testified. I hadn't intended to, but found it being broadcast live on the news channel I had turned on for the headlines. It was compelling viewing, but it was horrific. As one BBC correspondent put it, 'it wasn't really edifying for any of those involved'.

Here we had two people whose personal lives were being ripped apart and shredded in public like gazelles attacked by lions  their emotional flesh torn open and organs pulled out as they struggled to gasp for breath.

When you press the button of the nuclear option there are no winners  only death: in this case, the public living death of two ordinary vulnerable human beings, and the carnage of political exploitation masquerading as a public hearing.

I have no idea whether Ford and Kavanaugh were both telling the truth. They both looked pretty sincere and credible to me; my instinct is that both believed what they were saying. There may be all sorts of things that could account for that. But none of us know: and that's the point, isn't it? None of us know.

What I do know is that if any of us start to imagine our own personal hurts and struggles being dissected in this public way we can begin to appreciate how excruciating this must have been for both of them. All of us would be traumatised, wouldn't we? And what I also know is that if neither party had used the 'nuclear option' to change the voting system and bypass the need for political consensus then I doubt very much we would have ended up with this disgrace. One of the few people who emerges with any degree of credit is Jeff Flake, the Arizona Senator, who at least has had the courage to transcend party lines, think independently, and respond with humanity when confronted by protesters.

How should Christians respond? The American devotional writer Scotty Smith has been wrestling with some of these issues in his daily prayer blog. Writing with reference to the Supreme Court a few days ago he wrote, 'I want wolves and lambs, Republicans and Democrats, all kinds of enemies to live in perfect peace today... When will kindness replace all the madness? I want all nursing of grudges, fertilizing bitterness, and withholding grace to be things in the past. I crave the Day of no more minimizing evil, misrepresenting facts and manipulating circumstances.'

He goes on to remind us that in the new heavens and new earth such a day will come. But it hasn't yet. And in the meantime, we live right here, right now. And so he concludes his prayer: 'Father, keep teaching me what faith expressing itself in love looks like, no matter how long we have to wait for Jesus to make all things new. Keep me humble and gentle, present and expectant. May I live more as a peacemaker than a scorekeeper.'

American senators should read a few Scotty Smith prayers and then get on their knees and repent.

David Baker is a former daily newspaper journalist now working as an Anglican minister in Sussex, England. Find him on Twitter @Baker_David_A
Organizers of the Folsom Street Fair, San Franciscos famed fetish festival, took new measures this year to educate attendees  especially sightseers and gawkers  on the subject of consent.

Gear doesnt mean consent. What youre wearing doesnt mean consent. An enthusiastic yes means consent, said Edwin Morales, president of the Folsom Street Events board.

The message was distilled into a social media campaign and onto signage around Sundays 13-block fair, which featured bondage exhibits, people pulling their collared partners on leashes, and lots of bodies clad in leather  or nothing at all.

More than 250,000 people were expected to show up, with proceeds benefiting groups such as the National AIDS Memorial and Berkeley Free Clinic.

We get them with the shopping and, Hey, theres gonna be naked people, and hopefully we get them registered to vote and donating to organizations, said Foster, 55, a longtime attendee who lives in San Francisco. He declined to give his last name.

It was the first iteration of the fair since the #MeToo movement emerged, but its planners say the focus on consent was driven primarily by community feedback, not broader societal issues. Kinksters say consent and boundaries have always been at the forefront of what they do but that some newcomers and voyeurs are not quite as literate.

Exhibitionists and organizers say the widespread non-consensual picture-taking of event-goers has been especially frustrating. In a public space, though, the directive to ask first concerned some professional photographers on First Amendment grounds.

For poet Maryann Leilani Wood, 42, the playground, a fenced-off area for women as well as transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals, was invaluable. Everyone was welcome in the zone except cis-men, or those who were assigned the male gender at birth and still identify that way.

Its a shaded tent where you can just sit and not get gawked at by a tourist, said Wood, who relaxed there with a packet of peanut butter and a notebook filled with what she said was art therapy. This space is so important. Some of us dont want to play with others.

Wood, who said she suffered genital mutilation and other abuse as a child, said the fetish community helped her develop into someone who could enjoy myself as a sexual adult.

At the playground, people entering a canopy dungeon had to sign a 13-rule waiver form. Among them: no alcohol and keep conversation to a minimum. Also: Use a drop cloth when waxing. No smoking (cigars), scat, water sports, sharps (knives/needles), blood or fire play.

Michelle, 30, who was in charge of the playground and declined to give her last name, called the entire area a safe space and said its taken on heightened relevance, given current events.

Consent overall is a bigger deal ... but its always been part of the kink community, she said.

In the quiet mid-morning, as she disassembled a stack of folding chairs, Michelle said her main hope and request to those entering the dungeon would be: Please dont make a mess. Unless its puke and its consensual.

Near the playground, a throng persisted throughout the day around a bondage exhibit put on by the club SF Citadel and BDSM group Bondage A Go Go.

Longtime participants said they have seen a sharp uptick in rope play lately. One of the go-go dancers, William, 34, whose stage name is Vyl (pronounced vile), said he has noticed increased auto-suspension, in which a person single-handedly hoists himself or herself up into a contraption for pleasure.

Stefanos Tiziano, manager of SF Citadel and one of the Bondage A Go Go owners, said ropes have a sensual quality that, along with chains, hold a special status in peoples sexual imagination.

The exhibit featured several suspension frames from which people could be tied up and dangled, spanking benches and a few X-shaped equipment pieces called Saint Andrews Crosses. Carts were filled with floggers, blindfolds, whips and props. Tiziano pointed out the items in between taking photos of his wife, who was hanging from a suspension contraption.

An information table was stocked with wooden paddles emblazoned with spank someone happy and fliers for a sex-positive Democratic club.

A few feet away, a man in a kilt and dog mask was hitting the backside of a topless woman, chained to one of the crosses, with a purple booty bat. All around them, a mostly clothed public snapped selfies and recorded videos of the scene.

This is the kinky haven, Tiziano said, the holy times of leather.

Kimberly Veklerov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kveklerov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kveklerov
The oil and gas industries of Texas and Louisiana continued to stay at near-record levels of activity during the third quarter.

A new study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas shows that Texas and Louisiana-based oil and gas companies saw business activity continue to increase during the third quarter, which ended Sept. 30.

The Dallas Fed surveyed 171 energy companies between Sept. 12 and 20, of which 110 were exploration and production firms and the other 61 were oil and gas service companies.

RELATED: Plains working to open pipeline expansion out of Permian by October

The business activity index -- the survey's most general measure of conditions for its oil and gas firms -- dipped slightly to 43.3 points from 44.5 points in the second quarter. While there was a slight fall the Dallas Fed said the business activity index remains near the highest levels since the Energy Survey began in the first quarter of 2016.

The survey asked specific questions about pipeline capacity issues out of West Texas' Permian Basin, which has faced pipeline constraints as production has matched pipeline capacity out of the region.

RELATED: Permian refineries in Texas, New Mexico reaping windfalls from oil discounts

More than half of respondents -- 56 percent -- said they expect pipeline constraints out of the Permian to be alleviated by the end of 2019.

Seventy percent of respondents said they expect there to be a "slightly negative" impact on Permian production because of crude oil prices differences between oil sold in Midland compared to Cushing, Oklahoma. On Monday oil sold in Midland was been selling sometimes at a $7 discount to oil in Cushing, and at times oil sold in Midland has sold at $15 or higher discounts compared to the Gulf Coast.
3 1 of 3 WellGo USA Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Viva Films Show More Show Less 3 of 3





For those still thirsty for the action-movie thrills of "The Raid" and "John Wick," the Philippines has you covered.

"BuyBust" is a new Filipino action thriller that, like the aforementioned films, hearkens back to the hard-boiled, violence-loving action flick genre made popular during the 1980s.
courtesy of Google Maps

A Hastings High school student is in police custody after allegedly making a threat of violence on Sunday night, according to Alief Independent School District officials.

The student was taken in to custody Monday morning.
BRIDGEPORT  The Bridge Academy reached its 280 student enrollment cap and wont be losing any state revenue.

The charter school picked up 13 students since it announced two weeks ago it was more than a dozen students shy of its expected enrollment.

Tim Dutton, the schools director and one of its founders, said two of the students were new to the city, three were former Bridge students, one transferred from Kolbe Catheral High School and the rest came from various city schools.

The additional students were scattered across the grade seven through twelfth grade school.

Some learned from the news article (in the Connecticut Post), some from us handing out fliers around town, some from a robocall, and probably the most from a Facebook ad, Dutton said, adding everyone at the school is extremely relieved.

He said it was good to know that once the word got out, the demand was still there.

For the coming year we will be doing a number of things to build our profile, Dutton said.

The school has to report a headcount to the state within the next two weeks based on October 1 enrollment.

We reached the 280 last Wednesday, then on Thursday we had two withdraw for issues with transportation, Dutton said. As of Monday, the school was back up to 281.

Dutton said the school will accept student over its reimbursement limit to make sure it keeps a full enrollment.

More for you A charter school puts out the "Students wanted" sign

One of the states oldest charter schools, The Bridge found itself with open spaces this fall for the first time in its 21 years.

For each student, the school gets $11,250 from the state to operate up to 280 students. Charter schools are public schools that run independent of local school board control. Its enrollment is capped by the state. With full enrollment, The Bridge receives $3.15 million to operate.

If it did not get its expected enrollment, there would have been staffing cuts, Dutton said.

The Facebook page is new, something the school started when enrollment suddenly became an issue. In the past, the school has been able to rely on word of mouth and had a waiting list.

When the school started it was the first charter school in the city. Now there are six and many more appealing public school choices, including a brand new Harding High School, fully renovated Central High, Bridgeport Military Academy and Fairchild Wheeler Interdistrict Magnet high schools.

The Bridge, located at 160 Pulaski St on the citys East Side, markets itself as a small high school that focuses on college readiness.

lclambeck@ctpost.com; twitter/lclambeck
News podcast: Amazon India unveils 'Select' to help brands grow

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Facebook, Twitter to help EC check fake news, targeted communication to voters during polls



Internet major Google and social media giants Twitter and Facebook have assured the Election Commission that they will not allow their platforms to be used for anything which effects the purity of polls during campaign period, Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat has said.



Elon Musk to step down as Tesla chairman after fraud charges, pay $20 million fine



Billionaire Elon Musk has agreed to step down as the chairman of Tesla Motors and pay $20 million as part of a settlement offered by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Musk caved in 48 hours after the US markets watchdog filed a lawsuit against him, seeking to oust the multibillionaire innovator from the mobility company he founded over allegations of securities fraud. He now will have to pay $20 million and resign from the post of Tesla chairman within 45 days. He will be banned from the office for at least three years.



Facebook breached! Personal data of 50 million users exposed to hackers in latest attack



Social media giant Facebook discovered a security issue that allowed hackers to access information that could have let them take over around 50 million accounts, the company announced Friday. Facebook shares, which were already down about 1.5 percent before the announcement, extended losses after the disclosure and ended down 2.6 percent.



Govt owes Air India over Rs 1146.86 crore for VVIP charter flights



The total outstanding of cash-strapped Air India towards government for VVIP charter flights stands at Rs 1146.86 crore, according to the latest response from the national carrier to an RTI application.

According to the details furnished by the Air India on September 26 to applicant Commodore Lokesh Batra (retd), the Defence Ministry has outstanding bills of Rs 211.17 crore, Cabinet Secretariat and PMO Rs 543.18 crore and External Affairs Ministry Rs 392.33 crore.



Reward for tip offs on GST evasion on anvil



The revenue department is planning to come out with a 'GST informant reward scheme' to check tax evasion by unscrupulous traders and businesses, an official said. It will be on the lines of similar schemes for excise and service tax, which has been subsumed under the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Customs and Income Tax also have such informer reward schemes.



Amazon India unveils 'Select' to help brands in growth journey



E-commerce major Amazon has started a new programme 'Select' in India to help emerging brands in the country get access to a suite of brand building tools and services. Amazon India, which competes head-on with Walmart-backed rival Flipkart, has also recently crossed the milestone of four lakh sellers on its platform.



India's story compelling evidence that openness in services contributes to growth: report



India's economic reforms and growth story offer compelling evidence that openness in services contributes to long run growth performance, the IMF, World Bank and WTO said in a joint report Sunday. India's reforms in the 1990s brought more openness, better regulation and greater investment, allowing Indian manufacturing firms to source services from a range of domestic and foreign providers operating in a more competitive environment, the report said. The report -- 'Reinvigorating Trade and Inclusive Growth' -- was released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and World Trade Organization.



India wants to have trade deal with US: Trump



President Donald Trump Saturday said that India wants to have a trade deal with the US because it does not want him to impose tariffs on their products. Trump remarks, for the second time in recent weeks, comes days after Assistant US Trade Representative Mark Linscott returned from India where he had detailed discussion with senior Indian officials on bilateral trade and a possible trade deal between the two countries. Trump often accuses India of imposing 100 per cent tariffs on American products. "We have a country, take India. Good relationship. They want to make a deal now because they don't want me to do what I'm going to do, with I have to. So, they (Indians) call us. They didn't want to make a deal with anybody else," he said.












WALLINGFORD  A West Haven man headed to North Carolina over the weekend to help support food delivery in communities affected by Hurricane Florence, according to a news release.

Everette Medley, a native of Greensboro, N.C., works for the Connecticut Food Bank and departed for Raleigh Saturday morning, the food bank said in a release.

Medley will be working in warehouse facilities operated by Feeding America member Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, the release said. Feeding America food banks continue meeting increased need in the wake of hurricanes Harvey and Irma, which struck the region in late August and early September, food bank officials said.

Medley, a warehouse assistant at the Connecticut Food Bank, will move food in the warehouse, helping bring food into the facility and into trucks for distribution. He is a trained forklift operator. He has committed to a two-week assignment, according to the release.

Everette has been with the Connecticut Food Bank nearly four years, Connecticut Food Bank CEO Bernie Beaudreau said in the release. Hes got tremendous energy and positive attitude that will be welcome in Raleigh, where they are working so hard to meet increased needs after the storm.

Beaudreau said people who struggle with food insecurity are disproportionately affected by disasters.

People just getting by before the storm and the flooding that followed may now be out of work or have lost transportation or housing, or all of the above, he said in the release. The increased need and the storm damage are putting more demand on food banks to meet needs. As part of the Feeding America network, we are glad to have the opportunity to help.

For his part, Medley also said he is glad to help.

My family is nearby, and they came through okay, Medley said in the release. North Carolina is my home state, and Im glad to have a chance to give back. And Im proud to represent our food bank and the people here in Connecticut and let folks in North Carolina know that we care.

The Connecticut Food Bank partners with the food industry, food growers, donors and volunteers to distribute nutritious food to people in need, and last year provided more than 20.3 million meals, the organization said in its release. The food is distributed through a network of community-based programs to Fairfield, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London and Windham counties, where nearly 300,000 people struggle with hunger, according to the release.
MIDDLETOWN  Seven Vinal Technical High School seniors were recently honored as students of the month for September.

Staff and faculty selected the students because they are role models for the school and have been working hard for all four years. All the seniors have proven themselves to be focused students, excellent workers in shop, and people who vividly demonstrate the values of Vinal Tech.

Ryan Douglas of Deep River is planning to go to college through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program after high school and focus on engineering. The top two schools he is applying to are UConn and Texas A&M University.

Liz Gotta of Portland is going to be applying to UConn for business and agriculture, where she will continue to foster interests developed at Vinal.

Kyle Leupold of Higganum has enrolled in college as part of early admission at Johnson and Wales. While there, he is going to major in digital marketing and social media advertising.

Abi Young of East Hampton is in the process of applying to college, and she plans to pursue a degree in engineering.

Ethan Gibson of Middletown is applying to Middlesex Community College and Central Connecticut State University for electrical engineering.

Amanda French of East Haddam plans to attend college, and she is in the process of several applications, though she hasnt decided on a major yet. She spent her Vinal work-based learning time working for Saybrook Ford as a service writer.

Tim Smith of Durham is applying to Albertus Magnus for criminal justice. He has plans to continue training in electrical as well.

For October, the student of the month feature will be back with its usual selection of four students of the month: one from each grade level. These students need to show excellent effort in academics and shop, and demonstrate strong character in line with the values of Vinal. The students who are selected are all honored in print and in school announcements, and get the chance to attend the Connecticut Chamber of Commerce breakfast.

Brian Oleksiw is an English teacher and Student of the Month Committee member.
The Bellaire City Council weighed sidewalk projects at recent meetings as residents crowded city hall to express concerns.

At the Sept. 17 meeting, council approved building sidewalks on several streets on the inside of Loop 610 near Horn Elementary, amending the Bonds for Better Bellaire 2016 Group D, Phase 1 measure to exclude streets outside the Loop near Bellaire High School in order to revisit the need for sidewalks there once the high schools planned parking garage is built.

The sidewalks approved include the blocks of 4600 Oleander, 4600 Laurel, 4500 Verone and 4500 and 4600 Holly streets. The 4500 block of Teas Street was also approved, but following a petition from residents, city council plans to take a second look at the matter at its Oct. 1 meeting.

Mayor Andrew Friedberg addressed the council and residents early in the Sept. 17 meeting to point out how much of the citys time has recently been put toward sidewalks and suggested that council step back and address larger scale questions before making decisions on sidewalks.

We havent answered the big-picture policy questions that are necessary to address before considering specific projects. Like how new sidewalk locations should be selected, or deselected, Friedberg said. Why some streets would be prioritized over others, and perhaps identifying which streets should simply be left alone because they arent good candidates for the introduction of new sidewalks to begin with, for any variety of reasons.

After hours of comments from residents, the amended Group D, Phase 1 measure passed with Friedberg in dissent.

Concerned Bellaire citizens came out again Sept. 24 to share their thoughts about Group D, Phase 2 projects. Most spoke in opposition to the plan. Resident Jane McNeel said she was concerned about the effects of laying more concrete down in a city where many homes flooded just a year ago during Hurricane Harvey.

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One expert says it wont [impact flooding]. Another says it will. Personally, I think covering permeable areas with concrete will cause problems, and we really dont need this rancor and divisiveness right now, she said.

A realtor, McNeel said property values in Bellaire have dropped by about $29 per square foot from June through August, as compared with the same period last year, which she said cuts deep into homeowners wallets.

Some residents spoke in support of getting sidewalks on their streets. Resident Jennifer Cross said some people in Bellaire did not want sidewalks at all even though she said they are a critical part of public safety.

Make no mistake  there are some residents who do not want any more sidewalks in this city under any circumstances. You cannot allay their concerns or pause to develop a nuanced plan because that is simply kicking the can down the road, and their end goal is no sidewalks. Period, Cross said. This position isnt tenable with a large and growing child population, being in the middle of the third largest city in the United States. Sidewalks are an essential feature of public safety.

Resident Mike Jacobs said he was putting together a petition to call for a special election for an initiative that would reject plans for stand-alone sidewalks, allow residents to vote on putting sidewalks on their blocks and create a requirement that the city provide detailed design plans to residents for each block of sidewalks proposed.

When I look at this situation, I kind of see two doors: one door, we take a pause, we think about what the mayor has said and follow his guidance. Everybody makes mistake, Jacobs said. Door two, yall dont take a pause, and we as citizens take that choice away from you, and we put the pause in place for you.

Council meeting and conversations through websites like Nextdoor have grown heated in recent weeks over sidewalks, and resident Charles Bearden urged people to treat each other with dignity, especially for the betterment of the community.

Citizens are obligated to treat one another, even those they disagree with, in ways that preserve the cohesion and trust that enables a community to thrive, Bearden said.

Council approved several streets of the Group D, Phase 2 sidewalk projects, citing that they had received little or no opposition, including the blocks of 5100 Huisache, 5200 Linden, 4800 and 4900 Chestnut, 4800 and 4900 Cedar, 5000 through 5200 Locust and 6800 through 7000 of South Third streets.

Friedberg and Council Member David Montague voted in dissent.

At the Oct. 1 meeting, council will revisit the 4500 block of Teas Street and also look at the current requirement for new residential development to install sidewalks.

tracy.maness@hcnonline.com
ConocoPhillips said Monday it is selling its stake in East Timor's Greater Sunrise gas field back to the government for $350 million.

The sale resolves a disagreement between the Houston energy producer and the government of East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, which aims to develop the field more quickly to bring in greater federal revenues.
Oil jumped to the highest level in nearly four years as a slowdown in American drilling added to concern over supply losses from Iran and Venezuela.

Crude futures gained 2.8 percent in New York on Monday. As U.S. sanctions dissuaded importers from purchasing Iranian oil, President Donald Trump and King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia discussed efforts to maintain supplies. Meanwhile, the number of rigs drilling for American crude dropped for a second week, signaling a potential slowdown in output growth.

"Right now, we're just in a bull market for oil because of the prospects of a very tight market later on in the year," said John Kilduff, founding partner at New York-based hedge fund Again Capital LLC.

Oil has rallied to levels last seen in 2014 as supply disruptions from Iran to Venezuela continued to fracture the global market. Top traders have forecast crude may top $100 a barrel amid speculation that backup supplies are scarce. Even so, BP Plc cautioned that the rally may not be sustainable as escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China imperil demand.

"The supply situation looks fragile indeed," said Norbert Ruecker, head of macro and commodity research at Julius Baer Group Ltd. in Zurich.

West Texas Intermediate for November delivery rose $2.05 to $75.30 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, the highest settlement since Nov. 24, 2014.

Brent for December settlement climbed $2.25 to $84.98 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. The global benchmark traded at a $9.84 premium to the West Texas Intermediate contract for the same month.

Following Trump's most-recent criticism of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries over high prices, the president and the Saudi king talked on the phone Saturday about a strategic partnership and global economic growth, Al Arabiya TV reported, without providing more details. The White House said "issues of regional concern"' were discussed.

In the U.S., onshore rigs targeting oil fell by three last week to 863, according to data released by Baker Hughes on Friday. The tally in the Permian Basin of West Texas and New Mexico dropped by two to 486.

--With assistance from Sharon Cho and Grant Smith.

2018 Bloomberg L.P.
A local investment group has snapped up 83 acres of farmland at Kickapoo Road and FM 2920 in Waller County from the Thomas family. The buyer has no immediate plans to develop the property, which had been in the Thomas family for more than a century.

The property garnered an all-cash, full-price offer within 35 days, according to Jeff Lokey of NewQuest Properties who marketed the property for the seller, Lavon Thomas and affiliates.
Contractors are busy clearing and grading a 54-acre plot of land at the corner of Northpark Drive and Hwy. 59, which has been drawing interest from curious residents, according to Melissa Neslund with Stratus Properties.

The land is being cleared to make way for a new multi-use development called Kingwood Place that will include about 41,000-square-feet of commercial space, six retail pads and 11 acres of residential space, on which 300 multi-family units are planned.

The developments centerpiece, however, is a new 103,000-square-foot H-E-B.

Our contractors are getting a lot of folks stopping by, and all theyre asking about is the H-E-B, Neslund said.

RELATED: High end apartment coming to Kingwood's new HEB anchored development

Stratus Properties announced the Kingwood Place development in August, estimating a total project investment of about $50 million, although projections may be subject to change.

Neslund was joined by representatives from the Big Red Dog engineering firm and H-E-B to present project updates to officials from the Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority  a subsidiary of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 10, during the meeting Sept. 27 at the Kingwood Community Center.

Stratus intends to seek a reimbursement agreement with LHRA/TIRZ10 for some of the projects construction costs. The development falls within the TIRZ10 boundary, making Kingwood Place a potential generator of future revenue for LHRA/TIRZ10, which gets its revenue from property tax increments.

'REDNECK SUSHI': New BBQ joint planned for New Caney

Neslund said Kingwood Place has gotten a lot of interest from businesses seeking to possibly lease a pad site. H-E-B has secured a ground lease, and Neslund said Stratus is currently negotiating a lease with Chase Bank for a 3,500-square-foot pad.

The Kingwood Place site plan shows the inclusion of a 2.55-acre storm water pond.

Were over-detaining, Neslund said. Were providing detention for our entire project. The pond is sized to accommodate the full build-out of the site.

Plans for the Kingwood Place development also include improvements to public utilities and the roadway that interacts with the development site.

Northpark Drive east of Hwy. 59 will receive median adjustments, lane widening and left turn lanes.

A HELPING HAND: Humble ISD students design tiny-homes for homeless veterans

A traffic signal will be installed on Northpark Drive at the intersection of the frontage road, which will be relocated to intersect with Northpark Drive further north and east of its current location. Another traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of Northpark Drive and Rock Creek Drive.

One of the biggest items is the extension of Rock Creek Drive from Northpark to the feeder road.

Its 60-foot right-of-way, city road sections, sidewalks on each side  the whole nine yards, Neslund said.

A public waterline and second public waterline as back-up in case of a fire, will be installed to serve the development.

According to a timeline provided at the LHRA/TIRZ10 meeting, Stratus plans to advertise for public roadway improvement project bids from late September through early October. A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for Oct. 1 and they anticipate the contract will be awarded Oct. 19.

OKTOBERFEST TAKE OVER: Kingwood community prepares for third annual festival

Actual construction work may start at the beginning of November, with a projected substantial completion date of Aug. 2019.

Although H-E-B senior due diligence manager Justin Rose was reluctant to provide a projected store opening date so early on in the projects process, he did say that the new H-E-B is anticipated to open in 2019.

Assuming we dont have too many problems, well hopefully be serving that portion of Kingwood sometime in 2019, so were looking forward to adding another store into the market here for you all and continuing to serve this community, Rose said.

mfeuk@hcnonline.com
Hunters Creek

9/26/18 at 1115 Hours. 600 Block of Shartle. Burglary of a Vehicle. The victim is a landscaper and was performing lawn maintenance at a property, when he observed a small dark colored red or maroon sedan drive up alongside of his work truck. A black male described as 61 medium build with long hair, exited the vehicle and opened the door of the victims truck and removed an I-pad from the vehicle before fleeing in the getaway vehicle. A nearby residence captured the theft on a security camera and will be providing a copy to officers. Detectives were notified and assumed case responsibility and will be following up.

Piney Point

9/24/18 at 2245 Hours. 400 Block of Blalock. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Officer initiated a traffic stop after observing a vehicle traveling in excess of the speed limit. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer could smell marijuana and see marijuana paraphernalia. A subsequent search of the vehicle located miscellaneous paraphernalia and marijuana residue. The driver was cited for the infractions and released. The items were collected and tagged into the MVPD evidence room.

9/27/18 at 0115 Hours. 8400 San Felipe. Possession of Marijuana. Officers initiated a traffic stop. Upon the stopping of the vehicle, officers were able to observe the occupant throwing several marijuana cigarettes out the window. The marijuana was recovered, and the 64-year-old male driver was taken into custody and booked into the Harris County Jail.

Bunker Hill

9/25/18 at 1145 Hours. 12000 Block of Winwood. Fraud. Victim reported that she had received notice of several unauthorized withdraws from her bank accounts. The transfer of funds were being generated from a Zelle app. (mobile finance app) possibly to an Ohio location. Information about the various accounts and transfer destinations were obtained and provided to detectives for their follow-up investigation.

9/26/18 at 2145 Hours. 200 Block of Mayerling. Disturbance. Officers responded to the area after receiving information of an argument/disagreement that had started while the subjects were driving to the area. During the disagreement a phone was knocked from the hand of one of the individuals. The DAs office was contacted and declined any charges. The parties agreed to separate for the evening. A report was initiated documenting the incident.

9/28/18 at 0815 Hours. 12100 Block of Rhett. Auto Theft. Victim reported that upon waking up this morning he noticed that his 2010 Chevrolet pick-up truck had been stolen from the front of his home. The vehicle had been parked on the street and was last seen at 1130 pm. The vehicle was entered into NCIC as a stolen vehicle. A copy of the report was forwarded to detectives for their follow-up investigation. Officers are checking the area for video surveillance.

Calls

This weeks calls for service summary:

Assist Village EMS - 6

Assist Village Fire - 9

Auto Accidents - 11

Alarm Calls - 48

Citizen Contact - 9

Criminal Mischief - 4

Check Vehicle - 8

Fraud - 1

House-watches - 1280

Suspicious Person(s) - 33

Loud Music - 3

Ordinance Violations - 3

Theft - 3

Traffic Stops - 154

Welfare Checks - 3
The Faith & Diabetes program is bringing together Houstonians from different faiths and backgrounds to learn about and fight diabetes.

So far, around 50 Muslim, Hindu and Christian leaders have graduated from the train-the-trainer program and are now equipped to lead six-week Diabetes Self-Management Education & Support programs in their respective congregations, according to Stuart Nelson, the vice president for the Institute for Spirituality and Health.

A part of the Cities Changing Diabetes initiative started by pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, Faith & Diabetes came about as one of five action work groups that were created to address diabetes in Houston.

The Institute for Spirituality and Health began working with Cities Changing Diabetes in mid-2016, meeting with public health officials, nonprofits, educational leaders, religious and faith leaders, people living with diabetes and others private companies.

Out of that, the first Faith & Diabetes cohort began early in 2018, and Nelson said 28 leaders from 13 different faith communities graduated, followed by another 23 leaders from 11 different faith communities that finished Sept. 22.

Faith Foreman-Hays, assistant director of the Houston Health Department, said Houston has a serious diabetes problem and that Cities Changing Diabetes assessment of risks and vulnerabilities showed that meeting people in their communities of faith to talk about diabetes made sense.

We found that more than 50 percent of people living in Houston regularly attend a place of worship, she said. So, by tackling diabetes care and prevention through houses of faith, we can impact many different faiths and cast our net right across the city to help those who may be vulnerable or who may know someone who is vulnerable.

Nelson said since 1955, the Institute of Spirituality and Health has considered religious beliefs, practice and community life to take on important health issues facing the city of Houston.

Humans aren't just sacks of cells walking around, he said. ISH affirms that humans are bio-psycho-social-spiritual beings and that we can only achieve true, whole health by paying attention to each of these areas  not in isolation, but together.

Nelson said he hopes the DSMES programs will help people become more aware of their bodies and the bio-physiology factors around diabetes so that they can make lifestyle changes and better manage the condition.

He also said destigmatizing diabetes and getting people to talk about the subject is another objective.

They think if I dont talk about it, it will go away, or theyre embarrassed, or theyre reluctant to engage even with family members around health, so we want to spread this message [that] the only way that well be able to address this epidemic is by talking about it and learning from each other about successful management and prevention strategies, Nelson said.

Msemwa Kibodya graduated in the first cohort and said she first learned about Faith & Diabetes through Taiba, which is a mentorship program for Muslim women. Pre-diabetic with a family history of diabetes, she jumped at the opportunity to volunteer for the program. She said she appreciates that it isnt a quick fix or a one-time solution but instead shows people how to change how they live, plan and manage.

My family is changing everything as a result. We are exercising more, we are eating better  with half a plate of vegetables, some protein and starch, she said. Now [that] I know what a balanced plate of food looks like, I have that plate in my head when I cook. That was a huge moment for me, and I told my whole family.

For the Sept. 22 graduation, a team from Leicester, U.K., traveled to observe Faith & Diabetes in action in order to implement a program there.

Nelson said he hopes Faith & Diabetes will be able to expand the training into more communities and traditions, translate materials into Vietnamese, Chines, Urdu and Arabic and start the training in Spanish using the Spanish materials they already have.

With our Cities Changing Diabetes work as a springboard, at ISH we envision informed, focused attention to chronic diseases in communities of faith across Houston, Texas, America and the world, Nelson said.

To learn more about Faith & Diabetes, visit www.faithanddiabetes.org or www.spiritualityandhealth.org, or contact Thomasina Burns at 713-797-0600 or tburns@ish-tmc.org.

tracy.maness@hcnonline.com
Dr. Skeekha Sethi, the lead optomestrist at Cohen Eye Associates in Houston, wants adults to know the importance of keeping their eyes healthy.

Dr. Sethi recently took over Cohen Eye Associates in the place of her retired mentor, Dr. Larry Cohen. The business has been in place since 1949.

Dr. Cohen and his family before him have created a reputation of providing premier care and service to their patients and I plan to uphold this standard, Sethi said in a Cohen Eye Associates press release.

Part of Dr. Sethis mission in taking over the practice is to educate Houstonians on the importance of visiting an eye doctor regularly, regardless of whether or not one has eye complications, the press release continues.

I wanted to go a place where I could make a positive impact on community, What better place than a high-tech practice that shared my passion for innovation in eye care. It has been a great experience so far, Sethi said.

Sethi notes that there are misconceptions about eye health, and that people may think they only need to see an eye doctor if they need vision correction lenses.

Our eyes change as we get older, Sethi said. It is important to monitor our eye health.

According to Sethi, eye diseases like cararacts and glaucoma happen over a gradual period of time. There are no symptoms at the start. If they are not treated in time, it can lead to permanent vision loss. And these diseases can start earlier in an adults life, too.

They can start as early as age 40. When they become seniors, by that time, there is little to almost nothing that can be done. It is very important to catch these diseases in early stage, Sethi said.

At Cohen Eye Associates, a comprehensive eye exam includes the latest retinal imaging technology. Two different machines are used, a Cirrus High Definition Optical Coherence Tomographer, which provides a high resolution ultrasound, and a Optos Daytona Ultra-widefield Retinal Imager, a highly specialized retinal imaging device.

This technology can detect diseases in the first stages in a matter of seconds, Sethi said.

The machines can even detect early signs of diabetes and high blood pressure by assessing the arteries and veins for any malformations.

Perhaps the best thing about this technology, for people who may be apprehensive about going to an eye exam, is that they do not need eye drops to have their eyes dilated.

My patients absolutely love this. They can go right back to work and not have their eyes stinging or blurring, Sethi said.

There are quite a few things that people can do to promote healthy eyes, such as taking supplements like Omega-3 fatty acids.

Sethi also reccomends having UV protection, even on cloudy and rainy days.

All of our lenses come with a UV protection coating at no extra cost, Sethi said.

There is also an option to get a blue light protective coating on lenses as well, which Sethi reccomends, noting that blue light from phones and computers could damage retinas over time.

Another thing that can entice a patient to get regular eye checks is the option for ever changing customizable eye wear.

We have updated some of our eyewear frames to keep up with current trends. I travel across the world to find out about these trends. We are starting to see that patients like customization of the color, shape and material. There are modern materials being used like air titanium, buffalo horn and 18 karat white gold, Sethi said.

Sethi enjoys being a part of the Houston community and getting to meet the patients.

I hope to keep providing quality eye care for the future, Sethi said.

Cohen Eye Associates is located at 1000 Main Street, The Main Rotunda. For more information, visit www.coheneye.com.

rebecca.hazen@chron.com
On Sept. 19, Katy Area Retired Educators held their monthly meeting with Frank Billingsley, Channel 2 chief meteorologist, as their guest speaker.

K.A.R.E members learned about the history of hurricanes and the paths they travel. Billingsley also shared his journey to discover his family tree along with his book Swabbed & Found.

K.A.R.E.s next meeting will be held on Oct. 10 and will feature a political forum with an opportunity to meet the candidates.

All public school employees who retired under the Teacher Retirement System are welcome to attend and bring a retired educator, friend or neighbor who is not a current member. K.A.R.E. represents anyone who has worked in a school district and retired through meetings are held at 11:30 a.m. at the Leonard E. Merrell Center, Room 144, located at the West Entrance.

For more information about the Katy Area Retired Educators go to www.localunits.org/KARE. This includes all employees from custodian to superintendent. Others interested in supporting the goals of the Texas Retired Teachers Association are welcome to join as associate members.

Reservations are required. Call Lee Ann Nuckles at 832-594-7533.
The possibility that the city of Katy could receive up to $3.6 million in grant funds through Harris County brought a handful of residents to Katy City Hall Sept. 25. All were on the same page, though, as they suggested projects related to flood mitigation.

The Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Round 1 Funding (Hurricane Harvey) is available through Harris County. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development allocated Harris County $1.115 billion of Community Development Block Grand Disaster Recovery funds. The city of Katy could receive a possible allocation of $3,653,207.

Becky Wilkins, finance director, told residents that the grant is limited to projects that benefit low and moderate income residents. She identified that neighborhood as between Avenue D and Katy Hockley and Morton and Lilac. She said a possible project would be acquiring additional land adjacent to a detention pond north of the neighborhood in Harris County that could be used to increase detention capacity.

Residents suggested projects that would improve drainage in their neighborhoods, including a partnership with other governmental agencies to improve detention, or that were outside of the citys jurisdiction. While they didnt fit the criteria for the grant, Wilkins said she would forward their information to other city officials for consideration.

Wilkins is accepting comments on the proposed use of the funds during a 14-day comment period that started Sept. 25. Written comments may be submitted to City of Katy, Attn: Becky Wilkins, finance director; P.O. Box, 617, Katy, Texas 77492

The application process is not currently open, so once it opens we will submit a project that meets the criteria, said Wilkins. This particular application is directly to Harris County, and then they will submit their application to the Texas General Land Office. Given the extra step involved, the Harvey funds/project approval may take a lot longer for approval.

Wilkins said each county that is awarded funding sets its own criteria for how funds will be distributed and so far all the criteria have been different.

She conducted a Sept. 10 hearing regarding the possible allocation of $407,850 in grant funds designed to alleviate sustained damage by 2016 floods. The grant funds are through Fort Bend County. She said these grant funds can only be spent in Fort Bend County and the criteria is that the funds must be used for unmet needs. Katy officials propose to use the funds, if approved, to rebuild a berm that was eroded by floodwater around the municipal wastewater treatment plant. Sept. 27 was the deadline to apply.

karen.zurawski@chron.com
Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack, whose office is overseeing the Montgomery County Animal Shelter at this time, has waived all fees associated with pet adoptions.

Everyone adopting an animal from the shelter will receive their precious pet(s), plus spay/neuter, vaccinations and microchip - all for FREE.

The Montgomery County Animal Shelter is at capacity with 706 pets, including 430 dogs and 276 cats, as of Friday, Sept. 28. There are plenty of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens in need of a loving home and forever family. Over the course of the past week, there have been a number of owner-surrender animals brought into the shelter, as well as numerous others picked up by Animal Control.

In an effort to maintain its no-kill status, the Montgomery County Animal Shelter is providing these pets to the public who want to love and care for these animals - at no cost.

The Montgomery County Animal Shelter is located at 8535 Texas 242, Conroe, TX 77385

The shelter is open from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Mondays.

Call the Animal Shelter at 936-442-7738 for adoption questions.

Interfaith 45th anniversary food drive

On Oct. 5, Interfaith of The Woodlands will celebrate its 45th anniversary with a Day of Caring: A Community-Wide Food Drive in the parking lot of Interfaith of The Woodlands.

Our history as the hometown nonprofit has been full of caring about our neighbors through service. This celebration is about the past, but its about our future too. We thought the best way to celebrate these 45 years was to go back to our mission: care. Naturally, a food drive is what came to mind. Everyone can give a can of food, said Missy Herndon, Interfaiths President and CEO, on developing the celebration observance plans.

Items can be delivered at Interfaith Central, at 4242 Interfaith Way, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Were hoping to see a caravan of people, just like during Harvey, as neighbors lined up our street to donate and give back, Herndon says. Any interested parties may go to woodlandsinterfaith.org/dayofcaring for information on how to participate or just show up on Oct. 5.

Family Promise Inaugural 2018 Bed Race

This unique racing event features five-person teams pushing twin size or larger beds on wheels down a 100-yard track/strip down Nugent Street in Conroe on Saturday, Oct. 6. Featuring five-person teams age 12 and up. Team categories include youth ages 12-18, adults 18-plus, businesses and government agencies. For more information visit www.familypromiseofmc.org or call 936-441-8778.

Life Chain 2018 in Conroe

The 31st Annual National Life Chain takes place Oct. 7 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in Conroe. Life Chain is an opportunity once a year to pray fervently for the end of abortion and peacefully remind our community of the loss of life and suffering. Meet at the parking lot of Montgomery Bakehouse at the intersection of Texas 105 and Longmire, 240 Longmire Rd. Conroe TX 77304. Coordinated locally by Montgomery County Right to Life. Call Teresa at 281-900-8209 for more information.
Harris County Sheriff's Office deputies fatally shot an armed man at a home in the Heights Monday while executing a warrant, law enforcement officials said.

The man, who authorities said was a violent felony offender, was trying to leave the back of the house on the 700 block of East 12 1/2 Street when he was shot about 10:55 a.m., Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said.

The deputies, one who is a sergeant, were working with the Gulf Coast Violent Offender Fugitive Task Force, officials said.

'ROBOT BROTHEL': City Council may step into fray over controversial business

U.S. Marshal Gary Blankinship said the task force had been searching for the 29-year-old suspect for about two weeks. He was wanted on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, felony evasion of arrest, felon in possession of a weapon and burglary of a residence.

The task force got in contact with the homeowner living at the address and got consent to enter the house. He told police that the suspect was inside and most likely armed, Acevedo said.

As they searched inside, the suspect tried fleeing out the backdoor and engaged with a sheriff's office deputy and sergeant, Acevedo said. The deputies were in fear of their lives because the man was armed when he tried to get away and so they opened fire, the chief said.

Police and the sheriff's office will conduct a joint criminal investigation into the officer-involved shooting. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the "best and the brightest" seasoned veterans are on the task force. The sergeant is a 15-year veteran and the deputy is a 17-year veteran.

Acevedo said police are also investigating whether the homeowner was harboring a fugitive. The suspect doesn't live at that home, according to the chief.

Acevedo said the shooting shows that residents need to be aware of who their neighbors are.

"Even in the safest of neighborhoods, we have some really violent offenders that are hiding amongst us," the chief said.
Wreckage from an overturned dump truck has closed the northbound lanes of the South Freeway just south of the South Loop.

Houston Transtar verified an accident on Texas 288 about 8:56 a.m. No injuries have been reported.
Houston scientist Jim Allison was awarded the 2018 Nobel Prize in Medicine Monday for his pioneering research that has led to a new type of cancer treatment that frees the immune system to attack tumors.

Allison, MD Anderson Cancer Center's chairman of immunology, conducted research that's led to a class of drugs that unleash immune system brakes. The research realized the tantalizing promise of immunotherapy, which is now taking its place alongside surgery, radiation and chemotherapy as a prime weapon against cancer.

CONGRATULATIONS: Japan's prime minster lauds Nobel winner

Allison shared the prize with Tasuku Honjo of Kyoto University in Japan who also conducted research on immune system brakes.

"Allison and Honjo showed how different strategies for inhibiting the brakes on the immune system can be used in the treatment of cancer," says the Nobel press release. "The seminal discoveries by the two Laureates constitute a landmark in our fight against cancer."

Allison showed a recently discovered protein known as CTLA-4 acts as a brake, then developed a drug to release it. Honjo discovered PD-1, another protein expressed on the surface of T-cells.

"I'm honored and humbled to receive this prestigious recognition," Allison said in a statement released by the university's MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. "A driving motivation for scientists is simply to push the frontiers of knowledge. I didn't set out to study cancer, but to understand the biology of T cells, these incredible cells that travel our bodies and work to protect us," he said.

At the time of Allison's discovery, most scientists thought CTLA-4 activated T cells, the foot soldiers of the immune system.

OUR 2016 PROFILE: Harmonica-playing immunotherapy researcher celebrated around the world decades after big discovery seemed 'crazy'

The drugs developed by Allison and others belong to a class known as checkpoint inhibitors. In some patients, they have produced lasting benefits in advanced cancers considered incurable, particularly in such diseases as lung cancer and melanoma. Scientists around the world are experimenting with different combinations of immunotherapy and other treatment in a bid to extend the benefits to more patients.

Allison started his career at MD Anderson in 1977, one of the first employees of a new basic science research center located in Smithville. He was recruited back to MD Anderson in November 2012.

"Jim Allison's accomplishments on behalf of patients cannot be overstated," said MD Anderson President Peter WT Pisters, M.D. "His research has led to life-saving treatments for people who otherwise would have little hope. The significance of immunotherapy as a form of cancer treatment will be felt for generations to come."

This marks only the fifth time a Nobel has recognized cancer research, following previous awards in 1966, 1975, 1989 and 2008. Discoveries about the immune system were award Nobel prizes in 2008 and 2011.

Previous Houston Nobel winners include Richard Smalley and Robert Curl of Rice University; Ferid Murad of the University of the Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the Houston Methodist Research Institute; and Roger Guillemin of Baylor College of Medicine.

Allison in 2015 won the Lasker Award, which is often called the American Nobel. He has been awarded dozens of other prizes.

Allison will be honored at Nobel ceremonies in Stockholm in December.

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has now been awarded 108 times to 214 Nobel Laureates between 1901 and 2017.
Oct. 3

Create a resume

Individuals creating a resume for the first time or revitalizing an existing resume can get hands-on help at a free, special workshop Get Your Resume in the Hands of the Employer at Fort Bend County Libraries University Branch Library, 14010 University Blvd., Sugar Land, from 1-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 3. Call 281-633-5100 or 281-633-4734.

Oct. 4

Fall membership coffee

Friends of Child Advocates of Fort Bend, an auxiliary volunteer group supporting Child Advocates of Fort Bend, will host its annual Fall Coffee Membership social in the home of Cathy Stubbs, on Thursday, Oct. 4, at 10 a.m. The public is invited to attend and join Membership dues of $40 support a variety of activities benefiting the children served by Child Advocates of Fort Bend and the volunteers who help them. For information, the location and to RSVP for the event, contact Kristin Stiles-Janossy at 713-384-8096.

`To Kill A Mockingbird

Ridge Point Theatre Department will present To Kill a Mockingbird at 7 p.m. Oct. 4-6 and Oct. 9. Visit www.rphstheatrebooster.com for tickets and information. Based on the award-winning novel by Harper Lee, published in 1960, the story takes place in a small Alabama town in the 1930s and is told predominately from the point of view of six-to-nine-year-old Jean Louise ("Scout") Finch. Her father, Atticus Finch, a white lawyer, is hired to defend Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. The high school is located at 500 Waters Lake Blvd. in Missouri City.

Diabetes seminar

If you think you might have or are at risk for diabetes, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital will present a diabetes education seminar at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, in the Brazos Pavilion Conference Center, 16655 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land. Registration is required. For more information or to register, visit events.houstonmethodist.org/diabetes-sl or call 281-274-7500.

Toddler Music

Sessions Music will lead a free music class for toddlers from 9:30-10:15 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, at Sugar Land Town Square, Texas 6 at U.S. 59. The class is recommended for ages newborn through 7 years.

Oct. 5

Music on the Patio

features guitarists

Music on the Patio returns to Italian Maid Cafe at 6450 Cross Creek Bend Lane in Cross Creek Ranch every Friday evening this October. The cafe will stay open until 9 p.m. on Fridays. The American folk stylings of Mitch Marcoulier will fill the air Oct. 5 and 26. Rodrigo Gamboa will add South American flair Oct. 12 and 19. To reserve a table, visit www.IMCafe.us or call 281-341-1587. Visit https://www.crosscreektexas.com for information.

Giving Spirits Concert

Sugar Land Town Square, Texas 6 at U.S. 59, will host a Giving Spirits Concert from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, to benefit Fort Bend Community Prevention Coalition. The group Zip Dagger Soul Infinith will play.

Oct. 5-6

Houston Bead Market

The Houston Bead Market will be at the Stafford Centre, 10505 Cash Road, Oct. 5-6. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Free admission. Visit thebeadmarket.net or The Bead Market Texas on Facebook. Call Rebekah Wills at 903-240-7198 for details.

Oct. 6

Cirque La Vie

The magic of Paris and the high-flying fun of the circus will delight all ages at Cirque La Vie, a street fair in Sienna Plantation 4:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6. Houstons premier circus group, Cirque La Vie will take center stage at the Sawmill Lake Model Home Park, 9803 Cameron Way, for a free family-oriented performance. Visit www.siennaplantation.com/cirque for more information.

Art and Culture

Fort Bend County Libraries Sugar Land Branch Library, 550 Eldridge, will have an educational series focusing on Art & Culture this fall. The next free program in the series, Art & Culture: Renaissance Art, will take place on Saturday, Oct. 6, from 2-4 p.m. The series will conclude in November with a program on Impressionism. Call 281-238-2140 or 281-633-4734.
The 35th anniversary of the National Night Out, an event focused on crime prevention by encouraging neighbors to know each other, is quickly approaching.

In The Woodlands Township, the campaign has been organized yearly since 1990. This year, the township is to host the event Sunday, Oct. 14 from 3 to 6 p.m. in conjunction with the township Neighborhood Watch organization.

While the push begins a week earlier with a Community Safety Expo on Saturday, Oct. 6, scheduled from noon to 3 p.m., Marian Leck, the law enforcement services director for the township, calls the event a celebration of the community working together.

Police cannot and should not do it alone. We have to be active in our neighborhoods, for our own safety, Leck said.

Neighborhoods, which could be small groups of 20 to more than 200 homes, are encouraged to build community-police partnerships by gathering with their neighbors outside  formally or informally  for a party on the official night out.

Christie Taillon, a watch coordinator for the Capstone neighborhood, organizes the event for the more than 300 homes in her area.

Taillon said their party at Capstone Park will have food, games, a sidewalk chalk art competition and visits from public safety officials such as the fire department: firetrucks and ambulances included.

Because of the neighborhood watch, Taillon said theyve been able to alert police more quickly and cohesively when there is an issue.

The real purpose is ultimately public safety. To be able to thank the responders, and to spend some time getting to know them when there isnt an emergency situation, Taillon said. Also, to get to know your neighbors and how to watch out for each other.

Last year, The Woodlands received first place in the 100,000 to 300,000 resident category for the nationwide campaign.

Theyre ramping up the charge again this year with several different elements residents can participate in.

If they register beforehand, parties can arrange for a public safety visit. Individuals from the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office, Constable and Department of Public Safety offices are just a few of the entities that could drop by to chat with attendees.

Organizers will also select one party per village to participate in the ID the Burglar challenge. At the selected party, law enforcement will bring a Burglar to the party, who will walk through the crowd for about 20 seconds.

Then, a Good Guy will hand out descriptions sheets on which attendees have to describe what the Burglar looked like. The party who gives the best description then wins a prize.

Leck said that this challenge gets the attendees working together, especially in an instance where people may see things differently than others.

Other activities include charitable opportunities. Parties can collect nonperishable food items to donate to Interfaith of The Woodlands, as well as care package items for deployed troops through Operation Military Embrace.

jane.stueckemann@chron.com
Conroe ISD Coats for Kids Drive

From Oct. 1 through 16, the districts police department is hosting the 16th annual Coats for Kids Drive. Collection bins are to be placed near the front of campuses, and all donated coats will be picked up, cleaned and sorted on the last day.

Then, they are to be distributed to children in need throughout the district. Last year, the district collected 1,400 coats, jackets and hoodies.

German-American week at The Woodlands High School

This week at The Woodlands High School, students can partake in events to celebrate and reflect on German heritage and traditions.

With help from a grant awarded by the American Association of Teachers of German, the schools German language teachers have planned a week full of scavenger hunts, traditional German crafts and games with lots of prizes to give out.

Teacher Trina Powers said that although this is the first year theyve done a larger celebration, she wants to make sure that the community knows the German program is thriving.

International Day at St. Anthony of Paduas Catholic School

In order to expose students to other cultures, St. Anthony of Paduas Catholic School is hosting an International Day on Friday. Oct. 5. There is to be a parade with the schools students representing 15 different countries, as well as hands-on craft and game activities.

In addition to an African drumming demonstration from Rhythm Path Drum Circles, The Woodlands High Schools Folk Dance Troupe is to perform at the festival.

Cooper Cares Day

On Oct. 11, The John Cooper School is to host their second Cooper Cares Day, an event focused on volunteerism and forming relationships in the community.

Students will spend the morning assisting seniors with home and yard repair, assembling hygiene kits for those who need temporary shelter and helping with maintenance projects at organizations such as Panther Creek Inspiration Ranch and the Montgomery County Animal Shelter.

In the afternoon, students will then hear from keynote speaker Mirna Valerio, who was named as National Geographics Adventurer of the Year.

Three John Cooper Seniors recognized as Hispanic Scholars

Henry Lyons, Santiago Plaza and Maya Robles were selected as National Hispanic Scholars by the National Hispanic Recognition Program.

The program is a College Board initiative that recognizes the academic achievements of Hispanic/Latino high school students who score in the top 2.5 percent among their regional peers on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
President Donald Trump may be skeptical about the value of U.S. troops in South Korea, but a new poll suggests an increasingly large majority of Americans favor a continuing military presence in the country - and most say they would support a U.S. military intervention in case of a conflict.

The polling data, collected in July by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, found that almost three quarters (74 percent) of Americans supported long-term bases in South Korea.

Notably, there was broad agreement across the political spectrum on this issue, with 73 percent of Democrats, 71 percent of independents and 79 percent of Republicans in favor of the bases.

Though the Chicago Council's data shows that there has been majority support for a U.S. military presence in South Korea since at least 2002, when it began polling the issue, this year's survey is the highest level of support they have recorded.

Americans are also more willing than they have been in decades to send U.S. troops to support South Korea if the country were to be invaded by North Korea, the Chicago Council found, with 64 percent in favor - more than double who said the same in 1986, the first time the question was asked.

Support for coming to South Korea's defense is similar to 62 percent in 2017, but substantially higher than 2015 when 47 percent backed U.S. military action if North Korea invaded.

Again, there was broad bipartisan agreement on the issue, with 63 percent of Democrats, 61 percent of independents, and 70 percent of Republicans in favor.

Roughly 28,000 U.S. troops are located on the Korean peninsula as part of a security arrangement that has been in place since the Korean War armistice in 1953. During the campaign and later, after taking office, Trump has repeatedly expressed doubts about keeping American troops in the Asia-Pacific, often focusing on the costs for the U.S. military.

"We have 32,000 soldiers in South Korea," Trump said during a press conference in New York City this week, using a higher figure that analysts said is inaccurate. "They are very wealthy. These are great countries. These are very wealthy countries. I said why aren't you reimbursing us for our cause."

The issue of U.S. troops in South Korea has long been politically divisive in South Korea. However, a survey conducted by by the East Asia Institute in 2015 found 61 percent of South Koreans thought U.S. troop numbers in the broader Asia-Pacific region should be kept as is.

The latest survey was released as the United States prepares for a potential second summit between Trump and his North Korean counterpart, Kim Jong Un, to discuss denuclearization. The two leaders met in Singapore on June 12 and reached a vague agreement that called for the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," but Pyongyang has made few visible efforts to give up its nuclear program since then.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in visited Pyongyang earlier this month for his third meeting with Kim. Speaking in New York City this week, he said that Kim was sincere about giving up nuclear weapons.

The Chicago Council's polling data showed that six in 10 Americans (59 percent) say that North Korea's nuclear program is a critical threat facing the United States - down from last year, when it had reached 75 percent. An 83 percent majority of the country was found to oppose the idea of accepting that North Korea will nuclear weapons and produce more and a slightly smaller majority - 66 percent - opposed accepting North Korea's possession of nuclear weapons in exchange for an agreement that it would not produce more.

There was little support for U.S. military acts against North Korea in retaliation for its nuclear program, with 57 percent of Americans opposed airstrikes against North Korean facilities and 69 percent opposing the use of U.S. troops to overthrow the Kim regime. In contrast, 77 percent of Americans favored tightening economic sanctions on North Korea if it did not abandon its nuclear program, the Chicago Council found.

If North Korea did agree to give up its nuclear weapons, a large majority was in favor of establishing official diplomatic relations with North Korea (77 percent), but they were more mixed on other measures. A narrower 54 percent majority said they supported providing economic and humanitarian aid to the country, while the same percentage said there could be a partial withdrawal of U.S. troops from South Korea.

Less than half (44 percent) said the United States should cancel joint military exercises with South Korea, while just 18 percent said they would support a complete withdrawal of American forces from South Korea.

The poll also found large bipartisan support for South Korea's leader, with 67 percent favorable views of Moon. Despite both Trump and Moon's kind words about North Korea's Kim, the American public has kept an overwhelmingly negative view of him, with only 6 percent professing a favorable view.

The Chicago Council's analysis was based on data from an online research panel conducted by GfK Custom Research between July 12 and July 31. A total of 2,046 adults living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia were surveyed, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.4 percentage points. The GfK Knowledge Panel was recruited through random sampling methods.
Indian troops shot at AJK PM helicopter

ISLAMABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider said on Sunday that Indian troops shot at his helicopter near the Line of Control (LoC), a move that is likely to further fray ties between the two countries.



The AJK prime minister was reportedly travelling on a white helicopter to offer condolences on the demise of an acquaintance when his helicopter was shot at near Turwari. The Indian army fired to show that Pakistan had violated their airspace, Khans office said in a statement, but added, When the firing took place, we were within our own airspace. It is evident that India is highly perturbed these days. I along with my ministers in the helicopter were well within our limits, the prime minister said.



According to the regulations traditionally followed by both the countries, it is necessary for the security forces to inform each other beforehand about the mobility of military aircraft. The exercise is not mandatory for the movement of civilian helicopters.



Calling the Indian forces incompetent, the AJK prime minister said the incident happened as the neighbouring country was going to elections next year. The Indian forces made the excuse that the helicopter crossed LoC. They are lying. They are doing it because they are going for polls in the coming days, he said, adding, A civilian aircraft could travel up to Zero Line, while if a military chopper has to travel up to that point, then you need to inform beforehand. We passed from near the LoC while the Indian forces feigned as if we had crossed the line, which is only a drama staged by them, he said, adding that India regularly opens fire in the area where their helicopter was flying, which resultantly has martyred dozens of people so far.



The helicopter later landed safely on the ground without any damage.



Indian army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Devender Anand, however, said a Pakistani helicopter violated Indian air space along the LoC in Poonch district around noon local time (0630 GMT). It could likely be a civil chopper and was flying very high. The air sentries at forward location engaged it with small arms, he said.



Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Masood Khan strongly condemned the unprovoked firing by Indian occupation forces on the civilian helicopter. Terming it an act of cowardice, the president said such moves by the Indian forces cannot suppress the just struggle by Kashmiri people for their right to self-determination. This act displays Indias insecurities and has exposed their aggressive posturing and warmongering. Such maneuvers by Indian government and forces is aimed at diverting attention of the world community from the real issue of Kashmir and the grave human rights violations taking place in the occupied valley, he said.



The president said the Indian government must stop such tactics and instead come to the table to resolve the issue of Kashmir according to the resolutions of the UN Security Council.



The firing incident comes a day after Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi warned India of a strong response if it acts upon the so-called doctrine of limited war against Pakistan. Addressing the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the foreign minister had said that Pakistan wanted to have friendly relations with all the neighboring countries, adding that Pakistan wanted to resolve all outstanding issues with India through dialogue.
BERLIN - When former British foreign secretary Boris Johnson resigned from his position in July, some of his counterparts abroad were likely relieved. Johnson was known for mockery and ridicule considered to be deeply inappropriate by his foreign counterparts.

But as Brexit is quickly approaching and a deal on the terms of departure is still lacking, the diplomatic sensitivity many hoped would return after Johnson's resignation is still nowhere to be found. In the latest incident that could play out to Britain's disadvantage in mainland Europe, Johnson's successor, Jeremy Hunt, drew angry reactions on Sunday when he compared the European Union with the Soviet Union.

"What happened to the confidence and ideals of the European dream? The E.U. was set up to protect freedom. It was the Soviet Union that stopped people leaving," Hunt said in a speech at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham on Sunday. "The lesson from history is clear: if you turn the E.U. club into a prison, the desire to get out won't diminish it will grow - and we won't be the only prisoner that will want to escape."

Britain's self-appointed Mr. Brexit, former U.K. Independence Party chief Nigel Farage, soon chimed in to claim credit for the comparison.

Nigel Farage tweeted "Jeremy Hunt is using my language, the EU is the new Soviet Union."

Despite its questionable historical accuracy, the Soviet Union-E.U. comparison is also frequently being used by far-right populists opposed to membership in the bloc. But the same comparison by a leading member of the British government certainly didn't go down too well in the European Union member states that lost tens of thousands of people to Soviet occupation.

"Just FYI - Soviets killed, deported, exiled and imprisoned 100 thousands of Latvia's inhabitants after the illegal occupation in 1940, and ruined lives of 3 generations, while the E.U. has brought prosperity, equality, growth, respect," Latvia's ambassador to Britain, Baiba Braze, argued in a response to Hunt's speech.

Her outrage was widely echoed in other parts of central and Eastern Europe. "Brexiteer comparisons of the European Union to the U.S.S.R. is cheap and offensive, particularly to us who have lived both. Did the Red Army force you to join? How many millions has Brussels exterminated? Gulag for demanding a referendum on independence?" former Polish foreign minister Radosaw Sikorski wrote on Twitter.

Take the example of Latvia that was invaded by the Soviets in 1940. One year later, on June 14, 15,000 Latvian citizens - including more than 2,000 children - were rounded up in overnight raids and deported to Soviet prison camps. Half of them never returned.

In all the Baltic states that were occupied by the Soviets, Soviet prisons are still deeply associated with torture, executions and inhumane mistreatment. Survivors later recalled sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme heat, and overcrowding. Some prison cells built for half a dozen inmates housed up to 40 people.

To European leaders, the latest remarks from Hunt, a leading mainstream conservative, served as yet another metaphor for the disconnect between British politicians and their European counterparts that has permeated the Brexit negotiations for more than one year now.

When British Prime Minister Theresa May addressed the European Union and her own country in mid-September after her plan to leave the E.U. appeared to have fallen apart, she emphasized that she had treated the E.U. with "nothing but respect."

In hindsight, May's reassurance might sound like a desperate plea to her own party and to E.U. leaders. E.U. council president Donald Tusk recently posted a photo of him handing a cake to May, complete with the caption: "A piece of cake, perhaps? Sorry, no cherries." Since then, May's former foreign secretary Johnson described her Brexit plans as "deranged," shortly before Johnson's successor offended much of central and eastern Europe - a part of the continent the prime minister was hoping to play off against western Europe to obtain an advantageous deal to leave the European Union.
SARASOTA, Fla. - At a recent rally for Ron DeSantis's campaign for governor, it looked as if there was just one true leader of the state's Republican Party.

More than 500 people crammed into an airport hangar adorned with "Trump 2020" banners. Many wore red "Make America Great" hats. And as DeSantis spoke, the crowd quickly began to mimic Trump's 2016 campaign rallies, including chants of "lock him up" aimed at DeSantis's Democratic opponent, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, who is seeking to become Florida's first African-American governor.

Amid all of that cheering and jeering, DeSantis never mentioned Florida's actual Republican leader, Gov. Rick Scott, the party's nominee for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Democrat Bill Nelson. Scott has in turn appeared to be just as hesitant to embrace DeSantis or Trump.

Days after the rally, Scott appeared before the Florida Chamber of Commerce, which claims 139,000 employer members and represents the sort of moderate voters both candidates need to win over in a state renowned for its close elections.

But as Scott talked, he did not speak of Trump and mentioned DeSantis only once - as part of an offhand mumbling reference about how being governor was "a great job."

Scott's and DeSantis's different paths reflect the strategic options facing Republican candidates this year as they decide whether to run away from or embrace Trump, their party's dominant figure.

It's a conflict that is especially dramatic this year in Florida, where Scott is trying to rebrand himself as consensus builder, which requires some distance from a president known for his unpredictability. DeSantis, meanwhile, is more dependent on energizing the state's conservative, Trump-supporting base.

"It creates a dissonance where, ideally, there really shouldn't be any," said J.M. "Mac" Stipanovich, a veteran Florida Republican strategist and lobbyist. "Scott's apparent desire to distance himself from Donald Trump, without repudiating Donald Trump, makes it difficult for him to embrace Ron DeSantis without reservation because DeSantis is so closely identified with Trump."

Both the Florida governor's race and the U.S. Senate battle are among the most closely watched contests in the country this year. A Gillum victory over DeSantis would give Democrats control of the governor's mansion for the first time in two decades; Republicans hope a Scott victory over Nelson would dash Democrats' hopes of regaining control of the U.S. Senate.

Scott is hoping his two terms as governor, beginning in 2011, have crafted a statewide image independent of Trump. After campaigning vigorously for Trump during the 2016 presidential election, Scott began tempering his outspokenness for the president over the past 18 months as he geared up to challenge Nelson.

It's a strategy that GOP strategists say is built around political necessity, due to Trump's relative unpopularity among some Florida voters, as well as Scott's own desire to move beyond the divisive political and cultural battles that defined part of his tenure as governor.

Instead of talking about budget cuts or battling labor unions - items that dominated his early years as governor - Scott has instead sought to play up the state's 3.7 percent unemployment rate, which is at a 12-year low. He has been casting himself as a bipartisan leader, citing his widely praised response to the hurricanes in Florida and Puerto Rico last year.

"I think about: How do you create the best education system? How do you grow the best economy? How do you keep people safe?" Scott said in an interview.

But Scott's strategy, which has included aggressive outreach to Latinos and support earlier this year for some gun-control measures, has been clouded since DeSantis won the GOP primary after campaigning as a steadfast supporter of Trump. DeSantis's pitch included a campaign commercial in which he and his young daughter used blocks to build a mock-up of Trump's proposed border wall, and he read Trump's book aloud to his baby son.

Scott's relationship with DeSantis has been further tested by the gubernatorial nominee's general election campaign.

Over the past six weeks, DeSantis has been hobbled by questions about racial sensitivity and past associations with some far-right activists who have made controversial comments about race.

The controversies are overshadowing DeSantis's message while limiting public focus on Gillum's potential vulnerabilities, including support for some tax increases and an ongoing federal public corruption investigation in Tallahassee.

According to several recent polls, Gillum has a narrow lead over DeSantis, who resigned from Congress in September to focus on his campaign. Scott and Nelson have been essentially tied in most public polling, while Trump's approval rating has hovered just below 50 percent.

Adam Goodman, a veteran Florida Republican strategist, said recent polling has shown Florida independents - a critical component of any winning GOP strategy here - appear to be "breaking for Democrats." Democrats in Florida have a nearly 250,000-person registration advantage over Republicans, but more than a quarter of the electorate, roughly 3.5 million, has no party affiliation.

"Unless there is a sudden reversal in fortunes, this midterm election in Florida will truly be historic, and will buck everything the Republicans have come to count on in the last 12 midterm elections," said Goodman, citing Republicans' relative strength in statewide races dating back to Jeb Bush's 1998 bid for governor. "Independents have tended to break Republican in midterms here, and they are just not doing that this year."

In most swing states, that erosion of support among nonaffiliated voters would probably be a fatal blow to Republican candidates. But Scott and DeSantis both began their careers as political insurgents, and that pedigree gives both candidates room to try to adapt individually.

In his 2010 race, Scott prevailed in the GOP primary running as a tea party darling who defeated Bill McCollum, then the state's attorney general and a former congressman.

Scott maintained unsettled relationships with rank-and-file GOP activists throughout much of his first term. That tension came to a head shortly after 2014 reelection campaign, when party activists rejected his handpicked candidate to the lead the state party.

Scott responded to the embarrassing political setback by withdrawing his financial support from the party, which left it cash-strapped until midway through the 2016 presidential election.

In his nearly three terms in Congress, DeSantis also separated himself from mainstream Republicans. He was a founding member of the Freedom Caucus, a small group of conservative House Republicans who have frustrated party leaders who have not yielded to their anti-tax and budget-slicing agenda.

"These are two very political isolated candidates," said former congressman David Jolly, a Republican who represented the St. Petersburg, Fla., area from 2014 to 2017. "The idea of either one of them running on a ticket is probably not something they are comfortable with, and neither one has a history of it."

In an interview, Scott and DeSantis denied any friction.

"I'll do anything I can to make sure Ron DeSantis wins," Scott said. "I built a really great grass-roots effort to help get our vote out, and hopefully that's helpful to him."

When a reporter approached DeSantis recently to ask him about his relationship with Scott, he briskly walked away after saying, "Good, good, good. He's a good guy."

Political analysts say each man is weighing how the other - as well as Trump - will affect his campaign.

Although a recent Quinnipiac University poll showed Trump with a 44 percent approval rating among likely voters in Florida, the president has been consistently underestimated in the state. During the 2016 campaign, Trump defeated the homegrown candidate, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., in the Florida primary. Trump went on to win Florida by 113,000 votes in the general election.

Scott's approval ratings, meanwhile, have steadily increased during his second term. But Scott has faced withering criticism in recent weeks over the state's "red tide" algal blooms, which have killed millions of fish and threaten the state's tourism industry.

DeSantis has made the crisis a top campaign issue, vowing a heightened response to the crisis.

"This is a barely implicit criticism of Governor Scott's leadership over the past eight years," said Stipanovich.

Despite the discomfort, many Republicans believe DeSantis and Scott will work in tandem this fall by driving out different segments of voters.

At DeSantis's Sarasota rally, Lorna Sammoury showed up wearing a "Trump Girl" T-shirt. In an interview, she described herself as an unapologetic DeSantis supporter and said she is particularly angry over media reports questioning his racial sensitivity. She also plans to vote for Scott, even though he "frustrates" her.

"I am not saying he has to be Trump, but sometimes he is too mild-mannered, and you can't always be mild-mannered," she said.

At the Chamber of Commerce in Orlando, meanwhile, support for Scott appeared far more robust than it was for DeSantis. After nearly a decade of job growth, Florida's business community is antsy about Scott's departure amid a rapidly changing, divisive political environment, said Mark Wilson, president of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

"Florida is going to go in a different direction, regardless of who the voters pick," said Wilson. "There is only one Rick Scott."

Nonetheless, a day after Scott appeared before the group, the Chamber endorsed DeSantis, citing Gillum's support for higher corporate income taxes. Wilson said the group's political arm could spend as much as "tens of millions of dollars" supporting DeSantis.

"I think people know who Rick Scott is, and I think you are going to hear people saying, 'Hey if you want more Rick Scott, then [vote for] Ron DeSantis," Wilson said.
SC summoned record of Model Town incident cases from anti-terrorism court

The Supreme Court on Sunday summoned the record of cases pertaining to the Model Town incident from an anti-terrorism court.



A two-judge bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar heard a petition regarding Model Town carnage at the Lahore registry.Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) leader Khurram Nawaz Gandapur appeared before the bench.



The petitioner complained that the anti-terrorism court had been unable to wind up the trial proceedings into the Model Town cases despite the directives of the top court.He recalled that the chief justice had directed the anti-terrorism court to decide these cases within a period of three months. He pleaded the apex court to issue directions for completion of the trial at the earliest.



Last week, Prime Minister Imran Khan telephoned PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri and assured him that the perpetrators of the Model Town massacre will be punished. He reiterated his resolve that those responsible for the ruthless killing of the innocent workers of PAT in Model Town would be taken to task.
The outside prosecutor Senate Republicans hired to lead the questioning in last week's hearing about the sexual assault allegations against Brett Kavanaugh is arguing in a new memo why she would not bring criminal charges against the Supreme Court nominee.

In the five-page memo, obtained by The Washington Post, Rachel Mitchell outlines more than half a dozen reasons why she thinks the testimony of Christine Blasey Ford - who has accused Kavanaugh of assaulting her at a house in suburban Maryland when they were teenagers in the early 1980s - has some key inconsistencies.

"A 'he said, she said' case is incredibly difficult to prove. But this case is even weaker than that," Mitchell writes in the memo, being sent Sunday night to all Senate Republicans. "Dr. Ford identified other witnesses to the event, and those witnesses either refuted her allegations or failed to corroborate them."

Mitchell continued: "For the reasons discussed below, I do not think that a reasonable prosecutor would bring this case based on the evidence before the [Senate Judiciary] Committee. Nor do I believe that this evidence is sufficient to satisfy the preponderance-of-the-evidence standard."

The memo is likely to prompt significant pushback from Democratic senators, who have argued that Ford is not on trial and that Kavanaugh is merely interviewing for a job. But the memo is clearly aimed at assuaging the concerns of a handful of GOP senators who are on the fence about whether to vote to confirm Kavanaugh and are considering whose story - Ford's or Kavanaugh's - to believe.

The FBI is now investigating Ford's accusations, as well as those of a second woman, Deborah Ramirez.

In the memo, Mitchell argued that Ford has not offered a consistent account of the alleged assault, including when exactly it occurred. Mitchell also noted that Ford did not identify Kavanaugh by name as her attacker in key pieces of evidence, including notes from sessions with her therapist - records that Ford's lawyers declined to provide to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Ford testified before the panel Thursday that she is "100 percent" sure Kavanaugh was her attacker.

"I believed he was going to rape me," she told the panel. "I tried to yell for help. When I did, Brett put his hand over my mouth to stop me from yelling. This is what terrified me the most."

But in the memo, Mitchell also argued that Ford "has no memory of key details of the night in question - details that could help corroborate her account," nor has Ford given a consistent account of the alleged assault. Noting that Ford did not remember in what house the incident allegedly occurred, or how she left the gatheringand got back home, Mitchell said "her inability to remember this detail raises significant questions."

Mitchell also stressed that nobody who Ford has identified as having attended the gathering - including Mark Judge, Patrick Smyth and Leland (Ingham) Keyser - has been able to directly corroborate Ford's allegations. Keyser, however, has told the Judiciary Committee that she believes Ford's account.

Mitchell, whom GOP senators selected to handle the questioning in last week's hearing with Ford and Kavanaugh, is a registered Republican who is chief of the special victims division of the Maricopa County attorney's office in Phoenix. Although she asked Ford all of the questions posed by Republican senators, she asked Kavanaugh only two rounds of questions until GOP senators began speaking again.

Mitchell stressed that she was "not pressured in any way to write this memorandum or to write any words in this memorandum with which I do not fully agree." The memo obtained by The Post does not include any analysis of her questions to Kavanaugh.

"There is no clear standard of proof for allegations made during the Senate's confirmation process," Mitchell wrote in the memo. "But the world in which I work is the legal world, not the political world. Thus, I can only provide my assessment of Dr. Ford's allegations in that legal context."

The prosecutor joined a private meeting with all Senate Republicans on Thursday after the hearing, where she told the senators that after the eight hours of testimony she heard, she would not have prosecuted Kavanaugh for assault, according to two officials familiar with her remarks.

The committee is also sending to all Senate Republicans a detailed timeline of key events regarding Ford's accusation, including when she first approached her congresswoman, Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., with her allegations and the committee's investigative work.
A notorious Iranian gold dealer known as the "Sultan of Coins" was among three men sentenced to death this week in the strongest warning yet to officials and merchants not to exploit the country's financial troubles as the next round of U.S. sanctions loom.

The verdicts came a day after the central bank was given more powers to intervene in currency markets to help stop a slide in the rial that has gathered pace since the U.S. in August reimposed a ban on the Islamic Republic trading in dollars.

From early November, sanctions on Iran's exports of crude oil, its main earner of foreign currency, come into force. Though some major purchasers are already buying less, inflows of dollars and euros are expected to decline further as the embargo formally resumes.

Death sentences were handed to 58-year-old Vahid Mazloumi, popularly referred to in Iranian media as the "Sultan of Coins," Mohammad Esmail Qassemi and Hamid Bagheri-Dermani, the semi-official Tasnim news quoted judicial spokesman Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei as saying on Monday. The sentences still need to be ratified and the defendants can appeal, Mohseni-Ejei said a day earlier.

Mindful of growing public anger over the deteriorating economy, the government embarked on a drive to root out corruption and punish speculators it blames for exacerbating the currency crisis. The investigation, led by the judiciary, targets companies and government officials suspected of receiving kickbacks on foreign-import licenses or manipulating the currency market. The judiciary announced last month that at least 120 people, including state employees, had been arrested.

Mazloumi, who's traded gold and foreign currency in Tehran's Grand Bazaar for three decades, was arrested on July 2 for buying two metric tons of "bahar-e azad" gold coins and then re-selling them at higher rates, Tasnim reported in July, quoting Tehran police chief Hossein Rahimi.

Bahar-e azad coins weigh around 8.13 grams and are a staple investment in Iran. As the rial's value tanked, gold coins have more than quadrupled in value. The spike has been blamed both on safe-haven-buying and on dealers like Mazloumi accused of hoarding to exploit anxiety over the economy and profit from higher prices.

Mazloumi has been arrested at least twice before including in 2012 when he was detained for illegally trying to leave Iran from the western city of Marivan, Tasnim reported last month, citing Tehran's Deputy Prosecutor Morteza Torak. Torak said then that Mazloumi also had "close ties to a senior manager at the Central Bank of Iran," whom he didn't name name but said has since been arrested.

Earlier this month, Iran's former central bank governor, Valiollah Seif, who is facing investigation for currency-market abuses, was banned from leaving the country. Seif headed the central bank for five years but faced criticism for failing to stop the collapse of the rial. He was replaced by Abdolnaser Hemmati in July.

The rial started to decline dramatically ahead of President Donald Trump's announcement in May that the U.S. would withdraw from the 2015 deal to curb Iran's nuclear enrichment program in return for an easing of international sanctions. A dollar now trades for about 160,000 rials on unlicensed markets, from about 50,000 in February.

Government attempts to stabilize the currency, which have seen it shut down unofficial money changers, have mostly failed or backfired as demand for the greenback has risen. The U.S. currency is prized as a safe haven in times of trouble.

On Saturday, the central bank was given more authority to intervene in currency markets, working directly with commercial lenders and foreign-exchange dealers. The changes also offered incentives for exporters to sell foreign currency acquired through private transactions on an official trading platform in order to improve liquidity.
RICHMOND, Va. - Former president Barack Obama on Monday endorsed three Virginia Democrats running in competitive congressional races in November.

In his second wave of midterm endorsements, Obama gave the nod to Democrats Abigail Spanberger, Jennifer Wexton and Elaine Luria, who are all seeking to unseat Republican incumbents.

They were among 260 Democrats across the country running for House, Senate, governor or state legislatures to win Obama's backing Monday.

Spanberger, who is challenging Republican Rep. Dave Brat in Virginia's 7th Congressional District, also received former vice president Joe Biden's endorsement Monday.

"The Democratic Party has always made the biggest difference in the lives of the American people when we lead with conviction, principle, and bold, new ideas," Obama said in a written statement. "Our incredible array of candidates up and down the ticket, all across the country, make up a movement of citizens who are younger, more diverse, more female than ever before. They're Americans who aren't just running against something, but for something. They're running to expand opportunity and restore the honor and compassion that should be the essence of public service. I'm proud to endorse so many of them today, and I'm eager to continue making the case for why they deserve our votes this November."

Obama made 81 midterm endorsements in August and has campaigned for Democrats in California, Illinois, Ohio and Pennsylvania. No Virginia candidates were included in the initial round.

In his second wave of endorsements, Obama "focused on close races in which his support would make a meaningful difference; state legislative and/or statewide races that are redistricting priorities; Obama campaign and administration alumni who have been inspired to run for office; and building a pipeline of diverse talent and elevating the next generation of leaders within the Democratic Party," according to an announcement.

Wexton, a state senator, is challenging Rep. Barbara Comstock (R) in the 10th District, which covers parts of Northern Virginia. Democrats are trying to capitalize on President Trump's unpopularity there to turn the seat blue for the first time in 38 years and potentially help the party win a majority in the House.

Luria, a retired Navy commander, is challenging Rep. Scott W. Taylor (R), a former Navy SEAL, in the 2nd District.

Earlier Monday, Biden endorsed Spanberger.

"In all my years in politics, I can say that Abigail is the only former CIA Operative and Girl Scout Leader that I have had the good fortune to endorse," Biden said in a written statement. "And I'm proud to do so because I know Abigail has what it takes to win in November. As a member of Congress, Abigail will work across the aisle to deliver common sense solutions and have a lasting and positive impact on the lives of the people of the 7th District."

Biden, who is considering a 2020 presidential bid, has endorsed 14 other candidates for federal, state and local offices around the country this year, according to Ballotpedia. But this is the first Virginia race he has waded into since last year, when he campaigned for now-Gov. Ralph Northam (D) and endorsed five Democrats in House of Delegates races.

"I am incredibly humbled by Vice President Biden's gracious endorsement," Spanberger said in a written statement. "Because of his steadfast leadership, enduring optimism, and abiding belief in the power of public service, Vice President Biden has played a transformational role in shaping the future of our country for the better. His support of our campaign is continued proof we are fighting the good fight, and my team and I are proud to have earned his support."

Spanberger, a former CIA officer making her first bid for elective office, is in a tight race with Brat, who won the seat four years ago after toppling then-House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in a GOP primary.

A Monmouth University poll released last week found Spanberger leads Brat 47 percent to 42 percent among all potential voters in the central Virginia district, a longtime GOP stronghold that's a mix of Richmond suburbs and rural areas. The poll found 2 percent favor Libertarian Joe Walton, and 9 percent are undecided.

Brat was a little-known Randolph-Macon College economics professor with tea party backing when he pulled off his stunning primary upset over Cantor. He won reelection two years ago by 16 percentage points.

This year, Brat is contending with a strong challenge from Spanberger, who could benefit from antipathy toward Trump in the district's suburban areas. The Cook Political Report classifies the race as a "toss-up."

"Congress is only as good as the women and men who serve there," Biden said in his endorsement. "That means we must do everything in our power to ensure principled, courageous, and honorable public servants run for office and win. Abigail has proved herself to be one of those people."
ALBANY  New York gets an overall grade of C- when it comes to the number of African-American students who attend and graduate from the state's four-year public colleges and universities, according to a new national study.

The Empire State is not alone, however. Massachusetts, which has the highest score overall, only gets a C+ according to "Black Students at Public Colleges and Universities: A 50-State Report Card."

New York had the eighth-highest score among the states.

The study from the University of Southern California compiled U.S. census data on the number of college-age African-Americans in each state and compared it to enrollments in public colleges and universities. College age was defined as 18-24 years old.

The authors, USC researchers Shaun Harper and Isaiah Simmons, developed an "equity score" to show how well campuses are doing in terms of serving black populations in their states. Overall, Harper said, the results are troubling when it comes to equity for black students in publicly supported schools.

When one drills down to the campuses, there is lots of variation.

University at Albany remains one of the most racially diverse among the 64 SUNY campuses: 42 percent of its freshman class this year identify as white, 19 percent identify as black, 19 percent identify as Hispanic/Latino, 10 percent identify as other and 9 percent identify as Asian.

The national study, which put the African-American student body at 17.3 percent at UAlbany, the school received a B for enrollment, which the authors call representation equity. SUNY Polytechnic Institute, where 5.3 percent of the students are black, got an F in enrollment.

The study of 506 public four-years undergraduate school also analyzed on-time graduation rates, the black student-to-black faculty ratio and the percentages of black men and women on a given campus.

UAlbany did well on that front, with 70.6 percent of black students graduating on time compared with 66.6 percent overall.

SUNY Poly received an A in the "completion equity" category which looks at how many black students graduate in six years. Forty four percent black SUNY Poly students graduated in that time-frame, just below the 46 percent overall. And in 2017, that improved to 67 percent.

UAlbany cites several reasons for its success in attracting black students. The school has a longstanding Equal Opportunity program that serves many black and other minority students.

Spokesman Jordan Carleo-Evangelist said admissions counselors have long recruited from top high schools in New York City and surrounding areas where there are many African-American students.

Along with census Census data, the study looked at 2016-17 enrollment numbers provided by campuses to a data base maintained by the National Center for Education Statistics.

The study is a snapshot in time.

It doesn't consider, for instance, that SUNY Poly is a relatively new school compared to UAlbany.

And it doesn't differentiate between campuses like UAlbany, which is three hours from New York City, and those in central or northern New York, which are farther from urban centers where many African Americans live.

New York's overall state score combines SUNY and City University of New York, or CUNY. Statewide, 17.8 percent of college age residents are African American.

Harper, who is executive director of USC's Race and Equity Center, voiced hope the study would prompt public college officials to look at ways to get more African-American students enrolled and graduated from their schools.

As public colleges, these schools are supported by state tax dollars and should serve all of a given states citizens in an equitable manner, said Harper.

Harper said the degree to which college admissions people go to various communities and schools is a key part of recruiting more black students.

Too many public colleges and universities rely on just a handful of places year after year, he said.

Black Suny Students by rkarlin on Scribd

The survey also looked at the ratios of black men and women and ratios of black faculty to black students.

SUNY Polytechnic spokesman Steve Ference said the school has stepped up recruitment efforts since 2016. The school had a ratio of 22:1 black students to faculty, garnering an B in that area, while UAlbany had a ratio of 74:1 for an F rating.

In gender equity, UAlbany had 58 percent to 42 percent women to men for a score of A, while SUNY Poly had 31.5 percent to 68.5 percent women to men for an F.

States could potentially get scores of 3.50. But the highest actual grade went to Massachusetts with a 2.81 or C+.

New York had a 2.28 overall, which worked out to a the C-.
Shah Mehmood to meet NSA at White House

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will hold a meeting with the country's National Security Adviser (NSA) John Bolton at the White House.



Qureshi had arrived in Washington DC on Sunday for talks on bilateral relations with US officials following his trip to New York for the United Nation's General Assembly session. He is expected to meet both, Bolton and Pompeo, on Tuesday.



His first stop is expected to be the White House where he will meet Bolton for talks on untangling Pakistans ruffled relations with the US. He will then proceed to the US State Department for his second meeting with the secretary of state.



On Monday, Qureshi will meet Pakistani diplomats and experts to prepare for the crucial talks that are to be held on Tuesday.



Pompeo and Qureshi first met in Islamabad early in September when the US government approached the new Pakistani government to discuss key issues that have strained decades-old ties between the two countries.



In a briefing about his earlier meeting, Pompeo said that, following the election of Prime Minister Imran Khan in July, the US "wanted to get out there at the beginning of his time in an effort to reset the relationship between the two countries".



It was during his Islamabad visit that Pompeo invited the Pakistani foreign minister to visit Washington for further talks.

Pak-US relations and the Afghan dynamic



Speaking to a US radio station over the weekend about the newly-elected government's foreign policy objectives, particularly in regard to the US and Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, the new US envoy for Afghanistan said: Pakistan says now that it wants to turn a new page, that it wants to help the US with this objective (Afghan reconciliation) that I outlined. And we'll have to see.



Khalilzad said that the Trump administration was ready to learn from the new Pakistani government about how they wanted to address the main issue, Afghanistan.



When asked about how the two countries would overcome the lack of trust that prevents them from rebuilding ties, he said, It's not about trust. I mean, we're talking about international politics. Trust is good, but, you know, you have to verify, and that would apply to a lot of states.
The UK is the leading consumer of pellet products. The consumption level of pellets in the UK significantly exceeds this index for other countries. There are supplies from Canada and the USA. 70% of exported pellets from Canada get into the United Kingdoms thermal power stations. By the end of 2016 the import of pellets to the UK amounted more than 7.1 million tons.

In the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands, the use of pellets for the needs of population is insignificant. Pellet demand is formed mainly by large power stations. Such large-scale consumption of wood pellets at power stations is due to the EU requirements for the use of renewable energy sources by 2020.

For the first time for the past 10 years, Britain has reduced the import of wood pellets. The decline was 3% for the year and it happened in 2017. At the same time, 2/3 accounted for a decrease in imports to the UK from the United States (1.9%).

The decline of 3% in imports is insignificant and connected with planned stops of a number of energy facilities.

We note that there is no intense competition in the pellet market today. Europe can consume ten times more than what is supplied today, as all coal-fired power plants, which there are still very many, willing to convert to pellets. The reduction in exports from the United States to the UK, which is their main pellet sales market, is most likely related to the reconstruction of a number of power plants that, as a rule, have their pellet capacity in the United States. In addition, the US is actively developing its own pellet market - about 25% of the pellets produced are sold domestically. And if the European market for American granules closes, that could happen in 2020.

Because of the United States didnt sign the Paris agreement on climate, they will use pellets at home.

The Import of wood pellets within the European Union amounted to 4.861 million tons in the first 9 months of 2017. The largest shipments of granules came from Estonia to Denmark and from Latvia to Great Britain and Denmark.

Among the number of reasons behind the backlog, the challenges associated with logistics are highlighted, namely long distances and high transportation costs, as well as low availability and high cost of financing (for example, updating production lines in order to fit increasingly stringent requirements for product quality).

The largest consumer of wood pellets https://pellets-wood.com/wood-pellets-b327.html in the world is Great Britain (6.7 million tons), followed by the United States (2.8) and Italy (2.1 million tons).





Figure 1. Dynamics of UK pellet consumption

The news of British energy companies

In the UK, two objects transferred to burning industrial pellets - the Lynemouth power station with an installed capacity of 420 MW and TPS Teesside in Middlesbrough - are currently either in the commissioning phase or in the construction phase.





Pic1. Lynemouth Power Station, generating capacity of only 420 megawatts (MW)



Owners of the Drax power station have also recently announced plans to rebuild the fourth power unit to operate on fuel pellets. It is not yet clear how many hours a year this facility will work. However, given the fact that the investment decision was made, according to some approximate estimations, it will consume about 900,000 tons of wood pellets https://pellets-wood.com/sell-b357_0.html a year.





Pic2. Drax power generates 6% of the UKs electricity and 11% of its total renewable electricity
A Houston police officer was clocked driving more than 100 mph while speeding away from officers prior to his arrest on suspicion of drunken driving.

Claude Jackson Jr., 27, was arrested around 5 a.m. Sunday with a blood alcohol content of 0.15 by Harris County Precinct 5 constable deputies, and later released on $2,000 bail, court records show. He faces charges of driving while intoxicated and evading arrest.

"Deputy constables said they clocked him at speeds up to 119 mph during a 7-mile pursuit," said Dane Schiller, spokesman for the Harris County District Attorney's office.

The chase began at the 17000 block of the Katy Freeway, after a deputy traveling north on the Sam Houston Parkway toll road saw Jackson driving at a high speed. Jackson allegedly got off the freeway at Exit 6, drove through feeder roads and a red light, got back on the freeway and off again at Exit 10, where he drove through a second red light. He pulled into the parking lot of Texas Children's Hospital and surrendered.

Jackson has been relieved of duty as a result of his arrest.

MORE CHARGES: Houston man charged with murder in homeless killing

Houston police spokeswoman Jodi Silva confirmed Sunday that Jackson has served with the agency for less than a year. He was assigned to Southwest Patrol. He is not permitted to carry his weapon or badge because of the investigation, she said.

Jackson is expected to return to court on Oct. 5.

Jackson is the sixth HPD officer charged with driving while intoxicated since August.
The gunshots screeched over the static of the police radio, followed by the last breaths of sheriffs Deputy Barrett Hill. It was the dark, predawn hours of Dec. 4, 2000, and someone had just committed a capital murder.

There were no eyewitnesses and no forensic evidence. But two years later, Rob Will was sentenced to die for the crime in front of a courtroom crowded with uniformed police officers.

Despite the circumstantial case that sent him to death row, Will has always maintained his innocence. His alibi? He says he was handcuffed at the time. Now, nearly two decades into the legal wrangling, a federal judge is again questioning whether Will may be telling the truth.

In a rare, strongly worded order last week, U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison advanced the condemned cop killers appeal even as he bemoaned his own inability to do more in a case that experts say highlights systemic issues within the death penalty appeals process.

The Court very much wishes it could take up all of these issues, Ellison wrote. Nevertheless, this Court lacks jurisdiction to explore the troubling concerns that plague Wills capital conviction.

The issues before Ellison were among two federal appeals advancing through the legal system  one over claims of withheld evidence and another regarding ineffective lawyers who failed to uncover possible keys to his innocence.

FROM 2012: Death row inmate's effort to spare life gains momentum

The federal judge indicated he would like to consider Wills troubling innocence claims but couldnt because of legal limitations, essentially technicalities. Instead, he could only send the case to the to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on the possibility that the justices greenlight a new appeal that could ultimately end up back in his court.

With allegations of withheld evidence, bad lawyering and vexing legal entanglements, the case embodies everything that is structurally wrong with key parts of the appeals process, according to Robert Dunham of the Death Penalty Information Center.

The death penalty is supposed to be reserved for the worst of the worst cases, he said, but nobody meant that that should be the worst of the worst judicial process.

*****

On the morning of the murder, two Harris County sheriffs deputies responded to a call about four men breaking into cars. When they pulled up, Hill and his partner, Deputy Warren Kelly, shined their spotlight on two of the thieves standing in a cul de sac.

The pair took off in different directions, and Hill followed Will, while his partner chased after Michael Alan Rosario. Hill radioed back that the tall one was in custody, but theres still some dispute as to whether that meant Will was in handcuffs and, if he was, how and when he got out of them. Meanwhile, Kelly lost sight of Rosario behind a tree. A few seconds later, he heard the gunshots over the radio.

Afterward, Will carjacked a woman and sped away, only to be caught in Washington County a few hours later.

It seemed impossible to prosecutors that anyone else could be the killer. Will changed his story to his lawyers repeatedly, and Rosario had simply been too far away, they said. But Will had no gunshot residue on him and a footprint at the crime scene didnt match his.

REJECTED: Supreme Court turns down Houston death row inmate convicted in drug deal double slaying

And, as his defense lawyers would later point out, he had a gunshot wound on his hand that could have come from Rosarios effort to free his friend by shooting off the handcuffs. To the state, that gunshot wound seemed evidence of Wills guilt, an injury sustained while shooting at the deputy.

*****

For more than a decade, the case has bounced back and forth between state and federal appeals courts, generating a complex paper trail Ellison described as a procedural imbroglio. And, over time, new evidence emerged: jailhouse snitches alleging Rosario had confessed finally agreed to come forward; jail records about a suspected gang hit Rosario ordered on Will inexplicably appeared in the prosecutions files; and previously undisclosed evidence that could have called a witness into question surfaced.

The Harris County DAs Office has a lot to answer for, Wills legal team, Washington, D.C.-based attorney Jay Ewart and Houston attorney Samy Khalil, said in a statement. They are playing a game of hide  but Rob Will can never seek  exculpatory evidence. Prosecution by concealment is how innocent people end up on death row.

The district attorneys office disputed both the claims of withheld evidence and the possibility of Wills innocence.

The Harris County District Attorneys Office is not hiding evidence in Wills case, said spokesman Dane Schiller. That claim is a desperate effort to divert attention from the wealth of evidence supporting Will being sentenced to death for the capital murder of Harris County Sheriffs Deputy Barrett Hill.

Schiller went on to call it more than ironic that Wills attorneys would accuse prosecutors of hiding evidence because the factual record reflects that Will repeatedly told inconsistent stories.

When some of the evidence in question landed in front of a state court in 2013, the Harris County judge deemed it not credible or relevant to the outcome, and instead signed off word-for-word on the version of events submitted by the Harris County District Attorneys Office.

COLD CASE NO MORE: Arrest made in death of Texas police officer killed more 40 years ago

Some of those same claims eventually ended up in an appeal now in front of the 5th Circuit. Its separate from the appeal Ellison ruled on last week, but it raises some of the same concerns. In both cases the federal district judge didnt have the ability to side with Will but could only forward the case to the 5th Circuit.

This Court has repeatedly expressed deep concern for the factually complex insinuations that Will may be innocent of the crime for which he faces a death sentence, Ellison wrote last week. The Court is particularly sensitive to the absence of any direct evidence of Wills guilt, and the number of witnesses who aver that another man confessed to the underlying murder.

*****

Will was in the same position in 2012, when Ellison expressed similar concerns over the case as he sent it up to the 5th Circuit. A U.S. Supreme Court decision over appeals involving claims of ineffective lawyering sent the case through a new round of claims with the same result.

Everything in the state procedure is inadequate and has been inadequate for the last three decades, said Patrick McCann, a local attorney and past president of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association, calling the extent to which federal judges are expected to defer to state court rulings an absolute joke.

In regular criminal cases, Dunham said, a judge can hear the facts and the law and make a decision. But, under a 1996 law known as the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act, added limitations in appeals from prisoners mean that federal judges are forced to go along with previous state court findings, even if they dont agree with them.

In places like Harris County  where a year-long study recently found that judges adopt the states findings more than 90 percent of the time in a key part of the appeals process  Dunham likened the state court review to a ventriloquist act, with judges repeating prosecutors assertions made in state court.

Usually, the federal court is pretending not to see the ventriloquists lips move, he said. Here, Judge Ellison clearly sees the lips moving, but the federal law prevents him from doing anything about it.

Eric M. Freedman, a Hofstra University law professor, said the case highlights the need for changes in the law.

The idea that it would be important to reconsider, rethink and recalibrate in order to serve the very appropriate underlying goals of the statute is well illustrated by this particular case, he said. The purpose of the statute is to provide a federal level of supervision of basic rights, like the right not to be convicted and executed if youre an innocent person.

keri.blakinger@chron.com
Three suspects are on the run after ambushing and shooting a food store employee as he left work in Independence Heights Sunday night, police said.

Gunfire rang out around 11 p.m., just as the employee walked out of the store on North Main and 42nd at the end of business.
A man was hospitalized Monday afternoon when a possible robbery turned violent in southeast Houston.

Houston police officers rushed to the 3300 block of Bremond Street around 3:40 p.m. to reports of a shooting.

When they arrived, they learned a man had been shot in what they initially believe was a robbery.

It is unclear if the shooting happened at a business, home or somewhere else near that address.

Detectives with the Houston Police Department are investigating.

No other information was available. Check back for updates as they come in.

Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message.

Jay R. Jordan covers breaking news in the Houston area. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com | Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan | Email him at jay.jordan@chron.com
The same year Eric Garner died while being subdued by the New York City Police, protesting, I cant breathe, a man died as he was restrained in Harris County Jail calling out the exact same words.

Both incidents set off wrongful-death cases filed on behalf of the victims families. But while New York City reached a settlement with Garners family for $5.9 million, the case of 38-year-old Kenneth Christopher Lucas is still wending its way through the court system four years after his death. Late last week, a judge decided Lucas family will get its wrongful-death case heard during a trial.

The court found that the county itself will have to stand trial for its unconstitutional and dangerous training, said attorney Jeff Edwards, who is representing the family. Whats important about that is the county cant pretend that this was an isolated act.

U.S. District Court Judge Sim Lake stated in a comprehensive opinion filed Friday that the Lucas family provided sufficient evidence to move to trial.

Lucas had been at the Harris County Jail for less than a week on a child custody charge when several sheriff's deputies entered his cell on Feb. 17, 2014, after he refused to hand over a piece of metal he had sharpened after breaking a smoke detector. Lucas was handcuffed and placed face-down on a gurney while an officer sat on his back, restraining him.

He could be heard in a 30-minute video of the ordeal warning deputies that he was going to pass out and pleading to be released. Lucas' death was caused by "sudden cardiac death due to hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease during physical restraint," according to a ruling by the Harris County medical examiner.

The wrongful death lawsuit seeks damages under federal civil rights laws and under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The complaint names Harris County and seven of the officers involved in the incident and alleges the officers used excessive force against Lucas and failed to take into account his "serious medical conditions."

However, Lake's memorandum stated that there was not enough evidence to show Lucas was a qualified individual with a disability, or that the county discriminated against him because of his disability.

In addition to making allegations that officers used excessive force, the complaint alleges the county is also to blame.

What happened was the county trained these officers to act in an unconstitutional way, Edwards said.

He called such training unconscionable in light of a 2009 memorandum from the Department of Justice outlining the findings of an investigation into the Harris County Jail. In the memorandum, the Department of Justice expressed serious concerns about the use of force at the jail.

Indeed, we found a significant number of incidents where staff used inappropriate force techniques, the memorandum stated.

They said they would stop it, Edwards said. And they went on doing the same thing.

In the opinion filed on Friday, Lake wrote that plaintiffs have raised genuine issues that the violation of Lucas' constitutional rights may have resulted from county policy.

Plaintiffs cite the deposition testimony of Sheriff (Adrian) Garcia that the DCCT members followed their training and carried it out as instructed, Lake wrote, not just by placing Lucas face down on the gurney in a basic hogtie position, but also by ignoring Lucas's pleas for help until he was entirely incapacitated, and that he knew restraining detainees in a basic hogtie position was dangerous due to the risk of positional asphyxia, which could result in death.

In 2015, the Harris County grand jury declined to criminally indict the five deputies, a supervisor, a lieutenant and a videographer involved in the incident. An internal investigation by the sheriff's office also cleared employees of any wrongdoing.

Then-sheriff Garcia said Lucas' death prompted changes in jail procedures, including that medical staff is now stationed outside a cell when an inmate is being forcefully removed.

"When life is lost, I think there's a whole lot of things that go wrong," Garcia said at a news conference at the time. "We don't get to pick the inmates that come to us and the medical condition they're in."

rebecca.schuetz@chron.com

twitter.com/raschuetz
STAMFORD  A Brooklyn man convicted of raping a woman at a party in Norwalk last year was sentenced to six years in prison Monday and prohibited from contacting the victim for 50 years.

Dayvon Williams, 28, of New York pleaded for leniency from Judge John Blawie, but failed to take responsibility for sneaking into his cousins bedroom overnight on May 6, 2017 and having sex with his cousins sleeping 19-year-old girlfriend.

It was a mistake and a serous misunderstanding, Williams said told the Stamford judge. Once again, I apologize for the mistake and misunderstanding.

During a bench trial in front of Blawie in June, where Williams represented himself and was found guilty of second-degree sexual assault, the victim testified to waking up and seeing Williams - an aquaintence - having sex with her.

She testified to recoiling and jumping off the bed, at which point Williams suggested that what happened should be kept secret. The woman immediately told her boyfriend what happened and Williams was thrown out of the house and police were contacted the next day.

The sentence was in line with the recommendation of Assistant States Attorney Michelle Manning, who tried the case before Blawie.

This was an egregious offense that will have an effect on this woman for the rest of her life, Manning said Monday.

Manning expressed skepticism that because Williams is unable to recognize the wrongness of his actions, he will probably remain a risk to society despite the sex-offender treatment he will have to undergo while in jail. Manning said it saddened her to learn that Williams was a victim of sexual assault when he was nine years old in Virginia. And she pointed to his criminal record from 10 years ago, when Williams was convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery with a firearm, also in Virginia.

Along with the jail time, Blawie sentenced Williams to 20 years probation, where he may be made to serve all or part of a four-year suspended jail sentence if he breaks the law or in violation of his probation.

Williams aunt, Jana Williams-Harris, said she was disappointed by the length of time her nephew would have to spend in jail.

I do believe it was too harsh because Dayvon needs help, but incarceration is not what he need. He needs help and therapy, William-Harris said. Hopefully during this time he will learn how to do things differently. In a lot of ways, we failed him as a family.

jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com
Both sides wanted changes, but settled for the status quo

New U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement leaves NAFTA work visa provisions in place Both sides wanted changes, but settled for the status quo

New U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement leaves NAFTA work visa provisions in place Both sides wanted changes, but settled for the status quo

New U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement leaves NAFTA work visa provisions in place Both sides wanted changes, but settled for the status quo Stephen Smith Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

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Canadas renegotiated trade deal with the United States and Mexico will leave the rules for professional work visas as they were under the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA.

The new trade agreement, known as the United States Mexico Canada Agreement, or USMCA, was announced on the evening of September 30  just shy of the October 1 deadline set by the U.S. government.

Under the new deal, the chapter that deals with temporary entry for business persons and professionals, Chapter 16, remains essentially unchanged from the original NAFTA text.

Chapter 16 allows employers in Canada, the United States and Mexico to access professional labour from all three countries.

In Canadas case, Chapter 16 lets businesses here hire skilled American and Mexican workers in more than 60 professional categories on temporary work permits that are valid for up to three years and can be renewed an unlimited number of times.

Employers hiring professionals through Chapter 16 are allowed to skip a Labour Market Impact Assessment, or LMIA, which is normally required to prove no Canadian can fill the position.

The same rules apply to Canadians who are hired by employers in the United States and Mexico under Chapter 16.

The agreement puts to rest concerns that U.S. President Donald Trump wanted to scale back the number of professions covered under Chapter 16 and put a cap on renewals. The chapter was seen to conflict with Trumps Buy American, Hire American ethos and numerous conservative voices were calling for its curtailment.

Meanwhile, Canadian negotiators, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and others wanted the list of professions covered under Chapter 16 expanded to include digital occupations that didnt exist when NAFTA was introduced in 1994.

In the end, both sides settled on leaving Chapter 16 unchanged.

In a joint statement issued Sunday night, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Chrystia Freeland, Canadas Foreign Minister, said the USMCA was a win for workers in both countries.

USMCA will give our workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses a high-standard trade agreement that will result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region, they said.

It will strengthen the middle class and create good, well-paying jobs and new opportunities for the nearly half billion people who call North America home.

If you have a work permit inquiry, please send a detailed email to wp@canadavisa.com.

To find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs, fill out a free assessment.

 2018 CICNews All rights Reserved
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 1)  The woman who appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to stop quarrying operations in the wake of a deadly landslide in a Cebu town is not missing but is hiding for her safety, the police said on Monday.

C/Insp. Roderick Gonzales, Naga, Cebu chief of police, informed City of Naga Mayor Kristine Chiong that Shiela Eballe, who was earlier reported missing by a news website, is in hiding after supposedly receiving threats following her public dialogue with Duterte.

Gonzales said Eballe has been communicating with her brother.

On September 21, while Duterte was delivering a speech to the family of those who perished in the landslide, Eballe asked the President if he would shut down the quarry.

Related: Naga City, Cebu resident asks Duterte to shut down quarry

She blamed the quarry for the landslide because of the damaged soil.

Duterte joked that the woman had "training" in talking at similar functions. He then proceeded to ask the crowd if there were any New People's Army member among them, and then went on to hit Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison.

Seventy-two people have died from the landslide in Naga on September 20.
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
SHENMAO Technology Inc. Exhibits at NEPCON Vietnam 2018 Published: 01 October 2018 by Chelsey Drysdale by Chelsey Drysdale

SAN JOSE, CA  October 2018  SHENMAO Technology, Inc. today announced plans to exhibit in Booth A21 at NEPCON Vietnam, scheduled to take place Oct. 11-13, 2018 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. SHENMAO will introduce the PF606-P245 solder paste PF606-F13 as well as the PF604-JF3 solder wires.

PF606-P245 solder paste has solved head-on-pillow issues and improved ICT testability. With the wide reflow window, PF606-P245 can fit easily into the process of most complicated PCB design.

PF606-F13 is a lead-free and halogen-free solder wire designed for automatic soldering machines. It offers excellent solder joint reliability and joint strength.

PF604-JF3 is suitable for high-temperature flame type soldering, which is used in the bending process of copper tubes for air conditioners.

NEPCON Vietnam 2018 is the 11th edition of Vietnams only exhibition on SMT, testing technologies, equipment and supporting industries for electronics manufacturing. It is the regions premier gathering of the industry for connecting people, products, technologies and solutions across the global electronics manufacturing supply chain.

Visit SHENMAO in Booth A21 to speak with the companys technical experts. For more information, please visit www.shenmao.com.
Last March, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross forwarded to Congress a list of proposed questions to be included in the United States 2020 census, including an item asking respondents about their citizenship status. The item was inserted into the census questionnaire in response to a letter from the Department of Justice asserting that citizenship information was needed to facilitate enforcement of the Voting Rights Acts districting provisions. The Census Bureau also says on its website that information about the distribution of citizens and noncitizens is of interest to policymakers, researchers, and advocacy groups. In addition to the citizenship question, the census questionnaire will also include items regarding age, race, gender, ethnicity, marital status, and homeownership.

A question about citizenship status was included in one form or another in every decennial census from 1890 through 1950. In subsequent censuses from 1960 through 2000, that item appeared in the so-called long-form questionnaire, mailed to a sample of 15 percent or 20 percent of the population; it was not included in the short-form questionnaire administered to the other 80 percent to 85 percent of households. The Census Bureau continues to include the citizenship question in its more detailed American Community Survey (ACS), administered to samples of the population every month, with cumulative results summarized annually. With the inauguration of the ACS in 2005, the Census Bureau decided that it could dispense with the long-form questionnaire in the 2010 census while administering the streamlined short form to the entire population. When the long form was discarded, the citizenship question disappeared along with it, and thus was not included in the 2010 census.

Secretary Rosss announcement provoked lawsuits from 17 states (including New York and California), several cities, and a coalition of civil liberties organizations that want the question removed, claiming that it will discourage noncitizens from participating in the census. To the extent that this happens, the plaintiffs say, the census will produce an undercount of the population in states and cities with large concentrations of immigrants, leading to losses in congressional and state legislative seats in those jurisdictions and parallel losses in federal dollars allocated on the basis of the population count in the census.

New York attorney general Barbara Underwood summarized the plaintiffs case: The federal government has a solemn obligation to ensure a fair and accurate count of all people in this country. By demanding the citizenship status of each resident, the Trump administration is breaking with decades of policy and potentially causing a major undercount that would threaten billions in federal funds and New Yorks fair representation in Congress and the Electoral College. The plaintiffs go on to allege that the administration deliberately inserted the citizenship question into the census precisely for this reason.

In July, a federal judge in New York City allowed the lawsuits to go forward, even as he expressed doubts about their likelihood of success. Congress, he pointed out, delegated broad responsibility to the secretary of commerce to administer the census and to devise appropriate questions for it. The judge narrowed the case to the claim that the Trump administration inserted the citizenship question on the basis of biased motives, a catchall argument according to which measures that are otherwise perfectly legal and constitutional are ruled out of bounds if adopted for politically questionable purposes. No matter what result the district court reaches, the issue will be appealed through the federal system to the U.S. Supreme Court, with a resolution due in time for the census to proceed on April 1, 2020. In all likelihood, the citizenship question will appear in the census.

The case against the citizenship question rests on two trivial and unsupported claims but also upon two profoundly important and controversial arguments.

One trivial claim is that the citizenship question must be taken out because its unnecessary for an accurate enumeration of the U.S. population. As the federal judge in New York City pointed out, the census from the beginning has included various items unrelated to a simple enumeration of the population as required in Article I, Section 2 of the Constitutionfor example, items about race, gender, marital status, age, and other demographic factors. In the past, the census has included questions about running water, indoor plumbing, monthly rent, the number of radios in a household, type of heating equipment and fuel, occupation and education, and the like. The Founders viewed the census as an opportunity not only to perform a count of the population but also to gather economic and demographic information useful in monitoring national progress. The Constitution neither requires nor prevents these additional items from being included, according to the judgment of political authorities. The citizenship question is of a like character.

A second doubtful argument is that the citizenship question will lead to an undercount of the population because unauthorized immigrants will be unlikely to respond. This assumes that they would otherwise respond to the census if not for the citizenship questiona dubious proposition. Those with reason to remain in the shadows are unlikely to be lured into the open by assurances that the census will not ask about citizenship status. Even in 2010 (when the question was not asked), the Census Bureau estimated that the U.S. Latino population was undercounted by about 1.5 percent. Some private groups maintain that the undercount was several times greater than this. The California Department of Finance claims that the 2010 census undercounted that states population by 1.5 million residents. Illegal immigrants already have reasons to be suspicious of government information collectors, leaving aside the citizenship question. In the meantime, the paranoia about the citizenship question in establishment circles will only reinforce those suspicions and discourage cooperation with the census, which is required by law.

The deeper questions have to do with whether illegal immigrants must be counted for purposes of political representation and the allocation of legislative seats within the states and congressional seats among the states. Most federal benefit programs, including Medicaid, TANF (welfare), and SNAP (food stamps), already restrict eligibility to citizens or to legal residents. Those attacking the citizenship question maintain that representation should be allocated according to total population counts rather than on the basis of other factors that would exclude illegal immigrants, such as legal residency, citizenship, or voting eligibility. A basis for this claim can be found in the census clause in the Constitution stating that representation in Congress must be based on a count of persons rather than citizens. On the other hand, federal courts have never made an official determination as to whether unauthorized immigrants or people in the country illegally must be included in the category of persons for the purpose of representation.

Critics of the citizenship question in the census fear that this information will provide a basis for lawsuits challenging the allocation of legislative and congressional seats according to total population. Though the ACS gathers information on citizenship, the Supreme Court has ruled that such sampling results cant be used by states for purposes of legislative and congressional districting. The states must rely on actual counts from the decennial census.

In 2016, the Supreme Court decided a case (Evenwel v. Abbott) in which two voters challenged the apportionment of state legislative seats in Texas on the basis of total population according to the 2010 census. The plaintiffs claimed that the apportionment based on total population counts violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment because voters in districts with greater numbers of unauthorized immigrants had greater weight than voters in districts with smaller numbers. In their brief, the plaintiffs showed that some state senate districts had more than 500,000 registered voters while others had slightly fewer than 300,000; voters in the smaller districts had 1.6 times the voting power of those in the district with larger numbers of registered voters.

The plaintiffs relied on Supreme Court precedents in the reapportionment cases of the 1960s in which the justices laid down the principle of one person, one vote. Those cases addressed the problem of malapportionment caused when state governments created legislative districts of vastly different population sizes, usually to the detriment of urban areas and in favor of rural districts with inherited legislative power. As people within various states moved from rural to urban and suburban areas, legislatures were understandably reluctant to adjust district lines to accommodate that evolutionbecause such an adjustment would force many members out of office. By the early 1960s, when this process had been going on for more than half a century, voters in rural areas in many states had much greater influence in the legislatures than those in more populous areas of those states. Some compared the situation with the old rotten boroughs in Great Britain, in which ancient seats in Parliament were controlled by a few prominent families or absentee landlords. Since the legislatures in the American states drew the district lines, no means of remedy existed, absent intervention by the federal courts.

In Reynolds v. Sims (1964), the Court ruled: To the extent that a citizens right to vote is debased, he is that much less a citizen . . . But the basic principle of representative government remains, and must remain, unchangedthe weight of a citizens vote cannot be made to depend on where he lives. The Court was particularly concerned with situations in which voters in some districts are allocated disproportionate influence compared with voters in other districtsprecisely the issue of vote dilution raised in Evenwel. In Reynolds, the Court went further: The Equal Protection Clause requires substantially equal legislative representation for all citizens in a State regardless of where they reside. Those words suggest that citizenship ought to be the basis of representation. On the other hand, the Court also said in that case that legislative districts must be based on population and that [l]egislators represent people, not trees or acres. The Court thus conflated the two concepts of citizenship and population, no doubt because those cases were decided at a time when immigration (legal and illegal) was at near its lowest point in the history of the nation.

But in a subsequent apportionment case, Burns v. Richardson (1966), the Court clarified this point in permitting the state of Hawaii to use a districting formula based on registered voters, rather than total population. In giving Hawaii leeway to experiment with different districting formulas, the Court wrote: Neither in Reynolds v. Sims nor in any other decision has this Court suggested that the States are required to include aliens, transients, short-term or temporary residents, or persons denied the vote for conviction of crime, in the apportionment base by which their legislators are distributed and against which compliance with the Equal Protection Clause is to be measured. The opinion went on to add in a footnote that states may exclude for the purposes of apportionment persons who fail to meet its legal residency requirements (a category that might be read to include unauthorized immigrants). There is thus no precedent in these cases for the claim that states must apportion legislative districts by population.

In Evenwel, the Court ruled that the state of Texas could use population as the basis for legislative districts, in part because, as the state maintained, detailed information on citizenship and registered voters was unavailable or too unreliable to be used for legislative districting and the proposed alternatives to population were unworkable. But the justices, following the precedents established in Reynolds and Burns, stopped short of saying that states must use population as the standard, thus leaving the door open for states in the future to use some other metric (e.g., the number of citizens or registered voters) as the basis for representation. As Justice Samuel Alito wrote in a concurring opinion, Whether a state is permitted to use some measure other than total population is an important and sensitive question that we can consider if and when we have before us a state districting plan that, unlike the current Texas plan, uses something other than total population as the basis for equalizing the size of districts. Justice Clarence Thomas elaborated on this theme in writing in a separate concurrence that states should be left free to experiment with other metrics, such as total population, eligible voters, or any other nondiscriminatory voter base. The Supreme Court has thus left up in the air the issue of whether representatives at the state and local levels must be allocated on the basis of total population, citizenship, eligible voters, or some other metric.

In response to Evenwel, several states have taken steps to apportion legislative districts on the basis of citizenship. Missouri recently approved a constitutional amendment that would accomplish this goal. A similar measure is under consideration in Nebraska, though that state (like Missouri) has a small number of legal and illegal immigrants, in comparison with such states as California, Florida, and Texas. In any event, the issue is beginning to move in states across the country. In the likely event that some states move further in this direction, they will certainly face lawsuits challenging those moves, with the Supreme Court being asked eventually to resolve the unanswered questions from the reapportionment cases.

This is one reason that the citizenship question on the U.S. Census now carries so much weight: it will provide a factual basis to test claims about the appropriate foundations for legislative and congressional representation. If the citizenship question goes forward, state governments will have the information they need to apportion legislative and congressional districts on some basis other than total population. Inclusion of the citizenship question will also grant legitimacy to the distinction among citizens, legal immigrants, and illegal immigrantsdistinctions that some wish to abolish. The furious opposition to the citizenship question is thus no mystery.

Its no secret, either, that this issue has grown in importance in response to the surge of immigration that the United States has experienced since the 1970s, largely in response to the Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965 and to the rapidly globalizing economy. About 44 million immigrants currently reside in the United States (defined as those living in the U.S. but born in other countries), or about 14 percent of the population, compared with less than 5 percent in 1970 and 6 percent in 1980. There are, in addition, another 42 million children of immigrants, nearly all now U.S. citizens. Among the immigrant population, roughly half (21 million) are naturalized citizens, and the remainder are legal residents on temporary visas, lawful permanent residents, and illegal immigrants. There are about 1.5 million legal arrivals per year, with 60 percent of new (legal) immigrants coming from China, India, Mexico, Cuba, and Central and South America. Evolving changes in the demographic composition of the United States are thus mostly due to the effects of legal (not illegal) immigration, though the consequences of unauthorized immigration should not be discounted.

The Department of Homeland Security estimated that 12.1 million unauthorized immigrants resided in the U.S. as of January 2014 (the date of its most recent estimate). DHS further estimated that this number increased, on average, by 125,000 per year between 2011 and 2014. If one uses those estimates and projects them into mid-2018, the size of the unauthorized population would currently stand at 12.5 or 12.6 million. The Federation for American Immigration Reform (F.A.I.R.), using a somewhat different methodology, arrives at a current number of about 12.5 million, plus 4.2 million children of illegal immigrants, who, according to current interpretations of the law, are classified as American citizens. The estimate of 12.5 million represents about 4 percent of the total population of about 320 million Americans.

The unauthorized population is not distributed evenly around the countryinstead being concentrated in a handful of states and, within those states, in a small number of cities and counties. F.A.I.R. estimates that more than 2.6 million reside in California, 1.9 million in Texas, nearly 1 million in Florida, and close to 900,000 in New York. Thus, more than half of the unauthorized population resides in those four states; and within those states, they are mostly concentrated in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, South Florida, the border areas of Texas and the Houston and DallasFort Worth metropolitan areas, and the New York City metropolitan area. It appears that legal immigrants tend to cluster in many of those areas as well, adding to the situation addressed in Evenwel, where legislative (and congressional) districts contain widely divergent numbers of citizens and voters.

According to the current allocation of congressional seats, the figures regarding unauthorized immigrants add up to about four additional seats for California, three for Texas, and one or two each for Florida and New York (plus an equivalent number of electoral votes). One could argue that those seats have been distributed at the expense of several states with far smaller numbers of unauthorized immigrants, such as Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginiaall states slated to lose at least one congressional seat following the 2020 census.

Could those states file lawsuits against the House of Representatives or the Bureau of the Census, claiming that they have been harmed by the population formula for allocating congressional seats to the several states? That question could easily arise in response to the 2020 census, particularly if the citizenship question goes forward as planned. Given prevailing judicial precedents, the plaintiffs would have a reasonable chance of success.

On a deeper level, the controversy over the census raises questions about what the United States is or should be as a nation-state in the modern world. The New York Times, in an editorial attacking the citizenship question, claims that the Trump administration is trying to weaponize the census to redefine American democracy for a narrow set of people. Theyre trying to fundamentally change what this country is, and aspires to be, by creating different classes of people. The editorial implies that in the United States, no distinctions can be made between citizens and noncitizensa manifestly false claim, since the right to vote has always been limited to citizens, and most government benefits are similarly restricted to citizens or legal residents.

This argument and others like it suggests that the United States is evolving into a new and different kind of statea universal state, as it were, in which there are no distinctions among citizens and noncitizens, where the government represents everyone without regard to citizenship, where all are welcome and have equal rights, and with those residing elsewhere having rights to enter without restriction (because restriction would violate universal rights). Its easy to see how such an idea could take hold in a country like ours, based, as it is, upon universal principles of equal rights and individual liberty and with a founding document stating that all men are created equal. Philosophers and historians in the past have speculated about the possibilities of a universal state of this kind, though they have disagreed as to whether it would be a good or a bad thing, and whether or not it would work in practice. Yet until recently, it was regarded as mostly a speculative idea.

A nation-state, as traditionally understood, protects, represents, and secures the rights of its citizens first and foremost, while, of course, respecting the rights of visitors and noncitizens. For more than two centuries, the United States has worked out successful compromises between its commitment to universal rights and its real-world existence as a nation-state representing the American peoplesave for a singular exception in the middle decades of the nineteenth century. Those compromises are beginning to come apart once again, under pressures of immigration and globalization, with the census controversy now throwing into clear relief polarized interpretations of the nature of the American regime. The controversy may prove difficult to resolve under present conditions, and could turn out to raise the most explosive national questions since 1861.

Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Video Transcript

Man #1: Stand your punk a-- up!

John Stossel: How would you like to be on the subway with this man?

Man #2: Sit down dude.

Man #1: You stood up. That's a threat.

John Stossel: Or this person? Or how would you have liked to have been in Denver the day this man terrorized people swinging this pipe at them, hitting some. Later he said, I didn't mean to hurt anyone. He only did this in self-defense, he said because he felt threatened. He was paranoid and he thought these people had been attacking him. DJ Jaffe gave up a successful advertising career to try to improve the way America deals with people like this man. In jail, later the man apologized. He said, Most of the disoriented and threatening people we see on the street are schizophrenics or people with bipolar disease who stopped taking their medication. They cycle in and out of hospital emergency rooms. And some are a danger to others.

DJ Jaffe: Russell Weston shot two guards at the Capitol because he knew there was a ruby red time reversal system in the basement and if he could get to that, he could save the world.

John Stossel: Weston wasn't taking his medication because he didn't believe he was sick.

DJ Jaffe: Almost all these cases are individuals who are known to be seriously mentally ill and not treated. Russell Weston was one of them, so was John Hinckley who shot President Reagan. John Hinckley shot Reagan because he knew, not thought, knew that was the best way to get a date with Jodie Foster.

John Stossel: Years ago, more mentally ill people were locked up in mental hospitals, asylums that protected us from people like these. But the asylums were horrible places.

Stephen Eide: They were overcrowded, very shabby conditions, so we decided we would largely replace that system with a system in which people would receive mental health care in the community.

John Stossel: Made sense. They'd be closer to their family perhaps, who could visit, be cheaper in the neighborhood, but that didn't happen.

Stephen Eide: Nope. The largest jail or prison is going to have a larger population of mentally ill people than the largest mental hospital.

John Stossel: Today, thousands of mentally ill people are locked up in Los Angeles County Jail, Cook County Jail, and Rikers Island in New York City.

Stephen Eide: You will find a much larger population of seriously mentally ill people in those facilities than you will find in any mental hospital.

John Stossel: The guards are not trained in handling mentally ill people.

Stephen Eide: A jail or a prison is no place for somebody with schizophrenia, however that's where they're going to remain.

DJ Jaffe: As hospitals went down, incarceration went up. And in fact, in the 1960's and you compare it today, there's virtually the same number of people institutionalized.

John Stossel: Just in jail instead of asylums?

DJ Jaffe: Absolutely.

John Stossel: And in jails, they barely get treatment and the mentally ill people in jails stay much longer.

DJ Jaffe: And they get abused, and they get victimized, and they get thrown in solitary, and they can't visit their families. It's a horrific place to be.

John Stossel: There could be better alternatives. America has some high-quality mental hospitals. Bellevue in New York City is world-famous, but Bellevue doesn't have enough money to give the extended treatment that most seriously ill people need.

DJ Jaffe: It has become harder to get into Bellevue than Harvard. If you're well enough to walk into a hospital and ask for care, they're gonna say you're not sick enough to need it.

John Stossel: If you are sick enough, as this man may be, hospitals often practice what Jaffe calls "treating and streeting."

DJ Jaffe: They discharge you sicker and quicker. It's basically treated and streeted is the new policy.

John Stossel: The police call it catch and release. Of course there'd be more money for treatment of the repeat offenders if government didn't promise something for everyone.

NYC First Lady Chirlane McCray: There's something for everyone.

John Stossel: In New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed his wife head of a program meant to address mental illness.

John Stossel: Her program, Thrive, says 1 in 5 New Yorkers has a mental health condition.

NYC First Lady Chirlane McCray: Thrive includes 54 initiatives backed up by almost a billion dollars.

John Stossel: But most of that money goes to people who are not very sick, writes Jaffe and City Journal.

DJ Jaffe: They wrap anything that makes you sad, bad grades, poverty, coming from a single-family household, in a mental health narrative.

NYC First Lady Chirlane McCray: 1 in 5 New Yorkers have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year.

Stephen Eide: Blurring the lines between various mild mental disorders such as anxiety or mild depression and schizophrenia is not a bug, it's a feature of the program. The program is supposed to do that because it believes that the only way that New Yorkers will support improvements to mental illness policy is if they are convinced that everybody has a mental illness.

DJ Jaffe: They're totally oblivious to the bigger problems.

John Stossel: 20% fight mental health woe.

DJ Jaffe: If you have anxiety, you're in that 20%. If we're gonna spend all our money on people who are anxious or can't sleep, what's left for the seriously ill?

John Stossel: Not much. Thrive spends 80% of its money on problems like anxiety and loneliness. Money that Jaffe says would provide housing and basic treatment to more than half the seriously, mentally ill and homeless. Mental health professionals want to help people.

DJ Jaffe: No, they're focused on all the wrong things. If you ask any cop what we need he's going to say, we need more hospitals, we need easier civil commitments, so that when they bring somebody, they're admitted. We need to keep them on their medication so they don't deteriorate. Now I go to a mental health conference and they go, well we have to educate the public, and we have to fight stigma. The ability to get care has become inversely related to need.

John Stossel: Why?

DJ Jaffe: It's a much easier population to serve. They don't cost as much to help. Serving the seriously mentally ill is a really difficult task.

John Stossel: But lets say America did focus care on the sickest people. What happens if they then stop taking their meds? You can't force them to take the medication forever.

DJ Jaffe: There are people who lack the maturity of their faculties, and as a kind and compassionate society we should be helping them get treatment, not helping them go further into psychosis.

John Stossel: 46 states now allow officials to order dangerous people into assisted outpatient treatment, which forces them to accept treatment, including medication. I would fear my government having the right to forcibly drug me. What if some psychiatrist doesn't like my politics? Maybe I'll get locked up.

DJ Jaffe: Nobody can lock anybody up without extensive court review. But being psychotic is not a right to be protected. It's an illness to be treated. Making someone accept treatment can free them from the bastille of their psychosis. It's a reasonable use of the police powers of the state to help people who can't help themselves.

John Stossel: Helping people who dont help themselves before they hurt themselves, or others, and helping them without just locking them away, that would certainly be more compassionate than what we do now.

Stephen Eide: We tend to think of ourselves as a very tolerant society, certainly a very compassionate society. But a century from now, when people look at the situation with the seriously mentally ill people, they're going to look back on us and wonder how compassionate we really were.
Charity sector leaders have called on Philip Hammond to build on the vision set out in the Civil Society Strategy by taking substantive action on dormant assets and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The letter has been signed by Tony Armstrong, chief executive of Locality; Caron Bradshaw, chief executive of Charity Finance Group; Vicky Browning, chief executive of Acevo; Sir Stuart Etherington, chief executive of NCVO; Jane Ide, chief executive of Navca; Carol Mack, chief executive of the Association of Charitable Foundations; Julia Kaufmann, chair of the Small Charities Coalition; Paul Streets, chief executive of the Lloyds Bank Foundation and Peter Lewis, chief executive of the Institute of Fundraising.

Hammond will deliver the autumn budget on 29 October and the signatories of the letter have suggested that the 2bn identified by the Dormant Assets Commission in 2017 should be designated for strategic, long-term investment in civil society organisations. They've also said that part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund should be ring-fenced for a successor programme to the European Social Fund.

They have also called for the assets of the National Fund, an unused charitable endowment, to be put towards community foundations.

Money from dormant assets would be worth about 2bn, and the National Fund 500m. The Shared Prosperity Fund, if equivalent to EU funding, would be worth about 600m a year, although not all of that currently goes to charities. Dormant assets might also yield several hundred million pounds a year, in addition to the current capital.

The total commitment would be worth around 7bn a year to charities over the next seven years, although some would replace existing funding.

"The Civil Society Strategy sets out an admirable vision, particularly the commitment to Grants 2.0 and further place-based giving," the letter said. "Priority must now be given to how it is resourced. We are eager to work with the government to explore how, together, we can translate this vision into substantive action via two policy interventions."

Dormant assets

The letter said charities operate in an increasingly tough environment and that severe pressures on local authority-funding are hitting the people and places facing disadvantage the hardest and that the sector needs sufficient resources to continue to help to build a country that works for everyone.

The governments Civil Society Strategy has set out a vision for strengthening the capabilities, infrastructure and resources within communities, recognising the economic, civic and social capital that is required for communities to thrive.

It also suggested using the 475m held by the National Fund in a similar way and directed the chancellor to an earlier proposal for a Community Wealth Fund.

Employment and skills

The authors of the letter said that the government had a once in a generation opportunity to build on the European Social Fund by ring-fencing a similar amount from the newly proposed UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

ESF funding provides important investment for the UK in education and training and employment support, targeting vulnerable groups who often fall through the gaps of mainstream public services. This includes people with disabilities and health conditions, people facing multiple or complex barriers to employment, and ex-offenders, they said.

For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector sign up to receive the Civil Society News daily bulletin here.




Our understanding of sexual violence against women and the traumathe lifelong trauma that ensueshas not progressed since I covered the Anita Hill hearings 27 years ago, Katie Couric told CNNs Brian Stelter on Sunday morning. The fallout from Thursdays testimony of Christine Blasey Ford and Brett Kavanaugh continued over the weekend, dominating coverage as confusion spread over the scope of an FBI investigation brought about by a last-minute compromise on Friday.

Comparisons to the Clarence Thomas hearings, prevalent in the run-up to Thursday, continued in the aftermath of the testimony. The New Yorkers Doreen St. Felix argued that the spectacle entrenched the worst forces present in that 1991 event. What took place on Thursday confirms that male indignation will be coddled, and the gospel of male success elevated, she wrote after the Ford-Kavanaugh hearing ended. It confirms that there is no fair arena for womens speech. Mechanisms of accountability will be made irrelevant. Some people walked away from 1991 enraged. The next year was said to be the Year of the Woman. Our next year, like this one, will be the Year of the Man.

For others, however, the trauma of the past week carries a silver lining. CBSs John Dickerson called it a week of anguish, adding that there will be no winners once the denouement arrives. And yet, Dickerson continued. Calls to sexual assault hotlines have increased 200 percent since Fords testimony. Senators on both sides and even President Trump deemed her credible. It is now the default in America that accusers must be treated seriously and respectfully. Now, only the willfully ignorant dont know why women dont report abuse. This means my daughter will live in a better world than her mother, who like thousands of others was inspired to explain why she didnt reporta collective act that transformed what had been a wound into a walking stick. There is more anguish to come from this drama, but the culture has changed: a week of public anguish will mean less private anguish in the future.

RELATED: The media bullying of Christine Blasey Ford

The decision by Arizona Republican Senator Jeff Flake to demand an FBI investigation into the allegations against Kavanaugh means that the story will play out for at least another week. 60 Minutes premiered its 51st season with a joint interview of Senators Flake and Chris Coons (D-Delaware), who explained the story behind their last-minute discussions that led to Fridays compromise. But before their segment reached airwaves, NBC reported that the scope of the investigation would be limited by the White House counsels office.

This week will see a scramble by news organizations to report out new details of the allegations against Kavanaugh. Leaks from the FBIs investigation are likely to fuel speculation about the probes eventual outcome, and pressure on possible swing votesFlake, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Joe Manchin of West Virginiawill focus attention on that handful of senators. All of that will take place against a backdrop of larger conversations about sexual assault, gender equality, and how farif at allweve advanced over the past 27 years.

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Below, more on the weekends coverage of Ford, Kavanaugh, and what comes next.

#MeToo in DC: The Washington Posts Ann Gerhart and Danielle Rindler look at the way the #MeToo movement has brought the swift downfall of many powerful federal officials over the past year.

The Washington Posts Ann Gerhart and Danielle Rindler look at the way the #MeToo movement has brought the swift downfall of many powerful federal officials over the past year. On the investigation: Despite a Saturday night tweet from President Trump claiming that the FBI will be able to interview whoever they deem appropriate, NBC News reports that investigators are not permitted to interview Kavanaughs third accuser, Julie Swetnick, nor may they talk with former high school and college classmates of Kavanaugh who may be able to shed light on his behavior at Georgetown Prep and Yale.

Despite a Saturday night tweet from President Trump claiming that the FBI will be able to interview whoever they deem appropriate, NBC News reports that investigators are not permitted to interview Kavanaughs third accuser, Julie Swetnick, nor may they talk with former high school and college classmates of Kavanaugh who may be able to shed light on his behavior at Georgetown Prep and Yale. Fords impact: C-SPAN senior executive producer and host Steve Scully talks with HuffPosts Maxwell Strachan about the flood of calls the network received on Thursday from women describing their experiences of sexual abuse. It was such an organic moment, Scully says. It just happened. We didnt plan it.

C-SPAN senior executive producer and host Steve Scully talks with HuffPosts Maxwell Strachan about the flood of calls the network received on Thursday from women describing their experiences of sexual abuse. It was such an organic moment, Scully says. It just happened. We didnt plan it. Kavanaugh and the truth: Both Susan Collins and Jeff Flake have stated that it would be disqualifying should Kavanaugh have been shown to have lied to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Boston Globe editorial board argues that bridge has already been crossed. Make no mistake: Brett Kavanaughs a liar, reads the Globes searing editorial. He lies about little things. He lies about big things. He lies under oath.

Both Susan Collins and Jeff Flake have stated that it would be disqualifying should Kavanaugh have been shown to have lied to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Boston Globe editorial board argues that bridge has already been crossed. Make no mistake: Brett Kavanaughs a liar, reads the Globes searing editorial. He lies about little things. He lies about big things. He lies under oath. What we saw: CJRs Darrel Frost examines the choices made by photo editors in their outlets coverage of Ford and Kavanaugh. He highlights the power in the editing and curation at agencies like Getty and the AP, the gatekeepers to the majority of images Americans see.

Other notable stories:

ICYMI: Ford, Kavanaugh, and America divided

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Pete Vernon is a former CJR staff writer. Follow him on Twitter @ByPeteVernon.
Inside a Mid-City home not far from some of LAs more distinctive and delightful cultural offeringsa Roscoes House of Chicken n Waffles, the beloved skating palace World on Wheelsa group of Angelenos recently sat around a table strewn with puzzle pieces and glowing laptops. The curtains were drawn against the mid-afternoon sun, and there were open beers to sip. On the wall was a spreadsheet brimming with story pitches, illuminated by a projector propped up on the puzzle box.

A dog named Baxter plodded around, demanding head scratches from the editors, who were deep in conversation about pitches under consideration, art they want, photo essays theyd like to assign, and how many pages each article would need in the first issue of their new magazine. More pages means higher costs.

After surveying their pitches and aims, Sarah Bennett, a former food editor for the embattled LA Weekly, tells CJR of the non-hierarchical group, Were trying not to be the shitbags that we hate. Its a raison detre that the rest of the journalists in the roomLiz Ohanesian, Mark Ortega, Evan Solano, Jenn Swann, and Jeff Weisscan get behind.

ICYMI: A visit to LA Weekly, the most turbulent newsroom in America

Last October, the LA Times reported the acquisition of LA Weekly by a then-mysterious outfit called Semanal Media, which then laid off most of the staff without explanation. Former staff and contributors launched #BoycottLAWeekly, which Swann described in VICE as an effort to tank the paper before it has a chance to survive under its new ownership.

Since then, a turf war of sorts has erupted, with the winner poised to claim what LA Weekly Publisher Brian Calle has called the cultural center of Los Angelesan amorphous term Calle uses to define his papers focus when interviewers ask. At stake is not only a romantic notion of the alt-weekly, but also the development of a local press that can offer a rich look at the diversity of spirit and people of the vast city.

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Calle, former op-ed editor for the conservative Orange County Register, seems to believe such turf can be claimed without holding on to the publications editorial team. The journalists gathered in Mid-City, however, are there to disabuse him of the notion. Bennett, Swann, and the rest are building a new quarterly magazine called theLAnd, which they see as an opportunity to summon the rebellious voice for underground culture that LA Weekly has lost.

It doesnt matter thoughlike, even if we only had three issues, how would you feel if people were like, You failed? I think wed have won for doing something, for trying.

Bennett keeps the group on task between discussions, scrolling through the spreadsheet and filling in notes about art, editing responsibilities, and story length. At a point, she calls for a kibosh on more pitches from Weiss about hip hop musichis blog Passion of the Weiss is no misnomer, he is knowledgeable and full of feels about Los Angeles hip hop, dropping names of South LA artists left and right. We can do a 1,400-word profile in the magazine and then have a 6,000-word version online, he says of one.

During the meeting, theLAnds team worries openly about a lack of representation in their future publications pages. When Ortega pitches a story from a writer who grew up in Koreatown, Bennett adjusts her square glasses and responds hotly, Fuck yeah, someone who wants to write about their own neighborhood in LA. While considering coverage of Boyle Heightsa largely Latino neighborhood that has become a vocal center of LAs fight against gentrificationthe conversation drifts, and Swann waxes on the importance of local Latinx voices, her bleached blond topknot tilted to one side in concern.

They debate how to offer unique coverage of celebrity chef Roy Choi, whose recent closure of his healthy fast food restaurant in Watts has stirred a bigger conversation in the citys food circles. Its a touchy subjectmost Angelenos have an unsettling affection for Choi, the tattooed and foul-mouthed inventor of the Korean taco who was pivotal in earning LA long overdue props as a food destination. When Bennett coolly remarks that people fail and it happens, Weiss retorts, It doesnt matter thoughlike, even if we only had three issues, how would you feel if people were like, You failed? I think wed have won for doing something, for trying.

They want to make the right kind of splash. When are we touching base with Henry Rollins? Ortega asks, referring to the local punk hero and KCRW radio DJ. The group banters about luring in Rollins and other big names who left the LA Weekly. Rollins doesnt appear to have continued his column on his own as promisedand Swann wonders aloud if theyd be better off going to profile Rollins at home. Like, what is he actually like? Is he a sad boy like Morrissey? Does he date? she wonders. (There are plenty of people in LA who would love to know those answers.)

Id love a comic, says Ohanesian, as the group moves on to graphics. They talk about asking onetime Life in Hell comic artist Matt Groeninghis work used to appear in the Weekly. Its worth askingafter all, he draws them in like two minutes at the table at Jitlada, Swann says, naming a beloved Thai restaurant where his comics have been framed on the wall for years.

theLAnd hopes to publish its first issuesomething with the appealing heft of Lucky Peach, a defunct-yet-excellent food magazineby the end of 2018. So far, editors say they have raised $10,000; the guys behind Epic Magazine have been supporters, and theLAnd editors have started meeting with marketing people at concert venues and in the arts world to develop advertising relationships.

In Mid-City, Calle is a specter. Calle, who declined to speak by phone, wrote in an email that hes proud of the every department in the new LA Weekly. His PR positivity is markedly different from the affectionate way theLAnds editors talk about their work, with the verve of locals who love their city and know it, deeply. Over expensive coffees and cheap margaritas, theLAnd contributors and devotees of alternative media in LA tell me the new publication is worth being hopeful about. If the LA Times can find life after tronc, and the LAist can come back from closure, and independent media like LA Taco can thrive, then why cant a new alternative publication catch a break? Not for lack of enthusiasm, anyway. (Weiss says hes going to beg writers to submit their copy over the phone while theyre traveling. Theyre going to be like Hunter S. Thompson, and Ill be the editor whos yelling over the phone, Dictate the copy! he laughs.)

Calle, whose time at the Orange County Register is a distant cry from that sort of gonzo-journalism aesthetic, says LA Weekly has devoted much of the past year to making structural changes to make sure the business side of the company is on stable footing. What progress has been made would seem to be in peril. In August, one of Semanal Medias owners sued Calle and the rest of the company, accusing them of running the business into the ground. Part of the suit includes an allegation of pay-for-play coverage tied to a glowing review for Kurvana, a pot company that, according to the lawsuit, pays Calle $120,000 a year to work as a chief marketing officer. Calle says LA Weekly has no intention of being a strictly advertorial publication, and adds that advertorial content is labeled as such andseparate from the content our editorial team puts out. The Kurvana review remains untouched. A Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge recently ruled against an effort by Calle to seal the lawsuit.

In Mid-City, theLAnds team collectively savors the idea of going to court to watch the lawsuit unfold. When they move on to ad rates and how to support local small businesses, Weiss says, Id rather not be sellouts and take less money to make it cooler. At one point Weisswhose flowing hair, plaid shirt, and beatific smile make him look like Jesus if Jesus were also an East LA bartenderpitches a story about a mechanic who is not a young cool hipster mechanic with Elliott Smith murals on the wall, a reference to a local dust-up that likely would have gotten follow-up coverage if only the weekly staff hadnt been up-ended.

ICYMI: LA Taco bears news of an evolving city

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Shaya Tayefe Mohajer teaches journalism at the University of Southern California and works as a freelance journalist in Los Angeles. Previously, she was the news editor for TakePart.com and a reporter for The Associated Press. She is a graduate of New York University's masters program in journalism. Follow her on Twitter @Shaya_in_LA.
Starr Insurance Companies Introduces New Product to Fill Construction Liability Gap

Starr CIP Enterprise, a mono-line general liability construction wrap-up insurance policy, was introduced by Starr Insurance Companies.

The new product is designed for property owners and contractors who need tailored primary and excess general liability coverage for single large construction projects.

Contractors and property owners can access the wholesaler network through their insurance broker.

Roost Partners with HomeAdvisor

Roost, a home telematics provider for property insurance carriers, announced it has partnered with HomeAdvisor, a US marketplace that connects homeowners to more than 200,000 pre-screened service professionals for home projects. As a result, Roost is introducing HomeAdvisor powered Instant Plumber Connect, that enables a timely response to urgent water leak issues, as well as easy access to their complete Home Service Professional network, all within the Roost and co-branded partner mobile apps.

Following the recent feature addition of emergency weather alerts to Roost and their co-branded apps, the company is now rolling out HomeAdvisor powered functionality to address the immediate needs of Roost Smart Sensor owners. The new functionality will be available to all Roost insurance partners and features:

Instant Plumber Connect enables the immediate option to have a trusted local plumber call the policyholder right after a water leak notification is triggered by a Roost Smart Water Leak and Freeze Detector.

Home Services Search is a simple link from the mobile app home screen, and allows users to quickly search for a local service professional based on a wide variety of home projects ranging from plumbing, HVAC, electrical, painting as well as general home preventative maintenance tasks.

The Roost Smart Water Leak and Freeze Detector is designed to sense water leaks as well as humidity and freezing temperature situations. It then delivers smartphone alerts via the Roost mobile app to help minimize water damage and loss. These smart Wi-Fi enabled detectors set-up in less than five minutes and can be easily located in places that are most prone to water leaks and frozen pipes.

In a separate release, Roost announced a strategic agreement was reached with Mutual of Enumclaw Insurance to increase member engagement as well as reduce claims costs, The insurer will begin a pilot program to offer free Roost Smart Water Leak and Freeze Detectors to select new and existing policyholders.

Serving customers across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, and Montana, Mutual of Enumclaw will be deploying Roost smart sensors to select policyholders to help them better mitigate the cost and hassle of water leak related claims. The insurer will also be able to strengthen their engagement with members through Roosts co-branded Mutual of Enumclaw Insurance mobile app, recently enhanced with severe weather alerts and home service pro access.

FCBI Workers Compensation Fund Moves Headquarters to Orlando

Florida Citrus, Business & Industries Fund (FCBI) has moved its corporate headquarters from Alachua to Orlando, Florida. FCBI provides workers compensation insurance to more than 7,000 policyholders in Florida.

FCBI recently completed its most profitable quarter in the history of the Fund, writing more policies and more premiums than any other first quarter. The Fund has also paid out more than $20 million in dividends back to policyholders in just the last five years.

FCBIs recent relocation has created more than two dozen jobs and it remains committed to growing its workforce in the coming years.

Earlier this year, FCBI, which was formerly marketed as FUBA Workers Comp, brought all its marketing and underwriting functions in-house. This move will allow the Fund to become more efficient, financially stronger and better able to serve its members through a variety of offerings that include medical management, cost containment services and knowledgeable in-house underwriters with an average of 21 years of experience.

The company began its operations as a group self-insurance Fund back in 1977, focusing entirely on providing coverage to the citrus industry. Today, FCBI is a diversified Fund with more than $102 million in assets that partners with retailers, construction firms, artisan contractors and service providers.

Since joining FCBI in 2016, Debra C. Ruedisili, along with 20-year tenured CFO Sam Oswald and the new, talented Orlando based team of employees, has helped to grow FCBIs policyholder surplus to $25 million in 2017 and to $35 million in 2018.

FCBI CEO Ruedisili is one of the few female CEOs in the workers compensation industry.

For more information about FCBI, visit www.fcbifund.com.
Colorado Woman Gets 2 Years in $5 Million Medical Billing Scheme

A Colorado woman has been sentenced to about two years in federal prison for fraudulently billing insurance companies for $5 million by using unsuspecting chiropractors in the Louisville area.

A federal judge sentenced 40-year-old Claudia Lopez, of Fountain, Colorado, this week in Louisville. Lopez will also serve 3 years of supervised release.

The U.S. Attorneys office in Louisville says around 2012, Lopez and five others recruited the chiropractors in order to obtain and use the chiropractors names to fraudulently bill insurance providers.

After that, they recruited employees from a nearby business to seek chiropractic services from the clinics. Federal prosecutors say the clinics billed more than $5 million for muscle relaxant injections that never occurred using the employees personal identification.

The court also ordered Lopez to pay more than $232,000 in restitution.

Five Washington Residents Charged With Fraud in Connection With Auto Claims

Two people pleaded guilty and three people are facing insurance fraud charges after investigations by Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidlers Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU).

Kaitlyn Parker-Lee of Trout Lake, Wash., pleaded guilty in Klickitat County Superior Court to one felony count of filing a fraudulent insurance claim in connection with an auto collision. She was sentenced to serve 240 hours of community service and to pay $600 in court fees. She has paid restitution to Nationwide Insurance.

On Jan. 3, 2016, Parker-Lee filed a claim with Nationwide Insurance after she was involved in a collision with her 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage. She purchased the policy at 4:54 p.m. that day, but the other driver reported the collision occurred at 3:30 p.m. The other drivers vehicle was a total loss, estimated at nearly $11,000.

David H. Shen of Seattle pleaded guilty in King County Superior Court to one felony count of filing a fraudulent insurance claim in connection with an auto collision. Shen was sentenced to serve 160 hours of community service and to pay $600 in court fees.

In December 2015, Shen added a 2010 Lexus to his PEMCO auto insurance policy, opting to purchase only liability and uninsured motorist coverage. In January 2016, his daughter collided with a parked car in Seattle. Minutes after the collision, Shen logged into his PEMCO account, added collision coverage and then filed a claim for the cars total loss, estimated at $19,518. Shen gave PEMCO altered phone records in an attempt to prove he had collision coverage on the car before the accident. PEMCO denied the claim and referred the case to Kreidlers CIU.

Three others were charged in King County Superior Court.

Jonathan Franciuc of Bothell pleaded not guilty to one felony charge of filing a fraudulent insurance claim. According to the investigation, Franciuc purchased a State Farm insurance policy for his 2005 Volvo V70 on Feb. 8, 2017. On Feb. 15, he filed a claim for damage to his vehicle that was caused when he collided with a highway divider. The investigation showed the collision actually occurred on Feb. 4, four days before Franciuc bought the policy. State Farm paid Franciuc $6,785 for the total loss of his vehicle and a rental car, which he paid back in May 2017 when he withdrew the claim. State Farm referred the case to Kreidlers CIU.

Quoc Thang-Hoang Tran of Renton pleaded not guilty to one felony charge of filing a fraudulent insurance claim. According to the investigation, GEICO canceled Trans motorcycle policy for nonpayment in June 2017. Tran reinstated the policy on Aug. 6, 2017, and filed a total loss claim for the 2010 Bucati motorcycle on Aug. 22, estimated at $6,848. Washington State Patrol records showed the accident happened on Aug. 5, the day before Tran reinstated coverage. GEICO denied the claim and referred the case to Kreidlers CIU.

Enrique DeAnda-Morales of Auburn pleaded not guilty to one felony charge of filing a fraudulent insurance claim. According to the investigation, DeAnda rear-ended another driver on Aug. 8, 2017. On Aug. 9, he contacted Allstate, his insurer, to change the coverage on his 2011 Chevy Silverado from liability only to comprehensive coverage. On Aug. 10, he filed a claim with Allstate, stating that the Silverado had been stolen while he was at work. Allstate denied the claim and referred the case to Kreidlers CIU.
The House on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed legislation that would provide $1.7 billion to help residents of the Carolinas and elsewhere recover from recent natural disasters.

The aid was added to legislation to keep Federal Aviation Administration programs running beyond months end. The bill passed 398-23.

Lawmakers describe the disaster aid as a down payment. They say billions more will be needed in the months ahead to help communities devastated by Hurricane Florence.

Lawmakers are working to extend the FAAs programs for five years while tackling other priorities such as disaster relief. Lawmakers sought to address several concerns of the flying public in the bill. For example, it requires the FAA to set minimum requirements for seat width and legroom on airplanes to ensure that passengers could evacuate a plane quickly in an emergency. Lawmakers were also responding to complaints about cramped seating with the directive.

Safety should not take a back seat, especially a shrunken seat, to airline profits, said Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., who sponsored the seat legislation.

Another provision would prohibit the involuntary bumping of passengers who have already boarded a plane, a response to the public outrage over a passenger who was dragged off a United Express flight last year when he refused to leave.

Lawmakers declined to include in the final bill a provision from Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., to ensure that fees airlines increasingly charge passengers are reasonable and proportional to the costs of the services provided.

Airlines raised about $7.4 billion in fees last year, mostly through baggage fees and fees for changing their flight.

Markey said the consolidation among major airlines has reduced competition, and that has allowed the airlines to increasingly rely on fees to boost their profits without fear of losing customers.

We know that when choice goes down, fees go up. And these sky-high fees bear almost no resemblance to the cost of the services being provided, Markey said.

Lawmakers also added to the legislation a bill giving the FBI and Homeland Security officials the authority to track and down drones deemed a credible threat to people or federal facilities. Thats something Attorney General Jeff Sessions had sought. Sessions said drones promise to strengthen the U.S. economically but can also be used to wreak havoc by criminals, terrorists and other bad actors.

Privacy advocates criticized the provision. Neema Singh Guliani, a lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union, said it gives the government new power to spy on Americans without a warrant and to interfere with press freedom by restricting coverage using drones. The Electronic Frontier Foundation and a press-photographers group also oppose the measure.

The Senate must also pass the bill before it can be signed into law by the president. Lawmakers are racing to address a range of issues before the end of the fiscal year. If the Senate doesnt pass the bill before then, it will need to pass a short-term measure that would keep FAA programs going.

The bill also makes changes to Federal Emergency Management Agency programs by putting more money into such things as rebuilding levees and building seawalls before hurricanes hit so that the damage wont be as severe.

This will save lives, save money, and bend the cost curve of disasters, said Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Pa., and chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Lawmakers from South Carolina and North Carolina had urged Speaker Paul Ryan and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to provide some quick relief for the states as officials assess the full scope of the damage that has occurred. At least 47 deaths have been attributed to the storm. The lawmakers described the damage in a letter to Ryan and Pelosi. They said entire communities have been isolated because of flooding that was worse than any previous natural disaster in those states.

(Associated Press writer David Koenig in Dallas contributed to this report.)

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
AKRON, Ohio - After hearing push-back from residents regarding possible jail time for barking-dog violations in the city, Akron City Council is taking a step back to let the Law Department come up with other options

Toughening penalties for barking dogs was originally proposed by Ward 4 Councilman Russel Neal Jr., who said he was simply responding to complaints by residents in his ward.

Neal's proposal included increasing nuisance barking from a minor misdemeanor with a $100 maximum fine to a fourth-degree misdemeanor with a $250 maximum fine and up to 30 days in jail.

Ward 7 Councilman Donnie Kammer also called for tougher regulations, asking the Law Department to amend Neal's legislation to increase the fines further.

Since then, council members have been hearing feedback from residents, especially those concerned with jail time as a penalty, Ward 8 Councilwoman Marilyn Keith said at a Monday work session devoted to barking dogs.

Neal said his proposal has attracted calls from across across Northeast Ohio, with one call coming from Los Angeles.

"I have received a call from a constituent in every one of your wards," Neal told his colleagues. "I didn't know this was this big of an issue."

During the information-gathering session, City Prosecutor Gert Wilm said only five of seven complaints about barking dogs have led to convictions, and only one conviction was this year.

Since the beginning of the year, the city's 311 information line has logged 172 calls specifically about barking dogs, but many of them are duplicates, said John Valle, the city's director of neighborhood assistance.

Valle said most complaints are handled neighbor to neighbor or through the dog warden issuing a warning.

Most residents filing complaints don't want to appear in court and identify themselves, because they fear retaliation for making the complaint, said Animal Control Warden Ron Dowdy.

Normally, when animal control officers get a complaint about a barking dog, they go to the address, and listen, Valle said. If they don't hear any barking, they log the address as a potential problem so they can check back later, and they move on to the next complaint. They also leave a note so the resident knows a complaint was made.

Ward 5 Councilwoman Tara Samples said she has heard from animal rescue organizations that they fear people will begin dumping their dogs rather than face tougher penalties.

She also pointed out that the jail is so crunched for space it can't hold people for minor weapons violations, so passing out jail time for owners of barking dogs doesn't make sense.

Kammer said he supports something that offers council "tools" for effectively dealing with barking dogs without sending owners to jail.

At-large Councilwoman Veronica Sims said upping the fines to more than $600 is too steep for dog barking, so council needs to be prudent about setting fines.

Council members Keith and Rick Swirsky, Ward 1, said they would like a clear process put in place for handling complaints about barking dogs so everyone is on the same page.

Wilm said the law department will look at various options for strengthening the fines, without tying the fines to jail time, and present them to council.

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AKRON, Ohio - Ana, the Akron Zoo's golden lion tamarin, has died.

The 14-year old tamarin had been battling chronic pneumonia, which caused severe breathing difficulty. The zoo's vets euthanized her Thursday after she stopped responding to treatment.

Ana was born at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle on June 4, 2004 and came to the Akron Zoo in 2008. Her brother, Rio, will remain in the rainforest habitat in the zoo's Komodo Kingdom Education Center.

Ana, who weighed about 1.25 pounds, underwent successful cataract surgery in 2017. The surgery attracted media attention because it was believed to be the first cataract surgery on a primate so small. Because normal surgical instruments were too large, Akron Zoo staff worked with veterinary ophthalmologists at VCA Great Lakes Veterinary Specialists, and Clear Choice Laser Center and the Cleveland Eye Clinic, to improvise devices to complete the procedure.

Although the surgery was considered successful, Ana never fully regained her eyesight. So, the zoo staff created a modified bedroom for her and trained her to rely on hearing and touch to move around her bedroom.

Golden lion tamarins, indigenous to South America, are endangered as deforestation destroys their habitat. At the zoo, they are cared for under a Special Survival program. The Akron Zoo is one of only about 230 animal-holding facilities in the United States that is accredited to participate in Species Survival Plan programs of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Out of 227 species of animals at the Akron Zoo, 50 are under survival plans.

For more information about the Akron Zoo, visit the website.

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AVON, Ohio -- Little ghosts and goblins will have an extra half-hour to get treats, as the City of Avon has extended the time for Trick-or-Treat on Oct. 31. The new time is from 6 to 8 p.m. (the former ending time was 7:30 p.m.).

According to Mayor Bryan Jensen, there were several reasons for the change.

"Kids have often asked about extending the Trick-or-Treat time in the city," he wrote in an email. "Many communities outside of Lorain County have their Trick-or-Treat hours from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., so it isn't uncommon; many already have the full two hours.

"Many working parents are rushing home after work to get the children dressed and out the door. If this can help them slow down and not have to rush or worry as they are stuck in traffic on their way home, this could be very helpful. Most of our residents do not work in Avon and many work far enough away that rush hour traffic is a problem for them," he said.

The mayor noted that, so far, he has received a positive response to the time change. We'll see how it goes this year, and the city can always change it back to the 7:30 p.m. end time if necessary.

"Keep in mind, anyone can turn their light off whenever they want if they do not want Trick-or-Treaters coming to their door after a certain time," he wrote.

Avon Lake and North Ridgeville will celebrate Halloween with Trick-or Treat from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31.

AVON

School earns science award: Holy Trinity School is one of 61 Ohio schools honored with the Governor's Thomas Edison Award for Excellence in STEM Education. According to a press release from the school, the Ohio Academy of Science defines STEM education as both the mastery and integration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics for all pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students. This is the second consecutive year for the honor at the school.

PTA wine raffle: The Avon Early Childhood PTA will be holding a raffle for a chance to win a wagon full of wine (at least 30 bottles). Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online at avonecpta.org. Add any additional tickets as "guests" and complete the Paypal payment process. Ticket confirmation will be sent via email. You do not have to be present to win the raffle, but you must be 21. The winner will be notified on Dec. 5 by email and arrangements for delivery will be made.

Upcoming Parent Seminar series: The Avon Local Schools' next Parent Seminar is at 7 p.m. Oct. 17 at Avon Middle School, 3445 Long Road. The topic, "Getting Your Children to Do What You Really Want Them to Do," will be presented by Robert Reitman, LPCC. The seminar is free to all participants. Child care will not be provided.

New housing development coming: The city's Planning Commission recently heard an informal presentation regarding Mass Estates. Tom Kuluris from Liberty Development is requesting consideration for a proposed 26-lot subdivision on the south side of Schwartz Road between Williams Court and the county line.

Homecoming royalty: Congratulations to Avon High School's Homecoming King and Queen, seniors Noah Petzinger and Rachel Hapanowicz. The 2018 Homecoming Court included freshmen Emily Falasco and Conner Zajankala; sophomores Taylor Graham and Andrew Siler; juniors Brandon Doehne and Jenna Maruskin; and seniors Grace Alexander, Joey Allen, Michael Bergen, Sarah Fisher, Noah Lindon, Gillian Romanchok, Vincent Urteaga and Chloe Yeagley.

Puppy pals: Students in grades 1-5 are invited to sit and read with a therapy dog from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 13 for a 15-minute session at the Avon Library. Pre-registration is required; call 440-934-4743.

AVON LAKE

Adult computer class: The first Saturday of each month, the Avon Lake Public Library will host adult computer classes from 3 to 4 p.m. The first class is Saturday, Oct. 6. This month's class will address hackers, leaks and other online threats. Register at the Information Desk or go to alpl.org.

Medications program: Heritage Avon Lake will present the "History of Medications" from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, at the Avon Lake Public Library.

Homecoming royalty: Congratulations to Avon Lake High School's Homecoming King and Queen, seniors Matt Sanders and Sarah Gee. The 2018 Homecoming court included freshmen Derek Larner and Katie Yarham; sophomores Hannah Kaczmarski and Michael Stuewe; juniors Carter Knox and Natalie Waggoner; and seniors Samia Azizuddin, Joe Corbo, Patrick Fitz, Allora Gobert, Marissa Hall, Lilly Jack, Andrew Jacobson, and Michael Otts.

Pizza Bake-off winners: Thank you to the many guests who turned out for the North Coast Rotary's annual Pizza Bake-off last weekend at Avon Lake High School. It was another great event, with lots of great pizza to sample. Guests were encouraged to vote for their favorite pizzas in a variety of categories. And the winners are: People's Choice -- Romeo's; Best Specialty Pizza -- Zeppe's Pizza, Best Sauce -- Master Pizza; Pro's Choice (mystery sampler) -- The Dogg House Bar & Grill; and Honorable Mention -- Pizza Hut, Domino's Pizza and Marco's Pizza.

Fire Department promotion: Congratulations to firefighter Brian Gilles, who was named a lieutenant with the Avon Lake Fire Department.

NORTH RIDGEVILLE

Coloring contest: The Senior Center is sponsoring an Adult Coloring Contest. To participate, pick up the artwork provided at the center, 7327 Avon Belden Road. Deadline to submit entries is Oct. 19. Judging will be done by the center's Watercolor Group on Oct. 24. The top three winners will receive prizes.

Tot Trick-or-Treat: City employees will once again celebrate Halloween with children (up to 5 years old) at 1 p.m. Oct. 26 at City Hall for the annual Tot Trick-or-Treat event. To ensure that there is enough candy for the little ones, families are encouraged to pre-register for the free event; go to northridgeville.recdesk.com.

Lake Ridge open house: Learn what Lake Ridge Academy has to offer students during a K-12 open house at 1 p.m. Oct. 14 at the school, 37501Center Ridge Road. A kindergarten presentation will take place at 12:15 p.m. The school boasts at 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio and also offers world languages beginning in kindergarten. To register, go to lakeridgeacademy.org.

Bike donation: Thanks to a generous donation from the North Ridgeville Kiwanis Club, Early Childhood Learning Community preschooler Jared Powell, 4, received his own bike. Powell has cerebral palsy, and the bike will help him build muscle and ride with his friends. The club raised the $1,000 needed to purchase the bike through a spaghetti dinner fundraiser held a few months ago.

Writing conference: The North Ridgeville Library will host the Lorain Public Library System's Writing Conference from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 13. Featured speakers will include Brian Klems, senior online content editor for WritersDigest.com; and literary agent Victoria Selvaggio. Pre-registration is required; call 440-327-8326.

If you have news to share regarding an event, award or other interesting tidbit happening in Avon or Avon Lake, and North Ridgeville send me an email at jshortavon@aol.com. The column's online version is at Cleveland.com/Avon, which offers direct links for many of the news items listed.
BRUNSWICK HILLS TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- Theft, Center Road: A resident reported $60 in cash stolen from a jar in his home at 10:25 a.m. Sept. 15. The victim told police he suspects the men who delivered a washing machine to his apartment that day.

The delivery company and the trucking company contracted with for the job were both contacted and reportedly worked out restitution for the theft.

Drug possession, Spruce Avenue: A driver was cited for marijuana and drug paraphernalia possession at 9:31 p.m. Sept. 7 when police investigated a car parked at Princess Ledges Park after hours.

The driver and his passenger said they had driven to the park after work to have a cigarette. The officer smelled burned marijuana inside the car. A plastic bag of suspected pot, along with a grinder, a pipe and a "rubber container containing a yellowish tar-like substance," were found.

Unauthorized use of a vehicle, West 130th Street: A man reported his Lexus taken by his son without permission at 12:08 p.m. Sept. 8. The victim said he tried to chase down his son when he took the car, but was unable to stop him.

The suspect had reportedly just been released from the Cuyahoga County Jail for crashing his own car into the porch of a residence the night before. His father said he might have been going to Cleveland to buy heroin.

Police had no further information at the time of the report.

Drunken driver, Boston Road: Police responded to the scene of an accident at 4:45 p.m. Sept. 16 and found the driver involved to be intoxicated. The driver was cited for operating a motor vehicle while impaired.

Police had no further information at the time of the report.

If you would like to discuss the police blotter, please visit our crime and courts comments page.
AKRON, Ohio -- A Pennsylvania man captured by authorities near Mansfield last month after being on the run for three months agreed Monday to return to his home state to face charges related to threats against President Donald Trump and others.

Shawn Christy waived his detention and identity hearings, which were set to take place Monday afternoon in Magistrate Judge Kathleen Burke's courtroom in Akron. Christy, 26, briefly appeared in court and gave short answers to questions from Burke.

His decision means he has stipulated that he is the person named in an out-of-state federal indictment and that he will agree to remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, which will return him to Pennsylvania.

Christy reserved his right to seek a bond in front of another judge once he arrives in Pennsylvania.

A federal judge issued a warrant June 19 for Christy, a McAdoo resident, in connection to Facebook threats to the Northampton County, Pennsylvania district attorney, stating, "Keep it up (John) Morganelli, I promise I'll put a bullet in your head as soon as I put one in the head of President Donald J. Trump."

Christy also posted a message on Facebook to Morganelli that said "Your (sic) a dead man ... Lets play," according to a grand jury indictment issued in Scranton. He also has outstanding warrants for burglary, a probation violation and not appearing in court for an aggravated assault case.

The now-captured fugitive also said he would "use lethal force on any law enforcement officer that attempts to detain" him on an outstanding arrest warrant, the indictment states.

The Mansfield-area community was on high-alert for about a week in September as law enforcement looked for Christy. Some schools closed as a precaution and police encouraging residents to lock their homes, cars and sheds.

Investigators on Sept. 21 found a camp site with items believed to be Christy's, and a search team created a perimeter and found him in a wooded area in Mifflin Township. He was armed with a loaded gun and a large knife, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

More than 200 state and federal police and agents were involved in the search.

if you would like to comment on this story, please visit Monday's crime and courts comments section.
FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio -- The inaugural Greater Cleveland Young Marines Drug Demand Reduction 5K Run/Walk takes place at 9 a.m. Saturday at the nonprofit organization's W. 220th Street Drill Center.

"We're a national youth organization that does a lot of stuff related to drug demand reduction," Greater Cleveland Young Marines Organization Unit Commander Dan Dotson said. "It's kind of like a DARE program, if you will. So with the 5K, we're trying to run drugs out of our community."

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Young Marines facility. The 5K awards include the top overall male/female, top overall male/female masters division and the top three in a various age groups ranging from ages 9 and under to 60 and older. Runners receive a short-sleeve t-shirt and medal. Race day cost is $30 for adults and $25 for kids age 14 and under.

Dotson said a portion of the fundraiser proceeds will go towards Young Marines activities and trips, as well as to the Westshore Young Leaders Network.

The Young Marines promotes mental, moral and physical development of young Americans with activities that emphasize the importance of honesty, courage, respect, loyalty, dependability and a sense of devotion to God, country, community and family.

"The Young Marines have truly establish themselves in our community," Fairview Park Mayor Eileen Ann Patton said. "They assist us in our community events such as household hazardous waste disposal, shredding day and Summerfest.

"They even participate in our Memorial Day parade. We're very proud and grateful to have these young students giving back to the community."

Currently boasting 60 members, the Young Marines provides a military-like experience for kids ages 8 to 18; however, Dotson said the nonprofit isn't a scared straight organization.

"We have a very structured environment," Dotsun said. "We do adopt a lot of the Marine Corps values in the way we operate things. The kids will go out and will be doing close order drills where they're marching. We also talk about military history.

"So there are a lot of different things that go into it, but it's not just for those individuals that want to try to join the military."
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A male was shot Sunday night on Coventry Road, police said.

The shooting happened shortly before 9 p.m. on Coventry Road, north of Mayfield Road, Cleveland Heights Police Chief Annette Mecklenburg said.

Mecklenburg, who was at the scene along with at least nine other police cruisers, said she was unsure of the male's age, identity or the extent of his injuries.

She said no one has been arrested and that officers were still gathering information from witnesses at the scene to see if anyone saw what led up to the shooting.

Officers combed the street looking for shell casings and other evidence, while others knocked on doors talking to neighbors.

Officers focused their search on the street lined with homes. The street was blocked off just past Mayfield Road as officers investigated.

Mecklenburg said she would release more information on Monday, once officers were further along in their investigation.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A fight broke out Saturday at the Jack Cleveland Casino in downtown Cleveland after a couple refused to wait for two women to complete their food order two minutes before the casino's kitchen closed, according to police.

The fight happened about 4:30 a.m. Saturday. A 21-year-old woman suffered a broken wrist and injuries to her face, shoulder and hip. Her 21-year-old friend suffered injuries to her face, hand, ribs and neck, police said.

No arrests were made in the case. Jack Casino security allowed Cleveland police to surveillance video of the brawl, according to police.

The two friends told police they were standing in line at a kiosk ordering food. An employee told the duo they needed to hurry up and order because the kitchen closed in two minutes, according to police reports.

A man and woman standing behind the two women became impatient, police reports say. The man shoved one of the women out of the way, police reports say.

The 21-year-old woman said she turned to the couple and said: "You don't need to put your hands on me," according to police.

The man replied that he didn't consider what he did to be "putting hands on," police reports say. "But this is," the man said before attacking the women, according to police reports.

He then shoved her hard, causing the woman to fly "across the room," police reports say.

The 21-year-old woman's friend went to help her friend and the other woman stepped in and started fighting.

The man grabbed the other 21-year-old woman, choked her with both hands, punched her in the face and threw her to the ground, police reports say.

The couple left, and was not arrested at the time, but casino security gave police the name of the man they believe attacked the women, according to police.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center received a record number of texts, phone calls and online messages Friday, after Christine Blasey Ford testified that she was sexually assaulted by nominated Supreme Court justice Brett Kavanaugh.

On Friday, there were 60 contacts. All week of the hearing -- Sept. 23 through Sept. 29 -- there were 191 contacts, averaging 27 per day. That's compared to a typical 19 contacts per day in 2018.

President and CEO Sondra Miller said calls and messages are similar to the ones the rape crisis center gets every day -- survivors of sexual assault struggling to deal with reconciling events today with the traumas of their past. That means working through flashbacks and emotions.

#DearSurvivor We believe you. We hear you. We see you. We support you. https://t.co/0sc2xKeu3n  CLE Rape Crisis Ctr (@clevelandrcc) September 30, 2018

When Anthony Sowell, nicknamed the "Cleveland Strangler" was convicted of killing 11 women in 2011, the rape crisis center saw a spike in contacts. The #MeToo movement, which gained mainstream attention last fall, also led to an increased number of messages and calls, for months straight.

Headlines and social media comments can be difficult for survivors of sexual assault. Survivors may be hurt by comments from coworkers, friends or family about Ford's testimony and sexual assault in general, Miller said. Some people wonder whether it's too late to file a police report.

Miller said the increase in people contacting the rape crisis center is not reflective of how many people are reaching out to law enforcement.

Miller said between 2000 and 2015, the center averaged about 7 to 9 calls and messages a day. That jumped to 13 a day in 2016. In 2017, the center averaged 17 calls and messages a day.

"I do not think the incidents of sexual assault are any greater than they were 10 or 20 years ago," she said. "I think people are more comfortable coming forward."

Miller said the rape crisis center was prepared for the increase, with staff and 80 to 100 trained volunteers on its team.

The news events also lead to an increase in people wanting to help -- volunteering time or requesting prevention programs. Miller said the rape crisis center received a number of donations made in honor of Ford.

To see a Facebook Live conversation about the Kavanaugh hearings with Miller, click here.

If you need help

Miller's first piece of advice is to turn off the news and log out of social media.

"Setting that healthy boundary for yourself is important," she said. "There's only so much we can take in."

You can also call, text or chat online with Cleveland Rape Crisis Center volunteers and staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The crisis center started its online chat portal in April 2016.

"We were shocked at how quickly people started using it," Miller said.

Text messages and online chats can serve as a bridge for people scared of losing anonymity or if they'll get the support they need from the center. The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center does not require identifying information.

Call or text (216) 619-6192 or (440) 423-2020 to reach the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center's crisis and support hotline. To find the online chat, click here.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cuyahoga County's Criminal Justice Council created a task force Monday to identify bail reforms that should be adopted by courts in the county.

The task force will be led by John J. Russo, presiding and administrative judge of the County Common Pleas Court, and include Cleveland Municipal Judge Michelle Earley, Shaker Heights Municipal Judge K.J. Montgomery and Brandy Carney, chief of the county's Public Safety and Justice Services Department.

Other council members have been invited to join the task force, which will make recommendations to the council's executive committee. The next full meeting of the council will be in January.

Creation of the task force comes nearly a year after the Pretrial Justice Institute, a Maryland-based advocacy group, released a report that detailed unacceptable levels of pretrial detention in the county.

At Monday's session, neither Russo nor County Executive Armond Budish, who co-chairs the council with Russo, offered up any timeline for when they would like to see specific reforms embraced. But Budish said he expects the task force to begin its work right away.

"So, if you're planning on being in Europe the next three months, don't sign up," he said,

Russo has said previously that the decisions of the council are not binding.

Creation of the council was announced in June. It includes court officials, police, prosecutors, defense attorneys, city and county officials as well as advocacy groups. The purpose of the council is to tackle such issues as bail reform and better treatment for suspects with mental-health concerns.

In March, the Cuyahoga County Bail Task Force, which was commissioned by Russo, addressed the Pretrial Justice Institute report that was made public in October of 2017.

Russo created that task force days after cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer began its Justice for All series, which has been advocating to reform unfair bail and license-suspension practices.

Cleveland State University law professor Jonathan Witmer-Rich, one of the authors of the bail task force report, discussed some of the findings of the institute report with the council on Monday morning.

The institute report took a snapshot of certain jails in the county and found that 25 percent of the population awaiting trial on felony charges were detained for an average of 104 days.

It also found that the remaining pretrial population was released, on average, after 17 days. "And that number should be one or two days, or three days, something like that," Witmer-Rich told the council.

Another finding in the institute report was that 38 percent of suspects released on personal recognizance, which means they were not required to post any money, spent at least seven days behind bars before their release.

"Again, I think that's clearly a stat we should not be comfortable with," he said.

The bail task force report recommended several changes to the bail system in Cuyahoga County, including the extension of pretrial services to all the courts in the county. The Common Pleas Court offers pretrial services and Cleveland Municipal Court began providing pretrial services last month. But for the most part, such services they don't exist within the other 12 municipal court systems in the county.

Pretrial services are seen as critical to bail reform because they allow judges to obtain more information about a defendant before making a bail determination, including the level of risk likelihood that a defendant will fail to appear in court or be a danger to the community if released, and whether the suspect is suffering from addiction or mental health issues that should be addressed.

The task force also recommends that judges use a tested, risk-assessment method to help make bail decisions and to rely less on bond schedules that set bail amounts based on the charge.

Russo also announced Monday that representatives of the Pretrial justice Institute will be in Cleveland in either November of January to provide training to judges on best practices regarding bail and pretrial detention.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- One of the most deadly flu seasons in decades ended this spring, and a new flu season is already here. Time to get a flu shot now.

An estimated 80,000 Americans died from flu-related illness during last year's flu season, the highest number of deaths in at least four decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In an average year, the U.S. sees between 12,000-56,000 deaths, the CDC said at a press conference.

Cuyahoga County had a record number of hospitalizations, with 2,781 far surpassing the old record of 1,581 set during the 2014-2015 season. Cuyahoga County recorded 47 flu deaths, coming close to the record of 52 deaths recorded that same season.

The severe 2017-18 flu season was driven by a flu strain that tends to cause more hospitalizations and deaths, especially among young children and the elderly. Fatal complications from the flu can include pneumonia, stroke and heart attack.

Last season's flu vaccine was about 40 percent effective, said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health. It wasn't a good match against the flu mutations that circulated.

There's no way to predict if the upcoming flu season, which runs October through spring, will be better or worse, experts say.

Symptoms of influenza include moderate to high fever, dry cough, headache, sore throat, chills, runny nose, loss of appetite, muscle aches, and tiredness. Signs that influenza is getting worse include fever, shaking chills, and shortness of breath.

Even though the flu vaccine is not 100 percent effective, doctors still recommend it because it makes illnesses less severe and saves lives. Pharmacies, clinics, county board of health and doctors across northeast Ohio stand ready to offer flu shots. (See accompanying story for a list of places to get the influenza vaccine.)

At a recent flu clinic inside the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center in University Circle, volunteers guided veterans to nurses standing ready to administer the flu shot. About 500 veterans received free flu shots during the clinic's two days, a spokeswoman said.

Retired Navy veteran James Bowie, 66, took advantage of the free flu vaccine while getting physical therapy at the VA medical center. For years, Bowie got an annual flu shot to help protect his late mother, whom he cared for. He's decided to keep up the habit.

"I never got the flu, and when I did get a cold, it helped me from going under," said Bowie, who lives in Cleveland. "I recommend everybody get it."

It's important to get the influenza vaccine to protect yourself and people around you who might have weakened immune systems, said Liza Eckstein, a VA nurse and infection prevention specialist.

Eckstein listed other ways to protect against germs, such as staying away from sick people, coughing into your elbow, using tissues and washing hands before and after eating.

"Every little bit helps," Eckstein said.

People considered high-risk during flu season are those younger than age 6, older than 65, pregnant women and residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities. Health issues that could complicate the flu are asthma, neurological conditions, chronic lung disease, heart disease, blood disorders, endocrine, kidney and liver disorders, and a weakened immune system.

Everyone six months and older should get vaccinated every year by the end of October, because it takes two to four weeks for the shot to reach full effectiveness.

Science hasn't cured the common cold, but it is getting closer to a universal flu vaccine that would work against multiple versions of the flu virus, and provide immunity for more than one year, making the days of the annual flu shot obsolete.

Researchers are working on a universal flu shot that would be followed by a seasonal vaccine, or "boost," to create a better vaccine. Other research is looking at a section of the flu virus that doesn't mutate from season to season, making it an ideal target for a universal flu vaccine.

There's also a new, fast-acting drug that appears to shorten the duration of flu symptoms. The FDA is reviewing the drug and a decision is expected soon, according to the online health publication STAT.
EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio - An East Cleveland judge has denied a request by five Cleveland police supervisors to dismiss misdemeanor charges related to a 2012 chase that ended in a deadly shooting.

Defense attorneys for the five supervisors argued during a July 9 hearing that dereliction-of-duty charges should be dismissed due to a series of procedural issues. They contended the supervisors' right to speedy trials have been violated; more than five-and-a-half years have passed since the Nov. 29, 2012 chase that ended in the deaths of the unarmed Timothy Russell and Malissa Williams.

East Cleveland Judge William L. Dawson noted in a Sept. 20 ruling that statutory requirements for speedy trials do not apply because the case was previously appealed to the Ohio Supreme Court, which ruled last year the trial could be held in East Cleveland.

"The statutory requirements for a speedy trial do not apply to a case following remand after a direct appeal," Dawson wrote in his ruling.

Defense attorneys intend to appeal the ruling, said attorney Henry Hilow, who represents one of the five police supervisors.

"We respect the authority of the court, but we feel these charges should've been dismissed," Hilow said Monday afternoon.

Supervisors Michael Donegan, of Cleveland; Patricia Coleman, of Brooklyn; Jason Edens, of Avon; Paul Wilson, of Cleveland; and Randolph Dailey, of North Ridgeville are charged with dereliction of duty, a first-degree misdemeanor, in five separate cases in East Cleveland Municipal Court.

The case against them has been languishing in various courts for more than four years, since they were first indicted in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. The case moved to East Cleveland in 2015, after then-Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Timothy J. McGinty's office dropped charges in common pleas court.

East Cleveland prosecutors filed new charges against the supervisors July 3, 2015.

The move to East Cleveland drew criticism from the supervisors' attorneys, who accused McGinty of shopping for a more favorable jury pool. They appealed the move to the Ohio Supreme Court, which determined the case could be heard in East Cleveland.

That decision meant Ohio's speedy trial statute does not apply to the supervisors' cases, Dawson said in his ruling. Ohio law requires persons charged with first- and second-degree misdemeanors to stand trial within 90 days of an arrest of service of a summons.

East Cleveland Law Director Willa Hemmons had argued in court that she should be given more latitude due to the complex nature of the case. She also argued other issues, including the recall of former East Cleveland Mayor Gary Norton, contributed to the delay.

Dawson's ruling also considered the "reasonableness" of the delay. He determined that the trials could be postponed because the parties involved had discussed possible plea agreements that "even became subject of public and media scrutiny," he wrote in his ruling.

Defense attorneys for the supervisors objected to those plea negotiations, criticizing East Cleveland Law Director Willa Hemmons' offer to drop the charges if each supervisor paid $5,000 in restitution to the city of East Cleveland.

Two of those defense attorneys -- Henry Hilow, who represents Dailey, and Kevin Spellacy, who represents Coleman -- sent letters to Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O'Malley, the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office and other authorities to ask them to review the matter "for any potential criminal conduct and/or prosecutorial misconduct."

Hemmons said previously that none of those agencies have contacted her about the letter.

The five supervisors were among nearly 100 police officers who participated in the 2012 chase, the Ohio Attorney General's Office said. None of the five supervisors fired their guns.

Thirteen officers fired shots at the end of the chase, but Michael Brelo was the only one to be charged. He was acquitted in May 2015 of voluntary manslaughter.

The five supervisors were called to testify during Brelo's trial, but they invoked their Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination.

To comment on this story, visit Monday's crime and courts comments page.
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- A 36-year-old man died after he was shot late Sunday at a home on Coventry Road, police said.

Khalil Woods of Cleveland Heights died after being shot in the back, police said.

The shooting happened about 8:45 p.m. Sunday at a home in the 1600 block of Coventry Road, north of Mayfield Road.

Officers found Woods on the first floor of a home. The officers gave the man emergency medical treatment until an ambulance took him to University Hospital, where he died.

Cleveland Heights Police Chief Annette Mecklenburg, who was at the scene helping officers investigate the shooting, said no suspects have been identified in the shooting.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The flu vaccine is now available at most doctor's offices and pharmacies.

Here are other spots where you can get a flu shot:

CUYAHOGA COUNTY

Cleveland Department of Public Health: No-cost flu vaccines for most people. The cost will be covered by most insurance plans and are free for those without insurance. Here are the locations:

Thomas McCafferty Health Center, 4242 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. every Monday starting Oct. 1 through the flu season.

J. Glen Smith, 11100 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. every Thursday beginning Oct. 4 through the flu season.

Gunning Park Recreation Center, 16700 Puritas Ave., Cleveland, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5.

Cleveland City Hall Rotunda, 601 Lakeside Ave, Cleveland, 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 12.

Cleveland Clinic: Walk-in clinics and vaccines by appointment. Go to the website for details.

Cuyahoga County Board of Health: Vaccine shots for infants, children, teens and adults. The department gives children under 18 years of age their shots for free or at a low cost. Insurance and out-of-pocket payments are also accepted.

Walk-in flu shots are available at board office, 5550 Venture Dr., Parma, every Wednesday from 8-11 a.m. during October, November and December. Walk-in clients can get shots Monday through Friday from 8-11 a.m., but the wait time will be longer than on Wednesday mornings.

Cuyahoga County Board of Health will host an evening walk-in clinic on Wednesday, Oct. 24, from 4-7 p.m. No appointment is needed.

Call 216.201.2041 for an appointment and more information. The website has a locator function that finds a flu clinic near you.

University Hospitals: Flu shots at all its primary care and pediatric primary care locations. Book your own appointment online, fill out an online form, or call to schedule at 1-866-UH4-CARE (1-844-834-5839)

CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinics: Vaccine in stock and available for patients.

Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center: VA medical centers and clinics provide no-cost flu shots during any scheduled VA appointment or at walk-in flu stations.

Outpatient clinics: 9 -11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center: 9 -11 a.m. and from 1 - 3 p.m. Monday - Friday at the Primary Care Clinic.

Walgreens offers eligible veterans, who are enrolled in the VA health care system, no-cost flu shots now through March 31, 2019. Walgreens will securely transmit information about the veteran's flu shot to the VA electronic health record.

ELSEWHERE IN NE OHIO:

Lake County General Health District: Numerous one-day flu vaccine clinics at locations throughout Lake County, Wednesday, Oct. 3 through early November. Call 440-350-2543 for dates and to register. The health department will offer $50 high-dose vaccines for those 65 and older, and $30 standard dose vaccines for people ages 18-24.

The state provided vaccine, also known as vaccine for children is $15. This is only for those who are not insured or are underinsured (meaning their insurance does not cover the cost of the vaccine). The health district will accept Medicaid, Medicare Part B and private insurance plans.

Lorain County: Flu clinics in various locations across the county in October and November. No appointment is necessary. LorainCountyFlu.com.

Medina County Health Department: Flu shot clinics at the department's Medina location, and various community clinics. Clinics will be open through December.

Portage County: Clinics throughout Portage County in October. Click here for a calendar listing times and locations. Cost is $10 for those with no insurance or who are underinsured.

Summit County Public Health Department: Flu shots at its Immunization Clinic, 1867 West Market St., Akron. Contact the clinic to schedule an appointment.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown says he is not the kind of guy who looks in the mirror every morning and sees a future president.

In an interview Monday with the cleveland.com/Plain Dealer editorial board, Brown said he is not among those circulating his name as a potential 2020 Democratic candidate for president. He said he believes others are suggesting him because he's a Democrat who has consistently won a state that President Donald Trump carried by more than eight percent.

"I love this job," Brown said of his U.S. Senate gig. "The other people on those lists are people that are out talking about it, are out campaigning across the country. I am not doing that."

To run for president, Brown said, "you have to really want the job. I don't really want the job." However, Brown did not say he would never run for president in the future.

Brown said he'd already decided to vote against Trump's Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh before allegations were raised about inappropriate drunken sexual behavior in Kavanaugh's youth.

Brown said he felt that Christine Blasey Ford, who last week testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee about an alleged assault by a teenaged Kavanaugh, seemed more credible than the nominee.

"I know almost nobody who doesn't believe her," Brown said. "Why subject herself to the vitriol?"

Brown also said he found it suspicious that Republicans would not try to interview Mark Judge, a friend of Kavanaugh's who Ford claims witnessed the assault. Judge has submitted a statement that said he didn't remember it.

"Why are Republicans in such a rush" for a vote? Brown asked. "They are afraid more things will come out and the public will believe them."
MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, Ohio -- When voters passed a $54 million permanent improvement levy two years ago, they set in motion the first-ever total renovation of Polaris Career Center.

To say the new learning spaces are impressive is an understatement. Six new mezzanine classrooms have windows overlooking the labs below. Students are using state-of-the-art equipment and retrofitted labs. A new entrance for public access to the salon, restaurant and bakery also is being built.

Superintendent Bob Timmons and Director of Community Outreach Doug Miller recently provided cleveland.com with a special tour of the facility.

A section of the second floor will house new medical and dental labs, as well as the chemistry and technology programs. Modern HVAC units already have been installed on the new roof. Renovations will continue until 2020.

"We built a second floor in our high-bay, industrial tech labs and have all new equipment," Timmons explained. "There were only six programs in the building when it originally opened 42 years ago, and now we have more than 20. It's a total transformation."

He said more than 350 Advisory Council members, along with Polaris staff members, were consulted to ensure that the labs and classrooms are state of the art, properly designed and provide students with a seamless transition to the workplace.

The third floor accommodates three high school programs, with the remaining area designated for adult education classes.

"What a great advantage the students are going to have in such a new space," Timmons said.

Automotive technology instructor Bob Yuravak said he felt like "(he) died and went to heaven" when his renovated lab increased in size. His students helped to create the layout.

"We're the ones who know what we need in the industry, and Mr. Timmons trusted us enough to allow us to design it," Yuravak said. "All of the cars originally were backed in against the wall because there wasn't enough space for the kids to walk around them."

"We have new leading industry tools that enable us to be trained properly on how to use them before we go out in the industry," added senior Michael Karpinski of Berea, while Middleburg Heights senior Matthew Howard called the new lab "amazing."

"It definitely instills confidence in us," Howard said.

The public will be able to tour the new classroom reconfigurations and program labs when all construction is completed, projected to be sometime at the end of the 2020 school year, Miller said.
SEVEN HILLS, Ohio -- City Council is currently considering requiring a Dumpster permit for residential property construction. Ward 3 Councilman Tom Snitzky had the idea for the ordinance.

"A number of residents have complained about Dumpsters sitting long term on residential property," Snitzky said.

If passed, a $15 permit would have to be obtained from the Building Department. The permit would be valid for 60 days. The permit could be renewed at no additional charge in 60-day increments as long as active construction and demolition is occurring on the property.

Residents or property owners who violate the legislation, which Snitzky said has precedence in other Northeast Ohio communities, would be issued a citation and could be found guilty of a third-degree misdemeanor.

Mayor Richard Dell'Aquila commended Snitzky for being proactive to keep up the appearance of the community.

"One of the things that he encountered was a number of houses that are being refitted or repaired. The people owning those properties are doing the work, with Dumpsters outside of the property, where they sit for many weeks sometimes," Dell'Aquila said. "It develops an eyesore, so his idea was to request there will be a restriction.

"Similar to many communities, we're seeing a transition with a lot of our older homes now being remodeled and upgraded. So we're finding a lot of construction going on throughout the city," Dell'Aquila said.

"We want to encourage the work to be done, but we also want it to be done in a way that's respectful of the residents who are already here."

Snitzky is confident that City Council will pass the construction and rubbish permit fee legislation.

"We look forward to individuals dramatically improving the housing stock in Seven Hills, but will not allow a Dumpster parked long-term in a residential neighborhood without ongoing active work taking place on the property (to) become a blight on the neighborhood," Snitzky said.
A woman walks past a graffiti refering to the Greek debt and reading 'Forever a loan' outside the Academy of Athens building on August 28, 2017.

Greece could be about to start another fight with its creditors and the financial markets.

The government unveiled last evening the first draft of its 2019 budget plan in which two scenarios were put forward for its spending plans and economic targets for the coming year.

One of them included planned and pre-legislated pension cuts, in line with its creditors' expectations.

The other spending plan does not include pension cuts, however, indicating that the Greek government is willing to make changes to reforms that it had previously agreed with its creditors.

The pension cuts were due to start in January and were one of the most difficult reforms to come to an agreement. Potential changes to pensions, or to other reforms, could spark confrontations with European institutions and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF said last month that the 2019 pension cuts are part of the reforms that the Greek government agreed to, and that Greece needs to show it is investor-friendly.

The 2019 budget is the first in nearly a decade without Greece being subject to a bailout program. Nonetheless, Athens promised on Monday to stick to fiscal targets that had agreed with its creditors. In fact, Greece has said it will over-deliver when it comes to its primary budget surplus.
Steve Collis, president and chief executive officer of AmerisourceBergen Corp., testifies during a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee hearing in Washington, D.C., May 8, 2018.

AmerisourceBergen, one of the largest U.S. drug wholesalers, will pay the federal and state governments $625 million to resolve civil claims over its illegal distribution of adulterated and misbranded drugs, including syringes for cancer patients, New York's attorney general said on Monday.

The settlement followed a related September 2017 guilty plea by the company's AmerisourceBergen Specialty Group unit, which included $260 million of criminal fines and forfeitures.

Authorities accused the unit's Medical Initiatives pharmacy subsidiary in Alabama of causing numerous false claims to be submitted to Medicaid for unapproved new drugs, and for defective or compromised new drugs.

They also faulted the unit for illegally shipping pre-filled syringes that contained drugs for patients in chemotherapy, and which were prepared in an unsterile environment. These drugs included Aloxi, Anzemet, Kytril, Neupogen and Procrit.

"We have zero tolerance for big corporations that skirt federal and state laws to boost their profits at the expense of vulnerable individuals," New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood said in a statement.

AmerisourceBergen has said it set aside $625 million for the settlement in its fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2017.
An examination with a CT scanner is prepared in the emergency room of the university hospital (UKJ) in Jena, Germany. The GE Healthcare scanner is called the Revolution CT.

The planned spinoff of General Electric's health unit  GE Healthcare  could be in jeopardy after news that John Flannery was removed as chairman and CEO of the industrial conglomerate, according to one industry analyst.

Jim Corridore, a research equity analyst at CFRA, said Monday that GE's incoming leader, former Danaher CEO Lawrence Culp, could decide that the multibillion-dollar health division would be better off staying within the company.

GE Healthcare, a dominant player in hospital and lab equipment, is a bit of a cash cow, generating roughly $19 billion in revenue and throwing off $3.4 billion in profit last year. It accounted for 15.8 percent of the conglomerate's total sales, and 43.2 percent of its operating profit in 2017.

"Maybe health care is not going to get spun off now," Corridore said in an interview with CNBC's "Power Lunch." "Maybe some of the parts that were going to be sold make more sense today."

GE Healthcare spokeswoman Jennifer Fox said the unit "plans to continue working toward separation of GE" and news of Flannery's removal "does not change what's happening at GE Healthcare."

And according to GE, the company remains "committed to establishing healthcare as a separate independent entity."

Scott Davis, chairman and CEO of Melius Research in New York, told CNBC that he also doesn't think Flannery's exit changes anything for GE Healthcare. "But I suppose anything is possible," he added.

GE shares were soaring more than 7 percent early Monday afternoon after news that the board removed Flannery from his position.

According to a source familiar with the matter, Flannery's removal was driven by the board's frustration with the slow pace of change under his leadership  not troubles at GE's power business.

Flannery tasked GE Healthcare CEO Kieran Murphy with spinning out the unit into a separate, independent company by the end of 2019. The move made sense for GE, allowing it to double down on its core industrial and energy businesses.

In a recent interview with CNBC, Murphy said he was excited and didn't seem all that worried about the spinoff, calling it "a huge challenge and a great opportunity."


Benchmark, the venture firm that bet early on Uber, Snap, Stitch Fix and numerous software companies that have gone public of late, is raising its latest fund without two of its key partners.

According to an SEC filing on Monday, Benchmark's ninth fund won't include Mitch Lasky, who led the firm's investment in Snap, or Matt Cohler, who was an early employee at both LinkedIn and Facebook before turning to venture capital.

Benchmark has a unique spot in the venture world. As Silicon Valley's historic firms have gotten bigger and raised different types of funds to go after early-stage and later-stage investments, Benchmark has stayed small, taking big stakes in young start-ups and riding them through to the public markets or until they get acquired. The firm was at the center of the drama last year surrounding Uber ex-CEO Travis Kalanick and was instrumental in having him ultimately removed from the company.

The latest fund includes Eric Vishria, who joined Benchmark in 2014, as well as Sarah Tavel, who came to the firm from Greylock Partners last year, and Chetan Puttagunta, who Benchmark hired from NEA in July. They join Bill Gurley and Peter Fenton, partners since 1999 and 2006, respectively.

Lasky's departure isn't surprising. He announced in July that he was leaving the Snap board. The social media company has struggled since going public last year, as losses mount and Facebook continues to mimic its key features. Lasky joined Benchmark in 2007 from Electronic Arts.

Cohler's decision to leave comes at a time when he's spending more time away from Silicon Valley to be with his wife, who's from Norway. Cohler and Lasky will continue to serve on boards and be affiliated with the firm, just not as general partners. Cohler joined the board of Uber last year, taking Gurley's position.
"We created jobs in South Carolina via the export model. That is why we believe that export and global fair trade is exactly what we need," he said before adding that BMW was "coping with the situation."

When asked whether the German automaker was impacted by the U.S. trade spat with China, Krueger said BMW could be flexible with its production facilities but the situation was not ideal.

"We are a clear ambassador of free trade across the globe, because free trade creates wealth," Krueger told CNBC's Annette Weisbach ahead of the Paris Motor Show.

BMW Chief Executive Harald Krueger told CNBC on Monday that his firm has created jobs in the U.S. thanks to an environment of free trade.

Shares of BMW fell more than 4 percent on Tuesday last week after the automaker warned investors its 2018 revenues and profits will likely fall due to the costs of implementing new emissions standards in Europe and rising uncertainty stemming from the escalating global trade war.

Automotive revenues are now expected to fall slightly from the 88.6 billion euros ($104.4 billion at the current exchange rate) it generated last year, the company said. It had previously told investors sales would rise.

BMW had also previously forecast profits to be on a par with last year, but now expects a "moderate decrease," the company said. It earned 10.7 billion euros ($12.6 billion at the current rate) in 2017.

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on imported goods from around the world, including China, the European Union and Mexico.

That sparked retaliatory tariffs against U.S. products exported abroad, including a 40 percent tariff by China on U.S. manufactured autos earlier this summer.

BMW's biggest production plant outside Germany is Spartanburg in South Carolina and the company said almost around 70 percent of its cars produced there were exported abroad.

The tit-for-tat tariffs have forced BMW to raise the price of some models exported to China by as much as 7 percent.

Emission standards have also weighed on BMW's bottom line. A new Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) has been introduced that forces non-compliant models of car to be withdrawn from sale.

Krueger said the new standard was causing a dip in the wider car market, but that BMW was well prepared for it.
Tax evasion is at the center of the criminal cases against two associates of the president, Paul Manafort and Michael D. Cohen. The sheer scale of their efforts to avoid paying the government has given rise to a head-scratching question: How were they able to cheat the Internal Revenue Service for so many years?

The answer, researchers and former government auditors say, is simple. The I.R.S. pursues fewer cases of tax evasion than it did less than 10 years ago. Provided you're not a close associate of President Trump, there may never be a better time to be a tax cheat.

Last year, the I.R.S.'s criminal division brought 795 cases in which tax fraud was the primary crime, a decline of almost a quarter since 2010. "That is a startling number," Don Fort, the chief of criminal investigations for the I.R.S., acknowledged at a New York University tax conference in June.

Bringing cases against people who evade taxes on legal income is central to the revenue service's mission. In addition to recouping lost revenue, such cases are supposed "to influence taxpayer behavior for the hundreds of millions of American citizens filing tax returns," Mr. Fort said. With fewer cases, experts fear, Americans will get the message that it's all right to break the law.

Starting in 2011, Republicans in Congress repeatedly cut the I.R.S.'s budget, forcing the agency to reduce its enforcement staff by a third. But that drop doesn't entirely explain the reduction in tax fraud cases.

Over time, crimes only tangentially related to taxes, such as drug trafficking and money laundering, have come to account for most of the agency's cases.

"Due to budget cuts, attrition and a shift in focus, there's been a collapse in the commitment to take on tax fraud," said Chuck Pine, who used to be the third-ranking criminal enforcement officer at the I.R.S. and is now a managing director at BDO Consulting. "I believe there are thousands of individuals who have U.S. tax obligations and are not complying with U.S. tax laws."

The result is huge losses for the government. Business owners don't pay $125 billion in taxes each year that they owe, according to I.R.S. estimates.That's enough to fund the Departments of State, Energy and Homeland Security, with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration tossed in for good measure. Unlike wage earners who have their income separately reported to the I.R.S., business owners are often on the honor system.

The I.R.S. declined to comment on its enforcement efforts.

Mr. Cohen's and Mr. Manafort's cases illustrate different but common types of tax cheating, and how the I.R.S. has struggled to enforce the law. Mr. Cohen failed to report income from domestic businesses. Mr. Manafort used foreign locales and shell corporations to hide his money.

Mr. Cohen's tax evasion schemes were straightforward. Besides paying off a pornographic movie star and a former Playboy model in violation of campaign finance laws, he pleaded guilty to lying on his tax return. Whether it was income from his business owning taxi medallions, millions of dollars in interest payments on a loan he had made to another taxi operator or the $30,000 he made by brokering the sale of a luxury handbag, Mr. Cohen simply hid the money from his accountant and the government. Over five years, he didn't disclose $4.1 million, saving himself $1.5 million in taxes.

The I.R.S. typically catches such evasion by auditing taxpayers. Theoretically, evidence picked up in audits can be used to start criminal cases.

But the rate at which the agency audits tax returns has plummeted by 42 percent since the budget cuts started. Criminal referrals were always rare and are becoming rarer still, dropping to 328 in 2016 from 589 in 2012. With the government conducting 1.2 million audits in 2016, that's one criminal referral for roughly every 3,600 audits.

"The focus of auditors and tax collectors is not to identify fraud, it's to collect tax," said a special agent, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media. Management has set other priorities, the agent said, "so by default, the employees are not doing it."

In addition, current and former I.R.S. agents say audits are not as intensive as they used to be. Because the I.R.S. pushes agents to close audits more quickly, they make fewer requests for records and interviews.

"The quality of those referrals was also down," said Marie Allen, a recently retired auditor who worked at the I.R.S. for more than 30 years conducting complex financial investigations. "That is what people popularly think we should be doing, and I'm trying to say it ain't so."

Budget cuts have diminished the criminal investigation division, trimming the number of agents by a fifth since 2010. Recently, the I.R.S. closed four of its 25 field offices, according to Mr. Fort. In New York State, home of the country's financial industry, the revenue service is down to 161 agents, about a hundred fewer than it had 15 years ago.

It doesn't help that many agents prefer chasing flashier crimes than tax evasion. Rob Warren, a research associate at Catholic University who previously spent a quarter-century at the I.R.S., interviewed 30 former special agents. He asked them which of their cases had been their favorite. The answers, Mr. Warren said, typically were only tangentially related to taxes.

"It was usually narcotics, Ponzi schemes, some public corruption," he said. "Agents loved Ponzi cases because there was a real victim, an old lady or something like that."

Federal prosecutors seek out special agents for these cases because they are skilled financial investigators. And tax crimes, like failing to declare illegal income from, say, a bribe or cocaine sales, can be easier to prove than bribery or drug trafficking.

In recent years, the I.R.S. has also been pulled away from classic tax-dodging cases by soaring rates of identity theft. I.R.S. management assigned scores of agents to chase perpetrators who used stolen identities to collect tax refunds.

One tax fraud hotbed that has been a clear priority of both the I.R.S. and the Justice Department is going after money Americans stashed overseas without reporting it to the federal government. But there are clear reasons that Mr. Manafort, who hid his money in places like Cyprus and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, might still have escaped detection.

Switzerland has been the Justice Department's primary target over the past 10 years, an effort that has resulted in settlements with the giant Swiss banks UBS and Credit Suisse, and dozens of smaller institutions.

The I.R.S. allowed Americans with foreign accounts to voluntarily disclose them and pay a smaller penalty than they would have had they been caught hiding the information. Some 56,000 people participated, netting the government $11.1 billion. The I.R.S.'s criminal division also brought several cases against people for concealing accounts.

For all this success, there has been little change in the amount of wealth stashed overseas. Americans have about $1.2 trillion of personal assets in tax havens, according to data compiled by Gabriel Zucman, an assistant professor of economics at the University of California, Berkeley, and two colleagues. It's unclear what portion has been disclosed to the I.R.S.

"What has happened over the last 10 years is real progress," Dr. Zucman said. "But what the data suggest is that it has not had a dramatic effect on the amount of offshore wealth." Money has flowed out of Switzerland and into Asian tax havens like Hong Kong and Singapore.

Moreover, the I.R.S. has made little use of new weapons in the fight against wealth hidden overseas. In 2010, President Barack Obama signed a law that was supposed to provide a crucial tool for government auditors and prosecutors. That law, the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, required banks with American account holders to report information to the United States. Like W-2 forms that employers file to tell about their workers, these reports would force account holders to come clean.

Eight years later, the program is still getting off the ground. Countries around the world have signed agreements, and more than 100,000 foreign banks have sent information to the United States. But "there is no ongoing compliance impact of the FATCA at this time," according to a report this year by the inspector general for the I.R.S.

The report found serious problems with the millions of records collected so far. About half, for example, didn't include identification numbers for the taxpayers, making it difficult to match the accounts with individuals. The I.R.S. hadn't set up a process for using the records. The agency said it was working on such a system.

Here, too, the cuts to the I.R.S.'s budget have had an impact. During the Obama administration, the I.R.S. asked Congress for hundreds of millions of dollars to carry out the program, but received nothing. Since Mr. Trump took office, the agency has stopped asking.
In a signing message , Brown wrote that "[t]here have been numerous objections to this bill and serious legal concerns have been raised" that might "prove fatal to its ultimate implementation." Still, he emphasized, "it's high time corporate boards include the people who constitute more than half of the 'persons' in America."

On Sunday, California Governor Jerry Brown signed 79 bills into law, 19 of which were part of a package aimed at supporting women, children and working families. Among them was Senate Bill 826 , which requires any publicly held corporation headquartered in California to have a "representative number of women on its board of directors." This would require hundreds of Californian companies to make changes to their current boards.

This week, California became the first state to require publicly held corporations headquartered in the state to include women on their boards.

Today, women hold just 18 percent of positions on the boards of the 3,000 largest publicly traded corporations in the U.S. In 2017, 624 public companies had no women on their boards at all.

The bill requires that every publicly traded corporation headquartered in California have at least one women on their board of directors by the end of 2019, according to the Los Angeles Times. Companies with six or more members on their board of directors will be required to have at least three women by the end of 2021.

According to the Associated Press, companies will be fined $100,000 the first year they fail to meet these requirements and $300,000 for each additional year they do not comply. They will also be fined $100,000 if they do not report the gender ratio of their board of directors to the California secretary of state.

The text of the bill suggests that promoting gender equality on corporate boards will not only improve opportunities for women and girls but will also improve productivity, citing a 2014 study from Credit Suisse that found that companies with all-male boards had an average return on equity of 10.1 percent while companies with at least one woman director had an average return on equity of 12.2 percent.

Critics of the bill, however, say that it will make it more difficult for companies to improve racial and ethnic diversity. Jennifer Barrera, senior vice president of the California Chamber of Commerce, tells the AP, the bill "creates a challenge for a board on achieving broader diversity goals."

Still others question the bill's legality. "I'm not at all convinced it would pass legal muster," Jessica Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School, tells the Los Angeles Times. "It's a clear gender preference in that you are saying you need to single out women and get them on boards. The question is, can you make that preference and will it hurt men."

Still, the authors of the bill maintain that the measure is necessary to achieve better representation for women. "We know that when boards are diverse and women's voices are heard, it's better for the whole workforce," State Senator Connie Leyva tells the San Francisco Chronicle. She says that Senate Bill 826 sends "a big message to women that we value them, we respect them here in California."

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US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis inspects an honor guard during a welcome ceremony at the Bayi Building in Beijing on June 27, 2018. Mark Schiefelbein | AFP | Getty Images

WASHINGTON  While the Trump administration takes a victory lap in the wake of the new trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, relations between the U.S. and China, the world's second-largest economy, continue to intensify. In the latest sign of the increasingly fraught ties, the Pentagon has canceled Defense Secretary James Mattis' visit to China later this month, said a U.S. defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. For security purposes, the Pentagon does not discuss upcoming travel for the Defense secretary, which is why the visit to China, which was slated for mid-October, was unannounced. The cancellation comes on the heels of a denied port visit for the USS Wasp in Hong Kong and a scrubbed engagement with China's top naval commander. Much of the heightened tension between the two nations is growing out of the South China Sea, which is home to key trade routes  and to an increasing Chinese military presence.

Turmoil in the South China Sea

In an interview with CNBC last week, Navy Secretary Richard Spencer, the branch's top civilian, voiced concerns about China's continued militarization of the South China Sea saying the U.S. Navy will "protect the lanes of commerce at all costs." "We will ply the internationally agreed upon open spaces of the ocean with our warships at all times to make sure that our commerce and our lanes of communication are open, that is something we will always do," Spencer said. "If China comes and joins the world and recognizes international rules and international law of order, we are going to have a great relationship," he added. "If they take this position that they are going to use their laws and their understanding of how they're going to trade and protect their spaces, we are going to have to have some sort of discussion about this going forward." Over the weekend a Chinese warship had what the Pentagon called an "unsafe" encounter with a U.S. destroyer, according to a CNN report. China links its economic security closely to the hotly contested waterways in the South China Sea, since more than 64 percent of its maritime trade transited through the region in 2016. The South China Sea is also a vital trade artery for Vietnam, Japan and South Korea. Home to more than 200 specks of land, the South China Sea serves as a gateway to global sea routes where approximately $3.4 trillion of trade passes annually. The numerous overlapping sovereign claims to islands, reefs and rocks  many of which disappear under high tide  have turned the waters into an armed camp. Beijing holds the lion's share of these features with approximately 27 outposts peppered throughout. Earlier this year, China installed anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missile systems on three outposts in the South China Sea. The new coastal defense systems, coupled with electronic warfare equipment, represent significant additions to Beijing's military portfolio in one of the most contested regions in the world.

Trade war and North Korea
European stocks posted slight gains by the Monday's close as investors digested news of a trade agreement between the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The pan-European Stoxx 600 closed up 0.20 percent, off its session highs, with sectors pointing in different directions by the close. The region was supported by a strong performance seen on Wall Street, as the first day of a new quarter kicked off. The U.K.'s FTSE 100 ended slightly down, off 0.19 percent, while France's CAC 40 rose 0.24 percent and Germany's DAX jumped 0.75 percent. Markets in peripheral Europe showed a relatively mixed picture by the close.

In the corporate space, travel and leisure equities were some of the worst performers Monday following news that Ryanair had cut its full-year profit guidance. The stock sank 12.5 percent by the close, making it one of Europe's biggest losers. Other airlines were impacted by the news, with Easyjet down by 7 percent and Air-France-KLM dropping 4 percent. In afternoon trade, Royal Mail shares tanked, after the postal service firm issued a statement on its performance. In the update, its group CEO Rico Back said that trading conditions in Britain were "challenging" and that its letter volumes had been impacted by business uncertainty, GDPR and ongoing structural decline. After the U.K. firm delivered its warning on profit and costs, shares sank some 18 percent. German health firm Fresenius led Europe's gains, following a report that a Delaware judge ruled in its favor in a corporate dispute with Akorn. The judge's decision allows Fresenius to walk away from a $4.75 billion merger deal with the U.S. drugmaker. The stock surged 8.5 percent. Linde was also one of the region's biggest gainers, closing up over 6 percent, after the group won regulatory approval from Chinese authorities to merge with Praxair. Elsewhere, Danske Bank has appointed a new interim CEO. Jesper Nielsen, head of the Danish banking union, has replaced Thomas Borgen, who resigned last month after a money laundering investigation. Shares of the bank closed mildly higher.

Trade, Brexit
Workers install doors on Chevrolet Malibu and Buick LaCross vehicles at the General Motors plant in Fairfax, Kansas.

Automobile manufacturers Ford and General Motors rallied Monday after the United States and Canada struck a last-minute deal to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement.

General Motors shares rallied 1.5 percent Monday, while Ford rose 0.7 percent. Parts manufacturer Lear Corporation rose 2.6 percent.

The pending United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement is expected to affect the auto industry most, requiring a greater portion of vehicles to be made in North America and establishing a minimum fixed wage level for car manufacturers of $16 an hour.

The USMCA also includes a concession by Canada to effectively cap its automobile exports to the U.S.

For Ford and GM, the agreement announced late Sunday likely comes as a relief after President Donald Trump threatened in May to tax all auto imports in an attempt to safeguard national security.

Tariffs would have been a negative for both manufacturers, according to Moody's analysis, since 30 percent of GM's U.S. unit sales depend on imports from Mexico and Canada, while 20 percent of Ford's domestic unit sales depend on such imports.

Trump touted the new deal Monday as "a new dawn" for the U.S. auto industry.

Trump also took time to criticize Democrats and international trading partners including China and the European Union.
Former Secretary of State John Kerry said Monday that President Donald Trump may have a tougher time securing a trade deal with China than he did with Canada and Mexico.

"My sense is that they do not react well to bludgeoning," Kerry said of the Chinese, in an interview on CNBC's "Closing Bell." "It will probably take them a lot longer, and they are also in a bigger driver's seat than Canada or Mexico because of the size of their economy."

The U.S. and China, the world's two largest economies, have been locked in a trade war for months, and just last week the Trump administration implemented a new round of 10 percent duties on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods. Those tariffs are set to rise to 25 percent at the start of 2019.

Kerry's comments came just hours after the U.S. struck a deal with its North American neighbors late Sunday ahead of a self-imposed Monday deadline. The new deal retooled some provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement, particularly with regard to automakers and dairy farmers, and goes by a new name: the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA.

At an event unveiling the trade agreement on Monday, Trump raised the prospect of a new China deal, but said that it was "too soon" to begin bilateral talks.

"China wants to talk, very badly, and I said, 'Frankly, it's too early to talk.' Can't talk now, because they're not ready," Trump said. "If, politically, people force it too quickly, you're not going to make the right deal for our workers and for our country."

Kerry and Trump went after each other last month. After Kerry told the BBC that Trump was "the worst president in American history," Trump accused Kerry of breaking the law by meeting with Iranian officials.

"John Kerry had illegal meetings with the very hostile Iranian Regime, which can only serve to undercut our great work to the detriment of the American people," Trump wrote on Twitter.

Trump tweet

Kerry said Monday that he "never undermined their policy one iota," and suggested that Trump's attacks may have been meant as a distraction.

"Since the administration has pulled out [of the Iran nuclear deal], I have made no effort to talk to anybody from Iran about this agreement," the former secretary of State said.

Kerry also suggested that the "hysteria was articulated on the very day that Manafort cut a deal with Mueller," though the president's tweet was sent the day before Paul Manafort, the president's former campaign boss, cut a deal with the special counsel.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.




On April Fools' Day 2004, Google made a splash when it introduced Gmail, a free online email service. One reason it was revolutionary was its gigabyte of free storage space  the idea being that you wouldn't have to constantly be deleting email in order to keep things going.

I've been a happy Gmail user all these years, as Google has provided more storage space, and Gmail has remained easy to use. And I'm not the only one  Gmail is now one of Google's eight services with more than 1 billion active users, a spokesman told me.

But today, I'm in a jam. I've run out of space across Gmail, the Google Drive storage service and the Google Photos app.

I have options.

I could clear up space by deleting emails (email takes up much more of my space than photos or files) or moving some data around to other Google accounts. Or I could move them to services from other providers like Microsoft, which I pay $99.99 per year for the Office 365 suite that includes Outlook for email and OneDrive for storage.

The simpler thing to do would be to pull out my credit card and start paying Google.

That would go against the original value proposition of Gmail, though. Way back in 2004, the press release introducing Gmail to the world included an impactful quote from Google cofounder Larry Page:

"Gmail solves all of my communication needs. It's fast and easy and has all the storage I need. And I can use it from anywhere. I love it!"

I imagine that today Page, who is now CEO of Google's parent company, Alphabet, remains a Gmail user. I wonder if he started paying at some point.

It helps that Google has raised the limit on data storage for Gmail users multiple times.

In 2005, it jumped 100 percent to 2 gigabytes.

By 2007, users had about 40 percent more -- 2.8 gigabytes.

In 2011 the limit was 168 percent larger, at 7.5 gigabytes.

Then in 2012 it jumped 33 percent to 10 gigabytes.

And 2013 was the most recent time Google raised the limit -- bringing it up 50 percent to 15 gigabytes.

But now it's been five years since Google gave free users more room for stuff. (Google did introduce free and unlimited storage of images and videos through Google Photos in 2015, but if you want that free tier, you'll need to be okay with content getting compressed or resized.)

Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., listens as President Donald Trump speaks before hosting a lunch with Senate Republicans in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, DC on Tuesday, Dec. 05, 2017.

"I don't see that happening in my case," he said. "I will give a speech in New Hampshire tonight. But just if nothing else, in memoriam of what a Republican Party should be."

"I've said that I do hope that somebody else runs in the Republican primary," Flake said at the Forbes 30 Under 30 event in Boston. "This is  the Republican Party is the president's party right now. But it won't always be. And it can't be if we're going to be a major political force in the future."

The retiring Trump critic's comments came even as he heads to New Hampshire, the nation's first primary state, for the second time this year. He is fresh off a dramatic political moment on Friday, when he joined Democrats and a couple other Republicans in calling for Senate leaders to delay a vote on Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh while the FBI investigates sexual misconduct accusations against the appeals court judge.

Sen. Jeff Flake hopes President Donald Trump will face a primary opponent in 2020. The Arizona Republican just doubts he will challenge the president himself, he said Monday.

The senator has tried to build a brand as a conservative with a conscience during Trump's chaotic first term, and cast himself as a potential alternative. Flake has slammed the president's attacks on the press and his immigration and tariff policies. While he has voted against Trump's priorities more than most of his GOP colleagues, he remains a conservative, voting with his party on its tax plan and an Affordable Care Act repeal bill.

Flake would have a difficult task gaining any traction in a Republican primary against Trump. Republican midterm primary voters showed their loyalty to the president by punishing some candidates who bucked him and boosting others who tied themselves closely to him.

Flake's stances have angered many Trump supporters, and the president himself supported a primary challenge against the senator before he announced his retirement. Last year, Trump called Flake "toxic" and "WEAK on borders, crime and a non-factor in the Senate."

Trump tweet

Flake was at the center of a dramatic Senate moment on Friday. In the morning, he announced he would support Kavanaugh, only hours after the judge and his sexual assault accuser, Christine Blasey Ford, appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee in dramatic testimony.

After Flake's announcement, two women who said they were assaulted confronted the senator in the Capitol and pressed him about why he backed Kavanaugh. Immediately after at a Judiciary Committee meeting, he visibly frowned and looked down at the table in front of him.

He later left the main meeting room to confer with Democratic colleagues, then came back in and called for a delay in Kavanaugh's confirmation vote before the full Senate to allow for an FBI investigation. Trump subsequently ordered a supplementary background check related to the misconduct accusations.

In an interview on the CBS program "60 Minutes" that aired Sunday, Flake said there was "not a chance" he could have agreed to the compromise deal if he was running for re-election this year.

Flake speaks at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College on Monday night. During his first stop in the Granite State this year, Flake said, "It has not been in my plans to run for president, but I have not ruled it out."

He is among a handful of Republicans who have fueled speculation about a Trump primary challenge. Others include Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb.
Rabbi Gavriel Price is in charge of figuring out how the Orthodox Union, the largest kosher certifying organization in the world, should deal with meat that is grown in laboratories from animal cells.CreditCredit

BERKELEY, Calif.  Rabbi Gavriel Price has thousands of years of Jewish religious law to draw on when he is on the job, determining whether a new food item can get a kosher certification from his organization, the Orthodox Union.

But all the rules about meat and milk, and the prohibitions on eating pork and sciatic nerves, are of limited use for Rabbi Price's latest assignment.

The rabbi is in charge of figuring out how the Orthodox Union, the largest kosher certifying organization in the world, should deal with what is known as clean meat  meat that is grown in laboratories from animal cells. This brings him in touch with a possibility for Jewish cuisine that had previously seemed impossible: kosher bacon.

Clean meat is still not available in stores, but start-ups working on it say it could be by next year. When it is, they want a kosher stamp on their product, which indicates it adheres to quality and preparation standards and follows a set of biblical laws. That brought Rabbi Price, a tall, lanky father of eight, to Berkeley recently, to meet with companies in the business.

Clean meat, also known by names like cell-based agriculture, begins with cells taken from an animal, often stem cells that are primed to grow. Once these cells are isolated, they are put into a solution that mimics blood and encourages the cells to replicate.

This process is very new. The first hamburger produced in a lab was served with great fanfare in 2013 and cost $325,000. But the number of companies competing to create the first commercially available product is growing rapidly.

Rabbi Price's investigation touches on questions that anyone might have when confronted with clean meat. What exactly is it? And should we want to eat it someday?

His first stop was a lab operated by Mission Barns, a start-up with six employees and millions of dollars in funding. It is growing duck, chicken and pig meat in clear flasks, lined up inside temperature-controlled incubators.

He looked through a microscope at a dish of long, pointy duck cells and peppered the scientists with basic questions about where the cells had come from, and what was in the red liquid that was helping the cells to replicate and grow.

"I'd like to spend more time, because I think it's an important process to understand in a deep way, and there's no precedent for it really," Rabbi Price said after the tour.

The issue he is addressing is much more complicated than the kosher designation of plant-based meat substitutes already available in grocery stores.

Perhaps the best known company of its kind, Impossible Foods, has created a burger that is made from all-vegetarian ingredients but tastes more like meat thanks to a chemical process involving yeast and soy. Like most vegetarian foods, these burgers have received a kosher stamp.

Mission Barns, the start-up in Berkeley, is focused on creating animal fat, where much of the distinctive flavor of meat resides. It recently mixed the fat with other ingredients to create duck sausages that it served to investors and employees. Creating more structured meat products, like a duck breast or a steak, is expected to take much longer.

Environmentalists and animal activists are proponents of the technology because it could produce the flavor of hamburgers and sausages without the greenhouse gases and animal suffering of the factory farming system.

Jewish authorities hope the process will make kosher meat more affordable and reliable.

"I'm extremely excited about it," said Rabbi Menachem Genack, who leads the kosher certifying division of the Orthodox Union. "The impact for us will be very profound, in terms of the economics of kosher meat."

There are polls that show that many Americans are turned off by the prospect of lab-grown meat. And the technology has already generated questions far beyond the Jewish community.

The United States Cattlemen's Association requested this year that American authorities allow the meat label only on products that come from slaughtered animals. While large meat companies have pushed back against the cattle ranchers, in part because they are developing their own clean meat products, it is unclear if regulators will handle lab-grown meat with the same rules they use for traditional meat.

Jewish authorities have been studying this because several synthetic meat start-ups are based in Israel.

A number of Israeli rabbis told one start-up, SuperMeat, that previous rulings in religious law might allow clean meat to be categorized as pareve, a religious label that is applied to things that are kosher but not derived from animals.

A pareve label would mean that observant Jews could eat it with dairy products, like cheese, which cannot be eaten with traditional meat. In other words, a kosher cheeseburger might be possible.

Rabbi Genack, Rabbi Price's boss at the Orthodox Union, initially thought clean meat could be pareve, based on his belief that clean meat was created from an animal's genetic code. But because the process involves an animal cell, replicating itself millions of times, he now believes the product should be thought of as meat.

When Rabbi Price visited the Mission Barns labs, he asked questions specific to kosher certification. He wanted to be sure, for instance, that the pork cells growing in one incubator never come into contact with the duck cells in the incubator next to it, and that the centrifuge where the meat cells are processed is cleaned thoroughly between processing.

He also wanted to know if the cells in the flasks changed as they replicated, to be sure that they do not morph into something that no longer resembles the original animal cells.

"The identity of a given cell, and ensuring that its identity is preserved and verifiable, would be crucial to our being able to certify a product," the rabbi said.

The day after his visit to Mission Barns, Rabbi Price attended a conference held by the Good Food Institute, an organization that is encouraging the move away from animal meat.

He dived into long conversations with people working for the food start-ups. They discussed topics as diverse as the kosher status of gelatin, the religious rulings of venerated medieval rabbis and the ingredients of the solution that encourages lab-grown meat to grow.

"Does that cell need to consume all kosher ingredients for it to be kosher?" the rabbi was asked by Arye Elfenbein, the founder of Wild Type, a start-up in San Francisco that is focused on lab-grown salmon.

The rabbi explained that just as kosher cows can eat non-kosher insects, he is working from the assumption that the growth solution will not have to be certified as kosher as long as it is cleaned from the surface of the final cells.

Many of the questions came back to the original cells that go into the solution. The rabbi said those cells would have to be kosher, from an animal that was properly slaughtered and not scraped off a live animal. (There is a Jewish law against eating live animals.)

This was not well received by some of the clean meat companies, which want to produce something that does not involve killing any animals.

The liveliest conversation grew out of research that is looking into whether clean meat might be derived from cells in animal saliva or hair.

The rabbi said those substances are not meat, so they might be used to produce clean meat that would not be categorized as meat by Jewish law.

Eitan Fischer, the chief executive of Mission Barns, said he was hopeful that through some creative chemistry, his company could grow pork that would get a kosher designation.

"If we can create kosher bacon one day, as weird as that sounds, I think there is going to be so much excitement around that," he said.

Rabbi Price was cautious. In addition to the kosher laws, there are Jewish rules that warn against doing anything that would make people look as though they were violating the rules.

The rabbi added that there are religious texts that discuss the possibility of kosher pigs, once the Jewish messiah arrives and ushers in an age of universal peace. But he is skeptical.

"I'm looking around, and I don't see much evidence we are in messianic times," he said.
Larry Kudlow, Director of the National Economic Council, speaking at the New York Economic Club in New York on Sept. 17, 2018.

White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow says discussions with China over trade aren't progressing.

On Sunday, the U.S. and Canada reached a new trade deal to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement. Kudlow was asked about the implications of the new pact on the trade conflict with China.

"It sends an important message to China, where we're trying to negotiate on trade, North America is together," he said in a Fox Business interview Monday.

But Kudlow said a deal with the Asian country is not close.

"Nothing is imminent on China," he said. "I think there's discussions going on. No, I wouldn't say it was imminent."

The economic advisor said President Donald Trump is not satisfied with the progress of the trade talks with China.

The Trump administration's latest tariffs of 10 percent on $200 billion of imports from China took effect last week. Trump, in a Sept. 17 statement, said the tariffs would rise to 25 percent on Jan. 1, 2019.

Kudlow also said Trump may meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G-20 meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina, later this year.

The G-20 meeting is scheduled to be held Nov. 30 to Dec. 1.

Kudlow is director of the National Economic Council and is one of Trump's top advisors.
A woman casts her vote at a polling station on September 30, 2018 in Tetovo, Macedonia. Macedonians all across the country went to the polls on Sunday to vote in a referendum to change the country's name to the 'Republic of North Macedonia' and end a long running dispute with Greece.

Macedonia's prime minister pledged on Sunday to press on with a vote in parliament to change the country's name to resolve a decades-old dispute with Greece, despite failing to secure the 50 percent turnout at a referendum required to make it valid.

The proposed name change is part of an agreement reached in June by pro-Western Prime Minister Zoran Zaev with Greece to resolve the dispute over the country's name, which had prevented Macedonia from joining NATO or the EU.

With 85 percent of votes counted, official turnout was just 36 percent, and election officials made clear there was no chance the threshold would be cleared.

"On this referendum, it is clear that the decision has not been made," election commission head Oliver Derkoski told reporters.

The people who did vote overwhelmingly backed the name change -- more than 90 percent voted yes with 63 percent of polling stations reporting. But that had never been in doubt, since opponents of the change had urged followers not to vote, rather than vote no.

"It is clear that the agreement with Greece has not received the green light from the people," main nationalist opposition VMRO-DPMNE party leader Hristiajn Mickoski told journalists.

The referendum was itself not legally binding, but lawmakers had pledged to abide by it, and the failure to reach the turnout threshold means opponents can now freely vote against the deal.

The nationalist opposition holds 49 seats in the 120-seat parliament, enough to block the two-thirds majority required to change the constitution.

In an address, Zaev made no mention of the turnout but said the votes of those who had backed the change must be respected. He pledged to hold a vote in parliament on the name change, and call an early election if lawmakers failed to enact it.

"I am determined to take Macedonia into the European Union and NATO," Zaev said. He spoke again later in the evening, along similar lines: "It is time to support European Macedonia."
"I thought I would be a stock market genius. Until I wasn't. I should have paid off my cards every 30 days."

It's advice he wishes he had heard in his 20s, he told Business Insider in 2014 , "that credit cards are the worst investment that you can make. That the money I save on interest by not having debt is better than any return I could possibly get by investing that money in the stock market.

"Cut up your credit cards. If you use a credit card, you don't want to be rich," the "Shark Tank" star wrote on his blog in 2008 . "The first step to getting rich requires discipline."

Self-made billionaire Mark Cuban has advice for those looking to build wealth: Don't use credit cards .

Credit card companies make it incredibly easy to spend money you don't have: Most cards only require you to pay 1 percent to 3 percent of your balance each month, a tempting option if your budget is tight, but a costly one, thanks to interest. Perhaps that's why U.S. households now collectively hold over a trillion dollars in credit card debt.

Cuban's solution is to ditch the plastic. Most Americans, 71 percent, have at least one credit card, though, CreditCards.com reports. And more and more Americans are opening accounts: The American Banking Association found that as of the end of 2017, there were 364 million open credit card accounts in the U.S., a 4.1 percent increase since the end of 2016.

The billionaire's view is rather extreme, and assumes that those who use a credit card will carry a balance that accrues interest, but if used responsibly, credits cards can help you build credit and even net rewards.

When you're getting started as an independent adult, it's important to establish good credit, since that allows you to make larger purchases in the future, such as a car or home. That's why money experts like David Bach recommend opening a credit card in college.

"Get the credit card because it's great to help you build your credit score early," the bestselling author and self-made millionaire tells CNBC Make It. But use it responsibly: "You don't have to use a credit card a lot to build your credit score  you just have to pay your credit card bills on time and pay those cards off in full every month."

As Bach notes, if you stick to a few basic guidelines, you can easily use a credit card without going into debt.

But if you find yourself not making payments in full, or if you have already racked up credit card debt, Cuban's cash-only solution may be the answer for you.

This is an update of a previously published story.

Don't miss: Here's what happens when you don't pay off your credit card balance in full

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A last-gasp deal to salvage the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) does nothing to improve the prospect of a meaningful breakthrough in the U.S.-China trade war, one market expert told CNBC on Monday.

Just hours before a midnight deadline, U.S. and Canadian officials reached a deal to revamp NAFTA, which also includes Mexico, after more than a year of grueling negotiations.

Until recently, Canada appeared to be on the brink of being excluded from a final agreement but negotiations over the weekend eventually culminated in all three countries signing up to the new United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) accord.

However, one market expert cautioned the new NAFTA deal shouldn't be seen as a sign that there could soon be a breakthrough in troubled trade relations between the U.S. and China.

"I do believe that unfortunately the China story is a lot more complicated (than NAFTA talks)," Luis Costa, head of CEEMEA FX and rates strategy at Citibank, told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" on Monday.
Judge Brett Kavanaugh pauses while delivering his opening statement during his Supreme Court confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill, September 4, 2018 in Washington, DC.

Almost half of American voters say Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump's embattled nominee for the Supreme Court, should not be confirmed by the Senate, according to a new poll released Monday.

And nearly seven out of every 10 American voters favor Trump's decision last week to order the FBI to reopen its background check of Kavanaugh on the heels of three women making public their claims of sexual misconduct by him as a high school and college student.

A total of 42 percent of voters now favor Kavanaugh's confirmation  up 1 percentage point since earlier in September, the last time the Quinnipiac University poll had surveyed that question. But 48 percent now oppose Kavanaugh's confirmation, the new survey found. That's six percentage points higher than the opposition recorded in the last poll.

The survey is the latest to show Kavanaugh's approval underwater. His support was dwindling even before the sexual assault claims emerged.

The big swing against Kavanaugh in the new Quinnipiac poll came from independents.

In the prior poll, independent voters supported Kavanaugh's nomination by 45 percent to 39 percent. But the new poll found that 49 percent of independents now oppose the nomination. Just 39 percent support it.

The same new poll also shows wide splits in how men and women, Republicans and Democrats, and different racial groups view Kavanaugh after Ford and two other women accused him of misconduct.

Women oppose Kavanaugh's confirmation by 55 percent to 37 percent.

However, men as a group support his elevation to the high court, by a margin of 49 percent to 40 percent.

White voters support Kavanaugh's nomination by a margin of 51 percent to 40 percent. Black voters, on the other hand, overwhelmingly oppose him, with 81 percent saying the Senate should not confirm him. Just 11 percent say he should be confirmed.

And Hispanic voters oppose the nomination by 65 percent to 30 percent, the poll found.

At the same time, 48 percent of Americans said they believe Blasey Ford. Forty-one percent believe Kavanaugh's denial of her claims, according to the Quinnipiac poll.

"Dr. Christine Blasey Ford is winning the trust of American voters, who overwhelmingly believe she is honest. But about half of voters say Judge Brett Kavanaugh is the target of a smear campaign," said Tim Malloy, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll.

"There is a very sharp divide between men and women on credibility," Malloy said. "What voters agree on is letting the FBI try to sort out the events in the pursuit of the truth."

Voters also tended to agree on how badly both Senate Republicans and Senate Democrats are handling the accusations against Kavanaugh.

A total of 52 percent of voters disapprove of the Democrats' handling of the issue, compared to just 38 percent who approve. And 56 percent of voters disapprove of Senate Republicans' handling of the matter, with just 33 percent of voters approving.

Forty-nine percent of voters disapprove of how Trump has handled the allegations, versus 42 percent approving.
Fiat Chrysler's new boss unveiled his management team on Monday, seeking to revive the automaker in Europe, forge ahead in North America and keep the group in contention in the industry's race to develop self-driving and electric cars.

Mike Manley took over in July after long-time chief Sergio Marchionne fell ill and later died after succumbing to complications from surgery. British-born Manley has since pledged to carry through a strategy Marchionne outlined in June to keep FCA "strong and independent."

"The next five years will continue to be extremely challenging for our industry, with tougher regulations, intense competition and probably slower industry growth around the world," Manley said in a letter to employees on Monday.

"Nevertheless, with a laser focus on execution and a continued flexibility that allows us to adjust as circumstances change ... we have a clear line of sight to achieving our five-year ambitions."

Manley appointed Pietro Gorlier, thus far chief operating officer of FCA's components business, as FCA's next European chief to tackle a region where profitability is below that of peers, many workers are stuck in furloughs and various plants run at below capacity.

The carmaker's previous European chief Alfredo Altavilla left after FCA appointed Manley as Marchionne's successor.

As head of the components unit, Gorlier has also led Magneti Marelli, the parts unit that FCA may either spin off or sell.

He will be succeeded at Magneti Marelli by the parts maker's lighting division head Ermanno Ferrari.

Japan's Calsonic Kansei has been in talks with FCA about buying the unit, sources familiar with the matter have said, but no binding agreement has been reached and the deal could still fall apart.

Choosing an Italian as head of Europe might soothe some fears in Italy that FCA could weaken its link to Fiat's roots.

In his last strategy unveiled in June, Marchionne vowed to convert Italian plants to churn out Alfa Romeos, Jeeps and Maseratis instead of less profitable mass market vehicles to preserve jobs and boost margins. Europe will also become a big part of the company's electrification drive.

FCA will copy in Europe what worked in the United States, where it retooled plants to build pricier SUVs and trucks in a move since emulated by bigger rivals Ford and GM.

Manley also named new managers to succeed him at Jeep and RAM, the two brands which have been driving profits in recent years and remain at the core of growth plans.

Tim Kuniskis was named head of Jeep North America, while Reid Bigland was named head of trucks brand RAM.

Kuniskis will also remain in charge of Alfa Romeo, while Harald Wester, current chief technology officer, will take on an additional role of leading luxury brand Maserati.

Manley and his team have big shoes to fill: Marchionne achieved what many thought impossible, most notably his huge gamble just over a decade ago when he set in motion the marriage between the then-ailing Fiat with bankrupt U.S. rival Chrysler.

It is now the world's seventh-largest carmaker and is debt-free, but not without challenges ahead

FCA cut its full-year profit outlook in July, blaming a weaker-than-expected performance in China, a market that represents one of the new CEO's immediate headaches.
Saudi Arabian Energy Minister Khalid Al Falih, attends a news conference after a meeting of the 4th Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting in Vienna, Austria ob June 23, 2018. Askin Kiyagan | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images

OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia is ill-equipped to prevent a supply shock in the energy market, analysts told CNBC on Monday, as oil traders prepare for the possibility of $100 a barrel before year-end. "Nobody wants to get caught short, full in the knowledge that more Iranian barrels are poised to be removed from the market," Stephen Brennock, oil analyst at PVM Oil Associates, said in a research note published Monday. Late last month, President Donald Trump urged OPEC producers to ratchet up production levels to prevent further price rises ahead of the mid-term elections in early November.

The Trump administration's push for the Middle-East dominated cartel to start pumping more oil comes as the White House prepares to impose sanctions against Iran in around five weeks' time. Further to this, Washington is also asking buyers of Iranian oil to slash imports to zero to force Tehran to negotiate a new nuclear agreement.

China reportedly bowing to US pressure

China initially rejected a U.S. request to choke off the flow of petrodollars to Iran but, amid intense pressure from the Trump administration, China is now reportedly taking steps to comply. China's top state refiner, Sinopec Corp, was seen halving its loadings of Iranian crude in September, Reuters reported Friday, citing unidentified sources. The prospect of a reduction from Sinopec would constitute a significant blow for Iran. That's because OPEC's third-largest producer considers China to be its leading oil client at a time when European producers and other global buyers are dramatically reducing Iranian crude purchases to avoid U.S. sanctions. China has consistently defended its energy trade with Tehran  thought to be worth around $1.5 billion a month  as transparent and lawful.

A support vessel flying an Iranian national flag sails alongside the oil tanker 'Devon' as it prepares to transport crude oil to export markets in Bandar Abbas, Iran, on Friday, March 23, 2018. Ali Mohammadi/Bloomberg via Getty Images

"Against this backdrop of dwindling Iranian oil supplies, the focus will turn to meek levels of global, or more accurately, Saudi spare capacity," Brennock said. OPEC and non-OPEC producers were initially thought to be reluctant to immediately respond to heightened pressure from the Trump administration, but Saudi Arabia is now expected to put as much as 550,000 additional barrels per day (bpd) onto the market over the next couple of months. The kingdom has previously claimed to have around 1.5 million bpd available to add to the market if required. But, Riyadh is thought to be unable to fully offset global supply disruptions over the coming months. And "this essentially leaves the world's only swing producer powerless to prevent a supply shock and subsequent price spike in the final quarter of this year," Brennock said.

$100 a barrel

"We are moving into a world where you have lower inventories, lower spare capacity and less protection for buyers," John Driscoll, chief strategist at JTD Energy Services, told CNBC on Monday. "So $100 a barrel has become more likely, whether we get there or not, it might be a little early to say," he added.
Peter Navarro, one of President Donald Trump's top trade advisors, told CNBC on Monday the last-minute deal to bring Canada on board to replace NAFTA shows that the U.S. won't be the world's "piggy bank" anymore.

"It's a bullish day for America. It's a bullish day for North America," Navarro said.

Navarro appeared on "Squawk Box" after Canada agreed just before a midnight deadline to join the U.S. and Mexico in a deal to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement.

"When countries come to the table and bargain fairly, we sign deals," said Navarro. "Trump has basically declared that we will no longer be the piggy bank of the world. We are free traders. All we seek is free and reciprocal trade."

Trump advisor Jared Kushner and Robert Lighthizer, the administration's top trade negotiator, took point on the talks.

"President Donald J. Trump was the visionary on this. He was very involved," said Navarro. He said Lighthizer and Kushner worked well as a team and "should be congratulated for bringing this to the finish line."

Leaders of the three countries are expected to sign the NAFTA replacement before the end of November. "But [it] won't be ratified for many months after," Navarro said.

Canada had been as left out when the U.S. and Mexico reached a preliminary deal in late August.

Navarro refused to say what the new pact, called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, might signal to China as Washington and Beijing still grapple with a trade dispute that's resulted escalating tariffs.

But he did accuse China of intellectual property theft and appropriating U.S. technology by forcing American companies that want to do business there into joint ventures with Chinese companies.

China's trade practices harm the global economy, Navarro said.
Brad Garlinghouse, chief executive officer of Ripple Labs Inc. David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Ripple's cryptocurrency product for cross-border payments will go live for the first time with three financial institutions. The San-Francisco-based financial technology firm said Monday that xRapid, which uses the cryptocurrency XRP to carry out international transactions in "a matter of minutes," is now commercially available. It will be used by payment providers Mercury FX and Cuallix, as well as cooperative financial firm Catalyst Corporate Federal Credit Union, Ripple said. Chief Executive Brad Garlinghouse was set to announce the news at the start-up's annual Swell conference, a two-day event attended by industry representatives, on Monday. "I'm really excited to bring the product into the market at a time when there is a lot of skeptcism about digital assets and their real use case," Asheesh Birla, Ripple's senior vice president of product, told CNBC. "Here's something where we're finding a ton of value and providing a ton of value to our customers using digital assets to move money more efficiently." Ripple says there is a distinction between it, a private company, and XRP, which is the native digital currency of an open source network known as the XRP Ledger. There has often been confusion between the two. Of the 100 billion XRP tokens in existence, Ripple owns 60 percent. But the company has kept 55 billion of the tokens locked up in an escrow account, to "create certainty of XRP supply at any given time." That means it only has access to 13 percent of the digital currency, according to Ripple.

The development marks the first time XRP will be used in commercial application by financial services firms, and is seen as a critical milestone in Ripple's bid to make cryptocurrencies and the underlying blockchain technology a part of the financial mainstream. Blockchain refers to the decentralized ledger that logs transactions and other information across a distributed network of computers. The company's business model also relies on deals with financial institutions, providing it with a core source of revenue. Ripple had been testing the cryptocurrency product with Cuallix, Mercury FX and a number of other payment companies, including money transfer giants Western Union and MoneyGram. But so far the start-up has not publicly announced any banks piloting xRapid, and has said that big lenders are unlikely to be the first to test or use it. "Banks worldwide are not first adopters of the xRapid product, but we are seeing a lot of financial institutions in general and payment providers moving forward with that product," Birla said. "We have a lot of business with payment providers," he said, adding that "in certain markets I think banks will move faster towards leveraging digital assets, and so it really depends on the regulation and the local market." The executive said that banks in emerging markets were potential contenders to use the cryptocurrency product in the future. "Those countries have a lot more forward-looking regulation when it comes to digital assets, so I would envision that those would be the first bank adopters."

Industry too focused on 'speculation'

Two weeks ago, Sagar Sarbhai, head of regulatory relations for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East at Ripple, told CNBC he was "confident" that news of xRapid's commercial application would be announced "in the next month or so." And Ripple's Garlinghouse has also said he believes "dozens" of banks will use XRP by the end of 2019. The firm's xRapid product is primarily targeted at banks transferring money into emerging markets.

The price of XRP soared in value in the days following CNBC's report about Ripple edging toward a live rollout of xRapid. It also found support from news that U.S. bank PNC had joined its clientele of banking partners. However, it subsequently plummeted following that spike in value. The cryptocurrency's price is currently well off a record high above $3 it notched at the start of the year  it is now worth almost 60 cents. Nevertheless, that hasn't stopped it from maintaining its position as the third-largest digital currency by market capitalization  a figure worked out by multiplying the price by outstanding tokens in circulation  with a market value of $23.3 billion, trailing behind rival cryptocurrency ether's $23.9 billion market cap. Speculation and volatility in the virtual currency market has garnered the attention of regulators, particularly in China and South Korea. Both of those countries have banned the controversial practice known as an initial coin offering, where blockchain ventures sell new digital tokens in exchange for cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and ether, or cash. "If the industry in general got more focused on customer problems and less about speculation, I think the entire industry would really be a heck of a lot better," Birla said.

How it works

Ripple says xRapid uses the digital asset as a kind of "bridge" between currencies, allowing payment providers and banks to process faster cross-border transactions. For example, a bank might want to process a transaction from U.S. dollars to Mexican pesos. According to Ripple, this process normally requires pre-funded local currency accounts in order to take place. Ripple claims that process can be bypassed by converting the U.S. dollars into XRP tokens through a cryptocurrency exchange, moving the money overseas, and converting it into Mexican pesos via a local digital asset exchange on the other end.
The U.K. government is demanding action from the European Union (EU) amid strong frustration over the lack of proposals from Brussels on a post-Brexit relationship. The U.K. is set to leave the EU in March 2019 and negotiators are working against the clock, trying to hammer a deal that will allow businesses to continue trading under relatively low tariffs. However, key differences, including the future of the Irish border with Northern Ireland, remain  leading many to believe that a no-deal is the more likely outcome. Speaking to CNBC over the weekend, several members of the U.K. government appeared frustrated about the lack of help coming from the European Union. "At the moment, it is very much a question of the European Union responding with its proposals. At the moment, there is nothing on the table," Chris Grayling, transport secretary told CNBC's Steve Sedgwick at the Conservative Party conference currently taking place in Birmingham.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 30: British Prime Minister Theresa May applauds as she sits in the audience during the annual Conservative Party Conference on September 30, 2018 in Birmingham, England. Jeff J Mitchell | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Liam Fox, trade secretary and an outspoken Brexit supporter, told CNBC on Sunday that it is the EU's "duty" to help the U.K. and put forward their proposals. "They said they were not very happy with what the U.K. offered, in which case let them bring forward their own proposals," he said. "Under Article 50 (the legislation that allows a EU country to leave the Union), we have the right to leave the European Union and they have a duty to help us in that future relationship. Let's see them now deliver what they promised to do in that treaty," Fox said. But Pierre Moscovici, European commissioner for economic and financial affairs, taxation and customs, said that attacks from U.K. politicians on the bloc were unhelpful. In particular, he criticized British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt's claim that the EU is like a prison in the Soviet Union. "Leaving aside negotiations, it's just silly  if you talk to ministers coming from former Soviet bloc, it's not serious, it's propaganda, not a formula that responds to reality  whether between EU members, European countries or friends," Moscovici told CNBC's Willem Marx on Monday. The U.K. government presented in July a plan for its future relationship with the rest of the European Union. But the latter argued that some of the proposals compromised key principles under European law.

European Council President Donald Tusk said in September that the so-called Chequers plan would not work. U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May has stood by her proposal despite such messages from the EU. She told the BBC on Sunday that her Brexit plan is not dead. However, May also faces criticism over her plan inside her own party. Boris Johnson, the former foreign affairs minister, who is seen as a potential candidate to replace the prime minister as Conservative leader, said the Chequers plan is "deranged." David Lidington, cabinet secretary, told CNBC on Sunday that those who criticize the prime minister need to come up with "credible" alternative proposals. "The key thing is to get the deal with the European Union because that's what will protect jobs and the economic interests of people in this country and the integrity of the United Kingdom, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, then we go to parliament and we make the case," he said. "I think that our parliamentary colleagues at that point will have to face up to the fact there is a real decision about this country's future to be taken, we have not yet had any credible alternative from those that are criticizing the Prime Ministers' plan," Lidington added.

Sterling and UK stocks could rally
Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon is celebrating the newly struck trade agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada by going on the offensive against former top Trump economic advisor Gary Cohn.

In a wide-ranging interview with CNBC, Bannon blamed Cohn for delaying the pact. He also argued that the new trade deal proves that the former Goldman Sachs executive gave poor advice to President Donald Trump.

"It wouldn't have taken six months had it not been for Gary Cohn. There wouldn't have had to be an 11th-hour agreement," Bannon said Monday.

He cited an incident in Bob Woodward's book "Fear" as an example of how he believes Cohn, who was director of the National Economic Council, was interfering with the administration's efforts to move ahead with its nationalist trade agenda. Bannon took particular issue with Cohn allegedly secretly removing a letter intended for the South Korean government, which, if it was sent, would have signaled the end of a six-year free trade agreement.

Cohn did not reply to requests for comment on Bannon's remarks. Last month, Cohn told Axios that Woodward's book "does not accurately portray my experience at the White House."

Bannon went on to describe the hiring of Cohn over the current leader of the NEC, former CNBC contributor Larry Kudlow, at the start of the administration as a "terrible idea." He also said that the president's son in law, Jared Kushner, "pushed" Trump to hire Cohn in the first place. The White House didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

"Gary Cohn has been dead wrong about everything he told Trump," and "everything Cohn said was 100 percent wrong on trade," he added.

While Cohn didn't respond to requests for comment, a former administration official who worked with Cohn in the White House defended the former Goldman Sachs president's approach to trade. The former aide, who declined to be named, said Cohn always hoped to see a change to the North American Free Trade Agreement and worked on the negotiations throughout his tenure.

"Gary was very much for the modernization of NAFTA, but we didn't want to distract the Senate, and NAFTA ultimately must go through the Senate," said the former administration official. "Staying out of the tariff game was in everyone's interest, and it was the right move, as we got tax reform done and the economy is responding as we predicted."

Bannon, also a former Goldman Sachs banker, called the bank "the investor relations of the Chinese regime." The former White House chief strategist and Trump campaign boss was once an investment banker at the firm only to leave in the 1990s to create his own company, "Bannon & Co."

Both in public and private, Cohn has spoken out against implementing tariffs as a way to force trading partners to the table and renegotiate deals such as NAFTA. In an interview with CNBC in May, two months after resigning from the administration, Cohn made it clear where he stood on trade barriers.

"If we artificially raise the price of goods because of tariffs, we're hurting our service economy. That's not in our best interest. So putting on input tariffs is not the objective for me." Cohn said at the time.

Bannon, on the other hand, was one of the architects of a trade policy that would apply tariffs against trading U.S. partners as a negotiating tool and a way to combat China taking advantage of global alliances.

"China have gamed the system to use Mexico to gain materials. China has always been taking advantage of the rules and they understand this morning that this is not about a trade war. This is about the realignment of the global supply chain," Bannon said on Monday.

Trump previously enacted tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods in September.

The details of what Trump is calling the United States Mexico Canada Agreement, or USMCA, includes easing Canada's protections on their dairy market, giving U.S. farmers greater access to the Canadian market. The U.S. also backed off its demand of eliminating a tariff dispute settlement system. The deal would also spare Canada and Mexico from threatened auto tariffs.

The agreement was widely hailed as a political win for Trump. The president repeatedly labeled NAFTA as unfair to the United States. Mexico had had struck a deal with the U.S. and the administration had threatened to toss Canada out of the arrangement if they didn't concede to Trump's demands.
Check out the companies making headlines before the bell:

General Electric  GE removed John Flannery as CEO and installed Lawrence Culp as his successor and chairman. GE also said it will take a $23 billion non-cash charge for its power business, adding that it "will fall short of previously indicated guidance for free cash flow and EPS for 2018."

Pfizer  CEO Ian Read will step down at the end of the year and become executive chairman. Chief operating officer Albert Bourla will reportedly succeed Read as CEO on January 1.

Cal-Maine Foods  The egg producer reported quarterly profit of 26 cents per share, short of the 49 cents a share consensus estimate. Revenue also missed Street forecasts, and the company also lowered its dividend. The company said increases in market supply could create pricing pressure, and that grain prices have been volatile due to recently imposed tariffs.

Tesla  Tesla and CEO Elon Musk have reached a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over Musk's August tweets about possibly taking the automaker private. Musk and Tesla will each pay $20 million, and Musk will be allowed to remain as CEO but be required to relinquish the chairman's job. Tesla is also required to bring in two independent directors.

Comcast  In an SEC filing, the NBCUniversal and CNBC parent said it intended to pause its common stock repurchase program during 2019 in order to accelerate the reduction of debt it will incur in its purchase of British broadcaster Sky.

CBS  CBS faces separate investigations by New York City and New York State officials over sexual harassment allegations against former CEO Leslie Moonves, according to a regulatory filing by the media company.

Facebook  The European Union could fine Facebook as much as $1.63 billion over a data breach that was announced on Friday. That could happen if regulators find that a new EU privacy law was violated.

Unilever  Unilever CEO Paul Polman issued a letter to employees defending the proposal to simplify the consumer products company's operation and eliminate its dual-headquarters structure. The letter was published in an SEC filing.

Chipotle Mexican Grill  The restaurant chain's stock was downgraded to "underperform" from "perform" at Oppenheimer, which thinks the Street is too optimistic about Chipotle's earnings trajectory.

Alphabet  Alphabet's Google unit announced new features for Google Maps, aimed at people whose commutes involve both driving and public transit. The changes will also make Spotify, Apple Music, and Google Play Music available within Google Maps.

Honeywell  Honeywell announced a deal to buy German warehouse automation firm Transnorm for $492.8 million.

Fiat Chrysler  CEO Mike Manley is expected to announce a new management structure for the automaker today, designed to keep Fiat Chrysler independent and to advance its development of self-driving and electric vehicles.

Praxair  Praxair's proposed merger with rival industrial gas maker Linde received approval from China regulators. That leaves approvals from the U.S. and South Korea still to be issued.

Alibaba  Alibaba executive chairman Jack Ma has given up ownership of the entities that control the China e-commerce giant's business licenses in that country. In an SEC filing, Alibaba said the move was made to reduce the administrative burden on Ma.

Oracle  Oracle president of product development Thomas Kurian is leaving the business software giant, several weeks after taking a leave of absence. Oracle Co-CEO Mark Hurd had said during a September 17 conference call that Kurian was expected to return.

Intel  Intel was downgraded to "underweight" from "equal-weight" at Barclays, which cites increased competition and declining free cash flow for the chip maker.

General Motors  GM's joint venture in China will recall more than 3.3 million vehicles because of a suspension system defect.

CNBC's Michael Sheetz contributed to this report.
Adult film actress Stormy Daniels (Stephanie Clifford) exits the United States District Court Southern District of New York for a hearing related to Michael Cohen, President Trump's longtime personal attorney and confidante, April 16, 2018 in New York City.

After watching her interview on "60 Minutes" in March, Stormy Daniels looked down at her phone. She had received about a hundred messages since she alleged on the program that she and her daughter had been threatened by an unknown man in a Las Vegas parking lot.

"Your child should be euthanized," one message read, "because she would be better off than with you."

She asked a friend watching the episode with her to record a statement on his phone. When he turned on his camera, Daniels rattled off a list of parting words and wishes, sketching an impromptu last will and testament.

"I had lived alone with the fear of being murdered to ensure my silence for so long that now that the world was discussing the death threats against me, I felt like I finally had some company in my concern," Daniels writes in "Full Disclosure," the adult film star and director's new memoir.

The book, set for release on Oct. 2 by St. Martin's Press, traces the author's life from a tumultuous childhood in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, through her rise to the forefront of American politics in 2018. Daniels' firsthand account reveals the anxiety and fear she encountered along the path toward challenging a U.S. president in court.

Daniels had dipped her toe into politics before, teasing a run in Louisiana against Republican incumbent Sen. David Vitter in the 2010 campaign. ("I am not running for the U.S. Senate for the same reason that so many dedicated patriots do not run  I can't afford it," she said at the time.)

But she became a national fixation after The Wall Street Journal first reported in January that the president's then-lawyer, Michael Cohen, had paid $130,000 in a hush-money deal barring Daniels from discussing an alleged affair with Trump years before he became president.

Daniels is now suing Trump and Cohen to void the nondisclosure pact, which she and her lawyer, Michael Avenatti, argue had been invalid from the beginning because Trump himself never signed it.

The alleged dalliance prompted questions about Trump's campaign expenditures, as well as the character of the president, whose wife, Melania Trump, had given birth to Trump's youngest son a few months earlier in 2006.

It also established Avenatti as one of Trump's most vocal and persistent critics. The media-friendly attorney has recently represented alleged victims of Attorney General Jeff Sessions' family separation policy, as well as a woman who made shocking allegations of past sexual misconduct against Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh.

Avenatti now says he is "exploring" a presidential run against Trump in 2020.
Taco Bell's hottest sauce packet is now available as a tortilla chip.

The fast-food chain announced Monday its new, limited-edition Diablo Tortilla Chips are exclusively available at participating 7-Eleven stores nationwide through Oct. 31. After that, they will roll out to additional grocery and convenience stores through November.

The new flavor is the fourth in Taco Bell's line of tortilla chips, which debuted in May. The three other flavors  classic, mild and fire  are sold at grocery and convenience stores.

The company's "iconic sauce packets" were the original inspiration for the chips, Marisa Thalberg, chief brand officer at Taco Bell, said in a statement.

"The new Diablo Tortilla Chips build from that inspiration, letting us serve up our hottest chip yet that's completely unique to Taco Bell, from its dark and smoky packaging with saucy wisdoms, to the flavor of the chip itself," Thalberg said.

According to the company, the chips stand out from competitors in that they are black and not red. They feature the distinct flavors of the Diablo sauce packet with "a kick of hot peppers and a hint of lime."

7-Eleven Merchandising Senior Vice President Jack Stout said the convenience store chain's customers are adventurous and "looking for new taste sensations and unusual flavor combinations."

"If they thought the Taco Bell flavored chips 7-Eleven introduced earlier were something, just wait until the Diablo spice hits the shelves," Stout said in a statement. "An ice-cold Slurpee drink may be necessary to put out the fire."

These limited-edition chips come in 3.5-ounce bags and Taco Bell didn't release the price, explaining it would be set by stores. The chips are vegan, kosher and gluten-free.

The Mexican fast-food arm of Louisville-based Yum Brands also has a line of packaged products with Kraft, including meal kits, crunchy taco shells, bottled hot sauces and beans. Yum owns Pizza Hut and KFC.
Tesla plans a "family night" screening of Pixar's "Cars 3" at its sprawling battery plant in Sparks, Nevada, this weekend, a gesture to thank employees and their loved ones for all their long hours and hard work. The movie will be projected on the side of the factory, and there will be food trucks and other attractions as well.

The electric vehicle maker is expected to report its latest vehicle production and deliveries numbers this week. In the second quarter of 2018, Tesla said it produced 53,339 vehicles most of which were its newest offering, the Model 3 electric sedan.

The company said it had churned out 5,000 Model 3s in a single week for the first time in July. In its second quarter earnings update, Tesla forecast that it would produce a total of 50,000 to 55,000 Model 3s in the third quarter of 2018. It also predicted it would make 6,000 per week by the end of August ,and 10,000 Model per week next year.

Tesla typically enlists all hands to work on vehicle production and delivery bursts towards the end of each quarter in order to hit the audacious goals set forth by CEO Elon Musk. Its burst rates are not representative of the rate at which it can consistently make car batteries or electric vehicles, however.

Events like family night  or the free-for-employees Jack White concert that Tesla recently hosted at its Fremont, California, car plant  are meant to reward and help keep employees motivated.

Last year, Tesla hosted a "family day" for Gigafactory employees which included a waterpark outing and games paid for by the company. One worker said that this year's invitation was a nice gesture, but not quite as appealing for families because the event will be located at work, at night, and require them to tote along their own chairs and blankets.

The invitation sent to employees said:
Tesla shares surged 17 percent Monday after CEO Elon Musk settled charges with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The SEC charged Musk with fraud Thursday alleging he issued "false and misleading" statements and failed to properly notify regulators of material company events. The charges were in relation to a tweet that Musk posted in August saying he was considering taking the electric carmaker public at $420 a share.

On Saturday, Musk settled the charges with the SEC, agreeing to pay a civil penalty of $20 million and give up his role as chairman of the board for at least three years. The SEC also imposed a fine of $20 million on Tesla. The carmaker must also appoint two independent directors to the board.

Under the deal's terms, Musk and Tesla neither admit or deny wrongdoing alleged by regulators.

Tesla's gains Monday  its best day on Wall Street since May 2013  morning erase the stock's 14 percent plunge on Friday.

Investors will now be focusing on Tesla's next earnings report. Over the weekend Musk sent an email to staff saying that Tesla was "very close' to being profitable. In two emails obtained by CNBC, Musk told staff to "ignore the distractions" and that the company was close to "proving naysayers wrong."

Correction: The SEC charged Elon Musk with fraud. An earlier version of this story incorrectly said Tesla had been charged.
The new trilateral trade deal between the U.S., Canada and Mexico provides a validation of sorts for the bare-knuckle negotiating strategy that has won President Donald Trump so many critics.

As he sought to fulfill a key campaign promise to tear up multiple trade deals in which the U.S. participated, Trump used an approach derided as dangerous, protectionist brinkmanship that risked making the nation a pariah among not just traditional foes like China but also allies like Canada and the European Union.

With a new deal, though, comes a chance at bragging rights for an approach not seen from the White House in many administrations.

"This is another substantive win for the president," said Chris Garcia, former deputy director of the Commerce Department under Trump and now CEO of Vicar Financial. "This could be a real legacy piece for the president if all goes as planned. If anything can be taken away from the Trump presidency, it's really a shifting of the supply chain back to the North American continent and specifically to the United States."

Indeed, there are some key components that reorient commerce and provide some key protections the White House had sought.

Taken as whole, though, the new pact, called the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, looks a lot like the old North American Free Trade Agreement.

What's different are the optics, which show a president willing to get tough on global trading partners despite what the critics say and the risks such a strategy pose.

Prior administrations "weren't able to do it the diplomatic way, the old-school way," Garcia said. Trump "came in thinking outside the box. Some people thought he was a madman for wanting to slap tariffs on imports and threatening to increase tariffs progressively. I think those on the inside knew this was a means to an end. You've got to inflict real fear in the opposite party to get some substantive concessions, or they don't take it seriously."

In doing so, Trump scored political points with two key constituencies: farmers, who had been hurt by soybean duties and the dairy impasse with Canada, and union members, particularly those in the auto industries.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue said the organization welcomed the "deal to modernize NAFTA" and wanted to "commend the negotiators for their commitment to finding a path forward that includes the U.S., Mexico and Canada."
President Donald Trump claimed on Monday he had "somewhat compromising" information on an unidentified Democratic senator as he eviscerated the party for its handling of Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination.

Trump exploded on Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats, alleging moral hypocrisy and unfair treatment of the appeals judge after a sexual assault accusation. Without naming the senator or providing any evidence, Trump suggested he had damaging information about a Democrat, whom he called "pretty aggressive."

"I've seen that person in very, very bad situations. Somewhat compromising. And you know, I think it's very unfair to bring up things like this," the president said during a news conference about the revised trade deal among the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Asked later who the senator is, Trump declined to name the lawmaker and said he would "save it for a book like everyone else." The president has a long history of making unfounded claims, then failing to provide evidence to back those assertions. The Supreme Court's term began Monday with only eight justices. Ford, who gave emotional testimony before the Judiciary Committee last week, has said she had no political motivation in coming forward and felt it was her "civic duty."

Kavanaugh angrily denied the accusations last week and had tense interactions with several Democrats on the Judiciary Committee. Facing requests from several key senators to delay a vote on Kavanaugh's confirmation, Trump asked the FBI on Friday to open a supplementary background investigation into Kavanaugh amid Ford's accusation and two other sexual misconduct claims.
U.S. crude prices surged on Monday, hitting a nearly four-year high on signs that sanctions are shrinking Iranian crude exports and as North American trade tensions ease.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude ended Monday's session up $2.05, or 2.8 percent, at $75.30, its best closing prices since Nov. 24, 2014. WTI hit a session high of $75.48, breaking through this year's intraday peak in July.

International benchmark Brent crude was last up $2.31, or 2.8 percent, at $85.04, having hit its highest since November 2014.

Oil prices rose after the United States, Canada and Mexico announced they had agreed on a path forward for the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA. A trade dispute among the three trading partners has raised fears of a slowdown in growth that could impact oil demand.

"The stock market is loving it. It unleashes some more economic activity. It should enable Mexico to buy some crude oil off of us," said John Kilduff, founding partner at energy hedge fund Again Capital.

The market was also bouncing on news that China's Sinopec has cut crude imports from Iran in half ahead of the Trump administration's Nov. 4 deadline for oil buyers to stop importing Iranian supplies.

Questions have lingered about whether China, the world's second biggest crude consumer, would comply with the U.S. sanctions.

The National Iranian Oil Company's deal to build a crude oil storage facility at the port of Oman is also being viewed as tacit acknowledgment that Iran expects the market for its crude to shrink, Kilduff said.
General Electric's board of directors removed John Flannery as CEO due to frustration with the pace of his turnaround plan for the embattled industrial conglomerate, sources familiar with the situation told CNBC. Flannery took on the job in August 2017.

"The board was unsatisfied with the execution that was taking place under John Flannery's leadership," CNBC's Andrew Ross Sorkin said on "Squawk Box," citing sources. GE installed former CEO Lawrence Culp as his successor.

The frustration among GE board members "hardened over the last several weeks," Sorkin said. Part of that frustration was "with the lack of concrete decision-making made in a very short time frame," CNBC's David Faber added, citing sources.

Flannery's removal "was not driven by the turbine issue" that was revealed Sept. 20 but instead was a reaction "to the slow pace of change," Sorkin said. The company said it had discovered a problem with its newest line of natural gas-fired power turbines.

GE's board of directors met Wednesday to discuss how widespread the turbine failure issue was. Flannery told the board at that meeting GE would miss its year-end targets and take the $23 billion charge to its power business, people familiar with the situation told Faber.

The board met again on Thursday, this time to discuss terminating Flannery, according to Faber.

"Soon after that they decided it was time for him to depart," Faber said on CNBC's "Closing Bell."

GE shares closed Monday trading 7.1 percent higher at $12.09 a share, after jumping as high as $13.07 a share.
Some mergers take years to complete. Just ask a flight attendant.

Travelers may not have noticed but in the eight years since United and Continental merged to form United Continental Holdings, the parent company of United Airlines, flight attendants from both carriers had been working separately.

After a new contract, and scheduling system changes, the some 24,000 flight attendants can work on the same planes, starting Monday. American Airlines, which merged with US Airways in December 2013, is taking a similar step today, too, with its more than 25,000 flight attendants. American's pilots combined two years ago while United's merged about five years ago.

Having a single flight attendant pool at each airline will help the airlines staff flights more easily, particularly when they need backup crews, the carriers say. Since they receive the same training, most passengers won't see different service on board.

But the changes have not all gone over smoothly. United's flight attendant union, the Association of Flight Attendants, complained about glitches last month that prevented flight attendants from making some schedule changes. But the labor union praised United CEO Oscar Munoz for getting a deal done with the flight attendants.

American's flight attendant's union complained about what it called a punitive new attendance policy that takes effect Monday.

"It is much more punitive than what we have worked under in the past and we believe it will result in flight attendants working sick, fast tracking them to termination," said Lori Bassani, president of American Airlines' flight attendants union, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants. "It is a new policy for both [US Airways and American crews] with some similar components to the former AA policy, such as a point system."

For his part, American's CEO, Doug Parker, told reporters at an airline industry conference in Boston last week: "There's just so much change being placed upon our flight attendants and change is difficult."

American Airlines spokesman Ross Feinstein said the carrier will work with the union "to address their concerns and get through this integration as quickly as possible."

The two airlines are not the only U.S. carriers left to complete this milestone after a decade of consolidation in the industry.

Alaska Airlines, which merged with Virgin America in December 2016, is still in the process of combining its crews. Its 5,400 flight attendants reached an agreement with the company in April but they will start bidding on trips in January and flying together the following month.

WATCH: Here's how and why airlines bump passengers
Bazaar Corporate Radar | Feb 22, 2021, 12:00 AM IST

Bazaar Corporate Radar

Bazaar Corporate Radar is your window into the minds of top CEOs, Boardrooms, global economists, fund managers and sector analysts. If it?s making news, you?ll find it on Bazaar Corporate Radar.
How the analysis was done

In this analysis, "downtown Columbia" is defined as a box, with Wilkes Blvd. to the north, College Avenue to the east, Elm Street to the south and Providence Road to the west.

The analysis only included shots fired incidents that had corresponding police reports. This makes it likely that a shot was actually fired, as opposed to a firecracker going off.

For the time period starting Jan. 1, 2012, the analysis looked at all incidents defined as "shots fired" in the police department's database that were within the box we defined as downtown. (It also includes one incident from July 29, 2018, where a shot was fired on the corner of Tenth Street and Broadway that was defined as a "disturbance" in the police database. Previous Missourian reporting makes clear the incident involved a gun being shot.)
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
Make it two months in a row. Back in August, Microsoft screwed up a bunch of patches, and finally fixed them on the last business day of August. In September, after a laudable start, we saw four huge cumulative updates later in the month, but they dried up shortly after release. We didnt get fixes for those bad patches until late September.

Two months of cliffhangers.

Whats with the 'v2' Win10 patches?

To refresh your memory, Microsoft pushed four Win10 patches on Thursday, Sept. 20, nine days after Patch Tuesday:

KB 4458469 takes Win10 version 1803 to build 17134.319.

KB 4457136 turns Win10 1709 into build 16299.697.

KB 4457141 moves 1703 to build 15063.1358.

KB 4457127 twists Win10 1607 and Server 2016 to build 14393.2517.

All of those patches contain dozens of minor, individual fixes. The mechanism is still shrouded in mystery, but some Win10 users got the patches through normal Windows Update means, but many did not. By Friday, they werent coming out at all, although they were always available in the Microsoft Update Catalog.

[ Further reading: How to handle Windows 10 updates ]

If youre wondering why Microsoft unleashed such huge bunches of patches, simultaneously, on all of those versions of Windows, I think Ive found an explanation. If you watch the video of presentation THR2234 from last weeks Ignite conference, youll find that Microsoft has changed its patching policies again.

Microsoft

Ignite session THR2234. (Click image to enlarge it.)



Around minute 12 in the presentation, Microsoft spokesman John Wilcox explains that Microsoft is now bundling low-impact bug fixes from earlier versions of Win10, testing them on the next version of Win10  in this case 1809  and, if they survive the beta-testing barrage, theyre backported to earlier versions of Windows. The screenshot shows an Ignite slide that explains part of the process.

Microsoft has never done that before, at least not on this scale. Nice of it to warn us, after the fact, buried at minute 12 in one of the 623 Ignite presentations.

Since the first big bunch of backported patches performed so poorly, Microsoft stopped distributing them and, on Sept. 26, reissued v2 versions of the cumulative updates for 1803 and 1709. Furthering the obfuscation, the v2 versions have the same KB numbers as the original, bad updates, and theres no way for a normal person to tell if they have v1, v2, or both.

Oddly, Microsoft never did issue v2 versions of the 1703 patches (likely it has given up on 1703, which expires in October) or 1607/Server 2016.

At any rate, the Win10 cumulative updates  four of them for Win10 1803  now seem ready for prime time. And they actually appear to be cumulative. Imagine.

Win7/Server 2008R2 Network Card bugs continue

Microsoft has a bug in its Win7 Monthly Rollup thats been, uh, bugging us since March. If you installed any Win7/Server 2008R2 patches after March and your network connections didnt go kablooey, youre almost undoubtedly OK to proceed with this months patches.

On the other hand, if youve been waiting to install patches on your Win7 or Server 2008R2 machine, you need to be aware of a bug that Microsoft has acknowledged.

Symptom : There is an issue with Windows and third-party software that is related to a missing file ( oem<number>.inf ). Because of this issue, after you apply this update, the network interface controller will stop working.

Workaround : 1.To locate the network device, launch devmgmt.msc; it may appear under Other Devices.

2. To automatically rediscover the NIC and install drivers, select Scan for Hardware Changes from the Action menu.

a. Alternatively, install the drivers for the network device by right-clicking the device and selecting Update . Then select Search automatically for updated driver software or Browse my computer for driver software .

Thats a bizarre, convoluted series of steps. Microsoft still hasnt confirmed which third-party software is at fault, but reports have it that its largely a VMware problem. Six months later, the bugs still there, still acknowledged, still unfixed.

If youre worried that installing this months updates will clobber your network interface card, make sure you take a full backup before installing the updates. You can also take @GoneToPlaids advice and edit certain registry entries in advance.

SSU before LCU except after C or when it sounds like an A

In yet another demonstration of Windows as a Tired Old Relic, the Win7 and Win10 installers arent smart enough to pull in requisite fixes before they run. As a result, you may see an error 0x8000FFFF when installing Win7 patches, or phantom patches for Win10.

Now that we know the source of the problem, it isnt as mysterious as it once was. Just remember that if you hit an error 0x8000FFFF when installing the Win7 Monthly Rollup, it isnt your fault. You simply have to install KB 3177467 before re-running the patch.

Microsoft promises it'll get better next month.

Office

Susan Bradleys Master Patch List for September shows no glaring bugs, other than the ones documented by Microsoft. The official Fixes or workarounds articles include a strange manual fix if Outlook stops receiving your AOL messages.

Update

Ready to take a chance on messing up your NIC? Heres how to proceed. The patching pattern should be familiar to many of you.

Step 1. Make a full system image backup before you install the June patches.

Theres a non-zero chance that the patches  even the latest, greatest patches of patches of patches  will hose your machine. Best to have a backup that you can reinstall even if your machine refuses to boot. This, in addition to the usual need for System Restore points.

There are plenty of full-image backup products, including at least two good free ones: Macrium Reflect Free and EaseUS Todo Backup. For Win 7 users, If you arent making backups regularly, take a look at this thread started by Cybertooth for details. You have good options, both free and not-so-free.

Step 2. For Win7 and 8.1

Microsoft is blocking updates to Windows 7 and 8.1 on recent computers. If you are running Windows 7 or 8.1 on a PC thats a year old or less, follow the instructions in AKB 2000006 or @MrBrians summary of @radosuafs method to make sure you can use Windows Update to get updates applied.

If youve already installed any March or later updates, your Network Interface Card should be immune to the latest slings and arrows. But if you havent been keeping up on patches, see the discussion in the Network Cards section above to protect yourself.

If youre very concerned about Microsofts snooping on you and want to install just security patches, realize that the privacy paths getting more difficult. The old Group B  security patches only  isnt dead, but its no longer within the grasp of typical Windows customers. If you insist on manually installing security patches only, follow the instructions in @PKCanos AKB 2000003 and be aware of @MrBrians recommendations for hiding any unwanted patches.

For most Windows 7 and 8.1 users, I recommend following AKB 2000004: How to apply the Win7 and 8.1 Monthly Rollups. Realize that some or all of the expected patches for September may not show up or, if they do show up, may not be checked. DON'T CHECK any unchecked patches. Unless you're very sure of yourself, DON'T GO LOOKING for additional patches. In particular, if you install the September Monthly Rollups or Cumulative Updates, you wont need (and probably wont see) the concomitant patches for August. Don't mess with Mother Microsoft.

If you want to minimize Microsofts snooping but still install all of the offered patches, turn off the Customer Experience Improvement Program (Step 1 of AKB 2000007: Turning off the worst Windows 7 and 8.1 snooping) before you install any patches. (Thx, @MrBrian.) If you see KB 2952664 (for Win7) or its Win8.1 cohort, KB 2976978  the patches that so helpfully make it easier to upgrade to Win10  uncheck them and spread your machine with garlic or drive a wooden stake through its heart. Watch out for driver updates  youre far better off getting them from a manufacturers website.

After youve installed the latest Monthly Rollup, if youre intent on minimizing Microsofts snooping, run through the steps in AKB 2000007: Turning off the worst Win7 and 8.1 snooping. Realize that we dont know what information Microsoft collects on Window 7 and 8.1 machines. But Im starting to believe that information pushed to Microsofts servers for Win7 owners is nearly on par with that pushed in Win10.

Step 3. For Windows 10

If youre running Win10 Creators Update, version 1703 (my current preference), or version 1709, and you want to stay on 1703 or 1709 and not get sucked into the 1803 vortex, follow the instructions here to ward off the upgrade. Of course, all bets are off if Microsoft, uh, forgets to honor its own settings.

Remember: If you want to avoid 1803, dont click Check for Updates until youve gone through all the precautions listed in this article, including running wushowhide. If you forget, you may be tossed in the seeker heap and shuffled off to 1803 land.

Those of you running Win10 1703 will need to upgrade to 1709, 1803 or possibly 1809 at some point in October. (It isnt clear if Microsoft will release Fourth Tuesday or C/D Week patches for 1703 in October.) Im still sitting on a fence, and suggest you join me in mugwump land until we have a clearer view of the horizon. I'll have full instructions, of course.

If you have trouble getting the latest cumulative update installed, make sure youve checked your antivirus settings and, if all is well, run the newly refurbished Windows Update Troubleshooter before inventing new epithets.

To get Windows 10 patched, go through the steps in "8 steps to install Windows 10 patches like a pro."

Thanks to the dozens of volunteers on AskWoody who contribute mightily, especially @sb, @PKCano, @abbodi86, @gborn, @GoneToPlaid, @Cybertooth and @MrBrian.

Weve moved to MS-DEFCON 3 on the AskWoody Lounge.
Singapore blood bank calls for group 'O' blood donations

With the Singapore blood bank low on 'O' group blood, the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) are calling on O blood donors to come forward to donate blood over the next two weeks.

An estimated 500 donors are required to bring up the O blood stock to a healthy level, HSA and SRC said in a joint press release.

Photo courtesy: unsplash.com

Donors are encouraged to visit Bloodbank@HSA, Bloodbank@Dhoby Ghaut, Bloodbank@Woodlands and Bloodbank@Westgate Tower as soon as they can.

Being a universal blood group, O blood is required for all patients during emergency situations when their blood groups are not known. Moreover, nearly half of the patients are O blood type who can only receive group O blood.

As of today, the national blood stock level for O blood is about half of the required stockpile. SRC and HSA aim to have at least six days supply to meet daily transfusion needs and bleeding emergencies in Singapore.

All healthy individuals with O blood type between 16 and 60 years, weighing at least 45 kg, are urged to come forward to help. Donors who have not made a donation in the past 12 weeks are also encouraged to donate. They will need to bring their NRIC (for Singaporeans), or passport (for non-Singaporeans).

Photo courtesy: Singapore Red Cross FB

For donors aged 16 or 17 years old, a signed parental consent form is required. The form can be found here.

Before a donation, donors are advised to eat a light meal and drink plenty of fluids. They should also ensure that they have adequate rest the night before the donation and on the actual day itself.

Those who have not donated blood before in Singapore can visit www.hsa.gov.sg/donor_criteria or call 6220 0183 for more information or to make an appointment for blood donation.
Brexit and Conference 1) Hunt compares the EU to the Soviet Union

The Conservatives need a vision beyond Brexit  Leader, Daily Telegraph

The Foreign Secretary has warned the EU that it will stir Britains Dunkirk spirit if it tries to force a bad Brexit deal on Prime Minister Theresa May. Jeremy Hunts warning at the Conservative Party Conference came after he compared the EU to the Soviet Union. He said that if the bloc becomes a prison and punishes Britain for Brexit other countries will want to escape. Mr Hunt also invoked Margaret Thatcher as he told EU leaders that if they want to break up the UK by putting a border in the Irish Sea the answer is No, no, no. In an interview with The Telegraph after his speech, Mr Hunt said the EU was over-confident about Britains willingness to compromise.  Daily Telegraph

>Today:

>Yesterday:

Brexit and Conference 2) Raab warns of limits to further compromises

The UKs willingness to compromise is not without limits, Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab will warn the EU in a speech to the Conservative conference. Mr Raab will vow to take a pragmatic, not dogmatic approach to the final phase of talks with Brussels. But if the EU tries to force the UK into accepting a customs union then it will leave without a deal, he will say.Neither will the government agree to anything that divides Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK or makes the country a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) like Norway.  BBC

Dont fear leaving on WTO terms says Rees-Mogg  Daily Express

Brexit and Conference 3) Hammond mocks Johnson for lack of detail

Lord Jones joins the attack  Daily Mail

May deserves our backing  Leader, Daily Express

Philip Hammond last night launched a blistering personal attack on Boris Johnson. He said the former foreign secretary was incapable of grown-up politics and did not have a clue how his own proposal for a Brexit deal would work. On the eve of his speech to the Tory Party conference, the Chancellor also said Mr Johnson was doomed to fail in his bid to be the next Conservative prime minister. I dont expect it to happen, he told the Daily Mail in a candid and wide-ranging interview.  Daily Mail

>Today: ToryDiary: Our Next Tory Leader survey. Javid is up and Johnson down slightly  but the latter retains a double-figure lead.

Brexit and Conference 4) Eurosceptics risk forgetting about the Union that really matters, claims Davidson

Ruth Davidson is to warn Tory Eurosceptics they risk forgetting about the Union that really matters in their drive for a hard Brexit. The Scottish Tory leader told the Telegraph she will use her speech to the UK conference in Birmingham to be the pro-Union conscience of the party. Ms Davidson believes some of her colleagues must be reminded that Brexit cannot be a success if it leads to the break-up of the UKShe said she wanted to remind the partys pro-Brexit wing that in Scotland the Nationalists spend every waking hour trying to use Brexit to get independence.  Daily Telegraph

Ideological puritan approach attacked  The Herald

I will retain Navys amphibious assault ships, promises Williamson

Tories have lost their way, says business donor

Gavin Williamson has made an unfunded commitment to retain the Royal Navys amphibious assault ships, ending speculation that the capability was about to be cut. The landing craft HMS Bulwark and HMS Albion, which are used to transport Royal Marines ashore by air and sea, were singled out last year as being at risk due to pressure to cut budgets. However, cutting an entire military capability is a more efficient way to make savings than retaining but paring down several. The two ships have been responsible during their service for helping secure Iraqi oil platforms, tackling piracy off the Horn of Africa, participating in migrant search-and-rescue missions and evacuating British citizens from Libya during the civil war.  The Times

A major Conservative donor has told the BBC the Tories have lost their way and the prime minister has let herself down by failing to champion business. City grandee Michael Spencer said the party had been foolish on occasion to adopt some of the language of the socialists in order to buy votes. He told BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg the gamble had not paid off. In the interview, Mr Spencer also refused to endorse Theresa May to continue as party leader after Brexit. Mr Spencer, 63, is chief executive of investment organisation NEX Group and spent almost four years as party treasurer under David Cameron, from January 2007 to October 2010.  BBC

Lewis refuses to resign over data blunder

App creator apologises  The Times

Tory Party boss, Brandon Lewis, has refused to quit after the a humiliating data blunder saw mobile numbers of Cabinet Ministers and party members published online. Instead the Conservative Party Chairman heaped blame on a private tech firm drafted in by the party to build their controversial Conference AppHe was mocked by his colleagues over the glitch  with Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson joking that Mr Lewis should send some of his own staff on a new cyber security course he was launching for cadets.  The Sun

>Yesterday: WATCH: We are taking this breach of data seriously, promises Lewis

Chancellor to promise changes to Apprenticeship Levy

Philip Hammond is set to promise reforms to the unpopular apprenticeship levy, the vocational training policy that has been beset by problems since its introduction last year, as the government seeks to repair damage to its relationship with industry. The chancellor will announce a consultation today on improving the levy, the new funding system that was supposed to improve the training of young workers and to help the nation to tackle skills shortages.  The Times

Overseas banks press for tax cut  Daily Telegraph

Clark orders review of companies using big data to exploit customers

Restaurant bosses will be banned from taking their staffs tips  The Sun

and he backs reform of Business Rates to save the high street

Companies using big data to rip off vulnerable consumers are being targeted by the competition watchdog after Greg Clark, the business secretary, said he would trigger a far-reaching review into Britains business practices. Mr Clark has asked Andrew Tyrie, head of the Competition and Markets Authority, to advise him on an overhaul of business regulation, for which he said he was ready to legislate. The business secretary said there were warning signs in the way companies had used personal data to exploit customers, such as energy groups imposing higher charges on loyal customers  especially the elderly  who failed to shop around. Last week UK regulators said they were investigating a loyalty penalty charged to faithful customers, which amounted to 4bn a year according to Citizens Advice.  Financial Times

Business rates could be reformed to recognise the contribution made by ailing High Streets, ministers have signalled. Business Secretary Greg Clark said he believed the benefits to communities from High Streets should be recognised. Speaking at a fringe event at the Conservative Party conference, he said changes to the tax on business properties was one way of doing that.  Daily Mail

Brokenshire to ban Grenfell-style cladding

Combustible materials will be banned from the outside of all new tower blocks, schools, hospitals, care homes and student accommodation, the government will announce today. The ban has been welcomed by survivors of the Grenfell Tower disaster as the first signal we are being heard. Combustible cladding has been blamed for the rapid spread of the fire at the west London block, which claimed 72 lives in June 2017. James Brokenshire, the housing secretary, said that the change to building regulations resulted from a lengthy consultation after the fire.  The Times

Gove launches initiative to cut supermarket food waste

as Foges decides he is the bold revolutionary the Tories need

Michael Gove will today launch a pioneering initiative to end the scandal of supermarket food waste. The Environment Secretary will announce plans to use food destined to be dumped by the major retailers to provide 250 million meals to those in need. The collaboration, involving the supermarkets, charities and the Government, will prevent food with a retail value of close to 1 billion being thrown awayThe 15 million pilot project will help establish a national scheme to distribute food that is going out of date to local charities and voluntary groups who will send out meals.  Daily Mail

Deliver Gove would. Sure, all Tory candidates will promise sweeping change, but too often big promises dissolve into endless consultations and inquiries. One takeaway from the Brexit and Corbyn phenomena is that this kind of managerial, tinkering politics wont cut it any more. As many have observed, two things hang in the air over swathes of Britain: anger that this does not feel like a country that works for everyone and hunger for change. Whoever leads next, they face the formidable task of post-Brexit national renewal, a task requiring urgency, imagination, a revolutionary spirit. To meet this moment, our best hope is Michael Gove.  Clare Foges, The Times

Truss calls for speed limit on motorways to be raised to 80mph

Prime Minister refuses to apologise for hostile environment immigration policy

The speed limit on motorways should be lifted to 80 miles per hour to increase national productivity by helping car and van drivers get to meetings more quickly, a Government minister has said. Liz Truss, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said increasing the speed limit from 70mph to 80mph would mean that drivers wasted less time in their cars. Ms Truss told a fringe meeting organised by the Centre for Policy Studies at the Conservative Party Conference that raising the speed limit could be part of the Governments growth agenda.  Daily Telegraph

Theresa May has refused to apologise for her hostile environment immigration policy, although she conceded that members of the Windrush generation had become wrongly entangled, sometimes at the cost of their own lives. The prime minister said the policy was intended to identify illegal immigrants and said it would remain, even though thousands of people who were British citizens had their right to remain in the country and use healthcare, housing and other public services questioned.  The Guardian

Johnson: Use aid spending to save the elephants

Harris: Higher Stamp Duty for foreigners wont increase housing supply

With a magnificent disdain for anything so grubby as a national priority, we shove the money out of the door and into the arms of the big corporate charitable organisations that are only too happy to spend it on our behalf, no questions askedIf we are going to spend so much on aid  and there is no doubt that it wins Britain friends and admirers around the world  then lets get value for this country as well. Saving elephants and protecting nature is one of the priorities of the British people. All the polls show it. Time is running out. We can support elephant corridors, and support the people of Africa as well.  Boris Johnson, Daily Telegraph

Numerous studies, including the one cited this weekend by Downing Street, rubbish the buy to leave theory. Some also find that foreign demand has enabled developers to build faster, increasing supply and helping weigh down rental costs in the capital. The PMs new policy could, therefore, have the unintended consequence of pushing up rental costs. Meanwhile she and too many of her cabinet ministers continue to stand in the way of any meaningful planning reform. It is a sorry situation, but one that has become typical of todays Conservative Party.  Julian Harris, City AM

DAncona: The Conservatives are a Party in crisis

Since Labours landslide in 1997, the Conservatives have brooded, with varying degrees of intensity, upon their failure to reach out, to win the support of new voters, to speak to the heart as well as the wallet. But the embalming of the May government and the crazed cacophony of Brexit have stalled that necessary process of reflection  perhaps indefinitely. Behold, in Birmingham, a party in crisis, blithely dragging the country towards the cliffs edge: stultified and baffled, it resorts to its oldest tunes, barely convincing itself that anyone is really listening.  Matthew dAncona, The Guardian

Moore: May doesnt seem to enjoy Party Conference speeches

US and Canada agree new trade deal

Her audience  though sceptical after the debacle of her Chequers proposals  will not be hostile. They will be willing her to succeed.One must be doubtful that she will do so, however. This is partly because of Mrs Mays dislike  most unusual in a leader  of talking in public about what she is doing. Margaret Thatcher was a passionate preacher, especially to the converted. John Major was a low-key but seductive persuader. David Cameron might not have had great natural rapport with his party conference audience, but he could always deliver first-rate, rousing oratory. Mrs May gives the impression she would prefer to be at the dentist.  Charles Moore, Daily Telegraph

The US and Canada have reached a new trade deal, along with Mexico, to replace the current North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta). The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is said to involve more US access to Canadas dairy market and a cap on its car exports to the US. However, the joint US-Canada statement did not give details of the agreement. US President Donald Trump has long sought to change Nafta, which governed more than $1tn (767bn) in trade.  BBC

News in brief
Chloe Westley is the Campaign Manager of the TaxPayers Alliance.

Labours position on Brexit is a shambles. One moment they are committed to delivering the result, the next they are calling for a second referendum. Not even Jeremy Corbyn has a clue about how he would negotiate Britains exit from the EU, and he was unable to remember the six tests that Labour has set for any Brexit deal.

This confusion fuels anti-democratic sentiments amongst Labour MPs who are embarrassed that so many of their constituencies voted to leave. It also makes leave supporting Labour voters wonder if their trust in the party has been misplaced.

By contrast, the one thing that the Conservative cabinet are united on is that Brexit should go ahead. Theresa May has remained firm in her commitment to respecting the result of the referendum, making it clear that there will be no second referendum under her watch.

Making Brexit a success should be central to the Conservative Party message, and as we kick off conference this year, Im sure there will be several events, debates and speeches about how we should leave the EU, and what to do afterwards. Yes, there will be a small gang of anti-democrats, but the majority of participants will be looking forward constructively to how to seize the opportunities that Brexit provides. Where the Labour Party message on Brexit is confusion, the Conservative partys should be determination and vigour.

And of course, the big thing that the continuity Remain campaign has failed to grasp, is that Brexit was never about precisely how we left the EU, but what could be achieved in this country outside of it. We will take back control, in spite of Tony Blairs best efforts, and the Conservative Party should be leading the national conversation about what to do with that control.

There is a huge appetite for change  something which Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell hope to capitalise on, in order to push forward their radical socialist agenda. Higher taxes, clamping down on business, public ownership of industry, significant restrictions of the rights of the individual, and a crack down on the press. These are dangerous policies that deserve our criticism, but as I have previously written on this website, we shouldnt assume that criticism of Corbyn alone is enough to persuade voters that this important and exciting place in Britains history should be guided by a Conservative government with liberal values.

Britain after Brexit wont only be determined by the final deal  which hopefully will mirror the IEAs Canada plus model  but also about the domestic policies that the Government puts in place in the lead up to March next year. Will the government take bold action on housing, perhaps even by building on parts of the green belt? Could HS2 be scrapped and money spent on improving wi-fi and phone signals instead? How could automation revolutionise public services?

These are just some of the debates and panels that Im excited to be going to this year at party conference  and as Ive now been to a couple of these I can safely say that the fringe events are where the party is at.

As Cabinet ministers make quite unambitious speeches, a heated battle of ideas takes place in tents and rooms outside the main venue. Today, for example, Ill be speaking on a panel with Priti Patel MP, Helen Dickinson (CEO, British Retail Consortium), Lance Forman (Owner, H. Forman & Son Smoked Salmon), and Adam Marshall (Director General, British Chambers of Commerce) about what business wants after Brexit. Given the organisation that I proudly represent, you wont be surprised that Ill be making the case for some tax cuts. But there are also so many things to discuss about skills, about whether there should be retraining programmes to prepare for automation, about which tariffs should be lowered when we (hopefully) leave the customs union  the list goes on. Gosh  Im excited already!

This is the last Conservative Party conference before Britain leaves the EU. Its not a time to be tinkering around the edges with obscure technocratic policies, or proposing bizzare taxes on milkshakes. Its also not the time to be introducing Corbyn-lite policies like increased taxation on foreign ownership.

Its a time for real, genuine reform. There are people and think tanks with the ideas to beat Jeremy Corbyns, and if I were May, Id be listening to activists at fringe events instead of beating to Whitehalls hesitant drum.

People want change, and if the Conservative Party isnt ambitious enough to deliver it, then they will vote for someone who is.
Andrew Gimsons Conference Sketch: Those who have no stomach for Hammonds fight go to sleep

You dont seem to have written very much down. So said a BBC journalist towards the end of Philip Hammonds speech.

It is true that not many lines of my notebook are devoted to what the Chancellor of the Exchequer had to say. He delivered a lecture on the economic facts of life, which are tremendously important, but not always tremendously exciting.

And that, for Conservatives, is doubtless as it should be. There is a lot to be said for daring to be dull. Most of us are reassured when the person looking after our money is a sober figure.

The other day, Theresa May said in her interview with James Cleverly for The House Magazine: Im not a stand-up comedian. I am Prime Minister.

Hammond too is at his best when he leaves the serious business of telling jokes to other people.

We are the party of business, he said at one point, which my BBC neighbour, who has an acute news sense, said was a dig at Boris Johnson, who recently made a disparaging reference to business.

The Chancellors speech was punctuated by polite applause which quickly died away. Here was no unbalanced enthusiasm, and had there been any danger of the occasion getting out of hand, Hammond could quickly have damped things down with one of his facts: Europe remains, by far, our biggest market.

His promise of a deal dividend was itself dampened by his insistence that the Chequers plan is still the one to follow.

Back at my desk in the press room, I found my neighbour, a photographer, setting out on an assignment. His news desk had instructed him to take pictures of sleeping Conservatives.

He returned half an hour later to declare his bag: Three or four sleepers and a lady doing the crossword.

At the end of his speech, Hammond delivered a message to those who will ask if the Conservative Party has the stomach for this fight.

Here was an echo of the great speech Shakespeare wrote for Henry V to give before the Battle of Agincourt, which included the injunction: That he which has no stomach to the fight, Let him depart.

Those who had no stomach for Hammonds fight had instead gone to sleep.
Gavin Williamson has no responsibility for the drone which has been sighted hovering over the Tory Conference. So said the Defence Secretary during his interview today with Isabel Oakeshott at a ConHome fringe.

But Williamson is responsible for a astonishing range of other deployments, and faced questions on many of them from Oakeshott, who is about to publish, with Lord Ashcroft, White Flag? An Examination of the UKs Defence Capability, fruit of two years interviewing of people at every level from the most junior to the most senior.

Is Britain a country in retreat? In field after field, Williamson sought to demonstrate this is no longer the case.

So he was recently the first minister from a Nato country to visit the Line of Control, as the front line in eastern Ukraine is known. Williamson remarked that this conflict is something so forgotten by so many media outlets.

But as he pointed out, there are people sadly losing their lives every day. The Russians have occupied Crimea and large chunks of eastern Ukraine, and are using this campaign to test both the strengths and the vulnerabilities of the West.

Oakeshott observed that Operation Orbital, under which British troops give training and support to the Ukrainians, doesnt get a lot of publicity. Williamson said the Ukrainians set a very high value on it.

The Defence Secretary conceded that Britains confidence was knocked by the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan  we became too timid. But he brushed aside the concern that sending HMS Albion through the South China Sea had upset the Chinese.

He contended that most of the rules which guarantee the right of every navy to sail through international waters were written by Great Britain, and it is important to have the self-confidence to uphold these.

Williamson said the recent dispatch of a ship to Australia had been an essential element in gaining a naval shipbuilding contract there, and added: We havent actually had a British naval presence in the Pacific since 2013. That couldnt be allowed to go on.

He could cast no light on why this had occurred (or not occurred) and said not just the Australians but the Japanese and the South Koreans are glad to see us back, standing up for our values.

Oakeshott pressed him on the continued shrinkage of all three of Britains armed services: You became an MP in 2010 and the 2010 defence cuts come up as a turning point. Do you think in retrospect those defence cuts went too far?

Williamson refused to be drawn on that question, and pointed out that when Liam Fox became Defence Secretary in 2010, he found massive over-commitments that just werent funded.

The present Defence Secretary said he had recently visited the Royal Marines at Lympstone, where they showed him a piece of kit they had built themselves for 250, and told him, if we wanted to buy this it would cost 60,000.

All the breezy optimism of Williamson could not conceal the fact that the economics of defence procurement remain as difficult at they have always been, and getting the savings which new technologies often offer is remarkably hard.

One project which is in trouble is Galileo, the EUs satellite navigation system which the continental Europeans no longer wish to build with the UK. Williamson struck a defiant note: Can they do it without us? No. Can we do it without them? Yes.

He added that they are not going to be allowed to use our facilities for a rival project. He is, however, happy to co-operate with them as equals.

Williamson was much criticised for saying in March, when asked how Moscow should respond to the expulsion of its spies after the Salisbury attack, that Russia should go away and should shut up.

Oakeshott said a Conservative member had complained to her, when they met while coming through security into the conference centre, that he found it impossible to get this phrase out of his mind.

The member happened to be sitting next to me in the auditorium, and identified himself as Martyn Simpson, the Treasurer of Winchester Conservatives.

The Defence Secretary attempted to defend himself: One of my great virtues or great faults is that I am bluntit is in the DNA of every Yorkshireman.

But as Oakeshott said, the criticism was that he should either have been a bit ruder or a bit more diplomatic.

Sometimes the Chief Whip  Williamsons previous position  peeped out from behind the Defence Secretary. Do feel free to disagree with me, he told some representatives of the defence industry who were in the audience. Well actually I dont really mean that, he added with a laugh.

As a man with no previous experience of running a department, and no previous career in the armed services, Williamson has had an enormous amount to learn in his 11 months at the Ministry of Defence, but does not seem to have allowed this burden to crush his natural ebullience.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 1)  Immigration personnel barred a suspected ISIS member from entering the country for the second time, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Monday.

The agency said Pakistani national Naeem Hussain was intercepted at the Clark International Airport in Pampanga last September 22.

Authorities believe Hussain, 36, was a trainer for terrorist group Daesh. BI said he was on the alert list of suspected international terrorists. It added Hussain has been on the watch list of the military intelligence community, which sought the BI's help in monitoring the Pakistani's possible entry or departure from the country.

Hussain was immediately booked on the first available flight to Dubai.

He was first denied entry last May, when he attempted to enter the country from Dubai through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Viking River Cruises is moving forward with its ambitious plan to enter the U.S. river market, according to a company presentation made in front of the Dubuque, Iowa, City Council in September.

The Torstein Hagen-led brand essentially dominates the European river market with an estimated 49 percent market share, and will have a fleet of 16 930-guest ocean ships in service by 2027, as well as two additional expedition vessels as the company continues to rapidly gain market share.

After announcing its plan to enter the U.S. river market in 2015, Viking has been quiet, but now company consultants are pounding the pavement along the banks of the Mississippi River.

A potential start-up with ships in service could happen as soon as 2021, according to a presentation.

We have a brand and existing customer base who are river cruisers and our past passengers are asking for the Mississippi River, said David Simmons of Viking Cruise Lines in his presentation to the Dubuque, Iowa, City Council.

The presentation said the Mississippi River market was well underserved, with Simmons in Dubuque to pitch the city in adding berth space in the form of a small floating dock (steiger), similar to what is used in Europe.

We are looking to participate in building this with the city, Simmons said. At the end of the day we want it to be a win-win.

By 2027, Viking is hoping to carry just over 100,000 guests on the Mississippi, which would be well up from an estimated 50,599 on the river today, according to the companys presentation.

By 2027 our plan is to have six vessels, Simmons added.

Early deployment plans include round-trip New Orleans sailings, New Orleans to Memphis, and St. Louis to St. Paul; all are seven-day voyages.

The five-deck ship is being described as a long-ship on steroids, although renderings were blocked from public view. All staterooms will offer balcony accommodations. The aft of the vessel will feature an infinity pool while the bow of the ship will have ramps to easily land passengers.

Simmons said he had been working with Viking for seven years on the Mississippi program.

Among the challenges has been the Jones Act, as Viking remains a foreign company with headquarters in Switzerland.

Thus, the vessels will be built and owned by the shipyard, Edison Chouest. The ships will then be chartered to Viking.

Dubuque currently receives calls from American Cruise Line and American Queen Steamboat Company at the American Trust Rivers Edge Plaza.
Norway needs a new and different cruise industry policy, according to Daniel Skjeldam, CEO of Hurtigruten.

The Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet has reported that Skjeldam would like to see a total ban on HFO in Norwegian waters and a limit on the number of ships and passengers that can visit destinations at the same time.

Skjeldam is also reported to be concerned that the ships going to Svalbard are becoming too big and that a rescue operation in those waters would be very difficult for 3,000 to 5,000 passengers plus crew.

Ships calling in Norway should also have to commit to buy a certain amount of their provisions and services locally. He wants total transparency in terms of the real financial impact of the ships.

Using Antarctica as a model, Skjeldam asked that Norwegian authorities and the industry jointly develop guidelines for the more remote regions of Norway.

Norwegian maritime authorities have proposed a zero emissions requirement for the countrys heritage fjords by 2025, and Skjeldam would like to see stricter environmental regulations for all ships larger than 10,000 tons.

As for shorepower, large cruise ships need as much power as a small Norwegian town and many of the cruise destinations are too small to provide electricity on that scale.

Skjeldams goal, according to Dagbladet, is year-round cruise tourism, but with fewer passengers willing to pay more to maintain the quality of the Norwegian experience.
Planning a second private-island destination, Disney Cruise Line seems to have run into a snag with local opposition in the Bahamas.

A local non-profit group supported by Bahamian environmental groups has put forth a proposal for the same 750 acres on the southern point of Eleuthera.

According to Bahamian news sources, One Eleuthera Foundation is prepared to acquire the property to ensure that it, as a historical site, remains accessible to future generations of Bahamians. The foundation is reportedly seeking to develop the area into an ecotourism and research destination. They also claim that they will create more jobs and tourism revenue for the Bahamas than Disney will.

Disney has reportedly pledged that the area will remain fully open to all Bahamians and that it could create up to 150 local jobs. Locals, however, are concerned that the jobs would go to Nassau-based tour operators and workers, as the tour operators in Eleuthera, for example, do not have the resources to upgrade their equipment or purchase the necessary insurance coverage.

Disney has taken its arguments to local newspapers with op-ed articles trying to convince Bahamians that its plans are the best. The company has one advantage: it is already said to have a sales contract to buy the land from a private developer, but must still get approval from the government before the land can change hands. The sales price is said to be around $25 million.

Bahamians and locals that support Disneys plans point to Castaway Cays as an example that the cruise line can create a tourist attraction that generates revenue and jobs for the community.

The opposition argues that Disney will block locals access to beaches and sites and that most of the revenue will go back to the company.
BRIDGEPORT  A missing Bridgeport sailor who died in the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor has finally been identified, the Defense Department announced Monday.

Navy Water Tender 1st Class Stephen Pepe, 43, who was on the USS Oklahoma when it was hit by Japanese torpedoes, has been identified through mitochondrial DNA analysis, anthropological analysis and material and circumstantial evidence. His remains are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

He will be will be buried Oct. 8 in Bourne, Mass., officials said.

The Oklahoma, moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when it was attacked by Japanese aircraft, sustained eight torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize, killing Pepe and 428 of his shipmates.

From December 1941 to June 1944, Navy personnel recovered the remains of the crew, which were interred in the Halawa and Nuuanu cemeteries.

Of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II, more than 400,000 died during the war. There are 72,813 still unaccounted for from World War II, including 943 from Connecticut. Most of the missing from World War II were either sailors and officers lost at sea or bomber crew members who were lost on missions over the ocean.

Pepes name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (also know as The Punchbowl), Honolulu, along with the others who are missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Launched in 1914, the Oklahoma was a 27,900-ton Nevada-class battleship, the first Navy ship of its size to use oil as fuel, as opposed to coal.

jburgeson@ctpost.com
DERBY - A Superior Court jury has awarded a Shelton man $1.6 million for injuries he suffered when he was injured at a Sears warehouse in 2014.

The six-member jury deliberated a little more than an hour on Friday before finding that Sears was responsible for the injuries sustained by Kevin Reid.

My client's life has been so impacted by his injury, and therefore he is very grateful for this verdict, said Reids lawyer, George Ganim Jr. We want to thank our jury for their careful and thoughtful deliberations.

Representatives of Sears did not return calls for comment.

Reid was an independent contractor who delivered appliances for Sears, according to the lawsuit. On May 22, 2014 at about 6:30 a.m., he arrived at the Sears warehouse in Albany, N.Y. to pick up the merchandise he was scheduled to deliver that day.

While in the Sears warehouse Reid was struck from behind by a fork lift operated by Sears employee Clint Whit, the suit states. Whit was improperly operating the fork lift with his vision obstructed by a refrigerator he was carrying on the forklift.

The refrigerator landed on Reids ankle, causing serious injury.

As a result, the suit states Reid underwent two failed surgeries to his left ankle and is left with a permanent injury.

During the trial Sears operation manager for the warehouse, Timothy Mosher, testified Whit was improperly operating the forklift in violation of safety rules. Mosher said Whit should have been driving the clamp truck backward so that he could safely see where he was going at the time. The trial included the testimony of doctor Allen Ferrucci of Connecticut Orthopedic Specialists who said Reid suffered a permanent injury to his left ankle and thus would not be able to return to his job delivering appliances.
Track Palin, the oldest son of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, has been arrested on domestic violence charges for the third time in about three years.

Alaska State Troopers responded to a home in Wasilla about 11:30 p.m. Friday after a report of a "disturbance," according to the Alaska Department of Public Safety.

Once there, investigators said they found that Track Palin had assaulted an unnamed "female acquaintance." When the woman tried to call police, Palin allegedly took her phone away to keep her from doing so.

Palin physically resisted troopers while being placed under arrest, according to the Alaska DPS.

The 29-year-old was charged with fourth-degree assault, interfering with the report of a domestic violence crime, resisting arrest by force and disorderly conduct, according to court records. He was arraigned Saturday.

The arrest comes less than a year after Palin was arrested on domestic violence charges involving his parents. According to a police affidavit for the December incident, Sarah Palin called police to report that her son was at her home "freaking out and was on some type of medication."

Police arrived to find Track Palin moving erratically about the home and his father, Todd Palin, bleeding from his head:

"Track Palin later told police there had been a disagreement over a vehicle, and that when he arrived at his parents' house, he found his father pointing a gun at him through a window.

" 'Track stated he told Todd to shoot him several times,' the affidavit stated. 'Track said Todd tapped the barrel of the gun on the window so he punched the window breaking the window. Track stated he then went through the broken window and disarmed Todd and put him on the ground.' "

"While on the ground, Track Palin hit his father repeatedly in the head, the affidavit said. Todd Palin later told police his son said on the phone he was coming over "to beat his a-" and retrieved his pistol for protection.

" 'When Track arrived Todd decided that he was not going to shoot his son when Track came through the window,' " the affidavit stated. 'Todd sustained injuries to his face and head in direct result of being hit by Track's fists. Todd had blood from several cuts on his head and had liquid coming from his ear.' "

In June, as part of a plea deal, Track Palin pleaded guilty to one charge of criminal trespassing in exchange for the charges of criminal mischief and assault to be dropped, according to court documents. He also agreed to enroll in a therapy program through the Anchorage Veterans Court, which required him to undergo drug and alcohol testing, the Anchorage Daily News reported. (Palin enlisted in the Army in 2007 and served a year in Iraq in 2008.)

Just last week, days before Palin's most recent arrest, the Daily Mail published "exclusive" footage showing him cleaning an Alaska Salvation Army store as part of his required community service. "Back on Track," the video's title stated.

Palin was first arrested on domestic violence charges in January 2016, after Wasilla police found him at his parents' home, "uncooperative, belligerent and evasive," and his girlfriend of one year hiding and crying underneath a bed.

His 2016 arrest came just one day before his mother was due to endorse then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. At a campaign rally in Tulsa soon afterward, Sarah Palin tied her son's arrest to then-President Barack Obama, whom she accused of not respecting veterans.

"I guess it's kind of the elephant in the room, because my own family going through what we're going through today with my son, a combat vet . . . like so many others, they come back a bit different, they come back hardened," she told the rally crowd in Tulsa, Oklahoma. "It starts from the top. The question, though, it comes from our own president where they have to look at him and wonder, 'Do you know what we go through? Do you know what we're trying to do to secure America and to secure the freedoms that have been bequeathed us?'"
As hundreds of thousands of desperate Venezuelans flee their country, in many cases on foot, their Latin American neighbors face a critical test: whether they can respond effectively to a crisis that threatens their own stability without the leadership of the United States.

So far, they are flunking - and they know it. "The answer is, we can't," says Colombia's ambassador in Washington, Francisco Santos. "It's sad to say, but we can't."

Since his arrival a few weeks ago to represent the new Colombian government under President Ivan Duque, Santos has been attempting the near-impossible: to induce a Trump-obsessed Washington to focus on the most serious political and humanitarian crisis in the Americas in decades. Under the disastrous management of its authoritarian socialist regime, Venezuela's economic output has plummeted by half in five years. A staggering 60 percent of the population say they have lost weight because of a lack of food. Some 2 million people out of a population of 31 million have already left the country - and more are pouring out, at a rate exceeding 15,000 per day.

Santos says Colombia is absorbing 5,000 of those daily refugees, on top of 1 million already in the country. It's all but overwhelming for a relatively poor country that is still trying to recover from decades of violent disorder in its own countryside. "This could generate a crisis of unprecedented proportions in Colombia," he said during a visit to The Washington Post. "And not just Colombia. This can be a destabilizing force in all of Latin America."

Between 1890 and 1990, there wasn't much question of what would happen when trouble of this magnitude developed in the Western Hemisphere: The United States would step in, for better or worse. It would broker an election, or support rebels, or back a coup, or, if it had to, invade. But despite some occasional bluster, President Donald Trump is merely the latest of three consecutive presidents to dodge the mess in Venezuela. His administration has taken some half-measures, such as sanctions against senior regime leaders, and contributed funds to refugee relief efforts.

But the United States has no more sought to lead a response to Venezuela than it has one to end the civil war in Syria. As in the Middle East, that has left a vacuum that allies have struggled to fill and adversaries have taken advantage of. China just handed the flailing regime of Nicolas Maduro another $5 billion loan; Russia has helped it hang on to its refineries and gas stations in the United States.

In Latin America, an ad hoc coalition of a dozen nations, not including the United States, formed last year in an attempt to broker a solution. The "Lima group" tried to pressure the Maduro regime to hold a fair presidential election, and when that failed, announced it would not recognize the result. Six of its members, including Argentina, Canada, Chile and Colombia, last week referred Venezuela to the International Criminal Court.

But these are largely symbolic measures. They will do little to weaken the Maduro regime, which has already survived months of mass demonstrations by killing hundreds of protesters, and blocked five military coup attempts. A Cuban-run intelligence apparatus has proved brutally effective in rooting out internal opposition: Some 600 military officers are believed to be under detention, and much of the civilian opposition leadership has been jailed or driven into exile.

So what can be done? Santos believes a solution will require a reversal of the U.S. retreat from regional leadership. "I would say [the Americans] would have to lead the pack, and many of the other countries would accompany the U.S. in a solution for this disastrous situation," he said. Does that mean a U.S.-led military intervention? Santos doesn't quite go there; but like the secretary general of the Organization of American States, Luis Almagro, he is saying that "all options must be considered."

As a practical matter, a straightforward U.S. invasion of Venezuela is a nonstarter. It would polarize Latin America, and even if there were little armed resistance, it would be difficult to find or construct an alternative government. But some in the region are beginning to think about a different and more plausible scenario: a multilateral humanitarian intervention, which could follow a palace coup against Maduro - or, perhaps, another desperate rebellion by a population deprived of food, medicine, water and power.

The United States is no more ready for that contingency than it is to address the consequences of another few million Venezuelan refugees pouring into Colombia. Santos is right: It's time to start working on it.

l
Former President Barack Obama delivered an endorsement of Ned Lamonts candidacy for governor Monday and gave a boost to a long list of Democrats running for the state House and Senate.

In the Lamont endorsement, Obama cited a moment of courage that he found less inspiring a dozen years ago.

Back then, Obama came to Sen. Joseph Liebermans defense, urging Connecticut Democrats not to abandon Lieberman for Lamont over the war in Iraq. Lieberman was a staunch supporter of the war; Lamont was not.

When Ned Lamont stood up to his own party and opposed the war in Iraq more than a decade ago, he showed the courage to do what was right, Obama said in an endorsement statement released Monday by Lamonts campaign.

That was not the message in March 2006, when Obama was a new U.S. senator, a rising star in Democratic politics, and the keynote speaker at an annual fundraising dinner in Hartford.

I know that some in the party have differences with Joe. Im going to go ahead and say it. Its the elephant in the room, Obama told his audience. And Joe and I dont agree on everything.

But what I know is that Joe Lieberman is a man with a good heart, with a keen intellect, who cares about the working families of America, Obama said. I am absolutely certain Connecticut is going to have the good sense to send Joe Lieberman back to the U.S. Senate.

As Obama spoke, Lamont was seated with his wife, Annie, just outside the kitchen and far, far away from the roped-off section of party insiders, elected officials and big donors in the front of the room at the 58th annual Jefferson Jackson Bailey Dinner, as the fundraiser was known then.

The party has since revised its views of Thomas Jefferson over slavery, Andrew Jackson over his treatment of Indians, and Joe Lieberman over, well, a lot of things.

Despite his cheap seat at that long-ago dinner, Lamont went on to win the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, but Lieberman ran and won as a petitioning candidate in November.

Obama praised Lamont on Monday as a successful businessman who demonstrated an ability to bring people together, and who created good-paying jobs while volunteering as a teacher in a Bridgeport high school.

Thats why Im so proud to endorse Ned Lamont for governor, Obama said. If elected, Ned will do what hes done his whole life to turn the state around and ensure a more hopeful future: hell protect working families, improve Connecticuts business climate, and refuse to back down from making the tough choices.

Local endorsements

Obama also endorsed Lamonts running mate, Susan Bysiewicz, and Jahana Hayes, the Democratic candidate for the 5th Congressional District.

Obama weighed in on a number of local races too, throwing his support behind Democrats running in key districts for the state Legislature including James Moroney, who is running for the highly-contested 14th state Senate seat of retiring Democrat Gayle Slossberg in Milford.

In races where Democrats are hoping to unseat Republicans, he endorsed former Working Families Party co-chairwoman Julie Kushner who is hoping to unseat one of the Legislatures more conservative Republicans, state Sen. Michael McLachlan of Danbury; 21-year-old Will Haskell, who is running to unseat incumbent Toni Boucher, R-Wilton; and Hamden resident Jorge Cabrera, who is working to unseat Republican George Logan.

In state House races, he endorsed Derby resident Kara Rochelle, the founder of the Naugatuck Valley Young Democrats running to fill the seat of retiring Democrat Linda Gentile. Obama also endorsed Matt Blumenthal, son of U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, to fill the seat of state Attorney General candidate William Tong, representing Stamford.

Kaitlyn Krasselt also contributed to this story.
Greenwich has a long list of compelling reasons why generations of families have laid down roots here, and why newcomers from all over the world choose the town as their new home. There are the relatively low property taxes, the proximity to New York City, the incredible shoreline, coveted schools and world-class dining, shopping and recreation.

What some may not know about Greenwich is that it is also home to some of the most impressive equestrian properties in the greater Northeast, with miles of horse trails to enjoy, thanks to the Greenwich Riding & Trails Association (GRTA).

Whether you are a competitive show rider or a recreational rider, Greenwich offers some of the most beloved trails and equestrian farms, Sothebys Realtor Yashmin Lloyds said. The Greenwich Riding and Trails Association protects and maintains an historic trail system that runs throughout different preserves in Greenwich.

Lloyds listed 62 Sterling Road in Greenwich for $3.5 million. She described the property as a quintessential country residence, with a perfect environment for an active outdoor lifestyle  and only 17 minutes to downtown Greenwich!

The elegantly designed six-bedroom colonial is sited on a private lane, on a 4.12-acre lot.

For a riding enthusiast, 62 Sterling Road is in an ideal location, Lloyds suggested. Built in 2008, this 10,008-square-foot home offers all the modern amenities, with access to the breathtaking 330-acre Audubon Nature Preserve. Additionally, the riding trail network runs through the Greenwich Land Trust property that is directly adjacent to this home.

Walk-ons welcome

Lin Lavery, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Greenwich, represents the owners of 282 Taconic Road  listed for $3.35 million. Lavery describes the six-bedroom, 5,790-square-foot country home on 4.25 acres as being designed for entertaining and comfortable living. It also may appeal to buyers in this price range who may enjoy the utility of living right next to a Greenwich Riding & Trails Association-maintained path.

Part of Greenwichs Stanwich Historic District, the setting for this home is beautiful and quiet, and yet a neighborhood, Lavery explained. She cited an annual pot-luck event the neighbors enjoy, and though the current owners of 282 Taconic Road havent kept horses, nearby neighbors has horses on site and absolutely enjoy having access to Greenwichs riding trails.

By creating an opening in a wall along the perimeter of the property, the next residents of 282 Taconic Road will be able to walk or ride right onto the trails, too.

Whether you are walking with your dogs or are on horseback, its a wonderful country experience, the listing Realtor said. Its part of what makes Greenwich great. As you walk or ride, you will come upon a beautiful lake and waterfall.

Combined, one-of-a-kind equestrian estate

Jennifer Leahy, a Realtor with Douglas Elliman Real Estate, is representing the seller of both 35 Farwell Lane and 50 Lafrentz Road, adjacent properties that are being sold as an impressive, combined equestrian estate or as two separate luxury properties.

At 35 Farwell Lane, the Partridge Hollow estate comprises a custom-built center hall colonial on 5.47 acres. At the back of the property, a staircase leads to the adjacent 25.30-acre Sandswept Hill Farm at 50 Lafrentz Road, which affords an outdoor riding ring, one eight-stall barn and another with two stalls and abundance of storage space. Among the acreage are three building lots, which could be used to build another luxury residence or additional outbuildings. Plus, theres the added perk of being able to access the GRTAs trail system from the property.
NATO Cant Agree On What A Cyber Attack Is

Estonias new ambassador-at-large for cyber security, Heli Tiirmaa-Klaar, recently explained to the Wall Street Journal that compared to many other security fields, in cyber we have reached maybe 10 percent of total readiness to understand the threats, to respond to threats and also to prevent the threat or maybe deter the threat. We have lots of room for development.

Shes right; just look at the most basic of metrics: How do governments count cyber-attacks? How do they classify them?

The problems, imprecision of language, and a lack of policy, can be seen in a trio of official quotes from a single month last year. On Jan. 7, French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian warned that 2016 had seen 24,000 cyberattacks against French defense targets, and that the attacks were doubling every year.

On Jan. 8, the Financial Times reported off an interview with EU security commissioner Sir Julian King that there were 110 separate attempts to hack the European Commissions servers in 2016, a 20 percent rise on the year before. And on Jan. 19, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told Die Welt that there was a monthly average of 500 threatening cyber-attacks last year against NATO infrastructure that required intensive intervention from our experts. Thats an increase of 60 percent compared to 2015.

Clearly, the figures were all over the place. But why? Did all three officials count cyberattacks differently? And if so, what standards and metrics did they apply?

So in October, I emailed their institutions to ask what incidents were included in their numbers (pings, port scans, phishing emails, malware infections, DDoS, etc.) and whether their standards and metrics were public. The French MoD never got back to me.

The NATO press office said it could answer the question, because the alliance does not comment on the nature of attacks or the methodology that NATO uses to qualify some incidents as attacks. The European Commissions IT Security Directorate politely explained that we report internally on these figures but we do not publish this detailed information.

But without published standards and discernable metrics, such warnings are of no real value to the public. We simply do not know whether 6,000 annual attacks against NATOs infrastructure is a lot or whether any of the 24,000 attacks against the French MoD were serious. All we know is that something was counted by someone somehow to somewhat explain the threat environment.

To widen my inquiry, I also got in touch with the Dutch National Cybersecurity Center and Estonias Information System Authority, or RIA. The Dutch center coordinates the government response to cyber crises in the Netherlands and also serves as the Dutch central governments Computer Emergency Response Team. Similarly, RIA coordinates the development and administration of Estonias information system and handles security incidents that have occurred in Estonian computer networks. Both adhere to certain baseline standards and metrics to count and categorise cyber incidents that are reported to them, and summarize their findings in annual reports.

When asked, these organisations whether their respective governments had a single set of reporting standards and metrics, they said no.

Officials with the Netherlands center emailed to say that there is no single definition which applies to all Dutch ministries on what constitutes a cyber-attack or critical incident and that Ministries are responsible for their own incident registration, including definitions and escalation procedures.

RIA responded similarly, there is no formal, universally applicable classification criteria for cyberattack/incident in Estonia that would apply across all government agencies or private sector parties, but also noted that the governments computer emergency response team has an internally defined classification that allows for a reasonable level of consistency.

This is borne out, somewhat, on the quantitative side by RIAs 2017 Cyber Security Assessment, which indicates that the CERT team handled 9,135 incidents in 2016, of which 1,687 related to government institutions.

In contrast, the 2017 Cyber Security Assessment Netherlands reported a mere 623 incidents, of which 254 occurred under the more general category of public organisations. However, the key difference between the annual reports is that Estonias notes whether incidents were low priority, medium, high, or critical, while the Netherlands does not.

The next question: does a critical cyber incident constitute a cyberattack? The Tallinn Manual, a collection of expert analyses on international cyber law, offers the widely accepted definition that a cyberattack is a cyber operation, whether offensive or defensive, that is reasonably expected to cause injury or death to persons or damage or destruction to objects.

And according to the RIA report, There were no critical cyber incidents that would have posed a threat to peoples life or health in 2016.

While this might seem like a clear-cut case for equating the terms, there is a caveat. The Estonian report says there were also 348 high-priority incidents that affected the functioning of a service or website considered important for the state, including interruptions or attacks against vital service providers information systems. From a government perspective, those 348 incidents are attacks that have to be resolved in a matter of minutes to contain their destructive effects. Based on that report, then Estonias president could have told the public that the government had faced 9,135, 348, or zero cyberattacks in 2016.

So why is this a serious problem that needs fixing?

The first major concern is that when government officials, such as the NATO Secretary General or the French Minister of Defense, are presenting cyberattack figures, they are bound to significantly over- or under-report the occurrence of relevant cyber incidents.

Clearly, the French MoD did not experience 24,000 critical cyber incidents in 2016, nor can we simply assume that any of the 500 critical cyberattacks against NATO were expected to cause injury or death to persons or damage or destruction to objects.

Imprecision therefore severely hinders the publics ability to understand the threat environment. As a writer for Forbes asked in 2010: Just how big is the cyber threat to the US Department of Defense?

The article cites the then-leaders of US Cyber Command as drawing a line between probes and scans, while then-Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III called them all attacks. Whats a probe? Whats a scan? How do they differ? How serious is each type of incident? How many of each type of event are we seeing on a daily basis?

Imprecision also hinders cyber defense efforts within governments and between militaries. If NATO and EU member states lack common standards and metrics for reporting and categorising cyber incidents, then statistics on national threat landscapes are destined to be both incomplete and non-comparable. Third, imprecision blurs the rules of engagement for responding to a cyberattack. Just because Estonia categorizes an incident as critical, which might prompt Tallinn to invoke NATOs Article 5, hardly means the other 28 allies will evaluate the incident in the same way.

We have already seen this playing out during the DDoS attacks against Estonia in 2007. Essentially, policy analysts divided into two sides: Those who believed that the attacks were the beginning of war, and those who argued that such attacks were already commonplace.

The bottom line is this: While NATO member states are embroiled in discussing cyber deterrence frameworks, offensive operations, and creating norms and rules for state behavior in cyberspace, they have still not reached consensus on how to actually count and categorise cyber incidents across the alliance.

Two things are for certain even in cyberspace: The alliance cannot manage what it does not measure, and it has to understand what it is trying to solve.

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Meat providers in Somerset County say can be hard to fund turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving. But a Berlin grocer says his store is full of the birds.
WASHINGTON  Brett M. Kavanaugh proved himself unfit to serve on the Supreme Court.

It has little to do with his treatment of women.

Kavanaughs freshman-year roommate at Yale had told The New Yorker that the future Supreme Court nominee could become aggressive and belligerent when drunk. But, as millions have now seen with their own eyes, he is aggressive and belligerent when stone-cold sober.

His testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday was a howl of partisan rage. He said the behavior of Democrats on the committee was an embarrassment and a good old-fashioned attempt at Borking. He said they were lying in wait with false, last-minute smears.

The proceedings were, he said, a national disgrace, a circus, a grotesque and coordinated character assassination and a search and destroy mission. He blamed Democrats for threats against his family, to blow me up and take me down.

This whole two-week effort has been a calculated and orchestrated political hit, fueled with apparent pent-up anger about President Trump and the 2016 election, he said,  revenge on behalf of the Clintons and millions of dollars in money from outside left-wing opposition groups.

Kavanaugh shouted and scowled, sniffed and wept, turned the pages of his text as if swatting insects and thumped the witness table. Gone was the nominee who two weeks ago preached judicial modesty. Gone was the man who on Monday spoke to Fox News about fairness and integrity and dignity and respect.

On Thursday afternoon, after his main accuser, Christine Blasey Ford, gave such compelling testimony that even Republican senators described her favorably, Kavanaugh ripped off the mask  or the robe, as it were  and revealed himself to be the man he was when, as a lieutenant to Kenneth Starr in the 1990s, he proposed to hit President Bill Clinton with a sexually vulgar line of questioning.

He mocked his Democratic questioners. Asked by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., about his drinking, Kavanaugh shot back: I like beer. I dont know if you do. Do you like beer, senator, or not? What do you like to drink? Senator, what do you like to drink?

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., mentioning her fathers alcoholism, asked whether Kavanaugh had ever blacked out. I dont know. Have you? he responded. Pressed, he replied, Yeah, and Im curious if you have. He later apologized.

Kavanaugh had cast aside judicial restraint for fury and ridicule. Perhaps he figured his nomination was doomed, and his scorched-earth testimony was a parting shot. Or perhaps he calculated that he could only salvage his prospects by making the fight about partisan warfare rather than sexual assault.

Except that it isnt. If Kavanaugh isnt confirmed it will be because of Republican votes from the likes of Sens. Susan Collins of Maine or Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who have expressed concern about the allegations. Polling shows plunging support for Kavanaugh among Republican women. Republicans on the Judiciary Committee  all men  were concerned enough about appearances to hire a female prosecutor to question Ford; this produced frivolous lines of questioning about whether shes really afraid of flying and who paid for her polygraph.

Fighting Fords sexual-assault allegation on the merits was difficult to sustain. Ford seemed credible, and Kavanaugh, like committee Republicans, was reluctant to have the FBI investigate her claims (he derided phony questioning on the topic). Kavanaugh was reluctant for the committee to hear from the alleged eyewitness, and he acknowledged that he sometimes drank too many beers (how many? whatever the chart says) and hadnt blacked out but had gone to sleep and vomited from drinking.

Eventually, Republican senators jettisoned their distaff mercenary and joined with Kavanaugh in his attempt to cast the fight as partisan. The most despicable thing I have seen in my time in politics, shouted Sen. Lindsey O. Graham of South Carolina.

Sen. John Cornyn of Texas called the proceedings the most embarrassing scandal for the United States Senate since the McCarthy hearings.

But this required accepting Kavanaughs word that the accusations are variously a joke, a farce, crazy, nonsense, refuted or with no corroboration.

Maybe so. Maybe he doesnt remember. But this we know: Kavanaughs response revealed him to be a political hack more than a jurist. Your coordinated and well-funded effort to destroy my good name and to destroy my family will not drive me out, he told the Democrats, threatening them that what goes around comes around.

Partisanship and revenge fantasies: Exactly what we dont need on the Supreme Court.

Dana Milbank is syndicated by the Washington Post Writers Group.
If the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation process has revealed anything, it is that theres an antidote for disaffection toward Republicans: Give Democrats the upper hand for about five minutes.

Anyone tuning in to the first Senate Judiciary Committee hearings surely thought they had flipped to a circus show featuring Cory Booker as Spartacus. Then later, Dianne Feinstein entered as the fire-juggler, who, in the eleventh-hour jumps through a blazing hoop to magically produce a damning accusation of sexual assault against the Supreme Court nominee

Attendant sideshows have included protesters crowding Senate office buildings and chanting We believe survivors! at Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and his wife at a Washington restaurant until the couple left.

In turn-the-other-cheek fashion (or was it tongue-in-cheek?), Cruz said to his tormentors: God bless you, which was pretty cheeky. What could they say to that?

Watching video clips of the hecklers, I kept thinking of Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Has some alien army filled with hatred and self-importance hijacked the bodies of ordinary-looking American citizens, turning them into angry, arrogant, sniping hoodlums? The scene also brought to mind Zorba the Greek (sorry, Ive seen a lot of movies), in which crones dressed in black visit a womans deathbed and begin picking at her belongings and clothes, impatient for her demise and the appropriation of her worldly goods.

The mini-mob was like a flock of crows, picking, pecking and screeching at the still very-much alive Cruz, all because? Hes a longtime friend of Kavanaughs and sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee. This is the reward we give to those who choose to serve the public. One female protester who claimed to be a victim of sexual assault demanded to know if Cruz would vote for Kavanaugh. Let me help you here: Theyve been friends for 20 years, Cruz is a pro-life Republican, yes.

In a snit of levity, another heckler shouted that Cruzs opponent in his bid for re-election, Texas Rep. Beto ORourke, is way hotter than you are!

You see, life really is a continuous re-enactment of high school  a Groundhog Day reordering of how things should have been. A group calling itself #SmashRacismDC celebrated the hecklefest with a promise on Facebook: This is a message to Ted Cruz, Brett Kavanaugh, Donald Trump and the rest of the racist, sexist, transphobic, and homophobic right-wing scum: You are not safe. We will find you. We will expose you. We will take from you the peace you have taken from so many others.

They also tweeted, Fascists not welcome!

Irony, meet your executioner.

While these virtual and real tantrums were taking place, Kavanaugh (along with his wife, Ashley) was making a public appearance from the safety of Fox News. At times, Kavanaugh visibly struggled to maintain his composure and stick to the three points he clearly came to make: Ive never sexually assaulted anyone; I just want a fair process; and Im not going anywhere.

One might have hoped for something less-scripted, but obviously he wasnt about to make headlines with speculation about his accusers motives or character.

One also wouldnt expect Kavanaugh to comment on Deborah Ramirez, who told The New Yorker, after six days of carefully assessing her memories, that Kavanaugh exposed himself to her at a Yale party when they were undergraduates there. Apparently, drinking was involved. The New York Times, which had also researched her claim, was unable to find anyone to corroborate the tale. In a complicating wrinkle, Kavanaughs Yale roommate has said that he believes Ramirez, even though he provided no reason other than he liked her.

Theres nothing good about any of this.

Those who come forward as survivors of sexual assault deserve our respect and a fair hearing, without qualification. But so do the accused. To conflate support for due process in a trial-like setting with attacking the alleged victim is to misunderstand the exquisitely designed presumption of innocence  the liberal core of our justice system.

What we have now amounts to gossip. In the meantime, before they switch places with the benighted GOP, Democrats would do well to loudly condemn hecklers. These misguided champions of chaos do harm not just to the social order but to the very causes with which they align themselves.

They also remind us that civilization hangs by a thread  and is unraveling before our eyes.

Kathleen Parkers email address is kathleenparker@washpost.com.

(c) 2018, Washington Post Writers Group
Theresa May  pop star. Urban music star Reece J is releasing Dance Theresa, featuring the Prime Ministers impromptu robotics in Kenya.

She cant dance, says Reece, accurately. She just went up there and did her own thing. Just dont bank on a pas de deux with Boris.

Minutes after Today presenter Nick Robinson announced that Jeremy Corbyn was refusing to do the traditional Labour conference interview, the party leader was spotted breakfasting in the main conference hotel in Liverpool.

Theresa May  pop star. Urban music star Reece J is releasing Dance Theresa, featuring the Prime Ministers impromptu robotics in Kenya

On the next table sat frontbencher Barry Gardiner, with his radio blaring out  the Today programme. You can run, Jeremy...

Shortly before Corbyns set-piece conference speech, his rebellious deputy Tom Watson was the toast of a late-night/early-morning karaoke party as he belted out the Kaiser Chiefs hit Ruby.

It may be Dogs imagination but he did seem to sing one line with particular gusto: Due to lack of interest, tomorrow is cancelled.

Arch-Leftie Labour MP Laura Smiths call for a general strike  to overthrow the callous Tories  will have one benefit

Rabble-rouser Laura... a first-class leftie

Arch-Leftie Labour MP Laura Smiths call for a general strike  to overthrow the callous Tories  will have one benefit.

At least if the trains arent running, Laura, left, wont be able to add to the 760 of taxpayer-funded first-class rail tickets shes claimed between London and her Crewe constituency shes held only since 2017.

So baffling was Labours Brexit policy unveiled at Liverpool that its Europe spokesman Sir Keir Starmer was chased by TV reporters demanding explanations.

As the solid but unshowy Sir Keir fled, ITV political editor Robert Peston was overheard remarking: That must be the first time anyone has run after Keir.

Corbyn's off the rails

Mrs May might be less frightened of Corbyn if she knew just how shambolic his attention-seeking trip to Brussels was last week.

On the Eurostar from London, the Labour leader was booked into one carriage, key advisers into another and the rest of his entourage in a third.

Asked whether this was a government-in-waiting, an aide replied: Well have the civil service to book our trains when were in power.

Jacob Rees-Mogg is being spoken of in the same breath as John F Kennedy  by fellow Brexiteers anyway.

Conservative philosopher Sir Roger Scruton claims JRM could emulate JFKs role in spearheading a Catholic-educated elite here.

I very much approve of him  I wish he were leader, he gushes to Bright Blue think-tanks magazine.

Whatever else Mrs May unveils at the Tory conference this week, at least her policies will hold water.

The roof of No 10s policy unit room has sprung a leak  of the plumbing sort.

There are a lot of very important policy documents looking very soggy, Dogs mole said.
There are thousands here, and more dark suits than a Moonie wedding. Few bothered to sit in the main hall to hear a succession of unscintillating ministers  but you should have seen the queue for a fringe meeting of Brexiteers.

It snaked through the conference building with activists eager to hear hardcore outery from proper Leavers such as Jacob Rees-Mogg and Dan Hannan.

A leadership and Cabinet adrift from its membership. They should have held that fringe meeting in the big symphony hall and consigned party chairman Brandon Lewis and his ministerial droners to one of the B venues.

As one of those frustrated queuers, I can only bring you what I heard in the main hall. Theresa May entered just after 2pm and received a feathering of applause. This support was echoed when speakers said how badly she had been treated in Salzburg. She is liked moderately well here. Rapture is absent.

Pro-Brexit Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg delivers a speech at a Brexit rally during the Conservative Party Conference

If at Labour in Liverpool last week we had debt-addicted loonies, Birmingham yesterday was Constipation Centre. A succession of platform politicians strained, stared into the distance, and failed.

The ministers were shown up by visiting speakers. Businessman Digby Jones, non-partisan, sauntered on stage and grabbed everyones attention precisely because he did not spout time-blunted party-politico cliches. Hair swept back like some fattipuff grandee from Restoration theatre, Brummie Digby yacked away without autocue, leaning on the lectern as if about to order a pint of malmsey.

He slagged off both the Euro-crazed Financial Times (that propaganda sheet for Brussels  big applause) and Brexiteer Boris (irrelevant and offensive  also clapped, though less keenly). He gave a crisp explanation of why capitalism is essential for nurses and doctors and fire brigades, because it pays taxes. If the Tories didnt stop squabbling, Corbyn would turn us into Venezuela.

Tieless Dominic McVey, barely 30, an entrepreneur with 20,000 employees, gave a frontline, business-savvy talk about his boxer-shorts factories in the Third World, as we are no longer meant to call it. Mr McVey did not use the lifeless cadences of the Whitehall stuffshirts. As a result he was rather persuasive about the real-politik usefulness of foreign aid.

There was a video by film-maker Richard Curtis and one by a teenage West Midlands councillor, an amiably lopsided lad, engagingly normal. Why cant Tory grandees be like him instead of vote-losing Smurfs like James Brokenshire and Chris Grayling?

The day had begun with Mrs May on the BBCs Andrew Marr Show. She came a cropper on the Windrush scandal. I have apologised, she parroted. Where was the immediacy? She locks up like an inertia seatbelt. Boris may be unsafe in taxis but at least he is a warm- blooded life form.

Party chairman Lewis had been to arm-waving school. A trainee weather forecaster. He did some self-thrashing stuff about how the Tories didnt have enough black activists. Perhaps thats because you bore the pants off them, Brandon.

Agonisingly slow intros were done by a National Convention suit called Pearson. What a tortoise he was.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson gave a speech that was genuinely transfixing, so weirdly was it delivered. He tried to make himself sound all gruff  listen, Ive hit puberty! Lots of Im being sombre frowns, too. Eyebrows flat and low. Perhaps he just had raging indigestion.

Britain's Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson gives a speech in the main hall on the first day of the Conservative Party Conference

Outside the conference area, some fool kept shouting stop Brexit. Maybe it was Dominic Grieve.

Inside, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt worked in some good digs at the EU  we wont be the only prisoner that will want to escape  but his oratory owes much to the carpentry shop. Is that a broom handle down the back of his smalls? Naughtily he mentioned the C-word (C for Chamberlain). He insisted that no Conservative in this hall would ever repeat that mistake of appeasing Europe.

Mrs May was not in the hall at the time.
By 2022, when Theresa Mays proposed Festival of Britain is due to take place, our beleaguered Prime Minister may belong to the history books.

But although it is easy to sneer, Mrs Mays plan for a major patriotic jamboree post-Brexit  the Great Brexihibition as some are calling it strikes me as an unimpeachably good idea.

At a time when commentators are complaining how divided we are, and when the United Kingdom itself has often seemed dangerously fragile, it makes sense to remind ourselves what we have achieved and what we stand for.

I am well aware, of course, that an expensive party organised by politicians could easily turn into an embarrassing disaster.

Theresa Mays plan for a major patriotic jamboree post Brexit strikes me as an unimpeachably good idea

But the first Festival of Britain, organised by Clement Attlees Labour government in 1951, suggests it could equally well prove a glorious success.

Sponsored by the Attlee government to mark the anniversary of the Great Exhibition of 1851, the Festival was notable for its patriotism, optimism and moral mission.

From the space-age Skylon tower on Londons South Bank to the ultra-patriotic Lion and the Unicorn pavilion, which included manuscripts of Shakespeare and the King James Bible and paintings by Gainsborough, Constable and Turner, it seized the public imagination.

Despite miserable weather, almost 10 million people  a quarter of the entire population  visited the South Bank in just six months.

After years of austerity, the Festival of Britain had given a lift to the heart, according to one newsreel.

What can we learn, then, from its success? First, that there is no point having a patriotic festival if you arent going to be patriotic.

So Mrs Mays new Festival should unashamedly revel in our history. No crawling apologies for the slave trade, please.

Mrs Mays festival should amaze us with the potential of technology to improve peoples lives

Second, the 2022 festival should be optimistic. We love to do ourselves down, but Britain remains one of the richest, safest and most scientifically inventive countries in the world.

So Mrs Mays festival, like its predecessor, should amaze us with the potential of technology to improve peoples lives.

Finally, a good party needs an enlightened despot to run it. The Festival of Britain benefited from the ruthless leadership of Labours Herbert Morrison, as well as the architectural vision of Hugh Casson, who was determined to make it a showcase for the future.

The Festival of Britain benefited from the ruthless leadership of Labours Herbert Morrison (pictured)

Similarly, the opening ceremony for the Olympic in 2012 benefited from the creative dictatorship of Danny Boyle, who was free to craft a hugely imaginative, individual and inspiring vision without interference from Whitehall committees.

Of course, not everybody approved of that lachrymose NHS section. But isnt it better to say something than nothing?

The obvious contrast is with that byword for national humiliation, New Labours Millennium Dome.

Originally launched by Michael Heseltine, this fell into the clutches of Morrisons grandson Peter Mandelson, under whom it descended into bureaucratic nothingness.

The obvious contrast is with that byword for national humiliation, New Labours Millennium Dome (pictured)

The opening ceremony for the Olympic in 2012 (pictured) benefited from the creative dictatorship of Danny Boyle,

Unlike the Festival or the Olympic opening, the Dome lacked any patriotic flavour. Designed by committee, it might have been in Luxembourg, not in London.

Its exhibitions were empty and uninspiring, while its themes, such as Journey and Shared Ground, were politically correct waffle.

The lessons are obvious. If Mrs May wants her new Festival to emulate 1951 rather than 2000, she should find a presiding genius who is prepared to embrace the spirit of patriotism and concentrate on the twin themes of history and science.

Crucially, she cannot allow it to become a giant exercise in lazy, bien-pensant BBC box ticking.

People dont want to be patronised about diversity, they dont need lecturing about transgender rights, and they certainly wont pay good money to be told how dreadful their country is.

Assuming that Danny Boyle has directed enough national jamborees for one lifetime, I would back the former British Museum chief Neil MacGregor  said to be in the running  whose TV and radio documentaries have enchanted millions, to run it.

Id tell him to make it patriotic, inspiring and exciting, and Id give him the freedom to do what he wants.

A new Dome would be a national disaster. But a new Festival of Britain? Id gladly pay to see that.
At a behind-closed-doors session of the National Conservative Convention yesterday, Tory chairman Brandon Lewis hailed the first rise in party membership in a decade.

The figure, according to Lewis, is upwards of 124,000, small beer compared with the 600,000 who have flocked to join Comrade Corbyns Labour Party.

What Lewis never admitted, however, was that most Tory associations have reported a rise in membership renewals, and in new members  people who want to vote in a future leadership contest.

At a behind-closed-doors session of the National Conservative Convention, Tory chairman Brandon Lewis hailed the first rise in party membership in a decade

Party members choose the leader from a shortlist of two chosen by MPs. Given that many observers believe there may be a contest next year, the allegiances of new members could prove to be crucial.

Vow of silence... thats a laugh!

The loudest ovation at the private session of the National Convention was not for Theresa May.

Members rose to cheer an activist who urged her to halt the prosecution of former soldiers over the Northern Ireland Troubles. Needless to say, she insisted she cant interfere in the judicial process.

The second-loudest applause came when a member urged Jacob Rees-Mogg and other Brexiteers to take a vow of silence. Presumably once hed stopped laughing.

The second-loudest applause came when a member urged Jacob Rees-Mogg and other Brexiteers to take a vow of silence

Grayling's left trailing

Last month Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt was in fifth place in the ConservativeHome league table of approval ratings of Cabinet ministers.

In the new league table published yesterday, his standing had soared by 20 per cent, moving him into second place.

Hes now on 62 per cent, within a hairs breadth of Sajid Javid on 63 per cent. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling is last on -53.

West Midlands mayor Andy Street said Birmingham manufactured nearly two million guns for the Duke of Wellington

Street fighting man

In a speech showing the kind of fight wed like to see from the PM, West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: During the Napoleonic Wars, Birmingham manufactured nearly two million guns for the Duke of Wellington. The Spitfires which won the Battle of Britain were built at Castle Bromwich.

Today in Wolverhampton, weapons systems for the F-35 fighter are coming off the production line.

Perhaps Donald Tusk and Emmanuel Macron should remember that the next time they pick a fight with our Prime Minister.
Someone once said  and it might even have been me  I can remember very little, especially about the past. A joke, obviously: but it also makes a serious point. Our autobiographical memories are much less reliable than is commonly realised.

Unless we appreciate this point, we wont fully understand the purely personal conflict about what did or did not take place between two students in a bedroom 36 years ago, and which, extraordinarily, has transfixed and divided not only the entire American political establishment, but television viewers across the globe.

Judge Brett Kavanaugh, enthusiastically nominated by his fellow Republican Donald Trump, was on the verge of being approved for the vacant position on the U.S. Supreme Court  a lifetime appointment of colossal influence.

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham's angry defense of Brett Kavanaugh (above) was mocked on 'Saturday Night Live'

But then a woman called Christine Blasey Ford emerged to claim that in the early Eighties, when they were at neighbouring and equally exclusive fee-paying single-sex colleges, the 17-year-old Kavanaugh had sexually assaulted her: she was just 15.

Tearful

Last week, in scenes almost too excruciating to watch, Ford and Kavanaugh gave their diametrically opposed accounts to the Judiciary Committee of the U.S. Senate, broadcast live coast-to-coast. Each was, in effect, accusing the other of scandalously misleading the Committee  and the nation.

Kavanaugh ranted and raged that he was not the man described by Ford. While his behaviour had anything but the dignified manner one might wish from an aspirant justice of the Supreme Court, outraged innocence can manifest itself in such a fashion. His accuser, too, was tearful  especially when she recalled how the young Kavanaugh had laughed at her plight.

Christine Blasey Ford (pictured during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing) claims Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when he was 17-years-old.

But she is now a distinguished professor of psychology  its Dr Christine Blasey Ford  and so when asked by one of the Senators how she could be so sure that it was Kavanaugh who had assaulted her, given that she couldnt say exactly where the assault had taken place, or how she had got to the party where it allegedly happened, Dr Ford replied: Its just basic memory functions and also just the level of norepinephrine and epinephrine in the brain . . . The neurotransmitter encodes memories in the hippocampus so that trauma-related experience is locked there, so other memories just drift.

That was much more articulate than anything Kavanaugh provided when on the stand. The (disputed) science invoked by Dr Ford asserts that although the brain does not always store memories completely, some may be especially vivid if the brain prioritises them, or if they have a strong emotional component  the hippocampus is part of the system connected with human emotion.

Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill on Thursday.

On the other hand, we know people can be fantastically compelling in accounts of assaults they say they underwent, and yet which did not happen (or not at all in the way described). Most notoriously in recent British criminal history, there is the man known as Nick who convinced the police he had been regularly raped as a child in the Eighties by a series of MPs and military figures. It was all fantasy, but Nick had so convinced himself, that his detailed and shocking account also suckered people whose line of work normally lends itself to scepticism.

Nor can psychiatrists distinguish between true and false memories of assault. I have this from no less than Sir Simon Wessely, past president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and professor of psychological medicine at Kings College London. As he put it to me: Thats why we have judges and juries, and they are rightly suspicious of expert psychological evidence. We can add to the picture, but its really a forensic issue.

This, in turn, is one reason rape and sexual assault cases produce a lower conviction rate than any other offence. To bring a guilty verdict, juries are required to be sure beyond reasonable doubt  and that is most difficult in cases where there is no forensic evidence and no corroborative eyewitnesses. Which can be very tough on the women who bring such complaints  as the 15-year-old Christine Blasey Ford might have discovered had she taken the matter further at the time.

Denials

It is equally obvious  perhaps more so  that people who have committed a crime can be compelling in their denials. And the reason why they can be so convincing in their claims of innocence is that they have convinced themselves. No one more succinctly described how this happens than the German philosopher Nietzsche. He wrote: Memory says: I did that. Pride replies: I could not have done that. Eventually memory yields.

I have been prey to exactly this form of self-exculpatory delusion. Some years ago, I bumped into a friend at a party, who used to write a column for the Spectator magazine under my editorship. I said to him how sorry I was that my successor as editor had terminated his column.

He stared at me with astonishment and then replied: But you sacked me. Well, he would know. But I then checked with the Spectator archive, and, sure enough, it was indeed under my command that his column had been discontinued. I can guess how this happened. I liked this columnist, as a person, very much. It must have troubled me that I found it necessary to tell him that his column wasnt working and would have to end. So I found it easier, first to forget this had ever happened, and, later, to convince myself that someone else had been responsible for his disappointment.

None of this would have been consciously planned. Its just the way we erase knowledge  memories, indeed  that we find difficult to live with. This obliteration of unpleasant events can take remarkable forms. As Sir Simon Wessely told me: People can forget things you might not think possible. For example, studies linked to medical records show that some people forget they had cancer.

Snapped

That is an extreme version. But in none of us does memory function like a video camera. As one leading researcher in neuroscience has observed: Whats stored in memory is never a one-to-one copy of what really happened in the world. The way our brains are built influences what we perceive, and what is perceived biases what is memorised.

British psychiatrist Sir Simon Wessely: 'People can forget things you might not think possible.'

One can recall events from memory, but the episodes reconstructed in this way never precisely mirror what happened when the content of the memory was stored. Thats because these contents are not being saved into a safe deposit box or a hard drive, but into a network of nerve cells that are constantly at change.

Which brings us back to Judge Kavanaugh. In his college days he was, by the accounts of contemporaries, a prodigious drinker  a member of a club whose motto was 100 kegs or bust. A memoir by a former friend of his, a member of the same club, describes a person named Bart OKavanaugh as having puked in someones car the other night and passed out on his way back from a party. A former classmate of Kavanaugh confirmed he had the nick-name Bart.

German philosopher Nietzsche wrote: 'Memory says: I did that. Pride replies: I could not have done that. Eventually memory yields.'

These are not the sorts of memories that a judge  and especially one aspiring to the highest legal authority  will readily assimilate with his sense of self-esteem or standing in society.

In his Senate hearing, Kavanaugh was asked if he had ever experienced alcohol-derived memory blackouts when at college. Unwisely, given that his questioner was a demure woman, he snapped back: Did you, Senator? He then denied that he had. Instead, he tearfully portrayed his teenage self as a ferociously hard-working sexual innocent. Which is doubtless what he now believes, genuinely outraged at any suggestion to the contrary.

It would have been better for him if he had said: Yes, I drank to excess when I was at college. I might have done stupid things as a result. I cannot remember Dr Blasey Ford, let alone assaulting her. But if I did, that is appalling. I apologise to her and seek her forgiveness.

Instead, I suspect, he has so convinced himself of his own perpetual rectitude that this was impossible. Like all of us, he has made his memory the slave of his will. But in his case the whole world can see the consequences.
She wears long black dresses, owns a cauldron, waves a wand, and has an incredible collection of crystals and yes, there's even a broomstick in the corner.

Meet Rachael Nielsen, a 28-year-old self-proclaimed witch from Melbourne.

Her specialities are creating bespoke 'love spells' - or offering a helping hand for those wanting to lose weight.

'You can do really incredible things with energy and spellcraft and it's a very particular way of offering people assistance,' Ms Nielsen told FEMAIL.

Rachael Nielsen (pictured) is a 28-year-old self-proclaimed witch who is based in Melbourne

Ms Nielsen owns a range of items related to her craft including a broom, a cauldron and a plethora of crystals

'But you do need to have a lot of skill so not everyone is able to do this.'

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Ms Nielsen said she had always been intuitive and had been 'drawn' to helping others as a child.

And while she knew her passion lay in the arts, she struggled with being different.

'I always felt quite different,' Ms Nielsen said of her childhood growing up in Canberra to Christian parents. 'I was different to the people I grew up with.

Ms Nielsen said she had always been intuitive and had been 'drawn' to helping others as a child

'I loved fashion, dressing up, photography and theatrics.

'But the Protestant world I grew up in didn't really approve of being flamboyant. Only certain forms of creativity were admired.

'And if these aren't channelled into the Christian world, there's a sense of disapproval.'

Driven by a sense of wanting to help people but not really understanding what form this would take, the then 20-year-old started to read the tarot

Rachael Nielsen explains how witchcraft works: A good witch is a witch who's studied her witchcraft books and the history of witchcraft (and our struggle), who has a well formed and independent sense of morality, not based on fear or needing to be a "good girl" that others approve of. She can hex and heal but she does both thoughtfully. She knows about the different forms of witchcraft around the world but doesnt culturally appropriate what isn't hers and cause more suffering to those minorities. She makes space for queer people in her world view and practise. Advertisement

Driven by a sense of wanting to help people but not really understanding what form this would take, the then 20-year-old started to read the tarot.

Soon after Ms Nielsen moved to Melbourne, explaining the city helped her to understand and come to terms with herself as a healer.

'I started to feel the call towards helping people through witchcraft,' she said.

Her sense led her to 'incredible stores' and other witches who Ms Nielsen could connect with.

'They are very serious here about witchcraft,' she said.

'It's part of the reason things got more serious for me was because there are more possibilities.'

She said as a queer person, one who is alternative, she found Melbourne an accepting place to live, and because of that started to feel she could express her true self.

'I know that I'm not the only one who is doing this sort of thing,' she said.

A move to Melbourne saw Ms Nielsen finally embrace her true calling as a witch

And because the city was so accommodating it wasn't hard for her to buy everything she needed to embark on her chosen path.

Her first purchases included a mini cauldron, special herbs, extra tarot card decks and sacred adornments.

'It just blew my mind and was so exciting,' she said 'and my personal and professional abilities just expanded'.

Ms Nielsen said because the city was so accommodating it wasn't hard for her to buy everything she needed to embark on her chosen path

In an effort to hone her craft, Ms Nielsen practised on herself, but she revealed soon after she realised she could offer spells to help others, especially those looking for love.

'I started offering ethical love spells to friends and then I expanded that into a business because I realised I was passionate about helping people with their relationships and bringing love and hope into their lives.'

Hoping to share her gift with the world would see the young witch tentatively post an ad online - and almost immediately people replied.

Ethical love spells create energy that people can respond to, however, nothing is ever forced

She explained ethical love spells, which start at $120, are designed in such a way that they don't push the boundaries past the point of what should rightfully happen.

I don't force anything because that is not love. I believe in consent and I believe in real love and not negative manipulation

'People who are trying to get back with their ex-partners or are wanting ethical commitment spells are charged more,' she said.

These bespoke spells generally cost around $200 because they take more work, Ms Nielsen said.

'Trying to get your ex back can be an ethically dicey area. Ethical spells don't guarantee anything, they allow people to respond to the energy.

Ms Nielsen, who is in a relationship herself but lives as a polyamorous woman, said: 'I don't force anything because that is not love. I believe in consent and I believe in real love and not negative manipulation.'

An ethical love spell costs $120 while more complex spells, particularly those involving others can cost up to $200

While love spells form the mainstay of her business, Ms Nielsen said she recently broadened her services to offer weight loss help as well

Recently, the 28-year-old has broadened her range to offer weight loss spells to those wanting a helping - albeit invisible - hand.

'My work gives me a lot of diversity and people will ask me for these sorts of things,' she said.

She recalls one client in particular who approached her with this request and how after consulting her books she was able to create something that helped her shed unwanted weight easily and with little effort.

'I always ask people a lot of questions first before doing this sort of thing because I need to know their history and where they are at personally.

But she cautions, one spell won't see 50 kilograms magically just 'disappear'.

'I have a lot of confidence in what I do. I have a lot of books and a lot of resources and there are spells for everything,' Ms Nielsen said

Ms Nielsen is now a full-time witch and practises new spells every day.

'I have a lot of confidence in what I do. I have a lot of books and a lot of resources and there are spells for everything,' Ms Nielsen.

'Running my own business is much harder than anything I have ever done in my life but I absolutely love it,' she continued.

'This is my calling, this is what I am meant to be doing.

'There is no giving up on this. I feel a particular fulfillment in doing this sort of work and I plan to keep expanding and growing.'

For more information about the services Rachael Nielsen offers, please visit Facebook or Instagram @rachaelthelovewitch
She has travelled the world modelling for the world's biggest designers, so it is perhaps of little surprise Jourdan Dunn has picked up a trick or two along the way.

The British star, 28, revealed how she swears by a clever hack for applying eyeliner that requires nothing more than a credit card.

Dunn places the long edge of the credit card at an upwards angle from the outer corner of her eye, creating a straight edge that acts as a rule for her to follow.

Dunn places the long edge of the credit card at an upwards angle from the outer corner of her eye, creating a straight edge that acts as a rule for her to follow. Pictured: the model on the catwalk at the Burberry show at London Fashion Week earlier this month

'Place a credit card flat on your skin by your eyes, to use as a guide for a sharp flick,' she explained in an interview with the Sunday Telegraph's Stella magazine.

However the model admitted that when it came to her own day-to-day look she preferred something 'low key' over a fully made-up face.

She continued: 'I only wear it if I have to. On a normal day, if I'm doing the school run or going to a gym class, I'd rather be make-up-free and save the lipstick for when I go out.'

Jourdan said the two best tips she has picked up from her years in the fashion industry are to use coconut oil for everything, including cleansing, moisturising and cooking.

The model revealed that she prefers a 'low-key' look to a full face of makeup in her day-to-day life. Pictured: Jourdan walks the runway during the Off-White show as part of the Paris Fashion Week earlier this week

Jourdan said young girls are under 'dangerous' pressure to look picture perfect as they are confronted with Photoshopped images on social media. Pictured: Jourdan at the Victoria Beckham 10th Anniversary party in London earlier this month

In the interview she also spoke of the 'dangerous' pressure placed on young girls to look picture perfect as they are confronted with Photoshopped images on social media.

She said: 'Some young girls don't know how to separate reality from Instagram. They're comparing themselves to a Photoshopped image, but how can you compare yourself to something that's not real? It can be very dangerous.'

Jourdan was scouted at the age of 15 by Storm Model Management and has gone on to find fame across the globe.

The ground-breaking star topped Forbes' top-earning models list in 2014 - making her the first black British model to reach the prestigious line-up.

Jourdan was scouted at the age of 15 by Storm Model Management and has gone on to find fame across the globe. Pictured: Jourdan and Vogue editor Edward Enninful at the launch of the magazine's December issue in London last year

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline least year, Jordan admitted that being in the spotlight means she finds it hard to form friendships - and she trusts her instincts to filter out the disingenuous people.

She said: 'I've made strong friendships in the spotlight and you're meeting new people all the time.

'But you soon become wary and realise that some people just want to get near you for your name.

'I have developed good judgement and go off vibes now. Anyone with bad energy is cut off straight away.'

Being part of the newest batch of supermodels, which includes Kendall Jenner and Gigi and Bella Hadid, Jourdan counts Karlie Kloss as one of her closest friends.

Relaxed about her A-list shoulder-rubbing is her son Riley, eight, who she reveals helps keep her feet firmly planted on the ground.
A mother-of-four was told she had just two hours to live after going to the doctors for a routine check-up.

Kay Dewhurst, 45, from Marlborough, Wiltshire, went to her regular hospital appointment, after being born with holes in her heart.

However, she was shocked when the specialist told her that her heart was failing, and that she should say her goodbyes to her family.

Kay Dewhurst, 45, from Marlborough, Wiltshire, (pictured in hospital) was told she had just two hours to live during a regular check-up for her long-standing heart condition

The doctor told Kay her heart was functioning at just 10 per cent of its capacity, and that it was a miracle she was still alive.

Incredibly, she managed to survive for months while waiting for a heart transplant, undergoing a life-saving operation in April this year.

Speaking to the Daily Star, Kay - who has four children, Danielle, 28, Kane, 19, Charlotte, 18, and Corbyn, eight - explained how she had open-heart surgery at the age of six, after being born with holes in her heart, or septal defects.

Kay (pictured with youngest son Corbyn) incredibly managed to survive for months while waiting for a heart transplant, undergoing a life-saving operation in April this year

However, she didn't have any problems until last June, when she went for her five-yearly check-up.

WHAT IS A SEPTAL DEFECT? A septal defect is where there's a hole between two of the heart's chambers. The exact cause of congenital heart defects is often not clear. Most heart problems in children are present from birth due to an anomaly in the way the heart forms during the very early stages of pregnancy. The defect causes an abnormal flow of blood from one chamber to the other, meaning that the oxygen-rich and the oxygen-poor blood are allowed to mix and flow from the heart to the body and lungs. Source: NHS Advertisement

'In all the years I had been monitored, doctors had never found anything wrong. My appointment felt like more of a friendly catch-up than anything,' she said.

'But this time, I was called into the consultants office and I knew something was wrong. He said "Theres no easy way to say this. Your hearts failing. You have two hours left to live".'

Kay's husband Mark quickly called family members to tell them the devastating news, with their eldest three children arriving at hospital to say their goodbyes.

However, Kay miraculously managed to survive the night, with doctors at Great Western Hospital in Swindon deciding to put her on the waiting list or a heart transplant.

A match was only found for her in April this year, when she underwent a life-saving operation.

Three weeks later, she was allowed to go home to family, and is currently recovering well.

Kay said: 'I still cant believe I nipped into hospital for my five-year check-up and left nearly a year later with a new heart.'
Argos has been accused of 'ripping off' its customers after it emerged it charges up to twice as much for toys as other stores.

The Thomas & Friends Super Station, for example, costs 139.99 at the British retailer, but is a far more purse-friendly 97.99 in Smyths.

Meanwhile the Zoomer Show Pony toy is 85 at Argos but would set you back just 30 in Smyths - and can be snapped up for 35 on Groupon.

Argos has been accused of 'ripping off' its customers after it emerged it charges up to twice as much for toys as other stores. A Thomas & Friends Super Station (pictured) costs 139.99 on the brand's website

The exact same Thomas & Friends Super Station is for sale on the Smyths website (pictured), but costs 97.99 and so 41 cheaper

The price differences were spotted by mother Zoe Baskerville, who said she will be 'giving them a swerve' when it comes to picking up Christmas presents this festive season.

Writing in a Facebook post, which has since had over 13,000 shares, Zoe shared screengrabs of price comparisons she had carried out between Argos and other stores.

A Thomas & Friends Sky High Bridge Set costs 108.99 at Argos - almost twice as much as the 57.99 price tag at online store Bargain Max.

The Zoomer Show Pony (pictured) is being sold for 84.99. The product is a robotic horse that makes chopping sounds when a child plays with it

On bargain website Groupon the Zoomer Show Pony is just 34.98, which is 50 cheaper than buying it from Argos

Argos are charging 42.99 for a Shimmer and Shine Magic Flying Carpet set. The product is two adjustable dolls sitting on a carpet that flutters when children move it around in the air

The Shimmer and Shine Magic Flying Carpet is on sale on the Smyths website for just 19.99, which is a 24 saving from Argos

While A Shimmer and Shine Magic Carpet set is being sold for 42.00 in Argos, but the same set is available for 19.99 in Smyths.

This is despite a special 'three for two' promotion currently available at Argos.

Zoe wrote: 'Giving Argos a swerve this year!! Doing some price checking before I sort Xmas and these are just a few iv found!!!

'DAYLIGHT ROBBERY FROM ARGOS! Even with 3 for 2 your losing out!!!'

Argos is selling a Stretch Screamers Frankenstein doll for 25. The doll screams and makes monster like sounds when it is stretched, while children can record their own screams and make the doll play them

The Stretch Screamers doll is on sale on the Smyths website for 9.99, which more than 15 cheaper than the Argos listing

Her post has had thousands of shares and other parents have said they will be avoiding the store this year.

One commented: 'I can't believe the price difference,what a rip off,just shows you that you need to shop about.'

'Thats shockin same thing n alot more how do they justify that [sic],' another posted.

A third said: 'WHAT!! That's crazy! Surely they can't do that, will be avoiding Argos this year for sure!'

Mother Zoe Baskerville said she will be 'giving them a swerve this year' in a Facebook post (pictured), which has had over 13,000 share

An Argos spokesperson said, 'Our '3 for 2' promotion offers great deals across thousands of our bestselling toys. We always aim to give customers the best possible value.'

Argos faced similar accusations last year when parents claimed the store had hiked the price of many of the most popular toys included in the three for two deal.

For example, on the day before the promotion began, the price of a Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn chair was 26.99; a Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Cookie Shape Surprise was 10.99 and a Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Counting with Puppy book was 10.99. Together this came to 48.97.

Other parents have now said they won't be shopping at Argos this Christmas thanks to Ms Baskerville's Facebook post, with one calling it a 'rip off' (pictured)

Once the three for two deal went live, the price of the chair went up to now 39.99 and the shape surprise toy to 19.99. The puppy book remained at a headline price of 10.99 but was included for free.

The net effect of these changes was to put up the price of these three toys to 59.98, which is 11.01 more than before the promotion launched.

Argos customer service staff explained the changes at the time, saying: 'Our prices change from time to time and only a tiny percentage of products included in our 3 for 2 offer increased in price today.'
Detention of state official involved in Kemerovo mall blaze case upheld

 Imago/TASS

10:59 01/10/2018

MOSCOW, October 1 (RAPSI)  The Kemerovo Regional Court has upheld detention of a former employee of the State Construction Supervision and Inspection Service Svetlana Shengerei as part of a case over blaze in Kemerovos Zimnyaya Vishnya (Winter Cherry) shopping mall that left 60 people dead, the press-service of the court has told RAPSI.

An appeal against previous ruling of the Central District Court of Kemerovo was dismissed. Shengerei charged with abuse of office will stay in detention until November 13.

Earlier, investigation was completed into seven defendants in the case, Yulia Bogdanova, CEO of the Kemerovsky Confectionary Combine, a company owning the mall, technical director of the malls owner company Georgy Sobolev, the malls manager Nadezhda Suddenok, a guard who allegedly turned off the emergency notification system when he received a fire signal Sergey Antyushin, CEO of the company System Integrator that developed the fire safety system Igor Polozinenko; an employee of the company, who personally installed the fire alarm Alexander Nikitin and fire team commander Sergey Genin.

Investigation into five other defendants is still ongoing. They are: the ex-director of the Emergency Ministrys department for Kemerovo Region Alexander Mamontov, chief of the ministrys directorate for Kemerovo Grigory Terentyev, chief of the regions State Construction Inspection Tanziliya Komkova, the fire control service chief of the Federal Fire-Fighting Services regional departments 1 team Andrey Bursin and Shengerei.

The fire occurred in the mall on March 25. According to investigators, 60 people including dozens of children were killed by fire. Initially it was reported that 64 people died.
Hes very complicated you know, warned Carlo, the friend who introduced me to my husband, Bernardo. He has hundreds of children and wives. Dont get involved. Avoid at all costs.

I was a single, 39-year-old writer on a years sabbatical from my stressful life as a magazine editor in London. I had landed in Florence by mistake and, falling in love with the Italian lifestyle, decided to stay the year.

I was writing a book and dating perfidious Florentine men, one of whom had recently broken my heart. So, not really looking for a serious relationship, I didnt heed Carlos warning and started dating Bernardo regardless.

Kamin Mohammadi (pictured) discusses the bittersweet truth of being a stepmother and how she grew to love it

What did his hundreds of children and wives have to do with me, I reasoned. I just wanted a fun date to escort me round town.

Bernardo has three children  a situation thats not so weird to encounter when you are dating in your late 30s.

But heres where it did get complicated: Bernardo has not one but two ex-wives and when I first met him a decade ago, his eldest child, his teenage son, lived with him full-time while the daughters, aged five and six, lived with their mother and came to stay every other weekend  he was a double divorcee at 47, and a single father to boot.

And yet, in contrast to his complicated family situation, he was the most straightforward man I had met: open, honest and mature.

So, ignoring my friends warning, I did get involved  and here we are, just married last year after a decade of sharing a home, our lives and those complicated childcare arrangements.

According to research, one in three of us is involved in a stepfamily situation. Many of us are embarking on relationships that come with a ready-made family and all its attendant joys and pains.

Its so common that it has its own millennial buzzword  blended family is what we prefer to call these arrangements now, stepfamilies being so passe (and, more to the point, often not adequate for describing the mix of half-siblings and step-siblings and even steps left over from a previous relationship).

Thoroughly modern it may be, but no hip monikers can take away the primal realities of a situation that, however common, is nonetheless tricky at best. The inescapable truth is that when you get involved with someone who is already a parent, its never just the two of you in the relationship for long. Forget Princess Dianas famous there were three of us in this marriage, I had a small army populating mine.

With three children and two ex-wives, there were a lot of people in my relationship  and often my kitchen. Bernardos son was 15 when we got together and, rather than him going to his mothers, she came to visit him for one afternoon a week and the occasional weekend. Quite why I never understood, but I didnt question the arrangement  it wasnt my business.

The start of a new relationship, that cocooning time in which couples get to know each other and establish their intimacy, was, for Bernardo and me marked by the daily school run for his son, the presence of his first ex-wife in the house, and the weekends I spent alone when he had his two daughters staying with him.

Meeting the children

Dating a man or woman with children means you have an instant measure for the value of your relationship, whether you want it or not. When, and indeed if, they decide to introduce you to the children becomes the barometer of what you mean to each other, how the relationship is progressing, how seriously involved you are and are likely to become.

The depth of my involvement with Bernardo was marked by meetings with his kids. After a few weeks of dating I met his son, and I saw more of him as I spent more time with his father. When, after a year together, Bernardo wanted me to move in, he asked his son before me.

However, while his son was very much present in our nascent relationship, Bernardos daughters were young and he didnt want to confuse them further by introducing someone into their lives who might not be around for long.

He had left their mother three years earlier and I felt that breaking up his family was still a deep and private pain, so I respected this.

Kamin Mohammadi (right) with her husband (centre) and step-son (left). She recalls that after a few weeks of dating she met her partner's son, and saw more of him as she spent more time with her partner

When he finally asked me to meet them, nearly a year into our relationship, I knew that it was a seminal moment.

I was coming back from a press trip to Sardinia, the PR was on the plane with me. Bernardo was coming to the airport to pick me up with his daughters. I was fidgeting.

It was to be my first meeting with the girls, six and seven years old. The PR laughed: Youve been meeting millionaires and celebrities all weekend, she said, and you havent been fazed. Now youre terrified of meeting two little girls!

She was right, I was scared. What would I say to them? What if they hated me?

I neednt have worried. When I stepped out of the airport, I spotted Bernardo standing with the two sweetest girls on either side of him. His face was a picture of pride.

As I stepped up to them, the girls raised round open faces to me, their smiles wide, and I fell head-over-heels in love. Instinctively, I opened my arms and they stepped in and we hugged, a spontaneous gesture typical of the warmth of our relationship since.

Shadow cast by the exes

In the ten years since I became an acquired mother (what one friend called me when I was not yet an official stepmother), Ive been on a rollercoaster ride of adult emotion, with sharp lessons in grace and dignity. Ive learnt that whatever the complexities of forming a bond with the stepchildren, it is always trickier navigating the shadow that falls behind them  the mother.

The source of so much influence over her children, the mother controls their relationship with the stepmother whether by her benign acceptance, or naked opposition, or the more common mix of hues in between. Even if you never meet, you can tell from the behaviour and moods of the children what she is going through.

Often the children open their mouths and her words come out  this used to happen all the time with my stepdaughters when they were young sponges soaking up everything around them.

It can be disconcerting having someone you dont really know and didnt choose to have in your life be such a strong  if shadowy  presence and to know that your words and actions are being similarly transmitted to her. Its an uncomfortable relationship, distant yet intimate. And whether the mother is absent (as my stepsons mother soon became) or much-too present (as my stepdaughters mother was), you, the stepmother, are always somehow paying the price for this womans behaviour.

With the kids, I made up my role as I went along  something between a fun aunt and scary matron. I didnt become the official stepmother until last year and the years of acquired motherhood were the most challenging.

What, actually, is your role? I have spoken to women who, having lived for a decade with a man, split up and never saw his children again. They went back to their lives as single women as if they hadnt spent years mopping brows, cooking meals, changing nappies and helping their partner parent his children. The thought horrified me  all this unacknowledged love, all the care and nurturing disappearing.

The fear was not helped by the passive-aggressive actions of the mums  women who I know didnt want to be mean to me but who, like me, were just having a hard time riding the emotional rollercoaster of the situation: one which demanded that they be happy their children loved me while they just felt so jealous that their children loved me.

I did understand their dilemma but still it hurt. The first ex once reassured me that she would have her son to stay on the date of my first book launch in London, then promptly made other commitments, which meant we had to take him to London with us after all. The second ex once decided to take the girls away for three months and, at the last minute, changed the date of our goodbye dinner with them for a date when I was in London working. At every turn, in subtle ways, I was left out of the family by them, my love and care for their children discounted.

I know I am not alone. A study carried out by Dr Lisa Doodson, a psychology lecturer at Thames Valley University, showed that stepmothers in general have significantly greater anxiety and depression than biological mothers. Most stepfamilies face difficulties defining their individual roles and, says Dr Doodson, the ongoing influence of the biological mother, via endless phone calls or rules, is another source of anxiety.

Love them but don't care

Being a stepmother requires special courage  the willingness to love fiercely people who can never really belong to you. As the years have passed, I have learnt to love my stepchildren madly but not care; to be involved yet detached. It has been my survival strategy, and the quality of the relationship with my stepkids is testament to its efficacy.

Once, when I was despairing of it all and rueing the day I didnt listen to my friend Carlos advice, a wise woman said to me stepmothering is a long game. Ten years down the line, I understand that.

My stepdaughters are now teenage glamazons, towering over me, catching mens eyes with that late-teen mixture of nubile adult and child. I shepherd them through London, through the turning heads and wolf-whistles, with the pride and protectiveness of a lioness.

My stepson, now 25 and a chef in London, grows broader and more like his father every day. He rings me several times a week when I am in town, to share his triumphs and his heartbreaks  and, like a dutiful parent, I take him out for dinner, lend him 50 and find him bedsheets when he moves house.

In those years of tricky adolescence when his mothers weekly visits had stopped, she was nowhere to be seen and his anger was directed at me, I never imagined that one day I would be signing off my texts to him love you and getting a heart emoji back. Every time it happens, it makes my heart sing.
Thrifty grocery shoppers have taken to the Internet to share their incredible bargain hunting efforts, and how they purchase everyday products for a fraction of the price.

Among the hauls are household staples including meat, cheese, vegetables and yogurt, all laden with mark down stickers displaying their astonishingly low cost.

One savvy buyer showed how she managed to buy a swag of meat for less than a dollar a packet.

'Went to Coles tonight to get bagels and milk and got home with this,' she wrote.

'It's the first time I've seen such cheap markdowns in my local Coles so I couldn't resist.'

Thrifty grocery shoppers have taken to the Internet to share their incredible bargain hunting efforts, and how they purchase everyday products for a fraction of the price. One savvy buyer showed how she managed to buy a swag of meat for less than a dollar a packet

Online, shoppers congregate at the Markdown Addicts Australia Facebook page, where they rave about their winning discounts on often-pricey everyday buys

One happy customer managed to snag himself a selection of lamb cutlets from $1.76 per pack

Online, shoppers congregate at the Markdown Addicts Australia Facebook page, where they rave about their winning discounts on often-pricey everyday buys.

Among the buy were a dozen pork sausages for just 60c and steak fillet for just $1.8 each.

Another user with a penchant for vegetables showed how she bagged enough stock to last for days, all at a fraction of their regular price.

'All for $8.63,' she wrote beside a selection of celery, cauliflower and mixed salad.

An ambitious chicken-loving thrifter made a serious statement, purchasing a dozen of its roasted variety.

Among the hauls are household staples including meat, cheese, vegetables and yogurt, all laden with mark down stickers displaying their astonishingly low cost

An ambitious chicken-loving thrifter made a serious statement, purchasing a dozen of its roasted variety

The markdown madness comes after savvy shoppers revealed how you can save up to 99 per cent off food by looking out for discounted products at leading Australian supermarket stores

'Five chickens at $3.60, five chickens at $2.70,' she wrote in the group.



The markdown madness comes after savvy shoppers revealed how you can save up to 99 per cent off food by looking out for discounted products at leading Australian supermarket stores.

From a boneless chicken roast for a measly 15c to $46.50kg for lamb fillets marked down to 12c per pack, it's some of the 'best before date' products that go on sale.

Families are waiting for the right time to do their shop - as stores slash prices off perishables in a bid to sell whatever they can before binning it or donating to charities.

Mother-of-three Kimberley Bertram, from Sydney, told 9News she has been able to feed her family for under $5 per night simply by snapping up markdown items.

One super-organised mother even raved about completing her Christmas shopping after purchasing all the presents at a discounted price. Here's her receipt to prove it

Families are waiting for the right time to do their shop - as stores slash prices off perishables in a bid to sell whatever they can before binning it or donating to charities

The best times to snap up a bargain varies at every store, but usually the markdowns take place in the early afternoons or within one hour before closing time

This buyer managed to nab a slew of microwavable meals for just 60c a portion

The thrifty woman decided to launch Markdown Addicts Australia on Facebook to help tip off shoppers on where to find all the best savings and reduced clearance products across the country.

'It happens in every store, you've just got to be there at the right time,' she said

And products are flying off the shelves, with customers sharing photographs of the bargain buys, including 48 cents on 2L of full cream milk - and a whole roast chicken for $3.60 down from $18.

Other discount items include 30 cents on fresh prepared salads, 85 per cent off cherries, a block of halloumi cheese for 49 cents, $12 prawns down to 24 cents and tubs of yoghurt for 6 cents.

The best times to snap up a bargain varies at every store, but usually the markdowns take place in the early afternoons or within one hour before closing time.
She became the second contestant to quit Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls two weeks ago, following in Roxanne Pallett's footsteps.

And Paris Lees, who became the first openly transgender women to appear in the pages of British Vogue at the beginning of the year, has revealed her extreme weight loss resulting from her stint on the show in before and after photographs shared on Instagram.

The Nottinghamshire-born journalist, whose age is unknown, blamed 'nine days of no food', and said she'd been unable to keep anything down after getting 'violently' sick as a result of dehydration in her early days on the show.

Paris said she was told to put on weight ahead of the Channel 4 series, filmed in aid of the channel's Stand Up To Cancer campaign, which has seen celebrities including Pete Wicks, Martin Kemp and Jo Wood left to fend for themselves on an uninhabited island in the Pacific.

The Nottinghamshire-born journalist, whose age is unknown, blamed 'nine days of no food', revealing she was told to put on weight before appearing on the Channel 4 series in an Instagram post which showed her before the show (left) and after 2 weeks on the show (right)

Paris Lees, who was the first openly transgender model to appear on British Vogue at the beginning of the year, has revealed her extreme weight loss resulting from a fortnight on the show

However Paris quit the tough show after two weeks, and hit back at viewers who branded her 'lazy' online.

Taking to her Instagram page, which boasts over 16,000 followers, Paris revealed that she had been 'violently sick' after searching for water two days in, and was unable to keep food down after that.

Explaining that she had told the camp she did not want to bring them down, Paris said that she had made the right choice leaving and had since 'put all the weight back on.

Posing in her underwear, Paris shared a shock before and after post of how the stint had changed her body in just two weeks.

She wrote: 'Before and after Celebrity Island. They told me to put on weight before the show so I did. I was anxious so it was easy to eat!

'The picture on the left is probably the biggest Ive ever been as Ive always been fairly slim.

'The one on the right is after pretty much 9 days of no food. What they didnt show you was that I was violently sick about 2 days in after becoming dehydrated searching for water.'

She continued: 'I just couldnt keep what little food we did find down after that. And neither would you if youd thrown up and tried to eat a sh**ty limpet!

'A week in, I collapsed, which is why you see me telling the doctor I feel collapsy in the second episode - i.e. like how I did before I collapsed.'

The show, filmed on a remote Pacific island in aid of the channel's Stand Up To Cancer campaign, sees celebrities including Pete Wicks, Martin Kemp and Jo Wood left to fend for themselves, however Paris says she couldn't keep food down for nine days (seen on show)

Paris quit the tough show after two weeks, and hit back at viewers who branded her 'lazy' online, arguing that she did her best

Defending her appearance, she added: 'If you think I was lazy thats your problem. I went to do my best but sadly it didnt work out.

'Ive put all the weight back on since then. Its amazing what two weeks in a survival situation will do for a girl's attitude towards biscuits, not to mention soft furnishings. Im all about that silk and velvet life. Peace and love.'

In January Paris became the first openly transgender woman to appear in British Vogue, during a shoot celebrating 100 years since women got the right to vote.

April Ashley previously appeared in British Vogue in the 1950s, however it was not openly known that she was transgender until a decade later.

Paris underwent hormone replacement therapy then facial feminisation surgery in 2012, and identifies as a bisexual trans woman.
She is just two weeks away from embarking on her first major overseas tour with Prince Harry.

And while Meghan's tour wardrobe will be kept under wraps until the last minute, her favourite designer has offered a glimpse at what she might wear after debuting her latest collection at Fashion Week.

Givenchy boss Clare Waight Keller, the woman behind the Duchess's wedding dress, sent models down the runway in sumptuous jewel tones, bold eighties silhouettes, and more than a hint of decolletage in Paris on Sunday.

Meghan, 37 has opted for several Givenchy designs during her first year as a duchess, and the new SS19 collection had more than a hint of 'Markle sparkle' - from a black tuxedo dress to a slinky green evening gown.

Meghan, who is about to embark on her first major overseas tour, has opted for several Givenchy designs this year, and the new SS19 collection was right up her street

Meghan, take note! Givenchy boss Clare Waight Keller, the woman behind the Duchess's wedding dress, sent models down the runway in yellow (left) and emerald green (right)

A sequinned mini from Waight Keller's latest offering. Tyler McCall labelled the designs as 'subtly sexy' while praising the sharply-tailored jumpsuits and evening dresses

The new collection has been widely praised by fashion insiders, with Fashionista declaring it 'sophisticated, smart and luxurious'.

Style expert Tyler McCall labelled the designs as 'subtly sexy' while praising the sharply-tailored jumpsuits and evening dresses.

Meghan's wardrobe will have to cope with a range of weather conditions when they visit Australia, Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga, and New Zealand later this month.

Temperatures could be as high as 28C in Fiji and as low as 9C when they visit Wellington, New Zealand a few days later.

The changeable climate will no doubt prove a challenge for Meghan, whose outfits must balance practicability with royal protocol.

A pleated powder blue number from Givenchy's new collection. The range been met with praise from fashion insiders, with Fashionista declaring it 'sophisticated, smart and luxurious'

A boxy blue dress (left) and a slinky evening number (right) at Givenchy's SS19 showcase. Meghan and Harry will have to battle a range of weather conditions when they visit Australia, Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga, and New Zealand later this month in their first major tour

A billowing evening gown (left) and a daring bottle green trouser suit (right) as seen at Givenchy's Paris show. Almost a year on from her move to the UK, her royal wardrobe is still being orchestrated by close friend Jessica Mulroney, a Toronoto-based celebrity stylist

Right up her street: One of Waight Keller's designers, a black tuxedo dress, bore a striking resemblance to an outfit worn by Meghan on a recent visit to the theatre in London

Almost a year on from her move to the UK, her royal wardrobe is still being orchestrated by close friend Jessica Mulroney, a Toronto-based celebrity stylist.

Together, the pair are known to plan Meghan's outfits months in advance with Mulroney even picking out her Line The Label 'engagement coat'.

Kicking off their tour on Tuesday 16 October, Harry and Meghan will visit Australia's Dubbo, Melbourne and Sydney before flying to Fraser Island.

They will then get a taste of island life on Fiji before exploring Wellington, Auckland and Rotorua in New Zealand.
The Cry is the latest high-profile drama from the BBC following the runaway success of Bodyguard, but its 'jumpy' timeline has already led to some confusion among viewers.

Jenna Coleman stars as Joanna, who is seen struggling to cope with life as a new mother, but the action jumps forwards and backwards in time, showing her struggling to deal with her baby being kidnapped, and as a young teacher being seduced by her son's father, married man Alistair.

The complex storyline follows the couple as they first meet, have a baby together and how they deal with the sudden disappearance of their child in Australia.

But while some viewers found the non-linear storytelling 'confusing' and difficult to follow, others were gripped by the mystery of baby Noah's disappearance - and took to social media to share their theories over who is behind it.

Jenna Coleman plays Joanna, a woman struggling to cope with her new baby, and her partner Alistair who doesn't seem to be helping her with parenthood

The couple travel from Scotland to Australia and during a stop off at a late night shop they return to their car to find their three-month old son Noah has disappeared

Viewers watching the new series took to Twitter to share their confusion over the storyline which switched from before, during and after the kidnap of the child

'This is too jumpy, I'm confused already,' complained one viewer during the programme, which hit screens on Sunday night.

'Anyone else getting confused with the constant jumping backwards and forwards in time?' asked another.

One person fumed: 'Why are there no dramas on TV anymore which tell everything in chronological order!! So confused #TheCry'

But not everyone was finding it difficult to keep up - and those who had read the book that inspired the drama urged fellow viewers to stick with it.

Others were gripped by the whodunnit, taking to social media to share their theories about what happened to Joanna and Alistair's three-month old baby Noah in the Australian outback.

'Ok my theory is the baby is dead and to cover up the death they've faked a kidnapping,' suggested one.

Many already suspect Alistair's ex-wife had something to do with the child's disappearance, as she was shown dropping in to a cafe, with the camera paying significant attention to the dirt in her fingernails.

The new drama, led by the former Doctor Who assistant, was the most watched programme in its 9pm timeslot on Sunday, drawing in an average of 5.7 million viewers, according to overnight ratings.

The broadcast peaked at 6.3 million viewers and scored the second biggest new drama launch of the year so far behind Bodyguard, which launched with 6.7 million, and ahead of McMafia, which debuted with 5.6 million, the BBC said.

Alistair was seen in the shop picking up a few essentials while Joanna stayed in the car, but then she said she had forgotten she needed sanitary products and went inside the store

This meant the parents had left Noah alone in the backseat, and when they returned they discovered he had vanished and began screaming for help

Other viewers were gripped by the drama taking to Twitter to share their theories about what happened to the baby questioning the motives of all the characters involved

In the first episode of the series Joanna and Alistair had to travel from Scotland to Australia with their baby son Noah on a 24-hour journey that left the young mother at the end of her tether when the baby cried the whole way.

They were going to Melbourne to see Alistairs mother Elizabeth, to fight for custody of Alistairs 14 year-old daughter Chloe, from his previous marriage to ex-wife Alexandra.

Exhausted and emotional from the journey, the couple arrived in Australia, where, before long, events conspired to change their lives forever.

Alistair's ex-wife Alexandra was seen dropping in to a cafe on the same night that the baby went missing, she seemed distracted and looked like she was creating an alibi

The camera played close attention to her fingernails which appeared to be covered in dirt - viewers speculated that it was related to the disappearance

In what appears to be post-kidnap the couple were seen preparing for a television appearance, with both smartly dressed and Joanna wearing make-up

Interspersed with the travelling, Joanna is seen talking to her court-appointed psychiatrist, who later takes to the stand to explain that she believes the mother is fit to appear in court.

The mother is thrown into a media storm after her newborn baby goes missing, but she veers between being desperate with grief, and almost cool, calm and collected - even smirking in front of the cameras as time carries on.

Throughout Joanna refers to 'two Joannas', with the complex thriller suggesting she had either killed the child, kidnapped him, or someone had taken him.

Jenna Coleman previously played the Doctors companion Clara Oswald in BBC sci-fi series Doctor Who, from 2012 until 2015, alongside Matt Smith and then Peter Capaldi.

She then moved to ITV to star in period drama Victoria, playing a young version of Queen Victoria, and is expected to return for a third series in early 2019.

The Cry continues on BBC One next Sunday at 9pm
Emma Watson has penned a powerful open letter in tribute to a woman who died from a miscarriage in Ireland because she was denied an abortion.

The British actress, 28, directly addressed Dr Savita Halappanavar, whose death in 2012 reignited calls for abortion to be legalised in the country.

In the letter published in Porter magazine, Emma described how the dentist's family and friends had been 'gracious and galvanizing' in sharing her memory in the run-up to the referendum that saw the Eighth Amendment repealed in May.

She also described how watching a video of Savita, who died aged 31, dancing in a St Patrick's Day parade had 'moved [her] to tears'.

Emma ended the letter: 'In your memory, and towards our liberation, we continue the fight for reproductive justice.'

Emma Watson (pictured at the BAFTA Los Angeles Tea Party in January) has penned a powerful open letter in tribute to a dentist who died in Ireland from a miscarriage because she was denied an abortion

The British actress, 28, shared the open letter on her Instagram account, describing how it was a 'great honour' to pay respect to the legacy of Dr Savita Halappanavar

The actress shared her letter on Instagram, explaining: '[I]t was a great honour to be asked by @portermagazine to pay the deepest respect to the legacy of Dr Savita Halappanavar, whose death powered the determination of activists to change Irish abortion laws & fight for reproductive justice all over the world.

'The planned new legislation has already been dubbed "Savitas law" by campaigners out of respect for a woman who didnt want to become the face of a movement, but simply wanted a procedure to save her life.'

Emma finished her post with a call by thanking those who 'continue the fight for reproductive justice'

She said: 'A note on [Savita's] memorial in Dublin read, Because you slept, many of us woke.

Savita, 31, died aged 31 in 2012 from septic shock after she was denied abortion. Her death reignited calls for abortion to be legalised in Ireland

'Yet from Argentina to Poland, restrictive abortion laws still punish and endanger girls, women and pregnant people. Free, safe, legal and local abortion care is needed across the globe.

She added: 'In Savitas memory, and on todays 7th Annual March for Choice in Dublin, Id like to say a huge thank you to all those who continue the fight for reproductive justice.  #mybodymychoice #freesafelegal#ARCMarch18'

Emma's open letter features in the Winter Issue of Porter magazine

Emma has become known for her strong feminist beliefs, calling for gender equality in a speech at the UN back in 2016.

Following the Harvey Weinstein scandal in Hollywood, the former Harry Potter star donated 1million to the Justice and Equality Fund, a new fund for victims of sexual harassment.

Posting to Twitter, she wrote: 'I stand with all the women who have been sexually harassed, and am awestruck by their bravery. This mistreatment of women has to stop. '

The actress also displayed a temporary 'Time's Up' tattoo on her arm at the BAFTAs earlier this year in support of the movement.
A mother has slammed John Lewis for stocking Christmas gifts for girls and boys that reinforce gender stereotypes.

Claire Underwood, from London, took to the brand's Facebook page to express her anger over their two cameras - a pink 'beautifying selfie cam' for girls and a blue 'action cam' for boys.

The working mother-of-two argued the camera will teach girls to believe their worth is based around their looks - and she added her outrage over an editing feature in that allows users to 'beautify' their pictures.

The post has now gone viral, and has garnered two thousand likes, comments and shares from angry parents who branded the marketing 'outdated and sexist'.

Claire Underwood, a working mother-of-two from London, took to John Lewis' Facebook to slam their latest children's toys, which advertise a pink 'beautifying camera' for girls

The children's cameras, aimed for four-year-olds and above, are produced by VTech, an Oxfordshire-based global supplier of electronic learning products.

Kicking off the post about the products, Claire shared a picture of the pink and blue toys stocked online and in store- which retail at 32.99, writing: 'I am appalled that this product has made it on to your shelves.

'How am I or any other parent of girls supposed to raise my girl to believe in her worth as a human being when she is being so blatantly told that all that matters is her beauty?'

She continued: 'Further that her looks need to be 'beautified'?! What message are you sending? How can you stock such degrading products for children and hold your heads high?

Arguing that the new 'beauty cam' for children teaches young girls to believe their worth is based around their beauty, Claire (pictured with her partner) added her outrage over an editing feature in the camera which allows them to 'beautify' their pictures

Her post soon went viral, garnering almost two thousand likes, comments and shares from angry parents who branded the marketing 'outdated and sexist'.

'How many women work at John Lewis and what do THEY really think about it? Has anybody actually THOUGHT about it? Because you should be.'

Responding to the post and questioning why they had introduced 'ungendered' clothing but not updated the toy section, another wrote: 'One step forward in the clothing department and then ten steps back in the toys department. 'Come on John Lewis, this is so insulting to girls and perpetuating outdated and limiting gender stereotypes.'

Responding to the post and questioning why they had introduced 'ungendered' clothing but not updated the toy section, another wrote: 'One step forward in the clothing department and then ten steps back in the toys department.

Questioning how women would react if they were presented with pink marketed items, another said: 'I am sure all adults would be appalled if adult cameras were marketed in a similar way!

'Pink for girls to take filtered selfies of themselves pouting and blue for boys to take selfies of themselves having a raucous time at a rugby match?'

And arguing that the stereotype it is just as damaging for boys, another person added: 'What about boys who are told they can't like pink, they can't love taking selfies and can't wear make up or nice things, this is wrong for BOTH genders because the world puts them BOTH in a box.'

'Pink for girls to take filtered selfies of themselves pouting and blue for boys to take selfies of themselves having a raucous time at a rugby match?' another shopper queried

Branding the marketing old-fashion, another wrote: 'I can't believe that toys are still being marketed to a gender-specific audience! so lame.'

However, others were less outraged by the toys, arguing that buying them was a personal choice.

One wrote: 'Does this stuff really matter? Teach your kids about personal choice. They have choices, businesses have choices/buyers have choices. No one is forcing these products on anyone - they are AVAILABLE to anyone'.

Another accused parents of being oversensitive, adding: 'Just don't buy it! You can raise your girls to have self worth without worrying what John Lewis are selling.

'I wear no makeup but my 15 year old daughter loves make up! We are both strong and independent females! Get over this gender neutral obsession and let each person be themselves.'

A spokesman for John Lewis said: 'The toys we sell are suitable for all children and we offer lots of choice so customers can pick what is best for them.'

MailOnline has contacted Vtech for comment.

The children's cameras, aimed at children aged four and above, are produced by VTech, a Hong Kong-based global supplier of electronic learning products and retail at 32.99
Amelia Windsor's brother Lord Downpatrick has insisted he had a normal upbringing despite his royal connections.

Edward, 29 - who is the Duke of Kent's grandson - said his grandfather's police protection was the 'only real hint that there was something different going on'.

The fashion designer also revealed his plans to open his menswear label FIDIR's first shop.

Speaking to Tatler, Edward - known as Eddy - admitted he had not always realised that he would be treated differently because of his title and position in life.

Amelia Windsor's brother Lord Downpatrick has insisted he had a 'normal' upbringing despite his royal connections. He features in the latest issue of Tatler magazine (above)

'Only with age - and with a degree of cynicism - can you possibly tell that some people treat you differently because you haven't got a Mr in front of your names,' he said.

Describing what it feels like to be born into the royal family, he commented: 'It's complete luck that it happens to be you but it's quite cool that it has.'

However, Eddy - whose godmother was Princess Diana - insisted he had a normal upbringing in Cambridge with younger sisters Lady Amelia, 23, and Lady Marina, 26.

He also admitted he would happily skip a sun-soaked summer holiday with his parents in favour of a solo trekking expedition or trip to Scotland.

Edward (right with sister Lady Amelia at the Queen's 90th birthday celebrations in 2016) said the police presence around his grandfather was the 'only real hint that there was something different going on'

Eddy - who is heir to the Dukedom of Kent after his father - is the eldest son of former diplomat George Windsor, Earl of St Andrews, and his wife, Sylvana, Countess of St Andrews,

His mother Sylvana is a lecturer in 18th and 19th century political theory at Cambridge University.

The full interview features in the November issue of Tatler (above)

Eddy went to Eton, before going on to study French and German at Oxford University, where he was an ex-president of the notorious Bullingdon Club.

He then started working at JP Morgan, before setting up fashion label FIDIR three years ago, inspired by his holidays in Scotland.

Eddy, like his sister Marina, converted to Roman Catholicism, losing his place in the Line of Succession.

However, his youngest sister Amelia, a model and socialite, remains 38th in line to the throne.

See the full feature in the November issue of Tatler, available on digital download and newsstands today
A single mother-of-three has offered a fellow lone parent the chance to live in her home in one of London's most prestigious areas for just 1 a week.

The woman, going by the name of Fran, posted an advert of spareroom.co.uk, for a double room with an ensuite bathroom in a large home in a quiet square in Primrose Hill where the average property price is 1.5M.

She listed the property for a nominal amount of 1 a week, but explained that the room would be free to another single parent.

Rather than seeking money, her ad explained, she wants 'company, mutual support and to foster a warm, nurturing, proactive environment in the house in which to raise our children'.

The new tenant would be sharing with Fran, her nine-year-old, four-year-old twins and two cats.

Londoner Fran has offered a room in her Primrose Hill home free to another single parent, who is interested in creating a 'warm, nurturing, proactive environment' for their children

The double bedroom is newly refurbished and the house is located on a quiet square in Primrose Hill where the average property price is 1.5M

Fran listed the room for a nominal fee of 1 a week, but explained that it would be free to another single parent who shares the same values

She added: 'Age/nationality/race/sexual orientation doesn't matter - just the right family with the same values and parenting methods.'

'You will have your own gorgeous, sunny, newly furnished large double room and private ensuite bathroom,' she explained.

Prospective tenants also have the possibility of being able to have a second room in the house for their child.

Primrose Hill is one of the most sought-after areas of North London and is home to numerous celebrity residents, including Kate Moss, Rachel Weisz and Daniel Craig, Jamie Oliver and Harry Styles.

Rooms in similar properties are being advertised for more than 900 a month.

The room comes with its own ensuite bathroom and Fran explained that the prospective tenant also may have the option of another bedroom in the house for their child

Twitter users who spotted Fran's ad praised her for the idea, with one commenting: 'The housing crisis is awful, but it's so beautiful to see women-led radical approaches to housing.'

Last year, a report by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) found that the housing crisis in London has caused a recruitment crisis with employees quitting their jobs because they can't afford the rent.

Almost 30 per cent cent of the 176 leading firms in the capital who responded said that some of their employees had left because they could not afford to live in the local area.

In the capital, rental costs have surged 45 per cent since 2007 to reach 1,609 a month, according to data by analysts Hometrack
The Queen is famously stoic, but the monarch has revealed the one day that she considers to be 'the most ghastly' of her life.

According to Andrew Parker-Bowles, former guardsman and ex-husband of the Duchess of Cornwall, Her Majesty considers the 1982 Hyde Park bombings among the worst days of her existence.

The IRA attack took place in July that year when, a car bomb left on South Carriage Drive killed four soldiers and seven horses as they rode through Hyde Park in Central London to the changing of the guard.

The Queen (pictured in November) considers the 1982 Hyde Park bombings as the most 'ghastly day of her life' according to Andrew Parker-Bowles

Brigadier Parker-Bowles was leading the Queen's Calvary that day and described the moment the explosion took place in Robert Hardman's new book, Queen of the World.

Speaking to Hardman he said: 'One of the barriers opened and someone said, "They've blown up the Guard". So we ran down to where the smoke was rising.

'The first horse I saw was Sefton. He had a bloody great hole in him but he managed to pull through.'

Following the incident, Parker Bowles had the opportunity to speak to the Queen.

Describing her words he said: 'She said to me it was "The most ghastly day of my life".'

The IRA attack took place in July that year when, a car bomb left on South Carriage Drive killed four soldiers and seven horses as they rode through Hyde Park. Pictured: The aftermath of the blast, including the dead horses who are seen covered

Andrew Parker-Bowles, the former husband of the Duchess of Cornwall, (pictured here) was leading the Queen's Cavalry the day of the attack

Another horse, Sefton (pictured with Trooper Michael Perdersen), survived terrible injuries and became a national hero

On July 20, 1982, a car bomb left on South Carriage Drive killed the soldiers as they rode through Hyde Park in Central London to the changing of the guard.

The explosion killed Roy Bright, Dennis Daly, Simon Tipper and Jeffrey Young and injured other members of the Royal Household Cavalry. Some 31 people were injured in total.

Seven horses were also killed as the soldiers travelled from their barracks to Buckingham Palace. Another horse, Sefton, survived terrible injuries and became a national hero.

Prime suspect Convicted IRA member John Downey (pictured outside the Old Bailey in 2014) could face a High Court hearing this year after families of the victims received legal aid

The investigation into the bombing led police to prime suspect John Downey, through fingerprints on parking tickets and a description given by witnesses of two men carrying out reconnaissance in the area before the attack.

An arrest warrant was issued, but it was decided not to seek Downey's extradition from the Irish Republic in 1989, in part due to the lack of strong evidence against him, the court was told.

John Downey, 66, was due to stand trial at the Old Bailey in 2014 for the atrocity.

But convicted IRA terrorist Downey was told he would not face prosecution because of a letter  dubbed a 'get-out-of-jail-free card'  mistakenly sent to him in connection with the 1999 Good Friday Agreement, saying he was not wanted by police.

But in February this year after being denied legal aid five times to help launch the civil action, funds have finally been granted to the families who have spent some 36 years campaigning for justice.

Mark Tipper, whose 19-year-old newlywed brother Simon was killed, said the funds to take a civil case against Downey will help the families in their quest for the truth.

E

Hardman

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xert taken from Queen Of The World by Robert Hardman published by Century, 25.
Former St. Petersburg lawmaker sentenced to 3 years for corruption denied parole

 RIA Novosti

12:34 01/10/2018

MOSCOW, October 1 (RAPSI)  Smolninsky District Court of St. Petersburg has denied release on parole for the former member of the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg Vyacheslav Notyag convicted of taking bribes, the United press service of the citys courts has told RAPSI.

Notyag was sentenced to three years in a high-security prison and fined one million rubles in January 2018.

Pursuant to case materials, in June 2015, Notyag offered businessman Oleg Glushchenko give him bribes in amounts no less than 300,000 rubles ($4,500) quarterly. In turn, the lawmaker promised not to hinder construction works the businessmans firm carried out in a city district.

In such a manner, according to investigators, the defendant has frequently accepted bribes totaling to no less than 1 million rubles (about $15,000 at current exchange rate) over this period of time.

Officers of the Federal Security Service Directorate for St. Petersburg and Leningrad region have arrested Notyag at the moment the businessman passed 600,000 rubles ($9,000) to him.




Queen Mathilde of Belgium looked glamorous in green as she joined husband King Philippe for a visit to Austria today.

Mathilde, 45, opted for an emerald shift dress featuring a statement bow-shaped collar as she arrived at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna.

The mother-of-four finished off her typically chic ensemble with co-ordinating heels and matching fascinator, along with a pair of elegant emerald rings.

She and husband Philippe, 58, were greeted by Austrian president Alexander Van der Bellen and his wife Doris Schmidauer as they arrived in the capital.

Queen Mathilde of Belgium looked glamorous in green as she joined husband King Philippe for a visit to Austria today. The couple were greeted by Austrian president Alexander Van der Bellen (far right)

Mathilde, 45, opted for an emerald shift dress featuring a statement bow-shaped collar as she greeted at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna by the president's wife Doris Schmidauer (left)

Mathilde and Doris were seen inspecting the guard of honour outside the Palace ahead of today's meeting.

The Belgian royals are enjoying a one-day visit to Austria, where they will open the Bruegel exhibition at the Kunsthistorischen Museum.

In the afternoon, the couple will also visit the Rathaus and then walk to the National Library.

Addressing the President at a reception at the Austrian Palace, Philippe said: 'It is a great pleasure for both of us to be here in Vienna on the occasion of the opening of the Bruegel exhibition. Parallel is now an exhibition in Brussels on Austrian art.

Mathilde, pictured in conversation with Doris Schmidauer, finished off her chic ensemble with a matching fascinator and emerald earrings

The Belgian Queen looked in high spirits as she and King Philippe were welcomed to Vienna by Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen and his wife Doris Schmidauer

Mathilde and Doris (far left) were seen inspecting the guard of honour outside the Hofburg Palace ahead of today's meeting in Vienna

'These initiatives are examples of the excellent cooperation between our two countries.

'Not only on a cultural level, but also economically and commercially, in education or in the tourism sector, there are numerous and fruitful exchanges between us.'

Mathilde has had a busy month of engagements after dropping off her eldest daughter Princess Elisabeth at her new boarding school in Wales at the end of August, following the summer break.

Later this week, she will attend a gala evening in Antwerp for the King Baudouin Foundation, before taking part in the Global Girls Summit 2018 in Brussels next Wednesday.
A river in Indonesia dubbed the 'world's most polluted' has seen a raft of waste measuring an incredible mile long drift in overnight.

The shocking scenes are a result of the estimated 2,000 tonnes of plastic that flow through the Citarum river, in West Java, every day.

The filthy river has become so polluted that the number of species of fish that swim in it has reduced by 60 per cent in recent years, and those left are deemed too dangerous to eat.

Nearly 60 litter pickers are seen attempting to clean up the river and salvage any kind of plastic that could be sold to factories in Monday night's BBC One documentary Drowning In Plastic.

The pollution leaves the show's presenter and biologist Liz Bonnin lost for words, as she says she's 'never seen anything like it'.

BBC One documentary Drowning In Plastic reveals the devastating affect plastic waste is having on the Citarum river in West Java, Indonesia. In April this year a raft of rubbish measuring a mile long drifted down the river (pictured)

The sight of the pollution leaves the show's presenter and biologist Liz Bonnin lost for words (pictured), who says she has 'never seen anything like it'

The scenes were shot in April this year when the Citarum was completely blocked by the gigantic raft of plastic.

Around this time the area suffered very heavy rains and locals said the amount of rubbish on the river that day made it 'the worst they'd ever seen', according to the documentary.

The dumped plastic is a mile long and stretches across the entire width of the river.

A shocked Bonnin says: 'I have never seen anything like this. What is going on?'

An estimated 2,000 tonnes of plastic flow through the Citarum river every day and the species of fish found swimming in it has decreased by 60 per cent in recent years. Pictured: The huge raft of plastic that appeared earlier this year

58 litter pickers attempt to clean up the river every day and try to salvage any kind of plastic that could be sold to factories. Pictured: The huge raft of plastic that appeared on the river earlier this year

The pollution comes from the area's lack of proper waste disposal, as locals are forced to throw their rubbish into the river because they have nowhere else to put it.

And it's not just a problem unique to the banks of the Citarum, as it is estimated that two billion people across the globe have no access to proper waste management.

There are around 51 trillion pieces of plastic in the ocean, and it's estimated that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

In the documentary Bonnin travels the world exploring the places where the problem is at its worst, and meets scientists to discuss how it can be solved.

HOW SEVERE IS INDONESIA'S PLASTIC WASTE PROBLEM? Four of Indonesia's rivers rank among the 20 most polluted in the world. Plastic waste in Indonesia's Ciliwung River This means the country is the second-largest contributor to marine plastic pollution after China. An estimated 200,000 tonnes of plastic flows into the world's oceans from Indonesia's rivers every year, mainly from Java and Sumatra. As well as ocean pollution levels, the country's plastic problem also affects its residents. Microplastic produced by the break-down of larger pieces of waste are ingested by fish, and later passed up the food chain to humans. Trash Free Seas Alliance (TFSA), a United States NGO, revealed in December 2017 that microplastics had been found in 28 per cent of fish in Indonesia's markets. Advertisement

Lord Howe Island in the Tasman Sea, a 10km-long stretch of rock covered in pristine rainforest, is home to 40,000 shearwater birds.

Some 90 per cent of the worlds seabirds are ingesting plastic, but the flesh-footed shearwater is among the worst affected.

The plastic found inside the stomach of one dead sheerwater chick is the equivalent of 10kg-worth for a human.

In BBC One documentary Drowning In Plastic Bonnin (pictured) looks at the damage plastic is doing to the environment and wildlife

In one heartbreaking scene a seal pup (pictured) is almost decapitated by a plastic net that has wrapped itself round the pups neck multiple times in Cape Cod in the Us

To save their lives scientists make the chicks vomit up the bits of plastic, with some found with hundreds of pieces, including bottle tops and pen lids.

The plastic, which is fed to them unwittingly by their parents who mistake it for food, is killing off the chicks as it weighs heavy in their stomach and leaves them unable to fly, swim and hunt when they leave the nest.

And the problem isn't just domestic plastic as a total of 15 per cent of all the plastic in our seas comes from ocean industries, in particular fishing.

One of the species worst affected by plastic is the flesh-footed shearwater, with chicks eating huge amounts of plastic after their unwitting parents mistake it for food. PicturedL A dead shearwater chick that was killed by consuming plastic

There are around 51 trillion pieces of plastic in the ocean, and it's estimated that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. Pictured: Plastic in coral under the sea

More than a million tonnes of plastic from fishing nets, ropes and lines is lost or dumped at sea each year, which is killing more than 300,000 marine mammals a year and more than 400,000 seabirds.

In one distressing scene Bonnin a seal pup in Cape Cod that is almost decapitated by a plastic net that has wrapped itself round the pups neck multiple times.

Between half and two-thirds of Northern right whales have been entangled in fishing gear at least once in their lifetime.

There are estimated to be as few as 430 left in the world and without action could be extinct by 2040.
These newlyweds made an arresting sight when they arrived at their wedding reception in a police car after their own ride broke down.

Sian and Josh Chapman's chauffeur-driven 80-year-old Austin Healey packed up shortly after they tied the knot at All Saints Church in North Hykeham, Lincolnshire, on Saturday.

Luckily, a police patrol car happened to be passing in the opposite direction as they stood at the side of the road and a helpful officer took them to their venue.

Sian and Josh Chapman, from Lincoln, were taken to their wedding reception in a police car after their chaffeur-driven 80-year-old Austin Healey broke down

Sian, 26, and Josh, 28, got married in North Hykeham, Lincolnshire, on Saturday. The pair made their dramatic entrance at the reception just 25 minutes late thanks to Lincolnshire police officers

Sian, 26, and Josh, 28, made it to the reception just 25 minutes late - although they certainly turned a few heads, with many at the event assuming it was a prank.

Sian's sister, Gemma King, thanked police on social media after the incident.

She tweeted: 'A massive thank you to @lincspolice for giving my sister and her new husband a lift to their wedding reception yesterday after their car broke down on route! A moment we'll never forget.' Her tweet has racked up nearly 3,000 likes.

Other Twitter users have joined in to praise the police for their actions.

Neil Martin said: 'That got the "something blue" & "something borrowed" covered. Good luck for the future.'

Roland Jones added: 'Brilliant! The officer should be commended! I was at the wedding, a great moment!'

Andrew Brown joked: 'Well, what else did you expect for 2 people about to start a life sentence [laughing emoji].'

Sian's sister, Gemma King, took to Twitter to thank police for giving the newlyweds a lift. The tweet has racked up nearly 3,000 likes

Sian's mother Sue King, 57, said: 'I was a bit concerned while waiting for them because they were 20 minutes late.

'Then I heard sirens and thought there must have been an accident somewhere but when we saw them in the police car a few people thought it must be a prank.

'We were thrilled that the police car happened to be passing - I think Sian and Josh were absolutely gobsmacked really.

'Everybody was saying "oh wow - that's something you'll never forget". It puts the police in a nice light too - they do get criticised a lot.'

Nurse Sian and plumber Josh, both from Lincoln, are now enjoying a three-week honeymoon in the US with stop-offs in Las Vegas, San Francisco and Yosemite National Park.

Sian's mother Sue King, 57, said that everyone was worried there had been an accident when they heard sirens - but once they saw the couple step out of the police car they assumed it was a prank
A mother who has been accused of trying to 'steal' other women's men by breastfeeding in public has shared nude photos of herself nursing her two-and-a-half-year-old child in defiance of her critics.

Reka Nyari, a 39-year-old photographer living in New York, revealed she was on a flight from New York City to Budapest with her 34-month-old daughter, Ilo, when the woman sitting in front of them degraded her for breastfeeding her little girl.

'She called me "disgusting" followed by a litany of degrading swear words,' Reke recalled. 'Apparently she thought I was trying to steal her man by quietly breastfeeding my baby during the landing of the plane.'

Raising awareness: Reka Nyari, 39, has hit back at her critics by sharing nude photos of herself breastfeeding her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Ilo

Shocking: The New York-based mom revealed she was on a flight when a woman accused her of trying to 'steal' her boyfriend by breastfeeding Ilo on the plane

Reka, who has more than 31,000 Instagram followers, uses her social media platform to educate critics about the benefits of nursing by sharing photos of herself breastfeeding her little girl.

One captivating image shows Reka breastfeeding Ilo while majestically sitting on a chair with an owl perched on her right arm.

In another stunning shot, Reka is lying on a sofa in an open robe while nursing her daughter. A black and white picture shows her breastfeeding in the nude.

She has also shared a photo of herself nursing Ilo while cuddled next to her husband, Ian, and their dog.

Reka has been breastfeeding her daughter since she was born in November 2015 and has never given her formula.

Mother Earth: Reka has responded to the criticism by sharing photos of herself nursing her toddler, including this majestic shot of her sitting on a chair with an owl perched on her arm

Family: She has also shared a photo of herself nursing Ilo while cuddled next to her husband, Ian, and their dog

She has always been an advocate for moms who choose to breastfeed their children beyond the age of one and insists that the natural practice is beneficial for the mother and child in the long term.

Reka, who is originally from Finland, unapologetically breastfeeds her daughter anywhere she would want to be fed, including public places.

'Breastfeeding is natural, and our breasts were made for feeding our babies. Associating breastfeeding with sex or perversion is disturbing,' she said.

'I breastfeed everywhere my baby would want to be fed. It doesn't happen that often anymore as my daughter is older, but when she was a baby, I would do it everywhere; restaurants, shops, meetings, streets, the subway, you name it.

'Looking back at it, it was my way of defying societal norms  I was waiting for someone to start complaining to me so that I could educate them about it.'

Completely natural: Reka stressed that 'breasts were made for feeding our babies'

Nothing to be ashamed about: Reka said she breastfeeds her daughter wherever she wants to be fed, whether it be restaurants or the subway

Reka noted that only a few people have given her trouble for breastfeeding in public, but, interestingly enough, most of those critics were women.

'It has been irritating how judgmental people can be about women who breastfeed, and how sexualized the breast and nipple have become,' she said.

The mom admitted that the judgement has only gotten worse because of Ilo's age.

'Now that my daughter is thirty-four-months-old, I get judged and criticized a lot,' she said. 'Friends and family roll their eyes, give unapproving stares, and tell me that I should quit.

'They tell me that it's somehow harmful for my child and for me, that what I am doing is somewhat selfish, disturbing or perverse. People are shocked.'

Struggle: In a way, Reka said it has been harder to breastfeed Ilo now that she is older because she has to 'deal with a toddler who does acrobatics while they have a nipple in their mouth'

Change of heart: The mom considered weaning Ilo off of breastfeeding when she turned one, but changed her mind after learning the benefits of extended nursing

Goal: With more than 31,000 Instagram followers, she uses her social media platform to educate critics about the benefits of breastfeeding and extended breastfeeding

Reke explained that she considered weaning Ilo off of breastfeeding when she was one year old, but she found so much evidence that said continuing nursing is beneficial for both the mother and child.

'Talking with accomplished, experienced pediatricians sealed the deal. I was not pushing it  I let my daughter decide how she felt, and if she still wanted to feed.

'I am a working mom, with a career and busy travel schedule, and I always assumed that when I returned from my travels, she would be weaned off. So far, that has not happened,' she said.

'Breastfeeding her right now is a bonding experience and it has been amazing for her immune system.

Her decision: Reka is letting her daughter decide when she wants to stop breastfeeding

Schedule: The mom said Ilo usually has breast milk in the morning when she wakes up and if she is home, at night before she goes to bed

'I can't even tell you how many times she has gotten the antibodies from my breastmilk and avoided the cold that both me and my husband get.'

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a mothers breast milk contains antibodies and other immunological factors that can help protect her infant from flu and is the recommended source of nutrition.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for about the first six months with continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for one year or longer.

'She usually has breast milk in the mornings when we wake up, and if I am at home, at night when she goes to bed,' Reka said of her daily breastfeeding routine.

'If she is feeling sick, she may want to feed more often and during the day. I have always been a bit of a lactivist.'

Close as can be: Reka said breastfeeding has been a 'bonding experience' for her and her daughter

Say what? Reka noted that only a few people have given her trouble for breastfeeding in public, but, interestingly enough, most of those critics were women

Lactivist: Reka believes that 'breastfeeding and extended breastfeeding should be normalized'

Now that her daughter is a toddler, breastfeeding has become easier in a way, because it is no longer a constant food source for Ilo.

'But it's harder because you have to deal with a toddler who does acrobatics while they have a nipple in their mouth,' she added. 'It's also harder because people judge you, and you have to constantly explain yourself.

'That is part of the reason I continued to post breastfeeding pictures on social media; to educate people that judge without doing any research.

'Why does a breastfeeding mother anger and irritate people so much? I have found that most of this anger is unfounded. As soon as people read on the matter, they become less judgmental.'

Reka believes that 'breastfeeding and extended breastfeeding should be normalized,' and it upsets her to read stories about mothers who hide the fact that they are breastfeeding their children past a year out of shame or fear of judgement.

'The more women speak publicly about this; the more people are exposed to the idea and the more acceptable it becomes,' she said.

Routine: Reka, who is originally from Finland, has been breastfeeding her daughter since she was born in November 2015 and has never given her formula

Breaking the stigma: 'Associating breastfeeding with sex or perversion is disturbing,' she said

Support: Reka, who is pictured when she was pregnant with Ilo, said she gets a lot of supportive messages on social media from women who have also breastfed their toddlers

'I ask those that judge, what research they have that backs up their criticism. Then I kindly present them with the abundance of research that states that extended breastfeeding is beneficial to the mother and child.

'Of course, I give my daughter solid food too  she loves to eat. But some of the benefits of extended breastfeeding include: boosting the child's immune system, helping brain and intellectual development, and making children more socially adaptable and independent.'

Although she has received some negative reactions in public, Reka said she has gotten mostly positive comments on social media.

'I get a lot of supportive messages from women that have also breastfed their toddlers till around three-years, or longer,' she said.

'For the few negative comments I get per post, I try to educate those people so that we can remove the negative stigma surrounding this matter.

'We should also stop the negative cycle of constantly criticizing and judging women's bodies and the decisions they make regarding their bodies.

'Choosing to breastfeed, or not to breastfeed, is an individual choice. These are my breasts, hear them roar.'
Money may not grow on trees but alcohol now does - in the form of gin-filled baubles for your Christmas fir.

The alcohol-infused festive decorations are being snapped up across the country by eager shoppers, in the latest festive trend.

A range of online retailers are selling the ornaments, which feature lids with a hanging ribbon for your tree.

Additionally, the balls are made from a specially-treated plastic, which doesn't affect the alcohol, and won't shatter if knocked off the branch.

Spirit of Christmas! Gin-filled baubles are the latest Christmas tree decoration trend in the UK, with online retailers selling sets of alcohol-infused ornaments to get you into the festive spirit this season

One retailer, Find Me A Gift, is advertising six 5cl baubles for 34.99 in a range of flavours and colours by brand The Lakes Distillery.

These include Sloe Gin, Lakes Gin, and Damson Gin sourced from Cumbria, and their alcohol percentage range from 25% to 43.7%.

Making for a good gift, they also sell a supersized 20cl bauble of speciality gin for 19.99.

Meanwhile Not On The High Street are selling their own versions, filled with dry or pink gin or whiskey for 14.95 for one 5cl bauble which equals two UK measures.

Gin-gle bells! The alcohol-infused festive decorations are being snapped up across the internet by eager shoppers, in the latest holiday trend (seen- a supersized 20cl bauble of speciality gin for 19.99)

Last Christmas sales of gin hit a record high after consumers bought the equivalent of a bottle for every adult in the UK last year, according to figures.

Britons bought 51 million bottles of the spirit last year, and sales were up by 104 million in Christmas 2017 compared with the previous year, the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) said.

The figure is 27% higher in volume, the equivalent of more than nine and a half million more bottles, than 2016.

Over 16 million bottles of gin, worth 413 million, were sold in the 12 weeks to the end of December  an extra three and a half million bottles bought or 28% in volume on the 2016 festive season.

One retailer, Find Me A Gift, are advertising six 5cl baubles for 34.99 in a range of flavours and colours by brand The Lakes Distillery

The rapid growth in UK distilleries and the increasing number of gin brands arriving on the market last year helped the record-breaking sales.

Britain's love for the tipple made gin a popular gift this Christmas, along with a wide range of gin-themed gifts such as gin baubles, gin advent calendars and gin glassware.

Last year was also a record-breaking year for British gin exports, which broke the 500 million barrier to hit 530 million in value sales.

There are now 315 distilleries in the UK, more than double the number that were operating five years ago.

Meanwhile Not On The High Street are selling their own versions, filled with dry or pink gin or whiskey for 14.95 for one 5cl bauble which equals two UK measures

The balls are made from a specially-treated plastic, which doesn't affect the alcohol, and won't shatter if knocked off the branch

There are now well over 100 British gin brands on the market, a doubling of the number since 2011.

WSTA chief executive Miles Beale said: 'We were amazed by the growth of gin in 2016, but 2017 sales of the quintessentially British spirit have surpassed all records again.

'At the WSTA we are constantly being asked what is the magic formula behind the growth in gin sales. It is a delightful combination of a quality British product steeped in history combined with skillful innovation by UK distillers who are producing a huge range of gins catering for the consumers' increasingly sophisticated palettes.

'The versatility of gin with its diverse use of botanicals means there is now a gin out there for everyone. The popularity of giving gin as a gift means we are expecting sparkling sales for Mother's Day.'

A range of online retailers are selling the gin-infused ornaments, which feature lids with a hanging ribbon for your tree. Seen: 34.99 for six baubles
Patients are failing to book weekend GP appointments that are being rolled out in a flagship NHS scheme, figures reveal.

In one area, just 3 per cent of Sunday consultations have been filled on average in 18 months.

Other regions reported a quarter of these slots being taken, although Saturdays were more popular.

Doctors say patients do not want to spend time at weekends seeing a GP and would rather wait until Monday unless it is an emergency.

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Former prime minister David Cameron launched the seven-day GP access scheme in 2014 to try to help A&E units and it has been gradually expanded

An average of 25 per cent of evening and weekend slots were unfilled over the past 18 months at a cost of at least 15million, according to figures obtained by Pulse, the magazine for GPs.

From today, health trusts across England will have to offer GP appointments seven days a week as part of a pledge by David Cameron.

The then-prime minister launched the seven-day GP access scheme in 2014 to try to help A&E units and it has been gradually expanded.

But each appointment slot costs the NHS 30 to 50 regardless of whether patients show up or not and doctors have branded the scheme a shocking waste of cash.

The figures show that at least 501,396 weekend and evening appointments were unfilled in the past 18 months. The scheme as a whole has already cost the NHS 1billion and this is expected to reach 1.5billion by the end of 2021.

Doctors leaders say GPs are being taken away from weekday appointments when demand is higher.

The number of unfilled slots has been described as 'highly embarrassing' by Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth who added that scarce resources are being misdirected

At weekends, patients also usually have to travel to another surgery and end up seeing an unfamiliar doctor. Surgeries form groups with up to 30 other practices and only one or two will offer the out-of-hours appointments.

Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: This is highly embarrassing for ministers. He added that scarce resources are being misdirected.

Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, chairman of the Royal College of GPs, said it was shocking so many slots were unfilled when surgeries were under extreme pressure.

Dr Richard Vautrey, chairman of the British Medical Associations GP committee, said: Because it has become a political must-do, everybody is jumping.

Pulse used the Freedom of Information Act to obtain the figures from 80 Clinical Commissioning Groups, nearly half the total, for April 2017 to September 2018.

The Department of Health and Social Care said millions were benefiting from the scheme which is being backed by an extra 2.4billion a year for general practice by 2021.
A Brit who woke up unable to move or speak due to a life-threatening brain tumour risks being stranded in Thailand after being slapped with a medical bill for hundreds of thousands of pounds.

George Gannon, 29, was diagnosed with a frontal lobe malignant tumour on the left side of his brain earlier this month after complaining of headaches for weeks and losing all coordination at his home in Koh Phangang.

The DJ and social media consultant, who has lived in Thailand since 2014, has already paid 3,500 for a major operation to remove the tumour at a hospital in Koh Samui after being transported there via ambulance boat.

But Mr Gannon, who does not have medical insurance and is still a British citizen, is wracking up hospital bills of at least 600 a day while he continues to be treated.

Mr Gannon, who is currently unfit to fly, will then have to fork out up to 100,000 on a 'medically-assisted flight' back to the UK where he will receive further treatment, thought to be radiotherapy, on the NHS to tackle the tumour.

DJ George Gannon woke up unable to move or speak due to a life-threatening brain tumour. Mr Gannon (pictured after with his mother Sarah Everson and brother Freddie Chester)

Mr Gannon's family discovered he had lost co-ordination of his entire body when his girlfriend Natalie Hobbs (pictured before he became unwell) sent panicked messages back home

Mr Gannon's mother, Sarah Evison, 53, has been been kept up-to-date on her son's health via near-constant contact with his girlfriend Natalie Hobbs.

Speaking of hearing the new, Ms Evison, who flew out to be with her son for his initial surgery, said: 'It's been absolutely terrifying.

'I was in bed and noticed I had several missed messages. It wasn't until I'd come downstairs that I saw it was Natalie saying he'd been taken very poorly.

'I broke down. Your maternal instinct kicks in and I didn't know which way to turn. I was like a rabbit in the headlights.

'I had no idea what to do or who to call.'

Doctors believe Mr Gannon's tumour could be a reoccurrence of a skin cancer he battled in 2013 before moving to Thailand.

Mr Gannon (pictured before he became unwell), who does not have medical insurance, is being forced to pay medical bills of at least 600 a day for treatment in a hospital in Thailand. His family have been quoted a bill of 100,000 for a 'medically-assisted flight' back to the UK

Several hours after receiving the messages, Ms Evison was finally able to get in touch with Ms Hobbs.

She then heard the devastating news that Mr Gannon had suffered a massive loss of coordination over his entire body.

The family are now facing a bill of potentially hundreds of thousands of pounds due to Mr Ganon not having health insurance.

His sister Grace, 25, said: 'The operation cost 3,500 but further treatment goes day-by-day.

'We've been told flights though could 100,000. It's been very, very stressful.

'We just want him back here but we know it's not feasible at the moment so we're trying to get as much sorted out as we can.

'The doctors have told us the best-case scenario that he could be home in three weeks, but we don't know.'

As well as not being able to afford it, doctors say Mr Gannon (pictured before) is unfit to fly

Ms Evison (pictured before) has described the ordeal as 'terrifying' and has left her 'unsure where to turn'. She is determined for her son to come home for treatment with 'familiarity'

She added: 'He's amazing, he'd do anything for anybody at any time. He just wants to help and give back to people.'

Despite the cost, Mr Gannon's family are determined to get him back to the UK.

'I just want to go and get him home and have him surrounded by familiarity,' Ms Evison said.

'He's aware that he'll have to come back to the UK for medical treatment.

'We're currently trying to find hospitals near to home that'll take him.'

Although the ordeal has been traumatic, Ms Evison and the rest of her family have been overwhelmed by the support they have received from Mr Gannon's friends both in Thailand and the UK.

'It's been overwhelming, gobsmacking, heart melting and really humbling,' she said.

'We're very lucky. We've had donations and messages from across the world.

'People are holding raffles and bucket collections over in Koh Phangang.

'We're not alone in this and it goes to show how much love George and Natalie have.'

Donate towards Mr Gannon's flight home here.

WHAT IS A BRAIN TUMOUR A brain tumour is a growth of cells that multiples in an abnormal, uncontrollable way. They are more common in adults, but children are occasionally affected. More than 9,000 people are diagnosed with brain tumours each year in the UK. Tumours can be cancerous or not, with cancerous tumours generally growing faster and spreading. Common symptoms include seizures, vomiting, drowsiness, personality changes, and severe, persistent headaches. Their cause is unknown, however, previous cancer sufferers and those exposed to radiation are more at risk. Treatment varies but can include steroids, surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. What are the warning signs?  Persistent or recurring vomiting  Persistent or recurring headaches  Balance / co-ordination problems / walking problems  Blurred or double vision  Poor balance and co-ordination  Abnormal eye movements  Abnormal head position  Fits or seizures  Behavioural changes, especially tiredness  Increasing head circumference in babies Source: NHS Choices Advertisement

Ms Evison (pictured before) claims her protective 'mother's instincts have kicked in'
Scientists are trying to use mobile phones to track the spread of tuberculosis (TB) in developing countries around the world.

Data from phones could reveal where TB patients are travelling, exposing 'hot spots' where others are most likely to catch the disease.

The experiment could produce a more effective way to treat the lung infection, which killed at least 1.3 million people around the world last year.

While the infection can usually be treated with antibiotics, it can be hard to stop it spreading in developing countries, researchers say.

Tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial infection which most commonly affects the lungs and, if left untreated, can destroy the organs from the inside out, eventually killing people by starving the body of oxygen

Researchers at the University of Georgia in the US are working with scientists at Makarere University in Kampala, Uganda.

One of the biggest barriers to stopping the spread of tuberculosis, the researchers said, is stopping people from infecting others before they realise they have it.

Project leader Professor Christopher Whalen said: 'By the time a case is diagnosed and treated, the next generation of cases has already been newly infected.'

Tuberculosis, a bacterial infection which most commonly infects the lungs, can be spread through coughing and sneezing  with coughing one of the main symptoms.

If left untreated, the disease can kill people by destroying their lungs from the inside and starving the body of oxygen.

In the UK, TB hit its lowest levels since 1990 last year  with just 5,102 diagnoses  but the disease still infects around 10 million people a year, most commonly in Africa and South East Asia.

Professor Whalen said tracking the phones of patients in developing countries could allow medics to target places where those with the infection are known to go.

WHAT IS TUBERCULOSIS? Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection spread between people by coughing and sneezing. The infection usually affects the lungs but the bacteria can cause problems in any part of the body. In healthy people the bacteria are often killed by the immune system or at least prevented from spreading. But if it causes an infection symptoms can include fever, coughing, night sweats, weight loss, tiredness and fatigue, a loss of appetite and swellings in the neck. Around 10 million people are thought to suffer from the infection every year around the world  and up to one in 10 of them die. TB is particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems. With treatment, TB can almost always be cured with antibiotics and people tend to stop being contagious after about three weeks of therapy. Source: NHS Advertisement

Most modern mobile phones can have their locations tracked  smartphones have internet geolocation which means simple apps can allow people to track their friends and use maps.

And even older phones without the internet can be tracked through a log of which masts they connect to to get signal.

During a study between 2012 and 2017, Professor Whalen and colleagues found tuberculosis does not always spread among friends and family, suggesting it needs to be tracked elsewhere.

His team tried following 15 TB patients using their phone records and found they all went to the same places  locations he calls 'hot spots'.

Working out where the hot spots are could help medics find other infected people and slow the spread of the infection by diagnosing them earlier.

Professor Whalen added: 'There are hot spots, or places where TB patients spend a lot of time.

'With this information, you can target areas with the usual community control strategies, such as TB screening, active case finding, and education.

'If you collect this cellphone information going forward, youll be able to see if your control strategies worked.'

The universities of Georgia and Kampala will study the success of the phone-tracking with the help of a 2 million ($2.6m) grant from the US Government.

Health experts have warned millions of TB sufferers, particularly in poor countries, aren't properly diagnosed and treated.

And the World Health Organization said an increasing number of the 10 million people infected each year suffer from drug-resistant strains of TB which are difficult and costly to treat.
Hospital patients should give back to the NHS by volunteering when they are better, according to the head of a watchdog.

Sir Robert Francis, who today took charge of Healthwatch England, said more people should be offering their help for free to the health service.

The 68-year-old added the NHS would 'work so much better' if everybody did their bit.

But, Sir Robert stressed, volunteers must not be expected to make up for short-staffing or to do the work of paid employees.

Sir Robert Francis, a barrister specialising in medical law and the president of the Patients' Association, says more patients should volunteer for the NHS and believes many would be willing to do if they were given the opportunity

Sir Robert is a barrister specialising in medical law who sits on the board of the Care Quality Commission and is the president of the Patients' Association.

In an interview with The Times today, he called for people to volunteer and create an 'army of the willing' to improve the NHS.

He said local branches of Healthwatch should encourage people to get involved, and hospitals should not be afraid to reach out to people on social media to ask for help.

And he admitted that, in the past, efforts to recruit volunteers may have been 'deadened' by being 'over-organised'.

Sir Robert, who led the inquiry into the Mid Staffordshire Hospital Scandal, said: 'We need to stop thinking of ourselves as passive recipients of a service.

NHS GP SHORTAGE IS A 'DESPERATE SITUATION' Official figures showed in February that 41 per cent  around 10,000 doctors  are 50 or over and are expected to quit within the next five to ten years. And 2.5 million patients are at risk of their local GP surgery closing because so many are relying on doctors who are close to retirement. At the same time, fewer young doctors are choosing to specialise as GPs and are opting for other career paths as surgeons or specialists. Many GPs are retiring in their 50s, moving abroad or leaving to work in the private sector, increasing the pressure on those who still work in the sector. Appointment waiting times are getting longer and more people are going to A&E for minor illnesses because they can't see a doctor. Despite an NHS a plan to recruit 5,000 extra GPs by 2021, numbers of family doctors are falling. And 762 GP practices across the UK could close within the next five years, according to the Royal College of Nursing. Rachel Power, chief executive of the Patients Association, last week told The Times: 'This is a desperate situation with potentially serious consequences for patients.' Advertisement

'This is our service, which we have a right to, [but] it would work so much better if we all took part in improving it.

'If even a tiny percentage of the millions of people who go through the health service took up that offer, youd have something more. People have immense skills that the NHS could use for free.'

He added patients would likely be willing to do their part if they were offered the opportunity to give something back.

But he said this was not a way to find more staff to run hospitals.

'No one is going to replace the skills of nurses, doctors, hospital porters and everyone else,' Sir Robert said.

'Youre never going to make a short-staffed ward safe by bringing in a lot of unqualified volunteers but those unqualified volunteers may be one of the first people to shout loudly theres a problem.'

Figures released in July showed the number of jobs being advertised for nurses and midwives is rising, suggesting a worsening staff shortage.

In the six months between October 2017 and March 2018, 69,409 nurse and midwife jobs were advertised  19.7 per cent more than in the same period in 2016 and eight per cent more than last year.

The Royal College of Nursing called the figures 'very worrying' and warned there aren't enough nurses to provide safe care for people.

Job ads for health scientists and therapists and radiographers also rose, but there was a lower demand for admin staff.

Chief executive of the Patients Association, Rachel Power told The Times: 'The potential for volunteer roles is substantial not only in hospitals but throughout the NHS.

'It increasingly feels like the time is ripe for a large-scale debate on how this relationship might develop.'
A woman was left with 'tadpole'-shaped spots in her vision after an appointment with a chiropractor burst blood vessels in her eyes.

In the first recorded case of its kind, medics said the force of the unnamed woman's 'high-velocity' neck adjustment was to blame.

She had been given cervical spinal adjustment  in which the head is twisted quickly to the side  but noticed a spot in her vision while she was driving home.

The unnamed 59-year-old, from Michigan, was found to have patches of blood in her eyeball, caused by burst blood vessels.

A scan of the woman's retina revealed spots in her vision which she said were shaped like 'tadpoles' were caused by bleeding in part of her eye in front of the retina (pictured: the small dark blobs are where the blood vessels burst)

Experts at the Kellogg Eye Center at the University of Michigan warned the rare case could serve as a warning to chiropractors and their patients.

The woman's bizarre case, which saw her recover on her own, was published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports.

She had undergone 'high velocity neck manipulation' before she noticed something wrong with her eyes on her way home.

The next day she had two tadpole-shaped spots in her vision which wouldn't go away, so she visited an optician who referred her to a specialist doctor.

Tests revealed she had preretinal haemorrhages  bleeding from burst blood vessels in front of the retina, the part of the eye which controls vision.

CHIROPRACTIC DOES WORK, STUDY FINDS Chiropractors really do relieve back pain, research suggested in May. When given alongside pain medication and physical therapy, spinal manipulation benefits 62.6 per cent of lower-back pain sufferers after six weeks. This is compared to just 46.6 percent who find their discomfort is eased by medication alone, the research added. Study author Dr Daniel Cherkin, from the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, said: 'In contrast to most clinicians, chiropractors are specialists in back problems and enjoy seeing patients with lower back pain.' Lower-back pain affects around 31 million people in the US and around 2.5m Brits say they have back pain every day. Advertisement

Writing in the journal, experts said because the retina is so sensitive to light even the smallest changes to the eye can disrupt what somebody sees.

The authors said it is the first ever case of chiropractic causing bleeding in the eyes, and added the woman's symptoms healed in a fortnight.

She was taking medication for restless leg syndrome had a history of headaches, but had no other medical problems or recent injuries.

This led medics, headed up by Dr Yannis Paulus, to be confident in the suspicion that the chiropractic had caused her eye injury.

Dr Paulus, an eye expert at the University of Michigan, said the patient had not been told to avoid chiropractic in future.

But he added: 'Her chiropractor may need to modify techniques used during her visits.'

And his study concluded the energetic thrusts of chiropractic neck adjustments can result in stress on the eye and spotty vision.

Chiropractic involves putting pressure on the bones, muscles and joints to try and relieve pain and movement problems.

In the past it has been linked to a higher risk of stroke because sudden twisting of the neck can tear artery walls and cause clots which could travel to the brain.
Former owner of Russian Forbes drops lawsuit against ex-magazine editor

 TASS, Stoyan Vasev

16:59 01/10/2018

MOSCOW, October 1 (RAPSI)  Former owner of Russian Forbes Alexander Fedotov has dropped a defamation lawsuit against the magazines editorial director Nikolay Uskov, RAPSI correspondent reports from the courtroom.

A representative of Fedotov preferred not to disclose the motives for this decision.

Earlier, a spokesperson of the Ostankinsky District Court of Moscow told RAPSI that the plaintiff filed the claim because of an interview published on the website of Dozhd TV channel. Fedotov asked the court to recognize the information contained in the interview as untrue and defaming.

In June, AGMG publishing house announced that Uskov was removed from the position of the magazines chief editor.

In late August, businessman Magomed Musayev became a new owner of Russian Forbes. Back then Uskov also returned to the magazine on a new position of its editorial director.
Two sisters have been diagnosed with a rare brain disorder that causes repeated stroke due to blocked arteries in million-in-one odds.

In January, Tasha Baldwin, 27, of Baudette, Minnesota, felt her arm suddenly go numb.

Doctors said she had suffered multiple strokes caused by moyamoya syndrome because blood vessels in her brain had narrowed.

The same day she was diagnosed, her younger sister Katrina, 25, lost feeling in her right arm and her face began drooping - which was discovered to be caused by the same disease.

The sisters are not of East Asian descent - in whom the syndrome mostly occurs - nor do they have any history of the condition in their family, leaving their doctors to believe their cases are just an improbable rare coincidence.

Katrina and Tasha Baldwin, 25 and 27, of Baudette, Minnesota, were both diagnosed this year with a rare blood vessel disorder known as moyamoya syndrome. Pictured, left to right: Tasha, Katrina's daughter Karley, and Katrina

The syndrome occurs due to blocked arteries at the base of the brain that restrict blood flow and could trigger a deadly stroke. Pictured: Tasha, left, and Katrina

Moyamoya syndrome is a rare and progressive blood vessel disorder that begins at base of the brain in an area called the basal ganglia.

Small blood vessels in this region that supply the brain with blood become blocked or narrowed, which causes damage to the brain including strokes, aneurysms or bleeding.

Permanent damage can result in cognitive and developmental delays, leaving sufferers severely disabled.

If a stroke causes intracerebral hemorrhaging, or bleeding within the brain, moyamoya can be fatal.

Symptoms include headaches, seizures, difficultly speaking, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body.

The exact cause is unknown but, because it is most common in East Asian countries, - mainly Korea, Japan and China - it's believed the disease is genetic.

In fact, 'moyamoya' translates to 'puff of smoke' in Japanese, because this describes the appearance of the small blood vessels.

WHAT IS MOYAMOYA SYNDROME? The disease is a rare disorder affecting the blood vessels at the base of the brain. It causes the arteries supplying the brain with blood to narrow, thereby restricting blood flow to the brain. The condition can cause a mini stroke, also known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), as well as a stroke. The disease mainly afflicts children, but adults can also suffer the condition. A TIA is caused by a temporary disruption in the blood supply to part of the brain. It results in a lack of oxygen to the brain. It can trigger symptoms similar to a stroke, such as speech and visual disturbance, numbness or weakness in the face, arms and legs. However, a TIA does not last as long as a stroke, the effects only last a few minutes or hours, and fully resolve within 24 hours. Source: Mayo Clinic and NHS Choices Advertisement

Moyamoya affects just one in 1.1 million people in the US, and mainly women.

Tasha said that prior to being diagnosed, she had never heard of the disease before.

'The doctors looked into our family history, and there isn't anything that would have caused us both to get it,' she said.

'My one and only symptom was that my arm went numb. It started tingling and it felt like dead weight when I would try to do simple tasks.'

Katrina, who is engaged to fiance Chad Weise, 27, and has a two-year-old daughter named Karley, said her symptoms came on at random.

'My arm went numb, and my face went numb and started drooping. I tried to smile and I couldn't,' she said.

'It affected my right side, and then my speech went. I was mumbling and slurring, and I sounded drunk.'

In at least half of all known cases of moyamoya, the disease has no identifiable cause, according to Boston Children's Hospital.

Dr Michael Manchak, a vascular neurologist who treated Katrina at Sanford Health in Bemidji, Minnesota, said the likelihood of two sisters having moyamoya is 'extremely low'.

'It's a very unusual disease to see here in North America,' he said.

'The likelihood of this happening to two sisters at once is well under one percent - it's extremely low. It's unusual in the first place for two sisters to have it, but what's more unusual is the timing of it all. I think it's essentially just a coincidence.'

Neither sister is of East Asian descent, in whom the syndrome most often occurs, nor do they have a family history of the condition. Pictured, left to right: Katrina, her daughter Karley, and her fiance Chad Weise, 27

According to Katrina's doctor, 'the likelihood of this happening to two sisters at once is well under one percent'. Pictured: Tasha and Katrina with their parents at Tasha's graduation

Both sisters went to the Sanford Neuroscience clinic in Fargo, North Dakota, to undergo surgery to bypass their blocked arteries and restore blood flow to the brain. Pictured: Tasha, left, and Katrina, right, bearing scars after their brain surgeries

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, sufferers will experience multiple strokes and mental decline without surgery as the arteries continue to narrow.

There are several surgeries which either open narrowed blood vessels or bypass blocked arteries to restore blood flow to the brain.

Both sisters later went to the Sanford Neuroscience clinic in Fargo, North Dakota, to undergo surgery.

One day after her diagnosis in February, Katrina had surgery to bypass the clotted artery in her brain and restore blood flow. Her second procedure was on May 29.

Tasha's first surgery was on March 8 and her second, to treat the left side of her brain, was on May 15.

'If I didn't have the surgeries when I did, I would have had a major stroke and I wouldn't be here today,' Tasha said.

'It was awful knowing that Katrina was sick too, but at least we could ask each other if we were having the same problems. I'm the older sister, so I was scared for her.'

Katrina added that she was grateful she had someone who could understand what she was going through.

'It's pretty crazy that my sister went through the exact same thing, but we were both happy to have someone to go through it with,' she said.
Diabetics who take medication to lower their blood pressure could be more than twice as likely to have their leg amputated.

Patients taking diuretics, also known as 'water pills', have an increased risk of various problems with their feet and legs, a study has revealed.

People with diabetes already suffer more serious foot and lower leg conditions because the condition causes nerve damage and reduces circulation.

But diuretic medications could push this risk 'significantly' higher because they reduce the amount of blood flowing round the body, experts warn.

People with type 2 diabetes who take diuretic medication, which can be used to lower blood pressure, could be up to 2.3 times more likely to need a lower limb amputation because of their condition, according to French researchers

Research by the Assistance Publique  Hopitaux de Paris discovered the link between the drugs and lower limb problems.

Amputations of the feet and lower legs are a serious concern for people with type 2 diabetes.

And they are more likely to need blood vessels in their legs bypassed or widened with surgery because of poor circulation.

People with the condition suffer more problems because a combination of nerve damage and bad blood flow mean small wounds can either go unnoticed or take a long time to heal, increasing the risk of infection and gangrene.

HOW CAN DIABETES LEAD TO FOOT AMPUTATIONS? People with diabetes are far more likely to need their toes or feet amputated because their injuries do not heal normally. High blood sugar can cause nerve damage which means patients cannot feel their skin as well and may not know when they have a wound, or feel how serious it is. And diabetes restricts circulation in the legs, which slows down healing because oxygen and nutrients are in short supply. The combination of these two factors means it can take longer for people to get over injuries and the healing time means there is more opportunity for it to become infected or for flesh to die because of gangrene. If an injury becomes too infected or untreatable the affected part of the body may have to be cut off. Source: American Podiatric Medicine Association Advertisement

In a study which followed 1,459 diabetics for seven years until December 2015, 13 per cent of diuretic users (85 out of 670) had a serious problem with their legs.

Meanwhile, only seven per cent of those not taking the drugs (57 out of 789) had a similar problem.

An even more specific breakdown compared 537 medicine users with 537 non-users who were otherwise similar and found those on the drugs were 2.3 times more likely to need an amputation.

Lead author Dr Louis Potier said: 'Among patients with type 2 diabetes treated with diuretics, there was a significant and independent increase in the risk of lower limb events, coming predominantly from a rise in lower extremity amputations.

'Diuretics should be used cautiously in patients with type 2 diabetes at risk of amputations.'

The researchers explained they found the link after a recent study revealed a different type of drug used to lower blood sugar increased the risk of amputation.

This drug, canagliflozin, reduced the amount of blood in the body in the same way as diuretics, leading to hypovolemia  a low blood volume  which scientists believe is the link to amputation risk.

That finding led them to suggest both drugs would have the same effect.

Their research confirmed this and was presented at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Berlin.

Dr Potier added: 'Further studies are needed to explore the role of drug-induced hypovolaemia in the association between the use of diuretics and lower limb events.'
A MOTHER'S STORY

Watching my 20-year-old daughter Thea lift a crumb of chocolate muffin to her mouth, it dawned on me she might just as well be eating poison.

That tiny morsel, weighing less than a fraction of a gram, could trigger an allergic reaction so great that she would need adrenaline shots and could even die.

A pretty terrifying thought for any parent, but I knew she had to eat it because her life has stalled, due mainly to the severe anxiety she has about food which may contain certain allergens.

Allergy: Barbara Metcalfe (right) live sin constant fear that her eldest daughter, Thea (left) could suffer potentially-fatal reactions to food

After a lifetime of eating all kinds of foods, four years ago Thea developed worrying symptoms after certain meals. Her tongue would swell, hives broke out inside her mouth, her throat would feel swollen and she had palpitations.

Blood tests showed she was allergic to nuts, peanuts  a type of seed, not a nut  shellfish, apples, peaches, barley and celery. Well never know why she developed allergies so late  weve been told it could be due to stress, even a hormonal response, but more than likely its because shes always had chronic, debilitating hay fever.

Thea was given prescription antihistamines and Epipens, a self-administered injection of adrenaline which can reverse the symptoms, and was told to avoid all nuts and peanuts. Suddenly we had to start scouring food labels.

Thea herself also read everything she could on allergens, production techniques, labelling and reactions, forensically checking and cross-checking everything before consuming it. In her view, the only way to stay safe was not to go out to eat or drink at all. If she had to eat in a restaurant she took a doggie bag in with her.

While her risk of life-threatening anaphylaxis was not thought to be high, no one could guarantee this and Theas anxiety about having a reaction became obsessive and crippling: at one point she stopped eating, with her BMI dropping from a healthy 25 to just under 18.

Around 20 per cent of people in the UK have some form of food allergy, says the charity Allergy UK, and anecdotal evidence suggests that for many, it can cause very significant anxiety as a result of fear of accidental exposure and severe reaction, affecting their social and personal lives.

Bright future: Thea, who started Cambridge university on Monday, was diagnosed in 2014

Test: Thea is given ever larger amounts of allergy-provoking food  here, chocolate muffins made with peanut flour or a placebo (only the medical staff would know)

If anyone questions why food allergies cause such panic in those affected, they only need to read the harrowing details of last weeks inquest into the death of 15-year-old Natasha Ednan-Laperouse. Her beautiful face was everywhere, a haunting reminder that an allergy sufferer lives in fear of the most basic human need  that of eating.

Like Thea, Natasha knew to check the labels on everything  but because the sandwich Natasha bought from Pret was made in store, the ingredients didnt have to be listed. Its four years since Thea ate anything made in a shop or bakery  she just doesnt trust what is inside.

Because of her hay fever, Thea was referred to the Allergy Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester five years ago  it was consultant allergist and clinical lead Dr Susana Marinho who then confirmed Theas food allergies a year later.

Over the years Dr Marinho had tried to help Thea with her anxiety but she needed an iron-clad promise about her risk which no one could make. This is where the chocolate muffins came in. Thea was eating them for whats known as a food allergy challenge, as suggested by Dr Marinho.

This is not about trying to cure an allergy (thats a different treatment, called allergen immunotherapy, see box, top right). Rather, in Theas case, it was about identifying what it would take to trigger an attack, a practical illustration of how allergic she is, to ease her anxiety.

Peanuts are just one of the allergens Thea has to avoid, but they are in a huge array of food products and a constant concern for her so these were the focus.

The challenge itself  which can also be used as a diagnostic tool  would take place in the hospital; under close medical supervision, Thea would be given ever larger amounts of the allergy-provoking food  here chocolate muffins made with peanut flour or a placebo, only the medical staff would know. On one day, Thea would have the active muffins, on another, the placebo muffins, but in an unspecified order.

Gripped by fear of the unknown for the past four years, Thea agreed to do the challenge  despite her incredible anxiety about the test, shed decided she wanted her life back, motivated by starting university this week, reading history at Cambridge. Thea just wants to be able to eat in halls, shared kitchens and pubs and clubs like everyone else.

Coincidentally, this is exactly the point behind the Food Standards Agencys recent campaign, to encourage first-year students like Thea not to be afraid to ask chefs and waiting staff about ingredients.

A survey it commissioned found that 67 per cent of freshers-age allergy sufferers did not dare to eat out. And so it was that three weeks ago, an incredibly nervous Thea and I arrived at the allergy clinic for her challenge.

To see her eat that muffin  albeit as if it was radioactive  made me as proud of her as I ever have ever been. As the doses of muffin increased, my own anxiety kicked in again, but Thea kept going until finally, after five hours, the big muffin-sized portion arrived. After she ate it she started sniffing and her ears started to itch  signs an allergic reaction had been triggered  and the doctor stepped in.

I was a little concerned but Thea was given a maximum dose of antihistamines and the trial was stopped. As we waited for the symptoms to subside, Dr Marinho broke the news that Thea had eaten the peanut flour muffins, having the equivalent of 17 peanuts.

Instead of waiting a week for the second part of the challenge, eating whole peanuts (she could obviously skip the placebo muffin day) Thea agreed to try them there and then. When a plastic dish of peanuts was handed to her I thought she might be sick. But she ate tiny pieces for the next 20 minutes until the itching and sniffing started again and red blotches appeared on her skin.

Thea had eaten around seven more peanuts. I wished it could have been higher because the reassurance would have been greater, but still 24 peanuts in total sounds like a healthy amount to put Theas mind at rest. She still has a peanut allergy but she knows she wont have to bolt for the door when a packet of them is opened in front of her. And that is a huge step forward.

A DAUGHTERS STORY

The morning of the peanut allergy challenge to find out just how allergic I am, I woke up hoping Id be ill. Nothing serious but just something which meant I couldnt go through with it. No such luck. But I did feel nauseous: the very thought of deliberately inducing an allergic reaction was counter-intuitive and so terrifying that Id already cancelled twice before.

I was now running out of chances to do it and, despite my fears, I did want to go ahead, to rid myself of the anxiety thats plagued me for almost half a decade since being diagnosed.

Id been warned to avoid all nuts and peanuts  though no one could tell me how serious my allergy was or whether or not I would have a bad reaction  and had gone from blithely eating all kinds of cake without a second thought when meeting friends in coffee shops, to bringing my own food (often plain, baked pitta chips) and washing my hands after touching any surface, imagining a film of nut traces everywhere, just waiting to trigger my immune system. The same went for any social event involving food. Every cup of tea offered was declined, every shared lunch at school was a tense ordeal for me.

Tragic: Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, from Fulham, west London, shortly before she fell ill on a flight from London to Nice on July 17, 2016

One moment I dreamed of saving up to go on a foodie tour of Italy, the next I couldnt contemplate going on a plane because of the fear that I might be exposed to nuts in a confined space.

Food shopping and preparation became extremely difficult with my reading of labels becoming obsessive. I might check up to five times before cooking something as basic as pasta, much to the consternation of my family. Seeing reports of inquests, like the one last week for Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, fills me with dread  and anger because its so senseless.

I thought it unlikely that the peanut challenge would change anything, but if it did, it would open up my horizons.

This time I didnt cancel because it was different. It started the day before when I visited Azza Aglan, a specialist clinical psychologist, who works with the allergy clinic at the hospital where I was doing the challenge.Ive seen her several times over the past two years with life- changing results.

Shes helped me to understand the reasons behind my crippling anxiety with my food allergies  a real but grossly overestimated risk and an underestimated belief in my capability to cope.

This got me through the doors to the clinic that morning.

A plastic dish with a few crumbs of a muffin  all 0.2g of it  was handed to me. I put some on a plastic spoon and moved it towards my dry mouth and parked it midair about a centimetre away  last time Id had a muffin, Id reacted to the nut traces in it causing hives, a tight throat and panic. My hand was shaking and my heart was beating too fast. I realised I wasnt actually breathing. But one look at my mum and I knew I had to do this, Id put my family through too much to turn back again. So I ate it.

LOW-DOSE EXPOSURE COULD BE A 'CURE' Patients with severe allergy may be able to undergo treatment called desensitisation, also known as allergen immunotherapy. This modifies the immune system so the body has a reduced reaction (or no longer reacts) when in contact with the allergen; symptoms become progressively less severe, and in some cases disappear altogether. Its very effective for allergies to pollen and house dust mites, and bee and wasp stings. WHAT IT INVOLVES: Initially tiny quantities of allergen are introduced to the patient, followed by gradually increasing concentrations to allow them to build up a tolerance. The treatment starts with injections every week, and then every four to six weeks, for three years. In some cases, the allergen can be given via drops or tablets under the tongue on a daily basis for the same period. It usually takes at least six months before symptoms improve, often longer. However, after completing the course, many people stay symptom-free, or have reduced symptoms, for a number of years. A 2007 Cochrane review of 51 studies involving 2,871 patients with hay fever who underwent allergen immunotherapy found it resulted in significant reductions in symptom scores and medication use. WHO CAN GET IT: In this country the treatment is generally reserved for severe allergies to bee and wasp stings, and severe hay fever, that have not responded successfully to medication. There can be a long wait for treatment because NHS allergy services are often under-resourced and overstretched  some areas dont even have an allergy specialist. Immunotherapy for food allergies is new and only available as part of research at specialist centres. Advertisement

Minutes passed with no reaction. No hives on my lips or gums, no wheezing or swollen tongue.

And so I nibbled a little more. Taking 15 minutes to eat 0.2g of food is ridiculous. But there was no reaction to it so I moved onto the next serving of 0.4g, and then to the next, with the portions doubling in size over the next five hours until I was eating a whole muffin in one go.

My jaw ached because I had it jammed shut throughout, talking like a ventriloquists dummy, my way of suppressing my rising panic. I felt full and sick of chocolate, but also a bit disappointed.

I convinced myself I had been eating the placebo muffin which contained no peanut flour and, with a sense of anti-climax, I realised Id have to go through the whole thing again but with peanut-laden cakes.

But then five minutes later my inner ears started to itch and my nose was running. The doctor said the trial was over, and gave me antihistamines for the itching. She told me I hadnt been eating the placebo  Id actually had the equivalent of 17 peanuts.

The blood was pulsing in my ears as she asked me if I wanted to try whole peanuts then, rather than wait until the following week as is the usual approach. I said yes.

Eating a muffin is one thing, but peanuts is another thing altogether. I actually felt sick and almost teary. I think I nibbled them, almost hoping for something to happen so Id have to stop.

And then after seven it did: my cold-like symptoms worsened and the itching became worse, with red blotches appearing on my face.

So what did it teach me? One, I can face up to my fears.

Two, that while I am still allergic, I wont have a serious reaction if I am exposed to them  more of an extreme version of hay fever.

And, three, that I have missed eating chocolate muffins.
Stevie Lewis went to see her GP for help with insomnia after struggling with the pressures of starting up a business consultancy. The 41-year-old from Bristol hoped shed be given something to help her sleep.

But to my surprise the doctor announced that I was on the edge of clinical depression  what my mothers generation would have called a nervous breakdown, she recalls.

And instead of sleeping tablets, she was given a prescription for paroxetine, a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), thought to work by increasing the level of a mood-enhancing brain chemical, serotonin.

Hooked: Stevie Lewis, from South Wales, went to see her GP for help with insomnia - but was told she was on the cusp of clinical depression...and given addictive anti-depressants

I was completely shocked, not least when he told me I had a chemical imbalance in my brain, says Stevie, who now lives in Rogiet, South Wales. I thought very carefully about whether I should take this drug, but in the end I did, because I believed him  he was my doctor.

However, her shock at being prescribed an antidepressant was nothing compared with the horror that awaited her when she tried to wean herself off paroxetine.

Stevie did not know this was the start of a 20-year battle to extricate herself from the grip of a drug she never needed, during which she would struggle with appalling side-effects that doctors refused to acknowledge were caused by withdrawal, dismissing them as a return of her original symptoms.

Antidepressants, she was told emphatically, werent addictive and she could stop taking them whenever she felt like it. But when she tried, she found herself running a gauntlet of horrific side-effects, including extreme anxiety and an irrational terror of everyday acts, objects and places. At times, she felt she might be going mad.

But, as revealed in the Mail today, a major new study suggests that far from losing her mind, Stevie, like millions of patients, was indeed experiencing drug withdrawal.

The review, one of the largest ever carried out of studies investigating the incidence, severity and duration of reactions to antidepressant withdrawal, concludes that the phenomenon is not only real, but more widespread, severe and long-lasting than doctors have been led to believe by years of guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

Stevie endured a 20-year battle to extricate herself from the grip of a drug she never needed

The new research was carried out on behalf of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Prescribed Drug Dependence, and is published in the journal Addictive Behaviors.

Researchers looked at 23 studies published over the past 20 years and concluded that 56 per cent of all patients on antidepressants suffer withdrawal symptoms, of which 46 per cent said their symptoms were severe.

The authors estimate that in England alone, where one in six adults takes antidepressants, 4 million people may experience symptoms when withdrawing from the drugs, and around 1.8 million may experience these as severe.

They also found that its not uncommon for patients to experience symptoms for several weeks, months or longer, with some having debilitating symptoms for years.

These findings, say the authors, make a nonsense of the NICE guidance, which advises prescribing doctors that while withdrawal symptoms can be severe, they are usually mild and self-limiting over about one week.

The current guidance from NICE is not only out of date but doesnt respect the evidence base, says James Davies, co-author of the new paper and a reader in medical anthropology and mental health at the University of Roehampton.

And the personal cost to patients is incalculable. Dr Davies suggests the faulty guidance is causing many doctors to misdiagnose withdrawal symptoms, often as relapse, resulting in unnecessary and harmful long-term prescribing. Thats because when people come off antidepressants and then experience withdrawal, the doctor looks at the NICE guidelines and concludes it cant be withdrawal.

Fact: 56 per cent of all patients on anti-depressants suffer withdrawal symptoms - of which 46 per cent said their symptoms were severe

Patients are regularly having their withdrawal reactions either denied, ignored or, most concerningly, misdiagnosed as a relapse in their condition, at which point the drugs are reinstated.

As a consequence, the length of time people are kept on the drugs has doubled since the guidelines were issued in 2004.

Dr Davies suggests that the existing guidelines have contributed to the doubling over the past decade of the number of adults in England on antidepressants  an escalation he describes as nothing less than a public health crisis.

Its important to note that many people say these medications have helped them. However, there is no scientific proof that the drugs do so by reversing a chemical imbalance. There is also evidence that, for most, theyre no more beneficial than placebos.

But unlike placebos, they cause side-effects and withdrawal problems, says Dr Davies.

The new review of evidence has been submitted to Public Health England, which is conducting a review into prescription pill dependency, set up in January after a campaign backed by the Mail.

Its also been sent to NICE, whose current guidance is based chiefly on a paper presented at a psychiatric symposium on antidepressant discontinuation syndrome held in Phoenix, Arizona, in the U.S. in December 1996, which was funded by drugs company Eli Lilly.

The understanding of anti-depressant withdrawal was significantly shaped by that symposium, says Dr Davies. But neither that paper nor a later one relied upon by NICE cites a single source that supports the one-week claim.

Weve looked very thoroughly for the evidence to support the NICE advice, and there isnt any, adds John Read, a professor of clinical psychology at the University of East London and co-author of the new paper. Theres no way they can put out the same advice again once theyve read this.

Dr Joanna Moncrieff, a psychiatrist and leading critic of the overuse of antidepressants, welcomes the research and says its imperative NICE updates its guidance.

This paper shows that official documents and the psychiatric profession have not taken this issue seriously, not put enough effort into researching it and not wanted to face up to the problems that these drugs can cause, she says.

Were giving people these drugs for years on end and we havent bothered to work out what happens to them, how that affects the body, and what happens when people stop them. That seems just outrageous, a terrible situation.

WHAT THE NEW RESEARCH COULD MEAN FOR YOU... The new research casts doubt on the official view that withdrawal symptoms from antidepressants are usually mild and short-lived, as set out in NICE guidelines and in a recent statement from the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP), which said: In the vast majority of patients, any unpleasant symptoms experienced on discontinuing antidepressants have resolved within two weeks. In fact, as many as half of patients will experience withdrawal symptoms, with nearly half of those suffering severe effects, the new research has found. We are very much hoping that our research will influence the direction of NICEs new guidance, says Dr James Davies, one of the authors. Professor John Read, a psychologist and the reports co-author, adds: We want NICE to acknowledge that antidepressant withdrawal is more common, long-lasting and severe than current guidelines state, and to oblige doctors to warn patients. Change may be on its way, though. In comments on the new research Professor Wendy Burn, the RCPs president, said antidepressants are an effective, evidence-based treatment which were a life-saver for many people. She adds: But not enough research has been done into what happens when you stop taking them. As this review shows, for many people the withdrawal effects can be severe, particularly when antidepressants are stopped abruptly. We are pleased that Public Health England is prioritising dependence on, and withdrawal from, prescribed medicines as an area of review, and welcome NHS Englands referral to NICE asking that they do the same. Advertisement

Many, she believes, would not start taking antidepressants if they knew the battle they might have to get off them. There are lots of people who contact me who have struggled to get off this medication and feel so angry that this was not highlighted to them.

This data is now there, and both doctors and patients need to be much more cautious about starting antidepressants in the first place, because it is quite clear that getting off them is not easy for a substantial number of people.

Among them Stevie Lewis. She decided to come off paroxetine for the first time after taking it for about five months, but within a few days began to suffer tremendous nausea and dizziness, which lasted for two weeks.

She had no idea it had anything to do with the drug  neither did her doctor, who diagnosed labyrinthitis, an inner-ear disorder affecting balance. In fact, dizziness is a well-documented side-effect of suddenly stopping antidepressants.

In March 1998, Stevie went reluctantly back on the drug after suffering three miscarriages and the death of her mother. Looking back, all I really needed was grief counselling, says Stevie, now 63. Its absurd, given what Id gone through, that someone could suggest I was feeling low because of a chemical imbalance in my brain.

After a year back on paroxetine, Stevie again decided to quit  but this time I just couldnt do it.

Every time she tried, a few days later shed feel highly anxious and tearful, developing insomnia. Her doctor said it was anxiety disorder and told her to stay on the pills.

It was only in 2002, when she made contact with a support group online, that she realised shed become dependent on the drug and was experiencing withdrawal from it.

It had been a shock to be told I was on the edge of a nervous breakdown, and then another to be told I had a chemical imbalance in my brain  now I was a prescription junkie, says Stevie.

It would take her 15 years to get free of paroxetine. Time after time, and with the support of a new doctor, she tried tapering her doses, using specially designed syringes to administer ever smaller amounts of paroxetine in liquid form.

Im strong, capable and strong-willed, she says. I didnt want to be taking this stuff, but I couldnt get off it. Shed manage to get below the liquid equivalent of 3.56mg before the withdrawal symptoms kicked in again.

She attributes the break-up of marriage in part to the strain  in 36 hours, Id change from a normal human being to a crying wreck.

And when she met a new partner in 2006, Stevie decided to stick with the smallest dose she could manage without triggering withdrawal symptoms. I didnt want to put the poor man through all that, she says.

It was March 2013 before she plucked up the courage to stop even this low dose. She then went through the most terrible withdrawal, developing a movement disorder so extreme she could barely walk. I also had severe anxiety  terror, really, she recalls. Waves of fear would go through me in response to normal, everyday things, such as eating, even smells and sounds set it off.

It sounds insane, but I couldnt even go into my own lounge. Something about that room triggered real fear in me.

In September 2014 she married again, to Roger, now 75, a retired pensions services manager. Theyve fought the drug together. She describes him simply as a saint. It took another three more traumatic years before the nightmare began to fade, and another year before she felt completely normal again.

She was finally free of the withdrawal effects about 18 months ago, having spent years battling a drug she believes she should never have been given.

Unsurprisingly, she says she feels badly let down by the medical profession, but is focusing her energy on campaigning for awareness and pressing for a change in the NICE guidelines.

A spokesman for NICE told Good Health that its updated guidance had not yet been finalised, and our process for developing and reviewing guidelines includes a thorough search for relevant evidence. Publication of the updated guidance was not imminent.
A 22-year-old woman who became the youngest person in the US to receive a face transplant is speaking out about how lucky she feels to be alive.

In March 2014, Katie Stubblefield attempted to take her own life by shooting herself in the face at her brother's Mississippi home.

After jumping from hospital to hospital fighting for her life, she underwent a 31-hour operation in May 2017 to receive a face transplant - the 40th person in the world to do so.

After three years, Katie could finally chew, swallow and breathe independently.

In an interview with ABC's Nightline, Katie reveals that despite the grueling therapy and several surgeries still ahead, she feels 'whole again' and said she hopes to become an advocate for suicide prevention.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEOS

Katie Stubblefield, 22, says she feels lucky to have received a second chance at life more than a year after undergoing a facial transplant

In March 2014, Katie (left in 2014 and right in 2018) attempted to take her own life by shooting herself in the face at her brother's Mississippi home. She is the 40th person in the US to undergo a face transplant and the youngest ever

Katie spent a month at a trauma center in Memphis, Tennessee, before she was transferred to the Cleveland Clinic, considered a pioneer in face transplants. Pictured: Katie with her parents Alesia and Rob

Years before the historic procedure, a then 17-year-old Katie was experiencing a difficult year.

She was facing several health problems after undergoing an appendectomy in January 2014 and having her gallbladder removed.

Then both of her parents lost their jobs as teacher at Katie's Christian high school.

'I think really, with Katie, she absorbed it, and it hit her deeply because I was her teacher,' her father, Robb Stubblefield, told Nightline.

Then, on March 25, Katie's boyfriend broke up with her after she confronted him about texts from another girl she found on his phone.

Distraught, she left school early and drove to her older brother Robert's house.

'I was like: "What are you doing home from school?"' Robert told Nightline. 'So, you know, I called my parents, like: "Hey, just so you know, she's at my house right now".'

Both he and their mother, Alesia, tried to talk to Katie, but she wasn't interested.

Robert and Alesia both went outside to talk to one of Alesia's friends when suddenly they heard what Robert described as sounding like a door slam.

Robert and Alesia found the bathroom door locked with Katie inside, not responding.

After 17 operations that included repairing the bone structure of her nose, nasal passage and jaw, Katie was declared stable enough for a transplant and was on the list from March 2016. Pictured, left and right: Katie before her operation

Before the procedure on May 4, 2017, the team of 11 surgeons met and discussed the procedure using a 3D-printed a lower jaw

During the 31-hour operation, doctors replaced Katie's scalp, forehead, eyelids, eye sockets, nose, upper cheeks, upper jaw, half of her lower jaw, muscles, skin and most of her facial nerves

'At that point I smelled gunpowder because it was, obviously, indoors and you can smell it,' her brother said. 'And I knew exactly at that point what had happened.'

The teenager had shot herself under the chin with Robert's .308-caliber hunting rifle.

Despite initial fears that Katie was dead, first responders found a pulse and rushed her to the hospital.

The majority of her face was gone, but she was still able to speak.

'When she was in that ER...she said: "Tell my mom and dad I love her - love them. I'm sorry",' her father said. 'It took a lot of strength.'

Katie's donor was mother-of-one Adrea Schneider, 31 (pictured), who died in May 2017 of a drug overdose

She spent a month at a trauma hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, where doctors sewed her eyelids shut so her corneas could heal and tried to stem the bleeding in her brain.

The team was using skin grafts to try and patch her wounds, but they kept failing, so Katie was transferred to the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic.

It was there that Katie's family was first made aware of the procedure known as a 'face transplant' and were told it may be Katie's only chance at leading a normal life.

The first US face-transplant surgery was performed at the Cleveland Clinic in December 2008.

Dr Brian Gastman, a plastic surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic and part of Katie's surgical team, said she is not the first person to attempt suicide to receive a face transplant.

'Being 17, 18 years old, without any history of depression, with having the type of family support that she has, it seemed that she just did something impulsive,' he told Nightline.

'We see people doing impulsive things all the time, we just don't hear about it as much, because they don't end up in Katie's situation and then lead to something as fantastic as a - as a face transplant.'

After 17 operations that included repairing the bone structure of her nose, nasal passage and jaw, Katie was declared stable enough for a transplant and was on the list from March 2016.

'She said: "Well, then I'll just have to get the best reconstruction and I still want to live",' Robb said. "She didn't just want a face back. She wanted function...her life back."

Katie (pictured) says that when she touches her face with her hand, she feels 'whole again' and that before the transplant people considered her to be 'a monster'

Pictured: Katie exercising with physical therapists Becky Vano and Nicole Bliss to boost strength in her legs three weeks after surgery

A donor emerged in 31-year-old Adrea Schneider, a mother-of-one who died of a drug overdose.

Her grandmother, Sandra Bennington, who adopted Schneider, had to approve the use of her extremities despite her granddaughter being a registered organ donor

'Based on all her facial characteristics, her size, age and her basic orthology, she's a very good candidate,' Dr Gastman said.

'She's a 31-year-old, about nine years older than Katie, individual, a good-sized match.'

Katie underwent a psychological screening and several therapy sessions before she was cleared.

Before the procedure, the team of 11 surgeons met and discussed the procedure using a 3D-printed a lower jaw.

On May 4, 2017, Katie was wheeled into the operating theater.

During the 31-hour operation, doctors replaced Katie's scalp, forehead, eyelids, eye sockets, nose, upper cheeks, upper jaw, half of her lower jaw, muscles, skin and most of her facial nerves.

Additionally, the surgeons had to connect the blood vessels of Adrea's face to Katie's face so there would be blood flow.

More than a year later, Katie said receiving the surgery feels like a second chance at life.

'When I touch my face now with my hand, I feel whole again,' she told Nightline.

'I wanted my face back, and I was willing to whatever it took to get my face back.

'Before my transplant, people looked at me like I was disgusting. [Now] I can go out in a crowd, and people will just see me as another person and not as some kind of monster.'

She works with Lorna Reordan three times a week on oral exercises, muscle movement and speech exercises (pictured)

Although she can talk and communicate, Katie still has a long way to go. Soon, she will undergo surgery to get a new palate, which doctors hope will help her speak more clearly. Pictured: Katie eight months before her suicide attempt, left, and a year after her face transplant, right

Katie hopes to become an advocate for suicide prevention, be it through counseling or teaching. Pictured: Katie and her parents, Alesia and Rob, with Dr Oz

Katie was discharged from the Cleveland Clinic on August 1, 2017, but she still has a long way to go.

She works with Lorna Reordan three times a week on oral exercises, muscle movement and speech exercises.

'She's actually doing so much better than she was when she came home,' Reordan told Nightline.

'She's eating again. She can talk and communicate.'

Soon, Katie will undergo surgery to get a new palate, which doctors hope will help her speak more clearly.

Katie hopes to become an advocate for suicide prevention, be it through counseling or teaching.

'My hope for her is that her articulation improves, and she can get up there and tell that story,' Dr Gastman said.

'A fleeting moment can lead to something so devastating, not just for yourself, but for your family, and you're seeing somebody who survived it.'

For confidential help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or click here.

For confidential support on suicide matters in the UK, call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here.

For confidential support in Australia, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or click here.
The pioneers of immunotherapy today won the Nobel Prize for bringing cancer patients from the edge of death to complete remission.

But coincidentally, a report published hours later showed there is still work to be done.

The report revealed a 20-year-old American patient was killed by the wonder treatment in an incredibly unusual case.

The young man, who has not been identified, received immunotherapy to treat a very aggressive form of leukemia, a cancer of the immune system, called acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

The therapy is designed to genetically alter a patient's immune cells to attack and kill the cancer, but in this man's case one single leukemia cell was also inadvertently turbo-charged and disguised by the therapy, allowing it to go rogue with fatal consequences.

Dying from immunotherapy is virtually unheard of, but this case highlights some rooms for improvement which will be crucial to iron out as the treatment is rolled out across the country, for cancer and more.

In fact, just months earlier, the same lab saw the exact opposite case: just one immune cell was edited, and managed to single-handedly banish a patient's cancer to achieve full remission.

Immunotherapy won the Nobel Prize today. Dying from immunotherapy is unheard of, but this case highlights some flaws which will be crucial to iron out as the treatment is rolled out across the world. Pictured: CAR T Cells ready for infusion at Penn Medicine

'This is the first time in hundreds of patients that we've observed this type of relapse,' lead author Dr Marco Ruella, MD, told DailyMail.com.

'It probably has a lot to do with the specific disease of this patient.

'It's a very unusual case, and it doesn't change the value of immunotherapy, but it shows we should improve our manufacturing processes.'

HOW DOES IMMUNOTHERAPY WORK?

Immunotherapy edits immune cells so they are turbo-charged to hunt for and kill cancer cells.

There are many different kinds, including checkpoint inhibitor therapy (which won the Nobel Prize), and treatment vaccines (one of which made headlines today for groundbreaking results in a new trial).

The first one that was ever approved was Penn's adoptive cell transfer (or, CAR T-cell therapy), which got the green light from the FDA in 2017 to treat children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or adults with very advanced cases, for $475,000 each.

To perform CAR-T, doctors remove T cells (a type of white blood cell that's part of the immune system) from the tumor itself.

Those cells are grown in the lab, which takes between two weeks and two months, while the patient continues traditional treatment.

During that period, the cells are exposed to a virus called CAR lentivirus, which gives them the strength and trains them to overpower cancer cells.

These modified cells are then fed back into the patient via an injection, and they get to work on attacking the cancer.

Specifically, the new CAR cells are trained to hunt down a protein on cancer cells called CD19.

WHY WAS THIS CASE DIFFERENT?

This case published in today's issue of the journal Nature, describes how the highly effective treatment still has some weaknesses.

Dr Ruella, an assistant professor of Hematology-Oncology at Penn, explained that it's not uncommon for leukemia cells to be extracted with normal T cells, but they usually die off as they are exposed to CAR. Never before have they become empowered by the therapy.

In their analysis of the case, Dr Ruella's team said it seems the CAR lentivirus, which gives normal immune cells the power to kill cancer, entered a leukemia cell, too.

The researchers believe the presence of CAR on the leukemia cell acted as a disguise, masking the CD19 which would give away that it's a cancer cell.

Safely hidden, this one rogue cell was free to ravage the body of the patient, who was part of a Penn-sponsored clinical trial which was completed in 2016.

He had entered the trial with very advanced leukemia that had relapsed three times previously.

After receiving the modified T cells, he had a complete remission for nine months before relapsing again, this time fatally.

Most cases (about 60 percent) of ALL relapses are caused by mutations of the CD19 protein, making the cancer cells highly resistant to cancer treatments.

In this case, there was no mutation of CD19.

At first, the researchers couldn't spot the CD19, but eventually found it, masked by the CAR.

'WE LEARN FROM THE WINS AND THE LOSSES'

This case is not regarded as a defeat for immunotherapy by any means; it was included in the data package submitted to the FDA when Penn's CAR-T therapy was approved in 2017.

According to Dr Ruella, it remind us of the work that still needs to be done.

It was fitting, he said, that this paper came out the same day that University of Texas immunologist Dr James Allison won the Nobel Prize for his work developing immunotherapy.

After Dr Allison was informed of his joint win with Japan's Dr Tasuku Honjo, he gave a speech expressing his gratitude but calling for more 'basic research' to understand how to avoid side effects.

Dr Ruella sees his paper as going hand-in-hand with that.

The method, he says, could be improved to only extract specifically T cells, and being more rigorous about how leukemia cells are weeded out before the CAR infusion process begins.

He adds that the study shows 'how important it is to follow your patients when they relapses after new therapies because we are still learning'.

'Immunotherapy is very powerful but we are still in the early stages,' he explains.

'We learn from the wins but we also learn from the losses.

'Every case helps us to learn about it.'

Novartis, which licensed Penn's drug to provide to Americans for $475,000 each, distanced itself from the report with a statement saying that the cells in this case were made by Penn not Novartis.

'We are not aware of any cases of this happening in the more than 400 patients treated with Kymriah,' a spokesman said in a statement.
The Wife Cert: 15, 1hr 40mins

Rating:

Glenn Close is now 71 and, when you think of her best work, theres no doubt you quickly find yourself going a long way back. Fatal Attraction  the iconic Eighties sex thriller that turned her into a household name but made her very unpopular with rabbits  is more than 30 years old now, while Dangerous Liaisons  in which she played another sexually scheming temptress  is only a year younger.

Of course, over the years shes subsequently made some very decent films  The Paper, Air Force One and Cookies Fortune  and enjoyed commercial success with 101 Dalmatians.

But ever since her last award hope, Albert Nobbs, failed to turn a sixth and somewhat fortuitous nomination into what would have been her first actual Oscar, theres been a sad feeling that, as far as the big screen was concerned, her best years were behind her.

The films starts with a long-married senior couple, the Castlemans, in bed together but unable to sleep. Above: Glenn Close and Jonathan Pryce as Joe and Joan Castleman

Well, wrong, wrong, wrong. In The Wife, Close gives a performance of such devastating delicacy you cant take your eyes off her. And she deserves every nomination and accolade coming her way.

Based on the 2003 novel by the American author Meg Wolitzer, this audience-pleasing adaptation gets off to the most wonderful start, with a long-married senior couple, the Castlemans, in bed together but unable to sleep.

Which is not surprising when we discover that he, Joe Castleman  superbly played by Jonathan Pryce  is a giant of the literary world nervously awaiting the early morning phone call that will signal hes won the 1992 Nobel Prize for Literature.

When milky drinks and small-hours chat dont work, he finally suggests a little nocturnal nookie, a suggestion that Joan (Close) good-naturedly goes along with. When the phone finally rings in the morning and they bounce on the bed together  We won the Nobel Prize, we won the Novel Prize  it confirms our impression that the Castlemans are the happiest and most enduring of creative couples. Ah, but what sort of film would that be?

When they bounce on the bed together  We won the Nobel Prize, we won the Novel Prize  it confirms our impression that the Castlemans are the happiest of creative couples

The first cracks appear at a hastily arranged family celebration, when Joe cant find a kind word of encouragement for his adult son (Max Irons), who has aspirations to be a writer himself and longs for his fathers approbation. But approbation comes there none, as we realise that when it comes to the vainglorious Joe, its all about me, me, me.

But he does find time to publicly thank his wife Joan, the love of my life without this woman I am nothing, a sentiment so commonplace it would be its absence that we would notice, not its totally unremarkable presence. Unremarkable, of course, unless he really would be nothing without her.

Gaining an extra star for featuring Concorde (I jest, but goodness dont we miss it), the action swiftly moves to Stockholm and the extraordinary preparations for the prize ceremony itself.

Now, with so many apparently informed glimpses behind the Nobel scenes, it becomes apparent why the Swedish film-maker Bjorn Runge was brought in to direct.

Distant past blends with present, as flashback starts the fascinating progress of discovering how it all began. Above: young Joe and young Joan (Harry Lloyd and Annie Starke)

And what a good job he does, as we watch Joes ego being relentlessly stroked by Nobel flunkies, spot the return of what we already suspect has been his relentlessly roving eye, and, as Runge begins to blend distant past with present, with the creative use of flashback, start the fascinating progress of discovering how it all began. Turns out Joan was once an aspiring writer too and rather a good one.

Despite being set in 1992, this often amusing but sharply insightful film is absolutely perfect for the times, the story of a highly intelligent woman whos played a supporting role to a man her entire life but who, all of a sudden, might just have had enough.

Its not a film, however, simply content to blame men for everything. Yes, Joe is clearly a monstrously deluded narcissist but Joan has been complicit in her own subjugation, almost opting for her behind-the-scenes role.

And it was another woman  a nice cameo from Elizabeth McGovern  who so influentially tells her not to bother writing herself. Its a mans world, shes told. But that was in 1960: it certainly isnt any more.

The last lap smacks a little of melodrama. Christian Slater is splendidly ghastly as a desperate would-be biographer and Pryce gives a masterclass in ageing male vanity, but its Close who shines in a film tailor-made for her, conveying more by quietly saying and doing almost nothing for a magical moment or two than most actors noisily do in an entire film.

SECOND SCREEN

Black 47 (15)

Rating:

Dusty and Me (12A)

Rating:

Night School (12A)

Rating:

Black 47 is set amid one of the most shameful and frequently overlooked periods of British Imperial history, the Irish potato famine of 1845-52, when Irelands vital potato harvest succumbed to blight, the fields turned black and an estimated one million people starved to death. British landlords responded with evictions, demolitions and enforced estate clearances.

But while the Great Famine provides the brutal historical backdrop, Lance Dalys gripping film is, at heart, a Western, complete with avenging anti-hero, relentlessly pursuing posse and a couple of cracking shoot-outs.

It plays out in an authentic mix of English and subtitled Gaelic, and James Frecheville is terrific as the stony-faced Feeney, the Irish Ranger who has deserted from the British Army to return to Ireland, only to find his family either dead or living in abject poverty. And when another eviction ends in tragedy, he sets his mind on only one thing: bloody revenge.

Black 47 is set amid one of the most shameful periods of British Imperial history, the Irish potato famine of 1845-52. Above: Hugo Weaving and James Frecheville

With Hugo Weaving on top form as a British soldier-turned-policeman of dubious morals, and even more doubtful loyalties, this is a well-told and powerful story with historical resonance that echoes still today.

Set in 1977, Dusty and Me is a gently heart-warming, semi-romantic comedy so old fashioned you cant believe that people make things like this any more.

But its understated charms do grow on you as we watch clever, scholarship-winning Derek Springfield (inevitably nick-named Dusty) leave his posh boarding school and return uncomfortably to his working-class Northern roots where he falls first for an unloved greyhound and then for the rather lovely daughter of the local chippie. Simple but quite sweet.

You cant say Night School doesnt have its heart in the right place, featuring as it does a man whose adult life has been handicapped by what we instantly recognise as dyslexia

You cant say Night School doesnt have its heart in the right place, featuring as it does a man whose adult life has been handicapped by what we instantly recognise as dyslexia and yet is given a second chance to make those vital high-school grades by attending night school. Thats the good news.

The less good news is that its another Kevin Hart vehicle and that the diminutive American comedian never aims high and is definitely an acquired taste. It has some funny and some sweet moments, both of which, sadly, are outnumbered by its misfiring moments. Shame.
Pinter One and Pinter Two

Harold Pinter Theatre, London Until Oct 20, 2hrs each

Rating:

Pinter One

Rating:

Pinter Two

Ten years on from his death, Harold Pinters one-act plays are being given a season at the theatre that bears his name. Director Jamie Lloyds project is admirably ambitious  but what a gruesome start. The political plays in Pinter One feature torture and more torture; indeed they are torture.

The most substantial of the five one-acters that make up Pinter One is One For The Road, where an interrogator  Antony Sher, dead creepy  talks to a prisoner whose wife is being raped upstairs. A mute Paapa Essiedu sweats memorably at his captors hideous, mock bonhomie: Im the chatty type!

The Pres And An Officer is a skit about the US President (the guest star being impressionist Jon Culshaw) who mistakenly nukes London thinking its the capital of France. Exactly the sort of mistake Trump could commit.

The most substantial of the five one-acters that make up Pinter One is One For The Road. A mute Paapa Essiedu (above) sweats memorably at his captors hideous, mock bonhomie

Then theres the agitprop sketch about two blustering MPs  Tories, of course  in which Maggie Steed is rather good.

Mountain Language is Pinters prison play, featuring dog bites, torture and appalling cruelty in a country where a local language is forbidden. Michael Gambon supplies the voice of a guard.

I suspect the unseen, unmentioned villain of the piece is Mrs Thatcher (she suppressed the voice of the IRA), whom Pinter loathed almost as much as he hated America.

The Pres And An Officer is a skit about the US President (the guest star being impressionist Jon Culshaw, above) who mistakenly nukes London thinking its the capital of France

Even in short plays, Pinter couldnt half bang on. No more so than in Ashes To Ashes, about a sado-masochistic relationship, here directed, badly, by actor Lia Williams. Its a deeply dodgy two-hander with the memorable line kiss my fist. Paapa Essiedu (again) plays the man, Kate OFlynn the semi-throttled woman.

For some human cheer, best try Pinter Two, featuring two shorts shown on ITV in the early Sixties. The Lover is about a housewife (a radiant Hayley Squires) who takes a lover each day when hubbie (John Macmillan) goes to work. It turns out the husband is also her lover in this amusing, surprisingly erotic, role-play fantasy.

David Suchet makes a campy appearance in The Collection, with Russell Tovey as his young companion. The latter is accused by a husband of having had a fling with his wife in a Leeds hotel room.

This being Pinter, you never quite know whats going on. Sexual ambiguity reigns, but the touch is light.

Theres a lot more to come in this Pinter-fest, with Danny Dyer, Jane Horrocks, Gary Kemp, Martin Freeman and Tamsin Greig among the stars lined up for one-act plays later this year and next.

The Habit Of Art

Theatre Royal Brighton Touring until Dec 1, 2hrs 30mins

Rating:

Alan Bennetts 2009 play is funny, fascinating, hilariously filthy, and shines a powerful light into the English creative mind.

The main characters are the poet W H Auden and the composer Benjamin Britten, both of whom are gay.

Auden has returned to Oxford a year before his death. We meet him peeing in the sink and, joy of joys, confusing his biographer (whos come to interview him) with the rent boy he ordered by phone.

Alan Bennetts 2009 play is funny, fascinating and hilariously filthy. Above: Matthew Kelly and David Yelland as W H Auden and Benjamin Britten

The plot thickens when Benjy drops in on his former collaborator (they had a falling out years earlier), fretting about his new work, Death In Venice.

A play within a play, carefully directed by Philip Franks, its all set in a rehearsal room. Matthew Kelly is terrific as the grumpy old luv who plays Auden, as is David Yelland, who plays the fastidious Britten.

In attendance are the dramas exasperated author and cast, their feathers smoothed by the company manager (Veronica Roberts, superb).

There are a few confusing patches but in the second half, when the pair movingly talk about their work, its as if you are actually eavesdropping on two great minds. A treat.

originaltheatre.com

The Village

Theatre Royal Stratford East Until Sat, 2hrs

Rating:

Nadia Falls first show as artistic director of Theatre Royal Stratford East is an adaptation of Lope de Vegas 1619 Spanish drama Fuenteovejuna, transposed to modern India by April De Angelis. Plot-wise, its a fitting and illuminating update.

A village is terrorised by a corrupt police inspector; hes there whipping up hatred between Hindus and Muslims ahead of an election.

He preys on local women, but one, 16-year-old Jyoti  in love with a Muslim  refuses to sleep with him, and is brutally raped. Jyotis fury stirs the village to rise up against injustice.

In The Village, a village is terrorised by a corrupt police inspector; hes there whipping up hatred between Hindus and Muslims ahead of an election. Above: Anya Chalotra as Jyoti

If only De Angelis had been as bold updating the form: although written in a modern idiom, she follows the original in using rhyming verse. Its not good, landing clunkily under Nadia Falls direction.

After a stiff start, the second half has a more energising vigour, including an abstract yet brilliantly visceral revenge scene.

Performances are a mixed bag, but Art Malik has a chilling smoothness as the inspector, while Anya Chalotra is first briskly unsentimental and then suitably fiery as Jyoti. Although her twitching, traumatised entrance after her assault is gut-churning, she refuses to be just a victim.

An uneven start to Falls reign, but theres certainly a spark here.

Holly Williams

Rebus: Long Shadows 2hrs 20mins

Birmingham Repertory Theatre Until Sat, touring until Nov 24

Rating:

Crime thrillers dont always make the best plays (though I believe theres something called The Mousetrap that has done quite well).

Cosy Agatha Christies and even plays by Edgar Wallace are still creaking their away around regional theatres with their stock characters. Modern thrillers, though, are considerably more nuanced, but perhaps less theatre-friendly.

Take Ian Rankins dishevelled, often sozzled Scottish detective, well known from the TV series based on his books, in which he was played, first by a miscast John Hannah and then, more memorably, by Ken Stott.

Here we have a new story by Rankin and the Scottish playwright Rona Munro, involving the retired Rebus (Charles Lawson) and his former colleague Siobhan Clarke (Cathy Tyson)

Here we have a new story by Rankin and the Scottish playwright Rona Munro, involving the retired Rebus, his former colleague Siobhan Clarke (Cathy Tyson), now a DI, and one of those cold cases that reveal a cover-up and Rebuss old nemesis, Big Ger Cafferty (John Stahl, all smooth villainy).

Rankins riveting novels are renowned for their detail, social issues  there are brief nods both to domestic violence and what constitutes justice  though especially the Edinburgh setting, a character in itself. A stark, noir-ish set doesnt quite cut it here in that respect.

Rebus is an iconic figure for crime aficionados but you wouldnt get that from Robin Lefevres uninvolving production. Above: Eleanor House as Heather

The inevitably reduced plot, too, is less than compelling, until the final confrontation between Cafferty and Rebus (Charles Lawson, best known as Jim McDonald from Coronation Street, who captures the detectives weary cynicism).

Rebus is an iconic figure for crime aficionados but you wouldnt get that from Robin Lefevres uninvolving production, which has accents as thick as Scotts porridge and a tale that is, sadly, no page-turner.

Mark Cook

birmingham-rep.co.uk

The Woods

Royal Court, London Until Oct 20, 1hr 25mins

Rating:

Were sitting in a petrified forest. In a shack, a woman (Lesley Sharp) in a mud-spattered nightie talks of what may be a cataclysmic event  blackouts and sounds suggest a fire, storm or landslide.

She talks in a rambling manner, her accent switching between Deep South and British. Then a creepy chap in a yellow tracksuit and white slip-ons appears, calling her Momma.

Were sitting in a petrified forest. In a shack, a woman (Lesley Sharp, above with Tom Mothersdale) in a mud-spattered nightie talks of what may be a cataclysmic event

What is Robert Alan Evanss play all about? It becomes apparent that the woods in question may be the stormy mental landscape of the woman, who has seemingly done something terrible and suffered a breakdown, or post-natal depression  we get flashes to a suburban galley kitchen and the sound of a baby crying though a monitor.

Lucy Morrisons production is not an easy watch, but Lesley Sharp is truly compelling.

Mark Cook
Rochelle ICA

The Mall, St Jamess,

London SW1

Rating:

Its been 20 years since I last set foot in the Institute of Contemporary Arts. When I went to see Pasolinis infamous Salo it had been banned in the UK for a quarter of a century. And as I staggered out, after what seemed like an age later, I could see why. Lets just say that its one of those films  undoubtedly powerful, but near unwatchable  that most definitely turns you off your tucker.

But as I stroll through those whitewashed halls once more, I cast any lingering memories of fascist excess aside. And turn my thoughts to lunch. At Rochelle ICA, the second incarnation of east Londons Rochelle Canteen, where Melanie Arnold and Margot Henderson (along with their team) cook the sort of deeply seasonal, splendidly unfussy food that you always want to eat. And their new venue is more of the same. The room may be stripped back and minimalist  the only colour comes from a row of mini cactuses, two fire extinguishers, a few bottles of pickles. And a small blackboard. But the room is suffused with the sort of natural warmth that is born, not bought.

The room at Rochelle ICA may be stripped back and minimalist  the only colour comes from a row of mini cactuses, two fire extinguishers, a few bottles of pickles. And a small blackboard. But the room is suffused with the sort of natural warmth that is born, not bought

Left to right: Smoked cods roe and radishes; artichoke; aubergine and chickpea stew

We gaze out onto the Mall, and dunk fat radishes into sweetly creamy smoked cods roe. No unnecessary embellishments, or faffing about, just that perfect combination of crisp fire and soft saltiness. We wipe the plate with fistfuls of those peppery leaves. An artichoke next, served whole, one of those foods, like sea urchin and crab, that makes you work hard for your reward. The outer leaves are dipped into a sharp vinaigrette, the hidden heart swiftly devoured.

Then gloriously fresh sardines, delicately marinated, so they possess a pinch, rather than slap, of vinegary vim. Theyre mixed with room temperature tomatoes at the very peak of their summer lusciousness. Its a dish of pure, unfiltered culinary common sense. Why the hell havent I eaten this before? sighs my mate Damo, before mopping up the juices with a chunk of proper bread. Better still is a limpid crab broth, almost ethereal in its delicacy, the crustacean having given up not just its heart to the soup. But its soul too. There are slivers of spring onion, and scraps of seaweed, and a nudge of chilli, and plump dumplings lurking at the bottom, stuffed full with meat brown and white, encased in a pastry that would make a dim sum master proud. Hong Kong, by way of Holkham. This crab sure didnt die in vain.

And just when you think this will be a lunch so light and elegant that it may well float away, along comes a pigs head terrine that is magnificently robust, and wonderfully fatty, lustily seasoned, and marbled with fat chunks of cheek. By now, the second bottle of crisp, clean, cold Sancerre has come and gone, and a third is being uncorked. Hake is a sinuous, sharp-fanged beast that looks as fearsome in life as it tastes fine in death. It comes roasted with braised fennel, buttery new potatoes and a great splodge of pungent aioli. Theres a hunk of Dexter sirloin, cooked bloody, with a pile of fresh horseradish sauce, and dripping chips, beefy in both senses of the word.

Best of all is my guinea fowl and trotter pie, with a shortcrust lid that spills down the side of the dish. Inside, chunks of meat and nuggets of wobble, all in the sort of rich, heaven-scented sauce you want to slurp from a cup. Its a pie of quiet majesty.

Pudding keeps it equally simple. A chocolate pot with intense depth and bracing bitterness; damson and almond tart, which shows more of that pastry makers art. And fig leaf ice cream, subtle and creamy, with buxomly ripe peaches, quickly grilled.

Rochelle ICA, like Rochelle Canteen, serves up the sort of food that you want to eat every day. Its food to make you happy, the perfect accompaniment to a long Friday lunch with friends. Head chef Ben Coombs runs a serious kitchen, without ever feeling the need to swank or show off. Confident, assured, grown-up cooking for people who have tired of the fiddles and flurries of fickle gastronomic fancies. A handsome menu, bursting with ingredients at their seasonal best, skilfully done. Sensibly priced and charmingly served too. Cooking for pleasure, not show. This is a lunch to love.

About 30 per head

What Tom ate this week

Wednesday

To Fort Worth, Texas, a fine city. Smoked brisket and sausage at Angelos Bar-B-Que. Always my first port of call.

Thursday

Breakfast of tripe tacos, plus asada too, at Salsa Limon. I sneak back later for Asada El Capitan, on flour tortillas, with cheese. Then I give a talk at the wonderful Central Market about British food, as we eat Scotch eggs, Scottish langoustines and beef Wellington. British food being celebrated in Texas. How things have changed.

Friday

Another tripe taco for breakfast. Then a #1 Whataburger on way to airport. A Texas fast food institution. Saturday Back home, and time for vegetables. But first, xio long ba at Beijing Dumpling, Chinatown.
With less than two weeks to go until her wedding, Princess Eugenies fashion faux pas are well and truly a thing of the past. Liz Jones charts her regal reinvention

THEN: APRIL 2011 At William and Kates wedding, left. NOW: JUNE 2018 At the Serpentine Summer Party, right.

THEN: APRIL 2011

At William and Kates wedding, Eugenie hits a low. The neckline of this Vivienne Westwood suit makes her top-heavy, the bows add bulk, while the roadkill Philip Treacy hat is more Easter bonnet contest than royal do.

NOW: JUNE 2018

Bursting with confidence at this years Serpentine Summer Party, Eugenie knows she has great shoulders and she shows them off in a Roland Mouret asymmetric dress, worn very now over skinny black trousers. Gone is her apologetic posture  here stands a princess in her prime.

Its like something out of Hans Christian Andersen. You know the song: There once was an ugly duckling, feathers all stubby and brown Because, my goodness, has Princess Eugenie turned into a swan.

We still have to wait for the big reveal on her wedding day, but we can already see how well shes scrubbed up in a recent issue of Vogue: why did we never notice that mouth before? In pillar-box red lipstick, her face reminds me of a member of Monacos House of Grimaldi, not Windsor. And her choice of clothes from the rails offered on the shoot: Erdem, an edgy Richard Quinn foil cape and florals by Valentino. This gal knows her labels.

The transformation into a soignee swan at the grand old age of 28 is not just because Kate and Meghan have upped the style stakes. As Eugenie says, Growing up in the media, itsinteresting. Weve had serious grounding from our parents. Theyve had their fair share of media interest, and it makes us stronger.

PURPLE BUT PATCHY: A less comedy effort for Grannys diamond jubilee, and the Stephen Jones hat is spot on. But the cowl neck is all wrong for her bust and the Suzannah dress hideously creased, left. FAR TOO BLUE: No, no and thrice no. This petrol blue outfit, worn to a society wedding, is way too tight: more reality TV star than princess. It all screams, Im sick of being scrutinised!, right.

Eugenie and elder sister Beatrice, 30, have always loved dressing up, much like their mum Sarah, Duchess of York, but didnt take fashion too seriously. They were their mothers daughters: all puff sleeves and origami hats. Being ninth and eighth in line to the throne and with only a few official duties (Eugenie works for art gallery Hauser & Wirth), they had assumed, well, why would anyone care what we wear? Were jolly Sloanes!

Problem is, people like us do care. And it was after the ridicule of their outfits at Kate and Williams wedding in 2011 that the sisters hired stylist Charlie Anderson. She was a good choice: she had dressed Harry Potter star Emma Watson who, just like Eugenie, is petite and looks best when styled in a slightly retro fashion.

The metamorphosis, though, hasnt happened overnight: Eugenie has experimented with print and colour, and she has learnt how to make the most of her figure by channelling a 40s and 50s feel in her tailoring. And its worked! My reviews of her outfits have just got better and better

AN ASCOT WINNER: For Royal Ascot, she wore a Roksanda prom dress that makes the most of her figure. The peter pan collar is fresh and young and, boy, does she have great arms, left. PRINCESS PEEK-A-BOO: This is a label she loves: London brand Eponine. The princess line, the keyhole glimpses of fleshperfect. Shes more shoe literate, too: spiky heels have replaced the middle-aged courts, right.

In 2011, at cousin Zara Phillipss wedding, I reported in the Daily Mail that she was still in frumpy two-pieces, which cut her in two, while the bustle on her rear does her no favours. The skirt is too short, showing way too much thigh.

William and Kates wedding the same year was also famously a stylistic nadir: Tweedledum and Tweedledee, aka Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, provided the cabaret. Eugenie wore a blue Vivienne Westwood pouffy dress with a too-busy bodice; both, for a change, hid their knees. The hat meant anyone seated behind her missed the whole thing.

Ouch! But just in time for the Queens Jubilee in 2012, Eugenie had started to tone it down a tad. Says Stephen Jones, who made her hat that day: They love their grandmother, so they wanted to be well turned out for her. It wasnt about them.

MORE FLASH THAN CLASS: Just because its Burberry doesnt mean it suits you. This dress is too shiny and the shoes far too wintry for the Serpentine Summer Party. But her fashion sense is clearly growing, left. NAILING IT IN NAVY: At Pippas wedding, Eugenie showed huge restraint and grown-up sexiness in Paule Ka, eclipsing the Duchess of Cambridge that day who yet again wore a McQueen 40s-style dress, right.

For Pippa Middletons wedding in 2017, I wrote her a rave review again: Princess Eugenie wore a navy princess-line dress that was sober, but showed off her milky shoulders. Gone was the bulky fabric, the creases, the crazy hat and in its place was something restrained and, yes, sexy.

But what really completed the incredible transformation was the outfit she wore to Meghan and Harrys wedding: a simple blue dress by Gainsbourg, a fledgling British label, which is an encouraging sign that Eugenie will champion lesser-known brands that need a leg-up only a royal can give them. Off duty, too, she has made a print dress her signature, worn not in a Queen Mum way, but with youthful casualness.

BEAUTIFULLY WRAPPED: At a palace party, Eugenie went all-out fashion in an Alice + Olivia wrap dress. She showed thigh, cleavage and the confidence of knowing that this style looks great on curves, left. A STUNNING STYLE SHIFT: This Gainsbourg dress, worn to Harry and Meghans wedding, is very 60s and the hat restrained. Some wags on Twitter felt she was a bit Britney Spearss Toxic, but I like the simplicity, right.

Eugenies new image has been driven not by snide comments in the press from people like me (or a pre-engagement fitness routine of 7am circuit training), but by a growing sense of confidence that comes only from being loved by The One, aka wine merchant Jack Brooksbank, 32. Her Erdem cheongsam-style dress for their engagement announcement in January was inspired.

And for anyone who is sad she has sold out, meaning all those big royal dos will be a lot less fun, never fear. Shes not in thrall to fashion. Even when one of her norfolk terriers weed on the hem of a couture gown during the Vogue shoot, she didnt give a hoot. Which just about sums up the new Eugenie: fashion is lovely, but it doesnt really matter in the grand scheme of things.

The stylist behind Eugenies new look

British superstylist Charlie Anderson

After Kate and Williams wedding, Beatrice and Eugenie retired, bruised and battered.

But hats off to them (literally) for realising that, as theyre in the public eye, they needed help. Fergie took action, hiring British superstylist Charlie Anderson to work with her daughters.

The mother-of-two is well known for working with the likes of Emma Watson, Anne Hathaway, Katie Holmes and Nicole Richie, as well as wrestling posh girls out of frumpy twinsets and pearls beneath a muddy Barbour and into something more fashion-conscious and sexy  a talent practically written into her job description while fashion director of Tatler, where she worked for seven years.

Her brief? To spend a year working with the York sisters to turn around their image. Charlie, who lives in Surrey and is now a full-time yoga teacher, encouraged Eugenie to pay attention to the right labels: Vivienne Westwood, Roland Mouret et al. And it seems her tutelage has paid off.

Today, in among her designer investments, Eugenies wardrobe is chock-full of hip high-end high-street brands including Sandro, Maje, Rag & Bone and Essentiel Antwerp.




Guwahati, Oct 1 : Hizbul Mujahideen had set up at least 8-10 sleeper cells in Assam in past two years and sent five Assam youths to Pakistan and Pak-occupied Kashmir for arms training.





The Kashmiri separatist terrorist group had also planned to set up a transit camp in Assam and trying to get in touch with Rohingyas in the North Eastern region.





Assam police have accessed sensational info about Hizbul Mujahideens planning during interrogation of arrested Hizbul operatives.





After arrest of Qamar-uz-Zaman, a Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist, by the Lucknow Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) from Kanpur on September 12, Assam police had arrested eight Hizbul operatives from several areas of the state.





A top official of Assam police said that, during the interrogation, the arrested Hizbul operatives revealed that, the terrorist groups had already set up 8-10 sleeper cells in Assam and planned to set up a transit camp in the state.





The Kashmiri terrorist group sent five Assam youths to Pakistan and Pak-occupied Kashir for arms training. Assam police have identified two among five youths, the top cop said.





We have collected information about missing youths from several areas of central Assams Hojai, Nagaon, Karbi Anglong, lower Assams Barpeta, Goalpara, Bongaigaon districts. The terrorist group was trying to get in touch with Rohingyas in North Eastern region with the help of some suspected organisations, groups, the official said.





Assam police have already arrested eight suspected Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists including Qamar-uz-Zamans childhood friend 39-year-old Shahnawaz Alam, his elder brother Saiful Islam.





Qamar-uz-Zaman had visited Assam in August last and travelled few areas in Hojai, Nagaon, Karbi Anglong and Barpeta districts.





Qamar-uz-Zaman, who failed in his BA third year examination, went missing in 2017 until April 2018, but he had undergone training in Pakistan in 2017 and he had taken arms training under ISIS and joined Hizbul Mujahideen.





On the other hand, to get Qamar-uz-Zaman their own custody, Assam police have contacted with their Uttar Pradesh counterparts to get Qamar-uz-Zaman their own custody and a team of Assam police would likely to visit the northern Indian state this week.




If you have a problem, email z.west-meads@you.co.uk. Zelda reads all your letters but regrets that she cannot answer them all personally

Ive been cut out of my partners will

When my son, his wife and young children moved to New Zealand from where we live in Scotland, I sold my flat and moved into my partners lovely home  we have been together for 16 years and are both in our 60s. My partner also has a son from a former marriage. However, we seem to have very different priorities regarding our children. I gave my son 7,000 from the sale and told him that the rest of my money, 15,000, will be spent enjoying my life. My lovely son is totally supportive of this. Now my partner and I want to downsize but, without even consulting me, he has agreed with his son to sell our house to him at vastly under the market rate and use the money to buy somewhere smaller for us. But he also says that when he dies he will leave our new house to his son. He has made no provision for me in his will and instead just assures me that his son will not leave me without a roof over my head. I have put so much into this house, both emotionally and financially, and I feel this is very unfair. I am also amazed that my partners son is happy to take all the money instead of expecting my partner to enjoy his retirement. Am I being unreasonable?

No, you are not being unreasonable but I think your partner is. In your much longer letter it is clear that you have put a great deal into this partnership, even nursing your partners mother when she was dying. Unfortunately, as you are not married you may have few rights and I think you should get legal advice (dont tell your partner just yet). Contact Citizens Advice Scotland (cas.org.uk) for help with finding a solicitor. You should also explain to your partner that you are extremely anxious about your future when he dies and feel all your wishes are being ignored. If he leaves his house to his son, then it should be on the understanding that you can continue to live there for the rest of your life.

Hes been sexting my friend

I left my husband seven years ago as we had grown apart. Since then, things have been difficult in my personal life. I feel chronically depressed. My eldest daughter didnt speak to me for three years after I left. I am now reconciled with her but I was heartbroken and nearly took my own life. My youngest daughter was my rock and still is. I have been with my current partner for six years and I love him very much. Two years ago he was drunk and I found sexy messages on his phone to one of my so-called friends  they were saying they loved each other. I also caught them holding hands when I was driving us all home one night. When I confronted him, he said they were just drunken messages and meant nothing. Some weeks he drinks as much as 50 pints, and spends most weekends drinking with his friends. I dont know why I stay with him as he does not show me the love and respect I deserve. Sometimes I have suicidal thoughts but I would not do anything because of my children.

It is awful that you are feeling sad enough to be having suicidal thoughts. Sometimes, when people are so unhappy, they get to the point of feeling that their loved ones would be better off without them, but this is never the case. Suicide is always devastating for those left behind, so if you are ever feeling this desperate, please get help immediately. Call the Samaritans (samaritans.org, 116 123), or contact Mind (mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393) for support and counselling. You should also see your GP for antidepressants. I am glad you are now getting on well with both daughters but I think your relationship is making you very unhappy. I suspect your self-esteem must be very low as you do not have the courage to leave him  hopefully counselling might make you feel stronger. In the meantime, you need to talk to your partner. Explain that you love him but are desperately unhappy and ask him to contact Alcoholics Anonymous (alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk).

She is still grieving for her husband

Two years ago I met a gorgeous woman  we have a very loving relationship and sex is great. Her husband died a year before we met and I have tried to support her emotionally. I get on very well with her two daughters of ten and 12 and they really seem to like me. She says she loves me very much but she cant get over the grief of losing her husband. She feels incredibly guilty that she is in a new relationship and thinks we should perhaps stop seeing each other. How can I help her see we could have a lovely future together?

She met you only a year after her husband died; it sounds as though her grief was still raw and she feels guilty for finding happiness again. However, I am sure her husband wouldnt have wanted her to be lonely or miserable. Most people would want their partner to find someone else if they died  it doesnt take away the love they had for them. Explain this to her. Say you understand how she feels and that you want to help her with her grief as you would be devastated if you split up. Explain you never fully get over the loss of someone you have loved but, over time, you learn to live with it and it gets easier. Also, as you get on so well with her daughters, it could be difficult for them if you were no longer part of their lives. She might benefit from bereavement counselling, so suggest she contacts Cruse (0808 808 1677, cruse.org.uk).
What do you do when your diabetic child gives up on the medicine that keeps her alive? For author Louise Beech, the answer lay buried in her family history

One evening eight years ago, I settled down with my ten-year-old daughter Katy for a bedtime story. But this was not the usual kind of tale a mum tells her child; it was not read aloud from a popular book. This was a story my grandma had told me bits of long ago. One that I had to use old newspapers to piece together. One I hoped would distract Katy enough to be able to endure multiple daily injections.

It was a serious illness that had brought us here. Three years earlier, when Katy was seven, she began to lose weight rapidly even though she was eating heartily. She drank lots, too, glugging endless bottles of water. She described her tummy as having butterflies in it all the time. We had lost our home, car and belongings a few weeks earlier in the 2007 floods in Yorkshire, so I thought it was stress-related, but when she started lolling about as though she was drunk, we went straight to the hospital.

Louise with her daughter Katy. 'Its a cliche to describe your world as stopping, but when I heard the word diabetes it did,' writes Louise

There, a simple blood test diagnosed Katy with type 1 diabetes. This condition  not to be confused with type 2 diabetes  has nothing to do with lifestyle and occurs when the body attacks cells in the pancreas, leaving it unable to produce insulin, which regulates blood-sugar levels. Those with this incurable life-threatening condition must test their blood sugar around the clock and inject insulin every time they eat. Debilitating hypos (which occur when sugar levels crash) must be treated with glucose, or they can result in a coma.

Its a cliche to describe your world as stopping, but when I heard the word diabetes it did. I gave up my job immediately to be with Katy. My son, Conor, was doing his GCSEs and I wanted to keep everything together so it didnt affect his results. I hid my feelings to make sure my children didnt have to deal with a useless mum.

Katy surprised us all. She faced her new regime of up to seven insulin injections a day with the resolve of a much older child. For three years, at least. Then came a moment far worse than her initial diagnosis. One morning she told me  as calmly as though she was saying she didnt want cornflakes  that she wasnt doing it any more. She didnt want any more injections. She was going to lie in her bed and wait to see what happened.

I knew what would happen without insulin.

Her father and I pleaded with her, cajoled, begged, blackmailed, promised day trips and rewards. We forced her to have the injections, causing bruises and rage. I cruelly reminded her how ill she would be without insulin, then apologised desperately, saying Id do anything if shed have the injections. Theres nothing, she said. No words can describe the futility of nothing.

After a really bad day, I went through some old photos, not sure what I was even looking for. Among them were newspaper articles, yellowed with age. My grandfathers black-and-white face studied me. Headlines such as Left to Drown and Broke Honeymoon to Get Medal clouded before my eyes. I touched the fuzzy pictures of a lifeboat and handwriting on sailcloth. And I remembered the goosebumps I got as a child when I first heard my grandfathers wartime survival tale, whispered to me by my grandma, feeling convinced that I heard the sea around us.

Then I realised this was something I could give Katy. I asked her if she would have the injection if I told her a story each time; if shed let me inject insulin into her thigh and words into her head. She was an advanced reader, having loved The Book Thief and the Harry Potter series, but she didnt look enthused. It had better be good, she said doubtfully, or else.

Louises grandfather Colins dramatic rescue in 1943. Louise recalls: 'I asked her if she would have the injection if I told her a story each time; if shed let me inject insulin into her thigh and words into her head'

The sailcloth diary written by the ships carpenter Ken. These and other mementos would later end up on display in the Imperial War Museum

The pressure was on. How could I ease her physical pain with a story that I wasnt sure I fully knew? How could I tell it the way my grandma had? Id never even met my grandfather. I decided I would use what I could recall from my grandmas personal account, the many newspaper reports and the lifeboat diary written on sailcloth.

So, in the middle of my bed  it seemed a good place  I began. Katy endured an injection while I described the SS Lulworth Hill, a cargo ship that in March 1943 was carrying my grandfather  21-year-old merchant seaman Colin Armitage  home to England. Some days after leaving port in West Africa, an Italian torpedo hit, sinking her in just two minutes. Colin was the first to make it to a tiny lifeboat designed for 12 men. The second aboard was the ships carpenter Ken Cooke. By the days end, 14 sailors had found its refuge.

For Katys next injection of the day, I told her how Officer Scown assessed that they were nowhere near the shipping lanes, and at least 800 miles from the safety of the Liberian shoreline. They calculated it would take 30 days to get there. The tiny biscuits, chocolate and tins of water they had must be rationed  one biscuit, one chunk of chocolate and a tiny cup of water per day. They decided not to eat anything until the following day to try to make it last that bit longer. We looked with guilt at our empty plates nearby. I asked Katy whether she wanted more of the story the following day. She shrugged, but I knew I had her.

We met again on my bed. I told her how Ken recorded the sailors experiences in pencil on the sailcloth, a diary that many years later ended up on display in Londons Imperial War Museum with other mementos, including my grandfathers wallet and medals. On the second day, the men woke with swollen tongues and parched throats, and scanned the shimmering horizon for a ship or a cloud full of rainwater. Nothing. I know that thirst, said Katy, remembering her symptoms.

Colin and Kathleen on their wedding day. 'My grandfather never went back to sea. He married his sweetheart'

Colin receiving his medals at Buckingham Palace with his parents and new wife. Colin received the George Medal and the Lloyds Medal for Bravery at Sea

Colin and Ken, after 50 days in the life raft, about to be rescued by HMS Rapid

In the early days, the men squabbled: they were cramped and had to sleep in shifts, and there was no respite from the boredom and the suffocating heat. Our daily routine mirrored theirs counting waves, except Katy counted units of insulin. Each needle she barely acknowledged as we visited the sea. My bed was that lifeboat. The room disappeared. We imagined we could smell the salt. The crew got thinner and weaker as the days passed, just as Katy had done before her diagnosis. There was brief joy when they caught the odd fish, devouring it. Then agony when no rain fell, and the sharks that constantly trailed the boat circled closer.

I tried to imagine how my grandfather must have felt as he watched the younger men cry for their mothers. I recalled how I buried my own feelings to protect my children and imagined he hid his, too. John Arnold, who was 17, declared that only two of them would survive. He prayed daily for Gods help. On the eighth day, it began to rain and they thought he had answered them. The men licked desperately at the canvas, but it stopped as soon as it had begun. Katy had tears in her eyes.

Day 19 brought the first death  Officer Scown. My grandfather and Ken removed his wedding ring, which they would later hand to his wife. After that, others followed. Some downed seawater until it drove them mad. Some jumped overboard to be eaten by the many sharks. Some simply passed away sitting where they were, eyes forever looking for a ship. By day 35, only Ken and my grandfather remained. On a boat now caked in salt, the two young men drifted aimlessly, at the mercy of the South Atlantic currents and the cruel, relentless equatorial heat. They were two burnt-black skeletons with bleached hair, fat tongues and tattered clothes. Two of them, whispered Katy. And two of us.

Fewer men meant slightly more food, though; slightly larger portions. But by day 46, the chocolate was gone; then the biscuits; and the next day the water, too. A plane passed but didnt seem to see them. My grandfather suggested they tie themselves together and go overboard. The following day another plane dropped supplies  the most important being delicious, sparkling water. I can taste it, gushed Katy.

We were near the end now. I began to dread it. Would Katy refuse her injections again? Would she go back to bed and wait to see what happened?

Louise's grandfather Colin recuperating in Hull after his rescue. Colin's incredible story helped inspire Louise's daughter to undergo her injections for diabetes

Our 50th day of storytelling was also the 50th day on the boat. Delirious and probably hours from death, my grandfather was the first to spot the glorious sight of a ship on the horizon. He found the strength to help Ken to his feet and they were standing as HMS Rapid approached, having received word from one of the planes. My grandfather whispered, A ship, a ship, a ship, over and over. A ship, said Katy, softly. We jumped on the bed as though we too had been rescued.

The next day I feared Katys reaction to her first injection without the story. But she quietly did it herself. No argument. No fuss. Just as I had felt useless when we couldnt get her to have them, I was now overwhelmed with relief. After that she never refused another. If anything, she pushed me away, wanting mostly to do it herself. She still has tough days  she always will  but never one where she wants to lie down and die.

Once rescued, my grandfather and Ken recovered in Cape Town, and then travelled home to Hull. My grandfather never went back to sea. He married his sweetheart, Kathleen, and they interrupted their honeymoon to go to Buckingham Palace where he received the George Medal and the Lloyds Medal for Bravery at Sea. He had three children  one of whom is my father  but sadly ill health meant he died at just 27. So I never met himuntil Katy and I traded her blood for my words and felt like he was at our side.

Louises book How to Be Brave is based on her daughter and grandfathers experiences. Her latest novel The Lion Tamer Who Lost is out now. To order both these books with 20 per cent off until 14 October, visit mailshop.co.uk/books or call 0844 571 0640. P&p is free on orders over 15
Ryanair's share price fell to a two-year low in early trading today after the airline warned investors that its profits would be 12 per cent lower than expected.

The cut-price airline blamed a string of strikes, falling passenger numbers and rising fuel prices for the downgrade, which sent its shares down by more than 8 per cent to around 12p.

Ryanair pilots and cabin crew took strike action in September, knocking passenger numbers and costing the firm in passenger compensation.

A quarter of Ryanair's Irish pilots went on strike five times this summer. There were additional strikes by crew and pilots in five EU countries too

The multiple strikes also hit customer's confidence in the company - fears of being left high and dry has put passengers off making forward bookings for the October school half-term and Christmas.

This came on top of rising oil prices, which drove up Ryanair's fuel bill.

As a result, the airline said it now expects to generate full-year profits between 978million and 1billion, compared with previous guidance of 1.1billion to 1.2billion.

Michael O'Leary, Ryanair's straight-talking chief executive said: 'While we successfully managed five strikes by 25 per cent of our Irish pilots this summer, two recent co-ordinated strikes by cabin crew and pilots across five EU countries has affected passenger numbers (through flight cancellations), close in bookings and yields (as we re-accommodate disrupted passengers), and forward air fares into Q3.

'While we regret these disruptions, we have on both strike days operated over 90 per cent of our schedule.

Ryaniar was also knocked by rising oil prices which has driven up its fuel bill

'However, customer confidence, forward bookings and Q3 fares has been affected, most notably over the October school mid-terms and Christmas, in those five countries where unnecessary strikes have been repeated.'

At a meeting with shareholders last month, O'Leary declared his intention to step down from the role within the next five years.

Ryanair argued that the strikes went ahead despite having 'agreed to meet union demands' and warned that further staff strikes could force the company to issue future profit warnings.

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said the downgrade is a 'severe blow' to the airline, but points out that O'Leary is 'far from apologetic'.

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary (above) said strike action has impacted passenger numbers

'There isn't the usual commentary you would normally expect from someone in his situation, such as 'we'll try harder'. Instead, you've got the straight-talking boss telling the facts as they are, plus a warning that he can't rule out a further downgrade to earnings guidance.'

'The stock market clearly thinks Ryanair's problems are negative for other parts of the airline sector,' Mould adds, as EasyJet's share price fell by nearly 6 per cent on Monday morning and British Airways' owner is down by 4 per cent.

The airline plans to close its four-aircraft Eindhoven base and its two-aircraft Bremen base, as well as trimming down its five-aircraft Niederrhein base.

'All affected customers have been contacted by email/SMS this morning and will be re-accommodated on other flights or refunded as they so wish,' Ryanair said.

'We will also now consult with our pilots and cabin crew at these three bases to minimise job losses.'
The brochure portrayed Arous as a divers' paradise located along the Red Sea in Sudan. It was in fact one of the Israeli intelligence agency's most audacious operations.

The stunning tale is set to become a Hollywood film, starring Ben Kingsley, Haley Bennett and Chris Evans.

It dates to the early 1980's, when the Arous holiday resort and its around 15 beach houses became a prized spot for divers seeking access to Red Sea coral reefs in an unspoilt location.

'The fish came to nibble on the divers' masks,' said Daniel Limor, who led 'Operation Brothers' for Israel's spy agency, Mossad.

As far as tourists and Sudanese authorities knew, the resort village was owned by Europeans who employed local residents.

They were unaware that Arous was a Mossad base to secretly evacuate 7,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel from refugee camps in Sudan.

The operation played out for four years, from 1981 to 1985.

Hollywood has found inspiration for a film coming out next year in the Mossad operation of the early 1980's, in which agents set up a fake diving resort in Sudan to rescue Ethiopian Jews. Gad Shimron (pictured) was one of the agents based at the resort called Arous and the author of a book on the operation

Israeli author Shimron speaks during an interview with AFP in the coastal city of Tel Aviv on August 23, 2018

The brochure portrayed it as a divers' paradise located along the Red Sea in Sudan

Urged into action by an Ethiopian Jew in Khartoum, Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin decided to move ahead with the mission in 1977.

Limor, who was also a diving aficionado, spotted a holiday resort built by Italian entrepreneurs in the 1970s along the Red Sea that had been abandoned due to lack of road access and running water.

'It's something that just fell from the sky,' he said, his voice still filled with surprise decades later.

At the time, Ethiopian Jews had fled their country for refugee camps in neighbouring Sudan to escape famine, war and persecution, with the goal of ultimately fulfilling the isolated community's dream of reaching the holy land.

But the journey by foot to Sudan was filled with danger.

'They were attacked, raped, robbed,' said Limor, who was consulted for the script for the film, due out next year.

'They suffered. They also died in the refugee camps.'

To set the plan in motion, Ethiopian intermediaries selected Jews who would be exfiltrated from the Sudanese camps.

The operation held great risk for all involved given the relations between Israel and Muslim-majority Sudan.

'We were the eyes, the ears and the feet of the Mossad,' said Miki Achihon, an Ethiopian Jewish student at the time who had fled to Sudan.

Without telephones or internet, everything was done person-to-person.

The stunning tale is set to become a Hollywood film, starring Ben Kingsley, (pictured in London in September 2018)

The film will also star actress Haley Bennett (pictured above in Beverly Hills in March 2018)

Chris Evans will also star in the film. Evans is pictured above in New York in February 2018

'The Mossad doesn't give us a sort of contract. It doesn't give us a down payment,' said Achihon, who would later become a lieutenant colonel in the Israeli military.

After being taken into the Sudanese desert, groups of between 100 and 200 people were met by Mossad agents who drove them away in trucks.

'Then started the long drive to the shore - something like 700 kilometres (435 miles),' said Gad Shimron, one of the agents based at Arous and the author of a book on the operation.

At the end of the road, they delivered the refugees to Israeli ships waiting in international waters.

'Of course, we had in mind the possibility of us hanging - you know, feet up,' Shimron said.

Apparently taking them for traffickers, Sudanese soldiers opened fire one night as the last boat left.

They escaped unharmed, but the Israelis were shaken and changed tactics.

They opted for another daring strategy: landing planes in the desert in the middle of the night to transport the refugees to Tel Aviv.

Satellite imagery of a plot of land roughly where the Arous resort used to be

Ethiopian children, whose roots trace back to Judaism, walk at Beta Israel school while awaiting immigration to Israel, in Gondar March 8, 2007

Shimron said there was a 'moment of elation' when the planes took off and the operatives would stand in the quiet of the desert.

Some tourists suspected that Arous was being used as a trafficking site due to its location just across the Saudi coastal city of Jeddah.

But the agents' double lives were never exposed, said Yola, a Mossad operative who managed the resort.

She said she could have remained at Arous for the rest of her life.

'I didn't want to go back,' she said. 'I was completely the other person.'

The operation would have to come to an end in 1985 when one of their Ethiopian contacts was questioned by the police.

As a precautionary measure, the Mossad urgently evacuated the village.

But today, its legacy stands as a key part of Israel's efforts to bring their Jewish brethren over from Ethiopia.

More than 100,000 Ethiopian Jews have emigrated to Israel since the 1980's.

In 1984, Operation Moses exfiltrated 8,000 Jews, while seven years later Operation Solomon brought more than 14,000 people to Israel in 36 hours.

For the Ethiopians, the joy of arriving was accompanied by the difficulty of adapting to a new home and overcoming trauma they had endured.

Many regretted leaving behind family.

Achihon said they should have been given psychological treatment, but the government 'immediately tried to take us to be part of the society', offering language and other types of training.

'Many were not ready,' he said.

He said there was also discrimination.

For Achihon, the 'heroic' role of the Ethiopian activists should never be forgotten.

More than three decades later, the movie version of Operation Brothers - 'The Red Sea Diving Resort' - is being directed by Israeli filmmaker Gideon Raff, filmed in South Africa and Namibia.

'It is a unique, Zionist James Bond story,' said Shimron.
A seven-year-old girl who suffered from an aggressive form of cancer which caused her eyes to pop out and bleed has made a miraculous recovery, thanks to MailOnline readers.

Dhanika Tripura was left blind and in agony after developing acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) which left her horribly disfigured in just six weeks.

With no money to pay for her treatment and the doctors giving Dhanika a 10 per cent chance of survival, her family was in despair.

But a crowdfunding appeal, supported by MailOnline, saw the little girl receive nine months of intense chemotherapy.

Dhanika Tripura, aged seven, suffered from an aggressive form of cancer which caused her eyes to pop out and bleed but has made a miraculous recovery, thanks to MailOnline readers

The little girl (above) was left blind and in agony after developing acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) which left her horribly disfigured in just six weeks

With no money to pay for her treatment and the doctors giving Dhanika a 10 per cent chance of survival, her family was in despair. But a crowdfunding appeal, supported by MailOnline, saw the little girl receive nine months of intense chemotherapy

She responded far better than doctors hoped and although she has lost sight in one eye, she is now home and with her family. Pictured with a relative

She responded far better than doctors hoped and although she has lost sight in one eye, she is now home and with her family.

'Our little girl has cheated death with the help of people who come forward to help,' said her father Dharmakumar Tripura. 'My daughter has got a new life'

'Our little girl has cheated death with the help of people who come forward to help,' said her father Dharmakumar Tripura. 'My daughter has got a new life.'

Dhanika's mother Sashibala added: 'It feels great to see her at home after nine long months.

'What a relief this is to see her chirping around again  playing with her siblings, teasing them and spending time with us  and not always writhing in pain.'

Dhanika Tripura, who comes from the Dhalai district of northeast Indian state of Tripura, was born healthy.

A year ago she started complaining of discomfort in her eyes and was diagnosed with AML last December.

Her 47-year-old mother said: 'Initially, she complained of itching and watering in the eye. We thought it might be a mild irritation caused by dust or smoke.

'We took her to a doctor when the problem started recurring every fortnight. The doctors also couldn't understand what was the reason behind this.

'They prescribed some eyedrops for her and sent us home. But things started deteriorating from there, Dhanika's eyes started to swell up, became bloodshot and then started bleeding.

Dhanika's mother Sashibala (above) said: 'It feels great to see her at home after nine long months. 'What a relief this is to see her chirping around again  playing with her siblings, teasing them and spending time with us  and not always writhing in pain'

Mrs Tripura said they were given eyedrops and painkillers before the devastating diagnosis: 'We took her to a doctor when the problem started recurring every fortnight. The doctors also couldn't understand what was the reason behind this'

Her family could not afford the cost of her treatment and so appealed to the local community. Dhanika's story was picked by by ngo worker Sajal Debbarma who set up a crowdfunding campaign on Milaap, the Indian equivalent of Go Fund Me, to raise the money needed

'Panicked, we then took her to a bigger hospital where doctors told us that she is suffering from cancer.'

As a farm labourer, her father ekes out a small living in their village of Nalin Para but could not afford the cost of her treatment as well as feeding his wife and other three children.

The family appealed to the local community and Dhanika's story was picked by by ngo worker Sajal Debbarma.

He set up a crowdfunding campaign on Milaap, the Indian equivalent of Go Fund Me, to raise the money needed.

Dhanika was then taken to the Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute in Guwahati, around 500km away from her home in Dhalai.

Munlima Hazarika, the oncologist who supervised her nine month long treatment, said: 'When Dhanika was brought to us, she was in the advanced stage of AML.

'Though childhood cancers are curable, its prognosis is poor in India. The survival rare of patients is 20 per cent in developing countries like India, while in the Western countries it can be 30-40 per cent.

'We started with chemotherapy on her. The patient responded to it very well, way beyond our expectations. She was in a very advanced stage of cancer.

Dhanika was then taken to the Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute in Guwahati, around 500km away from her home in Dhalai

Munlima Hazarika, Dhanika's oncologist, said: 'We started with chemotherapy on her. The patient responded way beyond our expectations. She was in a very advanced stage of cancer.' They could not save the sight in her right eye and also had to remove the eyeball (above)

Dhanika's right eyeball was badly infected by the cancer cells and will be replaced by an artificial one in the next few weeks. Picture: Dhanika after her eye was removed

'There were only cancer cells in her bone marrow. After a few sessions of chemotherapy when we got a bone marrow test done, the result was negative, meaning there were no cancer cells in her bone marrow. '

During the initial stages of her treatment 30 units of blood was infused in her body.

Though the doctors managed to save her life, they were not sure whether they would be able to save her eye sight.

Doctors restored the vision in one of her eyes, but had to remove her right eyeball as it was badly infected by the cancer cells.

It will be replaced by an artificial one in the next few weeks.

Dr Hazarika said: 'I am glad to inform that Dhanika has completed the planned therapy. That she is out of danger now.

'We, however, were not able to save one of her eyes as it was infested with cancer cells and had to be removed.

'Luckily, we managed to save her left eye. Both her eyes had cancer cells, but the cancer had caused perforation in her right eye.'

If left untouched, the doctors said the cancer would have spread to the other eye and from there to all over her body

Dhanika (pictured before her right eye was removed) will undergo further chemotherapy to make sure the disease does not return

Mr Debbarma, who raised funds for her treatment through crowdfunding, said: 'The family is quite happy with her recovery. Although they do not understand much of the technical and medical terms, they have somehow understood that their girl is out of danger now'

'If left untouched, the doctors say, the cancer would have spread to the other eye and from there to all over her body.'

Dhanika will undergo further chemotherapy to make sure the disease does not return.

'If the disease comes back again, then she will have to go for bone marrow transplantation,' said Dr Hazarika.

Mr Debbarma, who raised funds for her treatment through crowdfunding, said: 'The family is quite happy with her recovery.

'Although they do not understand much of the technical and medical terms, they have somehow understood that their girl is out of danger now.

'The doctors have said that the recovery from this rare condition will take time, it will require at least six to eight more chemotherapy sessions spanning over a period of two years.

'We have made them understand that the recovery process will go on for long and they have come to terms with it.'

Mr Tripura, 51, said they were so delighted to see how much their little girl had improved.

Dhanika (pictured in sunglasses) will need at least six to eight more chemotherapy sessions spanning over a period of two years

Dhanika's father said: 'We didn't even know what to do and where to go and had totally lost all our hopes to see our daughter alive. We are very happy to see her so much better.'

'We didn't even know what to do and where to go and had totally lost all our hopes to see our daughter alive. We are very happy to see her so much better.

'I don't know how to thank everyone. It is just because of the help and generosity that we received brought my child back from the jaws of death.'

'We will remain indebted to everyone for their generosity.'
Rare audio of Keith Raniere telling members of Nxivm about how men need constant sex and will 'do it with anything' has emerged in the wake of his arrest of federal sex trafficking charges.

The audio was featured in the CBC podcast Escaping Nxivm, and offers a glimpse into the man who went on to command at least 150 'slaves' in the cult's sex group DOS.

In that same series, former DOS members have shared what they were forced to hand over as collateral to become the slave to their masters.

Sarah Edmondson reveals that she was asked to sign the deed to her house over to Lauren Salzman and later record herself as she claimed her husband was physically abusive.

Another young woman says that she had to hand over a photo in which both her face and inner labia could be clearly seen in the same frame.

Scroll down for video

Keith Raniere (above in 2009 with the Dalai Lama) is heard ranting about men and their sexual drive in audio obtained by a former Nxivm member and played on the podcast Escaping Nxivm

Brand: He also said: 'If we conquer a woman, if we grab the thing we want to f***, whatever it is, and we f*** it, that's a type of acceptance' (the cult's branding on Sarah Edmonson above)

The audio of Raniere was recorded as he spoke with a group of men at a Nxivm gathering.

'How many men in here have had an orgasm? How many men in here have had an orgasm by the time they are 14?', Raniere is heard asking the group.

'Now if I ask a group of women how many do you think would say that? A lot of them wouldn't. A lot of them don't know.'

Raniere then shouts out with disbelief at this notion of a person not wanting toiachieve orgasm.

'What the hell? Could you guys go without having orgasm? We have it in our genes. We do it with anything that will accept it. That's the nature of f***ing.'

That is not the case with women, however, according to Raniere.

'Women don't have to be driven to have sex, they never have to be driven to have sex,' said Raniere.

'It's bountiful. They're being taken care of like sheep and get f***ed to their capacity.'

The speech then began to get increasingly vulgar, and Raniere more and more excitable.

'The primitive part of us are hungry f***ing beasties, and all we want to do is f*** it. F*** it. F***. F***. F***.

'I feel like f***ing something today. God I'm pissed I wanna f*** something. When you're pissed then f*** feels good.

'If we conquer a woman, if we grab the thing we want to f***, whatever it is, and we f*** it, that's a type of acceptance. And you know what's a better form of acceptance? That if in our most angry thing, if they enjoy it.'

All this was said to a group of men who were largely unaware that Raniere had allegedly been sleeping with 'slaves' in DOS.

A superseding indictment released in July revealed that Raniere, Allison Mack and Lauren Salzman were being charged with wire fraud.

It was also revealed that Raniere and Salzman allegedly locked a woman in a room for two years because she was affectionate for a man who was not her master.

Demand: It has also been revealed that to join his sex slave group DOS, women had to sign over their houses or take photos showing their inner labia and face (Sex slave leader Allison Mack above)

'Raniere and Lauren Salzman trafficked a victim, who was once a sexual partner of Ranieres, for labor and services,' read a statement released by the US Attorney's Office.

'The victim was confined to a room in Clifton Park, New York, for nearly two years as punishment for having romantic feelings for a man who was not Raniere.

'The victim was told that if she left the room she would be sent to Mexico without any identification documents.

'As threatened, she was driven to Mexico and her family was instructed by co-conspirators, including Lauren Salzman, not to send the victim her identification documents.'

The women who are out on bail are under home confinement, while Raniere has not been granted bail in the case.

The six members have all entered pleas of not guilty to the charges against them, which carry considerable prison time.

'Raniere and his inner circle, including the defendants Clare Bronfman, Allison Mack, Nancy Salzman, Lauren Salzman and Kathy Russell also known as 'Prefect,' and others known and unknown, comprised an organized criminal enterprise (the 'Enterprise'),' reads the new indictment.

'The principal purpose of the Enterprise was to obtain financial and personal benefits for the members of the Enterprise by promoting the defendant Keith Raniere, also known as 'Vanguard,' and by recruiting new members into the Pyramid Organizations.

'By promoting Raniere and recruiting others into the Pytu-id Organizations, the members of the Enterprise expected to receive financial opportunities and increased power and status within the Enterprise.'

Among the criminal offenses that members of this group allegedly carried out are 'identity theft, harboring of aliens for financial gain, extortion, forced labor, sex trafficking, money laundering, wire fraud and obstruction of justice.'
Donald Trump Jr. says that in an age when lives can be ruined on both sides of he-said, she-said sexual misconduct claims, he fears more for his sons than for his daughters.

'I mean, right now, I'd say my sons,' the father of five told DailyMailTV during a campaign swing to support Montana Republican U.S. Senate candidate Matt Rosendale.

His and Kimberly Guilfoyle's first ever joint interview will air in two parts, Monday and Tuesday, only on DailyMailTV.

'I've got boys, and I've got girls. And when I see what's going on right now, it's scary,' he said in his first-ever joint interview on camera with girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle.

Guilfoyle, a former Fox News Channel co-host now dating President Donald Trump's son and energizing campaign crowds with him, believes Americans should give sexual assault accusers a fair hearing.

But the veteran criminal prosecutor also cautions that they should always be aware of political motivations that color controversies like the Brett Kavanaugh case.

Donald Trump Jr. and his girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle spoke with DailyMailTV last week in Montana, their first televised interview together as a couple. Following Judge Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court confirmation hearings, Trump Jr. said the #MeToo movement's he-said, she-said conflicts make him more fearful for his sons than for his daughters

Guilfoyle, a former criminal prosecutor in California, said everyone should listen to people who come forward with accusations of sexual assault

The Montana campaign swing included a fundraiser for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Matt Rosendale that included shooting sniper rifles with targets placed up to 1 mile away

'I think it's important, in terms of doing an investigation, to get the facts out there and find out,' Guilfoyle said.

'Its very tough thirty five years later, but it doesn't mean it should be ignored.'

But reflecting on the battle of memory and credibility between Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and college professor Christine Blasey Ford, she warned that in Washington few things are what they seem.

'People need to be careful to understand the politics involved as well, and what motivations people may have,' Guilfoyle said.

Americans last week were riveted to the saga of Christine Blasey Ford (left), who accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh (right) of sexually assaulting her 36 years ago when they were teenagers  an accusation he has forcefully denied

The couple took turns firing up the campaign crowd in Bozeman

Rosendale is trying to topple Democratic Sen. Jon Tester

The pair have been an inseparable couple since April 25, six weeks after Vanessa Trump, Don Jr.'s wife of 12 years, filed for an uncontested divorce.

Guilfoyle didn't take her turn with a sniper rifle before the DailyMailTV interview because she had hurt her hand playing trampoline dodgeball with her son and Trump Jr.'s children

The Rosendale rally in Bozeman came after an afternoon of target shooting with donors in barren-hilled back country 90 minutes away.

Trump Jr. took his turn with a sniper rifle, hitting a metal target placed 1 mile away.

Guilfoyle took a pass but said she would have given him a run for his money if she hadn't injured her hand days earlier  playing trampoline dodgeball with her son and Don's kids.

The president's quest to reshape the Supreme Court hit a snag two weeks ago with Ford's accusation about an alcohol-soaked teenage party that she says happened 36 years ago in 1982, when she was 15.

Ford claims a drunken 17-year-old Kavanaugh pinned her to a bed, groped her, tried to undress her and covered her mouth to muffle her protesting voice while his friend Mark Judge egged him on.

Kavanaugh and Ford gave dueling statements on Thursday during a must-see-TV hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which ultimately voted along party lines to send Kavanaugh's nomination to the full Senate.

DailyMail.com U.S. Political Editor David Martosko conducted the interview on September 25 in front of a horse barn near Sheridan, Montana

About 40 protesters and supporters of Democratic Sen. Jon Tester turned up outside the Bozeman rally including one that claimed Trump Jr. is part of a 'crime family'

One Trump supporter wore a shirt reading 'Lock Her Up / Make America Great Again,' a throwback to the 2016 campaign between President Donald Trump and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

'I'm innocent,' Kavanaugh told the committee, emphasizing that Ford's corroborating witnesses have said they don't recall hearing anything about the attack she has described.

In a last-minute deal Thursday, holdout Sen. Jeff Flake, a moderate Republican, won a 7-day delay so the FBI can investigate Ford's accusation before a final Senate floor vote.

Trump Jr. told DailyMailTV that he believes Ford's story is dripping with political motives. And whether Kavanaugh succeeds or fails, he said, genuine victims of sexual assault will ultimately be the saga's losers.

'For the people who are real victims of these things, when it is so obviously political in cases like this,' he said, 'it really diminishes the real claims.'
Residents mourning two officers killed in a weekend shootout in a small Mississippi city left roses, balloons and American flags at police headquarters Sunday and held an evening vigil in their memory.

The candlelit vigil for Officer James White, 35, and Cpl. Zach Moak, 31, was held outside Mississippi's Brookhaven Police Department where the officers had worked.

There, every few minutes, people pulled up during the day in cars, leaving flowers, teddy bears and balloons not far from where their patrol cars were parked. Each car was adorned with an American flag and a wreath on its front grill.

Patrolman James White, 35 (left) and Cpl. Zach Moak, 31, were shot and killed following a shoot out at a Brookhaven, Mississippi, home early Sunday morning

About 200 Brookhaven residents turned up at the vigil for the officers Sunday, which was held at the Brookhaven Police Department where White and Moak worked

During the half-hour vigil, candles were lit and attendees sang Amazing Grace

The Brookhaven Police Department's police chief, as well as local pastors, appealed for unity during the vigil, which included consoling messages

Police Chief Kenneth Collins called residents to Sunday's vigil to honor these young men who gave their lives' serving the city of more than 12,000, located about 60 miles south of the state capital of Jackson.

He appealed, along with local pastors, for unity during a half-hour vigil attended by about 200 people.

They lit candles, heard consoling messages from the speakers and sang 'Amazing Grace.'

White and Moak were killed early Saturday.

Warren Strain of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety said Sunday that the shooting suspect, 25-year-old Marquis Flowers, was hospitalized after being wounded in the confrontation.

White's childhood friend, Hanna Hux (in orange), hugged a friend of White's in front of his flower-covered cruiser Sunday afternoon, prior to the start of the vigil

Hux is seen here placing flowers on her friend, officer White's cruiser on Sunday

Throughout the day, Brookhaven residents came to pay to respects to White and Moak

Moak (pictured) and White were 'mortally wounded' after exchanging gunfire with the shooter

Strain said charges are pending against Flowers and that investigation is ongoing. He did not provide an update on Flowers' medical condition.

Authorities said Marquis Flowers, 25, is the suspected shooter. He was hospitalized after being wounded in the confrontation with White and Moak

Strain had said earlier that the officers were called to a house in Brookhaven at about 5am Saturday for a report of shots fired. Following an exchange of gunfire that left both officers 'mortally wounded,' the two were pronounced dead at a local hospital, Strain said.

He identified the weapon used as a handgun but wouldn't elaborate on the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

On Sunday, children jumped on a trampoline not far from the shooting scene at a Brookhaven duplex. What appeared to be several bullet holes in the aged blue siding of the duplex were pointed out with evidence markers by investigators. What looked like blood stains could be seen on the ground steps away.

The Brookhaven chief Collins has called White and Moak, both residents of Mississippi's Lincoln County, 'heroes.'

Hanna Hux, a Brookhaven resident who has known White since she was 12, called the slain officer one of her 'oldest, dearest friends.' She said she was stunned by his death.

investigator were seen collecting evidence at the scene where White and Moak were killed

An evidence marker points to an apparent bullet hole in the siding of the shooting scene

White and Moak were called to this duplex in Brookhaven, while responding to reports of shots fired. By Sunday, all traces of evidence collection and police presence had been removed

'Everybody needs to come together and support one another rather than fighting against one another,' she told The Associated Press after leaving flowers beside both officers' squad cars. 'We need lots of prayers.'

This is the second time in as many years that a law enforcement official has been killed in the line of duty in the Brookhaven area.

Last year Lincoln County Sheriff's Deputy William Durr, who also spent four years with Brookhaven police, was responding to a call when he was shot dead. Authorities said the gunman shot and killed seven other people in a killing spree in and around the Brookhaven area.

Willie Cory Godbolt was arrested May 28, 2017, and is awaiting trial. He is pleading not guilty and faces the death penalty if convicted.
More than 70 independent schools have opened international campuses or partnered overseas institutions, it is announced today.

Huge demand has seen 11 international British private schools opening their doors to students in the last academic year.

A further 18 are to open in the next two years, mainly in China, but also in Singapore, Egypt, Oman and India. They include Shrewsbury School, Shropshire, and Malvern College, Worcestershire.

David Walliams revisiting his old school Reigate Grammar School, Surrey which is opening an international campus next year

The Headmasters and Headmistresses Conference (HMC) says schools are bringing back funds that can be spent on bursaries for low-income families in Britain and also used to hold down fee rises.

The prestigious Shrewsbury School is among those to branch out, outside of Britain

Shaun Fenton, HMCs new chairman, has recently returned from China where his school, Reigate Grammar in Surrey, is to open an international campus next year.

Speaking before the HMCs annual conference, which opens today, he said: Families around the world view our top independent schools as a gold standard.

There is huge demand for British-style independent education, and our strong reputation is a much-needed asset.
Publicly traded companies headquartered in California will soon have to include women on their board of directors - or face hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines.

Gov. Jerry Brown, a Democrat, signed a legislation Sunday that forces changes at California-based corporations by the end of 2019, making California the first state to take that step.

The law would mandate at least two female directors by the end of 2021 if the company has five directors, and three women if the company has six or more directors.

A new law requires publicly traded companies headquartered in California, including Facebook and Google, to include women on their board of directors. Pictured: Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, center, and Eric Schmidt, chairman of Google

A new law requires publicly traded companies headquartered in California, including Facebook and Google, to include women on their board of directors. Pictured: Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, right, and Facebook Chief Product Officer Chris Cox

Under the new legislation, Google parent company Alphabet will have to add at least one more woman to its board by 2021

Violators face fines of at least $100,000 and up to $300,000 for multiple violations of the statute.

'Given all the special privileges that corporations have enjoyed for so long, it's high time corporate boards include the people who constitute more than half the "persons" in America,' Brown said in a statement.

Silicon Valley tech companies started disclosing workforce diversity figures in 2014, but progress at the top has been slow, underscoring the challenge of transforming cultures that critics say are too homogenous, white and male dominated.

A fourth of publicly held corporations with headquarters in California currently do not have any women on their boards of directors.

Companies including Apple, Google parent Alphabet and Facebook are based in California and will each need to add at least one more woman to their boards by 2021 to meet the new law's requirement.

Gov Jerry Brown, a Democrat, said it is about time that corporate boards include the people who constitute more than half of the American population

Companies have faced scrutiny in recent years on the composition of board directors and workforce diversity, with investors pushing to get more women onto boards.

'There have been numerous objections to this bill and serious legal concerns have been raised ... nevertheless, recent events in Washington, DC - and beyond - make it crystal clear that many are not getting the message,' Brown said.

State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, the Santa Barbara Democrat who authored the bill, says having more women on boards will make companies more successful because they are better at teamwork and multitasking compared to their male counterparts.

The bill signed by Brown highlighted a six-year study conducted by Credit Suisse of more than 2,000 companies worldwide that showed having women on boards was linked to improved business performance for key metrics, including stock performance.

The California Chamber of Commerce has argued that the composition of corporate boards should be determined internally, not mandated by government.

The chamber says the new law will prioritize gender over other aspects of diversity.

Some European countries, among them France and Norway, already require corporate boards to include female members.
In the wake of the cancellation of the scheduled meeting between the foreign minister of India, Sushma Swaraj, and her Pakistani counterpart, Shah Mehmood Quraishi, which was going to be held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly Session in New York, heres a particularly relevant excerpt from my book, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullahs Reflections on Kashmir (New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2018):

Sheikh Mohammad Abdullahs Speech at Mujahid Manzil, Srinagar in March 1968:

"We are fully aware of the fact that the entire subcontinent has common problems, and the people are bound to each other by numerous ties, but partition has even resulted in the separation of families. There is, therefore, no doubt that the progress and future development of both these countries rests largely on the fact that they must proceed shoulder to shoulder with each other and cooperate in all joint ventures avoiding all wasteful expenditure incurred by them on their mutual confrontation, as that would spell their own doom, and pave the way for their domination by third parties.a

Lesson of West Germany

aAlthough West Germany suffered utter annihilation during the last war, they had, during the short span of a few years, been able to rehabilitate themselves and rise swiftly again to a position of viability.

If this is what West Germany could achieve, there is no reason why India and Pakistan cannot do the same. I am convinced that the people of the subcontinent fervently desire to come nearer to each other and live in peace and friendship with one another.a

Indian People Desire Peace with Pakistan

aI have no doubt in my mind that any discordant views expressed in Parliament do not correctly reflect the voice of the people; similar views expressed in newspapers also do not always represent the truth. So far as I know, the people of India desire that they should live in friendship and harmony with the people of Pakistan, and any views to the contrary expressed in some newspapers are, in my opinion, based on expediency.

I am happy to find that some newspapers do express correct feelings in this regard.a

Kashmiras Welfare Dependent on Indo-Pak Amity

aSo far as the people of Kashmir are concerned, their future happiness and welfare are linked with the people of India and Pakistan, but, unfortunately, those two countries are a loggerheads with each other, and we have become a pawn in their hands. So long as the two governments are not able to resolve their disputes, our own safety is in jeopardy. It is, therefore, in our vital interest that these two countries should be on the best of terms with each other. We are firmly of the opinion that friendship between India and Pakistan is very essential for the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of their peoples. While, therefore, struggling for our right of self-determination, it becomes essential for Kashmir that we should strive hard to secure friendship between India and Pakistan. The main hurdle in the achievement of friendship between the two is the Kashmir dispute, and until it is settled, friendship between them would not appear to be attainable."

I have emphasized in my various publications in academic and popular forums that insisting on the rigidity of oneas stance which doesnat allow political accommodation encourages the malignant uncertainty, which helps in the institutionalization of corruption, and opportunists make hay while the unpredictability remains unresolved. The increasing political paralysis helps the nation-states of India and Pakistan to maintain the status quo, which works in the interests of some of the actors, state as well as nonstate, on both sides of the LOC.

In trying to espouse anti-establishment positions, some of us tend to ignore the dangers of obscurantism and the growth of a conflict economy, in which some state and well as non-state actors are heavily invested. The espousal of violence as the means to redress political injustice and socioeconomic inequities will not bring the ship into harbor. Violence has always been a Frankenstein monster that ends up destroying those who rationalize and romanticize it. Our political predecessors in Kashmir, who carefully and deliberately separated politics and religion and whose ideology has been undermined by the powers-that-be, were wise.

The onus now lies on those who claim to lead the political movement for autonomy and self-determination in Kashmir to separate religion and politics and to present this movement in a more ecumenical form which world activists would like to take forward, without any allegation being leveled against them, because in this day and age fundamentalisms are rearing their ugly heads the world over. In the wake of 9/11, the world has become increasingly polarized, and there is a carefully constructed divide between ausa and athem,a between the acivilized worlda and the abarbaric world.a
Police said four people were hurt, three seriously, when a car rear-ended a horse-drawn buggy in central Virginia.

Virginia State Police said the incident occurred Sunday at about 8.37am in Buckingham County, Virginia.

Haley Taylor, 18, was driving a 2002 Honda when she rear-ended the buggy, authorities said.

During the crash, her car flipped, the buggy was destroyed and the horse was killed.

Haley Taylor, 18, was charged with reckless driving after crashing her car into a horse-drawn buggy, killing the buggy's horse and seriously injuring its three passengers (stock image)

Police said an 18-year-old male was driving the buggy, and a 16-year-old boy and 20-year-old woman were inside. All three were taken to a hospital with serious injuries.

Taylor suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital, according to NBC 12.

She has since been charged with reckless driving. It wasn't immediately clear if she had obtained an attorney.

Police are still investigating the incident.
Donald Trump hailed his new trade deal with Mexico and Canada on Monday as a 'historic win' for American manufacturers and auto workers that will turn America 'into a manufacturing powerhouse.'

The deal came about after Trump slapped steep steel and aluminum tariffs on foreign nations and threatened crippling penalties on auto parts coming out of Canada. The metals tariffs remain in place, he said Monday.

'By the way, without tariffs we wouldn't be talking about a deal. Just for those babies out there that keep talking about tariffs. That includes Congress,' he said at a Rose Garden news conference, where he spoke about how America is being 'respected' again on every front thanks to his leadership.

Trump also claimed that 'cash and jobs' would be flooding into the United States as a result of the agreement that he boosted as a boon to American farmers, especially when it comes to milk, ice cream, butter, eggs, yogurt and poultry.

And he hailed soaring markets, which had seen a huge boost when they opened at 9.30 a.m. Monday after the deal was struck on the cusp of midnight, with the Dow Jones up 200 points as soon as the opening bell rang and closing up 190 points on Friday afternoon.

The deal was sealed at the last minute amid squabbles over the tariffs between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whom he denied a meeting last week.

Trump said at a news conference last week that his counterpart could 'forget it' but preferred to bury that on Monday.

'There was a lot of tension, I will say, between he and I,' Trump admitted in his Monday morning remarks. 'You know when it ended? About 12 o'clock last night.'

Donald Trump said Monday in Rose Garden remarks that if not for his tariffs, the United States wouldn't have been able to reach a trade deal with Mexico and Canada

Rally: How the Dow Jones reacted to the announcement of a breakthrough in trade talks in trading on Monday

Instant boost: Five days of the Dow Jones shows how stocks soared on opening on Monday and stayed high thanks to the trade breakthrough

USMCA'S KEY PROVISIONS - AND HOW IT DIFFERS FROM NAFTA Autos 75 per cent of a vehicle's parts have to be made in North America for it to qualify for free trade access - up from 62.5 per cent

70 per cent of a vehicle's steel or aluminum has to be from North America to qualify for free access

By 2023 40 cent of a vehicle's parts have to be made by by autoworkers where autoworkers earn a minimum of $16 an hour to qualify for tariff exemption. The figure is not linked to inflation

If Trump imposes tariffs on Canada and Mexico, the two countries get increased annual quota of 2.6 million vehicles they can import tariff free to the U.S.

Passenger vehicles are exempt from Trump's planned tariffs Dairy American farmers get access to 3.5 per cent of the Canadian dairy market, up from 3 per cent

Canada agrees to drop complex quota and pricing system which kept out many processed U.S. dairy products including cheese and ice cream

Canada will get more access to the U.S. to sell its peanuts and dairy products Time limit The USMCA will have a 16-year sunset clause with meetings every six years on whether to renew the pact. Trump had wanted a five-year sunset clause Workers rights Mexico agrees to workers being allowed to bargain collectively - the most basic level of union recognition New technology Duties cannot be imposed on music, books, software or video games when they are distributed online from one country to another of the three countries

Criminal penalties for pirating movies are introduced

Now biotechnology and financial services can be patented, which should help U.S. firms in those sectors expand in Canada and Mexico Agriculture and retail Restrictions on selling U.S. cheeses in Mexico and vice versa are lifted which had stopped American mozzarella, blue cheese and even Monterey Jack being kept of Mexican shelves

American wines can be sold in British Columbia's state-owned wine shops without restrictions Pharmaceutical Canada extends patent protection for some categories of prescription drugs from eight to 10 years, a boost to U.S. manufacturers Copyright protection Canada increases the length of time an author's book, or music, or photograph, is protected from 50 to 75 years, bringing it into line with the U.S. Duty free Now Canadians can take $40 Canadian in goods across the border duty-free, up from $20 Canadian - and e-commerce goes up to $150 in a boost for U.S. online retailers Advertisement

Trump gave the Canadian prime minister his 'highest regards' in the news conference portion of his remarks.

'He's a professional. I'm a professional,' Trump said of the effect that their soured relationship had a deal. 'We have a great relationship, but he's going to work as a partner.'

Giving his counterpart a boost at another point, Trump referenced to Trudeau by his first name and said: 'The only problem with Justin is he loves his people, and he's, you know, fighting hard for his people.

'I think we, you know, we've always had, actually, a very good relationship. It get a little, got a little bit testy in the last couple of months, but that was over this agreement, and I understand that.'

Trump called the news conference on Monday morning to boast about the 11th-hour reformulation of the Clinton-era NAFTA trade pact as the United States Mexico Canada Agreement.

The old deal that's he's tossing out was one of the 'worst' trade pacts he'd ever seen, Trump complained.

'For 25 years as a civilian, as a businessman, I used to say, "How could anybody have signed a deal like NAFTA?" he asked. ' It's a much different deal. It's a brand-new deal. It's not NAFTA redone.'

Trump said he plans to sign the pact by the end of November and then pass it off for approval to Congress, where he said it could face a rocky path to approval, because Democratic lawmakers with 2020 on their minds will want to block it.

'Late last night, our deadline, we reached a wonderful new Trade Deal with Canada, to be added into the deal already reached with Mexico. The new name will be The United States Mexico Canada Agreement, or USMCA,' the president wrote in a pair of morning tweets.

'It is a great deal for all three countries, solves the many deficiencies and mistakes in NAFTA, greatly opens markets to our Farmers and Manufacturers, reduces Trade Barriers to the U.S. and will bring all three Great Nations together in competition with the rest of the world. The USMCA is a historic transaction!'

At his news conference Trump said that he was axing the old deal in its entirety - even its name. 'Sort of just works. USMCA,' he said of his preferred acronym.

'That will be the name that maybe 99 percent of the time we'll be hearing. Has a good ring to it,' he said.

Canada had signed onto a bilateral agreement on Sunday evening that Trump had said he'd plow ahead with alongside Mexico regardless of whether the northern neighbor that currently participates in NAFTA signed on.

'Its a good day for Canada,' Trudeau told reporters on Monday as the bartering came to a formal close.

Trudeau at a news conference just after Trump's said that coming to an agreement was 'no easy feat' and that certain concessions had to be made to the U.S. The Canadian leader promised to address 'anxiety' that his country's dairy farmers have.

American dairy farmers will have access to 3.5 percent of the Canadian market that accounts for $16 billion annually.

Canada is also to abolish restrictive quota and production rules which American dairy farmers said had kept them out of the large Canadian market.

Other specific aspects of the deal appear to be good news for the U.S. auto industry, which saw shares go up.

Autos will need to increase the proportion of parts which are made in the U.S., Canada or Mexico to be allowed tariff-free status.

Trudeau said that 'nothing is guaranteed yet' and 'there are still some uncertainties' about the deal's effects.

'That being said, todays announcement is a major stride forward. This is the path we must follow to usher in a new era of economic prosperity and stability,' he stated.

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said at the news conference in Ottawa that she takes issue with U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs, which Trump said Monday are outside of the new deal and will not be removed at this time.

'Thats something we continue to discuss with the United States,' she said. 'We have a little bit of wind in our sails and we are going to very much continue to work on this issue, but it is separate from the NAFTA talks.'

Last week, a deal seemed out of sight, as Trump snubbed Trudeau and a Sept. 30 deadline to submit a deal to Congress loomed.

U.S. trade law requires public comment period of 60 days before Congress can formally take up a new pact. The deal had to become public by the stroke of midnight in order for Mexico's exiting president to sign it before he leaves office.

President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reportedly reached a deal on a revised North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) late Sunday evening, according to officials briefed on the negotiations. The leaders are pictured together in June

Trump tweeted his congratulations to Trudeau and his Mexican counterpart, calling the new 'USMCA' pact a historic transaction

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto will be replaced on Dec. 1 by Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Lopez Obrador supports the agreement, but waiting for his signature could open up the deal to additional changes that would drag out the negotiations that have already stretched more than a year.

Congress could also slow-walk the agreement, and Trump predicted on Monday that that lawmakers would if only to stick it to him before they prepare their own bids for the Oval Office.

'Frankly, they'll have 2020 in mind. They have 2020 in mind. They want to do as well as they can, so even trying to reject great deals,' he said. 'I can't tell you whether or not they will obstruct whether or they will resist.'

Some specific details of the trade deal had emerged on Monday afternoon but many remained hazy and some industry groups were reserving judgment while they read through hundreds of pages of documentation to assess exactly how they will be affected.

A joint statement from U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said the deal 'will strengthen the middle class, and create good, well-paying jobs and new opportunities for the nearly half billion people who call North America home.'

The statement continued: 'We look forward to further deepening our close economic ties when this new agreement enters into force.'

A senior administration official told reporters late Sunday night on a call that the the deal new places 'stronger rules of origin on automobiles' and includes 'ambitious new market access provisions for our farmers and ranchers.'

Canada's concession on dairy are a 'big win' for America's farmers, the U.S. official said.

'We've also included the review and termination provision that we previously announced in our deal with Mexico, which will ensure that we never end up in this position again, with an agreement that is stale and outdated and unbalanced in a way that is not beneficial to the United States.'

The Trump administration is aiming to have the agreement in place by the time that Pena Nieto leaves office at the beginning of December.

Trudeau is pictured leaving an emergency meeting to discuss the potential NAFTA deal late Sunday night in Ottawa, Ontario

Trump acknowledged at his news conference that he and the outgoing Mexican president had had 'disagreements' in the time they were both in office but they had developed 'sort of a bond' over trade and he now likes his counterpart a lot.

He said he believes the feeling is mutual. 'But I think he's a terrific person. And he'll be leaving soon, but he's really done a good job, and wonderful, wonderful person,' Trump added.

Trump said that the trilateral deal is a model for other countries seeking to do deals with the U.S. like China but also the E.U.

'China wants to talk, and we want to talk to them, and we want them to help us with North Korea,' Trump declared. 'The European Union has been very tough on the United States...They have massive trade barriers. And they didn't want to come. They didn't want to talk.'

Trump said that the EU changed its tune when he threatened auto tariffs.

Jean-EU Commission head Claude Juncker called and said, ' "We'd like to start negotiations," ' the way Trump tells it.

'And we're having a successful negotiation. We'll see what happens. Who knows? I always say, who knows? But we'll see. I have a feeling we'll be successful,' he said.
A 12-year-old boy has died after a sand dune collapsed on him while he was out on an expedition with the Boy Scouts of America.

Gage Wilson was at Van Buren State Park in southwestern Michigan when he dug a hole in the side of a sand dune and managed to squeeze himself into it Saturday.

However the unstable beach-side dune later swallowed him up and it was 30 minutes before two fellow scouts noticed his disappearance, South Haven police told TV station WWMT.

Gage Wilson died after he was buried under an unstable sand dune near the beach Saturday

The 12-year-old was at Van Buren State Park (pictured) in southwestern Michigan when it collapsed with him inside and it took 30 minutes before anyone noticed

Wilson was found unresponsive around 4.11pm and leaders tried to revived him before an emergency team arrived says Sergeant Mike Knizewski.

He was airlifted to Bronson Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The Michigan Crossroads Council of the Boy Scouts of America released a statement about the boy was from the Kalamazoo area Sunday.

'This is a very difficult time for our Scouting family. We are sad to confirm the death of one of our youth members following an accident at a Scouting event,' Donald Shepard, Scout Executive / CEO of the Michigan Crossroads Council wrote on Facebook.

'We offer our deepest condolences to the victim and his family, and we will support them in any way that we can. Please join us in keeping all those affected in your thoughts and prayers.'

Boy Scouts of America released a statement expressing condolences for the victim and his family, who are from the Kalamazoo area, Sunday

The organization reassured parents that their kids are not in great danger when taking part in activities.

They added that they're in touch with the boy's relatives.

'Safety is integral to everything we do, and the BSA places great importance on prevention and preparedness to create the most secure environment possible for youth members,' Shepard continued.

'We are currently doing all that we can to provide support to the family and the Scouting community.'
Deborah Ramirez, who was the second woman to come forward with allegations against Kavanaugh, spoke to FBI agents on Sunday

FBI agents have interviewed one of the women who accused Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct as part of their investigation into the US Supreme Court nominee.

Deborah Ramirez, who was the second woman to come forward with allegations against Kavanaugh from their time at Yale University, spoke to investigators on Sunday.

In her interview with agents, Ramirez detailed her allegation that Kavanaugh exposed himself to her at a party in the early 1980s.

A person familiar with the matter who couldn't discuss the confidential investigation publicly said Ramirez also provided the agents with names of others who she said could corroborate her account.

Ramirez alleges that Kavanaugh exposed his penis to her during a drunken party at a Yale University dormitory when they were undergraduates.

Her attorney John Clune said on Saturday that agents had made contact with her after President Donald Trump ordered the FBI to reopen Kavanaugh's background investigation after several women accused him of sexual misconduct.

'We can confirm the FBI has reached out to interview Ms. Ramirez and she has agreed to cooperate with their investigation,' Clune said in a tweet.

In her interview with agents, Ramirez detailed her allegation that Kavanaugh exposed himself to her at a party in the early 1980s

Her attorney John Clune said on Saturday that agents had made contact with her after President Donald Trump ordered the FBI to reopen Kavanaugh's background investigation

'Out of respect for the integrity of the process, we will have no further comment at this time.'

The announcement by Ramirez's lawyer indicates that the FBI probe of Kavanaugh will look beyond allegations of attempted rape leveled against the conservative federal appeals court judge by Dr Christine Blasey Ford at a dramatic Senate hearing this week.

Trump bowed to pressure from moderate Senate Republicans and ordered the FBI investigation after Thursday's Senate hearing, during which Ford, a California university professor, detailed her claims that Kavanaugh tried to rape her at a party in 1982 when the two were still high school teenagers.

Kavanaugh has denied both Ford's and Ramirez's allegations.

It comes as a former Yale University classmate of Kavanaugh's said he was 'deeply troubled' by what he described as a blatant mischaracterization by Kavanaugh of his drinking.

Trump ordered the FBI investigation after Thursday's Senate hearing, during which Dr Christine Blasey Ford detailed her claims that Kavanaugh tried to rape her at a party in 1982

Charles 'Chad' Ludington now teaches at North Carolina State University. He said in a statement released Sunday that he was a friend of Kavanaugh's at Yale and sometimes drank with him.

Ludington described Kavanaugh as 'a frequent drinker, and a heavy drinker.' He said that on many occasions he heard Kavanaugh slur his words and saw him stagger from alcohol consumption, and was often belligerent and aggressive when drunk.

Ludington said he plans to speak to the FBI.

On Saturday, NBC News reported that the White House had constrained the FBI investigation by limiting its parameters. Trump denied that story, tweeting that 'Actually, I want them to interview whoever they deem appropriate, at their discretion.'

White House spokesman Raj Shah said the Senate had set the 'scope and duration' of the FBI probe, which is supposed to be wrapped up in a week. 'The White House is letting the FBI agents do what they are trained to do,' Shah said.

Michael Avenatti, the attorney for a third Kavanaugh accuser, Julie Swetnick, said in an email to Reuters that his client has not been contacted by investigators.
Christine Blasey Ford's legal team says the FBI has not made contact with them in the Brett Kavanaugh probe that Donald Trump ordered Friday.

A journalist from the New York Times spoke to a lawyer representing the woman who accused the Supreme Court Justice nominee of sexually assaulting her in the 1980s, and the federal investigators have not consulted her for help with their research into his background.

A tweet Sunday shared a statement from Debra Katz, which claimed Dr Ford's team has tried to initiate a conversation themselves but to no avail.

Christine Blasey Ford's legal teams says the FBI has not made contact with them

The Brett Kavanaugh probe is supposed to be completed in the next five days

'NEW: FBI has not responded to requests from Christine Blasey Ford to do an interview,' journalist Sheryl Gay Stolberg wrote on Twitter Sunday morning.

She added the attorney said: 'We have not heard from the FBI, despite repeated efforts to speak with them.'

Trump denied the investigation may not be entirely fair in a tweet Saturday night.

He referred to an NBC story that reported he could be cherry-picking the people they speak to possibly have a different outcome.

'NBC News incorrectly reported (as usual) that I was limiting the FBI investigation of Judge Kavanaugh, and witnesses, only to certain people,' he posted. 'Actually, I want them to interview whoever they deem appropriate, at their discretion. Please correct your reporting!'

The US President had previously ordered the supplemental investigation a day after Ford and Kavanaugh testified in front of the Judiciary Committee Thursday.

'I've ordered the FBI to conduct a supplemental investigation to update Judge Kavanaugh's file. As the Senate has requested, this update must be limited in scope and completed in less than one week,' Trump said.

ABC News also reported a source had told them no one from the FBI had contacted Ford's team by Sunday.

President Donald Trump ordered a one-week supplemental probe by the FBI Friday

Trump denied the investigation may not be entirely fair in a tweet Saturday night

On Sunday, a New York Times journalist said Ford's lawyer told her the FBI had not been in touch with their legal team

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said the probe would include talking to Ford, as well as a second accuser Deborah Ramirez.

Ramirez alleges Kavanaugh exposed himself to her at Yale college.

Attorney John Clune confirmed on Saturday the Ramirez team had been contacted by FBI.

'We can confirm the FBI has reached out to interview Ms. Ramirez and she has agreed to cooperate with their investigation. Out of respect for the integrity of the process, we will have no further comment at this time,' Clune said.

Republican Senator Lindsey said the probe would include talking to Ford, as well as a second accuser Deborah Ramirez

Julie Swetnick, the third woman to make public allegations about Judge Kavanaugh, had not been contacted by FBI regarding the matter according to her lawyer Michael Avenatti.

There had been some confusion as to whether Swetnick would be a part of this FBI investigation after a White House official told NBC News her accusations were not to be included.

The outlet reported the FBI had a list of people they could interview made up of Mark Judge, Ramirez, Ford's high school friend Leland Keyser, who has previously said she was not told about the assault, and P.J. Smyth, who was at the party where Ford claims the incident took place.

Deborah Ramirez alleges Kavanaugh exposed himself to her at Yale college

Second accuser Deborah Ramirez (left) had been contacted by the FBI her lawyer said Saturday but third accuser Julie Swetnick (right) reportedly hadn't

However Trump seemingly said Swetnick's claims may be a part of the probe when he said that the FBI would have 'free rein'.

'Theyre going to do whatever they have to do,' he said. 'Whatever it is they do, theyll be doingthings that we never even thought of. And hopefully at the conclusion everything will be fine.'

Kavanaugh's high school friend Mark Judge was said to be on the list of FBI interviewees

People who went to high school with Kavanaugh are also expected to speak about his character after Republican Senator Jeff Flake pushed for the confirmation of the Supreme Court Judge nominee this week.

Ford's lawyer said that the probe should not be given such a tight time frame.

Katz said: 'A thorough FBI investigation is critical to developing all the relevant facts. Dr Christine Blasey Ford welcomes this step in the process, and appreciates the efforts of Senators Flake, Murkowski, Manchin and Collins - and all other senators who have supported an FBI investigation - to ensure it is completed before the Senate votes on Judge Kavanaugh's nomination.

'No artificial limits as to time or scope should be imposed on this investigation.'

Kavanaugh has been linked to excessive drinking and inappropriate behavior with women as part of the accusations.

The FBI investigation was called to see whether any of the claims may stand to be true as Republications say the women coming forward are part of a Liberal agenda to attack Trump and their political party.
Tech companies have been criticised for not doing enough to help tackle the problem of children as young as 12 being used as drug mules.

Crime Minister Victoria Atkins said Uber and Airbnb must train cab drivers and people using the app to rent out homes to identify youngsters who have been groomed by county lines gangs.

The gangs lure boys and girls to be couriers to flood market towns and seaside resorts with heroin and crack cocaine.

There are more than 1,400 county line gangs  named after the lucrative telephone lines used to organise the illegal trade  making an estimated 1.8 billion annual profit between them [File photo]

Exploited children, who are offered hundreds of pounds a week and designer clothes, travel vast distances on trains and in taxis, including Uber cars.

Once they reach their destination, they stay in properties rented by gangs, increasingly short-term lets and Airbnb homes.

Mrs Atkins said: Any help that major organisations like Uber can give would be very welcome.

These huge companies are under quite a lot of public attention in terms of their corporate social responsibility and it would be very interesting if [they] could help us.

She told the Sunday Telegraph: This is not just a policing matter. We need to make people aware its happening so theyre alert to it. We also need the help of train operators, taxi drivers and local authorities.

Exploited children travel vast distances on trains and in taxis, including in Uber cars. They stay in properties rented by gangs, increasingly short-term lets and Airbnb homes [File photo]

The mother of a child groomed by a county lines gang welcomed the ministers comments. She said: These kids are operating right under the noses of British Transport Police, on trains, in taxis and in Ubers, but no one is asking anything.

It is believed there are more than 1,400 county line gangs  named after the lucrative telephone lines used to organise the illegal trade  making an estimated 1.8 billion annual profit between them.

Last month, Home Secretary Sajid Javid announced the opening of a new 3.6million National County Lines Co-ordination Centre, which will allow police forces to share intelligence and target gangs operating over a wide area.

A spokesman for Airbnb said it worked closely with authorities in relevant investigations and to train its users.

Uber declined to comment.
A convicted IRA bomber is tonight confronted on live TV over his suspected role in the Birmingham pub bombings of 1974.

The man, who cannot be named on websites visible in Northern Ireland, was approached by investigative reporter John Ware as he left a Tesco in Belfast.

In the documentary screened on ITV tonight, the man denies planting the bombs or knowing that the bombings were going to take place.

He responded to further questions with: 'I've got nothing to say... Well, you can ask what you want, but I'm not going to answer... You're wasting your time.'

The suspect's solicitor told ITV: 'Our client denies all the allegations... and does not intend to respond any further to the unfounded allegations you have made.'

Investigator John Ware confronts a man over his alleged role in the Birmingham attacks in 1974

Firemen at work following the bomb attacks in Birmingham city centre that targeted the Mulberry Bush pub and the Tavern in the Town

A body is carried from the Mulberry Bush pub in Birmingham after it was wrecked by a bomb in 1974

The suspect will be named on ITV but newspapers in Northern Ireland and websites that can be viewed there have chosen not to name him.

This is because recent laws providing protections against libel claims do not apply in Northern Ireland.

The confrontation is an excerpt from a new documentary by the journalist on the pub bombings and who was behind them, which is due to be broadcast at 10.45pm tonight.

In the documentary, journalist John Ware names an alleged fellow bomb planter as James Francis Gavin, then 34. The former British soldier lived in Bordesley Green and has previously been reported to have taken delivery of the bombs.

James Gavin is named as a fellow alleged bomber in the documentary. He died in 2002 after being jailed for handling explosives

Gavin, under the alias James Kelly, stood trial alongside the wrongly convicted 'Birmingham Six' group and was convicted of handling explosives and handed a one-year sentence, fleeing to Ireland upon his release. He died in 2002.

ITV's The Hunt For The Birmingham Bombers comes days after the Court of Appeal backed a coroner's decision not to allow the forthcoming resumed inquests into the deaths of the bomb victims to examine who was responsible for the atrocity, Britain's biggest unsolved terror crime.

Announcing the Court of Appeal's decision over the forthcoming resumed inquests, Lord Burnett said coroner Sir Peter Thornton had made 'no error of law' when he ruled in July 2017 that trying to identify suspected bombers would be unlawful because the inquests could be seen as 'taking on the role of a proxy trial'.

Campaigners said the hearings will be 'utterly redundant' without discussing who built and planted the bombs that decimated two city centre pubs 44 years ago.

Speaking near a memorial to the victims in the grounds of Birmingham's Anglican Cathedral, members of Justice4the21 said they were seeking legal advice with a view to an appeal.

Julie Hambleton (left), whose sister Maxine (right) was 18 when she was killed in the bombings, said on Wednesday: 'We will continue to fight for truth, justice and accountability'

Julie Hambleton, whose sister Maxine was 18 when she was killed in the bombings, said on Wednesday: 'We feel as though we've been punched in the stomach again. What we do, we do for 21 people who aren't here to do it for themselves. They don't have a voice, they don't have a physical presence, but we do so we are their voice.

'Without the perpetrator issue how can you ever possibly finish the jigsaw? You have got a major part of it missing.'

AN IRA ATROCITY AND 44 YEARS OF HEARTBREAK Thursday, November 21, 1974: Bombings in two Birmingham pubs leave 21 dead and 222 injured. They are said to be revenge for the death of IRA member James McDade, who blew himself up trying to plant explosives in Coventry. Hours later, five men are arrested in Heysham, Lancashire, and a sixth is arrested in Birmingham. November 24: Patrick Hill, Hugh Callaghan, John Walker, Richard McIlkenny, Gerard Hunter and Billy Power are charged with murder. June/August 1975: Trial at Lancaster Crown Court. 'The Six' are sentenced to life imprisonment. October 1985: TV's World In Action questions forensic tests. A book is then published claiming three unnamed men were behind the bombings. January 1987: The home secretary refers case to the Court of Appeal. The appeal is later dismissed. A 1990 TV drama then names four 'real' bombers. March 14, 1991: The Six are freed by the Court of Appeal after 16 years in prison. October 1993: Perjury case against three former West Midlands police involved in the charging of the Birmingham Six is dismissed. June 1, 2016: Senior coroner for Birmingham rules to resume the inquests. The original hearings were not continued after jailing of The Six. September 29, 2018: Families lose their legal battle to name those responsible for the bombings in the inquests. Advertisement

Ms Hambleton added: We are clearly very disappointed and we feel rejected but we will continue to fight for truth, justice and accountability.

'We will take stock, speak to our legal team and get their assessment of the decision - and then either decide appeal or just to continue on with the inquest process. We will dust ourselves down and continue to fight'.

Sir Peter challenged a High Court ruling made earlier this year which ordered him to reconsider his decision to exclude an inquiry into the identities of those who 'planted, planned, procured and authorised the bombs'.

The bombings in two city centre pubs, widely believed to be the work of the IRA, killed 21 people and injured 182, making it the deadliest peacetime attack in the UK at the time.

Six men, known as the Birmingham Six, were imprisoned for the murders and served 17 years behind bars in one of Britain's most infamous miscarriages of justice before their convictions were quashed.

Five West Midlands Police officers were charged with perverting the course of justice in connection with the original criminal investigation, but a judge ruled in 1993 that a fair trial would be impossible.

During the appeal proceedings before the three judges in July, lawyers for the coroner said the hearings will not resolve the ''enduring injustice' for victims and their families.

Peter Skelton QC, representing the coroner, said the victims, their families and the public interest 'cannot be served' by a promised resolution that 'cannot be delivered'.

Two High Court judges, sitting in Birmingham in January, quashed the decision by Sir Peter to exclude the 'perpetrator issue' from the new hearings.

Their ruling followed a judicial review brought on behalf of the bereaved families by Julie Hambleton, whose sister Maxine was 18 when she was killed in the bombings.

A man grips an ambulance bar in pain after being among more than 180 people injured in two blasts seven minutes apart

Hugh Southey QC, representing the families, told the appeal judges: 'There is the utmost public interest in the proper investigation of who was responsible for the Birmingham bombings.

Why can't the suspect be named online? Websites available in Northern Ireland are unable to name the man because recent laws providing protections against libel claims do not apply in Northern Ireland. The Defamation Act 2013 Act requires claimants to show actual or probable serious harm and provides a public interest defence, which would normally apply in cases like this one. But it was blocked in the Northern Ireland Assembly despite campaigners' insistence the province's libel laws have not been altered for 175 years. Advertisement

'The families of the deceased said to the appellant (Sir Peter) that the investigation of this issue was so important to them that if it did not form part of the scope of the inquest 'we may as well not have an inquest at all'.'

On the evening of 21 November 1974, hundreds of people were spending the evening drinking in two busy pubs in the centre of Birmingham - the Mulberry Bush and the Tavern In The town.

Many were young office workers out with friends and work colleagues.

A man with an Irish accent telephoned the Birmingham Post newspaper with a warning at 8.11pm but it was too late.

At 8.18pm a bomb in a duffel bag exploded in the Mulberry Bush, killing 10 people. Two minutes later another blast at the Tavern In The Town killed 11 people.
After the NRL Grand Final, players from both sides were seen celebrating with - or being consoled by - their wives and girlfriends.

And it was no different after the women's NRL decider, where triumphant Brisbane Broncos captain Ali Brigginshaw was seen giving her girlfriend Kate Daly a passionate kiss after leading her team to glory over the Sydney Roosters.

In front of a crowd of 16,214 and a nationwide television audience, the pair embraced for a personal post-match celebration.

The halfback for the Brisbane side celebrated her win over the New South Wales team with a passionate kiss with her girlfriend Kate Daly on Sunday

The 28-year-old said her partner has been a driving force behind her success, and she wasn't going to shy away from expressing it.

'Kate is the reason why I train hard; my family is a reason I train hard, and I go up and give them a big hug and a kiss and that doesn't mean any different to when I go up and give her a kiss,' she told the Brisbane Times.

'It's hard being away playing rugby league all the time, I'm away from home a lot, but having her here today allows her to see how hard I work. I told her I had just one more job to do, and that was to win the grand final.'

The Broncos captain also said she wanted to support gay and lesbian footy fans.

The 28-year-old said her partner has been a driving force behind her success, and she wasn't going to shy away from expressing it

'Little girls might grow up to love the same sex, and I want them to see they don't need to be ashamed of it. I walk around the street holding Kate's hand because I'm not ashamed of it,' she said.

After 60 hard-fought minutes, the Broncos charged to victory over the Sydney Roosters with a final score of 34-12 at Sydney's ANZ Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

'To have my family and Kate here is a huge thing,' Brigginshaw added.

'My family don't normally travel. I knew they'd be here today and to win the first NRLW title is just surreal.'
President Donald Trump is bashing Democrats for questioning the timing and scope of the FBI probe into the sexual allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

'Wow! Just starting to hear the Democrats, who are only thinking Obstruct and Delay, are starting to put out the word that the 'time' and 'scope' of FBI looking into Judge Kavanaugh and witnesses is not enough. Hello! For them, it will never be enough - stay tuned and watch!,' the president tweeted on Sunday afternoon.

His tweet came shortly before former FBI director James Comey published an op-ed in The New York Times about what the agency was being asked to do, writing 'the F.B.I. is up for this. Its not as hard as Republicans hope it will be.'

President Donald Trump is bashing Democrats for questioning the timing and scope of the FBI probe into the sexual allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh

'F.B.I. agents are experts at interviewing people and quickly dispatching leads to their colleagues around the world to follow with additional interviews. Unless limited in some way by the Trump administration, they can speak to scores of people in a few days, if necessary,' Comey wrote.

'They will confront people with testimony and other accounts, testing them and pushing them in a professional way. Agents have much better nonsense detectors than partisans, because they arent starting with a conclusion,' he added.

Comey dismissed concerns about how long ago the incident took place, writing agents know that 'Significance drives memory. They also know that little lies point to bigger lies. They know that obvious lies by the nominee about the meaning of words in a yearbook are a flashing signal to dig deeper.'

And Trump's tweet comes as Democrats have raised concerns about the limited number of witnesses being questioned by the FBI and as Trump officials claim the White House is not 'micromanaging' the probe.

Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota has expressed concern over reports the White House is limiting the scope of the FBI investigation

Democrats like Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota have expressed concern over reports that only four witnesses will be questioned by the FBI in their investigation at the direction of the White House.

'What we are hearing are reports that they are trying to limit this,' Klobuchar said on CNN's 'State of the Union' Sunday. 'I'm very concerned about this because the White House should not be allowed to micromanage an FBI investigation.'

She expressed concern some people who knew Kavanaugh when he was at Yale University would not be interviewed about their recollections of him drinking, some of whom claim he drank to excess at times.

'You have these other people from parts of his life who have said that he was belligerent when he was drunk and other things. Now, they have not been interviewed by the FBI,' she said.

Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono said she hoped the investigation wasn't a farce.

'To limit the FBI as to the scope and who they're going to question, that really  I wanted to use the word farce, but that's not the kind of investigation that all of us are expecting the FBI to conduct,' she said Sunday on ABC's 'This Week.'

Both Klobuchar and Hirono sit on the Senate Judiciary Committee and questioned Kavanaugh on Thursday. Klobuchar specifically asked him about his drinking, including if he had ever drunk so much he 'didn't remember what happened the night before or part of what happened.'

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said the administration is not micromanaging the FBI investigation into the allegations against Brett Kavanaugh

'You're asking about blackout. I don't know, have you?' Kavanaugh responded.

'Could you answer the question, judge?' Klobuchar said.

She told CNN she was 'stunned' at his behavior.

'I was really stunned by how he acted at that hearing. This is basically a job interview for the highest court of the land,' Klobuchar said.

Meanwhile, White House officials took to the Sunday morning shows to defend the investigation, saying it was being done at the direction of the Senate.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders vowed the administration 'is not micromanaging' the FBI investigation into the charges against the Supreme Court nominee.

'The White House is not micromanaging this process. The Senate is dictating the terms,' Sanders said on 'Fox News Sunday.'

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said Kavanaugh is not a 'stumbling bumbling drunk gang rapist' so there is no need to question his college classmates about his drinking

Questions have arisen about who the FBI will be speaking to in its probe, particularly if investigators will question Julie Swetnick, who has accused Kavanaugh and his Georgetown Prep friend Mark Judge of being part of a group of boys that drugged and raped women.

Agents are going to interview Judge as they investigate Christine Blasey Ford's allegation that Kavanaugh held her to a bed, tried to take off her clothes and covered her mouth when she screamed when they were at a high school party in the 1980s.

Judge will also be questioned about Swentick, according to reports.

Kavanaugh as denied all allegations against him.

Then there are the questions as to why the FBI won't speak to Kavanaugh's high school and college classmates who have said in interviews with reporters that Kavanaugh drank heavily, including some who claimed he drank to excess.

White House counsel Don McGahn, working with Senate Republicans, came up with the list of four witnesses: Judge; Leland Keyser, a high school friend of Ford's whom she said attended the high school party in question but was not told of Kavanaugh's alleged assault on Ford; P.J. Smyth, another guest at the high school party; and Debra Ramirez, who charged Kavanaugh with exposing himself to her during a college party when they were both students at Yale University, thrusting his penis in her face and forcing her to touch it when she pushed him away.

Sanders said she's not aware if McGahn has given the FBI a witness list of who agents can and cannot talk to.

White House counselor Kellyanne Conway reiterated the administration would not interfere in the investigation

'The White House counsel has allowed the Senate to dictate what these terms look like and what the scope of the investigation is. Again, the White House isn't intervening, we are not micromanaging this process. This is a Senate process, it has been from the beginning. We are letting the Senate continues to dictate what the terms look like,' she said.

She said it was up to the Senate if Swetnick was to be interviewed.

'That's a question you would have to ask the Senate. That's not something the White House is engaging in,' Sanders said on Fox.

But, she cautioned, the FBI investigation will not become a fishing expedition.

'This can't become a fishing expedition like the Democrats would like to see it be,' she said.

Trump insisted on Saturday the FBI has been given 'free rein' in the reopened probe, writing in a tweet: 'I want them to interview whoever they deem appropriate, at their discretion.'

And Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said Kavanaugh is not a 'stumbling bumbling drunk gang rapist' so there is no need to question his college classmates about his drinking.

'I think you're trying to portray him as a stumbling bumbling drunk gang rapist who during high school and college was Bill Cosby. Six FBI background checks over the years would have uncovered this,' Graham said on ABC's 'This Week,' when asked why the FBI would not be interviewing Yale University students who claimed to have seen Kavanaugh binge drinking.

Graham repeated his defense when he was asked a second time if Kavanaugh's school contemporaries should be interviewed.

Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono said she hoped the investigation wasn't a farce

'He has had six FBI background checks. He has been on the political stage for 26 years. He's not a stumbling, bumbling drunk. I don't believe that you could accomplish what he has accomplished, to have been a serial rapist in high school, and stop it for the rest of your life,' he said.

Sanders also went on the attack, echoing a Republican charge against Democrats and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, that they knew about Ford's allegation but didn't make it handle it as they should have.

'Dianne Feinstein and her staff knew about these accusations. If they could have done all of this in a private way to protect Dr. Ford. Instead, for the people that claim to champion women, Democrats have exploited Dr. Ford, have exploited this process and I think it's been totally disgraceful,' she said.

She said Ford's testimony before the committee on Thursday was 'compelling' and that she was obviously a victim of an attack but noted there was no proof it was Kavanaugh who was the perpetrator.

'Nobody could deny that her testimony wasn't compelling, that it wasn't impactful and certainly it appears something happened to this woman and I don't think there's anybody in America who would condone that or be okay with that,' Sanders said. 'I do think the big question is was that Brett Kavanaugh and I think based on his testimony and the information he provided you can easily come away and say it wasn't.'

She added: 'I don't think anyone of us can know 100 percent, but I think we have to look at the information that's provided. It is no doubt that her story is heartbreaking and it's heart wrenching to watch it. I've watched it a number of times. Again, I think you have to look at Brett Kavanaugh's testimony as well. Equally heartbreaking. Look at the destruction of his family, look at how this is played out.'

In their separate testimonies on Thursday, both Ford and Kavanaugh said they were '100 percent' certain of their stories.

Kavanaugh delivered a fighting end to his Senate testimony when asked directly if he was innocent of claims he tried to rape Ford or had any doubts about his integrity.

'100 per cent. Not a scintilla. Swear to God,' he said.

Ford recounted in her dramatic testimony how Kavanaugh pinned her to a bed, tried to take off her clothes and covered her mouth when she tried to scream during a high school party in the 1980s.

She dismissed theories a Kavanaugh-look-alike attacked her instead.

When asked her degree of certainty it was Kavanaugh, Ford leaned down into the microphone and said: '100 percent.'

And on CNN, Kellyanne Conway reiterated the administration would not interfere in the investigation.

'The White House is not getting in the FBI investigation that way. The president very much respects the Independence of the FBI and said feels, as he said last night, that they should look at anything in this limited scope,' she said on 'State of the Union.'
Police have launched an investigation after a partial human skeleton was found uncovered in a north London graveyard.

A man has been interviewed under caution after the partial human skeleton, jawbone and other human remains were discarded at Tottenham Park Cemetery in Enfield.

The private cemetery, owned by Tottenham Park Cemetery Ltd, has been dubbed the cemetery of shame for its deplorable conditions leaving people unable to visit their dead relativess graves.

It is already facing questions over its upkeep as relatives have complained that waist high weeds and a lack of pathways prevents them from visiting their loved-oness graves.

A human jawbone (pictured) was discovered lodged between two graves at the Tottenham Park Cemetery in early June

Baroness Hussein-Ece said that broken gravestones (left) are commonplace in the cemetery. The Tottenham Park Cemetery (right) has been branded the 'cemetery of shame' due to conditions which the TPCAG call 'deplorable'.

Baroness Hussein-Ece (left) with her mother, Ayshe (right), who died last year

Speaking to MailOnline, cemetery visitor Baroness Hussein-Ece said: Its got to crisis point. We call it the cemetery of shame the idea that these bones are just appearing is quite shocking.

In early June, what appeared to resemble a human jawbone was found lodged between two graves by visitors at the Tottenham Park Cemetery in Edmonton, Enfield.

More remains were discovered to be scattered on the ground nearby and were then collected and given to Edmonton Green police station along with the jawbone.

In a written statement, police said: The bones were forensically examined and confirmed as human.

An investigation continues to establish how the bones came to be there. As part of this investigation a man has been interviewed under caution.

A collection of bones were found among the graves at the cemetery on September 14 and have been sent away for forensic examination

More than a month later on August 29, visitors to Tottenham Park Cemetery found further bones which looked similar to those discovered in June.

On September 14, this mystery then took a terrifying turn when locals stumbled upon more remains which were described by police as a dismantled human-looking partial skeleton.

Both of these sets of bones have been sent for forensic assessment for confirmation.

The cemetery has had a history of similar events when a whole skeleton was found in the chapel in 2015.

Tottenham Park Cemetery has been the site of much despair for some of its visitors who say the conditions are so deplorable they cannot access their dead relativess graves.

Liberal Democrat peer Baroness Hussein-Ece is leading the Tottenham Park Cemetery Action Group (TPCAG) which is campaigning for the cemetery to be better maintained.

Speaking to MailOnline, she said: The weeds are chest high and its impossible to walk around without falling over other graves.

Since the early 1970s, the cemetery was used as a burial site for mainly British-Turkish Cypriots and Asian families.

Baroness Hussein-Ece, who was the first Turkish Cypriot woman to join the House of Lords, has family buried in the cemetery.

She told MailOnline that, before she died, her mother could not access her late husbands grave because the severe overgrowth blocked access.

She said: In the final years of her life as her mobility became limited she was unable to visit my fathers grave because of lack of proper pathways, overgrown weeds and it was too dangerous.

Baroness Hussein-Ece added: She passed away last year and since [that] Ive been campaigning to ensure she, my family and everyone whose loved ones are laid to rest at TPC are treated with the dignity and respect we would expect in any cemetery.

More bones were found in late August and September. Such as the one pictured here.

Baroness Hussein-Ece said that the private cemetery (pictured) is badly managed but owners said that it is the responsibility of plot holders to keep their burial site clean

The gravestone of Mary Ann Bullen (pictured), who lived to the age of 104, has been broken and left in the mud

A photo tweeted by the TPCAG shows the broken headstone for Mary Anne Bullen which has been left in the mud.

In a tweet, the TPCAG said: RIP Mary Ann Bullen with your daughter. You lived a magnificent 104 years. You deserve more respect than this.

Tottenham Park Cemetery Ltd who did not wish to provide a comment on the appearance of bones.

They said that the photographs which show severe overgrowth in the cemetery are old and that the grounds have since been maintained.

They said: Maintenance operations have been carried out in the Cemetery on a regular basis throughout the summer, and there are no areas with that amount of undergrowth present.

They added: It is the responsibility of each holder of the deed of right of burial to keep their own plot clean and clear and this photograph illustrates that in the past some people have failed to do so.

Baroness Hussein-Ece does not agree and said that the cemetery is still in a dangerous state. She said that she is campaigning for a change in the law to bring private burial grounds under the same regulations as public ones.
Michael Gove today said a new 'Natasha's Law' could be brought in to force food chains to label products properly after the tragic death of a teen who ate sesame seeds in a Pret sandwich.

The Environment Secretary said his 'heart went out' to the parents of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, 15, who died from a fatal allergic reaction.

He said the case the family was making for a change in the law was 'compelling', pledging to 'act quickly'.

Under current EU rules, if food contains any of 14 different types of allergens it must be highlighted on the label.

However, a loophole means this only applies to pre-packaged food that is already made before it reaches the shop or restaurant in which it is being sold.

Non-prepackaged food does not have to have a specific label attached to the specific food, according to the current law.

Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, 15 (pictured) was on a dream trip to Nice with her best friend and her father when she ate the sandwich laced with sesame seeds not listed on the label

The teenager's parents Tanya and Nadim (pictured on ITV's GMB today) have urged a change in the law to ensure there is no repeat of the tragedy

Michael Gove (pictured today speaking to the Tory conference) promised a post-Brexit overhaul of food labelling rules today, insisting quitting the EU will improve safety for consumers

In an interview with ITV News at the Tory conference in Birmingham tonight, Mr Gove said of the teenager's parents Tanya and Nadim: 'I cant imagine the grief theyve had to suffer. To lose a daughter to lose anyone in circumstances like that is heart rending.

'So I think they are absolutely right to say that the law needs to be addressed, and one of the things that Ive done as soon as I heard about the coroners case and the request that he made of my department is ask civil servants in the dept what we could do how we could review the law how we could change things.

'We are already looking at how we can review labelling in order to keep people safe but this tragic case only underlines the importance of acting urgently.

Mr Gove went on: 'I think their case is compelling and we need to act quickly in order to ensure that we have the best possible protection in place.

'But theres no-one who would want anything like whats happened to Natashas family to happen to someone they love.

'Of course, we have got high food standards here but weve got to get the industry and others into the room to make sure we have the protections required to make sure we never have a case like this again in the future.'

Mr Gove said it would be an 'immensely fitting and appropriate tribute' to name the new law after Natasha.

'If something good can come out of it and we can remember her memory in a way which means that theres a law which provides protection then I think that would be a lovely thing,' he said.

Earlier, Mr Gove told the Tory conference in Birmingham quitting the EU would allow the development of a brand new 'food strategy for Britain'.

Mr Gove said: 'We will reform food labelling so that we uphold the highest animal welfare standards and give consumers the information they need to stay safe.'

In his main announcement, the Environment Secretary announced plans to use food destined to be dumped by the major retailers to provide 250 million meals to those in need.

The collaboration, involving the supermarkets, charities and the Government, will prevent food with a retail value of close to 1billion being thrown away.

Michael Gove (pictured at the Tory conference today) had launched a pioneering initiative to end the scandal of supermarket food waste

The Environment Secretary (pictured addressing Tory activists today) announced plans to use food destined to be dumped by the major retailers to provide 250 million meals to those in need

Mr Gove said: Nobody wants to see good food go to waste. It harms our environment, its bad for business  and its morally indefensible. Every year, around 100,000 tonnes of readily available and perfectly edible food is never eaten. This has got to change.

The 15million pilot project will help establish a national scheme to distribute food that is going out of date to local charities and voluntary groups who will send out meals.

Recipients could include school breakfast clubs, old peoples homes, disabled groups and the homeless.

The new scheme will focus on fresh produce rather than store cupboard staples. Junk food will be discouraged.

In some cases fresh food, such as fruit, vegetables, bread and meat, will be distributed directly. In others, volunteers will use it to produce meals for distribution.

Last year, the group FareShare distributed 28.6 million meals using surplus food.

Charity in memory of boss's tragic son The Felix Project was founded in memory of a 14-year-old boy who died suddenly from a rare strain of meningitis. Newspaper chairman Justin Byam Shaw and his wife Jane set up the charity in 2016 after the death of their son Felix. It collects surplus produce from food suppliers and delivers it free to charities, schools, community halls and food banks. The food is used to make hot, nutritious meals or snacks for those in need. Produce from more than 200 wholesalers, retailers and manufacturers including Sainsbury's, Amazon Fresh, Fortnum & Masons, Waitrose, Mash, Tilda and Natoora is saved from going to landfill. Food for nearly 3 million meals a year is provided to over 200 charities and schools by 15 staff and over 400 volunteers with a fleet of 15 vans from two depots in London. Backers include musicians Mumford & Sons and Michael Kiwanuka. Advertisement

Food waste campaigner Ben Elliot welcomed the move, saying the amount of food dumped by the major supermarkets was a scandal.

Mr Elliot, a businessman who volunteers with a charity called the Felix Project, which distributes surplus food in London, said: We all know that food is often perfectly good long after the best before date set by the supermarket. It is a scandal that so much is thrown away. It is indefensible that you can have a homeless person sat just a few yards away while sacks of food are taken away to be dumped.

There are already lots of people getting involved in trying to make sure this food gets to where it is needed, but this initiative can make a real difference in setting up a proper infrastructure.

Government-funded waste reduction group Wrap estimates the retail sector is responsible for about 260,000 tonnes of food waste every year, more than half of which could be used. Existing schemes already distribute about 43,000 tonnes of surplus food every year.

But Wrap estimates that a further 100,000 tonnes of food is currently going to waste which could be salvaged.

Mr Gove has now secured 15million from the Treasury to fund a one-year scheme, with the hope it will be extended indefinitely.

A Whitehall source said: Michael is horrified by the amount of food going to waste. There are lots of groups out there who want to help and many of the supermarkets are willing to co-operate. But there is a distribution problem of getting the food from where it is to the people who need it. That is where we believe there is a role for Government.

Ministers will consult on the exact design of the scheme later this year. But sources stressed that none of the money will go to the supermarkets.

Much of supermarket food waste is used in animal feed or to generate energy using so-called anaerobic digesters. But some is sent to landfill. Across the world, around one-third of all food is thrown away. In the UK alone, official figures show that 10.2 million tonnes of food is wasted every year.

The new scheme is part of a wider Resources and Waste strategy to be published by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural affairs later this year.

This is likely to include a number of measures to encourage families to try and cut the amount of food they throw away.
The family of murdered policeman Keith Palmer have accused Scotland Yard of 'feeling like they are on trial' at his inquest.

Miss Michelle Palmer, the sister to Mr Palmer who was killed in last year's Westminster Bridge attack, said the family feel they are treated as if they had 'come below' terrorist Khalid Masood.

Last year, Masood killed five people after driving onto Westminster Bridge in London and mowing down pedestrians.

PC Keith Palmer, pictured left hours before he died, was killed in last year's Westminster Bridge attack. He was knifed to death outside Parliament, despite being unarmed, by Islamist terrorist Khalid Masood, right

Emergency services pictured at the scene outside the Palace of Westminster, London, where PC Keith Palmer was fatally stabbed on March 22nd 2017

Masood drove a Hyundai into the railings of Parliament, and ran into New Palace Yard before stabbing PC Keith Palmer.

Palmer was unarmed and did not have a stun gun.

The late policeman's sisters, Miss Michelle Palmer and Mrs Angela Clark, want to find out why their brother was unarmed at the time of the attack in March last year.

They also want to find out if having armed officers nearby would have prevented his death.

Muslim convert and terrorist Masood was only stopped after he was shot dead by a security close protection officer, who was reportedly the then-defence secretary Michael Fallon's bodyguard.

The sisters said they fear not getting the truth about why their brother was left unprotected that day [File photo]

Mr Palmer was stationed at Carriage Gates, the MP's entrance to Parliament at the time of the attack.

The sisters said they fear not getting the truth about why their brother was left unprotected that day.

The sisters insisted they faced hostility from the Metropolitan Police in the inquest process and worried that younger officers were being scapegoated for security breaches that enabled Masood to drive into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge.

The sisters also spoke on behalf of their mother, aged 71, at the inquest.

Miss Palmer told The Times: 'Keith gave his life and we are left with no answers.

'Eighteen months on we were hoping for some closure, but were not going to have that.

'We are not valued, not wanted, we feel like we are on trial.'

Official documents from Scotland Yard have shown two armed officers were supposed to remain on the gates on the day of the attack in March 2017.

Mr Palmer was stationed at Carriage Gates, the MP's entrance to Parliament at the time of the attack. The sisters said they fear not getting the truth about why their brother was left unprotected that day

Prime Minister Theresa May is pictured laying a floral tribute outside parliament a year after the attack

However, the inquest was told officers had been instructed to carry out 'roving patrols', which means guarding a designated area.

They had been ordered to do this verbally, instead of having the armed duty officers at the gates as planned.

The Palmer family cannot get legal aid to probe whether an armed duty officer would have shot Masood dead before the killer had a chance to knife Palmer.

The chief coroner will sum up the inquest on Wednesday.

The day will coincide with what would of been Mr Palmer's 50th birthday.

The inquest continues.
Theresa May will today pledge a new law to ban restaurants from taking a cut of staff tips.

A string of restaurant chains have been exposed for taking deductions from tips left by customers and two years ago ministers pledged to take action.

The Prime Minister will say: The unemployment rate under this government is now the lowest since the 1970s  but we want to ensure that everyone is treated fairly in the workplace.

Theresa May at the Birmigham Tory Conference. She said she'd clamp down on tip cutting

Thats why we will introduce tough new legislation to ensure that workers get to keep all of their tips  banning employers from making any deductions.

Coffee shop chain Le Pain Quotidien was criticised for stopping paid breaks and for failing to pass on all staff tips following the increase in the minimum wage.

Pizza chain Zizzi was accused of slashing staff perks, including the amount of tips paid out. While Cote brasserie chain was accused of using automatic service charges to subsidise its waiters wages.

Pizza chain Zizzi was accused of slashing staff perks, including the amount of tips paid out

Other firms were taking ten per cent of the service charge if diners paid by card or were failing to make it clear that they did not have to pay a service charge or that tips did not go to staff.

Currently, there is a voluntary code of practice, introduced in 2009, to improve the information available on tips, gratuities, cover and service charges.

A new law will be introduced as soon as Parliamentary time allows, suggesting it will not come into force until next year.
Ruth Davidson will warn today that her party should unite over a Brexit deal or risk handing the keys of Downing Street to Jeremy Corbyn.

The leader of the Scottish Conservatives, 39, who is pregnant with her first child, arrived at the party conference hand in hand with her partner Jen Wilson, 36, yesterday.

Today she will warn the party needs to go back to our Conservative principles to agree on a Brexit deal.

Ruth Davidson will today warn that her party should unite over a Brexit deal or 'risk handing the keys of Downing Street to Jeremy Corbyn'

She will say: Its this practical, pragmatic and utterly Conservative approach that will get us through. Because, when the future of our country is at stake, it is essential. Heres the truth.

We can agree a Brexit deal under the Conservatives or we can risk handing the keys of Downing Street to Jeremy Corbyn.

I know which one I believe is in the national interest. I stand by the Prime Minister.

She will warn the party needs to go back to our Conservative principles to agree on a Brexit deal

Miss Davidson has frequently been touted as a future Tory leadership candidate. But she ruled out such a move last month and dismissed claims she could take a peerage or become an MP as b******s.

She revealed she did not want the top job because she values her mental health too much.

She has been together with marketing assistant Miss Wilson since 2014.
Benny the beluga appears to be in no hurry to return to sea and could remain in the Thames for months, experts warned yesterday.

The three-metre Arctic mammal has barely strayed from a two-mile stretch of water off Gravesend in Kent since it was first spotted last Tuesday.

It spent a sixth day hunting fish and crustaceans yesterday, delighting families who turned up in their droves to catch sight of its sleek white form with its distinctive, bulbous head.

Three-metre Arctic mammal has barely strayed from a two-mile stretch of water

The Port of London Authority (PLA) has banned vessels from travelling within 100 metres of Benny, who is being monitored for signs of distress. But officials admit these measures are not sustainable should Benny remain in the Thames for months.

Martin Garside, of the PLA, said there were discussions about rescuing the beluga should it become distressed.

But he said a mission to take it to sea was unlikely and logistically difficult, adding: Hes been in more or less the same spot for six days, which is a relief.

It spent sixth day hunting fish and crustaceans yesterday, delighting spectators

Port of London Authority has banned boats from travelling within 100 metres of Benny

But we have long-term worries in the event he doesnt head out to sea. We just hope he swims out on the next ebb tide.

This is the optimistic scenario, that he moves on soon. But weve had a dozen ebb tides since he turned up and he hasnt taken the hint.

Things will become quite precarious if there is any indication he is struggling to feed, or if he becomes ill or injured. Hes lost and needs to go home, but he appears to be adapting to the Thames easily.

Conservationists had hoped Benny, whose gender is not known, would drift out to the North Sea towards its natural habitat, 2,000 miles away.

Experts are relieved that Benny has not moved upstream towards central London, but admit they have long-term worries that the whale may refuse to budge.

Danny Groves, of the group Whale and Dolphin Conservation, said: Its a busy area for traffic and theres a fair amount of pollution which he could ingest.
Sales of Lego have fallen in Britain for the first time in 13 years amid fears that children are losing interest.

Sales were 269.6million in 2017  down 6 per cent on a year earlier  while profits dropped from 11.4million to 10.8million.

It came as Lego hired 88 extra staff to give it a UK workforce of 687 people.

The Danish firm has enjoyed years of success after gaining a fresh lease of life through tie-ups with brands including Star Wars

The Danish firm has enjoyed years of success after gaining a fresh lease of life through tie-ups with brands including Star Wars and Harry Potter.

But it is feared that the rise of smartphones and video games such as Fortnite are denting the appeal of its models.

Earlier this year, the company revealed that worldwide sales dropped 8 per cent to 4.2billion in 2017, while overall profits fell for the first time since 2003.

The sales figures equate to around 75billion Lego bricks a year, which are sold in more than 140 countries.

But it is feared that the rise of smartphones and video games such as Fortnite are denting the appeal of its models

British chief executive Bali Padda  the first non-Dane to hold the job  was axed last year after just eight months. He was replaced by Niels Christiansen, who vowed to make radical reforms.

He insisted there would be no easy solution to Legos woes, before cutting 1,400 jobs worldwide  or 8 per cent of the workforce.

Announcing the global results in March, Mr Christiansen said: There is no quick fix and it will take some time to achieve longer-term growth.
Sen Amy Klobuchar has revealed she was 'really stunned' by how Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh conducted himself during his testimony in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee last week.

The Minnesota Democrat shared her reactions to Thursday's nine-hour senate showdown in an interview with CNN on Sunday.

'I was really stunned by how he acted at that hearing. This is basically a job interview for the highest court of the land,' Klobuchar said.

Kavanaugh was described by hearing attendees and TV viewers as temperamental and combative when he testified in front of the committee directly after his accuser Christine Blasey Ford.

One of the most tense moments of his testimony came as he was questioned about his drinking habits by Sen Klobuchar.

Minnesota Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar has said she was 'really stunned' by the way Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh conducted himself when he testified in front of her and the rest of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday

Klobuchar reacted to Kavanaugh's behavior during his testimony in a CNN interview Sunday

When the committee member asked if he'd ever drank so much that he 'didn't remember what happened the night before or part of what happened', the embattled nominee responded: 'You're asking about blackout. I don't know, have you?'

A surprised look washed over Klobuchar's face before she pressed again: 'Could you answer the question, judge?'

Kavanaugh answered: 'Yeah, and I'm curious if you have.'

Sen Klobuchar replied: 'I have no drinking problem, judge,' as the time allotted for her line of questioning ran out.

Kavanaugh said: 'Nor do I,' just as a recess was called.

When they returned from the break Kavanaugh apologized to the senator, saying: 'I'm sorry I did that. This is a tough process.'

Klobuchar said she appreciated the apology before adding: 'When you have a parent that is an alcoholic, you are pretty careful about drinking.'

Kavanaugh delivered an emotionally-charged testimony in front of the committee directly after his accuser Christine Blasey Ford

The nominee was combative at several points during the hearing as he was questioned by Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Pictured (clockwise from top left): Cory Booker, Kamala Harris, Richard Blumenthal, Chris Coons and Amy Klobuchar

Recounting the tense exchange on Sunday, Klobuchar explained the motive behind her questions.

'One idea here is that he simply was drinking more than he was saying over this time period and that he didn't remember what happened, and so I was just simply trying to get at that and really couching it in the fact that I had alcoholism in my own family,' she said.

Klobuchar expressed skepticism at Kavanaugh's denial of ever having forgotten something after a night of drinking.

'It just doesn't make sense to me,' she said, 'because, first of all, you have these other people from parts of his life who have said that he was belligerent when he was drunk and other things.'

The day after the emotionally-charged hearings on Capitol Hill, President Trump ordered the FBI to reopen its background check into Kavanaugh, who has been accused of sexual assault and misconduct by three women.

The federal judge has unequivocally denied those allegations.
Business Secretary Greg Clark said he believed the benefits to communities from High Streets should be recognised

Business rates could be reformed to recognise the contribution made by ailing High Streets, ministers have signalled.

Business Secretary Greg Clark said he believed the benefits to communities from High Streets should be recognised. Speaking at a fringe event at the Conservative Party conference, he said changes to the tax on business properties was one way of doing that.

He stressed: Clearly the High Street is going to change and so planning rules and regulations have to roll with that change to allow the reshaping of High Streets. Business rates is a factor and thats something that the retailers do say.

'Weve made a commitment...the Chancellor is conducting a review of business rates.

My own view is that it is I think a presence on a High Street, quite apart from the turnover that it has, makes a big contribution to the community, and to villages, towns and cities  some recognition of that is required. Business rates will be one way of doing that.

The pledge was welcomed by the Federation of Small Businesses last night. Chairman Mike Cherry said: Competition from online retailers has left many High Street firms struggling. Without action on business rates, we will continue to see High Street retailers forced to close.

At least 50,000 jobs have disappeared from the High Street this year.

The Mail has long called for reform of punishing business rates as part of our Save Our High Streets campaign. Councils have failed to use their powers to cut rates and help struggling local shops survive.

Chancellor Philip Hammond has previously said that there will be no major reform to business rates in the near future.
EU migrants should be banned from claiming benefits in Britain until they have lived here for five years, Iain Duncan Smith to say

EU migrants should be banned from claiming benefits in Britain until they have lived here for five years, Iain Duncan Smith will say today.

The former Tory leader says welfare payments for EU migrants cost the UK nearly 5billion last year and he is calling for a tough new regime post-Brexit.

He argues such curbs would reduce the number of unskilled workers arriving from Eastern Europe and help the Tories hit their tens of thousands migration target.

The report, backed by the European Research Group of Tory MPs which is calling on Mrs May to abandon Chequers, states: People allowed into the UK for work should have no access to income- related, family or housing benefits for a set period.

'This paper proposes five years, although an alternative could be to require a four-year record of NI contributions.

It also calls for a work permit system to replace free movement after we leave the EU. There would also be a cap on numbers in different sectors of the economy but fewer curbs on highly skilled migrants.
Former FBI director James Comey has weighed in on the Brett Kavanaugh investigation, calling the one week deadline the agency has been given, 'idiotic'.

In an op-ed in The New York Times on Sunday, Comey approved of the reopening of the FBI's background check into the Supreme Court nominee following the Senate hearing this week.

Comey said it was 'idiotic to put a shot clock on the FBI', but admitted a seven-day investigation was better than none at all.

'Although the process is deeply flawed, and apparently designed to thwart the fact-gathering process, the FBI is up for this. It's not as hard as Republicans hope it will be,' Comey said.

Former FBI director James Comey (right) has weighed in on the Brett Kavanaugh (left) investigation, calling the one week deadline the agency has been given as 'idiotic'

'FBI agents are experts at interviewing people and quickly dispatching leads to their colleagues around the world to follow with additional interviews. Unless limited in some way by the Trump administration, they can speak to scores of people in a few days, if necessary.'

He went on to say agents had much better 'nonsense detectors' than partisans.

'Yes, the alleged incident occurred 36 years ago. But FBI agents know time has very little to do with memory. They know every married person remembers the weather on their wedding day, no matter how long ago. Significance drives memory.

'They also know that little lies point to bigger lies. They know that obvious lies by the nominee about the meaning of words in a yearbook are a flashing signal to dig deeper.'

Comey said it was very different having a lawyer submit a statement on your behalf to being grilled by FBI agents in person.

Trump ordered the FBI investigation after Thursday's Senate hearing, during which Dr Christine Blasey Ford detailed her claims that Kavanaugh tried to rape her at a party in 1982

The publication of the op-ed came soon after President Trump started bashing Democrats for questioning the timing and scope of the FBI probe

He noted that at the conclusion of the FBI investigation it was likely either the Democrat or Republicans, or perhaps both, would be angry with the FBI.

'The president will condemn the bureau for being a corrupt nest of Clinton-lovers if they turn up bad facts. Maybe Democrats will similarly condemn agents as Trumpists if they don't,' he said.

'Despite all the lies and all the attacks, there really are people who just want to figure out what's true. The FBI is full of them.'

The publication of the op-ed came soon after President Trump started bashing Democrats for questioning the timing and scope of the FBI probe.

'Wow! Just starting to hear the Democrats, who are only thinking Obstruct and Delay, are starting to put out the word that the 'time' and 'scope' of FBI looking into Judge Kavanaugh and witnesses is not enough. Hello! For them, it will never be enough - stay tuned and watch!,' Trump tweeted on Sunday afternoon.

Democrats have raised concerns about the limited number of witnesses being questioned by the FBI, but Trump officials have said the White House is not 'micromanaging' the probe.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 1)  92 bodies have been recovered from the rubble of a landslide that hit Barangay Ucab, Itogon, Benguet, but the individuals who survived are facing another challenge  finding a new home.

Mayor of Itogon, Benguet, Vic Palangdan said there are no relocation sites prepared for the evacuees who are currently housed in temporary evacuation centers such as nearby churches and offices.

"We have no area [for] the relocation site. The only way for them is to rent a house or construct a house where their relatives are. That is the only remedy," Palangdan told CNN Philippines' New Day.

The National Housing Authority gave ten million pesos-worth of financial assistance to the Itogon government on Saturday to aid the survivors of the tragedy. However, Palangdan clarified that the funds will only be used for providing materials for the evacuees to rebuild their homes.

"The amount of ten million is for to buy for their materials to be distributed to themonly to help them rebuild their homes," he said.

Palangdan had earlier appealed to mining company Benguet Corporation to look for possible temporary relocation sites for the evacuees.

Of the 418 affected residents, only 18 were willing to go back to Ifugao. Palangdan said most of the evacuees want to return to their homes.

READ: Itogon Mayor appeals to mining company to help landslide victims

Retrieval operations on the landslide site were also temporarily suspended on Sunday as per the Office of Civil Defense Cordillera Administrative region (OCD-CAR). Regional Director Ruben Carandang explained the excavation has already reached the toe of the landslide, which he said "is very dangerous for our retrieval personnel"

READ: Authorities temporarily suspend search and retrieval ops in Itogon, Benguet

Palangdan said the area is not really dangerous but explained that there is no longer room for more cadavers to be retrieved. He said they could only find body parts they assume to be from the missing persons.

As of Sunday, the death toll has reached 100. Palangdan confirmed 92 bodies have been recovered while eight remain missing.

The mayor added that retrieval units will remain on-call should the need to continue operations arises.

"[The operations are] temporarily terminated as stated by General Imbang but they are still on call if anybody can report that there are still bodies to be recovered. They are not pulling out. They are ending temporarily," he said.
EDINBURGH, Scotland  The Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) has successfully integrated SeeBytes Neptune into its New Generation Remus 100 fleet, the company announced in a Sept. 28 release.

The vehicles are equipped with SeeBytes goal-based mission planning and autonomy engine software to expedite and optimize single and multivehicle operations.

We are privileged to be in a position to continue working with The Royal Netherlands Navy and assist in their goal to achieve security at and from the sea, said Alastair Cormack, SeeBytes technical client manager. With the U.S., U.K. and Canadian navies currently using Neptune software, it is fantastic that the RNLN will now have access to the advanced capabilities we offer.

Neptune can be used to coordinate fleets of unmanned assets for mine countermeasures missions enabling operators to easily coordinate various assets to search, classify and map, reacquire and identify operations as part of a single mission. By combining all the mission plans and monitoring in a single work station and user interface, teams are able to manage larger fleets of unmanned assets without putting additional strain on the operators.
A man who admitted to police that he murdered his mother then placed her remains inside a fridge in their Hawaii apartment pleaded guilty to killing and dismembering her.

Yu Wei Gong pleaded guilty in a Honolulu court Friday to manslaughter, abuse of a corpse and second-degree identity theft in connection to the September 2016 slaying of his mother, Liu Yun Gong.

The woman was found wrapped in seven plastic bags inside a refrigerator freezer in the family's sixth floor apartment in Honolulu's beachfront neighborhood of Waikiki.

Authorities said Wong initially phoned dispatchers in April 2017 and informed them that he was suicidal. That's when he admitted to police: 'I killed my mother.'

Yu Wei Gong, middle, pleads guilty to manslaughter in the death of his mother Liu Yun Gong in State Circuit Court on Friday, September 28, 2018, in Honolulu

Liu Yun Gong was found wrapped in seven plastic bags inside a refrigerator freezer in the family's sixth floor apartment in Honolulu's beachfront neighborhood of Waikiki in April 2017

Upon arrival to the home, located on 414 Launiu Street, police said they at first could not find the victim's remains.

Authorities looked in the refrigerator's freezer and found plastic bags that contained the head and body parts of the victim.

Gong told police that his mom was 'in the fridge' before he was placed under arrest.

Gong admitted to police he killed her after he became angry because he didn't want to go to school.

Authorities determined she had died from blunt force trauma to the head.

Police said Gong called it an 'accident' and said he didn't mean to do it.

After being released from a psychiatric hospital in April 2017, Gong appeared in court - where he did not speak.

His public defender had asked for a Mandarin interpreter.

The Hawaii man was arrested on charges of second-degree murder of his mother after police found human remains in their apartment (the building, pictured) in April 2017. Gong's mother has been dead since September 2016

Gond is currently being held at the Oahu Community Correctional Center. As part of the deal, Gong also pleaded guilty to abusing a corpse, for dismembering his mother's body, and identity theft for withdrawing money from her bank account after killing her

Police said they found the chopped up remains of Yu Wei Gong's mother in bags inside the freezer

Liu Yun Gong worked at a spa as a licensed therapist.

When she didn't show up for work one day, her boss, Julie Kim, told the Star Advertiser that she tried her cell phone several times but got no answer.

'Usually she responds very quick,' Kim said.

Later, she said Liu Yun's son called her and told her his mother had gone to a neighboring island and left her phone at home and wouldn't be back for a couple of months.

She said the last words the doomed woman said to her were 'see you tomorrow.'

Gong now faces 20 years behind bars for manslaughter, one year for abuse of a corpse and another 10 years for identity theft.

Prosecutor Wayne Tashima said the identity theft charge was a result of Gong making a rent payment through his mother's checking account.

The man is currently being held at the Oahu Community Correctional Center.

His sentencing is scheduled for January.
Authorities are searching for Joshua Stuart, 42

Authorities are searching for a man who is suspected of shooting up an upstate New York hospital and is believed to be hiding in New York City.

Joshua Stuart, 42, is suspected of opening fire at Ellenville Regional Hospital in Ellenville, New York, on Friday at about 1am.

No injuries were reported during the shooting, New York State Police said in a Facebook post Friday, which noted that following the shooting, Stuart fled the hospital in a white Dodge Ram 1500.

The car was later found by Department of Environmental Protection Police (DEP) in the vicinity of Cutler and Lundy Rd in Napanoch, New York.

When DEP officers confronted a 'male subject' near the car, the man opened fire on them, shooting off four or five shots from a semiautomatic weapon, before running into the nearby woods, according to authorities.

Stuart  described as being 5'8" tall and about 155 pounds  was last seen wearing jeans, white sneakers, a hospital gown and a black coat with white stripes

Authorities said that Stuart is armed with a semi-automatic pistol and 'extremely dangerous'

The hospital said that the shooting occurred in the emergency room and involved a patient, according to the NY Daily News.

Stuart  described as being 5'8" tall and about 155 pounds  was last seen wearing jeans, white sneakers, a hospital gown and a black coat with white stripes.

On Sunday, the NYPD tweeted that Stuart was spotted in the Sunset Park and Flatbush neighborhoods of Brooklyn, New York.

Stuart is said to be 'in possession of a semi-automatic pistol and extremely dangerous.'

Authorities are asking anyone who has seen Stuart to contact 911 or State Police Middletown at (845) 344-5300.
The government is calling for hospitals to offer parking discounts after it was revealed they rake in millions of dollars each year.

Top hospitals in Melbourne are raking in up to $45.5million combined per year in parking fees.

The Alfred, St Vincent's and the Royal Melbourne have increased the price of parking by 25 per cent over three years, the Herald Sun reported.

Top hospitals in Melbourne are raking up to $45.5million combined every year in parking fees (pictured is the Alfred hospital)

Another hospital, Austin Health, said they take in $8.6million profit from parking.

They recorded a revenue of $11.5 million last year and spent $2.9 million on costs.

The government have asked hospitals across the nation to at least offer discounts for frequent visitors.

A spokesman for Health Minister Jill Hennessy said they forced hospitals to publish their parking rates in a push for cheaper fares.

'We know that going to the hospital can be extremely distressing and the last thing we want is for patients and their family and friends forced to pay exorbitant carparking fees,' the spokesman told the publication.

In Victoria alone, several hospitals were found to be paying off long-term loans owed to the government with the car park revenue.

Last month, Lady Cilento Children's Hospital came under fire for rising their parking prices.

Victoria alone, several hospitals were found to be paying off long-term loans owed to the government with the carpark revenue (stock image of the Royal Melbourne Hospital)

From October 2, prices at the Queensland hospital will sky-rocket from $30 to $35 for a full day of parking.

The cost of parking for two to three hours will also rise one dollar to $24.

In a letter to the families and visitors of frequent hospital patients, the hospital detailed the price increase and offered financial support for those eligible.

'Families experiencing financial hardship may be eligible for parking assistance, such as concessional parking or free public transport.

'We have a policy in place for concessional parking at a rate of $12 per day for parents, carers and families, where there is evident financial or social need.'

However the Lady Cilento Children's Hospital car park is owned by a private company and the hospital gains no revenue.

In 2017, The Royal Childrens Hospital in Melbourne raked in $10.3 million in car park revenue. The 2018 review won't be released until November.
A thug who allegedly punched a teenager in the head after he asked him to turn his music down on a Melbourne train is being hunted by police.

The 19-year-old man was on the Frankston line on August 30 when another man playing music on a Bluetooth speaker boarded at Bentleigh at 2.30pm.

When the teenager asked the man to turn the volume down, he allegedly punched him in the back of the head, police said.

A man (pictured) who allegedly punched a teenager in the head after he asked him to turn his music down on a Melbourne train is being hunted by police

The man then exited the train at Glenhuntly as the teen travelled to the city to report the incident to police.

The alleged offender is described as of Caucasian in appearance, between 25  35 years of age, and wearing a red checked long sleeve shirt and dark coloured cap on backwards.

Detectives from the Transit Crime Investigation Unit are investigating the incident and have released an image of a man who may be able to assist with police enquiries.

Police urge anyone who witnessed the alleged assault to contact Crime Stoppers.
Sarah Palin has posted pictures of herself and her family having a ball at daughter Willow Palin's wedding, held one day after son Track Palin was arrested and jailed on domestic abuse charges.

'Couldnt be more perfect!!! So much love ~ and surrounded by the mutual love & support of cherished friends & family... just PERFECT! Congratulations Mr & Mrs Bailey!' the one-time Vice Presidential candidate wrote in the caption of the set of Instagram photos she posted Sunday.

The photos were taken on Saturday, when daughter Willow, 24, married fiance Ricky Bailey in Talkeetna, Alaska.

Sarah Palin posted a series of photos taken at daughter Willow Palin's (shown) wedding on Saturday, just hours after Sarah's son, Track, was arrested and jailed

Sarah Palin and family were all smiles at the wedding, despite Track cooling his heels in jail

The photos included snapshots of daughter Willow Palin, 24, kissing new husband Bailey; Willow hugging dad, Todd Palin; a shot of Sarah from behind while wearing a plaid shirt emblazoned with the word 'mother of the bride'; the wedding party; a wedding speech and a series of prop-filled photo booth pictures.

Sarah also posted a video of Willow, brother Tripp and Bailey twirling on the dance floor.

Sarah and family were all smiles at the wedding, despite it coming hard on the heels of the arrest of son Track Palin, 29, the night before.

Alaska State Troopers arrested Track on Friday at about 10.37pm at his home in Wasilla, Alaska.

Sarah wrote in the photos' caption that the wedding 'Couldnt be more perfect!!! So much love ~ and surrounded by the mutual love & support of cherished friends & family... just PERFECT!'

Among the photos Sarah posted was this snapshot of Willow dancing with dad, Todd Palin

A look at Willow's white wedding gown and another photo of Willow with dad, Todd

Track's arrest occurred Friday night, just an hour-and-a-half away from where the rest of his family was at Willow's rehearsal dinner, as shown in this Instagram Stories shot

Palin showed motherly pride by wearing a shirt celebrating her 'mother of the bride' status

They were responding to reports of a disturbance at the home, according to an official dispatch, which revealed that Track had 'assaulted' a female 'acquaintance' at his home and that when the woman tried to call authorities, he had stopped her from calling by taking away her phone.

Authorities also said that while he was being placed under arrest, Track had resisted the troopers, leading to a charges of resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

He faces domestic violence charges, specifically Assault IV (DV) and Interfering with a Report of a DV.

Track was remanded to the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility and appeared in court in Palmer, Alaska, on Saturday  the day of his sister's wedding.

Track said that he was 'not guilty, for sure' of the charges, according to KTUU.

The judge told Track that he can only have written contact with the unnamed woman involved in the alleged domestic incident and that he must stay away from her. Track was also told he could not have any deadly weapons.

If found guilty of the three Class A misdemeanor charges, he could see up to a year in jail, in addition to a $25,000 fine. For the fourth, Class B misdemeanor charge, he could get up to a day in jail and $2,000 fine.

Track was remanded back to Mat-Su Pretrial Facility, where he remained as of Sunday, according to the Alaska Department of Corrections' Victim Information and Notification Everyday hotline.

KTUU reported that Track is being held on a $500 unsecured bond, but would be given a pretrial ankle bracelet if he is released from custody.

The night Track was arrested, the other members of the Palin brood were at Willow's rehearsal dinner, about an hour-and-a-half away from Track's home in Wasilla.

Track Palin (in 2017 when under house arrest) was arrested Friday for assaulting a female at his Wasilla, Alaska home, and taking her phone away so she couldn't call authorities

The Palin clan in a happier time. Track, an Army veteran spent a year deployed in Iraq in 2007

Track and sister Willow, who's wedding he missed while he was in court and in jail, are pictured here in 2008 at the Republican National Convention in Minnesota

Track was arrested in December 2017 after breaking into his parents' home and assaulting his father, Todd Palin, after his mother Sarah called the police on him (pictured in August)

Photos from the rehearsal dinner also show the extended Palin family  minus Track  enjoying themselves.

Friday's arrest is just the latest in a string of arrests for Track.

He was arrested last December after breaking into his parents' home and assaulting his father, Todd, after Sarah called the police on him.

That case is currently pending in Alaska Veterans court, but this latest arrest also isn't the first time he's been arrested for domestic violence.

Track was arrested in January 2016 on domestic violence charges after an altercation with his then-girlfriend.

A New York Daily News report revealed Track allegedly punched and kicked his girlfriend, and then held an assault rifle to his head, threatening to kill himself.

'Do you think Im a p***?,' Track allegedly said, along with, 'Do you think I wont do it?'

The Army veteran, who spent a year deployed in Iraq in 2007, was also part of a drunken brawl involving several members of the Palin family in 2014.
A former model turned fisherwoman has reeled in tens of thousands of followers to her social media accounts, and it seems that it's not just her fishing skills that her admirers are interested in.

Queensland angler Brooke Frecklington goes by her social media handle Hooked on Brooke.

Her posts often show the former Australasian Penthouse Pet of the Year winner reeling in giant catches while wearing bikinis.

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The social media giant first gained attention last year, when she announced she would like to one day host her own show

Brooke Frecklington: 'I'm an all Australian girl who loves the great outdoors'

She said she discovered fishing after her former hobby, drag racing, became too much of an out-of-the-hip-pocket expense.

'Welcome to my fishing addiction,' her Facebook profile says.

'I'm an all Australian girl who loves the great outdoors. Follow me on my adventures and you'll be Hooked on Brooke.'

The often bikini-clad angler has snagged more than 10,000 followers on her Facebook page and more than 25,000 admirers on Instagram.

A video posted to YouTube has pulled in more than 750,000 views alone.

The often bikini-clad angler has snagged more than 10,000 followers on her Facebook page and more than 25,000 admirers on Instagram

Queensland-product Brooke Frecklington goes by her social media handle Hooked on Brooke and for good reason

But the Australian Boating Magazine writer has shown that she's not just looks, after she placed third in the Flathead Classic Competition at the Gold Coast.

The social media giant first gained attention last year, when she announced she would like to one day host her own show.

She said she discovered fishing after her former hobby, drag racing, became too much of an out-of-the-hip-pocket expense.
Drivers across the country are reporting more near misses than ever before, with motorists pointing the finger at one controversial road rule.

South Australian drivers are forced to slam on the brakes and get their cars below 25 kilometres per hour any time they pass an emergency vehicle with its lights on.

Motorists also need to give way to any person on foot near a parked emergency vehicle flashing its lights, according to the rule.

Failure to do so could result in a fine of $448 and three demerit points.

Drivers are reporting more near misses than ever before due to one road rule (file picture)

In theory, the rule reduces the risk of a driver hitting a paramedic or police officer, whose attention would be on a scene at the side of the road.

But drivers say that screeching to a halt is increasing the likelihood of a rear-end collision.

Latest South Australian police figures show 42 reports of near misses or collisions when motorists are forced to brake hard since the laws were introduced in late-2014.

One-third of the complaints actually resulted in a collision, or the driver being forced to jerk out of the way.

In some instances, they say they completely lost control of their vehicle.

Before the law was implemented, only one complaint was ever made.

South Australia's Emergency Services Minister Corey Wingard is calling for reform in the state's law, resulting in consistency across the country.

The law is designed to reduce the risk of emergency services officers being hit by a passing car (file picture)

Similar laws have been put in place in every other state, though their speed limits drop to 40km/h instead of 25km/h when passing an active emergency services vehicle.

'Potentially, going to 40km/h across the board could be a smoother understanding for the public and community, so we'll have a look at whether that's do-able,' Mr Wingard says.

He says he hopes to raise the issue in Cabinet, before pursuing possible legal changes to State Parliament.
The surface of tsunami-destroyed Palu City in Indonesia has turned to mush, with the death toll from Friday's natural disaster likely to climb even higher from 1,203.

Houses and buildings have moved, sunken or collapsed as a result of the 'liquefaction' of the ground and there are more people still suspected to be trapped.

This natural phenomenon occurs during an earthquake when tremors shake normally compact layers of sand and soil into a deadly 'soup' that can create an effect similar to a sink hole.

The tsunami, triggered by a magnitude-7.5 earthquake, ripped through the Pacific Ring of Fire and crashed into the city at 500mph on Friday evening.

The surface of tsunami-destroyed Palu City in Indonesia has turned to mush, with the death toll from Friday's natural disaster likely to climb even higher from 1,203

Houses and buildings have moved, sunken or collapsed as a result of the 'liquefaction' of the ground and there are more people still suspected to be trapped

A team of rescuers helping to pull a trapped woman from the mud on Sunday

Rescue teams have struggled to reach cut-off communities feared wiped out, with photos from the scene showing the city covered in mud and completely devastated.

In a video shared to Twitter on Sunday, families stood watch as buildings around them crumbled and the earth slid beneath their feet.

The short clip was uploaded by Indonesian official Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, who wrote, 'houses moved and collapsed were caused by the liquefaction process and collapsed due to the 7.4 SR earthquake in Palu City.

'The ground surface moves and sinks so that all buildings are destroyed. The geological process is very terrible. It is estimated that victims are trapped in this area.'

WHAT IS LIQUEFACTION? A phenomenon in which the strength and stiffness of a soil is reduced by earthquake shaking or other rapid loading

Responsible for tremendous amounts of damage in historical earthquakes around the world

Occurs in saturated soils, that is, soils in which the space between individual particles is completely filled with water

This water exerts a pressure on the soil particles that influences how tightly the particles themselves are pressed together

Prior to an earthquake, the water pressure is relatively low. However, earthquake shaking can cause the water pressure to increase to the point where the soil particles can readily move with respect to each other Source: University of Washington Advertisement

Striking aerial shots show a mosque which has been razed first by the 7.5 magnitude earthquake and then the 2-metre high wave on Friday afternoon

A handout photo made available by the Indonesian Presidential Palace showing Indonesian President Joko Widodo (C) looking at a ruined house as he visits a devastated area in Palu

Samidah, a relative of a victim, cries while gathered outside the collapsed Roa Roa hotel in Palu, Indonesia's Central Sulawesi

Relatives look for tsunami and earthquake victims in body bags at a police station, in the aftermath of earthquake in Palu

Loud rumbling and crashing could be heard in the footage as a distressed family, including a baby, fled from nearby crumbling buildings.

The panicked group were forced to watched as a large shed-like structure fell to the ground before sliding across it towards them.

There were scenes of chaos as people scurried to reach safe ground - an impossible task given the dangerous sinking mud.

Fears have been mounting for the the fishing town of Donggala, which was closer to the epicentre of the quake, because rescuers have not been able to reach it.

The town of Mamuju was also severely affected but currently impossible to access due to damaged roads and disrupted telecommunications.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo (L) looking at a ruined house as he visits a devastated area in Palu

Rescuers try to rescue a 15-year old earthquake victim Nurul Istikharah from her damaged house following earthquakes and tsunami in Palu on Sunday

Rescue personnel evacuate earthquake survivor Ida, a food vendor, from the rubble of a collapsed restaurant in Palu

Meanwhile criticisms have been levelled at the country's geophysics agency for lifting the tsunami warning 34 minutes after it was first issued, which may have led to confusion and exacerbated the death toll.

Many of those killed in Palu were swept away by giant waves more than 10ft high as they played on the beach in the scenic tourist town.

The number of casualties was no doubt increased by the fact that hundreds of people had descended on Palu's beach for a festival to celebrate the city's anniversary, due to start Friday night.

A road traffic bridge could be seen completely collapsed along the coastline in the outskirts of Palu as first the earthquake and then the tsunami swept away enormous pieces of the city's infrastructure

Rescue personnel carry the body of an earthquake victim to the compounds of a police hospital in Palu

In this photo released by the Indonesian Presidential Office, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, left, talks with tsunami survivors in a temporary shelter

TV footage showed images of destroyed houses in Donggala and areas that were once land now inundated with water. Aerial video also showed the battered coastline surrounding Palu.

Looters were stealing from a badly damaged shopping centre in Palu that was not being guarded. They did not appear to be concerned about their safety, despite ongoing aftershocks and the structure's questionable stability.

Residents were also seen returning to their destroyed homes, picking through waterlogged belongings, trying to salvage anything they could find.
Dozens of cyclists have been caught fueling their war with motorists by disobeying road rules.

An image shared to Facebook shows numerous cyclists dominate the left lane of traffic, despite there being an empty designated bicycle lane next to the road in Perth.

The move by the cyclists left vehicles backed up in the right lane as drivers wait to overtake the riders.

An image shared to Facebook shows numerous cyclists dominate the left lane of traffic despite an empty designated bicycle lane next to the road (pictured)

The picture was posted to the Perth - Have A Whinge Facebook page where frustrated social media users reacted to the incident.

'Yell at them! Hit the horn! Don't stand for that s**t !' one person commented.

'Don't even get me started ! This really p***es me off,' commented another.

Others were quick to connect the incident to the long-standing battle between cyclists and motorists about who owns the road.

'And they wonder why drivers have issues with them... How does the 1 mtr rule work when they are riding like that....' one social media user wrote.

The picture was posted to the Perth - Have A Whinge Facebook page where frustrated social media users reacted to the incident

One social media user argued the cyclists do it on purpose to frustrate motorists

Some social media users were quick to connect the incident to the long-standing battle between cyclists and motorists about who owns the road

'They do it just to p*** off the motorist, because they know there's nothing you can do about it!!!' another person commented.

While most social media users were disapproving of the cyclists, one woman argued the bicycle path was not always the safest option.

'Cyclists are also car and truck drivers. We pay our licence fees. The cycle path is not safe because cars/trucks often drive over it,' one woman argued.

'The safest place to be is smack in the middle of the road. Get used to it. What's the damn hurry.'

A Ford Australia Road Safety Survey released in September revealed that almost half (49 per cent) of the 2,000 participants did not feel confident driving along cyclists.

One in five participants (18 per cent) admitted they experienced road rage or were actively aggressive towards towards cyclists, highlighting significant tensions between the road users.
New Jersey-native Fabrizio Stabile, 29, has reportedly been killed by a brain-eating parasite

A New Jersey man has been killed by a brain-eating parasite he may have contracted at a wave pool in Texas, reports claim.

Fabrizio Stabile's family says the 29-year-old complained of a severe headache on September 16, and by the following day he was incoherent and unable to get out of bed.

Stabile was immediately rushed to the hospital in Pleasantville, New Jersey, where doctors first believed his brain swelling and fever symptoms were caused by bacterial meningitis.

When his condition continued to deteriorate rapidly despite the meningitis treatments, doctors began running tests to determine another cause.

Four days after the initial symptoms appeared, Stabile's family received the devastating news that he had tested positive for Naegleria fowleri, an extremely rare brain-eating amoeba that kills 98 percent of infected persons.

Stabile died the following day.

Stabile complained of a headache on September 16, and the following day he was found to be incoherent and unable to get out of bed. Doctors diagnosed the 29-year-old described by family as an 'avid outdoorsman' with an amoeba called Naegleria fowleri and he died days later

An obituary for Stabile describes him as an 'avid outdoorsman' who 'loved snowboarding, surfing, and anything to do with friends and family'.

He is believed to have contracted Naegleria fowleri during a visit to the BSR Cable Park in Waco, Texas, where he swam in the wave pool.

It remains unclear when exactly Stabile visited the park, but infection symptoms from the parasite typically flare up between one and nine days after contact.

Stabile is believed to have contracted Naegleria fowleri during a visit to the BSR Cable Park in Waco, Texas. The park has been voluntarily shut down as CDC officials investigate

WHAT IS A BRAIN-EATING AMOEBA? Naegleria fowleri is commonly referred to as the 'brain-eating amoeba' as it can cause a rare and devastating infection of the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). But the infection is very rare, and according to the CDC, there have been about 35 cases reported in the U.S. in the last decade. The single-celled organism is commonly found in warm freshwater, such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs, as well as in soil. It usually infects people when contaminated water enters the body through the nose. Once the amoeba enters the nose, it travels to the brain where it causes PAM, which is usually fatal. Infection typically occurs when people go swimming or diving in warm freshwater places, like lakes and rivers. In very rare instances, Naegleria infections may also occur when contaminated water from other sources (such as inadequately chlorinated swimming pool water or heated and contaminated tap water) enters the nose. You cannot get infected from swallowing water contaminated with Naegleria. Advertisement

The water park has been temporarily closed pending an investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

BSR Cable Park owner Stuart E Parsons Jr. said: 'Our hearts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the New Jersey surf community during this difficult time.

'BSR Surf Resort operates a state of the art artificial man-made wave. We are in compliance with the CDC guidelines and recommendations concerning Naegleria fowleri.'

A spokesperson for the CDC said preliminary testing results from the facility are expected to be returned this week.

In the wake of Stabile's death his family founded the Fabrizio Stabile Foundation for Naegleria Fowleri Awareness - which has raised more than $22,000 in less than a week via a GoFundMe page.

According to the CDC, there have only been 143 diagnosed cases of the parasite in the 56 years since it was discovered.

Of the 34 cases reported in the US between 2008 and 2017, 30 people had been infected by recreational water, three people were infected after performing nasal irrigation using contaminated tap water, and one person was infected by contaminated tap water used on a backyard water toy.

The parasite can cause a deadly infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis when contaminated water enters a persons body through the nose and mouth.

Of the few cases reported, only five people in North America are known to have survived.

Three of those survivors were treated with drug therapy, but in Stabile's case it was too late to administer the medication.

Between 2008 and 2017, 34 infections were reported in the U.S. Of those cases, 30 people were infected by recreational water, three people were infected after performing nasal irrigation using contaminated tap water, and one person was infected by contaminated tap water used on a backyard water toy,
LONDON  The first F-35 Lightning fighter jets have landed on the deck of the United Kingdoms new aircraft carrier, making history and marking the beginning of more than half-a-century of Carrier Strike operations, the U.K. Ministry of Defence in a Sept. 28 release.

Royal Navy Commodore Nathan Gray and Royal Air Force Squadron Leader Andy Edgell were the first pilots to land their F-35s on board the carrier, demonstrating the formidable force HMS Queen Elizabeth and its fleet of jets will be.

The first landings and takeoffs from HMS Queen Elizabeth are the culmination of a national endeavor lasting more than a decade to bring an aircraft carrier back to the U.K.s arsenal. Able to embark up to 24 of the supersonic jets, the carrier provides the Royal Navy with a capability possessed by few others.

The largest warship in British history is joining forces with the most advanced fighter jets on the planet. This marks a rebirth of our power to strike decisively from the seas anywhere in the world, said Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson. The historic first landing on the deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth is a monumental moment in our countrys proud military history. It is also a statement of Britains determination to promote peace and prevent war.

The landings mark the start of more than 500 takeoffs and touch-downs set to take place from the mammoth warship during the next 11 weeks, with the jets being put through their paces in a range of weather conditions.

The return of Carrier Strike to the United Kingdom comes eight years after a fighter jet last landed on a British carrier.

I am quite emotional to be here in HMS Queen Elizabeth seeing the return of fixed-wing aviation, having been the captain of the aircraft carrier which launched the last Harrier at sea nearly eight years ago, said the ships commanding officer, Capt. Jerry Kyd, who was also the captain of HMS Ark Royal when the last Harrier took off from a carrier. The regeneration of big-deck carriers able to operate globally, as we are proving here on this deployment, is a major step forward for the United Kingdoms defense and our ability to match the increasing pace of our adversaries. The first touch-downs of these impressive stealth jets shows how the United Kingdom will continue to be world leaders at sea for generations to come.

The Queen Elizabeth-class carriers have been specifically designed and built to operate the F-35 Lightning, offering an immensely flexible and potent combination to deliver military effect around the world, said Cmdr. Andrew Betton, commander U.K. Carrier Strike Group. Conducting these trials is a critical and exciting step on this journey and I applaud the many thousands of civilian and military personnel who have played a part in bringing the strategic ambition to reality.

While the HMS Queen Elizabeth Class carriers will be able to project British military power across the globe for the next half-century, they can also provide humanitarian relief, deepen defense relationships with key allies and provide critical support to our forces as they are deployed across the world.
A man whose home was raided over an alleged terror plot in Melbourne two years ago believes people who don't sign a contract to live peacefully with Muslims should leave Australia or be executed.

Ibrahim Abbas is giving evidence against his younger brother Hamza Abbas, 23, cousin Abdullah Chaarani, 27, and friend Ahmed Mohamed, 25, who are on trial in the Supreme Court, accused of conspiring to prepare an attack in Melbourne's CBD on Christmas Day 2016.

Mr Abbas was arrested on December 22 that year over the plot, which prosecutors allege targeted Federation Square, St Paul's Cathedral and Flinders Street Station.

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Ibrahim Abbas is giving evidence against his younger brother Hamza Abbas, 23, (pictured) cousin Abdullah Chaarani, 27, and friend Ahmed Mohamed, 25, who are on trial in the Supreme Court, accused of conspiring to prepare an attack in Melbourne's CBD on Christmas Day 2016

Hamza Abbas, 23, is standing trial alongside Ahmed Mohamed, 25, and Abdullah Chaarani (pictured), 27

In a police interview played to jurors on Monday, Mr Abbas said 20 police came to his home and arrested him.

He was quizzed about his support for Islamic State, the caliphate and Sharia Law, which he believed should be implemented in Australia for all Muslims and non-Muslims.

'They would have to sign a contract to live with, amongst Muslims in peace,' he said.

'Whoever does not sign the contract either leaves the country or is executed.'

Mr Abbas developed his views listening to scholars like Anwar al-Awlaki, an alleged IS recruiter.

Mr Abbas told police he was aware of instructional bomb making videos, and Mohamed (pictured) had directed him to one about a month earlier.

He also watched 'major release' Islamic State videos designed to update watchers on recent events, attacks and show beheadings.

But he gave up social media and watching political videos around the time his home was previously raided.

'After I got raided I just felt like me being on social media is of no benefit to myself and my views,' he said, noting he had been banned from Facebook five times for posting pictures of Islamic State.

He did continue to use encrypted messaging app Telegram under username ShiaSlayer, but stopped about six months before his 2016 arrest.

Mr Abbas told police he was aware of instructional bomb making videos, and Mohamed had directed him to one about a month earlier.

'He knows that I'm, ah, a fan or I follow IS and - or I agree with their ideology, so he thought that it'd be nice to tell me,' he said.

The video gave instruction on using hydrogen peroxide to make explosives, a product Mr Abbas previously testified he had gone with some of the accused to buy at a chemist.

Mr Abbas also told police a visit to Federation Square with his brother, Chaarani and Mohamed was to get ice cream and walk around.

Last week, he told the court it was then that he suggested the men 'just picture a terrorist attack over here.'

The trial is continuing.
Republican Senator Jeff Flake and Democratic Senator Chris Coons have both agreed that if Brett Kavanaugh is found to have lied to the Senate Judiciary Committee it should be the end of his Supreme Court nomination.

The two senators sat down side-by-side for an interview with 60 Minutes on Sunday night as they spoke of how their bipartisanship had resulted in an FBI investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations leveled at Kavanaugh.

They were both asked if Kavanaugh's nomination should be over if the investigation uncovers that he lied under oath during his Senate hearing on Thursday.

'Oh, yes. I would think so,' Flake and Coons responded.

Senators Jeff Flake and Chris Coons have agreed that if Brett Kavanaugh is found to have lied to the Senate Judiciary Committee it should be the end of his Supreme Court nomination

Flake upended his GOP colleagues' plans on Friday to move quickly to confirm Kavanaugh by saying he wanted an FBI investigation into the allegations made by chief accuser Dr Christine Blasey Ford.

Coons, from Delaware, hailed his friend Flake as a hero for essentially forcing the week-long investigation into the allegations.

'I cannot tell you how grateful I am. Jeff's the hero here,' Coons said.

Speaking specifically about Kavanaugh's testimony, Flake and Coons agreed that the nominee was 'too sharp' with some members of the committee and that it 'went over a line'.

'He had exchanges with Sen. Feinstein, with Sen. Klobuchar, with others, that I thought went over a line. He was clearly belligerent - aggressive, angry,' Coons said.

Flake upended his GOP colleagues' plans on Friday to move quickly to confirm Kavanaugh (above) by saying he wanted an FBI investigation into the allegations made by chief accuser Dr Christine Blasey Ford

Trump ordered the FBI investigation after Thursday's Senate hearing, during which Dr Christine Blasey Ford detailed her claims that Kavanaugh tried to rape her at a party in 1982

'There were some lines that he delivered that were sharper, more partisan, more 'this is the Clintons paying me back. This is a democratic smear campaign', that I was surprised, struck, to hear from a judicial nominee.

'In my case, yes, it made me wonder about his suitability to serve on the bench.'

Flake, who is not running for re-election, noted that there was 'not a chance' he could have done this if he was trying to run.

When asked about the possibility of being in the same place when the FBI completes its week-long investigation, Flake said: 'There's a chance and we knew that'.

After listening to both Kavanaugh and Dr Ford's testimony on Thursday, Flake had committed to supporting the Supreme Court nominee when he was confronted by two protesters in an elevator.

The two women, who had both been sexually assaulted in the past, berated him after he announced he was voting to confirm Kavanugh.

Flake had committed to supporting the Supreme Court nominee when he was confronted by two women (pictured above) in an elevator who had both been sexually assault in the past

In the 60 Minutes interview, Flake said it was after this confrontation that he sought out Coons in order to try and force an FBI investigation.

'I just knew that we couldnt move forward, that I couldnt move forward without hitting the pause button,' he said.

'Because, what I was seeing, experiencing, in an elevator and watching it in committee and just thinking, this is tearing the country apart.'

Speaking about Ford's testimony in front of the committee, he added that she was 'extremely compelling' while Kavanaugh was 'a little too sharp' with some members of the committee.

'He actually apologized at one point,' Flake said, referencing a testy exchange between Kavanaugh and Amy Klobuchar over whether he had ever blacked out due to excessive drinking.

Coons agreed that Kavanugh's anger 'got the best of him' during his testimony.

An event featuring Flake that was due to be held in Boston on Monday had to be relocated for safety reasons due to a planned protest related to Kavanaugh.
Family friends of a pregnant woman and teenage relative who were killed in a horrific car crash are calling for the accused to be charged with the death of the woman's unborn twin boys.

Pregnant newlywed Katherine Hoang, 23, was killed in the horror smash in Sydney's west on Friday night, along with her unborn twins and her 17-year-old sister-in-law.

Her husband, Bronko Hoang, is fighting for life in hospital, unaware his heavily pregnant wife and their sons are dead.

Father-of-four Richard Moananu, 29, faced 10 charges in a hospital bed court hearing on Sunday, though additional charges could be laid.

Pregnant newlywed Katherine Hoang (pictured, left), 23, was killed in the horror smash in Sydney's west on Friday night, along with her unborn twins. Bronko (pictured, right) is fighting for his life in hospital while Katherine died in the collision

Moananu, who also works as a builder, has been charged with 10 offences including negligence, unlicensed driving, two counts of manslaughter and aggravated dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.

Lucy La, a family friend of the victim's, said many have voiced their devastation that the manslaughter charges do not cover the deaths of the unborn twins, news.com.au reported.

'We are upset as these babies were already part of the family and they did die in the accident,' she said.

'Unfortunately only two out of four lives were recognised,' she said.

Ms La has launched a GoFundMe page to raise money for the family.

'As the other family members, there is not much for us to do so we thought (about) reaching out to the community for financial support as the family begins funeral arrangements once the long weekend is over,' she said

Richard Moananu was charged with 10 offences over the crash

'The money we raised will be given to both Katherine's family as they begin to make funeral preparations,' the page said.

'We have also discussed with the family and they have agreed to donate some of the money to the trauma team who worked endlessly to save Katherine's life at the scene of the accident and rescuing Bronco.'

Almost 500 people have donated to the page in two short days, raising over $20,000.

Members of the public have shared their condolences on the page, following the horrific tragedy.

'We are deeply saddened by the loss of our lovely neighbours. We hope that Bronco and their mother, Mrs Hoang, will be okay and that they know that we will be there to support their family in any way we can,' wrote one person.

Family friends are calling for the accused to be charged for the death of the twins as pregnant newlywed Katherine Hoang (pictured) was just days from giving birth to the twin boys

A source close to the incident has told the Daily Telegraph those offences don't account for the unborn twin boys, but additional charges could be laid.

'It is a grey area of the law and depends whether the unborn twins are classed as foetuses or children,' the source said.

Parramatta Bail Court heard Moananu was unlicensed.

It's alleged Moananu was unlicensed, on the wrong side of the road and travelling 45km/h over the speed limit at the time of the crash.

The court also heard two other cars were forced to take evasive action to avoid crashing, with Moananu also facing charges over injuries sustained by one of these drivers.

He did not apply for bail, and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday.

The couple, who married in May, were due to become parents to two twin boys next week

Katherine and Bronko married in May after meeting and falling in love years ago at the Western Sydney University Taekwondo Club.

Club vice-president Hansel Rebello said Bronko, who'd recently started a new job in the disability sector, had an 'infectiously vibrant outlook to life'.

'Katherine was a beautiful gentle soul who always had a smile on her face,' Mr Rebello posted online.

'Pull through Bronko, you have a lot of mates waiting for you.'

Ms Hoang, 23, her unborn twins and her teenage relative who was driving the vehicle were killed

One of Katherine's university friends said people were 'devastated and paralysed' by her death.

'Katherine, who liked being called Kate, was a smart, brilliant, funny, kind, loving friend who never had a bad word to say about anyone,' Tom Cross told AAP.

'Hearing of her passing along with two unborn twins is a senseless loss beyond words.'

Rishad Akbary said words couldn't describe the pain he was in.

'All my condolences to Katherine and Bronko's family, I can't even imagine what they are going through,' he posted online.

Two other vehicles in the incident had to take evasive action to avoid also crashing, police said.

An 18-year-old man behind the wheel of a ute suffered minor facial injuries while the other driver was uninjured.

The couple had only been recently married when Ms Hoang (right) was killed in the crash
Mr Turnbull was misquoted as having said 'lipid' instead of 'embittered'

Malcolm Turnbull has hit back at reports he referred to Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott's political moves as 'lipid', setting the record straight on Monday via Twitter.

The former prime minister was secretly recorded discussing August's leadership spill at a 'young leaders' workshop in New York on Friday.

In a rather comical mistake, which Mr Turnbull blamed on the recording ability of an iPhone, he was transcribed to have said 'lipid' rather than 'embittered'.

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Malcolm Turnbull (pictured) has hit back at reports he referred to Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott's political moves as 'lipid', setting the record straight on Monday via Twitter

'I hate to spoil a good lipid or limpet (or lipidinous limpet) story - but the adjective mistaken for, variously, an indissoluble fat or a tenacious sea slug is "embittered", he wrote.

'I guess an iPhone at 50 paces is not an ideal recording device!.'

The recording featured Mr Turnbull taking a swipe at his predecessors Mr Rudd and Mr Abbott, calling them 'miserable, miserable ghosts' and accusing them of being hate-driven.

'There is no way I would be hanging around like embittered Kevin Rudd or Tony Abbott - seriously, these people are like sort of miserable, miserable ghosts,' he could be heard saying.

In a rather comical mistake, which Mr Turnbull blamed on the recording ability of an iPhone, he was transcribed to have said 'lipid' rather than 'embittered' (tweet pictured)

He also said it was 'entirely crazy' for Peter Dutton to call for a leadership ballot given internal tracking polls showed Mr Turnbull's party was actually ahead of the opposition by four points at the time.

Mr Turnbull was alluding to him being behind 51 to 49 per cent in published polls, but ahead across 40 marginal seats internally.

'For reasons that they've not been able to explain...there was an element of the party and the media that wanted to blow the government up,' Mr Turnbull said.

'And of course, they did. And of course, they didn't get their guy, they got ScoMo (Scott Morrrison).'

He then accused his predecessors of being motivated by hate, stating that each of their crusades for the top job arose because they despised the leader they were trying to oust.

Mr Rudd went after Australia's first female prime minister, Julia Gillard, while Mr Abbott (pictured) persevered to eventually knock off Mr Rudd

He also said it was 'entirely crazy' for Peter Dutton (pictured) to call on a leadership ballot given internal tracking polls showed Mr Turnbull's party was actually ahead

Mr Rudd went after Australia's first female prime minister, Julia Gillard, while Mr Abbott persevered to eventually knock off Mr Rudd.

Scott Morrison told the ABC's Insiders program on Sunday he was sure Mr Turnbull would have seen the government through a successful next election if it weren't for the spill.

Mr Morrison deflected blame for the leadership spill, instead pointing the finger at the Liberal MPs who voted for it.

'As John Howard always said, the leadership of the parliamentary Liberal Party is the gift of the parliamentary party and you respect their decisions and you get on with your job,' he said.
The cousin of Chris Dawson has declared his missing wife was such a devoted mother she would never have abandoned her two young daughters.

Lyn Dawson hasn't been seen since January 1982, when she disappeared from her marital home at Bayview, on Sydney's northern beaches, in a case that has galvanised attention across the world.

Chris Dawson's cousin Judy said the missing woman was very dedicated to her girls, Shanelle and Sherrin, and that it was out of character for her to leave them.

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Lyn Dawson hasn't been seen since January 1982, when she disappeared from her marital home at Bayview, on Sydney's northern beaches. She was described as a devoted mother

Chris Dawson (left) married his childhood sweatheart Lyn Dawson in 1970. His wife disappeared 12 years later in 1982 and hasn't been seen since

'We knew Lyn very well growing up and I knew how much trouble she and Chris had to go through to have those two girls,' she told Sydney radio 2GB presenter Chris Smith on Monday.

'I knew that she was absolutely devoted to them and would never have left them for a day.'

Judy, who declined to give her surname to Macquarie Media, was one of 500 people who walked to a headland at Long Reef on Sunday afternoon to commemorate what would have been Lyn's birthday a few days earlier, on September 25.

Lyn Dawson, a missing mother-of-two who worked as a nurse, had been married for 12 years to Chris Dawson and had two young girls with him, the eldest then aged four.

Only days after her disappearance, Lyn Dawson's husband moved 16-year-old Joanne Curtis into the family home, and it was later learned the pair were having an affair

Judy was one of 500 people who walked to a headland at Long Reef on Sunday afternoon to commemorate what would have been Lyn's birthday a few days earlier, on September 25

Her childhood sweetheart played first-grade rugby league for the now defunct Newtown Jets club with his twin brother Paul and at the time of Lyn's disappearance worked as a PE teacher at Cromer High School.

Only days after her disappearance, Lyn Dawson's husband Chris moved 16-year-old student Joanne Curtis into the family home, and it was later learned the pair were having an affair.

Judy was 'very confident' they would be 'justice for Lyn', under the leadership of New South Wales Police Commissioner Mick Fuller.

'I think with our new Police Commissioner he's very dedicated to seeking justice and I think we'll see that for the family,' she said.

Last month Joanne Curtis, the 54-year-old onetime schoolgirl lover of murder suspect Chris Dawson, attended nearby Dee Why police station, on Sydney's northern beaches

On Sunday morning, shortly after 11am, family, friends and those seeking justice gathered at Long Reef surf club to celebrate Lyn's life.

Pink flowers were laid at the meeting spot atop a clifftop, a short walk from Dee Why Beach.

Last month Joanne Curtis, the 54-year-old onetime schoolgirl lover of murder suspect Chris Dawson, attended nearby Dee Why police station, a day after forensic investigators finished a major search for Lyn's body at her Bayview home.

Chris Dawson, now 70, is married to his third wife and lives on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.
An elderly grandmother who stole 31 items of clothing last month was helping her daughter escape a domestic violence situation, a court has heard.

A remorseful Raewyn Alice Jane Brammer pleaded guilty to stealing $392 worth of clothes from a Best & Less store on the Gold Coast when she appeared in Southport Local Court on Monday.

She had no prior criminal history and tendered a handwritten letter of apology to the court, The Gold Coast Bulletin reported.

A court has heard why an elderly grandmother stole 31 items of clothing worth almost $400 from a Best & Less store on the Gold Coast recently (stock image)

Aged in her 70s, Ms Brammer was convicted but escaped further punishment.

'For someone of your age to be before the courts with no criminal history is rare,' Magistrate Kay Philipson said.

The court heard Ms Brammer was in the Best & Less store when she took items into a changing room in a shopping trolley on September 13.

The woman told police she stole the clothes to help her daughter escape a domestic violence situation (stock image)

The court heard she then tried to leave the store with the items three times before she was stopped by staff on each occasion.

Ms Brammer told police at the time she stole the clothes to her daughter, who was escaping a domestic violence situation.

'She attempted to leave for a third time and used her mobile phone as a reason for not stopping,' police prosecutor Senior Constable Rachel France told the court.

'She was at a loss to explain why she stole the items.'

All items of clothing were returned at the time.
Dark and grim abandoned tunnels in central Sydney are set to be transformed into a thriving and trendy restaurant and retail space.

The proposal, announced by the New South Wales Government on Monday, will breathe new life into the forgotten network.

The tunnels and platforms at St James Station will rival the likes of New York and London once the 6000 square metre space has been remodelled, Transport Minister Andrew Constance told Fairfax.

The proposal, announced by the New South Wales Government on Monday, will breathe new life into the forgotten network

The government is on the hunt for interested parties to change the 'blank canvas' into a home for bars, restaurants and retail spaces.

It would be a tourist drawcard, Mr Constance said.

'The time is right to open it up, the time is right to say no longer is this going to be a hidden part of our history.'

He said spaces like St James tunnel were rare.

He said that around the world, hidden spaces were being converted into unique experiences and they want St James Station to be part of that.

A door between platforms one and two at St James station leads to a hidden space ready to be transformed

The unused tunnels between platforms one and two have never been used.

It was built in the 1920s and modified into air raid shelters during World War II, plans to extend the train service to the northern beaches were halted during the Great Depression.

The government is on the hunt for people to help transform the tunnels beneath Hyde Park and through the Cahill Expressway entrance off Macquarie Street.

The proposal is hoped to be finalised in 12 months.
The M25 was closed this morning after nine people were injured - two seriously - following a crash between a minibus and a transit van.

Emergency services were called to a stretch of the London Orbital between junction 13 for Staines and junction 12 for the M3 at about 1.30am on Monday.

The road was closed in both directions to allow an air ambulance to land on the carriageway, and the anti-clockwise lanes are still shut for investigations. A man has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.

Emergency services were called to a stretch of the London Orbital between junction 13 for Staines and junction 12 for the M3 at about 1.30am on Monday

Police were urging motorists to avoid the area which large queues developing as traffic was diverted off the motorway as well as on the clockwise section.

Surrey Police said the road was closed for accident investigation work and resurfacing after a fuel spillage and appealed for anyone with footage of the crash to contact them.

'At 01:30 emergency services were called to a collision involving a white transit van and a minibus carrying passengers, shortly before Junction 12,' a spokesman said.

'In total nine people have been injured, two seriously. A man has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving,' said the spokesman.

'The road was closed in both directions to allow an air ambulance to land.

'Although the M25 has now reopened clockwise, the anticlockwise stretch remains closed to allow the scene to be cleared, there has been a fuel spillage, and the collision investigators to carry out their work.

The road was closed in both directions to allow an air ambulance to land on the carriageway, and the anti-clockwise lanes are still shut for investigations

'Officers are working as fast as they can, however the closure is likely to impact on the rush hour, and drivers are advised to seek alternatives if possible.'

Highways England appealed to drivers to leave the M25 at J13 and take the A30 towards London, then join the A3308 at the Crooked Billet roundabout (towards Kingston), then the M3 from the Sunbury Cross roundabout.

Anyone with information or footage from the area at the time of the incident is asked to call police on 101.
The former head of MI6 has admitted there is 'significant regret' over MI6 allowing Tony Blair to attend the opera with Vladimir Putin during his rise to power.

Sir Richard Dearlove, who was head of the Secret Intelligence Service between 1999 and 2004, made the revelations at the Cliveden Literary Festival in Berkshire at the weekend, where he featured as a guest speaker.

Sir Richard told the audience that ahead of the Russian presidential election in 2000, he was approached by the KGB asking for MI6 to help Putin, and agreed for the pair to meet in St Petersburg.

Vladimir Putin (left), then acting Russian President and former Prime Minister Tony Blair pictured touring the Hermitage in St Petersburg on March 11, 2000

Sir Richard Dearlove, who was head of the Secret Intelligence Service between 1999 and 2004, said he was approached by the KGB asking for MI6 to help Putin, and agreed for the pair to meet in St Petersburg

At the time of the controversial visit, Downing Street had stressed it 'was too good an opportunity to miss' despite uproar from human rights activists and Amnesty International.

Mr Blair became the first western leader to meet with the incoming Russian president.

He and his wife Cherie had spent the day in St Petersburg as guests of Putin, before rounding off their visit viewing a production of Sergei Prokofiev's War and Peace at the Mariinsky theatre.

Speaking at the time, Mr Blair had said one of the aims on the visit was to 'renew and strengthen' Britain's ties with Russia.

After the trip he praised Putin, telling the BBC: 'He [Putin] was highly intelligent and with a focused view of what he wants to achieve in Russia.'

Sir Richard has now admitted there was a 'long discussion' about whether Mr Blair should accept the invitation, but 'decided on balance that [it] was an unusual and unique opening and we accepted the invitation.'

But Sir Richard said he was 'sure now there is significant regret' within the MI6, The Times reports.

Putin and Blair are pictured here at an informal dinner at the 'Pivnushka' pub in Lenin avenue in 2000

Sir Richard was in charge of MI6, Britain's spy agency, when the 2002 'dodgy dossier' was published.

In the dossier, the government set out its case on Saddam Hussein's supposed weapons of mass destruction capabilities.

Sir Richard ensured the material was shown directly to Prime Minister Tony Blair - who subsequently wrote a foreword to the so-called 'dodgy dossier' saying that Hussein's threat was beyond doubt.

Together with the earlier September Dossier, the government justified its involvement in the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
There are huge queues of traffic heading into Sydney as thousands head back to the city after the long weekend.

The three-day long-weekend gave residents the opportunity to take a short getaway trip.

But now queues are backed up 10km on the M1 Pacific Motorway at Warnervale, 7News reported.

The October long-weekend has launched traffic chaos in and around Sydney as thousands of residents are returning to the city following the three-day long-weekend (stock image)

The long-weekend also marked the beginning of the school holidays where families often opt to leave the city.

There are also delays south of Sydney on the Great Western Highway from Mount Victoria to Blackheath.

Traffic is reportedly impacted on northbound roads from Albion Park Rail on Prices Highway.

A multiple vehicle crash has also caused delays north of the city, on the Hume Motorway at Wilton.

Motorists are urged to account for extra travel time amid the public holiday delays.
The father of a 15-year-old girl who died on a British Airways flight after having an allergic reaction to a Pret sandwich has told of his 'terrible guilt' as he revealed Sarah Ferguson comforted him and his wife on their flight back home.

Nadim Ednan-Laperouse, was on the flight out to Nice on which his daughter, Natasha, died after eating a sandwich laced with sesame seeds not listed on the label and went into anaphylaxis shock.

'I have such a terrible guilt she died with me, not her mummy,' he told ITV This Morning. 'Not that I'd want it the other way round. But if a parent is anything they are the ultimate protector of their children, who would die for them a thousand times.'

Tanya and Nadim Ednan-Laperouse appeared today on Radio 4 and Good Morning Britain (pictured) to speak about their campaign for proper allergy labelling

During the interview, Mr Ednan-Laperouse and his wife, Tanya, also revealed that they had been comforted by Sarah Ferguson during their return flight to London alongside their daughter's body.

We had been allowed onto the flight first and were right at the front,' she said. Suddenly from behind someone grabbed my arm and said Oh my goodness, Ive heard what happened to you both and Im so sorry,' Mrs Ednan-Laperouse said.

Then I saw this lovely red hair and realised it was Sarah Ferguson. She had seen us earlier in the lounge and had asked someone why we looked so sad.

She talked to us about Natasha all the way home. She was wonderful, just so lovely. She said she would support us all the way and in anything we decided to do.'

The artichoke, olive and tapenade baguette Natasha purchased at a Pret store in Heathrow Terminal 5 did not include a label saying it contained sesame, as restaurants do not have to do so for products that are made fresh in store.

Mr Ednan-Laperouse is now fighting for this loophole to be closed, a vow he made at Natasha's funeral in front of 500 people. 'I promised we would get justice. That nobody else would suffer such a needless and pointless death,' he told BBC Today.

'Were trying to save other families in the United Kingdom from such a terrible thing happening to them,' he said.

This issue is an extremely poignant one for families, and we feel that what we are saying will resonate deeply with them. We are looking for the law to be changed in the United Kingdom.

Its so important others dont die from something so simple, so simple.

Natasha fell seriously ill around half-way through the flight. Mr Ednan-Laperouse took her to the front toilet and injected her with one EpiPen, but this did not have any effect.

I stood back to wait and see if it was working, and she said daddy, daddy, I cant breathe help me, please get the second one,' he said.

Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, 15 (pictured) was on a dream trip to Nice with her best friend and her father when she ate the sandwich laced with sesame seeds not listed on the label

The second injection also had no effect. Realising his daughter was about to die, Mr Ednan-Laperouse phoned Tanya to tell her the devastating news.

I was having a few calls from Nadim saying something terrible had happened,' she said.

The plane was delayed by six hours so I was waiting at the gate. He phoned to say shes going to die, you have to say goodbye to her now.

I couldnt scream or yell, I was just engulfed by grief.'

While Natasha lay dying, a member of BA cabin crew who had access to a defibrillator decided to remain by the door instead due to emergency landing regulation, a decision that led to intense criticism.

The baguette pictured is a similar sesame product, but not the same as the one Natasha ate

Mr Ednan-Laperouse addressed the shocking lapse in an interview earlier today of Good Morning Britain.

'It's difficult to say hand on heart. But if someone was in cardiac arrest as our daughter was, right at the feet of the BA cabin crew as he stood there, not to offer defibrillator, only he can answer in his heart as to why that is,' he said.

Last week, Pret was shamed by coroner Dr Sean Cummings who blasted their 'inadequate' packaging and said Natasha was falsely 'reassured' by wrappers and store signs at Heathrow Terminal 5.

Following the hearing, CEO Clive Schlee said: 'We are deeply sorry for Natasha's death. We cannot begin to comprehend the pain her family have gone through and the grief they continue to feel.

'We have heard everything the Coroner and Natasha's family have said this week. And we will learn from this. All of us at Pret want to see meaningful change come from this tragedy. We will make sure that it does'.

KEY QUESTIONS PRET TRAGEDY RAISES ABOUT UK FOOD LABELLING REGULATIONS The inquest into the death of teenager Natasha Ednan-Laperouse brought food regulations and allergy labelling of products to the fore. Food regulation expert Dr Richard Hyde, associate professor in law at the University of Nottingham, has set out the key issues. - What is the current law? Dr Hyde explained that the law at the moment, the EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation and the UK Food Information Regulations 2014, is that if there are any of 14 different types of allergens contained within food they should be highlighted on the label of the product - but this only applies to pre-packaged food that is already made before it reaches the shop or restaurant in which it is being sold. Non-prepackaged food does not have to have a specific label attached to the specific food, according to the current law. - What is the problem with this law? During the inquest into the death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, coroner Dr Sean Cummings heard that Pret A Manger operates under regulation 5 of the Food Information Regulations, as their outlets have kitchens adjacent preparing fresh food which is then packed and displayed for sale. Dr Cummings pointed out that one of the effects of regulation 5 is that it allows for the 'incomplete labelling of food products'. It allows for a 'general description' but does not require identification of allergens in bold lettering on the packet. Dr Hyde pointed out that businesses can direct consumers to ask for information about allergens, rather than providing the information in writing. - What are the 14 allergens? Cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, milk, nuts, celery, mustard, sesame seeds, sulphur dioxide and sulphites at a particular concentration, lupin and molluscs. - What can actually change? Dr Hyde said the Government can apply a more 'stringent' requirement in relation to non-prepackaged food. He said it can amend the current regulations and require that allergens are specifically highlighted in writing. Dr Hyde said he thinks the UK regulations should change to require businesses to set out in writing what allergens are in a particular product, that there should be a 'duty' to set out and declare what the allergens are, rather than putting the onus on the consumer. - How easy would it be to change the law? Dr Hyde said it would be relatively simple as it is set out in a statutory instrument, meaning a change does not have to be made by an Act of Parliament. - Would there be any opposition? Small businesses, such as some restaurants that cook new menus every day, may find it to be quite a burden to have to produce an allergy list every day, Dr Hyde pointed out. However, he said he would not anticipate much opposition generally, given the damaging consequences of someone not being aware of an allergen in food. - Would Brexit affect any of this? Dr Hyde said the overall regulation comes from an EU piece of legislation, including the 14 listed allergens. He suggested that post-Brexit the list of 14 allergens could be extended to include more. Advertisement
Iran said Monday it struck jihadists in Syria with ballistic missiles in retaliation for a deadly attack on an Iranian military parade, warning the 'real punishment' was still to come.

ISIS, has claimed responsibility for last month's assault in the Iranian city of Ahvaz, where 24 people died.

The pre-dawn strike by Iran, which has vowed to boost its ballistic missile capabilities despite Western concerns, targeted the area of Albu Kamal in eastern Syria near the border with Iraq.

'On at least one of the missiles was written "death to America", "death to Israel" and "death to Al Saud",' Iran's Fars news agency said. Al Saud is a reference to the ruling family in Saudi Arabia, Iran's regional rival.

This handout photo provided by Iran's Revolutionary Guard shows missiles being launched from an undisclosed location to target militants in eastern Syria

'The headquarters of those responsible for the terrorist crime in Ahvaz was attacked a few minutes ago east of the Euphrates by several ballistic missiles fired by the aerospace branch of the Revolutionary Guards,' the Guards said on their website.

'Based on preliminary reports, many takfiri terrorists and the leaders responsible for the terrorist crime in Ahvaz have been killed or wounded in this missile attack,' the Guards added.

The term 'takfiri' refers to Sunni Muslim extremists.

Six medium-range ballistic missiles were fired from western Iran at 2am (10.30pmGMT Sunday), dealing a 'fatal blow 570 kilometres away,' the Guards said.

The missiles were followed by a bombing by 'seven military drones' against the 'mercenary terrorists'.

The pre-dawn strike by Iran, which has vowed to boost its ballistic missile capabilities despite Western concerns, targeted the area of Albu Kamal in eastern Syria near the border with Iraq

Iran said the missiles had targeted Islamic State terrorists, who has claimed responsibility for last month's assault in the Iranian city of Ahvaz, where 24 people died

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, 'heavy explosions took place at dawn in the last pocket under ISIS control near Albu Kamal'.

The town of Albu Kamal itself is held by regime forces and allied regional militiamen who seized it from IS in 2017.

Iran's Fars news agency said the Zolfaghar and Qiam missiles fired had a range of 465 and 500 miles, respectively.

The Guards released pictures of what appeared to be missiles lighting up the night sky, leaving trails of smoke as they soared above a desert region with a rugged mountain in the background.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had promised a 'crushing' response to the September 22 attack by five gunmen on the military parade in Ahvaz, a mainly ethnic Arab city, while the Guards threatened 'unforgettable revenge'.

The missile strike 'was only a jab against these criminals. The real punishment is yet to come,' General Mohsen Rezai, former commander-in-chief of the Guards and now secretary of Expediency Discernment Council, wrote on Twitter.

Iranian officials initially blamed Arab separatists backed by Gulf Arab allies of the United States for the Ahvaz attack.

Attack: Iranian soldiers are seen carrying an injured comrade at the scene of the attack on the military parade last month

But on Monday supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appeared to link the perpetrators to jihadists operating in Iraq and Syria, where IS once had major strongholds.

'This cowardly act was the work of those very individuals who are rescued by the Americans whenever they are in trouble in Iraq and Syria and who are funded by the Saudis and the (United) Arab Emirates,' Khamenei was quoted by his official website as saying.

The Guards accused the United States, Israel and the 'reactionary regimes' of the Middle East of supporting the 'terrorists' in eastern Syria who carried out the attack, and said they always stood ready to respond to Iran's enemies.

ISIS, which Iran and its Damascus allies are fighting in Syria, said all five of the Ahvaz attackers were Iranian, including four from the city.

The jihadists also threatened to carry out more attacks in Iran.

ISIS had already claimed responsibility for twin attacks in June 2017 on the parliament and the tomb of revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in Tehran that killed 17 people.

After that assault the Guards said they had fired missiles into Syria that had successfully hit ISIS targets.
This is the exhilarating moment a YouTuber was recorded braving the heights and soaring across mountains on a zip-line at speeds of up to 80mph.

In the footage YouTuber AvTurCruising is seen flying through the air while capturing the dizzying flight on two GoPro cameras at parallel angles.

The zip-line that the daredevil is seen gliding across is the Fantasticable, situated in Pena Aventura near Porto in the north of Portugal.

YouTuber AvTurCruising was recorded soaring through the air at more than 490ft above ground while zip-lining across a cable at speeds of up to 80mph

The zip-line called Fantasticable is situated in Pena Aventura near Porto in the north of Portugal

The YouTuber, who captured the dizzying flight on two GoPro cameras at parallel angles, is seen flying above forestry and valleys

In the video, the thrill-seeker is seen flying over forestry and grassy land while connected to the zip line which reaches speeds of up to 80mph and offers stunning views over a valley.

Capturing two parallel angles along the flight, the YouTuber is then seen passing a main road before coming to a final stop in the one minute 20 second video.

The zip line situated in the Pena Adventure Park in Ribeira de Pena, Vila Real district, connects two mountains by a 5045ft-long steel cable and is around 490ft off the ground.

On their website the adventure park invites those who dare 'so come on, let's fly!'

The zip line which reaches speeds of 80mph and offers stunning views over a valley, connects two mountains by a 5045ft-long steel cable

The cable is located in the Pena Adventure Park in the Ribeira de Pena, in the Vila Real district

As the footage draws to an end the thrill-seeker is seen passing a main road before coming to a final stop in the one minute 20 second video

This is not the first time an adventure seeker has taken to higher territories to experience what it is like to soar like an eagle.

In June, Daily Mail journalist Jo Knowsley faced her fears on the Ras Al Khaimah (also known as RAK) in the United Arab Emirates, the world's longest zipline at 1.75 miles long, located on the top of Jebel Jais, the Emirates' tallest mountain

On her experience she wrote: 'I feel like a giant bird of prey - though with a top speed of 240mph, the falcons patrolling these mountains dwarf my efforts.'
Industry leaders welcomed Philip Hammond's promise the Tories will 'always be the party of business' - but called for bolder policies to boost investment.

The Chancellor made a clear pitch to win over business interests whose support for the party has wavered in the face of Brexit uncertainty.

Addressing the Tory Party conference in Birmingham today, he promised to put the interests of business front and centre of the Government.

And he said Britain could boom if Theresa May gets a Brexit deal thrashed out with the European Union.

Business chiefs today praised the Chancellor for his warm words - and said that their interests had been ignored by Westminster for too long.

But they warned that all government departments must take the same approach as Mr Hammond and work to boost investment and trade.

The CBI said the Chancellor's words showed that 'pride and confidence in British business' have 'made a comeback'.

Delivering his speech to conference today (pictured), Mr Hammond joked about his reputation for being 'tight with money'

The Chancellor (pictured at conference with wife Susan today) delivered another furious volley at Boris Johnson after dismissing his chances of taking over from Theresa May

Mr Hammond said he believed Theresa May (pictured right at Tory conference today) would succeed in thrashing out a deal with the EU

Mrs May and Philip Hammond visited an engineering services company in Birmingham before his speech to conference today

While the British Chamber of Commerce said that after some time feeling like they had been in the wilderness, businesses feel like government is listening to them again.

Delivering his speech to Conservative conference in Birmingham this afternoon, Mr Hammond reassured business he was determined to fight for their interests.

He urged members to unite behind the PM's Chequers plan - which has come under fierce fire from Eurosceptics including Boris Johnson.

Dominic Raab hints that Britain could slash corporation tax to 10% after Brexit Britain could slash corporation tax to 10 per cent to keep firms in the UK after Brexit, Dominic Raab today hinted. The Brexit Secretary said ministers are looking at options to keep businesses in Britain. He said the tax cut is one part of the Chancellor's 'fiscal capacity' to keep the economy afloat if talks collapse. Britain already has the lowest corporation tax rates in the G7 at 19 per cent, with a pledge to reduce it 17 per cent by 2020. Asked at an IEA fringe event at Tory party conference is the Chancellor would consider slashing the tax to 10 per cent, Mr Raab said 'The Chancellor has talked about reserving fiscal fire power - what more do you want?' He added: 'Of course he is talking about recognition that in the No Deal scenario we want to pull every lever we have got to see us through the short term buffeting or disruption we have.' Advertisement

But Mr Hammond said the government would be ready for any outcome from the talks, including no-deal.

'I will maintain enough fiscal firepower in my locker to support our economy if that happens,' he said.

He sought to repair relations with industry after tensions over Brexit, insisting the Conservative Party 'is and will always be the party of business'.

Responding to his speech, Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, said: 'Pride and confidence in British business has for too long been missing in Westminster. It made a comeback in the Chancellor's speech today.

'Ultimately actions will speak louder than words. This starts with a new era of partnership between business and government.

'Firms' on-the-ground insight is the cornerstone of great policy. Only by working together can every policy and every business investment be aimed at the key prize: a UK economy where prosperity is shared.'

Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: 'After a period where many in business have felt that their concerns have not been centre stage in Westminster, firms will be heartened by the Chancellor's forthright support for business as the foundation of both a strong economy and a strong society.'

'It is right to champion the positive role that businesses play, day in and day out, across our communities  a role that has recently been overlooked by politicians of all colours.

Chancellor threatens to 'go it alone' by taxing internet giants Philip Hammond has threatened internet giants with a new digital services tax to ensure they pay their fair share of the cost of public services. In his keynote speech to the Tory conference in Birmingham, Mr Hammond said that, with international talks stalling, Britain was ready to go it alone with a levy on the tech companies. The EU unveiled plans earlier this year to tax the revenues of internet firms like Amazon, Google and Facebook rather than profits, so they have to contribute to countries where they do lots of business. However, little progress appears to have been made. Mr Hammond said a push was needed to tackle the challenges of the modern world and renew the appeal of the free market to a new generation. And he said action to ensure firms pay their way could be a key plank. 'The best way to tax international companies is through international agreement,' said Mr Hammond. 'But the time for talking is coming to an end and the stalling has to stop. 'If we cannot reach agreement, the UK will go it alone with a Digital Services Tax of its own.' Advertisement

'While Philip Hammond's tone is encouraging, he must go further. His upcoming Budget must deliver bold action to boost investment and confidence at precisely the moment that our business communities need it most.

'As we move towards the UK's departure from the EU, there's never been a more important time for the government to pull out all the stops to get businesses investing and growing.'

Mr Hammond said he expected a 'deal dividend' to boost the economy if a settlement is thrashed out.

But he also risked fuelling Tory splits by making clear his fears about crashing out of the EU.

It came hours after Mr Hammond launched an incendiary attack on Mr Johnson in an interview with the Daily Mail, saying he would never become PM.

In a round of TV appearances earlier, Mr Hammond stepped up his criticism of the former foreign secretary's 'fantasy' vision for life outside the EU.

He also said Britain had taken a 'hit' from the uncertainty since 2016 and suggested some businesses would leave if negotiations with Brussels failed.

He delivered an appeal for Tories to come together, saying they were all 'patriots' and had to respect their differences.

'We all have views about how to deliver Brexit that are sincerely held and not  if we're totally honest  100 per cent aligned,' he said.

'Like everyone in this room, I love this country all of us are patriots all of us are on the same side when it comes to our national interest the side that stands up for Britain and works to get the best outcome for our country.'

Mr Hammond's wife Susan was watching from the audience as Mr Hammond delivers his speech today

Mr Hammond acknowledged that many voters feel 'left behind' by economic change and fear they will fall further behind as new technologies like artificial intelligence and driverless cars make their jobs obsolete

Mr Hammond said Brexit was 'important' and was 'going to happen' as the nation had voted for it.

But he urged the party to raise its eyes to the horizon and think about how the country will look afterwards.

Hammond drops hint at tax rises to fund the NHS in Budget The Chancellor has dropped a big hint that tax rises could be unveiled in the Budget to fund the NHS. Philip Hammond said the health service needed to be properly funded, and Theresa May had announced a 24billion boost. He told Today: 'The Prime Minister has always been very clear, very open and very honest about the fact that, if we want a well-funded NHS fit for the future, we will have to find a little more tax to fund it in the future and I shall say more in my next Budget.' Ignoring a question about whether there would be any 'Brexit dividend', the Chancellor nevertheless said part of his calculations included the fact 'we will not be sending large sums of money to Brussels every year'. Advertisement

'When the Brexit debate is over - and difficult as it is to imagine today, I promise you that one day it will be - our work, as Conservatives, will not be.

'Because more than ever Britain will need strong leadership to see off the threat to our prosperity from Corbyn and to lead our country into our post-Brexit future Leadership that only a united Conservative Party can provide.'

He added: 'Technological change is transforming not only our economy, but our society and our politics at a rate that none of us have seen in our lifetimes.

'In response, we, as a party, have to dare to change too not by abandoning our enduring values and principles but by applying them to the challenges of the future.

'And when the history of this period comes to be written I can promise you that it will be this technological transformation, and how we manage it  not Brexit  that will define the future of our country and our party.'

Mr Hammond acknowledged that many voters feel 'left behind' by economic change and fear they will fall further behind as new technologies like artificial intelligence and driverless cars make their jobs obsolete.

He warned that Tories must persuade these people that the market system can work for them, or see them fall for the 'seductive simplicities' offered by Jeremy Corbyn's Labour.

In a hint that he may be preparing the way for tax cuts or spending increases in this month's Budget, Mr Hammond told delegates that there was 'light at the end of the tunnel' after years of austerity.

And he predicted a 'deal dividend' for the UK economy once an EU withdrawal agreement has been reached with Brussels, as companies unlock investment put on hold since the referendum and households regain the confidence to spend.

Any resulting increase in income to Government would be shared between keeping taxes low, supporting public services, reducing the deficit, and investing in the future, he promised.

But he said the Tories must look beyond Brexit to convince millennials and those in later generations that '21st century capitalism' can provide answers to the problems they face.

Boris Johnson (pictured running near his Oxfordshire home today) has let loose at Mrs May's Chequers plan for Brexit again

The party needs to 'dare to change' and 'renew the mandate for the market economy in the 21st century and with it the mandate of the modern Conservative Party to govern', he said.

Mr Hammond said that the Brexit vote was driven in part by the fact that 'a gap has opened up ... between the theory of how a market economy delivers and distributes rising prosperity and the reality experienced by ordinary people'.

He said: 'Too many people feel that they have lost control, that they are working for the system but the system isn't working for them,' before listing a litany of complaints about slow wage growth, insecure jobs and expensive housing.

'Our challenge is to ensure that 21st Century capitalism delivers for them, to convince them that our vision of Britain's future can meet their aspirations, and that our plan will deliver a better tomorrow for them and their families.'

The Government must show voters that gains from technological advance will not go only to 'the few' but will be harnessed to 'address their concerns, not make them worse', he said.

And he warned Tory activists: 'If we look for a moment like the party of 'no change', then we should not be surprised that some will be tempted by the dangerous populism of our opponents.'

Denouncing the Labour of Mr Corbyn and John McDonnell as a 'backward-looking party' which is 'totally unfit to govern', he said: 'This country now faces a choice.

Davis accuses Hammond of using bad Treasury forecasts as 'weapon' against Brexit Philip Hammond used forecasts he knew were inaccurate during preparations for a no-deal Brexit, David Davis has claimed. The former Brexit secretary accused Mr Hammond of undermining negotiations and claimed he turned predictions about the impact of crashing out into 'weapons'. Speaking on the fringes of the Tory conference, Mr Davis said it drove him 'mad' when the Chancellor would start talking about problems at crucial points in the EU exit talks. He said Mr Hammond 'was using a forecast which internally the reports said was inaccurate and did not reflect the future' when preparations were being made for a no-deal outcome. 'Internally, that was the briefing going on inside,' he added. 'So these are not forecasts, they are weapons.' Mr Davis said he was looking forward to being a backbencher during Treasury questions in the Commons. 'My first question to the Chancellor will be could he please name one forecast by the Treasury, or the OBR (Office for Budget Responsibility) or the Bank of England from the last 50 years that was right?' Advertisement

'A choice between the seductive simplicity of the Brave New World of Corbyn and McDonnell's populism, where the narrative is all about easy answers, and our pragmatism, which is sceptical of ideologues, which starts with the real world we live in, and seeks to make it better, and recognises that there are no short-cuts and no free-lunches on the road to a better Britain.'

The Chancellor won applause from activists as he declared: 'Corbyn boasts that Labour are a government-in-waiting. Well, I say let's keep him waiting, this year, next year and every year.'

The comments came after Mr Hammond used an interview with the Daily Mail to launch a furious volley at Boris Johnson.

He said the Brexiteer was incapable of 'grown-up' politics and did not have a clue how his own proposal for a future relationship with the EU would work.

The Chancellor also said Mr Johnson was doomed to fail in his bid to be the next Conservative prime minister.

Responding to the speech, John O'Connell, Chief Executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance said: 'Philip Hammond was right to assert that politicians should be on the side of businesses and entrepreneurship.

'But those words aren't being followed up with actions.

'For instance, a digital services tax will be passed straight on to shoppers. Families in Britain are struggling under the highest tax burden in 49 years, and yet they are faced with a cocktail of new taxes on sugar, and potentially on milkshakes and online shopping. Fairness will come through lower and simpler taxes, not by implementing new ones.'

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said the speech showed the Tories were 'bereft of any fresh ideas'.

'The Chancellor's speech confirmed the bankrupt state of the Tory party, increasingly irrelevant and cut off from the real day to day life most people experience,' he said.

'The Tories are bereft of any fresh ideas, forced to resort to a half-hearted filching of policies from others and desperately trying to revive long outdated slogans. As the Tories sink into a pit of bitter infighting, we mustn't allow them to take the country down with it.'

Lib Dem leader Vince Cable also dismissed the idea that there would be any kind of Brexit dividend for the UK.

'It is simply wrong of the Chancellor to say that any kind of Brexit benefits our economy. Indeed, he is aping Boris Johnson's mendacious claim of some sort of dividend from 2016,' he said.

'There is no deal dividend: the government's own impact assessments show our economy is damaged under any form of Brexit. Indeed the Bank of England has said that the spectre of Brexit has already lowered GDP.

'Hammond's previous actions show he has been one of the few members of the Cabinet who understands the grim realities of Brexit.

'The Chancellor must not change his tune now just to appease Conservative conference.'

In a round of interviews ahead of his speech to Tory conference in Birmingham, Mr Hammond was asked about Mr Johnson's call for a Canada-style trade deal with the EU.

He said that demand demonstrated the 'lack of attention to detail' as the option was not on the table without splitting the UK.

Mr Hammond said Mr Johnson was a 'big personality' but government was about 'lots of hard work' and 'follow through'.

'It isn't just about making flamboyant statements and big announcements it's about getting things done,' he added.

Mr Hammond said the Eurosceptic demands to 'take back control' were about a 'fantasy world'.

Mr Hammond said the party had to get 'four square' behind the PM as she tries to thrash out a deal with the EU

'The EU have been very clear that as they negotiate with us they have their red lines, just as we have our red lines, and they are not prepared to negotiate for a free trade agreement which includes the whole of the United Kingdom because of the impact that would have on the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland,' he told ITV's Good Morning Britain.

'We can spend our time sitting at a table, banging it and demanding something that our negotiating partners have clearly told us is not on offer, or we can try to find a way through with a solution that works for Britain and will also be acceptable to them within their red lines.'

Other senior ministers also lined up to slap down Mr Johnson.

In his own speech to the conference, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: 'We need to be clear that under Theresa May this country will not accept a deal that is bad for Britain or one that is bad for the union that is the United Kingdom. So that is why we are backing our Prime Minister.'

Mr Hammond acknowledged that the UK economy had taken a 'hit' because of the uncertainty caused by Brexit.

He said the country would be able to cope with a no-deal outcome as it had 'fiscal capacity'.

But he warned that 'no-deal would not be a good outcome'.

'Clearly there has been a hit to our economy through the uncertainty that the Brexit process has caused,' he told BBC News.

'Many businesses are sitting on their hands, frankly, waiting to see what the outturn of this negotiation is before confirming their investment plans, and of course that has an impact on the British economy.'

Asked how this effect could be stopped, he replied: 'By getting a deal, and I believe that when the Prime Minister lands this deal and brings it back, there will actually be a boost to the economy, as businesses start making those investments that they've deferred over the last year or so, consumers start spending on big-ticket items as they feel more confident knowing where we are going in the future.

'So, there's a definite upside if we get this deal done and bring it back home, with businesses and consumers feeling more confident and boosting the economy in consequence.'

Asked if the Conservative Party can stay together in the face of differences over Brexit, Mr Hammond told BBC1 Breakfast: 'We have to, because beyond Brexit ... there will be many other big challenges.'

He added: 'The Tory party has a very strong instinct for self-preservation. That's why we are one of the longest-lived and most successful political parties anywhere in the world.

'Of course we have our disagreements. We've had our disagreements before.

'But when the arguments are over, what unites us is much stronger than what divides us and we will come together as a party to fight the next battle - the battle against Labour's plans to take us back to the 1970s, to destroy the economic progress that we have made and to undermine the future of our country.'
This is the astonishing moment an eight-year-old girl tackles gun-wielding robbers moments after they mugged her father and raided their family home.

Brielle Minia Alba was playing on the driveway outside her home in Cavite, Philippines, when a group of four men walked up to the house, posing as DVD sellers.

The masked gang held Brielle's family at gunpoint, but as they tried to flee the scene, the brave eight-year-old tacked one of them and attacked another as he was getting on his moped.

Brave: Brielle Minia, eight, was playing on the driveway outside her home in the Philippines, when a group of four men robbed her family at gunpoint - and she tried to stop them

The incident took place just before 5pm local time in the General Trias City area of Cavite province, where Brielle's family live on a compound with several other relatives.

CCTV footage shows the men mugging Brielle's father BJ Alba, 27, as he steps out of his car after coming home from work.

While three of them point their weapons at the family, one runs into the house to sweep it of valuables.

As the runs back down the driveway, they encounter Brielle, wearing a pink dress and pigtails.

She bravely lunges at the same man who had been holding the silver semi-automatic handgun. She rips open his bag, spilling its content over the ground.

You shall not pass! After robbing the home and holding the family at gunpoint, the robbers get ready to run back out to the road again, past Brielle

Stop! The brave child stands in the way of the gang, and tackles one of the grown men

Hero: The fearless eight-year-old grabs the items the men have stolen from the home, and rips one of the bags, before chasing after the robbers down the driveway

The youngster is seen frantically trying to scoop it up, as the robber towers over and grabs the bag again.

Incredibly, the fearless girl gets to her feet and sprints after the robbers, before hurling herself at them for a second time as they climb onto their bikes.

The footage shows her being kicked to the ground, and Brielle ended up in hospital with a broken nose, cuts and bruises.

Upon returning home after two nights in the hospital, Brielle said: 'I'll get them next time.'

Brielle said that she was 'not afraid' of the 'cowards' and would do the same thing again.

She added: 'I'm so angry they stole my daddy's money. If I ever see them again they'll be sorry.

'The money belonged to my family. I wanted to help them. They worked hard for it.'

Brielle's aunt Bhing, who also lives on the family compound, said that they were shaken by the incident but not intimated.

The callous robbers kicked Brielle to the ground, leaving her hospitalised with a suspected broken nose, cuts and bruises

She added: 'Thank God we were safe and all they took was money. It's just money that can be earned, now they can wait for karma. My niece is really brave.'

Police investigating the armed robbery believe the attackers had planned ahead and knew Brielle's father would be coming home from work at that time, and that he would have cash on him.

A spokesman said today: 'We have collected the CCTV from the family and we are studying the video footage to try to identify the offenders.

'We're also reviewing the previous days and other CCTV cameras in the area to see if the gang had shown up there before.'
A racehorse went into a betting bar close to a prestigious French course - and cleared it of punters in a few seconds flat.

The astonishing drama, which was caught by security cameras, looked as though it came straight out of a joke book.

Drinkers and bar staff can be seen inside the peaceful bar at Chantilly, north of Paris, when the young filly arrives.

She is saddled up ready for a race, but instead chooses to kick out, knocking over chairs as she heads straight for the betting counter.

Most onlookers, including those serving at the bar, can meanwhile be seen rushing out as quickly as possible.

The horse's trainer, Jean-Marie Beguigne, confirmed she had dumped her rider at the prestigious Chantilly Race Course stables, less than a mile away.

The racehorse thrashes into the bar after escaping near Chantilly racecourse where the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is held

It is where the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, one of the most prestigious flat racing events it the world, has been held for the past two years every October.

Mr Beguigne told Ouest France newspaper: 'Between the track and the stables, her rider fell off. The filly escaped by going on to the road, and crossing a roundabout before entering this bar. It is all quite exceptional.'

Nobody was hurt, and even the horse 'showed no trauma or anxiety', said Mr Beguigne, who did not reveal the filly's name.

The trainer said the horse 'had a penchant for escape', but considered it incredible that she made for a PMU bar.

PMU stands for Pari Mutuel Urbain, France's state-controlled betting system. PMU bars all have betting counters, and screens that show races.

It send chairs and tables flying at the betting shop with an unruly saddle falling off of its body

Stephane Jasmin, the owner of the Chantilly PMU bar, said: 'She pushed the door open, and raced straight for the betting corner.

'Then the filly turned around, breaking a table and chairs. We've never seen anything like it.'

Mr Jasmin said a crowd of drinkers had just left to take a train before the horse arrived a week ago - on Monday September 24, at around 10am.

There is a classic joke about a horse going into a bar, and the barman saying 'Why the long face?', with plenty of variations involving race horses.

But there is the first time that a stray horse is known to have made for a betting bar and scaring punters away.
Donald Trump's tax returns could be made public if the Democrats win back control of the House in November.

The Dems are planning to use an almost 100-year-old law to get their hands on Trump's old filings, which could then be handed to the press.

Trump bucked a 40-year tradition when he refused to release his returns during the 2016 election, claiming he was under audit by the IRS.

Donald Trump refused to honor a 40-year-old tradition by releasing his tax returns during the 2016 election, but if Democrats win the House in November, they could do it by force

That has led to fascination over the tax returns among Democrat circles and what they could possibly contain.

Conflicts of interest between Trump's businesses and the presidency, possible links to Russia, and charity donations are all expected to come under scrutiny should the party get hold of the documents.

The 1924 law states that the Treasury Department will hand over any old tax filings requested by the chairs of the tax committees or the head of Congresss nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation.

Lloyd Doggett, a Democrat representative from Texas, told Politico that the plan would then be to review the documents in private - at least at first.

'The approach would be to get all of it, review it, and, depending on what that shows, release all or part of it,' he said.

A 100-year-old law would allow members of tax committees to demand the documents to review privately, but which could then be leaked to the press (file image)

Mark Warner, a senator for Virginia and top-ranking Democrat on the intelligence committee, added: 'There are legitimate oversight questions that can only be answered by having those documents.'

While the move would be unusual, it would not be unprecedented. Republicans used it to work out whether the IRS discriminated against conservative groups seeking tax exempt status under Obama.

Indeed, the law was passed due to concerns over conflicts of interest posed by the businesses of Andrew Mellon, who was Treasury Secretary in the Twenties.

But even if the Dems win the House and get hold of the documents, they would still face a protracted legal battle to get the documents released.

Improperly releasing tax information is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, and Trump would surely fight vociferously to keep the information private.
Rudy Esquivel, a prison spokesman, said all seven of the inmates were shot dead

At least seven people were shot dead and four were wounded on Sunday in a prison riot in Guatemala, according to local authorities, who said they had wrested back control.

The riot spun out of a brawl among prisoners in the Pavoncito maximum security prison, said prison spokesman Rudy Esquivel.

Volunteer firefighters reported that four people were transferred to hospital and at least seven inmates died from bullet wounds.

Members of the Volunteer Fire Department who responded to the riot inspect the carnage in the aftermath

Several prisoners died from gunshot wounds as inmates went on the rampage with pistols through the prison

'At 14:50 an alert for a fight between prisoners in the center known as Pavoncito was generated,' Esquivel told Prensa Libre.

'The incident happened in an area of isolation. No guards were injured or deceased.'

The reason for the fight and the names of the victims was not immediately known, but authorities say they believe they have arrested those responsible already.

'The situation is now under control,' Esquivel added.

Pavoncito, a minimum security prison, houses 1,960 inmates - many of whom have been convicted of serious felonies.

One of the pistols used during the riot lies on the ground after police and firemen had regained control

Several dead inmates were pictured lying in pools of blood on the floor of the prison complex

It has previously been the scene of several high profile riots, after inmates beheaded five prisoners back in 2008.

At least 12 inmates died also in a riot in July 2013 at the prison, in the town of Fraijanes, about 12 miles from the Guatemalan capital.

Opened in 1976, Pavon initially hosted 800 low-risk detainees. But three decades of civil war, in which Guatemala's army and rebels massacred 200,000 people, flooded the centre with brutalised young men.

Until recently, the prison was unofficially known as the 'Democratic Republic of Pavon' because of its lawlessness and control by several drug gangs up until the 2008 riot - as successive Guatemalan governments feared meddling with the institution.

Prison guards regain control of Pavoncito prison after a brutal riot in 2007 which killed five (file photo)
The two Koreas started removing landmines along a section of their heavily fortified border on Monday as part of a summit deal to ease military tensions.

The agreement between the nations - which are technically still at war - was reached at a meeting in North Korea's capital Pyongyang last month.

The summit was the third this year between the South Korean President Moon Jae-in and his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong Un, following a rapid thaw in relations.

South Korean Army soldiers have begun to search for landmines near the demilitarized zone that separates the two Koreas in Yeoncheon, north of Seoul (file image)

The JSA, also known as the truce village of Panmunjom, is the only spot along the tense, 250-kilometre frontier where troops from the two countries stand face to face

Under deals signed by their defense chiefs on the sidelines of the September summit, the de-mining of the Joint Security Area is part of a broader step to 'disarm' the zone and turn it to a 'place for peace and unity.'

Both sides undertook to carry out landmine removal work at the JSA over a 20-day period, according to the South Korean defence ministry.

A spokesman said the operation had begun on both sides, though this was not confirmed by the North.

The JSA, also known as the truce village of Panmunjom, is the only spot along the tense, 250-kilometre frontier where troops from the two countries stand face to face.

South Korea's Defense Minister Song Young-moo (front left) and North Korea's Minister of the People's Armed Forces No Kwang Chol (front right) hold the documents after signing as South Korean President Moon Jae-in (back left) and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (back right) clap at the Paekhwawon State Guesthouse in Pyongyang, North Korea

Three North Korean soldiers talk to each other as a South Korean soldier stands at the border village of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone, South Korea. North and South Korea began removing mines at two sites inside their heavily fortified border on Monday October 1

It is often used as a venue for talks between the two Koreas.

The two countries will likely end up pulling out a very small portion of an estimated 2 million mines littered inside and near the Demilitarized Zone.

But it would be the rivals' first joint de-mining work in more than a decade and comes amid international diplomacy aimed at ridding North Korea of its nuclear weapons.

'It's the start of peace,' said Kim Ki-ho, head of the private Korea Mine Clearance Research Institute. 'We have to remove those mines, though we are not taking out all the mines at the Demilitarised Zone.'

People pose for photos before an altar for offerings for families with relatives in North Korea, near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating North and South Korea, at the Imjingak 'peace park' in Paju on September 24

The remains of 64 South Korean soldiers who killed in North Korea during the 1950-53 Korean War are placed on a military plane after arriving at in South Korea from Hawaii on October 1, 2018. The remains were found during a joint excavation project between the United States and North Korea in major Korean War battle zones in the communist state from 1996-2005

Military guard posts of North Korea (top right) and South Korea, (bottom left) are seen in Paju, on the South Korean side of the border

Military commentator Lee Illwoo played down the significance of the mine removal, saying that 'North Korea's military threats won't disappear even though we get rid of a small number of front-line mines.'

Moon Jae-in has advocated dialogue with the isolated North to nudge it toward denuclearisation.

During his summit with Kim last month, the two leaders and their defense chiefs also agreed to withdraw front-line guard posts and establish buffer zones along the land, sea and aerial boundaries where live-fire drills and military flights would be banned.

Monday's de-mining is the first of its kind since the Koreas worked to remove explosives at a few border areas to accommodate now-stalled economic and transportation projects during a previous era of rapprochement in the 2000s.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in (C) salutes during the repatriation ceremony for the remains of 64 South Korean soldiers killed in North Korea during the 1950-53 Korean War
A Brooklyn man who is charged with throwing his four-year-old brother off the roof of an apartment building had been struggling with mental health issues, it has been revealed.

Shawn Smith, 20, was walked out of the 70th Precinct in handcuffs Saturday evening charged with the murder of his younger brother Shimron Smith earlier that day.

Relatives told the New York Daily News that Smith, a native of Guyana, had been suffering mental health problems which had prevented him from coming to the US for several months.

He was also said to have been placed in Kings County Hospital for more psychiatric treatment after breaking down a door in his family's Flatlands apartment a few months after he eventually made it to the US.

Courtesy: PIX 11

Shimron Smith's family released a photo of the four-year-old boy after he was found dead in the early hours of Saturday morning

Shawn Smith, 20, walking out of the 70th Precinct on Saturday as he is charged with murder

'You could see in his eyes, he was deteriorating,' said Robin Frith, who is married to Smith's grandfather. 'He was a sick person  you could see it!'

'If you're schizophrenic, you're hearing voices and (they're) telling you what to do,' Robin Frith said. 'There were people (from the hospital) who were visiting the house and he wasn't speaking to them.'

Shimron Smith was found unconscious and unresponsive in a courtyard outside the apartment block in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Shawn Smith flagged down a police car and led cops to the scene where he calmly told them he had thrown the boy off the roof 45 minutes earlier.

The boy died at the scene after the emergency services were called to the building in Brooklyn at around 3.30am.

Shimron Smith was found dead at the scene having fallen from athe top of an apartment building in Flatbush, Brooklyn

Police arrested Shimron's brother, Shawn Smith (pictured), 20, who has a history of schizophrenia

According to his mother Shawn had spent three weeks in the mental health facility and 'was okay' when he came back.

Relatives said Smith often refused to take the medication he was prescribed when he was discharged from the hospital after breaking the door because he believed it was poison.

Despite his struggles, he worked a part-time job with his cousin doing demolition work.

'Even the night before it happened, all of us, we sit here on the chair over here, we're sitting and laughing and laughing,' his mother said.

Smith was charged with murder after his arrest. His arraignment was postponed indefinitely on Sunday while he was evaluated at Bellevue Hospital.
Sajid Javid (pictured at the CPS fringe last night) hailed the 'new generation' of Tory MPs and ridiculed Boris Johnson in a thinly veiled leadership pitch at the Conservative conference last night

Sajid Javid hailed the 'new generation' of Tory MPs and ridiculed Boris Johnson in a thinly veiled leadership pitch at the Conservative conference last night.

The Home Secretary addressed a rally for young MPs, advisers and activists on the fringes of the conference in Birmingham.

He named a series of rising stars included Helen Whately and Rishi Sunak, both elected for the first time in 2015, insisting he was confident for the party's future.

Mr Javid's speech came after he publicly mocked Mr Johnson's suggestion of a bridge to Ireland to boost the Brexit Britain economy.

Mr Javid is seen as a leading modernising candidate to replace Theresa May. His chances were boosted by his promotion to Home Secretary last year.

He told the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS) fringe meeting: 'Just look at the Labour Party Conference last week. We have a hard-left opposition which truth be told have a chance of winning power.

'We cannot let that happen and if we are going to stop that then we have to have the right ideas.

'The CPS is one of those leading think tanks with all the right principles, the right ideas and doing exactly the kind of work we need to see.

'As well as the ideas we also need the people. Ideas on their own are own are no good without the people to promote those ideas and put them into public policy.

'That brings me to the new generation: What we have here today are the ideas represented by the CPS and we are celebrating the talent we need to implement those ideas.

Mr Javid's speech came after he publicly mocked (pictured) Mr Johnson's suggestion of a bridge to Ireland to boost the Brexit Britain economy

Boris Johnson (pictured running near his home this morning) is being widely attacked at this week's Tory conference amid persistent claims he is about to oust the PM

'If I look across the Conservative benches, if I look at the intakes of the last three general elections, if I look at the special advisers we have, the parliamentary assistants.

'Across the Conservative Party, across our family, we have so much talent and it feels me with confidence for the future.'

Mr Javid also joked about the realities of watching the BBC drama Bodyguard while Home Secretary.

In the show, Home Secretary Julia Montague is blown up and killed as a result of a political conspiracy.

Mr Javid said: 'I have been watching Bodyguard. One of the outcomes I am not very happy about is I just hope I have a longer life expectancy.

'I have a new found fear of briefcases - if anyone has one don't come near me.'
A street cleaner in China risked his life holding onto the bonnet of a fast car for eight miles after the driver ran over his broom by accident.

The sanitation worker was sweeping the ground in a university in Wuhan yesterday morning when the Skoda crushed his cleaning tool while reversing.

The two had an argument over the incident and the driver drove away with the worker on top of her car, according to a social media statement of Wuhan Public Security Bureau.

A person in a passing car has filmed the road sweeping clutching to the speedy car while still holding his broom in his arms. Police said he had argued with the driver in Wuhan, China

Police said the road sweeper, Mr Ke, jumped onto the car bonnet when the driver, Ms Li, was about to leave. Ms Li carried on driving leaving the worker clinging to his life.

Mr Ke held onto the bonnet still carrying his broom in his arms as Ms Li sped down the busy roads and motorways of Wuhan.

He clutched to the car for as far as 13 kilometres (eight miles), said the police.

The footage of the unusual event, filmed by a person in a passing car, has become viral in China.

The sanitation worker travelled with the Skoda for as far as eight miles before the driver stopped in front of a police station. The driver was given a 10-day detention for the incident

Shocked and bemused by Mr Ke's behaviour, the Chinese media have nicknamed him the 'Harry Potter street cleaner', referring to his love for his broom like the fictional wizard.

The Wuhan Public Security Bureau said Ms Li eventually drove her car to the Jianqiao Police Station.

The police decided to give the driver a 10-day detention and 500 yuan (55) penalty.

Mr Ke did not sustain any injuries from the ordeal, said the police.
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China marked the start of its National Day celebrations with a special flag-raising ceremony in Beijing today.

More than 140,000 people from all over the country gathered at Tian'anmen Square in the capital city before sunrise to celebrate the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Some visitors even arrived as early as 8pm the night before at the city square, hoping to secure the best spot for the best photos.

People from all over the country attend a flag-raising ceremony during sunrise today at Tiananmen Square, Beijing on the Chinese National Day, marking the 69th anniversary of the founding of People's Republic of China

More than 140,000 people gathered at Tian'anmen Square to watch the special flag-raising ceremony during sunrise

Soldiers of People's Liberation Army attend a flag-raising ceremony during sunrise at Tiananmen Square

During the national holiday, also known as the 'October 1 Golden Week,' Chinese people enjoy seven days off

Chairman Mao Zedong had declared the establishment of a new China on Oct 1, 1949 at Tian'anmen Square

Video footage of the ceremony released by Xinhua shows People's Liberation Army honour guards escorting the national flag towards the flag tower at Tian'anmen Square, where Chairman Mao Zedong had declared the establishment of a new China on Oct 1, 1949.

Visitors were seen waving mini national flags while cheering and taking pictures of the giant flower basket with Chinese characters reading 'Bless the Motherland'.

During the national holiday, also known as the 'October 1 Golden Week,' Chinese people enjoy seven days off, making it one of China's busiest weeks for both domestic and international travels.

People's Liberation Army honour guards escorting the national flag towards the flag tower at Tian'anmen Square

A woman takes a selfie with a mini national flag to celebrate the national day festivities on Monday in the capital city

A family stands in front of the giant flower basket with characters reading 'Bless the Motherland' at Tian'anmen Square

An estimated 16 million people will be embarking on train travels around the country on October 1 alone

Chairman Mao Zedong had declared the establishment of a new China at Tiananmen Square on Oct 1, 1949

An estimated 16 million people will be embarking on train travels around the country on October 1 alone, according to numbers released by China Railway.

Over the course of the week, 129 million people would have boarded a train somewhere in the country, the operator added. The national holiday is believed to be the country's second-largest annual human migration after the Spring Festival.

China's State Council held a reception at the Great Hall of the People on Sunday, hosted by Party and state leaders Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang and attended by more than 1,200 Chinese and foreign guests.

Noting that this year also marks the 40th anniversary of the country's reform and opening up policy initiated in 1978, Premier Li said China will firmly uphold rule-based multilateralism and promote opening-up on a higher level.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (centre), followed by high-ranking officials, pay tribute at the Monument to the People's Heroes

President Xi Jinping arrives for a tribute ceremony in front of the Monument to the People's Heroes, ahead of the National Day

President Xi places a wreath on the Monument to the People's Heroes during the ceremony at Tian'anmen Square

China's State Council held a reception at the Great Hall of the People on Sunday, hosted by Party and state leaders Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang and attended by more than 1,200 Chinese and foreign guests

President Xi, left, and Premier Li Keqiang make a toast to officials at a reception on Sunday celebrating the national day

Noting that this year also marks the 40th anniversary of the country's reform and opening up policy initiated in 1978, Premier Li (left) said China will firmly uphold rule-based multilateralism and promote opening-up on a higher level

While safeguarding its own development interest, China will open wider to share development opportunities and progresses with other countries, according to Xinhua citing Li.

'We will continue to uphold the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and absolutely not tolerate any 'Taiwan independence' attempts and activities,' said Li, while reiterating the policies of 'one country, two systems' in Hong Kong and Macao, both special administrative regions.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam echoed Li's statement in the city's annual National Day reception today following a flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai.

As the city celebrates the public holiday, thousands of people took to the streets to protest against the Chinese government - an annual fixture over the past few years.

Hong Kong holds a flag-raising ceremony as part of China's National Day celebrations at Golden Bauhinia Square on Monday

Chief Executive Carrie Lam (centre) and her husband Lam Siu-por walk past former chief executive Leung Chun-ying (centre, left) and his wife Regina Leung Tong Ching-yee after the flag-raising ceremony in Wan Chai

Pro-democracy protesters hold a mock black hand with the words '23' during a demonstration outside the flag-raising ceremony, protesting against any planning to legislate Article 23 national security law

Thousands marched in Hong Kong against suppression by Beijing as fears grow that freedoms in the semi-autonomous city are seriously under threat

A figure, in the shape of a hand with the colours of the China national flag for fingernails and a '23' on its palm with reference to the controversial Article 23 law, is carried by protesters at a National Day rally in Hong Kong today

After the former British colony was returned to China in 1997, differences have deepened between Communist Party leaders in Beijing and a younger generation of democracy advocates in Hong Kong over the past two years.

Chanting 'Hong Kong is not China', pro-democracy protesters called for Hong Kong's independence as they marched on government headquarters today, according to South China Morning Post.

A figure, in the shape of a hand with the colours of the Chinese national flag for fingernails and a '23' on its palm with reference to the controversial Article 23 law, is carried by protesters at one of the rallies.

Stating that Hong Kong should enact its own laws to 'prohibit any acts of treason, secession, sedition, subversion' against the Chinese government, the so-called 'Article 23' national security law is seen as a grave threat to the city's autonomy.

Pro-democracy advocates were met with Beijing supporters, who were pictured smashing their iPhones in their protests against United States President Donald Trump amid the escalating trade war with China.

Pro-China protesters display a placard with the Chinese words 'Crazy man step down' during a protest against United States President Donald Trump's trade war against China outside of the US Consulate in Hong Kong on Monday

A pro-China supporter holds up his damaged iPhone in their protests against United States President Donald Trump

Pro-China supporters are pictured smashing their iPhones in their protests against United States President Donald Trump
A Formula One grid girl who rubbed shoulders with Lewis Hamilton died in a terrifying crash last week after her BMW smashed into a wall.

Kate Woodcock, 30, lost control of her car on Chester Road near Sutton Coldfield on Thursday night, around five miles from her home in Aldridge. Nothing could be done to save her.

A JustGiving page set up to raise 4,000 to help towards Ms Woodcock's funeral costs is already 800 over its target after more than 100 supporters donated.

Kate Woodcock, 30, (pictured in a social media photo and right, at F1) lost control of her car on Chester Road near Sutton Coldfield on Thursday night

Ms Woodcock is seen in this photo (red circle) at a F1 event next to Lewis Hamilton, who she worked alongside several times

Grid girls could be placed with any driver on any given day, but for two years Ms Woodcock regularly worked for Hamilton.

Speaking about the role earlier this year, Ms Woodcock told The Sun: 'I did it because I wanted to do it and loved it.

'It's professional and nobody crossed the line once. More stuff probably goes on in an office. There was only me and another girl that were British.

'I was booked because I was intelligent, well-spoken, hard-working and those elements go into the whole package.

'There's a lot of work people don't see in these roles.

'You have to learn how to walk down the grid, how to hold your flag and the boards for the formations - there's a lot of training that goes into it.'

Responding to her death, modelling agency SDMPE tweeted: 'We'd like to take the time out to pay a special tribute to Kate Woodcock.

'We're deeply shocked and saddened to loose such a lovely, beautiful girl and an exceptional model who shined very bright always.'

Grid girls could be placed with any driver on any given day, but for two years Ms Woodcock regularly worked for Hamilton

Bouquets with messages were left at the site (inset) where the model was declared dead by paramedics

Speaking about her role earlier this year, Ms Woodcock said: 'I did it because I wanted to do it and loved it'

Tributes to former F1 girl Kate Woodcock Bouquets with messages were left at the site where the 30-year-old model from Aldridge was declared dead by paramedics. Others shared their thoughts on social media. 'My beautiful sister, I love you so much. I am going to miss you! Too young, too early to go, life will never be the same. Love you.' My beautiful friend, I'm going to miss you so much !! Such a kind and caring person with such a happy soul. 'We've shared lots of good times. I'm gutted you're no longer with us. I'll never forget you. Love Emily.' 'We'd like to take the time out to pay a special tribute to Kate Woodcock, who tragically lost her life on Thursday after a road traffic collision. 'We're deeply shocked and saddened to lose such a lovely, beautiful girl and an exceptional model who shined very bright always.' (SDMPE agency) Advertisement

The amount raised in Ms Woodcock's memory stood at more than 4,700 this morning.

Organiser Lucy Ford wrote: 'On 27 September 2018 our lives were turned upside down when we tragically lost Kate.

'Kate was a beautiful special girl who will be missed deeply by everyone who knew her.

'We hope to raise funds towards the cost of her funeral and give her the send-off she deserves. Many thanks for all your love and support xxxx'

A notice posted by Lucy Ford on the online fundraiser read: 'On 27 September 2018 our lives were turned upside down when we tragically lost Kate.

'Kate was a beautiful special girl who will be missed deeply by everyone who knew her.

'We hope to raise funds towards the cost of her funeral and give her the send off she deserves. Many thanks for all your love and support xxxx'

Ms Woodcock appeared with a series of other well-known F1 drivers, including Australian Mark Webber (pictured)

An agency who worked with the model described her as a 'beautiful special girl who will be missed deeply by everyone who knew her'

One message said: 'My beautiful sister, I love you so much. I am going to miss you! Too young, too early to go, life will never be the same. Love you'

Another message read: 'I'm going to miss you so much!! Such a kind and caring person with such a happy soul'

A model agency who had worked with Ms Woodcock said they were 'deeply shocked and saddened' to hear the news of her death

Bouquets with messages were left at the site where the 30-year-old model from Aldridge was declared dead by paramedics.

One message said: 'My beautiful sister, I love you so much. I am going to miss you! Too young, too early to go, life will never be the same. Love you.'

A poignant note, decorated with butterflies, said: 'My beautiful friend, I'm going to miss you so much !! Such a kind and caring person with such a happy soul.

'We've shared lots of good times. I'm gutted you're no longer with us. I'll never forget you. Love Emily.'

Kate modeled for magazines and worked at various Birmingham PR events.

A modelling agency Ms Woodcock had previously worked for called her a 'beautiful girl.' Alongside it, they shared an image of Kate posing in a wedding dress.

Grid girls were axed by Formula 1 over sexism concerns earlier this year.

A modelling agency Ms Woodcock had previously worked for called her a 'beautiful girl'. Several other of her former employers also paid tribute
Jeremy Hunt faced jibes that he needed to 'look at a history book' today after likening the EU to a Soviet prison.

The Foreign Secretary made the striking comparison as he delivered a stark message that the UK would 'fight' if Brussels tried to block a fair divorce deal.

He insisted the EU must learn the lessons of history and not try to keep countries in line with dirty tactics.

The combative comments came in a speech to party conference in Birmingham yesterday that fuelled speculation Mr Hunt sees himself as a future leader.

But while they were warmly applauded by activists in the hall, they caused fury in EU states who branded them 'offensive and outrageous'.

The EU's chief Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt said Churchill and Thatcher would be turning in their graves'.

The Foreign Secretary (pictured this morning at the Tory conference venue today) delivered a stark message to Tory conference yesterday (pictured) that the UK would 'fight' if Brussels tried to block a fair divorce deal

The EU parliament's Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt said the comments by Mr Hunt were 'offensive and outrageous'

While Mr Hunt's remarks were warmly applauded by activists in the hall, they caused anger in some EU states, with the German minister among those issuing a rebuke (pictured)

Mr Hunt arrived for his speech at Conservative Party conference yesterday with his wife Lucia

He said: 'Offensive and outrageous comments by Mr. Hunt, especially to those millions of Europeans that lived under Soviet occupation.

'Churchill and Thatcher, these great defenders of European freedom and democracy must be turning in their graves

The Latvian ambassador to the UK, Baiba Braze, responded on Twitter: 'Soviets killed, deported, exiled and imprisoned 100 thousands of Latvia's inhabitants after the illegal occupation in 1940, and ruined lives of 3 generations, while the EU has brought prosperity, equality, growth, respect. #StrongerTogether.'

The rebuke was retweeted by the EU's deputy chief negotiator Sabine Weyand, while German minister Michael Roth dismissed the comparison and Czech politician Tomas Petricek branded it 'unfortunate'.

The European commission's chief spokesman Margaritis Schinas said: 'I would say respectfully that we would all benefit  and in particular foreign affairs ministers  from opening a history book from time to time.'

In a pointed message to Mr Hunt, Lithuanian member of the EU commission Vytenis Andriukaitis said: I was born in Soviet gulag and been imprisoned by KGB a few times in my life. Happy to brief you on the main differences between #EU and Soviet Union. And also why we escaped the #USSR.'

But the Foreign Secretary did receive support from former Ukip leader Nigel Farage, who said: 'Jeremy Hunt is using my language, the EU is the new Soviet Union.'

In his speech yesterday, Mr Hunt cautioned Brussels against pushing Britain too far, saying that the EU would also lose out if it 'turns its back on history'.

He said Eurocrats needed to accept that those who voted for are not 'rabid populists trying to build Fortress Britain'.

In a direct message to the bloc's leaders, Mr Hunt said it was completely unacceptable for Brussels to demand Northern Ireland stays within its customs jurisdiction when the rest of the UK leaves.

'What happened to the confidence and ideals of the European dream? The EU was set up to protect freedom. It was the Soviet Union that stopped people leaving,' he said.

'At the moment you seem to think the way to keep the club together is to punish a member who leaves.

The combative comments came in a speech to party conference in Birmingham (pictured) that fuelled speculation Mr Hunt sees himself as a future leader

'Not just with economic disruption. But even by breaking up the United Kingdom with a border down the Irish Sea.

'What happened to the confidence and ideals of the European dream? The EU was set up to protect freedom. It was the Soviet Union that stopped people leaving.

'The lesson from history is clear: if you turn the EU club into a prison, the desire to get out won't diminish it will grow, and we won't be the only prisoner that will want to escape.

'If you reject the hand of friendship offered by our Prime Minister, you turn your back on the partnership that has given Europe more security, more freedom and more opportunities than ever in history.

'And a setback for the EU will become a wholly avoidable tragedy for Europe.'

Mr Hunt said the government understood the EU wanted to 'protect itself'.

'But if the only way to deal with the UK leaving is to try to force its break up, as someone much more distinguished than me once said, the answer is 'No No No.'

The reference to the Soviet Union did not go down well with many of the eastern EU states that were forcibly occupied.

Peter Ricketts, the former top mandarin at the Foreign Office, tweeted: 'This rubbish is unworthy of a British foreign secretary.

'The EU isn't a Soviet-style prison. Its legal order has brought peace and prosperity after a century of war.

'Our decision to leave was always going to leave us worse off. The only punishment is the self-inflicted variety.'

Another previous Foreign Office chief, Sir Simon Fraser, agreed with Lord Ricketts.

'Whatever you think about Brexit, shocking failure of judgment for British foreign secretary to compare European Union with Soviet Union,' he wrote on Twitter.
Leading Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg last night called an African country 'the people's republic of jam jar or something' at a packed meeting of the Tory Party conference.

The Conservative MP was referring to the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, which was the name of Libya under its late leader Colonel Gaddafi.

He was warning against the perils of a second Brexit referendum - dubbed a 'people's vote - and said anything with the title people's in it has the whiff of totalitarianism.

He said: 'All the countries who are least interested in their people call themselves "people's", don't they?

'So the People's Republic of China? Oh, that's communist.

'And the People's Republic ofjam jar, or something like that, of Libya, was what it was called when Colonel Gaddafi was in charge.'

Leading Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg (pictured last night at the fringe meting) called an African country 'the people's republic of jam jar or something' at a packed meeting of the Tory Party conference

He made the remark while addressing a packed-out fringe meting hosted by Brexit Central at the conference in Birmingham last night.

Around 500 party activists flooded into the hall to listen to Mr Rees-Mogg and several other Tory MPs rail against Theresa May'a Brexit Chequers plan.

But Mr Rees-Mogg has been criticised for making the remark at the meeting - with Labour MPs accusing him of insensitivity.

Alex Sobel, a Labour MP and Remain activist with the Best for Britain group, took aim at the MP for North East Somerset.

Hammond risks fuelling Tory splits by saying the UK economy is already suffering due to Brexit Philip Hammond risked fuelling Tory splits today by warning the UK economy is already suffering due to Brexit - and things will get worse if there is no deal with the EU. The Chancellor said Britain had taken a 'hit' from the uncertainty since 2016 and suggested some businesses would leave if negotiations with Brussels failed. He also jibed that many critics of Theresa May's Chequers blueprint for future relations did not 'understand' the proposals. But he insisted the government would not break its red lines in the talks - saying the UK had the 'fiscal capacity' to survive crashing out of the EU. The comments came after Mr Hammond used an interview with the Daily Mail to launch a furious volley at Boris Johnson. He said the Brexiteer was incapable of 'grown-up' politics and did not have a clue how his own proposal for a future relationship with the EU would work. Advertisement

He said: 'This not only shows the same sort of casual racism Boris Johnson has displayed but also a disdain for the rest of the world which would leave us isolated and economically eviscerated if he is allowed his hard Brexit.'

Labour's shadow business minister Chi Onwurah tweeted a link to the MP's remarks with the sarcastic comment: 'It's their respect for other countries and attention to detail which will be such an asset for the hard Brexiteers as they negotiate trade deals post Brexit.'

Lib Dem frontbencher Christine Jardine told The Daily Mirror: 'This sort of remark is becoming too common from the Brexiteers, coming as it does in the wake of Boris's recent burka jibes.

'Insulting other people is not the way I want my country represented and the public see it for what it is, petty politics.'

Last night's Brexit Central saw Tory MPs line up to condemn the PM's plans and demand that she ditch them and strike a looser free trade deal with the bloc instead.

Mr Rees-Mogg branded Chequers a 'dying duck' and demanded an upbeat 'supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' Brexit instead.

Conservative backbenchers warned the PM that they do not want to see her ousted from Number Ten, but warned her that she must chuck her under-fire Brexit plan.

Their comments, at a packed fringe meeting at the Tory Party conference in Birmingham, piles yet more pressure on Mrs May who is facing a Tory revolt on Brexit.

It came after Boris Johnson branded her plan 'deranged' and former Brexit Secretary David Davis toured the television studios and fringe events to urge her to ditch it.

Mr Rees-Mogg borrowed the lengthy tongue twister from Mary Poppins to explain the sort of 'super Canada Brexit' terms that Britain should demand, adding that 'it is a word developed by a nanny and nannies are jolly good things'.

He said Chequers is 'simply remaining under the yoke of the European Union'.

He added: 'It is a dying duck in a thunderstorm, it is the deadest of dying ducks.'

Mrs May has insisted her Chequers plan is the only viable proposal on the negotiating table and the alternative would be a no deal Brexit.

Jacob Rees-Mogg also called for Theresa May (pictured, today, at the Tory party conference in Birmingham) to ditch her Chequers Brexit plan

But Mr Rees-Mogg said there is 'nothing to fear' from crashing out of the EU without a deal and trading on world trade organisation terms as it would mean that Britain would not have to pay a 'farthing' of the 40billion Brexit Bill.

He added: 'And we would be able to immediately get on with trading with the world...we would not have 21 months of vassalage where we have to be told what to do by the European Union and have no say in what was happening.'

In a rallying cry to the 500 or so activists in the hall, the Tory MP added: 'Making a success of Brexit is easy as long as we hold our nerve.

'We either leave on supercalifragilisticexpialidocious terms - we want a super Canada Brexit, and to be positive about this.

'And I can't be more positive than supercalifragilisticexpialidocious - which as you all know is a word developed by a nanny and nannies are jolly good things.

'If we don't do that we leave on World Trade terms and then we have a proper, red-blooded Conservative approach to governing that frees the UK from being tied down.'
The husband of a woman who police believe may have been murdered has demanded $200,000 for a tell-all interview about her suspicious death.

Victorian mother Samantha Kelly, 42, was found unconscious in her Ocean Grove home, about 100 kilometres south-west of Melbourne, the morning of Australia Day.

Her husband Ryan Marriner called an ambulance and the mother-of-two was transported to Geelong hospital where she later died.

Mystery surrounds Ms Kelly's death and Victoria Police spokesperson Natalie Webster told A Current Affair the case is 'very much' still being investigated by the Homicide Squad.

Victorian mother Samantha Kelly (pictured), 42, was suspiciously found in her Ocean Grove home, about 100 kilometres south-west of Melbourne, in the early hours of the morning. The mother-of-two later died in hospital

Her husband (left) reportedly demanded $200,000 for a tell-all interview about his wife's mysterious death (right)

Mr Marriner has been questioned by police but is not named as a suspect.

In the days following his wife's death he launched a Go Fund Me page titled 'restoring our families integrity'.

Mr Marriner, a plumber by trade, raised $900 before the page was closed.

According to A Current Affair, Mr Marriner demanded a hefty fee for a tell-all interview to draw attention to the case.

The network's producers rejected the $200,000 fee he tried to charge.

'I suppose everything has a price, I'm prepared to do the story as you discribe (sic) for 200k,' Mr Marriner wrote in a text message

In the days following his wife's death Mr Marriner launched a Go Fund Me page titled 'restoring our families integrity' (pictured). The page was shut after $900 was raised

'I suppose everything has a price, I'm prepared to do the story as you discribe (sic) for 200k,' he wrote in a text message.

The tradesman told ACA he was desperate to know what happened to his wife as an official cause of death has not been released.

'Go and interview the coroner and see what's taking six ... nine ... what are we at now? Eight months,' he said.

There is little known about what theories authorities are considering for the suspicious death.
An officer worker who was stabbed to death along with her elderly mother had recently won an award for her hard work, heartbroken colleagues have revealed.

Sharon Harris, 55, died with her mother Margaret, 78, when their family was attacked at their home in the village of Hadlow, near Tonbridge, Kent this weekend.

Ms Harris's father David, 76, remains in a stable condition in hospital after he too was stabbed in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Ms Harris had worked at the nearby Salter Housewears office for nearly 30 years and was recently praised for having never missed a day.

Pictures show the murder scene in Hadlow, Kent after Sharon Harris and her mother Margaret were killed and Sharon's husband David severely injured

A colleague told MailOnline: 'It's absolutely awful. I was so upset when I heard the news. Sharon was such a lovely lady. Nothing was too much for her.

'She was so reliable. She had worked for the company for over 30 years and knew so many things at the firm she was a 'go to' person for anything.

'She would always be glad to help - she was a truly wonderful person - a company person.

'She even won an award and vouchers as she never had a day off. That's the sort of person she was.

'She worked in customer services for a while and also in the post room and dealt with complaints. She even showed people around the building. She did a bit of everything.'

Police forensic officers have been carrying out investigations in Hadlow, Kent this weekend. A cordon was in place for much of the day yesterday and today

Ms Harris' mother Margaret is understood to suffer from agoraphobia and spent nearly all of her time at the family's semi-detached home.

The colleague added: 'They were a very close family.'

Pictured: Jack Ralph, 28, has been charged with the double murder of Sharon Harris and her mother Margaret and attempted murder of her husband David

Neighbour Jack Ralph, 28, appeared in court today accused of attacking the family at their home following a late-night row.

He appeared via videolink at Medway Magistrates' Court in Chatham charged with two counts of murder and one of attempted murder.

Paramedics rushed to the family's aid on Saturday morning but Sharon and Margaret were pronounced dead at the scene. Retired mechanic Mr Harris last night was in hospital in a stable condition.

Neighbours said they heard 'a terrific amount of screaming' on the night of the alleged murders.

Michael Maile, who has lived in the street for 32 years, said: 'Usually nothing happens here, now we are scared. It's a scary thing to live near. We knew the Harris family, me and my wife would say 'hello' when we saw them.

'They were quiet, reserved people, and Margaret never left the house. She was frail, no one has seen her for a year.'

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: 'Margaret was a quiet woman - she was never offensive to anyone.

'We came out and saw a helicopter above. It must have been her husband - It is sickening what went on. There were a dozen police here until 10pm on Saturday night - it's unheard of.

'I can't see how this could have happened. You hear about this going on in London, but not here.'

Flowers and cards were left outside the Harris family home yesterday in tribute to the mother and daughter who died.

Sharon's colleagues left a card saying: 'Dearest Sharon and Margaret, rest in peace. Taken too soon.

'Sharon, we wished each other a good weekend at 4:30 on Friday.

'I can't believe I am writing these words, there will be a big gap at work without you. All our love Clare and Danni xxxx'

A Kent Police spokesman said yesterday: 'Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate have charged a man with murder following the death of two women in Hadlow, near Tonbridge.

'Kent Police was called to a property in Carpenters Lane at 7.41am on Saturday 29 September where three people had suffered serious injuries, consistent with a stabbing.

Officers and forensic investigators scour the crime scene for evidence in Hadlow today

'Two women, aged in their 50s and 70s, died at the scene. A man in his 70s was taken to a London hospital for treatment. His condition is described as stable.

'It is believed the victims and the suspect were known to each other.

'Jack Ralph, 28, of Carpenters Lane in Hadlow was arrested and an investigation was launched.'
Commuters have been urged to avoid the area and lane closures are in place

The pedestrian has yet to be identified and police investigations are ongoing

She was struck by a trailer truck at around 4.30pm on Monday afternoon

A female pedestrian was killed after being hit at a junction in Melbourne's east

A pedestrian has been killed after being struck by a truck in eastern Melbourne on Monday afternoon.

A female pedestrian was crossing an intersection at the corner of Denmark Street and Studley Road in Kew at about 4.30pm when she was struck by a trailer truck, police said.

The male truck driver was not injured in the collision and assisted police at the scene.

A pedestrian has been killed after being struck by a truck at an intersection in Kew, eastern Melbourne (pictured) on Monday afternoon

The pedestrian, who has yet to be identified, died at the scene and an investigation into her death is underway.

Commuters have been told to avoid the area and tram services going through the junction have been suspended.

Lane closures will be in place at Kew Junction for the foreseeable future, according to VicRoads.

More to come
A WW1 navy crew's daring secret mission to salvage 44 tonnes of gold bars worth 1.3 billion from the wreck of a ship sunk during the First World War is revealed in a new book.

HMS Laurentic was carrying the gold to Canada and the US when it was blown up by two German mines off the coast of Lough Swilly, Ireland on January 25, 1917.

The merchant cruiser sank within an hour, resulting in the deaths of 354 out of 479 passengers on board.

Guybon Damant (third from left front row) and his salvage team retrieved 3,186 of 3,211 gold ingots that went down with the HMS Laurentic. Picture taken in 1923.

HMS Laurentic was carrying 44 tonnes of gold bullion when it was sunk by two German mines off the coast of Ireland on January 25, 1917

Cash-strapped Britain needed the gold to finance its war effort and put together an elite diving team to retrieve it from the shipwreck which lay on the seabed at a depth of 130ft.

The operation started in 1917 and needed to be done in stealth because the British government could not afford for the Germans to learn about the gold in the wreck of the White Star Line ocean liner.

The little-known salvage operation was headed up by the highly experienced Lieutenant Commander Guybon Damant.

Over the next seven years, he was able to retrieve 3,186 of 3,211 gold ingots that went down with the ship, with a value of 5million at the time.

Photographer Steve Jones took this amazing shot of a diver at the HMS Laurentic shipwreck in 2014

The recovery of the gold is to this day the largest recovery, in weight, of a sunken gold hoard.

The extraordinary operation is revealed for the first time in unprecedented detail by historian Joseph A. Williams in his new book, Sunken Gold.

He has spoken to Lt Cdr Damant's relatives who provided him access to his unpublished memoirs, describing how they completed the epic undertaking.

Mr Williams said: 'It was vitally important that the British salvaged the gold to help pay for munitions for the Western Front as the United States was still neutral at this stage, so could not help out financially.

'It was a highly secretive mission as German U-Boats were very prevalent in these waters.

'You can rest assured that, had they known about the salvage operation, they would have tried to destroy the salvage vessel, although it would have been too risky for them to claim the gold themselves with the wreck being so near to British waters.

'What Damant achieved was remarkable and the value of gold salvaged would equate to $1.7billion in today's market.'

The Laurentic departed from Liverpool on January 23 1917 and was en route to Halifax in Canada when it was sunk by two mines a few miles off Lough Swilly on the north Irish coast.

Steve Jones took pictures of the shipwreck while on a dive at Malin Head, off the coast of Donegal, Ireland

Guybon Damant and his men carried out more than 5,000 dives and obtained more than 99 per cent of the missing gold. Pictured, a diver exploring the wreck of the ship in 2014

The wreck posed a huge logistical challenge to Lt Cdr Damant and his team of divers who relied on very heavy diving suits with limited visibility.

Standard diving dress of the period consisted of a heavy twill suit, corselet and a cumbersome diving helmet.

To prevent a diver from upending, the suit was weighed down with body weights and lead-soled boots.

Out of water, the diving gear weighed upwards of 200lbs.

The gold was incredibly heavy to move from where it was lodged in the wreck.

By the time the mission ended in 1924, Lt Cdr Damant and his men had carried out more than 5,000 dives and obtained more than 99 per cent of the missing gold.

The total cost of operations for the seven years was 128,000, a fraction of the value of the bullion recovered.

The recovery of the Laurentic's gold is to this day the largest recovery, in weight, of a sunken gold hoard.

Lt Cdr Damant was quick to pay tribute to his team of divers for their 'loyal' and 'dogged' work salvaging the gold.

In his final report to the Government, submitted in September 1924, he wrote: 'This satisfactory result is due above all things to the loyal and dogged work of naval divers, inspired by no selfish motive of reward but by the simple idea of doing their utmost for the job and the credit of the service.

Guybon Damant (left) and his men carried out more than 5,000 dives and obtained over 99 per cent of the missing gold. The mission is described in The Sunken Gold, by Joseph A. Williams (right)

'Among these men there have been neither offences, complaints, or punishments.

'It is with profound gratitude to those who have helped me to foresee and guard against danger that I record the fact that there has been no loss of life or serious accident in the whole course of the work.'

As well as his salvaging exploits, Lt Cdr Damant also led a team of covert divers to search through the contents of recently sunk U-boats for cipher keys, signal books, minefield schematics and other secrets.

They obtained items from at least 15 different U-boats which were shipped off to London to be analysed by the intelligence services.

The information gleaned from these recoveries were crucial in Allied efforts to defeat the U-boats and win the war.

Remarkably, despite the work taking place in highly hazardous conditions, there were no serious injuries and no deaths among Lt Cdr Damant's team.

Lt Cdr Damant retired to Cowes on the Isle of Wight and continued to consult on deep sea diving and salvage matters until his death aged 82 in 1963.

Mr Williams, 44, a historian from Connecticut, US, said: 'When the United States joined the war he was diverted to recover sunken documents from German U-Boats.

'This was highly dangerous work and he was able to recover cipher keys and minefield plans.

'But, after the war ended, salvaging gold from the Laurentic became an obsession.

'Damant is well known in diving circles and is seen as instrumental in the history of deep diving, but his exploits are not known to the general public, something I hope this book will address.'

The Sunken Gold, by Joseph A. Williams, will be published by The History Press on October 15 and costs 20.
President Emmanuel Macron has come under fire for posing for a photograph with a two young men during his visit to the Caribbean last week - one of whom made a rude gesture, and the other who is a convicted robber.

The photo sparked social media outrage, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen calling it 'unforgivable', while more mainstream critics settling for 'embarrassing'.

President Macron however remained defiant, stating that he loved 'every child of the Republic, whatever stupidities they commit'.

The incident took place just a few months after he chastised a French teenager for greeting him as 'Manu' - a common nickname for Emmanuel - instead of 'Sir' or 'Mr President'.

Critique: The photo was taken during President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Saint Martin last week, and shows Macron with two young men either side of him making gestures

Right-wing anger: Far-right politician Marine Le Pen called Macron's photograph with the two young men 'unforgivable'

The photo, taken on Saturday, shows Macron smiling widely, while the topless man on the left is showing his middle finger to the camera.

The man on the right, seen wearing a bandana, had told Macron that he had recently been released from prison after serving time for robbery.

Macron told him he should leave his criminal past behind - 'the robberies are over' - and start anew by helping rebuild his island in the wake of the hurricane.

After being attacked for the photograph, Macron told a press conference he refused to do a mea culpa.

Anger: Macron was attacked over the photo by several Twitter users

Commanding respect: In June, President Macron told a chastised a teenager for greeting him as 'Manu' - a common nickname for Emmannel - instead of 'Sir' or 'Mr President'

'No more robberies': President Macron spoke to the young convict, telling him he should leave his criminal past behind and help rebuild the French Caribbean island of Saint Martin

Sorry, not sorry: The President refused to apologise for the photo with the young men, saying 'I love every child of the French Republic, whatever stupidities they commit'

Support: Macron was visiting the island which is still struggling to rebuild following Hurricane Irma last year

He said he would not apologise for reaching out to all French citizens no matter their background.

'The reasons I fought to be elected instead of Marine Le Pen and that I am here today is because I love all of the republic's children, whatever their past troubles,' Macron shot back Sunday.

Defending the two young men who posed with him, Macron said they had carried a handicapped girl to meet him after the picture was taken.

They were 'capable of doing that because I showed confidence in them, because I respected them. That's our republic,' he said.

Macron visited the Caribbean last week, one year after hurricanes devastated the French West Indies.

Making friends: Macron takes sefies with children in Quartier d'Orleans, on the French Caribbean island of Saint-Martin this weekend

The French president walked for five hours, sometimes through the rain, as he spoke to local people about the impact of the deadly storm on the island, which is still far from repairing all the devastation.

Mr Macron was fulfilling a pledge to return to Saint Martin one year after making his first trip in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Irma in September 2017.

Some families on Saint Martin, where Hurricane Irma killed 15 people before continuing on its deadly path towards Cuba and Florida, are still living with no more than tarpaulins over their roofs as a new storm season gets underway.

Just 40 percent of property owners on the French side were insured, and the island's sole deep water port is functioning at just 40 percent capacity, making it slow to bring in building materials.

Despite an intensive campaign, wrecked cars remain by the roadsides, while rubble and other debris are still piled up everywhere.
A deaf and mute victim of the historic sex abuse inside the Catholic church has revealed how he and his friends were taught secret signs for oral sex and sodomy at a learning institute inItaly.

The victim, identified only as 'Giuseppe', told The Daily Beast how the priests and monks at the Antonio Provolo Institute in Verona had started teaching him a string of sickening signs for things such as masturbation, fellatio, penis, and anus, when he was just 11 years old.

The signs were designed to be incomprehensible to others, even those who could understand sign language, making it impossible for the children to accurately explain what was happening to them to their parents or the authorities.

A deaf and mute victim of sexual abuse inside a Catholic learning facility has spoken about the abuse he experienced there. The secret signs which he came to understand as commands for sexual acts could not be translated, rendering them incomprehensible to outsiders (file image)

Consequently, it took years before anyone could understand what he was trying to say, and even longer before he was actually believed.

Giuseppe is one of 67 young boys named in court documents and detailing the alleged abuse at the Provolo Institute carried out by more than two dozen priests and brothers.

Verona prosecutors are planning to bring the case to trial in the coming months, having spent almost a decade investigating the allegations, The Daily Beast reported.

Pope Francis leading the Wednesday general audience in Saint Peter's square at the Vatican on September 26

'I didn't understand at first just why this man was teaching me these strange secret signs,' Giuseppe said.

'Then one day it became very clear when one of the priests made the secret sign for fellatio when we were alone, which was followed by him pushing his erect penis into my mouth.'

Speaking through an interpreter, Giuseppe explained that when he and his friends were given a sign by the priests, they knew they were about to be taken to special rooms, ostensibly for 'time out' punishments or to rest.

The priests and brothers had no fear of being caught, he said, because everyone at the school was deaf and unable to hear the victims' screaming.

Giuseppe also told The Daily Beast website that some of the boys tried to put the abuse into writing, but because they had to give external letters to their abusers to be mailed out, it is likely that their evidence was intercepted.

'Of course we screamed and cried,' he said.

'Sometimes you would see priests coming into the dormitory at night, or you would see friends with tears rolling down their faces and you knew exactly what had just happened.

You didn't need to hear to know.'

Giuseppe said his abuse lasted for seven years, only ending when he left the institute at age 18.

Even when the allegations came to light, cover-ups and manoeuvring began to protect the priests.

When allegations of abuse at the Provolo Institute first emerged in the mid-1980s, Father Nicola Corradi, now 83, was named as one of the perpetrators.

Antonio Provolo Institute for hearing impaired children in Lujan de Cuyo, in Argentina's Mendoza province, where at least 20 children say they were abused by priest Nicola Corradi, who was arrested in 2016

Rather than defrock him or turn him over to the police, the Bishop transferred him to the sister institution - The Provolo Institute in Mendoza, Argentina - where he was able to carry out further acts of systematic abuse.

He was arrested in 2016 over allegations relating to the abuse of 22 deaf and mute children, spanning three decades.

There are currently at least 60 civil trials taking place in Argentina against priests like Corradi.

The decades-old and intercontinental scandal of sex abuse in the Catholic church has showed no signs of slowing down.

In mid-September, two leading German media outlets reported that a study on sexual abuse inside the Catholic Church in Germany found that 3,677 people were abused by clergy between 1946 and 2014.

Spiegel Online and Die Zeit said the report concludes that more than half of the victims were 13 or younger and most were boys.

Every sixth case involved rape and at least 1,670 clergy were involved. Die Zeit wrote that 969 abuse victims were altar boys.

The damning scandal has caused many within the church to call for a a shakeup of the system which fostered a culture of unchecked abuse for decades.

The German Catholic Church vowed to take a thorough look at its practices including the issue of celibacy.

A Vatican cardinal slammed Pope Francis as 'ice-cold, cunning Machiavellian' and a 'liar' in an interview with German weekly paper Der Spiegel about the Catholic church child sex abuse scandal

And, just 48 hours ago, Pope Francis defrocked a Chilean priest, in a decision the Vatican has said 'is for the good of the church'.

Francis invoked his 'supreme' authority to stiffen a sentence originally handed down by a Vatican court in 2011.

In a statement Friday, the Vatican said Francis had laicized 88-year-old Rev. Fernando Karadima, who was originally sanctioned to live a lifetime of 'penance and prayer' for having sexually abused minors in his Santiago parish.

The 'penance and prayer' sanction has been the Vatican's punishment of choice for elderly priests convicted of raping and molesting children, but it has long been criticised by victims as being too soft and essentially an all-expenses-paid retirement.

Authorities in Argentina have also carried out raids at the Antonio Provolo Institute in La Plata, Argentina (pictured)

During a visit to Ireland in August, Pope Francis spoke of his 'pain and shame' at the 'grave scandal' of clerical sex abuse in the Catholic Church amid protests over the scandal.

The pontiff said victims had a right to be outraged at the 'repellent crimes' against young people. For the victims, though, this isn't enough.

'They offer prayers and apologies and even money,' Giuseppe told The Daily Beast website.

'But they can't give us back our innocence. They can't undo these terrible things.'
The Duchess of Sussex's half-sister Samantha Markle was today hit by a barrage of criticism as she took part in a phone-in with members of the public.

Ms Markle, who arrived in London last week, said she was visiting Britain to make personal contact with the royal and 'hopefully move forward with peaceful resolve'.

The writer, who was not invited to the royal wedding, apologised to the royal family for having insulted Meghan on Twitter, saying: 'I wish things could be different.'

But 53-year-old Ms Markle was met with heavy criticism from callers to Jeremy Vine's programme on Channel 5 today who said she had 'no relevance' in the UK.

Harry and Meghan stand outside St George's Chapel in Windsor after their wedding in May

Chris from Kent told Ms Markle: 'All we've seen is the hate you've spewed against your sister. If you actually love your sister I think this should have been done in private, not on social media, or going on television saying you're sorry... what you're doing is not right.'

But Ms Markle replied: 'Most of what you read in the tabloids is not true... There have been so many times I've said, in live interviews, favourable things but they were not printed.'

Samantha Markle's message for Meghan Samantha Markle was asked on Channel 5 today if she had a message for Meghan. This is what she said: 'There is so much water under the bridge and so much has spun out of control that was never intended to. 'I think everybody was hurt by not being included or invited to the wedding. 'But I felt as though it could have all been nipped in the bud had everyone been included and we all just agreed to move forward with positive resolve, and the hurt feelings wouldn't have snowballed. 'But, believe it or not, it doesn't mean that we love you any less. 'I just think that families can be this way when there's confusion and when people are hurt. 'So, moving forward, I apologise and I wish things could be different.' Advertisement

Lindsay from Leeds declared that Ms Markle should have been 'stopped at border control', adding: 'She's got no relevance to be here'.

However Victor from London called in to say Ms Markle was an 'absolutely lovely lady' and that should Harry and Meghan have a baby, she should be godmother.

Earlier, Mr Vine tackled Ms Markle on why she had been rude and insulting to Meghan, having called her Cruella de Vil, Duch-ass and the Duchess of Nonsense.

'(My father) was being purposely ignored,' Ms Markle replied. 'We were hoping that private channels would be used. When they failed we went public.'

Thomas Markle is father to both Samantha and Meghan. She added: 'The goal at that point wasn't just getting closer. It was also about bringing out a very important point that you don't isolate family, you are a humanitarian.'

Vine replied: 'You want to shame her - that's what it is.'

Ms Markle added: 'The public were making a mockery of the family and it had to stop. Perhaps I was frustrated. I was lashing out more at the media.'

Ms Markle said she was doubtful of being able to make contact with Meghan while she was visiting the UK. 'I was hoping that maybe we would have the chance to speak, that she would know I was here. But I don't think that's going to happen.'

Meghan is thought to have last seen her father Thomas (above, together) about two years ago

She added that the whole saga could have been 'nipped in the bud' had the Markle family been invited to Meghan and the Duke of Sussex's wedding.

'I apologise to Meghan, to Harry, all the royals..' Samantha Markle was interviewed on Channel 5 today about a range of topics. Here are her answers in brief: On being in Britain 'I wanted to make the trip and sort of speak the wishes and thoughts and sentiments of my father and hopefully get a message to my sister that things aren't really what they've seen' On why Meghan hasn't been in touch with her father since the wedding 'This media madness has been quite overwhelming... I think it's been quite hurtful to our family, I can't imagine how hurtful it's been to my sister.' On why she encouraged Thomas Markle to pose for photos 'The logic behind that really is that I became so tired of him being purposely photographed in such a hurtful way, in a disparaging way.' On whether Thomas Markle had a heart attack before the wedding 'He had two actually. One earlier, and I think because of the pressure of the wedding, he really wanted to be there, he had a speech planned  he was really looking forward to it. And the doctors finally said 'you can't ignore this'.' On whether Meghan has frozen her out 'I think that perhaps she was hurt  I felt like she should know better than to believe tabloids, but I think quite frankly she probably believed what she was seeing as well.' On if she will apologise to Meghan for calling her a Duch-ass? 'To my sister, absolutely, and to Harry as well and the royal family.' On having a message for Meghan 'I just think that families can be this way when there's confusion and when people are hurt. So, moving forward, I apologise and I wish things could be different.' On Prince Harry 'He is such a gentleman and so savvy and I would say that she has found her prince.' Advertisement

She admitted she should not have used the phrase 'duch-ass' - and, asked if she would apologise, said: 'To my sister, absolutely, and to Harry as well and the royal family.'

Asked by Mr Vine if Meghan had frozen her out, she said: 'I think that perhaps she was hurt  I felt like she should know better than to believe tabloids.

'But I think quite frankly she probably believed what she was seeing as well, and I guess there's also protocol that you say nothing.

'So I think that snowballed unfortunately to a lot of hurt feelings on everyone's part, and I'm hoping that we can have a happy ending.'

Ms Markle told the show that she was in Britain because she had 'always wanted to see London', but added that she hoped to 'speak the wishes and thoughts and sentiments of my father and hopefully get a message to my sister that things aren't really what they've seen'.

She continued: 'There's so much misperception and hopefully we could clear up record and move forward with peaceful resolve. '

Meghan's father Thomas pulled out of walking his daughter down the aisle at her wedding to Prince Harry due to ill health and after being caught staging photos with photographers for cash.

Asked why Meghan has not been in touch with her father since the royal wedding in May, she said: 'Honestly, I think, well you know, but if you can imagine this media madness has been quite overwhelming. And maybe it's quite powerful.

'And so when you take something as powerful as that, that goes around the world at lightning speed, larger than life, whether you say nothing or you say something it's almost always twisted, we've experienced, for negative effect to sell publications.'

She said it had been 'quite hurtful to our family, I can't imagine how hurtful it's been to my sister', adding: 'But so much of reality has been twisted, is unknown and it's been unfortunate.'

Speaking about how Thomas posed for the staged photographs, she said: 'The logic behind that really is that I became so tired of him being purposely photographed in such a hurtful way, in a disparaging way.

'I said "you know, you have a right like a business card to defend yourself and have the world and the British royal family see you as you accurately are  don't lay down and let them disparage you like that".

The Duchess of Sussex 's half sister Samantha Markle was on Jeremy Vine on Channel 5 today

'So with regards to the money and this idea of cashing in, he was turning down $50,000 (38,000) interviews.

How the media storm involving Thomas Markle has unfolded November 27 2017: Kensington Palace announces the engagement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle December 2017: Meghan's father Thomas Markle is pictured near his home in Rosarito, Mexico, going to Walmart and buying beers April 2018: In the run-up to the royal wedding, Thomas is pictured reading a book about landmarks of Britain, looking at pictures of the couple online, and being fitted for a suit May 2018: Mail on Sunday reveals Thomas Markle staged the paparazzi photos in a bid to improve his public image and may have made up to 100,000 from them. It was later revealed to be Samantha Markle's idea May 17, 2018: Bride-to-be Meghan reveals her father will not be flying to London for the wedding, after reports he suffered a heart attack May 19, 2018: Thomas Markle watches the wedding on TV from Mexico as the Prince of Wales steps in at the last minute to walk Meghan up the aisle June 18, 2018: Meghan's father gives his first TV interview with Good Morning Britain and leaks details of his private conversations with Harry and Meghan - including their desire to have children and Harry's views on President Trump June 26, 2018: Thomas Markle tells TMZ he feels he is being frozen out by the Palace and is insulted that he has not been invited to meet the Queen July 5, 2018: The Duchess of Sussex's father tells friends he fears their relationship is 'lost' forever and he may never see his daughter again July 28, 2018: Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, Thomas Markle says his daughter is ignoring him and has changed all her numbers since marrying Harry. He ominously warns he 'won't be silenced' August 14, 2018: In another interview with the Mail On Sunday, Thomas Markle claims he hung up on Prince Harry in a heated phone exchange Advertisement

'So clearly money was not the goal, and the small amount of money that he received, 1,500, photographers made the money  not my father. It was never a goal.'

She was also pressed on whether she regretted her idea of him posing for the photos, and said: 'I would regret more allowing paparazzi to continue to make him look like a horrible slob and do everything they could to disparage him.'

Ms Markle said it felt 'really wrong to allow that to continue', and told him: 'You cannot let yourself be seen like this, and as a representation of who you are.'

She was also asked if he had actually had a heart attack before the wedding.

Ms Markle said: 'He had two actually. One earlier, and I think because of the pressure of the wedding, he really wanted to be there, he had a speech planned  he was really looking forward to it.

'And the doctors finally said "you can't ignore this". He was literally working his speech right up to the last minute.

'He had had one earlier, and really I think like so many men was avoiding some of the signs  the stress, the shortness of breath, pins and needles.

'He really wasn't up to par, but because he wanted to be at the wedding, he ignored the signs  even though the doctors said "you had a small one earlier".

'I think he was in denial, he wanted to be tough and brave it  be able to walk my sister down the aisle.'

Asked if she blamed herself for what happened, she said: 'I don't see what the other option would be.

'No matter what, I found that certain publications make you look as bad as they can. And I think it really reflected poorly on everyone. I couldn't let that continue.'

As Prince Harry, Ms Markle said she was happy for her sister - and praised him for being 'such a gentleman and so savvy'.

She told the programme: 'I would say that she (Meghan) has found her prince.

'And, as my little sister, and being older, I would think when I get older and when I pass away you wonder will your kids and your younger siblings be left in good hands? Well, I'm thankful she is in very good hands.'

The Duchess of Sussex is pictured attending the Royal Academy of Arts in London last Tuesday

Also known as Samantha Grant, Ms Markle has see-sawed between criticising and praising Meghan on social media.

Who is Samantha Markle and how is she related to Meghan? Samantha Grant - also known as Samantha Markle - describes herself as a writer, a mental health counsellor and a 'blabbermouth'. She is the half-sister of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex from her father's first marriage. A one-time actress and model, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2008 and uses a wheelchair. Based in Florida, she is 17 years older than Markle and sells jewellery to raise money to fund the feature films she writes. Twice-divorced, she has three children - Ashleigh, Christopher and Noelle. Like her father, she once filed for bankruptcy and is estranged from her mother Roslyn - Thomas Markle's first wife - and brother Thomas Jr. Advertisement

More recently she has vented her fury, accusing the duchess on Twitter of hypocrisy and being cold and inhumane in her treatment of their father.

Since Meghan became a royal, Ms Markle has hit out at her for being 'cold', accused her of ignoring her father, branded Harry a 'wuss', and has gone as far as to say she would blame Meghan should Mr Markle die.

The length of her stay in the UK is unknown, but it is thought that she intends to confront Meghan over their father's ill-health. Meghan is believed to have last seen her father around two years ago.

The 74-year-old did not attend his daughter's wedding at Windsor Castle after suffering a heart attack in the lead up to the big day, according to his family.

Despite Ms Markle's apparent determination to see Meghan, her friends believe the Duchess will not see her half-sister.

Last month, Samantha went on a furious social media tirade about her sister and her new husband.

Branding the Duchess the 'duch-ass', she slammed Prince Harry on his 34th birthday, saying: 'Happy Birthday Harry! As you 'Mack down' on your birthday cake, think about the birthday wishes you never extended to your FATHER-IN-LAW.'

Meghan's mother Doria Ragland joined her at an event in London with Prince Harry last month

In a separate post, she fumed: 'I am not candy coating anything anymore!

'The DUCHASS should be humane to our father who has given her everything and this media c*** can stop!

Moving forward, I apologise and I wish things could be different Samantha Markle

'He was the one who was always there for her. Fake waves and smiles can stop. The duchASS can bow to the daddy'.

She also earlier went on an extraordinary Twitter rant, proclaiming Meghan 'wasn't much different' than US President Donald Trump.

She wrote: '(He) thinks he can shoot someone and still get votes. She can dump an entire family both sides and a best friend of 30 years and ignore it and be popular. Sad.'
Boris Johnson today appeared to be mimicking Theresa May's 'naughtiest' moment as he was caught running through what looked like a field of wheat.

The former Foreign Secretary, who is in the midst of a bitter row with the Prime Minister over her Brexit policy, was photographed in the field while out jogging in Oxfordshire today.

The Prime Minister - who is infamously awkward and was dubbed the 'Maybot' during the last election - memorably said that running in a field of wheat was the naughtiest thing she has ever done.

It comes after he launched another scathing attack on the PM's Chequers plan - branding it 'deranged' in an interview with a Sunday newspaper.

Mr Johnson's volley of onslaughts against Mrs May's Brexit plans have overshadowed Tory party conference, which is taking place in Birmingham this week.

Boris Johnson (pictured today in Oxfordshire) appeared to be mimicking Theresa May's 'naughtiest' moment as he was caught running through what looked a lot like a field of wheat

The former Foreign Secretary (pictured in Oxfordshire) who is in the midst of a bitter row with the Prime Minister over her Brexit policy, was photographed in the tall grass while out jogging

While the PM is in the Midlands trying to drum up support among her Tory activists, much of the press is camped out on Mr Johnson's doorstep in Oxfordshire, where they photographed the ex minister out running today.

Mr Johnson used a Sunday Times interview to describe Mrs May's Brexit policy as 'deranged' and 'preposterous'.

In remarks that fuelled speculation about his leadership ambitions, the man who spearheaded the Leave campaign contrasted his position on Brexit with that of Mrs May, who backed Remain, saying: 'Unlike the Prime Minister, I fought for this.'

Mr Johnson is not speaking from the stage at this year's conference, after walking out of Cabinet in July in protest at the plan agreed at Chequers for the UK's future relationship with the EU.

But his scheduled speech on the fringe of the gathering on Tuesday is the most hotly-anticipated event of the four-day conference, with widespread expectations he will use it to step up his assault on the PM's plans.

The Prime Minister - who is famously awkward garnering her the nickname the Maybot, (pictured in Birmingham today) memorably said that running in a field of wheat was the naughtiest thing she has ever done

Mrs May hit back during a major interview with the BBC's Andrew Marr yesterday, denying her plans were 'dead'.

She told Marr: 'What I have said to the EU is very clear. They have said they have some concerns with the proposals we have put together.

'Let's hear what the details of those concerns. If they have counter proposals, let's hear what those counter proposals are.

'What is clear is what we have put forward is in the national interest and we did it because what the EU was offering us was unacceptable.'

Mrs May's allies in Cabinet have piled criticism on Mr Johnson, with Home Secretary Sajid Javid and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt slamming their colleague.

Even Brexiteer David Davis launched an attack on Mr Johnson amid speculation he could try to oust the PM.

The Prime Minister - who is famously awkward garnering her the nickname the Maybot - memorably said that running in a field of wheat was the naughtiest thing she has ever done.

Mrs May, who celebrates her 62nd birthday today, was widely mocked for the revelation, which she made during last year's General Election campaign.

Mrs May, a vicar's daughter, said the farmers 'weren't too pleased' about her exploits when pressed on what was the naughtiest thing she had ever done.

Asked about her childhood exploits with ITV's Julie Etchingham last June, she struggled to find a response, saying: 'Oh goodness me. Well I suppose, gosh, do you know I'm not quite sure.

'Nobody is ever perfectly behaved, are they?

'I have to confess when me and my friends used to run through the fields of wheat, the farmers weren't too pleased about that.'

Even Brexiteer David Davis (pictured today giving a media interview) launched an attack on Mr Johnson amid speculation he could try to oust the PM

Leadership squabbles have swirled around the Conservative Conference in Birmingham this week (pictured)

The Tory Party's annual conference has been overshadowed by the bitter Tory party civil war over Brexit.

Mr Johnson has toured the television studios and given a series of major print interviews slamming her Chequers plan.

He is demanding she ditches the proposal and instead draw up a 'super Canada' style free trade deal with the Brussels bloc.

But the PM is sticking to her plan - insisting that Chequers is the only credible option on the table.

She faces a race against time to get a Brexit deal agreed in the face of a from her backbenchers and a scornful response to her plan from EU leaders.

Mrs May says she is still confident that a deal can be done by November - widely seen as the latest date a deal can be don in time for national governments of the EU members states to approve it.

But ministers are also stepping up plans for a no deal Brexit amid fears the country will crash out without a deal.
Jack Ralph, 28, has been charged with the double murder of Sharon Harris and her mother Margaret and attempted murder of her husband David

The next door neighbour of a mother and daughter stabbed to death in a leafy village has been charged with their murders.

Jack Ralph, 28, is accused of attacking Sharon Harris, 55, and her mother Margaret, 78, after a noisy row outside their home in Hadlow, Kent.

He has also been charged with the attempted murder of Margaret's husband David, 76, who was airlifted to hospital after being stabbed during the knife rampage.

Yesterday neighbours told how there had been a long running dispute between the two families over a shared drive.

Neighbours said Ralph had been having a row with a woman, believed to be his ex-girlfriend, outside Mr Harris' three-bedroom mock Tudor home when the retired mechanic tried to intervene.

Ralph is said to have chased Mr Harris into his home where Sharon and Margaret were then also attacked.

Paramedics rushed to the family's aid on Saturday morning but Sharon and Margaret were pronounced dead at the scene. Mr Harris last night was in hospital in a stable condition.

Pictures show the murder scene in Hadlow, Kent after Sharon Harris and her mother Margaret were killed and Sharon's husband David severely injured

Officers and forensic investigators scour the crime scene for evidence in Hadlow today

Michael Maile, who has lived on the quiet, leafy street where the attack took place for 32 years, said a row had broken out over parking, with a space round the side of the Harris house in dispute.

He said: 'The Harris' were upset as they used to use the full shared drive.

'There isn't a lot of room, you see, and the previous tenants used to allow the Harris' the whole space.

'When the new neighbours arrived they demanded the space back. That caused a bit of tension.'

He added: 'Usually nothing happens here, now we are scared. It's a scary thing to live near. We knew the Harris family, me and my wife would say 'hello' when we saw them.

'They were quiet, reserved people, and Margaret never left the house. She was frail, no-one has seen her for a year.

'David was up at 6am every morning when he would move his camper van to let the daughter's car out.

'Next door, we don't know them. They moved in a while back and the man not too long ago.'

Police forensic officers have been carrying out investigations in Hadlow, Kent this weekend. A cordon was in place for much of the day yesterday and today

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: 'Margaret was a quiet woman - she was never offensive to anyone.

'We came out and saw a helicopter above. It must have been her husband - It is sickening what went on. There were a dozen police here until 10pm on Saturday night - it's unheard of.

'I can't see how this could have happened. You hear about this going on in London, but not here.'

Flowers and cards were left outside the Harris family home yesterday in tribute to the mother and daughter who died.

Sharon's colleagues left a card saying: 'Dearest Sharon and Margaret, rest in peace. Taken too soon.

'Sharon, we wished each other a good weekend at 4:30 on Friday.

'I can't believe I am writing these words, there will be a big gap at work without you. All our love Clare and Danni xxxx'
The specialist prosecutor brought in to question Christine Blasey Ford and Brett Kavanaugh during the senate hearing last week says 'no reasonable prosecutor' would bring charges based on the evidence heard.

Ford's inability to remember corroborating details, inconsistencies in her memory and a lack of witnesses means the case amounts to a 'he said, she said' account, prosecutor Rachel Mitchell said.

She notes that Ford's case is 'even weaker' than a typical 'he said, she said' case because the only three witnesses she was able to name have no memory of the event.

Rachel Mitchell, a sex crimes prosecutor brought in to question Christine Blasey Ford and Brett Kavanaugh during last week's hearing, says Ford's case would not stand up in court

Mitchell says the lack of corroborating evidence, inconsistencies in Ford's memory and witnesses being unable to remember the event all undermine her case

'I do not think a reasonable prosecutor would bring this case based on the evidence before the Committee,' Mitchell wrote in a letter to Senators.

Most criminal cases have to be proven 'beyond all reasonable doubt', but sex crime victims sometimes pursue their cases through civil court in the form of a lawsuit because it carries a lower 'on preponderance of the evidence' standard.

However, Mitchell believed that Ford's case would not meet this threshold either.

Mitchell notes that the hearing was not a criminal trial and therefore there is no standard of proof, and that the aim was not to bring charges but to examine Kavanugh's character before he takes a seat on the Supreme Court.

In a letter seen by NBC, she said: 'There is no clear standard of proof for allegations made during the Senate's confirmation process.

'But the world in which I work is the legal world, not the political world. Thus, I can only provide my assessment of Dr Ford's allegations in that legal context.

'In the legal context, here is my bottom line: A "he said, she said" case is incredibly difficult to prove. But this case is even weaker than that.

Brett Kavanaugh flatly denies allegations of sexual assault brought against him by Ford and at least three others, who did not testify last week

Ford says Kavanaugh pushed her into a bedroom, groped her, held her down and then put his hand over her mouth when she tried to call for help during a gathering in the 1980s

'Dr Ford identified other witnesses to the event, and those witnesses either refuted her allegations or failed to corroborate them.'

Mitchell goes on to say that Ford's failure to give a consistent description of when the assault happened - ranging from the 'mid 1980s' to 'the summer of 1982' - would count against her in court.

The failure to name her attacker for nearly 30 years also would not help her case, though does not necessarily disprove it either.

Inconsistencies in her memory, even dating to recent events such as her therapy sessions and interviews with the Washington Post, would raise questions about her ability to remember an event 30 years ago.

A failure to provide potentially corroborating evidence - such as how she got home from the gathering or who else was there - would also harm her case.

That lack of evidence perhaps explains why the FBI has been given a week to carry out background checks on Kavanaugh to see if there is any truth to Blasey's claims.

The probe was launched after Republican Senator Jeff Flake and Democrat Chris Coons called for Kavanaugh's nomination to be paused over fears it was 'tearing the country apart'.

It comes after Ford told Flake and Coons - in testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee - that Kvanaugh had attacked her at a gathering.

She claims Kavanaugh pushed her into a room, groped her, held her down and then placed his hand over her mouth when she tried to call for help.
Labour is a 'stain on Britain' because of anti-Semitism in its ranks, Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab told the Tory conference today.

Mr Raab said his own father had fled the Nazis and come to Britain as a six-year-old boy and vowed to the 'left wing extremists' led by Jeremy Corbyn in his name.

He said Mr Corbyn was using 'all the tools in the extremists' armoury' to promote his version of the Labour message.

Mr Raab's viscous attack came after Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey lashed Labour for 'driving politics into the gutter'.

She said the hard-left Momentum group was a modern-day Militant that used 'bullying and intimidation'.

Labour is a 'stain on Britain' because of anti-Semitism in it ranks, Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab told the Tory conference today

Mr Raab said his own father had fled the Nazis and come to Britain as a six-year-old boy and vowed to the 'left wing extremists' led by Jeremy Corbyn (pictured in Liverpool last week) in his name

Mr Raab told the Tory conference in Birmingham Labour had been seized by 'extremists' who had spent their careers 'confined to the margins'.

Attacking the 'casual equation of Jews with the Israeli government' Mr Raab said: 'That a once-great mainstream party should stoop so low, is a stain on Britain.

'I say to Labour: youd be surprised how many British people take this personally.

'They know things that you choose to forget. Eighty years ago  1938 - Nazi Germany invaded Czechoslovakia.

'The lucky few fled. Some of them to Britain. One Jewish family arrived in England with a little boy called Peter. He was six years old and he spoke no English.'

Mr Raab said the boy grew up knowing much of his family had been murdered but still got into grammar school and had a family.

He said: 'That little boy was my father. And I will honour his memory by fighting the scourge of anti-Semitism and racism until my last breath.

'Because, none of us can rest until Corbyn, McDonnell and their extremist gang have been driven back to the margins where they belong.'

The Brexit Secretary said Mr Corbyn was using 'all the tools in the extremists' armoury' to promote his version of the Labour message

Ms McVey said it would be a 'political nightmare' for Britain if Labour win power.

She claimed Derek Hatton, who infamously handed redundancy notices to council workers after setting an illegal budget, had been allowed back into Labour - something the party denies.

And the MP renewed her furious feud with shadow chancellor John McDonnell, who she had repeatedly accused of telling a rally she should be 'lynched'.

Ms McVey told the Tory conference: 'bullying and intimidation should not be allowed to drive our politics into the gutter.

Remember what John McDonnell said about me. That I should be lynched.

'Well he picked on the wrong woman.'

Labour's hard-left Momentum group has driven 'politics into the gutter' with 'bullying and intimidation', Esther McVey (pictured at the Tory conference today) warned Tory activists

The Work and Pensions Secretary condemned Labour's Dawn Butler for telling her party conference she welcomed the Militant decision to set an illegal budget in defiance of the Thatcher government.

She said: 'Yes, you heard it right, a member of the shadow cabinet praising a council that broke the law; fleeced the taxpayer and brought a proud city to the brink of bankruptcy. And the ringleader is back.

'Derek Hatton has just been accepted back into the Labour Party  after 33 years - inspired to return by Corbyn's far left Socialism which now makes up Labour Party Policy.

Momentum is the modern day Militant. And remember there are 3 Ms in Momentum. Militant, Militant, Militant.'
Trevor Hockaday (pictured) has been charged after allegedly pouting a peroxide-based cleaner into an officer's drink

A McDonald's worker has been charged after allegedly pouting a peroxide-based cleaner into an officer's drink.

Trevor Hockaday, 22, is facing one count of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer after the incident in Kansas earlier this month, KOAM reports.

Authorities say Hockaday, of Iola, was working at a branch of the fast food chain when he put a peroxide-based cleaner in the Allen County deputy's drink.

The deputy picked up food and drink  an iced tea or a Coca Cola - while going through the restaurant's drive-thru and experienced flu-like symptoms a short time later, according to the Wichita Eagle.

Hockaday was arrested on September 12 during the ongoing police investigation into the case.

If convicted of the felony charge, he faces 20 years behind bars.

Allen County Sheriff Bryan Murphy told the Eagle that Hockaday allegedly added 'four little squirts' of a cleaner that is used at the restaurant to wipe down counters.

He added that one of Hockaday's co-workers came forward to investigators.

'[The officer] thought he caught the bug, but we found out two weeks later when an employee came forward and told the police department,' Murphy said.

The deputy picked up food and drink  an iced tea or a Coca Cola - while going through the McDonald's drive-thru. Stock photo

Glen Nichols, the owner of the local McDonald's, said the chain is working with police on the case.

'In our restaurants, nothing is more important to us than the safety and well-being of our customers,' he told WOAM.

'We are very disappointed by the allegations made regarding the behavior of one of our former crew members.

'This kind of behavior goes against our food safety standards and is not tolerated.'
Dominic Raab today warned Brussels not to take the 'crass and unproductive' step of effectively cutting Britain off from Europe after a no deal Brexit.

The Brexit Secretary said the EU was unlikely to take steps that would be self-damaging even after an acrimonious collapse in talks.

But speaking to the Tory conference in Birmingham he insisted Britain was right to get ready for all eventualities.

Dominic Raab (pictured in Birmingham today) warned Brussels not to take the 'crass and unproductive' step of effectively cutting Britain off from Europe after a no deal Brexit

The Brexit Secretary (pictured making his keynote speech in the Symphony Hall today) said the EU was unlikely to take steps that would be self-damaging even after an acrimonious collapse in talk

Mr Raab told Tory activists Britain was negotiating in good faith but would only compromise so far in pursuit of a deal.

His warnings come a day after Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt controversially compared the EU to the Soviet Union and suggested it was trying to imprison Britain.

Mr Raab told conference: 'Some people say that No Deal is unthinkable. Wrong.

'What is unthinkable is that this government or any British government could be bullied by the threat of some kind of economic embargo, into signing a one-sided deal against our countrys interests.

'When it comes to no deal, we've heard some lurid predictions from the prophets of doom.

His warnings come a day after Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt (pictured running in Birmingham today) controversially compared the EU to the Soviet Union and suggested it was trying to imprison Britain

'They claim planes will be grounded. That ports will be blocked.

'Let's have some common sense here. Why on earth would any of these things happen unless someone decided to make them happen?'

Mr Raab said even if there was not a comprehensive deal he would 'find it hard to believe' Brussels would punish Britain for 'narrow political ends'.

He said: '(Would they) seek to punish Britain in such a crass and counterproductive way? Threatening European as well as UK businesses and jobs?

'And if Im wrong, its hardly an attractive argument for those suggesting we should stay in the club.'

Mr Hunt made a striking comparison of the EU to the USSR as he delivered a stark message that the UK would 'fight' if Brussels tried to block a fair divorce deal.

He insisted the EU must learn the lessons of history and not try to keep countries in line with dirty tactics.

The combative comments came in a speech to party conference in Birmingham that fuelled speculation Mr Hunt sees himself as a future leader.

But while they were warmly applauded by activists in the hall, they caused anger in some EU states.
A mother and her four young children fled their home after their Indesit tumble dryer burst into flames while they were sleeping.

Claire Knowles was drying clothes overnight when she woke to find her house filled with smoke.

The 32-year-old bundled her children aged one, three, five and 12 out of the property in Highley, Shropshire, as the blaze ripped through the kitchen, causing some 20,000 worth of damage.

The devastated mother-of-four says her life has been 'turned upside down' and she has been 'crippled financially' because she did not have contents insurance.

Claire Knowles, 32, with two of her children Missy, 12, and Minnie Buckley, one. They fled they home after their tumble dryer burst into flames

Ms Knowles was drying clothes overnight when she woke to find her house filled with smoke

The devastated mother-of-four says her life has been 'turned upside down' and she has been 'crippled financially' because she did not have contents insurance. Pictured, the fire damage

Ms Knowles has lodged an official complaint with Whirlpool, which owns Indesit. A spokesman for the company said an investigation is underway.

Ms Knowles said: 'Hindsight is a great thing. Obviously I wish I had contents insurance. It has turned our lives completely upside down and we are still rebuilding now. It has left me crippled financially.

'My biggest regret in life is putting the tumble dryer on that night. If I didn't our lives wouldn't have been ruined.'

The fire broke out at 2.45am on February 27 while Claire slept on the downstairs sofa with her son, Cobee Buckley, five, and daughter Minnie Buckley, aged one.

They were on the sofa because the family were decorating their rooms, while her sons aged 12 and three were sleeping in bedrooms upstairs.

Ms Knowles, a full time mother, added: 'I saw smoke coming from under the kitchen door and I was hit by the warmth of the fire.

'I was terrified. I knew I had to get out of the house. Riley was in the room directly above the kitchen and my first instinct was to get him out.

'It's every mum's worst nightmare. In a split second a million things went through my mind. My eldest daughter grabbed the baby and I ran up to the kids upstairs. We all ran outside and I knocked on a neighbour's door for help.'

The fire broke out at 2.45am on February 27 while Claire slept on the downstairs sofa with her son, Cobee Buckley, five, and daughter Minnie Buckley, aged one

The fire service said the tumble dryer is believed to have caused the blaze and Ms Knowles has lodged an official complaint with Whirlpool, which owns Indesit.

Many of the household appliances were completely destroyed in the blaze

The blaze ripped through the kitchen and smoke filled the rest of the property

Ms Knowles, left, and her children Cobee Buckley, five, and Riley Buckley, three

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the blaze in minutes, but there was extensive smoke damage to the rest of the home and the family lost at least 20,000 worth of belongings.

Housing provider Clarion found them a new home in July.

A Whirlpool spokesperson said: 'In 2015, we identified a potential concern with two types of tumble dryers. The affected dryers were manufactured between April 2004 and September 2015 under the Hotpoint, Indesit, Creda, Swan and Proline brands.

'Nothing matters more to us than people's safety. That's why we proactively raised this issue and launched an extensive campaign to fix it - which has delivered unprecedented results.

'We can confirm that no appliances manufactured after September 2015 are affected by this issue. Dryers sold in December 2016 would not be affected.

'We extend our deepest sympathies to Miss Knowles and are doing all we can to understand how this incident took place.

'Investigations are ongoing and the cause has not yet been identified, therefore it would be inappropriate to draw any conclusions at this stage.'
 Former Illinois Gov Rod Blagojevich makes "plea for prison reform" | Main | A bunch of Dimaya GVRs and a hundreds of criminal case cert denials in first SCOTUS order list of October Term 2018 

October 1, 2018

California reduces reach of its broad felony-murder law, and provides for retroactive sentence reductions accordingly

In my Criminal Law class, we just finished a unit on mens rea and are about to start on homicide laws. This interesting legal news out of California, headlined "California sets new limits on who can be charged with felony murder," comes at a very convenient time for me. Much more importantly, the law might mean less time in prison for others who got convicted of murder despite having no intent to kill. Here are the basic details:

Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation on Sunday that limits who can be prosecuted for felony murder to those who commit or intend to commit a killing. The new law, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, scales back Californias current felony murder rule, which allows defendants to be convicted of first-degree murder if a victim dies during the commission of a felony  even if the defendant did not intend to kill, or did not know a homicide took place. For defendants facing prosecution for the crime, the new law could mean a shot at less time in prison. Hundreds of inmates serving time will be able to petition the court for a reduced sentence. The new felony murder law, a bipartisan proposal co-authored by Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) and Sen. Joel Anderson (R-Alpine), is among a series of criminal justice policies enacted under the Brown administration to reduce the numbers of those incarcerated, and give prisoners more chances of early release and services to better prepare them to enter society. State lawmakers this legislative session also eliminated the use of money bail and reduced punishment for teens under 15. Defense lawyers and other supporters say the new prosecution standards requiring proof of intent will make the states felony murder law similar to how prosecutors charge other crimes. Cases in which an officer was killed will not be subject to the new law, which goes into effect on Jan. 1. But law enforcement groups opposed the changes, arguing it could lead to more violent people on the streets.... Lawmakers who supported Senate Bill 1437 called the states felony murder law archaic and blamed it for disproportionately long sentences imposed on people who did not kill anyone. A 2018 survey that found 72% of women serving a life sentence for felony murder in California did not commit the homicide. The average age of people charged and sentenced under the statute was 20, according to the report from the Anti-Recidivism Coalition and Restore Justice, a nonprofit that helps offenders reenter society.... On Sunday, Skinner called the law a historic and reasonable fix, bringing California in line with other states such as Arkansas, Kentucky, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan that have narrowed the scope of their felony murder rules. Californias murder statute irrationally treated people who did not commit murder the same as those who did, she said in a statement released Sunday. SB 1437 makes clear there is a distinction, reserving the harshest punishment to those who directly participate in the death.

October 1, 2018 at 08:51 AM | Permalink

Comments

If there is a meaningful way to distinguish degrees of culpability, I think it could make sense to have different degrees of felony murder. For example, a getaway driver who was genuinely unaware a murder occurred should still serve time because of the murder, but maybe something like 5-10 years instead of life.

But rather than the State having to prove that you have a high level of culpability, I think it would make more sense if it worked like a partial affirmative defense. Just as self defense is a complete defense to murder, but you have to explain what happened to claim it, this could be a partial defense, but you have to explain what happened in order to claim it. That would include testifying against co-defendants. I imagine this wouldn't be a popular opinion with Doug. But if you want the benefit of reduced culpability, it seems to me perfectly reasonable to have a corresponding responsibility to help the State understand what happened and to act against those who have greater culpability.

Posted by: William Jockusch | Oct 4, 2018 12:21:12 AM

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This is the terrifying moment two British sisters were robbed by armed thieves on the streets of Amsterdam.

The chilling incident took place on August 30, but CCTV footage of the attack was only recently released by authorities in the Dutch capital.

The two British tourists, whose names were not reported, were walking back to their hotel after dining out in a restaurant.

CCTV footage shows the moment the two suspects approached the women from behind before launching their attack.

The two British sisters (pictured left), whose names were not reported, were walking back to their hotel after dining out in a restaurant in Amsterdam when they were approached by the two suspects (right)

According to reports, the suspects, a man and woman, asked the sisters if they could borrow their phone to make a call before launching their attack

According to reports, the man and woman asked the victims if they could borrow their phone to make an urgent call.

The women tried to ignore the couple and continue walking, however the male suspect ran after one of the sister's while brandishing a knife.

One of the women threw her handbag on the pavement out of fear that the perpetrator may hurt her sister

The robber was then seen violently snatching the bag from the other woman as his accomplice picked up the bag on the ground.

One of the thieves is then seen violently snatching the bag from one of the sister's while brandishing a knife

His accomplice picks up the other sister's bag which she has thrown on the ground before both suspects flee the scene

A police spokesman said: 'The sisters got off lightly, but this is not what you expect when you come to Amsterdam for a fun trip'

A police spokesman said: 'The sisters got off lightly, but this is not what you expect when you come to Amsterdam for a fun trip.'

The male suspect wore a black leather jacket while the female suspect was dressed in tight jeans with a casual shirt.

In the Netherlands, it is not standard practice for the police to publicly release CCTV footage due to privacy laws and it is only done if all other leads are exhausted by investigators.
Former actor John Alford has denied attacking two police officers after damaging a bin lorry

Former TV star John Alford has denied attacking two police officers after an incident in which he damaged a bin lorry.

The ex-Grange Hill and Londons Burning actor, 46, of Holloway, north London, gave his name as John James Walker Shannon as he appeared in the dock at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court, telling the hearing that Alford was a stage name.

He pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault on a police officer and guilty to a charge of criminal damage to a refuse collection vehicle belonging to Camden Council.

The charges stem from an incident in Holloway, north London, on September 1.

The actor was unconditionally bailed to appear for trial at the same court in north London on November 29.

Actor Alford became a famous face played happy go lucky Robbie Wright between 1985 and 1991 on Grange Hill but would later fall on hard times.

After leaving the show, he went on to be a regular on ITV series London's Burning playing Billy Ray.

He also enjoyed several top 40 hit singles, produced by Stock/Waterman, following his TV success.
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A dozen of newborn baby pandas in China made their group debut last week.

The 12 adorable cubs, between one and four months old, were introduced to the public during a special event at the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base in Sichuan Province on Friday.

The breeding centre said it wanted to present a 'special concert' brought by the pandas. Staff put the tiny animals on two staves drawn on the stage for them to crawl on.

So cute: China's Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base showcased 12 cubs born at the centre this year last Friday

Are you looking at me? The tiny animals were expected to crawl on two staves drawn on the stage during the special event

Bear with me: The baby pandas were between one and four months old and were being taken care of at the panda nurseries

Precious: Most cubs are born between May and September because pandas only mate in spring during a short period of time

Heart-melting pictures and footage show the restless cubs nudging each other and trying to climb onto each other as they were being showcased on the stage.

The Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base has one of the largest collection of captive-bred pandas in the world. It has bred 195 pandas, considered by China as a national treasure.

A total of 14 cubs including five sets of twins were born this year, and 13 of them have survived. Among them 12 were born in Chengdu between May 20 and August 4 and were showcased on Friday. The other cub was born in Japan to a panda mother on loan to the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo.

The group debut was held in the centre's two panda nurseries where they were being looked after. Seven cubs were presented in the Sun Nursery and five were displayed in the Moon Nursery.

Chen Bo, a keeper at the Sun Nursery, said the oldest panda cub weighed about six kilograms (13 pounds) and measured 40cm (15.7 inches) long while the youngest cub was just one kilograms (two pounds) and 20cm (7.9 inches) long.

A total of 14 cubs were born this year at the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, and 13 of them have survived

The group debut was held in the centre's two panda nurseries where they were being looked after. Pictured is the Sun Nursery

The oldest cub was four months old and weighed six kilograms while the youngest month-old panda weighed two kilograms

According to the centres, all baby pandas born in the day time are delivered and nursed in the Sun Nursery while those born in the night time are taken care of by the Moon Nursery.

Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan, has branded itself as the 'capital of pandas' in a new effort to promote the bustling city to the world, reported Chengdu Business Daily





The campaign was launched in June and would cover all areas from tourism to scientific research.

Why are panda cubs so precious? Four-month-old panda cub 'Yuan Meng' is pictured during its naming ceremony at the Beauval Zoo in France in December, 2017 It's difficult for a female panda to get pregnant due to a few reasons. Among all female pandas, only 20 per cent or so are fertile, and the other 80 per cent have trouble forming healthy eggs, according to Chen Yucun, a panda expert at China's Strait Panda World in Fuzhou. In addition, a female panda is only on heat once a year for about 48 hours, making it hard for keepers to arrange mating or artificial insemination. Lastly, it is extremely rare to find male pandas which are capable of natural mating. Only less than five per cent of the whole male panda population can do so without human intervention, according to Zhang Guiquan, an expert from the China Conservation and Research Centre. 'So female pandas do not have much choice,' Zhang told Shanghai Daily. Advertisement

The city has launched a new subway train and a new air route inspired by the adorable animal.

The so-called 'Panda Express' train has panda-inspired seat panels and handles as well as pictures of the bears on the wall.

On the other hand, passengers on the daily 'Panda Route' are transported by an Airbus A350 sporting cartoon livery of eight pandas and greeted by air hostesses donning panda-inspired uniforms. They are even treated with food resembling the image of the lovely bears on the flight operated by Sichuan Airlines.

Is this the cutest flight you've seen? A Chinese airline has launched a flight with aircraft and food inspired by the bears

A meal to remember: Passengers are served with a panda-themed in-flight meal with iconic dishes from the city of Chengdu
Senator Dianne Feinstein has requested a copy of the directive that was sent to the FBI ordering a probe into Brett Kavanaugh amid reports that the White House placed limits on investigators.

Feinstein, who is the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee which questioned Kavanaugh last week, made the request in a letter sent on Sunday.

Writing to White House counsel Don McGahn and FBI director Christopher Wray, Feinstein also requested that the committee be kept up to date on the probe.

Dianne Feinstein has requested a copy of the directive sent from the White House to the FBI ordering a background investigation into Brett Kavanaugh

Agents are probing claims that Kavanaugh was frequently intoxicated and sexually assaulted women in high school, but there are claims the White House has sought to limit investigators

She wrote: 'Given the seriousness of the allegations before the Senate, I am writing to request that you provide the Senate Judiciary Committee with a copy of the written directive sent by the White House to the FBI.

'In addition, if the FBI requests any expansion beyond the initial directive, please provide the names of any additional witnesses or evidence.'

According to the New York Times, the FBI initially plans to interview four witnesses, including three people who Kavanaugh's accuser - Christine Blasey Ford - says were at a gathering in the 1980s where he allegedly attacked her.

They are Kavanaugh's friend Mark Judge, who Ford says in the room when the alleged attack took place; Leland Keyser, a friend of Ford who allegedly attended the party but did not witness the assault; and P.J. Smyth, another guest at the party.

The fourth witness is Deborah Ramirez, a student at Yale who alleges that Kavanaugh exposed himself to her during a party in their freshman year, the Times reports.

But missing from the list is Julie Swetnick, who claims she witnessed an intoxicated Kavanaugh mistreating women at high school parties and was present at parties where women were gang-raped.

President Trump has flatly denied the FBI have been limited, saying he gave them free reign to interview whoever they deemed necessary

Among those being interviewed will be Deborah Ramirez (left), who claims Kavanaugh exposed himself to her at a party, after Christine Blasey Ford (right) accused the judge of sexually assaulting her at a party in the 1980s

On Saturday, sources told NBC that Swetnick was excluded at the direction of the White House which had provided a list of people the FBI was allowed to interview.

Also excluded from the list were high school classmates who could testify that Kavanaugh was a frequent, heavy drinker in high school, contrary to his testimony in front of the committee, sources said.

Yet more classmates willing to testify about sexual references written in his high school yearbook have also not been included, the sources alleged.

However, President Trump has flatly contradicted those reports, saying he encouraged the FBI to investigate 'whoever they deem appropriate'.

Trump ordered the limited background check - which will last no longer than a week - on Friday following an explosive day of testimony from both Kavanaugh and Ford in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

He made the decision under pressure from Arizona Republican Senator Flake, who announced he would not back a full Senate vote to confirm Kavanaugh until the probe took place.

Trump said: 'The FBI I believe is doing a really great job.

'They have been all over already. They have free rein. They're going to do whatever they have to do, whatever it is they do.

'They'll be doing things that we've never even thought of, and hopefully at the conclusion everything will be fine.'
A former Miss Iraq claims she has received death threats, telling her 'you're next', just days after the murder of an Instagram model in Baghdad.

Shimaa Qassem shared an emotional video with her 2.7million Instagram followers in which she claimed successful women in Iraq faced 'being slaughtered like chickens'.

Last Thursday, 22-year-old 'influencer' Tara Fares, whom Ms Qassem hailed as a'martyr', was shot dead in her car in Baghdad.

Progressive Iraqis say they fear for their safety following the deaths of Ms Fares and three other female entrepreneurs under mysterious circumstances in the space of a few weeks.

Shimaa Qassem said successful women in Iraq faced 'being slaughtered like chickens' after the murder of Tara Fares, whom Ms Qassem hailed as a 'martyr'

The deaths of Instagram model Tara Fares, pictured, and three other successful women have sparked fear among those who dare to break the mould in the conservative country

Ms Fares' bloody demise at the wheel of a white Porsche convertible in Baghdad on Thursday has sparked as much debate as her racy photos.

Fares had built an Instagram following of 2.7 million people thanks to edgy fashion shoots, assertive missives and eyecatching, colourful hairstyles.

She also posted publicly about a violent ex-husband and a fiance who died after being attacked in Istanbul.

But while Fares' fearless embrace of social media inspired many young Iraqis, it upset traditionalists.

The 22-year-old social media influencer and model was shot dead in her car in Baghdad on Thursday morning

Tara Fares (pictured) murder comes just days after that of Soad al-Ali, an Iraqi human rights activist who was also shot in her car in the southern city of Basra

Fares was the target of a deluge of online insults over her perceived lack of modesty, in a society where many adhere to hardline interpretations of Islam

Fares was the target of a deluge of online insults over her perceived lack of modesty, in a society where many adhere to hardline interpretations of Islam.

It was this darker side of online platforms that forced the outspoken Fares to quit living in her native Baghdad and spend much of her time in comparatively liberal, secular Iraqi Kurdistan.

Fares is not the only Iraqi fashion and beauty entrepreneur to have met her death in recent weeks.

In August, the managers of Baghdad's two most high profile aesthetic and plastic surgery centres died in mysterious circumstances.

The first was Rafif al-Yasiri, a plastic surgeon who had become known as the Barbie of Iraq'.

She ran successful plastic surgery clinic in Baghdad and become known to the wider public as a TV doctor. The 32-year-old was also an activist and charity ambassador.

A week later Rasha al-Hassan, founder of the Viola Beauty Centre, was also found dead.

First death: TV doctor and plastic surgeon Dr Rafif Al-Yasiri died in August under mysterious circumstances

Mystery: The 32-year-old was found dead in her home on August 16

Second death: Beauty expert Rasha al-Hassan was also found dead in her home

Ms al-Hassan, who ran a successful beauty clinic, died a week after Dr Al-Yasiri

Third death: Activist and businesswoman Soad al-Ali was shot several times while travelling in a car in the southern city of Basra last Tuesday

Both were found at their homes, and despite ongoing investigations, the causes of their deaths remain undetermined.

But the rumour mill has churned up plenty of theories: drugs, heart attacks and murder.

Last Tuesday, two days before Fares was shot dead, came the first officially confirmed murder among the spate of suspicious deaths.

In circumstances that foreshadowed the social media star's assassination, activist and businesswoman Soad al-Ali was shot several times while travelling in a car in the southern city of Basra.

Police opened an investigation and pointed the finger at her ex-husband, who is on the run.

While motivations for the two confirmed murders are far from officially established, women's rights group Amal is deeply concerned.

'Armed groups, tribes, criminal gangs... all these control positions' within the state and security forces, Hanae Edwar told AFP at the NGO's Baghdad office.

The recent assassinations are 'threatening messages sent to activists in particular, but also to the whole of society,' she said.

'Attacking women who are public figures is a bid to force them to shut themselves away at home', Edwar added.

The authorities have tried to distance themselves from the deaths and provide reassurance.

Ms Fares' bloody demise at the wheel of a white Porsche convertible in Baghdad on Thursday has sparked as much debate as her racy photos

Tara Fares, 22, who had almost three million followers on the social media site, was killed by unknown gunmen in the city's Kam Sara neighbourhood

But Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi appeared to draw a link between the events in Baghdad and Basra, ordering elite intelligence units to investigate.

In a statement, Abadi cited 'evidence suggesting that there is a plan formulated by organised parties to undermine security under the pretext of fighting against depravity'.

Safaa Nasser, a stylist speaking under an assumed name who until recently organised fashion shows, said she had already changed her behaviour.

'The last few days, my daughters and I go out less and I stay away from the fashion world,' she said.

'There are people who don't want Iraq to develop, or for women to be visible. They want to take us backwards.'

She urged security forces to investigate the deaths, saying an 'organised network' was behind the 'premeditated' actions.

'The women I know are saying that their turn will come' to be targeted,' she said.

Chillingly, Fares, Yassiri and Hassan all died on Thursdays.

'Every time, this repeats itself', said 29-year-old Hawa Walid, shopping in Baghdad.

'Now, every Thursday, the stress rises.'
John Moss, outside Central London County Court, has been forced to give up his home after losing a legal battle with his ex mistress

A womanising former Met police officer will have to give up his home after losing a court battle with the former mistress he got pregnant three times.

John Moss, 58, of Dartford, Kent, was unfaithful to his wife with Sandra Wickremasinghe, 52, and was in turn accused of cheating on her during their 25-year affair.

He wanted to marry her, but she never agreed and although they never lived together, a judge ruled Miss Wickremasinghe is entitled to half his house.

Judge Peter Wulwik said Mr Moss had put the house in their joint names 'as a form of recompense for the way he had treated her'.

The veteran Metropolitan Police officer tried to underplay his 'womanising', he said, but had fathered a child she did not know about and paid for her to have three abortions.

In winning an order for sale of the Dartford property, mother-of-three Miss Wickremasinghe said it was 'scant recompense' for Mr Moss' treatment of her.

Ruling on the case, Judge Wulwik told Central London County Court the couple were both married when they met as neighbours in 1991.

They soon began a relationship and she fell pregnant in 1992, 1999 and 2002, each time having abortions paid for by her lover.

Mr Moss' wife learned of the affair by 2007 and called Miss Wickremasinghe to talk to her.

She told Miss Wickremasinghe that Mr Moss had a three-year-old son with her and had lived with another woman between 1999 and 2001.

Moss, left, was unfaithful to his wife with Sandra Wickremasinghe, 52, (right)and was in turn accused of cheating on her during their 25-year affair

Miss Wickremasinghe was 'not surprisingly extremely upset', but the 'somewhat volatile and on-off' relationship continued, said the judge.

Mr Moss bought the house in Dartford, in 2008, but the following year transferred it into joint names.

In court, he claimed that he had only done so on the understanding that he and Miss Wickremasinghe would get married.

'I left my ex-wife to be with Miss Wickremasinghe,' he told the judge.

But the marriage never materialised and the couple finally parted ways in 2016, sparking a bitter court battle over the 230,000 house.

Miss Wickremasinghe took the case to court to force its sale, while Mr Moss, who quit the police after 20 years' service in 2011, insisted she was due nothing.

He said he had been 'naive' in signing the house into joint names in an attempt to prove his 'commitment' to a woman he wanted to marry.

'I thought I was doing the right thing, to show commitment,' he told the court.

For Miss Wickremasinghe, barrister Benjamin Channer claimed the motivation behind transferring the house was to 'make amends' to her following his wife's revelations.

It included the 'three-year-old son she didn't know about' and that he was 'seeing other people'.

However, Mr Moss denied he transferred the house in compensation for his treatment of her.

'That would be the last thing I would be doing,' he said. 'My house, my past, and whom I have gone out with is a matter for me.'

He said he had 'never lied' to Miss Wickremasinghe, merely 'withheld' certain information.

Ruling in Miss Wickremasinghe's favour, Judge Wulwik said he found her to be a 'reliable and patently honest witness'.

Mr Moss was a 'somewhat aggressive individual' who tried to avoid blame for the failure of the relationship.

He was trying to 'minimise his womanising and behaviour towards Miss Wickremasinghe', he added.

'He clearly feels it would be unfair for her to have any interest in the property, even though it was put into their joint names at his instigation,' he said.

He continued: 'While Mr Moss says that he acted under the belief that they would get married, I am satisfied that she never agreed to marry him.

'He put the property into joint names to show his commitment to her and also as a form of recompense for the way he had treated her.

'It was his decision not to seek legal advice before putting the property into the parties' joint names.

'That was his decision and his decision alone.'

Ruling that the former couple hold the property in equal shares, the judge ordered that it be sold and the proceeds split.

Father-of-one Mr Moss, who lives in the house with a new girlfriend, said there was no way he could afford to buy Miss Wickremasinghe out of the property.

Claiming he had lost 'everything', he said: 'I won't be able to buy another house - and this is my son's inheritance. It's all I have worked very hard for for the last 40 years.'
Geoffrey Hayes, who hosted long-running children's programme Rainbow, has died aged 76.

The actor, who was famed for presenting the show from 1973 to 1992, died in hospital from pneumonia with his wife and son by his side.

The news was confirmed by his manager today and prompted an outpouring of emotion on social media from fans paying tribute to the 'childhood legend' with many writing simply, 'thank you.'

Speaking shortly after his 76th birthday earlier this year, the actor revealed he was still 'humbled' to be recognised by Rainbow fans, adding: 'We loved doing it; I certainly did. Twenty years of happiness, it really was.'

Geoffrey Hayes with Rainbow characters, Bungle, George and Zippy. He appeared alongside the cuddly puppets in more than 1,000 episodes of Rainbow from 1974 until 1992

In 2015 Geoffrey appeared on Celebrity Pointless alongside former Tiswas presenter Sally James

The actor, who shot to fame presenting the show from 1973 to 1992, died in hospital

Upon hearing the news of his death, one fan tweeted: 'Goodbye to yet another part of our childhood,' while another added simply: 'Thank you for painting the whole world with a rainbow.'

The outpouring of grief continued as another fan added: 'Hope he knew how important he was in the childhood of many people. A ray of light for an otherwise unhappy child.'

Hayes also had a recurring role in drama series Z Cars in the early 1970s

Comedian Jem Roberts said: 'I'd just like to thank Geoffrey Hayes for looking after us all so wonderfully. And so would my Mum.'

Hayes appeared alongside cuddly puppets Zippy, George and Bungle in more than 1,000 episodes of Rainbow from 1974 until 1992, having taken over from original host David Cook.

He played the long-suffering adult character, guardian and upholder of the peace in the hallucinogenic Rainbow house on the show, which aired several nights a week to children across the UK.

In 2002, Hayes, who struggled to find work after Rainbow was cancelled, said the secret to the programme's enduring popularity was that it was full of 'magic, innocence and imagination'.

He said: 'Practically all the time people come up to me and it really breaks me up because they thank me for being part of their childhood.

'It makes me want to cry sometimes.'

In a 2015 interview, Hayes said he would 'always be grateful' for his role on Rainbow.

The news was confirmed by his manager today and social media is awash with an outpouring of grief from fans paying tribute to the 'childhood legend'

Fellow presenter Gareth Jones appeared with Hayes on Pointless Celebrities and was among those who paid tribute to the Rainbow star today

Geoffrey Hayes, pictured here with Zippy from Rainbow, passed away at the age of 76

In a 2015 interview, Hayes said he would 'always be grateful' for his role on Rainbow

Hayes told the Express in 2015 he got the role simply by 'being in the right place at the right time.'

He added: 'It sounded interesting, so I knocked on his door and got an audition. I was a jobbing actor with no experience of kids' TV but, thankfully, I got the job.'

The star also revealed he 'loved working on Rainbow and couldn't wait to get into the studio.'

He told the Express: 'Other actors thought me mad because I never minded coming in on days off to rehearse. Classed as a pre-school programme, it meant my wages were at the lower end of the pay scale.

'I never earned vast amounts, but at least it was a regular income for 20 years, even if it didn't make me a millionaire.'

After the show ended Hayes went on to work as a taxi driver and worked two nights a week shelf-stacking in his local Sainsbury's.

Hayes said the secret to the programme's enduring popularity was that it was full of 'magic, innocence and imagination'

In a 2015 interview, Hayes said he would 'always be grateful' for his role on Rainbow

BBC channel CBeebies also paid tribute to the star, whose show ran on ITV until 1997

Former Newsround presenter Lizo Mzimba was among those honouring Hayes on Twitter

Hayes also had a recurring role in drama series Z Cars in the early 1970s, and appeared on programmes including Never Mind The Buzzcocks and Pointless Celebrities alongside former Tiswas presenter Sally James in 2015.

Hayes died in hospital from pneumonia with his wife Sarah and son Tom by his side, his manager Phil Dale said.

Mr Dale added: 'The family would like to express their thanks to the many fans over the years as it always gave Geoffrey so much pleasure to know that he and his Rainbow team had given so much fun to TV and theatre audiences over the years.'

Fans of Hayes and Rainbow who shared tributes on Twitter, thanking him for his presence in their younger years, include radio broadcaster Tony Shepherd who tweeted: 'Goodbye to yet another part of our childhood.'

TV hypnotist Chris Hughes wrote: 'Goodbye to yet another part of my childhood. Zippy Bungle & George will be lost without you! Paint the whole world with a rainbow #rainbow.'

One fan said they were a 'little bit heartbroken' to hear of Hayes's death, adding: 'Rainbow gave me hours of endless fun as a child. I refused to stay school dinners in primary school because it would cut in on my Rainbow viewing! Another part of my childhood gone.'

'This is so sad, another face from our childhood, Rainbow presenter Geoffrey Hayes has passed away. Thanks for giving this 80s kid some great memories,' another said.

Hayes with Zippy, George and Bungle, at Christie's in South Kensington, to promote the TV Generation Auction

Fans have today paid tribute and thanked the late presenter for providing them with entertainment throughout their younger years

After the long-running series ended, Hayes enjoyed a stint in the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk alongside EastEnders star Shane Richie.

He also worked a taxi driver and in 2005 featured in Peter Kay's Comic Relief version of Is This the Way to Amarillo.

Speaking about stacking shelves in Sainsbury's, Hayes told The Express: 'I didn't do it for the money  it was just that I'd been out of work for five months and was hanging around the house becoming a pain.'

Speaking after his 76th birthday earlier this year, the actor told What's On Tv magazine that he was still recognised for Rainbow.

He said 'It's so humbling, even now, all these years later somebody occasionally stops me in the street or the supermarket and talks about Rainbow. We loved doing it; I certainly did. Twenty years of happiness, it really was.'

What became of Zippy, George and Bungle? Puppeteers behind Geoffreys furry co-stars and their diverse post-Rainbow careers

Rainbow's Zippy, George and Bungle were the much-loved friends of generations of youngsters who would eagerly tune into to ITV's hit show to catch up on their adventures. But children who grew up in the 1970s, 80s and 90s may not be aware of the real-life faces behind the popular puppets. The trio, joined on screen by presenter Geoffrey Hayes and singing group Rod, Jane and Freddy were played by a host of actors and voice artists who between them also left their mark on hit shows including Doctor Who, Bill and Ben the Flowerpot Men and even singing contest The Voice. Here, MailOnline reveals the real characters who wowed Rainbow fans each week, and what became of them after appearing on the show.

Bungle

Paul Cullinan, who played large furry bear Bungle in Rainbow, appeared on The Voice in 2015 (pictured)

The show's large brown furry bear, Bungle, was played by various actors, but chiefly Stanley Bates from from 1973 to 1988.

Paul Cullinan

In 2015, one of the characters from the cult children's show made an unexpected TV comeback on BBC talent show The Voice.

Child's entertainer Paul Cullinan, who played large furry bear Bungle in the classic ITV series, reappeared on TV for the first time in almost 25 years as a contestant on the singing show.

When he revealed to judges that he has previously starred on Rainbow, just one of the four knew what he was talking about.

It fell to Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson to explain to his fellow judges - will.i.am, Rita Ora and Sir Tom Jones - that he was 'a slightly camp bear called Bungle'.

Cullinan was the last of three actors to play Bungle in the hit show.

Malcolm Lord

Malcolm Lord, who worked on Rainbow from 1980 to 1989, most recently performed on stage in Aladdin, Dick Whittington and Calendar Girls.

Today, he is actively involved in his local community in Shropshire.

Geoffrey Hayes with Bungle the Bear, pictured in 1981

Malcolm Lord, who worked on Rainbow from 1980 to 1989, playing Bungle, most recently performed on stage in Aladdin, Dick Whittington and Calendar Girls

Stanley Bates

Stanley Bates, who played Bungle from 1973 to 1988, was bound over to keep the peace by magistrates in 2001 after appearing on a charge of assaulting a mother in a 'road rage' incident.

At the time of the court case Bates, now 75, was said to have become a self-employed lighting manufacturer.

John Leeson

John Leeson is best known for voicing K-9 in Doctor Who in the 1970s and 1980s.

He played Bungle for 50 episodes in 1972. He has since voiced the character again in various spin-offs, and has also served as a magistrate.

Stanley Bates (left) played Bungle from 1973 to 1988 while John Leeson (right) played Bungle for 50 episodes in 1972

Zippy and George

Peter Hawkins

Policeman's son Peter Hawkins played the role of Zippy and also voiced the Daleks in Doctor Who.

But Hawkins was perhaps most well-known for his gibberish language in Bill and Ben the Flowerpot Men.

He died aged 82 in July 2006.

Roy Skelton

Roy Skelton, who played both Zippy and George, also coincidentally voiced the Daleks in Doctor Who from 1967 to 1988, as well as the Cybermen and the Krotons.

He also wrote many of the scripts for Rainbow. Skelton died in June 2011 aged 79.

Zippy - The puppet for a zip for a mouth was played by Peter Hawkins and Roy Skelton

Policeman's son Peter Hawkins played the role of Zippy and also voiced the Daleks in Doctor Who

George and Zippy: Roy Skelton, who played both Zippy and George, also wrote many of the scripts for Rainbow. Skelton died in June 2011 aged 79

George the eyelash-batting pink hippo and Zippy in 2005's spin-off, 'Zippy and George's Puppet Legends'

The other Rainbow presenter

David Cook

David Cook presented the first and second series of Rainbow. He went on to write two novels about a boy with learning disabilities called Walter.

He died in September 2015 aged 74.

David Cook presented the first and second series of Rainbow. He went on to write two novels about a boy with learning disabilities called Walter. He died in September 2015 aged 74

The singing trio

Rod Burton, Jane Tucker and Freddy Marks appeared on Rainbow before landing their own spin-off show.

Rod, Jane And Freddy composed and sang hundreds of songs for the programme and their spin-off show The Rod, Jane And Freddy Show, which ran from 1981-1991.

The trio continued to perform in guest appearances on various TV shows and in pantomimes over the years.

Jane Tucker, Rod Burton and Matthew Corbett with Geoffrey Hayes and Bungle in 1972

Originally Jane and Rod were in a group called Rod, Matt And Jane with Matthew Corbett, but he left in 1976 to take over The Sooty Show after his father Harry retired.

At the time, Jane and Rod were married but divorced in 1979 and managed to remain on good terms.

Five years later, Jane and Freddy started dating, which sparked rumours of a secret love triangle between the singing trio - something all three vociferously denied, insisting they remained good friends.

In 2016 Freddy and Jane finally got married before celebrating at Claridge's Hotel in Mayfair.

Jane and Freddy tied the knot in 2016, she was previously married to their bandmate, Rod
Friends have praised a couple who handed back 6,200 worth of euros they found while on holiday in Greece.

Edward Gibson, 24, and Jessica Frank, 22, were enjoying a getaway in Crete when they found a bag containing 7,000 euros in cash in a street.

They handed the money in to police, who reunited it with its owner, a local shopkeeper who was very relieved to see it again.

The couple said they became minor celebrities on the holiday isle after word of their unselfish actions got around.

Edward Gibson and Jessica Frank have been praised for handing in thousands of pounds in euros which they found while on holiday in Greece

They told The Sun: 'When police took us to meet the lady she was crying and blessing us. The money was her livelihood.'

She said they were 'called heroes' by locals, who gave them free taxi rides and offered them a hotel upgrade.

The shopkeeper, who was in her 60s, is believed to have dropped the bag, which contained the business's takings, on the way to the bank.

Ms Frank, a council worker from Middlesbrough, tripped over it in the street.

As well as featuring in the local paper on the island, friends have been praising them on Facebook after finding out what they did.

One family friend wrote: 'Well done Edward and Jessica, two very honest people. Glad it got to the owner. Your mum will be so proud of you Edward x'
A man was killed and a woman was seriously injured after a small plane crashed in California.

Police and emergency services arrived at Brackett Field Airport in La Verne after the crash was reported at about 5.45pm on Sunday.

A single-engine Cessna 177RG crashed into a plant nurse as the pilot was practising approaches into the airport, a Federal Aviation Administration spokesman said.

A man was killed and a woman was seriously injured after a small plane crashed in California. Pictured, a file photo shows a Cessna 177RG plane

A man and a woman were found at the crash site, KTLA reports.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene and the woman was taken to hospital in a serious condition.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.

'A single-engine Cessna 177RG crashed under unknown circumstances into a plant nursery while the pilot was practicing approaches into Brackett Field Airport,' FAA spokesman Ian Gregor said, according to KTLA.
A British couple on holiday in Greece were left without food and forced to brush their teeth and shower in brown water for two days after a tropical storm flooded their hotel.

Tom, who asked to keep his last name private, and his boyfriend Grant were spending 10 days on the Greek Island of Skiathos to celebrate Grant's birthday when the 'medicane' (Mediterranean hurricane) hit, bringing with it flash floods and torrential rain.

The couple, both from Southampton, arrived at Beltsios Hotel in Troulos to a cloudless sky and 27 degree heat on Sunday September 23, but by Tuesday the temperature had plummeted.

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British couple Grant and Tom (right), from Southampton, were spending 10 days in Greece for Grant's birthday when two inches of dirty brown water flooded the couple's bedroom and bathroom, which Tom said smelled like sewage

The pool at the Beltsios Hotel in Troulos on the Greek Island of Skiathos which has been left unusable by dirty floodwater

On Saturday the island was caught up in the medicane, dubbed 'Zorbas' by meteorologists, which battered the Sporades archipelago with gale-force winds of around 60mph.

The hotel quickly flooded, leaving guests without food or clean water.

'Our room was flooded with two inches of dirty brown water,' Tom explained. 'It smelled like sewer water.

'It was dangerously slippery and well as unhygienic.'

The hotel bar was closed for the foreseeable future, and guests were told there was no food for them

When they opened the door of their room (pictured right) the road was flooded with brown water, which seeped under the door (left)

Troulos was one of the worst hit areas, with the extreme conditions preventing sea-traffic in and out of the ports and delaying flights

'Our clothes and all our bedding are full of water. I'm worried that our luggage will be over the 15kg weight limit as all of our clothes are soaking wet.

'When we went to the restaurant and asked for food the staff said "no English" and "no food".

'The water coming out of the tap was also brown. I tried to brush my teeth but it tasted disgusting.'

The couple fear that they will be charged by the airline for the extra weight of their soaking wet luggage when they leave the island

Troulos was one of the worst hit areas, with the extreme conditions preventing sea-traffic in and out of the ports and delaying flights.

The guest staying next door to them was in a wheelchair and finding the conditions extremely difficult, Tom said.

The couple had to carry her chair down a flight of stairs and through floodwater.

'The road outside the hotel turned into a river, which we would have had to walk through to get food,' Tom said.

Tom described how he and Grant helped a neighbouring guest by carrying her wheelchair through the 'river' of floodwater. The hotel entrance looked to be damaged by bad weather conditions. The pool, bar and restaurant were all closed at the weekend

Soaking bedclothes and towels used buy Tom and Grant to try and stem the flow of dirty water seeping in through the door

'This morning we couldn't take it anymore and walked to a local petrol station for a packet of crisps.'

'The pool is full of brown water so we can't use that.

'The hotel restaurant and bar have also been shut down for the rest of our holiday.

'There has been no mention of getting us transferred to another hotel and we haven't even had the option of being taken somewhere else to use their facilities.'

The 10-day holiday to Skiathos, in the Greek Sporades archipelago, turned into a nightmare when the island was hit with torrential rain and gale-force winds of around 60mph, causing flooding at the Beltsios Hotel (pictured)

The couple booked the holiday through Thomas Cook, and reached out to them on Twitter and through the direct helpline.

'When they responded on Twitter they thought we were due to fly back on Monday, but it is actually Wednesday. They are clueless,' Tom said.

'I called Thomas Cook yesterday and they said they said they would call me back. They haven't and we've been given no advice.

'We heard absolutely nothing.'

A Thomas Cook spokesperson said: 'The safety of our customers is always our first priority.

'We made sure our customers were prepared for the bad weather before the cyclone hit, and advised everyone to stock up, especially those staying in self-catering accommodation.

'Our resort team has been able to access the Beltsios Studios today and confirmed that everyone is safe, and that power and water are now being restored as the flooding subsides.'
No one was injured and the passengers have been provided with food and accommodations while they remain in Micronesia.

The Department of Consular Affairs under the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry has coordinated with Vietnamese embassies in Indonesia and the Philippines as well as domestic and foreign competent agencies to complete necessary procedures to soon bring the citizens home.



Air Niuginis Boeing 737-800 aircraft P2-PXE missed the runway and landed on a lagoon on Friday in Chuuk, Micronesia.

Early reports indicate very poor visibility at the time due to bad weather, and the aircraft came to rest in the water 145 metres from the runway, Papua New Guinea flag-carrier Air Niugini said in a press statement.  VNS
Kevin Thomas is pictured outside Cardiff Crown Court ahead of a hearing in May

A headteacher is facing jail for a sex attack on a mother in his office after buying her a pair of white knickers.

Kevin Thomas, 46, groped the married woman after becoming 'infatuated' with her and showering her with a string of emails.

A court heard how obsessed Thomas gave the woman the knickers after calling her into his primary school office and telling her: 'They will look lovely on you.'

Married Thomas told the woman he had a 'lovely dream' about her wearing white knickers.

The woman said: 'He has always threatened to buy me knickers. I was always thinking: "Please don't, please don't".'

'He said they will look lovely on you. I just remember closing my eyes and gritting my teeth.

'I said: "Give them to your wife". I walked away and thought: "I can't believe he's bought me knickers and that he thinks it's okay".'

Newport Crown Court heard that father-of-two Thomas sent the woman a barrage of emails 'expressing his feelings' for her.

Thomas even emailed a suggestive job interview to the woman including questions about her 'wrist action' and whether she 'enjoyed play time'.

One question read: 'If I was a computer, how would you turn me on?'

He sexually assaulted her in his office when he 'rocked his pelvis and clicked his fingers' and pulled the woman towards him.

The victim said Thomas' behaviour made her feel 'scared and unsafe'.

Thomas, head at 200-pupil Glan-yr-Afon Primary School in Llanrumney, Cardiff, denied two counts of sexual assault on the woman.

Thomas, of Fairwater, Cardiff, was cleared of one count but found guilty of the other. He will be sentenced later this month.

Thomas was suspended from the school on full pay in March 2017 after the allegations were made.
Mohammed Marinov, 27, from Enfield, has been jailed for two years after he pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual assault and one of outraging public decency

A man has been jailed for two years after he carried out a series of sexual assaults on young girls and women on buses across north London.

Mohammed Marinov, 27, from Enfield, pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual assault and one of outraging public decency on Friday September 7 at Wood Green Crown Court.

The assaults happened at busy times on the 279, 34 and 102 London bus routes and some of the girls were wearing school uniforms at the time.

The first incident happened on Thursday, 25 January at 6.30pm. An 18-year-old girl was travelling on a route 279 bus from Ponders End towards Waltham Cross.

As she stood on the busy bus, near to the luggage rack, Marinov stood beside her and during the journey she felt her jacket being lifted. She was then sexually assaulted.

The victim was shocked and scared and did not know what to do or how to tell anyone. She finally got away from him when a seat became available.

Marinov then told her to allow an elderly woman to sit in her seat. She moved and stood near the luggage rack, where he again sexually assaulted her. When she reached her destination, she ran from the bus and hid behind the bus shelter.

Just over a week later Marinov assaulted a 14-year-old girl when she got on the 279 bus at Ingersoll Road at 7.30am to travel to her school in Enfield.

When Marinov boarded the bus he began to stare at the victim and stood close to her, making her feel uncomfortable. He sexually assaulted her and got off the bus at the Enfield Highway bus stop.

On Wednesday, 21 February at 7.45am a 15-year-old girl boarded a route 279 bus at Nightingale Road, N9 with her brother and friend.

The bus was busy so she stood in the disabled bay area. Marinov also stood in this area and brushed his hand against her. The victim initially thought this was accidental.

A few minutes later he sexually assaulted her, forcefully enough to make her jump forward. She was able to move away from him when passengers got off the bus at the next stop.

On Monday, 12 March at around 8am, a 16-year-old girl boarded a busy route 34 bus at the Great Cambridge Road Roundabout area.

She was standing in the middle section of the lower deck when she felt something repeatedly touch her bottom. As she tried to move away Marinov sexually assaulted her. She then got off the bus.

On March 15 Marinov exposed himself to a 17-year-old girl on a route 102 bus on Fortismore Avenue towards Bounds Green.

Marinov was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court and also ordered to comply with Sexual Offender Requirements for ten years and served with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (stock picture)

She sat on the upper deck at around 8.50am and noticed Marinov board the bus and sit on the seat parallel to her. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed Marinov exposing himself.

On Wednesday, 2 May at around 8.10am a 16-year-old girl boarded a route 34 bus near the Millfield Theatre, N18 with her friend. The bus was busy and Marinov stood directly behind her and pressed himself against her.

At the time of the assaults some of the victims were dressed in their school uniforms. and all the victims reported the incidents shortly after the attacks.

Marinov was arrested on On Friday June 8 after an officer in Haringey recognised him from bus CCTV. He was charged with the above offences on 8 June and remanded into custody.

He was sentenced to two years' imprisonment on Friday September 28 and also ordered to comply with Sexual Offender Requirements for ten years and served with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Sergeant Edward Coleman, from the Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: 'Marinov is an offender who has shown complete disregard to these victims, carrying out brazen and predatory assaults that left the young victims extremely distressed.

'I would like to thank all the victims and witnesses in this case for coming forward and finding the courage to speak about what happened to them.

'We hope this sentence serves as some small comfort to the victims in knowing Marinov has been punished for the crimes he has committed.'

Siwan Hayward, Director of Compliance and Policing at Transport for London, said: 'The predatory actions of Marinov were appalling. With our partners in the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police we are committed to eradicating sexual offences from London's public transport.

'We commend the victims for reporting and supporting the police investigation. This case sends a clear message that this behaviour is not tolerated on our network and offenders will be caught and have to face justice for their disgusting crimes.'

Unwanted sexual behaviour on the transport network will not be tolerated and all sexual offences are taken very seriously.
Georgia Walton, 17, was killed in the crash just six months after passing her driving test

A 17-year-old driver who died after crashing head-on into a lorry may have been distracted by WhatsApp and Snapchat messages on her phone, an inquest heard today.

Georgia Walton was killed in the smash in Market Drayton, Shropshire, just six months after passing her driving test when she hit the HGV last November.

She became 'momentarily distracted' before drifting onto the opposite side of the road in her Suzuki Alto and struck the Renault truck, the hearing was told.

Despite the best efforts of other drivers and emergency services, the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.

Stoke-on-Trent Coroner's Court heard the crash could have occurred after she became distracted by her phone.

Georgia had been sending and receiving instant messages on WhatsApp and SnapChat just a minute before the accident at about 10.30pm on November 26.

Last Thursday, David James, the assistant coroner for Stoke on Trent and North Staffordshire, concluded Georgia died as a result of a road traffic collision.

The accident happened on the A53 in the direction of Loggerheads, Shropshire (file picture)

He said: 'It is my opinion that Georgia was distracted. I know we can't be 100 per cent certain, I do not need to be because I can see no other reason for it.

'It just emphasises to road users how even the most momentary distraction on a perfectly easy road to drive can result in such a catastrophe so quickly.

'It doesn't matter whether they are in a good mood or bad mood or they are 17 or 77, the momentary distraction of phone usage can so easily lead to such tragic consequences.

'There is no evidence to suggest any defect, no evidence to suggest loss of control, no evidence to suggest a lack of driving experience - from the evidence of her father she had driven at least 6,000 miles in that vehicle.'

The court heard college student Georgia had been working at a stud farm last year before she went to see her boyfriend, Ethan Bagnall.

She returned to her parents' home in Market Drayton and later left the address after they had gone to bed.

She was driving on the A53 in the direction of Loggerheads when her car started to drift and struck the front of the HGV.

Georgia's car was extensively damaged and came to rest on a grass verge off the road. Her phone was found by the roadside nearly three weeks later by her parents.

An examination showed seven instances of data coming in and out between 10.29pm and 10.31pm - less than a minute before emergency services were called.

The coroner at Stoke-on-Trent Coroner's Court (pictured) said the teenager was 'distracted'

PC Andrew Talbot, of Staffordshire Police's serious collision investigation unit, told the inquest: 'Her telephone was in use up to a minute of the collision.

'We can't say whether the phone was in the holder or whether she was using it in her hand.'

The inquest heard lorry driver Daniel Bell, of Carlisle, had just 0.7 seconds to react as Georgia drove towards his vehicle.

In a statement read to the inquest, Mr Bell said: 'I was coming to an S-bend. The road was heading to the left, then to the right.

'As I was coming through the first part of the bend I could see headlights coming from the opposite direction.

'The car was 50 yards away from me when I realised it was starting to drift towards me. I started to brake.

'The vehicle did not change course and kept coming towards me, crossing over the centre white line into my lane. The car hit the middle of my cab. There was an almighty thud.'

Mr Bell immediately went to the Suzuki and comforted Georgia and told her the emergency services were on their way.

Other motorists, including an army medic, police officers and paramedics tried to resuscitate the teenager, but she was pronounced dead at the scene at 11.06pm.

Consultant pathologist Dr Hiam Ali, who carried out a post mortem examination, gave the cause of death as multiple injuries.
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Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle have been a couple for five months and they're ready for Americans to know they're serious.

In their first-ever TV interview as a couple, they told DailyMailTV that they have date nights and nicknames, and they're all too aware that people wonder where their relationship is headed.

The exclusive conversation in Montana happened between a nighttime rally in Bozeman and an afternoon fundraiser  target shooting with sniper rifles in barren-hilled back country  both to benefit Republican U.S. Senate candidate Matt Rosendale.

Trump Jr. took his turn, hitting a red diamond-shaped metal target placed a full mile away. He told the shooting party that he hoped the diamond didn't give Guilfoyle any ideas.

'With her around that could be expensive,' he joked, saying later: 'It was the first time I ever called a hit a miss!'

Guilfoyle said she would have given Trump Jr. a run for his money if she hadn't injured her hand days earlier  playing trampoline dodgeball with her son and her boyfriend's kids.

Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle spoke with DailyMailTV last week in Montana, their first televised interview together as a couple. They started dating on April 25 and spend much of their time crisscrossing the U.S. to help Republican congressional candidates

Pooh-Bear and Junior Mint: Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle joked backstage about hunting in the wilderness and Don's unwillingness to shave when he's talking to rural audiences  and also revealed their boyfriend-girlfriend nicknames

Don't tell her it was a diamond: The Montana campaign swing included a fundraiser for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Matt Rosendale that included shooting sniper rifles with diamond-shaped targets placed up to 1 mile away. Don Jr. hit his and joked that he didn't want to give her any ideas

In Bozeman, Montana, a city of 44,000 people, about 800 people showed up to see Guilfoyle, Rosendale and Trump Jr., in that order, fire up the president's red-meat base

The outspoken political pair also spoke about the #MeToo movement and the Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court saga in the interview, which airs Monday and Tuesday.

Guilfoyle, a 49-year-old former criminal prosecutor and Fox News Channel co-host, reflected on Kavanaugh's Senate confirmation hearings, and said while a fact-based investigation should guide any outcome, Americans should always give sexual assault accusers a fair hearing.

'It's very tough thirty five years later,' she said of accuser Christine Blasey Ford's 1980s-era claims, 'but it doesn't mean it should be ignored.'

Trump Jr., 40, had a more personal take.'I've got boys. I've got girls. And when I see what's going on it's scary,' he said.

Asked whether he's more concerned for his sons' future or his daughters', he didn't skip a beat.

'Right now I'd say my sons,' the father of five said. 'I mean, I want to bring my daughters up to be tough [and] every situation is different, but I would hope that they would act if something terrible like that happened.'

Don Jr. and Kimberly have been making the rounds, campaigning for candidates in remote places and seeing America's most picturesque scenes like this view of western Montana that served as an improvised rifle range

The couple (pictured) took turns firing up the campaign crowd in Bozeman after flying in from equally remote Fargo, North Dakota where Republican Kevin Cramer is targeting the incumbent Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp

Matt Rosendale (pictured) is trying to topple Democratic Sen. Jon Tester, who is in President's Trump's political crosshairs over his successful effort to tar and feather Veterans Affairs secretary nominee Dr. Ronny Jackson

When Don Jr. and Kimberly finished their speeches in Bozeman, a pair of 'Make Montana Great Again' hats awaited them backstage

The president's son echoed his girlfriend, saying that victims 'have to be able to come out and be believed.'

But in a subtle slap at Ford, whose story he sees as the product of political motives, he added: 'There has to be credibility behind it.'

Trump Jr. threw a shoulder at Senate Democrats, saying that when 'the other side weaponizes' sexual misconduct allegations, 'it really diminishes the real claims.'

He and Guilfoyle have been inseparable since April 25, six weeks after Vanessa Trump, Don Jr.'s wife of 12 years, filed for an uncontested divorce. They typically appear at political events with Guilfoyle firing up a Trump-friendly crowd before a local GOP candidate speaks  and then introduces the headliner, Don Jr.

The political twosome, on their way to becoming a new Republican 'it' couple, are traveling the country stumping in remote places like Montana and North Dakota where they've spent time hunting and fishing together.

Trump Jr. said they marked five months together 'on a campaign stop in North Carolina.'

'It was very romantic,' he chuckled. 'Worst boyfriend ever.'

Seeing their chemistry up close is a study in public displays of affection  complete with terms of endearment.

'I think there's oftentimes, a "Pooh Bear" gets thrown around,' Trump Jr. said.'This is so embarrassing. My man-cred goes right down.'

Guilfoyle confirmed rumors that she calls him 'Junior Mint' and 'Babe.'

The DailyMailTV joint interview came as the Kavanaugh case hung silentlly in the air, seeping into conversations in all 50 states and beyond.

Trump Jr. joked that he and Kimberly celebrated the 5-month mark in their relationship during a campaign event, making him the 'worst boyfriend ever'

Guilfoyle didn't take her turn with a sniper rifle before the DailyMailTV interview because she had hurt her hand playing trampoline dodgeball with her son and Trump Jr.'s children

Americans last week were riveted to the saga of Christine Blasey Ford (left), who accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh (right) of sexually assaulting her 36 years ago when they were teenagers  an accusation he has forcefully denied

About 40 protesters and supporters of Democratic Sen. Jon Tester turned up outside the Bozeman rally including one that claimed Trump Jr. is part of a 'crime family'

One Trump supporter wore a shirt reading 'Lock Her Up / Make America Great Again,' a throwback to the 2016 campaign between President Donald Trump and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

DailyMail.com U.S. Political Editor David Martosko conducted the interview on September 25 in front of a horse barn near Sheridan, Montana

The president's quest to reshape the Supreme Court hit a snag two weeks ago with Ford's accusation about an alcohol-soaked teenage party that she says happened 36 years ago in 1982, when she was 15.

Ford claims a drunken 17-year-old Kavanaugh pinned her to a bed, groped her, tried to undress her and covered her mouth to muffle her protesting voice while his friend Mark Judge egged him on.

Kavanaugh and Ford gave dueling statements on Thursday during a must-see-TV hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which ultimately voted along party lines to send Kavanaugh's nomination to the full Senate.

'I'm innocent,' Kavanaugh told the committee, emphasizing that Ford's corroborating witnesses have said they don't recall hearing anything about the attack she has described.

In a last-minute deal Thursday, holdout Sen. Jeff Flake, a moderate Republican, won a 7-day delay so the FBI can investigate Ford's accusation before a final Senate floor vote.
Florida woman Karen Tuttle-Kunnmann, 61, was arrested for animal cruelty after cops discovered 46 cats and a dog locked in truck

A Florida woman has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty after she locked 46 cats and a dog in a U-haul truck.

Karen Tuttle-Kunnmann was arrested on Saturday after Pasco County deputies made the shocking discovery.

Responding to complaints from neighbors, cops investigated the U-Haul truck parked in front of the 61-year-old's home in Holiday and found 46 cats and the dog locked inside.

The cats were placed in cages without food, water or air conditioning and were sitting in their own feces, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The cages were found stacked on top of one another, reaching the roof of the truck.

The animals were discovered in cages without food, water or air conditioning and lying in their own feces, Pasco County deputies announced Saturday

Deputies helped unload the cats and Tuttle-Kunnmann was arrested on 47 counts of animal cruelty, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

She's being held in jail on $325,000 bond - $5,000 for each count of animal cruelty.

The animals are now in the care of Animal Control and will all see a vet on Monday.

Neighbor Sevim Kline said to Bay News 9 he noticed the animals and called police: 'I saw the cages stacked up and the animals in there. I asked her, "Are you driving like this?" She said "Yes I am." I told her dont do that. Please dont. They will die.'

She told him she was moving to Michigan and assured the animals would be fine during the drive.

'Shes a good person. Not a bad person. She loved her animals. She just made a very bad decision,' Kline added.
A Florida grandmother scared a naked intruder off her porch by taking out her dentures and yelling 'Grandma no teeth!'

When Pennelope Pettersen, 73, of Titusville, heard noises on her back porch in the early hours on Sunday morning, she suspected a cat was to blame.

So she was stunned to open her blinds and find 28-year-old Axel Rivera, who then took off his clothes and began 'gyrating' at her in a 'lewd manner.'

Pennelope Pettersen scared a naked intruder off her porch by taking out her dentures and yelling 'Grandma no teeth!'

'I always look first. I opened the blinds and said, 'Oh, hell, that's not my cat,' she told WFTV.

Peterson, a retired member of law enforcement, found a unique way to scare him off.

The grandmother took out her dentures and yelled at the intruder; 'Grandma no teeth!'

Pettersen found 28-year-old Axel Rivera (pictured in his mugshot) on her porch Friday morning

When he appeared in court Friday (pictured left and right) prosecutors said alcohol may have been a factor

Peterson, a former member of law enforcement, was stunned by the surprise visitor but kept her wits and found the rather unique way to scare him off

Rivera fled and was later found wandering naked through the parking lot of an apartment complex.

He told police his clothes had been stolen.

When he appeared in court Friday, prosecutors said alcohol may have been a factor.

'It could have been a very, very bad scene.

'The woman was victimized, not only having to have someone enter her home that's not wanted in her home but also someone who was wearing no clothes,' said Amy Matthews with Titusville Police to WFTV.

He's being held at the Brevard County jail on $20,000 bail.
General Electric Co Chief Executive Officer John Flannery abruptly stepped down on Monday just over a year after taking the role, as the company warned it would fall short of its 2018 earnings guidance due to cash flow issues in its GE Power division.

Stock prices have decreased by more than half since Flannery took the top job in August of 2017, and with the news of his departure, GE's shares rose 15 percent before the opening bell on Monday.

Over the last two decades, GE's valuation has dropped to just over $110 billion, down about $500 billion from its peak $600 billion in 2000 (which approximately equates to the current valuation of Facebook).

Flannery's departure from GE is driven by 'slow pace of change' under his leadership, CNBC reported.

Flannery will be replaced by H. Lawrence (Larry) Culp, Jr., who had the unanimous support of the board, the company said on Monday.

Culp, known for turning around Danaher, was added to GE's board in February.

Also on Monday, GE announced a $23 billion good will impairment charge related to its struggling power business.

General Electric Co Chief Executive Officer John Flannery abruptly stepped down on Monday just over one year after taking the role, with the company citing 'slow pace of change' for his departure; Flannery is pictured being interviewed on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on June 26

Thomas Edison established the Edison General Electric Company by 1890.

In 1892, Edison combined efforts with the Thomson-Houston Company, led by Charles A. Coffin, in a joint venture called the General Electric Company.

GE is the only remaining member of the original 12 stocks that made up the Dow Jones Industrial Average in 1896, according to Forbes.

Stock prices have decreased by more than half since Flannery took the GE top job in August of 2017, and with the news of his departure, GE's shares rose 15 percent before the opening bell on Monday

History of GE valuation from 2005 to 2018 at the start of October 2005: $232.43 Billion 2007: $289.66 Billion 2008: $153.52 Billion 2009: $129.44 Billion 2010: $141.45 Billion 2011: $131.5 Billion 2012: $201.93 Billion 2013: $214.53 Billion 2014: $217.04 Billion 2015: $252.37 Billion 2016: $250.59 Billion 2017: $206.83 Billion 2018: $110.46 Billion Sources: Macrotrends, Y Charts Advertisement

Today, GE's departments include lighting, transportation, industrial products, power transmission, and medical equipment, plus more.

'GE remains a fundamentally strong company with great businesses and tremendous talent. It is a privilege to be asked to lead this iconic company,' Culp said in the company's statement.

'We remain committed to strengthening the balance sheet including de-leveraging.'

GE's consistent downturn, which began in December of 2016 from a starting point of nearly $280 Billion, comes at a time of record growth for other companies, like Apple Inc. and Amazon.com Inc.

Apple became the first US-based company to reach $1 trillion in valuation in August, according to CNBC.

Amazon followed suit, becoming the second US-based company to do the same in September, CNBC reported.

GE, however, has not seen such gains, particularly when it comes to its power business which was hit by problems with its latest generation of gas turbines and posted a $10 billion loss last year.

Over the last two decades, GE's valuation has dropped to just over $110 billion, down about $500 billion from its peak $600 billion in 2000

GE's total decline over the past two decades is about equal to the current valuation of Facebook, which is just under $477 billion

GE's consistent downturn comes at a time of record growth for other companies, like Apple Inc. and Amazon.com Inc; Apple became the first US-based company to reach a $1 trillion value in August, followed by Amazon meeting the milestone second in September

Flannery will be replaced by H. Lawrence (Larry) Culp, Jr. (pictured), who had the unanimous support of the board, which he joined in February

The company said it would fall short of its previously indicated guidance for free cash flow and earnings per share for 2018 due to weakness within GE Power, despite 'GEs businesses other than Power generally performing consistently with previous guidance.'

GE Power's current goodwill balance is about $23 billion and the goodwill impairment charge is likely to constitute substantially all of this balance, the company said, though cautioning the charge is not finalized and subject to further review.

A goodwill impairment charge is a write-off used to balance a company's books when the recorded value of an asset or liability is determined to be greater than the fair value, according to Investopedia.

It's a relatively new financial term that gained prominence in the early 2000s when the dotcom bubble left company's with inflated budget sheets due to misallocation of assets.

Contributing factors to GE's decline include a decision to diversify by adding GE Capital to its portfolio, getting into the financial service business just before the 2007 to 2009 banking and housing crash.

GE also invested heavily in oil and gas equipment not long before barrel oil prices went from $149 to $38 in 2014.

Flannery had planned to refocus GE on its industrial roots, health care, aerospace and renewable energy.

That decision suffered a major hiccup last week, when GE shares reached a nine-year low following a 10 percent drop after news of a glitch in new power-plant turbine technology that temporarily shut two electricity plants in Texas.

GE shares were trading at $12.60 shortly before 10.00am Eastern on Monday.
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Naomi Campbell was caught on camera gesturing emphatically as she laid down the law with two members of her staff as she sashayed out of the New York Stock Exchange after ringing the closing bell.

The supermodel was spotted issuing orders to a seemingly stressed man and woman last Monday afternoon outside the Wall Street institution.

The English fashion icon, 48, used emphatic hand gestures to make her points as the pair nodded in agreement.

An onlooker who filmed the showdown at around 4.30pm told DailyMailTV: 'She was definitely giving them some orders.'

The Vogue cover star looked as stylish as ever in black slimline pants, towering heels and a fashionable white trench coat, with large shades shielding her eyes

Campbell was seen gesturing emphatically with two members of her staff as she sashayed out of the New York Stock Exchange after ringing the closing bell last Monday

Campbell had just rung the closing bell with rapper French Montana (pictured together) on behalf of Global Citizen, an organization that aims to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030

The eyewitness continued: 'I couldn't hear exactly what she was saying but there were a lot of hand gestures and she was speaking in an authoritative, demanding tone.

'She had a very severe expression but she did soften and give the blonde woman a hug and a kiss on both cheeks. When she saw that I was filming her, she shot me a wide smile.'

A representative for Campbell denied she was lecturing her staffers.

'I can confirm she was actually in a really great mood in this conversation. Naomi had just had a wonderful visit for Global Citizen,' he said.

'She was just using a lot of hand gestures. Its hardly a confronting exchange.'

Campbell had just rung the closing bell on behalf of Global Citizen, an organization that aims to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030.

The Vogue cover star looked as stylish as ever in black slimline pants, towering heels and a fashionable white trench coat, with large shades shielding her eyes.

Campbell has a reputation as a difficult employer and has had numerous run-ins with the law over her meltdowns.

An onlooker who filmed the showdown at around 4.30pm told DailyMailTV: 'She was definitely giving them some orders'

The English fashion icon, 48, used emphatic hand gestures to make her points as the pair nodded in agreement

In 2003, she was sued by a former assistant who alleged that she had once thrown a phone at her in a Beverly Hills hotel and in 2000 she pleaded guilty in Toronto to beating an assistant with a telephone.

On a London to Los Angeles flight back in 2008, the Streatham-born runway icon flew into a blood-boiling rage after British Airways staff told her that her luggage hadn't made the same flight that she was on.

While attendants politely asked her to get off the plane, Naomi refused to go quietly.

After hurling abuse at cabin crew, she demanded that the captain get off the aircraft and look for her suitcase.

Campbell has a reputation as a difficult employer and has had numerous run-ins with the law. Most recently, she took a slight dig at Kendall Jenner, 22, smugly refusing to comment on her thoughts on the reality star's modelling career

Police were called and they had to drag her off in handcuffs after she allegedly kicked and spat at them.

Campbell pleaded guilty to assaulting two police officers at Heathrow Airport, was sentenced to 200 hours community service and fined $3,000.

Her fiery temper has also earned her enemies, one of them being America's Next Top Model judge Tyra Banks. The duo famously had a 15-year feud.

Most recently, she took a slight dig at Kendall Jenner, 22, smugly refusing to give her thoughts on the reality star's modelling career.
Six people have been rescued from a hot air balloon in Germany after it became tangled in an electricity pylon.

The balloon crashed into power lines 230ft above the city of Bottrop in western Germany on Sunday at about 5.30pm.

The fire department was called and rescuers had to scale the pylon and abseil each passenger down one-by-one in an hours-long operation.

The balloon crashed into the power cables over Essen Street in the western German city of Bottrop

Rescuers had to scale the pylon and abseil each person down individually with a rope

The local city authorities had to turn off the power in the immediate area so rescuers could safely climb the pylon

The last passenger was rescued around 11.20pm local time, about five hours after the balloon became tangled, a fire department spokesman said.

When they reached the ground safely, all six were taken to hospital in Bottrop, North Rhine-Westphalia.

They are not believed to be seriously injured, Deutsche Welle reported.

The basket had to be secured at 230ft so it didn't drop down any further, a fire department spokesman said

Six people were stuck in the pylon, with the last person being rescued five hours after the crash

The last person was rescued at 11.20pm local time, after an hours-long rescue operation by firefighters

In order to begin the difficult rescue operation, the authorities had to cut off the power supply in the immediate vicinity so that firefighters could climb the pylon safely.

Firefighters first called up to the passengers by megaphone, before later managing to speak to them on the phone.

They also had to secure the balloon's basket at the same level so it didn't drop down any further.

A fire department spokesperson said it was lucky that the basket had not come into contact with the pylon - only the balloon itself which does not conduct electricity

The fire department spokesman added that it was lucky that only the surface of the balloon had come into contact with the pylon, as it does not conduct electricity.

The power lines carry 380,000 voltage.

Authorities are now beginning work to remove wreckage of the balloon from the wires and have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.
A dramatic video shows the moment a Maryland man is rescued by bystanders after he slipped and fell into the Potomac River's Great Falls while taking a selfie.

At least four people are seen pulling the man to safety after he slipped and fell into the rushing water of the Great Falls around 5.30pm on Sunday.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Pete Piringer said the man, who has not been identified, was snapping a picture of himself near the water when the incident occurred.

A dramatic video shows the moment a Maryland man is rescued by bystanders (pictured) after he slipped and fell into the Potomac River's Great Falls while taking a selfie

Video shows the man being pulled from the whitewater by several bystanders as another woman is heard screaming in the background.

Pringer said officers believe the man was 'hanging on to some obstacles in the water' to keep himself from being taken under by the current.

The man suffered serious injuries during the incident and was rushed to a local hospital for treatment. He is expected to survive.

There were flood warnings in effect for the areas around the Potomac River in Loudoun County, Virginia, and Montgomery County, Maryland until late Sunday night.

Hazardous conditions have caused the National Park Service to close several areas along the river.

The rocky area is attractive but can be deadly, officials said.
On November 25, 2014, the Defence Ministry issued a decision to establish the level-2 field hospital with a 70-strong staff, a step to realise the Party and States policy on joining the United Nations peacekeeping activities in the field of humanitarian activities. Since then, the hospitals staff have engaged in intensive training in accordance with the UNs standards.



Lieutenant Colonel Bui Duc Thanh, director of the level-2 field hospital, affirmed that all staff members of the hospital have met the UNs requirements on both professional ethics and skills, and are ready for their mission.

Thanh said besides fulfilling the tasks set by the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, the hospitals staffers also aim to serve as messengers of peace from Vietnam and promote the countrys image.

Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Vietnams deployment of a field hospital to South Sudan in New York on September 26, UN Under-Secretary-General for Field Support Atul Khare expressed his belief that Vietnam will deploy a high-quality hospital that can effectively contribute to the UNs peacekeeping activities, and his hope for more contributions from Vietnam to this important mission.

Vietnamnews
An eight-year-old girl's Chihuahua was brutally murdered while out for a walk when a man on a balcony shot it in the face with a pellet rifle.

Roshelle Pearson and her boyfriend were taking her daughter's dog, named Princess, around the neighborhood in Davie, Florida on Saturday night when they heard a popping sound.

The poor eight-month-old pup, who only weighed 6 pounds, suddenly began to cry and Pearson saw blood pouring out of her mouth.

Five minutes later, Princess was dead.

Courtesy: WPLG

An eight-year-old girl's Chihuahua named Princess (pictured after she was shot) was brutally murdered while out for a walk when a man on a balcony shot it in the face with a pellet rifle

Roshelle Pearson and her boyfriend were taking her daughter's dog around the neighborhood on Saturday night when they heard a popping sound and she began bleeding from the mouth

Pearson had no idea what had happened to her daughter's dog. But, thankfully, an off-duty Pembroke Pines police officer had seen the whole thing.

Miguel Osorio was driving toward the Centro at Davie apartment complex when he spotted a man on a second-floor balcony with a scoped black rifle.

Johansen Concepcion De La Ros, 19, shot Princess from a second-floor balcony

He then witnessed in horror as the man took a knee, lined up the cross hairs, and fired a shot at the innocent dog, according to the Davie Police Department.

The shooter was identified as 19-year-old Johansen Concepcion De La Ros.

Concepcion De La Ros told police that Princess had walked into his line of fire when he was shooting toward a lake from the apartment balcony, according to the Sun-Sentinel.

The teen insisted it was an accident. But a friend who was on the balcony with Concepcion De La Ros said his intentions were far more sinister.

Daniel Alvarez told investigators that Concepcion De La Ros had showed up to his apartment with the pellet rifle.

He said they were both on the balcony when Concepcion De La Ros spotted Princess and said 'I'm going to shoot the dog'.

An off-duty Pembroke Pines police officer saw Concepcion De La Ros fire a shot at the innocent dog with this pellet rifle

The teen insisted it was an accident. But a friend who was on the balcony with Concepcion De La Ros said he planned to shoot the poor pup. Pictured is Princess' blood after the shooting

Alvarez could hear Princess' cries from the balcony after she was shot, he told police.

Concepcion De La Ros was arrested at Alvarez's apartment, where officers also located the black scoped rifle.

He has been charged with felony cruelty to animals and was taken to Broward County Main Jail.

Concepcion De La Ros faces five years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted.

Concepcion De La Ros was been charged with felony cruelty to animals and taken to Broward County Main Jail

Princess was taken to an animal hospital after the shooting, where veterinarians discovered that the pellet had traveled through her chest and killed the poor pup.

Pearson and her daughter had only moved to Florida from Wisconsin the night before the shooting.

'She played with the dog the whole way here,' Pearson said.

Now Pearson has been left to explain to her daughter what happened to her beloved pup.

'Yesterday I told her someone shot her dog and they were trying to save it,' Pearson said.

'I wanted her to sleep last night. Today I will tell her that her dog didn't make it.'
A Border Patrol agent has pleaded guilty to starting a massive wildfire in Arizona on the day of his wife's gender reveal party.

Dennis Dickey, 37, pleaded guilty Friday to a misdemeanor violation for starting the 2017 Sawmill Fire near Green Valley which is estimated to have caused around $8.2million worth of damage.

According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Mr Dickey started the fire by firing a rifle filled with Tannerite, a highly explosive substance, at a target  filled with either pink or blue powder.

Firefighters discussing a plan of action as they battled against the 'Sawmill Fire' in August 2017

The firefighting operation was said to have costed in the region of $8.2million and lasted around a week

The target was intended to explode in a burst of colour which would indicate the sex of his unborn child.

However, a massive explosion set fire to a patch of dry grassland which spread rapidly to engulf an area covering 47,000 acres of land within a week of his party trick.

According to authorities, the off-duty Border Patrol officer immediately reported the fire to law enforcement and cooperated with them.

Mr Dickey will now have to pay $220,000 in restitution after he pleaded guilty Friday in federal court to a misdemeanor charge of causing a fire without a permit.

'It was a complete accident,' Dickey, 37, told U.S. Magistrate Judge Leslie A. Bowman Friday in court. 'I feel absolutely horrible about it. It was probably one of the worst days of my life.'

A fire engine deployed to deal with the fire which spread over 47,000 acres of land in Arizona

Mr Dickey, an off-duty Border Patrol officer, will now have to pay $220,000 in restitution for starting the fire

Dickey's attorney Sean Chapman told the Arizona Daily Star he will borrow from his retirement fund to pay the $100,000 due at sentencing.

Ordering Dickey to pay $8.2 million to cover the cost of the fire would have been 'like getting blood from a stone' because he could never come up with that much money, Chapman said.

Nearly 800 firefighters from various agencies battled the Sawmill Fire for about a week in April 2017, at a cost of about $8.2 million.

No injuries were reported in the fire but several residents were evacuated from their homes as a precaution.
Two men and a 16-year-old girl have been arrested and charged with shooting to death Memphis civic leader and former Pinnacle Airlines CEO Phillip Trenary last week.

Memphis police announced on Twitter late Saturday that 22-year-old McKinney Wright Jr, 18-year-old Quandarius Richardson and 16-year-old Racanisha Wright have been booked on charges of first-degree murder in perpetration of a robbery and especially aggravated robbery.

According to an affidavit, the three suspects discussed possible robbery targets as they drove around downtown Memphis in a white pickup truck on Thursday.

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Suspects: McKinney Wright Jr (left), 22, 18-year-old Quandarius Richardson (right) and a 16-year-old girl, who has not been pictured, have been charged with killing Memphis civic leader Phillip Trenary

Police made the arrests on Friday and Saturday after chasing this stolen white Ford F-150 truck at speeds of up to 100mph through the streets of Memphis

Witnesses said at 7.28pm, they saw a person exit the passenger side of the Ford, walk up to Trenary from behind and shoot him in the middle of South Front Street.

Richardson was arrested on Friday after leading police on a high-speed chase in a stolen white Ford F-150, which matched the description of the vehicle driven by the suspect wanted for the slaying of the 64-year-old businessman.

Former CEO of Pinnacle Airlines was fatally shot in downtown Memphis, Tennessee on Thursday night

Richardson's alleged accomplices were apprehended hours later based on his statement to the police, reported The Commercial Appeal.

Racanisha Wright, who is a minor, is being housed in a separate facility from the two men. It's unclear if she is related to McKinney.

Richardson and McKinney Wright are scheduled to be arraigned on Monday morning via video conference.

The 18-year-old Richardson has no prior criminal record in Shelby County, while the 22-year-old Wright has a single felony drug possession charge listed, stemming from an arrest in February 2017.

'This is another great example of the good work the men and women of MPD do every single day,' Mayor Jim Strickland tweeted Sunday morning. 'I'm grateful for their diligence and continued efforts to bring everyone involved in this case to justice.'

Trenary is one of the most well-known people to die by homicide in the city's recent history.

Richardson (left and right) was arrested on Friday following a high-speed chase with police. The 18-year-old has no prior criminal record in Shelby County

The shooting took place in the 500 block of South Front Street in an area of high-end apartments in downtown Memphis.

The father-of-three and grandfather was walking alone across the street from Memphis Farmers Market when he was shot.

The Commercial Appeal reported that Trenary founded Lone Star Airlines in Oklahoma in 1984.

He came to Memphis in 1997 to run a regional airline that morphed into Pinnacle.

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam was among those to pay their respects to the family.

He tweeted: 'Our hearts are broken with the news of the loss of Phil Trenary. Phil has been a wonderful friend to Crissy and me and a great advocate for Memphis. Our hearts go out to his family and his associates and the Memphis community.'

Tennessee Rep. Antonio Parkinson said he spoke to Trenary just 24 hours before his death.

The shooting took place in the 500 block of South Front Street in downtown Memphis

The horrific scene in downtown Memphis was pictured following the shooting

Trenary is pictured right next to Kathryn Marquart, is a senior majoring in professional pilot with a minor in aviation management at Oklahoma State University

Senator Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., talks with Philip Trenary, (L) president and former CEO of Pinnacle Airlines on August 6, 2009

He also wrote on Twitter: 'Sometimes you have those friends that you have fought with, learned from and gained a mutual respect and love for.

'We talked yesterday, we planned to hang out and you were coming to the Block Party this weekend. Now you're gone. Praying for the Trenary family.'

Trenary's funeral will take place on Thursday.
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One of the worlds most eligible royals is officially off the market.

Princess Ameera Al-Taweel of Saudia Arabia said I do to billionaire and fellow countryman Khalifa bin Butti al-Muhairi, 39, on September 9 during a discreet but opulent ceremony in the City of Love.

Among those who flocked to Paris for the ceremony were Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King, who rubbed shoulders with the Saudi elite and a number of UN employees who have worked with Princess Ameera in her many philanthropic efforts over the years.

But the wedding became a bit of a horror show for one Saudi royal, who was not Princess Ameera or a guest at the wedding, when they were robbed of just under $1 million worth of jewelry while staying at the Ritz.

That case is still being investigated, with the theft reported the Monday after the wedding - three days after the jewels went missing.

They were not in the room's safe at the time and there was no sign of a break in, according to police. It marks the second jewel heist from the hotel this year.

The Ritz Paris did not respond to a request for comment.

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Swank location: The wedding was held at the Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte outside Paris (above the wedding site on the day of the nuptials)

Past relationship: Princess Ameera became Prince Al-Waleed bin Talals fourth wife in 2005, but the two amicably split in 2013 (couple above at the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011)

Girls Trip: Among those who flocked to Paris for the ceremony were Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King (l to r: Kirby Bumpus, King and Winfrey at the ceremony)

J'adore: 'Came to Paris for a friends wedding. We love Paris!' wrote Winfrey (above with King and Bumpus after the ceremony at the Eiffel Tower)

The bride, 30, was previously married to Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, a member of the Saudi royal family who is 33 years her senior.

She became Prince Alwaleeds fourth wife in 2005 but the two then amicably split in 2013, with the couple making headlines when they were among the select few invited to attend another royal wedding - that of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge.

Invites were sent early this summer (above)

The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Media did not respond to multiple requests for comment about the marriage.

Guests were informed of the wedding early this summer, receiving invitations that informed them that the couple would be married on September 9 in Paris.

There was no additional information at that time however, and those who were lucky enough to score a spot at the nuptials were instead told to wait for further information.

'And like any fairytale, this invitation is just the beginning,' read a line at the bottom of the invite.

We will contact you for further details.'

There was also a line from the young adult novel The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen on the invitation.

'There is never a time or place for true love,' it read.

'It happens in accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment.'

Details of the ceremony were kept under wraps and photos forbidden, though a few details made their way on to social media.

FRENCH JEWEL HEISTS Sept. 10, 2018: An unidentified Saudi Princess, which could have been Princess Ameera herself, reported that $1M of jewels has been stolen from her suite at the Ritz over the wedding weekend Jan. 19, 2018: A group of robbers using an ax break into the jewelry shop in the Ritz and make off with $5.42 million of goods. The jewels are found the next day and the group members are arrested soon after Oct. 3, 2016: Thieves break into Kim Kardashian's Paris apartment and rob her at gunpoint after tying her up and throwing her in a tub. The group makes off with about $12 million worth of jewels after Kim pleads for them to spare her life and her children, who were also in the apartment at the time. There were 17 arrests made over the next year in connection with the robbery, but none of the jewels were found. Advertisement

The night of the ceremony, Winfrey shared a photo of herself and King dancing near the Eiffel Tower.

'Came to Paris for a friends wedding. We love Paris!' wrote Winfrey.

King posted a similar video as well that night, which also showed the woman earlier in the evening.

'Just three "girls' heading to shake shack in Paris (hah).. then onto friends dance party Clearly our friend has great taste in destination parties,' wrote King.

The 'shack' she refers to is the Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, a baroque French residence located approximately 30 miles outside Paris.

It is the same venue were Eva Longoria wed Tony Parker, and was the site for what remains the most expensive wedding ever when London banker Amit Bhatia wed Vanisha Mittal, the daughter of Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal in a $60 million ceremony.

No photos from inside the event have been shared at this time, but the outside was quite a sight.

A number of riders shared images of over 20 white horses lined up for guests around a blue carpet.

The chateau was also closed off to the public and there was a firework display at the end of the evening.

Multiple guests in attendance later noted that cameras were banned and they were made to sign NDAs in order to attend the celebration.

The man who did photograph the event also revealed that he was sworn to secrecy on social media.

Online again after a fabulous weekend that implied a Royal wedding at the venerable @chateauvlv, wrote Fran Bolani.

The bling ring: Princess Ameerra showed off some of her fine jewelry in 2015 while attending the Chanel show, wearing pearl and diamond earrings and a diamond necklace (left) as well as a diamond ring, presumably from Khalifa bin Butti al-Muhairi (right)

Queen: Princess Ameera (above in 2011 at the Clinton Global Initiative) has worked with the Clintons, Queen Rania of Jordan and the members of the British monarchy on expanding the rights of women in the Middle East

Chelly: In addition to womens rights and empowerment, she has also worked on disaster relief projects in places like Pakistan and Somalia, Middle East peace efforts and global poverty (above with Chelsea Clinton at the UN in 2012)

In the beginning: Princess Ameera was just 18 when she met her first husband, whom she interviewed for a school paper (Princess Ameera and Prince Alwaleed with Prince Charles in 2010 at the reopening of The Savoy in London)

Princess Ameefra (left in 2013) and Khalifa bin Butti al-Muhairi (right in undated photo) kept their relationship under wraps, and their wedding was also a top secret affair

The odd couple: Prince Alwaleed defied the orders of his family by writing a $10 million check to Rudy Giuliani in the wake of the 9/11 attacks (above with Giuliani on October 11 at the site where the Towers fell)

So proud to have been part of the amazing team put together by @adagionstudio and guess what, got to meet Oprah Winfrey but cant share any pictures.

He and the team that photographed the event stuck to their word as well, refusing comment when contacted by DailyMail.com.

Princess Ameera was just 18 when she met her first husband, whom she interviewed for a school paper.

She was raised in Riyadh by her mother and grandparents, but that all changed at the age of 25 when she officially married into the royal family.

Prince Alwaleed was not only a royal at the time, but also one of the 50 richest people in the world with a net worth of over $18 millions and had been named to the Time 100.

It was while married that she began to further her studies, attending the University of New Haven where she received a business degree.

She then began to work closely with people like the Clintons, Queen Rania of Jordan and the members of the British monarchy on what has been her leading cause for the past two decades - expanding the rights of women in the Middle East.

When she and her husband eventually split in 2013, Princess Ameera said that he ex was still her best friend and mentor while continuing with her philanthropic endeavors.

Prince Alwaleed was recently arrested in a anti-corruption case authorized by his cousin, the crown prince, and jailed in the Riyadh Ritz Carlton for 83 days.

He is one of the more progressive members of the royal family, fully supporting the rights of women and even defying the orders of his family by writing a $10 million check to Rudy Giuliani in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.

Giuliani then rejected that check the day after visiting the site with Prince Alwaleed over his comments about American policy in the Middle East contributing to the attack in some part.

His ex meanwhile has leveraged her new wealth and rank into her global causes, similar in many ways to how Angelina Jolie has used her notoriety to enact change.

In addition to womens rights and empowerment, she has also worked on disaster relief projects in places like Pakistan and Somalia, Middle East peace efforts and global poverty.

She even joined forces with Prince Philip when she and the Duke of Edinburgh, formally opened the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center of Islamic Studies at the University of Cambridge.

It was reported that the pairs divorce was caused in part by comments made to Prince Alwaleed by his older brother Prince Khalid, who warned his sibling to tone down is wifes media appearances or else there would be consequences.

Prince Ameeras new husband is also a member of Saudi Arabias wealthy upper close who is devoted to philanthropic endeavors.

At just 39 he is worth close to $2 billion, and founded the investment group KBBO.

After studying in England and attending college at Suffolk University in Boston, he began his career at the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company before going on to co-found Brokerage House Securities LLC.

He then went on to start another company, One Financial Markets, a brokerage firm with hubs in England China as well as the Middle East.

And he also holds post including Executive Vice Chairman of NMC Health, the Chairman of Travelex Group Limited, Infinite Investment, and First Energy Bank, and the Executive Vice Chairman of Centurion Investment.

One thing there is no mention of however is the relationship between bride and groom, who went to great lengths to conceal their courtship.

Our lips are sealed: The man who photographed the event (above) said he was sworn to secrecy, and kept that promise

Best life: The best friends and Kingh's daughter posed for a photo at the Four Seasons before the ceremony (above)

Flower power: Oprah got the royal treatment the morning after the ceremony with a massive flower delivery (above)

Nightcap: 'I believe in giving people flowers while they can smell them, but this is way over the top,' wrote Winfrey (above at the Eiffel Tower)

At the Four Seasons, Oprah got the royal treatment the morning after the ceremony.

That was thanks to Jeff Leatham, who gifted her one of the stunning, larger-than-life flower displays he has become famous for over the years.

Those same displays can be seen every day of the year in Paris at the George V, where Winfrey was staying during the trip.

'I believe in giving people flowers while they can smell them, but this is way over the top,' wrote Winfrey, including a video of a man pulling out slightly flawed white roses and replacing them with fresh ones at her hotel.

Editor's note: An article on 1 October about the wedding of Princess Ameera Al-Taweel and Khalifa bin Butti al-Muhairi may have suggested that one of their guests had been robbed whilst staying at the Ritz hotel in Paris. We have since been informed that none of the wedding guests were robbed. We are happy to make this clear and the article has been amended
Lisa Ellen Swenson (pictured), 51, has been charged for allegedly having sex with a 17-year-old boy

A North Dakota mother has been accused of having a sexual relationship with a teenage boy.

Lisa Ellen Swenson, 51, allegedly had sex with a 17-year-old boy whom she later took out a restraining order against, court documents show.

It's unclear when the alleged relationship started, but it ended in October 2017 before the boy turned 18.

Court records show that Swenson and the teen reportedly ended their relationship after he was arrested for assault.

Swenson took out a restraining order against the teen claiming he assaulted her.

According to the Grand Forks Herald, the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigations started looking into Swenson after the teen told a judge about their alleged relationship.

The teen claimed Swenson told him to lie about their relationship.

Documents show that the teen said 'he was mad at (Swenson) because she just left him in jail when he got arrested'.

According to her Facebook page, she is the owner of The Loft Photography Studio, which she opened in 2009.

'Lisa already had many years of photography and business management experience when she opened The Loft Studio as a one-woman operation,' her website reads.

Her daughter is also employed by the company.

Swenson was charged with corruption or solicitation of a minor on Wednesday, according to the Towner County State's Attorney Office.

If convicted, Swenson's charge comes with a maximum of five years in prison.

Court records show that Swenson (pictured) and the teen allegedly ended their relationship after he was arrested for assault
A Chinese journalist has been arrested after slapping a Tory activist during a row over Hong Kong at party conference in Birmingham.

The female reporter, identified by China's national broadcaster as Kong Linlin, accused speakers at a fringe event of being 'liars' and 'traitors'.

Footage showed organisers wrestling with the 48-year-old woman as the altercation broke out last night.

She was eventually removed by security and and later arrested by police. A Conservative Party spokeswoman said her conference pass had been stripped.

However, the Chinese Embassy in London has demanded an apology, insisting the journalist had 'simply raised a question' and the way she had been treated was 'puzzling' and 'completely unacceptable'.

The Chinese journalist (left) allegedly attacked the volunteer (right) at a Tory conference

Staff at the conference had to hold back the woman before police arrived at the scene. The 48-year-old journalist was arrested on suspicion of common assault and held overnight

The incident took place at a fringe event about Hong Kong at the ruling Conservative party's conference yesterday afternoon.

The event featured Hong Kong pro-democracy leaders Martin Lee, Nathan Law and Benny Tai, as well as British MP Fiona Bruce and campaigner Benedict Rogers.

It was co-hosted by Hong Kong Watch, a British-based organisation which promotes human rights in Hong Kong, as well as the UK Conservative Party Human Rights Commission.

A video posted by Hong Kong Watch on its Facebook page showed the China Central Television (CCTV) reporter heckling at the event and then apparently slapping one of the staff.

Enoch Lieu, a party activist helping at the event, told AFP she slapped him twice after he had asked her to leave for shouting at one of the speakers and accusing him of being anti-China.

'I stood in front of her and said can you please go, trying to show her the way out. Then out of the blue she slapped me in the face,' said the 24-year-old, who was born in Hong Kong but schooled in Britain.

'I was obviously very shocked, as I was merely trying to escort her out... I didn't touch her.'

Mr Lieu had been helping to hand out flyers, taking photographs and recording the event for its Facebook Live page beforehand.

The woman said British campaigner Benedict Rogers was a liar and other staff at the meeting were 'traitors'. Mr Rogers (right), Chair of Hong Kong Watch, was speaking at the conference

The woman is said to have become enraged after Benedict Rogers, Chair of Hong Kong Watch, made a speech.

Mr Rogers, who also serves as Deputy Chair of the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission, said Beijing and London should honour their commitments under the Sino-British Joint Declaration and ensure that Hong Kong's 'one country, two systems' would be upheld.

He also said he was 'pro-China' not 'anti-China'.

The Chinese journalist then apparently started screaming at Mr Rogers: 'You are a liar. You are anti-China. You want to separate China. And you are not even Chinese. The rest are all traitors!'

Hong Kong Watch said the audience remained calm despite the row.

'There was a great sense of unity and sympathy for our speakers, for the volunteer who was assaulted, and for the people of Hong Kong, as well as a sense of shock that this woman behaved in this way,' a spokesperson told MailOnline.

West Midlands police confirmed the woman was arrested on suspicion of common assault and held overnight.

The force said today: 'The woman has been released from custody and investigations continue.'

'It's an absolute assault to British democracy - right in the middle of the Conservative party conference,' he said.

But the Chinese embassy posted on its website in English saying her ejection was 'completely unacceptable'.

'In a country that boasts freedom of speech, it is puzzling that the Chinese journalist should encounter obstruction in such a way and even assault at the fringe event when she simply raised a question and expressed her opinions,' it said.

'The organizer of fringe event should apologise to the Chinese journalist,' the embassy added.

Hong Kong holds a flag-raising ceremony as part of China's National Day celebrations at Golden Bauhinia Square on Monday. The former British colony is an autonomous city in China

In a statement today, China Media Group said reporter Kong Linlin from its affiliated China Central Television 'was blocked and assaulted when she raised a question and expressed her opinion'.

It quoted a CCTV spokesperson saying it was 'unacceptable' and called for an apology from organisers, urging British police to 'protect her legitimate rights'.

Asked if the party planned to apologise, a Conservative Party spokeswoman said: 'The individual concerned was removed from the conference centre and has had their pass revoked'.
Victoria Pocock, 27, was found hanging at her home in Lambourn, near Hungerford in Berkshire, in April. A coroner has recorded her death as a suicide

A young mother hanged herself after she was sacked from her job at a doctor's surgery, an inquest heard today.

Victoria Pocock killed herself at her home in Lambourn, near Hungerford in Berkshire, while her partner and their infant son were asleep upstairs.

The 27-year-old was found hanging at the bottom of the stairs by her partner, who quickly put their 18-month-old son back to bed before dialling 999.

The coroner heard that the operator told James Smith to cut his partner down and to start CPR but despite his best efforts and those of paramedics who later arrived, Miss Pocock was declared dead at the scene.

The inquest heard how Miss Pocock had battled depression for a number of years and had recently lost her cleaning job at a GP surgery.

A statement from Dr Christa Teplicky was read out by Senior Berkshire Coroner Heidi Connor.

Dr Teplicky said: 'Miss Pocock had been employed by a cleaning company that worked at the GP surgery. The last time she was seen as a patient at the clinic was on March 7, but she was seen afterwards in the evenings when she was cleaning.

'She had a son who was born in September 2016 and she reported having a good relationship with him.

'Her main complaint was that she struggled to sleep. She was prescribed the anti-depressant Citalopram, as well as Zopiclone, a sleeping medication.

'When I saw her in December 2017 she reported she was feeling much better and said she was looking forward to Christmas.'

Miss Pocock's partner James Smith found her at the bottom of the stairs after waking up when he heard their 18-month-old son crying in his bedroom. The inquest heard how he started to do CPR but paramedics declared life extinct when they arrived

Miss Pocock's partner, Mr Smith, woke up at 8.30am to hear their young son crying from his bedroom. When he picked up the tot he looked down the stairs to see the boy's mother hanging.

The coroner, sitting in Reading, Berkshire, heard that Mr Smith put his son back to bed and called 999.

Detective Constable Philip Stephens went to the scene and also provided a report for Mrs Connor.

He said: 'Mr Smith arrived back home on April 19 at about 11:30pm and he found Miss Pocock drinking Corona beer. They went to bed and, at approximately 1:30am, Mr Smith woke up and his partner was still asleep next to him.

'At 8.30am he awoke to his son crying and went to get him up. He then noticed Miss Pocock's body at the bottom of the stairs.

'He put his son back in his room and called 999. The operator instructed him to cut the cord around Miss Pocock's neck and to start CPR.

'Paramedics attended the scene but she was declared life extinct at 9:09am on April 20. When I arrived at the scene the deceased was lying on the floor. There were no apparent self-defence marks.

'Two red-inked letters were found, which were suicide notes. There was sad music playing from the television. It was 'How to Save a Life', possibly the band The Fray.'

Miss Pocock also sent a text to her mother at 06:07am, in which she said she was struggling.

According to Mrs Connor, the contents of the two red letters 'set out a clear intention [Miss Pocock] intended to end her life.'

A toxicology report found that Miss Pocock had 183 mg of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood in her system when she died, which was just over twice the legal limit of 80mg per 100ml.

Cocaine was also found in her blood stream, as well as a 'high therapeutic amount' of anti-depressant Citalopram.

A post mortem examination gave the medical cause of death as compression of the neck by ligature.

Mrs Connor said: 'In the case of Victoria Pocock I record a conclusion of suicide.

'Miss Victoria Pocock, of Woodbury, Lambourn, died on April 20, 2018. I would like to pay tribute to the family for the huge degree of dignity the have displayed.

For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or visit samaritans.org.
New York man Thomas Murphy, 59, has been charge with a DWI after he crashed into a group of Boy Scouts on Sunday afternoon

A New York man has been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated after he crashed into a group of Boy Scouts walking on the side of the road, killing one.

Thomas Murphy, 59, was driving in Manorville, New York when he lost control of his vehicle and rammed into five boys walking along the shoulder of the road on Sunday.

All the boys - between 12 and 16 years old - were immediately taken to the hospital.

By Monday afternoon 12-year-old Andrew McMorris died from his injuries suffered in the crash, according to Pix11.

Suffolk County Police say the boys were walking north and Murphy's 2016 Mercedes barreled into them from the southbound side, according to ABC.

The five boys - aged 12 to 16 - were walking north when Murphy crashed into them from the southbound side of David Terry Road in his 2016 Mercedes at 1.55pm on Sunday

Murphy, of Holbrook, was jailed overnight and will appear in court on Monday

The boys belonged to Boy Scout Troop 161 of Shoreham, police said. According to the Troop 161 website, the boys were returning from a Troop Day Hike along the Greenbelt Trail in Manorville that ended at 1pm.

Murphy, of Holbrook, was arrested and charged with the DWI following the crash on David Terry Road at 1.55pm.

Ryan DiBernardo of the Suffolk County Council confirmed the death of one of the Scouts on Monday.

'As part of the Suffolk County Council, our Scouting family is going through a terribly painful time. We are sad to confirm the death of one of our youth members following a vehicle-related incident while hiking. We offer our deepest condolences to the victims family, and we will support them in any way that we can. Our thoughts remain with the Scouts still recovering from this incident. Please join us in keeping all those affected in your thoughts and prayers,' he said in a statement.

He was held overnight at the Seventh Precinct jail and will appear in court on Monday.

Detectives are pleading for witnesses to call the Major Case Unit at 631-852-6555 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220 TIPS.
A US intelligence worker who was jailed for leaking thousands of documents to Wikileaks has defended her actions in her first UK public appearance.

Chelsea Manning, who has since been released from prison, has spoken of the 'struggle for survival' living as transgender through her seven years behind bars.

Manning leaked official government documents known as the Afghan Logs, which included hundreds of thousands of classified military reports about the Afghanistan conflict from 2004 to 2009.

Chelsea Manning has spoken about leaking government files to Wikileaks in her first public appearance in the UK since she was freed early from a prison term

Her 35 year sentence was cut short after being released from prison by Barack Obama in his last few days in office.

While serving in the U.S Army in Iraq, Chelsea Manning, formerly known as Bradley Manning, was confused about her gender.

In an interview with Channel 4 news, she told of her 'struggle' after being jailed for 35 years, and her transition to becoming a woman.

She said: 'It really has been for me more of a struggle for survival, that was what those seven years were.

Manning spoke to artist James Bridle at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London today, in addition to Channel 4 news in an interview

'Especially as a trans person in prison and as somebody who, you know, I see what's happening and I want to do something about it.

Ms Manning said: 'It was probably having to fight every single day for just basic necessities like health care or I fought for hormones, I fought for surgery.

'We would often have to band together to defend ourselves from often very intense scrutiny by guards.'

She was involved in leaking the diplomatic cables, the largest set of confidential documents to be leaked into the public domain, which were uploaded onto WikiLeaks, a disclosure portal for whistle blowers in 2010.

The diplomatic cables were confidential cables written by the U.S embassies around the world from 1966 to 2010, which were made public.

Her actions divided opinion, with transparency campaigners praising the leaks, while critics insisted she weakened the US.

She shrugged off a tweet by Donald Trump, above, last year which said she shouldn't have been freed. She served six years of a 35 year sentence, and was later released from prison by Barack Obama in his last few days in office

The whistle blower said: 'It's one thing for you to be seen as a human being, and it's another for somebody to tell you on a piece of paper that you have access to some rights but not others.

'That is one of the reasons why whenever I wasn't given a guarantee that was going to get access to surgery that I eventually went on hunger strike because that was me asserting myself and my humanity and my identity and being like no, I'm not just a piece of paper, I'm not just a name and a number.

'I'm a human being and I need this.'

The case divided opinion, with supporters (pictured) insisting she was a whistleblower, but others, including Donald Trump, branding her a traitor

Chelsea Manning laughed off Donald Trump's claim she should still be in jail at the at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London today, where she spoke to artist James Bridle.

When asked about the tweet at the arts institute in London today, Manning replied simply: 'Well I'm here now.'

Hitting out at President Trump in the Channel 4 interview, she said: 'I often ask myself why do we even have a president?

'Why do we put so much unrestricted power and authority into a single individual and expect them to be not a malevolent figure?

'Eventually the kinds of people who would want to be in that position are going to abuse that and that's one of the reasons why I think I was so troubled by previous administrations increasing the amount of power and authority regarding surveillance and immigration and law enforcement authority.'

U.S President Donald Trump tweeted after she was released: 'Ungrateful TRAITOR Chelsea Manning, who should never have been released from prison, is now calling President Obama a weak leader. Terrible!'

She also criticised Brexit, and said she followed it closely while in prison.

She said: 'I followed the rise of nationalism here that led up to that.

'Its very much the same thing that Im seeing in the States that was happening here just with a different context of it being the UK and Europe.

Manning - then Private Bradley Manning - was jailed for 35 years for leaking US military and diplomatic documents. She was freed early by Barack Obama. Picture from 2012

'I think there is an inseparable tie thats been happening between the rise of US nationalism and UK nationalism and also nationalist movements throughout Europe.

'Were seeing a trend towards an increasing amount of policies that really lead up to nothing more than an ethnic cleansing on a pretty frightening scale.'

Asked about leaking the classified information at the arts intitute in London, she replied: 'What I was working with wasn't just database reports, it was human beings living lives. When you tie it all together, realise it's people, then you can't do it anymore.'

She added: 'I saw something that I felt needed to happen and I did something about it.'

When asked if she regretted her actions, she refused to 'go over everything', replying: 'I did what I did because those were the tools I had available to me.'

Manning also spoke over her fears of creeping surveillance in society and the impact of social media.

She said: 'This timeline, this feed, its chosen for you it's limited, there's feedback loops happening. Algorithms push people to content that people get upset with because that creates more content which drives the algorithm to drive more people there.'

Manning was born in Oklahoma, but lived in south Wales as a teenager after her parents divorced. She returned to the US and joined the Army after completing school in the UK.
An anonymous woman accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of repeatedly raping her while they were both teenagers, it emerged Monday.

Kavanaugh, she says, lifted her sweater and bra and digitally penetrated her, and then violently raped her 'several times' along with a friend who followed suit  before striking her and saying no one would believe her if she talked publicly about it.

'Be a good girl,' she claims Kavanaugh told her.

It's the third such claim  and by far the most aggressive one  to reach the Senate Judiciary Committee without a name attached, and without citing the place or time of an allegation.

The allegation was made last week and Kavanaugh was questioned about it before the dramatic Senate hearings on Thursday.

Kavanaugh forcefully denied during a conference call with committee staff that he took part in any attack like what the Jane Doe claimed or had any knowledge of it.

'The whole thing is ridiculous,' he said, according to a transcript the committee released late Sunday night. 'Nothing ever  anything like that, nothing. I mean, that's  the whole thing is just a crock, farce, wrong, didn't happen, not anything close.'

Judge Brett Kavanaugh continues to attract anonymous allegations of sexual misconduct, including one that reached the Senate Judiciary Committee last week via California Sen. Kamala Harris; an unnamed woman claims he and a friend raped her repeatedly after offering to drive her home from a high school party decades ago

Sen. Harris (right) received the letter prior to last Wednesday but never brought it up with Kavanaugh during a Thursday hearing

Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee, forcefully denied the 'Jane Doe' allegations during a conference call with Judiciary Committee aides

The California office of Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris received a hand-written letter containing the woman's claims, signed 'Jane Doe.'

It's unusual for a person to designate herself 'Jane Doe,' a placeholder name typically used by police or court officials to conceal the identity of someone whose identity they know.

As with other anonymous allegations, there's no evidence to suggest whether the accuser is a real person or an agenda-driven writer's creation.

Jane Doe provided little about her identity other than saying she is a teacher with a family, and complained about Judiciary Committee Republicans in a way that suggests she may be black or Hispanic.

'A group of white men, powerful senators who won't believe me, will come after me' if she were to come forward, she wrote.

The particulars of the latest allegation are more graphic than even those of Julie Swetnik, who has claimed she witnessed groups of teen boys in the 1980s, including Kavanaugh and high school friend Mark Judge, waiting in line to have sex with an inebriated girl.

Jane Doe's story starts at a party and ends a few blocks from her house, with Kavanaugh and an unnamed friend in the back seat as villains.

'Kavanaugh kissed me forcefully' and 'continued to grope me over my clothes, forcing his kisses on me and putting his hand under my sweater,' she wrote.

'"No," I yelled at him.'

With the boy in the backseat groping her while putting one hand over her mouth while she screamed, she wrote, Kavanaugh 'pulled up my sweater and bra exposing my breasts, and reached into my panties, inserting his fingers into my vagina.'

Then, she claimed, Kavanaugh 'slapped me and told me to be quiet and forced me to perform oral sex on him. He climaxed in my mouth.'

Kavanaugh and his friend, she continued, 'forced me to go into the backseat and took turns raping me several times each.'

The future Supreme Court nominee ended the night, she claimed, by dropping her off two blocks from her home and warning: 'No one will believe if you tell. Be a good girl.'

The conference call with Judiciary Committee staff happened last Wednesday, a day before the blockbuster hearing that featured dueling testimony from Kavanaugh and Christine Ford, who claimed last month that he once groped her and tried to undress her during a beer-fueled high school party in 1982.

Sen. Harris did not mention the Jane Doe letter during the time she was allotted to question Kavanaugh.

(left to right) Christine Ford, Deborah Ramirez and Julie Swetnick have all accused Judge Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct; he has flatly denied all the charges

Kavanaugh responded to Swetnick's claim with disbelief during last Wednesday's Judiciary Committee conference call

President Donald Trump's nominee has denied every accusation against him, seeing them as politically motivated slurs hurled by liberals who want to derail his elevation to America's highest court.

In the latest conference call, he answered 'No' to nine separate questions about the letter.

He also dismissed claims from Swetnick, whose attorney is Michael Avenatti  the same lawyer who represents pornographic actress Stormy Daniels in her lawsuit against Trump.

'I'm amazed in the United States that you can get the amount of attention for a totally bogus, B.S. charge that this received  just made up about me, and friends of mine too,' he said.

'And, you know, this is just a  it's a disgrace. It's a circus. I don't know where this ends.'
[October 01, 2018] Gateway Mortgage Group Strengthens Nationwide Recruitment Efforts to Support Continued Growth Gateway Mortgage Group, a full-service mortgage company founded by Kevin Stitt, announced accelerated recruitment efforts across the nation to support strong demand for its lending products. This decision comes at a time when much of the mortgage industry is experiencing slowed or declining growth, and many of the nation's lenders are announcing layoffs. Founded in 2000, Gateway (News - Alert) has relentlessly focused on profitable growth and acquiring market share. Gateway has an extensive franchise, with 170 retail offices in 40 states and the District of Columbia. The firm expects annual loan volume to exceed $8 billion in 2019. Gateway attributes its success to the talented team members who have built the firm and a strong culture. Growth would not be sustainable without a clear focus on a core set of values and purpose. Gateway is passionate about strengthening families and communities, and that begins with empowering team members by providing them with the right tools, products and robust operational support in their local communities. Gateway provides a broad suite of mortgage products that provide lending solutions to a range of customers. These capabilities ensure mortgage loan officers can retain customers and expand their business. Gateway also offers a comprehensive benefits package, treats its employees with respect, and goes above and beyondto empower the families of the people who work there. The company has recently expanded its digital capabilities, deploying LinkStep, a state-of-the-art web-based digital mortgage experience that dramatically simplifies the home buying process.

"At Gateway, we're committed to providing employees the support they need to succeed in the community and at the workplace," said Stephen Curry, CEO at Gateway. "Our firm offers a great work environment, empowering lending solutions, and unlike many firms, we are well capitalized and have a long history of profitability. We are pursuing talented individuals to join our team who will benefit from our future expansion plans." Since 2012, Gateway has been regularly recognized for its achievements in customer service, growth, performance and its culture as a top workplace. It has received 28 accolades including "50 Best Companies to Work for" by Mortgage Executive Magazine, "Top Workplaces" by National Mortgage Professional Magazine, "Top Mortgage Lenders" by Scotsman Guide and "Top 100 Mortgage Companies" by Mortgage Executive Magazine. Most recently, Gateway was listed as a Contact Center of Excellence by Benchmark Portal and included in the 2018 Inc. 5000. Those interested in applying for a position with Gateway should contact Howard Hall at (972) 426-7368 or Howard.Hall@GatewayLoan.com or apply online at https://www.gatewayloan.com/about/careers/. About Gateway Mortgage Group, LLC.

Gateway, founded by Kevin Stitt, is one of the largest privately held mortgage origination and servicing companies in the United States. Established in 2000 and headquartered in Jenks, Oklahoma, the company employs more than 1,200 team members in over 160 offices nationwide and currently services $17 billion in residential mortgages. For more information about Gateway, visit www.GatewayLoan.com. Gateway Mortgage Group, LLC (NMLS 7233). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181001005577/en/

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A 25-year-old Oregon woman has been sentenced to 19 months in prison for pepper spraying a couple who saw her stealing from their yard sale.

Katelyn Elizabeth Cantrell was stuffing clothes into a bag at a Portland yard sale in full view of the husband and wife, who decided to confront her.

Cantrell then doused the couple, whose names have not been released, with pepper spray and began chasing the husband around with a knife.

She only stopped after the couple's adult son grabbed a shotgun from the house and pointed it at her.

Katelyn Elizabeth Cantrell, 25, has been sentenced to 19 months in prison or pepper spraying a couple who saw her stealing from their yard sale

The family called police and Cantrell was arrested near their home shortly afterwards. She was in possession of pepper spray and a folding knife.

Cantrell pleaded no contest to unlawful use of a weapon and fourth-degree assault on Wednesday.

Cantrell was stuffing clothes into a bag at a Portland yard sale in full view of the husband and wife, who decided to confront her

Multnomah County Circuit Judge Angel Lopez sentenced her to 19 months in prison.

'You absolutely terrorized a family for no reason - other than you were in some kind of drug delirium,' he told Cantrell. 'That's got to stop.'

Deputy District Attorney Shawn Overstreet said he was unwilling to agree to probation as part of Cantrell's plea deal due to her past criminal history.

Cantrell was recently arrested for punching a Subway employee during an argument. Prosecutors did not press charges.

She has also been convicted of resisting arrest, attempted assault on a public safety officer, and interfering with a public safety officer, according to the Oregonian.

Authorities said Cantrell once kicked an officer and tried to bribe them after she was caught stealing from her father's shed.

Her own mother has also filed a no-contact order against Cantrell, court records show.

Cantrell then doused the couple, whose names have not been released, with pepper spray and began chasing the husband with a knife

Cantrell told investigators that she is homeless and a methamphetamine user.

While she has asked for treatment at times, court records also show she has rejected getting treatment or a job.

'I don't agree with societal rules and s***,' she once told authorities. 'I'm born to be a camper.'

Overstreet called Cantrell a 'danger' to the community and said he hopes her sentencing is a reality check for the young woman.

'I hope that Ms Cantrell hears that this could have been much worse,' he said in court on Wednesday.

'She could have been shot, possibly justifiably.'
Every single American  young and old - must be given training to survive a new wave of mass shooting attacks launched by a 'new breed' of killer, according to a leading active shooter survival expert.

Speaking on the first anniversary of the Las Vegas Mandalay Bay shooting  which saw 58 people killed and hundreds more injured in the deadliest gun atrocity in US history  security firm boss Michael Julian said the number of people being killed in mass shootings is increasing year on year and the shooters are becoming more 'sophisticated' with each attack.

Julian is the creator of the ALIVE active shooter survival plan and travels across America teaching law enforcement, schools and businesses how to survive an attack.

Speaking at the 93rd annual conference of the World Association of Detectives (WAD) in Las Vegas, Julian says the current situation is 'critical' and it's time that everyone, even young children, receive the necessary training and education.

'Yes, in my view every man, woman and child should receive some level of training on how to handle an active shooter situation,' he told DailyMail.com.

Security firm boss Michael Julian says people are increasingly being killed by mass shooters, who are becoming more 'sophisticated'. Julian spoke on the first anniversary of the Las Vegas Mandalay Bay shooting (pictured), which saw 58 people killed and hundreds more injured

The Las Vegas Strip will go dark on Monday night to mark the one year anniversary of the gun rampage that killed 58 people at the Route 91 open-air country music festival. Pictured: Las Vegas shooter Stephen Paddock

Julian continued: 'We have got to learn how to recognize the possibility that this will happen and we need to know how to react.

'This phenomenon can happen anywhere in the world, but with guns, yes, it's going to be a higher probability.

'But regardless, why wouldn't we educate ourselves? We want to stay alive.

'And until that happens, these guys are going to continue to be successful. The problem is getting worse not better.'

Since the Sandy Hook elementary school massacre in December 2012, during which a gunman killed 20 children, six adults, and himself, there have been more than 1,600 mass shootings in the US.

A mass shooting is defined as an event during which four or more people are killed.

In 2017, 11 mass shootings were recorded in the US causing 117 deaths and 587 injuries in concert, religious, workplace, airport, and shopping venues and in the community.

Up to April 18 this year, an astonishing 214 people have already been killed and 299 injured according to Mass Gun Violence statistics.

As the problem worsens and gun rights advocates harden their stance, Julian says everyone has to take the threat seriously.

And he says future shooters are learning from past atrocities on how to maximize the death count.

Up to April 18 this year, an astonishing 214 people have already been killed and 299 injured according to Mass Gun Violence statistics. Pictured: A man covers a woman during the Las Vegas shooting last October

Since the Sandy Hook elementary school massacre in December 2012, (pictured) during which a gunman killed 20 children, six adults, and himself, there have been more than 1,600 mass shootings in the US

'There is a new breed of active shooter, they're becoming more and more sophisticated, more thought out,' he explains.

'They're certainly more educated, because how do you learn how to do something - from somebody that's done it before.

'Now we've had so many of these incidents in so many different locations, done so many different ways, planned out, strategized, they're getting more and more ideas, they're learning how to do it and it's becoming easier for them to do.

'We need to make it harder for them to do it and less attractive, less gratifying.

'We need to take away that power and control, the opportunity for them to get that because that's what they want.'

Julian compared the need for education with schools in the Midwest teaching children how to react to tornadoes or in schools in California teaching students how to stay safe in an earthquake.

'This is no different,' he said. 'How to survive an active shooter should be in the curriculum.

'They need to see what it looks like, they need to understand it's real, they need to realize that it can absolutely happen to them and then they need to get into the mindset part of it so that they know that if something like this starts, they're not just automatically a victim.

'They have the power to change the way this thing ends, if they use their head and they are not overcome by fear.'

As the problem worsens and gun rights advocates harden their stance, Julian says future shooters are learning from past atrocities on how to maximize the death count. Pictured: Stoneman Douglas High School shooter Nikolas Cruz (left) and Charleston church shooter Dylann Roof (right)

Julian (pictured) teaches the official advice issued by the US Department of Homeland Security- 'RUN. HIDE. FIGHT', but developed his ALIVE program three years ago which offers more in depth guidance. He's also written a book on how to survive a mass shooting

Julian teaches the official advice issued by the US Department of Homeland Security- 'RUN. HIDE. FIGHT', but developed his ALIVE program three years ago which offers more in depth guidance. He's also written a book called '10 minutes to live' on how to survive a mass shooting.

And he says the more attacks that are averted or stopped, the less incentive future mass shooters will have to carry out shootings.

He also said the media has to shoulder its responsibility not to make 'celebrities' out of mass shooters.

Julian, CEO/President of National Business Investigations Inc. in California, also spoke of the need of a shift in the 'culture' in America, away from celebrating bullies.

The security expert and investigator joined 150 other members of the World Association of Detectives (WAD) for the organization's annual conference in Las Vegas.

The conference, held at Palms Casino Resort, saw a selection of the worlds elite investigators and security specialists get together to discuss business partnerships, expanding their vast network and how to improve the field of investigation and security.

Mike LaCorte, President of WAD, said the 150 WAD members who have attended this year's conference will join in to honor those killed in last year's Mandalay Bay shooting atrocity

WAD is a global alliance of 950 international investigators and security professionals operating in 80 jurisdictions around the world.

Mike LaCorte, President of WAD, told DailyMail.com: 'We meet twice a year with different locations selected around the globe.

'And the reason why it's important is you meet the people that you work and conduct international business with face to face, you understand local dos and don'ts in various jurisdictions around the world and you form strategic relationships and partnerships with other investigators around the globe.'

LaCorte says WAD is the largest and oldest association of its kind in the world.

'The reason it's so unique is there is no other association like it and being part of this association gives you international leverage.

'Our members are fighting fraud, investigating crime, finding missing children, preparing cases for litigation, you name it.

'The amazing work WAD members do in the private sector really relieves the pressure from the public sector, especially where police forces are stretched.'

LaCorte, who is also CEO of Conflict International, a global investigation and intelligence agency with offices in London and New York, said the 150 WAD members who have attended this year's conference will join in to honor and commemorate those killed in last year's Mandalay Bay shooting atrocity.

The Las Vegas Strip will go dark on Monday night to mark the one year anniversary of the gun rampage that killed 58 people at the Route 91 open-air country music festival.

The solemn event is one of several scheduled to mark the deadliest mass shooting in US history that saw more than 400 other people wounded by bullets fired by Stephen Paddock from his high-rise hotel suite.

Hundreds more were injured while fleeing the chaotic scene.

Many survivors and life-savers have returned to Vegas to mark the somber occasion.
A senior Cabinet minister last night told for the first time how she was placed in a foster home shortly after she was born.

Esther McVey revealed she was a Barnardos child, spending her first two years in care with the charity.

Speaking about her early childhood for the first time, the Work and Pensions Secretary told the Daily Mail that she wanted to give the message that anyone can succeed given the opportunity.

Esther McVey (pictured, left, aged nine, with father Jimmy and, right, with her father) revealed that she spent time in foster care

Earlier she had hinted at her upbringing as she announced plans to work with Barnardos to help people leaving care find jobs. In her keynote speech to the Tory conference in Birmingham yesterday, she praised the charity for how it has transformed the lives of millions of children and families across the UK.

She said: They provide unconditional support, without judgment, giving the space, time and help for people to get back on their feet.

As one of those children, and standing proud, thank you.

Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey today sensationally revealed that she once spent time as a child in foster care in a speech given to the Tory party conference in Birmingham

In an interview with the Mail last night Miss McVey, 50, revealed how she had been put into foster care as a baby after she was born to young parents. Her father Jimmy was 22, while her mother Barbara was only 18.

The former TV presenter said that after a couple of years in foster care she returned to her family in the Liverpool suburb of West Derby.

Miss McVey said: I believe most people in their life will fall upon tough times at some point. I want to give the message that anyone can succeed given the opportunity.

Although she had never spoken publicly about being fostered until last night, she previously told how her young parents were more like siblings, with her grandparents playing a large role.

It was a loving, happy time, but cash was tight and it was quite strict, she said in a local newspaper shortly after she was first elected in 2010. I had to polish the shoes on Friday, then help peel the spuds.

Her father briefly ran an ice cream van before becoming a scrap merchant, and then setting up his own construction firm, where Miss McVey was for a few years a director.

Praising the work of Barnardo's children's charity, Ms McVey, who was raised in a working-class family on a tough estate in Liverpool, thanked them as 'one of the children they helped'

Miss McVey took a law degree at Queen Mary University of London before launching a television career that included a spell as a presenter on GMTV. She returned to Merseyside and set up her own marketing business after getting a masters from Liverpool John Moores University.

In 2005 she unsuccessfully stood as the Conservative candidate in Wirral West before taking the seat five years later.

She started her ministerial career at the Department for Work and Pensions in 2012, but was the most high-profile Tory casualty of the 2015 general election when she was ousted following a union-backed campaign.

She returned to the Cabinet this year following a comeback in last years general election, winning Tatton in Cheshire.

Other famous former Barnardos children include designer Bruce Oldfield, author Leslie Thomas and former footballer turned TV host John Fashanu.

Under plans announced yesterday, ministers will work with Barnardos to provide care leavers with work experience at the charitys high street shops. The Citizens Advice Bureau is also due to receive 39million to help Universal Credit claimants.

Miss McVey said: As a Government we cannot think we can do everything for everybody so we have got to forge partnerships with these magnificent organisations to help people when they are in need and give them a choice of where they go to.

What we do, we do well, but Barnardos has been helping children for 150 years and they do it brilliantly. Lets tap into their knowledge, kindness and expertise.

She also used her speech to attack bullying and intimidation in politics. Remember what John McDonnell said about me, that I should be lynched? Well he picked on the wrong woman.
Shocking footage shows the moment a group of Uber Eats drivers were forced to fight off two moped thieves in the middle of the road.

The men, wearing crash helmets, are seen throwing punches and kicks at two men after the pair tried to jump on one of their mopeds and race off this morning.

One of the thieves is chased off while the other attempts to ride away on the moped, but he is kicked to the ground by the group.

A group of Uber Eats drivers were forced to fight off two moped thieves in the middle of the road in Stratford, London

Members of the public then intervene, however the interruption gives the thief time to speed off on the scooter and away from the scene in Stratford, east London.

An eyewitness who filmed the footage, who wished to remain anonymous, told MailOnline that the victim was one of several Brazilian men working as a courier.

The man, who is friends with the victim, said the group of Uber Eats drivers were outside the McDonald's collecting breakfast orders when the incident happened.

'Basically one of the drivers will go and collect all the orders while the rest of them watch the bikes,' he said.

'While they were waiting two young guys just ran up and tried to steal one of the bikes, but they were spotted so the fighting started.

'They were trying to kick them and everything and had scared them off, but then some guys came over to break it up and that gave one of them time to drive off.'

The drivers, wearing crash helmets, are seen throwing punches at two men after the pair tried to jump on one of their mopeds and race off

Members of the public then intervene, however the interruption gives the thief time to speed off on the scooter and away from the scene

The witness, who used to work for Uber Eats himself, said the drivers are constantly targeted by gangs armed with knifes and hammers.

'It happens every single day, every day,' he added. 'They threaten you with everything, stick a knife right in your face.

'If it happened in Brazil they would be dead, but here we can't do anything about it.

'The guy is just going to have to claim on the insurance now, but it'll take months before he gets one back.'

Metropolitan Police were contacted by MailOnline but could find no record of the incident.
Graham Norton has claimed the stars of The Crown were right to receive different salaries because Matt Smith was a 'better booking'.

Claire Foy, who played the Queen in the acclaimed Netflix drama, sparked a gender pay debate when it was revealed she was paid less than her on-screen husband.

But presenter Norton, 55, said lesser known actors should expect to be paid less than their more famous counterparts.

And, defending his own pay, which dropped from 850,000-900,000 to just over 600,000 last year, Norton claimed his experience demanded a higher salary.

Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II and Matt Smith as Prince Philip in Netflix drama The Crown

He said: 'You know, beginners get paid less. I've been presenting a chat show for 20 years. I ought to be earning more than somebody else. Not everybody else, but somebody else.'

Norton's pay does not include his fees from So Television, which makes the Graham Norton Show and his Radio 2 programme.

The presenter explained that Smith, who played Prince Philip in The Crown, was a well-known name while he 'didn't know who Claire Foy was'.

Asked about pay disparity in showbusiness, he said: 'It's a bit like with The Crown and the whole hoo-ha of Claire Foy not being paid as much as Matt Smith.

Graham Norton has claimed the stars of The Crown were right to receive different salaries

'Well, with all respect, Matt Smith had been Doctor Who. He was a name. And he's earned more. He was a better booking.

I've been presenting a chat show for 20 years. I ought to be earning more than somebody else Graham Norton

'I didn't know who Claire Foy was. Now, throw money at her: she's amazing.'

Speaking in The Times, he added that stars should expect to earn less at the beginning of their careers, regardless of gender.

Despite playing the titular character of Queen Elizabeth II, Foy is understood to have received a significantly smaller salary than Smith.

Despite playing the titular character of Queen Elizabeth II, Foy is understood to have received a significantly smaller salary than Smith

Following The Crown's gender pay fallout, Smith said his Golden Globe-winning co-star should have been paid more than him - branding the disparity a 'great mistake'.

Smith and Foy attend The Crown premiere at the Odeon Leicester Square in 2016

The Doctor Who star hit out at Netflix bosses for the 'grave oversight' as he insisted the actress was the 'lead in the show' and she worked 'the hardest'.

The British actor said: 'Claire was the lead in the show, she worked the hardest, she should have been paid the most. It was a great mistake.' '

'It's dumb. She did the most work, she worked the hardest, honestly every single day.

'It was representative of the amount of work and how she worked. All you can do is learn from your mistakes and move on.'

Netflix claimed Smith was only paid more for the first seasons as he was a bigger name than Foy at the time of casting.

He added: 'I didn't know about it to be honest with you. And I thought it was a mistake, a huge mistake.

'It was a grave oversight and when we heard about it together we sort of said about trying to amend it really and I have to say that I think Netflix did respond very diligently.'

Producers of the show pledged earlier this year that there will be no gender pay parity for the new cast in season three.

The new series will star Olivia Coleman as the Queen and Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip.
A snake farm manager has died after being bitten by a 10ft black mamba while trying to extract venom to be used for medical research.

Ryan Soobrayan, who had recently gotten engaged, died the day before his 27th birthday after being bitten by the snake at African Reptiles and Venom in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Just one fang punctured the experienced herpetologist's finger, but as the black mamba is one of the world's most poisonous snakes, no more than two drops of venom can be enough to kill.

Heartbreaking: Ryan Soobrayan, pictured with his fiancee Jackie Sewcheran, died after being bitten by a black mamba at the reptile centre where he worked

Mr Soobrayan immediately summoned help from colleagues, but despite their efforts, he collapsed and went into anaphylactic shock and died.

The snake farm's owner Mike Perry said Mr Soobrayan had been responsible for venom extraction at the centre, and he often trained others how to do it.

Mr Perry said: 'His untimely demise was not due to the bite but as a result of anaphylaxis. We are devastated by the incident. He had a severe allergic reaction to the mamba venom'.

African Reptiles and Venom provides snake identification and awareness programmes along with snakebite treatment and first aid training to assist those who have been bitten by a poisonous snake.

Herpetologist Johan Morais at the African Snakebite Institute said the black mamba was highly dangerous and a person would normally die between three and 16 hours without anti-venom.

Expert: Mr Soobrayan, pictured holding a poisonous puff adder, was an experienced snake handler and would often 'milk' snakes for venom

Just one fang punctured Mr Soobrayan's finger, but despite efforts his colleagues made, he collapsed and went into anaphylactic shock and died

He said: 'You need to get to hospital as quickly as possible black mambas have neurotoxic venom which affects the breathing and at hospital they can assist you with a ventilator.

'What is strange here is that he did not from the venom but his body went into shock from it'.

Mr Soobrayan's devastated fiancee Jackie Sewcheran who got engaged to him in April said on Facebook: 'You always wanted to make an impact on the world my love look at what you have done.

'You were the most amazing person I've ever known. I have no words to describe you, no words to say because nothing will ever be enough. What you were doing was just so heroic'.

Passionate: His family members have spoken of his love for his job on social media

His uncle Eugene Soobrayan said: 'He died before he could turn 27 years old. Snakes had been his passion.

'His family, his two sisters, and his parents are still coming to terms with it.

Catherine Soobrayan said her brother was an expert in snake handling and lost his live doing what he loved saying: 'To all those who have sent their love, we really appreciate it.

'Our life will never be the same. He made a difference in everyone's life, wherever he went.

'Everyone who knows my brother knows he was always careful. This was a terrible accident'.

Snake catcher and close friend Shaun Venter said: 'People like Ryan who work on extracting venom for medicine and research are unsung heroes and he did this work to help others.

'He got a small pinprick on the thumb and had a massive negative reaction. He was assisted by the best in the country and everything was done to try and save this awesome soul'.

Kurt Schatzl, the President at New England Herpetological Society, said millions of people are being kept alive by medication created with snake venom through years of medical research.

He said: 'There is only one way to get that venom and you have to handle adult venomous snakes with your hands. It is incredibly dangerous and also incredibly altruistic and heroic.

'If you are taking high blood pressure or anticoagulant medicines you owe your very life to individuals like this. People like Ryan work out of the limelight for the good of humanity'.

Black mambas can grow up to 14 feet long and are the fastest moving snake in the world and anyone bitten by one will face almost certain death without urgent anti-venom treatment.
President Donald Trump has no Plan B should his Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh fail to be confirmed by the Senate, it has been revealed.

Those involved in the confirmation process are concerned there is no time to get another judge on the high court before the November election so they are not vetting or preparing another pick, according toAxios.

Plus some want to force Democratic senators running in states Trump won to take a stand on Kavanaugh, voting yes or no so Republicans can make it an election issue.

President Donald Trump has no Plan B should his Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh fail to be confirmed

Brett Kavanaugh is facing an FBI investigation into sexual assault allegations

And the White House has too much invested into Kavanaugh to fall short of confirmation.

'He's too big to fail now,' a senior source involved in the confirmation process told Axios.

'Our base, our voters, our side, people are so mad,' the person said. 'There's nowhere to go. We're gonna make them f***ing vote. [Joe] Manchin in West Virginia, in those red states. Joe Donnelly? He said he's a no? Fine, we'll see how that goes. There will be a vote on him [Kavanaugh]. ... It will be a slugfest of a week.'

Kavanaugh is undergoing an FBI investigation over allegations of sexual assault, which he has denied.

Lawmakers traditionally like to spend most of October in their home states, campaigning for reelection. And with one-third of the Senate on the ballot this November and the government funded through December, lawmakers will be itching to hit the campaign trail.

And the is on Democratic senators running for re-election in states Trump won in 2016.

Those are Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Jon Tester of Michigan, and Claire McCaskill of Missouri.

Manchin and Heitkamp have not said publicly how they will vote on Kavanaugh. Donnelly, Tester and McCaskill have all said they will vote no.

Manchin, Heitkamp and Donnelly were the only Democrats to vote yes on Trump's first Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch.

'There's no time before the [midterm] election to put up a new person,' a White House official told the news website.

On Saturday, Trump himself said: 'I don't need a backup plan.'

Staff are also not working on vetting another nominee and some complaining they couldn't be sure any male nominated wouldn't have the 'Kavanaugh problem.'

'You nominate any man and how do you guarantee ... How do you vet for that?' said that source. 'For an accusation that's 36 years old? You can't.'

Kavanaugh was accused by Christine Blasey Ford of pinning her to a bed, trying to take off her clothes and covering her mouth when she screamed during a teenage party in the 1980s. He has denied the allegation.

Trump and other Republicans have argued these type of allegations from high school would put a dampening affect on others wanting to be nominated to the federal bench.

'Everybody wants to be a federal judge,' Trump said at a press conference last Wednesday. 'Not just a Supreme Court judge, I'm talking about court of appeals; I'm talking about district court. I don't think they're going to want to so much. I'll be calling people, and we'll have people calling people that do this. And people are going to be scared.'

The president also noted he had 25 people on his original list to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy and all could tell him no out of worries what could come up during a confirmation hearing.

'I interviewed other great people for this job,' Trump said. 'I could conceivably imagine going to one of them and saying, it is too bad what happened to this wonderful man, but I'm going to choose you number two. I want you to go. And I could conceivably be turned down by somebody that desperately wanted this job two months ago.'

There's been speculation that after the election - should Kavanaugh fail - Trump could name a female nominee, such as Amy Coney Barrett, who was on his original shortlist.

But there are concerns she would be too conservative for GOP Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, moderate Republicans who support abortion rights.

And their votes are necessary.

Given that Republicans hold a 51-seat majority in the Senate, they can only afford to lose one vote if all Democrats vote no.

Those voting dynamics could change after the election, however, either giving the GOP a more comfortable margin or leaving Democrats in control.

The Supreme Court's new term began Monday

Kavanaugh is facing a sexual assault charge from Christine Blasey Ford

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell recently warned the November midterm election will be 'very challenging' forRepublicans and is raising the alarm that they could have difficulty holding onto the Senate.

He noted the 'wind is going to be in our face' with several make-or-break Senate races showing the polls are tight.

'All of them too close to call and every one of them is like a knife fight in an alley,' McConnell said. 'It's just a brawl in every one of those places.'

He acknowledged the historical trend that shows the president's party often loses control of Capitol Hill in the midterm contest following the president's election.

'You can't repeal history, and almost every election two years into any new administration the party of the presidency loses seats. They don't always lose the body, but almost always loses seats. And so we know that this is going to be a very challenging election on the Senate side,' McConnell added.
A victim of the Las Vegas shooting has revealed she has forgiven the gunman after being released from hospital just days before the anniversary of the massacre.

Rosemarie Melanson was among the first hit when Stephen Paddock opened fire on the Route 91 country music festival from his room at the Mandalay Bay hotel, killing 58 people, on October 1 last year.

The 54-year-old was unable to move after a bullet hit her lung, oesophagus, spleen and liver, the Sun Online reports.

Don Matthews, a heroic off-duty firefighter urged her two daughters to run for their lives and later dragged Rosemarie to safety.

Rosemarie Melanson (centre, in hospital after her 12th surgery), the worst injured of the Las Vegas shooting victims, has said she has forgiven the gunman

Rosemarie Melanson (pictured with her husband Steve) was among the first hit when a gunman opened fire on the Route 91 country music festival in Las Vegas a year ago

Courtesy of KTNV

After months in intensive care and 12 life-saving surgeries, Rosemarie was allowed home just a few days before the first anniversary of the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history.

Despite the long road to recovery ahead of her, Rosemarie  who has been branded 'the warrior' by her family  and her husband Steve, 60, say they have forgiven Paddock.

'I do forgive him. One day we all want to need to be forgiven for what we've done,' she told Sun Online.

Her husband added that they needed to forgive the gunman in order to move on and not let her anger fester.

He said: 'You have to forgive otherwise he's the winner. He's going to bring our family down and I refused to let that happen.'

Steve added that on the anniversary of the shooting, the couple are celebrating that Rosemarie survived and inspired so many others.

Rosemarie still struggles to speak for long, but recalls the shock she felt when she realised she had been shot.

White crosses bearing the names of the victims were put up in memory of the 58 killed in Las Vegas to mark the first anniversary of the massacre

'I was in shock that I was shot, literally shocked when I looked down and saw that I had been shot, I thought, 'Not me. Not with all these people here.'

She has memories of being conscious for around 30 to 40 seconds and being placed on a fence and dragged  but then her memory is a blank for the next two months.

On Monday, survivors, families of victims, first-responders and elected officials remembered the lives lost a year ago.

Several hundred people gathered at an outdoor amphitheater in Las Vegas during an event that began with a prayer and words from Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval.

'Today we remember the unforgettable. Today, we comfort the inconsolable,' Sandoval said.

'Today, we are reminded of the pain that never really goes away.'

Among the attendees who are offering prayers, songs and speeches at the event was Mynda Smith.

She remembered her sister, Nyesa Davis Tonks, a 46-year-old single mother originally from the Salt Lake City area raising three boys in Las Vegas.

Stephen Paddock fired assault-style rifles for 11 minutes from 32nd-floor windows of the Mandalay Bay hotel into the concert crowd below

Smith said her sister she was energetic, adventurous, a fan of all kinds of music.

'I want to bring the message about living life to the fullest,' Smith said.

'About how grateful we are for our community, the love and support that we got, and being `Vegas Strong.''

Smith started a scholarship fund for victims' children and says she reached loved ones of almost all the dead.

Thirty-three were from California, six others from Nevada, four from Canada and 12 from other US states.

'It was a heartbreak every time,' Smith said. 'This was a tragedy of grand scale. We have a long way to go. But we have to move forward with love and light.'

Many who were cheering Jason Aldean's headline set on the Las Vegas Strip that night said later they thought the rapid crack-crack-crack they heard was fireworks - until people fell dead, wounded, bleeding.

From across neon-lit Las Vegas Boulevard, a gambler-turned-gunman with what police later called a meticulous plan but an unknown reason fired assault-style rifles for 11 minutes from 32nd-floor windows of the Mandalay Bay hotel into the concert crowd below.

Paddock (pictured) opened fire on the Route 91 country music festival from his room at the Mandalay Bay hotel before killing himself, police say

Police said he then put a pistol in his mouth and killed himself.

Medical examiners later determined that all 58 deaths were from gunshots.

Another 413 people were wounded, and police said at least 456 were injured fleeing the carnage.

Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo declared the police investigation ended in August.

He issued a report that said hundreds of interviews and thousands of hours of investigative work found no motive, no conspiracy and no other shooters.

A final FBI report, including a behavioral analysis of Paddock, is expected by the end of the year.

Another report last month involving the Federal Emergency Management Agency found communications were snarled and police, fire and medical responders were overwhelmed by 911 calls, false reports of other shootings and the number of victims.
Ruth Davidson warned campaigners for a 'People's Vote' they cannot have a re-run on Brexit without giving the SNP a second go at smashing the Union.

The Scottish Tory leader said referendum results had to be respected or there was no way to heal the divides caused by binary choices.

Ms Davidson said she would be a 'hypocrite' if she wanted a re-run on Brexit after campaigning for Remain but insisted the 2014 Scottish independence result was 'sacrosanct'.

SNP leader and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has repeatedly demanded a new referendum on Scottish independence since the Brexit vote but been rebuffed by Theresa May and Ms Davidson.

Campaigners for a second Brexit referendum have spent all summer demanding a 'People's Vote' to settle the terms of exit and give another chance to Remain in the EU.

Ruth Davidson (pictured today at Tory conference in Birmingham) warned campaigners for a 'People's Vote' they cannot have a re-run on Brexit without giving the SNP a second go at smashing the Union

The Scottish Tory leader (pictured making her main speech to conference) said referendum results had to be respected or there was no way to heal the divides caused by binary choices

She said: 'Those of us in Scotland have been at this for some time already.

'Four years ago, the SNP told Scotland they'd respect the independence referendum result. And for four long years, they've been pushing, pushing, pushing to have another go. And to keep going till they get the result they want.

'And my response and the Prime Minister's response has been clear: the people of Scotland spoke. They said No. It's time to move on.

'Well  the same message applies with Brexit. I don't get to stand here and profess myself a democrat  to declare that some decisions are so big they can't be taken by politicians alone  and then demand a re-run just because I wasn't on the winning side.

'And if I tried to argue differently - to insist that one referendum result was sacrosanct while another should be immediately overturned, well, that would make me just the worst type of hypocrite.'

Nicola Sturgeon (pictured today in Edinburgh) has repeatedly demanded a new referendum on Scottish independence over Brexit

At an otherwise muted conference, Ms Davidson was cheered to the rafters of Birmingham's Symphony Hall despite repeatedly insisting she will never come to lead the Tory activists wrestling over the future of their party.

Ms Davidson, who is about to go on maternity leave, said she was eager to press onto the 2021 Holyrood elections and become First Minister of Scotland.

She said: 'People keep asking me: do you seriously think you can beat the SNP?

'Damn right I do. Because Scotland has had enough of the negativity, the grievance, the decade long moan.

'Instead, we want to crack on.'
A vegan Monash University student left the panel on Q&A speechless after revealing a bully broke into her campus accommodation with the help of two others and threw raw meat at her as she slept.

Melis Layik, 19, relived the traumatic moment after asking how 'misogynistic hazing' and sexual assault silencing could be stamped out in Australian universities.

'They knew I was vegan (and) they thought they could personally attack me, I went to the college and each time they did nothing about it,' she said.

Panellist and musician John Butler struggled to respond to the teenager's question after hearing her heartbreaking story.

University student Melis Layik (pictured) has told Q&A that she had meat thrown at her while she was staying in university accommodation

Panellist and musician John Butler (pictured) labelled the incident a 'criminal act' and said he hopes his children will not grow up in a culture that tolerates such behaviour

'That is a stupid thing to bloody do. That is not what any human being should be doing  especially at three o'clock in the morning. That is a criminal act,' he said.

'I am dumbfounded by this kind of culture that allows that to happen to you, first of all. Then when nothing is done about it  You left the school, you left the campus. They didn't.'

Mr Butler, a father of two young children, said he was 'perplexed' by a culture that allows this type of behaviour.

'I hope my daughter never has to deal with it and I hope my bloody son never acts like that,' he said.

Federal Education Minister Simon Birmingham also spoke out against the students' behaviour, calling it 'appalling' and went so far as to say the offender deserved to be thrown out of the university.

Melis Layik claims a bully has been targeting her for harassment because she is a vegan

The 18-year-old said a bully threw livers and offal on her as she slept and left a horse's heart at her bedroom door at Mannix College

Ms Layik, who first spoke out about the traumatic bullying incident in October 2017, said she no longer felt comfortable living at one of the university's residential colleges.

Speaking out at the time, Ms Layik said a bully had also left a horse's heart at her bedroom door at Mannix College, while also calling her a 'stupid vegan'.

She said she was harassed in a similar manner five times in nine days, including having chicken mince smeared on her door.

Ms Layik told Daily Mail Australia she complained to Monash University about the incidents but nothing was done.

'It was absolutely terrifying,' she said.

'One night he climbed into my room at 3am while I was sleeping and threw meat and offal at me.'

Ms Layik said the man was also 'passing around a lot of disparaging messages' through social media.

Ms Layik told Daily Mail Australia she complained to Monash University about the incidents but nothing was done

She said she was harassed in a similar manner five times in nine days, including having chicken mince smeared on her door

'In many messages and posts he mentioned my veganism and referred to me as a "stupid vegan".'

Ms Layik said she doesn't know why the man has targeted her for harassment.

'It seemed to be a random series of attacks which made it all the more upsetting and confusing.

'I had multiple meetings with the administration requesting that they do something but they simply shrugged me off and told me that they had spoken with him.'

She has since moved out of the college.

'They closed the matter three weeks ago and I felt too uncomfortable so I moved out.

'It was really quite disheartening how they flippantly dismissed the situation.'
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.
Shashank Bengali, a foreign correspondent for the LA Times wrote a report about India's shady kidney black market

A reporter who wrote about the trade in illicit organs around the world ended up having his inbox flooded with emails from people who wanted to sell him their kidney's in order to raise cash.

Shashank Bengali is a foreign correspondent for the Los Angeles Times, covering South Asia who wrote an article in September 2016 about what has been termed the 'Great Kidney Indian Racket'.

Bengali's piece highlighted how India harvests relatively few organs from people who die in accidents, as is the case in the U.S. which means most transplants involve living donors who give up one of their two kidneys.

Usually, the transplant happens between relatives with a spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandparent or grandchild acting as a donor.

But for those who don't have relatives with a suitable kidney, the other option is a shady, illegal marketplace in which well-off patients can buy organs from strangers.

Often the sellers are exceptionally poor and recruited from small towns using fake medical papers.

Bengali was inundated by email requests for people wanting to sell their kidney for cash

Months later, Bengali wrote a second piece about the legal selling of kidneys in Iran (file photo)

People owed thousands of dollars and were exceptionally poor and in a state of desperation saw the option of selling their kidney as their only way out of debt

In 2015 there were around 8,000 kidney transplants performed although it is not possible to state exactly how many of them were illegal.

Bengali noted that such a trade exists because many Indians are poor and desperate enough to give up a vital organ.

With many Indian laborers surviving on just a few dollars a day, it can be tempting when agents are offering thousands for a kidney.

Just a few months after Bengali's first report that blew the whistle on the illicit kidney trade, he received his first email from a 27-year-old Bangladeshi man.

'Sir I'm sell my body one kidney,' came the blunt note.

The man had listed various details including his blood type and phone number and signed: 'from Bangladeshi poor people money problem life.'

All was quiet until five months later an Indian man wrote to Bengali with the subject line 'How to sell my kidney.'

This time, he responded and got involved in an lengthy text message exchange asking him why he needed the money.

'My sister marriage and some family problem,' he replied.

Almost another year passed until Bengali wrote yet another story about Iranian kidney sales where the government operates a properly managed market for kidney sales.

Soon after that was published, his inbox began to fill up with almost 50 emails of offers of prospective kidney sellers from all over the world including India, Germany, Russia, Croatia, Peru, Kenya, Nigeria and the U.S.

'As a foreign correspondent, I was accustomed to seeking out people in difficult circumstances. Now they were seeking me out, showing up in my email at all hours  when I was writing another story, racing to catch a flight, having dinner with my wife at home in Mumbai or trying to rock one of our newborn twins to sleep  and becoming impossible to ignore,' he writes.

His articles pushed him to the top of Google's listings for 'how to sell my kidney' and soon people from around the world began emailing him offering to sell him their kidneys

Bengali realized that part of the reason he was the focus of so much attention was because both of his articles appeared at the top of Google's search rankings when people typed in 'sell my kidney'.

A sample of the messages revealed the precarious positions of those willing to undergo such an ordeal.

Bengali saw that it was mainly people from poor countries who would do virtually anything for some extra cash.

'I want to donate my kidney for money i need money plz help me my blood group is o positive,' wrote one prospective seller.

'I am ready to sell kidneys to any one in any country. I have a lot of financial problems and I will pay this money for my son's life,' said another.

'i need money to help my family for now thing are not going well in my family now sir plz help and say somthing,' pleaded a third.

Perhaps surprisingly, there were a number of emails from American citizens. One 59-year-old from Florida said that he didn't see an ethical problem with organ sales.

'If it helps me financially and keeps someone from dying, it is a win-win,' he wrote. 'I am quite healthy, do not smoke, rarely drink and would consider traveling to the Mideast, if you know of someone willing to compensate me and cover the costs.'

When Bengali followed up with those who had emailed him, some denied ever having contacted him.

A man from Iran said he needed the money in order to flee the country while and Indian seller said that he had a loan of $80,000 that he needed to pay off. Although selling a kidney would have hardly made a dent in his debt with the organ typically receiving around $4,000.

Throughout the year, emails continued to arrive.

Vikash from India said he wanted to sell his kedney to repay a loan the family had taken out for his sisters wedding.

The loan was around $1,700 and the only job he could get was delivering packages for Amazon, for about $110 a month.

'I don't have anything to sell except my body part,' he said. 'Please find a way for me.'

Bengali said that he found it difficult to imagine being placed in a position so dire that the only option would be to part with an organ.

He attempted to convince him that what he wanted to do wasn't an option and that it was illegal.

'I looked for the quickest way to end a conversation I wish Id never started. I said I would try, and he messaged a few more times. Soon, when he realized I couldnt help, he stopped writing,' Bengali writes.

But still the emails kept coming.
A woman's body was discovered on railway tracks just metres from where a rave had taken place the previous day.

Hayley Prett, a 40-year-old mother, is understood to have attended a 'Summers End' rave which was held in a clearing down The Warren in her home town of Folkestone, Kent on September 29.

Police confirmed they were called at 10.50am the following day to a report of a person on the line, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Hayley Prett (pictured) is believed to be the woman who was discovered on railway tracks in Folkestone, Kent, just metres from where a rave had taken place the night before

The circumstances of her death are not yet known and police are appealing for more information.

Formal identification of the body is yet to take place but it is believed to be Ms Prett, who was described as a 'warm, bright and happy' friend and a 'ray of light' with an 'infectious smile'.

One friend, Rosemary Brunt, said: 'What a wonderful woman Hayley Prett was.

'Such a delightful, vibrant lady full of warmth and love, she will be missed dearly and remembered by so many and I will always appreciate I had the pleasure to know her.

'I miss you already Hayley.'

Hundreds of people descended on The Warren on Saturday night for the 'Summers End' party.

Revelers erected a gazebo on a clearing near the beach where they set up a sound system.

Guests who attended the rave said the night had been trouble-free and they had not found out about death until the following day, September 30.

Kent Police has been contacted regarding the rave.

Police confirmed they were called to a report of a person on the line at 10.50am on Sunday. Formal identification of the body is yet to take place but it is believed to be Ms Prett

A spokesman for British Transport Police, which is leading the investigation into the discovery of a body, said enquiries would continue.

He said: 'Officers were called to the line close to The Warren, Folkestone, at 10.50am yesterday [September 30] after a report of a body on the tracks.

'Colleagues from the ambulance service also attended, however, a woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

'Formal identification has not yet taken place, however it is believed to be a 40-year-old woman.

'Her family have been informed.'

Detective Chief Inspector Sam Blackburn added: 'My thoughts are with the family of this woman as they come to terms with this awful news.

'It is now vitally important we understand precisely what happened and we have a team of detectives working to trace her final movements.

'Whilst these essential enquiries are made, I am keeping an open mind regarding how this woman came to be on the tracks and to lose her life.

'I would ask anyone who saw a woman near to Folkestone station during the early hours of Sunday morning to contact us as soon as possible.

'Any information, no matter how significant, could prove vital.'

A post-mortem in connection with this incident will take place in due course.
A mother today watched the emotionless ex-partner who stabbed their daughter to death in a 'selfish' act of jealousy be found guilty of the girl's murder.

William Billingham showed no signs of remorse as he was convicted of murdering his eight-year-old to get back as his ex, Tracey Taundry, after she began a lesbian relationship.

The 55-year-old is due to be sentenced tomorrow at Birmingham Crown Court after 'violently' stabbing the defenceless schoolgirl.

Miss Taundry was in court as Judge Paul Farrer QC told Billingham: 'I will deal with sentencing first thing tomorrow morning. In the mean time you are remanded in custody. You can go down sir.'

After today's verdict, investigation officer Detective Inspector Jim Colclough, of the West Midlands Police homicide unit, said the 'selfish' killer showed no remorse and only sought to help himself as Mylee lay dying.

Billingham plunged a blade into her chest after dragging her into his house as she cried out for her mother and sobbed: 'Please daddy no.'

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William Billingham (pictured in his police mugshot, left, after he was treated for a superficial knife wound to his neck and other injuries) was found guilty of killing his daughter Mylee (right) today

The court heard Billingham knifed Mylee to death just 15 minutes after posting a photo on Facebook of her smiling and eating pizza on a bed (pictured)

The evil thug, who is the brother of TV's SAS Who Dares Wins star Mark Billingham, killed the defenceless schoolgirl to get back at Miss Taundry.

He had grown resentful of 34-year-old Tracey's relationship with her new partner Lindsey Andrews and feared she would stop him seeing his children.

Shortly after Billingham was found guilty of the horrendous crime, the investigating officer described his actions as 'the most selfish act you can think of'.

Miss Taundry (shown outside court at an earlier hearing, left) desperately tried to bang the door down as she screamed for help while her daughter (right) was stabbed

The evil thug is the brother of TV's SAS Who Dares Wins star Mark Billingham (pictured, right, with his brother, left)

In January this year, Billingham waited for Tracey to collect Mylee from his home, where he callously armed himself with a kitchen knife.

As the youngster left his house, the father-of-six pulled his daughter back indoors by her hood as she screamed 'mummy, mummy' and 'please daddy, no daddy, stop it'.

Crazed Billingham then 'violently' thrust the blade Mylee's chest in a 'swift, deliberate and brutal' manner as a 'final act of revenge' against his ex.

Tracey meanwhile desperately tried to bang the door down as she screamed for help while her daughter was stabbed with such force the knife penetrated her entire body.

Police arrived at the property in Brownhills, near Walsall, West Midslands, to find Billingham 'whimpering' and lying on top of Mylee, whose face was covered in blood.

Detective Inspector Jim Colclough, of the West Midlands Police homicide unit, believes Billingham was unhappy with Tracey Taundry's new relationship, despite claiming he had no problems with it.

Speaking after Billingham was convicted of murder, Mr Colclough said the 55-year-old had shown no remorse when interviewed - and only sought to help himself as Mylee lay dying.

The killer's trial was told that officers kicked a knife away from near Billingham's hands, moving it underneath a rug, as they tried to treat him and his daughter.

During their efforts, Billingham kicked out at one officer, ignored repeated requests for information about what had happened to Mylee, and only related information about his own breathing problems.

Mr Colclough said: 'The initial attending police officers demonstrated real bravery in going into the premises, where the information was that there was a man armed with a kitchen knife.

Mylee Billingham (left) was stabbed to death at a house in the West Midlands on January 20 by her father Billingham (right)

'They were confronted by extremely upsetting scenes [with Mylee lying injured under her father] and everybody worked together tirelessly to try and save her.

'The first responders were an absolute credit to their respective services.'

Commenting on the murder, Mr Colclough said: 'It's the most selfish act you can think of. It is the greatest breach of trust that you can imagine as a father.

'Mylee was an eight-year-old girl. She had every reason to believe that Billingham was the most trusted person in the world. To carry out an act and actually take Mylee's life ... it's terrible.'

Chilling footage played to the court shows Mylee Billingham laughing with her father in a shop just over two hours before she was stabbed to death

Just 15 minutes earlier Billingham had posted a photo on Facebook showing his smiling daughter eating pizza on his bed.

Officers and paramedics performed CPR on the youngster who was rushed to Birmingham Children's Hospitals where she was pronounced dead at 11.30pm.

Billingham had a superficial knife wound on his neck and stab injuries to his stomach. He was taken to hospital and underwent surgery for his injuries. Once fit, he was taken into police custody and interviewed.

Last month Billingham went on trial at Birmingham Crown Court accused of murder, which he denied on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Tracey Taundry (far left) is pictured outside court during a previous hearing as jurors were told that Billingham was suffering from depression at the time of the death

But today a jury of four men and eight women found him unanimously guilty following just an hour of deliberations at the end of a nine-day trial.

Billingham, who appeared emotionless in the dock as the verdict was read out, is expected to be jailed for life when he is sentenced tomorrow.

Following the verdict, it can also be revealed how Billingham tried to take his own life midway through the trial by cutting both his wrists with razor blades in his cell.

The court was told how he was rushed to Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital where he underwent an operation after attempting to kill himself on September 21.

Killer cut his wrists in cell after jurors were shown CCTV footage of his daughter on the night she died The jurors were not told Billingham had cut his wrists in his cell - using razor blades - part-way through his trial. Billingham underwent surgery after the apparent attempt to end his own life in the early hours of September 21 - a day after his trial was shown CCTV footage of his daughter Mylee in a shop on the night he killed her. The former leather industry worker looked at the floor and covered his eyes with his hands as the two-minute video was shown to jurors on the third day of his trial. The father-of-six then failed to appear in court until the following week - when jurors were told to disregard the bandages on his lower arms, and given no details of how he came by his injuries. In legal argument which could not be reported until the end of the trial, defence barrister David Mason QC said seeing CCTV of Mylee had badly affected Billingham, who spent four days in hospital. On the morning Billingham was admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital from HMP Birmingham, Mr Mason told the court his client had experienced 'some sort of breakdown' overnight, during which he was injured. Billingham was eventually brought back to court on Tuesday September 25 - arriving in a taxi with a police escort, as his wounds meant he could not be handcuffed or placed in a prison van. Advertisement

The 55-year-old was assessed by a leading psychiatrist as aggressive, controlling and prone to violence towards women, particularly at the end of relationships.

Billingham, who had six children by three partners, was convicted of causing actual bodily harm in 1990 following an attack on his then girlfriend.

Billingham told a psychiatrist he had no memory of hiding under the previous partner's bed armed with a knife - or of dangling his legs off a balcony while holding their young son.

Although Billingham told police he was a 'brilliant' dad, he was assessed by a leading psychiatrist as aggressive, controlling and prone to violence towards women, particularly at the end of relationships.

Police also cautioned Billingham in 2007 after Mylee's mother alleged that she had been slapped in the face.

Another caution was handed to the factory worker in May 2012 after Miss Taundry knocked on a neighbour's door and said he had been hitting her - with their three children in the house.

Although two previous partners of Billingham opted not to give statements to police, they both gave accounts to officers of his behaviour during their relationships, which were assessed by defence and prosecution psychiatrists.

One of the women claimed she had returned home to find Billingham hiding under her bed with a knife.

The former partner alleged that Billingham then went on to sit on a balcony holding their son and asked: 'Haven't you forgotten something?

Billingham is also alleged to have headbutted the ex-partner in the face and bothered her for two years after they broke up.

Forensic psychiatrist Philip Joseph, who assessed Billingham, told Brmingham Crown Court that the killer did not become distressed during their discussions.

Dr Joseph said of Billingham's account of the events surrounding the killing: 'He told me that had not been sleeping too well, had poor finances and was stressed at Christmas.

'He didn't show features of anxiety or depression in his thinking. He has a particular difficulty in coping with the end of relationships and is likely to behave in an aggressive and intimidating manner.'

The balcony incident could be considered as a 'pointer' towards the defendant's difficulties, and his apparent willingness to use children to 'get back' at a former partner, Dr Joseph said.

'I disagree with the notion that he would need to be extremely unwell to do this,' Dr Joseph said of Billingham's decision to stab Mylee. 'People can kill when they are not mentally unwell.'

Ms Taundry saw her ex take their daughter back into the house with a knife, the court heard

Asked for his view on the possible motivation for the killing, Mr Colclough said: 'Tracey had embarked on a new relationship. This is a relationship she was open and honest about.

'It's our view that actually Billingham was not as happy with that situation as he'd made out. Whether that be through jealousy ... he decided on that evening to take actions into his own hands.'

The trial was told that Miss Taundry was outside Billingham's address for a number of minutes, not knowing what was taking place inside.

Mr Colclough said: 'The 999 call is a terrible thing to listen to. Tracey was beside herself with concern.

'Her mother will never heal from this': Detective reveals killer has shown no remorse for 'selfish' murder Billingham's decision to stab his daughter in an apparent attempt to take revenge on her mother has been described by a senior detective as the most selfish act imaginable. Detective Inspector Jim Colclough, of the West Midlands Police homicide unit, said the 55-year-old had shown no remorse when interviewed - and only sought to help himself as Mylee lay dying. Commenting on the murder, Mr Colclough said: 'It's the most selfish act you can think of. It is the greatest breach of trust that you can imagine as a father. 'Mylee was an eight-year-old girl. She had every reason to believe that Billingham was the most trusted person in the world. To carry out an act and actually take Mylee's life ... it's terrible.' The trial was told that Miss Taundry was outside Billingham's address for a number of minutes, not knowing what was taking place inside. Mr Colclough said: 'The 999 call is a terrible thing to listen to. Tracey was beside herself with concern. 'Officers were in the address for tens of minutes working on Mylee and at that time Tracey was unaware as to how serious the events were that had unfolded inside that address.' Miss Taundry had taken great comfort from support from the Brownhills community, but she and other family members were absolutely devastated by Mylee's death, the officer said. He added: 'She will never heal from this situation. Mylee will always be missing. She will always be missing a daughter and Mylee's sisters will always be missing a sister.' Advertisement

'Officers were in the address for tens of minutes working on Mylee and at that time Tracey was unaware as to how serious the events were that had unfolded inside that address.'

Miss Taundry had taken great comfort from support from the Brownhills community, but she and other family members were absolutely devastated by Mylee's death, the officer said.

He added: 'She will never heal from this situation. Mylee will always be missing. She will always be missing a daughter and Mylee's sisters will always be missing a sister.'

During the trial, jurors were told how Billingham had increasingly grown jealous of his ex's new relationship and feared losing his children.

He sent Tracey messages speaking about Lindsey in crude terms saying: ''I wouldn't f**k it but I wouldn't fight it either'.

Billingham also sent Tracey photographs of him wearing her bra and knickers with the caption: ''Your new knickers which I have broken in for you and Lindsey.

'You might want to wash them.'

But matters came to a head on the evening of January 20, when Tracey went to collect Mylee from Billingham's bungalow.

Chilling footage from earlier in the day was also played to the jury showing Mylee laughing and joking with her father in a shop just two hours before he killed her.

But later on Billingham flew into a rage and threatened to kill Tracey telling her 'I'm going to slice your neck off you dirty lesbian' - before stabbing Mylee.

Tracey watched on in horror as Mylee was dragged to her death before she frantically called 999 and told operators: 'He's got my baby.'

The court heard how Billingham had placed his hand over crying Mylee's mouth as she tried to defend herself before he stabbed her 'straight through' her body.

A police officer wept in the witness box as she described to jurors finding Mylee lying in a pool of blood still in her pyjamas with her father on top of her.

Prosecutor Karim Khalil QC said: 'It was a violent, jealous rage. The killing is most likely explained by the jealousy mixed with the rage that he felt towards Tracey and her new partner.'

Billingham was also taken to hospital after he stabbed himself twice in the liver and tried to cut his own throat.

He had told police he never meant to cause Mylee any harm and had wanted to 'protect her from the internet' so she could 'remain a child.'

He admitted to officers he stabbed his daughter to death but claimed he could not remember doing so.

But his version of events was rejected by the jury and he was convicted this afternoon in front of relatives who called out 'yes' from the public gallery as the guilty verdicts came back.

Billingham was also found guilty of making threats to kill his former partner.
Kristin Regier, 36, was taken into custody in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday

A Florida middle school teacher has been arrested after allegedly stealing Oxycodone and Adderall pills from colleagues' purses.

Kristin Regier, 36, was taken into custody in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday on suspicion of theft of a controlled substance worth more than $300.

She is alleged to have taken two Adderall pills from a colleague's handbag that was in a closet inside her locked classroom at Mandarin Middle School on September 20.

The colleague saw her walking out of the classroom with her hand clasped and confronted her. Regier admitted taking the pills and said she had obtained a key to access the locked classroom by telling administrators she was going to get a bottle of water.

The other teacher reported her and a police investigation was launched which resulted in another teacher saying she had a similar experience with Regier in August.

That teacher said she caught her stealing two Oxycodone pills from her purse.

According to the first teacher, Regier sent her text messages and emails after she was caught stealing the drugs in which she admitted having a problem.

Regier was released from custody not long after her arrest. Details of her next court date were not immediately available on Monday.

The school has not yet confirmed whether she has been fired or suspended, but told parents in an email that she had been replaced.

The email read: 'Im disappointed to have to inform you that one of our teachers, Mrs. Regier, was taken into custody today by Duval County School Police.

'The alleged offense is related to prescription medications and does not suggest any harm to students or children,' Principal Moses Williams said.

It was obtained by Action News Jax.
A father and his family who suffered debilitating headaches have been left shocked after finding out their home was once a meth lab.

Jonathon, a father from Melbourne who asked to remain anonymous, revealed he was taking medication for his constant headaches but felt no relief.

'Every morning I'd get this headache, I took so much Panadol and I just had trouble throwing it off,' he told Seven News.

It was only when his children got sick that he decided to get the rental house checked for methamphetamine.

'My 13-year-old daughter's bedroom was 80 times the safe level,' he revealed.

Australia's ice epidemic is causing problems for tenants as criminals leave traces of meth and other drugs behind when they vacate a premises.

Houses which are discovered to be heavily contaminated usually need to be stripped back to the frame.

It was only when his children got sick that he decided to get the house (pictured) checked for methamphetamine. 'My 13-year-old daughter's bedroom was 80 times the safe level'

Josh Marsden tests houses for drugs and cleans up if they are found. He said there has been an increase in work in recent years.

'There have been properties 15,000 to 20,000 times over the safe level,' he told Seven News.

There are now calls for a property register that allows people to check whether the property they're looking at renting or buying has been tested for drugs.

Victoria Police Senior Sergeant Nick Allwood revealed that officers have raided properties where there were 'two and three tonnes of waste'.
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More than 1,600 undocumented children have been stealthily relocated from private foster homes and shelters to a tent camp in West Texas as part of the Trump administration's mass reshuffling initiative.

As the New York Times reported on Sunday, hundreds of migrant children are being transferred under the cover of darkness from shelters all across the country to the desolate campsite in the desert city of Tornillo.

Most of the children, between ages 13 and 17, are roused from their beds in the middle of the night and loaded onto buses, often with just a couple hours' notice, so they would be less likely to panick or try to escape.

More than 1,600 undocumented children have been quietly moved from private foster homes and shelters to this sprawling tent camp in Tornillo, West Texas

Each sand-colored tent has 20 bunks and is equipped with air conditioning

Children are transferred to this location at night so that they would not run away

According to the paper, children arriving at the site are split up by gender and sleep 20 to a tent.

All the tents, which vary in sizes and serve different functions, are air-conditioned and the camp is equipped with portable toilets for the children to use.

There is no school on site, so the children are instead handed workbooks, which they are not required to complete. They also have limited access to their lawyers.

MSNBC correspondent Jacob Soboroff reported in late September that the growing population of the pop-up camp now almost equals that of the town of Tornillo itself.

The camp, which originally opened four months ago with a 360-bed capacity for 30 days, is being expanded to 3,800 beds and will be kept operating through the end of the year by the US Department of Health and Human Services.

The pop-up city is situated in the West Texas desert, on the US-Mexico border (pictured)

The camp originally opened four months ago with a 360-bed capacity for 30 days

The US Department of Health and Human Services is expanding the camp to 3,800 and it will remain open through the end of the year

The large-scale relocation of the unaccompanied minors is part of what the Times article called a mass reshuffling by the Trump administration, which is now caring for 13,000 undocumented children.

HHS spokesman Kenneth Wolfe said last month the expansion of the Texas site the was not due to the Trump administrations zero-tolerance policy, which led to the separations of more than 2,500 children from their parents.

Three months after enforcement of the policy officially ended, more than 400 children remain in government care, away from their parents, many of whom were deported.

Those previous family separations 'are not driving this need,' Wolfe said.

Thousands of immigrants continue to arrive at the southwest border each month, mostly from Central American countries roiled by gang violence and poverty.

The US Border Patrol said it apprehended nearly 4,000 children unaccompanied by an adult at the southwest border in July.
Ciera Hulatt has been banned from two Essex towns after she was found in 'cuckooed' homes with drugs gang members

A woman linked to a county lines-style drugs gang has been banned from two Essex towns for 'cuckooing' the homes of vulnerable local people.

Ciera Hulatt, from east London, was repeatedly seen in Southend, where she is thought to have been working with the 'Knuckles' gang.

Police say the gang target vulnerable people in the area, taking over their homes in a process called 'cuckooing', to help them traffic Class A drugs from London into the county.

Hulatt, 20, has now been made the subject of an unusual court order barring her from Southend and nearby Basildon for five years.

She was previously handed a similar 'community protection notice', designed to keep her out of the seaside resort, but she repeatedly ignored it.

In January, February, May and July, she was found in properties associated with drug dealing.

Describing a raid in July, police said: 'Officers visited a property on Southend High Street which was believed to have been cuckooed. Officers entered the property and fond Hulatt with other suspected members of the gang inside.'

She has been banned from Southend (pictured) and Basildon by a court in the county

What is 'cuckooing'? Police believe more than 1,000 county line gangs are operating in Britain, extending to all the country's 43 police forces. Gangs offer free drugs to some people in a process known as 'cuckooing', where dealers eventually take control of vulnerable addicts' homes. In Yorkshire towns, boys as young as 13 have been found to be acting as 'watchers' at homes that have been taken over. Advertisement

This week, Hulatt was made the subject of a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order, which bans her from entering Basildon and Southend, and was also ordered to pay 85 costs, a 40 fine and a 30 victim surcharge.

Following the hearing Chief Supt Paul Wells said: 'We have routinely found Hulatt in the company of members of the Knuckles gang.

'This gang not only attempt to supply Class A drugs on the streets of Southend but they also ruthlessly target vulnerable adults, using violence and intimidation, to take over their homes.

'Whilst we will hunt down those selling drugs on our street we will also target those people on the fringes of gangs, such as Hulatt, who support this illicit business.

'We will do whatever it takes to put these gangs out of business and behind bars and people who work for them can also expect a knock on the door.'
Three different books about Donald Trump's presidency have sold a combined total of more than five million copies in just nine months.

'Fire and Fury' by Michael Wolff, 'Fear' by Bob Woodward, and 'A Higher Loyalty' by James Comey have each sold more than a million copies in the US.

These recent figures show a surprising shift in success for books about politicians, reflecting just how fascinated Americans are with the Trump presidency.

But while Trump is always quick to brag about his TV ratings, even he wouldn't boast about the sales of these three books.

Trump actually took to Twitter to attack Wolff, Woodward, and Comey's respective books - all of which gave a critical inside-look into his presidency.

Three different books about Donald Trump's presidency - including Michael Wolff's 'Fire and Fury' - have sold a combined total of more than five million copies in just nine months

'A Higher Loyalty' by James Comey, and 'Fear' by Bob Woodward, have also sold more than one million copies this year

Wolff's 'Fire and Fury' gave an inside look into Trump's first year as president, with wild claims ranging from Trump's fear of being poisoned to a devastated Melania in tears on Election Night.

Trump was enraged by the book, calling it 'phony' and claiming he authorized 'zero access to the White House'.

'Full of lies, misrepresentations and sources that don't exist,' he tweeted in January, just days before it was released.

Trump launched a similar Twitter attack on Comey in April, a week before the release of his former FBI director's book.

In 'A Higher Loyalty' Comey claimed that Trump was 'untethered to the truth' and even compared him to a mob boss.

The figures show a surprising shift in books about politicians, reflecting just how fascinated Americans are with the Trump presidency

'James Comey is a proven LEAKER & LIAR,' Trump tweeted in one of his enraged rants.

'He is a weak and untruthful slimeball who was, as time has proven, a terrible Director of the FBI.'

And Trump's tune didn't change when legendary Deep Throat journalist Woodward released his own book.

Much like its predecessors, 'Fear' contained explosive claims from White House sources, including that John Kelly thought Trump was 'unhinged' and an 'idiot'.

'The Woodward book is a scam. I don't talk the way I am quoted. If I did I would not have been elected President,' Trump tweeted in September.

Trump actually took to Twitter to attack Wolff, Woodward, and Comey's respective books - all of which gave a critical inside-look into his presidency

In April Trump launched a Twitter attack on Comey a week before the release of his former FBI director's book

And Trump's tune didn't change when legendary Deep Throat journalist Woodward released his own book about the Trump presidency

'These quotes were made up. The author uses every trick in the book to demean and belittle. I wish the people could see the real facts - and our country is doing GREAT!'

Trump may not be a fan of the books, but these political tomes have had unprecedented success not seen since Barack Obama's memoirs sold a combined 4.6 million copies.

Books by Bill and Hillary Clinton, George W Bush, and Jimmy Carter have also topped the bestseller list, but those titles were only released after their authors' respective presidencies or presidential campaigns.

In the past, books about a presidency were generally published only after it was over, leaving sources freer to talk and allowing greater historical perspective.

But, 'as ever, Trump has sped everything up,' Jon Meacham, the author of several best-selling political and historical books, told MSNBC.

Trump himself has, however unintentionally, helped promote these books - all of which paint an apocalyptic picture of his administration - by firing off those tweets

And Trump himself has, however unintentionally, helped promote these books - all of which paint an apocalyptic picture of his administration - by firing off those tweets.

'I guess people want to see how bad it really is', said Marianne Elliott, who is on a long waiting list at the New York public library to read 'Fear'.

There's no sign of these books slowing down. Three more books about Trump, including this book by Washington Post journalist Greg Miller, will be released Tuesday

Many opposition Democrats, though repelled by Trump, his politics, and his blustering personality, have also been eager to read anything they can find about him.

'They want more bad information to make you feel better because you know he's terrible,' Elliott continued. 'It's comforting.'

Trump has sent off plenty of tweets about books that are favorable to him as well, which have performed with varying degrees of success.

Jeanine Pirro's book 'Liars, Leakers, and Liberals, the Case Against the Anti-Trump Conspiracy' briefly held the top-seller spot on Amazon.

But Sean Spicer's book 'The Briefing: Politics, the Press and the President' barely cracked the top 100.

'In our very divided society, people are feeling motivated by their political passion in deciding what books to read and buy,' said David Corn, co-author of 'Russian Roulette', a book about Russian interference in the American presidential campaign.

And Trump's impact on the publishing world hasn't stopped with the current best-sellers.

Books like '1984' and 'Fahrenheit 451', portraying totalitarian regimes that manipulate people through disinformation and propaganda, have also enjoyed newfound popularity.

Trump's impact on the publishing world hasn't stopped with current best-sellers. Books like '1984', portraying totalitarian regimes, have also enjoyed newfound popularity

Nor does the surging interest in political books seem close to peaking.

'The Fifth Risk' by Michael Lewis, 'The Apprentice' by Washington Post journalist Greg Miller, and the Stormy Daniels book 'Full Disclosure,' about the adult film star's alleged sexual liaison with Trump, are all set to reach bookstores on Tuesday as well.

'One potential problem is that people get too accustomed to the outrages of the Trump administration,' Corn said, 'And therefore become less interested in books like these.'

'But I don't see that happening any time soon.'
This is the crazy moment a pop-up IKEA store was forced to close early after shoppers caused a stampede for a new designer range.

Footage captured the chaotic scene in Paris as a large crowds push each other to try gain quick entry to snap up the limited pieces.

Security staff at the venue were unable to hold the crowd back safely and so were forced to shut it down.

Crowds can be seen shoving forward as they try and make a dash for the entrance of the pop Ikea store in Paris

The pop up IKEA shop was selling limited edition pieces from a collaboration with cult streetwear brand Off-White.

Shouting can be heard in the short clip as people make a run for the entrance, causing many people to be pushed and shoved.

IKEA France since has apologised for the inconvenience caused and said: 'We are sincerely sorry to have been forced to close because of this crowd movement. All security measures had been taken.'

Off White is the brainchild of American Virgil Abloh, 38, and the company was founded in Milan in 2012.

Security staff can be sen trying to control the stampede as they rush to get their hands on the collaboration with streetwear brand Off White

The limited edition items for IKEA include a chair with a red door stopper on the bottom and carpets with the words 'blue' and 'keep off' written on them.

The collaboration was announced back in June 2017 with IKEA sharing a picture of Virgil with a redesigned iconic IKEA bag.

On its website, IKEA announced that 'together, IKEA and OFF-WHITE look for ways to help create a home for millennials who are just starting out their lives.'

The short clip shows people running outside the store as they push each other to get to the front

American Mr Abloh said: 'We're looking at that first phase of adult life, when you start making purchases for your space.

'Largely people grow up in their parents' environment. They've never had to consider furniture.

'Then when they're off on their own and have their own aesthetic, what are their first purchases? I'm interested in thinking about how those purchases are informed.'
This is the moment firefighters had to knock down a wall to rescue a drunk man who dropped his keys down a waste disposal chute and then dived in after them.

The 24-year-old, whose name has not been released, had fallen down the chute of his friend's ninth floor flat in Minsk, Belarus.

In desperation the man jumped after his keys and managed to climb down three floors before getting stuck.

Firefighters can be sen pulling a drunk man to safety after he became stuck down a chute after dropping his keys

Firefighters were called to the scene and can be seen pulling the man out of the small confined space

Firefighters were called to the scene and can be seen pulling the man out of the small confined space.

A large hole in the wall has been made which the firefighters had to knock down before they could pull the man to safety.

The topless man looks helpless as he is dragged by his arms out of the hole created in the wall to free him.

The man did not live in the building but had been visiting a friend who lived on the ninth floor and they had got drunk together.

The man can be seen getting medical attention and after he damaged his pelvic and head in the traumatic ordeal

He had been messing about with his keys when he accidentally dropped them down and had panicked so decided to jump in after them.

He was rushed by ambulance to a nearby hospital for treatment to pelvic and head injuries, as well as alcoholic intoxication, after his traumatic ordeal.

The video, which was filmed by an eye witness, has been shared thousands of times on social media.
Uh-oh! It could be you, or it could be us, but there's no page here.
A staffer for Florida's Democratic gubernatorial candidate has been fired after his old tweets and Instagrams have resurfaced - including one post calling for the execution of President Donald Trump.

Manny Orozco-Ballestas, 24, was hired to run the youth outreach program for Andrew Gillum's gubernatorial campaign less than two weeks ago.

But the staffer, who previously worked for Hillary Clinton's presidential and Philip Levine's gubernatorial campaigns, has come under fire for his controversial old posts that ultimately led to his termination over the weekend.

He was first called out for an Instagram post from last summer where he wears a shirt depicting the 2016 electoral map that defined blue states as 'The United States of America' and red states that voted for Trump as 'Dumbf***istan'.

Manny Orozco-Ballestas was fired after less than two weeks as youth outreach staffer for Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, who is running for Florida governor. In an Instagram from last summer he wore a sweater depicting the 2016 electoral map where red states were called 'Dumbf***istan'

Manny Orozco-Ballestas has been fired from his role as youth outreach staffer for Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, who is running for Florida governor. Mayor Gillum pictured above

On top of that, old tweets from 2012 to 2013 reveal misogynistic messages and a death wish to Trump saying '@realDonaldTrump you need to be executed'.

The shirt was first reported by conservative blog Central Florida Post on September 26, who expressed outrage over the shirt's message.

His old tweets were then later exposed by Central Florida Post blogger Jacob Engels pointing to posts where he fat shames, is derogatory towards women, and writes 'If you weren't so ugly I would put my d*** in your face'.

Following the post, the Republican Party of Florida released a statement calling for Andrew Gillum to fire Orozco-Ballestas.

He was fired over the weekend after his old Instagram resurfaced and an old tweet from 2013 saying '@realDonaldTrump you need to be executed'. He released this statement following his termination

'It is unbelievable to me that Andrew Gillum would not only employ, but promote on social media, a person who calls voters "dumb f***s" for electing Republicans. It is hypocritical for Gillum to endorse the same kind of hateful, intolerant speech that he likes to denounce,' RPOF Chairman Blaise Ingoglia wrote.

A spokeswoman for Gillum told the Tampa Bay Times they addressed the explicit sweater with Orozco-Ballestas following the blog post.

He was fired and his Twitter account was deleted by Saturday morning. The Gillum campaign has not commented on the exact date or reason for his termination.

'The type of language this young man used on social media before his employment with our campaign is unacceptable and he will no longer be working with the campaign,' Gillum's campaign spokesperson Joshua Karp said in a statement.

Following his termination Orozco-Ballestas shared his own statement.

In 2013 Orozco-Ballestas tweeted at Trump saying 'you need to be executed'

Other old tweets have been exposed by conservative blog Central Florida Post such as this fat shaming post

Other old tweets by the staffer are of a misogynistic and derogatory nature

His old tweets have been criticized as being extremely derogatory towards women

'I am embarrassed, angry, and disappointed in myself. This is painful and frustrating all at the same time. As a young person, you never imagine it will happen to you, until it does. I took social media for granted when I was younger and I am now facing the consequences.

'Having served as the only statewide youth director in the state of Florida for two extraordinary candidates, during this unprecedented election cycle, was the greatest joy of my young professional career.

'I'm so sorry to all those I let down, especially Mayor Gillum and my team. What I tweeted as an immature student many years ago is not a reflection of the man I am today. I will continue finding ways to fight for what is right for as long as I can, however I can - America is worth it and there is way too much at stake

'Onward. - Manny Orozco,' he wrote.

A Wednesday poll shows that Gillum has a nine point lead over DeSantis in the gubernatorial election - 54 per cent to 45 per cent.
A Michigan man suspected of murdering his girlfriend has been released from hospital after leading police on a chase that ended when he was mowed down by a police car.

Adam Nolin, 33, is suspected of shooting dead his girlfriend Tia Mae Randall, 27, on Thursday in Wyoming, Michigan.

He was arraigned on Friday in a hospital after an officer ran him down with a police SUV as Nolin shot at them while trying to flee on a busy highway.

Adam Nolin, 33, is suspected of shooting dead his girlfriend Tia Randall, 27

Nolin has since been released from the hospital and transferred to the county jail where he took a mugshot showing his bloodied face.

He has been charged with five felony counts, including assault with intent to murder and fleeing police.

'Arraigning at the hospital certainly isn't the norm, but it's not unheard of either,' Wyoming Police Capt. James Maguffee said.

'He is getting the treatment he needs, but we need the wheels of justice to turn. Judges will often make the accommodations to make that happen.'

The investigation into shooting death of Tia Randall, (left) a mother-of-two, and Adam Nolin's girlfriend, remains open (Nolin is pictured right in his mugshot)

The body of Nolin's girlfriend was found Thursday morning at Creekside Estates mobile home.

The mother-of-two was killed by a single gunshot and police immediately identified Nolin as a suspect.

Police then released an alert for the public to be on lookout for Nolin, giving a broad physical description of him and his 1996 black Dodge pickup truck.

He was spotted in his truck and as police tried to pull him over Nolin hopped onto US 131.

Nolin crashed his truck into a concrete median then got out and ran on foot down the highway.

As he ran, Nolin shot at the officers chasing him.

One cop took the police SUV and ran Nolin down from behind. The event was captured on video by an onlooker.

Cops pursued him Friday as he tried to flee on a highway in Wyoming, Michigan. One officer ran Nolin over with a police SUV, ending the chase

He was transported to the hospital where he was in serious but stable condition and has now been transferred to Kent County Jail.

'It shows the willingness of our police officers in West Michigan to put themselves in harm's way to protect this community,' Maguffee said. 'They got the guy in custody in an appropriate time frame and in an appropriate way and we're very proud of them.'

In all, Nolin is charged with two counts of assault with intent to murder, fleeing police, carrying a concealed weapon and felony use of a firearm.

He has yet to be charged in the death of his girlfriend as the homicide investigation remains active.

'There's absolutely an underlying homicide investigation that continues and we'll be close to wrapping that up and we'll present that to the Kent County prosecutor at the appropriate time,' Maguffee said.
President Donald Trump conceded his Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh had 'difficulty' with drinking as a young man but dismissed that as a possible disqualification for serving on the high court.

He said during a press conference on Monday that he watched Kavanaugh's testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee last week and doesn't think his nominee misled senators about his relationship with alcohol.

'I watched him. I was surprised at how vocal he was about the fact that he likes beer and that he has a little bit of difficulty. He talked about things that happened when he drinks,' Trump said.

President Trump conceded Brett Kavanaugh had difficulty drinking as a young man

Brett Kavanaugh told the Senate last week he likes beer but said he never drank to the point of passing out

During the hearing on Thursday, Kavanaugh insisted that he had never blacked out from drinking alcohol. He is pictured on left at his Yale graduation

The president is defending his Supreme Court nominee, whose confirmation is in limbo after Republican Sen. Jeff Flake joined Democrats in pushing for an FBI investigation into sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh.

Christine Blasey Ford charges that Kavanaugh, when drinking, pinned her to a bed during a high school party in the 1980s, tried to rip her clothes off and covered her mouth when she screamed.

Kavanaugh denies the allegation.

But Trump argues there have been no recent allegations against Kavanaugh when it comes to his drinking habits or sexual assault claims.

'But I watched that hearing and I watched that man say he had difficulty as a young man with drink. The one question I didn't ask was how about the last 20 years. Have you had difficulty in the last 20 years? Because nobody said anything bad about him,' he said.

'This is not a man who says that he is perfect with respect to alcohol,' he added.

Trump, whose brother Fred Trump Jr. was an alcoholic and died in 1981 at the age of 43, also said he's never had a drink and joked 'can you imagine' what 'a mess I'd be' if he had indulged.

'I'm not a drinker. I can honestly say I've never had a beer in my life. It's one of my only good traits. I don't drink. Whenever they're looking for something I say 'I've never had a glass of alcohol. I'ver never had alcohol for whatever reason' Can you image if I had what a mess I'd be? I'd be the world's worst. But I never drank,' he said.

But he said he doesn't judge people who drank in high school.

'I graduated from high school and while I did not drink I saw a lot of people drinking. They'd drink beer and they'd go crazy and they were in high school. They were 15, 16 years old and I saw a lot of it. Does that mean they can't do something they want to do in their life?' he said.

'I really believe he was very strong on the fact he drank a lot,' he said of Kavanaugh.

In October, Trump, in a rare moment of introspection, talked about the lessons he learned from his brother Fred, who he called a 'great guy' but acknowledged his problem with alcohol.

The president recalled how Fred would frequently tell him 'don't drink' and 'don't smoke.' And he said he listened because he respected his brother.

'And to this day I've never had a drink, and I have no longing for it. I have no interest in it,' Trump said at the time. 'To this day, I've never had a cigarette.'

President Trump's brother, Fred Trump Jr.

On Monday, the president dismissed a suggestion Kavanaugh may have lied to senators about the extent of his alcohol use.

Some Democrats have expressed concern the FBI - in their investigation into sexual allegations against Kavanaugh - are reportedly not talking to high school and college classmates, some of whom have said Kavanaugh drank to excess.

In his committee testimony, Kavanaugh said 'I like beer' but said he never drank to the point of blacking out.

'Sometimes I had too many beers. I liked beer. I still like beer. But I never drank beer to the point of blacking out, and I never sexually assaulted anyone,' Kavanaugh said on Thursday.

Democrats are concerned investigators will not examine Kavanaugh's drinking habits.

Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota expressed concern some people who knew Kavanaugh when he was at Yale University would not be interviewed about their recollections of him drinking.

'You have these other people from parts of his life who have said that he was belligerent when he was drunk and other things. Now, they have not been interviewed by the FBI,' she said on CNN on Sunday.

Klobuchar, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, specifically asked Kavanaugh on Thursday about his drinking, including if he had ever drunk so much he 'didn't remember what happened the night before or part of what happened.'

'You're asking about blackout. I don't know, have you?' Kavanaugh responded.

'Could you answer the question, judge?' Klobuchar said.

She told CNN she was 'stunned' at his behavior.

'I was really stunned by how he acted at that hearing. This is basically a job interview for the highest court of the land,' Klobuchar said.

Trump dismissed the senators' concerns about what Kavanaugh may have done or not done while he was in school.

Klobuchar reacted to Kavanaugh's behavior during his testimony in a CNN interview Sunday

Charles 'Chad' Ludington, who said he was Brett Kavanaugh's friend at Yale and sometimes drank with him, has described him as 'a frequent drinker, and a heavy drinker'

Minnesota Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar has said she was 'really stunned' by the way Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh conducted himself when he testified in front of her and the rest of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday

'Nobody asked him what happened in the last 25,30 years during his professional career because there were no bad reports,' he said on Monday in the Rose Garden a the White House.

He added: 'Take a look at a judge who has lived an exemplary life. And you go back to high school because he had beer. I think the judge has been pretty amazing about describing his situation with alcohol and with beer.'

Additionally, a former Yale University classmate of Kavanaugh's described him as 'a frequent drinker, and a heavy drinker' at college.

Charles 'Chad' Ludington, who now teaches at North Carolina State University, said on Sunday that he is 'deeply troubled' by what he claims is a blatant mischaracterization by Kavanaugh of his drinking.

Ludington, who said in a statement that he was Kavanaugh's friend at Yale and used to drink with him, accused the Supreme Court nominee of being untruthful in his testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee about the extent of his drinking in college.

In addition to being a 'frequent' and 'heavy drinker', Ludington said Kavanaugh was often 'belligerent and aggressive' when drunk.

'On many occasions I heard Brett slur his words and saw him staggering from alcohol consumption, not all of which was beer,' he said.

'When Brett got drunk, he was often belligerent and aggressive.'

Ludington said he plans to speak to the FBI because he believes Kavanaugh downplayed the 'degree and frequency' of his drinking during the Senate hearing.

'I can unequivocally say that in denying the possibility that he ever blacked out from drinking, and in downplaying the degree and frequency of his drinking, Brett has not told the truth,' he said.

Trump said on Monday the FBI could question whomever they deemed necessary

'Let the Senate decide  whatever they want to do is fine,' he said. 'And the FBI. I think the FBI should do whatever they have to do to get to an answer.'

'I want them to do a very comprehensive investigation  whatever that means according to the senators,' he added.
German police detained six suspected far-right militants who allegedly formed a group that assaulted foreigners and planned attacks on politicians and civil servants, authorities have said.

The men are accused of forming 'Revolution Chemnitz', an organisation named after the city where the fatal stabbing of a German man blamed on migrants in August prompted the worst far-right violence in Germany in decades.

Some 100 police officers backed by special commando units arrested the six suspects aged between 20 and 30 at locations in Germany's Saxony and Bavaria states today.

Policemen escort a suspected right-wing terrorist in Karlsruhe, south western Germany

Five of the suspects had attacked and injured foreigners in Chemnitz on September 14 using glass bottles, steel knuckle gloves and tasers, it was claimed.

The group had also allegedly planned to carry out another attack on October 3, the national holiday that marks the reunification of East and West Germany in 1991.

Authorities revealed that another suspect had been taken into custody on September 14.

'Based on the information we have so far, the suspects belong to the hooligan, skinhead and neo-Nazi scene in the area of Chemnitz and considered themselves leading figures in the right-wing extremist scene in Saxony,' prosecutors said.

The group had planned to attack senior civil servants and politicians, they claim.

Police officers at the Federal Supreme Court (BGH) building escort a suspect to a hearing before a magistrate at the Federal Supreme Court of Justice (BGH) in Karlsruhe

'In the course of further investigations we encountered tangible indications that the organisation pursued terrorist goals,' the public prosecutor general (GBA) said in a statement.

GBA spokeswoman Frauke Koehler told reporters that the authorities had intercepted communications which showed that the suspects were plotting attacks against political opponents as well as foreigners.

The violence in Chemnitz, where skinheads hounded migrants and performed the illegal Hitler salute, exposed deep divisions over Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision in 2015 to welcome almost one million mostly Muslim asylum seekers.

The events also strained Merkel's coalition government. Her conservatives and their Social Democrat (SPD) coalition partners could not agree what to do with the head of the BfV domestic spy agency, who questioned the authenticity of a video showing skinheads chasing migrants.

According to reports, six men were arrested as per order of Germany's attorney general. The six men are charged with forming a far-right terror group known as 'Revolution Chemnitz'

They reached a compromise last month to transfer him to the interior ministry, ending a row that almost felled their six-month-old government.

The events in Chemnitz also raised questions about whether authorities in Saxony were too complacent in the face of rising far-right violence and xenophobia, in a country sensitive to whether the lessons of its Nazi past have been learned.

The reputation of Germany's law enforcement was hurt by the handling of case of a neo-Nazi gang that murdered 10 people during a 2000-2007 campaign of racially motivated violence.

Pictured: August 27, 2018, police patrol where people demonstrate at a sculpture of Karl Marx in Chemnitz following the death of a 35-year-old German national who died in hospital after a 'dispute between several people of different nationalities', according to the police

Two members of the group, the National Socialist Underground (NSU), killed themselves in 2011 when police discovered the gang by chance.

Another member was jailed for life in July.

The Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper said investigators believed 'Revolution Chemnitz' would have carried out more murders than the NSU.

Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said after the arrests on Monday that the threat of a militant attack in Germany remains high, which means 'an attack could take place any moment.'
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These behind the scenes pictures show the annual Judges Service, which was held at Westminster Abbey, in all its pomp and ceremony.

The service was conducted by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, who said in his Bidding: 'At the beginning of the legal year, we gather in the presence of almighty God, who is the judge of all and who knows the secrets of our hearts, to renew our commitment to the service of the Crown and of all the people in the cause of justice.'

The candid pictures show swathes of judges meandering through the Abbey's famous cloisters and grounds in their ceremonial robes and headgear.

Circuit Court Judges gather in Westminster Abbey ahead of the annual service to mark the start of the legal year

Members of the judiciary process to the Houses of Parliament, in Westminster, London, following the annual Judge's Service at Westminster Abbey

Members of the judiciary process to the Houses of Parliament while taking pictures on their camera phones

Among the crowds, Supreme Court Judges, High Court Judges and Circuit judges gathered in the 928-year-old abbey ahead of the annual service to mark the start of the legal year.

The legal year commences at the beginning of October, with a ceremony dating back to the Middle Ages in which the judges arrive in a procession from the Temple Bar to Westminster Abbey for a religious service, followed by a reception known as the Lord Chancellor's breakfast, which is held in Westminster Hall.

Although in former times the judges walked the distance from Temple to Westminster, they now mostly arrive by car. The service is held by the Dean of Westminster with the reading performed by the Lord Chancellor.

The ceremony has been held continuously since the Middle Ages, with the exception of the years 1940 to 1946 because of World War II. In 1953 it was held in St Margaret's Church because Westminster Abbey was still decorated for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

Before the ceremony, two new justices were sworn in at the supreme court. Alongside Lord Kitchen, Lady Arden took her oath of office and her induction signals the checkpoint that a quarter of supreme court judges are women.

Supreme Court Judges, High Court Judges and Circuit judges gather in Westminster Abbey ahead of the annual service to mark the start of the legal year

The 12-member supreme court bench president, Lady Hale, welcomed Lady Arden warmly, fondly recollecting their friendship in their student days.

Lady Arden grew up in Liverpool and studied law at Cambridge University while Kitchin, an expert in intellectual property law, studied natural sciences at Cambridge.

Both sat in the court of appeal before today's appointments.

New Justices' of the UK Supreme Court, Lady Mary Arden and Lord David Kitchin outside the UK Supreme Court

Judge in retro sunglasses walks to the Houses of Parliament after attending the annual Judges Service at Westminster Abbey

Circuit Court Judges arrive at Westminster Abbey ahead of the annual service to mark the start of the legal year

Members of the judiciary arrive for the annual Judge's Service at Westminster Abbey, which marks the start of the new legal year, the judges mark the occasion with a picture

High Court Judges leave Westminster Abbey after the annual service to mark the start of the legal year

The annual service to mark the start of the legal year takes place in Westminster Abbey today

Circuit Court Judges arrive in Westminster Abbey ahead of the annual service to mark the start of the legal year

High Court Judges gather in Westminster Abbey ahead of the annual service to mark the start of the legal year

LEADING LAWYER WITH A PENCHANT FOR MAGIC BECOMES TOP FAMILY COURT JUDGE Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division of the High Court - he has a penchant for magic tricks A 64-year-old lawyer who owns a donkey and performs magic tricks has officially become the most senior family court judge in England and Wales. Sir Andrew McFarlane, who was educated at Durham University and worked as a barrister in Birmingham, was sworn in as President of the Family Division of the High Court on Monday. He replaces Sir James Munby who retired during the summer. Lawyers and judges paid tribute to Sir Andrew, and told of his interests, during a ceremony at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. One barrister told how Sir Andrew performed as a magician at children's parties. A judge told how a section headed 'personal life' on Sir Andrew's Wikipedia page made no reference to his family but noted that he was 'known to have a pet donkey'. Lawyers heard that an article in a legal magazine had earlier this year said the donkey was 'much in demand at Christmas Nativity services' where he was 'closely followed by the distinguished judge bearing a pooper-scooper'. Advertisement

Circuit Court Judges arrive for today's ceremony through the famous cloisters of Westminster Abbey

Members of the judiciary brace the elements as they arrive for the annual Judge's Service in their ceremonial gear

The legal year commences at the beginning of October, with a ceremony dating back to the Middle Ages in which the judges arrive in a procession from the Temple Bar

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary David Gauke (right) arrives for the annual Judge's Service at Westminster Abbey

A judge has his robes adjusted as members of the judiciary arrive for the annual Judge's Service at Westminster Abbey

Although in former times the judges walked the distance from Temple to Westminster, they now mostly arrive by car

Supreme Court Judges, including newly instated Lady Mary Arden and Lord David Kichen, pose for a group photo outside the Supreme Court before the ceremony

Members of the judiciary process to the Houses of Parliament after the ceremony in the 928-year-old Westminster Abbey

MP David Gauke, (centre) Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor leaves Westminster Abbey after the service

The Very Reverend Dr John Hall (centre) leads the service to mark the start of the legal year
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More than 21 million visitors a year flock to see the cavernous and meticulously crafted Grand Central Terminal, which has been one of the biggest tourist attractions in the Big Apple for decades.

Described by historians as one of the most majestic buildings of the 20th Century, the commuter railroad station serves residents in several New York and Connecticut counties thanks to having 44 platforms covering 48 acres making it one of the largest railroad stations in the world.

But Grand Central Terminal almost did not reach its legendary status as its known by today. The transportation hub in Midtown Manhattan was nearly demolished to make way for a huge office tower 40 years ago. Celebrities and city leaders including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis rallied against the proposal. It took a ruling by the Supreme Court to ultimately save it, but the terminal had fallen into bad shape desperately needed to be renovated.

The arduous and costly multi-phase restoration was completed 20 years ago  a tremendous task that marked the rebirth of the train terminal.

Now, Grand Central is currently celebrating both anniversaries of the two milestones, which are the primary reasons it is still a beloved city icon 105 years later. To mark the anniversaries, historians and preservationists have curated an impeccable exhibit in Grand Centrals Vanderbilt Hall and are hosting a number of events.

Described by historians as one of the most majestic buildings of the 20th Century, the commuter railroad station serves residents in several New York and Connecticut counties thanks to having 44 platforms covering 48 acres making it one of the largest railroad stations in the world. Pictured above is an interior view of the terminal's main concourse looking past the information booth to the West Balcony on December 16, 1914

But Grand Central Terminal almost did not reach its legendary status as its known by today. The transportation hub in Midtown Manhattan was nearly demolished to make way for a huge office tower 40 years ago. Pictured above is a southwest view of the main concourse in the terminal with light shining through windows in 1927 or 1928

Celebrities and city leaders including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis rallied against the proposal. It took a ruling by the Supreme Court to ultimately save it, but years later the terminal had fallen into bad shape desperately needed to be renovated. The arduous and costly multi-phase restoration was completed 20 years ago  a tremendous task that marked the rebirth of the beloved train terminal. Pictured above is Onassis along with city leaders in 1975 outside of Grand Central Terminal

Speaking to DailyMail.com, Amy Hausmann, Senior Curator and Deputy Director for Collections and Exhibitions at the New York Transit Museum, explained that the exhibit provides a wealth of information about the story behind transportation hub.

Its about the construction, the building of Grand Central, the saving of Grand Central and the restoration of Grand Central. Its a really incredible story, she said.

Grand Central as we know it today was built in 1913 as the home of the New York Central Railroad. And it was a really incredible grand Bozar piece of architecture, I like to call it a temple of transportation.

For years, the railroad successfully ran out of the train terminal, but as technology advanced, the way Americans traveled around the country changed.

Over the course of the 20th Century, especially after World War II, rail travel declined not just in New York, but really across the country as people got their own cars from Detroit and started taking airplanes instead of using railway travel, she explained.

Railway travel became kind of considered to be old fashioned and it created a real problem for some larger companies like Pennsylvania Railroad or the New York Central Railroad.

By the 1960s, those railroad companies were facing huge financial issues and as a result the original Penn Station shut down and the beautiful railway station was demolished.

The building was not protected as a landmark, despite its grand and pristine architectural appearance. A similar fate of being demolished to make room for a skyscraper was looming for Grand Central Terminal.

Speaking to DailyMail.com, Amy Hausmann, Senior Curator and Deputy Director for Collections and Exhibitions at the New York Transit Museum, explained that the exhibit provides a wealth of information about the story behind transportation hub. She said: Grand Central as we know it today was built in 1913 as the home of the New York Central Railroad.' Pictured above is an undated exterior photo showing the terminal

She added: 'And it was a really incredible grand Bozar piece of architecture, I like to call it a temple of transportation. Pictured above is the baggage claim area at the train station showing two men handling a roped trunk while another worker sits at a desk chatting with a red cap in an undated photo

For years, the railroad successfully ran out of the train terminal allowing thousands of New Yorkers to travel via rail car across the country. Pictured above is an exterior view of Grand Central Terminal taken in an undated photo

But as technology advanced, the way Americans traveled around the country changed. Pictured above left is a street scene image from 1871 showing the exterior of Grand Central Depot, which was the previous building structure that housed several train lines before it was demolished in the early 1900s. Pictured right are double decker buses traveling outside of Grand Central Terminal in an undated photo

During the 1940s there was a movie theatre inside the iconic terminal as the photo above shows posters advertising news reels and 'Up to the Minute World News'. The photo also indicates how there was a magazine kiosk located just outside of the theatre. Hausmann said: Over the course of the 20th Century, especially after World War II, rail travel declined not just in New York, but really across the country as people got their own cars from Detroit and started taking airplanes instead of using railway travel

Pictured above is the Park Avenue Tunnel in an undated photo. She added: 'Railway travel became kind of considered to be old fashioned and it created a real problem for some larger companies like Pennsylvania Railroad or the New York Central Railroad

By the 1960s, those railroad companies were facing huge financial issues and as a result the original Penn Station shut down and the beautiful railway station was demolished. The building was not protected as a landmark, despite its grand and pristine architectural appearance. A similar fate of being demolished to make room for a skyscraper was looming for Grand Central Terminal. Pictured above is an exterior view showing Grand Central Terminal in an undated photo

Hausmann said: But because people were so unhappy and upset about what happened to Penn Station, people galvanized and came together when the threat of building a 55-storey building on top of Grand Central was proposed. ... Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis worked very hard to publicize the historic importance of Grand Central and the importance of historic buildings.' Pictured above is the information booth inside of the main concourse area of Grand Central Station showing a man looking at an advertisement for jobs captured sometime between 1960 - 1970

The committees worked vigorously to have Grand Central designated as a landmark, which it received that status on August 2, 1967, to protect it from being demolished. But the owners of the property challenged that in court and eventually the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the building keeping it's landmark status, blocking the proposed 55-storey building from being built with a six to three vote in 1978

But because people were so unhappy and upset about what happened to Penn Station, people galvanized and came together when the threat of building a 55-story building on top of Grand Central was proposed, she said.

The Municipal Art Society and others came together and formed a committee to save Grand Central. Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis worked very hard to publicize the historic importance of Grand Central and the importance of historic buildings.

It really started an advocacy campaign to protect the legacy and heritage of architecture in New York and across the country.

The committees worked vigorously to have Grand Central designated as a landmark, which it received that status on August 2, 1967, to protect it from being demolished.

But still the owners of Grand Central, took the fight to the New York State Supreme Court and the landmark status was invalidated in 1975.

 Slide me  After winning the court battle, Grand Central fell into disrepair in the years following. By the late 1980s, city officials had selected architectural firms and specialists to conduct the multi-million dollar renovation which took much of the 1990s to complete. Pictured above left is a photo showing Vanderbilt Hall, which was the Main Waiting Room, before renovation and right it is pictured following the transformation into a premier event space in 1998

 Slide me  The restoration project allowed for everything to be deeply cleaned inside the terminal. Pictured above left is a view of a walk way prior to the restoration and pictured right is a view of the same space following completion in 1998

 Slide me  Over the years several businesses have been allowed to host pop-up shops inside Vanderbilt Hall. Pictured above left is a view of the area showing a news stand and right is a photo showing the same spot in 2016

The renovation, which cost more than $200million, also included touching up the Transportation Statuary (pictured) located outside of Grand Central Station

The Tiffany Clock also received some touch-up work during the lengthy renovation process in the 1990s as a worker is pictured above providing gentle care to the notable clock

 Slide me  The Main Concourse level inside Grand Central terminal is pictured above left prior to the completion of the 1998 restoration and above right after being completely transformed and renovated back into pristine shape

 Slide me  Pictured above left huge scaffolding was installed for workers to be able to reach the ceiling inside Grand Central to clean off years of dirt and cigarette smoke that had affected the ceiling. Pictured above right is the ceiling after being thoroughly cleaned and restored to it's original condition

In an effort to stop it from being demolished, Onassis held a press conference at the Grand Central Oyster Bar calling on then-New York City Mayor Abraham Beame to appeal the decision.

The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear the appeal in 1977 and the day before the court was set to hear arguments in the lawsuit, Onassis and other activists rode a specially chartered Amtrak train called the Landmark Express from New York to Washington, D.C. to call attention to the issue.

The court eventually upheld the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission jurisdiction over Grand Central Terminal blocking the proposed 55-story building from being built with a six to three vote in 1978.

But as that battle ended, a second followed not long after. The transportation hub had fallen into horrible disrepair and needed to be renovated. By the late 1980s, city officials had selected architectural firms and specialists to conduct the multi-million dollar renovation which took much of the 1990s to complete.

By 1998, the celestial ceiling was completely cleaned and restored to its original state, new state-of-the-art fiber optic star lighting system was installed, several new restaurants opened and Vanderbilt Hall was completely restored.

Grand Central to me is such a treasure, I think its an international landmark and its a place where the past and present and the future come together, Hausmann reflected.

The exhibition that weve put together celebrates that. It celebrates this transportation hub where 700,000 people pass through every day. But Grand Central is a public space for the people of our city.
As Theresa May fights to control deepening Brexit divisions in her party at the Conservative conference, top Eurocrat Jean-Claude Juncker has suggested that British planes may not be able to land in the EU if Brexit goes wrong.

The European Commission president has also said a four-day quarantine may be imposed on pet dogs and cats passing from the UK to continental Europe and again on their return journey.

Speaking at a public meeting in Freiburg, Germany, Mr Juncker asked: 'What's going to happen to air traffic in Europe if everything goes wrong?

'British planes will not be able to land on the European continent.

'People didn't know that. Someone should have told them beforehand.'

President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker pictured at the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit in September. Today he has said British planes may not be able to land in the EU if Brexit goes wrong

Prime Minister Theresa May walks through the International Convention Centre after a private tour of trade and organisation stands on day two of the Conservative Party Conference on October 1

The interjection from Mr Juncker comes at a challenging time for Mrs May who is struggling to convince the EU to accept her Chequer's plan and heal the significant divisions on Brexit within her own party.

At the meeting Mr Juncker added: 'What I really regret in the context of Brexit is that there was no real Brexit campaign in terms of actual information in the United Kingdom.

'The people are finding out now - including British ministers and ministers on the continent - how many questions it poses, all the things we need to resolve.

'I ask myself what is going to happen to the 250,000 dogs and cats who leave the European continent each year.

'Right now they just pass through the customs, all these dogs and cats coming to mainland Europe each year.

'There are lots of people in Europe who just want people and animals to just cross borders, but I think we are going to have a four-day quarantine.

'If you want to go to Brittany for eight days for holidays, then maybe you need to leave the dog or cat at home, or maybe you will stay home altogether.'

Mr Juncker said he did not want to talk about the UK's withdrawal at the public meeting, as 'Brexit is a question of history, Brexit is undoing European history and I like to deal with the future, I like to deal with the people who want Europe'.

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker attend the European Union leaders informal summit in Salzburg, Austria, September 20, 2018

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May leaves her hotel on the second day of the Conservative Party Conference

He added: 'We are right in the middle of these difficult Brexit negotiations. I'm totally for finding a good way to co-operate with the Brits as friends. We need to keep this civil.

'We sometimes feel like the Brits feel we are leaving them, but it is the other way round - they are the ones that are leaving.'

The president of the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg, Winfried Kretschmann, told the meeting that a second referendum in which the UK voted to stay in the EU would not pose problems for his area.

'If they wanted to stay in the EU, that would not be a very big problem for us,' said Mr Kretschmann.
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Las Vegas went dim at exactly 10.01pm local time Monday to mark the exact moment a gunman opened fire on a country music festival one year ago, killing 58 people in the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history.

The near-blackout along the Strip at the heart of the City of Lights capped off a somber day of memorials in the notoriously lively city.

As the lights were lowered, hundreds of survivors formed a human chain circling the shuttered site of last year's horrific violence, while mourners across town listened to bagpipes and the names of the 58 victims being read aloud.

Around the same time a procession of pickup trucks with American flags flying from their truck beds drove down the darkened Strip honking their horns.

Throngs of people were seen throughout the day Monday paying tribute to those who lost their lives when gunman Stephen Paddock opened fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay resort, spraying bullets down at the Route 91 Harvest Festival attended by some 20,000 people on October 1, 2017.

 Slide me  Lights along the Las Vegas strip went dim at 10.01pm local time Monday to mark the exact moment a gunman opened fire on a country music festival one year ago, killing 58 people in the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history

HAPPENING NOW: Marquee lights along the Las Vegas Strip to go dark at 10:01 p.m. local time in honor of 2017 shooting victims. https://t.co/XSCfV2Xvu5 https://t.co/pdSn4zAOgO  ABC News (@ABC) October 2, 2018

 Slide me  The dimming of the lights at the heart of the City of Lights capped off a somber day of memorials in the notoriously lively city

 Slide me  Cars drive past the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino as its giant sign is powered down in honor of the shooting victims

As the lights were lowered, hundreds of survivors formed a human chain circling the shuttered site of last year's violence

Nevada Gov Brian Sandoval and wife Lauralyn McCarthy attend a ceremony at the Las Vegas Healing Garden Monday night

Hundreds of people visited the Las Vegas Healing Garden Monday to pay their respects to the 58 people killed in the shooting

The atmosphere in the city with a reputation for liveliness was remarkably somber throughout the day Monday

As the sun set, a ceremony was held to dedicate a quarter-acre memorial garden, which features a tree for each of the victims along with an oak that represents life.

Among the more than 200 people in attendance were Nevada Gov Brian Sandoval and Arizona Rep Gabby Giffords, herself a survivor of a 2011 mass shooting.

Volunteers began building the memorial garden downtown just days after the mass shooting last year, hoping that the space would serve as a symbol of the community's resilience in the wake of the searing violence.

'We've pushed back with a very deliberate act of compassion,' project creator Jay Pleggenkuhle said Monday.

A crowd began to gather at the site for its dedication at around 6.30pm local time, bringing with them colorful flowers, photos, flags and other mementos placed in memory of the victims.

Mayor Carolyn Goodman addressed the crowd also with Rep Giffords' husband Mark Kelly, who called Las Vegas a 'resilient and tough' community.

While Gov Sandoval was in attendance, he did not speak as he had already done so at a different gathering that kicked off the somber day at dawn.

'Today we remember the unforgettable. Today, we comfort the inconsolable,' Sandoval told survivors, families of victims, first-responders and elected officials at an outside amphitheater where white crosses stand bearing the names of the 58 victims.

'Today, we are reminded of the pain that never really goes away.'

Authorities say they will likely never be able to determine what it was that turned high-limit video poker player into a mass murderer who opened fire for 11 straight minutes before taking his own life.

Many of those in attendance at Monday's memorial were survivors of the Route 91 Harvest Festival one year ago

Former US Representative Gabby Giffords and her husband Mark Kelly place flowers into the memorial wall on Monday

Clark County Commissioner and Nevada Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Steve Sisolak places a rose on a memorial wall during the healing garden dedication on Monday evening after sunset

Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman is seen speaking at the healing garden dedication at around 8.30pm local time

Leading up to Monday night's dimming of the lights, crosses again covered the area on the outskirts of Vegas, where what doubles as a welcome sign on the reverse reads: 'Drive carefully, come back soon,' to those on their way out of town.

The original handmade white crosses for each victim that originally were placed near the 'Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas' now reside in the Clark County Government Center in neighboring Henderson, but some new ones were brought out for the anniversary.

Retired carpenter Greg Zanis, who installed 58 crosses last year - one for each of the victims of the shooting - set up the memorial again with new crosses for the anniversary of the massacre.

A flag with the hashtag '#Honor58' flew over the crosses on Monday.

First responders and others unfolded an American flag following a prayer service during the one-year anniversary tribute to those who died.

People embraced and prayed on Sunday at a makeshift memorial for victims of the October 1, 2017, mass shooting in Las Vegas

Avalynn Briggs, seven, of Washington, looks on as her mother Nichole Briggs writes a note on a cross set up for shooting victim Melissa Ramirez on Monday

A flag with the hashtag '#Honor58' flew over the crosses in Las Vegas on Monday

First responders and others unfolded an American flag on Monday following a prayer service during the one-year anniversary tribute to those who died on October 1, 2017

Those in attendance worked together to spread out The Stars and Stripes in all its glory

Jann Blake (pictured), who saw bullets hit the ground near her when she attended the country music festival last year, cried during the prayer service on Monday

Jann Blake, who saw bullets hit the ground near her when she attended the country music festival last year, cried during the prayer service on Monday.

'We needed this closure,' Blake said. 'It's been a heavy year.'

A heart shaped tribute was erected nearby, featuring photos of those who lost their lives in the merciless attack.

David Maldonado began putting it together on Sunday.

A closeup photo of the images within the heart structure show the faces of family members and loved ones, gone too soon but not forgotten, memorialized in individual frames.

A heart shaped tribute was erected nearby, featuring photos of those who lost their lives in the merciless attack on October 1, 2017; David Maldonado began putting it together on Sunday

A closeup photo of the images within the heart structure show the faces of family members and loved ones, gone too soon but not forgotten, memorialized in individual frames

David Maldonado is seen here on Sunday assembling the heart-shaped structure at a makeshift memorial for victims of the October 1, 2017, mass shooting in Las Vegas

Crosses again covered the area on the outskirts of Vegas, where what doubles as a welcome sign on the reverse reads, 'Drive carefully, come back soon,' to those on their way out of town; Ashley Schuck of Nevada kneels at the cross bearing the name of Neysa Davis Tonks, a 46-year-old mother-of-three

The Mandalay Bay hotel was the scene of the the worst mass shooting in modern US history when Stephen Paddock killed 58 people at a country music festival in 2017

Early on Monday, a flock of doves fluttered skyward at sunrise, with each bird bearing a leg band with the name of one of the people murdered.

Among those who offered prayers, songs and speeches at that service was Mynda Smith, whose sister Neysa Davis Tonks was killed by Paddock.

Mynda Smith said her sister, who pronounced her name 'Neesha,' was a 46-year-old single mother raising three boys in Las Vegas.

Several hundred people gathered at an outdoor amphitheater at sunrise remembrance ceremony on Monday, at dawn

'Today we remember the unforgettable. Today, we comfort the inconsolable,' Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval told those in attendance

Debbie and Chris Davis (center), parents of Las Vegas victim Neysa Tonks, embracing during the Sunrise Remembrance service on the first anniversary of the Las Vegas mass shooting at Clark County Government Center Amphitheater in Las Vegas on Monday

Smith called her sister energetic, adventurous, a fan of all kinds of music and a person who danced when no one was watching.

Smith started a scholarship fund for victims' children and said she reached out to loved ones of almost all the dead.

'None of us will ever be the same,' Smith said. 'We have all changed. We have all been broken. But we can find a way to pick up those pieces and glue it all back together. Yes, the cracks will be seen. But it can be whole again and we will be stronger.'

Jim Murren, the chief executive and CEO of MGM Resorts International, issued a statement calling the shooting 'an unforgettable act of terror;' MGM owns the Mandalay Bay hotel, where the gunman was when he opened fire into an outdoor concert crowd below

Schuck is seen here placing a medal she got for running for shooting victim Neysa Tonks in Saturday's Vegas Strong 5K on a cross set up for Tonks on October 1 in Las Vegas

Richard Magana of California writes a note on a cross set up for shooting victim Stacee Etcheber on October 1 in Las Vegas

Retired carpenter Greg Zanis, who installed 58 crosses last year - one for each of the victims of the shooting - set up the memorial again with new crosses for the anniversary of the massacre; Four members of American Medical Response are pictured looking at the crosses

Christie Kraemer, a Las Vegas real estate agent who wasn't at the concert but knew people who were, said 'I never want October 1 to happen again. But I love October 2 because of the way everyone came together.'

Shooting survivors Chris and Larisa Rapanick of Chesapeake, Virginia, made the trip to Las Vegas for weekend events including a 5K run, a country music club show and a reunion of survivors on Saturday. At the sunrise service, they stood with their two adult daughters.

'We weren't going to let this ruin a place we like to come to,' Chris Rapanick said. 'I'm glad to be standing here.'

Ashley Schuck also participated in the Vegas Strong 5K race, afterwards placing the medal she got for running on the cross set up for Tonks.

Flowers and a patch are shown on the ground by a display of the 58 crosses on Monday, with the patch reading, 'Veas Strong, 10-1-17, one city, one heart,' and 'battle born'

White crosses bearing the names of the victims were put up in memory of the 58 killed in Las Vegas to mark the first anniversary of the massacre

In this September 25 photo, people look at a display of wooden crosses and a Star of David on display at the Clark County Government Center in Las Vegas; The crosses pictured here and Star of David had been part of a makeshift memorial along the Las Vegas Strip erected in memory of the victims of the October 1, 2017, mass shooting in Las Vegas

Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo recalled the chaos and confusion of the shooting, and the prayers to 'heal broken hearts,' blood banks filled with donors and 'acts of kindness that comforted the suffering' that followed.

'When the sun rose the next morning, grief turned to anger, anger turned to resolve and resolve turned to action,' Lombardo said.

Many who were cheering Jason Aldean's headline set on at the Route 91 Harvest Festival late on October 1, 2017 , said later they thought the rapid crack-crack-crack they heard was fireworks, until people fell dead, wounded, and bleeding.

The Rapanicks heard bullets hitting a canvas awning near them as they fled and saw a shot hit a plastic cup that flipped in the air.

Medical examiners later determined that all 58 deaths were from gunshots. Another 413 people were wounded, and police said at least 456 were injured fleeing the carnage.

Stephen Paddock (pictured) opened fire on the Route 91 country music festival from his room at the Mandalay Bay hotel before killing himself on October 1, 2017, police say

Lombardo declared the police investigation over in August, issuing a report that said hundreds of interviews and thousands of hours of investigative work could not provide answers to what made Paddock unleash his hail of gunfire.

That has left unanswered the question of why a 64-year-old former accountant, real estate investor, small plane pilot and high-limit video poker player assembled his arsenal and attack the concert crowd.

Paddock was characterized by police as having no religious or political affiliations. Authorities said he became obsessed with guns, spent more than $1.5 million in the two years before the shooting and distanced himself from his girlfriend and family.

Paddock's gambling habits made him a sought-after casino patron. Over several days, Mandalay Bay employees readily let him use a service elevator to take suitcases to the $590-per-night suite he had been provided for free.

The room had a commanding view of the Strip and the concert grounds across the street. After breaking out windows, Paddock fired 1,057 shots in 11 minutes, police have said.

'One year ago, our community suffered an unforgettable act of terror. We share the sorrow of those who mourn and continue to search for meaning in events that lie beyond our understanding,' Murren said

Jim Murren, the chief executive and CEO of MGM Resorts International, issued a statement calling the shooting 'an unforgettable act of terror.' MGM owns the Mandalay Bay hotel, where the gunman was when he opened fire into an outdoor concert crowd below on the Las Vegas Strip.

'One year ago, our community suffered an unforgettable act of terror. We share the sorrow of those who mourn and continue to search for meaning in events that lie beyond our understanding,' Murren said.

'October 1 will forever be a day of remembrance, reflection and mourning as we struggle to comprehend the incomprehensible - the senseless act of evil that caused such a tragic loss of life, along with the suffering that we know continues.'
Jacob Schmoyer, 26, and his two-year-old son Jonathan) died in the explosion on Saturday along with the toddler

The three victims of a deadly car explosion in Pennsylvania on Saturday have been identified as a father, his toddler son and one of the man's friends.

Jacob Schmoyer, 26, died along with his two-year-old son Jonathan and his 66-year-old 'friend' David Hallman when the vehicle exploded on North Hall Street at 9.30pm.

Before they were named, police said they believed the fire was intentional and that the person who set it died in the blast.

On Monday, officers refused to be drawn on whether it was Schmoyer or Hallman who was to blame for it.

They provided no motive for the killings nor would they say whether Hallman, who lived on the street, was actually in the car or nearby when it exploded.

All officers would say was that the two men were 'friends'.

Shocking photographs and videos of the aftermath showed the car's burning carcass in the middle of the street.

Investigators returned to the scene on Monday to continue combing through the evidence.

They removed two other cars along with the one which was set on fire as part of their probe.

Officers from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms would not reveal what caused the explosion and they would not say what they recovered from the vehicle.

It has not even been made clear what type of car it was.

On Monday, Lehigh County Coroner Scott Grim said all three victims died from traumatic injuries sustained in the blast.

Harrowing video footage of the aftermath of the explosion shows what remains of the car on fire in the street on Saturday night. It remains unclear why it was targeted

Schmoyer is pictured, left, with his partner Jasmine and an unidentified child) It is not clear what he did for work or how many children he had

The crime scene remained extremely active on Monday as authorities tried to piece together what happened. A third man, David Hallman, 66, also died. He was friends with Schmoyer, according to police

Authorities at the scene on Monday. Police said from the beginning that the explosion was deliberate and that the person who intended for it to happen died in the crash but they have not yet revealed whether that was Hallman or Schmoyer

Crime scene investigators inspect debris which appears to have flown from the blast site and landed on building

He did not rule the manner of death, saying that it would be decided once investigation into the incident is complete.

Neighbors who witnessed the explosion spoke of their horror on Saturday and Sunday.

'I heard like some type of explosion and my building kind of like shook,' one resident told NBC 4 i.

Another said they watched the car continue to move down the street even after it was set alight.

'The car was still moving, you know, when it blew up, you know what I'm saying, because it was still traveling, it was still rolling and then it just burst into flames while it was still going,' Anthony Sealy said.

Police described it definitively as a 'criminal incident' on Sunday and said 'the perpetrator' died in the crash.

ATF agents go door-to-door in Allentown on Monday to interview residents and gather evidence as part of the investigation. The crime scene was described as 'large' and police are continuing to conduct interviews

An ATF worker takes a photograph of evidence at the scene of the blast site on Monday, two days after the explosion
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Historic photos of San Francisco taken before the great 1906 earthquake have been found in Scandinavia.

The photographs of the City by the Bay were taken by Isaiah West Taber and purchased by a family of Swedes who had sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to visit the United States for a vacation.

Taber, who was born in Massachusetts came to California in 1850 in search of gold but made his livihood selling silver.

 Slide me  The Palace Hotel, San Francisco shown its original form 128 years ago. It was completely destroyed by a fire in the 1906 earthquake which completely eradicated 80 per cent of the city's buildings. The modern day incarnation is still called the Palace Hotel and charges over $200 per night for a room

 Slide me  A view of San Francisco bay towards the place where the Golden Gate Bridge would eventually be constructed in the 1930s. Before the bridge was built, the only practical short route between San Francisco and what is now Marin County was by boat across a section of San Francisco Bay. A view of the same section of water taken in 2018 shows the bridge spanning the enormous 2-mile gap between Marin County and San Francisco. At the time of its opening in 1937 the bridge held the record of being both the tallest and longest bridge in the world

 Slide me  The original Bank of California building in the city's downtown area pictured in 1890. The current incarnation was rebuilt in 1908 after the devastating earthquake. The Bank of California was opened in San Francisco, California, on July 4, 1864, by William Chapman Ralston. It was the first commercial bank in the Western United States

Golden Gate Park, circa 1890. The park drew its name from nearby Golden Gate Strait

He had an eye for detail and began taking photographs and collecting glass negatives which he printed upon silver albumen and sold to tourists and collectors.

When the earthquake struck in 1906, Taber who was 76 at the time, lost almost all of his collection of photos in the fire that followed.

It would have been a devastating blow to the budding photographer who had managed to capture images of San Francisco of which many of the landmarks were destroyed during the quake.

Little did he know, the Swedish family who had visited him 10 years earlier, had kept a selection of the pictures safe and sound in Sweden.

 Slide me  The surf at Fort Point, Golden Gate slightly east of where the Golden Gate Bridge was eventually built. Fort Point is a defensive position which was completed just before the American Civil War by the United States Army, to defend San Francisco Bay against hostile warships. Fort point today offers unparalleled views over San Francisco Bay and is a popular spot for many people to go fishing. The jutting rocks of the coastline also produce large waves which in the winter months are favored by the regions numerous surfing fanatics

 Slide me  James C Flood's residence, Linden Towers, at Menlo Park, California. The building was built by silver magnate James Flood during the 1870s and was almost seven stories tall containing 43 rooms. It was said to be the largest house west of the Rocky Mountains and among the most regal private abodes in all America. The house was slowly demolished after falling into disrepair having changed hands several times after Flood's death and the 600-acre estate was slowly broken up and used to build modern housing. The estate's original red brick wall is still present from its boundary in Menlo Park and runs nearly a mile-long

The Crocker House on Nob Hill, circa 1890. The 'Big Four' mansion belonged to Charles and Mary Crocker and was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and fire. Instead of rebuilding, the Crockers donated their Nob Hill block to Bishop William Nichols, who built Grace Cathedral on the land

Inside San Francisco's Palace Hotel, circa 1890. The Palace Hotel was destroyed in the 1906 fire and later rebuilt

The family purchased at least 31 images as part of a memento of their vacation to the west coast.

Sixteen depict landmarks, 15 show the sea and the bay, including the strip of the San Francisco Bay across which the Golden Gate Bridge would be built four decades later according to SFGate. Other snaps show the city's civic buildings, expansive villas and luxurious hotels.

Large swathes of San Francisco were destroyed in the earthquake and fire so the pictures give a fascinating insight into how the city looked before that major disaster.

When the original family of Swedes returned to their homeland, they took the pictures with them and they remained in the country for more than a century until their descendants sold them to a Swedish collector, who then sold them to New York auction house Bonhams.

The photos will soon be returning to the Bay area once again after a collector from Marin County purchased the collection on Tuesday for $1,100.

San Francisco was founded on June 29, 1776 by colonists from Spain. The California Gold Rush of 1849 brought rapid growth as treasure seekers flocked to the area in search of a fortune. Silver discoveries further drove a surge in the population.

Three-quarters of San Francisco was destroyed by the 1906 earthquake and fire, but the city was quickly rebuilt.

After the Second World War, San Francisco became the centre of the 'hippy' counterculture and liberal activism in the United States.

 Slide me  The Court House, San Francisco around 1890. The old court house was tacked onto the end of San Francisco's City Hall. City hall's collapse during the 1906 earthquake and fire storm was attributed to shoddy construction, rooted in political corruption and cost-cutting measures. The current site is home to a Hilton Hotel which sits in between some of San Francisco's tallest skyscrapers. Many of the buildings surrounding the old court house were completely destroyed by fire after the devastating earthquake of 1906 and the area was mostly cleared and rebuilt from the ground up

A steam boat billowing out grey smoke from the coal furnace as it paddles through the water of the San Francisco Bay. The ferry system was crucial in the city's early years for getting supplies across the bay towards outlying settlements. The construction of the Golden Gate Bridge in 1937 reduced the need for slow and expensive ferry travel

The view South West from the roof of the Nadeau Hotel in Los Angeles. The hotel, now demolished, was a focal point of the downtown neighbourhood. Remi Nadeau opened the hotel in 1882 with a grand ball attended by the Southland's elite. He bought the site in 1872 for the 'un-heard' of sum of $20,000. The Nadeau boasted of the first electric elevator to be installed in Los Angeles.
The heated Senate Judiciary Committee hearing that featured dueling testimony by Brett Kavanaugh and accuser Christine Blasey Ford has fueled even sharper divisions among voters.

The last week has seen Americans jumping off the fence to register their views, with the number opposing Kavanaugh now surpassing those who want him to get confirmed in a CBS News poll.

Those opposing his nomination hit 37 per cent, up from 30 per cent a week ago. Kavanaugh's level of support simultaneously jumped, though not by as much. It rose to 35 per cent from 32 per cent.

The number of Americans both supporting and opposing Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court increased compared to last week rose as they got off the fence following a party clash over his confirmation

The number saying it was too soon to weigh in dropped by 10 points, from 38 to 28 per cent, following wall-to-wall coverage of the hearing.

As Kavanaugh moved from rhetoric pledging to be an umpire on the court to launching a partisan attack on Democrats and accusing them of acting in part as revenge for the Clintons (Kavanaugh worked for special counsel Kenneth Starr during the Bill Clinton impeachment), Democrats have been moving to oppose him.

Christine Blasey Ford answers questions at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Thursday, September 27, 2018 on Capitol Hill where she stood by her allegations of sexual assault

Kavanaugh and Sen. Lindsey Graham were among those blasting Democrats, while Democrats interrogated the Supreme Court nominee

President Donald Trump is calling for the Senate to confirm Kavanaugh without delay

Democratic opposition jumped from 60 to 68 per cent, while GOP support leapt from 69 per cent to 75 per cent. Independents favor confirmation by 37 to 32 per cent.

At last week's hearing, Ford said she was '100 per cent' confident of her allegations of sexual assault against Kavanaugh, while Kavanaugh's denial was also total.

More men, 41 per cent, favor confirmation than women do, 29 per cent overall. The data point comes amid warnings that the Senate GOP's push for Kavanaugh could cost the party among suburban women, which could further hinder the party's chance of keeping the House.
Sajid Javid (pictured) said that the visa system would focus on skilled workers and that Europeans would be treated the same as those from elsewhere

Far fewer low-skilled workers will be allowed in from Europe after Brexit, Sajid Javid and Theresa May pledged last night.

Unveiling the biggest immigration reform for decades, the Home Secretary vowed to end EU free movement completely.

He said the system would now focus on skilled workers and Europeans would be treated the same as citizens from anywhere else.

Promoting the plans today Mrs May refused three times to spell out if the plans would cut arrivals to Britain to the target of 100,000.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Mr Javid also warned that migrants would have to integrate.

If you want to come to our country and contribute, great, he said, speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail. But in exchange, we expect you to live by our British values and respect our values.

Mrs May, who has made ending free movement a red line in her negotiations with Brussels, last night said the proposals would deliver on the referendum vow to take back control of the UKs borders.

For the first time in decades, it will be this country that controls and chooses who we want to come here, she said.

The EU has warned it would respond to the UK ending free movement by stripping Britons of the automatic right to work and live anywhere in the bloc. Mr Javids pledge came as he burnished his Brexit credentials by saying a Canada-style trade deal was a good option and:

Left the door open to ditching the Tory target of cutting net migration to the tens of thousands;

Pledged a crackdown on middle-class drug users whose habits finance organised crime;

Boris Johnson meanwhile prepared to give an alternative leaders speech today at the Tory Party conference;

Dominic Raab appeared to suggest Britain could slash corporation tax to 10 per cent to keep firms in the UK in the event of a no-deal exit;

Jeremy Hunt faced a backlash from EU leaders after likening the Brussels club to a Soviet prison.

Promoting the plans today Mrs May (pictured at conference today) refused three times to spell out if the plans would cut arrivals to Britain to the target of 100,000

The immigration system unveiled today will be put in place from January 2021, after the UKs transition out of the EU is complete. European migrants will have to apply for work visas in the same way as those from the rest of the world.

Tourists would remain free to travel to the UK, and business travellers on short trips are expected to face a light-touch regime. The three million EU citizens already living in the UK will have full rights to stay.

Ministers will now work with business to establish the level of immigration needed by the economy. But visa applicants will be required to meet minimum salary thresholds before taking a job.

There will be temporary exemptions for areas of the economy dependent on low-skilled migrants but businesses will be told to train up British workers.

Mr Javid said his reforms would result in unskilled immigration from Europe becoming much lower than it is today.

Sajid Javid and Theresa May, pictured at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, pledged that far fewer low skilled workers would be let in from Europe after Brexit

Cabinet Ministers Michael Gove (pictured left) and Jeremy Hunt (pictured right) were both out jogging today ahead of Tory Party conference. Today's events in the main hall - including Sajid Javid's major speech on immigration - are set to be overshadowed by Boris Johnson's big speech on the fringes

He questioned the benefit of large-scale unskilled immigration, saying: It must have some kind of negative impact on wages growth in the UK.

But the Home Secretary insisted Britain would remain a positive, outward-looking nation open to the best talent from across the world.

He added: The immigration system should be very focused on high-skilled people that we might need and dramatically curb low-skilled people coming to our country. And at the same time look across the world.

If we are talking about a software engineer or a surgeon, to me it doesnt matter about the nationality of that individual, its not really important. We want the talent and skill that they are going to bring so it shouldnt matter if that high-skilled person is coming from India, Australia or France. What matters is the skill that they are going to bring to the UK.

The Home Secretary, a Eurosceptic who backed Remain, said that the target to slash net immigration to the tens of thousands might not last beyond the next election

He said the target to slash net immigration to the tens of thousands might not last beyond the next election.

Mr Javid, a Eurosceptic who backed Remain, also waded into the debate over Brexit, hinting that he could switch to backing a Canada-style trade deal if the EU rejected Mrs Mays Chequers plan at this months Brussels summit.

He batted away questions about his own leadership ambitions but, in a significant move, he defended Mr Johnson, who has come under fire for his outspoken attacks on Chequers. Mr Javid said the former foreign secretary was a massive asset in campaigning.
A search carried out on the steep slopes of Colorado's Mount Shavano has turned up numerous remains believed to belong to a mother-of-two who disappeared nearly four decades ago.

Chaffee County Sheriff John Spezze announced late Sunday that a five-day excavation in the foothills of the 14,231-foot peak for clues into the death of 32-year-old Beverly England was 'very successful.'

He said some of the remains included possible damage that could potentially shed light on the cause and manner of death. He said several items associated with her death were also found.

Remains believed to be those of Beverly England (pictured with her daughter nearly 40 years ago) have been found on a Colorado mountain

A five-day excavation on the slopes of Mount Shavano has turned up bones and other evidence believed to be connected the 1980 cold case

Searchers scoured the foothills of the 14,231-foot peak (pictured) last week

They will be sent to the University of Northern Texas to be identified. The university in 2015 positively identified bones found in the area in 1992 as Englands.

More than 30 people participated in the latest search, including members of the FBI body search team.

England, a married mother of two young children from Salida, went missing on June 12, 1980.

According to recently unsealed search warrants obtained by Fox 31, law enforcement officials and relatives of the victim believed that she was having an affair with Steven Abeyta, who was married with a son and a second child on the way.

On the day of her disappearance, England dropped off her son and daughter with a baby sitter and told her she was on her way to meet with Stevens wife, Mitzy, who was seven months pregnant at the time.

Marriage in trouble: Beverly was 32 years old and married with two young children (pictured) when she went missing in June 1980, allegedly after meeting with her lover's pregnant wife

England never came back from the June 12, 1980, meeting; her car was found abandoned with her purse and shoes inside

A witness would later tell police the two women were seen together at a donut shop that morning.

England's husband found Beverly's car abandoned at Riversdie Park that afternoon. Her purse and shoes were still inside.

Dale England, who worked as a school teacher, has been publicly cleared as a suspect in her disappearance.

When Beverly failed to return home, police went to speak with her alleged romantic rival.

According to the warrants, a police officer noted that Mitzy Abeyta had visible injuries on her body, but she declined to speak to him and requested a lawyer, reported The Denver Post.

Police and family believed England was having an affair with Steven Abeyta (pictured recently), whose wife, Mitzy was expecting their second child in 1980

The next day, Mrs Abeyta went into early labor and delivered a baby boy, which she and her husband named David.

England's daughter, Bricia Patterson, told Fox 31 she is convinced Mrs Abeyta, now aged 65, knows what happened to her mother 38 years ago, when Patterson was just five years old.

Why is this lady not in handcuffs? she wondered aloud. Why is she not behind bars? Why are we not in court?

Mitzy was interviewed by investigators in 2015 about the cold case and admitted that she and Beverly got into a 'pushing match' on the day of their meetup, according to the documents.

Mitzy claimed her rival picked up a broken bottle and sliced her leg, causing her to flee.

The woman stopped talking to the detective interviewing her after she was asked if she would be willing to undergo a polygraph test.

Her aunt, Bonnie Parco, told the news station that her niece came to her after her confrontation with Beverly and told her that the other woman had threatened to kill her and her unborn baby.

Bricia Patterson (left), England's daughter, has been calling for Mitzy Abeyta's arrest. She believes the now-65-year-old woman knows what happened to her mom (right)

When interviewed by police, Parco revealed that on the day of Beverlys disappearance, Mitzy asked her uncle to clear a large amount of blood out of her truck, and that her niece's clothes were spattered with blood.

In 2016, the ex-wife of Mitzys younger son, David, told police that he had told her that he was born prematurely because his mother got stabbed in a knife fight with another woman.

The unsealed records show that the same year, Mitzy confided in her eldest sons girlfriend that she was worried she might be going to jail in the near future.

So far, District Attorney Molly Chilson has declined to convene a grand jury to potentially bring criminal charges in connection to Beverly Englands disappearance, saying in 2016 that there was not enough evidence to successfully prosecute the case.
A politician from Florida has been forced to resign after she allegedly checked out of a hotel room leaving the room stinking of marijuana.

Kim O'Connor, 70, an an elected supervisor with the Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District near Tampa, had been staying overnight at a hotel in Okeechobee.

However, staff at the Holiday Inn Express hotel claimed O'Connor, a candidate for Hillsborough County Commission, smelled strongly of marijuana.

Kim O'Connor, 70, was accused of smoking marijuana in a hotel room while on an official visit as part of the Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District

When housekeeping staff went to check on her room, they allege that marijuana was found on the bed and the emtire place had a stench of the drug.

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites then demanded O'Connor and the district pay an extra $500 cleaning fee to freshen up the room.

The hotel claim that the stench of marijuana was so pungent, the hotel ended up having to hire a professional cleaning firm and use commercial fans to vent out the room for three days.

When the district met again, O'Connor was asked about the allegations but she denied smoking the drug.

The elected supervisor, seen far right, has since resigned from her post as a result

Fellow board members then said that that if she did not resign they would ask the Governor to remove her from office but agreed that the official minutes would record only her resignation and not the reason now.

But now, the allegations have been made public, O'Connor claims that the story is 'unfounded.'

'I would never smoke in a motel room,' she told board members according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Nevertheless, O'Connor had admitted that she does use the drug occasionally but has maintained she did not smoke pot during the working trip, nor while she was inside the hotel room.

O'Connor said the hotel was being renovated and yellow tape was on her door. Maintenance workers were coming and going, she said, implying that they might be responsible.

O'Connor claims that the stench of pot had nothing to do with her and is blaming other maintenance workers on the floor where she stayed

'I didn't have it; I didn't smoke it,' she said. 'Whatever they smelled or saw wasn't me.'

'The hotel was very upset,' District executive director Betty Jo Tompkins told board members at the June 13 meeting. 'The room had been checked by multiple people, and there was an issue in the room.'

When O'Connor checked out, the hotel demanded she pay the $500 fine immediately but Tompkins managed to persuade hotel managers not to bill her credit card in the hope of coming to some sort of resolution.

The hotel has since confirmed that since the June 2018 stay, the fine has not yet been paid but the property says they will be will be pursuing her.

O'Connor is a retired lawyer and was elected as supervisor in 2016. State records show O'Connor was arrested in 1997 in Jacksonville for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia but the charges were dropped.
A Mississippi judge has declared a second mistrial in the capital murder case of a man accused of setting teenager Jessica Chambers on fire and killing her, after jurors once again said they couldn't reach a verdict.

Jurors deliberated for about 10 hours over two days in the retrial of Quinton Tellis before Panola County Circuit Judge Gerald Chatham made his ruling on Monday afternoon.

Tellis, now 29, was accused of setting 19-year-old Jessica ablaze in 2014.

The defense attorney said the panel was split in half, with six jurors voting to convict Tellis and six others voting to acquit, WREG reports.

Quinton Tellis' (center) second trial for the killing of Jessica Chambers on Monday ended in another hung jury. He is pictured in court on Friday

Chambers was killed in December 2014 when she was doused with gasoline and set on fire

As in the first trial, jurors had to choose between evidence that prosecutors said linked the Tellis to Chambers' death and testimony by emergency workers that they heard a dying Chambers say someone named Eric attacked her.

Tellis' first trial ended with a hung jury last year.

District Attorney John Champion said that in his 25 years as a prosecutor, he had never seen a more attentive or hardworking jury than the one picked for this trial. He added that the jurors did their job, but simply could not reach an agreement.

'Theres still absolutely 100 percent no doubt in my mind that Quinton Tellis did this,' he said.

Champion said he is not sure if Tellis will be put on trial a third time.

Tellis' defense attorney said her client would have preferred a 'not guilty' verdict but is satisfied with this outcome.

'This will be the second time weve done this,' Darla Palmer said. 'Each time, though we cant get all the jurors to agree on it, we certainly had those that feel that hes not guilty of this charge.'

During Monday's deliberations, the judge had admonished jurors to continue their discussions. The panel asked to review surveillance video and phone records that prosecutors argued link Tellis to Chambers' death.

Tellis (left) was seen in an interrogation video repeatedly changing his story while talking with two investigators

Tellis also told investigators that the burn marks on his arm were from him trying to jump over a bonfire

The case, tried in Batesville, went to jurors on Sunday following six days of testimony.

Tellis faces another murder indictment in Louisiana in the death of Meing-Chen Hsiao in Monroe.

Chambers, who was in a romantic relationship with Tellis, was found burned alive in her car, which was also on fire back in 2014. Authorities said she had been doused with gasoline and then set on fire on a rural road in Courtland.

Tellis, who denies killing Chambers, was seen in a police interrogation video played for the jury on Friday during his retrial repeatedly changing where he was and who he was with the day Chambers was killed.

When detectives first spoke with Tellis, he told them that he last saw Chambers around noon the day she died. He said he had dropped money off to her at a gas station and then went back home.

Tellis changed his story when investigators told him that witnesses saw them together later that day - December 6. They also produced cell phone data that showed the two were together around 5.34 that evening, two hours before Chambers was found.

According to WREG, Tellis then admitted to police he was with Chambers the evening she was killed.

Police found Chambers barely alive in her burning car (pictured)

Tellis and his defense attorneys are seen at the crime scene on Friday during a court field trip before testimony

Chambers' mother (pictured) got emotional during Friday's testimony

The interrogation videos, filmed in 2015 and 2016, also show Tellis giving detectives a bizarre explanation for the burn marks he had on his arm. The 29-year-old is heard saying in one video that he was hanging out with friends and tried to jump over a fire pit and fell.

'I ran back to about the barbecue grill and I took off and jumped,' he said. 'I made it but at the end, like I just fell back in the fire and they pulled me up.'

Tellis was charged with capital murder. His first trial ended in 2017 with a hung jury

Tellis also told investigators that he had a burn mark on his butt from when he fell, according to the New York Post.

At another point in the recordings, Tellis becomes emotional as he denies murdering the teen.

'I ain't kill nobody ... I ain't even got it in my heart. If you kill somebody, you going to hell. That ain't me,' he said.

The videos were played during day four of testimony. Tellis' first trial on capital murder charges ended in 2017 with a hung jury.

The defense is arguing Tellis' innocence saying he was falsely accused because multiple first responders said Chambers reportedly said 'Derek' or 'Eric' when police asked her at the scene who had set her on fire.

Prosecutors, however, say Chambers couldn't have said anything because of how badly she was injured. Several firefighters testified that Chambers was so badly burned that she looked 'unrecognizable' and 'there was black charring'.

The teen was alive when police first arrived at the scene, but she died of her injuries at the hospital. Tellis became a suspect when investigators realized his cell phone data did not match up to what he had initially told them.
An Alaska-based US Army soldier is fighting for his life after he was struck by a falling bear he had shot during a hunting trip.

William McCormick, 28, was struck by both the black bear and tumbling rocks that dislodged during the bear's fall.

McCormick, who is based in Anchorage, suffered life-threatening injuries.

US Army soldier William McCormick, 28, is fighting for his life after he was struck by a falling bear he had shot during a hunting trip

McCormick, 28, was struck by both the black bear and tumbling rocks that dislodged during the bear's fall

McCormick and fellow Army soldier Zachary Tennyson, 19, were hunting above Carter Lake in the Chugach National Forest when they spotted the bear on Saturday.

McCormick and fellow Army soldier Zachary Tennyson, 19, (pictured) were hunting above Carter Lake in the Chugach National Forest when they spotted the bear on Saturday

'The pair were hunting in the area and shot a bear above them on a ridge,' Alaska State Troopers said.

'The bear rolled down the slope, dislodging rocks in the process. McCormick was injured when he was struck by both a rock and the bear.'

Alaska State Troopers as well as officials from the Moose Pass and Bear Creek fire departments responded to the incident, according to KTVA.

Tennyson, who is stationed with McCormick at Alaska's Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, was not injured during the incident.

Officials did not reveal how large the bear was or whether it was killed. McCormick's current condition also has not been released.

The pair were hunting when they spotted a bear on a ridge above them and opened fire. The bear then fell and rolled into McCormick

It is legal for Alaska residents to hunt both black and brown bears as long as they have the appropriate hunting license.

Non-residents must be accompanied by an Alaska-licensed guide or an Alaska resident 19 years or older within the 'second-degree of kindred', according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Both McCormick and Tennyson are soldiers serving the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, according to a US Army Alaska spokesman.

McCormick is a specialist and Tennyson is a private first class.
A Massachussetts couple have been accused of keeping their young children in cages in their home to sexually abuse them.

Melissa and Matthew Hope are the subject of a Department of Children and Families investigation in Taunton, Massachusetts.

On Sunday, the couple had their children removed from their apartment and Melissa, 34, was taken into custody for allegedly assaulting a police officer who was there to assist their removal.

Details of their alleged abuse of their children would ordinarily remain secret but were included in her arrest report.

Melissa and Matthew Hope had their children taken off of them on Saturday as part of a Department of Children and Families investigation. When police arrived to assist with the removal of the kids, Melissa allegedly assaulted one of the officers. She was arrested (seen left in her mugshot) for battery but neither has been charged yet for abusing their children

According to the police report, officers arrived at the home and were immediately yelled at by Melissa and her husband.

She is said to have screamed out the window that they would not be allowed inside without a warrant.

When police and the DCF officers explained that they did not need a warrant because of the nature of the allegations, they made their way inside and ordered the couple to sit down but only Matthew did as he was told.

Melissa, it is claimed, grabbed the police officer as he tried to make his way through the apartment, taking him by the throat.

Social services had received reports the couple were keeping the children in cages in their apartment in this building in Taunton, Massachusetts

The couple are yet to comment on the allegations. According to Melissa's arrest report, she grabbed the officer by the throat and shoved him when he tried to get to her children

She allegedly told him: 'You aint going f***** anywhere,' according to The Taunton Gazette.

The children were removed and she was arrested at the scene.

According to the police officer, the pair were being looked into for neglect and abuse including sexually assaulting the children.

It is unclear how many children live in the home with them. Neither Melissa nor her 35-year-old husband have been charged for abuse against the children.

Melissa was released on a personal recognizance bond after a brief arraignment hearing on Monday.

The Department of Families and Children's investigation is ongoing.
A busy London bridge has been shut tonight after a man made a hoax bomb threat.

Police stopped traffic and pedestrians from crossing Kew Bridge in west London, after a suspicious package was found and smoke was seen rising from under the bridge.

The Met attended the scene at 7.30pm this evening to close the road before experts were called in to inspect the suspicious package.

Police stopped traffic and the public from crossing Kew Bridge after a suspicious package was found and smoke was seen rising from under the bridge

A man has been arrested by police near the scene of the incident at Kew Bridge in west London

It was later found to be non-suspicious and the area was re-opened at around 9pm.

A man has been arrested by police near the scene of the incident.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: 'Police were called on Monday, 1 October at around 19:30 hours to a report of a suspicious package on a bus in Kew Road.

'Officers attended and the package was assessed and deemed non-suspicious.

'A man [no further details] was detained by police near the scene and arrested on suspicion of making a bomb threat.

'He is currently in custody at a west London police station.'
Putting on weight as a teenager significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to research.

Children who are of a healthy weight at the age of ten but overweight or obese by adulthood are at a 53 per cent increased risk of diabetes.

Researchers from Exeter University found those who put on lots of weight were at an even greater risk than those who were overweight to begin with.

Those who had been thin in childhood but overweight in adulthood were 53 per cent more likely to have diabetes, the study found [File photo]

The findings, presented at a conference for the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Berlin, suggest those who are too fat from early childhood adapt to the weight.

However, those who start off thin and then gain weight in their teenage years may put a major strain on their metabolism.

The findings are particularly concerning in light of Britains spiralling child obesity crisis.

Some 34 per cent of children are overweight when they leave primary school at 11  a figure that rises every year, according to Public Health England. This has caused diabetes rates to soar.

A national audit by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health earlier this year showed the number of under-25s being treated for type 2 diabetes has increased by 40 per cent in the last three years alone.

Dr Jessica Tyrrell, who led the new research, said: These findings suggest that individuals who remain in the higher BMI [body mass index] range throughout life may adapt to excess weight in ways that lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in comparison to individuals of similar adult BMI that have increased from lower to higher BMI since childhood.

A national audit by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health earlier this year showed the number of under-25s being treated for type 2 diabetes has increased by 40 per cent in the last three years alone [File photo]

Dr Tyrrells team looked at health data from 372,000 people in Britain. They analysed participants BMI as adults and compared it with their self-reported body size at age ten.

They found that those who had been thin in childhood but overweight in adulthood were 53 per cent more likely to have diabetes than those whose BMI had not significantly increased.

The number of Britons with diabetes  a major cause of heart attacks and strokes  has doubled in just 20 years. Almost 3.7million people have been diagnosed, up from 1.9million in 1998.

Type 2 diabetes usually occurs when fat content in the body becomes so high that it stops insulin maintaining a normal blood glucose level.
A Kansas mother in jail for allegedly trying to poison her three children is accused of trying to hire a hitman to murder her husband while she was still behind bars.

Therese Roever, 37, was charged in February with attempted capital murder after leading officers to believe she poisoned her nine-year-old girl, her twin brother, and seven-year-old son, at their home in Olathe, during a custody battle.

Now it appears that, while awaiting her trial, she attempted to have her ex-husband John murdered.

John Roever was contacted by a relative of another Johnson County jail inmate in July who told him his ex was looking for a hitman to kill him, Kansas City Star reports.

Therese Roever, 37, of Olathe, Kansas, who is in jail for allegedly trying to poison her three children, is accused of trying to hire a hitman to murder her husband while she was still behind bars

John Roever (pictured) was contacted by a relative of another Johnson County jail inmate in July who told him his ex was looking for a hitman to kill him

Court documents say Roever told another inmate she would rather die in prison or have the children go to foster care, than have her ex-husband get custody.

John called the police who interviewed the other inmate, who is not being named.

They told officers Roever had been asking around if anyone knew someone who would kill her ex for money, and had asked if the inmate's son would do it.

'Roever was adamant that she wanted Mr. Roever out of the picture,' according to the document made public Friday.

Roever, 37, was charged in February with attempted capital murder after leading officers to believe she poisoned her nine-year-old girl, her twin brother, and seven-year-old son (pictured with her)

Roever lost custody of her three kids in 2016 for making 'false claims' about their father

The inmate said the suspect provided her with her ex's address, phone number and vehicle description to pass on to the hitman.

The inmate's son then visited Roever in jail on September 2 wearing a hidden camera, as part of police sting. During that discussion, she reportedly told him she wanted John to 'disappear'.

He then asked if Roever meant sshe wanted him 'permanently out of the picture.'

Roever was seen in the undercover footage responding by smiling and shaking her head.

Roever is now also charged with a second count of attempted capital murder for the murder plot.

The mother-of-three was first arrested in February this year when police were called out to her home located at the 1700 block of North Lennox Street, after John went to pick up the kids to return them back to his home, where they lived full time.

The children, who live full-time with their engineer father, were getting ready to head back to his place before their mother allegedly poisoned them in an attempted murder scheme

John, a GIS Analyst II for Ervin Cable Construction, called the police after hearing his ex-wife was trying to have him killed

When he arrived at Roever's home, where the children had been on a scheduled visit, he banged on the door but found there was no answer.

The police were called and found the three children in need of immediate medical attention after their mother allegedly overdosed them on medication.

'Thankfully the children are recovering and should be returning home very soon,' John's attorney said in a statement.

One neighbor to the mom said he saw her several times 'passed out on her balcony', according to the news station.

Court records reveal Roever and and her ex-husband John divorced back in 2016.

Roever lost custody of her three kids at some point around the time for making 'false claims' about their father, the news stations says.

However, in November, a judge granted the mom unsupervised visitation rights - which will likely be revoked, Johnson County district attorney Steve Howe said.

Howe confirmed on Twitter the case is currently under review, while announcing in a new post Roever would appear in court for the first time Wednesday afternoon.

Roever, who is devoutly Christian according to her social media pages, has been booked to the Johnson County jail on $1,000,000 bond.
Barnaby Joyce's lover Vikki Campion has revealed his four daughters have not met the couple's baby son Sebastian.

Mr Joyce - the former deputy prime minister - left his wife, Natalie, for Ms Campion, who was working as his press secretary in Canberra.

Their son, Sebastian, was born in April, but Ms Campion said Mr Joyce's daughters Bridgette, 21, Julia, 20, Caroline, 18, and Odette, 15, have not met the baby.

Barnaby Joyce's (left) lover Vikki Campion (right) has revealed his four daughters have not met the couple's baby son Sebastian (pictured)

Mr Joyce - the former deputy prime minister - left his wife Natalie for Ms Campion, who was working as his press secretary in Canberra

Ms Campion said Mr Joyce's daughters Bridgette, 21, Julia, 20, Caroline, 18, and Odette, 15 (pictured with mother Natalie, back centre) have not met the baby

Sebastian was christened at the Saints Mary and Joseph Catholic Cathedral in Armidale, New South Wales last week, during what Ms Campion, 33, said was a 'really special day'.

'He's such a bright, bubbly little baby. He's an absolute delight. Barnaby loves Sebastian's smile and his laugh, and I think it's been great to have something so positive for both of us outside of all the political turmoil,' she told Woman's Day.

Ms Campion said she would 'absolutely' like for Sebastian to meet his four half-sisters.

Two of Mr Joyce's daughters were spotted having dinner with their father at a restaurant in Canberra last week.

Natalie Joyce broke her silence in an unpaid interview in June with Woman's Weekly, a decision she took to defend her family's 'fine name'.

Ms Joyce said her daughters were in tears throughout Mr Joyce's television interview with Ms Campion for Channel Seven in May, for which the couple were paid $150,000.

Ms Joyce described the interview as 'an absolute disgrace' when it aired - her first public announcement since news of the affair broke in February.

Ms Campion said the criticism she has received since her affair and pregnancy were revealed has been tough to deal with.

Sebastian was christened at the Saints Mary and Joseph Catholic Cathedral in Armidale, New South Wales, last week (pictured)

'You'd have to be made of stone for it not to rattle you. I worry about Sebastian's future. The thing is he's five months old and doesn't know about any of this stuff - and he will one day. He'll know about it all when it's appropriate,' she said.

'That's what got to me from the beginning - here is an innocent baby caught up in all of this other stuff. The main thing is his welfare, that's what comes first every single time.'

Rumours of an affair between Mr Joyce and Ms Campion swirled around Canberra for several months before the couple were finally outed.

A heavily pregnant Ms Campion was then pictured by a news photographer while she crossed the street near her apartment.

Mr Joyce's estranged wife revealed earlier this year she called Ms Campion a 'home-wrecking wh***' during their first meeting outside her husband's electoral office.

She also said her husband and Ms Campion chose the name she had picked and prepared for their son.

When Ms Campion gave birth in April and the name was revealed, Ms Joyce said it felt like 'another malicious taunt in a very long line of appalling behaviour'.

Mr Joyce's daughters were in tears throughout his television interview with Channel Seven in May, for which the couple were paid $150,000 (pictured are Natalie, Barnaby and their daughters in 2005)
Shocking video reveals the moment of two cruel-hearted Dunkin' Donuts employees pour water on a homeless customer sleeping in a Syracuse, New York cafe.

The viral video begins with an employee taunting the man saying 'You want to sleep?' then he pours a pitcher of water on his head as he's fast asleep at a restaurant table.

Another worker films the action laughing as the man gets soaked and wakes up with a shock then quickly collects his phone and charger.

'How many times I got to tell you to stop sleeping in here, my n***a? You here all day, you have enough time [in here]  How many times have the customers and the people going to tell you to stop sleeping in here?' the employee who poured the water says in the clip.

Two Dunkin' Donuts employees filmed the moment they startled awake a sleeping homeless man on Sunday in their Syracuse, New York restaurant by pouring water on him

The shocking video shows the two male employees laugh as they pour a pitcher of water on Jeremy Youngs Dufresne, 25, who fell asleep at his table on Sunday

The customer, who was later identified as 25-year-old Jeremy Youngs Dufresne mumbles that he fell asleep on accident.

'No it wasn't on accident bro. You know I'm not playing with you. I ain't gonna call the cops like I said, you gotta get out of here,' the employee warns.

The 36-second video was posted on Facebook on Sunday, where it's gone viral, racking up 13,000 shares and 545,000 views.

Dufresne is a homeless man who often stops by the Dunkin' located on North Salina Street in Syracuse to charge his phone. He says he lives outside because he prefers it and his family have tried to help him move in with them, according to Syracuse.com

His family added he suffers from schizophrenia.

Speaking on the incident Dufresne says he harbors no ill feelings towards the employee who poured water on him.

'He probably had some personal problems of his own and needed someone to talk to. And he took it out on someone else, like me,' Dufresne said to Syracuse.com

Dufresne said it was an accident then gathered his things and left the restaurant

Dufresne is a homeless man who often stops by the Dunkin' located on North Salina Street in Syracuse to charge his phone

This employee berated Dufresne int he video saying he didn't want to call the police so threw the water as a warning instead. A Dunkin' Donuts representative tells DailyMail.com both employees involved in the video have been suspended

Dufresne said he left without saying anything.

A Dunkin' Donuts spokesperson said to DailyMail.com they were 'extremely disturbed' by the video and that the employees involved in the video have since been suspended.

'It not only violated our written policies, but goes against our core values as an organization  which include creating a welcoming and hospitable environment and treating everyone with dignity and respect,' Dunkin' Frachisee and Chief Operating Officer Kimberly Wolak said.

'The employees involved in the incident have been suspended pending a complete investigation, and we will be contacting the individual in the video to apologize for the negative experience,' she added.

A GoFundMe page has been launched to support Dufresne and has already raised $1,600. Dufresne pictured in a Dunkin Donuts

The viral video led to protest on Monday outside of the Dunkin' Donuts on North Salina Street in Syracuse

Protesters rallied outside with signs on Monday demanding the employees in the video be fired

One protester carried the sign 'Homeless Lives Matter' to show his support for Dufresne

She says the company also intends to work with local advocates to educate their staff on better engaging with homeless customers.

The viral video turned the coffee chain into a protest ground with advocates launching a boycott at the Dunkin' Donuts. Protesters also demanded that the workers involved in the video be fired.

On Monday afternoon a homeless outreach group called We Rise Above the Street confronted the Dunkin' Donuts manager, launching a protest of about 20 people outside the store.

A GoFundMe page has been launched to help support Dufresne and has already raised $1,600, far, surpassing the goal of $150.
In trucks piled high with belongings and their livestock safely tethered, hundreds of Syrian refugees made their journey home yesterday after years in makeshift camps.

More than 300 people displaced by the nation's seven-year civil war set off on their journey across dusty mountain tracks from the remote border town of Arsal in Lebanon.

They were among 25,000 Syrians who have volunteered to return as part of a scheme agreed by President Bashar Assad. They include children setting foot in their homeland for the first time, having been born in refugee camps.

Hundreds of Syrians leave the Lebanese-Syrian border town of Arsal in Lebanon to make the journey across the mountains and return home to war-ravaged Syria

But as many spoke of their relief to be heading back to their bombed-out villages, other families were torn apart as some relatives had not got approval to go back.

Sobbing, Nouha Bo Ali Haj, 14, said she was returning from a camp on the outskirts of Arsal with her father  but not her mother, who is waiting for approval.

Asked why she was crying, she said: 'I am going to miss my mother.'

Rimi Bo Ali, 50, said: 'I registered but my name has not come back.'

She said her family had been forced to leave their home in the town of Fleta, just across the border, in 2014 and added: 'We are living in a camp  it is better for us to live in a house. Over there is our country and our home.'

One father, who did not want to be named, said he was saying goodbye to his wife and children because he had not yet been given permission to return.

On the move: Syrian refugees leaving Lebanon to return home to Syria

Asked why not, his friend responded: 'Because Bashar [Assad] is not happy with him.'

The president, who has the backing of Russia and Iran, is claiming victory in the civil war, having retaken most of the territory rebels seized during the war that has killed more than 400,000 and driven millions from their homes.

He has declared the country safe for Syrians again, but thousands of his countrymen have applied to return, only to be rejected by the dictator's government.

Migrant sea deaths rise after Italy port closures Italy's decision to close its ports to rescued migrants is being blamed for a rise in deaths at sea. Since taking power in June, the far-right League party has refused to allow charity rescue ships to dock. Though arrivals are down 80 per cent from last year, the average number of deaths per day has risen to eight, according to Matteo Villa, a researcher at Italy's ISPI think tank. It was 3.2 in the period between July 16, 2017 and May 31, 2018, when the previous government was in charge. In September, nearly one in five migrants who attempted to reach Italy from North Africa perished  the highest monthly death rate recorded since 2012. Advertisement

Families gathered from 6am in a heavily guarded parking area as they waited for the military to cross their names off a register. Tanks and dozens of troops kept watch from the hillside as lorries, trucks, tractors and cars crammed full of refugees waited to be let through the checkpoint.

One woman said her husband had been killed and she was returning to her home in Yabroud, southern Syria, adding: 'I don't have any other choice but to go back.'

Moments later the army told her she was not on the list and could not pass.

Some 320 Syrians were expected to return home yesterday. Among them was Mahmood Jarboa, his five children, and his 100-year-old grandmother. In his truck he also had a horse he had brought to Lebanon with him from Syria, a dog, a sheep and 15 goats.

Speaking about his grandmother, he said: 'She was of course afraid she might never have made it back to Syria. She is very happy. All of us are feeling the same.'

Hiba, 27, her husband Wasim, 30, and their three children are returning to Yabroud after spending four years in Lebanon, where their one-year-old twins, Joud and Juliana, were born.

Speaking about why they left, Hiba said: 'We left after the first battle  there was a lot of bombing. We came straight to Arsal.'

Asked why they were returning, she said: 'We hope God gives us what is best for Syria. We just want peace.'
Soylent (pictured) is marketed as a meal replacement of 26 vitamins and minerals

A high protein health drink described as the future of food has gone on sale in Britain for the first time.

Soylent is marketed as a meal replacement which offers a healthy mix of 26 vitamins and minerals that is suitable for everyone, including vegans, and good for the environment.

However, the main ingredient, other than water, is genetically modified soya, which is among a group of Frankenstein food crops that many consumers in Britain and Europe are wary of.

Soylent  named, bizarrely, after the artificial food in the 1973 science fiction film Soylent Green, which turned out to be made from dead people  was created by Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and is promoted as ideal for those too busy to cook or eat a proper meal.

In its first launch outside the US, it is being sold in Britain on Amazon in ready-to-drink cartons in three flavours  cacao, cafe mocha and original  at 39.99 for a pack of 12. Each carton has 400 calories.

In America, GM crops are associated with the heavy use of controversial chemicals, specifically the pesticide glyphosate which has been implicated in causing cancer in a recent court case in California.

GM farming in the US has also been linked to the development of superweeds that are resistant to powerful chemical sprays.

The US recipe for Soylent contains several GM ingredients that have not been approved as safe in Britain and Europe.

These have been replaced for the British version. It still contains one type of GM soya, Soy Protein Isolate, which provides the protein and is approved here.

Liz ONeill, of the GM Freeze protest group, said: There is a lot of pressure coming from America for Britain to drop its food standards and do away with the labelling of GM foods.

Our concern is that Soylent could be a Trojan horse for other American GM foods. Soylent said it had worked with the UK Food Standards Agency on the British version.

A spokesman said: We proudly label our products as Genetically Modified (GM), were pro-science and see GM ingredients as being a great advancement in tackling our planets issues of overpopulation and sustainability. Organic farming cannot sustain the needs of our rising population.
They took shelter in a pub in Benidorm along with crowds of other drinkers

Paul Emery was on holiday with his friends when the heavy downpour started

This is the hilarious moment a group of holidaymakers can be seen enjoying a pint in a flooded bar during a monsoon in Benidorm.

Paul Emery was on holiday with his friends when heavy rain started to fall in Avenue del Mediterraneo and Avenue de Almeria, Spain.

They took shelter in a pub but can be seen still enjoying their pints despite being ankle deep in water.

Heavy downpour can be seen flooding the ground of the pub as they take shelter drinking their pints

They can be seen still smiling and enjoying their pints despite being ankle deep in water

And despite sever weather warnings being issued across Spain, the defiant people in the video were seen as little as a T-shirt, a pair shorts and flip-flops.

Some punters can be seen sitting on pool tables as they waited for the rain to subside.

Paul told The Sun Online: 'Everyone was kind of up for it really, no one really seemed to care.

'We were at the bar, it started hammering it down, we thought it was absolutely hilarious.'

The video pans round to show crowds of people taking shelter from the downpour as Paul can be heard saying: 'you can have a wash'.

He said: 'It was like a monsoon. It was ever so funny. Obviously the water started rising in the bar, everyone's feet got wet.'

Footage captured the heavy storm as the holidaymakers sheltered from the heavy rain

'Then there were people absolutely sodden all the way through, walking past, so we started to erupt into cheers: 'Well done guys!''

'We ended up getting the whole bar cheering as people walked past.'

This comes after holidaymakers in Benidorm have been filmed floating down flooded streets on lilos after the resort was hit by torrential rain.

Water floods around their ankles- but they still make the most od their holiday by ordering drinks at the bar

They were seen running and jumping onto their inflatables and splashing around in puddles in the middle of the road as they refused to let the horrid weather ruin their holiday.

Some tourists were even spotted using an upside-down table as a makeshift surfboard to skid around on the slippery strip.

The Spanish Met Office, AEMET, put 14 of the country's provinces on yellow weather warning alerts for heavy rain, thunderstorms, winds and high tides.
Conjoined twin girls will be flown to Australia so doctors can attempt to separate them - as their mother comes to terms with the fact that one of them may die.

Surgeons at Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital will attempt to separate 14-month-old Nima and Dawa Pelden, who will arrive in Australia from Bhutan, in the Himalayas, on Tuesday.

The girls will undergo surgery at the Royal Children's Hospital after a fundraising effort by the Children First foundation, the Herald Sun reported.

Their mother Bhumchu Zangmo, 38, said she has accepted that one of her daughters may die during the procedure.

'I am very concerned for their future life, so I cannot think of not separating them.' she said.

Surgeons at Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital will attempt to separate 14-month-old conjoined twins Nima and Dawa Pelden (pictured) who will arrive in Australia from Bhutan

'Even if surgery takes away one twin, I will be very happy for the other living twin. I am extremely happy that help has finally come. Not only happy, I am ecstatic now that surgery will be possible in Australia.'

Nima and Dawa are joined at the lower chest, and have been battling to survive.

The bid comes nine years after the foundation and the hospital successfully separated Bangladeshi sisters Trishna and Krishna.

Royal Children's Hospital head of surgery Joe Cremaeri said he is confident both girls will survive the procedure.

'On the best of the information we have at the moment I think we can offer them separation and I think we can offer them the ability to go home and live a normal life,' he said.

The bid comes nine years after the foundation and the hospital successfully separated Bangladeshi sisters Trishna and Krishna (pictured)

Dr Crameri said surgeons believe the girls have a joined liver and bowel which can be separated.

Six surgeons will operate on the conjoined twins, with dozens of specialist nurses and anaesthetists also assisting.

The twins' surgery and care is expected to cost up to $300,000.
Christine Blasey Ford's legal team says the FBI has not made contact with them in the Brett Kavanaugh probe that Donald Trump ordered Friday.

A journalist from the New York Times spoke to a lawyer representing the woman who accused the Supreme Court Justice nominee of sexually assaulting her in the 1980s, and the federal investigators have not consulted her for help with their research into his background.

A tweet Sunday shared a statement from Debra Katz, which claimed Dr Ford's team has tried to initiate a conversation themselves but to no avail.

'NEW: FBI has not responded to requests from Christine Blasey Ford to do an interview,' journalist Sheryl Gay Stolberg wrote on Twitter Sunday morning.

She added the attorney said: 'We have not heard from the FBI, despite repeated efforts to speak with them.'

Trump denied the investigation may not be entirely fair in a tweet Saturday night.

He referred to an NBC story that reported he could be cherry-picking the people they speak to possibly have a different outcome.

'NBC News incorrectly reported (as usual) that I was limiting the FBI investigation of Judge Kavanaugh, and witnesses, only to certain people,' he posted. 'Actually, I want them to interview whoever they deem appropriate, at their discretion. Please correct your reporting!'

The US President had previously ordered the supplemental investigation a day after Ford and Kavanaugh testified in front of the Judiciary Committee Thursday.

'I've ordered the FBI to conduct a supplemental investigation to update Judge Kavanaugh's file. As the Senate has requested, this update must be limited in scope and completed in less than one week,' Trump said.

ABC News also reported a source had told them no one from the FBI had contacted Ford's team by Sunday.

President Donald Trump ordered a one-week supplemental probe by the FBI Friday

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said the probe would include talking to Ford, as well as a second accuser Deborah Ramirez.

Ramirez alleges Kavanaugh exposed himself to her at Yale college.

Attorney John Clune confirmed on Saturday the Ramirez team had been contacted by FBI.

'We can confirm the FBI has reached out to interview Ms. Ramirez and she has agreed to cooperate with their investigation. Out of respect for the integrity of the process, we will have no further comment at this time,' Clune said.

Julie Swetnick, the third woman to make public allegations about Judge Kavanaugh, had not been contacted by FBI regarding the matter according to her lawyer Michael Avenatti.

There had been some confusion as to whether Swetnick would be a part of this FBI investigation after a White House official told NBC News her accusations were not to be included.

The outlet reported the FBI had a list of people they could interview made up of Mark Judge, Ramirez, Ford's high school friend Leland Keyser, who has previously said she was not told about the assault, and P.J. Smyth, who was at the party where Ford claims the incident took place.

However Trump seemingly said Swetnick's claims may be a part of the probe when he said that the FBI would have 'free rein'.

'Theyre going to do whatever they have to do,' he said. 'Whatever it is they do, theyll be doingthings that we never even thought of. And hopefully at the conclusion everything will be fine.'

Kavanaugh's high school friend Mark Judge was said to be on the list of FBI interviewees

People who went to high school with Kavanaugh are also expected to speak about his character after Republican Senator Jeff Flake pushed for the confirmation of the Supreme Court Judge nominee this week.

Ford's lawyer said that the probe should not be given such a tight time frame.

Katz said: 'A thorough FBI investigation is critical to developing all the relevant facts. Dr Christine Blasey Ford welcomes this step in the process, and appreciates the efforts of Senators Flake, Murkowski, Manchin and Collins - and all other senators who have supported an FBI investigation - to ensure it is completed before the Senate votes on Judge Kavanaugh's nomination.

'No artificial limits as to time or scope should be imposed on this investigation.'

Kavanaugh has been linked to excessive drinking and inappropriate behavior with women as part of the accusations.

The FBI investigation was called to see whether any of the claims may stand to be true as Republications say the women coming forward are part of a Liberal agenda to attack Trump and their political party.
The inquest into the death of teenager Natasha Ednan-Laperouse brought food regulations and allergy labelling of products to the fore.

Food regulation expert Dr Richard Hyde, associate professor in law at the University of Nottingham, has set out the key issues.

- What is the current law?

Dr Hyde explained that the law at the moment, the EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation and the UK Food Information Regulations 2014, is that if there are any of 14 different types of allergens contained within food they should be highlighted on the label of the product - but this only applies to pre-packaged food that is already made before it reaches the shop or restaurant in which it is being sold. Non-prepackaged food does not have to have a specific label attached to the specific food, according to the current law.

- What is the problem with this law?

During the inquest into the death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, coroner Dr Sean Cummings heard that Pret A Manger operates under regulation 5 of the Food Information Regulations, as their outlets have kitchens adjacent preparing fresh food which is then packed and displayed for sale. Dr Cummings pointed out that one of the effects of regulation 5 is that it allows for the 'incomplete labelling of food products'. It allows for a 'general description' but does not require identification of allergens in bold lettering on the packet. Dr Hyde pointed out that businesses can direct consumers to ask for information about allergens, rather than providing the information in writing.

- What are the 14 allergens?

Cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, milk, nuts, celery, mustard, sesame seeds, sulphur dioxide and sulphites at a particular concentration, lupin and molluscs.

- What can actually change?

Dr Hyde said the Government can apply a more 'stringent' requirement in relation to non-prepackaged food. He said it can amend the current regulations and require that allergens are specifically highlighted in writing. Dr Hyde said he thinks the UK regulations should change to require businesses to set out in writing what allergens are in a particular product, that there should be a 'duty' to set out and declare what the allergens are, rather than putting the onus on the consumer.

- How easy would it be to change the law?

Dr Hyde said it would be relatively simple as it is set out in a statutory instrument, meaning a change does not have to be made by an Act of Parliament.

- Would there be any opposition?

Small businesses, such as some restaurants that cook new menus every day, may find it to be quite a burden to have to produce an allergy list every day, Dr Hyde pointed out. However, he said he would not anticipate much opposition generally, given the damaging consequences of someone not being aware of an allergen in food.

- Would Brexit affect any of this?

Dr Hyde said the overall regulation comes from an EU piece of legislation, including the 14 listed allergens. He suggested that post-Brexit the list of 14 allergens could be extended to include more.
Samantha Grant - also known as Samantha Markle - describes herself as a writer, a mental health counsellor and a 'blabbermouth'.

She is the half-sister of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex from her father's first marriage.

A one-time actress and model, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2008 and uses a wheelchair.

Based in Florida, she is 17 years older than Markle and sells jewellery to raise money to fund the feature films she writes.

Twice-divorced, she has three children - Ashleigh, Christopher and Noelle.

Like her father, she once filed for bankruptcy and is estranged from her mother Roslyn - Thomas Markle's first wife - and brother Thomas Jr.
February 2018: Tesla reports its biggest quarterly loss - more than $500million. Stocks dive by 8 per cent

March 23, 2018: A fatal Model X crash which involved its autopilot mode spark safety fears and send stocks tumbling

April 1: Musk jokes about Tesla going bankrupt on Twitter

Rapper Azealia Banks who claimed Musk wrote the tweet while high on acid

May 2: Musk holds an earnings conference call where he calls analysts' questions 'boring and boneheaded'

May 3: Musk expands his stake in Tesla to 20 per cent, acquiring $9.85million in shares

June 12: Musk announces 'difficult but necessary reorganization' which will see nine percent of its workforce let go

July 15: After offering up a team of engineers to rescue a group of Thai boys who became stuck in a cave, Musk launches an astonishing attack on a local diver who tried to save them. He calls the man a 'pedo' in retaliation for his criticism of Tesla's failure to get to the children and save them

July 30: Rapper Azealia Banks announces she is collaborating with Musk's girlfriend Grimes

August 7: Musk tweets that he is taking Tesla private for $420-a-share. It leads to an increase in stock price which saw his individual net worth rise by $1.4billion that day

August 8: The Wall Street Journal reports the SEC has opened an inquiry into the tweet

August 10: Azealia Banks goes to Musk's house to collaborate with Grimes

August 13: Banks takes to Instagram, angry that she apparently had to 'wait around for Grimes to coddle her boyfriend' when they were due to make music. She alleges that Musk spent the weekend 'scrounging' for investors after the tweet which she said he posted while high on acid.

She later claims outrageously that Musk, 47, and Grimes only invited her to his home to take part in a threesome.

On September 7, Tesla shares hit a six month low after Musk smoked cannabis during a podcast

Musk denies ever having her at his home and says in a Tesla announcement that he had secured funding from the Saudi Arabian Sovereign Fund with whom he had a verbal agreement

August 16: Musk admits in a New York Times article that Banks was at his house. Elsewhere in the article, he complains about the 'excruciating toll' of Tesla. Stocks react unfavorably

August 19: Banks sends Musk a letter saying she feels 'terrible' about everything

August 21: Musk shuts down his Instagram account

August 24: He vows to keep Tesla public and says he will remain at the helm

September 7: Musk drinks and smokes marijuana during a podcast. Shares tank by 11 per cent and Chief Accounting Executive Dave Morton's resignation is announced. On the same day, the HR chief and head of communications also leave

September 18: The Department of Justice launches a separate investigation into Musk's tweet

September 27: Musk is sued by the SEC after walking away from a deal which would see him pay $10million in fines, step down as chairman. Shares plummet by 14 per cent

September 29: Musk settles with the SEC

October 4: Musk refers to the SEC as the 'Shortseller Enrichment Commission' in a tweet

October 8: Tesla shares plummet to $250, its lowest in a year
Autos

75 per cent of a vehicle's parts have to be made in North America for it to qualify for free trade access - up from 62.5 per cent

70 per cent of a vehicle's steel or aluminum has to be from North America to qualify for free access

By 2023 40 cent of a vehicle's parts have to be made by by autoworkers where autoworkers earn a minimum of $16 an hour to qualify for tariff exemption. The figure is not linked to inflation

If Trump imposes tariffs on Canada and Mexico, the two countries get increased annual quota of 2.6 million vehicles they can import tariff free to the U.S.
Two immunologists, James Allison from the University of Texas Austin and Tasuku Honjo from Kyoto University, have won the 2018 Nobel Medicine Prize for research that has revolutionised the treatment of cancer.

The pair were honoured 'for their discovery of cancer therapy by inhibition of negative immune regulation,' the Nobel Assembly said.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy targets proteins made by some immune system cells, as well as some cancer cells.

The proteins can stop the body's natural defences from killing cancer cells.

The therapy is designed to remove this protein 'brake' and allow the immune system to more quickly get to work fighting the cancer.

Two immunologists, James Allison of the US (pictured) and Tasuku Honjo of Japan, won the 2018 Nobel Medicine Prize for research that has revolutionised the treatment of cancer

The pair were honoured 'for their discovery of cancer therapy by inhibition of negative immune regulation,' the Nobel Assembly said. Pictured is Kyoto University Professor Tasuku Honjo

THE NOBEL PRIZES Nobel prizes were initially awarded in the fields of physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and peace. In 1969, another prize was added, The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel. Medicine is the first of the Nobel Prizes awarded each year. The Nobel Laureates are announced annually at the beginning of October. They are honoured in December, on the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death. Winners receive their prizes from the Swedish King. All Nobel Prizes are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden, except for the Nobel Peace Prize, which is awarded in Oslo, Norway. Advertisement

Professor Allison studied a protein that acts as a brake on the immune system and the potential of releasing that brake.

Professor Honjo separately discovered a new protein on immune cells and eventually found that it also acts as a brake.

'Therapies based on his discovery proved to be strikingly effective in the fight against cancer,' the Stockholm-based assembly said in a statement.

Releasing the potential of immune cells to attack cancers joins other treatments including surgery, radiation and drugs.

In 2014 Professor Allison and Professor Honjo won the Tang Prize which is touted as Asia's version of the Nobels.

The duo will share the Nobel prize sum of nine million Swedish kronor (about $1.01 million/ 870,000 euros/ 770,000).

They will receive their prize from King Carl XVI Gustaf at a formal ceremony in Stockholm on December 10.

This is the anniversary of the death of Alfred Nobel in 1896 who created the prizes in his last will and testament.

'I'm honored and humbled to receive this prestigious recognition,' Professor Allison said in a statement released by the university's MD Anderson Cancer Centre in Houston, where he is a professor.

'A driving motivation for scientists is simply to push the frontiers of knowledge. I didn't set out to study cancer, but to understand the biology of T cells, these incredible cells that travel our bodies and work to protect us,' he said.

'The Nobel Prize-winning discoveries made by these scientists has revolutionised not only our understanding of the immune system and cancer, but also the field of cancer treatment', said Professor Charles Swanton, Cancer Research UK's chief clinician.

'Thanks to this groundbreaking work, our own immune system's innate power against cancer has been realised and harnessed into treatments that continue to save the lives of patients.

'For cancers such as advanced melanoma, lung, and kidney, these immune-boosting drugs have transformed the outlook for many patients who had run out of options.'

The winners will receive their prize from King Carl XVI Gustaf at a formal ceremony in Stockholm on December 10, the anniversary of the 1896 death of Alfred Nobel who created the prizes in his last will and testament

WHAT DID THEY DO? James Allison of the University of Texas and Tasuku Honjo of Japan's Kyoto University did parallel work to stimulate the body's immune system's ability to attack tumours. The pair were honoured 'for their discovery of cancer therapy by inhibition of negative immune regulation,' the Nobel Assembly said. Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy targets proteins made by some immune system cells, as well as some cancer cells. The proteins can stop the body's natural defences from killing cancer cells. The therapy is designed to remove this protein 'brake' and allow the immune system to more quickly get to work fighting the cancer. Professor Allison studied a protein that acts as a brake on the immune system and the potential of releasing that brake. Professor Honjo separately discovered a new protein on immune cells and eventually found that it also acts as a brake. 'Therapies based on his discovery proved to be strikingly effective in the fight against cancer,' the assembly said in a statement. Releasing the potential of immune cells to attack cancers joins other treatments including surgery, radiation and drugs. Advertisement

Last year, US geneticists Jeffrey Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael Young were awarded the medicine prize for their research on the role of genes in setting the 'circadian clock' which regulates sleep and eating patterns, hormones and body temperature.

The winners of this year's physics prize will be announced on Tuesday, followed by the chemistry prize on Wednesday.

The peace prize will be announced on Friday, and the economics prize will wrap up the Nobel season on Monday, October 8.

For the first time since 1949, the Swedish Academy has postponed the announcement of the 2018 Nobel Literature Prize until next year, amid a #MeToo scandal and bitter internal dispute that has prevented it from functioning properly.

Medicine is the first of the Nobel Prizes awarded each year.

The prizes for achievements in science, literature and peace were created in accordance with the will of dynamite inventor and businessman Alfred Nobel and have been awarded since 1901.

Nobel prizes were initially awarded in the fields of physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and peace.

The duo (pictured, on screen) will share the Nobel prize sum of nine million Swedish kronor (about $1.01 million/ 870,000 euros/ 770,000). They will receive their prize from King Carl XVI Gustaf at a formal ceremony in Stockholm on December 10

WHO ARE THE PRIZE WINNERS? Professor James Allison from the University of Texas received his bachelor's degree in 1969 and doctorate in 1973 in biological science at The University of Texas at Austin. He is now chair of immunology and executive director of the Immunotherapy Platform at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. For decades, Professor Allison has studied how certain immune cells in our bodies, called T-cells, work. T-cells identify and wipe out foreign invaders, including bacteria and viruses. Professor Allison discovered that one molecule in T-cells, called CTLA-4, acts as a kind of brake. Some cancers defend themselves from our immune systems by activating these brakes. Professor Allison is currently involved in clinical trials that combine his anti-cancer drug with a second one that helps T-cells go after cancer. Metastatic melanoma patients started receiving this combined therapy more than three years ago, and so far, three in five are still alive. Professor Tasuku Honjo was born in 1942 and did his undergraduate at the School of Medicine at Kyoto University. He stayed on for his PhD and is now a professor emeritus at the university. His work has been described as initiating a historic turning pointa 'penicillin moment'in the fight against cancer. He discovered an immunoregulatory molecule called PD-1. This has led to a new class of cancer drugs that unleash the body's own immune system against cancer. PD-1 is a protein produced on the surface of some T-cells and can be thought of as the 'brakes' of the immune system. The protein helps keep the immune system from running out of control and attacking normal, healthy cells. Professor Honjo thought that if PD-1 could be blocked then perhaps a patient's own immune system could be used against cancer cells. Today, PD-1 inhibitors such as the drugs nivolumab and pembrolizumab are showing promise for more effective treatment of certain types of cancer, such as melanoma. Advertisement

In 1969, another prize was added, The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel.

The Nobel Laureates are announced annually at the beginning of October, but are honoured in December, on the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death.

All Nobel Prizes are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden, except for the Nobel Peace Prize, which is awarded in Oslo, Norway.

During his life, Alfred Nobel started 87 companies all over the world and amassed an incredible fortune.

At the time of his death on December 10, 1896, he had 355 patents globally, including one for dynamite.

His will stipulated that the money should be used to establish prizes to award those who had done their best to benefit mankind.

In 2014 Professor Allison and Professor Honjo won the Tang Prize which is touted as Asia's version of the Nobels. They are pictured here with then Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou (centre)
China's new spy satellite 'Project Guanlan' could use lasers to spot submarines up to 1,600ft (500m) below the ocean's surface.

These lasers will be so powerful they will make the upper layer of the sea 'more or less transparent', according to scientists involved in the project.

Researchers claim these artificial laser beams could be one billion times brighter than the sun.

However, some experts say this type of deep-sea surveillance is 'mission impossible' as lasers are fundamentally unable to penetrate that deep.

China's new Project Guanlan satellite uses lasers to spot objects deep under water. In theory when a laser hits an object - such as a submarine - pulses bounce back and are picked up by sensors, which can determine the size, shape and location of the object

Project Guanlan, which means 'watching the big waves' was launched in May at the Pilot National Laboratory in Qingdao in Shandong, writes South China Morning Post.

Its components are being developed by more than 20 universities across the country.

For more than half a century naval researchers have been attempting to create a laser using Lidar (a portmanteau of 'light and 'radar.').

In theory when a laser hits an object - such as a submarine - pulses will bounce back and be picked up by sensors, which will be able to determine its shape.

According to researchers, this high-powered laser beam is so powerful it would be able to scan an area as wide as 62 miles (100km) on land.

It will also be used alongside microwave radar which will scan the surface of the water and identify surface movement.

This could be an indication that a submarine is lurking below.

Lidar uses ultraviolet, visible, or near infrared light to image objects.

It can be used with a wide range of targets, including non-metallic objects, rocks, rain, chemical compounds, aerosols, clouds and even single molecules.

China's new spy satellite 'Project Guanlan' could use lasers to spot submarines up to 1,600ft (500m) below the ocean's surface. This high-powered laser beam will be so powerful it would be able to scan an area as wide as 62 miles (100km) on land (stock image)

However, it is negatively affected by fog, murky water and marine life.

It also works less well in water as light scatters when it hits the surface.

Researchers say the aim of the project is to strengthen Chinese surveillance.

Song Xiaoquan, who is involved in the project, said it will make the upper layers of the ocean 'more or less transparent'.

He said it 'will change almost everything'.

Dr Xuaiquan said he did not know when the satellite would be ready.

However, not everyone is convinced and some say it is 'impossible' to use the technology to look 1,600ft below the ocean's surface.

'They [project researchers] won't be able to break through the darkness guarded by Mother Nature  unless of course they are Tom Cruise, armed with some secret weapons,' one anonymous researcher from the Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences told SCMP.
A scientist has sparked fury with a presentation at CERN saying that 'physics was invented and built by men'.

Alessandro Strumia of Pisa University said male scientists were the victims of discrimination during a workshop on 'High Energy Theory and Gender'.

CERN has condemned the scientist's remarks saying they were 'highly offensive' and that the slides from his talk had been removed from its website.

But Professor Strumia has stood by his comments, made to a predominantly female audience, BBC News has reported.

Alessandro Strumia of Pisa University said male scientists were the victims of discrimination during a workshop on 'High Energy Theory and Gender'. Pictured: the CERN laboratory

In one of the slides he is understood to have said: 'Physics invented and built by men, it's not by invitation.'

He claimed: 'Physics is not sexist against women. However the truth does not matter, because it is part of a political battle coming from outside. Not clear who will win.'

According to slides posted online he cited examples of supposed discrimination against men including cheaper university places in Italy and longer exam times at Oxford which are claimed to benefit women.

In a long series of slides he criticised politicians for promoting 'victimocracy' and said he was expressing 'thoughtcrime'.

He also said women were hired with fewer citations and said the 'assumption of identical brains is ideology'.

Imperial College London scientist Dr Jessica Wade, who attended the conference, said: 'It was really upsetting to those at the workshop.

'There were young women and men exchanging ideas and their experiences on how to encourage more women into the subject and to combat discrimination in their careers. Then this man gets up, saying all this horrible stuff.'

When contacted for comment Mr Strumia is said to have stood by his comments, saying he had 'discovered' physics was not sexist.

The Swiss particle physics lab CERN has condemned the scientist's remarks saying they were 'highly offensive' and that the slides had been removed from its website

The Swiss particle physics lab said in a statement: 'CERN considers the presentation delivered by an invited scientist during a workshop on High Energy Theory and Gender as highly offensive.

'It has therefore decided to remove the slides from the online repository, in line with a Code of Conduct that does not tolerate personal attacks and insults.

'The organisers from CERN and several collaborating Universities were not aware of the content of the talk prior to the workshop.

'CERN supports the many members of the community that have expressed their indignation for the unacceptable statements contained in the presentation.

'CERN is a culturally diverse organisation bringing together people from dozens of nationalities. It is a place where everyone is welcome, and all have the same opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, beliefs, gender or sexual orientation.'
Tate Modern hopes to get visitors crying with its new Turbine Hall installation tackling migration  with a tear-inducing chemical.

The menthol-based gas, which the museum insists is safe for the general public, will be pumped into a small white room that fits around five people.

Cuban artist and activist Tania Bruguera, who created the new exhibition, says the box will provoke 'forced empathy' in visitors.

The Hyundai Commission's main attraction is a large hall in which visitors are played an 'unsettling sound' while they try to uncover the face of a young Syrian man.

The annual commission is one of the museum's most popular events  artists have previously responded by creating 100 million 'sunflower seeds', spiralling slides and a dazzling sun.

WHAT IS THE TEAR-INDUCING CHEMICAL? The Tate Modern will use a tear-inducing chemical as part of its latest exhibit. A spokesperson told MailOnline that the invisible gas is menthol-based. It dries out the eyes, causing tears t form naturally to add moisture. The chemical is organic and safe for visitors, the spokesperson said. They said that while the exhibit can't force emotions, the small room - which fits around five people - can trigger a physical reaction which may help draw out emotional responses to the rest of the exhibit. Advertisement

This year, controversial artist Bruguera, 50, wanted to create work around the migration crisis.

In the London museum's cavernous Turbine Hall, visitors will hear a 'low-frequency sound' , creating an 'unsettling energy'.

People can use the heat from their bodies to uncover, under the floor, a large portrait of a young man who was homeless in London after leaving Syria in 2011 but is now working for the NHS.

Curators say that uncovering the image is 'an almost impossible task' and admit 'the warmer parts of your body do show up' on the floor  leading to some potentially embarrassing moments.

Tate Modern director Frances Morris said of needing 'collective action' to make the portrait appear: 'If 300 hot bodies came and lay down we'd be very pleased.'

In an adjoining empty white room, a contained organic compound is released into the space to induce tears and provoke 'forced empathy'.

A small room at the Tate Modern's latest exhibition will hit visitors with an organic chemical that makes them cry. Pictured is a warning sign that features outside the room

This picture shows a visitor at the preview of the 'Crying Room'. A museum spokesperson told MailOnline that the organic chemical dries out the eyes 'like a menthol steam'

While the exhibit can't force emotions, the small room - which fits around five people - can trigger a physical reaction which may help people react to the rest of the exhibit

The Hyundai Commission's main attraction is a large hall in which visitors attempt to uncover the face of a young Syrian man. People can use the heat from their bodies to uncover, under the floor, the large portrait. Pictured is the effect body heat has on the installation

A museum spokesperson told MailOnline that the organic chemical dries out the eyes 'like a menthol steam'.

They said that while the exhibit can't force emotions, the small room - which fits around five people - can trigger a physical reaction which may help people react to the rest of the exhibit.

The room warns visitors of the gas with a sign outside, and a member of staff will be on hand at all times to assist should visitors become distressed, they said.

The room warns visitors of the gas with a sign outside, and a member of staff will be on hand at all times to assist should visitors become distressed

Cuban artist and activist Tania Bruguera, who created the new exhibition, says the box will provoke 'forced empathy' in visitors

Curators say the name of the installation changes in reference to the number of people who migrated from one country to another last year added to the number of migrant deaths recorded so far this year  currently 10,142,926

Pictured is the heat-sensitive floor that forms part of the echibit

Curator Catherine Wood said: 'It's very safe. Barry, our health and safety officer, has not let us get away with anything.'

Curators say the name of the installation changes in reference to the number of people who migrated from one country to another last year added to the number of migrant deaths recorded so far this year  currently 10,142,926.

Artist Bruguera described the piece as a 'risk', saying: 'This is the kind of commission an artist wants but, as soon as you get, you panic.'

The work also is about making Tate Modern a 'local museum' for neighbours who had never set foot in the world-famous gallery, with its north building renamed for a year in honour of local activist Natalie Bell.

The Hyundai Commission opens at Tate Modern on Tuesday and runs until February 24 2019.
Self-driving tractors which are powered by hydrogen and controlled by a mobile app could plough the world's farmland under one Italian designer's plans.

The remote-controlled Valtra H202 tractors could take to the fields at night with no human supervision from around 2040.

Designer Lorenzo Mariotti said the tractor would be charged on site with plugs or wireless inductive charging and said hydrogen could be produced using methane from the farm.

The tractor's autonomous driving would allow it to repeat complex and repetitive tasks around the clock, he said.

Self-driving tractors which are powered by hydrogen and controlled by a mobile app could plough the world's farmland under one Italian designer's plans

The remote-controlled Valtra H202 tractors. pictured in concept images could take to the fields at night with no human supervision from around 2040

How do hydrogen fuel cells work? Hydrogen fuel cells create electricity to power a battery and motor by mixing hydrogen and oxygen in specially treated plates, which are combined to form the fuel cell stack. Fuel cell stacks and batteries have allowed engineers to significantly shrink these components to even fit neatly inside a family car, although they are also commonly used to fuel buses and other larger vehicles. Oxygen is collected from the air through intakes, usually in the grille, and hydrogen is stored in aluminium-lined fuel tanks, which automatically seal in an accident to prevent leaks. These ingredients are fused, releasing usable electricity and water as byproducts and making the technology one of the quietest and most environmentally friendly available. Reducing the amount of platinum used in the stack has made fuel cells less expensive, but the use of the rare metal has restricted the spread of their use. Recent research has suggested hydrogen fuel cell cars could one day challenge electric cars in the race for pollution-free roads, however - but only if more stations are built to fuel them. Fuel cell cars can be refueled as quickly as gasoline-powered cars and can also travel further between fill-ups. Advertisement

Concept images show the futuristic farm vehicle driving across a field with its fuel cell producing electricity from hydrogen.

The Italian designer said the design was 'an evolution of the archetypal form of the tractor, making it immediately recognisable'.

The H202 also includes technologies such as Laser and Oled lights, advanced active safety and remote management.

Mr Mariotti said: 'Humans are very good at finding a creative solution to an unexpected situation, for this reason the farmer must occasionally still be able to drive the tractor.

'However, combining human and machine capabilities could improve productivity by optimising the time spent working.

'For this reason H202 has advanced autonomous driving that will be able to complete complex and repetitive tasks around the clock. Tractor management will be tightly integrated with the farm's production plan.'

Tasks not requiring interaction with a farmer would be completed during night time, Mr Mariotti said.

The autonomous driving technology would improve safety by taking over from the driver in potentially dangerous situations to avoid accidents, he said.

He said: 'One of the most important themes is the environment attention.

'Reducing the environment footprint of these working machines could reduce the amount of resources needed to produce food.

'For the H202 I have chosen a hydrogen fuel cell with an electric power train. The electric engine has a huge constant torque, it's clean and requires less maintenance, making it a good successor for diesel engines.

'Hydrogen could be obtained from methane produced with anaerobic digesters directly on the farm. In this way the footprint of the whole farm will be significantly reduced.'

The tractor would be charged on site with plugs or wireless inductive charging and said hydrogen could be produced using methane from the farm

Concept images show the futuristic farm vehicle driving across a field with its fuel cell producing electricity from hydrogen which could be produced on the farm

The autonomous driving technology would improve safety by taking over from the driver in potentially dangerous situations to avoid accidents, the tractor's designer said

The Italian designer said the design for his Valtra H202 farm vehicle was 'an evolution of the archetypal form of the tractor, making it immediately recognisable
Facebook logins are being sold on the dark web for just $3.90 each, a shocking report has revealed.

Email logins sell for as little as $2.70 each, according to experts who analysed the value of 26 commonly used accounts.

They found the majority of someone's online life could be available for just $970, which includes all usernames, passwords and email addresses.

The best way to protect these details is by using multiple verification, the report found.

The news comes just days after Facebook discovered a massive security breach affecting 50 million user accounts - including those of Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg and COO Sheryl Sandberg.

The social media giant said attackers exploited the site's 'View As' feature, which lets people see what their profiles look like to other users.

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Facebook logins are being sold on the dark web for just $3.91 (3) each, a shocking report has revealed. Email logins sell for as little as $2.74 (2.10) each, according to experts who analysed the value of 26 commonly used accounts

HOW DO YOU PROTECT YOURSELF? The report found the best protection was to set up two-step authentication. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to apps and websites by asking for both a password and a unique code when logging in. Once verified, if anyone tries to log into their account they will be sent an autentication code via text message. Even if a hacker has obtained the user's email address and password, they won't be able to access the account without this extra code. While the extra layer of security isnt completely hacker proof, its far more robust. Also if users have different passwords for each account it means hackers will not be able to access all accounts in one go. Advertisement

According to a blog post by Cheshire-based firm Money Guru, which carried out the research, these details are frequently stolen to sell to companies with want to do targeted advertising.

'There are few better ways to gain insight into someones life than their social media accounts', researchers wrote.

'These details are frequently stolen to sell to companies with little scruples about targeted advertising.

'Its also a fast track to identity theft as they can take control of your accounts, lock you out and cause serious reputational damage in a short space of time', they wrote.

Researchers carried out the study by looking at the most popular Dark Web marketplace which is called 'Dream Market'.

They compared these with two other marketplaces called Wall St Market and Berlusconi Market to find an average price for each piece of personal information.

The report found that logins for Reddit generally go for $2.09 (1.60), a password to Instagram sells for $6.30 (4.80) and a password for Pinterest goes for $8.48 (6.50).

According to the report, a Twitter password is worth just $3.26 (2.50).

Hotmail passwords are worth around $3 (2.30), Gmail passwords are worth $3.26 (2.50) and AOL passwords are worth just $2.74 (2.10).

The report found the best to protect oneself was by using two-step authentication when a text message is sent to the users phone with a code.

This means that a hacker is unable to get onto someone's account on a new machine without also having access to their phone.

Also if users have different passwords for each account it means they will not be able to access all accounts in one go.

'What is immediately clear is that your data is not worth a great deal on the open marketplace  at least, not as much as you would think', researchers wrote.

'This is a disturbing thought when viewed on a case by case basis as the impact on individuals can be devastating.'

The news comes just days after Facebook discovered a massive security breach affecting 50 million user accounts - including those of Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg (pictured) and COO Sheryl Sandberg

WERE YOU AFFECTED BY THE FACEBOOK BREACH? Facebook said it logged out around 90 million users as a result of the hack. Affected users will be prompted to log back in Facebook when they try and access the site. Users are sent a six-digit code via email or to a mobile device that authenticates their identity, which they're then instructed to enter on Facebook's site. After they have logged back in, people will get a notification at the top of their News Feed explaining what happened. Facebook also said it was temporarily turning off the 'View As' feature while it conducted a thorough security review. Advertisement

At the end of last week unknown attackers took advantage of a feature in the code called 'Access Tokens,' to take over people's accounts, potentially giving hackers access to private messages, photos and posts - although Facebook said there was no evidence that had been done.

The hackers also tried to harvest people's private information, including name, sex and hometown, from Facebook's systems.

Facebook said it doesn't yet know if information from the affected accounts has been misused or accessed, and is working with the FBI to conduct further investigations.

However, Mark Zuckerberg assured users that passwords and credit card information was not accessed.

As a result of the breach, the firm logged roughly 90 million people out of their accounts earlier today as a security measure.

The attack marks the latest in a string of recent setbacks for Facebook, which is still recovering from the fallout over the Cambridge Analytica scandal earlier this year, which saw some 87 million users' data shared with the research firm without their knowledge.

As a result, some experts and officials have grown concerned about whether the firm can effectively manage and protect users' data.

'The implications of this are huge,' Justin Fier, director of cyber intelligence at security company Darktrace, told Reuters.

The breach could also cause problems for Facebook with European privacy laws.

Facebook said it hasinformed the Irish Data Protection Commission about the breach, a step required by Europe's GDPR regulations.

The commission said it received the notification, but expressed concern with its timing and lack of detail.

Virginia Sen. Mark Warner called the hack 'deeply concerning' and called for a full investigation.

READ THE FULL STATEMENT FROM MARK ZUCKERBERG ON THE DATA BREACH I want to update you on an important security issue we've identified. We patched the issue last night and are taking precautionary measures for those who might have been affected. We're still investigating, but I want to share what we've already found: On Tuesday, we discovered that an attacker exploited a technical vulnerability to steal access tokens that would allow them to log into about 50 million people's accounts on Facebook. We do not yet know whether these accounts were misused but we are continuing to look into this and will update when we learn more. We've already taken a number of steps to address this issue: 1. We patched the security vulnerability to prevent this attacker or any other from being able to steal additional access tokens. And we invalidated the access tokens for the accounts of the 50 million people who were affected  causing them to be logged out. These people will have to log back in to access their accounts again. We will also notify these people in a message on top of their News Feed about what happened when they log back in. 2. As a precautionary measure, even though we believe we've fixed the issue, we're temporarily taking down the feature that had the security vulnerability until we can fully investigate it and make sure there are no other security issues with it. The feature is called 'View As' and it's a privacy tool to let you see how your own profile would look to other people. 3. As an additional precautionary measure, we're also logging out everyone who used the View As feature since the vulnerability was introduced. This will require another 40 million people or more to log back into their accounts. We do not currently have any evidence that suggests these accounts have been compromised, but we're taking this step as a precautionary measure. We face constant attacks from people who want to take over accounts or steal information around the world. While I'm glad we found this, fixed the vulnerability, and secured the accounts that may be at risk, the reality is we need to continue developing new tools to prevent this from happening in the first place. If you've forgotten your password or are having trouble logging in, you can access your account through the @Help Center. There's more detail in Guy's post below, and we'll update you as our investigation continues. Advertisement

'...Today's disclosure is a reminder about the dangers posed when a small number of companies like Facebook or the credit bureau Equifax are able to accumulate so much personal data about individual Americans without adequate security measures.

'This is another sobering indicator that Congress needs to step up and take action to protect the privacy and security of social media users. As I've said before - the era of the Wild West in social media is over,' he added.

Not long after the breach was announced, some Twitter users also began reporting that Facebook was blocking them from sharing links to stories about the hack from the Associated Press and The Guardian.

When users attempted to share the links, they were served a message that read: 'Our security systems have detected that a lot of people are posting the same content, which could mean that it's spam. Please try a different post.'

The move caused some to speculate that it was a result of Facebook suppressing negative coverage of itself. However, Facebook later confirmed to the New York Times that it was a result of an error with the firm's spam detection tools.

Friday's announcement sent Facebook's stock plunging by as much as 3.4 percent in afternoon trading, adding to an already rough year for Facebook shares, which have fallen 6.7 percent so far this year.

Friday's news sent Facebook's stock down as much as 3.4 percent in afternoon trading, adding to an already rough year for Facebook shares, which have fallen 6.7 percent so far this year
Facebook has named Adam Mosseri, a 10-year veteran at the company and a member of Mark Zuckerberg's 'inner circle', as the CEO of Instagram.

The appointment comes after the photo-sharing app's co-founders resigned last week without giving a clear reason.

Kevin Systrom, Instagram's CEO, and Mike Krieger, its other co-founder, announced Mosseri's appointment Monday on the company blog in an awkward post.

'We are thrilled to hand over the reins to a product leader with a strong design background and a focus on craft and simplicity  as well as a deep understanding of the importance of community,' the pair wrote.

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The appointment comes after the photo-sharing app's co-founders resigned last week without giving a clear reason. Photo, from left to right: Instagram co-founder Mike Krieger, new Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri, Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom.

WHY DID THEY LEAVE? Instagram's co-founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger frequently clashed with Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg over a range of issues, including the extent to which they could chart their own course, according to the Wall Street Journal. The co-founders also believed to be upset about tweaks to the photo-sharing app that seemed designed to promote Facebook growth at Instagram's expense, some of the people said. Many have also blamed Mark Zuckerberg's 'god complex', saying that while the app was supposedly independents, 'there was only one CEO'. Advertisement

Mosseri was named as Instagram's head of product in May and said on Twitter he was 'humbled and excited by the new role'.

He began as a designer at Facebook and most recently led its news feed.

The founders sought to reassure users that Mosseri will 'hold true' to Instagram's values and community.

Some users have worried since last week's surprise departure that Instagram will become more like its parent company, becoming getting cluttered with features and sucking up personal data.

'Since we announced our departure, many people have asked us what we hope for the future of Instagram,' the pair said.

'To us, the most important thing is keeping our community  all of you  front and center in all that Instagram does.

'We believe that Adam will hold true to these values and that Instagram will continue to thrive.

'We remain excited for the future of Instagram in the coming years as we transition from being leaders at Instagram to being just two users in a billion.

'Were confident that under Adams leadership, Instagram will evolve and improve and we look forward to the future of the product and community.'

Kevin Systrom, CEO and co-founder of Instagram, prepares for an announcement about IGTV in San Francisco. In a statement late Monday, Sept. 24, 2018, Systrom said in a statement that he and Mike Krieger, Instagram's chief technical officer, plan to leave the company in the next few weeks and take time off 'to explore our curiosity and creativity again.'

When Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger sold Instagram to Facebook in 2012, the photo-sharing startup's fiercely loyal fans worried about what would happen to their beloved app under the social media giant's wings.

None of their worst fears materialized. But now that its founders have announced they are leaving in a swirl of well wishes and vague explanations, some of the same worries are bubbling up again - and then some.

Will Instagram disappear? Get cluttered with ads and status updates? Suck up personal data for advertising the way its parent does? Lose its cool?

Worst of all: Will it just become another Facebook?

'It's probably a bigger challenge (for Facebook) than most people realize,' said Omar Akhtar, an analyst at the technology research firm Altimeter.

'Instagram is the only platform that is growing. And a lot of people didn't necessarily make the connection between Instagram and Facebook.'

Instagram had just 31 million users when Facebook snapped it up for $1 billion; now it has a billion.

It had no ads back then; it now features both display and video ads, although they're still restrained compared to Facebook.

But that could quickly change. Facebook's growth has started to slow, and Wall Street has been pushing the company to find new ways to increase revenue.

Instagram has been a primary focus of those efforts.

Facebook has been elevating Instagram's profile in its financial discussions. In July, it unveiled a new metric for analysts, touting that 2.5 billion people use at least one of its apps - Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp or Messenger - each month.

While not particularly revealing, the measurement underscores the growing importance Facebook places on those secondary apps.

In this April 7, 2011, file photo, CEO Kevin Systrom, at left, chats with engineers Shayne Sweeney, center, and Mike Krieger at Instagram in San Francisco

Facebook doesn't disclose how much money Instagram pulls in, though Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter estimates it'll be around $6 billion this year, or just over 10 percent of Facebook's expected overall revenue of about $55.7 billion.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has long seen Instagram's promise. At the time, it was by far Facebook's largest acquisition (although it was dwarfed by the $19 billion Zuckerberg paid for WhatsApp two years later). And it was the first startup allowed to operate mostly independently.

That has paid off big time. Not only did Instagram reach 1 billion users faster than its parent company, it also succeeded in cloning a popular Snapchat feature, dealing a serious blow to that social network upstart and succeeding where Facebook's own attempts had repeatedly failed.

Instagram also pioneered a long-form video feature to challenge YouTube, another big Facebook rival.

Recently, Instagram has been on a roll.

In June, Systrom traveled to New York to mark the opening of its new office there, complete with a gelato bar and plans to hire hundreds of engineers.

Only a month earlier, Instagram had moved into sparkly new offices in San Francisco. In a July earnings call, Zuckerberg touted Instagram's success as a function of its integration with Facebook, claiming that it used parent-company infrastructure to grow 'more than twice as quickly as it would have on its own.'

But Instagram has also been a case study in how to run a subsidiary independently - especially when its parent is mired in user-privacy problems and concerns about election interference, fake news and misinformation. And especially when its parent has long stopped being cool, what with everyone and their grandma now on it.

Instagram's simple design - just a collection of photos and videos of sunsets, faraway vacations, intimate breakfasts and baby close-ups - has allowed it to remain a favorite long after it became part of Facebook.

If people go to Twitter to bicker over current events and to Facebook to see what old classmates are up to, Instagram is where they go to relax, scroll and feast their eyes.

Kevin Systrom (right) and Instagram co-founder Mike Krieger (left) made a shock departure from their leading roles at the social network on Monday

So, will that change?

'I don't think Zuckerberg is dumb,' Akhtar said.

'He knows that a large part of Instagram's popularity is that it's separate from Facebook.'

As such, he thinks Facebook would be wise to reassure users that what they love about Instagram isn't going to change - that they are not going to be forced to integrate with Facebook. 'That'll go a long way,' he said.

Internally, the challenge is a bit more complicated. While Systrom and Krieger didn't say why they're leaving, their decision echoes the recent departure of WhatsApp's co-founder and CEO Jan Koum, who resigned in April.

Koum had signaled years earlier that he would take a stand if Facebook's push to increase profits risked compromising core elements of the WhatsApp messaging service, such as its dedication to user privacy. When Facebook started pushing harder for more revenue and more integration with WhatsApp, Koum pulled the ripcord.

One sign that additional integration may be in Instagram's future: Zuckerberg in May sent longtime Facebook executive Adam Mosseri to run Instagram's product operation.

Mosseri replaced longtime Instagrammer Kevin Weil, who was shuffled back to the Facebook mothership.

Systrom did mention Sandberg and Zuckerberg in an outgoing 'thank you' statement shared to Instagram (pictured)

That likely didn't sit well with Instagram's founders, Akhtar and other analysts said. Now that they're gone as well, Mosseri is the most obvious candidate to head Instagram.

'Kevin Systrom loyalists are probably going to leave,' Akhtar said.

Which means Facebook may soon have a new challenge on its hands: Figuring out how to keep Instagram growing if it loses the coolness factor that has bolstered it for so long.
A Colorado inventor has revealed the US Army could soon test his radical 'ribbon gun' which can fire four bullets at once.

Described as 'looking like a space-age toy drawn by a fifth-grader', the gun is set to be tested by military bosses.

It has four 6 mm bores in a single barrel, cut side by side within one steel block, and ammunition blocks fired by electromagnetic actuators could theoretically give the weapon a firing rate of 250 rounds per second.

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The 'Ribbon gun' has four 6mm barrels cut side by side within one steel block, and could theoretically give the weapon a firing rate of 250 rounds per second.

'FDM has reinvented ammunition delivery,' the firm boasts on its web site.

It requires a new type of ammunition, as rather than a single shell casing, the bullets are encapsulated in 'blocks' known as charge blocks, so each round is aligned with a bore.

It also includes a new type of trigger called a striker coil.

Traditionally, the trigger is connected to a mechanical trigger pin, which fires the gunpowder and propels the bullet.

In the new ribbon gun, the trigger is an electronic switch that sends a signal to an electromagnetic actuator behind the block of bullets allowing the shooter to trigger the rounds individually or simultaneously.

HOW THE RIBBON GUN WORKS The ribbon gun requires a new type of ammunition, as rather than a single shell casing, the bullets are encapsulated in 'blocks' so each round is aligned with a barrel, which are made ina single piece of metal. It also includes a new type of trigger. Bullets are encapsulated in 'blocks' so each round is aligned with a barrel, which are made in a single piece of metal Traditionally, the trigger is connected to a mechanical trigger pin, which fires the gunpowder and propels the bullet. In the new ribbon gun, the trigger is an electronic switch that sends a signal to an electromagnetic actuator behind the block of bullets allowing the shooter to trigger the rounds individually or simultaneously. Selecting the 'power shot' option fires all four bullets at once. The trigger is an electronic switch that sends a signal to an electromagnetic actuator behind the block of bullets allowing the shooter to trigger the rounds individually or simultaneously Advertisement

Selecting the 'power shot' option fires all four bullets at once.

Grier has already built prototypes of the gun and patented the technology behind it.

The firm says it 'expects production on the civilian L4 model to begin in the middle of 2019.'

It boasts the device 'represent an entirely new firearm class and directly address the prevalent and dangerous problems of reloading, overheating and jamming, which are inherent to the design of currently deployed firearms.'

Grier said the key feature is the ability to fire four bullets at once.

'It's called a power shot,' he told The Gazette

'A multibore firearm, with several bores within a single barrel, could potentially exhibit many of the advantages of a multibarrel design, while reducing the size, weight and complexity disadvantages,' Grier wrote in his 2016 patent application.

The US Army has expressed an interest in testing the weapn, he said.

The firm says it 'expects production on the civilian L4 model to begin in the middle of 2019'

'I want to give them a Clint Eastwood kind of edge,' he said.

Grier has poured more than $500,000 of his savings and investment by others into the working prototype.

'This is the future,' he said.

Defending the firm's humble origins,he told the Gazette 'all the best stuff comes out of somebody's garage,' he said.
BOGOTA, Colombia  Alba Lucia Reyes Arenas beams with pride when she talks about her son, Sergio Urrego.

She told the Washington Blade on Sept. 24 during an interview in the Colombian capital of Bogota that he liked opera from an early age and he read his first book, The Neverending Story, when he was around 6 years old. Reyes said her son was an atheist who enjoyed art and politics.

Urrego was also a member of an anarchist student group.

There are many things that I can tell you, said Reyes. For all moms, our children are very special, but Sergio was interested in things that were beyond his age since he was very little.

Urrego was 16 when he took his own life on Aug. 4, 2014.

Administrators and a psychologist at Urregos Roman Catholic high school in Bogota targeted him after a teacher saw a picture of him kissing his boyfriend on his cell phone.

The parents of Urregos boyfriend accused him of sexually abusing their son. Urrego was to have begun attending another school the day after his suicide.

Sons death filled me with anguish

Reyes was in the Colombian city of Cali when she first learned something was wrong with her son.

She flew back to Bogota and arrived at her home at around 9:30 p.m. Reyes said through tears the first thing she found was a note with very big letters from her son.

Reyes said she initially thought he had left it for her mother, but it was for her. Reyes told the Blade her son wrote, I wasnt able to go to school because there was a problem.

When I saw this note, I said something happened, she said.

Reyes said she then went to her sons bedroom and found books on his bed and a note that asked her to give them to his best friends. Reyes also found other notes that her son had written before his suicide.

It was something that filled me with anguish, she said. It was painful.

Colombian law now bans anti-gay discrimination in schools

Urregos death sparked outrage among LGBTI rights activists in Colombia.

Reyes filed a legal complaint against Urregos school on Sept. 11, 2014.

A Bogota court a few weeks later ruled Urrego had been the victim of discrimination, but she did not receive any damages and the ruling did not order Colombias Ministry of Education to review the schools policies.

Reyes appealed the decision to the Council of State, which considers appeals from administrative courts. Then-Inspector General Alejandro Ordonez  an outspoken opponent of LGBTI rights who President Ivan Duque named as Colombias new ambassador to the Organization of American States last month  ruled against Reyes on grounds that schools had the right to ban kisses and hugs.

The schools administrator, Amanda Azucena Castillo, resigned on Oct. 10, 2014. Colombias Constitutional Court on Aug. 21, 2015, overturned the Council of States decision and ruled in favor of Reyes on Dec. 11, 2015.

Schools in Colombia cannot discriminate against their students based on their sexual orientation. An amendment to the nondiscrimination law that bares Urregos name also requires Colombian schools to update their policies to ensure they are not anti-LGBTI.

He is always with me

Reyes since her sons death has become a vocal anti-bullying activist.

She was among the 31 LGBTI activists from around the world who attended the Human Rights Campaigns annual Global Innovative Advocacy Summit that took place in D.C. in April.

Reyes in May traveled to Cuba and participated in events commemorating the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia the countrys National Center for Sexual Education (CENESEX) organized. CENESEX Director Mariela Castro, who is the daughter of former Cuban President Raul Castro, invited Reyes to take part in a panel that took place at CENESEXs Havana headquarters.

Reyes this year officially launched Fundacion Sergio Urrego, which seeks to end discrimination in Colombian schools and prevent suicide among those who suffer discrimination.

She told the Blade that suicide is the second most common cause of death among our young people. Reyes also noted statistics that indicate 192 people between the ages of 15-24 in Bogota have taken their lives so far this year.

It is something that is not talked about here, she said. There is no institution that is providing immediate attention to children who are in crisis.

The foundation has responded to roughly 70 cases. It also holds workshops for children and parents in businesses and in other locations throughout the country.

My goal is to prevent cases like Sergios from happening, said Reyes.

Reyes in July spoke at a concert in Bogotas Bolivar Square during the citys Pride celebrations. The foundations social media campaign with the hashtag I celebrate who I am  which sought to provide resources and reassurance to those who suffer discrimination  ended on Sept. 25.

This campaign gives me strength to continue, to keep going, said Reyes. This type of campaign will help. This type of campaign will get into peoples hearts.

Reyes ended the interview by saying her son would be proud of her and the work she is doing in his name.

He would have been my little angel, she said. He is always with me.
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Atlantic City is known for its glitzy hotels and high-rise casinos.

But here you can step back in time to 1962, before gambling was legalised and hotel chains moved in - thanks to these fascinating vintage pictures.

The images are owned by U.S photography enthusiast Glen Fairweather, who snaps up old pictures at estate sales and auctions.

Atlantic City's famous Boardwalk running past the former Marlborough Blenheim Hotel and other shops and attractions

A shot showing an overview of the Atlantic City Boardwalk and the Steel Pier. On the pier, a huge ad can be seen for Fralinger's salt water taffy - a sweet treat

The famous Steel Pier, which opened in Atlantic City in 1898. By the 1960s it was one of the biggest concert venues in the area, playing host to Frank Sinatra and Diana Ross And The Supremes

On Ash Wednesday in 1962 a huge storm hit Atlantic City and parts of the Steel Pier were destroyed and lost to the sea

The collection that he owns of Atlantic City in 1962 shows retro hotels such as the Marlborough Blenheim and the Colony Motel, which no longer exist.

The images also show the damage to the resort left by the great storm of Ash Wednesday, which lashed six states and caused damage to the famous Steel Pier and Boardwalk.

Atlantic City's fortunes partly came about because it was home to the first aviation facility in the world to be called an 'airport'.

Bader Field, which closed in September 2006 after 96 years of aviation use, gave the world the term 'airport' when a local reporter used the word in a 1919 article.

In 1910, it was the scene of the first attempt to cross the Atlantic Ocean by air, 17 years before Charles Lindbergh would succeed.

Walter Wellmann lifted off in the dirigible 'America,' only to ditch off Cape Hatteras, N.C., when a storm hit shortly afterward.

It is estimated that the storm caused around $2million worth of damage to the Steel Pier

The famous Boardwalk Hall pictured in 1962. Just two years later it was the venue for the Democratic National Convention where Lyndon B Johnson was formally nominated as the party's presidential candidate

A snap showing one of the resorts in Atlantic City in 1962 with outdoor tables, chairs and sun loungers positioned ready for the guests

The grand Marlborough Blenheim Hotel that stood close to the Boardwalk. It was built in the early 1900s but was demolished in 1978. The site is now occupied by Bally's Hotel and Casino

Entertainers bound for boardwalk ballrooms, business travelers and even U.S. presidents regularly flew in and out of Bader Field, but it remained the domain of small planes and private pilots - bigger jets landed at Atlantic City International Airport about nine miles away.

The city had begun as a health resort in 1854 but quickly gained a reputation for low-level political corruption and vice, with the economy hugely dependent on out-of-towners seeking a good time.

The early part of the 20th century was boom time, with huge hotels popping up along the boardwalk.

The golden age was said to be the 1920s. Tourism was at its peak and prohibition was almost totally ignored, with local officials turning a blind eye to booze being consumed in bars and restaurants.

No wonder the city called itself The World's Playground.

And little wonder it became the inspiration for hit TV show Boardwalk Empire.

From the 1930s to the 1960s nightclubs sprung up left, right and center, with guests dancing the night away at then-famous venues such as Club Harlem, the Paradise Club, Grace's Little Belmont and Wonder Gardens.

The back of the Marlborough Blenheim Hotel. The Blenheim in the name is a nod to Blenheim Palace in England - the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill

The entrance to the Colony Resort and Motel. It was a new hotel to the area, having only opened in 1959. It stood on the same site as the once grand Brighton Hotel

However, towards the end of the 20th century, the city had become impoverished.

Crime was rife. And fewer and fewer visitors came.

To help revitalise the economy gambling was legalised in 1976.

One Donald Trump opened several casinos.

And he helped to put the city on the sporting map by staging huge boxing bouts, including Mike Tyson v Michael 'Jinx' Spinks in 1988, to promote his Trump Plaza Hotel And Casino.

The owner of the original photos, Glen Fairweather, acquired the pictures by picking them up at various estate sales and auctions

A glamorous array of large cars in the parking lot of the Colony Motel in 1962

With more and more people owning cars by 1962, hotels found guests were staying in Atlantic City for less time, instead preferring holidays with more destinations that they drove to

Up until 2014 the city continued to struggle, though. In that year four of Atlantic City's 12 casinos shut down and a fifth followed two years later.

Donald Trump's casinos had gone belly up no less than four times.

To many it seemed that the city's gambling industry was in an irreversible death spiral.

But things have been looking up since then for Atlantic City, due in no small part to the fact that there is now less competition.

This year two of those five casinos reopened under new owners and new names.

The former Trump Taj Mahal has reopened as the Hard Rock, and the former Revel has reopened as the Ocean Resort Casino.

The reopenings of Hard Rock and Ocean Resort are sparking some hope that better days have arrived.

The inside of an unnamed Atlantic City hotel in 1962 where guests could retire to to watch TV

By the 1960s, Atlantic City was beginning to see a decline in visitor numbers, with cheaper air travel diverting Americans to the likes of Orlando and Miami

Many hotels had views out towards the beach. Casinos weren't permitted to be built in Atlantic City until the 1970s

As well as sunning themselves on the beach, holidaymakers heading to Atlantic City would soak up the rays around hotel pools

Hotel workers are up early to clean a swimming pool before all the guests descend to swim and lie on the sun loungers

One of the hotels believed to have been located on Kentucky Avenue, one of the major thoroughfares in Atlantic City

An illuminated water fountain entertains guests outside one of Atlantic City's hotels

The Boardwalk suffered extensive damage after the great Ash Wednesday storm in March 1962. It caused hundreds of millions of dollars of damage across six states

More storm damage along Atlantic City's famous Boardwalk. The storm was one of the most deadly in US history, claiming 40 lives

Despite the storm damage, Atlantic City was fully operational for visitors again just two days later

A truck drives away from a small crane that had been placed at the end of a shore defence

Sea defences that had been placed along the Atlantic City shoreline were damaged during the storm of 1962

Construction of the Atlantic City Boardwalk began in 1870 - and it's still enjoyed by visitors today
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A former British Airways cabin crew member has recalled her experiences working on the first ever transatlantic jet flight exactly 60 years ago.

Peggy Thorne, 91, served passengers on the inaugural service on October 4, 1958, after being hand-picked by airline bosses and said customers on board virtually ate and drank from the moment the flight took off until it landed.

The London to New York flight was a public relations coup for BA - then known as BOAC - as it beat US rival Pan Am to become the first airline to fly a turbo jet engine across the Atlantic.

Peggy Thorne (far right) with the flight crew and another cabin crew members before taking off on board the first ever transatlantic jet flight from London to New York on October 4, 1958

Ms Thorne (left in a BOAC uniform) served passengers on the inaugural service after being hand-picked by airline bosses. The London to New York flight was a public relations coup for British Airways - then known as BOAC - as it beat US rival Pan Am to become the first airline to fly a turbo jet engine across the Atlantic

The de Havilland Comet 4 aircraft reduced what was previously an 18-hour journey to around seven hours.

Ms Thorne recalled: 'It was marvellous. We were used to travelling to New York on Boeing Stratocruisers, which took up to 20 hours.

'We couldn't believe the flight was possible in such a short time.

'It was so exciting to be the first - it was wonderful.

'There were all sorts of dignitaries on board, press and the chairman of BOAC. It was a thrilling experience.

'We served customers Madeira biscuits and coffee when they came on board, followed by cocktails and canapes, and then a five-course lunch with wines. Petit Fours followed and then there was afternoon tea.

Ms Thorne with current British Airways employees Sophie Picton and Nadine Wood. To mark the 60th anniversary of that inaugural flight, Ms Thorne visited the BA training centre near Heathrow Airport to see how current employees carry out the job

'Our customers loved it. They ate and drank from when they got on board until the time they got off.'

At the same time as the flight from London to New York, another BOAC flight completed the service eastbound in the opposite direction.

The two aircraft passed about 300 miles apart and Sir Gerard d'Erlanger, BOAC's chairman, aboard the westbound aircraft and Basil Smallpiece, managing director, in the eastbound aircraft exchanged messages during the flights.

After visiting the BA training centre Ms Thorne said: 'The technology and the number of aircraft training cabins - we had nothing like this in our day'

Back in 1958, a Comet 4 could fly just 48 customers once a day from London to New York at a cost equivalent to 8,000 today.

BA now operates up to a dozen flights a day, offering around 3,500 seats costing from 292 return.

To mark the anniversary, Ms Thorne visited the BA training centre near Heathrow Airport to see how current employees carry out the job.

And after the visit, she said: 'It's overwhelming. The technology and the number of aircraft training cabins - we had nothing like this in our day.'
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For most people, the thought of picking up one solitary tiny wasp is horrifying.

So many will need to steel themselves to watch this video.

It shows a Chinese hornet breeder scooping up Asian giant hornets with his bare hand.

This is the moment that a Chinese hornet breeder casually scoops up Asian giant hornets in his hand. He warns viewers not to try this at home

He does so while talking to the camera and with an astonishing casualness.

He says: 'Hello everyone, today I would like to show you "catching bees with bare hand". Its awesome. See? Its really awesome.'

The hornet breeder is based in Sichuan Yibin City and on his website warns viewers not to try and imitate what hes doing as its a dangerous operation.

His warning should be taken extremely seriously.

The Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia)  also known as the yak-killer  is the worlds biggest hornet.

Multiple stings from this creature can be enough to kill a human.

The Asian giant hornet  also known as the yak-killer  is the worlds biggest hornet. Multiple stings from this creature can be enough to kill a human

It has a 0.24in stinger and a body length of up to 1.8in.

Insect expert Dr Peter Kennedy from Exeter University told MailOnline Travel that the breeder is probably able to hold the insects because they don't have a nest to defend.

He said: 'Hornets, especially the Asian hornet, are very defensive/aggressive when they perceive a threat to their nests. There is no nest or brood (larvae and pupae) visible in the video such the defensive behaviour of the Asian giant hornets is likely subdued by the absence of a nest to defend.

'Hornets when away from the nest, like when out foraging for food, tend to be far less aggressive to us and, by an experienced person, can be handled with care. Their size is often intimidating enough for most that they dont need to resort to stinging; often they just move on elsewhere. Stings from individuals tend to happen more in response to being accidentally trapped/held or flaying arms.'

Ellen Moss, from the Newcastle University School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, added: 'He's probably not being stung because he's not doing anything that the insects interpret as threatening. The aggressiveness of many stinging insects is often vastly overestimated. These insects will not sting unless there is a reason to - it is metabolically costly for them to waste venom, and there is an obvious risk of receiving an injury or being killed in retaliation.'

A much smaller relative of the Asian giant hornet (Vespa velutina) has now made its way to British shores.

It first arrived in France in 2014 and has since been spreading rapidly, with the first UK sighting in 2016.

It is a highly effective predator of insects, including honey bees and other beneficial species.

It can cause significant losses to colonies, other native species and potentially ecosystems.

'Asian hornets are quite horrific and we are hoping that our climate will not suit or satisfy them,' Tom Shaw, of the Federation of Irish Beekeepers Association, told The Times recently.

'They are out of control in France. They are very dangerous insects and everyone is watching and doing their own little bit to keep an eye out.'
In a bid to take the flying experience to new heights, Airbus has announced that it is currently working on the launch of a 'connected cabin'.

This would see wireless sensors installed around aircraft so that helpful information could be gathered on passenger habits and facilities used, such as the toilets.

For example, sensors embedded in the seats could relay how often a passenger goes to the lavatory, their sleeping patterns and what angle they recline their chair to.

In a bid to take the flying experience to new heights, Airbus has announced that it is currently working on the launch of a 'connected cabin'

Meanwhile, sensors in the TV screens would allow analysts to track what type of media is most popular, allowing them to better tailor the content to client needs.

Monitoring devices would also help on the cleanliness front - bathroom sensors could let attendants know when facilities need cleaning and what products are ready to be refreshed.

In the galley, sensors embedded in the trolley units could indicate when stocks are running low and what meal choices or beverages prove most popular.

And smart devices installed in ovens and beverage heaters would allow cabin crew to heat goods even when they are not in the galley area.

Airbus revealed its connected cabin concept at the airline industry event Aex Expo in Boston last week

Below decks, sensors in the cargo hold would mean that airline staff can monitor the temperature and capacity levels to help keep pets safe and precious goods undamaged.

Toulouse-based Airbus revealed its connected cabin concept at the airline industry event Aex Expo in Boston last week.

Following the high tech theme, attendees were shown the new technology while wearing virtual reality headsets.

Airbus' vice-president of cabin marketing, Ingo Wuggetzer, explained that the connected cabin is being provided by Airbus but that other vendors will build on top of it.

'We connect all the elements of the cabin wirelessly, collect all the data and provide that to the airline to do data analytics to reduce costs and improve ancillary revenue opportunities,' he said.

There is no word on when the cabin technology is expected to launch.
Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky are in the middle of building a new mansion in Broken Head, near Byron Bay, NSW that has already been likened to a 'shopping centre' and a 'hospital'.

And on Friday, it emerged that locals from the sunny coastal town are also concerned the construction could lead to an influx of Hollywood celebrities.

According to Woman's Day, neighbours fear that more huge homes will be built and Broken Head will become unbearably busy as a result.

'You've gone from surfing with three people to surfing with 53': Locals in Broken Head, NSW fear a Byron Bay 'celebrity overflow' as Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky (pictured) construct a mammoth $8million mega-mansion

Broken Head, located 12km south of Byron Bay, has a population of just 274 people, but residents fear the area's seclusion is at risk.

'It used to be very quiet, but the overflow from [Byron Bay] is horrendous,' local resident Darren Birch complained.

'You can't get a park, you've gone from surfing with three people to surfing with 53 people.

'It seems excessive but there's not much we can do about it  nothing surprises me in this town these days.'

'Looks like the new Woolies': Chris and Elsa's $8million mega-mansion development (pictured) has quickly become the talk of the town

Photos emerged of the mega-mansion development last week, with the construction quickly becoming the talk of the town.

The huge construction has received mixed reactions from the public, with many accusing Chris and Elsa of being hypocritical given their environmentally-conscious reputation.

Locals took to Facebook to express their concerns in a Byron Bay community group, with one person writing, '[It] looks like the new Woolies'.

Another thought the Hollywood couple were up to something more than just building a home for themselves and their three children.

'What the hell is [the] building... that's more than just a house,' someone commented.

'What the hell?' Locals took to Facebook to express their concerns in a Byron Bay community group, with one person writing, '[It] looks like the new Woolies'

Another person remarked on the amount of land that was cleared for the property.

'Way to live minimally. I wonder what the environmental footprint is like?' they wrote.

The building itself boasts enough space to accommodate every luxury the Hemsworth-Pataky family would desire, including an enormous rooftop infinity pool.

'That's more than just a house': One Byron Bay resident thought the Hollywood couple were up to something more than just building a home for themselves and their three children (pictured)

A large patch of vegetation next to the home has also been cleared, possibly to make way for a garage space.

The architecturally-designed estate is estimated to be costing the Avengers star more than $8million to build.

It is expected to feature a gym, steam room, large swimming pool, luxury spa, media room and games room, as well as vast outdoor spaces and six bedrooms.
Her sister in law Cameron Diaz spent the weekend helping Gwyneth Paltrow get married in The Hamptons.

But Nicole Richie was on the West Coast, enjoying some quality time with her daughter Harlow, who is 10, on Sunday.

The 37-year-old daughter of crooner Lionel stepped out for lunch and a green juice in Beverly Hills, California.

Top of the crops: Nicole Richie was out and about on Sunday

The fashion designer showed of her own style credentials in high waisted blue denim jeans, which were cropped at the ankle.

She added a black and white hooped long-sleeved T-shirt.

Emerald green velvet ballet pumps polished off her look.

Harlow, is it coffee you're looking for? Her daughter supped on a Starbucks

Green was clearly the order of the day, as she supped on a healthy green juice alongside 10-year-old daughter Harlow - who had a Starbucks.

She was her famous mom's style twin, in jeans and a grey Tee.

Both pulled their locks into messy high buns as they soaked up the sunshine.

Looking good: The fashion designer showed of her own style credentials, in high waisted blue denim jeans, which were cropped at the ankle

Nicole shares Harlow and son Sparrow, nine, with her Good Charlotte rocker husband Joel Madden, 39. The couple have been married since 2010.

Joel's twin brother Benji is married to Cameron Diaz.

According to E! News, Diaz arrived to Paltrow's Hamptons mansion early in the morning on Saturday to help her good friend get ready for her wedding to Brad Falchuk.
Pregnant Kate Hudson brought her musician beau Danny Fujikawa and mother Goldie Hawn to Jennifer Meyer's first boutique at Caruso's Palisades Village in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The expecting 39-year-old - whose 'water could go any second' - showcased her large baby bump in a blue tie-dye, long-sleeved maxi-dress and black sandals.

The Oscar nominee will welcome her third child - a daughter - with the 32-year-old Lightwave Records founder, and she's been bonding with her 72-year-old mother (and soon-to-be grandmother-of-six).

Due any day! Pregnant Kate Hudson brought her musician beau Danny Fujikawa (L) and mother Goldie Hawn to Jennifer Meyer's first boutique at Caruso's Palisades Village on Sunday

Meanwhile, the 41-year-old jewelry designer Insta-storied a clip of herself being tired with her gal pal Sara Foster, who was the one who introduced Kate to her stepbrother Danny in 2002.

Meyer (who divorced Tobey Maguire in 2017) and Foster also co-hosted Hudson's pink-themed baby shower in Los Angeles on September 23.

The Marshall actress already has a son Ryder, 14; with her ex-husband, The Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson - as well as a son Bingham, 7; with her ex-fiance, Muse frontman Matt Bellamy.

As for baby names, the LA native revealed on the September 20th Ellen DeGeneres Show: 'We have a couple of them and we're going to decide when the day comes.'

Comfy: The expecting 39-year-old - whose 'water could go any second' - showcased her large baby bump in a blue tie-dye, long-sleeved maxi-dress and black sandals

Soon-to-be grandmother-of-six! The Oscar nominee will welcome her third child - a daughter - with the 32-year-old Lightwave Records founder, and she's been bonding a lot with her 72-year-old mother (pictured)

Kate's company Fabletics just teamed up with Goldie's MindUP organization to release a line of athleisure attire with 50 percent of proceeds benefitting the Hawn Foundation.

Hudson said of their joint venture: 'This collaboration means so much to both of us, because it combines all of the most important things in our life: family, children, work and the possibility of making this world a better place.'

When the Oscar winner isn't working with kids, she bonds with her babydaddy of over 35 years - Guardians of the Galaxy's Kurt Russell - with whom she has a 32-year-old son Wyatt.

Like family: The 41-year-old jewelry designer (L) Insta-storied a clip of herself being tired with Sara Foster (R), who was the one who introduced Kate to her stepbrother Danny in 2002

'We love you!' Meyer (2-L, who divorced Tobey Maguire in 2017) and Foster (2-R) also co-hosted Hudson's pink-themed baby shower in Los Angeles on September 23

Two sons: The Marshall actress already has a son Ryder, 14; with her ex- husband, The Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson - as well as a son Bingham, 7; with her ex-fiance, Muse frontman Matt Bellamy (pictured July 15)

The Snatched star and the 67-year-old Golden Globe nominee fell in love on the 1983 set of Jonathan Demme's Swing Shift, and they also played lovers in Garry Marshall's 1987 rom-com Overboard.

Career-wise, Kate will next act in Grammy-nominated hitmaker Sia Furler's directorial debut Music, which she shaved her head for back in July 2017.

Maddie Ziegler, Tig Notaro, Hector Elizondo, and Leslie Odom, Jr. also appear in the mysterious big-screen musical about 'a sober drug dealer and their disabled sister.'

'This collaboration means so much to both of us': Kate's company Fabletics just teamed up with Goldie's MindUP organization to release a line of athleisure attire with 50 percent of proceeds benefitting the Hawn Foundation
Sarah Hyland has been spotted for the first time since revealing she was sexually assaulted as a teen at a party.

The 27-year-old beauty was seen while out and about running errands in Studio City on Sunday.

During her trip around town, Sarah stunned in a yellow sundress.

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First sighting: Sarah Hyland was spotted running errands around Studio City in a yellow sundress on Sunday, after she revealed last week that she had been sexually assaulted as a teen.

The Modern Family actress' frock reached to just above her knees and tapered in to around her neck.

She sported no bra for the Fall day and was spotted having to adjust her dress to avoid a wardrobe malfunction.

Sarah accessorised her look with a large black bag which she accessorised with a scarf.

Stylish: The Modern Family actress' frock reached to just above her knees and tapered in to around her neck

Fixing it up: She sported no bra for the Fall day and was spotted having to adjust her dress to avoid a wardrobe malfunction

Carefree: Her brunette locks were tied up into a high pony-tail during the outing

Her brunette locks were tied up into a high pony-tail during the outing.

Sarah's glam was kept natural, with the TV star opting to not wear any makeup and covering her eyes with round shades.

The beauty's outing comes after she revealed last week that she had been sexually assaulted as a teen.

Natural beauty: Sarah's glam was kept natural, with the TV star opting to not wear any makeup and covering her eyes with round shades

Harrowing confession: The beauty's outing comes after she revealed last week that she had been sexually assaulted as a teen

Taking to Instagram at the time of Dr. Christine Ford's testimony of her alleged sexual assault by Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, she revealed it had happened at a party.

'He was a friend. It was New Year's Ever my senior year of high school. Everyone was drunk. He broke in to the bathroom I was in. I hoped it was a dream but my ripped tights in the morning proved otherwise,' she began.

Sarah continued: 'I thought no one would believe me. I didn't want to be called dramatic. After all I didn't say no. Shock can do that to a person. #believewomen #metoo #ibeliveher.'

Speaking out: Taking to Instagram at the time of Dr. Christine Ford's testimony of her alleged sexual assault by Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, she revealed it had happened at a party

The post was part of the worldwide hashtag; 'Why I didn't report'.

On Thursday, Dr. Ford claimed that at a high school party in 1982, a drunk Kavanaugh held her down on a bed, tried to take her clothes off, and covered her mouth when she screamed.

Ford, a research psychologist and professor at Palo Alto University, said she was '100 percent' certain that Kavanaugh was the man who sexually assaulted her at the age of 15.
She's been part of the fashion elite ever since she appeared as a stylist on MTV's The City a decade ago.

And Olivia Palermo proved to maintain her style maven status as she attended the John Galliano SS19 presentation during Paris Fashion Week on Sunday.

The businesswoman, 32, turned heads as she wrapped up in a fur bomber jacket, paired with sleek tapered trousers which accentuated her lean legs.

All eyes on her: Olivia Palermo proved to maintain her style maven status as she attended the John Galliano SS19 presentation during Paris Fashion Week on Sunday

Living up to her fashion savvy ways, the TV personality added a pop of colour to her look with a yellow turtleneck jumper.

The reality star nailed androgynous chic in the footwear department as she opted for a pair of patent brogues.

With her brunette tresses styled in a straight fashion, Olivia turned heads as she complemented her beauty with a heavy smoky eye look, strokes of blush and pink lipstick.

Wow-factor! The businesswoman, 32, turned heads as she wrapped up in a fur bomber jacket, paired with sleek tapered trousers which accentuated her lean legs

Chic: Living up to her fashion savvy ways, the TV personality added a pop of colour to her look with a yellow turtleneck jumper

All in the details: The reality star nailed androgynous chic in the footwear department as she opted for a pair of patent brogues

Striking: With her brunette tresses styled in a straight fashion, Olivia turned heads as she complemented her beauty with a heavy smoky eye look, strokes of blush and pink lipstick

Stand-out: John Galliano's collection featured an array of quirky ensembles, including a semi-sheer gown with elaborate feathers along the hemline

Earlier that day, the New York native showcased her sartorial prowess as she attended the Valentino PFW show.

Olivia commanded attention in her monochrome two-piece, which featured a longline skater top with matching Houndstooth print trousers.

Boosting her physique, she strutted along the streets of the French capital in a pair of dark green stilettos.

Commanding attention: Earlier that day, the New York native showcased her sartorial prowess as she attended the Valentino PFW show

Looking good: Olivia commanded attention in her monochrome two-piece, which featured a longline skater top with matching Houndstooth print trousers

Radiant: Boosting her physique, she strutted along the streets of the French capital in a pair of dark green stilettos

Since finding fame on Whitney Port's spin-off series The City in 2008, Olivia has established herself as an established front-row regular on the fashion circuit, attending the world's most prestigious events.

Still going strong and four years ago now, she was happy to marry the love of her life and model Johannes Huebl, 40, in Bedford, New York.

Discussing the secret to the couple's happy marriage, Olivia previously told Harper's Bazaar Australia they are rarely apart.

She told the publication: 'We try not to ever be separated more than seven days. Its just something we have always done.'
Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan sparkled in sequinned Valentino Resort 2019 dress for the New York Film Festival premiere and after-party presented by Casa Noble Tequila of her next film Wildlife on Sunday.

The 33-year-old mother-of-two flashed her dimpled smile in the patterned frock, which she paired with golden Christian Louboutin pumps and Cartier jewels selected by stylist Petra Flannery.

Hairstylist Mara Roszak coiffed the London-born Brit's wavy blonde bob while make-up artist Mary Wiles applied her Cabernet pout and bronzed cheekbones.

Golden girl: Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan sparkled in sequinned Valentino Resort 2019 dress for the New York Film Festival premiere of her next film Wildlife on Sunday

Missing from Carey's side was her husband - Mumford & Sons frontman Marcus Mumford - with whom she has a daughter Evelyn Grace, 3; and son Wilfred, 14 months.

The two-time Grammy winners are hard at work in Manhattan mixing their fourth studio album Delta - dropping November 16 - and they unveiled the track list on Sunday.

Mulligan and the 31-year-old Englishman were famously childhood pen pals before reconnecting on the 2012 set of the Coen Brothers' folk tragedy Inside Llewyn Davis.

However, the Collateral actress was joined at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall by her onscreen leading man Jake Gyllenhaal, director Paul Dano, and screenwriter Zoe Kazan.

Relies on stylist Petra Flannery: The 33-year-old mother-of-two flashed her dimpled smile in the patterned frock, which she paired with golden Louboutin pumps and Cartier jewels

English rose: Hairstylist Mara Roszak coiffed the London-born Brit's wavy blonde bob while make-up artist Mary Wiles applied her Cabernet pout and bronzed cheekbones

Not far away: Missing from Carey's side was her husband - Mumford & Sons frontman Marcus Mumford (L) - with whom she has a daughter Evelyn Grace, 3; and son Wilfred, 14 months

'Tracklisting innit!' The two-time Grammy winners are hard at work in Manhattan mixing their fourth studio album Delta - dropping November 16 - and they unveiled the track list on Sunday

Carey portrays sixties-era Montana housewife Jeanette Brinson in the 34-year-old Golden Globe nominee's directorial debut hitting US theaters October 19 and UK theaters November 9.

'For me the thing that really jumped out was the weird nostalgic whiplash where you suddenly realize where you are in life and you can't quite figure out how you got there,' the Woldingham School grad told The Wrap on September 19.

'The thing that excites me about doing jobs is when they're really nerve-racking to take on. So if I'm doing something it's always because I'm a bit scared of it and I don't know how to do it when I go in, and I rely on a great director to guide me through it.'

Crew: Mulligan was joined at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall by her onscreen leading man Jake Gyllenhaal (2-L), director Paul Dano (R), and screenwriter Zoe Kazan (L)

Snap! Paul, Carey and Jake beamed as they spent time together at the premiere's after party

Giggles: The trio couldn't help but laugh as they enjoyed each other's company

Pleased: The Wildlife team seemed to be in high spirits as they posed on the red carpet

Marital estrangement: Carey portrays sixties-era Montana housewife Jeanette Brinson in the 34-year-old Golden Globe nominee's directorial debut hitting US theaters October 19 and UK theaters November 9

The Collateral actress recently told The Wrap: 'For me the thing that really jumped out was the weird nostalgic whiplash where you suddenly realize where you are in life and you can't quite figure out how you got there'

Dano's IFC Films drama, based on Richard Ford's 1990 novel, marked his third collaboration with his partner of 11 years after Meek's Cutoff (2010) and Ruby Sparks (2012).

The 35-year-old Emmy nominee - whose grandfather was Elia Kazan - looked lovely in a navy-floral silk Erdem gown featuring sheer sleeves selected by stylist Leith Clark.

And 37-year-old Gyllenhaal - who plays Jeanette's estranged husband Jerry in Wildfire - sported a black suit over a blue polo but his beard was in need of trimming.

Still going strong! Dano's IFC Films drama, based on Richard Ford's 1990 novel, marked his third collaboration with his partner of 11 years after Meek's Cutoff and Ruby Sparks

Her grandfather was Elia Kazan: The 35-year-old Emmy nominee looked lovely in a navy-floral silk Erdem gown featuring sheer sleeves selected by stylist Leith Clark

Fun outing: Carey and Rebecca Hall were in high spirits during the after party

Patterns: Rebecca and Carey both stepped out in striking patterned gowns

Plays Jeanette's estranged husband Jerry in Wildfire: And 37-year-old Gyllenhaal sported a black suit over a blue polo, but his beard was in need of trimming

And another thing: Carey chatted away with Bob Balaban at the after party for the film

Say cheese:Ella Olivia Stiller, her father, actor Ben Stiller, and director Paul Dano attended the after party on behalf of the new film

Three's company: Jake joined the Stiller's for a photo at the event on Sunday evening
She's a Hollywood actress and philanthropist known for her impeccable sartorial taste.

So it was no surprise when Freida Pinto cut an elegant figure as she headed out to the Valentino show during Paris Fashion Week on Sunday.

The 33-year-old stunned in a grey two-piece and was seen cosying up to her boyfriend Cory Tran as they graced the front row during the event.

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Gorgeous: Freida Pinto cut an elegant figure as she headed out to the Valentino show during Paris Fashion Week on Sunday with her boyfriend Cory Tran

Freida was photographed in a navy blue silk shirt with the brand's logo 'Valentino' written on it throughout.

The blouse featured a drop collar around her neck and was tucked into her pants.

The Slumdog Millionaire actress completed her statement look with straight legged grey suit pants and a matching jacket which she effortlessly placed over her shoulders.

Representing the brand! Freida was photographed in a navy blue silk shirt with the brand's logo 'Valentino' written on it throughout

Chic: The Slumdog Millionaire actress completed her statement look with straight legged grey suit pants and a matching jacket which she effortlessly placed over her shoulders

Freida completed her look with black pumps and accessorised with a small multi-colored bag.

Her brunette locks were styled back into a messy bun with a voluminous and teased crown on the top of her head.

The movie star's glam was kept matte with blushed cheeks and a bronzed shadow on her eyelids.

Fashionista: Freida completed her look with black pumps and accessorised with a small multi-colored bag

Freida was also spotted cosying up with her boyfriend of nearly one year, Cory Tran.

The photographer looked incredibly dapper in a black sweater and matching colored trousers.

His brunette locks were slicked back and styled to one side, letting his blue eyes shine through.

Freida was previously in a relationship with fellow actor and Slumdog Millionaire co-star Dev Patel, 28, for six years from 2009 to 2014.

Speaking to Daily Mail's Weekend Magazine a year ago, Freida admitted she was relishing being single.

Loved up: Freida was also spotted cosying up with her boyfriend of nearly one year, Cory Tran

'There comes a point where youve got everything you want  career, love, family  but youve ignored yourself,' she said.

'Life hits you and you think, What about me? What do I really want?

She continued: For the first time, I finally understand the concept of self-love and self-care.'

'Im single and happy, and busy. I havent been single for a long time. Its like being born again.'
The Bachelor Nick Cummins has already split with the show's winner, widely believed to be Brittany Hockley.

And a new teaser trailer appears to show the moment that the former Wallabies star, 30, realises he's not in love with any of the finalists.

In footage from Thursday's finale, Nick nervously waits for one of the women to arrive and within seconds he dramatically doubles over as the weight of his decision becomes all too much.

Is he about to make the biggest mistake of his life? Nick Cummins doubles over and gasps for breath in the explosive new trailer for The Bachelor finale

A voiceover says in the trailer: 'Hold on to your roses Australia, here comes the most heart-stopping end to a series you've ever seen.'

With his hands on his knees, Nick hunches over and struggles to breathe in a scene reminiscent of Matty J's heartbreaking rejection in the Bachelorette 2016 finale.

'I came here for a real shot at love,' Nick says in the teaser.

Deja vu? With his hands on his knees, Nick (left) hunches over and struggles to breathe in a scene reminiscent of Matty J's heartbreaking rejection (right) in the Bachelorette 2016 finale

Last week, Woman's Day claimed the rugby star failed to find his happily ever after and that he dumped the winner soon after filming wrapped.

'Things fell apart soon after the series ended and he refused to "fake it" to appease the network [Channel Ten],' an on-set source told the magazine.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Ten for comment.

Dumped: The confirmed finalists are Brittany Hockley (left) and Sophie Tieman (right) and it has been widely claimed that Brittany wins. Daily Mail Australia confirmed last month that Nick has split with the show's winner

The confirmed finalists are Brittany Hockley and Sophie Tieman. It has been widely claimed that Brittany wins.

Second runner-up Brooke Blurton reportedly leaves the show early after dropping a bombshell, leaving Nick heartbroken.

Meanwhile, Nick departed Australia on Monday morning ahead of this week's finale.

Early departure: Second runner-up Brooke Blurton (left) reportedly leaves the show early after dropping a bombshell, leaving Nick (right) heartbroken

He is flying to Papua New Guinea and will be spending eight days trekking through the jungle on a Kokoda trail, presumably out of phone range.

His overseas adventure will coincide with the The Bachelor finale airdate, which has prompted rumours he is fleeing the country to avoid media scrutiny.

The Bachelor continues Wednesday at 7:30pm on Network Ten
Hilary Duff wore multiple mouse ears while celebrating her 31st birthday with family and friends at Disneyland.

The pregnant actress showed her baby bump in a tight, light grey T-shirt in images posted on Sunday on Instagram Stories.

Hilary wore festive speckled ears along with sunglasses and jeans while enjoying her birthday on Friday with six-year-old son Luca, boyfriend Matthew Koma, 31, and older sister Haylie Duff, 33.

Birthday girl: Hilary Duff took to Instagram on Sunday and shared images from her birthday celebration at Disneyland in Anaheim, California

The Lizzie McGuire star also sported large pink polka-dotted mouse ears while on a ride with boyfriend Matthew at the theme park in Anaheim, California.

'Wore lots of ears,' Hilary wrote in a caption for her 10.3 million followers.

Luca appeared to be having a blast as he was dressed up in a Black Panther costume.

Hilary shared a picture of him in costume riding in a vehicle while strapped into a Peg Perego car seat.

Multiple ears: The 31-year-old actress showed her baby bump in a tight grey T-shirt and wore 'lots of ears' at the theme park

Cool costume: Hilary's six-year-old son Luca wore a Black Panther costume

Strapped in: Luca wore his Black Panther costume while strapped to a Peg Perego car seat

The actress also celebrated her birthday with friends at the theme park.

Hilary additionally shared a selfie on Sunday in a Wray NYC yellow maternity dress.

She wrote in the caption: '@wraynyc if this dress doesn't scream Sunday ease I dunno what does'.

Lifetime friends: Hilary also shared a picture of herself with friends at Disneyland

Family affair: Haylie Duff celebrated the milestone with her little sister

Hilary shares Luca with her ex-husband Mike Comrie, 38.

They married in 2010 and Hilary filed for divorce in February 2015 citing irreconcilable differences.

Their divorce was finalized in 2016.

Hilary announced in June that she's pregnant with her second child and was expecting a girl.
They celebrated their eighth wedding anniversary last week.

And Kate Ritchie, 40, shared a rare photo with her hubby Stuart Webb, 38, to Instagram on Sunday.

The former Home And Away actress and the former rugby league star were the picture of wedded bliss as they went horse riding during a holiday in Margaret River, Western Australia.

Still going strong! Kate Ritchie shares a rare snap with husband Stuart Webb as they go horse riding after celebrating their eighth wedding anniversary

'So he says - Does it look like I'm going fast? #barelymovingatall @the_duckstew #everyoneelseiswatchingthefooty,' Kate captioned.

The couple are enjoying a family holiday with daughter Mae, four.

On Saturday, the Nova radio star cuddled up to her hubby in a beach side photo shared on Instagram.

Smitten: On Saturday, the Nova radio star cuddled up to her hubby in a beach side photo shared on Instagram

Kate and Stuart tied the knot on 25 September 2010.

Last year, Kate addressed rumours of marriage troubles in an interview with Stellar magazine.

'It doesn't hurt my feelings, not anymore,' she said.

'I think in the old days it did. There's no point in getting bogged down about what other people think is happening in my life.'
Sara Roza sparked pregnancy rumours in August when she announced on Instagram she was entering 'the next chapter in [her] life'.

And on Monday, the Married At First Sight star appeared on Channel Nine's Today show to discuss her fertility journey after choosing to freeze her eggs.

The 40-year-old claimed her love life hadn't panned out as she had hoped and felt 'really empowered' to be taking matters into her own hands.

'I've taken the power back into my hands': Married At First Sight's Sarah Roza said on Monday that she feels 'empowered' after freezing her eggs. Pictured on the Today show

'My love life didn't pan out': Sarah rose to fame on Channel Nine's Married At First Sight earlier this year. Pictured with her TV 'ex-husband' Telv Williams (right)

Sarah told Deborah Knight that several factors influenced her decision to freeze her eggs, including a lacklustre love life, her career-focused youth and her current age.

Sarah explained she had been thinking about freezing her eggs for the past five years and was increasingly aware that her biological clock was ticking.

'That is my heart's desire, to have a child in my life. For me it was something [like], "OK if I can't find the man I'll go to the next level",' she said.

'I feel like I have done everything possible to secure the future of my fertility. I have taken the power back into my hands and it makes me feel really empowered.'

Sarah also claimed to have undergone counselling prior to freezing her eggs.

'That is my heart's desire, to have a child in my life': Sarah was joined by Dr Lieberman (right) from Sydney's Genea Horizon fertility clinic, as she discussed her decision to freeze her eggs

Sponsored: Sydney's Genea Horizon clinic has previously acknowledged its paid sponsorship with Sarah Roza on Instagram. However this agreement was not mentioned on the Today show

Sarah was joined on Today by Dr Lieberman from Sydney's Genea Horizon, the clinic which has entered into a paid partnership with the reality TV star.

The sponsorship agreement was not mentioned on the program, however, nor was it mentioned in any of Sarah's related social media posts.

When asked to clarify why the sponsorship wasn't declared on-air, Sarah issued the following statement: 'I'm so glad I was able to share my experience with the Today show viewers this morning as fertility is such an important topic that affects so many women and couples nowadays.

'I feel so happy about the decision I've made and also really empowered by taking these first crucial steps to protect the future of my fertility and I only hope that my story will inspire other women to seek further knowledge for themselves if this is something they may be considering too.

'By me talking candidly about my egg freezing journey it hopefully will help to normalise a usually very taboo subject.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Genea Horizon and Channel Nine for comment.

Hmm: Sara sparked pregnancy rumours in August when she announced on Instagram she was entering 'the next chapter in [her] life' and shared a stock photo illustrating the IVF process

Sarah, who previously appeared on The Amazing Race in 2012, rose to fame earlier this year on Channel Nine's dating series Married At First Sight.

Unfortunately her 'marriage' to Telv Williams ended in heartbreak and they were later embroiled in a public slanging match.

However, she remains optimistic when it comes to love and still hopes to find a partner and conceive naturally.
Jennifer Lawrence and beau Cooke Maroney have been going strong since early summer.

And there was no jealousy when the starlet stepped out to support ex boyfriend Nicolas Hoult at the premiere of his new film The Favourite during New York Film Festival Friday.

The Academy Award winning actress, 28, was simply radiant in a classic black dress while attending her former flame's film premiere with her new love.

Getting along great! Jennifer Lawrence was joined by new beau Cooke Maroney while she the premiere of The Favourite, a film starring her ex Nicholas Hoult, in New York Friday

The Silver Linings Playbook actress was also there to cheer on her close friend Emma Stone, who is also featured in the period film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos.

Another attendee was Jennifer's ex Darren Aronofsky, who directed her in the 2017 film mother! before embarking on a relationship that lasted for a little over a year.

But all eyes were on JLaw, whose gown featured a low swooping neckline that exposed her decolletage, and a hemline that fell all the way to the ground.

Classic stiletto heels completed the Academy Award winner's chic and sophisticated outfit.

Ex factor: The Academy Award winning starlet supported ex beau Nicholas Hoult (above)

Besties: The Silver Linings Playbook actress was also there to cheer on her close friend Emma Stone

All smiles! Jennifer Lawrence certainly looked like an A-lister on Friday evening

Accessories included a powder pink clutch and some thick gold necklaces.

Her famous blonde locks were scraped back off her forehead and looked to be gelled straight down.

A smokey eye, subtle blush and pale rose lipstick ensured the Kentucky-born beauty was ready for an evening out in the Big Apple.

Cooke followed several steps behind Jennifer, looking dapper in a sharp suit.

Traveling light: Accessories included a powder pink clutch and some thick gold necklaces

Classic look! The 28-year-old Hunger Games actress looked absolutely stellar in her flowing black gown

Unique look: Her famous blonde locks were scraped back off her forehead and looked to be gelled straight down

Jennifer's made it clear she has no problem staying friends with her exes.

Talking to Marc Maron on his WTF podcast earlier this year, she told the actor: 'I'm friends with all my exes, actually.'

'For the most part, yeah, I have a theory: I think it's because I'm blunt. I don't think that you can have any sort of bad relationship with anybody if you're just blunt.'

'Everybody always knows how you feel at all times and there's no lying, it's just honesty. Everybody's a good guy to each other. All my boyfriends have been wonderful,' she said, adding specifically that 'Nick [Hoult] was a great boyfriend.'

Hoult and Lawrence met while working on X-Men: First Class together in 2010 and dated until about 2014.
He's a beloved children's entertainer who has been in the business for nearly three decades.

And despite being a member of an internationally acclaimed group, this performer looked unrecognisable in a throwback snap shared to Instagram on Monday.

The now 55-year-old was pictured as a cocky teenager with bushy eyebrows and messy hair in a photo from 1981.

Guess who! He's one of the world's most famous children's entertainers today... but would you recognise him as a 'pimple-faced' schoolboy?

'Pimples, eyebrows and thin tie! Flashback to 1981!' read the caption.

The young man in the photo is none other than Anthony Field, one of the founding members of Australian children's band The Wiggles.

Now a grey haired father-of-three, Anthony looked remarkably different while posing for his high school picture aged 18.

Revealed! The young man in the photo is none other than Anthony Field, one of the founding members of Australian children's band The Wiggles. Pictured in May 2013

Internationally recognised group: Anthony has been in the Wiggles for nearly 30 years. Pictured here with fellow members Lachlan Gillespie, Emma Watkins and Simon Pryce in 2015

Despite looking upbeat in the flashback photo, Anthony previously revealed that his teenage years were some of the most difficult in his life.

Speaking on Anh's Brush With Fame last year, Anthony said he first began struggling with depression while attending St Joseph's College boarding school in Sydney.

'I mean, boarding school - things happen there which I won't go into, but they were too much for a young teenager to cope with by [himself],' he told artist Anh Do.

'You're away from your parents and as years rolled on I just started feeling bad about myself.'

Candid: Speaking on Anh's Brush With Fame last year, Anthony revealed he first began struggling with depression while attending St Joseph's College boarding school in Sydney

He added: 'You feel like you shouldn't be on the earth, basically. You're a waste of time... You're in a crowd with people and you feel like you're the only person who feels like that. [You think], "They don't understand me - no one gets to me".'

With professional help and the support of his loved ones, Anthony was able to find peace and is now in a much better place.

He has been happily married to former dancer Michaela Patisteas for 15 years and they share three children: Lucia, 14, Marie, 12, and Antonio, 11.

If you or someone you know needs help, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14
Grammy and Golden Globe nominee Miley Cyrus donned an oversized jean jacket at the British members-only club, Little Beach House Malibu, on Sunday.

The 25-year-old pop star and three gal pals were spotted leaving the 10K-square-foot venue on Carbon Beach, which reportedly costs a $1500 premium and a $2800 membership fee.

The Hannah Montana alum - who relies on stylist Simone Harouche - paired her denim with a black T-shirt, leggings, and matching sneakers.

Out and about: Grammy and Golden Globe nominee Miley Cyrus (L) donned an oversized jean jacket at the British members-only club, Little Beach House Malibu, on Sunday

Valet: The 25-year-old pop star and three gal pals were spotted leaving the 10K-square-foot venue on Carbon Beach, which is said to cost a $1500 premium and a $2800 membership fee

Miley (born Destiny) went make-up free beneath her circular shades and she scraped her highlighted blonde locks into a messy ponytail for her seaside outing.

The goddaughter of Dolly Parton sat shotgun in the luxurious black Tesla alongside her girlfriends once it pulled up to the valet.

Cyrus' sighting came after it was revealed she and her on/off fiance Liam Hemsworth plan on starting a family in the $5.9M 33-acre, five-bedroom Tennessee farmhouse they bought last year.

Relies on stylist Simone Harouche: The Hannah Montana alum paired her denim with a black T-shirt, leggings, and matching sneakers

Athleisure: Miley (born Destiny) went make-up free beneath her circular shades and she scraped her highlighted blonde locks into a messy ponytail for her seaside outing

Let's roll! The goddaughter of Dolly Parton sat shotgun in the luxurious black Tesla alongside her girlfriends once it pulled up to the valet

Nesting mode? Cyrus' sighting came after it was revealed she and her on/off fiance Liam Hemsworth plan on starting a family in the $5.9M 33- acre, five-bedroom Tennessee farmhouse they bought last year

The March For Our Lives performer and her 28-year-old prankster beau - who met on the 2009 set of The Last Song - have 'never been more deeply in love than they are right now.'

'Miley's not pregnant yet, as far as I know, but it's pretty clear she and Liam are getting ready for the next step,' a source told OK! magazine Australia on Thursday.

'They've both agreed that they're at a place in their lives where they'd actually be ready if she got pregnant.'

Headed for the countryside? The March For Our Lives performer and her 28-year-old prankster beau (R) - who met on the 2009 set of The Last Song - have 'never been more deeply in love than they are right now' (pictured September 21)

A source told OK! magazine Australia on Thursday: 'Miley's not pregnant yet, as far as I know, but it's pretty clear she and Liam are getting ready for the next step' (pictured August 28)

Hitting UK/US theaters February 14! Hemwsorth next plays Blake in Todd Strauss-Schulson's rom-com satire Isn't It Romantic alongside fellow Aussie Rebel Wilson (L, pictured in 2017)

Liam will next play Blake in Todd Strauss-Schulson's rom-com satire Isn't It Romantic - hitting UK/US theaters February 14 - alongside fellow Aussie Rebel Wilson, Priyanka Chopra, and Betty Gilpin.

Meanwhile, the Rainbowland songstress has yet to unveil her collaboration with her 'BFF' Mark Ronson, who called their track 'one of my favorite songs' back on June 26.

Miley - who boasts 159.1M followers - has all but remained social media silent since mysteriously wiping her entire Instagram account on July 13.

'Coming soon!' Meanwhile, the Rainbowland songstress has yet to unveil her collaboration with her 'BFF' Mark Ronson, who called their track 'one of my favorite songs' back on June 26
She was branded a 'cheater' by her ex-boyfriend Grant Kemp earlier this year.

And on Monday, Ali Oetjen addressed the former couple's bitter split as she prepares for The Bachelorette premiere next week.

While she did not deny Grant's allegations, the 32-year-old told NW that the media coverage of their break-up left her 'physically, mentally and emotionally broken.'

'I was emotionally broken': The Bachelorette's Ali Oetjen (right) has said she went through the darkest period of her life when Grant Kemp (left) accused her of cheating on him. Pictured on Bachelor In Paradise

Describing the weeks after Grant levelled the cheating accusations as 'one of the darkest periods of [her] life', she said: 'We all have those exes that don't go away.

'Without a doubt, Grant was a waste of my time. He just wasn't the person he said he was. And yes, it was disappointing and crushing, but I learnt from this.'

She insisted, however, that she would 'never give up on love'.

Centre of a scandal: While she did not deny Grant's allegations, the 32-year-old told NW that the media coverage of their split left her 'physically, mentally and emotionally broken'

Ali and Grant fell in love on Bachelor In Paradise, which was filmed in Fiji last year.

However, in May, the American firefighter made sensational claims that Ali cheated on him while she was staying at his LA home two months earlier.

'I had left to go and find my friends,' Grant told The Kyle and Jackie O Show. 'I came back inside [my house] and [a man] was going down on her on my stairs. So I kicked her out of my house that night.'

Bombshell: Ali and Grant (pictured) fell in love on Bachelor In Paradise, which was filmed in Fiji last year. However, in May, the American firefighter made sensational claims that Ali cheated on him while she was staying at his LA home two months earlier

Ali has never denied or refuted Grant's claims.

Explaining her decision to stay silent after the scandal, she told Stellar last month: 'My reason for not saying anything is that I don't want to give him any ammunition or any reason to keep coming back in the limelight, which is what he wants.'

The Bachelorette premieres Wednesday October 10 at 7:30pm on Network Ten
The Honest Company boss Jessica Alba donned a floral Michael Kors frock to host a family-friendly diaper celebration in Los Angeles' Brentwood neighborhood on Sunday.

The 37-year-old mother-of-three was joined at the promotional event by her 'supportive homies' Shani Darden, Kelly Sawyer Patricof, Lizzy Mathis, and Kelly LeVeque.

The Mexican-American mompreneur accessorized with Azzedine Alaia sandals and Jennifer Fisher jewelry selected by stylist duo Emily Current & Meritt Elliott.

'Today was so fun!' The Honest Company boss Jessica Alba (M) donned a floral Michael Kors frock to host a family-friendly diaper celebration in LA's Brentwood neighborhood on Sunday

Hairstylist Maranda coiffed Jessica's signature middle-parted waves while make-up artist Jamie Greenberg made sure her Honest Beauty make-up lasted in the harsh sunlight.

Alba - who boasts 28.3M social media followers - shared a sweet snap of herself kissing her eight-month-old son Hayes as her seven-year-old daughter Haven stood nearby.

The Golden Globe nominee's 10-year-old daughter Honor styled her hair in braids and seemed to enjoy the steady stream of bubbles at the outdoor party, which included a bunny petting zoo.

'[My daughters] like to feed [Hayes]. They like to play with him. They like to pick him up. They like to sing to him, give him a bath. They like to do all the things. Diaper changing is probably the only thing they don't like to do,' the Pomona-born beauty told People on Saturday.

'Having a strong support system is everything!' The 37-year-old mother-of-three was joined at the promotional event by her 'supportive homies' (from L-R) Shani Darden, Kelly Sawyer Patricof, Lizzy Mathis, and Kelly LeVeque

'Perfection!' The Mexican-American mompreneur accessorized with Azzedine Alaia sandals and Jennifer Fisher jewelry selected by stylist duo Emily Current & Meritt Elliott

Pretty: Hairstylist Maranda coiffed Jessica's signature middle-parted waves while make-up artist Jamie Greenberg made sure her Honest Beauty make-up lasted in the harsh sunlight

Doting: Alba shared a sweet snap of herself kissing her eight-month-old son Hayes as her seven-year-old daughter Haven stood nearby

In the tub: The Golden Globe nominee's 10-year-old daughter Honor (L) styled her hair in braids and seemed to enjoy the steady stream of bubbles at the outdoor party

The Pomona-born beauty told People on Saturday: 'Diaper changing is probably the only thing [my daughters] don't like to do. They're at the age when they're playing with American Girl dolls and [Hayes is] like a real life American Girl doll'

'They're at the age when they're playing with American Girl dolls and [Hayes is] like a real life American Girl doll. It's kind of like the perfect age, age 7 and 10, to have a little baby around.'

Missing from Jessica's side at her $2B brand's bash was her husband of a decade, Pair of Thieves sock designer Cash Warren, whom she met on the 2004 set of Fantastic Four.

The El Camino Christmas actress will next appear in the eight-episode second season of comedic police procedural No Activity, which starts streaming November 22 on CBS All Access.

Where's daddy? Missing from Jessica's side at her $2B brand's bash was her husband of a decade, Pair of Thieves sock designer Cash Warren (pictured August 12)
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She's the ageless soap star who's known for her youthful physique as much as her acting talents.

And while filming scenes for Home And Away last month, Ada Nicodemou, 41, flaunted her incredible physique in a two-piece.

The actress looked sensational in the canary yellow bikini which showcased her gym-honed abs and ample assets.

Summer babe! Home and Away star Ada Nicodemou (pictured), 41, sizzled in canary yellow two-piece as she flaunted her enviable bikini body while filming scenes last month in Sydney's Palm Beach

The brunette bombshell, who has played Leah Patterson-Baker since 2000, looked tanned and toned as she soaked up the sunshine.

She teamed the swimwear with oversized sunnies and was all smiles as she gripped a prop for the show - a large book.

Ada was photographed surrounded by crew and cameramen and at times a production team member appeared to be helping the actress apply sunscreen or a tanning substance.

Abs-olutely stunning! The brunette bombshell showcased her tanned and toned physique in the revealing two-piece

Glowing! Filming scenes for an upcoming storyline on Home And Away, the veteran actress soaked up the sun at Palm Beach

Joining Ada for the upcoming storyline was co-star James Stewart, 42, who went shirtless for the scenes.

He was snapped wearing just board shorts and holding a surfboard under his arm as he chatted to Ada.

In other pictures, Ada could be seen keeping warm in the cool September breeze, covering up in a fluffy blue bathrobe.

All in a day's work! Ada teamed the swimwear with oversized sunnies and was all smiles as she gripped a prop for the show - a large book

Looking good! The former Heartbreak High star sizzled on the sand

Lending a hand! A crew member appeared to be helping the actress apply sunscreen or a tanning substance

Fit and fabulous: Ada's impressive figure is the result of a gruelling exercise schedule and healthy eating habits

Ada's impressive figure has been no mean feat for the former Heartbreak High star.

The actress, who is dating millionaire Adam Rigby, knows a thing or two about keeping fit and healthy despite her hectic schedule.

Speaking to Who magazine in June, Ada shared her 'strict' eating plan when she revealed her day on a plate.

Hard work: In other photos, Ada was in good spirits and surrounded by the crew and co-stars

Sharing the limelight: Joining Ada for the upcoming storyline was co-star James Stewart who went shirtless for the scenes

Ada, who balances raising her five-year-old son, Johnas Xipolitas, with her full-time acting gig, makes an effort to eat healthily.

She typically starts her day with an omelette with spinach, tomatoes and mushrooms, and a black coffee.

A morning snack of cottage cheese and tuna, or half a protein bar, a handful of almonds and a piece of fruit keeps her metabolism going and hunger pangs at bay.

Her go-to lunch is a salad with tuna or chicken for protein, followed by a three-quarter coffee with milk.

Surf's up! A shirtless James Stewart, 42, wore board shorts and held a surfboard under his arm

Kicking off the day right: Ada typically starts her morning with an omelette with spinach, tomatoes and mushrooms, and a black coffee

A healthy afternoon snack staves off the 3pm slump and typically consists of a slice of ham with a couple of boiled eggs or a slice of cheese.

Dinner is built around protein - from either fillet steak, grilled chicken or grilled fish - with green leafy vegetables or salad.

Her after-dinner treat is a soothing cup of chamomile tea spiced with cinnamon, and a piece of dark chocolate with chilli on occasion.

Looking after herself: Ada, who balances raising her five-year-old son, Johnas Xipolitas, with her full-time acting gig, makes an effort to eat healthily

What a workout: In July Ada revealed to Who that she underwent a eight-week gruelling exercise plan that focused on strength training, along with push-ups and sit-ups

In July, Ada revealed to the same magazine the results of a gruelling fitness challenge, which saw her drop 5kg.

The eight-week plan, which saw Ada focus on strength training, along with push-ups and sit-ups, has significantly improved the soap star's physique.

'I've noticed a real shift in my body. My waist is smaller, my legs and arms have more shape and my booty has lifted - which was one of my goals,' Ada explained.

'I've noticed a real shift in my body': Ada raved about the results of her eight-week exercise plan

'My waist is smaller, my legs and arms have more shape and my booty has lifted - which was one of my goals': Ada told Who she was loving the results
He's for the former Bachelor, who is ready to take on the acting world.

And Tim Robards celebrated his 36th birthday with his wife of three months Anna Heinrich on Sunday.

The happy couple were seen enjoying a sailing trip in a snap shared to Instagram.

'Smooth sailing': Tim Robards shares a loved-up photo with Anna Heinrich as he celebrates his 36th birthday ahead of Neighbours debut

The pair are cuddled up as Anna's sister Andrea steered the ship.

'Turning 36 this long weekend and it's still smooth sailing,' Tim captioned the image.

The loved-up outing comes after NW revealed that Tim is set to leave Australia to tackle Hollywood.

Ambition: The loved-up outing comes after NW suggested that Tim is set to leave Australia to tackle Hollywood

Tim said he is heading to Los Angeles to get as much work in as possible, starting with shooting a short film.

'I'm just getting as much on my show-reel as I can, because I'm not getting any younger. You've got to fully commit to it and give it a proper crack,' he explained.

But Anna, who he met on the first season of The Bachelor in 2013, won't be joining him as he chases his acting dreams.

'I'll just duck over and do it myself': Tim told NW on Monday that he wanted to crack Hollywood - but his wife Anna would not be joining him on his stateside adventure

Following in his footsteps: Tim is hoping to be the next Chris Hemsworth. Pictured as Thor

'I'll just duck over and do it myself. If I'm busy filming all day, she'd be sitting around twiddling her fingers. She's got work here,' Tim said.

But despite the long distance between them, the handsome chiropractor is determined their relationship won't be affected.

'Whatever we did, we'd make it work  whether you have to put in a bit of travel or whatever... I don't think she'd be opposed to it,' Tim said.

Tim's recent stint on Neighbours, set to air this week, means the couple already have experience of living in different states, with Tim filming in Melbourne while Anna stayed in Sydney.

'We'd make it work': But despite the long distance between them, the handsome chiropractor is determined their relationship won't be affected

Tim plays a wealthy investor who is set to shake things up on Ramsay Street. His first scenes are set to air on October 5.

'I've really enjoyed exploring the character, Pierce Greyson has a number layers to him so he is really interesting to play for sure,' he told TV Week last month.

'He is a hybrid of a Harvey Specter, sprinkle of Christian Grey and little bit of Robert Redford so it's been great fun to explore.'
He's known for his no-holds barred approach to interviews on his eponymous television show.

But it was Jeremy Kyle's turn for a grilling, when he appeared on the Lorraine show on Monday morning.

The 53-year-old discussed an unlikely run in with actor Robert Downey Jr, 53, as well as relations with his ex wife and current fiancee Vicky, his children's former nanny.

Shock: Jeremy Kyle appeared on Lorraine on Monday and recalled losing his nerve with Robert Downey Jr when he told Lorraine she had 'nice t**s'

Happy: Lorraine seemed rather pleased that Jeremy had jumped to her defence

Jeremy and Lorraine, 58, discussed Robert's first meeting with Lorraine and how Jeremy rushed to her defence when the Hollywood actor made a crude remark.

He said: 'My first ever day on television was me presenting This Morning with Lorraine and I walked in so nervous and Lorraine was about to interview Robert Downey Jr and he said

Lorraine interjected: 'He said nice t**s to me, and that was his opening remark.

Cheeky! Robert Downey Jr, (left) appeared to speak out of turn when he appeared on the show

Jeremy said: 'I lost all my nerves and said, who the hell do you think you are.'

Lorraine, thrilled, added: 'You leapt to my defence.'

The pair joked that Robert didn't seem to know what was going on, with Jeremy saying: 'I dont think he even knew he was in London to be honest.'

New love: Jeremy is now engaged to be married to his children's former nanny, Vicky Burton - pictured together at Ascot in June

While on the show, Jeremy also discussed how he is now getting along much better with his ex-wife Carla Germaine.

He also spoke about how his romance with fiancee Vicky Burton has changed his life for the better.

He said: 'It's great fun being a granddad. Everyone says its because can give them back. We're babysitting for the whole weekend. It's great fun.

He said he and ex Vicky have sorted out childcare and sharing the kids, saying: 'It's absolutely fine. We're just getting on with life.

Better: Jeremy says he is now getting along with his ex wife Carla Germaine, who shares babysitting their grandchildren with him

'I did ask Victoria to marry me because she changed my life. There is no shadow of a doubt.'

Jeremy even credits Victoria with helping him to quit his 30 year cigarette habit, which saw him smoke 20 cigarettes a day.

He said: 'The kids were saying I was grumpy. For me, I had to get there myself. Everyone had been telling me for years to give up.

'I had cancer and I still smoked. Now everyone is saying that it was meeting Vick that did it. It's my new life.

'Ultimately, it just came to me. I said to my mate. This is the last cigarette I'll ever have.'
It was revealed last week that the reality star has been battling 'severe depression' as she took a break from filming and jetted off to the Holistic Bootcamp in Marbella, Spain, for some recovery time.

And Sunday's episode of The Only Way Is Essex showed the heartbreaking moment Yazmin Oukhellou decided to 'leave the show' to take some time out for her mental health.

The reality star, 24, had an emotional heart-to-heart with her mum, in which she broke down in tears.

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Heartbreaking: Sunday's episode of The Only Way Is Essex showed the heartbreaking moment Yazmin Oukhellou decided to leave the show to take some time out for her mental health

She said: 'I feel like I'm losing my friends now, I'm shutting myself off in this flat. I don't feel my normal happy self. I hate feeling like this. I feel like everyone hates me.'

To which her mum, who was also in tears, replied with: 'I think we need to go away. There are a few therapists there, I think you have got a few issues you need to deal with, it is worrying me, the outbursts that you're doing.

'You're not a bad person, you're always going to be my little Yaz. We're going to go away and get this all fixed. Get you back to the Yaz how I know you. Alright?'

Emotional: The reality star, 24, had an emotional heart-to-heart with her mum, in which she broke down in tears

Candid: She said: 'I feel like I'm losing my friends now, I'm shutting myself off in this flat. I don't feel my normal happy self. I hate feeling like this. I feel like everyone hates me.'

While later on in the episode, Yaz called her mum and revealed she was ready to leave Essex.

She said: 'Hi mum, I've just had my chat with the girls, now I'm ready to go. Sort my head out and go away with you, and leave Essex...'

Show watchers were left in tears over the scenes as they took to Twitter to praise the reality star for being so candid and making a brave step towards getting help.

One person said: '@YazminOukhellou omg the episode of #TOWIE had me in tears hope you are okay and get better soon and I hope to see u back on #towie soon .'

While a different viewer put: '@YazminOukhellou After Watching Tonight's #TOWIE you left me in Tears I bet it's Done you good to go and get help your my favourite on the show!!!'

Sweet: To which her mum, who was also in tears, replied with: 'You're not a bad person, you're always going to be my little Yaz. We're going to go away and get this all fixed.'

Brave: While later on in the episode, Yaz called her mum and revealed she was ready to leave Essex to focus on her mental health

After the scenes aired, Yazmin took to her Instagram to reveal she was overwhelmed by the support she had received although she couldn't bring herself to watch the episode as it was too hard.

She said: 'Overwhelmed by the amount of beautiful messages I've received tonight! I haven't watched the show as would find it too hard. But just want to say I'm so grateful for the support I've had, truly means the world to me!'

Last week, Yazmin was pictured breaking down in tears as she visited the Holistic Bootcamp in Marbella with a source exclusively telling MailOnline that her mental health struggles are so bad she 'hasn't wanted to get out of bed.

They added that the 24-year-old has had the full support of her boyfriend and co-star James Locke, as well as friends and family in her recovery.

Fans' praise: After the scenes aired, Yazmin took to her Instagram to reveal she was overwhelmed by the support she had received

Supportive beau: Last week, a source exclusively told MailOnline that her mental health struggles are so bad she 'hasn't wanted to get out of bed'

Only recently Yazmin had an explosive row with co-star Amber Turner, which saw her brand the brunette beauty 'disgusting' and 'pathetic' when she tried to apologise.

The source said: 'Its true that Yazmin has gone to Holistic Bootcamp in Marbella to escape her troubles. Things have just got too much for her on the show and issues with various cast members have really got her down. Shes a very normal girl with no ego and she doesnt need that negativity in her life.

'Shes been treated for anxiety there but its not been revealed that shes also being treated for severe depression that has been debilitating to the point where she hasnt wanted to get out of bed.

'Flying out to Spain to work with Rob Hisee was the only answer for her. James (Locke) her boyfriend is behind her 100% and like her friends and family, just wants her to back to her old self and well again.'

MailOnline contacted representatives for Yazmin Oukhellou for further comment.

If you've been affected by this article, please call Mind on 0300 123 3393 or text 86463.
He was axed from Strictly Come Dancing last year, but he is't afraid to have his opinion heard with matters regarding the show.

And appearing on Monday's episode of ITV's Lorraine, Brendan Cole couldn't resist taking a sly dig at professional dancer Anton Du Beke after he was the first to be booted from the BBC series on Saturday alongside Susannah Constantine.

The ballroom dancer, 42, admitted that despite being surprised they were booted, Anton's dance 'wasn't very good' and he 'felt sorry' for Susannah as 'she didn't know what was going on.'

Opinionated: Appearing on Monday's episode of Lorraine, Brendan Cole, 42, made a sly dig at Anton du Beke after he was the first to be booted from Strictly on Saturday

Anton and Susanna were the first pair eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday, following a dance-off with Lee Ryan and his partner Nadiya Bychkova.

And proving he was initially shocked at the outcome, Brendan admitted: 'Normally the underdog, the one at the bottom of the table, gets a little bit of a boost from the audience and they get saved for a few weeks.

'I was a little bit surprised. Having said that, it wasnt very good. I felt really sorry for her, it just felt like she didnt really know what was going on.'

Susannah and Anton performed a foxtrot to They Can't Take That Away From Me by Frank Sinatra and only secured a one from Craig and fours from the other judges on Saturday night.

Game over: Anton and Susanna Constantine were the first pair eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday, following a dance-off with Lee Ryan and his partner Nadiya Bychkova

Not holding back: The ballroom dancer admitted that despite being surprised they were booted, Anton's dance 'wasn't very good' and he 'felt sorry' for Susannah

And Brendan admitted on the morning talk show that he was surprised Anton didnt challenge judge Bruno Tonioli's criticism: 'Even Saturday, Im so surprised he didnt have a go at Bruno for laughing at his partner. I would have been furious!'

Brendan also appeared on Lorraine back in January and revealed that he had been axed from the BBC favourite after 14 years on the show, as sources said producers had finally had enough of his behaviour.

And speaking about any potential plans to return, the New-Zealand native admitted: 'Its definitely part of my past. Ive had the most amazing year. It came at exactly the right time. Id go back in a different role, Id love that [to be a judge] as a role.

'Wasn't good': Despite proving he was initially shocked at the outcome, Brendan admitted that normally the 'underdogs' would win public support

'I would have been furious!' Brendan admitted on the morning talk show that he was surprised Anton didnt challenge judge Bruno Tonioli's criticism

Brendan added: 'People have been saying quite a lot, "They need to have you back". If they asked, I wouldnt go back. Ive had an incredible year.

'Strictly takes over your whole life, you have no time at all. The things Ive been able to do. Its been an incredible year,' he continued.

Upon his axe, BBC told MailOnline at the time: 'We'd like to thank Brendan for being part of the show since the beginning - winner of the first series - and for the contribution he has made to its success. We wish him all the very best for the future.'

'I wouldnt go back': Speaking about any potential plans to return, the New-Zealand native admitted: 'Its definitely part of my past'

However sources also told MailOnline:'The judges did not want him back. The rows he had in the last series with judges Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli were the last straw.

'Brendan was stubborn and did not back down, which created an atmosphere backstage at the last series.

'The producers believe no one is bigger than the show. Not one judge has reached out to him which says a lot. He was not popular. His time was up and it seemed like Brendan was the last to know.'

End: Brendan also appeared on Lorraine back in January and revealed that he had been axed from the BBC favourite after 14 years on the show, as sources said producers had finally had enough of his behaviour




She's the first-class flight attendant who is competing alongside her pilot fiance, Hans Baumgartner on hit reality show, The Block.

And Courtney Brown seemed to be feeling the stress on Monday night's episode of The Block.

Following a stressful few weeks on the show, the 34-year-old was seen stroking her brunette tresses as clumps of hair strands appeared in her palm.

'So stressed!' The stomach-churning moment The Block's Courtney Brown rips clumps of her own hair out in utter distress... as fiance Han mocks her by putting them on his bald head

'So stressed my hairs falling out,' she shrieked.

Later, she made light of the situation by placing the strands on Han's bald head.

'Babe do you want some? Here. That's gross,' Courtney said amid laughter.

While mocking Courtney, Hans carefully placed a few strands across his bald head.

Hairy situation! The 34-year-old was seen stroking her hair as horrifying clumps of hair strands landed in her palm

'Babe do you want some? Here. That's gross,' Courtney said amid laughter while putting the strands on Hans' head

'I need this to go further,' he said while concentrating on his new 'do in the mirror.

'I'll start a little collection for you,' Courtney responded, handing him more strands of hair that she had lost.

Later in a piece to camera, Courtney was seen cuddling up to Han as she placed her chestnut locks over his head in a comical fashion.

It comes after Courtney revealed she once enjoyed a successful modelling career.

Courtney was discovered after she was chosen as a finalist in both the Dolly and Girlfriend magazine model searches.

She has since gone on to feature in campaigns for Portmans alongside Miranda Kerr and has strutted down some of the world's most elite runways in Milan, Hong Kong and London.

Playful: Later in a piece to camera, Courtney is seen cuddling up to Han as she places her chestnut locks over his head in a comical fashion
They tied the knot in the first ever Love Island wedding in front of friends, family and reality TV co-stars in Essex last month.

And Olivia Buckland, 24, and Alex Bowen, 26, looked utterly smitten as they enjoyed a tender kiss while soaking up the sun on the second leg of their lavish honeymoon in the Maldives on Sunday.

Olivia slipped into a zebra print bikini, teamed with a sheer maxi wrap skirt and tie-up crop top.

Newlyweds: Olivia Buckland, 24, and Alex Bowen, 26, looked smitten as they enjoyed a tender kiss while soaking up the sun on the second leg of their honeymoon in the Maldives on Sunday

The Love Island 2016 star's many tattoos were shown off as her lithe limbs were on full display, with a pair of bright green flip flops adding to the outfit.

The Essex-based beauty tied her blonde locks back into a casual high bun, as she covered up her face her stylish black sunglasses.

Alex showed off his bulging muscles in denim shorts and an unbuttoned shirt power blue shirt, which displayed a hint of toned torso.

The former scaffolder clung onto a pair of goggles and a snorkel as he strolled along looking loved up with his new bride.

Loved up: Olivia slipped into a zebra print bikini, teamed with a sheer maxi wrap skirt and tie-up crop top, teamed with bright green flip flops

Olivia and Alex tied the knot last month at Gosfield Hall, which boasts 10 acres of elegant grounds, in the blonde beauty's native Essex on September 15.

The reality TV pair initially jetted off to Sri Lanka just hours after their lavish reception in Essex, before moving onto the second leg of their honeymoon in the Maldives.

The couple first met on the 2016 series of Love Island, in which they starred alongside the likes of Cara De La Hoyde, Nathan Massey, Zara Holland, Tina Stinnes, Malin Andersson and the late Sophie Gradon.

Olivia and Alex came in second place behind Cara and her fiance Nathan Massey, and moved in together in Essex in August 2016.

Alex popped the question during a romantic trip to New York that December after just five months of dating.

Martial bliss: The Essex-based beauty tied her blonde locks back into a casual high bun, as she covered up her face her stylish black sunglasses

The wedding hasn't been without drama as it was revealed Olivia had a row with her former best friend and Love Island co-star Cara over bridesmaid duties after Cara became a mother to son Freddie.

Touching on the dramatic events, she told OK! magazine last week: 'There are two sides to every story. I guess we haven't been that close for a while and I hadn't seen it.

'She missed a few things and I didn't see her for weeks and months on end to the point where when it came down to it it was impossible to get her dress fitted...

'When I asked her to be my bridesmaid I thought we were close, and then sadly we drifted apart, there was no big fallout or anything.

Former pals: Olivia and Alex came in second place behind Cara De La Hoyde (pictured) and her fiance Nathan Massey in the 2016 series of Love Island

'It's just life, priorities change and people come and go.

'It sometimes becomes hard in this industry to differentiate between real friends and showbiz friends or at least what side of the coin it is that they see you as...

'I've not really commented on the stories [until this point], mainly because it is really upsetting, and I don't think it's appropriate involving the media.

'I hope now the wedding is over it just goes away, and everyone can draw a line under it.

'Luckily there was so much going on and it was such a perfect day I didn't get a chance to think about it.'
Cardi B beamed as she turned herself in to police Monday for allegedly ordering an assault on female bartenders at a New York strip club.

The Bodak Yellow star, real name Belcalis Almanzar, wore a white blouse and cream skirt as exited the local station house.

Cardi, 25, is accused of ordering an attack against the employees at Angels Strip Club in Queens after claiming one of the girls had slept with her husband, rapper Offset.

Here she comes: Cardi B beamed as she leaves the 109th precinct after turning herself in to face assault charges in New York

Hot water: She has been accused of ordering an attack against two bartenders at Angels Strip Club in Queens in August

TMZ claim in late August, the new mother was watching Offset perform at the club with rap trio Migos when she confronted the barmaids, sisters named as Jade and Baddie Gi.

The rapper, who grew up in New York's tough South Bronx, reportedly 'ordered' members of her entourage to attack the two girls with bottles and chairs, resulting in both needing medical attention.

Sources have since told the website that the incident was prompted by drink being spilled on Cardi, whose actions have been described as 'spontaneous and completely unpremeditated.'

The star will reportedly be charged with reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct when she turns herself in - although she will not be arrested. A court summons will follow in due course.

Trouble: The new mother will likely face reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct charges

Low key: The American star, real name Belcalis Almanzar, wore a white blouse and cream skirt as she left her hotel ahead of an appearance at a local station house

Claims: The American star, real name Belcalis Almanzar, has been accused of ordering an attack against the employees at Angels Strip Club in Queens (pictured) after claiming one of the girls had slept with her husband, rapper Offset

The bartenders say Cardi had previously 'threatened them with physical harm' back in June when she ran into the sisters in an Atlanta hotel and accused Jade of sleeping with her husband.

Jade claims the Bodak Yellow rapper had since engaged with her in a threatening manner on Instagram.

But things came to a head during a confrontation at the strip club, when Jade says Cardi set her entourage onto her.

Controversy: The rapper, who grew up in New York's tough South Bronx, reportedly 'ordered' her group to attack the two girls with bottles and chairs, resulting in both needing medical attention

Face to face: TMZ claim Cardi, 25, was watching Offset perform at the club with rap trio Migos when she confronted the barmaids, sisters named as Jade (L) and Baddie Gi (R)

Jade is rumored to have slept with Cardi's husband Offset, but she denies the claims

'[Five] people associated with Cardi viciously attacked her, grabbing her hair, punching her and hitting her with an ashtray,' reported TMZ.

The sisters also claim they were pelted with chairs and bottles, with the new mother throwing 'at least one of the bottles at them during the alleged attack'.

Cardi, who was involved in a separate brawl with Nicki Minaj during New York Fashion Week, recently dismissed claims that she ordered the attack in an explosive Instagram tirade.

Allegation: Jade (pictured), who has been accused of sleeping with Offset, claims the Bodak Yellow rapper had previously engaged with her in a threatening manner on Instagram

Hitting out: Cardi, who was involved in a separate brawl with Nicki Minaj during New York Fashion Week, recently dismissed claims that she ordered the attack in an explosive Instagram tirade

'Them h**s don't like each other, but since they don't like Cardi B, they link up. 'Mad b*tches link up alert!,' she ranted in a video shared with followers in September.

'You be wearing I hate Cardi B t-shirts and sh*t. You b*tches be in a mother f**king laboratory building a I Hate Cardi B Transformer,' she continued.

'The fact that I have you b*tches so f**king tight making y'all wanna pull out your p*ssy hairs makes my p*ssy mother f**king throb ahahahaha.'

MailOnline has contacted a representative for further comment.
Filming is well underway for Spider-Man: Far From Home - a sequel to the hugely popular 2017 flick.

And Zendaya, 22, looked ready for another hard day's work as she headed to her filming location in Venice, Italy on Monday.

Cutting a trendy figure in a khaki jacket and matching bottoms, the American actress, 22, was in hot pursuit by co-star Tom Holland.

A-lister: Zendaya, 22, looked ready for another hard day's work as she headed to her filming location for Spider-Man: Homecoming 2 in Venice, Italy on Monday

Zendaya wore only a simple slick of make-up as she sauntered along in a pair of black lace-up grunge-inspired boots.

The former Disney star completed the look with a black hoodie while all her essentials were stuffed into a large backpack.

As well as the film crew, Zendaya was joined by Tom - who looked handsome in an unbuttoned shirt atop a white shirt and jeans.

Last month, the duo were also pictured filming in Prague after they began shooting the sequel to Spider-Man: Homecoming in July in England.

Movie stars: Cutting a trendy figure in a khaki jacket and matching bottoms, the American actress, 22, was in hot pursuit by co-star Tom Holland

Casually cool: Zendaya wore only a simple slick of make-up as she sauntered along in a pair of black lace-up grunge-inspired boots

Team: As well as the film crew, Zendaya was joined by Tom - who looked handsome in an unbuttoned shirt atop a white shirt and jeans

Spider-Man: Far from Home, the sequel to the film Spider-Man: Homecoming, is slated to hit cinemas in 2019, and has so far shot scenes in London, Hertfordshire and Liberec in the Czech Republic.

The movie is reportedly slated to be released on July 5, 2019 in the U.S.

The sequel will hit theatres about two years after the release of Spider-Man: Homecoming - which was released in July 2017.

According to producer Kevin Feige, the premise of the film reportedly revolves around Peter Parker and his friends going to Europe on summer vacation, though few other details about the film have been revealed to the public so far.

Last month: Zendaya and Tom were also pictured filming in Prague after they began shooting the sequel to Spider-Man: Homecoming in July in England

Next in sequence: The sequel will hit theatres about two years after the release of Spider-Man: Homecoming - which was released in July 2017

Speaking to Den of Geek , Feige also divulged: We've chosen a villain and I think the story line is fairly impacted by the locations we go to. We love the notion of taking Spider-Man to places around the world that we haven't seen him in before. And we have a villain who I think will play into that nicely.

As of yet, no trailer for the upcoming film has been released as its still filming. An official trailer for it will likely be revealed in the coming months.

Marissa Tomei is reprising her role as Aunt May. Jacob Batalon is expected to return as Ned Leeds and Michael Keaton will reportedly play Vulture.

Don't miss: The movie is reportedly slated to be released on July 5, 2019 in the U.S




She's a pop icon who is constantly switching up her look.

And Madonna exhibited her eclectic fashion sense as she left the Ritz hotel in Paris, France on Monday clad in a striking ensemble.

The Queen of pop, 60, teamed billowing silk floral trousers with an oversized NY Yankees padded coat and a wide-brimmed fedora as she strolled out of the luxury hotel.

Stylish: Madonna, 60, exhibited her eclectic fashion sense as she left the Ritz hotel in Paris, France on Monday clad in striking floral flares and a padded jacket

Madonna showed off her softer side as she slipped into the silky wide-legged trousers in an elegant autumnal floral print.

She sashayed towards her awaiting car in chunky wedge platform boots by Stella McCartney, which added a tougher feel to her look.

Ensuring she kept warm, the Papa Don't Preach songstress donned a simple black jumper and wrapped up in a black long-line Gucci padded jacket with the New York Yankees logo embroidered onto the chest.

The quilted floral jacquard coat - which currently retails for 3,390 - featured Ivory passementerie trims adorning the neckline and cuffs, giving an ornate twist to the sports-luxe garment.

Eclectic: The Queen of pop teamed billowing silk floral trousers with an oversized NY Yankees puffer coat and a wide-brimmed fedora as she strolled out of the luxury hotel

Sumptuous: Madonna showed off her softer side as she slipped into the silky wide-legged trousers in an elegant autumnal floral print

Designer: Ensuring she kept warm, the Papa Don't Preach songstress wrapped up in a black long-line Gucci padded jacket with the New York Yankees logo embroidered onto the chest

Stunning: The quilted floral jacquard coat - which currently retails for 3,390 - featured Ivory passementerie trims adorning the neckline and cuffs, giving an ornate twist to garment

Madonna shielded her eyes with rose tinted shades and opted for a minimal make-up look, with a slick of lipgloss drawing attention to her full pout.

The popstar styled her long blonde locks into dishevelled wet-look waves and wore a wide-brimmed fedora atop her head.

She kept her head down as she made her way to the vehicle, surrounded by security who ensured the hoards of fans were kept away from her.

Covered up: Madonna shielded her eyes with rose tinted shades and opted for a minimal make-up look, with a slick of lipgloss drawing attention to her full pout

Wet-look: The popstar styled her long blonde locks into dishevelled wet-look waves and wore a wide-brimmed fedora atop her head

Let's go: She kept her head down as she made her way to the vehicle, surrounded by security

Fame: Her security ensured the hordes of fans and photographers were kept away from her

Hold! Madonna held her hat on as the breeze threatened to sweep it off her head

Layered: Madonna kept warm in Paris with a layered look in a range of luxe fabrics

Happy: She smiled as she reached her chauffeur-driven car, while security watched over her



Madonna's trip to the Paris comes a month after after she lavished attention on her son David Banda by throwing him a very extravagant 13th birthday party.

The Malawi-born teen, who was adopted by Madonna and her ex-husband Guy Ritchie, was decked out in head-to-toe Gucci for his bash.

In a video she posted to Instagram, Madonna shimmied and twirled with fellow revelers on a spread of colorful rugs that had been set up as a sort of dance floor.

A drummer played in the background, and her two twin daughters Stella and Estere -also wearing Gucci - joined Madge in the fun.

Iconic: The superstar had fans queuing up to see her outside her hotel in Paris

Every angle: Photographers tried to capture Madonna's every move

Here we go: From the moment the doors opened, Madonna had her head down

Made it! The pretty jacquard print on her coat was in full view in the sunlight

Head down: Madonna kept her head down as she made her way towards her vehicle

Loading up: The superstar watched to ensure all of her belongings were put into the car

Madonna posted an Instagram snap of herself and David for her 11.9 million followers, writing in the caption: 'Happy Birthday To My lucky #13! Rise Above all limitations! #banda #birthday #blessings'.

She also uploaded a snap of David with his three younger adopted sisters - five-year-old Stella and Estere and 12-year-old Mercy James - and a couple of party guests.

Madonna also has daughter Lourdes, 21, with ex Carlos Leon, and son Rocco, 18, from her marriage to Guy.

Globetrotter: Hours later, the star was touched down at London's St Pancras International Station following her time at Paris Fashion Week

Bold display: The blonde styled her previously drenched locks into pristine twin braids as she arrived in the English capital

Fan favourite: Madonna was surrounded by a swarm of fans as they waited with pens to hand for an autograph

In good company: The megastar was joined by fashion designer Stella McCartney, who made a typically stylish appearance at the station
Trot Insider has learned that Standardbred breeder/owner Clarence Rutledge of Mono, Ont., passed away on Friday, September 28 at the age of 80.

Arrangements have been set for this Wednesday (Oct. 3) and will run from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Dods & McNair Funeral Home & Chapel, which is located at 21 First St, Orangeville, ON L9W 2C8.

The funeral home can be reached at 519-941-1392 or by emailing [email protected]. For additional information, click here.

Messages of condolences can be left below or by clicking here.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Clarence Rutledge.
She's always been a firm fixture at runway shows across Europe.

And Poppy Delevingne turned out in style for the Giambattista Valli presentation during Paris Fashion Week as she joined friend and socialite Lady Mary Charteris.

Dressed to impress for the occasion, the 32-year-old model was a vision of beauty as she settled into the front row clad in a sequinned mini dress.

Two's company: Poppy Delevingne turned out in style for the Giambattista Valli presentation during Paris Fashion Week as she joined friend and socialite Lady Mary Charteris

Skimming over her enviable figure, the forest green shift bore a vibrant pattern of orange flowers, which ensured all eyes would be on her.

With her tanned and toned pins on display in the thigh-grazing garment, Poppy boosted her 5 10 frame in a pair of black court heels adorned with a dazzling bow.

Lady Mary, 31, also looked sensational for the show, teasing at her enviable figure in a black lace skater dress that she teamed with suede ankle boots.

Stunning: Dressed to impress for the occasion, the 32-year-old model was a vision of beauty as she settled into the front row clad in a sequinned mini dress

Blooming lovely: Skimming over her enviable figure, the forest green shift bore a vibrant pattern of orange flowers, which ensured all eyes would be on her

Recently, Poppy told Daily Mail Australia that she hasn't asked sister Cara for advice in making the career transition, as acting has always been her passion.

'Not really,' Poppy admitted, before continuing: 'I've wanted to act all my life, and I sort of just fell into modelling.'

It comes after the British-born star told the Sunday Telegraph's TV Guide that she hopes to one day be recognised as an actress, and not simply for being a 'socialite'.

'I never really sort of felt like I belonged, I was always that model who would sort-of walk on set and trip over the lighting and fall flat on my face,' Poppy told the publication.

Leggy lady! With her tanned and toned pins on display in the thigh-grazing garment, Poppy boosted her 5 10 frame in a pair of black court heels adorned with a dazzling bow

Turning heads: Lady Mary, 31, also looked sensational for the show, teasing at her enviable figure in a black lace skater dress that she teamed with suede ankle boots

Three's company: Lady Mary and Poppy looked in high spirits as they joined Lauren Santo Domingo for a fun group shot

All-smiles: Poppy embraced Bianca Brandolini ahead of watching the show together

Sitting pretty: (L-R) Derek Blasberg, Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, Eugenie Niarchos and Poppy settled in on the front row

Double trouble: Lady Mary pulled up a seat next to Harley Viera-Newton

Having battled with the 'socialite' tag, she said: 'It slightly undermines anything that I have ever done... I can't wait to the day when it's Poppy Delevingne actor, not socialite. It's a nothing word.'

Younger sister Cara, 25, made her transition from modelling to acting in 2015.

Cara, who has already starred in films Paper Towns and Suicide Squad, previously told The Straits Times, that she will not take on a role that requires her to only be a pretty face.

Dressed to impress: Olivia Palermo also made an impression in a heavily fringed jacket

Ruffling feathers: Olivia's heavily embellished jacket ensured all eyes would be on her

Two's company: French businessman Francois-Henri Pinault and Anna Wintour posed together

Glamorous: Zara Larsson looked dazzling in a heart print maxi dress (L) whilst Princess of Thailand Sirivannavari Nariratana turned heads in a cream lace gown

The supermodel sisters' grandfather is the former English Heritage chairman Sir Jocelyn Stevens, founder of the 1960s pirate radio station Radio Caroline.

Meanwhile her father Charles, a property-developer, had a grandfather who was a politician (Hamar, 1st Viscount Greenwood) and his aunt, Doris Delevingne, was a society beauty who was friends with Winston Churchill.

Her mother, Pandora, is one of the Duchess of York's best friends and her grandmother was a lady-in-waiting for Princess Margaret.

Working it: The models stormed the runway in an array of ethereal flowing maxi dresses

On the move: The models were seen running around backstage in their flowing gowns

Stunning: The models looked sensational in their pastel ensembles

Poppy's well-connected relatives give her something in common with Lady Mary.

The DJ is the daughter of an eccentric Scottish aristocrat, the 13th Earl of Wemyss and 9th Earl of March, she was raised on an estate in Gloucestershire featured in the Harry Potter films.

Her parents are some of the most colourful members of the aristocracy, with her stepmother so fond of drugs that she is known as Lady Mindbender.

Since launching herself as a model in her teens, Lady Mary has carved out a niche as the ultimate Sloane Raver, making money and a name for herself from various fashion endorsements, DJ-ing gigs and a near-naked wedding dress.

Double trouble: Elena Perminova looked glamorous in a navy blue co-ord and jacket
She used her Instagram and Twitter accounts to build a huge fanbase - and sell them everything from make-up to fake tan, slimming teas and perfume.

And Kim Kardashian is not letting anyone mess with her tried and tested approach to social media - even her husband Kanye West.

His attempts to oversee her posts ended in a huge row between the couple, as shown on Sunday night's Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

He wanted me to post six polaroids from that shootbut I posted one from the beach,' she explained to sister Khloe. 'He wanted them to all match up and be from the motel, thats what the f*****g fight was, she explained to her sister.

Im like, I like the beach one's and hes like no! You dont understand, I see the vision."

Candid: On Sundays episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians Kim Kardashian, 37, confided in her sister Khloe about her troubles with her husband Kanye West, 41

Listening in: Kim complained to Khloe about her husband

Im like its my Instagram, youre not going to tell me what to post, thats like the one thing, no one will tell me what to post, she proclaimed.

I think so many husbands feel neglected when you have kids and all their attention gets taken away.'

That wasn't the only fight between the two, with Kim also complaining that Kanye was making her search for aesthetically pleasing Band-Aids.

Kim, 37, confided in Khloe about her troubles with the 41-year-old rapper.

We had a fight because I wouldnt get him a Band-Aid, recalled the reality star.

There was a Band-Aid, and I put it on him, he didnt like the color of the Band-Aid, so we went upstairs in the kids room and I go oh look North has Jesus Band-Aids, put on one of those,"' she continued.

And he was like I slaved around the world making clothes for youand you let me go out wearing a Jesus Band-Aid, he said I should have got a skin-colored Band-Aid.

Drama: We had a fight because I wouldnt wouldnt get him a Band-Aid, said the reality star

She reflected: 'Having three kids, honestly, is crazy. I remember it was really hard for North when Saint was born, so I kind of put everything into North to make her feel extra special.

'And now, with Chicago, Im trying to work even [harder] to make sure North and Saint feel like they have enough time with me and they feel super loved and that no one is going to take their place.'

She returned to the subject later in the episode.

'I think so many husbands feel neglected when you start having kids and then all of their attention gets taken away,' she said.

Trouble again: Im like its my Instagram, youre not going to tell me what to post, thats like the one thing, no one will tell me what to post, she proclaimed

To make amends she decided to make him feel special on Valentines Day.

Im fully neglecting my husband, she admitted.

Her gift to Kanye was a heart-shaped box filled with all his favorite Band-Aids.

Sweet: To make amends she decided to make him feel special on Valentines Day

Baby love: Her gift was a heart-shaped box filled with all his favorite Band-Aids

Kanyes so thoughtful and even when hes in crazy work-mode he always takes the time to check in on me, she said as she stocked up on saucy lingerie to impress him.

Kim had also managed to upset her elder sister Kourtney. She had decided that Scott Disick wanted another child with Kourtney via IVF, even though they both had new partners.

How cute will that be? Exclaimed Kim, who was all for the idea.

I would want all my four kids to be with the same person, she added.

Another one: Kim had also managed to upset her elder sister Kourtney. She had decided that Scott Disick wanted another child with Kourtney via IVF, even though they both had new partners

Kim then emailed the family about it to try and rally support, but accidentally cc'ed Kourtney.

Kourtney was furious saying she was concerned for who her sister was as a human being.

Its so f****d up, she complained.

Sending an email behind my back is so malicious, she raged.

I dont even want to look at her, she told her mother, calling her sister back stabbing and actually evil.

Oops: Kim then emailed the family about it to try and rally support, but accidentally cc'ed Kourtney

Not happy: Kourtney was furious saying she was concerned for who her sister was as a human being.

Scott later denied saying it in the first place, telling Khloe: It was more along the lines of her saying how boring Kourtney was.

Scott decided to keep that information from Kourtney and the sisters made friends eventually.

The show had opened with a bumper car session with Kim, Kanye and the kids.

Having three kids honestly is crazy, said Kim.

Clearing the air: Scott later denied saying it in the first place, telling Khloe: It was more along the lines of her saying how boring Kourtney was

Real talk: Having three kids honestly is crazy, said Kim

'Now I have Chicago Im trying to work doubly hard to make sure North and Saint feel like they have enough time with me, she added.

Meanwhile Kendall Jenner flew to Shanghai with celebrity hair stylist Jen Atkin a.k.a. the Kobe Bryant of hair.

The supermodel was struggling with anxiety, but decided to try and leave her hotel room between shoots to have some fun.

Exciting: The show had opened with a bumper car session with Kim, Kanye and the kids; pictured with North, five, and Saint, two

Happy: Kanye with son Saint while having fun

Id like to explore more of China, said Kendall, who was making a whistle-stop tour for Adidas.

In Paris they went to a burlesque show and horse riding.

Dreams do come true, yelled Kendall as she trotted along.

KUWTK will continue next Sunday on E!

Having a laugh: Meanwhile Kendall Jenner flew to Shanghai with celebrity hair stylist Jen Atkin a.k.a. the Kobe Bryant of hair'

Time to explore the world: Id like to explore more of China, said Kendall, who was making a whistle-stop tour for Adidas
They been been best friends for years.

And on Sunday Kylie Jenner and Jordyn Woods were once again by each other's side as they celebrated Jordyn's 21st birthday in Miami.

The swanky weekend ended with the BFF's partying it up at the popular nightclub LIV, hosted by celebrity-entertainer Dave Grutman.

Celebrate good times: Kylie Jenner celebrated BFF Jordyn Woods' 21st birthday with a night out in Miami on Sunday

Edgy: Kylie rocked a red pleather ensemble that showed off her enviable curves while partying at the popular nightclub Liv; the mother of one is wearing a I.AM.GIA set

Kylie, 21, stunned in a red pleather ensemble that included form-fitting pants and a crop top that showcased her enviable curves- all by I.AM.GIA.

The mother of one is wearing the brand's Isla pant, which retails for $116, and the matching $58 Isla top.

She matched it with a pair of stiletto-heel boots and wore her blonde-pinkish tresses long and with a part in the middle.

The birthday girl showed off her curves in a white two-piece number with silver embroidery and spaghetti straps that went over her left shoulder; both pieces are also by I.AM.GIA.

She matched the birthday dress perfectly with a pair of silver open-toe heels and styled her long black locks with her natural curls and a center part.

The spotlight: The reality star/entrepreneur showed off her shy side when she covered her face and hid behind her BFF while leaving the club

Strike a pose: The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star took a selfie in the club's restroom

Stylish: The birthday party troupe all rocked their best sexy-wear for their night out

While at partying it up at Liv, they both got the chance to autograph the walls and they were presented with a personalized 'Liv on Sunday' medallions in reference to the nightclub.

The ladies were eventually spotted leaving the club together, but on this night the normally camera-ready Kylie was feeling a little shy and covered her face and hid behind her best mate.

The night oout also included a top-shelf dinner at KOMODO, where Grutman also played host to the birthday revelers.

Birthday bash: The BFF's were presented with personalized 'Liv on Sunday' medallions at the Liv nightclub

Star treatment: Kylie and Jordyn both signed their autographs on the wall of the nightclub

And being the fashionista that she is, Kylie wore a completely different outfit for dinner, going with a more casual ensemble in a pair of faded denim jeans and a white crop top that showcased her ample assets.

The ritzy soiree was capped off with the presentation of a five-tier birthday cake to Jordyn.

'Wow what a birthday cake Happy Birthday @jordynwoods,' Kylie wrote along with a Snapchat video of the cake presentation.

This weekend celebration in Miami wasn't all about Jordyn turning the big 2-1. The BFF's have also been celebrating the launch of their new cosmetics line, Kylie X Jordan.

Jordyn showed off her curves in a white two-piece number with silver embroidery and spaghetti straps that went over her left shoulder

Sweet delivery: Kylie and Jordyn were all smiles when Jordan's five-tier birthday cake was presented

Being social: Kylie shared some videos of the birthday bash on her Snapchat
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She's been enjoying something of a lifestyle overhaul over the past several months, after drastically cutting down on her hard-boozing ways.

And Kate Moss continued to display the results of her healthy new habits over the weekend, when she stepped out looking sensational in a skimpy string bikini during her yacht trip to Saint-Tropez, South of France.

Joined by her boyfriend Count Nikolai von Bismarck, 31, the 44-year-old supermodel wowed as she relaxed on the expansive deck of a luxury sea vessel with a host of friends and relatives.

Healthy curves: Kate Moss was spotted soaking up the sunshine in Saint-Tropez, South of France, over the weekend

The star proudly displayed her healthy curves in her black-and-red swimwear, which she glammed up with an assortment of jewellery, including large statement rings, bracelets and a pair of necklaces.

With her golden locks resting about her shoulders, she went makeup-free for the leisurely excursion, during which she dived into the welcoming azure waters in between basking in the glorious sunshine.

Meanwhile, her beau of three years went shirtless as he relaxed on board the yacht, stepping out in a pair of patterned swimming shorts, before following his girlfriend's lead and diving into the sea.

Romantic getaway: The 44-year-old supermodel was accompanied by her longtime boyfriend Count Nikolai von Bismarck, 31

Soaking up the sunshine: The star proudly displayed her healthy curves in her black-and-red swimwear, which she glammed up with an assortment of jewellery, including large statement rings, bracelets and a pair of necklaces

So happy: The lovebirds appeared to be in a decidedly upbeat mood as they enjoyed their time aboard the luxury sea vessel

Natural: With her golden locks resting about her shoulders, the runway veteran naturally went makeup-free for her day out

Busy: Croydon-born star Kate has had a busy few days, having attended a number of events surrounding Paris Fashion Week

On Sunday, Kate was seen wearing a black swimsuit as she enjoyed another swim in the sea, before getting showered and changed into a chic black gown for a spot of lunch on dry land.

Croydon-born beauty Kate has had a busy few days, having attended a number of hot-ticket events surrounding the ongoing Paris Fashion Week - hot on the heels of having celebrated a major family milestone.

Kate arrived from London after celebrating her daughter Lila Grace's 16th birthday at swanky restaurant Sexy Fish in the London district of Mayfair  where she was spotted sipping non-alcoholic ginger beer.

The model shares her sole offspring with ex Jefferson Hack, who she dated for a number of years in the 2000s.

Cleaning up her act: The famous mother-of-one has been positively glowing recently, after giving up her hard-boozing ways

Reformed party queen: The reformed Primrose Hill queen credits the changes, made as part of her new 80/20 regime, for boosting her skin, providing her with restful sleep and upping her energy levels

Juice: The model has ditched alcohol in favour of a green juice each morning and relies on supplements to clear up her skin

Love: Kate embarked on a romance with German aristocrat Nikolai in late 2015, following her split from husband Jamie Hince

Kate embarked on a romance with German aristocrat Nikolai in late 2015, following her split from The Kills rocker husband Jamie Hince.

The pair were hit by split claims in October last year, but silenced rumours by putting on a loved-up display at a number of public events soon after.

Proving their romance is only going from strength to strength, the pair were even seen purchasing a new puppy in London late last year.

Meanwhile, the style icon is well-known for her love of partying and her years of boozing are said to have taken their toll on her complexion.

Black swimsuit: By Sunday, the model was seen wearing a black swimsuit as she continued to bask in the glorious sunshine

Taking the plunge: Displaying her adventurous side, daring Kate jumped from the boat and into the welcoming azure waters

All that glitters: Maintaining a glam look for her leisurely day in the sun, she continued to sport a glittering array of jewellery

Inspired: The star reportedly told her friends that she was also inspired to transform her behaviour by her actress Sadie Frost

The calm after the storm: Sources close to the supermodel revealed in April that she has overhauled her lifestyle in a bid to preserve her beauty and is no longer as 'wild as people think'

Holistic approach to life: Kate's pal Sadie Frost has spoken extensively in recent years about her holistic approach to life which has seen her ditch bad habits for meditation and clean-living

But sources close to the supermodel revealed in April that she has overhauled her lifestyle in a bid to preserve her beauty and is no longer as 'wild as people think'.

The model has ditched alcohol in favour of a green juice each morning and relies on supplements to clear up her skin.

In recent years, she has been subject to a string of unflattering pictures which have revealed the damage her unhealthy habits  sunbathing, smoking and drinking  have had on her.

But the reformed Primrose Hill queen credits the changes, made as part of her new 80/20 regime, for boosting her skin, providing her with restful sleep and upping her energy levels.

Healthy balance: Kate now embraces being teetotal 80 per cent of the time, goes to the gym and has also started doing yoga

Tanning: During her time on the boat, Kate was sure to slip in a sunbathing session, as she made the most of the autumn rays

Revealation: Speaking to MailOnline exclusively earlier this year, an insider close to Kate revealed her radical transformation

Time for a nap: She also enjoyed a brief nap in the sunshine as she relaxed during her fun-filled excursion with her boyfriend

She nailed it: Having just made her way to the South of France from Paris Fashion Week, shel boasted the perfect mani-pedi

The situation is lit: While the supermodel has embraced a healthier lifestyle overall, she was seen indulging in a cigarette

Croydon-born Kate told friends she was also inspired to transform her behaviour by her actress Sadie Frost, 52.

Sadie has spoken extensively in recent years about her holistic approach to life which has seen her ditch bad habits for meditation and clean-living.

Kate now embraces being teetotal 80 per cent of the time, goes to the gym and has also started yoga sessions.

Speaking to MailOnline exclusively earlier this year, an insider close to Kate revealed her radical transformation.

Glamming up: Later in the day, she was seen looking decidedly glamorous as she stepped out for a spot of lunch with Nikolai

Laugh: The couple laughed and chatted as they strolled through the tony seaside enclave before heading back to their boat

Daringly high: The British beauty looked sensational in a deeply plunging black dress, which featured a daringly high side slit

Bags: Keeping her feet comfortable in a pair of flat strappy sandals, she carried a large straw bag identical to her boyfriend's

Miles of smiles: The south London native smiled at onlookers as she strolled along the jetty to return to her luxury sea vessel

Embellished: Shielding her eyes with a pair of stylish sunglasses, Kate complemented her dress with an embellished handbag

They said: 'Kate isn't nearly as wild as people think. Of course she loves a good party  who doesn't  but she's barely drinking at all now.

'Sadie Frost went teetotal and started doing yoga and Kate's doing an 80:20 version of that which is that she's teetotal 80 per cent of the time.'

The source added: 'Kate is very intelligent and a brilliant mum to Lila and wants to feel and look good as she gets older.

'Nobody wants to feel rubbish and Kate's looks are her fortune. So, of course, she's looking after her health, she'd be crazy not to invest in staying as gorgeous as she can for as long as she can.'

Top model: After being scouted in her early teens, Kate went on to become one of the world's most coveted supermodels

Supermodel pack: Along with a host of other models, including Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford and Christy Turlington, , she became known as part of the ubiquitous supermodel pack of the 1990s

Chilling out: She looked relaxed and happy as she puffed on a cigarette while chilling out onboard the boat with her boyfriend

Getting very animated: The mother-of-one was seen getting animated as she chatted away with German aristocrat Nikolai

Family business: Years after Kate made a name for herself as a model, her younger sister Lottie has also entered the business

Casually cool: Nikolai looked casually cool for the outing, wearing a patterned long-sleeved shirt over a plain white T-shirt
He and wife Leah Felder announced that they had officially filed for divorce last week.

And though it looks like Brandon Jenner is moving on, there was something familiar about his first outing in 14 years as a single man.

The 37-year-old son of Caitlyn Jenner was spotted heading to celebrity hotspot Catch LA in West Hollywood with his brother Brody's new wife Kaitlynn.

Moving on? Brandon Jenner was spotted heading to celebrity hotspot Catch LA in West Hollywoodwith his brother Brody's new wife Kaitlynn late Sunday night

In the family: The new Mrs. Brody Jenner paired her large hoop earrings with a sleek updo

Former flame: The woman with the 37-year-old son of Caitlyn Jenner was with a woman who was a dead-ringer for his soon-to-be ex-wife Leah Felder as they are pictured together back in April 2014

The night on the town came just five days after reports that he and his musician ex had officially filed the divorce papers.

Brandon kept his look casual in a black shirt with indigo-washed jeans and black flip-flops.

His female companion sported a white top with black patent leather trousers and strappy silver stilettos.

Just the two of us: Earlier in the day Brandon was seen enjoying some brotherly bonding with Brody Jenner

Kaitlynn accessorized with a flannel, large hoop earrings, and a small brown Fendi bag.

The new wife of Brody had her blonde locks tied back in a ponytail and had natural, complementary make-up on her face topped off with pink blush and lip.

Earlier in the day Brandon was seen enjoying some brotherly bonding with Brody Jenner.

Chill vibes: The two looked dress down and disheveled as they headed out for sushi in Malibu for lunch together

The two looked dress down and disheveled as they headed out for sushi in Malibu for lunch together.

Jenner and Felder - who have been together for 14 years but were only married for the past six years - signed the paperwork on Tuesday, according to TMZ. They announced their split in early September.

They have one child together, Eva, aged three. She is reportedly 'asking for spousal support and says she wants to share custody of their child.'

Done: Jenner and Felder - who have been together for 14 years but were only married for the past six years - signed the paperwork on Tuesday, according to TMZ

One of his folks: Brandon's most famous parents is Caitlyn Jenner, seen here on Loose Women in London last week

According to the divorce documents, Leah claims they split on July 10 due to 'irreconcilable differences.'

They shared the news of their split with a long note to Instagram.

'Hi everybody, it is with love in our hearts that we feel it's time to share some personal news with you all. After celebrating fourteen beautiful years together, we have lovingly come to the decision to end the romantic aspect of our relationship,' they said.

'We are deeply proud of the life we've cultivated together and are truly grateful for the bond of friendship we hold and cherish today. It is stronger than ever.

'Even though we have chosen to separate as a couple, we still love one another very, very much and remain a major part of each other's lives  as best friends, family and loving parents to our daughter,' they continued.

They hit a bad note: Both Brandon and Leah are musicians; her father is with the Eagles

'There has been no lying or cheating or fighting that prompted this change, just an expansion of our individual evolution which has inspired us to support each other in a new way.

'We are still, very much, a loving family and are bonded by a deep connection that is rooted in love.'

'Here we openly share our truth with you all and, respectfully, we won't be commenting further so anything that might state the contrary of this message would, undoubtedly, be a fabrication,' they concluded their message. 'Thank you for your love and support and big love back to you guys!'

Fam: Brandon's half sisters are Kendall and Kylie Jenner. They also have former stepsister Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian

They wed in front of his parents Linda Thompson and Caitlyn Jenner six years ago.

The two met in high school in California.

Brandon's half sisters are Kendall and Kylie Jenner. They also have former stepsister Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian.

Leah's father is Eagles guitarist Don Felder.
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Holly Willoughby broke down in tears as she accepted a BAFTA award on behalf of This Morning on Monday night, at in Piccadilly, London, after celebrating three decades on the air.

She said: 'To be stood up here holding a BAFTA for a show that you're lucky enough to even be a part of is incredible. This Morning has the best team and has done for 30 years. Everybody has said it's something that has shaped their career and is something that stays with you.

'This show gives you something that no other show can I think. Whether it be friendship or skills in telly or whether it be whatever you take with you for the rest of time. I think this is very special and everyone should be very proud.'

There she goes: Holly Willoughby suffered a 'Marilyn' moment as she struggled to hold her polka dot dress in place after tearfully accepting a BAFTA tribute for This Morning's 30th birthday in London on Monday night

The presenter, 37, took fashion inspiration from the 60s as she slipped her slimline figure into a sophisticated ruffle dress, embellished with white polka dots throughout, before suffering a 'Marilyn' moment later that night.

Maintaining her demure display, the ITV star boosted her frame with a pair of peep-toe patent heels by Christian Louboutin.

The host let her outfit do the talking as she opted for minimal jewellery, rocking a simple bangle bracelet and her dazzling wedding ring.

Holly caught the eye of onlookers as she ditched her signature neutral make-up look in favour of heavy strokes of foundation, winged eyeliner and bold red lipstick.

Milestone: Holly had been celebrated This Morning's 30th birthday as she the BAFTA tribute for the daytime programme in Piccadilly, London, on Monday evening - she later broke down in tears when they won

Old Hollywood glam: The presenter, 37, took fashion inspiration from the 60s as she slipped into a sophisticated ruffle dress, embellished with white polka dots throughout

Striking: Maintaining her demure display, the ITV star boosted her frame with a pair of peep-toe patent heels by Christian Louboutin

Prestigious event: The blonde was joined by co-host Phillip Schofield, and This Morning's first presenters Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan

Channelling her inner pin-up girl, the Celebrity Juice star styled her tresses into glamorous curls, adorned with a statement gold clip.

During the prestigious ceremony, Holly and Phillip took to the stage with the show's very first presenters Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan to share insights from This Morning in front of an audience, including cast and crew from the show.

Jane Beacon and Clare Ely, Heads of ITV Daytime, said: 'It is a huge honour for This Morning to receive this special BAFTA award during its 30th year, and we feel immensely proud of the whole team for this well-deserved recognition within the industry.'

All eyes on her: The host let her outfit do the talking as she opted for minimal jewellery, rocking a simple bangle bracelet and her dazzling wedding ring

Commanding attention: Holly caught the eye of onlookers as she ditched her signature neutral make-up look in favour of heavy strokes of foundation, winged eyeliner and bold red lipstick

Looking good: Channelling her inner pin-up girl, the Celebrity Juice star styled her tresses into glamorous curls, adorned with a statement gold clip

Important event: During the prestigious ceremony, Holly and Phillip will take to the stage with the show's very first presenters Richard and Judy to share insights from This Morning in front of an audience, including cast and crew from the show

Cosy display: Richard, 62, and Judy, 70, hosted the show for over a decade after its launch in 1988, with Phillip taking over in 2002, and Holly joining the team in 2009

Marking the impressive occasion, Krishnendu Majumdar, Chair of BAFTAs Television Committee added: 'For 30 years, the talent, innovation and boldness of This Morning has made it an exceptional contribution to television. BAFTA is delighted to be recognising the programmes achievements at a special tribute event and wish it every continued success.'

Married couple Richard, 62, and Judy, 70, hosted the show for over a decade after its launch in 1988, with Phillip taking over in 2002, and Holly joining the team in 2009.

The show is also presented by Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford, who take to the small screen on Fridays.

Date night: The couple, who have been married for 32 years, looked as loved-up as ever as they took to the red carpet before the ceremony

Commanding attention: Phillip, 56, and Richard put on stylish displays in sleek suits, while Judy oozed sophistication in a suede jacket

Leading ladies: The Eloise author complemented her demure look with a pair of simple black wide-leg trousers and a white tee

Chic appearance: Ruth Langsford, who hosts the show with husband Eamonn Holmes on Fridays, looked typically graceful in a lace embroidered midi dress, paired with a black longline blazer

Standing tall: The 58-year-old commanded attention as she enhanced her height in a pair of pointed strappy heels

Youthful: The Loose Women star stunned with her opulent diamond stud earrings, and added a warm make-up palette to her age-defying visage

Playful: Ruth put on a playful display as she pulled a funny face while taking to the red carpet at the star-studded event

Great spirits: Ruth's co-host and husband Eamonn, 58, also made an appearance at the star-studded ceremony

Earlier that day, daytime magazine programme This Morning marked their 30th birthday with an enormous photograph of the show's hosts Holly and Phillip plastered across Times Square billboards in New York City, along with the This Morning logo.

The pair took to social media to share a snap of the world famous commercial intersection on Sunday night, with their smiling faces lit up for all to see.

Holly captioned the snap: 'Just wow! @thismorning celebrating its 30th birthday in Times Square!'

Suave: Radio host Roman Kemp mixed his dapper style with comfort as he teamed his burgundy two-piece with a pair of slightly-rugged trainers

Sharp: Comedian Alan Carr grinned from ear-to-ear as he posed by the prestigious BAFTA statue at the event

Honour: Comedian Alan, 42, beamed with happiness as he presented the BAFTA Tribute to This Morning

Informative: During the prestigious ceremony, the hosts shared insights from This Morning in front of an audience, including cast and crew from the show

Discussion: Proving to be a joyous affair, the presenters burst into laughter throughout the talk

Happy moment: This Morning team couldn't stop smiling as they went on stage to accept their award

Impressive: The hosts looked ecstatic as they posed with their BAFTA award backstage

Accolade: Phillip and Eamonn took turns to hold the award as they soaked up the achievement

Candid: The famous pair were every inch the dynamic duo as Holly took a snap of Phillip holding the BAFTA statue in front of his face

Phillip, 56, shared the same image on his Instagram page, and wrote: 'Times Square!!!! Love this @thismorning #30thbirthday.'

This Morning's own Instagram account shared a similar snap along with images of iconic UK landmarks which were also lit up overnight in the light blue colour associated with the show, to mark its 30th birthday.

They captioned the series of photographs: 'To celebrate our 30th birthday, we've been lighting up landmarks all over the UK... and the world!

Monochrome magic: This Morning's resident Dr Ranj Singh showcased his bold sense of style in a pair of checked trousers, tied in with a matching waistcoat and sharp white shirt

High spirits: The 39-year-old Strictly star worked the cameras as he graced the red carpet

Looking sharp: : Dr Chris Steele (L) and Brian Turner (R) cut dapper figures in their classic suits and patent footwear

Giddy: Alison Hammond (L) and Sharon Marshall (R) couldn't contain their laughter as they shared a hug during their time at the event

Selfie time! The 43-year-old TV personality ensured she'd capture moments from the event as she documented her time on her mobile phone

Star-studded: (L-R) Deidre Sanders, Bryony Blake, Dr Ranj, Alison, Steve Wilson, Dr Zoe Williams, Alice Beer and Dr Chris posed for a group snap

Patterns galore: Loose Women star Gloria Hunniford wowed in a red floral kimono, tied in with matching leather boots

Radiant: The 78-year-old presenter opted for statement accessories, as she donned a ruby chain necklace with a selection of silver rings

Night out: Life coaches Nik and Eva Speakman looked smitten as they made a glamorous appearance at the ceremony

'Hi, Times Square! #thismorning #timessquare #londoneye #millenniumbridge #blackpooltower #canarywharf.'

On Monday's episode of This Morning, Holly and Phillip were treated to a montage of the best on-air innuendos from the show, with the duo appearing in many of the famous scenes.

Among the throwback clips were Holly's famous 'welly wang' slip-up and Gino D'Acampo whipping up 'Italian sausage in the hole'.

Hi there: Phillip, Holly and Judy looked elated as they continued to take snaps before heading into the ceremony

What's so funny? The blondes appeared to share a private joke as they beamed with joy during the milestone celebration

Delight: The blonde appeared in high spirits as she was pictured heading to the glitzy event

Off she goes: Holly arrived to the event in style as she hopped out of a white Audi car

Chic: The mother-of-three maintained her stylish appearance as she carried her possessions in a patent clutch

Heading in: The showbiz couple looked excited for a night of festivities as they celebrated This Morning being on air for three decades

Holly's wang gaffe has gone down in history since she appeared on the show in 2016 to discuss the sport of throwing a welly yet accidentally declared 'I've never wi**y wanged since then.'

Meanwhile, Gino had the duo in a tizz last year when he announced that he would be making 'Italian sausage in the hole', which is 'thicker and tastier' than Toad in the Hole and his 'wife loves it'.

Elsewhere in the clip, Holly was left red-faced during a 2016 segment with 'real life Sherlock Holmes' Colin Cloud, a forensic mind reader.

Home time: Richard and Judy were pictured heading to their next destination following the glitzy affair

Success: Holly has had a lot to celebrate about as of recent, as her Marks and Spencer was forced to restock the star's clothing range following record sales

Busy bee: The Brighton native is set to jet off to Australia in the coming weeks, as she will co-host I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! with Declan Donnelly

In good company: Phillip left the venue with his wife Stephanie Lowe, who stunned in a navy lace midi dress

Animal-tastic! Sharon, 47, wowed in a chic animal print dress, complemented with strappy silver heels

Goodnight! Ruth, Eamonn and Gloria all looked pleased following their celebratory night as they left the venue

Holly and Phil are a well-known TV duo, and whilst discussing This Morning's 30th anniversary, the pair admitted they aren't looking forward to spending time apart when Holly presents I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

Appearing on Good Morning Britain, it was revealed Holly ran the decision by Phil, with the presenter recalling: 'Holly phoned me up and said "Ive been offered this what do you think" and I said "you have to take it!"'.

Holly replied: 'Its going to be hard leaving Phil', as she revealed they both know who will be her replacement when she's in the jungle.

Happy Birthday! Earlier that day, daytime magazine programme This Morning marked their 30th birthday with an enormous photograph of the show's hosts Holly and Phillip plastered across Times Square billboards in New York City , along with the This Morning logo
She has checked into The Priory for 28 days for post-traumatic stress disorder.

And Katie Price apparently wishes she had entered rehab a long time ago to save herself the heartache of 'years of c**p men'.

The mother-of-five, 40, has had numerous failed relationships, from her time with Dwight Yorke, her 16-year-old son Harvey's father, to her turbulent marriage to Peter Andre, then Alex Reid, and finally her third husband Kieran Hayler.

Lovers: Katie Price apparently wishes she had entered rehab a long time ago to save herself the heartache of 'years of c**p men'. She is pictured with her third husband Kieran Hayler

But the former glamour model hopes her rehab treatment will help as it includes therapy to cure her of c**p men after doctors have said shes attracted to sociopaths, the Sun reports.

One friend told the newspaper: Rehab has been really good for Katie, she said she wishes shed done it years ago. She reckons it would have saved herself a few years of c**p men, as she calls it.

Psychologists have told Katie that she attracts sociopaths, not necessarily bad ones, just men who are very friendly on the surface, but, ultimately, are fake and emotionless on the inside.

Fling: This year, Katie, who split from husband Kieran in April after he admitted to cheating for a second time, enjoyed a short fling with toyboy Kris Boyson, 29 (pictured)

Treatment: The former glamour model hopes her rehab treatment will help as it includes therapy to cure her of c**p men after doctors have said shes attracted to sociopaths

They feel that she attracts them because shes a narcissist herself and needs to work on her own personality every day, or shell find herself detached from the real world.'

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Katie for comment.

The presenter is said to have left rehab to attend her pal's wedding, four days after checking into rehab.

However, a representative for Katie told MailOnline that she will return to the facility on Monday: 'The Priory were aware Kate had a wedding to attend for her very close friend before she took the treatment.

'She went to the church and left the wedding for 4pm. Katie was driving. Her treatment resumes as usual on Monday.'

Family: Katie's mother Amy, who has a terminal lung condition, said it was heartbreaking to watch Katie 'crumble'

The former Page 3 girl is on a 28-day treatment plan at The Priory after her family urged her to seek help following her recent wild partying antics in Mallorca.

Katie, who is dealing with financial ruin and divorce from Kieran Hayler, was confronted by her loved ones after shocking footage emerged of her rapping 'I love coke' during a booze-fuelled hen do.

WHAT IS PTSD? Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events. Someone with PTSD often relives the traumatic event through nightmares and flashbacks, and may experience feelings of isolation, irritability and guilt. They may also have problems sleeping, such as insomnia, and find concentrating difficult. These symptoms are often severe and persistent enough to have a significant impact on the persons day-to-day life. PTSD can develop immediately after someone experiences a disturbing event or it can occur weeks, months or even years later. Source: NHS Advertisement

She broke down after the intervention and admitted she needed help to get over her chaotic behaviour - which has been blamed on her PTSD.

She had a consultation at the clinic on September 19, where she was diagnosed with PTSD and started her 28 days of rehabilitation four days later. A source confirmed the news to MailOnline.

Katie's mother Amy, who has a terminal lung condition, said it was heartbreaking to watch Katie 'crumble'.

'Katie has been her own worst enemy and behaved like an idiot at times but she has been tearing herself apart for years,' she told The Sun.

She added: 'To see what Katie is going through and how she has been treated hurts me and my family.

'No mum or dad wants to see their child treated like this, watch as they crumble, and feel powerless to help. It's unbearable.'

The reality star, who is fighting bankruptcy, met with her doctor and medical team earlier this month.

She has been put on a curfew but will be allowed to go home in the evenings to look after her five children - Harvey, 16, Junior, 13, Princess, 11, Jett, five, and Bunny, four.

Her phone has been confiscated and she's on a social media ban. If doctors believe she's a threat to herself or fails to follow the clinic rules, she will be brought in for residential treatment.

Wild days: The former Page 3 girl is on a 28-day treatment plan at The Priory after her family urged her to seek help following her recent partying antics in Mallorca

Her dad Ray has moved into a motor home near her East Sussex home and Amy and her husband Paul will be supporting her fully.

Katie's loved ones stepped in to help her after she footage emerged of her rapping 'I love coke' after reportedly going to an after-party with two German men she met at a bar during a hen do in Mallorca.

She appeared worse-for-wear as she danced next to a shirtless man and performed a rap at the revellers' apartment, in shocking footage from the end of August.

This year, Katie, who split from husband Kieran in April after he admitted to cheating for a second time, enjoyed a fling with toyboy Kris Boyson, 29.

She then moved onto wealthy Essex businessman Alex Adderson, 25, who she was seen grinding and dancing with at a Mallorca pool party.

It was also reported that Katie will be given an official police summons for breaking her driving ban, after 'fobbing' off their demands for an interview.

Clinic rules: She has been put on a curfew but will be allowed to go home in the evenings to look after her five children - Harvey, 16, Junior, 13, Princess, 11, Jett, five, and Bunny, four (all pictured with Kieran Hayler)

The troubled star was pictured driving a grey Ford Fiesta home from Gatwick while disqualified with her youngest children Jett and Bunny in mid-July.

The images sparked a police probe, but Katie is said to have avoided being questioned so far and even told officers to 'email' her.

'The police have been extremely patient  they have made several approaches asking her to talk to them about the matter and been fobbed off repeatedly,' a source told The Sun.

'On one occasion she even asked them to email her. But their patience has worn thin now and the officers involved have begun the formal process of bringing her in for questioning.'

The insider added that if she doesn't respond to the summons, she will be in 'serious hot water'.

A police spokesman confirmed to the publication: 'A woman who was reported for driving while disqualified has spoken to police, but failed to attend a meeting with officers on September 28 to discuss the matter.'
She filed for divorce from her husband of three years just three weeks ago.

But on Sunday Jenni 'JWoww' Farley and Roger Mathews were able to put their differences aside and attend a family outing together -- all for the sake of their two kids.

The former couple posed with four-year old daughter Meilani and her friend while taking in a show during the Disney Junior Dance Party on Tour in West Long Branch, New Jersey on Sunday.

Family time: Jenni 'JWoww' Farley and estranged husband Roger Mathews put their differences aside and attended the Disney Junior Dance Party on Tour in New Jersey with four-year old daughter Meilani (front) and her friend on Sunday

Turns out JWoww and Roger had the VIP tour package for the event.

And from the looks of things, Meilani was ecstatic her parents could come together for a day of fun hanging out with some of Disney's iconic characters.

Dressed in a pink top and purple dress, Meilani and her friend flashed big beaming smiles as they posed with Mickey Mouse. The estranged couple also appeared in great spirits as they stood on opposite books ends of their little girl.

'Good day with the Disney JR squad,' Mathews captioned in the photo. 'Thanks Mom for putting it together.'

The Jersey Shore star also shared a photo of her alone with her daughter and her friend with the caption: '@disneyjuniortour fun.'

Momma's girl: JWoww also shared a picture of her with her daughter (center) and her friend at the Disney show

The way we were: The 32-year old reality star filed for divorce in September: the former couple are pictured together in New York City five months before she filed for divorce

It was revealed last Thursday that Jenni filed for divorce due to 'irreconcilable differences', according to Jersey's Asbury Park Press.

Not long after, Roger took to Instagram to confirm the news and vowed to 'win her back.'

'My wife filed for divorce, it's true, I'm just going to keep it simple. I don't blame her, there's no cheating or any dumb sh*t or juicy details.'

He added: 'She just grew tired of the repetitive pattern that we fell into. It was a repetitive pattern, and not a good one.'

The Maine native went on to say that he wasn't done fighting to win back JWoww.

'I'm going to win my wife back,' he told his 1.5 million Instagram followers. 'I'm going to win her affection back. I'm going to win her love back - I have no intentions of being a single dad.'

Roger also disclosed that they were both getting professional help to save their marriage.

Roger is not giving up on the marriage just yet: 'I'm going to win her affection back. I'm going to win her love back - I have no intentions of being a single dad'

Mathews appeared in some of the early episodes of Jersey Shore, but he was never seen in the more recent reboot -- Jersey Shore: Family Vacation.

They did however appear together on season three of Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars.

The former couple met back in 2010 and eventually married in October 2015. They also shared a two-year old son Greyson.
He recently opened up about his split from ex wife Jennifer Aniston for the first time.

And on Monday, Justin Theroux, 47, cut a casual figure as he was spotted out and about in Paris with American actress and model Laura Harrier, 28.

The actor looked sombre as he strolled through the streets of the French capital clad in a muted ensemble.

Who's that girl? Justin Theroux, 47, cut a casual figure as he was spotted out and about in Paris with American actress and model Laura Harrier, 28

Justin teamed black skinny jeans with a coordinating T-shirt, and wrapped up with a khaki bomber jacket.

The Mute star donned well-worn black biker boots as he hunted down take-away coffee with his female companion.

The handsome actor sported a full moustache and beard, styled his hair into messy spikes, and shielded his eyes with gold-framed shades.

In stark contrast to Justin's low-key look, Laura ensured that she didn't go unnoticed by opting to wear a bold pillar-box red outfit.

Standing out: In stark contrast to Justin's low-key look, Laura ensured that she didn't go unnoticed by opting to wear a bold pillar-box red outfit

What's on your mind? The actor looked sombre as he strolled through the streets of the French capital in search for coffee, clad in a muted ensemble

The raven haired beauty teamed cropped leather-look red trousers with a coordinating shirt which she fastened only two buttons of, allowing a sexy flash of stomach to be displayed.

The BlacKkKlansman actress kept warm with a red brocade jacket and slipped into a pair of pointed black flats

She accessorised with gold hoop earrings and shielded her eyes with retro shades, while leaving her raven tresses to hang down onto her shoulders.

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Justin for comment.

Wow! The raven haired beauty teamed cropped leather-look red trousers with a coordinating shirt, which she fastened only two buttons of, allowing a sexy flash of stomach to be displayed

Oh hey there: Laura hid her face behind a pair of wire rim sunglasses

The aesthetically blessed pair were first spotted together at the end of May at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in the South of France.

The Leftovers star flexed his washboard abs and did his best to impress his much younger companion by showing off his strength on cliff-side ropes and a trapeze.

Both decked out in swimwear, the duo couldn't keep their eyes off each other as they frolicked in the French Riviera.

The pair were in town to attend Louis Vuitton event at the Fondation Maeght in Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

Later that same day the two enjoyed a cosy meal together in an intimate setting, and appeared to be engrossed in each other's company.

Laura made her major film debut playing Peter Parker's high school girlfriend Liz in last year's Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Talented: Laura made her major film debut playing Peter Parker's high school girlfriend Liz in last year's Spider-Man: Homecoming

Just over a week ago Justin opened up about his split from ex wife Jennifer Aniston, telling the New York Times their separation was different than a normal couple's would have been because it was so 'amicable'.

'[It] doesn't have that seismic shift of an ordinary couple, where everything is, like, you have to tear a baby in half,' he said.

'Neither one of us is dead, neither one of us is looking to throw hatchets at each other. It's more like, it's amicable. It's boring, but, you know, we respected each other enough that it was as painless as it could be. It was heartbreaking only in a sense that the friendship would not be the same, as far as just the day to day.'

The Maniac star went on: 'But the friendship is shifting and changing, you know, so that part is something that we're both very proud of.'
His longtime girlfriend Irina Shayk gave birth to their only child one week before his first ever day of directing.

And though it seemed to be a hectic time in Bradley Cooper's life, he wouldn't have had it any other way.

The 43-year-old actor opened up to W Magazine about welcoming now 17-month-old daughter Lea De Seine Shayk Cooper into the world just a week before shooting A Star Is Born.

What a time: Bradley Cooper opened up to W Magazine about welcoming now 17-month-old daughter Lea De Seine Shayk Cooper into the world with girlfriend Irina Shayk (the family is pictured in August) just a week before shooting A Star Is Born

He talked about that hectic period of his life as he said: 'Id wake up and work out, followed by two hours of guitar practice and two hours of piano lessons. Lunch. Then Lukas Nelson [Willies son], my collaborator, would come over, and wed write music for one and a half hours. Id write the screenplay for the rest of the day.

'Irina was pregnant, so it was kind of perfect. Lea was born a week before we started shooting.'

Bradley also talked about how he has essentially been doubted his entire career as he explained: 'But who knows? Ive heard it all in my career. Early on, I didnt get a role because they said I wasnt "f***able."

'In the end, you have to reserve your attention for the work and not listen to anyone.'

'It was kind of perfect': He talked about that hectic period of his life to the publication

He goes on to say that loved ones had even told him not to direct A Star Is born even saying that it would be too difficult and that he should be making his directorial debut with something 'easier.'

Cooper explained: 'Luckily, I didnt listen. I loved that it was really, really hard to make this film. Otherwise, it wouldnt have the same value. And thats always been my goal: to make something, no matter how challenging, that will be remembered.'

He also opened up about his relationship with Lady Gaga (born Stefani Germanotta) as he admitted that he wasn't familiar with her music but was blown away by her performance at a cancer benefit.

Handsome: Cooper is featured on the cover of the October Issue

We were immediately comfortable with each other': Cooper talked about his relationship with Lady Gaga as he said he believed in her as an actress while she believed in him as a musician

Since then they have been making beautiful music together as he said: 'Im from an Italian background, and so is she. We were immediately comfortable with each other.'

He said he believed in her as an actress while she believed in him as a musician.

Cooper said: 'I wanted there to be a meta aspect to the film, and Stefani gave me that. Also, no actress can do musically what I needed Stefani to do in 42 days of shooting: I needed plutonium. And the plutonium in A Star Is Born is Stefanis voice.'

A Star is Born hits theaters in the UK on Wednesday with the US release following on Friday.

Stunner: Carey Mulligan was also featured in the same issue of W Magazine
She previously opened up about her anxiety in an interview with Rolling Stone.

And on Monday, Emma Stone stopped by the AMC Lincoln Square Theater to attend the Great Minds Think Unalike event.

The beauty was there to chat Dr. Harold S. Koplewicz, 65, the founder of the Child Mind Institute.

Steeping out: On Monday, Emma Stone, 29, stopped by the AMC Lincoln Square Theater to attend the Great Minds Think Unalike event

Emma looked lovely in a long-sleeve, orange and pink top.

The autumnal blouse featured an attached ruffle on its right side. The 29-year-old added a pair of waist-cinching, cropped pants and ankle strap pumps to her look.

The actress wore her medium-length, red hair down and in loose waves. Emma accessorized her look with trendy shades, a structured bag and hoop earrings.

Pretty: Emma looked lovely in a long-sleeve, orange and pink top. The autumnal blouse featured an attached ruffle on its right side

Simple and chic: The actress wore her medium-length, red hair down and in loose waves

Emma attended the Great Minds Think Unalike event to chat with Dr Koplewicz, the founder of the Child Mind Institute.

The La La Land star was there to speak on mental health, something that the star has previously discussed before.

'When I was about seven, I was convinced the house was burning down. I could sense it. Not a hallucination, just a tightening in my chest, feeling I couldn't breathe, like the world was going to end,' she began, in an interview with Rolling Stone.

'There were some flare-ups like that, but my anxiety was constant. I would ask my mom a hundred times how the day was gonna lay out.'

'...At a certain point, I couldn't go to friends' houses anymore. I could barely get out the door to school.'

The Oscar-winning star, who's career began on a pilot for a VH1 reality show, In Search of the New Partridge Family, credited therapy and performing to helping her get better.

The right additions: Emma accessorized her look with trendy shades, a structured bag (not pictured) and hoop earrings

'[Therapy] helped so much. I wrote this book called, I Am Bigger Than My Anxiety, that I still have.'

'I drew a little green monster on my shoulder that speaks to me in my ear and tells me all these things that aren't true. And every time I listen to it, it grows bigger. If I listen to it enough, it crushes me. But if I turn my head and keep doing what I'm doing; let it speak to me, but don't give it the credit it needs; then it shrinks down and fades away.'

Performing also helped with her healing process.

'I started acting at this youth theater, doing improv and sketch comedy. You have to be present in improv, and that's the antithesis of anxiety.'

During the chat she accidentally revealed a very special new project after Dr. Harold mentioned her recent 'dance practices.'

It turns out the star will be in Paul McCartney's upcoming music video, which was supposed to remain a secret.

'I dont think your supposed to announce that!' said the starlet.
Hoping to replicate the success of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, 22 years removed from the original, Sony is getting closer to a third Bad Boys sequel.

Variety reports that Will Smith is on board to return as Miami detective Mike Lowrey from 1995's Bad Boys and the 2003 sequel Bad Boys II.

Smith's on-screen partner Martin Lawrence has not yet 'come to terms' with the studio, but the comedic actor, 'continues to circle' the project.

They're back: Bad Boys 3 is coming together at Sony, with Will Smith on board to star while Martin Lawrence 'continues to circle' this long-awaited sequel; the stars are seen in 2003's Bad Boys II

This project has been in the works for years, which was at one point called Bad Boys For Life, but the plans have recently gained new life, thanks to a new draft of the script.

Chris Bremner (The Wedding Ringer) wrote the most recent draft of the script, which has been with production penciled to begin in early 2019.

While not yet confirmed by Sony, the current plan is to have Bad Boys 3 in theaters in January 2020, over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.

Dynamic duo: Smith's on-screen partner Martin Lawrence (seen here in 1995's Bad Boys) has not yet 'come to terms' with the studio, but the comedic actor, 'continues to circle' the project

David Guggenheim (Designated Survivor) and Joe Carnahan (The A-Team) had previously taken a crack at the script, with Carnahan even once set to direct.

The directing duties have now been handed over to Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, who are best known for directing the first two episodes of the hit FX series Snowfall.

Columbia Pictures president Sanford Panitch said in a previous interview that, if they wanted to make another Bad Boys movie 15 years later, it would have to be 'next-level great,' which he thinks the new directors can bring.

The Bad Boys return: This project (a sequel to 1995's Bad boys, seen above) has been in the works for years, which was at one point called Bad Boys For Life, but now it has a new lease on life, thanks to a new script

'These guys are amazing,' Panitch said. 'They loved the first movies, but theyre not afraid to change things up.'

Panitch also added that a new Bad Boys movie would be 'inconceivable' without original stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, and while he wouldn't divulge any story details, the executive revealed there will be a 'big idea' at the heart of it.

'With these movies you have to have one big idea for the film,' Panitch said. 'In some ways, this big idea is ultimately more important than the brand itself.'

Lowrey and Burnett: While not yet confirmed by Sony, the current plan is to have Bad Boys 3 starring Smith and Lawrence (seen above in 2003's Bad Boys II) in theaters in January 2020, over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend

The original Bad Boys, which helped launch the film careers of TV stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in 1995, grossed $141.4 million worldwide on just a $19 million budget, which also marked the feature directorial debut of Michael Bay.

Bay returned to take the helm on the 2003 sequel Bad Boys II, which earned $273.4 million worldwide from a much larger $130 million budget.

Sony is trying to compete with Disney by bringing back franchises from their vault, with varying degrees of success.

While Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle was a huge hit last year with $962 million worldwide (from a $90 million budget), the studio's Ghostbusters reboot took in $221.9 million worldwide, from a $144 million budget.

The studio also has reboots of Men in Black and Charlie's Angels in the works, with a 21 Jump Street spin-off with female detectives also in development.
Karlie Kloss and her fiance, Joshua Kushner, put on a stylish display while strolling through New York City on Monday afternoon.

The couple took advantage of the warm weather and treated themselves to some ice cream at OddFellows. Afterwards, they looked very much in love as they walked hand-in-hand together.

The 26-year-old model, who announced her engagement in July, looked ready for fall in a chic black turtleneck sweater dress, leather loafers, and a gray coat layered over the top.

Love is in the air: Karlie Kloss and her fiance, Joshua Kushner, were seen walking hand-in-hand in New York City on Monday afternoon

Ready for fall: Karlie, 26, looked chic in a black turtleneck sweater dress, leather loafers, and a gray coat layered over the top

Karlie wore her blonde locks up in a bun and shielded her eyes with some classic black sunglasses.

She flashed her large diamond engagement ring while holding on to a to-go bag from the ice cream shop.

Joshua, the younger brother of White House senior adviser Jared Kushner, opted for an all-black look.

The 33-year-old venture capitalist donned a simple crewneck sweater, fitted jeans, and casual black sneakers.

Although they had just stopped for ice cream, Joshua carried a bottle of green juice in one hand while holding on to Karlie with the other.

Getting his greens: Joshua, 33, donned an all-black ensemble and held a bottle of green juice in one hand and Karlie in the other

Runway star: The model walked the catwalk at the Off-White show last Thursday during Paris Fashion Week

The two appeared to be enjoying some quality time together after Karlie's return home from France.

The runway star walked the catwalk at the Off-White show last Thursday during Paris Fashion Week.

Karlie and Joshua became engaged in June, and the model recently share intimate details about Joshua's proposal during an interview with Vogue.

'The proposal was romantic and sweet. We spent the weekend in upstate New York, just the two of us,' she said.

Model behavior: Karlie struck a pose with fellow models Cara Delevingne (center) and Jourdan Dunn (right) at the show

Date night: Karlie and Joshua watched the women's tennis semi-finals at the U.S. Open earlier this month

Karlie waited about a month before announcing the news on social media in July, and her Instagram post earned a heartfelt comment from Joshua's sister-in-law, first daughter Ivanka Trump.

Ivanka, 36, converted to Orthodox Judaism before she married Jared, 39, in 2009, and following her engagement to Josh, rumors swirled that Karlie had done the same.

The Victoria's Secret star neither confirmed nor denied the speculation that she has converted, noting that she finds the focus on her relationship to be sexist.

She added that she has chosen to rely on her own judgement when dealing with her love life and her connection to the current commander-in-chief.

Surprise: The couple got engaged in June, and Karlie waited about a month before she shared this photo to announce the news on social media

Family: Joshua, who is a 'lifelong Democrat,' is the younger brother of White House senior adviser Jared Kusnher, who is married to first daughter Ivanka Trump (pictured in 2013)

'At the end of the day, Ive had to make decisions based on my own moral compass  forget what the public says, forget social media,' she said.

'Ive chosen to be with the man I love despite the complications,' she added. 'Its frustrating, to be honest, that the spotlight is always shifted away from my career toward my relationship. I dont think the same happens in conversations with men.'

Karlie did, however, point out that she and her fiance Joshua 'share a lot of the same liberal values.'

During the 2016 presidential, a spokesman for Joshua told Esquire that the lifelong Democrat would not be voting for Donald Trump, despite his brother's connection to the campaign.

Siblings-in-law: Karlie and Joshua have not made a public appearance together with Jared and Ivanka. The model attended the U.S. Open with the couple in 2016, but Joshua was not present

Rare sighting: Karlie and Joshua (pictured in April 2016) are notoriously private about their relationship

Karlie, meanwhile, used her social media platform and the hashtag '#ImWithHer' to draw support for Hillary Clinton.

Joshua attended the Women's March as 'an observer' in January 2017, and he also participated in the March for Our Lives gun-control demonstration in Washington, D.C. earlier this year.

The two have been together since they were seated next to each other at a friend's dinner party when Karlie was just 19 years old.

'Weve really grown together personally and professionally,' she said.

'Josh knows that Im just a nerdy, curious human being. I think thats why he loves me. We have each others back.'
He's been working out regularly during his rehab treatment.

And Ben Affleck showed off the fruits of his labor as he was spotted looking physically fit during an outing in Los Angeles on Monday.

The 46-year-old actor sported a tight tee that accentuated his physique as he flexed his muscles during the afternoon jaunt.

New man new body: Ben Affleck, 46, was spotted looking physically fit during an outing in Los Angeles on Monday

Daring to impress, the Justice League star showed off his bulging biceps as the yellow Santa Cruz shirt hugged his arms tightly.

Carrying an iced beverage, Ben's shoulders and chest looked significantly larger than his pre-rehab form.

He rocked a new haircut as well while a pair of retro shades framed his ruggedly handsome face.

The actor was allowed to visit his home during his rehab stint for chaperoned gym work outs.

Work it out: Carrying an iced beverage, Ben's shoulders and chest looked significantly larger than his pre-rehab form; (pictured on right in January)

Buff: Daring to impress, the Justice League star showed off his bulging biceps as the yellow Santa Cruz shirt hugged his arms tightly

Ben checked into The Canyon rehab center with the help of ex-wife Jennifer Garner on August 22. The actor has visited rehab in the past for his alcohol addiction.

According to insiders, Ben 'is doing much better' in the wake of finishing 30 days at The Canyons rehab facility in Malibu, where he will continue working on himself 'for at least a couple of more weeks.'

'As difficult as it was to have his recent trip to rehab all play out so publicly, it now seems the way it happened was for the best,' the source told People.

New look: He rocked a new haircut as well while a pair of retro shades framed his ruggedly handsome face

Time off: The actor was allowed to visit his home during his rehab stint for chaperoned gym work outs

Ben, who was treated for addiction alcohol last year, and had a rehab stint in 2001, has been taking 'this rehab visit more seriously,' as 'this time is different,' the source told the magazine.

The insider claimed Ben 'doesn't want his kids to have to go through this again' and 'is really trying very hard to get better' during this visit to rehab.

And Ben's recent flame Shauna Sexton was no where to be seen.

Support group: Ben checked into The Canyon rehab center with the help of ex-wife Jennifer Garner on August 22.

The striking model, who was first pictured on a date with Ben at Nobu Malibu on August 16, has been driving his vehicle in recent weeks, while he remained in rehab.

The couple were first seen together soon after Ben's split from girlfriend and SNL producer, Lindsay Shookus.

'He has been told to hold off on a relationship...but isn't heeding that advice. His closest friends hoped he was just dating her and would break it off after going to rehab, but he seems to get closer to her every day,' an insider told ET.

'The more time Ben seems to spend with Shauna, the more he seems to want to go home.'

The source added: 'Shauna has been a strong support for him by attending his family sessions and listening to the advice, but she doesn't seem willing to give him the space he needs to stay in rehab.'

The model: There was no sign of Shauna Sexton, the Playboy model who Ben has been dating for weeks

Socializing: The actor and director, 46, puffed on a cigarette and carried a paper cup in one hand as he spent time with a couple of male friends on Monday
Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has denied he demanded ABC top brass sack chief economics correspondent Emma Alberici over supposed impartiality.

According to a Fairfax media report, Mr Turnbull, while still in office, rang ABC chairman Justin Milne to complain over a report from Ms Alberici on company tax which he claimed was full of inaccuracies.

An explosive email has revealed Mr Milne told his former ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie to fire Alberici in May.

Milne was also said to have ordered Ms Guthrie to fire the broadcaster's political editor Andrew Probyn, telling her "you just have to shoot him" because Mr Turnbull hated him.

Labor and the Greens are pushing for a Senate inquiry into the conduct of ABC chairman Milne, amid increasing pressure for him to resign over the matter.

But speaking in New York where he was due to speak at a United Nations general assembly side event, Mr Turnbull denied he had asked for specific ABC reporters to fired.

"That is not right. The bottom line is I have never called for anybody to be fired," he said, according to News Corp Australia.

"My concern has been on the accuracy and impartiality of news reporting.

"Accuracy is critically important and I have to say... it (the ABC) has failed in that regard in a number of examples in recent times".

Mr Turnbull also defended his complaints to Mr Milne and insisted any questions of whether Mr Milne should resign was "a matter for him".

"I want to be very clear, I have not complained and do not complain about left/right bias," Mr Turnbull said.

"My concern has been purely about the accuracy and impartiality of news and current affairs reporting on the ABC."
Australian man Shaun Haywood has claimed he was insane when he went to supermodel Miranda Kerr's Malibu home and became involved in a violent tussle with a security guard where a gun was fired.

Haywood, a former boxer who has remained locked up in California jails and prison hospitals since his arrest in Malibu almost two years ago, entered not guilty pleas by reason of insanity to attempted murder and other charges in a Los Angeles courtroom on Wednesday.

Haywood, 31, formerly of the NSW Central Coast, was dressed in a baggy gold prison jumpsuit and had his wrists shackled behind his back during the court appearance.

He appeared surprised when Judge Susan Speer told him if found guilty, despite his claim of being insane, he could spend the rest of his life locked up in the California state hospital system.

"Still?" a wide-eyed Haywood replied.

Haywood's lawyer, Ralf Jacobsen, briefly spoke to him.

Judge Speer then asked Haywood if he still wanted to enter the not guilty by reason of insanity pleas for charges of attempted wilful, deliberate and premeditated murder; aggravated mayhem; and assault with a deadly weapon, a knife.

"Is that what you want to do?" the judge asked.

"Yes," Haywood replied.

Earlier this month in the same court Judge Speer found Haywood mentally fit to stand trial after multiple delays while psychiatrists assessed him.

Haywood has been in custody in California and his future uncertain since his arrest on October 14, 2016, outside of the Malibu home Kerr shared with her young son Flynn.

Kerr and Flynn were not home at the time of the incident.

Haywood went to the house to deliver the supermodel a letter and when he was confronted by a security guard a tussle broke out, authorities alleged.

Hayward is accused of grabbing the security guard's knife and slashing the guard in the face.

The guard responded by shooting Hayward, according to authorities.

Kerr, who has since married Snapchat billionaire Evan Spiegel, no longer lives at the house.

Haywood remains in custody.
A man is being treated for a serious stab wound in Adelaide in what police say was not a random attack.

The man, aged in his 60s, was stabbed in the torso on Wednesday night at a home in Glenelg North and was taken to Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Police have urged anyone with information about the attack to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The incident followed a fatal stabbing in Adelaide's south earlier in the day, with a man subsequently charged with murder.
The Warriors are closer to completing their roster make-up for 2019 after star utility Jazz Tevaga agreed to stay at the NRL club.

Chief executive Cameron George told AAP the 23-year-old would sign a two-year extension with the Auckland outfit, having turned down an earlier offer and been the subject of interest from at least three other clubs.

The news caps a big week for Tevaga, who was named interchange player of the year at the Dally M awards.

The award acknowledged a breakthrough season for the forward utility, who defied his relatively lightweight 88kg frame to regularly make an impact off the bench.

His work rate, footwork and offloading made him a force against bigger middle forwards in 19 interchange appearances.

It would have been more were it not for a mid-season health scare in which a potentially cancerous growth was removed from his shoulder.

Tevaga's re-signing will come shortly after the club agreed to release another Samoan international, halfback Mason Lino.

The only significant question mark over their 2019 roster is whether hooker Issac Luke will be retained.

Luke is weighing up a one-year offer, along with an approach from Newcastle, who this week snared the services of Lino.
European manufacturing giant Airbus has signed a "strategic statement of intent" with Australia's space agency to grow the fledgling industry.

In June, Airbus chose Wyndham airfield in Western Australia as the world's first flight base for its pioneering Zephyr solar-powered unmanned aircraft, and now other opportunities could follow.

Science Minister Karen Andrews said the signing sent a strong signal for further investment opportunities in the rapidly growing space industry, which is worth about $345 billion a year globally.

Airbus will work with start-ups, academics, small businesses and the Australian Space Agency to develop the local sector.

"Today's statement of strategic intent adds to the existing strong presence that Airbus has in Australia in commercial and military aircraft and helicopters," Asia-Pacific Airbus president Pierre Jaffre said on Thursday.

"With more than 1500 employees at 10 sites in the country, Airbus is proud to be a partner in the aviation industry and will continue our journey in the new space ecosystem in Australia."

The government has invested around $2.4 billion to grow the space sector, aiming to triple its size by 2030.
A NSW police officer has been charged over an on-duty crash that left a Sydney woman hospitalised in a coma.

The 40-year-old senior constable was on Thursday issued with a court attendance notice for dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm. He's due to face Downing Centre Local Court on November 12.

Gai Vieira was critically injured when her Mercedes was T-boned by the police car, which was chasing another vehicle at 124km/h in a 70 zone without switching on its flashing lights or sirens.

Her two-year-old grandson escaped unhurt in the crash at a Cronulla intersection on September 5.
Tasmania's government has rejected claims the state's health system is underfunded by more than $90 million a year.

A report by RDME consulting, given to the Liberal government before their June budget, says state health funding is not keeping pace with the demand for services.

"I reject that. We have a strong budget position that enables us to flex when we need to," Treasurer Peter Gutwein told reporters on Thursday, adding the government has hired more than 600 health staff since 2014.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has admitted his ignorance of AFL on Grand Final day, is a bit like "an atheist turning up at the pearly gates".

Speaking at the annual North Melbourne Grand Final breakfast, the Prime Minister, who famously supports NRL team the Cronulla Sharks, acknowledged the "religious fever" for AFL across the country.

With a nod to West Coast Eagles supporter Julie Bishop, sitting amid the crowd, Mr Morrison said Saturday's game was a chance for the nation "to get caught up in something bigger than ourselves".
Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne has used her maiden speech to the United Nations General Assembly in New York to distance Australia from US President Donald Trump's stance on Iran's nuclear program.

Trump withdrew the US from the Iran deal in May and he slammed it again at the UN on Tuesday, calling it "horrible" and "a windfall for Iran's leaders".

Payne said Australia remain committed to the joint comprehensive plan of action signed in 2015 between Iran, former US President Barack Obama's administration, the UK, China, France, Russia, Germany and the European Union.

"Australia supports the joint plan of action on Iran's nuclear program as long as Iran abides but its commitments," Payne told the cavernous General Assembly on Friday.

"It's in our collective interests that controls on Iran's nuclear program remain in place and for this reason the world watches with anticipation the negotiations between the US and North Korea pursuing complete and verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the peninsula in accordance with UN resolutions."

Payne also vowed to pursue justice for the victims and their loved ones from the shooting down of Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 over eastern Ukraine in 2014.

The Dutch-led joint investigation team concluded MH17 was shot down by a Russian made Buk missile, killing 298 people including 38 Australians.

Russia has not accepted the findings.

Last year Payne's predecessor, Julie Bishop, represented Australia at the UN General Assembly.

"Many here will remember my predecessor and my friend Julie Bishop's determined and sustained work pursuing accountability for the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17," Payne said.

"Australian remains firmly committed to this objective."
The guessing game over Cooper Cronk's NRL grand final fitness has intensified after the Sydney Roosters halfback held a fitness test on his troublesome shoulder behind closed doors on Saturday.

Cronk's much talked-about left shoulder has been assessed in secret as he tries to overcome a severe rotator cuff tear after the Roosters opted for a closed final training session at Allianz Stadium.

After knocking back a chance for a match eve run at ANZ Stadium, the Roosters put Cronk through his paces at Allianz Stadium in a fitness test that was expected to involve tackling giant Roosters prop Dylan Napa.

The Roosters name a trimmed 19-strong squad on Saturday night but a final verdict on Cronk is not expected until an hour before kick-off on Sunday.

However, that has not stopped experts weighing in on whether self proclaimed "long shot" Cronk will run out against his former club Melbourne at ANZ Stadium this weekend.

Veteran utility Mitchell Aubusson has been named to start at halfback for the first time in his career for the decider.

But Victor Radley is believed to loom large in the Roosters' pre-game plans.

There is speculation the hard hitting Radley will either be used as Cronk's bodyguard in defence on Sunday or will shift from lock to five-eighth, with pivot Luke Keary moving to No.7 against Melbourne if the playmaker is ruled out.

While a chorus of greats such as Johnathan Thurston have dismissed Cronk's chances, ex-Roosters half Jamie Soward reckoned the signs were good the No.7 would play.

"I am adamant he will play. I haven't changed my feeling all week," Soward told Fox Sports.

"At the media conference on Friday, if it was that bad he would have had it in a sling and protecting it at all costs.

"I just think it is too big a game and he can defend on the edge and they will just change their defensive structures a little bit."
A Queensland greyhound trainer accused of doping his dogs has been charged with 70 drug and fraud offences.

The 44-year-old trainer from a town in Ipswich has been accused of doping his greyhounds with methylamphetamine to gain a race day advantage and win prize or wagering money, according to the Queensland Racing Crime Squad.

The Camira man's alleged actions have been labelled an "animal welfare disgrace" by Queensland Racing Integrity Commissioner Ross Barnett.

"These alleged offences are shocking, amounting to the deliberate manipulation of greyhound racing outcomes and while it is illegal, it is also dangerous to the animals involved," he said on Saturday.

"Activities such as these bring the integrity of the racing industry into disrepute and must be stamped out."

The 44-year-old was arrested on Friday and was denied bail to face Richlands Magistrate Court on Tuesday.
The Bernard Tomic comeback is gathering momentum with the Australian qualifying for his first ATP final in more than two and a half years after a straight sets win in Chengdu on Saturday.

Tomic looked back to his crafty best in a 6-4 6-4 win over Portugal's Joao Sousa and will now meet top seeded Italian Fabio Fognini in the final on Sunday.

The 25 year-old was dominant on serve with 12 aces and won 82 per cent of points when his first delivery landed.

He captured a break in each set and continually frustrated his opponent with his deep and flat shots.

Things tightened when Tomic served for the match at 5-4 and Sousa established a 0-40 lead.

But the Australian, frequently criticised for failing to hang tough in matches, did just that and won five consecutive points on serve to seal the result.

It will be his first final since losing to Austrian star Dominic Thiem at the Mexican Open in February 2016.

Forced as he has been for much of the past year to go through qualifying at the Chinese tournament, he has now won six matches on the hop.

The win has him projected to rise from No.123 in the world to No.92 and now in the zone to qualify directly for the Australian Open.

A win in Chengdu, which would mark a fourth career title, would see him lift into the world's top 80.

Fognini, a 6-7 (7-5) 6-0 6-3 winner over American Taylor Fritz in their semi-final, will be a warm favourite to beat Tomic given his world ranking of No.13 and 2-1 career record against the Australian.
Drivers have been urged to slow down as numerous lives have been lost on NSW roads over the long weekend, including a woman pregnant with twins.

Two young women, one of whom was heavily pregnant and expecting twins, have died in a four-vehicle crash in Sydney's west while two men remain in a critical condition in hospital.

A female driver, 17, and her pregnant 23-year-old back seat passenger were in a Nissan Tiida on Northern Road, Orchard Hills about 7.40pm on Friday when there was a collision with a Mazda 3 driving in the other direction, NSW Police say.

Both women died at the scene and the unborn babies did not survive.

A 25-year-old man travelling in the same car was taken to Westmead Hospital where he remains in a critical but stable condition.

The sole occupant of the other car, a 29-year-old man, was taken to hospital in a critical condition where he remains under police guard.

Meanwhile, a woman aged in her 20s has been killed during a single-vehicle crash after the car left the road and hit an embankment in Sydney's south west about 1.20pm on Saturday.

In the NSW Hunter Valley, a man died early on Saturday after a suspected hit and run near Singleton.

Police say the body of a 44-year-old man was found beside Carrington Street in Glenridding about 5.35am.

The scene will be forensically examined but inquiries suggest he was struck and killed by a car after 4am.

NSW Police have urged all motorists to slow down and remain patient.

More than 1300 speeding incidents have occurred since Operation Slow Down began at midnight on Friday.
The Australian Federal Police want to speak to the crew of a yacht which was discovered with about 500 kilograms of cocaine in the Solomon Islands in an international probe.

Two men have been charged in Sydney, including an alleged drug importation kingpin following a joint investigation involving Australian, Solomon Islands and US officials.

The operation ended on Thursday when the half-tonne of drugs - a magnitude not seen before by the South Pacific nation, was discovered inside the hull of a Belgian-registered, 44-foot yacht moored in Honiara.

Police believe the yacht's crew are no longer in the Solomon Islands.

The cache was concealed and stored inside a steering mechanism that flows through the Vieux Malin vessel.

The AFP allege the yacht travelled from South America and the syndicate was arranging another "handover" at sea before venturing to Sydney.

Simultaneous to Thursday's discovery, two Australian citizens were arrested over their alleged involvement in the planned importation and faced Sydney's Central Local Court on Friday.

Zhen Tao Qi, 41, has been charged with knowingly dealing in money or other property which is an instrument of crime valued at greater than $50,000, and conspiracy to import commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs, which carries a maximum penalty of life behind bars.

Zheng Zhao, 39, has also been charged and he, along with Qi, have been refused bail with their matters due back in court on November 28.

It is the largest major organised crime probe undertaken by AFP with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.

AFP Detective Superintendent Ben McQuillan said they suspect Qi is a senior syndicate figure, if not the head.

"We're still yet to completely weigh the seizure and to analyse it but I think I'd be comfortable in saying probably a street value of between $200 to $300 million would be a reasonable estimate," Det Sup McQuillan said.
They're the two Sydney Roosters players that both won and lost in 2013.

Isaac Liu and Dylan Napa were part of the Roosters side that pummelled Newcastle and advanced to a grand final against Manly five years ago.

But the pair were then forced to make way for the return of Boyd Cordner and Luke O'Donnell from injury, and could only watch on as the Roosters won their first title in over a decade.

"It was pretty tough," Liu told AAP.

"I can't really compare it to right now, but all I know is I want it so much right now. Especially with the group that we've got now, with all the new faces, and all the hard work we've done."

Liu has since been an unheralded member of the Roosters forward pack, but enters Sunday's decider against Melbourne as one of five players to have played in at least 25 games this year.

He has started in every single one of them, including the past three at lock.

"I'm definitely proud of where I've come from, what I've achieved and how hard I've worked for it. But Robbo's been huge for me, he takes a lot of credit for it," Liu said.

Cordner said Napa had been equally devastated to be suspended the past three weeks, fearing he'd missed another chance at a premiership.

But he believes the firebrand prop is primed to make an impact upon return.

"Especially seeing him throughout the last few weeks, he's been hurting a lot because he hasn't been playing," Cordner said.

"But to see a smile on his face now, for him to get that opportunity to finally play in a grand final, I mean, it wasn't to be in 2013.

"We obviously had the likes of Luke O'Donnell coming back in the side, so he was unlucky to miss out there.

"But he gets his opportunity now and I'm sure he wouldn't let anyone down, that's for sure."
Prime Minister Scott Morrison is adamant Australia will meet its Paris climate change targets in a canter, despite greenhouse gas emissions climbing 1.3 per cent to their highest quarterly levels in eight years.

Mr Morrison argued people could pick and choose their figures to mount political arguments, before seizing on another measurement to do exactly that.

"We've got emissions-per-capita at the lowest level in 28 years and those figures in particular for the March quarter were based on some rather stronger LNG production figures for that period," he told the ABC on Sunday.

Mr Morrison said the country had the right policies and technologies in place to reach its 26 per cent emissions reduction target.

"We'll meet up in 2030 and we can argue the toss then, but you know, none of us are Nostradamus on this."
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 1)  Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Director-General Oscar Albayalde, said the police have arrested seven members of a syndicate that extorted money from a netizen through online dating.

Albayalde said the syndicate conned an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) into paying 600,000 through a "love-matching scheme."

"The PNP anti-cybercrime group busted an online dating syndicate that defrauded an OFW a total amount of 600 thousand pesos through a pseudo-online love-matching scheme," Albayalde told the media Monday.

C/Supt. Marni Marcos, PNP Anti-Cybercrime Operation Division chief, explained that the syndicate created a fake account on Facebook and had a "relationship" with the OFW.

The OFW had been sending money to his alleged friend for two years, totaling 600,000. The PNP calls this a "romance scam."

Marcos advised netizens to be suspicious of Facebook accounts that have been created recently should they approach them for any favors.

"Tingnan ilan ang friends nila, kung 'yung Facebook created several years agokung bago lang 'yung Facebook account and iilan lang friends niya magkaroon na nang pagdududa," Marcos said.

[Translation: Look at the Facebook account see how many friends and if it was created several years agoif the Facebook account is new and has only a few friends, be suspicious.]

He pointed out the rising number of online romance scam victims.

"'Yung report natin on romance scam, ito ay increasing. Maraming nabibiktima dito [Our reports on romance scams are increasing. A lot are victimized by this]. Some people believe they are having a relationship with a foreigner," Marcos said.

Albayalde said social media, while saddled with potential threats, remains a vital tool in apprehending and identifying criminals.

"Nagagamit na din 'yan 'yung internet, sa social media. There are several occasions na maraming nahuli because of social media at naidentify 'yung criminal so pwede natin matake advantage 'yan," he said.

[Translation: We can use the internet and social media. There are several occasion where a lot of criminals were caught and identified because of social media. We can take advantage of it.]
Rates are expected to remain steady again as the Reserve Bank meets but new housing data is likely to show another drop in prices.

Tuesday's RBA meeting is also likely to show the labour market is tightening and wages could be starting to rise.

"There will be no change for the Reserve, they'll leave rates as is for another month," CommSec chief economist Craig James said.

House price data is also due to be released on Tuesday and would likely show an unsurprising drop in prices, he said.

"It's everyone's favourite dinner party topic but the double digit annual gains in cities like Melbourne and Sydney couldn't be sustained and it's coming back down to earth," Mr James said.

But the latest employment figures are due to come from the United States on Friday which are expected to be a good result.

"It's going to be the thing to watch from the United States and if it's positive you can almost guarantee further rate hikes and a stronger US dollar," the chief economist said.

Most of the country will start the new financial quarter on a public holiday, with Victoria one of the few the active markets.

"The mining and energy sectors have had pretty favourable lead ins and futures is pointing to a softening of the industrials," Mr James said.

Gold prices had risen, iron ore was up 30 cents and zinc was a standout for base metals recording a 5.2 per cent rise, he said.

While some people were eagerly watching the AFL Grand Final others were poring through the interim report of the royal commission into the banking and financial services sector.

"There's a bit more to come through with that as investors and analysts go through the findings and see what that means for them," Mr James explained.
Scott Morrison has stressed the need to reconcile the arrival of the First Fleet with the contributions of indigenous people, after reopening debate about the date of Australia Day.

The prime minister ripped open a can of worms last week after suggesting there should be another national day to celebrate indigenous people and culture.

Mr Morrison quickly toned down his idea after copping backlash from some indigenous people, conservative colleagues and business groups alarmed at the prospect of another public holiday.

Australia Day is held on January 26 to mark the raising of the British flag in Sydney Cove.

Mr Morrison is now arguing there should be a separate opportunity - but not necessarily an additional day - to mark the contribution of indigenous people.

For many years his electorate of Cook, which marks the point of arrival of the First Fleet in Botany Bay, held a "meeting of two cultures" ceremony on April 29.

Mr Morrison said the occasion successfully managed to acknowledge 60,000 years of indigenous culture as well as the legacy of Captain James Cook.

"It is possible and frankly it's necessary for us to reconcile these two stories as a country," he told the ABC on Sunday.

"We can't do it separately. We've got to do it together. And that's why I'm open to ways that we can do that. But Australia Day is Australia Day and must always remain Australia Day."
A technical glitch has left commuters looking for phantom buses the morning after Sydney Trains closed a suburban line for nine months.

Buses began replacing trains on Sunday morning between Chatswood and Epping until July 2019 as the underground rail line is prepared for the new single-deck Metro North West rapid link.

But automated messages on northern line trains told passengers to get off at St Leonards or Beecroft for a replacement bus.

Services from those stations only run on weekdays.

"We've now put buses there to make sure we pick up anybody left by this little customer information glitch," TfNSW Co-ordinator General Marg Prendergast told reporters.

It comes little more than a month after technical issues caused network-wide issues.
Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt is refusing to comment on accusations he threatened to quit parliament to protect a staff member at the centre of bullying allegations.

Several staff in the West Australian office of the minister have alleged he refused to refer allegations of bullying by a senior female staffer to the Department of Finance, despite being asked to do so by Malcolm Turnbull.

Mr Wyatt finally agreed to the direction the day before Mr Turnbull lost his job as prime minister but told several employees his political future hinged on the outcome, according to News Corp reports.

"I instigated the investigation after claims of bullying within my office were raised with me because I take all such claims extremely seriously," the minister told AAP on Sunday.

"However, as there is an independent inquiry underway by the Department of Finance, there will be no further comment."
AMP is bracing for possible criminal charges after the banking royal commissioner suggested the wealth manager may have misled the regulator about charging fees for no service.

Kenneth Hayne QC is leaving it up to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission to decide whether to pursue a criminal prosecution.

Australia's largest wealth manager denies committing a criminal offence in giving ASIC an independent report by Clayton Utz on the fees-for-no-service issue last year, which went through 22 draft versions with changes from the company.

Mr Hayne said AMP adopted an attitude towards the regulator that appeared to him not to be forthright and honest, in its dealings with ASIC about the extent and nature of its fees-for-no-service reporting.

"Indeed, the statements made could be seen as a deliberate attempt to mislead," he said in his interim report.

Mr Hayne said there were senior people within AMP who knew about the charging of fees for no service and internal lawyers warned it was a breach of the law.

"Despite all of this, AMP provided ASIC with information that was false or misleading," he wrote in his interim report.

"Senior management and executives who contributed to the misleading of ASIC over a two-year period had knowledge of the true extent and nature of the conduct, and, in at least some cases, were warned by junior staff about it being a breach, but continued with a misleading narrative to ASIC."

Mr Hayne said AMP's culture and governance practices reflected insufficient concern for adherence to the law.

"On its face it reflects a persistent and prevalent attitude of senior persons within AMP that it is acceptable to deal with ASIC other than frankly and candidly."

Mr Hayne said AMP may have misled ASIC and made false representations to it that the Clayton Utz report was independent.

Mr Hayne said the matters were under active consideration by ASIC and made no findings about the conduct of the specific people involved.

The fees-for-no-service scandal led to the departure of AMP's CEO and chair in April, as barristers for the royal commission suggested the company face criminal charges for lying to the regulator.

Responding to the interim report, AMP acting CEO Mike Wilkins said the company had reset the business since April.

"AMP is focused on ensuring that adherence to the law, meeting community expectations and the best interests of our customers is fundamental to our culture and governance," Mr Wilkins said.

"We are also committed to ensuring that our ongoing engagement with ASIC and other regulators is forthright and honest."
A hat-trick by Kimiora Nati, including a historic penalty try, has helped Brisbane seal the inaugural NRL Women's Premiership title with a 34-12 grand final romp over the Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium.

The Broncos set a benchmark in the maiden NRLW season that will be hard to match, finishing unbeaten for 2018 with a remarkable 110-30 points differential after four straight victories.

Brisbane five-eighth and Kiwi international Nati was the standout in front of 16,214 fans on Sunday afternoon, crossing three times thanks to the NRLW's first penalty try.

Nati helped herself to a first-half double as the Broncos cruised to a 28-6 lead by the main break.

She scored a solo try in the sixth minute before nabbing her double 12 minutes later with some assistance from the video referee.

Nati was awarded the 18th-minute try after Roosters winger Taleena Simon kicked the ball out of her hands as the playmaker crashed over off an Ali Brigginshaw grubber.

There was no let-up in the second half as Nati somehow defied three defenders to get the ball down in the 46th minute to clinch her hat-trick and seal the result 34-12.

The Broncos saved their best until last on Sunday, posting their biggest total of the short season and eclipsing their 32-10 effort last round against the Warriors.

Remarkably, no other team managed to score 30 points in a match this year.

In contrast, the Roosters only scraped into the grand final on points differential with one win - a 26-0 blitz of St George Illawarra last week.

The difference in class emerged as Brisbane piled on five tries by the main break, at one stage scoring a point a minute in the 30-minute half.
Today's birthday, October 1: Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Theresa May (1956 - ).

Theresa May has had a long career in politics, culminating in her becoming Britain's second female prime minister.

But the tenure comes with the unenviable task of guiding Britain's largely unpopular exit from the European Union (EU).

Born in Sussex in 1956, Theresa May is the only child of her mother and vicar father.

May attended a number of different schools, both state-run and private, before going on to study geography at the University of Oxford.

She met her husband, Phillip May, while they were both students at Oxford, and they were married in 1980.

Before beginning her political career in the London borough of Merton, where she was elected as councillor in 1986, May worked in the banking industry.

After two unsuccessful attempts, she was first elected to the House of Commons as the Conservative Party member for Maidenhead in 1997.

Two years later, she was elevated to her first shadow ministerial posting, going on to sit on the front bench for four different Conservative Party leaders.

When the Conservative Party was returned to power in 2010, David Cameron appointed May as Home Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities,

May resigned from the latter position in 2012, but was reappointed as Home Secretary after the Conservatives retained power in the 2015 election.

She went on to become the longest-serving Home Secretary in over 60 years, known for her hard-line anti-drug stance and efforts to reduce immigration.

After David Cameron resigned following the public's vote to leave the EU, May won a leadership ballot and was sworn in as prime minister.

In March 2017, May triggered Article 50, formally beginning the process of withdrawing from the EU.

Eight months after taking up the prime ministership, May called a snap election with the intention of strengthening her party's numbers and its abilities to negotiate Brexit.

A hung parliament resulted, with the Conservative Party losing seats at the election and being forced to negotiate a deal with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party.

May continues the tough job of negotiating a Brexit deal that secures Britain's future.

In her limited free time, she enjoys hiking and cooking.
An allegedly unlicensed driver has been charged with manslaughter after the deaths of two women and unborn twins in a crash west of Sydney.

Katherine Hoang, 23, pregnant with twins, and Anh Belinda Hoang, 17, were killed when their car collided with another travelling in the opposite direction in Orchard Hills on Friday night, police say.

The unborn twins also didn't survive the crash.

Katherine's husband, Bronko, who was sitting in the passenger seat, was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

The 29-year-old driver behind the wheel of the other car was on Sunday charged with two counts of manslaughter and unlicensed driving among a host of other offences.

He remains behind police guard in Westmead Hospital.
Commuters in Sydney's north are being asked to prevent "car-mageddon" as they adjust to a suburban line's seven-month closure.

Buses began replacing trains on Sunday between Chatswood and Epping as the underground rail line is prepared for the new single-deck Metro North West rapid link scheduled to start between March and June 2019.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance said the Chatswood to Epping line's temporary closure was a "significant disruption" but it would be worth it.

"Ultimately everyone is going to go through some short-term pain for long-term gain in the corridor," Mr Constance told reporters.

The minister pleaded with commuters to plan their journeys and use the bus replacement service, rather than all pick up their car keys.

"We don't want car-meggedon on Tuesday so that's why we're trying to get everyone to think in advance about how they might get to and from the precincts," Mr Constance said.

The roads authority has added CCTV cameras, hired more tow trucks, introduced some bus lanes and adjusted some parking restrictions to cope with the extra traffic.
Queenslanders are being urged to show support for victims and survivors of sexual violence by raising awareness of the problem.

Sexual Violence Awareness Month starts on Monday and includes statewide activities to support victims and educate the community.

"We want all victims to know they are not alone and that we hear them and support them," Minister for Women Di Farmer said in a statement.

She said sexual violence could affect anyone, regardless of their age or gender, but women and girls were more likely to be attacked.

"One in five women in Australia, sadly, have been the victim of sexual violence since the age of 15," she said.

This year the theme is #RespectMeToo.

Queenslanders have been asked to spread the message to take a stand against sexual violence in all its forms, be it sexual harassment, image-based abuse or sexual assault and rape.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

Lifeline 13 11 14
A Vietnamese woman at risk of being deported and separated from her six-month-old baby born in detention is taking her case to the Federal Circuit Court.

Huyen Tran, 29, who fled Vietnam by boat after claiming she was being persecuted as a Catholic woman has spent a year in detention.

"The worst part is they won't even let us baptise our baby in the church because she's not allowed out of detention," her husband Paul Lee said outside the court in Melbourne on Monday.
Lithium producer Orocobre has appointed Martin Perez de Solay as its new managing director.

The Brisbane-based company - which produces lithium carbonate at its Olaroz project in northern Argentina - has also appointed Mr de Solay as chief executive officer.

Orocobre's chairman Robert Hubbard says Mr de Solay will focus on the Olaroz joint venture and its $US285 million ($A394 million) stage two expansion, increasing production to 45,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate per year.

Mr de Solay will also push on with Orocobre's planned 10,000 tonnes per annum lithium hydroxide plant in Japan.

He will replace current chief Richard Seville, who has been with the company for 11 years.

Shares in the dual-listed miner took a dive last month after the Argentinian government announced temporary export tariffs to help reduce the country's fiscal deficit.

Orocobre will be slugged an eight per cent duty tax on export sales revenue through its subsidiaries Sales de Jujuy, in which it holds a 66.5 per cent stake, and Borax Argentina.

Since April, the Argentine Peso has devalued about 90 per cent against the US dollar.

The levy will apply until December 2020.
Conjoined 14-month-old twins are flying to Melbourne from Bhutan in a bid to be separated and given a chance to live.

Nima and Dawa Pelden will undergo surgery at the Royal Children's Hospital after a fundraising effort by the Children First foundation, News Corp Australia reports.

The bid comes nine years after the foundation and the hospital successfully separated Bangladeshi sisters Trishna and Krishna.

The girls are expected to arrive in Melbourne on Tuesday.

Bhutan is a landlocked country, isolated at the foothills of the Himalayan mountains with a population of about 775,000.

The southern Asian nation is known for measuring its gross national happiness as a way of gauging its people's prosperity.
US President Donald Trump, seen here conferring with US ambassador Nikki Haley, chaired a UN Security Council meeting on counter-proliferation, using it to attack Iran

President Donald Trump on Wednesday faced a rebuke of his hardline Iran policy at a UN Security Council meeting that laid bare a rift between the United States and other world powers.

Presiding for the first time over a meeting of the United Nations' body, Trump denounced the "horrible, one-sided" nuclear deal with Iran that he ditched in May, to the dismay of European allies.

A gavel-wielding Trump also took a swipe at China, accusing Beijing of working against his Republican Party in upcoming midterm elections as payback for their growing trade war, a charge China's foreign minister said was "unwarranted."

The United States has moved to reimpose sanctions that had been lifted under the deal to curb Iran's nuclear program and has vowed to isolate Tehran, which it accuses of stoking conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen.

France however hit back, with President Emmanuel Macron declaring that concerns about Iran cannot be tackled with "a policy of sanctions and containment."

Also defending the 2015 deal which was endorsed in a Security Council resolution, British Prime Minister Teresa May said it "remains the best means of preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon."

Trump argued that since the deal was signed in 2015, "Iran's aggression only increased" and that funds released from the lifting of sanctions had been used "to support terrorism, build nuclear-capable missiles and foment chaos."

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed that the "rights of all countries to trade with Iran should be respected" after the European Union said a special payment system would be set up to keep alive business ties with Iran.

Iran did not request to speak at the council meeting, but Iranian President Hassan Rouhani told a news conference separately that the United States would eventually rejoin the nuclear deal and pledged Tehran's continued commitment to the accord.

"For the first time, the US president was asking other members not to adhere to a resolution of the very same Security Council over which he was presiding," quipped Rouhani.

"We are not isolated; America is isolated," he said.

Wednesday's meeting highlighted divisions between the United States and its European allies over the Iran nuclear deal, but there was also sharp criticism of Trump's broader foreign policy.

Leftist Bolivian President Evo Morales bluntly declared that "the United States does not care about human rights or justice."

If that were not the case, he argued, "it would not abandon the UN human rights council or separate migrant children from their families and put them in jail."

- 'Unwarranted' accusations -

In a blunt attack on China, Trump told the council that Beijing was attempting to interfere in the upcoming elections, hoping to see him suffer a setback because of his tough line on trade.

"They do not want me or us to win because I am the first president ever to challenge China on trade," said Trump.

The Republicans could lose control of both the Senate and House of Representatives in November's elections, further imperiling Trump's chances of chalking up legislative achievements.

The Chinese foreign minister responded flatly that Beijing strictly adhered to a policy of non-interference.

"We did not and will not interfere in any country's domestic affairs. We refuse to accept any unwarranted accusations against China," said Wang.

Tensions have soared between Beijing and Washington after Trump this week slapped new tariffs covering $200 billion in Chinese goods exported to the United States.

On North Korea, Trump called for sanctions to be strictly enforced against Pyongyang -- a message directed at Russia and China which are pushing for an easing of punitive measures to reward North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Without naming countries, the US president noted that "some nations are already violating UN sanctions" including illegal ship-to-ship transfers of oil and said compliance was "very important."

His comments came shortly before his top diplomat, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, signaled that he would return to North Korea next month to push forward denuclearization talks.

French President Emmanuel Macron, reflecting divisions with Washington, warns at a UN Security Council meeting that Iran policy cannot be reduced to sanctions and containment

It was only the third time in UN history that a US president chaired a Security Council meeting. Barack Obama presided over two meetings in 2009 and 2014.
President Donald Trump did not go into details about how he believed China was interfering in the US midterms which could see the Republicans lose control of both houses of Congress

US President Donald Trump admitted his friendship with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping could be over on Wednesday as he accused Beijing of undermining his prospects in upcoming elections.

With tensions growing sharply between the two sides on a range of issues, Trump said China wanted him to suffer an electoral setback as payback for his hard line over trade.

After accusing the government in Beijing of using a variety of tactics to damage his chances at the vital midterm polls in November, he said that relations with Xi might have taken a permanent turn for the worse.

Trump has spoken many times since coming to office of his friendship with Xi, praising the Chinese leader for his role in helping bring pressure to bear on North Korea over its nuclear program.

But asked at a press conference in New York how Xi could remain his friend given the hike in tensions, Trump indicated that he preferred to be respected than liked.

"He may not be a friend of mine anymore but I think he probably respects me," said the president, who said the US economy was easily weathering the impact of the trade dispute.

Washington this week enacted new tariffs against China covering another $200 billion of its imports, shrugging off threats of counter measures from Beijing.

"We have to make it fair," he said. "A lot of money is coming into our coffers. And it's had absolutely no impact on our economy."

China has vowed to retaliate with duties on $60 billion in US goods, but since the country only imports a total of $130 billion, its ability to hit back with matching tariffs is limited.

- 'Evidence' -

The accusation of electoral interference first came during a meeting of the UN Security Council that Trump chaired himself earlier in the day.

"Regrettably we found that China has been attempting to interfere in our upcoming 2018 election coming up in November against my administration," Trump told the chamber.

"They do not want me or us to win because I am the first president ever to challenge China on trade," he added.

Trump later said there was clear evidence to back up his claim.

"We have evidence. It will come out. Yeah, I can't tell you now, but it came -- it didn't come out of nowhere, that I can tell you," he told a press conference.

In a briefing with reporters in Washington, a senior White House official said that China was deploying economic, military and informational tools to spread influence and to undermine the US government.

"The activities have reached an unacceptable level," the official said.

The official said the policy of "actively interfering in our political system includes hurting farmers in districts and states that voted for the president."

The official was referring to China's imposition of tariffs on soybeans -- a hugely important trade in the electorally crucial state of Iowa -- as retaliation for Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods.

- 'Unwarranted accusations' -

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi rejected what he termed "unwarranted accusations."

"China has all along followed the principle of non-interference," Wang said in the same session that was chaired by the US president.

"We did not and will not interfere in any country's domestic affairs. We refuse to accept any unwarranted accusations against China."

But Trump followed up his accusations with a series of tweets accusing China's government of paying for newspaper space in the US state of Iowa to push its message.

These "propaganda ads" are being placed "because we are beating them on Trade, opening markets," he tweeted.

The United States also irked China earlier this week by going ahead with plans to sell a batch of military parts to the self-governing island of Taiwan.

Beijing sees Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting unification, and is deeply suspicious of the island's relations with the United States.

A special prosecutor, Robert Mueller, is investigating allegations that members of Trump's inner circle colluded with Russia to secure his victory in the 2016 presidential election after US security agencies determined that Moscow had sought to influence the outcome.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his stance that Israel must control security west of Jordan to the Mediterranean

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel must retain security control in any peace deal with the Palestinians, Israeli media reported, after US President Donald Trump's comments supporting a two-state solution to the conflict.

Speaking to Israeli journalists after meeting Trump in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Netanyahu reiterated his stance that Israel must control security west of Jordan to the Mediterranean -- which includes the occupied West Bank.

"I am willing for the Palestinians to have the authority to rule themselves without the authority to harm us," Netanyahu said, according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

"It is important to set what is inadmissible to us: Israel will not relinquish security control west of Jordan. This will not happen so long as I am prime minister and I think the Americans understand that."

As in the past, Netanyahu did not specify whether he could support full Palestinian statehood in a peace deal or some lesser form of autonomy.

A key Israeli government minister and Netanyahu rival said after Trump's comments that a Palestinian state was out of the question.

"The president of the US is a true friend of Israel," Education Minister Naftali Bennett of the far-right Jewish Home party said on Twitter.

"However, it must be emphasised that as long as the Jewish Home party is part of Israel's government, there will not be a Palestinian state which would be a disaster for Israel."

When meeting Netanyahu on Wednesday, Trump said explicitly for the first time that he backed a two-state solution that would create an independent Palestine, saying: "That's what I think works best, that's my feeling."

The Palestinian leadership cut off contact with Trump's administration after he recognised the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital in December.

Trump has also cut more than $500 million in Palestinian aid.

Palestinian leaders accuse his White House of blatant bias in favour of Israel and of seeking to blackmail them into accepting his terms.

Trump has nevertheless spoken of wanting to reach the "ultimate deal" -- Israeli-Palestinian peace.

He said Wednesday he would present his plan before the end of the year.
Judge Brett Kavanaugh testifies during the second day of his US Senate Judiciary Committee Supreme Court confirmation hearing September 5, 2018 in Washington

Conservative judge Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the US Supreme Court appeared all-but-certain in the wake of Senate hearings in early September, but sexual assault allegations from the 1980s now threaten to derail the process at the last moment.

Here is a timeline of the main events around the accusations:

- Suggestion of 'misconduct' -

On September 12, less than a week after Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings wrapped up in Washington, Dianne Feinstein, the senior Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced she had forwarded to the FBI "information from an individual concerning the nomination."

The New York Times said the information concerned "possible sexual misconduct" dating to the 1980s, when the 53-year-old Kavanaugh was in high school.

The White House denounced what it called a last-minute effort to prevent his confirmation.

- Allegation of assault -

The New Yorker reported two days later, on September 14, that an unidentified woman had accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her during a high school party in Bethesda, Maryland, near Washington, in the early 1980s.

The magazine quoted the judge as saying in a statement, "I categorically and unequivocally deny this allegation. I did not do this back in high school or at any time."

- Accuser comes forward -

On September 16, Kavanaugh's accuser came forward publicly, revealing her identity as 51-year-old university professor Christine Blasey Ford, and giving a detailed account of the alleged incident to The Washington Post.

She claimed Kavanaugh and a friend, Mark Judge, assaulted her while both "stumbling drunk." Kavanaugh, she said, pinned her to a bed and muffled her cries as he tried to pull off her clothes, before she fought him off and escaped. Blasey Ford confirmed she was the one who sent the confidential letter to Feinstein.

- Trump hits back -

After days of relative restraint, President Donald Trump took direct aim at Blasley Ford on September 21, openly questioning her credibility.

"Why didn't someone call the FBI 36 years ago?" Trump tweeted.

"I have no doubt that, if the attack on Dr. Ford was as bad as she says, charges would have been immediately filed with local Law Enforcement Authorities by either her or her loving parents."

- A second accusation -

On September 23, after several days of negotiations with the Senate Judiciary Committee, Blasey Ford agreed to testify publicly, with a hearing scheduled for September 27.

The same day, The New Yorker published a bombshell account from a second accuser, Deborah Ramirez, 53, who said Kavanaugh exposed himself and caused her to touch him without consent, during a drinking game at a Yale dorm party in the 1980s.

The judge rejected the claim as part of a campaign of "last-minute smears, pure and simple."

In a further twist, Michael Avenatti -- the lawyer for porn star Stormy Daniels, who claims she once had a tryst with Trump -- announced he was representing a third unidentified woman with "credible information" regarding both Kavanaugh and Judge.

- The counterattack -

On September 24, Kavanaugh went on the counterattack against what he called an "effort to destroy my good name."

"I will not be intimidated into withdrawing from this process," he vowed in a letter to the Senate committee.

In a prime-time interview on Fox News, Kavanaugh appeared alongside his wife, Ashley Kavanaugh, to defend himself.

Seeking to counter the image of a wild youth painted by his accusers, he asserted he was a virgin at the time of the alleged events, and "did not have sexual intercourse or anything close to sexual intercourse in high school or for many years thereafter."

Trump meanwhile denounced the accusations as part of a political "con game" by opposition Democrats. On September 25, the president hit out at Ramirez, Kavanaugh's second accuser, as "messed up."

"The second accuser has nothing. She thinks maybe it could have been him, maybe not," Trump said. "She admits that she was drunk. She admits that there are time lapses."

With two days to go until Blasey Ford's testimony to lawmakers on September 27, the Senate Judiciary Committee scheduled a preliminary vote on Kavanaugh's nomination for the following day, September 28.

The committee also announced that Blasey Ford would be questioned by an expert sex crimes prosecutor.

- A new witness -- and victim -

On September 26, Michael Avenatti released a sworn statement from Julie Swetnick, saying she witnessed abusive behavior by Kavanaugh and Judge during high school parties in the early 1980s. She said she herself had been the victim of a gang rape in 1982 during a party that Kavanaugh attended.

Kavanaugh forcefully rejected the latest allegations, in a statement released by the White House.

"This is ridiculous and from the Twilight Zone. I don't know who this is and this never happened."
Opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih won Sunday's poll despite warnings from private poll monitors that the electoral process had been rigged in favour of the incumbent

The Maldives' military chief on Wednesday quashed speculation that outgoing President Abdulla Yameen would try to cling on to power, telling the nation that the armed forces would "protect the will of the people".

Yameen decisively lost the country's Sunday presidential election to opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, despite warnings from private poll monitors that the electoral process had been rigged in favour of the incumbent.

Formal poll results will be announced by the election commission on Sunday and Yameen must hand over power to Solih on November 17 at the end of his five-year term.

But rumours have abounded on social media and elsewhere that Yameen could file an election petition seeking the delay of the announcement, prompting military chief Major General Ahmed Shiyam to appear on a private TV channel promising the results would be honoured.

"The people have spoken," Shiyam said.

"I want to assure the Maldivian people that the military will protect the will of the people."

Police chief Abdulla Nawaz issued a similar televised statement on the same day.

Election commission chief Ahmed Shareef confirmed that Yameen's party lodged several complaints of vote irregularities.

"We will look into these concerns," Shareef said, adding that there were no grounds for him to delay the announcement of the formal results.

Earlier Wednesday, the opposition accused Yameen of delaying the release of high-profile political prisoners despite calls by his successor for their release.

Shortly after his shock defeat, Yameen freed five prisoners. But scores of others -- including Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, his estranged half-brother and former president -- remain incarcerated.

There was no immediate comment from the government.

Yameen jailed or exiled most of his rivals during his turbulent five-year term.

Suspecting a plot to impeach him, Yameen in February declared a state of emergency and arrested top judges as well as political opponents.

Yameen's rule dented its image as a honeymoon paradise and attracted alarm abroad.

The US and EU had threatened financial sanctions unless the presidential poll was free and fair.
Ridesharing giant Uber agreed to pay $148 million as part of a settlement over a 2016 data breach exposing personal information on 57 million riders and drivers

Uber agreed Wednesday to pay a $148 million penalty over a massive 2016 data breach which the company concealed for a year, in the latest effort by the global ridesharing giant to improve its image and move past its missteps from its early years.

The settlement stems from a breach affecting some 57 million Uber riders and drivers, prompting litigation that was eventually joined by officials from the 50 US states and the District of Columbia.

The payment, described as the largest in a data breach settlement, is part of Uber's efforts to burnish its reputation after a series of scandals over alleged misconduct and unethical practices.

Uber disclosed the breach last year shortly after it hired chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi, who promised a new way of doing business as the company with an estimated value of more than $70 billion expands globally and prepares for what could be a massive stock offering.

"The commitments we're making in this agreement are in line with our focus on both physical and digital safety for our customers," Uber's chief legal officer Tony West said in announcing the settlement.

"We know that earning the trust of our customers and the regulators we work with globally is no easy feat ... We'll continue to invest in protections to keep our customers and their data safe and secure, and we're committed to maintaining a constructive and collaborative relationship with governments around the world."

The company reached an agreement with the US Federal Trade Commission on the breach that called for improved security and audits but no financial penalty.

According to officials, Uber paid data thieves $100,000 to destroy the swiped information -- and remained quiet about the breach for a year.

The settlement avoid a potentially lengthy court fight which could be embarrassing to Uber.

- Improving security -

Dara Khosrowshahi, who took over as Uber CEO last year, has pledged more transparency and ethical practices at the global ridesharing giant

As part of the settlement, Uber will be required to improve its security practices, with an independent outside review of data practices.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said her office would oversee a fund of $5.1 million that would pay each driver from the state $100, and seek to locate those who may no longer be driving for Uber.

"While Uber is now taking the appropriate steps to protect the data of its drivers in Illinois and across the country, the company's initial response was unacceptable," Madigan said. "Companies cannot hide when they break the law."

New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood said: "This record settlement should send a clear message: we have zero tolerance for those who skirt the law and leave consumer and employee information vulnerable to exploitation."

Uber learned of the breach in November 2016 involving personal information on riders and drivers, nearly half in the United States, but disclosed it publicly only after Khosrowshahi took over and pledged more transparency.

The case is the second large court settlement this year for Uber.

In February, Uber agreed to pay $245 million to Alphabet's self-driving car unit Waymo to settle a lawsuit over allegedly stolen trade secrets.

But Uber still faces potential inquiries in the United States and elsewhere over data security, the use of illegal software to thwart rivals, and cases of sexual discrimination.

As part of its transparency effort, Uber this year also scrapped policies requiring arbitration over claims of sexual misconduct involving employees, riders and drivers, allowing cases to be heard in public and pursued in open court.

As a privately held firm, Uber is not required to report its finances. Released data from the second quarter however shows it lost $891 million on revenues of $2.8 billion, with bookings hitting a total of $12 billion.
Troy Clark, 51, was sentenced to die by lethal injection for the 1998 murder of Christina Muse, a 20 year-old former roommate

A man convicted of murdering a woman and hiding her body in a barrel of concrete was executed by lethal injection in Texas Wednesday evening -- the first of two scheduled in the state executions this week.

Troy Clark, 51, was sentenced to die for the 1998 murder of Christina Muse, a 20 year-old former roommate.

Clark, a drug user and dealer, was accused of hitting Muse and then drowning her in a bathtub because he thought she was going to turn him in to police.

He hid the body in a barrel filled with concrete. Investigators found the body several months later and discovered a second body belonging to a man in the same place.

Clark continued to denied his guilt through the end of his life, and his defenders say that his conviction is based too heavily on testimony of a former girlfriend, which has changed several times.

At first, the girlfriend blamed the dead man for Muse's murder, then said she was behind the woman's death. In the end, she blamed Clark in exchange for a reduced sentence.

Clark's attorneys said that mitigating circumstances were not considered in the case, including that their client suffers from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

He was pronounced dead at 6:36pm (2336 GMT), according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

On Thursday another death row inmate, Daniel Acker, is scheduled for execution.

Acker was convicted for murdering his girlfriend. Like Clark, he insists on his innocence.

Texas, the US state with the highest execution rate, had already executed eight people since the start of the year, compared to seven in 2016 and 2017.

Nationwide, Clark's was the 17th execution of 2018.
US President Donald Trump takes questions during a press conference on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he was open to pulling Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination if he finds the evidence against him of sexual assault convincing.

"I can always be convinced," Trump said at a press conference on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, on the eve of a key Senate hearing at which a university professor accusing his nominee of assault will detail her allegations to lawmakers.

"If I thought he was guilty of something like this, yes, sure. I want to watch. I want to see," the president said.

At the same time, Trump described Kavanaugh as a "great gentleman" and said he believed the accusations against the conservative were "false."

Trump said he was skeptical because he personally has been the target of "false statements" in the past made by various women.

"It does impact my opinions because I've had a lot of false charges made against me," he said. "People want fame, they want money, they want whatever."

Christine Blasey Ford, who has accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her when they were teenagers, is to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday.

Kavanaugh also stands accused of exposing himself to a classmate, Deborah Ramirez, during an alcohol-fueled Yale University party a few years later.

And on Wednesday a new woman came forward with explosive allegations, saying she witnessed sexually abusive behavior by the Supreme Court nominee when he was a teenager and claiming she was gang-raped at a party he attended in the early 1980s.

The case has turned into a political firestorm ahead of congressional midterm elections, with the scandal threatening to derail Trump's push to get a conservative-minded majority on the top court.
President Donald Trump said that a meeting between him and deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein may be postponed

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he would "prefer" to keep his embattled deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein, who oversees the Russia collusion probe, but might delay a decision.

"I'd much prefer keeping Rod Rosenstein," Trump told journalists in New York.

However, Trump said that a meeting scheduled for Thursday at the White House between him and Rosenstein might be put off, because of the focus on a separate political drama over his Supreme Court pick Brett Kavanaugh.

"I may call Rod tonight or tomorrow and ask for a little bit of a delay to the meeting," Trump said.

Christine Blasey Ford, who says Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in the 1980s, is to testify before a US Senate committee on Thursday.

Trump has sought to cast doubt over Blasey Ford's allegation, but said Wednesday that he wanted to hear what she had to say and did not want to distract from the proceedings.

Rosenstein's job has looked untenable since The New York Times and The Washington Post reported that Rosenstein in May 2017 had suggested secretly recording Trump for evidence of White House dysfunction -- and using that to formally remove him from power.

As deputy attorney general, Rosenstein plays a key role in overseeing the high-powered investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, which Trump calls a politically motivated "witch hunt."

His departure -- which would give the president an opportunity to replace him with a loyalist -- would dramatically rock the probe into whether Russia conspired with Trump's campaign to aid his 2016 shock presidential election victory.
US President Donald Trump said he rejected a one-on-one meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

US President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that he had refused to meet Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, accusing Canada of treating the United States "very badly."

"Yeah, I did," he told a news conference in New York when asked by a reporter whether he had rejected a one-on-one meeting with Trudeau. "Canada has treated us very badly."

That came after the incident on Tuesday in which Trump appeared to rebuff Trudeau when he approached to shake hands, even though the Canadian leader downplayed the incident.

The two nations have been locked in negotiations for a year on a rewrite of the 25-year-old continental trade deal that Trump blames for losses of US jobs and industry.

But the US leader criticized Canada's trade negotiators and cast doubt on the chances of reaching agreement on a rewrite of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), again threatening to impose tariffs on all auto imports.

"I must be honest with you, we're not getting along with their negotiators we think their negotiators have taken advantage of our country for a long time," Trump said.

Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland has spent much of the last month in Washington for talks with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and repeatedly commented on the progress being made and the goodwill in the negotiations.

Trump once again complained about Canada's controlled dairy market, although his comments referred to tariffs that do not apply to US products.

- Tax on cars -

"They have treated our farmers in Wisconsin and New York state and a lot of other states very badly," he said. "How do you sell a dairy product at 300 percent (tariff)?"

US producers actually sell more dairy product to Canada than they import, and the 300 percent tariff only applies to goods above the quota, which the US does not meet, according to trade experts.

The two sides also are at odds over the dispute resolution provisions in NAFTA.

The White House reached a deal last month with Mexico and informed Congress of the intention to sign a new agreement by the end of November, before the new president takes office in Mexico.

But Lighthizer on Tuesday said time was running out for Canada to be included, and Mexico's trade negotiator Kenneth Smith Ramos said the two countries are ready to proceed.

"Now, if Canada doesn't make a deal with us, we're going to make a much better deal. We're going to tax the cars that come in," he said. "We will put billions and billions of dollars into our Treasury. And frankly, we'll be very happy."

"I don't like NAFTA. I never liked it. It's been very bad for the United States. It's been great for Canada. It's been great for Mexico. Very bad for us," Trump said.
Christine Blasey Ford, who appears before the US Senate Judiciary Committee on September 26, 2018, will testify that she was sexually assaulted by Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh when the two were in high school, and that she feared he would rape her

The woman who accuses President Donald Trump's Supreme Court pick of sexual assault at a high school party will testify Thursday that she feared Brett Kavanaugh would rape her.

"I believed he was going to rape me. I tried to yell for help," Christine Blasey Ford will tell US lawmakers, according to prepared testimony that she will deliver at a high-profile hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Kavanaugh, whose nomination was in serious jeopardy after bombshell new accusations by another woman emerged Wednesday charging that the judge engaged in sexually abusive behavior when he was a teenager, has vehemently denied the allegations.

All told three women have now come forward accusing Kavanaugh, 53, of assault or sexual misconduct when he was in high school in suburban Maryland or a student at Yale University.

Blasey Ford, 51, said Kavanaugh's alleged assault on her in 1982, in which she says he placed his hand over her mouth to stop her from screaming, left her "drastically altered," but added that she felt compelled to share her story about what happened to her at the hands of a man now being considered for the nation's high court.

"The details about that night that bring me here today are ones I will never forget. They have been seared into my memory and have haunted me episodically as an adult," she says in her eight-page opening testimony obtained Wednesday by US media.

Blasey Ford's accusations have thrust her into an intense national spotlight, as Trump seeks to push through his nominee on party lines and Democrats demand a suspension of the proceedings to allow the FBI to conduct a thorough investigation.

Thursday's hearing is considered deeply controversial, with Republicans taking the extraordinary step of hiring a female attorney to question Blasey Ford on behalf of the committee's 11 Republican senators, all men.

Kavanaugh is scheduled to testify after Blasey Ford. Democrats plan to ask their own questions of the witnesses.

"I believe it is my civic duty to tell you what happened to me while Brett Kavanaugh and I were in high school," Blasey Ford will say.

"I am here today not because I want to be. I am terrified," she adds.

Blasey Ford describes being accosted by a "visibly drunk" Kavanaugh and his friend, Mark Judge. She says they thrust her into an upstairs bedroom at the house and locked the door.

"I was pushed onto the bed and Brett got on top of me. He began running his hands over my body and grinding his hips into me," she says.

Blasey Ford said she was finally able to escape and rushed out of the house with an "enormous sense of relief" that the teens did not follow her.

"Brett's assault on me drastically altered my life. For a very long time, I was too afraid and ashamed to tell anyone the details," she says.
Scientists and educators have grown increasingly concerned that constant use of mobile phones from an early age may lead to problems

Only one in 20 kids in the United States meets guidelines on sleep, exercise and screen time, and nearly a third are outside recommendations for all three, according to a study published Thursday.

On average, children aged eight to 11 spent 3.6 hours per day glued to a TV, mobile phone, tablet or computer screen, nearly double the suggested limit of two hours, researchers found.

Too little sleep and excess screen time were clearly linked to a drop off in cognitive skills, such as language ability, memory, and task completion, they reported in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health.

"We found that more than two hours of recreational screen time in children was associated with poorer cognitive development," said lead author Jeremy Walsh, a researcher at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute.

"Based on our findings, paediatricians, parents, educators and policymakers should promote limiting recreation screen time and prioritising healthy sleep routines during childhood and adolescence."

Walsh and his team looked at data -- based on detailed questionnaires -- for 4,520 children spread across 20 locations in the United States.

They also tested the kids for six kinds of cognitive skills, adjusting the results for household income, puberty development and other factors that might affect performance.

The results were measured against the Canadian 24-hour Movement Guidelines for children.

For sleep and exercise, the recommendations align with those of the World Health Organization, but Canada is the first country to propose limits for time spent in front of a back-lit screen.

- Distraction in the classroom -

Nearly 30 percent of children failed to meet any of the recommendations, more than 40 percent met only one, a quarter met two, and only five percent conformed to all three.

Half the kids were getting enough sleep, 37 percent remained within the screen-time limits, and only 18 percent met the physical activity recommendation.

"The more individual recommendations the child met, the better their cognition," the study concluded, noting that screen time was the most important factor.

In contrast to earlier research, lack of exercise did not correlate with poorer performance on the cognition tests.

The strong link between time spent staring at a screen and brain function "potentially reflect the interruption of the stress-recovery cycle needed for growth in children," commented Eduardo Esteban Bustamante, an assistant professor at the University of Illinois' College of Applied Health Sciences who did not take part in the study.

"Each minute spent on screens necessarily displaces a minute from sleep."

Scientists and educators have grown increasingly concerned that constant use of mobile phones from an early age may lead to problems ranging from addiction to attention deficit disorder.

The vast majority of teachers in a recent survey said that smartphones had become a distraction in the classroom, eroding the ability of students to focus.

France urges parents not to allow children under three to watch TV, and American paediatricians also favour a total ban on screen time until at least 18 months.
President Donald Trump said that a meeting between him and deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein may be postponed

Donald Trump said he would "prefer" to keep his embattled deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein -- who oversees the Russia collusion probe -- but that he might delay a politically risky decision on the official's fate originally expected for Thursday.

"I'd much prefer keeping Rod Rosenstein," Trump told journalists in New York on Wednesday.

However, Trump said that a meeting scheduled for Thursday at the White House between him and Rosenstein might be put off, because of the focus on a separate political drama over his Supreme Court pick Brett Kavanaugh.

"I may call Rod tonight or tomorrow and ask for a little bit of a delay to the meeting," Trump said.

Doubts over how long Rod Rosenstein can keep the job have been swirling since shock US media reports that he once suggested secretly recording Trump to collect evidence for ousting him under a constitutional amendment for presidents unfit to remain in office.

This Monday, Rosenstein was widely rumored to be on the point of being fired or handing in his resignation when he arrived for a meeting with the White House chief of staff.

But in an unpredictable series of events, he emerged from the meeting still with his job and the White House announcing that Trump would see Rosenstein in person Thursday on returning from the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations.

Trump indicated Wednesday that Rosenstein -- who has dismissed the media reports as inaccurate -- had gone a long way in persuading him.

"I'm talking to him. We've had a good talk. He said he never said it," Trump said. "He said he has a lot of respect for me."

- The Russia question -

Quite apart from the lurid claims of backroom plotting, Rosenstein matters because he plays a key role in overseeing the Russia investigation.

Trump is infuriated by what he says is Special Counsel Robert Mueller's "witch hunt" into whether Russia conspired with Trump's campaign during his shock 2016 election win.

The president has frequently criticized Rosenstein, who has been steadfast in trying to protect Mueller as the probe digs ever deeper into Trump's inner circle.

So Rosenstein's departure -- possibly putting someone more pliable in his place -- would set off alarm bells over the future independence of a probe which has the potential to rock the entire Trump presidency.

Trump has made no secret of his readiness to take on what he sees as a politicized, hostile Justice Department and FBI.

Just last Friday, Trump referred in a speech to supporters to a "lingering stench" at the Justice Department that he would soon eradicate.

- Not before the elections? -

But if events would seem to point to Rosenstein being pushed out, both Democrats and Trump's Republicans have urged caution.

Even allies say that nothing should be done before the November midterm congressional elections in six weeks, arguing that the ensuing row would fuel expected Democratic momentum for making gains in the legislature.

If the Democrats overturn the current Republican majorities in the lower house and even Senate, then aggressive committee investigations and even calls for impeachment might follow.

Some speculate the Rosenstein story was planted to undermine both the deputy attorney general and Mueller, giving Trump a legitimate excuse to do what he'd wanted to do all along.

But amid ever deepening paranoia and partisan division in Washington, others ask if the story wasn't leaked to trap Trump, trying to bait him into ousting the official -- thereby plunging his administration into new controversy.
US President Donald Trump (R) meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on September 26, 2018 in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly

President Donald Trump vowed Wednesday to present a "very fair" Middle East peace plan by the end of the year and endorsed a two-state solution, apparently confident that the Palestinians would return to talks despite his unwavering support for Israel.

Holding talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York, Trump said it was a "dream" of his to bring about a peaceful solution to a conflict that has eluded several of his predecessors.

While Trump said he expected Israel to make concessions in any final settlement of the decades-old conflict, the Palestinians said his administration's policies in the Middle East were destroying hopes of peace.

Jared Kushner, who is Trump's son-in-law as well as a senior advisor in the White House, has been working on a peace plan for more than a year, but there have been few clues to date on what he is expected to propose.

"I would say over the next two to three to four months," Trump said, referring to his prospective timetable for presenting a plan.

Trump, who met with Netanyahu on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, said explicitly for the first time that he backed a two-state solution, saying: "That's what I think works best, that's my feeling."

"I really believe something will happen. It is a dream of mine to be able to get that done prior to the end of my first term," added Trump, who was elected to serve four years through January 2021.

"Jared, who's so involved, he loves Israel but he's also going to be very fair with the Palestinians," the US president later told a news conference.

- Israel 'will have to do something' -

"Peace between Israel and the Palestinians for the Middle East is a very important thing and we're trying very hard to get it," he added.

"I think probably two-state is more likely but if they do a single, if they do a double, I'm okay with it if they're both happy. If they're both happy, I'm okay with either. I think the two-state is more likely," he said.

Middle East peace efforts effectively stalled when the Palestinians broke off contacts with the Trump administration last year in protest at Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish state.

The US president ordered the relocation of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

The Palestinians also want Jerusalem to be their capital and have long argued that the status of the holy city should only be settled as part of a larger peace agreement.

Relations between the Palestinian Authority and the United States plummeted even lower in recent weeks after Washington cut off funding, including to a UN agency that helps millions of Palestinian refugees.

Trump said, however, that he was in no doubt that the Palestinians would soon return to the negotiating table. "Absolutely, 100 percent," he said.

"Lots of good things are happening," said Trump, before adding: "Israel will have to do something that will be good for the other side."

Initial reactions, however, underlined the uphill struggle Trump will face in convincing the Palestinians that he is a neutral broker and then convincing the Israelis to make any concessions on security.

- 'Security control' -

"Their words go against their actions and their action is absolutely clear (and) is destroying the possibility of the two-state solution," Husam Zomlot, head of the recently closed Palestinian mission in Washington, told AFP.

He said that Trump's comments alone were not enough to bring the Palestinians back to the negotiating table.

Israeli media quoted Netanyahu as saying that Israel must retain security control in any peace deal with the Palestinians, west of Jordan to the Mediterranean -- which includes the occupied West Bank.

"Israel will not relinquish security control west of Jordan. This will not happen so long as I am prime minister and I think the Americans understand that," he reportedly said.

Several of Trump's predecessors have played leading roles in trying to bring an end to the conflict, including Jimmy Carter, who brokered the 1978 Camp David agreement, which saw Egypt and Jordan formally recognize Israel.

Bill Clinton oversaw the Oslo peace accords in 1993 which spelled out the aim of a two-state solution and allowed for the creation of the Palestinian Authority which is meant to rule over the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

But it left issues such as the borders and status of Jerusalem unresolved.

Egypt and Jordan are still the only Arab nations that formally recognize Israel.
Syrians arrive at the Abu Duhur crossing on the eastern edge of Idlib province as they cross from rebel-held areas to regime-held areas

President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed credit for saving Syria's rebel-held province of Idlib from an assault that would have "killed millions of people" and "would have been a shame."

Trump told a news conference in New York that he gave the order "don't let it happen" to his secretary of state and national security advisor and: "It stopped."

Russia and Turkey agreed during a summit meeting in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi on September 17 to set up a buffer zone in Idlib aimed at preventing a military assault.

Syria, which has received vital military support from Russia and Iran, had said that it planned to seize Idlib, the last major rebel stronghold in the seven-year war.

The Russia-Turkey deal was agreed following warnings that an all-out military offensive would trigger a bloodbath in the province of three million people.

"Nobody's going to give me credit but that's okay," Trump said. "That's okay because the people know."

"Millions of people have been saved," he added.

Trump said he first heard of the looming assault on Idlib from a Syrian woman who warned of the planned attack during a meeting during which she expressed concern for her sister living there.

"I didn't hear of Idlib province," said Trump, who added that he later read about the planned attack in a New York Times article.

"I said that's the same story the woman told me that I found hard to believe because how would anyone do that with three million people?"

"I think millions of people would've been killed, that would have been a shame."

Trump acknowledged that there could still be "selective" targets in Syria for military action but no large-scale operation.

Iran, Russia and Syria deserve credit "for not doing it," said Trump, adding that Turkey, which backs some armed groups, was also "a big help."

The war in Syria, now in its eighth year, has killed more than 360,000 people and displaced millions.
The bipartisan measure, which passed 361-61, funds the department of defense and a handful of agencies, and includes a short-term extension of funding for other operations until December in order to avoid a government shutdown

The US House passed an $854 billion spending bill Wednesday that ramps up military funding but does not include President Donald Trump's cherished border wall, sending him the measure days before the government runs out of money.

The bipartisan measure, which passed 361-61, funds the department of defense and a handful of agencies, and includes a short-term extension of funding for other operations until December in order to avoid a government shutdown.

The Senate easily passed the 2019 spending package, which provides US service members with their biggest pay raise in nine years, earlier this month.

It allows for robust investments in defense operations, which are funded to the tune of $674.4 billion -- a boost of $17 billion over 2018 levels. It also includes $67.9 billion for war on terror efforts and ongoing war funds known as overseas contingency operations.

The bill also increased National Institutes of Health funding to $39 billion, $2 billion higher than this year, and provides $6.7 billion for programs to combat America's opioid crisis.

With the September 30 fiscal year deadline looming, Republicans are counting on Trump to bite the bullet and sign the bill into law, despite it failing to provide funding to build his much-promised wall on the US border with Mexico.

"We're going to keep the government open," Trump told reporters in New York, where he was attending the UN General Assembly.

Trump has consistently called for construction of a border wall as part of his efforts to stem illegal immigration, and at recent rallies he had go so far as threatening a government shutdown over the issue.

A government shutdown crisis could severely hurt the party's efforts in the November congressional elections, and Republican leadership appeared uninterested in taking chances with a stoppage of federal operations.

House Speaker Paul Ryan said the measure funds some 75 percent of total discretionary spending, and is the first time in 22 years that such a large portion of the federal pie has been funded before start of the fiscal year.

"This brings certainty to our armed forces," Ryan said.

Number two House Democrat Steny Hoyer said he was pleased that both parties worked together "to move this minibus appropriations package through Congress free from partisan riders or severe cuts to programs that help workers access economic opportunities."
Delegates pose for a photo at the One Planet Summit at the Plaza Hotel on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York

World leaders gathered in New York on Wednesday to try to breathe new life into the Paris global climate accord, amid backsliding from several nations over commitments made in the historic deal.

The "One Planet Summit," launched last year by French President Emmanuel Macron, aims to accelerate the implementation of the 2015 pact.

"We are not here just to speak, but to be accountable," Macron told delegates at the Plaza luxury hotel in New York.

Having last year warned that "we are losing the battle" against climate change, Macron called on countries to massively increase funding for climate action.

Despite a stream of announcements and summits -- including in Bonn in May, and Bangkok and San Francisco this month -- the front line in the climate war has hardly moved, and much of the hope and goodwill brought by the Paris deal has been replaced with passivity.

President Donald Trump in June 2017 announced the US would pull out, effective November 2020, and momentum from several other countries has stalled.

Trump has abandoned targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, set by his predecessor Barack Obama, by slashing dozens of environmental regulations.

Australia, one of the world's worst per capita greenhouse gas polluters, has scrapped plans to enshrine targets for reducing carbon emissions into law.

And in Brazil, right-wing presidential front-runner Jair Bolsonaro has said he would pull the country from the deal if he is elected.

The Paris agreement also stipulated that rich countries establish an annual $100-billion fund to help developing nations react to our heating planet.

But only $10 billion has been collected so far. The United States had promised $3 billion and only gave $1 billion -- under Obama.

- 'Very challenging' -

The next UN negotiating summit, COP24, will take place in December in Poland. Preparatory meetings ended in deadlock.

French President Emmanuel Macron

"It looks very challenging," Patricia Espinosa, the executive secretary of UN Climate Change, told AFP.

"We do not yet have certainty that we will be able to make it a success, but it's not impossible either."

Fewer leaders participated in this year's One Planet Summit, organized with the World Bank and the UN.

About 30 presidents, prime ministers and ministers are due to attend, including from Spain, Denmark, Norway, China, as well as from small Pacific island nations whose coastlines are getting eaten by a rising ocean.

"Time is not our friend," said New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

We should not "have the ability to opt out of action either."

Over the course of the day, participants were to announce billions of dollars of new actions to "decarbonize" the world economy, help vulnerable countries and finance the ecological transition of developing countries, particularly in Asia and in Africa.

But these commitments only represent a small portion of what is needed to limit global warming to less than two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, as enshrined in the 2015 Paris accord.

Experts warn the global temperature is on track to surpass three degrees by 2100.

A study in the journal Nature this month found that even global temperature rises of two degrees Celsius could still be enough to melt parts of the largest ice sheet on Earth, in the Antarctic, and raise sea levels by several meters (yards).

Significant climate events in 2017

Greenpeace questioned Macron's climate credentials, given that greenhouse gas emissions have recently crept up in France, mainly from the transport sector.

Former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, who is using his vast fortune to spur action to address climate change told AFP that nations are making progress but ultimately, it is not governments that drive behavior.

"It's capitalism, it's the economic interest of companies who want to be environmentally friendly because their employees want it, because their investors want it, because their customers want it," he said.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi flatly denied American claims that China is stealing technology from US and other foreign businesses

China and Russia denounced the use of "blackmail" Friday in thinly-veiled rebukes of President Donald Trump, highlighting the chasm between the US and its rivals on issues ranging from trade to the war in Syria.

Days after Trump slapped $200 billion in tariffs and vowed to press on until China buckles, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the UN General Assembly that Beijing would not be bowed.

"China will not be blackmailed or yield to pressure," Wang told the chamber amid an escalating trade war between Washington and Beijing.

Russia's foreign minister took to the same stage, condemning countries that resort to "political blackmail, economic pressure and brute force" in a bid to prevent the emergence of rival global powers.

Trump forged initial bonhomie with Chinese President Xi Jinping after his unexpected election victory, but has often had to fight off accusations that he is too soft towards his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

Nevertheless, relations between Washington and both Beijing and Moscow have plummeted in recent months and the General Assembly, the world's biggest annual diplomatic gathering, has if anything witnessed a deepening of divisions since it opened on Tuesday.

Wang did try to play down the spurt in tensions as natural between two major countries and also insisted that China had no ambitions to replace the US as the world's pre-eminent power.

"Various frictions may ensue and this is not surprising, and it is also no cause for panic," Wang said in a separate speech to a New York think tank.

But his speech to the General Assembly contained multiple repudiations of Trump's "America First" foreign policy, which the US president again championed in his own combative speech at the UN this week.

- Championing multilateralism -

"China will keep to its commitments and remain a champion of multilateralism," he said.

"We must pursue win-win cooperation.... We need to replace confrontation with cooperation and coercion with consultation. We must stick together as a big family as opposed to forming closed circles."

With characteristic bluntness, Trump this week said his friendship with Xi may be over and accused China of interfering in midterm US elections to punish him for his tough trade stance.

US tariffs on another $200 billion of Chinese imports took effect earlier this week, bringing the total amount of goods hit by duties to more than $250 billion, roughly half of China's exports to the United States.

Wang flatly denied a key charge behind Trump's hard line on trade -- that China is stealing US technology to boost its own companies.

"This is simply not true. We hope that such untrue allegations will stop," he told the Council on Foreign Relations.

US officials say China seizes the technology indirectly by requiring foreign companies to ally with local firms to enter the world's most populous market, with the partners then seizing the know-how for themselves.

Like Wang, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov did not mention Trump by name, but there was little doubt about whom he meant when he denounced leaders who make "loud statements" that pursue "self-serving unilateral approaches."

- 'Brute force' -

"These powers do not hesitate to use any methods including political blackmail, economic pressure and brute force," Lavrov told the assembly.

Lavrov lamented that "attacks" were being launched against the Middle East peace process, the Iran nuclear deal, trade agreements under the World Trade Organization and the Paris climate accord.

"We are observing an onslaught of belligerent revisionism against the modern system of international law," he said.

Relations between Western powers and Russia have been tense over the war in Syria, where Moscow is supporting President Bashar al-Assad's forces.

Lavrov said the international community and UN agencies must make the return of refugees to Syria "a priority" as Russia pushes for reconstruction aid for its ally.

Russia and the United States are at odds over the Iran nuclear deal, although key US allies France and Britain have also vowed to defend the agreement that Trump ditched in May.

Relations with Germany -- another key ally which is a signatory to the Iran accord -- have also been strained in recent months.

In his speech to the chamber, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas also took an apparent swipe at Trump's "America First" foreign policy.

The United Nations "thrives on our common pledge of 'together first'," said Maas, whose center-left Social Democratic Party is a junior partner in Chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition.
Palestinian protesters react as tear gas canisters fired by Israeli forces rain down during clashes along the Israeli border fence, east of Gaza City on September 28, 2018

Seven Palestinians, including two boys aged 12 and 14, were killed in clashes with Israeli forces along the Gaza border Friday, the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled strip said.

Nasser Mosabih, 12, was shot in the head in clashes along the frontier east of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra told AFP, on what was one of the bloodiest days since protests began on March 30.

Fourteen-year-old Mohammed al-Houm, was shot dead "by live ammunition from the (Israeli) occupation forces" east of Al-Bureij in central Gaza, Qudra said.

Five adult men were also killed in widespread clashes along the border, with a further 210 people hospitalised, the spokesman added.

The Israeli army said some 20,000 "rioters" had gathered at multiple sites along the border.

A Palestinian protester hurls a stone towards Israeli forces during clashes along the Israeli border fence, east of Gaza City on September 28, 2018

It said the protestors hurled "grenades and explosive devices in several different locations".

It said troops were firing "in accordance with standard operating procedures."

The army declined to comment on the reported deaths.

Palestinians have been protesting at least weekly along the Gaza border since March.

At least 194 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in that time, the majority during border protests.

Smaller numbers have been hit by airstrikes or tank fire.

Demonstrators carry an injured Palestinian during clashes along the Israeli border fence, east of Gaza City on September 28, 2018

One Israeli soldier was killed by a Palestinian sniper.

The protests are demanding the right of Palestinian refugees to be allowed to homes their families fled from in the 1948 war surrounding the creation of Israel and which are now in Israel.

Israel says any such mass return would mean the end of it as a Jewish state and accuses Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas of orchestrating the protests.

Friday's protests were bigger than those in recent weeks.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo brought the foreign ministers of fueding Saudi Arabia and Qatar together in New York

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo brought the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Qatar together Friday for the first time since their diplomatic feud erupted but there was no sign of a let-up in tensions between the Gulf powerhouses.

At the start of a meeting with counterparts from the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) along with allies Egypt and Jordan, Pompeo said that those present had "a shared interest in a wide range of security issues."

But speaking to reporters later, Qatar's foreign minister said there had been "no progress" in resolving the more than year-long dispute with Saudi Arabia.

He insisted that the gas-rich state remained "open to dialogue" with the Saudis and its allies.

"We are grateful for the efforts President Donald Trump makes to try solving this crisis but the responses from the blockade countries are not positive," said Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.

The United States said that all the countries found common cause against Iran, Saudi Arabia's archrival which the Trump administration has been seeking to isolate.

"All participants agreed on the need to confront threats from Iran directed at the region and the United States," the State Department said in a statement.

In apparent reference to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, the statement called for forging greater cooperation in the Middle East "anchored by a united GCC" which could "advance prosperity, security and stability in the region."

Saudi Arabia -- along with its Gulf allies, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain -- cut diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar in June 2017, accusing it of supporting terrorism and being too close to Iran.

Qatar denies the charges, accusing its neighbors of seeking regime change.

The rift has proved a strategic headache for Washington as Qatar provides the main headquarters in the region for the US Central Command, while Bahrain is home to the US Fifth Fleet and Saudi Arabia has long been one of its key allies in the region.

Kuwait has led mediation efforts in the crisis, which so far have made little tangible progress.
In a speech before the United Nations General Assembly, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said it was "shameful" that the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was running short of cash to aid the millions of Syrians who have fled war in their homeland

Germany announced Friday it would provide the UN's cash-strapped refugee agency with an extra $135 million in funds to help cope with the massive outpouring of Syrians into neighboring Arab countries.

In a speech before the United Nations General Assembly, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said it was "shameful" that the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was running short of cash to aid the millions of Syrians who have fled war in their homeland and called on other wealthy countries to step up to the plate.

"As the second-largest humanitarian donor, Germany is willing to provide UNHCR with a further 116 million euros ($135 million) -- that is half of the amount currently needed -- to help Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon," Maas said.

"But others also need to step up. After all, the Charter talks about 'we the peoples'," he said in reference to the UN's founding treaty.

Syrians accounted for a significant proportion of the hundreds of thousands of migrants that Germany has accepted across its border since 2015 -- an influx which has weakened Chancellor Angela Merkel politically and split the European Union.

With immigration becoming an increasingly toxic issue in Germany, Merkel's government has since repeatedly tightened immigration and asylum laws.

According to the UN, around 5.6 million Syrians are living outside the country as refugees as a result of a devastating seven-year war.

The foreign minister's speech to the body also included several thinly-veiled rebukes to US President Donald Trump's "America First" foreign policy.

The United Nations "thrives on our common pledge of 'together first'," said Maas whose center-left Social Democratic Party is a junior partner in Merkel's coalition.

Speaking of climate change, Maas also criticized governments who put "my country first" as he restated Germany's commitment to the internationally-backed Paris agreement to combat global warming that Trump has decided to quit.
An F-35B Lightning II launches from the flight deck of the USS Essex amphibious assault ship on September 22, 2018

A US F-35 stealth fighter plane was completely destroyed in a crash during training on Friday, officials said. The pilot safely ejected.

The crash is the first of its kind for the troubled F-35 program, marking an unfortunate moment for the most expensive plane in history.

The Marine Corps said in a statement that a Marine Corps F-35 had crashed around 11:45 am (1615 GMT) outside Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina.

"It's a total loss," one official said.

Images on social media show a plume of black smoke rising above what users said was a crash site.

The crashed plane was an F-35 "B" variant, used by the Marine Corps and capable of taking off from a short runway and landing vertically. The Air Force and Navy have their own models.

The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office said the pilot safely ejected and was being evaluated for injuries.

Unit costs vary, but the price tag of F-35s is around $100 million each. Future production lots of F-35s are projected to drop slightly in price.

The crash comes just one day after the US military first used the F-35, which has been beset with delays and cost overruns, in combat. Multiple Marine Corps F-35s struck Taliban targets in Afghanistan.

Launched in the early 1990s, the F-35 program is considered the most expensive weapons system in US history, with an estimated cost of some $400 billion and a goal to produce 2,500 aircraft in the coming years.

Once servicing and maintenance costs for the F-35 are factored in over the aircraft's lifespan through 2070, overall program costs are expected to rise to $1.5 trillion.

Proponents tout the F-35's radar-dodging stealth technology, supersonic speeds, close air support capabilities, airborne agility and a massive array of sensors giving pilots unparalleled access to information.

But the program has faced numerous delays, cost overruns and setbacks, including a mysterious engine fire in 2014 that led commanders to temporarily ground the planes.

So far, the US military has taken delivery of 245 F-35s, most of them to the Air Force.
US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and the woman who has accused him of sexual assault during their high school days, university professor Christine Blasey Ford, both say they are "100 percent" sure of their story -- but the stories don't match

US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford, the woman who says he sexually assaulted her decades ago, both say they are convinced their recollections of the past are correct.

But the stories do not match. How can one square the circle?

Elizabeth Loftus, a cognitive psychologist and professor at the University of California, Irvine, says it's possible that both are entirely sincere.

Loftus has spent decades researching human memory, and how those memories can change based on suggestion and other factors -- notably in the legal context. She offered the following thoughts to AFP on the Kavanaugh hearings:

- Sincerity -

Q: Is it possible that both witnesses are sincere?

A: "Absolutely. Certainly she came across as very credible and sympathetic, with most people wanting to believe her, and she seems to definitely believe what she is saying.

"He came across very angry and belligerent, and that is to be expected by someone who is convinced that he is being falsely accused.

"If he did do this, and he has no memory of it because it was so long ago, because maybe he was drinking more than usual and he forgot about that, he could honestly believe his denials."

- False memory -

Q: How commonly can a person misremember details of a real event?

A: "That would be very common. When you have an experience, especially a very upsetting experience... you often remember the core of the event -- you know it was an airplane crash and not a huge fire, and you can remember certain core details, but often many of the peripheral details will suffer.

"And then memory changes over the course of retelling with different audiences -- with the exposure to new information, other details can change.

"We have done studies where we show people an accident -- where a car goes through a yield sign and we suggest later it was a stop sign -- and many people will tell us they remember seeing a stop sign.

"Changing the details of an actual memory is a relatively easy thing to do. And it can happen spontaneously."

- 'Very, very certain, and wrong' -

Q: Does it make a difference if someone says they are 100 percent sure?

A: "Sometimes people are very, very certain and wrong. In DNA exonerations, you will find many instances where people start out being uncertain... they'll look at some photos and say, 'Well, that one looks the closest, I guess.'

"But by the time they get to trial, they've become vastly more certain, and therefore more persuasive.

"So you see in these cases how someone who is now very certain, was once not so certain. In those cases, we need to ask what made them become so certain."
Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador widely known as "AMLO," has been actively involved in the negotiations to update the North American Free Trade Agreement

There is no cutoff date for Canada to join the US-Mexican deal meant to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement, Mexico's president-elect said Friday as the text was submitted to legislators.

"There is no fatal date, there is still time to reach a deal... to keep (NAFTA) trilateral," said President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who takes office on December 1.

Lopez Obrador spoke as the US and Mexican Congresses were due to receive the final text of the two-way deal, moving it a big step closer to becoming reality.

At the same time, the United States and Canada continued to spar over the terms of Canada's possible inclusion in what was originally a three-country deal.

Lopez Obrador said he had spoken by phone Thursday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who told him his government's talks with Washington were "difficult."

"He said the negotiation was very difficult, that it might not be possible (to reach a three-way deal), but that they (Canada) had made a proposal," he told a press conference.

He said he had been informed Friday that there was a counter-proposal from the United States.

"That means the negotiations aren't over yet," he said.

The leftist president-elect reiterated his insistence that Mexico prefers to keep NAFTA 2.0 a three-country deal.

But he said he considered the substance of the US-Mexican deal to be final, and that Mexico did not want to renegotiate points that had already been agreed with Washington.

Lopez Obrador, widely known as "AMLO," has been actively involved in the negotiations to update the trade agreement.

US President Donald Trump has been pushing for a complete overhaul of NAFTA, which entered into force 25 years ago between the United States, Canada and Mexico.

In August, after breaking away for two-way talks on their outstanding issues, the United States and Mexico announced they had reached a two-way deal.

But talks to incorporate Canada have stumbled over issues including the protected Canadian dairy industry and a provision for settling trade disputes.

"We're not getting along with their negotiators," Trump said Wednesday of Canada.

"Canadians are tough negotiators, as we should be," Trudeau fired back.
Sayfullo Saipov, 30, allegedly drove a rented pickup truck down a mile-long stretch of bike path in Manhattan as children and their parents prepared to celebrate Halloween on October 31, 2017

US federal prosecutors on Friday signaled their intention to seek the death penalty against the Uzbek immigrant accused of killing eight people in a New York truck rampage, should he be convicted at trial.

Sayfullo Saipov, 30, allegedly drove a rented pickup truck down a mile-long stretch of bike path in Manhattan as children and their parents prepared to celebrate Halloween on October 31, 2017.

It was the deadliest attack in New York since the September 11, 2001 Al-Qaeda hijackings brought down the Twin Towers.

Five of those killed were friends from Argentina celebrating 30 years since their high school graduation. Twelve other people were wounded. The attack only ended when police shot Saipov in the abdomen.

In court documents, prosecutors called for the death penalty given the severity of the attack, the multitude of victims, because he was likely to commit further violence in the future and because he showed no remorse.

In the wake of the attack, President Donald Trump called for Saipov to be executed, but a capital punishment case is extremely rare in New York, which has abolished the death penalty at the state level.

Saipov claimed to have acted in the name of the Islamic State jihadist group and is due to go on trial in October 2019 on a raft of terrorism and murder charges. The IS group described him as one of its "soldiers."

The Uber driver and father-of-three has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Prosecutors said after his arrest that he felt so good about what he had done that he even demanded to hang the IS flag in his hospital room.

Prosecutors say he planned an attack for a year and chose Halloween deliberately in a bid to kill as many people as possible.
Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen addresses the General Assembly at the United Nations in New York on September 28, 2018

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen warned Friday against any questioning of the legitimacy of his controversial reelection after a top UN official doubted whether the polls could be regarded as democratic.

Hun Sen, who has been in power for more than 33 years, saw his Cambodian People's Party win all 125 seats in July's parliamentary elections after a shuttering of media outlets and jailing of political opponents and journalists.

In a report to the UN Human Rights Council earlier this week, UN Special Rapporteur for Cambodia Rhona Smith said the elections had "consigned multiparty liberal democracy to history for the next five years."

But speaking from the floor of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Hun Sen warned against any outside "interference" in Cambodian politics.

"The free choice of the Cambodian people and the legitimate result of this election is not a subject for question or debate," the veteran strongman said in his speech.

"Some external circles, however, who are on a mission to interfere in the domestic affairs of Cambodia still fail to see the quality and integrity of our election process by issuing statements against or attacking the election outcome.

"Such actions are a serious assault on the will of the Cambodian people."

A loud crowd of protesters gathered outside the UN building to denounce the Cambodian leader, some holding signs and chanting, "Hun Sun is a traitor!"

In her report, Smith said the dissolution of the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party and ban a large number of other senior opposition figures from all political activity "seriously calls into question the genuineness of these elections."

But Hun Sen said he had transformed a country "previously famous for its killing fields" when the dictator Pol Pot oversaw a reign of terror that left up to two million people dead from starvation, overwork or execution.

"The Cambodian nation is enjoying the dividends of peace, stability and rapid development which had never been seen before in its modern history," he said.

"Cambodia now enjoys full peace and has become a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia, a food exporter, an outstanding performer in poverty reduction and has seen an improvement of all social indicators."

The United Nations has played a key role in Cambodia's elections since the end of the Pol Pot era and the country's subsequent occupation by Vietnam in the 1980s, sponsoring the first democratic polls in 1993.
Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona is considered to be one of three Republicans who could oppose Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court

As the US Senate prepares to vote on whether to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to a lifetime appointment on the Supreme Court, all eyes are on three Republican senators who could make or break the nomination.

The Republican lawmakers considered potential opponents of President Donald Trump's pick for the nation's highest court are Jeff Flake of Arizona, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.

Republicans enjoy a slim 51-49 majority in the Senate and Kavanaugh, a staunch conservative, is unlikely to draw any support from the Democratic side of the aisle, although the possibility cannot be ruled out entirely.

A defection by just two Republicans would torpedo the hopes of Kavanaugh, a 53-year-old appeals court judge whose nomination has been clouded by allegations he committed a sexual assault decades ago while a teenager.

Flake, 55, has been a vocal critic of Trump, and Collins, 65, and Murkowski, 61, have crossed swords with the Republican president on several occasions.

Opponents of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh hold a protest outside the office of Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine

In July of last year, Collins and Murkowski earned Trump's ire when they voted against his attempt to repeal former president Barack Obama's health care legislation.

"Senator Lisa Murkowski of the Great State of Alaska really let the Republicans, and our country, down yesterday," Trump tweeted. "Too bad!"

Unlike most other Republicans, Collins and Murkowski back a women's right to an abortion and concerns have been raised that Kavanaugh could support attempts to overturn the 1973 Supreme Court ruling on the subject.

All three senators have been bombarded with questions from reporters and constituents all week about how they plan to vote and the pressure clearly caught up to Flake on Friday.

- 'Don't look away from me!' -

Just minutes after issuing a statement saying he would vote "yes" on Kavanaugh, Flake was confronted in a Senate elevator by several irate women who said they were victims of sexual assault.

Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska with Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh

"Don't look away from me! Look at me and tell me that it doesn't matter what happened to me, that you'll let people like that go to the highest court on the land," one weeping woman told a visibly uncomfortable Flake.

After extricating himself, the Arizona senator sprang an 11th-hour surprise as the Senate Judiciary Committee was preparing to vote on Kavanaugh's nomination.

Amid confusion in the hearing room, Flake called for the full Senate vote to be delayed for up to a week to allow the FBI to investigate the sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh.

Flake joined the 10 other Republicans on the panel in sending Kavanaugh's nomination to the Senate floor but he said later the results of the FBI probe could lead him to change his mind.

Murkowski and Collins both welcomed the delay and the FBI probe into the allegations by university professor Christine Blasey Ford that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in 1982.

"It was a good step today," Murkowski said.

Flake is retiring from the Senate but Collins, who will be up for re-election in 2020, is under pressure in her home state of Maine.

Hillary Clinton defeated Trump in Maine by 48 percent to 45 percent in the 2016 presidential election and the northeast state has been leaning increasingly Democratic.

A protestor holds up a sign during a protest against US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh in front of the court

Hundreds of women showed up on Friday outside Collins' office in Portland, Maine, to voice their opposition to Kavanaugh's nomination.

"A Sexual Predator Does Not Belong on the Supreme Court," read a sign carried by one of the protestors.

Murkowski is on safer ground in Alaska.

She comes from a storied Alaska political family -- her father was governor and a senator before her -- and she doesn't face the voters again until 2022.

Asked Friday if he has a message for Murkowski and Collins, Trump said he did not have one.

"They have to do what they think is right," the president said. "They have to be comfortable with themselves."
Ben Ojometa, 75, says he was injured while trying to escape the Cameroonian military. He is among thousands who fled across the border earlier this year to Cross Rivers State in southeast Nigeria

Cameroon is nervously awaiting the first anniversary on Monday of a declaration of independence by its English-speaking minority less than a week before the country plunges into presidential elections.

Attacks are occurring daily in the two regions that are home to this French-speaking country's anglophones, and many say they are afraid.

In the worst-affected areas, some people have fled with whatever possessions they can carry. Others say they rarely venture out of their homes, fearing separatists as well as the security forces.

On October 1 2017, radicals declared the creation of the "Republic of Ambazonia," covering two English-speaking regions incorporated into francophone Cameroon in 1961.

The declaration went largely unnoticed outside Cameroon, and "Ambazonia" -- named after a bay at the mouth of the Douala River -- has been recognised by no-one.

But the move marked the start of a crisis that has cast a shadow over the October 7 elections, in which 85-year-old president Paul Biya, who has ruled the country for 35 years, is seeking a seventh straight term in office.

"The army killed lots of people on October 1," Monsignor Emmanuel Bushu, bishop of the Buea, capital of Southwest Region, said at the time.

"For nearly two weeks, they shot at people like you shoot at birds."

- Mounting toll -

Biya's crackdown coincided with a surge of bloody attacks by the separatists, gunning down troops and police and burning schools and other perceived symbols of the Cameroonian state.

At least 400 civilians have been killed this year, according to the International Crisis Group think-tank. The government says 109 members of the security forces have been killed since the end of 2017.

Atrocities have been committed on both sides, according to watchdogs.

"The brutal attacks against ordinary people and security forces are further proof of the horrific escalation of violence," Amnesty International said on September 19.

According to UN figures, 246,000 people in the Southwest Region have fled their homes, and 25,000 have sought shelter in neighbouring Nigeria, many of them living from hand-to-mouth in the forests.

Estimates of displaced people in the neighbouring Northwest Region -- the other restive anglophone region -- are not available.

Cameroon

The government has imposed tight controls, including over the mainstream media, and both sides are fighting for public opinion in the domain of social media.

The economic damage, too, has been severe.

The state-run palm oil company Pamol has deserted some of its plantations, and cocoa and coffee production has stopped because villages have abandoned their crops, the Cameroon NGO Human Is Right said in July.

The government has set up an emergency aid fund for the two regions, to which many Cameroonians have given generously.

- Legacy of history -

Around a fifth of Cameroon's 22 million people are English-speaking.

The legacy dates back to the colonial period.

Cameroon, once a German colony, was divided between Britain and France after World War I.

The French colony gained independence in 1960, becoming Cameroon. The following year, the British-ruled Southern Cameroons was amalgamated into it, giving rise to the Northwest and Southwest regions.

But resentment at perceived discrimination at the hands of the francophone majority, especially in education and the judiciary, began to build.

Demands for greater autonomy grew but were always rebuffed by Biya, culminating in the October 1 declaration.

- Shadow over elections -

President Paul Biya, 85, has been head of state for 35 years. He has sternly rejected independence or a federal status for the two anglophone regions

The upcoming elections, a symbol of national sovereignty, have placed the separatists and the authorities in a toe-to-toe fight over who controls the two restive regions.

Attacks on schools rose in September after the return of classes following the summer break. A 12-hour night-time curfew has been declared in the Northwest Region.

The separatists -- known as the "Ambazonians" or "Amba Boys" -- have vowed to prevent the elections from taking place.

"I'm afraid. I won't turn out to vote," said Elizabeth, who lives in the holiday resort of Limbe in the Southwest Region, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"I'm afraid of the Ambazonians but also of the police and military who kill... things could go very badly on polling day."

Another voter, who gave her name as Ruth, said, "I won't vote, and many people I know won't be voting either, because of the threats of the Ambazonians."

The government has declared that the poll will take place in all of the country's 360 districts, although some ballot stations will be "relocated" to reduce the risk of attacks.

"I'm sure the elections will go ahead... but the turnout is likely to be low," said a worker with an NGO which will be monitoring the ballot.
Iraqis walk past Kurdish flags in central Kirkuk on September 24, 2017, on the eve of an independence referendum for the autonomous region of Kurdistan

The oil-rich Iraqi region of Kurdistan is struggling to rebuild its economy, a year after an ill-fated independence referendum that Baghdad deemed illegal.

A massive yes vote in the September 2017 plebiscite provoked a furious backlash by the central government, turning a long-cherished dream of the Kurds into an economic nightmare.

Federal forces retook oilfields, depriving the mountainous northern enclave of its economic lifeblood, while Baghdad also imposed a six-month air blockade.

And in another blow, Iraq's parliament in March passed a budget that saw Kurdistan's slice of the federal cake drop from 17 percent to less than 13 percent.

Outmanoeuvred, Kurdish lawmakers boycotted the vote.

Members of the Kurdish Peshmerga forces queue up outside a polling station in Arbil in Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region, on September 28, 2018, as they vote two days ahead of the general public

But the Kurds are now gearing up for another poll; an election on Sunday for the regional parliament.

The local economy -- and relations with Baghdad -- top the agenda.

Rawa Burhan, 20, intends to vote. He hopes that the new parliament and future government of Kurdistan "will open a new page in relations with the Iraqi government".

Burhan said Kurdish authorities must "negotiate a (new) budget (with the federal government) in order to end the suffering of the people".

He said his parents, both state employees, have seen their combined monthly income of around $1,700 (1,470 euros) drop to $800, due to the economic hardships that have hit the region.

Saman Qader, who has worked for Kurdistan's ministry of electricity for 15 years, has seen his paycheck shrink from nearly $500 a month to $300.

Iraqi Kurds release balloons during a demonstration at Arbil airport in the autonomous northern Kurdish region, after the central government ordered an indefinite halt to all foreign flights to and from Iraqi Kurdistan on September 29, 2017

The 51-year-old father of four said trying to make it to the end of the month is a real battle as he struggles to pay his bills, medical costs for his sick wife and school and university fees for his children.

- 'Economic catastrophe' -

"At the onset of 2017, the economic crisis was a catastrophe," said Adel Bakawan, director general of the Kurdistan Centre for Sociology at the Soran University near the Iraqi Kurdish capital of Arbil.

"Civil servants, who represent 60 percent of the active workforce, saw their salaries halved. For some the salaries dropped by 75 percent," he said.

Iraqi Kurdistan

This sparked demonstrations while investors "massively pulled back and thousands of investment projects were shelved".

Bakawan said the proportion of people living in poverty in Iraqi Kurdistan rose to 15 percent.

Many analysts and residents blame the economic meltdown on the September 2017 independence referendum.

But even before that controversial vote, Iraqi Kurdistan was suffering economic hardship.

The region had initially enjoyed an economic boom after the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, as the rest of the country sank into violence.

But the emergence of the Islamic State group in 2014 coupled with tumbling global oil prices battered the economy.

Iraqi Kurds wave flags during a rally for the Kurdistan Democratic Party, at the Franco Hariri Stadium, in Arbil, the capital of the northern Iraqi region of Kurdistan on September 25, 2018

Since 2014, Iraqi Kurdistan has borrowed more than $4 billion to stay afloat, according to some experts, and before the doomed referendum it had chalked up debt of around $12 billion.

- Business slowly returns -

According to official figures, 87 percent of households across Iraqi Kurdistan -- home to around six million people -- eke out a living on less than $850 per month.

And there is an enormous gap between rich and poor, according to Bakawan.

Low-income groups who feel marginalised "have no hope that their condition will improve by voting for any one party" in the election, he said.

Nawzad Ghafour, vice President of the Sulaimaniyah Chamber of Commerce, at his office in the Iraqi Kurdish city of Sulaimaniyah on September 24, 2018

But some entrepreneurs say they see a light at the end of the tunnel, even if the economy is struggling to diversify.

"This year there were between 400 and 500 new projects launched in the fields of tourism, construction, services and industry," said Nawzad Ghafour at the Sulaimaniyah Chamber of Commerce.

"40,000 jobs will be created within four years," he added.

But according to a recent UN report, more than 20 percent of unemployed Iraqi Kurds said they have lost hope of finding a job.
The Aquarius is the last civilian rescue ship in the central Mediterranean

The last civilian rescue ship in the central Mediterranean is unable to take 58 migrants to port for fear of being impounded as other boats have been in what aid groups say is an illegal campaign to stop their work.

While the Aquarius waits to transfer its passengers to a Maltese coastguard vessel in international waters after Panama pulled its flag, preventing it being able to leave any port, other impounded vessels are fighting a protracted legal battle to depart Valletta.

Maltese authorities have prevented at least two NGO ships as well as a reconnaissance plane from leaving the island, and their predicament is emblematic of that suffered by many of what used to be a fleet of a dozen humanitarian vessels.

The Sea-Watch 3 belonging to the eponymous German NGO has been held in port since June and those on board are trying to find out exactly why they cannot sail.

Dutch inspectors were called in and gave the Netherlands-flagged ship the all-clear in July, but the ship is still not allowed to leave and the NGO says "there are no legal grounds to detain the Sea-Watch 3."

- Political reasons -

Italy's far-right anti-immigrant Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, who came to power in early June, has closed Italian ports to rescue ships chartered by NGOs which he calls "smuggler helpers"

"I'm extremely disappointed by the behaviour of the authorities not giving any legal grounds, trying to fool us with some stupid arguments which are not applicable," said head of mission Tamino Bohm.

"If you look at it (for) a few seconds it's clearly a political reason."

Bohm told AFP that the ship is ready to resume its work as soon as it gets permission.

"We would be ready in a few hours, to fly in some additional crew, get the ship ready and resume our operation," he said.

Italy's far-right anti-immigrant Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, who came to power in early June, has closed Italian ports to the NGOs which he calls "smuggler helpers".

"I'm really scared about the situation at the moment and highly concerned that a government or many governments are trying to use any means to stop sea rescue," said Bohm.

The Moonbird light plane operated by Sea-Watch to scan the Mediterranean for stricken migrants has also been grounded since May, again without the Maltese authorities communicating the legal basis for its decision, according to the NGO.

Three MEPs visited Malta earlier this month and called on the Maltese government to "end the unlawful detention" of the boats and plane.

"A humanitarian act such as rescue at sea is not a crime and should never be criminalised," they wrote to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat on September 18.

In response, Muscat denied the vessels were being detained unlawfully, saying simply that Maltese authorities "need to ascertain that national and international rules are respected".

German NGO Lifeline's ship of the same name was also seized upon arrival in Valletta in June for alleged registration issues, although they say no problem has been identified with its paperwork.

Lifeline's captain is due in court on Tuesday to hear the latest development in the alleged erroneous registration of his ship.

"We're very interested to see what's going to happen next because what we're witnessing here is definitely a suffocating technique to keep us here detained on board in a very easy way," said Lifeline's Neeske Beckmann.

- Similar fate -

Sea-Watch says that the absence of civilian boats means that while numbers of people leaving North Africa have dropped, "the risk of dying is more than three or four times higher than some months before."

"If all the civilian actors are pushed out of the search and rescue zone, we cannot witness anything any more and we know from certain cases that the Libyan coastguard is not reporting deaths to the IOM (International Organisation for Migration) and UNHCR (UN refugee agency) as required," said Bohm.
The gusts damaged trees on Okinawa island

A powerful typhoon pummelled Japan's southern island of Okinawa Saturday, injuring at least five, as weather officials warned the storm would rip through the Japanese archipelago over the weekend.

Typhoon Trami, packing maximum gusts of 216 kilometres (134 miles) per hour near its centre, was forecast to hit the mainland early Sunday and could cause extreme weather across the country into Monday.

Television footage showed branches ripped from trees by strong winds blocking a main street in Naha, with massive waves splashing on breakwaters on a remote island in the region and torrential horizontal rain.

Some 600 people evacuated to shelters in Okinawa and electricity was cut to more than 121,000 homes, public broadcaster NHK said.

Typhoon Trami

At least 386 flights were cancelled mainly in western Japan, according to public broadcaster NHK.

Five people suffered injuries in storm-related accidents in Okinawa, but no one was feared dead, local officials said.

"The number may rise as we are still collecting information," said Motoki Minei, an official at the island's disaster-management office.

"We are urging our residents to stay vigilant against the typhoon," he told AFP.

The weather agency warned people across Japan to be on alert for "violent winds, high waves, heavy rain."

After raking the outlying islands, the typhoon is forecast to pick up speed and approach western Japan on Sunday, remaining very strong as it barrels over the mainland.

Fishermen in Kagoshima bay, where the typhoon is expected to make landfall, were already making preparations, tying down their boats as Trami approached.

Angler Masakazu Hirase told AFP: "It's dreadful because we already know there's another typhoon after this one but you cannot compete with nature. We do what we can to limit the damage."

Fisherman made preparations for approaching Typhoon Tramiby by tying down their boats

If the forecast holds, it will be the latest in a series of extreme natural events to strike Japan.

Western parts of Japan are still recovering from the most powerful typhoon to strike the country in a quarter of a century, which claimed 11 lives and shut down the main regional airport in early September.

Deadly record rains also hit western Japan earlier this year and the country sweltered through one of the hottest summers on record.

Also in September, a magnitude 6.6 earthquake rocked the northern island of Hokkaido, sparking landslides and leaving more than 40 people dead.
A powerful quake set off a 1.5-metre tsunami that swamped parts of the Indonesian city of Palu on Friday

Scores of people have been killed after a powerful quake sparked a tsunami with waves as high as 1.5 metres (five feet) that smashed into the Indonesian city of Palu.

Harrowing video showed waves of water bringing down several buildings and inundating a large mosque.

AFP takes a look at the five deadliest tsunamis recorded over the past century.

- 'Megathrust' quake in Aceh -

On December 26, 2004, a 9.1-magnitude "megathrust" earthquake hit Aceh on the northern tip of Sumatra island in Indonesia, causing a tsunami that reached coastal areas as far away as Somalia.

The waves pounded several countries around the Indian Ocean, killing more than 170,000 in Indonesia alone, the vast majority in Aceh province.

More than 170,000 people were killed in Indonesia, many in Aceh, when a huge tsunami caused massive devastation in December 2004

The tsunami killed about 50,000 people in other countries, bringing the total fatalities to approximately 220,000, making it one of the worst natural disasters in human history.

There was no warning of the impending tsunami, giving little time for evacuation, despite the hours-long gaps between the waves striking different continents.

The earthquake unleashed energy equivalent to 23,000 of the atomic bombs dropped on the Japanese city of Hiroshima, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

- Tsunami, meltdown in Japan -

On March 11, 2011, Japan was struck by an enormous 9.0-magnitude earthquake, unleashing a towering tsunami that levelled communities along the country's northeastern coast.

The tsunami that hit Japan in 2011 devastated a swathe of the northeast coast, much of which lay in ruins for a long time

About 19,000 people were left dead or missing as the terrifying wall of water that travelled at the speed of a jet plane swallowed up everything in its path.

The water swamped reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, sparking reactor meltdowns in the worst atomic accident since Chernobyl in 1986.

The disaster is still deeply engrained in the nation's collective psyche and to this day, there are people from ravaged communities still living in temporary accommodation.

- Chile: World's worst quake -

The most powerful earthquake ever recorded -- at magnitude 9.5 -- devastated Chile in May 1960 and the resulting tsunami tore around the world.

The 1960 quake that caused terrible damage in Chile was the most powerful ever recorded and generated a tsunami that travelled all the way across the Pacific

More than 5,700 people were killed in Chile and 61 in Hawaii when the waves reached the coast there. The destruction spread as far as Japan, where 142 people were killed and 1,600 buildings damaged.

Survivors in Japan said the 1960 tsunami reached heights of up to five metres (16 feet).

- Moro Gulf -

Just after midnight on August 17, 1976, a quake measuring 7.9 struck near the Philippine islands of Mindanao and Sulu and the resulting tsunami with waves of five metres at the highest point swept thousands away as they slept.

Between 5,000 and 8,000 people were killed, according to official estimates, making it one of the worst natural disasters in the history of the Philippines.

- Papua New Guinea -

On July 17, 1998, Papua New Guinea was rocked by two quakes, each of 7.0 magnitude.

Two earthquakes hit a 30 kilometre stretch of coastline in Papua New Guinea in 1998, killing at least 2,000 people

The twin quakes prompted a tsunami that ravaged 30 kilometres (18 miles) of the northern coastline of the country, sweeping away seven villages in its path.

According to official statistics, more than 2,000 lives were lost but local sources put the death toll at between 6,000 and 8,000. More than 12,000 were made homeless by the disaster.
Anwar is expected to easily win the local election on October 13 and re-enter parliament as an MP

Malaysia's leader-in-waiting Anwar Ibrahim started campaigning Saturday for a poll set to return him to frontline politics -- but faces a surprise rival in the form of an ex-aide who once accused him of sodomy.

Anwar is expected to easily win the local election on October 13 and re-enter parliament as an MP, just months after being released from jail following his alliance's shock election win.

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, 93, has pledged to step aside within two years to hand power to Anwar, his former nemesis with whom he teamed up to oust scandal-plagued Najib Razak and his long-ruling coalition at the national polls in May.

Following the vote, Anwar, 71, received a royal pardon releasing him from prison where he was serving a sentence for sodomy in a case that his supporters said was politically motivated.

He needs to be elected as an MP to qualify to take over from Mahathir, and earlier this month a lawmaker from his party vacated his seat in the coastal town of Port Dickson to allow Anwar's return to parliament.

On Saturday, hundreds of flag-waving supporters of the ruling Pact of Hope alliance marched to a hall in the town as Anwar and the other candidates formally registered for the poll.

But there was shock when it emerged that one of his six rivals in the election is Mohamad Saiful Bukhari Azlan, a former volunteer in Anwar's office whose accusations of sodomy led to him being jailed in 2015.

The ex-aide is running as an independent candidate.

Ibrahim Suffian, who heads independent polling firm Merdeka Center, told AFP Anwar's "detractors are out to embarrass him in any little way they can".

Sodomy charges were first thrown at Anwar in the 1990s, when he was deputy premier and Mahathir was in his first stint as premier, after the pair had a bitter falling out.

He was jailed for the first time in 1999 for sodomy and corruption.

After years leading a disparate opposition, Anwar forged an unexpected alliance with Mahathir to challenge the long-ruling coalition after Najib became embroiled in a scandal surrounding state fund 1MDB. Najib has been arrested and charged over the controversy since losing power.
Tsujiki market is famed for its pre-dawn tuna auctions

Braving steady typhoon-driven rain, several hundred protesters held a demonstration on Saturday in Tokyo against the closure of Tsukiji, the world's biggest fish market and a lucrative tourist magnet.

The two-hour protest drew fishmongers, clients and fans of the market, which is due to close its doors on October 6 after 83 years to move to a site in Toyosu, several kilometres east.

"Save the culture of Tsukiji" and "Tsukiji can live for another 100 years" were among the slogans chanted by the protesters, who have filed a legal suit in a bid to prevent the move.

Fishmongers were among those protesting to save the famous Tsukiji fish market, which has been at the site for 83 years

Lawyer Kenji Utsunomiya told AFP he had "always argued for Tsukiji to stay in Tsukiji."

"The new site at Toyosu is not suitable for wholesalers. There are going to be a lot of problems," said Utsunomiya, who ran to be mayor of Tokyo in 2012 and 2014.

Critics worry about soil contamination at Toyosu, which delayed the move from its original date of 2016.

The new fish market in Toyosu is set to open officially on October 11

Tokyo mayor Yuriko Koike insisted earlier this month that the new complex, located on a former gas plant, would be safe and provide a "cutting-edge" environment for the selling of fish.

Utsunomiya however said that protesters could not understand why Tokyo would get rid of a site like Tsukiji which has a "global reputation and which all the foreign tourists will want to visit, especially as we approach the Tokyo Olympics in 2020."

Proponents of the move argue that Tsukiji is no longer fit for purpose, especially when it comes to modern-day hygiene and fire regulations.

The Tsukiji fish market opened in 1935 and is famed for its pre-dawn markets

But Asunaro Suetake, one of the protesters, said it was "strange to move the world's biggest fish market to a polluted site, especially when the majority of fishmongers are opposed."

Tsukiji market opened in 1935 and is famed for its pre-dawn tuna auctions, with one fish going for more than $320,000 at the market's final New Year's auction last year.

The new Toyosu market will officially throw open its doors on October 11.
Women sift through the remains of a market blown up September 20, in Amarwa, near Borno state capital Maiduguri. Over 27,000 people have been killed in Borno and two neighbouring states since 2009, in one of the world's most violent conflicts

Borno state in northeast Nigeria has been devastated by Boko Haram's Islamist insurgency but candidates are lining up to become governor at elections next year.

At least 21 politicians have thrown their hat in the ring to try to secure the nomination for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at party primaries this weekend.

Whoever emerges as winner will contest for the governorship at elections in March next year and likely succeed Kashim Shettima, who steps down after a maximum two four-year terms.

Muslim-majority northeast Nigeria is an APC stronghold and in 2015 an overwhelming 94 percent of voters chose Muhammadu Buhari in Borno state, securing his victory for the presidency.

APC governorship primaries are being held in most of Nigeria's 36 states on Sunday but the crowded field for the Borno ticket is unusual, not least because of the huge challenges it faces.

More than 27,000 people have been killed in Borno and two neighbouring states since 2009, in one of the world's most violent conflicts that has destroyed homes and infrastructure.

Suicide bombings and attacks against both civilians and the military remain a constant threat, despite official claims that the jihadists are weakened to the point of defeat.

Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima (L) is stepping down after a maximum two four-year terms

Aid agencies are meanwhile grappling with the humanitarian fall-out from the conflict, not least providing 1.8 million homeless people with food, shelter and life-saving healthcare.

Since 2016, more than $10 billion (8.6 billion euros) in state and federal government funding has been ploughed into northeast Nigeria to improve security and help the relief effort.

On top of that has come international donor funding of emergency and humanitarian projects from tackling severe acute malnutrition to sanitation and food security.

Earlier this month, a conference in Berlin saw pledges of $2.52 billion to help Nigeria and its neighbours Cameroon, Chad and Niger fight Boko Haram and deal with the aftermath of violence.

- Control of resources -

Shettima, who has been governor since 2011, is expected to contest for a seat in the Senate but has complained "Abuja-based politicians" were trying to impose their own candidate in the remote region.

In Borno state, suicide bombings and attacks against both civilians and the military remain a constant threat, despite official claims that the jihadists are weakened to the point of defeat

The governor last month said he had no preferred candidate of his own "and no power to elect or impose a governor". He has said only God would decided his successor.

Divinely chosen or not, at the very least it can be said that Shettima has political links to many of the candidates: eight of the 21 are members of his cabinet.

Khalifa Dikwa, from the University of Maiduguri, told AFP that was "a political strategy by Shettima to dominate the contest against the Abuja bloc and ensure only his preferred candidate wins".

The APC in Borno has opted for indirect primaries in which delegates vote for candidates on behalf of blocs of local party members.

Burnout cars remain after a September 20 attack by Boko Haram on a market in Amarwa, near Borno state capital Maiduguri in northeast Nigeria

In Nigeria, state governors control enormous financial resources and are also in charge of local political party structures and officials.

"The reason why Shettima flooded the contest with his men is to allow him to have the highest number of delegates," said political analyst Modu Mustapha.

"It is a strategy used in indirect primaries where delegates decide."

Mustapha said he would not rule out a mass last-minute withdrawal from Shettima-backed candidates to make way for the preferred candidate and ask delegates to vote for him.

"Since the governor controls the party in Borno, the delegates will do as he says," he added.

Local media have said Shettima has settled on his commissioner for reconstruction, resettlement and rehabilitation, Babagana Umara, as his successor.

Umara has spearheaded a controversial policy of returning tens of thousands of displaced people from makeshift camps in the state capital Maiduguri.

Aid agencies have said basic services and infrastructure were still lacking in many towns outside the state capital.

Dikwa said the struggle for power was largely about control of resources rather than any desire to bring about "meaningful improvement" to the embattled, impoverished population.
German police are expecting up to 10,000 protesters to hit the streets of Cologne as the Turkish president visits

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to open one of Europe's largest mosques in Cologne on Saturday as he wraps up a controversial visit to Germany, with police deploying in force amid planned protests.

The inauguration will be the closing event of his three-day state visit, aimed at repairing frayed ties with Berlin after two years of tensions.

After talks with Angela Merkel on Friday, both leaders signalled their interest in a cautious rapprochement, but the German chancellor stressed that "deep differences" remained on civil rights and other issues.

Some 10,000 Erdogan critics are expected to take to the streets in Cologne, protesting everything from Turkey's record on human rights and press freedom to its treatment of minority Kurds.

About 300 people had gathered on the bank of the Rhine early Saturday. They held banners proclaiming "Erdogan not welcome" and shouted slogans such as "International solidarity" and "Away with fascism".

The sheer size of the Cologne Central Mosque has disgruntled some locals, triggering occasional protests

Cansu, a 30-year-old student of Turkish origin came from Switzerland for the rally.

"I want to be the voice of people who can't take to the streets in Turkey. Because they have been arrested, killed or otherwise suppressed. Erdogan thinks anything that differs from his opinion is terrorism. I am here to show solidarity."

And Tomas, a German student turned up in a suit spotted with fake blood. He held a giant banner with several other people that read "Dictator. Mass murderer".

"I can understand that he was invited to Berlin. But that he is coming to Cologne is a provocation. We are here to show: Cologne does not want you," the 22-year-old said.

Erdogan supporters meanwhile will gather at the Cologne Central Mosque, an imposing dome-shaped building next to the shadowy, Turkish-controlled Ditib organisation.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meet in Berlin to repair ties after two years of tensions

Cologne police said they were bracing for one of their biggest ever deployments, and that a maximum of 5,000 people would be allowed to attend the opening ceremony for safety reasons.

Both Cologne mayor Henriette Reker and the state's premier Armin Laschet pulled out of attending the opening as criticism of Erdogan's visit grew.

The snubs echo the lukewarm welcome the Turkish leader received the previous evening at a state dinner hosted by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, which several opposition politicians boycotted. Merkel also skipped the banquet.

- Conciliatory noises -

Ties between the two countries soured after Berlin criticised Ankara's crackdown on opponents following a failed 2016 coup, with tens of thousands arrested.

Tensions eased somewhat after several high-profile German-Turkish nationals were released this year, but five remain behind bars.

Merkel, whose country is home to more than three million ethnic Turks, stressed the need for continued dialogue to overcome disagreements, particularly "in questions about a democratic, open society".

But she also highlighted Germany's interest in a "stable" Turkey, which she relies on to help stem the flow of migrants arriving on European shores.

A woman walks with a banner reading 'Erdogan not Welcome' in front of Cologne's cathedral

Erdogan, seeking European allies as he spars with US President Donald Trump and the Turkish economy is in turmoil, likewise struck a conciliatory tone.

But he said Germany was doing too little to deal with thousands of Kurdish militants on its soil.

And he complained that Germany was refusing to extradite followers of Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom he blames for the coup attempt.

In a Berlin rally hours later, hundreds of mostly ethnic Kurdish demonstrators marched with banners that showed likenesses of Erdogan shooting a journalist and devouring a peace dove.

- Mosque controversy -

Erdogan's visit on Saturday takes him to North Rhine-Westphalia state, which is home to significant numbers of ethnic Turks, many who moved to Germany as so-called "guest workers" from the 1960s.

The giant Cologne Central Mosque opened its doors in 2017 after eight years of construction and budget overruns. It can house more than a thousand worshippers.

The size of the building, designed to resemble a flower bud opening, and its two towering minarets has disgruntled some locals, triggering occasional protests.

The Turkish-Islamic Union of the Institute for Religion (Ditib) that commissioned the glass and cement structure is itself not without controversy.

The group runs hundreds of mosques across Germany with imams paid by the Turkish state.

Known for its close ties to Ankara, it has increasingly come under scrutiny with some of its members suspected of spying on Turkish dissidents living in Germany.
Iranian children hold pictures of a victim of Saturday's gun attack against a military parade in the southwestern city of Ahvaz, during a public funeral held on September 24

Tehran has identified an array of parties as perpetrating or having a hand in the September 22 attack that killed 24 people in the city of Ahvaz.

Ahvaz is the capital of Khuzestan, a province bordering Iraq in southwestern Iran where ethnic Arabs form a majority.

There have been two claims of responsibility for the gun assault against a military parade, including one by the Islamic State (IS) group.

Here is what we know about the accusations and claims.

- Separatist movements -

Soon after the attack, the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps accused the Al-Ahwaziya movement of culpability.

Al-Ahwaziya is an Arab separatist movement from Khuzestan province, but it comprises various groups.

On Saturday, London-based opposition channel Iran International TV broadcast a claim of responsibility by a group called the Ahvaz National Resistance.

Two other regional separatist movements -- the Ahwazi Democratic Popular Front and the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz -- made statements denying any involvement.

- The blame game -

President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday accused an unnamed Gulf country of giving financial, armed and political support to the instigators of the attack.

The same day, Iran's foreign ministry summoned the UAE's charge d'affaires over what it called "offensive remarks" by a political adviser. Abu Dhabi denied any link to the attack.

Iran has strained relations with the UAE, while diplomatic ties with Bahrain and regional rival Saudi Arabia have been broken since 2016.

Map of Ahvaz in Iran

On Saturday, Iran summoned diplomats from Denmark, the Netherlands and Britain, accusing these countries of hosting "terrorist group members" responsible for the attack.

In a statement on Sunday, the Revolutionary Guard pointed the finger of blame at a "Western-Hebrew-Arabic satanic triangle".

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the attack was carried out by "terrorists recruited, trained, armed & paid by a foreign regime".

"Iran holds regional terror sponsors and their US masters accountable for such attacks," he wrote on Twitter.

Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei described the attack as the continuation of a "conspiracy by regional governments in the pay of the US".

- Islamic State group -

IS claimed its first attack in Iran on June 7, 2017, when gunmen and suicide bombers hit the parliament in Tehran and the shrine of revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, killing 17 people and wounding dozens.

On Wednesday, IS threatened to carry out new attacks in the Islamic republic.

Iran is "flimsier than a spider's web, and with God's help, what comes will be worse and more bitter", the group said in a statement on the Telegram messaging app.

In a video released in March 2017, the jihadists threatened to retaliate against Iran for its military and logistical support to the Syrian and Iraqi governments, as Damascus and Baghdad battled IS insurgencies.

The jihadists said they wanted to conquer Iran to "return it to the Sunni Muslim nation" and to provoke a Shiite bloodbath.
Chinese leaders, more than those of most other countries, look more to historical lessons when deciding how the rule China effectively and remain in power. One event Chinese leaders still pay close attention to is the collapse of communist governments in Europe between 1989 and1991. While China could understand why the East European communist nations rebelled against communist governments imposed on them by Russia after World War II, the Chinese are still careful to avoid the errors that brought down the mighty Soviet Union in 1991. The key Russian problem, as the Chinese see it, was the inefficiency of the Soviet economy. The Soviets never allowed a free market to develop, as China did in the 1980s. By the 1990s the Chinese market economy was growing ten percent or more a year, a rate sustained for twenty years. Thus per capita GDP went from $333 in 1991 to $7,500 now. The Russian GDP continued shrinking after 1991 and it took more than a decade for a market economy to get going. Yet Russian economic growth is still crippled by corruption and the continued existence of state owned enterprises (SOEs).

Chinese leaders thought they had learned from these Russian mistakes but now Chinese economists and bankers are reporting that China has many of the problems that brought down the Soviet Union and kept post-Soviet Russia weak. While China currently has the second largest economy on the planet it has many serious problems that cannot be ignored. For one thing, China still has a lot of SOEs, which employ about a fifth of the workforce. For political reasons the communist government cannot get rid of these SOEs even though they are a major threat to the banking system. Inefficient and often unprofitable SOEs consume about half the available bank credit while only sustaining a fifth of the GDP. The CCP (Chinese Communist Party) needs the SOEs to provide jobs for many key supporters and that means a lot more corruption is tolerated in SOEs than in free market firms.

China has made impressive efforts to deal with corruption it concentrates on, such as corruption that causes the most unrest among the general population. This includes blatantly corrupt behavior at the local level as well as in the military or companies where the bad behavior leads to tainted food or medicine. But if you are a loyal senior official and show discretion and restraint in your corrupt practices you are left alone. That form of favoritism is necessary to run what is, just another Chinese dynasty. The 1911 revolt the ended the monarchy did not replace the emperor and his bureaucracy with anything much different. After four decades of civil war and fighting Japanese invaders the communists took control and what they established quickly evolved into a hereditary aristocracy. By 2017 China had returned to the emperor for life model as Xi Jinping persuaded the Chinese leadership to accept the restoration of lifetime tenure for the supreme leader, instead of the five year term system adopted after the disastrous lifetime rule of the first communist emperor (Mao Zedong) in 1976. Mao was better rebel leader than emperor and his 18 years of misrule killed over fifty million Chinese and made an anemic economy even weaker. After Mao, there was reorganization rather than chaos and among the many practical reforms instituted was a market economy that could thrive under the rule of a communist police state.

But then came 1989-91 and the wealthier and wiser Chinese rulers sought answers to why all those communist police states in East Europe just evaporated, replaced by various degrees of democracy and free market economies. Chinese leaders are still unsure what the most important lessons for China are to be learned from all that. Some of the lessons were obvious. For example, a communist command economy cannot compete with a free market economy. Or at least no one has figured out how to do it. But creating a market economy proved easier than repairing the damage decades of communist rule had inflicted. In addition to the corruption (the free market economy grew in part by simply bribing disruptive communist officials to get out of the way), there was the growing pollution of both water and the air. All that economic growth produced more pollution which Western democracies were quicker to clean up. Politicians who got in the way of that were unable to get reelected. In a communist police state bad news could be kept out of the news for a while but with the capital suffering some of the worst air pollution in the world, the pollution became a major issue and it is still a long way from being fixed.

Some of the other lessons learned from the Soviet collapse are also being increasingly ignored. For example, it was noted that the Soviet economy collapsed in large part because such a large portion of GDP (over 20 percent) went to military spending and related foreign affairs. The Soviets recklessly spent large sums on supporting allies. The Soviet subsidies kept North Korea and Cuba economically viable and loyal. Lesser sums were wasted on arms sales financed by low-interest loans that were never paid off. Same with a lot of non-military foreign aid. Now Chinese leaders are being reminded that they are moving towards the self-destructive Soviet practices even though in the 1990s it was agreed that arms races and bad loans to fickle allies were a bad idea. While on paper the Chinese defense budget is about a fifth of what the Americans spend, Chinese economists point out that the U.S. economy is better able to support that degree of spending. Meanwhile, if you calculate Chinese defense spending the same way the Americans do the Chinese defense spending is closer to half what the Americans spend. Another expensive Chinese decision was to adopt a nationalist posture in order to obtain more support from Chinese who would otherwise be questioning the wisdom of communist rule because of the corruption and pollution.

That may change as China's OBOR (One Belt, One Road) program to establish secure sea lanes for Chinese trade and new roads, railways and pipelines throughout Eurasia, especially Southeast Asia and Central Asia. Many of the new port projects are being built in South Asia and Africa. A lot of these projects are very risky because if they cannot trigger enough additional economic activity China will end up holding the bad debt. China is investing over a trillion dollars in OBOR projects and some see this as one huge make work (mainly for Chinese workers and engineers who are sent overseas to build this stuff) effort financed by the Chinese banking system. The Chinese bankers are increasingly worried about too much bad debt and what that can do. Japan is a nearby example that suffered from a bad debt crises because of a real estate bubble. Japan has yet to recover from that mess and Chinese bankers dont want to be stuck with the same mess.

This use of nationalism has led Chinese leaders to make a lot of the expensive mistakes they belittle the American leadership for. While the United States is often accused of ignoring the cultural differences with its allies and opponents and making bad decisions based on misperceptions, other countries often do the same. While the United States has made many mistakes because American leaders believed foreigners thought like Americans (but in a different language) at least the U.S. has come to acknowledge that this problem exists. Not so in China where this lack of empathy for other cultures is rampant in the government and especially in the military. This includes that part of the military that prepares plans for dealing with foreigners in crises situations that could lead to war.

While Chinese leaders are very conscious of their own history and the many lessons they can still learn from all that the one lesson that makes their neighbors nervous is that the Chinese believe Chinese expansion is a natural and justified policy for China. The neighbors are very uncomfortable with China's reemerging (and quite ancient) attitude that China is the center of the universe (the "Middle Kingdom") and that everyone should show more respect and pay tribute. The Chinese government encourages these nationalistic attitudes, and many Chinese are eager to see China become more powerful and "get more respect." This is dangerous stuff and a common precursor to war. But China is run by a communist police state that sees nationalism as a useful tool to keep the communists in power. This is the sort of atmosphere that triggered the two World Wars. In 1914 Germany, long the disunited and picked apart mess in Central Europe was united (in 1870) for the first time and wanted respect to go along with its newfound economic and military power.

In contemporary China, an actual war would likely destroy the communists, who are unpopular already because of corruption, abuse of power and pollution. A major component of any future war would be economic, as China is now dependent on imports of raw materials. That is something new in Chinese history, as the Chinese have, for thousands of years, prided themselves on self-sufficiency. That is gone and can't be regained without some drastic economic and cultural changes. Thus the Chinese communists are playing a game of bluster and bluff. This is especially true when you consider that the Chinese armed forces are also crippled by massive corruption and mismanagement. For that reason alone the Chinese government would avoid actual war. But short of large-scale fighting, there's a lot the Chinese can do to push their neighbors around. China tries to substitute economic power, as the Russians often did with their loans but China is finding that their cheap loans are no more effective than the Russian ones. Socialist Venezuela is turning out to be a particularly expensive and unpleasant example of this and North Korea threatens to become a similar expensive catastrophe.

American planners have become aware of the lack of realistic planning by the Chinese military. Chinese wargames tend to ignore the reality of how their neighbors make military and diplomatic decisions. The Chinese military planners are particularly blind to the intricacies of politics in democracies and the influence of media (especially the Internet). While the Chinese appreciate the Internet as a tool for propaganda and espionage they have a blind spot when it comes to how the mass media influence political and military decision making in the powerful democracies (like the United States, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea) they might face in a future war. The U.S. is trying to develop ways to deal with this blind spot and so far can only conclude that China has now become a more irrational and dangerous adversary because the Middle Kingdom leaders are too busy staring at themselves in a mirror rather than paying attention to what is happening outside their border.
Mourners take part on September 29, 2018 in the funeral procession of Mohammed al-Houm, 14, who was killed a day earlier during clashes along the Gaza-Israel border

The UN called Saturday for Israel and Hamas rulers to rein in violence a day after border clashes in which the Gaza health ministry said seven Palestinians were killed.

"I am deeply saddened by reports that seven Palestinians, including two children, were killed, and hundreds of others injured, by Israeli forces during demonstrations in the Gaza Strip yesterday (Friday)," the UN's humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinian territories, Jamie McGoldrick, said in a statement.

"I call on Israel, Hamas and all other actors with the ability to influence the situation, to take action now to prevent further deterioration and loss of life."

Two boys aged 12 and 14, were among those killed in the clashes Friday, the bloodiest day of border protests since May 14, when more than 60 Palestinians died in violence accompanying the inauguration of the US embassy in Jerusalem, a move that enraged Palestinians.

The Israeli army said in a statement Saturday that some 20,000 "rioters and demonstrators" had gathered at multiple sites along the Gaza-Israel border and that people had hurled "over 100" grenades and explosive devices at troops and the at the border fence.

The military said troops fired "in accordance with standard operating procedures" and that Israeli aircraft also struck two positions belonging Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas.

"Hamas is responsible for the violent riots and their consequences," it said.

It declined to comment directly on Friday's reported deaths.

Palestinians have been protesting almost weekly along the Gaza border since March 30 in what they call the "Great March of Return".

At least 193 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since then, the majority during border protests, while one Israeli soldier has been shot dead by a Palestinian sniper.

"I call on Israeli forces to ensure that their use of force is in line with their obligations under international law," McGoldrick said.

"All actors must ensure that children never be the target of violence and neither be put at risk of violence, nor encouraged to participate in violence."

In Saturday's statement the Israeli army said Hamas was "endangering children by sending them to the security fence as a cover for terror activity".
Years of bloody attacks by Boko Haram have badly affected the region around Lake Chad

Six people, including two soldiers, died in an overnight Boko Haram attacks near Lake Chad, security and army sources said on Saturday, saying Chadian troops had killed 17 assailants in a counter-offensive.

Three forestry officials and a customs officer and two soldiers were killed in attacks on Moussarom and Ngueleya located in the Lake Chad region, south of Baga Sola, a security source told AFP.

"The attackers were later repelled," the source said.

Chadian army spokesman Colonel Azam said "17 Boko Haram members have been killed" although he put the civilian death toll at three instead of four.

The last Boko Haram attack on the Chadian side of the lake happened on July 22 in which 18 people were killed in a village south of Daboua near the border with Niger.

Boko Haram's Islamist insurgency has devastated the region since it took up arms in 2009 in Nigeria, leaving at least 20,000 people dead, displacing more than two million others and triggering a humanitarian crisis.

Chad, Cameroon and Niger have all joined the military effort by Nigeria to crush Boko Haram. Chad has seen a recent increase in attacks by the group.
Ted Turner -- shown here at a Washington banquet in 2013 -- has revealed in an interview with CBS that he has Lewy body dementia

US billionaire media mogul Ted Turner, the founder of CNN, has revealed he is battling Lewy body dementia, a neurodegenerative disease that alters memory, mood, movement and behavior.

In an interview to air Sunday on CBS, the 79-year-old Turner opened up about his battle, and even struggled to remember the name of the disorder.

"It's a mild case of what people have as Alzheimer's. It's similar to that. But not nearly as bad. Alzheimer's is fatal," Turner said, in excerpts released by the network.

"Thank goodness I don't have that. But, I also have got, let's -- the one that's -- I can't remember the name of it."

Finally, Turner said: "Dementia. I can't remember what my disease is."

Lewy body dementia affects 1.5 million Americans. Notably, comedian Robin Williams was afflicted by the disease before he took his own life in 2014.

Like Williams, Turner told "CBS Sunday Morning," he was misdiagnosed with depression before doctors identified dementia as the true problem.

Asked about his symptoms, he replied: "Tired. Exhausted. That's the main symptoms, and, forgetfulness."

In 1980, Turner launched CNN, the first 24-hour news channel, as part of his Turner Broadcasting empire -- revolutionizing the way America, and the world, got its news. Turner Broadcasting System then merged with Time Warner in 1996.

When asked about CNN, Turner said: "I think they're sticking with politics a little too much. They'd do better to have a more balanced agenda. But that's, you know, just one person's opinion."

Turner is also known for his decade-long marriage to actress Jane Fonda and his billion-dollar pledge to the United Nations to fund charitable efforts.
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem addresses the 73rd session of the General Assembly at the United Nations in New York

Syria's foreign minister on Saturday denounced US, French and Turkish forces operating in his country as "occupying forces" and demanded that they leave immediately.

Addressing the UN General Assembly, Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem also called on Syrian refugees to come home, even though the country's war is now in its eighth year.

Moualem, who also serves as deputy prime minister, said the foreign forces were on Syrian soil illegally, under the pretext of fighting terrorism, and "will be dealt with accordingly."

"They must withdraw immediately and without any conditions," he told the assembly.

Moualem insisted that the "war on terror is almost over" in Syria, where more than 360,000 people have died since 2011, with millions more uprooted from their homes.

He said Damascus would continue "fighting this sacred battle until we purge all Syrian territories" of both terror groups and "any illegal foreign presence."

The United States has some 2,000 troops in Syria, mainly training and advising both Kurdish forces and Syrian Arabs opposed to President Bashar al-Assad.

France has more than 1,000 troops on the ground in the war-wracked country.

- Scaring refugees -

On the issue of refugees, Moualem said the conditions were fine for them to return, and he blamed "some western countries" for "spreading irrational fears" that prompted refugees to stay away.

"We have called upon the international community and humanitarian organizations to facilitate these returns," he said. "They are politicizing what should be a purely humanitarian issue."

The United States and the European Union have warned that there will be no reconstruction aid for Syria until there is a political agreement between Assad and the opposition to end the war.

UN diplomats say a recent agreement between Russia and Turkey to set up a buffer zone in the last major rebel stronghold of Idlib has created an opportunity to press ahead with political talks.

The Russian-Turkish deal averted a large-scale assault by Russian-backed Syrian forces on the province, where three million people live.

Moualem however stressed that the agreement had "clear deadlines" and expressed hope that military action will target jihadists including fighters from the Al-Qaeda-linked Nusra Front, who "will be eradicated."

UN envoy Staffan de Mistura is hoping to soon convene the first meetings of a new committee comprised of government and opposition members to draft a post-war constitution for Syria and pave the way to elections.

Moualem laid out conditions for the Syrian government's participation in the committee, saying the panel's work should be restricted "to reviewing the articles of the current constitution," and warned against interference.
Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki (pictured June 2018) said that Palestinians have filed a lawsuit against the United States at the International Court of Justice for moving its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem

Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki said Saturday the Palestinians have petitioned the UN's top court, alleging that the US inauguration of an embassy in Jerusalem was illegal.

The Palestinians have filed a lawsuit at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) "for violating international law by moving its embassy in Israel to the occupied city of Jerusalem", he said, quoted by the official Palestinian news agency WAFA.

In December, US President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, despite Palestinian claims on part of the city and breaking with longstanding US policy.

Palestinians have since refused all contact with the Trump administration.

The US embassy was transferred from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 14, a day marked by mass protest in the Gaza Strip, where about 60 Palestinian protesters were killed by Israeli fire in border clashes.

Israel occupied east Jerusalem along with the West Bank in the 1967 Six-Day War and later declared the entire city its united capital.

Palestinians claim the predominantly Arab eastern area as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

UN resolutions call on countries to refrain from moving their embassies to the city until its status is resolved in an Israeli-Palestinian deal.

"The ICJ was asked to declare that moving the embassy to occupied Jerusalem constituted a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations," WAFA wrote in English.

The court said the Palestinian suit, filed on Friday, called on the body "to order the United States of America to withdraw the diplomatic mission from the Holy City of Jerusalem and to conform to the international obligations flowing from the Vienna Convention".

An official of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) said it was the first time Palestinians had petitioned the court against the United States.

In November 2012, the UN General Assembly recognised the Palestinian Authority as a "non-member observer state".

This allowed the Palestinians to join UN bodies such as the ICJ and also the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is a separate institution.

Previously, the Palestinians had asked the UN General Assembly to seek a ruling on their behalf over Israel's West Bank separation barrier.

In 2004, the court issued a non-binding ruling that the network of walls and fences was illegal and called for sections to be dismantled.

Israel said it had no intention of complying.

The ICC was set up in 2002 with jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute the world's worst crimes including genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Neither the United States nor Israel are signatories to the ICC.

Earlier this month, Palestinian official Saeb Erekat said the Palestinians had filed a petition there against Israel over its pending demolition of the Palestinian Bedouin village of Khan al-Ahmar in the occupied West Bank.

They have previously filed suit to the ICC claiming Israeli war crimes in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem.
Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland postponed her scheduled speech to the UN General Assembly on Saturday to focus on NAFTA negotiations

Will Canada and the United States thaw their unprecedented diplomatic chill and reach a deal to revamp the North American Free Trade Agreement by a US-imposed Sunday deadline? Ottawa is certainly working hard on it.

Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland, Canada's chief NAFTA negotiator, opted to push back her planned Saturday speech before the UN General Assembly until Monday so she could concentrate on trade matters.

Those talks are now in a crucial phase. Negotiators are racing against the clock because of a US-set deadline.

The United States and Mexico want to push their deal through their respective legislatures before Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador takes office on December 1.

In the United States, Congress must have the text of the deal by Sunday if a 60-day review period is to be respected.

In a surprise twist, Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo said Friday that Washington and Ottawa had told him they could reach a compromise on an updated trilateral agreement within "48 hours."

"For the first time, we're seeing a real effort by both sides," Guajardo added.

US and Canadian negotiators were expected to work all weekend via secure video link, The Globe and Mail newspaper reported Saturday, citing sources in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's administration and on the US industry side.

- Tough talks -

Data about NAFTA partners -- the US, Canada and Mexico

US President Donald Trump has been pushing for a complete overhaul of the 25-year-old continental trade deal, which he says has been a "rip-off" for the United States.

In August -- more than a year into the negotiations -- the United States and Mexico announced they had reached a two-way deal, after breaking away for bilateral talks on their outstanding issues.

But the ensuing talks to incorporate Canada have stumbled.

According to the negotiators, Canada's insistence on a trade dispute provision and its protected dairy sector are the last major sticking points.

Ottawa is also seeking assurances that the United States will not, after signing a new NAFTA deal, turn around and hit Canada with punitive auto tariffs.

US President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau -- seen here in La Malbaie, Quebec in June -- are at loggerheads over a new NAFTA deal

Tempers flared this week on both sides as the end-of-month deadline approached.

"We're not getting along with their negotiators," Trump said Wednesday of Canada.

Trudeau fired back: "We won't sign a bad deal for Canada."

- 'Significant concessions' -

But on Saturday, The Globe and Mail reported progress, citing industry and government sources saying that Canada had made "significant concessions" on the dairy issue in order to make a deal possible.

One US industry source in contact with US negotiators told the Canadian paper that Washington was "serious" about enforcing the Sunday deadline, having repeatedly missed other cut-off dates during the tortuous negotiations.

Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador will take office on December 1 -- the US and Mexico have already reached a trade deal

If no deal is made, US tariffs on Canada's auto sector -- one of its largest industrial sectors -- could quickly be put in place, the same source said, though a Canadian official insisted that Washington had made no new threats on tariffs.

Trudeau met in recent days with Lopez Obrador, who promised not to turn his back on Canada, while also saying he was happy with the deal he had reached with Washington.

The politics are high-stakes on both sides of the US-Canadian border.

Trump needs to look strong heading into the November midterm elections, while Trudeau does not want to be seen as caving before next year's general election.
India's Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj addresses the 73rd United Nations General Assembly on September 29, 2018, at the United Nations in New York

India and Pakistan traded insults at the United Nations on Saturday after plans for a rare meeting between the foreign ministers in New York fell through.

India cancelled the talks offered by Pakistan's new Prime Minister Imran Khan following an attack that Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj said had killed three Indian soldiers.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, the Indian foreign minister denied that her government had sought a pretext to derail the offer to sit down with her Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

"We are accused of sabotaging the process of talks," she said. "This is a complete lie."

Swaraj slammed Pakistan for offering "spawning grounds for terrorism" and offering "safe haven" for Osama bin Laden, mastermind of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

"Pakistan glorifies killers. It refuses to see the blood of innocents," she said.

India has long accused Pakistan of arming rebel groups in Kashmir, a Himalayan territory divided between the two countries but claimed in full by both.

The Pakistani foreign minister shot back that India had called off talks three times - "each time on flimsy grounds."

"They preferred politics over peace. They used the pretext of stamps issued months ago of a Kashmiri activist and depicting grave human rights violations, including pellet gun victims, as an excuse to back out from the talks," said Qureshi.

Pakistan recently issued postage stamps of Burhan Wani, a charismatic Kashmiri militant commander killed by Indian troops in July 2016, whose death sparked a wave of violent protests in the territory.

Indian media said the meeting between the foreign ministers would have been the first in nearly three years.

Qureshi said Imran Khan's election two months ago had brought about "a fundamental shift" in Pakistan, which is seeking dialogue to resolve the Kashmir dispute.

Despite the call for talks, the foreign minister firmly warned India that violations of the ceasefire line in Kashmir "will evoke a strong and matching response."

India has about 500,000 soldiers in the part of Kashmir it controls, where armed groups are fighting for independence or a merger with Pakistan.

The pair have fought two wars over Kashmir, which has been divided since the end of British colonial rule in 1947.
A fraud case had had piled fresh troubles on electric automaker Tesla and Elon Musk as the brash CEO, often praised as visionary, faces increased scrutiny over his volatile behavior

Elon Musk has reached a deal over fraud charges that will see him step down as electric automaker Tesla's chairman of the board and pay a $20 million fine, US securities regulators said Saturday.

"The settlements, which are subject to court approval, will result in comprehensive corporate governance and other reforms at Tesla -- including Musk's removal as Chairman of the Tesla board -- and the payment by Musk and Tesla of financial penalties" of $20 million each, the Securities and Exchange Commission said in a statement

Musk -- who will remain CEO of Tesla -- will be ineligible to serve as chairman of the board for a period of three years and will be replaced by an "independent chairman," while two "independent directors" will also be appointed by Tesla, the SEC said.

The SEC had charged Musk with securities fraud, alleging that he misled investors when he tweeted on August 7 that he had "funding secured" to privatize the electric automaker at $420 a share, causing a brief spike in Tesla's share price.

Things could ultimately have been significantly worse for Musk, as the SEC had sought to bar him from serving as an officer or board member of a publicly traded company.

The fraud case had piled fresh troubles on Tesla and Musk as the brash CEO, often praised as visionary, faces increased scrutiny over his volatile behavior that has included smoking marijuana during a podcast interview and assailing a man involved in the Thailand cave rescue as a "pedo guy."
A fraud case had had piled fresh troubles on electric automaker Tesla and Elon Musk as the brash CEO, often praised as visionary, faces increased scrutiny over his volatile behavior

Elon Musk has reached a deal over fraud charges that will see him step down as electric automaker Tesla's chairman of the board and pay a $20 million fine but stay on as CEO, US securities regulators said Saturday.

The agreement eases pressure on Tesla's embattled CEO, who faced potentially being barred from serving as an officer or board member of a publicly traded company as a result of the charges, which stemmed from a tweet by Musk about taking the company private.

"The settlements, which are subject to court approval, will result in comprehensive corporate governance and other reforms at Tesla -- including Musk's removal as chairman of the Tesla board -- and the payment by Musk and Tesla of financial penalties" of $20 million each, the Securities and Exchange Commission said in a statement

The SEC had charged Musk with securities fraud, alleging that he misled investors when he tweeted on August 7 that he had "funding secured" to privatize the electric automaker at $420 a share.

That caused a brief spike in Tesla's share price, leading so-called short-sellers who have been betting on the stock crashing for years, to lose millions.

The SEC said Musk's statements on Twitter were "false and misleading" and that he had never discussed the plans with company officials or potential funders.

Musk said he later decided against the plan.

Under the agreement, he will be ineligible to serve as chairman of the board for a period of three years and will be replaced by an "independent chairman," while two "independent directors" will also be appointed by Tesla, the SEC said.

- 'Prevent further market disruption' -

The Tesla Model 3 is a mass-market vehicle seen as a key to the electric automaker's future

Tesla will also set up a new committee of independent directors and "put in place additional controls and procedures to oversee Musk's communications," according to the SEC.

The $40 million in financial penalties "will be distributed to harmed investors under a court-approved process."

"The total package of remedies and relief announced today are specifically designed to address the misconduct at issue by strengthening Tesla's corporate governance and oversight in order to protect investors," Stephanie Avakian, the SEC's co-director of enforcement, said in the statement.

"The resolution is intended to prevent further market disruption and harm to Tesla's shareholders," SEC co-director of enforcement Steven Peikin said.

Tesla's shares plummeted around 14 percent on Friday over concerns about the company's future after the announcement of the fraud charges against Musk, which were a fresh blow to the mercurial Silicon Valley entrepreneur and his company.

Musk has baffled investors with emotional and seemingly erratic media appearances, including one where he appeared to smoke marijuana, and a public battle with a rescuer who helped save a group of boys trapped in a cave in Thailand, whom he termed a "pedo guy."

Tesla is seeking to ramp up production of its Model 3, the mass-market vehicle seen as a key to the automaker's future.

It had struggled to overcome production bottlenecks in recent months for the Model 3, but now faces other logistical issues, according to Musk.
Election officials bring ballot boxes in Okinawa, where polls suggest a tight contest between two candidates with opposing views on the construction of a new US military base

A candidate pledging to resist construction of a new US military base on the Japanese island of Okinawa has won the election for governor of the strategic island, local media said Sunday.

Both national broadcaster NHK and the Asahi Shimbun said Denny Tamaki had won Sunday's vote, in a blow to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe whose ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) had backed a rival candidate.

Tamaki has vowed to continue fighting against a joint US-Japanese project to move the US Marines' Futenma Air Station from an urban area in Okinawa to a sparsely populated region of the island.

Abe's party backed Atsushi Sakima, who focused on economic messages throughout the campaign and stayed tight-lipped on his views about the base.

The LDP has long pressed Okinawa to accept the new air base. But opponents say the island already has more than its fair share of US military facilities and the base should be relocated outside Okinawa altogether.

The election was sparked by last month's death due to cancer of governor Takeshi Onaga, who also opposed the new base.

Tamaki, son of a US Marine who previously served as a national opposition lawmaker, cast himself as Onaga's rightful successor.

Okinawa accounts for less than one percent of Japan's total land area, but hosts about 28,000 US troops -- more than half of the approximately 47,000 American military personnel stationed in Japan.

Noise, accidents and crimes by US military and service members have long frustrated local residents, while municipalities in the rest of the nation have refused to share Okinawa's burden.

Onaga had tried to block efforts to reclaim land for the new offshore facility, and he and the national government filed rival lawsuits to try to settle the issue.

The Supreme Court ruled in favour of the government.

But a series of polls showed the majority of Okinawan residents remained firmly against the government's base plan.

Many residents voted early due to a powerful typhoon that rocked the island on Saturday, causing minor damage and dozens of slight injuries before it went on to batter the Japanese mainland on Sunday.
By Olivia Rose

THE ROYAL Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) recently hosted a multi-agency workshop to ensure children are protected from harm, maltreatment and abuse.





The two day session was held at the Chalk Sound Police Station in Providenciales on September 19 and 20.





It saw stakeholders being updated on best practices and lessons learned in child safeguarding from other jurisdictions.





The goal of the workshop was to develop a greater understanding between the agencies responsible for child protection in a bid to enhance their inter-agency collaboration.





Hosts also aimed to ensure greater and more effective response to allegations for the benefit of children and other vulnerable people living in the TCI.





Deputy Commissioner Trevor Botting facilitated the event in partnership with police officers from the UK National Crime Agency.





Speaking at the workshop he emphasised that protecting children from abuse, which often leads to the impairment of their health and development, requires an all-hands-on-deck approach.





He said: "The safeguarding of children and vulnerable people on the Turks and Caicos Islands is everybodys business.





"This workshop brought together partner agencies from across the TCI to develop closer ways of working to better serve victims of sexual offences.





"In the near future, officers from the RTCIPF and social workers from the Department of Social Development will be accommodated in the same office space and working much closer together and with great commitment to protecting children and those most vulnerable within our communities.





During the sessions presentations were made on multi-agency child abuse and neglect investigations.





Discussions were also held on the issues and challenges faced by the agencies involved in the investigation of crimes against children, in providing support to victims and witnesses, and in the prosecution of offenders.





The attendees included police officers, representatives from Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Department of Social Development (DSD), healthcare professionals and members of the Gender Affairs Department.





Child abuse is described as any act or series of actions, or failure to act by a parent or caregiver which results in any form of harm, potential for harm or threat of harm to a minor

child.





The Government on November 15, 2017, signed a multi-agency protocol to protect children from abuse and neglect.





The protocol helps to establish standards for points of contact, methods of contact and purpose of contact between relevant agencies.





It also outlines concrete and practical procedures for handling special issues while defining professional roles and responsibilities.





The inking of the modus operandi signalled a commitment of stakeholder agencies to work together in the interest of children in the TCI.




Men and women made off with biscuits, crisps, nappies, gas canisters and tissue paper in the tsunami-struck Indonesian city of Palu

Hundreds of desperate people in the tsunami-struck Indonesian city of Palu looted supermarkets and petrol stations Sunday, as an initial trickle of aid into the devastated area failed to relieve an acute shortage of water, food and fuel.

Hordes of residents on Sulawesi island were seen scrambling over broken glass and through broken-down barricades at a supermarket in the centre of Palu, which was ravaged by a powerful 7.5-magnitude quake and a tsunami on Friday.

Men and women made off with plastic bin bags and baskets full of biscuits, crisps, nappies, gas canisters, tissue paper and more.

"There has been no aid, we need to eat. We don't have any other choice, we must get food," shouted one man.

Hordes of residents on Sulawesi island were seen scrambling over broken glass and through broken-down barricades at a supermarket in the centre of Palu

"We are in a crisis," cried another.

Two small aftershocks hit while looters marauded through the building, prompting screams of "Earthquake, earthquake."

But undeterred, more and more mopeds arrived, depositing people in front of the store.

"This situation forced us to do this. We need everything, food, water," said a group of teenagers. "We took anything we could take. We can't even cook. So that's why we looted."

A handful of vastly outnumbered police officers stood by or looked on from the police station across the road -- unable or unwilling to uphold law and order that has quickly melted away.

More and more mopeds arrived depositing people in front of a convenience store in quake- and tsunami-hit Palu

There was a similar scene at a local petrol station where crowds tried to tap underground storage wells for fuel.

"There is only one petrol station that is still operational," Ray Pratama, a local photographer -- who was not involved in the looting -- told AFP. "People are desperate."

They filled up jerrycans, empty soft drink bottles and kitchenware.

"If you sell with reasonable price, that's okay, but they increase the prices sharply, for basic goods," said one female looter.

Many Palu residents are still sleeping outside for fear of more aftershocks. Even if they had access to plug sockets, there would be no electricity.

A handful of vastly outnumbered police officers stood by or looked on from the police station across the road -- unable or unwilling to uphold law and order that has quickly melted away

Some aid has started to trickle in to Sulawesi, located in the centre of Indonesia's vast, 17,000-island archipelago.

The government is flying in six field kitchens capable of producing a total of 36,000 rice plates a day and thousands of mattresses, blankets and ready to eat meals.

But it is not coming quick enough for some.

"The shops aren't open and the markets are empty," one 33-year-old looter, who only identified himself as Eddy, told AFP.

"We have to break into all of them one by one."
Now known as Ye, the artist Kanye West, shown performing at the 2014 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee, is one of the few celebrities -- and one of the only prominent African Americans -- to support President Donald Trump

Kanye West has decided that he now wants to be called Ye. But on political matters, nothing has changed for the pro-Trump rapper.

"The being formally (sic) known as Kanye West. I am Ye," he wrote on Twitter.

Ye has long been a nickname for West, along with Yeezy, and he chose "Ye" as the title of his last album.

He has previously said that he found a spiritual significance to "Ye" -- the plural or formal version of the second-person pronoun in Middle English -- as he so frequently read it in the Bible.

West -- or, rather, Ye -- announced the name change shortly before he appeared on "Saturday Night Live," the widely watched television skit show.

He performed with fellow rapper Lil Pump dressed as water bottles, drawing an overwhelmingly negative reaction on social media where a number of professed fans questioned his creative direction.

West closed the show by singing a track off "Ye" while wearing one of President Donald Trump's signature red "Make America Great Again" caps.

After the live show ended, West stayed on the microphone and gave an impromptu speech about politics, again voicing his support for the president.

"So many times I talk to a white person about this and they say, 'How could you like Trump? He's racist,'" West said, according to footage posted on Instagram by comedian Chris Rock.

"Well, if I was concerned about racism, I would have moved out of America a long time ago."

He also accused the rival Democratic Party of seeking to keep people dependent on welfare payments and repeated his interest in running for president himself in 2020 -- when Trump would face re-election.

His speech was met with a smattering of applause but louder booing from the New York audience.

West has stunned fans by becoming one of the few celebrities -- as well as one of the only prominent African Americans -- to support Trump.

West went to visit Trump in 2016 shortly after the rapper disappeared to seek mental health treatment. His wife, reality television star Kim Kardashian, has gone twice to see Trump at the White House.

West recently promised that a new album, called "Yahndi," would come out on Saturday but no work immediately appeared.
An Iraqi Kurdish man shows his ink-stained finger after voting in the regional capital Arbil on September 30, 2018

Iraqi Kurds voted on Sunday for a new parliament in their autonomous region, which is mired in an economic crisis a year after an independence referendum that infuriated Baghdad.

Almost 3.1 million voters are eligible to cast ballots across three provinces in the northern region where 673 candidates from 29 political movements are vying for seats in the 111-member parliament.

Eleven of the seats are however reserved for religious and ethnic minorities: five for Turkmen candidates, five for Christians and one for the Armenian community.

Iraq's Kurds have been a key US partner in the war against the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group and had hoped their role would boost international support for statehood.

But a massive "yes" vote in the September 2017 referendum for independence, deemed illegal by Iraq's federal government, backfired on the oil-rich autonomous Kurdish region.

Baghdad imposed economic penalties and sent federal troops to push Kurdish forces out of oil fields vital for the region's economy, depriving it of a key lifeline.

Territorial rivalries and oil in Iraqi Kurdistan

And in another blow, Iraq's parliament in March passed a budget that saw Kurdistan's slice of the federal budget drop from 17 percent to 12.6 percent.

This election, whose results are due to be known within 72 hours, must "start a new chapter" in relations between Kurdistan and Baghdad, said 26-year-old Hawzar Salar as he cast his ballot in the regional capital Arbil.

The vote, he said, comes "after the problems caused by the referendum and the war against the Islamic State group."

- From boom to bust -

Kurdistan had enjoyed an economic boom after the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq that toppled veteran dictator Saddam Hussein, as the rest of the country sank into violence.

But the emergence of IS in 2014 coupled with tumbling oil prices battered the region's economy.

An Iraqi Kurdish man casts his ballot in Arbil, the capital of the Kurdish autonomous region in northern Iraq, on September 30, 2018

Since 2014, Iraqi Kurdistan has borrowed more than $4 billion to stay afloat, according to some experts, and before the doomed referendum it had chalked up debt of around $12 billion.

According to official figures, 87 percent of households across Iraqi Kurdistan -- home to around six million people -- eke out a living on less than $850 per month.

"The future authorities must look after the people, especially the poor," added Soran Rassul, an unemployed man who voted in Sulaimaniyah, Kurdistan's second city.

Another voter, Hikmet Hakim, agreed.

"We demand from the new government security and that they deal well with the economic situation," said the 49-year-old who wore traditional clothes as he cast his vote in Sulaimaniyah.

The election is not expected to change the political map in Kurdistan, according to experts, but could shed light on the divisions that emerged after the 2017 referendum.

- Traditional rivals -

Parties that have long held sway are set to come out on top yet again.

The outgoing parliament is dominated by the Kurdistan Democratic Party of veteran leader and former president Massud Barzani -- who championed the referendum vote -- as is the government.

The KDP currently holds 38 seats, while its traditional rival, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), has 18.

An Iraqi Kurdish man leaves a polling station in Arbil after voting in the northern autonomous region's parliamentary election on September 30, 2018

The main opposition Goran (Change) party has 24 seats in the outgoing parliament.

There is only one new political party competing -- the New Generation movement, founded in 2018 to channel public anger at the region's elite.

"We need a strong parliament that will work to set up a Kurdish state and a modern and democratic society," said voter Karouan Abu Bakr, 42.

The vote in Kurdistan comes amid major political shifts not just in the region but elsewhere in the country.

Iraq is still struggling to form a new government after a nationwide parliamentary poll in May.

On Monday, the federal parliament in Baghdad is due to elect the president of the country.

That largely symbolic position has traditionally been held by a Kurd from the PUK but this year the KDP is fielding a candidate as well.
French-Palestinian lawyer Salah Hamouri embraces his father Hassan after being released from an Israeli prison on September 30, 2018

Israel on Sunday released a French-Palestinian lawyer held without charge for the past 13 months over unspecified allegations, his lawyer said.

Salah Hamouri, 33, was freed at Jerusalem police headquarters after being brought from his cell in a prison in southern Israel's Negev desert.

Attorney Mahmud Hassan told AFP that under the terms of his release Hamouri was forbidden to take part in any celebrations, demonstration or protests for a period of 30 days and required to post a bond of 3,000 shekels ($825, 700 euros).

He was arrested at his home in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem on August 23, 2017 and subsequently interned under what Israel calls administrative detention, which allows detention without trial for renewable six-month periods.

Neither suspects nor their lawyers are informed of the reasons for arrests and Israel's Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency had no immediate comment when asked by AFP for the reasons behind Hamouri's detention.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had discussed his case several times with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to the French foreign ministry.

Israel says administrative detention is intended to allow authorities to hold suspects while continuing to gather evidence, with the aim of preventing attacks or security offences in the meantime.

But the system has been criticised by Palestinians, human rights groups and members of the international community who say Israel abuses the measure.

Hamouri was born in east Jerusalem to a French mother and a Palestinian father.

Palestinian prisoner support NGO Addameer, which employed him as a field researcher, said he was first arrested and placed under administrative detention in 2001, aged 16.

He was interned without trial for another five-month stretch in 2004, it said, then arrested again in 2005.

Following that arrest, he was tried and convicted by an Israeli court on charges of plotting to assassinate Ovadia Yossef, a prominent Israeli rabbi and spiritual leader of the ultra-Orthodox Shas political party.

Hamouri was released in December 2011 as part of a swap of over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners for Gilad Shalit, a soldier held captive in Gaza for more than five years.

He has always maintained his innocence.

Addameer says more than 5,500 Palestinians are currently held in Israeli jails, including approximately 450 in administrative detention.
A picture taken on July 16, 2018 from the Israeli side in the annexed-Golan Heights, shows smoke plumes rising from reported Syrian and Russian air strikes across the border in Syria's southeastern Quneitra province

More than 18,000 people, nearly half of them civilians, have been killed in Russian air strikes on Syria since Moscow began its game-changing intervention three years ago, a monitor said.

Russia, a steadfast ally of Syria's ruling regime, began carrying out bombing raids in the country on September 30, 2015 -- more than four years into the devastating conflict.

Since then, they have killed 18,096 people, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

"That number includes 7,988 civilians, or nearly half of the total," said Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman.

Another 5,233 Islamic State fighters were also killed in Russian strikes, with the rest of the dead including other rebels, Islamists, and jihadists, the Britain-based monitor said.

Russia has operated a naval base in Syria's coastal Tartus province for decades, but expanded its operations to the nearby Hmeimim airbase in 2015.

It also has special forces and military police units on the ground in government-controlled parts of the country.

The air strikes were crucial in helping troops loyal to President Bashar al-Assad retake swathes of the country, including second city Aleppo in 2016 and areas around Damascus, the rural centre, and the south this year alone.

"The regime controlled just 26 percent of Syrian territory" when Russia intervened, said Abdel Rahman, compared with close to two-thirds now.

But human rights groups and Western governments have criticised Russia's air war in Syria, saying it bombs indiscriminately and targets civilian infrastructure including hospitals.

In addition to the Russian and Syrian air forces, warplanes from the US-led coalition fighting IS have also been carrying out bombing raids on Syria since September 2014.

Last week, the Observatory said that US-led coalition air strikes on Syria had killed more than 3,300 civilians since the alliance began operations against IS targets there in 2014.

The Observatory, which relies on sources inside Syria for its reports, says it determines whose planes carried out strikes according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions involved.
A family of migrants from the Aquarius rescue vessel disembark at Valletta port after nearly a week at sea

Fifty-eight migrants rescued by the Aquarius charity ship disembarked in Malta on Sunday after nearly a week at sea fearing the authorities would impound the vessel, an AFP journalist said.

The migrants, mostly Libyans, boarded two buses at Valletta after being transferred off-shore from the Aquarius to a Libyan coastguard vessel to avoid trouble with the Maltese authorities.

Panama pulled its flag from the ship a week ago, meaning the unregistered Aquarius would not be able to leave any port, while other rescue vessels that have already been impounded in Valletta fight a protracted legal battle.

The migrants -- including 18 minors and 17 women -- were to be sent on to various European host countries.

France has agreed to take 18 of the migrants, Germany and Spain 15 each and Portugal 10.

The group were picked up off Libya last Monday along with one family's dog called Bella who was awaiting a veterinary checkup.

The Aquarius, chartered by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and SOS Mediterranee, is the only civilian ship still trying to rescue migrants making the perilous journey from North Africa to Europe.

With no flag, Aquarius was expected to sail for its home port of Marseille in southern France.
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom Gayoom had ruled the Maldives for 30 straight years till he was defeated at the country's first multi-party elections in 2008.

Former Maldives president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was released from jail Sunday, a week after his estranged half-brother suffered a shock electoral defeat, raising hopes that other high profile political prisoners could soon have their convictions overturned.

Gayoom, 80, and his legislator son Faris Maumoon, were released on bail by the High Court in Male, a week after strongman Abdulla Yameen's spectacular loss at the polls in the Indian Ocean archipelago nation.

Gayoom's daughter Dunya, a former foreign minister, welcomed the release and said she hoped the sentences of other dissidents, including another former leader, Mohamed Nasheed, would soon be withdrawn.

"These are all politically-motivated convictions and I hope they too will be overturned soon, allowing... Nasheed to return home," Maumoon told AFP by telephone from Male as Gayoom returned home.

Nasheed, the country's first democratically-elected president, was convicted on a terrorism charge and sentenced to 13 years in prison in 2015. He obtained prison leave in 2016 and travelled to London for medical treatment and has remained abroad since.

Nasheed was barred from contesting the September 23 presidential election because of his conviction which the United Nations said was a travesty of justice.

Former foes Nasheed and Gayoom both backed Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to challenge Yameen, who had locked up all his key political opponents or forced them to flee the country.

Sunday's release followed appeals from President-elect Solih, who urged Yameen to free all political prisoners in the tourist paradise atoll nation after his stunning victory last week.

Gayoom had ruled the nation of 340,000 Sunni Muslims for 30 straight years till he was defeated by Nasheed at the country's first multi-party elections in 2008.

-Bitter brothers-

He supported Yameen against Nasheed in a controversial run-off election in 2013 although the half-brothers later fell out and became bitter foes.

Gayoom was arrested in February along with the country's Chief Justice and another Supreme Court judge on a charge of attempting to topple Yameen. He declared a 45-day state of emergency to block impeachment.

Gayoom was serving a 19-month jail term for obstruction of justice and was also under trial on a "terrorism" charge when the High Court ordered his release.

The ex-leader had bail set at 60,000 rufiyaa ($3,900) and his son Faris at 40,000 rufiyaa, and they were ordered not to travel abroad without the court's permission.

Another high profile Maldivian dissident, Qasim Ibrahim, was also granted bail. He, however, is not in the Maldives. He had obtained prison leave for medical treatment and has remained in Europe.

Almost all key opposition leaders and a number of ruling party dissidents had either been jailed or gone into exile in recent years under Yameen who relied heavily on China for political and financial support.

Soon after his defeat, Yameen freed five other political prisoners but was delaying the release of his half-brother who could have made a claim to the leadership of his PPM party.

Yameen secured the leadership of the party on Friday.

His five-year term as president will come to an end on November 17 when Solih is due to be sworn in.
Bolivia -- South America's poorest country -- became landlocked after losing a four-year war against Chile at the end of the 19th century, forfeiting territory and its access to the Pacific coast

The International Court of Justice on Monday ruled against landlocked Bolivia in a row with Chile over access to the Pacific Ocean that dates back to the 19th century.

Bolivia lost its prized route to the sea in a 1879-1883 war with Chile, and Santiago has rejected every attempt since then by its smaller and poorer neighbour to win back its coastline.

La Paz took Santiago to the top UN court in The Hague in 2013 to try to force it to the negotiating table over the maritime spat, a long-running strain on relations between the two South American countries.

"The court by 12 votes to three finds that the Republic of Chile did not undertake a legal obligation to negotiate a sovereign access for the... state of Bolivia," judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf said at the end of a judgement that took an hour and 20 minutes to read out.

The judge said, however, he hoped that "with willingness on the part of both parties meaningful negotiations can be undertaken".

Bolivia's leftist President Evo Morales -- who has used the issue to boost support at home as he seeks a fourth term in office -- attended the court in person for the verdict.

"Bolivia will never give up" its claim, Morales told reporters afterwards. "The people of the world know that Bolivia had an invasion and we had our sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean taken away from us."

- 'False expectations' -

The ICJ was set up after World War II to rule in disputes between UN member states. The court's findings are binding and cannot be appealed, although it has no real power to enforce them.

Bolivia says regaining its territory which comprises of several hundred kilometres of coastline along the northern tip of Chile will stimulate growth and development

Chile and Bolivia have had no diplomatic relations since 1978 when Bolivia's last major attempt to negotiate a passage to the Pacific broke down in acrimony.

The War of the Pacific pitted Bolivia and Peru on one side against Chile on the other, and saw battles fought in the Pacific Ocean, the Andes mountains and even in the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world.

Decades of post-independence border tensions in South America were finally ignited by a dispute over Bolivian attempts to tax a Chilean company mining saltpetre, a mineral used in fertilizer that was at the time replacing the traditional use of guano, the excrement of seabirds and bats.

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera lashed out at his Bolivian counterpart as he hailed the ICJ's decision.

"President Evo Morales of Bolivia has created false expectations in his own people, and has created great frustration in his own people," he said in a statement.

"We have lost five valuable years of the healthy and necessary relationship that Chile needs with all neighbouring countries, including Bolivia."

- 'The struggle continues!' -

Morales has weaponised the dispute to boost his popularity at home where the importance of the issue is underscored by the fact that Bolivia still has a navy despite lack of access to the sea.

A small crowd of Bolivian protesters waved flags, played pan pipes and banged drums outside the Peace Palace for the verdict, shouting "The struggle continues!"

"Of course we are sad about the decision. Were a small country, but were not Switzerland or Luxembourg. We need access to export and import our goods," said Gabriella Telleria, 50, one of the protesters.

"We asked for justice and we didnt get it," she told AFP.

Bolivia says regaining the 400 kilometres (260 miles) of coastline along the northern tip of Chile that it lost in the war would stimulate growth and development in South America's poorest country.

Bolivian activists said the loss of the Chuquicamata mine, the world's largest open-pit copper mine which is situated in the disputed area, has also badly hit the country's indigenous peoples.

Based in The Hague, the International Court of Justice was set up in 1945 to rule on border and territorial disputes between nations

For its part, Santiago says the border is based on a 1904 peace treaty signed with Bolivia in the wake of the War of the Pacific and therefore must be respected.

Meanwhile, Chile has opened its own case against Bolivia over the Silala waterway, which flows into the Atacama desert and which La Paz has threatened to divert.
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Taking center stage at the United Nations, President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused China of trying to interfere in the upcoming U.S. congressional elections because it opposes his tough trade policies. The White House provided scant evidence of anything akin to the level of Russia's meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

"They do not want me or us to win because I am the first president ever to challenge China on trade," Trump said as he chaired the U.N. Security Council for the first time. He made his accusation against the backdrop of the special counsel's investigation into Russian interference in the last election to help him and amid concerns that this November's elections also could be vulnerable.

Asked later what evidence he had, Trump said there was "plenty" but didn't provide details. Instead, he zeroed in on China's propaganda efforts to flood the heartland with ads and statements against Trump's hundreds of billions of dollars in punishing tariffs

Trump added: "I don't like it when they attack our farmers and I don't like it when they put out false messages. But beside that, we learned that they are trying to meddle in our elections and we're not going to let that happen just as we're not going to let that happen with Russia."

China's foreign minister shrugged when he heard Trump's statement via translation at the Security Council.

"We do not and will not interfere in any countries' domestic affairs," said Foreign Minister Wang Yi. "We refuse to accept any unwarranted accusations against China, and we call on other countries to also observe the purposes of the U.N. charter and not interfere in other countries' internal affairs."

President Donald Trump addresses the United Nations Security Council during the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, at U.N. headquarters, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018. Left is United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)

A senior Trump administration official who briefed reporters about Trump's comments said China was stepping up covert and overt activities to punish those who support Trump's tough trade stance and interfere in the political system. The only specifics given by the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, were that China is hurting farmers and workers in states and districts that voted for Trump.

The official said China stifles free speech on U.S. campuses and punishes or rewards businesses, think tanks, movie studios and political candidates for criticizing or supporting Chinese politics. The official added that more information would be declassified in coming days and that Vice President Mike Pence was expected to speak on the issue next week.

Democrats on the House intelligence committee requested information from the Trump administration on the Chinese efforts.

Trump leveled his charge against China amid a whirlwind day of diplomacy at the United Nations, where he had meetings with Japan's Shinzo Abe, Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu and Britain's Theresa May. Alongside Netanyahu, Trump offered his most explicit endorsement yet of the two-state solution to bring an end to the decades-long conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

The president also used his moment chairing the Security Council meeting on nuclear proliferation to issue a strong warning to nuclear-aspirant Iran, which he deemed the "world's leading sponsor of terror" fueling "conflict around the region and far beyond."

Trump, in his meeting with Abe, warned China again that "they can't get involved with our elections," strong rhetoric that stood in stark contrast to his reluctance to acknowledge or condemn Russia's efforts to interfere with the 2016 election. Trump has repeatedly cast doubt on the conclusions of U.S. intelligence agencies and refused to chastise Russia's Vladimir Putin during their summer summit in Helsinki.

There is extensive evidence linking Russia to attempts to penetrate U.S. elections systems and to influence U.S. voters. Facebook announced in July that it had uncovered "sophisticated" efforts, possibly linked to Russia, to influence U.S. politics on its platforms. Thirty-two accounts were removed from Facebook and Instagram because they were involved in "coordinated" political behavior and appeared to be fake. Nearly 300,000 people followed at least one of the accounts.

Microsoft also said it had discovered that a fake domain had been set up as the landing page for phishing attacks by a hacking group believed to have links to Russian intelligence. A Microsoft spokesman said Monday that additional analysis had confirmed that the attempted attacks occurred in late 2017 and targeted multiple accounts associated with the offices of two legislators running for re-election.

With the elections less than two months away, U.S. intelligence and election-protection officials have not cited any specific, credible Chinese efforts.

Officials say China's cyber-espionage operations targeting U.S. defense and commerce have been formidable, however. And Trump's claim comes amid an escalation of tensions between Washington and Beijing, spurred by their growing trade dispute.

Each imposed tariff increases on the other's goods Monday, and Beijing accused the Trump administration of bullying. A Chinese official said China cannot hold talks on ending the trade dispute while the U.S. "holds a knife" to Beijing's neck by hiking tariffs. Trump later tweeted out a photo of an advertising insert called "China Watch," saying China was placing propaganda ads in the Des Moines Register and other papers to make it look like news.

U.S. intelligence officials have said they are not now seeing the intensity of Russian intervention registered in 2016 and are also concerned about activity by China, Iran and North Korea. Trump's statement caught lawmakers and some national security officials off guard as Beijing has not been singled out as the most worrisome foe.

"I haven't received any briefing on this and would have if it was a serious threat," said Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., a member of the House intelligence committee. "If the president really wants to protect elections, there are many bipartisan bills he could support."

Thomas Rid, a Johns Hopkins cybersecurity expert, said, "I am not aware of any evidence of Chinese interference in the midterm elections." He added: "Chinese influence operations tend to be more subtle, less public, and business-related."

China has been accused of interfering in an election before, although not in the United States. Cybersecurity firm Fire Eye released a report in July describing "active compromises of multiple Cambodia entities related to the country's electoral system," including the National Election Commission, before the country's July 29 general elections.

The hackers' methods matched a Chinese-linked hacking group tied to multiple cyber operations that have breached U.S. defense contractors, universities and engineering and maritime technology development firms.

"I've seen zero evidence in our own monitoring work that China is doing anything like that," said Jake Williams, president of Rendition Infosec, a Georgia cybersecurity firm, "and none of the people in industry I share threat intelligence with have had a whisper of that."

___

AP writers Frank Bajak in Boston and Colleen Long, Mary Clare Jalonick, Deb Riechmann and Tami Abdollah in Washington contributed to this report.

___

Follow Lemire on Twitter at http://twitter.com/@JonLemire and Miller at http://twitter.com/@zekejmiller

President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the United Nations General Assembly, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, at U.N. Headquarters. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
CHICAGO (AP) - A Chicago police officer told jurors Wednesday at the trial of a white police officer charged with murder in the 2014 death of Laquan McDonald that officers warned years earlier about the possibility of people carrying guns disguised as knives.

Another officer testified she thought McDonald might have had a gun the night Officer Jason Van Dyke ending up killing the 17-year-old - a claim other officers never made. And a truck driver described to the jury how McDonald had come at him with a knife earlier that night, saying he threw dirt and a cellphone at the teenager to get him to back off.

The testimony came as defense attorneys sought to bolster their argument that it was reasonable for Van Dyke to have perceived McDonald as a threat before shooting him 16 times - even as the teenager, who was carrying a knife, walked away from officers on Oct. 20, 2014. McDonald did not have a gun, and prosecutors have stressed that Van Dyke was the only officer who encountered the teenager to open fire.

William Schield, a Chicago police sergeant, told jurors that in 2012, a bulletin was issued warning patrol officers about knives fashioned to shoot bullets. When a prosecutor asked whether Schield or any other officers he knew had ever come across what he referred to as a "knife-gun," Officer Schield answered: "Not that I am aware."

Police reports released in 2015 refer to a bulletin about a "revolver knife" that could fire .22 caliber bullets. Van Dyke did not raise that possibility in his police interview immediately after the shooting, but he did later mention the bulletin warning to investigators.

Earlier Wednesday, truck driver Rudy Barillas told jurors he saw McDonald about 30 minutes before the shooting in someone else's truck in a parking area. When he confronted McDonald, he said the teen pulled out a knife and came toward him.

Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke holds hands with his wife Tiffany Van Dyke as he walks out of the Leighton Criminal Courthouse, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018 in Chicago. (Ashlee Rezin/Chicago Sun-Times via AP)

"He tried to stab me," Barillas said, speaking through a Spanish-language interpreter. He stood and showed jurors how McDonald wielded the knife.

Barillas called 911 and said that McDonald ran after realizing police were on their way. During cross-examination, Joseph Cullen highlighted how the truck driver hadn't needed to use deadly force.

"You were able to fend off this young man with a cellphone and a handful of rocks," Cullen said.

Leticia Velez, the first defense witness of the day, was among the first officers to respond to the truck driver's 911 call.

She testified that McDonald was holding his side when she saw him. That, she said she remembered thinking at the time, could mean he had a gun. She also testified that McDonald acted oddly, including by not looking at officers as they followed him - sirens blaring on their patrol cars.

"He looked deranged," she testified.

Velez said she at one point pulled her gun out. But when a prosecutor asked if she ever fired it, she answered, "I did not."

Only after McDonald was lying on a street, fatally wounded - and after Velez asked another officer about a weapon - did she realize a gun was not involved, Velez testified.

"We found out later he didn't have had a gun," she said. "But I believed he had a gun."

When Van Dyke arrived on the scene, police had McDonald mostly surrounded and well away from other bystanders. He was walking down the middle of a street next to a chain link fence. Testimony and police dispatch recordings indicate officers were waiting for someone to show up with a Taser to use on McDonald.

The suggestion that any officers might have thought McDonald had a gun has rarely come up in the case. After the shooting, Van Dyke and other officers had said in police reports that McDonald had "aggressively" swung a knife at them and tried to get up from the ground still armed after he was shot. Police video released a year after the shooting contradicted that account.

Three officers - David March, Joseph Walsh and Thomas Gaffney - were indicted in 2017 for conspiring to cover up and lie about the circumstances of the McDonald shooting, including by falsifying reports. They pleaded not guilty.

___

Follow Michael Tarm on Twitter at http://twitter.com/mtarm

Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke holds hands with his wife Tiffany Van Dyke as he walks out of the Leighton Criminal Courthouse, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018 in Chicago. (Ashlee Rezin/Chicago Sun-Times via AP)

Owen Van Dyke, center, the father of Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke, attends his son's murder trial for the 2014 shooting death of Laquan McDonald at the Leighton Criminal Court Building on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune via AP, Pool)

Tiffany Van Dyke, the wife of Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke, listens during her husband's murder trial for the 2014 shooting death of Laquan McDonald at the Leighton Criminal Court Building on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune via AP, Pool)

Chicago police Sgt. William Schield testifies during the murder trial for Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke in the 2014 shooting death of Laquan McDonald at the Leighton Criminal Court Building on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune via AP, Pool)
THE BANNING of single use plastic bags, protection of coastal properties and EU hurricane repair funding were all hot topics at the latest meeting of Cabinet.





Governor John Freeman chaired the 21st meeting on Wednesday (September 26) at the NJS Francis Building in Grand Turk.





All ministers were present except Deputy Premier Sean Astwood.





At this meeting Cabinet:

-Advised the governor to approve the subdivision of Crown land parcel 60000/618 at North West and North Central in Providenciales and to approve the issuing of a public tender notice for lots 29 and 30 of the subdivided parcel.





-Approved the appointments of Urban Jason Francis as the deputy chairman and Derek Rolle as a member of the TCI Ports Authority Board for a period of three years in accordance with Section 3 (2) of the Ports Authority Ordinance.





-Approved the appointment of Darcel Smith to the National Insurance Board (NIB) as the insured persons representative for a period of three years in accordance with Schedule 3 (Section 27) (1) (d) of the NIB Ordinance.





-Approved the appointment of the Permanent Secretary of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning as the Governments additional member on the executive committee responsible for managing the TCIG/Carnival Corporation Infrastructure Improvement Account.

Cabinet noted the appointment of Carnival Corporations voting member and additional members on the executive committee.





-Approved the terms of reference of and appointment of members to the Local Government Review and Modernisation Committee with effect from October 1.





-Approved the formation of and terms of reference for the National Assessment Team for a period of nine months to coordinate the TCI Country Poverty Assessment.





-Approved a ban on the import of single use plastic bags with effect from January 1, 2019, and a ban on the use of single use plastic bags by retailers with effect from May 1, 2019.

Cabinet approved a list of alternative bags which could be used by retailers from May 1, 2019, on which reduced custom tariff rates for certain of the alternative bags would be applied.





-Received a presentation by Hon. Goldray Ewing, Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning, on a draft paper setting out measures to avert further damage to selected coastal properties on Providenciales.

Cabinet requested that the paper be amended by relevant ministries and returned to Cabinet for approval.





-Noted an information paper presented by Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson on the draft TCI Vision 2040 paper which will be released for public consultation at a future date.





-Received an information paper from Hon. Ralph Higgs, Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage and Culture, updating Cabinet on work completed to date to introduce amendments to the National Parks Ordinance.

Cabinet noted the work already completed and looked forward to completion of work that remained outstanding.





-Was informed by Deputy Governor Anya Williams and EU programmes manager that the TCI had received approval for an allocation from the European Union B Envelope of 2.9 million for the repairs and upgrading of schools damaged by the 2017 hurricanes.





-Was informed by the premier that the Hyatt brand of hotels will be establishing itself in the TCI.





-Received an update by the chair of the TCI National Disaster Recovery Task Force on recent and planned work.




FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - Lawyers for Parkland school shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz want to interview potentially hundreds of witnesses that prosecutors have placed off limits.

The Cruz lawyers asked a judge Wednesday to allow additional interviews of some of more than 450 witnesses rather than relying on written statements or other documents. Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer agreed to allow only one to be interviewed so far, saying the effort was premature.

Defense attorneys already have about 170 civilian and 90 law enforcement top-level witnesses to interview. That process has yet to start.

Nineteen-year-old Cruz is charged with killing 17 people and wounding 17 others in the Feb. 14 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. His lawyers say he would plead guilty in exchange for life in prison, but prosecutors reject that.
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) - Galvanized by court rulings protecting grizzly bears and gray wolves, Congressional Republicans on Wednesday pushed sweeping changes to the Endangered Species Act despite strong objections from Democrats and wildlife advocates who called the effort a "wildlife extinction package."

Republicans began with a morning vote in the House Natural Resource Committee to strip protections from gray wolves across the contiguous U.S.

Courts restored safeguards for wolves in the Great Lakes region in 2014, frustrating states that had been allowing hunts to control wolf populations.

Later Wednesday, lawmakers took up changes to the endangered species law itself, with a suite of bills that supporters said would make the law work better and eliminate obstacles to economic progress.

Critics said the measures weaken the law by shifting power to state and local governments and away from federal scientists.

Momentum for change to the 1973 act has been building since President Donald Trump took office last year. Adding impetus to the effort was a court ruling Monday in Montana that restored protections for grizzly bears in and around Yellowstone National Park, putting on hold grizzly hunts that had been planned in Wyoming and Idaho.

FILE - In this Sept. 25, 2013 photo, a grizzly bear cub rests near a cabin a few miles from the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park in Gardiner, Mont. A court ruling Monday, Sept. 24, 2018, that blocked grizzly bear hunts in the U.S. West carries far wider political implications amid a push by Congress for sweeping changes to how imperiled species are managed. (Alan Rogers/The Casper Star-Tribune via AP, File)

"This ruling in Montana to me is the prime example of why Congress should modernize the Endangered Species Act," said Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman John Barrasso, a Wyoming Republican. "The grizzly bear has been fully recovered for 10 years. Even the Obama administration said so."

Barrasso said he prefers broad changes to the act rather than legislation on individual species. He has drafted legislation that includes a provision to block courts from intervening in decisions to lift protections for five years after those decisions are made. That would have prevented the grizzly ruling if it had been in place.

Other Republican proposals would speed up the process of deciding if species need protections, provide conservation incentives to landowners and give state, local and tribal governments more power in species decisions.

The hunts in Wyoming and Idaho would have been the first allowing members of the public with licenses to shoot bears in the contiguous U.S. since the 1990s. Alaska has had public grizzly bear hunting during that period.

Whether the GOP proposals ultimately succeed could hinge on who controls Congress next year. Barrasso said he does not expect significant changes to the act until after the November midterm election.

The ranking Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, Arizona Rep. Raul Grijalva said the Republican proposals comprised a "wish list" for industries that see the law as a barrier to development.

He said blocking lawsuits from wildlife advocates who would seek to restore protections could set a dangerous precedent, by making the government unaccountable in court for its actions.

Democrats also took aim at the move to lift protections for wolves and questioned the severity of wolf attacks on livestock. Federal protections for wolves and bears are a sore spot in many rural communities, where the predators frequently are blamed in livestock attacks.

Both species were nearly exterminated in the early 20th century but have rebounded in some areas since passage of the endangered act, which is meant to shield plants and animals from potential extinction.

"Domestic dogs cause more cattle losses than wolves do, and nobody's talking about trapping (and) hunting dogs," said Democratic Rep. Don Beyer of Virginia, referring to U.S. Agriculture reports on predator losses.

Wolves in the Northern Rockies are not federally-protected and are subject to hunting.

On grizzly bears, Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney wants Congress to reverse U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen's ruling, which returned Yellowstone bruins to the threatened species list after they were removed last year.

The judge faulted federal wildlife officials for not giving enough consideration to bear populations that continue to struggle elsewhere in the Northern Rockies.

A spokeswoman for Cheney, Maddy Weast, said the lawmaker was looking for the best way to advance the measure. The grizzly hunts planned in Wyoming and Idaho this fall would have allowed up to 23 of the animals to be killed.

Hunters said that could have helped address rising numbers of grizzly-human conflicts. Bears frequently attack livestock and occasionally people, including a Wyoming hunting guide killed by a pair of grizzlies earlier this month outside Grand Teton National Park.

Defenders of Wildlife attorney Jason Rylander acknowledged grizzly bears and wolves have become a flashpoint for dispute, but said politics should not decide a species' fate.

"In both the cases of grizzly bears and wolves, work on recovering them in the Lower 48 is not complete," Rylander said. "We have to decide if we're willing as a nation to recover them beyond the pockets where they have been resurgent."

Jonathan Wood with the conservative Pacific Legal Foundation, said Monday's court ruling on grizzlies amplified "the political appeal" for changes to the law that he said were needed.

"The Obama administration had no more luck getting the gray wolf or grizzly delisted (from federal protections) than the Bush administration did. This is a consistent problem," Wood said.

Under Trump, the U.S. Interior and Commerce departments in July proposed administrative changes to the species law that would end automatic protections for threatened plants and animals and set limits on designating habitat as crucial to recovery.

Attorneys general from 10 states on Tuesday demanded that the administration abandon the proposals in a letter to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.

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Follow Matthew Brown on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MatthewBrownAP .

FILE - In this July 16, 2004, file photo, is a gray wolf at the Wildlife Science Center in Forest Lake, Minn. A court ruling that blocked grizzly bear hunts in the Northern Rockies is galvanizing Republicans eager to overhaul the Endangered Species Act, but Congress is poised first to deal with a separate animal - gray wolves. (AP Photo/Dawn Villella, File)
Their famous client behind bars, Bill Cosby's legal team is readying a long-shot bid to get his sexual assault conviction overturned. They're also fighting civil lawsuits filed by some accusers that threaten to drain his vast fortune.

The 81-year-old Cosby's lawyers gave glimpses of their expected appeal as his April retrial crashed toward a conviction. They were dismayed by Judge Steven O'Neill's weighty decision to let five additional accusers testify and moved for a mistrial when one of the women called Cosby a "serial rapist" from the stand.

Cosby's lawyers again demanded a mistrial when a prosecutor suggested they were wrong to help a star defense witness write a statement outlining how she said Andrea Constand, the woman Cosby was convicted of drugging and molesting, mused about framing a celebrity.

Recently, Cosby's team - namely his wife, Camille - has been lashing out at O'Neill and accusing prosecutors of using illegal evidence.

Just before Cosby was taken away in handcuffs on Tuesday to begin his three-to-10-year prison sentence, his lawyers alleged that prosecutors had played a doctored audio tape for the jury. They argued that the development was enough to keep Cosby out on bail while he appeals, but O'Neill refused.

Still, legal experts say, Cosby faces long odds of winning on appeal.

Bill Cosby is escorted into the Montgomery County Correctional Facility on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, in Eagleville, Pa., after being sentenced to three-to-10-year prison sentence for sexual assault. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma)

Appellate courts give trial judges broad discretion to make decisions affecting how a case is tried, and they overturn only a tiny fraction of convictions. Cosby would stand a better chance, experts say, if he could show that O'Neill made serious errors that violated his constitutional rights.

The prosecutors who tried Cosby say they're confident his conviction will stand.

"Bill Cosby is out of options," said veteran Pennsylvania prosecutor Jarrett Ferentino, who wasn't involved in the case. "His only option now is to blame the court system. His attempt to disparage and discredit his victims failed. He has every right to file an appeal. His chances of success are limited."

Cosby, once revered as "America's Dad" for playing wise, caring Dr. Cliff Huxtable on "The Cosby Show," is now known as Inmate No. NN7687.

He spent his first night as a prisoner in a single cell near the infirmary at a new state lock up a mere 20 miles from the suburban Philadelphia mansion where, a jury found, he assaulted Constand in 2004.

Here are some of the issues Cosby's lawyers could argue in his appeal and the other legal trouble he's facing:

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'DOCTORED' TAPE

In a failed, last-ditch bid to keep Cosby free on bail pending his appeal, his lawyers on Tuesday accused prosecutors of playing a doctored tape for the jury.

Cosby's publicist said afterward that a forensic expert found that a tape Constand's mother made of a 2005 telephone call with Cosby had been manipulated in two places and was "not an authentic recording."

During the call, Cosby talks about a plan to pay for Constand's education.

District Attorney Kevin Steele rejected the allegations, saying it was widely known that Gianna Constand started her recorder after the call began.

"If that's what they've got, it's beyond a Hail Mary," Steele said.

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PARADE OF ACCUSERS

The biggest difference from the first trial - which ended in a mistrial - was O'Neill's decision to let jurors hear from five other women who say Cosby had also drugged and violated them. The judge allowed just one other accuser to testify the first time around.

The new witnesses - permitted by state law to show that a charged crime fits a larger pattern of offenses - helped prosecutors bolster what had been a "he-said-she-said" case.

"That one is front and center because he didn't rule that way on the initial trial," Loyola Law School professor Laurie Levenson said. "It raises the question of why is he doing so this time? Why is he trying to put his thumb on the scales of justice?"

Cosby's lawyers blasted the women's testimony as excessive and prejudicial, and twice demanded a mistrial over their charged rhetoric.

Pennsylvania courts have long grappled with how many "prior bad act" witnesses to allow. Prosecutors in the Cosby case originally wanted 19 women to testify, but an appeals court could have seen that as too many.

Monsignor William Lynn, a former Roman Catholic church official, had his 2012 child endangerment conviction thrown out after 23 such witnesses took the stand.

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ACCUSING THE JUDGE AND JURY OF BIAS

As sentencing neared, Cosby's wife issued a blistering statement accusing O'Neill of "unethical behavior" and traveled to Harrisburg to file a complaint with a judicial ethics board. Camille Cosby alleged that O'Neill was biased because of an old feud he had with the prosecutor who declined to bring charges against Cosby in 2005.

Cosby's lawyers tried to get O'Neill to step aside before the retrial, but never mentioned the feud. Instead, they suggested he was being influenced by his wife, a social worker who has described herself as an "activist and advocate for assault victims." O'Neill declined, saying he's "not biased or prejudiced" by her work.

Cosby's lawyers also took issue with the makeup of the jury.

During jury selection, they accused prosecutors of illegally removing a black woman from the pool on the basis of her race and alleged that a prosecution team member said "something that was discriminatory and repulsive."

Later, they sought to remove a juror after a rejected juror alleged he told her: "I just think he's guilty, so we can all be done and get out of here."

O'Neill questioned jurors in chambers and allowed the man to stay.

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OTHER LEGAL WORRIES

Cosby is also defending defamation lawsuits filed by at least 10 accusers in Massachusetts and California, which were mostly put on hold during the criminal case but should now pick up. The women say that Cosby and his agents deemed them liars by denying their sex assault accusations.

Cosby has countersued the seven women in the Massachusetts case, alleging they engaged in a campaign to "assassinate" his "honorable legacy and reputation."

"He says his reputation was harmed," their women's lawyer, Joseph Cammarata said. "I'm going to say he had no reputation to harm."

Cammarata will ask a judge next month to schedule a trial date and let him take Cosby's deposition. Cosby's lawyers deposed the women and Cammarata deposed Cosby's wife, Camille, but Cosby himself got a reprieve while the criminal case loomed.

"At least we know where to find him," Cammarata said.

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Follow Sisak at twitter.com/mikesisak and Dale at twitter.com/maryclairedale

For more coverage, visit: https://apnews.com/tag/BillCosby

Accuser Andrea Constand, left, reacts at a news conference with prosecutor Kristen Feden after Bill Cosby was sentenced to three-to 10-years for sexual assault Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, in Norristown, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Stacey Pinkerton, left and Chelan Lasha embrace during a news conference, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, in Norristown Pa., after Bill Cosby was sentenced to three-to 10-years for sexual assault. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

FILE - This June 1, 2018, file photo shows inmate dining facilities in the West section of the State Correctional Institution at Phoenix in Collegeville, Pa. Bill Cosby spent his first night of his three-to-10-year prison sentence for sexual assault alone in a single cell near the infirmary at the new state lock up outside Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma, File)
WASHINGTON (AP) - Congress is taking the first steps toward setting national rules governing how companies use consumers data - although one of its goals might be to prevent states from enacting stronger privacy protections of their own.

The approach being pondered by policymakers and pushed by the internet industry leans toward a relatively light government touch. That's in contrast to stricter European rules that took effect in May and a California law that takes effect in 2020. Other states are also considering more aggressive protections.

However it works out, any regulatory push will find it challenging to reconcile the concerns of privacy advocates who want people to have more control over the use of their personal data - where they've been, what they view, who their friends are -and the powerful companies who mine that information for profit.

During a Senate hearing Wednesday, several Democratic senators warned that a national law could simply be used to override state efforts. Calling that pre-emption the "Holy Grail" for the industry, Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii said it won't get the bipartisan support it needs if the goal is merely to replace California's law with a weaker, "non-progressive" federal statute.

Senior executives from AT&T, Amazon, Apple, Google, Twitter and Charter Communications all told senators that they support a federal proposal that could negate "inconsistent" state privacy laws. Facebook, which faced a major congressional grilling over privacy back in April, was not present at the hearing.

Apple, which doesn't rely on advertising for revenue, was the most vocal in support of a stronger federal law. Bud Tribble, Apple's vice president of software technology, said the bar would have to be "high enough in the federal legislation" to provide meaningful consumer protections.

FILE - In this Sept. 5, 2018, file photo, Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., speaks with reporters after the Republican's policy luncheon on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Trump administration is hoping Congress can come up with a new set of national rules governing how companies can use consumers' data that finds a balance between "privacy and prosperity." "Consumers deserve clear answers and standards on data privacy protection," Thune, who heads the Commerce panel, said in a statement. By hearing from the companies, lawmakers will be able to assess "what Congress can do to promote clear privacy expectations without hurting innovation," he said. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen, File)

The Senate Commerce Committee hearing comes amid increasing anxiety over safeguarding consumers' data online and recent scandals that have stoked outrage among users and politicians. The committee's chairman, Republican Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, said both Republicans and Democrats now want to reach consensus on a national privacy law that "will help consumers, promote innovation, reward organizations with little to hide and force shady practitioners to clean up their act."

An early move in President Donald Trump's tenure set the tone on data privacy. He signed a bill into law in April 2017 that allows internet providers to sell information about their customers' browsing habits. The legislation scrapped Obama-era online privacy rules aimed at giving consumers more control over how broadband companies like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon share that information.

Allie Bohm, policy counsel at the consumer group Public Knowledge, said examples abound of companies not only using the data to market products but also to profile consumers and restrict who sees their offerings: African Americans not getting access to ads for housing, minorities and older people excluded from seeing job postings.

What is needed, privacy advocates maintain, is legislation to govern the entire "life cycle" of consumers' data: how it's collected, used, kept, shared and sold.

The 28-nation European Union put in strict new rules this spring that require companies to justify why they're collecting and using personal data gleaned from phones, apps and visited websites. Companies also must give EU users the ability to access and delete data, and to object to data use under one of the claimed reasons.

A similar law in California will compel companies to tell customers upon request what personal data they've collected, why it was collected and what types of third parties have received it. Companies will be able to offer discounts to customers who allow their data to be sold and to charge those who opt out a reasonable amount, based on how much the company makes selling the information.

Andrew DeVore, Amazon's vice president and associate general counsel, told the Senate panel Wednesday that it should consider the "possible unintended consequences" of California's approach. For instance, he said the state law defines personal information too broadly such that it could include all data.

The California law doesn't take effect until 2020 and applies only to California consumers, but it could have fallout effects on other states. And it's strong enough to have rattled Big Tech, which is seeking a federal data-privacy law that would be more lenient toward the industry.

"A national privacy framework should be consistent throughout all states, pre-empting state consumer-privacy and data security laws," the Internet Association said in a recent statement . The group represents about 40 big internet and tech companies, spanning Airbnb and Amazon to Zillow. "A strong national baseline creates clear rules for companies."

The Trump White House said this summer that the administration is working on it, meeting with companies and other interested parties.

The goal is a policy "that is the appropriate balance between privacy and prosperity," White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters said. "We look forward to working with Congress on a legislative solution."

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Matt O'Brien reported from Providence, Rhode Island.
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (AP) - The Latest on the sentencing of Bill Cosby (all times local):

2:35 p.m.

Bill Cosby has several avenues of appeal if he hopes to get out of prison.

The 81-year-old comedian spent the first night of his three-to-10-year prison sentence for sexual assault alone in a single cell near the infirmary at SCI Phoenix, a new state lock up outside Philadelphia.

Cosby's lawyers, meanwhile, are working to get him out of there.

They've vowed to appeal his conviction and have already outlined some potential issues, including Judge Steven O'Neill's decision to let five additional accusers testify and new allegations that prosecutors used a doctored tape as evidence.

FILE - In this June 1, 2018, file photo, a man stands in a housing unit in the West section of the State Correctional Institution at Phoenix in Collegeville, Pa. Bill Cosby spent his first night of his three-to-10-year prison sentence for sexual assault alone in a single cell near the infirmary at the new state lock up outside Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma, File)

Cosby, once revered as "America's Dad," arrived at SCI Phoenix on Tuesday to a new label: Inmate No. NN7687. The facility is a mere 20 miles from the gated mansion where, a jury found, he drugged and molested Andrea Constand in 2004.

Barring a successful appeal, it could be his home for a while.

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10:05 a.m.

Pennsylvania corrections officials say Bill Cosby will serve his sentence at a new state prison in the Philadelphia suburbs.

The Department of Corrections provided details of Cosby's incarceration Wednesday, one day after the 81-year-old comedian was sentenced to three to 10 years for sexual assault.

Cosby will serve his time at SCI Phoenix, about 20 miles from his gated estate. The $400 million prison opened two months ago.

He's being housed in a single cell near the infirmary. Corrections Secretary John Wetzel says the prison's long-term goal is to place Cosby in the general population. Under prison policy, he'll be allowed phone calls and visits and will get a chance to exercise.

Wetzel says the prison is "taking all of the necessary precautions" to ensure the celebrity's safety.

The prison system assigned Cosby inmate number NN7687.

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7:50 a.m.

A prosecutor who tried Bill Cosby in his sexual assault case says the comedian's chief accuser, Andrea Constand, told her she was happy with his three-to-10-year prison sentence.

Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney Kristen Feden said Wednesday on NBC's "Today" that accuser Andrea Constand gave her strength as she went through the difficult process of prosecuting Cosby.

Feden says "her courage and strength was enough for me to say, 'Let's keep going."

Feden also says that as she watched Cosby during the proceedings, "I don't even know that it was clear to him that this was judgment day."

Cosby's wife, Camille, has claimed that a phone recording played at trial was doctored. On ABC's "Good Morning America," Feden's fellow prosecutor Stewart Ryan called it a "last-ditch effort to cook up an appeal issue."

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2:40 a.m.

A publicist for once-beloved actor Bill Cosby complained that the star's conviction and three- to 10-year prison term for sexual assault stem from a racist and sexist justice system.

Cosby is vowing to appeal his conviction as the first celebrity trial of the #MeToo era. He is serving time at a state prison in Montgomery County after his sentencing there Tuesday.

Judge Steven O'Neill has presided over the case for nearly three years. He says Cosby remains a potential danger to society even though he is 81 and infirm. The judge says Cosby could still drug people to override their lack of consent to sexual activity.

Defense lawyers had argued that Cosby be sentenced to home confinement over the 2004 assault.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh (all times local):

8:50 p.m.

Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanagh is fending off a third accusation of sexual misconduct as he prepares for a public Senate hearing that could determine whether Republicans can salvage his nomination.

Julie Swetnick says in a sworn statement that she witnessed Kavanaugh "consistently engage in excessive drinking and inappropriate contact of a sexual nature with women in the early 1980s."

Meanwhile, the lawyer for Deborah Ramirez, who says Kavanaugh exposed himself to her at a party when they attended Yale University, raised her profile in a round of television interviews.

The Senate Judiciary Committee will hear from just two witnesses Thursday: Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford, a California psychology professor who accuses him of attempting to rape her when they were teens.

President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at the Lotte New York Palace hotel during the United Nations General Assembly, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

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6:20 p.m.

The lawyer for a third woman accusing Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct says he won't agree to a Senate Judiciary Committee request to interview her immediately.

Michael Avenatti tells The Associated Press that his client won't consider the committee's request until it agrees to his demand for an FBI investigation of the accusation. He says doing the interview today would be "ridiculous."

Avenatti represents Julie Swetnick. She's accusing the Supreme Court nominee of sexual misconduct in the early 1980s.

The lawyer says Swetnick wants to be treated like Kavanaugh's initial accuser, Christine Blasey Ford.

Ford hasn't been interviewed by committee staff. She and Kavanaugh are scheduled to testify publicly before the panel Thursday.

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6:10 p.m.

A former girlfriend of Mark Judge, Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh's high school friend, is willing to speak to the FBI and the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Elizabeth Rasor has said Judge told her that he and other teens took turns having sex with a drunken woman when they were in high school.

Rasor's attorney says in a letter obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press that her client would "welcome the opportunity to share this information."

Rasor met Judge in college and was in a relationship with him for about three years. She told The New Yorker that Judge told her he was ashamed of the incident.

Rasor's lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, says in the letter that her client's account in the story was accurate.

Judge and Kavanaugh have denied any misconduct.

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5:50 p.m.

President Donald Trump says the numerous accusations of sexual assault that have been made against him over the years affect the way he views allegations against other men, including his Supreme Court pick.

Trump says at a New York news conference that he views such accusations "differently" because he's "had a lot of false charges made against me."

Here are his own words: "It's happened to me many times."

Trump says he'd been accused - falsely - by "four or five women" who "got paid a lot of money" to make those charges.

More than a dozen women came forward during the 2016 presidential campaign, claiming they were assaulted, groped or kissed without consent by Trump. There's no evidence most were paid.

Also during the campaign, a videotape from 2005 was released on which Trump was heard boasting of grabbing women by their genitals and kissing them without permission.

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5:45 p.m.

The Republican staff for the Senate Judiciary Committee is requesting an immediate interview with the third woman who's accusing Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct.

GOP committee aides have emailed a letter to the woman's attorney, Michael Avenatti. They say they want to know immediately whether Julie Swetnick would agree to be interviewed by phone later Wednesday.

That would be just hours before the committee's scheduled hearing Thursday where Kavanaugh and initial accuser Christine Blasey (BLAH'-zee) Ford are set to testify.

She has claimed he sexually assaulted her at a high school party in the early 1980s.

Kavanaugh has denied allegations from three women of sexual misconduct.

The committee staffers write that this is the sixth email they've sent Avenatti since he tweeted Sunday that he had an unnamed client with accusations against Kavanaugh.

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5:35 p.m.

Christine Blasey (BLAH'-zee) Ford says in prepared testimony to a Senate committee that she believes Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh tried to rape her at a party when they were teenagers.

Kavanaugh has said he never sexually assaulted anyone in high school or at any other time in his life, and he says he didn't even attend the party where Ford says she was assaulted.

Ford says in testimony for Thursday's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing that she was "terrified" to go public with her story. She says it's her "civic duty" to tell the senators what happened.

Ford says she doesn't have the answers to all the questions she know will be asked about that night and says she doesn't remember everything. But she said the details have "haunted" her into adulthood.

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5:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump says he's open to changing his mind on Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh - if the evidence at Thursday's Senate committee hearing is compelling.

Trump says at a news conference in New York that he'll watch the testimony from Kavanaugh and a woman who's accusing Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct.

The president was asked about whether he might be persuaded to withdraw Kavanaugh's nomination. Trump said: "If I thought he was guilty of something like this ... yeah, sure."

Trump is calling Kavanaugh was "one of the highest quality people" he's ever met. The president insists the accusations are false and he's accusing Democrats of playing politics.

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4:35 p.m.

Some of Brett Kavanaugh's high school friends are pushing back against the latest accusation of sexual misconduct against the Supreme Court nominee.

The friends have written the Senate Judiciary Committee and said they've "never witnessed any behavior that even approaches what is described in this allegation."

Julie Swetnick has provided a sworn declaration to the committee that says she witnessed Kavanaugh "consistently engage in excessive drinking and inappropriate contact of a sexual nature with women in the early 1980s." Her lawyer posted the declaration on Twitter.

The 64 Kavanaugh friends from the all-male Georgetown Prep and some sister high schools who signed the letter say they don't remember ever meeting Swetnick and they say "these shameful attacks must end."

Kavanaugh has denied the new charges.

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4:30 p.m.

A Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee says he needs to hear Christine Blasey Ford's testimony before determining whether her sexual assault allegation against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh is credible.

When John Kennedy of Louisiana was asked what criteria he'll use, he said: "That's like asking me to explain the Holy Spirit."

Kennedy says credibility can sometimes by judged by body language, by sincerity or by corroborating evidence.

He'll be among the senators with a chance to question Ford on Thursday.

She's scheduled to testify about her accusation that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her at a high school party decades ago.

Kavanaugh, who denies that accusation, is scheduled to testify after Ford is finished.

The 21 senators on the committee will each have five minutes to ask the witnesses questions.

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3:30 p.m.

Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee say they want to speak to the latest woman accusing Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct.

Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana says the committee will be extending an invitation to Julie Swetnick to provide a sworn statement, and South Carolina's Lindsey Graham says he wants the committee to talk to her "today."

Swetnick - in a sworn statement Wednesday - is accusing Kavanaugh of excessive drinking and inappropriate treatment of women, among other things. The Associated Press hasn't been able to corroborate the claims and continues to investigate.

Kavanaugh has denied the allegations and calls them "ridiculous." He says he didn't know Swetnick.

The committee chairman, Republican Chuck Grassley of Iowa, says in a tweet that committee investigators are tracking down all allegations against Kavanaugh, talking to witnesses and gathering evidence.

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3 p.m.

Lawyers for Christine Blasey Ford have provided the Senate Judiciary Committee with the results of a polygraph test on her accusation that Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were teens.

The documents indicate the Ford took the test on Aug. 7 at a Hilton Hotel in Maryland.

Ford has told The Washington Post she hired a former FBI agent to conduct the test as she considered whether to come forward with her accusation, and she's said she passed it.

The newly released documents seem to support her claim, but there's no independent expert verification.

She says Kavanaugh held her down, tried to remove her clothes and covered her mouth at a drunken high school party in the 1980s. Kavanaugh denies the allegation and says he's never assaulted anyone.

In addition to the polygraph, Ford's lawyers have given the Senate committee four affidavits from people who say Ford told them about the assault.

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2:30 p.m.

President Donald Trump says what's happening to Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh is a "disgrace" that will be reflected in the November election.

Trump blames Senate Democrats and is suggesting that how they handled sexual misconduct allegations against Kavanaugh will help Republicans at the polls. Kavanaugh denies the allegations.

Republicans are fighting to maintain their grip on both houses of Congress in the face of strong enthusiasm by Democratic voters who oppose Trump and his policies.

Here's how Trump is assessing the Kavanaugh confirmation process: "It's disgraceful. It's a disgrace to the country. And I think you're going to see it in the midterms."

Trump also says "these Democratic senators" are a "disgrace."

He adds that the "good news is the public is very smart and they get it."

___

2:20 p.m.

A high school friend of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh is denying a woman's allegation of sexual misconduct.

Mark Judge is the friend, and his lawyer, Biz Van Gelder, says her client vehemently denies the new allegations.

In a sworn statement, Julie Swetnick has accused Judge and Kavanaugh of excessive drinking and inappropriate treatment of women, among other things.

The Associated Press hasn't been able to corroborate the claims, and continues to investigate.

Kavanaugh has denied the allegations and calls them "ridiculous." He says he didn't know Swetnick and "this never happened."

Swetnick's lawyer says he expects to release additional information in "the coming weeks."

FILE - In this Sept. 5, 2018, file photo, President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh listens to a question while testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

This undated photo of Julie Swetnick was released by her attorney Michael Avenatti via Twitter, Wednesday, Sept. 26. 2018. The Senate Judiciary Committee is reviewing allegations by Swetnick, accusing Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct, a panel spokesman said. (Michael Avenatti via AP)

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., followed at left by Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., leaves the Senate chamber to meet with reporters about the confirmation for President Donald Trump's embattled Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, following a weekly closed-door policy meeting, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

FILE - In this April 12, 2018 photo, Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., questions Secretary of State-designate Mike Pompeo during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. Charging that the Trump administration violated the separation of powers by withholding from the Senate 100,000 pages of documents on Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, Merkley has filed suit, asking a federal court to order the administration to produce the papers and to delay confirmation hearings. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, file)
CLEVELAND (AP) - Three of Ohio's six Roman Catholic dioceses now say they will release new lists of priests who have been removed from parishes because of sexual abuse and misconduct allegations, The Associated Press has learned.

The Catholic Diocese of Columbus said Wednesday it would release a list in the next few months that will include the names of clergy who have been credibly accused of abuse, whether they are living or dead. The announcement comes a day after the Steubenville diocese said it will make public the names of abusive priests by the end of October and several weeks after the Youngstown diocese made a similar announcement.

This all comes in the wake of a lengthy Pennsylvania grand jury report that listed the names of more than 300 priests and outlined the details of sexual abuse allegations.

"The Diocese of Columbus understands this is an important step to restore the confidence of our faithful in their church and its clergy," a diocese spokesman said.

Other dioceses in the state have said they have previously released the names of priests who have been removed from ministry. But it's unclear how far back those lists reach, and some don't include the names of priests who have died.

Steubenville diocesan officials and attorneys will review files dating back to its formation in 1944, spokesman Dino Orsatti said. He estimated that a list would include 12 to 20 names. The diocese is the smallest in Ohio with 34,000 members.

FILE - In this Sept 12, 2012, file photo, Steubenville Bishop Jeffrey Monforton speaks in Steubenville, Ohio. The Associated Press has learned the diocese plans to become the second in Ohio to release a list of priests who have been removed from parishes because of sexual abuse and misconduct allegations. (Michael D. McElwain/Herald-Star via AP, File)

Orsatti said Tuesday that Bishop Jeffrey Monforton wants the list released in the interest of transparency and accountability.

"He would welcome any investigation like the one in Pennsylvania," Orsatti said.

The U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops approved a zero-tolerance policy called the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in 2002 in the midst of a national scandal over the church's failure to address and, in some cases cover up, sexual abuse and misconduct by priests. The policy requires dioceses to alert authorities when they learned of abuse allegations, conduct their own investigations and remove accused priests from their duties during such reviews.

The Youngstown diocese announced in early September that it would release a comprehensive list in the coming weeks.

Youngstown broke off from the much larger Cleveland diocese in 1943. Monsignor John Zuraw said that while names of priests have been made public over the years, there has never been a complete list released. Youngstown Bishop George Murry believes there is a need for transparency within the church and wants to "assure the people of God that no one's in harm's way," Zuraw said.

He said the diocese plans to examine the files of every priest who has served in Youngstown. It's the diocese's hope that revealing the names of priests could trigger someone's memories of being abused and prompt them to seek help, he said.

"This is what the church needs to do at this time," Zuraw said. "To help people who were victimized and let them put their lives back together."

A spokesman for the Diocese of Cleveland, which is Ohio's largest with nearly 700,000 members, says it provided Cuyahoga County prosecutors all relevant files during a monthslong grand jury investigation similar to Pennsylvania's in 2002. The diocese that year posted a list of 22 priests who had been accused of child sex abuse. Diocesan spokesman Jim Armstrong said Tuesday that some of the allegations date back decades.

Unlike Pennsylvania, prosecutors in Cleveland never produced a report about the grand jury's findings.

In a 2003 court decision denying a Cleveland television station's request to obtain records presented to the grand jury, Cuyahoga County Judge Brian Corrigan wrote that prosecutors had identified more than 1,000 possible victims of sexual abuse and 496 possible offenders, including 143 priests. Sixty four of the priests were living in the Cleveland area at the time.

Two other dioceses in Ohio say they already make it a practice to release the names of priests who have been removed.

The Diocese of Toledo lists the names of 20 priests and deacons on its website who are among the 46 accused of sexually abusing children since 1950. Some names, though, were omitted because the priests are dead and can't defend themselves, the diocese said.

The Cincinnati Archdiocese publishes a list of priests who have been removed due to child sexual abuse. The names include 14 priests who since 2005 have been either permanently removed from performing as a priest or not allowed to publicly present themselves as priests.

It also has published annual reports since 2004 that detail how many new allegations have been received and whether the priests had been accused previously. The reports published on the diocese's website do not identify the priests but say the accusations were handed over to prosecutors.

___

Seewer reported from Toledo.

FILE - In this March 28, 2007, file photo, Bishop George Murry celebrates mass at Saint Columba Cathedral in Youngstown, Ohio. The Roman Catholic diocese was the first in Ohio to announce that it would release a list of priests who have been removed from parishes because of sexual abuse and misconduct allegations. Now The Associated Press has learned that a second Ohio diocese, Steubenville, plans to release a list. (Michael Semple//Tribune Chronicle via AP, File)
GASTONIA, N.C. (AP) - The father of a 6-year-old boy who disappeared from a North Carolina park over the weekend said Wednesday that the search for his son has been "torture."

Ian Ritch joined Gastonia police and FBI agents for a news conference, taking questions from reporters just hours after appearing on ABC's "Good Morning America" to talk about Maddox Ritch, the boy who disappeared Saturday as he walked with his father at Rankin Lake Park.

"I'm not eating. I'm not sleeping," Ritch said. "I'm just worried about getting my little boy back. I thought after the first night, he would be fine.

"I just want my little boy back home. I want to know he's safe. I want to give him a big hug as soon as I see him," he added. "I just want to know he's safe."

Ritch said he and his son, along with a friend whose name has not been released, were making their first visit to the 242-acre park. The park's lake serves as a reservoir.

According to Ritch, Maddox was about 25 feet to 30 feet (7 meters to 9 meters) away before he broke into a sprint just as a jogger passed them. The father said he is a diabetic and because he has neuropathy in his feet, he has trouble running.

Carrie Ritch cries as Gastonia Police Chief Robert Helton stands with her during a news conference, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, in Gastonia, N.C., as she talks about her 6-year-old son Maddox Ritch who went missing Saturday, Sept. 22, from Rankin Lake Park in Gastonia. The FBI has joined the search. (John Clark/The Gaston Gazette via AP)

"He likes running," Ritch said. "I couldn't catch up with him. I feel guilt for letting him get so far ahead of me before I started running after him."

Ritch said the boy looked back at him and laughed, adding that he would slow down and then speed up again. With the help of the friend, Ritch searched for his son but couldn't find him. Park personnel also joined in the search but didn't see Maddox, either. After an hour, Ritch called 911, saying he delayed that call because he thought he would find his son and there was no reason to call police.

Gastonia Police Chief Robert Helton says they've searched thousands of acres, drained the lake and conducted hundreds of interviews. Helton says investigators still want to speak to a jogger, a person who was pulling a kayak out of the lake and anyone in a group photographing three children in Dr. Seuss costumes.

Meanwhile, Ritch knows he's a potential target for investigators in his son's disappearance.

"I mean, I know I'm the number one suspect when it starts. That's plain and simple," Ritch told CBS News, adding that he has cooperated with investigators. "Everything that they've asked for, I've given them right off the bat."

Special Agent Jason Kaplan of the FBI, Gastonia Fire Chief Phil Welch, and Gastonia Police Chief Robert Helton, answer questions during a press conference Tuesday September 25, 2018, in Gastonia, N.C. to give updates on the search for six-year-old Maddox Ritch who went missing September 22 from Rankin Lake Park in Gastonia. (John Clark/The Gaston Gazette via AP)

City of Gastonia Police Chief R. C. Helton talks about the progress that is being made during a press conference near Rankin Lake Park as the search continues for missing six-year-old Maddox Ritch Monday, Sept. 24, 2018 in Gastonia, NC. Maddox Ritch went missing early Saturday afternoon while walking in the park with his family. (Mike Hensdill/The Gaston Gazette via AP)

Searchers stage at Tommy's Drive In in Gastonia Monday, Sept. 24, 2018, as the search continues for the missing six-year-old Maddox Ritch Monday, Sept. 24, 2018 in Gastonia, NC. Maddox Ritch went missing early Saturday afternoon at the park while walking with his family. (Mike Hensdill/The Gaston Gazette via AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) - An agitated President Donald Trump acknowledged Wednesday that past accusations of sexual misconduct against him have influenced the way he views similar charges against other men, including his Supreme Court nominee.

Wading into the #MeToo moment, Trump said he views such accusations "differently" because he's "had a lot of false charges made against me." He made the comments at a news conference in New York a day before Judge Brett Kavanaugh was set to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee amid multiple accusations of sexual misconduct.

While Trump pledged to listen to the testimony of Kavanaugh's accuser and even said he was open to changing his mind about his nominee, he made clear that he was deeply skeptical of these types of accusations.

"It's happened to me many times," Trumps said, claiming he'd been accused - falsely - by "four or five women."

In fact, more than a dozen women came forward during the 2016 campaign, claiming they were assaulted, groped or kissed without consent by Trump. Trump was also caught on tape in 2005 boasting of grabbing women by their genitals and kissing them without permission.

During the free-wheeling news conference, Trump continued to lash out at Democrats and label the allegations against Kavanaugh politically motivated. He also expressed frustrations with the delays in the process guided by Republicans and took a shot at attorney Michael Avenatti, who is representing the latest accuser.

President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Trump's remarks underscored the complexity of the moment, as Republicans seek to continue their efforts to install conservatives on the high court. While Republicans want to move forward, they are mindful of the fallout if they don't take the accusations seriously. Should the effort fail, the party would likely explode in finger-pointing that could have implications in the November elections.

"Republican senators have delayed this for weeks now," Trump said. "They are giving the women a major chance to speak."

He added: "It's possible that I'll hear that and I'll say I'm changing my mind."

Kavanaugh and his chief accuser, Christine Blasey Ford, who says Kavanaugh assaulted her in high school, are both expected to testify. Ford has claimed that Kavanaugh tried to remove her clothes and clamped a hand over her mouth at a party when both were in high school.

Another woman came forward over the weekend, telling The New Yorker magazine that Kavanaugh exposed himself and caused her to touch his penis at a party when both were Yale freshmen. And on Wednesday, a woman represented by Avenatti - who shot to fame as the attorney taking on the president for porn actress Stormy Daniels - made another accusation of misconduct.

Kavanaugh has steadfastly denied all the allegations.

Trump, who initially supported giving Ford time to speak, showed his rising frustration Wednesday. Speaking to reporters at the United Nations earlier in the day, he said Senate Republicans "could have pushed it through 2 weeks ago."

Trump said that if lawmakers had moved faster, "you wouldn't be talking about it right now, which is frankly what I would have preferred."

Asked about the decision to have a veteran Arizona prosecutor handle the questioning in the Judiciary Committee, Trump said Senate Republicans "could not be nicer" and "could not be more respectful." Trump said he was "OK with that," but again defended Kavanaugh as a "gem" and said Democrats are treating him unfairly.

Trump also turned his fire directly on Avenatti, tweeting that he was a "third rate lawyer" pushing "false accusations" against Kavanaugh and himself. Avenatti tweeted back, calling Trump a "habitual liar and complete narcissist who also is a disgrace as a president and an embarrassment to our nation."

In recent days, the president has grown increasingly frustrated with the handling of the claims against Kavanaugh, said a person familiar with his views who was not authorized to discuss private conversations publicly. After Kavanaugh appeared on Fox News to plead his case Monday, Trump expressed concerns that he did not defend himself more vigorously.

While Trump has wondered if he was well-advised to choose Kavanaugh, he now believes Republicans must fight back harder, mindful of the message it would send to his supporters if the GOP-controlled Senate cannot help him get another conservative jurist on the high court.

President Donald Trump talks during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the United Nations General Assembly, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, at U.N. Headquarters. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - For the first time since taking office, President Donald Trump endorsed a two-state solution as the best way to resolve the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians as he met Wednesday at the U.N. with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Trump told reporters that he believes that two states - Israel and one for the Palestinians - "works best." He has previously been vague on the topic, suggesting that he would support whatever the parties might agree to, including possibly a one-state resolution, which might see the Palestinian territories become part of Israel.

"I like (a) two-state solution," Trump said as he posed for photographs with Netanyahu. "That's what I think works best. That's my feeling. Now, you may have a different feeling. I don't think so. But I think two-state solution works best."

Later, Trump told a news conference that reaching a two-state solution is "more difficult because it's a real estate deal" but that ultimately it "works better because you have people governing themselves."

He added that he would still support Israel and the Palestinians should they opt for a one-state solution, though he believed that was less likely. "Bottom line: If the Israelis and Palestinians want one-state, that's OK with me. If they want two states, that's OK with me. I'm happy if they're happy."

In his earlier comments, Trump said his much anticipated but still unreleased Mideast peace plan could be presented in the next two to four months, but was not specific as to timing.

President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the United Nations General Assembly, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, at U.N. Headquarters. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump has been heavily criticized by the Palestinians for a series of moves that they say show distinct bias toward Israel, starting with his recognition last year of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. The Palestinians also claim the holy city as the capital of an eventual state. Earlier this year, Trump followed up on the recognition by moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a step that was widely protested by Palestinians and others in the Arab world.

His administration has also slashed aid to the Palestinians by hundreds of millions of dollars and ended U.S. support for the U.N. agency that helps Palestinian refugees.

The Palestinians reacted cautiously to Trump's remarks, noting that a two-state solution has long been the goal of peace efforts, including a broader Arab-Israeli plan that would see Arab states all recognize Israel if the Palestinians got an independent state.

Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said the Palestinians remain committed to their demand for a state based on the borders before the 1967 Mideast war and with East Jerusalem as its capital.

"Peace requires a two-state solution, where the state of Palestine is based on the '67 boundaries with East Jerusalem as its capital," he said. "This is the Arab and international attitude, and all final status issues need to be solved according to the international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative."

Trump and his national security team have defended their position, saying that decades of attempts to forge Israeli-Palestinian peace have failed.

He said Wednesday that the embassy move would actually help peace efforts by recognizing the reality that Israel identifies Jerusalem as its capital. But he added that Israel would have to make concessions to the Palestinians in any negotiations.

"Israel got the first chip and it's a big one," Trump said. "By taking off the table the embassy moving to Jerusalem, that was always the primary ingredient as to why deals couldn't get done. Now that's off the table. Now, that will also mean that Israel will have to do something that is good for the other side."

Netanyahu thanked Trump for his support and his decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal and said U.S.-Israel relations have never been better than under his administration. On Tuesday, Trump lashed out at Iran in his annual address to the U.N. General Assembly, accusing its leaders of corruption and spreading chaos throughout the Middle East and beyond. He also vowed to continue to impose sanctions on Iran.

"Thank you for your strong words yesterday in the General Assembly against the corrupt terrorist regime in Iran," Netanyahu said. "They back up your strong words and strong actions."

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the United Nations General Assembly, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, at U.N. Headquarters. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
By Olivia Rose

POWER company FortisTCI has called on Governor John Freeman to launch an inquiry in an effort to substantiate the companys rate increase application.





This comes about two months after the firm applied to the Government for a 6.8 percent increase in electricity costs across the territory.





According to FortisTCI, the increase in electricity costs is one of several strategies being implemented to recoup their 2017 hurricane losses which are estimated at a whopping $32 million.





Since then Cabinet has refused to take the application forward pending a "cost of service study to avoid unjustifiable price discrimination.





In a statement obtained by the Weekly News the company said: "FortisTCI has requested that His Excellency the Governor appoint an independent inquirer to conduct an inquiry into the reasonableness of our application.





"As the process continues and we await the start of the inquiry, the company continues with its austerity programme and parent company reinvestment strategy as part of rebuilding FortisTCIs financial health.





Speaking at a recent town hall meeting held in Providenciales on September 10, Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, who updated the public on the issue, said Cabinet requires more validation before any decision is made.





She said: "Fortis has asked for a rate increase. It was not an easy decision for us to make as Cabinet not to take the paper forward.





"But we wanted other things to be concluded and that is the cost of service study which looks historically at the cost of supplying and making electricity here.





The cost of service study, which will analyse historical expenses and project future cash flow needs of the company, will ensure that their rates are tied to their costs of providing electricity to their customers.





She noted that the Government is exercising prudence and carrying out its own due diligence to ensure the increase will indeed be used to recoup losses and replenish the companys exhausted reserves.





"Fortis has since then applied to the governor, which they have the right to do, to establish a commission of inquiry to look at their request and that commission of inquiry will look at the reasonableness of that request and when there are more moves in that area you will be invited to participate and I encourage you to do just that.





Going forward the Government will have to name an independent inquirer who has to be agreed to by FortisTCI, to sit on a commission and then the consideration process will proceed under the governors guidance.





FortisTCI officially submitted its application for a rate increase on Wednesday, July 11.





Chief Executive Officer of the company Eddinton Powell highlighted the firms weakened financial position due to the restoration of electricity following the widespread destruction of utility poles, transmissions and distribution network by hurricanes Irma and Maria.





He said: "It is beneficial to all stakeholders for the utility to return to a stable financial position.





He argued that this needs to be done to ensure the company is in a position to respond effectively in the event of another storm.





"We believe this rate variation application is reasonable and warranted, Powell stated.





FortisTCI received a negative outlook rating earlier this year from international rating agency Standard and Poors (S&P) due to weaker financial metrics following the storms.





S&P reported in their rationale: "FortisTCIs 2017 cash flow measures fell after the hurricane, reflecting a five percent decline in electricity sales and increased debt to finance storm restoration costs.





The electricity increase, if approved by the Government, will mean customers will see an increase in their electric bills.




RABAT, Morocco (AP) - The Latest on the influx of migrants to Europe (all times local):

8:15 p.m.

One of five countries taking in the 58 migrants saved on the rescue ship Aquarius 2 will also get a dog - large, white and named Bella.

France, Spain, Portugal, Germany and Malta will take in migrants who stand apart from most sailing from Libya in smugglers' boats. The 58 are mainly Libyans, many from comfortable backgrounds, according to French newspaper Le Monde, which has a reporter on board. One of the migrants brought her dog.

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said Tuesday that 17 women and numerous small children will disembark from the Aquarius 2, off Malta. The ship - whose flag was pulled by Panama - then docks in Marseille.

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6:45 p.m.

Libya's coast guard says it has intercepted about 350 Europe-bound migrants, including women and children, off the Mediterranean coast in the past few days.

Spokesman Ayoub Gassim says Wednesday three boats carrying 235 passengers including 20 women and two children were stopped Sunday off the coast of the western towns of Khoms and Zuwara.

He says another boat carrying 116 passengers including 12 women and a child was stopped Monday off the coast of Zuwara.

Gassim says all migrants were given humanitarian and medical aid, and were taken to a refugee camps.

Libya has emerged as a major transit point to Europe for those fleeing poverty and civil war elsewhere in Africa and Middle East. Traffickers have exploited Libya's chaos following the 2011 uprising that toppled and later killed longtime ruler Moammar Gadhafi.

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2:30 p.m.

A rights group says a 22-year-old woman was killed after Morocco's Royal Navy opened fire on a boat suspected of carrying migrants.

The head of Morocco's Northern Observatory for Human Rights said three other migrants were also wounded in Tuesday's incident.

Mohamed Benaissa told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the victim, who studied law, "died before reaching the hospital."

The boat was carrying 25 Moroccan nationals and two Spanish captains, now in army custody. Morocco's Interior Ministry said the boat was illegally transporting migrants.

It was the second time in recent days that Morocco's Royal Navy intervened to stop a boat suspected of carrying migrants across the Mediterranean, and comes amid growing concerns about migrant trafficking in the western Mediterranean region.
MOSCOW (AP) - An investigative group in Britain says it has identified one of the two suspects in the poisoning of an ex-Russian spy in the U.K. as a highly-decorated colonel in the Russian military intelligence agency GRU.

The group, Bellingcat, said Wednesday that the suspect, whose passport name was Ruslan Boshirov, is in fact Col. Anatoliy Chepiga, who in 2014 was awarded Russia's highest medal, the Hero of Russia.

Britain has charged Boshirov and another suspect, Alexander Petrov, with trying to kill Russian ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter on March 4 with the Soviet-designed nerve agent Novichok in the English city of Salisbury. Britain has said the attack received approval "at a senior level of the Russian state," an accusation Moscow has fiercely denied.

There was no immediate comment from Moscow on Bellingcat's latest claim.

The two Russian men have appeared on the state-funded RT channel, saying they visited Salisbury as tourists and had nothing to do with the Skripal poisoning. They denied the British claim that they were Russian military intelligence officers, saying they work in the nutritional supplements business.

Bellingcat said it perused pictures of graduates of Russian military academies and found a man resembling Boshirov in a group shot. It then narrowed its search to one military officer, Chepiga, using leaked Russian databases available on the internet. The group eventually tracked down Chepiga's passport file, dated 2003, with a picture bearing a strong resemblance to Boshirov.

FILE - In this video grab provided by the RT channel on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018, Ruslan Boshirov, left, and Alexander Petrov attend their first public appearance in an interview with the RT channel in Moscow, Russia. The investigative group Bellingcat says it has identified one of the two suspects in the poisoning of an ex-Russian spy as a highly-decorated colonel of the Russian military intelligence agency GRU. Bellingcat said Wednesday, Sept. 26 that the suspect whose passport name was Ruslan Boshirov is in fact Col. Anatoliy Chepiga. (RT channel video via AP)

It said Chepiga served several stints in Chechnya, where Russian forces were fighting Islamic rebels. The group noted that the officer was decorated with the Hero of Russia medal in December 2014, signaling that he likely received the high award for his actions in eastern Ukraine.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Congress has approved a bill keeping the government open through Dec. 7, as lawmakers move to avert a government shutdown looming next week.

The $854 billion bill also funds the military and a host of civilian agencies for the next year.

The House approved the bill, 361-61, on Wednesday, a week after the Senate approved it, 93-7.

The measure now goes to President Donald Trump, who said he will sign it. Trump's signature would avert a partial government shutdown set to begin Monday.

The spending bill includes $675 billion for the Defense Department and boosts military pay by 2.6 percent, the largest pay raise in nine years. It also increases spending for Health and Human Services, Education, Labor and other agencies, including a 5 percent boost for the National Institutes of Health

Trump said Wednesday he will sign the bill, telling reporters at the United Nations, "We're going to keep the government open."

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Wis., left, and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., confer during a news conference on a defense funding bill moving in the House today, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Trump made the pledge despite his frustration that the bill does not pay for his long-promised wall along the U.S.-Mexico border - a fact Trump called "ridiculous."

The wall was a centerpiece of Trump's 2016 Republican presidential campaign, when he repeatedly promised that Mexico would pay for it.

Now, as president, Trump says it is "ridiculous" that Congress has yet to fully fund the project.

"Where is the money for border security and the wall in this ridiculous spending bill?" Trump tweeted last week, adding that Republicans "must finally get tough" against Democrats he said are obstructing law enforcement and border security.

Many conservatives share Trump's frustration, but the spending bill won easy approval in the House. Leaders from both parties supported it.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., hailed the bill.

"This funds our military, this funds opioids, this does a lot of the things that we all want to accomplish together," Ryan said before the vote.

Rep. Nita Lowey of New York, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations panel, also praised the bill, saying it "provides ample resources for our armed services and strengthens military readiness," while upholding commitments to service members and their families.

Lawmakers also "resoundingly rejected" Trump's proposed budget, Lowey said. The bill restores $10 billion in proposed cuts that she said would have hurt working families.

"Instead, we have secured increased funding for biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health, expanded opioid abuse treatment and prevention programs and (funded) new initiatives for maternal and child health," Lowey said.

Texas Rep. Kay Granger, who chairs a defense appropriations subcommittee, said she has "a great big smile on my face" anticipating the bill's approval.

"There's really nothing more important than securing our nation and making sure it's secure, and our people in the military have the equipment and the training they need," Granger, a Republican, told reporters.

The bill "shows really major investments in our air superiority, our shipbuilding, our ground forces: the things that (military leaders and troops) need and the things they deserve," she said.

The bill includes the largest pay raise for the military in nine years - a fact Granger said was about more than money. "It's to say that we're with you and we support you," she said, referring to U.S. troops at home and abroad.

___

Associated Press writer Zeke Miller at the United Nations contributed to this story.

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Wis., left, and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., arrives for a news conference to talk about a defense funding bill moving in the House today, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
DALLAS (AP) - The jury has completed its first day of deliberations in the trial of a former suburban Dallas police officer charged with aggravated assault in the shooting of an unarmed black man.

Deliberations will resume Thursday morning in the trial of Derick Wiley. Jurors deliberated for about five hours Wednesday.

Mesquite police fired the black officer after the November 2017 shooting that wounded Lyndo Jones, who had been sitting in his pickup prior to being shot. Jones was struck in the back twice by gunfire after starting to run.

Police video shows Jones pleading with Wiley not to shoot just before the gunfire.

A defense lawyer says Wiley was forced to make a split-second decision after being led to believe Jones was stealing from the truck.

Wiley testified he thought Jones had a weapon so he should "shoot or get shot."

In this Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, photo, Mesquite police officer Derick Wiley is cross examined on the witness stand by prosecutor prosecutor Ryan Mitchell, right, in Criminal District Court 5 at the Frank Crowley Courts Building in Dallas. The jury began deliberating Wednesday in the trial of the former suburban Dallas police officer charged with aggravated assault in the shooting an unarmed black man, TV station WFAA reports. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News via AP)

Mesquite police officer Derick Wiley watches the dash cam video of himself drawing a gun on Lyndo Jones as he was cross examined on the witness stand in Criminal District Court 5 at the Frank Crowley Courts Building in Dallas, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018. The former Mesquite officer is on trial for shooting Lyndo Jones twice in the back while responding to a suspicious person call. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News via AP)

Shooting victim Lyndo Jones shows the jury where he had surgery while on the witness stand in Criminal District Court 5 at the Frank Crowley Courts Building in Dallas, Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018 . Former Mesquite police officer Derick Wiley is on trial for shooting Jones twice in the back while responding to a suspicious person call. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News via AP)

Demonstratives or recreations of former Mesquite police officer Derick Wiley shooting Lyndo Jones are projected on the screen in the Criminal District Court 5 at the Frank Crowley Courts Building in Dallas, Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018. Former Mesquite officer Derick Wiley is on trial for shooting Jones twice in the back while responding to a suspicious person call. (Tom Fox /The Dallas Morning News via AP)

A photo projected on courtroom screens shows one of the bullet holes in shooting victim Lyndo Jones back during Criminal District Court 5 trial at the Frank Crowley Courts Building in Dallas, Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018. Former Mesquite police officer Derick Wiley is on trial for shooting Jones twice in the back while responding to a suspicious person call. (Tom Fox /The Dallas Morning News via AP)

Mesquite police officer Derick Wiley returns to his seat after being cross examined on the witness stand by prosecutor prosecutor Ryan Mitchell in Criminal District Court 5 at the Frank Crowley Courts Building in Dallas, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018. The former Mesquite officer is on trial for shooting Lyndo Jones twice in the back while responding to a suspicious person call. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News via AP)

Mesquite police officer Derick Wiley is cross examined on the witness stand by prosecutor Ryan Mitchell, right, in Criminal District Court 5 at the Frank Crowley Courts Building in Dallas, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018. The former Mesquite police officer is on trial for shooting Lyndo Jones twice in the back while responding to a suspicious person call. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News via AP)

Shooting victim Lyndo Jones answers questions by the defense during cross examination in Criminal District Court 5 at the Frank Crowley Courts Building in Dallas, Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018 . Former Mesquite police officer Derick Wiley is on trial for shooting Jones twice in the back while responding to a suspicious person call. (Tom Fox /The Dallas Morning News via AP)

Shooting victim Lyndo Jones waits on the witness stand for the jury to return in Criminal District Court 5 at the Frank Crowley Courts Building in Dallas, Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018 . Former Mesquite police officer Derick Wiley is on trial for shooting Jones twice in the back while responding to a suspicious person call. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News via AP)

Crash Dynamics owner Tim Lovett, left, points to an enlargement of the parking lot where the shooting took place that he photographed to prosecutor Ryan Mitchell and the jury. The aerial shot was one of several images used in the Criminal District Court 5 at the Frank Crowley Courts Building in Dallas, Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018. Former Mesquite police officer Derick Wiley is on trial for shooting Lyndo Jones twice in the back while responding to a suspicious person call. (Tom Fox /The Dallas Morning News via AP)

Judge Carter Thompson listens to officer Derick Wiley's defense team during a gathering at the bench in Criminal District Court 5 at the Frank Crowley Courts Building in Dallas, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018. The former Mesquite police officer is on trial for shooting Lyndo Jones twice in the back while responding to a suspicious person call. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News via AP)
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A top Republican in the Wisconsin Assembly gave up his leadership post on Wednesday but ignored Gov. Scott Walker's call to resign after the lawmaker made what he called "stupid comments while under the influence of alcohol" to three female legislators.

Rob Brooks, who surrendered his post as the Assembly's assistant majority leader, made racial and sexual comments at a restaurant in Wisconsin Dells following a GOP caucus meeting, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported citing sources it did not name.

The newspaper said Brooks told state Rep. Jessie Rodriguez that he was buying drinks for everyone except her because she is Hispanic. She is the only Republican Hispanic member of the state Assembly. Brooks also made sexual comments to state Reps. Cindi Duchow, R-Delafield, and Amy Loudenbeck, R-Clinton, the newspaper said.

"Representative Brooks' comments are offensive and disrespectful," Walker tweeted . "They have no place in our society and are inconsistent with the high standards that must be held by those in public office. He should resign from office, period."

Brooks, who joined the Assembly in 2015, resigned his leadership position hours later, but he didn't leave office. He's running for re-election in November.

The three women legislators who were the targets of Brooks' comments issued a joint statement saying they had long ago "fully accepted" his apology for the incident in July.

"While we respect his decision to resign his leadership position and appreciate the seriousness with which he takes the issue, it is beyond what we expected or even wanted," the women said. "We have put the incident behind us; we would ask kindly ask others to do the same."

Brooks, of Saukville, was first elected to the Assembly in 2014. He was chosen as assistant majority leader by his Republican colleagues in 2017. Rodriguez, R-Oak Creek, is caucus secretary, another leadership position, and Loudenbeck is a member of the Legislature's powerful budget-writing committee.

The three lawmakers, in an earlier statement, called the comments "inappropriate" and "offensive" but did not relay exactly what Brooks said. They said they notified Assembly Chief Clerk Patrick Fuller who discussed it with Brooks. He then apologized, the lawmakers said.

The statement from Republican Assembly leaders said they felt the issue "had been appropriately resolved" but they respected Brooks' decision to resign his post as assistant majority leader.

Brooks, in an earlier statement, said "I regret that I made some stupid comments while under the influence of alcohol after our caucus in the Dells. I take full responsibility for my behavior and have apologized for my actions. I am ready to move on from this incident and fully support and will adhere to the Assembly policies to maintain a safe workplace for legislators and staff."

The Democrat challenging Brooks for re-election, Chris Rahlf of Cedarburg, denounced his actions.

"Sober or drunk, it's not OK to make these kind of remarks," she said. "I'm glad that the women involved are satisfied that the correct course of action was taken. We must keep striving for a society where everyone is respected all the time."

The Wisconsin Legislature drew criticism in the fall of 2017 over its policy not to release complaints about sexual harassment or misconduct by legislators or their staffers. Clerks of the Senate and Assembly defended the policy, saying that releasing the records would have a chilling effect on reporting incidents.

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BOSTON (AP) - The fisherman charged with killing one crew mate and injuring another on board a commercial fishing vessel off the Massachusetts coast has been held without bail.

Franklin Freddy Meave Vazquez made his initial appearance in federal court on Wednesday in Boston where he is charged with murder and attempted murder.

Authorities say Vazquez, a Mexican national living in the U.S. illegally, used a hammer and a knife to attack his shipmates Sunday on the Virginia-based vessel Captain Billy Haver about 55 miles off the coast of Nantucket.

Vazquez is also facing several charges in Newport News, Virginia, for an alleged abduction in March.

Vazquez's federal public defender requested a probable cause hearing, which was tentatively scheduled for next week, but had no comment outside the courtroom.
NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (AP) - A Connecticut city is considering whether to change the name of a street that honors the father of Paul Manafort.

The Republican mayor of New Britain last month changed the name of Paul Manafort Drive to Paul Manafort Sr. Drive, clarifying that it refers to the three-term mayor of the central Connecticut city and not his son, the former chairman of Donald Trump's presidential campaign who has been convicted of financial crimes.

But Democrats on the city council say the name brings attention to scandals surrounding Manafort and have proposed doing away with it altogether. The council is expected to take up a proposal Wednesday to rename the road.

Eight members of the Manafort family have signed a letter urging the council to keep the name honoring the patriarch.
PHOENIX (AP) - A sex-crimes prosecutor tapped by Senate Republicans to question Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh about allegations of sexual assault could have a tough time in such a contentious political environment, Arizona attorneys who know her said Wednesday.

But her boss says Rachel Mitchell is a hard-hitting attorney who is used to handling high-profile cases and is one of the few prosecutors in the country with a deep understanding of working with sexual abuse victims.

Mitchell, a Republican, was expected to question Kavanaugh and the first woman to accuse him of sexual misconduct at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Thursday. Christine Blasey Ford's allegation that Kavanaugh drunkenly assaulted her when they were teenagers has raised a political storm in the #MeToo era and the GOP's all-male presence on the panel made some want a woman to question Ford.

Mitchell is chief of the Special Victims Division in the Maricopa County attorney's office in Phoenix. She supervises attorneys who handle cases involving child molestation, sexual assault and computer crimes against children in Arizona's most populous county.

"She is about evidence-based approaches and isn't an activist on one side or the other," said Matt Long, a private Phoenix attorney who once worked for Mitchell and now handles sex abuse cases. "She is rare: a career prosecutor who is bound to issues rather than politics."

But, he added: "There is nothing in this process to make me comfortable that this process is about fairness, truth and evidence."

In this Oct. 27, 2004 photo Rachel Mitchell makes an opening statement in the trial of Karl LeClaire at court in Mesa, Ariz. Senate Republicans are bringing Mitchell to handle questioning about allegations of sexual assault against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh at Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. (Jack Kurtz /The Arizona Republic via AP, Pool)

Arizona defense attorney David Michael Cantor said the choice of a longtime sex-crimes prosecutor to question Kavanaugh and his accuser was "ironic."

"If she gives him a pass, if she doesn't dig down and get the guy to squirm, it could hurt her reputation," said Cantor, who runs the Phoenix law firm DM Cantor. "But if she grills both of them equally, she'll be a superstar."

Mitchell has not responded to requests for comment sent through the county attorney's office.

Since Ford came forward, allegations from two other women have emerged, but Republicans have not announced any plans to focus Thursday's session on those claims. Kavanaugh has denied all the accusations.

Rick Romley, the former top county prosecutor in metro Phoenix who was once Mitchell's boss, praised her for a career devoted to helping victims.

But he said that if Mitchell had asked him, he would have recommended she not take the assignment because an investigation hasn't been conducted into the allegations and Mitchell hasn't been given much time to prepare for the hearing.

"It's a recipe for disaster," Romley said.

He also noted that she's not a politician and will now be in the spotlight: "It can throw your game off."

Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery, Mitchell's current boss, doesn't share those concerns.

"She has been doing that her entire career," Montgomery said. "This is a different setting. But this isn't much different than what she has had to work with."

Mitchell was part of the team of prosecutors who pressed cases against Catholic priests in a sex abuse scandal about 15 years ago in Phoenix.

She also was among the prosecutors who examined some of the hundreds of sex-crime cases botched by then-Sheriff Joe Arpaio's office over a three-year period ending in 2007 to determine whether any could be salvaged and taken to court.

Mitchell also has helped train psychologists, medical professionals, forensic interviewers and detectives in sex-crimes issues.

Montgomery said he wasn't shocked when he got a call Saturday from two Judiciary Committee staffers inquiring about Mitchell's background, availability and qualifications. He said it was the first time he heard about the possibility of her participating in the Kavanaugh hearing.

Montgomery said he didn't talk with anyone in Washington about picking Mitchell for the job before that.

She is among a small number of prosecutors nationwide who deeply understands working with sexual abuse victims, so it isn't surprising her name popped up in connection with the Kavanaugh hearing, he said.

"This could have been nothing more than seeking someone with the right kind of professional qualifications, and they found them," Montgomery added.

Mitchell "has been recognized in the legal community for her experience and objectivity," committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, said in a statement Tuesday.

Mitchell helped create the first-ever sex-crimes protocol for the county attorney office's that was introduced last year. It will ensure prosecutors have a guide "so that we can do the best we can for victims," Mitchell told a local NPR station in January.

"It's always hard to know which victims were not victims or which people were not victims because your system worked," Mitchell told Phoenix radio station KJZZ.

Tasha Menaker of the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual Violence said she worked with Mitchell for three years on the protocol and found her to be "very experienced, intelligent, detail oriented and very straightforward."

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Associated Press writers Terry Tang, Walter Berry and Paul Davenport contributed to this report.

FILE - In this Sept. 6, 2018, file photo, President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, for the third day of his confirmation hearing to replace retired Justice Anthony Kennedy. Senate Republicans are bringing in Arizona prosecutor Rachel Mitchell to handle questioning about Christine Blasey Ford's allegations of sexual assault against Kavanaugh at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

In this Oct. 27, 2004 photo Rachel Mitchell makes an opening statement in the trial of Karl LeClaire at court in Mesa, Ariz. Senate Republicans are bringing Mitchell to handle questioning about allegations of sexual assault against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh at Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. (Jack Kurtz/The Arizona Republic via AP) /The Arizona Republic via AP)

In this Oct. 27, 2004 photo Rachel Mitchell makes an opening statement in the trial of Karl LeClaire at court in Mesa, Ariz. Senate Republicans are bringing Mitchell to handle questioning about allegations of sexual assault against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh at Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. (Jack Kurtz/The Arizona Republic via AP)
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - Police in Wyoming say three animal shelter officials, including its director, should be charged with cruelty to animals in the pepper-spraying of a dog that wasn't threatening anyone.

Cheyenne police said Wednesday in a news release that employee Ryan Johnson held the 70-pound, pit bull mix while employee Eric Smale pepper-sprayed it under the direction of director Bob Fecht, a former Cheyenne police chief and state legislator.

The dog had bitten a shelter employee the day before and was euthanized a day later.

The misdemeanor charge recommended by police is punishable by up to six months in jail and a $750 fine.

Police have sent their investigation to prosecutors. District Attorney Jeremiah Sandburg didn't immediately return a phone message seeking comment.

Fecht has been suspended and previously expressed regret in a public statement. Phone numbers were not immediately available for any of the three men.
WEST CHESTER, Pa. (AP) - A prosecutor says a man who fired shots at his ex-wife and then killed his parents at a Pennsylvania retirement center before taking his own life "had a grudge against the world."

Chester County District Attorney Thomas Hogan released new details Wednesday about last week's shootings and manhunt for 59-year-old Bruce Rogal.

Hogan said Rogal fired shots at his ex-wife but missed, and then killed 89-year-old William and 87-year-old Nancy Rogal at their East Goshen retirement center. Rogal's son had called to warn them but the phone went dead as he was talking to his grandmother.

Hogan said Rogal was spotted driving back toward his ex-wife's home, apparently intending to kill her, when his car crashed into the house and he ended up shooting himself.
THE OFFICE of the Deputy Governor is hosting its fourth recruitment drive of the financial year in an attempt to fill more than 45 vacant positions within the civil service.





Jobs are available across all ministries with key positions up for grabs in the Ministries of Health, Education, Infrastructure and Border Control.





According to Deputy Governor Anya Williams in a statement on September 20, the aim of the drive is to "attract new talent.





"We are pleased with the continued level of interest in TCIG jobs, she said. "During the first three recruitment exercises we attracted a total of 738 applications for some 98 positions.





She explained that since the introduction of a new grade structure and the restructuring of several Government departments, there has been "keen interest from workers in the private sector.





Current civil service staff have also been able to upgrade their skills through the launch of the Civil Service Professional Development Fund and other training programmes.





This allows them to compete for and be promoted from within the organisation.





"Recruitment is an ongoing process as staff are continuously moving up within and also at times out of the organisation, which makes this a very active process, Williams said.





"I am grateful for the efforts of my staff within the human resource management directorate and also the various ministries and departments across Government that work to ensure that new and existing vacant positions are filled on a timely basis and with the right people and skills to assist in moving the organisation forward as we continue to seek to build a more effective and efficient public service.





As part of its recruitment strategy the Office of the Deputy Governor has sought to provide more access to vacancies in the Government by launching a vacancies webpage on www.gov.tc





It has also been posting links to current vacancies on the official TCIG press office Facebook page www.facebook.com/pressofficetcig





Jobs are advertised in the local newspapers as well as on Job Market on Radio Turks and Caicos which is aired as a part of the community announcements at 7.30am and 3pm each day.





The office plans to host another job readiness fair to assist potential candidates in preparing for and conducting themselves in an interview.





Three recruitment drives have been conducted since the beginning of the 2018-2019 financial year which began on April 1. They took place on May 11, July 9 and August 2.




UNITED NATIONS (AP) - President Donald Trump on Wednesday defended his work to settle a nuclear deal with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, saying he has given up nothing but his time during a June summit yet stands on the cusp of denuclearizing the North.

In a wide-ranging news conference on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, Trump told reporters that despite tough U.S. sanctions against the North staying in place, he believes that Kim wants to get a deal done because of their close relationship.

"We have a very good relationship. He likes me, I like him, we get along," Trump said. "He wants to make a deal and I'd like to make a deal."

He wouldn't put a timeframe, however, on when the two leaders might settle the standoff.

It has lasted for decades, flummoxed a long line of U.S. and South Korean presidents and had many fearing war last year during a series of increasingly powerful North Korean weapons tests that experts believe put the country close to a long-time goal of viably targeting any spot on the U.S. mainland.

Trump and his top diplomat, Mike Pompeo, are trying to get past the deadlock that has followed the Singapore summit. Pompeo is planning to visit Pyongyang next month to prepare for a second Kim-Trump summit.

President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Trump's optimistic comments come amid widespread skepticism that Kim will actually relinquish an arsenal that Pyongyang likely sees as the only way to guarantee the Kim dynasty's continued authoritarian rule.

Trump also made the stunning claim that former President Barack Obama told Trump that Obama was "very close" to going to war with the North.

"If I wasn't elected," Trump said, "you'd be in a war."

The State Department said Pompeo was invited by Kim to Pyongyang, the North's capital, "to make further progress on the implementation" of agreements made during the Singapore summit and to set up another leaders' meeting.

Pompeo met earlier Wednesday with North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho at the U.N. General Assembly meeting in New York. Pompeo said on Twitter that his meeting with Ri was "very positive." There were no details immediately available about what the diplomats discussed.

"Much work remains, but we will continue to move forward," Pompeo said.

Also at the U.N. session, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said high-level diplomacy has "removed the shadow of war" that hung over the Korean Peninsula last year as Kim and Trump threatened each other with destruction during the run of North Korean weapons tests.

"Over the past year, something miraculous has taken place on the Korean Peninsula," Moon said in an address to world leaders. "We have crossed the barriers of division and are tearing down the walls in our heart."

Moon met with Kim in Pyongyang last week and has been the leading force behind the summitry. He and others hope another Trump-Kim summit will lead to disarmament progress.

Diplomacy has stalled following Kim's vague promise at the Singapore summit to work toward "complete denuclearization" of the Korean Peninsula in exchange for U.S. security guarantees.

At the heart of the impasse: a North Korean demand for a declaration to formally end the Korean War before it takes any major disarmament steps. That war ended in 1953 with a ceasefire, not a peace treaty.

Washington wants the North to first provide a list of the contents of its nuclear arsenal before agreeing to that war declaration, which could remove a big piece of diplomatic leverage over the North.

Also Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that dismantling an Iran nuclear accord would threaten global efforts to halt North Korea's nuclear program.

Lavrov and others defended the 2015 Iran deal at a U.N. Security Council meeting chaired by Trump about non-proliferation. Trump pulled the U.S. out of the accord, arguing it wasn't tough enough on Iran, and is threatening new sanctions.

Lavrov said dismantling the accord would "be counterproductive for the efforts under way now to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.

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Follow Foster Klug on Twitter at @APKlug. AP writer Angela Charlton contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON (AP) - House Speaker Paul Ryan says Congress "shouldn't step in the way" ahead of a meeting between President Donald Trump and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.

Ryan's comments Wednesday come as the House Freedom Caucus is pushing for Rosenstein to testify before the House Judiciary Committee this week. North Carolina Rep. Mark Meadows said Tuesday that the caucus wants Rosenstein to answer questions about reports last week that Rosenstein had floated the idea of secretly recording Trump in 2017.

It's unclear if Rosenstein might be fired or if he could resign during Thursday's meeting with Trump.

Asked if Rosenstein should testify, Ryan said Rosenstein is meeting with Trump, "so I think we shouldn't step in the way of that. We should let the president work it out with Rod Rosenstein."

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Wis., with Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., left, and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., arrive at a news conference to talk about a defense funding bill moving in the House today, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Wis., left, and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., confer during a news conference on a defense funding bill moving in the House today, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Wis., left, and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., arrives for a news conference to talk about a defense funding bill moving in the House today, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on a spending bill that averts a federal government shutdown (all times local):

5:25 p.m.

The House has given final legislative approval to a bill keeping the government open through Dec. 7. The $854 billion bill also funds the military and a host of civilian agencies for the next year.

The measure includes $675 billion for the Defense Department and boosts military pay by 2.6 percent, the largest pay raise in nine years. The bill also increases spending for Health and Human Services, Education, Labor and other agencies, including a 5 percent boost for the National Institutes of Health.

Lawmakers approved the bill, 361-61 on Wednesday, a week after the Senate approved it, 93-7.

It now goes to President Donald Trump, who said Wednesday he will sign it. Trump's signature would avert a looming government shutdown set to begin Monday.

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Wis., left, and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., arrives for a news conference to talk about a defense funding bill moving in the House today, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

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2:30 p.m.

President Donald Trump says he will sign a spending bill to avert a looming government shutdown set to begin Monday.

Speaking at the United Nations, Trump told reporters Wednesday, "We're going to keep the government open."

Trump's remarks came at the House was set to vote later Wednesday on a bill that funds the military and many civilian agencies for the next year and provides a short-term fix to keep the government open through Dec. 7.

The bill does not pay for Trump's long-promised wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, a fact Trump calls "ridiculous."

House Speaker Paul Ryan said earlier Wednesday he was confident Trump will sign the bill.

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1:45 p.m.

House Speaker Paul Ryan says he's confident President Donald Trump will sign a spending bill that averts a looming government shutdown, even though the bill does not pay for Trump's long-promised wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Ryan, a Wisconsin Republican, said he and other GOP leaders have spoken to Trump in recent days, adding, "I'm confident he will sign" the spending bill.

The House is set to vote Wednesday on a wide-ranging, $854 billion bill that funds the military and many civilian agencies for the next year and provides a short-term fix to keep the government open through Dec. 7.

The Senate approved the bill last week. Trump's signature would avert a partial government shutdown that would begin Monday, weeks ahead of midterm elections that will determine control of Congress.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A federal appeals court has heard arguments in a lawsuit filed by the families of West Virginia coal miners who were denied benefits for black lung disease after a Johns Hopkins Health System doctor insisted their X-rays did not show the disease.

A judge last year dismissed the lawsuit, finding that the doctor had immunity under Maryland and federal law.

During arguments before a three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Wednesday, the families' lawyer said Dr. Paul Wheeler and the Johns Hopkins black lung unit "believed they were above the law" when Wheeler disregarded federal regulations on how to interpret X-rays to diagnose black lung disease.

A lawyer for Johns Hopkins said the case "begins and ends" with witness immunity, which shields witnesses from later civil liability.
NEW YORK (AP) - A judge deciding whether to approve a settlement of lawsuits citing horrid conditions in the nation's largest public housing system heard some of the 400,000 residents emotionally describe what living there is like.

One said she has so many roaches that some live in her refrigerator. Another said unlocked doors and malfunctioning elevators make the buildings dangerous. Others spoke of bedbugs, mice, mold and frequent water and heat outages.

U.S. District Judge William Pauley III did not immediately rule after listening to residents Wednesday.

Pauley said he must decide if settlements of two lawsuits are fair, reasonable and adequate.

New York City has agreed to pay at least $2 billion and accept a federal monitor.

Pauley cautioned a crowded courtroom that "problems of this magnitude cannot be fixed overnight."
MEXICO CITY (AP) - Authorities have found the bodies of two Mexican marines wrapped in sheets and dumped on a street in the Caribbean coast resort of Cancun.

The Mexican navy condemned the killings, saying the two were off duty when they were killed.

The navy said Wednesday the two were based on the nearby island of Isla Mujeres. The bodies were found in downtown Cancun, relatively far from most of the resort's hotels. They had apparently been stabbed.

Before 2017 Cancun was relatively calm, but killings have increased. On one day in August, police found eight dead bodies on the streets of Cancun.

The deaths in Mexico's busiest resort echo the bloody violence that started in 2006 and eventually brought down the once-glittering Pacific resort of Acapulco.
ACWORTH, Ga. (AP) - Authorities in suburban Atlanta say a man stole credit cards and IDs from eight cars before he fell asleep in one of them and got arrested.

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office tells news outlets in a statement that 23-year-old Timothy Zacharie was arrested Tuesday after a deputy found him sleeping inside the parked car of a resident in an Acworth neighborhood.

The sheriff's office says it had been contacted about someone stealing from vehicles and the deputy discovered Zacharie while searching the area. Investigators say he was found with cash and gift cards that also belong to residents.

Zacharie was charged with several offenses including burglary. It is unclear if he has a lawyer who could comment.

The neighborhood is about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northwest of Atlanta.
PHOENIX (AP) - The Latest on an Arizona prosecutor tapped to question Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh over sexual assault allegations (all times local):

1 p.m.

A Phoenix area attorney who specializes in sex abuse cases and once worked for prosecutor Rachel Mitchell says he is surprised she was picked to pose questions in the sexual assault investigation of Supreme Court nominee Brent Kavanaugh.

Lawyer Matt Long said Wednesday he initially believed Mitchell was a good choice given her understanding of victim behavior. He says Mitchell is not an advocate for either side.

But Long says he later worried about whether Mitchell will be able to do her job in such a highly political environment, despite her adherence to "evidence-based approaches."

Senate Republicans are bringing in Mitchell, also a Republican, to question both Kavanaugh and his first accuser at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Thursday.

In this Oct. 27, 2004 photo Rachel Mitchell makes an opening statement in the trial of Karl LeClaire at court in Mesa, Ariz. Senate Republicans are bringing Mitchell to handle questioning about allegations of sexual assault against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh at Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. (Jack Kurtz/The Arizona Republic via AP)

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12:40 p.m.

An official at a nonprofit working to end sexual and domestic violence describes an Arizona prosecutor set to question Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh about sexual assault allegations as straightforward.

Tasha Menaker of the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual Violence said Wednesday that she has worked with Rachel Mitchell for three years to develop sexual assault reporting guidelines for medical and legal specialists in Arizona's most populous county.

Menaker says she has never watched Mitchell prosecute a case, but the organization has "nothing negative to say" about her as a person or professional.

Senate Republicans are bringing in Mitchell, also a Republican, to question both Kavanaugh and his first accuser at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Thursday.

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3 a.m.

Senate Republicans say they are bringing in Arizona prosecutor Rachel Mitchell to handle questioning about allegations of sexual assault against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, describing her as tough, experienced and, above all, objective.

Mitchell is a Republican expected to question both Kavanaugh and his accuser at Thursday's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.

Mitchell works in the Maricopa County Attorney's Office in Phoenix as the chief of the Special Victims Division. She supervises attorneys who handle cases involving child molestation, sexual assault and computer crimes against children in Arizona's most populous county.

Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery, Mitchell's boss, praises her experience an "objective prosecutor" with a "caring heart" for victims. He says he was contacted by staff members of the Judiciary Committee over the weekend about Mitchell's qualifications.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (AP) - Authorities say a Florida deputy shot and wounded a woman as she tried to attack her ex-boyfriend with a knife.

A Polk County Sheriff's Office news release says 25-year-old Lindsay Collins was hospitalized Tuesday night in critical but stable condition.

Officials say a deputy responded to a Winter Haven home following reports that the resident's ex-girlfriend had sent threatening texts and was intentionally damaging his house and truck.

The deputy says he began talking to the resident outside when Collins exited the home and began running at them with a knife raised over her head. The deputy fired once, striking Collins in the torso, and then performed first aid on her until rescue workers arrived.

Authorities say Collins faces multiple charges, including two counts of attempted first-degree murder.

Collins is white. The race of the deputy wasn't immediately reported.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California state Treasurer John Chiang is calling for an independent investigation after critics raised questions about the educational background of the head of the nation's largest public pension system.

California Public Employees' Retirement System CEO Marcie Frost is facing criticism after a blogger wrote that she implied in her application and in a statement announcing her hiring that she was working on obtaining a college degree form Evergreen State College. But she has not taken classes there since 2010.

Chiang said Wednesday that Frost has performed well but failing to investigate would leave a cloud over the $360 billion pension fund. Chiang, a Democrat, sits on the CalPERS board.

CalPERS board members have told the Sacramento Bee they knew Frost did not have a degree when they hired her.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 1)  The Philippine National Police chief said the police support a proposal to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility.

"We're supporting that proposal of the good senator. We're just getting inputs from the different regions and from the legal service," Director-General Oscar Albayalde told the media Monday.

Albayalde cited several countries such as Mexico whose minimum age of criminal responsibility was as young as six years old.

"Remember sa napakaraming foreign countries [in a lot of foreign countries]in some countries theirs is even six years old, seven years old, may ten years old pa nga [even ten years old].Dito sa [Here in] Mexico, six years old, sa South Africa meron silang [they have] ten years old so I think we'll fully support 'yung pagbaba ng [the lowering] age of criminal responsibility," he said.

Senate Bill 2026 on seeks to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility to "above twelve years of age at the time of the commission of the crime."

Under the bill, children under 12 who committed serious crimes such as homicide, murder and kidnapping would also be deemed neglected children under the Child and Youth Welfare Code. They will be transferred to a youth care facility of Bahay Pag-asa.

If enacted, the bill will amend Republic Act 9344 which set the minimum age of criminal responsibility at 16. RA 9344 states children over 15 but below 18 years old would undergo "diversion" programs without having to go through court proceedings. These include counseling, community service, anger management training and seminars depending on the assessment of the barangay chairman and the Social Welfare department.

READ: Rights group cited in Sotto bill rejects move to lower minimum age of criminal responsibility

An international rights group and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) had called the move a "giant leap backward."

READ: UNICEF: Lowering age of criminal liability 'a giant leap backward' for children's rights
THE THIRD and final phase at the new junior high school located in Long Bay Hills was officially completed and handed over the school body on Monday, September 17.





Present at the ribbon cutting ceremony were Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, Deputy Governor Anya Williams, Minister of Education Hon. Karen Malcolm, other ministers of Government and former minister of education Akierra Missick.





It is now three years since students were officially welcomed through its doors in November 2015.





Long Bay High School is the second high school to be built in some 28 years in the Turks and Caicos Islands.





After several delays in the initial constructions phases, the entire school is now finally built.





Delivering remarks at last weeks ribbon cutting ceremony was Minister Karen Malcolm, who noted that the opening signalled the official start of Long Bay High School as a junior high school.





She also shared her vision for the future of education infrastructure in the Turks and Caicos Islands with the gathering.





"This building is designed to support a generation of children and enable them to learn, grow and flourish, and be prepared for the fighting challenges that lie ahead of them.





"Modern facilities not only improve the schools visible environment but also its learning culture.





She noted that the building alone cannot infuse the visions and passions that guide the students development.





"It is the human spirit and the interaction between teachers and students which will make the difference and ensure that the new building supports higher levels of learning.





Minister Malcolm also urged the faculty and students to take good care of the three new buildings.





She further stated that the Ministry of Education is always in the forefront of providing quality education and takes the lead to try new initiatives, one of which is Long Bay Junior High School.





"This new building will be a place where students can build their capacities and their aspirations with the support of their teachers.





"Today marks another milestone in the development of education in the Turks and Caicos Islands.





"This is a day of hope for the future, interwoven with good memories of the old days where a classroom was only fitted with a desk, a chair and a chalkboard. This is a potent mix which will be our future here at this school.





The newly commissioned building will house numerous labs and several classrooms among which is a special education class.





Principal Deanne Whiskey John also shared a few words with the gathering.





"This new building alone cannot create world class citizens; indeed it will be human spirit of all of its users and their commitment and determination to succeed that will make the difference and ensure that this new phase support quality learning.





"Thus I encourage all the users of this new block to take good care of it and remain conscious of what it symbolises.





"It symbolises an increased opportunity to acquire knowledge towards empowering yourselves and building a better Providenciales and by extension Turks and Caicos Islands.





She thanked the Government and all others who contributed to the new wing of the school.




PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A convicted sex offender pleaded not guilty Wednesday to killing an 89-year-old Oregon woman who had been missing for a week before a body believed to be hers was found in his trunk.

Timothy Mackley, 58, appeared in a Portland court and waived his right to a probable cause hearing. His court-appointed attorney, Kathleen Dunn, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Mackley was arrested Monday when police found a body in his car trunk during a traffic stop, Portland police Sgt. Christopher Burley said.

The body is "likely" that of Marcine Herinck, who was reported missing on Sept. 19 from her home, Burley said in a statement.

Police are awaiting confirmation on the body's identity from the Oregon Medical Examiner.

Court documents filed after Wednesday's hearing show prosecutors have charged Mackley with her murder.

This undated photo provided by the Multnomah County Sheriff's office shows Timothy Mackley. Mackley has been arrested for murder after the body of an elderly woman that was found in the trunk of his car after a traffic stop Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018. (Multnomah County Sheriff's Office via AP)

Herinck, a grandmother who regularly attended church and volunteered at a thrift store, lived independently despite some memory issues, police have said.

She was brought home the evening of Sept. 18 and disappeared the following day.

Her purse was found on the kitchen floor, a cup of coffee was in the microwave, her garage and front doors were open, and the clothes she wore the night before were on her bed the day she disappeared, KGW-TV has reported, citing a family account.

Search and rescue crews spent days looking for her - making repeated pleas to the public for tips - until police on Monday developed new information that suggested foul play and pointed them in Mackley's direction, Burley said.

Based on that information, police stopped Mackley's car on and found the body, he said.

No additional details were released, and Burley did not return a call seeking further comment.

Mackley is a convicted sex offender who pleaded guilty to sexual abuse and sodomy in Multnomah County and was sentenced to prison in 1989, court records show. He was arrested in 2009 for failing to register as a sex offender, those records show.

He also has previous felony convictions in Washington state from the 1980s, according to court paperwork filed as part of his bail review.

Mackley told court officers in Oregon that he has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and lives on disability payments of less than $1,000 a month, court records show.

He volunteered driving people to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in his spare time, he told court officers.

The most recent address listed for Mackley is less than two miles (3.2 kilometers) from where Herinck lived.

"It's been very, very troubling for us," Jeff Herinck Sr., her son, told The Oregonian/OregonLive after the hearing. "She was a great person."

A breast cancer patient support organization called Breast Friends of Oregon said on its Facebook page that Herinck came each year to the survivors' luncheon and stood proudly when recognized as the organization's longest cancer survivor.

The group will have a moment of silence for Herinck at its next luncheon, the post said.

____

A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the day of Mackley's arrest. He was arrested on Monday.

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Follow Gillian Flaccus on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/gflaccus
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - The Latest on a sexual abuse reports at New Hampshire prep school (all times local):

3:40 p.m.

Alumni from a prominent New Hampshire prep school are calling for a more thorough investigation into decades of sexual misconduct.

The Phillips Exeter Alumni for Truth and Healing or PATH says it wants details on administrators who mishandled abuse claims.

The group's call follows two reports released by the school last month, in which 11 former staffers are accused of sexual misconduct involving students. The reports also found that school administrators failed to act on complaints of abuse and, in several cases, never recorded the complaints in personnel files.

PATH wants the school to hand over all evidence collected in the investigation to an independent third party, investigate cases of student-on-student abuse and provide more details of administrators who failed to properly handle abuse claims.

The school said it would review the group's concerns.

The group has an online petition with at last 275 signatures.

___

1:28 p.m.

A group of alumni is calling on a prominent New Hampshire prep school to more thoroughly investigate decades of sexual misconduct at the school.

The call from the Phillips Exeter Alumni for Truth and Healing follows a report released by the school last month, in which 11 former staffers are accused of sexual misconduct involving students. The report also found that school administrators failed to act on complaints of abuse and, in several cases, never recorded the complaints in personnel files.

The group is calling on the school to hand over all evidence collected in the investigation to an independent third party, investigate cases of student-on-student abuse and provide more details of administrators who failed to properly handle abuse claims.

The school said it would review the group's concerns.
MARION, Ind. (AP) - A northeastern Indiana woman has admitted to charges that she allowed her boyfriend to molest her daughter, leaving the child pregnant at age 10.

The 33-year-old Marion woman pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges of neglect, aiding child molesting and assisting a criminal. She agreed to accept a sentence of 20 years in prison and five years of probation.

The woman admitted during Tuesday's hearing that her daughter told her that the boyfriend, 34-year-old Nicholas Deon Thrash, was molesting her, yet continued to let him live with them, the Chronicle Tribune reported. The woman did not report the molestation or her daughter's pregnancy to authorities.

Thrash was sentenced last week to 160 years in prison after being convicted of 10 counts of child molesting.

The woman agreed to have no contact with her now 12-year-old daughter until the girl's counselor "deems it appropriate."

Deputy Grant County Prosecutor Lisa Glancy said she was glad for the sake of the victim that the woman pleaded guilty instead of taking it to trial.

"We were certainly ready to go to trial in a few weeks, but the emotional and psychological toll would have been significantly more (for this trial) than the Thrash trial," Glancy said.

The girl testified against Thrash, saying he molested her at least 15 times.

Glancy said it likely would have been difficult for the victim to testify against her mother.

The victim is currently in foster care, and the son she gave birth to in 2017 was given up for adoption.

"She's doing better. That's all that we can hope for right now. She's at a really good place," Glancy said.

___

Information from: Chronicle-Tribune, http://www.chronicle-tribune.com
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he would "certainly prefer not" to fire Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and that he may delay a highly anticipated meeting with the Justice Department's No. 2 official.

Trump said Rosenstein denied making remarks first attributed to him in a New York Times report, including that he had discussed possibly secretly recording the president and using the Constitution's 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office.

"I would much prefer keeping Rod Rosenstein," Trump said at a news conference in New York. "He said he did not say it. He said he does not believe that. He said he has a lot of respect for me, and he was very nice and we'll see."

Trump added, "My preference would be to keep him and to let him finish up."

Rosenstein is overseeing special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and his dismissal would put that probe in jeopardy and create a political storm.

In suggesting that he might postpone Thursday's meeting, Trump said he was focused on the extraordinary Senate Judiciary Committee hearing set for the same day with Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and a woman who has accused Kavanaugh of sexual assault when they were teenagers.

FILE - In this May 23, 2018 file photo, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein listens as President Donald Trump speaks during a roundtable on immigration policy at Morrelly Homeland Security Center in Bethpage, N.Y. Expectations have diminished that a meeting between Trump and Rosenstein will result in the resignation or immediate firing of the Justice Department's No. 2 official. But it's unclear how safe his job will be after the November midterm elections. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File )

"I may call Rod tonight or tomorrow and ask for a little bit of a delay to the meeting, because I don't want to do anything that gets in the way of this very important Supreme Court pick," Trump said.

The Justice Department referred questions about the scheduling of the meeting to the White House.

Any delay in the meeting would prolong the uncertainty of Rosenstein's status. Rosenstein headed to the White House on Monday morning preparing to be fired and had discussed a possible resignation over the weekend with White House officials. But after meeting with chief of staff John Kelly and speaking by phone with Trump, he got a reprieve with the Trump meeting scheduled for Thursday.

Since then, the White House has sought to tamp down anxiety that Rosenstein would be fired.

White House officials called senators Monday to say Trump had said he wouldn't be firing Rosenstein at the meeting, according to two people familiar with the conversations who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private discussions. Aides have advised Trump against taking any extreme actions ahead of the midterm elections with his party's majorities in Congress already under threat.

"Not wanting to fire Rod Rosenstein is consistent with what I have understood for weeks, not just days," said Rep. Mark Meadows, a North Carolina Republican who talks to Trump often.

Friends and former colleagues of Rosenstein say they didn't expect him to step aside and give up oversight of Russia investigation and the enormous swath of Justice Department operations for which he is responsible.

Rosenstein, who has spent his entire career in government, "has tremendous loyalty to the department," said former Justice Department lawyer and longtime friend James Trusty.

"He's a very long-run, historical-minded guy in a lot of ways," Trusty said. "I think he may have some confidence that history will be kinder to him than politicians are."

Trump's remarks Wednesday followed a chaotic period that began Friday with reports that Rosenstein had last year discussed possibly secretly recording the president and invoking the Constitution to remove Trump from office. The Justice Department issued statements Friday aimed at denying the reports, including one that said the wiretap remark was meant sarcastically.

Rosenstein appointed Mueller in May 2017, oversees his work and has repeatedly defended the breadth and scope of the probe. Trump has been critical of Rosenstein's oversight of the probe, but the two have at times displayed a warm working relationship, and Rosenstein has been spared some of the more personal and antagonistic broadsides leveled against Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Even if Rosenstein survives the week, it's not clear how much longer he'll be around. Trump has signaled that he may fire Sessions after the midterms, and Rosenstein could go with him.

But it could be sooner: Some officials around Trump believe Rosenstein's reported musings about invoking the 25th Amendment could make it defensible for Trump to part with him, even during the final sprint to Election Day.

Rosenstein's friends and former colleagues describe him as exceptionally committed to the Justice Department - one said he "bleeds" for the agency - and unlikely to leave on his own, though they say he respects the chain of command enough to resign if asked.

He joined the department in 1990, serving as a public corruption prosecutor, a Tax Division supervisor and a member of independent counsel Ken Starr's Whitewater team. He was named U.S. attorney in Maryland by President George W. Bush and held the position throughout the Obama administration - remarkable longevity for a position that typically turns over with changes in political power.

Within weeks of being confirmed as deputy attorney general, he was engulfed in controversy by writing a memo critical of then-FBI Director James Comey, which the White House cited as justification for Comey's firing.

___

Associated Press writers Chad Day, Ken Thomas and Michael Balsamo in Washington and Zeke Miller in New York contributed to this report.
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The United States and Japan announced Wednesday they will open negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement between the world's first- and third-largest economies.

It's a significant shift by Tokyo which has been a strong advocate of a multi-nation trans-Pacific trade pact that President Donald Trump withdrew from soon after taking office.

Trump made the announcement after meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in New York on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly.

He said that Japan had been unwilling in the past to enter into such talks, but now is and such a deal "will be something very exciting."

Abe has cultivated close ties with Trump since after his 2016 election but trade relations have been difficult, since the Republican president withdrew from the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Trade Pact that had been negotiated by the Obama administration and championed by Abe despite considerable domestic political opposition in Japan.

The Trump administration, pushing to narrow the U.S. trade imbalance with Japan, has since imposed steel and aluminum tariffs on its ally. The U.S. has also been threatening to impose higher tariffs on auto imports that would have escalated trade tensions significantly.

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Lotte New York Palace hotel during the United Nations General Assembly, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

It was not immediately clear if Japan won relief, but a U.S.-Japan joint statement released by the White House said, "we will make efforts for the early solution of other tariff-related issues."

"We've agreed today to start trade negotiations between the United States and Japan," Trump told reporters, alongside Abe.

"This was something that for various reasons over the years Japan was unwilling to do. And now they are willing to do. So we're very happy about that. And I'm sure they will come to a satisfactory conclusion," he said.

Abe said that Japanese Economy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer had held very productive discussions in New York this week. Abe said he wanted to find "ways to reinforce the economic ties between Japan and United States."

The joint statement issued said negotiations will begin after completion of necessary domestic procedures in each country.

Lighthizer told reporters that he would be talking to Congress on Thursday about seeking trade promotion authority for the president to negotiate the agreement.

The statement said the proposed agreement will cover goods, and other key areas including services, that can produce "early achievements." The U.S. and Japan would then negotiate on other trade and investment items.

____

Associated Press writers Darlene Superville and Zeke Miller contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Clarence Thomas saw it as a circus and national disgrace. Anita Hill complained that she was treated as though she were a defendant in a criminal trial.

The 1991 confirmation hearing of Thomas, accused by Hill of sexual harassment, angered people on all sides and is not recalled as one of the Senate's proud moments.

Lessons learned from that episode will likely guide senators Thursday as they hear Christine Blasey Ford's claims that Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were teenagers. Kavanaugh denies the accusation.

Republicans are bringing in a woman who prosecutes sex crimes to ask questions, avoiding having the 11 Republican men on the committee grill the female accuser. The panel's Democrats, criticized for weakly defending Hill in 1991, stand united against Kavanaugh.

Still, the attacks launched against Kavanaugh and Ford in the less than two weeks since her allegation first became public led Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., to lament on the Senate floor Wednesday that "the past couple of weeks makes it clear that we haven't learned much at all."

The most obvious difference is that the Senate Judiciary Committee is no longer all white and all male, at least on the Democratic side. Four Democratic women, including Sens. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii and Kamala Harris of California, sit on the committee, along with Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, the lone African-American man on the panel.

FILE - In this Oct. 11, 1991 file photo, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, questions Professor Anita Hill in Washington during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the nomination of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court. From left to right are Senators Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, Sen. Alan Simpson, R-Wyo., Hatch, and Strom Thurmond, R-S.C. The Thomas-Hill hearings riveted Americans, and the same is expected for the Kavanaugh-Ford hearing on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018. (AP Photo/John Duricka, File)

The Republican side remains entirely male, which explains why the GOP is bringing in Rachel Mitchell, a sex crimes prosecutor from Arizona, to question Ford and Kavanaugh.

The makeup of the committee fed perceptions that a bunch of older men were interrogating a woman about a topic that bewildered them or, at best, made them uncomfortable.

The Republicans aggressively sought to undermine Hill's credibility, led by accusations from Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., that Hill was lying under oath. Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, discussed with Thomas the possibility that Hill had appropriated lurid passages from the novel "The Exorcist" and a court case and turned them into false allegations against Thomas. Hatch is one of three senators from 1991 who are still on the committee, along with Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.

On the Democratic side, senators were criticized for being weak in their defense of Hill and their questioning of Thomas. Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., acknowledged afterward that he let down liberals who had counted on him to rally Democrats. "To them I say: I recognize my own shortcomings - the faults in the conduct of my private life," Kennedy said at Harvard University in November 1991.

The committee's chairman at the time, Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., struggled with how to preside over the hearing, the likes of which had never been seen in a court confirmation fight, recalled Charles Geyh, an Indiana University law professor who was then an informal Biden adviser. "He didn't know how to deal with this new weird issue that sort of got foisted upon him. He resented its tawdry nature and did not realize the implications until years later," Geyh said.

Democratic passivity does not appear to be an issue this time. The 10 committee Democrats sent President Donald Trump a letter Wednesday asking him to allow an FBI investigation into all the allegations against Kavanaugh or withdraw the nomination. Trump has so far refused to order the FBI to investigate.

The FBI did investigate Hill's allegations and witnesses corroborating her story testified on her behalf, along with Thomas supporters who challenged what Hill alleged.

But the committee in 1991 did not hear from other women, independent of Hill, whose accounts of Thomas' behavior toward them were similar to what Hill said. In 2018, so far, the hearing does not include testimony from two other women, one who accused Kavanaugh of exposing himself to her in college and the other who said she saw Kavanaugh drink to excess and engage in inappropriate contact of a sexual nature when he was in high school. He has denied both allegations.

In a crudely political sense, Republicans could decide that the short-term goal of installing Kavanaugh on the court and cementing a conservative majority is worth it, whatever the cost. Thomas, now the longest-serving justice, is the most conservative member of the court, a firm supporter of overturning the Roe v. Wade abortion ruling, expanding gun rights, lifting campaign finance restrictions and ending the consideration of race in education and other areas.

In addition, Republicans have controlled both houses of Congress for most of the past 27 years, and they have won the White House three times, though they have lost the popular vote in all but one of the seven presidential elections starting in 1992.

There are, of course, many factors in play in any election, but the political downside of Republican support for Thomas and aggressive questioning of Hill seems limited.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Attorneys for a Texas lawmaker say he didn't send "any inappropriate texts" following a report that the University of Texas is investigating allegations made by a graduate student.

Republican state Sen. Charles Schwertner has denied allegations reported by the Austin American-Statesman that he sent a sexually explicit text message to a student he met this summer during an on-campus event.

Schwertner's attorneys said in a statement Wednesday that the 48-year-old senator is "devastated" and "concerned for the unnamed victim," who wasn't identified by the newspaper. His attorneys say they're in contact with university officials.

University of Texas spokesman Gary Susswein says the school doesn't discuss ongoing investigations and couldn't confirm the newspaper report.

Schwertner was first elected to the Texas Legislature in 2010. He's up for re-election in November.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Eleven Republican men will soon judge the credibility of a woman accusing President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee of sexual assault.

An extraordinary moment years in the making, never before has the GOP's woman problem been more exposed.

Thursday's showdown in the Senate Judiciary Committee comes six weeks before the 2018 midterm elections amid a political realignment of the sexes that could shape U.S. elections for a generation.

There are political risks for both sides.

But a vocal minority in Trump's GOP warned that their party's strained relationship with women could suffer permanent damage if the Republicans who control the confirmation process ignore mounting allegations of decades-old sexual misconduct and give Brett Kavanaugh a lifetime seat on the nation's high court. Kavanaugh has denied the allegations.

In this Oct. 27, 2004 photo Rachel Mitchell makes an opening statement in the trial of Karl LeClaire at court in Mesa, Ariz. Senate Republicans are bringing Mitchell to handle questioning about allegations of sexual assault against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh at Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. (Jack Kurtz/The Arizona Republic via AP)

Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., pauses while speaking to reporters, on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - A wildfire in Wyoming has destroyed over 40 homes, and firefighters have closed a highway while they set their own fires to try to stop the main fire's spread.

Some of the homes burned Sunday. But sheriff's officials weren't immediately able to get close to assess the damage in a subdivision of widely spaced mountain retreats.

As of Wednesday, authorities continued to assess damage in the Hoback Ranches development near Bondurant in western Wyoming. Over 300 people remained evacuated from the area.

Firefighters say they're taking advantage of favorable conditions to conduct a back-burn near U.S. Highway 189/191. Authorities have closed the highway for the operation, which involves burning away brush to deprive the main fire of fuel.

A resident looks over a fire perimeter map during a public informational meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, at Bondurant School in Bondurant, Wyo. (Ryan Dorgan/Jackson Hole News & Guide via AP)

Marilyn Bracken, a 40-year resident of Bondurant, Wyo., joins neighbors in thanking fire crews for their work, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, during an informational meeting at Bondurant School. About 50 people attended the meeting as the Roosevelt Fire, discovered Sept. 15 in the rugged terrain southwest of the northwestern Wyoming town of 100, grew to nearly 50,000 acres. (Ryan Dorgan/Jackson Hole News & Guide via AP)
SAO PAULO (AP) - Brazil's highest court ruled Wednesday that 3.4 million people cannot vote in next month's national elections because they failed to register their fingerprints with authorities, a move that could affect the crowded presidential race.

All voting is electronic in Brazil, and since 2016 voters have had to register their fingerprints to cast ballots under a biometric voting system.

On a 7-2 vote, the justices found it would be impossible to drop the requirement for biometric identification less than two weeks before the Oct. 7 elections. Two judges abstained.

Critics say authorities didn't properly inform Brazilians of the requirement, so many failed to register their fingerprints.

Justice Luis Roberto Barroso said it was impossible to say the population was not informed about the need to register fingerprints to vote.

Brazil's Socialist Party says blocking those voters is a way of impeding poor and uninformed people from casting ballots. Almost half of the questioned voter registrations are in Brazil's impoverished northeast, which traditionally backs left-leaning parties.

Women march to a campaign event with presidential candidate for the Workers Party, Fernando Haddad, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018. Brazil will hold general elections on Oct. 7. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Dilma Rousseff of the left-leaning Workers Party narrowly won the presidency in the previous election, in 2014, in a runoff battle with right-leaning Aecio Neves.

An Ibope poll published Wednesday pointed to the possibility of another such contest emerging in this year's presidential ballot, which has about a dozen contenders.

Far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro led the poll for the election's opening round with 27 percent support, while left-leaning Fernando Haddad was second at 21 percent. If that divide holds up, those two would advance to a runoff on Oct. 28.

Asked about a runoff between those two, Brazilians indicated a tight race, with Haddad at 42 percent support and Bolsonaro at 28 percent.

The poll's margin of error was two percentage points. Ibope interviewed 2,000 voters Sept. 22-24.
AFTER only five months on the job, the new Superintendent of Her Majestys Prison, Steve Rodford, has resigned.





The Weekly News confirmed the resignation with Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Delroy Williams on Wednesday (September 26).





Hon. Williams said that based on information he was provided, Rodford had a family emergency that needed his attention back in the United Kingdom and saw his only option as resignation in order to address it.





At the time of his resignation, Rodford was on a ten day vacation back home.





Rodford is the second superintendent to leave the post this year, following on the heels of Steve Barrett who left the TCI at the end of his contract in January to take over the Cayman Islands prison facilities in February.





Both men are originally from the United Kingdom.





Williams denied any suggestion that Rodford resigned due to conflict with other senior staffers at the Grand Turk facility. (Delana Isles)




GASTONIA, N.C. (AP) - The Latest on the search for a missing 6-year-old North Carolina boy (all times local):

4:45 p.m.

The father of a missing 6-year-old North Carolina boy said the search for his son has been "torture." He said he just wants his little boy back home.

Ian Ritch joined Gastonia police and FBI agents for a news conference Wednesday, hours after appearing on ABC's "Good Morning America" to talk about Maddox Ritch. The boy disappeared Saturday as he walked with his father at Rankin Lake Park.

Ian Ritch said his son ran a short distance from him before he broke into a sprint. The father said Maddox usually runs away, but would either slow down or stop. He said once he couldn't see his son, he got scared.

With the help of friends who were walking with them, Ritch searched for his son but couldn't find him. Park personnel also joined in the search but didn't see Maddox, either.

Carrie Ritch cries as Gastonia Police Chief Robert Helton stands with her during a news conference, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, in Gastonia, N.C., as she talks about her 6-year-old son Maddox Ritch who went missing Saturday, Sept. 22, from Rankin Lake Park in Gastonia. The FBI has joined the search. (John Clark/The Gaston Gazette via AP)

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1:01 p.m.

The father of a 6-year-old boy who disappeared from a North Carolina park over the weekend says it has been hard to sleep.

Ian Ritch said on "Good Morning America" Wednesday that he was walking with Maddox at Rankin Lake Park in Gastonia on Saturday when the boy ran ahead and he panicked when he lost sight of him.

On Tuesday, the boy's mother, Carrie, tearfully asked anyone who was at the park to call the tip line.

Gastonia Police Chief Robert Helton says they've searched thousands of acres, drained the lake and conducted hundreds of interviews. Helton says, in particular, investigators still want to speak to speak to a jogger and anyone in a group photographing three children in Dr. Seuss costumes. He says they may have important information.

Special Agent Jason Kaplan of the FBI, Gastonia Fire Chief Phil Welch, and Gastonia Police Chief Robert Helton, answer questions during a press conference Tuesday September 25, 2018, in Gastonia, N.C. to give updates on the search for six-year-old Maddox Ritch who went missing September 22 from Rankin Lake Park in Gastonia. (John Clark/The Gaston Gazette via AP)

City of Gastonia Police Chief R. C. Helton talks about the progress that is being made during a press conference near Rankin Lake Park as the search continues for missing six-year-old Maddox Ritch Monday, Sept. 24, 2018 in Gastonia, NC. Maddox Ritch went missing early Saturday afternoon while walking in the park with his family. (Mike Hensdill/The Gaston Gazette via AP)

Searchers stage at Tommy's Drive In in Gastonia Monday, Sept. 24, 2018, as the search continues for the missing six-year-old Maddox Ritch Monday, Sept. 24, 2018 in Gastonia, NC. Maddox Ritch went missing early Saturday afternoon at the park while walking with his family. (Mike Hensdill/The Gaston Gazette via AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) - Three senators may be experiencing some deja vu when they hear Thursday from Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford, who says Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in high school.

Of the Senate Judiciary Committee's 21 lawmakers, these three also participated in the 1991 hearings for Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas, who was accused of sexual harassment by former employee Anita Hill. The committee heard testimony from both Thomas and Hill before the Senate ultimately voted to confirm President George H.W. Bush's nominee, 52-48.

Vermont Democrat Patrick Leahy, Utah Republican Orrin Hatch and Iowa Republican Chuck Grassley were all on the committee in 1991. They are currently the first, second and third longest-serving senators.

A look at what the lawmakers said then and what they're saying now:

CHUCK GRASSLEY

THEN: Grassley had already been in the Senate for a decade at the time of the Thomas hearings, which were led by Judiciary Committee Chairman Joe Biden, then a Democratic senator from Delaware. Grassley didn't take a primary role in questioning Hill, telling her: "If I had to ask some of these questions that were asked of you today, I would not be able to do that. It is just not my nature." He ultimately voted to confirm Thomas.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, right, answers questions from reporters about allegations of sexual misconduct against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, as he arrives for a Senate Finance Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

NOW: Grassley, 85, chairs the Judiciary Committee and is in charge of Thursday's hearing. It was his office that decided that an Arizona prosecutor who oversees sex crimes prosecutions, Rachel Mitchell, should handle questioning. Grassley's office also negotiated other terms of Ford's testimony, and he took a hard line against what he called some of Ford's "unreasonable demands." He rejected proposals that Kavanaugh testify first, for example, and that only senators be allowed to ask questions.

In the earlier round of hearings with Kavanaugh, Grassley showed he wasn't shy about chastising Democrats when he believed they were grandstanding with calls to delay the hearing and threats to release confidential documents.

___

ORRIN HATCH

THEN: Hatch, who knew Thomas personally, was an active participant in the 1991 hearings. He suggested that Hill had invented two of her allegations after reading a court case and a 1971 horror novel. Hill told lawmakers that when she was working for Thomas, he looked at a can of Coke and asked her: "Who has put pubic hair on my Coke?" Hatch, during the hearings, held up a copy of the book "The Exorcist" and then read from Page 70, a passage that mentioned a pubic hair floating in a glass of gin.

Hill also told lawmakers that Thomas had called her into his office to talk about pornography star "Long Dong Silver." Hatch pointed to a court case from Kansas where the plaintiff, like Hill, was a black woman alleging sexual harassment. That woman's allegations included that her supervisor had given her a photograph of the porn star. Hill later said she hadn't read either the book or the case.

Hatch, a senator since 1977, also voted to confirm Thomas.

NOW: Ahead of Thursday's hearing, the 84-year-old Hatch has questioned why Democrats didn't bring forward allegations against Kavanaugh earlier, calling it "strange how at the last minute all these accusations come up." Hatch, a senator since 1977, has also said the committee should hear from Ford, and "then we should vote." GOP leaders set a committee vote for Friday and hope to confirm Kavanaugh early next week. Hatch plans to retire at the end of this Senate term.

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PATRICK LEAHY

THEN: Back in 1991, Leahy was the first member of the 14-member Judiciary Committee to announce he would vote against Thomas, saying so after the committee had held hearings but before the allegations by Hill became public. The Democrat, a senator since 1975, said he had "too many doubts about" Thomas' vision of the Constitution.

NOW: Leahy, 78, announced he would be a vote against Kavanaugh before Ford's allegations became public. After the first round of Senate hearings for Kavanaugh, Leahy wrote an opinion piece alleging that Kavanaugh had misled lawmakers during the hearings and that he couldn't support his nomination. After Ford's allegations surfaced publicly, Leahy and the other Democratic members of the committee called for the vote on Kavanaugh's nomination to be delayed and for the FBI to investigate Ford's allegations.

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, answers questions from reporters about allegations of sexual misconduct against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, as he arrives for a Senate Finance Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
FARGO, N.D. (AP) - The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused in the killing of a pregnant North Dakota woman said Wednesday that testimony from his former girlfriend could be taken as evidence that he had agreed to participate in the crime.

William Hoehn, 33, is charged with conspiracy to commit murder in the August 2017 death of 22-year-old Savanna Greywind, whose baby was cut from her womb. The baby survived.

Hoehn's ex-girlfriend, Brooke Crews, testified this week that she hadn't told Hoehn of her plans to kill Greywind and take her baby. But Crews also said that when Hoehn came up on a bloody scene in their apartment, he got a rope and wrapped it around Greywind's neck.

After the prosecution rested its case and jurors had been dismissed, defense attorney Daniel Borgen asked Cass County Judge Tom Olson to rule that prosecutors hadn't proven an agreement between Crews and Hoehn to commit murder.

In rejecting the motion, Olson cited Crews' testimony about the rope. "To me, that's agreement," he said.

Borgen had argued that prosecutors needed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Greywind was still alive when Hoehn put the rope around her neck. "They haven't," he said.

William Hoehn watches testimony Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, in District Court, in Fargo, N.D. Hoehn is on trial for conspiracy in the August 2017 death of 22-year-old Savanna Greywind. He is charged with conspiracy to commit murder in the death of 22-year-old Greywind, who was eight months pregnant when she was killed in August 2017. (Michael Vosburg/The Forum via AP, Pool)

Olson also denied a motion by prosecutors to exclude testimony of Jennifer Robinson, who's housed in the same North Dakota women's prison as Crews. Robinson has said that Crews told her she strangled Greywind and cut the baby out within a matter of minutes. Crews denied that claim.

Prosecutors on Wednesday called two witnesses before resting their case. They started with Phil Swan, the lead detective who summarized a timeline and evidence. That included one new exhibit, a jailhouse call when Hoehn told his mother he was worried about the death penalty.

Swan also agreed with characterizations by Borgen and prosecutor Ryan Younggren that both Hoehn and Crews were "skilled liars."

The state wrapped up its case with Ashton Matheny, Greywind's longtime boyfriend and the father of her baby. He said he was thinking of asking Greywind to marry him but never got the chance and never told anyone about it.

"I just wanted to surprise her," he said.

In this Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, photo, Brooke Crews, who was convicted of killing her pregnant neighbor by cutting the baby from her womb, testifies in District Court in Fargo, N.D., at her boyfriend William Hoehn's trial for conspiracy in the August 2017 death Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind. (Michael Vosburg/The Forum, Pool)

William Hoehn watches testimony Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, in District Court, in Fargo, N.D. Hoehn is on trial for conspiracy in the August 2017 death of 22-year-old Savanna Greywind. He is charged with conspiracy to commit murder in the death of 22-year-old Greywind, who was eight months pregnant when she was killed in August 2017. (Michael Vosburg/The Forum via AP, Pool)
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota Democrats are targeting American Indian communities in a get-out-the-vote campaign that includes helping tribal members satisfy new proof-of-identity requirements needed to cast a ballot in the state.

The effort comes after a setback this week in federal appeals court for a group of Native Americans who filed a lawsuit three years ago over North Dakota's expanded voter identification laws. The tribal members claim the laws are a form of voter suppression.

Scott McNeil, who heads the state Democratic Party, said organizers are working within each of the state's five American Indian reservations "to make sure folks have the materials needed to vote."

American Indians tend to vote for Democrats and it's common for the party to visit reservations encouraging tribal members head to the polls. But they're especially important this year, as Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp is in a close race with Republican Kevin Cramer that could help determine control of the Senate.

Democrats are now scrambling to make sure tribal members make it to the polls and are qualified to vote with required identification. Tribal members' strong support for Heitkamp played a big role in her election to the U.S. Senate in 2012 by fewer than 3,000 votes.

State Rep. Josh Boschee, a Democrat running against Republican Secretary of State Al Jaeger this fall, said he's been visiting the reservations for the past six months to encourage tribal turnout at the polls.

The effort gained greater importance this week after a three-judge panel of 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals stayed a lower-court injunction that would have required the state to accept forms of identification and supporting documents that included a "current mailing address," such as a post office box, instead of requiring a "current residential street address." Those sometimes aren't assigned on American Indian reservations.

"People are excited to vote on the reservations," Boschee said. "Now it's educating them on whether they are ready to vote."

North Dakota has required voters to provide ID since 2004. Voters without an ID were allowed to sign an affidavit attesting to their eligibility to vote, but the Legislature removed that provision in 2013 shortly after Heitkamp's win. The GOP-controlled Legislature has said Heitkamp's victory had no bearing on the legislation.

Deputy Secretary of State Jim Silrum said Wednesday that county auditors have notified election officials that residential street addresses have been assigned on all North Dakota reservations.

But Scott Davis, executive director of the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission, said that isn't the case.

"In Indian Country, some people still lack physical addresses," he said.

Russ Lindblom, a North Dakota Association of Counties 911 project manager, also said there could be dwellings in the state that still do not have addresses assigned.

Silrum said if a residence does not have a street address on a reservation, elections officials may consider an affidavit from the tribe that describes the situation.

"Giving a location description probably would be enough," he said.
LONDON (AP) - WikiLeaks has named one-time spokesman Kristinn Hrafnsson as its new editor-in-chief. The ramifications of the move are unclear.

The organization was founded and has been led for more than a decade by Julian Assange, the 47-year-old ex-hacker, but the silver-haired Australian has been isolated for years at the Ecuadorean Embassy in London.

WikiLeaks tweeted that Assange will stay on as the group's "publisher."

WikiLeaks' job titles have proven fluid over the years. Assange has variously described himself as the group's spokesman, publisher and editor.

Hrafnsson told The Associated Press that it "remains to be seen" whether the change in responsibility would be permanent or temporary.

He hung up when asked further questions Wednesday, saying he was busy cooking dinner.
ATLANTA (AP) - The owners of the last nuclear power plant still under construction in the U.S. say the project will continue after a disagreement about budget overages was resolved.

The utilities said in a joint statement late Wednesday that they had reached an agreement that mitigates financial exposure in the construction of two new reactors at Plant Vogtle near Waynesboro, Georgia.

One part-owner, Oglethorpe Power, earlier said it was only willing to move forward if it received concessions such as a cost cap.

The plant is years behind schedule and billions of dollars over budget.

The owners learned last month costs would go up by another $2.3 billion. A clause in their contract requires that in such a case 90 percent of the owners must agree to move forward.
SAN ANTONIO (AP) - A federal judge has sentenced the national president of the notorious Bandidos biker gang to life plus 10 years in prison for directing a violent racketeering and drug trafficking enterprise.

Jeffrey Faye Pike of Conroe, Texas, was sentenced Wednesday. The 63-year-old leader of the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Organization was convicted with Vice President John Xavier Portillo (pohr-TEE'-yoh) of San Antonio in May after a lengthy trial in San Antonio.

The jury convicted Pike and Portillo of racketeering conspiracy, murder conspiracy, racketeering assault, murder racketeering, extortion and weapons violations. Portillo also was convicted of another racketeering murder count, drug trafficking and drug trafficking conspiracy, and another weapons count. He was sentenced to two consecutive life terms plus 20 years Monday.

The case arose from the 2006 killing of Anthony Benesh.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - An impeached former West Virginia Supreme Court justice has filed a federal lawsuit accusing elected officials of gender bias and other violations.

Former Justice Robin Davis' 40-page lawsuit filed Wednesday said she would not have been impeached "had she not been a woman." It seeks to halt her upcoming impeachment trial in the state Senate.

The lawsuit names Gov. Jim Justice and multiple legislators as defendants.

The impeachments stemmed from questions involving renovations to the justices' offices. Those questions evolved into accusations of corruption, incompetence and neglect of duty. Democratic lawmakers, who hold minorities in the House and Senate, have characterized the impeachments as an unprecedented power grab by the GOP.

Justice Menis Ketchum, a Democrat, resigned before the Republican-led House of Delegates voted to impeach the remaining four justices. Davis, also a Democrat, then resigned in time to trigger an election for the remainder of her term. She and three others await Senate trials starting next month: Allen Loughry, who is suspended, and Margaret Workman and Beth Walker.

The lawsuit says the impeachments enabled the governor to replace elected justices "with Republican men and create a 'conservative court' for years to come." U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins and former House Speaker Tim Armstead have been appointed as interim justices until a Nov. 6 special election.

Davis' lawsuit also alleges the House violated the constitutional separation of powers by adopting the "invalid" and "unsupported" impeachment articles. It says a Judiciary Investigation Commission previously dismissed code of judicial conduct complaints against her, Workman and Walker.

Davis was impeached for $500,000 in office renovations, mostly for construction costs. There also was $28,000 spent for rugs, $23,000 in design services and an $8,100 desk chair.

Davis and others also were impeached for their roles in allowing senior status judges to be paid higher than allowed wages and for abusing their authority for failing to control office expenses and not maintaining policies over matters such as state vehicles, working lunches and the use of office computers at home.

Meanwhile, Workman has asked the state Supreme Court to halt her upcoming Senate trial. A panel of temporary justices has been appointed to hear the case.

The governor's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Davis' lawsuit. Republican Delegates Michael Folk and Pat McGeehan say Workman and Davis are trying to obstruct the Legislature's impeachment duty.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on President Donald Trump and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein (all times local):

5:30 p.m.

President Donald Trump says he would "certainly prefer not" to fire Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and says he may delay a highly anticipated meeting with him.

Trump said Wednesday that Rosenstein denied making remarks attributed to him in a New York Times report, including that Rosenstein discussed secretly recording Trump last year.

Trump and Rosenstein had been scheduled to meet Thursday.

Trump says he may postpone that meeting because he is focused on an extraordinary Senate committee hearing set for the same day with Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and a woman who has accused Kavanaugh of sexual assault.

President Donald Trump is asked a question during a news conference at the Lotte New York Palace hotel during the United Nations General Assembly, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

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4:25 p.m.

Expectations have diminished that a meeting between President Donald Trump and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein will result in the resignation or immediate firing of the Justice Department's No. 2 official.

But it's unclear how safe his job will be after the November midterm elections.

The White House sought this week to reassure senators that Trump doesn't plan to fire Rosenstein at Thursday's meeting. Doing so in person would be out of character for a president who's appeared reluctant to directly dismiss aides himself.

Friends of Rosenstein say they don't expect him to step aside and give up oversight of the Russia investigation and the enormous swath of Justice Department operations for which he's responsible.

Even so, the president is unpredictable and it's hard to know for certain what'll happen.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Eleven Maryland state lawmakers are asking county police to investigate sexual assault allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, if alleged victims support investigating.

The 11 Democrats from Maryland's Montgomery County made the request in a Tuesday letter to county Police Chief Tom Manger. The legislators write that "Maryland might have no statute of limitations shielding defendants from accountability for some of the alleged acts."

Capt. Paul Starks, a Montgomery County Police Department spokesman, says "we're aware of the letter, and we plan to respond to it."

Christine Blasey Ford has alleged that Kavanaugh forced her into a room at a high school party in the 1980s, held her on a bed and tried removing her clothes as he muffled her mouth with his hands. Kavanaugh has denied the allegations.
By Delana Isles

AS THE dust settles on the service charge issue, one owner of a non-inclusive condo resort has expressed his disappointment and reiterated the potential economic fallout.





Dale Papke, owner of the Ports of Call Resort in Providenciales, told the Weekly News on Thursday (September 27) the entire issue is misunderstood.





Papke has been vocal on the issue in the run up to Mondays debate, stating his opinions on the negative impact the bill will have on the industry if passed and warning of possible layoffs and downsizing by hotel owners.





He offered brief comments expressing his disappointment following the bills passage on Monday.





"I cant say much other than I am very disappointed. Not only did the Government not consult properly with the hoteliers as they have stated, but the whole service charge is misunderstood.





"It was never a full gratuity, but rather a combination of gratuities and resort fees.





"To think that guests are actually tipping the staff an additional $25 to $100 a day when they are already leaving tips on the beds, to the bartenders and the beach staff is wrong.





Papkes reference to the combination of gratuity and resort fees was substantiated by a press release sent out by the Turks and Caicos Resort Economic Council (TCREC) on Friday, September 21.





The organisation, which is made up of a group of business people who have developed the luxury condo resort business in the TCI, stated that the facility fee was in place long before a service charge was put in place, as such, reports that service charge is being "restored to the workers are factually incorrect.





When the service charge bill was first drafted in 2003, it took what used to be the facility fee that resorts were already charging and combined it with what the Government at that time decided should be service charge.





The TCREC said that the Service Charge Ordinance that was then born, never stated that employees were to receive 100 percent of the service charge collected.





The organisation further clarified: "Prior to 2003 and the passing of the first Service Charge Ordinance, many condo resorts charged a facility fee, which was a commercial agreement between guests and the management companies.





"100 percent of this facility fee was collected by the management company for their use in support of their operational expenses that were not shared with the condo owners.





"With the Service Charge Ordinance (Nov 2003), the facility fee was appropriated by Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) through the ordinance and with the consensus of the industry, it designated that a minimum 60 percent of the service charge collected be paid to employees, which has remained unchanged since 2003, the TCREC advised.





The organisation stated that while the newly passed bill offers resorts the option to make up their lost operating funding (40 percent of service charge) by charging an additional facility fee on top of service charge to visiting tourists, it does not appear to consider the potential impacts to the industry and the economy this price increase could cause.




FARGO, N.D. (AP) - The Latest on the trial of William Hoehn, accused in the death of a pregnant North Dakota woman (all times local):

4:30 p.m.

The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused in the killing of a pregnant North Dakota woman says testimony from his former girlfriend could be taken as evidence that he had agreed to participate in the crime.

William Hoehn (hayn) is charged with conspiracy to commit murder in the August 2017 death of 22-year-old Savanna Greywind, whose baby was cut from her womb.

Hoehn's ex-girlfriend, Brooke Crews, testified this week that she hadn't told Hoehn of her plans to kill Greywind and take her baby. But Crews also said that when Hoehn came up on a bloody scene in their apartment, he got a rope and wrapped it around Greywind's neck.

After the prosecution rested Wednesday, defense attorney Daniel Borgen asked Cass County Judge Tom Olson to rule that prosecutors hadn't proven an agreement between Crews and Hoehn to commit murder.

William Hoehn watches testimony Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, in District Court, in Fargo, N.D. Hoehn is on trial for conspiracy in the August 2017 death of 22-year-old Savanna Greywind. He is charged with conspiracy to commit murder in the death of 22-year-old Greywind, who was eight months pregnant when she was killed in August 2017. (Michael Vosburg/The Forum via AP, Pool)

In rejecting the motion, Olson cited Crews' testimony about the rope. He said: "To me, that's agreement."

The jury had been dismissed before Olson made his remark.

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4:05 p.m.

Prosecutors have rested their case in the trial of a man accused in the killing of a pregnant North Dakota woman whose baby was cut from her womb.

Thirty-three-year-old William Hoehn is charged with conspiracy to commit murder in the August 2017 death of 22-year-old Savanna Greywind, of Fargo. Hoehn's girlfriend, Brooke Crews, pleaded guilty in the case and is serving a life sentence. The baby survived.

Prosecutors on Wednesday questioned the lead detective who summarized a timeline and evidence. That included a jailhouse call when Hoehn told his mother he was worried about the death penalty.

After jurors were dismissed, Judge Tom Olson denied a request by defense attorney Daniel Borgen to issue a verdict after Borgen argued that prosecutors did not prove their case.

In this Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, photo, Brooke Crews, who was convicted of killing her pregnant neighbor by cutting the baby from her womb, testifies in District Court in Fargo, N.D., at her boyfriend William Hoehn's trial for conspiracy in the August 2017 death Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind. (Michael Vosburg/The Forum, Pool)

William Hoehn watches testimony Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, in District Court, in Fargo, N.D. Hoehn is on trial for conspiracy in the August 2017 death of 22-year-old Savanna Greywind. He is charged with conspiracy to commit murder in the death of 22-year-old Greywind, who was eight months pregnant when she was killed in August 2017. (Michael Vosburg/The Forum via AP, Pool)
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Bill Cosby once attacked poor blacks in a speech to the NAACP. Now some of the same people he criticized are talking about the comedian's prison sentence as a moment of racial comeuppance.

They say Cosby's three- to 10-year term for sexual assault represents a convergence of karma, hubris and hypocrisy. Some even quoted Cosby's own words in tweets announcing the sentence.

In the 2004 speech, Cosby used his celebrity status to chide impoverished blacks to pull up their sagging pants and stop having children out of wedlock.

His own comments were a catalyst for his downfall. In 2015 a judge who unsealed a deposition in the case cited the speech. He said Cosby had become a "public moralist" and that his conduct was a matter of public interest.
The House voted Wednesday to direct the federal government to set a minimum size for airline seats, bar passengers from being kicked off overbooked planes, and consider whether to restrict animals on planes.

Those and other passenger-related provisions were included in a bill to authorize Federal Aviation Administration programs for five years. The House approved the measure by a 398-23 vote, sending it to the Senate, which faces a Sunday deadline.

The FAA bill is also notable for what is not included.

Lawmakers abandoned a plan backed by airlines to privatize the nation's air-traffic-control system. And congressional negotiators dropped a proposal to crack down on "unreasonable" airline fees.

The bill includes several provisions backed by consumer groups. Among them:

- It gives the FAA one year to set minimum measurements for airline seats and the distance between rows. Provision sponsors said cramped planes are a safety issue during emergencies such as fires.

FILE - This Thursday, March 16, 2017, file photo shows the interior of a commercial airliner at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. On Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, the House voted to direct the federal government to set a minimum size for airline seats, bar passengers from being kicked off overbooked planes, and consider whether to restrict animals on planes. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

"People are getting larger, the seats are getting smaller, and it's just obvious that you can't evacuate the planes in the requisite time," Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., said in an interview.

- It bars airlines from removing passengers from overbooked flights once the passenger has boarded the plane. The issue gained attention after airport officers dragged a 69-year-old man off a United Express plane last year to make room for an airline employee. Airlines could still bump people before boarding begins.

- Directs the Transportation Department to set rules for service and emotional-support animals on planes including "reasonable measures to ensure pets are not claimed as service animals." Airlines have taken modest steps to crack down on support animals, which they say are surging in numbers and leading to incidents of biting and defecating on planes.

- Prohibits putting a live animal in an overhead bin. A French bulldog puppy died in the overhead bin of a United Airlines plane in March.

- When a computer outage causes widespread delays and cancellations, the airline must say on its website whether it will help stranded customers with hotel rooms, meals, or seats on another carrier.

- Bars passengers from making cell phone calls during airline flights.

- Creates a committee to advise the FAA on how to prevent consumers from being hit with huge and unexpected bills from air-ambulance companies.

Last year, a Senate committee approved a provision directing the Transportation Department to crack down on "unreasonable" airline fees for things like changing a reservation. But airlines and the industry's major trade group, Airlines for America, lobbied fiercely against the proposal, which they said amounted to reregulating airline prices for the first time in 40 years. The issue was dropped last week during final negotiations.

Before that, Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune, R-S.D., gave up an attempt to weaken a regulation requiring that pilots have at least 1,500 hours of flying time before they can fly for an airline. Safety advocates had objected.

House Transportation Committee Chairman Bill Shuster, R-Penn., backed away from a plan to shift control of the nation's air-traffic-control system from the FAA to a private corporation. Shuster acknowledged that he didn't have the votes to pass the airline-backed provision.

The FAA's current authority expires Sunday, but Congress could pass a brief extension to give the Senate more time to consider the House-passed bill.

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David Koenig can be reached at http://twitter.com/airlinewriter
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday his country doesn't want a war with the United States and believes America will "sooner or later" support the Iran nuclear agreement again following the Trump administration's withdrawal.

Rouhani told a wide-ranging news conference that the U.S. decision to pull out of the 2015 nuclear deal in May was "a mistake" because there are no benefits for the people of the United States, Iran, Europe or any other country.

He said the U.S. made a "second mistake" in holding a meeting of the U.N. Security Council earlier Wednesday during which 14 countries either directly or indirectly backed the nuclear agreement between Iran, the U.S. and five other major powers. Only U.S. President Donald Trump, who chaired the session, spoke against the deal known as the JCPOA and appeared isolated as a result, Rouhani said.

Responding to a question about whether the harsh language the Trump and his top official have used about Iran might lead to war, Rouhani said Iran since the 1979 revolution "has been subjected to that type of language many times." But he said Trump administration officials "speak with a different style, presumably because they're new to politics."

As for war, Rouhani said, "We do not wish to go to war with American forces anywhere in the region. We do not wish to attack them. We do not wish to increase tensions - none of the above."

"But we ask the United States of America to adhere to laws and respect national sovereignty of nations," he said.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani enters a meeting with United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, at U.N. headquarters, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
NEW YORK (AP) - No one laughs at Donald Trump.

The president on Wednesday dismissed as "fake news" reports that world leaders laughed at him in the opening moments of his speech to a session of the U.N. General Assembly.

"They weren't laughing at me. They were laughing with me," he declared at a news conference Wednesday, the day after counterparts from around the globe audibly laughed as he began the highly anticipated address by reciting U.S. economic gains under his watch.

"We had fun. That was not laughing at me," he said. "So the fake news said people laughed at President Trump. They didn't laugh at me. People had a good time with me. We were doing it together. We had a good time. They respect what I've done."

Trump opened Tuesday's speech by describing the American economy as "booming like never before."

He also claimed his administration had accomplished more in less than two years than any predecessor had by this same point in their terms.

President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at the Lotte New York Palace hotel during the United Nations General Assembly, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Just sentences into Trump's remarks, the audience - which included many leaders from other countries who were listening to a translation through headphones - began to chuckle. Some broke into outright laughter.

Trump appeared briefly flustered. He then smiled and said, "I didn't expect that reaction, but that's OK."
HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) - The Latest on the execution of a Texas inmate in the death of his former roommate (all times local):

6:45 p.m.

A 51-year-old Texas inmate has been executed for torturing and drowning an East Texas woman in his bathtub and then stuffing her body into a barrel.

Troy Clark received a lethal injection Wednesday evening for the 1998 death of 20-year-old Christina Muse of Tyler.

Clark had taunted a jury to sentence him to death during his trial, but later argued his trial attorneys failed to present evidence of his troubled childhood, which might have convinced jurors to spare his life.

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles declined to recommend a commutation of Clark's sentence.

This undated photo provided by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice shows death row inmate, Troy Clark. Clark, who taunted jurors to sentence him to death, is facing execution for torturing and drowning an East Texas woman in his bathtub and then stuffing her body into a barrel. Clark was set for lethal injection Wednesday evening, Sept. 26, 2018, for the 1998 slaying of a former roommate, 20-year-old Christina Muse of Tyler. (Texas Department of Criminal Justice via AP)

Clark became the ninth prisoner put to death this year in Texas.

___

12 a.m.

A Texas inmate who taunted jurors to sentence him to death is facing execution for torturing and drowning an East Texas woman in his bathtub and then stuffing her body into a barrel.

Troy Clark was set for lethal injection Wednesday evening for the 1998 slaying of a former roommate, 20-year-old Christina Muse of Tyler.

Authorities say Clark, a drug dealer, had worried his ex-roommate would snitch on him.

Clark has argued his trial attorneys failed to present evidence of his troubled childhood, which might have convinced jurors to spare his life. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles declined to recommend a commutation of Clark's sentence.

Clark would become the ninth prisoner put to death this year in Texas, the nation's busiest capital punishment state.

Another inmate, Daniel Acker, is set for execution Thursday.
GRANTS, N.M. (AP) - A leader of a New Mexico paramilitary religious sect has been sentenced to more than seven decades in prison after her conviction in a child sex abuse case.

KRQE-TV reports a judge handed down a 72-year sentence for Deborah Green on Wednesday in Grants, following emotional testimony from a victim in the case.

Prosecutors said the case against the 71-year-old involved an infant who was taken from Uganda and mistreated throughout her life by the leader and members of an isolated Pentecostal sect.

Last year, authorities raided the sect's secluded Fence Lake compound in New Mexico over concerns about child abuse.

On Tuesday, a jury found Green guilty of kidnapping, criminal sexual penetration of a minor and child abuse.

Her attorney said the case stemmed from former sect members' vendettas against Green.

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Information from: KRQE-TV, http://www.krqe.com
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Latest on a convicted sex offender charged in the death of a missing 89-year-old woman (all times local):

4:15 p.m.

A convicted sex offender in Oregon has pleaded not guilty to a murder charge after authorities said he killed an 89-year-old woman and stuffed her in the trunk of his car.

Timothy Mackley was arraigned Wednesday in Multnomah County Circuit Court in the death of Marcine Herinck, a grandmother who volunteered at a thrift store.

Portland police say the body is "likely" Herinck's but they are awaiting official confirmation from the Oregon Medical Examiner.

Herinck was reported missing from her northeast Portland home on Sept. 19.

Police stopped Mackley's car on Monday and said they found the body in the trunk.

Court records show prosecutors believe Mackley killed Herinck sometime between Sept. 18 and Sept. 24.

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11:57 a.m.

Portland, Oregon police say a body found in a car trunk is "likely" that of a missing 89-year-old woman.

Police Sgt. Christopher Burley said Wednesday that a definitive identification of the body is being done by the state medical examiner.

Marcine Herinck was reported missing on Sept. 19 from her home in northeast Portland.

The car's driver, 58-year-old Timothy J. Mackley, has been arrested for murder.

Burley says information developed Monday identified Mackley as a person of interest in Herinck's disappearance.

He says the body was found in his trunk during a Tuesday traffic stop.

No attorney is listed for Mackley and he hasn't had a first court appearance.

Court records show Mackley is a convicted felon and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
The gunman in the Las Vegas mass shooting was armed with 23 AR-style weapons, 14 of them fitted with "bump stocks" that allowed them to mimic fully automatic fire.

The devices were little-known before they were used in the Oct. 1 rampage, the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. And in the immediate aftermath, there were calls from a wide spectrum of lawmakers and advocates on firearms issues to have them banned.

Here's what has happened with the devices since the attack that left 58 dead:

LEGISLATIVE ACTION

In the shooting's immediate aftermath, there appeared to be a growing desire to ban the sale and possession of bump stocks, which federal authorities previously deemed legal and not subject to the same tighter restrictions reserved for fully automatic firearms.

Most notably, President Donald Trump vowed to ban the devices, which attach to the stock end of an AR-style firearm, greatly increasing the rate of fire so it mimics a fully automatic long gun.

FILE - This Oct. 4, 2017 file photo shows a device called a "bump stock" attached to a semi-automatic rifle at a gun store and shooting range in Utah. What's happened to bump stocks in the year since Las Vegas? There were growing calls to ban the devices in the immediate aftermath of the mass shooting on the Las Vegas strip. Some succeeded, but others did not. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

Trump in March tweeted: "Obama Administration legalized bump stocks. BAD IDEA. As I promised, today the Department of Justice will issue the rule banning BUMP STOCKS with a mandated comment period."

The government determined in 2010 that bump stocks couldn't be regulated unless Congress changed the law.

But as with many restrictions on firearms in recent years, more action has taken place at the state level than by the federal government.

Ten states and three cities have enacted bans on the devices. California made bump stock-style devices illegal there decades ago.

WHAT HAS HAPPENED AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL?

Trump expressed support for banning the devices and directed the Justice Department to rewrite the federal regulations.

The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives this spring sought public comment on a proposal to reclassify bump stocks, but no action has been taken.

The proposed rules drew more than 35,000 comments.

THE COMPANY

Slide Fire Solutions, America's largest bump stock manufacturer, closed its website in June and stopped taking orders. However, its remaining stock of the devices is now being sold by another company, RW Arms, based in Fort Worth, Texas.

The devices were originally intended to help people with disabilities and were little-known until the Las Vegas shooting.

Gun owners and enthusiasts frequently call bump stocks a novelty item. Gun dealers said very few of the devices were sold before the Las Vegas shooting, but demand soared afterward amid concern they might be banned.

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Find complete AP coverage of the Las Vegas mass shooting here: https://apnews.com/tag/LasVegasmassshooting
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Jacinda Ardern knows all about juggling her role as a mother with the requirements of her job.

The prime minister of New Zealand has brought her infant daughter to the United Nations' annual gathering of world leaders. Mother and daughter have been spotted together inside the assembly hall.

She says she's a breastfeeding mother and needs to keep her daughter nearby.

"I'm combining my role as a mum and also as a leader and it is entirely possible to do both," Arden said Wednesday. "She comes to functions with me. So, politicians love holding babies."

Baby Neve was born in June.

Ardern giving birth while in office was a point of contention before the election. Television hosts asked her about her plans for children and she said she was happy to talk about it, but that it was broadly an unacceptable question for women in the workplace.

Clarke Gayford sits with his daughter Neve as her mother, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, speaks at the Bloomberg Global Business Forum, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, in New York. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

Her answers resonated with many people around the world.

Ardern is just the second elected world leader in modern times to give birth while in office. The last female politician to give birth while heading a government was the late Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who gave birth to her daughter Bakhtawar in 1990.
By Delana Isles

FOURTEEN for, three absent members and one abstention saw the service charge bill easily passing in the House of Assembly this week.





Following several hours of debate by members of the House, the Service Charges (Hotel and Restaurants) Bill 2018 was passed without amendments on Monday (September 24) evening.





The proceedings effectively repealed and replaced the Service Charges (Hotel and Restaurants) Ordinance 2003 with the new bill.





Those voting yes were Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, Deputy Premier Sean Astwood, Home Affairs Minister Delroy Williams, Health Minister Edwin Astwood, Housing Minister Goldray Ewing, Education Minister Karen Malcolm, Deputy Speaker of the House Derek Taylor, PDM elected member Douglas Parnell, Government appointed member Maxovonno Thomas, PNP elected member Akierra Missick, PNP elected member Porsha Smith, PNP elected member Ruth Blackman, opposition appointed member Royal Robinson and governors appointed member Temard Butterfield.





Members who did not participate in the vote by absenting themselves during this time were

Leader of the Opposition Washington Misick, Grand Turk North PNP elected member George Lightbourne and governors appointed member John Phillips.





Minister of Tourism Ralph Higgs, whose family is constructing a new hotel in North Caicos, declared a conflict of interest to the Integrity Commission and was advised not to participate in the debate and vote on the bill.





Independent member Josephine Connolly abstained from voting on the bill.





Connolly, who won her seat in the House as an all island PDM candidate, shared her sentiments on the bill as an independent candidate.





She previously campaigned under the PDM Governments promise to pay the workers all of the service charge collected by establishments in the Turks and Caicos Islands.





"In my view this ordinance is ill-considered and fatally flawed and appears to have been prepared in haste in an attempt to pacify unsuspecting and gullible workers in the industry.





"The fatal flaw in the bill is that the resorts have been given the option to simply not charge a service charge. In other words, to opt out.





"Section 3(2) of the ordinance states that hotels and restaurants may elect to levy a service charge.





"So, if the hotels and restaurants elect not to levy a service charge, in that case, 100 percent of nothing is nothing.





She said it is also unfair to all-inclusive hotels who do not have the ability to choose.





"So, the question is why would the resorts who can opt out not opt out? What are we to infer from the offering of a four percent facility fee? Pacification or a quid pro quo?





She added that if condo resorts felt they could "squeeze another four percent on their rates, they would have done it.





"But the pricing in this industry is finely calibrated taking in competing products in other jurisdictions to those of us with a passing acquaintance with economics know that price increase usually means a decrease in demand.





"Whether a four percent increase in price leads to a four percent decrease in demand or a 10 percent decrease no one knows until after the event.





"But one thing that can be said with certainty, a price increase will not stimulate demand, it will reduce demand in the biggest economic driver in this economy.





She stated that the 100 percent service charge promise that the PDM made, despite being left to fester for two years has not been forgotten.





She added that hastily crafting a bill that guarantees that resorts workers will be worse off to satisfy an election promise is inconsiderate, unconscionable and insulting.





"There was an unspoken condition that in giving staff 100 percent, the staff are not financially worse off than before. This bill will do precisely that - give the resort staff less than they get now.





The member also pointed out that she is not an apologist for the hotel industry, and that there is much than can and should be done to improve the lot of hotel employees, but to do this there needs to be meaningful discussion with the industry where necessary.





Governors appointed member, John Phillips was another notable voice against the bill.





Phillips urged members not to accept the bill as it was and to let the Government go back the drawing board.





The governors member said that he agrees with the position of the Opposition Leader Washington Misick, who presented a lengthy contribution on the flaws in the new bill.





Misick has spoken out for months on the bill, firmly and repeatedly stating his lack of support for it.





Notably he has stated in the past that the premier and the PDM Government painted themselves into a corner on the service charge issue during the 2016 election campaign season.




MOBILE, Ala. (AP) - The University of South Alabama's president says a student has been suspended for hanging two nooses on campus and a cafeteria employee has been fired for an insensitive tweet that said it was a sign of their "killer" fried chicken.

University President Tony Waldrop said in a Wednesday night statement that the student was suspended after admitting to hanging two nooses and a bicycle in a tree on campus. The student will face a discipline hearing.

Waldrop said an employee of the university's food service vendor was fired for an "offensive tweet" about the situation.

The employee wrote on the university dining service's official twitter account that the rope was just a sign that, "our food is KILLER! Come get some fried chicken and tell us in different!"

The food vendor apologized.
WASHINGTON (AP) - A California man who unwittingly sold bank accounts to Russians meddling in U.S. elections is living in a "constant state of fear" after becoming a government cooperator.

A lawyer for Richard "Ricky" Pinedo said in court papers Wednesday that Pinedo has received death threats and suffers from anxiety.

Pinedo's lawyer, Jeremy Lessem, says his client's testimony helped special counsel Robert Mueller secure an indictment against 13 Russians accused in an elaborate plot to disrupt the 2016 presidential election. Lessem is arguing his client should get probation.

Pinedo pleaded guilty in February to using stolen identities to set up bank accounts that were then used by the Russians. Authorities acknowledged he didn't know he was dealing with Russians.

Prosecutors say Pinedo has provided "significant assistance" in identity theft investigations.
WASHINGTON (AP) - He rarely holds formal news conferences. But when he does, President Donald Trump lets 'er rip.

For more than an hour and 20 minutes Wednesday, Trump held court with reporters in a sweltering hotel ballroom in New York City, where he's been attending the annual United Nations General Assembly. Trump was in his element, sparring and joking with reporters as he addressed a host of issues, including the growing list of sexual misconduct allegations against his Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, and the threat of war with North Korea.

Here are some of the highlights:

ON SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS AGAINST KAVANAUGH

Trump told reporters he'd be watching closely on Thursday as Kavanaugh and one of his accusers, Christine Blasey Ford, deliver public testimony. He said it was possible he could withdraw Kavanaugh's nomination if he believes her.

"If I thought he was guilty of something like this," he told reporters, "yeah, sure." He added: "I could be convinced of anything."

President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at the Lotte New York Palace hotel during the United Nations General Assembly, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

But Trump, who has repeatedly defended men accused of sexual misconduct, also said his thinking on such allegations had been colored by the numerous accusations of sexual assault that have been leveled against him - falsely, he insists.

"It's happened to me many times," he said, citing "four or five women" who "got paid a lot of money" to make those allegations.

In fact, more than a dozen women came forward during the 2016 presidential campaign, claiming they had been assaulted, groped or kissed without consent by Trump.

Trump also continued to describe the allegations Kavanaugh is facing as "a big fat con job" and defended his nominee as "one of the highest quality people that I've ever met."

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ON THE #METOO MOVEMENT

Trump acknowledged: "This is a very big moment for our country" - but not because women feel empowered to speak out.

Instead, Trump said: "This is a very big moment for our country because you have a man who's very outstanding, but he's got very strong charges against him, probably charges that nobody's going to be able to prove." Trump went on to describe "a very dangerous period in our country" that he said was being "perpetuated by some very evil people - some of them are Democrats."

And he warned that the country was adopting a new, "dangerous standard" of justice, in which "you are guilty until proven innocent."

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ON FIRING HIS DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL

Trump said he'd "certainly prefer not" to fire his Deputy Attorney General, Rod Rosenstein, who oversees the Russia investigation. And he said he may delay their highly anticipated Thursday meeting to avoid distracting from the Kavanaugh hearing.

"I would much prefer keeping Rod Rosenstein," Trump said, adding that Rosenstein had denied reports he'd discussed possibly secretly recording the president and using the Constitution's 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office.

Trump also said he may call Rosenstein later Wednesday evening to ask for a "little bit of a delay to the meeting" because he doesn't "want to do anything that gets in the way of this very important Supreme Court pick."

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ON WAR WITH NORTH KOREA

Trump claimed that President Barack Obama was ready to go to war with North Korea and that millions of people would be dead if he hadn't been elected.

"If I wasn't elected, you would have had a war," he said, adding, "You know how close he was to pressing the trigger for war?"

Ned Price, Obama's former national security spokesman, said Wednesday night that "the Department of Defense always looks at contingencies," but that the Obama administration consistently believed that diplomacy was the only viable option in the Korean Peninsula.

Trump also talked fondly of the inflammatory words he and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had exchanged before their summit, saying the two "both smile at now and we laugh at" what he dubbed "rhetorical contests."

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CANADIAN DIS

Trump said he rejected a one-on-one meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the UN because he's annoyed by the country's trade negotiations.

"His tariffs are too high, he doesn't seem to want to move and I've told him forget about it," Trump complained, adding: "We're very unhappy with the negotiations and the negotiating style of Canada."

But Trudeau spokeswoman Eleanore Catenaro said that never happened.

"No meeting was requested," she said.

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ON HIS BROMANCE WITH XI

Trump once again claimed China has tried to meddle in the upcoming midterm elections in retaliation for Trump's tough trade policies - but declined to offer proof.

"We have evidence. We have evidence. It will come out," he teased.

Asked why he continues to praise China's Xi Jinping if the country is trying to undermine American democracy, Trump stressed his strong relationship with his Chinese counterpart and praised the Chinese as "incredible people."

In fact, he said, he'd be calling Xi on Thursday to check in following the question by a New York Times reporter.

"In honor of you," he told the reporter, he'd be making the call.

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NOBODY WAS LAUGHING

Trump insisted he was never ridiculed by leaders on the world stage, dismissing reports that he was laughed at during his address to the U.N. General Assembly as "fake news."

Trump allowed that he'd heard "a little rustle" as he began reciting U.S. economic gains under his watch, but he insisted: "They weren't laughing at me. They were laughing with me."

Trump had appeared briefly flustered by the reaction Tuesday morning. He smiled and said, "I didn't expect that reaction, but that's OK."

As Trump tells it: "People had a good time with me. We were doing it together. We had a good time. They respect what I've done."

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I COULD GO ON ALL DAY

Trump, who has long loved sparring with the media, seemed especially engaged on Wednesday, bashing the "fake news" with one breath and praising reporters with another.

He peppered his questioners with commentary, addressing one reporter he assumed to be Kurdish as "Mr. Kurd."

"I could be doing this all day long," Trump remarked, polling the crowd and asking whether he should continue taking questions. "It doesn't matter to me. A couple more, I don't care."

After delivering an answer he seemed especially pleased with, Trump paid tribute to one of his favorite artists and some advice he'd taken to heart.

"I always like to finish with a good one," he said. "Elton John said when you hit that last tune and it's good, don't go back."

President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at the Lotte New York Palace hotel during the United Nations General Assembly, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
WASHINGTON (AP) - Reversing course, President Donald Trump bowed to Democrats' demands Friday for a deeper FBI investigation of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh after Republican Sen. Jeff Flake balked at voting for confirmation without it - a sudden turn that left Senate approval newly uncertain amid allegations of sexual assault.

Kavanaugh's nomination had appeared back on track earlier Friday when he cleared a key hurdle at the Senate Judiciary Committee. But that advance came with an asterisk. Flake indicated he would take the next steps - leading to full Senate approval - only after the further background probe, and there were suggestions that other moderate Republicans might join his revolt.

The abrupt developments gave senators, the White House and millions of Americans following the drama at home hardly a chance to catch their breath after Thursday's emotional Senate hearing featuring Kavanaugh angrily defending himself and accuser Christine Blasey Ford determinedly insisting he assaulted her when they were teens.

Emotions were still running high Friday, and protesters confronted senators in the halls.

"The country is being ripped apart here," said Flake.

After he took his stance, Republican leaders had little choice but to slow their rush to confirm Kavanaugh, whom they had hoped to have in place shortly after the new court term begins on Monday.

Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., speaks before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing about an investigation, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018 on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Trump quietly followed suit, though he had vigorously resisted asking the FBI to probe the allegations of sexual misconduct by Kavanaugh, now being raised by three women. One day earlier, he had blistered the Senate process as "a total sham," accused Democrats of a conspiracy of obstruction and declared on Twitter, "The Senate must vote!"

The new timeline puts Trump's nominee in further peril and pushes the politically risky vote for senators closer to the November congressional elections. It also means that any cases the Supreme Court hears before a ninth justice is in place will be decided by just eight, raising the possibility of tie votes.

It was clear Republicans were still short of votes for final Senate approval after Thursday's hearing. They convened late into the evening in a room in the Capitol with various senators, including Collins and Murkowski, raising pointed questions, according to those familiar with the private meeting but granted anonymity to discuss it.

Republican leaders said - and Trump ordered - that the new probe be "limited in scope." But there was no specific direction as to what that might include. Two other women besides Ford have also lodged public sexual misconduct allegations against Kavanaugh.

Democrats have been particularly focused on getting more information from Mark Judge, a high school friend of Kavanaugh who Ford said was also in the room during her alleged assault. Judge has said he does not recall any such incident. In a new letter to the Senate panel, he said he would cooperate with any law enforcement agency assigned to investigate "confidentially."

Kavanaugh issued his own statement through the White House saying he's been interviewed by the FBI before, done "background" calls with the Senate and answered questions under oath "about every topic" senators have asked.

"I've done everything they have requested and will continue to cooperate," said the 53-year-old judge.

Flake, a key moderate Republican, was at the center of Friday's uncertainty. In the morning, he announced he would support Kavanaugh's nomination. Shortly after, he was confronted in an elevator by two women who, through tears, said they were sexual assault victims and implored him to change his mind.

"Look at me and tell me that it doesn't matter what happened to me," said 23-year-old Maria Gallagher, a volunteer with a liberal advocacy group.

The confrontation was captured by television cameras.

Soon he was working on a new deal with his Republican colleagues and Democrats in a Judiciary Committee anteroom.

Flake announced he would vote to advance Kavanaugh's nomination to the full Senate only if the FBI were to investigate. Democrats have been calling for such a probe, though Republicans and the White House have insisted it was unnecessary. The committee vote was 11-10 along party lines.

Attention quickly turned to a handful of undeclared senators.

Two other key Republicans, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, said they backed the plan after they and other GOP senators met for an hour in Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's office in the Capitol.

West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin said he supported Flake's call for a further probe "so that our country can have confidence in the outcome of this vote."

With a 51-49 majority, Senate Republicans have little margin for error on a final vote, especially given the fact that several Democrats facing tough re-election prospects this fall announced their opposition to Kavanaugh on Friday. Bill Nelson of Florida, Joe Donnelly of Indiana and Jon Tester of Montana all said they would vote no.

Flake's vote on final approval is not assured either.

Some Republicans still resisted the delay but went along with the plan that may be the only way salvage Kavanaugh's confirmation.

"I think it's overkill," said Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah. "But they have a right to request it."

The FBI conducts background checks for federal nominees, but the agency does not make judgments on the credibility or significance of allegations. It compiles information about the nominee's past and provides its findings to the White House, which passes them along to the committee. Republicans say reopening the FBI investigation is unnecessary because committee members have had the opportunity to question both Kavanaugh and Ford and other potential witnesses have submitted sworn statements.

Agents could interview accusers and witnesses and gather additional evidence or details that could help corroborate or disprove the allegations.

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Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Matthew Daly, Juliet Linderman, Eric Tucker, Julie Pace and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report.

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For more coverage of Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination, visit https://apnews.com/tag/Kavanaughnomination

Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., attends a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018 on Capitol Hill in Washington (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

In this Sept. 27, 2018, photo, Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Kavanaugh's nomination for the Supreme Court after agreeing to a late call from Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., for a one week investigation into sexual assault allegations against the high court nominee. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Pool)

Christine Blasey Ford testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018 in Washington. (Win McNamee/Pool Image via AP)

Protesters rally against Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh as the Senate Judiciary Committee debates his confirmation, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, at the Supreme Court in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Democratic Senators stand to walk out of a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018 on Capitol Hill in Washington (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa chairs a meeting of the committee, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018 on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., listen as Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., speaks during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, on Capitol Hill in Washington. The committee advanced Brett Kavanaugh's nomination for the Supreme Court after agreeing to a late call from Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., for a one week investigation into sexual assault allegations against the high court nominee. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., holds up documents as he speaks at a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018 on Capitol Hill in Washington (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Days after U.S. President Donald Trump denounced globalism before world leaders at the United Nations, China and Russia positioned themselves Friday as defenders of internationalism that are keeping promises when Washington is backing away from them.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi denied his country was trying to eclipse the U.S. as a world leader, but his speech at the U.N. General Assembly was a stark contrast to Trump's "America First" message. It came amid rising tensions between the U.S. and China, which Trump accused this week of interfering in the upcoming U.S. midterm election. China denies the claim.

Russia is also facing U.S. accusations of election meddling, and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov denounced the claims as "baseless." He lashed out at U.S. policies in Iran, Syria and Venezuela, while vigorously defending multilateral organizations such as the U.N. and warning against unilateral moves by the U.S. or other countries.

"We see the desire of several Western states to retain their self-proclaimed status as world leaders and to slow down the irreversible, objective process of establishing multipolarity," or multiple centers of power, Lavrov said. "These powers do not hesitate to use any methods, including political blackmail, economic pressure and brute force."

China often portrays itself as an advocate for "win-win" international cooperation, and Wang was hardly the only leader to defend the concept of multilateralism at this week's U.N. gathering of presidents, prime ministers, monarchs and other leaders. But coming in the wake of Trump's proclamation that Americans "reject the ideology of globalism," Wang's speech sounded a note of rebuttal from a competing power.

"Should we seek to uphold the architecture of the world order or allow it to be eroded upon and collapse?" Wang asked. "China's answer is clear-cut. ... China will keep to its commitment and remain a champion of multilateralism."

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, at U.N. headquarters, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

In a week when Washington raised tariffs on Chinese products and Beijing responded in kind, Wang insisted that "China will not be blackmailed or yield to pressure" and warned that "protectionism will only hurt oneself, and unilateral moves will bring damage to all."

"State-to-state relations must be based on credibility, not on willful revocation of commitments," he said.

Wang highlighted China's massive economy as a major contributor to global growth. He described his country's trade policies as defending not just its own interests but the system of global economic exchange. Most other nations challenge China's assertions that it's a defender of free trade.

And gesturing at China's influence in one of the international community's most pressing issues, he encouraged North Korea - which counts China as its traditional ally and main trading partner - to keep going in "the right direction toward denuclearization."

At the same time, he said the U.S. should "make timely and positive responses so as to truly meet the DPRK halfway" in their ongoing efforts to reach a deal that would bring an end to the nuclear ambitions of the nation formally called the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. China says it has been instrumental in reducing tensions between the U.S. and North Korea.

Still, "China will not challenge the United States - still less will China take the place of the United States," Wang said earlier in the day at the Council on Foreign Relations.

China has been asserting itself on the world stage under President Xi Jinping, though it continually stands by a foreign policy of noninterference in the affairs of other countries. It has long used that policy to rebuke other countries that criticize its record on human rights.

The country has come under increased criticism as its global profile has risen and its economic interests - and accompanying political clout - have spread from Asia to Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. Besides China's clash with the Trump administration, some Africans have protested what they say is an attempted Chinese takeover of their countries.

The U.S. and China are locked in a dispute over Beijing's high-tech industrial policies. The Trump administration alleges that China steals U.S. trade secrets and forces American companies to hand over technology in exchange for access to the Chinese market. China has accused the Trump administration of bullying.

The U.S. has imposed tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese products. China has counterpunched with taxes on $110 billion in U.S. imports. The latest round of hikes came Monday.

Two days later, Trump stunned other members of the Security Council by saying that China was meddling in the midterm elections because it opposes his tough trade policies.

When questioned by reporters, Trump said there was "plenty" of evidence but didn't immediately provide details. Instead, he zeroed in on China's efforts to flood the U.S. with ads and statements against Trump's billions of dollars in tariffs on Chinese goods.

Beijing was quick to respond, urging Washington to stop slandering China and claiming that the Chinese government does not interfere in other countries' internal affairs.

Wang didn't address the election-meddling claim Friday.

Lavrov, meanwhile, held a flurry of individual meetings with other countries at the U.N. this week and vociferously defended Russia's strategies in meetings at the Security Council.

Syria has been a running theme as Moscow seeks to manage the end of the civil war and ensure a long-term foothold in the region. As a longtime ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad, Russia wants Western aid for financing postwar reconstruction while also maintaining its upper hand in discussions about the country's political future.

Lavrov promised wide-ranging Russian aid in a meeting with embattled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who faces international condemnation, increasing U.S. sanctions and fears of a possible U.S. intervention.

Seeking to maintain leverage in discussions on North Korea's denuclearization efforts, Lavrov met with North Korea's foreign minister the same day that Ri Yong Ho met with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Lavrov also offered support to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas right after Abbas slammed the U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Friday's speakers at the General Assembly included Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who returned to politics this year after having retired in 2003.

The 93-year-old Mahathir noted that in his last speech at the forum shortly before his retirement, "I lamented how the world had lost its way."

And it hasn't been found, he said.

"If at all, the world is far worse than 15 years ago."

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Associated Press writers Angela Charlton, Matthew Pennington and Edith M. Lederer contributed.

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, at U.N. headquarters, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addresses addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, at U.N. headquarters, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, at U.N. headquarters, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, at U.N. headquarters, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, at U.N. headquarters, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

In this photo provided by the United Nations, Wang Yi, left, State Councillor and Minister for Foreign Affairs, People's Republic of China, is greeted by U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018, during the UN General Assembly at United Nations Headquarters. (Rick Bajornas/The United Nations via AP)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, center, gestures to Russian Ambassador to the U.N. Vassily Nebenzia as he attends a meeting of the United Nations Security Council during the 73rd session of the U.N. General Assembly, at U.N. headquarters, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
POTOMAC, Md. (AP) - Bravo has suspended "The Real Housewives of Potomac" star Michael Darby after he was charged with groping a cameraman.

The cameraman said in charging documents that the show was filming in Potomac, Maryland, on Sept. 1 when Darby "grabbed and groped" his backside, WRC-TV in Washington reported . Darby is charged with second-degree assault and fourth-degree sexual contact.

In the documents, the cameraman said that "as I turned around (Darby) smiled and gave me a flirtatious look." He told Darby to stop and then told his supervisor. The cameraman pressed charges three days later.

The 59-year-old Darby is married to Ashley Darby. Both are cast members on the Bravo show that's filmed in the Washington area.

"Bravo and Truly Original, the production company for 'The Real Housewives of Potomac,' have suspended filming with Michael Darby," the company said in a statement late Saturday.

Truly Original said it had launched an investigation of the incident, adding: "The review is ongoing and we are not able to comment further."

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Information from: WRC-TV, http://nbcwashington.com
LEBANON, Maine (AP) - Authorities in Maine on Friday found the body of a skydiving instructor who became separated from his student during a tandem jump.

Brett Bickford, 41, of Rochester, New Hampshire, and his student participated in a jump about 2 p.m. Thursday near Skydive New England in Lebanon, officials said. The student called police after he landed safely and couldn't find his instructor.

A search team found Bickford's body shortly before 5:30 p.m. Friday about 750 feet (228 meters) southwest of the Lebanon Airport runway, said Cpl. John MacDonald, spokesman for the Maine Warden Service.

Bickford was found as the team was completing one of the few remaining grid searches for the day, MacDonald said. Authorities suspended Thursday's search around 9 p.m. and resumed Friday morning.

Investigators say Bickford and the student became separated about a mile above the ground, Maine Department of Public Safety spokesman Steve McCausland said. Bickford didn't have a backup parachute, McCausland said.

Bickford and the student used the same parachute in the jump, which is typical of a tandem jump. Police weren't sure how the skydivers became separated.

The investigation to determine what caused the fatal skydiving accident is ongoing, MacDonald said.

The Maine State Police, Maine Warden Service and members from search and rescue squads were involved in the search for Bickford on Friday.
TOKYO (AP) - The operator of Japan's wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant said Friday that much of the radioactive water stored at the plant isn't clean enough and needs further treatment if it is to be released into the ocean.

Tokyo Electric Power Co. and the government had said that treatment of the water had removed all radioactive elements except tritium, which experts say is safe in small amounts.

They called it "tritium water," but it actually wasn't.

TEPCO said Friday that studies found the water still contains other elements, including radioactive iodine, cesium and strontium. It said more than 80 percent of the 900,000 tons of water stored in large, densely packed tanks contains radioactivity exceeding limits for release into the environment.

TEPCO general manager Junichi Matsumoto said radioactive elements remained, especially earlier in the crisis when plant workers had to deal with large amounts of contaminated water leaking from the wrecked reactors and could not afford time to stop the treatment machines to change filters frequently.

"We had to prioritize processing large amounts of water as quickly as possible to reduce the overall risk," Matsumoto said.

FILE - In this Feb. 23, 2017, file photo, an employee walks past storage tanks for contaminated water at the tsunami-crippled Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant of the Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) in Okuma town, Fukushima prefecture, Japan. The operator of Japan's wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant said Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, that much of the radioactive water stored at the plant isn't clean enough and needs further treatment if it is to be released into the ocean. (Tomohiro Ohsumi/Pool Photo via AP, File)

About 161,000 tons of the treated water has 10 to 100 times the limit for release into the environment, and another 65,200 tons has up to nearly 20,000 times the limit, TEPCO said.

Matsumoto said the plant will treat the water further to ensure contamination levels are reduced to allowable limits.

He was responding to growing public criticism and distrust about the status of the water.

More than 7  years since a massive March 2011 earthquake and tsunami destroyed three reactors at the plant, Japan has yet to reach a consensus on what to do with the radioactive water. Fishermen and residents oppose its release into the ocean. Nuclear experts have recommended the controlled release of the water into the Pacific as the only realistic option.

The release option faced harsh criticism at town meetings in Fukushima and Tokyo in late August, when TEPCO and government officials provided little explanation of the water contamination, which had been reported in local media days earlier.

TEPCO only says it has the capacity to store up to 1.37 million tons of water through 2020 and that it cannot stay at the plant forever.

Some experts say the water can be stored for decades, but others say the tanks take up too much space at the plant and could interfere with ongoing decommissioning work, which could take decades.

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Follow Mari Yamaguchi on Twitter at www.twitter.com/mariyamaguchi

Find her work at https://www.apnews.com/search/mari%20yamaguchi
BEIRUT (AP) - The latest on developments related to Syria (all times local):

1:35 a.m.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says Moscow has started delivering S-300 air defense systems to Syria's government.

Russia announced earlier this week that it would supply the anti-aircraft missiles after Syrian forces responding to an Israeli airstrike on Sept. 17 mistakenly shot down a Russian military reconnaissance plane, killing all 15 people on board.

The friendly fire incident sparked regional tensions. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Russian President Vladimir Putin to express sorrow at the loss of life and sent a high-level military delegation to Moscow.

Lavrov was asked about the S-300s at a news conference Friday and responded: "The deliveries started already."

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov speaks during news conference at the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, at U.N. headquarters, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)

He added that "the measures we will take will be devoted to ensure 100 percent safety and security of our men in Syria, and we will do this."

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7:05 p.m.

A spokesman for a Russian company producing electronic warfare systems says that their deployment to Syria will help protect the country's air defense assets and fend off enemy air raids.

Vladimir Mikheyev of Radioelectronics Technologies said Friday in remarks carried by the Interfax news agency that Krasukha and Zhitel electronic countermeasure units will place Syria's air defenses under an "electronic umbrella," making it hard to spot and attack them.

Russia announced this week it will provide Syria's government with long-range S-300 missiles within two weeks. The announcement came after the downing of a Russian plane by Syrian forces responding to an Israeli air strike, a friendly fire incident that stoked regional tensions.

Moscow also said it will start using electronic countermeasures to jam any aircraft that would try to launch attacks off Syria's coast.

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5:15 p.m.

Syrian opposition activists say al-Qaida-linked fighters have prevented demonstrators from entering a key northwestern town controlled by extremists.

Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said members of al-Qaida-linked Horas al-Din, Arabic for Guardians of Religion, and other militants prevented the protesters from entering Jisr al-Shughour that has been held by jihadis since 2015.

A Syria-based activist said armed insurgents waving black banners marched toward the protesters and forced them to leave.

The activist, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, says the militants consider the pro-democracy protesters heretics.

Thousands of people have marched every Friday in recent weeks against a government offensive on Idlib province.

The attack was averted last week in a deal reached between Russia and Turkey to set up a demilitarized zone.

__ By Bassem Mroue

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10:45 a.m.

Turkey's president is accusing the United States of failing to abide by a deal for a U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish militia to withdraw from a town it had liberated from Islamic State militants in northern Syria.

Washington and Ankara struck the deal in June to defuse tensions. It calls for the militia to leave the strategic town of Manbij and for joint Turkish-U.S. patrols there.

Ankara considers the Kurdish People's Protection Units or YPG militia a terror group that's part of a Kurdish insurgency within Turkey.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the U.S. hasn't honored the agreed-on "roadmap" for Manbij.

Erdogan says "America has not kept up with the roadmap and schedule for Manbij. The (YPG) has not left the region."

His comments were published in Hurriyet newspaper on Friday.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Moments after pivotal Sen. Jeff Flake announced he would vote to confirm Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, the Arizona Republican was confronted with the consequences.

Two tearful women cornered Flake as he got on an elevator Friday, pleading for him to reconsider his support for the appeals court judge who's been accused of sexual assault when he was a teenager. By the end of the day, Flake had, adding a condition to his promise to vote for Kavanaugh. He'd do so, Flake said, if the vote was delayed a week so the FBI could investigate "credible allegations" against the nominee.

It wasn't clear that the raw, emotional elevator exchange changed Flake's his mind by itself. But it's hard to forget. And Flake didn't deny it was one of the factors that made an impression.

"Look at me and tell me that it doesn't matter what happened to me," said 23-year-old Maria Gallagher.

Ana Maria Archila pointed her finger at Flake while she appeared to keep the elevator door from closing.

"On Monday, I stood in front of your office," Archila, co-executive director of the nonprofit Center for Popular Democracy Action, told Flake. "I told the story of my sexual assault. I told it because I recognized in Dr. Ford's story that she is telling the truth. What you are doing is allowing someone who actually violated a woman to sit on the Supreme Court."

Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., speaks during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing about an investigation, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018 on Capitol Hill in Washington. After a flurry of last-minute negotiations, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Brett Kavanaugh's nomination for the Supreme Court after agreeing to a late call from Sen. Flake for a one week investigation into sexual assault allegation against the high court nominee. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Flake said he had to go to a hearing.

He was returning to the committee room where he and 20 colleagues had heard hours of testimony Thursday from Christine Blasey Ford, a California psychology professor who told them Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her decades ago. Kavanaugh strongly denied the allegation.

Flake had lobbied Republican leaders to give Ford the chance to speak. He was viewed as a possible "no" vote on the panel and in the closely-divided Senate - until his morning announcement Friday.

That made the two women staking out his office angry, and they confronted him when he tried to leave for Friday's hearing.

"I was sexually assaulted and nobody believed me. I didn't tell anyone, and you're telling all women that they don't matter, that they should just stay quiet because if they tell you what happened to them you are going to ignore them," Gallagher said.

"That's what happened to me, and that's what you are telling all women in America, that they don't matter," she said through tears.

She begged Flake to look her in the eye. "Don't look away from me," she said.

Flake, cornered in the elevator, shifted between looking at them and looking down. He said, "Thank you," but didn't response to questions on whether he believed Ford's testimony.

Later in the day, Flake voted to advance Kavanaugh's nomination from the committee to the full Senate, but only after announcing his condition.

He said he had been speaking with Democrats to make sure "we do due diligence here."

Flake was later asked whether the elevator confrontation swayed him.

"I can say this whole process has affected all of us," he said. "I can't pinpoint anything to say this is what caused me to come today to say let's postpone."

He said it was "remarkable" the number of people who saw Ford and "were emboldened to come out and say what had happened to them. I've heard from close friends and I had no idea. That's important."

President Donald Trump later agreed to order the FBI to open a supplemental background investigation into Kavanaugh that would be completed in a week.

The women do not identify themselves in the video, but Archila's group sent a press release following the confrontation confirming it was Archila speaking on camera. Gallagher confirmed via phone to The Associated Press that it was her, and she consented to the use of her name.

The AP does not usually name people who say they are victims of sexual assault unless they come forward publicly about the allegations, as these women have done.

Speaking to the AP by phone after the confrontation, Gallagher said she didn't intend to tell Flake about her assault - she had never told anyone before. "But I saw him, and I got really angry," she said.

She was in town as a volunteer with the liberal activist group Make the Road New York.

Archila told the AP she was sexually assaulted when she was 5 years old by a teenager when she and her family lived in Colombia. She said she didn't tell anyone before this week.

"I had planned to just talk to him nicely, but once when I saw that he was voting for Kavanaugh my niceties went out the window," she said. "What are you doing to our country? You are sending the wrong message you're saying that all of us who put our pain to the world to confront don't matter."

After hearing about Flake's request, she said the sequence of events suggested their conversation helped move him.

"What it tells me is that telling our stories and showing up can actually change their minds," she said.

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Associated Press writer Matthew Daly contributed to this report.

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For more coverage of Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination, visit https://apnews.com/tag/Kavanaughnomination

Ana Maria Archila, of New York City, co-executive director of the Center for Popular Democracy, pauses while being interviewed in Washington, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Archila confronted Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., in an elevator after he announced his support for Supreme Court Justice nominee Brett Kavanaugh. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Rashi Peripherals recently concluded the Asus NB Passion event. The five-city event was aimed at educating channel partners on Asus Notebook business.

During the event, partners were given in-depth training on latest product offerings. The representatives from Asus and Rashi Peripherals offered them an expert guidance on the right market pitch for earning better ROI. There were also dedicated zones for product display and live demo which enabled partners to touch feel and explore the technology.

Talking about the motive behind the Asus NB Passion event, Mr. Mihir Talekar, Business Manager at Rashi Peripherals said, The objective of the five city partner meet was to grow the passion quotient among partners for the Asus Notebook business and have deeper engagement with them. Asus NB Passion was a platform to connect with partners, understand their views and aspirations in order to give them best possible support. We want to ensure that our partners are well-updated on the current market and technology trends. We will continue to organize such events and provide them value-added services.

Commenting on the event, Mr. Arnold Su, Business Development Manager  Consumer Notebooks & ROG, Asus India Pvt Ltd said, Asus NB Passion was a great initiative conceptualized by Rashi Peripherals, which brought us closer to its channel partners. The five city partner meet was an opportunity for us to take our latest offerings to potential partners and explore business prospects in the emerging tier II and III cities. We are overwhelmed with the response and aim to continue with our efforts to reach out to newer business fields through such events.

The event organized in five cities namely Nasik, Pune, Gurgaon, Siliguri and Nagpur received an overwhelming response from partners. Apart from product training and business sessions, partner thoroughly enjoyed the quiz competitions and won exciting prizes.

Sharing his experience, Mr. Vijay Dharmani, owner of Pune based Real Computers, It was an excellent event. The sessions were very informative and interactive. It also gave us a platform to openly talk about our concerns and share feedback on the business. Both the Asus and Rashi teams addressed our pain points very well. We look forward to more such events ahead. 

Another partner, Mr. Manish Kr. Mohata owner of Siliguri based Origin Infomedia Pvt Limited said, Rewards, Learning and Passionate discussions these were the three key highlights of the partner meet. We learned how we could go beyond the comfort lines and do sales aggressively. I liked the sessions and live demos of the latest notebook offerings. Overall it was a good training session.

Technuter.com News Service
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - Armed with a .22 caliber pistol, two teenagers stormed into a public school in southeastern Brazil and opened fire Friday, wounding three students, one of them seriously, police said.

The alleged shooters were detained when police found them hiding in a classroom at the Joao Manoel Mondrone school in the city of Medianeira in Parana state.

In a statement, the state's police department said the two 15-year-olds rushed into the school and shot fellow students at random. The teenagers also carried ammunition and several homemade explosives, it said.

One 18-year-old was shot in the back near the spinal cord and was listed in serious condition, police said. Two youths suffered light wounds to their legs and were released after being treated at a local hospital.

Police said the shooting was "premeditated by the two teenagers ... as a reaction against the bullying they were subjected to by their colleagues." One of them reportedly told police he was often humiliated and treated with contempt at school.

Cellphone video posted on the G1 news outlet showed students running out of the school when the shooting began.

In this photo provided by the news site Guiamedianeira, a police officer collects evidence at the scene of a shooting, at a school, in Medianeira, Parana state, Brazil, Friday, Sept.28, 2018. A teenager opened fire leaving two students injured, authorities said. In a statement, the state's secretary of education said the shooter and another teen who was with him had been taken into custody. (Arildo Kehl/Guiamedianeira via AP)

Brazil, Latin America's largest nation, has long struggled to curb violence. The country is notorious for having the highest number of homicides in the world, with a record 63,880 slain last year, though school shootings involving students are relatively rare.

This photo provided by the news site Guiamedianeira, shows a gun, knives, and other items that were carried by a teenager that opened fire on students at a school in Medianeira, Parana state, Brazil, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. The teenager opened fire leaving two students injured, authorities said. In a statement, the state's secretary of education said the shooter and another teen who was with him had been taken into custody. (Arildo Kehl/Guiamedianeira via AP)

In this photo provided by the news site Guiamedianeira, a police officer shows the a gun used by a teenager that opened fire on students at a school, in Medianeira, Parana state, Brazil, Friday, Sept.28, 2018. The teenager opened fire leaving two students injured, authorities said. In a statement, the state's secretary of education said the shooter and another teen who was with him had been taken into custody. (Arildo Kehl/Guiamedianeira via AP)

In this photo provided by the news site Guiamedianeira, police take two students into custody after one of them opened fire on students at a school, in Medianeira, Parana state, Brazil, Friday, Sept.28, 2018. A teenager opened fire leaving two students injured, authorities said. In a statement, the state's secretary of education said the shooter and another teen who was with him had been taken into custody. (Arildo Kehl/Guiamedianeira via AP)

In this photo provided by the news site Guiamedianeira, a police officer collects evidence at the scene of a shooting, at a school, in Medianeira, Parana state, Brazil, Friday, Sept.28, 2018. A teenager opened fire leaving two students injured, authorities said. In a statement, the state's secretary of education said the shooter and another teen who was with him had been taken into custody. (Arildo Kehl/Guiamedianeira via AP)
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Russia's foreign minister trashed accusations of Russian meddling abroad as "baseless" and used the podium at the U.N.'s biggest event to tear into U.S. policies in Iran, Syria and Venezuela.

In a rapid-fire, unforgiving speech Friday, Sergey Lavrov pounded away at "self-serving" unilateral moves by U.S. President Donald Trump, and assailed crippling Western sanctions against Russia as "political blackmail."

Lavrov deflected accusations of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, a nerve agent attack in Britain and other meddling abroad - despite mounting evidence of a broad, coordinated influence campaign.

He criticized "baseless accusations of interference in the internal affairs of certain countries" and turned it around against the West, accusing unnamed forces of "overt endeavors to undermine democratically elected governments," in an apparent reference to U.S. and EU support for Russia's neighbors and the Syrian opposition.

Lavrov defended the United Nations - where Russia holds veto power on the Security Council - as the only legitimate place to resolve world affairs.

He was particularly angry over U.S. and EU sanctions over Russia's actions abroad, saying, "We see the desire of several Western nations to preserve their self-proclaimed status as world leaders ... and do not hesitate to use any methods including political blackmail, economic pressure and brute force."

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addresses a meeting of the United Nations Security Council during the 73rd session of the U.N. General Assembly, at U.N. headquarters, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

He defended the 2015 deal aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear program, and said "we will do everything possible" to preserve it. Lavrov called Trump's decision to pull out of the deal part of a dangerous trend of unilateral measures that risk damaging the post-World War II world order.

Lavrov lobbied for strengthening the United Nations instead of the go-it-alone doctrine that Trump laid out in his General Assembly speech earlier this week, slamming the U.N.'s central tenet of multilateralism from inside its halls.

Russia is framing itself as a counterweight to U.S. power around the world, and Lavrov has been maneuvering in talks at the U.N. this week to shape the future of Syria, influence nonproliferation negotiations with North Korea and bolster Venezuela's embattled president.

Lavrov met Friday with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem at the U.N. Russia is rebuilding trade and military ties with Syria as it looks to a postwar future. While tensions linger over the last rebel stronghold of Idlib, Russia is determined to keep Syria solidly anchored in its sphere of influence over the long term, as a foothold in the Middle East and as a warning to the U.S. and its allies against future interference.

Russia's relations with the U.S. are at a post-Cold War low, and many Russian policies are directly aimed at countering American influence.

While Russian President Vladimir Putin skipped this year's U.N. gathering, Lavrov has made sure Russia's voice was heard, holding more than 20 meetings with world leaders and top diplomats this week.

Among them: the presidents of Venezuela, Iran and Turkey, the chiefs of NATO, the U.N. and EU, and North Korea's foreign minister.

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Jennifer Peltz at the United Nations contributed.

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Follow Angela Charlton on Twitter at @acharlton.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) - Israeli troops killed seven Palestinians, two of them children, and wounded dozens more in the deadliest day in recent weeks as Gaza's Hamas rulers stepped up protests along the border fence Friday.

Thousands of Palestinians gathered at five locations along Gaza Strip's frontier with Israel in response to calls by Hamas, the militant group that has controlled Gaza since seizing it from the Palestinian Authority in 2007.

Two of the dead were children, aged 12 and 14, the Gaza Health Ministry said, adding that all the dead had gunshot wounds. At least 90 other protesters were wounded by live fire, officials said.

Hamas has led weekly protests since March, but accelerated them in recent weeks to near daily events, pressing in large part for an end to a crippling Israeli-Egyptian blockade imposed after Hamas's violent takeover of Gaza in 2007. Hamas ousted forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in an armed coup.

At the fence, protesters burned dozens of tires, using the thick black smoke as a screen to throw rocks and explosives toward Israeli troops stationed on the opposite side of the fence. The soldiers responded with tear gas and gunfire.

The Israeli military said in a statement that in response to "grenades and explosive devices" hurled at troops during the protests, Israeli aircraft carried out two airstrikes on Hamas militant positions in the Gaza Strip. There were no Israeli casualties reported in Friday's clashes.

Palestinian protesters run for cover from teargas fired by Israeli troops during a protest at the Gaza Strip's border with Israel, Friday, Sept.28, 2018. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Hamas has led and organized the protests, but turnout has also been driven by growing despair over blockade-linked hardship, including lengthy power cuts and soaring unemployment.

Israeli troops have killed at least 143 Palestinians since protests began in late March, and a Palestinian sniper killed an Israeli soldier in August.

Israel argues it's defending its border and accuses Hamas of using the protests as a screen for attempts to breach the border fence to attack civilians and soldiers. Human rights groups have accused Israeli troops of excessive and unlawful use of force against unarmed protesters.

Hamas and Israel came to the brink of serious conflict this summer as violence escalated along the border. The two sides attempted to reach an agreement through indirect talks mediated by the United Nations and Egypt to ease tensions in exchange for lifting some restrictions on the economically crippled enclave. But those negotiations have stalled in recent weeks.

Earlier this week, a Hamas official, Sami Abu Zuhri, said the movement would escalate its border protests after the talks failed. He accused Abbas, who governs parts of the West Bank, of disrupting the negotiations.

Hamas vowed to continue the marches until the blockade is lifted. It also promised to accelerate protests after Abbas, speaking at the U.N. on Thursday, threatened more measures to force Hamas into surrendering power.

Abbas slashed funding to Gaza and cut salaries of Palestinian Authority employees there to pressure Hamas, making it increasingly difficult for it to govern. Hamas fears Abbas may further reduce funding to health care and other services for Gazans provided by the Palestinian Authority.

Hundreds of Hamas supporters marched in anti-Abbas protests late Thursday, burning his posters after his speech at the U.N.

Palestinians chant slogans in front of black smoke rising from burning tires during a protest at the Gaza Strip's border with Israel, Friday, Sept.28, 2018. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

A Palestinian protester hurls stones at Israeli troops during a protest at the Gaza Strip's border with Israel, Friday, Sept.28, 2018. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Palestinian protesters run for cover from teargas fired by Israeli troops during a protest at the Gaza Strip's border with Israel, Friday, Sept.28, 2018. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Palestinian protesters protest at the Gaza Strip's border with Israel, Friday, Sept.28, 2018. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump signed an $854 billion spending bill on Friday to keep the federal government open through Dec. 7, averting a government shutdown in the weeks leading up to November's pivotal midterm elections.

Trump signed the legislation to fund the military and several civilian agencies without journalists present as the fate of his Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, continued to hang in the balance. The House and Senate approved the spending plan earlier this week.

Trump said in a statement the legislation would "rebuild our military, protect our communities, and deliver a better future for all Americans."

But the passage - which avoids a shutdown before the elections that will determine control of Congress - also comes without significant new funding for Trump's long-promised and long-stalled wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, a fact he's called "ridiculous."

Trump has expressed deep frustration for months over Republican lawmakers' failure to deliver on the centerpiece of his 2016 campaign, and had been threatening a government shutdown to try to force their hands.

"I want to know, where is the money for Border Security and the WALL in this ridiculous Spending Bill, and where will it come from after the Midterms?" Trump tweeted last week, saying Republicans "MUST FINALLY GET TOUGH!" against Democrats who he said are obstructing law enforcement and border security.

GOP leaders had warned Trump a shutdown could be deeply damaging to Republicans in the midterms and said they preferred to resolve the issue after the Nov. 6 elections.

But Trump had questioned that logic, arguing a shutdown could, in fact, be beneficial politically.

Trump in his statement applauded the $1.6 billion the bill includes for wall funding - far short of the $5 billion he was seeking - but also blamed Democrats for failing to agree to more.

"Unfortunately, the radical Democrats refuse to support border security and want drugs and crime to pour into our country," he railed.

In an interview with Hill.TV, he said his recent visit to the 9/11 Memorial in Pennsylvania to commemorate Flight 93 had renewed his resolve to build the wall, and alluded to potential immigration action he said he planned to take in the coming week.

The spending plan includes $675 billion for the Defense Department, with money for new F-35 Lightning fighters, Apache and Black Hawk helicopters, and Navy battleships, and increases military pay by 2.6 percent, the largest pay raise in nine years. It also increases spending for Health and Human Services, Education, Labor and other agencies, including a 5 percent boost for the National Institutes of Health

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Associated Press writers Matthew Daly and Ken Thomas contributed to this report.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) - France's leaders proposed a new alliance of "goodwill powers" on Friday in an attempt to revive the type of global diplomacy that they say is being jeopardized by the United States, Russia and other countries that favor unilateralism over cooperation.

French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian announced the plan during a speech at Harvard University, suggesting that Europe should align itself with countries like India, Australia, Mexico and other "powerful democracies" that share a commitment to multilateralism.

His speech described an erosion of the brand of diplomacy that brought nations together following World War II and led to the creation of the United Nations, saying some countries now resort to disinformation and intimidation to pursue their own interests.

Speaking through an interpreter, he told The Associated Press that he believes the United States "methodically and regularly jeopardizes the fundamentals of multilateralism" through its approach to the U.N., trade deals and other international agreements.

"Do we have to suffer that situation without doing anything, without taking any kind of initiative? I think our point of view is that we don't," he said. "In these uncertain times, it is important that we speak up."

Although it's still little more than an idea, the coalition would intend to go on with or without the United States. Still, the minister denied any attempt to isolate America, saying it would be embraced and could play a strong role if it chooses to join.

French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian during an interview at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass on Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. Le Drian said France's leaders are proposing a new international coalition to revive global cooperation that they say is being threatened by countries like the United States and Russia. (AP Photo/Josh Reynolds)

"We don't want to create any opposition. Our objective is to revive multilateralism, which has been the way of doing things since the end of World War II," he said. "It's not against anybody, but we see it as a real issue."

The proposal builds on French President Emmanuel Macron's recent calls for greater global cooperation, including a Tuesday speech at the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Macron decried nationalism and self-interest in his speech, which followed shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump gave his own address defending an America-first policy and saying he rejects "the ideology of globalism" in favor of "the doctrine of patriotism."

At Harvard, Le Drian made few direct references to Trump but cited behavior by the United States and Russia as two major factors in his decision to pursue a new alliance.

He criticized the U.S. for backing out on deals including a 2015 accord meant to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, and he lamented that Russia and other nations have paralyzed the U.N. Security Council by invoking their veto power to block action.

But he said there are plenty of other nations that would make good allies for France and its neighbors in Europe as they confront global problems including cybersecurity, immigration, climate change and international crises in Syria and Libya.

Le Drian listed India, Australia, Japan, Canada and Mexico as possible allies that are committed to global cooperation. He issued a call "to create with them a collective action to initiate and suggest solutions." Still, he said discussions are just beginning, and it's too soon to know which countries may sign on.

"Goodwill is just goodwill. It's open to anybody," he told the AP. "It's something that is being discussed as a way of getting out of the quagmire we're finding ourselves in."

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Follow Collin Binkley on Twitter at https://twitter.com/cbinkley

French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, left, and Ashton Carter, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, speak at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., on Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. Le Drian said France's leaders are proposing a new international coalition to revive global cooperation that they say is being threatened by countries like the United States and Russia. (AP Photo/Josh Reynolds)

French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian speaks at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., on Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. Le Drian said France's leaders are proposing a new international coalition to revive global cooperation that they say is being threatened by countries like the United States and Russia. (AP Photo/Josh Reynolds)
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump met Friday with President Sebastian Pinera of Chile at the White House for talks that focused on trade, security and the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela.

Trump welcomed Pinera to the Oval Office days after he imposed financial sanctions on members of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's inner circle and suggested Maduro could be ousted in a military coup as a way to restore the country's democracy. Tens of thousands of Venezuelan migrants are in Chile.

"Venezuela is a mess and it's got to be cleaned up and people have to be taken care of," Trump said in response to a question from a reporter.

It was Pinera's first visit to the White House since he returned to Chile's presidency last spring.

Chile has been watching Trump's trade fight with China, which is Chile's largest trading partner. Chile is the world's largest exporter of copper and its central bank has raised concerns about the U.S.-China trade and a decline in copper prices.

In front of the cameras, however, it was all pleasantries for two billionaires who were entrepreneurs before entering politics in their respective countries.

President Donald Trump, right, smiles as Chilean president Sebastian Pinera holds up a picture showing the Chilean flag at the center of the U.S. flag, in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump praised Chile as "one of the most beautiful countries in the world" and raved about the South American country's coastline. Pinera said the two nations were "likeminded countries."

In a show of solidarity with his American counterpart, Pinera displayed for Trump a printout of a red-white-and-blue American flag that contained the outline of a small Chilean flag.

"This is the American flag, and there is the Chilean flag, right at the very heart of the U.S. flag," Pinera said holding the print-out, bringing a smile to Trump's face.

President Donald Trump smiles during a meeting with Chilean president Sebastian Pinera, in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - An advocacy group claims Alabama health officials are discriminating against residents of a poor, mostly black county by failing to address sanitation problems that led to an outbreak of a parasite most common in underdeveloped countries.

San Francisco-based Earthjustice said Friday it filed a complaint with the federal government on behalf of residents of Lowndes County, which is one of Alabama's poorest areas yet lies just a few miles west of the state capital of Montgomery.

The nonprofit environmental law firm contends state and county health officials have failed to address sewage conditions that led to a hookworm problem in the county, which once was a hotbed of civil rights activity and is part of an impoverished region called the Black Belt.

The area's dense soil, composed of clay and chalk, reduces the effectiveness of ordinary sewage systems, and some homes drain human waste directly into open pits or ditches that overflow during storms. The complaint, filed with Health and Human Services, contends state and county health officials have failed to address the problem.

"We hope that the Department of Health and Human Services will exercise its power under federal civil rights law to resolve the discriminatory conduct that has long deprived African-American residents in the Black Belt from functional wastewater systems and adequate protections of their health," Earthjustice attorney Anna Sewell said in a statement.

The Alabama Department of Public Health had no immediate comment on the complaint, but it previously has denied claims of a hookworm outbreak in the county, which has a population of roughly 10,000 people. Nearly three-quarters of them are black, and Census statistics show more than 30 percent live in poverty.

The anti-poverty nonprofit Alabama Center for Rural Enterprise, which initiated the complaint, said the sewage problem in Lowndes is another form of racial oppression toward black residents.

A study by Baylor University last year concluded that about one-third of the county's residents tested positive for low levels of hookworm, an intestinal parasite that typically spreads through human feces. It is most commonly found in non-industrial nations in the Southern Hemisphere.

State health officials released an announcement in April disputing that the county was suffering an outbreak of hookworm. The study released last year was based on technology not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, the agency said, and it wasn't large enough to be statistically meaningful.
GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) - Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota suggested Friday she may vote no on Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation to the Supreme Court, saying: "There are a lot of lawyers in America who can sit on the court."

Heitkamp said she hasn't made her final decision, but her comments to the AP provided insight into her thinking.

"I think this idea that there's only one person that can do this job, we all need to recalibrate," she said following a campaign stop in Grand Forks.

She said she found the Thursday Senate Judiciary Committee testimony from both Kavanaugh and his accuser Christine Blasey Ford "compelling."

Ford told the committee that Kavanaugh barricaded her in a bedroom at a gathering when they were in high school and assaulted her. Kavanaugh denied the allegations in fiery testimony.

But she said "this is not a criminal case" and the standard for judging him shouldn't be "beyond a reasonable doubt."

FILE - In this Sept. 25, 2018 file photo, Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., walks through the Senate Subway as she arrive at the Capitol, in Washington. Heitkamp suggested Friday, Sept. 28 she may vote no on Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation to the Supreme Court, saying "There are a lot of lawyers in America who can sit on the court" and Kavanaugh isn't the only person who can do the job." (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

Heitkamp is one of the most vulnerable Senate Democrats seeking re-election this fall, running in a state that supported President Donald Trump in 2016 by 36 points. Her opponent, Republican Rep. Kevin Cramer, supports Kavanaugh's confirmation, adding pressure on Heitkamp.

Her Supreme Court vote choice is being closely watched, along with other moderates who have not yet announced their decisions. Two other Democrats facing tough re-election fights, Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida and Joe Donnelly of Indiana, said Friday they're voting no.

Heitkamp was one of three Senate Democrats who voted yes on President Donald Trump's first Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch.

She pointed Friday to what she said were distinctions between Kavanaugh and Gorsuch, who is from Colorado and served on the appellate court in Denver. She said Gorsuch wrote eloquently in legal opinions about issues that are important to people from outside of the East Coast, including water rights and tribal sovereignty.

Kavanaugh grew up in suburban Maryland and is federal judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals in the District of Columbia circuit.

"One of the criticisms I have had about appointees is they don't all have to come from Harvard and Yale and they don't all have to come from prep schools," Heitkamp said. "They can come from the West," she added, where people have "different sensibilities" about issues such as guns and water.

"We need people who come from different backgrounds," she said.
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - To watch events unfold at the United Nations this week - the parade of human leaders bringing their entreaties to the rostrum one after another - was not unlike being a therapist right before the holidays, watching the couch as the appointments go by.

There was confusion. Doubt. Hand-wringing and finger-pointing. Lament about persistent problems, and complaints about prickliness and aggression and others' unwillingness to get along. Over it all, a generally angsty fog hung.

Except these particular complaints - in speech after carefully calibrated speech, delivered in many tongues - were not of a personal nature. They were the epic problems of the wider world.

Terrorism and tribalism, organized crime and cybercrime, poverty and climate change, post-colonialism and corruption and migration and sustainable development and gender bias and genocide - a we-didn't-start-the-fire catalog of concerns about what's wrong with the only planet we have.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres set the tone the moment he opened the General Assembly debate. "Our world," he said, "is suffering from a bad case of 'Trust Deficit Disorder.'" A flood of agreement followed, uttered by leaders in many of the planet's tongues.

"Nations are pulling in new directions, stretching the threads which hold us all together, and pushing the world to the edge," said Hilda Heine, president of the Marshall Islands.

FILE - In this Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018 file photo, U.S. President Donald Trump addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

They talk nonstop here of working together, of constructing a world where people get along cheerfully and pragmatically. But even in an interconnected era, as their own remarks underscore, it's never been harder. The technology that has stitched people into global communities also divides them, and old enmities can now be refreshed and amplified globally in an instant.

In short, most of us humans are led by women and men struggling to figure out the same fragmented world that vexes the rest of us. Multilateralism can be a confusing beast, after all, and the U.N. General Assembly makes clear that the world's most powerful people are engaged in a massive global effort to manage change.

"We are seeing divisions not just among global leaders and nations, but within our own societies, neighborhoods, and even families," said Joseph Muscat, the president of Malta.

It's not that life is necessarily getting worse overall. Much research suggests that the human race is generally better off than it has ever been, and on its way up in lots of ways. That hope was reflected in the leaders' speeches in many ways, but it was easy to miss that amid all the trepidation.

A key problem is this: The very goal that so many leaders advocate - a multitude of diverse and vigorous voices, treated equally no matter their size - also happens to be the very thing that we are all wrestling with. Indeed, technology and the way it connects people, in ways both uplifting and corrosive, emerged as a key theme - as did the struggle to harness it, if not outright master it.

"The world is flooded with information. One becomes indifferent. It all starts to look like a big show," French President Emmanuel Macron said. "It all starts to look like even the worst things can become 'trendy'. It becomes difficult to extricate the cause from the effect."

This is, of course, the fundamental and usually unspoken problem with multilateralism. It's by definition fragmented. Dictatorship may be many bad things, but it can be more coherent and efficient in the short term. That can be an appealing proposition to people hungering for order in the most complex era that humanity has ever endured.

At a time when getting along seems like such an impossible endeavor, and when trying to figure out how to negotiate space with thousands of people who are suddenly on your phone and in your virtual face, the notion of going it alone can be alluring. "Isolationism may even give someone a false sense of security at first," Brazilian President Michel Temer said.

But full-on multilateralism - scorned by U.S. President Donald Trump, who advocates an "America first" policy in its place - holds its own perils of false promise. The United Nations has struggled at times for relevance and a place in the diplomatic ecosystem, and even its biggest proponents worry it sometimes falls short.

"Today we wish to think that our multilateral institutions, including these United Nations, are strong enough to take a stand against aggression and disregard of international rules," Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite said. "Yet sometimes reality tells a different story. We see a world that is more fractured and institutions that are crumbling instead of sheltering us from the use of force and economic storms."

The United Nations, by its very name, was founded on a dream of ordered collaboration and a jointly charted path forward. Some believe deeply in that; others, suspicious, call it a haven for globalists and a menace to sovereignty. We live in an either-or era, and those two choices are often the either and the or.

But what if there was another possibility?

What so many leaders seem to be grappling with this week is the very nature of the new world they are helping to shape. These days, that world is more like a Twitter feed than a book. And the skills they grew up with - approaching the act of governing as a series of coherent chapters - are falling short.

Maybe, this community of nations has entered a plastic moment. Maybe all the fragmentation of the early 21st century has made things flexible and ripe for retooling, remolding, reshaping.

Maybe this year's General Assembly theme, "making the United Nations relevant to all people," is really about pointing the world's countries toward managing the splintering of pretty much everything that leaders say their nations are struggling with - a fragmentation that is so confusing because it colors so far outside of the lines of traditional sovereignty.

Speaking to the General Assembly this week, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said something noteworthy. For his nation, he said, the goal of diplomacy is "to make the future of the world and the region something that is certain."

It never will be, of course. But the managing of humanity's different fragments in a way that strives for coherence and collaboration, filling in some 21st-century mortar between the enduring bricks of traditional governing, might make an uncertain age just a bit more navigable.

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Ted Anthony, director of digital innovation for The Associated Press, has reported from more than 25 countries and has written about international affairs since 1995. Follow him on Twitter at @anthonyted.

Andorra's Prime Minister Antoni Marti Petit addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, at U.N. headquarters, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Security stands on the roof of the United Nations building during a visit by President Donald Trump, Monday, Sept. 24, 2018, at U.N. Headquarters. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

A person takes cover from the rain at the United Nations headquarters during the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018. Governments from around the world will gather Wednesday to discuss the persistent scourge of tuberculosis, which last year claimed more lives than any other communicable disease. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)

FILE - In this Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, file photo, members of the United Nations Security Council vote on a resolution at United Nations headquarters. U.S. President Donald Trump is set to chair a U.N. Security Council meeting for the first time, on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018. The meeting will put the "America First" president around a table with representatives from countries with fraught relationships with the U.S., including Russia and China. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle, File)
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Indiana's Court of Appeals has upheld a judge's finding that IBM owes the state $78 million in damages stemming from the company's failed effort to automate much of the state's welfare services.

Friday's ruling affirmed Marion Superior Court Judge Heather Welch's August 2017 award to the state, but it also found that IBM is entitled to interest on nearly $50 million in state fees that Welch ruled Indiana owes the company. The court left it to Welch to calculate that interest.

IBM didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

John Maley, an attorney representing Indiana, says he'll discuss the ruling with state officials.

Indiana and IBM sued each other in 2010 after then-Gov. Mitch Daniels cancelled the state's $1.3 billion contract with IBM to privatize and automate the processing of welfare applications.
GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) - Authorities say the two pilots killed when their mid-sized jet ran off a runway and split in two at a South Carolina airport were seasoned pilots.

National Transportation Safety Board investigator Dan Boggs said the Dassault Falcon that crashed Thursday at the Downtown Greenville Airport had a voice recorder, but he will need to examine the wreckage for a data recorder.

The 10-passenger jet broke in two after overshooting the runway. Authorities say two people on the plane were injured and are in serious condition.

The Greenville County Coroner's Office identified the pilots as 49-year-old John Caswell of Port Saint Lucie, Florida, and 66-year-old Stephen Fox of Indian Rocks, Florida.

Boggs said at a news conference the plane took off from Tampa, Florida, and the weather was clear.

Emergency personnel responding after an aircraft crashed onto Airport Road in Greenville, S.C. The mid-sized jet that tried to land at a South Carolina airport and ran off the runway and split in two, killing the two pilots on board and injuring two passengers. Witnesses say the plane appeared to land without a problem until it overshot the runway and went down a steep embankment. (Bart Boatwright/The Greenville News via AP)
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) - The Palestinian Authority has filed a case with the United Nations' highest court asking its judges to order Washington to remove the recently relocated U.S. embassy from Jerusalem.

The move announced Friday by the Hague-based International Court of Justice comes against a backdrop of deeply strained ties between Washington and the Palestinians, in part because of the Trump Administration's decision in December to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and to move the U.S. embassy there from Tel Aviv in May. The Palestinian Authority broke off contact with the U.S. after the Jerusalem announcement.

The court says that the Palestinians' case asks the court "to order the United States of America to withdraw the diplomatic mission from the Holy City of Jerusalem."

Cases at the court can take years to complete.
BOSTON (AP) - Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh has readily acknowledged that he often drank beer during his prep school days and made a point in his congressional testimony that seniors could buy beer legally in Maryland at the age of 18.

But Kavanaugh was never a legal drinker in that state when he was a high schooler - he was still 17 when that state's drinking age was increased to 21 on July 1, 1982. Anyone who turned 18 after that date, including Kavanaugh's classmates, also would have been unable to drink legally in the state.

The law was different in the District of Columbia. There, until 1986, 18-year-olds could legally buy and consume beer. That means Kavanaugh was legal there for only the final four months of his senior year at Georgetown Prep, following his Feb. 12, 1983 birthday.

Kavanaugh's drinking has come under intense scrutiny after California professor Christine Blasey Ford alleged that a heavily intoxicated Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her while they were both teenagers at a Maryland house party during the summer of 1982.

On Friday, the White House argued that any claim Kavanaugh had said he was legally allowed to consume beer during high school is inaccurate and that he "never suggested that all of his high school drinking was of legal age," said White House spokesman Raj Shah. He said Kavanaugh's testimony about drinking and the drinking age was "for context" of how Maryland high schoolers obtained beer.

The 18-year-old limit "allowed friends to legally purchase beer, and for him to drink at high school parties," Shah added.

Supreme court nominee Brett Kavanaugh testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018. (Saul Loeb/Pool Photo via AP)

When he was pressed Thursday at his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing about his drinking habits in high school, Kavanaugh explained:

"My friends and I, boys and girls. Yes, we drank beer. I liked beer. I still like beer... The drinking age as I noted, was 18, so the seniors were legal. Senior year in high school, people were legal to drink."

In a Fox News interview on Monday, Kavanaugh said, "Yes, there were parties. And the drinking age was 18. And yes, the seniors were legal."

With the law change in Maryland, where the students lived and where the offending house party presumably would have occurred, no one in Kavanaugh's class was of legal age unless they were 21.

In his testimony, Kavanaugh, who has denied all of Ford's accusations, stated correctly that the drinking age had been 18 in Maryland for "most" of his time in high school. But in fact, that never applied to him.

While he admitted in his congressional testimony that there were probably occasions during his time at Georgetown Prep that he had consumed "too many beers," a combative Kavanaugh denied he had ever gotten out of control or acted inappropriately toward women.

"I liked beer," he said. "But I did not drink beer to the point of blacking out, and I never sexually assaulted anyone."

There was a grandfather clause in the Maryland law, but only for those who were 18, 19 or 20 on the day the increase went into effect, thereby not including Kavanaugh.

Alcoholic consumption by Kavanaugh also would have been illegal during notorious Beach Week, an annual trip to the Eastern Shore that involved heavy drinking, according to numerous eyewitness accounts.

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Follow Alanna Durkin Richer on Twitter at http://twitter.com/aedurkinricher and read more of her work at http://bit.ly/2hIhzDb
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - China warned Friday that its critical relationship with the United States could break "like a glass," and used the most global of stages to warn the Trump administration it wouldn't be pushed around on trade.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi insisted that his country "will not be blackmailed" or bow to pressure. "Protectionism will only hurt oneself, and unilateral moves will bring damage to all," he told the U.N. General Assembly gathering of world leaders.

President Donald Trump this week cranked up punitive tariffs on China, and Beijing responded in kind, escalating a trade war between the world's two largest economies. Trump upped the ante by then accusing China of meddling in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections because it opposes his trade policies. He has presented little evidence to back up the allegations, which China says are untrue.

Wang, in separate remarks at a think tank, said U.S.-China relationship was at a critical point, four decades since ties were normalized.

"The relationship between our two countries is a common asset. It must be preserved and valued. It's the result of generations of people's efforts," Wang said. "It's like a glass. It's easy to break it" and would be difficult to repair, he said.

Although Wang presented China as upholding multilateral institutions - drawing an implicit contrast with Trump's anti-globalist stance - Beijing's top diplomat said the suspicions that China seeks global hegemony and to displace the U.S. as a world leader is false. But he warned it's an idea that is spreading, amplifying differences between the two countries.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, at U.N. headquarters, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

"This is a serious strategic misjudgment," Wang told the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, "that will be extremely detrimental to U.S. interests and the future of the United States."

He said China rather seeks a path of peaceful development. He defended China's assertive behavior in the South China Sea, where it has built man-made islands to reinforce its sweeping territorial claims that are disputed by its neighbors. He said military facilities on those islands are for defensive purposes to counter military activities by other nations in the area, including the United States.

Wang also defended China's recent participation in military drills with Russia that have added to U.S. anxiety that its key strategic rivals are setting aside historical differences and teaming up against it. He said military-to-military ties are normal to build "mutual understanding."

On human rights, Wang was asked about the reported harsh treatment of Uighur Muslims in China's far west. He maintained that China had brought law and order to a region once blighted by terrorism. The Trump administration is reportedly considering sanctions in response to members of the religious minority being forced into "re-education" camps on a massive scale.

Notwithstanding all these differences, the main driver of the current discord between the U.S. and China is trade.

Trump increased tariffs Monday on $200 billion of Chinese goods. Beijing responded by imposing penalties on $60 billion of American products. That was on top of an earlier duty increase by both sides on $50 billion of each other's goods. The tit-for-tat is fueling anxiety that smaller nations will suffer.

"There is a trade war going on between the two most powerful nations, and the rest of the world is feeling the pain," Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad told the General Assembly on Friday.

Behind the trade dispute are U.S. allegations that China uses predatory tactics to overtake American technological dominance. These tactics, the U.S. charges, include cyber-theft of U.S. companies' trade secrets and a requirement that foreign companies hand over proprietary technology as the price of access to the Chinese market.

Wang denied that China was stealing technology and forcing companies to transfer technology as a condition for investing in the country. He described instead a symbiotic commercial relationship in which the U.S. companies have a comparative advantage in technology and work in partnership with Chinese firms to help them access China's growing market.

He said China has benefitted from opening up its economy and would continue to welcome foreign investment. "We hope American companies will continue to have confidence in the Chinese market," Wang said.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, at U.N. headquarters, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, at U.N. headquarters, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
A roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue headlines of the week. None of these stories is legit, even though they were shared widely on social media. The Associated Press checked these out. Here are the real facts:

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NOT REAL: Prosecutor at Kavanaugh hearing got Catholic priest "off the hook"

THE FACTS: The Arizona prosecutor Senate Republicans handpicked to question Christine Blasey Ford Thursday about her sexual misconduct allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh did not help exonerate a Catholic priest facing sex crimes charges, as one group falsely claimed on social media this week. The false claim about Rachel Mitchell was made by The Other 98%, a liberal activist group, on Facebook. The group posted a photo of Mitchell, along with text that wrongly asserted her experience in sex-crime cases was "Getting a Catholic Priest accused of six counts of sexual molestation of a minor off the hook." Mitchell works as a sex-crimes prosecutor for the Maricopa County Attorney's Office in Phoenix. More than 15 years ago, she prosecuted the case of Paul LeBrun, a Roman Catholic priest accused of sexually abusing boys from 1986 to 1991. Mitchell worked on the 2003 case, which resulted in LeBrun being sentenced to 111 years in prison. The photo, which was shared more than 30,000 times, included the Other98's logo. The group did not return an email from The Associated Press. Cindi Nanetti, who supervised Mitchell before she became the chief of Maricopa's County Special Victims Division, told the AP the claim "totally false."

NOT REAL: Democratic donor awarded grant to woman accusing Supreme Court nominee of sexual assault

THE FACTS: A foundation run by billionaire Democratic donor George Soros did not award a fellowship or grant to Deborah Ramirez, the second woman to accuse Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct. The false assertion confused Deborah Ramirez of Colorado, with a Massachusetts woman of the same name. The claim circulated widely on blogs, online news sites and social media after The New Yorker magazine reported Sunday that Ramirez, who lives in Colorado, said Kavanaugh exposed himself to her during a drunken dorm party in the 1983-84 academic year at Yale University. Kavanaugh has denied the allegation. In an email, Deborah Ramirez of Massachusetts confirmed to The Associated Press that she was the recipient of the Soros fellowship in 2003 as well as a grant in 2002.

FILE - In this Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018 photo, Rachel Mitchell, a prosecutor from Arizona, waits for Christine Blasey Ford, the woman accusing Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her, to testify before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington. On Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, The Associated Press has found that stories circulating on the internet that Mitchell helped help exonerate a Catholic priest facing sex crimes charges, are untrue. (Saul Loeb/Pool Photo via AP)

NOT REAL: Morgantown Mom Catches Pedophile Trying To Rape Child, Blows His Head Off With Shotgun

THE FACTS: A mother did not shoot and kill a "notorious pedophile" attempting to rape her 12-year-old daughter in Morgantown, West Virginia, despite what a report circulating online. The article claimed the 42-year-old woman shot the assailant in the head after finding the man struggling with her daughter. The story said the 53-year-old sex offender was found dead by police. Ed Preston, chief of police for the Morgantown Police Department, told The Associated Press in an email the report is false. He said the photo with the story featured a police car with expired license plates, and the car's number "has been out of service for several years." Preston also noted that "ABC News 14" does not exist in that area.

NOT REAL: Longview, TX Authorities Fear 'Vigilante' Serial Killer After Third Pedophile Found Dead In A Week

THE FACTS: A vigilante serial killer is not on the loose in Longview, Texas, despite a report circulating online. The Longview Police Department issued a statement Friday saying the report of three homicides in the city was false. It was carried on a site purporting to be CBS News 15, which does not exist in the area. The story said law enforcement officials had held a press conference and were appealing to the community for any information regarding "the murders." All the victims were said to be men listed on the Texas sex offender registry. The Longview Police Department denied the claim. "There is no truth or validity that our sources can find that the author or the supposed news affiliate exists," the department said in a statement. The site did not respond to request for comment.

NOT REAL: President Trump reaches out from boat to man stranded by flooding (Photo)

THE FACTS: President Donald Trump did not help rescue a man stranded by flooding during Hurricane Florence, as depicted in a photo that went viral this week. The doctored photo, which has since been widely debunked, shows Trump leaning out of a small boat and holding out a red hat to a man who is hanging onto a chain-link fence in waist-high flood water. The photo also shows one other man in the boat. The actual photo shows three rescuers in the boat, with one of them grabbing the hand of a man who is stranded. It was taken by Alberto Martinez for the Austin American-Statesmen and was transmitted by The Associated Press. According to the photo caption, the man was stranded at the northwest corner of Lamar Boulevard and 15th Street in Austin, Texas, on May 25, 2015.

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This is part of The Associated Press' ongoing effort to fact-check misinformation that is shared widely online, including work with Facebook to identify and reduce the circulation of false stories on the platform.

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Find all AP Fact Checks here: https://www.apnews.com/tag/APFactCheck

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Follow @APFactCheck on Twitter: https://twitter.com/APFactCheck
SAN DIEGO (AP) - A person familiar with the situation says former America's Cup holders Larry Ellison and Russell Coutts are set to announce a new sailing league called SailGP that will be contested in an enhanced class of foiling 50-foot catamarans.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Friday because details won't be announced until Wednesday night in London.

Plans call for SailGP to have five regattas in 2019, beginning in mid-February in Sydney, Australia. Reports have indicated there will be teams from the United States, Great Britain and Australia, and entries are also expected from France, Japan and China.

Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle Corp., and Coutts, a New Zealander, headed the Oracle Team USA syndicate that won the America's Cup in 2010 and 2013 before losing it to Emirates Team New Zealand in 2017.
CHICAGO (AP) - Answering the question of what white Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke was thinking when he shot black teenager Laquan McDonald 16 times will be crucial for jurors once they start deliberating on a verdict at his murder trial. And there's only one person who knows for sure what the officer was thinking: the officer himself.

As the trial enters its third week on Monday, a decision about whether Officer Jason Van Dyke will testify looms. The presiding judge could ask the 40-year-old Van Dyke in the coming week for a definitive answer.

Lawyers for clients who aren't police officers typically advise against testifying because it opens them up to potentially devastating cross-examination. But it's not obvious whether the right legal strategy for officers, like Van Dyke, is to stay off the witness stand.

If he testifies, Van Dyke's biggest challenge will be countering evidence at the core of the state's case: dashcam video of Van Dyke firing at McDonald at night on Oct. 20, 2014, as the 17-year-old seems to walk away from police while holding a knife. Van Dyke continues to fire shot after shot for at least 10 seconds after the teen crumples to the ground.

"But I think he has to get up there and testify," said Phil Turner, a federal prosecutor-turned-Chicago defense attorney who is not working on Van Dyke's case. "I think it will improve his chances of an acquittal dramatically."

Others say the potential pros of testifying don't outweigh the cons.

Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke listens during during his first degree murder trial for the shooting death of Laquan McDonald, at the Leighton Criminal Court Building, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018 in Chicago. (Antonio Perez/ Chicago Tribune via AP, Pool)

"It's always a crapshoot to put a defendant on the stand. In this case, I wouldn't do it," Joseph Lopez, another Chicago criminal lawyer not associated with the case.

In several similar trials elsewhere in the U.S. in recent years, officers have testified. Some who did were acquitted or the juries couldn't reach a unanimous verdict.

Laws set a higher bar for convicting officers in on-duty shootings, recognizing their jobs require them to run to danger and make split-second decisions. A fatal shooting can be legal if officers sincerely thought their lives were at risk - even if, in hindsight, they were wrong.

"Van Dyke has to say (to jurors), 'Look, I was going out that day to do my job. I wasn't going out there to shoot some guy,'" Turner said.

Prosecutors may hope Van Dyke does testify, confident they'll be able to shred his credibility during cross-examination. They could question him about police-report accounts he and other officers provided shortly after the shooting that describe McDonald lunging at Van Dyke with a knife and then trying to get back up from the street being struck by the first few shots - something the video does not show.

Three other officers are accused with conspiring with Van Dyke to cover up and lie about the circumstances of the shooting in a bid to shield Van Dyke from prosecution. They have pleaded not guilty.

With Van Dyke on the stand, prosecutors will almost certainly have the dashcam video at the ready, going through all 16 shots frame by frame, asking Van Dyke what he was thinking as he fired each shot.

Defense attorneys may already have paved the way for Van Dyke's testimony. They called multiple witnesses who described McDonald as aggressive on several occasions when he was detained as a juvenile.

One witness, truck driver Rudy Barillas, described how McDonald came at him with a knife less than 30 minutes before the shooting. It was Barillas' 911 call about McDonald allegedly breaking into vehicles that led to the police response.

Van Dyke only learned about McDonald's run-in with the truck driver after the shooting. And he knew nothing about McDonald's earlier run-ins with law enforcement.

"But he could say, 'Yeah, I didn't know that history at the time. But that history's consistent with how I saw him as a threat,'" Turner said.

Prosecutors will also likely ask Van Dyke to explain why only he, out of all the officers on the scene, saw fit to start shooting.

His lawyers may believe they already answered that question through an animated video they presented that purports to show the shooting from Van Dyke's perspective. In it, McDonald actually appears to be getting closer to Van Dyke when the officer fires.

The defense may conclude that video and other trial testimony already accomplished what any testimony by Van Dyke would aim to do: establish he had a legitimate fear of McDonald.

If he does testify, legal experts say, Van Dyke would need to stay calm under questioning by prosecutors. If he were to get angry or rattled, jurors could conclude that demonstrates he is hot-headed and capable of shooting someone without good reason.

"He needs to stay humble but also explain his reaction that night with real emotion," said Chicago-area attorney, Gal Pissetzky, who also thinks Van Dyke should testify. "He will have to give the performance of his life."

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Follow Michael Tarm on Twitter at http://twitter.com/mtarm
WASHINGTON (AP) - Educational, legal and religious institutions important to the life of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh have come out with calls to either delay or outright cancel the confirmation process.

The calls from the dean of Yale Law School, the president of the American Bar Association, and the magazine of the Jesuit religious order come as the Senate wrestles with how to proceed with the Kavanaugh nomination in the face of allegations of sexual assault.

The most recent of these calls came from Yale, Kavanaugh's alma mater for both undergraduate studies and law school. Heather Gerken, dean of the Yale Law School, on Friday called for a delay pending additional investigations into allegations against Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct in both high school and college. Proceeding with the confirmation without those investigations would be against "the best interest of the court or our profession," Gerken wrote.

Gerken's statement follows the ABA's call for a delay.

In a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee released Thursday, ABA President Robert Carlson said the vote on Kavanaugh should proceed "only after an appropriate background check into the allegations ... is completed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation."

Carlson argues that a lifetime appointment to the high court "is simply too important to rush to a vote."

Earlier this month, the ABA's Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary gave its highest rating of "well-qualified" to Kavanaugh. Committee member Paul T. Moxley said in a statement to the Judiciary Committee that Kavanaugh, "enjoys an excellent reputation for integrity and is a person of outstanding character."

Kavanaugh and other had cited the ABA's high regard of Kavanaugh as proof of his professional and moral bona fides.

Kavanaugh himself testified to his "unanimous well-qualified rating from the American Bar Association," while Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said, "If you lived a good life people will recognize it like the American Bar Association has - the gold standard."

On Friday morning, Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley played down the significance of the ABA position. The Iowa Republican described the ABA as an interest group like any other, and said the letter represented the view of an individual, not necessarily the whole organization. "We're not going to let them dictate our committee's business," Grassley said.

The committee voted later to send the nomination to the full Senate, though a Republican committee member, Jeff Flake of Arizona, is pushing for a one-week delay in the floor vote to allow for further investigation of Kavanaugh.

The Jesuits took an even stronger stance. Following Thursday's testimony by Kavanaugh and his accuser, Christine Blasey Ford, the magazine of the Jesuit religious order in the United States publicly withdrew its endorsement of Kavanaugh. An editorial in America Magazine declared that "this nomination is no longer in the best interests of the country."

Kavanaugh was a student at Georgetown Preparatory School, a Jesuit high school, when the alleged assault took place.

The editorial doesn't attempt to parse whether Kavanaugh's or Ford's testimony was more credible. But it concluded that "in a world that is finally learning to take reports of harassment, assault and abuse seriously," the nomination must be abandoned.

"If Senate Republicans proceed with his nomination, they will be prioritizing policy aims over a woman's report of an assault," it states. "Were he to be confirmed without this allegation being firmly disproved, it would hang over his future decisions on the Supreme Court for decades and further divide the country."

The magazine had previously given Kavanaugh a full-throated endorsement, stating that his addition to the Supreme Court may furnish the fifth vote needed to overrule Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that legalized abortion nationwide. The Catholic Church firmly opposes abortion.

That original endorsement editorial concluded that "anyone who recognizes the humanity of the unborn should support" Kavanaugh's nomination.

The reversal is significant given that Kavanaugh has cited his Catholic faith and Jesuit education in defending himself against Ford's accusations. In his opening statement Thursday, Kavanaugh twice referenced his years as a student at Georgetown Prep.
GEORGETOWN, S.C. (AP) - Officials in the final place to see flooding from Hurricane Florence say the waters aren't as high as originally feared.

Officials in Georgetown County, South Carolina, say the floodwaters spread out as they moved toward where five rivers flow into the Atlantic Ocean.

County emergency management officials said on their Facebook page that the Waccamaw River should crest at record levels Saturday but will be well below the destructive forecasts from earlier in the week. The river is influenced by tidal flow, so it will recede at low tide before reaching the record at high tide.

South Carolina transportation officials say they will begin removing a temporary flood wall that narrowed the main U.S. Highway 501 bridge to Myrtle Beach to two lanes starting Monday.
ELKTON, Md. (AP) - Officials are pointing fingers over the 2015 dismissal of charges against a man charged two years later in a fatal workplace shooting.

Authorities say Radee Prince shot five co-workers at a Maryland granite company in 2017, killing three. A trial is pending in that case, but he's been sentenced to 40 years in prison for shooting a man in Delaware the same day.

The News Journal reports the Cecil County Sheriff's Office says it was prepared for a 2015 trial on weapons and traffic charges Prince faced after a traffic stop, but the state's attorney's office dropped them.

At Prince's hearing, prosecutors said they were dropping charges at the request of the deputy who made the arrest. In 2017, prosecutors said there was insufficient evidence to convict Prince.

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Information from: The News Journal of Wilmington, Del., http://www.delawareonline.com
WASHINGTON (AP) - The State Department said Friday that it would temporarily close the U.S. consulate in the southern Iraqi city of Basra following a rocket attack earlier this month blamed on Iranian-backed militias.

Diplomatic staff and their families were being evacuated and consular services will be provided from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called it a "temporary relocation" in response to what he called "increasing and specific threats" from the Iranian government and militias under its control. He warned that the U.S. would respond to any more attacks.

"I have advised the Government of Iran that the United States will hold Iran directly responsible for any harm to Americans or to our diplomatic facilities in Iraq or elsewhere and whether perpetrated by Iranian forces directly or by associated proxy militias," he said.

Basra hosts one of three U.S. diplomatic missions in Iraq. It is the country's oil capital and main port but remains one of the least developed parts of the country. It has been shaken by violent protests in recent months over entrenched corruption and poor public services.

Earlier this month, protesters turned their rage on neighboring Iran, blaming its outsized influence in Iraq's political affairs for their misery. They stormed the Iranian consulate and set it on fire, causing significant damage.

Mike Pompeo, the United States Secretary of State, sits next to a picture of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, as he waits for the start of meeting with their Prime Minister in New York, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. In the background is a picture of . (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

About a week later, after a Shiite militia vowed revenge for the attack on the Iranian consulate, three Katyusha rockets were fired at Basra's airport, which houses the U.S. consulate. No casualties were reported.

Pompeo tweeted Tuesday that Iran-supported militias had launched the attacks, warning, "We'll hold Iran's regime accountable for any attack on our personnel or facilities, and respond swiftly and decisively in defense of American lives."

The temporary closure of the Basra consulate comes as the Trump administration is increasing pressure on Iran ahead of powerful sanctions set to take effect in November.

The Trump administration withdrew from the landmark 2015 deal with Iran in May and has been gradually re-introducing sanctions against the government in Tehran. At a speech in New York this week, Pompeo ticked off a list of complaints against the Iranian government, from its support of Syrian President Bashar Assad and Houthi rebels in Yemen to sponsoring or plotting attempted terrorist attacks in Africa, Asia and Europe.
NEW YORK (AP) - Prosecutors want a man charged with using a truck to kill eight people last year on a New York City bike path to face the death penalty.

The decision about Sayfullo Saipov (sy-foo-LOH' sah-YEE'-pawf) was revealed on Friday in court papers after defense complaints about tweets by President Donald Trump calling for Saipov's execution.

Prosecutors said the attack met several standards for seeking the death penalty.

Saipov has pleaded not guilty. Court papers say that after his arrest, he told the authorities that he was inspired by Islamic State videos and that he had used a truck in the attack to inflict maximum damage against civilians.

Saipov's lawyers had argued that Trump's tweets made it impossible for the prosecutors to independently decide whether to seek the death penalty.
FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio (AP) - Authorities say a man who'd left jail after being released on bond for possessing a stolen vehicle walked about 1,000 feet before robbing a woman of her SUV outside of Cleveland.

Fairview Park police say they are searching for 32-year-old Sean Vanderlin, of Cleveland, and that he should be considered dangerous.

Police say Vanderlin on Thursday afternoon pulled out a utility knife and after a brief struggle drove off in the woman's SUV. She wasn't injured.

The SUV was found Friday morning.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals on Friday said it will not reverse its decision upholding the ethics conviction of former Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard.

The court without comment denied Hubbard's request for a rehearing of its decision upholding 11 of the 12 convictions. The court also rejected the state attorney general's request to revisit the one count it overturned.

Rehearing requests are seldom granted. However, appellate rules in criminal cases require a person to seek a rehearing before appealing upward to the Alabama Supreme Court.

Defense lawyer Bill Baxley could not immediately be reached for comment. The attorney general's office declined to comment. Hubbard is free on bond as he appeals his conviction.

The court last month upheld the convictions that Hubbard used the power of his office to assist his businesses, including that he improperly asked lobbyists and company executives for work and investments in his printing business.

The court rejected defense arguments that the transactions were aboveboard business dealings in which investors and companies were getting a getting a fair value for their money.

Hubbard, from Auburn, was for years one of the state's most influential Republicans. He served as chairman of the Alabama Republican Party and was a key architect of the GOP strategy that led to Republicans in 2010 taking control of the Alabama Legislature for the first time in more than a century.

Hubbard was automatically removed from office in 2016 when he was convicted on the felony charges.

He is free on bond as he appeals his conviction.

Despite upholding the convictions, appeals court judges in the August decision also urged lawmakers to address ambiguities in the state ethics law.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - Puerto Rico has tentatively chosen Tesla as one of 13 companies it might form public-private partnerships with as it rebuilds from Hurricane Maria.

Officials said Friday that the projects include creating an energy storage system, modernizing the island's water and sewer meters and updating a ferry transportation system.

The other firms that were short-listed include PowerSecure Inc., a U.S.-based company, and SUEZ, a Paris-based utilities company.

Tesla installed solar panels across Puerto Rico after the Category 4 storm hit a year ago, and PowerSecure already has a multimillion-dollar contract to help rebuild the U.S. territory's energy grid.

Government officials said requests for proposals would be issued in October.
NASHVILLE, Tennessee (AP) - Two men are charged with murder and a third faces lesser charges in a fatal robbery outside a Nashville bar.

According to a Friday news release from the Davidson County district attorney's office, a grand jury has returned indictments against Demontrey Logsdon and Horace Williamson III. Charges include first degree murder and aggravated robbery.

They are accused of killing 30-year-old Jaime Sarrantonio and 33-year-old Bartley Teal in a parking lot last month. The victims had just left The Cobra bar in East Nashville.

Police have said the crime might be linked to several other local shootings.

Two other people were with Sarrantonio and Teal at the time, but neither was injured.

A third suspect, Lacory Lytle, faces charges that include identity theft and fraudulent use of a credit card.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) - A federal jury will decide a lawsuit alleging that Harvard University's admissions practices unfairly discriminate against Asian Americans.

The judge overseeing the case rejected motions from both sides Friday asking to rule on their behalf. The judge says there's still too much in dispute.

The group Students For Fair Admissions filed the suit in 2014. It says Asian American applicants have the best academic records but the lowest admission rate among any race.

Harvard denies any bias and says it considers race only as one of many factors in deciding which students to admit.

Both sides have presented reports from economists that they say prove their case. The judge says it will require closer examination.

Trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 15.
DOVER, Del. (AP) - The state Supreme Court has upheld a ruling in favor of Delaware State Police in a lawsuit filed by a man who was shot in the back by a trooper in 2013.

The court on Friday rejected Keith Schueller's claim that Trooper Brett Cordrey could not have feared for his life because he shot Schueller in the back. The court pointed to the judge's finding that Cordrey believed he had shot Schueller in the chest.

Schueller, a theft suspect, led police on a vehicle chase before running into a cornfield.

He then threatened Cordrey with a shovel. Cordrey first tried to use a stun gun to subdue Schueller before drawing his gun and firing a single shot.

The attorney general's office found the use of deadly force to be justified.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Lawyers representing a group of Native Americans are telling the U.S. Supreme Court that keeping new voter ID requirements in place in North Dakota will lead to confusion during the upcoming election.

The emergency appeal filed Thursday comes just days after a federal appeals court stayed an injunction in the case. The injunction would have required the state to accept forms of identification and supporting documents that included a current mailing address, such as a post office box, instead of requiring a current street address.

Street addresses aren't always assigned on Native American reservations, so members of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa sued the state, alleging its ID requirements discriminated against Native Americans. A district court judge agreed in April.
NEW YORK (AP) - Some skeptics of #MeToo activism hope Brett Kavanaugh's angry denial of sexual assault allegations might help fuel a backlash against the year-old movement. But advocates for victimized women say it's now too powerful to be derailed.

The mixed reactions followed Thursday's vehement assertion by Kavanaugh and his Republican allies that he was the victim of a "political hit job" by Democrats. They suggested that Kavanaugh's accuser was being exploited for partisan purposes.

In a Philadelphia Inquirer column titled "Kavanaugh creates #MeToo moment for accused men," conservative writer Christine Flowers expressed empathy for the embattled federal judge, who is President Donald Trump's nominee to fill a Supreme Court vacancy.

#MeToo activists acknowledge their movement faces resistance, but they also note that more women are speaking out about being sexually abused.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Brett Kavanaugh's angry denunciation of Senate Democrats at his confirmation hearing could reinforce views of the Supreme Court as a political institution at a time of stark partisan division and when the court already is sharply split between liberals and conservatives.

The Supreme Court nominee called the sexual misconduct allegations against him a "calculated and orchestrated political hit" by Democrats angry that Hillary Clinton lost the 2016 election. Kavanaugh went further than Clarence Thomas, who in 1991 attacked the confirmation process but didn't single out a person or political party, when he confronted allegations that he sexually harassed Anita Hill.

The comments injected a new level of bitter partisanship in an already pitched battle over the future of the Supreme Court and replacing Justice Anthony Kennedy, frequently the decisive and swing vote on the most important issues of the day. Kavanaugh is more conservative than Kennedy and his ascendance to the high court would entrench conservative control of the bench for years.

"No matter what happens ... I think the court is the ultimate loser here. I think Judge Kavanaugh could have made the exact same points without making reference to the Clintons or Democrats, without going down that road," said Josh Blackman, a law professor at the South Texas College of Law in Houston. "It's an optics thing. I don't think he'll vote any differently because of what happened in the past 10 days, but what will change is how people perceive it."

In his pointed remarks, Kavanaugh said he was a victim of character assassination orchestrated by Democrats. "This whole two-week effort has been a calculated and orchestrated political hit, fueled with apparent pent-up anger about President Trump and the 2016 election, fear that has been unfairly stoked about my judicial record, revenge on behalf of the Clintons and millions of dollars in money from outside left-wing opposition groups," he said.

Vanderbilt University law professor Suzanna Sherry said that even if Kavanaugh was "spurred by the provocation he felt, the fact that he spoke out that way suggests he may be biased against Democrats when he gets on the court."

Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee, and his wife Ashley Kavanaugh, hold hands as they arrive for a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Still, said University of Chicago law professor Eric Posner, a winning argument would have to attract at least five votes so that "if four other justices agree with him, the force of that will be diminished."

There is a sharp contrast between what Kavanaugh said Thursday in a bid to save his nomination and the efforts of the justices to underscore the differences between them and the political branches of government.

Justice Elena Kagan talked about perceptions of the court in an appearance at UCLA on Thursday. "The court's strength as an institution of American governance depends on people ... believing that it is not simply an extension of politics, that its decision-making has a kind of integrity to it," Kagan said. "And if people don't believe that they have no reason to accept what the court does."

The court's legitimacy was on the mind of Chief Justice John Roberts during an argument last year in a case about the drawing of electoral maps for partisan advantage. Putting the court in the middle of "deciding whether Democrats or Republicans would win in each case" would "cause very serious harm to the status and integrity of the decisions of this court in the eyes of the country," Roberts said.

When the justices have said or done something seen as political, the reaction is often swift. In 2016, for example, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg apologized for remarks in which she had called then candidate Donald Trump a "faker," among other things. And Justice Neil Gorsuch was criticized by some on the left for speaking to a conservative group at an event at the Trump hotel in Washington, months after he took the bench.

The Supreme Court has never been as non-political as the justices would like Americans to believe. A century ago, Justice Charles Evans Hughes resigned from the court after he had been chosen as the Republican presidential nominee in 1916.

At the same time, in the post-World War II era, some justices put on the court by Republicans have been among the more liberal justices, while some choices of Democratic presidents often voted with conservatives.

But the push for ideological purity from both parties in pursuit of justices who will vote the "right" way for decades has almost perfectly aligned party and ideology. The court's most liberal members are all Democratic appointees and the conservatives, Republican.

Until Thursday, though, the rest of the world could discuss how Republicans want to appoint conservative judges and Democrats want to appoint liberal judges, but the nominees themselves would insist they are impartial, Posner said.

Kavanaugh may well have been justified in his comments, he said, but by attacking the other side in partisan terms, "you begin to sound like a partisan yourself."

___

Associated Press writer Brian Melley contributed to this report from Los Angeles.
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump said Friday he found the testimony by a woman who said she was sexually assaulted by Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh decades ago to be "very compelling," but added that he'd given no consideration to the idea of nominating someone else.

"Not even a little bit," Trump said.

The president told reporters that Christine Blasey Ford "was a very credible witness" but also that Kavanaugh's own testimony on Thursday before the Senate Judiciary Committee was "an incredible moment."

Reiterating his support for Kavanaugh, Trump said, "I think it will work out very well for the country."

The president also expressed confidence in the confirmation process as an 11th-hour demand from a key Republican senator again threatened to derail the timeline for a Senate vote.

"I'm going to let the Senate handle that, they'll make their decisions and they've been doing a good job and very professional," he said. "I'm sure it will all be very good."

President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Chilean president Sebastian Pinera, in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The White House had resisted calls for another investigation, as Kavanaugh denied allegations of sexual misconduct in fiery testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday. But the White House's hand was forced Friday by announcement by Arizona Republican Sen. Jeff Flake that he would not vote in Kavanaugh's favor without a follow-on probe.

Trump said in a statement that the updated investigation "must be limited in scope" and "completed in less than one week."

Trump missed hardly a moment of Thursday's hearing, relying on DVRs to keep up on the hearing from his private office on Air Force One as he traveled from New York to Washington, and continuing to monitor it back at the White House, where Ford's voice echoed from TVs around the building.

Within moments of the eight-hour proceedings concluding, Trump tweeted his approval of Kavanaugh's performance and called on the Senate to move swiftly to a vote. "His testimony was powerful, honest, and riveting," Trump said. "Democrats' search and destroy strategy is disgraceful and this process has been a total sham and effort to delay, obstruct, and resist. The Senate must vote!"

Ford's tearful recounting of allegations that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were in high school led Trump to express sympathy for Kavanaugh and his family for having to listen to the testimony, according to two Republicans close to the White House but not authorized to speak publicly about private conversations. They added that Trump expressed some frustration at the process - and the staff work - that led Kavanaugh to this point.

After seeing Ford's powerful testimony, White House aides and allies expressed concern that Kavanaugh, whose nomination already seemed to be teetering, would have difficulty to deliver a strong enough showing to match hers.

White House officials believe Kavanaugh's passionate denials of Ford's claims, including the judge's tearful description of the impact the accusations had on his family, met the challenge. A White House official who was not authorized to speak publicly said the West Wing saw the judge's opening statement as "game changing" and said Trump appeared to react positively.

Trump told associates after the hearing that he liked Kavanaugh's fighting attitude and was critical of Democrats who he sees as politicizing the process, said a person familiar with his thinking who was not authorized to disclose private conversations. He was happy with Republicans on the committee, though he was not impressed with the questioning from an outside female prosecutor. While he acknowledges the vote will be close, he currently thinks they will get there.

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Lemire reported from New York. Associated Press writers Ken Thomas and Jill Colvin contributed from Washington.

President Donald Trump listens to a reporter's question during a meeting with Chilean president Sebastian Pinera, in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
DENVER (AP) - A major Republican political group is pulling its support of two endangered GOP House members.

The Congressional Leadership Fund confirmed Friday it was ending spending to support Rep. Mike Bishop in Michigan and Rep. Mike Coffman in Colorado.

The group is aligned with House Speaker Paul Ryan and is Republican leadership's main financial vehicle for preserving the GOP House majority.

In dropping two swing district congressmen it sends a signal of how difficult those races will be, given Democratic energy and President Donald Trump's sagging poll numbers.
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Human Rights attorney Amal Clooney, who is representing two journalists from Reuters news agency sentenced to hard labor after they uncovered a military massacre, urged Myanmar leader and Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi on Friday to immediately pardon the reporters and reverse a miscarriage of justice.

Clooney, speaking at a press freedom event at the United Nations, sought to link the former iconic status of Suu Kyi as a human rights champion to the request for the release of Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, and Wa Lone, 32.

Clooney said the reporters were arrested in an attempt by Myanmar to keep Reuters from publishing a story on the extrajudicial killings of 10 Rohingya men and boys. She noted that Suu Kyi had once "allowed young people to hope for a free Myanmar that respected the rule of law."

"She knows that mass murder is not a state secret and that exposing it doesn't turn a journalist into a spy," Clooney said of Suu Kyi. "She has said that one political prisoner is one too many, and so we're hopeful that since these are the principles that she herself has espoused, she will step in and try to correct an injustice in this case."

About 700,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled to Bangladesh amid a brutal military campaign in Buddhist-majority Myanmar. Myanmar's army is accused of mass rape, killings and setting fire to thousands of homes in the aftermath of an August 2017 attack by Rohingya militants on security outposts.

"They should be worrying about whether or not they're going to win the Pulitzer prize, not whether they can get out of prison any time before 2024," Clooney said of the reporters. She said their families have asked the government for the pardon, which would have to be granted by the country's president in consultation with Suu Kyi.

International human rights lawyer Amal Clooney answers a question during a conference called "Press Behind Bars: Undermining Justice and Democracy," at the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, at U.N. headquarters, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. Left is Joel Simon, Executive Director of the Committee to Protect Journalists, and right center is Steven J. Adler, President and Editor-in-Chief of Reuters. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)

Suu Kyi has rejected criticism over the show-trial conviction earlier this month. "The case has been held in open court," Suu Kyi said. "If anyone feels there has been a miscarriage of justice, I would like them to point it out."

An email seeking comment from Myanmar's mission to the U.N. wasn't immediately answered.

Stephen Adler, the president and editor-in-chief of Reuters, said his reporters' arrest "was clearly aimed at unmasking Reuters sources and keeping us from publishing the account of the massacre." He called the attack on the reporters "a chilling warning" to other journalists worldwide.

"We know about the massacre because they did what good reporters do," Adler said. "Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo went with open minds and left with facts. Except they didn't really get to leave, did they? Only the facts did. In an astonishing miscarriage of justice, our reporters were set up and arrested."

Rohingya Muslims have long been treated as outsiders in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, even though their families have lived in the country for generations. Nearly all have been denied citizenship since 1982, effectively rendering them stateless. They are also denied freedom of movement and other basic rights. Suu Kyi has been criticized for failing to ensure fair treatment of the Rohingya

The discussion Friday was arranged by the Committee to Protect Journalists, which also highlighted the repression and abuse of reporters in countries including Bangladesh, Egypt and Kyrgyzstan.

Joel Simon, executive director of the committee, said few countries have been held to account for oppressive practices, in part because the United Nations and its member states "follow diplomatic protocol and refuse to name names."

"The General Assembly must be more than just a parade of speeches," he said. A failure to do more by the U.N. and its members allows the jailing of journalists, which "is successfully censoring coverage of key global issues and violating our collective right to seek and receive information."

The Reuters case has drawn worldwide attention as an example of how democratic reforms in long-isolated Myanmar have stalled under Suu Kyi's civilian government, which took power in 2016. The country had been under military and military-backed rule for more than five decades.

Clooney said Suu Kyi "knows better than anyone what it is like to be a political prisoner in Myanmar."

"She has slept in a cell at the prison where Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo now sleep, but today she holds the key; the key to their liberty; the key to reuniting them with their young children; the key to freedom of the press," Clooney said. "History will judge her on her response."
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump has ordered the FBI to reopen Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh's background investigation after several women accused him of sexual misconduct. But what exactly the FBI will investigate still remains a mystery.

The Senate Judiciary Committee asked the White House to ask the FBI to conduct the supplemental investigation, which will be "limited to current credible allegations" and must be done by Oct. 5.

An FBI spokeswoman did not immediately respond to questions about the investigation, including how many agents would be assigned and whether it could be completed in a week.

Here's a look at what a reopened FBI investigation would and wouldn't do:

WHAT IS THE FBI'S ROLE?

The FBI conducts background checks for federal nominees but the agency does not make judgments on the credibility or significance of allegations.

Supreme court nominee Brett Kavanaugh testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Pool)

Investigators compile information about the nominee's past and then provide findings to the agency that requested the background check - in this case, the White House. The information would then be added to the nominee's background file, which is available to senators.

Typically, background investigations do not go back decades, as will be needed in Kavanaugh's case because the allegations are about things said to have happened during his teenage years.

____

COULD THE FBI INVESTIGATION BRING CLARITY TO WHAT HAPPENED?

Perhaps. The FBI has wide discretion in determining the scope of the investigation.

The Senate Judiciary Committee has questioned Kavanaugh and one of his accusers, Christine Blasey Ford, and other potential witnesses have submitted sworn statements. But FBI agents could interview the other accusers and witnesses and gather additional evidence or details.

David Gomez, a former FBI counterterrorism supervisor in Seattle, said typically FBI headquarters will divide up leads that get assigned to different field offices across the U.S. for further investigation and are assigned a quick deadline. The local offices will generally assign as many staff as necessary to pursue those leads.

A good agent, he said, "would address Kavanaugh's behavior and demeanor and credibility during his high school years."

Kavanaugh's high school friend, Mark Judge, who Ford says was in the room when a drunken Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her, said Friday that he will cooperate with any law enforcement agency that will "confidentially investigate" sexual misconduct allegations against him and Kavanaugh.

Both Judge and Kavanaugh have vehemently denied any allegation of misconduct.

An attorney for PJ Smyth, another person who Ford said was in the house when she was attacked, said his client "is happy to cooperate fully with this FBI investigation."

____

CAN AN INVESTIGATION BE DONE IN A WEEK?

Experts say the work can be done in a matter of days in most circumstances.

Ron Hosko, a former FBI assistant director, said background investigations done by the bureau typically have short turnaround times because the requesting agency needs the information quickly in order to make a decision on the nominee.

The FBI cannot force someone to talk to them as part of the process.

"Based on what we publicly know as far as the universe of people, I don't see any reason why the FBI could not complete an investigation within one week," said Mark Zaid, a Washington lawyer and expert in security clearance and background investigations. "Remember, they're not reaching a decision or recommendation. They are just compiling the investigation and reporting on it."

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WHAT DOES KAVANAUGH SAY ABOUT THIS?

Kavanaugh wouldn't answer directly when he was asked Thursday if he would agree to an FBI investigation, but said he would do whatever the Judiciary Committee wanted.

In a statement released by the White House on Friday, Kavanaugh said he was interviewed by the FBI throughout the selection process and participated in several background calls with the Senate.

"I've done everything they have requested and will continue to cooperate," he said.

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Associated Press writer Eric Tucker contributed to this report.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Former Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy isn't commenting on the confirmation fight over Brett Kavanaugh.

Kennedy said Friday in Sacramento that he's being "very careful" not to weigh in on the effort to fill his seat on the high court.

Kennedy was in his home city speaking to high schoolers about civil discourse and the Constitution.

Several students in Kennedy's audience said reasoned dialogue isn't what they're seeing in Washington.

He told them that maintaining democracy takes work and it will be the next generation's responsibility.

Kennedy's summer announcement he would retire from the court gave President Donald Trump a chance to nominate a second conservative justice and tip the balance of the court.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on Google CEO Sundar Pichai's trip to Washington to meet with U.S. lawmakers and officials from the Trump administration (all times local):

7 p.m.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai has accepted an invitation to meet with President Donald Trump at a White House roundtable about internet issues.

The White House asked Pichai to attend the roundtable after meeting Friday with Larry Kudlow, the head of the National Economic Council. Pichai also met with U.S. lawmakers to discuss Google's business practices.

Further details about the roundtable's date, agenda and other attendees are expected to be released at a later date.

Google didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.

Trump has recently accused Google of rigging the results of its influential search engine to suppress conservative viewpoints. Google has denied any political bias.

The White House described Kudlow's Friday meeting with Pichai as "positive and productive."

___

1 a.m.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai is scheduled to meet privately with members of Congress Friday after he and his boss, Google co-founder Larry Page, stood up lawmakers at a public hearing earlier this month.

The closed-door gathering is expected to include discussions about President Donald Trump's recent allegations that Google has been rigging the results of its influential search engine to suppress conservative viewpoints. Google has denied any political bias.

Other topics on the agenda are expected to include potential regulations governing consumer privacy, antitrust concerns and Google's potential expansion into China with a search engine providing censored results to comply with that country's Communist government.

Google and its corporate parent, Alphabet, may also be trying to mend some political fences after Pichai and Page snubbed Congress a few weeks ago.
LOS ANGELES (AP) - California courts could be going to the dogs - and maybe cats, too - under a new law granting judges authority to settle disagreements over who keeps the family pet in divorce cases the same way they handle child-custody disputes.

Until now, Fido and Kitty have been considered family property, a status giving them little more standing in a divorce than a family's big-screen TV.

Under a bill signed Thursday by Gov. Jerry Brown, pets will still be considered community property but a judge deciding who gets to keep them will have the discretion of weighing such factors as who feeds them, who takes them to the vet and on walks, and who protects them.

"I think it's a good idea. I personally have a little rescue bichon poodle named Rodney King Stone. He's like a family member," said family law attorney Megan Green of Los Angeles, who has seen her share of divorce cases where couples battled relentlessly over the pet.

In one case, a woman said the dog was a gift from her husband but the husband maintained he was the one who took care of it. They finally worked out a nondisclosure agreement just ahead of trial.

Without the law that goes into effect on Jan. 1, attorneys say judges have often had to get creative in reaching such agreements when both sides say they can't bear to part with their pet.

FILE - In this Feb. 23, 2012, file photo, Steven May, right, walks with his dog, Winnie beside his attorney, David Pisarra, with his dog, Dudley in Santa Monica, Calif. California courts could be going to the dogs, and maybe the cats too, under a new law signed by Gov. Jerry Brown. The law, signed Thursday, Sept. 28, 2018, gives judges the discretion of applying rules similar to those in child-custody cases when determining who gets the family pet following a divorce. It takes effect Jan. 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File)

Some judges have put the dog between the would-be owners and tried to determine who it liked the best. If a family had two pets, a judge would sometimes suggest splitting them up.

"Or if there's only one dog, a court may do like, 'OK, you get the dog a month at a time, a week at a time," said family law attorney Atousa Saei.

Assemblyman Bill Quirk, a Hayward Democrat who introduced the law, said it's time family pets got the status they deserve - family members.

Quirk himself has a Maltese-ShihTzu mix named Luna and calls himself "the proud parent of a rescued dog."

He found an ally in California's pet-loving governor, who has a photo of "first dog" Lucy Brown on his website.

"When she is not out exploring the family ranch in Colusa County with the governor and first lady, Lucy can be found guarding the office and herding staff at the state Capitol," according to her bio.
LEBANON, Maine (AP) - The Latest on the search for a missing skydiving instructor in Maine (all times local):

7:31 p.m.

Authorities in Maine have found the body of a skydiving instructor who became separated from his student during a tandem jump.

Officials say 41-year-old Brett Bickford of Rochester, New Hampshire, and his student participated in a jump around 2 p.m. Thursday near Skydive New England in Lebanon. The student called police after he landed safely and couldn't find his instructor.

Cpl. John MacDonald, spokesman for the Maine Warden Service, says a search team found Bickford's body shortly before 5:30 p.m., about 750 feet (228 meters) from the Lebanon Airport runway.

Maine Department of Public Safety spokesman Steve McCausland says investigators determined the instructor and student became separated about a mile above the ground. McCausland says the instructor didn't have a backup parachute.

Both people use the same parachute in a tandem jump. Police aren't sure how the skydivers became separated.

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9:43 a.m.

Authorities in Maine are searching for the body of a skydiving instructor who became separated from his student during a tandem jump.

Officials say 41-year-old Brett Bickford of Rochester, New Hampshire, and his student participated in a jump around 2 p.m. Thursday near Skydive New England in Lebanon. The student called police after he landed safely and couldn't find his instructor.

Maine Department of Public Safety spokesman Steve McCausland says investigators determined the instructor and student became separated about a mile above the ground. McCausland says the instructor didn't have a backup parachute.

Both people use the same parachute in a tandem jump. Police aren't sure how the skydivers became separated.

Authorities suspended the search around 9 p.m. Thursday and resumed Friday morning.
DENVER (AP) - Prosecutors say evidence shows that an Uber driver charged with shooting a passenger on a Denver interstate was outside the car when he fired a handgun 10 times, striking the man inside the car six times.

Judge Shelley Gilman ruled Friday that there is enough evidence for 29-year-old Michael Hancock to stand trial for the June death of 45-year-old Hyun Kim.

The hearing provided the clearest glimpse yet of why prosecutors charged Hancock with first-degree murder. His family has said Hancock was defending himself after being attacked.

A police officer who responded to the scene testified Friday that Hancock told him the car was traveling 70 mph (113 kph) when Kim hit him in the face.

Hancock has not entered a formal plea yet. He remains in jail.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Most people under 21 won't be able to buy guns in California starting next year under a law Gov. Jerry Brown announced signing Friday.

It will prevent people under 21 from buying rifles and other types of guns. State law already bans people under 21 from buying handguns.

The new law exempts law enforcement, members of the military and people with hunting licenses from the restriction.

It was one of dozens of bills Brown took action on.

Democratic Sen. Anthony Portantino pointed to the shooting at a Florida high school earlier this year that killed 17 people as the reason for his bill banning gun sales and transfers to people under 21.

"I was determined to help California respond appropriately to the tragic events our country has recently faced on high school campuses," Portantino said in a statement. "I feel it is imperative that California leads when Washington refuses to act."

Brown also signed a bill to prohibit gun ownership for people who have been hospitalized or otherwise placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold for risk of hurting themselves or others twice in one year. That law would let those people ask a court every five years to return their guns.

He also signed a bill to ban people with certain domestic violence misdemeanors from owning guns for life.

In addition to the gun-related bills, he vetoed a measure that would have let bars in some cities serve alcohol until 4 a.m., which he said would result in more drunken driving.

California currently lets bars serve alcohol until 2 a.m.

"I believe we have enough mischief from midnight to 2 without adding two more hours of mayhem," he wrote in his veto message.

It would have allowed extended hours in nine California cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Brown also vetoed a bill that would have opened the door for parents to serve edible marijuana to their children on school grounds to treat medical conditions. Children could be given cannabis only if the school board adopted a policy to allow it.

Brown said in his veto message that he's concerned about exposing youth to marijuana and believes the bill is too broad, allowing its use for all ailments.

"I think we should pause before going much further down this path," he wrote.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Authorities say two children were found dead in hot vehicles just hours apart in central Florida.

The Orlando Sentinel reports that both deaths occurred Friday afternoon in the Orlando area.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office says a passer-by spotted a 4-year-old boy alone in a locked car with the engine turned off in the parking lot of Elite Preparatory Academy. Firefighters rushed the boy to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

About two hours later, the Seminole County Sheriff's Office says a 1-year-old girl was found dead inside a hot car at a Sanford gas station.

Area temperatures were in the 90s on Friday. No arrests were immediately reported.

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Information from: Orlando Sentinel, http://www.orlandosentinel.com/
PALU, Indonesia (AP) - The Latest on a powerful earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia (all times local):

2:20 p.m.

Indonesian television and other media, citing disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, says the death toll from the Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami has jumped to 384.

The figure is from the hard-hit city of Palu alone, where hundreds of people are injured and thousands of homes damaged or destroyed.

The tsunami triggered by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake smashed into two cities and several settlements on Sulawesi island at dusk Friday.

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A department store building is seen heavily damaged by earthquake in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. The powerful earthquake rocked the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday, triggering a 3-meter-tall (10-foot-tall) tsunami that an official said swept away houses in at least two cities. (AP Photo/Rifki)

1 p.m.

Indonesia's disaster agency says the fate of "tens to hundreds" of people involved in a beach festival is unknown after the area was struck by a tsunami.

The festival was in Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi province, which was strewn with debris from collapsed buildings and pooled seawater Saturday.

Disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho told a news conference that four hospitals in Palu have reported 48 dead and hundreds of injured. He said many victims have not been accounted for.

Nugroho said the status was unknown for "tens to hundreds of people," including dancers and performers at a beach festival in Palu.

A tsunami triggered by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake smashed into two cities and several settlements on Sulawesi island at dusk Friday.

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11:10 a.m.

Indonesia's disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho says four hospitals in the earthquake and tsunami stricken city of Palu in Sulawesi have reported 48 deaths.

He told a news conference Saturday that hospitals in the city are also treating several hundred injured and many victims still remain uncounted.

A tsunami triggered by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake on Friday smashed into two cities and several settlements on Sulawesi island at dusk.

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10 a.m.

Indonesia's president says he instructed the security minister to coordinate the government's response to a quake and tsunami that hit central Sulawesi.

President Joko Widodo also told reporters in his hometown of Solo late Friday that he had called on the country's military chief to work on search and rescue efforts and evacuations as needed.

The tsunami triggered by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake smashed into two cities and several settlements on Sulawesi island.

The national disaster agency said Saturday there were "many victims." Images from the area showed victims' bodies, debris from flattened buildings and puddles of seawater remained.

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8:45 a.m.

An Indonesian official says the earthquake and tsunami that hit central Sulawesi left many victims, as rescuers raced to the region.

Disaster officials haven't released an official death toll but reports from three hospitals seen Saturday by The Associated Press listed 18 dead.

Dawn revealed a devastated coastline in central Sulawesi where the tsunami triggered by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake Friday smashed into two cities and several settlements.

Disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said in a television interview there are "many victims."

In Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi province, a large bridge spanning a coastal river had collapsed and the city was strewn with debris.

A man stands amid the damage caused by a tsunami in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. A powerful earthquake rocked the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday, triggering a 3-meter-tall (10-foot-tall) tsunami that an official said swept away houses in at least two cities. (AP Photo)

Residents carry a body bag containing the body of a tsunami victim in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. A powerful earthquake rocked the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday, triggering a 3-meter-tall (10-foot-tall) tsunami that an official said swept away houses in at least two cities. (AP Photo)

A car swept away by tsunami is seen stuck under a damaged building in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. A powerful earthquake rocked the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday, triggering a 3-meter-tall (10-foot-tall) tsunami that an official said swept away houses in at least two cities. (Dede Budiyarto via AP)

People survey a building partially damaged by earthquake in Poso, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. A powerful earthquake rocked the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday, triggering a 3-meter-tall (10-foot-tall) tsunami that an official said swept away houses in at least two cities. (AP Photo/Yoanes Litha)

Earthquake-affected patients are treated at a makeshift hospital in Poso, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. A powerful earthquake rocked the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday, triggering a 3-meter-tall (10-foot-tall) tsunami that an official said swept away houses in at least two cities. (AP Photo/Yoanes Litha)
FBI contacts Kavanaugh Yale classmate in its investigation

WASHINGTON (AP) - The FBI has contacted Deborah Ramirez, who's accused Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct when he was a Yale student, as part of the bureau's investigation of the Supreme Court nominee, her attorney said Saturday.

Ramirez's lawyer, John Clune, said agents want to interview her and she has agreed to cooperate. Ramirez has said Kavanaugh exposed himself to her at a party in the early 1980s when they were Yale students.

President Donald Trump ordered the FBI on Friday to reopen Kavanaugh's background investigation after several women accused Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct. Kavanaugh has denied the allegations.

Senate leaders agreed to delay a final vote on Kavanaugh's nomination to allow for a one-week FBI investigation. The Senate Judiciary Committee has said the probe should be limited to "current credible allegations" against Kavanaugh and be finished by next Friday.

Leaving the hearing Friday, Sen. Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, said it was his understanding there would be an FBI investigation of "the outstanding allegations, the three of them," but Republicans have not said whether that was their understanding as well.

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Trump urges supporters to vote in wake of Kavanaugh hearing

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump on Saturday turned his embattled Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh into a rallying cry for Republicans to vote in November, saying they can help reject the "ruthless and outrageous tactics" he says Democrats used against the judge.

"We see this horrible, horrible, radical group of Democrats. You see what's happening right now," Trump said at a rally with thousands of supporters in West Virginia. Trump won the state in 2016 by 42 percentage points and remains popular there.

"And they're determined to take back power by any means necessary. You see the meanness, the nastiness. They don't care who they hurt, who they have to run over to get power," he said.

"We're not going to give it to them," Trump said.

Kavanaugh, the federal appeals judge Trump nominated to the nation's highest court, appeared headed for confirmation until California professor Christine Blasey Ford accused him of sexually assaulting her when they were teenagers in Maryland in the 1980s. Kavanaugh denied her accusations and those of two other women since have accused him of sexual misconduct.

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Republicans fear political fallout from Kavanaugh turmoil

NEW YORK (AP) - Whether or not Republicans ultimately confirm President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee, some on the front lines of the GOP's midterm battlefield fear the party may have already lost.

In the days after a divided nation watched Brett Kavanaugh and his accuser Christine Blasey Ford deliver conflicting stories about what happened when they were teenagers, Republican campaign operatives acknowledged this is not the fight they wanted six weeks before Election Day.

Should they give Kavanaugh a lifetime appointment to the nation's highest court after Ford's powerful testimony about sexual assault, Republicans risk enraging the women they need to preserve their House majority. Vote him down, they risk enraging the party's defiant political base.

In swing state New Hampshire, former Republican Party chair Jennifer Horn said Republicans are "grossly underestimating the damage that would be done" at the ballot box in the short and long term should they confirm Kavanaugh.

Horn, a lifelong Republican and frequent Trump critic, described Ford as "the most credible person I have ever seen publicly talk about this." One young friend of Horn's family was so inspired by the testimony that she revealed her own painful experience with sexual assault on social media for the first time Thursday.

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Musk out as Tesla chair, remains CEO in $40M SEC settlement

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk have agreed to pay a total of $40 million and make a series of concessions to settle a government lawsuit alleging Musk duped investors with misleading statements about a proposed buyout of the company.

The settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission allows Musk to remain CEO of the electric car company but requires him to relinquish his role as chairman for at least three years.

Tesla must hire an independent chairman to oversee the company, something that should please a number of shareholders who have criticized Tesla's board for being too beholden to Musk.

The deal was announced Saturday, just two days after SEC filed its case seeking to oust Musk as CEO.

Musk, who has an estimated $20 billion fortune, and Tesla, a company that ended June with $2.2 billion in cash, each are paying $20 million to resolve the case, which stemmed from a tweet Musk sent on Aug. 7 indicating he had the financing in place to take Tesla private at a price of $420 per share.

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NKorea: US needs to build our trust, and sanctions lower it

UNITED NATIONS (AP) - North Korea needs more trust in the U.S. and their developing relationship before it will get rid of its nuclear weapons, Pyongyang's top diplomat said Saturday as an envoy from another of the international community's biggest worries - Syria - demanded that the U.S., France and Turkey withdraw their troops from his civil-war-wracked country.

More than three months after a June summit in Singapore between the U.S. and North Korean leaders, Ri Yong Ho told world leaders at the U.N. General Assembly that the North doesn't see a "corresponding response" from the U.S. to North Korea's early disarmament moves. Instead, he noted, the U.S. is continuing sanctions aimed at keeping up pressure.

"The perception that sanctions can bring us on our knees is a pipe dream of the people who are ignorant of us," he said, adding that the continued sanctions are "deepening our mistrust" and deadlocking the current diplomacy.

"Without any trust in the U.S., there will be no confidence in our national security, and under such circumstances there is no way we will unilaterally disarm ourselves first," Ri said, adding that the North's commitment to disarming is "solid and firm," but that trust is crucial.

Washington is wary of easing sanctions or agreeing to another of the North's priorities - a declaration ending the Korean War - without Pyongyang first making significant disarmament moves.

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N. Korea FM: Peace possible, but only if US ends hostility

UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Calling for more trust, North Korea's foreign minister urged the United States on Saturday to keep moving past what he called seven decades of entrenched hostility if Washington wants to restart stalled negotiations meant to rid Pyongyang of its nuclear bombs.

Boiling the rivals' diplomatic standoff down to the North's deepening feeling of mistrust, Ri Yong Ho sought to lay out a vision of peace on the troubled Korean Peninsula - provided the North gets what it wants from the United States.

Ri, standing at a podium at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, said North Korea is ready to implement the points that his leader, Kim Jong Un, and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to in June during a summit in Singapore.

But his comments were infused with what came across as impatience at the slow pace of progress in a process the world hopes will cause Pyongyang to abandon an arsenal of nuclear-tipped missiles that aims to accurately target the entire U.S. mainland.

In recent weeks, Kim Jong Un has said he would permanently dismantle North Korea's main nuclear complex, but only if the United States takes unspecified corresponding measures. Kim has also promised to accept international inspectors to monitor the closing of a key missile test site and launch pad.

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Syria FM: Victory over 'terrorism' is near, US must leave

UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Declaring that victory over "terrorism" is almost at hand after more than seven years of civil war, Syria's foreign minister took to the world stage Saturday and demanded that "occupation" forces from the U.S., France and Turkey leave the country immediately.

Walid al-Moallem told the General Assembly's high-level meeting that the situation on the ground "is more stable and secure thanks to combatting terrorism" and "all conditions are now present for the voluntary return of refugees."

Syrian government forces, backed by Russia and Iran, have retaken most of the territory rebels seized during the war that has killed over 400,000 people and driven millions from their homes. President Bashar Assad's government refers to all armed opposition and rebel groups fighting Syrian forces as "terrorists," not just Islamic State or al-Qaida militants.

Last week, Russia and Turkey agreed to a deal which stopped an imminent Syrian government offensive to retake the last major rebel stronghold in the northern province of Idlib. It calls for setting up a demilitarized zone around Idlib to separate government forces from rebels, including those from the al-Qaida-linked group formerly known as the Nusra Front.

"We hope that when the agreement is implemented, the Nusra Front and other terrorists will be eradicated, thus eliminating the last remnants of terrorism in Syria," al-Moallem said.

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Indonesia tsunami death toll nears 400, expected to rise

PALU, Indonesia (AP) - Residents too afraid to sleep indoors camped out in the darkness Saturday while victims recounted harrowing stories of being separated from their loved ones a day after a powerful earthquake triggered a tsunami that unleashed waves as high as 6 meters (20 feet), killing hundreds on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.

The official death toll stood at 384, with all the fatalities coming in the hard-hit city of Palu, but it was expected to rise once rescuers reached surrounding coastal areas, said disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho. He said others were unaccounted for, without giving an estimate. The nearby cities of Donggala and Mamuju were also ravaged, but little information was available due to damaged roads and disrupted telecommunications.

Nugroho said "tens to hundreds" of people were taking part in a beach festival in Palu when the tsunami struck at dusk on Friday. Their fate was unknown.

Hundreds of people were injured and hospitals, damaged by the magnitude 7.5 quake, were overwhelmed.

Some of the injured, including Dwi Haris, who suffered a broken back and shoulder, rested outside Palu's Army Hospital, where patients were being treated outdoors due to continuing strong aftershocks. Tears filled his eyes as he recounted feeling the violent earthquake shake the fifth-floor hotel room he shared with his wife and daughter.

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Tens of thousands say 'Not him' to leading Brazil candidate

SAO PAULO (AP) - Tens of thousands of Brazilians took to the streets Saturday in protest against the presidential front-runner, a far-right congressman whose campaign has exposed and deepened divisions in Latin America's largest country.

The protests came the same day that Jair Bolsonaro was discharged from a Sao Paulo hospital where he received treatment after being stabbed during a campaign rally on Sept. 6. On Saturday evening, after flying home to Rio, he tweeted that there was "no better feeling" than to be close to his family.

In Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia, people flooded avenues and squares to sing, dance and shout "Not him!" - the rallying cry of groups who are trying to prevent Bolsonaro from taking office in October elections.

"We're saying to those people who are undecided: Not him," said Selia Figueiredo, a 43-year-old banker in Sao Paulo, who said she worried for her rights as a gay woman if Bolsonaro were to win. They can vote "for anyone else, but not him."

In the heart of Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest city, leftist presidential candidate Guilherme Boulos and his running mate Sonia Guajajara led the march, while people beat drums and waved gay pride flags and banners that denounced Bolsonaro, who is known for offensive comments about gays, women and black people.

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Legendary Chicago blues guitarist Otis Rush dies at 84

CHICAGO (AP) - Legendary Chicago blues guitarist Otis Rush, whose passionate, jazz-influenced sound influenced generations of musicians, has died. He was 84.

His longtime manager Rick Bates says Rush died Saturday of complications from a stroke suffered in 2003.

Rush was a key architect of the Chicago "West Side Sound" in the 1950s and 1960s. His first recording in 1956 on Cobra Records, "I Can't Quit You Baby" reached No. 6 on the Billboard R&B Charts and catapulted him to fame.

He won a Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Recording in 1999 for "Any Place I'm Going." Rush was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 1984.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - The airline operating a flight that crashed into a Pacific lagoon on Friday in Micronesia says that one man is missing, after earlier saying that all 47 passengers and crew had safely evacuated the sinking plane.

Air Niugini said in a release that as of Saturday afternoon, it was unable to account for a male passenger. The airline said it was working with local authorities, hospitals and investigators to try to find the man.

The airline did not immediately offer any other details about the passenger, such as his age or nationality.

Local boats helped rescue the other passengers and crew after the plane hit the water while trying to land at the Chuuk Island airport. Officials had said earlier than seven people had been taken to a hospital.
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump has bowed to Democrats' demands for a deeper FBI investigation of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh after Republican Sen. Jeff Flake balked at voting for confirmation without it. The president's sudden change of heart left Senate approval newly uncertain amid allegations of sexual assault when Kavanaugh and his accuser - Christine Blasey (blah-zee) Ford - were teens.

Kavanaugh's nomination had appeared back on track earlier Friday when he cleared a key hurdle at the Senate Judiciary Committee. But that advance came with an asterisk. Flake indicated he would take the next steps - leading to full Senate approval - only after the further background probe, and there were suggestions that other moderate Republicans might join his revolt.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa chairs a meeting of the committee, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018 on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., speaks before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing about an investigation, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018 on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., attends a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018 on Capitol Hill in Washington (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

In this Sept. 27, 2018, photo, Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Kavanaugh's nomination for the Supreme Court after agreeing to a late call from Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., for a one week investigation into sexual assault allegations against the high court nominee. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Pool)

Christine Blasey Ford testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018 in Washington. (Win McNamee/Pool Image via AP)

Protesters rally against Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh as the Senate Judiciary Committee debates his confirmation, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, at the Supreme Court in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Democratic Senators stand to walk out of a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018 on Capitol Hill in Washington (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., listen as Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., speaks during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, on Capitol Hill in Washington. The committee advanced Brett Kavanaugh's nomination for the Supreme Court after agreeing to a late call from Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., for a one week investigation into sexual assault allegations against the high court nominee. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., holds up documents as he speaks at a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018 on Capitol Hill in Washington (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump says he found the testimony by a woman who said she was sexually assaulted by Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh decades ago to be "very compelling," but added that he'd given no consideration to the idea of nominating someone else.

"Not even a little bit," Trump said Friday.

The president told reporters that Christine Blasey Ford "was a very credible witness" but also that Kavanaugh's own testimony on Thursday before the Senate Judiciary Committee was "an incredible moment."

Reiterating his support for Kavanaugh, Trump said, "I think it will work out very well for the country."

The president also expressed confidence in the confirmation process as an 11th-hour demand from a key Republican senator again threatened to derail the timeline for a Senate vote.

"I'm going to let the Senate handle that, they'll make their decisions and they've been doing a good job and very professional," he said. "I'm sure it will all be very good."

President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Chilean president Sebastian Pinera, in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The White House had resisted calls for another investigation, as Kavanaugh denied allegations of sexual misconduct in fiery testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday. But the White House's hand was forced Friday by announcement by Arizona Republican Sen. Jeff Flake that he would not vote in Kavanaugh's favor without a follow-on probe.

Trump said in a statement that the updated investigation "must be limited in scope" and "completed in less than one week."

On Twitter later Friday, Trump wrote: "Just started, tonight, our 7th FBI investigation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh. He will someday be recognized as a truly great Justice of The United States Supreme Court!"

Trump missed hardly a moment of Thursday's hearing, relying on DVRs to keep up on the hearing from his private office on Air Force One as he traveled from New York to Washington, and continuing to monitor it back at the White House, where Ford's voice echoed from TVs around the building.

Within moments of the eight-hour proceedings concluding, Trump tweeted his approval of Kavanaugh's performance and called on the Senate to move swiftly to a vote. "His testimony was powerful, honest, and riveting," Trump said. "Democrats' search and destroy strategy is disgraceful and this process has been a total sham and effort to delay, obstruct, and resist. The Senate must vote!"

Ford's tearful recounting of allegations that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were in high school led Trump to express sympathy for Kavanaugh and his family for having to listen to the testimony, according to two Republicans close to the White House but not authorized to speak publicly about private conversations. They added that Trump expressed some frustration at the process - and the staff work - that led Kavanaugh to this point.

After seeing Ford's powerful testimony, White House aides and allies expressed concern that Kavanaugh, whose nomination already seemed to be teetering, would have difficulty to deliver a strong enough showing to match hers.

White House officials believe Kavanaugh's passionate denials of Ford's claims, including the judge's tearful description of the impact the accusations had on his family, met the challenge. A White House official who was not authorized to speak publicly said the West Wing saw the judge's opening statement as "game changing" and said Trump appeared to react positively.

Trump told associates after the hearing that he liked Kavanaugh's fighting attitude and was critical of Democrats who he sees as politicizing the process, said a person familiar with his thinking who was not authorized to disclose private conversations. He was happy with Republicans on the committee, though he was not impressed with the questioning from an outside female prosecutor. While he acknowledges the vote will be close, he currently thinks they will get there.

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Lemire reported from New York. Associated Press writers Ken Thomas and Jill Colvin contributed from Washington.

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For more coverage of Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination, visit https://apnews.com/tag/Kavanaughnomination

President Donald Trump listens to a reporter's question during a meeting with Chilean president Sebastian Pinera, in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - Two Afghan police officers were gunned down by a fellow policeman in southern Kandahar province, the latest in so-called "insider" attacks in the war-battered country, a spokesman said Saturday.

According to Aziz Ahmad Azizi, the provincial governor's spokesman, three other policemen were wounded in the attack late on Friday night.

The incident took place at a remote police outpost in Raghistan district. Azizi said the attacker, who had joined the police force around a year ago, was able to flee the area.

A police investigation has been launched into the attack. No militant group immediately claimed responsibility but blame is likely to fall on the Taliban.

In the past, perpetrators of insider attacks - either members of the Afghan forces or assailants wearing uniforms of various Afghan troops - would turn the gun on their fellow soldiers or policemen and would later flee the scene of the attack to join the Taliban.

In other developments, six Afghan soldiers were injured when a military helicopter crash-landed in northern Parwan province on Saturday afternoon, Ghafor Ahmad Jawed, spokesman for the Afghan defense ministry, said.

Jawed said the crash, which occurred in Koh-e Safi district, was caused by a technical malfunction and was not the result of enemy fire.

However, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the insurgents had downed the chopper, allegedly killing several members of Afghan commando units. The insurgents typically exaggerate their claims.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The tension in the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing room was almost unbearable in the hours and minutes before Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake announced that he wanted a limited FBI investigation of the sexual assault claims against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

The committee, and the Senate, seemed to be careening toward bedlam. Republicans gave fiery speeches defending Kavanaugh. Some Democrats walked out of the room, irate that the committee was voting on Kavanaugh less than 24 hours after hearing from his accuser, Christine Blasey Ford. Protesters roamed the halls outside and yelled at senators, including Flake hours earlier as he tried to get into an elevator.

As Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar said, it was "not normal."

Then Flake made his move, signaling Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware to come talk to him in a small private room off the dais.

Suddenly, the mood in the room began shifting from death match to deal making as senators huddled in a back hallway off the anteroom.

Ultimately, Flake, a Republican who is retiring from the Senate this year, said that he would not be ready to vote for Kavanaugh until the FBI conducts a background investigation into the sexual misconduct claims. He said he would vote for Kavanaugh in committee, but wanted a week for the investigation before a floor vote.

Sen. Jeff Flake, R- Ariz., is questioned by reporters about Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, Friday Sept. 28, 2018, on Capitol Hill in Washington. After a flurry of last-minute negotiations, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Brett Kavanaugh's nomination for the Supreme Court after agreeing to a late call from Sen. Flake for a one week investigation into sexual assault allegation against the high court nominee. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

The announcement upended his party's plans to move quickly to confirm Kavanaugh and made clear what many had suspected: that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell did not have the votes to proceed to Kavanaugh's nomination over the weekend. McConnell, R-Ky., soon called for the investigation as well, after resisting that step since the allegations became public.

Inside the anteroom, Flake had huddled with Coons and California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the committee, as other Republicans and Democrats came in and out. The senators crowded in the back corridor of the room as staff filled the main area.

"At one point there were 14 senators jammed into a corner," said Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, a Democrat on the Judiciary panel.

Talking to his colleagues, Flake voiced discomfort with the accusation against Kavanaugh and said he was leaning toward asking for an FBI investigation, according to two people in the room granted anonymity to discuss the private conversation.

Other Republicans entered, including Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, to make their case to Flake. Coons said afterward that Flake's fellow Republicans tried "vigorously" to get him to drop his concerns. According to one person in the room, Flake tried to reach FBI Director Christopher Wray on the telephone, but ended up talking to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.

Ultimately, Flake stopped short of where Democrats hoped he would land, which was putting a hold on a committee vote. Instead he wanted the one-week delay on a final vote on Kavanaugh's confirmation while allowing the nomination to move out of committee to the full Senate.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, mostly stayed out of the discussion, instead sitting awkwardly on the dais as people in the room buzzed about what might be happening behind the closed doors. Grassley did walk into the anteroom briefly, where Flake told him his decision.

The senators then filed out, and Flake announced the agreement.

"This country is being ripped apart here," Flake said. "We've got to make sure that we do due diligence."

The short delay would allow time for an FBI background investigation, Flake said. President Trump would reluctantly authorize one later in the day.

Flake later said he knew his Republican colleagues Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine - key swing votes on Kavanaugh - would feel more comfortable moving ahead if there were an FBI review.

"But most of all the country needs to feel better about this. This is ripping us apart, and there are enough things ripping us apart," he said.

Flake's made-for-TV moment in the hearing room was indicative of how wrenching things had become on Capitol Hill in the 24 hours since Ford publicly accused Kavanaugh of sexual assault when they were teenagers. Kavanaugh, in testimony that alternated between anger and tears, denied ever doing such a thing to Ford or anyone else.

The charged emotions were mirrored by the senators in the room, including Lindsey Graham, who at one point on Thursday delivered an angry diatribe against the "sham process." Red-faced and pointing his finger as he spoke, Graham reached nearly reach the same heights of anger Kavanaugh displayed in his more than 40-minute opening statement.

After Friday's meeting, Coons said that Flake had approached him on the dais, wanting to talk about the Delaware senator's call for a one-week delay on Kavanaugh's nomination. Flake "asked me to come into the anteroom to talk to him about how that might be made more real," he said.

The Delaware senator said there were some "sharp conversations" as the discussions went on about how partisan the committee had been, and how he and Flake wanted to improve on that.

Coons' eyes welled with tears as he told reporters afterward about the deep respect that he and Flake share for the Senate as an institution. He said Flake had been a role model to him, "as someone who is willing to take a real political risk, and upset many in his party by asking for a pause so the American people can hear that we are able to work together on some things."

Flake, for his part, said he didn't expect the FBI investigation to change many Democratic votes. "But they will feel better about the process," he said.

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Tom Beaumont and Kevin Freking contributed reporting from Washington.

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For more coverage of Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination, visit https://apnews.com/tag/Kavanaughnomination
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - The first Kenyan feature film to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival has received overwhelming audience support since a court temporarily lifted a ban imposed by censors over the film's gay content, a lawyer said Friday.

"Rafiki" went from being screened once a day in one theater in Nairobi on Sept. 22 to three daily screenings at theaters in three of Kenya's largest cities as of Friday, said Sofia Leteipan, who represents director Wanuri Kahiu.

The court ruled that the film, a love story featuring two women, could be viewed locally for one week to make it eligible for Oscar contention. The ban will resume after Sunday showings.

Ezekiel Mutua, the head of the Kenya Film Classification Board, has said that only "a small portion" of the country's population has seen it.

"There is no market for homosexual movies in Kenya. Is there value for money in making a homosexual movie that will be watched by 300 out of 44 million people?" Mutua said in an interview on Citizen Television earlier in the week.

It is illegal to have same-gender sex in Kenya. Gays and lesbians in many parts of Africa face severe harassment, physical threats and judicial punishment.

Kenya's National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission is currently in court arguing that sections of the penal code violate the constitution and deny basic rights by criminalizing consensual same-sex relations between adults.

Leteipan said that although "Rafiki" in the end was not nominated for an Oscar, its screening across Kenya is a "huge win for the articulation of freedom of expression."

She said that after the ban resumes, "we'll still be in court pursuing the original petition to have the ban permanently lifted and strike out provisions of Films and Stage Plays Act which restrict freedom of expression and constrain creativity."

After watching the film, gay activist Immah Reid called it a "well-structured conversation starter for sexuality in Kenya ... how gender appears and the violence people who don't conform to gender rules end up going through."

Maureen Nyambura, a university student, said it is progress that "Rafiki" is being seen in a society that often doesn't tolerate different sexualities.

"You don't have to be a woman to fall in love with a man and vice versa. It's time Kenya embraces sexual diversity," she said.

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Follow Africa news at https://twitter.com/AP_Africa
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - North Korea needs more trust in the U.S. and their developing relationship before it will get rid of its nuclear weapons, Pyongyang's top diplomat said Saturday as an envoy from another of the international community's biggest worries - Syria - demanded that the U.S., France and Turkey withdraw their troops from his civil-war-wracked country.

More than three months after a June summit in Singapore between the U.S. and North Korean leaders, Ri told world leaders at the U.N. General Assembly that the North doesn't see a "corresponding response" from the U.S. to North Korea's early disarmament moves. Instead, he noted, the U.S. is continuing sanctions aimed at keeping up pressure.

"The perception that sanctions can bring us on our knees is a pipe dream of the people who are ignorant of us," he said, adding that the continued sanctions are "deepening our mistrust" and deadlocking the current diplomacy.

"Without any trust in the U.S., there will be no confidence in our national security, and under such circumstances there is no way we will unilaterally disarm ourselves first," Ri said, adding that the North's commitment to disarming is "solid and firm," but that trust is crucial.

Washington is wary of easing sanctions or agreeing to another of the North's priorities - a declaration ending the Korean War - without Pyongyang first making significant disarmament moves.

Ri's comments come as U.S. President Donald Trump and his secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, are trying to regain momentum in their quest to get North Korea to renounce its nuclear ambitions.

Syrian Deputy Prime Minister Walid Al-Moualem addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Pompeo is planning to visit Pyongyang next month to prepare for a second Kim-Trump summit.

Both Kim and Trump want to meet again. But there is widespread skepticism that Pyongyang is serious about renouncing an arsenal that the country likely sees as the only way to guarantee its safety.

Pompeo and Ri met on the sidelines of the General Assembly Wednesday for what Pompeo described as a "very positive" discussion. He did not give any details.

The North has traditionally said that the nuclear standoff is between it and the United States, but recent summits between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in have also dealt with the nuclear issue.

Nuclear envoys from the U.S. and ally South Korea have met three times during this week's U.N. meetings to talk about ways to end North Korea's pursuit of an arsenal of nuclear-armed long-range missiles.

Like North Korea, Syria could be on the cusp of significant developments.

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem declared Saturday that his country's "battle against terrorism is almost over" after more than seven years of civil war.

He demanded that U.S., French and Turkish troops pull out of the country immediately, calling them "occupation forces" that are there illegally, without the government's invitation. The United States has around 2,000 troops in northern Syria, working with local forces against Islamic State militants in the country.

Al-Moallem vehemently restated denials that Damascus has used chemical weapons during the war - although international investigators have found otherwise - and he called on all refugees to return home, saying that is a priority for Damascus.

"Today, the situation on the ground is more stable and secure, thanks to combatting terrorism," he said. "All conditions are now present for the voluntary return of refugees."

Syrian government forces, backed by Russia and Iran, have retaken most of the territory rebels seized during the war that has killed over 400,000 people and driven millions from their homes.

A military offensive by President Bashar Assad's forces on Idlib, the last remaining rebel stronghold, was averted last week in a deal reached between Russia and Turkey to set up a demilitarized zone around the province. Still, there is uncertainty over how the deal will be implemented; two insurgent groups have rejected it.

Idlib has been a relative refuge for people displaced by violence in other parts of the country, and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said a full-scale battle for Idlib could unleash "a humanitarian nightmare" surpassing the misery already seen during the war.

Trump, speaking before the U.N. Security Council Wednesday, warned Assad against a far-reaching offensive on the northeastern region: "I hope the restraint continues. The world is watching."

Al-Moallem said the Syrian government hopes that when the demilitarization zone deal is implemented, "the last remnants of terrorism in Syria" will be eradicated.

Investigators from the U.N. and an international chemical weapons watchdog have attributed several chemical attacks during the war to government forces, while also blaming the Islamic State extremist group for at least one chemical assault. Syria has denied using chemical weapons in the fight.

"We fully condemn the use of chemical weapons under any circumstances," al-Moallem said. He said countries have lobbed "ready-made accusations" at Syria without what he described as any investigation or evidence.

The issue has been a flashpoint at the U.N. Security Council, with the U.S. and Western countries denouncing Assad over chemical attacks and Russia rejecting the investigators' findings. The U.S. has twice carried out its own airstrikes in response to the chemical attacks.

In November, Russia used its Security Council veto to block Western efforts to keep the investigative body going.

Meanwhile, the U.N.-led effort to bring Syria's warring factions together to work on a new constitution, which would pave the way for elections, would be held has been stalled for years.

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Associated Press writer Maria Sanminiatelli contributed to this report.
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - A prominent Iranian lawmaker says the terror attack on a military parade in the southwestern city of Ahvaz that killed 24 people was the result of negligence by security forces.

The Saturday report by semi-official ISNA news agency quoted the head of Iran's parliamentary committee on national security and foreign policy, Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh, as saying a video shot by the Intelligence Ministry and the Army makes this clear

Describing the video, he says: "The cameraman begged a sniper to shoot the attackers, but the sniper waited for his commander's order."

Falahatpisheh also said some of the wounded in last Saturday's attack had experience fighting the Islamic State group in Syria and if they had a gun, they could have prevented the tragedy from happening.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) - The Latest on the Israel-Palestinians conflict (all times local):

3:20 p.m.

Officials from the Islamic Hamas group are travelling to Egypt in another attempt to negotiate the easing of the blockade on the territory.

Hussam Badran, a politburo member of the militant group, said the delegation is arriving in Cairo in a few hours.

The officials, who he did not name, will work on "lifting the suffering on our people in Gaza as an urgent mission."

The talks will focus on reaching a cease-fire deal that Hamas hopes will relax the blockade Israel and Egypt imposed when Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007.

Palestinian relatives of 14 year-old boy, Mohammed al-Houm, who was shot and killed by Israeli troops on Friday's ongoing protest at the Gaza Strip's border with Israel, mourn as relatives carry his body into the family home during his funeral in Bureij refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Earlier this week, a Hamas official, Sami Abu Zuhri, said the Egyptian-sponsored efforts to broker a settlement with Israel to lift the closure had been disrupted.

Since March, Hamas has led protests along Gaza's perimeter fence with Israel, accelerating them recently.

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3:10 p.m.

Thousands attended funerals for seven Palestinians killed by Israeli fire in deadliest day of protests aimed at Gaza's border blockade in several months.

Among those killed near Gaza's perimeter fence were two boys, ages 11 and 14. A Gaza rights group says the 11-year-old is the youngest to have been killed by Israeli fire in the protests.

The top U.N. humanitarian official in the region, Jamie McGoldrick, said Saturday he is "deeply saddened" by the loss of life. He said the sides must ensure children aren't the target of violence or put at risk of violence.

In Friday's protest, thousands rallied near the fence, with hundreds breaching it in one area. Amateur videos showed protesters kissing the ground on the Israeli side amid sound of repeated gunshots.

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11:55 a.m.

Hundreds have attended the funeral of an 11-year-old Palestinian boy, apparently the youngest killed by Israeli fire in six months of protests along Gaza's perimeter fence.

Nasser Musabeh was among seven protesters who Gaza health officials say were killed by Israeli troops near the fence Friday.

Protests began in March and recently accelerated after the latest failure to negotiate an easing of Gaza's 11-year-old border blockade. Israel and Egypt imposed the closure after the Islamic militant Hamas seized Gaza in 2007.

Friday marked the deadliest day of protests since mid-May when 60 Palestinians were killed.

Gaza health officials initially said Musabeh was 12. However, his family gave his date of birth as Dec. 29, 2006.

Another 11-year-old was previously killed in unclear circumstances in the protests by a blunt object.

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8:30 a.m.

Palestinian health officials say Israeli troops have killed seven Palestinians, two of them children, and wounded dozens more as Gaza's Hamas rulers stepped up protests along the border fence.

Friday marked the deadliest day in recent weeks as thousands of Palestinians gathered at five locations along Gaza Strip's frontier with Israel in response to calls by Hamas, the militant group that has controlled Gaza since seizing it from the Palestinian Authority in 2007.

Two of the dead were children, aged 12 and 14, the Gaza Health Ministry said, adding that all the dead had gunshot wounds. At least 90 other protesters were wounded by live fire, officials said.

Hamas has led weekly protests since March, but accelerated them in recent weeks to near daily events, pressing for an end to a crippling Israeli-Egyptian blockade imposed after Hamas's violent takeover of Gaza in 2007.

Palestinian relatives of 14 year-old boy, Mohammed al-Houm, who was shot and killed by Israeli troops on Friday's ongoing protest at the Gaza Strip's border with Israel, mourn at the family home during his funeral in Bureij refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Palestinian relatives of 14 year-old boy, Mohammed al-Houm, who was shot and killed by Israeli troops on Friday's ongoing protest at the Gaza Strip's border with Israel, mourn at the family home during his funeral in Bureij refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)
ATHENS, Greece (AP) - A powerful Mediterranean storm has brought torrential rain to southern Greece, as civil protection services remained on alert across most of the country despite news that the storm's intensity weakened as it moved eastward.

The storm, called Zorba, moved past the southwestern tip of the Peloponnese on Saturday as winds of up to 90 kph (55 mph) were reported in the area. The storm was expected to bring heavy rainfall to greater Athens later Saturday as it rolls toward islands in the Aegean Sea and Turkey's coast.

Most ferry services from mainland ports near Athens were cancelled, while the bad weather caused limited flight delays.
VATICAN CITY (AP) - Pope Francis is asking for daily prayers to protect the Catholic Church from what he says are "attacks by the devil," in his latest response to the clerical sex abuse and cover-up scandal roiling his papacy.

A Vatican statement Saturday appeared to be an indirect response to accusations that Francis himself, and other Vatican officials before him, were complicit in covering up the sexual misconduct of a now-disgraced American ex-cardinal.

The Vatican said Francis invited Catholics worldwide to pray the Rosary each day during October "to protect the church from the devil, who is always looking to divide us from God and from one another."

Francis also wants prayers so the church becomes ever more aware of its "guilt, errors and abuses committed in the present and the past."
KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) - A Pakistani court has found a former judge and his accomplice guilty of killing the young son of another former judge and sentenced them to death.

Sikandar Lashari and Irfan Bengali had been charged with murdering 19-year-old Aqib Shahani, the son of former judge Khalid Shahani, in the city of Hyderabad. The verdicts were announced in open court Saturday.

Pakistani media have reported that Aqib was in love with Lashari's daughter but Lashari was against the relationship.

More than 20 witnesses testified against them and authorities said they confessed to the crime during the investigation.

Prosecutors say the young Shahani was traveling with his mother and two sisters in a car when gunmen blocked his way. They dragged Shahani out of the car and shot him to death on Feb. 19, 2014. Four suspects are still wanted.
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) - The Latest on protests in Barcelona (all times local):

4:25 p.m.

Catalonia regional authorities say 14 people have been hurt and six arrested after separatists clashed violently with police on Saturday.

The regional police force said one of its officers was injured, although it was not immediately clear if the officer was counted among the 14 people who needed medical attention.

Medical authorities say three people were taken to the hospital while the others were treated on site.

Catalan separatists clashed several times with police, tossing colored powder before charging police lines, in downtown Barcelona. The separatists were protesting a march being held by supporters of Spain's national police.

Pro independence demonstrators throw paint at Catalan police officers during clashes in Barcelona, Spain, on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Catalan separatists clashed with police on Saturday in downtown Barcelona as tensions increase before the anniversary of the Spanish region's illegal referendum on secession that ended in violent raids by security forces. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)

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3:25 p.m.

Catalan regional police say that they have made two arrests after Catalan separatists clashed with police in downtown Barcelona.

Catalan police have told The Associated Press that both people were arrested on charges of acting violently against police officers.

Catalan separatists clashed several times, tossing colored powder before charging police lines, in downtown Barcelona on Saturday. The separatists were protesting a march being held by supporters of Spain's national police.

The confrontations occurred two days before the anniversary of an illegal referendum on Catalonia's secession that ended in raids by Spain's nationwide police forces.

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2:10 p.m.

Catalan separatists have clashed again with local police in Barcelona as they protest a march in support of Spanish police.

Local Catalan police have had to intervene several times to keep hundreds of separatists from approaching Barcelona's main city square where the Spanish police marchers have gathered.

The separatists are shouting "get out of here fascists!" across the police line at the marchers, many of whom are carrying Spanish flags.

Earlier on Saturday, the separatist protesters tossed colored dust at Catalan police, who used batons to keep them back when they tried to approach the other march at its starting point in a nearby street.

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11:40 a.m.

Police have clashed with a group of Catalan separatists in downtown Barcelona who have gathered to protest another march by Spanish police demanding better pay.

Local Catalan police intervened Saturday to form a barrier when a separatist threw purple paint on a man who was part of the march in support of Spanish police.

Agents used batons to push back the oncoming separatists and keep apart the opposing groups.

Tensions are running high in Spain's northeastern Catalonia ahead of Monday's anniversary of an illegal referendum on independence held by regional lawmakers. The referendum was marred when Spanish national police and Civil Guard officers clashed with voters, injuring hundreds.

A woman wearing a Spanish flag hits a man wearing an Independence flag, followinga demonstration erupting in clashes in Barcelona, Spain, on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Catalan separatists clashed with police on Saturday in downtown Barcelona as tensions increase before the anniversary of the Spanish region's illegal referendum on secession that ended in violent raids by security forces. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)

Catalan police officers clash with pro-independence demonstrators on their way to meet demonstrations by member and supporters of National Police and Guardia Civil in Barcelona on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Pro independence demonstrators react as they are stop by Catalan police officers on their way to meet demonstrations by member and supporters of National Police and Guardia Civil, as coloured powder is seen in the air after being thrown by protesters, in Barcelona on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Catalan police officers cordon off the street to stop pro independence demonstrators, on their way to meet demonstrations by members and supporters of National Police and Guardia Civil in Barcelona on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Catalan police officers try to stop pro independence demonstrators, on their way to meet demonstrations by member and supporters of the National Police and Guardia Civil in Barcelona on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Catalan police officers clash with pro independence demonstrators on their way to meet a demonstrations of member and supporters of National Police and Guardia Civil in Barcelona on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Catalan police officers clash with pro independence demonstrators on their way to meet a demonstrations by member and supporters of National Police and Guardia Civil in Barcelona on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Catalan police officers clash with pro independence demonstrators on their way to meet a demonstrations by member and supporters of National Police and Guardia Civil in Barcelona on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Catalan police officers clash with pro independence demonstrators on their way to meet demonstrations by members and supporters of National Police and Guardia Civil in Barcelona on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
WASHINGTON (AP) - It's the storm before the calm at the Supreme Court.

Americans watched Thursday's high court nomination hearing of Judge Brett Kavanaugh with rapt attention. The televised spectacle was filled with disturbing allegations of sexual assault and Kavanaugh's angry, emotional denial.

On Monday, the court will begin its new term with the crack of the marshal's gavel and not a camera in sight.

The term's start has been completely overshadowed by the tumult over Kavanaugh's nomination.

Republicans had hoped to have Kavanaugh confirmed in time for the court's first public meeting since late June, an addition that would cement conservative control of the court.

Instead, there are only eight justices on the bench for the second time in three terms, with a breakdown of four conservatives and four liberals. The court was down a member in October 2016, too, following the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. Justice Neil Gorsuch joined the court in April 2017, after all but about a dozen cases had been argued

In this Sept. 21, 2018, photo, the Supreme Court is seen in Washington. On Monday, the court will begin its new term with the crack of the marshal's gavel and not a camera in sight. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

It's unclear how long the vacancy created by Justice Anthony Kennedy's retirement in July will last. Consideration of Kavanaugh's nomination by the Senate has been delayed while the FBI undertakes an investigation of Christine Blasey Ford's allegation that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in 1982.

An empty seat on the bench often forces a push for compromise and leads to a less exciting caseload, mainly to avoid 4-4 splits between conservatives and liberals.

The cases the court has agreed to hear so far this term look nothing like the stream of high-profile disputes over President Donald Trump's travel ban, partisan redistricting, union fees and a clash over religious objections to same-sex marriage that the court heard last term.

"It's a time of transition for the Supreme Court," Solicitor General Noel Francisco, the Trump administration's top Supreme Court lawyer, told a Federalist Society meeting in Washington recently.

Kennedy won't be on the bench for the first time in more than 30 years, meaning lawyers will not have to aim their arguments at attracting his swing vote. Now, Chief Justice John Roberts probably will be the justice closest to the center of the court, although he is far more conservative than Kennedy on most issues.

"All eyes ought to be on the chief justice," said Greg Garre, a solicitor general during George W. Bush's presidency. Roberts' votes in favor of President Barack Obama's signature domestic legislation, the Affordable Care Act, show "he's willing to buck other conservatives on hot-button, high-profile issues," Garre said.

In addition, even if Kavanaugh or another Trump nominee eventually joins the court, Roberts' concern about the public's perception of the court might make him unwilling to move the court too far, too fast in any direction, Garre said.

So far, the court has agreed to hear about 40 cases, and could add a few dozen more to decide by the end of the term in June.

The very first case involves the federal government's designation of Louisiana timberland as critical habitat for the endangered dusky gopher frog, though the frog is found only in Mississippi.

Two cases involving the death penalty will be argued in the first two months, including one on Tuesday in which lawyers for Alabama death row inmate Vernon Madison argue he shouldn't be executed because strokes and dementia have left him unable to remember the details of the killing of a police officer in 1985. In November, Missouri inmate Russell Bucklew says he shouldn't be subjected to execution by lethal injection because he has a rare medical condition that could cause him to choke on his own blood during an execution.

The court stopped both executions on the days they were supposed to take place, which often suggests the inmate will prevail in the end. But Kennedy was a vote for the inmates in both cases, and it's not clear there is a majority of five justices for either Madison or Bucklew.

The court will also take on issues including the detention of immigrants, uranium mining in Virginia and the settlement of a class action lawsuit involving Google where the settlement largely directed money to organizations rather than search engine users.

Supreme Court terms often get off to a slow start, then roar to their finish.

Francisco, in his Federalist Society talk, suggested that could be the case over the next few months.

"The real key to the coming term is what's in the pipeline," he said.

Lawsuits over the Obama-era program that shields young immigrants from deportation, a new challenge to the health care law, anti-discrimination protections for LGBT people, the Trump policy on transgender service members and a new fight over partisan gerrymandering all are percolating in federal courts and could reach the justices this term.

Another wild card is special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation and the possibility that he could try to force Trump to testify to a grand jury or, perhaps less likely, indict him. The court has never directly addressed either issue regarding a president.

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For more coverage of Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination, visit https://apnews.com/tag/Kavanaughnomination
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - The sun had just slipped behind the mountains, leaving a soft pink glow as the blue sea melted into the darkening horizon. It could have been a video postcard from a tropical paradise, except for the long white wave stretching the width of the bay - getting larger and closer with each passing second.

By the time the fast-moving wall of frothing water slammed into the city of Palu off Indonesia's Sulawesi island on Friday, it was 3 meters (10 feet) high.

The tsunami, triggered by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake, destroyed the idyllic scene in seconds, leaving hundreds dead. The video clip, shot on a smartphone and widely broadcast Saturday on Indonesian TV, showed water swallowing an entire row of buildings and gushing into streets and a damaged mosque as onlookers ran in terror. Photos showed twisted tin and wood splinters floating in the coffee-colored torrent alongside cars and motorbikes that had been tossed like toys. A shopping mall was reduced to rubble.

Images also showed bodies draped in crude blue tarps on roads near the beach, while others were laid out in rows on concrete foundations. One man carried a dead child through the debris.

Experts said the long, narrow bay running into Palu, a city of 380,000, squeezed the tsunami into a tight space, likely making the waves more dangerous. Officials said more than 380 were dead in Palu alone, and more were unaccounted for.

"Because of the bay, all the water comes there and collects together. And then it makes it higher," said Nazli Ismail, a geophysicist at the University of Syiah Kuala in Banda Aceh on Indonesia's Sumatra island, where a magnitude 9.1 earthquake spawned a tsunami in 2004, killing 230,000 people in a dozen countries.

A man surveys the damage following earthquakes and a tsunami in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. A tsunami swept away buildings and killed large number of people on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, dumping victims caught in its relentless path across a devastated landscape that rescuers were struggling to reach Saturday, hindered by damaged roads and broken communications. (AP Photo/Rifki)

Disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said the waves reached as high as 6 meters (20 feet) in at least one area, according to a report relayed by a man who called to say he survived only by climbing and clinging to a tree. The cities of Donggala and Mamuju were also hit, but they had not yet been reached. Roads were impassable, cut off by debris and landslides, and communications were nearly impossible.

"We need heavy equipment for this evacuation process," Nugroho said. "We also need to double up our rescue team personnel."

Hospitals in Palu were swamped with patients lying on the ground hooked to drips. One woman was about to give birth. They were being treated outdoors due to continuing strong aftershocks, and many residents in the area were also sleeping outside, too afraid to return indoors. The city was eerily dark and quiet with no electricity and not even landline phones working.

A massive yellow suspension bridge crossing an estuary feeding into the bay was toppled - either by the earthquake or tsunami - and left lying on its side in the water.

Ismail said he was surprised that a tsunami was generated off the coast of central Sulawesi, which sits on a strike-slip fault, producing earthquakes that typically move in a horizontal motion and do not usually displace large amounts of water.

In contrast, temblors occurring where one tectonic plate is lodged beneath another - called subduction zones - can move large amounts of water vertically when the strain forces one plate to pop up or dive down. The force can create devastating tsunamis like the one in Sumatra and off Japan's northeast coast in 2011.

But Danny Hilman Natawidjaja, a geologist with the Indonesian Institute of Sciences, said the Sulawesi event is more complicated. While it occurred on a strike-slip fault, he said the part that ruptured was on a small segment that can move in a vertical motion. He said that could have triggered the tsunami, which also could have been created by an underwater landslide.

Indonesia, a vast archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, is prone to earthquakes because of its location on the "Ring of Fire," an arc of volcanoes and fault lines in the Pacific Basin.

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Associated Press writer Niniek Karmini in Palu, Indonesia, contributed to this report.

Indonesian men survey the damage following earthquakes and a tsunami in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. A tsunami swept away buildings and killed large number of people on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, dumping victims caught in its relentless path across a devastated landscape that rescuers were struggling to reach Saturday, hindered by damaged roads and broken communications. (AP Photo/Rifki)

Indonesian men carry the body of a tsunami victim in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. A tsunami swept away buildings and killed large number of people on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, dumping victims caught in its relentless path across a devastated landscape that rescuers were struggling to reach Saturday, hindered by damaged roads and broken communications. (AP Photo/Rifki)

People carry the body of a tsunami victim in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. A powerful earthquake rocked the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday, triggering a 3-meter-tall (10-foot-tall) tsunami that an official said swept away houses in at least two cities. (AP Photo/Rifki)

Residents carry the body of a tsunami victim in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. A powerful earthquake rocked the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday, triggering a 3-meter-tall (10-foot-tall) tsunami that an official said swept away houses in at least two cities. (AP Photo/Rifki)

A man carries the body of a child who was killed in the tsunami in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. A powerful earthquake rocked the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday, triggering a 3-meter-tall (10-foot-tall) tsunami that an official said swept away houses in at least two cities. (AP Photo/Rifki)

A man surveys the damage caused by earthquake and tsunami in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. The powerful earthquake rocked the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday, triggering a 3-meter-tall (10-foot-tall) tsunami that an official said swept away houses in at least two cities. (AP Photo/Rifki)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 1)  Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque has a piece of advice for fellow government officials: follow President Rodrigo Duterte's example when it comes to adhering to public rules.

The spokesman, during his regular briefing Monday, was asked to comment on ACTS OFW Representative John Bertiz' viral airport video, where the congressman appeared to have engaged in an argument with a transport security personnel.

While Roque refused to comment on the issue, he said other public officials should abide by the example the President has set when it comes to these transport regulations.

"I will not speculate, but I think you can look at the video of the President himself going to the airport and undergoing the exact same security procedures as everyone else," Roque told reporters in Malacanang. "Let's learn by way of example from what the President is doing. Hindi po humihingi ng special treatment ang Presidente."

[Translation: The President is not asking for any special treatment.]

"I find it incredible na yung minsan... yung Presidential convoy tumitigil sa mga red lights. Sabi ko, talaga? Di ba kaya nga may convoy na ganito para dire-diretso? Pero the President really insists, even in a convoy, to follow traffic rules and traffic lights."

[Translation: I find it incredible that sometimes, the Presidential convoy stops at red lights. I said, really? Isn't the convoy supposed to make our travel time faster? But the President really insists, even in a convoy, to follow traffic rules and traffic lights.]

"So kung ganyan po ang Presidente, sana lahat po ng opisyales ng bayan ay sumunod na rin po sa ganitong ehemplo," he added.

[Translation: So if the President is like this, I hope all of the officials in the country will follow this example.]

In a closed-circuit television video posted on Facebook by a netizen Sunday, Bertiz, who was going through Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) security, appeared to forcibly take the ID of an airport personnel. He argued the staff did not perform the same security checks on "Chinese-looking nationals."

The congressman has since apologized for the clip.

Special Assistant to the President Bong Go meanwhile echoed Roque's sentiments, saying that public servants are not entitled to any special treatments while in office. He added that while Bertiz is a "friend," government officials should not be exempt from following public protocol.

"It has always been our practice, even in Davao City when the President was still mayor, to follow rules, directives and procedure. As government officials, we were never exempted from adhering to such. In fact, the President himself will not ask us to be spared from yielding to authority and respecting the law," Go said in a statement Monday.
PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) - Tension flared in a familiar section of the Balkans as thousands of people marched Saturday in Kosovo's capital against a possible territory swap with former war foe Serbia, while the Serbian government put its troops on alert after special police were deployed to Kosovo's Serb-dominated north.

Serbia reacted after Kosovo's special police moved into an area around the Kosovo side of the strategic Gazivode Lake, Marko Djuric, director of Serbia's Office for Kosovo and Metohija, said.

Kosovar President Hashim Thaci visited the area near Serbia's border Saturday, a move that temporarily redirected attention away from the large opposition protest in Pristina. A security unit was dispatched to the area for the president's stop, Kosovo police said.

Serbia's Djuric said special troops must not be deployed unannounced to northern Kosovo, where the country's ethnic Serbian minority population is concentrated. Serbian media said Belgrade has complained to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

Serbia does not recognize Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence, but their governments have been in European Union-mediated negotiations for seven years. The two sides have been told they must normalize relations as a precondition to EU membership.

Thaci has said a "border correction" could be part of the discussions. Some Serbian officials have suggested an exchange of territories could help end the dispute.

Supporter of Kosovo's opposition Self-Determination party draped with national Albanian flag marches during a protest toward Skanderbeg Square on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, in Kosovo capital Pristina. Thousands of people in Kosovo are protesting their president's willingness to include a possible territory swap with Serbia in the ongoing negotiations to normalize relations between the two countries.(AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

One idea that has been floated by politicians in both countries involves exchanging predominantly ethnic Albanian Presevo Valley in southern Serbia with Kosovo's Serb-populated north.

However, the idea has faced opposition from Germany and other EU nations, which have said they fear a Kosovo-Serbia trade could trigger demands for territory revisions in other parts of the volatile Balkans.

Thousands of supporters of Kosovo's opposition Self-Determination Party marched peacefully through the capital of Pristina on Saturday to protest any potential change of borders. The protesters held national Albanian flags.

Opposition leader Albin Kurti said he considered Thaci a collaborator with Serbia and called for fresh elections.

"Such a grandiose protest is our response to the deals from Thaci and Vucic," Kurti said.

Thaci has rejected both border revisions based on ethnicity and a possible land trade.

But he has not clarified how Serbia could be persuaded to give away the Presevo Valley without something in exchange.

Three weeks ago, Serbian leader Vucic visited the lake in northern Kosovo that Thaci traveled to Saturday.

NATO-led peacekeepers in Kosovo, a force known as KFOR, called for calm and restraint. They said they would continue monitoring the situation along the Serbia-Kosovo border with ground patrols and helicopters.

Thaci's office issued a statement acknowledging his visit to a border crossing and the lake.

"During the weekends the head of state usually goes to Kosovo's beauties," the statement said.

The governments in both Pristina and Belgrade have said they hope the EU-mediated talks will result in a legally binding agreement.

"Talks (with Serbia) that continue will be on peace and stability," Thaci said Saturday.

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This story has been corrected to show that Serbia's president was in northern Kosovo three weeks ago, not two.

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Semini reported from Tirana, Albania. Jovana Gec contributed from Belgrade, Serbia.

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Follow Llazar Semini on twitter: https://twitter.com/lsemini

Leader of Kosovo's opposition Self-Determination party Albin Kurti, holds a speech during a protest as opposition supporters wave national Albanian flags in the Skanderbeg Square on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, in Kosovo capital Pristina. Thousands of people in Kosovo are protesting their president's willingness to include a possible territory swap with Serbia in the ongoing negotiations to normalize relations between the two countries.(AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Thousands of supporters of Kosovo's opposition Self-Determination party hold banners and national Albanian flags as they march through the capital city of Pristina toward Skanderbeg Square on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Thousands of people in Kosovo are protesting their president's willingness to include a possible territory swap with Serbia in the ongoing negotiations to normalize relations between the two countries.(AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Thousands of supporters of Kosovo's opposition Self-Determination party hold banners and national Albanian flags as they march toward Skanderbeg Square on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, in Kosovo capital Pristina. Thousands of people in Kosovo are protesting their president's willingness to include a possible territory swap with Serbia in the ongoing negotiations to normalize relations between the two countries.(AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Albin Kurti, center, leader of Kosovo's opposition Self-Determination party leads the protest as opposition supporters hold banners and national Albanian flags march toward Skanderbeg Square on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, in Kosovo capital Pristina. Thousands of people in Kosovo are protesting their president's willingness to include a possible territory swap with Serbia in the ongoing negotiations to normalize relations between the two countries.(AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A criminal justice group plans to ask the Oklahoma Legislature to a change state law that can lead to longer prison sentences for battered women who don't report child abuse than for the abusers themselves.

Every state has laws meant to protect children, but critics say Oklahoma's failure-to-protect law is particularly harsh in that it carries a possible life prison sentence and doesn't make exceptions for frightened mothers who are also being abused.

Lawyers say that was the case with Tondalao Hall, who is 12 years into a 30-year prison term for not telling the authorities that her boyfriend was abusing her kids. The boyfriend was sentenced in 2006 to probation and the two years in jail he had already served while awaiting trial.

Oklahoma's Pardon and Parole Board recently declined to reduce the sentences of Hall and three other women with similar stories.

The group Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform says it plans to seek changes in the laws to protect abused mothers.
CAIRO (AP) - An Egyptian court has handed down a suspended two-year sentence for a female activist convicted of insulting employees at a bank and using abusive language to criticize state institutions.

Saturday's verdict against Amal Fathy also includes a fine of 10,000 Egyptian pounds, or about $560.

Fathy won't walk free, however, as she is still held on other charges, including membership in an outlawed group and misuse of social media networks to spread material that could hurt security and public interest.

Fathy was detained in May after posting a video online criticizing the state for deteriorating public services and unchallenged sexual harassment. She cited alleged harassment at a local state bank's branch.

The video also shows her using profanities to describe her recent experience at the bank, repeatedly insulting the state.
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump on Saturday turned his embattled Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh into a rallying cry for Republicans to vote in November, saying they can help reject the "ruthless and outrageous tactics" he says Democrats used against the judge.

"We see this horrible, horrible, radical group of Democrats. You see what's happening right now," Trump said at a rally with thousands of supporters in West Virginia. Trump won the state in 2016 by 42 percentage points and remains popular there.

"And they're determined to take back power by any means necessary. You see the meanness, the nastiness. They don't care who they hurt, who they have to run over to get power," he said.

"We're not going to give it to them," Trump said.

Kavanaugh, the federal appeals judge Trump nominated to the nation's highest court, appeared headed for confirmation until California professor Christine Blasey Ford accused him of sexually assaulting her when they were teenagers in Maryland in the 1980s. Kavanaugh denied her accusations and those of two other women since have accused him of sexual misconduct.

Ford initially made her claims in a confidential letter to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. But the letter was leaked after Kavanaugh's initial confirmation hearing before the committee and Ford then told her explosive story to The a Washington Post.

President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Chilean president Sebastian Pinera, in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Feinstein denied being the source, but Trump blamed her for the leak and mocked her at the rally, telling supporters to remember her answer when she was asked about the leak.

"The entire nation has witnessed the shameless conduct of the Democrat Party," Trump said.

He issued a fresh defense of Kavanaugh, calling him "one of the most accomplished legal minds of our time" and saying he had suffered "the meanness, the anger" of Democrats.

The president urged his supporters to go to the polls on Nov. 6, when control of Congress is at stake, and vote Republican and "reject the ruthless and outrageous tactics of the Democrat Party."
WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (AP) - The phone call telling Cher she was a Kennedy Center honoree was certainly welcome - but she admits she wanted to get it earlier.

The Grammy, Emmy and Oscar winner, whose ABBA-tribute album "Dancing Queen" was just released, acknowledged she'd long hoped for that call. She said she "wanted to get it so badly" during the Obama administration.

Now she will, at age 72, during the Donald Trump administration, which might make for an awkward gathering. A regular at anti-Trump rallies and marches, Cher ranks among the most outspoken celebrities against the U.S. president. The White House said no decisions had been made on whether Trump would participate in this year's Kennedy Center Honors program.

The Kennedy Center prize is given to those in the performing arts for lifetime contributions to American culture. This year's other recipients are composer and pianist Philip Glass, country music entertainer Reba McEntire, and jazz saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter. The co-creators of the Tony-winning musical "Hamilton" will receive a special award as trailblazing creators of a transformative work that defies category.

Cher missed out on the first wave of ABBA-mania, which began to sweep most of the rest of the planet with the Swedish quartet's 1974 Eurovision Song Contest win with "Waterloo" and was confirmed by the successes of "SOS" and "Mamma Mia" a year later.

"I was most Americans," Cher commented. "I knew 'Waterloo,' 'Dancing Queen' and 'Mamma Mia.' And that's pretty much it. And then I became a fan with 'Muriel's Wedding,'" she continued, referring to the 1994 Australian dark comedy that played a key role in reviving interest in ABBA recordings.

FILE - In this Jan. 21, 2018 file photo, Cher speaks during a women's march rally in Las Vegas. Authorities say a man living at Cher's home in Malibu, Calif., has been arrested on suspicion of providing fentanyl to someone who died of an overdose. NBC Los Angeles reports that 23-year-old Donovan Ruiz was arrested by Ventura County sheriff's investigators. Authorities say he is the child of someone who works at the home.(AP Photo/John Locher)

After the 1999 West End debut of the jukebox musical "Mamma Mia!" as well as subsequent productions around the world and the 2008 first film "Mamma Mia!," ABBA-mania was back - and now included the U.S. The band's 1992 greatest hits album climbed to No. 25 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart this year.

Cher appeared in the movie sequel "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again," and she met lyricist Bjorn Ulvaeus and composer Benny Andersson from ABBA.

Recording the album of covers gave Cher greater ABBA insight. "I was a little cranky with Bjorn because of the way he writes, and then I realized he writes this way because he doesn't write in English. So, he tells the story in a more interesting way. He has to get to the story.

"And I didn't realize how intricate the music was," she continued. "I thought, 'Whoa! Benny has really got some stuff going on there: all these lines, and riff over riff over riff. And so I had more respect for them."

It's a busy period for Cher, whose latest world tour began Sept. 21 and runs through May, ending in Minneapolis. She's co-producer of a jukebox musical about her life, "The Cher Show," with previews set to begin Nov. 1 on Broadway. And the Kennedy Center Honors will be taped Dec. 2 in Washington, D.C.

Through it all, Cher no doubt will be paying attention to other happenings in D.C., keeping her eye on the Trump administration. "We've got to watch out," she noted. "There were signs at other times in world history and some people didn't watch them."
MOSCOW (AP) - Ukraine's Foreign Ministry is demanding that Russia allow consular access to an imprisoned Ukrainian filmmaker who has been on a hunger strike since mid-May.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mariana Betsa made the demand Saturday on Twitter. Russia's penitentiary service said Friday that an unspecified "correction" in Oleg Sentsov's treatment had been ordered; it published a photo of him being examined with a stethoscope.

Betsa also called for allowing Ukrainian doctors to visit Sentsov.

The filmmaker is an opponent of Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2015 for conspiracy to conduct terror attacks.

Sentsov denies guilt and has refused to seek a pardon from President Vladimir Putin.

His lawyer said this month that Sentsov's health was irreversibly damaged. Prison officials say he is receiving a nutritional formula.
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) - Thousands of Gazans on Saturday thronged the funerals of seven people killed by Israeli troops during mass protests the previous day, chanting anti-Israel and anti-U.S. slogans and calling for revenge.

The coastal strip's ruling Hamas militant group, meanwhile, dispatched a delegation to Egypt in a desperate new attempt to ease a crippling blockade on the Palestinian territory.

Friday's violence was the deadliest day of protests in nearly four months. Among the dead was an 11-year-old boy, believed to be the youngest of 144 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire during the protests. Another boy, a 14-year-old, was also among the seven killed.

The Hamas-orchestrated protests were launched last March in large part to press for an end to the blockade, imposed by Israel and Egypt after the Islamic militant group took control of Gaza in 2007. The blockade has ravaged Gaza's economy, and with Egyptian-mediated cease-fire efforts deadlocked, Hamas has vowed to step up the protests.

Israel, which has fought three wars against Hamas, accuses the group of exploiting and endangering civilians by using the protests as cover for militant actions.

Responding to calls by Hamas, thousands of Gazans participated in Friday's protests, burning tires and using the billowing thick smoke as a screen to hurl rocks and firebombs toward Israeli forces on the other side of the fence.

Mourners carry the body of 11 year-old boy, Nasser Musabeh, who was shot and killed by Israeli troops on Friday's ongoing protest at the Gaza Strip's border with Israel, during his funeral in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Hundreds have attended the funeral of the boy, apparently the youngest killed by Israeli fire in six months of protests along Gaza's perimeter fence. (AP Photo/Sanad Abu Latifa)

At one location in east Gaza City, where four of the seven were killed, hundreds of protesters breached the fence. Amateur videos showed them kneeling down and kissing the ground on the Israeli side as gunfire could be heard. Others posed on the fence, urging protesters to follow. The protesters were seen cutting through the fence and damaging it.

It's unclear how long they managed to stay on the Israeli side of the fence.

The Israeli army said the protesters damaged security infrastructure and threw more than 100 explosives. No soldiers were hurt. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported 90 people were wounded by live fire, and seven killed.

About 1,000 mourners attended the funeral of the 11-year-old victim, Nasser Musabeh, whose body was wrapped in a white shroud and carried on an orange stretcher. In an ancient Islamic custom, bundles of basil were thrown on the coffin.

Nasser was the brother of Duaa Musabeh, an 18-year-old volunteer paramedic who attends the weekly protests in the southern town of Khan Younis to treat the wounded. She said she would take her brother with her each week, ordering him to stay back in a safer space, about 300 meters (yards) from the fence where crowds typically gather.

Believing he was in a safe area, she approached the fence to help evacuate wounded protesters. But when she returned after dark, her brother was missing. As she frantically searched for him, a man showed her a picture of a dead boy released by a nearby hospital that was trying to identify him. Nasser had been shot in the head.

"I did not believe it. I felt unable to move an inch, I fell on the ground," she murmured slowly.

According to al-Mezan, a Gaza-based human rights group, Nasser is the youngest person killed by Israeli army gunfire in the protests. Another 11-year-old boy was killed earlier this month under unclear circumstances, by a blunt object.

Israel says it is defending its border and in a statement, accused Hamas of exploiting and endangering children by sending them to the fence "as a cover for terror activity." The military released videos showing protesters hurling flaming tires and cutting the border fence with wire cutters.

"Hamas is responsible for the violence riots and their consequences," the army said.

But Israel has come under heavy international criticism for what many say is excessive use of force and the high death toll among unarmed protesters.

The top U.N. humanitarian official in the region, Jamie McGoldrick, said Saturday that he was "deeply saddened" by the loss of life, urging both sides to ensure children are not the target of violence or put at risk.

The 11-year blockade has made conditions increasingly dire in Gaza. Unemployment has risen to over 50 percent, residents receive just several hours of electricity each day and with few exceptions, Gazans cannot travel abroad.

Egypt, a frequent mediator between Israel and Hamas, has hosted several months of talks aimed at forging a cease-fire that would ease the blockade. But those talks appear to have made little progress, putting heavy pressure on Hamas as it deals with an increasingly frustrated public.

Hamas has blamed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who governs part of the West Bank and who has demanded Hamas return control of Gaza to him, of thwarting the efforts. The deadlock also has complicated President Donald Trump's promised Middle East peace plan. The White House has not said when it will release the plan, which has little chance of success as long as Gaza remains in turmoil.

Earlier this month, Hamas began accelerating the protests, holding them nearly on a daily basis in an attempt to draw attention to the plight of Gazans. Hazem Qassem, a Hamas spokesman, said Saturday that the marches "will continue to diversify and expand until breaking the siege."

At a speech in the United Nations on Thursday, Abbas threatened more measures to force Hamas into surrendering control of Gaza. Hamas fears this may include more pay cuts to former Palestinian Authority employees in the territory and reductions in services to Gaza, making it further difficult for Hamas to rule the strip.

But on Saturday, Hamas sent four senior officials to Egypt for a renewed round of discussions.

Hussam Badran, a politburo member of the militant group, said the officials, whom he did not identify, will work on "lifting the suffering on our people in Gaza as an urgent mission."

A photo of 11-year-old Nasser Musabeh, who was shot and killed by Israeli troops on Friday's ongoing protest at the Gaza Strip's border with Israel, is displayed at the classroom in his school in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Hundreds have attended the funeral of boy, apparently the youngest killed by Israeli fire in six months of protests along Gaza's perimeter fence. (AP Photo/Sanad Abu Latifa)

Palestinian relatives of 14 year-old boy, Mohammed al-Houm, who was shot and killed by Israeli troops on Friday's ongoing protest at the Gaza Strip's border with Israel, mourn at the family home during his funeral in Bureij refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Palestinian relatives of 14 year-old boy, Mohammed al-Houm, who was shot and killed by Israeli troops on Friday's ongoing protest at the Gaza Strip's border with Israel, mourn at the family home during his funeral in Bureij refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Palestinian relatives of 14 year-old boy, Mohammed al-Houm, who was shot and killed by Israeli troops on Friday's ongoing protest at the Gaza Strip's border with Israel, mourn at the family home during his funeral in Bureij refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Palestinian relatives of 14 year-old boy, Mohammed al-Houm, who was shot and killed by Israeli troops on Friday's ongoing protest at the Gaza Strip's border with Israel, mourn at the family home during his funeral in Bureij refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Palestinian relatives of 14 year-old boy, Mohammed al-Houm, who was shot and killed by Israeli troops on Friday's ongoing protest at the Gaza Strip's border with Israel, mourn as relatives carry his body into the family home during his funeral in Bureij refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Palestinians carry a wounded protester during a protest at the Gaza Strip's border with Israel, Friday, Sept.28, 2018. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Palestinian protesters react from teargas fired by Israeli troops during a protest at the Gaza Strip's border with Israel, Friday, Sept.28, 2018. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Palestinian protesters react from teargas fired by Israeli troops during a protest at the Gaza Strip's border with Israel, Friday, Sept.28, 2018. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)
HELSINKI (AP) - Danish police say Friday's massive police operation around Copenhagen that caused traffic chaos was connected with an alleged threat on the lives of "specific individuals."

Copenhagen police spokesman Joergen Bergen Skov told reporters on Saturday that the operation was launched after an alert from the Danish security service. He said it had been working on a case "where certain people have had their lives threatened." He gave no details.

Authorities briefly cut off the island of Zealand, where Copenhagen sits, from the rest of the country as well as from Germany and Sweden.

Police said the stolen, Swedish-registered car that was sought and found late Friday had no direct connection with the case and was part of a separate investigation. Two people connected with the car were detained and released.
BOSTON (AP) - An event in Boston featuring Arizona Republican Sen. Jeff Flake is being relocated because of a planned protest over Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

Flake is scheduled to talk about the future of his party Monday at the Forbes 30 Under 30 Summit.

A demonstration is planned to urge Flake to vote against confirming Kavanaugh.

Flake upended his GOP colleagues' plans Friday to move quickly to confirm Kavanaugh by saying he wants an FBI investigation into sexual misconduct allegations.

The Boston Globe reports Emerson College asked to cancel the panel with Flake at its theater for safety reasons.

Summit organizers say they're trying to move it to City Hall Plaza.

The Facebook event page for the demonstration says NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts, Boston Socialist Alternative and Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts planned it.
NORTH ROYALTON, Ohio (AP) - An Ohio police department outside Cleveland where fans of the "Road Runner" cartoon are apparently employed has a request for residents after a string of recent coyote sightings.

The North Royalton Police Department says residents shouldn't call 911 about coyotes unless they see any of the following:

- Coyotes carrying any product marked "ACME".

- Coyotes dropping anvils from hot air balloons.

- Coyote posting signs such as "Detour" or "Free Bird Seed".

- Coyote in possession of a giant magnet.

- Coyote in possession of a catapult.

- Coyote detonating "TNT".

- Coyote on roller skates with rockets attached.

In the cartoon, Wile E. Coyote is the Road Runner's hapless nemesis.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources says coyotes are typically nocturnal, but do make appearances during the day.
PASSAIC, N.J. (AP) - In a story Sept. 29 about New Jersey's hiring of a former municipal official who had been convicted of taking bribes, The Associated Press reported erroneously the city where he served. Marcellus Jackson was a city councilman in Passaic, not Paramus.

A corrected version of the story is below:

Ex-official convicted in bribery case resigns state job

A former New Jersey municipal official who admitted taking bribes from undercover FBI agents more than a decade ago has resigned a state job following controversy over the $70,000-a-year position

PASSAIC, N.J. (AP) - A former New Jersey municipal official who admitted taking bribes from undercover FBI agents more than a decade ago has resigned a state job following controversy over the $70,000-a-year position.

New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal announced Friday evening that Marcellus Jackson had stepped down from the position as a special assistant in the state Department of Education's Office of Civic and Social Engagement.

Jackson, a Democrat who served on the Passaic City Council, was among 11 officials arrested in a 2007 corruption sweep. He pleaded guilty to obstructing interstate commerce by extortion and received a 25-month prison sentence.

Gov. Phil Murphy said his administration hired Jackson in July after a legal review, but Grewal said state law required that Jackson be disqualified from any public office in New Jersey.
SEATTLE (AP) - Even before Tricia Schalekamp knew the baby growing inside her was a boy, she embarked on the search for child care with urgency and intensity.

She visited two dozen centers in the Seattle area, created spreadsheets with notes and paid at least $500 in nonrefundable waiting list fees.

In the end, she was not offered a coveted spot at most of the places advertising child care services for kids age 5 and younger. And now, a decade later, Schalekamp doesn't expect to see that money again.

With demand for high-quality preschools seemingly insatiable yet supply starkly limited in America's most expensive cities, that money-back-not-guaranteed caveat is becoming routine and exacerbating the already grueling search for daycare services for many working parents.

Those who can afford care costing an average of about $2,000 a month per child rarely quibble over a $100 fee here and there. Many eventually get their kids into a child care program, while others make due by patching up nanny hours, hiring live-in au pairs and relying on family members.

Yet the situation illustrates just how much power U.S. child care centers currently wield, said Elise Gould, an economist studying child care policy at the Washington, D.C.-based Economic Policy Institute.

In this photo taken Sept. 10, 2018, Steve Schalekamp, right, tosses aside his socks so that he can match his barefooted family of wife Tricia, left, and sons Alex, 6, second left, and Evan, 9, as they pose for a portrait at their home in Seattle. The family paid at least $500 in non-refundable waiting list fees for preschool for Evan, now a third grader, and never even got a call back from those places. The money-back-not-guaranteed caveat to an already grueling, emotional search for daycare services is now becoming routine in booming U.S. cities, where demand for high-quality preschools is high and supply is starkly limited. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

"They can have hundreds of people on their waiting list but never give them anything?" Gould said. "That's a screwy incentive system."

Schalekamp remembers crying after a daycare tour thinking she would never find a place for her child, now a third-grader. She counts herself lucky that she eventually found care but remains peeved by one $200 fee in particular.

"There's no chance of getting in, but why didn't they tell me that? There's zero transparency," said Schalekamp, 44, who works in product development and went on to have a second son, now 6.

A spokeswoman with the Washington state attorney general's office said she was unaware of any such issues being reported but that anyone feeling defrauded should file a complaint.

In the other worlds of coveted waitlists, neither national college nor restaurant industry leaders reported such fees as being common practice in their fields. The Better Business Bureau said it doesn't keep data specific to waiting list complaints.

Many child care centers already price out a large population of families with tuition prices rivaling that of elite universities. So for those searching in this expensive market, the fees are largely accepted and generally considered a deposit for future enrollment, though services are never guaranteed.

Daycare administrators say they're merely weeding out unserious applicants knowing parents try to get on as many lists as possible to secure even one spot. They also say the money in their low-profit, low-wage business helps manage the hours it takes to answer questions, give tours and process enrollment paperwork.

Ann Marie Robinson, admissions coordinator for the Kiddie University child care centers near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., said an estimated 50 percent of families who pay the $100 nonrefundable waitlist fee end up enrolling. She's never heard of any complaints given that it's common practice in her region. The popular daycare business currently has more than 200 people on waitlists for 40 infant spots.

"We inform our clients on what to expect and let them know it's not a guarantee that you'll definitely get in," Robinson said.

The driving force behind the child care supply problem is the lack of workers.

For years, the child care and preschool industry has been trying to address its high turnover rate that nears 50 percent. But even increasing wages nationally by 13 percent between 2014 and 2017 - to a median $22,290 annually - has not stopped the loss of talent. It's a tough, labor-intensive job to get people to do for such low wages, so the pool of U.S. child care workers in the same period lost 3.5 percent of its workforce, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Meanwhile, the demand for high-quality early education programs continues to rise.

Informed by the growing body of brain development research showing children who attend good preschools are better off as adults with higher incomes and healthier lifestyles, political momentum has shifted in favor of government-subsidized pre-kindergarten programs that now flourish in the same cities where the child care supply crisis is most acute. This month, the world's richest man - Seattle-based Amazon.com boss Jeff Bezos - announced his first major philanthropic project will be dedicated to funding free preschools in low-income communities.

Jenny Cimbalnik, director of Seattle's Wallingford Child Care Center, said parents occasionally express concern about their fee but largely accept it as par for the course. Her center is so popular, it even has a waiting list for its free monthly tours. Cimbalnik said most families eventually are offered a spot, but she acknowledged the wait itself can force parents to make other arrangements.

"I sympathize for that. I, too, don't ever want to take money from families without being able to promise them a spot," she said. "It's unfortunate that there's not enough care for everyone to get in where they want, or at least somewhere."

Camille Leganza is one of those parents who said she has yet to make it off Wallingford's waitlist. She gave in to the $50 fee in 2014 while pregnant with her now-3-year-old daughter, paying up alongside about 40 other people on her tour. The fee has since gone up, to $75.

"It's like an extra source of income that's very shady," said Leganza, a 42-year-old recruiter. "What is that? And how much money is that, literally?"

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Follow AP Education Reporter Sally Ho on Twitter: https://twitter.com/_SallyHo.

In this photo taken Sept. 10, 2018, Tricia and Steve Schalekamp pose for a photo with their sons Evan, 9, left, and Alex, 6, at their home in Seattle. The family paid at least $500 in non-refundable waiting list fees for preschool for Evan, now a third grader, and never even got a call back from those places. The money-back-not-guaranteed caveat to an already grueling, emotional search for daycare services is now becoming routine in booming U.S. cities, where demand for high-quality preschools is high and supply is starkly limited. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

In this photo taken Sept. 10, 2018, Tricia and Steve Schalekamp pose for a photo with their sons Alex, 6, right, and Evan, 9, at their home in Seattle. The family paid at least $500 in non-refundable waiting list fees for preschool for Evan, now a third grader, and never even got a call back from those places. The money-back-not-guaranteed caveat to an already grueling, emotional search for daycare services is now becoming routine in booming U.S. cities, where demand for high-quality preschools is high and supply is starkly limited. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - As Hurricane Florence has devastated North Carolina this month, hostilities have been set aside between the state's Democratic governor and its Republican-majority legislature.

Gov. Roy Cooper even got praise from some Republicans for his leadership amid the storm.

But how long will partisan hostility stay watered down now that flooding's over?

The first significant test comes this week when the legislature reconvenes for a special session called by Cooper to address initial needs from Florence.

For now, Republicans and Cooper sound committed to focusing on recovery. There will be temptations for partisan division because key legislative elections are coming in November. Cooper and his allies have raised millions of dollars to help Democrats end the GOP's veto-proof majorities. Republicans have eroded Cooper's gubernatorial powers over the past two years.
SAO PAULO (AP) - Tens of thousands of Brazilians took to the streets Saturday in protest against the presidential front-runner, a far-right congressman whose campaign has exposed and deepened divisions in Latin America's largest country.

The protests came the same day that Jair Bolsonaro was discharged from a Sao Paulo hospital where he received treatment after being stabbed during a campaign rally on Sept. 6. On Saturday evening, after flying home to Rio, he tweeted that there was "no better feeling" than to be close to his family.

In Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia, people flooded avenues and squares to sing, dance and shout "Not him!" - the rallying cry of groups who are trying to prevent Bolsonaro from taking office in October elections.

"We're saying to those people who are undecided: Not him," said Selia Figueiredo, a 43-year-old banker in Sao Paulo, who said she worried for her rights as a gay woman if Bolsonaro were to win. They can vote "for anyone else, but not him."

In the heart of Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest city, leftist presidential candidate Guilherme Boulos and his running mate Sonia Guajajara led the march, while people beat drums and waved gay pride flags and banners that denounced Bolsonaro, who is known for offensive comments about gays, women and black people.

In downtown Rio de Janeiro, a crowd that was heavily women shouted: "Sexists and fascists won't advance!"

People protest against leading presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro, at Cinelandia Square in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Bolsonaro has long been known for offensive comments about gays, women and black people, and he hasn't tempered his rhetoric during the campaign. He has also kept up his praise of Brazil's two-decade military dictatorship and promised to give police permission to shoot first and ask questions later. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Other smaller rallies were held in cities around Brazil, including some in support of the candidate.

Bolsonaro's candidacy has attracted international attention as an example of the trend in many countries toward populism and extremes in politics, and small protests were held against him in London, Lisbon, Berlin and Paris.

Bolsonaro is currently leading polls with around 28 percent of support among voters polled, but he also has the highest rejection rate of any candidate. That could become especially important if no one wins the majority of votes on Oct. 7, and the election is decided in a second round. Polls then show him losing in most scenarios. Bolsonaro has said he will accept nothing less than victory and suggested his opponents will commit fraud to defeat him.

His support is particularly thin among women, who led the protests against him Saturday. According to a recent Ibope poll, 36 percent of men surveyed said they would vote for Bolsonaro, while only 18 percent of women supported him - an unusually large gap.

The difference in support between men and woman for other candidates varies by only a handful of percentage points.

The poll was conducted between Sept. 22 and 24 and has a margin of error of 2 percentage points.

Brazil is experiencing a moment of intense and unusual polarization after a tumultuous few years. It has suffered a deep, prolonged recession, a corruption investigation that decimated its political class, and the impeachment and removal from office of its first female president in highly contentious proceedings.

Bolsonaro's campaign has both benefited from and contributed to the political divide by focusing on culture-war issues and "traditional" family values.

He hasn't tempered his rhetoric during the campaign and has kept up his praise of Brazil's two-decade military dictatorship. He has also promised to give police permission to shoot first and ask questions later.

Saturday's protests were led by women's groups and others who said they rejected his divisive rhetoric and feared he would make life harder for minorities of all stripes.

"Being here means saying no to sexism and to hate," said Lidia Ferreira, a 46-year-old literature teacher. "Bolsonaro as president would be a tragedy for the country.

A handful of smaller rallies were also held in support of Bolsonaro on Saturday. One of his sons tweeted a video of dozens of women in pink shirts singing his name in front of the opera house in the Amazonian city of Manaus. Another son tweeted a video of around 100 women who were identified as Evangelical leaders, saying "Yes him, Bolsonaro represents me!"

Bolsonaro's "tell it like it is" attitude has gained traction among voters who are angry at the political establishment. Despite his decades in Congress, they see him as a no-nonsense outsider who can rid Brazil of corruption and high crime rates.

He has particularly drawn support among people who are disgusted with the left-leaning Workers' Party, who governed the country much of the last decade, and want to prevent its return to power at all costs.

"People think Bolsonaro is an economic alternative to the last governments. He's not," said Sandro Gandur, a 31-year-old lawyer at the protest in Sao Paulo. "This might be the main area for (changing the minds of) people who are inclined toward him but are uncertain."

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De Sousa reported from Rio de Janeiro. Associated Press video journalist Yesica Fisch contributed from Rio de Janeiro.

Women join in a protest against leading presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro, at Cinelandia Square in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Bolsonaro has long been known for offensive comments about gays, women and black people, and he hasn't tempered his rhetoric during the campaign. He has also kept up his praise of Brazil's two-decade military dictatorship and promised to give police permission to shoot first and ask questions later. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

A woman holds a sign with a message that reads in Portuguese: "Not Him" during a protest against leading presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro, at Cinelandia Square in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Bolsonaro has long been known for offensive comments about gays, women and black people, and he hasn't tempered his rhetoric during the campaign. He has also kept up his praise of Brazil's two-decade military dictatorship and promised to give police permission to shoot first and ask questions later. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Women take part in a protest against leading presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro, at Cinelandia Square in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Bolsonaro has long been known for offensive comments about gays, women and black people, and he hasn't tempered his rhetoric during the campaign. He has also kept up his praise of Brazil's two-decade military dictatorship and promised to give police permission to shoot first and ask questions later. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Women take part in a protest against leading presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro, at Cinelandia Square in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Bolsonaro has long been known for offensive comments about gays, women and black people, and he hasn't tempered his rhetoric during the campaign. He has also kept up his praise of Brazil's two-decade military dictatorship and promised to give police permission to shoot first and ask questions later. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

People protest against leading presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro, at Cinelandia Square in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Bolsonaro has long been known for offensive comments about gays, women and black people, and he hasn't tempered his rhetoric during the campaign. He has also kept up his praise of Brazil's two-decade military dictatorship and promised to give police permission to shoot first and ask questions later. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Men join in a protest against leading presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro, at Cinelandia Square in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Bolsonaro has long been known for offensive comments about gays, women and black people, and he hasn't tempered his rhetoric during the campaign. He has also kept up his praise of Brazil's two-decade military dictatorship and promised to give police permission to shoot first and ask questions later. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Women play music as they take part in a protest against leading presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro, at Cinelandia Square in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Bolsonaro has long been known for offensive comments about gays, women and black people, and he hasn't tempered his rhetoric during the campaign. He has also kept up his praise of Brazil's two-decade military dictatorship and promised to give police permission to shoot first and ask questions later. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Brazil's leading presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro waves as he deplanes at the Santos Dumont Airport in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Bolsonaro, who suffered intestinal damage and severe internal bleeding after the Sept. 6 attack at a campaign event and has undergone multiple surgeries, was discharged Saturday from a Sao Paulo hospital where he was being treated. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Women attend a protest against Jair Bolsonaro, the presidential front-runner, and far-right congressman, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Bolsonaro has long been known for offensive comments about gays, women and black people, and he hasn't tempered his rhetoric during the campaign. He has also kept up his praise of Brazil's two-decade military dictatorship and promised to give police permission to shoot first and ask questions later. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Women attend a protest against Jair Bolsonaro, the presidential front-runner, and far-right congressman, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Bolsonaro has long been known for offensive comments about gays, women and black people, and he hasn't tempered his rhetoric during the campaign. He has also kept up his praise of Brazil's two-decade military dictatorship and promised to give police permission to shoot first and ask questions later. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

A man sing the Brazil's national anthem as he waves the national flag in support leading presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro, outside Bolsonaro's residence in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Bolsonaro, who suffered intestinal damage and severe internal bleeding after the Sept. 6 attack at a campaign event and has undergone multiple surgeries, was discharged Saturday from a Sao Paulo hospital where he was being treated. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

People gather in front of the condominium where leading presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro resides to show their support, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Bolsonaro, who suffered intestinal damage and severe internal bleeding after the Sept. 6 attack at a campaign event and has undergone multiple surgeries, was discharged Saturday from a Sao Paulo hospital where he was being treated. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A supporter kneels on the asphalt as he holds a banner with a message that reads in Portuguese: "Took down a man, raised up a nation" in support of leading presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro, outside Bolsonaro's residence in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Bolsonaro, who suffered intestinal damage and severe internal bleeding after the Sept. 6 attack at a campaign event and has undergone multiple surgeries, was discharged Saturday from a Sao Paulo hospital where he was being treated. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A woman holds a sign with a message that reads in Portuguese: "Women from the Rio de Janeiro State University in the fight. Not him", during a protest against leading presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro, at Cinelandia Square in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Bolsonaro has long been known for offensive comments about gays, women and black people, and he hasn't tempered his rhetoric during the campaign. He has also kept up his praise of Brazil's two-decade military dictatorship and promised to give police permission to shoot first and ask questions later. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

People protest holding signs with a message that reads in Portuguese: "Not him" during a protest against leading presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro, at Cinelandia Square in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Bolsonaro has long been known for offensive comments about gays, women and black people, and he hasn't tempered his rhetoric during the campaign. He has also kept up his praise of Brazil's two-decade military dictatorship and promised to give police permission to shoot first and ask questions later. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
BROOKHAVEN, Miss. (AP) - Two police officers were shot and killed following an early Saturday morning confrontation in Mississippi, authorities said.

Warren Strain of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety said at a news conference that the officers were called to a house in the city of Brookhaven at about 5 a.m. for a report of shots fired.

Amid an exchange of gunfire, both officers were "mortally wounded" and then pronounced dead at a local hospital, Strain said. He identified the weapon used as a handgun but would not elaborate.

Authorities identified the deceased officers as Patrolman James White, 35; and Cpl. Zack Moak, 31. Both were wearing bulletproof vests at the time and were equipped with body and dashboard cameras. White arrived on the scene first, and Moak arrived next.

A suspect was wounded in the exchange and taken for treatment to a hospital in Jackson. Police identified him as Marquis Flowers, 25, of Brookhaven. Strain said charges have not been filed yet but that Flowers is "in custody."

Brookhaven Police Chief Kenneth Collins said the city is a "safe community ... but like any place, we have crime." He called White and Moak, both residents of Lincoln County, "heroes."

Law enforcement agents secure the scene of a shooting in Brookhaven, Miss., where two police officers were killed Saturday morning, Sept. 29, 2018. A suspect was wounded and was taken into custody. (Donna Campbell/The Daily Leader, via AP)

"These are two awesome people who lost their lives this morning in the line of duty. Two heroes lost their lives this morning," Collins said.

Strain said the investigation is in its initial stages. A number of people have been questioned in the case.

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is working the case, in addition to other agencies.

Gov. Phil Bryant issued a statement via Twitter asking for prayers "for the family and loved ones of these fallen heroes."

This is the second time in as many years that a law enforcement official has been killed in the line of duty in the Brookhaven area.

Last year Lincoln County Sheriff's Deputy William Durr, who also spent four years with Brookhaven police, was responding to a call when he was shot to death. Authorities say the gunman shot and killed seven other people in the killing spree in and around the Brookhaven area.

Willie Cory Godbolt was arrested May 28 and is awaiting trial. He's pleading not guilty and faces the death penalty if convicted.

Mississippi Bureau of Investigations officers photograph the scene where two Brookhaven Police Officers were shot and killed in Brookhaven, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Warren Strain of the Department of Public Safety said at a news conference that the officers were called to a house in the city of Brookhaven at about 5 a.m. for a report of shots fired. A suspect was wounded in the exchange and taken for treatment to a hospital in Jackson. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - India's foreign minister accused neighboring Pakistan of harboring terrorists in an angry speech Saturday before the U.N. General Assembly and rejected the notion that India is sabotaging peace talks with Pakistan, calling it "a complete lie." Hours later, Pakistan shot back in its own speech, accusing India of financing terrorists and declaring that New Delhi "preferred politics over peace."

India's Sushma Swaraj pointed to the fact that Osama bin Laden had been living quietly in Pakistan before he was found and killed by a team of U.S. Navy SEALs, and said the mastermind of the 2008 attack in Mumbai in which 168 people died "still roams the streets of Pakistan with impunity." Pakistan has said there is not enough evidence to arrest him.

"In our case, terrorism is bred not in some faraway land, but across our border to the west," Swaraj said. "Our neighbor's expertise is not restricted to spawning grounds for terrorism, it is also an expert in trying to mask malevolence with verbal duplicity."

Swaraj and Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi were supposed to meet on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly this week. India called it off only one day after it was announced, following the killing of an Indian border guard in the disputed region of Kashmir.

The two South Asian nations, always uneasy neighbors, face off under particularly tense conditions in that region at a "line of control" that cuts through a rugged mountain range.

The announcement of the planned meeting had been considered an encouraging sign for restarting stalled talks between the nuclear-armed neighbors. New Delhi had agreed to hold the meeting in response to a letter from newly-elected Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has written his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, stressing the need for positive change, a mutual desire for peace and a readiness to discuss terrorism.

Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly,Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

"We accepted the proposal," Swaraj said. "But within hours of our acceptance, news came that terrorists had killed one of our jawans. Does this indicate a desire for dialogue?"

Qureshi said it was the third time that the current Indian administration had called off talks, "each time on flimsy grounds."

He said in his speech that "Pakistan continues to face terrorism that is financed, facilitated and orchestrated by our eastern neighbor." He referred to extremist attacks in his home country, including one at an army school in the northwestern city of Peshawar in 2014 that killed more than 150 children, which he said were perpetrated by "terrorists supported by India."

Qureshi's afternoon speech prompted a vehement response from India, which exercised its right of reply at the end of the daylong meeting and accused Pakistan of spreading "fake allegations and fake facts." Pakistan, in turn, responded by accusing India of "practicing terrorism as an instrument of state policy."

Since independence from Britain in 1947, Pakistan and India have fought two of their three wars over Kashmir, divided between the two countries but sought by each in its entirety.

"The unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute hinders the realization of the goal of durable peace between the two countries," Qureshi said. "For over 70 years it has remained on the agenda of the U.N. Security Council and a blot on the conscience of humanity."

He welcomed the release of a report earlier this year by the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights that mentioned "chronic impunity for violations committed by security forces" in Kashmir. The report was written without visiting the region as both sides refused to grant unconditional access to the investigators. India at the time rejected it as a selective compilation of largely unverified information.

The U.N. has had a peacekeeping mission in the region since 1949, making it one of the world body's longest-running peacekeeping operations. It is currently one of the smallest, with about 120 troops as of last month.

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Associated Press writer Jennifer Peltz contributed.

Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly,Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
SEATTLE (AP) - The owner of a Washington seafood company has been sentenced to prison for overharvesting sea cucumbers.

Federal prosecutors said Friday that 62-year-old Hoon Namkoong was sentenced to three years in prison and must pay $1.5 million in restitution.

He pleaded guilty earlier this year to underreporting the number of sea cucumbers he bought from tribal and nontribal fisheries in the Puget Sound by nearly 250,000 pounds (113,400 kilograms) between 2014 and 2016.

Namkoong's company, Orient Seafood Production, sold them in Asia and the U.S.

U.S. Attorney Annette Hayes says 62-year-old Hoon Namkoong's actions will impact sea cucumber numbers in the Puget Sound for years to come.

The long and tubular bottom-dwelling creatures are cousins of sea urchins and starfish and are featured in the cuisine of China and other southeast Asian countries.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - A Florida woman has been charged with negligent manslaughter in the death of her 1-year-old daughter, who was left for hours in a hot vehicle.

Kit Noelle Pollard was found dead inside the SUV Friday at a Sanford gas station.

Seminole County jail records show 29-year-old Kailyn Pollard of Sorrento was held without bail Saturday.

According to an arrest report, Pollard forgot to take her daughter to daycare Friday morning and left her in the vehicle for seven hours as temperatures climbed above 90 degrees (32 Celsius).

Jail records did not show whether Pollard had an attorney.

The girl was the second hot car death reported Friday in Florida. In a separate case, a 4-year-old boy died after being found alone in a locked car outside an Orange County school.

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Information from: Orlando Sentinel, http://www.orlandosentinel.com/
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Calling for more trust, North Korea's foreign minister urged the United States on Saturday to keep moving past what he called seven decades of entrenched hostility if Washington wants to restart stalled negotiations meant to rid Pyongyang of its nuclear bombs.

Boiling the rivals' standoff down to a matter of trust, Ri Yong Ho sought to lay out a vision of peace on the troubled Korean Peninsula - provided the North gets what it wants.

Ri, standing at a podium at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, said North Korea is ready to implement the points that his leader, Kim Jong Un, and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to in June during a summit in Singapore.

But his comments were infused with what came across as impatience at the slow pace of progress in a process the world hopes will cause Pyongyang to abandon an arsenal of nuclear-tipped missiles that aims to accurately target the entire U.S. mainland.

In recent weeks, Kim Jong Un has said he would permanently dismantle North Korea's main nuclear complex, but only if the United States takes unspecified corresponding measures. Kim has also promised to accept international inspectors to monitor the closing of a key missile test site and launch pad.

The North, however, doesn't "see any corresponding response" from Washington. On the contrary, Ri said, the United States is increasing pressure and sanctions.

North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly,Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

"The perception that sanctions can bring us on our knees is a pipe dream of the people who are ignorant of us," Ri said, adding that the continued sanctions are "deepening our mistrust" and deadlocking the current diplomacy.

"Without any trust in the U.S., there will be no confidence in our national security," he said, "and under such circumstances there is no way we will unilaterally disarm ourselves first."

There was no immediate response from Washington. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said last week he would return to Pyongyang to set up a sequel to the Singapore meeting between Kim and Trump.

Despite the muscular tone, Ri's high-profile speech was downright mild and balanced compared to the florid vows of nuclear strikes and claims of U.S. perfidiousness that have been typical fare from the country's propaganda services.

This was decidedly so during an exchange of threats between Washington and Pyongyang that accompanied a torrid run of increasingly powerful weapons tests last year that put the North on the brink of its claim to be a full-fledged nuclear power, and had some fearing war.

The tenor of Ri's comments was clearly meant to push a wary United States to agree to a declaration formally ending the Korean War, which ended with a ceasefire, not a peace treaty.

Washington is wary of endorsing such a declaration, which could lead to a formal peace treaty. Pyongyang demands the removal of the 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in the South to deter North Korean military adventurism. The United States wants the North to first take more concrete disarmament action, including providing a full account of the components of its nuclear program.

Although not legally binding, the North might also see an end-of-war declaration as a way to create political momentum that would steer discussions toward diplomatic recognition, economic benefits and security concessions.

Once the Singapore agreements are implemented, the "current trend toward detente will turn into durable peace and the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula will also be achieved," Ri said. "The Korean Peninsula, the hottest spot in the globe, will become the cradle of peace and prosperity."

After their summit in Singapore, Trump and Kim issued a vague statement about a nuclear-free peninsula without describing when and how it would occur. Post-summit nuclear negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang were rocky and quickly settled into a stalemate. There is widespread skepticism that Pyongyang is serious about renouncing an arsenal that it likely sees as the only way to guarantee its safety.

Part of that skepticism is based on a bitter history of nuclear negotiations breaking down in mutual recrimination. But there's also stronger evidence for this wariness: Recent satellite photos have indicated Kim's weapons factories were still operating to produce fissile materials to make nuclear weapons.

The doubt is always present on a peninsula so used to threat and bloodshed. What's different now is that it seems to be suffused with a tentative but unmistakable hope.

"Over the past year something miraculous has taken place on the Korean Peninsula," South Korean President Moon Jae-in, seen as the force behind the recent summitry, said earlier at the U.N. "We have crossed the barriers of division and are tearing down the walls in our heart."

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Follow Foster Klug, Associated Press bureau chief for South Korea, at @apklug.

Members of the North Korean delegation listen as North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly,Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly,Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
BONNEY LAKE, Wash. (AP) - Every time Chris Gilman leaves her home at the foot of Washington's Mount Rainier, she fights the gnawing urge to turn around and check that someone isn't about to shoot her.

Sometimes she wins the battle. Sometimes she loses.

In the year since the 48-year-old was nearly killed in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history, Gilman has had to get used to living with fear: She has nightmares about family members getting shot, she only sits in spots in restaurants where she can see the exits, and she has to mentally prepare herself for movies that might include rapid gunfire.

And then there are crowds, the toughest new obstacle Gilman must brave since surviving the Oct. 1, 2017, massacre in Las Vegas, which killed 58 people and wounded hundreds of others. Gilman was shot in the back; the bullet punctured a lung, lacerated her spleen and a kidney, broke two ribs and lodged 2 millimeters from her spinal cord.

"There are times I'm at the grocery store and I feel that desire to turn around and look and see who's behind me," Gilman said. "I try to fight it, to just keep walking, and I think, 'You're at the grocery store. There's no one behind you with a gun.' But I always feel like I'm looking behind me."

That feeling turned into panic at one of Gilman's first concerts since the shooting.

In this photo taken Monday, Sept. 24, 2018, Las Vegas shooting survivor Chris Gilman, right, puts her arm across her wife as tears well in Aliza Correa's eyes as they talk about the shooting a year earlier at their home in Bonney Lake, Wash. Gilman, with her wife at her side, was shot at the Route 91 country music festival on the Las Vegas Strip Oct. 1, 2017. Today Gilman and Correa are making a conscious effort to keep at bay what they experienced and witnessed from spoiling their everyday moments home, an hour southeast of Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Gilman and her wife of 18 years, Aliza Correa, were with friends at Seattle's KeyArena following an Aug. 11 concert when the surge of people around them became overwhelming.

"All of a sudden I felt like the Tasmanian devil, where I was spinning in circles trying not to have anybody behind me," Gilman said. "I tensed up and thought, 'Here it comes, here it comes, I know I'm going to get shot. Who's behind me, who's behind me?' In your mind you know it's crazy to think that way, but when the visions come up it's hard to control."

Gilman grabbed her wife's hand and told her she was freaking out, "but it was too late."

"I was hyperventilating, and I ended up laying on the ground," said Gilman.

Correa is struggling with her own trauma. She was at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Vegas with Gilman when a lone gunman busted out the windows of his 32nd-floor hotel room and launched an 11-minute barraged of gunfire on the crowd below.

The women were helping a wounded friend when the bullet tore through Gilman.

Gilman laid down and told Correa to save herself. Correa refused to leave her side.

"I said, 'If you die, I die, so if you don't want me to die, you have to get up," Correa said, recounting how she rolled Gilman over so her injured wife could Army-crawl for cover under some bleachers.

From there, Gilman said she knew she couldn't go any farther. That's when two married off-duty Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies, Alex and Wanda Valiente, came upon the couple.

"My wife and I are going to get you out," Alex Valiente told Gilman. "I just need you to help us. I just need you to get up."

Overcome with exhaustion and pain, Gilman told everyone: "Just leave me."

The Valientes and Correa wouldn't budge.

"Get up," Alex Valiente told Gilman. "You're not going to die. You're going to get up."

Gilman did just that, and the Valientes helped carry her to a car as bullets continued flying around them. Correa tried to clear a path for them amid a sea of wounded people, bodies and chaos.

They made it. Out of the chaos, to the hospital and eventually, back home to the idyllic community of Bonney Lake, an hour southeast of Seattle. Gilman and Correa live in a recently developed, well-kept and tight-knit community that borders between suburban and rural, offering crisp mountain air and lots of grassy open spaces.

But coming home was just the beginning.

Correa, an ultrasound technologist, recently stopped working with patients needing the scans, often used to find the sources of an illness. Watching someone quietly weep as their mind races through the possibility of a life-threatening condition became unbearable.

Gilman is often on high alert, even on her front porch. In casual conversation, her hazel eyes dart between the person she's talking to and her surroundings - from neighbors walking their dogs and the children playing in the street to the garbage truck passing by.

There are many dark moments that remind them of things they can't forget. The physical nerve pain Gilman feels when Correa affectionately puts her arm on Gilman's hip out of habit. And though she has largely recovered and even had the bullet removed from her body in a subsequent surgery, she proceeds gingerly when she has to bend down and is frustrated that she struggles to exercise like she used to at the gym.

There are waves of depression, the loss of freedom from fear, but also overwhelming gratitude for little things, like when Gilman got a card from an 8-year-old she never met who wrote: "I wish this never happened to you."

Amid the struggle, the couple strives for normalcy, for experiences most people can enjoy without a second thought.

Though they weren't regular concertgoers before the shooting, Gilman and Correa force themselves to get out in large, busy gatherings to face their fears. They also made themselves return to Vegas last month for a previously planned trip for Correa's mother's 70th birthday, a journey that induced panic for Gilman but became therapeutic by the end of the weekend.

Gilman and Correa try to focus on what they're thankful for: each other, their friends and family, and the new relationships they've developed as a result of the shooting.

The Valientes, the off-duty sheriff's deputies who helped save Gilman's life, have become like family. The group got separated the night of the shooting and it took Gilman about a month to find them. She tracked them down on a Facebook page created to help survivors find the people who helped them, and vice versa.

The two couples got together at Christmas and plan to see each other again in October.

For now, Gilman and Correa will keep trying, keep putting themselves in uncomfortable situations, and eventually, they hope, live with a little less fear.

"Something bad happened in our life. It completely changed, and we're finding a new normal," Gilman said. "We can't ever go back to the way we were before."

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Follow AP's coverage of the Las Vegas mass shooting here: https://apnews.com/tag/LasVegasmassshooting .

In this photo taken Monday, Sept. 24, 2018, Las Vegas shooting survivor Chris Gilman, right, sits with her wife Aliza Correa and their two dogs at their home in Bonney Lake, Wash. Gilman, with her wife at her side, was shot at the Route 91 country music festival on the Las Vegas Strip a year earlier. Today Gilman and Correa are making a conscious effort to keep at bay what they experienced and witnessed from spoiling their everyday moments home, an hour southeast of Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

In this photo taken Monday, Sept. 24, 2018, Las Vegas shooting survivor Chris Gilman opens a box with memorabilia from the time of the shooting at her home in Bonney Lake, Wash. The "Route 91" ball cap was sent by authorities to her to replace one Gilman lost after the deadly mass shooting. Gilman, with her wife Aliza Correa at her side, was shot at the Route 91 country music festival on the Las Vegas Strip a year earlier. Like the other survivors, Gilman is fighting to find her new normal. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

In this photo taken Monday, Sept. 24, 2018, Aliza Correa points out the bullet wound on the upper-left side of her wife, Las Vegas shooting survivor Chris Gilman, at their home in Bonney Lake, Wash. A small scar on Gilman's lower back shows where surgeons removed the bullet from her. Gilman, with her wife at her side, was shot at the Route 91 country music festival on the Las Vegas Strip a year earlier. Today, Gilman and Correa try to focus on what they're thankful for: each other, their friends and family, and the new relationships they've developed as a result of the shooting. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

In this photo taken Monday, Sept. 24, 2018, Las Vegas shooting survivor Chris Gilman holds her dog Toby and talks about the comfort he brings her in her recovery at her home in Bonney Lake, Wash. Gilman, with her wife Aliza Correa at her side, was shot in Oct. 2017 at the Route 91 country music festival on the Las Vegas Strip. Today, Gilman and Correa try to focus on what they're thankful for: each other, their friends and family, and the new relationships they've developed as a result of the shooting. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

In this photo taken Monday, Sept. 24, 2018, memorabilia from the Las Vegas shooting sits on a table at the home of survivor Chris Gilman in Bonney Lake, Wash. Gilman, with her wife Aliza Correa at her side, was shot at the Route 91 country music festival on the Las Vegas Strip a year earlier. Today Gilman and Correa are making a conscious effort to keep at bay what they experienced and witnessed from spoiling their everyday moments home, an hour southeast of Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

In this photo taken Monday, Sept. 24, 2018, Las Vegas shooting survivor Chris Gilman displays a medallion given to her from a sheriff's deputy from the time of the shooting at her home in Bonney Lake, Wash. Gilman, with her wife Aliza Correa at her side, was shot at the Route 91 country music festival on the Las Vegas Strip a year earlier. Today, Gilman and Correa try to focus on what they're thankful for: each other, their friends and family, and the new relationships they've developed as a result of the shooting. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

FILE - In this Oct. 1, 2017, file photo provided by Chris Gilman, Gilman, right, is pictured in a selfie with her wife, Aliza Correa, before being shot in the Las Vegas massacre that killed dozens of people and wounded hundreds of others at the Route 91 Harvest festival. Gilman of Bonney Lake, Wash., was rescued by two strangers after suffering a gunshot wound at the concert. Today, Gilman and Correa try to focus on what they're thankful for: each other, their friends and family, and the new relationships they've developed as a result of the shooting. (Courtesy of Chris Gilman via AP, File)
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Elon Musk's future with Tesla Motors is clearer after the company settled a securities fraud lawsuit with the federal government, but there are other clouds hanging over the electric car maker.

Under an agreement announced Saturday by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Musk gets to remain CEO but must relinquish his chairman's role for at least three years. The complaint originally sought Musk's removal as CEO.

One immediate challenge for Tesla is to hire an independent chairman to oversee the company and, just as importantly, its mercurial leader. In effect, the settlement is forcing Tesla into bringing in some managerial help for Musk, which some investors have been calling for.

Tesla was on shaky financial ground even before government regulators set out to remove Musk. It has been under pressure to prove it can consistently manufacture enough cars to survive.

Tesla will soon release its production volume for the July through September period, likely by Wednesday. The manufacturing results will provide a gauge of Tesla's financial health.

Musk told investors he expected Tesla to produce an average of 7,000 electric vehicles per week during the third quarter, enabling the company to post a profit - something it has rarely done since going public eight years ago.

FILE - In this July 8, 2018 file photo, a 2018 Model X sits on display outside a Tesla showroom in Littleton, Colo. Elon Musk's murky future as Tesla Motors' CEO amid a securities fraud lawsuit isn't the only cloud hanging over the electric car maker. The company was on shaky financial ground even before government regulators set out to remove Musk, a blow that has increased the pressure on Tesla to prove it can consistently manufacture enough cars to survive. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Tesla's stock is in need of good news, and the settlement should provide that. The stock is down 30 percent since hitting an all-time closing high of $379.57 on Aug. 7 - the day Musk tweeted about possibly taking the company private, tweets that sparked the SEC lawsuit.

The steep downturn in Tesla's market value may have influenced Musk to have an apparent change of heart and negotiate a settlement. Musk had rejected a settlement offer before the SEC sued Thursday, maintaining he had done nothing wrong when he posted a tweet declaring that he had secured the financing to lead a buyout of Tesla.

Investors had worried that Musk would be forced out of the company at a time when Tesla is possibly in a financial bind.

Here's the problem: Tesla already has accumulated more than $10 billion in debt while it has been burning through about $1 billion in cash every three months. It ended June with $2.2 billion in the bank, meaning the company will likely have to borrow more unless it starts making money.

To compound matters, about $1.3 billion in debt is due to be repaid by March, including $230 million in November.

Analysts' concerns about Tesla's financial position will dissipate if the company began to make money in the third quarter, as Musk promised the company would do.

Tesla is expected to release its third-quarter financial results in early November.
ENCINITAS, Calif. (AP) - The Latest on a shark attack at a Southern California beach (all times local):

4:37 p.m.

A 13-year-old boy attacked by a shark along the Southern California coast is in critical but stable condition.

Spokesman Carlos Delgado of Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego released the boy's condition late Saturday afternoon, more than nine hours after the attack.

The boy underwent surgery but no other information, including his name, is being released.

The boy was attacked at 6:55 a.m. off Beacon's Beach in the city of Encinitas, north of San Diego.

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11:55 a.m.

Southern California authorities have closed several miles of beach following a shark attack that injured a boy who was diving for lobsters.

The attack occurred around 7 a.m. Saturday at Beacon's Beach in the Leucadia area of Encinitas, a city north of San Diego.

Encinitas Lifeguard Capt. Larry Giles says the 13-year-old boy suffered traumatic injuries, but he describes it as a nonfatal attack.

The victim was immediately hauled aboard a kayak by three others who were in the water on opening day of the spiny lobster season.

The boy was brought ashore and flown by helicopter to a trauma center.

Giles says the rescuers were an off-duty police officer, an off-duty and a third person who were also lobster diving.

Witnesses estimated the shark was about 11 feet (3.3 meters) long, but Giles says the species hasn't been determined.

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10:46 a.m.

A teenage boy has been bitten by a shark at a Southern California beach.

Fox 5 San Diego reports the attack occurred around 7 a.m. Saturday at Beacon's Beach in Encinitas, north of San Diego.

Witness Chad Hammel tells the TV station the victim was lobster diving.

Hammel says he heard screaming and then realized the boy was yelling, "I got bit!" Hammel was also lobster diving with a group, and they pulled the boy onto a kayak and headed to shore as the shark followed.

The group applied pressure to the wounds while beachgoers called paramedics, who put the victim in a helicopter.

A message seeking official information was left at a phone number for an Encinitas public information officer.

California's spiny lobster season opened at 6 a.m. Saturday.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The FBI has contacted Deborah Ramirez, who's accused Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct when he was a Yale student, as part of the bureau's investigation of the Supreme Court nominee.

Ramirez's lawyer, John Clune, says agents want to interview her and she's agreed to cooperate.

President Donald Trump has ordered the FBI to reopen Kavanaugh's background investigation after several women accused Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct. Kavanaugh has denied the allegations.

Senate leaders agreed to delay a final vote on Kavanaugh's nomination to allow for a one-week FBI investigation. The Senate Judiciary Committee says the probe should be limited to "current credible allegations" against Kavanaugh and be finished by Oct. 5.

Ramirez has said Kavanaugh exposed himself to her at a party in the early 1980s when they were Yale students.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Police in the heart of Kentucky's horse farm country are investigating after a thoroughbred was found shot with a rifle.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports the horse was found shot at Springhouse Farm near Lexington. The horse was euthanized Friday morning.

Jessamine County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Allen Peel said the shooting happened sometime between 11 p.m. Thursday and 2 a.m. Friday. Authorities found multiple shell casings near where the horse was shot.

The sheriff's office has no suspects and has asked anyone with information to contact them.

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Information from: Lexington Herald-Leader, http://www.kentucky.com
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Declaring that victory over "terrorism" is almost at hand after more than seven years of civil war, Syria's foreign minister took to the world stage Saturday and demanded that "occupation" forces from the U.S., France and Turkey leave the country immediately.

Walid al-Moallem told the General Assembly's high-level meeting that the situation on the ground "is more stable and secure thanks to combatting terrorism" and "all conditions are now present for the voluntary return of refugees."

Syrian government forces, backed by Russia and Iran, have retaken most of the territory rebels seized during the war that has killed over 400,000 people and driven millions from their homes. President Bashar Assad's government refers to all armed opposition and rebel groups fighting Syrian forces as "terrorists," not just Islamic State or al-Qaida militants.

Last week, Russia and Turkey agreed to a deal which stopped an imminent Syrian government offensive to retake the last major rebel stronghold in the northern province of Idlib. It calls for setting up a demilitarized zone around Idlib to separate government forces from rebels, including those from the al-Qaida-linked group formerly known as the Nusra Front.

"We hope that when the agreement is implemented, the Nusra Front and other terrorists will be eradicated, thus eliminating the last remnants of terrorism in Syria," al-Moallem said.

He offered no hard evidence to back up his assertions that victory was near. Emails seeking comment from the U.S., France and Turkey weren't immediately answered.

CORRECTS NAME OF SYRIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER TO WALID AL-MOALLEM - Syrian Deputy Prime Minister Walid al-Moallem addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Al-Moallem's upbeat speech praised the army and the Syrian people for remaining "defiant" during the war, "fully convinced that this was a battle for their existence." He bashed Western and other countries supporting the opposition, alluding to their failed effort to install a transition government and get rid of Assad.

"To the disappointment of some, here we are today more than seven years into this dirty war against my country, announcing to the world that the situation on the ground has become more secure and stable, and that our battle against terrorism is almost over," al-Moallem said.

"It is high time for all those detached from reality to wake up, let go of their fantasies, and come to their senses, see matters realistically," he said. "They must realize they will not achieve politically what they failed to achieve by force."

While Turkey confronts the difficult task of trying to separate the forces in Idlib, the U.N. envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, is trying to bring the warring parties together to move forward on long-stalled political talks aimed at ending the war.

De Mistura is hoping to convene the first meeting of a committee to reform the country's constitution, a key step in a 2012 roadmap adopted by world powers that is to culminate with elections and the formation of a new government. He told The Associated Press this week that October will be crucial.

Al-Moallem signaled difficulties ahead in negotiations, indicating in his speech that Syria doesn't want a new constitution. "We stress that the mandate of the committee is limited to reviewing the articles of the current constitution," the Syrian minister said.

He added that Syria "will not accept any proposal that constitutes an interference in internal affairs of Syria, or leads to such interference."

The United States, aided by Syrian Kurdish-led fighters, helped rout the Islamic State extremist group from all urban areas in Syria but remains in the country because pockets of IS militants remain. Turkey says it is fighting IS but is also seeking to curb the spread of the Syrian Kurdish militia that it considers "terrorists."

Al-Moallem said "any foreign presence on Syrian territory without the consent of the Syrian government is illegal, and constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and the U.N. Charter."

"We therefore consider any forces operating on Syrian territory without an explicit request from the Syrian government, including U.S., French and Turkish forces, occupying forces and will be dealt with accordingly," he said. "They must withdraw immediately and without any conditions."

Assad's forces have battled all armed opposition, both Syrian rebels and militant groups such as IS and al-Qaida.

Al-Moallem said the Damascus government also remains committed regaining control over the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed, a move never recognized internationally.

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Associated Press writer Katarina Kratovac contributed to this report from Cairo.

CORRECTS NAME TO WALID AL-MOALLEM - Syrian Deputy Prime Minister Walid al-Moallem addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly,Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
TORONTO (AP) - Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland has postponed her U.N. speech as free trade talks between the U.S. and Canada intensify.

Freeland had been scheduled to deliver Canada's address to the General Assembly on Saturday in New York, but Canada exchanged the slot with another country. Freeland may or may not give the speech on Monday.

Canada is the United States' No. 2 trading partner. It was left out when the U.S. and Mexico reached an agreement last month to revamp the North American Free Trade Agreement. The U.S. and Canada are under pressure to reach a deal by Sunday, when the U.S. must make public the full text of the agreement with Mexico.

The trade talks have been deadlocked over issues such as Canada's high dairy tariffs.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon sheriff has apologized for an arrest caught on video that ended with one of his deputies punching a homeless person 17 times in the head, and says his sworn staff violated department use-of-force policy.

Marion County Sheriff Jason Myers declined to say in a statement Friday which of the five deputies caught on camera by KGW-TV violated the policy or whether they would be disciplined.

Prosecutors who reviewed the case declined to file charges against Deputy Jacob Thompson for repeatedly punching 28-year-old Kevin Straw - who also used the name Tessa Lovelace - during the arrest June 4.

The Oregon State Police also reviewed the arrest and determined Marion County deputies violated its policies.

Deputies need more training on interacting with those with mental illness and de-escalating incidents involving people who are in apparent mental crisis, he said.

"It is the goal of the Sheriff's Office to always meet the public safety needs and the expectations of the community we serve," Myers said in a statement. "In this circumstance, I believe we, as an Office, fell short of our community's expectations, and for this I apologize."

At the time, deputies said Straw had repeatedly shouted at officers involved in the search for two missing fishermen in the Detroit, Oregon, area. Crisis intervention specialists had contacted Straw earlier after reports that he was yelling at passers-by in the area.

In the video, an officer forces Straw's right arm behind his back, and another grabs his left arm. But as the officers together lower the man toward the ground, face-down, Straw extends his left arm in front of himself. As Straw is punched, an officer can be heard saying, "Get your hand behind your back."

After the punches are delivered, a fifth officer jogs to the scene and puts his knee on Straw's head.

Aside from extending his arm, Straw does not appear to struggle in the video, and is eventually handcuffed.

Prosecutors who reviewed the video concluded it did not show that Straw repeatedly tried to move his right arm toward his waistband during the arrest. Deputies later found a knife in his waistband.

Myers said nonetheless, a department review determined there should have been better communication between deputies before the arrest, better decision making, more verbal de-escalation techniques and considerations of an alternative to taking Straw into custody.

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Information from: The Oregonian/OregonLive, http://www.oregonlive.com
SAO PAULO (AP) - Far right congressman Jair Bolsonaro is leading polls for Brazil's October presidential election, but he has attracted widespread criticism for his controversial views - and his often impolitic way of expressing them. On Saturday, women's groups around Latin America's largest country are organizing protests against him. Below are some examples of his comments about women, gay people and other minorities that have raised concerns - and sometimes led to charges.

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During an interview with the Folha de S.Paulo newspaper in January 2018, Bolsonaro explained how he used the housing allowance he received as a congressman.

"Since I was a bachelor at the time, I used the money to have sex with people," he said.

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In a speech at Rio de Janeiro's Hebraica Club in April 2017, Bolsonaro spoke about his family.

FILE - In this April 19, 2018 file photo, presidential hopeful, conservative Brazilian lawmaker Jair Bolsonaro flashes two thumbs up as he poses for a photo with cadets during a ceremony marking Army Day, in Brasilia, Brazil. Bolsonaro, the leading candidate in Brazil's presidential race was discharged from the hospital Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, where he was being treated for a knife wound to his abdomen. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres, File)

"I have five children. Four are men, and then in a moment of weakness the fifth came out a girl," he said.

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In the same speech in April 2017, he spoke about a settlement, or quilombo, which was founded by the descendants of slaves.

"I visited a quilombo and the least heavy afro-descendant weighed seven arrobas. They do nothing! They are not even good for procreation," he said, suggesting that people in the settlement were overweight.

Seven arrobas is roughly the equivalent of 231 pounds (105 kilograms).

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In the lower house of Congress in September 2014, Bolsonaro made heated comments during an exchange with congresswoman Maria do Rosario of the leftist Workers' Party.

"I wouldn't rape you because you don't deserve it," he said, in response to remarks made by do Rosario in 2013 when she called Bolsonaro a rapist and said he encouraged rape.

Bolsonaro later repeated his comments to the Zero Hora newspaper, adding that he was not a rapist but, if he were, he would not rape do Rosario because she is "ugly" and "not his type."

Bolsonaro is slated to stand trial on charges of slander and incitation to rape for these comments.

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In an interview with Playboy magazine in December 2011, Bolsonaro said that he "would be incapable of loving a homosexual son."

"I would prefer my son to die in an accident than show up with a mustachioed man," he said.

"Bigodudo," or mustachioed man, is a phrase in Portuguese that is used to describe a macho man.

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During an interview aired by the Bandeirantes TV network in March 2011, Bolsonaro responded to a question about what he would do if his son fell in love with a black woman.

"I won't discuss promiscuity," he said. "I don't run that risk because my sons were very well educated."

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In May 2002, Bolsonaro threatened gay people after then-President Fernando Henrique Cardoso was seen in a photo holding a rainbow flag at an event in support of gay marriage.

"I won't fight against it nor discriminate, but if I see two men kissing each other on the street, I'll beat them up," he said.
HONOLULU (AP) - A man accused of killing and dismembering his mother in their Waikiki apartment pleaded guilty.

Yu Wei Gong pleaded guilty to manslaughter Friday after originally being charged with second-degree murder.

The lower charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Gong also pleaded guilty to second-degree identity theft and abuse of a corpse.

Gong admitted to killing his mother, Liu Yun Gong, in September 2016, according to court documents. Yu Wei Gong said he accidentally killed her during an argument.

When officers asked about his mother's whereabouts after searching the unit, Yu Wei Gong said she was "in the fridge," according to the police complaint.

Yu Wei Gong, middle, pleads guilty to manslaughter in the death of his mother Liu Yun Gong in State Circuit Court on Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, in Honolulu. As part of the deal, Gong also pleaded guilty to abusing a corpse, for dismembering his mother's body, and identity theft for withdrawing money from her bank account after killing her. On the left is public defender Darcia Forester and on the right is interpreter Shaoli Gu. (Dennis Oda/Honolulu Star-Advertiser via AP)

An officer searcher the freezer and found human remains, including two arms with hands and a decapitated head, in numerous plastic trash bags, the complaint said.

The remains were positively identified as Gong's mother, and the medical examiner's office determined the cause of death was injuries sustained from blunt force trauma to the head. The manner of death was ruled a homicide.

Yu Wei Gong faces one year for abuse of a corpse, which would be served concurrently with the manslaughter penalty. He faces an additional 10 years for identity theft, which would be served separately.

The identity theft charge stems from Gong paying rent with his mom's checking account, prosecutor Wayne Tashima said.

Gong is being held at Oahu Community Correctional Center, and will be sentenced in January.
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A Louisiana woman has pleaded guilty in a case in which a woman relative was held captive - sometimes in a makeshift cage, federal prosecutors said.

The U.S. Attorney's office said in a news release Friday that Bridget Lambert, 21, entered a plea Thursday on a count of forced labor conspiracy, NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune reported . Lambert faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison when she's sentenced on Dec. 20.

The federal case involved horrific accusations of abuse against the 22-year-old autistic woman who was kept captive for nearly a year.

Lambert, of Amite, admitted conspiring with other family members between August 2015 to June 2016 to use force and the threat of force to make the young woman work for them in exchange for food and water.

Authorities said Lambert admitted to one time holding the woman's arms so someone else could burn her with a cigarette lighter.

"Lambert conspired to brutally coerce a vulnerable victim with disabilities to work long hours in despicable conditions and no monetary compensation," Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore said in the release. "The Department of Justice continues to combat human trafficking by forced labor and today's guilty plea reflects our commitment to seeking justice for victims."

Lambert and four other family members were charged in July. The others were Lambert's mother, Raylaine Knope, 42, and her husband, Terry Knope II, 45, who face a sex trafficking charge along with labor and housing law violations. Terry Knope's daughter, Taylor Knope, 20, and Raylaine Knope's son, Jody Lambert, 23, also face labor and housing law violations.

Terry Knope also faces a hate crime count, in which prosecutors say the injuries he caused the victim were motivated by her disability. He also is charged with theft of government funds - more than $8,700 in Social Security benefits meant for the victim.

The abuse began in August 2015, a day after the victim's mother died, authorities said. Authorities said they abused and humiliated the woman, including covering her with material from the family's septic tank and forcing her to eat her mother's cremated remains. Family members are also accused of forcing the woman to perform sexual acts on others.

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office deputies made the initial arrests in 2016 after the woman was found wandering around the back yard of the residence. At the time, Sheriff Daniel Edward said the woman appeared malnourished and was covered with insect bites.

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Information from: The Times-Picayune, http://www.nola.com
DENVER (AP) - Colorado's top federal prosecutor says his office may take legal action against licensed marijuana businesses that violate state law or use their status under state law "as a shield" while selling their product on the black market.

U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer acknowledged that until now, federal officials in Colorado have largely focused on prosecuting the people running entirely illegal marijuana grows. The operations are often concealed on federal forest land or inside houses, spurring regular complaints from local law enforcement in some parts of the state.

"Now that federal enforcement has shot down marijuana grows on federal lands, the crosshairs may appropriately shift to the public harms caused by licensed businesses and their investors, particularly those who are not complying with state law or trying to use purported state compliance as a shield," Troyer wrote in an op-ed published late Friday.

After voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2012, Colorado became the first state to broadly allow the sale of marijuana to adults alongside its existing medical marijuana industry. State-tracked sales now total more than $1 billion per year.

The industry has only grown since, with a total of eight states and Washington, D.C., permitting adult use. Marijuana also is allowed for some form of medical use in 31 states. The trade publication Marijuana Business Daily estimates legal marijuana sales topped $5.8 billion last year in the U.S.

But pot remains illegal under federal law, and Troyer suggested even Colorado businesses operating within state law could face federal action.

FILE - In this May 31, 2012, file photo, then Assistant U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer, backed by representatives of law enforcement agencies, speaks at a news conference in Denver. In an op-ed published in The Denver Post late Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, U.S. Attorney Troyer, Colorado's top federal prosecutor, says his office may take legal action against licensed marijuana business that violate state law or use their status under state law "as a shield" but sell to the black market. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski, File)

"We make decisions based on safety," Troyer said. "Sometimes compliance with state law is relevant to that, and sometimes it's not. We do not make decisions based on labels like 'compliance with state law.' Labels are not relevant to us - people's safety is."

He did not give more detail on how a company could come under federal scrutiny.

Industry representatives said authorities should root out those using state law to hide illegal sales. But it would be unfair to focus on state-licensed companies that do strictly follow its laws, said Kristi Kelly, executive director of the Marijuana Industry Group, a trade association.

"Targeting legal dispensaries that are doing their best to follow the letter of Colorado's laws makes no sense without meeting with the owners and discussing their interpretation of the laws," she said. "We would have extreme concerns about that."

Troyer also told The Denver Post this week that his office plans to take action soon against a Denver-area chain of marijuana dispensaries.

He described the issue as an illegal drug-trafficking organization disguised as a legitimate business under state law. He did not name the company or provide more detail about its operations.

It's unclear how long Troyer will remain in charge of the office. He took the post in 2016 when former U.S. Attorney John Walsh, a nominee of President Barack Obama, resigned.

Jason Dunn, a former deputy attorney general to Republican John Suthers, was nominated in June to fill the post.

Dunn's nomination is awaiting U.S. Senate confirmation.
LAS VEGAS (AP) - A judge has banned the Nevada prison system from using its supply of a drug in the lethal injection of a convicted killer.

District Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez wrote late Friday afternoon that Nevada prison officials obtained drug manufacturer Alvogen's sedative midazolam through "subterfuge," or deceit, adding the purchase was made in "stark contrast" to previous attempts to buy medication for capital punishment, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported .

The ban essentially shuts down the possible execution of Scott Dozier for the foreseeable future.

Dozier's execution was halted in July, for the second time in nine months, after Alvogen sued the prison system.

Dozier was sentenced to die in 2007 after first-degree murder and robbery convictions in the killing of Jeremiah Miller. He would be the first prisoner executed in Nevada since 2006.

Nevada's prison director, James Dzurenda, testified earlier this month that he disregarded letters from three drug manufacturers who did not want their medication used in an execution.

Dzurenda acknowledged receiving a memo from Alvogen months before the planned execution of Dozier.

He messaged Linda Fox, pharmacy director for the prisons, about the company's concern. But Dzurenda did not return the sedative - which was obtained through a third party - to Alvogen, as the company requested.

"Text messages between Fox and Dzurenda also support Alvogen's allegation of a scheme," Gonzalez wrote in her decision, ruling that Fox knew the third party had offered midazolam by mistake. "The state did not acquire the Alvogen midazolam product in good faith, and it did so knowing that it violated Alvogen's property rights."

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Information from: Las Vegas Review-Journal, http://www.lvrj.com
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - After the world's leaders spent thousands upon thousands of words on the subject this past week, the foreign minister of Papua New Guinea boiled it down to just six of them on Saturday.

"Unity, of course, is the answer," Rimbink Pato said.

Maybe. Also: Maybe not. Depends on who's talking.

The fusillade of oratory this year at the U.N. General Assembly has made clear that one of the most vexing challenges facing the planet's nations as they muddle through the 21st century is which principle to put first: working together or going it alone.

Behind that, though, sits the larger question: What should cooperation look like in a 21st-century world?

Is it really any wonder that an organization called the United Nations - the "ultimate bastion of multilateralism," as Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan put it - might occasionally have some tension between "United" and "Nations"?

People walk towards the U.N. headquarters on Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, in New York. At the U.N. General Assembly this year, leader after leader mused about the challenges of an increasingly fragmented planet and how the friction of modern life can mesh with old suspicions that can now be amplified in an instant. In short: Most of us humans are led by people struggling to figure out the same dizzying world that vexes the rest of us. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

"I admit that multilateralism is not always an easy way. But it is the only sustainable one," Slovakian President Andrej Kiska told fellow leaders.

Part of the thorniness around multilateralism lies in the misplaced notion that it and pure unilateralism are the only choices. "Basically, there are two different views of the world," said Marcelo Rebelo de Souza, the president of Portugal.

In reality, they sit on a continuum, and nations can stake out many points along it - particularly if they're behemoths who can take big actions on their own or small ones who need alliances to act with any level of muscle.

Another stumbling block: Many at the United Nations this week framed U.S. President Donald Trump's "America First" policy, outlined Tuesday, as a wholesale rejection of multilateralism.

"America is governed by Americans," Trump said. "We reject the ideology of globalism, and we embrace the doctrine of patriotism."

He added, pointedly: "We will never surrender America's sovereignty to an unelected, unaccountable global bureaucracy."

It's true that Trump has upended chunks of the existing multilateral order. His administration has spurned collaborative entities on various levels, from renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement to walking away from various U.N. agencies. He has even raised questions about his commitment to NATO allies.

But compare the Trump era's approach to that of the United States during, say, the final decade of the 19th century. He might actually come out looking like an assertive multilateralist.

Multilateralism came so far in a century of industrial and technological progress - and security needs after the second of two world wars - that even an enthusiastic isolationist today might have been a multilateralist then.

The United States has occasionally contradicted itself in this respect. Isolationist for much of its first century, it has sometimes pinballed between two founding fathers' divergent philosophies: Thomas Jefferson, who warned of "entangling alliances," and Benjamin Franklin, who famously said that "we must indeed all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately."

After the League of Nations, a first attempt to unite the planet's countries after World War I, faltered and faded, the United Nations arrived on the scene to foster cooperation in World War II's chaotic aftermath.

It was also a time when nations aligned with the United States and the Soviet Union, respectively - in western and eastern Europe - needed to circle some wagons to stay safe. Hence the security alliances that became known as NATO and the Warsaw Pact.

Three generations later, criticisms of the U.N. as bloated, disoriented and inefficient are often paired rhetorically with dark whispers of a "one world government" that will eradicate national sovereignty. It's an American-fueled recipe for unilateralism that other nations wary of interference in their affairs have started to echo.

"The international community must respect sovereignty of the countries," said Peter Szijjarto, foreign minister of Hungary, which has grappled with a huge influx of refugees in recent years and is erecting obstacles to stop them.

With more vigorous unilateral actions by Washington toward the larger world since Trump took office, the chorus on the other side - hang together or hang separately - has been approaching crescendo.

That was evident this week as leaders and their posses streamed into the U.N. compound on the banks of New York City's East River. Best guess, at least two-thirds of the countries whose leaders spoke ended up throwing in a plug for multilateralism in one way or another.

China, which has long advocated rules-based multilateralism in theory while only sometimes deploying it in practice, appeared to step in on Friday to occupy the space the U.S. was leaving behind. Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated China's longtime commitment but also insisted that "multilateralism is not about making empty rhetoric. It must be pursued to solve problems."

"There is no doubt that multilateralism needs to be defended," Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said. "That's the only way we're going to deal with the complex global challenges of the future."

But how? Shouting the virtues of multilateralism from the mountaintops only echoes so far.

Look, perhaps, to British Prime Minister Theresa May for the beginnings of a nuanced path forward. As she put it, "Delivering for your citizens at home does not have to be at the expense of global cooperation."

Figuring this stuff out, and charting a path forward, is front and center for the United Nations. These three things in particular seem to stand out:

- figuring out exactly where plain old cooperation melts into full-on multilateralism, and managing that transition smartly;

- placating those nations wary of sovereignty violations without making the U.N. an entirely toothless organization;

- establishing structures that prevent stakeholders from simply taking their toys and going home.

For the time being, at least, there are always going to be nations. United? That's another story.

But in a world whose connections and collaborations increasingly bypass national and governmental realms entirely, it's a conundrum the United Nations needs to solve, lest it finds itself bypassed by the very progress it tries to encourage.

"We depend on each other," said Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid, "whether we like it or not."

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Ted Anthony, director of digital innovation for The Associated Press, has reported from more than 25 countries and has written about international affairs since 1995. Follow him on Twitter at @anthonyted.

A man wearing a pullover reading "this world is yours" eats lunch at Grand Central Terminal on Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, in New York. At the U.N. General Assembly this year, leader after leader mused about the challenges of an increasingly fragmented planet and how the friction of modern life can mesh with old suspicions that can now be amplified in an instant. In short: Most of us humans are led by people struggling to figure out the same dizzying world that vexes the rest of us. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Authorities in a Maryland county say they are prepared to investigate sexual assault allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh should a victim come forward and file a criminal report.

Montgomery County Police Chief J. Thomas Manger and State's Attorney John McCarthy said in a letter Friday there have been no such reports filed that would lead to the initiation of a criminal investigation.

Manger and McCarthy were responding to a request for an investigation made earlier in the week by 11 Democratic state lawmakers.

Christine Blasey Ford has alleged that Kavanaugh forced her into a room at a high school gathering in Montgomery County in the 1980s, held her on a bed and tried removing her clothes as he muffled her mouth with his hands. Kavanaugh denies the allegations.
BATESVILLE, Miss. (AP) - Amid a retrial, a federal analyst has laid out the timeline to jurors of the night a Mississippi woman was burned alive in 2014.

U.S. Department of Justice Analyst Paul Rowlett testified for hours Saturday as an expert witness in the field of intelligence analysis. He outlined for the jury how he used cellphone records to piece together the movements of 29-year-old defendant Quinton Tellis and the 19-year-old victim, Jessica Chambers.

The Clarion Ledger reports Rowlett says he received location data from several cellphones and noted that where Tellis said he was on the day of Chambers' death was not where his cellphone data says he was.

Another inconsistency was that Tellis said he had known Chambers for about two weeks when she died. Cellphone records indicated they'd only known each other for a week.

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Information from: The Clarion Ledger, http://www.clarionledger.com

Defense attorney Darla Palmer talks while Quinton Tellis listens during the fifth day of his retrial on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 in Batesville, Miss. Tellis is being retried on capital murder charges in the 2014 death of Jessica Chambers after a jury couldn't reach a verdict in Tellis' first trial last year. (Brad Vest /The Commercial Appeal via AP, Pool)

Quinton Tellis listens during the fifth day of his retrial on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 in Batesville, Miss. Tellis is being retried on capital murder charges in the 2014 death of Jessica Chambers after a jury couldn't reach a verdict in Tellis' first trial last year. (Brad Vest /The Commercial Appeal via AP, Pool)
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - As the Senate is divided on President Donald Trump's Supreme Court pick, so too are women across the country.

Female voices have echoed throughout the U.S. Senate this week demanding male senators justify their support for Brett Kavanaugh's U.S. Supreme Court nomination despite an allegation of high school sexual assault.

But other women have spent hours calling Senate offices in support of Kavanaugh, condemning what they saw as an anti-Republican ploy that's damaged not only Kavanaugh's reputation and livelihood but also his accuser's.

To Hannah King, a college senior from Bristol, Tennessee, Christine Blasey Ford's allegations of a drunken attack by Kavanaugh at a 1982 party when both were in high school were jarring and scary. But while King expressed empathy for Ford, she also said she's concerned about the timing of Ford's allegations, which surfaced publicly only after Kavanaugh - already a federal judge - was nominated to the Supreme Court.

"It was too timely and strategic," said King, 21. "Anything like that makes you question how true it is."

King spoke Friday after the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance Kavanaugh's nomination to the full Senate. Hours later, Trump ordered an FBI investigation of Kavanaugh upon Republican Sen. Jeff Flake's insistence. Flake's demand came after two women who said they had experienced sexual assault confronted him on an elevator at the Senate and demanded he take action against Kavanaugh. Two other women besides Ford have also lodged public sexual misconduct allegations against Kavanaugh.

Supporters of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh gather inside the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018. The Senate Judiciary Committee is hearing from Christine Blasey Ford, the woman who says Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

"A lot of times, you cope by suppressing and forgetting," said King, who leads the King University College Republicans. "But someone's promotion isn't something that should prompt someone to come forward."

That sentiment was shared by Sarah Round, 69, a retired elementary school teacher of Newport Center, Vermont, who felt empathy for Ford but not at the expense of Kavanaugh's reputation and future.

"Possibly something happened to her," Round said. "But I think she embellished what happened, or she would have gone to some authority or said something about it years ago."

Nancy Mace, the first woman to graduate from The Citadel and a Republican state representative from Daniel Island, South Carolina, said she had been sexually assaulted as a teen herself. She expressed sympathy for Ford, but said Kavanaugh deserved protection, too.

"I'm very empathetic to women who've been through this type of situation," said Mace, 40. "But on the other side, we have laws in this country that protect individuals from being wrongfully accused."

Emma Scott, an 18-year-old University of South Carolina freshman from Charleston, South Carolina, said that, while she doesn't doubt Ford endured a trauma of some kind, she wasn't convinced it could be tied to Kavanaugh.

"If you're going to use sexual assault to slow somebody down, it had better be the truth," Scott said. "Even if Brett Kavanaugh is innocent, he is still going to live with this the rest of his life."

Mace said that she viewed the testimony as an "at all costs" effort by Democrats to win back control in Congress and possibly hold the seat open until a future Democratic president can fill it.

"Ford is political collateral, and they do not care," Mace said.

Susan Conger, 64, a former math teacher from Augusta, Georgia, who also worked in the Reagan administration, said she turned off her television during Thursday's hearing but has followed the news coverage of the testimony.

"Instead of watching, I decided I would be better served by praying for the people who were talking and listening," Conger said.

Conger has spent time volunteering with her local women's Republican club, calling the offices of senators asking them to support Kavanaugh's nomination.

"I'm sorry that this terrible thing happened to her at the hands of someone," Conger said. "It's not that I think that his accuser is a bad person. It's not my job to judge her because I don't know her."

Kevin Bishop, a spokesman for U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham - who gave a fiery defense of Kavanaugh after the judge's testimony Thursday - said Graham's office has received as many women calling in support of Kavanaugh as in opposition.

Round, of Vermont, said she feels the whole episode could end up hurting Democrats more than helping them in this fall's elections, just more than a month away.

"I am digging my heels in, and I'm hoping that a lot of conservatives are determined to vote Republican," Round said. "I think it's galvanized the women on the right more than it's galvanized the women on the left."

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Kinnard can be reached on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP. Read her work at https://apnews.com/search/meg%20kinnard.

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For more coverage of Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination, visit https://apnews.com/tag/Kavanaughnomination

Supporters of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh gather inside the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018. The Senate Judiciary Committee is hearing from Christine Blasey Ford, the woman who says Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on President Donald Trump and his rally in West Virginia (all times local):

9:20 p.m.

President Donald Trump is turning his embattled Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh into a rallying cry for Republicans to vote in November. He said at a West Virginia rally that they can help reject the "ruthless and outrageous tactics" he says Democrats used against the judge.

Trump won the state in 2016 by 42 percentage points and remains popular there.

Kavanaugh, the federal appeals judge Trump nominated to the nation's highest court, appeared headed for confirmation until California professor Christine Blasey (blah-zee) Ford accused him of sexually assaulting her when they were teenagers in Maryland in the 1980s. Kavanaugh denied her accusations and those of two other women since have accused him of sexual misconduct.

8:20 p.m.

President Donald Trump reacts to the playing of West Virginia's state song as he takes the stage during a rally in Wheeling, W.Va., Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

During his rally, President Donald Trump also poked fun at Democratic Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, considered a possible challenger to Trump in 2020.

Booker is a former mayor of Newark, the state's largest city.

Trump told the crowd that Booker "ran Newark, New Jersey into the ground" and asked: "now he wants to be president?"

"What was the moment he said he had?" When the crowd yelled back, "Spartacus," Trump said: "I don't think so. I think we take Kirk Douglas in his prime."

Douglas starred as Spartacus in a movie about the leader of a slave revolt in antiquity.

During Kavanaugh's initial confirmation hearing before the Judiciary committee on which Booker sits, Booker declared he was having a "Spartacus" moment when he said he was breaking committee rules and releasing documents about Kavanaugh, though the papers had already been cleared for release.

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7:45 p.m.

President Donald Trump is praising his Supreme Court nominee and condemning Democrats for what he calls shameless, disgraceful conduct, particularly in the last week.

Hosting a rally in Wheeling, West Virginia, Trump accused Democrats of ruthless and outrageous tactics to get their way.

The rally is Trump's first since Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh gave an angry, emotional denial of a woman's accusation that he sexually assaulted her when they were teenagers.

Trump also mocked the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, California's Sen. Dianne Feinstein, as unconvincingly denying that she leaked the letter in which Kavanaugh's accuser told her story. Feinstein has insisted Democrats on the committee weren't the source of the leak.

Trump warned that "bad things will happen" if supporters stay at home on Election Day.

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4:30 p.m.

Another state and another campaign rally for President Donald Trump - this time in West Virginia.

Trump was appearing in Wheeling on Saturday a day after he reversed course and ordered a new FBI investigation of Brett Kavanaugh, whose nomination to the Supreme Court was upended when a California woman accused him of sexually assaulting her when they were teenagers.

Kavanaugh denies the allegation.

Democrats and some Republicans had been asking for the new investigation. It will delay by at least a week a Senate vote on confirming Kavanaugh, who would fill an opening and help shift the high court's balance to the right.

President Donald Trump waves as he leaves after speaking to reporters at the White House in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, for a trip to Wheeling, W.Va. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
LAS VEGAS (AP) - Democratic Senate candidate Jacky Rosen in Nevada said Saturday that Republican Sen. Dean Heller's support for an FBI probe of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, while also continuing to support his confirmation, is a "charade."

"He's made his mind up before he's seen anything," Rosen, a first-term House member challenging Heller in November, told The Associated Press Saturday. "That's the charade of all this, isn't it. That's the charade."

Heller, viewed the Republicans' most vulnerable senator seeking re-election this year, said Friday he supported Trump's request for a supplemental FBI investigation of Kavanaugh.

"I am supportive of the administration's decision to request a supplemental FBI background investigation," to be completed in a week, Heller said in a statement Friday.

But he added, "it is my hope that after this additional week, other senators will come to the conclusion that I have reached and support Judge Kavanaugh."

Senate leaders agreed Friday to delay a final vote on Kavanaugh's nomination to allow a one-week FBI investigation of allegations of sexual assault against him when the federal court judge was in high school and college.

President Trump ordered the FBI to reopen Kavanaugh's background investigation after Republican Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona joined minority Democrats on the judiciary committee in seeking the bureau's involvement before the entire Senate would vote on Kavanagh's confirmation.

Heller aides did not immediately respond about whether he would vote against confirmation if the FBI investigation found evidence of sexual misconduct.

During the campaign, Rosen has hounded Heller as first having been reluctant to support Trump, but then currying favor with the president to help his political fortunes.

Likewise, she has noted Heller's opposition last year to a measure that would have repealed the 2010 federal health care law but, after a veiled threat from Trump and a challenge to his re-election from within his own party, helping author a bill that would have dismantled the Obama-era measure.

Heller is the only Republican seeking re-election in a state Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton carried in 2016.

Trump campaigned in Las Vegas for Heller on Sept. 20, saying "Your incredible senator, Dean Heller, is going to be with us all the time."
BATESVILLE, Miss. (AP) - The Latest on the retrial of a man accused of burning a Mississippi woman alive in 2014 (all times local):

7:10 p.m.

The prosecution has rested its case in the retrial of a man who is accused of burning a Mississippi woman alive in 2014.

The defense is scheduled to begin its closing arguments Sunday in the trial of 29-year-old defendant Quinton Tellis.

The judge said he expected the trial to go to the jury later that day.

U.S. Department of Justice Analyst Paul Rowlett told the jury how he used cellphone records to piece together the movements of Tellis and the 19-year-old victim, Jessica Chambers, on the night she died.

Defense attorney Darla Palmer talks while Quinton Tellis listens during the fifth day of his retrial on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 in Batesville, Miss. Tellis is being retried on capital murder charges in the 2014 death of Jessica Chambers after a jury couldn't reach a verdict in Tellis' first trial last year. (Brad Vest /The Commercial Appeal via AP, Pool)

The Clarion Ledger reports Rowlett said he received location data from several cellphones that showed Tellis was with Chambers the evening of her death, contradicting his previous claims.

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5:10 p.m.

Amid a retrial, a federal analyst has laid out the timeline to jurors of the night a Mississippi woman was burned alive in 2014.

U.S. Department of Justice Analyst Paul Rowlett testified for hours Saturday as an expert witness in the field of intelligence analysis. He outlined for the jury how he used cellphone records to piece together the movements of 29-year-old defendant Quinton Tellis and the 19-year-old victim, Jessica Chambers.

The Clarion Ledger reports Rowlett says he received location data from several cellphones and noted that where Tellis said he was on the day of Chambers' death was not where his cellphone data says he was.

Another inconsistency was that Tellis said he had known Chambers for about two weeks when she died. Cellphone records indicated they'd only known each other for a week.

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Information from: The Clarion Ledger, http://www.clarionledger.com

Quinton Tellis listens during the fifth day of his retrial on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 in Batesville, Miss. Tellis is being retried on capital murder charges in the 2014 death of Jessica Chambers after a jury couldn't reach a verdict in Tellis' first trial last year. (Brad Vest /The Commercial Appeal via AP, Pool)
TOKYO (AP) - Denny Tamaki, who campaigned criticizing the American military presence on the southwestern Japanese islands of Okinawa, won the election for governor Sunday, defeating a ruling party-backed candidate pushing the status quo.

The race was to choose a successor to Takeshi Onaga, who died in August of pancreatic cancer. He wanted the bases off Okinawa.

Tamaki, a legislator who had pledged to continue with Onaga's "spirit," thanked his supporters as his campaign office broke into a cheer and later began dancing Okinawa-style, after several major Japanese media polls, including Kyodo news service, declared him the winner.

"The strong feelings of Takeshi Onaga, risking his life to stop the construction of any more bases, helped bring this victory," Tamaki told reporters.

He defeated Atsushi Sakima, a mayor who had argued that Okinawa should work with the national government to sort out the problem. The final vote count was not yet available. But media reports said Tamaki led in almost all areas of Okinawa, making his win certain with the vote partially counted.

Tamaki's victory throws into further question Japan's plans for a new air base still under construction in coastal Okinawa.

Japan's legislator Denny Tamaki smiles in Okinawa city, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, the day for the election for Okinawa governor. Tamaki, who campaigned criticizing the American military presence on the southwestern Japanese islands of Okinawa, won the election for governor Sunday, defeating a ruling party-backed candidate pushing the status quo. (Takuto Kaneko/Kyodo News via AP)

Okinawa houses about half of the 54,000 American troops stationed in Japan and makes for 64 percent of the land space used by the U.S. bases, under a bilateral security treaty, according to John S. Hutcheson, spokesman for the U.S. Forces in Japan.

The arrangement has long been protested by some as an unfair burden on Okinawa, which makes up less than 1 percent of Japan's land space.

Japan remains highly dependent on the U.S. for defense, but crimes by members of the military, including hit-and-runs as well as rapes, have outraged the people of Okinawa. They are also angry about noise pollution and the dangers of crashes from military aircraft.

Tamaki, whose father is a U.S. Marine he has never met, has often said he is a symbol of the predicament of his people. His mother is Japanese.

"I can clearly state we no longer want in Okinawa the U.S. bases that destroy our peace and destroy our nature," Tamaki, 58, said during his campaign.

He has promised policies that care about "the weak," helping workers, students and those who face discrimination.

Before running for governor, Sakima, 54, was mayor of Ginowan, where the Marines air base called Futenma is located.

Futenma is at the center of the controversy over the government relocation plan for U.S. troops to less densely populated Henoko in Nago, Okinawa.

The planning dates back to the 1995 rape of a schoolgirl in which three U.S. servicemen were convicted. But the planning and construction of Henoko has repeatedly been delayed because of local opposition to the bases.

Some are also pointing to the threat that base construction, which includes a landfill, may bring to the environment, including to a coral reef and dugong and other marine life.

Outside of Okinawa, the national government and public opinion appear to support strengthening Japan's security measures as it faces nuclear threats from North Korea and the growing military might of China. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration also has been pushing Japan to do more to defend itself.

Tamaki, facing his supporters, who at times broke into joyous chants of "Denny! Denny! Denny!" said his win showed that the people don't want the new base in Henoko.

"Henoko will not be allowed," said Tamaki.

"We are all family on earth," he said of dealing with the U.S. "How we can co-exist in understanding and peace should be our starting point."

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Follow Yuri Kageyama on Twitter at https://twitter.com/yurikageyama

On Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/yurikageyama/?hl=en

Japan's legislator Denny Tamaki celebrates his victory, dancing with supporters in the election for Okinawa governor in Naha city, Sunday, Sept 30, 2018. Tamaki, who campaigned criticizing the American military presence on the southwestern Japanese islands of Okinawa, won the election for governor Sunday, defeating a ruling party-backed candidate pushing the status quo.(Takuto Kaneko/Kyodo News via AP)

Japan's legislator Denny Tamaki celebrates his victory, dancing with supporters in the election for Okinawa governor in Naha city, Sunday, Sept 30, 2018. Tamaki, who campaigned criticizing the American military presence on the southwestern Japanese islands of Okinawa, won the election for governor Sunday, defeating a ruling party-backed candidate pushing the status quo.(Takuto Kaneko/Kyodo News via AP)

Japan's legislator Denny Tamaki, center, celebrates his victory with supporters in the election for Okinawa governor in Naha city, Sunday, Sept 30, 2018. Tamaki, who campaigned criticizing the American military presence on the southwestern Japanese islands of Okinawa, won the election for governor Sunday, defeating a ruling party-backed candidate pushing the status quo.(Takuto Kaneko/Kyodo News via AP)
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The Latest on Texas Democratic Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke's concert with Willie Nelson (all times local):

10:30 p.m.

Texas Democratic Senate candidate Beto O'Rouke is rallying with Willie Nelson, telling thousands of supporters, "The people of the future, our kids and our grandkids, are depending on what we do at this moment."

O'Rouke, a onetime punk rocker facing Republican Sen. Ted Cruz in November, took the stage Saturday night in Austin to cheers from many wearing T-shirts or waving signs bearing his name. The event's slogan was "Beto for Texas. Willie for Beto."

Nelson has long supported top Democrats and he and O'Rourke are outspoken advocates for decriminalizing marijuana.

Some Texans called for online boycotts of Nelson because of his support for O'Rourke, but the country icon has shrugged those off. He and O'Rourke also shared a stage at Nelson's Fourth of July picnic this year in Austin.

FILE - In this Sept. 21, 2018, file photo, Democratic U.S. Representative Beto O'Rourke takes part in in a debate for the Texas U.S. Senate with Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, in Dallas. Willie Nelson will hold a concert for Democratic Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. O'Rourke is a three-term congressman from El Paso trying to upset Republican Sen. Ted Cruz in November. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News via AP, Pool, File)

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10:15 a.m.

There probably won't be many undecided voters on-hand Saturday night, when Willie Nelson holds a concert for Democratic Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke.

But the El Paso congressman trying to upset Republican Sen. Ted Cruz in November says it's not about attracting moderate or independents.

Instead, it's the latest example of O'Rourke moving to the left in contrast to tight, red-state Senate races around the country, where Democrats often try not to act like ones.

O'Rourke supports legalizing marijuana and single-payer health care, and is open to impeaching President Donald Trump.

That strategy also breaks with Texas Democrats who for decades tried to appeal to moderates and lost.

Some detractors have called for boycotts of Nelson - who shrugs those off, saying, "We're not happy 'til they're not happy."

FILE - In this Jan. 7, 2017, file photo, Willie Nelson performs in Nashville, Tenn. Nelson will hold a concert for Democratic Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. O'Rourke is a three-term congressman from El Paso trying to upset Republican Sen. Ted Cruz in November. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)

FILE - In this Sept. 21, 2018, file photo, Republican U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, left, and Democratic U.S. Representative Beto O'Rourke, right, take part in their first debate for the Texas U.S. Senate in Dallas. The second debate between O'Rourke and Cruz has been postponed because the Senate may be in session this weekend to vote on Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation to the Supreme Court. (Tom Fox /The Dallas Morning News via AP, Pool)
SAO PAULO (AP) - Ever since a fire gutted Brazil's 200-year-old National Museum in Rio de Janeiro, the question has been: Could what was destroyed be restored?

A flicker of hope emerged last week when an emergency mission from the U.N. cultural agency held out the possibility that some objects had survived the Sept. 2 blaze and outlined a plan to rebuild the museum and its collection by repairing damaged pieces, soliciting donations and even creating replicas of lost artifacts using 3D technology.

But the prospect of a new museum rising from the ashes has sparked a debate about whether the institution can, or even should, be reconstructed. International experts warn there are limits to any such effort, emphasizing the inescapable loss of original, irreplaceable objects, while some in Brazil question the rush to rebuild before the wholesale neglect of the museum has been examined.

While it is heartening to see global experts rushing to Brazil's aid, when "I hear people talking with extreme optimism about this issue, I cannot help but think that they don't quite understand what was lost," said Marcus Guidoti, a Brazilian doctoral candidate who used the museum's collection in his research.

In a world where memories are constantly being backed up to the cloud and experts warn that data never truly gets deleted, museums are among the last "bastions of authenticity," said Vincent S. Smith, head of the Diversity & Informatics Division at the Natural History Museum in London.

"There is magic in that authenticity," he said.

FILE - In this Sept. 2, 2018 file photo, flames engulf the 200-year-old National Museum of Brazil, in Rio de Janeiro. Ever since a fire gutted Brazil's 200-year-old museum, the question has been: Could what was destroyed be restored? (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File)

The National Museum had authenticity in spades. Its colonial-era building was the backdrop to much of Brazil's history - a onetime royal palace that served as the seat of the united Portuguese and Brazilian empire before the museum's collection was transferred there in 1892. Among the objects feared lost from the 20 million-piece collection: furniture and art belonging to the royal family; recordings of indigenous languages, some of which are no longer spoken; priceless specimens of everything from rare butterflies and other insects to coral; a collection of Egyptian mummies and artifacts considered the largest in Latin America; frescoes from Pompeii and one of the oldest human fossils ever found in the Americas.

Tidbits have slowly emerged about what might have survived: A massive meteorite resisted the flames. Centuries-old Torah scrolls, considered among Judaism's oldest documents, were moved before the fire. A handful of objects were on loan, and some parts of the collection, including the museum's library and plant specimens, were housed outside the colonial-era palace. Firefighters found as yet unidentified bone fragments in a room where skulls were held.

But the fate of the majority of the collection held in the main building remains unclear: Aerial images show little more than a heap of rubble within its walls. So much is feared lost that a presidential candidate called the disaster a "lobotomy of Brazilian history."

As Brazil reeled, the head of UNESCO's mission to Brazil, Cristina Menegazzi, laid out a plan last week: Archaeologists and other experts would sort through the ashes and save and repair anything they can. In cases where pieces are irreparable but similar objects exist elsewhere, the museum will ask for donations or loans. For unique objects that were lost, officials will consider building replicas using photographs or 3D imaging.

Digital scans exist of a few hundred pieces, among them the 11,500-year-old skull known as Luzia, said Jorge Lopes, a specialist in 3D design who had been working with the museum to create a digital archive. The Institute for Digital Archaeology, which has reconstructed lost cultural objects, is offering to build up to five at no charge.

Still, some question the rush to rebuild. In the wake of the fire, museum officials have spoken of how they struggled for years to get the money they needed to repair the decrepit building. One official said smoke detectors were not working at the time of the disaster, and photos have emerged of leaks, cracked walls and exposed wiring.

Many Brazilians saw the blaze as a tragedy foretold and an apt metaphor: Their history up in flames at a time when cuts were being made to educational and cultural institutions and a massive corruption scheme had raided government coffers. There has been much hand-wringing about whether a poor education system or Brazilians' lack of interest in their own history contributed to the neglect.

"We cannot just turn the page and say we are going to rebuild this, and everything is going to be all right," said Guidoti, the doctoral candidate. "If we as a people didn't appreciate the historical importance of that place, we won't appreciate it after the rebuilding."

Eduardo Viveiros de Castro, an anthropologist at the museum, said he believes it should be left in ashes, as a "memorial to the dead, to the dead things, the dead peoples, the dead archives destroyed in this fire."

"I would not try to hide, to erase this event, pretending that nothing happened and trying to put a modern building there, a digital museum, an internet museum," he told the Portuguese daily Publico.

While digital technology holds promise - giving researchers access to far-away collections and enticing more people to walk through museum doors - experts cautioned it will offer only limited comfort in this situation.

A replica "doesn't give you your history back because it's not the real thing," said Taco Dibbits, director general of Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, which is in the process of making high-resolution photographs of its 1 million-piece collection available for free online.

He noted that while photographs of works that were destroyed during World War II have served researchers fairly well, the public's connection to them has suffered. "After generations, they become shadows," he said.

Scientists, especially, underscored the importance of physical specimens - which the National Museum held in the thousands, and which contain information, like DNA, that cannot be transmitted through images.

Guidoti studies lace bugs, and the National Museum held one of the world's reference collections for those insects, including many "holotypes," the single specimen used as the basis for the original description of a species -considered the crown jewels of any scientific collection.

Their loss is "beyond irreplaceable," he said. "Anything else I want to do, in my entire career, will have impact from the loss."

The debate about how to preserve or rebuild museums is only likely to increase as threats to cultural sites grow, from climate change, tourism and extremists.

In 2016, a replica was unveiled of the Roman-era Arch of Triumph from Palmyra, Syria, that was destroyed by the Islamic State group. The marble reproduction of the 1,800-year-old arch, built by a team at the Institute of Digital Archaeology in Oxford, England, has since gone on tour.

Alexy Karenowska, the institute's director of technology, says some initially worried that the replica was suggesting some sort of equivalence to the original. But soon the new arch began to take on a significance of its own.

"It's not really the atoms and molecules of those old objects that make them important," Karenowska said. "It's people's relationships with them. It's what they've come to symbolize. It's the sort of immortality of the sets of cultural references that they represent."

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Associated Press reporters Marcelo Silva de Sousa in Rio de Janeiro and Rodrique Ngowi in Cambridge, Mass., contributed to this report.

FILE - In this Sept. 3, 2018, file photo, a meteorite on exhibit at the National Museum is seen through a door after an overnight fire in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A flicker of hope emerged when an emergency mission from the U.N. cultural agency held out the possibility that some objects had survived the Sept. 2 blaze and outlined a plan to rebuild the museum and its collection by repairing damaged pieces, soliciting donations and even creating replicas of lost artifacts using 3D technology. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo, File)

FILE - In this Sept. 3, 2018 file photo, students and National Museum employees protest outside the institution after it was gutted by an overnight fire in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The sign reads in Portuguese: "Patrimony. In Mourning." Among the objects feared lost from the 20 million-piece collection: furniture and art belonging to the royal family; recordings of indigenous languages, some of which are no longer spoken; priceless specimens of everything from rare butterflies and other insects to coral; a collection of Egyptian mummies and artifacts considered the largest in Latin America; frescoes from Pompeii and one of the oldest human fossils ever found in the Americas.(AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo, File)

FILE - In this Sept. 3, 2018 file photo, the National Museum stands gutted after an overnight fire in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The National Museum had authenticity in spades. Its colonial-era building was the backdrop to much of Brazil's history, a onetime royal palace that served as the seat of the united Portuguese and Brazilian empire before the museum's collection was transferred there in 1892. (AP Photo/Mario Lobao, File)
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - There won't be a Nobel Prize in Literature this year but the Swedish Academy that awards the prestigious prize is still in the limelight.

Jean-Claude Arnault, a French citizen who is a major cultural figure in Sweden, is at the center of a sex abuse and financial crimes scandal that has tarnished the academy and forced it to take a year off in its deliberations.

The 72-year-old is now on trial in Stockholm, facing two counts of rape of a woman seven years ago. He has denied the charges.

A verdict in his case is expected on Monday, the same day that the 2018 Nobel Prize announcements kick off with the Karolinska Institute announcing who wins the Nobel award in physiology or medicine. The prosecutor has urged the court to sentence Arnault to three years in prison.

Yet no matter what the verdict for Arnault, the Swedish Academy itself has no guarantee that it will be allowed to keep awarding the literature prize.

Lars Heikensten, the head of the Nobel Foundation, was quoted as warning Friday that if the Swedish Academy does not resolve its tarnished image his agency could decide that another group would be a better host. He even suggested there could be no Nobel Literature Prize awarded in 2019 either - which is counter to the academy's current plan to award both the 2018 and the 2019 literature Nobels next year.

FILE - In this Sept. 19, 2018, file photo, Jean-Claude Arnault arrives at the district court for the start of court proceedings in Stockholm. Arnault, a French citizen who is a major cultural figure in Sweden, is at the center of a sex-abuse and financial crimes scandal that has tarnished the academy and forced it to take a year off in choosing who should get the prestigious literature prize. (Fredrik Sandberg/TT News Agency via AP, File)

The allegations against Arnault, who ran a major cultural group in Sweden that was closely tied to the Swedish Academy, began in November 2017 when 18 women came forward in a Swedish newspaper with abuse accusations against him.

Arnault is married to a Swedish Academy member, poet Katarina Frostenson, who quit the body in April as tensions escalated.

That month the Swedish Academy said an internal investigation into sexual misconduct allegations found that "unacceptable behavior in the form of unwanted intimacy" has taken place within the ranks of the prestigious institution.

But its judgment in handling the accusations was called into question, kicking off a fierce internal debate over how to face up to its flaws that divided the body's 18 members - who are appointed for life - into hostile camps. Several members either left or disassociated themselves from the secretive academy.

The first woman to lead the academy, former permanent secretary Sara Danius, also quit in April, leading observers to wonder why some of Sweden's most accomplished women appeared to the taking the fall for a man's alleged misconduct.

Many people in the Scandinavian nation, which is known for promoting gender equality, have expressed dismay over the scandal, which has exposed bitter divisions within the academy and led to accusations of patriarchal leanings among some members.

In May, the Swedish Academy postponed the 2018 prize with the intention of awarding it in 2019.

The academy's internal probe eventually led to a police investigation and the trial before the Stockholm District Court.

Arnault also has been suspected of violating century-old Nobel rules by leaking the names of award winners - allegedly seven times, starting in 1996. It remains unclear to whom the names were allegedly disclosed, and it is not known whether that has been investigated.

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Sheila Norman-Culp contributed from London.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Three people have been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a civic leader and former airline executive in Memphis, Tennessee.

Memphis police said on Twitter late Saturday that 22-year-old McKinney Wright, 18-year-old Quandarius Richardson and a 16-year-old have been charged with first-degree murder in perpetration of a robbery and especially aggravated robbery in the shooting of Philip Trenary.

Trenary was the president and CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce. He was shot Thursday night near where the chamber was holding its annual "Move it Memphis" race, near a large apartment complex and not far from historic Beale Street.

The 64-year-old Trenary was also the former head of Pinnacle Airlines. An Oklahoma native, he has been lauded for his community work in his adopted city of Memphis.
An often-overlooked piece of the border security debate is the flow of guns from the U.S. to Mexico and into Latin America.

The thousands of immigrants who have been coming across the U.S.-Mexico border in recent months include many trying to escape gang and drug violence in their homelands. The weapon of choice used to intimidate them is often an American-made gun.

The flow of drugs and immigrants into the U.S. has been well-documented for decades and become a regular part of the political debate. But weapons smuggling from border states gets less attention.

A 2013 report by the University of San Diego says the number of firearms smuggled from the U.S. was so significant that nearly half of American gun dealers rely on that business to stay afloat.

On average, an estimated 253,000 firearms each year are purchased in the U.S. expressly to be sent to Mexico.

FILE - In this Jan. 25, 2011, file photo, a cache of seized weapons that were to be smuggled into Mexico is displayed in Phoenix. Among the thousands of immigrants who have been coming across the U.S.-Mexico border in recent months, many are seeking to escape gang and drug violence raging in their homelands. The weapon of choice used to intimidate them is often an American-made gun. Gun-control advocates and some experts say the very violence that immigrants are fleeing is carried out by American guns that are smuggled over the border. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) - A prosecutor says a total sum of 70,000 euros ($81,000) was paid for the contract slayings of a Slovak investigative journalist and his fiancee.

Speaking at a news conference, a prosecutor in the case whose name was not given said Monday that 50,000 euros was paid and the remaining 20,000 euros was a forgiven debt. Special prosecutors, who deal with the most serious crimes, are never identified, for their own protection.

Jan Kuciak and Martina Kusnirova were shot dead in their home on Feb. 21. Slovak authorities said they believed it was a contract killing linked to Kuciak's work - he was investigating possible widespread government corruption and ties between Slovak politicians and Italian mobsters.

The killings triggered a political crisis that resulted in major protests, the dismissal of the national police chief and the government's collapse.

FILE- In this file photo taken on Friday, March 16, 2018, people celebrate the resignation of Prime Minister Robert Fico and his government as a way out of the political crisis triggered by the slayings of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova, during a rally in Bratislava, Slovakia. On Monday Oct. 1, 2018, Slovakia's prosecutor says a total sum of 70,000 euros ($81,000) was paid for the slayings of an investigative journalist and his fiancee. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic, File)
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - A Somali police officer says a suicide car bomber has targeted a European Union military convoy carrying Italian military trainers in the Somali capital Monday.

Capt. Mohamed Hussein said the car bomber detonated his explosives-laden vehicle next to a military convoy near Somalia's defense ministry compound, injuring several soldiers.

One civilian has also been killed in the powerful blast. Somalia's Islamic extremist rebels, al-Shabab, claimed responsibility for the blast through its radio arm, Andalus.

There was no immediate comment from the European Union on the attack on its military convoy. The Italian military trainers were reportedly trainings members of the Somali army.
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - U.S. President Donald Trump dominated this year's gathering of global leaders which ended Monday, but his rejection of "the ideology of globalism" left America almost singlehandedly holding a nationalist banner against urgent calls from an overwhelming number countries for the world to work together.

U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres opened the week-long meeting last Tuesday declaring that global cooperation is the world's best hope and warning that "multilateralism is under fire precisely when we need it most." And General Assembly President Maria Espinosa Garces wrapped up the meeting, during which all 193 U.N. member nations spoke, saying that one if its major achievements was strong global backing for the U.N. and multilateralism.

The high turnout of leaders - 121 presidents, prime ministers and monarchs - "is because the world cares about the United Nations and the world cares about multilateralism, and the need to strengthen the multilateral agenda," Espinosa Garces said in a news conference. And the General Assembly is the body "for international coexistence" and "the parliament of humanity."

But Trump's speech, not long after Guterres', poured scorn on multilateralism and touted his "America First" policy, saying his administration has achieved more "than almost any administration in the history of our country," which sparked chuckles and outright laughter from some leaders.

"We will never surrender America's sovereignty to an unelected, unaccountable, global bureaucracy," the U.S. president said. "America is governed by Americans. We reject the ideology of globalism, and we embrace the doctrine of patriotism."

One of the very few countries to speak out for nationalism was Hungary, which has erected razor wire fences to keep people out. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto called migration the greatest challenge in history, saying "migratory waves" are creating huge security risks, destabilizing countries, and bringing terrorism to a region where it did not exist before.

President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at the Lotte New York Palace hotel during the United Nations General Assembly, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

"The international community must respect sovereignty of the countries," he said.

But speaker after speaker over the week stressed the importance of global cooperation, starting with French President Emmanuel Macron, a progressive, multilateralist, who told the General Assembly: "Nationalism always leads to defeat."

Canada's U.N. Ambassador Marc-Andre Blanchard told Monday's final session that "the magnitude of the contemporary challenges the world is confronting" - including climate change, terrorism, economic inequality, irregular migration and protracted crises - "require the world to work together."

"The U.N. is the only place where we all come together to tackle these challenges," he said, but the U.N. and other institutions established after World War II must work together to make them "more efficient, fairer and more inclusive."

Trump faced pushback on other U.S. policies he trumpeted, including his historic meeting in June with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his "push for peace." At the same time, he insisted that tough sanctions would remain until the Korean peninsula is denuclearized.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov countered that the U.S. should consider matching Kim's positive steps - including halting nuclear and missile tests and actions to dismantle related facilities - with an easing of sanctions.

Trump also faced pushback on Iran, which he called a "brutal regime" and a "corrupt dictatorship" whose leaders "sow chaos, death and destruction." He denounced the "horrible" 2015 nuclear deal with Iran which the Obama administration signed along with Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany, saying that's why the U.S. withdrew and re-imposed sanctions on Tehran.

But in a rebuke to Trump, foreign ministers from the five countries that still support the deal agreed at one of some 400 meetings on the sidelines of the General Assembly to establish a financial facility in the European Union to facilitate payments for Iranian imports and exports including oil - a key move sought by Tehran to counter U.S. sanctions.

Another major issue at the global gathering was climate change - an issue not mentioned in Trump's speech. It was raised not only by small islands that see an existential threat, but also by large countries with vulnerable coasts facing more deadly hurricanes and cyclones.

Dominica's Foreign Minister Francine Baron, whose Caribbean island nation was decimated by Hurricane Maria's 180 mile-per-hour winds last September, said her prime minister's call to all countries days later at the U.N. "to come together to save our planet" hasn't been heeded.

"Among and around us are many who still deny the reality of climate change," she said, adding that there is still no plan to implement the 2015 Paris agreement to combat global warming, and "we have not mobilized the resources to capitalize the $100 billion per year, which was agreed upon, to assist the most vulnerable."

The General Assembly meeting also put a spotlight on global conflicts and hotspots, large and small, from the seven-year-old conflict in Syria and the three-year-old war in Yemen that has sparked the world's worst humanitarian crisis to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Indian-Pakistani dispute over Kashmir and the Armenia-Azerbaijan clash over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro accused the U.S. of attacking his country through sanctions and other means in the meeting's longest speech - 48 minutes. The shortest was Lithuania's President Dalia Grybauskaite at 5 minutes, according to Assembly president Espinosa Garces.

Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem declared that a victory over "terrorism" is almost at hand and demanded that "occupation" forces from the U.S., France and Turkey leave the country immediately.

FILE - In this Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018 file photo, U.S. President Donald Trump addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The Latest on the United Nations General Assembly (all times local):

3:05 p.m.

The Vatican's foreign minister is calling human rights violations "scandalous" and is urging the world to renew its commitment to all rights in the Universal Declaration adopted 70 years ago - "not just in words but also in practice."

In a lengthy speech at Monday's closing session of the U.N. General Assembly's annual ministerial meeting, Archbishop Paul Gallagher cited numerous restrictions and denial of rights, but only alluded to the sexual abuse scandal facing the Catholic church.

He said " the Catholic church, at all levels, is committed not only to promoting the protection of children, but also to creating safe environments for them in its own institutions, in order to address the heinous scourge of sexual abuse and violence against children."

As for other rights violations, he said "in so many places changing one's religion or even practicing one's faith is still a death sentence or a reason to be discriminated against." And he stressed that "terrorism is not an outgrowth of religion properly understood, but rather to fruit of a profound spiritual poverty."

The Holy See Secretary of State Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, at U.N. headquarters, Monday, Oct. 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

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1:45 p.m.

Canada's U.N. ambassador is urging the world to work together to make the United Nations and other institutions established after World War II "more efficient, fairer and more inclusive" - an implicit rebuke of U.S. President Donald Trump's "America First" policy and his opposition to multilateralism.

Marc-Andre Blanchard made no mention of the new trade deal Canada reached with the United States and Mexico in his speech at Monday's final session of the U.N. General Assembly's annual ministerial meeting.

But his speech, in sharp contrast to Trump's last week, stressed "the magnitude of the contemporary challenges the world is confronting" - including climate change, terrorism, economic inequality, irregular migration and protracted crises. He said they "require the world to work together."

Trump poured scorn on "the ideology of globalism" in his speech to world leaders last Tuesday, touting his nationalist policies and saying "we embrace the doctrine of patriotism."

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12:30 p.m.

Nicaragua's foreign minister says his country has resisted an "attempted coup d'etat" and "has once again won peace, fraternal coexistence and the progressive return of normal daily life."

Denis Moncada Colindres was referring to protests that started in April over social security cuts but evolved into demands for early elections or for President Daniel Ortega to leave following a deadly crackdown by security forces and armed, allied civilian groups.The president and his backers have described the protests as U.S.-backed attempts to oust him, and Ortega has refused to step down.

Moncada Colindres told Monday's final session of the U.N. General Assembly's ministerial meeting that the alleged coup is the result of "interventionism" and has left the country with "economic damage, death, destruction, and terrorism."

He said Nicaragua is facing another threat from the United States "to curb the social, economic and cultural development of our people" through a bill in Congress that seeks to prevent international financial organizations from granting loans to Nicaragua.

Human rights observers say more than 320 people have been killed in the unrest since April.

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11:25 a.m.

Sudan's foreign minister is calling for implementation of the latest agreement to end the civil war in neighboring South Sudan and urging the U.N. Security Council to quickly approve doubling a regional protection force to monitor the accord.

Eldirdiri Mohamed Ahmed told Monday's final session of the General Assembly's ministerial meeting that Sudan hopes rival leaders in South Sudan will "give peace a chance."

He said regional leaders have called for the regional protection force in South Sudan to be doubled from 4,000 to 8,000 soldiers - with Sudan, Uganda, Djibouti and Somalia contributing troops.

Ahmed also cited "a real change in relations" between Sudan and South Sudan, including the possibility of resolving the Abyei border dispute and conflicts in the Sudanese states of South Kordofan and Blue Nile.

Canada's U.N. Ambassador Marc-Andre Blanchard addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, at U.N. headquarters, Monday, Oct. 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Nicaragua's Foreign Minister Denis Moncada Colindres addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, at U.N. headquarters, Monday, Oct. 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Nicaragua's Foreign Minister Denis Moncada Colindres walks to the podium to address the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, at U.N. headquarters, Monday, Oct. 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
European Union officials are to step up no-deal Brexit preparations due to increased uncertainty over whether a deal can pass through the House of Commons, a leaked document has revealed.

EU ambassadors are set to hold a rare closed session on Wednesday night to discuss the prospect of Parliament rejecting the final divorce settlement.

Officials are expected to discuss possible mini-deals to keep aircraft flying, medicine supplies and ports moving in the event of a no-deal as part of European Commission contingency planning.

A restricted agenda, seen by The Times, states: Preparedness work has to intensify in the months ahead at national as well as EU level as uncertainty remains about the outcome of the negotiations and the ratification of a possible deal.

The talks will reportedly focus on using the legal basis of Article 50 exit talks to cushion a no deal when it becomes clear that negotiations are stalling and that time will run out before Brexit day in March next year.

Members of the then Cabinet gathered at Chequers (Joel Rouse/Crown Copyright)/PA)

Under such a scenario, Britain and the EU could do no deal deals that would include temporary and emergency co-operation to keep aircraft flying and trade, especially in food and medicines, going.

Under EU treaty law the mini-deals would have to be temporary, merely deferring many of the no deal problems, before more permanent solutions can be negotiated.

Frances finance minister, Bruno Le Maire, told reporters on Tuesday that the EU has higher considerations than the UKs economic health to deal with and it would be suicidal for the bloc to soften its stance in relation to Theresa Mays Chequers proposals for the future relationship.

He said: Im sorry to say it so callously: there is something more important for us than the future of the UK, and thats the future of the EU.

Any decision that would give European citizens the feeling you can exit the EU and keep all the advantages would be suicidal, and we wont make that decision.

The meeting of ambassadors on the continent comes after experts warned extending the timetable for the departure talks was essential.

The Fraser of Allander Institute think tank, based at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, insisted that an orderly transition as the UK leaves the European Union is vital.

As a result its director Professor Graeme Roy said extending the Article 50 negotiating period, something Mrs May has already ruled out, could be essential, even if it proves unpalatable to the UK Government.
Police must be people`s police and stop killings

THE promises of upholding the rule of law and maintaining the sacredness of the Constitution by the government have apparently become a farce while the government legitimizes the extra-judicial killing even now.

News media reported that with the killing of six alleged criminals on Sunday, law enforcers, mostly police, have killed 413 people since January 2018 breaching Constitutional rights of citizens. Police said the victims of the gunfights were accused in a number of criminal cases, but the cases against them cannot legitimize the crossfire.

It's a much repeated statement of police that cohorts of the alleged criminals sensing their presence fired to the law enforcers, but there was no casualty on the law enforcers' side. Besides, how the cohorts got the information of the drive is also a big question. Rights groups said of the 413 people who died in the last nine months while in custody and "shootouts" by the law enforcers, 260 were killed during the countrywide anti-narcotics drive. According to allegations raised by family members and witnesses, 21 people were detained by plainclothes men in the last nine months. Of them, two returned and 10 were later found to be arrested. However, the law-enforcement agencies denied such allegations.

The government has no record of success in eliminating drugs but has succeeded in making innocent helpless to the police. Nowhere police is seen as god and in Bangladesh they are to be less trusted for the simple reason that they are politicised and happy to be so politicised in the hands of the government.

Not just police, the Border Guards also should be accountable for drugs being smuggled into Bangladesh. The government must stop drug smuggling from the neighbouring country by strengthening border patrol, limiting access, promoting social, familial and religious values, and positive motivation. These can be the only sustainable solutions. Whereas the government has been maintaining double standards by letting ruling party MP Bodi of Cox's Bazar flee the country. The extra-judicial killing is unconstitutional and hence derogatory to the reputation of law enforcers.

Our police must know that the country belongs to the people and we have a government not elected by the people. So they should be careful and not feel free about killing people. Bangladesh is a free country and everybody must be conscious that the police are to be people's police. It is risky for the police and public servants not to keep that in mind.






Two people have been arrested on suspicion of human trafficking in Northern Ireland following an investigation into suspected labour exploitation.

One man aged 42 and a 37-year-old woman were arrested in the Antrim Road area of North Belfast on Wednesday and have been taken to Musgrave Street where they are being questioned by police.

PSNI Detective Superintendent Richard Campbell said: Todays arrests are part of our contribution to the National Crime Agencys latest phase of Operation Aidant, a two-week co-ordinated series of operational intensifications on modern slavery and human trafficking.

Last week my officers arrested four people, three men aged 47, 49 and 53 years old, and a 50-year-old woman, in Belfast on suspicion of immigration offences. They have all now been deported.

We are continually targeting the people involved in all types of human trafficking and are pleased to support the NCA in this two-week period of intensification focusing on adults who have been trafficked to the UK, or exploited in the UK, for the purposes of sexual exploitation.

He added: It can be hard to believe that this type of crime exists today as it remains quite hidden, but it does and it could be happening in any street and in any town in Northern Ireland.

Police are investigating suspected labour exploitation (Paul Faith/PA)

Victims are often afraid to speak out or unable to report their ordeal to police for a number of reasons including language barriers or simply because they are held captive.

Its for this reason we all need to work together to help victims and stop this unacceptable crime.

Its important for people to be aware of goings-on in their communities and keep a lookout for a number of tell-tale signs.

These include people who cant produce their passport or personal documents, who appear to be under the control of others or who have unexplained injuries, live in over-crowded accommodation or those who appear not to have any cash as they are not allowed to keep the money they earn.
Theresa May attacked Russia for its desperate fabrication over the Salisbury spy poisoning at a meeting of world leaders in New York.

Britain set out detailed evidence about the prime suspects in the nerve agent attack on former spy Sergei Skripal and daughter Yulia while Russia has only sought to obfuscate, the Prime Minister said.

Mrs May used two key speeches at the United Nations to turn her fire on Moscow.

It comes amid reports that one of the suspects in the Salisbury poisoning, Ruslan Boshirov, has been identified as Colonel Anatoliy Chepiga, a highly decorated officer in the GRU, Russias military intelligence service.

There are reports Ruslan Boshirov has been identified as Colonel Anatoliy Chepiga, a GRU officer (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Boshirov was identified alongside Alexander Petrov by the UK as GRU members but the two men made widely mocked claims that they only visited the Wiltshire city in early March to see the wonderful town of Salisbury and its famous cathedral.

Mrs May called on Russia to rejoin the international consensus against the use of chemical weapons but said there should be no doubt about the international communitys determination to take action if that did not happen.

She said: We have taken appropriate action, with our allies, and we will continue to take the necessary steps to ensure our collective security. Russia has only sought to obfuscate through desperate fabrication.

In speeches to the UNs Security Council and its General Assembly, Mrs May warned of the dangers of the international community failing to cooperate.

Mrs May addresses the United Nations Security Council (Craig Ruttle/AP)

Mrs May also criticised Donald Trumps decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal.

The PM praised the US president for the leadership he had shown over North Korea by meeting dictator Kim Jong Un for talks over Pyongyangs nuclear programme.

But she said the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) had taken collective leadership.

She added: For many years, the scale and nature of Irans nuclear programme raised serious international concerns. The JCPOA was an important step forward in addressing these.

It remains the best means of preventing Iran developing a nuclear weapon, and we are committed to preserving the JCPOA as long as Iran continues to abide by its obligations in full.

Iran must ensure they implement their obligations fully. And to monitor Irans compliance, we strongly support the IAEA using inspections and other monitoring provisions of the JCPOA to their full.

Mrs May giving a speech to the General Assembly (Richard Drew/AP)

Mrs May also championed international cooperation, one day after President Trump attacked globalisation and said countries should act in their own interests.

Only global cooperation based on a set of agreed rules can ensure competition is fair and does not succumb to protectionism, with its certain path to lost jobs and international confrontation, Mrs May said.

And it is only global co-operation which can harness legitimate self-interest towards common goals, producing agreements on global challenges such as climate change, proliferation and increasing inclusive economic growth.

Downing Street insisted the comments were not an attack on Mr Trump and had been written before he made his remarks.

Mrs May urged international leaders to step up and act when international norms, such as over the use of chemical weapons, are broken.

Failure to act could fuel a rise in fascism and communism, she warned.

Be in no doubt, if we lack the confidence to step up, others will, Mrs May said.

In the last century  whether in the rise of fascism or the spread of communism  we have seen those on the extreme right and extreme left exploit peoples fears, stoke intolerance and racism, close down economies and societies and destroy the peace of nations.

And today once more we see worrying trends in the rise of these movements in Europe and beyond.

She added: We have seen what happens when the natural patriotism which is a cornerstone of a healthy society is warped into aggressive nationalism, exploiting fear and uncertainty to promote identity politics at home and belligerent confrontation abroad, while breaking rules and undermining institutions.

And we see this when states like Russia flagrantly breach international norms, from the seizing of sovereign territory to the reckless use of chemical weapons on the streets of Britain by agents of the Russian GRU.

Mrs May said international intervention was not just a moral imperative but a matter of self-interest.

For when barbarous acts and aggression go unchecked, dictators and terrorists are emboldened.

So, we must have the confidence to act.
A 22-year-old man accused of stealing a large Siberian Forest cat has been released without charge.

The ginger pet, named Mr Muk, had been missing since he was grabbed outside his owners home in Petherton Road, Islington, north London, on July 30.

Man, 22, arrested for theft in West Hampstead. Mr Muk the Siberian Forest ginger cat was stolen from Islington in August. He has now been reunited with his owner. #MrMuckisComingHome #TheftisTheft https://t.co/6xBaqQXEyX pic.twitter.com/Uvx5eWvGyS  Islington Police (@MPSIslington) September 26, 2018

The suspect was later spotted on CCTV cradling Mr Muk  who has his own Instagram page  at a railway station.

He was arrested in West Hampstead on Tuesday evening on suspicion of theft, but the Met said following interview the matter had been resolved through community resolution.

A suspect was caught on CCTV with Mr Muk (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Scotland Yard said Mr Muk is back home with his owner, who was described as very upset by the ordeal.
One of the prime suspects in the Salisbury nerve agent attack is a highly decorated Russian military colonel, an online investigative group has claimed.

Bellingcat reported that the man who was named as Ruslan Boshirov and said by the Kremlin to be a civilian is actually Colonel Anatoliy Chepiga, a top-level officer in the GRU, Russias military intelligence service.

The Home Office said it could neither confirm nor deny the reporting about the suspects real identity.

But Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson briefly appeared to confirm the story, posting and then deleting a tweet that said: The true identity of one of the Salisbury suspects has been revealed to be a Russian Colonel. I want to thank all the people who are working so tirelessly on this case.

FROM HERO TO ZERO: Now we know who "Ruslan Boshirov" is. https://t.co/xBZ33HGkDV  Bellingcat (@bellingcat) September 26, 2018

The Ministry of Defence said Mr Williamsons social media profile was personal and it did not know why the tweet was deleted. Scotland Yard declined to comment.

Prime Minister Theresa May also referenced the Salisbury attack during an address to the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, saying: We have seen what happens when the natural patriotism which is a cornerstone of a healthy society is warped into aggressive nationalism, exploiting fear and uncertainty to promote identity politics at home and belligerent confrontation abroad, while breaking rules and undermining institutions.

And we see this when states like Russia flagrantly breach international norms  from the seizing of sovereign territory to the reckless use of chemical weapons on the streets of Britain by agents of the Russian GRU.

Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the United Nations General Assembly (Richard Drew/AP)

The report threatens to undermine Vladimir Putins publicly held position that the two suspects had been identified by authorities as Russian civilians. Moscow did not immediately comment.

Bellingcat claimed it pieced together the identity after trawling online records from Russian military training academies, where they found a photo of a soldier that resembled Boshirov.

The academy website said the man received the Hero of the Russian Federation award  a decoration reportedly handed out by Mr Putin himself.

Further digging by Bellingcat threw up Colonel Chepigas name as linked to Chechnya, where the photo was taken, the academy mentioned and the award.

Anatoliy Chepigas passport photo from 2003 (Bellingcat)

Two sources provided its journalists with passport photos  one under the name Anatoliy Chepiga from around 2003 and one under the name Ruslan Borishov from 2009.

Chepiga was born on April 5 1978 and graduated into the military following a stint at one of Russias elite training grounds, the report said.

His military career reportedly took him into the second Chechen war as part of a unit that played a key role in the conflict.

Earlier this month, Britain accused Russia of lies and blatant fabrications after the prime suspects in the Novichok attack claimed they visited the UK as tourists.

Salisbury suspects Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov (Met Police)

The men, who said their names were Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov, told Russian state-funded news channel RT they travelled to the wonderful city in Wiltshire after recommendations from friends.

The pair claimed they have been left fearing for their lives after Britain pointed to their involvement and said they were officers in Russian military intelligence service the GRU.

Downing Street called the content of the interview deeply offensive to the victims and loved ones of this horrific attack.

In a translation from Russian, the pair told RT editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan they worked in the fitness industry.

`Ruslan Boshirov and `Alexander Petrov on Fisherton Road, Salisbury (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Mr Putin said the men had been discounted as members of his security network, and insisted they were civilians.

UK authorities believe the pair smeared the highly toxic Novichok chemical on a door handle at the Wiltshire home of former GRU officer Sergei Skripal, leaving Mr Skripal and his daughter Yulia critically ill on March 4.

On June 30, in nearby Amesbury, Dawn Sturgess, 44, and her partner Charlie Rowley, 45, were exposed to the same nerve agent.

Ms Sturgess died in hospital in July, just over a week after the pair fell ill.

A police officer who visited the home of the Skripals shortly after the attack, Nick Bailey, was also left critically ill from exposure to the substance.
US President Donald Trump has accused China of trying to interfere in the upcoming US congressional elections because it opposes his tough trade policies.

The White House provided little evidence of anything close to the level of Russias meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

They do not want me or us to win because I am the first president ever to challenge China on trade, Mr Trump said as he chaired the UN Security Council for the first time.

He made his accusation against the backdrop of the special counsels investigation into Russian interference in the last election to help him and amid concerns that this Novembers elections also could be vulnerable.

Asked later what evidence he had, Mr Trump said there was plenty but didnt provide details. Instead, he zeroed in on Chinas propaganda efforts to flood the heartland with ads and statements against Mr Trumps hundreds of billions of dollars in punishing tariffs

Mr Trump added: I dont like it when they attack our farmers and I dont like it when they put out false messages. But beside that, we learned that they are trying to meddle in our elections and were not going to let that happen just as were not going to let that happen with Russia.

Chinas foreign minister shrugged when he heard Mr Trumps statement via translation at the Security Council.

We do not and will not interfere in any countrys domestic affairs, said Wang Yi.

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi (Evan Vucci/AP)

We refuse to accept any unwarranted accusations against China, and we call on other countries to also observe the purposes of the UN charter and not interfere in other countries internal affairs.

A senior Trump administration official who briefed reporters about Mr Trumps comments said China was stepping up covert and overt activities to punish those who support Mr Trumps tough trade stance and interfere in the political system.

The only specifics given by the official were that China is hurting farmers and workers in states and districts that voted for Mr Trump.

Democrats on the House intelligence committee requested information from the Trump administration on the Chinese efforts.

This afternoon, President Trump participated in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Abe.  pic.twitter.com/PvSINQY7yq  The White House 45 Archived (@WhiteHouse45) September 26, 2018

Mr Trump, in his meeting with Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, warned China again that they cannot get involved with our elections.

It was strong rhetoric in contrast to his reluctance to acknowledge or condemn Russias efforts to interfere with the 2016 election.

Mr Trump has repeatedly cast doubt on the conclusions of US intelligence agencies and refused to chastise Russias Vladimir Putin during their summer summit in Helsinki.
Theresa May has brushed off the Archbishop of Canterburys criticism about the impact her policies have on the poor, saying we will sometimes disagree on things.

Justin Welby has called for the rollout of Universal Credit to be halted, an increase in the living wage, tax reforms and raised concerns about the increased use of foodbanks.

Mrs May, a vicars daughter and regular churchgoer, defended her record in the face of the archbishops increasingly robust interventions on government policy.

Speaking during a visit to New York where she is attending the UN general assembly, the PM said: On occasions we will have differences of opinion on various things.

When I stood on the doorstep of No 10 when I first became Prime Minister I was clear that there are some changes we need to make to make sure we have a country that works for everyone.

Thats about making sure we have an economy that works for everyone, thats what we are doing with the work we are doing particularly on the industrial strategy ensuring that all parts of the UK are able to see those good jobs being created in all parts of the UK.

I think the employment figures we see in the UK are very important because work is the best route out of poverty.

Having systems that encourage people to work, ensuring those jobs have been created are important.

Prime Minister Theresa May and her husband Philip leave following a church service near her Maidenhead constituency (Andrew Matthews/PA)

But the archbishop and I will sometimes disagree on things.

Pressed on whether the criticism hurt, she replied: We will sometimes disagree on things just as I will disagree with other members of the Church of England on things.

Jeremy Corbyn highlighted Mr Welbys calls for reform during his keynote speech from the conference platform in Liverpool and praised the excellent Commission on Economic Justice report arguing for reform that the archbishop was involved in.

Mr Welby received a standing ovation at the TUC Congress in Manchester earlier this month when he attacked the benefits system, said the living wage should be higher and criticised firms like Amazon for paying almost nothing in taxes.

He also hit out at the so-called gig economy and zero-hours contracts, saying they were nothing new, and adding: It is the reincarnation of an ancient evil.

Prime Minister Theresa May (Kirsty OConnor/PA)

Asked for his views on the Governments flagship welfare reform, Universal Credit, he replied: It was supposed to make it simpler and more efficient. It has not done that.

It has left too many people worse off, putting them at risk of hunger, debt, rent arrears and food banks.

When Universal Credit comes into a local area the number of people going to food banks goes up.

What is clear is if they cannot get it right they need to stop rolling it out.
Brexit provides a wonderful opportunity to strike a big and ambitious free trade deal, Theresa May and Donald Trump agreed in talks in New York.

The US president said the Prime Minister is doing a very, very good job and is a great friend at the start of the meeting.

He told reporters his relationship with the PM had developed over the course of his trip to the UK in July.

Mr Trump made a public apology at the time for an explosive interview where he said the PMs Brexit plans would kill off a trade deal with America and predicted Boris Johnson would be a great prime minister.

Secret Service agents stands next to the vehicle of President Donald Trump (Evan Vucci/AP)

But at the start of the discussions on the fringes of the UN General Assembly, he said: Its my great honour to be here with Prime Minister Theresa May.

Shes working very hard, like all us, and doing a very, very good job.

We spent a lot of time together on my last trip to the UK and I think thats where we can say we got to know each other and it was like meeting after meeting after meeting and I said this is really good.

Every meeting became better and better.

I will say that we are talking about a lot of different things today, trade, military, security, protection all sorts of things.

We have a myriad of things to talk about.

I just want to say its great to be with you and its great to have you as a friend.

The talks took place on the fringes of the UN General Assembly (Evan Vucci/AP)

The PM and president began their meeting by discussing their mutual desire to form a wide-ranging trade deal, a No 10 spokesman said.

They agreed that Brexit provides a wonderful opportunity to strike a big and ambitious UK-US Free Trade Agreement.

Mrs May hailed the deep and enduring relationship between the UK and US.

She said: The relationship between the US and UK is a really special one, deep and enduring, but theres much for us to talk about as we go forward together, particularly obviously the ambitious and wide ranging trade deal that we want to do between the UK and US, but also our security partnership and defence partnership and those many challenges we are facing around the world and how we can cooperate.

Mr Trump added: And we will talk about them and come up with solutions and answers.

Theresa May addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly (Richard Drew/AP)

Ahead of the meeting, Mrs May was asked how she could persuade a sceptical British audience to trust the president and pointed to his action on the Salisbury spy poisoning and his change of heart on the Nato alliance.

She added: In relation to a trade deal in the future I would say President Trump and America want to do a good trade deal with us.

Its in both our interests to do that good trade deal.

And I believe that when we have negotiated that deal that indeed will be put in place.

Mrs May told how she copes with the demands of dealing with the Brexit negotiations.

She said: Throughout my working career whatever job Im doing, whatever job Im taking on, I take a very simple approach to it that you focus on where you want to get to and then work out how to get there and then just do that and put it into practice.

Yes different jobs have different challenges.

If you believe in your goal thats how you get there.

I believe absolutely in delivering on the peoples vote and doing it in the best way for the UK.
Two people arrested on suspicion of human trafficking in Northern Ireland following an investigation into suspected labour exploitation have been released on bail.

One man aged 42 and a 37-year-old woman were arrested in the Antrim Road area of North Belfast on Wednesday and were taken to Musgrave Street where they were questioned by police.

PSNI Detective Superintendent Richard Campbell said: Todays arrests are part of our contribution to the National Crime Agencys latest phase of Operation Aidant, a two-week co-ordinated series of operational intensifications on modern slavery and human trafficking.

Last week my officers arrested four people, three men aged 47, 49 and 53 years old, and a 50-year-old woman, in Belfast on suspicion of immigration offences. They have all now been deported.

We are continually targeting the people involved in all types of human trafficking and are pleased to support the NCA in this two-week period of intensification focusing on adults who have been trafficked to the UK, or exploited in the UK, for the purposes of sexual exploitation.

He added: It can be hard to believe that this type of crime exists today as it remains quite hidden, but it does and it could be happening in any street and in any town in Northern Ireland.

Police are investigating suspected labour exploitation (Paul Faith/PA)

Victims are often afraid to speak out or unable to report their ordeal to police for a number of reasons including language barriers or simply because they are held captive.

Its for this reason we all need to work together to help victims and stop this unacceptable crime.

Its important for people to be aware of goings-on in their communities and keep a lookout for a number of tell-tale signs.

These include people who cant produce their passport or personal documents, who appear to be under the control of others or who have unexplained injuries, live in over-crowded accommodation or those who appear not to have any cash as they are not allowed to keep the money they earn.
US President Donald Trump has said he has rejected a one-on-one meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over the tariff dispute involving the two countries.

He is also threatening to place tariffs on cars imported from Canada as trade talks between the two neighbouring countries drag on.

Mr Trump said during a news conference in New York that Canada has treated the US very badly during the trade talks.

Watch LIVE as President Trump hosts a press conference. https://t.co/EmsdctGWtd  The White House 45 Archived (@WhiteHouse45) September 26, 2018

Canada was left out when the United States and Mexico reached an agreement last month to revamp the North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta).

The US and Canada are under pressure to reach a deal by September 30.

Mr Trump is suggesting he may go forward with a revamped Nafta without Canada. The president says it would be called USM, for the US and Mexico, instead of USMC.
US President Donald Trump has endorsed a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine for the first time since taking office.

Mr Trump told reporters as he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the UN, that he believes two states  Israel and one for the Palestinians  works best.

He has previously been vague on the topic, suggesting that he would support whatever the parties might agree to, including possibly a one-state resolution, which might see the Palestinian territories become part of Israel.

I like two-state solution, Mr Trump said as he posed for photographs with Mr Netanyahu. Thats what I think works best. Thats my feeling. Now you may have a different feeling. I dont think so. But I think two-state solution works best.

Earlier today, President Trump participated in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister @netanyahu of Israel.  pic.twitter.com/xtK62W1Vaw  The White House 45 Archived (@WhiteHouse45) September 26, 2018

Mr Trump later told a news conference that reaching a two-state solution is more difficult because its a real estate deal but that ultimately it works better because you have people governing themselves.

He added that he would still support Israel and the Palestinians should they opt for a one-state solution, though he believed that was less likely.

Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the UN (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

He said: Bottom line: If the Israelis and Palestinians want one-state, thats OK with me. If they want two states, thats OK with me. Im happy if theyre happy.

In his earlier comments, Mr Trump said his much-anticipated but still unreleased Middle East peace plan could be presented in the next two to four months, but was not specific as to timing.

Mr Trump has been heavily criticised by the Palestinians for a series of moves that they say show distinct bias toward Israel, starting with his recognition last year of Jerusalem as Israels capital.

The Palestinians also claim the holy city as the capital of an eventual state. Earlier this year, Mr Trump followed up on the recognition by moving the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a step that was widely protested by Palestinians and others in the Arab world.

His administration has also slashed aid to the Palestinians by hundreds of millions of dollars and ended US support for the UN agency that helps Palestinian refugees.
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Jeremy Corbyn is set to meet with the EUs chief negotiator Michel Barnier in a bid to break the current Brexit impasse.

The Labour leader will travel to Brussels with shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer with the message that no-deal is not acceptable.

The visit comes just 24 hours after Mr Corbyn used his Labour Party conference speech to say that his party will vote against Theresa Mays Chequers plan as it stands and oppose a no-deal Brexit.

Ahead of his meeting with Mr Barnier, Mr Corbyn said: With just weeks of negotiating time left, its clear that UK-EU Brexit talks are in a perilous state.

Time is running out and companies are losing patience with the absence of any clarity from the Government.

Crashing out of Europe with no deal risks being a national disaster.

That is why Im meeting EU officials today, and I will be urging them to do all they can to avoid a no-deal outcome, which would be so damaging to jobs and living standards in both the UK and EU countries.

Michel Barnier, EU Chief Negotiator for Brexit,

Mr Corbyn said that Labour would call for a general election if Parliament votes down the deal reached by the Prime Minister and Brussels, and told delegates in Liverpool that all options are on the table if that fails.

But Mr Corbyn did also reveal that Labour would back a sensible deal, saying he would support an outcome that features a customs union and no hard border on the island of Ireland.

Shadow trade secretary Barry Gardiner, appearing on ITVs Peston show, said the party would be willing to make compromises with the Tories to avoid a no-deal.

He said: If it means compromising, if it means you bending your red line to give us a customs union, were prepared to bend our red lines to give, to give this a deal.

Former home secretary Amber Rudd, also appearing on ITVs Peston show, revealed that she would absolutely support a second referendum on the UKs membership of the EU over no-deal.

She said: I dont think no deal will happen.

I think that if we cant get a negotiated deal, that the Prime Minister brings back through Parliament, then I think that were in completely uncharted territory.

Anti-Brexit billboards on the northern side of the border between Newry in Northern Ireland and Dundalk in the Republic of Ireland (Niall Carson/PA)

I think that one of the outcomes you might get is a Norway style EEA deal, and I know that various colleagues are looking at that.

Asked whether she would support a Canada-plus type deal, the likes of which the Tory Brexiteer faction are calling for, she said: No. I think there are a number of people, in fact Ive talked to a few colleagues and I reckon there are conservatively about 40 of us who would not support a Canada type deal.

But to be frank there are so many reasons a Canada type deal doesnt work, starting with the Irish border, going on to manufacturing that I think we can make those arguments.

But that just reinforces the point that there is an impasse if the two wings of our party face up to the fact that we have these elements that differentiate us but the rebel group need to think again because I think weve only got one shot at a negotiated settlement.
NHS patients face a postcode lottery of care after 20 million was pulled from dental services in Wales, according to a dentist union.

The British Dental Association (BDA) Wales says the number of people being treated by dentists on the NHS is being capped and is forcing some patients to make 90-mile round journeys for appointments.

Figures show 15% of Welsh NHS dental clinics accepted new adult patients last year, with 28% taking on new child patients.

BDA Wales said dentists are being penalised by the NHS dental contract system, a model also used in England, which can see funding returned to health boards when practitioners are unable to meet targets based on their activity levels.

The trade union says a total of 20,645,987 was pulled from NHS dental services across the country over the last three years.

Tom Bysouth, chair of the BDAs Welsh General Dental Practice Committee, said: Sadly the Welsh Government remain wedded to a failed model of tick boxes and targets, that funds NHS care for little over half the population.

The British Dental Association Wales says the number of people being treated by dentists on the NHS is being capped (Rui Vieira/PA)

Families across Wales are now paying the price for a system that effectively caps the number of patients a dentist can treat.

Data from NHS Direct shows people living in Aberystwyth now face a near 90-mile round trip to see an NHS dental practice which is accepting new patients, while people in Newtown face 80-mile journeys and those in Cardiff face travelling almost 30 miles.

Mr Bysouth called on the Welsh Government to end the postcode lottery of care, adding: Its utterly perverse that 20 million has been lost from local services, while some patients are travelling 90 miles to see a dentist under the NHS.

Sadly, its the inevitable result of a failed system, where officials bank on dentists missing their targets just so they can plug holes in other budgets.

The BDA Wales will tell the Welsh Assemblys Health, Social Care and Sport Committee on Thursday the current NHS contract model is also causing recruitment and retention problems across Wales.

Recent official data has revealed morale in the dentistry profession has fallen to its lowest levels since 2000, and more than half of dentists have considered quitting.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: Despite continued cuts to our budget we have committed additional funding to pay in full the recommendations of the independent Review Body on Doctors and Dentists Remuneration.

We believe this is a fair deal for dentists and for NHS Wales as a whole.

It is disappointing BDA Wales fail to recognise the significant changes we are making as part of our ongoing dental contract reform programme, that are being welcomed by dental clinicians, and which BDA Wales are also actively playing a part in.
US President Donald Trump has said he would certainly prefer not to fire deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein and that he may delay a meeting with the Justice Departments second highest-ranking official.

Mr Trump said Mr Rosenstein denied making remarks first attributed to him in a New York Times report, including that he had discussed possibly secretly recording the president and using the US constitutions 25th Amendment to remove him from office.

I would much prefer keeping Rod Rosenstein, Mr Trump said at a news conference in New York. He said he did not say it. He said he does not believe that.

Mr Trump added: My preference would be to keep him and to let him finish up.

Donald Trump speaks during a news conference (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Mr Rosenstein is overseeing special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and his dismissal would put that probe in jeopardy and create a political storm.

In suggesting that he might postpone Thursdays meeting, Mr Trump said he is focused on the extraordinary Senate committee hearing set for the same day with Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and a woman who has accused Mr Kavanaugh of sexual assault.

Any delay in the meeting would prolong the uncertainty of Mr Rosensteins status.

Mr Rosenstein headed to the White House on Monday morning preparing to be fired and had discussed a possible resignation over the weekend with White House officials. But after meeting with chief of staff John Kelly and speaking by phone with Mr Trump, he got a reprieve with the meeting scheduled for Thursday.

Since then, the White House has sought to talk down anxiety that Mr Rosenstein would be fired. White House officials called senators on Monday to say Mr Trump had said he would not be firing Mr Rosenstein at the meeting.

Aides have advised Mr Trump against taking any extreme actions ahead of the midterm elections with his partys majorities in Congress already under threat.
Food retailers face a mammoth 9.3 billion cost in the event of a no-deal Brexit, new research suggests.

According to Barclays Corporate Banking, higher tariffs and customs costs could hit supermarkets and their supply chains hard if Britain crashes out of the EU without a deal.

The report also warned that shoppers would take on some of the extra cost in the price of their groceries.

Without a deal, Barclays said that food and drink from the EU would be slapped with an additional 27% tariff under World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, compared to between 3% and 4% on non-food items.

Some products would avoid tariffs, even in a no-deal scenario, but for most goods the effect of an increased tariff burden would be extremely damaging, and cheaper goods would be the hardest hit, said Ian Gilmartin, head of retail at Barclays Corporate Banking.

71% of our imported food and drink comes from the EU, and 60% of our exports go to the EU. A positive agreement on trade is essential if we are to protect UK exporters and avoid significant price rises for UK consumers.

Shoppers might pay the price for higher tariffs on food and drink (Jon Super/PA)

Processed food and drink products, such as orange juice, would attract some of the EUs highest tariff rates of 31%, compared to 29.5% for semi-processed food and drink such as white sugar, and 9.7% for primary products and raw materials like bananas.

On top of tariffs, specific duties levied on some products would drastically increase the price of meat, olive oil, and wine. Frozen beef could even face a specific duty of 298%.

Leaders in the food and drink industry have previously raised concerns that without a free trade deal, supply chains could be disrupted after Brexit.

David Tyler, the outgoing chairman of Sainsburys, expressed similar concerns to the Barclays report in 2017, warning that tariffs could push up the price of a weekly shop.

But JD Wetherspoon founder and prominent Brexit supporter Tim Martin has argued that the UK could waive or lower import tariffs to make products cheaper, following the likes of Singapore.

Fears are also growing that extra border controls could cause major delays. Brexit secretary Dominic Raab admitted in July that the Government was making plans to secure food supply in a no-deal scenario.
Google has released a special edition Google Doodle as the tech firm rounds off its 20th birthday celebrations.

The internet firm has been marking the anniversary throughout September and earlier this week announced updates to its search engine aimed at looking ahead to the next 20 years.

However, the company marks the anniversary amid growing scrutiny around tech firms following a series of scandals and concerns over the impact of the internet and social media on public health.

Last week, media regulator Ofcom outlined potential regulations for technology firms similar to those for broadcasters as a means to tackle harmful content that appears online.

Research published alongside its consideration on possible regulation found that 79% of UK adult internet users have concerns about aspects of going online, while 45% said they had experienced some form of online harm.

Googles corporate birthday falls on September 4  the date the company was founded  but the company also counts September 27 as a landmark day as it marks the anniversary of the first Google Doodle  a temporary alteration to the logo on the sites homepage which commemorates certain events and people.

The new illustration will appear on the Google homepage throughout Thursday, alongside a video highlighting some of the most popular searches from the last 20 years.

(Yui Mok/PA)

Twenty(ish) years ago, two Stanford PhD students launched a new search engine with a bold mission to organise the worlds information and make it universally accessible and useful, a blog post on the Doodle said.

Though much has changed in the intervening years  including now offering Search in more than 150 languages and over 190 countries  Google is still dedicated to building products for everyone.

Todays video Doodle takes a stroll down memory lane by exploring popular searches all over the world throughout the last two decades.

Earlier this week, Google also announced a range of updates to its search engine, including a new personalised news feed of articles and videos based on user interests, as well as improved image searches that use artificial intelligence.

The firms vice president of search, Ben Gomes, said: Providing greater access to information is fundamental to what we do, and there are always more ways we can help people access the information they need.

Thats what pushes us forward to continue to make Search better for our users. And thats why our work here is never done.

The technology giant is expected to make further announcements on Thursday.
A network of hi-tech public taps is to be put in place across Scotland to encourage people to drink more water.

Scottish Water Top up Taps will be installed in around 30 towns and cities across the country in the next two years at a cost of more than 500,000, based on an estimated 20,000 each.

The first will be located outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh and should be in place by the end of October.

Scottish Water wants the first 10 taps to be installed by the end of March, and it plans to work with local authorities to find suitable locations.

Roseanna Cunningham tries out the high-tech tap (Gareth Easton Photography/PA)

Current sites being considered include Glasgow, Ayr, Dumfries, Dunfermline, Fort William, Milngavie, Oban, Inverness and Aberdeen.

Each tap is connected to the public water supply and will digitally track water usage.

Cloud technology will be used to show the cost and plastic savings of the refill points.

Douglas Millican, Scottish Water chief executive, said: The creation of a new network of public Top up Taps across the country as part of our Your Water, Your Life campaign is a significant boost in encouraging more people to choose to drink tap water in their daily lives.

Our research shows that people feel very positively towards the quality of Scotlands tap water  now these state-of-the-art taps can provide access to enable water drinkers to enjoy it while on the go by carrying and using refillable bottles.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham attended the launch outside Holyrood with school pupils.

She said: I am delighted that our Programme for Government commitment to pilot the creation of a network of public water refill points is coming to fruition so quickly.

By encouraging people to top-up from the tap using refillable bottles, we will help cut down on our use of plastics and promote the benefits of hydration building on Scottish Waters Your Water, Your Life campaign.

I now look forward to refilling my bottle at the Top up Tap outside the parliament in the coming months.
The uncovering of the real identity of one of the Salisbury nerve agent attack suspects leads many papers on Thursday.

Jeremy Corbyns closing speech to the Labour Party conference also makes headlines.

The Daily Telegraph reports that one of the alleged assassins wanted over the attempted murder of Sergei Skripal is a decorated colonel in the Russian army.

Anatoliy Chepiga is a senior member of Russian military intelligence unit the GRU, the Metro reports.

Thursdays METRO: Novichok hitman a Putin war hero #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/aWd8cnExwk  Helen Miller (@MsHelicat) September 26, 2018

Chepiga, who travelled to Britain under the pseudonym Ruslan Boshirov, once received Russias highest military award, says the Daily Express.

The medal was given to him by Russian president Vladimir Putin, the Daily Mirror reports.

What the papers say - September 27

The Daily Mail says the revelation of his true identity contradicts claims made by Mr Putin, who said on television that Chepiga and his suspected accomplice, Alexander Petrov, were civilians.

The disclosure, by investigative journalism organisation Bellingcat, adds weight to suggestions the attack on Mr Skripal was sanctioned by the top of the Kremlin, The Times reports.

Tomorrow's front page: Salisbury spy hitman is a decorated colonel #tomorrowspapertoday pic.twitter.com/kIjyYW9OUE  The Times (@thetimes) September 26, 2018

Meanwhile, Mr Corbyn told Theresa May that Labour MPs will vote against her so-called Chequers plan unless it keeps Britain in a customs union and protects consumer and worker rights, The Guardian reports.

The Guardian front page, Thursday 27 September 2018: Get a good Brexit deal or face Labour veto, Corbyn tells May pic.twitter.com/wKAaZjLb02  The Guardian (@guardian) September 26, 2018

The i also leads with Mr Corbyns speech.

In other news, a nurse who was the first person in the UK to contract monkeypox has blamed pathetically small NHS gloves, The Sun reports.

Tomorrow's front page: A hospital worker is the first person to catch monkeypox in the UK and says "pathetically small" NHS gloves failed to protect her. pic.twitter.com/UEVZNuXGhg  The Sun (@TheSun) September 26, 2018

The Independent leads on figures that show a fall in rape prosecutions.

And the Financial Times reports on Comcasts purchase of the broadcaster Sky.
A US appeals court has ordered a new trial in a lawsuit accusing Led Zeppelin of copying an obscure 1960s instrumental for the intro to its classic 1971 rock anthem Stairway To Heaven.

A federal court jury in Los Angeles two years ago found Led Zeppelin did not copy the famous riff from the song Taurus by the band Spirit.

But the three-judge panel of the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously that the lower court judge provided erroneous jury instructions. It sent the case back to the court for another trial.

A trustee for the estate of late Spirit guitarist Randy Wolfe filed the lawsuit against Led Zeppelin in 2015.

Jurors returned their verdict for Led Zeppelin after a five-day trial at which band members Jimmy Page and Robert Plant gave evidence.

Page and Plant, who wrote the lyrics, said their creation was an original.

Led Zeppelins Robert Plant, left, performs with guitarist Jimmy Page (AP Photo/Murad Sezer)

The trial took jurors and observers who managed to pack into the courtroom on a musical journey through the late 1960s and early 1970s, when Spirit, a California psychedelic group that blended jazz and rock was achieving stardom as the hard-rocking British band was being founded.
The Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced Brett Kavanaughs nomination for the US Supreme Court after informally agreeing to a one-week investigation into sexual assault allegations made against him.

It is unclear whether Republican leaders, who have pushed for fast confirmation of Mr Kavanaugh, would back the request made by senator Jeff Flake for further investigation.

President Donald Trump, who has accused the Democrats of obstruction and opposed the FBI investigating the allegations against his nominee, said he would let the Senate handle that.

The vote came a day after Mr Kavanaugh and an accuser, Christine Blasey Ford, gave evidence in an emotional hearing.

Christine Blasey Ford gives evidence before the Senate Judiciary Committee (Win McNamee/AP)

Mr Kavanaugh angrily denied the allegations that he assaulted Ms Ford while they were both in high school, while she said she was 100% certain he was her attacker.

Mr Flake, a key moderate Republican, was at the centre of the drama and uncertainty.

In the morning, he announced that he would support Mr Kavanaughs nomination. Shortly after, he was confronted in a lift by two women who, through tears, implored him to change his mind.

The confrontation was captured by television cameras.

After speaking privately with his colleagues, Mr Flake announced he would vote to advance Mr Kavanaughs nomination to the full Senate only if the FBI were to investigate the allegations against the judge.

Democrats have been calling for such an investigation, though Republicans and the White House have insisted it is unnecessary.

The committee vote was 11-10 along party lines.

Mr Flake said that after discussing the matter with fellow senators, he felt it would be proper to delay the floor vote for up to but not more than one week.

Let it now be a matter of record that victim culture is in fact the petulance of white men closing ranks to protect their jobs/status & insist on the continued oppression of women so they can thrive. #Kavanaughvote tells a devastating truth we can no longer pretend not to hear.  Sophie Walker (@SophieRunning) September 28, 2018

That increases the pressure on a handful of colleagues who have not yet said whether they back Mr Kavanaugh. These are Republican senators Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Democratic senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia.

With a 51-49 majority, Senate Republicans have little margin for error, especially given the fact that several Democrats facing tough re-election prospects this autumn announced their opposition to Mr Kavanaugh on Friday.

Senators, make no mistake. If you vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh, you are sending this message and perverting the Supreme Court:



-Women & survivors dont matter

-Impartiality doesnt matter

-Integrity & honesty dont matter#StopKavanaugh  Planned Parenthood Action (@PPact) September 28, 2018

Senators Bill Nelson of Florida, Joe Donnelly of Indiana and Jon Tester of Montana all said they would vote no.

During Thursdays hearing, Democrats repeatedly peppered Mr Kavanaugh with questions about whether he would support an FBI investigation. He said he would back whatever the committee decided to do.

The FBI conducts background checks for federal nominees, but the agency does not make judgments on the credibility or significance of allegations. It compiles information about the nominees past and provides its findings to the White House, which passes it along to the committee.

Republicans say reopening the FBI investigation is unnecessary because committee members have had the opportunity to question both Mr Kavanaugh and Ms Ford and other potential witnesses have submitted sworn statements.

If the FBI does reopen the background investigation, agents could interview accusers and witnesses and gather additional evidence or details that could help corroborate or disprove the allegations.

Democrats have been particularly focused on getting more information from Mark Judge, a high school friend of Mr Kavanaugh who Ms Ford said was also in the room during her alleged assault.

In her evidence, Ms Ford said Mr Kavanaugh and Mr Judges laughter during the incident has stuck with her nearly four decades later.

Mr Judge has said he will co-operate with any law enforcement agency that investigates confidentially.
Stealth fighter jets have landed on the deck of the UKs new aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, for the first time.

The F-35 Lightning fighter jets touched down on the Royal Navys 3.1 billion flagship on the US east coast on Tuesday.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the event marked Britains naval rebirth.

Observers watch the landing from the bridge (PO(CIS) Matt Bonner/Royal Navy/M)

The landings mark the start of more than 500 take-offs and touch-downs set to take place from the warship during the next 11-weeks, with the jets being put through their paces in a range of weather conditions.

Mr Williamson said: The largest warship in British history is joining forces with the most advanced fighter jets on the planet. This marks a rebirth of our power to strike decisively from the seas anywhere in the world.

The historic first landing on the deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth is a monumental moment in our countrys proud military history. It is also a statement of Britains determination to promote peace and prevent war.

F-35 Lightning II fighter jet taking off from HMS Queen Elizabeth (MoD)

Commanding Officer, Capt Jerry Kyd, who was also the captain of HMS Ark Royal when the last Harrier took off from a carrier, said: I am quite emotional to be here in HMS Queen Elizabeth seeing the return of fixed wing aviation, having been the captain of the aircraft carrier which launched the last Harrier at sea nearly eight years ago.

The regeneration of big deck carriers able to operate globally, as we are proving here on this deployment, is a major step forward for the United Kingdoms defence and our ability to match the increasing pace of our adversaries.

The first touch-downs of these impressive stealth jets shows how the United Kingdom will continue to be world leaders at sea for generations to come.

Royal Navy Commander Nathan Gray gives the thumbs-up after making the landing (Lt Cdr Lindsey Waudby/Royal Navy)

Commander UK Carrier Strike Group, Cdre Andrew Betton added: The Queen Elizabeth Class carriers have been specifically designed and built to operate the F-35 Lightning, offering an immensely flexible and potent combination to deliver military effect around the world.

Conducting these trials is a critical and exciting step on this journey and I applaud the many thousands of civilian and military personnel who have played a part in bringing the strategic ambition to reality.

HMS Queen Elizabeth (LPhot Kyle Heller/Royal Navy/MoD/Crown copyright)

This weeks flight trials come more than 100 years after the UKs HMS Argus became the worlds first carrier capable of safely launching and recovering naval aircraft.

HMS Queen Elizabeth remains set to be deployed on global operations from 2021.
US President Donald Trump has directed the FBI to launch a supplemental investigation into his Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh at the request of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The move came after the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance Mr Kavanaughs nomination to the top US court.

Mr Trump said in a statement that the updated investigation, which comes in response to sexual misconduct allegations, must be limited in scope and completed in less than one week.

The decision marks a reversal for the administration, which had argued that Mr Kavanaugh had already been vetted.

Statement from President @realDonaldTrump:

Ive ordered the FBI to conduct a supplemental investigation to update Judge Kavanaughs file. As the Senate has requested, this update must be limited in scope and completed in less than one week.  Kayleigh McEnany 45 Archived (@PressSec45) September 28, 2018

Mr Kavanaugh has adamantly denied the allegations. He says he has done everything the Senate has asked of him and will continue to co-operate.

The judiciary committee vote came a day after Mr Kavanaugh and an accuser, Christine Blasey Ford, gave evidence in an emotional hearing.

US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh (Saul Loeb/Pool Photo via AP)

Mr Kavanaugh angrily denied the allegations that he assaulted Ms Ford while they were both in high school, while she said she was 100% certain he was her attacker.

Jeff Flake, a key moderate Republican, was at the centre of the drama and uncertainty.

In the morning, he announced that he would support Mr Kavanaughs nomination. Shortly after, he was confronted in a lift by two women who, through tears, implored him to change his mind.

The confrontation was captured by television cameras.

After speaking privately with his colleagues, Mr Flake announced he would vote to advance Mr Kavanaughs nomination to the full Senate only if the FBI were to investigate the allegations against the judge.

Democrats had been calling for such an investigation, though Republicans and the White House had previously insisted it was unnecessary.

The committee vote was 11-10 along party lines.

Mr Flake said that after discussing the matter with fellow senators, he felt it would be proper to delay the floor vote for up to but not more than one week.

That increases the pressure on a handful of colleagues who have not yet said whether they back Mr Kavanaugh. These are Republican senators Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Democratic senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia.

Senators, make no mistake. If you vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh, you are sending this message and perverting the Supreme Court:



-Women & survivors dont matter

-Impartiality doesnt matter

-Integrity & honesty dont matter#StopKavanaugh  Planned Parenthood Action (@PPact) September 28, 2018

With a 51-49 majority, Senate Republicans have little margin for error, especially given the fact that several Democrats facing tough re-election prospects this autumn announced their opposition to Mr Kavanaugh on Friday.

Senators Bill Nelson of Florida, Joe Donnelly of Indiana and Jon Tester of Montana all said they would vote no.

During Thursdays hearing, Democrats repeatedly peppered Mr Kavanaugh with questions about whether he would support an FBI investigation. He said he would back whatever the committee decided to do.

The FBI conducts background checks for federal nominees, but the agency does not make judgments on the credibility or significance of allegations. It compiles information about the nominees past and provides its findings to the White House, which passes it along to the committee.

FBI agents could interview accusers and witnesses and gather additional evidence or details that could help corroborate or disprove the allegations.

Democrats have been particularly focused on getting more information from Mark Judge, a high school friend of Mr Kavanaugh who Ms Ford said was also in the room during her alleged assault.

In her evidence, Ms Ford said Mr Kavanaugh and Mr Judges laughter during the incident has stuck with her nearly four decades later.

Mr Judge has said he will co-operate with any law enforcement agency that investigates confidentially.
Police in Scotland have launched a specialist unit to help co-ordinate the response in the event of major incidents such as terror attacks or severe floods.

The major incident support co-ordination unit based at Gartcosh in North Lanarkshire is said to be the first of its kind in the UK.

It brings together different elements of the police response system such as victim and casualty identification and incident room support.

Police chiefs moved to co-ordinate resources more efficiently following the terror attacks in London and Manchester last year.

Detective Chief Superintendent Clark Cuzen, heads of the new unit, said: After feedback from last years terror attacks, we devised a central department that would provide a single point of contact for police officers and partners.

Previously there could be difficulties communicating with each other, co-ordinating resources and a lack of understanding of each individual discipline.

The unit is designed to improve communication among police and other responders following a major incident (Andrew Milligan/PA)

This unit means theres a more joined-up approach and information can be shared quicker among emergency services and to the public.

We are the first police force in the UK to introduce this unit and I believe this is a positive step towards providing an improved response to any major incident.
Activists from both Labour and the SNP plan to take their campaign to the streets as they gear up for the possibility of a snap general election.

The SNP will hold a so-called day of action, led by the partys depute leader Keith Brown, aiming to make contact with 50,000 people on independence and Brexit.

Mr Brown said: This day of action moves the SNP onto a campaign footing. We are building a fresh case for independence and we are also campaign-ready for any possible snap general election.

The SNP MSP added: Im keen to understand better how the people of Scotland view the UK leaving the EU within the context of no deal, and what impact these outcomes have on the voters feelings towards the opportunities of an independent Scotland.

The Tories are deeply divided and on the brink of implosion over Brexit. And Labour still, incredibly, dont know they are doing.

Meanwhile our party and the independence movement have our sights on a far more positive future for Scotland as an independent country.

SNP depute leader Keith Brown will lead a party campaign day (Lesley Martin/PA)

Scottish Conservative deputy party leader Jackson Carlaw accused the SNP of touring the country rabble-rousing and stoking up division.

He said: All this day of action is going to achieve is to remind people the SNP is a single-issue party, and that issue has already been put to bed.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Labour campaigners are expected to knock on doors on Saturday to highlight the partys plan to rebuild Scotland.

Labours campaign day focuses on pledges for changes to workers rights, including longer paid maternity and paternity leave, and economic plans such as creating a 20 billion Scottish Investment Bank.

Activists will also stress the partys plans to increase child benefit, cut public transport fares and increase funding for schools and hospitals.

Scottish Labour campaigns spokesman Neil Findlay MSP said: Today, hundreds of Scottish Labour activists will be hitting the streets across Scotland with our message of hope and real change.

With Theresa Mays shambolic handling of Brexit leading Britain to the brink  and her Chequers plan dead in the water  a general election is more likely than ever.

Our policies of a real living wage, a 20 billion Scottish Investment Bank and increases in child benefit  to name just a few  will radically change Scotland and the UK for the better.

Labour stands ready to build on our gains in the 2017 election so we can beat the Tories and deliver a government that works for the many, not the few.
A special memorial service is to be held to mark the 165th anniversary of one of the UKs worst-ever shipwrecks which claimed 350 lives.

The Annie Jane was carrying about 450 emigrants from Liverpool to Montreal in Canada when it ran onto rocks off the island of Vatersay in the Outer Hebrides in a fierce storm and broke up on September 28, 1853.

In total, 350 men, women and children fleeing poverty and famine died, though the death toll could have been higher because the names of children were not recorded in the ships manifest in those days.

The island struggled to deal with the tragedy and the bodies of those who died were said to have been packed like herrings in a barrel and dumped into two unmarked, mass graves in the dunes behind a beach.

Reverend Dr Lindsay Schluter will lead the service along with a Roman Catholic priest (Church of Scotland/PA)

A special memorial service will be held on Sunday in Vatersay to remember those who died.

Reverend Dr Lindsay Schluter, minister of Barra and South Uist Church of Scotland congregations, will lead the ceremony along with Barra Roman Catholic priest Father John Paul Mackinnon.

She said: Circumstances at the time of the disaster meant that the deceased were not afforded the dignity of a funeral service and formal committal.

The recent publication of a book on this disaster has brought awareness of this to peoples minds and there is a desire to do now what was not done then.

The Annie Jane, a three-masted wooden merchant ship carrying an overheavy cargo of iron, made an earlier attempt to cross the Atlantic but turned back because of bad weather and was on her second run when she ran into severe difficulty.

Passengers included emigrants from Ireland and Scotland, London schoolboys, French-speaking Swiss missionaries and skilled workers from Glasgow hired to help build railways in Canada.

Helpless in a powerful Atlantic storm, the captain of the Annie Jane decided to try and bring the ship into Vatersay Bay where she ran onto rocks and was swept ashore in three parts on the island.

There were about 100 survivors looked after in a place with few trees from which to fashion coffins and only one proper dwelling house.

The disaster is marked by a simple granite obelisk overlooking Vatersay west beach and is said to have led to survivors demanding the first-ever public inquiry into a major incident.

Dr Schluter said: The shipwreck of the Annie Jane overwhelmed the tiny island of Vatersay, which only a few years earlier had been cleared of its people to make way for cattle grazing and only a handful lived on the island at the time.

The neighbouring island of Barra was impacted by clearances also and struggling with such levels of destitution and poverty which meant that its people too were overwhelmed with the consequences of the tragedy, caring for survivors and burying the dead.

She added: The shipwreck, impacting on Vatersay and Barra, countless families throughout Britain, Canada and Switzerland also left its mark on the life of the nation by establishing the practice of public inquiries following major incidents.
Boris Johnson was at the centre of a vicious Tory row on the eve of the party conference after publicly attacking the Prime Minister over Brexit.

The former foreign secretary used a round of television interviews on Friday to lash out at Theresa Mays negotiating strategy, refusing to rule out a leadership challenge or voting against a Brexit deal.

His comments, which followed a lengthy newspaper article attacking the PMs Chequers plan, was attacked by political opponents within the party.

Former education secretary Nicky Morgan told the PoliticsHome website that his alternative plan, dubbed Super Canada, was pie in the sky, while Justice Secretary David Gauke warned that it could break up the United Kingdom if adopted.

However, his plan was defended by fellow hardline Brexiteers including Jacob Rees-Mogg, who likened the Prime Ministers Chequers blueprint to the Charge of the Light Brigade, saying it was a brave and mistaken dash against all the odds.

The Conservative Party Conference is due to start in Birmingham on Sunday, with Mr Johnson one of the key attractions.

He is due to give a speech to a conference fringe on Tuesday  the day before the Prime Ministers keynote address.

Speaking to the BBC on Friday he was asked repeatedly to rule out running against her.

He said: The Prime Minister will go on, as she said to us herself, and as she said to the country, shes a remarkable person, she will go on for as long as she feels it necessary.

But the most important thing for me is to avert what I think would be a political and economic disaster for this country which is to agree to come out of the EU but still to be run by the EU, what is the point of that, what will we have done?

And I think there is still time for her to change course.

With these TV hits and probably a front page off the back of his Telegraph column on Sunday, Boris Johnson is making sure he is seen by Tory delegates heading to conference.  David Wilcock (@DavidTWilcock) September 28, 2018

In a separate interview on Friday with Sky Mr Johnson had said that, despite the EU formally rejecting Chequers, its adoption would be a political triumph for Brussels.

The top Tory, in a Friday Telegraph op-ed, had accused the Government and civil service of a pretty invertebrate performance in negotiations and said there had been a collapse of will by the British establishment to deliver on the mandate of the people.

The former foreign secretary, who quit the Cabinet in July, argued for a new withdrawal agreement dubbed Super Canada which states that the Irish border question will be settled as part of the deal on the future economic arrangements.

Number 10 hit back at his proposal, with a source pointing out Mr Johnson had been part of the committee which agreed the need for a customs backstop in Northern Ireland.

The Justice Secretary David Gauke warned that Mr Johnsons `Super Canada plan risked breaking up the United Kingdom (David Mirzoeff/PA)

Mr Gauke warned that a Canada-style deal could have grave consequences for the union.

He told the i newspaper: If we end up with an arrangement whereby Great Britain leaves the single market and the customs union, and Northern Ireland stays in the single market and customs union, then over time Northern Ireland will become more and more integrated into the Irish Republics economy and less integrated into Great Britains economy.

Its hard to see how that doesnt end in Northern Ireland leaving the UK.

Mrs Morgan told PoliticsHome that Mr Johnsons timing was deliberate, saying: He knows how important the party conference is to the Prime Minister, to the party, and its obviously designed to make it clear that, yet again, we will be talking as much about Boris as we will about the Conservative programme for government next week.

Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab has accused the EU of politicising the Irish border (Kirsty OConnor/PA)

In a separate development, Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab accused Brussels of using the Northern Ireland dispute as a way of penalising the UK for leaving the EU.

He told the Sun: There are some out there in the Commission who see it as a lever beyond the substantive issue.

There is no doubt there is a substantive issue about how we avoid a return to the hard border, but it has been magnified by those seeking to rely on it for political ends.
The need for anti-racist education in schools is becoming more urgent than ever, teachers leaders have insisted.

EIS general secretary Larry Flanagan argued the rise of the far-right in politics made challenging prejudice an important task for all educators.

He spoke out as teachers and lecturers from across Scotland headed for Glasgow to take part in a special event to discuss what they can do to combat racism through education.

Labours Anas Sarwar, chair of Holyroods Cross Party Group on Tackling Islamophobia, will use his speech at the event to call for anti-racism education to be embedded across the school curriculum.

The MSP, who has spoken out about the racist abuse he has received, also wants changes to teacher training, to make equality a more mainstream issue and for more heads and deputy heads to come from ethnic backgrounds.

He will also argue that social media platforms need to do more to tackle racist comments online, to prevent children from viewing these on their sites.

Anas Sarwar (left) and lawyer Aamer Anwar at an anti-racist demonstration in Glasgow earlier this year (Mark Runnacles/PA)

The EIS event "Teachers Turning the Tide: Promoting Anti-Racist Education and Challenging Anti-Muslim Prejudice" is taking place on Saturday 29th September from 9:30am-2:00pm More information on our website https://t.co/AARhpDOPdQ. pic.twitter.com/QygDDZV27a  EIS (@EISUnion) September 28, 2018

Speaking ahead of the event, Mr Sarwar said: Across Scotland, there are major challenges facing society with everyday racism, sexism, homophobia, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and more.

I warmly welcome the new guidance from the EIS on combating anti-Muslim prejudice in our schools and the recognition of the need to embed anti-racist education across the curriculum.

Education is rightly seen as the vehicle to break the cycle of poverty, but it is also the vehicle to defeat prejudice and hate. Teaching a child can help educate and change a family, and it can educate and change a community.

He added: I falsely believed that the fight for equality in all its forms would be won by itself with time.

I dont believe that any more. Sadly, it seems the principles of equality, solidarity and unity are losing.

It feels like we live in a time where division, anger and hate is now politically fashionable. We  a collective we  have to stand up, speak out and challenge that. The fight against all forms of hatred, prejudice and bigotry is a fight for all of us.

Thanks to MSPs from across the Parliament for joining the Show Racism the Red Card photocall today. Great to have Scotland Manager Alex McLeish with us too. Please support Wear Red Day on Friday 5th October. #AFightForAllOfUs pic.twitter.com/AOvWXV9afC  Anas Sarwar (@AnasSarwar) September 27, 2018

Mr Flanagan said the Teachers Turning the Tide event was part of the EISs ongoing commitment to anti-racist education in schools, colleges and universities across Scotland.

He stated: Sadly, this work is becoming more urgent than ever, as a result of the growth of the far right across Europe and increase in racist attitudes in many parts of society including in political debate and via mass media.

Priya Khindria, campaign manager for Show Racism the Red Card, said: It is extremely important that anti-racist education is included in Scottish schools curriculum. As a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society, Scotlands young people need to be educated around these topics.

It is not simply enough to discipline those who exhibit racist behaviours  we must be proactive in teaching young people to prevent racist incidents from occurring.

Embedding anti-racist education across the curriculum will also help teachers be aware of how they should respond to these types of behaviours and feel confident in approaching what can sometimes be a daunting topic.

Deputy First Minister and Education Secretary John Swinney said: Our education system is already designed to help tackle racism at every level, just as we are committed to tackling all forms of bigotry, prejudice and discrimination.



Our race equality framework for Scotland 2016-2030 outlines a range of actions we are taking, including ensuring that equality and intercultural competency training resources are developed and made available to practitioners at all stages of their careers  through initial teacher education, induction and career long professional learning.



We want to build inclusive, resilient and safe communities in Scotland where everyone feels connected, has a sense of belonging and feels valued.

We will continue to celebrate the fullness of Scotlands diversity  everyone in Scotland must be empowered to achieve their potential irrespective of race, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.
Staying in Europes single market and the customs union is the only credible plan to avoid the twin disasters of a no-deal Brexit or a so-called blind Brexit, the Scottish Government has insisted.

With six months to go until the UK formally leaves the European Union (EU), Scottish Constitutional Relations Secretary Mike Russell criticised Tory leaders at Westminster over their chaotic, disastrous departure plans.

Theresa May is still to win EU support for her Chequers proposals  which have also divided the Tories, with hardline Brexiteers arguing they do not go far enough.

The Scottish Government has repeatedly argued the case for staying in the single market and customs union, claiming this would cause the least damage to jobs and the economy.

With voters north of the border having backed staying part of the EU, Mr Russell said the majority of Scots were still opposed to Brexit.

Despite this, he said Holyrood ministers had offered compromise after compromise to the UK Government during its Brexit preparations, but that this had so far, all been refused.

Theresa May has failed to secure agreement for her Chequers plan (Matt Dunham/PA)

Mr Russell said: If the UK is to leave the EU it cannot be done in the chaotic, disastrous way that is presently being pursued by the UK Government.

It beggars belief that, six months out from Brexit, the UK Government still has no workable plan and no clear way to achieve any sort of agreement with the EU.

EU leaders have consistently said they will not accept any proposal that undermines the single market while the UK Governments own no deal guidance confirms the prospect of grounded flights, food supply disruption and delays at border posts if an agreement cannot be reached.

.@GOVUK has published a new series of technical notices in preparation for a no deal #Brexit.



Cab Sec @Feorlean "Today's publications expose more starkly than anything we have yet seen just how disastrous a 'no deal' Brexit could be.'



Learn more  https://t.co/28unDi0Vhe  Scottish Government (@scotgov) September 24, 2018

He added that even a trade deal similar to that negotiated between Canada and the EU would leave every single person in Scotland 1,600 a year worse off compared to staying in the EU.

Warning against the prsopect of the UK leaving the EU without a Brexit deal, or with a deal where many of the conditions are still to be finalised, Mr Russell said: The only credible plan left standing is the Scottish Governments proposal to stay in the customs union and single market, which is around eight times bigger than the UK market alone.

Our analysis shows this would be the best outcome for Scotland and the UK as a whole, if staying in the EU is not possible.

He insisted: We should not be faced with a choice between the twin disasters of a no-deal Brexit and a blind Brexit where we do not have any detail or guarantees on future trading relationships.

A UK Government spokeswoman said: We are working at pace to reach agreement on a deal that works in the interests of all parts of the UK, including Scotland, and remain confident of doing so in the autumn.

Our plan is the only serious and negotiable proposal which respects the result of the referendum and the decision of the UK public to take back control of the UKs laws, borders and money while protecting jobs, supporting growth, maintaining security co-operation and meeting our commitments to the people of Northern Ireland and Ireland.
Amal Clooney has called for immediate pardons in the cases of two reporters jailed in Burma for reporting on an alleged massacre of Rohingya Muslims.

The human rights lawyer is representing Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, and Wa Lone, 32, journalists from Reuters news agency sentenced to hard labour after uncovering extra-judicial killings.

About 700,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled to Bangladesh to escape a bloody military crackdown in Buddhist-majority Burma.

Amal Clooney has demanded two reporters jailed in Burma are released immediately (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Clooney, the wife of Hollywood actor George, called on Burmese leader and Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi to grant the men pardons.

Speaking on the BBC World Service, she said: They were the victims of a set-up. They had documents planted on them, the whole trial was a charade. They were investigating and reporting on a massacre of Rohingya men.

Clooney added the men were subjected to a show trial and demanded Ms Suu Kyi to remedy the egregious injustice.

Burmas army has been accused of murder, rape and setting fire to thousands of homes following an attack by Rohingya militants on security outposts in August 2017.

Earlier this month, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt appealed to Ms Suu Kyi to use her influence to ensure the perpetrators of the genocide are brought to justice.
A mixed bag of news makes the front pages on Saturday  from a Facebook security breach to concerns over bullying at UK universities.

The Daily Mail leads on the Facebook cyber attack, reporting that at least 50 million users had had their accounts hacked by criminals.

The paper describes it as the social media firms latest PR disaster, and says hackers took advantage of a security flaw to take control of profiles.

The Guardian carries an investigation into academics being accused of bullying students at Britains universities, and reports that the findings have prompted concerns over a culture of harassment and intimidation at leading institutions.

Guardian front page, Saturday 29

September 2018: Revealed: the ingrained bullying at UK universities pic.twitter.com/1kS7WmuVDH  The Guardian (@guardian) September 28, 2018

Education matters also appear on the front of The Times, which claims a report is due to reveal that school exclusions have become a leading driver of gang violence.

Tomorrow's front page: Exclusions from school drive rising gang crime #tomorrowspapertoday pic.twitter.com/V1C44lbClU  The Times (@thetimes) September 28, 2018

Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph reports that Home Secretary Sajid Javid is due to announce that violence must be treated like an infectious disease.

What the papers say - September 29

The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph: 'Javid: we must treat violence as a disease' #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/LKGBgjWFtM  The Telegraph (@Telegraph) September 28, 2018

The Justice Secretary David Gauke has warned that Boris Johnsons alternative Brexit plan would threaten the UKs survival, the i says.

And the Daily Express reports that moves are under way to end what it calls a witch-hunt against Northern Ireland veterans.

Elsewhere, The Sun carries an emotional interview with Gary Barlow about the death of his daughter Poppy.

Tomorrow's front page: EXCLUSIVE - Gary Barlow opens up for the first time about the death of his daughter Poppy https://t.co/c0RBcEgB8Q pic.twitter.com/st482O532Y  The Sun (@TheSun) September 28, 2018

The Daily Mirror says a Strictly star has said fellow dancers joke Blackpool is like a squatter camp.

And the Financial Times reports that the Government has called for a review of Britains auditing industry.
Campaigners say they are preparing to launch a legal challenge to demand the Government holds a public inquiry into political interference during the Brexit referendum.

Pressure group Fair Vote UK wants an independent probe  similar to the Mueller investigation in America  to look at concerns over Russian disinformation, the involvement of data companies and electoral spending during the 2016 vote.

The group said it was seeking to pursue a judicial review and that its lawyers had sent a pre-action letter to the Government after it rejected earlier calls for an inquiry.

Kyle Taylor, director of Fair Vote UK, said there was significant public concern over the referendum process.

He added: By not holding an inquiry, the UK makes it a certainty that future elections will be tainted in the same way Only a public inquiry headed by a judge with formal powers to compel witnesses can find out what truly happened.

Labours deputy leader Tom Watson has previously demanded a Mueller-style probe based on the FBI investigation into Russian links to Donald Trumps presidential campaign.

Fair Vote UK are preparing to launch legal action to urge a public inquiry into the EU referendum (Yui Mok/PA)

He said he hoped Fair Vote UKs legal challenge would force a Government re-think.

He added: Mueller has shown that we need to follow the money  and the lies  to get to the truth about how votes are unfairly won.

Given what we know about law-breaking, Russian involvement and massive data abuse issues, it is essential that we have a full public inquiry into what happened in the referendum.

We need to know what went wrong so we can fix it and safeguard our democracy.

The letter sent to the Government by lawyers on behalf of Fair Vote UK states that it is seeking the investigation due to the scale of the evidence of irregular and unlawful conduct.

Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael said he was backing the groups call, adding: I hope we finally get the answers we as citizens need.
Facebook users have been warned to be vigilant by cyber security watchdogs after it emerged the tech giant had suffered a security breach affecting 50 million users.

In a post on the social networks news site, Facebook vice president of product management Guy Rosen said the breach had been discovered on Tuesday.

But executives waited until Friday to announce the news to users.

Mr Rosen said: Our investigation is still in its early stages. But its clear that attackers exploited a vulnerability in Facebooks code that impacted View As, a feature that lets people see what their own profile looks like to someone else.

This allowed them to steal Facebook access tokens which they could then use to take over peoples accounts.

Access tokens are the equivalent of digital keys that keep people logged in to Facebook so they dont need to re-enter their password every time they use the app.

The firm later said the issue had arisen due to the combination of three distinct bugs which meant the hackers were able extract the access tokens of other users.

It was unclear whether any UK users had been hit, but some reported getting a message when they tried to log in that said: Recent activity may have affected your accounts security, so weve locked it.

Well walk you through a few steps to confirm your identity and help you access your account.

If you've been logged out of your account and asked to sign back in, its because we've discovered a security issue and are taking immediate action to protect people on Facebook. Learn more https://t.co/XLcHGYFBu2  Meta (@Meta) September 28, 2018

Mr Rosen outlined the action Facebook had taken since the discovery, including fixing the issue and reporting it to law enforcement.

It also reset the access tokens of a further 40 million accounts that have been subject to a View As look-up in the last year as a precaution.

A spokesman for the UKs National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) warned users to look out for possible phishing attacks  where an attacker poses as a legitimate organisation to trick a user into opening a malicious message, email or text.

This can lead to the installation of malware, freezing of a system through ransomware or theft of sensitive information which can be used to make purchases, steal funds or facilitate identity theft.

Data breaches make users vulnerable because scam messages can seem more credible  for example appearing to come from a site they visit regularly.

The NCSC said: Usually, if you are the target of a phishing message, your real name will not be used.

However, if fraudsters do have your name, people will need to be extra vigilant around any message that purports to be from an organisation they deal with  especially when there are attachments or links which take people to sites asking for more personal information.

Facebook has announced a security issue affecting almost 50 million accounts. Our statement and advice to users can be found here https://t.co/Sv8aRAVPsh pic.twitter.com/bJuD7cElxY  NCSC UK (@NCSC) September 28, 2018

James Dipple-Johnstone, of the Information Commissioners Office, said: Its always the companys responsibility to identify when UK citizens have been affected as part of a data breach and take steps to reduce any harm to consumers.

We will be making enquiries with Facebook and our overseas counterparts to establish the scale of the breach and if any UK citizens have been affected.

A warning message has been sent to some Facebook users (Facebook)

The Republic of Irelands Data Protection Commission (DPC) said it was notified of the incident by Facebook, but had been given no information on the nature of the breach or the extent to which Irish users may have been affected.

A spokesman said: The DPC continues to press Facebook to clarify these matters further as a matter of urgency.

Police Scotland said: As yet, we have no reports on anyone in Scotland being affected, however all users are urged to use best practice when online to prevent their data being compromised.

Facebook has more than two billion users worldwide, and has been hit by a series of problems this year, including the news that data analytics firm Cambridge Analytica had gained access to personal data from millions of user profiles.

It emerged in March that Cambridge Analytica had used the harvested data to build an algorithm delivering targeted political adverts based on the users psychological profile.

More serious questions for Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook - this is why @CommonsCMS will continue to press for him to give evidence to our parliament - Facebook Network is Breached, Putting 50 Million Users Data at Risk https://t.co/NoscOUPH1H  Damian Collins (@DamianCollins) September 28, 2018

So far, Facebooks founder Mark Zuckerberg has refused to meet with MPs examining the Cambridge Analytica scandal.

MP Damian Collins, chairman of the Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee, tweeted: More serious questions for Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook  this is why @CommonsCMS will continue to press for him to give evidence to our parliament  Facebook Network is Breached, Putting 50 Million Users Data at Risk.
Facebook announced on Friday afternoon that 50 million Facebook accounts had been breached. Here is everything you need to know about the cyber attack.

What happened?

In a post on the social networks news site, Facebook vice president of product management Guy Rosen said a security breach affecting 50 million users had been discovered on Tuesday.

While the investigation is in its early stages, the firm said the hackers had exploited a vulnerability in Facebooks code involving the View As feature, which lets people see what their own profile looks like to someone else.

In a later post, Facebook said the vulnerability had arisen from a combination of three distinct bugs, which meant the hackers were able extract other users access tokens  the equivalent of digital keys that keep people logged in to the Facebook app.

Sharing more technical details about the security issue we announced this morning https://t.co/JgOIeSNfjQ  Meta (@Meta) September 29, 2018

It explained that when using the View As feature, the code had not removed the box that allows people to wish friends a happy birthday and incorrectly provided the opportunity to post a video.

In turn, the video uploader incorrectly generated an access tag that had the permissions of the Facebook mobile app. The third bug meant that the access token generated was for the user being looked up, instead of the person doing the viewing.

Pedro Canahuati, vice president of engineering, security and privacy, said: The attackers were then able to pivot from that access token to other accounts, performing the same actions and obtaining further access tokens.

Who was affected?

Facebook has not revealed whether any UK users were hit, or where the hacked accounts were based, only saying that it had affected almost 50 million of its more than two billion users.

Mr Rosen said the attack could have given the hackers access to other apps if a user had logged into them using their Facebook name and password  and said the firm was investigating whether there was any access to Instagram accounts. He confirmed, however, that WhatsApp was not impacted by the breach.

What has Facebook done?

Facebook says it has already fixed the vulnerability and has informed law enforcement of the attack.

It has reset the access tokens of the hacked accounts, as well as another 40 million accounts that have been subject to a View As look-up in the last year.

As a result, around 90 million people were having to log back in to Facebook, or any of their apps that use Facebook Login.

Some users may see a warning message when logging back into Facebook (PA/Facebook)

What should I do to protect my account?

Following the announcement of the breach, Facebook issued guidance on the next steps to take.

While some accounts have been automatically logged out, no one needs to change their passwords, the firm said.

Those who were not logged out automatically, but want to log out as a precaution, should visit the Security and Login section which lists all the places a user is logged in to Facebook.

People can use the one-click option to log out of Facebook on all PCs and devices it may have been accessed it on.

Anyone who has difficulty logging back in should visit Facebooks help centre.
Joe Masteroff, the Tony Award-winning story writer of musicals Cabaret and She Loves Me has died at the age of 98.

Masteroff died on Friday at the Actors Fund Home in Englewood, New Jersey, said The Roundabout Theatre Company, which produced recent revivals of his best-loved shows.

Today we deeply mourn the loss of our friend Joe Masteroff, one of the 20th centurys masters of the Great American Musical. His She Loves Me and Cabare helped shape our theatre, and we were honoured to present them both on Broadway, said Todd Haimes, artistic director and chief executive of the Roundabout Theatre Company.

Joe was a close collaborator, a legendary wit, and a dear friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.

Masteroff was never prolific but made a profound mark on the theatre with two shows seemingly at opposite ends of the spectrum  one considered by many to be the most charming musical ever written and the other a ferociously dark musical with ominous Nazis.

Ive had a limited career, but its been OK, he told The Associated Press in a 2015 interview as another national tour of Cabaret was kicking off.

Joel Grey stands on the piano during the Money Song with the ensemble in the original Broadway musical Cabaret at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York (AP)

The Philadelphia-born Masteroff hoped as a young man to write plays and after serving in the Second World War took a course for play-writing.

He had not found much success until his 1959 comedy play The Warm Peninsula made it to Broadway starring Julie Harris.

One day my agent called and said, Joe, Ive got wonderful news. Julie Harris wants to do your play. I said, Which play? He told me and said, Not only that, she wants to tour for a year throughout the United States and then bring it to New York. That day my life changed.

The show only managed 86 Broadway performances but got Masteroff noticed. He was asked to write the book for She Loves Me with songs by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick. It was produced by the legendary Hal Prince.

She Loves Me, a case of mistaken identity set in a 1930s European perfumery, was nominated for five Tonys in 1964 and the 1993 Broadway revival won the Olivier Award for best musical revival.

A 2016 Tony-nominated revival on Broadway starred Laura Benanti, Jane Krakowski and Zachary Levi.

The story has been adapted into the films The Shop Around the Corner with James Stewart and Youve Got Mail with Tom Hanks.

It was Prince who next asked him to write the libretto for a musical that took a look at a seamy slice of life in Germany just before the Nazi takeover.

He brought fraulein Sally Bowles to the stage - and the singing clerks of Maraczek's Parfumerie in SHE LOVES ME. Joe Masteroff, #TonyAwards-winning librettist of CABARET, has died at age 98. https://t.co/l187ZXCGbS pic.twitter.com/UzO1fzGGe8  The Tony Awards (@TheTonyAwards) September 28, 2018

Masteroff compressed Christopher Isherwoods Berlin Stories and John van Drutens play I Am a Camera. The songs were provided by composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb.

The show is set in 1920s Berlin where a sleazy nightclub becomes a metaphor for a world slowly going mad and drifting toward world war.

The musical was first called Welcome To Berlin, a name that was dropped after Masteroff suggested Cabaret.

In the show, cabaret numbers are interspersed with two love stories  one between free spirit Sally Bowles and an American writer named Cliff Bradshaw and a second between a German landlady and her Jewish tenant.

It debuted in Boston in 1966 and was a sensation  audiences were not used to going to shows that mixed call girl characters and Nazis, lasciviousness, alcoholism and abortions.

I always thought that this show was very iffy. We had done so many things that nobody in their right mind would have done. That it worked was a pleasant surprise, Masteroff said in 2015.

At the first performances  maybe the first three or four days  people kept walking out. In numbers. And the reason, quite obviously, was they went to see a musical called Cabaret and there was something wrong with this show. Some people were very disappointed. Once the reviews came out, that ended.

I havent had a big career, you might say. Im not that anxious. If Im doing all right, Ill settle for that

The original production  starring Jill Haworth as Sally, Bert Convy as Clifford and Joel Grey as the Master of Ceremonies  was one of the most influential musicals of the 1960s. It won the best musical Tony in 1967.

It was one of the first of the so-called concept musicals, in which book, music, lyrics, scenery, costumes and lighting worked together to get across the shows idea.

A 1972 film version was directed by Bob Fosse and starred Liza Minnelli, Michael York and Grey.

A Broadway Cabaret revival by director Sam Mendes and choreographer Rob Marshall starring Alan Cumming won the best revival Tony in 1998 and it was revived again in 2014 with Cumming aboard and actresses including Michelle Williams, Emma Stone and Sienna Miller playing Sally.

Both She Loves You and Cabaret made numerous appearances on Broadway and regionally over the years.

Masteroff only helped write one other adaptation to make it to Broadway  70, Girls, 70 in 1971, which lasted only 35 performances  but his career was set.

I wrote a few shows after that but mostly for my own amusement, he said. I havent had a big career, you might say. Im not that anxious. If Im doing all right, Ill settle for that.
Forty people were treated by paramedics after an irritant  suspected to be CS spray  was reportedly released inside a nightclub.

Dorset Police said revellers complained of shortness of breath and stinging eyes following the incident at Cameo in Bournemouth.

One person was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Officers were called to the club in Fir Vale Road at 2am on Saturday, and management evacuated the venue.

Pictures on social media show crowds of clubbers gathered in the street outside as police and ambulances attended the scene.

A Dorset Police spokeswoman said: At 2am today, Dorset Police received a report that some type of irritant, possibly CS spray, had been released within the Cameo nightclub on Fir Vale Road, Bournemouth.

A nightclub was evacuated following reports that an irritant was released inside the venue (Peter Byrne/PA)

Following a decision by management of the premises to evacuate, around 40 people were treated by the ambulance service for minor effects, such as shortness of breath and stinging eyes.

One person was taken to hospital as a precaution.

The force said officers had searched the nightclub and found no evidence of any chemical or noxious substance which posed a continuing risk to the public.

Rapper Yungen had been performing at the club as part of an event to mark university freshers week.

He later said on Twitter: Everyone that just come to see me in Bournemouth as Im sure all of you could see the police shut off my mic without saying anything mid performance because apparently someone sprayed pepper spray  I hope everyones safe.

The investigation into the incident is continuing.
Microsoft is expected to roll out its latest Windows 10 update very soon and as ever a number of new features will surely follow suit.

Given that the name of the release is called Windows 10 October 2018 Update and that Microsoft is hosting an event on October 2, it could well be as soon as next week.

That aside, Microsoft has already given developers a glimpse of what it has in store through its Insider Preview programme.

Although none of the features seen in the preview are confirmed for the final roll-out, previous Windows 10 updates show that the vast majority do materialise.

So what might you expect coming to your PC this October?

Your Phone app

Since the last update, youve been able to link your smartphone to your PC, to start browsing the web, writing emails or using apps on your phone and then continue on your computer.

An updated version looks set to also include text messages, notifications and photo syncing, with an app called Your Phone.

Clipboard history

New clipboard features on Windows 10 (Microsoft)

Clipboard will now let you see a history of items youve copied.

On top of this, you will be able to pin frequently used items, as well as sync clipboard usage across multiple devices.

Dark theme

Dark theme on Windows 10 (Microsoft)

Windows has long had a dark mode for apps but it doesnt extend everywhere, particularly in frequent places like the File Explorer.

Microsoft has now developed a dark theme that works more widely across your PC.

Notepad improvements

Notepad is one of those features that has remained largely the same all these years, but Microsoft have given it a bit of attention this time round.

You will now be able to find and replace on Notepad, as well as an option to wrap around.

Its finally possible to zoom the text size too, simply by holding the Ctrl button and the + or  keys.

SwiftKey

Anyone familiar with SwiftKey on their smartphone will know that it is a really handy way to write something fast.

Microsoft is bringing Swiftkey to Windows 10, so anyone typing on a touch screen can swipe across the keyboard to form words and sentences, instead of tapping.
School exclusions are highly significant in driving gang violence as criminals target vulnerable youngsters, a study will reportedly reveal.

A Home Office-commissioned report found that many children groomed by drug gangs were recruited after they were excluded from school and sent to pupil referral units (PRUs), The Times said.

The study will highlight PRUs as fertile ground for gang recruitment, where youngsters may only attend for a few hours a week, the paper added.

It comes after the Home Office announced it had established an expert team to tackle gangs that use children as mules in lucrative drug smuggling operations.

The sprawling narcotics distribution model known as county lines typically involves city gangs branching out into county or coastal towns to sell heroin and crack cocaine.

They deploy children and vulnerable people as couriers to move drugs and cash between the new market and their urban hub.

A Home Office-commissioned report found pupil referral units were used to target gang recruitment (PA)

The report, carried out by the St Giles Trust charity and due to be published on Monday, concluded that a high proportion of children involved in county lines appeared to be outside mainstream education, The Times said.

A separate investigation by the paper revealed gang members were waiting outside PRU gates on the lookout for the most vulnerable children to target.

A new National County Lines Coordination Centre has opened to crack down on drug gangs who exploit vulnerable children. Find out more: https://t.co/sB8tqHbLKv pic.twitter.com/zgRXKphLpQ  Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) September 21, 2018

A Government spokesman said it was working to crack down on violent county drug gangs which are devastating the lives of vulnerable children and communities across the UK.

He added: We have launched a 3.6m National County Lines Coordination Centre which will strengthen the law enforcement response to this issue and enable police forces to work together to tackle a crime that crosses regions and demands a multi-agency approach.

Schools, colleges and pupil referral units all have a legal duty to safeguard children, and we have begun an externally led review on exclusions to explore why some groups of children are more likely to be excluded than others.

It is important these issues are not tackled in isolation, which is why we are working across government to support early intervention and prevention for these vulnerable young people.
The number of killer whales could be halved in a few decades due to pollutants in the seas, according to new research.

Steps to ban chemicals  known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)  were first made 40 years ago, but they remain a deadly threat to the mammals at the top of the food chain.

A new study, involving researchers at the University of St Andrews, shows that current concentrations could severely deplete populations of killer whales in the most heavily contaminated areas within 30 to 50 years.

Researchers believe numbers could decline in more than half of orca populations (Audun Rikardsen/PA)

Professor Ailsa Hall, director of the Sea Mammal Research Unit, said: In these contaminated areas, we rarely observe newborn killer whales.

Orcas are among the mammals with the highest level of PCBs in their blubber, with values as high as 1,300 milligrams per kilogram.

Animals with levels as low as 50 mg per kg can show signs of infertility and immunity problems.

Researchers from St Andrews and Aarhus University in Denmark found the number of killer whales could rapidly decline in 10 of the 19 populations.

They are particularly threatened in heavily contaminated areas near Brazil, the Strait of Gibraltar, the west coast of the UK, and along the east coast of Greenland where they are affected due to high consumption of seals.

In the oceans around the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Norway, Alaska and the Antarctic, the prospects are not so gloomy.

Here, populations grow and forecasts predict they will continue to do so throughout the next century.
Labour MPs have rallied around Chris Leslie, describing him as the latest victim of a purge after he lost a no-confidence vote brought by local party members.

On Friday night Mr Leslie, a vocal critic of party leader Jeremy Corbyn, became the latest parliamentarian to be censured and the first since the partys annual conference in Liverpool.

Similar action has been taken against Labour Friends of Israel chairwoman Joan Ryan, Luton South MP Gavin Shuker and the Labour Brexiteers Kate Hoey and Frank Field.

Mr Leslie, who has been MP for Nottingham East since 2010 and was briefly shadow chancellor in 2015 before Mr Corbyn took over as leader, told PoliticsHome: If the party pushes away people like me on the centre left for voicing different opinions to the leadership, then that says more about the direction of Labour than it does about me.

Im not going to stop speaking up for all my constituents when there are so many massively important challenges, especially the threat of a disastrous Brexit.

Those MPs targeted by local party votes have either been critics of Mr Corbyn on subjects including anti-Semitism, or hardline Brexiteers who voted with the Tories on key legislation.

Chris Leslie has been a vocal critic of party leader Jeremy Corbyn (Laura Lean/PA)

Disgrace that @chrisleslieMP is next victim of purge with no confidence motion. He is a brilliant MP has been key to opposing damaging Brexit and pursuing Peoples Vote. We certainly have confidence in him in PLP!  Joan Ryan (@joanryanEnfield) September 29, 2018

The votes carry no official weight in the party but local members can hold a trigger ballot for an open selection process ahead of the next general election.

A compromise deal making it easier for constituency parties to remove MPs was passed by conference in Liverpool, reducing the threshold for triggering an open selection contest from 50% to 33% of local party branches or affiliated unions.

Centre-left MPs were quick to rally around Mr Leslie, with Mrs Ryan saying on Twitter: Disgrace that Chris Leslie is next victim of purge with no confidence motion.

He is a brilliant MP (and) has been key to opposing damaging Brexit and pursuing Peoples Vote.

We certainly have confidence in him in PLP!

Jeremy Corbyn, 26.09.18:

Real unity is based on the freedom to disagree and debate...

So we need to foster a much greater culture of tolerance...

We must learn to listen a bit more, and shout a lot less. To focus on what unites us.

Not sure everyone got the memo, so to speak https://t.co/ghriV3XGiJ  ChukaUmunna (@ChukaUmunna) September 28, 2018

Chuka Umunna, who has previously urged Mr Corbyn to call off the dogs targeting Labour MPs, quoted the party leaders words in his speech to conference on Wednesday.

The Streatham MP tweeted: Jeremy Corbyn, 26.09.18: Real unity is based on the freedom to disagree and debate so we need to foster a much greater culture of tolerance  we must learn to listen a bit more, and shout a lot less. To focus on what unites us.

Not sure everyone got the memo, so to speak.

And Mitcham and Mordens Siobhain McDonagh described Mr Leslie as an anti Brexit warrior for UK Labour and the whole country.

Jeremy Corbyn has previously refused to intervene to prevent local activists targeting his internal party critics

Earlier this month he told the Parliamentary Labour Party it was not his role to interfere in local democratic accountability after Rosie Duffield briefly faced a motion brought by members of her Constituency Labour Party in Canterbury, a spokesman for the leader said.

The action against the MP, who took the Kent city seat at the 2017 election with a majority of just 187  after 99 years as a Tory stronghold  was later dismissed following an outcry from fellow MPs.
Hundreds of people have gathered in the German city of Cologne to protest against a visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Mr Erdogan is due to open a mosque built by a group with ties to Turkey in the city on Saturday.

Several thousand people also demonstrated against the Turkish leader in Berlin on Friday night.

Mr Erdogan is in Germany for a visit aimed at reducing tensions between the two Nato allies.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met in Berlin (Presidential Press Service/AP/Pool)

He had breakfast with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin on Saturday.

Germany and Turkey have clashed over numerous issues in recent years, including Turkeys jailing of German journalists.

The rhetoric escalated to the point where Mr Erdogan called Germanys mainstream parties enemies of Turkey and accused German officials of acting like Nazis, prompting Mrs Merkel to condemn his comments.
A former gangster has said the Government is not doing enough to help excluded pupils  describing the system as absolutely flawed.

Karl Lokko, who was heavily involved in gangs while he was at school, said he believes he was not excluded because his grades were good  despite a concern for the safety of other students.

The 28-year-old, originally from Brixton, south London, told the Press Association schools are excluding students who could be a potential asset because the country is too focused on punishment.

Speaking ahead of his charity climb up Mont Blanc with billionaire businessman Sir Richard Branson, Mr Lokko said: Even though I was heavily involved in gangs and that was public knowledge, and it was a true cause of concern for the safety of other students, I hadnt even been suspended for a day.

Sir Richard Branson and former gang leader Karl Lokko (right) setting out to climb Mont Blanc in the Alps on the final stage of the Virgin Strive Challenge.

Thats because, I think, I got the grades that looked good in the book. That just shows that the system is absolutely flawed.

The world is changing, the world has changed, and the education system needs to do the same.

I think they need to be challenged and shown another way  and this hopefully is what Big Change is doing by supporting pioneers that are bringing that change.

Karl Lokko poses with Sir Richard Branson and his family photo before setting out to climb Mont Blanc in the Alps in the final stage of the Virgin Strive Challenge.

Asked whether he believed the Government was doing enough for excluded students, Mr Lokko said: I think the trend has to say no.

The Government definitely has a traditional edge to them, and Ill say no  I dont think they are doing what needs to be done.

Mr Lokko is currently taking part in the Virgin Strive Challenge, in which a core group of 13 aim to travel 2,000km (1,243 miles) across Western Europe to raise money in order to change the lives of disadvantaged young people in the UK.

Sir Richard Branson (second left), his son Sam Branson (right) and former gang leader Karl Lokko (centre) setting out to climb Mont Blanc in the Alps on the final stage of the Virgin Strive Challenge.He continued: I still hear people saying they did their best learning after school, and that shouldnt be the case.

I did all my learning after school  I did it in a way that suited me, that was fun and that was applicable.

Asked whether enough is being done for school pupils who end up joining gangs, Mr Lokko said: Unfortunately not. It feels as if  the country is focused on punishment.

Former gang leader Karl Lokko as he climbs Mont Blanc in the Alps on the final stage of the Virgin Strive Challenge.

The PR for it is that its the best way of going about it  you kind of take them off the streets so they are no potential threat to anyone.

But the reality is then they are not a potential asset either.
Police clashed with Catalan separatists in Barcelona on Saturday as tensions increase before the anniversary of the Spanish regions illegal referendum on secession which ended in violent raids by security forces.

Separatists threw and sprayed coloured powder at the local police, filling the air with a thick cloud and covering anti-riot shields, police vans and the pavement on a central boulevard in a panoply of bright colours.

Some protesters also threw projectiles and engaged with the police line, which used baton strikes to keep them back.

Catalan police officers clash with pro- independence demonstrators in Barcelona (Emilio Morenatti/AP)

The clashes erupted after local Catalan police intervened to form a barrier when a separatist threw purple paint on a man who was part of another march of people in support of Spanish police demanding a pay raise.

Officers used batons to push back the oncoming separatists and keep apart the opposing groups.

I make a call for calm. This city has always defended that everyone can exercise their rights to free speech, Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau told Catalunya Radio.

Catalan police cordon off a street to separate pro-independence demonstrators from supporters of National Police and Guardia Civil in Barcelona (Emilio Morenatti/AP)

More separatists filled a central square in Barcelona, with many having spent the night there, to force the regional government to alter the route of the march by the Spanish police supporters. Those who backed the Spanish police instead marched to another square in the city centre.

The march was organised by the police association Jusapol, which wants Spains two nationwide police forces, the national police and Civil Guard, to be paid as much as Catalonias regional police.

Jusapol holds marches in cities across Spain, but Saturdays march in Barcelona comes two days before Catalonias separatists plan to remember last years referendum on secession that the regional government held despite its prohibition by the nations top court.

That October 1 referendum was marred when national police and Civil Guard officers clashed with voters, injuring hundreds.

Catalan police officers try to stop pro-independence protesters on their way to meet demonstrations by member and supporters of the National Police and Guardia Civil in Barcelona (Emilio Morenatti/AP)

Jusapol spokesman Antonio Vazquez told Catalan television TV3 that while the marchs goal was to demand better salaries, they also wanted to support the national police and Civil Guard officers who had been ordered to dismantle last years referendum.

The national police and Civil Guard agents who acted last year were doing their duty and now they are under pressure and we have to support them, he said.

Last years police operation which failed to stop the referendum has become a rallying call for Catalonias separatists, who argue that is evidence of Spains mistreatment of the wealthy region that enjoys an ample degree of self-rule.

Pro-secession politician Vidal Aragones, of the extreme left CUP party, called the police march an insult to the Catalan people.

It is not acceptable, he said. They have come here to remember the violence that they employed.

Catalan police officers clash with pro-independence demonstrators (Emilio Morenatti/AP)

Two weeks ago police had to intervene to keep apart two separate rallies by Catalan separatists and Spanish unionists in Barcelona, the regions capital.

Catalonias separatist-led government is asking Spains central authorities to authorise a binding vote on secession.

Polls and recent elections show that the regions 7.5 million residents are roughly equally divided by the secession question.
The Government has raised the prospect of reform of the UKs auditing industry after ordering probes into its operation in the wake of high-profile failures that cost thousands of jobs.

Business Secretary Greg Clark said it was right to learn the lessons and apply them without delay of scandals including the collapse of construction giant Carillion and former high street stalwart BHS.

He has ordered a probe into competition in an industry dominated by the so-called Big Four firms  Deloitte, PwC, EY and KPMG  to be led by Andrew Tyrie, head of the Competition and Markets Authority, the Financial Times reported.

Competition and Markets Authority boss Andrew Tyrie has been asked to carry out the probe (Laura Lean/PA)

Alongside that he has also asked Legal & General chairman John Kingman to examine ways to remove conflicts of interest, including a proposal that large listed firms should have their auditors appointed by a public body.

It comes after months of calls for the Big Four to be broken up as part of market reforms.

Mr Clark said: The collapse of Carillion exposed deficiencies in an audit process, where the market is dominated by just four large firms.

Its right to learn the lessons and apply them without delay.

We know competition is one of the key drivers for maintaining and improving standards, so I have asked the Competition and Markets Authority to consider looking again at what can be done to improve the audit sector.

Thousands of jobs have been lost as a result of Carillions collapse in January.

Business Secretary Greg Clark said he had asked the CMA to look at what can be done to improve the audit sector (Kirsty OConnor/PA)

In May, MPs hit out at the auditors role in its demise in a hard-hitting report.

The committee said Ernst & Young was paid 10.8 million for six months of failed turnaround advice, while Deloitte received 10 million to be Carillions internal auditor, but were either unable or unwilling to identify failings in financial controls, or too readily ignored them.

Frank Field, chairman of the Work and Pensions Committee, said bad business practice had been waved through by a cosy club of auditors, conflicted at every turn.

PwC was fined by 10 million by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) for its 2014 audit of BHS of its doomed sale  and Steve Denison, who signed off on the accounts, has been banned for 15 years.

The retailer collapsed into administration in 2016 with the loss of 11,000 jobs.

In July, accounting watchdog the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) announced it was investigating KPMG over its last audit of collapsed Bargain Booze owner Conviviality.

The FRC has previously called for an inquiry into whether the Big Four should be broken up, with their audit divisions spun off.

However, in the summer, Deloitte warned that a break-up of the Big Four could harm Britains standing as a global financial centre at a time when the City is already battling Brexit pressures.

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell (Steve Parsons/PA)

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said: The Tories are finally taking their lead from Labour on tackling the Big Four audit firms.

Labour commissioned an independent review of the UKs corporate auditing and accounting regime earlier in the year, and now the Business Secretary is trying to play catch-up.

But the Government cannot use this review to sweep issues under the carpet.

Failures of auditing and accounting on the Tories watch led to the collapse of Carillion.

The next Labour government will change regulations to make sure scandals like Carillion never happen again.
Forty people were treated by paramedics after pepper spray was released inside a nightclub.

Revellers complained of shortness of breath and stinging eyes following the incident at Cameo in Bournemouth in the early hours of Saturday, Dorset Police said.

One person was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Officers were called to the club in Fir Vale Road at 2am and management evacuated the venue, which was filled with up to 2,200 clubbers on the night, Cameo said.

Pictures on social media showed crowds gathered in the street outside as police and ambulances attended.

Cameo posted a statement on Facebook on Saturday afternoon which read: Last night there was an incident in the main room at the club where a small canister of pepper spray was set off on the dance floor.

This was a silly, pointless act and we hope that those of our customers who were caught up in it are feeling better today and are now fully recovered.

Customer safety is of paramount importance to us, we utilise a combination of searching customers, metal arches and wands  all of which are above and beyond what our licence asks us to do.

It is likely that the canister which was set off last night was in a small plastic container.

The club will open for business as usual on Saturday night.

Josh Wilde, 20, told the Press Association Cameo had recently introduced thorough searches on the door with airport-style scanners, but he said only some clubbers had to go through them.

The third-year journalism student said: It had the most security at a club Ive ever seen outside central London. There were hundreds of people queuing to get in, it was absolutely packed, I queued for at least an hour.

I initially thought someone had got on to the stage because security were running around the main room, but then a firefighter rushed past in full gear so I knew it must be something more serious.

People outside Cameo in Bournemouth after it was evacuated (@JCKROFF/PA)

A Dorset Police spokeswoman said: Following a decision by management of the premises to evacuate, around 40 people were treated by the ambulance service for minor effects, such as shortness of breath and stinging eyes.

One person was taken to hospital as a precaution.

One person was taken to hospital as a precaution (@josh_wilde20/PA)

The force said officers had searched the nightclub and found no evidence of any chemical or noxious substance which posed a continuing risk to the public.

Rapper Yungen had been performing at the club as part of an event to mark university freshers week.

He later said on Twitter: Everyone that just come to see me in Bournemouth as Im sure all of you could see the police shut off my mic without saying anything mid performance because apparently someone sprayed pepper spray  I hope everyones safe.
The Conservative Partys official conference phone app appears to have a major security flaw that allows people to access the private data of attendees including Cabinet ministers.

The CPC 2018 app allowed anyone to log in as a politician, delegate or journalist attending the Birmingham event simply using their email address.

Once logged in as that person, they were able to access information including their mobile phone numbers.

Images posted to Twitter on Saturday afternoon showed people logging in as Boris Johnson and Michael Gove among others and apparently leaving messages on its internal messaging system.

Guardian Columnist Dawn Foster, who was one of the first to spot the flaw, wrote: FFS, the Tory conference app allows you to log in as other people and view their contact details just with their email address, no emailed security links, and post comments as them.

Theyve essentially made every journalist, politician and attendees mobile number public. Fantastic.

(PA)

The app, created by an Australian firm called Crown Comms, was updated and the login function removed after concerns were raised with the party.
A Scottish charity is sending 20,000 for emergency aid to help survivors of the deadly tsunami in Indonesia.

More than 380 people are now dead, hundreds have been injured and many homes, businesses and local services have been destroyed after an earthquake triggered the giant wave.

Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) is in contact with its sister agency, Caritas Indonesia, who are responding on the ground.

SCIAFs director Alistair Dutton said: Im deeply concerned to see the news of deaths, injuries and destruction following the terrible tsunami which has hit Palu city in Indonesia.

My thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones and are now left to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives.

We in SCIAF have already released 20,000 and are contacting our partner, Caritas Indonesia, to determine what more we can do to help.

Evacuation from Gili Trawangan in Indonesia following the earthquake (James Kelsall/PA)

Three-metre-high waves swept through the city of Palu on Sulawesi island following a magnitude 7.5 earthquake just off the coast on Friday evening.

Strong aftershocks have continued to hit the city on Saturday.

The injured are being treated in the open air and residents are advised not to return to their homes.

There is an urgent need for temporary shelters, food and clean water.

Thousands of homes have been destroyed together with hospitals and hotels.

The main road in Palu is currently blocked after a landslide, and the airport is closed due to damage to the runway.
Neighbours have spoken of their shock at learning a double murder had taken place in their quiet and friendly village.

A man is in custody after two women were found dead in Hadlow, near Tonbridge in Kent, on Saturday.

Police were called by paramedics to a house in Carpenters Lane just after 7.40am.

Three people were found seriously injured. Two women, aged in their 50s and 70s, died at the scene.

A helicopter flies overhead (Sophie Moorey-Brwon/PA)

Another man in his 70s was taken to hospital in London for treatment, police said.

Sophie Moorey-Brown, 31, told the Press Association neighbours were shocked when emergency services, large numbers of police and forensic teams arrived in the village.

She said: The first we knew about it was when there was an air ambulance very low over the houses.

There was a heavy police presence and forensic teams.

Weve lived here for five years and never heard anything bad happen, it has always been so quiet and a lovely place to be.

We are very shocked and saddened by what we have heard and are trying to shield our boys from hearing too much.

I feel so sad for the families of the deceased and hope the man makes a full recovery.

It is such an awful thing to hear anywhere but in our lovely, friendly little village its bound to rock us residents even more so.

A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Detectives believe the victims and the suspect were known to each other.
Syrias foreign minister has demanded the immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops from Syria who are there in the country illegally.

He cited US, French and Turkish troops who are in Syria without invitation from the Syrian government.

He said the Syrian government considers them occupation forces and will be dealt with accordingly.

The United States has around 2,000 troops in northern Syria, working with local forces against Islamic State militants in the country.
Jose Mourinho aimed another shot at those who criticise his team selection after Manchester United crashed 3-1 at West Ham.

Mourinho left the under-performing Alexis Sanchez out of his squad for the trip to the London Stadium and then revealed his decision to start with a back three, including midfielder Scott McTominay, was to accommodate Anthony Martial.

But Martial was hauled off with 20 minutes remaining, along with Paul Pogba, as Felipe Andersons early strike, a Victor Lindelof own-goal and Marko Arnautovics finish left United empty-handed.

Anthony Martial (left) was given a start (Ian Walton/PA)

And Mourinhos glowing praise of youngster McTominay gave the distinct impression that he was sending a message to certain other players.

I wanted to play Martial, its something (people) are asking for a long, long, long time, he said.

I left Alexis out, and I think Martial is not a player very focused on his defensive duties so to play him as second striker would be easier for him.

But at the same time I felt we needed quality on the ball, building from the back, and Scott McTominay has that quality. Everything that left his foot was correct.

Mourinho said he had been told to pick Martial (Ian Walton/PA)

Hes a special character, a special personaity that a team in a negative moment needs.

Do my other players have that mentality? Not all of them. Everybody is a different person.

Scott McTominay is kid with a special character, very humble, aggressive in a positive way, brave, hes a special kid.

Pog off... Man Utd 3-1 down...McTominay at right centre back... what is going on at Utd?? Something has to give soon...  Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) September 29, 2018

Unfortunately for United the back three found a front three  Anderson, Arnautovic and Andriy Yarmolenko  in blistering form.

West Ham, buoyed by a fortnight which had seen them take four points from Everton and Chelsea before putting eight past Macclesfield in the Carabao Cup, were ahead after five minutes.

Pablo Zabaleta was slipped in behind Luke Shaw down Uniteds left and his low cross was met at the near post with a deft backheel from Anderson.

West Ham Uniteds Marko Arnautovic celebrates (Ian Walton/PA)

Mourinho claimed Zabaleta was offside, and that the same defender fouled Marcus Rashford in the build-up to Arnautovics late goal, which came moments after substitute Rashford had halved the deficit.

But he did admit defensive errors were to blame for Yarmolenkos shot looping into the top corner off Lindelof just before half-time.

Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini said: Ive not seen the goals yet. But we scored three, United had two opportunities.

There was a watching brief for Alexis Sanchez (Martin Rickett/PA)

Otherwise I dont remember any tense moments in our box. I think the result refects what happened in the 90 minutes.

On the absence of his fellow Chilean, Pellegrini added: I was surprised about no Alexis Sanchez.

That for me was a relief because Alexis makes a difference. They have very decisive players in the last metres. but I think Alexis gives a little bit more.
One of the two stone lions that stand guard next to Venices famed St Marks Basilica has been splashed with red paint.

Residents raised the alarm on Saturday after noticing the paint on the eyes and mane of the red marble leoncino statue, located on a small piazza next to the basilica.

The two lions, made by Giovanni Bonazza in 1722, are a tourist attraction  beloved especially by children visiting the adjacent basilica.

Italys ANSA news agency quoted local police as saying video cameras captured vandals painting the statue at 3:58am local time and officers were searching for suspects.

St Marks Basilica and the elegant, colonnaded piazza that spreads out beyond are among Italys leading tourist attractions.
The Scottish Government has said there were no recorded complaints regarding Alex Salmond before January this year.

Two allegations of sexual harassment were made in January against the former first minister, who strongly denies the claims. He was informed of an investigation in March.

Mr Salmond, who has since resigned from the SNP, is taking court action against the Scottish Government to contest the complaints process activated against him.

The Scottish Government stressed no complaints had been recorded prior to January after claims that one of those complaints was first investigated in 2013.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: The Scottish Government received two complaints in January in relation to Alex Salmond. These could not be ignored or swept under the carpet.

No complaints were raised with the then deputy first minister about Alex Salmond under the previous process and, as we have said, the first the First Minister became aware of the fact of an investigation was from Alex Salmond in April 2018.

Alex Salmond strenuously denies harassment claims made against him

We are confident our processes are legally sound and we will vigorously defend our position.

In the fullness of time the Scottish Government will seek to make available as much information as it can.

However, as we have said previously, for legal reasons we can make no further comment on the issues relating to Mr Salmond at this time.

A spokesman for Alex Salmond said: We have no comment to make because our Petition for Judicial Review against the Permanent Secretary is now before the Court of Session and we expect it to be called shortly. We will do our talking in court.

Our objective is to establish that Scottish Governments complaints procedure used against Alex is unlawful.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 1)  Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero believes the government must prove Senator Antonio Trillanes IV did not file his application for amnesty  not the other way around.

"He who alleges must prove the same. Ang nagsasabing wala, siya ang magpatunay kung bakit, paano, saan, kailan nawala," Escudero told CNN Philippines' The Source.

He added that since the government said Trillanes' paperwork was not in order, it should hold officials overseeing the case to account.

"Ang tanong ko dito, kung nawala, dapat meron nagwala or dapat mayroong masisi," he continued. "Sino ang responsableng opisyal na nakawala n'on? Sino ang responsableng opisyal na nagbigay ng amnesty na wala palang application?"

[Translation: The one who says it's missing should prove why, how, where, and when it went missing... My question is, if it went missing, someone should be accountable... Who is the official who lost (the application)? Who is the official who gave the amnesty despite there being no application?]

Trillanes was granted amnesty in 2011 after being involved in three military uprisings against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Now a fierce critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, Trillanes faces a presidential proclamation that declares his amnesty void.

Executive officials argue that Trillanes never submitted his application or admitted to guilt, which is a prerequisite to amnesty. Trillanes maintained that he turned in all the necessary requirements, but Solicitor General Jose Calida may have taken the documents.

RELATED: Gary Alejano: What if gov't burned Trillanes, Magdalo soldiers' amnesty applications?

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana previously disclosed that Calida had asked for the documents relating to Trillanes and other applicants' amnesty in a phone call. He said he did not know Calida's purpose, and he did not say whether the documents were provided. The Solicitor General has denied taking the application forms.

RELATED: Calida threatens Trillanes with libel case: Apologize for calling me a thief

Although Trillanes could not produce a duplicate of the application form, he showed his certificate of amnesty and media coverage that included shots of the completed form.

Following this proof, Escudero believes that Trillanes did file his application.

"Alangan naman iuwi niya iyon. Walang logical or reasonable person na ipapakita sa telebisyon iyon tapos hindi ifi-file," said Escudero.

[Translation: It's not like he would take it home. No logical or reasonable person would show it on television but not file it.]

Trillanes turned to the Supreme Court, which deferred to the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) to determine the validity of an arrest warrant. It did not release a temporary restraining order for the proclamation.

One of the courts issued an arrest warrant and hold departure order against Trillanes, for which he posted bail on Tuesday. But the soldier-turned-senator could still face arrest, if another RTC branch issues a warrant  this time for non-bailable coup d'etat charges.

But Escudero on Monday urged the high court to call the shots, whether temporary or permanent, on Trillanes' case.

"Marahil mas may basehan ngayon ang Korte Suprema - either mag-issue ng... TRO, or magdecide one way or the other," said Escudero. "Para habang hindi pa nakakapagpasya (ang RTC), wala nang karapatan na mayuyurakan o maapapakan."

[Translation: The Supreme Court now has more basis (to make a decision) - to either issue a temporary restraining order, or decide one way or another. This is so that no rights would be trampled on while the (RTC) has not yet decided.)

Observers see the presidential proclamation as a way for Duterte's administration to stifle critics. If Trillanes is arrested, he will be the second sitting senator to be detained after another Sen. Leila De Lima.
The Tory civil war over Europe showed no sign of abating as Prime Minister Theresa May arrived for the partys autumn conference.

The gathering in Birmingham has been marked by a deepening rift over Brexit policy, with former foreign secretary Boris Johnson at the centre of a vicious row over the partys direction.

The Conservative Party was also hit by an embarrassing security gaffe as a flaw in the official conference app allowed access to the contact details of Cabinet ministers and senior MPs.

Mrs May ignored questions from reporters as she arrived on the eve of conference wearing a dress in Tory blue.

Theresa May arrives at the Conservative conference (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Activists and journalists heading to the conference discovered a major security problem in the official app which many use to keep track of events.

A Tory spokesman said the technical issue had been resolved but we are investigating the issue further and apologise for any concern caused.

The Information Commissioners Office said we will be making enquiries with the Conservative Party and organisations have a legal duty to keep personal data safe and secure.

The profiles of former foreign secretary Mr Johnson and Environment Secretary Michael Gove were among those reportedly accessed.

Boris Johnson (Victoria Jones/PA)

The run-up to Sundays conference has been marked by divisions over Mrs Mays Brexit blueprint, the Chequers plan thrashed out by her Cabinet.

Mr Johnson  who will deliver a speech at a fringe event on Tuesday which is likely to be viewed as a leadership pitch  fired a broadside at the Prime Minister ahead of the gathering.

The Brexiteer used a round of television interviews on Friday to lash out at Mrs Mays negotiating strategy, refusing to rule out a leadership challenge or voting against a Brexit deal.

His comments, which followed a lengthy newspaper article attacking the PMs Chequers plan, was attacked by political opponents within the party.

Nicky Morgan (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Former education secretary Nicky Morgan told the PoliticsHome website that Mr Johnsons alternative plan, dubbed Super Canada, was pie in the sky, while Justice Secretary David Gauke warned it could break up the UK if adopted.

Backbencher Heidi Allen hit out at the partys Eurosceptics, saying they have tied the Prime Ministers hands over Brexit and left her Chequers plan dead.

The Cambridgeshire South MP said she would back a second referendum on leaving the EU because the Brexiteers had behaved unacceptably in trashing Chequers.

Former minister Anna Soubry also backed the Peoples Vote campaign for another referendum, saying Chequers was dead due to hard Brexit Tories, and the Prime Ministers only alternative plan was the disaster of leaving without a deal.

The uncomfortable truth is #Brexit cannot be delivered so lets stop conning people. Get out today - support and sign up @peoplesvote_uk @NottPeoplesVote (11 -2 Market Sq)  Anna Soubry (@Anna_Soubry) September 29, 2018

Mr Johnsons proposals were defended by fellow hardline Brexiteers including Jacob Rees-Mogg, who likened the Prime Ministers Chequers blueprint to the Charge of the Light Brigade, saying it was a brave and mistaken dash against all the odds.

Speaking to the BBC on Friday, Mr Johnson was asked repeatedly to rule out running against Mrs May.

He said: The Prime Minister will go on, as she said to us herself, and as she said to the country, shes a remarkable person, she will go on for as long as she feels it necessary.

But the most important thing for me is to avert what I think would be a political and economic disaster for this country, which is to agree to come out of the EU but still to be run by the EU. What is the point of that, what will we have done?

And I think there is still time for her to change course.

The former foreign secretary, who quit the Cabinet in July, argued for a new withdrawal agreement dubbed Super Canada, which says the Irish border question will be settled as part of the deal on the future economic arrangements.

Number 10 hit back at his proposal, with a source pointing out Mr Johnson had been part of the committee that agreed the need for a customs backstop in Northern Ireland.

David Gauke (David Mirzoeff/PA)

Mr Gauke warned that a Canada-style deal could have grave consequences for the union.

He told the i newspaper: If we end up with an arrangement whereby Great Britain leaves the single market and the customs union, and Northern Ireland stays in the single market and customs union, then over time Northern Ireland will become more and more integrated into the Irish Republics economy and less integrated into Great Britains economy.

Its hard to see how that doesnt end in Northern Ireland leaving the UK.

Mrs Morgan told PoliticsHome that Mr Johnsons timing was deliberate, saying: He knows how important the party conference is to the Prime Minister, to the party, and its obviously designed to make it clear that, yet again, we will be talking as much about Boris as we will about the Conservative programme for government next week.

Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab (Kirsty OConnor/PA)

In a separate development, Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab accused Brussels of using the Northern Ireland dispute as a way of penalising the UK for leaving the EU.

He told The Sun: There are some out there in the (European) Commission who see it as a lever beyond the substantive issue.

There is no doubt there is a substantive issue about how we avoid a return to the hard border, but it has been magnified by those seeking to rely on it for political ends.
A teenage boy has been bitten by a shark at a Southern California beach.

Fox 5 San Diego reported that the attack occurred at around 7am local time on Saturday at Beacons Beach in Encinitas, north of San Diego.

Witness Chad Hammel told the TV station the victim was lobster diving.

#UPDATE: First look at the scene of a shark attack at Beacon's Beach in Encinitas. Witnesses say a teen boy was airlifted to the hospital. Officials will hold a press conference soon.https://t.co/ewIs1aZVqz pic.twitter.com/NOJeCSe91X  FOX 5 San Diego (@fox5sandiego) September 29, 2018

Mr Hammel says he heard screaming and then realised the boy was yelling, I got bit.

Mr Hammel was also lobster diving with a group, and they pulled the boy onto a kayak and headed to shore as the shark followed.

The group applied pressure to the wounds while beachgoers called paramedics, who put the victim in a helicopter.

(PA)

Californias spiny lobster season opened at 6am on Saturday.
Frank Lampard will take his Derby side to former club Chelsea in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup next month.

The former Blues midfielder, in his first managerial job with the Rams, won every major trophy during 13 years as a player at Stamford Bridge.

Much of that time was spent under Jose Mourinho, whose Manchester United team Lampard knocked out in the previous round this week.

Derbys reward for the penalty shoot-out win at Old Trafford is a trip to Stamford Bridge, where Lampard is the clubs all-time leading scorer with 211 goals in all competitions.

Holders Manchester City will host Fulham. Pep Guardiolas side were the first to be pulled out during Saturday nights draw.

The two teams have already played this season in the Premier League, with City winning 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium this month.

Frank Lampard is heading back to Stamford Bridge (Dave Howarth/PA)

That is one of three all-Premier League ties, including a London derby between West Ham and Tottenham, while the winner of Everton against Southampton will face an away tie at Leicester.

Arsenal, runners-up last season, will host League One side Blackpool.

Burton are another League One side still left in and Brewers boss Nigel Clough, whose team are the lowest-ranked remaining in the competition, will welcome his former club Nottingham Forest to the Pirelli Stadium.

Clough won the League Cup twice as a player with Forest and he has steered Burton through to the fourth round for the first time in the clubs history.

Elsewhere, Bournemouth host Norwich and Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis will face his former club Crystal Palace at the Riverside.

The ties are to be played the week commencing October 29.
Medical experts have been instructed to draw up official guidelines for social media use amid fears over its impact on child mental health, Matt Hancock has revealed.

The Health and Social Care Secretary said he was very worried as a father by the growing evidence of the detrimental effect on the health of young people.

He told the Observer he had instructed Dame Sally Davies, the UKs chief medical officer, to begin preparing official guidance on safe time limits that would work in a similar way to safe alcohol limits.

Matt Hancock (Kirsty OConnor/PA)

Speaking ahead of the start of the party conference in Birmingham, he told the newspaper: I am, as a father, very worried about the growing evidence of the impact of social media on childrens mental health.

Unrestricted use (of social media) by younger children risks being very damaging to their mental health.

So I have asked the chief medical officer to bring forward formal guidance on its use by children.

Some platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, have moved to mitigate fears of addiction by introducing wellbeing tools that enable users to monitor and restrict their time on the platform.

Public campaigns such as Scroll Free September have also been launched to encourage the public to use social media less.

The initiative from the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) asked people to stop using platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat in September, or to cut down the amount of time they spend on them.

Almost two-thirds of users polled in a July survey considered taking part in the initiative and many believed giving up social media would have a positive impact on their lives, an RSPH survey found.

Mr Hancock hit out at both platforms, which share an owner, over a lack of policing of their rules on age limits.

He told the Observer: The terms of reference of Facebook and Instagram say you shouldnt be on it if you are under the age of 13. But they do nothing to police that.

The guidelines for WhatsApp say you shouldnt be on it unless youre 16. But again, they dont lift a finger.
Boris Johnson has lobbed a political hand grenade at Theresa May as the Tory conference begins, branding her Brexit plan deranged and preposterous.

The former foreign secretarys incendiary comments came as the Prime Minister set out plans aimed at bolstering her position, announcing measures to crack down on foreigners buying homes and proposals for a nationwide festival in 2022  the year of the next scheduled general election.

In remarks that will fuel speculation about Mr Johnsons leadership ambitions, he highlighted a key distinction between himself and Mrs May: Unlike the Prime Minister, I campaigned for Brexit.

In an interview with the Sunday Times, Mr Johnson said the UK should build a bridge to Ireland and put the HS2 rail line on hold to focus on a high-speed link in the north of England.

He branded Mrs Mays call for a facilitated customs arrangement  part of the Chequers plan to break the impasse in Brexit talks  entirely preposterous.

Suggesting he may be able to strike a better deal than Mrs May, he told the newspaper: Unlike the Prime Minister, I fought for this, I believe in it, I think its the right thing for our country and I think that what is happening now is, alas, not what people were promised in 2016.

Setting out an alternative policy platform as the Conservative Party conference began in Birmingham, the former cabinet minister said: I think we need to make the case for markets.

I dont think we should caper insincerely on socialist territory. You cant beat (Jeremy) Corbyn by becoming Corbyn.

Theresa May arrived at the Conservative Party Conference and walked straight into fresh criticism of her Brexit plan (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Mrs May used her own interview with the Sunday Times to set out her political agenda.

Under her plans, people and businesses who do not pay tax in Britain will face a surcharge of between 1% and 3% when they buy a property, with the money funding measures to tackle rough sleeping, the newspaper said.

Signalling that she intended to remain in Number 10 for years to come, she said: Theres a long-term job to do.

She added: Its not just about Brexit, its about the domestic agenda as well.

I think were at a very important and historic moment for the UK. There are real opportunities for the UK outside the European Union.

Setting out her plans for a festival in post-Brexit Britain, she said: We want to showcase what makes our country great today.

We want to capture that spirit for a new generation, celebrate our nations diversity and talent, and mark this moment of national renewal with a once-in-a-generation celebration.

The Tory gathering in Birmingham has been marked by a deepening rift over Brexit policy.

The party was also hit by an embarrassing security gaffe as a flaw in the official conference app allowed access to the contact details of Cabinet ministers and senior MPs.

Weve have had a technical issue with our Conference App that has been resolved and it is now functioning securely. We are investigating the issue further and apologise for any concern caused. #CPC18  Brandon Lewis (@BrandonLewis) September 29, 2018

Tory chairman Brandon Lewis apologised for the breach of security and the UKs data watchdog said it would make enquiries about the case.

Activists and journalists heading to the conference discovered the major security problem in the official app which many use to keep track of events.

ICO statement about the Conservative Party conference app incident here. https://t.co/Rx7Wb70ALe  ICO - Information Commissioner's Office (@ICOnews) September 29, 2018

Mr Lewis said the technical issue had been resolved but we are investigating the issue further and apologise for any concern caused.

The Information Commissioners Office said it would be making enquiries with the Conservative Party and organisations have a legal duty to keep personal data safe and secure.

The profiles of former foreign secretary Mr Johnson and Environment Secretary Michael Gove were among those reportedly accessed.
The Scottish Conservatives will set out their plans for open government to boost trust in and the efficiency of public services.

The discussion paper, to be published next week, signals the beginning of a campaign for a Scottish Conservative government, the party said.

Policies include a pledge to ban politicisation of the NHS logo and creating institutions to guard against government centralisation and promote local devolution.

The paper also suggests focusing on regionally-driven economic growth, improving school autonomy and handing more taxation powers to local authorities.

Other policies include a vow to increase accountability of public services, requiring regular and transparent statistics publications, and developing a culture of openness in Scottish public bodies.

A further pledge is to create a more open budget process and publicise in one place all the civil servants paid more than the First Minister.

Scottish Conservatives will launch a paper on open government (Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)

Open government  a discussion paper also focuses on technology, suggesting introducing text reporting of crime to Police Scotland and online booking for all GP practices.

The partys policy co-ordinator Donald Cameron MSP said: The SNP has been secretive in government, completely failing to offer any kind of transparency or accountability.

Not only does that erode the trust and faith of taxpayers, but it limits our ability to improve the performance of agencies in charge of health, education, transport and a range of other devolved responsibilities.

Weve now set out plans for that to change, for people to access more data thats in the public interest and open government up to those who have good ideas on how to make things better.

He added: The Scottish Conservatives had a successful election campaign in 2016 on the basis the people of Scotland wanted us to be a strong opposition to the SNP at Holyrood.

Now the time has come for us to set out how we would govern.

SNP MSP James Dornan said: It is extraordinary for the Tories  the party presiding over the chaos of Brexit, willing to put 80,000 Scottish jobs on the bonfire, slashing our budget, grabbing our powers, driving kids into poverty, forcing families to foodbanks and raising the prospect of a return to rationing  think theyre in a position to dish out any lectures on how to govern.

The Scottish Tories opposed the introduction of FoI in the first place  and the UK Government have tried their utmost to cover up their analysis on the impact of Brexit.

If Ruth Davidson wants greater openness in politics, she should start by coming clean and explaining exactly where the dark money that bankrolled her election campaign came from.
The father of Madeleine McCann has recalled his heartbreaking memories of the night his daughter disappeared 11 years ago.

Gerry McCann described the horror and disbelief of realising the three-year-old was missing from the familys holiday apartment in Portugal in May 2007.

Admitting that he rarely thinks of those moments because they are too painful, he told of his almost feral reaction as he became convinced that his daughter had been abducted.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4, he said: Kate was screaming, Madeleines missing, shes gone. And I was like she cant be gone. and (I remember) running in and checking the bedroom but obviously she wasnt there.

Kate and Gerry McCann (Joe Giddens/PA)

He described his desperate search of the familys apartment in the resort of Praia da Luz, even looking under the kitchen sink and in cupboards for any sign of his daughter.

It was disbelief that she said Madeleine was missing, he added. Disbelief, shock, horror and then panic and terror. Because I could only think of one scenario at that timeI was sure shed been abducted.

Mr McCann said the family had quickly raised the alarm  but soon became consumed by an overwhelming feeling of helplessness.

I remember being in the bedroom, distraught. The two of us being completely distraught, he said.

I couldnt get the darkest thoughts out of my mind, that somebody had taken her and abused her.

I remember being slumped on the floor and starting to call some of my family members and just saying: Pray for her.

Mr McCann, speaking as part of the BBCs Pearl: Two Fathers, Two Daughters programme, also described his incredibly special bond with Madeleine.

Earlier this week, the Home Office confirmed it was considering an application from Scotland Yard for more funding to continue the hunt for the youngster.

In a blog published on Wednesday, it said: We have received and are considering a request from the Metropolitan Police Service to extend funding for Operation Grange until the end of March 2019.

The Home Office maintains an ongoing dialogue with the MPS regarding funding for Operation Grange.

Madeleine McCann was just three when she went missing (PA)

Scotland Yard launched Operation Grange in 2013 after a Portuguese inquiry failed to make any headway.

UK detectives were granted an extra 150,000 in March to continue the probe, to cover until the end of September.

Operation Grange has cost 11.6 million so far.
A man was stabbed while on a train on the London Underground on Sunday morning.

British Transport Police (BTP) said the incident happened on the Central Line, between Stratford and Mile End, at about 12.50am.

Paramedics from the London Ambulance Service treated the victim for injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening.

Recognise this man? Detectives believe he may have information following a stabbing earlier this morning at Mile End Underground. Call 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016, quoting 36 of 30/9/2018. https://t.co/xl1l7PKz5r pic.twitter.com/Lyrx5B6R8Z  British Transport Police (@BTP) September 30, 2018

Police have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in relation to the investigation, and are also urging any witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information should contact BTP by calling 0800 40 50 40 or texting 61016, quoting reference number 36 of 30/9/2018.
Residents have been forced to evacuate their homes after a fire broke out at an industrial unit in Weymouth.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said about 100 houses within a 100-metre radius of the blaze had been evacuated, and that a major incident had been declared.

06:15 *MAJOR INCIDENT DECLARED* please be aware that a major incident has been declared in the Weymouth area-approx 100 homes have been evacuated-further updates to follow  DWFireControl (@DWFireControl) September 30, 2018

Fire crews were called to the area of Holly Road, Cromwell Road and Highland Road shortly before 5am on Sunday.

The blaze is believed to involve a car garage workshop, the fire service said.

The British Red Cross Emergency Response Team for Dorset said on Twitter that it was providing assistance at the incident.

*05.44* Aaron and Barrie responding to call out by @DWFireControl to assist with Major Incident in Weymouth. #oneteam #refusingtoignorepeopleincrisis @SouthCI_ER @RedCrossSouth  BRC Dorset Emergency Response (@Dorset_ER) September 30, 2018

The cause of the fire is not yet known.
The founder of low-calorie vitamin drink VitHit has warned the group would be forced to shift nearly half its UK production to Europe if Brexit leads to higher tariffs and gridlocked borders.

Gary Lavin  a former professional rugby player who launched VitHit in 2000  told the Press Association the group was already lining up alternative manufacturing sites in Germany or Spain in case Britain crashes out of the EU without a deal.

He said VitHit would probably have to switch around seven million of the 15 million bottles being produced at its factory in Birmingham to Europe as part of moves to get around potential hikes in tariffs and delays at border control.

He called on the UK Government to provide businesses with clarity on plans for tariffs and measures to ease potential border control delays.

The news comes on the first day of the Conservative Party conference, where Brexit will be the dominant theme.

It also comes just days after retail giant Next made a plea for Government action as it laid bare the threats of a no-deal Brexit, alerting over the risk of ports grinding to a halt and price hikes from increased tariffs.

The founder of VitHit called on the Government to provide businesses with clarity (VitHit/PA)

Mr Lavin said: We are going to continue to produce in the UK, but we have to look at European alternatives.

He said the factory will stay open, but the production of seven million bottles will have to go somewhere else if theres tariffs and problems at borders.

We dont want to do it, but were being forced to look for an alternative, he added.

The Dubliner is highly critical of Brexit, calling it the worst idea since the underwater hairdryer.

Im hoping all of this will go away  that Ill wake up and realise it was just a bad dream, he said.

But given that Brexit clearly is not going away and with no sign of an agreement with the EU yet, he said he has no option but to start planning for the worst-case scenario to ensure exports remain uninterrupted.

Brexit is coming at a crucial stage in VitHits expansion, with the firm already growing rapidly across Europe  with strong demand across Belgium, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Norway and Iceland.

Now a mainstream player in the low-sugar soft drinks category, VitHit  with its signature blend of juice, tea, water and vitamins  is increasing its international footprint from 13 markets to 15 this year alone, with aims to conquer 50 by 2022.

Australia and the United Arab Emirates are next on the agenda for launch in the final quarter of this year to help tackle the traditional winter lull in sales across the northern hemisphere.

Mr Lavin is even moving to Sydney with his wife and young daughter in November for a few months to personally launch VitHit Down Under.

He has struck a distribution deal with Coles  Australias second biggest supermarket  covering 670 stores, but he has ambitions to come back with an extra 1,000 stores.

Entirely self-funded so far, VitHit has been expanding at around 25% each year, but is looking to step this up to 40% next year, with some bank finance on board to help support the growth plans.

Mr Lavin also wants to build on the 64% year-on-year sales growth seen in the UK since 2017 and said there is plenty of room for expansion.

VitHit currently sells in around 3,500 UK stores out of a potential 17,000.

The appetite for low-calorie drinks has also increased since the UK sugar tax came into force in April, which means soft drinks containing large amounts of sugar will have to pay a levy.

It has helped increase awareness of how unhealthy sugary drinks are, although Mr Lavin said the bar for the levy  starting at 5g of sugar per 100ml  has been set too high.

He believes the Government should go further and offer a wider tax exemption for drinks firms that have very low sugar content, say less than 10g of sugar per 500ml.

If you dont incentivise people, theyre not going to create better products, he said.
Indonesias disaster agency has said the death toll from an earthquake and tsunami that devastated part of the island of Sulawesi has climbed to 832.

Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, the spokesman of the national disaster mitigation agency, told a news conference on Sunday that 821 of those killed were in the city of Palu. He said another 11 people were killed in the town of Donggala.

He said access to Donggala, as well as the towns of Sigi and Boutong, is still limited and there are no comprehensive reports from those areas.

He said: The death is believed to be still increasing since many bodies were still under the wreckage while many have not able to be reached.

A motorbike passes the wreckage of a car in Palu (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

A magnitude 7.5 earthquake spawned the deadly tsunami on Friday evening.

Rescuers are scrambling to reach trapped victims while looters risked entering an unstable shopping centre to grab whatever they could find.

People could still be heard calling out from the eight-storey Roa-Roa Hotel which collapsed as the disasters swept through the city, said Muhammad Syaugi, the head of Indonesias search and rescue agency.

I can still hear the voices of the survivors screaming for help while inspecting the compound, he told local online news portal Detik.com, adding there could be 50 people trapped inside.

(PA Graphics)

Aid and supplies are being sent in via military and commercial aircraft, including helicopters, to reach badly affected areas.

TV footage showed images of destroyed houses in Donggala and areas that were once land now inundated with water. Aerial video also showed the battered coastline surrounding Palu.

Looters were stealing from a badly damaged shopping centre in Palu that was not being guarded. They did not appear to be concerned about their safety, despite ongoing aftershocks and the structures questionable stability.

Residents were also seen returning to their destroyed homes, picking through waterlogged belongings, trying to salvage anything they could find.

A mosque was badly damaged (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

Disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said tens to hundreds of people were taking part in a beach festival in Palu when the tsunami struck at dusk on Friday.

Hundreds of people were injured and hospitals damaged by the quake were overwhelmed.

Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo is set to visit the area later on Sunday.
Rescue officials fear the full scale of Indonesias earthquake and tsunami could climb far past the more than 800 already confirmed dead.

The countrys disaster agency said the death toll more than doubled to 832, and nearly all of those were from the hard-hit city of Palu on the island of Sulawesi.

A motorbike passes the wreckage of a car in Palu (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

The regencies of Donggala, Sigi and Parigi Moutong  with combined populations of 1.2 million  had yet to be fully assessed.

Several large coastal towns remain cut off by damaged roads and downed communication lines.

The death toll is believed to be still increasing since many bodies were still under the wreckage, while many have not been reached, said agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho.

He said a mass burial would be held on Sunday for health reasons.

(PA Graphics)

Bodies covered in blue and yellow tarps lined the streets of Palu, while rescuers dug through rubble in the hopes of finding survivors from the twin disasters that struck on Friday evening.

There was particular focus on the eight-storey Roa-Roa Hotel, where voices from underneath the rubble could be heard calling out for help on Saturday.

The cries from beneath the hotel, which appeared to have collapsed, had gone silent by Sunday afternoon. Officials had estimated some 50 people could be inside.

We are trying our best. Time is so important here to save people, said Muhammad Syaugi, head of the national search and rescue team. Heavy equipment is on the way.

A mosque was badly damaged (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

TV footage showed about a dozen rescuers in orange jumpsuits climbing over debris with a stretcher carrying the body of a victim from the modest business hotel.

Aid and supplies were being sent to the area via military and commercial aircraft, including helicopters, to reach badly affected areas. Officials said the area was lacking medical supplies, fuel, fresh water and experts.

Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo toured Palu on Sunday.

There are many challenges, he said. We have to do many things soon, but conditions do not allow us to do so.

Mr Nugroho said 61 foreigners were in Palu at the time of the disaster. Most of them had been accounted for, but one South Korean was believed to be trapped in the ruins of the Roa-Roa Hotel, while three others from France and one from Malaysia were missing. The survivors were to be evacuated to the Sulawesi city of Makassar in the islands far south.
Jewish playwright Harold Pinter would approve of Jeremy Corbyns leadership of the Labour Party, Sir Mark Rylance has said.

The actor and Stop The War Coalition supporter hit out at media portrayals of Mr Corbyn over the anti-Semitism row and said that East End-born dramatist Pinter  who vocally opposed the Iraq War  would have backed him.

Sir Mark is due to take part in performances of Pinters 2005 Nobel Prize lecture, Art, Truth & Politics, during a London festival of his plays in London in October.

Actor Sir Mark Rylance looks back at the Stop the War protest #marr pic.twitter.com/SIpZ77iqsN  BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) September 30, 2018

The Bridge of Spies and BFG actor was asked on the BBCs Andrew Marr show whether Mr Pinter as a proud Jewish man would have backed Corbyns Labour, given the summer row.

Mr Rylance said: Yes. I know many Jewish people who are very happy with Corbyns leadership and obviously I hear about other Jewish people who are not.

I would suspect that he would have met with Jeremy, as I have met with Jeremy, and seen that you get a very different impression of this from the media than is happening when you talk with John McDonnell or Jeremy Corbyn who, to my mind, are the furthest away from people who would be involved in any anti-Semitic-type thinking.

Sir Mark Rylance said that `proud Jewish man Harold Pinter would have approved of Jeremy Corbyn (Yui Mok/PA)

They fought all their lives for the justice of all people and against fascism and against tyranny.

Mr Pinter was a notable critic of the Iraq war, which he described as a bandit act, an act of blatant state terrorism, demonstrating absolute contempt for the conception of international law.

He also hit out at Tony Blair when Nato bombed Serbia and later called the former prime minister a deluded idiot and US President George Bush a mass murderer.

He published a collection, War, in 2003, which expressed his opposition to the Iraq conflict.

In his Nobel speech two years later, by which time he was struggling with cancer, he again lashed out at the case for the invasion, saying: Political language, as used by politicians, does not venture into any of this territory since the majority of politicians, on the evidence available to us, are interested not in truth but in power and in the maintenance of that power.

To maintain that power it is essential that people remain in ignorance, that they live in ignorance of the truth, even the truth of their own lives.

What surrounds us therefore is a vast tapestry of lies, upon which we feed.

Mr Pinter died in 2008, aged 78.

Some of the proceeds from Sir Marks performances will go to the Stop the War Coalition, which Mr Corbyn formerly led.
Theresa May was warned by Tory Brexiteers that her position is in jeopardy unless she drops her Chequers plan.

Prominent Brexiteer Andrea Jenkyns said the plan was unpopular at all levels of the Tory Party and called on the Prime Minister to abandon the blueprint.

In a pointed message to Mrs May, she said: Prime ministers keep their jobs when they keep their promises.

Speaking to the Press Association, the Morley and Outwood MP said: I am simply saying: Prime Minister, listen to the people.

Chequers is unpopular with the general public, the Oppositions not going to vote for it, its unpopular with our party and our activists who actually pound the streets and get us elected in the first place.

Please drop Chequers and start listening.

She was speaking after addressing a cross-party Leave Means Leave rally in Solihull, timed to coincide with the opening of the Tory conference in Birmingham.

Peter Bone urged the Prime Minister to `chuck Chequers at the Leave Means Leave rally (Aaron Chown/PA)

At the rally, fellow Tory MP Peter Bone said: I will stand up for Brexit but we need to chuck Chequers.

Setting out his opposition to the European Union, he said: We didnt fight world wars to be subservient. We want to make our own laws in our own country.

He dismissed suggestions that public opinion had changed since the 2016 vote, saying: The idea that the British people have changed their minds and want to remain is completely untrue.

Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage told the rally politicians must be made to feel the heat if they were about to betray the decision made in the 2016 referendum.

This is now about a matter of trust between us  the people  and our political class, he said.

They are trying to betray Brexit and we are here today to tell them we wont let you get away with doing that.

In a message to the enthusiastic crowd he added: I want you to make our political class, who are on the verge of betraying Brexit, feel the heat.

We are mobilising the peoples army of this country that gave us victory in Brexit and will never rest until we have become an independent, self-governing, proud United Kingdom.
Boris Johnson was dismissed as an irrelevant and offensive person by a speaker at the Tory conference, to the delight of many delegates.

Businessman and peer Digby Jones criticised the former foreign secretary for reported comments he had made over the summer when asked about industry concerns around Brexit.

Mr Johnson was said to have uttered a four letter expletive when asked about businesses Brexit concerns at a diplomatic dinner.

Theresa May, centre back, at the Conservative Party conference (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

The cross-bench peer, whose speech was watched by the Prime Minister, said: Business is so important that when I heard a former foreign secretary f-business, it showed him up for the irrelevant and offensive person he really is.

Lord Jones, who is a former Labour transport minister, also urged the Tories to stop tribal battles and unify against the threat of Jeremy Corbyn reaching Downing Street.

He said: Youve got to unify and stop it because youve got a far greater threat than Brexit coming down the path.

That is that Jeremy Corbyn is to wealth creation what Diane Abbott is to mathematics.

He went on to warn that if Labour came to power there would be a flight of capital and talent, adding: This isnt my country if that lot get into power.

Earlier, party chairman Brandon Lewis issued a similar warning, telling delegates that Mr Corbyn was the enemy.

He said: We must engage in this battle and turn our fire on the enemy, Jeremy Corbyn and his dangerous hard-left ideas.

The choice in British politics has rarely been so important or so clear.

Its between a Conservative Party, the party of the union, that wants to spread opportunity and bring people together and Jeremy Corbyn, a man who sanctions and tolerates division and hate.

Mr Lewis also turned his gaze inward and warned delegates that the party needed to change and needed to attract more people from diverse backgrounds.

To ensure this he announced the party would be establishing a dedicated mentoring fund to support those who were under-represented.

He said: It is a fund to provide guidance and training to help them pursue a life in public service, and to encourage more people from diverse backgrounds to stand for Parliament, become MPs and help us truly represent the face of modern Britain.

For if we dont make these changes, this party  the oldest political party in the world  faces a challenging future.
About 2,000 people have gathered to honour the memory of police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Relatives and colleagues joined dignitaries, including Home Secretary Sajid Javid, in Belfast on Sunday to take part in the 15th annual National Memorial Day event commemorating those who have served across the UK.

Candles were lit by relatives and the names of officers, who died in the last 12 months, were read aloud during the service at Waterfront Hall.

Honoured to be attending National @Police_Memorial service today in Belfast. The bravery, courage & sacrifice of over 4,000 officers who, since British policing began, have died on duty, will never be forgotten.  Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) September 30, 2018

A guard of honour made up of representatives from forces throughout the UK and overseas welcomed people on arrival.

In the order of service, the Prince of Wales  who is patron of the National Police Memorial Day  wrote: Today we pay tribute to the men and women who display enormous courage and professionalism as they work to safeguard communities throughout the United Kingdom.

He said the UK had seen a number of significant attacks in the last 12 months where police officers had saved lives and thwarted attacks.

Coloured petals of remembrance fall from the balcony (Niall Carson/PA)

Attendees heard of the dangers officers face and the sacrifices they make in the course of their duties.

Today is National Police Memorial Day #NPMD



Remembering our fallen colleagues. pic.twitter.com/K2XU8p2ke6  Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) September 30, 2018

More than 4,400 officers have died since modern policing began across the UK.

Among those specifically remembered was Constable Michael John Ferguson, who was shot dead outside a shopping centre in Londonderry in January 1993 at the age of 21.

His brother and sister Joseph and Susan Ferguson lit a candle for him.

Constable James Dixon of Thames Valley Police was remembered by his wife Samantha and his son Parker Cameron James Dixon, who was named after his late father.

Constable Dixon died in a collision last December while working, and never got to meet his son.

Today we honour PC James Dixon of @ThamesVP who lost his life in December last year never meeting his son - named in his memory Parker Cameron James Dixon (PCJD) #PoliceFamily #NPMD pic.twitter.com/gc1O6ur6aB  Police Federation (@PFEW_HQ) September 30, 2018

Relatives of other officers killed in the line of duty represented Wales and Scotland as they too lit candles.

Prayers were offered by family members and, as the Last Post sounded, petals descended from the gallery above the hall to represent those who died.

A wreath was also laid to mark the centenary of the end of World War I and remember all those who died during the war, including officers.

Police Federation of England and Wales chairman John Apter said it was a day to remember and reflect and also celebrate the lives of those that they had all lost.

I know from speaking to families who have lost loved ones that [the day] is significant for them, its important, Mr Apter said.

They know that we as a policing family we will never allow their loved ones to be forgotten.

National Police Chaplain Canon David Wilbraham said: Together we show our respect for the commitment, dedication of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice as well as officers who day by day go out on duty willing, if necessary to give their lives to protect our society.
Four men have been arrested in Belfast as part of an operation into the criminal activities of the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA), the PSNI said.

The men were taken into custody after officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) carried out searches at six properties in north and west Belfast on Sunday.

Four men arrested in searches across north & west Belfast by officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force. The proactive operation is focused on the criminal activities of Belfast INLA.  Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) September 30, 2018

A firearm and suspected Class A Drugs were seized at the scene. A forensic examination of the items is expected to take place.

The men were detained under the Terrorism Act.

The PCTF was set up to tackle crime linked to paramilitary activity.
Britain will not be the only prisoner wanting to leave the European Union if it is turned into a jail, Jeremy Hunt has warned.

The Foreign Secretary took aim at Brussels handling of the Brexit negotiations, telling the EU to never ever mistake British politeness for British weakness in a punchy speech to the Conservative Party conference.

He said the EU seemed to want to punish a member for leaving, likening their tactics to the Soviet Union, and told delegates in Birmingham: The lesson from history is clear: if you turn the EU club into a prison, the desire to get out of it wont diminish it will grow and we wont be the only prisoner that will want to escape.

If you reject the hand of friendship offered by our Prime Minister, you turn your back on the partnership that has given Europe more security, more freedom, more prosperity, more opportunities than ever before in history  and a setback for the EU will become a wholly avoidable tragedy for Europe.

Jeremy Hunt at the Conservative Party annual conference (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Mr Hunt echoed former prime minister Margaret Thatcher as he told the conference: Of course we understand that the EU wants to, it needs to, protect itself.

But if the only way to deal with the UK leaving is to try to force its break-up, as someone much more distinguished than me once said, the answer is, No, No, No.

And he added: So as your friends of many years we say very simply this: Brexit is not about whether you succeed or we succeed  Europe prospers when we both succeed and its time to change your approach.

Mr Hunt received a standing ovation following his well-received speech, which fuelled speculation over a leadership bid.

The Cabinet minister called on his colleagues and party members to come together and show the doubters, show the sceptics, show the world the true potential of this remarkable nation.

Mr Hunt, who became foreign secretary in July, also joked about his first moments in the role, describing how he walked up the Grand Staircase in the Foreign Office and looking at the pictures of his predecessors on the wall.

One of the more recent ones seemed to have forgotten to comb his blonde hair, he quipped.

And delegates applauded and laughed as he told them how meeting world leaders abroad was peanuts compared to the diplomacy you need at home when you call your Chinese wife Japanese.

Mr Hunt also repeated his calls for the release of imprisoned charity worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, saying he also has a four-year-old daughter and cant imagine what that familys going through.

In a message to the Iranian government, he said: So whatever disagreements, for the sake of our common humanity its time to let her and others come home.
A referendum on changing the nation of Macedonias name to North Macedonia, paving the way for Nato membership, attracted tepid voter participation  a blow to the prime ministers hopes for a strong message of support.

Election officials reported that at 6.30pm local time, half an hour before polls close, the turnout stood at 34%.

The figure was based on data from 85% of polling stations, State Electoral Commission head Oliver Derkoski said.

The deals opponents  who had urged voters to boycott Sundays referendum  started celebrating while balloting still was under way, chanting slogans outside Parliament in central Skopje.

The referendum asked Macedonians whether they supported the name change and other terms of their governments deal with Greece, which is intended to end a dispute dating from Macedonias declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in the early 1990s.

Greece, arguing its small neighbours name implied territorial ambitions on its own Macedonia province, has blocked the countrys efforts to join Nato.

The deal would also enable Macedonia to seek membership in the European Union.

But the agreement has faced vocal opposition on both sides of the border, with detractors accusing their respective governments of conceding too much to the other side.

A strong vote in favor of the deal with Greece and high voter turnout would help Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, who negotiated the deal with Greece, to persuade lawmakers to vote on constitutional changes needed for it to become final.

However, the government called the referendum a consultative move, meaning it could interpret the outcome as a fair reflection of public opinion regardless of turnout.

The Macedonian Constitution requires a minimum turnout of 50% of eligible voters for a binding referendum.

The question posed to voters at the ballot box was: Are you in favor of membership in Nato and European Union by accepting the deal between (the) Republic of Macedonia and Republic of Greece?

Supporters of the deal, led by Mr Zaev, have focused on the vote being the linchpin of the countrys future prosperity, the key to its ability to join NATO and eventually the EU.

It would be a major step for a country that less than two decades ago almost descended into civil war, when some in its ethnic Albanian minority took up arms against the government, seeking greater rights.

Mr Zaev cast his ballot in the southeastern town of Strumica and urged a strong turnout.

Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, left, accompanied by his wife Zorica and son Dusko, casts his ballot at a polling station (Boris Grdanoski/AP)

I invite everyone to come out and make this serious decision for the future of our country, for future generations, he said.

I expect a massive vote, a huge turnout to confirm the multi-ethnic nature of this country and the political unity of this country.

But opponents, pointing to the low voter participation, described the referendum as a failure.

A few hours before polls closed Dragan Ugrinovski, from opposition group Macedonia is Boycotting, said: Even now, we can say that the referendum will not be successful.

Macedonian people and citizens do not want to join NATO. They dont want the change of name, identity, history and tradition of Macedonian people.

A spokesman for opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Ivo Kotevski, criticised the name deal as something that would force Macedonians to give up their national identity.

Everything is wrong with that deal. Its a deal that will have long-term consequences, he said.

We will lose our identity because of the crime of Zaev. Its wrong to change the constitution, its wrong to change the name.

Djose Tanevski was among the early voters in Skopje, the Macedonian capital.

I came here because of the future of our children, who should have a decent life, a life in a lovely country, which will become a member of the European Union and NATO, he said.

But others had no intention of voting.

Im disappointed with all that is happening with Macedonia, said 34-year-old Bojan Krstevski.

I cannot give up my Macedonian identity. I dont want to be North Macedonian.

Greek protesters chant slogans against Greeces name deal with neighboring Macedonia (Giannis Papanikos/AP)

The referendum has stirred strong interest in the West, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis among top foreign officials in Skopje recently to back the Yes side.

Russia, however, is not keen on Nato expanding in a part of Europe once under its sphere of influence.

Mr Mattis said there was no doubt that Moscow had funded groups inside Macedonia to campaign against the name change.

The deal faces several more hurdles to become final. The government must also amend the countrys constitution.

The required amendments need approval by two-thirds majority of parliaments 120 members. So far Mr Zaev has pledges of support from 73 lawmakers  seven short.

If the constitutional amendments are approved in Macedonia, Greece would then need to ratify the deal.

But Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras faces political problems of his own.

His governing coalition partner, right-wing Independent Greeks head Panos Kammenos, has vowed to vote against the deal, leaving Tsipras reliant on opposition parties and independent lawmakers to push it through.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina must be on cloud nine due to the accolades she has received from world leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meet (UNGA) at New York recently.

Praise was showered on her for aptly handling the complex Rohingya crisis and for her humanitarian approach towards the over 700,000 displaced Rohingya currently sheltered on Bangladesh soil.

The UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, perhaps went rather overboard in complimenting Hasina with his generous remark: You can be the role model for many other heads of state.

Sheikh Hasina was haild by the international community for her handling of the Rohingya refugee crisis. (Photo: Twitter)

Now, this is a huge recognition of Hasinas performance and leadership. However, the Secretary General also told Hasina, in a cautionary tone, that he hoped the upcoming elections in Bangladesh would be fair and participatory. This comment shows that world leaders are possibly apprehensive about the Bangladesh elections  expected in roughly 100 days  being free and fair.

So, with a newly glowing reputation, Hasina is now heading home amid numerous election challenges and expectations from the international community. While the Prime Minister will naturally fight hard to retain power, she equally needs to be seen in the eyes of the world as impartial.

The western world has not taken kindly to the two previous elections (2009 and 2014) in Bangladesh. Given her political astuteness, Hasina is unlikely to factor the western cautions too much, and will go to polls firing from all cylinders.

However, the election does not seem to be a cakewalk for her.

Here, it is imperative to discuss the political scene prevailing in Bangladesh to put things in a realistic perspective.

The main political adversary of Hasinas Awami League (AL) is the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The BNP is poised to jump into the electoral fray this time, despite its leader Khaleda Zias incarceration.

There is intense pressure within the BNP to take part in the elections, as they are gradually getting isolated from mainstream politics. Their boycott of elections in 2014 cost them dearly in political terms.

Another important aspect bothering the BNP is to divorce its ally Jamaat-e-Islami. Association with the Jamaat has brought abundant disrepute to BNP, and the saner elements within reckon that the hardline party has to be abandoned to win the trust of the people and to remain afloat in the political mainstream.

The BNP is poised to contest the polls this time, despite its leader Khaleda Zias incarceration. (Photo: Reuters/File)

If the BNP does distance itself from the JeI, the contest then will be directly between it the AL.

In that scenario, according to political pundits in Dhaka, Hasinas AL is likely to get only about 160 to 180 seats  a two-third majority  while the BNP will probably secure 80 to 100 seats.

There are other anti-Hasina forces trying to defeat her.

Sheikh Mujibs confidante and his erstwhile foreign minister, Dr Kamal Hossain, also a constitutional expert and founder of Gano Forum, has aligned with former president and BNP-inclined Dr Badruddoza Chowdhury, along with other splinter groups of little political significance, against the AL. This, however, is a non-starter, because these leaders dont have any grass-root support.

This said, it would still be advisable for Hasina to keep a few popular faces with her in run-up to the elections, to preempt any move to eat into her vote bank. One such political figure is Kader Siddiqui or Tiger Siddiqui, a well-known freedom fighter, who is currently with the so-called Oikya Front (United front). Weaning him away from the group of dissidents may not be beneficial from the numerical point of view, but as a tactical measure and for optics, it will be a shrewd move.

Another important step the AL needs to take is induct a few dynamic entities, to inject new vigour into the party. The AL has little young blood, and lacks fire in its rhetoric. Ministers Amu, Tofail and company are antiquated because of old age, and need to be lent a robust hand to raise the momentum of canvassing.

Surveys on the ground reveal that Andalib Rahman Partho, Junaid Saki and Naziur Rahman Manjur are some of the probables meriting attention to help the AL in reinforcing its cadre through vociferous oratory.

Importantly, former President Gen Ershad and his Jatiya Party (JP) cannot be ignored altogether, as he is still a force to reckon with. His perceived proximity to India remains crucial. By a conservative estimate, JP is slated to win 15 to 20 seats, but closer to election dates, the party may demand more seat adjustments. This should be granted, keeping in view larger interests.

However, hypothetically, if the BNP does not contest, the AL must go ahead with the polls, but take along with it insignificant parties, including even the inconsequential Zaker party. There has to be an element of legitimacy to the election participation, as expected by the UN Secretary General and the international community.

Hasina, on her part, must not underestimate the BNP at any cost. They have money and muscle power and considerable material support, suspected to be coming from external sources unfavourably disposed towards secular and liberal forces.

For good neighbourly ties, Hasina is India's best bet. (Photo: Reuters/File)

Operationally, its equally crucial to marginalise the anti-secular, anti-India and anti-Hasina Bangladeshi forces active in the US, UK and other parts of the world, carrying out aggressive propaganda aimed to whip up adverse public opinion. This includes BNP strongman Tareq Rahman, promoted by a hostile country pumping in massive monetary support.

And last but not the least, diplomatically, the US must be kept on the right side. US-Bangla relations ran into rough weather a few weeks ago when the car of the outgoing US Ambassador in Dhaka was attacked. Bangladesh took considerable time to condemn the attack and undertake damage control measures, incurring the wrath of the US. Of course, it was a solitary incident, but before the impending elections, all major players closely monitoring Bangladesh should not be given room to find flaws, lest the much-needed goodwill is lost.

For India, Hasinas victory is good in all respects. From the security point of view and for reinforcing good neighbourly relations, Hasina still has the charisma and the determination to deliver tangible results.

Also read: Amit Shah calls illegal Bangladeshis termites. Given the neighbourhood, turning Bangladesh off is not a good idea
The cold-blooded murder of a young Apple manager by trigger-happy and corrupt cops in Lucknow raises many questions about the quality of governance in Indias most populous state, Uttar Pradesh.

The incident also throws light on the Wild West brand of justice that prevails under the regime of the saffron-clad Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, who has often been held responsible for what is called Encounter Raj in the state. His bid to control crime by adopting mediaeval measures has led the cops to turn into cowboys, who only shoot to kill.

38-year-old Vivek Tiwari, who looked after the marketing and sales of Apple in Lucknow, was returning home, after a late-night launch of the latest model of the iPhone on September 28, when he was beckoned by an intimidating cop to stop. Following a common advisory to avoid stopping a vehicle late at night, the techie did not consider it wise to pull the vehicle to the side, especially since he was accompanied by a woman colleague, whom he was dropping home. But it was just that what cost him his life  the insolent cop chose to pull out his gun and fired a bullet through the windscreen into the young mans face, leaving him dead.

The cold-blooded murder of 38-year-old Vivek Tiwari casts a harsh light on UP police's "Wild West" attitude. (Photo: Twitter)

The techies colleague Sana Khan, who was the only eyewitness to this cold-blooded killing, is yet to come out of shock. But she distinctly remembers how Vivek tried to manoeuvre his XUV to move away from the cops motorbike parked in the middle of the road, blocking his path. But before he could do so, the angry cops bullet had left him in a pool of blood.

Far from living up to Yogi Adityanaths much-touted claims of instilling the fear of God in the minds of outlaws who have long enjoyed a free-rein in the lawless state, this incident has only inspired terror of men in khaki among the common citizenry.

They are stuck between the devil and the deep sea, should they have to face a situation like what Vivek faced on that fateful night. If he had stopped, there was every risk of being, not only being manhandled and possible extortion and injury, but there was also the risk of his co-passenger getting molestated by the cops. After all, who hasnt heard of such harassment by cops on duty at night?

I do not think criminals fear the police; they are usually hand-in-glove. It is the common citizen who has far more fear of the police and perhaps no respect for men in khaki, observed a senior citizen, who had served as a Lucknow University professor for decades. Way back in 1960, a famous judge of the Allahabad High Court judge, Justice AN Mulla had said in a judgment, "I say it with all sense of responsibility that there is not a single lawless group in the whole country whose record of crime is anywhere near the record of that organised unit which is known as the Indian Police Force."

The judgement finds repeated mention by the top judiciary over the years every time cops are caught indulging in such misdemeanour. Even former Supreme Court judge, Justice Markandey Katju, who has had a long experience both at the bar and bench of Allahabad High Court, states on his Facebook page, The people of India, through their own bitter experience, have learnt about most of our policemen's misbehaviour  demanding 'hafta', doing fake encounters, refusing to lodge an FIR or conduct a proper investigation unless money is paid, custodial deaths, torture in custody, etc.

Yogi Adityanath, who has often been held responsible for what is called Encounter Raj in the state. (Photo: DailyO)

Though this was not the first time that one has heard of the police shooting down someone for not stopping his vehicle on being beckoned to do so, the difference one must note here, is the arrogant body language of the guilty cop. Even his wife, who also happens to be a police constable sought to play the victim along with her husband, who was busy claiming that he had used his gun in self-defence. He even went to the extent of alleging that, The XUV driver was clearly intending to kill me by running over my motor-bike.

What is shocking is that initially, even his superiors were ready to buy the guilty cops alibi. Had it not been for constant hammering by the media, perhaps the Lucknow district police chief would have happily echoed his cops view. It was only after the intervention of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who personally spoke to both chief minister Yogi Adityanath as well as director general of police OP Singh, that a case under Section 302 was registered against the trigger-happy cop Prashant Chaudhary.

Lucknow, of course, happens to be the parliamentary constituency of Rajnath Singh; thus it proved difficult for him to remain a mute spectator.

Sure enough, both, the CM and the DGP, have now dutifully condemned the incident and have assured action against the guilty. With the obvious view to placate the victims grieved family, the government has also announced an ex gratia of Rs 25 lakhs as compensation, together with a clerical job in Lucknow Municipal Corporation for the wife of the techie who was a high-paid manager in the worlds top mobile phone company. CM Adityanath has also generously offered to transfer the case to CBI, if the family so desired.

However, what one continues to wonder is whether the chief minister is ready to do some rethinking to his policy of encounters that had clearly given an undesirable impetus to trigger-happy policemen, who generally believe that they can get away with murder  literally. The tendency has manifested itself in the 1600-odd encounters carried out by Yogis cops over a span of 12 months, leaving about 67 dead. Significantly, a large chunk of these were small-time outlaws, who were made big by announcements of handsome bounty over their heads, shortly before they were gunned down.

Many BJP insiders believe that the encounter initiative was brought to life to create an impression that the government was actually serious about improving law and order, which was as precariously poor as under the Samajwadi Party regime. The fact of the matter, however, is that heinous crime continues unabated with rapes on the rise. Ironically, what continues to remain on the chief ministers priority list was love-jihad, cow-slaughter and anti-Romeo squads.

Meanwhile, the insolence of men in khaki seems to have grown with the passage of time.

From their acts of omission or commission, it has become increasingly evident that cops exist only to serve the privileged class and not the common man. Remember, in the infamous Unnao incident where a helpless father of a gang-rape victim was lynched to death inside the police station, cops looked the other way because the oppressor was the ruling BJP MLA. It was only after the incident hit the headlines and the High Court took suo motu cognisance of the horrific developments, that the state government spluttered into action.

The common tendency, among those sitting in positions of power, is to defend the indefensible. The rogues among the khaki-clad often get the undue patronage of their superiors, who invariably remain in denial mode when it comes to such insolent or corrupt behaviour of their subordinates.

This malaise can be tackled only if the government were to follow the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court in consonance with the Prakash Singh Police Reforms Committees recommendations.

One of the key recommendations was to separate the law and order functions of the police from investigations. A renowned top cop who headed the UP police as well as Punjab police in addition to BSF, Prakash Singh, had explicitly called for an independent investigation agency. And that recommendation was duly ratified by the apex court more than five years ago.

But successive state governments chose to turn a deaf ear to it. The result is obvious  in a case like the murder of Vivek Tiwari, the investigation will now be carried out by his own colleagues, doubling as investigators-cum-enforcers of law and order.

And who can deny that blood is thicker than water?

Hence, it would be of no surprise if the investigators find subtle ways to protect their comrade-in-arms. No wonder such cases often find their way to the CBI, which despite erosion, continues to enjoy some reputation of objectivity as an independent investigation agency.

Also read: No, Indians don't care. The state of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal shows we have no real values
India can no longer afford ideological/political intractability to plunge itself into further chaos. Leadership in every sphere must learn to live together. Trust begets trust. Let the leadership show maturity and together let the nation move ahead

I attended a three-day outreach programme organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS ) in Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. This 90-year-old organisation wanted to put up before the nation  and all those opposed to it  its vision of and mission for the country. As I was to enter the precincts of the Vigyan Bhavan, media reporters asked me why I was there. I answered, because I am keen to know more about this organisation. They went ahead with a few more queries, to which my simple response was that I was open to questions on learning and education, not on politics. Further, if any political party or organisation organises such an interaction, and I am invited, I will attend, and I am sure I would be a gainer. I am now a senior citizen but by learning more wherever and whenever I can is a part of growing up.

After spending three evenings listening to the sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat, I was certainly a gainer in my comprehension of Indias social, cultural and political scenario. Bhagwat exuded self confidence and appeared self-assured all along the proceedings. He was in know of his facts, sound on his philosophical moorings and was energetically eager to move with the changing times.

As a teacher, I found his performance a classic example of how to influence people and win friends. It was a superb articulation  no unnecessary sentence, no jargon, every word and sentence appeared duly weighted and whetted. Politicians of every shade and age, including the most die-hard critics of the RSS, would do well if they watch the three-day visuals of the orator who established an organic link with the audience without any apparent effort. They could emulate gainfully on how to convey their viewpoints to the audiences.

I am confident, many of them have already done that. Many critics were also invited but they probably felt unsure and did not attend; they were certainly losers. A couple of them with whom I could interact after the event, were even keen to know what happened. The manner in which Bhagwat handled the question answer session on the third evening, could impress anyone, irrespective of his ideological leanings. The responses were so clear, confident, and precise. There was not even an attempt to bypass any query, no matter how intrusive it was.

On the lighter side, there was a relaxing moment when Bhagwat was asked why the Sangathan Mantri of the BJP always came from the RSS? The innocence afloat in the answer charmed everyone: Because only they ask us to provide one. If others make a request, we shall consider. One may disagree and genuinely attempt to decipher the meaning and interpretation of the statement, but it would be impossible not to be charmed by the manner of response to an intrusive query. Was this the main reason for the absence of political invitees who were afraid of being swept off their feet by Mohan Bhagwat face-to-face?

Politically and ideologically unconstrained senior citizens, concerned about the national, social cohesion and religious amity, often recall how after Independence, caste politics and politicisation of secularism was pursued by unscrupulous politicians, who just could not think beyond somehow, or anyhow, winning the next election.

Those in their 20s around 1955 still recall how they were convinced that caste and religion would cease to be a factor in the national polity and also in the social structure within a couple of decades. The presence of Jai Prakash Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohia, Acharya Kripalani, Vinoba Bhave and others was so reassuring. Politicians, who had during the first two decades tasted power, had their own ideas. The very essence of practiced traditional secularism  equal respect for all religions  was swept under the carpet, Left-wing secularists emerged as the dominant intellectual group that controlled institutions.

Only those who thought alike could entry into the academia, others were declared communal and conservative. Secularism of their interpretation became the weapon to consolidate the Left hegemony in key institutions; everyone else was to be discarded. They just ignored the strength of the dialogical tradition that is one of the strongest pillars of the Indian civilisation. They ignored prashna-pratiprashna-pariprashna and even ridiculed the essence of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which led to a welcome of people of different religions, nationalities and ethnicities in India. Without that level of philosophical and intellectual advancement, the Ganga-Jamuni culture would never have flourished in India.

India had learnt much earlier than other civilisations how to live together and respect diversities of every conceivable variety. When the term secular was incorporated in the Preamble of the Constitution of India in 1976, its Hindi translation accepted was Panthnirpeksh and not Dharmnirpeksh. Proper and sincere comprehension of the implications of the difference between the two terms could have paved the way for social and religious cohesion, but that was never attempted.

Absence of transparency in public life and reluctance on the part of politicians to know more about their opponents and their ideas and intentions have now reached a disturbing stage. We all witness it when Parliament session is disturbed for weeks and months. The loss of mutual respect, unwillingness to listen to and interact with people with divergent shades of opinions and views, has led to a stage in which the invitation of the RSS is summarily rejected by the secular Opposition.

They just forgot that the people were willing to listen to the RSS chief; millions remained glued to their television sets even in remote and rural/far-flung areas. Enough has been spoken about his speech at various levels, and there was a widespread consensus that no politician should have rejected the invitation, they could have shown the courtesy and courage to join and ask questions and seek clarification. They missed the chance. The nation would have benefited if an intense interaction had taken place. It would have generated the possibility of enhancing the level of discourse in social, cultural and political life of the nation.

If one refers to the great example of dialogical tradition represented by the Bhagavad Gita, Yudhisthir-Yaksh interaction, or the shastrarth between Adi Sankaracharya and Mandana Misra, most of the self-proclaimed secularists would look the other way. They may even not be familiar with these examples, as most of the cultural context of India, its philosophical moorings and literature finds little place in school education.

However, it will be difficult for anyone to ignore what Mahatma Gandhi had written in the Harijan of April 29, 1933: I would like to say to the diligent reader of my writings and to others who are interested in them that I am not at all concerned with appearing to be consistent. In my search for truth, I have discarded many ideas and learnt many new things. Old as I am, I have no feeling that I have ceased to grow inwardly or that my growth will stop at the dissolution of the flesh. What I am concerned with is my readiness to obey the call of truth, my God, from moment to moment, and, therefore, when anybody finds any inconsistency between any two writings of mine, if he has still faith in my sanity, he would do well to choose the later of the two on the same subject.

When Bhagwat publically declared that his organisation had moved ahead of the bunch of thoughts era, brought out a new version and left out certain thoughts that did not appear relevant to present realities, it can logically be viewed in light of the above quote of the Mahatma. As individuals grow up, so do organisations. Not all of them, though.

For every independent observer and objective interpreter of Indias development initiatives, the decline of the dialogical culture amongst politicians appears to be a big impediment in ameliorating the miseries of those still waiting at the end of the line for a better and dignified life. Gandhiji had warned in 1922 in a letter that even if Swaraj comes now, four things shall weigh heavily on our people and they would not get happiness. He identified these four as defects of elections, injustice, burden of administration and treachery of the rich. His words have proved prophetically accurate.

Gandhiji had warned in 1922 in a letter that even if Swaraj comes now, four things shall weigh very heavily on our people and they would not get happiness. He identified these four as: Defects of elections, injustice, burden of administration, and treachery of the rich. His words have proved prophetically accurate. In 1925, he had identified seven social sins which included politics without principles and wealth without work. At present, these two appear to be organically linked. Politics of confrontation retards the advancement of the nation. Hence, every possible opportunity must be utilised to the hilt to bring people of varying political affiliations across the table, to sit together and talk to each other. Even if no tangible gain becomes visible, personal distrust and levels of debates would certainly rise in ample measure. India can no longer afford ideological/political un-intractability and plunge itself into further chaos. Leadership in every sphere  social, cultural, political  must learn to live together. Trust begets trust. Let the leadership show maturity, talk to each other, and together, let the nation move ahead.

(The writer is the Indian Representative on the Executive Board of UNESCO)
General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GoC-in-C) of the Army's Northern Command Lt Gen. Ranbir Singh visited the Kashmir Valley on Sunday to review the prevailing security situation in the wake of recent counter-militancy operations, which have led to the elimination of several terrorists, an official said.

Lt Gen. Singh also reviewed the operational preparedness of the force in the hinterland of the valley.

"The northern Army commander arrived in the Kashmir Valley today to review the prevailing security situation in the wake of recent counter-terrorist operations which led to the elimination of many terrorists," Srinagar-based defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said here.

Singh, accompanied by Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen. A K Bhatt, visited the hinterland formations in north and central Kashmir and was briefed by the commanders on ground about the current situation, he said.

The spokesman said the GoC-in-C of the Army's Northern Command reviewed the operational preparedness of the force in the valley. The Army commander complimented the troops for their recent successes and commended them for their dedication to duty and professionalism.

He was appreciative of the measures and standard operating procedures instituted by the units and formations to minimise civilian causalities, Kalia said.

The need to be prepared for effectively meeting emerging security challenges was reinforced, the spokesman said.

Lauding the excellent synergy among all the security forces, the commander exhorted all ranks to maintain a safe, secure and peaceful environment for the people of Kashmir, he added.
A royal visit to Chennai recently went unnoticed. Those who got a chance to see the royal guest were unanimous in their comment that She came, she saw and she conquered .

The visiting royalty was none other than The Fairy Queen, worlds oldest steam locomotive which continues to ferry the privileged sections in the society across Indias places of cultural, tourist and heritage importance. Named EIR 22 (East India Railway 22), this steam locomotive, rated as the princess among her counterparts, was born in 1855 in Kitson and Company, the Leeds based loco manufacturing giants and was shipped to India in the same year.

She has been a mute spectator to the uprisings in India against the British colonial masters and even witnessed the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny. The Fairy Queen has even transported some of the prominent White Sahibs from their colonial headquarters in Kolkata and New Delhi to various places in the country.

Though she was superannuated many times in the past and was kept as museum piece, the Railway authorities could smell the vast commercial potential offered by her and the Queen was called back from retirement to haul the exclusive in two opulent and magnificent compartments.

Aditi Saini, the young works manager at Perambur Loco Works in Chennai, could not hide her thrill and excitement over the care which was given to EIR 22 which reached Chennai in the first week of August. She was brought here for the periodic over hauling which we describe as POH. This is done once in every four years, said Aditi, a mechanical engineer, who loves steam locomotives. According to Aditi, the POH was like the periodic servicing of the scooties we own

Aditi also disclosed that while she and her team of engineers and technicians enjoyed each and every moment of work, it was not as simple as that. There are no engineering drawings as well as spare parts available in the market because steam locomotives belong to a different era. We had to make the drawings of each components and get it done exclusively for this unique machine, she said.

The Queen is set to chug out to Rewari in north India on Monday where she will be ferrying two air conditioned compartments full of elite class of passengers in the Delhi Cantt-Rewari stretch. About the quality of the engine, this young engineer was all gung-ho. She is great and so simple to operate, said Aditi.

The engine is not ball alone in this world. She has a twin sister, named EIR 21, alive and kicking in Madurai Puducherry stretch of the Southern Railway. Both the engines are in superb form and we can ply it for select passengers in small stretches. Dont you know that coal has become expensive? asked Aditi.

Arun Devaraj, manager, PLW, who supervised the entire POH, explained the kind of works executed by his engineers. We attended to the leakages in the boiler of the engine. The axle boxes (the moving parts in the loco) were made friction-free. The engines driving wheel has a diameter of 1.8 metrers and the spokes had to be casted with iron. We also changed the pipeline that supplies lubricating oil to the cylinder, said Devaraj.
Govt has banned Dorje residing in US from visiting Sikkim monastery

In a major setback to India, the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje (32), who has fled to the US, is now negotiating with the Indian Government interlocutors for parity of status with the Dalai Lama and permission to visit the Rumtek monastery in Sikkim. India has given political asylum to the Dalai Lama but the Karmapa was living on a refugee card. The Karmapa is reportedly acting at the behest of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and his stand has irreversibly altered over six decades long Indias Tibetan card to its disadvantage. India has barred the entry of the Karmapa to Rumtek monastery, the biggest monastery of the Kagyu sect that he heads fearing him to be a Chinese agent. Earlier, he was not allowed to even visit Sikkim, but the NDA Government had changed the rules in 2017.

The Karmapa and CTA have ostensibly colluded to sideline the Dalai Lama, the tallest leader in the Tibetan Buddhism hierarchy, sources said.

The Karmapa is staying at sprawling farmhouse of a Chinese couple in New Jersey from April 2017 onwards. Although the Karmapa has hinted at least twice that he will come back to India but he has not returned despite repeated assurances to the Indian officials. He has not specified a timeline and does not have any intention to return to India, Government sources said.

The Karmapa is effectively the second most important spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhist hierarchy after the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso. The Karmapa is also the singular Tibetan Buddhist monk recognised both by the Chinese Government and the Dalai Lama.

Acting smart, the Karmapa, a recipient of a refugee card from India and an accused in a money laundering case, wants the Government of India to sideline the Dalai Lama, top sources said.

The CTA receives hefty annual grants (USD 40 million annually) from the US State Department as well as Rs 800 million from the Union Home Ministry. The CTA has been persisting with the Union Home Ministry for last 10 years not to treat Karmapa as a foreign agent.

The CTA led by President Lobsang Sangay had been meeting Indian officials to make them believe that the Karmapa is not a foreign agent and will return to India if provided travel documents. Apparently, the CTA successfully lobbied with the Government to relax the travel restrictions put on the Karmapa by the MHA on the recommendations of the agencies. The travel restrictions on the Karmapa were waived a few months before his flight to the US last year. A refugee requires prior permission from the MHA every time he or she intends to travel abroad and needs to take visa while returning.

The US, which has also been liberal in providing assistance to Tibetans in the past is now embracing the Karmapa, is providing him assistance and security cover during his stay there.

Interestingly, the US had remained in denial mode by not granting visas to an elected leader from Western India with the potential to lead the country but is hosting the Karmapa, wanted in India in a money laundering case.

The CTA has consistently backed the Karmapa and countered suspicion within the Indian establishment of him being a foreign agent. The Indian establishment has been suspecting him to be Chinese agent, a reason why he was denied travel documents earlier. The Government could not make a distinction between the CTAs claims denying Karmapas loyalty to China and his other foreign connections, an official said explaining what went wrong.

As a counter-measure to Karmapas flight to the US, the Centre has appointed Indian Foreign Service officer Siddarth Mallik as an interlocutor for the CTA to keep tabs on the movement of the Tibetan leaders to foreign shores.
Urges SCW chief to ask Maharathy for a report

The BJP Mahila Morcha would gherao the Naveen Niwas here on Tuesday in protest against Chief Minister Naveen Patnaiks silence on the alleged two husbands remark given against BJP women supporters by Agriculture Minsiter Pradeep Maharathy recently.

While Minister Pradeep Maharathys comment has denigrated the integrity of the women community, the Chief Ministers silence has hurt the women. In protest against his silence, we will gherao the Naveen Nivas on Tuesday, said Morcha State president Pravati Parida at a Press meet here on Monday.

Parida alleged that the Chief Ministers silence has proved that he is no serious as regards to protection of women in the State. However, she expressed hope that the CM would meet BJP Mahila workers and discussion about security of women on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.

Among others, former Minister Surama Padhi, BJP State vice-president Sukeshi Oram and State secretary Dr Lekhashree Samantsinghar were present.

Meanwhile, a team of the Mahila Morcha comprising vice-presidents Kananbala Patnaik, Niyati Giri and Dr Aischarya Biswal and Bhubaneswar unit president Minakshi Priyadarshini met the State Commission for Women Chairperson and urged to ask Maharathy for a report on the derogatory remark made by him.

The team apprised the Chairperson that Maharathy had in a video stated that 30,000 women (who were standing along Puri-Bhubaneswar road to welcome BJP national president Amit Shah recently) had two husbands each.
Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Monday ordered the release of post-matric SC scholarships for 2015-16 by the end of the month, with strict directives to complete the entire process of disbursement of the scholarship by the end of this year.

The Chief Minister, during a meeting following the completion of audit of scholarship disbursement for 2015-16, warned of strict action against private institutions denying admission to SC students on account of non-payment of scholarships.

He asked the SC/BC Welfare Minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsot to hold a meeting with the representatives of private institutions, asking them not to put any student to inconvenience due to the delayed payment of scholarships on account of ongoing financial audit, as the State Government was already in the process of streamlining the disbursements.

The Chief Minister had asked the state Finance Department to release the pending amount of Rs 100 crores for 2015-16 on account of Post-Matric SC Scholarship to the private institutions by October end.

He also asked the Welfare Department to complete the disbursement of the scholarships by December 31, this year, to ensure timely payment of the Centre's share towards the scheme.

The Chief Minister further directed the Finance Department to release the pending amount of SC scholarship for 2016-17 by the end of next month. He asked the Principal Secretary Welfare to immediately take up review of the revised Centres guidelines on Post-Matric Scholarship, which would eventually burden the state with an additional liability of Rs 720 crores.

The Chief Minister said that he had already raised this issue with the Prime Minister and would again request him to resolve it, keeping in view the state's dismal financial position in general, and for securing the future of SC students in particular.

Regarding the issue of making payment of scholarships in case of drop-out students, the Chief Minister asked the Welfare Department to follow the already prescribed guidelines of the Government of India on this.

The Post-Matric Scholarship for SC is being implemented with Central assistance with the objective to provide financial assistance to SC students studying at post matriculation and post secondary stages.
Chhattisgarh has bagged the national award for effective implementation of various social welfare schemes for senior citizens.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu felicitated the Chhattisgarh Social Welfare Department with 'Vayoshresht Samman-2018' in New Delhi on the occasion of 'International Day of Older Persons' on Monday.

Naidu also congratulated the Chhattisgarh States Social Welfare Department and the citizens of the State.

State Social Welfare, Women and Child Development Minister Ramsheela Sahu on behalf of the State Government received the award.

Sahu said that the State had been implementing multi-faceted schemes for the benefit of elders under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Raman Singh.

She mentioned the Chief Minister Theerth Yatra Yojana and the Helpline at the Police Headquarters, Raipur for attending to distress calls of senior citizens.

The authorities are helping to protect the lives and property of elder citizens. The district-level committees review the policies and programmes for the welfare of elderly people every three months, she said.
Irked by the long delay in implementing the recommendations of VII Pay Commission, the university and college teachers of Uttarakhand have decided to start an agitation.

The Federation of Uttaranchal University and College Teachers Association (FUUCTA) has declared that the teachers would stage dharnas in their respective colleges and wear black arm bands on their sleeves as a mark of protest from October 4.

The general secretary FUUCTA who is also the president of DAV PG College teachers association, U S Rana said that teachers would hold protest meetings from 12.30 PM to 1.30 PM on October 4, 5 and 6. The future course of the agitation would be decided on October 8, he added.

Rana informed that a combined delegation of FUUCTA, Garhwal University Teachers Association (GRUTA) and teacher associations of Kumaon University, GB Pant Agriculture University, Doon University, Open University and Sanskrit University had met the minister of state for higher education Dhan Singh Rawat on September 22. He said that Rawat had assured during the meeting that the required Government Order (GO) for the VII Pay Commission to the university and college teachers of the state would be issued before September 30. It is unfortunate that the state government is still sitting on the matter and the college and the university teachers are being deprived of their dues, Rana said.
The state Congress workers would embark on commemorative walk across the state to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on Tuesday. The ideals Mahatma Gandhi embodies are respected across the world. The world reveres him as a leader whose message to the humanity retains its relevance even now, said the state Congress vice- president Surya Kant Dhasmana on Monday. He further said that the leaders and the activists of the party would embark on commemorative walks in all the districts of the state on Tuesday by way of paying respect to the father of the nation. The walks would start from the district party headquarters, he said.

He said that the in Dehradun, the party workers would gather at the state party office at 10 am and the walk would start thereafter. The commemorative march would be led by the state party chief Pritam Singh. It would pass from Astley Hall, Clock Tower, Paltan Bazaar and Dispensary Road and would culminate at Gandhi Park, he said.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has already held talks with the management of Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp and other social media platforms to control and remove the fake and paid news content as part of the election management to ensure free and fair polls, said Chhattisgarh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Subrat Sahoo while holding live interaction with the voters on Facebook on Monday.

He was interacting on Facebook page of @CEOChhattisgarh and answering queries raised on the issue.

Shiwesh Singh and Ankit Mishra sought details on social media and complaints to be lodged in case of fake news; to which the CEO replied that monitoring would be done through the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC).

The advertisements released through social media would also be included in the expenses of candidates. Complaints can be lodged with Returning Officer, DEO, CEO and through toll free number 1950 or through e-mail given on website.

To a query by Jagit Singh Chouhan and Ahmed Raza and others regarding linking of Aadhar number with electoral roll, Sahoo said after the recent Supreme Court judgement, the ECI is looking into alternative modes.

Panna Adil asked if there will be possibility of voting through mobile phone in future, Sahoo said that with technological advancement if it can be possible, then may be considered by the Election Commission of India in future.

Many voters raised questions on issue of liquor sale during polls, some wanted ban and some wanted ban before 15 days of polling on which Sahoo said that as any other commodity, Commission cannot impose any ban on liquor but as per rules, Commission keeps a tab on manufacturing, transportation, storage, sale and other aspects of any illegal activity and ensures action.

Faraz Khan who sought steps to stop criminals from contesting polls to which Sahoo said political parties have to take the lead and there should be legal provisions for it. If the voter has any suggestions, then it would be forwarded to higher ups.

Many voters sought to know as to what to do when allurement of cash and kind by political parties is given for voting to which Sahoo said this year slogan for Chhattisgarh State Assembly election 2018 is Sugham, Sugadh, Samaveshi (accessible, fair and inclusive) for ensuring free, fair and peaceful election. So, no one should fall in any type of allurement but cast the vote without fear to ensure free and fair election.
Haryana Government is contemplating to develop the site of Masani Barrage as Golden Jubilee Nature and Zoological Park in the state.

About two lakh domestic and international tourists visit the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) and it is expected that upon the development of Masani Barrage as Nature and Zoological Park, about 20 lakh tourists would visit Masani Barrage Park annually, said an official spokesman.

Besides the development of Golden Jubilee Nature and Zoological Park, various facilities have been planned for this purpose which included demonstration of agroforestry models for arid and semi-arid regions, development of farm tourism facilities and development of lake and water body for birds, he said.

The Masani Barrage is located about 60 kilometers from Dhaula Kuan in Delhi and 40 kilometers from Gurugram on the Gurugram-Jaipur National Highway. Masani Barrage was constructed by Haryana Irrigation Department on Sabi river during late 1970s near Dharuhera in district Rewari at national highway number eight. It is located on the Golden Triangle map of India connecting Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Masani-Delhi.

The spokesman further said that the State Government has decided to organize a state level function of wildlife week celebration at Masani Barrage in district Rewari on October 5. The wildlife week is celebrated in the first week of October every year to sensitize the society about importance for existence of wildlife.

Rao Narbir Singh, Forests and Wildlife Minister would be the chief guest on this occasion. While Minister of State for Forests and Wildlife Karan Dev Kamboj would preside over the function, Minister of State for Public Health Engineering Banwari Lal would be the special guest, he said.

He also informed that Forests and Wildlife Department in collaboration with Earthwatch, an NGO, has imparted training to the local villagers situated around Bhindawas Wetland on use of water hyacinth in handicrafts. The water hyacinth (Jalkumbhi) has become an obnoxious weed and thus menace in management of Wetlands including Sultanpur National Park and Bhindawas in district Jhajjar, the spokesman said.

On the occasion, Rao Narbir Singh would interact with the local village women and peruse the stall of handicrafts items manufactured by village women. He would also release a flier on birds of Bhindawas prepared by Forests and Wildlife Department in collaboration with NGO Earthwatch.

Apart from this, quiz and painting competitions with the theme of wildlife would also be organized to develop the younger generation specially the school children of different age groups as future leaders in the field of wildlife week celebration. The winners of such competition at the district level would also be felicitated by the Minister, he added.
In an attempt to exert pressure on the Narendra Modi and Yogi Adityanath governments for early construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya, Mahant Ram Parhamans Das of Taspwi Chhavni temple along with his disciples sat on an indefinite fast in Ayodhya on Monday.

Mahant Das announced before the media that he would not consume any food or water till the announcement for a temple was made.

The saint also slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party governments for ignoring Ram temple and said that after promising it, they were now backing out.

Mahant Das said that now Muslims too wanted the Ram temple and hence all problems had been sorted out and only a small section of the minorities was opposing it.

I have sent information about my indefinite fast to President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other persons concerned, he said.

Recently, the Supreme Court has decided to hear the vexed Ayodhya title suit on day-to-day basis from October 28.
Computer Baba, one of the five sadhus that were recently accorded the status of minister in Madhya Pradesh, announced his resignation on Monday.

Within minutes, he backtracked, saying he had not quit yet, that he was only disappointed with the same government that had given him a job. However, finally, in the evening, he declared that he had resigned from the post.

Apparently, he was seen annoyed with the State government for announcing formation of Cow Ministry in the State. While talking to media persons, he asked, "Why only a cow ministry? A Narmada ministry is important too.

Later in the evening, he was back to saying he had no choice but to quit a government that cannot take care of the cow, his flip-flop proving he is no longer a greenhorn in politics in the state where elections are due in the year-end.

"Our Sant Samaj decides everything and they told me I had not been able to get the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government to do anything. They are right. So what is the point of being a part of the government? I had no choice but to quit from such a government," said the Baba.
With conciliatory efforts going on in full swing to woo Swami Ramdev back to the saffron folds after the saint showed ambivalence regarding his support for the 2019 general election, the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat came to Haridwar on Monday to preside over the valedictory function of the three- day congregation of the saints- Sadhu Swadhyay Sangam- held at Patanjali Yog Peeth Phase 2. Notably, the RSS chief has come just three days after the BJP national head Amit Shah came to Haridwar to inaugurate Acharyakulum run by Patanjali. The back to back visits of the two saffron stalwarts are seen to be part of the damage control exercise ahead of the 2019 general elections. However, Swami Ramdev made his annoyance clear with the NDA government at the Centre while urging the religious fraternity to make their own arrangements instead of depending on the government for assistance. Observers say that he meant the Prime Minister Narendra Modi without naming him.

Desh ka wazir aur ameer sadhu ki upeksha kar raha hai (Those heading the country and the affluent people are ignoring the saints). The sadhus thus should not expect much from them, Swami Ramdev said. He further said that Patanjali had taken up service projects worth crores of rupees. The rich offered us assistance. But we chose to depend on our own means. We never accepted the offer, he said and added, Those who are helming the government might be strong, but the real strength is resting with the saints and the ascetics.

The not- so- veiled dig at the Centre when coupled with his warning that the skyrocketing of prices of essential commodities might cost the Narendra Modi-helmed government dear at the upcoming hustings is enough to be taken as a warning signal from the Patanjali family and the followers to the incumbent regime, say the observers. They add that the professed neutrality of Swami Ramdev and his Patanjali family ahead of the high-stake general election as contrasted to their full-throated support to the saffron camp during the 2014 election has left the BJP apparatchiks deeply worried.

The RSS chief said that one who works in the interests of the country must try to continue being in power. Maybe, the country will reap the fruits of the good initiatives taken now later, but such people who are committed to serving the country must be allowed to remain in power. What is important is that good work must continue, he said.

Speaking of the Ram Mandir issue, Bhagwat said that even the opposition parties are not as shrilly critical of the construction of the temple as before. This is because the opposition leaders have realised that the majority of the people in India revere Lord Ram as the god of their heart, he said and added that the construction of the temple is just a matter of time.
Seven passengers of a UP Roadways bus were killed and two injured when they were hit by truck while pushing the bus which had broken down in Basti on Monday.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the loss of lives and directed officials to ensure financial assistance to the families of the deceased and injured persons.

Circle Officer of Harraiya, Rahul Pandey, said that bus conductor Amit Kumar Lodhi of Fatehpur also died in the accident, which took place near Bhadohi village in Chhavani area of Basti.

The Roadways bus was heading to Gorakhpur from Allahabad when its engine stalled near a roadside eatery and passengers alighted.

After efforts to fix the snag failed, the passengers started pushing the bus to get its engine started.

In the meanwhile, a speeding truck coming from behind hit the bus, leaving six passengers dead on the spot.

The local residents rushed for rescue of the passengers and admitted the injured to a hospital, where another person succumbed to his injuries.

The deceased were identified as Indradev Verma (Basti), Awadhesh Kumar Pandey (Allahabad), Vivekanand Tiwari (Basti), Amit Kumar Lodhi (Fatehpur), Ramesh Yadav (Sant Kabir Nagar), and Pradeep and Shailendra ( both from Siddharthnagar), the Circle Officer said, adding that the truck driver fled the scene after abandoning the vehicle at some distance.
Six-year-old child artist Mahi Soni will make people aware about their right to vote. Maahi has been chosen as the State Icon by Madhya Pradesh Election Commission for spreading awareness about elections and right to vote among people of Madhya Pradesh.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer VL Kantha Rao proposed the name of Mahi Soni for the state icon for campaigning for voters awareness and elections. As the State Icon, Mahi Soni will appeal to the people to Madhya Pradesh to vote.

While interacting with the media persons here on Monday, Mahi also appealed to vote. She said, Currently I do not have the right to vote, but you do. So it is my humble request to all the people of Madhya Pradesh to use their right and positively give a vote in the coming elections.

Mahi Soni is six years old. She hails from Chhatarpur and has bagged many achievements. She was first seen in Sabse Bada Kalakr a reality show for the kids that aired on Sony Tv. Later, she was casted for the role of Radha in the Sony Tvs mythological serial Paramavtar Sri Krishna.
Underlining the status of India before the world as the largest democracy Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan called on people to give equal preference to both rights as well as duties available under the Constitution.

She was addressing the gathering on the concluding ceremony of four-day Lok Manthan, the idea exchange programme to discuss the idea of India and issues concerning contemporary socio-cultural and religious situation prevailing in the country on Sunday.

India is the biggest democratic country of the world and everyone must keep the service of the nation in mind otherwise the goal behind democracy would fail. All residents should follow their rights as well as duties with a sense of commitment to the nation. Democracy is the rule of the people, by the people and for the people, which means everyone is duty bound to do something for the nation, said Sumitra Mahajan.

The Speaker referred to colonial past of India which she said was due to negligence of the citizens towards their duties. Governments are bound to face criticism in democracy but that should be for bringing positive change into society. As a country what we need at present is social harmony which would come through self-consciousness and self-examination. We have to evaluate where we have reached after 70 years of independence, said Mahajan.

Also present there was Chief Minister Raghubar Das who blamed previous Government at Center for having discriminatory attitude towards a set of ideologies. Those who ruled the country for the longest period of time discriminated against several great personalities. Those who sacrificed for the nation should have been given the place they deserved but that was not the case, said the CM naming Sardar Patel, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru along with Birsa Munda and other revolutionaries from Jharkhand.

The CM blamed the Congress regimes for denying Bharat Ratna award to Baba Saheb Ambedkar and Atal Bihari Vajpayee and also rapped Leftwing historians and ideologues for weakening the sense of nationalism in the country at present. The Lok Manthan at this juncture becomes very relevant which would make available fresh and nationalistic ideas before the people. We are a country of many religious beliefs and respect all the religions. Our culture has also been accommodative with the idea of vashudhaiva kutumbkam, said the CM.

He on the occasion outlined the cultural and natural richness of Jharkhand filled with folk dance, music, art forms, painting and customs. The CM also lauded the role played by tribal people in nation building while talking about their need to participate in the growth in equal manner.

Tribal society has now awakened. They know that divisive forces are at work but they also understand how to defeat them to take the society and the country to their designated place. Large scale religious conversions have taken place in the State by using fraudulent means but now we have ruled the activities as illegal, said the CM while thanking the organisers of the event.

Assembly Speaker Dinesh Oraon, Culture Minister Amar Kumar Bauri, Secretary of the Department Manish Ranjan, national convener of Pragya Pravah J Nand Kumar, Vice Chancellor of CUJ Nand Kumar Indu and host of luminaries were present on the occasion.
With the Investors Summit about a week away, memorandums of understanding for production in the aroma sector amounting to Rs 630 crore were signed in the presence of chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat here on Monday. MoUs amounting to more than Rs 61,000 crore have been signed so far.

Speaking on the occasion, Rawat said that there are major possibilities in the aroma sector. He said that the state has been receiving a positive response. The State government had recently introduced the aroma policy. This sector has scope for generating employment for locals in the mountainous regions, he added.

A total of three MoUs in the aroma sector were signed on the occasion.

The first MoU was signed between the State government and and Essential Oils Association of India. The firm will invest Rs 500 crore in Uttarakhand which will generate employment for 11,000 people directly or indirectly. The distillation and extraction of essential oils will be done from aromatic produce. The firm will produce perfume, flavour, incense and deodorant along with production of different aromatic products.

Sugandh Vyapar Sangh also signed an MoU with state government with a proposal to invest Rs 50 crore. Under the MoU, the firm will produce fragrance, flavour and perfumed oil.
Aiming to clear backlog of cases and provide speedy justice to the people, the state government will appoint over 600 judges in district courts by the end of this fiscal. The process of appointment will start from November.

Law and Justice Minister Brijesh Pathak said that there were around 2,500 posts of judges in the state of which 630 posts were lying vacant. The process to appoint civil junior judges will start from November and we expect that the appointments will be made by March next year so that the newly-appointed judges are sent for training, he said.

We want to complete the appointment process by this fiscal only. UP Public Services Commission has initiated the process. Once the appointments are made, we will have enough bench strength to clear the backlog of cases. This will, in turn, provide speedy justice to the masses, Pathak told The Pioneer in Lucknow on Monday.

The Law Minister said that the government was committed to providing speedy justice to the people and therefore it had decided to set up 125 fast track courts and 11 family courts.

We will also have 13 commercial adalats to deal with commercial cases. Besides, all district headquarters will have permanent lok adalats.

The government is also going to appoint 35 new chief judicial magistrates by March next year. All new adalats and appointments have been cleared by the Cabinet and ground work is being done to give a final shape to the mission, Pathak said.

The minister said that the government had also directed government advocates not to seek fresh dates unnecessarily for cases and plead cases efficiently without any delay.

It has come to our notice that sometimes government advocates unnecessarily linger cases by seeking fresh dates. We are keeping an eye on those advocates who are known for delaying cases, he said.

When asked about the government decision to withdraw criminal cases against political leaders, Pathak said the process was on and over 2,500 cases had been withdrawn.

We have received over 25,000 applications but only political cases are being withdrawn after careful scrutiny. Beneficiaries in this process are leaders from all parties. Even political cases against Bahujan Samaj Party, Samajwadi Party and Congress leaders have been withdrawn, Pathak said.
The Delhi High Court on Monday allowed Gautam Navlakha, one of the five rights activists arrested in connection with Koregaon-Bhima case, to be freed from the house arrest.

The high court granted him the relief saying that the Supreme Court last week had given him the liberty to approach the appropriate forum within four weeks to seek further recourse, which he has availed.

The high court also quashed the trial court's transit remand order which he had challenged before the matter was taken to the apex court.

Navlakha's detention has exceeded 24 hours which was "untenable", the high court said.

A bench of Justices S Muralidhar and Vinod Goel set aside the August 28 order of chief metropolitan magistrate granting transit remand of Navlakha saying there was non-compliance of basic provisions of the Constitution and the CrPC which were mandatory in nature.

The bench said the trial court order was unsustainable in law.

"In view of Section 56 read with Section 57 of the CrPC and absence of remand order of the CMM, the detention of the petitioner has clearly exceeded 24 hours which is untenable in law. Consequently the house arrest of the petitioner comes to an end now," the court said.

It made it clear that this order will not preclude the state of Maharashtra from proceeding further.

When the counsel for Maharashtra government sought the court to extend Navlakha's house arrest by two more days as the apex court has also extended it by four weeks, the bench said, the counsel has overlooked that the top court has passed this order to enable the activist to avail appropriate legal remedy.

The high court allowed the petition filed on behalf of Navlakha challenging his arrest and the transit remand order of the trial court.

Navlakha was arrested from the national capital on August 28. The other four activists were arrested from different parts of the country.

The Maharashtra police had arrested the activists on August 28 in connection with an FIR lodged following a conclave -- 'Elgaar Parishad' -- held on December 31 last year that had allegedly triggered violence later at Koregaon-Bhima village in the state.

The five activists -- Varavara Rao, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj and Gautam Navlakha -- were put under house arrest on August 29 following an apex court order on the plea by historian Romila Thapar, economists Prabhat Patnaik and Devaki Jain, sociology professor Satish Deshpande and human rights lawyer Maja Daruwala against the police action.

Prominent Telugu poet Rao was arrested on August 28 from Hyderabad, while activists Gonsalves and Ferreira were nabbed from Mumbai, trade union activist Sudha Bharadwaj from Faridabad in Haryana and civil liberties activist Navlakha from Delhi.
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Ltd., Profab Services Pte Ltd, Quality Tubing FSC, R&M C.V., R&M Canada Cooperatief U.A., R&M Energy Systems Australia Pty Ltd., R&M Energy Systems de Argentina S.A., R&M Energy Systems de Venezuela, R&M Environmental Strategies, R&M Singapore Holding LLC, R&M UK Holding LLC, RE.MAC.UT. S.r.l., RHI Holding LLC, ReedHycalog, ReedHycalog International Holding, ReedHycalog LLC, ReedHycalog UK Limited, Robannic Overseas Finance A.V.V., Robbins & Myers, Robbins & Myers (Suzhou) Process Equipment Company Limited, Robbins & Myers B.V., Robbins & Myers Foundation, Robbins & Myers GP LLC, Robbins & Myers Holdings, Robbins & Myers Holdings UK Limited, Robbins & Myers Inc, Robbins & Myers Italia S.R.L., Robbins & Myers N.V., Rodic S.A. de C.V., Romaco S.a.r.l., STAR Sudamtex Tubulares S.A., STBH2O TUNISIE, STSA, Screen Manufacturing Company Unlimited, Seabox AS, Slip Clutch Systems Limited, Smart Drilling GmbH, Soil Recovery A/S, South Seas Inspection, Subseaflex Holding ApS, T-3 Energy Preferred Industries Mexico, T-3 Energy Services, T-3 Energy Services Cayman, T-3 Energy Services Cayman Holdings, T-3 Energy Services India Private Limited, T-3 Energy Services Mexico, T-3 Investment Corporation IV, T-3 Mexican Holdings, TVI Holdings, Telluride Insurance Limited, Tianjin Grant TPCO Drilling Tools Company Limited, Tube-Kote, Tubo-FGS, Tuboscope & Co. LLC, Tuboscope (Holding U.S.) LLC, Tuboscope Brandt de Venezuela, Tuboscope Machining Services AS, Tuboscope Norge AS, Tuboscope Pipeline Services Inc., Tuboscope Services, Tuboscope Vetco (Deutschland) GmbH, Tuboscope Vetco (France) SAS, Tuboscope Vetco (Oesterreich) GmbH, Tuboscope Vetco Canada ULC, Tuboscope Vetco Capital Limited, Tuboscope Vetco Moscow CJSC, Tuboscope Vetco de Argentina S.A., Tubular Coatings Solutions Ltd., Tucom Composites Polyester Sanayi Ticaret Ltd., Varco BJ B.V., Varco CIS, Varco Canada ULC, Varco I/P, Varco International de Venezuela, Varco L.P., Varco US Holdings LLC, Vetco Coating GmbH, Vetco Enterprise GmbH, Vetco Saudi Arabia Ltd., Visible Assets, Wilson International, Woolley, XL Systems, XL Systems Antilles, XL Systems Europe B.V., XL Systems International, voestalpine Middle East Free Zone Establishment, voestalpine Tubulars Corporation, voestalpine Tubulars GmbH, and voestalpine Tubulars GmbH & Co KG.
ICICI Bank Ltd. engages in the provision of banking and financial services, which includes retail banking, corporate banking, and treasury operations. It operates through the following segments: Retail Banking, Wholesale Banking, Treasury, Other Banking, Life Insurance, General Insurance, and Others. The Retail Banking segment includes exposures of the bank, which satisfy the four qualifying criteria of regulatory retail portfolio as stipulated by the Reserve Bank of India guidelines on the Basel III framework. The Wholesale Banking segment deals with all advances to trusts, partnership firms, companies, and statutory bodies, by the Bank which are not included in the Retail Banking segment. The Treasury segment handles the entire investment portfolio of the bank. The Other Banking segment comprises leasing operations and other items not attributable to any particular business segment of the bank. The company was founded on January 5, 1994 and is headquartered in Mumbai, India.

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SociAtA GAnArale SociAtA anonyme provides financial services in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and France. The company offers retail banking services, including deposits and loans, vehicles and asset management, corporate finance, insurance, payments, investment, and online brokerage and financial information services; Internet, mobile, telephone, and service platforms; and online banking to individual and professional customers, businesses, non-profit associations and local authorities under the Societe Generale, CrAdit du Nord, and Boursorama Banque brands. It also provides international retail banking and financial services, comprising of deposit and loan products; consumer finance and car finance; mortgage facilities; corporate and investment banking; infrastructure, renewable energies, and agribusiness financing; life, retirement savings, and personal protection insurance products; vehicle leasing and fleet management services; and vendor and equipment finance services to corporate and individual customers. In addition, the company offers capital market services, such as fixed income and currencies, equities, and securities services; mergers and acquisitions, advisory and other corporate finance advisory services, and corporate banking and investment banking, as well as capital raising solutions for debt or equity, financial engineering, and hedging for issuers; transaction and payment services, comprising of cash management, trade finance, cash clearing and correspondent banking, supply chain finance, and foreign exchange services; and export finance, aircraft finance, shipping finance, real estate finance, and structured solutions and leasing. Further, it provides financial engineering and wealth management solutions; structured products, hedge funds, mutual funds, private equity funds and real estate investment solutions; and asset management solutions. SociAtA GAnArale SociAtA anonyme was founded in 1864 and is headquartered in Paris, France.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Accenture: 2nd Road, 2nd Road Pty Ltd., ?What If!, ?What If! China Holdings Ltd, ?What If! Holdings Limited, ?What If! Innovation Singapore Holdings Pte, ?What If! Limited, ?What If! Shanghai Co. Ltd, ?What If! USA LLC, ACN Consulting Co Ltd, AD Dialeto Agencia de Publicidade SA, AD.Dialeto (Digital Agency acquired by Accenture), AGS Business and Technology Services Limited, ASM Research Inc., ASM Research LLC, ATAN, Accenture (Beijing) Mobile Technology Co Ltd, Accenture (Botswana) (Proprietary) Limited, Accenture (China) Co Ltd, Accenture (Shenzhen) Technology Co. Ltd., Accenture (South Africa) (Proprietary) Limited, Accenture (South Africa) Pty Limited, Accenture (UK) Ltd, Accenture 2 Business Process Services S.A., Accenture 2 LLC, Accenture A/S, Accenture AB, Accenture AG, Accenture AS, Accenture Africa Pty Ltd, Accenture Australia Holding B.V., Accenture Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, Accenture Australia Pty Ltd, Accenture Azerbaijan Ltd, Accenture BPM Operations Support Services S.A., Accenture BPM S.C.R.L., Accenture BV, Accenture Branch Holdings B.V., Accenture Bulgaria EOOD, Accenture Business Services for Utilities Inc, Accenture Business Services of British Columbia Limited Partnership, Accenture Business and Technology Services LLC, Accenture C.A, Accenture CAS GmbH, Accenture Canada Holdings Inc., Accenture Capital DAC, Accenture Capital Inc, Accenture Central Europe B.V., Accenture Chile Asesorias y Servicios Ltda, Accenture Cloud Services GmbH, Accenture Cloud Software Solutions Ltd, Accenture Cloud Solutions Australia Pty Ltd, Accenture Cloud Solutions LLC, Accenture Cloud Solutions Ltd, Accenture Cloud Solutions Pty Ltd, Accenture Co Ltd, Accenture Co Ltd., Accenture Communications Infrastructure Solutions Ltd, Accenture Company Ltd, Accenture Consulting Services Ltd Tanzania, Accenture Consultores de Gestao S.A., Accenture Consultoria de Industria e Consumo Ltda, Accenture Consultoria de Recursos Naturais Ltda, Accenture Credit Services LLC, Accenture Customer Services Distribution SAS, Accenture Customer Services Limited, Accenture Danismanlik Limited Sirketi, Accenture Defined Benefit Pension Plan Trustees Ltd, Accenture Defined Contribution Pension Plan Trustees Ltd, Accenture Delivery Poland sp. z o.o., Accenture Dienstleistungen GmbH, Accenture Digital France Holdings SA, Accenture Digital Holdings GmbH, Accenture East Africa Limited, Accenture Ecuador S.A., Accenture Egypt LLC, Accenture Enterprise Development (Shanghai) Co Ltd., Accenture Federal Services LLC, Accenture Finance (Gibraltar) III Ltd, Accenture Finance GmbH, Accenture Finance GmbH in liquidation, Accenture Finance II GmbH, Accenture Finance II GmbH in liquidation, Accenture Finance II Ltd, Accenture Finance Limited, Accenture Finance and Accounting BPO Services S.p.A., Accenture Finance and Accounting Services Srl, Accenture Flex LLC, Accenture GP LLC, Accenture Ghana Limited, Accenture Global Holdings Ltd., Accenture Global Services Ltd, Accenture Global Solutions Ltd, Accenture GmbH, Accenture HR Services Ltd, Accenture HR Services S.p.A., Accenture Healthcare Processing Inc., Accenture Holding GmbH, Accenture Holding GmbH & Co. KG, Accenture Holding GmbH in liquidation, Accenture Holdings (Iberia) S.L., Accenture Holdings B.V., Accenture Holdings France SAS, Accenture Holdings plc, Accenture Hungary Holdings Kft, Accenture Inc, Accenture Industrial Software Limited Liability Company (Accenture Endustriyel Yazylym Cozumleri Limited irketi), Accenture Industrial Software Limited Liability Company (Accenture Endustriyel Yazlm Cozumleri Limited Sirketi), Accenture Industrial Software Solutions Kft, Accenture Industrial Software Solutions SA, Accenture Insurance Services LLC, Accenture Insurance Services SAS, Accenture Insurance Services SpA, Accenture International BV, Accenture International Capital SCA, Accenture International LLC, Accenture International Limited, Accenture International Sarl, Accenture Japan Ltd, Accenture Korea BV, Accenture LLC, Accenture LLP, Accenture Lanka (Private) Ltd, Accenture Limited, Accenture Ltd, Accenture Ltda, Accenture Maghreb S.a.r.l., Accenture Managed Services SRL, Accenture Managed Services SpA, Accenture Management GmbH, Accenture Middle East B.V, Accenture Middle East BV, Accenture Minority I BV, Accenture Minority III Ltd, Accenture Mozambique Limitada, Accenture Mzansi (Pty) Ltd, Accenture NV/SA, Accenture NZ Limited, Accenture Newco LLC, Accenture Nova Scotia Unlimited Liability Co., Accenture OOO, Accenture Operations Sp. z o.o., Accenture Outsourcing SRL, Accenture Outsourcing Services, Accenture Outsourcing Services S.A., Accenture Oy, Accenture Panama Inc, Accenture Participations BV, Accenture Participations II Limited, Accenture Peru S.R.L, Accenture Peru S.R.L., Accenture Post Trade Processing SAS, Accenture Post-Trade Processing Limited, Accenture Process Ltd, Accenture Product Lifecycle Services, Accenture Properties, Accenture Pte Ltd, Accenture Puerto Rico LLC, Accenture S.A., Accenture S.C., Accenture S.L., Accenture S.R.L., Accenture SAS, Accenture SG Services Pte Ltd, Accenture SRL, Accenture Saudi Arabia Limited, Accenture Sendirian Berhad, Accenture Service Center SRL, Accenture Services (Mauritius) Ltd, Accenture Services AB, Accenture Services AG, Accenture Services AS, Accenture Services GmbH, Accenture Services Ltd, Accenture Services Morocco SA, Accenture Services Oy, Accenture Services Pty Ltd, Accenture Services S.r.l., Accenture Services SRL, Accenture Services Sp. z o.o., Accenture Services Sp. z.o.o., Accenture Services and Technology Srl, Accenture Services fur Kreditinstitute GmbH, Accenture Services s.r.o., Accenture Servicos Administrativos Ltda, Accenture Servicos de Suporte de Negocios Ltda, Accenture Solutions Co Ltd, Accenture Solutions Private Limited, Accenture Solutions Pte Ltd, Accenture Solutions Pty Ltd, Accenture Solutions Sdn Bhd, Accenture Sp. z o.o., Accenture Sp. z.o.o., Accenture SpA, Accenture State Healthcare Services LLC, Accenture Sub II Inc., Accenture Sub Inc, Accenture Sub LLC, Accenture Systems Integration Limited, Accenture Sarl, Accenture Tanacsado Kolatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Accenture Tanacsado Kolatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag KFT, Accenture Technologia, Accenture Technologia Consultoria e Outsourcing S.A., Accenture Technology Infrastructure Services Pty Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions (Dalian) Co Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions (HK) Co. Ltd., Accenture Technology Solutions (Thailand) Co. Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions - Solucoes Informaticas Integradas, Accenture Technology Solutions - Solucoes Informaticas Integradas S.A., Accenture Technology Solutions GmbH, Accenture Technology Solutions Oy, Accenture Technology Solutions Pty Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions S.A. de C.V., Accenture Technology Solutions SAS, Accenture Technology Solutions SRL, Accenture Technology Solutions Sdn. Bhd., Accenture Technology Solutions Slovakia s.r.o., Accenture Technology Ventures BV, Accenture Technology Ventures S.P.R.L., Accenture Uruguay SRL, Accenture Vietnam Co., Accenture Vietnam Co. LTD, Accenture Zambia Limited, Accenture do Brasil Limitada, Accenture plc, Accenture s.r.o., Acceria, Acquity Customer Insight Limited, Acquity Group, Adaptly LLC, Adaptly UK Limited, AddVal Technology, Adqptly, Advantium Inc., Agave Consultants Limited, Agilex Technologies Inc., Allen International, Allen International Consulting Group Ltd, Alnova Technologies Corporation S.L., AlphaBeta Advisors, Altima, Altima Asia Ltd., Altima SAS, Altitude, Altitude LLC, Analytics 8 LP, Analytics 8 Pty Ltd, Analytics8, Aorui Advertising (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Apis, Appaloosa Technology SAS, Arca, Ariba - BPO, Arismore, Aspiro Solutions (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Avanade, Avanade (Guangzhou) Computer Technology Development Co. Ltd., Avanade (Thailand) Co Ltd, Avanade Asia Pte Ltd, Avanade Australia Pty Ltd, Avanade Belgium SPRL, Avanade Canada Inc., Avanade Denmark A/S, Avanade Denmark ApS, Avanade Deutschland GmbH, Avanade Europe Holdings Ltd, Avanade Europe Services Ltd, Avanade Federal Services LLC, Avanade Finland Oy, Avanade France SAS, Avanade GZ Computer Technology Development Co. Ltd. (SH), Avanade Guangzhou, Avanade Holdings LLC, Avanade Hong Kong Ltd, Avanade International Corporation, Avanade Ireland Limited, Avanade Italy SRL, Avanade KK, Avanade Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avanade Netherlands BV, Avanade Norway AS, Avanade Poland Sp. z o.o., Avanade Poland Sp. z.o.o., Avanade Schweiz GmbH, Avanade South Africa, Avanade South Africa Pty Ltd, Avanade Spain SL, Avanade Sweden AB, Avanade UK Ltd, Avanade do Brasil Limitada, Avanade Osterreich GmbH, AvantBiz Consulting Limited, Avenai, Axia Ltd., BABCN LLC, BCT Solutions, BCT Solutions Pty Ltd, BPO Servicos Administrativos Ltda, BRIDGE Energy Group, Beacon Consulting Group Inc., Beijing Genesis Interactive Technology Co. Ltd., Benext, Bionic, Blue Horseshoe, Boomerang Pharmaceutical Communications, Boomerang Pharmaceuticals Communications Ireland Limited, Bow & Arrow, Brand Learning, Brand Learning Group Limited, Brand Learning LLC, Brand Learning Ltd, Brand Learning Partners Limited, Brand Learning Pte Limited, Bridge Energy Group LLC, Brightstep AB, Byte Prophecy, CAS, CRMWaypoint, CadenceQuest Inc., Capable Marketer Limited, Capgemini - North American health practice, Capital Consultancy Services Inc., Certus Solutions Consulting Services Ltd, Certus Solutions Ltd, ChangeTrack Research Pty Ltd., Chaotic Moon Studios, Chengdu Mensa Advertising Co. Ltd., Cimation, Cimation UK Limited, Cirruseo, Cirruseo SAS, Clarity Insights, Clearhead, Clearhead Group, Clearhead Group LLC, ClientHouse GmbH, Cloud Sherpas, Cloud Sherpas (GA) LLC, Cloud Sherpas (SN) (PTE.) Limited, Cloud Sherpas New Zealand Ltd., Cloud Talent Limited, Cloudsherpas, Cloudsherpas Inc., Cloudworks, Codagenic Pty. Ltd., Computer Research and Telecommunications LLC, Concrete Desenvolvimento de Sistemas Ltda., Concrete Solutions, Concrete Solutions Ltda., Context Information Security, Coritel S.A., Corliant Inc., CreativeDrive, CustomerWorks Europe SL, Cutting Edge Solutions Ltd, D5 Global Holdings LLC, DAZ Systems Inc, DAZ Systems LLC, DAZSI Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd., DMA Solutions Limited, Davies Consulting, DayNine Consulting, DayNine Consulting (Australia) PTY LTD, DayNine Consulting (Deutschland) GmbH, DayNine Consulting (New Zealand) Limited, DayNine Consulting France SAS, DayNine Consulting Japan K.K., DayNine Consulting LLC, Declarative Holdings, Declarative Holdings LLC, Defense Point Security, Deja vu Security, Design Strategy and Research de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Designaffairs LLC, Digiplug S.A.S., Digiplug SAS, Digital Consulting & Software Services LLC, Droga5, Droga5 LLC, Droga5 Studios LLC, Droga5 UK Ltd., Duck Creek Technologies, Duck Creek Technologies LLC, Deja Vu Security LLC, ESR Labs, Elcurator SAS, Enaxis Consulting, Enaxis Consulting L.P., End-to-End Analytics, Energuia Web, Energuia Web S.A., Energy Management Brokers Ltd., Energy Quote Private Ltd., EnergyQuote JHA, EnergyQuote JHA Ltd., EnergyQuote Trading Ltd., Enimbos, Enkitec, Enterprise System Partners, Enterprise System Partners B.V. , Enterprise System Partners Bilisim Danismanlik Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Enterprise System Partners Global Corporation, Enterprise System Partners Limited, Enterprise System Partners PR LLC, Enterprise System Partners S.A.S., Entropia, Epylon, Ethica Consulting Group, Evopro Group, Exactside Limited, Exton Consulting, Fairway Technologies Inc, Fairway Technologies LLC, Filmproduction ApS, First Annapolis Consulting, First Annapolis Consulting Inc., First Annapolis Consulting LLC, First Annapolis International, Fjord, Focus Group Europe, Focus Group Europe Limited, Formicary, Formicary Holdings Limited, Formicary Limited, FusionX, FutureMove Automotive, Gapso Servicos de Informatica Ltda., Genfour, Genfour Limited, George Group Consulting L.P., Gestalt LLC, Gestion Altima Canada Inc., Gevity, Global Public Firm S.L., GlobalView SAS, GoodFilm GmbH Filmproduktion Stuttgart, H.B. Maynard and Co. Inc., HRC Retail Advisory, Hagberg Consulting Group, Hangzhou Aiyunzhe Technology Co. Ltd., Happen, Hjaltelin Stahl, Hjaltelin Stahl K/S, Hytracc Consulting AS, Hytracc Consulting Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Hytracc Consulting UK Limited, Hytracc Holding AS, I-Faber S.p.A., IBB Consulting, IMJ Corp, IMJ Corporation, INCAD, INSITUM, IT One Company Limited, ITBS Servicios Bancarios de Tecnologia de la Informacion SL, Icon Integration, Imagine Broadband (USA) Ltd, Imagine Broadband USA LLC, Imaginea Inc, Industrie&Co, Infoman AG, Infoman Schweiz AG, Informatica de Euskadi S.L., Infusion Development Inc., Infusion Development UK Limited, InfusionDev LLC, Innoveer Solutions India Pvt Ltd, Insitum Consultoria Argentina SRL, Insitum Consultoria Brasil LTDA, Insitum Consultoria Colombia SAS, Insitum Consultoria Europa SL, Insitum Consultoria Peru SAC, Insitum Consultoria S.A. de C.V., Intrepid, Intrigo Systems Inc, Intrigo Systems India Pvt. Limited, Intrigo Systems LLC, Inventor Advertisement (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Inventor Technology Limited, InvestTech, Investtech Systems Consulting LLC, Javelin Group, Javelin Group (Bulgaria) EOOD, Javelin Group Limited (UK), Javelin Group SASU, K Comms Group Limited, KCS.net AG, KCS.net AG West, KCS.net Deutschland GmbH, KCS.net Holding AG, KCS.net Osterreich GmbH, Kaper Communications Limited, Karma Communications Debtco Limited, Karma Communications Group Limited, Karma Communications Holdings Limited, Karmarama, Karmarama Comms Limited, Karmarama Limited, Knowledge Rules Inc., Knowledgent, Knowledgent Group LLC, Kogentix, Kogentix LLC, Kogentix Ltd, Kogentix Singapore Pte. Ltd, Kogentix Technologies Private Limited, Kolle Rebbe, Kolle Rebbe GmbH, Kream Comms Limited, Kunstmaan, Kunstmaan NV, Kurt Salmon, Kurt Salmon Canada LTD, Kurt Salmon UKI, Kurt Salmon UKI Ltd., Kurt Salmon US LLC, LEXTA, LINKBYNET, LabAnswer, LabAnswer Government, LemonXL Limited, Logistics Market Place Limited (UK), Loud & Clear Creative Pty Ltd, MAXIM Systems Inc., MCG US Holdings LLC, Mackevision CG Technology and Service (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Mackevision Corporation, Mackevision Japan Co. Ltd., Mackevision Korea Ltd, Mackevision Medien Design, Mackevision Medien Design GmbH, Mackevision Singapore Pte. Ltd., Mackevision UK Ltd, Maglan, Maglan Information Defense Technologies Research Ltd., Maihiro, Matter, Matter Llc, Maud Corp Pty Limited, Maxamine International, Media Audits Ltd., Media Hive, Mediasenz Pty Ltd., Meredith Specialty LLC, Meredith Xcelerated Marketing, Meredith Xcelerated Marketing Corporation, Meridian Informed Purchasing Ltd., Mindtribe, Mindtribe Product Engineering LLC, MobGen, MobGen Technology S.L, Moonrise NV, Mortgage Cadence, Mortgage Cadence an Accenture Company, Most Champion Ltd, Mudano, N3 LLC, NBS Marketing Inc., NYTEC, Nanjing Demeng Advertising Co. Ltd., Nashco Consulting, NaviSys Inc., NellArmonia, Neo Metrics Analytics S.L., Neo Metrics Chile, Neo Metrics Chile S.A., New Content, New Content Chile SpA, New Content Editora e Produtora Ltda., New Energy Aborda, New Energy Associates Ltd, New Energy Group, New Energy S.r.l., NewsPage, NewsPage (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, NewsPage China Ltd., NewsPage Pte Ltd, Nice Agency Limited, Northstream, Northstream AB, Northstream Holding AB, OCTO Technology, OPS Rules Management Consultants, Octagon Research Solutions Inc., Octo Technology LTDA, Octo Technology Pty Ltd, Octo Technology SA, Octo Technology SPRL, Octoman SAS, Odgaard ApS, Olikka, Openmind, Openminded, Operaciones Accenture S.A. de C.V., OpusLine, Orbium, Orbium Consulting Ltd, Orbium GmbH, Orbium Holding AG, Orbium Inc., Orbium International AG, Orbium International sp. z o.o., Orbium Licences AG, Orbium Limited, Orbium Pte. Ltd., Orbium Pty Ltd, Orbium Services sp. z o.o., Orbium Sarl, Origin Digital, PCO Innovation, PCO Innovation Canada Inc., PCO Innovation EURL, PIXO PUNCH Limited, PLM Systems S.r.l, POC Holdings, PRION GmbH, PT Accenture, PT Asta Catur Indra, PT Kogentix Teknologi Indonesia, Pach Invest SARL, Pach Invest SAS, PacificLink Group, PacificLink iMedia Ltd., Paja Finanssipalvelut Oy, Parker Fitzgerald Inc, Parker Fitzgerald Inc., Parker Fitzgerald International Limited, Parker Fitzgerald Limited, Parker Fitzgerald PTY Ltd, Parker Fitzgerald Services Limited, Parker Fitzgerald Solutions Limited, Partners Technology Mexico Holdings BV, Pecaso Ltd., Pegasus Production K/S, Perseroan Terbatas. Accenture, Phase One Consulting Group, Pillar Technology, Pollux, Pragsis Bidoop, Pragsis Bidoop UK Ltd, Pragsis Technologies S.L, PrimeQ, PrimeQ Australia Pty Ltd, PrimeQ Ltd, PrimeQ NZ Pty Ltd, Procurian Germany GmbH, Procurian Inc., Procurian International I LLC, Procurian International II LLC, Procurian LLC, Procurian Singapore Pte. Ltd., Procurian Switzerland GmbH, Procurian USA LLC, Proquire LLC, PureApps Ltd., Qi Jie Beijing Information Technologies Co Ltd, Radiant Services, Radiant Services LLC, Random Walk Computing Inc., Reactive Media Limited, Reactive Media Pty Ltd., Real Protect, Realworld OO Systems Ltd., Redcore, Redcore (Asia) Pte Ltd, Redcore (India) Private Limited (India), Redcore (New Zealand) Limited, Redcore Group Holdings Pty Ltd, Redcore Pty Ltd, Renacentis IT Services, Revolutionary Security, RiskControl, Rothco, Rothco Holdings Designated Activity Company, Rothco Unlimited Company, S.C. EnergyQuote S.r.l., S3 TV Technology Limited, S3 TV Technology Ltd., SEC Servizi, SEC Servizi S.p.A., SOPIA Corp., Sagacious Consultants, Sagacious Consultants LLC, Salt Solutions, Sanchez Capital Services Pvt Ltd, Schlumberger Business Consulting, Seabury Airline Planning Group, Seabury Aviation & Aerospace (UK) Limited, Seabury Aviation & Aerospace Asia (Hong Kong) Limited, Seabury Aviation Consulting LLC, Seabury Cargo Advisory B.V., Seabury Consulting, Seabury Corporate Advisors LLC, Seabury Human Capital LLC, Seabury Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Seabury Structured Finance LLC, Search Technologies BPO, Search Technologies BPO Inc., Search Technologies GmbH, Search Technologies International LLC, Search Technologies LATAM, Search Technologies LATAM S.A., Search Technologies LLC, Search Technologies Limited, Sente Partners LLC, Sentelis, Servicios Tecnicos de Programacion Accenture S.C., Shackleton, Shackleton Barcelona S.L., Shackleton Chile S.A., Shackleton Madrid S.L., Shackleton S.A., Shanghai Baiyue Advertising Co. Ltd., Shun Zhe Technology Development Co. Ltd., Silveo, Simian Pty Limited, SinnerSchrader, SinnerSchrader AG, SinnerSchrader Commerce GmbH, SinnerSchrader Content GmbH, SinnerSchrader Deutschland GmbH, SinnerSchrader Praha s.r.o., SinnerSchrader Swipe GmbH, Sistemes Consulting S.L., Solutions IQ, Solutions IQ LLC, SolutionsIQ, SolutionsIQ India Consulting Services Private Limited, Storm Digital, Storm Digital B.V., Structure Consulting Group, Structure Consulting Group LLC, Sutter Mills, Systor AG, TQuila Limited (UK), Tadata Creative Unlimited Company, Tara Insurance DAC, Tara Risk DAC, TargetST8, TargetST8 Consulting LLC, Tech - Avanade Portugal Unipessoal Lda, Tecnilogica Ecosistemas S.A., Tecnilogica Ltd., Tecnilogica, The Brand Learning Partners Limited, The Callisto Integration Corporation, The Monkeys, The Monkeys Pty Limited, The Myrtle Group, Total Logistics, Total Logistics Supply Chain Consultants Limited, Tquila, Trivadis AG, Troop Studios Pty Ltd, VanBerlo, Verax Solutions, Verax Solutions Corporation, Vertical Retail Consulting (Shanghai) Ltd., Vertical Retail Consulting Hong Kong, Vertical Retail Consulting Hong Kong Ltd., Vertical Retail Consulting Ltd., Vivere Brasil Servicos e Solucoes SA, Vivere Brasil Solucoes De Credito Ltda., Wabion GmbH, Weblinc Pty Ltd, Wire Stone, Wire Stone LLC, Wire Stone Sarl, Wolox, Workforce Insight, Yesler, Zag, Zenta, Zenta Global Philippines, Zenta Global Philippines Inc., Zenta Mortgage Services LLC, Zenta Recoveries Inc, Zenta US Holdings Inc., Zielpuls, Zielpuls (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zielpuls GmbH, avVenta, designaffairs, designaffairs Business Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., designaffairs GmbH, designaffairs group China Co. Ltd., dgroup, i4C Analytics, iDefense, and solid-serVision.com GmbH.
Imperial Brands PLC, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, imports, markets, and sells tobacco and tobacco-related products. It offers a range of cigarettes, fine cut and smokeless tobacco, papers, and cigars; and next generation product (NGP) portfolio, such as e-vapour products, as well as oral nicotine and heated tobacco products. The company sells its products under various brands, including Davidoff, Gauloises, JPS, West, L&B, Bastos, Fine, Winston, News, Parker & Simpson, blu, Kool, Horizon, Jade, Cohiba, Montecristo, Romeo Y Julieta, Backwoods, Skruf, Golden Virginia, Rizla, and Knox in approximately 160 countries worldwide. It also provides logistics services that include the distribution of tobacco and NGP products for tobacco and NGP product manufacturers; and various non-tobacco and NGP products and services. In addition, the company is involved in the management of a golf course; marketing of papers; restaurant business; distribution of pharmaceuticals, POS software, and published materials and other products; printing and publishing activities; and provision of long haul transportation, industrial parcel and express delivery, advertising, and support management services. Further, it owns the trademarks; and retails its products. The company was formerly known as Imperial Tobacco Group PLC and changed its name to Imperial Brands PLC in February 2016. Imperial Brands PLC was founded in 1901 and is headquartered in Bristol, the United Kingdom.

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Infineon Technologies AG designs, develops, manufactures, and markets semiconductors and related system solutions worldwide. Its Automotive segment offers automotive microcontrollers; 3D ToF, magnetic, and pressure sensors; discrete power semiconductors; IGBT modules; industrial microcontrollers; power and radar sensor integrated circuits (ICs); transceivers; silicon carbide diodes, MOSEFTs, and modules; and voltage regulators for use in assistance and safety systems, comfort electronics, infotainment, powertrain, and security products. The company's Industrial Power Control segment provides bare dies, discrete IGBTs, driver ICs, SIC diodes, and IGBT modules and stacks for home appliances, industrial drives, industrial power supplies, industrial robotics, industrial vehicles, and traction, as well as for energy generation, storage, and transmission. Its Power & Sensor Systems segment offers gas sensors, MEMS microphones, and pressure sensors chips; discrete low-voltage, mid-voltage, and high-voltage power MOSFETs; control ICs; customized chips; GaN power switches; GPS low-noise amplifiers; low-voltage and high-voltage driver ICs; radar sensor ICs; RF antenna switches and power transistors; transient voltage suppressor diodes; and USB controllers for use in audio amplifiers, automotive electronics, BLDC motors, cellular communications infrastructure, electric vehicle charging stations, human machine interaction, high-reliability components, Internet of Things, LED and conventional lighting systems, mobile devices, and power management applications. The company's Connected Secure Systems segment provides connectivity solutions, embedded security controllers, microcontrollers, and security controllers for authentication, automotive, consumer electronics, government identification document, Internet of Things, mobile communication, payment system, ticketing, access control, and trusted computing applications. Infineon Technologies AG is headquartered in Munich, Germany.

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Phoenix Group Holdings plc engages in the long-term savings and retirement busines in Europe. The company operates through UK Heritage, UK Open, Europe, ReAssure, and Management Services segments. It engages in the management of insurance policies, which include active and closed life insurance products. The company also provides workplace pensions, and customer savings and investments products under the Standard Life brand. Its retirement solutions business includes vesting annuities and bulk purchase annuity business, where it acquires annuities and deliver the financial stability for secure pensions. The company also offers a range of financial products for the over 50s market under the SunLife brand, which cover life cover, equity release, funeral plans, and home insurance. Phoenix Group Holdings plc has a strategic partnership with Standard Life Aberdeen plc. The company was formerly known as Pearl Group and changed its name to Phoenix Group Holdings plc in March 2010. Phoenix Group Holdings plc was founded in 1782 and is based in London, the United Kingdom.

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Stantec Inc. provides professional consulting services in the area of infrastructure and facilities in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company provides consulting services in engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, surveying, environmental sciences, project management, and project economics. It also offers water, transportation, and public works; transportation planning and traffic engineering; and resource assessment, mine development, reclamation, hydrology, and geotechnical and infrastructure engineering services, as well as urban planning, traffic assessments and optimization, environmental impact assessments, and public consultation services. In addition, the company provides structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and hydraulics engineering services. It serves urban regeneration, infrastructure, education, public and private sector, tourism and leisure, and waste and water sectors, as well as office and commercial, residential, and retail and town centers. The company was formerly known as Stanley Technology Group Inc. and changed its name to Stantec Inc. in October 1998. Stantec Inc. was founded in 1954 and is headquartered in Edmonton, Canada.

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Anadarko Petroleum Corporation engages in the exploration, development, production, and marketing of oil and gas properties. It operates through three segments: Exploration and Production, WES Midstream, and Other Midstream. The company explores for and produces oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). It is also involved in gathering, processing, treating, and transporting oil, natural-gas, and NGLs production, as well as the gathering and disposal of produced water. The company's oil and natural gas properties are located in the United States onshore and deepwater Gulf of Mexico; and Algeria, Ghana, Mozambique, Colombia, Peru, and other countries. As of December 31, 2018, it had approximately 1.5 billion barrels of oil equivalent of proved reserves. The company was founded in 1959 and is headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Jabil: AOC Technologies (Wuhan) Co. Ltd. (China), AOC Technologies Inc. (US), Badger Technologies LLC (US), Celetronix, Celetronix India Private Limited (India), Celetronix USA Inc. (US), Clothing Plus Hong Kong Ltd. (Hong Kong), Clothing Plus MBU Oy (Finland), Clothing Plus Zhejiang Ltd. (China), Clothing+, Ecologic Brands, F-I Holding Company (Cayman Islands), GET Manufacturing, Green Point (Suzhou) Technology Co. Ltd. (China), Green Point (Tianjin) Precision Electronic Co. Ltd. (China), Green Point (Wuxi) Electronic Technology Co. Ltd. (China), Green Point (Yantai) Precision Electronic Co. Ltd. (China), Green Point Industrial Co. Ltd. (British Virgin Islands), Green Point Precision (M) Sdn. Bhd. (Malaysia), Green Point Technology (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd. (China), Green Point Technology (Wuxi) Co. Ltd. (China), Green Prosperity Co. Ltd. (British Virgin Islands), Greenam Electricity (Proprietary) Limited (Namibia) (Jabil indirectly owns 79% of this entity), JN Global Holdings C.V. (Netherlands), JP Danshui Holding (BVI) Inc. (British Virgin Islands), Jabil (Mauritius) Holdings Ltd. (Mauritius), Jabil AMS LLC (US), Jabil Advanced Mechanical Solutions Inc. (US), Jabil Advanced Mechanical Solutions de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mexico), Jabil C.M. S.r.l. (Italy), Jabil Canada Corporation (Canada), Jabil Chihuahua Holding S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mexico), Jabil Circuit (BVI) Inc. (British Virgin Islands), Jabil Circuit (Beijing) Ltd. (China), Jabil Circuit (Guangzhou) Ltd. (China), Jabil Circuit (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. (China), Jabil Circuit (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (Singapore), Jabil Circuit (Wuxi) Co. Ltd. (China), Jabil Circuit Austria GmbH (Austria), Jabil Circuit Belgium N.V. (Belgium), Jabil Circuit Bermuda Ltd. (Bermuda), Jabil Circuit Cayman L.P. (Cayman Islands), Jabil Circuit China Limited (Hong Kong), Jabil Circuit Financial II Inc. (US), Jabil Circuit Holdings Limited (United Kingdom), Jabil Circuit Hong Kong Limited (Hong Kong), Jabil Circuit Hungary Contract Manufacturing Services Ltd. (Hungary), Jabil Circuit India Private Limited (India), Jabil Circuit Investment (China) Co. Ltd (China), Jabil Circuit Italia S.r.l. (Italy), Jabil Circuit Limited (United Kingdom), Jabil Circuit Luxembourg II S.a.r.l. (Luxembourg), Jabil Circuit Luxembourg S.a.r.l. (Luxembourg), Jabil Circuit Netherlands B.V. (Netherlands), Jabil Circuit SAS (France), Jabil Circuit Sdn Bhd (Malaysia), Jabil Circuit Technology LLC (Cayman Islands), Jabil Circuit Ukraine Limited (Ukraine), Jabil Circuit de Chihuahua S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mexico), Jabil Circuit de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mexico), Jabil Circuit of Michigan Inc. (US), Jabil DR S.R.L. (Dominican Republic), Jabil Defense and Aerospace Services LLC (US), Jabil Denmark Aps (Denmark), Jabil Dutch Mexico B.V. (Netherlands), Jabil Electronics (Weihai) Co. Ltd. (China), Jabil Energy (Namibia) (PTY) Ltd. (Namibia), Jabil Green Point Precision Electronics (Wuxi) Co. Ltd. (China), Jabil Green Point Technology (Huizhou) Co. Ltd. (China), Jabil Guadalajara Holding S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mexico), Jabil Holding S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mexico), Jabil Hungary LP Services Limited Liability Company (Hungary), Jabil India Manufacturing Private Limited (India), Jabil Industrial do Brasil Ltda. (Brazil), Jabil International Treasury Pte. Ltd (Singapore), Jabil Investment Pte. Ltd. (Singapore), Jabil Israel Ltd. (Israel), Jabil Japan Inc. (Japan), Jabil Korea International Limited (Republic of Korea), Jabil Limited Liability Company (Russian Federation), Jabil Luxembourg Manufacturing S.a.r.l. (Luxembourg), Jabil Mexico Holding S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mexico), Jabil Mexico Investment S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mexico), Jabil Monterrey S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mexico), Jabil Nypro Holding LLC (US), Jabil Nypro I LLC (US), Jabil Nypro II LLC (US), Jabil Nypro International B.V. (Netherlands), Jabil Optics Germany GmbH (Germany), Jabil Pension Trustees Limited (United Kingdom), Jabil Poland Sp. z.o.o. (Poland), Jabil Precision Industry (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd. (China), Jabil Science & Telecommunication Trading (Wuxi) Co. Ltd. (China), Jabil Sdn Bhd (Malaysia), Jabil Services Korea Limited (Republic of Korea), Jabil Silver Creek Inc. (US), Jabil South Africa (Pty) LTD (South Africa), Jabil Switzerland Manufacturing GmbH (Switzerland), Jabil Technology (Chengdu) Co. Ltd (China), Jabil Technology and Trading (Wuxi) Co. Ltd. (China), Jabil Torres S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mexico), Jabil Tuttlingen Manufacturing GmbH (Germany), Jabil Umkirch Manufacturing GmbH (Germany), Jabil Vietnam Company Limited (Vietnam), Jabil do Brasil Industria Eletroeletronica Ltda. (Brazil), Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices, Kasalis, Kasalis Inc. (US), Kuatro Technologies, Kuatro Ukraine LLC (Ukraine), Manna Renewable Energy Investments Two (Pty) Ltd (Namibia, NP Medical Inc. (US), NPA de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mexico), Nypro, Nypro Alabama LLC (US), Nypro Atlanta LLC (US), Nypro China Holdings Limited (Hong Kong), Nypro DR LLC (US), Nypro Deutschland GmbH (Germany), Nypro France SAS (France), Nypro Germany Holdings GmbH (Germany), Nypro Germany Verwaltungs B.V. & Co. KG (Germany), Nypro Guadalajara S.A. de C.V. (Mexico), Nypro Healthcare Baja Inc. (US), Nypro Healthcare GmbH (Germany), Nypro Healthcare LLC (US), Nypro Inc. (US), Nypro Iowa Inc. (US), Nypro JV Holdings Inc. (US), Nypro Limited (Ireland), Nypro Monterrey Management S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mexico), Nypro Plastics & Metal Products (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd. (China), Nypro Plastics & Molding Products (Suzhou) Co. Ltd. (China), Nypro Puerto Rico Inc. (US), Nypro Research and Developments Limited (Ireland), Nypro Spain Holding S.L.U. (Spain), Nypro Tool Hong Kong Limited (Hong Kong), Nypro de Amazonia (Brazil), Nypro de la Frontera S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mexico), NyproMold Chicago Inc. (US) (Jabil indirectly owns 50% of this entity), NyproMold Inc. (US) (Jabil indirectly owns 50% of this entity), NyproMold Investment Corp. (US) (Jabil indirectly owns 50% of this entity), PT Jabil Circuit Indonesia (Indonesia), Plasticast Hungary Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag (Hungary), Plasticos Castella S.A.U. (Spain), Radius Chicago LLC (US), Radius Hong Kong Limited (Hong Kong), Radius Innovation and Product Development (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. (China), Radius Product Development Inc. (US), Radius Product Development and Consultation (Beijing) Co. Ltd. (China), Roosevelt Insurance Company Ltd. (Cayman Islands), S.M.R. Metal Ltd. (Israel), Shay Motion Ltd. (Israel), Shemer Group, Shemer Motion (2009) Ltd. (Israel), Taiwan Green Point Enterprises, Taiwan Green Point Enterprises Co. Ltd. (British Virgin Islands), Taiwan Green Point Enterprises Co. Ltd. (Taiwan), Telmar Network Technology, TrueTech, Westing Green (Tianjin) Plastic Co. Ltd (China), Wolfe Engineering, Wolfe Engineering (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. (China), and Yen Investments 140 (Proprietary) Limited (Namibia).
Novan, Inc., a clinical development-stage biotechnology company, provides nitric oxide-based therapies to treat dermatological and oncovirus-mediated diseases. Its clinical stage dermatology drug candidates include SB204, a topical monotherapy for the treatment of acne vulgaris; SB206, a topical anti-viral gel for the treatment of viral skin infections; SB208, a topical broad-spectrum anti-fungal gel for the treatment of fungal infections of the skin and nails, including athlete's foot and fungal nail infections; and SB414, a topical cream-based gel product candidate for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. The company also develops SB207, an anti-viral product candidate for the treatment of external genital warts; WH602, a nitric oxide-containing intravaginal gel to treat high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV); WH504, a non-gel formulation product candidate to treat high-risk HPV; and SB019 for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Novan, Inc. has a license agreement with Sato Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.; and a strategic alliance with Orion Corporation. The company was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina.

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Gardner Denver Holdings, Inc. provides mission-critical flow control and compression equipment; and associated aftermarket parts, consumables, and services in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates through three segments: Industrials, Energy, and Medical. The Industrials segment designs, manufactures, markets, and services a range of air compression, vacuum, and blower products, as well as offers associated aftermarket parts, consumables, and services. Its products are used in process-critical applications, such as the operation of industrial air tools, vacuum packaging of food products, aeration of waste water, and others. This segment sells its products through an integrated network of direct sales representatives and independent distributors under the Gardner Denver, CompAir, Elmo Rietschle, Robuschi, and other brand names. The Energy segment engages in the design, manufacture, marketing, and service of a range of displacement and liquid ring vacuum pumps, compressors and integrated systems, and engineered fluid loading and transfer equipment, as well as offers associated aftermarket parts, consumables, and services under the Gardner Denver, Nash, Emco Wheaton, and other brands. It serves customers in upstream, midstream, and downstream energy markets, as well as petrochemical processing, transportation, and general industrial sectors. The Medical segment designs, manufactures, and markets a range of specialized gas, liquid, and precision syringe pumps and compressors for use in oxygen therapy, blood dialysis, patient monitoring, laboratory sterilization and wound treatment, and other applications. This segment sells its products under the Thomas and other brands. Gardner Denver Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1859 and is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Yext, Inc. is an emerging growth company engages in software development. It offers a cloud-based digital knowledge platform, which allows businesses manage their digital knowledge in the cloud such as financial information, resources and performance of these resources on a consolidated basis and sync it to other application such as Apple Maps, Bing, Cortana, Facebook, Google, Google Maps, Instagram, Siri and Yelp. It offers the Yext Knowledge Engine package on subscription basis, which has an access to Listings, Pages, Reviews and other features. The Listing feature provides customers with control over their digital presence, including their location and other related attributes published on the used third-party applications. The Pages feature allows customers to establish landing pages on their own websites and to manage digital content on those sites, including calls to action. The Reviews presence enables customers to encourage and facilitate reviews from end consumers. The company was founded by Howard Lerman, Brent Metz, and Brian Distelburger in 2006 and is headquartered in New York, NY.

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iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF's stock was trading at $44.90 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, IEMG shares have increased by 42.2% and is now trading at $63.83.

View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19.
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3.9 Community Rank

Outperform Votes Anglo African Oil & Gas has received 44 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.)

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Community Sentiment Anglo African Oil & Gas has received 57.89% outperform votes from our community.

MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about Anglo African Oil & Gas and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe AAOG will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe AAOG will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days.

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Premier African Minerals Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the mining, exploration, evaluation, development, and investment of natural resource properties on the African continent. The company explores for tungsten, lithium, tantalum, fluorspar, xenotime, zinc, nickel, uranium, gold, specialty minerals, limestone, potash and limestone, and rare earth metals. It holds interests in various properties located in Zimbabwe, Togo, Benin, and Mozambique. The company was formerly known as G&B African Resources Limited and changed its name to Premier African Minerals Limited in April 2012. Premier African Minerals Limited was founded in 2007 and is based in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

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Oasis Petroleum Inc., an independent exploration and production company, focuses on the acquisition and development of onshore unconventional oil and natural gas resources in the United States. It operates through Exploration and Production(E&P), and Midstream segments. The E&P segment engages in the acquisition and development of oil and gas properties. The Midstream segment offers midstream services, such as natural gas gathering, compression, processing and, gas lift supply; crude oil gathering, terminaling, and transportation; produced and flowback water gathering, and disposal; and water distribution. As of December 31, 2020, the company had 401,766 net leasehold acres in the Williston Basin; and 24,396 net leasehold acres in the Permian Basin, as well as approximately 152.2 million barrels of oil equivalent of estimated net proved reserves. The company sells its crude oil and natural gas to refiners, marketers, and other purchasers that have access to pipeline and rail facilities. Oasis Petroleum Inc. was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

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1 Wall Street research analysts have issued "buy," "hold," and "sell" ratings for Premier Oil in the last twelve months. There are currently 1 hold rating for the stock. The consensus among Wall Street research analysts is that investors should "hold" Premier Oil stock. A hold rating indicates that analysts believe investors should maintain any existing positions they have in PMO, but not buy additional shares or sell existing shares.

View analyst ratings for Premier Oil or view top-rated stocks.
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Cantel Medical Corp. provides infection prevention and control products and services for the healthcare market. The company's Medical segment offers automated endoscope reprocessing systems; disinfectants and sterilants; detergents; leak testing and manual cleaning products; storage cabinets and transport systems; manual cleaning products; endoscope process tracking products; other consumables, accessories, and supplies for use in disinfect rigid endoscopes, flexible endoscopes, and other instrumentation; and technical maintenance services. Its Life Sciences segment provides dialysis water purification and bicarbonate mixing systems; hollow fiber filters, and other filtration and separation products; liquid disinfectants and cold sterilization products; dry fog products; room temperature sterilization equipment and services; and clean-room certification and decontamination services for the dialysis and other healthcare, research laboratories, food and beverage, and commercial industrial customers, as well as microbiological testing services. The company's Dental segment offers hand and powered dental instruments, instrument reprocessing and sterility assurance products, towels, bibs, tray liners, sponges, nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation equipment and related single-use disposable nasal masks, face masks, and shields. It also provides hand sanitizers, germicidal wipes, disinfectants, surface disinfectants, waterline treatment products, saliva ejectors, evacuator tips, plastic cups, prophy angles, and prophy paste. The company's Dialysis segment provides hemodialysis concentrates and other ancillary supplies; medical device reprocessing systems; and sterilants and disinfectants. The company sells its products through its direct distribution network in the United States; and directly or under various third-party distribution agreements internationally. Cantel Medical Corp. was founded in 1963 and is headquartered in Little Falls, New Jersey.

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By Trend





NATO Days are held in the Azerbaijan Army, the Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan said in a message on Oct. 1.

NATO delegation led by the Head of Military Partnerships Directorate, Major General Odd Egil Pedersen will visit the War College of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan Military Academy named after Heydar Aliyev, as well as Air Forces Command of Azerbaijan.

During the event, officers and cadets of the Azerbaijan Army will be briefed on "NATO Command Structure", "Azerbaijan-NATO Cooperation", "Operational Capabilities Concept", "NATO and Cyber Defense.

NATO Days in the Azerbaijan Army will last until October 5.
By Trend





Mohammad Mir-Razavi, head of the wholesalers' food union, said the Iranian government is seeking to import tomatoes from China due to a shortage of the fruit in the country.

"We have asked China to ship tomatoes to Iran," Mir-Razavi said on September 29, IRIB news agency reported.

He added that the country is facing a shortage as a large portion of Irans tomatoes has been exported to Iraq.

Iran exported 303,000 tons of tomato in the first five months of the current Iranian calendar year (started on March 21) an issue that prompted the countrys Ministry of Industry, Mining and Trade to ban the fruits exports as its price has sharply increased.

Iraq, Russia, the UAE, Afghanistan and Qatar were the main customers of Iranian tomatoes during the period under review.

Mir-Razavi noted that the Iranian industry ministry acted late and should have banned the fruits exports earlier.
Dubais real estate sector is responding to global trends by moving away from the traditional model of free zones, and encouraging greater diversity through new digital clusters, said JLL, a specialist in real estate and investment management, in its new report ahead of Cityscape 2018.



New digital geographies are emerging globally as technology and digitisation change the nature of how cities evolve, stated JLL in its report.



These changes are clearly apparent in Dubai, as the city adopts new technologies and continues to emerge on the global digital map, it added.



The report also highlights Dubais success to date in attracting large mature companies and the need for more emphasis on the SME sector.



New startup businesses will be encouraged through policy initiatives aimed at promoting innovation and the creation of new companies utilizing elements of the digital economy.



Multinational companies have played a key role in the economic growth of Dubai over the past 30 years, but this situation is likely to change with the growth of new SMEs and the increased influence of corporates from South and East Asia, it stated.



JLL pointed out that Dubais economic growth had been built on creating clusters of similar businesses in a range of free trade zones, with the existing 26 free zones accounting for over 30 per cent of the emirates economy.



This traditional model is now being refined in the light of changing global trends, which will result in changes to the future pattern of clusters of economic activity across the city.



According to JLL, the evolving model includes a more flexible licensing regime which attempts to spread the advantages formally limited to specific free zones more broadly across the whole city.



The real estate sector is responding to this relaxation by creating a range of different high, mid and low-rise mixed use environments providing a combination of office, retail, residential and hotel uses, said the expert.



The pace of the legislative reforms is quickening with more dual license arrangements and newly announced plans to allow 100 per cent foreign ownership of companies outside of free zones before the end of 2018, it added.



Craig Plumb, the head of research at JLL Mena, said: "Dubai has long recognised that the real estate sector plays an important role in the overall objective of promoting the growth of the economy. It is now responding to global trends by creating clusters of digital activity based on the rapid adoption of new technologies."



Free zones have created more pronounced clusters by business sector, than on shore locations, with the most successful free zones in Dubai generally achieving the highest levels of concentration and specialism, noted Plumb.



"With the government relaxing investment and licensing laws, the time is now here to level the playing field by reducing the distinction between free zones and on shore locations," stated the expert.



"The expansion of the dual licensing system should help create a greater diversity of occupiers and promote a more attractive digital ecosystem," he added.



Dubai is firmly on a journey to becoming an innovation-led New World City, underpinned by high lifestyle qualities, an outsized influence on the world stage and a broad real estate offer.



"As the city responds to new global digital geographies, Dubai will continue to offer a unique blend of attractions for tech-savvy local and international companies," noted Jeremy Kelly, the head of JLLs Global Research Programmes.



"The creation of a range of new physical environments will play a key part in the citys transition to an innovation-led New World City," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
When Aaron Prosper was a young boy, he was taken to a lecture given by Nadine Caron. It turned out to be a night he would never forget, with a message he would carry with him every day since.



Caron is well known for being the first Canadian female general surgeon of First Nations descent. She is an inspiration to Indigenous people across the country and her words struck a chord with Prosper years before he made history of his own as the first Indigenous president of the Dalhousie Student Union.



What I remember most is how she spoke of success, says Prosper. She said success, in terms of our countrys reconciliation, is not measured by who did something first. She said true success is about creating pathways so that more Indigenous people like her, and like me, can achieve their dreams and reach their goals.



Today (Monday, October 1) is Treaty Day in Nova Scotia, which marks the beginning Mikmaq History Month by recognizing the unique and special relationship between Nova Scotia and the Mikmaq. For Prosper, elected as DSU president last spring, its more than just another day at the office  its one that highlights the significance of being the first Indigenous student union president in the history of Dalhousie University.



Its a role, and responsibility, he embraces.



Im honoured to be the first, no question. Im honoured that so many students, from all walks of life, believed in me and gave me their vote of confidence, says Prosper. If Im a trailblazer by doing this, thats fine, Ill take that on. But my hope is that it inspires other Indigenous young people to take on these roles and see themselves in these roles.



Shaped by community



Prosper grew up as a member of the Eskasoni First Nation before moving to Halifax to study at Dalhousie. Now in his fifth year of the Bachelor of Science (Neuroscience) program, Prosper has his sights set on a career in medicine.



His upbringing in the largest Mi'kmaq community in the world has shaped everything about him, including how he presides over a union of close to 19,000 students.





As Indigenous people, our way of thought is never about the personal gain of an individual. Its about the gain of the community, says Prosper. Our frame of mind is not What can I get out of this? So Im taking this role wondering what I can do to help students gain from this. We take that approach in our community, trying to make a positive impact on everybody in the community with everything we do.



Serving his community is nothing new to Prosper. He has routinely volunteered at events and centres throughout his life, including the Mikmaw Kinamatnewey Red Road Project, the Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselling Association (NADACA), and other Mikmaw organizations.



He is proud to be an ambassador for Mikmaq education, culture and language, and strongly believes in learning from his communitys elders. Over the years Prosper has absorbed a great deal of knowledge from a number of mentors and leaders in Eskasoni First Nation, and he says Albert Marshall in particular has had a lasting impact on the way he approaches classes, his presidency and the world in general.



Marshall is highly respected Elder of the Mikmaw Nation and is widely known as a passionate advocate of cross-cultural understanding. Prosper sought Marshall out when he was considering running for student union president, and as usual his mentor provided sound advice.



I take a lot of guidance from my elders. They have so much to pass on, says Prosper. I really look up to Albert Marshall. Hes given me a lot of guidance and was one of the people who encouraged me to run for student union president.



Leadership on campus



With the support of his family, friends, Elders and mentors, Prosper has set out to be a student union president who is relatable, approachable and open to feedback, whether its positive or negative. He says its an approach the entire student union staff and executive believe in.



We try to run things from a grass-roots level. We want to engage students and get a good feel for what the student voice is, said Prosper. All of our executive, they take that workload very seriously. They all go above and beyond their portfolio to add to the student voice and improve student life. Im surrounded by great people [at the student union]. Every one of them is doing this because they want to help student success at Dalhousie.



Prosper has been meeting with students across Dalhousie since the new academic year began in September. He stresses to students that hes there to build relationship with them and for them, all in an effort to help them get the most from their time at Dal.



I always say, Dalhousie will challenge you like youve never been challenged before, said Prosper. But it will also reward you like youve never been rewarded before.
EFG Hermes, a leading financial services corporation in frontier emerging markets (FEM), said it had played a key advisory role to Cairo for Investment & Real Estate Development (Cira) on its E1.24 billion ($694 million) initial public offering (IPO) on the Egyptian Exchange.



Cira is the largest integrated provider of educational services in the Egyptian private sector, owning and operating 19 schools with over 24,000 enrolled students as of 2018.



Ciras schools operate under three distinct brands, namely Mavericks, Futures and Rising Stars, and offer multiple educational tracks, including British, American, French, German and National curricula.



It caters predominantly to the fragmented middle-income segment, offering premium education at affordable pricing.



EFG Hermes said it acted as sole global co-ordinator and bookrunner on the transaction. Shares of Cira were admitted to trading on the Egyptian Exchange under the stock ticker Cira.



"We are particularly pleased with this transaction that brings a new, high-growth and underpenetrated sector to the Egyptian capital market through one of Egypts largest private sector educational platforms," said Mostafa Gad, co-head of Investment Banking at EFG Hermes.



Egypts education space is supported by strong demand and a high growth potential owing to the countrys demographic profile. Meanwhile the sectors limited players and underinvestment add up to an incredible investment opportunity as illustrated by our ability to build a solid base of diversified investors, he added.



Cira is also active in the higher-education segment with its Badr University in Cairo (BUC), which houses nine faculties as of 2018.



The university enjoys a fast-growing student body of over 7,600 students and maintains key partnerships and affiliations with more than 25 top global universities, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
Warina Hussain anxiously awaits her acting debut with SKFs Love Yatri opposite Aayush Sharma. The film has garnered a huge amount of interest. Not just because of Salman Khan, but also for its peppy music and foot-tapping garba beats. In an exclusive interview, the fledgling actress talks about her life, modelling and the infamous casting couch.

Hailing from Afghanistan, Warina Hussain reveals the arduous journey that eventually brought her to Mumbai. Ive been here in India for the last eight years. Since the conditions in Afghanistan were not good, we went to Uzbekistan. My life was a struggle. I have no father. If you dont have a man in your family, its more difficult. I left Afghanistan when I was 13-14 years old. I wish to go back someday.

Beginning with Modelling

When I reached Delhi, I asked for numbers of modelling agencies from Justdial. I got a call from a small agency. It was a small office in a dilapidated condition and they did my portfolio. We came to Mumbai and stayed in a small lodge. Its difficult to get a house here as a single girl. I earn my bread and butter from my work. If I dont work, I wont be able to pay my bills or rent.

Moving to Mumbai

We were in Uzbekistan for four years. You should know the Uzbek language or Russian. We did not know either, so we found it difficult to settle there. Mom decided to come to India as the language was easier. I can speak Hindi, English and Zardari. Half the people in Afghanistan know Hindi and Bollywood is popular there. Serials are also popular there. My mother travelled every where but her serials went with her. She has watched all of Ekta Kapoors serials.

Audition Anxiety

I auditioned for two scenes. Salman sir saw both the auditions and then zeroed in on me. One fine day, I was told by Aayush that I have to reach Galaxy, as the meeting with Salman sir was scheduled for 6 PM but it got shifted to nine. I kept roaming around in Bandra for almost three hours, and this was the most difficult time for me. I was very nervous.

Working with Aayush Sharma

When we started, Aayush was chilled-out. I am an introvert but now he is a friend. I steal his caps and jackets. As a co-star, he helped me with the script. When I didnt understand anything, he helped me as he has worked as an assistant director.

Doing a Salman Khan film

I was very excited as I am a huge Salman Khan fan. He knew that I came from a different background. He would tell me not to take any tension. They are my friends now, and Arpita is like family.

Following her Dreams

All my friends and family in Afghanistan are proud that I am acting. I get a lot of fan mail from there. I have followed my dreams but I feel good that I have inspired many girls. There is no looking back now.

Avoiding the Casting Couch

I share everything with my mom. I didnt have the sensibility to understand what is right and wrong. I would inquire about the production house and only then decide. I did my meetings in the day time. I did not entertain people who werent genuine.
Police said they met on Sunday to discuss their affair, which escalalated to heated arguments. (Representional Image)

Jagtial: Two teenagers died after they set themselves on fire in Jagtial on Sunday evening. They were said to be in love with the same girl, their classmate, and a quarrel over her is suspected to be the reason for their deaths

Police identified the teenagers, who were studying in Class 10 as Pranay and Ravi Teja. The incident occurred at the Mission Compound Vidyanagar Colony of the town. Police said liquor bottles were found at the site. The teens were students of St Johns School in Mission Compound.

Police said they met on Sunday to discuss their affair, which escalalated to heated arguments.

For reasons that the police is investigating, they doused themselves with petrol and set themselves on fire in an inebriated condition.

Pranay succumbed to burns while undergoing treatment at the area hospital in Jagtial. Ravi Teja was shifted from the local area hospital to Karimnagar where he died while undergoing treatment.
It was while Srisailam was delivering the gutka and tobacco products that the west zone task force team apprehended them. (Representional Image)

The sleuths of the commissioners task force, west zone raided a unit that stored tobacco and gutka products. The main dealer and his associate, along with two drivers and a cleaner were apprehended. They police also seized Rs 13 lakh worth products and two auto trolleys worth Rs 16,000.

The arrested were identified as P. Srisailam, 42, a supplier of gutka materials, V. Srinivas, 39, B. Ashok, 24, S. Sandeep Kumar, 28, and D. Mukund Rao, 32. Another man, Ashok Kumar, is reportedly absconding.

DCP, commissioner task force, P. Radhakrishna Rao said, About a week back, Srinivas and Ashok ordered a huge quantity of gutka and tobacco products from P. Srisailam. As per their request, Srisailam went to Bidar and purchased the said gutka and tobacco products. He engaged two autorickshaws to transport the deliver the goods on Saturday.

It was while Srisailam was delivering the gutka and tobacco products that the west zone task force team apprehended them. Ashok Kumar managed to escape and efforts are on to trace him, said Mr Rao.

The police seized the gutka packets, whose market value is Rs 13 lakh. The apprehended men were handed over to the Asifnagar police for further action.
The investigators found beer bottles and mobile phones from the incident spot. (Representational Image)

Hyderabad: Two Class 10 students were burnt alive in an alleged clash over a girl in Telangana's Jagtiyal town, about 190 km from Hyderabad.

The police on Monday said they suspect that both students aged 16, set each other ablaze on Sunday night after consuming liquor.

K. Mahender died on the spot while Ravi Teja, who sustained critical burn injuries, succumbed in hospital.

Families of the boys claimed that a third boy was also present at the scene that has added a new twist to the case. The police were trying to verify the claims by the families.

The investigators found beer bottles and mobile phones from the incident spot.

The police said Mahender and Ravi were classmates at a missionary school and both were allegedly in love with the same girl who is studying with them in the same school.

According to reports, the investigators were analysing mobile phone data of both the minor boys. They allegedly poured petrol before setting each other ablaze.

The police were trying to ascertain if it was a murder or suicide.
The Royal Saudi Navy Forces have destroyed two Houthi boats laden with explosives targeting the Port of Jazan in the kingdom, a Saudi Press Agency report said.

Colonel Turki Al-Malki, the official spokesman of the Saudi-led Arab Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, said: "At (04:50) and (05:05) the Royal Saudi Navy Forces detected the movement of two remote control explosive boats headed to Port of Jazan. They were intercepted and destroyed in accordance with the rules of engagement, which has led to minimal damage."

He reaffirmed: "The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition will strike with an iron fist all those who get involved with acts of terrorism, which threaten the safety of Saudi nationals, residents, economy and critical capabilities. Those hostile acts will not go by without holding the ones executing, plotting and planning them accountable for their actions."
Hyderabad: Even after issuing showcause notices to more than 200 GHMC officials, the redressal system in the civic body has not improved.

The number of grievances against the corporation has only increased with 1,30,826 being registered through Prajavani, myGHMC app, on social media and the civic bodys call centre,

It is telling that 66,459 grievances have been reopened by citizens because GHMC staff has dismissed them without attending to them.

In order to curtail the practice of falsely declaring that the grievance has been addressed, a system of double checking has been started but that too has failed. This has been noticed even by municipal administration and urban development principal secretary Arvind Kumar who has asked the corporation to improve the redressal system.

Under the double-checking system detailed information has to be given on a daily basis about the grievance to the citizen who registered it.

The civic body has instructed GHMC officials to provide evidence like photographs in cases of road damage or sanitation works, after the complaint has been resolved and the same will be sent to the complainant.

To ensure that complainants have received the required feedback, the GHMCs Centralised Grievance Redressal System (CGRS) wing will call them up on their mobile numbers to make sure that the complaint has been resolved.

Highly-placed sources claim that this double-check mechanism has been tampered with by lower rung officials.

The CGRS has been receiving about 1,000 grievances daily. Of this, more than 400 were claimed to have been redressed have in fact not been redressed.

In order to make officials accountable, the corporation has been providing an ID and the name and mobile number of the official who will address the issue. Besides this, third party verification has to be done to ensure the complaint has been attended to. This too has proved ineffective and remains on paper as the corporation wants to show that a great many complaints have been addressed.

In March this year, GHMC conducted a study and issued show-cause notices to more than 200 officials who closed the grievances without attending to them. So unmindful of their duties are GHMC officials that they have not been attending the weekly Prajavani on the excuse that they have to attend review meetings and field inspection.

The Prajavani programme, started in 2012, was to resolve grievances on the spot. The heads of departments were to be available to the public from 10 am to 1 pm every Monday. For the past several months neither the GHMC commissioner nor the additional commissioners have been attending.

A senior GHMC official admitted that in order to show that grievances in their respective departments have been attended to, false redressals are being resorted to. He said that the Corporation has been receiving many complaints from citizens through the various platforms including Prajavani. He said that the matter cannot be resolved without field level staff being sincere about resolving the complaints.
Navlakha added that he cannot forget about his co-accused and the tens of thousands of other political prisoners who remain incarcerated for their ideological convictions on account of false charges filed against them. (Photo: PTI | File)

New Delhi: "It thrills me no end," activist Gautam Navlakha said here Monday after the Delhi High Court allowed his release from house arrest.

The activist was one of the five put under house arrest in connection with the violence in Koregaon-Bhima in Maharashtra.

Navlakha added that he cannot forget about his co-accused and the tens of thousands of other political prisoners who remain incarcerated for their ideological convictions on account of false charges filed against them.

"The period of house arrest, despite the restrictions imposed, was put to good use, so I hold no grudge," Navlakha, under house arrest since August 28, said in a statement.

The high court granted him the relief, saying the Supreme Court last week had given him the liberty to approach the appropriate forum within four weeks to seek further recourse, which he has availed.

Read: Setback to Pune cops: Delhi HC ends activist Gautam Navlakha house arrest

The high court also quashed the trial court's transit remand order which he had challenged before the matter was taken to the apex court.
With 12 seats in first class, 26 in business and 385 in economy class, the 'Jumbo' plane will operate one flight per day each to Kolkata and Mumbai from New Delhi between October 16 and October 21, Air India said in a statement. (Photo: File | AFP)

Mumbai: National carrier Air India is set to fly its 423-seater, double-decker Boeing 747 aircraft to two key domestic destinations, Mumbai and Kolkata, starting October 16 to meet the demand during the festive season.

With 12 seats in first class, 26 in business and 385 in economy class, the 'Jumbo' plane will operate one flight per day each to Kolkata and Mumbai from New Delhi between October 16 and October 21, Air India said in a statement.

Kolkata will be covered in the first phase and Mumbai in the second phase (November).

Generally, these four-engine planes are operated on international routes as well as for ferrying VVIPs.

Coincidentally, the year 2018 also marks the 50th anniversary of the Boeing 747 operations.

According to the airline, the first B-747 will operate as AI 887. It will leave from Delhi at 0700 hours and arrive in Mumbai at 0910 hours. On its return journey, it will be operated as AI 809 and will leave from Mumbai at 1040 hours to reach Delhi at 1245 hours.

The next B747 flight will operate as AI764, which will depart from Delhi at 1655 hours and reach Kolkata at 1910 hours. The return flight, AI 023, will leave from Kolkata at 2050 hours and reach Delhi at 2255 hours, the airline said.

The Jumbo aircraft will also operate two flights per day daily on the Delhi-Mumbai-Delhi sector from November 1 to November 11 to cater to passenger demand during the Diwali season, the statement added.
The expert added, Whatever tweets you make as a child will be used to judge you and it is up to the law and order police to see if a persons statements from a decade-old post are valid.

Hyderabad: The 1982 calendar defence that US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh presented to the Senate Judiciary Committee may seem peculiar, but there will be more such cases considering the advent of social media.

Mr Kavanaugh, as a high school student, kept a detailed handwritten calendar of his activities. He used it last week during his confirmation hearings to defend himself against charges of rape.

Several teenagers and millennials are keeping a record of all the happenings in their lives. Every place they go, they ensure to check-in and share photos or feelings at that moment.

Millennials (born in 1980s-1990s) and generation Z (people born in mid-1990s and 2000s) are the first users of social media and are leaving a heavy digital footprint. This footprint can be used against them, and will be under scrutiny for people competing in high positions. It will also be used during interviews for jobs and admission into university. Some countries already require your social media ID for processing visas.

A social media expert on condition of anonymity said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders regularly face criticism for contradicting themselves in an old tweet. When an incident happens, people tend to first look into Facebook or Twitter for their previous posts. In the case of the recent honour killing of T. Pranay, a lot of people looked into his social media page. They look for details on what you shared and the state of your mind to judge you as a person.

The expert added, Whatever tweets you make as a child will be used to judge you and it is up to the law and order police to see if a persons statements from a decade-old post are valid. Often, the online personalities are not a true reflection of a person and it may lead to wrong conclusions.

Social media expert Tinu Cherian Abraham calls social media our public digital dairy. We should be more than ever prudent in what we put there especially things we might be not so comfortable about in the future. Once up on the internet it is there permanently. Even employers have started doing background checks and analyses of online information about prospective employees, Mr Cherian said.

Experts opine that people tend to delete stuff which Facebook throws up as memories, but there is no real validity that such data is deleted. Mr Cherian said, Once deleted, it is never really gone. Someone could take a screenshot. There are sites that back-up websites. It is likely to come back.
Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal dismissed the complaint filed by one Bam Bam Maharaj Nauhatiya, who claimed to be a social worker, seeking registration of an FIR action against Kejriwal, Sisodia, health minister Satyendra Jain and labour minister Gopal Rai. (Photo: Twitter | @ArvindKejriwal)

New Delhi: A court here has refused to direct the Delhi police to lodge an FIR against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia and others for wrongfully restraining and criminally intimidating a person during their sit-in protest at the Lt Governor's (L-G) office in June.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal dismissed the complaint filed by one Bam Bam Maharaj Nauhatiya, who claimed to be a social worker, seeking registration of an FIR action against Kejriwal, Sisodia, health minister Satyendra Jain and labour minister Gopal Rai. The complainant, who had earlier approached the police to lodge a case, had alleged that he was restrained from going to the L-G office to make a representation due to the protest held by the accused persons.

The court dismissed the application after taking into the consideration the status report filed by the Delhi police which submitted that no complaint was received from the office of the L-G secretariat and, therefore, no action was taken on the complaint of Nauhatiya.

"The police has rightly refused to take action on the earlier complaints of the complainant on the ground that no complaint was received by the police from the office of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. Therefore, the complaint is devoid of merits, does not disclose the commission of any offence and complainant not an aggrieved. There is nothing in the complaint to either direct registration of FIR or to proceed after taking cognizance. Hence dismissed," the court said.

In his complaint, Nauhatiya alleged that the accused persons "have been making false allegations against the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and the Central government for creating hurdles in the normal functioning of Delhi government".

He alleged that "the citizens were threatened by the respondents and their supporters through their speeches, statements, demonstrations and overt actions not to visit Raj Niwas (L-G's residence) to submit their grievances."

On June 12, the complainant was stopped by the police while he was going to the reception room of the L-G house to submit a representation.
GHMC commissioner and district election officer M. Dana Kishore said the corporation would ensure the voting percentage of specially abled persons increases this year over the past elections. (Representational Images)

Hyderabad: The GHMC will make arrangements for specially-abled voters at all polling stations for the upcoming Assembly elections and Lok Sabha in the 15 constituencies in Hyderabad district.

GHMC commissioner and district election officer M. Dana Kishore said the corporation would ensure the voting percentage of specially abled persons increases this year over the past elections.

Mr Kishore along with additional commissioner D. Harichandana, commissioner for disabled welfare B. Sailaja and representatives of the Disabled Committee held a review meeting for the purpose on Sunday.

Mr Kishore said 18,000 Swachh workers would be deployed as escorts or helpers at the polling stations.

He said there were 29,000 specially-abled pensioners in the city, and directions had been given to officials to enrol their names by visiting their residences. The GHMC provides free transport, wheelchairs, ramps, toilets for women, helpers or escorts, basic minimum facilities in polling stations and ensures they cast their vote in the first hour.

Welcoming suggestions to help specially abled votes, Mr Kishore said publicity campaigns like TV scrolls, radio jingles, cinema slides and discussions with specially committee members would be carried out to increase the voting percentage of disabled persons.
Mysuru: Former chief minister and the ruling coalitions Coordination Committee chairman Siddaramaiah on Sunday reaffirmed his commitment to ensure a five-year tenure for the Kumaraswamy government remarking that he would be the trouble shooter for the government.

Answering queries by reporters in Mysuru on Sunday, Mr Siddaramaiah said, The reported attempt by some of our MLAs to destabilise the state government is only a creation of the media. None of our MLAs have indulged in such acts. To make sure the government does not land in trouble, I have been made head of the Coordination Committee, so, I am the trouble shooter. We will hold Coordination Committee meetings only when needed, to discuss issues and take decisions.
PM Narendra Modi and Uzbek President witness exchange of MoUs and agreements between India and Uzbekistan. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

New Delhi: India and Uzbekistan inked 17 agreements on Monday, including for visa free travel for diplomatic passport holders and cooperation in the fields of tourism, national security, training of diplomats and trafficking.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held delegation level talks and agreed to collaborate with each other across sectors.

The agreements signed between the two countries included collaboration on military education, agriculture and allied sectors, cooperation on science and technology and in the field of health and medical science.

An MoU was also signed on cooperation in the pharma sector. The two countries have also agreed to cooperate in combating trafficking and illicit narcotic drugs.

The two countries will also cooperate in exploring the outer space for peaceful purposes. Business relationships between the two countries will be promoted through the India-Uzbekistan Business Council, for which an agreement was signed.
According to Jineeshs friend Silvadasan Antony, who is also member of Coastal Warriors, the bill at the hospital was around Rs 1.75 lakh. However, the hospital management decided not to charge a single penny and released the body after receiving information from chief minister Pinarayi Vijayans office about the role of Jineesh during the floods.

Thiruvananthapuram: Several people from Chengannur, whom he had saved during the floods, attended the funeral ceremony of the young fisherman Jineesh Gerone on Sunday at St Thomas Church, Poonthura.

Jineesh, 23, son of Gerone and Selvi of Poonthura died in a motor vehicle accident at Pazhaya Uchakkada on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. The post-mortem was completed on Saturday. However, funeral was scheduled a day later.

According to Jineeshs friend Silvadasan Antony, who is also member of Coastal Warriors, the bill at the hospital was around Rs 1.75 lakh. However, the hospital management decided not to charge a single penny and released the body after receiving information from chief minister Pinarayi Vijayans office about the role of Jineesh during the floods.

Jineesh lived in a rented house along with his parents and two younger siblings after their home was destroyed in Ockhi cyclone. Jineesh was part of a seven-member team called Coastal Warriors, who had participated in rescue operations in Chengannur region. Those saved by Jineesh included 30 inmates of an orphanage in Chengannur.

The accident took place on Friday afternoon at Pazhaya Uchakkada when Gerone was pillion riding the bike of his friend Jagan. They were on the way to Chinathurai fishing harbour to find a job in the trawling boats there. When the motorcycle skidded off the road Jineesh fell before a truck that was travelling in the opposite direction. The truck ran over his legs.

Though, an emergency surgery was held at NIMS Hospital at Neyyatinkara, where he was rushed immediately, he succumbed to the injuries around 3 am on Saturday.

After class 12, Jineesh started venturing out into the sea at the age of 15. He and his family lived in a rented house after their house got destroyed by the seas fury three years ago.
In the van, the woman was slapped repeatedly by a female cop, Neetu Singh, while others abused her and kept taunting her with questions like: 'There are so many Hindu men, why go for a Muslim?' (Photo: Scrrengrab)

Lucknow: Week after a video surfaced showing a Hindu woman being assaulted by policemen after she and her Muslim friend were targeted by right-wing activists in Uttar Pradeshs Meerut, the administration swept into action and transferred the cops to Gorakhpur, the home base of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

However, the transfer of the policemen has raised eye-brows as many feel it is more a reward than punishment.

What is more startling is that not even a single attacker, allegedly linked to the right-wing Vishwa Hindu Parishad, has been arrested. Out of 18 attackers, some were clearly seen on camera thrashing the Muslim man.

The report of VIP transfer comes days after state police chief OP Singh assured swift action after the video surfaced. "The Meerut incident is an act of gross imprudence by a few errant cops. Irresponsible and insensitive behaviour by UP cops will not be tolerated. The job of a policeman is to maintain the highest standards of probity, which must be upheld at all times. Corrective action is being taken," he had said on Twitter.

No case has been filed against the police personnel who beat the Hindu woman and watched the man being beaten by goons. Both of them are medical students.

The Uttar Pradesh police insisted that the three cops seen in a video beating and abusing the woman inside a police van have been transferred to Gorakhpur to ensure a "fair investigation".

Neetu Singh, Salek Chand and Priyanka are now posted in a constituency Yogi Adityanath has represented in parliament for five consecutive terms. A fourth policeman Shahensar Pal, who was also in the vehicle, remains in Meerut.

"I don't want to return to college because I am scared and embarrassed. I get frequent threat calls from the accused and their relatives... they say they will come to my college and kill me," NDTV quoted the Muslim man as saying.

The man said he does not expect the police to provide protection, given that he has not even been called to record a statement yet.

According to him, the incident took place on September 23 when the woman, who studies in the same medical college, dropped by his home to collect a book.

"She was just about to leave when a group of people came along and started asking me my name. They then began to beat me up, saying that it was not right for two people from different communities to meet like this. They told me that it always starts with friendship, then advances to romance and love jihad," the man said.

The man was allegedly beaten until his eyes and nose began to bleed. The attackers also beat the man in his private parts. When a police emergency van arrived the spot after a while; the cops picked up the woman and left.

In the van, the woman was slapped repeatedly by a female cop, Neetu Singh, while others abused her and kept taunting her with questions like: "There are so many Hindu men, why go for a Muslim?"
Emirates National Oil Company Group (Enoc) recently signed an agreement with Germanys Baluco, an international marine bunkers and lubricants consulting company, for the latter to become a distributor of Enocs marine lubricants in Germany, The Netherlands and Belgium.



The deal was signed at SMM, an international maritime trade fair, held in Hamburg, said a Wam news agency report.



Saif Humaid Al Falasi, group chief executive officer, Enoc, said that over the decades, the company has established a strong presence across local and international markets for the lubricants business.



He added that Enocs global marine lubricants operations currently span across key European markets, enabling the company to offer its customers a diverse portfolio of lubricants and greases across commercial, industrial and marine applications.



Al Falasi noted that the agreement with Baluco is an added milestone to its continued growth, and will reiterate the companys strategy of expanding best-in-class services to customers overseas, which will contribute to the overall growth of the international maritime and shipping sector.
Mangaluru: This was one Mann Ki Baat which left a lot of people including BJP enthusiasts disappointed. The BJP had made it known to them that people could interact with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his customary Mann Ki Baat on the last Sunday of the month. But no one got a chance for the interaction this time and many of them made no secret of their unhappiness.

During the programme in which the PM addresses the nation via All India Radio, DD National and DD News. he places before the people his thoughts on several issues. The 48th episode was scheduled to be aired on Sunday and the TV Raman Pai Convention Hall was packed with people who wanted to interact with the PM. Arrangements were even made to provide breakfast and tea for about 800 people and a huge LED screen was put up

On Saturday, a message in the name of 'BJP DK' had made the rounds asking people to attend the programme and make the best of the opportunity to speak to Mr Modi. However some leaders who had doubts about the interaction, tried to get a clarification from New Delhi and were told that there would be no interaction. By then it was too late as people had already arrived from distant places to speak with Mr Modi. Senior leaders including MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, MLAs Vedavyas Kamath, Bharath Shetty, former MLAs and office bearers were seated in the first row in the hall. People even waited till the end for the 'interaction' which however did not happen. A woman who had arrived from Moodabidri, said that she had come to the programme to tell the Prime Minister about a problem related to land. Another woman said she had come from BC Road to interact with the PM and was disappointed.

When contacted MLA Vedavyasa Kamath said that the information about the interaction had come from the party. "Based on that information, arrangements were done. However we are told that Modiji will have an interaction with people in the Mann Ki Baat programmes to follow and hope Mangalureans will be able to interact shortly," Mr Kamath told Deccan Chronicle.
The meeting was attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi. Odisha was represented in the meeting by Finance Minister Shashi Bhusan Behera. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

Kolkata: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday that states have been asked to identify Rohingya refugees and collect their biometric details.

The Centre will send the biometric report collected by states to the Myanmar government through diplomatic channel, he said.

Singh chaired a meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council here to discuss issues related to inter-state relations and security matters, including the Maoist menace.

The meeting was attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi. Odisha was represented in the meeting by Finance Minister Shashi Bhusan Behera.

The Union Home Minister said that the states required central forces which the Centre would provide as per need.
Hyderabad: BJP president Amit Shah will address a public meeting at Karimnagar on October 10. He will visiting Hyderabad again on October 28, TS BJP president K Laxman said. Dr Laxman said Mr Shahs Karimnagar meeting was meant to intensify the BJPs election campaign. Dr Laxman said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Central ministers would also participate in the election campaign.

He said that the BJP Yuva Morcha National Sammelan would be held at Hyderabad on October 27 and 28. He said on October 28, Mr Shah would address the meeting and also conduct a huge rally in the city on the same day.

Dr Laxman said the party had constituted an election manifesto committee with former MLA N.V.V.S. Prabhakar Rao as chairman. He said that it would a peoples manifesto. It would not be aimed at getting votes but for the future development of he state. Mr Prabhakar said the committee in its first meeting discussed issues like pensions, supply of protected drinking water, fee reimbursement.
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmirs governments picking up Reliance General Insurance Company Limited (RGICL) for mandatory Group Mediclaim Insurance Policy for all its employees, pensioners and accredited journalists has raised many eyebrows in the state and beyond. The Congress party is in the forefront of censuring the move and has termed it as yet another testimony of Modi-Reliance nexus.

However, a spokesman of the State government rejected the criticism as unwarranted and said that all public sector undertakings as well as top private insurance companies were contacted to participate in the bidding process. He added, In the second round of bidding, nine private and PSUs submitted their bids out of which five qualified on technical evaluation criteria. The financial bid of these qualified companies were opened and it emerged that the RGICL with a quoted premium of Rs 8776.84 was at L1.

He said the National Insurance Company Ltd with quoted premium of Rs 11918.00 was at L2, ICICI Lombard with quoted premium of Rs 17691.74 at L3, Bajaj Allianz with quoted premium of Rs 23476.10 at L4 and United India Assurance Company with quoted premium of Rs 27225.00 at L5. However, the opposition has sought to link the choice of the state which is currently under governors rule with ongoing Rafale controversy wherein the Modi government has been accused of favouring Anil Ambanis Reliance Defence Limited over Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

On September 20, the governors administration formally rolled out the Group Mediclaim Health Insurance Scheme for employees, pensioners and accredited journalists in the State. The scheme is mandatory for government employees.

including employees of PSUs, autonomous bodies and universities while it will be optional for pensioners, ad-hoc, contractual, work charged and contingent paid workers, some other non-permanent officials and accredited journalists.

The scheme has come into effect from October 1 for a period of one year and is extendable annually for three years based on satisfactory performance of the insurer. J&Ks Principal Secretary Finance, Navin K Choudhary, said the policy has been tied up with RGICL on annual premium of Rs 8,777 and Rs 22,229 for employees and pensioners, respectively. The policy will provide health insurance coverage up to Rs 600,000 per employee/pensioner per annum along with his or her five dependent family members on floater basis.

He said that Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and the accredited journalists of the State shall be also covered under the scheme. They may do so provided the premium is collected in four quarterly instalments in advance and paid to the insurance agency on due dates by the agency concerned themselves, he said. As per the agreement reached between the two sides, the RGICL will create a corporate buffer of Rs 10 crore as part of policy to meet the expenditure incurred on the identified illness over and above the insurance cover of Rs 600,000. The government strongly denied reports that said it has asked the employees to buy health insurance from RGICL instead of the state-owned Life Insurance Company (LIC).


Hyderabad: Will caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao do a YSR or an NTR? He is fighting an alliance of Opposition parties like his two predecessors, whose fate was decided differently in undivided Andhra Pradesh. In 2009, then chief minister Y.S. Rajashekhar Reddy retained power after fighting the election against the grand alliance led by the Telugu Desam. In 1989, TD patriarch N.T. Rama Rao was defeated by the Congress in spite of forming a mahakutami. In both the elections, the Congress defeated an alliance formed by the Telugu Desam-led Opposition, Against this backdrop, the results of the forthcoming Assembly elections are creating interest.

The 2009 Opposition comprised the Telugu Desam, the TRS and the Left and was ranged against the Congress which was in power with YSR as Chief Minister. The Congress retained power by winning 156 seats out of 294. In the 2004 Assembly elections, the Congress had won 185 seats. Reacting to the reduced margin, Dr Rajashekhar Reddy commented, The people have given only pass marks and not distinction. In 1989, then chief minister N.T. Rama Rao dissolved the Assembly four months ahead of schedule to go with the Lok Sabha elections.

The Telugu Desam, CPM. CPI, BJP, Janata Dal and Congress(S) formed a grand alliance to the Congress led by Marri Chenna Reddy. The Congress came to power by winning 181 seats and routing the TD. Just about four and a half years ago, in 1985, the TD had swept to power with 202 seats out of the 249 it had contested from against the total of 294 seats. This time, Mr Chandrasekhar Rao has dissolved the Assembly nine months ahead of ahead of schedule. While the TRS is going it alone, the non-BJP Opposition parties are trying to form a grand alliance to fight the ruling party.
SRINAGAR: An alliance of key Kashmiri separatist leaders has ahead of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterress India visit urged him to persuade New Delhi to engage the Kashmiri representatives and Pakistan in meaningful and result-oriented talks to seek an amicable solution to the Kashmir problem.

In a letter written to Guterres, Joint Resistance Leadership which has on it Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik, said, As you embark on your trip to India, we in the State of Jammu & Kashmir take this opportunity to draw your attention towards the urgency of the need to resolve the dispute over it, which, as you know, remains on the agenda of the UN.

The letter added that Indias refusal to talk is doing unimaginable harm not only to Kashmir, but to the entire South Asian region at a time during which interconnectedness culturally, economically and politically is the driving force in international relations. Hence, we would like to urge you to advocate that New Delhi engages with us in Kashmir. and with Pakistan, with whom Indias relations are also deteriorating by the day.

The letter asserted, We have a right to self-determination and then alleges But Delhi would like us to abdicate that responsibility before they talk. The letter, copies of which were released to media here on Monday, further said, To cede to that demand would be to concede before talks, rendering talks unnecessary.

When asked that since India has repeatedly rejected any third-party intervention on Kashmir what makes the alliance hopeful about the UN Secretary Generals India visit, the Mirwaiz told this newspaper, Were optimistic because the UNs Human Rights Commission has in a recent report expressed its concern on the human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The Secretary General too has said that he is concerned over the situation in the State.

He added that since Kashmir continues to be on the agenda of the UN Security Council, Mr. Guteress will be only fulfilling his official as well as moral responsibility if he discusses Kashmir and the grave situation prevailing here with the Indian leadership and asks it to sit across the table with the Kashmiris and Pakistan to arrive at an amicable solution. He reiterated that Kashmir issue cannot be resolved unless its people are also taking onboard in talks.

Guterres had ahead of his three-day visit of India voiced concern over the situation in Indian Kashmir while encouraging positive dialogue to resolve the disagreements peacefully. He also said that the UN welcomes a greater role for India in addressing regional peace and security challenges.

On the development front, India already is, and can become an even greater regional development force, helping other countries of the region forge a better future, Guterres told Press Trust of India in the email interview.

He said the UN welcomed a greater role for India in addressing regional peace and security challenges. I remain concerned by the situation in Jammu and KashmirI encourage positive dialogue for disagreements to be resolved peacefully, he said.

During his visit, he is scheduled to meet President Ram NathKovind, Prime Minister NarendraModi and foreign minister Sushma Swaraj.

A Kashmiri civil society group- Centre for Social and Development Studies (KCSDS)- had invited the UN Secretary General to visit also J&K during his three-day stay in India for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation. But his officer while thanking the society for the invite said it was not possible for Mr. Guterres to visit the State because of his prior commitments.
A group of devotees including women who have decided to stage an agitation at Mangollai in Mylapore in the city on Tuesday believe that Hindus have dharmacharyas to guide them and not the courts.

Chennai: In what could be regarded as 'resentment' over the Supreme Courts order directing the Sabarimala devaswom board to allow women of all age groups for darshan, several Hindu organisations and Ayyappa devotees have decided not to take their womenfolk in the 10 to 50 years age group, along with them to Sabarimala for the annual pilgrimage.

A large number of devotees have even planned to stage a peaceful protest in the city and other parts to draw the attention of the Supreme Court that revising the Hindu customs and traditions that were laid with a specific purpose; was unacceptable to them. And women too form part of the agitation extending support to their male counterparts in demanding the restoration of status quo ante.

The need for challenging the Supreme Court verdict through a review petition may not arise if we all decide not to go by it. The issue concerns our faith and our decision to fulfill our vows and the obligatory 41 days vratham, asserts Kasi Venkatesan, a devotee of Lord Ayyappa. Sabarimala attracts fairly large number of devotees from Tamil Nadu followed by Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and if women from these States decide not to go, then there is no need for any authority to interfere, he adds.

Says V. Subramanian secretary of Jan Kalyan women have been given prominence place in the Hindu religion and as far as Sabarimala is concerned, men undertake a pilgrimage for a darshan of Lord Ayyappa who remains as a celibate and answers his devotees prayers."

There is nothing wrong in women of all age groups in visiting Sabarimala but the issue is one of undertaking the arduous long trek through the forest and prior to it taking up the mandala vratham (for 41 days). When the issue is of the male devotees taking up a vow of celibacy during the mandala vratham and also the pilgrimage, allowing women would only dilute the very purpose of the pilgrimage, he claims.

He says that many Lord Ayyappa devotees have decided not to take women in the 10 to 50 years age group along with them to Sabarimala during the annual pilgrimage. Women too have made up their mind not to violate the tradition. They are aware that they can have darshan of the Lord even without taking up a pilgrimage. So the question of discrimination does not arise, Mr. Subramanian argues.

A group of devotees including women who have decided to stage an agitation at Mangollai in Mylapore in the city on Tuesday believe that Hindus have dharmacharyas to guide them and not the courts.

Women devotees would display ready to wait placards while their male counterparts would display allow my vratham placards for the peaceful demonstration to express their need for following the centuries-old tradition.
Chennai: Pointing out that the tax payers money spent on beautification and for other facilities for construction of new secretariat has become a national waste, Madras high court on Monday said the power under the Constitution are provided to the administrators only to protect the tax payers money and spend the same judiciously and for the welfare of the people at large and following the procedures contemplated under the Statutes as the State is the custodian.

Justice S.M. Subramaniam made the observations while dismissing as withdrawn the petitions filed by DMK president M.K. Stalin and DMK Treasurer Durai Murugan, challenging the appointment of Justice R. Regupathy Commission of Inquiry, to probe into the alleged irregularities in the construction of new secretariat by the DMK government.

In view of the fact that the Commission of Inquiry was already wound up and the chairman demitted his office, no further consideration needs to be undertaken in these petitions, the judge added.

The government is not only responsible, but also accountable. Any unlawful loss caused in respect of the tax payers money will not only be questioned and actions are to be initiated and the persons liable are to be certainly prosecuted under the Penal Laws. The Advocate General informed this court that the files had already been sent to the Director of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption department, for scrutiny and to initiate all further actions. Necessary orders were also passed. Thus, any further actions must be taken without any undue delay on the part of the authorities concerned, the judge added.

The judge said a building for new secretariat was constructed by spending the tax payers money to the tune of about Rs 400 crore. However, the government took the decision not to use the building for new secretariat and converted the same as multi-specialty hospital. The tax payers money spent on beautification and for other facilities for construction of new secretariat became a national waste.

Even for conversion of the new secretariat building to a specialty hospital a few crore rupees were spent by the state. However, in respect of the conversions of building, the decision of the government was upheld by the court. Thus, no further actions were required regarding conversion, the judge added.

The judge said the petitioners have challenged the Commission of Inquiry appointed to go into certain allegations regarding the construction of new secretariat building. The commission of inquiry was appointed and it was non-functional for about three years. The commission also spent about Rs 4.5 crore and the reports were not submitted even at the time when the petitions were heard by this court. Ultimately nearly about Rs 5 crore were spent for the inquiry commission.

However, nothing became useful for the welfare of the state as well as in the interest of the public at large, in respect of construction of new secretariat building and the allegations of corruption, substandard materials and related issues were not even concluded till today.

This court is of the considered opinion that once the elected government started functioning and governing the state, their action, policy decision and expenditure must be beyond its political ideologies and beyond any pale of doubt. All such expenditures must be only in accordance with constitutional principles and in interest of the public at large, the bench added.
Lucknow: A silent revolt is brewing in the Uttar Pradesh constabulary with a section of constables having launched an online campaign in support of the cop Prashant Chaudhary, an accused in the murder of Apple executive Vivek Tiwari. Senior police officers are not supporting our brothers. Let us come together to ensure justice to our brothers Prashant Chaudhary and Sandeep Rana, says a post on the social media which also seeks financial assistance so that the accused can fight their own cases.

The post carried bank account details of Prashant Chaudhary and his wife Rakhi Malik, also a constable, and requested people to contribute generously into the account. Within hours, a sum of Rs 5.28 lakh was deposited from various sources into the accused cops account. The campaign is being run by constables Devendra Kushwaha, Rohan Pal and Veer Singh Raju. The posts, however, were deleted on Monday afternoon which seems to have further angered the cops. However, the post have already been shared innumerable times.

The media trial has obviously affected our seniors who have terminated the two police personnel without following the prescribed procedure. The action will not stand trial in court. Our colleagues were not even given a chance to explain the situation, said a constable on condition of anonymity. Most of the cops involved in the campaign belong to the 2016 batch. Justifying the campaign in favour of the accused cops, he said that this had become a rule in the police force and the constables are promptly suspended whenever an incident takes place.

Vivek Tiwari was allegedly shot dead by two cops in the wee hours of Saturday morning when two cops tried to stop his vehicle but he did not stop his car. It seems as if all the bad work is done by the constables and all good work is done by the officers. We have decided that enough is enough and we will not allow ourselves to become sacrificial goats. Hum ab bali ka bakra nahin banenge, the cop said.

Sources confirmed that messages were being sent to constables in all 75 districts to join in the protests and collectively fight against injustice. A constable said that Prashant Chaudharys wife Rakhi Malik has been trying to lodge a cross FIR against Vivek Tiwari (deceased) who allegedly tried to run over her husband. Rakhi Malik also created a ruckus at the SSP office on Sunday night because she was not allowed to meet the SSP to present her husbands point of view.

A retired DGP, when asked about the situation, said, This is a danger signal and senior officials must address it before it become volatile. Resentment has been brewing since the past few years and the increasing number of suicides is proof of this. A revolt in the constabulary is the last thing that this state can afford. Meanwhile, a senior police official said that they were apprised of the campaign and necessary action would be taken in the matter. We are reviewing the post and action will be taken.


New Delhi: United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres arrived in New Delhi on a three-day visit to India and is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday afternoon during which the situation in Kashmir could come up for discussion. Mr Guterres is also slated to meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday during his visit. There is speculation that New Delhi may also place its objections before the UN Secretary General regarding a report in June this year by the UN-High Commissioner for Human Rights that had alleged human rights violations in J&K and which was then rejected by India as being fallacious, tendentious and motivated.

Meanwhile, Mr Guterres was quoted by media reports as saying ahead of his visit, I remain concerned by the situation in Jammu and Kashmir  I encourage positive dialogue for disagreements to be resolved peacefully. He was further quoted as saying, On the development front, India already is, and can become an even greater regional development force, helping other countries of the region forge a better future. The UN Secretary General will also deliver a speech on Global Challenges, Global Solutions in the Capital on Tuesday afternoon.

The visit is being watched keenly amid reports that separatists in J&K have written to Mr Guterres drawing his attention to the Kashmir issue. There were also reports of an organisation representing Kashmiri Pandits writing to Mr Guterres and alleging that Pakistan had issued a postage stamp for propaganda that purported to show showing protests by Kashmiris against the Indian Government which was fake since it actually depicted a protest by that organisation against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in J&K.

It may also be recalled that in June this year UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein had said he would be urging the UN Human Rights Council to consider establishing a commission of inquiry to conduct a comprehensive independent international investigation into allegations of human rights violations in Kashmir. His office (UN-HCHR) had also released a highly controversial 49-page report-claimed by it to be the first ever issued by the UN on the human rights situation in Indian-Administered and Pakistan-Administered Kashmir - that alleged human rights violations and abuses on both sides of the Line of Control, and highlighted a situation of chronic impunity for violations committed by security forces.

India had swiftly rejected the findings of the report on the situation in J&K and lodged a protest, saying it was fallacious, tendentious and motivated and even questioning the intent behind it. A furious New Delhi had said the report was a selective compilation of largely unverified information, that it was overtly prejudiced and seeks to build a false narrative and that it violates Indias sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure business of Emaar Properties, has set a new milestone in Emiratisation in the hospitality sector with the appointment of UAE National Sharihan Al Mashary as the general manager of Manzil Downtown.

Al Masharys appointment complements the unique appeal of Manzil Downtown, an upscale lifestyle hotel that celebrates its Arabesque design and operational ethos.

Set apart by its traditional architectural style, regional motifs, and above all, a focus on celebrating Arabian hospitality, Manzil Downtown, under the Vida Hotels and Resorts brand, is centrally located in Downtown Dubai.

Olivier Harnisch, CEO of Emaar Hospitality Group, said: We are delighted to appoint our first female Emirati general manager at Manzil Downtown, especially as the hotel focuses on highlighting the Arabian ethos and the Emirati heritage. With several years of experience in the hospitality industry, Sharihan will bring exceptional insights, as an Emirati, to drive the day-to-day operations of the hotel, which is popular among Arab guests. We are focused on building Emirati talent in the hospitality sector, and Sharihan will serve as an inspiration for young Emiratis to pursue rewarding careers in the industry.

Mandated with supporting the management team in driving the hotel operations, Al Mashary has a strong knowledge and understanding of the hospitality and tourism sector, especially in strategic business development and in driving corporate social responsibility initiatives. Over a 10-year career in the industry, she has also been focused on building the skills of youth for the industry and has diligently supported the community and government initiatives to achieving the UN Sustainability Development Goals.

Al Mashary said: It is my honour to be appointed to this key position at the exceptionally designed Arabesque Manzil Downtown. More Emiratis are today entering the hospitality and tourism sectors, and Emaar Hospitality Group, as a homegrown brand, has been committed to building a talent pool of professionals in the UAE. In addition to focusing on bringing greater efficiencies at work and a commitment to service excellence, as hotel manager, I will also focus on building new talents and bringing a distinctive and stronger Emirati touch to Manzil Downtown.

Al Mashary is pursuing an MBA in International Management with specialisation in International Hospitality & Tourism and holds a BSc (Hons) in International Hospitality Management - both from the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management in Dubai. She was the first female student at the Abu Dhabi Mens College, where she studied Aeronautical Mechanics and Airline Management. She also studied Flight, Aviation & Airport Management from the College of Aero/Astro Sciences at the Dubai Aerospace Enterprise University in Dubai.

Al Mashary has served as Expert Judge of Culinary Arts at World Skills International, responsible for one-on-one mentoring and developing training schemes for the UAE competitors. She was also part of the pre-opening team of Address Boulevard, serving as assistant front office manager responsible for business development, lifestyle and events; and was part of the pre-opening team of Armani Hotel Dubai, working on the Food & Beverage operations. Al Mashary is fluent in Arabic, English, Farsi, and Dari with basic skills in German and Russian.

Overlooking the iconic Burj Khalifa and located within a short walking distance from all major tourist attractions such as The Dubai Mall and Dubai Opera, Manzil Downtown has 197 intricately designed rooms and suites, a distinctive collection of restaurants and lounges, as well as state-of-the-art meeting and lifestyle events facilities and a business hub.  TradeArabia News Service
New Delhi: Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu said on Monday said that the world must come together to fight against terrorism and urged the United Nations to come up with strong, coded actions to tackle terror, its sponsors and those who are funding and supporting it. Mr Naidu also noted that one of Indias neighbours is aiding and abetting terrorism while talking about peace. He made the veil-ed reference to Pakistan, while addressing a gathering of human rights leaders from several parts of the world.

Terrorism is an enemy of humanity. Some elements are spreading it in the name of religion, but no religion talks about violence. India has suffered the pain. The West, when they became the victims of terrorism, realised the problem, he said. In our region too, one of our neighbours is aiding, abetting, funding and training terrorists. And, (it) talks about peace. Terror and talks cant go together, Naidu said.

The Vice President urged the world to speak in one voice to deal with terror globally. The United Nations, at the earliest, should complete the deliberations (on terrorism) and come up with a strong, united, coded action to tackle terror, its sponsors and those who are funding or supporting it, Naidu said. It is the way forward for peace, and for protection of rights of people, Naidu asserted.

The conclave has been organised by the National Human Rights Commission as part of its Silver Jubilee celebrations. Foreign participants include senior officials from apex human rights bodies in Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and representatives from Scotland, Croatia and other countries. Naidu also said that misuse of provisions of human rights is a matter of concern, as in recent times. Some people, they kill others, destroy public property and then claim human rights violations. Is it right? It has to be curbed, terrorists, extremists, they have to be curbed. Human rights cannot be in mutually exclusive categories. One cannot transgress the rights of others, he said.

The Vice President said human rights are enjoyed to bring harmony in the nation and among fellow citizens. It does not confer unfettered rights to speak against the state and the nation. So, dissent is fine in a democracy but not disintegration. You cannot indulge in violence, kill people and then claim protection under human rights, he said.

When something happens, action is taken against some terrorists or extremists or Maoists, there is uproar of human rights violations from some activists. But, some tribals or innocent people are killed, these activists become silent, he said. This has to be discussed. No one has a right to work against the unity and sovereignty of the nation. The country has a history of two of its prime ministers being killed, he said.
Canadian and US negotiators reached a deal late on Sunday on reforming the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) after more than a year of talks. (Photo: AFP)

Ottawa: Canadian and US negotiators reached a deal late Sunday on reforming the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian media reported, after more than a year of talks triggered by US President Donald Trump's discontent with the 24-year old pact.

CTV cited a high-level American source as saying the two sides had reached an agreement and that a joint statement was expected.

Another Canadian channel, CBC, said a "senior source" confirmed that a deal had been reached on significant sections of a new NAFTA.

Word of an agreement followed an emergency cabinet meeting called by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at 10:00 pm (0200 GMT) -- two hours ahead of a Washington-imposed midnight deadline for getting the text of a revised agreement to the United States Congress.

Reports of a deal caused a jump in the Canadian dollar on early Asian trading with the loonie up 0.7 percent from its Friday close at USD 1.2814.

Talks between the US, Canada and Mexico began last August after Trump called it "one of the worst trade deals in history."

Earlier Sunday, David MacNaughton, Canada's ambassador to the United States, had said there was "lots of progress, but we're not there yet," before heading back to Washington from Ottawa.

Peter Navarro, an adviser to Trump on trade, told Fox News: "Everybody is negotiating in good faith right now as we speak.

"The deadline is midnight tonight to get the text into Congress to make sure this goes forward."

Canada's The Globe and Mail cited four sources as saying an outline of a deal had been reached but Trump and Trudeau still needed to approve it. The two sides were hoping to finalise the pact overnight ahead of an announcement on Monday, The Globe and Mail said.

The United States and Mexico want to push a deal they separately negotiated through their respective legislatures before Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador takes office on December 1.

In the United States, Congress needed the text of the deal by the late-Sunday deadline if a 60-day review period is to be respected.

High political stakes

Trump has been pushing for a complete overhaul of the agreement which he says has been a "rip-off" for the United States.

Speaking at a political rally in Wheeling, West Virginia on Saturday night, Trump told supporters: "We'll see what happens with Canada, if they come along. They have to be fair."

In August -- more than a year into the negotiations -- the United States and Mexico announced they had reached a two-way deal, after breaking away for bilateral talks on their outstanding issues.

But the ensuing talks to incorporate Canada stumbled.

Ottawa and Washington remained at odds over Canada's subsidised dairy sector, and the dispute resolution provisions in NAFTA.

Concessions on dairy would be politically difficult for Trudeau's government, a matter complicated yet further by elections being held Monday in the dairy producing province of Quebec.

The main Quebec parties and farmers' organisations are in favor of retaining the "supply management" system, which controls the production and price of milk and poultry and ensures stable incomes for Canadian farmers.

Tempers flared this week on both sides as the end-of-month deadline approached.

"We're not getting along with their negotiators," Trump said Wednesday of Canada.

Trudeau fired back: "We won't sign a bad deal for Canada."

The political stakes are high on both sides of the US-Canadian border: Trump needs to look strong heading into the November midterm elections, where his Republican Party is fighting to keep control of Congress, while Trudeau does not want to be seen as caving before next year's general election.

More than two-thirds of Canadian exports go to the United States, equivalent to 20 percent of its Gross Domestic Product, while Canada is the largest export market for the United States.
Arnault also has been suspected of violating century-old Nobel rules by leaking names of winners of the prestigious award  allegedly seven times, starting in 1996. (Photo: File | AP)

Copenhagen: The man at the centre of a sex-abuse and financial crimes scandal that is tarnishing the academy that awards the Nobel Prize in Literature was convicted of rape and sentenced to two years in prison on Monday.

Jean-Claude Arnault, a major cultural figure in Sweden, had faced two counts of rape of a woman in 2011. He was found guilty of one rape but was acquitted of the other because the victim said she was asleep and judges said her account wasn't reliable.

Stockholm District Court said that the ruling was unanimous. Judge Gudrun Antemar said the role of the court was to decide whether the prosecutor had proven the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

"The court's conclusion is that the evidence is enough to find the defendant guilty of one of the events," she said, adding the evidence "has mainly consisted of statements made during the trial by the injured party and several witnesses."

In Sweden, rape is punishable by a minimum of two years and a maximum of six years in prison.

Prosecutor Christina Voigt had demanded three years in prison for Arnault, who is married to a Swedish Academy member.

There were no immediate comments from Voigt or Arnault's lawyer, Bjorn Hurtig, who earlier had said they would appeal if he was convicted.

Arnault had denied the charges, which have rocked the prestigious academy, with seven members either being forced to leave or quitting in April. In May, the academy announced that no prize would be awarded this year.

Arnault, who is a French citizen, is married to poet and Swedish Academy former member Katarina Frostenson. She quit in April at the same time as former permanent secretary Sara Danius.

On top of that, Arnault also has been suspected of violating century-old Nobel rules by leaking names of winners of the prestigious award  allegedly seven times, starting in 1996.

It remains unclear to whom the names were allegedly disclosed, and it is not known whether it has been investigated. All the allegations have shredded the academy's credibility, called into question its judgment and the scandal has sparked a debate over how to face up to its flaws.

It has divided the body's 18 members  who are appointed for life  into hostile camps and prompted seven members of the prestigious institution to leave or disassociate themselves from it.

Many in the Scandinavian nation, known for promoting gender equality, have expressed dismay over the scandal, which has exposed bitter divisions within the academy and given rise to accusations of patriarchal leanings among some members. It began in November, when 18 women came forward in a Swedish newspaper with accusations against Arnault.

In April, the Swedish Academy said an internal investigation into sexual misconduct allegations found that "unacceptable behaviour in the form of unwanted intimacy" had taken place within the ranks of the prestigious institution.

The internal investigation eventually led to a police investigation.
The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) faced severe criticism on Saturday for its inaction against owners of high-rise buildings who had converted parking space for commercial purposes.

The issue was raked up at the general meeting in the Council Hall on Saturday.

BJP Corporator Sudhir Shetty said MCC had identified 23 such high-rise buildings which had illegally converted their parking spaces into vehicle showrooms, bar or restaurants. The basement of Saibeen complex, located opposite MCC, had been turned into Burma Bazaar, he charged.

Officials clarified that with some owners filing petitions in court, no action could be initiated against such buildings. MCC Mayor Bhaskar K directed officials to cancel door numbers of all 23 such high-rise buildings identified by MCC.

The BJP corporators accused MCC Mayor and Commissioner of being partisan in allocating funds for developmental works. The meeting was disrupted as the corporators trooped into the well of the house and staged dharna twice. The corporators withdrew their protest when the mayor promised to release funds to wards which had not received any grants.

Officials also informed on launching a special drive against consumers who had not paid their water bills from first week of October.
India is an "important partner" of the United Nations in countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said, and there are plans to step up cooperation between the two on strengthening capacity in combating terror financing.

Guterres, who will begin a three-day visit to India on Monday, said the planning and implementation of acts of terrorism transcend borders and it is the responsibility of all the States to take action to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism.

"The threat of radicalisation, violent extremism, and terrorism continues to persist and even grow in many parts of the world. Modern-day terrorists are savvy in both technology and social media, successfully exploiting contemporary tools to propagate the narrative of hate and violence to recruit young people and raise funds," Guterres told PTI in an email interview.

The UN chief emphasised that all nations must prevent and combat incitement to violence, and enforce counter-terrorism measures.

He described India as an important partner of the UN in countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism.

The Government of India's recent contribution to the United Nations Trust Fund for Counter-Terrorism will support the execution of capacity-building projects by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, he said.

"There are also plans for cooperation between India and the United Nations on strengthening capacity in the areas of countering terrorist financing, and on the use of advance passenger information," the UN Chief said in the email interview.

The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy provides a solid framework for such joint action, while also calling upon all States to respect international humanitarian and human rights law. As part of India's continuing commitment to strengthen multilateral efforts to counter terrorism and support the work of the newly established UN Office for Counter-Terrorism (OCT), the Indian government had this year announced a voluntary contribution of USD 550,000 for the OCT.

Guterres noted that though the primary responsibility lies with the Member States, the UN Secretariat is fully committed to supporting efforts to tackle terrorism and to helping find multilateral solutions to complex global challenges such as this.

The recently-established United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism is tasked to provide strategic leadership and coordination to United Nations counter-terrorism efforts.

"The Organisation will also enhance its efforts in support of Member States developing effective counter-terrorism strategies, through capacity building support and mobilisation of much-needed resources," he said.
In what may snowball into a major controversy, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan has questioned the rationale behind extending reservation benefits for an indefinite period.

Baba Saheb Ambedkar himself said reservation was required for 10 years to bring around a social change in society. He visualised equal development within 10 years. But that did not happen. So what are we doing now? We are extending reservations every 10 years. At one point in time, it was extended for 20 years. But has reservation brought welfare to the country? Sumitra asked.

However, Sumitra, who was speaking at Ranchi while participating in Lok Manthan programme in Jharkhand on Sunday, clarified that she was personally not against reservation but it was high time to deliberate on the issue.

Without taking any names, Sumitra also took a dig at those who benefited from reservation but did precious little for their community.

Those who have achieved something in life (after availing benefits of quota) should also introspect what they have done for the upliftment of their communities and society, the Speaker argued, adding that this was her personal opinion.

She also stressed on the need to develop a patriotic feeling. So long as we do not strengthen the spirit of patriotic feeling towards our country, overall development of the country is not possible, she added.
By Mazhar Farooqui, TwoCircles.net

The Uttar Pradesh police have always been very communal and trigger happy. The paramilitary forces, particularly the PAC is even worse.

As we debate Vivek Tiwaris cold-blooded murder, my mind goes to a cold wintry morning at the height of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement when some two dozen policemen stormed our Muslim-dominated neighbourhood in Lucknow around 6 am to arrest a man suspected of rioting and arson.

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Faced with resistance, the cops, including PAC personnel, clambered on the top floor of a nearby school building and then, shouting Jai Shri Ram, opened unprovoked fire at the homes below.

Within minutes, four were dead and many injured. All men died in their homes. One of them was a friend who had got married weeks before.

His brain was blown to smithereens by a .303 bullet as he stumbled out of bed, half asleep and opened his bedroom window to look out.

When the guns fell silent, the cops broke into several homes and rounded any young man they could get their hands on.

Shaukat, the blind muezzin of our mosque, was dragged out on the street and shot in the palm of his hand by a service revolver in full public view. Media reports on the following day said he was injured after a crude bomb exploded in his hand. A blind man throwing bombs? I found it funny even under those critical circumstances.

The police also gate crashed into my uncles house, a mere 200 meters from my own place and whisked away two of my cousins to the Aminabad police station where they were beaten mercilessly all day and forced to chant Jai Shri Raam.

Katve, yeh lo Javed Miandad Ka chakka, the cops jeered as they rained lathi blows on my cousins, who had been arrested because they were dressed in shalwar kameez.

Another young cousin, who lived in the same house was spared because he had the presence of mind to hurriedly pullover over a pair of jeans.

Later that evening, some us visited the police station carrying warm clothes and blankets for our cousins who were still in illegal custody and shivering in cold.

As we handed over the blankets, a police inspector sized us up and asked: Saaley Katve, bhainsa khaatey ho, phir bhi sardi lag rahi hai?

I was not at home when the police firing started that morning. My Dad and I had gone to the nearby Charbagh Railway station to pick my uncle and cousin who were coming back from Delhi.

And since there were no cellphones during those days, we remained blissfully unaware of the carnage until we drove back towards our home.

We had no clue even when a posse of policemen who had set up a barricade in the middle of the LaTouche road stopped us and asked us to step out. As we revealed our names, the policemen started raining lathi blows on the four of us.

We were all well dressed, and by no accounts, looked criminals. My dad showed them railway tickets, saying we had merely gone to pick our relatives. But the explanation cut no ice.

The beat us mercilessly. One enthusiastic cop even cocked a gun at us. Luckily he didnt pull the trigger else I would have also ended up as Vivek Tiwari.

(The write up has been taken from Mazhar Farooquis Facebook wall).
The U.S. Supreme Court has denied a petition to hear a whistleblowing case brought by a former West Chester University employee who was terminated from her position after reporting alleged manipulations of university budgets to get more state dollars in their coffers.

The high court announced Monday the denial of a writ of certiorari filed in the case Bradley v. West Chester University et al. on appeal from the U.S Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit which ruled that former university employee Colleen Bradley did not have First Amendment protection when she alerted school officials that funds were being manipulated in budget proposals made in 2012 and 2014 that showed the school being millions in the red as opposed to having tens of millions in surplus. The Third Circuit ruled Bradley was acting within her employment duties as the director of budget and financial planning to bring about such a concern.

Bradleys lawyers, including Ridley Park-based attorney Daniel Kearney, argued that bringing up the discrepancies in budget finances was speech made as a private citizen and was granted First Amendment protection because making such declarations were not part of her job description.

The lawyers were asking the Supreme Court whether her speech in exposing her public employers false, illegal and corrupt accounting practices unrelated to her job duties were protected.

Kearney said he was obviously, very disappointed in their final appeal effort being shot down by the high court.

In a nutshell, we have put a lot of time and effort into a case that we thought merited a different result based on the facts and what happened here, he said Monday afternoon. Theyre (the Supreme Court) not saying your position is right or wrong. For whatever reason  they dont think the case has enough applicable to a broad audience.

Bradley was surprised when she first heard Monday morning that the court would not hear the case, calling it a big loss.

The outcome of this decision is very unfortunate because it opens the doors to further corruption, she said. The Supreme Courts decision also does not mean the fraudulent accounting practices were not taking place.

I have no regrets and I sympathize with victims who are experiencing similar circumstances and dont have any hope for protection or justice.

Spokespersons for West Chester University and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, which oversees the university, released similar statements Monday rebuking the claims made by Bradley and expressing content with the courts decision to end further legal proceedings.

Bradleys case starts in 2012 when she was starting to compile her first BUD report  a budget document submitted annually to PASSHE that lists revenue and expenditure streams for the prior, current and the requested fiscal years to determine appropriations for each of PASSHEs 14 schools  under the tutelage of her supervisor, former Vice President of Finance and Administration Mark Mixner. She was allegedly told by PASSHE Associate Vice Chancellor Lois Johnson to increase the transfer to plant line item so that a projected surplus of $18 million would become a projected deficit of over $2 million.

I was completely blown away by what I was asked to do, said Bradley, who has a masters degree in finance and over 20 years experience in the banking and finance business before coming to West Chester in 2011. She was allegedly told by Johnson and Mixner that the BUD report was just a political document that no one looks at. Bradley also claims that then-University President Greg Weisenstein asked to inflate enrollment numbers to keep state money coming in.

Bradley addressed her concerns to the universitys Administrative Budget Committee (ABC) on Sept. 20, and on Sept. 27, Mixner allegedly told the ABC that he had made the line item transfer himself, according to the petition filed with the Supreme Court. She would also bring her concerns to her mentor in then-dean and current university President Chris Fiorentino, who allegedly told her that it wasnt right what she was asked to do with the manipulation of numbers.

That report with the fabricated $2 million deficit was sent to PASSHE in Bradleys name, and the school received the appropriations it asked for based on the fixed numbers, according to Bradley.

After this incident, Bradley said she was a trapped rat at the university.

What transpired is I was getting removed from meetings and the responsibilities were taken away from me, she said. They started to exclude me and I was like a clerk at these meetings. They started to demean my position.

In 2014, Bradley presented to the universitys Enrollment Management Committee a reality budget that would help them with budgetary projections. At this meeting, Mixner allegedly wanted Bradley to report his sky is falling budget showing a projected $15 million deficit in one year when there was a projected $11 million in surplus. Bradley showed both budgets and the committee is said to have questioned why a deficit was being reported.

Another presentation was set for the opinion leaders group the next day and Bradley asked to show the reality budget. He denied the request and showed the budget with the $15 million shortfall to the committee.

Despite continued pleas to Fiorentino for help, Bradley was ultimately terminated by Mixner for not being a good cultural fit for the university despite years of glowing reviews by him.

As a result of this false and misleading budget information, read a portion of the writ of cert petition, WCU received more than $146 million in taxpayer-funded appropriations when during the same time (2012-2014) its general and education fund net assets increased by $56.6 million or over 100 percent.

Bradley initiated a suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania before appealing to the Third Circuit, both ruling in favor of Mixner on summary judgment and WCU and PASSHE on Eleventh Amendment immunity grounds.

On her First Amendment claim, undisputed evidence shows that Ms. Bradley was not speaking outside her chain of command when she was reporting to the EMC on Oct. 29, 2014; rather, she was responding, in her official capacity, to a direct question by a member of that committee, ruled the Third Circuit.

According to Kearney, Mixner was asked a handful of times during a deposition if reporting discrepancies in the budget was part of Bradleys job duties or performance, and each time he said no.

Although the courts did not dispute the legality or practices that were called upon to report deficits to yield more money from the state, the third circuit said we take seriously Ms. Bradleys concerns about WCUs budgeting practices, but her claims were made as a state employee and not a private citizen.

West Chester and PASSHE spokespersons did not respond to questions about the alleged practices of Mixner and Lois Johnson as reported by Bradley. Mixner could not be reached for comment directly by email or telephone.

Kearney said he was hoping the Supreme Court would take this case considering it had not taken a First Amendment at work case in over 10 years.

In Garcetti v. Ceballos (2006) the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that a district attorney who was denied a promotion after raising concerns of a search warrant was not granted First Amendment protection because his statements were made in his position as a public employee, not a private citizen.

Additionally, in 2012 the Third Circuit ruled that a School District of Philadelphia employee did have First Amendment protections after being terminated for reporting to a newspaper that the superintendent was steering a prime contract to a minority-owned business.

As a government employee youre risking your job and breaching confidentiality, Kearney said about public employee whistleblowers exposing wrongdoing. Colleens own boss testified that reporting false information was not part of her job. The court put its own job description on Colleen.

When asked if the Third Circuits uncontested decision enhances bad workplace practices while not giving whistleblowers protection to expose it, he said it did.

From a government perspective, this case is essentially saying its really hard for a whistleblower to enforce First Amendment rights, he said.

If Bradley went to the press, as the Third Circuit suggested in the 2012 case, she could have been fired, but then she was fired for reporting wrongdoing to administrators and other state and university officials.

Its a long uphill battle to pursue a first amendment whistleblower claim, said Kearney. The way the law shook out it was worth the effort and I believe that.

In the end, Bradley never saw herself as a whistleblower.

From the standpoint of never going to the newspapers, I wanted to be in a position to go to work, do my job and add value to the higher education system, she said. For anybody who has walked in my shoes to do the right thing, there was nothing I could do.

After Mondays decision she said she vows to keep advocating for whistleblowers at the state level.
In Commonwealth v. Eldred, an underreported July 16 case with nationwide implications, where addiction was an underlying issue in a criminal case, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that it was not cruel and unusual punishment to put a person who is on probation in jail after one positive test for drugs.

Less than two weeks after a court ordered Julie Eldred to not use drugs while on probation, she tested positive for the opioid fentanyl. Consequently, Ms. Eldred, a chronic substance abuser, spent about 10 days in jail until an inpatient treatment bed was available.

In the subsequent appeal, Lisa Newman-Polk, Ms. Eldreds attorney, argued that incarceration was unconstitutional cruel and unusual punishment because Ms. Eldreds substance abuse disorder made her incapable of remaining drug-free.

Newman-Polk, a certified social worker with clinical experience treating addiction, called the decision a massive blow that would place the court on the wrong side of history.

The court did not agree. Nor do I. To the contrary, adoption of Miss Eldreds disease theory would dangerously undermine Americas efforts to combat its metastasizing opioid epidemic, almost certainly lead to increased drug-related deaths, increased risks to public safety, increased recidivism, longer prison sentences for addicts without the possibility of probation or parole, fewer options like drug courts to incentivize recovery, and millions of new dollars invested in unproven community drug treatment programs.

Most important, it would remove an addicts personal responsibility in the recovery process, the sine qua non of successful recovery.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, substance abuse disorder (SUD) occurs when a persons use of drugs or alcohol leads to health issues or problems at work, school, or home. Relapse is often a part of the recovery process.

But not everyone agrees with the disease model.

The court cited the Commonwealths behavioral model, which postulates that SUD may affect an individuals urge to use substances, but it does not render that individual without the free will to use substances.

The majority ultimately concluded that the defendants claim of SUD rested on science that is not tested.

Justice David J. Lowry, writing for the majority, emphasized that a defendant who violates probation is not being punished for the violation (drug use), but anew on his [or her] underlying conviction. The court recognized that addiction is a status that may not be criminalized.

Continuing, the requirement of remaining drug-free is not, as Ms. Eldred contends, an outdated moral judgment about an individuals addiction. Rather . the requirement is based on the (sentencing) judges consideration of the defendants circumstances and that she committed the underlying crime to support her drug use.

Having worked with many addicts for many years, I can attest that many former users credit a stint in jail (or the mere threat) for jump-starting their recovery.

Justice Lowrys well-reasoned opinion will help protect defendants by giving them clear motivation to remain substance-free while providing for the protection of the public.

Ironically, should she remain clean and sober, Ms. Eldred may one day thank the sentencing judge for saving her life.
(CNN)  Polls have closed in Macedonia's name-change referendum, and early results indicate a low voter turnout, according to figures published online by the country's State Election Commission on Sunday.

The voter turnout percentage on the Republic of Macedonia State Election Commission website stands at 34.76% at 6:30 p.m. local time.

Even though authorities have set the turnout threshold at 50 percent, the referendum is consultative, which means Prime Minister Zoran Zaev can trigger the process of constitutional amendments to rename Macedonia regardless of the outcome.

Macedonians were voting in a referendum on whether they're in favor of joining NATO and the EU and accepting an agreement with Greece to change their country's name to the Republic of North Macedonia. Greece insists that only its own province of Macedonia, birthplace of Alexander the Great, can claim that name, and Greece has blocked its northern neighbor's previous attempt to join the alliance.

The dispute has been a stumbling block in relations since Macedonian independence from Yugoslavia nearly three decades ago. The agreement on the name change signed by the Greek and Macedonian Prime Ministers in June is the first time a resolution has been within sight.

Many in Macedonia see it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to kick-start an economic revival, and Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, who brokered the deal, is banking on NATO membership bringing much needed investment to Macedonia.

"The referendum, in my view, is a make-it-or-break-it event for the country, because it's an attempt to deal with the most important obstacle for continuing toward NATO and European integration," said Simonida Kacarska, Director of the European Policy Institute in Skopje.

But a large and organized disinformation campaign to boycott the vote is underway, said Goran Nikolovski, director of Macedonia's Administration for Security and Counterintelligence, and Western officials are pointing their fingers at Russia.

For a Balkan country of just 2 million people, Macedonia has attracted an impressive roster of VIPs in the last few weeks ahead of the vote.

U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and EU's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini all descended on the capital Skopje to support what Mattis called the most important vote in the nation's history.

Meddling claim

Moscow openly opposes Macedonia's NATO aspirations, having long been a major player in the Balkans. Mattis said on his way to Skopje there was "no doubt" Russia was transferring money and conducting a broader campaign to undermine the name change. "We do not want to see Russia doing there [in Macedonia] what they have tried to do in so many other countries," Mattis told reporters.

Speaking in Washington this month Stoltenberg said Russia was trying to use disinformation and social media to prevent Macedonia from joining NATO.

The Kremlin has always denied it meddles in other nation's votes, and Macedonia's PM Zaev said there was no evidence Russia was behind the disinformation campaign, even though he acknowledged it clearly opposed Macedonia's NATO accession.

But Moscow's recent track record in the Balkans has caused diplomats to be on high alert.

Montenegro authorities accused Russian security services of being involved in a plot to assassinate their Prime Minister and stage a coup during 2016 elections to stop the country from joining NATO.

"Naturally, neither Montenegrin officials nor Western media are providing any evidences that could confirm these allegations," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters in a briefing.

In July, Greece expelled two Russian diplomats and barred entry to two more after they tried to bribe officials and "undermine its foreign policy and interfere in its internal affairs," according to statements by the Greek foreign ministry. Greek media reported Russian diplomats were working to obstruct the deal with Macedonia -- which the Kremlin denies.

And last summer Macedonian intelligence documents leaked to the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project showed agents believed Russia had been trying to sow discord in Macedonia since 2008.

Michael Carpenter, former U.S. National Security Council Russia director under the Obama administration, said the Kremlin has effective ways of subverting Balkan countries' western integration.

"Both online propaganda but also channeling a few hundred thousand euros or even a few million euros to various ultra-nationalist groups in the region really doesn't cost that much, doesn't have any negative repercussions for Moscow. It's a relatively cheap and easy way to assert its influence in the region," he said.

Disinformation campaign

While it's unclear who the mastermind is, a disinformation campaign around the vote is in full swing, NGOs who monitor the cyber space say. Nikolovski told Skopje TV that security services are investigating a systematic attempt to undermine the vote though social media and fake news.

The Transatlantic Commission on Election Integrity, a think tank co-founded by former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, said it's found evidence Twitter bots are behind an effort to suppress voter turnout. In a statement the organization said it found accounts calling for a boycott and created two months ago make up 10% of the online conversation  a figure they say is almost three times higher than in the Italian election.

"There is a very structured and organized campaign to boycott the referendum and for the agreement with Greece to fail," said Marko Trosanovski, President of the Skopje-based Institute for Democracy.

In one example, a still from a Croatian pop star's music video in which she was portrayed as a victim of domestic violence was used as proof of police brutality against women protesting the referendum.

Another account posted a fake news report about a Belgian mayor who was murdered because he threatened to expose that the EU was led by "satanists." The article used the actual image and name of a mayor of a Belgian town who was killed by a teenager who blamed his father's suicide on the loss of his council job.

And Macedonia's Ministry of Defense was forced to issue a strong denial after a fake news story that NATO troops used ammunition with depleted uranium during drills in Macedonia went viral.

"There are many new pages established in the last two months which are spewing fake news and hate speech," according to Vladimir Petreski from the Macedonian NGO Vistinomer  meaning truth-meter, which works to debunk fake news on social media and right-wing websites.

"Some of them are straight up lies, but most of them contain a grain of truth and that grain of truth is twisted, it contains political spin so that it can be explained in a way that suits the writer," he said.

Macedonia came last in a survey of 35 European countries measured for their resilience to false news conducted by Open Society Institute - Sofia this year.

"We have a very weak, fragmented media space, also media professionalism in the country has been an issue itself," said Kacarska. "It's a media space that's very easy to penetrate with fake news."

Legal process

At least half the electorate voting in favor would give his government the legitimacy to seek the backing of two thirds of the Parliament needed to make changes to the constitution.

Trosanovski, Kacarska and Petreski all say this will be hard to meet because Macedonia last conducted a population census in 2002, and its electoral register counts people who are deceased or have emigrated.

And powerful voices within the government are urging citizens to abstain. Macedonia's President Gjorge Ivanov announced he will boycott the referendum, warning that the country is being asked to commit "legal and historical suicide."

His views are echoed by the small but loud anti-referendum party United Macedonia, which has sprung up in the last few months and has close relations with Vladimir Putin's United Russia party, according to party leaders.

Its leader Janko Bacev says the West wants to erase Macedonia from the world map and has been busy drumming up support for the boycott in rallies across the country.

''The yes campaign makes it seem like billions of euros are waiting at the Macedonian border, and as soon as we change our name we will all be rich and happy," he said. Bacev pointed to Macedonia's neighbor Bulgaria which has been an EU member for 11 years, but still struggles economically.

Marko Trosanovski said the constant stream of high-level visitors was initially a successful strategy for the yes camp but has started to wear Macedonians down.

'It is time now to step back, because it's starting to have a counter-productive effect. People have mostly formed their opinions, and it's an emotional issue. People are aware of the sacrifice they have to give, but someone else coming to Macedonia and consistently asking them to vote for it, they find it pretentious," said Trosanovski.

If the referendum succeeds and Macedonia's constitution is amended to change its name, the agreement will need to be ratified by the Parliament in Greece, which has also seen violent protests against the deal.

But whatever the outcome of Sunday's vote is, it will set in motion events which will shape the fate of the small Balkan nation.

This story was first published on CNN.com "Macedonia sees low turnout in name change referendum amid disinformation campaign"
Shukoh Albadar, TwoCircles.net

Merely 40 km away from the Jharkhands state capital Ranchi, Khunti, a newly-carved out district is in the limelight across the national media.

Dominated by CPI Maoist and its splinter rebel group PLFI and surrounded by rich flora and fauna, this district is now at the centre stage for its new kind of political movement popularly known as the Pathalgadi. While moving across the area one can see green, stone plaques standing at the entry point of the villages written Bharat ka Samvidhan on its top in Hindi language and listing constitutional provisions and tribals rights in white lettering.

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Backdrop of the Pathalgadi Movement

In February, a ceremony with an assembly took place in the districts Kochang village under the banner of Adivasi Mahasabha. More than thousands of tribal people with traditional arms and machete participated with full enthusiasm and vigour. During the meeting the local tribal leaders challenged the authority of Central and State power, whooping that a single inch of land would not be the property of the government.

They completely showed their allegiance to the Constitution and rejected any other authority or power. To establish the manifesto more strongly they started Pathalgadi, putting giant plaques at the entry point of the village declaring their gram sabha or village assembly as the only sovereign authority. Outsiders were banned from entering the villages. Now what they assert vehemently is Mera Goan, Mera Zameen (My village, my land) and affirms that laws passed by the gram sabha have to be accepted and followed by the village dwellers. They blamed the BJP-led state-government that till now tribal were kept in dark and their rights were concealed gauging certain political interest. Since they are now aware of their rights, the government is in fret and fume mode now.

Demand for Autonomy

Recently, the government marked the movement unlawful and flawed. In response to this, a major hunt is ongoing to arrest the local leaders of the movement. Ruling it anti-constitutional government came up with outsized hoardings in the area with a note that tribals are being misled in the name of the movement.

Civil rights activist and head of Manthan Yuva Sansthan Sudhir Paul asserts that Pathalgadi is not unconstitutional. This has been an ancient tradition of Munda tribes to document their traditions. It shows their association with nature. The new perspective in this movement is that tribals political consciousness has become stronger. They are trying to ascertain their rights provided by the Indian constitution.

Paul opines that the whole movement should be seen in the backdrop of governments policies which tries to crush their rights. Since the BJP government came in power in 2014, an enormous effort was made to amend the CNT and SPT Act that largely protects tribal tenancy rights. Enacted during the British Raj in 1908 Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (CNT) prohibits the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals hence protecting their community ownership. Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act (SPT) has much similar to the CNT Act.

There is a need to see the whole movement in this perspective that on the one hand lands are forcibly taken from them by the government in the name of development causing the forced removal of their homeland. Tribals of the state are against the corporate-driven development agenda. It is a natural but remarkable burst of anger resulting into rebellion with doubts and conflicts arising among them, he added.

The Pathalgadi movement has become a tool to denounce the government policies and assertion of their rights. Nearly 200 villages of the state, particularly in Khuti, Gumla, Simdega and West Singhbhum districts are under its great influence.

Noted journalist of a local Hindi daily Sanjay Yadav believes that Pathalgadi movement gained momentum in the year 1996 when Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act or PESA provision came into effect.

Drumbeaters B.D Sharma, an IAS officer and tribal leader Bandi Oraon initiated the practice of placing the stone slabs to make the tribal people aware of their rights mentioned in the Act. Pathalgadi is part of the tribal customary law of Jharkhand and other tribal population dominated states like Chattisgarh and some part of Odisha.

Pathalgadi is an age-old tradition inscribed in Adivasi philosophy in which their belief and rituals are carved on the stone plaques. But things are changing now he adds.

Development Far Away

The villages that come under this area are far away from the development. Kochang is one of the villages where one can see primary school building only but without any teachers. The villages primary health centre lacks basic facilities and has deserted look. Though the government is now in great haste to revamp development projects, locals have their unsatisfactory versions.

On the condition of anonymity, one of the locals says that the governments so-called development is far away from the reality in tribal populated villages. Schools buildings and Primary Health Centers are present but neither a single teacher nor doctors are available here. Village dwellers go near about two kilometres to fetch water. There is a huge scarcity of drinking water and the only source of water from crater or pothole of the nearby mountainous riverbed. Swacch Bharat Abhiyan is a complete failure here. Villagers argue that if they have to fetch water from two kilometres, what is the use of making toilets. Firstly the government should provide water facility to these villages, he said.

If people sitting the political corridor feel that implementation of development projects as arduous one, they must hand over the autonomy to the people of tribal villages so that they might govern themselves on their own. The government must think over transferring of the development fund to the village assembly, the villagers demand in unison.
SALT LAKE CITY  Heres a look at the news for Sept. 26

Abby Huntsman spoke with the Deseret News about what she thinks about Colin Kaepernick, Donald Trump and being labeled a conservative. Read more.

Tim Ballards new book was featured on ESPN as part of a plan to stop modern slavery. Read more.

Utah Rep. Mia Loves FEC issues part and parcel of campaigns, according to her new attorney. Read more.

In a new video, the new UVU president welcomed students back to school in six different languages. Read more.

Deseret News Opinion Editor Boyd Matheson wrote that the Supreme Court is too political, and its Congress fault. Read more.

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SALT LAKE CITY  BYU alumnus Peter Stone was always more interested in politics than writing, until best-selling author Margaret Stohl approached him at his wedding and said he had a book in him.

Stohl, who lives part time in Park City, based this opinion off the speech Stone had just given to his wife at his wedding reception. At the time, Stone dismissed Stohl's compliment as exaggerated flattery, perhaps brought on by the romantic atmosphere of his nuptials. But, as he continued to meet Stohl throughout the next few months, she kept asking when he was going to write a book. So, finally, Stone decided to give it a try.

"I would have never seen this potential in myself or taken myself seriously had she not done it first," he said.

When Stone tried to come up with an idea for a book, he remembered his Washington, D.C., internship with California Congressman Gary Condit as "one of the most vivid chapters" of his life. So he pulled from these experiences to write his debut young adult spy novel, "The Perfect Candidate" (Simon & Schuster, 384 pages, ages 12 and up), which hits shelves Oct. 2.

"The Perfect Candidate" tells the story of Cameron Carter, who leaves behind his inland California town to intern in Washington, D.C., for his congressman, who's expected to be the next speaker of the House.

Cameron anticipates this internship will propel his career out of his small hometown, but instead he gets wrapped up in a scandal involving murder and corruption. Putting his own life in danger, Cameron strives to solve a mystery that will upend everything he thought he knew about American politics before the summer ends.

Stone loosely based "The Perfect Candidate" on Condit's real-life scandal with Chandra Levy, a 24-year-old D.C. intern from Stone's California hometown. In the summer of 2001, Levy was found dead near a D.C. running trail and it quickly became clear that her death was not an accident. As authorities looked into her relationships they discovered evidence that indicated she and Condit were having an affair, thus placing Condit under suspicion. Condit firmly denied having any involvement with Levy's death, and Stone said he's inclined to believe him, but still the experience was disillusioning for him.

"Gary Condit was a hero of mine for many years," Stone said. "Someone that you have such confidence in and such respect for, who is then cast in a very negative light by the media  you get to a point where you don't know what to believe and you start to question your own confidence."

This negative experience is also part of why Stone has since left politics and is now a marketing executive for Netflix, currently based out of Tokyo. After earning his bachelor's degree in political science from Brigham Young University and an MBA from Harvard Business School, Stone switched from political campaigns to marketing campaigns for television and film in Los Angeles.

"I feel like politics and Hollywood are sister industries," he said. "Political campaigns are not that unlike campaigns for movies. You are getting people to show up for something that happens on a particular day; you are up against competition. To me, it's that bootstrapping and entrepreneurial spirit that is the same for both."

Stone even included an oft-quoted platitude in his book that Washington, D.C., is "Hollywood for the ugly," where politicians are the celebrities.

"That's what I love about D.C., is that it is such a youthful city with people who are trying to change the world," he said. "There's this hum and energy and electricity that I just found to be so exciting."

It's the contrast of a city filled with people who are trying to improve the country, sometimes at the expense of their own morals, that is the theme behind "The Perfect Candidate."

The book is coming out at a unique time in politics, Stone said, when parties are deeply divided and emotionally charged, and polarizing issues are getting young people more involved. He hopes "The Perfect Candidate" will inspire young adults to learn more about how they can make a difference in the country.

"As disillusioning as government may seem, there are really exciting ways to get involved," he said, "whether it's political campaigns or with your congressman or maybe even spending some time in the nation's capital. It's exciting and it'll change your life."

If you go 

What: Peter Stone book signing in conversation with Natalie Hill Jensen

When: Friday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m.

Where: The King's English, 1511 S. 1500 East

Web: kingsenglish.com

Note: Places in the signing line are reserved for those who purchase a copy of the featured book from The King's English.
SALT LAKE CITY  Utah's 36,000 children of young adult parents are disproportionately growing up in low-income and low-education homes compared to the rest of the state, according to a new statistical report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, a national children's advocacy organization.

Just 17 percent of Utah's young adult parents, defined as those between ages 18 and 24, have an associate degree or higher, the organization's Opening Doors for Young Parents report says.

Additionally, 60 percent of children of young adult parents in Utah live in low-income households, as defined by earnings of less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level, the report says. Just seven states had a lower percentage of children of young adult parents who also live in low-income households.

Of all Utahns ages 18 to 24, an estimated 11 percent are parents, the report says, closely resembling the national average of 10 percent. About 3.4 million American children live with young adult parents, and 37 percent of them live below the federal poverty level, which is "nearly twice the national child poverty rate," the report says.

"Although childbearing during the early 20s is more culturally accepted than during the teen years, outcomes for many young parents ages 18 to 24 and their children are similar to the outcomes of the even more fragile families headed by teens, fueled by a lack of employment and financial stability," the findings state.

"Young parents face today's new and rapidly changing labor market without the years of education, experience and perspective that older parents often have gained."

The report also identifies what the Annie E. Casey Foundation believes are "common-sense, effective programs and targeted policies that can help set (young parents) on the right path and help them realize their dreams for themselves and their children."

The organization's suggestions for states include full Medicaid expansion, expanded availability of child care and subsidies for such care, and improved earned income tax credit assistance.

Medicaid expansion

Utah voters will vote in November on whether to expand Medicaid eligibility to everyone in the state earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, making an estimated 150,000 people newly qualified for the federal health insurance program.

Terry Haven, deputy director of Voices for Utah Children, an advocacy organization, said Medicaid expansion would provide many young parents the stability they currently lack with regards to containing medical costs.

"We know that children are more likely to be covered if their parents are covered, so it's a win-win for everybody in the family," Haven said.

Efforts to expand Medicaid in Utah have failed in recent years in the Utah Legislature, where some have expressed qualms over its potential long-term effects on the state budget.

Child care

The Annie E. Casey Foundation report says 63 percent of young adult parents need child care services, but only 5 percent of them get a child care subsidy of some kind.

Anna Thomas, policy analyst for Voices for Utah Children, said that "at this point in Utah our subsidy program is probably stronger than it's been in a while," but that gaps in available resources still exist. For young parents who don't get to use child care subsidies, or are unaware they exist, child care "takes an enormous bite of their family income and throws up huge barriers to self-sufficiency," Thomas said.

"Some parents have to take jobs that are not ideal for them  either they don't pay enough, or they don't provide enough hours  because they are working around a precarious child care situation," she said.

Tax credits

The Internal Revenue Service describes the federal earned income tax credit, sometimes called an EITC, as "a benefit for working people who have low to moderate income."

Utah is one of 21 states that do not, on top of the federal credit, offer some kind of state earned income tax credit, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Patrice Scott, also an analyst with Voices for Utah Children, said that in the upcoming legislative session, the organization will be pushing for the creation of a limited state income tax credit that could significantly help some young parents trying to stay afloat.

"We're going to try to just get a targeted state EITC. It would target families who are considered to be in intergenerational poverty," Scott said. "It could give them up to 10 percent of their tax money back."
SALT LAKE CITY  For years, the United States boasted a thriving middle class that offered millions of people their opportunity to pursue the American dream.

But a recent study noted that despite a strong economy, about 40 percent of American families struggled to meet at least one of their basic needs last year, including paying for food, health care, housing or utilities.

Now researchers at four major universities, including the University of Utah, are tackling the middle-class dilemma in hopes of finding ways to remedy its decline and drive expansion in the years to come.

The Urban Institute survey of nearly 7,600 adults found that the difficulties were most prevalent among adults with lower incomes or health issues. But it also revealed that people from all walks of life were running into similar hardships.

The findings issued last week by the nonprofit research organization highlight the financial strains experienced by many Americans in an otherwise strong economy.

The average unemployment rate for 2017 was 4.4 percent, a low that followed years of decline. But having a job doesn't ensure families will be able to meet their basic needs, said Michael Karpman, one of the study's authors. Among the households with at least one working adult, more than 30 percent reported hardship.

"Economic growth and low unemployment alone do not ensure everyone can meet their basic needs," the authors wrote.

In recent times, analysts worry America's middle class, the largest segment of the nation's population, has begun to contract, due in part to a widening income disparity.

The U. is part of the American Dream Ideas Challenge as a member of the Alliance for the American Dream. The project strives to find, fund, and develop policy and technology innovations from individuals or groups in Utah that have the potential to raise net income by 10 percent for 10,000 of the states middle-class households by 2020, explained project director Courtney McBeth.

"The data shows that the share of families in the middle class is shrinking and traditional philanthropy and government is really focused on intergenerational poverty," she said. This initiative focuses on fostering innovative ideas that can strengthen the middle class in the years ahead, she said.

Each of the four research institutions  the U., Arizona State, Ohio State and the University of Wisconsin  received $1.5 million to solicit original proposals that focus on sustainable measures to increase access to and increase the stability of the middle class in Utah through policy ideas or investable concepts for the public good, McBeth said.

"We are particularly interested in innovative and interdisciplinary solutions in the areas of health care, workforce development, education, transportation, housing and supports for families," she said. "It's either through increasing income or decreasing costs (of living)."

The Alliance for the American Dream is an initiative of philanthropic organization Schmidt Futures established by former Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt. The project espouses that a strong middle class will reduce income disparity and ensure upward economic mobility, enhancing opportunities for more Americans, and increasing our countrys competitiveness, McBeth said. With this goal in mind, Utahs American Dream Ideas Challenge is seeking to fund the most compelling ideas to help foster access to and support for a thriving middle class, she added.

McBeth said the U. received 130 proposals to review by the end of August, the deadline for submissions.

A committee will narrow them down to the best 10 ideas by October, and those teams will each receive $10,000 along with all the resources available from the university to help further develop those ideas, McBeth said. Those ideas will go before a community advisory board in November where the top three ideas will be selected, she added.

"Those top three ideas will then compete against the other nine ideas (from the remaining schools) and from those 12, Schmidt Futures will pick the top four or five and each will receive $1 million," she said. This process will occur this year and next year, she said, with an entirely new round of ideas and participants vying for another pool of $1 million awards in 2019 based on a slightly different topic under the umbrella of shared prosperity and decreasing inequality.

"This challenge brings a real focus on how do we make sure we sustain and continue the thriving nature of America's middle class," McBeth said. "The middle class is such an important part of our American democracy. If you look back at the Constitution and what was written in it from the days of our Founding Fathers, this notion of having an educated and thriving middle class to support our democracy has been embedded from the very beginning."

Lead researcher Pam Perlich, the director of demographic research at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the U., said the increasing wealth disparity has pushed people formerly entrenched in the middle class out into a situation of social and economic uncertainty.

In defining the term, she said people who consider themselves middle class have a place in the social hierarchy that provides security as well as community standing and allows them to live a comfortable lifestyle that also offers hope for the future.

"You have enough security in your day-to-day life that you're able to picture a future for yourself and for your loved ones where you can see a path forward passed those day-to-day struggles," she explained. "(Of late) there has been this widening divide between the people who have been able to take advantage of the new economy and the people who aren't."

Perlich said beginning in about 1980, changing economic factors started to shift opportunities for prosperity away from the those who previously found them attainable. No longer can individuals expect to reach the middle class with only a high school education, she explained.

"If you are highly educated in the current environment, this long bull stock market and this economic recovery have richly rewarded you," she said. "But if you are in the emerging group of people who didn't have the advantage of those things, then you have become more and more insecure."

She said more individuals and families have slipped into the more fragile and vulnerable lower-middle class where one crisis could threaten their very ability to keep a roof over their heads. The aim of the American Dream Ideas Challenge is to find ideas to address those very concerns and figure out ways to reverse the trend, she said.

"We need to re-engineer the infrastructures of opportunity to fit the new conditions of the economy and our communities and the populations that are here," Perlich said.

Contributing: Associated Press
SALT LAKE CITY  The pro Proposition 2 Utah Patients Coalition is in talks with state legislators and others over potential modifications to the medical marijuana proposition that might be considered if the initiative passes. But some advocates say they are being left out of the conversation.

The aspects of the measure that are being talked about include "some of the triggers we had in the proposition to make sure the medical cannabis program was implemented," said DJ Schanz, director of the Utah Patients Coalition.

According to Schanz, those triggers include provisions which allow a person 100 miles or more away from a dispensary to grow their own marijuana plants, as well as the legal "affirmative defense" for a person found with marijuana before July 1, 2020, who can show they would have been eligible for a medical cannabis card despite not having one.

Opponents of the proposition, which include medical, civic and law enforcement officials, have pointed to those provisions, among others, as reasons to defeat the measure. Schanz did not divulge specifically what about those provisions is being discussed.

House Speaker Greg Hughes has been involved in the talks over potential adjustments to Proposition 2, Hughes' office confirmed. According to Schanz, the Utah Senate has also had representation in the talks, as has the Libertas Institute, which is the initiative's largest in-state donor.

Senate President Wayne Neiderhauser and Libertas President Connor Boyack did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

An important part of the conversation with legislators, Schanz said, is ensuring that in any scenario the state is held accountable for implementing core medical marijuana program tenets promptly and adequately.

He added he is negotiating "with the assumption the ballot initiative will pass."

Schanz cautioned that "there's nothing that's been agreed upon" in the talks. Schanz said there is no "specific timeline" for bringing them to a close.

Asked if he would entertain any compromise scenario in which the campaign walks away from Proposition 2, he said, "No, absolutely not."

Opponents of the measure have said the initiative's regulations are too loose, particularly the one allowing personally grown marijuana for people more than 100 miles from a dispensary, and would lead to recreational use. They want the measure defeated and have asked the Utah Legislature to craft legislation supporting the medical use of marijuana for those in need, but with safeguards protecting the citizenry from those who would abuse it.

Both sides are at the negotiating table to see if compromises can be reached.

But not everyone is happy with the talks. Advocates with Together for Responsible Use and Cannabis Education (TRUCE) said the Utah Patients Coalition and legislators have shut them out of the talks on the future of medical marijuana in Utah. Leaving the organization out is an affront to the patients it represents, said founder Christine Stenquist.

"We were kept in the dark for weeks that this was even happening," Stenquist told the Deseret News. "I feel a sense of betrayal to the patients."

The group has worked with the Utah Patients Coalition side-by-side in campaigning for Proposition 2 and speaking out against the efforts to defeat it.

But Stenquist said Thursday she believes the Utah Patients Coalition is now "trying to negotiate and weaken" the contents of the initiative.

Knowing that the Utah Legislature can change the measure if it passes, Schanz responded, he is trying to be a voice at that table in discussing what those changes could look like.

"We've known all along  that legislators can change or modify this initiative once it passes," Schanz told the Deseret News. "We're talking with these folks to see what changes can be made that are acceptable to supporters of Proposition 2 and the legislative bodies."

Proposition 2 would allow people with certain illnesses or conditions to qualify for a medical cannabis card and purchase marijuana or marijuana products at a dispensary.

In August, Boyack told the Health and Human Services Interim Committee he was not opposed to lawmakers tweaking implementation details of an approved initiative.

"(We are) more open than ever to say we recognize the Legislature has an interest in making sure appropriate safeguards are in place," assuming a good faith effort to ensure "the core of what the public has passed is being enacted," Boyack said at the time.

Earlier in September, Gov. Gary Herbert's deputy chief of staff, Paul Edwards, said Herbert had heard from some legislators "floating some trial balloons" about a possible special legislative session on the topic of marijuana, likely after the November election.

"The idea was floated for all of a couple of minutes," Edwards cautioned at the time. "(The governor) expressed no opinion about it. He was interested in hearing some of the ideas that are being shared."

Hughes said at the time that he had "not had any conversations with the governor and there are no plans for a special session."

Schanz said Friday he had no new insight as to whether legislators would decide to call a marijuana-focused special session later this year.

Others confirm talks

Utah Medical Association's Michelle McComber confirmed her organization is "working on something and have been invited to participate by the Speaker and others," but declined to comment further.

The association, one of the earliest and most ardent opponents of Proposition 2, has argued multiple times the strength of existing medical marijuana research, and the reliability with which doctors can prescribe it, are both significantly overstated.

Marty Stephens, director of community and government relations for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, told the Deseret News that "at the invitation of the Speaker of the House, the church is participating with a number of other groups and organizations regarding medical cannabis."

The church opposes Proposition 2, contending that it lacks adequate safeguards against improper marijuana access and use, but says it is supportive of medical marijuana under certain stricter conditions.

"As we have said from the beginning, the church is willing to work with other community members to help find a good solution to this important issue.  We are hopeful these discussions will lead to a good solution for all Utahns, particularly the patients, children and their caregivers who deserve our very best effort," Stephens said in a statement.

Hughes' chief of staff, Greg Hartley, said that "like all big issues we face, the speaker has had several meetings on this topic with people from opposing sides."

"What (Hughes) has heard through those conversations is that, while there are differing opinions on certain aspects, there is more agreement than disagreement," Hartley said in a message Thursday to the Deseret News.

"So he's meeting together with people from the various sides of the issue, and testing every premise, to see if they can find common ground. He's interested in bringing sides together in an effort to help patients and protect public safety  regardless of the outcome of Prop 2. These are just discussions, and there is nothing to announce."

Inclusion in talks

On Thursday, TRUCE indicated it was organizing its own political issues committee, called Patients and Families for Prop 2, which Stenquist said "will pursue the passage of the initiative regardless of any so-called compromises that may be negotiated in secretive backroom deals."

"As far as can be ascertained, no patient or representative of patients have been included in these secret meetings," Stenquist said in a release. "This leaves patients and citizens who put this initiative on the ballot not only completely in the dark as to what may be going on in these meetings, but extremely skeptical as to what the final 'compromise' might look like."

Stenquist also warned that "no one group speaks for, represents, or owns Proposition 2 nor has the authority to negotiate any of the carefully crafted provisions of the ballot measure."

Stenquist said she is frustrated she was not able to attend talks with legislators and others despite being one of the five initial signatories on Proposition 2. Some of the other signatories feel similarly mistreated, she said.

"Yet we're supposed to trust whatever they're doing right now behind close doors is supposed to be useful for us," Stenquist said.

Schanz told the Deseret News that Stenquist "was invited and then disinvited" from some earlier discussions "because of some of her comportment."

Stenquist said she was "very adamant about being" in that meeting, but that her hand was forced when she was not going to be allowed to have her legislative advisor, Steve Urquhart, included in the talks.

Urquhart formerly served in the Utah House of Representatives and Utah Senate, leaving political office at the beginning of 2017.

Schanz said he made a follow-up effort to put Stenquist in touch with Hughes on Thursday, and that Hughes prepared to meet with her. But Stenquist backed out of any meeting with Hughes that day, according to Schanz, and had others in her organization do the same.

"Many efforts have been made to include these people," Schanz said.

Asked about why she would turn down such a meeting, Stenquist told the Deseret News that "they had already negotiated their deal and excluded us."

Urquhart said he fears an announcement over a possible policy compromise, arrived at without patients' participation, could be imminent  as soon as early this week.

"This cake has been baked and is ready to serve," Urquhart told the Deseret News.
SALT LAKE CITY  Six Flags announced a new promotion Tuesday that will give you cash if you can stand being in a coffin for more than a day.

Thats right. Six Flags in St. Louis is hosting a new 30-Hour Coffin Challenge event this Halloween season. And its exactly what it sounds like.

Guests who last will receive $300, two 2019 golden season passes and more prizes.

Six Flags will provide customers with a coffin, as well as snacks and drinks while theyre inside.

Its unclear if the coffin is open or closed.

Contestants will receive one six-minute bathroom break for every hour they last inside the coffin.

The time for the event will run from 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 14.

Participants must be at least 18 years old and be able to lie inside a coffin for 30 hours. Contestants cannot have a medical condition that would put their health at risk if they participated.

Winners might even get to keep the coffin.

Yup, the handcrafted coffin that you braved 30 long hours in could be yours to keep. Hang on to it until you really need it, use it as a Halloween decoration or, if you thoroughly enjoyed your slumber, make it your new bed, Kaitlin Gates wrote for Simplemost.

Feel free to bring a friend along as well since contestants are allowed to have a friend there for moral support during park hours, but theyll be by themselves (and presumably a number of Six Flags employees trying to scare them) during the dark, non-operating hours, according to Fortune.

Interested parties can sign up before midnight, Oct. 3.
SALT LAKE CITY  Heres a look at the news for Oct. 1.

Our morning headlines:

Survivors continue to adjust to life one year after the Las Vegas shooting that took the lives of 58 people, including three Utahns. Read more.

Gov. Gary Herbert will likely declare a state of drought for Utah as 39 percent of the state is in extreme drought. Read more.

BYU dropped out of the top 25 after Washington pummeled the team over the weekend. Itll face the Utah State Aggies next. Read more.

The Utah Patients Coalition campaign is in talks with Utah legislators over potential modifications to Proposition 2 if it passes. Read more.

Hurricane Rosa weakens to a tropical storm as it heads toward the Southwestern U.S. Read more.

Our most popular:

InDepth

National headlines:
SALT LAKE CITY  Flash floods are possible this week for much of the Southwestern United States, including Utah.

Tropical Storm Rosa will likely cause flash floods and storm warnings along the California coast and across the Southwestern United States after it pummels northwest Mexico, according to the Associated Press. The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Rosa should hit the Baja California Peninsula and Sonora state on Monday with flooding rains.

Utah will be impacted, too.

Whats happening: The National Weather Service already announced flash flood watches through Wednesday for southern Nevada, southeastern California, southwestern and central Utah and the western two-thirds of Arizona.

Heavy rain, thunderstorms and flooding are all expected in the Beehive State from Monday through Wednesday morning.

Southern and central Utah will likely see flooding in slot canyons and normally dry washes. Main stem rivers will likely see rises, according to NWS.

There could be debris flows from burn scars, and roadways could see flooding as well, according to the NWS.

NEW: The Flash Flood Watch has been extended into more of Nevada, Utah, and even Wyoming due to incoming #Rosa. Prepare yourself for the potential of flooding Monday through Wednesday! pic.twitter.com/OuhfSlCWLK  WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) September 29, 2018

FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR UTAH.... This means flooding will be POSSIBLE in some areas tomorrow as storms move in from the south. pic.twitter.com/zQu1xkQCLX  Grant Weyman (@KSLweyman) October 1, 2018

Arches National Park said in a tweet it has already seen rain, adding that park roads may become impassable.

We've got rain in #Moab today. Expect more rain in the next several days. Park roads may become impassible. (cw) #utwx https://t.co/SaIuH46xyQ  Arches National Park (@ArchesNPS) October 1, 2018

When does it start?: NWS Salt Lake City said thunderstorms would develop in northern Utah Monday afternoon.

"We are monitoring these thunderstorms as they are developing near several recent burn scars. There are no imminent threats for debris flows," NWS tweeted.

Bigger picture: The NWS said this week that the Beehive State set records for the lack of rain. But this week, theres expected to be a bunch of rain.

See the comparison below:

Compare the month of September maps of actual precipitation to the expected precipitation over the next 5 days. Some areas will receive more precipitation in the next 5 days than they have since June 1 combined. #thetideshaveturned #utwx pic.twitter.com/kzKjVYeImh  NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) September 30, 2018

History: Utah experienced a tropical system back in 1997, according to KSL-TV meteorologist Grant Weyman. Tropical Storm Nora brought rain and strong winds to Utah, following a similar path as Tropical Storm Rosa.

Stay safe: The NWS suggested those in at-risk areas prepare for debris flow and to "get your action plan together now."

"Flash flood watch means: prepare. A flash flood warning means get to a safe location ASAP if in an area impacted at threat of debris flows," according to the NWS.

The Bureau of EMS and Preparedness offered some tips for cleaning up floods, including wearing rubber boot and gloves, as well as goggles to avoid contact with floodwaters, which can be full of bacteria and other damaging material.

Depending on what happens after the floods, residents will want to monitor potential mold growth. Itll also be important to clean up damp toys and products affected by the floods.

Prepare everyone. Storm's-a-comin'!
SALT LAKE CITY  Prosecutors say a man charged with filming a teen girl's suicide in Payson Canyon last year sent a letter from jail urging his friend not to speak with investigators.

Tyerell Przybycien, 19, was charged Wednesday with two counts of witness tampering, a third-degree felony.

He wrote the letter on Sept. 19, saying it would help if the friend also would encourage four other people in particular and anyone else who associated with him not to speak with authorities, according to a probable cause affidavit.

The recipient of the letter and one of the four others testified at a preliminary hearing last year and may testify at a trial set for December, an investigator in the Utah County Attorney's Office wrote in the affidavit.

"I will encourage you to use your right to remain silent as Anything YOU say is Held against ME in court," the letter states, according to the affidavit. The court documents identify those mentioned in the letter only by their initials.

Przybycien, of Spanish Fork, faces charges of murder, a first-degree felony, and desecration of a human body, a class B misdemeanor, in the 2017 death of 16-year-old Jchandra Brown. He has pleaded not guilty to both.

His attorneys have said Brown was knowingly responsible for her own death and that his actions don't fit a charge of murder.

Prosecutors have argued that even though the 16-year-old Brown sought to take her own life in May 2017, Przybycien, then 18, bought a rope and other items used in the suicide, drove her to a remote campground and tied the noose.

Resources for those grappling with thoughts of suicide are available in Utah and nationally, through the SafeUT app; a national hotline, 1-800-273-8255 (TALK); and a Utah crisis line, 801-587-3000.
Renuka Shahane: I Am Aware Of Nana Patekars Temper, Many Have Faced His Wrath Earlier

After claims and counter claims, heres an opinion on the ongoing controversy surrounding Tanushree Duttas allegations of sexual harassment against actor Nana Patekar that makes for a compelling read. Well-known actor, Renuka Shahane, immensely popular as the bhabhi in Hum Aapke Hain Koun! has come out in support of Tanushree and has questioned the way the film industry works in a Facebook post.

Renuka begins by stating clearly that while she supports many of Tanushrees claims, she doesnt refute the fact that Nana may not be all black. She states that Nana is known in the industry, both for his temper as well as his charity and that many have faced his wrath before. However, she reasons that even if one was to accept that it may not have been Nanas intention to molest, if a colleague says that she was uncomfortable with certain steps, what stopped the other members of the team (director, choreographer and producer) to not change it?

She questions, Tanushree made it clear that she was uncomfortable with a certain step in the dance and did not like Nanas gesture/touch during that step. Even if Nanas intentions might not have been to molest her, couldnt he, the director and the choreographer come up with a step that made her feel comfortable? Would the film have suffered earth shatteringly if the steps were changed so that an actor felt more comfortable?

She wonders if the matter would have played out differently if the lady in question had been the daughter of one of those four men. In a sarcastic vein, she writes, that after all, there is a difference in being a beti (daughter) and beti jaisi (like a daughter).

If she was truly the daughter of any of the men around would they have really asked her to do something that made her feel very uncomfortable or would they want to change the step? Shayad yehi fark hai beti jaisi or asli beti hone mein!

Her damning indictment continues, And now lets come to the aftermath. Whose career did this incident affect? None of the men had a difficult time. Their ego had won! The men got all the support that any industry (not just the film industry) gives to powerful men. The only person who was traumatized was Tanushree. The scars have still not healed. Please do the math.

In an era where sentiments easily get hurt, she comments on the overreaction to Tanushrees actions. She talks of how an environment of intimidation was created by alleged members of a political party.

She continues: As if four full grown men werent enough against one girl, allegedly some members of a political party were called in to intimidate Tanushree and her parents! WTH!!! If that is not a huge overreaction then what is? Allegedly, the political party wanted Tanushree to apologise for hurting the pride of Maharashtra. Can you believe this? Would this behaviour, to force a girl uncomfortable with a dance step, really make Maharashtra proud? Isnt the pride of Maharashtra enshrined in respecting women and making it safer for women to live life?

Tanushree has spoken up about the alleged sexual harassment at the hands of Nana on the sets of the 2008 film, Horn OK Pleassss and how choreographer Ganesh Acharya and director of the film did nothing about it. Her claims have found support from a number of young Bollywood stars including Farhan Akhtar, Priyanka Chopra, Parineeti Chopra and Richa Chadha. However, Tanushree has taken umbrage to Priyanka calling her a survivor stating that she has a name.

Read the complete post here:

Nana Patekar is known as much for his volatile temper as he is for his phenomenal talent or his social service towards farmers. Many men & women from the film industry have faced his wrath. I have never worked with either Nana or Tanushree & neither was I a part of Horn Ok Pleassss. But there are some points in Tanushrees story that resonate with me. Id like to share them:

1) Tanushree made it clear that she was uncomfortable with a certain step in the dance and did not like Nanas gesture/touch during that step. Even if Nanas intentions might not have been to molest her, couldnt he, the director and the choreographer come up with a step that made her feel comfortable? Is the work place meant for terrorising people or about working in a healthy atmosphere? Would the film have suffered earth shatteringly if the steps were changed so that an actor felt more comfortable? What made Tanushree uncomfortable might not cause discomfort to other women perhaps but that is no reason for the men on the set to gang up against a person who is part of their team. If she was truly the daughter of any of the men around would they have really asked her to do something that made her feel very uncomfortable or would they want to change the step? Shayad yehi fark hai beti jaisi or asli beti hone mein!

2) As if four full grown men werent enough against one girl, allegedly some members of a political party were called in to intimidate Tanushree and her parents! WTH!!! If that is not a huge overreaction then what is? Allegedly, the political party wanted Tanushree to apologise for hurting the pride of Maharashtra. Can you believe this? Would this behaviour, to force a girl uncomfortable with a dance step, really make Maharashtra proud? Isnt the pride of Maharashtra enshrined in respecting women and making it safer for women to live life? Talk about ironies!

3) And now lets come to the aftermath. Whose career did this incident affect? None of the men had a difficult time. Their ego had won! The men got all the support that any industry ( not just the film industry) gives to powerful men. The only person who was traumatized was Tanushree. The scars have still not healed. Please do the math.

P.S: A little birdie from the set told me that the great producer of that particular film had many legal issues about non payment of dues & even talk of being funded by the underworld. But hey hey hey thats okay I guess. He must have been impeccably honest. After all he was upholding the pride of Maharashtra! Right???

There are small people( both men & women) with big egos in many places of power all over the world. When I see that too many people gang up against one person I consider that bullying and bullying cannot be right from any angle. It dehumanizes the victim!
Uprooted Palestinians are at the heart of the conflict in the M.E Palestinians uprooted by force of arms. Yet faced immense difficulties have survived, kept alive their history and culture, passed keys of family homes in occupied Palestine from one generation to the next.
In a first, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has forced a suspect to unlock his iPhone X using Face ID. The US resident is now charged with receiving and possessing child pornography. The incident holds a lot of gravity due to the ongoing tussle between the law enforcement and technology giants, and builds on the previously reported case of FBIs battle with Apple over the San Bernardino episode in 2016.

According to Forbes, the investigation is the first of its kind by any police agency anywhere in the world, not just in America. The incident happened on August 10, when a FBI officer searched the house of 28-year-old Grant Michalski, on suspicion of him involved in child pornography. The officer reportedly had a search warrant when he asked the now alleged criminal to put his face in front of the phone. The FBI agent then picked up all the material, including the suspect's online chats, photos and documents, that he thought would play a crucial role in the investigation.

Though the whole incident happened under the law, there are concerns about the use of such tactics by the authority. Feds have a history with these kinds of incidents. In one case, the Feds walked into a building and aksed everyone present there to open their iPhones with Touch ID. In one case, the Feds used the fingerprint sensor of a dead body to get past the protection of Apple's Touch ID technology.

Forbes says that so far there is no challenge to the use of Face ID in this case or others. According to a US-based legal practitioner, the Fifth Amendment could help individuals protect themselves from incriminating in cases. The Fifth Amendment (Amendment V) to the United States Constitution is part of the Bill of Rights and, among other things, it protects individuals from being compelled to be witnesses against themselves in criminal cases.

As for the suspect, the FBI has now found conversations over chat app Kik Messenger in which users discussed abuse of minors, according to the affidavit by the officer who searched the alleged criminals iPhone X. It has also been discovered that Michalski had used Kik previously to talk with an undercover officer posing as a father interested in sex with children. According to the investigator, the FBI has also found from the handset, that Michalski had posted an ad titled taboo and several emails have been shared from the phone in which the alleged criminal has discussed things like incest and sexual relations with minors.
Intel has issued a strong-worded reply to Qualcomm on the claims in which the latter said that Apple has stolen vast swaths of confidential information related to processors and traded the secrets with Intel to improve the performance of chips provided to the Cupertino tech giant. The claims gained significance because Apple has used Intel modems in the 2018 lineup of iPhones. The iPhone-maker has been using both Qualcomm and Intels modems on its various iPhone models but this time it chose the latter.

Qualcomm has had a lot to say publicly about its litigation campaign  and about Intel. It has publicly disparaged Intels products  products created by the innovation and hard work of dedicated teams of scientists and engineers at Intel.. It is easy to say things. But Intels track record is clear. Intel has been one of the worlds leading technology innovators for more than 50 years. We are proud of our engineers and employees who bring the worlds best technology solutions to market through hard work, sweat, risk-taking and great ideas, Steven R Rodgers, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Intel Corporation, said in a blog post.

He said that the company pushes the boundaries of computing and communication technologies claiming that last year, the US Patent Office awarded more patents to Intel than to Qualcomm. According to the executive, in one lawsuit, Qualcomm failed to win its case on 88 patent claims it said were infringed by products, including Intels modem. Rodgers also blasted Qualcomms worldwide campaign of patent litigation.

In July 2017, Qualcomm launched a worldwide campaign of patent litigation as part of its efforts to eliminate competition and preserve its unlawful 'no license, no chips' regime, which has already been found to violate competition laws across the globe. Indeed, Qualcomm has already been fined $975 million in China, $850 million in Korea, $1.2 billion by the European Commission, and $773 million in Taiwan (although the case later settled for a reduced fine) for its anticompetitive practices. Qualcomm has also been found to be in violation of Japanese competition law, and the US Federal Trade Commission is pursuing claims in federal court against it for alleged violation of US antitrust law, the executive noted.

In another case, a federal judge found considerable, compelling common proof that Qualcomm has required companies to accept a separate license to Qualcomms cellular [standard essential patents] in order to gain access to Qualcomms modem chips. Rodgers went on to say that the company has chosen and will continue to choose to respond to Qualcomms statements in court, not in public. The executive also addressed a previous lawsuit in which Qualcomm filed a complaint with the US International Trade Commission (ITC) seeking to ban the import of iPhones.

Ookla Speedtest result for Snapdragon and Intel modems

In a related development, a US ITC judge has declined Qualcomms plea which sought to block the import of Apple iPhones with Intel chips, essentially giving a jolt to the San Diego-based chipmaker. The court, though, said that Apples phones infringed one Qualcomm patent related to power management technology. According to Reuters, the determination will be reviewed by other judges. Apple has issued a statement that Qualcomm had unfairly demanded royalties for technologies it had nothing to do with. Were glad the ITC stopped Qualcomms attempt to damage competition and ultimately harm innovators and US consumers, Apple was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, Don Rosenberg, Qualcomm General Counsel, said the company was pleased the judge did find patent infringement, but it makes no sense to then allow infringement to continue by denying an import ban. That goes against the ITC mandate to protect American innovators by blocking the import of infringing products. There are many ways Apple could stop infringing our technology without affecting the public interest, Rosenberg was quoted as saying.
A Samsung Galaxy smartphone has been found listed on TENAA and reports have claimed that it could either be the Galaxy P30 or Galax A6s. The listing reveals some of the information about the handset which bears the model number SM-G6200. The smartphone can be seen featuring a dual camera setup on the back, a rear fingerprint sensor, a 5.99-inch display and it is said to come equipped with a 3,300mAh battery that keep the phone running.

According to XDA Developers, the device might be powered by either an Exynos 7885 or the Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 processor. If priced correctly, the phone might pose a threat to Chinese-smartphone market segment that is dominated by the likes of Xiaomi, Vivo, Honor and Oppo. The company had teased a smartphone by uploading an event invite which says 4X Fun. The invitation gives the date of the event as October 11 but it does not provide any information regarding the venue.

Samsungs newest Galaxy device is bringing more ways to express yourself than ever before. Capture the fun with Samsung as the company celebrates the launch of the new device with A Galaxy Event on October 11, 2018, Samsung had said on its website. It could be possible that the South Korean giant may incorporate a 4X optical zoom on the rear camera.

Intext image: Mysmartprice
Elon Musk ousted as Tesla chairman, asked to pay $20 m fine

Elon Musk, chairman and chief executive of Tesla, has agreed to step down as chairman of the electric car maker he founded, to resolve a lawsuit filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against Musk who lied to investors and misled them and left the company in chaos.

The SEC sued Musk on Thursday, alleging that he tweeted "false and misleading statements" in August about taking the company private.

The impulsive billionaire Musk had tweeted last month that he had "funding secured" to take Tesla private.

As part of the settlement, Musk will neither admit nor deny the allegations, and he will resign as Tesla chairman within 45 days. Musk and Tesla will also each pay a $20 million fine.

It will require Musk to resign as chairman of the company or any public company for at least three years and pay a $20 million fine, the SEC announced on Saturday.

Tesla will add two new independent directors to its board, and monitor more closely Musk's public communications - the source of many of the scandals that have roiled the ambitious but unprofitable company this year.

The conditions of the agreement "are specifically designed to address the misconduct at issue by strengthening Tesla's corporate governance and oversight in order to protect investors," Stephanie Avakian, co-director of the SEC's Enforcement Division, said in a statement.

On 7 August Musk made a surprise announcement that he was thinking of taking Tesla private. Musk told his more than 22 million Twitter followers that he might take Tesla private at $420 per share, with funding secured.

But his team of executives had no knowledge of his plans. Twelve minutes later, Teslas head of investor relations told investors to ask Musks chief of staff whether Musks announcement was legit, the SEC pointed out.

On 24 August, after news of the SEC probe had become known, Musk again Tweeted that investor resistance forced Tesla to remain public.

Musk had not discussed the $420 figure with any potential funding source before he broached the subject to Teslas board in a 2 August email, the SEC said.

SEC said Musk knew or was reckless in not knowing that his tweets about taking Tesla private at $420 a share were false and misleading, given that he had never discussed such a transaction with any funding source.

The SEC said Musk met for less than an hour with three representatives of Public Investment Fund, at the companys Fremont, California, plant on 31 July during which the lead representative for the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund expressed interest in taking Tesla private if the terms were reasonable, according to the lawsuit.

Musk acknowledged the meeting lacked discussion of even the most fundamental terms of the deal and nothing was set in concrete terms.

The SEC said its investigation into Tesla is ongoing.

The SEC lawsuit comes as Tesla has been struggling to deliver its new Model 3 sedan, which is key to the companys future profitability, after a long series of production issues and delays.

The move to bar Musk as an officer of any public company was a rare move for the SEC against the CEO of such a well-known firm.

While a trial would have been risky for both sides, the settlement is subject to court approval.
Pakistan looks at alternative financing models for CPEC projects

The pangs of Chinas capital-intensive infrastructure projects are being felt in Pakistan as well, as the Imran Khan-led government looks to review costs and benefits of various projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Beijing, bent on its Silk Road initiative, however, is in no mood to review ongoing projects. At the most, the Chinese authorities may be willing to review projects that have not begun yet.

The rethink in Pakistan comes after the debt-wary Imran Khan government took over following last months general election.

It is exactly these concerns that have led to long delays in the $8.2 billion mega railroad project, the main component of Chinas ambitious `Silk Road initiative to link the country with the Arabian Sea and establish a short-cut to the West.

China sees the rail project linking the countrys commercial capital Karachi to the north-western city of Peshawar as the biggest Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project in Pakistan. But the project that mainly helps China to move its goods from south-west to the shipping channels in the west costs Islamabad heavily in financing terms.

The new government under Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has voiced alarm about rising debt levels and says the country must wean itself off foreign loans, is now questioning the benefits of the project.

"We are seeing how to develop a model so the government of Pakistan wouldn't have all the risk," Khusro Bakhtyar, minister in Pakistan's planning ministry, told reporters recently.

Khan's government has vowed to make the 1,872 km line a priority CPEC project, saying it will help the poor travel across the vast South Asian nation.

Left with the sole financing under Beijings costly BRI lending model, Islamabad is now exploring funding options inviting countries like Saudi Arabia and other countries to invest.

Pakistan is also looking at the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model, under which investors finance and build the project and recoup their investment from cashflows generated mainly by the rail freight business, before returning it to Pakistan.

Obviously, Chinas investments elsewhere are solely based on returns and this is reflected in the growing unease of governments in Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Maldives, where new governments start realising the burden of deals struck by earlier governments.

For Pakistan, which is now more dependent on Chinese money after help from the United States stopped coming, the CPEC is debt trap with costly BRI contracts awarded to Chinese companies.

Cash-strapped governments in the past cared little to negotiate favourable or at least reasonable terms in the deals, making them too expensive or to Chinas advantage.

Beijing is not in a mood to review the projects either, reports quoting officials in Islamabad said. China's foreign ministry merely said both countries are committed to pressing forward with BRI projects smoothly.

Beijing would, however, proceed only with projects that Pakistan wanted.

While Pakistan remains committed to Chinese investment, officials say the price should be affordable. It also wants the $60 billion that Beijing has committed to be used on projects that deliver social development in line with Imran Khan's election promises.

Islamabad knows very well that Chinas investments will only push the country towards a debt trap, but it has no recourse as no other country, even its Gulf friends are not interested in investing in Pakistan.
US, Japanese scientists share 2018 Nobel Prize for Medicine

James Allison of the United States, Tasuku Honjo of Japan won the 2018 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine on Monday for game-changing discoveries about how to harness and manipulate the immune system to fight cancer.

James Allison(left) and Tasuku Honjo

Cancer kills millions of people every year and is one of humanitys greatest health challenges.

By stimulating the inherent ability of our immune system to attack tumor cells this years Nobel Laureates have established an entirely new principle for cancer therapy.

James P Allison studied a known protein that functions as a brake on the immune system. He realised the potential of releasing the brake and thereby unleashing immune cells to attack tumors. He then developed this concept into a brand new approach for treating patients.

In parallel, Tasuku Honjo discovered a protein on immune cells and, after careful exploration of its function, eventually revealed that it also operates as a brake, but with a different mechanism of action. Therapies based on his discovery proved to be strikingly effective in the fight against cancer.

Allison and Honjo showed how different strategies for inhibiting the brakes on the immune system can be used in the treatment of cancer. The seminal discoveries by the two Laureates constitute a landmark in our fight against cancer, the Nobel Assembly at Swedens Karolinska Institute said as it awarded the prize of nine million Swedish crowns ($1 million).

The scientists work in the 1990s has led to new and dramatically improved therapies for cancers such as melanoma and lung cancer, which had previously been extremely difficult to treat.

The seminal discoveries by the two Laureates constitute a landmark in our fight against cancer, the release stated.

Medicine is the first of the Nobel Prizes awarded each year. The prizes for achievements in science, literature and peace were created in accordance with the will of dynamite inventor and businessman Alfred Nobel and have been awarded since 1901.

The literature prize will not be handed out this year after the awarding body was hit by a sexual misconduct scandal. A Swedish court on Monday found a man at the centre of the scandal guilty of rape and sentenced him to two years in jail.

Allisons and Honjos work focused on proteins that act as brakes on the immune system - preventing the bodys main immune cells, known as T-cells, from attacking tumours effectively.

Allison, professor at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, worked on a protein known as CTLA-4 and realised that if this could be blocked, a brake would be released, unleashing immune cells to attack tumours.

Honjo, professor at Kyoto University since 1984, separately discovered a second protein called PD-1 and found that it too acted as an immune system brake, but with a different mechanism.

The discoveries led to the creation of a multibillion-dollar market for new cancer medicines. In particular, drugs targeting PD-1 blockade have proved a big commercial hit, offering new options for patients with melanoma, lung and bladder cancers.

US drugmakers Merck & Co and Bristol-Myers Squibb currently lead the field after winning drug approvals in 2014, but Roche, AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Sanofi are also fielding rivals.

Sales of such medicines, which are given as infusions, are expected to reach some $15 billion this year, according to Thomson Reuters consensus forecasts. Some analysts see eventual revenues of $50 billion.

Honjo, who is now 76, told a news conference in Tokyo he was honoured to get the Nobel, but that his work was not yet done.

I would like to keep on doing my research ...so that this immune treatment could save more cancer patients, he said.

Allison also said he was honored and humbled by the award.

I never dreamed my research would take the direction it has, he said in a statement on his universitys website.

Its a great, emotional privilege to meet cancer patients whove been successfully treated with immune checkpoint blockade. They are living proof of the power of basic science.
PM inaugurates Gujarat's fourth LNG terminal at Anjar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the Mundra LNG terminal, the Anjar-Mundra pipeline project and the Palanpur-Pali-Barmer pipeline project, at Anjar, in Gujarat.

Speaking on the occasion, the prime minister appreciated the development work that has happened in the Kutch region over the last 20 years.

He said the inauguration of the LNG terminal is the fourth such project in Gujarat inaugurated by him over the years.

Gujarat, he said, is emerging as an LNG hub of India, adding that a strong energy sector is needed for the growth of any country. India cannot alleviate poverty if we are energy poor, the prime minister said.

Modi said the aspirations of people are rising, and they want i-ways, gas grids, water grids, and optical fibre networks in addition to conventional infrastructure.

The prime minister said that there are ample opportunities in the tourism sector, and the world is keen to come to India. We have seen in Kutch too, how the White Rann has become the cynosure of all eyes from across the world, he added.

He also spoke of the steps taken by the union government to make the aviation sector more affordable and improve connectivity.

The prime minister also spoke of the efforts made to ensure that all villages are electrified, and the work being done towards electrifying every single household in India. We want to bring qualitative changes in the lives of the common citizen of India, he added.

The prime minister also inaugurated the Mahatma Gandhi Museum in Rajkot. The museum has been set up at the Alfred High School, which was an important part of the formative years of Mahatma Gandhi. It will help spread awareness about Gandhian culture, values and philosophy, he said while inaugurating the centre.

The Prime Minister also unveiled a plaque to mark the inauguration of a public housing project of 624 houses. He witnessed the e-Gruh Pravesh of 240 beneficiary families.
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The latest version of the Suzuki Vitara brings minor updates to the present global model but showcases a major overhaul when compared to the Maruti Grand Vitara, sold till a few years back in India. As the name suggests, the current Vitara Brezza compact-SUV is loosely related to the Suzuki Vitara.

The supposed Maruti Vitara is expected to launch in India by the second quarter of 2019. Once launched, it will take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the soon-to-be-launched Nissan Kicks. For the same reason, the expected price of the Maruti Suzuki Vitara is around Rs 12  15 lakh ex-showroom (the discontinued Grand Vitara retailed between Rs 15  22 lakh ex-showroom and was a market failure).

The new Suzuki Vitara gets a redesigned front grille and bumper, 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, LED elements in the lights and a black roof. The Maruti Suzuki Vitara reportedly comes only in two colour shades: Solar Yellow Pearl Metallic and Grey Metallic.

Interiors of the global variant shown; features may vary on the Indian version

Inside, the new Maruti Vitara will showcase a rather premium cabin layout including a touchscreen infotainment system. A host of passenger and pedestrian safety features will also be equipped in the vehicle. It is only recently when the government announced their concern about pedestrian safety.

The global-spec Vitara is powered by either a 1.0-litre (109bhp | 170Nm) or 1.4-litre (138bhp | 220Nm) turbocharged petrol unit. However, the India-spec Maruti Vitara might not come with these engine choices but with both petrol and diesel engine options. An all-wheel-drive variant is also expected at a later stage.

The petrol engine should be the same as on the new Maruti Ciaz. The 1.5-litre K15 mild-hybrid engine makes 103bhp and 138Nm of torque. It comes mated to a 5-speed manual or an automatic transmission.

The diesel engine, on the other hand, could most likely be the old 1.6-litre unit from the previous-generation Maruti S-Cross. It made 118bhp and 320Nm of torque and came with a 6-speed manual.

Thoughts On The Upcoming Maruti Suzuki Vitara

The Maruti Vitara is currently one of the most anticipated models from the legendary Indian car manufacturer. While the previous Grand Vitara witnessed a poor response on the market due to its steep pricing, the new Vitara could be just the opposite. It is high time that Maruti needs to address their lack of presence in the premium sub-20-lakh SUV segment and the Vitara could just be their trump card.


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AdTheorent, which offers a machine learning platform for advertisers, on Thursday announced AdTheorent Relationship Targeting.

This new product allows advertisers to harness the power of relationships with family members, cohabitants or friends to influence a consumer to take desired actions.

Word of mouth is the primary factor behind 20-50 percent of all purchasing decisions, AdTheorent noted, citing a McKinsey report.

Also, a recommendation from a trusted friend is up to 50 times more likely to trigger a purchase than a low-impact recommendation from a stranger.

The number of connections matters as well, suggested Calynn Krieger, SVP of strategy and marketing at AdTheorent.

"Conversion rates for in-market individuals who had six-plus connections who were also served advertisements outperformed by over 33 percent the conversion rates for in-market shoppers with only one connection," she told CRM Buyer.

How Relationship Targeting Works

An advertiser defines its core audience through various avenues, such as CRM data, location data, site pixel data or purchase data. AdTheorent's Relationship Targeting algorithms then leverage user device location patterns to identify groups of real-world consumer relationships.

AdTheorent's Cross-Environment Map, which consist of more than 740 million unique device IDs mapped to more than 92 million U.S. households, lets AdTheorent identify core audience connections of family members, cohabitants and friends.

The company collects observed device IDs and device IP addresses to map to household locations using time, frequency location patterns and device grouping, Krieger said.

All AdTheorent data is anonymized, and does not contain personally identifiable information, she noted. Also, AdTheorent is fully GDPR-compliant.

Users' location patterns change over time, Krieger pointed out, and AdTheorent's data scientists "monitor and remap the Relationship Graph dynamically based on the changes to device signal connections and location."

The Relationship Graph is a result of combining the Cross-Environment Map with AdTheorent's Relationship Targeting algorithms, which leverage frequent location patterns between users derived directly from device location data on multiple occasions.

The Relationship Graph "is a map of real-world connections consisting of 1.3 trillion graphed connections, including an average of 14 friends and family members per user," Krieger said.

It "informs our targeting and provides data for [AdTheorent's] Machine Learning Platform when running campaigns where relationship plays a factor," she explained. "We can leverage the graph and its data to solve client requests and answer post-campaign questions."

The Cross-Environment Map and Relationship Graph add another dimension for advertisers by helping them cross-reference and identify circles of influencers, observed Cindy Zhou, chief marketing officer at Level Access.

The technology is "a good complement to the various data management platforms and ad tech platforms from companies such as Adobe, Oracle, Salesforce and Google," she told CRM Buyer.

Currently, the Relationship Graph is available only within an ad campaign managed and run through he AdTheorent machine learning platform, AdTheorent's Krieger noted.

The cost of leveraging the Relationship Graph is based on the campaign type and key performance indicators.

AdTheorent's ML Platform

AdTheorent's award-winning machine learning platform, which was developed in-house, analyzes "over one million advertising impressions per second, constantly scoring impression opportunities and serving ads only to those impressions most likely to drive an advertiser's unique campaign key performance indicators," Krieger said.

AdTheorent's Relationship Graph stores data separately from its ML platform, she noted. The company's data scientists use ML to identify and connect relationships contained within its Cross-Environment Map, or CEM, and "our ML platform references the Relationship Graph and CEM on every ad impression opportunity."

The company can "develop ML models in micro-seconds to pull insights from the data and optimize in flight," Krieger remarked.

Statistical Issues

Things have changed considerably since the release of the McKinsey report 10 years ago. For example, there has been a backlash against celebrity endorsements and recommendations, which used to bear a lot of weight.

"The basis of the McKinsey report on consumers being influenced by word of mouth is still valid, but that definition has expanded in recent years [to include] online reviews and social influencers," Zhou remarked.

"Crowdsourced product and service reviews have increased -- and in many instances, replaced -- recommendations from friends and family," she pointed out.

Certainly, influencer marketing is potent.

Seventy-five percent of national advertisers already had engaged in influencer marketing, the Association of National Advertisers found in a study released this spring, which focused on influencer marketing through social media. Forty-three percent planned to increase spending on it in the next 12 months, and 27 percent of those not yet using influencer marketing planned to do so within the following 12 months.

The influencer marketing industry will be a US$5-$10 billion dollar market in the next five years, according to Mediakix. That includes bloggers, social media and YouTube.

However, AdTheorent's Relationship Targeting is different from influencer marketing, because "it identifies real-world relationships," Krieger pointed out.

"Individuals have many social connections, but that doesn't necessarily mean that we interact with those people in person or frequently, or that they influence our purchasing decisions," she said. "What we've mapped are real-world connections -- people that we know spend time together at home, or are friends and spend time together determined by location patterns."

Richard Adhikari has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2008. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, mobile technologies, CRM, databases, software development, mainframe and mid-range computing, and application development. He has written and edited for numerous publications, including Information Week and Computerworld. He is the author of two books on client/server technology. Email Richard.




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Strong encryption can be a threat to law enforcement and national security, the governments of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand said in a statement issued Sunday.

"The increasing use and sophistication of certain encryption designs present challenges for nations in combating serious crimes and threats to national and global security," maintained the countries, which are known as the "Five Eyes" based on an agreement they entered to cooperate on signal intelligence.

"Many of the same means of encryption that are being used to protect personal, commercial and government information are also being used by criminals, including child sex offenders, terrorists and organized crime groups to frustrate investigations and avoid detection and prosecution," they added.

The statement sets out three principles the nations agreed to abide by when dealing with encryption within their jurisdictions:

Access to lawfully obtained data shall be a mutual responsibility of all stakeholders -- government, carriers, device manufacturers and over-the-top service providers.

All governments should ensure that assistance requested from providers is underpinned by the rule of law and due process protections.

Information and communications technology service providers should voluntarily establish lawful access solutions to their products and services.

Do It or Else

Whether compliance with the lawful access demands of the Five Eyes will be voluntary for long remains to be seen, especially in light of the final paragraph in the statement:

"Should governments continue to encounter impediments to lawful access to information necessary to aid the protection of the citizens of our countries, we may pursue technological, enforcement, legislative or other measures to achieve lawful access solutions."

That language reeks of Australia, noted Nate Cardozo, a senior staff attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation , a digital privacy advocacy group in San Francisco.

For more than a year, Australia has been mulling over legislation aimed at regulating encryption within its borders.

"Australia is looking to lead the charge against security, privacy and technology," Cardozo told TechNewsWorld. "It believes itself to be in a security crisis, and since it doesn't have much hope of getting tech investment, it's more likely to do something to the tech sector."

Good Guys With Bad Encryption

Forcing companies to provide governments access to encrypted data likely will be a losing proposition, both for the governments and the people they're trying to protect.

"Bad guys will just be chased to places where strong encryption is available, and good citizens won't have the opportunity to use the best possible encryption," argued Balakrishnan Dasarathy, information assurance program chair at the University of Maryland University College in Largo, Maryland.

"Good guys will follow the rules and not have all the best technology," he told TechNewsWorld.

Although law enforcement has complained about encryption, the technology has failed to prevent it from getting what it wanted in the past.

"Time and time again law enforcement gets what it needs without backdoors," EFF's Cardozo observed.

"Backdoors make law enforcement's job easier at the cost of all our security," he continued. "Encryption is a magic bullet only if you use it absolutely correctly, which literally no one does."

Backdoors Unnecessary

There is no way to expose data to friendly spy agencies without also risking exposure of this data to not-so-friendly entities, maintained Craig Young, a computer security researcher at Tripwire, a cybersecurity threat detection and prevention company in Portland, Oregon.

"The truth of the matter is that backdoors simply make the process effortless and can enable bulk data collection without individualized suspicion of wrongdoing," he told TechNewsWorld.

"Even without backdoors added into communication protocols, intelligence agencies and law enforcement should generally have other tools at their disposal to gain access to endpoints and thereby circumvent the need to break any encryption," said Young.

"Listening devices, hardware key loggers, and malware can all effectively defeat end-to-end encryption for an individual without adding risk to the general public," he explained.

Encryption is either strong or it is broken, without much of any room for middle ground, Young contended.

Encryption Horse Out of Barn

Backdoors create great risk to the security of data, noted Young.

"Widespread deployment of any backdoor creates tremendous risk if a third party were ever to gain access either through legal channels or reverse engineering," he pointed out.

"Anything you do for the good guys will get into the hands of the bad guys also," said UMUC's Dasarathy. "It's only a matter of time. You're only kidding yourself if you think otherwise."

The Five Eyes' attempt to curb the trend toward encryption may be based on an antiquated notion.

"The cat is very much out of the bag on strong encryption," Tripwire's Young said. "Anyone with an inkling of technology prowess is capable of building their own private communication scheme."

Backdoor keys almost inevitably would fall into the wrong hands, Cardozo suggested. Further they wouldn't enable the good guys to get the bad guys they're after.

Applications with strong encryption would appear online, be downloaded and sideloaded onto phones, he said.

"It takes only the tiniest bit of technical sophistication to install an app, and that's all it will take to get around a backdoor," Cardozo noted.

What's more, "any attacker who is sophisticated enough to recognize a listening device or a physical implant from the NSA is certainly not going to rely on a public communication infrastructure without strong end-to-end encryption," Young noted.

Public Distrust of Government

If the Five Eyes decide to make good on their threat to force the use of backdoors in encrypted products, they may find themselves at odds with a lot of their citizens.

Fewer than half (41 percent) of the 3,000 consumers polled in the U.S., UK and Germany believed laws that provided government access into encrypted personal data would make them safer from terrorists. The survey was conducted last year by Salt Lake City-based Venafi, maker of a platform to protect encryption keys.

Skepticsm of government was high in general, with nearly two-thirds (65 percent) suspecting their governments abused their powers to access the data of citizens. That number was even higher in the United States, where 78 percent of respondents held that belief.

"Giving governments access to encryption will not make us safer from terrorism -- in fact, the opposite is true," said Venafi CEO Jeff Hudson.

"Most people don't trust the government to protect data, and they don't believe the government is effective at fighting cybercrime," he added. "It's ironic that we believe we would be safer if governments were given more power to access private encrypted data, because this will undermine the security of our entire digital economy."

John P. Mello Jr. has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, IT issues, privacy, e-commerce, social media, artificial intelligence, big data and consumer electronics. He has written and edited for numerous publications, including the Boston Business Journal, the Boston Phoenix, Megapixel.Net and Government Security News. Email John.




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The European Union has been stretching its wings. In the shadow of Brexit, it apparently has decided it has the real enemy of the people in its sights: social media companies and Google.

France is even more aggressive than the EU overall, suggesting that the region's "right to be forgotten" law should apply worldwide. Given that it actually does fall within the legitimate purview of government, it is hard not to agree.

In the United States, the administration appears to be gearing up to go to war with these companies (Google in particular).

China has viewed Google as a threat to its government almost from the beginning.

Individually, the firms likely could survive an attack -- as long as the U.S. had their backs -- but the U.S. appears to be one of the attackers. What that suggests is that unless something changes, these firms are likely to go the way of Gawker (although, ironically, Gawker is on its way back). Oh, and Alphabet's CEO (Alphabet is the parent of Google) apparently has gone into hiding, which really can't be good.

I'll share some thoughts on why these movements may mean the death of search and social media as we know them, and I'll close with my product of the week: a new printer from HP that can print metal parts. You heard me, metal parts!

The Fall of Google

I'm going to focus mostly on Google because it is the firm most likely to be broken up, and its CEO apparently has gone into hiding. This isn't their first issue with a CEO, as Eric Schmidt was known to have a string of romantic liaisons, and it was rumored that was the primary reason he was asked to step down.

Given the coverage in the book Brotopia, his conduct was hardly unusual, but given the new spotlight on #MeToo, this kind of behavior could be viewed as problematic.

Google may have anticipated the potential for problems when it adopted its "don't be evil" motto. It seemed to ignore it, though, and with the creation of Alphabet it was dropped from the code of conduct. Perhaps, based on the behavior of its leaders, it was considered unachievable. Boy, talk about a red flag

Google's problems likely started when it went to the European Commission, along with Sun and Oracle, and persuaded it to levy massive fines against Microsoft and compel the company to open its operating system to competing browsers.

The EC didn't care about tech until then, but the commission largely is funded by the fines it levies. Since then, Sun failed, and Oracle's purchase of Sun was hindered so effectively by the EC that there was almost nothing left when it finally got control.

Google currently faces a fine that is several times greater than Microsoft's penalty. Further, Google also faces a proposal that it be fined 5 percent of its total worldwide revenue for every terrorist message it fails to delete within 60 minutes.

Facebook and Twitter likely aren't very impressed with Google, given that they face the same potential fine. What this means is that it would take just 20 late deletions for Google to lose a year of revenue -- that's revenue, not profit -- and 100 misses would result in five years of revenue lost.

To put this in perspective, Google makes round US$50 billion a year, so 100 missed messages would cost the firm a quarter of a trillion dollars. For perspective, that would represent about 1.5 percent of the EU's total GDP and exceed by $50 billion the EU's total defense spending. That's effectively free money, making it likely that a lot of folks in the EU might try to force this fine rather than just let nature take its course.

Now Alphabet appears to have been created to help shield Google from fines that could consume it, but governments tend to be tenacious. I doubt that getting through Google to Alphabet's assets would be all that difficult for the EC. Also, keep in mind that this is just Google. If we add in Facebook and Twitter, the combined exposure easily could exceed the total value of all three firms.

Imagine what that would do to the U.S. tech market.

Typically, a U.S. company could look to the U.S. for defense against the EU, but the current administration isn't happy with Google either.

Google's massive support for the Obama administration (believed largely to relate to an effort to avoid antitrust challenges), coupled with what some see as a smoking gun regarding Google's bias against the current administration, represents a huge problem.

It appears that rather than defending Google and the social media companies, the U.S. is likely to levy its own fines or file charges against the firm(s) in an effort to see who can get all the money first. The Republicans would love a risk-free revenue source, and one that was closely tied to Democratis allies likely would be especially sweet.

Wrapping Up: How Do You Spell Screwed?

What fascinates me about this, particularly regarding Google, is the irony. Google participated in the attack on Microsoft. However, much of the damage to Microsoft was self-inflicted, because it initially thought it was too powerful to be bothered by any government, including its own.

Microsoft even basically told the attorney general at the time, publicly, that she could go to heck (it didn't mean "heck").

Instead of learning from Microsoft's mistake, Google appears to have tripled down on it, now facing fines that make Microsoft's look trivial in comparison, and even failing to send its top brass to a congressional hearing to discuss related problems.

By the way, when your CEO goes into hiding, that is generally a sign not only that your firm is in deep sh*t, but also that you likely are in desperate need of a new CEO with crisis management experience.

Despite Microsoft's arrogant behavior, the EU conflict didn't end well for the company. Still, it finally came around and became stronger for the experience. Google could have -- should have -- learned from Microsoft's mistake. Instead it now faces a going-out-of-business sale or government takeover scenario.

As a side comment, I still think the core problem is likely weak boards of directors who fail to do their jobs, because there is an impressive number of firms at high risk at the moment due to self-inflicted wounds. Alphabet, Facebook and Twitter join Intel, Uber and Tesla as companies either on or approaching death row, and it's not because of competitors, but because of avoidable stupid behavior.

Given this thing costs nearly $400K, it isn't likely you will have one in your home any time soon. However, after releasing at scale the first industrial 3D printer that could be used for manufacturing, HP stepped up its game this week and released the first metal printer, the HP Metal Jet Printer, with similar capabilities.

HP Metal Jet Printer

The parts this thing produces are significantly lighter, and they can be produced faster and far more cheaply than with competing technologies.

What is particularly fascinating is how resistant the industry has been to the technology, because with every instance of saving in the high double digits (60 percent to 80 percent), the opportunity for a firm to use this technology to disrupt its own industry is massive.

Yet it is so different from what engineers are used to that more of them seem to be fighting the change instead of embracing it. This may have to do in part with the fact that HP really is the only big tech company that has begun playing aggressively at this end of manufacturing. However, it reminds me a bit of the stories about the folks who built cars initially badmouthing Ford and their assembly lines. Look how that turned out.

I was watching one of my favorite shows this week, Street Outlaws, and noticed one of the teams was using an HP laptop. I was once again reminded that maybe this is where a lot of the focus initially should be.

Race teams spend massively to cut weight. They often need incredibly expensive parts that are not available locally, and they are held up when they don't get them. More importantly, solutions developed for racing teams often make it into production cars, and automotive is one of HP's target markets.

Of course, seeing that laptop, I kind of wondered when HP would 3D print one of those puppies.

A new technology typically comes into the market high priced, and then folks work to figure out how to cost-reduce it, making it at least possible that we will have some version of this in our homes in around a decade or so. We'll see.

The HP Metal Jet represents just one of the massively disruptive advancements hitting the market this year, and it is my product of the week.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ECT News Network.

Rob Enderle has been an ECT News Network columnist since 2003. His areas of interest include AI, autonomous driving, drones, personal technology, emerging technology, regulation, litigation, M&E, and technology in politics. He has an MBA in human resources, marketing and computer science. He is also a certified management accountant. Enderle currently is president and principal analyst of the Enderle Group, a consultancy that serves the technology industry. He formerly served as a senior research fellow at Giga Information Group and Forrester. Email Rob.




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Bias is a nasty beast. A market research class I took in graduate school focused on the identification and elimination of bias. My final paper was on an intentionally biased piece of research. It was far easier to introduce bias and then talk about the bias than it would have been to attempt to do unbiased work and defend it as unbiased.

For that reason alone, the Trump administration's recent complaints that Google's search engine is biased are almost certainly true.

The nature of the bias, however, has not been determined. It actually could be bias in favor of Trump (though the odds are against that because Google was so tight with the Obama administration and liberals in general).

The perception of bias simply may be driven by the overwhelming amount of negative ink on the administration and a revenue-focused algorithm that pushes people to that volume.

I'll share some thoughts on bias and then close with my product of the week: The Lenovo Yoga Book C930, announced at IFA last week, is one of the most innovative laptop/tablet products on the market.

Why Bias Is Bad

Bias is bad because it creates an unknown variation from the truth. A biased answer to a question is by nature not accurate. It results from taking reality through a filter that alters the perception of that reality and then produces a false conclusion based on the filter rather than the reality.

For instance, suppose someone asks me what car to buy, and I say, "Don't buy a Ford, it stands for 'Fix Or Repair Daily' and all Fords suck." What I likely did was take my personal experience, based on ownership of a number of bad Ford cars, and use it to color my view, ultimately concluding that the brand was low quality.

In reality, Ford's quality is in line with other similar car makers -- and often better, depending on the line. So, even if the best car for you might be a Ford, I've excluded all Fords from consideration due to my bias. My advice would be suboptimal at best. At worst it could influence you to make a truly bad decision.

One of the most obvious places we see bias play out is in relationships. When we go into a relationship it is often with a bias toward our partner. We see the good, not the bad, which is due in part to the fact that in a new relationship people are initially on their best behavior. It's also because we downplay the bad or ignore it, focusing instead on what we want to see.

Flip to the other side. During a breakup or divorce, our perception is 180 degrees different. Now we can see only the bad and not the good. That once angelic partner has become a close and personal friend of Satan. Both perceptions likely are biased. During the good times, the partner wasn't all good, and when the relationship failed, the partner wasn't all bad.

One of the ways to ensure better relationships is to do your homework on potential partners up front, before you become invested. What were their past relationships like? What are they looking for in a new relationship? Are they honest and transparent? Can you tolerate their family? Are your most important views, values and goals aligned?

More typically, people are interested in whether prospective partners are hot or financially secure. Though these are factors to consider, they shouldn't override the others. Assuming that success is either a long relationship, marriage, or at least a lasting friendship, then doing the honest assessment up front should get you closer to a good match. At the very least, you waste less time on sure failures, and are more likely to avoid nasty dramas.

Google Is Biased

People create the algorithms that Google uses, which increasingly are considered AIs. Any bias those people have likely will be built into the algorithms because we don't see our own biases. We don't intentionally put filters between our brains and eyes, but they get there nonetheless, and the result is that our biased reality is our reality.

A more common expression of this is that to us, perception is reality. The Google employees who build and test the Google algorithms for accuracy naturally are biased.

From the standpoint of political bias, we should see a bias to the left in Google searches, given Google's history with the Obama administration and the fact that tech companies, including Google, generally tend to lean left.

What makes this difficult to confirm is that the news media obviously is biased against the Trump presidency. You really can't blame them, though, because Trump stands out as pounding on media as dishonest. So even if Google were unbiased, the results from Google search would look biased, because of what appears to be an overwhelming bias in the news media.

The big problem with Google, however, is likely not political bias but financial bias. We don't pay Google for our results. We aren't really the customer. In Google's world -- and this is the same for social media as well -- we are the product. The customer is the vendor paying to find out about us, so they can sell to us more effectively.

For instance, if I want to buy tires for one of my Jaguars (yes, I have more than one) the search starts with a listing from stores with prices. Some do attempt to answer the question, but likely are biased toward the tires that provide them the best margins.

The one relatively unbiased source, the Jaguar Forum, was down mid-page and overwhelmed by the retailers. If Google were unbiased, it would rank the Jaguar Forum and sources like Consumer Reports toward the top, because, odds are good that they'd be a ton less biased than companies that are tying to sell me whatever tire they have overstocked.

Now having the best tire does have an impact on your life. It can make the difference between avoiding an accident and dying in one. I should point out that this isn't always the case, however. If you do a search on "best ways to lose weight," for instance, Google does seem to put the independent sources up front, and it isn't until the second page that you suddenly seem to get overwhelmed by biased vendor links.

On politics it gets interesting. If you search on just the names "Trump Clinton" you are overwhelmed with negative Trump stories. To be clear, it does look like the stories out there are overwhelmingly negative except for those from Fox, which don't show up at all on the first page (at least they didn't when I tried it).

However, we also know that Fox is one of the most powerful news organizations in America, so its stories should have shown up on the first page. If they don't appear, then what else from the conservative side are we missing?

You can see this if you just add the word "Fox" to Trump and Clinton. Granted, that is obviously biased toward Fox, but you suddenly see stories that should have come up in the more generic search.

We know that conservative interests largely align with Fox while liberal positions are spread across a wider group of news suppliers. That should have pushed the Fox coverage to the top if the algorithm were based on general interest, but it didn't.

I'm a conservative myself. Given that these results should have been biased toward my interests and not away from them, it appears to confirm the likelihood that Google's search engine algorithm has a goal other than meeting my personal needs and interests.

Now I'm not suggesting any of these news sources are unbiased, the chart I link to above clearly shows they aren't. However, we are focused on Google search and not the news services right now.

It appears that Google's bias is stronger politically than it is financially, because people don't like to look at information that disagrees with their world view. Were Google exclusively, or mostly, revenue-driven, it likely would just give me Fox results (still bias, but driven by the need for profit rather than a political agenda).

Back to Bias Being Bad

Regardless of whether the bias is financial or political, it is not in our best interests because search results lead to decisions. Ideally, we should be getting the closest thing to the truth that Google can deliver. That doesn't appear to be the case, at least when it comes to politics or car tires.

Now that would suggest the need for substantial government oversight, but how do we ensure that those doing the oversight aren't swapping Google's bias for their own? A bunch of Republican moderators would result in an all Fox result, and a bunch of Democrats would favor MSNBC. Neither would be better.

That doesn't mean we don't need to prioritize fixing the problem. As we increasingly look to AIs to provide for our care and survival, it's critical that we make sure those AIs have our best interests as their primary drivers. So far, as Google and Facebook showcase, we have failed to implement the proper protections and assurances.

Wrapping Up: Perhaps IBM Is the Answer

When it comes to getting ahead of this, the one company that truly stands out is IBM, which earlier this year issued a series of internal edicts: Transparency and Trust in the Cognitive Era.

Basically, they are rules to prevent IBM from developing technology that was counter to the interests of the people who used it. Before Google gets regulated, which now may be a foregone conclusion, the company likely should create a similar list and take it far more seriously than its old "don't be evil" motto.

We users may be Google's product, but if its focus on creating political or financial bias harms us, then it likely harms Google as well. This class of Google users includes investors, employees, and the employees of the firms that fund Google.

Put differently, Google still has to live in the world it screws up. What I'm suggesting is that if avoiding regulation isn't enough of a motivator to shift to IBM's more human-centric path, then maybe staying alive might be. Just saying...

There are two products that really stand out to me as the only true 2-in-1 computers in market. They are the Surface Go and the Yoga Book.

What makes them fit into this category better than others is their size and weight. Both are light enough and small enough to be considered a tablet (we know from surveys that most people will not accept a tablet that has an 11-inch or larger screen or a carry weight of much over a pound.

The first Yoga Book stood out because of its more versatile flat keyboard that could work as a digitizer, but that keyboard was too strange and limited for most.

Instead of that odd flat keyboard, the just-announced Yoga Book C930 has an ePaper display with touch capability and haptics. This allows you to not only write and draw on the keyboard but see what you drew on the keyboard as well.

Lenovo Yoga Book C930

In addition, the ePaper display makes for a better high-contrast reading platform than any LCD or OLED screen can, and ePaper uses a tiny fraction of the power an LED screen consumes.

Better with the WAN option so that you are always connected, the Yoga Book C930 really sets the bar in terms of innovation and delivers on the promise of a true 2-in-1. It is a legitimate, though small, laptop as well as a tablet you will be comfortable using as a tablet.

Another really interesting thing about the keyboard is that it can shift not only between modes but also between languages and key configurations, near instantly.

The only note of discord is that it has an Intel rather than an ARM processor, which likely would have been more appropriate for this form factor. I expect Lenovo is holding out for the Snapdragon 1000 before making that jump.

The Yoga Book C930 is arguably the most innovative notebook I've seen in some time, and as a result, it is my product of the week.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ECT News Network.

Rob Enderle has been an ECT News Network columnist since 2003. His areas of interest include AI, autonomous driving, drones, personal technology, emerging technology, regulation, litigation, M&E, and technology in politics. He has an MBA in human resources, marketing and computer science. He is also a certified management accountant. Enderle currently is president and principal analyst of the Enderle Group, a consultancy that serves the technology industry. He formerly served as a senior research fellow at Giga Information Group and Forrester. Email Rob.


The Trump administration is proposing to significantly weaken a rule that limits the amount of mercury and other toxic emissions from coal plants, the New York Times reported on Sunday.

Andrew Wheeler, a former coal lobbyist and acting administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has drafted a plan that would undermine the 2011 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) and has sent the proposal to the White House Office of Management and Budget, according to the Washington Post.

Burning coal releases harmful byproducts such as mercury, which can pollute the environment and harm the nervous systems of children and fetuses.

The Obama-era standard found between $4 million to $6 million in health benefits from mercury reduction alone, but also justified the regulation for its "co-benefits" of reducing pollution of soot and nitrogen oxide from power plants. In all, the rule's total value was estimated to save between $37 billion to $90 billion each year due to air quality improvements, as well as preventing up to 11,000 premature deaths, 4,700 heart attacks and 130,000 asthma attacks every year, the previous administration said then.

The regulation has had a contentious and litigious history, but in 2015 the Supreme Court upheld the rule and the utility industry has complied with the standards ever since. However, installing mercury pollution scrubbers has cost the sector $9.6 billion a year, "making it the most expensive clean air regulation ever put forth by the federal government," the New York Times wrote.

Wheeler's proposal, according to the Times, does not eliminate MATS but would direct the EPA to exclude the "co-benefits" when considering the economic impact of a regulation.

EPA spokesman John Konkus explained to the Post that "the MATS Rule was an egregious example of the Obama administration's indifference toward required cost benefit analysis."

But John Walke, Clean Air director at the Natural Resources Defense Council called the move a "sweeping attack on considering the benefits of cutting hazardous pollution from coal plants."

"It's the first legal step toward eliminating mercury, lead and other dangerous pollution standards entirely," he said in a statement received by EcoWatch. "And what the Trump EPA is pursuingthe fraudulent denial of real-world benefits from clean air and climate safeguardsis the unholy grail of the polluting industry and its lobbyists for decades."

The Sierra Club noted that Wheeler's proposal directly benefits one of his former clients, coal company Murray Energy, as well as EPA's assistant administrator William Wehrum, a former coal industry lawyer.

"If finalized, this shameful plan would undermine standards that have already been widely implemented, exposing our kids to more toxic mercury and arsenic just so Andrew Wheeler and Bill Wehrum can appease a handful of their former clients in the coal industry," Mary Anne Hitt, senior director of Sierra Club's Beyond Coal campaign, said in a press release. "This disgraceful move by Wheeler and Wehrum directly endangers the health of our kids and we will do everything we can to stop it."
(Photo: Gregg Brekke / WCC)Joining voices, FBOs committing to act against HIV and AIDS and TB on Sept. 27, 2018 in New York.

Faith leaders and health service providers from across the world have gathered in New York for an interfaith prayer breakfast, to join their voices and commit to combat the spread of HIV and AIDS and tuberculosis in children.

The Sept. 27 meeting was organized by the World Council of Churches  Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (WCC-EAA) in collaboration with UNAIDS, PEPFAR, and the UN Interagency Task Force on Religion and Development (IATF).

Gregg Brekke reported for the WCC that the breakfast followed a Sept. 26 meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

It met under the theme of "United to end tuberculosis: an urgent global response to a global epidemic," at which UN member states adopted a Political Declaration on Ending TB.

In many countries of the world, especially in developing areas, church-run medical institutions are at the forefront of the treatment of these serious diseased and church communities assist the victims and their families, but faith groups have been asked to do more to fight the stigma that HIV and TB carriers face.

"Today we want to be in mutual support of one another, to strengthen old relationships and to forge new ones so we can truly improve the health of the world's children and the world's teenagers," said Bishop Mary Ann Swenson, vice moderator of the WCC's main governing body, its central committee.

"Let's consider today some concrete action that we can take together, and that is pretty with our hearts and with our feet as we find ways to offer abundant life for all of God's children," Swenson said.

In its 2018 World Tuberculosis Report, the World Health Organization said, "Worldwide, TB is one of the top 10 causes of death."

Participants at the breakfast are those who historically called on their national governments to respond to HIV, and whose advocacy and influence have contributed to the establishment of PEPFAR and other funding streams for HIV and TB.

TB SURVIVORS

Survivors of multi-drug resistant TB brought a powerful sense of urgency and reality to the discussion.

"I'm grateful to those within the faith community who have held us accountable," said Dr. Deborah Birx, U.S. ambassador-at-large and head of PEPFAR.

"They said, 'For all of your accomplishments, you missed half the children. For all your accomplishments, children are still dying of TB because you haven't found them.'"

Tuberculosis, an infectious disease that generally effects the lungs, is a silent killer. Roughly one-third of the world's population is infected with tuberculosis bacilli but only one in 10 persons infected will develop active TB.

Emotional testimony by Dr. Dalene Von Delft relayed the importance of early diagnosis and urged continued research for drug development.

"I saw on the X-ray the big hole in my lung and thought, why did I get multidrug resistant TB? I had dedicated my life to caring for people," she said. "Later I was fortunate to get on a trial of the first new TB drug in 40 years, it saved my life and I can now continue to speak and advocate so that many more can live."

UNAIDS executive director Michel Sidibe urged attendees to continue the work they accomplished in HIV/AIDS awareness with a renewed focus on children and adolescents vulnerable to TB.

"We need each other; faith leaders, please help us to end stigma and discrimination," he said.
The U.S. Supreme Court opens its new term Oct. 1 with no education cases yet on its docket, but with the potential for several to be added in the coming months involving such issues as teacher First Amendment rights, employment discrimination in schools, and equal pay for teachers of similar experience.

In the pipeline are cases that could reach the justices about the rights of transgender students, the consideration of race in college admissions, and whether states must include religious schools in programs such as private school vouchers or textbook lending.

Now a new book assessing more than 100 years of U.S. Supreme Court constitutional cases involving students argues that the public school has served as the single most significant site of constitutional interpretation within the nations history"more so than cases emanating from churches, police stations, homes, automobiles, or public accommodations.

In The Schoolhouse Gate: Public Education, the Supreme Court, and the Battle for the American Mind, Justin Driver, a professor at the University of Chicago Law School, presents a largely progressive, pro-student take on education law. He calls on the court to correct at least three areas where he contends it botched or neglected student rights over the yearsfree speech, corporal punishment, and searches and seizures in schools.

In recent decades, the court has often foundered badly in its commitment to vindicating constitutional rights in schools, Driver writes.

Prominent Topic

The courts term was poised to open Monday with one seat still vacant, and the Senate embroiled in the controversial nomination of Brett M. Kavanaugh.

The sensitivity of issues involving schools and education was on full display in the contentious confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Brett M. Kavanaugh, which included questions involving prayers by public school students, religious school vouchers, affirmative action in admissions, and the legacy of the Brown v. Board of Education desegregation decision.

Driver was among those paying close attention to the retirement this summer of moderate Justice Anthony M. Kennedy after 30 years.

Justice Kennedy had, in my view, a highly uneven and idiosyncratic record in the arena of student rights, Driver said. It seems highly improbable that his replacement will embrace that same set of positions, thus the future of constitutional law in this vital domain appears very much up for grabs.

But even as the high court appears poised to shift rightward after Kennedys retirement, Driver is optimistic on two fronts: that education law will be reinvigorated as a source of interest among academics and the legal community, and that student rights will gain vindication in some areas of the law.

Overall, Im hopeful that the future of students rights will improve, Driver said in an interview.

Law Clerk Days

The author grew up in predominantly African-American southeast Washington, but attended racially diverse public elementary and middle schools in other parts of the nations capital before attending a Roman Catholic high school in the city.

Driver, 43, writes about how his interest in education law began at an unlikely age: when he received a three-day suspension in junior high when administrators learned that he and some friends had broken into a liquor cabinet on an overnight school field trip and gotten drunk.

The white-hot feeling of shame experienced upon being suspended felt like anything but a welcome holiday, which Supreme Court justices have contended characterizes a typical students view of suspension, Driver writes.

Driver graduated from Brown University and completed a one-year teaching certification program at Duke University before becoming a high school civics and American history teacher and teaching in Durham, N.C. He was a Marshall Scholar at Oxford University and graduated from Harvard Law School before becoming a law clerk for both retired Justice Sandra Day OConnor and Justice Stephen G. Breyer during the 2006-07 term of the court.

Significant Term

That was a significant term for education law. The court issued landmark opinions limiting the voluntary consideration of race in assigning students to schools and upholding the discipline of a student who had displayed a banner reading BONG HiTS FOR JESUS, at a school-sanctioned event, carving out an exception to student First Amendment speech rights for pro-drug messages.

Breyer wrote one of his most passionate dissents in the voluntary race case, Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District, arguing that the court majority was threatening the promise of Brown and that the decision was one the court and the nation will come to regret.

Driver watched with interest as Kavanaugh declared at his confirmation hearing that the Brown decision was the greatest moment in Supreme Court history even if the long march for racial equality is not over.

Of course, every lawyer believes Brown was rightly decided, but they ascribe radically different meanings to that decision, Driver said in the interview.

From 1899 to 2011

The Schoolhouse Gate takes its title from Justice Abe Fortas majority opinion in the 1969 case Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, which upheld the right of students to wear black armbands to protest the Vietnam War as long as school was not substantially disrupted. It can hardly be argued that either students or teachers shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate, Fortas wrote.

(As Driver spoke about his book at a luncheon for University of Chicago law school alumni in Washington last week, Mary Beth Tinker, one of the students suspended for wearing an armband in the Des Moines schools, attended as a guest.)

In his analysis of Brown, Tinker, and dozens of other Supreme Court constitutional decisions on student rights, Driver meticulously provides the background, weighs the opinions, and examines contemporaneous press coverage and opinion as well as academic interpretations. Driver believes later student speech rulings have undermined Tinker, and he calls for overruling the 1977 decision in Ingraham v. Wright, which refused to outlaw corporal punishment.

Driver also argues that the courts landmark 1985 decision in New Jersey v. T.L.O., which authorized school administrators to search students under a more relaxed standard than that required for the police, is a poor fit for an age when school resource officers are in every school and often can conduct searches under the lower reasonable suspicion standard at the behest of administrators.

The ascent of school resource officers has undercut the notion that students should invariably receive only watered-down Fourth Amendment protections, as too many schoolhouses now bear a disturbing resemblance to station houses, Driver writes.

Driver has taught a course at the law school called The Constitution Goes to School, and he hopes his book will reinvigorate education law as a field of intellectual inquiry and as an interest of the judiciary.

Students who have had their rights suppressed by the government in public schools, Driver writes, seem ill-positioned to become the sort of engaged, dynamic, and disputatious citizens upon whom our nation depends.
Students take tests exhaustively throughout their K-12 careersso do they need to take a separate exam to gauge reading and writing skills for work? Its a question still a long way away from having a clear answer.

By far the most popular workforce-readiness tests for schools are ACT Inc.'s WorkKeys. The Iowa City, Iowa-based organization offers a host of exams in the WorkKeys suite, but the most commonly administered ones are Workplace Documents, which measures reading in a workplace context; Graphic Literacy, which focuses on finding and interpreting information from charts, tables, and graphics; and Applied Math.

Alabama, Michigan, South Carolina, and Wisconsin have all their high school students take WorkKeys tests, and in eight other states, districts have the option to administer them. Students who get a score of 3 or higher on each exam, out of a maximum score of 7, also can earn a credential, called the National Career Readiness Certificate.

First developed in 1992, WorkKeys tests themselves never get as specific as welding techniques or coding in Java. Instead theyre based on shared skills that cross fields.

ACT has aggressively marketed its services to businesses, as well as to school leaders. It offers job-profiling services and maintains a database of some 22,000 job profiles in which employers and others can look up estimated WorkKeys scores corresponding to the skills needed for those jobs. In all, there were 1.7 million WorkKeys test-takers in 2017, ACT said.

Most of the research on WorkKeys has been conducted to confirm that the test is validin other words, that it measures what its designed to measure. Fewer external studies show the connection between students scores and their future success in specific jobs.

Evidence does indicate, however, that the test content differs significantly from traditional reading and math tests.

Studies commissioned earlier this decade by the federal board that administers the National Assessment of Educational Progress concluded that WorkKeys measured a far narrower slice of content than NAEP reading or math, though a few topics overlapped.

The cognitive focus of the exams also differed. WorkKeys documents exam, for example, emphasized locating and recalling information, whereas NAEP emphasized students ability to critique or evaluate something theyd read. And test questions were sometimes better linked to NAEPs 8th grade frameworks, and at other times, to its 12th grade frameworks.

ACT debuted updated tests in 2017 to reflect new skills it identified in its job profiles, said Tom Langenfeld, the principal assessment designer for WorkKeys. The changes include a stronger focus on digital reading (as in an email chain), on spreadsheets in the math exam, and especially on identifying useful, accurate charts on the graphic-literacy exam.

Too Restrictive?

Some testing experts say they worry WorkKeys may be too limited to gauge specific skills in demand in the workforce today as jobs grow more specialized.

The construct of WorkKeys has been restricted to reading information, locating information, and relatively simple math, and then further restricted beyond that because there are only certain things you can do with multiple-choice tests, said Joseph Martineau, a senior associate at the Center for Assessment, a testing-consulting group. I think they could update their studies and they could take advantage of technology-enhanced test items where theyre having people actually do things, like type out data into a table and organize it.

WorkKeys has stayed with paper-and-pencil tests partly at employers requests, Langenfeld noted.

And some employers that rely on the exam say they can spot key differences in employee skill based on their scores.

RoyOMartin, an Alexandria, La., wood-product company thats been in existence since 1923, requires new hires in production to score a 3 on each of the exams making up the career-readiness certificate. Donna Bailey, the companys vice president for human resources, said shes been exploring raising that bar to a 4or possibly making it a threshold for advancing to different skills within the plant.

I think a score of 4 shows that a person is more apt to read for meaning, whereas a 3 shows they just have basic reading skills, she said. And there is a difference with those folks [with 4s]. They are more independent; they can critically think. When they read something, they are reading to solve a problem.

More to the point, she said, is that as manufacturing becomes less manual and more technical, employers need bigger doses of ongoing training. And while employers bear some of that responsibility, workers must have the independent reading and research abilities to refresh their skills as needed.

Adult learners have to be self-learners, she said. Sometimes, they are going to have to find the information themselves.
New Rules ON Microchipping Dogs Come In To Force Today

Lost or stray dogs on the Isle of Man will be reunited with their owners thanks to new micro-chipping laws which come into effect to improve dog welfare today.

Under the new measures all owners must ensure their dog is micro-chipped and their details are kept up to date.

Not only will this mean the Islands dogs can be returned to their owners more quickly if they wander too far from home, but it will also make it easier to track down the owners of dogs that carry out attacks on people.

Owners who have not micro-chipped a dog could face a fine of up to 500.
Treasury Minister Holds Talks With Tory MP's



Alf Cannan MHK and Nicky Morgan MP

Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan has met with Nicky Morgan MP in Birmingham to discuss the future of financial services.

Mr Cannan is part of the Manx delegates including the Chief Minister who are attending the Conservative Party Conference.

The Treasury Minister also had discussions with James Brokenshire MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Health Minister David Ashford is also attending the event.
Strike Action For Manx Postal Workers? Union Calls for a Ballot



Union Boss Terry Pullinger in the Isle of Man

Postal workers in the Isle of Man have voted unanimously to ballot for industrial action over proposed changes at the Island of Man Post Office.

Members of the Communication Workers Union gathered at the Sefton Hotel to hear from Postal Union boss Terry Pullinger.

A number of key concerns were raised including pensions and pay.

The Isle of Man Post Office says fewer people are sending letters and using post offices, but parcel deliveries are increasing due to more people shopping online.The organisation believes these changes have led to it reporting a loss for the first time in its history.

Residents on the Island have until tomorrow to have their say as part of a public consultation.
Appeal After A Fight In Douglas

Officers from the Central Neighbourhood Policing Team are appealing for witnesses after a fight between a group of males in Douglas.

The incident happened on Friday at around 11:20pm on Douglas Promenade.

Investigating officers say the area was busy and there were several people walking around along with vehicles driving past.

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Headquarters.
Ukrainian internet sensation Valeria "Real Life Barbie" Lukyanova has a twin Barbie look-alike and they hope to move to America together in the near future, according to a new report.

Lukyanova, who captured people's attention this year with her striking resemblance to the Barbie doll, and 24-year-old Olga "Dominica" Olyenik, who also transformed her look to resemble the doll, are holding lectures on spirituality and will soon bring their widely talked about looks to the United States, the Daily Mail reported.

"We met on the internet five years ago,' said Lukyanova, explaining that both girls come from the Ukrainian city of Odessa. "We had the same hairstyle, make-up, and even dressed in a similar way. Our friends were sure that we were blood sisters. We are really sisters - but only in spiritual way. We have the same outlook and lifestyle."

The two hold lectures for 50 euros a session and Lukyanova spoke about moving to America with Oleynik and their respective partners.

'We are planning to move to America soon. Dominica's boyfriend is living in the US and my husband wants to start a business there too," Lukyanova said. "I am not going to be bored abroad, I'm often invited to photo-shoots and parties."

Lukyanova has been called "a fraud" by reports that claimed she used PhotoShop to edit and alter her photos to make her appear more doll-like. However, in an interview and photo spread with V Magazine, the publication defended Lukyanova and said she is "very much real" in her resemblance to the children's doll.

"We brought this viral phenom to New York City, entranced by her unnaturally thin waist, dramatic curves, and trendy, new age sense of style," the story read.

Lukyanova told V she does not take the criticism to heart, saying that if she seems unreal to people, it means she is doing "a good job."
NEW YORK, NY--October 1, 2018--FAIR Health has released an online interactive heat map at fairhealth.org/states-by-the-numbers/map showing new findings on opioid abuse and dependence diagnoses and procedures for each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The innovative visualizations, issued in conjunction with a white paper on regional and state variations in opioid-related treatment, allow Americans throughout the country to see a snapshot of the opioid crisis in their particular state or across states.

A national, independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing transparency to healthcare costs and health insurance information, FAIR Health created the visualizations by drawing on data from its database of more than 26 billion privately billed medical and dental claim records dating back to 2002--the nation's largest repository of private healthcare claims. Using that database, the national heat map represents opioid abuse and dependence claim lines as a percentage of total medical claim lines by state in 2017. The colors of the states reveal which states have the highest or lowest percentages.

Clicking on a state displays an infographic for that state in 2017. The infographic includes the top five procedures associated with opioid abuse and dependence by utilization and aggregate cost, such as methadone administration, naltrexone injection and group psychotherapy. The lists of procedures vary considerably from state to state. Each infographic also shows the percentages of opioid abuse and dependence diagnoses by age group and gender in the state.

The white paper that accompanies the release of the heat map is the fourth in a series of studies released by FAIR Health on the opioid epidemic. The first white paper examined national trends in the epidemic; the second, the impact of the epidemic on the healthcare system; and the third, geographic variations in the epidemic.

FAIR Health can create customized States by the Numbers data analyses and visualizations to meet the specific needs of healthcare stakeholders, such as federal and state governments, policy makers and researchers. Such analytics and visualizations can be used to study a variety of diseases and conditions at the level of a state, a location within a state, a multistate region or the nation.

FAIR Health President Robin Gelburd stated: "Our interactive heat map on opioid abuse and dependence opens a new geographic window into this serious epidemic. FAIR Health stands ready to assist healthcare stakeholders with similar analytics and visualizations for other pressing public health concerns."

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For the interactive heat map, click here. For the new white paper, click here.

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About FAIR Health

FAIR Health is a national, independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing transparency to healthcare costs and health insurance information through data products, consumer resources and health systems research support. FAIR Health possesses the nation's largest collection of private healthcare claims data, which includes over 26 billion claim records contributed by payors and administrators who insure or process claims for private insurance plans covering more than 150 million individuals. FAIR Health licenses its privately billed data and data products--including benchmark modules, data visualizations, custom analytics, episodes of care analytics and market indices--to commercial insurers and self-insurers, employers, providers, hospitals and healthcare systems, government agencies, researchers and others. FAIR Health also holds separate data representing the experience of all individuals enrolled in traditional Medicare from 2013 to the present (as well as Medicare Advantage enrollees represented in its private claims data). Certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as a Qualified Entity, FAIR Health receives all of Medicare Parts A, B and D claims data for use in nationwide transparency efforts. FAIR Health can produce insightful analytic reports and data products based on combined Medicare and commercial claims data for government, providers, payors and other authorized users. FAIR Health has earned HITRUST CSF and Service Organization Controls (SOC 2) certifications by meeting the rigorous data security requirements of these standards. As a testament to the reliability and objectivity of FAIR Health data, the data have been incorporated in statutes and regulations around the country and designated as the official, neutral data source for a variety of state health programs, including workers' compensation and personal injury protection (PIP) programs. FAIR Health data serve as an official reference point in support of certain state balance billing laws that protect consumers against bills for surprise out-of-network and emergency services. FAIR Health also uses its database to power a free consumer website available in English and Spanish and an English/Spanish mobile app, which enable consumers to estimate and plan their healthcare expenditures and offer a rich educational platform on health insurance. The website has been honored by the White House Summit on Smart Disclosure, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), URAC, the eHealthcare Leadership Awards, appPicker, Employee Benefit News and Kiplinger's Personal Finance. FAIR Health also is named a top resource for patients in Elisabeth Rosenthal's book, An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back. For more information on FAIR Health, visit fairhealth.org.

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Henry He, a researcher at the Morgridge Institute for Research and doctoral student in the Dresden International PhD Program, Germany, and Liz Haynes, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Integrative Biology at UW-Madison, won first place in the 2018 Nikon Small World in Motion Competition for a video depicting neural development in a zebrafish embryo.

"The Nikon Small World Competition is an intersection of a scientific competition and artistic competition," He says. "It doesn't judge things solely on aesthetic value or solely on the scientific merit. This is imagery we take for our research project that just happens to be beautiful, in our opinion."

The Nikon competition judges agreed, awarding He and Haynes the top prize in the video category of the contest which is now in its eighth year. The clip features tendrils of neurons branching and migrating across the zebrafish embryo as it develops over time. The video was created from images taken every minute over a 16-hour time period using a home-built light sheet microscope.

He works at Morgridge in the lab of Jan Huisken, a pioneer in light sheet microscopy and UW-Madison visiting professor of integrative biology, and brings imaging expertise to the project. Haynes is the biologist on the team, working in the lab of UW-Madison neuroscientist Mary Halloran. The collaboration began when the Halloran Lab was looking for ways to image zebrafish neurodevelopment in a more dynamic fashion, capturing all of the details and intricacies of development with respect to time.

Light sheet technology provides an image resolution similar to competing techniques like confocal microscopy, but light sheet is faster while also being gentler on the living sample, allowing for more images and healthier specimens.

"Before, we were imaging single cells. With light sheet we were able to get greater speed, as well as the ability to see the entire embryo at once," Haynes says. "My view of zebrafish had previously been just individual neurons growing. To now see them developing in concert across the entire embryo really added another dimension to what we were studying in neurodevelopment."

Haynes' work in the Halloran Lab aims to understand how axons navigate the whole area of the embryo to find their targets and reach a specific endpoint. Axons in an embryo often travel very long distances, up to 10 thousand times the length of their cell body, to reach their targets and to perform their functions. Shedding light on how they achieve their goal, and the molecular players that guide them, can inform understanding of developmental biology.

"It's very easy to be amazed by the cool imagery, but the science part requires a lot more rigor than just a pretty picture," He says. "We have to do multiple repeats to verify again and again that what we're seeing is a legitimate phenomenon, not an artifact of the mounting or the imaging."

The next step Haynes and He are working toward is developing a mid-throughput system to image more specimens at one time. The microscope is currently the bottleneck; while Haynes can procure many embryos at once, the current system still only allows for imaging one embryo at a time. The goal is to build a system that could image up to 25 embryos at once.

Both Haynes and He are looking forward to the continued collaboration.

"I think that this is the best collaboration I've ever been a part of," Haynes says. "The intellectual ideas are really fulfilling for me, because Henry really knows what's new and cutting edge in his field. It's not as common for someone to be in that middle space where they're really interested in microscopy and technique development as well as the biology."

"Through this collaboration, we're both teaching each other a lot," He says. "I'm teaching Liz more about optics and photophysics, while she's teaching me more about the biology behind the project we're working on. It's great to have a knowledgeable, dedicated collaborator that you can depend on."

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Though the video category is only eight years old, the Nikon Small World Competition first began in 1975 and is now considered the leading forum for showcasing the beauty and complexity of life as seen through the light microscope. A gallery of all winners from this and past years can be admired here: https://www.nikonsmallworld.com/.
DALLAS, Oct. 1, 2018 -- Fluctuations in weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and/or blood sugar levels in otherwise healthy people may be associated with a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and death from any cause compared to people with more stable readings, according to new research in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation.

This is the first study to suggest that high variability of these risk factors has a negative impact on relatively healthy people. The study is also the first to indicate that having multiple measures with high variability adds to the risk.

Compared to people who had stable measurements during an average 5.5 year follow-up period, those with the highest amount of variability (in the upper 25 percent) on all measurements were:

127 percent more likely to die;

43 percent more likely to have a heart attack;

41 percent more likely to have a stroke.

Using data from the Korean National Health Insurance system, researchers examined data on 6,748,773 people who had no previous heart attacks and were free of diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol at the beginning of the study. All participants had at least three health examinations between 2005 and 2012 (every two years is recommended in the system). Records of the exams documented body weight, fasting blood sugar, systolic (top number) blood pressure and total cholesterol.

Because high variability could result from either positive or negative changes, the researchers looked separately at the effect of variability in participants who were more than 5 percent improved or worsened on each measurement. In both the improved and the worsened groups, high variability was associated with a significantly higher risk of death.

"Healthcare providers should pay attention to the variability in measurements of a patient's blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels as well as body weight. Trying to stabilize these measurements may be an important step in helping them improve their health," said Seung-Hwan Lee, M.D., Ph.D., senior author of the study and professor of endocrinology at the College of Medicine of the Catholic University of Korea in Seoul, South Korea.

The study was observational, which means that it cannot prove a cause-and-effect relationship between high variability and the risk of heart attacks, strokes or death from any cause. The study also did not delve into the reasons behind the fluctuations in the participants' risk factor measurements.

"It is not certain whether these results from Korea would apply to the United States. However, several previous studies on variability were performed in other populations, suggesting that it is likely to be a common phenomenon," Lee said.

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Co-authors are Mee Kyoung Kim, M.D., Ph.D.; Kyungdo Han, Ph.D.; Yong-Moon Park, M.D., Ph.D.; Hyuk-Sang Kwon, M.D., Ph.D.; Gunseog Kang, Ph.D.; and Kun-Ho Yoon, M.D., Ph.D. Author disclosures are on the manuscript.

The National Research Foundation of Korea funded the study.

Additional Resources:

Available multimedia located on the right column of the release link: https://newsroom.heart.org/news/yo-yoing-weight-blood-pressure-cholesterol-and-blood-sugar-readings-may-raise-heart-attack-and-stroke-risk?preview=33521357fa14beecec17821ec31ae90d

After Oct. 1, 2018, view the manuscript online.

Follow AHA/ASA news on Twitter @HeartNews

Statements and conclusions of study authors published in American Heart Association scientific journals are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the association's policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives funding primarily from individuals. Foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations and health insurance providers are available at https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/aha-financial-information.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke - the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Washington, DC (October 1, 2018) -- The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) released a new analysis of the kidney health workforce that identifies practice setting as a key factor for nephrologists starting their careers. Authored by researchers from the George Washington University-Health Workforce Institute (GW-HWI), Early Career Nephrologists: Results of a 2017 Survey is available online at http://www.asn-online.org/workforce.

"The survey revealed significant differences between nephrologists working in group practices compared to those in academic positions," said GW-HWI principal investigator Edward Salsberg, MPA. "After reviewing other factors--including gender, location/type of education (US medical graduate [USMG] vs. international medical graduate [IMG]), and length of time since graduation--practice setting is a major factor influencing educational pathways, current practice characteristics, and satisfaction."

The report is the latest in a series ASN has produced in collaboration with GW-HWI.

"Both group practice and academic nephrologists were satisfied or very satisfied with the intellectual challenges (92.6% and 93.3% respectively) and with their relationships with patients (91% and 94.5% respectively)," said Salsberg. "On the other hand, income and lifestyle were challenging for many nephrologists."

Among the report's key findings:

In general, women and male USMGs were more likely to practice in academic settings, while IMGs were more likely to practice in group practices.

Nephrologists in group practices were more likely to work longer hours as well as weekends and evenings but they also made more money.

Nephrologists in academic settings are more satisfied with their positions and may trade off work hours and income for lifestyle considerations.

In addition to the Early Career Nephrologists report, GW's report on the annual ASN Nephrology Fellows Survey will be released in advance of ASN Kidney Week 2018, the world's largest meeting of kidney health professionals being held October 23-28 in San Diego CA. Nephrology workforce research is one part of ASN's commitment to empower current and future members of the nephrology workforce and advance their professional goals and success.

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The views and findings in this report reflect the work of the GW Health Workforce Institute (GW-HWI) and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASN or GW University.

Twitter: ASN releases GW Report on Early Career Nephrologists that finds practice setting a key factor influencing job satisfaction http://asn.kdny.info/GyU60 #NephWorkforce

Facebook: American Society of Nephrology Collaborates with GW Researchers to Publish Report on Early Career Nephrologists: Practice Setting Key Factor Influencing Job Satisfaction http://asn.kdny.info/GyU60 #NephWorkforce

Since 1966, ASN has been leading the fight to prevent, treat, and cure kidney diseases throughout the world by educating health professionals and scientists, advancing research and innovation, communicating new knowledge, and advocating for the highest quality care for patients. ASN has nearly 20,000 members representing 124 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.asn-online.org or contact the society at 202-640-4660.
Boston, MA -- Adolescents require 8-10 hours of sleep at night for optimal health, according to sleep experts, yet more than 70 percent of high school students get less than that. Previous studies have demonstrated that insufficient sleep in youth can result in learning difficulties, impaired judgement, and risk of adverse health behaviors. In a new study, researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital examined a national data sample of risk-taking behaviors and sleep duration self-reported by high school students over eight years and found an association between sleep duration and personal safety risk-taking actions. Results are published in a JAMA Pediatrics research letter on October 1.

"We found the odds of unsafe behavior by high school students increased significantly with fewer hours of sleep," said lead author Mathew Weaver, PhD, research fellow, Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Brigham and Women's Hospital. "Personal risk-taking behaviors are common precursors to accidents and suicides, which are the leading causes of death among teens and have important implications for the health and safety of high school students nationally."

Compared to students who reported sleeping eight hours at night, high school students who slept less than six hours were twice as likely to self-report using alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or other drugs, and driving after drinking alcohol. They were also nearly twice as likely to report carrying a weapon or being in a fight. Researchers found the strongest associations were related to mood and self- harm. Those who slept less than six hours were more than three times as likely to consider or attempt suicide, and four times as likely to attempt suicide, resulting in treatment. Only 30 percent of the students in the study reported averaging more than eight hours of sleep on school nights.

The Youth Risk Behavior Surveys are administered biannually by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at public and private schools across the country. Researchers used data from 67,615 high school students collected between 2007 and 2015. Personal safety risk-taking behaviors were examined individually and as composite categories. All analyses were weighted to account for the complex survey design and controlled for age, sex, race, and year of survey in mathematical models to test the association between sleep duration and each outcome of interest.

"Insufficient sleep in youth raises multiple public health concerns, including mental health, substance abuse, and motor vehicle crashes," said senior author Elizabeth Klerman, MD, PhD, director of the Analytic Modeling Unit, Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Brigham and Women's Hospital. "More research is needed to determine the specific relationships between sleep and personal safety risk-taking behaviors. We should support efforts to promote healthy sleep habits and decrease barriers to sufficient sleep in this vulnerable population."

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Authors were supported in part by the NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Training Program in Sleep, Circadian and Respiratory Neurobiology (T32 HL007901) and NHLBI award number F32 HL134249 (MDW); NIH National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) R01GM105018, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) NNX14AK53G, NNX15AC14G and NNX15AM28G, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) R01OH010300, and NIH NHLBI U01HL111478 (LKB); NIH National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) K99NR017416 and New York University Clinical and Translational Science Award UL1TR001445 (SKM); and NIH NHLBI K24HL105664, R01HL128538, and R01HL114088, NIH NIGMS R01GM105018, NIH National Institute of Aging P01AG009975, and NIH National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) R21HD086392 (EBK).

Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) is a 793-bed nonprofit teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School and a founding member of Partners HealthCare. BWH has more than 4.2 million annual patient visits and nearly 46,000 inpatient stays, is the largest birthing center in Massachusetts and employs nearly 16,000 people. The Brigham's medical preeminence dates back to 1832, and today that rich history in clinical care is coupled with its national leadership in patient care, quality improvement and patient safety initiatives, and its dedication to research, innovation, community engagement and educating and training the next generation of health care professionals. Through investigation and discovery conducted at its Brigham Research Institute (BRI), BWH is an international leader in basic, clinical and translational research on human diseases, more than 3,000 researchers, including physician-investigators and renowned biomedical scientists and faculty supported by nearly $666 million in funding. For the last 25 years, BWH ranked second in research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) among independent hospitals. BWH is also home to major landmark epidemiologic population studies, including the Nurses' and Physicians' Health Studies and the Women's Health Initiative as well as the TIMI Study Group, one of the premier cardiovascular clinical trials groups. For more information, resources and to follow us on social media, please visit BWH's online newsroom.
BOSTON--Researchers at Boston Medical Center (BMC) have received a $3.2M grant to educate hospital providers statewide on how best to counsel women about contraception use, particularly long-acting reversible contraception methods like intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants. The program, funded by the Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services, will work with the 44 maternity hospitals, with more intensive interventions at the hospitals that serve a patient population with the greatest need, where this training will have the largest impact.

Researchers are focusing on the maternity hospitals since discussing contraception options with pregnant women has been shown to be a safe, effective, and convenient strategy for averting unwanted pregnancy. Given the personal nature of birth control, it is important for clinical and technical staff to be educated on how to best to approach and counsel these women in a patient-centered fashion.

All hospitals with maternity services in Massachusetts will be offered a grand rounds, led by BMC researchers and trained physicians, on the topic of shared decision-making around contraception. These hospitals will also receive access to educational materials online, and provider and staff leaders will be invited to an annual conference on the subject. At hospitals with the more intensive interventions, BMC clinician researchers will lead on-site training on contraceptive counseling and provision, logistics, and creating best practices.

"From recognizing our biases when speaking with patients, to understanding how to stock, bill, and code for IUDs, all staff who are involved in this process need to understand how to best offer contraception options to women," say Katherine O'Connell White, OBGYN at BMC and principal investigator on the project. "Every institution is different, and we will tailor the training to fit their specific needs."

Researchers want to make the more intensive interventions as wide-reaching as possible. They plan to offer the on-site training and online tools not only to obstetrics and gynecology providers, but also to primary care and emergency medicine providers, as well as pharmacists and support staff.

As researchers begin putting together the educational materials, they will seek community input from a patient advisory board to ensure cultural sensitivity and prevent biases. They will also study how the interventions changed practices at hospitals and health outcomes for the women they serve.

"Our goal is to empower women to have access to all contraception options so they can get the method that works best for them when and where they need it," says White, who is also an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Boston University School of Medicine.

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About Boston Medical Center

Boston Medical Center is a private, not-for-profit, 487-bed, academic medical center that is the primary teaching affiliate of Boston University School of Medicine. It is the largest and busiest provider of trauma and emergency services in New England. Boston Medical Center offers specialized care for complex health problems and is a leading research institution, receiving more than $116 million in sponsored research funding in fiscal year 2017. It is the 15th largest recipient of funding in the U.S. from the National Institutes of Health among independent hospitals. In 1997, BMC founded Boston Medical Center Health Plan, Inc., now one of the top ranked Medicaid MCOs in the country, as a non-profit managed care organization. Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine are partners in the Boston HealthNet - 14 community health centers focused on providing exceptional health care to residents of Boston. For more information, please visit http://www.bmc.org.
CINCINNATI - Physicians who specialize in a devastating and aggressive immune disorder called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) report in a new study that extra care should be taken to ensure an HLH diagnosis doesn't obscure possible underlying cancers.

Because HLH is dangerously aggressive in its progression and attack on vital organs--often causing death--doctors frequently pursue immediate treatment for the immune disorder after a diagnosis. But researchers at the Cincinnati Children's HLH Center of Excellence caution in the journal Pediatric Blood & Cancer that expediting HLH treatment may miss underlying malignancies that could end up being fatal to the patient.

"Our study found several cases where HLH diagnoses that fulfilled current criteria obscured the diagnosis of underlying malignancies. This delayed curative therapy for the cancers," said Ashish Kumar, MD, PhD, of the Cincinnati Children's Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute. "These issues can be remedied by using alternative and improved diagnostic techniques to also look for underlying malignancy prior to administering HLH therapy."

Although earlier diagnostic technologies for cancer have required waiting for genetic testing, study authors recommend speeding up diagnosis with some newer technologies now available. One newer option highlighted by the study is flow cytometry based immunological assays--a cell-analysis technique that can provide useful diagnostic results in a couple days.

Abnormal Immune Response

HLH causes abnormally strong immune responses that attack vital organs and other healthy tissues. There are two types: primary HLH triggered by hereditary genetic defects in immune cells and secondary HLH fueled by infections, autoimmune disorders, or malignancies. About half of secondary HLH cases in adults are associated with malignancy.

Although previous studies estimate that 10 percent of children with secondary HLH have an associated malignancy, Kumar and his research colleagues suggest it may be higher. Their study involved close evaluation of nine patients diagnosed with HLH between the ages of 8 days to 30 years. Seven of the patients had been referred to Cincinnati Children's after their HLH diagnosis.

The diagnoses were based on the patients meeting current diagnostic criteria for the disease. Further investigations by physicians at Cincinnati Children's revealed that all but one of the nine patients had an underlying lymphoma, or cancer of the lymphatic system, and one patient had AML (acute myeloid leukemia).

By the time the malignancies were discovered, only two of the nine patients were able to receive full doses of chemotherapy because of infections and/or organ dysfunction, the researchers write. Seven of the patients died from multi-organ failure with active malignancies still present. Two patients who were able to receive full-doses of chemotherapy survive with no evidence of disease, according to the researchers.

Understanding Limitations

HLH is a difficult to diagnose early and can hide behind a maze of contradictory symptoms. This often results in misdiagnosis. The only curative therapy for primary HLH is bone marrow transplant, a high-risk procedure that isn't suitable for all patients. Standardized diagnostic criteria for HLH were adopted in 2004 by the Histiocyte Society to help enhance detection of the disease.

Standard recommended treatment is the same for primary and secondary HLH, according to Kumar. Given the disease's aggressiveness nature and impact, guidelines recommend that treatment for HLH begin before determining if the disease is primary or secondary. The current study suggests this approach could lead to a missed cancer diagnosis.

"The cases in this study highlight the importance of understanding there are limitations to current HLH diagnosis criteria, especially in detecting HLH that is associated with malignancy," said Kumar.

The HLH Center of Excellence works to refine and improve diagnosis and treatment for the complex disease. The center is now considered a leading referral center for the immune disorder.

Kumar said one of his goals is to spread awareness with other physicians about the new study's findings, as well as new diagnostic and treatment methods. In the meantime, the research team continues to analyze HLH cases and obtain more data about its biology and progression.

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About Cincinnati Children's

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center ranks second in the nation among all Honor Roll hospitals in U.S. News & World Report's 2018-2019 Best Children's Hospitals ranking. In addition, Cincinnati Children's ranks first in the pediatric specialties of cancer and gastroenterology/GI surgery care, and among the top five pediatric hospitals in nine of 10 specialties. Founded in 1883, Cincinnati Children's vision is to be the leader in improving child health, through patient care, research and education.
If you've ever found yourself staring at a lengthy restaurant menu and been completely unable to decide what to order for lunch, you have experienced what psychologists call choice overload. The brain, faced with an overwhelming number of similar options, struggles to make a decision.

A study conducted in California nearly 20 years ago is illustrative of the effect. In that study, researchers set up a table offering samples of jams to customers in a grocery store. At times, 24 jam samples were provided; at other times, only six. It turned out that although shoppers were more likely to stop and try samples when the table was jam-packed, they also were much less likely to actually purchase any jam. Shoppers were somewhat less likely to stop at the table when it had only six jams, but when they did, they were 10 times more likely to make a jam purchase than the customers at the fuller table.

Lunch entrees and fruit preserves might seem trivial, but choice overload can sometimes have serious consequences, says Colin Camerer, Caltech's Robert Kirby Professor of Behavioral Economics and the T&C Chen Center for Social and Decision Neuroscience Leadership Chair. As an example, he points to Sweden's partial privatization of its social security system. The government allowed citizens to move some of their retirement savings into private funds. The government gave them hundreds of funds from which to choose, and conducted a large advertising campaign encouraging them to make their own choice. At first, nearly 70 percent of the eligible adult population took an active role in choosing a fund, but the percentage quickly dropped off. After 10 years, only about 1 percent of newly eligible Swedes were making an active decision about where to put their retirement money.

Now, a study conducted at Caltech by Camerer reveals new insights into choice overload, including the parts of the brain responsible for it, and how many options the brain actually prefers when it is making a choice.

In the study, volunteers were presented with pictures of scenic landscapes that they could have printed on a piece of merchandise such as a coffee mug. Each participant was offered a variety of sets of images, containing six, 12, or 24 pictures. They were asked to make their decisions while a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) machine recorded activity in their brains. As a control, the volunteers were asked to browse the images again, but this time their image selection was made randomly by a computer.

The fMRI scans revealed brain activity in two regions while the participants were making their choices: the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), where the potential costs and benefits of decisions are weighed, Camerer says; and the striatum, a part of the brain responsible for determining value.

Camerer and his colleagues also saw that activity in these two regions was highest in subjects who had 12 options to pick from, and lowest in those with either six or 24 items to choose from. Camerer says that pattern of activity is probably the result of the striatum and the ACC interacting and weighing the increasing potential for reward (getting a picture they really like for their mug) against the increasing amount of work the brain will have to do to evaluate possible outcomes.

As the number of options increases, the potential reward increases, but then begins to level off due to diminishing returns. "The idea is that the best out of 12 is probably rather good, while the jump to the best out of 24 is not a big improvement," Camerer says. At the same time, the amount of effort required to evaluate the options increases. Together, mental effort and the potential reward result in a sweet spot where the reward isn't too low and the effort isn't too high. This pattern was not seen when the subjects merely browsed the images because there was no potential for reward, and thus less effort was required when evaluating the options.

Camerer points out that 12 isn't some magic number for human decision-making, but rather an artifact of the experimental design. He estimates that the ideal number of options for a person is probably somewhere between 8 and 15, depending on the perceived reward, the difficulty of evaluating the options, and the person's individual characteristics.

Of course, a trip to the nearest grocery store is likely to reveal that lots of products come in many more than a dozen varieties. There might be a whole aisle of toothpastes of varying brands, sizes, flavors, textures, and properties, and on the condiment aisle, there might be dozens of kinds of mustards to choose from.

Camerer says that's partly because people tend to feel freer and like they have more control over their lives when they have more options to choose from, even if having all those options ends up distressing them at decision time.

"Essentially, our eyes are bigger than our stomachs," he says. "When we think about how many choices we want, we may not be mentally representing the frustrations of making the decision."

Camerer says future research in this area could explore and attempt to quantify the mental costs of making a decision.

"What is mental effort? What does thinking cost? It's poorly understood," he says.

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The paper, titled "Choice overload reduces neural signatures of choice set value in dorsal striatum and anterior cingulate cortex," appears in the October 1 issue of Nature Human Behavior. In addition to Camerer, who is also the director of the T&C Chen Center for Social and Decision Neuroscience, other co-authors are Elena Reutskaja, a former visiting scholar at Caltech now at IESE Business School; Rosemarie Nagel, a former visiting professor at Caltech now at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra; Axel Lindner, former Caltech postdoc now at the Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research; and Richard A. Andersen, Caltech's James G. Boswell Professor of Neuroscience, director of the T&C Brain-Machine Interface Center, and T&C Chen Brain-Machine Interface Center Leadership Chair.

Funding for the research was provided by Spanish Ministry of Science and Education, the German Research Council, the Community of Research on Excellence for All (CREA), the government of the Spanish region of Catalonia, the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Boswell Foundation, and the T&C Chen Social and Decision Neuroscience Center of the Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute for Neuroscience at Caltech.
In two newly published papers, a scientific team at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine reports on the discovery and implementation of a new, more efficient method for generating an important brain stem cell in the laboratory. The findings pave the way for greater understanding of the underlying mechanisms of neurological disorders of myelin and ultimately, possible new treatment and prevention options. The studies were published in the September issues of Nature Communications and Stem Cell Reports.

"Making these specialized brain stem cells on a large scale at high purity from pluripotent stem cells gives us a powerful tool to study previously inaccessible normal and diseased tissues in the central nervous system," said the senior author of the two papers, Paul Tesar, PhD, the Dr. Donald and Ruth Weber Goodman Professor of Innovative Therapeutics and associate professor of genetics and genome sciences at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. "We applied our technology to genetic models of myelin disease, which resulted in the discovery of a chemical compound that helps diseased myelin-producing cells to survive."

Myelin, a fatty substance produced by cells called oligodendrocytes, coats nerve fibers and enables electrical signaling in the brain and facilitates normal neurological function. Induced pluripotent stem cells are master cells that can potentially produce any cell the body needs. They are generated directly from existing adult cells. Embryonic stem cells are also pluripotent.

As reported in Nature Communications, first author Angela Lager, PhD, and colleagues developed a new methodology to generate large quantities of oligodendrocytes and their progenitor cells-- known as oligodendrocyte progenitor cells or OPCs--from mouse embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. Many genes and cellular processes have been associated with oligodendrocyte dysfunction, but scientists have typically needed to make mutant mice to investigate these processes, often involving expensive, multi-year studies to examine a single aspect of this biology. To address this problem, the Case Western Reserve team developed a rapid and highly efficient method for generating OPCs and oligodendrocytes from pluripotent stem cells from any genetic background--providing new access to these relatively inaccessible brain cells in healthy and diseased states.

In Stem Cell Reports, first author Matthew Elitt, PhD, and colleagues leveraged this OPC generation technology to provide new insights and therapeutic strategies for a fatal genetic disorder of myelin, Pelizaeus Merzbacher disease (PMD). The team found that there was an unexpectedly early critical phase in PMD-affected cells characterized by endoplasmic reticulum stress and cell death as OPCs exit their progenitor state. The endoplasmic reticulum is the part of the cell involved in the processing of protein. In PMD, which almost exclusively affects male children, oligodendrocytes are lost and myelin is not properly formed in the brain and spinal cord. Due to their diseased myelin, children with PMD exhibit often-debilitating problems of coordination, motor skills, verbal expression, and learning. Due to the disease's severity, patients typically die before adulthood.

To overcome this early cell death in PMD cells, the team screened thousands of drug-like compounds and found that one, known as Ro 25-6981, was especially successful in rescuing the survival of PMD oligodendrocytes in mouse and human cells in the laboratory and in PMD mice. "Our work is an important first step of a multi-phase process," said Tesar. "We have achieved survival of oligodendrocytes which normally die in the disease. The next step is to figure out how to coax these cells to efficiently myelinate and restore function to patients."

The Case Western Reserve team's findings have implications beyond PMD. Numerous neurological and psychiatric diseases are characterized by myelin loss or dysfunction, including multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and schizophrenia. Measures to regenerate or restore myelin could offer patients hope in these and numerous other disorders affecting the brain and spinal cord.

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Lager AM, Corradin OG, Cregg JM, Elitt MS, Shick HE, Clayton BLL, Allan KC, Olsen HE, Madhavan M, Tesar PJ. Rapid functional genetics of the oligodendrocyte lineage using pluripotent stem cells. Nat Commun. 2018 Sep 13;9(1):3708. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-06102-7. PubMed PMID: 30213958.

Elitt MS, Shick HE, Madhavan M, Allan KC, Clayton BLL, Weng C, Miller TE, Factor DC, Barbar L, Nawash BS, Nevin ZS, Lager AM, Li Y, Jin F, Adams DJ, Tesar PJ. Chemical Screening Identifies Enhancers of Mutant Oligodendrocyte Survival and Unmasks a Distinct Pathological Phase in Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease. Stem Cell Reports. 2018 Sep 11;11(3):711-726. doi: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.07.015. Epub 2018 Aug 23. PubMed PMID: 30146490.

iPSC-Based Disease Modeling and Drug Screening: An Interview with Paul Tesar and Matthew Elitt

This research was supported by grants from the European Leukodystrophy Association; the National Institutes of Health; the New York Stem Cell Foundation; and philanthropic support from the Peterson, Fakhouri, Long, Goodman, Geller, Galbut/Heil, and Weidenthal families and the Research Institute for Children's Health.

For more information about the Tesar laboratory, please visit: tesarlab.case.edu

For more information about Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, please visit: case.edu/medicine.
ATLANTA--Georgia State University has signed a licensing agreement with DaZen Theranostics Inc., a Delaware-based start-up company, to develop a product that can target cancer cells, function as a contrast agent to improve the visibility of cancer cells during diagnostic imaging and deliver a therapeutic drug to destroy cancerous cells.

The product will be based on a chemical compound that was created by Dr. Maged Henary, associate professor of chemistry at Georgia State. Henary's chemical compound, a heptamethine cyanine also known to the scientific community as MHI-148, is already being used internationally in cancer imaging research. Henary developed the compound at Georgia State in collaboration with Dr. Leland W. K. Chung, formerly of Emory University and now founder of DaZen Theranostics Inc., and other scientists.

"The patented therapeutic technology from Emory and Georgia State University is a drug delivery system, consisting of a drug delivery vehicle that delivers highly effective chemotherapy exclusively into cancer cells," said YuPing Cheng, chief executive officer of DaZen Theranostics Inc. "The therapeutic can target cancer cells with precision and re-sensitize the responses of drug-resistant cancer cells to existing therapeutics. This new therapeutic technology has been shown to be safe and effective in animal studies and to deliver the current drug of interest and also a broad spectrum of other cancer fighting drugs to aggressive and metastatic cancers, without damaging normal healthy tissues."

The product will simultaneously detect, image and treat any type of cancer cells based on the attached drug, making it uniquely effective for cancer therapy and diagnosis. DaZen will pursue clinical trials in humans to test the product's effectiveness.

The compound has six carbon atoms including a carboxylic acid moiety at the nitrogen atom of the heterocyclic rings, a length that Henary has found to be significant for targeting tumors. Other analogs of MHI-148 have been synthesized in Henary's lab with more or fewer carbons and did not have the same effect. Studies have found the six-carbon chain is the optimal molecular size for tumor targeting. Its chemical composition also enables it to be attached to a therapeutic agent, as well as absorb and fluoresce in the near-infrared (NIR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum, where biological systems do not, making it useful as a contrast agent.

For years, cancer researchers have sought to develop a silver bullet to fight cancer. DaZen Theranostics Inc., which is registered in Delaware but operates in California with a 100 percent wholly owned subsidiary in China, was incorporated in 2017 to pursue a different approach. Instead of a single drug, the company has sought a first-of-its-kind delivery vehicle that delivers existing chemotherapy drugs to the subcellular organelles, mitochondria and lysosomes of cancer cells to cause their rapid death without causing dysfunction of normal human cells and organs in large and small animals. The company wants a platform technology that could allow safe delivery of therapeutic and imaging agents specifically to cancer and its metastatic deposits.

In 2009, Chung began leading cancer research at the Cedar Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, Calif., and he studied the MHI-148 for the last six years. He observed that the conjugated agents to MHI-148 are not only capable of killing cancer cells, but also re-sensitizing drug-resistant cancer cells to the anti-tumor effects of a broad spectrum of agents with vastly different mechanisms of action, including chemotherapies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The re-sensitized cancer cells once again respond to the anti-tumor effects of these primary therapies and were observed to prolong patient survival.

In 2017, Chung decided to commercialize the technology and named his company "DaZen." In Chinese, the name means "great kindness" because the mission of his company is to provide a cure to cancer patients.

In addition, Henary, in collaboration with Drs. John Frangioni and Hak Soo Choi at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, has developed a class of NIR imaging dyes which has been licensed by Marlborough, Mass.-based Curadel LLC and has made it to Phase II clinical trials.

These NIR fluorophores (or fluorescent chemical compounds that can re-emit light upon light excitation) create the highest possible signal-to-background ratio (SBR), which improves imaging.

Surgeons must now depend on their eyes during surgery to make sure they have removed all cancerous cells, which can lead to some cancer cells remaining in the body, multiplying and spreading to other sites. Curadel LLC is using these NIR dyes to detect cancer cells, enabling surgeons to differentiate between cancerous and healthy cells and perform more accurate surgeries when they use NIR cameras that can view otherwise invisible near-infrared light.

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New Orleans, LA - A team led by Jessica Landry, DNP, FNP-BC, Program Coordinator, BSN-DNP Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner at LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing, successfully competed for a $1.3 million grant to increase access to certified sexual assault nurse examiners (SANE) for people who have been sexually assaulted in 12 southeast Louisiana parishes. The Health Resources & Services Administration of the US Department of Health and Human Services awarded the three-year grant, which began September 30, 2018.

"Currently, 1.3 million residents share one sexual assault nurse examiner certified to manage adult cases of sexual assault, and there are no SANEs certified for pediatric cases," notes Dr. Landry, who is the grant's principle investigator. "Of the 10 rural parishes surrounding the New Orleans area, none have SANE services available locally. When a resident is sexually assaulted, he/she must be transported up to 90 miles to either Jefferson or Orleans Parish. In addition to providing SANE training, we plan to work with rural parishes to increasingly implement the Community-based Model, where SANE practitioners are centralized and travel to local hospitals to complete forensic sexual assault examinations rather than requiring victims to come to them."

The project will train 140 nurses, with certification of a minimum of 75 SANE nurses. Funding will be provided for nurses in all aspects of SANE training including online coursework through the International Association of Forensic Nurses, clinical skills training, clinical practice hours, certification, and continuing education. Additional support will be provided for continued professional development and to reduce psychosocial barriers related to retention of SANEs, as well as to encourage activities by project partners to seek funding and adopt practices to sustain the work of the project.

In 2016, there were 537 reported rapes in New Orleans. This was a rate of 135.2 rapes per 100,000 residents, which is 2.2 times the national average (City Data, 2018). Metro New Orleans also has a large LGBT population; sexual violence is higher in LGBT than in heterosexual individuals, on average, throughout the US. In addition to Orleans and Jefferson parishes, the project targets St. Mary, St. Charles, Terrebonne, Ascension, St. John the Baptist, Lafourche, St. James, Assumption, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard parishes.

All Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) with an interest in becoming SANE-certified will be considered for participation. Priority in selection will be granted to certified/non-certified nurses who currently perform sexual assault examinations in their practice setting.

According to the International Association of Forensic Nurses, for sexual assault nurse examiners, the Association offers two certifications: the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner - Adult/Adolescent (SANE-A) and the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner - Pediatric (SANE-P). Certification as a SANE-A and/or SANE-P signifies that a sexual assault nurse examiner has demonstrated the highest standards of forensic nursing practice.

"People who have experienced the trauma of a sexual assault need specialized care," says Demetrius Porche, DNS, PhD, FACHE, FAANP, FAAN, Professor and Dean of LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing. "SANE training prepares nurses to handle their unique needs and also properly collect evidence needed to apprehend or prosecute violent perpetrators. This project will not only contribute to the well-being of patients, but also to the safety of our communities."

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LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans educates Louisiana's health care professionals. The state's flagship and most comprehensive health sciences university, LSU Health New Orleans includes a School of Medicine, the state's only School of Dentistry, Louisiana's only public School of Public Health, the state's only School of Nursing within an academic health sciences center and Schools of Allied Health Professions and Graduate Studies. LSU Health New Orleans faculty take care of patients in public and private hospitals and clinics throughout the region. LSU Health New Orleans faculty have made lifesaving discoveries and continue to work to prevent, advance treatment, or cure disease. To learn more, visit http://www.lsuhsc.edu, http://www.twitter.com/LSUHealthNO, or http://www.facebook.com/LSUHSC.
New Rochelle, NY, October 1, 2018--Researchers used continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to assess the effects of adding dapagliflozin to a regimen of either metformin or insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and found significant reductions in mean glucose and other glycemic factors, with greater improvements seen in patients taking metformin compared to insulin. The design and results of this trial are published in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics (DTT), a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. Click here to read the full-text article free on the Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics (DTT) website.

CGM was used to determine daily variations in glucose during the week before patients received dapagliflozin and during the last week of treatment. Dapagliflozin is a U.S. FDA-approved inhibitor of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) and by blocking SGLT2 it increases urinary glucose excretion and improves glucose control. CGM was able to show the effects of adding dapagliflozin to either metformin or insulin in terms of overall mean glucose concentration, fasting plasma glucose, postprandial glucose, time spent in the target glucose range, and glucose variability.

The article entitled "Effects of Dapagliflozin on 24-Hour Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial," was coauthored by Robert Henry, MD, University of California San Diego School of Medicine and colleagues from UC San Diego School of Medicine, Integrated Medical Development (Princeton Junction, NJ), Medpace (Cincinnati, OH), and AstraZeneca (Fort Washington, PA).

"["As we move beyond A1c to measure glucose control, the use of CGM is becoming more important especially in insulin-requiring patients with diabetes. Time in range (TIR) and other metrics to measure glucose variability may closely relate with a patient's overall glucose control," says DTT Editor-in-Chief Satish Garg, MD, Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Colorado Denver (Aurora). "Henry and colleagues emphasize the importance of adding an SGLT2 inhibitor on different metrics of glucose control as measured by CGM."

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About the Journal

Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics (DTT) is a monthly peer-reviewed journal that covers new technology and new products for the treatment, monitoring, diagnosis, and prevention of diabetes and its complications. Led by Editor-in-Chief Satish Garg, MD, the Journal covers topics that include noninvasive glucose monitoring, implantable continuous glucose sensors, novel routes of insulin administration, genetic engineering, the artificial pancreas, measures of long-term control, computer applications for case management, telemedicine, the Internet, and new medications. Tables of contents and a free sample issue may be viewed on the Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics (DTT) website. DTT is the official journal of the International Conference on Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD).

About ATTD

The International Conference on Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD) presents top caliber scientific programs that have provided participants with cutting-edge research and analysis into the latest developments in diabetes-related technology. A unique and innovative conference, ATTD brings the world's leading researchers and clinicians together for a lively exchange of ideas and information related to the technology, treatment, and prevention of diabetes and related illnesses.

About the Publisher

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers is a privately held, fully integrated media company known for establishing authoritative peer-reviewed journals in many promising areas of science and biomedical research, including Thyroid, Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders, Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery, Childhood Obesity, and Population Health Management. Its biotechnology trade magazine, GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News ), was the first in its field and is today the industry's most widely read publication worldwide. A complete list of the firm's 80 journals, books, and newsmagazines is available on the Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers website.
ROCHESTER, Minn. - Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a new genetics-based prognostic tool for myelodysplastic syndrome. Their findings are published in the October print issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

"Myelodysplastic syndrome is one of the most frequent blood cancers affecting the elderly with annual incidence exceeding 50 cases per 100,000 in people 65 years or older," says Ayalew Tefferi, M.D., a Mayo Clinic hematologist who is the principal investigator and lead author.

Dr. Tefferi says the average survival for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome is estimated at 2 years, and survival rates have not improved over the past several decades. "Current drug therapy for myelodysplastic syndrome is not curative and is often instituted to palliate anemia and other symptoms," says Dr. Tefferi. "The only treatment that offers a chance for cure or prolonged survival is allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Unfortunately, this procedure is associated with substantial risk of treatment-related death and morbidity, so an accurate and reliable prognostic tool is needed to select suitable patients for transplant."

Dr. Tefferi says the current prognostic tool for myelodysplastic syndrome is based on the revised international prognostic scoring system. However, the overall value of this system is limited by its complexity and the absence of information on gene mutations.

Dr. Tefferi and collaborators from National Taiwan University Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan, examined gene mutations and their effect on survival in 685 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome. Researchers identified a favorable gene mutation, SF3B1, and unfavorable gene mutations, ASXL1 and RUNX1. They used the information to develop the Mayo Alliance Prognostic System for myelodysplastic syndrome.

In another paper, soon to be published in the American Journal of Hematology, Dr. Tefferi and his collaborators demonstrated the impact of gene mutations on treatment response in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome. They found that ASXL1 and U2AF1 mutations undermine treatment response to hypomethylating agents and the drug lenalidomide while patients with SF3B1 mutations are more likely to benefit from lenalidomide therapy.

"The Mayo Alliance Prognostic System for myelodysplastic syndrome tool provides a simpler and more contemporary prognostic system that integrates genetic and clinical information," says Dr. Tefferi. "In addition to accommodating genetic information, it offers more user-friendly cytogenetic risk stratification, accounts for gender differences in hemoglobin levels and uses a single threshold value for bone marrow blast percentages." Dr. Tefferi says, "the Mayo Alliance Prognostic System for myelodysplastic syndrome is not an enhancement of the international prognostic scoring system tool, it's a complete makeover."

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About Mayo Clinic Cancer Center

As a leading institution funded by the National Cancer Institute, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center conducts basic, clinical and population science research, translating discoveries into improved methods for prevention, diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. For information on cancer clinical trials, call the Clinical Trials Referral Office at 1-855-776-0015 (toll-free).

About Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to clinical practice, education and research, providing expert, comprehensive care to everyone who needs healing. Learn more about Mayo Clinic. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network.
CAMBRIDGE, MA -- Biopharmaceuticals, a class of drugs comprising proteins such as antibodies and hormones, represent a fast-growing sector of the pharmaceutical industry. They're increasingly important for "precision medicine" -- drugs tailored toward the genetic or molecular profiles of particular groups of patients.

Such drugs are normally manufactured at large facilities dedicated to a single product, using processes that are difficult to reconfigure. This rigidity means that manufacturers tend to focus on drugs needed by many patients, while drugs that could help smaller populations of patients may not be made.

To help make more of these drugs available, MIT researchers have developed a new way to rapidly manufacture biopharmaceuticals on demand. Their system can be easily reconfigured to produce different drugs, enabling flexible switching between products as they are needed.

"Traditional biomanufacturing relies on unique processes for each new molecule that is produced," says J. Christopher Love, a professor of chemical engineering at MIT and a member of MIT's Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research. "We've demonstrated a single hardware configuration that can produce different recombinant proteins in a fully automated, hands-free manner."

The researchers have used this manufacturing system, which can fit on a lab benchtop, to produce three different biopharmaceuticals, and showed that they are of comparable quality to commercially available versions.

Love is the senior author of the study, which appears in the October 1 issue of the journal Nature Biotechnology. The paper's lead authors are graduate students Laura Crowell and Amos Lu, and research scientist Kerry Routenberg Love.

A streamlined process

Biopharmaceuticals, which usually have to be injected, are often used to treat cancer, as well as other diseases including cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disorders. Most of these drugs are produced in "bioreactors" where bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells churn out large quantities of a single drug. These drugs must be purified before use, so the entire production process can include dozens of steps, many of which require human intervention. As a result, it can take weeks to months to produce a single batch of a drug.

The MIT team wanted to come up with a more agile system that could be easily reprogrammed to rapidly produce a variety of different drugs on demand. They also wanted to create a system that would require very little human oversight while maintaining the high quality of protein required for use in patients.

"Our goal was to make the entire process automated, so once you set up our system, you press 'go' and then you come back a few days later and there's purified, formulated drug waiting for you," Crowell says.

One key element of the new system is that the researchers used a different type of cell in their bioreactors -- a strain of yeast called Pichia pastoris. Yeast can begin producing proteins much faster than mammalian cells, and they can grow to higher population densities. Additionally, Pichia pastoris secretes only about 150 to 200 proteins of its own, compared to about 2,000 for Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, which are often used for biopharmaceutical production. This makes the purification process for drugs produced by Pichia pastoris much simpler.

The researchers also greatly reduced the size of the manufacturing system, with the ultimate goal of making it portable. Their system consists of three connected modules: the bioreactor, where yeast produce the desired protein; a purification module, where the drug molecule is separated from other proteins using chromatography; and a module in which the protein drug is suspended in a buffer that preserves it until it reaches the patient.

In this study, the researchers used their new technology to produce three different drugs: human growth hormone; interferon alpha 2b, which is used to treat cancer; and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF), which is used to boost the immune systems of patients receiving chemotherapy.

They found that for all three molecules, the drugs produced with the new process had the same biochemical and biophysical traits as the commercially manufactured versions. The GCSF product behaved comparably to a licensed product from Amgen when tested in animals.

Reconfiguring the system to produce a different drug requires simply giving the yeast the genetic sequence for the new protein and replacing certain modules for purification. With colleagues at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the researchers also designed software that helps to come up with a new purification process for each drug they want to produce. Using this approach, they can come up with a new procedure and begin manufacturing a new drug within about three months. In contrast, developing a new industrial manufacturing process can take 18 to 24 months.

Decentralized manufacturing

The ease with which the system switches between production of different drugs could enable many different applications. For one, it could be useful for producing drugs to treat rare diseases. Currently, such diseases have few treatments available, because it's not worthwhile for drug companies to devote an entire factory to producing a drug that is not widely needed. With the new MIT technology, small-scale production of such drugs could be easily achieved, and the same machine could be used to produce a wide variety of such drugs.

Another potential use is producing small quantities of drugs needed for "precision medicine," which involves giving patients with cancer or other diseases drugs that are specific to a genetic mutation or other feature of their particular disease. Many of these drugs are also needed in only small quantities.

These machines could also be deployed to regions of the world that do not have large-scale drug manufacturing facilities.

"Instead of centralized manufacturing, you can move to decentralized manufacturing, so you can have a couple of systems in Africa, and then it's easier to get those drugs to those patients rather than making everything in North America, shipping it there, and trying to keep it cold," Crowell says.

This type of system could also be used to rapidly produce drugs needed to respond to an outbreak such as Ebola.

The researchers are now working on making their device more modular and portable, as well as experimenting with producing other therapies, including vaccines. The system could also be deployed to speed up the process of developing and testing new drugs, the researchers say.

"You could be prototyping many different molecules because you can really build processes that are simple and fast to deploy. We could be looking in the clinic at a lot of different assets and making decisions about which ones perform the best clinically at an early stage, since we could potentially achieve the quality and quantity necessary for those studies," Routenberg Love says.

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The research was funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, SPAWAR Systems Center Pacific, and the Koch Institute Support (core) Grant from the National Cancer Institute.
Benchmark data and the standard of living in the regions of Russia affect student mobility, according to a study by HSE Centre for Institutional Studies researchers Ilya Prakhov and Maria Bocharova. Strong graduates from more educated and wealthy families are more likely to enrol in a university far from home, but the economy usually affects such a decision. High wages draw students towards the regions, while a high cost of living pushes them away. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0309877X.2018.1483014?journalCode=cjfh20&

The Unified State Exam (USE) has made strong universities more accessible for applicants from the regions, but social mobility does not always work for them. Socioeconomic factors inhibit student migration, including individual factors such as academic performance and family background, as well as regional factors like standard of living and the education market in the student's hometown and the town to which they have moved. The authors of the paper studied student mobility predictors in a survey of nearly 1,170 individuals and they also used data from the HSE longitudinal study Trajectories in Education and Careers.

Impact of Gender and Academics

Both internal (biographical) and external (institutional) factors affect a student's decision-making when selecting a university in a different region. The first concerns a student's gender and academic performance, as well as the socioeconomic situation in his or her family. The parents' level of education and salaries are also important. Institutional factors include living conditions in the region: salary levels, living wage, the situation on the labour market, and university options.

'Personal data' show that young men are more mobile than young women. This might be by explained by their expectations and ambitions. Young people are prepared to invest more in their education since they are ultimately counting on higher salaries.

Performance on the USE also contributes to mobility. Students with good USE scores have more options when deciding on a school, as their chances of getting into a strong university are higher.

Researchers are considering the role of students' achievements and their views towards human capital, that is, a set of knowledge and skills. High performers invest more into this and therefore expect a higher return. For them the quality of education is key, and they are prepared to move to a different region in order to study at a stronger university. The Power of Family

At the same time, a lack of financial and moral support can stop someone from moving away for school, with students' own families stopping them from moving.

The level of education a student's parents have impacts the mobility of high-performing students. In less educated families, college applicants move less often, which often blocks their social mobility. The contrary is also true - children of parents with a university degree are more mobile. These families are better informed about the situation on the education market and about what universities can offer. They are more likely to help their children correctly manoeuvre the university selection process and are prepared to cover educational expenses. These kinds of families place a high value on higher education.

A college applicant's mobility is connected to his or her parents' income. Moving involves large expenses, which is why students from wealthier families move more.

Other studies also note the role of social capital in migration. Friendships and connections facilitate a move, and if friends or relatives already live in the location a student is moving to, they provide the student with help and advice. This makes it easier for the student to adapt and lowers the cost of moving.

The Appeal of Prosperity

The economic climate in the regions, that is, in the hometown of the student and the location of his or her future school, also impacts mobility. Researchers call the first region the 'school' region (where the student receives a secondary education), while the second is called the 'university' region (where the chosen university is located). 'Economic climate' includes salary levels, unemployment rates, taxes, the living wage, etc.

According to various research data, two scenarios are possible. The first entails a negative correlation; if average wages in the region rise, fewer people leave the region. A positive correlation also exists, however. The more prosperous a city is, the more financial opportunities people have to move to a better location.

The study conducted by Ilya Prakhov and Maria Bocharova shows that college applicants go from less prosperous regions to more prosperous ones. In other words, the higher wages are in the 'university town,' the more attractive the town is. Students project this income level onto their own future earnings. If a student finds a job in this region, he or she will earn more than at home. Conversely, if people make more in the student's hometown, it is better to stay there.

Living Expenses and University Options

There is, however, one thing that complicates a move to a more prosperous city - the high cost of living in the 'university region,' specifically the cost of food, transportation, utilities, etc. The more expensive these are, the less likely it is that a student will move to the region. Larger salaries are attractive, but this is accompanied by a high living wage.

The overall situation on the higher education market is also important. College applicants are traditionally drawn towards regions with strong universities and cities with a richer selection of schools. This includes Moscow and St. Petersburg, of course, as well as university towns such as Tomsk, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, etc. If the 'school region' has enough universities, moving is not considered.

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On the island of Torcello, at the Ca' Foscari University of Venice excavation site, some protagonists of the island's thousand-year history have begun to emerge. A tomb datable to around 700 A.D. has recently been unearthed by the site's team of scholars, who hail from universities throughout Italy, under the scientific direction of archaeologist Diego Calaon (a Marie Curie Fellow).

"The subject is a young adult, whose burial - not far from the area we imagine was used as a cemetery adjacent to the Basilica during the Early Middle Ages - maintained nearly the entire skeleton intact, with the exception of the head. We mustn't be misled, however: the discovery of the residual parts of the right side of the skull and of the perforation coming from above (probably due to a construction pole) which occurred during modern times, indicate that the burial was complete and that the defects we see today resulted from activities which occurred later on in the area".

The discovery is an important one: during the archaeological digs that took place on Torcello in the 1960s and 70s, cemetery sites were excavated, but for the most part only relatively modern ones pertaining to the High Middle Ages. Being able to analyze the biometric data of those who lived on Torcello from the sixth to ninth century presents a unique opportunity. Who were the ancient island residents who lived in the well-constructed wooden houses that were densely present in the area? Free workers? Slaves? Was this a community which already had deeply Christian roots, or not? If the burial site was isolated, or not connected directly to the Church, multiple hypotheses may arise: DNA and biometric analyses will reveal important interpretative data.

The burial has been excavated in an area which is particularly interesting in terms of stratigraphy: we are at the head of an ancient lagoon canal that separated the island of the Ancient Church of Saint Mary from the inhabited area of the medieval settlement: over time, the channel was fortified with hundreds of wooden poles, indicative of a "hunger for space" on the part of homes and craft businesses that required the enlargement and creation of new living spaces.

As the excavation has expanded, it has revealed how the eighth and ninth century were significant and demonstrative of the island's population explosion: the presence of dense wooden houses, docks, fireplaces and production facilities, proven by hundreds of ceramic fragments from kitchen pottery (including many covering basins, the dishes of yesteryear for cooking breads and cakes in fireplaces on the ground), amphorae for oil and wine, and soapstone vessels for cooking soups and stews.

The inhabited area includes a large number of warehouses, constructed and active in the two previous centuries, from 500-600 A.D.: "Torcello became a hub of movement within the lagoon precisely at this moment. Altino was no longer feasible as a port, and the warehouses that we are excavating on the island," explains Diego Calaon, "are revealing that long before the 'imagined' or 'legendary' barbaric destruction occurred, the local elite had fully invested in creating an efficient ship yard precisely in the littoral area of the time. Warehouses were built with reused Roman bricks, some with markings on them, fashioned with stones taken from ancient Rome. The porticoed harbor warehouse visible on Torcello nowadays is exceptionally well preserved: we will be able to clean up the interiors within 5/10 days of work". Thanks to the Torcello Abitata project and archaeology talks also attended by the citizenry, inhabitants as well as external interested parties will be able to discover more.

Meanwhile, there is another project underway at a different location where a construction of large dimensions (more than 25 meters in length), which may be interpreted as a boat garage and warehouse datable to the fourteenth century, is currently undergoing excavation and study. The structure, with a solid stone foundation (again, "pieces" from Altino which were salvaged for use here in the lagoon) sits opposite a very old and sturdy stone-laid riverbank, which was subsequently reinforced by an outward-facing jetty reaching where the Sile river used to flow. Between the riverbank and the warehouse, the obvious and abundant characteristics of a medieval shipyard for organizing and holding boats, probably for fishing, with traces of poles for hauling, for lateral mooring and, probably, for preparing pitches.

It is a history rich with elements which is a marvel to discover from one day to the next.

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Scientists from the University of Liverpool, University College London and East China University of Science and Technology have synthesized a new organic material that can convert water into hydrogen fuel using sunlight.

Photocatalytic solar hydrogen production--or water splitting--offers an abundant clean energy source, but only if the energy in sunlight can be harvested effectively. Inorganic materials are better known as water splitting catalysts, but organic catalysts can also be built from cheap abundant elements, such as carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur.

The Liverpool-led team has used a combination of experiment and computation to discover a highly active organic photocatalyst. This also revealed some basic design principles, which may guide us to even better catalysts in the future.

Mr Xiaoyan Wang, the Liverpool Chemistry PhD student who led the experimental work, said: "To achieve high hydrogen evolution rates, you need good water affinity, broad light adsorption, high surface area, and high crystallinity. By introducing all of these features in one material, we got a very active photocatalyst."

Mr Wang's PhD project is co-funded by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and the University of Liverpool, through a joint PhD programme that started in March 2016.

This programme attracts talented PhD candidates from China to carry out their studies in the world-leading Materials Innovation Factory at the University of Liverpool.

Professor Andrew Cooper FRS, academic lead for the study, said: "This project was a multinational collaboration involving researchers from China, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK. It is a good example of the vital need to hire the best researchers from all over the world, and to collaborate with teams in other countries. Top-level science is an international endeavour."

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The project was funded by the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC), the Leverhulme Trust (the Leverhulme Research Centre for Functional Materials Design), and the European Research Council.

The paper "Sulfone-containing covalent organic frameworks for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water" is published in Nature Chemistry.

The University of Liverpool's Materials Innovation Factory is an 81 million project dedicated to the research and development of advanced materials.
Chapel Hill, NC - When a patient presents with signs and symptoms suspicious for a tick-borne illness, medical providers in central North Carolina regularly test for Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, but often don't think about Ehrlichia, according to researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The failure to test for Ehrlichia, even as more and more evidence suggests that the infection may be just as common as other endemic tick-borne diseases, appears to impact patient care with antibiotics prescribed less frequently when testing is not ordered. This study's results and recommendation for increased provider education were recently published in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.

"Providers order Ehrlichia testing much less frequently than Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever or even Lyme disease, despite the low-incidence of Lyme disease in the state," said Ross Boyce, M.D., M.Sc., the study's lead author and a clinical instructor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the UNC School of Medicine. "This disparity may be attributable to unfamiliarity with local vector epidemiology, as well as the greater attention given to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme disease in the popular media."

Ehrlichia is an illness caused by the Lone Star Tick, which is found throughout the mid-Atlantic United States. Symptoms typically include fever, headache and muscle aches. Boyce and colleagues performed a retrospective chart review on 194 patients who underwent testing for tick-borne illness at UNC hospitals and associated clinics between June and September 2016.

They found that nearly 80 percent of patients were tested for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and two-thirds were tested for Lyme disease. Yet providers ordered testing for Ehrlichia in only one-third of patients. Among the initial results, 37 patients tested positive for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, one tested positive for Lyme disease and nine tested positive for Ehrlichia.

Using leftover serum, Boyce and colleagues tested the 124 patient samples that were not initially tested for Ehrlichia. Twenty-five of those samples ultimately tested positive for Ehrlichia, putting the total number of positive results nearly equal with the number of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever cases.

"Our results demonstrate that Ehrlichia accounted for a large proportion of reactive antibodies among a cohort of individuals with suspected tick-borne illness in Central North Carolina," Boyce said. "These finding provide strong, albeit circumstantial evidence that Ehrlichia infection is as prevalent as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever even as providers appear to consider this diagnosis much less frequently than other tick-borne diseases."

While the CDC guidelines recommend empirical antibiotic treatment when there is suspicion for tick-borne illness, Boyce and colleagues work suggests that providers are less likely to provide antibiotics if testing is not ordered. While it is difficult to distinguish an acute infection from a past exposure with a single test, the study estimates that failure to test for Ehrlichia may have resulted in a missed diagnosis in more than 10 percent of individuals. Boyce said educating front-line providers in primary care clinics and emergency departments about the prevalence of this tick-borne illness is urgently needed.

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The mission of UNC's Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases is to harness the full resources of the University and its partners to solve global health problems, reduce the burden of disease, and cultivate the next generation of global health leaders. Learn more at http://www.globalhealth.unc.edu.
PHILADELPHIA - The kidney does more than double or even triple duty compared to other organs - it extracts waste, balances body fluids, forms urine, regulates blood pressure, and secretes hormones. Given this complexity, when things go wrong, havoc can ensue, causing a suite of symptoms called chronic kidney disease (CKD), which includes toxin accumulation, fatigue, and high blood pressure.

By investigating how genetic variations drive the expression of genes within the filtering cells of the kidney, researchers have found new pathways to explain CKD development and could inform its treatment, according to a study led by Katalin Susztak, MD, PhD, a professor of Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension and Genetics in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Susztak and team report their findings in Nature Medicine this week.

Earlier this year, Susztak's lab generated an atlas for the kidney, which included a novel molecular definition of all cell types in the kidney. They concluded that each distinct type has a unique, non-redundant function and that specific dysfunction is associated with specific symptoms in people with CKD. From this, the team started on the path to understand how kidney disease develops at the level of a single cell.

"This study is the first to look at specific cell types and how their genetic variations can lead to disease development," Susztak said.

CKD, a condition in which the kidneys are unable to clear waste, affects 700 million people globally. The overall prevalence of CKD in America is about 14 percent of the population, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

The team created a database showing how genetic variation influences messenger RNA expression in kidney cells. By integrating information from CKD-related genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) with more specific approaches, researchers identified genes and cells associated with CKD. A GWAS gathers a set of variations in the order of DNA building blocks for certain genes in different individuals to see if any variant is associated with a disease or trait.

"In the past, many GWAS efforts have identified sequence variants for CKD, but the biological basis of these variants was poorly understood," Susztak said. "We need to do more with all of the information we have sitting in GWAS databases to identify the genes, cells, and molecular pathways responsible for CKD."

The team found that candidate genes thought to cause CKD--27 in all--were more abundantly expressed in the proximal tubule of the kidney as analyzed by single-cell RNA sequencing. Tubules are part of the fine filters of the kidney where nutrients are reabsorbed from the urine. From this list of 27 genes, they initially focused on one gene, the adaptor protein DAB2 in the TGF- pathway and found that it was connected to many other genes central to proper kidney function.

Further experiments using two types of CKD mouse models confirmed that reducing DAB2 expression in tubules protected the mice from CKD. By lowering expression of the DAB2 gene, the cytokine TGF- pathway did not induce fibrosis in a misguided wound healing reaction.

Moving this knowledge toward the clinic requires several more steps, Susztak said: "We are just starting to find which molecules have gone astray to cause disease in order to develop drugs to counteract overactive molecules that cause damage to healthy tissue."

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Chengxiang Qiu and Shizheng Huang in Susztak's lab, in collaboration with Christopher D. Brown, all from Penn, are coauthors. This research is supported by the National Institute of Health (R01 DK087635, DK076077, DP3108220), Boehringer Ingelheim, the Eli Lilly Co., and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Penn Medicine is one of the world's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $7.8 billion enterprise.

The Perelman School of Medicine has been ranked among the top medical schools in the United States for more than 20 years, according to U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $405 million awarded in the 2017 fiscal year.

The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center -- which are recognized as one of the nation's top "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report -- Chester County Hospital; Lancaster General Health; Penn Medicine Princeton Health; Penn Wissahickon Hospice; and Pennsylvania Hospital - the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Additional affiliated inpatient care facilities and services throughout the Philadelphia region include Good Shepherd Penn Partners, a partnership between Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network and Penn Medicine, and Princeton House Behavioral Health, a leading provider of highly skilled and compassionate behavioral healthcare.

Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2017, Penn Medicine provided $500 million to benefit our community.
(San Antonio, Oct. 1st, 2018) -- They still don't know how long they had been planning the attack. Either way, the hackers with several strokes of a keyboard, unleashed a malware that hijacked the City of Atlanta's computer systems. Mayor Keisha Laice Bottoms at the time called it a "hostage situation." Sam Sam, the group thought to be the masterminds behind the attack, now demanded thousands in bitcoins or they would continue to freeze access to databases and cripple key departments in the city.

Information management teams caught off guard as to when the infiltration occurred now scrambled to contain the damage. Atlanta, a major global transportation hub, became a victim of one of the largest ransomware attacks in a U.S. city within a matter of moments.

In an effort to prevent another occurrence like Atlanta, Professor Shouhuai Xu, director of the Laboratory for Cybersecurity Dynamics at The University of Texas at San Antonio, proposes the creation of a malware recognition algorithm which will unmask malicious software, and with a new grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) this may become a reality.

"It's like a mirror that shows us what is really there," says Xu about the idea behind his approach to be able to detect the "cosmetic" changes that malicious software uses to camouflage appearances and infiltrate systems. His method will also explore why certain defensive mechanisms are less or more vulnerable.

The NSF grant awarded Professor Xu is valued close to $500,000 to develop the machine-learning algorithm which will also have the task to categorize the large number of malware in the wild, which was 669,000 million in 2017 according to a Symantec estimate.

"It's like biology. When we encounter a new virus you either defeat it or survive it. The immune system learns to recognize the virus, we are mimicking that defense and going beyond by unmasking the disguised new threats," added Xu.

News of the NSF award to the UTSA professor first came from Congressman Joaquin Castro's (TX-20) office.

"As we continue to combat growing cyber threats against our nation and our allies abroad, I welcome this federal grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) that will help our city continue developing effective countermeasures against sophisticated cyber-attacks," said Congressman Castro in a press release.

The grant will go into effect October 1, 2018 and run through September 30, 2021. And although the award is a step in the countermeasure defensive industry, according to 2018 international estimates from Lloyds of London, about $127 billion are the estimated costs due to cyberattacks.

Professor Xu's idea is but one approach of many that will be required to build up the cyber resistance. Hackers constantly rely on evasion techniques in this current game of cat and mouse.

"This is the new arms race. We frequently have to elevate our defense and security will always be an open problem. There is no silver bullet," says Xu about the never-ending war of protecting cyber space.

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For more information on this story, please click here.

Home of Cyber City USA, San Antonio leads the nation in cyber security research and development with The University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA) playing a critical role. UTSA made news when it secured funding to open its National Security Collaboration Center (NSCC).
Anyone who has ever torn or injured a muscle knows that swelling, redness, and pain soon follow the injury: classic signs of inflammation. Inflammation is the body's natural response to promote healing, but prolonged, excess inflammation in the muscles can contribute to the progression of chronic diseases such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and can worsen conditions in other parts of the body like rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and diabetes. A naturally occurring anti-inflammatory cytokine called IL-4 is being investigated as a treatment for such conditions, but its use is limited because it breaks down quickly once inside the body and must be given in a large dose over repeated infusions, causing undesirable systemic side effects.

Now, a new technique from the Wyss Institute and Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) that involves attaching many copies of IL-4 to nanoparticles of gold and injecting them directly into an injured muscle improved muscle structure and strength two weeks following injury. The research is reported in PNAS.

"By exploiting the inflammatory response, this technology may significantly improve the therapeutic and functional outcomes of existing treatments that focus on the direct regeneration of muscle," said Theresa Raimondo, a graduate student at the Wyss Institute and SEAS who is the first author of the research.

The system that Raimondo developed acts primarily on macrophages - a type of immune cell that is created in response to injury or infection. When they arrive at the site of the assault on the body, macrophages are in a pro-inflammatory state called M1, which promotes the release of inflammatory cytokines, antimicrobial peptides, and other molecules that initiate the immune response and promote the generation of new muscle cells. Then, the macrophages switch into their M2 state, which reduces inflammation and promotes the maturation of muscle fibers.

If the balance of M1- and M2-state macrophages is disrupted and there are too many M1 macrophages at injury site, muscle repair is inhibited. IL-4 can cause macrophages to switch from M1 to M2, thus helping muscle fibers heal faster; however, getting IL-4 to accumulate at its target site has proven challenging, and previous formulations that have attempted to solve this problem have not shown significant improvements in models of inflammation or injury.

Raimondo and Wyss Founding Core Faculty member David Mooney, Ph.D. accepted that challenge by attaching IL-4 to nanoparticles of gold, some formulations of which are FDA-approved for therapeutic treatments. They first tested the IL-4 nanoparticles against free-floating IL-4 in living human cells, and found that the nanoparticle-bound IL-4 not only maintained its biological function, but led to a greater proportion of M2 macrophages than the unbound IL-4.

Next, the scientists tested their system in vivo by injecting the IL-4 nanoparticles into the legs of mice with injured shin muscles three days after the injury occurred. The nanoparticles helped keep IL-4 in the injured muscle rather than diffusing out into the bloodstream and neighboring tissues, and mice that received the injection showed a significant increase in muscle-fiber area after fifteen days than mice treated with nanoparticles that lacked IL-4. Additionally, IL-4 nanoparticle-treated muscles were able to contract with significantly more force and speed than muscles injected with free-floating IL-4.

Finally, IL-4 nanoparticle injection doubled the percentage of M2 macrophages and reduced the number of M1 macrophages compared to muscles that did not receive IL-4 nanoparticles. Muscles that were injected with free IL-4 also showed a reduction in M1 macrophages, but did not cause an increase in M2 macrophages, demonstrating that the conjugation of IL-4 to gold nanoparticles improves the shift to an anti-inflammatory state and promotes muscle regeneration.

"This work demonstrates that modulating the inflammatory response is a potent method for promoting the regeneration of functional tissues, and that IL-4 nanoparticles can promote the M2 macrophage phenotype in the context of injury in vivo, which opens the door to many exciting research directions," said Mooney, who is also the Robert P. Pinkas Family Professor of Bioengineering at SEAS.

Raimondo is currently exploring the use of IL-4 nanoparticles to treat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in mice, further refining the design of the nanoparticles as well as optimizing the treatment regimen. "These experiments will, hopefully, demonstrate that IL-4 nanoparticles can shift macrophage phenotype in the context of chronic inflammation, in addition to the acute injury studied in this work, said Raimondo. Upcoming experiments will also explore the direct interaction between IL-4 nanoparticles and muscle-generating cells, and the role of macrophage phenotype in muscle regeneration in the context of muscular dystrophy with in vitro models.

"At the Wyss Institute, we always look for a better way of doing things - 'good enough' is not acceptable," said Wyss Founding Director Donald Ingber, M.D., Ph.D., who is also the Judah Folkman Professor of Vascular Biology at HMS and the Vascular Biology Program at Boston Children's Hospital, and Professor of Bioengineering at SEAS. "Not only does this work represent a better method of delivering IL-4 to inflamed tissues, it also offers the possibility of a more effective treatment for chronic inflammatory diseases, which could improve many lives in the future."

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This research was supported by the NIH, the Wyss Institute at Harvard University, and the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program.
October 1, 2018 - A special November issue of Health Physics journal presents 13 original research papers, reviews, and commentaries related to women's contributions to and experiences in radiation protection and safety. Health Physics, the official journal of the Health Physics Society (HPS) is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer.

All of the included studies and other articles were led by women, according to an introduction by Guest Editor Nicole E. Martinez, PhD, of Clemson University. She writes, "I see this special issue as providing an in-hand example of the commitment within the society to fostering an inclusive, well-rounded environment."

Women's Contributions to Radiation Safety and Protection - Past, Present and Future

Health physicists are scientists specializing in radiation protection. They work in a wide range of fields, including hospitals, industry, nuclear power plants - anywhere radiation or radioactive material is used or found. Highlighting the historic roles of several women pioneers in the radiation sciences, Dr. Martinez emphasizes the importance of "building community" in meeting critical goals for radiation protection.

Highlights of the special issue include:

An essay by Ryoko Ando of Ethos in Fukushima, Japan, sharing her experience working with the public in the aftermath of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear power plant accident. Scientific explanations alone failed to meet the needs of residents trying to rebuild their daily lives. Steps like measuring personal radiation dose and voluntary food monitoring were critical to regaining residents' trust. Ms. Ando writes, "[R]eviving trust was the most critical issue for science to become relevant in people's lives."

An article by LTC Jama D. VanHorne-Sealy, Director of Health Physics at the US Army Public Health Center, highlights the accomplishments of women in health physics in the US Armed Forces. Their diverse and critical roles include radiation treatments for medical conditions, assessing chemical and radiation health risks, and ensuring the safety of personnel working on board nuclear-powered vessels. "Health physics and medical physics careers in the military provide a unique opportunity for women to excel and they have made monumental contributions to the medical community, to the military, and to the nation," the author writes.

An article highlighting the "Presidential Perspectives" of the six women who have served as President of the Health Physics Society - beginning with Elda E. "Andy" Anderson, who served from 1959 to 1960. The five surviving women Past Presidents share brief reflections on their tenure, highlighting that "capability and accomplishment are independent of sex."

Other topics include new research on approaches in monitoring radiation exposure, the challenges of measuring the health impact of low doses of radiation, the changing role of the medical center radiation safety officer, and organizational issues in ensuring effective radiation safety practices. Noting that over half of the articles are student papers, Dr. Martinez voices how encouraging it is to see so many active and talented young scientists in the field.

Dr. Martinez also emphasizes that supporting women (and other under-represented minorities) doesn't mean not supporting men (or the well-represented majority). "It means making a conscious effort to hear and include perspectives that might not be the norm," she writes. "Neglecting to consider the whole of the membership can lead to loss of talent, less discovery, and hindrance of the advancement of the field."

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Click here to read the November issue of Health Physics.

About Health Physics

Health Physics, first published in 1958, provides the latest research to a wide variety of radiation safety professionals including health physicists, nuclear chemists, medical physicists, and radiation safety officers with interests in nuclear and radiation science. The Journal allows professionals in these and other disciplines in science and engineering to stay on the cutting edge of scientific and technological advances in the field of radiation safety. The Journal publishes original papers, technical notes, articles on advances in practical applications, editorials, and correspondence. Journal articles report on the latest findings in theoretical, practical, and applied disciplines of epidemiology and radiation effects, radiation biology and radiation science, and radiation ecology, to name just a few.

About the Health Physics Society

The Health Physics Society (HPS), formed in 1956, is a scientific organization of professionals who specialize in radiation safety. Its mission is to support its members in the practice of their profession and to promote excellence in the science and practice of radiation safety. Today its members represent all scientific and technical areas related to radiation safety, including academia, government, medicine, research and development, analytical services, consulting, and industry in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The Society is chartered in the United States as an independent nonprofit scientific organization and, as such, is not affiliated with any government or industrial organization or private entity.

About Wolters Kluwer

Wolters Kluwer is a global leader in professional information, software solutions, and services for the health, tax & accounting, finance, risk & compliance, and legal sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with specialized technology and services.

Wolters Kluwer, headquartered in the Netherlands, reported 2017 annual revenues of 4.4 billion. The company serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide.

Wolters Kluwer Health is a leading global provider of trusted clinical technology and evidence-based solutions that engage clinicians, patients, researchers and students with advanced clinical decision support, learning and research and clinical intelligence. For more information about our solutions, visit http://healthclarity.wolterskluwer.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @WKHealth.
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The American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance will hold the national Medigap industry conference June 5-7, 2019 in Atlanta.

"The Medicare Supplement Insurance Summit is the leading conference for the Medigap industry attended by over 1,000 insurance professionals," shares Jesse Slome, director of the Association. The 11th national conference organized by the Association will take place at the Marriott Marquis in downtown Atlanta.

The 3-day event brings together insurance professionals who market, administer, underwrite, price and sell Medicare Supplement insurance products. In addition, the Association offers a free day for insurance agents. The free day program focuses on selling Medicare and senior insurance products such as final expense, long-term care, senior dental and senior health-related policies.

"Atlanta will be a great setting for the 2019 Summit and the one-day agent Sales Summit," notes Slome. This will mark the first time the conference will be held in Georgia. The prior year's conferences have been held in St. Louis, Dallas, Orlando and Scottsdale, Arizona.

The national Medigap convention features the largest exhibit hall for any Medicare insurance event. "Our exhibit hall consistently sells out in advance of the conference and we expect that will happen again," Slome shares.

The Association posts video recordings of sessions from prior Summits on the organization's website. "Access is free and we go to the expense and effort in support of the industry," Slome explains. "It's also a valuable way to give future attendees a flavor of the quality of sessions and speakers." Attendance for the events has consistently grown which does not surprise the Association executive as the over-65 population in the U.S. continues to grow.

Preliminary information for the conference has been posted on the Association's website. To access go to www.medicaresupp.org/2019/ or call the organization for Sponsorship and Exhibitor information at 818-597-3205.
"Talking about sex won't make you pregnant, and talking about funerals won't make you dead," says Gail Rubin, a Certified Thanatologist and coordinator of the second annual Before I Die New Mexico Festival . One of many such festivals held around the world, the Before I Die NM Festival is a series of fun and interesting events organized to spur ongoing conversations about death and dying. The festival focuses on end-of-life topics and helps participants learn what to expect when the time comes.

After all, we're all going to die one day so why not find out how to plan for the end and have some fun at the same time?

Get Going on End-Of-Life

The first Before I Die festival was held in Cardiff, Wales in 2013 and its success spawned similar events in the UK, Australia, and United States. There is a growing social interest in death awareness around the world and people are interested in finding out what a "good death" looks like.

As more and more families talk about the traumatic experience of watching their loved ones pass away and wishing that things could have gone differently, there is a new drive towards funeral planning and making arrangements in advance. Attending a Before I Die Festival allows people to think about, talk about, and do something about their impending mortality in a creative and upbeat space.

Discussing end-of-life matters and the importance of pre-planning a funeral needs to be a conversation that happens before a person dies. Not only does it provide peace of mind for all involved, but taking the steps to arrange your funeral service in advance gets your affairs in order and can save you money on final expense costs.

The subject of death and dying need to be brought out into the open, if only so that people can understand what options are available for personalizing their funeral or cremation service. Attending the Before I Die NM Festival can help you get started on this very necessary task.

2018 Before I Die Festival Events

2017 Tour of Fathers Building Futures casket making workshop

The second annual Before I Die Festival will be held October 30 to November 4, 2018 in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Belen, New Mexico. Last year's festival in Albuquerque drew 600 participants to over 20 different events, including a popular tour of the medical investigator's office and a panel discussion by funeral directors on "What You Need To Know Before You Go." The 2018 Before I Die NM Festival promises to live up to its predecessor with even more free or low cost events spread over three cities, including:

A Halloween/Dia de los Muertos party in Sunset Memorial Park.

Guided tours of the Office of the Medical Investigator and local cemeteries.

All Souls Day Cremated Remains Committal Service - free events at Mt. Calvary Cemetery and Rosario Cemetery.

Death Cafe talks - candid conversations about death and dying.

talks - candid conversations about death and dying. Movies at the Guild Cinema in Albuquerque.

A Yoga for Grief class.

A tour of the casket-making workshop at Fathers Building Futures.

Festival Symposium - speakers, panel discussions and films on end-of-life issues and funeral planning.

South Valley Dia de los Muertos Marigold Parade and Festival.

Find the full schedule of events online at www.BeforeIDieNM.com or via Whova, the event app. Download Whova (password: newmexico) to access festival information and network with other participants.

A Good Goodbye

Gail Rubin, also known as the Doyenne of Death, planned the 2017 Before I Die Albuquerque Festival and this year has expanded the festival into three cities (Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Belen). Rubin manages A Good Goodbye , a company which provides funeral planning services "for those who don't plan to die." In addition to writing books on end-of-life issues and how to create meaningful and memorable end-of-life ceremonies for people and pets , Rubin is also a celebrant, a public speaker, and a death educator.

Planning the Before I Die NM Festival is just one of the ways Rubin is drawing attention to our impending mortality by providing a platform for people to come together and discuss death; a milestone in life that we all share. Some of the other sponsors for the New Mexico festival include:

Part of the sponsorship proceeds from the Festival will be donated to Fathers Building Futures, a nonprofit organization that empowers formerly incarcerated parents by ensuring they have the best opportunities for stability -- emotionally, socially, and financially.

Get your tickets now for the Before I Die NM Festival at www.BeforeIDieNM.com. We look forward to seeing you in New Mexico October 30 - November 4, 2018!
(CNN)  The United States sailed a warship close to disputed islands in the South China Sea on Sunday, a move that is bound to draw the ire of Beijing and comes amid heightened U.S.-China tensions over a broad range of issues.

Two U.S. officials told CNN that the guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur sailed within 12 nautical miles of Gaven and Johnson reefs in the Spratly Islands as part of what the U.S. Navy calls "freedom of navigation operations," which are meant to enforce the right of free passage in international waters.

"U.S. Forces operate in the Indo-Pacific region on a daily basis, including the South China Sea. All operations are designed in accordance with international law and demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows," a U.S. defense official told CNN.

The freedom of navigation operations "challenge excessive maritime claims and demonstrate our commitment to uphold the rights, freedoms, and uses of the sea and airspace guaranteed to all nations under international law," the official added.

While the Navy conducts such freedom of navigation operations all over the world, China is particularly sensitive about the operations when they come near areas where the Chinese government has built islands and established military facilities on disputed maritime features.

The last such freedom of navigation operation took place in May when the U.S. Navy sailed two warships within 12 miles of four of the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea.

China claims both the Spratly and the Paracel islands however those claims are rejected by much of the international community.

The U.S. has long slammed what it calls China's militarization of these islands, with U.S. officials accusing Beijing of deploying missiles and electronic jamming equipment there.

Earlier this week, the U.S. flew B-52 bombers over the South China Sea and East China Sea, areas considered sensitive by the Chinese military.

The flights drew a protest from Beijing, which labeled them provocative.

On Wednesday, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis tried to downplay tensions between the U.S. and China, saying missions like the B-52 flights and Sunday's operation were "nothing out of the ordinary."

"There's nothing out of the ordinary about it, nor about our ship sailing through there," Mattis told reporters at the Pentagon. "I've noticed that other nations have also incurred certain diplomatic wrath out of Beijing for sailing their ships through. It's international waters, folks."

But Sunday's sailing of a warship by the Spratly Islands is bound to draw a protest from the Chinese government and comes amid heightened tensions between Beijing and Washington.

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump accused China of attempting to interfere in the 2018 U.S. elections, and the countries are embroiled in a high-profile trade dispute.

In the last 10 days, the Chinese government denied a U.S. Navy warship permission to visit Hong Kong, the U.S. sanctioned a Chinese defense entity over its purchase of Russian-made weapons, the State Department approved a military equipment sale to Taiwan, and a high-ranking Chinese naval officer canceled a meeting with his American counterpart.

"We're sorting out, obviously, a period with some tension there, trade tension and all, so we'll get to the bottom of it," Mattis said Wednesday when asked about the tensions. "But I don't think that we're seeing a fundamental shift in anything. We're just going through one of those periodic points where we've got to learn to manage our differences."

This story was first published on CNN.com "US Navy sails past contested islands in South China Sea amid U.S.-China tensions"
Monday, October 1, 2018

What I call Peace Economics is an evolution of ideas that spring from reassessing the false theory that military spending stimulates the economy. What is revolutionary about this idea is the mathematical certainty of the models that verify it and the long shadow of internal political, social, defense, and historical consequences that spring directly from the military economy.

Military Spending Hurts the National Economy (#1 Idea)

This first finding surprised me so much because I had assumed that military Keynesianism showed that military spending helped the economic growth rate. But Ruth Sivard's work so contradicted that knowledge I had been taught at college that I instantly shared her bar charts all over the State of Oregon Legislature. Finding that others did not share my clear vision and enthusiasm led to the exhaustive tests and proofs that she was right that I eventually named Peace Economics . The peace movement was seemingly just as deluded as the economists, politicians, and journalists. The peace movement was principally concerned only two ways, about nuclear weapons and about human rights. This central finding led to a new economic theory, proof of the Kondratiev Wave (54 yr.), and proof of the Juglar Cycle (8-10 yr.). Keynes and Roosevelt had already proven the economic stimulus value of the national deficit. It has been a long heavy lift to establish the other three basic points, just as Thomas Kuhn's Structure of a Scientific Revolution would predict.

Military Spending Hurts the National Defense (#2 Idea)

My second book title, Strength Through Peace , conveys this concept. While defenders of the military industrial complex often resort to the slogan Peace Through Strength, I find that slogan very misleading. The real power of a nation lies in its economic strength even more than its military strength. The short-term benefits of military spending are usually meager compared to the steady erosion of economic strength military spending causes. In fact, because of Idea #1 above, premature high levels of military spending when threats are relatively low only serve the purpose of gradually weakening a nation when a major threat shows up some time later. The longer the interval before a real military need emerges, the greater the weakening rendered by excessively high premature levels of military spending. The Defense Strategy chapter of my 1986 book Peace Economics shows some of the trade-off charts used to estimate appropriate levels of military spending for the longer term or even for the shorter-term strategies.

Military Spending Dominates and Controls a Nation (#3 Idea)

This shows up in the regional nature of changes in military spending. What crystalizes this as a mathematical relationship is looking at the degree of militarization of a state's economy and lumping states together in one region based on major metropolitan centers that can pull several states together into a mini-region. Thus, the military states concept shows how politics in the United States is dominated by the military industrial complex. All of America's leading political institutions are dominated by figures from the high military spending states and regions. That includes about 80% of the presidents since World War II, 80% of the cabinet, 80% of congressional leadership, and 80% of the supreme court. The misleading positive correlation with military spending regionally fails to recognize the losses in manufacturing states under military buildups and the gains in manufacturing states under military builddowns. In other words, the nation as a whole gains when the military lowers and the nation as a whole loses when the military is increased. This contrast shows up most sharply between the Great Lakes states industrial heartland versus the high military and financial states of the bi-coastal economy. Great opportunities exist in the financial markets to exploit these regional differences whenever a major change in military spending occurs.

Episodic Nature of Major Wars and Economic and Natural Events (#4 Idea)

The Kondratiev Wave, 54-year cycle, shows up precisely as a perfectly sinusoidal fluctuation in the manufacturing productivity growth rate in the 63-year model mentioned in Idea #1. After the 1988 drought in the United States I took three years to figure out the natural connection to this cycle and the war cycle. After hurricane Sandy hit New York in 2012, I created a chart of 56 major natural, economic, and war event examples of the cycle, with about 95% accuracy. I also established the connecting mechanisms between these three different forms of the cycle. This is a great achievement that will improve forecasting for hurricanes, great recessions, and wars. This makes possible a rational reduction in military spending as part of a national defense strategy. Millions will benefit from improved forecasting of economic and natural disasters and wars might even be avoided when their causes are better understood as part of this long cycle.

Empire Decline and Socioeconomic Decay (#5 Idea)

My 1989 work first showed the murder and crime correlations with military spending. This is a leading indicator of the social decay that occurs with prolonged levels of high military spending in a nation and shows up in the sharp drop in crime that occurred in the nineties with the end of Cold War high levels of military spending. This also helps explain how crime has dropped in Germany and other European countries much more than in the United States in the twenty-first century, thanks to the post 9-11-01 military buildup and wars waged by the United States. In fact, the Index created in the Spirit Level book shows that empire and military spending correlate even stronger than income inequality with obesity, mental health, teen birthrates, prisoners, and homicides. The theory of empire that blames collapse on moral weakness has it backwards. High military spending changes change the economy in the same year they occur, showing that the economic effect occurs first before the social effects, just as crime drops in the nineties took several years to take hold rather than happening immediately. Cause and effect require a closer look than just watching correlations. Military spending is the first domino to fall in the long process of manufacturing decline and social decay of empire. Rigidity is a result of the ensuing stagnation. Stagnation comes in many forms, from political, to class rigidity, and the lack of social mobility.

Twelve Stages of Empire:

https://www.academia.edu/5415354/STAGES_of_EMPIRE_Twelve._15_ppt._3_p._2007

Please cite this work as follows:

Reuschlein, Robert. (2018, October 1), "Valuable Peace Economics", Madison, WI: Real Economy Institute. Retrieved from: https://www.expertclick.com/NewsRelease/Valuable-Peace-Economics,2018162572.aspx

Dr. Peace, Professor Robert Reuschlein, Real Economy Institute

Nominated Vetted for 2016, Given Odds for 2017 Nobel Peace Prize

Possible Favorite in 2018 Nobel Peace Prize Announced October 5th.



Contact: bobreuschlein@gmail.com, Info: www.realeconomy.com
Monday, October 1, 2018

Don't worry. This isn't about soul-searching and trying to find answers to existential questions like, 'Who am I?' or 'What is my purpose?' or 'How should I live my life?'

Nope. This is about a science experiment!

Ian Krajbich of Ohio State University and Fadong Chen of Zhejiang University in China wanted to better understand how people made social decisions, according to a paper they published in Nature Communications. They began with the premise that "Social decisions typically involve conflicts between selfishness and pro-sociality."

Then, they asked 200 students in the United States and Germany to play "mini-dictator games in which subjects make binary decisions about how to allocate money between themselves and another participant."

Science Daily explained, "In some cases, participants had to decide within two seconds how they would share their money as opposed to other cases, when they were forced to wait at least 10 seconds before deciding. And, in additional scenarios, they were free to choose at their own pace, which was usually more than two seconds but less than 10."

The upshot was people who were pro-social became more pro-social, and people with more selfish instincts became more selfish, under severe time constraints. Given more time, "pro-social subjects became marginally less pro-social under time delaywhile selfish subjects became less selfish under time delaythough these effects are less pronounced."
Former Workforce Solutions Alamo CEO Gail Hathaways legal settlement over her 2016 firing didnt result in a huge payday.

Hathaway, who sued the agency for breach of contract and emotional distress about six months after her termination, will receive slightly more than $50,000 under the settlement  about a third of her annual salary when she was hired. Her lawyer, Dennis Richard, also will receive just less than $20,000.

Workforce Solutions Alamo released the terms of the settlement after the San Antonio Express-News submitted an open-records request with the agency Sept 20.

Hathaway had been seeking from $200,000 to $1 million in damages, as well as unspecified punitive damages, according to the lawsuit.

Hathaway declined to comment on the settlement Monday. She told the Express-News last month that the settlement terms prevented her from speaking about it. Terms of the agreement show shes prohibited from divulging the settlement terms and from disparaging Workforce Solutions Alamo.

READ ALSO: Fired Workforce Solutions Alamo boss receives $70k settlement

Frank Burney, an attorney for Workforce Solutions Alamos board, said Monday he had no comment on the settlement. The organization helps job seekers find employment and serves a 13-county area.

Workforce Solutions Alamo made no admission of liability in settling, the agreement says. Hathaway, 55, agreed to release all claims against the organization.

Workforce Solutions Alamo hired Hathaway to head the organization in 2014, paying her an annual salary of $151,000. She was fired in November 2016 following a scathing report from the Texas Workforce Commission that criticized the organizations contracting practices and cited a culture of fear, suspicion and retaliation among staff. The state agency oversees Workforce Solutions Alamo.

Hathaway assigned most of the blame for her firing on Workforce Solutions Alamos now-former communications director, Eva Esquivel. The lawsuit alleged Esquivel spread rumors about Hathaway that she knew to be untrue.

Hathaway alleged she was a victim of employment harassment by Esquivel. Esquivel also made false allegations to spark a Texas Workforce Commission investigation that would harass Hathaway and lead to her termination, the lawsuit added.

Workforce Solutions Alamo disputed the claims.

Esquivel was later added as a defendant in the suit, but a judge subsequently granted her request to be dismissed from the case.

According to the settlement terms, Workforce Solutions Alamo agreed to pay Hathaway $24,242 in wages and $30,000 in nonwage damages.

George Hempe, who succeeded Hathaway as the agencys CEO, signed the settlement agreement Sept. 5.
Fred Robles was named the 2017 World Barbecue Champion. But in a state where mesquite, oak and pecan form the barbecue wood trinity, this Weslaco resident wont apologize for his gadgety cooker: When its time to cook his prized pork, hes usually doing it with pellets.

He said the consistency, coloring and flavor his Traeger grill infuses into the meat gives the Texas staple traditional off-set steel smoker a serious run for its money. In fact, he finds his pellet grill superior for some cooking.

I was skeptical at first, but they absolutely cook great, Robles said. The purists might say that its cheating, but the pellets give you results that are hard to replicate on a stick burner because they burn so consistent and clean. Any time you toss another log onto a traditional fire, that temp will spike.

The devices go by many names: pellet grills, pellet smokers, pellet cookers, wood-fired grills, etc. But they mostly operate in similar ways, with an electric auger that continuously and automatically feeds compacted pellets of various woods to keep the temperature constant to whatever you set it. An internal fan disperses heat throughout the units, and they can be set to a specific temperature from about 160 degrees (for a slow cold smoke) all the way up to 550 degrees, which is hot enough to sear a steak.

The pros and cons of pellet cookers Hits All-in-one capability: A single device can technically replace everything from the kettle grill to the kitchen oven, and is capable of handling any recipe with the benefit of a wood smoke-flavored kick. Freedom: Lording over a fire to add more wood every hour for a 12-hour brisket cook is a rewarding, but exhausting process. This lets you get a full night of sleep or leave the house to run errands while the brisket cooks. Savings: The pellets cost about $1 per pound, which is slightly higher than standard charcoal, but a huge discount over full logs. And pellets burn way more slowly than logs, so a pound will last about 30 to 45 minutes. Temperature control: It holds true to the setting, with minimal 5-degree fluctuations. You'll rarely achieve that consistency with a live fire. Misses Cleaning: These systems require frequent maintenance and operate best when everything is tidy, so the pellet ash needs to be vacuumed out, and any grease splatter needs to be wiped down before every use to prevent possible flare-ups. They also need to be stored in a covered area. Moving pieces: Between the auger, knobs and electrical interfaces, there are a lot of parts and components that could break down over time and require replacement or a whole new system. Smoke infusion: The pellets are efficient and do the job, but they still can't compare to the heavy smoke flavor delivered from a traditional wood fire or the chargrilled bite of a burger grilled over hot charcoal. See More Collapse

READ ALSO: New barbeque restaurant Market Barbeque headed to Brooks area on the South Side

The most popular brands are Traeger, REC TEC, Green Mountain, Pit Boss, Louisiana Grills, Memphis Grills and Camp Chef, and prices can range from $400 all the way up to $5,000 for the fanciest units.

Pellet systems have slowly infiltrated the world of competition barbecue for the past 10 years, and its getting to the point where more cooks use one than cry foul or consider it cheating.

Some of the big teams that have won in the past on traditional pits, I have seen them converting to pellet cookers, said Steve Grams, chairman of the 2019 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Bar-B-Que Cook-Off & Festival. Anybody that argues what true barbecue is or should be is making a silly argument.

If you look at your stereotypical barbecuer, they are looking for gadgets and alterations to their cooking processes with the underlying goal to be as lazy as possible and still produce something wonderful.

Barbecue supply retailer Herbert Detmer has been building barbecue pits by hand for 40 years, but he knew that times were a-changing.

After 40 years of building barbecue pits by hand, Herbert Detmer, the owner of Jeffs Backyard, made the decision eight months ago to add a lineup of pellet grills to his large inventory of traditional off-set pits. He had to provide his customers what they were looking for.

The older I get, the easier I want things to be, but I will never sacrifice quality. And these deliver quality, Detmer said.

READ ALSO: 2019 S.A. Rodeo Bar-B-Q event a hasty sell-out

You can count me among the pellet fans out there. The devices work so well and are so easy to use, they brought my 78-year-old father-in-law, Jim Erwin, out of outdoor cooking retirement. Jim had a heart attack about five years ago, rendering him unable to stand over a live fire for prolonged periods during the hot summer months.

But with his pellet grill, he has discovered recipes to cook fresh bread, pizzas, smoked pies, and he even makes regular batches of beef jerky. If theres a family gathering of any sort at his Elk City, Oklahoma home, hes cooking. Heck, if its a day ending in y, hes cooking.

Shortly after visiting him last summer and putting his system to work, I made the decision to jump into the pellet trend myself. My five other grilling/smoking devices have gotten lonelier because of it.

Its good for barbecue, where more is always merrier, said Robles, who owns four Traeger models. People arent intimidated, and for guys that dont have a ton of experience, these companies have made it easy to make quality food.

As for Detmer, he estimates that hes sold about 60 Green Mountain pellet grills since he started carrying them at his store. And each of his five employees have purchased one for their backyard.

Once you start, its hard to stop, Detmer said.

Recipe: Smoky Pellet Chicken Leg Quarters

Recipe: Smoky Simple Tri-Tip
Carolyn Nichol was born with the curious mind of an engineer. As a child, she enjoyed taking things apart and even disassembled her grandfather's odd clock, which ran counterclockwise, just to see how it worked.

In middle school, she won the science fair by making a solar oven for baking cookies. In high school in North Carolina, she was the only girl in her physics class and was constantly picked on by the boys because she was an outstanding student.

Nichol went on to receive her bachelor's, master's and doctorate in chemical engineering. She now is director of Rice's Office of STEM Engagement known as R-STEM.

The office manages more than 15 outreach programs, ranging from two-week intense courses to larger and longer programs. All of them, however, are designed to engage students and teachers in experiential learning. "Whether they are elementary students, graduate students or teachers," Nichol said, "we provide them with resources so that they can go out and understand the world in a better way."

About 200 middle and high school students go through the summer programs at Rice each year, and about 100 middle school teachers attend the professional development courses offered by R-STEM.

According to the Texas Education Agency, a middle school teacher instructs about 125 students a year, so the impact that R-STEM is having on students is in the tens of thousands, Nichol asserted.

Adding girls

One group that Nichol especially wants to reach is women. "One of my passions is to get more women into the fields of science and engineering," she said. "In high school, I was the only girl in physics; in college, I was the only woman in chemical engineering at the University of Massachusetts, and I was one of three women in my Ph.D. program at the University of Texas. So I really want girls to go into science and do well."

To that end, she manages a course called Design, Connect, Create: Physics for Young Women. The two-week, free program caters to high school girls who have completed algebra I and plan to take physics in the fall. Immersive and hands-on, the summer camp offers an array of scientific topics to explore such as static electricity, forces and motion. The students also get to listen to guest speakers  women who have succeeded in their engineering careers.

"To see women conquering the world of STEM was very encouraging to all of the girls," said Raidah Ahmed '21, a Rice student who worked as a teaching assistant in the program. "The mission of this program is to encourage these girls to not shy away from the subject and encourage them to pursue STEM regardless of the social perception that STEM is meant for men."

Diversifying

Another issue that Nichol would like to solve is the educational disparity among students in public school education. "It's wrong whenever so many kids have little access to high quality education and enrichment," Nichol said. "But I think we can help them."

R-STEM has created a program, the Science Technology Engineering Mathematics Fabrication Academy (STEMFab), to help Spanish-speaking students learn about careers in science and technology. The program is free and uses Spanish and English to communicate to students the opportunities available in STEM careers.

HISD, a sponsor of the program, selects the students from HISD high schools, including Scarborough, Furr, Milby and Austin. Students learn a basic understanding of computer programming and electrical engineering through rapid prototyping and circuitry. By the end of the two-week camp, students know how to operate a 3D printer and enjoy making objects, especially a printed owl with blinking eyes.

"The STEMFab program gives students the opportunity to use their natural artistic and creative abilities while familiarizing themselves with current technology," said Isaias Cerda, assistant director for STEM and a lead organizer of the program.

Students aren't the only ones benefitting from R-STEM. Teachers are also brushing up on their science and teaching methods thanks to ConocoPhillips' Applied Mathematics Program (AMP!). "This is a unique program because we pair math and science teachers for a professional development course," Nichol said.

About 80 teachers come together for five days in the summer and eight days during the academic year to study subjects that are seemingly unrelated, such as algebra and biology, and find out how they can work together to solve scientific problems. For example, in one lesson, teachers explored how different cancer treatments impact the growth rate of tumors.

"The staff, the energy, overall this was the best professional development that I have been to because it was so hands-on," said Murissa Mayes, an eighth-grade teacher at Key Middle School. "I feel confident in implementing what I learned from this experience in my classroom."

Another teacher, Kaylyn Court, a seventh-grade math teacher at Mayde Creek Junior High, said the program "stretched and forced" her to become a better teacher. The training "allows teachers to really explore and be submersed in the lessons' design" and implementation, she said.

The educational need in Houston is great, Nichol said, but Rice is doing its part to help solve the problem. "It's a lot of hard work to raise money to run these programs, but when they are in session and you can see the good that we are doing, I just completely forget how hard it is to write all those grants for the programs. It is so rewarding."

***

David D. Medina is the Director of Multicultural Community Relations at Rice University.

To pitch or comment about this blog, write a note to Olivia P. Tallet.
Chip Roy was eager Friday to expound on most issues raised at a Texas Tribune Festival panel talk here, jumping in to speak about border security, health care costs and the federal deficit.

But when Roy, the Republican candidate for Texas 21st Congressional District, was asked about the ongoing drama over Judge Brett Kavanaughs Supreme Court nomination and the sexual assault allegations against the nominee, he allowed himself an uncharacteristically long pause accompanied by some nervous stammering.

You guys want to jump in? Roy jokingly asked the other male GOP candidates on the panel.

Roy acknowledged hed been singled out for the question due to his resume: He once worked as senior counsel for the Senate Judiciary Committee, the same body that heard wrenching testimony this week from both Kavanaugh and his accuser, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, who alleged the judge had sexually assaulted her when they were teenagers.

Ultimately, Roy endorsed Kavanaugh.

I think were seeing that its going to continue to move forward, he said of the embattled judges confirmation, and I think it ought to move forward based on what Ive seen.

About an hour later, Republican Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona announced in Washington he would not support final confirmation of Kavanaugh until the FBI investigated the accusations against him.

Shortly after that news broke, I spoke with Joseph Kopser, the Iraq war veteran and tech entrepreneur running against Roy as a Democrat in a district that stretches from Austin to San Antonio and west past Kerrville.

Kopser reiterated a position he held last week.

Its very simple, he told me. (Kavanaugh) has had previous background FBI checks. This is new information. It is from a credible person, so lets allow the FBI to reopen the background check (and) present their findings.

Kopser added, At the end of the day, (Roy) is choosing to push on despite the fact that no additional investigation has been done by the FBI.  He is choosing to push on instead of pausing to reflect.

Kopser is fighting an uphill battle in a district held by conservatives since the 1970s, most recently by U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith, who has endorsed Roy. But in the #MeToo era, theres an opening for an enterprising Democrat: The district also has 11,000 more women than men.

Roy appears sensitive to that disparity as well.

Last week, on KSAT radio in San Antonio, he decried Fords allegations as a political spectacle. On Friday, after credible testimony by Ford followed by a cascade of umbrage and anger by Kavanaugh, Roy sounded more tempered, criticizing the process undertaken by the committee above anything else.

What Ive seen unfold over the last two weeks is an unfortunate circumstance for the health of the republic and for the rule of law and for the families and well-being of Dr. Ford and Brett Kavanaugh, he said. It didnt have to happen this way at all, and its an embarrassment that it did have to happen that way.

Roy reiterated what he had said in the radio interview: Allegations against Supreme Court nominees should be dealt with behind closed doors rather than in a public hearing.

I worked on that, he said on the panel. I worked for two Supreme Court confirmations, John Roberts and Sam Alito, worked through numerous circuit court confirmations, district judges. When things were alleged, when things came up, theres a process to do it.

Thats a striking stance for someone whose conservative philosophy has long revolved around an innate distrust of government.

In 2010, Roy ghost-wrote then-Gov. Rick Perrys paean to the anti-government tea party, Fed Up!: Our Fight to Save America from Washington.

Roy went on to serve as chief of staff for Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, a self-anointed agitator of the establishment. He was leading Cruzs office when the senator read aloud from Green Eggs and Ham, among other tactics, to protest Obamacare on the Senate floor.

As midterm elections loom, Roy now finds himself in the same uncomfortable position as many other Republicans: caught between the lure of a reliably conservative Supreme Court nominee and an upswell of indignation among an increasingly motivated constituency.

As Roy learned on Friday, someone has to answer for it.

bchasnoff@express-news.net
Air Transat has confirmed reports it is set to launch a seasonal one weekly flight between Toronto and Split next summer. In a statement, the leisure carrier's Chief Operating Officer, Annick Guerard, said, "Starting in the summer of 2019, we will offer a weekly direct flight to Split, known for its picturesque beaches on the Adriatic Sea. Tourism has seen incredible growth in the Balkan Peninsula, which many now rank among the top European destinations. She added, Weve seen great interest in Croatia since we started flying there in 2016. Thats why Air Transat is proud to be meeting this demand even better by upping its offer to three direct flights from Toronto, including two to Zagreb. And thanks to our connecting flights from Montreal and Vancouver, more travellers can now discover Croatias second largest city. Travellers will be able to start booking flights to Split shortly. Flight details for the new Toronto - Split service can be found here
GREENWICH  When Ken Hecht gets dismayed by the puddle-deep, tit-for-tat nature of todays political landscape, he likes to turn his attention to loftier things.

Say, Mars.

Thats why Hecht and a stalwart band of about 100 like-minded amateur stargazers look forward to gatherings of the Astronomical Society of Greenwich, a 33-year-old organization dedicated to advancing the understanding of the stars and the planets and letting others in on nothing short of the wonders of the universe.

Theres a much, much bigger picture than the narrow, narrow environment that seems to exist now, said Hecht, the groups program coordinator.

Hecht, who caught the astronomy bug young, still remembers his first childhood pilgrimage to the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Since then, he has wiled away many an hour listening to the respected speakers the society brings to Greenwich and enjoying the sights from the local Bowman Observatory, which is open for public viewing twice a month.

In fact, the society started in part to save the once-forlorn observatory, said Anne Burns, the groups longtime president. Built in the 1940s and owned by the Board of Education, the Bowman was championed by Greenwich teacher Alden Smith, who thought the observatory on the grounds of Julian Curtiss Elementary School would be a welcome addition to town. Later, teacher and future UFO hunter Phil Imbrogno took up the charge, getting permission to put a new telescope in the then-neglected space.

In the 1980s, with excitement building over the return of Halleys Comet, Frank Lawlor, science curator at the Bruce Museum, and others thought if they created a group dedicated to astronomy, maybe they could fix up the observatory in time for the big event.

The dedicated bunch set to work. Members happily tossed Starburst candies from their float in the St. Patricks Day Parade, winning donations to their cause. They pushed for a grant from the Representative Town Meeting and a matching federal community block grant to restore the observatory.

More Information Vivien Gornitz, Ph.D., will present "Alien Seas: The Case for a Wet Mars," at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, at Greenwich Library's Cole Auditorium. Sponsored by the Astronomical Society of Greenwich, the lecture is free and open to the public. Professor Gornitz, of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies and Columbia University, will explain Mars' landforms and processes indicating past running water on the planet. She will also describe recent space missions to Mars and the instruments they carried, what was found, some of the activities of NASA's Curiosity rover on the Martian surface and the evidence for a past ocean on Mars. The library is located at 101 W. Putnam Ave. See More Collapse

It wasnt in time for Halleys Comet, unfortunately, Burns said.

But it was enough to rededicate the renovated observatory and build a solid foundation for the society that is still vital today.

The society now holds six annual lectures a year at the Cole Auditorium at the Greenwich Library. All are free and open to the public.

Next up at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 21 is Vivien Gornitz, of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies and Columbia University, who will present Alien Seas: The Case for a Wet Mars at the library.

The topic will be Pluto Revealed: What New Horizons Found with Jaclyn Avidon, of the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 18.

Our main goal is to provide knowledge and a high level of education with top-notch speakers, said Hecht.

In addition, the society and Vice President Rick Bria, whose stunning photography graces the societys website, invite stargazers to join them for Bowman Observatory Public Nights on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Bria, who was first introduced to the observatory by his science teacher Joseph Wesney in 1974 and helped found the society, said their 16 diameter Ritchey-Chretien telescope is state of the art and worthy of a major university.

The observatory is available for free public viewings from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 3 and Oct. 17 and from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 7 and Nov. 21, clear skies permitting.

Hecht is heartened to see astronomers of all ages joining the group.

People are really engaged, he said. I see that now with some young kids and teenagers.

Thats just fine with Burns, who remembers becoming interested with astronomy in no small part through her childhood copy of The Golden Book of Astronomy.

I still have it, actually, she said with a laugh.

Membership dues for the Astronomical Society of Greenwich are $15 for adults and families, $5 for students. For more information, visit www.astrogreenwich.org or contract greenwichstars@gmail.com.
India will invest $3 billion in Uzbekistan. This is the result of the state visit of Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to New Delhi. During the talks with India's President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, they discussed ways of expanding interstate cooperation. The heads of the two states also signed a package of intergovernmental agreements and several documents between the regions, which would bring Uzbek-Indian relations to a qualitatively new level.

The partnership between India and Uzbekistan is of a strategic nature. Back in 2014, they signed a contract for the supply of 2000 tonnes of uranium, then Narendra Modi visited Uzbekistan in both 2015 and 2016. At the talks with the leadership of Uzbekistan, he agreed on expanding trade and economic cooperation. Uzbekistan and India agreed to triple the volume of foreign trade turnover from $323.6 million in 2017 to more than $1 million by 2020. In particular, more than 50 investment projects in Uzbekistan worth about $3 billion were signed following the results of the Indian-Uzbek business forum. India considers its trade partnership with Tashkent as an opportunity to increase the import of medicines, ferrous metals, various technological equipment, spare parts for cars. Uzbekistan intends to increase the supply of agricultural products, fertilizers, non-ferrous and rare metals, textiles and petrochemicals to India.

"Tashkent is interested in the emergence of a new powerful player in its market, capable of offering not only goods but also technologies for joint production. 145 enterprises with Indian capital operating in the country is a good thing, but it's not enough. If the idea of building Indian technological clusters in Uzbekistan, which is actively discussed by the parties,is realized, the number of joint Uzbek-Indian high-tech enterprises, of which only 21 has 100% Indian capital, will increase," Doctor of Political Sciences, Deputy Director General of the Center for Strategic Estimations and Forecasts Igor Pankratenko told Vestnik Kavkaza.

India tops the list of the fastest growing economies in the world for the coming decade. "The country claims to be the third economy of the world. In recent years, the country has made a serious breakthrough by strengthening industry and the IT sectors, expanding exports and actively participating in global integration processes. According to the World Bank, its GDP grew 7.2% in the October-December quarter of 2017-18. China's growth was only 6.8% during the same period," director of the Tashkent Center for Research Initiatives "Ma'no" Bakhtiyor Ergashev, told Vestnik Kavkaza. According to him, India is looking for new markets, and the Central Asian countries suit perfectly for these purposes. But they need a road connecting the countries, therefore, India develops its transport corridors. In particular, the North-South corridor, which will open a competitive and fast route from Eurasia to India and will unite the Indian port of Mumbai with the seaports of Iran in the Persian Gulf. Uzbekistan also plans a rail route connecting it with Iran's port of Chorbahr.

According to Igor Pankratenko, India's leadership seeks to link the development of strategic partnership in the economy with the requirements of foreign policy. Today, New Delhi considers Tashkent the most promising and "comfortable" potential partner for expanding India's political presence in the region.

"The main thing here is, of course, the issue of a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan. By engaging in this process, Uzbekistan has already made significant progress in this direction. By cooperating with Tashkent, India is also trying to improve its co-sponsor status in this process. Especially since the TAPI project - the realization of is quite difficult without the active participation of Uzbekistan - is of fundamental importance for New Delhi," the expert believes. According to him, New Delhi believes that the Chinese initiative One Belt, One Road is its main external challenge now. The problem for the leadership of India is that it has no levers of direct influence on its Chinese partners on this initiative in Central Asia. The only way to hinder the realization of projects within this initiative is to propose alternatives. A vivid example of which is New Delhi's active participation in the implementation of the project of an international transport and transit corridor between Iran, Oman, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan - the Ashgabat Agreement, which entered into force on April 23, 2016, joined by India on February 3, 2018. Moreover, there is every reason to assume that this is not the only alternative project offered by India to Tashkent in the near future.
iShares Latin America 40 ETF's stock was trading at $22.49 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, ILF shares have increased by 14.2% and is now trading at $25.69.

View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19.
Global X MSCI Norway ETF's stock was trading at $8.59 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, NORW shares have increased by 273.9% and is now trading at $32.12.

View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19.
The following companies are subsidiares of JinkoSolar: Canton Best Limited, Jiangxi Photovoltaic Materials Co. Ltd., Jinko PV Material Supply Sdn. Bhd., Jinko Solar (Malaysia) SDN BHD., Jinko Solar (Shanghai) Management Co. Ltd., Jinko Solar Australia Holdings Co. Pty Ltd., Jinko Solar Canada Co. Ltd., Jinko Solar Co. Ltd., Jinko Solar Denmark ApS, Jinko Solar Import and Export Co. Ltd., Jinko Solar Japan K.K., Jinko Solar Korea Co. Ltd., Jinko Solar Technology SDN.BHD., JinkoSolar (Chuxiong) Co. Ltd., JinkoSolar (Chuzhou) Co. Ltd., JinkoSolar (Shangrao) Co. Ltd., JinkoSolar (Sichuan) Co. Ltd., JinkoSolar (Switzerland) AG, JinkoSolar (U.S.) Inc., JinkoSolar (U.S.) Industries Inc., JinkoSolar (US) Holdings Inc., JinkoSolar (Vietnam) Co. Ltd., JinkoSolar (Yiwu) Co. Ltd., JinkoSolar GmbH, JinkoSolar Hong Kong Limited, JinkoSolar International Development Limited, JinkoSolar Investment Limited, JinkoSolar LATAM Holding Limited, JinkoSolar Middle East DMCC, JinkoSolar Technology (Haining) Co. Ltd, JinkoSolar Trading Private Limited, Jinkosolar Household PV System Ltd., Poyang Ruilixin Information Technology Co. Ltd., Rui Xu Co. Ltd., Wide Wealth Group Holding Limited, Xinjiang Jinko Solar Co. Ltd., Yuhuan Jinko Solar Co. Ltd., Zhejiang Jinko Solar Co. Ltd., and Zhejiang Jinko Trading Co. Ltd..
KAZ Minerals PLC, together with its subsidiaries, engages in mining and processing copper and other metals primarily in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan. It operates through Bozshakol, Aktogay, East Region and Bozymchak, and Mining Projects segments. The company operates the Aktogay and Bozshakol open pit copper mines in the east region and Pavlodar region of Kazakhstan; three underground mines in the east region of Kazakhstan; and the Bozymchak copper-gold mine in Kyrgyzstan. It also develops greenfield metal deposits; operates Koksay deposit in Kazakhstan, and the Baimskaya licence area in the Chukotka region of Russia; and produces and sells various by-products, such as gold, silver, molybdenum, and zinc. In addition, the company supplies and distributes heat, water, and electricity; and offers construction, project management, financing, management, sales and logistics, and repairs and maintenance services. The company was formerly known as Kazakhmys PLC and changed its name to KAZ Minerals PLC in October 2014. KAZ Minerals PLC was founded in 1930 and is based in London, the United Kingdom.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Emerson Electric: A.P.M. Automation Solutions Ltd., AE Valves, AGI Mexicana S.A. de C.V., ALCO CONTROLS spol. s.r.o., APM Automation Solutions, ASC Investments Inc., ASCO (Japan) Company Limited, ASCO L.P., ASCO Numatics (India) Private Limited, ASCO Numatics Holding Inc., ASCO SAS, ASCO Valve (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ASCO/JOUCOMATIC s.r.o., ATX SAS, Advanced Protection Technologies, Aegir Norge Holding AS, Alliance Compressors LLC, American Governor, Aperture, Apple JV Holding Corp., Appleton Electric LLC, Appleton Electric S.A. de C.V., Appleton Group, Appleton Group Canada Ltd., Appleton Grp LLC, Appleton Holding Corp., Appleton Holding Sarl, Artesyn Embedded Technologies, Artesyn Hungary Elektronikai Kft., Artesyn Technologies, Asco AB, Asco Controls AG, Asco Controls B.V., Asco Joucomatic Ltd., Asco Joucomatic ZA B.V., Asco Magnesszelep Kft., Asco Numatics GmbH, Asco Numatics S.A., Asco Numatics Sirai S.R.L., Asco Numatics Sp. z o.o., Ascomatica S.A. de C.V., Ascomation (NZ) Ltd., Ascomation Pty. Ltd., Ascotech S.A. de C.V., Ascoval Industria e Commercio Ltda, Automatic Switch Company, Aventics, Aventics, Aventics AB, Aventics AG, Aventics AS, Aventics ApS, Aventics B.V., Aventics Corporation, Aventics Holding S.A.S., Aventics Holding S.a.r.l., Aventics Hungary Kft, Aventics Inc., Aventics India Private Limited, Aventics Limited, Aventics Ltd., Aventics Oy, Aventics Pneumatics Equipment (Changzhou) Co. Ltd., Aventics Pneumatics Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Aventics S.A.S., Aventics S.R.L., Aventics Services Germany GmbH, Aventics Singapore Pte. Ltd., Aventics Sp. z.o.o., Aventics Spain S.L., Aventics spol. s.r.o., Avtron LoadBank, Bannerscientific Limited, Beckman Industrial B.V., Beijing Rosemount Far East Instrument Co. Ltd., Bettis Canada Ltd., Bettis Holdings Limited, Bettis UK Limited, Biffi Italia S.r.l., Bioproduction Group, Branson Korea Co. Ltd., Branson Ultrasonic S.A., Branson Ultrasonics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Branson Ultrasonics B.V., Branson Ultrasonics Corporation, Branson Ultrasonics a.s., Branson Ultrasonidos S.A.E., Branson Ultrasons SAS, Branson Ultrasuoni S.R.L., Branson de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Bray Lectroheat Limited, Bristol Babcock Limited, Bristol Inc., Buehler Europe Limited, Buehler UK Limited, CR Compressors LLC, CSA Consulting Engineers Ltd., California Emerson LLC, Cascade Technologies, Cascade Technologies Holdings Limited, Cascade Technologies Limited, Chemat GmbH Armaturen fur Industrie - und Nuklearanlage, Chloride Koexa S.A., Componentes Avanzados de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Computational Systems, Computational Systems Incorporated, Conception et Representation de Technologies de Controle C.R.T. Controle SAS, Control Products Inc., Controles de Temperatura S.A. de C.V., Cooligy Inc., Cooper-Atkins, Cooper-Atkins Corporation, Cooper-Atkins Pte. Ltd., Copeland Access + Inc., Copeland Compresores Hermeticos S.A. de C.V., Copeland Corporation, Copeland Corporation LLC, Copeland Limited, Copeland Redevelopment Corporation, Copeland Scroll Compresores de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Copeland de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Copesub Inc., Crosby Valve LLC, Damcos A/S, Damcos Holding A/S, Daniel Automation Company, Daniel Europe Limited, Daniel Industrial Inc., Daniel Industries, Daniel Industries Canada Inc., Daniel Industries Inc., Daniel Industries Limited, Daniel International Limited, Daniel Measurement Solutions Private Limited, Daniel Measurement and Control Inc., Daniel Measurement and Control S. de R.L. de C.V., Danmasa S.A. de C.V., Dar Ibtikar Al Iraq for General Services and General Trade LLC, Decision Management International, Dieterich Standard Inc., Digital Appliance Controls (UK) Limited, Dixell North America Inc., Dixell S.R.L., Do+Able Products, E. Business Development E.B.D.Com Ltd., E.G.P. Corporation, EECO Inc., EGS Comercializadora Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., EGS Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., EGS Private Ltd., EMERSON CLIMATE TECHNOLOGIES s.r.o., EMR (Asia) Limited, EMR (Mauritius) Ltd., EMR Emerson Holdings (Switzerland) GmbH, EMR Europe Holdings Inc., EMR Foundation Inc., EMR Holdings (France) SAS, EMR Holdings Inc., EMR Worldwide B.V., EMR Worldwide Inc., EMRSN HLDG B.V., EMRSN Process Management Morocco Sarl, ENPDOR2012A Limited, ENPESNA Inc., EPM Tulsa Holdings Corp., EPMCO Holdings Inc., ETC International Holdings Ltd., Easy Heat Europe SAS, Easy Heat Inc., El-O-Matic B.V., El-O-Matic Valve Actuators (F.E.) Pte. Ltd., Electrische Apparatenfabriek Capax B.V., Emerald Advanced Technology Limited, Emerson (Philippines) Corporation, Emerson (Taiwan) Limited, Emerson (Thailand) Limited, Emerson Arabia Inc., Emerson Argentina S.A., Emerson Asia Pacific Private Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Actuation Technologies Holdings Inc., Emerson Automation Solutions Actuation Technologies Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control (Sichuan) Co. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control (Taiwan) Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control (Thailand) Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Africa (Pty) Ltd, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Australia Pty Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Czech Republic s.r.o., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Denmark A/S, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control France SARL, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Germany GmbH, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Hong Kong Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Hungary Kft, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Italia S.r.l., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control LLC, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Middle East FZE, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Netherlands B.V., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Polska Sp. Z.o.o., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Sales Australia Pty Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Sales Holding LLC, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Singapore Pte. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control UK II Ltd, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control UK Ltd, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control US LP, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Emerson Automation Solutions GmbH, Emerson Automation Solutions Intelligent Platforms (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Intelligent Platforms Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Intelligent Platforms Private Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Intelligent Platforms do Brasil Ltda, Emerson Automation Solutions Ireland Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Isolation Valves Inc., Emerson Automation Solutions SSC UK Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions UK Limited, Emerson Beijing Instrument Co. Ltd., Emerson Climate Services LLC, Emerson Climate Technologies (India) Private Limited, Emerson Climate Technologies (Shenyang) Refrigeration Co. Ltd., Emerson Climate Technologies (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd, Emerson Climate Technologies (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Emerson Climate Technologies (Suzhou) Trading Co. Ltd., Emerson Climate Technologies - Solutions (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Emerson Climate Technologies - Transportation Solutions ApS, Emerson Climate Technologies Arabia Limited Co., Emerson Climate Technologies Australia Pty. Ltd., Emerson Climate Technologies FZE, Emerson Climate Technologies GmbH, Emerson Climate Technologies Inc., Emerson Climate Technologies Limited, Emerson Climate Technologies Mexico S.A. de C.V., Emerson Climate Technologies Refrigeration S.A., Emerson Climate Technologies Retail Solutions Europe S.R.L., Emerson Climate Technologies Retail Solutions Inc., Emerson Climate Technologies Retail Solutions UK Limited, Emerson Climate Technologies S.A., Emerson Climate Technologies S.R.L., Emerson Climate Technologies Sarl, Emerson Commercial & Residential Tools LLC, Emerson Commerical & Residential Asia Limited, Emerson Comres de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Emerson DHC B.V., Emerson Dietzenbach GmbH, Emerson Dominicana Srl, Emerson Egypt LLC, Emerson Electric (Asia) Limited, Emerson Electric (China) Holdings Co. Ltd., Emerson Electric (M) Sdn Bhd, Emerson Electric (Mauritius) Ltd., Emerson Electric (South Asia) Pte. Ltd., Emerson Electric (Thailand) Limited, Emerson Electric (Tongling) Co. Ltd., Emerson Electric (U.S.) Holding Corporation, Emerson Electric (U.S.) Holding Corporation (Chile) Limitada, Emerson Electric (Zhuhai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Electric CR Limitada, Emerson Electric Canada Limited, Emerson Electric Company (India) Private Limited, Emerson Electric Company Lanka (Private) Limited, Emerson Electric Holdings (Switzerland) GmbH, Emerson Electric II C.A., Emerson Electric International Inc., Emerson Electric Ireland Limited, Emerson Electric Korea Ltd., Emerson Electric Nederland B.V., Emerson Electric Overseas Finance Corp., Emerson Electric Poland Sp. z o.o., Emerson Electric U.K. Limited, Emerson Electric de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Emerson Electric do Brasil Ltda, Emerson Energy Systems (UK) Limited, Emerson FZE, Emerson Final Control US Holding LLC, Emerson Finance LLC, Emerson Fusite Electric (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Emerson Gabon SARL, Emerson Hazardous Electrical Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Holding Company Limited, Emerson Holding Sweden AB, Emerson InSinkErator Appliance (Nanjing) Co. Ltd., Emerson Industrial Automation USA Inc., Emerson International Holding Company Limited, Emerson Japan Ltd., Emerson Junkang Enterprise (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Korea Limited, Emerson LLC, Emerson LLP, Emerson Machinery Equipment (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Emerson Mexico Finance S.A. de C.V. SOFOM ENR, Emerson Middle East Inc., Emerson Network Power DHC B.V., Emerson Paradigm Holding LLC, Emerson Process Management (India) Private Limited, Emerson Process Management (South Africa) (Proprietary) Ltd., Emerson Process Management (Tianjin) Valves Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management (Vietnam) Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management A/S (Denmark), Emerson Process Management AB, Emerson Process Management AG, Emerson Process Management AS, Emerson Process Management Angola Lda, Emerson Process Management Arabia Limited, Emerson Process Management Australia Pty Limited, Emerson Process Management B.V., Emerson Process Management Chennai Private Limited, Emerson Process Management Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management Distribution Limited, Emerson Process Management Europe GmbH, Emerson Process Management Flow B.V., Emerson Process Management Flow Technologies Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management GmbH & Co. OHG, Emerson Process Management Holding AG, Emerson Process Management Holding LLC, Emerson Process Management Kft., Emerson Process Management LLLP, Emerson Process Management Lda, Emerson Process Management Limited, Emerson Process Management Ltda, Emerson Process Management Magyarorszag Kft., Emerson Process Management Manufacturing (M) Sdn Bhd, Emerson Process Management Marine Solutions Korea Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management Marine Solutions Singapore Pte. Ltd., Emerson Process Management Marine Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management NV, Emerson Process Management New Zealand Limited, Emerson Process Management Nigeria Limited, Emerson Process Management Oy, Emerson Process Management Power & Water Solutions (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management Power & Water Solutions Inc., Emerson Process Management Power & Water Solutions India Private Limited, Emerson Process Management Qatar W.L.L., Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies Inc., Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies Tulsa LLC, Emerson Process Management Romania S.R.L., Emerson Process Management S.A., Emerson Process Management S.A. de C.V., Emerson Process Management S.L., Emerson Process Management S.R.L., Emerson Process Management SAS, Emerson Process Management Shared Services Limited, Emerson Process Management Sp. z o.o., Emerson Process Management Ticaret Limited Sirket, Emerson Process Management UAB, Emerson Process Management Valve Automation (M) Sdn Bhd, Emerson Process Management Valve Automation (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management Valve Automation Inc., Emerson Process Management Verwaltung GmbH, Emerson Process Management d.o.o., Emerson Process Management de Colombia SAS, Emerson Process Management del Peru S.A.C., Emerson Process Management s.r.o., Emerson Professional Tools (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Puerto Rico Inc., Emerson Retail Services Europe GmbH, Emerson S.R.L., Emerson Sales UK Limited, Emerson Saudi Arabia LLC, Emerson Scroll Machining (Thailand) Limited, Emerson Sice S.R.L., Emerson Sweden AB, Emerson TOV, Emerson Technologies GmbH & Co. OHG, Emerson Technologies Verwaltungs GmbH, Emerson Tool Company de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Emerson Tool and Appliance Company S. de R.L. de C.V., Emerson Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson UK Trustees Limited, Emerson USD Finance Company Limited, Emerson Valves & Controls Japan Co. Ltd., Emerson Ventures Inc., Emerson Vulcan Holding LLC, Emerson Xi'an Engineering Center, Emersub 1 LLC, Emersub 10 LLC, Emersub 11 LLC, Emersub 12 LLC, Emersub 14 LLC, Emersub 15 LLC, Emersub 16 LLC, Emersub 3 LLC, Emersub 4 LLC, Emersub 5 LLC, Emersub 7 LLC, Emersub 8 LLC, Emersub 9 LLC, Emersub CII Inc., Emersub CV Inc., Emersub Italia S.R.L., Emersub LXXXIV Inc., Emersub LXXXVI Inc., Emersub Mexico Inc., Emersub Treasury Ireland Unlimited Company, Emersub XLVI Inc., Emersub XXXVI Inc., Emirates Techno Casting FZE, Emirates Techno Casting Holding Limited, Emirates Techno Casting LLC, Enardo, Endura-Greenlee Tools, Energy Solutions International (India) Private Limited, Energy Solutions International GP LLC, Energy Solutions International Ltd., Energy Solutions International SAS, Energy Solutions International Sub LLC, F-R Tecnologias de Flujo S.A. de C.V., FC QSF LLC, FMC Technologies, Fiberconn Assemblies Morocco Sarl, Fincor Holding LLC, Fire & Safety Group.Com Ltd., Fisher Controles de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Fisher Controls International LLC, Fisher Jeon Gas Equipment (Chengdu) Co. Ltd., Fisher Regulators (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Fisher Sanmar Limited, Fisher-Rosemount Systems Inc., Flow Control Holding GmbH & Co. KG, Flow Control Holding Verwaltungs GmbH, Flow Control US Holding Corporation, Francel SAS, Fromex S.A. de C.V., Fusite B.V., Fusite Corporation, Fusite Land Company, GSEG LLC, General Equipment and Manufacturing Company Inc., Generale de Robinetterie Industrielle et de Sytemes de Surete, GeoFields, GeoFields Inc., Greenex Ltd., Greenfield (UK) Limited, Greenlee, Greenlee Communications, Greenlee Tools Inc., Gulf Valve FZE, Gustav Klauke GmbH, H.T.E. Engineering Limited, HD Electric Company, HTE Engineering Services Limited, Hindle Cockburns Limited, Hiross India Private Limited, Hiter Industria e Comercia de Controles Termo-Hidraulicos Ltda., Humboldt Hermetic Motor Corp., Hytork International Ltd., I Solutions Inc., ICC Intelligent Platforms GmbH, ISE-MagTech, Industrial Controls Canada ULC, Industrial Group Metran JSC, Instrument & Valve Services Company, Intelligent Platforms LLC, Intellution, International Gas Distribution SA, Intrinsic Safety Equipment of Texas Inc., JCF Fluid Flow India Private Limited, JSC Metran-Export, Joucomatic S.A., K Controls Limited, Keystone Germany Holdings Corp., Keystone Valve (Korea) LLC, Keystone Valve (U.K.) Limited, Klauke, Klauke (Jiangsu) Electrical Connection Technology Co Ltd., Klauke France SARL, Klauke Handelsgesellschaft mbH, Klauke Iberia S.L., Klauke Polska Sp. z.o.o., Klauke Slovakia s.r.o., Klauke UK Ltd., Knurr, Liebert, Liebert Swindon Limited, Locus Solutions LLC, Locus Traxx Worldwide, Locus Traxx Worldwide Europe BVBA, MDC Technology Limited, MDC Technology Trustees Limited, METCO Services Limited, MYNAH Technologies, Management Resources Group Inc., Mecafrance (Deutschland) GmbH, Metallurgical Services Laboratories Limited, Metaserv Limited, Metco Services Venezuela C.A., Micro Motion Inc., Mobrey Group Limited, Motores Hermeticos del Sur S.A. de C.V., NetworkPower Ecuador S.A., Nippon Fisher Co. Ltd., Novel Environmental Technologies Ltd., Novel Extinguishing Agent Technology Ltd., Numatics Incorporated, Nutsteel DHC B.V., Nutsteel Industria Metalurgica Ltda, O.M.T. Officina Meccanica Tartarini S.r.l., Open Systems International, P I Components Corp., PT Emerson Solutions Indonesia, PT. Emerson Indonesia, PT. Paradigm Geophysical Indonesia, Pactrol Controls Limited, PakSense, PakSense Inc., Paradigm, Paradigm (UK) Holding Limited, Paradigm B.V., Paradigm France S.A., Paradigm Geophysical (India) Private Limited, Paradigm Geophysical (KL) Sdn. Bhd., Paradigm Geophysical (Nigeria) Limited, Paradigm Geophysical (U.K.) Limited, Paradigm Geophysical B.V., Paradigm Geophysical Corp., Paradigm Geophysical Italy SRL, Paradigm Geophysical LLC, Paradigm Geophysical Limited, Paradigm Geophysical Pty Ltd, Paradigm Geophysical S.A., Paradigm Geophysical Sdn. Bhd., Paradigm Geophysical Spain S.L., Paradigm Geophysical de Venezuela C.A., Paradigm Geophysical do Brasil Ltda., Paradigm Geoservices Canada Ltd., Paradigm Geotechnology (Egypt) S.A.E., Paradigm Kazakhstan LLP, Paradigm Middle East FZ-LLC, Paradigm Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Parex Industries Limited, Pentair Valves & Controls, Pentair Valves and Controls India Private Limited, Permasense, Permasense Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd, Permasense Limited, ProSys, ProTeam Inc., Progea, RAC Technologies (Israel) Ltd., RIDGID Inc., RPP Europe GmbH, RPP LLC, Rey-Lam S. de R.L. de C.V., Ridge Tool (Australia) Pty. Ltd., Ridge Tool Company, Ridge Tool Europe NV, Ridge Tool GmbH, Ridge Tool GmbH & Co. OHG, Ridge Tool Manufacturing Company, Ridge Tool Pattern Company, Ridgid France SAS, Ridgid Italia S.R.L., Ridgid Online Inc., Ridgid Scandinavia A/S, Ridgid Werkzeuge AG, Rosemount China Inc., Rosemount Inc., Rosemount Measurement Limited, Rosemount Nuclear Instruments Inc., Rosemount Specialty Products LLC, Rosemount Tank Gauging India Pvt. Ltd., Rosemount Tank Gauging Middle East SPC, Rosemount Tank Gauging North America Inc., Rosemount Tank Radar AB, Rosemount Tank Radar Properties AB, Roxar, Roxar AS, Roxar Flow Measurement AS, Roxar Flow Measurement Sdn Bhd, Roxar Limited, Roxar Maximum Reservoir Performance W.L.L., Roxar Saudi Co., Roxar Services AS, Roxar Services OOO, Roxar Software Solutions AS, Roxar Technologies AS, Roxar Vietnam Company Ltd., Roxar de Venezuela C.A., Rutherfurd Acquisitions Limited, S.F.T. Group Ltd., SABO-Armaturen Service GmbH, Safety Systems UK Pte. Ltd., Sakhi-Raimondi Valve (India) Limited, Scroll Compressors LLC, Scroll Mexico LLC, Sempell GmbH, Shanghai Virgo Valves Technology Consulting Co. Ltd., Sherman + Reilly, Soluciones 0925 C.A., Spectra-Tek Holdings Limited, Spectra-Tek International Limited, Spectra-Tek UK Limited, Spectrex, Spectrex Inc., Spectronix Ltd., Spensall Engineering Limited, Steel Support Systems Limited, Stratos Lightwave, System Plast International B.V., System Plast Ltda, System Plast USA de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., TDM-avtomatizatsiya, TV&C GP Holding LLC, Taiwan Valve Co. Ltd., TechnipFMC, Termocontroles de Juarez S.A. de C.V., Tescom Corporation, Tescom Europe GmbH & Co. KG, Tescom Europe Management GmbH, The Automation Group Inc., The J.R. Clarkson Company LLC, Therm-O-Disc Europe B.V., Therm-O-Disc Incorporated, Thunderline Z Inc., TopWorx UK Limited, Tranmet Holdings B.V., Tranmet Holdings Limited, Verdant Environmental Technologies, Vilter Manufacturing LLC, Virgo Valves & Controls (ME) FZE, Virgo Valves and Controls Sdn Bhd, Von Arx AG, Vulsub 1 Limited, Vulsub Brasil Holding, Vulsub Brasil Ltda., Vulsub Chile SpA, Vulsub Gulf Holding Limited, Vulsub Holding III (Denmark) ApS, Vulsub Holding Ltd, Vulsub Holdings A LLC, Vulsub Holdings B LLC, Vulsub Holdings C LLC, Vulsub Holdings D LLC, Vulsub Italia S.r.l., Vulsub Middle East Holdings LLC, Vulsub Peru S.A.C., Vulsub Property Holding LLC, Vulsub Property Limited, Vulsub S.A., Vulsub South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Vulsub VZ C.A., Westinghouse Electric Pvt. Limited, Westlock Controls Limited, Westlock Equipamentos de Controle Ltda., Woodstock Land Company LLC, epro GmbH, iSolera Inc., iSolutions Private Limited, and intelliSAW.
Russia has started delivering S-300 surface-to-air missile systems to Syria. Now it seems that the situation in a troubled region bill become even more difficult. "Russia has already started delivering S-300 surface-to-air missile systems to Syria," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a press conference after delivering a speech at a meeting of the UN General Assembly, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who noted that deliveries were started immediately after the downing of a Russian Il-20."

The Il-20 plane was downed on September 17 by Syrian air defense systems, resulting in the death of 15 people. Moscow has laid the blame with Tel Aviv: Israel's F-16 aircraft used the IL-20 as cover, exposing it to Syrian missiles. Tel Aviv, realizing that it's gotten pretty scary, sent a delegation of Israeli military headed by Israeli Air Force Commander Major General Amikam Norkin. The delegation, as it was reported, brought a whole volume of the text, supposedly explaining that the Israeli air force has nothing to do with the tragedy, it was the fault of Iran, Syria and paramilitary forces.

Based upon the reaction of Moscow, which has started delivering S-300 systems, it wasn't satisfied with Tel Aviv's explanations. The Israeli military department issued a controversial statement that it intends to coordinate its actions in the region with the Russian forces, that the security of these Russian forces is a component of successful actions against the enemy forces, and that the Israeli forces will continue to fulfill its goals in this region.

An explanation that the measures taken are aimed at guaranteeing 100% security of Russian servicemen and enhancing combat capabilities was attached to Russia's delivery of S-300. The Syrian foreign ministry's reaction to the supplies was sharp. It said that Israel would think 100 times before before bombing Syrian territories, and Syrian airspace would be closed to enemy forces, "thanks to the S-300 systems, which are capable of intercepting air threats at a range of more than 250 kilometers and simultaneously hitting several aerial targets."

American geopolitical intelligence platform Stratfor believes that the situation in Syria may become more complicated. According to western analysts, Israel could unleash a barrage of cruise missiles, and if Russia starts using air defense forces against Israel, then the development of the situation will be unpredictable. The risk that Syria's civil war will turn into a regional one will only increase.

Russia, in turn, intends to modernize the Syrian air defense, which will ensure central coordination of all Syrian air defense forces and means, monitoring of the air situation, so the identification of all Russian aircraft by the Syrian forces will be guaranteed.

This raises the question of why it has not been done before. A military observer of the TASS news agency, retired Colonel Viktor Litovkin, speaking with Vestnik Kavkaza, said that the contract to deliver the S-300 PMU-1 was concluded between Russia and Syria in 2013: "But a serious government delegation arrived from Israel, which I guess even included Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel's prayer not to deliver this complex to Damascus, since it will close the sky over Israel, was satisfied. The S-300 radar covers up to 400 kilometers, it can shoot down targets at a distance of 150 km (aircraft) and 60 km (ballistic targets and cruise missiles). We did what Tel Aviv wanted, the contract was abandoned and 400 million were returned to Syria". However, according to the military expert, Israeli fighters continued their flights in the skies of Lebanon and near the Syrian borders, striking at Iranian facilities, as well as at Hezbollah's bases in Syria. "We did not interfere, only helped Damascus in its fight against ISIS. Today, the situation has changed, and both the Russian Ministry of Defense and in the Kremlin believe that it was the fault of Israel," Litovkin said.
by Chad Satterfield | Fri, Sep 28th 2:15am EDT

Yogi Ferrell has signed a two year contract with the Sacramento Kings. (Shams Charania on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact:

The Kings got a good one here. Yogi has been an excellent backup in Dallas and will now back up 2nd-year PG De'Aaron Fox.
by Kamran Hoda | Mon, Oct 1st 4:00am EDT

Lance Stephenson put up 12 points while shooting 4-for-5 along with picking up two steals against Denver.
PELLA, Iowa  For the third year, Lely North America is proud to present the Future of Dairy Scholarship Program. Five qualified students residing in either Canada or the United States are chosen annually to receive a one-year, $1,000 scholarship.

How to apply

To apply for the scholarship, students have to be at least 18 years of age, enrolled at an accredited institution of higher education for the 2018-19 academic year and in a program that can equip the student to contribute to the dairy industry. Students must also have been current or previous members of the 4-H or FFA organizations.

Entry requirements ask that students interested in applying submit the following items with their application:

An essay response to the following question (500700 words): How would you explain the benefits of dairy automation to consumers? A 12 page personal resume depicting their previous leadership/organizational involvement A letter of recommendation from their 4-H or FFA advisor/leader/youth coordinator A letter of recommendation from an academic advisor

Interested applicants can find the official rules and apply online by visiting lely.com/scholarships. Submissions will be accepted until October 31, 2018, at 11:59 p.m. CDT and winners will be notified on or before November 22, 2018. Winners will be publicly announced no later than December 22, 2018.

We invite you to learn more about Lely dairy industry innovations on Lelys website, www.lely.com. Also, follow us on Lelys Facebook page (Facebook.com/LelyNorthAmerica) or Twitter (@DairyRobot). To watch videos featuring Lelys products, visit http://www.youtube.com/lelydairylife.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) says countries need to improve biosecurity in backyard flocks to counter the threat of diseases like avian influenza.

The OIE has conducted a survey of member countries looking at bio-security measures to battle animal diseases.

And it found that, whilst the vast majority of countries had suitable legislation and action plans to tackle disease, more action was needed to protect against the spread of disease from non-commercial holdings.

"Although implementation of bio-security plans occurs most frequently in commercial poultry and pig production systems in Europe, the survey highlighted the need to enhance bio-security in backyard and non-commercial farms, which can play a role in the spread of diseases," said the OIE in a report on the survey.

The survey was unveiled at a conference of the OIE Regional Commission for Europe, which was held in Tbilisi, Georgia in September.

The OIE said in its report, that the survey looked at the application of bio-security in different production systems at individual, country and regional levels.

"The findings show that the vast majority of responding countries have appropriate national legislations (94.87 per cent) and enforced action plans (92.31 per cent) with regard to bio-security," said the OIE.

"However, only half of the respondents indicated that their country had national funds to support the implementation of bio-security measures or good farming practices (53.85 per cent)."

Backyard flocks

The OIE also raised concern about bio-security in backyard flocks. The UK poultry industry has repeatedly raised its own concerns about the regulation of non-commercial poultry in recent years.

A total of 13 outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza hit the United Kingdom between December 2016 and June 2017 as the virus spread across large parts of Europe.

Six of those UK outbreaks were in backyard flocks comprising fewer than 200 birds in total, yet the effect on the commercial poultry sector was severe, particularly on exports.

Earlier this year, scientists at SRUC in Scotland mentioned backyard flocks in a report that highlighted flaws in bio-security.

The survey was conducted to look into disease control measures on small and medium size egg production units in Scotland.

The report, which was based on a survey commissioned by the Scottish Government, indicated that some 38 per cent of respondents did not consider themselves to be part of the Scottish poultry industry.

This, said the scientists, could be seen as a barrier to the uptake of best practice, health advice and disease control measures.

These results reinforce just how important it is to promote engagement with backyard and small poultry keepers," said Carla Gomes, one of the scientists involved in the work.

"Better communication across the industry will increase the uptake of relevant information, such as awareness of disease control programmes and therefore reduce the risk of diseases being spread.

Winter approaching

The OIE said in its report that, with the winter season now approaching, avian influenza was a concern that needed to be considered.

"Wild birds play a role as reservoirs and vectors of the virus, but other factors of transmission could be important unless appropriate bio-security measures are set in place," said the OIE.

"As an example of best practices, management of incoming and outgoing flows, procedures for cleaning and disinfection, protection measures against wild fauna and traceability requirements were described in the survey."

The report was not confined to AI, but the OIE said that all countries needed to be vigilant of animal diseases. "This was illustrated by the recent cases of African swine fever reported in several European countries.

Cases have also recently been reported in China with devastating consequences. The scenario is challenging and in the absence of an effective vaccine, implementing OIE-recommended bio-security measures in farms and at all country entry points is essential, in addition to other measures such as disease surveillance and early detection. Implementing bio-security requirements does not only involve veterinarians but also numerous stakeholders such as hunters, farmers and transporters."

It said: "The capacity of countries to implement bio-security measures in their territory is crucial. Investing in appropriate training and awareness raising of all stakeholders involved is a key responsibility of national authorities to change behaviours and improve the effectiveness of disease control programmes."

It said that the appropriate implementation of bio-security principles could prevent the transmission of pathogens to animals, humans and the environment.

Measures, such as good farming practices and control of animals and products movements, were crucial to prevent and contain outbreaks.

The poultry industry has repeatedly raised concerns about the disproportionate impact that outbreaks of AI in small backyard flocks can have on commercial producers.
Yorkshire young farmers have voted unanimously to call for a vote of no confidence in the National Federation of Young Farmers Club.

The proposal came at an executive committee meeting in Harrogate of the Yorkshire Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (YFYFC).

The meeting had been called to get memberships feedback on the cancellation of next years annual convention in Blackpool by the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (NFYFC).

In summer, the national bodys board of management voted to no longer hold the Annual Convention for its young farmer members.

After 50 years of hosting the event, the NFYFC said it believes it is time to "refresh its offer" to members and to bring its programme of activities more in line with its charitable aims to meet the needs of rural young people.

It follows the body being forced to take disciplinary processes after identifying young farmers involved in antisocial behaviour during its Annual Convention in Blackpool back in May.

'Resentment'

Yorkshire young farmers used the YFYFC meeting to voice their anger: Finding out about the cancellation through social media was absolutely disgusting, said one farmer.

Nationals communication  or rather lack of it  has resulted in a massive feeling of resentment.

Yorkshire chairperson Kirsty Searby praised members for not making a knee-jerk reaction after news broke of the conventions cancellation when troublemakers at this years event hit the national headlines.

Our members agreed that the convention format needs looking at  maybe going down the lines of a festival  but the anger came from the way the decision to cancel was made; with members left to learn about it second-hand via social media, Ms Searby said.

There were also strong feelings about the way the whole Blackpool affair was handled; with negative stories coming out from national rather than telling the public about all the good that young farmers do.

Two proposals

YFYFC voted to back two further proposals. The first was to undertake a feasibility study looking at the cost and other implications if a decision is made to break away  like Cheshire  from the national federation.

They also criticised a current membership survey, claiming the questions had been asked in such a way that only positive answers can be given.

A vote was taken to propose a new survey, which should ask open questions; more likely to bring frank and constructive ideas forward with the scope for making negative points as well.

Yorkshire YFC will put its three motions forward at the NFYFC council meeting, to be held in Warwickshire on Sunday, October 21st.
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An elderly man has fallen into the Arzni Gorge in Armenia and died.

Armenia's emergency hotline received a report yesterday at 8:17pm, informing that someone had fallen into the Arzni Gorge.

A special rescue squad was dispatched to the scene, News.am reported.

The rescuers brought the dead body of a 65-year-old person out of the gorge and carried it to a waiting ambulance.
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EelaNo. I'm the mother of a 15-year old in real life. Let's be honest. I'm proud of the fact that Nysa's 15. There's nothing I won't do if the script is good. I'd love to play an old woman with white hair if I must. If the script is good, why not?EelaEela is like every mother, who's completely obsessed with her child. Mera bachcha sabse sundar hai, sabse achcha hai, sabse smart hai. Every mother believes so. But Eela's just that extra paranoid. She's mad! (Laughs) You're relieved that she is someone else's mother.But you will like her for what she is, you will forgive her. Whatever she does, the reason behind it is love. When we become mothers, we forget that we are anything else other than that. You get lost and you don't know how to find yourself. It's almost like a coming-of-age story of Eela. I found it easy to play Eela. (Laughs) Riddhi (Sen) ko bahut thappad pade hain! That was Pradeepdais (Sarkar) idea.Pradeepda was amazing to work with. He's the oldest debutant in the world. I had presented him the Best Director Award (for Parineeta, 2005) on the Filmfare stage. (Laughs) In terms of seniority, I'm older. He has a fabulous sense of humour. As an actor, you want to work with a director, who taps the unexpected in you. Pradeepda did that.real-lifeI've always maintained that my family is paramount for me. What would I be without them? Family is my anchor, my roots.EelaOf course, I do. I complain to my daughter. My son (Yug) is still small. I complain that Nysa doesn't spend enough time with me and that she talks more to her friends than me. We all tend to emotionally blackmail our children. This is the story with every teen - meri maa mere saath drama karti rehti hai.No, touchwood! My mother is the coolest mom ever. She never told me you don't spend enough time with me. In fact, she still doesn't tell me that. She lives in Lonavala. Yes, she had that thing that you must finish what's on your plate and all that. She was a working woman. My grandmother (actor/filmmaker Shobhna Samarth) and great grandmother used to take care of me. Then I went to boarding school. My mother taught me to be an individual, to be dogged about my beliefs and to take responsibility if I went wrong. Everyone makes mistakes. I too may have committed them. But if I take responsibility for it, it doesn't remain a mistake anymore. It becomes a learning experience. That's one of the most important lessons that mom has taught me. I hope I can teach that to my children as well.I've evolved a lot. You're a little easier with the second child. You gain experience with your first. So, you know to handle situations. That itself makes you calmer and able to handle things better. I want both my kids to grow up to be good people, responsible and productive citizens. Most importantly, I want them to be happy in whatever they do. Your children should be able to face life, whatever it throws their way, success or failure.The biggest challenge that we have today is to check the flow of information. Children have access to all kinds of information online. About sex, rape or how women are being ill-treated. As parents our job in life is to simplify that information and make it comprehensible to their young minds. And make sure whether it's appropriate for their age or not. I do keep a tab on what my kids are reading and watching. But you can't do much after a point. If you don't allow it at home, they can watch it with friends. But you can surely explain things to them.We're better friends today than we were earlier. We can share more today than we could when we first got married. It's been nearly 20 years. We've grown as people. I'm proud of who he's as a person. I guess, I have a hand in it and I believe he has a hand in who I am today as well.I'm inspired by my mother. I'm inspired by my grandmother. I'd love to play them. Both have lived life on their terms and per their choices. And if they made a mistake, they took responsibility for that and moved ahead.Fortunately, I've had the wherewithal to choose. I was also financially capable of making a lot of choices in my life. Even when I was not financially capable, I was determined enough to make those choices. (Laughs) I've got this khachchar khopdi (eccentric mind) from my mother and grandmother. They were stubborn and strong women.I'm reading lot of fantasy fiction these days. What I like about the current writers is the fact that all of them believe that the world is one and we're part of one race. You cut anyone and it's the same blood. Your colour, race, gender doesn't matter at the end of the day. What matters is who you're inside. A person is not defined by his physical characteristics or passport for that matter.People tell me you've undergone an image transformation, you've become a fashionista. Well that was one part of my life I hadn't paid attention to because I had someone telling me what suited me. But gradually I realisedI too had an opinion on it. So whatever I missed out at that point, I made up for later.Honestly, I'm lazy. I don't want to work for more than a certain amount of time. And when a film ends, I need a break. I've been working hard. Last year, I had VIP. I don't want to work just for the sake of working. And you don't come across scripts like Helicopter Eela easily. Also, I can't work with people I don't like. I don't want to torture myself and work with people I don't like. I won't do it anymore.
They Arent Aliens

Tanushree says, "You know, what? It actually is an extreme discomfort. The thing is the stars and the superstars of our country are just a reflection of our society. They are not aliens from outer space."

She Further Added..

"They have come from our society and have risen to position of firmness because of their ability. The problem is that in our country people often take the onscreen persona as their off screen personality as well and get disappointed but they are actors, they act."

Everything In India Is Taboo

"Because they come out of the same society which is uncomfortable talking about certain topics. Sex is one of them. Now, surrounding this, there is an offender, it becomes even more uncomfortable for them. Everything is a taboo here."

Tanushree Praises American Culture

"Having lived here, we judge the American culture and their society, it is just that they openly discuss things and resolve it, so, when uncomfortable questions are raised, you do not coy down from them.

There people are not discussing why she did not speak 10 years or 20 years back."

Tanushree On #MeToo Movement

"In America when a #MeToo movement happened, these women did not speak about the incidents to a single soul until they opened up, these cases were assault cases, some of them were harassment ones.

But yet, they were heard because the industry knew these guys are like that, the association barred them, action was taken immediately. This bullsh*t about, we will see, let investigation take place.. was not there."

The law Took It Course In America

"The reason it is a success there because they deal with things differently. These girl even if they couldn't speak about it earlier, when they did 10-15-20 years later. The law took its course. Before that, the fraternity stood in solidarity."

Justice In Our Country Is Always Social Justice

"Here, there is no such thing; here even if someone talks about rape, justice takes so much time. Justice in our country is always social justice.

It is the same sense of shame and discomfort which never always our society to take a stand and that's why people like Nana Patekar have been able to function."
QUFU, China, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 28, the birthday of Confucius (551 BC - 479 BC, a great Chinese teacher, philosopher, and political theorist), the Wuxu Period Confucius Grand Ceremony was held at the 35th China (Qufu) International Confucius Cultural Festival, which is hosted by the People's Government of Shandong Province and ignited people's passion to respect the scholars of the past.

It is said that Chinese rituals and music originated from Shandong thousands of years ago, both of which could be attributed to the Confucius family. On the morning of September 28, the Wuxu Period Confucius Grand Ceremony was held in Qufu, which involved procedures of opening the gate of the Confucius Temple, opening the door of the room, offering flower baskets, performing a memorial dance accompanied by music, reading funeral orations etc., which showed great respect to the scholars and sages of the past.



The Confucius Grand Ceremony is a large scale music dance dedicated the birthday of Confucius. The name, time, site, important set of etiquette, sacrificial offerings and sacrificial utensils, dance accompanied by music, and congratulatory messages, etc. are strictly stipulated in The Standard of Public Memorial Service of Confucius Grand Ceremony at Confucius Temple in Qufu. At the Ceremony this year, the details of the stage set were improved and the sense of ceremony enhanced, which become a bright spot.



Besides the conventional events, such as the Opening Ceremony, Awarding Ceremony of the 13th UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy, Ceremony of Confucius in 2018, the Confucius Culture Festival this year has also planned many other activities, including International Symposium on "The Doctrine of Confucius and Mencius and Chinese National Spirit", 2018 China (Jining) Educational Tourism International Marketing Conference, International Education Seminar of UNESCO, and Tourism in Holy City in the East by Guests of the 1st Confucian Businessmen Conference, Exhibition of Selected Calligraphy and Painting Works on Family Sayings of Confucius etc.



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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2018) - Canntab Therapeutics Limited (CSE: PILL) (FSE: TBF1) ("" or the ""), today announced the completion of a non-binding Letter of Intent (the "") with NewCanna S.A.S of Bogota, Colombia ("") for the establishment of a significant bi-lateral relationship for the sale & distribution of Canntab's products. The territory applicable to the agreement is the countries of Colombia, Chile, Paraguay and Spain, (collectively, the ""). The agreement will grant NewCanna the right to sell and distribute certain Canntab exclusive proprietary products, and the right to utilize Canntab's know-how and patents in the Territory only.

The LOI provides a 60-day period for the parties to complete a formal agreement, which will trigger a one-time, non-refundable License Fee of US $2-million payable to Canntab by NewCanna in consideration for the exclusive license to be granted by Canntab to NewCanna.

The formal agreement will establish:

Exclusive 5-year distribution agreement for Canntab's oral sustained release tablet formulations in the Territory;

The supply of up to US$10-million of NewCanna cannabis oil to Canntab for which Canntab will place a deposit of US $1-million;

Agreement between the parties to work together to obtain the necessary regulatory and licensing approvals to implement the business requirements, including importation and exportation of materials;

Performance standards by NewCanna in each country covered by the agreement;

50% / 50% profit sharing on the sales of products under the agreement;

Such other provisions as may be agreed to, and which would be customary in an agreement of this sort; and

Conditional upon the execution of a formal agreement encompassing the provisions of the LOI, payment of the US $2-million license fee and subject to any regulatory and exchange approvals, the Company will issue warrants to NewCanna to purchase up to 500,000 common shares of the Company at a price of $1.80 per common share for a period of two years.

The significance of this relationship is such that management of both Canntab and NewCanna will be devoting substantial effort to the completion of the formal agreement within the required timeline. NewCanna would become a key supplier of raw materials for Canntab and on a cost basis which will be very favourable in comparison to other sources worldwide.

"We welcome this key development in our business plan and the opportunity to rapidly expand into the many potential markets for Canntab products worldwide. The wide variety of NewCanna's cannabis strains will give us access to a full range of Cannabinoids and terpenoids to further our development pipeline." said Jeff Renwick, Canntab CEO. In conjunction with, our recently announced relationship with FSD Pharma and with our progressing work with Emblem Cannabis Corporation, I believe Canntab is poised to be the world leader in pharmaceutical grade, standardized tablet dosage of medicinal cannabis."

Santiago Londono, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NewCanna, added "When carefully building a global network of cultivators and distribution channels in today's fast-growing medicinal cannabis market it is imperative to identify the best possible pharma-grade manufacturing partners, this is why, after rigorously evaluating many other possible alliances, we have decided Canntab has the vision, infrastructure and knowledge that represents our best interest moving forward. Our main goal is to deliver the most responsible and precise dosage to every patient that trusts our brands, and we believe Canntab will be instrumental in achieving this objective."

NewCanna, directly and through its existing partners;

has access to, or control over, four cultivation and extraction licenses

four additional licenses under application

over 3,000 hectares of cannabis production

a 32,000 square foot pharmaceutical-grade extraction facility capable of processing 5,000 tonnes of raw material per day - currently being upgraded to meet EU Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards

Colombian oil-exportation license

operations within the Cannabis Free Trade Zone

genetic registration of more than 500 strains of cannabis and wide-ranging existing distribution.

Much of NewCanna's direct and in-direct production is through local indigenous and peasant farmers licensed by the Government. NewCanna is committed to the sustainable, good cultivation processes of the local growers and to supporting them in their own economic and business development.

About Canntab

Canntab Therapeutics Limited is a Canadian cannabis oral dosage formulation company based in Markham Ontario, engaged in the research and development of advanced pharmaceutical grade formulations of cannabinoids. Canntab has developed in-house technology to deliver standardized medical cannabis extract from selective strains in a variety of extended/sustained release pharmaceutical dosages for therapeutic use. Simply put, Canntab's mission is to put the "Medical" into medicinal cannabis! Canntab trades on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol PILL and on the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol TBF1.

- 30 -

For further information contact:

Canntab Therapeutics Ltd.

Jeffrey Renwick

Chief Executive Officer

+1 289-301-3812

jeff@canntab.ca

NEWCANNA S.A.S.

Santiago Londono

Chief Executive Officer

+1 604-200-0440

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this press release constitute forward-looking information or statements (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), including those identified by the expressions "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "should" and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Company or its management. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect current expectations regarding future results or events. This press release contains forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and various estimates, factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated, or intended.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE U.S.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed hope that his recent state visit to Germany will improve bilateral relations.

"I believe our state visit to Germany will strengthen Turkish-German friendship in every aspect. We are leaving painful terms in the recent past with Germany behind", Erdogan said in a Twitter post.

Erdogan stressed that Turkeys new presidential system has paved the way for progress in the country. According to him, reforms within the scope of the country's EU membership process will continue and Turkey will fulfill the remaining six criteria for visa liberalization in the shortest time.

"In this regard, we care about Germany's support to Turkey," Anadolu Agency cited the president as saying.

Noted that Turkey and Germany enjoy strong economic and trade ties, he said his country wants to further strengthen economic ties.

"We want our German friends to continue reposing trust in Turkey, Turkish economy and our country's future," Erdogan said.

Aiming to improve political and economic relations with Berlin, Erdogan paid a three-day high-profile state visit to Germany on September 27-29.
Gurit Signs Agreement to Acquire JSB Group A/S

Zurich, Switzerland, October 1, 2018-Gurit (SIX Swiss Exchange: GUR) today announces the signing of an agreement to acquire all shares in JSB Group for an equity value of DKK 520 million, subject to select closing conditions. JSB Group is held by the private equity fund VC VIII JSB Holding ApS, of which Verdane Capital VIII K/S is the majority owner, and by individual board and management members holding the remaining shares. Closing of the transaction is expected by mid of October 2018.

JSB Group is the market leader for core material kits for wind turbine blades with seven kitting operations in Denmark, Spain, Turkey, the US, China and a new facility planned to be built in Mexico. The Group is headquartered in Denmark.

Effective kit design capability, high quality and precision manufacturing of kits with purpose-built manufacturing equipment and customer proximity form JSB Group's unique position in the market.

JSB Group employs some 560 employees and expects to generate an annual turnover of around CHF 120 million in 2018. The Company is managed by a team of wind energy industry experts under the leadership of Frank Virenfeldt Nielsen, CEO.

Gurit holds a leading global market position in wind core materials. The acquisition of JSB Group's downstream core kitting operations complements the Company's full range of Kerdyn Green PET, Balsaflex balsa wood, Corecell SAN and PVC structural core materials. It enhances Gurit's value chain and will allow the Company to offer wind energy OEM's a full solution of structural core materials, core material kits and wind turbine blade moulds, each with market leading positions.

The goal of this acquisition is to join value chain steps in the supply of the global wind energy industry and thus reduce cost and increase supply chain effectiveness in the respective regions for regional use. This will ultimately improve cost competitiveness for customers further, supporting them in the challenge of achieving wind energy competitiveness compared to non-renewable power sources.

The JSB operations will form a new Gurit business unit for kitting solutions; the established and trusted name JSB will be retained as a product brand. Operational synergies will be exploited starting from 2019.

Gurit will fund this transaction with a newly established bank facility.

Commenting on the acquisition agreement, Frank Virenfeldt Nielsen, CEO of JSB Group states: "To support consolidation and globalization in the wind industry - scale and technology are key to add value. Combining JSB's and Gurit's capabilities into a dedicated product and supply chain powerhouse for the global wind blade industry will drive down cost of energy for our customers."

"We strongly believe that with enhanced scale and resources, the combined business activities will be able to help the industry move its agenda forward, which ultimately means making wind a more efficient and thus attractive energy source. It is a development that we are proud to be contributing to," says Arne Handeland, Partner at Verdane.

"This is another milestone in our corporate strategy to significantly enhance the Gurit wind energy business globally towards market leading positions in the areas in which we operate. Adding JSB Group's offering and expertise to our existing range clearly takes us a big step further in supporting our wind energy customers with smart, tailored and regionally accessible solutions," adds Rudolf Hadorn, CEO of Gurit.

About Gurit:

The companies of Gurit Holding AG, Wattwil/Switzerland, (SIX Swiss Exchange: GUR) are specialized on the development and manufacture of advanced composite materials, related technologies and select finished parts and components. The comprehensive product range comprises fibre reinforced prepregs, structural core products, gel coats, adhesives, resins and consumables. Gurit supplies global growth markets with composite materials on the one hand and composite tooling equipment, structural engineering and select finished parts on the other. The global Group has production sites and offices in Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain, the U.K., Poland, Canada, the U.S.A., Ecuador, New Zealand, India and China. For more information, please visit www.gurit.com

About Verdane:

Verdane funds provide flexible growth capital to fast-growing software, consumer internet, energy or high-technology industry businesses, through both minority and majority investments in individual companies and portfolios. Verdane funds act as ambitious, active, and long-term owners, helping management teams and companies accelerate and sustain growth by leveraging the Verdane advisory team's unrivalled technology capabilities and proven track record in driving business value. Verdane funds' and SPVs' current portfolio of 40 core companies includes Boozt, EasyPark, JupiterBach and Polytech. Verdane funds have attracted SEK 12 billion in total commitments from investors. Verdane Advisory Group has 35 employees working out of offices in Copenhagen, Helsinki, London, Oslo and Stockholm. For more information, please visit www.verdane.com (http://www.verdane.com/)

Gurit Group Communications

Tanja Moehler

T +41 44 316 15 55

tanja.moehler@gurit.com

www.gurit.com (http://www.gurit.com/)

Verdane contact

Arne Handeland

T+ 47 913 444 25

arne.handeland@verdane.com

www.verdane.com

All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.

Forward-looking statements:

To the extent that this announcement contains forward-looking statements, such statements are based on assumptions, planning and forecasts at the time of publication of this announcement. Forward-looking statements always involve uncertainties. Business and economic risks and developments, the conduct of competitors, political decisions and other factors may cause the actual results to be materially different from the assumptions, planning and forecasts at the time of publication of this announcement. Therefore, Gurit Holding AG does not assume any responsibility relating to forward-looking statements contained in this announcement.
REYKJAVIK, Iceland, October 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

The Physicians' Alliance against Euthanasia, representing more than 1100 Canadian doctors, is holding a press conference to present its position and answer questions:

Tuesday October 2, 2018, 10:30 A.M.

HEKLA Meeting Room

CenterHotel Plaza

Aalstrti 4 - 101 Reykjavik

As World Medical Association (WMA) delegates gather in Reykjavik, Iceland, for its Medical Ethics Conference and Annual General Assembly, Canadian doctors are speaking out against a so-called neutral ethical stance on euthanasia. Canadian physicians say neutrality on euthanasia is a license to kill.

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and the Royal Dutch Medical Association (RDMA) are presenting a motion asking the WMA to take a neutral stance on the ethics of euthanasia and assisted suicide. The WMA has long rejected these acts as unethical. Only 6 of 200 countries (3%) worldwide permit doctors to intentionally cause death, and the vast majority of national medical associations oppose it.

As Canadian physicians, we affirm that the CMA position does not reflect our views and experience, and that a neutral stance is illogical and untenable.

The CMA abandonment of its long-standing policy against euthanasia and assisted suicide, and adoption of a neutral position, influenced Canada's 2015 Supreme Court ruling leading to 2016 legislation permitting euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Since then, there is constant pressure to normalize and expand these practices and to abandon the safeguards instituted to protect vulnerable people. The government is looking into expanding euthanasia and assisted suicide to children and to people with mental illness and cognitive disorders. Doctors and hospitals are under pressure to provide euthanasia or to refer for it, even when it violates their fundamental principles.

Dr. Paul Saba, a Montreal family physician states "People need assistance in living and not for suicide."

Dr. Catherine Ferrier, President of the Physicians' Alliance against Euthanasia, warns the WMA against a neutral stance on euthanasia and assisted suicide noting that "neutrality" at the CMA led immediately to the promotion of euthanasia and assisted suicide in national and international forums.

The Physicians' Alliance against Euthanasiaseeks to ensure quality medical care and respectful decision-making for vulnerable patients, especially thoseat risk of pressure to end their lives prematurely through euthanasia or assisted suicide, and to protect the professional integrity of all health care workers.

http://www.collectifmedecins.org/en

For further information in Canada:

438-938-9410

info@collectifmedecins.org

In Iceland: Dr. Sheila Harding +1-(306)-229-5379; Dr. Paul Saba +1-(514)-886-3447.
STOCKHOLM, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

MeaWallet A/S ("MeaWallet"), part of Invuo Technologies AB, has signed an agreement with a tier 1 Nordic/Baltic bank, for delivery of MeaWallet's technology for mobile contactless payments during the first quarter of 2019.

The solution of Mea Token Platform configured for Visa Token Service, also known as VTS, will be delivered as a managed service, integrating MeaWallet's platform with the bank's mobile banking application. Mea Token Platform will enable the bank's clients to perform digital contactless card payments (tap & pay) through the bank's existing mobile banking application. The order value of the contract is around 250 000 over a three-year period.

It is important for MeaWallet to be able to support all the major payment schemes, both Visa and Mastercard, through one single point of integration. This also makes it easier for banks offering single schemes (Visa or Mastercard) to be able to integrate through the same platform, hence broadening their offering for end users.



For further information, please contact:

Lars Sandtorv,

Head of MeaWallet

lars.sandtorv@meawallet.com

+47-909-55-111



John Longhurst

CEO

john.longhurst@invuo.com

+46-8-564-878-00

This information is such that Invuo Technologies AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. This information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, at CET 08:50 on October 1, 2018.

About Invuo

Since 2001 Invuo has been providing its proprietary solutions and systems for mobile phone transactions. Invuo operates in two main business areas; mobile phone payment solutions provided through the brand MeaWallet, and distribution of e-products.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

http://news.cision.com/invuo-technologies-ab/r/meawallet-signs-contract-with-tier-1-nordic-baltic-bank-to-deliver-mea-token-platform,c2632046

The following files are available for download:
RETFORD, England, October 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

A complementary addition to the company's existing vendors, Alpha Generation partners with Lepide to provide data-centric security to the UK

Value-added IT security distributor Alpha Generation Distribution (part of the 4Sec Group) announced today a new partnership with Lepide, the fastest-growing provider of Data-Centric Audit and Protection (DCAP) solutions.

LepideAuditor, the company's flagship product, is a cost-effective way for organisations to find out where their sensitive data is, who has access to it and what changes are taking place. With hundreds of pre-defined reports as well as real-time alerts, LepideAuditor reduces the risk of insider threats, data breaches and ransomware while meeting the demands of compliance standards like GDPR, PCI, SOX and more.

LepideAuditor is already being used to audit and monitor sensitive data for over 5,000 organisations. However, while the solution has already seen some strong success in the UK, the new partnership will add the value of a proactive distributor with a proven track record of taking vendors to a full two-tier strategy.

"We've been experiencing significant global growth over the last few years, but we knew we needed to build a deeper channel in the UK," says Aidan Simister, CEO at Lepide. "Alpha Generation has had success with vendors like Thycotic, where there's a great cross-sell opportunity, so they caught our eye immediately. We needed a distributor with the right connections and ambition, which is exactly what we found in Alpha Generation."

The addition of Lepide is closely-aligned with Alpha Generation's other vendors, each covering distinct yet complementary parts of the security stack. LepideAuditor means resellers can give customers a solution that helps them understand what should be secured at a data and system level. Then, products from vendors like Bromium, Thycotic and CoSoSys offer the tools to secure and monitor those assets.

LepideAuditor also includes automatic script triggering, enabling users to instantly respond to events, configuration changes or behavioural trends. In this way, LepideAuditor offers the data-level intelligence businesses need to strengthen their cybersecurity.

"In the last few months, we've been inundated with vendors looking to appoint a distributor that understands the market," says Chris Walsh, Sales Director at Alpha Generation. "Lepide was carefully chosen because the technology has a real link with our existing vendors - LepideAuditor slots perfectly into our portfolio of products and our vision of how the Alpha Generation security fabric will fit together."

Crucially, Alpha Generation continues to keep its portfolio small and structured, allowing the team to maintain the high standards of support and service that have driven the company's growth to date. Lepide was selected, not only for its solution but for the company's commitment to the channel and understanding of the needs of partners and resellers.

"With Lepide, we see a product with existing interest and a team that's passionate about supporting the channel," says Grahame Smee, Group Managing Director at 4SEC Group. "LepideAuditor has already started to permeate the UK channel and, with our existing connections and channel expertise, we can help take things to the next level."

To find out more about Lepide, visit www.lepide.com

To find out more about Alpha Generation Distribution, visit www.alpha-gen.co.uk

About Lepide

For more than a decade, Lepide has been developing security that starts with data. Designed to give organisations increased visibility and insight, Lepide's solutions are used by more than 5,000 customers worldwide to improve security while meeting the demands of compliance standards like GDPR, SOX, PCI and more.

Across on-premise and cloud-based unstructured data, LepideAuditor is an easy-to-use console that makes monitoring sensitive data simple. From there, customers can detect when data is accessed, changed or moved, and receive real-time alerts when tailored thresholds are exceeded. As a result, they can reduce the risk of insider threats, data breaches and non-compliance.

Today, Lepide is the fastest-growing Data-Centric Audit and Protection (DCAP) provider with offices in three continents. Customers include Xerox, Cisco, Pacific Western Bank, and many more.

Visit: www.lepide.com

About Alpha Generation Distribution Ltd

Alpha Generation Distribution is a 4SEC Group company providing value-added distribution to the UK IT channel. Founded in May 2013, it has a strong background in IT distribution and specialises in proactive security solutions. Alpha Generation works on a foundation of product knowledge, channel building, marketing support and personal expertise to deliver tangible value to the channel.

Visit: www.alpha-gen.co.uk
LUXEMBOURG, October 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

IFG Metals & Mining, a division of IFG Capital Partners SA ("IFG"), the Central Asian focused advisory and investment company, has signed an agreement with the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Geology and Mineral Resources ("GOSCOMGEOLOGY") giving it exclusive rights to carry out feasibility studies and if these are successful to exploit seven tungsten deposits in Uzbekistan with the aim of creating a cluster for tungsten production and processing. This is the largest such foreign investment in Uzbekistan's mining industry since the end of the Soviet Union, with investments totalling $300 million over the 25-30 year working life of the cluster, which is expected to directly create 1,500 jobs.

IFG has developed the tungsten cluster and is the leading principal investor in the project. SUN Group, which is active in India, Russia, West Africa and other emerging markets, has agreed to co-invest with IFG in the exploration and development of the tungsten cluster, subject to further due diligence. As a result, IFG, GOSCOMGEOLOGY and SUN Group on 28 September signed an agreement on joint development of seven tungsten deposits in Uzbekistan during the Indian-Uzbek Business Forum held as part of the official visit of Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to India.

IFG intends to conduct a feasibility analysis into the exploration and development of the Ingichke, Gussay, Sarykul, Kara-Tyube, Lyangar and Koytash tungsten deposits, with the purpose of processing ore into concentrate. Should the studies produce positive results, IFG has the exclusive rights to manage the industrial development of the deposits. The agreement follows the announcement in July that IFG will conduct a feasibility study on the development of the Yakhton tungsten deposit in the Samarkand region of Uzbekistan. This deposit will become part of the cluster.

Olga Ponkratova, Managing Partner of IFG and head of IFG Metals and Mining, said: "Growing shortfalls between global supply and demand have recently driven the tungsten price to its highest levels since September 2014, and there is a growing expectation that these stronger pricing levels for tungsten will continue for some time. This favorable market environment, coupled by the strong support that we have received from the government, makes this project possible."

Shiv Khemka, Vice Chairman of SUN Group, said: "SUN Group has long ties with the former Soviet Union spanning over 60 years. SUN, along with our partners, is delighted to be working with IFG Capital on developing this significant tungsten cluster. We hope this collaboration will help strengthen the India-Uzbekistan relationship."

Preliminary geological research indicates around 130 thousand tons of WO3 (tungsten oxide) in the seven deposits with the average grade higher than in comparable projects as well as lower processing costs due to favourable business conditions in Uzbekistan. IFG plans to build two mobile processing factories that will serve the deposits, and to export 100% of produced tungsten to North America and the EU.

IFG is drilling verification bores at each deposit to verify existing reserves and confirm historical exploration data in accordance with international JORC standards. The first samples from the Yakhton deposit have already been sent abroad for metallurgical testing according to best international practice. The first results are expected in Q4 2018.

About IFG Capital SA

IFG Capital is an independent investment firm focusing on Uzbekistan and wider Central Asia. It offers a full range of business and financial advisory services as well as extensive metals & mining expertise through its subsidiary IFG Metals & Mining. It is led by a team of professionals who combine best western practice with intimate local knowledge, operating from its head office in Luxembourg with a Central Asian regional office in Tashkent. More information can be found at http://www.ifg-capital.com

About SUN Group

SUN Group is a leading principal investor and private equity fund manager in India, Russia, West Africa and other emerging and transforming markets. SUN Group, promoted by the Khemka family, is a private group that has been active in India for more than 116 years and first started working with the Former Soviet Union in 1958. The group has been active in various sectors including; Oil & Gas, Mining, Real Estate, Infrastructure, Food & Beverages, High Technology, Renewable Energy and Electric Mobility. http://www.sungroup-global.com/english/overview/at-a-glance.asp

About tungsten

Tungsten is a rare metal, unique in its robustness and with the highest melting point of all known elements. Tungsten has numerous applications, and analysts expect demand to grow at around 4% CAGR for the foreseeable future, driven by demand from the defence, industrial, oil and gas and aircraft sectors, as well as by increasing demand from emerging markets, given the extensive use of tungsten in automobile manufacturing (25% of total consumption).

Supply constraints have been another major driver for favourable tungsten market conditions. China accounts for 80% of global production, but despite being the world's biggest producer of tungsten remains a net importer of the metal, and has in recent years banned exports of tungsten concentrate. Outside of China, Russian production is decreasing with very limited mine life remaining for some projects, and the majority of new projects globally are likely to simply replace existing projects with a few years of mine life remaining.
EUROCASTLE INVESTMENT LIMITED







FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

International Administration Group (Guernsey) Limited

Company Administrator

Attn: Mark Woodall

Tel: +44 1481 723450





Share Buyback Programme: Transactions in Week Ten







Guernsey, 15 October 2018 - Eurocastle Investment Limited ("Eurocastle" or the "Company") today announces that between 8 October 2018 and 12 October 2018, as part of the previously announced buyback programme entered into with Liberum Capital Limited (acting as the Company's broker), it bought back 17,703 of its ordinary shares at an average price of 6.58 per ordinary share. These purchases were made pursuant to the authority granted at its Annual General Meeting on 20 June 2018. The purchased shares will all be held as treasury shares.





The purpose of the share buyback programme is to reduce the share capital of the Company and the programme is executed in compliance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016, collectively referred to as the Safe Harbour rules.





The following transactions have been made under the buyback programme:

Accumulated, most recent announcement Platform code Volume Volume Weighted Average Price Gross Value () 08/10/2018 BATE 133 6.64 883 XLON 2,568 6.63 17,034 CHIX 314 6.63 2,082 TRQX 400 6.64 2,656 Total 3,415 6.63 22,654 09/10/2018 BATE 129 6.66 859 XLON 3,135 6.65 20,834 CHIX 299 6.64 1,985 TRQX 395 6.66 2,631 Total 3,958 6.65 26,309 10/10/2018 BATE 115 6.64 764 XLON 3,177 6.57 20,858 CHIX 273 6.64 1,813 TRQX 213 6.64 1,414 Total 3,778 6.58 24,849 11/10/2018 BATE 111 6.52 724 XLON 3,147 6.51 20,482 CHIX 272 6.52 1,773 TRQX 202 6.52 1,317 Total 3,732 6.51 24,297 12/10/2018 BATE 110 6.54 719 XLON 2,278 6.54 14,888 CHIX 249 6.55 1,630 TRQX 183 6.54 1,197 2,820 6.54 18,434





Following the above transactions:





The total number of ordinary shares of the Company in issue is 66,121,054





The total number of ordinary shares held by Eurocastle in treasury is 18,550,546 (equal to 28.1% of the Company's share capital)





The total number of voting rights exercisable by holders of ordinary shares of the Company is 47,570,508, as voting rights of shares held in treasury are suspended.









ABOUT EUROCASTLE





Eurocastle Investment Limited is a publicly traded closed-ended investment company that focuses on investing in performing and non-performing loans and other real estate related assets primarily in Italy. The Company is Euro denominated and is listed on Euronext Amsterdam under the symbol "ECT". Eurocastle is managed by an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group LLC, a leading global investment manager. For more information regarding Eurocastle Investment Limited and to be added to our email distribution list, please visit www.eurocastleinv.com.







Set out below are all trades completed between 8 October 2018 and 12 October 2018:







Platform code Volume Price Gross Value () 08/10/2018 CHIX 21 6.76 141.96 XLON 320 6.66 2,131.20 XLON 335 6.66 2,231.10 XLON 83 6.66 552.78 XLON 96 6.66 639.36 CHIX 7 6.64 46.48 TRQX 7 6.64 46.48 BATE 133 6.64 883.12 TRQX 393 6.64 2,609.52 XLON 170 6.62 1,125.40 CHIX 121 6.62 801.02 XLON 416 6.62 2,753.92 CHIX 165 6.62 1,092.30 XLON 45 6.62 297.90 XLON 147 6.62 973.14 XLON 105 6.62 695.10 XLON 122 6.62 807.64 XLON 120 6.62 794.40 XLON 491 6.62 3,250.42 XLON 118 6.62 781.16 Total 3,415 6.63 22,654.40 09/10/2018 XLON 260 6.66 1,731.60 TRQX 83 6.66 552.78 BATE 114 6.66 759.24 TRQX 11 6.66 73.26 XLON 160 6.66 1,065.60 TRQX 301 6.66 2,004.66 XLON 441 6.66 2,937.06 XLON 1,924 6.64 12,775.36 XLON 10 6.64 66.40 CHIX 299 6.64 1,985.36 BATE 15 6.64 99.60 XLON 340 6.64 2,257.60 Total 3,958 6.65 26,308.52 10/10/2018 XLON 486 6.64 3,227.04 CHIX 273 6.64 1,812.72 BATE 115 6.64 763.60 TRQX 213 6.64 1,414.32 XLON 136 6.62 900.32 XLON 1,446 6.58 9,514.68 XLON 57 6.58 375.06 XLON 52 6.56 341.12 XLON 1,000 6.50 6,500.00 Total 3,778 6.58 24,848.86 11/10/2018 XLON 147 6.52 958.44 XLON 200 6.52 1,304.00 TRQX 94 6.52 612.88 CHIX 141 6.52 919.32 CHIX 131 6.52 854.12 BATE 4 6.52 26.08 XLON 418 6.52 2,725.36 XLON 276 6.52 1,799.52 BATE 107 6.52 697.64 XLON 306 6.52 1,995.12 TRQX 108 6.52 704.16 XLON 1,457 6.50 9,470.50 XLON 343 6.50 2,229.50 Total 3,732 6.51 24,297 12/10/2018 CHIX 20 6.58 131.60 CHIX 40 6.56 262.40 XLON 279 6.54 1,824.66 XLON 455 6.54 2,975.70 XLON 368 6.54 2,406.72 CHIX 32 6.54 209.28 CHIX 10 6.54 65.40 CHIX 23 6.54 150.42 CHIX 21 6.54 137.34 BATE 109 6.54 712.86 XLON 322 6.54 2,105.88 XLON 332 6.54 2,171.28 BATE 1 6.54 6.54 TRQX 183 6.54 1,196.82 CHIX 103 6.54 673.62 XLON 300 6.52 1,956.00 XLON 114 6.52 743.28 XLON 108 6.52 704.16 Total 2,820 6.54 18,433.96




PRAGUE and WIENER NEUSTADT, Austria, October 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Is there a future of long-term care in Europe? What can we learn from each other? Answersto those questions were discussed at a high-ranking international summit in Prague. Among the speakers were the President of the Federation of European Social Employers, Gregor Tomschizek, and his Deputy Jiri Horecky who met the Minister of Health of the Czech RepublicAdam Vojtech.

500 representatives of the social and health sector as well as politicians from Europe, North America and Australia attended the EAHSA-EDE congress "Future of Long-term Care in Europe" in Prague, Czech Republic, in mid-September. During the congress, the managing director of Volkshilfe NO, Gregor Tomschizek, in his function as the President of the Federation of European Social Employers met the Minister of Health of the Czech Republic, Mr Adam Vojtech, and informed him about the Federation, its objectives and membership.

"Long-term care is a major challenge in Europe due to the ageing population," said President Gregor Tomschizek, "we can learn from each other in many fields to face the shortage of staff, skill gaps and migration of workforce into other sectors. Everybody benefits from a good cooperation."

"Long-term care in Europe is undergoing a lot of changes, facing key future challenges," said Deputy President Jiry Horecky, a co-organiser of the congress, "it is the first European Ageing Network (former EDE and EAHSA) congress and we are opening the crucial topics. We are discussing the role of the European Commission and the member states in social policies. What is our vision for 2030? The future is European cooperation."

Picture via epa: http://www.epa.eu

Further information:

http://www.socialemployers.eu

Thomas Bignal, Director Social Employers, E-Mail: thomas.bignal@socialemployers.eu, Tel. +3222337723



Alina Pavicevac, Policy & Communications Assistant, E-Mail: alina.pavicevac@socialemployers.eu, Tel. +3222337723


FORT WORTH, Texas, October 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Oracle Oil and Gas LLC (Oracle Oil and Gas) a wholly owned subsidiary of Oracle Energy Corp. ("Oracle" or the "Company") (TSX.V: OEC) (Frankfurt: O2E) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an option amendment agreement (the "Amendment") to the previously announced (news release dated June 19, 2018) option agreement dated May 19, 2018 with the mineral rights owners of acreage in the Eagle Ford shale district in South Texas (the "Option Agreement") pursuant to which Oracle acquired an option to enter into oil and gas leases (the "Option").

Pursuant to the Amendment the exercise period for the Option has been extended to January 15, 2019 subject to Oracle making a US$250,000 non-refundable extension payment on or before October 1, 2018 and October 31, 2018 and by agreeing to an increase in the lease payments per acre upon Oracle exercising the Option.

Oracle also advises that it is in active negotiation with the vendor of the HBP Assets (news release dated June 19, 2018) to amend the closing date for the completion of the purchase of the HBP Assets.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

Darrell Mckenna; Chairman

About Oracle Energy Corp.

Oracle Energy Corp. (TSX.V: OEC) (Frankfurt: O2E) is a junior oil and gas development company focused on acquiring development assets in North America and with current focus on the Texas Eagle Ford.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the 'safe harbour' provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties.

For further information, please contact:

Darrell L McKenna

Chairman & CEO

Mobile: 1-832-212-1930

Email:dmckenna@oracleenergy.com

Nasim Tyab

Founder & Capital Markets Strategist

Mobile: 778-373-6911

nasim @oraclenergy.com



Oracle Energy Corp.

Suite 1500 - 1040 West Georgia Street

Vancouver, BC

Canada V6E 4H1
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.
Azerbaijan is always ready for constructive talks and contacts serving the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, deputy head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Hikmat Hajiyev said.

He recalled that a conversation was held between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at the CIS summit in Dushanbe, noting that the conversation started at the initiative of the Armenian Prime Minister.

"This once again shows that the format of the negotiations remains unchanged, and negotiations are conducted only between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which are parties of the conflict," the deputy head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration stressed. "Within the framework of the same format, in September, meetings between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan were held during the UN General Assembly in New York, and in July in Brussels," Trend cited him as saying, "We assess this positively, and Azerbaijan is always ready for constructive negotiations and contacts serving the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict," Hajiyev pointed out. "This once again demonstrates Azerbaijans commitment to the existing format," he noted.

The deputy head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration also commented on the strengthening the ceasefire regime on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and the line of contact of troops.

"The Azerbaijani side has repeatedly stated that the main reason for the ceasefire violation is the illegal presence of Armenian troops in the occupied Azerbaijani territories and the continuation of military occupation," he pointed out. "The Armenian side has always been responsible for the ceasefire violation and the aggravation of the situation," he stressed. Hajiyev recalled the "large-scale military exercises conducted by the Armenian armed forces in the occupied Azerbaijani territories after the meeting of the heads of state in November 2014 in Paris, the incitement of a well-known helicopter incident, as well as Armenian armed troops' fire by heavy guns at civilians living along the contact line in April of 2016, and intentionally aggravation of the situation".

"So, the withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied Azerbaijani territories in accordance with the requirements of the UN Security Council's resolutions will eliminate not only military risk, but there will also be no need for a ceasefire, and there will be comprehensive opportunities for political solution of the conflict. This will ensure peace, stability and security in the region," Hikmat Hajiyev concluded.
LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2018 / EM Energy, Inc. (OTC PINK: RZPK) EM Energy announces that on September 28, 2018, we filed Articles of Amendment and Restatement to our Articles of Incorporation to change our name to MJ HARVEST, INC. and change our stock trading symbol to MJHI. The name change, and symbol change will be included in the FINRA Daily List Announcement on October, 1, 2018, and the stock will begin trading under the new symbol on October 2, 2018 on the OTC Pink market.

Patrick Bilton, CEO, stated, "This is the first step toward rebranding and building our company with a focus on acquisition of companies, technologies, and products that benefit the agricultural industry, including cannabis growers and processors. The new name and symbol will allow us to develop a clear identity for our company in the marketplace. Our first product, the Original 420 Debudder Bucket Lid, used in trimming buds off the stems is generating growing sales as we open the international markets. We recently introduced the Original 420 Debudder line to our distributor in Spain, and we intend to fill orders from the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Denmark out of stock on hand in Spain. We see Western Europe as a primary growth target due to their loosening of cannabis regulation and corresponding expansion of the growers and processors that buy our products. We will be adding other products and expanding our distribution network over the coming months."

This action was approved by consent of a majority of the outstanding shares on August 20, 2018. Stock certificates reflecting ownership in EM Energy, Inc. automatically converted to ownership of MJ Harvest, Inc. upon filing of the name change with the Nevada Secretary of State and will continue to be honored by the transfer agent as shares of MJ Harvest, Inc. In the ordinary course of business, as certificates of EM Energy, Inc. are transferred, the replacement certificates will be issued in "MJ Harvest, Inc." form.

MJ HARVEST, INC. (OTC Pink: MJHI)

(formerly EM Energy, Inc., OTC Pink: RZPK)

9205 West Russell Road, Suite 240

Las Vegas, NV 89139

CONTACT:

For further information regarding MJ Harvest, Inc., please contact Bristol Media.

Telephone: 760.898.1220 or e-mail: tcktsllc@earthlink.net

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. Although the forward-looking statements in this release reflect the good faith judgment of management, forward-looking statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this release.

SOURCE: EM Energy, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/513118/EM-Energy-Inc-Announces-Name-Change-and-Stock-Trading-Symbol-Change
MOUNTAIN VIEW, California, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Veritas Technologies, a worldwide leader in enterprise data protection and software-defined storage market, announced that John Abel has joined the company as senior vice president and chief information officer, reporting to Veritas CEO Greg Hughes.

Abel is an accomplished technology executive with more than 25 years of experience enabling growth and driving business value at global organizations, utilizing market-leading cloud technologies. He replaces Todd Hauschildt, who is retiring from the company.

"John's experience in the industry coupled with his strength for business partnership and building high performing teams makes him an ideal choice to drive our information technology strategy," said Greg Hughes, chief executive officer, Veritas.

Abel joins Veritas from Ellie Mae, the cloud-based platform provider for the mortgage finance industry, where he also served as senior vice president and chief information officer. Prior to Ellie Mae, Abel spent eight years at Hitachi Data Systems as senior vice president of Information Technology, where he consolidated multiple enterprise resource planning systems (ERPs) and led a transformational customer relationship management (CRM) strategy enabling significant growth in the company.

Before joining Hitachi Data Systems, Abel held an IT leadership role at Symantec shortly after it had acquired Veritas. Earlier in his career, Abel spent time with JDSU and with KPMG Consulting, serving global clients in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and North America.

He holds a bachelor's degree in Information Systems, from Staffordshire University in the United Kingdom and attended the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth's Executive Development Program.

About Veritas

Veritas Technologies is the global leader in the enterprise data protection and software-defined storage market. We help the most important enterprises in the world, including 86 percent of the global Fortune 500, backup and recover their data, keep it secure and available, guard against failure and achieve regulatory compliance. As enterprises modernize their IT infrastructure, Veritas delivers the technology that helps them reduce risks and capitalize on their data. Learn more at www.veritas.com or follow us on Twitter at @veritastechllc.

Forward-looking Statements: Any forward-looking indication of plans for products is preliminary and all future release dates are tentative and are subject to change at the sole discretion of Veritas. Any future release of the product or planned modifications to product capability, functionality, or feature are subject to ongoing evaluation by Veritas, may or may not be implemented, should not be considered firm commitments by Veritas, should not be relied upon in making purchasing decisions, and may not be incorporated into any contract.

Veritas, the Veritas Logo, NetBackup and CloudPoint are trademarks or registered trademarks of Veritas Technologies LLC or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

PR Contacts



US Contact

Veritas Technologies

Dayna Fried +1 925 493 9020

Dayna.fried@veritas.com

EMEA Contact

Veritas Technologies

James Blamey +44 7467 688263

James.blamey@veritas.com

APJ Contact

Veritas Technologies

Ban Leng Neo +65 9771 3894

BanLeng.neo@veritas.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/752599/Veritas_Technologies_John_Abel_CIO.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/466009/Veritas_Logo.jpg
Knowledge Action Change criticizes the World Health Organization for endorsing countries that ban e-cigarettes; says organization is ignoring international treaty that approves these lower-harm alternatives to smoking

GENEVA, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- As delegates gather for the World Health Organization's (WHO) biennial conference on tobacco, the authors of a new report, "No Fire, No Smoke: Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction," are fiercely criticizing the WHO's record. The public health experts accuse the WHO of failing to comply with international treaty obligations to back reduced-harm alternatives to smoking. They deplore that the WHO instead recommends bans on e-cigarettes-a move that has been implemented by dozens of countries.

The authors of "No Fire, No Smoke" say that lower-risk alternatives such as e-cigarettes, heat-not-burn devices, and Swedish snus have been hugely successful at reducing smoking. Yet they say that the WHO has displayed a historic hostility to them.

"The WHO ignores its own treaty that obliges signatories to adopt the harm-reduction approach of encouraging safer nicotine products. This is a tragic missed opportunity to stop one billion lives being claimed by smoking this century," said Professor Gerry Stimson of Knowledge Action Change (London), which commissioned the report.

The report lists the 39 countries where e-cigarettes or nicotine liquids are banned, including Australia, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia. The European Union allows e-cigarettes but bans the pasteurized oral tobacco product snus that is exceptionally popular in Scandinavia.

Following the introduction of snus in Norway, the smoking rate among young women plummeted from 30% to just 1%. In the United States, the rapid growth in e-cigarette use has been accompanied by a decrease in smoking among school-aged children, with numbers dropping by half over the last 6 years. Meanwhile, in Japan, the success of heated tobacco products has seen cigarette sales fall by a quarter over the last 2 years.

"In examining the data, it has been striking how closely tied the availability of these substitutes is to plunging smoking rates. Whatever the motivation for countries banning them, they need to realize that such policies make them the tobacco industry's best friends," said Harry Shapiro, the lead author of the report.

While the Europe Union has made snus illegal, in several Asia-Pacific countries, bans on using e-cigarettes cause the most concern.

"Many of the vapers I represent live in fear of getting arrested for trying to save their lives. Their countries allow deadly cigarettes but ban much safer e-cigarettes because the WHO has encouraged bans," said Nancy Sutthoff of the consumer group International Network of Nicotine Consumers Organisations.

The WHO policy making conference will be attended by representatives of 181 countries. All 181 countries have ratified the WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which obliges them to incorporate harm reduction. However, the WHO event is far from inclusive: in previous years, it has banned consumers, journalists, and bodies including Interpol from attending.

The "No Fire, No Smoke: Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction" report and this press release are published by Knowledge Action Change, a private sector public health agency.
Ship Finance International Limited (NYSE: SFL) ("Ship Finance" or the "Company") announces that it has agreed to sell the 2001-built VLCC Front Ariake to an unrelated third party. Delivery to the new owner is expected later this month, and the net sales price will be approximately $20.7 million, including approximately $3.4 million in the form of an interest-bearing loan note from Frontline Ltd. The book value of the vessel is approximately $27.6 million, thus an impairment is expected to be recorded in the third quarter. Divesting of older vessels is part of Ship Finance's strategy to continuously renew and diversify the fleet. Following this transaction, the Company has four VLCCs remaining on charter to a subsidiary of Frontline Ltd.

October 1, 2018

The Board of Directors

Ship Finance International Limited

Hamilton, Bermuda

Questions can be directed to Ship Finance Management AS:

Investor and Analyst Contacts:

Harald Gurvin, Chief Financial Officer, Ship Finance Management AS

+47 23 11 40 09

Andre Reppen, Senior Vice President, Ship Finance Management AS

+47 23 11 40 55



Media Contact:

Ole B. Hjertaker, Chief Executive Officer, Ship Finance Management AS

+47 23 11 40 11

About Ship Finance

Ship Finance International Limited (NYSE: SFL) has a unique track record in the maritime industry, being consistently profitable and paying dividends every quarter since 2004. The Company's fleet of more than 80 vessels is split between tankers, bulkers, container vessels and offshore assets, and Ship Finance's long term distribution capacity is supported by a portfolio of long term charters and significant growth in the asset base over time. More information can be found on the Company's website: www.shipfinance.bm

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward looking statements. These statements are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including Ship Finance management's examination of historical operating trends. Although Ship Finance believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond its control, Ship Finance cannot give assurance that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or intentions. Important factors that, in the Company's view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in this presentation include the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions including fluctuations in charter hire rates and vessel values, changes in demand in the tanker market as a result of changes in OPEC's petroleum production levels and worldwide oil consumption and storage, changes in the Company's operating expenses including bunker prices, dry-docking and insurance costs, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, and other important factors described from time to time in the reports filed by the Company with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

This announcement is distributed by West Corporation on behalf of West Corporation clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: Ship Finance International Limited via Globenewswire


Pharmaceutical company, AusCannhas signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Canadian listed medical cannabis company Khiron Life Sciences (TSXV: KHRN).The MoU contemplates a collaboration through which AusCann's Chilean joint venture, DayaCann and Khiron can offer new alternatives of medical cannabis to patients in Chile, in addition to those currently provided.To achieve this the parties will engage in cultivation, manufacturing and other activities that present cannaboid medicines as a viable medical option that meet the highest standards of quality and safety.Dayacann is the only company in Chile to hold a medical cannabis production license. AusCann and Fundacion Daya formed Dayacann in 2016.Khiron has its core activities in Colombia and aims to address the unmet medical needs in a market of over 620 million people in Latin America.Shares in AusCann2.01 per cent higher at $1.02.
Generally, these four-engine planes of Air India are operated on international routes as well as for ferrying VVIPs.

Mumbai: National carrier Air India is set to fly its 423-seater, double-decker Boeing 747 aircraft to two key domestic destinations, Mumbai and Kolkata, starting 16 October to meet the demand during the festive season.

With 12 seats in first class, 26 in business and 385 in economy class, the `Jumbo' plane will operate one flight per day each to Kolkata and Mumbai from New Delhi between 16 October and 21 October, Air India said in a statement.

Kolkata will be covered in the first phase and Mumbai in the second phase (November).

Generally, these four-engine planes are operated on international routes as well as for ferrying VVIPs.

Coincidentally, the year 2018 also marks the 50th anniversary of the Boeing 747 operations.

According to the airline, the first B-747 will operate as AI 887. It will leave from Delhi at 0700 hours and arrive in Mumbai at 0910 hours. On its return journey, it will be operated as AI 809 and will leave from Mumbai at 1040 hours to reach Delhi at 1245 hours.

The next B747 flight will operate as AI764, which will depart from Delhi at 1655 hours and reach Kolkata at 1910 hours. The return flight, AI 023, will leave from Kolkata at 2050 hours and reach Delhi at 2255 hours, the airline said.

The Jumbo aircraft will also operate two flights per day daily on the Delhi-Mumbai-Delhi sector from 1 November to 11 November to cater to passenger demand during the Diwali season, the statement added.
A Delhi court on Monday granted seven weeks to the CBI to obtain sanction to prosecute former Union minister P Chidambaram and other serving or former public servants in the Aircel-Maxis deal case.

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Monday granted seven weeks to the CBI to obtain sanction to prosecute former Union minister P Chidambaram and other serving or former public servants in the Aircel-Maxis deal case.

The court pulled up the agency for filing the charge sheet without proper sanction and told the CBI that if required documents are not filed by 26 November, the next day of the hearing, the court may take appropriate action.

"You (CBI) should not have filed the charge sheet. It is only increasing the pendency of the court. A lot of time of the court has been wasted due to this," Special Judge O P Saini said.

The agency had on 19 July filed a charge sheet against the Congress leader, his son Karti, ten individuals including public servants and six companies as accused in the case.

The judge allowed the CBI's request for grant of some time after senior advocate Sonia Mathur, representing the agency, informed the judge that sanctions are awaited.

"If the sanction is not received, appropriate actions will be taken," the court said.

"Granting of sanction is under active consideration of the government," Mathur said.

Chidambaram's name is among the persons against whom sanction for prosecution from authorities concerned was awaited.

The court also adjourned a money laundering case, which is an off-shoot of the Aircel-Maxis deal case, against Karti and others, after Mathur and advocates N K Matta and Nitesh Rana requested an adjournment on behalf of the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The ED had on 13 July filed a charge sheet against Karti and others for the alleged offence of money laundering.

However, the former Union minister was not arrayed as an accused in the case.

In the case filed by CBI, Mathur told the court that the agency was expecting sanctions for prosecution from authorities concerned in about four weeks.

The counsel told the court that there were serving public servants and some retired ones against whom the sanctions would be needed before proceeding with their prosecution in the case.

The CBI had filed the charge sheet for the alleged offences of criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), public servant taking illegal gratification, punishment for abetting this offence and public servant committing criminal misconduct under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

If convicted, the offences entail a maximum punishment of seven years.

The agency has alleged that when foreign investment in Aircel by Malaysian telecom major Maxis was cleared by the finance ministry in 13 March, 2006, a payment of Rs 26 lakh was made by Aircel to Chennai-based Advantage Strategic Consulting, officials said.

It is alleged that Advantage Strategic Consulting was indirectly controlled by Karti and had raised an invoice on 29 March, 2006 against which Aircel made a payment on 1 April, 2006.

The CBI has alleged that Chess Management Services Holding Ltd, a company in which Karti is promoter and director, also received Rs 87 lakh in several installments from an associate company of Maxis, they said.

While the payment of Rs 26 lakh to Advantage Strategic Consulting was shown as fee for market research, Rs 87 lakh to Chess Management was shown as fee for a software, the CBI had alleged in the charge sheet.

During the investigation, the agency had asked Chess Management officials and Karti to produce the software which was allegedly provided to Maxis for a fee but they could not produce any such software, they said alleging that it was a bribe for the clearance of foreign investment proposal which was laced with several irregularities.

The agency said this is a fresh charge sheet in the matter even as it stems from the FIR related to Aircel-Maxis deal registered in 2012 in which the then telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran and others have been charged and later discharged by a trial court. The CBI has filed an appeal against the court order.

The officials said this is a completely separate aspect of the case related to clearance of now-defunct Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), under Finance Ministry, to the foreign investment clearance of Maxis in Aircel.

Among others listed in the charge sheet are the then secretary (economic affairs) Ashok Jha, the then additional secretary Ashok Chawla, the then joint secretary in finance ministry Kumar Sanjay Krishna, and the then director in the ministry Dipak Kumar Singh.

The agency has also named in the charge sheet former CEO of Aircel V Srinivasan, nephew of Chidambaram A Palaniappan who was also the promoter of Chess Management Services, Malaysian nationals Ananda Krishnan Tatparanandam, Augustus Ralph Marshall, both linked with Maxis, one S Bhaskaraman, and the then under secretary in the ministry Ram Sharan.

The six companies listed as accused are Chess Management Services Holding Ltd, Chennai-based Advantage Strategic Consulting Pvt Ltd and Malaysian companies Astro All Asia Networks, Maxis Mobile, Bumi Armada Berhad and Bumi Armada Navigation.

The agency has charged all the accused with criminal conspiracy, bribery and abuse of official position.

It is alleged that FIPB approval in the Aircel-Maxis FDI case was granted in March 2006 by Chidambaram even though he was empowered to accord approval on project proposals only up to Rs 600 crore and beyond that it required the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).
Shares of Bandhan Bank crashed 20 percent on Monday as the Reserve Bank restrained the company from opening new branches and also ordered freezing of remuneration of its CEO Chandra Shekhar Ghosh for not meeting the licensing conditions

New Delhi: Shares of Bandhan Bank crashed 20 percent on Monday as the Reserve Bank restrained the company from opening new branches and also ordered freezing of remuneration of its CEO Chandra Shekhar Ghosh for not meeting the licensing conditions.

The stock after a weak opening further tumbled 20 percent to Rs 451.20 its 52-week low -- on BSE.

At NSE, shares of the company tanked 20 percent to hit one-year low of Rs 452.20,

The stock also touched the lower circuit on both exchanges.

The bank, on its part, said it is taking steps to comply with licensing condition to bring down the shareholding of Non Operative Financial Holding Company (NOFHC) in the bank to 40 percent.

"RBI has communicated to us that since the bank was not able to bring down the shareholding of NOFHC to 40 percent...general permission to open new branches stands withdrawn and the bank can open branches with prior approval of RBI and the remuneration of the MD & CEO of the Bank stands frozen at the existing level, till further notice," it said in filing to stock exchanges Friday.

It is taking steps to comply with licensing condition to bring down the shareholding of NOFHC to 40 percent and will continue to engage with the RBI, Bandhan Bank said.
IL&FS group has lined up a plan to divest as many as 24 projects to raise around Rs 30,000 crore and pare its mount of debt, which as of the June quarter stood at over Rs 91,000 crore, of which over Rs 57,000 crore is from state-run banks.

Mumbai: Debt-laden Infrastructure Leasing & Finance Services (IL&FS) said on Saturday it is working on a detailed restructuring plan and will appoint Alvarez & Marshal to formulate a turnaround strategy.

The decision was taken by the crisis-ridden company's board after the AGM on Saturday.

"We will develop a comprehensive plan for restructuring so as to be able to demonstrate to the creditors and the shareholders that the intrinsic value of the group is sufficient in repaying its liabilities. We have decided to appoint a specialist agency -- Alvaraz & Marshal--to take this plan forward," vice-chairman and managing director Hari Sankaran said in a video released late evening to the media after the board meeting.

Financial advisory firm Alvarez & Marshal will develop the plan, seek approvals from the board and all stakeholders, and then proceed to implement it, Sankaran said.

He said the company would continue to pursue its application under the relevant section of the Companies Act to ensure that it gets a moratorium to detail out revival plans in a manner that can satisfy both creditors and shareholders with its capacity to service debt and equity, he said.

The company will implement the asset monetisation plan in a manner that is consistent with the comprehensive restructuring plan, he added.

The group has lined up a plan to divest as many as 24 projects to raise around Rs 30,000 crore and pare its mount of debt, which as of the June quarter stood at over Rs 91,000 crore, of which over Rs 57,000 crore is from state-run banks.

Earlier in the day, the annual general meeting of IL&FS, which was expected to throw up concrete plans to tide over the liquidity crisis at the infra major, failed to make any headway with no clear commitment from its large shareholders to take part in the Rs 4,500-crore rights issue.

The development comes a day after Reserve Bank of India (RBI) deputy governors N S Vishwanathan and M K Jain met representatives of LIC, the single largest owner with 25.34 percent, and Japan's Orix Corporation, that owns 23.54 percent, and reportedly asked them to ensure the systematically important NBFC does not go belly up.

The development also comes after the insurance regulator Irdai has reportedly asked the entities under its watch to declare its exposure to the crippled company.

The city-headquartered engineering and infra lending conglomerate owes over Rs 91,000 crore to lenders but has been on a defaulting spree since 27 August.

So far, it has failed to make over a dozen payments. IL&FS Financial Services Saturday informed exchanges that it has defaulted on payment of Rs 71.38 crore of term loan.

It also failed to make interest payment of Rs 8.69 crore on NCDs and another Rs 162.9 crore towards interest and principal payment of a different NCD.

At the AGM, Sankaran addressed several issues of shareholders that have been concerning them.

"The strategy has three parts: to successfully complete the ongoing rights issue to enable the company to recapitalise itself; to sell assets and repay our creditors; and third is to be able to get liquidity to repay our debtors till our asset sale cycle begins," he said in a separate video statement released after the AGM.

The company has already launched a Rs 4,500-crore rights issue, from which HDFC and the Abu Dhabi sovereign fund, which collectively own a little over 21 percent, are keeping away.

The company is also looking for an immediate liquidity of Rs 3,000 crore from lenders.

Some shareholders who attended the AGM, which was not open to the media, told waiting reporters that Sankaran also told the meeting that they are in discussion with the government and the RBI to put in place a legal framework before it could sell assets.

"Proposed asset sale can happen only with a legal framework as the company is in default. They have kept a timeline of 45 days to get the legal framework in place to commit to sell assets," a shareholder said.

Another shareholder said the management also hinted at retrenchments as well as salary and bonus cuts to reduce cost.

The debt-laden company has set a target of selling over two dozen assets to raise around Rs 30,000 crore. It is eyeing to raise Rs 12,000-16,000 crore by selling its transport business (ITNL), the shareholder added.

As many as 14 out of 19 road projects of ITNL have been completed and are saleable, they said.

"The bulk of rights issue LIC, Orix and SBI are likely to subscribe. They are hoping to raise full Rs 4,500 crore," another shareholder said.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, HDFC, Central Bank of India and SBI hold 12.56 percent, 9.02 percent, 7.67 percent and 6.42 percent, respectively, in the cash-strapped company.

The IL&FS group is facing a serious liquidity crisis and has defaulted on interest payment on various debt repayments since 27 August.
Gita Gopinath was born and grew up in India. She is a U.S citizen and an Overseas Citizen of India. She received her Ph.D. in economics from Princeton University in 2001 after earning a B.A. from the University of Delhi and M.A. degrees from both the Delhi School of Economics and University of Washington.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde appointed Gita Gopinath on Monday as Economic Counsellor and Director of the IMFs Research Department. Ms. Gopinath will succeed Maurice (Maury) Obstfeld, who announced in July that he would retire at the end of 2018. Ms. Gopinath currently serves as the John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and Economics at Harvard University.

Gita is one of the worlds outstanding economists, with impeccable academic credentials, a proven track record of intellectual leadership, and extensive international experience, Ms. Lagarde said. All this makes her exceptionally well-placed to lead our Research Department at this important juncture. I am delighted to name such a talented figure as our Chief Economist.

Ms. Gopinath is co-editor of the American Economic Review and co-director of the International Finance and Macroeconomics Program at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). She is co-editor of the current Handbook of International Economics with Former IMF Economic Counsellor Kenneth Rogoff. She has authored some 40 research articles on exchange rates, trade and investment, international financial crises, monetary policy, debt, and emerging market crises.

Ms. Gopinath was born and grew up in India. She is a U.S citizen and an Overseas Citizen of India. She received her Ph.D. in economics from Princeton University in 2001 after earning a B.A. from the University of Delhi and M.A. degrees from both the Delhi School of Economics and University of Washington. She joined the University of Chicago in 2001 as an Assistant Professor before moving to Harvard in 2005. She became a tenured Professor there in 2010.
Three people were sentenced to death in Iran over alleged corruption crimes, state television reported yesterday.

Judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said the courts handed down out death sentences to three defendants after convicting them of "spreading corruption on earth", a capital offence under Irans Islamic laws.

Mohseni Ejei did not name the three but said the sentences could be appealed to the supreme court. He noted that 32 other defendants were sentenced to jail terms of up to 20 years for economic crimes, IRNA reported.

Mohseni Ejei warned truck drivers who have continued their protests for higher wages and affordable parts despite several rounds of arrests, Reuters reported.

"Harsh penalties await those who ... block lorry traffic on roads," he said, according to IRNA.
Monthly transactions through unified payments interface (UPI) increased by more than 30 percent month-on-month to 405.87 million in September, totalling over Rs 59,835 crore in value, according to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) data.

New Delhi: Monthly transactions through unified payments interface (UPI) increased by more than 30 percent month-on-month to 405.87 million in September, totalling over Rs 59,835 crore in value, according to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) data.

About 312.02 million UPI transactions totalling Rs 54,212.26 crore were clocked in the month of August 2018.

Of the total, government-backed BHIM UPI registered 16.33 million transactions worth Rs 7,064.86 crore in September compared to 16.5 million transactions (totalling Rs 6,872.57 crore) in the previous month.

Over 120 banks are now live on UPI in the country as on September, according to the NPCI data.

UPI, which is a payments system launched by the NPCI, facilitates fund transfer between two bank accounts without having to share details of the beneficiary's bank account.

At the end of August, there have been more than 31.6 million downloads of the BHIM app on Android and around 1.63 million on the iOS platform.

In a statement, Alibaba and SoftBank-backed Paytm claimed that it registered over 137 million UPI transactions in September, contributing over 33 percent of the overall transactions.

The company said it has been enabling and promoting BHIM UPI for offline payments and over 5 million offline merchants out of its 9.5 million merchant-base now accept Paytm UPI.

"Our country is embracing digital payments for their everyday use cases. Paytm has built an ecosystem where users can make payments for various services such as mobile recharges, electricity and water bills, metro commute and also at the offline stores," Paytm Senior Vice President Deepak Abbot said.

UPI numbers from PhonePe were not available. Google Pay (previously called Tez) did not disclose its numbers for the month of September but as per a blogpost dated September 18, it claimed to have 25 million monthly active users.
The merger of the two entities, in fact, would lead to a better ecosystem and strengthen the country's civil and defence aviation industries, it said.

Mumbai: Urging the government not to privatise profit-making Pawan Hans Ltd, the state-run chopper operators officers union has proposed the company's merger with defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). Such a merger would strengthen both the domestic civil and defence aviation sectors, the Pawan Hans Officers Welfare Association (PHOWA) said in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week.

The union urged the government go for a public issue of Pawan Hans Ltd (PHL) as per the guidelines of DIPAM (Department of Investment and Public Asset Management) rather than opting for an outright sale of the aviation entity.

Pawan Hans is a 51:49 joint venture between the central government and state-owned oil explorer ONGC.

After failing to get a good response to its first attempt to handover Pawan Hans to private players, the Centre on 13 April issued a fresh information memorandum for the 51 percent stake sale in the company and sought EoIs (expressions of interest) from interested bidders by 18 June. Later, fresh bids were invited after the ONGC board in July decided to combine its 49 percent stake in the offer and extended the date to September 10 and then subsequently to 19 September.

"The Pawan Hans Officers Welfare Association proposes strategic merger of PHL with HAL in a way the recent merger of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited with ONGC and Hospital Services Consultancy Corporation (HSCC) with NBCC to bring more value to the parent organisation," the association said in the letter to Modi.

The merger of the two entities, in fact, would lead to a better ecosystem and strengthen the country's civil and defence aviation industries, it said.

Opposing the 100 percent strategic sale of the company, the association said, "PHL should be placed in the listing for IPO as per latest guidelines of DIPAM as being a

profit-making CPSE with positive net worth to have more autonomy and accountability as a responsible PSU to meet the strategic requirement through the company."

Pawan Hans currently has 42 helicopters in its fleet and before the government decided to privatise the company, it had proposed to induct another 100 aircraft along with some fixed-wing planes as part of a five-year business plan.

Stating that the central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) are "critical" to the country's development, PHOWA listed the objectives for which Pawan Hans was set up.

"Pawan Hans, a rini ratna CPSE, was set up with the primary objective of providing essential helicopter support services in strategic areas of importance such as oil and gas sector, medical emergency services, disaster management, security surveillance and operations in hilly and inaccessible areas of north-east, among others."

On the other hand, HAL has initiated `Make-in-India' programme of manufacturing small fixed-wing aircraft (Dornier) and Dhruv Mak-III to bring it in the civil market, it said.

"The combination of both the entities (PHL and HAL) will take forward the government agenda of `Make-in-India' and making flying more affordable through its `UDAAN' scheme by utilising the holistic competency of the companies," said the association.

UDAAN is a regional connectivity scheme under which the government plans to provide connectivity to remote areas and enhance access in under-served regions.

"The predominant theme of PSU Conclave/Vision 2022 is the merger of similar CPSEs to benefit from economies of scale, increase competitiveness and access to cheaper

international funding," the association said.
BSNL has pan-India operations except in Delhi and Mumbai, while MTNL provides services in Delhi and Mumbai circles.

New Delhi: The Department of Telecom (DoT) plans to seek the Cabinet's approval in the next two months for the allocation of spectrum to state-run telecom firms BSNL and MTNL for 4G services, an official source said.

"The draft Cabinet note is expected to be ready in mid-October after which it will be floated for inter-ministerial consultation. Thereafter the DoT will approach the Cabinet with a revised draft note in November," the source told PTI.

BSNL has submitted a detailed project report to the government seeking spectrum for 4G services in lieu of equity. BSNL has sought Rs 6,652 crore as equity infusion from the government to fund its spectrum purchase worth about Rs 13,885 crore, according to information shared by telecom minister Manoj Sinha in Parliament.

BSNL chairman and managing director Anupam Shrivastava had earlier said that the corporation is seeking spectrum in the 2100 MHz band for all circles, except Rajasthan, where the company is looking for spectrum in the 800 MHz band.

MTNL Chairman and Managing Director P K Purwar requested the government to grant it 4G spectrum in lieu of equity worth around Rs 6,500-7,000 crore and extend its mobile licence which is expiring in 2019 till 2021.

Sinha in mid-September had said that survival of BSNL and MTNL without 4G spectrum is tough and the government is working on a strategy to settle issues that have emerged due to some decisions of the apex court.

"I will try by end of this year, it should not be in 2019 but in 2018, the government should decide on the allocation of 4G spectrum," Sinha had said.

BSNL has pan-India operations except in Delhi and Mumbai, while MTNL provides services in Delhi and Mumbai circles.
Petrol prices have crossed Rs 90 a litre in many states while diesel is selling at over Rs 80 a litre, due to high VAT rates that states charge on these items.

Petrol prices hit Rs 91-mark in Mumbai today (1 October). The fuel price has gone up by 24 paise to Rs 91.08 per litre. The price of petrol had already crossed the Rs 90-mark in more than 20 of Maharashtra's 36 districts.

In other metros too, petrol prices have seen a hike. In Delhi, petrol price saw a 33 paise jump at Rs 83.73 per litre. In Chennai, the fuel price 25 paise to Rs 87.05 per litre while in Kolkata the price of petrol was up 23 paise at Rs 85.33 per litre, according to Indian Oil Corporation (IOC)

Diesel prices too matched steps with petrol fares. Diesel prices in Mumbai were up by 32 paise at Rs 79.72 per litre. In Delhi, diesel is costly by 30 paise at Rs 75.09 per litre; in Chennai it was up 32 paise at Rs 79.40 per litre while in Kolkata, prices were up 30 paise at Rs 76.94 per litre.

Earlier last week, Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of petroleum and natural gas, said reducing taxes on fuel will not have any lasting impact due to the continuing volatility in crude prices.

Blaming global factors for the skyrocketing prices of petroleum products in the country, Pradhan said reducing taxes on oil products by the Centre and the states will not have any lasting impact due to the volatility in crude prices.

The basic problem is that crude prices are volatile.

The effect of any measures, including reduction in VAT by the states and the Excise duty by the Centre will not last long due to the volatility in crude prices. And as long as there is no stability in crude prices, this kind of assessment will not be appropriate, he said.

The minister, however, said higher prices is a matter of concern and government is finding ways to offer some relief to the public.

Currencies across the world are falling due to the strengthening of the US dollar. The main reason for the rise in petroleum products has been the rupee depreciation and a cut in crude production by the producing countries, he said.

Petrol prices have crossed Rs 90 a litre in many states while diesel is selling at over Rs 80 a litre, due to high VAT rates that states charge on these items. While Maharashtra has the highest VAT on oil products in the country to the tune of over 39 percent, making almost 53 percent of the price that a motorist pays is taxes, Goa, Delhi and Chandigarh have the lowest VAT rates.

Ahead of the US sanctions, kicking in from 4 November on Iran, crude prices have been on an upward spiral. Since the beginning of this January, crude has rallied over 30 percent, when the rupee has lost almost 15 percent.

The country meets 82 percent of its oil demand through imports.

--With PTI inputs
The debt-laden IL&FS said on Saturday it is working on a detailed restructuring plan and will appoint Alvarez & Marshal to formulate a turnaround strategy.

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has allowed the government to take over the debt-laden IL&FS Board in a Satyam-style takeover. A Mumbai bench of judges M K Shrawat and Ravikumar Duraisamy approved the takeover of IL&FS board by government nominees, saying the mismanagement at the crisis-ridden IL&FS made the present case a fit one for invoking Article 241 (2) of the Companies Act-2013, that provides for the suppression of the existing board.

The bench said going by the Centre's petition, it was apparent that the "affairs of IL&FS were being conducted in a manner prejudicial to public interest". It, thus, approved the Centre's proposal to let a six-member team take over the IL&FS board.

The new members nominated on the board include Uday Kotak of Kotak Bank, GN Bajpai ex Sebi chief, GC Chaturvedi - ICICI Bank chairman, and three retired IAS officers, viz, Malini Shankar, Vineet Nayyar and Nand Kishore. More members will be inducted on the board as Ministry of Corporate Affairs is authorised to appoint 10 members.

The new board members have been given the liberty by the bench to unanimously elect a chairperson from among themselves.

The new board has been directed to hold its first meeting on 8 October this year, and to submit a report on its finding and a roadmap before the bench by 31 October, the next date of hearing.

The bench also issued a notice to IL&FS, directing it to respond to all points raised by the Union government in its plea by 15 October this year.

The next hearing of the IL&FS case is on 31 October.

IL&FS case similar to Satyam fiasco

The government said that a precedent was set by the 2009 Satyam case.

The NCLT has approved the dismissal of the members of the current board of IL&FS. The government said the directors had failed to discharge their duties and the affairs of the board have been prejudicial to the public.

Preliminary probe shows severe mismatch in books similar to what happened in the 2009 Satyam Computer Services case. In the Satyam case, the firm's chairman Ramalinga Raju had confessed to the then bluechip's firm's accounts being fudged and inflated. The government through the Company Law Board took control of Satyan's board and appointed 10 nominal directors. It nominated Deepak Parekh -banker, Kiran Karnik - former NASSCOM chief and C Achuthan - former SEBI member to Satyam's board.

'This is the best govt can do for IL&FS'

With regard to the IL&FS case, the NCLT said this is the best it could do in the IL&FS case.

#ILFSMess | NCLT says 'This is the best which the govt can do in a situation like IL&FS' pic.twitter.com/SN5Cee72uB  CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18Live) October 1, 2018

Sources close to IL&FS said it is likely to support the application as it will help resolve all the pending issues and reach a comprehensive solution for the benefit of all stakeholders.

The key shareholders of IL&FS include Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), State Bank of India (SBI) and Central Bank of India. IL&FS, where LIC is the largest shareholder with 25.34 percent stake, has a debt burden of over Rs 90,000 crore. Other shareholders include Abu Dhabi Investment Authority with 12.5 percent stake, IL&FS Employees Welfare Trust with 12 percent, HDFC with 9.02 percent, Central Bank of India with 7.67 percent and State Bank of India (SBI) with 6.42 percent at the March-end 2018.

The government decided on the move after the cash-strapped firm, and its subsidiaries defaulted to lenders. Earlier in the day, media reports said that the government was contemplating this move.

#Govt likely to move #NCLT in Mumbai for change of management of IL&FS, learns @ShereenBhan & JN Gupta, Fmr ED, SEBI says unfortunate that the IL&FS issue is being politicised pic.twitter.com/MCcE4PBXF5  CNBC-TV18 News (@CNBCTV18News) October 1, 2018

Meanwhile, lenders have refused to provide around Rs 3,000 crore additional funds to IL&FS unless it explains how it will repay the debt, a report in the Business Standard said.

The debt-laden IL&FS said on Saturday it is working on a detailed restructuring plan and will appoint Alvarez & Marshal to formulate a turnaround strategy.

The decision was taken by the crisis-ridden company's board after the AGM on Saturday.

"We will develop a comprehensive plan for restructuring so as to be able to demonstrate to the creditors and the shareholders that the intrinsic value of the group is sufficient in repaying its liabilities. We have decided to appoint a specialist agency -- Alvaraz & Marshal--to take this plan forward," vice-chairman and managing director Hari Sankaran said in a video released late evening to the media after the board meeting.

Financial advisory firm Alvarez & Marshal will develop the plan, seek approvals from the board and all stakeholders, and then proceed to implement it, Sankaran said.

He said the company would continue to pursue its application under the relevant section of the Companies Act to ensure that it gets a moratorium to detail out revival plans in a manner that can satisfy both creditors and shareholders with its capacity to service debt and equity, he said.

The company will implement the asset monetisation plan in a manner that is consistent with the comprehensive restructuring plan, he added.

The group has lined up a plan to divest as many as 24 projects to raise around Rs 30,000 crore and pare its mount of debt, which as of the June quarter stood at over Rs 91,000 crore, of which over Rs 57,000 crore is from state-run banks.

IL&FS defaults

On 4 September, it came to light that IL&FS had defaulted on a short-term loan of Rs 1,000 crore from Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), while a subsidiary has also defaulted on Rs 500 crore dues to the development financial institution, which reportedly forced SIDBI to ask its chief general manager in charge of the risk management department to resign.

In a letter to its employees, IL&FS had claimed that if funds worth Rs 16,000 crore stuck with concession authorities were released on time, it would not have landed in this mess.

"Our monies were used to fund the cost and time overruns caused by concession authority delays in handing over right of way.

"It is our case that if concession authorities released our monies, around Rs 16,000 crore of IL&FS group liquidity and stuck in claims and termination payments, we would not be in the situation that we are in," IL&FS had said in its letter.

IL&FS, which is credited for building the longest tunnel in the country (the Chenani-Nashri tunnel), is sitting on a debt pile of around Rs 91,000 crore and had been downgraded to junk status by rating agencies following the default. Of this, Rs 57,000 crore are bank loans alone, most of which are from state-run lenders.

While IL&FS Transport Network, the holding firm of the group's road assets, has nearly Rs 35,000 crore consolidated debt, IL&FS Financial Services has Rs 17,000 crore of debt, which sits as standard asset for most banks, according to a Nomura India report.

--With PTI inputs
The output of crude oil and fertiliser dipped by 3.7 percent and 5.3 percent respectively, according to the data released by the commerce and industry ministry on Monday.

New Delhi: The growth of eight infrastructure sectors slowed down to 4.2 percent in August against 4.4 percent in the year-ago month on account of decline in production of crude oil and fertiliser.

The output of crude oil and fertiliser dipped by 3.7 percent and 5.3 percent respectively, according to the data released by the commerce and industry ministry on Monday.

On the other hand, coal, natural gas, and electricity production grew by 2.4 percent, 1.1 percent and 5.4 percent respectively compared to 15.4 percent, 4.2 percent, and 8.3 percent respectively in August 2017.

Refinery products, steel and cement also recorded positive growth.

During the April-August period of the current fiscal, these sectors have grown 5.5 percent as against 3 percent in the year-ago period.
Lakshmi Vilas Bank has also set a target of Rs 800 crore to Rs 1,000 crore through recoveries from defaulters.

Mumbai: The Tamil Nadu-based mid-sized private sector lender Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB) is planning to raise around Rs 2,000 crore in fresh equity capital before the

end of the current financial year, and has appointed JP Morgan Chase for advice on the process, a top official said on Sunday.

The bank has also set a target of Rs 800 crore to Rs 1,000 crore through recoveries from defaulters. So far this fiscal, it has recovered around Rs 350 crore from defaulters.

It had mopped up around Rs 700 crore last November through a qualified institutional placement to promoters. The fresh fundraising plan through preferential allotment comes on the back of an expected uptick in credit growth for the bank, led by small-scale units and retail demand, chief executive and managing director Parthasarathi

Mukherjee told PTI over the phone from Chennai.

"We are working on raising anywhere between Rs 1,500 crore and Rs 2,000 crore in fresh equity capital during this fiscal year. While the effort is on to get the money in by December, in any case, it should be in before the end of the fiscal year as JP Morgan Chase, which is advising us, is already getting a good response," Mukherjee said. The money will help the bank fund its growth which can clip around 20 percent, he said.

Asked about news reports that the bank's promoters are planning to exit or cede management control by selling up to 51 percent to strategic investors, he declined to comment. However, I-banking sources told PTI that the bank already has held many rounds of discussions with global private equity leaders like Baring and Aion Capital, among others.

They also said the deal may be modelled after the Canadian NRI Prem Watsa of Fairfax Holdings' purchase of 51 percent in the Thrissur-based Catholic Syrian Bank (in Kerala) that was concluded recently.

On asset quality, Mukherjee said the bank has been "witnessing a perceptible improvement in our assets quality moderation in stress in the lending book and as well as buoyancy in recoveries."

"We have already recovered around Rs 350 crore so far this fiscal and have set a target of mopping up Rs 800 crore to Rs 1,000 crore from defaulters by March," he said.

Last fiscal, the bank had added over Rs 2,915 crore in fresh bad loans, leaving it with a net loss of Rs 585 crore against a profit of Rs 256 crore in the previous fiscal year.

In the June quarter of this fiscal, its gross dud loans widened to 10.73 percent from 3.78 percent in June 2017, leading to a net loss of Rs 124 crore from a profit of

Rs 66 crore a year earlier.

Asked about a massive fall in the bank stock last Friday, Mukherjee said it came as a surprise to him as nothing has changed negatively for the bank, and pointed to the

massive sell-off in midcap stocks when the bank counter slumped 20 percent to Rs 71.05 on the BSE.

In an exchange filing late Saturday on this, LVB said, "The bank has been consolidating its business significantly during the current financial year. During this year, asset quality slippages have considerably moderated and the bank has seen an impressive growth in low-cost Casa balances. Overall, our funding has become a lot more granular in nature now."

"Our capital raising process, including induction of strategic investors, is proceeding as per plan and investment managers have seen good interest from high-quality global investors so far. It is expected that the process will be completed well before the financial year-end," it said.

On other key metrics, Mukherjee said the bank's low- cost deposits Casa has grown by over 50 percent in the past three years, since he took over, to 21 percent of the total deposits. Higher Casa base helps a bank net higher margin. He said the bank's liquidity condition is very good and he does not see any challenges going forward.

"There is credit demand now, thanks to SMEs and new retail borrowers. This has helped our asset base to change from 50 percent of corporate book three years ago to 61 percent now being non-corporate book. Today, corporate asset is only 39 percent," he said.

Founded in 1926, the bank has a strong retail base in Tamil Nadu, apart from Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra with 567 branches.
By David Ljunggren OTTAWA (Reuters) - With little time left ahead of a deadline to agree to a renewed NAFTA, Canadian and U.S. trade officials on Sunday tried to settle differences on tough issues such as protection against American tariffs.

By David Ljunggren

OTTAWA (Reuters) - With little time left ahead of a deadline to agree to a renewed NAFTA, Canadian and U.S. trade officials on Sunday tried to settle differences on tough issues such as protection against American tariffs.

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump said Canada must sign onto the text of the updated North American Free Trade Agreement by midnight EDT on Sunday (0400 GMT Monday) or face exclusion from the trilateral pact, which includes Mexico.

NAFTA underpins $1.2 trillion in annual trade and markets fear its demise would cause major economic disruption.

Two Ottawa sources directly familiar with the talks said a deal could be very close but stressed some challenging matters had yet to be solved.

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro on Sunday said everyone involved was working in good faith and reiterated the Sunday deadline.

"It's either going to be the text goes in with Mexico and the U.S. or the text goes in with all three countries," he told the Fox News Channel.

U.S. business groups oppose turning NAFTA into a bilateral deal because the three nations' economies have become closely intertwined since the original pact came into force in 1994.

Officials though have blown through several deadlines since the talks started in August 2017 and a third Canadian source said that if the two sides were close enough at midnight, negotiations could spill over into Monday.

Negotiators - still apart on matters such as dispute resolution and a U.S. demand for more access to Canada's dairy markets - are also tackling the matter of American tariffs.

Trump has already imposed tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel, citing national security, and is threatening similar punitive measures against auto exports. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it makes no sense to sign onto a new NAFTA only to be hit by new tariffs and is seeking safeguards.

"It's a challenging task to figure that out and they're spending a lot of time on that right now," said the third Canadian source.

One solution might be to imitate the provisions of the bilateral Mexico-U.S. deal on NAFTA.

The two nations signed a side letter allowing Washington to pursue tariffs on annual Mexican car and SUV imports of over 2.4 million vehicles, a number that significantly exceeds last year's total. The Mexican government said the letter provided insurance that gave the auto industry scope to grow.

A fourth Canadian source directly familiar with the negotiations said any suggestion Ottawa would accept a cap or quota on autos exports was completely inaccurate.

The office of Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland did not respond to requests for comment.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren; Additional reporting by David Lawder in Washington; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
A unit of the National Iranian Oil Co. (NIOC) signed a deal with a local firm yesterday to build a crude oil storage facility near Irans southeastern port of Jask with an initial investment of 200 million euros ($232 million), the oil ministry news website SHANA reported.

State-run NIOCs subsidiary Petroleum Engineering and Development Co. (PEDEC) signed the agreement with Petro Omid Asia Co. to build the facility with a total capacity of 10 million barrels on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis in Jask, which is located on the Gulf of Oman coast, SHANA said, adding that Omid Investment Management Group Co. also signed the deal, under which construction should be completed within three years.
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Thyssenkrupp said on Sunday that its supervisory board had unanimously approved plans to split the conglomerate in two, paving the way for the group's largest restructuring in decades. Approval for the move, first announced on Thursday, was widely expected after the company's two largest shareholders - the Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach foundation and Cevian - and labour representatives expressed their support

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Thyssenkrupp said on Sunday that its supervisory board had unanimously approved plans to split the conglomerate in two, paving the way for the group's largest restructuring in decades.

Approval for the move, first announced on Thursday, was widely expected after the company's two largest shareholders - the Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach foundation and Cevian - and labour representatives expressed their support.

In addition, Guido Kerkhoff was appointed CEO on a five-year contract, confirming him in a role he had been filling on an acting basis, Thyssenkrupp said.

"Our solution is responsible and equally serves the interests of employees, customers and shareholders. We will now decisively start implementation," Kerkhoff said in a statement.

Bernhard Pellens, a business school professor, was named as the group's new supervisory board chairman.

Under the planned new structure, Thyssenkrupp will spin off its capital goods business - elevators, car parts and plant engineering - into a separate listed entity called Thyssenkrupp Industrials.

Materials trading, shipbuilding and the group's 50 percent stake in a planned joint steel venture with Tata Steel will remain part of Thyssenkrupp, which will be renamed Thyssenkrupp Materials.

(Reporting by Christoph Steitz; Editing by Douglas Busvine and Jane Merriman)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
The RBI had last month curtailed the three-year term that Yes Bank's board had sought for its MD and CEO Rana Kapoor, also one of the promoters of the bank, to 31 January, 2019, and asked the bank to find a replacement.

New Delhi: Yes Bank on Monday said proportion of dud loans has reduced in the last one year and the asset quality outlook is "stable".

The midsize private sector lender's debt instruments have been put on 'credit watch with developing implications' by Care Ratings, it disclosed in a regulatory filing.

"Over the past few days, some unfounded speculations regarding the bank's asset quality have been brought to its notice. In this context, management clarifies that the asset quality continues to be stable," a bank statement said.

The bank also said that the liquidity position is "comfortable" with a liquidity coverage ratio of 101 percent as on September 30, 2018.

The lender's scrip had been witnessing a heavy sell-off, eroding 40 percent of its value since the Reserve Bank curtailed down the term of its co-promoter, managing director and chief executive, Rana Kapoor, till January 2019, for unspecified reasons.

Yes Bank was found to have under reported its non-performing assets (NPAs) by over Rs 10,000 crore for two consecutive years by the RBI.

The bank revealed that the proportion of gross NPAs have declined to 1.35 percent as on 30 September, 2018, from 1.82 percent the year ago.

In the numbers released before the announcement of the quarterly results, it said loans have grown 61.5 percent to Rs 2.40 lakh crore as on September 30, and this includes domestic advances of Rs 2.20 lakh crore.

Deposits have grown 41 percent to Rs 2.23 lakh crore, with the share of the low-cost current and savings deposits at 33.8 percent, it said.

The bank said the data is subject to approval by the audit committee of the board, board of directors and review by its statutory auditors.

Meanwhile, the lender said it will finalise the two external members on a panel to search Kapoor's successor by 7 October.

The newly-formed search and selection committee will be assisted by a global leadership advisory firm and evaluate both internal and external candidates, it said, adding that RBI timelines will be adhered to.

On 25 September, the board decided to seek an extension of up to eight months beyond the trimmed down period of 31 January, 2019 for Kapoor to stay on so that the bank could find a successor and meet other regulatory demands of closing the financial accounts for the year.

It also established the search and selection committee comprising three members from the existing nomination and remuneration committee along with two external experts to identify Kapoor's successor.

To ensure a long-term succession plan, the board elevated senior group presidents Rajat Monga, who handles financial management, and Pralay Mondal, who heads the focus area of retail, as executive directors.

The bank statement Monday said it has submitted its application to the RBI for approving the elevation for the two officials.

In a message to employees, its non-executive chairman Ashok Chawla said the bank is "transiting through a process of change", but stressed that its fundamentals are "rock solid".

"The management continues to take all necessary measures for the change management to progress seamlessly," he said.

The bank's stocks were trading 5.07 percent up from the previous close at Rs 192.75 a piece on the BSE at 1413 hrs.
Shares of Yes Bank were falling for the past two days, plunging by 18 percent.

New Delhi: Shares of Yes Bank soared nearly 10 percent on Monday when the lender said it is fully geared up for the succession plan for the post of its MD and CEO and it will finalise two external experts for search committee by 7 October.

The stock zoomed 9.68 percent to end at Rs 201.20 on the BSE. During the day, it jumped 14.30 percent to Rs 209.70.

On NSE, shares of the company climbed 8.82 percent to close at Rs 199.85.

The stock was the biggest gainer among the blue chips on both the key indices.

RBI last month curtailed the three-year term that Yes Bank's board had sought for its MD and CEO Rana Kapoor, also one of the promoters of the bank, to 31 January, 2019, and asked the bank to find a replacement.

"The bank is fully geared for the MD & CEO's succession. Pursuant to the Board of Directors meeting dated September 25, 2018, the two external experts of the Search & Selection Committee will be finalised by 7 October, 2018," Yes Bank said in a statement.

The stock was falling for the past two days, plunging by 18 percent.
In separate incidents of gun shootings in Delhi, a man was shot dead by two assailants in Mahendra Park area while a woman was shot at by a person known to her in Harsh Vihar area.

A 31-year-old man was killed on Monday in north-west Delhi's Mahendra Park after he was allegedly shot by two assailants.

The victim, identified as Ankit Garg, was shot dead around 8.30 am on Monday. The police is yet to ascertain the motive behind the shooting.

The victim's family has, however, alleged that he was shot as he was in a relationship with his student, who was a Muslim girl. CNN News18 reported that the deceased and the woman wanted to get married. However, the student's brother opposed their relationship as they belonged to different religions. The victim was allegedly threatened many times before being shot dead. Two eyewitnesses claimed that they saw woman's brother opening fire at him.

However, the police are yet to confirm the matter. The police said that the man was a private tutor.

In a separate incident in Harsh Vihar area, a woman was reportedly shot at by a person known to her. The lady has been admitted to a hospital and an investigation is underway.

The latest incidents come barely a day after a 34-year-old man named Rupesh died after being shot by two unidentified men in the national capital's Taimoor Nagar area on Sunday, triggering protests among the locals.

Rupesh's family and neighbours alleged that the two men were drug peddlers and since the victim had opposed the sale of drugs in the area, the duo attacked him.

With inputs from ANI
'We already have a Madhya Pradesh Gau Samvardhan Board, but it is my wish to make a full-fledged ministry for the protection of cows,' Shivraj Singh Chouhan said.

Khajuraho: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday called for the establishment of a full-fledged independent ministry in the state for the protection of cows.

Addressing a public gathering, the chief minister said, "We already have a Madhya Pradesh Gau Samvardhan Board, but it is my wish from the heart to make a full-fledged ministry for the protection of cows. A board has its own limitations, as the government provides fewer funds to it in several installments, but if an independent ministry will be created, there will be a better inflow of finances."

Emphasising further on the need to intensify people's effort for the protection of cows, Chouhan advised citizens to shelter cows in their homes as per their capacity.

"People should start doing more for the protection of cows. If every house just shelters two to four cows as per their capacity, there can be a big revolution," he added.

Earlier in June, Swami Akhileshwaranand, who was elevated from the post of Chairman of the state's cow protection board to the rank of a cabinet minister in the Madhya Pradesh government, had appealed to Chouhan for the formation of a cow ministry.
The country has been shocked and outraged at the cold-blooded murder of Apple executive Vivek Tiwari in Lucknow in the wee hours of Saturday.

The country has been shocked and outraged at the cold-blooded murder of Apple executive Vivek Tiwari in Lucknow in the wee hours of Saturday. Two police constables  Prashant Chaudhary who pulled the trigger and his beat partner Sandeep Kumar  were dismissed from service by Saturday evening in an apparent show of the Uttar Pradesh government's zero-tolerance for thuggery in uniform. Justifying the dismissals, state police chief OP Singh termed the constables' action a "criminal act, a clear case of murder" and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that "this was not an encounter".

They might as well have spared us this tasteless charade. This apparent outrage is at complete odds with the "thok denge" (we'll bump them off) philosophy of the administration. It is a war cry that has empowered and emboldened thousands of Prashant Chaudharys in all corners of Uttar Pradesh to become trigger-happy hunters in uniform. The swift action against the two constables, deserving though it is, is in reality a set-up to hang individuals for aberrations and absolve the system that thrives on excesses.

There are certain glaring instances of criminality that the Uttar Pradesh government is seeking to cover up in this instance. Constables are neither trained nor authorised to carry the pistols. During their training, they are not familiarised with the operation of the weapon. The question arises: how then do they carry the pistol on their person? The reality of how Prashant Chaudhary would have acquired the weapon will send shivers down your spine.

Such weapons (which are rarely available in the police stations armoury) are issued to the most favoured constables of the station head. These favoured men then prowl the area and throw their weight around to extort money from the vulnerable and indulge in wanton criminality in the garb of khaki. Interestingly, though none of these constables are trained to handle the weapon, they prefer to carry pistols instead of vintage 303 rifles because it is a status symbol. With a pistol in their belts and Yogis thok denge dinned into their ears, they genuinely believe that they have license to kill. Ever since the Uttar Pradesh police has launched the latest encounter-spree, they have unleashed thousands of Prashant Chaudharys on citizens of the state. Rest assured Vivek Tiwari is not an aberration in Yogis Uttar Pradesh, just about anybody can well end up in the same way.

The moment the state police had launched its thok denge drive, I had a premonition for the worst. When the police claimed to have gunned down 18 criminals in encounters and chest-thumping itself in glory, I had cautioned that it would be nothing less than unleashing of a Frankenstein that would come back to bite its creator. But in this age of state-authorised insanity under the regime of a self-righteous chief minister who doubles up as head of a prominent Hindu spiritual seat, caution is meaningless as everything he does is believed be divinely ordained.

Remember the manner in which the police had called the media to record a live encounter in which two youths, Mustaqueem and Naushad, were shot dead by the police at Harduagang of Aligarh on 20 September? They were accused of having criminal antecedents by the police to justify their execution in a shockingly extra-judicial manner. It is this brazen legitimisation of violence by the state that is reflected in the cockiness of Prashant Chaudhary.

Will it be right to put the entire blame on Yogis doorstep for this malignancy which has criminalised governance in Uttar Pradesh? Obviously not. Yogi is just a sequel to the long story that began in the eighties under VP Singh. He was the first chief minister to give the police a licence to kill in their fight against the legendary dacoit gangs of Chambal. The killing of citizens on the pretext of launching operations against dacoits found legitimacy in the culture of governance. VP Singhs machismo proved to be his undoing.

His brother was killed by dacoits near Banda forcing him to quit as the chief minister in July 1982.

VP Singh was consumed by the Frankenstein when his brother was killed by dacoits near Banda and he had to step down as chief minister. But the culture of violence that gradually criminalised the state police outlasted him as reflected in the manner in which the state police was involved in mass-killings in Aligarh, Hashimpura, Maliana and Pilibhit  and got away with it. What is particularly baffling is the abject surrender to this culture by successive DGPs in the state whose instinct for survival got the better of their commitment to policing.

Let me recount an instance to point out how the police itself became part of the underworld and gang wars. In 1991 there was a shoot out in Lucknows posh Hazratganj area in which a gangster, Virendra Singh, was killed by the police. But this story was a half-truth. The complete truth was that the gangster was attacked by his rivals from Gorakhpur owing allegiance to Harishankar Tiwari, an ex-minister and warlord of the region. Virendra Singh took shelter in a building to save himself from the killers when the police reached the spot and gunned him down. In effect, the police acted like a hired assassin of the Tiwari gang.

Since the nineties, the state police have been reduced to playing second fiddle to gangsters across the state as most warlords acquired political legitimacy after being elected to either the state Assembly or Parliament. Nobody knows it better than Yogi Adityanath whose emergence in politics as popular face is attributed to his fierce fight against Harishankar Tiwari and his associates. That is perhaps why he is not averse to violence as a legitimate political tool to control organised crime.

But he seems to be totally oblivious to the fact that there is a world of difference between running the Gorakhnath Peeth and fighting the underworld and heading a government that swears by the Constitution. His flaunting of the states masculinity has inexorably criminalised the police which has been truly reflecting the essence of Allahabads Justice Anand Narayan Mullas description of the state police in the sixties: I say it with all sense of responsibility that there is not a single lawless group in the whole country whose record of crime is anywhere near the record of that organised unit which known as the Indian police force.

Dismissing Prashant Chaudhary will do nothing to make citizens of Uttar Pradesh safer. Moderating the "thok denge" philosophy of crime busting will help more as it is less likely to provide state cover for men in uniform to transform into demons.
Ending Navlakha's house arrest, the high court said that the apex court had extended Navlakha's house arrest by four weeks to enable him to appropriate legal recourse, which he has availed.

The Delhi High Court on Monday ended the house arrest of activist Gautam Navlakha, arrested in connection with the Bhima Koregaon violence.

It also set aside a trial court's transit remand order which Navlakha had challenged before the matter was taken to the apex court, and said that his detention had exceeded 24 hours, which is "untenable".

Monday's development comes days after the Supreme Court ruled that house arrest of the five activists should continue for four more weeks from 28 September.

Ending Navlakha's house arrest, the high court said that the apex court had extended his house arrest by four weeks to enable him to access appropriate legal recourse, which he has availed.

Reacting to this, activist Sehba Hussain expressed happiness and said that it was a small victory for activists. "Bigger victory is yet to come as many others are still under house arrest or in Pune jail," she said.

Very happy.For 35 days he has not stepped out. It's a political battle&this is a small victory.Bigger victory is yet to come as many others are still under house arrest or in Pune Jail:Sehba Hussain,activist on Gautam Navlakha's transit remand set aside by Delhi HC #BhimaKoregaon pic.twitter.com/rGBT2SYd6w  ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2018

Navlakha was among the five activists  including Varavara Rao, Vernon Gonsalves, Arun Ferreira, Sudha Bharadwaj  who were arrested by the Pune Police after the pan-India crackdown on 28 August. They were put under house arrest following an apex court order on the plea by historian Romila Thapar, economists Prabhat Patnaik and Devaki Jain, sociology professor Satish Deshpande and human rights lawyer Maja Daruwala against the police action.

Upon his arrest, the police wanted to take Navlakha to Pune in connection with an FIR lodged there following an event  Elgaar Parishad (conclave)  held on 31 December, 2017 that had triggered violence. However, the high court had earlier stayed the transit remand, which was given by a district court in Saket.

With inputs from agencies
Advocate General Lalit Kishore, who appeared for the state government, informed an high court bench that 'there will be complete ban on use of plastic bags in any form from 25 October in urban areas, while it will be banned in rural areas from 25 November across the state.'

Patna: Plastic bags will be completely banned in urban areas of Bihar from 25 October and in rural areas from 25 November, the state government informed the Patna High Court on Monday.

Advocate General Lalit Kishore, who appeared for the state government, informed an high court bench that "there will be complete ban on use of plastic bags in any form from 25 October in urban areas, while it will be banned in rural areas from 25 November across the state."

The bench of Chief Justice MR Shah and Justice Ashutosh Kumar was hearing a PIL for banning the use of plastic or polythene bags.

Kishore made it clear that all types of plastic bags, irrespective of their thickness, would be banned in the state from the mentioned dates.

The court had taken note of a news report in a Hindi daily on 23 June on the pollution in a pond located on the premises of sacred Mahabodhi temple in Gaya. It had asked the state government to make a law for banning the use of plastic bags along with a provision for penalty for its violators.

The government had in the middle of September come out with a draft notification for a blanket ban on the manufacture, sale and use of plastic after seeking objections and suggestions from people, various organisations, institutions and stakeholders.

As per the draft notification, the plastic bags are non-biodegradable, produce toxic gases on burning, cause blockage of sewers and drains and pose a threat to the life of cattle.
Amit Shah attacked the TRS regime in Telangana for bringing in early elections.

Hyderabad: BJP's campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections in Telangana is expected to get a boost with party president Amit Shah addressing a public meeting at Karimnagar on 10 October.

"Sri Amit Shah ji Karimnagar public meeting on 10 October, 2019," BJP's Telangana unit president K Laxman said in a media release on Monday. Shah had kicked off the party's campaign for the Assembly polls by addressing a meeting at Mahabubnagar on 15 September.

In his speech, he had attacked the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) regime in Telangana for bringing in early elections and for not implementing the party's 2014 election promises like making a Dalit leader the chief minister. Laxman had earlier said the party's national leaders, including Union ministers, would also take part in the campaign.

Accordingly, Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani had addressed a meeting for women, organised by the party at Chegunta near Hyderabad last week. BJP has announced that it would go alone in the Assembly polls.

The polls were originally scheduled to be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections next year. However, the Assembly was dissolved prematurely last month, which necessitated elections ahead of schedule. The election schedule is yet to be announced.
Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin and Special Representative of the Georgian Prime Minister for Relations with Russia Zurab Abashidze will meet in Prague today.

Yesterday Karasin said that during the talks, the sides will primarily discuss trade, humanitarian contacts and transport issues, TASS reported.

The talks will be also attended by representatives of foreign ministries, ministries of economy and transport of Russia and Georgia.

On December 14, 2012, Abashidzes first meeting with Karasin took place in a Geneva suburb, a breakthrough after the cutoff of Russia-Georgia diplomatic ties in 2008. Tbilisi and Moscow stated many times that the meetings in this format have produced positive results in restoring cooperation.
It is interesting to note that India has 120 crore telephone subscribers, 42 crore Internet subscribers, 28 crore mobile internet users and is ranked at the 23rd position out of 165 nations in Global Cybersecurity Index 2017 of the United Nations.

New Delhi: Around 9,800 websites and 46,000 Twitter accounts having terror and provocative contents have been blocked by the law enforcement agencies amid a massive crackdown against cybercriminals. A large chunk of the crime syndicate on the agencies' hit list for the next phase is suspected to be using the dark web in online trading of drugs, arms, radicalisation, recruitment and inter-terrorist group communication. This all-out war has been launched to deal with the multi-faceted challenges in the virtual world in the backdrop of data theft, the security breach in social media platforms, circulation of fake news, the role of messenger services on mob lynching and frequent use of social media by terrorist groups in the Kashmir Valley.

The government documents reviewed by Firstpost suggests that the war is not yet over. The security agencies have requested the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for enhancement of international cooperation through the formation of an international convention on monitoring and regulating of cyberspace, bilateral treaties and MoUs with industries of global repute. It is leant that matter has been raised to the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) headed by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The NSCS advises the prime minister on important strategic and security issues. Besides, the Ministry of Home Affairs has already taken up the issue of localisation of servers of major service providers and sovereign cloud deployment as done by Microsoft for China and Germany. Sources said, if required, amendments in the IT Act will be made to deal with subversive activities in cyberspace and efforts are afoot to improve the legal and regulatory framework.

There are suggestions that we must use economic and market strength to force foreign-based communication application companies to comply with Indian laws and requirements of Indian law enforcement agencies. There is another proposal of mandatory breach disclosure, which is being discussed. Since we do not have a mandatory breach disclosure law, it is being deliberated to have a disclosure policy for all entities to have a clear understanding of the threat. We are carrying out the operation to detect and neutralise threats, websites with terror contents and inflammatory social media contents despite minimum cooperation. Servers of popular sites are located outside India with encrypted data and unshared keys having no backdoor. The Computer Emergency Response Team-India, is being roped in to take these measures forward," sources said further adding that absence of uniform international law enforcement procedures, prevalence of different cyber laws in different countries, tedious process of mutual legal assistance treaties and insufficient bilateral arrangements with other countries are some other major roadblocks for security agencies.

It is interesting to note that India has 120 crore telephone subscribers, 42 crore Internet subscribers, 28 crore mobile internet users and is ranked at the 23rd position out of 165 nations in Global Cybersecurity Index 2017 of the United Nations. Despite the huge number of users, the foreign services providers are denying encryption keys and moreover, there is a substantial delay in response to lawful requirements by the Indian security agencies.

The government is also mulling to constitute a centre of excellence for cyber communication monitoring and analysis for social media monitoring, sharing of tools developed by Central agencies with the state police and formation of dedicated IT cadre, knowledge partners and appointment of domain experts for cyberwar rooms. Sources said Delhi Police is learnt to have appointed a former professor of Delhi Technical University as the chief technical officer and other states would be encouraged to adopt this practice.

According to the documents, the government is also working on a proposal to bring clarity about the legal position on cryptocurrency to deal with criminal elements exploiting cyberspace for ulterior motives and committing crimes. The move was initiated immediately after a kidnapping in Punjab, in which ransom was demanded in Bitcoin. The government wants to resolve jurisdictional issues and formulate regulations.

Since cryptocurrency is neither legal nor illegal at present in several territories, the security agencies have decided to use a tool developed by INTERPOL to track its transactions in India, which is a grave national security threat. This tool has been offered to law enforcement agencies free of charge, sources further said.
A group of journalists and civil society activists has written to the Chennai Commissioner of Police expressing concern over threats to Sandhya Ravishankar.

Chennai-based journalist Sandhya Ravishankar has alleged that multiple attempts to stalk and intimidate her have been made in the recent past after she wrote a series of reports on the sand mafia in Tamil Nadu.

Ravishankar has alleged that Savukku, an online portal, recently published a blog, which includes CCTV visuals of her meeting a source at a coffee shop. In a series of tweets, she said that the owners of the cafe said that they do not download CCTV footage unless the police ask them for it. "It is therefore evident that Savukku has received the CCTV footage from the police. Who that police personnel is and why he/she handed over the footage to Savukku so that they may publish the same on their site, remains a mystery."

A group of journalists and civil society activists has written a letter to AK Viswanathan, Chennai Commissioner of Police, alleging that complaints made in this regard to the Chennai Police "have not met with the attention they deserve". They have sought an administrative inquiry into the publication of the CCTV footage and demanded that measures be taken to protect her privacy.

Ravishankar has written for numerous media outlets, including Firstpost. She has claimed that she has faced intimidation for her reports on sand mining in The Wire. The reports highlighted violations of beach sand mining regulations which took place during both the tenures of J Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi.

On an earlier occasion, she had complained to the Press Council alleging that she has been harassed by the supporters of S Vaikundarajan, one of the largest beach sand miner in the country.

Ravishankar has faced abuse and intimidation on several occasions earlier as well. In January 2017, she had filed a complaint with the Chennai Commissioner of Police alleging that associates of a powerful beach sand mining company divulged her mobile number on social media, after which she received rape threats.

Of late, there have been numerous instances of journalists facing intimidation in Tamil Nadu. This article highlights how scribes were manhandled and detained by the police when they were covering the protests against the Salem-Chennai eight-lane highway project in Tiruvannamalai. The article also points out that during Jayalalithaa's tenure, over 200 defamation cases were filed by the government, leading the media to be circumspect while criticising the administration.
According to an RTI response, the Maharashtra Police withdrew old rioting cases against Sambhaji Bhide, six months before the violence in Koregaon-Bhima near Pune.

New Delhi: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Monday criticised the withdrawal of certain cases against Sambhaji Bhide, who is also a suspect in the recent Bhima-Koregaon violence, alleging it has exposed BJP's "anti-Dalit" stand.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) reiterated its demand that the culprits who indulged in violence in the Bhima-Koregaon incidents be brought to justice. "The BJP government in the state has also withdrawn cases against hundreds of BJP-Shiv Sena workers," the CPI (M) alleged in a statement.

"In sharp contrast, the cases that were slapped against dalit activists remain and they continue to be subjected to undue harassment. This totally exposes BJP's anti-dalit stand. This is condemnable," the statement said.

The Maharashtra Police withdrew old rioting cases against the right-wing leader, six months before the violence in Koregaon-Bhima near Pune, response to an RTI query has revealed. The cases were filed against Bhide in 2008 and 2009 in Sangli in western Maharashtra, it said.

A senior police official, however, said Monday the charges against the 85-year-old in the Koregaon-Bhima violence case have not been dropped.

Bhide, a former Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activist who heads Shiv Pratishthan Hindustan, is an accused in the 1 January Bhima-Koregaon caste violence case.

Violence broke out on 1 January during the annual celebrations at Bhima Koregaon to mark the 200th year of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon.
The NGO's advocate, Prashant Bhushan, had requested the court to issue direction to the Central government and Kandla Port Trust (KPT) to cancel the tender dated 28 March, 2014 awarded to Friends Salt Works and Allied Industries (FSWAI) for allotment of land of 50 acres for the purpose of liquid storage tanks.

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Monday said it cannot entertain a plea seeking cancellation of a lease awarding 50 acres of land at Kandla Port in Gujarat to a private firm due to lack of territorial jurisdiction.

"Hence, it must be held that no part of cause of action has arisen within the territorial jurisdiction of this court and the present petition is not maintainable in this court," said a bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V Kameswar Rao.

However, the bench granted liberty to the petitioner NGO, Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL), to approach the appropriate forum.

The NGO's advocate, Prashant Bhushan, had requested the court to issue direction to the Central government and Kandla Port Trust (KPT) to cancel the tender dated 28 March, 2014 awarded to Friends Salt Works and Allied Industries (FSWAI) for allotment of land of 50 acres for the purpose of liquid storage tanks.

The advocate alleged that KPT overvalued the structures set up at the site by FSWAI when it leased the land in the past to ensure that only the firm gets the contract.

The Centre opposed the petition on grounds of lack of territorial jurisdiction. The petition claimed that FSWAI did not have to pay the amount of Rs 207 crore if it was successful in the bid.

The court turned down the submission of Bhushan that the Central government had a role to play in the working of the KPT. The court observed that the lease itself had been issued and executed by the authorities in Gujarat. It also noted that the land for which the tender had been issued was situated in Kutch, Gujarat, and the decision-making authority was in Gandhidham.
The 23rd meting of the Eastern Zonal Council under the chairmanship of Union home minister Rajnath Singh was held in Kolkata at the Nabanna Sabhaghar, the West Bengal chief minister's office.

Kolkata: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday decided to do away with the condition of advance payment for deployment of central armed forces in states, a senior official said in Kolkata.

The decision was taken on representation from the state governments, Secretary of the Inter-State Councils Secretariat, R Buhril told reporters.

The ministry used to charge an advance payment for deployment of central armed forces from the states. On the representation of the state governments, the ministry has decided that it would do away with this requirement of advance payment, he said while briefing about the Eastern Zonal Council meeting.

The 23rd meting of the Eastern Zonal Council under the chairmanship of Union home minister Rajnath Singh was held in Kolkata at the Nabanna Sabhaghar, the West Bengal chief minister's office.

The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Jharkhand chief minister Raghubar Das. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and his Odisha counterpart Naveen Patnaik sent their representatives to the meeting.

While Bihar was represented by Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, Odisha finance minister Shashi Bhusan

Behera participated from his state. Senior officials of the respective states and the Union home ministry were also present at the meeting.

The meeting also reviewed progress of the unresolved items of the last meeting relating to Phulbari Dam under the 1978 agreement between Bihar and West Bengal governments, Buhril said.

There were also discussions on central share under post matric and pre-matric scholarship schemes for the SCs/STs/OBCs and schemes for the modernisation of the state police forces, the official said.

It also deliberated on the issue of allocation of land for the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research in Kolkata and Hajipur in Bihar, he said.

Out of a total of 30 issues discussed Monday, 26 were resolved, the official said.

There were discussions on maternal and child nutrition through integrated food fortification project, bringing green

revolution to eastern India as well as issues relating to mining and coal mining states in this zone, the Inter-State Councils Secretariat secretary said.

There were also discussions on the issues arising out of the bifurcation of Bihar and Jharkhand. There was a review of the rail movement for socio economic development of this zone, railway electrification, construction of dedicated freight corridor and road over bridges and road under bridges in lieu of level crossings, Buhril said.

Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar in 2000.

The Council also took up new issues, including development of allocated coal mines, implementation of various National programmes of health, establishment of shelters for urban homeless under DAY-National Urban livelihood mission, expeditious clearance for right of way for laying optical fibre cable and land acquisition for the development of 11 airports in these states.

The five zonal councils (western, eastern, central, northern and southern) were set up under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 to foster inter-state cooperation and coordination among the states.

They are mandated to discuss and make recommendations on any matter of common interest in the field of economic and social planning, border disputes, linguistic minorities among others.
The Pune Police said no charges against Sambhaji Bhide and the other accused have been removed so far in the Bhima Koregaon violence case, and the investigation is still on.

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has dropped three decade-old cases against Sambhaji Bhide, a Mumbai-based Right to Information (RTI) activist has claimed.

Bhide, also a suspect in the Bhima Koregaon violence, is the founder of Shri Shivpratishthan, Hindusthan, which identifies itself a cultural organisation.

Activist Shakeel Ahmed Sheikh, who filed the RTI in the matter, said that after coming to power in 2014, the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis-led government withdrew three cases against Bhide, which were filed in 2008 for allegedly vandalising cinema halls screening the movie, Jodhaa Akbar.

Earlier this year, Sheikh filed the RTI seeking information on the number of cases withdrawn against politicians, their party workers and the common man.

"I filed an RTI on 4 March seeking information on how many cases against political leaders and their supporters were withdrawn since 2008. Three cases against Bhima Koregaon violence accused Sambhaji Bhide were withdrawn and nine cases against the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Shiv Sena leaders were withdrawn," the activist said.

Sheikh further alleged that most of the people, whose cases were withdrawn by the state government since 2014 till now, were accused of rioting and damaging public property.

Meanwhile, Pune Superintendent of Police Sandeep Patil said, "No charges against Bhide and others have been removed so far in the Bhima Koregaon violence case, and the investigation is still in progress."

Earlier this year, Bhide allegedly instigated violence during the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Bhima Koregaon battle. During the clashes in the Pune district on 1 January, one person was killed, while many others were left injured.

Bhide, however, has denied the allegations.
The video showed one female cop thrash the woman while the male cop questioned her why she liked a Muslim man being a Hindu herself.

Meerut: The three police personnel who were suspended last Tuesday after a video that went viral showed them assaulting a young Hindu woman for befriending a Muslim man in Meerut, have been transferred, following suspension.

According to the Additional Director General(ADG) Prashant Kumar, Neetu Singh, head constable, has been transferred to Varanasi zone, while constables Salek Chand and Priyanka, have been sent to Gorakhpur.

Their suspension has not been revoked yet and a departmental inquiry is underway.

The video showed one female cop thrash the woman while the male cop questioned her why she liked a Muslim man being a Hindu herself.

They will continue to remain under suspension until the investigation is completed by the police, Kumar said, to facilitate a fair probe into the matter. On being asked whether any arrests have been made in this case, the senior police officer said that the victims statements are being recorded by the police and that they will definitely take action against the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) members who stirred this unnecessary controversy.

Any action will be taken only once the investigation has been completed, and we are also contemplating on calling friends of the girl for their statements, he added. Kumar also added that a letter has been written to District Commandant Home Guards for the termination of HG Sainserpal, who was also present inside the police response vehicle (PRV) during the assault.

On 23 September, Uttar Pradesh Police had apprehended the two friends based on a complaint by VHP activists, who claimed that it was a case of Love Jihad. The girl was assaulted by the aforementioned cops, after which the video went viral on social media inviting flak from all corners of society.

The victims mother said that she is not interested in pursuing this issue or visiting the police station repeatedly, as it would interfere with her daughters education.

When asked about the entire issue and about the cops transfer, she said that she has no faith in the police and would not like to take it further.

According to the Samajwadi Party (SP) spokesperson, Ameeque Jamai, this step of the government will boost the morale of the tainted policemen. Jamai says being posted to the chief ministers home district is a matter of pride, and rather a privilege for these policemen who deserved to be punished.

The chief minister has been using police services for his political interest," said the SP spokesperson accused. He also said that the cops should not have been transferred before the enquiry was completed.

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi has termed it as a routine exercise. This is not an issue and transfers in the police department or any other government department are regular departmental exercise. It will help the investigation officer to complete its probe fairly, he said.

The author is a Lucknow-based freelance journalist and a member of 101Reporters.com
Despite the Supreme Court order on two occasions that eligibility for the priesthood should be knowledge of rites and traditions and not caste and clan, the Sabarimala shrine has failed to comply with the order so far.

The Supreme Court verdict on the entry of women of all ages in the Sabarimala hill shrine in Kerala has rekindled the hopes of non-Brahmin priests to enter the sanctum sanctorum of one of the most sought-after temples in the state.

Vishnu Narayanan, a Dalit priest with over 25 years of experience in various temples across the state, is hoping to get a call from the temple authorities to serve as a head priest (melsanthi) in one of the two temples in Sabarimala in the light of the apex court order.

An application he submitted last year for the post of chief priest in either Ayyappa temple or the adjacent Malikappuram Devi temple at Sabarimala was rejected by the state-controlled Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) that administers the temple as he was a not a Brahmin. The TDB considers only Malayali Brahmins for the post in select temples including Sabarimala.

The notification issued by the TDB on 25 July, 2018 inviting application for the posts of chief priests for next year beginning from the coming pilgrimage season also insists on the Brahmin origin of the candidate as the main eligibility for applying for the coveted post.

Narayanan, 38, had applied for the post last year on the basis of a 2014 directive of state Devaswom secretary directing the TDB to appoint priests in temples under it without considering the caste and clan of the candidate.

The directive was issued in pursuance to the 2012 Supreme Court verdict paving the way for the appointment of Dalits as priests in temples in the state. Earlier in 2002, the court had lifted the ban on appointing non-Brahmins as temple priests.

The court had ruled on both the occasions that eligibility for the priesthood should be knowledge of rites and traditions and not caste and clan. Narayanan fulfilled all the criteria prescribed by the TDB for the post except that of caste.

While TDB insisted only pass in class 10, ten years experience as the head priest, and knowledge of puja and tantra, Narayanan, who received training in temple rituals from a famous priest, holds two Masters degrees and experience as the head priest for 16 years in major temples in the state.

Narayanan has been serving Pallam Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple at Kottayam district, also known as Dakshina Kashi, for the last seven years. He had approached the Kerala High Court last year against the rejection of his application in violation of the Supreme Court order and the Devaswom secretarys directive.

Though the Devaswom Bench of the court had admitted his petition and appointed an amicus curiae to study the case, the latter is still sitting on the issue. Narayanan said he will approach the high court again if his application for this year also is rejected by the TDB.

The Dalit priest is not likely to get justice from the TDB this year too. TDB president A Padma Kumar, a nominee of the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist), hinted at rejecting his application.

He pleaded helplessness, saying that the guidelines issued by the high court in the case were against Narayanan. However, he refused to spell out the guidelines. Kumar, who was appointed as TDB chief in November last year, told Firstpost that he could not say anything further on the issue without referring to the files.

Narayanan has termed the TDB chiefs statement a lie. He said that the court had not even made any observations on his petition let alone issuing guideline. It is waiting for the report of the amicus curiae, who has not even heard him once, he said.

This is a clear case of blatant violation of the court verdicts and government orders. The TDB has discriminated against me because I am a Dalit. I may not be a Brahmin by birth but I have better qualifications than many Brahmin priests, Narayanan added.

He said that he was determined to fight this injustice since he had a debt to pay to his guru Mathanam Vijayan Thantri, who was denied the post in 1980 even after he was cleared by the interview board. He died in 2008 without fulfilling his dream.

I would carry forward his fight to ensure justice to his soul, Narayanan said adding that the spirit of the latest apex court verdict on the entry of women in Sabarimala was against all sorts of discrimination.

EK Lalan, president of the Sree Narayana Vaidika Samithi, a body of non-Brahmin priests, said they will support Narayanan to achieve his objective. He said that he was sure that backward caste priests would get justice if they go to Supreme Court.

Unfortunately, we dont have the money to fight a case at the highest level of the judiciary. We have over 2,000 non-Brahmin priests working in various private temples in the state. If the upper castes continue to oppress us we will take our struggle to the streets, Lalan told Firstpost.

Curiously, the non-Brahmin priests are fighting for their right despite Kerala facing acute shortage of Brahmins to take up the priestly jobs. A report in Hinduism Today said that the new generation of Brahmins was not coming forward to enter the profession as they consider priesthood primitive.

The youth complain about the demanding routines, such as waking up early to bathe, spending long hours each day in the temple and living on temple premises. They want to live like their counterparts in other castes and religions, the report said. This kind of priest family life is not liked by the girls in our community. These days girls are generally well educated and well employed. Therefore, finding a bride for a priest becomes very difficult, Sankaranarayanan Namboothiri, a brahmin who works at a major bank was quoted as saying by Hindusim Today.

In contrast, the Ezhava and Nair boys who come from the lower strata of the society consider priest job as a good opportunity to rise in the social ladder. The non-Brahmin communities have been trying to grab the opportunity by setting up their own priest training programmes.

However, the report said that devotees were finding it difficult to come to terms with the non-Brahmin priests. Quoting a former Devaswom Board official, the report said that devotees in many places had refused to even receive the temple sacraments from non-Brahmin priests forcing the board to withdraw and post them in their offices as clerks.

Dalit priest, S Sudhikumar, who was not allowed to join duty as an assistant priest by the devotees at the famous Chettikulangara Devi Temple at Mavelikkara in Alappuzha district, said that the attitude towards non-Brahmin priests was changing fast.

He said that the people who had opposed him a year ago were now happy with his performance and fully cooperating with him. Most of the six Dalit priests who were appointed in the TDB temples last year also shared the same view.

Social activists have viewed this as a strong sign of the changing mindset of devotees and expressed the hope that the state can march ahead in its journey towards social inclusion if the authorities too changed their approach similarly.
Readers are likely to have viewed video footage on Sunday night of a civilian Pakistani helicopter intruding on Indian airspace and being fired upon with small arms by troops in the Gulpur segment of the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir

Readers are likely to have viewed video footage on Sunday night of a civilian Pakistani helicopter intruding on Indian airspace and being fired upon with small arms by troops in the Gulpur segment of the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir. That is an area in which I served 34 years ago and know like the back of my hand. I found insufficient informed commentary on the incident both on television and in the print media on Monday morning, and understandably so, because few people are fully aware of the rules of engagement at the LoC or experienced enough to comment on the incident.

Except for hardcore aviators of the Indian Air Force and Army Aviation officers, few have been very deeply involved in the issues of flying in the vicinity of the LoC, a hazardous activity at most times. However, I have to reiterate one of my oft-repeated lines here  and one I use too often for comfort  that there can be no black and white situations at the LoC; everything there is a guideline to be used with discretion based on judgment of the situation. There are life and death involved in these situations and often, potential triggers for escalation of none-too-stable an environment and we cannot treat them casually.

The rule position as far as I can recall is that no fixed wing aircraft (combat/transport) or helicopter should fly within 10 kilometres and one kilometre from the LoC respectively, without intimation to the other side. Any dilution is to be conveyed to the other side by fastest means; usually through the DGMO, although there are other communication lines available, but none are particularly reliable where credible records can be maintained. At the LoC, the Indian Army takes care to construct helipads outside the one-kilometre space except a few that are designated purely for casualty evacuation (casevac) and used only for those contingencies in a 'no war no peace' situation (NWNP)  that too, after intimation.

However, there is an interesting aspect here that many a helicopter pilot will recall. It is not that one is driving to a helipad, one is flying to it and much depends on the wind pattern and other technical parameters of approaches in mountain flying. I have been so very often taken by our pilots almost right to the LoC to make a circuit of approach to land at an authorised helipad. I could have been shot down at any time if a black-and-white minded local junior Pakistan Army commander exercised the rules of engagement as per the book. Not a very pleasant thought.

In August 1995, a Pakistan Army Aviation helicopter was allegedly shot down in the Siala sub sector of the Northern Siachen Glacier; both pilots died. The helicopter used to make a daily foray into our territory and disregarded our visual warnings to keep away, a rogue act to my mind. In 1996, the Pakistani force commander, Northern Areas (FCNA)  a major-general  died when his helicopter was allegedly engaged by our troops. These are two past incidents I can recall. A third one in late 2011 was even more interesting.

An Indian Army Aviation helicopter on a flight from Leh to Kargil strayed across the LoC, flew fairly deep into PoK and actually landed at a Pakistani helipad (I cannot recall which one) under the mistaken impression that it was a helipad in Kargil. It is not very easy to discern from the air what the exact alignment of the LoC is in such areas, as there is no clear demarcation on the ground. Once a little disoriented, human errors can take place about understanding the alignment as many landmarks appear quite similar from the air. The helicopter was returned by the Pakistan side within a few hours without any efforts at intimidation or otherwise; it did promote a level of goodwill between the two armies. Pakistani officers I met later informed me that the then Pakistan army chief, General Parvez Kayani personally directed the early return of the helicopter.

As far as I can recall, there is no discrimination between military and civilian helicopters in the rules of flying at the LoC. So how does one view the 700-metre intrusion on Indian airspace (we can split hairs over the fact that PoK's air space is also Indian, but that won't be helpful here) by the civilian helicopter flying the PoK's so-called prime minister Raja Farooq Haider. Should the Indian troops, have fired upon it or not? A difficult question to answer, no doubt and as I stated earlier it isn't an easy situation to encounter where the time for response is extremely little. Obviously, the Pakistani helicopter was breaching the rules by flying so close in the first place and that too, not at the best of times when tensions between the two countries run so high.

In responsible appointments in Kashmir, there is an inherent fear with which I lived  that a rogue Pakistani terrorist outfit could get hold of a helicopter and attempt to do something quite unpredictable on our side of the LoC. To that extent, an unidentified helicopter on the Indian side of the LoC in the area of responsibility would, in my perception, spell a potentially unacceptable threat. That is the only reason I would justify the action by our troops to fire small arms on the straying helicopter. It was not written on it that it was carrying the so-called PoK prime minister. Yet, I go back to my earlier stance that there are inadvertent human errors that do occur in flying.

Given that, my experience would force me to view the intrusion as something potentially mischievous if the machine circled the area repeatedly and persisted in Indian territory for more than an 'acceptable' time frame (very difficult to define). This is not a sufficient explanation to cater to a potential terrorist-laden machine making a beeline to a quasi-strategic target, but then we cannot cater for everything.

Without pontificating, I reinforce what I stated, that rules are guidelines and every situation has its merits and demerits. No senior commanders must attempt to legislate black and white directions for such situations but train their officers and troops for the best possible decision in the grey environment and back them. That is what the unpredictability of conflict/NWNP is all about, and shooting down every stray helicopter is not, in my perception, a very prudent decision.

The author is a retired lieutenant-general and former general officer commanding 15 and 21 Corps
Rajnath Singh will meet tribal outfit INPT's leaders in Delhi on 4 October to discuss their demand for a National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Tripura.

Agartala: Union home minister Rajnath Singh will meet tribal outfit INPT's leaders in Delhi on 4 October to discuss their demand for a National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Tripura, a party leader said on Monday.

"Following our request, the home minister has called Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura (INPT) president Bijoy Kumar Hrangkhawl and General Secretary Jagadhish Debbarma to New Delhi to discuss the demand," INPT Advisory Council Chairman Srota Ranjan Khisa told IANS.

Khisa said, "Tripura's main Opposition tribal party will also file a petition in the Supreme Court soon to seek introducing of the NRC in the state. We will also hold a sit-in in New Delhi in November on the issue."

He said that the INPT last month submitted a memorandum to the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India in New Delhi on the reasons for the need of the NRC in Tripura.

The INPT has been campaigning in Tripura in support of its demands  withdrawal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016; more constitutional power to Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council; introduction of inner-line permit in these areas; and inclusion of Kokborok language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.

Another tribal party, the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) which is a junior partner in the Bharatiya Janata Party-led alliance government, is also agitating in support of similar demands.

Six other smaller tribal parties in Tripura have also been intermittently voicing their support for demands concerning the tribals, who comprise one third of the state's four-million population.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel held telephone talks with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko over bilateral ties and the situation in eastern Ukraine, the presidential press service said.

During the talks, the two leaders agreed to continue peacekeeping efforts and contacts at the highest level in a bid to settle the conflict in Ukraine's east.

Another topic of the conversation was the preparation for Merkel's planned visit to Ukraine, which is slated for early November.

In addition, Poroshenko and Merkel exchanged views on energy security, TASS reported.
Roots in Kashmir has written a letter to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres regarding 'issuance of fake stamps by Pakistan'.

Roots in Kashmir, a Kashmiri Pandit youth initiative, on Monday wrote a letter to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres regarding "issuance of fake stamps by Pakistan". The letter stated that the "Pakistan government had recently issued postal stamps which they believe would aid in 'highlighting' the human rights abuses of Kashmiris by the Indian government."

The letter added that the group found one stamp which used the picture of a "protest carried out by the Kashmiri Pandit group Roots in Kashmir to protest against its forced exodus and exile, the perpetrators of which are terrorists and subversives supported by Pakistan."

Roots in Kashmir said they see this as "an attempt to appropriate the exodus and exile of Kashmiri Pandits and thus a spiteful attempt at not just deflecting blame but also an attempt to deny the victims of ethnic cleansing a right to protest by appropriating their symbols of protest."

Roots in Kashmir further urged the UN chief to formally write to the Government of Pakistan to withdraw the stamps and ask them to issue an apology "to the entire Kashmiri Pandit community for the crimes against them and also for the false representation they have tried to make by using the protest picture of Roots in Kashmir."

Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi referred to the stamps during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly and said that India "used the pretext of stamps issued months ago, of a Kashmiri activist and depicting grave human rights violations, including pellet gun victims, as an excuse to back out from the talks." India had called off a meeting between External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and Qureshi citing the stamps and the "brutal" killing of three policemen in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to India Today, two of the 20 stamps released by Pakistan were falsely attributed. Apart from the image mentioned above, another picture reportedly shows some children sitting and crying with the caption "homeless children".

A Google search for the image took the India Today team to several news articles related to the killings of 36 Sikhs at Chattisinghpora near Srinagar in March 2000.

Pakistan had used fake images to attack India in 2017 as well. Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN Maleeha Lodhi allegedly showed a Gaza war victim's photograph and claimed it to be an image representative of Indian atrocities. Lodhi showed the photograph terming it as the face of "Indian democracy".
Swati Maliwal would like to stick it to men who cheat on their wives, but it would be nicer if women could deal with being cheated on without also having to deal with shame and impoverishment.

By Nisha Susan

I once bumped into Dr Vijay Nagaswami at a party. I knew he was a Chennai-based therapist and the author of several excellent books including, 3s a crowd: Understanding and Surviving Marital Infidelity. In the manner of annoying party-goers everywhere, I promptly treated him like the Oracle of Delphi and asked, Is infidelity on the rise in India? Just as promptly, he replied, No, people are just getting caught more. His explanation was of course, phones. Ah yes, phones full of temptation, truths, texts, sexts and lies. But knowing they could leave a trail of evidence, people use their phones to cheat on their lovers and spouses. As they did before they had phones.

In the 1995 Tamil movie, Sati Leelavati, a mild comic adaptation of Fay Weldons She-Devil, Leelavati (played by the late, great Kalpana) does a number of things to take revenge on her cheating husband Arun (Ramesh Arvind). She leaves their children with her husband, befouling his perfumed love nest with immediate effect. She also ties their cow to the bumper of his fancy car. Legally, Leelavati would have had no recourse for her rage and sadness under the old laws except for divorce. On the other hand, if Leelavati had an affair with her husbands friend Dr. Sakthivel Gounder (played by Kamal Hasan) then Arun could have filed criminal charges against him. Sakthivels wife too would not have been able to file criminal charges to deal with her cheating husband. If Leelavati had slept with Saktivel with Aruns permission, all would have been okay. The law after all said, whoever has sexual intercourse with a person who is and whom he knows or has reason to believe to be the wife of another man, without the consent or connivance of that man, such sexual intercourse not amounting to the offence of rape, is guilty of the offence of adultery. And this idea that the wife is the husbands property is what has disappeared with the decriminalising of the adultery laws on 27 September 2018.

This was a pleasant surprise. The Centre had even recently argued that the law could be fixed by making adultery criminal for both men and women, thus joining a club of countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran and Somalia. Instead, the decriminalising of adultery came with kindly pronouncements from the bench such as The law in adultery is a codified rule of patriarchy... Respect for sexual autonomy must be emphasised. Marriage does not preserve ceiling of autonomy. Section 497 perpetrates subordinate nature of woman in a marriage.

But it is the pronouncements from other folks after the judgement that have been true revelations about the state of marriage. Most of these have been an uneasy and unhappy grumbling that, the future of marriage is f**ked, ya and that men are totally screwed ya. For such a popular institution, not too many people seem to have faith or joy in it.

I have been marvelling particularly at the stream of upset remarks from Swati Maliwal, the 33-year old, dynamic chair of the Delhi Commission for Women. Maliwal feels a great injustice has been done to women by decriminalising marriage.

She tweeted, Totally disagree with SC on adultery. They've given license to married couples 4 adulterous relationships. What's sanctity of marriage then? Instead of making 497 gender neutral, criminalising it both for women and men they have decriminalised it totally! Anti women decision (sic).

Factually, as many (including the always succinct Kavita Krishnan, secretary of AIPWA) have pointed out to Maliwal, she is totally in the wrong about any legal advantages a woman with a cheating husband might have. Nevertheless days after the judgment, Maliwal has continued to tweet her unhappiness.

Of course, ideas about marriage are rarely in the realm of facts. Here is what Ive gleaned Swati Maliwal believes about marriage.

-She doesnt quite believe that women cheat on husbands. Hence, she argues that SC should criminalise adultery by both sexes. Married women will be worst sufferer in present situation. Given that she has responded with a normal level of compassion to our massively sexist world, she could only think that such a gender neutral law is not going to harm women because she thinks mostly women do not cross the lakshman rekha.

-She believes that all women have the same response to finding out about adultery. Crushing pain and only crushing pain. A person whose lover or legally recognised partner is cheating on them could and do feel pain. But couples do not have the exact same responses to adultery. Women do not have the same exact reaction to adultery. They may move on after a confrontation. They may pretend to move on but always feel suspicious. They may feel that the shock of being cheated on has galvanised an indifferent marriage or an indifferent sex life. They may feel that this is tacit permission to have affairs of their own or seek other tough concessions. They may feel that it just means it is time to leave. To add to this mess, the possibility of one or both parties being imprisoned, as Maliwal would like, makes a terrorising assumption of same-sameness of feelings.

-That only the law has been keeping men from cheating on their wives. Maliwal tweeted, SC judgement has emboldened such men. A woman committed suicide when her husband defended his affair with SC ruling. Men and women have cheated on their partners for as long as there has been marriage. They do it in societies with great sexual freedom and they do it in societies where men and women barely mix socially. They have done it in countries where adultery is a quickly forgotten social solecism and in countries where youd be jailed. However she also says that many women she meets at the Delhi Commission for Women have been cheated on. (Imagine plight of a wife whose husband finds love outside marriage. U wish to understand the pain -visit DCW. Every second woman is facing this.) So the law doesnt seem to be working anyway. And barely any data is available to indicate that adulterous men have been prosecuted.

-Maliwal does believe in divorce for incompatibility of any sort and that people should swiftly turn to divorce rather than cheat on their partners. As she explained to someone on Twitter, Would suggest seek divorce first and then find your true love. Why be in an adulterous relationship? Why cheat on another human being?

-She believes marriage is sacred. What is the sanctity of marriage? she asked. This is a very good question. What is the sanctity of marriage if only the threat of jail time keeps your spouse in a marriage with you? If every morning as you pack upma into a tiffin you remind your husband that if he leaves you for that other woman, you can send him to jail?

-She believes that married women are at a great disadvantage when their husbands leave them. Here obviously, she is conflating being left after an affair with every other kind of breakdown of marriage, but how can anyone disagree? When Indian women enter marriages they are still entering as junior partners with much less rights. Their dowries, which is what still stands in as womens share of the family asset (in a broad swathe of the country), are negotiated by the boys side based on the boys qualifications. If abandoned, women find it hard to get back on their feet and to get any compensation. To this end, South Korea had criminalised adultery for 60 years to protect the rights of women who were often dependent on their husbands largesse. Over the years, thousands of Koreans were charged with adultery and hundreds were even sent to jail. But in 2015, the law was scrapped and one of the big reasons cited was this, other laws now provided women with greater legal security in their marriages, and a fair division of assets in the event of divorce. Not so in India where as TLF has reported before, only 13 percent of women really expect to inherit land from their parents. Family members and government officials alike, still do not recognise a womans right to land.

-Culturally, women are indoctrinated into going into marriages to hugely adapt to the needs and desires of the husband and the husbands family. To have the strength to negotiate anything from the sharing of household chores or power over the family income or to not face violence or to simply be able to visit their birth families without huge fights and drama, to have some choice in who women marry, to have some choice in deciding whether to marry at all, to be able to divorce if needed, these are the issues that should animate the chair of the Delhi Commission for Women. Much more than the dubious sanctity of marriage. It worries me that Maliwal might ever use the phrase outside of this rhetoric, in the premises of her office where she has the power to help so many women. A breadth of potential emotional responses within marriage or any romantic/sexual relationship is not reserved for the middle and upper middle classes.

Criminalising adultery did not benefit women as imagined by Lord Macaulay in 1837 while sighing about the the condition of women in this country. It is the elevated and glorious status of married men everywhere in the world that needs a shake-up. Swati Maliwal would like to stick it to men who cheat on their wives, which is a nice, cheerful thought, but it would be nicer if women could deal with the pain and anger of being cheated on without also having to deal with shame and impoverishment. The thin prospect of jail-time for cheating husbands was never a prize to long for.

The Ladies Finger is a leading digital womens magazine.
Rajnath Singh chaired a meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council in Kolkata to discuss issues related to inter-state relations and security matters, including the Maoist menace.

Kolkata: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday that states have been asked to identify Rohingya refugees and collect their biometric details.

"The Centre will send the biometric report collected by states to the Myanmar government through diplomatic channel," he said.

Singh chaired a meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council in Kolkata to discuss issues related to inter-state relations and security matters, including the Maoist menace.

The meeting was attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi. Odisha was represented in the meeting by Finance and Excise Minister Shashi Bhusan Behera.

The Union Home Minister said that the states required central forces which the Centre would provide as per need.
'I also think that (external affairs minister) Sushma Swaraj should not waste her breath speaking about Pakistan in the UN because Pakistan gets psychic pleasure when India abuses it. Just ignore Pakistan, prepare your military and one day break it up into four,' said Swamy.

Agartala: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Sunday called Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan a chaprasi' (peon), adding that Islamabad is run by the military, ISI and terrorists.

"Imran Khan is nothing but a 'chaprasi' because the country (Pakistan) is run by the military, ISI, and terrorists, and Imran Khan is just one of the 'chaprasi' of the government. He may be called the prime minister, but he is a 'chaprasi'," Swamy said while addressing a press conference in Agartala.

"There is only one solution to Pakistan. Balochis don't want to be part of Pakistan, Sindhis don't want to be part of Pakistan, Pashtuns don't want to be part of Pakistan, so break Pakistan into four parts - these three (Baloch, Sindh, Pashtun) and the residual West Punjab.... I also think that (external affairs minister) Sushma Swaraj should not waste her breath speaking about Pakistan in the UN because Pakistan gets psychic pleasure when India abuses it. Just ignore Pakistan, prepare your military and one day break it up into four," he added.

Swamy's statement comes after Swaraj on Saturday used the United Nations platform to highlight the serious issue of Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism and human rights violations in India.

Meanwhile, speaking on Bangladesh, Swamy said, "India will continue to support it, but prime minister Sheikh Hasina should be warned to stop those mad people from demolishing Hindu temples, converting Hindu temples into Masjid and converting Hindus to Muslims. If Bangladesh does not stop torturing the Hindus, I would recommend that our government invades Bangladesh and takes it over." Swamy was in Agartala to attend a programme of 'Sanskritik Gaurav Sansthan' Tripura unit.
Asaduddin Owaisi also cited the murder of two student leaders from the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) - Naushad and Mustakeem - as another such example of failed law and order.

Hyderabad: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday said the Uttar Pradesh government's 'thok denge' stance is promoting the culture of lawlessness in the state.

Owaisi's comments come in the wake of the death of Vivek Tiwari, an Apple executive, who was shot by a police constable in Lucknow's Gomti Nagar area on Friday.

"If the chief minister of any state says things like 'thok denge' in the state assembly, he is himself promoting this culture and behaviour with his words. Since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government was elected, a lot of people, especially Dalits and people from the minority sections, have been killed in the name of an encounter," he said.

Owaisi also cited the murder of two student leaders from the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) - Naushad and Mustakeem - as another such example of failed law and order. "There should be condemnation for the killing of Naushad and Mustakeem as well," Owaisi said.

"In Lucknow, the Apple executive, Tiwari, was shot without cause. There was no case against him, no past records. This is murder. This is happening because of the chief minister and the government's promotion of unlawfulness," said the AIMIM chief.

Owaisi further called for an independent investigation into the incident to put an end to the "culture of killing people in the name of an encounter."

"If they (people in general) are named in criminal cases, arrest them. On the one hand, they (police) are killing them and on the other hand, they (police) are charging them under the National Security Act (NSA). There are hordes of people, poor people, who are rotting in jail because of NSA charges," he added.

"I certainly condemn Tiwari sahab's murder and I stand with his family. But this matter will not finish as long as the BJP government sticks to their 'thok denge' style of governance," Owaisi added.

The AIMIM chief observed that the Uttar Pradesh Police should be wary of such incidents, as eventually, these cases will land in the courts and will be investigated.

"There isn't rule of law in Uttar Pradesh, there is rule by the gun. They have failed in governance, communal riots are the highest in the state. There is a 'Thakur-Raj' there. This is a state from where our country's prime minister won his seat, and hence, this is a direct reflection on him as well," Owaisi said.

Tiwari was returning home in the early hours of 29 September, when he was allegedly shot by a police constable for refusing to stop his vehicle. However, the cop in question has claimed that he fired in self-defence, as Tiwari tried to run his car over him.
Ashwini Upadhyay, who is also a Supreme Court lawyer, sought registration of a case against Arvind Kejriwal accusing him of 'promoting enmity on grounds of religion'

New Delhi: Delhi BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay on Monday lodged a police complaint against chief minister Arvind Kejriwal over the latter's tweets in connection with the shooting down of a tech company executive in Lucknow.

Upadhyay, who is also a Supreme Court lawyer, sought registration of a case against Kejriwal accusing him of "promoting enmity on grounds of religion" and "doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony". He filed the complaint against the chief minister at Tilak Marg police station.

Police said the complaint was being looked into. "We are seeking legal opinion on whether a case can be made out with regard to the complaint," a senior police officer said.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo had on Sunday hit out at the BJP over the killing of Vivek Tiwari, claiming "the BJP does not protect the interests of Hindus".

Tiwari , 38 was shot dead on Saturday by a police constable in Gomti Nagar area of Lucknow when he did not stop the car for checking.

In a series of tweets, Kejriwal had slammed the saffron party over the incident. "Vivek Tiwari was a Hindu, right? Then why was he killed? BJP leaders rape Hindu girls across the country? See it clear. BJP is not well-wisher of Hindus. If they have to murder Hindus for power, they won't think twice," he said in a tweet in Hindi.
Recently-released CCTV footage has exposed the lie of Prashant Chaudhary, who claimed that he had fired at Apple executive Vivek Tiwaris car in self-defence.

Recently-released CCTV footage has exposed the lie of Uttar Pradesh police constable Prashant Chaudhary, who claimed that he had fired at Apple executive Vivek Tiwaris car in self-defence. The footage shows him driving his car at a normal speed, and not in a suspicious way, as claimed by Chaudhary. It also shows Chaudhary and another policeman driving behind the car on a motorbike at 1.24 am. And yet six minutes later, Tiwari was dead, shot in the head by a single bullet.

In an impromptu press meet, Chaudhary said to the media that he was forced to fire in self-defence. He also claimed that when he tried to stop Tiwari for routine checking, the latter tried to run him over and to damage his motorcycle.

These claims have been rubbished by the UP ADG (Law and Order) Anand Kumar, who admitted that this "was a shameful incident for the police force." He pointed out that neither did Chaudhary sustain any injury, nor did the motorcycle sustain any damage. Tiwari, the autopsy showed, was shot from the front with the bullet going through his chin and getting stuck between the neck and head.

Two separate FIRs have been filed in the case. According to Sana Khan, Tiwari's colleague who was travelling with him, she was made to sign a blank piece of paper giving a watered-down and lopsided version of the sequence of events. According to this statement made by her, Tiwari was hit by a stray bullet.

Tiwaris wife Kalpana subsequently filed a second FIR on Sunday, emphasising that the bullet which killed her husband was fired with the intention to kill.

Lucknow-based IPS officer SR Darapuri (retd) is horrified at just how "trigger happy" Uttar Pradesh police personnel have become. He says, "A large number of encounters have taken place during Yogi Adityanaths regime, leaving 78 people killed and another 300 injured on their knees and ankles. The kind of manipulation of evidence that is taking place can be gauged from the fact that Navbharat Times has carried two photographs of Tiwaris car. One was taken at 2 a.m on Saturday morning which showed the car having suffered minor damage. The second photograph, taken at 2.45 a.m, showed a smashed car with extensive damage. The obvious implication is that the car was deliberately damaged after Tiwaris death."

Following his retirement from service, Darapuri is now actively associated with the Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL). He believes that "the license to kill" policy being pursued by the state government has very dangerous consequences and that Uttar Pradesh has now "become a police state."

Darapuri is also critical about how some of Chaudharys colleagues had tweeted in his support on social media. "If these tweets are genuine, then these serving constables sound as though they are in a mood to revolt. That is a very dangerous trend, against which the state government will have to take immediate steps," he said.

Dr Vikram Singh, retired Director General of Police, is horrified at the "audacious and irresponsible manner in which Chaudhary was taking to the media in the police station in Lucknow. How can such indiscipline be tolerated?," asked Singh.

He adds, "Action must be taken not only against Chaudhary, but also against his superiors who issued him an out-of-turn pistol and ammunition, thereby allowing him to carry out this shootout."

Singh remarked, "Chaudhary was obviously trying to accost Tiwari to get some money out of him, and when he did not get the anticipated response, he acted in this irresponsible manner.

Kalpana Tiwaris second FIR on Sunday further claimed that police officials at the crime scene did not allow Khan to receive or make calls.

The government is trying to distance itself from the erring constable. Uttar Pradesh law minister Brijesh Pathak said that strict action will be initiated against the senior officers who tried to cover up the incident.

All the lax officers who tried to cover up the issue will also face action. I never expected that our police could stoop to such a level. The statement of the only eyewitness and the FIR did not match at all," said Pathak.

A source close to Kalpana Tiwari said that when she met Yogi Adityanath, he expressed sympathy and promised financial assistance. However, the source said that the family remains traumatised.

"Both her young daughters remain in a state of shock," he said.

Suhas Chakma, director of Asian Centre for Human Rights, quoted NHRC data which shows that there have been 3,000 deaths in police encounters in the last decade. Chakma added that out of these, Uttar Pradesh accounts for 30 percent. He further said that the actual number is likely to higher.

One of the factors which may have contributed to this breakdown of institutional machinery may be that there are 24 percent vacancies in the police force.

Chakma points out, "Neither does Uttar Pradesh face a problem of insurgency nor is it a Naxal-affected state. Then why have the police been given this license to kill?"

The Supreme Court is currently hearing a public interest litigation on encounters by the police. In early July, the apex court had asked the Yogi Adityanath government to respond to a petition seeking a CBI probe into 1,100 alleged encounters which are said to have killed 49 people and injured 370 in Uttar Pradesh in 2017.

PUCL  the petitioners  have described these encounters as "massive administrative liquidations." Ram Kumar, a senior member of the PUCL in Lucknow said, "The present hue and cry over Vivek Tiwari's killing is because he was an upper-caste Brahmin and worked for an MNC. Why was a similar reaction not there on the killings of members of the minority and Dalit communities?"

A senior police official pointed out that in the long run, encounter killings result in the brutalisation of both the polity and society. He said that the only way forward is to "sensitise officials about the lawful processes and procedures in order to address the structural reasons behind the high rate of crime in the state and how it should be addressed within the framework of the criminal justice system."
Outraged reactions have poured in since the killing of Vivek Tiwari, a 38-year-old salesman of Apple gadgets, who was shot at close-range in Lucknow by an on-duty Uttar Pradesh policeman early on Saturday.

Outraged reactions have poured in since the killing of Vivek Tiwari, a 38-year-old salesman of Apple gadgets, who was shot at close-range in Lucknow by an on-duty Uttar Pradesh policeman early on Saturday. The incident comes as the latest in multiple cases of encounters since Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took office in March 2017.

Uttar Pradesh has recorded at least 1,500 encounters since Adityanath took over the office in March 2017. According to reports, a total of 66 criminals have been killed in encounters in that duration, and 700 criminals have sustained injuries in shootouts. According to officials, four policemen have also been killed and over 500 people were injured in these operations that took place in various districts.

In May this year, the 50th encounter death was that of a criminal, carrying a reward of Rs 50,000, who was gunned down in the Muzaffarnagar district.

After Adityanath took up the post of chief minister, he had given the police full freedom to deal with rising crime rates in the state and reportedly asked criminals to either surrender or leave. The police promptly launched 'Operation Clean' and immediately began tackling crime by working against the wanted men. According to information released by the Uttar Pradesh Police, there were 1,142 police encounters in Uttar Pradesh between 20 March, 2017 and 31 January, 2018.

Former Uttar Pradesh DGP AL Banerjee said that the fault lies in the lack of training and supervision. "Unfortunately, a police officer these days has to report too many people  starting from his superior officers to bureaucrats and even to spokespersons of political parties."

"Further, due to lack of time, it became impossible to provide comprehensive training and we reduced the training period from nine months to six months. These constables are supposed to still be in training but they are actually on duty. They don't even have any training in handling firearms. If you cannot train them in law, psychology and discipline, then incidents like these will only increase," he said referring to Tiwari's shooting.

"The constables don't spend enough time training. Instead of spending nine months being trained, they are told to report to duty in six months," he added. Banerjee further said that the constables have "no training in handling firearms" and that such incidents could continue due to a lack of training in "law, psychology, feelings, and discipline".

"Under the law, encounter means firing by the police in retaliation. Encounters have been taking place in Jammu and Kashmir but the situation has never improved. Encounters are not the solution to control crime. You need a reform of the criminal justice system. The prosecution, witness, etc. If reforms are not brought in our criminal justice system, the society might collapse," Banerjee said.

SR Darapuri, a retired IPS officer from Uttar Pradesh, said that encounters can never be a successful strategy in curbing crime. The police should not be involved in encounters. Proper policing involves the prevention of crime, detection of crime, investigation and then, prosecution. After spending 32 years in the police service, I have seen that real encounters are very rare."

Darapuri added that encounters is not the deterrent that "real criminals" fear instead they continue to commit crimes. "Most of the encounters in Uttar Pradesh look like staged encounters," he said. He also lamented at the lack of experience and training of the present police system of Uttar Pradesh.

The highest numbers of encounters, according to the data in released in March, were reported from the Meerut zone where 449 encounters took place, which was followed by the Agra zone which had 210. Third on the list was the Bareilly zone with 196 encounters and then came the Kanpur zone with 91 shootouts. The least number of police encounters were in the chief minister's constituency of Gorakhpur.

After Tiwari's death, The Asian Age said that, "An armed constable seems to be getting only a smattering of training and sensitisation before hes given live ammunition and a loaded weapon on his beat. The lathi would usually be lethal enough in the hands of an ill-trained force. Giving them guns and a license to kill  more than just shoot to maim or incapacitate  is an open invitation to murder."

On 11 September, Uttar Pradesh DGP OP Singh had said that police encounters are part of a well chalked out "strategy" to arrest hardened criminals in his state. "Encounters are part of crime prevention. The fact is that this is a not a state policy, but a police strategy. We do not call it an encounter but police engagement. We are engaged with the criminals in a very professional and strategic manner.

State Irrigation Minister Dharampal Singh said Saturday only "real criminals" were shot dead in encounters during the term of the chief minister. "Everyone will get justice... There will be no politics of appeasement. Those who commit mistakes will be punished," the minister said. Saying that "goonda raj" and "mafia raj" prevailed during the previous governments in the state, Singh said the country was "fortunate" to have Narendra Modi as prime minister and Adityanath as UP chief minister.

In a bid to convey its transparent approach during encounters, the Uttar Pradesh Police on 20 September invited the media to film an encounter with two criminals that was going to take place in Aligarh's Harduaganj. The two alleged criminals, identified as Mustaqeem and Naushad, who were killed in the operation carried a bounty of Rs 25,000 each on their heads, the police said.

Adityanath in February had declared in the State Legislative Council that police encounters in the state would not stop. Speaking in the House during the Zero Hour, he had accused the Opposition of supporting criminals while asserting that the crackdown on 'dreaded criminals' would continue.

With inputs from Saurabh Sharma/101 Reporters and PTI
Vivek's widow Kalpana Tiwari filed the fresh FIR as the family believed that the first one weakened the case by not naming the two accused Uttar Pradesh Police constables.

Kalpana Tiwari, the widow of the Apple executive Vivek Tiwari, who was shot dead allegedly by two police constables in Lucknow early on Saturday, filed a fresh FIR in the case on Sunday. The latest FIR, filed at the Gomti Nagar Police Station on the basis of Kalpana's complaint names the two accused policemen  Prashant Chaudhary and Sandeep Kumar  unlike the first one, which appeared diluted to weaken the case.

Chaudhary allegedly shot Tiwari after he refused to stop his car for inspection in Lucknow's Gomti Nagar neighbourhood. He was on his way to drop colleague Sana Khan home when the chase began. Kumar is believed to have tried to stop the car by using his cane on the vehicle. The two constables were later arrested and dismissed from duty.

According to the new FIR, the police officials who reached the spot after the shooting did not allow Khan, who was with him at the time of the incident, from receiving or making calls, The Indian Express reported. It also claims that the Uttar Pradesh Police had forced Khan to sign on a blank paper.

After the first FIR was filed on the basis of Khan's complaint, Tiwari's family had rejected it, saying they had made it a weak case by not naming Chaudhary and Kumar. There have been allegations that the Uttar Pradesh Police was trying to cover up the matter and shield the two constables. The new FIR, however, names both officers and mentions Khan's version of the events from Saturday in detail as narrated to Kalpana.

The latest FIR will be the basis for the Special Investigation Team's (SIT) inquiry into the incident. The SIT had visited the spot of the shooting on Sunday, and a forensic team had recreated the scene. They also collected samples from the two vehicles involved in the case, Tiwari's SUV and the motorcycle in which the police had followed Tiwari and Khan.

Moreover, the Uttar Pradesh Human Rights Commission on Monday took suo moto cognisance of the case, saying that the facts available so far were "not only disturbing, but also a gross violation of human rights". It has sought a response within two weeks from the Uttar Pradesh government, chief secretary, principal secretary (home) and director general of police.

Yogi Adityanath meets Kalpana

On Monday, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath offered additional compensation of Rs 5 lakh for Tiwari's mother to fund her hospital expenses. He announced the aid while meeting Kalpana. Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police OP Singh and Principal Secretary (Home) Arvind Kumar were also called to the meeting.

The extra compensation came a day after the chief minister said that the government will provide "all kinds of help" the family needs, and that :the family can meet him anytime they want". Adityanath had earlier said that the government does not accept such criminal offences.

"It is a very sad incident. Such criminal offences will not be accepted by the government. Immediate action was taken; the accused was arrested and a case was registered. For the family of the deceased, the government will provide all kinds of aid needed," Adityanath had told reporters.

After meeting with Adityanath, Kalpana said she has "faith in our state government" and "today, that faith has further strengthened". "He heard what I had to say and assured help," she told reporters after meeting Adityanath.

#WATCH: Kalpana Tiwari, wife of Vivek Tiwari who was shot dead by a police constable in Gomti Nagar area on 29 September, says after meeting CM Yogi Adityanath, "I had earlier also said that I have faith in our state government and today that faith has further strengthened" pic.twitter.com/EkloDLhfIE  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 1, 2018

The chief minister had earlier announced compensation of Rs 25 lakh and a government job to the Tiwari family. He had said that the state would order an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation, if needed.

Uttar Pradesh minister agrees with cover-up allegations

Uttar Pradesh law and justice minister Brijesh Pathak agrees with the allegation that the police were "hushing up" the killing.

"The lone eyewitness was kept in police custody for nearly 17 hours and her signature was taken on a plain piece of paper," he was quoted as saying by PTI. "The FIR was not registered the way it should have been. There is no consistency between the statement of Khan and the FIR, and efforts were made to hush up the case."

"I am also seeing that distinguished cops are trying to cover up the matter," NDTV quoted him as saying. "The government will take notice of this, too. I agree with the family on this. Some officers have tried to cover up (the shooting). The first FIR was written in a wrong manner. There will be an investigation against the police, too."

'I was scared, I wrote what they asked me to'

The second FIR quotes Khan as saying that Chaudhary had alighted from the motorcycle, "put his pistol against the wind shield and fired with intention to kill", according to The Indian Express. It also says that she was pressured into signing a blank paper and also write what they asked her to.

"I cried a lot for help and tried to stop people. I tried my best to save him (Tiwari), but the policemen that came were neither letting me make a call nor receive a call," she was quoted as saying in the FIR by The Indian Express. "They pressurised (sic) me to sign on a blank paper, and later under the pressure of the police and media officials, made me write on the paper. As I was a lot scared, I wrote whatever they asked me to."

In the second FIR, the two constables have been charged with Section 302 (punishment for murder) of the Indian Penal Code, The Times of India reported.

With inputs from 101Reporters
Chief Justice Dipak Misra, who will have his last working day as CJI on Monday, will be remembered in the Indian judicial history as perhaps the only head of the top court who saw rebellion by four of his senior most colleagues. Another incident that stands out during his tenure is an unsuccessful impeachment motion against him in a move led by senior lawyer and Congress leader Kapil Sibal.

New Delhi: Chief Justice Dipak Misra, who will have his last working day as CJI on Monday, will be remembered in the Indian judicial history as perhaps the only head of the top court who saw rebellion by four of his senior most colleagues.

Another incident that stands out during his tenure is an unsuccessful impeachment motion against him in a move led by senior lawyer and Congress leader Kapil Sibal.

On the brighter side, CJI Misra will be given credit for the nod to live-streaming of the top court's proceedings  a move that will take court proceedings to the drawing rooms of the people.

His term of 13 months and five days as the Chief Justice of India was perhaps the most turbulent for any Chief Justice, which saw his brother Judges and some from the Bar openly questioning his style of functioning in allocation of cases/matters to different benches and listing Constitution Bench matters before a bench of Judges who were relatively newcomers to the top court.

There was a perception, also voiced by the four rebel Judges, that matters of particular significance, including that of deceased Special Court Judge BH Loya, were being listed before a certain bench.

The then second-in-command, Justice J Chelameswar, set up a five-Judge Constitution Bench to hear the plea for a SIT probe into graft allegations involving a Lucknow-based medical college. The order passed in the afternoon of 9 November, 2017 was reversed by a five-Judge Constitution Bench a day later. The entire move was perceived as being targeted against the CJI. It was also a time which saw lawyers, including senior counsel Prashant Bhushan, raising their voices against the bench in Court Number one.

Bhushan insisted that the CJI should not be a part of the bench hearing the plea for SIT probe into the Lucknow medical college scam and raised the pitch of his voice and stormed out of the court.

As some lawyers took exception to Bhushan's "improper conduct" and wanted to condemn it, Chief Justice Misra said that "no condemnation in the court. We are not here for this." The top court also saw both Sibal and Rajeev Dhavan plead against going ahead with the hearing of the Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid matter as it was politically sensitive.

Faced with situations where his own brother Judges raised questions on his style of functioning and some of the prominent faces from the bar too joining the chorus, Chief Justice Misra weathered the storm with his usual calm and tact.

But that was not the only facet of his tenure as the CJI. His term will also be remembered for his assertion that the self-appointed right-wing cultural policemen would not be allowed to interfere with the creative expressions of artistes in cinema when the court directed that the screening of films like 'Padmavat' can't be interfered with.

Similarly, the apex court came to the aid of Malayalam actress Priya Prakash Varrier by quashing the FIR against her and directing no case be registered against her for winking in a scene.

At the same time, he demonstrated his sterner side in directing the Centre and the state governments to pull up their socks and tighten their belts to curb vigilantism and mob lynching. CJI Misra, when he was sitting in Court Number 3, passed an order in November 2016 for mandatorily playing the national anthem in cinemas before the screening of films. He rescinded this order in January this year stating that this was no longer mandatory.

All through his tenure, CJI Misra was unequivocal in upholding the liberty and rights of the people, particularly women. He presided over a bench that decriminalised homosexuality, allowed the entry of women of all ages in Sabarimala temple, decriminalised adultery and curbed the use of Aadhaar.
Iran's president Hassan Rouhani congratulated president of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier on the Federal Republic of Germany's National Day, saying the long-standing history of relations between the two countries has paved the way for deepening cooperation in many fields.

"I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to Your Excellency on the occasion of the National Day of the Federal Republic of Germany," part of Rouhani's message reads.

"The long-standing history of ties between the two countries has laid the foundation for further deepening of bilateral cooperation in various regional and international areas," IRNA cited Rouhani as saying.

The Iranian president said the important position of Iran in Western Asia and the Federal Republic of Germany in Europe, as well as the willpower of the two countries to peacefully resolve global challenges, have laid the ground for growing cooperation in promoting stability in the world.

Rouhani concluded his message by wishing health and success for the president of Germany and prosperity and felicity for the people of the Federal Republic.

October 3rd is the National Day of Germany which commemorates the anniversary of German reunification in 1990.
The subject of children and reading has long been debated, particularly on the impact of the digital distraction on the habit. Children are reading more but, paradoxically are not.

Anoushka JS, a student of class VI and a ballerina in training, took to reading quite recently. She went from the abridged classics to becoming a diehard Potterhead in quick succession. Her attention then switched to biographies and life stories  think Trevor Noah and the diary of Anne Frank. She says, I love reading fantasy because its always about things that dont exist. I prefer not having any illustrations because I like to imagine it all. As for biographies, they are long yes, but I find the lives of people  especially rags to riches kind of stories very fascinating!

The subject of children and reading has long been debated, particularly on the impact of the digital distraction on the habit. Children are reading more but, paradoxically are not. Explaining this, Thomas Abraham, Managing Director, Hachette India says, There are massive spikes when a big blockbuster brand like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson is published. But in terms of real reading, biblio-diversity is glaringly missing. There are readers who are die-hard and very specific in their tastes, but these are relatively small. There are the buzz readers who will follow the hype and read the books in vogue. And there is the reader who will read functionallyto get ahead.

The fact remains that in an average classroom, it has always been a fraction of the children that read and that has been steadily increasing. Why has that percentage increased? asks Sayoni Basu of Duckbill Books, an independent publisher of books for children and young adults. Because of better books and libraries as well as parents and schools encouraging kids to read. I also believe that the variety of books available these days means that there is a greater likelihood of a child finding a book that speaks to him or her. And that is what is needed to create a reader  that one magic book.

That begs the question, what is out there for children to explore in the world of books these days? Kavita Gupta Sabharwal, Co-founder, Neev Literature Festival, a Childrens Literature Festival currently in its second year and Managing Trustee, Neev Academy, Bangalore is introducing the Neev Childrens Books Awards (NCBA) in this years edition of the festival scheduled on 28-29 September. She says, We began with the bias that the quality and quantity of childrens literature from India is quite limited, but the selected list is evidence of an awakening in Indian children lit. Our authors are clearly experimenting with genre, technique and topic. Ela, by Sampurna [Chattarji] is stream of consciousness technique. Its like James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, but for kids and about kids. Shabnam Minwallas What Maya Saw is in the genre of new age mystery, like Dan Brown. Nostalgia as a subject or category also emerges with The Boy Who Swallowed a Nail and Other Stories, by Lalita Iyer and is also seen in the picture books by Mahasweta Devi. Biographies of important people for children emerges with The Boy Who Asked Why? There are still missing genres and subjects and the books for the 8-10-year-olds need growth, but Indian children lit is going places.

Childrens literature nowadays is written with great clarity, says Jess Butterworth, the author of two international novels for children, Running on the Roof of the World and When the Mountains Roared. Authors are skilled at writing with their audience in mind and many books tend to have a unique voice or writing style. These aspects, along with things like striking book covers and beautiful illustrations, make childrens literature more approachable.

When he is not practicing his drum rolls, Sabyasachi Shenoy, a class IX student has his nose buried in a book. Always a voracious reader, his current favourite is Dan Brown (having just completed all his books) and James Patterson. I love stories that have complex storylines, with sub-plots and lots of twists and turns. I also love the fact that authors like Patterson work on inputs from their readers and so you always have a sense of what is going to come in the next book! he says.

"Through social media readers can now connect directly to their favourite authors who in turn can share their process of creating their work. Getting to know them is a highly attractive reason for getting to know more about their books and similar books by other authors," says David Melling, writer and illustrator. David has illustrated around 100 books, 30 of which he has written and is the creator of the Hugless Douglas series which have sold over 1.5 million copies in 30 countries. He also adds that the rich and attractive use of illustrations in todays book market has helped draw children to books and enhance the pleasure of reading.

With most of us in India being introduced to reading with illustrated mythological stories, do such tales still hold sway? I think epics, with epic-cycle  whether mythological or featuring superheroes appeal to children, says, Samhita Arni, writer and illustrator. Her The Mahabharata: A Child's View published in seven language editions and sold 50,000 copies worldwide, winning the Elsa Morante Literary Award and her Sita's Ramayana, a graphic novel was on the New York Times Bestseller list for Graphic Novels. Mythology, like comic book series, often offers stories that feature re-occurring characters, and the complex, intertwined, inter-linked relationships, like the characters in comic book series and appeal to the desire for complex narratives. Mythology, in general level, is popular because these stories often reveal truths of the human psyche, that apply to us and our experiences and this is why these stories still resonate with us.

So while it is a fact that children are reading more and childrens literature in India is a blossoming sector, we still need to work on bringing new readers into the circle. Thomas believes that there is a lot of prescriptive notions at play here. Parents will spend on what they believe is functional and vital to getting ahead. I believe if you want reading as a leisure habit to grow then the sense of fun, and imagination needs to be stressed at least as much, if not more, he says.

Butterworth believes that protagonists in books must reflect the world we live in and come from different backgrounds because its important for children to be able to see themselves in books and stories.

Gupta advises, Know where your child is and recognise what they are reading and grow its depth and breadth. Know whats emerging in childrens literature. There is no such thing as bad literature, but there is a lot of bubble gum.
When Dalit activist Chandrashekhar Azad stepped out of Saharanpur Jail in Uttar Pradesh at 2.40 am on 14 September, he found a large crowd gathered to meet him. The Bhim Army founder, sporting his trademark blue scarf and fecund moustache, was exhausted to the point of passing out repeatedly. But hundreds accompanied him to his home in the nearby Chhutmalpur village and made a beeline to click selfies with the great Dalit hope, as ardent supporters see him. Critics, however, view Azad more as the great Dalit hype, following in the footsteps of several others who have failed to unseat the reigning champion of the backward castes in Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati. Azad has neither won any election, nor joined a political party. As one of the six men  three among them Rajput  who were arrested after last years Dalit-Rajput clashes in Saharanpur, he could have chosen to lie low. His imprisonment was one of the triggers for the nationwide Dalit protests on 2 April, which were marred by violence that led to further arrests. This, too, could have prompted Azad to be cautious. Nevertheless, the moment he left prison, he said he would do all he could to ensure that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) loses the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The Bahujan Samaj is very hassled by the BJP. Farmers are committing suicide. They even drank their own urine to attract the prime ministers attention. This government couldnt find work for two people, leave alone the two crore promised jobs. And it isnt me; its people who are saying they are angry with the BJP, Azad said. That is why it was a rude shock when the still-youthful Azad  he is only 30  and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati got into a public spat. Their confrontation began the moment he emerged from jail and started calling her buaji, or fathers sister, even though the widely accepted moniker for her in politics is behenji. By not using it, Azad is making a statement. The genealogy of buaji is such that Mayawati could not let the remark pass. That she chose to attack Azad speaks volumes about the effect of the appellation. I have no relation with people like Chandrashekhar Azad, she had hastily retorted. In his defence, Azad had said, I only called her buaji out of respect. The Bhim Army brings emotional zest to the Dalit social movement, while Mayawati, though she is aggressive, has been facing electoral defeats that make her seem unable to move with the times. The BSPs political decline has blunted the Dalit social movement, and Azad fills this void. But within the BSP, emotional matters have been settled, so to speak, said Vivek Kumar, who teaches Sociology at the Jawaharlal Nehru University. Emotions cannot beat organisation and cadre, which the Bhim Army lacks. In the end, rationality will dictate that Dalits wont want to waste their vote  they will support Mayawati. Samajwadi Party (SP) president and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav was the first to call Mayawati buaji  implying that she was past her prime while he, young and dynamic, was destined to lead the state. This was back in 2014. Ever since, the sobriquet has been extensively caricatured. As the SP does not represent Dalit politics or aspirations the same way the BSP does, his use of the term at a time when they were political rivals served to emphasise the antipathy that exists between the followers of both parties. Now that the SP and BSP are trying to forge an electoral alliance, they seek to paper over the antagonism between the SPs Yadav voters and the BSPs Dalit voters. A truce between the dominant OBC Yadavs and the Dalits, whom they have historically tyrannised, is essential if their alliance is to succeed. Such an armistice would imply that polarising monikers are shunned to cement the so-called Dalit-OBC social alliance. Without this, they cannot challenge the BJPs post-2014 electoral sweeps.

Even Akhilesh Yadav only calls her Mayawatiji now. He is very careful about it, said SP leader Sudhir Pawar. Obviously, Chandrashekhar wants to embarrass her at this critical juncture by calling her buaji. And undermining her in Uttar Pradesh amounts to helping the BJP. Realpolitik also dictates that leaders should steer clear of controversies. Hence, it is Chandrashekhars immaturity to call Mayawati buaji. She had no option but to reject his choice of words, Kumar said. Yet, Azad hasnt stopped insisting that Mayawati is his buaji. When he visited BSP founder Kanshirams family in Punjab on 24 September, he said Mayawati buaji should be the next prime minister. Those who are acquainted with the BSPs recent history would recall that Kanshirams family and Mayawati are bitterly estranged. The family had accused her of not letting them visit Kanshiram in his last days in 2006. This rift, they feel, had helped Mayawati inherit the party. However, in a 24-page letter to his parents, Kanshiram had severed ties with his family in Punjab. He never broke this pledge. Hence, Mayawati would have, in any case, inherited the BSP. But when Azad reminds his followers of this controversial history, he is being more political than he admits. What politicians say carries no weight, he said. Thats why I dont want to join politics. People take me seriously because Im not a politician. The confrontational and rebellious streak that Azad takes no measures to conceal has drawn to him thousands of supporters, mostly young Dalit men. His outspokenness has made him a symbol of the pressure that ordinary Dalits put on their leaders and parties that contest elections on the social justice plank to voice their anti-establishment sentiments. Since he is from outside the political sphere, they view his combativeness as social assertion rather than expedience. Martyrs are always revered in India, the JNU professor said. And Chandrashekhar is being seen as a person who has taken on the upper castes, that too in Modi Raj. Any declaration of Mayawati as the future prime minister should not be taken at face value, regardless of who makes it, said Satish Prakash, a Dalit activist and assistant professor at Meerut College. Such statements can polarise our polity, which is already divided along caste lines. He is drawing attention to a congenital feature of Indian politics  no national party proffers a Dalit prime ministerial candidate as they feel doing so can push away voters who dont find the possibility acceptable. Every new Dalit icon is seen as anti-BSP and anti-Mayawati, said Kumar. Earlier Jignesh Mevani was said to be anti-Mayawati, and now its Azads turn. How a political outfit constructs an aura around a Dalit leader should not be seen in oversimplified terms, he said. He was referring to the Congress supporting Mevani in Gujarat by not fielding a candidate against him, thus securing his victory. Udit Raj, once a strong critic of BSP, joined the BJP. If these parties were serious about cultivating Dalit leaders, they would have done so within their own parties, Kumar said. After all, Azad is equally critical of the BJP, but only his remarks about Mayawati are amplified. The issue is that political outfits lack a credible Dalit face to attract Dalit voters, and so they woo emerging leaders. An array of political parties visiting Azad these days is, therefore, being seen as their need for Dalit voters, who they need to add to their existing base to secure electoral victories. Azad has met Imran Masood, the Congress strongman in Saharanpur, as well as Muslim ideologues such as Arshad Madani from the seminary in Deoband, among several others. Let those who spoke about Bahujan interests until yesterday go to the BJP or Congress. Please dont tell me what to do because of their choices. I have no political ambition and will continue to build our social movement, Azad countered, adding that he will not join the Congress, not even any party close to the Congress.

Its important to note that Mevani and Udit Raj, once strongly critical of Mayawati, are no longer as strident in opposing her. This is because to critique the BSP is an established blueprint for new Dalit leaders owing to an inherent limitation Dalit leaders face: They can only appeal to Dalit voters and so must fight Mayawati, their super-leader, for garnering voters. We know that Chandrashekhar is preparing ground for his own future political growth by attacking Mayawati, a BSP leader from Uttar Pradesh said. Dalit leaders can compete for OBC or Muslim voters, but these communities share a compulsion  their political salience depends largely on their own communitys votes. Thats why Mayawati cannot ignore Chandrashekhar. She feels that the challenge he poses to her from outside the political sphere today may, in future, become a political challenge, too, said Prakash. Soon after Mayawati announced that she will partner with Ajit Jogis Janata Congress in Chhattisgarh, Supreme Court advocate Prashant Bhushan predicted that she will lose Dalit voters. Dalits must stand with young Turks of Dalits like Chandrashekhar and Mevani, he tweeted. The assumption behind this perception is that Dalits are more or less united in wanting the BJP out of power, and that if Mayawati resists the Bhim Armys call to ally with Opposition parties, Dalits would split. Thats why, theres a haunting feeling in the BSP that Azad is a threat. This is also because the BSP is an unsuitable place for leaders keen to cultivate their own base, as it leaves no room for autonomy and agency. When Dalits did not involve any of their political parties or leaders in the 2 April protests, it was a clear reflection of their dissatisfaction with their existing representation. This is where Azad draws sustenance. Deftly, he claims that he is related to Mayawati. He said: Were both Dalit. Thats why shes my bua. What he means is that they are both Jatav, or belong to the same sub-caste that constitutes around 65 percent of Uttar Pradeshs Dalit population. Jatavs are the BSPs last loyal block of voters, while other sub-castes have drifted away, especially to the BJP, in recent elections. This gives Chandrashekhar hope. He thinks he will eventually wean Jatavs away from behenji, said the same BSP leader from the state. This doesnt mean that Azads choices are easy: should he not contest the 2019 elections, he may be forgotten in the hurly-burly of next years elections. And if he does, he would perhaps do little but serve the purpose of splitting BSP votes. On average in Uttar Pradesh, a Lok Sabha winner gets four lakh votes. Several lakh people have come to meet me just since I left jail. So why would political parties want to compete with me? Azad said. What he means is, since he represents the Dalit social movement, he does not need to contest elections to prove his popularity. It can be argued that the Bhim Army is not going political because it doesnt have cadre, organisation or resources to hurt the BSP, at least not beyond Saharanpur. Mayawati has a state party, a national party and no reason to budge under pressure from the Bhim Army, Pawar said. In his eyes, a series of recent developments appear to be experiments led by the ruling BJP to test the Oppositions strength and stability. In July, Akhilesh Yadavs uncle Shivpal Yadav floated a new political outfit that can potentially divide the SPs Yadav and Muslim voters. In August, the SC/ST Act was restored by a central legislation after a Supreme Court ruling in February tempered its most stringent provisions. The BJP had expected Dalits to demand restoration of this law via a large-scale protest in August, at least as vociferously as their April protests, but they did not. In September, Sher Singh Rana, accused of killing backward class leader Phoolan Devi, attempted to mobilise Saharanpurs Rajputs against Azads release. But Dalits didnt respond to any of these provocations. Right now, BJPs caste cards arent falling in the right place, but even Azad has no choice but to wait and see how BSP fares, Pawar said. If this unarmed combat between the Dalit social movements newest icon and its political movement, the BSP, continues, Dalits could split in two  those who are with the BSP and those who are with the Bhim Army. Dalits want the BSP and Bhim Army to stick together, but whether they can actually make this happen is a test they still have to face. Images from News 18
In this crucial election year, Mahatma Gandhi's service to the nation is being pressed into service again by the Congress, the party under whose banner he fought for the country's freedom.

On 14 July, 1942, the Congress Working Committee meeting in Wardha adopted Mahatma Gandhi's proposal to launch the Quit India movement the following month in what became the coup de grace to turn the British out of India.

On the 150th birth anniversary of the Mahatma on 2 October, 2018, the Congress Working Committee is revisiting history by meeting in Sevagram Ashram, Wardha, to launch a movement to get the country rid of BJP and the power it wields today.

The slogan that has been coined to carry this new 'movement' of the Congress has a catchy ring to it in Hindi  Loot-Jhoot-Bhay-Bantware Ka Sangram, Phir Sevagram (War against loot, lies, fear and divisions, Sevagram again).

In this crucial election year, Mahatma Gandhi's service to the nation is being pressed into service again by the Congress, the party under whose banner he fought for the country's freedom. Besides, it's a discreet attempt at reclaiming the leader who was appropriated by the BJP with the inauguration of Narendra Modi's tenure in 2014.

Political watchers may remember Modi's strong push to claim two prominent Congress leaders of pre-independent India  Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel  for the nation at large, soon after he became the prime minister, leaving the Congress befuddled.

The Modi government is getting Patels statue the Statue of Unity the worlds tallest statue  built in Gujarat as a tribute to the leader.

With Sevagram again, the Congress is definitely dipping into history to not only reclaim Gandhi as the party's icon but also to perhaps have his ideologies help the party deliver results in the forthcoming elections.

Will the history lesson, however, help Congress connect with the electorate that is hungry for clean governance and development?

Even though Gandhi continues to be relevant in 21st century India, will the Congress succeed in convincing the electorate about its honesty to follow Gandhi?

Median voters of India are not looking to the past but are concerned about the future. Ninety percent of young Indians will not get influenced by past references that Congress has been trying to use to resurrect partys future. Rahul Gandhi whos relatively youthful is saddled with a geriatric team of leaders, which is unfortunate, MD Nalapat, political analyst and director, department of Geopolitics, Manipal University told Firstpost.

Congress Wardha plan

The Congress has planned a series of events to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhi.

The party will give a call against the Modi government  to free the country from the atmosphere of corruption, fear, intolerance and violence at Wardha, on 2 October.

The Congress will kick-start the day by offering prayer at Bapu Kutir, Sevagram Ashram. Itll be followed by the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting at 12.30 pm at the same venue.

According to sources, the party after remembering the contribution of Gandhi in the nations freedom struggle may pass a resolution against the BJP-led government at the Centre for the alleged rise in intolerance, violence and an atmosphere of fear.

After garlanding the statue of Gandhi near Collectors office, a procession in the form of Padyatra will be taken out from Babasaheb Ambedkar statue to Circus ground, where a Sankalp Rally has been organised.

The CWC had adopted Mahatma Gandhi's proposal to launch the Quit India movement at Wardha on 14 July, 1942 against the then exploitative British rule. Today again theres a need for a struggle for deliverance from the BJP government, which has become a symbol of corruption, arrogance and exploitation. Today, after 71 years of Independence, following the footsteps of Gandhi, the Congress party led by its president Rahul Gandhi will fight against socio-economic evils like corruption, bank scams, Rafael scam, farmers distress, growing unemployment, atrocities against women and dalits, etc, so that people can get rid of BJP rule, said AICC in-charge, Communication, Randeep Singh Surjewala.

Besides Congress president Rahul Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi are expected to participate in the days event along with top party leaders.

The party will also begin its nationwide door-to-door fundraising campaign from 2 October. Named as Mission Rs 500 crore, the campaign will conclude on the birth anniversary of former prime minister Indira Gandhi on 19 November.

Is this a part of Congress poll strategy?

The Congress party, which had faced a major electoral debacle in 2014 Lok Sabha election, lost one state after another in subsequent years. At present, the party is in power in Punjab, Puducherry and Mizoram, and is an alliance partner in Karnataka.

With five state polls around the corner and the forthcoming 2019 Lok Sabha election, the Congress needs solid issues to take BJP head on. The partys plan to enter into a pre-poll alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party in poll-bound states of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh has already fallen flat. The Congress also requires to reposition itself as a strong anti-BJP force in order to fulfil its Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) dream.

At present, Congress is also failing to create a mass movement like Mahatma Gandhis Quit India Movement, to win over voters.

However, political pundits may differ with Congress justification and strategy of using Mahatma Gandhi and Wardha, to launch an attack against the Modi government.

The fear that Congress is talking about that the people are facing under the present government is due to the harsh bureaucratic laws. Since Independence, the successive Congress governments, instead of bringing any reforms to our system, retained the harsh colonial laws enacted during the British rule. Subsequently, former Union minister P Chidambaram and Kapil Sibal during the UPA tenure also introduced harsh laws. The root cause of the problem is the immense and unholy power of the bureaucracy, said Nalapat.

Today Congress is raising this issue and has announced to go for an agitation programme similar to Quit India Movement because Narendra Modi is the prime minister. Congress is not looking for a change in the root cause, but only in the present leadership. Why Congress was silent during the UPA regime? If they come to power again, the same atmosphere of fear that Congress has been referring to will be there, he said.
Ahead of the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has proposed Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) as a possible ally in the Congress-NCP grand alliance, to put up a strong front against the BJP. The Congress has reportedly rejected the proposal.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has proposed Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) as a possible ally in the Congress-NCP grand alliance, to put up a strong front against the BJP. The Congress has reportedly rejected the proposal.

NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik told The Indian Express about the party's strong reservations towards the inclusion of MNS to put up a strong anti-BJP front. We feel all parties against the Narendra Modi-led BJP government should be included in the grand alliance. The NCPs objective is to put up a stronger anti-BJP alliance. In such a situation, we believe every single vote and individual matters, he said.

The MNS support will help make the Oppositions position strong in urban areas such as Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Pune and Nashik. There are some 25 Assembly seats where the MNS can have a direct impact. With MNS splitting the votes of the saffron parties, our candidates can get an edge and in some seats, our votes can benefit the MNS candidate, Hindustan Times quoted a senior NCP leader who requested anonymity. The leaders believe the MNS can have an impact in Sewri, Byculla, Mahim, Ghatkopar East, Ghatkopar West, Magathane, Borivali and Mulund seats.

Senior state Congress leaders opposed the move as they are worried that the induction of MNS would alienate their North Indian vote bank, reported Hindustan Times.

Congress president Sanjay Nirupam rejected the idea, "MNS stands for everything the Congress opposes. They believe in hooliganism, beat up north Indians and indulge in anti-constitutional activities. We have clarified from the start that there can be no alliance with them and Delhi holds a similar view, The Hindu quoted Nirupam as saying.

The MNS, however, has chosen to stay silent.

Meanwhile, in a similar bid to create an anti-BJP front for the elections, Swabhimani Sattkar Sanghatana president Raju Shetty is set to meet Prakash Ambedkar, president of Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM) on 6 October to formulate a strategy to defeat BJP, according to The Indian Express.

Congress and NCP leaders in Maharashtra began their preliminary seat-sharing talks on 11 September aimed at forging a "grand alliance" of "secular" parties to take on the BJP and the Shiv Sena. The two parties, that ruled Maharashtra for 15 years from 1999, were defeated in the 2014 Assembly elections by the BJP after they parted ways ahead of the polls.

Both the Congress and the NCP have already started their election preparations separately. The NCP has covered the state with its "Halla Bol yatra", while the Congress launched its mass contact programme from western Maharashtra in September.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the NCP had bagged four seats, while the Congress got only two out of the total 48 seats in Maharashtra. In the Assembly polls held in October 2014, the Congress won 42 and NCP 41 out of the total 288 seats.
Denying suggestions that the controversy around the deal is tarnishing the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, Sitharaman said the Congress campaign is based on 'baseless' arguments.

Ahmedabad: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said the Congress allegations of reduction in the number of Rafale jets being purchased from France is baseless and asserted the Modi government is in fact buying 36 fighter jets in fly-away condition as against 18 proposed during the UPA regime.

The Congress has demanded the government explain why instead of 126 Rafale fighter jets, only 36 are being purchased if they were cheaper under the NDA deal than the one worked out by the UPA.

Denying suggestions that the controversy around the deal is tarnishing the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, she said the Congress campaign is based on "baseless" arguments.

The Congress campaign over the Rs 58,000-crore Rafale deal is almost sabotaging the Indian Armed Forces' operational readiness, the minister said.

Sitharaman alleged the support for the Congress campaign against Indian Armed Forces is reflected in our "not-so-friendly" neighbour Pakistan.

"Look at what the UPA's own deal was. At that time already number of our (IAF's) squadron were reduced to 32-33 from 44.

"In their deal also there was a provision of purchase of 18 fighter jets in fly away conditions, and rest were to be later produced," she said, replying to a query on why the number of Rafale being purchased from France was reduced from 126 to 36.

"In fact, we increased the number of fly away condition purchase from one squadron (18) to two squadron (36). Looking at the emergency requirement, when the prime minister went to France, he inquired what can be delivered immediately.

"And on the basis of that this figure (36 jets) was finalised," she said, adding the first of the planes will be available to India in September 2019.

Regarding the remaining number of fighter aircraft, the defence minister said the procedure to acquire them for the Indian Air Force is going on. "So the numbers have not been reduced," she stressed.

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram had earlier sought to know why the BJP-led NDA government was buying so few Rafale fighter jets if they were cheaper as claimed by it.

Talking to reporters in Tamil Nadu, Chidambaram had said the UPA government had decided to buy 126 Rafale aircraft.

"They claimed that the fighter jet was cheaper... In that case they should tell how they (jets) are cheaper... They are not revealing... Besides, if the cost of the plane is cheaper, then why not buy more jets? Why is the government buying only 36 jets?," the former Union minister had said.

Asked about the cost of one Rafale fighter jet bought under the NDA deal, Sitharaman said the figure has already been revealed on the floor of Parliament.

Asked if the controversy over the deal is tarnishing her government's image, she replied in the negative.

"But I am afraid, the campaign which the Congress is doing, with half truth and baseless arguments, is almost sabotaging Indian Armed Forces' operational readiness.

"And strangely the support for the Congress campaign against our armed forces is reflected from our not-so-friendly neighbour," she said, without naming Pakistan.

Asked about the perception that armed forces officers are fielded to spell out government's view on defence deals, she said the government neither tells them to speak on any issue nor stops them from speaking on any subject.

She declined to elaborate on the statement of Union home minister Rajnath Singh that "appropriate" action has been taken to avenge the death of a BSF soldier at the hands of Pakistan.

She also refused to say anything on airspace violation by a Pakistan helicopter in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it is a very sensitive issue.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday refuted reports of rift within his family and alleged that the rumours were being spread at the insistence of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to demoralise party cadre and supporters.

Patna: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday refuted reports of rift within his family and alleged that the rumours were being spread at the insistence of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to demoralise party cadre and supporters.

The younger son of Lalu Prasad was responding to a query by reporters about the family facing frequent grilling and raids by investigating agencies, besides reports that his elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav and eldest sister Misa Yadav were miffed over having been politically overshadowed by him.

"All these reports of a rift within our family are planted at the insistence of Nitish Kumar. Attempts are being made to psychologically affect our dedicated workers and supporters," Tejashwi Yadav said.

"It appears that those in power wish to seek votes in the name of what is happening to my family instead of speaking about their own performance. This is new India under Narendra Modi for you," he said.

To a query about Union minister and RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha's possibility of joining the RJD, Congress, HAM combine in Bihar, he said, "We had invited him long back and the invitation stands. But it is for him to take the decision."

About Pappu Yadav, who had won the Madhepura seat in 2014 Lok Sabha polls on RJD ticket and has floated Jan Adhikar Party upon being expelled from the Lalu Prasad-led party, Tej Pratap Yadav said, "For him it is no entry. Period." Pappu Yadav's wife Ranjeet Ranjan is a Congress MP.

About disgruntled BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha, who has off late been highly appreciative of Tejashwi Yadav and Lalu Prasad, besides turning up at functions held at the RJD leaders' place, he said, "There are no talks with him. There cannot be any until and unless the BJP takes a clear decision about him."

Accusing the Nitish Kumar government of failing to effectively maintain law and order and implement its own welfare schemes, Tejashwi Yadav said that he would embark on his next phase of public awareness campaign after Dussehra. To a query about when was he planning to get married, he replied shyly that it was likely to be after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
Rahul had held a meeting with the newly-appointed Bengal Congress leadership, led by state Congress president Somen Mitra, in New Delhi and discussed the organisational and upcoming election issues.

Kolkata: Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who has asked the party's West Bengal unit to strengthen the organisation in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, is likely to visit the state during Durga Puja, a senior state Congress leader said Monday.

Rahul had held a meeting with the newly-appointed Bengal Congress leadership, led by state Congress president Somen Mitra, on Saturday in New Delhi and discussed the organisational and upcoming election issues.

It was at the meeting that the proposal for Rahul's visit to Bengal during Durga Puja  the biggest festival of Bengal, came up, according to state Congress sources.

"The schedule is being chalked out. Nothing has been finalised as of now. We hope that he will visit the city for a day during Puja," Congress MP and chairman of the coordination committee Pradip Bhattacharya said.

Plagued by defections and infighting, the new Bengal Congress leadership is planning to revamp party organisation in districts in a bid to strengthen the party ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, a senior party leader said.

"We have been asked to strengthen party organisation. We know we have very little time left as Lok Sabha polls are just a few months away. We hope that we would able to strengthen our party and fight elections on our own strength," Bhattacharya said.

According to another state Congress leader, Rahul had asked party leaders to start building opinion among people about the Rafale deal.

"We have been asked to create opinion about the Rafale scam in Bengal. We will reach out to the masses both physically and through social media," the leader said.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi had a meeting with the newly-constituted West Bengal state unit on Saturday, and the signals sent out seem equivocal

Congress president Rahul Gandhi had a meeting with the newly-constituted West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) and its new chief Somen Mitra on Saturday. The signals that the meeting seemed to send out seem, at first sight, equivocal.

When Mitra replaced Adhir Choudhury on 21 September as PCC president, the appointment was widely seen as an attempt to clear the decks for an understanding with the Trinamool Congress. Chowdhury has always been steadfastly against the Trinamool Congress and his personal animosity against its boss Mamata Banerjee is well known. Mitra is, however, seen as a more flexible leader. Even though Mamata parted ways with the Congress while he was president of the Bengal unit of the Congress, he had later left the party and briefly joined the Trinamool as well. He thus has connections with the ruling party.

On assuming office, Mitra had initially been guarded. He had not categorically ruled out the possibility of joining hands with the Trinamool, but he had said that even though an alliance with the party would yield fruits in the short term, it would not be wise when seen from a long-term perspective. He had also said that the Congress needed to steady its ship before entering into any alliance.

Rahul seems to have echoed that sentiment at Saturday's meeting. It has been reported that leaders present at the meeting later said that the party president made a few important points: First, Mitra said, he made it clear that the central leadership would not impose its views on the state unit of the party because he understood that a top-down approach would not work; second, he stressed that the party should not compromise on its 'dignity' while negotiating a prospective alliance. Rahul is reported to have said that even if the party failed to get a single seat in Bengal to maintain its dignity, it would be acceptable.

After the meeting, Mitra reiterated his position that the party must find its feet before thinking about an alliance, which suggests that this view was endorsed by the party president.

All this rhetoric about dignity and self-sufficiency may sound good, but it hardly masks the fact that the Congress has a long way to go before it finds its feet in Bengal. It won't happen in anything resembling a hurry  certainly not before the time comes to take hard decisions in the context of the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

The facts speak for themselves. The Congress had a presence in only two districts: Malda and Murshidabad. In the 2014 Lok Sabha election, its voteshare was just under 10 percent, less than that of the Left Front or Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It got four seats (the Left Front and BJP got two each) because its votes are concentrated in these two districts. In the 2016 Assembly election, its voteshare was 12.3 percent, but it was in an alliance with the Left Front, which doubtless boosted the share of its vote.

In the interim, several things have changed. In this year's panchayat elections, the BJP emerged as the second largest party in Bengal and the only credible opponents of the Trinamool Congress, supplanting the Left Front. Although the dynamics of the panchayat and Lok Sabha are obviously different, no one seriously doubts that the outcome of this year's elections will be replicated in 2019.

More important, the Trinamool Congress has destroyed the parent party's redoubts in Malda and Murshidabad. In Murshidabad, the Congress was wiped out, with the BJP limping to the finish line way behind the ruling party. In Malda, it fared somewhat better, but it is clear that the Trinamool now holds the whip hand in that district as well, with the BJP eating into Congress support.

If the Congress decides to fly solo, it is unlikely that it will win anything in Bengal; Rahul's zero out of 42 seats worst-case projection could play itself out. It may, at best, win one seat. Even if the party ties up with the Left Front, its prospects don't look great. The combined voteshare of the two was 31 percent in 2016. Since then, both the Left and the Congress have significantly lost ground  the first to the BJP and the second to the Trinamool.

If the Congress decides against entering an alliance with the Trinamool, it will succeed in inconveniencing the ruling party to some extent, especially considering the fact that the BJP's challenge is becoming more credible even though it is far yet from being a real threat.

The question is: Is there any percentage in following for the Congress in following such a strategy? The answer is: Probably not.

The Congress has to contribute saliently towards stitching together a nationwide Opposition alliance against the BJP. Who can contribute more to this enterprise? The Left, which is likely to win not more than 10 seats in 2019, or the Trinamool, which is likely to get around 40 seats? The Congress 'high command' must ask of itself a fundamental question: Is it worth pursuing the chimera of self-sufficiency in Bengal just to make a point at the cost of losing a valuable ally on the national stage?

The answers will, or should be, plain to the high command, which is why, presumably, Chowdhury was replaced with Mitra. One does not know what Mitra was thinking when he reported Rahul's reluctance to impose New Delhi's views on the PCC, but from where we stand it does sound like a bit of a joke.

The Congress high command has been imposing its views and leaders, like Mitra, on PCCs for four decades or so. Nothing has happened that we have been informed about yet that could have transformed the Congress party into a party imbued with the spirit of inner-party democracy. Don't be surprised, then, if Rahul's next significant statement on Bengal announces an alliance with the Trinamool Congress.
In a hard-hitting retort to Pakistan, Swaraj had said India has made many efforts to hold talks with Islamabad and the only reason New Delhi has called off dialogue is because of Pakistan's behaviour.

Thiruvananthapuram: Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has described the speech by External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj at the UN General Assembly "disappointing" and said it "failed" to project India's "constructive and positive image."

In a hard-hitting retort to Pakistan, Swaraj had said India has made many efforts to hold talks with Islamabad and the only reason New Delhi has called off dialogue is because of Pakistan's behaviour.

Pakistan's commitment to terrorism as an instrument of state policy has not abated one bit, Swaraj told world leaders at the UN on Saturday and asked them how India can pursue talks with a nation that "glorifies killers" and allows the Mumbai attack mastermind to "roam free" with impunity.

Tharoor alleged that the speech was aimed at BJP voters.

"We get the sense that everything is about the political environment in India. And this was a speech aimed at the BJP voters and sending a message to the voters particularly on the subject of Pakistan rather than projecting a constructive and positive image of India in the world."

To that degree, it was a "disappointing" speech, he said in Thiruvananthapuram.

"I think some of the things Sushmaji said one can fully appreciate and welcome. But some of the statements were disappointing," he said.
tech2 News Staff

Todays Google Doodle celebrates reputed ophthalmologist Dr Govindappa Venkataswamy on his 100th birth anniversary.

Better known as Dr V to his colleague and patients, Dr Govindappa Venkataswamy, founded the Aravind Eye Hospital, a hospital chain which has now grown into a network of eye hospitals across the country. As per a blog post by Google, Venkataswamy began Aravind Eye Hospital as a meagre 11-bed facility, only to see his efforts pay off and evolve into an institution over the years.

Born on this day in 1918, Govindappa Venkataswamy was born and raised in Vadamalapuram, a rural village in Southern India. He began his education at a school with no paper or pencils, where students wrote with their hands by spreading sand from the riverbank on the ground. Despite his humble beginnings, he was able to earn a BA in Chemistry from the American College in Madurai and later an MD from Stanley Medical College in Chennai (erstwhile Madras) in 1944.

Venkataswamy went on to join the Indian Army Medical Corps right after completing medical school but his career soon took a serious setback as he was diagnosed with a severe case of rheumatoid arthritis. This was so severe that he was confined to his bed for a year. He slowly recovered and was able to get back to academics and study for a degree in ophthalmology in 1951.

Despite issues with his health, Dr V quickly learnt to perform surgery to remove cataracts and could perform 100 surgeries in a day. He was soon set out to open eye camps in rural communities, a rehab center for the blind and a training program for ophthalmic assistants, during which he personally performed over 1,00,000 successful eye surgeries.

In 1973, Dr Govindappa Venkataswamy received the Padmashree award from the Government of India for his astonishing efforts.

Facing mandatory retirement at age 58, in 1976 he began what is claimed to be the second innings of his life, establishing the GOVEL Trust, in order to fund the first Aravind Eye Hospital.

The first 11-bed facility was financed by doctors mortgaging their homes and donating their own furniture. The vision was to devote six beds to those patients who could not pay anything and to cover those costs with the other five beds.

Today, Aravind Eye Hospital has nearly 4,000 beds, with doctors performing over 2,00,000 eye surgeries each year, with 70 percent of patients paying little or nothing. To bring things into perspective, each year, the eye hospital performs 60 percent as many eye surgeries as the NHS in Great Britain, doing so at one-one thousandth of the cost.

He passed away on 7 July 2006.
About 85,000 terrorists were killed in airstrikes delivered by Russias aerospace forces over the three years of the counter-terrorist operation in Syria, the chairman of the defense and security committee of Russias Federation Council upper parliament house and former commander of Russias aerospace forces, Viktor Bondarev, said.

"Over the three years, tens of thousands of terrorists targets - munitions depots, strongholds, control centers - have been hit. About 100,000 terrorists have been killed, with about 85,000 of them neutralized by our aerospace forces," Bondarev said, noting "the high precision of the use of air weapons."

"Our aerospace forces have been delivering and continue to deliver pinpoint strikes on terrorists targets," TASS cited him as saying.

The Russian taskforce, according to him, has managed to stop terrorists attacks, break their defense and gain a stronghold for Syrian government forces. "The tasks we set in Syria have been accomplished. The majority of Syrias territory has been liberated from terrorists," he said, adding he is convinced that remaining militants will in the long run be done away with.

Bondarev added that Russias geostrategic benefits from the counter-terrorist operation in Syria are evident as the country has managed to strengthen its positions in the Middle East, retain its positions on the global energy market and demonstrate its military might.
tech2 News Staff

We're now in October, and what a month for Android! Google will launch the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, OnePlus will launch the OnePlus 6T, Huawei will launch the Mate 20 Pro, Nokia is launching a phone which hasnt been confirmed, LG is will launch the V40 ThinQ, and OnePlus has finally teased the launch of the OnePlus 6T.

Here's a quick look at all we know about the device so far.

The teasers, and what we can gather from them

On 29 September, OnePlus finally put out a teaser video of the phone over Twitter. However, the teaser did not mention any specifications, or how the phone looks like. The video only revealed a hexagonal "T" logo of the upcoming model.

The only text in the video is Unlock the future, and if one reads between the lines then they can probably guess that OnePlus is hinting towards the in-display fingerprint sensor, but then that feature has already been confirmed by the company.

Besides these, the phone was also revealed in an advertisement starring Amitabh Bachchan, who is the Indian brand ambassador of OnePlus. The teaser had then raised some speculation around the placement of Mr. Bachchan's finger on the backside of the phone, and it is expected to be the third camera on the rear.

Later, the smartphone maker also put out a teaser giving the message of having "more power". The teaser hints at a larger battery life. The most recent teaser, however, reveals, an edge-to-edge display, and a faint look at the in-display fingerprint sensor.

A key innovation lies just beneath the surface. Prepare for the #OnePlus6T. pic.twitter.com/uWuTsp7Lcb  OnePlus (@oneplus) September 30, 2018

When is the launch?

The phone will apparently launch on 17 October in India according to a leaked invite. The invite was found on a post on Weibo. It showed a cut out of the upcoming OnePlus 6T, with Unlock the Speed written on it, and that the event would take place in India, the second largest smartphone market after China.

Since the leak comes from unofficial sources, there is no way we can confirm this information.

OnePlus first put up a teaser for the phones launch, on Amazon, revealing clearly that it will be an Amazon exclusive.

Specifications

Coming to the specifications, the phone is expected to be powered the Qualcomms Snapdragon 845 as its predecessor though there are reports which suggest that OnePlus could take a step down to a Snapdragon 710 chipset. Now, the Oppo R17 Pro, on which the OnePlus 6T is expected to be based did feature the Snapdragon 710 though it is unlikely that the brand will take a step down.

In terms of storage, the phone is might feature 8 GB RAM along with 256 GB. The phone will also feature a 6.14-inch Full HD Plus display. Coming to the optics, the OnePlus 6T may come with a triple camera setup. It was listed on a shopping website called GizTop which showed a OnePlus 6T model with a triple camera setup 20 MP+12 MP and a 3D TOF depth sensor.

As far as the price of the device is concerned, it has been speculated that OnePlus 6T will be priced slightly steeper as compared to what we have been seeing on the previous two T-series devices till now. The smartphones price might go up to $550 (about Rs 39,000), which is a $20 increase from the OnePlus 6s price tag.
Indo-Asian News Service

Amid a slew of controversies surrounding Tesla CEO Elon Musk, there comes some good news for the electric-car company's investors and staff as the tech billionaire has now said that the company is close to achieving profitability.

In emails to Tesla staff, Musk said that if the staff could pull through the pressure on Sunday, the company could be close to achieving an "epic victory" on production goals, CNBC reported.

The message from the Tesla boss could bring some cheer to the workers as the last few weeks had been quite tumultuous for Musk who had on Saturday agreed to step down as chairman of the company for three years and pay a $20 million fine in a deal with the US stock market regulatory authority, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), to resolve securities fraud charges.

The SEC announced the deal on Saturday  two days after it sued Musk in federal court for misleading investors over his post on Twitter last month that he was considering taking Tesla into private ownership at $420 a share.

According to the SEC's complaint, Musk's misleading tweets caused Tesla's stock price to jump by over six percent on 7 August, and led to significant market disruption.

However, in two emails  one dated September 28 and the other September 30  Musk exhorted staffers to "ignore the distractions" and that the company was close to "proving naysayers wrong", the CNBC report said.

In order to "achieve a victory beyond all expectations, Tesla must go "all out" on production on Sunday which marks the end of the quarter, Musk said.
Indo-Asian News Service

US President Donald Trump's administration has sued the state of California in an effort to strike down its new net neutrality law, signed only hours earlier by Democratic Governor Jerry Brown.

Among 34 bills signed on Sunday afternoon, Brown approved the nation's toughest net neutrality protections, setting up a legal fight by bringing back Obama-era internet regulations the federal government repealed about nine months ago, reports USA Today.

The Justice Department filed its lawsuit on Sunday night, arguing Senate Bill 822 interferes with the federal government's deregulatory approach to the internet.

"The Justice Department should not have to spend valuable time and resources to file this suit today, but we have a duty to defend the prerogatives of the federal government and protect our Constitutional order," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement.

Three statesOregon, Washington and Vermontpassed their own net neutrality bills ahead of California, though none of them was as strict.

The California law prevents broadband providers from slowing down or blocking websites, as well as charging higher fees for faster speeds. It also limits some zero-rated data plans.

The bill's sponsor, state Senator Scott Wiener called Sunday a win for an open society, USA Today said.

"While the Trump administration does everything in its power to undermine our democracy, we in California will continue to do what's right for our residents," Wiener said.

"Net neutrality, at its core, is the basic notion that we each get to decide where we go on the internet, as opposed to having that decision made for us by internet service providers. It's also about ensuring a level playing field for ideas and for businesses trying to compete."

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai voiced support for the federal lawsuit.

Identifying the internet as an interstate information service, the Indian-origin lawmaker said only the federal government can set policy for it.

In January, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra pushed back against the FCC's repeal of net neutrality, along with 21 other states.

The California legislature moved the bill to the governor's desk on 11 September.
The Associated Press

In her testimony to a Senate committee, the woman who accused Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her when they were teenagers dipped briefly into the mechanics of memory. Experts say she got it pretty much right.

When asked on 27 September how she could be sure it was Kavanaugh who put a hand over her mouth to keep her quiet, psychologist Christine Blasey Ford cited levels of chemical messengers called norepinephrine and epinephrine in her brain at the time of the alleged attack.

She said those chemicals helped encode memories in a brain region called the hippocampus so that the main memory was locked there while other details kind of drift.

Later, she said a memory of Kavanaugh and another teen laughing during the assault was indelible in the hippocampus.

Memories are not highly detailed recordings of events retrieved with perfect accuracy. They are shaped by beliefs and expectations. For that reason, experts told The Associated Press last week that both Ford and Kavanaugh, who denies that any assault happened, may both firmly believe what they say.

Which one believes his or her version more strongly is no tipoff to what really happened, experts say.

Confidence is not a good guide to whether or not someone is telling the truth, said Nora Newcombe, a psychology professor at Temple University in Philadelphia. If they think theyre telling the truth, they could plausibly both be confident about it.

In a situation where a woman fears being raped by a man, her memories might be shaped by that fear into a recollection that overestimates the threat, whereas the man might consider it just playing around and forget it, said David Rubin, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University.

And both people could be completely honest about their recollections, he said.

Rubin noted the obvious fact that people can forget things they did while drunk. But he said the man in that scenario could forget about the event even if he had been sober.

Experts in memory and the brain said Fords quick tour of memory machinery was generally correct. Levels of the brain substances she cited go up when a person is alarmed, and they help memories become laid down more strongly in the hippocampus, said Elizabeth Phelps, a Harvard University psychologist.

That helps people vividly recall central parts of an emotional experience, while details are typically lost, said Lila Davachi of Columbia University.

While its clear the hippocampus is key to the initial laying down of memory, theres some debate about its role in long-term memory, Phelps said. Various pieces of an experience  sounds, sights and thoughts  are perceived in different parts of the brain. And initially, the hippocampus serves as sort of the centre of a web that holds those perceptions together as a memory, she said.

After years pass and the memory becomes consolidated, its not clear whether the hippocampus continues to play that central role, or whether the various parts of a memory are connected by other means, she said.
We have become accustomed to conceptually seeing Afghanistan as a destabilised political entity, rife with sanguine ethnic faultlines and sectarian divisions.

Afghanistan has been reeling under utter chaos. Despite the 17 long years of US-led military intervention, little has been achieved in terms of strategic gains and political stability. Popularly dubbed as a fools errand and a lost war, Washingtons role has come under further scrutiny, given the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and increasing public fatigue in the US over its involvement in a "foreign war" that has cost more than USD 840 billion since 2001. The recent spate of terrorist attacks brings the existing vulnerabilities to the surface, exposing the prolonged political impasse over issues of governorship, a faltering peace process with the Taliban and the miscalculations of external powers, in particular US and Russia.

Indeed, we have become accustomed to conceptually seeing Afghanistan as a destabilised political entity, rife with sanguine ethnic faultlines and sectarian divisions that appear and reappear in this continuously evolving theatre of war. While the threat of international terrorism exists in more potent forms these days, the danger primarily lies domestically  in Afghanistan - with a multiplicity of terrorist formations finding shelter in the insecure eastern provinces that share their border with the restive tribal areas of Pakistan and operating in 32 of the 34 provinces of Afghanistan.

As Taliban moves further towards the north from its southern heartland Kandahar, the threat that mainly existed in the periphery has percolated and reached the core  the national capital Kabul, which, today, lies at the centre of all major terrorist attacks. Significantly, following the Taliban-led Ghazni Offensive on 9 August that had claimed more than 100 lives, the Islamic State-Khorasan massacred at least 48 Hazara-Shia students in the capital city Kabul on 15 August.

Kabul is the true locus of power in Afghanistan. An attack in Kabul is perceived to be an attack on the entire political machinery, including institutions of governance. Moreover, these attacks delegitimise the political leadership by painting a picture of a weak and fragile government incapable of providing public safety. With presidential elections due in April 2019, the threat posed to the power centre is ominous. Nevertheless, the challenge lies in maintaining the current momentum gained over the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled in October this year.

Islamic State-Khorasan: Consolidating Gains?

In the last three years, Islamic State has remarkably gained ground, appearing first in Nangarhar, travelling to Herat in the west and eventually disrupting the power centre in Kabul. The increasing presence and activities of Islamic State beyond its operational centre Nangarhar is a troubling sign. The first reports of Islamic State making inroads in Afghanistan had started coming in soon after the release of the terrorist groups "world domination map" in June 2014 that included Afghanistan in the larger "Islamic region" of Khorasan. In the following year, on 26 January, Islamic State publicly announced the establishment of its Khorasan affiliate; and reportedly, carried out its first terror attack in Afghanistan on 18 April in Jalalabad city of Nangarhar that killed at least 35 people outside the New Kabul Bank.

Since its first attack in 2015, Islamic State has carried out several terrorist attacks in the country, particularly in Jalalabad city of Nangarhar and more recently in Kabul. Of the 10,453 civilian casualties recorded in 2017, at least 1,000 have been attributed to Islamic State. Owing to the retreating territory in its traditional operating areas in Iraq and Syria, the outfit appears to be expanding and consolidating in Afghanistan, despite the ferocious resistance from the internally factious Taliban. It was during the initial vacuum created by the death of Taliban leader Mullah Omar that a leadership crisis within the Taliban emerged, creating ample space for Islamic State to grow, evolve and expand its operational capabilities from Nangarhar to Kabul.

In this scenario, where a defiant Islamic State and a fierce Taliban are both competing and contending parties, a gory turf war is likely to ensue. Crucially, Islamic State and Taliban have engaged in direct confrontations on several occasions, with the former determined to establish a foothold on the militant landscape of the country. The escalation of Taliban-Islamic State fighting poses a bigger threat to the long pending peace deal that is more elusive than tangible.

In this context of the peace process, Russias recent outreach to the Taliban in the absence of the Afghan government sets a bad precedent. This decision, which now stands cancelled, not only undermines the authority and legitimacy of the government but also emboldens and legitimises the Taliban in further entrenching its violent conflict. Such (deliberate) miscalculations expose a Machiavellian foreign policy that placates the non-state actors in achieving its geopolitical ambitions.

In this tangled war  with a multiplicity of internal and external actors, involved in different and at times, complementing capacities - the battlefield is littered with explosive remnants of war, making the road to "victory"  as imagined by interventionist powers a hard and long one to travel.

Re-alignment amidst ambiguity

Amidst the complex war with a multi-faceted impact, there is persisting ambiguity over the future course of action, both domestically and internationally. With Afghanistan entering the fourth democratic process in April next year post-Bonn (2001), the political future remains uncertain  oscillating from consolidating byzantine politics to moving towards strengthening democracy. While Afghanistan navigates through an uncertain political future, the international and regional players must focus on forging future engagement and mediation.

It is time that the US abides by the timelines that it sets for itself for engagement and disengagement in this protracted war. While, clearly, the presence of US forces in Afghanistan is considered to be in the larger interest of the internal and external stakeholders, we must learn that in this war of illusions and reality we need to abandon the former  a belief that external powers can stabilise the country militarily. USs dilemma towards Afghanistan  from military intervention to troop withdrawal and back to troop deployment  reveals an incoherent approach. With not many alternatives left, will the US establish a permanent presence in the region by militarily engaging in Afghanistan or will it arbitrarily abandon the war zone, leaving behind the ghosts of war?

This leaves India with continuing its policy of social internationalism, which includes promoting common good and cooperation. It is equally important for India to continue to focus and pursue its present and future commitments in Afghanistan while at the same time align its objectives with the reality on ground.

The author is Research Fellow at the Indian Council of World Affairs, New Delhi. Her area of interest is religion, conflict and religious orientations of violent and non-violent forms. Views expressed are that of the author and not of the Council.
Gayoom's daughter Dunya, a former foreign minister, welcomed the release and said she hoped the sentences of other dissidents, including another former leader, Mohamed Nasheed, would soon be withdrawn. 'These are all politically-motivated convictions and I hope they too will be overturned soon, allowing... Nasheed to return home,' Maumoon told AFP by telephone from Male as Gayoom returned home.

Colombo: Former Maldives president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was released from jail on Sunday, a week after his estranged half-brother suffered a shock electoral defeat, raising hopes that other high profile political prisoners could soon have their convictions overturned.

Gayoom, 80, and his legislator son Faris Maumoon, were released on bail by the High Court in Male, a week after strongman Abdulla Yameen's spectacular loss at the polls in the Indian Ocean archipelago nation.

Gayoom's daughter Dunya, a former foreign minister, welcomed the release and said she hoped the sentences of other dissidents, including another former leader, Mohamed Nasheed, would soon be withdrawn. "These are all politically-motivated convictions and I hope they too will be overturned soon, allowing... Nasheed to return home," Maumoon told AFP by telephone from Male as Gayoom returned home.

Nasheed, the country's first democratically-elected president, was convicted on a terrorism charge and sentenced to 13 years in prison in 2015. He obtained prison leave in 2016 and travelled to London for medical treatment and has remained abroad since. Nasheed was barred from contesting the 23 September presidential election because of his conviction which the United Nations said was a travesty of justice.

Former foes Nasheed and Gayoom both backed Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to challenge Yameen, who had locked up all his key political opponents or forced them to flee the country. Sunday's release followed appeals from President-elect Solih, who urged Yameen to free all political prisoners in the tourist paradise atoll nation after his stunning victory last week.

Gayoom had ruled the nation of 340,000 Sunni Muslims for 30 straight years till he was defeated by Nasheed at the country's first multi-party elections in 2008. He supported Yameen against Nasheed in a controversial run-off election in 2013 although the half-brothers later fell out and became bitter foes.

Gayoom was arrested in February along with the country's Chief Justice and another Supreme Court judge on a charge of attempting to topple Yameen. He declared a 45-day state of emergency to block impeachment.

Gayoom was serving a 19-month jail term for obstruction of justice and was also under trial on a "terrorism" charge when the High Court ordered his release. The ex-leader had bail set at 60,000 rufiyaa ($3,900) and his son Faris at 40,000 rufiyaa, and they were ordered not to travel abroad without the court's permission.

Another high profile Maldivian dissident, Qasim Ibrahim, was also granted bail. He, however, is not in the Maldives. He had obtained prison leave for medical treatment and has remained in Europe. Almost all key opposition leaders and a number of ruling party dissidents had either been jailed or gone into exile in recent years under Yameen who relied heavily on China for political and financial support.

Soon after his defeat, Yameen freed five other political prisoners but was delaying the release of his half-brother who could have made a claim to the leadership of his PPM party. Yameen secured the leadership of the party on Friday. His five-year term as president will come to an end on 17 November when Solih is due to be sworn in.
The TV aired footage of one of its reporters standing by as one of the missiles was launched, identifying the area as being in Iran's western province of Kermanshah.

Tehran: Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said Monday that it launched ballistic missiles into eastern Syria, targeting militants which the force blames for a recent attack on a military parade.

The launch was the Islamic Republic's second such missile attack on Syria in over a year.

Iranian state television and the state-run IRNA news agency said the attacks "killed and wounded" militants in Syria, without elaborating. Syrian state media did not immediately acknowledge the strike.

The TV aired footage of one of its reporters standing by as one of the missiles was launched, identifying the area as being in Iran's western province of Kermanshah. A state TV-aired graphic suggested the missiles flew over central Iraq near the city of Tikrit before landing near the city of Abu Kamal, in the far southeast of Syria.

Abu Kamal is held by forces loyal to Syria's embattled President Bashar Assad. However, the city has been targetted even now by militants from the extremist Islamic State group, who have lost almost all the territory they once held in Syria and Iraq.

One missile shown on state television bore the slogans "Death to America, Death to Israel, Death to Al Saud," referring to Saudi Arabia's ruling family. The missile also bore in Arabic the phrase "kill the friends of Satan," referring to a verse in the Quran on fighting infidels.

"This is the roaring of missiles belonging to the Revolutionary Guard of the Islamic Revolution," the state TV's reporter said as the missiles launched behind him. "In a few minutes, the world of arrogance  especially America, the Zionist regime and the Al Saud  will hear the sound of Iran's repeated blows."

The semi-official Fars news agency, believed to be close to the Guard, identified the six missiles used as Zolfaghar and Qiam variants, which have ranges of 750 kilometress and 800 kilometres respectively.

Iran also launched drone attacks on the site afterward, state TV reported.

The attack adds to confusion over who carried out an assault on a military parade in Ahvaz on 22 September that killed at least 24 people and wounded over 60.

Iran initially blamed Arab separatists for the attack in which gunmen disguised as soldiers opened fire on the crowd and officials watching the parade from a viewing platform in the southwestern city.

Arab separatists also immediately claimed the attack and offered details about one of the attackers that ultimately turned out to be true.

The Islamic State group also claimed responsibility for the assault, but initially made factually incorrect claims about it. Later, Islamic State released footage of several men that Iran ultimately identified as attackers, though the men in the footage never pledged allegiance to the extremist group.

In announcing the attack, Iranian state media said the missiles targeted both "takfiri" militants  a term it often applies to the Islamic State group  and Ahvazi separatists. The separatists have not been known to work with Islamic State in the past.

This is the third time in the last couple of years that Iran has fired its ballistic missiles in anger.

In 2017, Iran fired ballistic missiles into Syria over a bloody Islamic State attack on Tehran targeting parliament and the shrine of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. In September, Iran fired missiles into Iraq targeting a base of an Iranian Kurdish separatist group. The separatists say that strike killed at least 11 people and wounded 50.
One prison in tsunami-struck Palu city  built to hold just 120 people  saw most of its 581 inmates storm past guards and escape to freedom through walls collapsed by the massive 7.5-magnitude shake.

Jakarta: Some 1,200 Indonesian convicts are on the run from three different detention facilities in devastated Sulawesi after the region was rocked by a powerful earthquake and tsunami, a justice ministry official said Monday.

One prison in tsunami-struck Palu city  built to hold just 120 people  saw most of its 581 inmates storm past guards and escape to freedom through walls collapsed by the massive 7.5-magnitude shake.

"Things were initially fine...but not long after the quake, water erupted from under the prison yard causing prisoners to panic and then run onto the road," said Ministry of Justice official Sri Puguh Utami, adding that the water was not from the tsunami.

"I'm sure they escaped because they feared they would be affected by the earthquake. This is for sure a matter of life and death for the prisoners," she added.

Inmates had fled from another overcapacity facility in Palu by breaking down its main door and another in Donggala, an area also hit by the disaster.

The Donggala jail was set on fire and all 343 inmates were now on the run, Utami said.

The arson was thought to have been sparked by angry detainees demanding to see their families. "They panicked after learning that Donggala was badly hit by the earthquake," Utami said.

"Prison officials did negotiate with prisoners about allowing them to go to check on their families. But some prisoners were apparently not patient enough and committed the arson."

Some of the convicts were jailed for corruption and narcotics offences, she said.

Five people convicted of terror-related crimes had been moved from the prison just days before the disaster.

Just over 100 prisoners at the two facilities in Palu were still in jail, but overstretched guards were struggling to keep them fed.

"The prison no longer had enough food," Utami said. "Officials then tried to buy supplies from stores around the prison that were still open."
The controversial Rafale fighter India ordered would not be ready to fly at the Bengaluru air show in February, an IAF official said on Sunday.

Bengaluru: The controversial Rafale fighter India ordered would not be ready to fly at the Bengaluru air show in February, an IAF official said on Sunday.

"Rafale for India will not be ready by February. We expect Dassault to fly some other Rafale at the Aero India show here on 20 to 24 February, 2019," Deputy Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal RK Singh Bhadauria told IANS at a press conference.

The French aerospace major (Dassault Aviation) is set to deliver 36 Rafales multi-role medium combat aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in fly-away condition from September 2019 onwards.

The 12th edition of the 5-day biennial air show will be held at IAF's Yelahanka base on the city's northern outskirts as before.

"We hope Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate it though the Ministry of Defence will take a call on it," said Bhadauria when asked who would flag off the mega show.

The state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will play a major role in organising the air show, instead of the Defence Exhibition Organisation which has been hosting the event over years, he added.

The advanced fourth generation fighter Rafale will partly replace the ageing Russian-built MiG-21 jets the IAF is phasing out due to their obsolescence.

The Deputy Chief of Air Staff was present at a press conference addressed by Defence Minister at the Yelahanka air base.

Asked about the overhauling of Rafale in the absence of HAL as its Indian partner, Sitharaman said the joint statement of 10 April, 2015 between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then French President Francois Hollande had addressed all the issues, including servicing of the fighter.

"Our agreement has achieved a much better deal than the non-deal by the AUPA," the Defence Minister said.

The Modi government had approached the Rafale deal with a "sense of urgency" understanding the strengths of Pakistan and China, she said.

"With the depleting squadron strength from 42 to 33, we had gone in to get 36 aircraft in fly-away condition. That was the sense of urgency with which we have attended to the issue," the Minister stressed.

With a "desperation" to return to power, Congress was raising Rafale issue, Sitharaman claimed.

"In over four years, there's not even a whisper of corruption in this government. But desperate to get power, they (Congress) have been indulging in hit-and-run tactics," she alleged.

The Congress party was also shedding "crocodile tears" for HAL alleging that it missed out on thousands of jobs over the Rafale deal, she said.

"An intergovernmental deal only dictates the requirements of a contract. The offset rules are governed by offset regulations," Sitharaman added.
By Simon Johnson and Kate Kelland STOCKHOLM/LONDON (Reuters) - American James Allison and Japanese Tasuku Honjo won the 2018 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine on Monday for game-changing discoveries about how to harness and manipulate the immune system to fight cancer.

By Simon Johnson and Kate Kelland

STOCKHOLM/LONDON (Reuters) - American James Allison and Japanese Tasuku Honjo won the 2018 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine on Monday for game-changing discoveries about how to harness and manipulate the immune system to fight cancer.

The scientists' work in the 1990s has since swiftly led to new and dramatically improved therapies for cancers such as melanoma and lung cancer, which had previously been extremely difficult to treat.

"The seminal discoveries by the two Laureates constitute a landmark in our fight against cancer," the Nobel Assembly at Sweden's Karolinska Institute said as it awarded the prize of nine million Swedish crowns ($1 million).

Allison and Honjo showed releasing the brakes on the immune system can unleash its power to attack cancer. The resulting treatments, known as immune checkpoint blockade, have "fundamentally changed the outcome" for some advanced cancer patients," the Nobel institute said.

Medicine is the first of the Nobel Prizes awarded each year. The prizes for achievements in science, literature and peace were created in accordance with the will of dynamite inventor and businessman Alfred Nobel and have been awarded since 1901.

The literature prize will not be handed out this year after the awarding body was hit by a sexual misconduct scandal. A Swedish court on Monday found a man at the centre of the scandal guilty of rape and sentenced him to two years in jail.

REVOLUTIONISED CANCER TREATMENT

Allison's and Honjo's work focussed on proteins that act as brakes on the immune system - preventing the body's main immune cells, known as T-cells, from attacking tumours effectively.

Allison, a professor at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, worked on a protein known as CTLA-4 and realised that if this could be blocked, a brake would be released.

"It immediately occurred to me, and some of the people in my lab, that maybe we can use this to unleash the immune system to attack cancer cells," Allison told a news conference after getting the prize.

Honjo, a professor at Kyoto University since 1984, separately discovered a second protein called PD-1 and found that it too acted as an immune system brake, but with a different mechanism.

The discoveries led to the creation of a multibillion-dollar market for new cancer medicines.

Bristol-Myers Squibb's CTLA-4 therapy Yervoy was the first such drug to win approval, in 2011. However, it is medicines targeting PD-1 blockade that have proved a bigger commercial hit, led by Merck & Co's Keytruda in 2014.

These and rival drugs from Roche, AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Sanofi now offer new options for patients with melanoma, lung and bladder cancers.

Sales of such medicines, which are given as infusions, are expected to reach some $15 billion this year, according to Thomson Reuters consensus forecasts. Some analysts see eventual revenues of $50 billion.

Honjo, who is now 76, told a news conference in Tokyo he was honoured to get the Nobel, but his work was not yet done.

"I would like to keep on doing my research ...so that this immune treatment could save more cancer patients," he said.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe congratulated Honjo in a phone call, telling him: "I believe the achievements of your research have given cancer patients hope and light."

Allison told a news conference he was in a "state of shock" hours after learning from his son that he had won a Nobel prize.

"As a basic scientist, to have my work really impact people is just one of the best things," he said. "I think it's everybody's dream. And I've been lucky enough to do work that is benefiting people now."

Commenting on the award, Kevin Harrington, a professor at the Institute of Cancer Research in London, said the work had revolutionised cancer treatment.

"Weve gone from being in a situation where patients were effectively untreatable to having a range of immunotherapy options that, when they work, work very well indeed," he said in a statement. "For some patients we see their tumours shrink or completely disappear and are effectively cured."

($1 = 8.8798 Swedish crowns)

(Additional reporting by Niklas Pollard, Daniel Dickson, Gina Cherelus, Esha Vaish, Anna Ringstrom, Ben Hirschler and Kiyoshi Takenaka; Editing by William Maclean)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi praised a missile attack by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) against Takfiri militants in eastern Syria and said it proved the Islamic Republics determination to fight terrorism.

"Any move or act, whether by military or political sectors in the world definitely conveys special messages," Tasnik cited Qassemi as saying.

According to he spokesman, it can be explicitly said that the missile attack proved Irans serious resolve to fight terrorism.

The spokesman expressed hope that other countries would show more serious commitment to anti-terrorism efforts.

The Revolutionary Guards said earlier that 6 missiles were fired into Syria from western Iran, adding that 7 drones were also used to bomb militant targets during the attack, which killed a number of militant leaders and destroyed supplies and infrastructure used by the group.

Twelve Guards were among those killed in the attack on September 22, when gunmen fired on a viewing stand as military officials watched a ceremony in Ahvaz marking the start of Irans 1980-1988 war with Iraq. The Ahvaz National Resistance, an Iranian ethnic Arab separatist movement, and ISIS have both claimed responsibility for the attack in which 25 people were killed.
India, at the UNGA, has been accusing Pakistan of giving safe havens to terrorists and Islamabad has been blaming New Delhi of human rights violations.

India and Pakistan have been using the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to attack each other for years and 2018 is no different. Both the nations sparred with each other at the 73rd session with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj blaming Pakistan for spreading terrorism in India and Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi saying terrorists behind the 2014 attack on a Peshawar school were "supported" by India.

India, at the UNGA, has been accusing Pakistan of giving safe havens to terrorists and Islamabad has been blaming New Delhi of human rights violations. Even in 2018, Swaraj said Pakistan's "expertise is not restricted to spawning grounds for terrorism, it is also an expert in trying to mask malevolence with verbal duplicity".

She also said, "After the end of the 20th Century, there was hope for peace in the 21st Century. But terror attacks like 9/11 (11 September, 2001 attacks on the US) and 26/11 (26 November, 2008 attacks in Mumbai) have disappointed us. Today, the monster of terrorism is progressing."

"In India, it is unfortunate that terrorism comes from one nation in our neighborhood. The biggest evidence of this fact is that Osama bin Laden was found in Pakistan," Swaraj added. The Union minister also hit out at Pakistan for time and again accusing India of human rights violations, asking, "Who can be a greater transgressor of human rights than a terrorist?"

Raising the issue of cancellation of proposed talks between the two nations, she said, "There have been rumours that India is not ready for talks. On the contrary, we believe that even the most complex issues can be resolved through talks. That is why we began talks with Pakistan many times. But on all those occasions, talks stopped because of negative action by Pakistan."

Meanwhile, Qureshi in his speech said that Pakistan will never forget the mass murder of more than 150 children in the Peshawar school, the Mastung attack and many others that "have links with terrorists supported by India."

He also accused India of preferring "politics over peace" while cancelling the proposed talks at the sidelines of the UNGA session.

Qureshi also raised the Kashmir issue at the session, saying the "unresolved dispute" is impacting achieving durable peace between India and Pakistan and remains a "blot on the conscience of humanity". He also said Islamabad wanted a relationship with New Delhi based on "sovereign equality and mutual respect".

"We seek resolution of disputes through a serious and comprehensive dialogue that covers all issues of concern," he said in his address. He also warned India, saying if India ventures across the Line of Control, or acts upon its doctrine of "limited" war against Pakistan, "it will evoke a strong and matching response."

Both the countries have engaged in the same vitriolic war of words for years at the United Nations General Assembly. Here's a look at what both India and Pakistan have said in the previous sessions:

2017

In 2017 as well, India and Pakistan had engaged in a war of words. In his maiden address to the UNGA, then Pakistan prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi accused India of indulging in terror activities against his country and warned of a "matching response" if it "ventures across the LoC (Line of Control)" or acts upon its doctrine of limited war against Pakistan.

He had also raised the Kashmir issue saying, "The Kashmir dispute should be resolved justly, peacefully and expeditiously. As India is unwilling to resume the peace process with Pakistan, we call on the Security Council to fulfil its obligation to secure the implementation of its own resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir."

India hit back and said that Pakistan has become 'synonymous with terror'. Swaraj called Pakistan an "export factory for terror" and asked Pakistani leaders to introspect as to why India is recognised as a global IT superpower, while Pakistan is infamous as the "pre-eminent export factory for terror".

She further accused Pakistan of waging war against India and said a country that has been the world's greatest exporter of havoc, death and inhumanity became a champion of hypocrisy by preaching about humanity from this podium.

2016

Pakistan has consistently raised the Kashmir issue at the UNGA session with then prime minister Nawaz Sharif expressing a readiness for serious and sustained dialogue with India over Kashmir in 2016. He said in his speech to the UNGA, "talks are no favor to Pakistan. Talks are in the interest of both countries".

He said that Pakistan too has been a victim of terrorism and made a plea for encouraging tolerance. He listed action taken by the Pakistani government to combat terrorism such as the National Action Plan and the Zarb-e-Azb anti-terrorism campaign.

To combat terrorism, Sharif said that the international community has to work together and look at the root cause: human rights violation, something that has been rampant in Kashmir.

He also handed over a dossier to the Secretary General containing evidence of alleged human rights violations by Indian forces in Kashmir and stated that the shooting of Burhan Wani, a Kashmiri protest leader is one such human rights violation.

Strongly reacting to Sharif's remarks at the UN, India described them as non-factual and full of "threat bluster" and said glorification of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani by him at the world forum is an act of "self-incrimination" by Pakistan. Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar rejected Sharif's offer to enter into talks for a peaceful resolution, saying, "talks and guns don't go together".

Similar to 2017, Swaraj slammed Pakistan for accusing India of human rights violations and asked it to "introspect and see what egregious abuses they are perpetrating in their own country, including in Balochistan".

She further said, "In our midst, there are nations that still speak the language of terrorism, that nurture it, peddle it, and export it. To shelter terrorists has become their calling card. We must identify these nations and hold them to account."

2015

In 2015, Sharif used the UNGA platform to propose a "four-point peace initiative" with India and also proposed restraint by both countries from "use or the threat of use of force under any circumstances. He also proposed formalising the 2003 ceasefire agreement and expanding the role of the UN Military Observers Group for India and Pakistan.

Sharif also said that steps must be taken to demilitarise Kashmir.

Even in 2015, Swaraj had made it clear that "talks and terror cannot go together" and responded to Sharif's proposed four-point initiative by saying that India only needs one point  give up terrorism and let us sit down and talk.

2014

Sharif had raked up the Kashmir issue during the UNGA session in 2014 and blamed India for missing an opportunity to address the issue by cancelling Foreign Secretary-level talks, according to India Today.

Sharif also said that over six decades ago, the United Nations had passed resolutions to hold a plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir and the people of the state "are still waiting for the fulfillment of that promise".

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that his government has placed the highest priority on advancing friendship and cooperation with India's neighbours, and this includes Pakistan. He told Islamabad to take its responsibility seriously to create an appropriate environment and said that raising issues in this forum is not the way to make progress towards resolving issues between our two countries.

With inputs from agencies
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The United Nations agency that supports Palestinian refugees withdrew some of its international staff from the Gaza Strip on Monday, saying it was concerned for their safety, a statement from the organisation said. Anger has mounted in Gaza over the past few weeks among Palestinian employees of UNRWA (The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees). Facing a financial crisis, the organisation has had to cut jobs in Gaza, sparking numerous strikes and protests.

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The United Nations agency that supports Palestinian refugees withdrew some of its international staff from the Gaza Strip on Monday, saying it was concerned for their safety, a statement from the organisation said.

Anger has mounted in Gaza over the past few weeks among Palestinian employees of UNRWA (The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees). Facing a financial crisis, the organisation has had to cut jobs in Gaza, sparking numerous strikes and protests.

"UNRWA today decided to temporarily withdraw part of its international staff from Gaza following a series of worrying security incidents affecting its personnel in the Strip," the agency said.

UNRWA said its director of operations and other international staff will remain in Gaza and that its operations continue there. A source in Gaza said 13 international staff were withdrawn and six more remain in the Strip.

"Earlier today, a number of staff were harassed and prevented from carrying out their duties by individuals protesting recent measures resulting from UNRWAs challenging financial situation," the statement said.

Hani al-Omari, a local UNRWA employee, told Reuters that dozens of people whose jobs were recently cut or reduced had gathered outside a hotel where they heard UNRWA international staff were meeting, some surrounding one of the member's vehicle and lying down in the road.

"We wanted to send a message to them that they will not be comfortable while they plan to execute us by cutting our jobs, al-Omari said.

UNRWA in its statement called on Gaza authorities to "provide effective protection to its employees and facilities."

Gaza is controlled by the Islamist Hamas movement.

Hamas officials could not be reached for comment.

UNRWA provides services to about 5 million Palestinian refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank and Gaza. Most are descendants of some 700,000 Palestinians who were driven out of their homes or fled fighting in the 1948 war that led to Israel's creation.

In August, the United States announced a halt in its aid to UNRWA, calling it an "irredeemably flawed operation," prompting the organisation to appeal to donors for help

UNRWA chief Pierre Krahenbuhl said on Thursday that the agency received contributions of $118 million, narrowing a budget gap for this year to $68 million. The pledges were made at a meeting on the sidelines of the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations in New York.

Gaza has been for years in deep economic crisis. With poverty rampant and unemployment high, many of its two million residents depend on UNRWA services.

(Reporting by Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem and Saleh Salem in Gaza; Writing by Maayan Lubell; Editing by Richard Balmforth)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
UN chief Antonio Guterres will also to speak at closing session of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

New Delhi: The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday that the world body must fully support India's leadership on climate change and its development plans.

Guterres told the UN staff in Delhi that UN's work in India cannot be business as usual, but should back India's leadership on many international efforts.

Speaking at the opening of the new UN House, he said the UN system has to be united to fully support India's leadership on climate change, the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and many other efforts.

"The UN system should also support India's development efforts," he added.

Guterres is in Delhi to participate in the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's birth.

He will visit Raj Ghat on Tuesday and lay a wreath to honour Gandhi.

He will also to speak at closing session of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He will participate in the International Solar Alliance Assembly and a meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association energy ministers.

The schedule in India includes meetings with Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, and a visit to the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Samsung SM-G6200 has been certified by TENAA in China after rumors. The certification reveals a 5.99-inch FHD+ 18:9 aspect ratio display without a notch, 2.2GHz Octa-Core SoC which could be Snapdragon 660 or 710, 6GB of RAM, 12-megapixel rear camera along with a 2-megapixel secondary camera and a 5-megapixel front camera.

It has an oval-shaped fingerprint sensor on the back and packs a 3300mAh battery.

Samsung SM-G6200 rumored specifications

5.99-inch (2160 x 1080 pixels) Full HD+ 18:9 2.5D curved glass display

2.2GHz Octa-Core processor

6GB RAM, 64GB / 128GB storage, expandable memory up to 256GB with microSD

Android 8.1 (Oreo)

Dual SIM

12MP rear camera with dual-tone LED flash, secondary 2MP camera

5MP front-facing camera

Fingerprint sensor

Dimensions: 156.1476.48.39mm

Dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4/5GHz), Bluetooth 5, GPS + GLONASS, NFC (Optional)

3300mAh battery with fast charging

The Samsung smartphone is expected to come in Black, Blue Red and Pink colors. We should know the launch date of the phone soon. Earlier rumors said that this will be Galaxy P30, but leakster Ice universe says that Samsung P series doesnt exist, so this could join the A series.

Source 1, 2
Back in August, we had heard that Google is working on a new Chromecast with Bluetooth connectivity and improved Wi-Fi reception. Now, filling the void, the upcoming Chromecast has surfaced ahead of the possible October 9th launch. Courtesy of a Redditor who has bought the Chromecast from Best Buy to find out that it looked different from regular Chromecast.

This surely is a surprise since the company is yet to introduce the new Chromecast, but none of the specifications have come out yet, but the images suggest that Google has redesigned it a bit. There is a comparison picture which shows the 3rd-generation Chromecast alongside the 2nd-generation model, and the differences are clear.

However, both the models have the same basic design with circular body housing the components and an HDMI cable attached to connect to the TV. According to the Redditor, the upcoming Chromecast said to have eliminated the magnetic connector that allows easy management of that HDMI cable, though.

It also removed the glossy plastic design which is being replaced with a matte coating. Its also mentioned that the 3rd-generation Chromecast is a bit thicker than the previous version. The Chromecast logo has also been replaced with Googles G logo which we commonly see on the companys other hardware. The 3rd generation Chromecast might be sticking to the USB port. The Google Home app requires an update to set this new device, meaning that it indeed is a new hardware. It is also likely that the device might on the same day as the launch event.

Source 1, 2
Dazzling bright white chocolate destined to be a big hit on Instagram is the new brainchild of Cargill, drawing inspiration from the adage that you eat with your... Read More
Fuji Oil Holdings, headquartered in Osaka, Japan, has established its fourth R&D center, which is also the first to be based in Europe. The move further enhances the... Read More
Where am I? Like humans, robots also need to answer that question, while they tirelessly glue, weld or apply seals to workpieces. After all, the production of precision products depends on robot control systems knowing the location of the adhesive bonding head or welding head to the nearest millimeter at all times. This means the robot needs some sort of eye. In the automotive industry and many other sectors, specialized sensors perform this function, most of which operate on the principle of laser triangulation. A laser diode projects a line of red light onto the workpiece, from which the light is reflected at a specific angle before being detected by a camera. From the position of the light striking the camera chip, the position and distance of the sensor with respect to the workpiece within the coordinate system can be calculated.

However, there is a problem with such systems: Shadowing effect limits the flexibility of existing sensors. They also restrict the freedom of movement of the robot systems and integrating them is very labor-intensive, says Mauritz Moller, head of the additive manufacturing systems department at the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Additive Manufacturing Technologies IAPT in Hamburg. The only way to measure height with conventional sensors is to mount them along the direction of processing. With these sensors, however, the robot is blind when it changes its direction of movement. Having to predefine the processing direction significantly limits the flexibility of the handling systems. The only alternatives are to use several sensors or additional axes  either of which, given todays state-of-the-art technology, can sometimes cost more than the robot itself.

Patented measuring technique

Mauritz Moller and his colleagues Malte Buhr, Vishnuu Jothi Prakash and Julian Weber have developed an innovative solution called SensePRO. This compact sensor system measures 15 centimeters in diameter and is equipped with specially developed image processing algorithms, thus providing a shadow-free all-round field of view, and generating a 360 measurement field, offering complete flexibility with regard to the direction of measurement. No matter where the robot moves, at least one laser line is always optimally positioned, supplying precise positional information to the camera.

This approach also solves another problem  shadowing of the laser light by components with complex shapes. The researchers have now patented the technique. No additional programming is required to integrate the new sensor system in existing robot systems. It can be employed completely flexibly and, above all, reliably in all adhesive bonding and welding processes. The technique significantly simplifies process control and quality assurance  with just one sensor.

Intelligent thermal management

To operate over long periods in harsh production environments, the sensor contains a cooling module, which utilizes either water or air. To enhance cooling, the optical bench on which the laser diodes and cameras are mounted has an internal cooling structure. Due to its highly complex shape, the only way to produce it is by 3D printing. This intelligent thermal management system extends the sensors service life. The sensor is designed to fit robots made by all leading manufacturers, from Kuka to Fanuc, and is well suited for any conceivable application scenarios. As a result, it can be easily integrated into existing production systems.

SensePRO is expected to be ready for full-scale production in 2021. Since no competing systems are currently available, SensePRO has a good chance to successfully establish itself in the rapidly growing industrial robot market. In Germany, around 1,300 new robots for welding or adhesive bonding applications that require such a sensor are sold every year.

For Mauritz Moller and his colleagues Malte Buhr, Vishnuu Prakash and Julian Weber, the aim of the project is to assess how SensePRO might be commercially exploited, for example in a spin-off. With this in mind, the four pioneering researchers have applied for and received approval for EXIST funding. The Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energys EXIST program supports start-ups from universities and research institutions individually with up to one million euros in funding.


Russia's deliveries of S-300 air defense systems to Syria will contribute to the security and stability of this country, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said.

"If the Syrian government decides to buy this and if the Russian government decides to sell it, Im sure it would be useful for the security of Syria and the stability of that country," Sputnik cited the diplomat as saying.

Last week, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced that Russia would take a number of measures to boost the safety of its troops in Syria, including deliveries of the S-300 systems, in the wake of the downing of the Il-20 military plane near Syria.
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.
Samsung Galaxy J6 reportedly gets another price cut News oi-Abhinaya Prabhu Galaxy J6 has got a price cut.

Samsung is trying to compete against the likes of Chinese smartphone brands such as Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo that dominate the mid-range market segment. In an attempt to regain the lost foothold, the company is launching a slew of smartphones in the affordable market segment. Also, it is slashing the cost of several mid-range smartphones making them even more affordable.

The latest one to get a price cut is the Samsung Galaxy J6. This smartphone was launched in India earlier this year for Rs. 13,990 and Rs. 16,490 for the 3GB and 4GB RAM variants respectively. Now, the device is reported to have received a price cut taking its cost down to Rs. 12,490 and Rs. 13,990 for the two variants.

The price cut!

Notably, this price drop has been tipped by the well-known Twitter-based tipster and Mumbai-based retailer Mahesh Telecom. However, there is no official confirmation from Samsung regarding the price cut. And, we can expect official confirmation to be made in the coming days.

Back in early August, the Galaxy J6 received a price cut of Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 1,500 respectively on the two variants. So, it was priced at Rs. 12,990 and Rs. 14,990. Now, it has received Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 price cuts respectively.

Samsung Galaxy J6 specifications

Samsung Galaxy J6 bestows a 5.6-inch HD+ Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1480 x 720 pixels. The display has an aspect ratio of 18.5:9, which makes its display tall. Under its hood, this Samsung phone employs an octa-core Exynos 7870 SoC clubbed up with 3GB/4GB RAM and 32GB/64GB storage space. There is a microSD card slot supporting expandable storage space as well.

On the optical front, the Galaxy J6 makes use of a single 13MP selfie camera and an 8MP selfie camera. Both the camera modules come accompanied with LED flash. The connectivity aspects on board include 4G VoLTE, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPS. There is support for dual SIM cards as well. The smartphone runs Android 8.0 Oreo topped with Samsung Experience UI. And, the entire device gets powered by a 3000mAh battery that delivers a decent backup.

Best Mobiles in India

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Xiaomi Redmi 6, 6A and Redmi Note 5 receive MIUI 10 stable update News oi-Karan Sharma Xiaomi is finally rolling out the MIUI stable ROM for Xiaomi Redmi 6, 6A and Redmi Note 5. Here's how you can download.

Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi has finally started rolling out the stable MIUI 10 update for its Redmi 6, 6A, Redmi 5 Plus (Redmi Note 5 in India) after a long wait. The company kept the users on a long wait. However, currently the update is not available via Over-the-Air (OTA) but users can still download the update.zip file manually from official Xiaomi website and upgrade their smartphone.

The company has officially posted on its official Twitter handle and confirmed about the update. The post has also mentioned that the Redmi 5 Plus and Redmi Note 5 smartphone have already received the stable ROM update a few days ago. And today the company is making the MIUI 10 Global Stable ROM available for the owners of the Redmi 6 and Redmi 6 Pro.

The latest MIUI 10 brings a lot of changes with the new User Interface. With the update now users will get the AI portrait mode on the single front camera. The update also brings the Hindi language support in Mi Apps. The company has also added some new natural sounds to the MIUI 10. Here's a full changelog if the MIUI 10 update:

Changelog: Redmi 6/6A Redmi 5A and Redmi 5 Plus MIUI 10 Update

Full View Experience

Designed for a full-screen experience

All-new UI is tailored for full-screen devices and lets

the content takes the front stage.

Other improvements and optimizations

Al brings Portrait mode to single front camera

devices! Blur the background on your portrait shots

and look as gorgeous as you feel

Other system apps (including Clock and Notes) got

major revamp too.

Mi Apps

New Supported Hindi in Mi Apps(07-17)

The company has already rolled out the MIUI 10 update to smartphones like Mi 6, Redmi Note 5 Pro, Mi 5, Note 5 Pro and more. In China, the company has already given the update to all the latest Xiomi smartphones.

The OTA update for Redmi 6 and 6A will weigh over 256MB in size for Redmi 6 in India so make sure you have that much storage left on your device.

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Vodafone Red 399 postpaid users can get 50% benefits: Heres how News oi-Abhinaya Prabhu Vodafone is offering up to 50% discount with its postpaid plans.

With the entry of Reliance Jio, the telecom market segment has undergone a massive transformation. Initially, it was only the prepaid sector that faced disruption, but gradually, with the launch of the postpaid plans from Jio, the changes are evident in this segment too.

Well, the postpaid plans started getting bundled benefits in the form of additional data and subscriptions. Now, Vodafone postpaid subscribers can get their connection at a relatively lower cost. But there are some terms and conditions associated with the same.

Vodafone postpaid offer

To avail this offer, you need to apply for a Citibank credit card after subscribing to a postpaid plan in the Vodafone Red portfolio. You can avail the benefits of this offer if you have subscribed to Vodafone Red 399 plan and above. This makes the overall discount as Rs. 2,400, which can be adjusted against the plan rental cost. Notably, you will pay Rs. 200 per month for a year.

Eventually, the Vodafone Red 399 plan can be availed at 50% lower cost without no additional charges. The same benefit is available for the other plans as well but the adjustment amount will be capped at Rs. 200 per month. So, the benefits will be less than 50% for these plans.

Terms and conditions to know

As mentioned above, there are some terms and conditions associated with this plan. The Vodafone bills have to be paid using the Citibank credit card and the users should be 23 years or older. Also, the subscribers should reside in select cities such as Delhi, Noida, Mumbai, Gurugram, Kolkata, Pune, Bengaluru, Secunderabad, Baroda, Coimbatore, Chennai, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Chandigarh. And, the users need to make a minimum Rs. 4,000 spending on the Citibank credit card within the first two months.

Vodafone RED 399 plan

When it comes to this specific Vodafone postpaid plan, you will get unlimited calls irrespectively of the network and even on roaming, 40GB of 2G/3G/4G data per month and 100 SMS. There is a Rs. 299 plan as well. This plan offers 20GB of data per month while the other benefits such as unlimited voice calls and 100 SMS remain the same.

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Facebook introduces Oculus Quest VR headset for Rs 29,000 News oi-Sandeep Sarkar The Oculus Quest features the same display resolution of 1600 x 1440 pixels per eye.

Facebook has recently introduced a new virtual reality (VR) headset for the masses. The social media giant has announced Oculus Quest VR headset which comes with a price tag of $399 (Rs 29,000 approximately) and is expected to be available globally in 2019.

Commenting on the launch of new Oculus Quest VR Headset, Facebook said: "The company's first all-in-one VR system with six degrees of freedom lets you look around in any direction and walk through virtual space just as you would in the physical world".

The new VR headset by Facebook features similar optics which the company offers with the Oculus Go. The Oculus Quest features the same display resolution of 1600 x 1440 pixels per eye at the same time incorporating a lens spacing adjustment for an increased visual comfort. The high-resolution display is further expected to enhance the visual quality and provide a realistic virtual experience.

To further improve the overall VR watching experience, the company says that it has also improved the built-in audio for high quality, immersive sound with a deep bass. Oculus also quoted "With the introduction of Oculus Quest, we've completed our first generation of best-in-class VR headsets. Oculus Go remains the easiest and most affordable way to get into VR, while Oculus Rift leverages the power of your PC to push the limits of what's possible". This will make sure that the VR headset not only provides enhanced visuals but also provide high-quality audio for an overall enhanced user experience.

The all-in-one VR system also has Touch controllers which will make it easy for the users to interact with people and objects in a more natural manner. Also, Facebook has more than 50 games and experiences in store for the Oculus Quest.

The company further mentioned, "Thanks to Oculus Quest, we're now able to combine the best of both worlds and welcome even more people into the VR community".

It is not immediately clear as to when Facebook start shipping the new Oculus Quest for the masses in India, however, it is speculated the VR headset will make its way to the markets in 2019. We will keep you posted with the further updates on the same, so stay tuned with us.

.

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Paris-Villaroche Air Legend 2018

by George Land

Over the weekend of September 8-9th the Paris-Villaroche Air Legend 2018 air show took place; the first installment of what is hoped to become an annual event at the historic Aerodrome de Melun-Villaroche near Paris, France. The aerodrome is ideally located to the South East of Paris, allowing easy access for visitors from the capital city.

First a Little History of the Aerodrome de Melun-Villaroche:

Originally built as a civil airport prior to WWII, the Germans seized it for the Luftwaffe following the Nazi invasion of France in June, 1940. Elements of Luftlotte 3, Fliegerkorps 4 called the airfield home up until August 1944. The primary types to take up residence during this time were Junkers Ju 88s, Heinkel He 111s, Dornier Do 217 and Junkers Ju 188s.

As the Allies advanced in 1944 and pushed back the Nazi hoard, U.S. Army units liberated Melun-Villaroche. After clearing the field of land mines, and repairing the runways, the 878th Airborne Engineering Aviation Battalion added a second runway. Units from the 9th Tactical Air Force then used the aerodrome as a forward base.

It became home for a short time to the 416th Bombardment Group flying Douglas A-26 Invaders and A-20 Havocs. After the 416th moved east with the Allied advance, the airfield became home to C-47s of the 436th Troop Carrier Group and 462nd Air Service Group until the summer of 1945, The USAAF used the base on occasion for a few years after the war, before returning it to civilian control. It became a test centre for early prototype French jets and the local SNECMA engine factory.

Paris-Villaroche Air Legend 2018:

Today the airfield is easily accessible for aircraft coming from all over Europe and even the US. The period hangars create a great atmosphere for an air show that features warbirds from WWII to the present day. Indeed, the Paris-Villaroche Air Legend 2018 had a spectacular atmosphere, and attracted a fascinating and varied selection of warbirds from WWII such as Supermarine Spitfires and Hawker Hurricanes representing the RAF along, not to mention German, French, Russian and American fighters through to the very latest in French military hardware including several Dassault Rafale Ms from Flottille 12F of the lAeronavale (French Naval Air Force).

All aspects of military aviation were represented, with both static and flying displays from training, observation/utility, transport and naval aircraft. The organizers separated the flying elements for the show into several groups which featured aircraft representing specific roles, theaters of action or branches of the armed forces.

The show opened each day with a display from a pair of Piper L-4 Grasshoppers as a prelude to the Alphajet E solo display team from the Armee de lAir Francaise (French Air Force) with the final pass being the Alpha jet in formation with a Curtiss P-40N as a salute to the aviation pioneer Col. Constantin Kostia Rozanoff, chief test pilot for the early Marcel Dassault jet programme back in the 1950s.

Following this fast and very noisy display, the show got down to business with the first act showcasing WWII-era military pilot training with the Bucker (CASA) Bu 131, Vultee BT-13 Valiant and Boeing-Stearman Kaydet.

The next two segments focused on early WWII like the Battle of France and Battle of Britain. These featured fighters such as the Morane 406S, Hispano Buchon (representing the Messerschmitt Bf 109), Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire. One rare moment came with the formation of three Hurricanes in the skies of France together, a sight probably not seen since WWII. All credit must go to the organizers who changed this segment from Saturday to Sunday. On Saturday the Buchons and Hurricanes did their own tail chases, but on Sunday the tail chases featured two pairs consisting of and Buchon and Hurricane in each.

The Russian Front was not ignored either, featuring WWII-era aircraft marked in the famous, French-manned Normandie-Niemen Squadron in an excellent display by three Yakovlev aircraft including the Yak 3UA and Yak 9UM.

The Pacific Theater of Operations was on deck next with displays from four AT-6 Texans and a Catalina displaying along with pyrotechnics to great effect, and a sight not seen to often in Europe, a pair of Grumman TBM Avengers sharing the same sky.

Other areas of the Pacific Theatre were represented by displays from a Grumman FM-2 Wildcat, Zero (modified AT-6), an Australian CAC Boomerang replica, a Curtiss P-40N and Yak 3U.

Representing one of the strangest air battles to take place late in WWII was a USAAF Piper L-4 Grasshopper battling a Fieseler Storch (actually a French built variant, the Morane-Saulnier MS.502 Criquet). Both aircraft in this unusual aerial clash were armed only with the pilots pistols.

The late WWII, Korean and Vietnam War periods were highlighted by individual displays from a P-47D Thunderbolt, P-51D Mustang, Hawker Sea Fury and A-1 Skyraider which showed the shear power and grace of the final developments of piston-engined combat aircraft before jets finally arrived to displace them.

The pace really stepped up a notch when the jet age put in its appearance. It opened with a flypast from a Morane-Saulnier MS.760 Paris, two de Havilland Vampires and four Dassualt Rafale Ms (based at Landivisiau).

The impressive massed formation broke into the individual elements for solo displays, the first of which came from the two Swiss built de Havilland Vampires, then the Morane-Saulnier MS.760 Paris and finally the four Rafales. The latter put on a display of both high and slow speed handling with incredible precision and power.

Next came an elegant routine from a Lockheed model 12A Electra in a tribute to Amelia Earhart. Then the military transports arrived, including the worlds only airworthy Nord N.2501F Noratlas, two Douglas DC-3s and a Dassault MB 312 Flamant. The formation started with a number of massed flypasts, followed by individual displays, including a tactical approach and landing by the Noratlas.

The show concluded with the Patrouille de France, the French Air Forces aerobatic display team with its Dassault-Dornier Alphajet E. The pure grace precision and flair of this team, one of the finest in the world, is a sight to behold.

All-in-all it was a marvelous display weekend. It is clear that the show organizers intend for the Paris-Villaroche Air Legend to become an annual event that will be talked about in the same breath as shows at Chino, Duxford and La Ferte-Alais. From ample evidence at this first event, there is no reason to doubt that this show will indeed develop into one of the major shows in Europe, if not the World.

Many thanks to George Land for this report and accompanying photographs. In recent days, the show organizers forwarded the show statistics to George
NATO Moves to Combat Russian Hybrid Warfare

Sept. 29, 2018

By Jim Garamone

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WARSAW, Poland -- Russia is disturbing the peace, and NATO countries must combat its hybrid strategy, the alliance's supreme allied commander for Europe said here today.

Army Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, who also commands U.S. European Command, spoke to reporters covering the NATO Military Committee meeting here, alongside Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Scaparrotti said Russia already is a competitor that operates in domains "particularly below the level of war," the general said, but in an aggressive way, noting that the Russians use cyber activity, social media, disinformation campaigns and troop exercises to threaten and bully other countries. Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its actions Eastern Ukraine show their determination to continue to intimidate neighboring countries.

Undermining Western Values, Governments

"[They are] operating in many countries of Europe in that way, with basically the common theme of undermining Western values and the credibility of Western governments, in my view," Scaparrotti said.

Short of conflict, Russia sends money to organizations in Europe at both ends of the ideological spectrum, the general said. "Really, their view is -- I call it a destabilization campaign. That's their strategy," he added. "If they can destabilize these governments, if they can create enough questions, then that is to their benefit."

The Russians' doctrine looks to achieve their ends without conflict, Scaparrotti said. "They have the idea that 'I don't have to put a soldier there or fire a shot, but if I can undermine the government, then I've achieved my ends,'" he explained. "That is particularly true of the countries that are in the Eastern part of the alliance that are on their border."

The Soviet Union subjugated those countries after World War II, and Russia sees those countries as areas where it should still have privileged influence, he said. "They want to keep those governments in the position that they could influence them, and this is a tactic for doing that."

The environment surrounding t has changed, he noted. "They were ahead of us in terms of changing their posture with respect to NATO," he said, and the Russians have maintained a purposeful military modernization program that they have maintained even as their economy strains.

"It took us some time in NATO to recognize that [Russia] is not our friend, not our partner right now, and we have to pay attention to what's happening in our environment and how they are acting," he said. "Of course 2014 was a real wake-up. Russia violated international law and norms, which I will tell you they continue to do in other ways."

Scaparrotti said he has no doubt that Russia would repeat its actions in Crimea and Ukraine "if they saw the opportunity and they thought the benefits exceeded the costs."

This strategy is called a hybrid war, he said, and NATO is coming to grips with the concept. "One of the things about hybrid war is defining it. What is it?" he added. "It's a lot of things, and most of it is not in the military realm."

Whole-of-Government Approach

Planners need to determine what the military can do as part of a counter-strategy and what other agencies, branches efforts can contribute, he said. "And then [you must decide] how should you work with them, because we can't just work on this on our own," he said. "This really does talk about the whole-of-government approach and bringing others into it and deciding what needs to be done."

In each NATO nation that approach has got to be different, Scaparrotti said, because the nations themselves have different strengths, weaknesses and vulnerabilities. They also must factor in what Russia's interest or activity is.

"We are working in this realm with military capacity as well," the general said. "We have special operations forces, and this is their business. They understand it. To the extent that they can identify hybrid activity, they can help our nations build their ability to identify and counter it."

NATO can, for example, reinforce each nation's capacity for understanding disinformation and how to counter it, he said, noting that these issues are among the Military Committee meeting's topics..

The bottom line is that Russian leaders need to understand that a conflict with NATO is not what they want, Scaparrotti said. "We are 29 nations. We're strong. I am confident of our ability to secure the sovereignty of our nations in NATO," he said.

Readiness Critical to Deterrence

NATO readiness is crucial to the deterrent success of the alliance, and Scaparrotti now has the tools to work on this aspect. Readiness in NATO means the commander gets a specific capability, and that capability is available on a timeline that's useful given the environment, he explained.

"Then, of course, [readiness] is a mindset, which is perhaps the most important thing that has changed," he said. "It is changing now."

The NATO summit held in Brussels in July gave Scaparrotti the authority and directive to deal with alliance readiness.

"We are back to establishing force where I, as the commander, now have the authority to require readiness of units on a specific timeline and the ability to check them to ensure they can actually do it," he said. "This all comes together with our ability to move at speed to meet the environment to do what we need to do."

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Taliban Urge Clerics Not to Attend 'Anti-Jihad' Meeting

By Ayaz Gul September 30, 2018

The Taliban have denounced Afghanistan and Pakistan for planning to convene a major bilateral conference of religious scholars in a bid to declare the Afghan insurgency as un-Islamic.

An Afghan delegation composed of officials and clerics is visiting Islamabad and holding talks with Pakistani counterparts to prepare ground and an agenda for the proposed conference of "ulemas," or clerics. The deputy head of the government-appointed High Peace Council (HPC), Atta-ur-Rehman Saleem, is leading the Afghan delegation.

The discussions began Friday and continued Saturday, but neither side has shared details. "Both the sides agreed not to speak to media," a senior official told VOA on condition of anonymity.

"The Islamic Emirate [the Taliban] calls on religious scholars in Afghanistan and Pakistan not to attend the meeting and fall victim to America's plots and desist from indirectly cooperating with American invaders," said a Taliban statement issued Saturday.

It alleged the United States is plotting Afghan clerics' meetings with counterparts in other countries to try to build religious opposition to the insurgent group's "ongoing jihad," or holy war, against foreign "occupation" of the country.

'Fake reports'

The Taliban asserted in their statement that the U.S. military mission had failed to defeat the Taliban on the battlefield and that "the invaders" were now resorting to such conferences and promoting "fake reports" about peace talks with insurgents to "cover up their failures" and justify their "occupation" of Afghanistan.

Some religious groups in Pakistan have long voiced support for the Taliban and publicly defended the Afghan insurgency as Islamic jihad. Kabul believes leaders of these groups could use their influence to help reduce violence and promote an Afghan political reconciliation process.

Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Omar Zakhilwal has underscored the importance of a joint stance by religious scholars of the two countries against the insurgent violence in his country.

"That's needed. It's important and we [Afghans] are ready for it. We would want to, and I hope Pakistani ulemas join hands with us," Zakhilwal said in an interview that state-run Pakistani television aired Friday.

Saudi Arabia and Indonesia have already this year hosted, with Afghan officials, international and trilateral ulema conferences. Participants at these meetings denounced suicide bombings as "actions forbidden in Islam" and urged the Taliban to engage in direct talks with Kabul to end the war.

However, the Islamist insurgency swiftly rejected those declarations and came up with counteredicts from pro-Taliban clerics justifying the war as a religious obligation to evict foreign forces from the country.

While Pakistani scholars attended the trilateral ulema conference in Jakarta in May with Afghan and Indonesian counterparts, they stayed away from the international gathering in Saudi Arabia.

U.S. 'plot' alleged

The Taliban reportedly had sent letters to Pakistani scholars, urging them not to attend the Saudi-hosted conference because it was an "American plot to justify their military invasion of Afghanistan."

Afghan officials allege sanctuaries in Pakistan have enabled the Taliban to sustain and expand their insurgent activities. Islamabad rejects these charges as baseless.

For their part, Pakistani officials blame "ungoverned areas" in Afghanistan for encouraging fugitive militants to shelter there and plot cross-border terrorist attacks.

The allegations and counterallegations are at the center of bilateral tensions between the two countries, which share a nearly 2,600-kilometer border that is largely porous.

Pakistan maintains it has agreed to organize the joint ulema meeting to build mutual confidence and underscore Islamabad's resolve to support the Afghan government's efforts to promote peace in the country.

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Chiefs Reaffirm Commitment to NATO Missions, Look to Future Needs

Sept. 30, 2018

By Jim Garamone

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WARSAW, Poland -- The NATO Military Committee reaffirmed the alliance's commitment to Afghanistan and Iraq and moved ahead with plans to restructure NATO to improve its military capabilities, the committee's chairman said here last night.

This was British Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach's first meeting of the alliance's defense chiefs as the chairman of the Military Committee. He said the discussions among the 29 chiefs of defense  including Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff  "were frank and thought-provoking throughout."

Peach spoke alongside Lt. Gen. Rajmund Andrzejczak of the Polish army, Poland's top military officer, who hosted the meeting.

The chiefs have given their guidance on a number of issues facing the alliance, Peach said, and that guidance will be discussed further at the meeting of NATO's defense ministers in Brussels this week.

The chiefs support current NATO operations and looked for better coherence and coordination with organizations operating in the same regions with similar goals, the committee chairman said.

The chiefs understand that Afghanistan still faces significant challenges, but they still support the fight in that country, Peach said, acknowledging that the Taliban and terror groups continue to visit violence on the people of Afghanistan and continue to challenge Afghan forces.

"But in the face of these challenges, Afghan security forces are doing an outstanding job," the air marshal said. "They have now been in the lead for three years, and we welcome their determination and commitment to improve their ability to conduct offensive operations, to develop their special forces, their air force and other capabilities -- and above all, to deny the Taliban their strategic objectives."

Peace Through Reconciliation

The NATO mission in Afghanistan is to support, train, assist and advise Afghan forces. The ultimate goal for the country is peace through reconciliation. "An Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process is essential to a long-term, inclusive political settlement," Peach said.

The NATO mission in Iraq will be modest and scalable and complement the efforts of coalition nations in the country, he said.

The chiefs looked at current means and capabilities and what will be needed in the future, Peach said. This included a look at the deterrence posture today and what forces in the future will need to ensure security and stability in the future.

"We stressed the need to look to the future, and where possible, anticipate future requirements, based on the analysis provided by our strategic commanders," he said. "We emphasized that the strategy should guide all current and future military work strands, including emerging domains."

The chiefs doubled down on support for the NATO Readiness Initiative. This grew out of the alliance's summit in July, and it looks to increase responsiveness, heighten readiness and improve reinforcement across the alliance, he said.

Wide Range of Threats

The committee chairman noted that the alliance faces a wide range of threats and challenges from existential problems, including Russia, terrorism, criminal gangs and individuals. "The chiefs of defense highlighted the importance of keeping pace with technological advances through a focus on innovation," he said.

Questions from reporters for the air marshal were all about Russia, not surprising, given where this meeting occurred. Peach addressed the risks emanating from the country, but he noted that NATO is a large and capable military organization.

"NATO has the capability to understand the risk picture it faces, and sometimes those risks can turn into threats, but NATO studies the risks that are out there as they evolve and continues to adapt to them," he said.

He noted that the alliance's Enhanced Forward Presence initiative in the Baltic Republics and Poland is a response to Russia illegally annexing Crimea from Ukraine and fomenting war in eastern Ukraine. "And in that sense, NATO continues to deter," the air marshal said.

But there are threats to the south, too, , and there are different threats and perceptions, depending on where one stands.

"We do not have the time to go through all of them, but they will vary with the geography of the alliance," Peach said. "At the moment, we have a series of risks that we have identified, and we respond with presence, with training, with exercises in order to generate deterrence.  That is what the alliance is for. And that provides the sense of collective security for the people of Poland and the people of the other NATO allies."

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Yemen vows to continue missile attack on UAE

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Sept 30, IRNA -- Spokesman for Yemen Army on Sunday warned the UAE that if the military aggression continues, Yemen's ballistic missiles and drones will effectively target the kingdom.

Brigadier General Sharaf Loqman further noted that today's missile attack on Jizan (south of Saudi Arabia) and Dubai revealed Yemen's defense capabilities.

He also warned the investors in the UAE that as long as the military aggression against Yemen continues, the country will never be safe.

Today, Yemen Army's missile unit and popular committees attacked Dubai International Airport with Samad III drone.

Meanwhile, Yemen Navy conducted successful operations against a number of Saudi coastal guard vessels in Jizan Port, inflicting heavy damage on the ships.

Saudi Arabia and a number of its regional allies launched a devastating military campaign against Yemen in March 2015, with the aim of bringing the government of Hadi back to power and crushing the country's Houthi Ansarullah movement.

Some 15,000 Yemenis have been killed and thousands more injured since the onset of the Saudi-led aggression.

The assaults of the Saudi-led coalition forces have failed to stop the Yemenis from resisting the aggression. Recently, the Yemeni army unveiled its home-made underground missile launching pads.

8072**1396

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Yemeni military official: second attack on Dubai airport not last attack

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Sept 30, IRNA -- The deputy spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces, Aziz Rashid, emphasizing that the second attack on Dubai's international airport will not be the last attack, added that 'Our air force UAV has been able to violate UAE air defense system by passing long distances.'

Rashid said the attack of Yemeni Air Force UAVs this Sunday was the second-largest attack last month, adding that in the next stages, there will be more painful attacks on the invaders.

He described the Dubai airport as a crossing point for mercenaries and the transfer of weapons to the invaders of Yemen.

Rashid stressed that the attack on the Dubai airport had negative economic consequences for the aggressors, and that they would soon have to think about ending their attacks on the Yemeni people.

He stressed that the Yemeni missile forces are simultaneously capable of attacking several airports and critical sites that 'we have not already announced'.

9455**2050

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Afghan Army helicopter collapses

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Kabul, Sept 30, IRNA -- Spokesman for the governor of Parwan, Afghanistan, announced that an army helicopter crashed in 'Kuh Safi' city, killing or injuring eight.

Wahide Shahkar told local media on Sunday that the incident happened on Saturday night and the helicopter collapsed due to a technical failure.

Zabihullah Mujahid, who introduces himself as a spokeswoman for the Taliban group, claimed on his social page cyberspace that the helicopter was targeted by Taliban forces during the operation of the Special Forces of the Afghan Army and that all its passengers were killed.

Over the past four years, nine Afghan army helicopters have fallen in various accidents, according to Afghan sources.

Afghan Defense Ministry today announced in a statement that 27 members of ISIL terrorist group were killed in an air strike in Khogyani city, Nangarhar Province, and destroyed a major hideout.

Afghan National Security Agency also announced that a Taliban suicide attacker training center in Nahr Seraj has been destroyed during a special operation in Helmand province.

According to the agency's announcement, six hideouts were destroyed in the operation, which killed 20 Taliban and wounded 22 others, and the Taliban have not responded to this.

9455**1420

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Hear City Commission Candidates at The Great Debate Paducah

Oct. 01, 2018

By Oct. 01, 2018

PADUCAH - The Great Debate of Paducah is scheduled for 6 pm on October 11 on the Paducah campus of Murray State University, and organizers are taking questions submitted from the public.



As of September 16, organizers said seven of the eight candidates for city commissioner had confirmed they would attend - incumbents Richard Abraham and Sarah Stewart Holland, and challengers Raynarldo Henderson, Scott Jackson, Brenda McElroy, Mike Reed, and Gerald Watkins.



Incumbent Sandra Wilson told West Kentucky Star she will be out of town for several days that week, including the night of the debate.



Organizers hope voters who love Paducah and care about who makes decisions regarding city services, taxes, laws and governance will attend so they can be informed voters in November. Anyone can submit a question for the candidates by 5pm on October 8.



Students from local debate teams, including Paducah Tilghman High School, will be timekeepers for the event. Stephanie Martinez from WPSD will moderate the debate.



Questions can be submitted using the Great Debate of Paducah Facebook page (see link), or by emailing thegreatdebateofpaducah@gmail.com.



Murray State University's Paducah Campus is at 4430 Sunset Avenue.
Saudis behind biggest humanitarian disaster in Yemen

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Sept 30, IRNA -- Saudi Arabia has brought the biggest humanitarian disaster to Yemen, said a Yemeni official, reacting to recent remarks by the Saudi foreign minister before the United Nations General Assembly about the ongoing crisis in Yemen.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a Yemeni foreign ministry official said, remarks by Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, addressing the UNGA meeting, about Riyadh's 13-billion-dollar aid to Yemen during the past four years 'is an attempt to deceive global community,' Yemeni media Almasirah reported on Saturday.

'They try to hide the war crime, slaughter, and destruction caused by them,' he added.

'The truth is that Saudis led an invader coalition that brought the biggest disaster throughout the history by killing tens of thousands of civilians including children and women and injuring 50,000,' he said.

'The Saudi-led invader coalition has destroyed most of the Yemeni economic infrastructure and facilities, causing 250 billion dollars of havoc so far,' the Yemeni official reiterated.

He mentioned the possible ways of putting an end to the disaster, saying, the best way for Saudis to put an end to Yemeni people's sufferings is to stop the aggression and supporting armed terrorist groups and to engage in direct negotiations with Yemen National Salvation Government under the supervision of the UN and Security Council.

In March 2015 a Saudi-led coalition began attacking the Arab impoverished country to restore to power Yemen's resigned president, Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

More than 16,000 Yemenis have been killed by the coalition forces so far.

9462**2044

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Yemenis target Saudi coast guards in Jizan

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Doha, Sept 30, IRNA -- Some Hours after successful drone attack by Yemeni army and popular forces on Dubai international airport, Yemenis targeted Saudi coast guards in Jizan.

A number of Saudi vessels were targeted in this operation, Yemeni sources reported.

A source at Yemen naval forces said that the attack inflicted heavy damages on Saudi forces.

The Yemeni naval forces also targeted a Saudi vessel in Jizan coasts on September 1.

Saudi Arabia and its regional allies attacked Yemen in March 2015 to bring back to power the deposed president of Yemen Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi.

The aggressors have committed horrible war crimes against Yemeni civilians during the past three years.

Spokesman for Yemen's Ansarullah Movement Mohammad Abdul Salam earlier said that Washington is considering war in Yemen as a trade opportunity for gaining money.

Due to the US supports for aggression and blockade of Yemen, the United Nations is not able to take any action, he added.

9376**1396

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Yemeni drone targets Dubai International Airport

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Sept 30, IRNA -- Yemeni Air Force launched a drone strike against Dubai International Airport on Sunday morning.

According to Yemeni TV channel, Almasirah, the country's Air Force targeted several times Dubai International Airport, located 1200 kilometers off Yemen, by putting up a"Samad-3" drone.

This is the second time the economic capital of the United Arab Emirates is targeted by the Yemeni Air Force due to the major role the UAE plays in aggression against the Yemenis and committing hundreds of crimes against the people in the war-torn nation over the past four years.

'Samad-3' Yemeni drone had attacked Dubai International Airport several times on August 27th as well.

In the same vein, Yemeni military drones targeted Abu Dhabi International Airport on July 26th.

Since March 26, Saudi Arabia, leading a coalition of several Arab countries and through US's go-ahead and assistance launched a massive assault on Yemen, the Arab world's poorest country, under the pretext of restoring Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi's government to power.

The Saudi incursion into Yemen has so far claimed the lives of more than 16,000 Yemenis and has razed the country's infrastructure to the ground.

**2044

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Egyptian court orders retrial of Muslim Brotherhood top leader, other senior figures

Iran Press TV

Sun Sep 30, 2018 06:10PM

An Egyptian court has ordered the retrial of the supreme guide of the now-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood movement and some of its senior figures over an array of charges, including premeditated murder and violence during demonstrations five years ago.

The Cairo Criminal Court on Sunday issued the orders for 75-year-old Mohamed Badie and some other top members of the outlawed movement over the allegations of premeditated murder, attempted murder, beating to death of anti-Muslim Brotherhood demonstrators near its headquarters in June 2013, plus possession of unlicensed weapons.

Egypt's state news agency MENA said the initial allegations against Badie and 14 others in the case were incitement to commit murder and attempted murder, for which they had received life term, but it did not explain why the charges were modified. However, it said that according to the Egyptian law, charges can be altered if new evidence arises.

Badie, on trial in 35 cases related to the movement, has been handed multiple death sentences and five life terms, which is 25 years in Egypt, in a series of trials since Egypt's military, led by incumbent President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, ousted the first democratically-elected president, Mohamed Morsi, also of the Brotherhood, in July 2013. Badie's death verdicts, however, have been overturned by the Court of Cassation.

According to Egypt's state news agency MENA, the retrials will start on October 7, adding that the retrials would only affect those in custody and not those defendants who were tried in absentia.

Earlier this month, Badie received a life sentence for allegedly inciting members of the movement to attack Maghagha police station in the southern Egyptian province of Minya and killing a police officer in August 2013. In August, he had received another life term in another case related to mass protest rallies in 2013.

Death penalties have been handed down to hundreds of Brotherhood members on charges such as belonging to an illegal organization or planning to carry out attacks.

Rights groups in Egypt and across the world have recorded cases of irregularities in the trials of political prisoners in the country. They say the army's clampdown on the supporters of Morsi has led to the death of some 1,500 people and the arrest of 22,000 others, including 200 people who have been sentenced to death in mass trials.

The administration of Sisi has outlawed the Brotherhood organization, which is Egypt's oldest opposition movement. The group operated under strict measures during the rule of longtime dictator Hosni Mubarak, who was himself removed from power following an uprising in 2011.

Morsi had been sentenced to death on charges of corruption, escaping from prison and inciting violence before the Court of Cassation overturned that ruling in November last year and ordered a retrial.

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US warship sails near Chinese islands in South China Sea as trade war rages on

Iran Press TV

Sun Sep 30, 2018 04:07PM

A US Navy warship has sailed near Chinese-claimed islands in the South China Sea, according to a US official, a move that is expected to intensify already high-running tensions between the two sides amid a growing trade war.

The close pass took place on Sunday, when the USS Decatur guided-missile destroyer traveled within 12 nautical miles of Gaven and Johnson Reefs in the Spratly Islands, an unnamed US official told Reuters.

This is the latest in a series of similar missions by the US to stop what it calls China's plans to limit "freedom of navigation" in the strategic waters, which acts as a gateway to about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade each year.

While China has repeatedly denied the US claim, the official said Washington had no plans to stop the missions.

"We conduct routine and regular freedom-of-navigation operations, as we have done in the past and will continue to do in the future," the US official said.

Two US Navy warships sailed near South China Sea islands claimed by China in May.

China's sovereignty claims have been disputed by other countries surrounding the sea, namely Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Washington has also criticized Beijing's construction of artificial islands in the region as an attempt to further influence movement in the sea.

Beijing, however, says the islands  some of which host an array of military equipment from radars to missile systems-- serve a merely defensive purpose in the country's military strategy.

The latest taunting move by the US Navy comes at a time that relations between the US and China are particularly tense due to what US President Donald Trump has called Beijing's unfair trade policy.

He has also accused Beijing of blocking US investment and stealing US intellectual property.

Under this pretext, Trump has slapped high tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods. Beijing has hit back with retaliatory duties on $50 billion of US products.

Friction between the world's two biggest economies hit a new high last week, when Trump accused China of seeking to interfere in the upcoming US congressional elections in early November.

The tensions have grown to include military ties between the two sides, as last week Beijing rejected a US warship's request to visit Hong Kong.

Beijing has also postponed joint military talks with the Pentagon after the Trump administration imposed sanctions on the Chinese military over buying Russian weapons.

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UAE should expect more attacks if aggression on Yemen continues, Ansarullah spokesman

Iran Press TV

Sun Sep 30, 2018 01:08PM

The spokesman for Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement says the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has no option but to expect more operations from Yemeni army forces and their allied fighters from Popular Committees in case the Saudi-led military aggression and blockade against his impoverished homeland continues.

"The Yemeni air force has carried out the second attack of its kind within a month against Dubai International Airport using a domestically-built and long-endurance Sammad-3 (Invincible-3) unmanned aerial vehicle," Yemen's Arabic-language al-Masirah television network cited Mohammed Abdul-Salam as writing on his official Twitter page on Sunday.

The Houthi spokesman added, "Even though Emirati authorities are trying to conceal the attack for the time being and deny air traffic disturbances at their airport, they will be forced to expect more operations should aggression and siege on Yemeni people continue."

Earlier in the day, Yemeni forces, backed by Popular Committees fighters, launched a drone airstrike against Dubai International Airport.

Yemeni troops and their allies had already targeted the same strategic economic target in the UAE using the same type of home-grown unmanned aerial vehicle in retaliation for the Riyadh regime's devastating military aggression against their conflict-ridden homeland.

The UAE is Saudi Arabia's key ally in its deadly war against Yemen.

On July 26, Yemeni army forces and Popular Committees fighters targeted Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Abdullah al-Jafri, a spokesman for Yemeni air force and air defense, said at the time that the drone attack had halted flights to and from the airport, adding this was the first time that Yemeni forces used a drone to attack the airport.

He said Yemeni forces would target the infrastructure of countries that have taken part in the aggression against Yemen in future attacks.

Yemeni forces target Saudi military vessels off Jizan coast

Meanwhile, Yemeni naval forces, supported by fighters from Popular Committees, have reportedly targeted and destroyed several military vessels in a missile attack off the coast of Saudi Arabia's southwestern region of Jizan.

A military source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Arabic-language al-Masirah television network that the vessels were targeted with guided missiles.

Yemeni general: UAE no longer safe for investors

Meanwhile, a Yemeni army general has said that his country will continue its missile and drone attacks against the United Arab Emirates unless the sheikhdom stops attacking Yemen.

Sharaf Loqman also warned foreign investors that the UAE will be no longer safe if the war on Yemen does not end.

He added that Sunday attacks on the UAE and the Saudi region of Jizan show Yemen's growing power to retaliate the crimes committed against his country by the Saudi-led coalition.

Saudi Arabia and a number of its regional allies launched a devastating military campaign against Yemen in March 2015, with the aim of bringing the government of Yemen's former president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, back to power and crushing the country's popular Houthi Ansarullah movement.

The aggression has killed some 15,000 people and injured thousands. More than 2,200 others have died of cholera and the crisis has triggered what the United Nations has described as the world's worst humanitarian disaster.

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Macedonians voting in referendum on country's potential name change

Iran Press TV

Sun Sep 30, 2018 08:22AM

People in Macedonia are heading to the polls to cast their ballot in a referendum on whether to change their country's name to "the Republic of North Macedonia" and settle a long-running dispute with Greece and pave the way for NATO and European Union (EU) membership.

Polling stations opened across Macedonia at 07:00 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) on Sunday and will close at 7 p.m.

Some 1.8 million voters are eligible to vote.

"Are you for NATO and EU membership with the acceptance of the agreement with Greece?" the referendum question reads.

The vote is regarded as one of the last hurdles for a deal reached between Macedonia and Greece in June to resolve their decades-long name dispute, which has prevented Macedonia from joining major Western institutions since its birth in 1991, when the Balkan country declared independence from Yugoslavia.

Greece  which has a province in its north also called Macedonia  has accused Skopje of harboring territorial ambitions by using the name of that province.

Athens has for several times vetoed Macedonia's entrance into NATO and the EU, and forced its Balkan neighbor to enter the United Nations under a provisional name as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia or FYROM.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and his Macedonian counterpart, Zoran Zaev, reached a landmark compromise in June under which Athens would drop its objections to Macedonia joining the EU and NATO in return for the name change.

The Sunday referendum is advisory and not legally binding, but enough members of the Macedonian parliament have said they would abide by its outcome to make it decisive. Macedonia's center-left government requires a two-thirds majority to secure parliamentary approval.

Opinion polls have shown that a large majority of Macedonian voters  more than 80 percent are likely to back the deal.

Zaev says accepting a new name is a price worth paying for admission into the EU and NATO, arguing that the memberships will bring much-needed investment in the country with an unemployment rate of more than 20 percent. Nationalist opponents, however, maintain that the deal would undermine the ethnic identity of the country's Slavic majority population.

Critics of the name change deal include President Gjorge Ivanov, who is allied with the nationalist opposition and has said he would not approve the deal. The president has a veto, and his vote of disapproval would render all the of the government's efforts, as well as the results of the referendum, ineffective, unless he changes his mind.

Protests have previously been held in Both Macedonia and Greece over the name change deal.

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Dubai airport hit in second Yemeni drone strike: TV

Iran Press TV

Sun Sep 30, 2018 07:42AM

Yemen's army and its allies have staged a drone strike on Dubai International Airport in retaliation for the United Arab Emirate's role in stepped-up Saudi attacks on the impoverished country, a television report says.

A Samad-3 drone hit the world's third busiest airport during several attacks early Sunday, al-Masirah TV network reported, citing an informed source at the drone unit of Yemen's army and popular committees.

The army and popular committees announced their first retaliatory attack on Dubai airport in August, saying it had disrupted air traffic, but which Emirati authorities denied.

The UAE is part of a Saudi bombing campaign and ground invasion which has faced heavy criticism for a high civilian death toll in its airstrikes and for a crippling air, sea and land blockade on much of Yemen.

Saudi and Emirati troops and their proxies are currently fighting a dragged-out battle to occupy the Mediterranean port of Hudaydah through which flows almost 80 percent of Yemen's imports.

They have intensified their attacks since a fresh UN attempt for peace in Yemen failed earlier this month after Saudi Arabia prevented Houthi delegates from flying to the venue of the talks.

After the first drone strike, a spokesperson for the Houthi military forces said that it had been in response to the Saudi coalition's "crimes" in Yemen.

The Houthi movement and its allies in the Yemeni army said after the bombing of Dubai airport with a Samad-3 drone that the UAE's strategic areas were all within the range of their fire.

Yemen's fighters previously claimed in July to have targeted Abu Dhabi airport with a similar drone. That report was also denied by the UAE.

Their capability to attack an airfield some 1,600 kilometers away from the territory they control has increasingly worried the invaders who have already seen the Houthi movement successfully hit targets inside Saudi Arabia.

In March, one person was killed when the Houthis fired a barrage of ballistic missiles at Riyadh, over 540 miles away from northern Yemen.

Last month, they fired two missiles at a gathering of Saudi soldiers in neighboring Jizan and Najran which allegedly left heavy casualties.

The three-year Saudi-led war has devastated Yemen and sparked the world's largest humanitarian crisis in terms of numbers, according to the United Nations.

Over 22 million people, or three-quarters of the population, now rely on humanitarian aid to survive amid the Saudi-led blockade.

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Strong Support, But Low Turnout, In Macedonia Vote On Name Change

RFE/RL's Balkan Service September 30, 2018

SKOPJE -- The vast majority of voters in Macedonia's referendum on September 30 accepted a name change that could pave the way for the Balkan nation's entrance into the European Union and NATO, partial results show, but the vote was marred by low turnout.

With ballots from half of the polling stations counted, 90.8 percent of voters were in favor of an agreement with neighboring Greece to change the country's name to the Republic of North Macedonia, according to election authorities.

Only 6.2 percent of voters opposed the move.

However, half an hour before polls closed, just 34.1 percent of the electorate had cast ballots -- short of the 50 percent needed for it to be valid. State Electoral Commission head Oliver Derkoski said the figure was based on data from 85 percent of polling stations.

Speaking after polls closed, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev declared the nonbinding ballot a "success for democracy and for a European Macedonia."

"The will of those who voted must be converted into political action in parliament," he told a news conference, threatening to call snap elections should opponents block the constitutional name change in parliament.

Meanwhile, the leader of the main opposition VMRO-DPMNE party said that the strongest message in the referendum was sent by those who boycotted or voted against the agreement with Greece.

"The fact is that the name agreement did not get the green light, but a stop [sign] from the people," Christian Mickoski said.

Opponents to the deal started celebrating while balloting still was under way, chanting slogans outside the parliament building in the capital, Skopje.

No major problems were reported on voting day.

"I invite everyone to come out and make this serious decision for the future of our country, for future generations," Zaev said after casting his ballot in his hometown of Strumica.

The name dispute between Macedonia and Greece dates back to 1991, when Macedonia peacefully broke away from Yugoslavia.

Greece says the name Macedonia implies territorial and cultural claims on the northern Greek region of the same name. Greece, an EU and NATO member, has cited the dispute to veto Macedonia's bids to join the two organizations.

In June, Athens and Skopje hammered out a tentative compromise to end decades of squabbling if Macedonia adopts the name Republic of North Macedonia.

Faltering Economy

Macedonia's economy is sputtering after a two-year financial crisis that pushed unemployment above 20 percent, one of the highest rates in the Balkans, and an average monthly net salary of about $400, the lowest in the region.

"It is my duty to make my voice heard," said 91-year-old Velika Novevska, a pensioner from Novaci. "We are voting today for the younger generation and for the benefit of the country."

"Changing our name is the price we have to pay if the country wants to join the EU and NATO," said Mirche Chekredzi, head of corporate strategy at the offset and digital printing company Arkus in the capital, Skopje.

"Within the EU there will be no customs barriers, faster deliveries. It would cut a lot of bureaucracy for smaller companies like ours," he added.

Analysts also say further integrating Western Balkan countries such as Macedonia into European and transatlantic structures is the best way to ensure the stability and development of a region still healing from the bloody breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s.

"We must not forget that, if the referendum fails, we will remain the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, as I don't believe any other Macedonian politicians will be brave enough to enter this battle," former Prime Minister Ljubco Georgievski told RFE/RL.

"And I think that the international community will completely cool on this issue, so I really think we have to use this opportunity," he added.

Dissenting Voices

Not everyone agrees, however, including President Gjorge Ivanov, who called the name change a "criminal act" that violates the Balkan country's constitution.

Ivanov has staunchly declared that he won't vote in the referendum, and in a speech to Macedonia's diaspora in the U.S. city of Detroit on September 22 tried to tamp down expectations that a "yes" vote would guarantee EU and NATO accession.

"Even with the adoption of the harmful Greek treaty and [relevant] constitutional amendments, membership in NATO and the European Union will not come automatically," Ivanov said.

Government officials say they have 71 deputies ready to approve a constitutional amendment accepting the name change, short of the two-thirds majority, or 80 deputies, needed to amend the constitution.

Mickoski of the VMRO-DPMNE has said that, if the referendum is successful and the majority votes in support of the referendum issue, he expects his party will respect the result.

With reporting by AP and spa

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/macedonian -referendum-name-change-turnout-eu-nato -zaev-ivanov/29516611.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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Greece Sees Results of Macedonian Referendum as Controversial But Respects Them

Sputnik News

22:50 30.09.2018(updated 23:17 30.09.2018)

ATHENS (Sputnik) - Athens respects the results of Macedonia's referendum on name change but considers them controversial, the Greek Foreign Ministry said on Saturday, reiterating its commitment to the Prespa deal.

According to the latest data, after the data from 53.74 percent of the polling stations have been processed, the turnout amounted to 34.9 percent of voters, with 90.83 percent in favor of renaming.

"The results of the referendum in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, which are consultative and not part of the binding terms of the Prespa agreement, are controversial. The "Yes" [vote] has a significant lead but without the required turnout. A large part of the society of the neighboring country has supported the agreement. But a considerable part of it treated it with skepticism. Greece respects the decision of citizens of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia," the ministry said.

The ministry added that it was closely watching the situation in Macedonia and reiterated its commitment to the Prespa deal.

The ministry noted that nationalism and "irredentism stereotypes" offered no good prospects for the region, noting that "objections to the Prespa deal turned out to be wrongful and fallacious."

"The next steps require sober attitude from all sides, without exception, in order to preserve the positive potential of the Prespa agreement," the ministry concluded.

On June 17, Greek and Macedonian foreign ministers signed an agreement on the former Yugoslav Republic's renaming to the Republic of North Macedonia in the Prespa region, following a decades-long dispute over the use of "Macedonia," which Greece has been objecting to as this is also the name of one of its regions.

The country's new constitutional name will open the way for Macedonia's accession to the European Union and NATO, which has long been blocked by Athens over concerns that the neighboring country might have territorial claims to Greece's own region of the same name.

 Sputnik

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By WestKyStar & Mercy Health Staff Sep. 30, 2018 | 06:59 PM | PADUCAH

The program, which Mercy Health launched in August, contributes up to $20,000 toward the college debt of eligible nurses working full time in hard-to-fill direct patient care roles.





The program makes monthly contributions with the amounts increasing every year through the fifth year. The payments continue until the limit is reached. BenefitEd provides the administration with technology and benefits servicing.





Talented nurses are vital to ensuring the health and well-being of our patients. Our new student loan repayment program is a win-win for us and our nurses. It helps us attract and retain nurses in hard-to-fill, direct patient care roles while helping them pay down their college debt, said Allan Calonge, Mercy Health Human Resources System Vice President.





Bureau of Labor Statistics most recent projections predict that the health care industry will grow 18 percent from 2016 to 2026, resulting in 2.4 million new jobs. Thats far more than any other occupational group and its already presenting challenges to providers as the costs to attract and train qualified care professionals continues to increase. At the same time, new graduates carry an increasing load of debt with student loans, causing some to forgo major life decisions. Graduates have an average monthly student loan payment of $351 over 10+ years and 11 percent of students are in default.





Programs that ease the burden of student loan debt have shown real improvements in filling open positions, retaining high-performing employees and stimulating employee productivity.

With more than 4,500 current employees as well as new RNs in hard-to-fill direct patient care roles eligible for this program across Mercy Healths footprint, Mercy Health is making a substantial commitment to its workforce with this program, said Mike Riordan, Director of Sales at BenefitEd, Mercy Health already innovates in the care it provides patients. This new program shows the same innovation when it comes to making a meaningful difference in the lives of employees.





In addition to the Student Loan Repayment program, Mercy Health employees may be eligible to participate in the federal Public Services Student Loan Forgiveness program. BenefitEd will help employees determine if their loan qualifies for this government program and provide guidance on the application process. The federal program forgives qualifying loans for employees of not-for profit organizations after 120 payments are made.



Mercy Health, a leading health system, is offering a new student loan repayment program to attract and retain nurses in hard-to-fill roles. Mercy Health will make monthly contributions toward any current outstanding student loan debt for nurses who qualify for the program.
Macedonia Referendum Preliminary Result: Renaming Supported By 90.83% of Voters

Sputnik News

22:38 30.09.2018(updated 22:47 30.09.2018)

The announcement by State Election Commission comes after counting data from half of polling stations.

State Election Commission of Macedonia announced that, after counting data from 54 percent of polling stations, almost 91 per cent of voters supported the renaming of the country.

However, the referendum results might be invalidated because of low turnout. Half an hour before polling stations closed, only 35 percent of voters have cast their ballot, according to Irish Times. This is far from required 50 percent threshold for the referendum to be valid.

"The turnout amounted to 34.9 percent of voters. After processing the data from 53.74 percent of the polling stations, [we saw that] 90.83 percent voted in favor [of renaming] and 6.17 percent voted against," the commission said.

Weak turnout could make it harder for Prime Minister Zoran Zaev to muster enough support in parliament for constitutional amendments needed to finalize the deal, ABC News says. If the amendments fail to receive the support of two-thirds majority required for passage, Zaev said he would immediately call an early election.

According to Macedonian Constitution, a binding referendum requires a minimum of 50% turnout; however, Zaev's government claims the referendum was a consultative move. Therefore, the government might call the referendum a fair reflection of public opinion regardless of the turnout.

 Sputnik

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NATO Pressure, Opposition Boycott: What's at Stake in Macedonia Name Change Vote

Sputnik News

17:05 30.09.2018(updated 17:19 30.09.2018)

Macedonians are heading to the polls on Sunday for a consultative referendum on the republic's name, with the name change required under a deal with Greece, which would allow the former Yugoslav republic to join the EU and NATO. Sputnik summarizes the complex political, economic and geopolitical issues behind the plebiscite.

One Question

The sole question being put to voters in Sunday's referendum reads as follows: "Are you in favor of European Union and NATO membership by accepting the agreement between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Greece?"

Under the terms of the 20-page Prespa Agreement, approved by Athens and Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev's government in the summer but protested by its president and the center-right VMRO-DPMNE* opposition, the Republic of Macedonia would be renamed the "Republic of North Macedonia," and forced to remove any reference to the "Macedonian people" from its constitution implying any relation to the ancient Macedonians. The deal also demands the removal of the Vergina Sun symbol from public use, and a review of textbooks and maps containing any irredentist content about a United Macedonia. In exchange, Athens would lift its veto on Skopje's application to join the Western-led economic and military blocs.

For the referendum to be considered successful, the State Electoral Commission requires that turnout must comprise at least 50 percent of the republic's estimated 1.8 million eligible voters. Polling ahead of the vote saw expected turnout hovering between 40 and 60 percent.

The VMRO-DPMNE and other opposition forces plan to boycott the vote. President Gjorge Ivanov has described the proposed deal with Athens "legal and historic suicide" and a "flagrant violation of sovereignty," and vowed not to sign the treaty, which will also require approval by the country's legislature.

Western Pressure

Ahead of the vote, US and European officials have provided open support for the "Yes" campaign. Last week, US Secretary of Defense James Mattis traveled to Skopje, where he accused Russia of providing money and "conducting broader influence campaigns" in the country ahead of the referendum while pledging the US's own support for Macedonia's NATO aspirations. The defense secretary's remarks were aimed at bolstering NATO General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg's promises at this summer's NATO summit that Skopje would be granted membership into the bloc as soon as it makes the necessary changes to its constitution.

On Friday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov fired back, accusing Western powers of meddling in Macedonia's internal affairs. Earlier, the Russian diplomat outlined a principled Russian position of silence on the issue out of respect for Macedonia's sovereignty.

Speaking to Sputnik, Greek political science professor Constantinos Grivas said that Western powers' "unprecedented" interference in the vote serves to show that the referendum and the Greek-Macedonian agreement itself are being "advanced not in the interests of solving problems between Athens and Skopje, but to serve geopolitical purposes," namely, Macedonia's entry into NATO.

"The West is seeking to paint the Balkan map with the 'correct colors.' In this way, it intends to prevent Russia from any opportunities to exert even the slightest influence in the Balkans in the future," Grivas explained.

Albanian Minority Pressure

Nano Zuzhin, Macedonia's former ambassador to NATO, believes that if the referendum fails, the Balkan nation may face isolation and even ethnic unrest from its Albanian minority. Speaking to Sputnik, the ex-official said that a failure of the vote could lead to "a breakdown of interethnic relations. Albanians, who fully support entry into NATO, according to media and their leaders, would begin to consider federalization in order to become closer to the Albanian community," he said.

In the 1990s, Albanian nationalist politicians had already proposed the idea of federalization as an interim step toward breaking off from Macedonia and joining Albania proper. The ethnic Albanian minority in Macedonia, estimated to account for some 25 percent of Macedonia's population of 2 million, is largely concentrated in the country's northwest near the border with the breakaway Serbian province of Kosovo.

Does the Referendum Matter?

Speaking to Sputnik, Macedonian political scientist Dr. Zidas Daskalovski suggested that even if the 50 percent turnout barrier isn't reached, the Zaev government will still attempt to move forward with its plans, as indicated by the vote's "consultative," non-binding nature.

"Prime Minister Zaev and Foreign Minister Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov have already said they will continue with the procedure, and will start the process of amending the constitution in the parliament based on the agreement signed with Athens. Therefore, for them, the referendum will be considered successful even if turnout is 40 percent," Daskalovski said, citing opinion polls predicting less than 50 percent turnout.

However, given the VMRO-DPMNE's strong position in Macedonia's Parliament, which includes 51 of the total 120 seats, Daskalovski suggested that the real political fight will start after the referendum, because a two-thirds majority of 80 votes is required to amend the country's constitution.

Zaev's strategy, according to Nano Zhuhin, will be to try to convince some of the VMRO-DPMNE lawmakers to reconsider their opposition to the deal with Athens.

 Sputnik

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Albanian Prime Minister Urges Macedonia's Albanians to Support Renaming Deal

Sputnik News

16:51 30.09.2018(updated 16:54 30.09.2018)

ATHENS (Sputnik) - Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama called on Albanians residing in Macedonia to support in a public vote the agreement on changing the ex-Yugoslav republic's name to the Republic of North Macedonia, which will pave the way for the country's membership of NATO and the European Union.

"Sunday is a day when every Albanian should vote for a European Macedonia, a Macedonia of the next generation of Macedonians and Albanians as two peoples, which founded this country and represent different sides of the same coin," Rama said at a press conference following a government's meeting on Saturday evening.

The Albanian prime minister warned that those, who would not support the deal, would betray their homeland.

According to the latest data, Albanians account for 25 percent of Macedonia's population.

Greece and Macedonia, officially known as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, have been entangled in a naming dispute

for years, with Athens opposing the use of "Macedonia," which is also the name of a region in Greece. An agreement on the new name for Macedonia was signed by Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov and his Greek counterpart Nikos Kotzias on June 17.

On Sunday, a referendum on the deal to rename Macedonia is being held in the country. A number of Western politicians have visited Macedonia ahead of the referendum, calling on the country's population to opt for endorsing the deal. According to experts, many Macedonians intend to boycott the vote.

 Sputnik

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US Warship Comes Near Beijing-Reclaimed South China Sea Islands - Report

Sputnik News

16:16 30.09.2018

A US warship traveled within 12 nautical miles of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea that Beijing claims as its own. Washington's move, which was meant to demonstrate its point that these are international waters, may add fuel to the mounting diplomatic and trade tensions between the US and China.

The USS Decatur, a guided-missile destroyer, sailed within 12 nautical miles of the Gaven and Johnson reefs in the disputed Spratly Islands, Reuters reported on Sunday, citing two US military officials.

The warship reportedly sailed within the distance that is considered territorial waters under the "freedom of navigation" program that challenges Beijing's territorial claims in the South China Sea.

"US forces operate in the Indo-Pacific region on a daily basis, including the South China Sea. All operations are designed in accordance with international law and demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows," a US military official told CNN earlier in the day.

The South China Sea is one of the world's most sensitive areas. Beijing's extensive territorial claims to the sea, which include islands, banks, reefs, and maritime ways, are challenged by Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan, which also have counter claims. Beijing has built installations at strategically located islands in the region, which is considered to be rich in natural resources and also handles some $5 trillion in annual global trade.

The US has accused China of building artificial islands in the region and of constructing facilities on the contested islands, voicing concerns that they could be used to restrict free movement and broaden Beijing's strategic reach.

Washington says that the waters adjacent to China-reclaimed islands are still international waters; it sails its warplanes and warships through these waters as part of so-called "freedom of navigation" operations to get its point across.

In one of the latest instances, the US Navy sailed two warships within 12 miles of four of the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea in May. In March, the USS destroyer Mustin also came close to Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands, drawing condemnation from Chinese officials.

Sunday's operation came as another development in mounting tensions between Beijing and Washington over diplomacy and trade. This week, US President Trump accused Beijing of seeking to meddle in the upcoming November midterms in the US, which China denied.

This added up to a high-profile trade rift growing across the Pacific. Earlier this week, China hit back at Donald Trump's $200 billion of new tariffs with its own levies on $60 billion of American product.

Trade between Beijing and the US went into a downward spiral of tit-for-tat measures ever since Donald Trump announced import tariffs on steel and aluminum, citing national security concerns and claiming that China was stealing US technology and intellectual property.

 Sputnik

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History of Macedonia Naming Dispute

Sputnik News

12:32 30.09.2018(updated 12:55 30.09.2018)

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Macedonia, a small Balkan nation, is holding a referendum on Sunday to determine whether its name should be changed to the Republic of North Macedonia, potentially ending a decades-long row with Athens and speeding up the country's EU and NATO entry.

Greece had been blocking the former Yugoslav republic from joining the blocs it is part of for 27 years, arguing that the name Macedonia took on after its split from Yugoslavia in 1991 opened way for territorial claims in northern Greece where there is a province of the same name.

The ancient state of Macedonia with a capital in Edessa was established in the 8th century BC. It came to be associated mainly with the names of the kings of the Hellenistic Era  Philip II of Macedon and, particularly, with Alexander the Great, who both lived in the 4th century BC.

Several centuries after the collapse of empire established by the Alexander the Great the territory of ancient Macedonia became part of the Roman and then of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. After the Balkan wars of 1911-1913 its territory was divided between Greece, Serbia and Bulgaria.

More than a half of ancient Macedonia's land went to Greece. It received the name of Aegean Macedonia. Serbia received 38 percent of ancient Macedonia's land, which became known as Southern Serbia, while Bulgaria snatched a part in the northeast and named it Pirin Macedonia.

A new kingdom was formed in the former lands of ancient Macedonians after World War I in 1914-1918, named officially as the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. This was until 1929 when the territory was renamed to Yugoslavia.

After World War II and the creation of the Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia (renamed to the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1963), the Macedonian province of Yugoslavia became known as the People's Republic of Macedonia (renamed to the Socialist Republic of Macedonia in 1963).

As Yugoslavia began to crumble in September 1991, the republic held a referendum on independence on September 8 and subsequently adopted a declaration on its sovereignty.

Greece immediately protested the nascent state's choice of name, enshrined in its constitution as the Republic of Macedonia. Athens argued that by calling itself Macedonia it prepared the ground for a land grab and usurped the Greek history, primarily its exclusive link to the ancient Hellenistic period.

The republic's use of the so-called Vergina Sun, the symbol and the flag of the kingdom of Philip II of Macedon, was also vehemently protested, as was the name it used for its citizens. Skopje wanted them to be called "citizens of the Republic of Macedonia," while Athens insisted on "citizens of the Republic of Northern Macedonia."

The naming dispute was accompanied by widespread protests in both countries. In Greece, people took to the streets to demonstrate against the existing name of the republic, while in Macedonia crowds rallied against changing it.

Greece insisted that a provision in the European Union's 1992 Lisbon Declaration banned Macedonia from entering the bloc until its name no longer has "Macedonia" in it. But its bid to block the republic's from joining the United Nations failed, with Macedonia becoming the organization's 181st member in 1993 under the name the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

Macedonia was recognized by Russia in 1992, by the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Italy and France in 1993, and by the United States in 1994.

In response, Greece closed the port of Thessaloniki for Macedonian ships and stopped exports from crossing its territory. An exception was made for food, medicine and fuel for hospitals. The Greek consulate in Skopje suspended its work indefinitely.

The loss of access to the sea damaged Macedonia, which relied on Thessaloniki for most of imports and trade. Some estimates put its losses at $2 billion.

In 1995, Athens and Skopje signed a temporary deal, wherein Macedonia promised to change its flag within 30 days and wipe articles from its constitution that Greece interpreted as territorial claims to its northern region called Macedonia. This was done.

Greece, in turn, lifted the embargo and recognized Macedonia's sovereignty. But the naming dispute was not resolved and the region has maintained a relatively stable status quo since then.

Greece blocked Macedonia's entry to NATO in 2008. Skopje responded by filing a lawsuit with the International Court of Justice in The Hague, accusing Athens of violating their 1995 deal, where Greece pledged not to interfere with FYROM's membership of international organizations.

Athens argued that the neighbor had repeatedly violated the spirit of the agreement and allowed nationalist rhetoric to be directed at the Greek region of Macedonia. That did not change the Greek position.

Repeated attempts by Brussels, Washington and Matthew Nimetz, the personal envoy of the UN secretary general, to mediate the naming dispute failed. The talks grounded to a halt in 2014.

A shift began with the opposition Social Democratic Union in coalition with Albanian parties coming to power in Skopje. Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, who campaigned on a pledge to join the European Union and NATO, said he was ready for the country to enter NATO as FYROM.

An agreement between Zaev and his Greek counterpart Alexis Tsipras was eventually reached on June 12, 2018, to rename FYROM to the Republic of North Macedonia.

Macedonian President Gheorghe Ivanov in a June 13 address to the nation refused to sign the "harming" deal and denounced the cabinet's goals of having the country join the European Union and NATO.

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias and his Macedonian counterpart Nicola Dimitrov nonetheless signed an agreement on the new name for Macedonia on June 17. It was co-signed by Nimetz.

Under the 20-page agreement, the citizenship of the country will be indicated as "Macedonian" or "the citizen of the Republic of Northern Macedonia" and the official language will also be referred to as "Macedonian."

The Macedonian parliament ratified the historic pact on June 20 by a vote of 69 to 0, after the main opposition party, the nationalist VMRO-DPMNE, walked out in protest. The president again refused to sign it.

A deadline was set for renaming state bodies, official attributes and documents. The deal also stipulated that Macedonian authorities would carry out an audit of monuments and other heritage sites that hinted at their ties to the Greek culture.

Athens and Skopje also confirmed the common border and pledged to ensure there were unfriendly activities toward the neighboring state.

On July 30, the Macedonian parliament set the date of the referendum on the new name of the country for September 30. Prime Minister Zaev said he would respect its outcome.

 Sputnik

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US Builds New Military Base on Syrian-Iraqi Border - Kurdish Commander

Sputnik News

09:40 30.09.2018(updated 10:22 30.09.2018)

The US has been boosting its military presence in the region and, according to an SDF spokesperson, the base is being used in an offensive against the remaining Daesh militants in eastern Syria.

Xelil Sirvan, a commander of a group of Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, told Sputnik that a US military base had been detected near the town of Al-Qa'im in northwest Iraq on the border with Syria.

"According to our data, the United States has set up a new military base in the strategically important region of Al-Qa'im in Anbar province on the Iraqi-Syrian border. Americans are building up [their] military presence in the region, which is why Iraqi government forces have sent more military reinforcements to Al-Qa'im to boost border protection," he said.

A spokesperson for the Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish-led militant group, detailed that the new base was involved in an operation the SDF fighters launched earlier in the month against the last Daesh* stronghold in Hajin in eastern Syria.

Al-Qa'im, an Iraqi town which lies near the strategic border crossing that links to the Syrian town of Abu Kamal, was retaken in the beginning of November last year; later the Iraqi military announced that it had restored control over the checkpoints on the border with Syria.

*Daesh (aka Islamic State/ISIS/IS) is a terrorist group outlawed in Russia and many other countries.

 Sputnik

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Low Turnout in Macedonia Name-Change Referendum

By VOA News September 30, 2018

Few Macedonians turned out to vote in a referendum on whether to change the name of their country -- a move that could pave the way for it to join NATO and the European Union.

According to election officials, only about a third of eligible voters cast ballots Sunday. But more than 90 percent of those voting cast a ballot in favor of changing the country's name to North Macedonia.

Macedonia's electoral commission said two days ago the referendum results would be declared invalid if less than 50 percent of the eligible voting population went to the polls

Nationalists, including Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov, had urged a boycott of the vote.

Macedonians are being asked to change the name of their country to end a decades-old dispute with neighboring Greece and pave the way for the country's admission into NATO and the European Union.

Athens has argued that the name "Macedonia" belongs exclusively to its northern province of Macedonia and using the name implies Skopje's intentions to claim the Greek province.

Greece has for years pressured Skopje into renouncing the country's name, forcing it to use the more formal moniker Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in the United Nations. Greece has consistently blocked its smaller neighbor from gaining membership in NATO and the EU as long it retains its name.

President Ivanov said giving in to Athens' demand would be a "flagrant violation of sovereignty.''

He steadfastly refused to back the deal reached between Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and his Greek counterpart, Alexis Tsipras, that put the name change to a vote.

"This referendum could lead us to become a subordinate state, dependent on another country," Ivanov said. "We will become a state in name only, not in substance."

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Cameroon President Launches Campaign on Northern Border

By Moki Edwin Kindzeka September 30, 2018

Cameroon president Paul Biya says he has successfully pushed the militant group Boko Haram beyond Cameroon's borders and urgently needs to be re-elected in the October 7 presidential poll so he can rebuild what was destroyed. Biya was in the northern town of Maroua in one of his rare outings from his presidential palace to launch his campaigns for the presidential election.

Women dressed in President Paul Biya's Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) party attire sing Saturday to welcome Paul Biya to Maroua. They are assuring Biya that they will vote for him to lead Cameroon in a new seven year mandate beginning October 7.

More than 30,000 people ferried by the CPDM party from all over northern Cameroon are present in Maroua. Biya's campaign photos can be seen everywhere in the town.

Paul Biya told them he has come to give his assurances of his love for the people of northern Cameroon.

He said he has decided to visit Maroua as a sign of the high esteem he has for the people of Cameroon's northern border with Nigeria and because he wants to inform them of the new opportunities he will offer when re-elected.

He said he cherishes the people of far north Cameroon because they resisted the destruction, burning and killing by the barbaric group Boko Haram and now that terrorism has been defeated, it is time to create conditions for a return to normal economic, administrative and social life.

Paul Biya said he will improve agriculture, start the exploration of what he said was the rich natural resources of the region and build a rail line to link north Cameroon and Chad to spur economic activity now that peace has returned and Boko Haram has been defeated.

As Biya and his crowd of over 30,000 met at the Lamido Yaya Dairou Municipal Stadium, about 200 supporters of opposition candidate Maurice Kamtos of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement Party (CRM) campaigned on the outskirts of Maroua.

Yimnyo Mamadou who leads the campaign rally said Paul Biya was deceiving the masses. He said Biya has been responsible for the underdevelopment of Cameroon. He accuses Biya of not being sensitive to the needs of his people and hardly visits them.

He said Biya has distracted Cameroonians for 36 years and it is high time the people are told the truth and made to understand that Biya has not provided an enabling environment for their education, has not provided basic needs such as water and does not pay civil servants well. He said Biya should be truthful to himself and acknowledge that Cameroon is in a pitiful state.

Paul Biya who is likely to win at the the polls has not announced that he will visit other regions of the country where there is or has been unrest.

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Kuwait discounts US pullout of Patriot missiles as internal 'routine procedure'

Iran Press TV

Sun Sep 30, 2018 03:21AM

Kuwait's top military official has said that the recent US defense department's decision to withdraw two anti-air Patriot missile systems from the Persian Gulf kingdom was a "routine procedure" amid Pentagon's refusal to discuss the move.

Kuwaiti army's General Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Mohammad Al-Khuder was cited in a Saturday report by the Saudi-based Arab News English-language daily as saying that the pullout of the missile battery by the US military reflected "an interior routine procedure" in coordination with the Kuwaiti army.

"Kuwait's Patriot missile system, independently, protects and covers all its geographical borders," he added in a statement quoted in the report.

Patriot missile systems are designed to intercept ballistic and cruise missiles and other airborne threats such as war planes.

US media reported last week that the US military was pulling some of its anti-aircraft and missile batteries out of the Middle East, marking a shift that focuses away from long-lasting conflicts in the region to tensions with China, Russia and Iran.

The reports further cited American military officials as saying on Wednesday that US forces will pull out four Patriot missile systems from Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain next month.

Two Patriot missile systems will be redeployed from Kuwait, and one each from Jordan and Bahrain, the reports further noted.

Reuters also cited a US military official as saying on Wednesday that Washington's redeployment of the missile systems was part of a shift in focus away from the battle against "extremist militants" in efforts "to address tensions with China and Russia" without elaborating.

However, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis declined to comment on the matter when approached by Pentagon reporters on Friday.

Moreover, Pentagon spokeswoman Commander Rebecca Rebarich also refused to elaborate on the move, saying that due to operational security, "we're not going to discuss the movement of specific capabilities into and out of the US Central Command area of responsibility."

The development comes amid increasing hostile rhetoric against Iran by US President Donald Trump and his hawkish National Security Adviser John Bolton as well as the Israeli regime and US client states of Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.

This is while the US is reportedly planning a high-level meeting with Arab leaders in January to speed up forging an alliance mostly aimed at confronting Iran.

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Persian Gulf Affairs Tim Lenderking has been touring the region over the past weeks in a bid to muster enough support to form the Middle East Strategic Alliance (MESA), a concept similar to an Arab NATO.

The idea of forming an alliance that comprised the (Persian) Gulf Cooperation Council-- Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Omanalong with the US, Egypt and Jordan, and addressed security, economic and political issues was first floated during US President Donald Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia last year, Lenderking said.

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China Launches Reactor of Tianwan NPP Built With Russia's Help  Rosatom

Sputnik News

18:38 30.09.2018(updated 18:43 30.09.2018)

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  China successfully launched on Sunday the reactor of the new power unit of the Tianwan nuclear power plant (NPP), built with the Russian participation, Russia's nuclear corporation said.

"On 30 September 2018  the reactor plant of Tianwan NPP unit No 4 that is under construction in China with the technical assistance of ROSATOM Engineering Division, has been brought to a minimum controllable level of power," Russia's Rosatom state nuclear corporation said in a statement.

Russia and China have long been cooperating in the sphere of nuclear energy use for peaceful purposes, with the Tianwan NPP being the largest joint project.

Earlier this year, Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev and Nur Bekri, the head of the Chinese National Energy Administration, signed four accords on the construction of new units of nuclear power plants (NPP) in China. In particular, the sides signed framework agreements on construction of the Xudapu NPP units, as well as Units 7 and 8 of the Tianwan NPP.

In November 2016, Moscow and Beijing issued a joint statement on developing strategic cooperation in peaceful use of nuclear energy, as a result of which a range of initiatives has been eventually undertaken by China and Russia, including construction of a pilot CFR-600 fast-neutron nuclear reactor in China and development of the Tianwan NPP.

 Sputnik

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Ri Yong Ho Calls for thoroughly Implementing DPRK-U.S. Joint Statement

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, September 30 (KCNA) -- Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho, head of the delegation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, delivered a speech at the plenary meeting of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday.

He said that Kim Jong Un, chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK, conducted energetic summit-level diplomatic activities with a firm determination to turn the Korean peninsula into a cradle of peace without any nuclear weapons and nuclear threats; and made important breakthrough in improving the North-South relations and the DPRK-U.S. relations and in revitalizing the friendly and cooperative relations with neighboring countries and hence made a turning point for dramatic easing of tension in the Korean peninsula.

He went on:

The vital factor in consolidating the peace and security in the Korean peninsula is to thoroughly implement the DPRK-U.S. Joint Statement adopted in June at the historic DPRK-U.S. summit in Singapore.

The primary task for effectively implementing the DPRK-U.S. Joint Statement should be bringing down the wall of mistrust between the two countries which has existed for several decades; and to do so the DPRK and the U.S. should direct their first efforts to building trust.

It is our position that the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula should also be realized under the principle of building peace regime and simultaneous action, step by step, starting with what we can do first and giving priority to building of trust.

However, we do not see any corresponding response from the U.S.

The reason behind the current deadlock is because the U.S. clings to authoritarian methods which are lethal to trust-building method.

The recent dramatic improvement of the North-South relations and the atmosphere of cooperation evidently show the decisive role of trust building.

The political oppositions in the U.S. make it their daily business to slander the DPRK claiming that our Republic cannot be trusted with the sole purpose of attacking their political opponent and they are enforcing the administration to make unreasonable unilateral demand to our side aimed at impeding the smooth progress of the dialogue and negotiations.

Creating mistrust towards the dialogue partner while only clinging to authoritarian methods is not helpful in building trust; on the contrary it only increases mistrust.

One part of the spirit of the DPRK-U.S. summit in Singapore is getting rid of the stereo-typed way of thinking and finding a completely new way of solving the issues.

At this critical juncture, the U.S. should make a foresighted judgment that faithful fulfillment of its commitment in Singapore is, in the end, for the best national interests of the U.S. and should seek new method for solving the DPRK-U.S. relations. Only then there will be positive prospects for the DPRK-U.S. Joint Statement.

If the DPRK-U.S. Joint Statement falls victim to the domestic politics of the U.S., the greatest victim of the subsequent unpredictable consequences would be the U.S. itself.

Solving the DPRK-U.S. relations and issues in the Korean peninsula should be the key topic in achieving theme of this session: "Making the United Nations relevant to all people: Global leadership and shared responsibilities for peaceful, equitable and sustainable societies".

The implementation of the DPRK-U.S. Joint Statement is a common responsibility of the DPRK and the U.S.; at the same time the UN also has its role in implementing the statement.

The UN Security Council that was once so eager to express "concern" to the tense situation in the Korean peninsula keeps silence even now about the precious momentum for peace in the Korean peninsula which has been achieved in this year; this is incomprehensible in any way.

Worse still, the UNSC is taking very concerning stand by rejecting the proposal by some of its member states to issue presidential statement that welcomes the DPRK-U.S. summit and the Joint Statement.

The UN should really apply the theme of this session to its actual activities and hence get rid of the stigma that "UNSC=U.S." as early as possible. -0-

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US Sharpens Criticism of Iran's Rights Record as Pressure Tactic

By Michael Lipin, Guita Aryan September 29, 2018

The Trump administration is drawing more attention to concerns about human rights in Iran as part of its campaign to pressure Tehran into a new deal regarding its perceived malign activities.

Senior State Department officials highlighted those concerns in a Friday news briefing devoted to Iran's human rights record on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York.

Human rights record

In response to a VOA Persian question about how much importance the Trump administration attaches to Iran's human rights record versus its other activities, U.S. Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said alleged Iranian rights abuses are on a par with what he called other "destructive" Iranian threats such as missile proliferation and damage to the national environment.

"We don't believe in taking these things seriatim [tacking one subject after another in regular order]," Hook said. "We think you need to take a comprehensive approach and highlight the entire range of Iran's destructive behaviors."

The State Department reviewed those behaviors in a report published Tuesday, titled Outlaw Regime: A Chronicle of Iran's Destructive Activities. It is the first report produced by the department's Iran Action Group, created last month and led by Hook.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, visiting New York for the U.N. General Assembly, did not directly address U.S. criticisms about his country's human rights record in a Wednesday news conference near the U.N. headquarters. But he did call on the United States to stop what he called its "bullying" and "pressuring" of Tehran.

Continuing his response to VOA Persian's question, Hook said addressing alleged Iranian human rights abuses is among 12 demands made of Iran by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. In a May speech, the top U.S. diplomat listed them as conditions for a new deal that President Donald Trump wants to negotiate with Iran, days after Trump withdrew from a 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran, his predecessor and five other world powers.

The fifth demand in Pompeo's list says: "Iran must release all U.S. citizens, as well as citizens of our partners and allies, each of them detained on spurious charges."

"Pompeo (talked) about releasing all U.S. citizens who are detained unjustly, and also those detained from our allies and partners around the world, because their human rights are violated," Hook said.

The list of U.S. demands does not include a call for Iran to release all of the hundreds of political prisoners that Washington says are held in the country. But, in an interview with VOA Persian after the briefing, Ambassador Michael Kozak of the U.S. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor said Washington would welcome such a step.

"Any solution to this problem is going to involve releasing the political prisoners," Kozak said. "This is not a major demand. It is pretty much what we would demand of any country (to) live up to its obligations under the U.N. charter and international human rights law. And it would be a good sign on (the Iranians') part that they are serious about changing their behaviors."

This article originated in VOA's Persian Service.

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Zarif: Iran to quit JCPOA, if Europe mechanisms fail to work

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Sept 30, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the if Europe's special mechanisms fail to work Iran will leave nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

According to US media Washington Post, Zarif made the remarks Saturday night addressing a roundtable in Iran paermanent mission in New York.

Countries are starting to make agreements to use their own currencies in bilateral trade, Zarif was quoted as saying.

"You can use your own currency," he said.

"Sell stuff in your own currency, buy stuff in the other country's currency, and at the end of a specific period, balance it out in a non-dollar currency. It's quite possible and may even be profitable," he added.

"Have you seen that map with all the U.S. bases around us and said, 'Why are these Iranians putting their country in the middle of all these bases?" he reiterated.

Zarif went on to say that "We are in our region. We have not invaded any country. We have not sent troops anywhere we were not asked. We have not bombed any country. We have not taken territory from any country. We are content with our size, with our geography, with our resources. We have no eye on anybody else's territory, resources or people."

"I didn't know that you still had witch hunts here in the US," Zarif said when asked to characterize the conversations with Kerry.

"What he has done has been to encourage us to stay in the deal," he added, lauding the virtues of dialogue between Americans and Iranians.

Earlier Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Seyyed Abbas Araqchi said on Friday that EU's special purpose vehicle (SPV) intended for easing banking and trade transactions with Iran will take effect on November 4.

"Europeans are aware of our expectations that the SPV's structure should be clear by then and at least some section of the mechanism should start working," he said.

On Saturday, a Russian diplomat announced that Russia and China are to adopt new mechanisms independent of Europe to bypass the US anti-Iran sanctions.

The special mechanism created by the European Union for payments with Iran does not include the other parties to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), said the diplomat who was speaking to Russian media 'Interfax' on condition of anonymity.

9376**1396

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Iran's Zarif Shrugs Off Netanyahu's Secret Nuke Storage Claims as 'Smokescreen'

Sputnik News

10:43 30.09.2018(updated 10:48 30.09.2018)

This week, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu took the most global of stages at a UN gathering in New York to accuse Iran of hiding nuclear equipment and materials. Earlier this year, the US withdrew from the landmark Iran nuclear deal after Netanyahu claimed Tehran was pursuing a nuclear weapons program.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has lashed out at Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu over claims that Tehran has been concealing a secret atomic warehouse.

"He's just trying to find a smokescreen," Zarif said in an excerpt of an interview set to air on CBS's public affairs program "Face the Nation" on Sunday.

Iran's top diplomat went on to brand Netanyahu's accusations as "nonsense." "He's been wrong about the previous [allegations] and he's wrong about this one," Zarif added. "The previous allegations that Netanyahu made have been investigated by the IAEA and have been rejected."

During the UN General Assembly meeting on Thursday, Netanyahu accused Iran of storing "massive amounts" of nuclear equipment and material in a secret nuclear facility in Tehran, disguised as a rug-cleaning factory.

Zarif vehemently denied the claim and went on the offensive, alleging that Israel was the only country in the region to have a concealed nuclear weapons program.

IAEA, the United Nations atomic watchdog, confirmed in its latest report in August that Iran had complied with the requirements for uranium enrichment levels, enriched uranium stocks and other terms.

Netanyahu has been a fierce critic of Iran's nuclear activity. He has repeatedly claimed that Tehran was pursuing nuclear weapons, sidestepping the 2015 nuclear deal that curbed its nuclear program in exchange for the removal of crippling economic sanctions. In late April, the Israeli PM presented what he said were secret files obtained by Israeli intelligence that demonstrate Iran's plans to continue working on nuclear weapons.

Following Netanyahu's accusations, US President Donald Trump pulled the US out of the landmark 2015 agreement. Citing efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, Trump claimed that the "poorly negotiated" deal allowed Iran to reach the brink of a nuclear breakout.

The US president went on to re-impose economic sanctions on Iran and on firms doing business with the country, prompting many investors to leave the local market. Trump's move was praised by Netanyahu but drew condemnation from the remaining signatories, including the UK, France, Germany, Russia, and China.

 Sputnik

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Iraqi Kurds elect first parliament since secession fiasco

Iran Press TV

Sun Sep 30, 2018 09:50AM

Voters in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region in northern Iraq have headed to polling stations to elect the first parliament since a disastrous separation referendum last year.

Voting began on Sunday, with almost 3.1 million people eligible to partake across three provinces that make up the region.

As many as 673 candidates from 29 political movements are vying for seats in the 111-member chamber.

The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) of Massoud Barzani who was Kurdistan's president from 2005 until 2017 and its traditional rival, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), are the main contestants.

The KDP currently holds 38 seats, while the PUK has 18 at the local legislature.

The main opposition Goran (Change) party has 24 seats but observers say it is not expected to fare any better in the polls after performing badly during Iraq's general elections in May.

The region suffered heavily after the secession vote last September, which led to a crisis in ties with the federal government in Baghdad.

After the referendum, Baghdad banned flights to the region and imposed economic penalties. It also retook control of the northern oil-rich city of Kirkuk, which had been overrun by Kurdish militants.

Since 2014, Iraqi Kurdistan has borrowed more than $4 billion to stay afloat, according to some experts. Before the failed referendum, it had built up a debt of around $12 billion.

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Iraqi Kurds Vote For New Parliament In Long-Delayed Elections

September 30, 2018

Iraq's Kurdistan region has held long-delayed parliamentary elections, amid growing discontent with perceived corruption and economic hardship.

More than 700 candidates were vying for 111 seats in the September 30 vote in the oil-producing region.

Eleven seats are reserved for members of religious and ethnic minorities: five for Turkmen candidates; five for Christians; and one for the Armenian community.

The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and its rival Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), which have long dominated Kurdish politics, were expected to win the lion's share of the vote.

However, the PUK said it will not recognize the election results, citing fraud in the voting process, according to the Reuters news agency.

The elections come a year after the region, which gained autonomous status after the 1991 Gulf War, made a failed bid to break away from the rest of Iraq.

The last parliamentary elections were in 2013, but the assembly stopped meeting in 2015 amid internal political tensions and the war against the extremist group Islamic State.

The political deadlock also delayed new elections, which were originally planned for November 2017.

Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iraqi-kurds-vote -for-new-parliament/29517635.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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Protesters Accuse Russian Officials Of 'Stealing' Pensions As They Rally Against Retirement-Age Hike

RFE/RL's Russian Service September 30, 2018

Russians have staged small rallies in several cities to protest against an unpopular plan to raise the eligibility age for retirement pensions by five years.

Reports said up to 300 people attended a sanctioned demonstration in the Urals city of Orenburg on September 30, days after the lower chamber of Russia's parliament approved a bill to lift the retirement age to 65 for men and 60 for women.

Smaller protests were also reported in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don, Omsk in Siberia, and Votkinsk in the Urals.

The pension reform has sparked controversy, and opinion polls have shown President Vladimir Putin's popularity dip since the plan was unveiled earlier this year.

Older Russians worry they won't live long enough to collect benefits. Younger Russians fear keeping people in work for longer could diminish their chances of finding a job.

In Orenburg, the protesters voiced opposition to the pension reform but also called for a referendum on whether to reinstate direct elections for the heads of the Orenburg region's cities and districts, according to local newspaper Ural56.

The demand comes after Orenburg Mayor Yevgeny Arapov and his deputy were detained in August on suspicion of receiving a bribe.

About 100 people attended a protest in Rostov-on-Don during which Russian leaders were accused of "stealing pensions" but also "freedom, peace, truth, dignity, and honor."

Putin was blamed for raising the retirement age, as well as taxes, and the prices of food, gasoline, housing, and communal services.

In the outskirts of Omsk, a small rally organized by the Communist Party and Yabloko called on the authorities to abandon the pension reform.

The participants also criticized the regional electoral commission for failing to register an application calling for a referendum on the matter.

And in Votkinsk in the Udmurtia region, the organizers of a rally accused Russian officials of "lying" about the pension reform, Ekho Moskvy radio reported.

On September 27, the State Duma approved in its third and final reading the bill to raise the retirement age.

The proposed legislation now needs to be passed in the parliament's upper chamber, the Federation Council, and then signed by Putin to become law.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/protesters-accuse-russian- officials-of-stealing-pensions-as-they-rally-against- retirement-age-hike/29517670.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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Modern 'Nabrosok' Artillery System Being Developed in Russia - Land Forces Chief

Sputnik News

23:20 30.09.2018

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Russia's modern Nabrosok artillery system is being under development, and will be used in the country's missile troops and artillery, Russian Commander-in-Chief of the Land Forces Col. Gen. Oleg Salyukov said in an interview published on Sunday.

"For missile troops and artillery, the Nabrosok battalion-level complex of artillery and mortar weapons with different versions of the chassis, including for the Arctic units, is being developed," Salyukov told the Moskovskij Komsomolets (MK) newspaper, when asked what new weapons for the ground forces can be expected to be created soon.

He added that the development of the Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled gun with the new Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact shooting mode was almost completed.

Salyukov also said that the ground forces were expecting to receive Armata tanks, Kurganets-25 modular platforms, and Bumerang amphibious wheeled armored personnel carrier soon.

 Sputnik

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Trump pushing Saudi Arabia to buy more US weapons

Iran Press TV

Sun Sep 30, 2018 07:50AM

US President Donald Trump has called on Saudi Arabia to increase its military spending, with an eye on more weapons sales to the "rich" kingdom.

Speaking at a campaign rally in West Virginia on Saturday, Trump said he had complained that Washington was not getting what it should from Saudi Arabia during a phone conversation with King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Trump said he had told King Salman that Riyadh has "trillions of dollars" and could pay its military bills.

"I love Saudi Arabia. They are great, King Salman, I spoke with him this morning. I said, king, you have got trillions of dollars. Without us, who knows what's going to happen. .... With us they are totally safe. But we don't get what we should be getting," he said.

Trump further threatened to end what he claimed to be subsidies for the Saudi military.

"We are subsidizing their military. I said let me ask you a question. Why are we subsidizing the military  it's one thing if a country is in deep trouble and in danger," he noted. "I said 'Saudi Arabia, you are rich, you have got to pay for your military. You have got to pay for your military, sorry'."

Last year, the US president signed the largest arms deal in history with Saudi Arabia despite warnings that he could be accused of being complicit in the regime's war crimes in Yemen.

During Trump's visit to Riyadh in May 2017, Saudi Arabia agreed to buy $110 billion worth of US weapons and signed "investment" deals worth billions more.

The kingdom has one of the highest rates of spending on its military in the world, which stood at 10.3 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2017, according to World Bank data.

Analysts say Trump is milking wealthy Persian Gulf Arab countries and exploiting conflicts in the Middle East to boost US arms sales to the oil-rich states.

Before his presidency, Trump described Saudi Arabia as "a milk cow" which would be slaughtered when its milk runs out.

Saudi Arabia and its allies launched a brutal war, code-named Operation Decisive Storm, against Yemen in March 2015 in an attempt to reinstall the country's former Riyadh-allied regime and crush the Houthi Ansarullah movement.

The Western-backed imposed war, however, has so far failed to achieve its stated goals, thanks to stiff resistance from Yemeni troops and allied Houthi fighters.

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Syria: S-300 systems enough to respond to Israel's threat

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Sept 30, IRNA -- Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem said Sunday that deliveries of Russian S-300 air defense systems were a 'timely step.'

'It is a system which is defensive in its nature rather than offensive, and it is intended for the defense of the Syrian airspace. If we analyze the importance of the Syrian airspace's protection, we will see that it reflects security and stability, but not a war. I would like to note that it is a very timely step and we are very grateful to Russia for its efforts,' the minister said in an interview, Sputnik news agency reported.

Moallem also stressed that the systems have sufficient capacities to respond to Israeli threats to the country.

'In any case, S-300 is enough to respond to these threats,' the minister told the RT broadcaster, answering a question about Israeli threats in connection to Iran's presence on the Syrian territory.

The minister stressed that the Iranian servicemen were deployed to the Syrian territory on legitimate grounds and in an advisory capacity.

'The Syrian-Iranian relations are not a bargaining issue. These relations are based on the decisions of two sovereign states, defending their independent decision,' the minister underlined.

He stressed that he highly appreciated the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin to provide these systems to Syria.

Russia decided to provide Syria with the S-300 air defense systems after a Russian Il-20 plane was downed by a missile launched by Syria's forces earlier this month. The Syrian system was targeting Israeli F-16 jets that were attacking the facilities in the Syrian province of Latakia. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Israel notified Russia of its operation only a minute before the attack.

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Al-Moallem: US presence in Syria illegal and must leave

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Sept 30, IRNA -- Syrian Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid al-Moallem reaffirmed that the US presence on the Syrian territory is illegal and is considered as an aggression that must leave.

In an interview with RT Channel, al-Moallem said that the Americans in the al-Tanf area are attracting Daesh (ISIS) remnants and are rehabilitating them in order to send them back to fight the Syrian Arab Army because they want to prolong the crisis in Syria for the benefit of Israel, SANA reported.

The Minister pointed out that the Syrian-Iranian relations are not negotiable.

"The presence of Iranian advisers in Syria is legitimate and came at the request of the Syrian state, contrary to the US presence, which is an aggression against Syria which must leave," al-Moallem said.

Commenting on Idleb agreement, al-Moallem said that the agreement is a positive step to extend the control of the Syrian state over all of its territory, indicating that the agreement provides the conditions for a peaceful solution in Idleb through reconciliation whose effectiveness has been demonstrated in many Syrian areas.

He stressed that the legitimate state has the right to use other means to reestablish sovereignty over its territory.

"When you go from one city to another and want to go back you use the same road to return," he said, noting that terrorists in Idleb had come across Turkey and are leaving through it.

"The danger now in the eastern region stems from the American factor that is illegally present, which is providing military support for the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces in that region as the US presence hampers these forces' dialogue with the Syrian state. Some of them attacked the Syrian soldiers there in an unjustified attack, and those who mounted the attack must pay the price," al-Moallem stated.

"Damascus is committed to the platforms of Astana and Sochi and to the efforts of the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran to find an appropriate solution that will serve the Syrian people in the political process," said the Minister.

He noted that the work of UN Special Envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura "is not neutral".

"If he were neutral, we would find ourselves before an active constitutional committee, and the reason for that is the existence of a mini-international group that has a negative impact on the Envoy's work," al-Moallem added.

He stressed that this mini-group consists of countries that were and still are part of the conspiracy against Syria, namely the US, Britain and France

.

"All the weapons held by terrorists in many Syrian areas are made in these countries," the Minister said.

He also renewed the call for the displaced Syrians to return to their homeland.

"We welcome and call upon every displaced Syrian abroad to return to homeland. We will ensure a decent life, security and future for him to contribute to the reconstruction of his country," the Minister said.

He expressed regret that the West still prevents Syrians from returning to their homeland due to its policies of intimidation which are baseless, describing the current international atmosphere around the situation in Syria as positive.

"The atmosphere is positive on the Arab and international arenas due to the recent field developments in Syria," the Minister said.

The Minister asserted that Syria has not attacked anyone or intervened in the affairs of any other country, and is looking forward to good relations with all countries.

"Whoever assaults us and interferes with our internal affairs must reconsider its position," he indicated.

The Minister also affirmed that the S-300 system, which Russia announced that it will provide Syria with, is a defensive system aimed at protecting the Syrian airspace from any external aggression and it is a factor that will enhance security and stability.

"Syria highly appreciates the decision of President Vladimir Putin to provide this system to Syria," he added, indicating that the Syrian-Russian cooperation has made a fundamental change on the ground and in the political and economic work on Syria.

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S-300 plays important role against Israel aggression: Syrian FM

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

New York, Sept 30, IRNA -- Syria's Foreign Minister said deployment of S-300 air defense system in Syria is an important message from Moscow to Tel Aviv, and the system will play a major role against Israeli air raids.

At the end of his meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem said in a special interview with the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) at the United Nations that the air defense system undoubtedly plays an important role in protecting Syria from Israeli aggression. Hence, the missiles will greatly contribute to the security of the region.

He went on to say deploying S-300 missile system to Syria is a message from Moscow to the Zionist regime as Israel shot down the Russian aircraft and killed 15 Russian military officers on board.

Iranian and Syrian foreign ministers, who were in New York to attend the 73rd UN General Assembly Session, discussed regional developments, Syria, and bilateral relation as well.

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Israel prepared to reopen UN crossing with Syria: Military

Iran Press TV

Sun Sep 30, 2018 06:33PM

The Israeli military says Tel Aviv is ready to reopen its side of the crossing point with Syria following the return of the UN peacekeepers to the Golan Heights after four years.

Israeli minister for military affairs Avigdor Lieberman" authorized the reopening of the Alpha gate of the Quneitra Crossing between Israel and Syria, allowing the UN to resume activity via the crossing pending Syria's reopening their side," the military said on Saturday.

In August, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) returned to the border between Syria and the occupied territories and carried out a first patrol in the area, four years after it was shuttered due to militant attacks.

The UN force returned to the area after Syrian government forces, backed by Russia, succeeded in recapturing territory near the Golan Heights and driving out militant groups from a "de-escalation zone."

In a surprising change of tone, Israel on Thursday expressed its readiness to reopen the Quneitra border crossing with Syria in the Golan Heights, now that the Arab country's armed forces have purged militant groups from there.

"We are ready to open the crossing as it was before, and now the ball is in the Syrian court," Lieberman told reporters as he toured the border area.

The Golan Heights is a Syrian territory, which Tel Aviv has been occupying since the Six-Day War of 1967 and claims as its own territory despite international criticism.

In an email on Friday, a spokesman for UN Peacekeeping in New York, Nick Birnback, said Quneitra crossing is "an operational crossing for UNDOF in the implementation of its mandate."

According to the UN spokesperson, UNDOF is working to "complete the rehabilitation of the Quneitra crossing" due to be reopened soon.

Syria, which has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011, has time and again said that the Israeli regime and its Western and regional allies have been aiding Takfiri terrorist groups.

The Daesh Takfiri terrorist group, which once held large swathes of land in Syria, is no longer in control of any urban center. Following its crushing defeat against Syrian government forces late last year, Daesh is only active through its remnants, sparsely based in some rural areas. Other Takfiri outfits are either significantly weakened or increasingly losing ground to the advancing government troops.

In 1974, a United Nations-brokered ceasefire came into force, according to which the Israeli regime and the Syrian government agreed to separate their troops, creating a buffer zone patrolled by the UNDOF.

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Presence of US military forces on Syrian soil illegal, act of aggression: Muallem

Iran Press TV

Sun Sep 30, 2018 05:17PM

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem has roundly condemned the presence of hundreds of American troopers in the southeastern part of his country close to the border with Iraq, terming the deployment as "illegal" and an "act of aggression."

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Russia's Arabic-language RT Arabic television news network, Muallem stated that Americans at al-Tanf garrison recruit and train Daesh terrorists, and then dispatch them to the front line to fight Syrian government forces in a bid to prolong the Syrian crisis in favor of Israel.

'Damascus-Tehran relations not negotiable at all'

The top Syrian diplomat went on to say that relations between his country and the Islamic Republic of Iran were not open to any negotiations.

"The presence of Iranian advisers in Syria is legitimate and at the request of the Damascus government contrary to the American deployment, which is an act of aggression against Syria and must cease," Muallem pointed out.

He also made a reference to the Turkish-Russian agreement on a buffer zone in Syria's militant-held northern province of Idlib, describing it as a positive step on the path of asserting state control over the entire Syrian territory.

"The agreement provided conditions for a peaceful solution in Idlib. Reconciliations have proved effective in many areas of Syria. The legitimate Syrian government has the right to use other means to establish its sovereignty," Muallem said.

The senior Syrian official further noted that the danger in the eastern regions of the country now stems from US soldiers, who are stationed there illegally, provide military support to the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces in that region, and obstruct their dialogue with the Syrian government.

"We are committed to the Astana Peace Process, Sochi talks as well as efforts made by the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran to find an appropriate solution that serves Syrian people best in the political process," Muallem underlined.

He also named the United States, Britain and France as the developers of the foreign-sponsored conspiracy against Syria, saying, "All the weapons that terrorists possess in many parts of Syria have been manufactured in these countries."

'We call on Syrians living abroad to return to their homeland'

Elsewhere in his remarks, Muallem called on all Syrian expatriates to return and play a role in the reconstruction of their country.

He expressed regret that the West prevented their repatriation through the policy of intimidation.

'S-300 missile system is a guarantor of our security, stability'

Muallem stated that Syria neither has harassed nor interfered in the domestic affairs of any country, and looks forward to good relations with world states.

"Whoever attacks us and interferes in our internal affairs, must reconsider his position," he commented.

Muallem concluded that the S-300 surface-to-air missile system, which Syria would acquire from Russia in near future, is a defense system aimed at protecting the Syrian airspace against any external threat.

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Official: Russia's S-300 delivery to Syria to pose 'serious challenge' to Israel

Iran Press TV

Sun Sep 30, 2018 10:47AM

A senior Israeli official has admitted that Russia's delivery of S-300 anti-aircraft missile defense systems to Damascus will pose a serious "challenge" to the regime.

Tensions have been rising between Moscow and Tel Aviv following the downing of a Russian warplane in Syria this month.

The official, whose name was not released in the Sunday report by the Times of Israel, said Tel Aviv was working on "different ways" to deal with Russia's recent move.

"The S-300 is a complex challenge for ... Israel. We are dealing with the [decision] in different ways, not necessarily by preventing shipment [of the anti-aircraft systems]," he said.

The official said Israel enjoyed the US support and reserved the right to protect itself, without elaboration.

"[Russian President Vladimir] Putin made a move, but it's a big playing field and he understands that," the official said.

Moscow vowed to bolster Syria's air defense capabilities by sending modern S-300 surface-to-air missile systems to the Arab country within two weeks after the recent accidental downing of a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft.

The aircraft was shot down by Syrian air defenses while they were responding to a wave of Israeli airstrikes.

Russia's decision to provide Syria with the S-300 system infuriated Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu describing it as "irresponsible."

Netanyahu told Putin in a phone conversation that Israel "will continue to do what it has to do to defend itself."

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday Russia has already started delivering the S-300 system to Syria as part of efforts to ensure the safety of Russian forces in the Arab country.

The Russian plane with 15 servicemen on board disappeared from radars on September 17 as four Israeli F-16 warplanes were attacking state institutions in Syria's Latakia Province, which is home to Russia-run Hmeimim airbase.

Russia's Defense Ministry held Israel responsible for the incident, saying the regime's warplanes "created a dangerous situation" that led to the downing of the Russian aircraft by Syria's S-200 missile defense system.

Israel frequently attacks military targets in Syria in what is considered as an attempt to prop up militant groups that have been suffering heavy defeats against Syrian government forces.

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Idlib pullout begins but US-backed militants not leaving

Iran Press TV

Sun Sep 30, 2018 09:11AM

The first militant group has begun withdrawing its members and heavy arms from a recently-declared buffer zone in Syria's Idlib Province, a UK-based monitoring group says.

The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said on Sunday that the Turkey-backed Failaq al-Sham militant outfit was the first to abide by the terms of the Moscow-Ankara agreement on the Idlib demilitarized zone.

"The group is withdrawing its forces and heavy arms in small batches from southern Aleppo countryside, adjacent to Idlib Province, which is part of the demilitarized zone towards the west," SOHR head Rami Abdulrahman said.

Earlier this month, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, met in the Black Sea resort of Sochi and announced an agreement on Idlib.

The deal stipulates a demilitarized zone of 15-20 kilometers in Idlib along the contact line between the armed opposition and Syrian government troops by October 15. It also involves the withdrawal of "radically-minded" militants, including the al-Nusra Front, from the region.

Under the Idlib agreement, Turkey and Russia would carry out coordinated military patrols on the borders of the buffer zone in a bid to detect and prevent "provocation by third parties."

US-backed group rejects Idlib deal

A US-backed militant group however on Saturday rejected the deal in Idlib, the last major terrorist bastion in the Arab country.

The Jaysh al-Izza faction, affiliated with the Turkish-backed so-called Free Syrian Army, said the Idlib demilitarized zone would only encompass territory currently controlled by anti-Damascus militants.

The buffer zone, it added, should be carved out equally from both terrorist-held areas and nearby regions under the control of Syrian government forces.

"We are against this deal, which eats into liberated (occupied) areas and bails out [Syrian President] Bashar al-Assad," Jaysh al-Izza head Jamil al-Saleh told AFP.

With an estimated 2,500 members, the Jaysh al-Izza militant outfit is mainly operating in Syria's west-central Hama Province, bordering Idlib.

The group, which has been supplied with anti-tank missiles by the US, refused to join the so-called National Liberation Front (NLF), a recently formed alliance of militant factions supported by Ankara.

Last week, the NLF rejected laying down its arms or surrendering the territory under its control in Idlib.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has yet to state its position on Idlib deal but on Thursday, a senior militant official told Reuters that the militant outfit had sent secret feelers to the Turkish army signaling they would comply with the buffer zone agreement.

Over the past few months, Syrian forces have made sweeping gains against Takfiri elements, especially in the country's southern areas and Damascus suburbs.

Now, the Syrian army is preparing for peacefully ridding Idlib from several foreign-sponsored terrorist groups.

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Russia's S-300 Systems 'Enough' to Respond to Israel's Threat - Syrian FM

Sputnik News

14:08 30.09.2018(updated 15:05 30.09.2018)

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said Sunday that deliveries of Russian S-300 air defense systems were a "timely step."

"It is a system which is defensive in its nature rather than offensive, and it is intended for the defense of the Syrian airspace. If we analyze the importance of the Syrian airspace's protection, we will see that it reflects security and stability, but not a war. I would like to note that it is a very timely step and we are very grateful to Russia for its efforts," the minister said in an interview.

Muallem also stressed that the systems have sufficient capacities to respond to Israeli threats to the country.

"In any case, S-300 is enough to respond to these threats," the minister told the RT broadcaster, answering a question about Israeli threats in connection to Iran's presence on the Syrian territory.

The minister stressed that the Iranian servicemen were deployed to the Syrian territory on legitimate grounds and in an advisory capacity.

"The Syrian-Iranian relations are not a bargaining issue. These relations are based on the decisions of two sovereign states, defending their independent decision," the minister underlined.

He stressed that he highly appreciated the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin to provide these systems to Syria.

Russia decided to provide Syria with the S-300 air defense systems after a Russian Il-20 plane was downed by a missile launched by Syria's forces earlier this month. The Syrian system was targeting Israeli F-16 jets that were attacking the facilities in the Syrian province of Latakia. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Israel notified Russia of its operation only a minute before the attack.

On Liberation of Idlib

The Syrian senior official further noted that Damascus hoped, it wouldn't have to use force in the country's Idlib province, though it has all right to do so.

"We would like to see the implementation of this agreement [on the establishment of a demilitarized zone in Idlib] and the problem to be solved by the peaceful means or the means of national reconciliation. But in order to establish its rule, the state has a legitimate right to use other means. But we do not want to go as far as this," Muallem told RT.

Muallem stressed that the problem of Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group remaining in the Syrian Idlib de-escalation zone may be solved through Turkey, the country via which the militants came to Syria.

"Those who arrived in Idlib, came there through Turkey, that is why the Turks know who is located there, how they got there and where they came from. And it would be only natural if they returned to their country," the Syrian foreign minister said.

He noted that the implementation process of the demilitarized zone deal had already been launched.

Idlib remains the only province, where the Syrian government control is yet to be restored. The issue of terrorists' withdrawal from the province, according to Moscow, is crucial now.

On Kurdish Issue

Speaking further, the official said that Syria didn't want to use military force against Kurds who were living in the northeast of the country but would be forced to do so if they tried to secede.

"The situation is complicated not by Kurds but by the US presence, which gives Kurds the illusion of being able to act in disrespect of Damascus's legitimate authority If they still try to achieve secession, accepting the US stand, then I can say that we will have to adopt the way we do not want to follow, the way of a military solution," Muallem said in an interview.

Muallem further noted that the negotiations between Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were fruitful at the beginning but they were disrupted by the interference of the United States.

"The beginning was good, however then the process was disrupted due to the US factor. When the talks started, the United States increased their military deliveries to Kurds, they sent trucks and the negotiations were disrupted. Moreover, they attacked Syrian military who were situated in that region. The attack was not justified by anything and is unacceptable," Muallem told RT.

According to the Syrian Foreign Minister, the United States are trying to retrain Daesh* militants at the US-led coalition's al-Tanf military base in order to prolong the armed conflict in the country, however, their efforts will be in vain.

"They [the United States] are gathering the remnants of the Islamic State at this base in order to later send them wage war on the Syrian army. What for? Because they want to prolong the Syrian crisis in Israel's interests. I want to tell them that these efforts are vain, that this is unreal, that this has an aggressive nature," the minister said in an interview.

The US military currently occupies a 34-mile zone around its base in al-Tanf, where it has been training Syrian opposition forces since 2016.

The base, however, has become the subject of criticism as Damascus and Moscow have expressed concerns that Washington was "spewing Daesh mobile groups who make inroads to launch subversive terrorist operations against Syrian troops and civilians."

*Daesh [IS, ISIL, Islamic State], al-Nusra [Nusra Front]  terrorist organizations banned in Russia

 Sputnik

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Belize speaks for Taiwan's participation in U.N.

ROC Central News Agency

2018/09/30 13:02:20

New York, Sept. 29 (CNA) Belize, one of Taiwan's 17 formal diplomatic allies, voiced support on Saturday, the fifth day of the general assembly of the United Nations, for Taiwan to participate in the U.N. system.

Speaking in the week-long debate session of the U.N. assembly held in New York, Wilfred Elrington, Belize's foreign minister, reiterated his country's plea on behalf of the 23 million people of Taiwan for a new approach to including the island in the U.N. system.

Taiwan is the 22nd largest economy of the world. It is a vibrant democracy that has fully embraced international norms and standards, Elrington said.

"Yet, despite global recognition of their successes and despite the readiness of U.N. member states to conduct business with this fast growing economy, this institution has cut them off," Elrington said.

"It has gone so far as to refuse to recognize the legitimacy of Taiwanese passports and so literally cutting off even the Taiwanese tourists from entering its premises as visitors," he added.

The U.N. uses General Assembly resolution 2758 of 1971 effectively as a political and humanitarian embargo against Taiwan. "No such embargo, indeed, has any place in this U.N.," Elrington said.

The resolution, passed on October 25, 1971 during the 26th session of the U.N. General Assembly, recognized the People's Republic of China (PRC) as "the only legitimate representative of China to the United Nations."

Taiwan has since tried to join the body as a separate member and engage in meaningful participation in the U.N.'s many organizations.

However, because of China's influence, not only has Taiwan been kept out of the world body but Taiwan's passport holders are not allowed to enter U.N. Headquarters. Instead, Taiwanese are required to show a mainland China travel permit to enter U.N. premises.

As the debate session of this year's U.N. Assembly entered its fifth day, 12 of Taiwan's 15 diplomatic allies that had spoken during the session have advocated for Taiwan's inclusion in the U. N. system. Its two other allies -- Nicaragua and the Vatican -- are scheduled to speak on Monday.

(By Ozzy Yin and Evelyn Kao)

Enditem/cs

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Turkish warplanes 'neutralize' over dozen PKK terrorists in northern Iraq

Iran Press TV

Sun Sep 30, 2018 03:22PM

Turkey's military says more than a dozen members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group have been killed as Turkish military aircraft conducted a series of airstrikes against terrorist hideouts in Iraq's northern semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.

The Turkish General Staff, in a statement published on its official Twitter page on Sunday, announced that six armed PKK militants were "neutralized" in Gara region of northern Iraq, when they were plotting an attack on a Turkish base.

Separately, Turkish airstrikes "neutralized" eight PKK terrorists in Avasin-Basyan and Metina regions.

Moreover, a Turkish soldier lost his life and four others suffered injuries when Kurdish PKK militants detonated an improvised explosive device as the former were conducting a counter-terrorism operation in northern Iraq.

The injured soldiers were reportedly brought back to Turkey in a helicopter.

The Turkish military generally uses the term "neutralize" to signify that the militants were killed, captured or surrendered.

PKK militants regularly clash with Turkish forces in the Kurdish-dominated southeast of Turkey attached to northern Iraq.

Turkey, along with the European Union and the United States, has declared the PKK a terrorist group and banned it. The militant group has been seeking an autonomous Kurdish region since 1984.

A shaky ceasefire between the PKK and the Turkish government collapsed in July 2015. Attacks on Turkish security forces have soared ever since.

Over the past few months, Turkish ground and air forces have been carrying out operations against PKK positions in the country as well as in northern Iraq and neighboring Syria.

More than 40,000 people have been killed during the three-decade conflict between Turkey and the autonomy-seeking militant group.

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UK Unveils Strategy to Defend Arctic in Light of Alleged Russian Threat

Sputnik News

21:50 30.09.2018(updated 21:53 30.09.2018)

LONDON (Sputnik) - UK Defense Minister unveiled on Sunday the country's new Defense Arctic Strategy, citing increasing threats in the region and Russia's alleged attempts to militarize it.

"As the ice melts and new shipping routes emerge, the significance of the High North and Arctic region increases. Russia, with more submarines operating under the ice and ambitions to build over 100 facilities in the Arctic, are staking a claim and militarising the region. We must be ready to deal with all threats as they emerge," UK Defense Minister Gavin Williamson was quoted by the ministry as saying while presenting the strategy.

According to the ministry's statement, the new strategy puts the Arctic and the High North at the heart of the United Kingdom's security.

In particular, the Arctic strategy stipulates that the UK Marines would continue undergoing joint training with Norwegian counterparts on a long-term basis.

As part of the strategy, four RAF Typhoons will start patrolling skies of Iceland in 2019, which is expected to help deter aerial threats to the Euro-Atlantic security, according to the ministry.

In 2020, the United Kingdom will also dispatch new P-8 Poseidon anti-submarine aircraft to the region to help combat "increasing submarine activity in the Arctic," the ministry added.

Finally, the Royal Navy is planning to step up its regular under-ice deployments in the coming years.

Earlier, London repeatedly expressed concerns over Russia's alleged increasing military presence and activities in the Arctic region, and voiced fears that navigation in the Arctic could be limited. Moscow has consistently dismissed the allegations, noting that it considers the Arctic to be an area for constructive dialogue and equal, conflict-free cooperation in the interests of all nations.

In August, Russian Ambassador at Large and Senior Arctic Official Vladimir Barbin pointed to NATO's ongoing military build-up in the region, citing its upcoming Trident Juncture 18 drills, the alliance's recent decision to set up the new Joint Force Command for the Atlantic based in the US city of Norfolk which would be in charge of the Arctic-Atlantic zone and Washington's efforts to re-establish its Second Fleet, mainly operating in Northern Atlantic.

 Sputnik

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UK to Send Commandos to Norway to Curb Russian Activity in Arctic  Report

Sputnik News

14:15 30.09.2018

With the Russian-British relations going downhill after the Skripal poisoning, Gavin Williamson has revealed details of Britain's plan that he branded a "defence Arctic strategy," which could reportedly be the largest operation of its kind since the Cold War.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced in the interview to the Sunday Telegragh that the UK is planning to open a new military base in the northern part of Norway and deploy 800 Royal Marine and Army troopers to the country every winter for 10 years from 2019. They are to operate with the US and Dutch troopers there. Together with 3,000 commandos, sent to take part in the NATO drills, the total number of the deployed troops will top 40,000.

As Williamson told the Telegragh, the Cabinet was drawing a "defence Arctic strategy" to boost the country's military presence while concerns about Russian increasing activity "in our back yard" are growing.

"If we want to be protecting our interests in what is effectively our own back yard, this is something we need to be doing. Britain will make it clear that the Royal Navy not only has the skills and the capabilities to operate under the ice shelf but a willingness to do it," he claimed, adding it's about "demonstrating we're there to uphold the international rules based order."

He pointed out that Russia had re-opened its bases, which were shut down after the collapse of the USSR, and stepped up submarine activity in the Arctic, which is "very close to the level that it was at the Cold War."

"If we could turn back the clock ten years many people thought that the era of submarine activity in the High North, in the North Atlantic, and the threat that it posed did disappear with the fall of the Berlin Wall. This threat has really come back to the fore," he told the Telegraph.

The British outlet Express described the strategy as "the largest operation of its kind since the Cold War." Earlier this year, the defence secretary announced that Typhoon fighters would be sent to Iceland to curb Russian actions.

In August, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu described defending Russian interests in the Arctic as a priority for the country's military and drew attention to the growing threats of conflicts in the region, which has "turned into an object of territory resource and military strategy interests for a number of countries."

"It can lead to the growing conflict potential in the region," he said.

The tensions between London and Moscow have been growing since March, when former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter were poisoned in the Salisbury. The UK authorities have accused Russia of orchestrating the poisoning attack, which Moscow has persistently refuted. The Russian Foreign Ministry has sent some 60 diplomatic notes to the UK Foreign Office demanding that Russia be given access to the investigation and the injured Russian citizens, as well as requesting legal assistance and proposing cooperation, including on the joint inquiry. However, no response from the UK authorities has been received.

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Defence Secretary announces new Defence Arctic Strategy

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has today announced a new Defence Arctic Strategy, acknowledging the increasing opportunities and threats the region presents.

30 September 2018

The strategy will enhance the Ministry of Defence's focus on the Arctic, underlined by our current commitments in the region and future deployments.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

"As the ice melts and new shipping routes emerge, the significance of the High North and Arctic region increases."

"Russia, with more submarines operating under the ice and ambitions to build over 100 facilities in the Arctic, are staking a claim and militarising the region. We must be ready to deal with all threats as they emerge."

The change in the natural environment in the Arctic and High North is driving a change in the security environment and, as the region becomes more accessible, there has been an increase in military activity. The new Defence Arctic Strategy will put the Arctic and the High North central to the security of the United Kingdom.

Currently, the Royal Marines conduct cold weather training in Norway on an annual basis, with around 800 due to deploy in 2019. As part of the new Arctic strategy, the Marines training will become joint with Norway on a long-term basis and integrated into Norway's defence plan, providing UK troops a unique opportunity to train alongside a key ally.

The strategy will also complement our NATO commitments and in 2019, four RAF Typhoons will for the first time patrol Icelandic skies. This will allow the UK to work closely with allies to deter aerial threats to Euro Atlantic security. The mission will also provide the RAF with unique opportunities to test its skills in different environments.

In 2020 we will also increase our operational commitments in the area with the introduction of new P-8 Poseidon aircraft. Based out of RAF Lossiemouth, the sub-hunters will help combat a range of intensifying threats, not least increasing submarine activity in the Arctic.

This increased submarine activity poses a new threat and is something the Royal Navy is ready to combat. In 2018, a Royal Navy submarine took part in ICEX with the US Navy for the first time in ten years and as part of the new Defence Arctic Strategy, the Navy will mount regular under-ice deployments in the years to come.

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Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost has explained why both of the team's cars retired from the Russian Grand Prix after just four laps, as the brakes caused both cars to randomly spin out on Sunday.

Both of the team's cars already started from the back of the grid after taking penalties for changing engines, and the early retirements just added insult to injury. Strangely, both Brendon Hartley and Pierre Gasly spun out in the same way on almost the same part of the track, raising some eyebrows around the paddock.

They both returned to the garage, with Gasly reporting that he had no brakes and Hartley having similar symptoms.

"It was a frustrating Sunday for Toro Rosso as both cars had to retire," Tost recalled to Motorsport.

"For whatever reason we ended up with very hot front brakes and one piston in the calipers got stuck.

"This caused the overheating of the brake fluid and a long pedal.

"Therefore, we called the drivers to come to the garage.

"Obviously, being in parc ferme conditions, we didn't change anything from yesterday, so we need to investigate further what the reason is."

Brake failure at 280kph.

Lets hope for better luck next weekend in Japan. pic.twitter.com/QN4NxzGPnL  Pierre Gasly (@PierreGASLY) 30 September 2018

With Honda's home race coming up this weekend in Japan, Toro Rosso will hope to give the fans at Suzuka a longer taste than they did in Russia!
October is here and with it come some serious festivals and fun.

Look out for Oktoberfest events, the Blue Angels, loads of live music, new restaurants, and more. Have a great week!

Monday, Oct. 1st (Courtesy of Freds) Angler catches on...

When: Dinner from 5 to 10pm Sunday through Thursday, and until 11pm Friday and Saturday Where: Angler, 132 The Embarcadero, anglerrestaurants.com Why: If you've always wanted to dine at Saison but found the prices to be beyond your pocket, get excited for a new dining destination from the same team. If the waterfront locale, bubbling fish tanks, and scaly taxidermy don't give it away, Angler focuses on seafoodand, unsurprisingly to followers of chef Joshua Skenes' Saison, wood-fired dishes. But unlike Saison, the menu is all a la carte, with options including antelope tartare, purple sea urchin, whole petrale sole, and a bone-in porterhouse steak.

Barneys SF finally gets a Freds! When: Monday - Saturday 11am to 7pm; Sunday, noon to 6pm Where: Barneys New York, 77 O'Farrell St. (Union Square), barneys.com Why: Loyal Barneys shoppers in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago have long celebrated their purchases with Champagne lunches at Freds, the department store's restaurant that has eluded San Francisco fashion mavenstill now. At last the Union Square store is serving Fred's classics (think Estelle's chicken soup, Fred's spaghetti, and pomme frites). Make your way to the 6th floor and say chin chin.

SalsaCrazy Mondays When: 7pm to 1:30am Where: Neck of the Woods, 406 Clement St. (Inner Richmond), neckofthewoodssf.com Why: It's not too late to sign up for this four-week salsa dance series complete with progressive lessons and all-night parties hosted by the SF Salsa Dance Academy. // Tickets ($60) are available at eventbrite.com.

Tuesday, Oct. 2nd (Photography by Marianne Hale) Meet a Red Panda When: Multiple dates and times Where: San Francisco Zoo Why: IfOnly has put together a once-in-a-lifetime experience for animal lovers. Choose your preferred date for a private tour with the zookeeper in which you'll come FTF with a red panda and check out its custom-designed habitat at the SF Zoo. // Tickets ($325/person) includes a certificate of adoption, a collector's bracelet, and parking; available at ifonly.com/adventure.

Modern Elders & Millennials at Work When: 6:30-7:45pm Where: Marines Memorial Theater, 609 Sutter St. (TenderNob), marinesmemorialtheatre.com Why: Because people are still relevant over the age of 35. Airbnb's millennial cofounder Brian Chesky and 52-year-old Joie de Vivre founder and legend Chip ConleyAirbnb's strategic advisor and author of the book Wisdom at Work: The Making of a Modern Elderhave a candid convo about work, creativity and innovation. // Tickets ($15-$65) are available at eventbrite.com.

Free Play Tuesday When: 6-11pm Where: Brewcade, 2200 Market St. (Upper Market), brewcadesf.com Why: If Tuesday is a just-one-drink kind of day, make it count with free games when you purchase an adult beverage from the bar. // For more info, go to facebook.com.

Wednesday, Oct. 3rd Studio Tour at Gensler When: 6-8pm Where: 4500 Fremont St., #1500 (SoMa), gensler.com Why: Of course you've heard of Genslerthe San Franciscobased architecture firm is the largest in the world. And you know they have a cool office. Tour the SoMa headquarters, which also houses Gensler's Brand Design team whose clients include the likes of Timbuk2 and SFO. // Tickets ($20-$30) are available at eventbrite.com.

See Garbage Live When: 7pm (doors) Where: Fox Theater (Oakland) Why: It's the 20th anniversary of the band's sophomore album, Version 2.0hear them play it in full, plus some B-sides. Because Shirley Manson forever. // Tickets ($50) are available at ticketmaster.com.

The Bay for Beto When: 5:30 to 7:30pm Where: Chambers Eat + Drink, 601 Eddy St. (Tenderloin), chambers-sf.com Why: Because Texas is this close to electing its first Democratic senator since anyone can remember. Go for eat, drinks, and DJ beats to support Beto O'Rourke, the skateboarding Texas politician who was once in a punk band. // Tickets ($50 min. donation) are available at act.myngp.com; for more info, go to facebook.com.

Females in Food When: 6:30pm to 8pm Where: The Assembly, 449 14th Street (Mission), theassembly.com Why: Go learn from five powerhouse women who are rocking the restaurant industry. Enjoy Smitten ice cream and drinks, while hear from Lindsay Tusk (Quince, Cotogna), Robyn Sue Fisher (Smitten), Neka Pasquale (Urban Remedy), Jessie Nguyen (Little Window), and Kavitha Raghavan (Indian Paradox) as they discuss how they've created each of their successful businesses. // Tickets ($15) can be purchased on theassembly.com.

Thursday, Oct. 4th Oakland actor Mahershala Ali stars in The Green Book and will appear at a screening of the film at Mill Valley Film Festival tonight. Mill Valley Film Festival When: Various venues Where: Through Oct. 14th Why: This is as close to Sundance as the Bay Area gets. Opening night at MVFF brings two star-studded events: Go say hey to actress Rosamund Pike at the screening of A Private War (7pm at San Rafael Film Center) or what's up to Mahershala Ali and director Peter Farrelly at The Green Book, about a black jazz piano prodigy and his white chauffeur (7pm at CineArts Sequoia). Also look for appearances from Stephen Moyer, Anna Paquin, and Moonlight director Barry Jenkins whose new film, based on James Baldwin's novel If Beale Street Could Talk, closes out the fest. // For more info and tickets, go to mvff.com.

Happy Hour With Red Car Wine When: 5-7pm Where: Batch, 1648 Pacific Ave. (Russian Hill), visitbatch.com Why: Free tastings of sustainably harvested Sonoma wines and small bites are a just-perfect way to end a Thursday. But since this happy hour is also being hosted at Batchthe Russian Hill showroom founded by 7x7 Style Council honoree Lindsay Meyeryou can also shop while you drink. // Event is free; register at eventbrite.com.

Sharktoberfest Nightlife When: 6-10pm Where: Cal Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Dr. (Golden Gate Park), Why: "It's like Shark Weekbut with more beer and more actual science." Participating breweries include Ballast Point, Laughing Monk, Magnolia Brewing, Triple Voodoo, and more. // Tickets ($15) and info at calacademy.org/nightlife.

Joshua Tree Music Festival When: Through Oct. 7th Where: Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground, 2601 Sunfair Rd. (Joshua Tree) Why: Music lovers and vanlifers descend upon Joshua Tree today for the 12th annual, ultimate four-day campout with live performances from acts you've likely not seen everywhere else. Tune in for raucous blues, afro-funk, hip-hop, jazz fusion, electro dance and more. // Day passes ($60-$90) and festival passes ($200) are available at the gate and online, joshuatreemusicfestival.com/fall-festival.

A Nirvana Founder Plays Slim's When: 7pm Where: Slim's, 333 11th St. (SoMa), slimspresents.com Why: Remember Krist Noveselic? Well, the OG Nirvana bassist is back with a new band, Giants in the Trees, composed of members all from his native Wahkiakum County in Washington State. Check out their fresh Americana soundthink banjo, slide, and accordionat Slim's tonight. // Tickets ($20-$45) are available at eventbrite.com.

Friday, Oct. 5th The Blue Angels! When: Noon to 4pm Where: Marina Green and San Francisco Bay Why: Technically Fleet Week kicked off earlier in the week with brass band performances, ship tours, and more. But let's be honest: It's the Blue Angels air show we care about. Dose up your dogs with calming CBD tincture and then gather at the Marina Green Festival Center for the best view of the three-day spectacle that starts today. // For more info, go to fleetweeksf.org/events.

The What Women's Summit

When: 9am to 4pm Where: Golden Gate Club, 135 Fisher Loop (Presidio) Why: F is for Friday and Female Empowerment. Join The What founders Gina Pell and Amy Parker for a day long bossfest with conversation, lunch, and wine. Sign up for panels and workshops on health, money, writing, family, sex, and more. // For tickets ($599) and info, go to events.bizzabo.com.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass When: Through Oct. 7th Where: Golden Gate Park Why: Jeff Tweedy, Ani DiFranco, Deer Tick, Los Lobos, Patty Griffin, Alison Krauss, and Mavis Staples are just a few of names taking the stage at this free annual festival. // For more info and the full schedule, go to hardlystrictlybluegrass.com.

New Oakland Dinner Series When: 6pm and 8:30pm seatings, Fridays and Saturdays Where: The Gastropig, 2123 Franklin St. (Oakland), thegastropig.com Why: Oakland's popular breakfast and lunch spot The Gastropig is now open for dinnersortathanks to the Abstract Table, a new Japanese-influenced dinner concept that's popping up here on weekend nights. Expect laid-back evenings and artistic platings (five- and seven- course prix fixe menus are available) that focus on fish and ingredients foraged by the chefs themselves. // Reservations ($50-$70/person) can be made resy.com.

Crocodile Dundee & Dinner When: 6:30-9:30pm Where: MKT Restaurant, Four Seasons Hotel, 757 Market St. (Union Square), mktrestaurantandbar.com Why: MKT Restaurant is kicking off its new Friday night movie series tonight with Crocodile Dundee and a themed dinner to match. Take the fam for shrimp on the barbie, Australian wine pairings, and Tim Tams for dessert. // Tickets ($59/person) include dinner, snacks and wine, and are available eventbrite.com.

25 Years of 111 Minna Gallery When: 5pm until late Where: 111 Minna St. (SoMa), 111minnagallery.com Why: The gallery-slash-events-spot is celebrating its quarter-century in SoMa with a special art exhibition and weekend of parties, starting with Friday night's opening reception and continuing into Saturday with an all-day (11am to 9pm) Qool bash with a different DJ every 45 minutes.

Saturday, Oct. 6th (Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash) Live Archaeology Dig When: 10am to 2pm Where: Archaeology Field Station across from the Presidio Officers' Club, 50 Moraga Ave. (Presidio) Why: This free weekly series is coming to an end later this month, so get yourself to the Presidio to see a live dig in action. You never know what lies beneath this historic Spanish Colonial site.

Bottomless Oktoberfest When: Noon to 4pm Where: SoMa StrEat Food Park, 428 11th St. (SoMa), somastreatfoodpark.com Why: Don you lederhosen (we know you have them) for unlimited beers, live music, lawn games, and food truck eats. Can't make it today? It's happening next Saturday as well. // Admission is free, but bottomless beer is $36; register at eventbrite.com.

Rare Barrel's 5th Anniversary When: 1-7pm Where: The Rare Barrel, 940 Parker St. (Berkeley), therarebarrel.com Why: Toast the East Bay brewer's five-year mark with special anniversary brews, a dunk tank, food trucks, and a DJ. // Tickets ($25) include one beer ($5 additional beers), a commemorative glass, and raffle ticket; purchase at universe.com/events.

Silent Disco Beach Yoga When: 5:30-6:45pm Where: Ocean Beach Why: Famed yoga teacher Janet Stone leads a waterfront class at golden hour to beats by DJ Drez. // Tickets ($33) are available at eventbrite.com.
Susan Glickman, Florida Director for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy

Tampa Bay faces increased storm systems and sea level rise related to climate change.

A home with solar panel installations near the coast in Belleair.

Part 1 of a 2-part series.Public and private sector leaders across Tampa Bay are increasingly working together to build a more resilient future for the region, which has been named one of the worlds most vulnerable to the economic and environmental risks posed by climate change.A new milestone in this journey will be reached on October 8, when officials representing 22 local and county governments will meet to formally inaugurate the Tampa Bay Regional Resiliency Coalition.The Coalition will help Tampa Bay Area governments work together across jurisdictional lines to reduce the regions vulnerability to climate change, according to Susan Glickman, who is the Florida Director for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and is a key architect of the initiative.A Tampa native and Belleair Beach resident, Glickman has worked on climate change and energy issues in Florida and internationally for nearly two decades. For the past several years, Glickman and several regional elected officials, including Pinellas County Commissioner Janet Long, have worked together to create the Coalition.The premise behind the Coalition? To bring the region together, to both adapt to climate change impacts in the pipeline like sea level rise, and to develop a more resilient community by helping people to reduce greenhouse gasses, says Glickman.We understand our vulnerabilities, and we need to get out in front of this problem through a planning process to figure out what how we can best make our community more resilient in the face of this challenge.The Coalitions activities will fall into one of two sandboxes: the adaptation sandbox and the mitigation sandbox, according to Glickman.The adaptation sandbox includes efforts which minimize the worse impacts of climate change and environmental vulnerability, including those that are already being felt and those that are quickly emerging on the horizon.In recent years, several studies have found the Tampa Bay region to be among perhaps the most vulnerable areas in the country when it comes to hurricane-fueled storm surge and flooding. As the climate changes, Tampa Bay is expected to contend with stronger and more destructive hurricanes.We are going to see more Hurricane Harveys. Warmer, wetter weather is going to make for more hurricanes, and more rainfall like we saw with Harvey in Houston, says Glickman. The impacts of hurricanes will be amplified by already-rising sea levels. Drawing on the latest climate science, Tampa Bay scientists and policymakers estimate that seas will be upwards of 7 feet higher by the end of this century While some of this vulnerability is an unavoidable product of the Tampa Bay regions physical geography, much of it has been created by how and where we have developed our cities -- and how we decide to grow moving forward.If we knew then what we know now, we wouldnt have put Tampa General on an island, as one example, explains Glickman.As a result, local governments have to both protect what is already here and to manage steady growth in a way that doesnt deepen the regions economic and environmental vulnerabilities. This is the challenge of adaptation.Simultaneously, and equally important, we need to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions so we dont further the drivers of the problem, says Glickman. Theres an old adage: If you find yourself in a hole, you stop digging.Enter the mitigation sandbox, which will include projects to reduce climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions and save sources. The built environment -- including buildings and our transportation system -- accounts for about two-thirds of emissions today. Energy retrofits, alternative energy systems (like solar), and mass transportation systems (like rail) are all prime ways to reduce emissions.Its crucial that we dont take people from denial to despair. Its very important that we help people to understand we have solutions. They will protect our natural environment, and bring economic benefits to our community. They save money and create good jobs, promises Glickman.Glickman points to energy as one example where the region has a big opportunity to implement mitigation projects. Florida sends $50 billion out of state to bring in fuel. When we invest in solar, we grow a clean energy industry.This strategy -- creating economic soundness in the face of economically disruptive climate risks -- is key to Floridas future, she reasons.Theres a good news story at the end of the realization that we have a challenge before us.Barriers to regional climate action remain significant. Beyond the scientific uncertainties of climate change, there are several practice hurdles. Local government in Tampa Bay has historically been very fragmented. Pinellas County is comprised of 24 independent municipalities, for example. Many smaller governments lack the technical and financial resources to develop their own resources.And while some governments and their economies are on the front lines of sea level rise, like Pinellas Countys tourism-driven beach towns, others in the region are relatively insulated from the immediate effects of climate change. Differences in the immediacy and extent of vulnerability, and the politicized nature of climate change science more broadly, has impaired action at higher levels of government.The State of Florida has not developed a state-wide adaptation plan, adding pressure to local governments to take leadership.Without collaborative efforts on the regional and state levels, adaptation and mitigation efforts are not only likely to be more expensive, but also less effective.When you look at sea level rise, water doesnt stop at the county line. It requires a broader collaboration across boundaries, says Glickman.The Coalition seeks to address these challenges head-on.What we are really agreeing to do is a planning process, explains Glickman. Were going to plug in whats been done, and look at the gaps.Among the Coalitions top priorities? To coordinate the existing planning and investment activities. Local governments like Pinellas County and the City of Tampa , along with regional institutions like Tampa Bay Water and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program , are already far along in creating adaptation resources.Several local governments have implemented sea level rise vulnerability assessments for critical infrastructure, and have added future flood risk to land development regulations, for example. 83 Degrees highlighted these stories of regional climate action over a 7-part series published in 2016 The Coalition aims to build on this early innovation by furthering the use of state-of-the-art, science-based assessments of local and regional vulnerabilities, and to share existing tools and learning. That way, local governments avoid reinventing the wheel and get in the habit of collaborating together on a range of new challenges. Ultimately, these activities will feed into a Regional Resiliency Action Plan.The Coalition plans to amplify the regions voice in Tallahassee and in Washington D.C., and to raise public and private funding for projects. The Coalition will also build on existing expertise in climate science, urban and environmental planning, and finance and economics in the region, furthering the learning from ongoing and past initiatives like the Tampa Bay Climate Science Advisory Panel (or CSAP) and the One Bay Resilient Communities Working Group, respectively.Many of the ideas for the Coalition have been drawn from whats worked in other regions, particularly in South Florida.Formalized in 2010, the Southeast Florida Regional Compact has produced two successive regional climate action plans , informed the creation of legislation which enables adaptation planning, and has secured critical funding for projects, including philanthropic grants. Having supported climate action in South Florida for years, Glickman is confident that the Tampa Bay area is poised to learn from the Compacts trials and triumphs.While the Coalition is setting out to do ambitious work, Glickman reckons that many of the ingredients for success are already in place. We have the well-respected Climate Science Advisory Panel. Pinellas County has a well-regarded capital planning tool which incorporates sea level rise, for example.This is going to pull everything together.Part 2: Next up, well talk to one major Tampa Bay company that is an active proponent of the Coalition , and discuss how theyve adopted resilience-thinking throughout their companys practice.The Coalition will be signed formally on October 8, 2018, at the next Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council meeting, located at 4000 Gateway Centre Blvd #100 in Pinellas Park. As always, the meeting is open to the public.
Lily deJongh Downing insists she is not an art historian.

No papers, she says, no MA, no PhD. This from someone who owns an art gallery, who is on a first-name basis with many of todays most prominent artists, someone who has been in the field most of her life. And this from someone whose July exhibition in her gallery in north Stamford showed works by such luminaries as Twachtman, Picasso and Warhol.

Downing is grounded in the art world. Her career blossomed as the art director and exhibition curator for 25 years at New York Citys Gerald Peters Gallery, a prestigious showroom for collectors of predominantly American art. During that time, she curated works by Georgia OKeefe and Andrew Wyeth. Before that she worked with Andre Emmerich, an esteemed gallerist in New York City. She herself studied art and at one time thought of becoming a painter.

Downing recaps this brief biography sitting beneath a painting by John Gibson of six red spheres with black dots. Her blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail, her face devoid of makeup, she occasionally sips from a cup of coffee that surely gets colder by the minute. She is completely at ease, in her element. Shes in her barn-turned-gallery that has hosted exhibitions since late 2013. Several works of art are still on display from her July show, Left and Right of Center. During the opening reception of the exhibition, Downing conducted a gallery talk about how Impressionism led to Modernism which then led to Abstractism.

The barn is part of a triptych on her 1700s/1800s estate: barn, cottage, house. The white walls and beams in the barn set the stage for the display of realiistic and abstract works of art that often hang side by side in her shows. They cover the spectrum, from past masters and living contemporary artists. Because Downings shows are often group affairs, with many different artists and movements, they attract collectors from Maine and Massachusetts, as well as from New York and Connecticut.

I want to give people options, Downing says. Im a generalist. I dont micro focus.

One can get overwhelmed listening to Downing talk art. She segues from Milton Avery, who painted landscape still life in a very modern vein, to Keith Haring, who delves into black-and-white abstractions like the one that reminds her of girls jumping rope, and then to J Henry Fair, an environmental photographer who records mans scars on the earth. She glides into a discussion of the works of Mike Glier, who teaches at Williams and once devoted his artistic output to white male power. Hes now exploring abstract landscapes focused on longitude and latitude, she says. Susan Williams, Downing continues, is a very cerebral artist. Women love her work and the mood she brings out in her paintings. Then Max Weber, Gorky, Rothko. This isnt Art 101; its more akin to a masters in fine arts.

Up a short flight of stairs past a Twachtman to a loft gallery is art of a different sort: a high chest whimsically painted with fish eyes by Heidi Howard. During the July exhibition, Warhols Mao hung alongside it. Another gallery of sorts is in her office in the next room, where 300 books on artists and art movements sit on low shelves and abstract art conquers the walls.

Downing is fairly private, relying on word of mouth and contacts to attract potential buyers. Her husband, David Yudain, is point person for her, editing her press releases and catalogs and helping with the hanging. When they are not fussing in the gallery, Downing and Yudain can often be found riding  they are long-time equestrians.

Years ago, couples would visit galleries to buy art, Downing reminisces nostalgically. But the scene has changed drastically in the last few years. The American art business is shot, she states emphatically, with much of the prewar American art scene aged out and shrunk. And there arent many dealers left. Today, contemporary art is on steroids, yet the business runs in the same vein as it once did  on trust and connections, she says. Its amazing how well that works considering that it is a fairly unregulated enterprise. Surprisingly, there is little fraud despite the likes of Larry Sandler, who was sentenced to jail for fraud that involved millions of dollars stolen from celebrities such as John McEnroe and Robert De Niro.

I believe in apprenticeship, Downing says of her career path. I learned a ton. I learned my trade from doing and from mistakes and successes. She has fond memories of her time at Gerald Peters, like the day David Hockney came in. Told that Henri Matisses works were at the framers, he asked Downing to take him there. She watched as he sketched while looking at a Matisse piece, fascinated that he never once looked down at his notebook as he penciled away.

It was just one of those perfect moments that not every art dealer gets to experience, she says.

That memory triggered another. Earlier in her career Downing chaired a junior benefit at the New York Studio School. She needed something or someone to make the event exciting. On an inspired impulse, she contacted American artist Wayne Thiebaud. After a brief conversation wherein Thiebaud revealed that he had once taught at the school, the artist agreed to let Downing use one of his vivid paintings of womens high heels on the invitation. She, in turn, invited him to be the programs honoree. The evening was an instant success.

The next major exhibition at The Barn Gallery is Oct. 18 with an emphasis on Connecticut artists like Childe Hassam and John Henry Twachtman. Visitors will also see works by Horace Wolcott Robbins, a student of Frederic Church, and works by lesser known artists.

A good dealer is always looking, Downing says.

Rosemarie T. Anner is a frequent contributor to Hearst Connecticut Media.
Bates College senior Isabella Del Priore, a resident of Stamford and graduate of Greenwich High School, spent her summer interning at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

Del Priore, a biology major at the college in Lewiston, Maine, received funding for the internship through the Bates College Purposeful Work Initiative.

She was among 250 students who received support from Bates in order to accept summer work that allowed her to explore future career paths, a key tenet of the colleges Purposeful Work program.

Del Priore had the opportunity to observe patients visits with medical oncologist Dr. Susan Slovin and present cancer research reports.

Now, I am much more aware that the development of therapies cannot only be focused on the science in the lab, but also must be approached with the patients in mind, Del Priore said.

Even though I still intend to pursue research rather than becoming a doctor, my observations of the interactions between the doctors and the cancer patients opened my mind to a new perspective on the disease that I believe will influence how I think about cancer moving forward as I pursue a career in research, she said.



Erin-Grace G. Carey of Old Greenwich has been selected for membership into the St. Lawrence University chapter of Psi Chi, the international psychology honorary society. Carey is a member of the Class of 2020 and is majoring in statistics and psychology at the college in Canton, N.Y. Carey attended Brewster Academy. To be eligible for membership, students must have an overall grade-point average of at least 3.3, a psychology average of at least 3.4 and be in the top 35 percent of their class.



Peter Katz, a Greenwich native who grew up on Lake Drive South in Riverside in the 1970s and 1980s, is now living in the Burlington, Vt., area and pursuing his passion for art in a new business. Katz, who went to Riverside School then Eastern, says he has been creating art for his entire life but didnt start selling pieces until about 10 years ago.

About two years ago, I saw a vision of a lamp design that would go together quickly and easily while not using any glue or nails, Katz said in an email. It took me a little over a year to develop the joinery that I use to hold the lamps together. Once that part was figured out the designing part just started flowing.

All of the designs are hand-drawn originally then digitized and tweeked so they can be laser cut out of 18-inch Baltic birch. I use vibrant colors that remind me of the Caribbean  probably because I was adopted from there as a baby, said Katz, who still has family in Greenwich.

Check out his work on his online shop at www.facebook.com/peterkatzartwork and www.peterkatzartwork.com. About 20 designs are available for purchase, with about 30 more coming in the next few months.
International aviation is about to face a crisis: a shortage of pilots.

Domestically, regional carriers, which represent 42 percent of all passengers, are already canceling flights and eliminating service to smaller cities. Qantas, the largest carrier in Australia, is pulling old 747s out of mothballs because it doesnt have enough qualified pilots for its 737s, the most dominate  and much more fuel efficient  aircraft in its fleet.

Europes biggest airline, Ryanair, canceled thousands of flights last November because of inadequate staffing. Japanese airlines are so desperate for pilots they are raising the mandatory retirement age to 67.

In Chinas booming aviation market, airlines are luring experienced captains with salaries starting at $500,000, including signing bonuses. Thats attracting U.S. pilots, who are also offered free business-class flights home to America every three weeks to see their families.

The number of active U.S. commercial aviators dropped by 30,000 between 2008 and 2016 just as American carriers experienced a resurgence. About 1,000 Canadian pilots are estimated to now to be flying for oversees airlines, which offer better pay.

Even the U.S. military is feeling the pain with the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps suffering a 25 percent reduction in fighter pilot staffing. It costs up $11 million to train a single fighter pilot. So where are they going? To the commercial airlines, especially overseas.

Boeing said the international aviation market will need 637,000 more pilots in the next 20 years as air traffic doubles. But where will these pilots be found?

Aside from the military, its been small domestic airlines that have been the traditional training ground for big U.S. airlines. But after a series of crashes, the FAA changed the rules in 2010 to require pilots to have 1,500 hours of flight time before stepping up to the big time. The U.S. Department of Transportation is now considering reducing that minimum.

Just a few years ago, regional carriers paid their pilots as little as $20,000 a year. The hours were long and the rewards few. There was a popular joke among small airline pilots: Whats the difference between a pilot and a pizza? A pizza can feed a family of four.

The starting pay now at the regionals is closer to $50,000. Still, those recruits need extensive and expensive training that costs triple what it was in the 1990s. Graduates of the aviation colleges are starting their careers with up to $300,000 in student-loan debt.

Now even flight instructors are in short supply. So too are designated flight examiners, who conduct mandatory check rides for pilot applicants who now must schedule those driving tests up to six months in advance.

The use of simulators instead of actual in-air flight time may help trainees, though some suggest would-be pilots should start as early as high school in programs such as the U.S. Air Forces Junior ROTC.

Bottom line: Until more pilots are properly trained, certified and paid a competitive wage, the pilot shortage will mean we will continue to see cuts in regular service, especially to smaller airports. Getting There, if its not to a big city, will be inconvenient and expensive, if even possible.

Jim Cameron is a longtime commuter advocate based in Fairfield County. Contact him at CommuterActionGroup@gmail.com
CANADA - Canadian media report Sunday night that the United States and Canada have reached a framework deal to update the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called a late night emergency cabinet meeting in Ottawa on NAFTA.

He did not answer shouted questions about the deal as he arrived at his office in the Canadian capital.

Talks with Washington were going on during the day on the framework of a deal.

Negotiators were working on two main sticking points -- access to Canada's dairy market, and dispute resolution. Canada's CBC News reported Canada was making concessions on dairy issues.

President Trump had threatened to impose a tariff on Canadian-made autos and parts if a deal was not reached by midnight. The deadline was imposed so legislators could approve it by December first when Mexico's new president takes office.

The Canadian ambassador to the U.S. was questioned by reporters late in the day on the street in Ottawa. He said he was "cautiously optimistic" a deal would be completed.
GREENWICH  A group of close to 20 women came to Town Hall on Monday looking for a fight  the same fight Greenwich-based Breast Cancer Alliance has been waging for more than 20 years.

Breast cancer affects people year round but October is a key month for us to raise awareness about its impact and to educate women and men about the importance of prevention, early detection, treatment and resources available to them, Mary Jeffery, president of the BCAs Board of Directors, said at a morning flag-raising ceremony.

October is national Breast Cancer Awareness month and a big time of year for the BCA, a non-profit that raises money to help underserved communities and fund research into new treatments and a cure.

Since it was founded in 1996, the BCA has given more than $25 million in grants, which Jeffrey credited to the support of the community.

Survival rates are at an all-time high but 30 percent of those diagnosed with breast cancer will still face metastatic disease, Jeffery said. BCA will not rest until that number is zero. We will continue to seek out and fund brilliant surgeons who seek to both understand the challenging nuances of breast cancer as well as develop effective, innovative treatments. We will continue to fund some of the most cutting-edge, early-stage research in the country.

First Selectman Peter Tesei stressed the towns commitment to womens health and the fight against breast cancer.

Every year we gather for a purpose under the leadership of the Breast Cancer Alliance to provide awareness of an insidious disease that affects women and their families, Tesei, who is a member of the BCAs advisory committee, said, adding that the town was grateful to play a part in the effort.

In addition to Tesei, State Rep. Livvy Floren, R-149, and Selectman John Toner were part of the crowd.

The flag-raising ceremony stressed the need for education and awareness, said BCA Executive Director Yonni Wattenmaker.

Its important that women know they have access to top quality care, Wattemaker said. Its not just about them supporting other women, but about giving them an education about what they need to do for themselves and how close to home they can find it.  For such a well-educated community, there are so many myths circulating about breast cancer and your likelihood of being diagnosed, the dangers of mammography, and its important for us to have a forum to remind women that early detection does save lives, that they have access to quality care and you dont need to have a family history.

Barbara Ward, Greenwich Hospital Breast Centers medical director, took part in the flag raising and echoed Wattenmakers call for awareness.

Most people think if it doesnt run in their family theyre not at risk, Ward said. The opposite is true. Eighty percent of women who get breast cancer have no obvious risk factor, no family history. Were all at risk and thats why everyone should be screened. Thats the biggest risk.  There is such a fear of the diagnosis but its very, very treatable. People might not get screened if theyre fearful and thats crazy.

The event featured other specialists in their field, including Linda LaTrenta, director of breast imaging at Greenwich Hospital Breast Center; Frank Masino, medical director of radiation and oncology at the Bennett Cancer Center at Stamford Hospital; and Richard Zelkowitz, medical director for Norwalk Hospitals Smilow Family Breast Health Center.

Its kind of fun to know we all support each other and were not in competition, Ward said. Were united in support of the fight against breast cancer.

Monday also marked the beginning of the BCAs fifth Go For Pink campaign. Throughout the month, more than 70 stores and restaurants will hold special shopping and dining days from which a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the BCA. The participating businesses will have signs in their windows showing their support and an updated list is online at www.BCAgoforpink.org.

We know that retail is challenging but we also know that Greenwich as a community is incredibly philanthropic and has long been supportive of the work we do, Wattenmaker said. Breast cancer affects one in eight women and one in a thousand men and when you think about those statistics its easy to understand why a community would want to rally behind and find ways to help support the mission of our organization.

As part of Go For Pink, merchants will also be donating items for the silent auction at BCAs annual benefit luncheon and fashion show. Tickets are still available for the Oct. 30 event at the Hyatt Regency in Old Greenwich at https://501auctions.com/bcabenefit.

kborsuk@greenwichtime.com
The Republic of Macedonia's leader threatened to call snap elections next month if he fails to win support to change his country's name after voters backed him in a referendum clouded by low turnout.

The conflicted outcome of Sunday's plebiscite sets the stage for a bruising battle ahead for Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, who's pushing to settle a 27-year-old row with Greece and open a path toward western integration. It also underscores the intensity of a struggle for sway in the continent's most volatile region between the European Union and the NATO on one side and on the other Russia, which opposes the further expansion of the military alliance.

More than 90 percent backed an agreement with Greece to change their Balkan state's name to the Republic of North Macedonia, the Electoral Commission said Monday. Still, only 37 percent of citizens turned out to vote, casting a cloud over the referendum which was of advisory nature.

"The 'yes' vote is bigger than any win of any political party in Macedonia's newest history," Zaev told supporters in Skopje, the capital. "Now is the time for lawmakers to follow the vote of the people to quicken processes for EU and NATO integration."

His ruling coalition will hold talks with lawmakers in the next few days to secure the two-thirds majority needed to change the name in a constitutional amendment, Deputy Prime Minister Radmila Sekerinska told reporters on Monday. It will have to win some backing from the opposition VMRO-DPMNE party, which rejects the change after overseeing an escalation in the rift with Greece before it lost power last year. The party rejected the referendum as a failure and Chairman Hristijan Mickoski said it had ruined the government's legitimacy.

"I expect VMRO-DPMNE'S lawmakers to respect the democratic will of the majority of citizens who voted," Zaev said. "Otherwise there's nothing else left -- we'll have to use the other democratic instrument, which means immediate snap parliamentary elections."

Athens agreed to the name switch after blocking its neighbor's accession into the Western clubs, saying it misappropriated the appellation from the ancient kingdom of Macedonia, after which its own northern province is named. The Greek Foreign Ministry urged for "sobriety from all sides" after what it called a "contradictory" referendum result.

Pending the successful conclusion of the deal, the EU has given a conditional date for the start of accession talks in June. Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn and Vice President Federica Mogherini urged parliament to implement the agreement.

"This is a historic opportunity not only for reconciliation in the region, but also for decisively moving the country forward on its European Union path," both officials said in a statement.

A boycott by some nationalist politicians hurt the turnout. U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary James Mattis, have accused Russia of spending money and launching a misinformation campaign to scupper the ballot. But the result may have given Zaev an advantage, said Damon Wilson, executive vice president at the Atlantic Council.

"Despite the low turnout, these half a million voters may be the highest number of voters that have supported anything in Macedonia recently," he said. "It's up to the deputies to decide now, but Zaev raised a high stake by threatening with a snap vote. It's a bold move."
California Gov. Jerry Brown over the weekend signed a bill into law requiring publicly traded companies headquartered in the state to include women on corporate boards of directors.

According to findings from the 20% by 2020 Women on Boards campaign, women held 19.8 percent of board seats of companies on the Fortune 1000 list. A study of the first five months of 2018 by ISS Analytics found that women made up 31 percent of new board directors at the 3,000 largest publicly traded companies in the United States. An annual global survey from Deloitte found that women hold 15 percent of board seats worldwide.

So while the numbers are certainly improving, the progress can best be described as incremental.

In California in particular, there are 377 businesses on the Russell 3000 stock index that have all male boards. And while companies such as Facebook and Tesla each have one female board member in Sheryl Sandberg and Linda Johnson Rice, respectively, they too are going to have grow their numbers to fall in line with the new law.

How does it work?

Now that its official, the companies that fall under the laws purview will be required to have at least one woman on their boards by the end of 2019. By July 2021, at a minimum, there have to be two women on boards that have five members and at least three women on boards that have six or more people. If companies dont follow the letter of the law, these businesses are looking at fines of $100,000 for breaking the rules the first time, then $300,000 if they fail to comply again.

But there are questions around whether the bill might run into a few issues that could render it more symbolic than ultimately practical. In his letter accompanying the signed legislation, Brown wrote, There have been numerous objections to this bill and serious legal concerns have been raised. I dont minimize the potential flaws that indeed may prove fatal to its implementation. Nevertheless, recent events in Washington, D.C. -- and beyond -- make it crystal clear that many are not getting the message.

Who's objecting?

More than 30 business groups, including the California Restaurant Association and the California Chamber of Commerce, expressed opposition to the bill because, as they wrote in a letter to state lawmakers, Gender is an important aspect of diversity, as are the other protected classifications recognized under our laws. We are concerned that the mandate under SB 826 that focuses only on gender potentially elevates it as a priority over other aspects of diversity.

What about businesses incorporated elsewhere?

Even if a company is headquartered in California, it could very well be incorporated in a different state and could argue that it doesnt have to comply with the bill because, technically speaking, according to federal law, it only has to follow the rules of the state where it's incorporated. For example, as cited by the Los Angeles Times, more than 80 percent of public companies in California on the Ross 3000 list are incorporated in Delaware.

Whats next?

In a statement this summer, the bills author, state Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, said of the impetus behind it: One-fourth of Californias publicly traded companies still do not have a single woman on their board, despite numerous independent studies that show companies with women on their board are more profitable and productive.  With women comprising over half the population and making over 70 percent of purchasing decisions, their insight is critical to discussions and decisions that affect corporate culture, actions, and profitability.

Whether other state or federal representatives will decide to follow suit remains to be seen. If they did, there are other examples they could look to. Norway passed legislation requiring 40 percent of board seats be made up women in 2006. As of 2017, women held 42 percent of those seats. Countries including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, India and the Netherlands all have similar laws on the books.

But even if there isnt a legal or regulatory solution, it seems that it has sparked a conversation around diversity on boards. We have, in fact, seen quite an increase in our search volume in the last month that the discussion has been going on about the legislation, said Shannon Gordon, CEO of theBoardlist, a platform that connects companies with prospective female board members, who while qualified, may not be on their radar. Those searches that are coming to us are not all in California. There is a bit of a halo effect thats happening.

Gordon explained that theBoardlist community is made up of women who have served on boards already, and those who haven't yet had the opportunity. But those women who do have board membership, already have served on an average of three.

For any entrepreneur who is growing their business and bringing on board members, Gordon said they should be thinking about who it is that can bring their skill set, background and perspective to help the company solve its most pressing challenges. The good news is that there is a very large pipeline of talented women that are excited and ready to fill those roles, no matter what competency that board is looking for, Gordon said. This legislation will force companies to open the lens and look beyond those first order networks. I anticipate that women who have not yet served on board but are qualified to do so are going to get the chance.

Related:

California to Require Public Companies to Have at Least One Woman on Their Boards of Directors by 2019

You Might Be Overlooking One Unexpected Factor About Your Company's Diversity: Location

How Organizations can Promote Gender Diversity in Tech



Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
Mikkel Jordahl, an attorney in Sedona, Arizona, can buy different printers.

No longer will he be forced to stick with Hewlett Packard technology for fear of losing his contract with the state. For 12 years, he has provided legal advice to inmates in the Coconino County Jail.

In his personal life, he steers clear of businesses he views as complicit in Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories. His aim had been to extend his boycott to his one-person law office, for instance declining to purchase from the Palo Alto-based company because its information technology services are used at Israeli checkpoints in the West Bank.

In his professional life, however, he couldn't run afoul of a rule, enacted by the Arizona legislature in 2016, requiring any company that enjoys a state contract to submit a written certification that it was not boycotting Israel. Shunning Hewlett Packard may have contradicted this directive.

But the state's rule likely violates the First Amendment's protection of free speech and assembly, a federal judge in Arizona found last week. U.S. District Court Judge Diane Humetewa blocked enforcement of the measure, which required any company contracting with the state to submit a written certification that it was not involved in boycott activity targeting Israel.

At issue in the case was the specific obligation imposed in Arizona, but the ruling cast doubt on the constitutionality of broader government efforts to regulate boycott activity by private companies, even those that do business with the state.

"A restriction of one's ability to participate in collective calls to oppose Israel unquestionably burdens the protected expression of companies wishing to engage in such a boycott," Humetewa wrote in her opinion in Jordahl et al v. Brnovich et al.

The finding was the second this year to turn back a wave of state legislation using public funding to deter anti-Israel activity. It is in line with a similar judgment in January, when a federal judge in Kansas ruled for the first time that enforcing a state provision requiring contractors to sign a no-boycott certification violated expressive rights guaranteed under the First Amendment. Similar provisions are on the books in more than a dozen states, from Maryland to Minnesota to South Carolina, according to the American Civil Liberties Union.

The ACLU challenged the legislation in both cases. Its success in protecting boycott activity in the courts is notable, as a bipartisan group of lawmakers pushes for federal legislation penalizing cooperation with boycotts sponsored by international governmental organizations. Even after modifications made by the bill's Senate sponsors - Democrat Ben Cardin of Maryland and Republican Rob Portman of Ohio - the civil-liberties group argues that the measure would be unconstitutional.

The boycott issue took on new gravity as the Trump administration this year moved the American embassy to the contested city of Jerusalem, and as violence flared in Gaza. A central outlet for opposition to the Israeli state has been the movement known as BDS, for boycott, divestment and sanctions. It seeks the end of Israeli occupation of "all Arab lands," the full equality of Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel and the "rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN Resolution 194."

The movement is contentious, and a range of legislation around the world - some symbolic, some not - has aimed to clip its wings. A particular flash point has been academic boycotts of Israeli universities, raising questions about free expression and open intellectual exchange.

Measures affecting boycott activity must not interfere with expressive rights, American courts have increasingly found.

The Arizona statute endangered "the rights of assembly and association that Americans and Arizonans use 'to bring about political, social, and economic change,'" wrote the Arizona judge, quoting the Supreme Court's landmark 1982 decision in NAACP v. Claiborne Hardware Co., which upheld the right to engage in political boycotts.

The judgment will allow Jordahl to make the same sort of consumer choices that he exercises as an individual when operating his law firm.

The attorney comes from three generations of Lutheran ministers. His parents lived in the occupied West Bank for a year in 1977, and Jordahl joined them in the territory for three months, according to the ACLU's complaint in the case.

"Both Mr. Jordahl and his parents were profoundly affected by what they saw in the occupied Palestinian territories," the complaint states. "Upon his return to the United States, Mr. Jordahl established the Oberlin College chapter of the Palestine Human Rights Campaign. He has continued to be involved in various human rights aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."

Jordahl raised his son Jewish, and after his son's bar mitzvah, took him on a trip last year to Israel and Palestine - an experience that reinforced his belief that the settlements were an impediment to peace. He has been inspired by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's "Peace not Walls" campaign, which calls on individuals to invest in Palestinian products and to "utilize selective purchasing to avoid buying products" made in Israeli settlements. He also counts himself a non-Jewish member of Jewish Voice for Peace, a national organization that endorses the BDS movement.

So as not to jeopardize his contract, however, he signed the certification in 2016 attesting that he was "not currently engaged in a boycott of Israel," defined by the state law as "engaging in a refusal to deal, terminating business activities, or performing other actions that are intended to limit commercial relations with Israel or with persons or entities doing business in Israel or in territories controlled by Israel." At the same time, he sent a letter to the county's deputy attorney saying he believed the requirement violated his rights under the First Amendment.

When his contract came up for renewal in 2017, after his trip with his son, he refused to sign the certification, instead challenging it in court.

"I continue to view it as a violation of my First Amendment rights, and I have spent the last year experiencing its chilling effects," he wrote in a declaration for the court.

The certification requirement "compels speech" by requiring state contractors to sign a certification or lose income, the ACLU argued, while preventing corporate entities from "promoting protected political boycotts." It also "chills individual expression and association," the ACLU maintained, given the fine line between vocal individual advocacy and the posture of one's company.

"Although Mr. Jordahl does not understand the certification to apply to his personal activities, he reasonably fears that vocal advocacy about his personal boycott participation would lead to suspicion about whether his Firm is complying with the certification," the complaint states.

The state moved to dismiss the claim, reasoning that the law did not infringe on Jordahl's expression in a "personal capacity" but rather reflected the state's interest in regulating commercial activity to prevent discrimination based on national origin. The state said it was concerned about the use of boycotts as "economic warfare" against Israel.

"Arizona must have the ability to set rules for its own government contractors and ensure they are not undermining state policies or engaging in discrimination," argued Mark Brnovich, Arizona's attorney general.

While the BDS movement sees itself in the tradition of the civil rights movement, there is an opposing line of thinking that welcomes state regulation of the kind once enforced in Arizona as parallel to government prohibitions on racial discrimination among private entities, such as restaurants and hotels.

"Specifically, some commenters have likened a possible restriction on discrimination against Israel-affiliated entities to other constitutionally permissible legislative prohibitions on discrimination, such as government restrictions against race-based discrimination by private entities," as a 2017 Congressional Research Service report stated. At the same time, affiliation with Israel is questionably analogous to characteristics such as race, religion and sex.

Jordahl argues that state regulation takes what should be a subject of vigorous civic debate and instead turns it into an opportunity for the state to enforce its own political agenda.

"Rational minds can disagree on whether the movement to boycott the occupation is effective or even appropriate. But do our Arizona legislators need to chip away at our First Amendment rights to express our opinions on this issue?" he wrote in the Arizona Daily Star. "By this logic, what would limit Arizona's Legislature from deciding they won't do business with people and companies that support a boycott of Trump family businesses, or tobacco companies, or even the Democratic Party?"

The state has asked for a stay of the ruling pending appeal. A spokesman for the attorney general told the Arizona Republic, "We're disappointed that the judge did not recognize that taxpayer dollars have no place supporting government contractors who engage in anti-Semitic behavior."
WOODBRIDGE - An attention-grabbing post on the police departments Facebook page shows two horses who escaped from their home leisurely strolling down a narrow, two-lane road, even as police shine lights on them.

Police department officials would not release any details Sunday, including the name of the street or time the horses went missing and were found, but the Facebook post reads: "Midnight shift problems. Horses were returned to their owner."
CONCOW, Calif. - A fire destroyed a home and burned about a half-acre of nearby vegetation in Concow on Sunday morning. The home was in the 13000 block of Surcease Mine Road, and the incident is called the Surcease Fire.

Officials from the CAL FIRE Butte Unit said the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Responders included CAL FIRE, Butte County Fire, PG&E, the California Conservation Corps, Tahoe National Forest, the Butte Creek Canyon Volunteer Company and the Cherokee Volunteer Company.

The fire was reported at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 30.
A company VP showed off the Lenovo Z5 Pro, focusing on its notchless, all-screen front (with a slide-out camera). But this invite suggests that the back of the phone will be even more interesting: it will have four cameras!

They are arranged in a square, similar to the upcoming Huawei Mate 20. Lenovos arrangement differs by the placement of the cameras (in the four corners) and the LED flash (in the middle of the square). The flash on the Mate 20 is in the upper left corner, leaving the other three corners for the cameras.



Lenovo Z5 Pro teaser image shows a four camera setup

The small text below the image reads AI 4 shots and (if Google Translate is correct) the Lenovo Z5 Pro is set for an October launch. You can bet that there will be more official teasers between now and then.

Besides Huawei, LG is readying a phone with 3 cameras on the back (the LG V40 ThinQ), HMD may go as high as 5 cameras for the Nokia 9. Then theres Google...

Source (in Chinese) | Via (in French)
A new Samsung smartphone SM-G6200 appeared on TENAA over the weekend, although it had a limited amount of specs. Today the rest of the hardware features appeared at the listing of what will likely end up being the Galaxy A6s.

The phone will run on a 2.2 GHz CPU which could be the Samsung-owned Exynos 7885 Octa chipset, seen in the Galaxy A8 (2018) or a Snapdragon chipset, as seen in the Galaxy A7 (2018). RAM is listed as 6 GB, while storage is either 64 GB or 128 GB (micro SD slot is present). There is a vertical dual camera setup on the back with two 12 MP sensors, while the selfie snapper is 5 MP.

The screen is 5.99 with an LCD panel, which is a surprise on its own, but the resolution is 2160 x 1080 which has 18:9 ratio, meaning Samsung might totally skip the Infinity Display branding on the SM-G6200.

With a 156.1 x 76.4 x 8.4 mm body, arriving in Black, Blue, Red, and Pink, the Samsung Galaxy A6s should go official soon and it might also be a successor to the Galaxy A8 Star (A9 Star in China), since its body is nowhere near the traditional product design of Samsung.

Source (in Chinese) | Via
Pre-orders for Sony's Xperia XZ3 smartphone have gone live in the Netherlands today. You can purchase the device for 799 SIM-free and unlocked. Alternatively, you can pick a subscription plan and net the device for nothing upfront if you agree to pay at least 36 per month.

If you pre-order, however, you will receive a free pair of Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones. They are a 380 value, so this is a pretty amazing deal. The promo runs from today until November 4, and you have until November 18 to claim the headset via this website. To learn more about the headphones, make sure you don't miss our ears-on review.

And of course, if you're interested in the XZ3 but aren't yet sure it's worth your hard earned cash, our review of the Japanese company's latest flagship smartphone should help you decide. It brings a curved HDR-compliant OLED touchscreen to the high-end Xperia range for the first time, and the bezels are smaller this time around too (though still very much present). The phone runs Android 9 Pie and has the top of the line specs you'd expect.

Via (in Dutch)
Its no secret that phones in China cost less than they do outside of China, which makes it tempting to import one. Heres one more reason not to: Xiaomi has blocked the installation of its Global ROMs on its China-bound phones.

MIUI in China replaces Google services (which are banned in the country) and has other tweaks. Gray import phones (bought in China on the cheap, but used elsewhere) usually have a way to enable the Play Services, but they still feature a bunch of Chinese apps and services that you won't use so it's basically full of bloatware. The Global ROMs were specifically tailored for markets outside China so they only have the stuff you would need and no traces of Chinese writing anywhere.

So far it was possible to switch from one to the other after you've purchased a phone, but that's about to change now. You will no longer be able to flash the Global ROM on a Xiaomi intended for the Chinese market, nor the Chinese ROM on a global phone (which some did to get updates quicker).

There isnt much clarity as to what extent existing phones will be affected (it seems to be a MIUI 10 thing). There are reports, however, that you can flash whatever ROM you want on phones with an unlocked bootloader. Still, as you can imagine, people in the Mi forums (Source link) are pretty angry about this development.

Going forward, Xiaomi recommends that you buy phones from its official stores or from authorized retailers.

PS. For non-Xiaomi phones the usual issues remain  you may have to pay import tax (negating the price difference) and theres no local support.

Source | Via
LAKEHEAD, Calif. - On Sunday, at around 1:08 p.m. the Shasta County dispatch center received a call from a resident in Lakehead.

The caller was reporting that a woman and two men had burglarized his neighbors home and taken several rifles and shotguns. They stated that the suspects had left in a white Honda Passport with a spare tire on the back.

According to the Shasta Lake Sheriffs Office, a deputy heard the vehicle description and immediately went north on I-5 looking for the vehicle. They spotted a vehicle that looked similar traveling south on Interstate 5 near Highway 151. However, by the time the deputy was able to get onto southbound I-5 the vehicle was gone. Another deputy began searching the streets immediately off Highway 151 and found the white Honda within minutes stopped in front of a house.

A woman, later identified as Monique Solorio, came out of the house and told deputies she had come home to find three men in her house. Deputies searched the Honda but found no weapons inside. Then, deputies surrounded the house and began calling over a patrol car's loudspeaker, telling the occupants of the residence to come out.

A man, later identified as Phonexay Phonepaseuth, came out of the house but would not give the deputies his name or any information about who was left in the house. Deputies continued to call over the PA for almost an hour, ordering anyone left in the house to come out. There was no response.

Fearing that the two suspects remaining in the house had an assortment of large caliber rifles, shotguns, ammunition and were refusing to come out voluntarily, the Sheriffs Office SWAT team was called out to assist in extracting the suspects from the house. As the SWAT team arrived and began positioning their armored vehicles around the house, the two remaining suspects, Mark Blake and Jesse Caldwell, came out and surrendered without incident.

A later search of the house revealed the two stolen 12-gauge semi-automatic shotguns, one stolen AR15, one stolen AR10, one stolen 300 Winchester magnum bolt action rifle and an assortment of ammunition had been hidden under a secret trap door in the living room. All the stolen guns were returned to the owner and the suspects were booked for the following charges.

Caldwell was charged with burglary, felon in possession of ammunition, felon in possession of firearms and obstructing and delaying an officer. Blake was booked on two outstanding felony warrants and obstructing and delaying officers. Phonepaseuth was booked for a misdemeanor warrant and obstructing and delaying an officer.




Haiti - Social : Sit-in near the residence of President Moise





Popular organizations announced a sit-in near the presidential residence on Monday, October 1, to protest against the expulsion of 34 families and the demolition on July 2, several houses adjacent to the property of President Jovenel Moise https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-24936-icihaiti-politic-destruction-of-small-houses-too-close-to-the-property-of-the-head-of-state.html which, according to the authorities, endangered the life and safety of the presidential family, a decision which provoked many criticisms from human rights organizations who considered this measure "insulting and discriminatory of the Haitian people."



Demonstrators, especially those whose homes have been demolished, demand respect for the basic right of everyone to have access to adequate housing and demand rehousing measures.



The "Konbit Pou Ayisyen Lojman Altenatif" Associations, the International Bar Association, the Fraternity for the Equality of Haitians, among others, also called on the Government to compensate and repair the damage caused to these families.



Recall that in early July, the first demonstrations against this measure began, interrupted by riots against rising fuel prices. Last August, residents organized a sit-in near the presidential residence and the International Lawyers' Bureau of Haiti announced that they would present the case to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and that they would submit the case to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and that they will send a letter to the Superior Council of the Judiciary demanding the suspension of Commissioner Dameus.



Reminder of the facts, destruction of houses in Pelerin 5 :



"On 2 July 2018, around 2:45 pm, individuals go to Pelerin 5 and wrote on the main facades of 34 houses 'DGI, to demolish'.



On July 3, 2018, the Chief Commissioner of the Public Prosecutor's Office at the Court of First Instance of Port-au-Prince, Me Clame Ocnam Dameus, addresses the Departmental Director of the West of the National Police of Haiti (PNH), Berson Soljour , a correspondence in which, he informs it to have received a request of the general director of the DGI on July 2, 2018 in which the latter denounces the illegal occupation of spaces of the private domain of the State adjoining the property of the president of the Republic, Jovenel Moiise. He also claims that this occupation endangers the life and safety of the presidential family.



Upon receipt of this correspondence, Commissioner Dameus, Ronsard St-Cyr, Secretary of State for Public Security, Berson Soljour and several agents of the Departmental Unit for the Maintenance of Order (UDMO) went to Pelerin 5 en to demolish the houses adjoining the property of the President of the Republic. They are helped in their task by employees of the town hall of Tabarre equipped with heavy equipment. 7 of the 34 houses marked are demolished." https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25678-haiti-justice-damning-report-of-rnddh-on-the-haitian-judiciary-2017-2018.html



Civil Society Organizations, Haitian Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights (CARDH), the National Network for the Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH), the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace (CE-JILAP), the Ecumenical Center for Human Rights (CEDH), the Center for Economic and Social Research and Training for Development (CRESFED), the Platform of Haitian Organizations of Human Rights (POHDH) and the "Sant Karl Leveque" (SKL) denounce the brutal intervention on July 4th.



These organizations point out that in "a blind desire to please the President of the Republic, the rights to the physical integrity and private property of those who have had the misfortune to live in houses adjacent to the presidential property, have been trod because they represented, according to the Government Commissioner," a threat to the security of the area and to the presidential family".



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25678-haiti-justice-damning-report-of-rnddh-on-the-haitian-judiciary-2017-2018.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-24936-icihaiti-politic-destruction-of-small-houses-too-close-to-the-property-of-the-head-of-state.html



SL/ HaitiLibre


















By Vasia Orion | Published on 2015/10/17

Upcoming series 'Descendants of the Sun' has been filming in locations all over Greece since late September. The drama starring popular actors Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo is about a UN peacekeeping troops captain and a volunteer for Doctors Without Borders falling in love while in a war-stricken country. Due to this premise, 80% of the pre-produced series is filmed outside of Korea. While the production has been mostly secretive in order to maintain audience suspense, some Greek news portals and blogs have followed the filming and acquired information. After contacting them, they have graciously shared their coverage with HanCinema. Filming has mainly taken place in Zakynthos, Arachova and Lemnos.

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Zakynthos

Zakynthos is an island located in the west part of the country in the Ionian Sea and it is a very popular tourist destination. The island is well known for its beautiful cliffs, caves and crystal clear beaches, one of which is used as a filming location. Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) is named after a smuggling vessel which washed ashore and has been a permanent feature there since 1982. According to local news portal, Zante Press 24, writer Kim Eun-sook took a special liking to the island and this beach in particular during a past visit. The portal also reports that the Zakynthos municipality and its mayor, Pavlos Kolokotsas are in close contact and cooperation with the drama's production.

Left: Navagio Beach (photo by Salamouras Sp.)

Right: Mayor Kolokotsas and production manager Eleni Tsatsoula (photo by Zantes Press 24)

An amateur video of Navagio beach

Arachova

Arachova is a mountain town in mainland Greece. Due to its location near the capital city of Athens and its proximity to the Parnassos Ski Center, the town is a very visited location during winter. It is also only 10km away from the archeological site of Delphi, widely known as the site of the Pythia oracles, who were priestesses of Apollo. Local Arachova blogger Efi Stergiou covered the drama's filming in her blog Ntefi. According to miss Stergiou, the crew filmed there on the 5th and 6th of October and Greek actors were also part of the scenes. The blogger has shot an exclusive video of the drama's chosen locations, including a short clip from a scene filming.

Left:  view of the bridge

Right: 'To Agnantio' tavern, where filming took place (photos by Jean Housen)

Filming for the series captured by Efi Stergiou

Lemnos

Lemnos is an island in the northern Aegean Sea. Due to its flat geography and volcanic origins, the island has many easily accessible beaches, rich soil and special local produce. Lemnos has great archeological importance and this includes the ruins of Poliochne, which is considered as one of the oldest organized settlements in Europe. Lemnos has a variety of unique locations, such as its salt lake, which attracts flamingos and other migratory birds. The sand dunes of Gomati is another point of interest, often earning it the title of 'Sahara of Lemnos'. According to local news portal and radio station, Limnos FM 100, 'Descendants of the Sun' will be filming there, as well as in other areas of the island, including its capital harbor town of Myrina. The municipality as well as local home owners are reportedly working with the production.

Left: Gomati sand dunes

Right: Myrina harbor (photos by Amateur Nikon)

The Gomati sand dunes, filmed by local site Atlas Visual

Sources:

Korean series films in Zakynthos - The Shipwreck has charmed the writer - Zante Press 24

Korean drama filmed in Arachova - Ntefi

Korean television crew in Lemnos for filming - Limnos FM 100

Written by: Orion from 'Orion's Ramblings'
Published on 2018/09/30 | Source

Middle and high school students in Seoul may be allowed to dye their hair once elderly rules on hairstyles are eased next year.

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Already most schools allow students to grow their hair long, but now education officials are thinking about permitting them to dye and perm it as well.

Cho Hee-yeon, superintendent of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, said Thursday, "Freedom of hairstyle is a basic right. I hope each school will make a decision on the matter by the first half of next year".

But debate has been fierce. Supporters say the idea that youngsters' character will somehow be harmed by allowing them to choose their own hairstyle is an antiquated notion. Kim Yong-seo, the head of student affairs at Youngdong Middle School said, "Most kids these days want to dye or perm their hair. It would be best to let them".

Critics say it should be up to individual schools. Under current regulations, the principal of each school is in charge of deciding hairstyle regulations, but public schools may opt to follow the education superintendent's policy since he appoints the principals.

Former superintendent Kwak No-hyun introduced an ordinance in 2012 that guarantees students' human rights and advised schools to respect the wishes of students when it comes to their appearance.

Although the ordinance is not legally binding, most public schools have complied, and in eight out of every 10 public middle and high schools, students are free to grow their hair as long as they want, though most still ban dyeing and perming.

"I personally believe we should give students the freedom, but each school should decide on the matter", Cho said.

Schools are confused. Kim Jae-cheol, spokesman for the Korean Federation of Teachers' Associations said, "Individual schools will take the superintendent's announcement as an order. The superintendent is riding roughshod over the rules of individual schools, which were established on consensus built up over years".

Some parents are alarmed. One mother of a middle school girl said, "The new measures will give too much freedom to adolescents who are already obsessed with their appearance. Plus it costs between W100,000 to W300,000 for a perm, and some children won't be able to afford that" (US$1=W1,113).

But one high schooler said, "The way I look is a form of expression, and each student should be responsible for that. Tough regulations only make us rebel".
Press release

ASSE International Student Exchange Programs is seeking individuals to serve as area representatives in the local community. ASSE provides academic year and semester exchange programs in the United States for high school students from around the world. Students are 15 to 18 years of age, have passed a series of academic and character requirements.

Area representatives recruit and screen prospective host families, interview students to study abroad and supervise the exchange students in their community. Area representatives are compensated based on the number of students they supervise. Bonus opportunities are available.

ASSEs primary goal is to contribute to International understanding by enabling students to learn about other languages and cultures through active participation in family, school and community life. ASSEs area representatives are the cornerstone of the organization.

For more information about ASSE or becoming an area representative, call ASSEs Western Regional Office at 1-800-733-2773 or email [email protected]

People can visit the ASSE website at https://asse.com/become-a-host-family/.
Kash Keller, 11, plays with his friends and dogs at Pepin Park, during the Friends of Havre Animal Shelter's fundraiser, Woofstock, Saturday.

Dogs and their owners alike braved cold weather Saturday for a special event, Woofstock, to raise money for the local animal shelter, said Friends of the Havre Animal Shelter President Kim Federspiel.

Havre's first Woofstock was held in Pepin Park with live music, vendors, food trucks, beer and wine. Friends of the Havre Animal Shelter organized this event a few months after receiving their nonprofit status and made quick work of raising money for the Havre Animal Shelter.

The Havre Animal Shelter is a part of the Havre Police Department and the money that was raised during Woofstock will go to spay and neuter clinics and a "trap, neuter, release" program for the rising stray cat population in the city, Federspiel said.

These programs are usually outside of the shelter's budget, both Federspiel and her husband, Havre Animal Control Officer Pete Federspiel, said Saturday.

Many people at the event were walking around the different vendor booths, listening to the music or stopping to grab a beer from one of the tents. Triple Dog Brewing Co. donated four quarter-barrel kegs for the event, volunteer Jayme Seidel said.

Seidel said the event was going well and it was nice to get the community together.

"I think this is the first dog-friendly event like this in Havre," she added.

The event was going so well, she said, they were out of the beer from the kegs donated by Triple Dog.

Community member Laura Willis said it was wonderful to see dogs in the park, adding that she supports animals. She said the bands were fantastic and the food was amazing. Fat Billy and the Boyz BBQ and Parker's food truck were at the event.

Willis said the event was a great opportunity for animal lovers to come and show their support, adding that it is hard to find a place in town where people can have their pets, including finding housing where pets are allowed. She said she had not heard of the nonprofit Friends of the Havre Animal Shelter before the event and coming was a last-minute decision, but she was glad that there are things like this in Havre.

"I'm surprised by the number of dogs," Willis said.

The Havre Dog Park Club also had a booth at the event and was accepting donations. Club President Jenn Archibald said she was having fun at the event and was glad to see so many people out. She added that she got involved in the event after one of the members of the club, who is also a member of the Friends of the Havre Animal Shelter, told her about it.

Pete Federspiel brought a few dogs from the shelter to the event, setting up a kissing booth and a pen where kids could play with some of the puppies. The puppy at the kissing booth was a 16-week-old female German shepherd-Rottweiler mix named Baby, Federspiel said, adding that it was very popular and many people had fun.

He said Woofstock was the debut of Alpha and the six other puppies in his litter, which were in the pen area where kids could step inside and play with the seven puppies. The puppies tumbled and rolled as smiling, laughing kids played with them.

Federspiel said the event was going very well, and some of the puppies will have the chance to be adopted into homes.

He added he was grateful for the Friends of the Havre Animal Shelter, and that as a group they can do more than he can by himself.

Kim Federspiel said that the experience was amazing, adding that she was overwhelmed by the support and how much of the community came out for the event despite the weather.

She said she was having fun and she hoped to repeat the event in the future, although maybe a little earlier in the year when it is still warm outside. Federspiel said they held the event so late this year was because the group was waiting for its nonprofit status but they still wanted to have an event this year.

"It's nice to see people come out and support Pete," Federspiel said. "They see how much work and heart he puts into the shelter."

She added that her daughter Olivia, 3, also made dog treats for the event with a friend and was selling them to help raise money.

Community members Christina Hoppe and Emily Riggin, who was at the event with Riggin's English bulldog Gertrude, said they were having fun at the event. Both of them agreed that it was a good way for people to meet other people in town and socialize.

Havreites Nate Ramsey, Kirby Vande Kop and Ashley Vande Kop were also at the event with Ramsey's dog Marcey, a pit bull mix. Kirby Vande Kop said it was an amazing event and was a great idea for the community.

Ramsey said it was exciting to raise money for the Friends of the Havre Animal Shelter and the Havre Dog Park Club. They agreed that Havre has no real places for dogs, adding that only a few parks allow dogs, and they hope that they stay because they enjoy going to them for that specific reason. Ashley Vande Kop said they were there to support a good cause.

Ramsey added that the Havre Animal Shelter has been great. Marcey has run away before, he said, and Federspiel was very kind and understanding, returning Marcey and even giving her a new tag because she lost hers.

Brian Rhoades, who played with the band Black Labbeth formed to play at the Woofstock, said that it was good fun for a good cause.

Lyle Lossing, who played with Muttley Crew at the event and also plays at [email protected], said he heard about the event through Rhoades and felt good about being at the event. He said he loves all animals and events like Woofstock are great for a community, adding it's important that people get together.

He said it's important to spread good energy, and that is one of the reasons he loves to play music. Positivity is contagious, he said.
Pinocci calls for reparations, apology to senior citizen

The Montana commissioner of political practices has dismissed a campaign finance complaint against a candidate for the Public Service Commission district that serves north-central and northeastern Montana, ruling that a $3,000 loan Republican Randy Pinocci of Sun River made to his campaign was legitimate,

Pinocci, who is facing Havre Democrat Doug Kaercher in the race for PSC District 1, said Friday that the person who filed the complaint, Montana Democratic Party Executive Director Nancy Keenan, needs to pay back the cost of the investigation to the commissioner's office and to his campaign, and to

make an apology to Elaine O'Donnell for making false accusations.

"She accused her on Democratic letterhead and she should apologize to her on Democratic letterhead," Pinocci said.

Keenan's complaint asked the commissioner's office to investigate a loan Pinocci made to his campaign using a $3,000 cashier's check, three days after Republican Public Service Commissioner Tony O'Donnell of Billings, Elaine O'Donnell's husband, made a loan using a $3,000 cashier's check to Republican legislative candidate Randy Garcia.

Political Practices Commissioner Jeff Mangan ruled the loan to Garcia was illegal.

In her complaint, Keenan wrote that O'Donnell had already shown interest in Pinocci's campaign because both he and his wife had

made maximum contributions to Pinocci's campaign, and asked the office to investigate to make sure it was not an illegal loan.

In his dismissal of the complaint, Mangan said Pinocci provided documentation that the $3,000 cashier's check used to make the loan came from Pinocci's own bank account and records do not indicate a $3,000 deposit was made in the account using money from O'Donnell or any other source to cover the withdrawl.

Pinocci said he thinks the Montana Democrats "made up" the information about the O'Donnells contributing to make a connection and justify the investigation.

Party spokesman Roy Loewenstein said the party thought the loan, coming a few days after O'Donnell's loan to Garcia, was worth investigating.

Nancy Keenan

"We followed the correct process when we notified the COPP of a suspicious loan made by Mr. Pinocci to his campaign," Loewenstein said in an email. "The COPP agreed the loan was suspicious and opened an investigation. To characterize the situation any differently is not only ridiculous, it also represents exactly the kind of partisan political attacks Montanans are sick of. As always, we appreciate the swift and thorough action of Commissioner Mangan and the rest of the COPP staff."

It was a waste of taxpayer money - and of his campaign's money - to make an accusation with no proof, Pinocci said.

He said Keenan owes Elaine O'Donnell a strong apology and should have made certain of the facts before accusing a senior citizen.

He said when a senior citizen does something wrong, most people look the other way, and "this time they didn't and they were wrong."

Instead, Keenan "threw her under the bus and threw her under the bus with false information," Pinocci said.
Havre Police Department

Chad Steven Cliff of Havre, 39, was arrested at the police station Friday at 9:01 a.m. on a charge of probation violation related to Drug Court.

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A First Avenue West caller reported Friday at 9:53 a.m. a trailer had been broken into the previous day.

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Jon Christopher Abel listed as a homeless from Oregon, 47, was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct, negligent endangerment and driving without insurance during a vehicle stop on Ninth Street at 2:52 p.m. Friday, after multiple people reported a combative man on 13th Street at 2:47 p.m.

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A caller at a First Street business parking lot reported a hit and run crash at 4:09 p.m. Friday. Officers made an an arrest, but no details on the charges were provided.

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Everett Dale Windyboy of Havre, 65, was arrested on a charge of theft and on a Justice or City court warrant after a First Street West business caller reported a beer theft Friday at 4:35 p.m.

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A caller at a U.S. Highway 2 Northwest business parking lot reported a hit and run crash at 5:34 p.m. Friday.

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Ryan Deffinbaugh of Chester, 19, was issued a summons on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia after an officer initiated investigation of suspicious activity at a U.S. Highway 2 Northwest business Saturday at 12:07 a.m.

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Michael Jay Stump Jr. of Havre, 21, was arrested on a disorderly conduct charge after a caller on First Street reported a disturbance in progress at 12:10 a.m. Saturday.

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Steven Lee Strike of Havre, 30, was arrested at the police station on a charge of criminal contempt related to a 24/7 Sobriety Program no show Saturday at 8:01 a.m.

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A caller reported a single vehicle crash with no injuries on U.S. Highway 2 East Saturday at 2:56 p.m.

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A man with a gunshot wound to the abdomen was reported in the Emergency Room of Northern Montana Hospital at 4:35 p.m. Saturday. Police Chief Gabe Matosich said the man was a 20-year-old Montana State University-Northern student, who apparently transported himself to the ER. The extent of his injuries is unknown.

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Nicole Lynn Brown of Harlem, 32, was arrested on two Justice or City court warrants at the police station Saturday at 5:37 p.m.

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Marlayna Shanelle Snow of Harlem, 27, was arrested on charges of driving with a suspended or revoked driver's license and tail light violation and on a Justice or City court warrant during a vehicle stop on 12th Avenue Saturday at 9:09 p.m.

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A 15-year-old was arrested on a charge of partner or family member assault after a Second Street West caller asked Saturday at 10:11 p.m. to speak with an officer about her children.

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A 16-year-old was issued a summons on a charge of juvenile curfew violation after a Second Street caller said Sunday at 1 a.m. she was trying to locate her daughter.

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Birgin Lane Billy of Havre, 19, was arrested on charges of failing to drive to the right of the roadway, driving under the influence and a traffic crime and Melissa Diane Peterson of Havre, 46, was issued a summons on a charge of obstructing a peace officer or other public servant during a vehicle stop on 11th Street West Sunday at 1:10 a.m.

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Michael Robert-Louis Belcourt of Box Elder, 29, was arrested on a Justice or City court warrant during a vehicle stop on Second Street Sunday at 1:45 a.m.

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Christopher Paul Hammond of Havre, 20, was issued a summons on a charge of partner or family member assault and violation of a no-contact order after a Second Street caller reported Sunday at 10:48 a.m. that a neighbor was at her residence because the neighbor's boyfriend was being mean to her.

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A caller at a Second Street business reported a suspicious vehicle at 8:23 p.m. Sunday.

Hill County Sheriff's Office

Chad Stevens Cliff of Havre, 39, was arrested on a Justice or City court warrant Friday at 9:30 a.m. at the detention center.

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Gavin J. Mosbrucker of Havre, 19, was issued a summons on a charge of DUI, under 21 years old with a blood alcohol concentration of .02 or greater, and Jared Laux of Havre, 20, and Benjamin Joseph Roberts of Havre, 18, were each issued a summons on a charge of minor in possession, after a caller reported suspicious activity on St. Joe Road at 2:59 a.m. Saturday.

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Donelle Audrey St. Pierre of Box Elder, 37, was arrested on a charge of shoplifting after a caller at a U.S. Highway 2 West business reported at 5:03 p.m. Saturday having a shoplifter in the office.

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A caller reported at 8:25 a.m. Sunday a calf had been struck and killed one mile north of Mooney Coulee in Beaver Creek Park.

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Ryan Samuel Sangrey of Box Elder, 33, was arrested on a Justice or City court warrant and Sophia Lynn Demontiney of Great Falls, 36, was arrested on six Justice or City court warrants after a caller on Main Street West in Box Elder reported a trespasser Sunday at 6:58 p.m.

Havre Fire Department

Emergency medical personnel responded to three calls Saturday and two calls Sunday.

Havre Animal Shelter

The shelter this morning held an 8-month-old male short-hair kitten, a female 11-week-old medium-hair kitten, a female medium-hair cat, two 17-week-old male medium-hair kittens, a male short-hair cat and a 7-month-old male medium-hair kitten.

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The shelter this morning also held a female 17-week-old German shepherd-Rottweiler cross, a male German shepherd, a female pit bull-terrier-German shepherd cross, a male Pekingese-Dachshund cross, a female 8-month-old terrier, an 8-month-old female mixed-breed, a 10-month-old female mixed-breed, a 10-month-old female mountain cur and a female Australian cattle dog-blue heeler-German shepherd cross , along with seven puppies not yet available for adoption: five male and one female 6-week-old mixed-breed puppies and a 6-week-old male pit bull terrier cross.
Montanas rural communities have always been the backbone of our economy, driving economic growth through a foundation of hard work and a strong tradition of agriculture. In Montana, when our rural communities are thriving, our entire state thrives.

Gov. Steve Bullock and I recently visited our rural communities to hear from rural Montanans as we tackle the issues facing our state.

Farmers and ranchers described what is a perfect storm threatening Montanas most important industry. When we look at what is happening with trade or with the Farm Bill, its hard not to be concerned. Our agriculture industry is already dealing with uncertain weather, changing markets and razor thin margins, and now they are forced to grapple with trade policies that jeopardize the foreign market access we so heavily rely on.

We also heard from county, city and community leaders who know that we must make investments in infrastructure. Our rural communities cannot survive without quality public schools or reliable water systems, sewers, roads and telecommunications; nor can our rural communities be sustained without rural hospitals that provide good jobs and access to critical care.

During these visits, Montanans werent quick to point fingers or pass blame  instead they want to focus on working together and putting the greatest ideas forward that will result in solutions, made in Montana by Montanans.

Gov. Bullock and I will be continuing our discussions in rural Montana communities over the coming months with the recent launch of the Main Street Montana  Rural Partners initiative.

Five years ago, Gov. Bullock created the Main Street Montana Project as a long-term strategy to grow Montanas economy with diverse industries all across the state. We engaged more than 4,000 Montanans, and as a result, we successfully repealed and streamlined hundreds of rules to make government more efficient and expanded work-based learning opportunities like apprenticeships and business mentoring programs.

This new vision will go beyond Main Street business development and focus on what each individual rural community needs to thrive and grow their economy. We know that by many metrics, economic growth is happening in more populated areas of our state. More Montanans are working than ever before with the fastest growing middle-class in the nation and we have the highest median household income growth in the nation. We must ensure that economic growth is shared all throughout Montana.

Its our hope Montanans will join us on this new path forward for our rural areas  to look at how we can better address some of the unique challenges and opportunities that exist in these areas of Montana.

We will learn from the communities, like Choteau where we launched this initiative, that have come together to make real progress towards a more prosperous future. We will look at public and private resources that can be used to further economic and community development. And we will connect communities across the state, because we know that often our rural communities arent alone in the problems they face and that there ought to be a roadmap to address these common challenges.

Lets not let our rural communities just become places on a map, lets empower them to get ahead and stay ahead. Lets build the capacity of rural communities so that they can attract new jobs and new residents. Lets strengthen opportunities, especially for young adults so that they can run the family farm or start a business. And lets diversify rural economies to improve community resilience.

If we do this, our rural communities will prosper, and our entire state will continue to prosper.



Lt. Governor Mike Cooney
Justice Department Sues California over Net Neutrality Bill

Just hours after Governor Jerry Brown signed a new net neutrality bill into law Sunday, the justice department announced it is suing the state for imposing on the federal government's approach. The new California net neutrality bill blocks internet service providers from slowing specific types of content or applications.

Rozarri Young Arrested For Extortion

The FBI says 23-year-old Rozarri Young has been arrested for an attempt to extort the parents of Aly Yeoman who went missing last March, then was found dead six weeks later. Young claimed that she knew of the missing girl's whereabouts and that she would not be harmed if Young received a payout. Young has now been arrested on multiple charges.

Gridley Police Chief Faces Termination

Tonight, the Gridley city council could vote to fire police chief Dean Price. Council member Chris Williams put the chief's possible firing on the agenda for tonight at 6 p.m. Action News Now is working to learn why he may be facing termination.

Three Men Arrested in Lakehead by SWAT Team

Authorities say three men were arrested by a SWAT team for breaking into Lakehead homes. They were reportedly burglarizing a home on Pine Street before hiding out at a home on Shasta Street. SWAT was called due to concerns that the men were armed. All three surrendered and were arrested. They now face several charges.

Two People Hospitalized Following Fire in Mountain Gate

Two people are in the hospital after a fire broke out in their home in Mountain Gate early Sunday afternoon. Crews say the fire burned one home and several outbuildings. Firefighters say they found drug processing equipment on the premises, but the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Delta Fire Update

All mandatory evacuations and advisories have been lifted. Rain Saturday night helped crews make good progress on a large spot fire that broke out early last week. The fire currently sits at over 63,000 acres and 97 percent contained.

Supreme Court Starts Fall Term

The Supreme Court starts its fall term on Monday with only eight of its nine seats filled. The FBI has reopened its investigation into Brett Kavanaugh, whose confirmation vote has been delayed after multiple sexual misconduct allegations. The Senate is still moving forward. It begins debate onKavanaugh'ss nomination this afternoon.

The United States Creates New Agreement With Mexico and Canada

The United States and Canada struck a last-minute trade deal just before midnight on Sunday. It is called the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. President Trump held a press conference at 8 a.m. to discuss the agreement.
What really makes people want to stay with a company is having a strong resonance between their personal values and those of the business, explained Norm Sabapathy, executive vice president of people at Cadillac Fairview and speaker at our upcoming HR Leaders Summit in Toronto.

He went on to tell HRD that the best way to keep top talent around is to give them an opportunity to shine as an individual.

Essentially, it comes down to employees finding a place where they can personally make a difference, while also being able to grow and develop their own career, added Norm. You can always chase titles and money by jumping ship to different organizations, but what keeps an employee loyal to an organization is having that deep sense of resonance with the corporate purpose and values.

The employees who stay are the ones who know that every day, when they turn up to the office, their work has meaning. They can develop their careers and they can make a difference.

This hyper-personalization of the development plans is a key differentiator for brands, as well as being a sticky tactic to keep executives in place. Earlier this year, we spoke to Laura Sherbin, co-president at the Center for Talent Innovation. We learned that one third of new employees actually make the decision to leave their new employer just six months into the job.
Adam Rhodes, managing director of Origin Insurance Brokers took to the stage first.

After previously working in insurance law, he started Origin Insurance Brokers to help provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with the same opportunities he had himself been afforded.

He also noted that insurance is a means by which to educate the wider Australian public about Indigenous-related issues.

Nareen Young, Industry Professor (Indigenous Workplace Diversity), Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research at UTS, noted that she believes work creates identity and dignity for us as humans.

She then pointed out that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have frequently been denied access to a broad range of work opportunities  and, accordingly, fuller participation in Australian society.
A team of eye specialists at the University of Nottingham has made another novel discovery that could help to improve the success of corneal transplants for patients whose sight has been affected by disease.

The research, published in the October edition of the American Journal of Ophthalmology, has shed light on a characteristic of a thin membrane called the Descemets membrane which can cause difficulties for surgeons performing the intricate Descemets membrane transplant procedure.

The study was led by Harminder Dua, Professor of Ophthalmology, and colleagues in the Universitys Division of Clinical Neuroscience  the same team which was the first to discover a new layer of the cornea Pre-Descemets layer, also known as the Duas layer.

Professor Dua said: This work has demonstrated a clear structural uniqueness of the pre-Descemets layer (Duas layer) and has also answered a puzzling surgical question on the reason why the Descemets membrane rolls in one direction, when peeled off the donor eye. This understanding will pave the way to develop strategies to unroll it during transplantation, with minimal damage to the cells it supports.

Cloudy vision

The Descemet membrane, named after the French doctor who discovered it in the late 18th century, is found between the pre-Descemets layer (Duas layer) and the endothelial layer in the back of the cornea, which is responsible for pumping out excess fluid and keeping the cornea dehydrated enough to maintain clear vision.

In some diseases such as Fuchs Dystrophy or following cataract surgery, the endothelial cells and Descemet membrane are damaged, causing the cornea to become waterlogged and the vision to become clouded. Over time, the vision deteriorates and, if left untreated, can lead to loss of sight.

To cure this problem, patients may be offered one of several types of corneal transplant in which all or different parts of the damaged cornea are removed and replaced with healthy tissue from a donor.

In Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), the damaged Descemet membrane is scraped away and replaced with a donated Descemet membrane. When the membrane is separated from other layers of the cornea to prepare it for transplant it curls into a cigar-shaped roll which makes it easier to insert into the cornea via a small incision but once in place is extremely tricky to unfurl. During the manipulation of the rolled tissue, sensitive endothelial cells which coat the outside of the membrane may become damaged, reducing the success of the transplant.

In Pre-Descemet endothelial keratoplasty (PDEK), the Descemet membrane is transplanted while attached to another layer, the pre-Descemet layer  also known as Duas layer after it was discovered by Professor Harminder Dua in 2013 and recently endorsed as the Dua-Fine layer by the American Association of Ocular Oncologists and Pathologists. It has been found that while there is still a roll, it is not as pronounced because the pre-Descemets or Duas layer stabilises the Descemet layer acting as a kind of splint.

Ophthalmologists have long observed that the Descemet membrane will only roll in one direction, leaving the endothelial cells on the outside of the curl, but have been puzzled about why this occurs.

The Nottingham research has revealed for the first time that the direction of the roll is governed by the content and distribution of elastin  elastic-like fibres within the membrane.

Using 31 corneal discs earmarked for research purposes through the National Health Services Manchester Eye Bank, they measured the elastin content the Descemet membrane, the pre-Descemet membrane, the stroma and other sites of the cornea.

Improving treatment for patients

They also looked at whether treating the Descemet membrane with an enzyme that digests elastin had any effect on the rolling up of the tissue and whether removing endothelial cells had any impact on this behaviour.

The found that the pre-Descemet layer had the highest elastin content of all the tissues studied but that the elastin was evenly distributed across the tissue.

However, when they came to study the Descemet membrane they found that the elastin was concentrated in a band across its front which was causing the membrane to roll up.

The study also found that the removal of the endothelial cells from the membrane made no difference to the direction of rolling proving that it was the elastin and not the cells that were responsible for the characteristic unidirectional rolling.

Treating the Descemet membrane with the enzyme reversed the rolling effect and was associated with the degradation or disappearance of elastin in the membrane.

The results are significant as it shows that enzymes could potentially be used to weaken the rolling of the tissue, making it much easier for surgeons to successfully implant it into the cornea while reducing the potential damage to the endothelial cells which are so important in helping to regulate the fluid content of the cornea.

The latest research can be found online via the website of the American Journal of Ophthalmology.

 Ends 

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The University of Nottingham is a research-intensive university with a proud heritage, consistently ranked among the worlds top 100. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our 44,000 students  Nottingham was named both Sports and International University of the Year in the 2019 Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, was awarded gold in the TEF 2017 and features in the top 20 of all three major UK rankings. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia  part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement. We are ranked eighth for research power in the UK according to REF 2014. We have six beacons of research excellence helping to transform lives and change the world; we are also a major employer and industry partner  locally and globally.

Impact: The Nottingham Campaign, its biggest-ever fundraising campaign, is delivering the Universitys vision to change lives, tackle global issues and shape the future. More news
General Electric dumps CEO

General Electric Co. announced on Monday that it had replaced chairman and CEO John Flannery after just 14 months on the job after a hoped-for turnaround in the company's finances failed to materialize.

Once a titan of Wall Street, General Electric installed 55-year-old H. Lawrence Culp Jr. as chair and CEO. Culp, who ran Danaher Corp. from 2000 to 2014, is the first outsider to become CEO in GEs 126-year history, the Boston Globe reported.

GE's Lightning Solutions plant in East Flat Rock has figured in the iconic company's financial troubles. Along with other plants in its lighting solutions division, the East Flat Rock location has been put on the block. So far, no buyer has been announced and the plant is still operating in the meantime.

In February GE reached a deal to sell the overseas units of the lighting business. "Shedding the remaining, mainly U.S.-based lighting business is part of a broad restructuring plan aimed at divesting $20 billion worth of assets to focus the remaining company on three core divisions: power, aviation and health care," Reuters reported.

GE also said it will take a huge writedown of $23 billion at its troubled power unit that will total as much as $23 billion, the Globe reported, and it withdrew its earnings and cash flow guidance for 2018.

While GEs businesses other than Power are generally performing consistently with previous guidance, due to weaker performance in the GE Power business, the Company will fall short of previously indicated guidance for free cash flow and EPS for 2018, the company said in a statement.

Culp served as President/CEO of Danaher Corporation from 2000 to 2014.

"During his tenure (at Danaher), he led the highly successful transformation of the company from an industrial manufacturer into a leading science and technology company," GE said in a news release. "Under Mr. Culps leadership, Danaher executed a disciplined capital allocation approach, including a series of strategic acquisitions and dispositions, a focus on investing for high-impact organic growth and margin expansion, and delivering strong free cash flow to drive long-term shareholder value. During his 14 years at the head of Danaher, the companys market capitalization and revenues grew five-fold."
'Dublin District Court heard Mello was stopped while driving a rickshaw on Grafton Street last June 23 and had 40 ecstasy tablets worth 400.' (stock photo)

A drug-dealing rickshaw driver got involved in the trade because Ireland was "not the land of milk and honey" he expected.

Gabriel Mello (22), who was twice caught with drugs for sale on Grafton Street, claimed he came to Ireland to learn English and ran out of money.

Judge Michael Walsh said he did not believe his story and it was clear he had come here from Brazil to sell drugs.

Mello (22) was spared jail on condition that he leaves Ireland within 30 days and does not come back for two years.

Mello, with an address at Blackhall Street, Dublin 7, pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply.

Judge Walsh suspended a nine-month sentence.

Dublin District Court heard Mello was stopped while driving a rickshaw on Grafton Street last June 23 and had 40 ecstasy tablets worth 400.

He was bailed on condition he did not operate a rickshaw.

However, on June 23, gardai again stopped his rickshaw on Grafton Street and he handed over six bags containing 120 worth of cannabis.

Compatriots

Mello had come to Ireland two years ago to learn English, ran out of money, and some of his compatriots put him in touch with a man who ran a rickshaw business, his solicitor Donal Quigley said.

Mello was "effectively freelance" as he had rented the rickshaw from a man called Diego who ran a workshop in Smithfield.

"Who is Diego when he's at home?" Judge Walsh asked.

There was a suspicious fire and Diego's business was burned to the ground, Mr Quigley said.

Mello had been in a "very difficult position" and ended up dealing with people he did not want to deal with.

He was now going to be deported but hoped to act in advance of that and go home.

"I don't think he has any future here or any future in Europe," Mr Quigley said.

"It's not turned out to be the land of milk and honey he expected it to be. He wants to go home, he's had enough."

Another solicitor for Mello, Paul Byrne, said: "The Irish experiment has gone wrong".

However, Judge Walsh said: "I don't believe a word of it.

"He came to this country for the purpose of buying and selling drugs, that is clear to me."
Anthony Goodman (73) has prior convictions for sexual assault and buggery of an animal

A notorious elderly sex offender caught in a Dublin apartment complex he was banned from has been jailed for hurling abuse at a resident who reported him to gardai.

Anthony Goodman (73) was being escorted off the premises when he walked up to the elderly woman, pointed his finger into her face and told her: "And you shut the f**k up as well."

Jailing him for a month, Judge Ann Ryan said the woman in question was "perfectly within her rights to do what she did" and Goodman's behaviour had been "completely unacceptable".

Insulting

The one-month prison sentence comes as Goodman, who has prior convictions for sexual assault and buggery of an animal, had just finished another jail term for breaching a sex offenders order.

Goodman, with an address at an inner city hostel, pleaded guilty to threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour.

The prosecuting garda told Dublin District Court the incident happened at Memorial Court apartment complex in Islandbridge.

The garda was escorting Goodman off the premises as he was not supposed to be there, by agreement with Dublin City Council.

"On leaving, he came across an elderly lady and for no apparent reason, he walked right up to this woman, pointed his finger into her face and said, 'and you shut the f**k up as well'," the garda said.

Goodman was arrested under the Public Order Act.

The court heard the accused had 198 previous convictions.

The last was handed down in June this year, for contravening an order under the Sex Offenders Act. He was jailed for four months.

The court heard Goodman's sentence had now expired and he was in custody on remand.

On this occasion, Goodman was invited to the premises and when he was seen there "somebody rang it in" because of his history, his solicitor Anne Fitzgibbon said.

He was co-operating with gardai when he saw the lady who rang it in and "got annoyed".

"He shouldn't have said what he said" but his emotions were high at the time and he had not seen his wife "for so long".

Goodman was originally from London and had been in Ireland since the 1980s, the court heard.

He had married an Irish woman and they had two sons, now aged in their late 20s and early 30s. One of his sons had autism.

Goodman was very apologetic for the public order offence, Ms Fitzgibbon said.

Judge Ryan told Goodman he had come before the court with a huge number of previous convictions and his behaviour on the day had been "completely unacceptable".

"This lady was perfectly within her rights to do what she did," the judge said.
A 19-year-old died as he left the Boxed Off festival on Saturday night, leaving organisers and fellow revellers reeling with shock.

The teenager, who was named locally as Joe Hayes, had been attending the dance music festival in Ratoath, Co Meath, when he was understood to have collapsed as festival-goers were leaving the event at Fairyhouse Racecourse.

It was not known yesterday what exactly had caused the young man's death and a post-mortem examination is yet to be carried out.

Mr Hayes, originally from north Dublin, had been attending the event with friends when he suddenly became ill.

He received medical attention at the scene and was taken to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown.

The teenager was pronounced dead in the early hours of yesterday morning.

A file will now be prepared for the local coroner as gardai in Ashbourne continue their investigation.

Organisers offered their condolences online and confirmed they were assisting gardai.

They refused to give further comment but stated on the Boxed Off Facebook page: "We are very saddened to say that as people were leaving Boxed Off Festival at Fairyhouse Racecourse last night a 19-year-old man became unwell.

"The on-site medical team including an emergency doctor and advanced paramedics treated the man on site.

"He was then transferred to James Connolly Hospital by one of the on-site ambulances. Despite the efforts of all medical teams the young man tragically passed away early this morning.

"The whole festival team is devastated by the news.

"We will continue to work closely with An Garda Siochana on this matter. We have no further information at this time.

"All our thoughts are with his family and friends."

American DJ and producer Armand Van Helden was the headliner at the one-day dance music event.

Tragedy

Thousands of people discussed the tragedy online yesterday, with some stating they thought they'd seen the young man take ill, though they did not respond to requests to speak.

An investigation is today continuing. A post-mortem examination will be carried out in an effort to determine the cause of his death.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the individual and their family at this time," said local Fianna Fail councillor Damien O'Reilly.

"The whole community is shocked and our thoughts and prayers are with the person's family and friends."

This is the fourth time the festival has been held in Ireland.
Get AfricaFocus Bulletin by e-mail! Format for print or mobile Africa/Global: Professionals Enabling Corruption AfricaFocus Bulletin

October 1, 2018 (181001)

(Reposted from sources cited below) Editor's Note "Lifting the veil of corporate secrecy reveals a simple principle: Offshore is actually a set of professional services that specialize in enabling businesses and individuals to effectively retreat from legal, regulatory, and public scrutiny, empowering them vis-a-vis those who have remained 'onshore' without access to such services." - Hudson Institute The image of "tax havens" and the term "offshore" may evoke islands such as Jersey in the channel between Great Britain and France, the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean, or Cyprus, which served as a intermediary between the Ukraine and Paul Manafort's extravagant purchases in the United States. But, as this new report from the Hudson Institute explains clearly, the system is in fact "without borders," with money from the global rich, including authoritarian leaders, parked in many places, including the City of London, Delaware, and New York. This AfricaFocus contains excerpts from the report on "The Enablers," which is also available on the Hudson Institute website. Highlighting particularly the flow of money from authoritarian states to the United States, it spells out the role played by legal services, incorporation services, financial services, real estate services, lobbying and public relations services, fintech and cryptocurrency. There are abundant other sources documenting this system, which is a fundamental component of today's globalized economy. On legal services, particularly of interest is the 2016 investigation by Global Witness, in which investigators went under cover to ask New York lawyers had to hide funds, posing as representatives of an anonymous African government official (Global Witness, Lowering the Bar; https://www.globalwitness.org/shadyinc/) For background on groups campaigning to change this system in the United States, see The Financial Accountability and Corporate Transparency (FACT) Coalition (https://thefactcoalition.org/). For previous AfricaFocus Bulletins on corruption and illicit financial flows, visit http://www.africafocus.org/intro-iff.php Other background resources include: Top 10 books on illicit financial flows, tax justice, and africa

http://www.africafocus.org/iff-books.php Resources on the Stop the Bleeding Africa campaign

https://usafricanetwork.org/home/issues/stop-the-bleeding-africa/ ++++++++++++++++++++++end editor's note+++++++++++++++++ The Enablers: How Western Professionals Import Corruption and Strengthen Authoritarianism Ben Judah, Research Fellow & Nate Sibley, Program Manager, Kleptocracy Initiative September 2018 http://www.hudson.org Excerpts only: An audio file of a discussion on this report, and a link to the full report, is available at http://tinyurl.com/y8re74a5 Introduction Globalization is playing out unexpectedly as governments, businesses, and individuals around the world are connected to one another at an unprecedented rate. These new connections were at first widely hailed as enhancing the influence of the United States, but their true political consequences are only just beginning to become clear. One of the most important but overlooked dynamics, given its national security implications, has been the pervasive networking of American professional services providers with power brokers and their acolytes from corrupt authoritarian states. Certain elements within the legal, financial, and influence communities, seeking new markets, clients, and profits among an emerging global class of super wealthy actors with fortunes of dubious provenance, have in the past fifteen years begun offering their services to transnational kleptocrats linked to authoritarian regimes. From Washington lobbyists with Kremlin-linked accounts to New York law firms with Chinese Communist apparatchik clients, these tie-ups have a detrimental effect on the political and the financial workings of American democracyone that is only growing. This report argues that these professionals have become enablers of authoritarian influence within democracies in a twofold manner. First, they are facilitating the concealment, insertion, and deployment of kleptocrats illicit funds within Western economies. Second, they are using their skills and expertise to help kleptocrats establish networks of influence inside democratic societies. This relationship between Western professionals and authoritarian elites has not only fueled a boom in money laundering; it has transformed significant elements of the most distinguished, influential professions into wholesale importers of transnational corruption. The Emergence of Offshore and the Rise of the Enablers Before we try to understand the enablers, we need to understand the system in which they thrive. For Western professionals, facilitating the finances of hostile powers is nothing new. They have always overseen the offshore financial dealings of hostile powers, particularly since the rise of the Eurodollar and the Eurobond in the 1960s, to a significant extent on the back of Soviet funds and as a result of the disintegration of the Bretton Woods system. Since the end of the Cold War, however, the tempo has shifted. The dismantling of totalitarian regimes across Eurasia allowed their elites to become individual financial actors for the first time. This dovetailed with an aggressive expansion of American professional services into these territories. Whereas in the 1960s it was the Soviet state seeking Eurodollars, by the late 1990s, any Eurasian power brokers worth their salt were personally seeking access to Western professional services. The consequences of this access to the globalized economy have arguably been vastly more empowering to political actors hostile to the United States than any other development of the late 20th century. But why? Since the Bretton Woods system collapsed, one financial trend has been constant: the aggressive expansion of a shadow financial system referred to collectively as offshore. On the surface, this is a fiendishly complex interlocking web of anonymously owned companies and accounts, legally located in secretive jurisdictions that allow them to circumvent the regulatory and taxation systems of conventional jurisdictions. Yet lifting the veil of corporate secrecy reveals a simple principle: Offshore is actually a set of professional services that specialize in enabling businesses and individuals to effectively retreat from legal, regulatory, and public scrutiny, empowering them vis-a-vis those who have remained onshore without access to such services. This system is how a business run, staffed, operating, and earning its profits in the United States can claim that it is in fact located in another country altogether, despite having no physical presence there. Globalization and financial deregulation have led to the ballooning of offshore finance, said Gabriel Zucman, assistant professor of economics at UC Berkeley. Changes in cultural norms have also played a role: before the 1980s, for instance, not all corporate executives thought that it was their fiduciary duty to avoid corporate income taxes by all possible means (e.g., by shifting profits to places like Bermuda). Today they almost all do. Profit margins provide ample explanation for the motivation to escape taxation but tell us little about the shape and scale of the system itself. This has been driven by targeted innovation in the legal and financial communities, empowered in the commanding heights of both the state and the private sector itself, which equated the dismantling of regulatory frameworks with automatically encouraging growth. This process was powered by new technologies that permit instantaneous transactions and emerging forms of secrecy, encryption, and concealment. The offshore system has turned Western professional services providers into partners for non-Western authoritarian elites and brought the latter into the Western financial system. There are both ethical problems in the finance industry, says Zucman, and a collective intellectual failure at regulating tax havens and globalization. Instead, perks set up to profit Western corporations have become sources of unprecedented power for kleptocrats. These powersthe power to generate, store, and deploy wealth in different countries, and the power of anonymity, which enables personal connections to that same wealth to vanish without a traceare the common threads stitching together various global political trends. The increasing capacity of Russia, China, and even the Gulf States to interfere in Western political systems, and the eruption of protest movements in countries as varied as Malaysia, Ukraine, Libya, Egypt, and Pakistan, are all fueled by the power that the offshore system has bestowed upon authoritarian elitesand how they have played, abused, or mismanaged their hand. Money may not explain everythingbut it does explain rather a lot. Given the vast figures involved, it is often tempting to discuss global financial flows from a systemic point of view. However, zooming in, we realize that no individual transactionsand especially no illicit oneshappen without a helping human hand. Taking this view enables us to better understand the role played by professionals within Western legal, financial, incorporation, and real estate communities who have become systemic enablers of transnational kleptocracy. The boom in global money laundering that continues to empower authoritarian kleptocrats and fuel their growing influence would not be possible without them. Studying the intersection of Western professionals with these kleptocrats is essential to understanding this trend in modern power. The Enablers' System Thanks to a surge in investigative reporting and academic studies, the pattern by which kleptocrats typically operate in the United States and other democracies has been clearly established in recent years. First, a kleptocrat will engage legal and incorporation service providers to place illicit funds into the legal economy and conceal their origins. Second, financial and real estate professionals are used to integrate the funds into the mainstream U.S. economy. Third, lobbying and public relations specialists can suppress scrutiny of the kleptocrats, whitewash their criminal past, and extend their political reach. This well-trodden path has emerged from two systemic failings: an outdated and inadequate anti-money laundering (AML) system, and the failure of ethical standards and self-regulation within the professions themselves. Regulators are also paying increased attention to this pattern and the critical role played by Western professionals within it. The Financial Action Task Force, the global anti-money laundering watchdog, published a report with the Egmont Group in July 2018 concerning the role of professional intermediaries in concealing beneficial ownership of legal entities. In 100 case studies from 34 jurisdictions, approximately half of all intermediaries involved were assessed as having been complicit in their involvement, rather than simply unwitting or negligent. In June 2018, the U.S. Treasury Departments Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) published extensive guidance on the use of financial facilitators by corrupt foreign officials, exploring how these facilitators enable the officials to access the U.S. and international financial system to move or hide illicit proceeds, evade U.S. and global sanctions, or otherwise engage in illegal activity, including related human rights abuses. Legal Services The first port of call for any kleptocrat seeking to benefit from this system is contact with the legal community. A lawyer is utterly essential, both to enter the offshore world and then to exploit its complex landscape, which cannot be navigated by anyone legally blind. From there, lawyers typically engage incorporation agents (if they cannot provide the service of company formation themselves) before managing the kleptocrats offshore affairs. This includes providing introductions to the financial community, specific investment opportunities such as real estate, and even political opportunities such as contacts with lobbying or public affairs professionals. Anti-corruption groups allege that the practice has become widespread within the American legal community. This was brought sharply to light in 2016, when twelve out of thirteen law firms approached by an undercover investigator for Global Witness were willing to discuss ways for an African kleptocrat to move money into the United States. ... Unscrupulous lawyers have become the primary accomplices of transnational kleptocrats. This is abundantly clear from the trickle of kleptocrats who have been brought to justice in the United States. In recent cases prosecuted by the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative of the Department of Justice, in which members of the American legal community played a key enabling role, the defendants included Pavlo Lazarenko, former Ukrainian prime minister; Chen Shui-bian, former president of Taiwan; and Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, current vice president of Equatorial Guinea. Legal services were their primary guides. The legal communitys services to kleptocrats sometimes extend far beyond advising them on their rights or conducting litigation. They often include business and investment advice; handling illicit funds in their clients trust accounts; setting up corporate entities or handling interactions with incorporation agents on their behalf; and introducing them to other professionals in the financial, lobbying, and public relations communities. The prevalence of such activities stems from lawyers longstanding omission from the extensiveif often ineffectiveAML requirements, which are based on affirmative reporting. This means that lawyers are not required to screen their clients or file suspicious activity reports in the same way, for example, as financial institutions though they often handle substantial client funds. In fact, attorney-client privilege can be asserted to protect information about the sources of customer funds pooled in Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTAs). Up to $400 billion runs through IOLTAs each year, almost all of it for entirely legitimate and productive reasonsbut the anonymity they afford has also made them ripe for abuse by all manner of financial criminals, including kleptocrats.3 The role of the legal community in facilitating transnational kleptocracy needs to be reassessed. Cases in which kleptocrats have been caught and prosecuted in the United States show that American legal professionals operate not merely as enablers, but also as force multipliers for kleptocrats economic and political influence within democratic societies. A dangerous minority of legal professionals has been abusing important legal protectionssuch as attorney-client privilegein order to use them as cover for illicit activity. These practices have made the legal community an importer of weaponized corruption into the United States. Once illicit funds have been laundered into the U.S. economy, they are not just stashed in luxury real estate. They also have the potential to be deployed in the service of bad actorsincluding to further the geopolitical ambitions of adversarial states like Russia. This has brought the legal profession in for intense criticism from activists campaigning against authoritarian kleptocracy across the world. When you look at Russian governmentconnected crime, said Bill Browder, the leading anti-Putin campaigner, even more insidious than the actual Russian criminals are the Western lawyers who are letting them cover up their crimes. These people werent brought up in the live-or-die criminal underworld of Russia but went to the same schools as us and should know better. What is strange is that, on the face of it, none of this should be happening. On paper, the legal community in the United States holds itself to the highest ethical standards. The American Bar Associations Model Code for Professional Responsibility goes as far as to say in its preamble: Lawyers, as guardians of the law, play a vital role in the preservation of society. The fulfilment of this role requires an understanding by lawyers of their relationship with and function in our legal system. A consequent obligation of lawyers is to maintain the highest standards of ethical conduct. However, even the most casual look at the networking between the legal community and authoritarians shows that the profession is falling short of these standards and neglecting its role. For years now the ABA has been downplaying the role of lawyers in money-laundering misconduct, claiming that voluntary anti-money laundering efforts are sufficient when its clear lawyers, like banks, should operate under mandatory AML requirements, said Elise Bean, a former staff director of the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, who conducted multiple money-laundering investigations. ... Policy Recommendations Congress should pass legislation requiring legal services providers to perform reasonable due diligence on prospective foreign clients.

Given the potential for abuse of attorney-client privilege, Congress should consider whether legal firms should continue to be able to combine business, lobbying, legal, and other functions.

Congress should also consider whether IOLTA accounts should be subject to the same anti-money laundering regulations as other financial products. Incorporation Services Though authoritarian kleptocracies differ from each other in their nature and in the quantity of funds they bring into the Western financial system, investigators from U.S. law enforcement are quick to point out that almost without exception, when they enter this system, they make use of anonymous shell companies. We consistently see bad actors using these entities to disguise the ownership of the dirty money derived from criminal conduct, Kendall Day, then acting deputy assistant attorney general of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, told a Congressional hearing in January 2018. Anonymous shell companies differ from other money-laundering vehicles such as front companies in that they are legal entities that grant the rights and privileges of a company to the owner without obligating the owner to perform any of the activities typically associated with a company. Usually they are deployed within a vast, complex network of other such companies that are legally located across multiple jurisdictions. This renders the true identity of the beneficiaries almost impossible to determine without heavy mobilization of resources, and it is why anonymous shell companies have been dubbed weapons of mass corruption by anti-corruption campaigners. The United States is currently the leading mass-producer of anonymous shell companies, generating 10 times more than 41 other jurisdictions identified as financial secrecy havens combined. Though some states require more information than others when a company is incorporated, none require full disclosure of the beneficial owners who ultimately control it. With a few exceptionsmost notably Delaware, which now supports the collection of beneficial ownership information by the U.S. Treasurya race to the bottom between some U.S. states is underway, as they become increasingly dependent on revenue generated by registration fees. The result is that it currently takes more information to obtain a library card in the U.S. than to create an anonymous shell company, a situation unmatched anywhere in the world except Kenya. The rest of the world is starting to crack down on secret and illicit finance while the United States continues to play banker to the worlds authoritarian kleptocrats, said Gary Kalman, executive director of the Financial Accountability and Corporate Transparency Coalition. Researcher Anat Admati calls this a crisis of the corporate form. The American company, historically intensely guarded, has become in her eyes bastardized, transformed into a tool that permits those with the resources to exploit it to evade financial liability and act with criminal impunity. This interpretation was largely validated by the 2014 Global Shell Games study, in which researchers approached incorporation agents for assistance in setting up anonymous shell companies while posing as money launderers, corrupt officials, and terrorist financiers. Despite the suspicious nature of their inquiries, it was incorporation agents based in the United States who proved the most willing to help and least anxious to ask questionsputting the U.S. behind traditional financial secrecy havens like the Cayman Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, or the British Virgin Islands. This state of affairs has led to widescale abuse of U.S. company incorporation, not only by kleptocrats from countries as diverse as Ukraine, Malaysia, and Equatorial Guinea, but also by terrorist groups such as Hezbollah and hostile regimes such as Venezuela and Iran. In fact, Iran somehow managed to purchase and lease out an entire skyscraper on New Yorks Fifth Avenue for 20 years without detection. The confluence of two factors has permitted this transformation in the use of American companies. One is the incorporation sectors omission from affirmative AML reporting requirements. The other is a powerful coalition of state and professional lobbies that resist the imposition of even a non-public beneficial ownership register available only to law enforcementthough this opposition is dwindling as the national security arguments in favor of such a register become more widely accepted. Policy Recommendations Congress should mandate the creation of a federally overseen register of beneficial ownership for companies and trusts.

Incorporation agents should be legally required to perform reasonable due diligence on prospective clients.

Penalties should be introduced for failure to carry out reasonable due diligence and/or for intentionally submitting misleading information to the beneficial ownership register. Financial Services Law enforcement breaks down money laundering into three stages: placement (moving illicit funds into the financial system), layering (concealing their origin), and integration (using the successfully laundered funds for purchases and investments). Whereas the legal community is essential for the placement and layering of kleptocrats illicit funds, financial services providers can be engaged to assist with integration. This is the point at which funds are set to workaccumulating value if securely stored in luxury real estate, generating profits if invested in Western business interests, acquiring influence if used for political or philanthropic donationsall the while multiplying the kleptocrats wealth into new sources of power. Unlike the legal community, however, most financial institutions are governed by the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) of 1970, which requires them to proactively report suspicious financial activity to the U.S. Treasury. ... Not all financial services providers are covered by this AML [Anti-Money-Laundering] framework, however: hedge funds, asset managers, and the directors of family offices, for example, are not subject to any affirmative reporting requirements. ... Kleptocrats, or their agents, will solicit financial services providers operating outside the U.S. AML regime not only to open bank accounts, provide financial advice, or transfer funds, but also to present them with investment platforms or opportunities or undertake deals on their behalf. [Full report continues with more details and recommendations on financial services, as well as on real estate services, lobbying and public relations services, and fintech and cryptocurrency services.] AfricaFocus Bulletin is an independent electronic publication providing reposted commentary and analysis on African issues, with a particular focus on U.S. and international policies. AfricaFocus Bulletin is edited by William Minter. AfricaFocus Bulletin can be reached at africafocus@igc.org. Please write to this address to suggest material for inclusion. For more information about reposted material, please contact directly the original source mentioned. For a full archive and other resources, see http://www.africafocus.org
For Subscribers Parents call for removal of books from school system libraries

Two of the books that have explicit content are "Lawn Boy," by Jonathan Evison, and "L8r, g8r," by Lauren Myracle.
Kurdish Parties in Iraq Have Hijacked Quota Seats for Assyrians and Yazidis

(AINA) -- The Assyrian Confederation of Europe (ACE), an umbrella organization for Assyrian federations throughout Europe, says it is deeply concerned with the parliamentary elections held yesterday in the northern Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government. The level of interference and corruption in the elections, especially for the Assyrians, was unprecedented.

Many, including leading Kurdish parties, expressed concern that holding parliamentary elections on September 30 would only deepen the social and political crisis in the region due to rigging and abuse of the electoral system.

For the smaller groups within the region, including the indigenous Assyrians and Yazidis, this election was even more disturbing. The quota system reserving parliamentary positions for these minorities has been completely and publicly hijacked by the larger Kurdish political parties, namely the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). The spirit of the system is to allow these minorities and indigenous groups to elect their own representatives. However, the leading Kurdish groups have targeted these seats by diverting votes to them, especially from their armed forces.

This has reached a brazen level where the interference is discussed openly in the Kurdish media by these larger Kurdish groups, who boast about having "their own Christian groups." Despite multiple requests and public demonstrations to go back to the 1992 system of respecting the rights of the minorities, noting has been done by the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) on this matter. This forced one Assyrian group, the Al-Nahrain List, which has one MP, to boycott the election after parliament failed to amend election laws, which would have stopped the larger parties from targeting the quota seats.

ACE are calling on European governmental and non-governmental institutions to voice their concerns and demand that the Iraqi Kurdistan regional government respect the rights of minorities and amend the election law immediately, and are asking that the KRG be held accountable should it fail to do so.
India recently launched a major national health reform to rapidly extend access to hospital care for 500 million poor and vulnerable people. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) aims to cover the costs of their inpatient care.

The scheme guarantees eligible families are covered for inpatient expenses of up to Rs 5 lakh per year. It will be implemented in conjunction with existing state insurance schemes, and most states and union territories have already got agreements with PMJAY. The scheme covers inpatient care received in either public or private hospitals, using a fixed price schedule.

The poor and vulnerable stand to benefit, and to do so significantly. Whether for a struggling farmer with an injury, a roadside fruit seller who has suffered a stroke, or a family whose child has life-threatening pneumonia, the PMJAY should increase the access and affordability of potentially life-saving hospital care. That is why PMJAY is a crucial part of the now well-known set of Ayushman Bharat reforms.

Another major component of the reforms, launched in April this year, is the extension of comprehensive primary health care. Existing subcentres are being upgraded to health and wellness centres across the country to deliver a wide range of services, including for maternal and child health and infectious diseases, but also for increasingly common conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. These centres are staffed by a new cadre of health workers and supplied with free essential medicines. This second reform is also large in scale: 150,000 health and wellness centres are due to be created over the next four years.

Together, these two reforms are expected to advance Indias pursuit of universal health coverage (UHC). This is a bold ambition to ensure all people can access quality health services when and where they need them, without suffering financial hardship, which is also one of the WHO South-East Asia Regions Flagship Priorities. The reforms are complemented by intensified action in public health programmes such as TB and immunisation. There is, of course, progress to build on. For example, the country has achieved a remarkable decline in maternal and child mortality through progressively increased health service coverage in recent years.

Major inequalities nevertheless remain, and millions of people across India are pushed into poverty because of out-of-pocket spending on health care  at least 4% of the population. That is precisely why the Ayushman Bharat reforms are so timely. Importantly, they are being rolled out simultaneously and fast. Since April, over 2000 health and wellness centres have become operational. From the day PMJAY was launched, almost half of all eligible families are now covered for hospital care. There is a commitment in the National Health Policy to raise the percentage of GDP allocated to health from 1.2% today to 2.5% by 2022 that should contribute towards the cost of the reforms.

Crucially, however, that money must also be spent wisely: there is good evidence that investment in frontline services is cost-effective  all the best buys WHO recommends can be delivered there. At the same time, this must be backed up by effective and affordable hospital care. During the reforms roll-out, special attention is needed to build confidence in and demand for the countrys upgraded primary care services, as well as ensure hospital care is accessed when required. If not, the bypassing of the primary care system will remain common, diluting the reforms expected benefits.

There will be many challenges during implementation. That is normal, and makes the need for real-time monitoring of implementation, and of progress against reform objectives, critical from the start. This will allow problems to be detected early on, thereby enhancing accountability, as well as facilitating course corrections where necessary to ensure the poor and vulnerable really do benefit.

That is an important point. The combined Ayushman Bharat reforms, with PMJAY the latest to be launched, are both timely and ambitious. They have immense potential, with everyone having a role to play in ensuring their success and demonstrating what can be achieved when vision and resolve are matched by effective implementation.

Poonam Khetrapal Singh is the Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia

The views expressed are personal
The messaging platform WhatsApp has finally announced a grievance officer to report fake and malicious information, which has kept India worried for some time now. Clueless while dealing with the violence resulting supposedly due to fake messages, the government had been reasoning with the massaging platform to do more to trace the origin of fake messages, which the Facebook-owned platform says it cant because the messages are encrypted.

WhatsApps reluctance in revealing to authorities the first senders name is understandable given the fact that privacy has become a major concern for users; though, in response to the governments repeated petitions, it has over last few weeks made it slightly difficult to forward content, started identifying forwarded messages, and now announced the appointment of a grievance officer for India to report on fake news.

Questions, however, remain unanswered.

One of the reasons why the Indian government insists on the appointment of a grievance officer is because it makes the company accountable to local laws. But, if the officer sits outside the jurisdiction of Indian laws, as is the case with WhatsApp, it defeats the purpose in a way.

It in fact flouts the Information Technology Act, 2000, that mandates intermediary companies like Facebook and Google to have a grievance officer in India, as well as an office in the country. Big companies have partly circumvented the IT Act  Facebooks grievance officer sits in Ireland, Alphabets in California, and now WhatsApps in California as well. (The Delhi High Court ruling ordered the companies to have a grievance officer as far back as 2013).

Appointing the grievance officer is certainly a step in right direction, but there are fundamental challenges ahead. For example, its not clear how far a grievance officer can help curb the menace of fake information in a country with a user base in excess of 200 million on WhatsApp  and more than 200 million on Facebook and 20 million on Twitter.

The officers action -- or flagging by an algorithm -- especially while dealing with contentious content, will attract divisive responses, and might raise the issue of freedom of speech and expression and censorship irrespective of the platform the content is hosted on. Because creating a distinction between fake news (or distinguishing even the degree of fakeness), doctored content, or inconvenient political, social and religious views will not be easy (has never been so)  misuse of techniques like photo, sound and video-editing, and now deepfake videos, otherwise great tools of communication, only complicates the process.

Additionally, these companies business and liabilities lay in the ways they are categorised. They are considered intermediaries, a categorisation which gives them the data to earn revenue but absolves them from editorial responsibilities the traditional publishers like newspapers have.

Now the questions is, if they are not responsible for the editorial content, how will they be relied upon to take, what could be categorised as, editorial calls to decide the contents worthiness. It gives the grievance officer and technology company too much unfettered power; the officers role will be tested in such cases. Precedence however warns us to be wary. In the past, to check abuse of their platforms, the social media platforms and other tech companies have mostly relied on reporting by users (who might have their own bias) to minimise their cost. The process does help moderators review the content but also brings in moderators biases. The grievance officer can, at least, create a balance between the two.

Though India has been slow to respond, for a lasting and fair solution, we need a collaborative effort that brings together all the stakeholders to make sense of feedback from users and general public. It needs the company to employ independent as well in-house fact-checkers. An awareness campaign in local languages about fake news is a must. Thats on technology front, but most importantly, it must be complemented with measures to enforce the rule of law on the ground -- social media platforms indeed have a role to play in dissemination of fake information, but they are not the sole culprit.

@nafsmanzer
US drugmaker Pfizer on Monday announced that chief executive Ian Read is stepping down, handing over to chief operating officer Albert Bourla on January 1.

Read will serve in future as executive chairman of Pfizers board of directors, the company said in a statement.

Its been an honour to serve as Pfizers CEO for the past eight years, Read said in the statement. However, now is the right time for a leadership change, and Albert is the right person to guide Pfizer through the coming era.

Pfizer, one of the worlds biggest drugs companies, reported earnings of USD 3.9 billion in the second quarter, up 26 per cent from the year-ago period. But like its rivals, Pfizer is contending with the expiry of patents on some of its blockbuster drugs, which has allowed generic drugmakers to offer cheaper alternatives.

This evolution had hit earnings to the tune of USD 23 billion during Reads time at the top, Pfizer said in its statement announcing the leadership change. But it said a strong pipeline of new products bequeathed by the outgoing CEO meant the company is now better positioned for success.

Bourla, 56, became chief operating officer at the start of this year after previously overseeing Pfizers Innovative Health unit. He said he was humbled and privileged to be unanimously appointed by the board as Reads successor.

This is a dynamic time for Pfizer, and I look forward to working with our colleagues to deliver critical medicines to patients all over the globe, which remains the compass for all we do at Pfizer, he said.
A decision on whether recently-elected Delhi University Student Union president Ankiv Baisoya will remain a student and continue to occupy the post is likely Monday when a Tamil Nadu universitys reply to DUs request to verify his graduation marksheets is expected.

The Congresss student wing National Students Union of India (NSUI), which alleged Baisoya, who belongs to RSS-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), submitted fake documents to get admission to the Masters in Buddhist Studies programme and had warned the Delhi University that it will approach the court if no action is taken on its complaint by Monday.

The NSUI last week circulated what they claimed was Baisoyas bachelors degree along with a letter from Tamil Nadus Thiruvalluvar University, claiming that it was a fake. The varsitys registrar V Peruvalluthi also confirmed that the certificate sent by the NSUI for verification was a fake.

Baisoya had termed the allegation as NSUIs propaganda but fuelled the controversy by being unable to recall the nature of the course he pursued at the Thiruvalluvar University. I studied many subjects including English but I do not remember the other subjects, he said.

The NSUI had submitted a complaint against Baisoya with the varsitys grievance redressal committee, which was later forwarded to the Buddhism department for an inquiry.

KT Sarao, head of the department of Buddhist Studies, said last week the department had conducted a meeting with the admission committee and found that a dozen complaints of similar nature were received against other students.

Besides Baisoyas case, we have received a dozen of complaints of the same nature against students studying in different courses at the department. We have decided to get all certificates verified as per the procedure in place at DU before transferring the matter to the police, he said.

The ABVP had bagged three out of four seats in the DU students union elections  president, vice-president and joint secretary. The NSUI had won the secretarys post.
A car robbery at gunpoint. A hot police pursuit. A tense standoff. Arrest of a wanted car jacker

In a scene straight out of a Bollywood flick, Delhi Police on Saturday afternoon chased two men, who had robbed a Toyota Fortuner car from Rohini Sector 9, for more than 20km before finally managing to nab one of them near Jaunti border near Kanjhawala.

According to Rajneesh Gupta, deputy commissioner of police (Rohini), the SUV belongs to the owner of a private school in Rohini. The incident took place when the school owners driver, Bhim Kumar Mishra, was driving the vehicle from his owners home in Pitampura to the school .

Mishra alleged that he was waiting at a signal in Rohini Sector 9 around 1.30 pm, when two men suddenly approached him, whipped out a gun and placed it on his forehead through the driver-side window, which was half open.

Before he could realise anything, one of the men then took over the wheel of the vehicle, while Mishra was pushed to the side seat. The second man then got in the rear seat and pulled Mishra to the back as they drove away, said the DCP.

It was then that Mishra started screaming for help. The robbers first wanted to shoot me dead. They later changed their mind and instead pushed me out of the car 300 metres ahead of the traffic signal, alleged Mishra in his police complaint.

After being pushed out, Mishra immediately called the police as well as his employer, who quickly reached the spot. A PCR van reached the spot and a probe was launched. Police said that the first thing they learnt was the presence of a GPS device in the SUV.

We immediately alerted all PCR vans and local police stations in the surrounding areas. The police check posts at the borders were also alerted, said the DCP.

Thereafter, the police control room began tracking and relaying the GPS location of the SUV to the policemen in the PCR van and a chase ensued through the busy roads of the city .

After 30 minutes of chasing the SUV, the vehicle was finally intercepted by a second PCR van near the Jaunti Border check post in Kanjhawala. The robbers then abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot in different directions.

Both the suspects were chased by our men on foot, but one of them managed to escape. The other man ran into an open field and pulled out a pistol to threaten the policemen away, alleged the DCP.

One of the policemen had to fire in the air to deter the robber from shooting. The suspect was then quickly overpowered and his pistol seized. The robbed SUV too was recovered from the spot.

The arrested suspect has been identified as 25-year-old Monu, a native of Sonepat. A father to two children, Monu has four previous cases of vehicle thefts registered against him in Haryana, police said. His accomplice who managed to flee has been identified, but is yet to be nabbed.

Seven policemen in PCR vans and on the ground coordinated among themselves to crack the crime within 30 minutes. They will be rewarded soon, said DCP Gupta.
Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari told the Supreme Court that he had broken the lock of a house sealed by municipal officers to pacify an agitated mob but stood his ground on allegations that he felt officials were arbitrarily sealing illegal structures.

The lawmaker from east Delhi faces a contempt petition after the SC-mandated monitoring committee told the court that Tiwari broke the locks of a dairy in his constituency on the grounds that it had been wrongly sealed by the committee.

The court had also taken exception to Manoj Tiwaris statement that the court-appointed sealing committee had failed to act against at least 1,000 unauthorised properties in the national capital.

In its oral observations, the court had asked him to come up with a list of these structures and said it could give him powers to seal unauthorised buildings.

In his affidavit filed today, the BJP MP said he could become the sealing officer to make the national capital a liveable and lawful place in four years. But for this to happen, he said the courts should dismiss or dissolve the monitoring committee supervising sealing drive.

He alleged corrupt officials of the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) were arbitrarily carrying out the courts orders to seal properties violating building laws.

Tiwari said he didnt mean to disrespect the court but was forced to do symbolic affirmative protest action against the illegal sealing action done by the EDMC Officials.

Tiwari, MP from northeast Delhi, said will Delhi become a liveable and lawful place in four years if court dissolved the monitoring committee set up on its orders to oversee sealing in Delhi.

The Delhi Police filed a complaint against Tiwari and the Supreme Court served him a contempt notice for breaking the lock at Gukulpur village of north-east Delhi as scores of people watched him and TV crews beamed his images.

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One more death due to diphtheria was reported at a civic hospital in north Delhi, taking the toll from the infection in the national Capital over the last month to 26, officials said on Sunday.

Over the last month, a total of 25 children have died due to diphtheria at North Delhi Municipal Corporation-run Maharishi Valmiki Infectious Diseases (MVID) Hospital, while one child died at the state-run Lok Nayak Hospital. Doctors said all these children were below the age of nine years.

Officials familiar with the cases said doctors found that the hearts, kidneys and nervous systems of children were not functioning properly when they were brought to the hospital.

The problem is that parents often misunderstand the disease as usual cough and cold and take medicines from a physician. Since the child has not been given diphtheria shots, with the passage of time, the toxin released from the bacteria starts hampering the functioning of kidney, heart and nervous system, said Dr Arun Yadav, director, hospital administration, North Delhi Municipal Corporation.

During the civic bodys house meeting last week, councillors said the primary reason for the rapidly increasing deaths was the delay in the procurement of life-saving diphtheria anti-toxins at MVID Hospital.

Doctors at MVID Hospitals, meanwhile, said, Lack of vaccination, partial vaccination, delay in proper treatment, misinformation and illiteracy are among the main reasons responsible for the increasing number of cases.

Delay in treatment

Doctors said that one thing common in most cases was that patients were coming in 7-8 days after showing symptoms, by which time toxins had already affected their heart and nerves. The anti-diphtheria serum does not work after that. If the child gets the anti-diphtheria serum in the first 3-4 days, then situation can easily be controlled. But after 7-8 days, the patients condition becomes critical, said Yadav.

Incomplete vaccination

Officials said that in several cases parents claimed their children had been immunised. A senior doctor said that these children got infected as they were not fully immunised. They must not have completed the course of vaccines. Also, during the rainy season, bacteria grow at a rapid speed which results in an increase in number of cases, doctors said.

Rapid spread

Unlike other diseases, diphtheria is highly contagious and spreads easily from one child to another, doctors said. If an infected child sneezes and micro-droplets of his sputum fall on any surface, they can infect other children that come in contact with them, said Yadav.

Officials from North MCD said most of the children who have died hail from western Uttar Pradesh, especially in and around Muzaffarnagar district, and parts of Haryana. Most of these kids come from the same region. It means there is a common trend somewhere. Most of the families said the children were not administered the vaccination. Last year, after getting similar cases from this region, we had written to the government to spread awareness there, a doctor at the MVIDS Hospital said.

The main concern is why were these children were not immunised. Under the Central governments Universal Immunisation Programme, all children below one year of age are supposed to get three doses of the Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis [DTP] vaccine, followed by two booster doses between 1-2 years and 5-6 years. This clearly did not happen, said Dr DK Seth, a physician, who is also a consultant for the civic body.

Seth added that the families of children who exhibit symptoms, especially in regions where deaths are being reported, must consult a doctor at the earliest. If a doctor checks the patients tonsil carefully then they should be able to see a white membrane, which is the diphtheria bacteria. It can be diagnosed easily, he added.
His seat belt tightly strapped to his body and his hands firmly on the steering wheel, Jai Kumar looks tense as he waits in a Maruti Ertiga at the Indira Gandhi International airport. Today, a mans life depends on his driving skills--he has to transport a beating heart from the airport to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) where a transplant is scheduled in an hour.

The Delhi Traffic Police have arranged a green corridor  a special route that will give Kumar an uninterrupted passage during the peak traffic hour in the morning. But still, there is no margin of error.

I have driven in a green corridor once before, but I cannot get rid of the fear of getting stuck in a traffic jam, says Kumar. The conversation is cut short midway as a doctor carrying a heart in an organ preservation box hurriedly emerges from the airport and paces towards the waiting vehicle.

The route is not very different from a VIP movement corridor  a familiar irritant in Delhi  but causes barely five minutes of inconvenience to other motorists along the route. Escorted by three police vans and four motorcycles  sirens blaring constantly and traffic officers on the way frantically waving aside obstructing vehiclesthe vehicle hits speeds of up to 100km per hour to cover a 14km journey in 12 minutes.

In the end, a patient undergoes a successful heart transplant.

Police officials escort a vehicle on a green corridor, traffic-free passage to transport organs, in Delhi. (Arvind Yadav/HT Photo)

This is no longer a rare occurrence in the National Capital Region (NCR). What began with a celebrated 32km journey in 29 minutes from a Gurgaon hospital to one in south Delhis Okhla in January 2015 has now become a regular way of saving lives.

Since January 2017, traffic police have arranged 44 green corridors in Delhi at an average of over two such trips every month. On each occasion, a life was saved, says Alok Kumar, joint commissioner of police (Delhi Traffic Police), proud of the fact that every green corridor has been managed successfully.

Kumar says that never has a request for a green corridor been turned down. We can arrange green corridors within 30 minutes of intimation. There is no margin for error, says Kumar.

These special corridors are necessary to transport organs such as hearts, livers, kidneys or eyes after harvesting them from a dying or brain-dead person to a patient in another hospital.

Time is of utmost importance in these transplants. A heart, for example, needs to be transplanted within four hours  the earlier the better, to improve the chances of success.

It takes six-seven minutes to harvest a heart. Another two, three minutes are lost in placing the organ in a bag and rushing it to the ambulance. Transplanting the heart into the receivers body takes 40-60 minutes. We have three hours for transporting the heart from one hospital to another, so we focus on saving time there, says Dr Kewal Krishan, director of heart transplants and ventricular assist devices at Max Super Speciality hospital.

Dr ZS Meharwal, director of cardiovascular surgery at Fort is Escorts Heart Institute, says the timing of the ambulance weigh son his minda she prepares totransplant the hear tina new body .I am relieved only after the heart actually beats inside the body after an hour or so after the transplant, but it is the movement of the organ from one hospital to another that occupies my mind until the heart is handed over to me, he says.

Every hospital with a facility to carry out a transplant has a dedicated team tasked with reducing this time. The organ could be moved from one hospital to another within in a city or could be intercity.

Police officials on a motorcyle and a car clear the way for an ambulance carrying a heart to AIIMS in Delhi. (Arvind Yadav/HT Photo)

Saurabh Chaturvedi, who manages these tasks for Fortis Hospital, says he has easy access to Delhis top traffic police officers. He has had the traffic police arrange a green corridor by just intimating them through WhatsApp. I have never encountered red-tapism, Chaturvedi says.

Police say they finalise a route the moment they are alerted. We look for the shortest possible route, but have two other routes as backup. We then consult the traffic inspectors on all the three routes to know the status of traffic, says joint commissioner Kumar. Thereafter, cranes are stationed on all the three routes to tow away other vehicles that may break down on the path.

The next step is to rope in traffic officers at all the junctions along the three routes. At least three officers are deployed at every traffic junction on the three chosen routes, says Kumar. Through the wireless system, the traffic inspectors accompanying the organ constantly relay the live location of the vehicle carrying the organ.

Unlike VIP routes, an ambulance in a green corridor moves alongside public vehicles. When the ambulance is supposed to pass through a junction, the police switch to manually managing the traffic signals. We manually stop the traffic on perpendicular roads and provide a free passage for the ambulance along the entire route. So disruptions are never for more than five minutes at any junction, says Kumar.

The cavalcade includes the ambulance or a Special Utility Vehicle (SUV) carrying the organ, three police vans and four motorcycles. One van sanitises the route less than five minutes before the ambulance is to pass through. The other police vehicles accompany the ambulance to prevent vehicles from venturing into the ambulances lane.

The ambulances  which can hit speeds of up to 120kmphusually travel on the right lane which is cleared seconds in advance by the police vehicles ahead.

Alkesh Kumar, an ambulance driver who has driven three such trips, says his only focus is on following the police van. There is no need to look at the speedometer, but we often cross the 100 kmph speed mark, says Alkesh.

There were occasions when Alkesh had his heart in his mouth. I once remember getting stuck in Ber Sarai (south Delhi) for two-three minutes. I feared we would lose a life, but the police miraculously cleared the way, recounts Alkesh.

The police vans guiding the ambulance are driven by some of the most skilled drivers in traffic police. I can negotiate a sharp turn at the speed of 70kmph. The instruction for me is simple  every moment matters, says a traffic policeman who undertaken half-a-dozen such trips.

The entire journey is video recorded by two policemen. According to Kumar, this is to take lessons for the future and to identify any motorists who may not give way .Though the Motor VehiclesAct has a provision for a fine of R2,000 for those who obstruct an ambulance, we do not prosecute any of them. Instead, we rely on people s sensitivity , says Kumar.

In the last four years, there have been only 10 prosecutions in Delhi for obstructing an ambulance, all of them in 2015. None of them were in the green corridors.

Rupali Choudhary, whose 41-year-old husband had to undergo a heart transplant in Sakets Max hospital on May 18, was worried about motorists response. It took only 11 minutes for the heart to travel 13 kilometres from the airport to the hospital on a Friday evening. It only meant that there were plenty of motorists willing to go through a little inconvenience to save a life, says Choudhary.

Another woman whose 53-year-old mother had to undergo a heart transplant at Fortis hospital in June feared that the organ would be stuck in a jam from the airport at 5pm.

I did not want to leave things to chance and tweeted to the Delhi Traffic Police to seek their help. They replied that they had already prepared a green corridor. It felt as if I had been given a new heart, says the woman, who asked not to be named.

But the green corridors have not been without their own tense moments. While moving a heart from Max hospital in Shalimar Bagh to Saket in February last year, the ambulance found itself stuck in a long jam near Dhaula Kuan.

Dr Krishan, who was accompanying the heart on that journey, says that the traffic police swiftly cleared a 1.5km stretch of road on the opposite carriageway to take the ambulance through the wrong side. That stretch cost us 20 minutes, but we were still able to cover the 30km distance in 42 minutes, says the doctor.
A self-styled godman and his woman secretary have been arrested for allegedly raping a 24-year-old private school teacher at his ashram in west Delhis Janakpuri in July, police said on Sunday.

While the alleged godman, 40-year-old Hari Narayan, allegedly raped the woman after spiking her food, his secretary too assisted him in the crime and touched the woman inappropriately, Monika Bhardwaj, deputy commissioner of police (west), said.

The police have also arrested the victims female colleague for allegedly luring her to the ashram. The colleague was also present at the crime scene, said the DCP.

Police said the woman, a Uttar Pradesh resident, works at a private school. When the woman shared some of her personal problems with her colleague, she advised her to go through a spiritual healing experience at an ashram in Janakpuri, said an investigator.

Claiming that she too had been healed miraculously, the colleague allegedly recommended visiting Hari Narayan who runs a small spiritual centre named Aadya Param Yog Peeth in Janakpuri.

The woman and her colleague visited the Ashram on July 10. Prior to that, the colleague had allegedly instructed her to eat only fruits for detoxification.

At the ashram, the duo was greeted by 38-year-old Sakshi, who had been working as Narayans secretary for the last four years. Before the woman could meet Narayan, his secretary drew her into hours-long conversations, leaving her physically and mentally drained, said an investigator quoting the victim.

The woman wanted to return home without meeting Narayan but was allegedly convinced by her colleague and the secretary to stay back at the ashram for the night.

The healingwhich began with the woman being asked to bathe and have dinner, which, she alleged, was laced with sedatives -- started at 8.30pm. Thereafter, Narayan allegedly raped the woman in front of the secretary and the colleague.

According to the DCP, the woman wasnt sure how to react to the offence until a week ago when she decided to write an email to the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW). The DCW officials helped the woman approach police following which a case of rape and criminal conspiracy was registered at Janakpuri police station on Friday.

The DCP said Narayan was arrested from Haldwani in Uttarakhand and the two women were arrested from Delhi on Sunday.
Resolving the jobs question is central to Indias future prosperity and stability. For an economy as large and diverse as India, a successful resolution of the employment challenge is impossible without confronting deeper socio-economic questions. Technocratic, political and philosophical approaches have to be complements, not substitutes in this process. Unfortunately, the opposite holds true in reality.

Big-ticket manufacturing is seen as the panacea for reducing unemployment. But this sector is also witnessing increasing contract-based work, which is adding to the squeeze on workers earnings and quality of jobs. We rightfully celebrate the rise in educational enrolment in the country. But lack of comprehensive knowledge about the quality of education which has accompanied this rise in enrolment, also makes us circumspect about the future gains from this achievement. Faster environmental clearances are seen to be business, and hence, employment friendly. These short term gains might come at the cost of long-term sustainability. Agitations demanding reservations have proliferated across the country. Posturing about such agitations is driven more by sectarian interests than principles. Political parties repeatedly commit themselves to safeguarding reservations in government, yet any discussion on private sector reservations continues to be a taboo in the mainstream political discourse.

The solution to these multiple and often conflicting constraints vis-a-vis the employment challenge is not to become cynical or brazen. What India needs is an honest long-term policy framework which tries to do justice to all these concerns.

As is obvious, we need to first start asking the right questions before trying to find answers to them. To say that the present discourse on employment falls short is an understatement.

Azim Premji Universitys initiative of launching an annual State of Working India report is a laudable effort to fill this void. The inaugural report, which was launched last week, gives a lucid yet informed summary of the Indian labour market. Chapter titles (who is looking for work, where is the work, how good is the work and who does the work) are a testimony to the quality of discussion. And not all of it is descriptive stats. The report has a central message: Gandhi and Ambedkar must meet Kuznets and Lewis (the last two are celebrated development economists) to solve Indias employment challenge. Gandhi stands for environmental sustainability, Ambedkar for social justice, Kuznets for the labour force shifting from farm to non-farm jobs and Lewis for a shift from less productive to more productive sectors.
Few issues in India bring together history, politics, faith, law, public emotions, and inter-communal relations as the issue of the Babri Masjid-Ram Temple. The Supreme Court has decided that there is no need to refer to a larger bench the question of whether mosque was integral to Islam. Instead, the title suit, on the land dispute, will proceed from October 29. What this means is that the new Chief Justice, Ranjan Gogoi, will first constitute a three-member bench on the case, and, by the end of this month, the arguments will kick off. And then depending on how quickly the bench wants to proceed, the case will head towards closure.

The court will confine itself to the question of the land. But this case is intensely political. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, has made it clear that this is a question of the faith of millions. The very fact that the case will be discussed in the court, and in the public sphere, brings the issue back into the discourse in the run up to the 2019 elections. A favourable verdict will, undoubtedly, help the BJP in the crucial state of UP  where it potentially confronts a united opposition. The Congress, which has, to quell the charges of minority appeasement, made a conscious attempt to show that it is as Hindu as the BJP over the past few years, has said it will respect the verdict.

But the political class must be careful whichever way the verdict goes. The destruction of the Babri Masjid in 1992 remains a dark spot in Indian history. The riots it spawned across cities represented a breakdown of trust between communities and an abysmal failure of the law and order machinery. India cannot afford political mobilisation based on religious faith, which, in turn, is based on challenging the faith of another community. All parties and communities will and must respect the judicial verdict. But this must be done in the spirit of reconciliation, not triumphalism; it must be done with gestures which enhance the sense of belongingness of the other faiths, and not enhance the sense of exclusion; and it must be done with the law of the land held supreme. As the government of the day, and as the party which has been at the forefront of the issue, the BJP has a special responsibility to navigate India through this critical case, with statesmanship and not partisanship.
Telangana state level police recruitment board will release the preliminary answer key of the examination to recruit Stipendiary Cadet Trainee (SCT) Police Constable (PC) civil and some other equivalent posts within a few days. The preliminary written test (PWT) to fill 16,925 tentative vacancies was conducted on September 30 from 10am to 1pm.

The PWT to recruit SCT Police Constable civil and some other equivalent posts was at 966 exam centres located in 40 places in Telangana. Out of 4,79,158 candidates who registered for the exam 4,49,584 (93.95 %) appeared in the written test.

Candidates who have appeared in the exam can check the answer key after its release at www.tslprb.in.

Candidates will be given three days to raise objections, if any, against the preliminary key for each question individually in the web template made available to them in their respective accounts. Every individual (question) objection, has to be submitted separately, by mentioning the details in the given proforma. Objections with insufficient information will not be considered. No manual representations will be entertained in this regard.

The PWT was of three hours duration and carried a maximum of 200 marks. The exam was objective in nature and of intermediate standard. The questions were to test candidates knowledge of English, arithmetic, general science, history of India, Indian culture, Indian national movement, Indian geography, polity and economy, Current events of national and international importance, Test of reasoning / mental ability, contents pertaining to the state of Telangana.

The minimum marks to be secured by the candidates in order to qualify in the Preliminary Written Test is 40% for OCs, 35% for BCs and 30% for SCs / STs / Ex-Servicemen.
The rescue team led by subdivisional magistrate (SDM) Keylong Amar Singh Negi on Monday rescued 21 people including a 12-member team of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) from Chhattru on Chandertal trek in Lahaul-Spiti district. Rescued persons also included seven policemen who were earlier deployed in the area.

Negi said that they have been taken to Koksar and will arrive in Manali by road.

In one of the longest and largest rescue operations of its kind in the state, teams of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), police and mountaineering experts evacuated more than 4,800 people, mostly tourists, who were stranded at various locations in the Himalayas due to heavy snowfall.

The IAF had deployed five helicopters which airlifted around 250 people from 16,020-feet Baralacha La, Chhatru, Chhota Dara, Rohtang and other remote locations.

A simultaneous ground level rescue operation was carried out by the BRO, Indian Army and state police through Rohtang Tunnel.

Aerial rescue operation was officially closed on September 29, while some ground rescue teams are still in the valley to evacuate people.

Early snowfall in the higher reaches, cloudburst and heavy rains snapped several road links from September 22 to 24. Kullu and Lahaul and Spiti districts were the worst affected.

Heavy snowfall on Rohtang Pass (13,050 ft) had cut off the Lahaul and Spiti valleys, affecting a large number of tourists and hampering the water and electricity supply. Tourists were stranded in remote locations as Lahaul and Spitit valley was buried under four to five feet snow.

This was the worst snowfall in Lahaul-Spiti in nearly six decades.

Around 90% apple crop has been damaged in the valley besides a huge loss to road and electricity infrastructure.

Rohtang Pass reopens for traffic

The 13,050-feet high Rohtang Pass on Manali-Leh highway, which was closed for over a week due to heavy snowfall, reopened for tourists on Monday after the completion of snow-clearing operation.

Rohtang Pass was opened for traffic on Monday afternoon, Colonel AK Awasthi, Commander, 38 Border Roads Task Force said.

The strategic highway was closed due to early snowfall on higher from September 22 to 24.

Earlier, the BRO had opened the 16,020-feet high Baralacha La for traffic on Sunday.
As many as 235 ex-prisoners were offered jobs at a Telangana prisons department recruitment drive.Flipkart, Karvy and HDFC were among the companies who participated in the drive organised at the State Institute of Correctional Administration office in Hyderabad Saturday.

The ex-prisoners were hired as computer operators, marketing executives, delivery boys, security guards, carpenters, electricians, accountants, medical attendants, detective agents and construction workers.

We have identified over 1,000 jobs offering salaries ranging from Rs 8,000 to Rs 18,000 per month. Depending on the skills and eligibility, many will get jobs..., inspector general (prisons) Akula Narasimha said.

Narasimha said the ex-prisoners were trained in various crafts and counselled while serving their jail terms.

Some of the convicts are also being employed at petrol pumps, canteens, food outlets and prison stores even as they are still serving their imprisonment. We have also requested the central undertakings such as oil companies to conduct recruitment drives in the prisons, he added.

Papineni Sudheer Kumar, 48, who was recently released after serving a life term in a murder case, is among those recruited. He said he wanted a drivers job, preferably in Khammam, where his wife works at a petrol pump. My daughter is studying in Class 12 there.

K Koteshwar Rao, also from Khammam, had applied for a record assistant job at a hospital or a medical agency. He had a similar job before he was jailed in a murder case in 2011. ... I want to lead a normal life.

K Ashwini, 27, who graduated while in prison, said she had been implicated in a cheating case. I am looking for a job as an office assistant, as I have enough experience of handling office matters..., she said.

K Rajesh, who represented a job consultancy service, said he hoped to recruit at least 15-20 people.

Lanka Ramana, HR head of G4S Security Solutions, said he wanted to recruit 50-60 security guards.

Almost all the companies offered various benefits like insurance, provident fund and bonus facilities, besides salaries.
Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Monday kicked off his six-day official visit to Russia with an aim to enhance military cooperation between the two sides, army officials familiar with the matter said.

The visit comes against the backdrop of New Delhi exploring ways to bypass US sanctions against Moscow so as to sustain defence trade with Indias top arms supplier. Rawats tour coincides with the annual India-Russia summit, which is scheduled to be held in New Delhi from October 4 to 5.

The visit is yet another milestone in giving impetus to the strategic partnership between India and Russia and taking forward the military-to-military cooperation to the next level, an army spokesperson said.

During his visit, Rawat will interact with top Russian military officials and visit key defence establishments, including the Mikhailovskaya Artillery Academy, Headquarters of Western Military District, officials familiar with his itinerary said. The army chief would also lay a wreath at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier during his visit to the Russian Western Military District and deliver a lecture at the Russian General Staff Academy.

In July, Rawat had told HT that it was critical for India to find ways to bypass American sanctions against Russia, given that Russian-origin weaponry is used in large scale by the Indian armed forces. We have to pursue own national interests and see whats good for us..., he had said.

India is in talks with the US to secure a sanctions waiver as its military is heavily dependent on Russian equipment, which accounted for 62% of Indias arms imports during 201317.
The Samajwadi Party (SP) is looking to impose new conditions on the Congress for a crucial Opposition alliance in Uttar Pradesh ahead of next years Lok Sabha elections, even as senior leaders from both sides are in touch to hammer out differences.

On Sunday, senior SP leaders indicated that the partys rank and file wants seats from the Congress in the assembly poll-bound states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh in exchange for a pact in UP, where the party already has an alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). After fighting against each other in these states, an alliance only for UP would look absurd, SP general secretary Kiranmay Nanda told HT on Sunday.

HT had reported on June 6 that the SP wants to spread its wings in three other Hindi-belt states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. Assembly polls in these three states are due next month.

Earlier the BSP, too, demanded a pan-India pact with the Congress as the two sides were negotiating alliances in the poll-bound states. Party chief Mayawati eventually picked Ajit Jogis Janata Congress Chhattisgarh over the Congress in Chhattisgarh, and has announced candidates for 22 seats in Madhya Pradesh. Congress leaders, however, have not given up hopes of a wider alliance with the BSP.

Leaders from the SP and the Congress also maintain that they are hoping to hammer out a deal in the coming weeks.

In mid-September, senior leaders from the Congress and the SP met to discuss the modalities of a possible alliance. A Congress functionary said that the talks did not yield desired result as the SP is wary about the caste equations and distribution of seats.

Another senior Congress leader added that party president Rahul Gandhi and senior party leaders such as Ghulam Nabi Azad and Salman Khurshid have been discussing the modalities of an SP-BSP-Congress pact in the countrys most populous state.

Talking to reporters in Madhya Pradeshs Shahdol on Saturday evening, former UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, who has replaced his father Mulayam Singh as the party chief, put the onus of stitching together a deal on the Congress. It is the responsibility of the Congress to see how the people with similar ideology can come together.

On Sunday, Nanda said that the SP has as a strong foothold in some areas of the poll-bound states. If you (Congress) want unity, it has to be other states too where we want to have a share in the alliance. Unity cant be a one-way traffic that will happen on in UP at the convenience of the Congress, he quipped.

Senior Congress leader PL Punia said that the Congress wants to bring together all Opposition parties to fight against the BJP. But it doesnt mean that if we are left alone, we are a spent force. Please remember, that in 2009 Congress didnt have any alliance yet managed to win 23 seats while the SP won 21 and BSP got 20 seats, he said. Punia, a Rajya Sabha MP from UP, is looking after Chhattisgarh affairs for the party.

Another senior Congress functionary, who asked not to be named, added: What SP leaders are saying is nothing but posturing amid talks. These issues will finally have no reflection when the parties decide to go for an alliance.

Neelanjan Sircar of the Centre for Policy Research said a tie-up in other states may help the SP. As the Samajwadi Party cares only about Uttar Pradesh, they dont care much about Congress. Their strength in UP, however, has given them a big bargaining chip with Congress. A tie-up in other states may help the SP get a few more seats. On the other hand, they dont have much to lose if Congress doesnt have an alliance with them in UP, he said.
Assam will deport seven Myanmar nationals who have been in detention in Silchar in Cachar District of Barak Valley even as the UNHCR, the UN refugee agency which has been doing refugee status determination of the Rohingya in the country, said it has requested access to this group of people to ascertain their needs of international protection and is awaiting a response from the authorities.

The seven were apprehended in 2012 and have been in detention after they completed their sentence, according to officials. While most officials remained tight-lipped over their ethnicity, an official of Silchar Central Jail, where the seven are in detention said on condition of anonymity that they are Rohingya Muslims.

Meanwhile, an application has been moved in the Supreme Court which is hearing a public interest litigation against deportation of Rohingyas against the decision to deport these seven persons. The Centre has asked the states to identity Rohingya 'illegal immigrants' for deportation.

Officials of the Border Organisation of the Assam Police which deals with detection of foreigners said the seven persons will be sent back via Moreh in Manipur on October 4. It is a routine process. We sent back a Pakistani, an Afghan and 52 Bangladeshis recently, said Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, additional director general, Border Organisation.

Documents available with HT show the seven were arrested on July 29, 2012, for violating the Foreigners Act. The document shows their address in District Faida. There is no such district in Myanmar. The Myanmar government has verified their addresses. I cannot reveal which district or state they will be going to, said Rakesh Roushan, Cachar SP.

UNHCR said it has credible information that the seven in detention include potential Rohingya. UNHCRs view is that the current conditions in Rakhine State in Myanmar are not conducive for safe, dignified and sustainable returns for Rohingya. This has also been affirmed by the Government of India, the agency said in a statement responding to queries.
Attempts to sway election outcomes by manipulating voters through technological interventions have emerged as the biggest challenge for the electoral process, OP Rawat, the chief election commissioner, has said.

The head of the Election Commission (EC), which is prepping for the elections in five states and the general elections next year, said the panel is bracing to tackle the challenge but admits at not being equipped with the wherewithal to do so.

In an interview to HT, Rawat says that political leaders have moved from bribing voters with money or freebies to handing out cash, to parties seeking the help of big data companies for analysis and targeted communication on social media to spin elections.

Instead of direct bribing of voters, it is now moving to technology and big data firms and services like targeted communication on social media and analysis on where to focus so as to tilt the voting behaviour in a partys favourAll these sophisticated techniques, which may cost a bomb, are being resorted to, Rawat said.

Concerns about data harvesting by companies were set off after social media giant Facebook and Cambridge Analytica were accused of misusing personal data of tens of millions people to try and influence the outcome of the 2016 US presidential election and the Brexit vote in the UK.

Following these allegations, the EC reviewed their ties with the social media platforms that were being used to publicise the panels outreach to enrol voters.

Rawat says that while the EC has strengthened mechanisms to prevent distribution of cash and freebies during elections, it will need to brainstorm to come up with imaginative steps to counter data mining and misuse.

From directly being given to the voters, money is now being given into the hands of these firms who are trying to manipulate the margins to change the election outcomes in favour of the client. Since the election commission does not have any wherewithal to monitor all this effectively and nail them, we have to depend on complaints, Rawat said.

He also says that in view of severe surveillance by EC through flying squads and other checking mechanism, political parties are relying on innovative and different ways to influence voters.

We have seen over the years that everything starts much earlier. When they know elections are only four to five months ahead, things start moving, such as cash is moved to vantage positions and people are tasked to distribute it to prospective voters who are ready to jump onto the bandwagon, he said.

The election commissions proposal to make bribery during elections a cognisable offence has been turned down by the Supreme Court; but using its plenary powers, EC countermanded elections in three constituencies in Tamil Nadu.

In the 2017 bypoll in RK Nagar assembly constituency, which fell vacant after the death of chief minister J Jayalalithaa, was cancelled after EC found evidence of bribery; earlier it countermanded election in Thanjavur and Aravakurichi, after huge sums of money were seized by poll officials.

Data manipulation is a major problem as there are serious issues about authenticity of electoral rolls. At the same time, social media has emerged as an issue too. What has to be underscored is that other issues such as criminalization continue to be a task, and Supreme Court order is of no help. Money power is another issue. Due to electoral bonds the opacity of political funding has increased too so the Election Commissions task has become far more complex now, said Jagdeep Chhokar from Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday attacked the Congress and its senior leader Shashi Tharoor for criticising external affair minister Sushma Swarajs recent speech at the United Nations General Assembly, stating that the Opposition party, in its bid to corner the ruling party, was hurting the countrys interests.

Tharoor had described Sushmas speech as disappointing and said it was aimed at only appeasing the ruling partys voters. Today, (Rahul) Gandhis Congress has lost the moral right to claim the legacy of Mahatma Gandhis Congress, BJP spokesman Sudhanshu Trivedi said at a press conference. We would want Gandhi to apologise for Tharoors remarks.

However, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala was quick to target the BJP. For those in power, (Mahatma) Gandhis thought is just a lip service. Those in power murder Gandhis thought. They swear by Gandhi only for optics and photo-op, he said in Wardha.

In her UNGA speech, Swaraj had said India had made many efforts to hold talks with Pakistan and the only reason New Delhi has called off dialogue is because of Islamabads behaviour

Swarajs speech at the UNGA was Indias statement and not that of any political party, Trivedi said. Entire nation wants India to talk tough against Pakistan. Which force in the country wants India to take a soft line towards Pakistan?

Trivedi said Pakistan questioned the surgical strikes conducted by the India army and Rahul Gandhi, too, asked for proof. Mahatma Gandhi spoke of Ram Rajya and the Congress government in an affidavit before the Supreme Court in 2007 questioned the existence of lord Ram, Trivedi said. Facts show that Congress is seen doing a jugalbandi with Pakistan, he said. There is not a single Congress leader, other than Lala Lajpat Rai, who went to jail, got injured or was hanged during the freedom struggle. The Congress claim of monopoly over freedom movement needs to be revisited.
Five days after she was attacked twice allegedly by ruling Trinamool Congress members, a woman supporter of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) moved a local court in Barasat near Kolkata on Monday and said the police were reluctant to register her complaint.

Nilima Dey Sarkar, 48, said the police who watched her being attacked, were yet to take any step against those who had beaten her. District police chief C Sudhakar did not respond to queries.

On September 26, the day when BJP called a Bengal bandh to protest against the alleged police firing in Islampur a week ago, Sarkar was kicked and thrown to the ground twice in the space of 15 minutes.

While policemen were present in the first occasion, TV cameras were rolling in the second instance.

The incidents took place between 7:30 am and 7:45 am at Barasat rail crossing, about 26 km from Kolkata, where the saffron party workers were blocking rail tracks.

I was kicked by Arshaduzzaman, who is a local panchayat leader. Within a few minutes, one of the ruling party workers who were out in the streets to oppose the bandh, hit me on the head with a stick and threw me on the ground, said Nilima Dey Sarkar.

She alleged Arshaduzzaman turned towards her when she tried to save Prasenjit Bhattacharya, a party worker, who was being allegedly beaten up by Trinamool workers.

I was attacked for the second time when some TV journalists present at the spot asked me about the assault, she said on Monday.

She alleged that the police did not take any steps after her husband Prasad Chandra Dey Sarkar, a retired school teacher, and a few BJP workers lodged a complaint with the office of the superintendent of police on September 27.

Video clips of the two attacks have been widely shared on social media but Trinamool Congress leaders are yet to condemn the incident.

Unless I get the entire information, I cant make any comment. If necessary, we will issue a statement later, state food minister Jyotipriyo Mullick, who is also the North 24 Parganas district president of Bengals ruling party, said on Monday.

We have filed a petition with the court in Barasat. We will pursue this matter till the end, said the victims husband Prasad Chandra Dey Sarkar.

Dey Sarkar was taken to Barasat district hospital after the twin assaults. She was released the next day after X-ray and CT scans were conducted. The doctor administered five injections and gave me a heavy dose of painkillers, she said.

Her husband said that she may have to be admitted to hospital once again. She is complaining of persistent pain in the head. Her hands are swollen too, he claimed.

She has left her home and has been staying with a relative since the attack.

The North 24 Parganas district is politically crucial for both the ruling party and challenge BJP. With more than 10 million population (2011 census), it is one of the largest districts in the country and accounts for 32 Assembly constituencies.

The BJP has often accused the TMC of running a goonda raj while the ruling party says the saffron outfit deliberately creates trouble to suit its own narrative.
The Delhi high court set activist Gautam Navlakha free on Monday as it set aside his transit remand order issued by a trial court. The development came days after the Supreme Court refused to set up an special investigation team (SIT) over the arrest of Navlakha and four other activists in connection with the violence in Bhima Koregaon.

Pointing out glaring lapses in the transit order passed by the chief metropolitan magistrate on August 28, a bench of justices S Muralidhar and Vinod Goel quashed the transit remand order holding that it was unsustainable and there was non-compliance with the basic requirements of law and the Constitution that are mandatory in nature.

With there being several non-compliances of the mandatory requirement of Article 22 (1), Article 22 (2) of the Constitution and Section 167 read with Section 57 and 41 (1) (ba) of the Cr PC, which are mandatory in nature, it is obvious to this Court that the order passed by the learned CMM on 28th August, 2018 granting transit remand to the Petitioner is unsustainable in law.

The said order is accordingly hereby set aside, the court said in its 26-page order.

The bench also ended the house arrest of Navlakha stating that his detention had exceeded 24 hours, which is untenable because the transit remand order has been set aside.

In view of the section 56 read with section 57 of the CrPC, in absence of remand order, the detention of the petitioner which has exceeded 24 hours is again untenable in law. Consequently the house arrest of the petitioner comes to an end now, the court said in its oral order.

Reacting to this development, Navlakha thanked the high court and said he was thrilled to no end.

He said he had no grudge as the period of house arrest was put to good use, despite restrictions.

The bench said the magistrate granting the transit remand is required to apply his mind to ensure that there exists material in the form of entries in the case diary that justifies the prayer for transit remand.

Navlakha and four others  Sudha Bharadwaj, Varavara Rao, Arun Ferreira and Vernon Gonsalves  were arrested in a nationwide crackdown on August 28 over alleged Maoist links. The raids were part of a probe into a conclave, Elgar Parishad, held in Bhima Koregaon near Pune on December 31, 2017 that allegedly triggered violence the very next day.

The departure from the mandatory requirement of the Constitution and the CrPC ought not to be lightly countenanced. In the present case for instance the FIR having been registered in January 2018, there was sufficient time available with the Maharashtra Police to anticipate the legal requirement and comply with it, the bench said.

The high court struck down a request by the counsel for the Maharashtra government seeking to extend the house arrest till Wednesday. It said such a submission overlooks the fact that the apex court had given time to the arrested persons to avail various legal remedies under the law.

Navlakhas counsel informed the court that her client was not even explained the grounds of arrest, neither was he given a formal intimation.

Accepting this submission, the court said that under the provisions of Article 22 (1) of the constitution, the arrested person has to be informed of the grounds of such arrest, which was not done.

The mere intimation of the arrest to the partner/friend of the arrested person does not satisfy the requirement of law, the court said.
The Union government has asked states to identify Rohingyas, take their biometric details and send them to it, Union home minister Rajnath Singh said in Kolkata during his visit to the city to attend the 23rd meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council on Monday, describing efforts to crack down on illegal immigrants.

Advisories have been issued to states. They need to identify the Rohingyas, take their biometrics and send us a report. The Centre will initiate action through diplomatic channels with Myanmar and get it resolved, Singh added.

Singh has previously described the Rohingyas as illegal immigrants and asked other parties not to politicise the governments efforts to identify them. He told BJP workers last week that the Rohingyas had ended up as far as Kerala.

New Delhi has refused the recognise the Rohingyas from Myanmar as refugees and wants to crack down on their presence and spread across India. West Bengals Trinamool Congress government has welcomed them though. Last year, West Bengal chief minister Mamta Banerjee said she supported the United Nations request of helping the Rohingyas. Last month, the then Border Security Force Director General KK Sharma had said West Bengal was slightly friendly the Rohingyas.

The BSF has refused to speak on the biometric initiative as it has to be implemented by the state governments.

Interestingly, Banerjee was present at the meeting with Singh at the state secretariat. Others present were Jharkhand chief minister Raghubar Das, Bihars deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi and Odisha finance minister Sashi Bhusan Behera.

On September 14, Mamata Banerjee expressed support for the Rohingyas and had tweeted: We do support the @UN appeal to help the Rohingya people. We believe that all commoners are not terrorists. We are really concerned.

Senior lawyer Colin Gonsalves, who is representing one of the Rohingya groups that have moved the Supreme Court against the governments deportation plans, criticised Singhs l announcement. The government is treating Rohingyas, who are victims of genocide according to the United Nations, as if they are criminals. It is making plans to return them at a time when the UN has strongly criticised the premature attempts to send them back since it is neither safe nor is there enough land to rehabilitate them in Myanmar, he said.

Ranjit Sur, vice president of Association for Protection of Democratic Rights, Bengals largest human rights organisation, said: The Centres approach is inhuman. This may lead to arbitrary collection of biometric data from Muslims. Also, sending back Rohingyas to Myanmar is likely to endanger their lives. They left their country because they felt insecure. We will oppose such initiatives.
Jason Haeseler remembers waiting in the hospital, hoping his daughter would be all right after surgery to fix her congenital heart defect.

He and his wife could afford to help their child, but there were families in the waiting room alongside him who couldnt.

Less than a decade later, Haeseler stood in front of a room of about 70 people and said his No. 1 priority if elected to the Florida House of Representatives is to expand Medicaid.

The Alachua County League of Women Voters hosted the General Election Candidate forum Sunday at LifeSouth Community Blood Center on Newberry Road.

County Commission District 2 candidates Libertarian Gregory Caudill, Independent Scott Costello, and Democrat Marihelen Wheeler, started off the forum.

Candidates were asked if they supported the half-cent sales tax, which would raise money for public schools, or the Childrens Trust, a board that oversees funding for childrens programs. While Costello and Wheeler support both,

Caudill said he doesnt support the Childrens Trust because of the wording. He said there are no clear goals and he doesnt agree with how the board is set up.

Were taking money away from taxpayers and moving it to people who dont answer to taxpayers, he said.

For the House of Representatives portion, only Democrat Jason Haeseler attended. His opponent, incumbent Republican Chuck Clemons, declined the invitation to participate, a moderator for the forum said.

Aside from expanding Medicaid, Haeseler spoke to attendees about the importance of protecting the environment and public schools.

Public education is the cornerstone of democracy, he said.

Although he believes scholarships to private schools had good intentions, Haeseler said he doesnt support the scholarships that take money away from public schools.

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Following Haeseler, Independent Charles Goston spoke as a candidate for the Florida Senate District 8. His opponents had prior obligations and couldnt attend, a moderator said.

Along with supporting efforts to protect Floridas natural resources, Goston also supports regulating automatic weapons, he said.

Goston also plans to give state workers a raise, fight against Stand Your Ground laws and expand Medicaid. A couple of years ago, Goston lost his daughter to cancer. His family could afford treatment but not everyone can, he said.

People shouldnt die from lack of coverage, Goston said. Were not all going to die from natural causes, but we should strive for that.

Contact Jessica Curbelo at jcurbelo@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter at @jesscurbelo
A special police officer (SPO) in Jammu and Kashmir who ran off with firearms from a PDP lawmakers house in Srinagar appears to have joined militant group Hizbul Mujahideen. According to a photograph being circulated on social media, Adil Bashir is seen in the company of four Hizbul militants holding two weapons.

Adil Bashir had told guards at the PDP lawmaker Aijaz Ahmad Mirs official residence in the citys high-security area that he had come to clean the house as the legislator was supposed to return later on Saturday evening.

By evening, however, the SPO disappeared with seven AK-47 rifles and lawmaker Ajaz Mirs licensed pistol.

Dilbagh Singh, the Jammu and Kashmir police chief, said the police had some leads about people who might have helped him and are working on those leads.

In the last few years, there have been several incidents of policemen and SPOs deserting the force along with weapons to join militant groups have been reported. This is the first time that a policeman has deserted the force with such a large number of weapons.

The incident comes against a backdrop of militant threats to special police officers in the state to quit the force. Some of them did give in to the threats and posted videos announcing their intention to resign.

There are about 30,000 SPOs in the state.
Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Sunday waded into the reservation debate describing the practice of extending the facility by 10 years as a shortcoming while BR Ambedkar, the architect of Indias constitution, had mooted reservation system for a decade to usher in inclusive development.

She also asked whether the goals of inclusive development envisaged by Ambedkar have been achieved, but insisted that she was not against reservation which remains a very sensitive issue in the country.

I am not against reservation. But, it has to be reviewed if the dream of inclusive development of the society, which was dreamt by Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar, was achieved or not, she said at the concluding function of four-day Lok Manthan, a biennial brainstorming session by an RSS affiliated body Prajna Pravah.

Ambedkarji had said reservation was required only for 10 years, as he had dreamt that inclusive development of the society would be attained by then. But, there might have been shortcomings in planning and execution. To hide our weakness, we kept extending the reservation every ten years.

How long would it go like this? We have to re-think and introspect why inclusive development could not be achieved? The people, who availed the benefits of reservation and were uplifted, would also have to think if they contributed in the development of the society, Mahajan said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah have gone on record to say the party will never allow the removal of reservation for the Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe.

In January 2017, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ideologue Manmohan Vaidya sparked a furore saying reservation was not required because it promotes separatism and called for a re-think on the quota system.

His statement drew fire from the Opposition which accused the RSS and the BJP of being anti-Dalit and least concerned about the downtrodden and underprivileged sections of the society.
A week after a nursing student of Meerut Medical College was beaten up by cops and her Muslim friend assaulted allegedly by Hindutva activists, three police personnel, accused of using foul language against a nursing student of Meerut Medical College and beating her, have been transferred.

Brijesh Kumar Sharma, PRO to SSP, said head constable Salem Chand and constable Neetu Singh were transferred on Saturday to Gorakhpur and constable Priyanka to Varanasi.

The three police personnel were suspended on September 25.

These three police personnel, along with a home guard, were seen beating and using foul language against the nursing student in a video which was widely shared on the social media. They had escorted the girl in a police vehicle after a group of activists barged into the room of her Muslim classmate in Meeruts Jagriti Vihar locality on September 23.

The girl had gone there to study with him. However, activists of Hindutva organisations accused the Muslim youth of being involved in love jihad.

Later, the three police personnel were suspended and 18 activists were named in the case along with over two dozen unidentified persons.

None of the Hindutva activists have been arrested a week after the incident.

A departmental inquiry was also set up against the police personnel. People familiar with the matter said a case would be registered against them on the basis of the findings of the inquiry.
A mans attempt to frame Karnataka police personnel, who were travelling on a Mumbai-Jodhpur flight on Monday in search of a boy who was reported missing from Karnataka, lead to a hijack scare.

Air India flight 645 was cruising when a passenger informed crew about suspicious activity of four passengers and suggested that they could be terrorists. The crew informed the pilot, who informed the air traffic controller and requested for the presence of security personnel upon arrival.

As the plane landed, personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) entered the aircraft and detained some passengers.Police began questioned the four suspects.

But hours of questioning twisted the entire incident and the complainant turned out to be the accused.

The passenger, who raised an alarm, was unemployed and went to Hyderabad and Bengaluru in search of a job. He saw a poster of a missing 15-year-old boy from Mysore and contacted the boys parents and the police station concerned and gave them wrong information that the missing boy was in an ashram near Jodhpur city and he can help them reach the boy, said deputy commissoner of police (DCP) (east) Amandeep Singh Kapoor.

Assuming the information given by the youth was correct, a head constable and a constable of the Mysore police and the boys parents left for Jodhpur on Monday morning along with the youth, whose boarding pass was issued on the basis of a fake identity card.

According to a CISF official, the person was not aware that police personnel were also travelling with the boys parents, and was hoping to take money from the missing boys father and run away after landing in Jodhpur.

According to Kapoor, it was confirmed in the investigation that the four suspects were two policemen and the parents of the boy. The police filed a case against the youth on the complaint of the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and he has been arrested.

Air India flight from Mumbai reached Jodhpur airport at 11:15am but the return flight got delayed due to the incident. Air India did not comment on the matter saying the police is investigating the matter.
Five years ago, horticulturist Farooq Ahmad Malik decided to replace his ageing apple trees with new ones. He travelled all the way to Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) and procured plants of some new varieties developed by the scientists there.

Last year, the new plants started bearing the fruit and 56-year-old Malik is happy for the decision he took. The new plants are not only of better quality but the yield will also be better once they are fully grown, he said.

In the coming months, the J&K government will be rolling out half-a-dozen new plant varieties and root stocks will be later distributed among the growers. These plants will reach growers in different parts of the Valley, especially Shopian in South Kashmir and Rafiabad in the north. Rafiabad is known as the apple bowl of north Kashmir, where orchardists grow all types of apples.

Officials say in J&K more than 1.70-lakh hectares are under fruits and the production has already crossed 18-20 lakh metric tonnes. The officials of J&K horticulture department say that they are exhorting farmers to replace the ageing trees with new varieties. Even many growers are opting for high density plantations, says Bashir Ahmad, a senior officer with the J&K horticulture department.

And to increase the production and compete with the foreign apples, SKUAST has developed various indigenous and high-density varieties. In the coming years, more than 20 varieties of apple plants will be available which could bring a major turnaround in the Valleys horticulture sector, which has over 2.5 million families associated directly or indirectly.

Scientists in past two decades have developed Shireen, Firdous, Lal Ambri, Shalimar and Akbar and the results of these indigenous varieties are encouraging. However, from past two years, scientists of the university are working on five to six new apple varieties of the high density plants, besides, some indigenous varieties.

SKUAST vice-chancellor Nazeer Ahmad, who himself is an horticulturist, told Hindustan Times that 8 to 10 local varieties are being developed and the focus is on the high-density plants now. We are working on at least 20 varieties and five to six will be released for commercial purposes in the coming weeks, which later will be distributed among the fruit growers. The root stock can be multiplied in the coming years, he said.

The V-C said the apples produced from these plants could easily compete with any international variety. Not only this is going to bring a lot of money to growers, but also help them to compete in the international market, he said.

A senior scientist at SKUAST involved in the project said indigenous varieties have their own advantages and they were given names used in local parlance. Akbar is good in size, Firdous and Shireen are very sweet with a good shelf life, while Lal Ambri quality-wise matches the foreign apples. Most of these varieties are scab-resistant, he said.

Nazir Ahmad Khan, who deals in apples, said growers needed to upgrade fruit varieties.

The competition has increased, so has the urge among the young growers to replace the old orchards with the new varieties.

At SKUAST about 25 scientists and experts are working on developing apple varieties. The university has orchards spread over 45 acres where these new varieties are tested. In August, the harvest produced in its orchards was displayed before the growers and farmers.

Around 1,000 people visited our orchards and after seeing results, they got motivated to replace old trees with new ones, said the vice-chancellor.
Initiating a fresh round of action, the Enforcement Directorate Monday said it has attached assets worth Rs 637 crore of absconding jeweller Nirav Modi and his family in India and four other countries in connection with the $2 billion alleged fraud in the PNB.

The agency said the properties, jewellery, flats and bank balances are in India, UK and New York among others,.

There are only very few cases where Indian agencies have attached assets abroad in a criminal probe.

The assets have been attached as part of five separate orders issued by the central probe agency under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), it said.

Enforcement Directorate attaches attaches properties and bank accounts to the tune of Rs 637 crore in Nirav Modi case. pic.twitter.com/Gsz6MFWq4O  ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2018

The agency, a senior official said, also got issued an Interpol Red Corner notice (global arrest warrant) against Aditya Nanavati, an accused in the same case, on charges of money laundering.

Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi are the main accused in the case where it is alleged that the two diamond jewellery businessmen allegedly duped and defrauded the Brady House branch of the Punjab National Bank in Mumbai for an amount of $2 billion (about 13,000 crore) in purported connivance with bank officials.
The Congress on Monday alleged that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Pakistan are on the same page in propagating hatred, violence and division among people.

The opposition party also equated the BJP with the Britishers, alleging both of them followed the divide and rule policy and supported loot of Indias resources to be moved abroad.

Congresss stinging attack follow repeated jibes from the ruling party that the opposition party and Pakistan both wanted to oust Prime Minister Narendra Modi from power.

Amid repeated attacks from Congress on the issue of Rafale deal, BJP president Amit Shah recently asked whether the opposition party was forming an international mahagathabandhan (grand alliance) against Modi.

Addressing a press meet on the eve of Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting at Sewagram in Wardha district near Nagpur, AICC chief spokesman Randeep Singh Surjewala said the RSS vision is contrary to the Gandhian ideology.

When Gandhiji and the Congress were fighting the British, the RSS kept quiet. The RSS doesnt represent any section of the society. It believes in violence and its base is polarisation, hatred and discrimination, he said.

On reported remarks by Pakistan against the RSS at the United Nations, Surjewala said, Pakistan, like the RSS, supports violence and it practices hatred and divisiveness. It (the RSS) also supports violence. The Congress and people of India dont support this.

Surjewala said the CWC meeting at Sewagram, which was Gandhijis karmbhoomi (the land where one works), will be historic. It will take place at Mahadev Bhavan, just 300 metres from the Gandhi Ashram.

This is a battle between the ideologies of Gandhi and Godse. You cant imbibe Gandhis idealism by speaking good about him or taking pictures like him. For those in power, Gandhis thought is just a lip service. Those in power murder Gandhis thought. They swear by Gandhi only for optics and photo-ops, Surjewala said in a veiled attack on Modi.

He said the BJPs base was untruth, fear and arrogance and the party has to cleanse its soul to understand Gandhi. He said the CWC meeting in 1942 was held here to give the call of Quit India and the party will now pledge to launch a campaign to free the country from loot-jhoot-bhay-batware (lies, fear, divisiveness).

An anti-people and arrogant BJP has replaced Britishers after 71 years, he said, alleging the Britishers looted Indias natural resources and took them abroad and the BJP government has also given a free hand to bank looters to rob the countrys resources.

Under British rule, Indias plurality was attacked with policy of divide and rule, he said, as he accused the BJP of indulging in communal, caste and regional polarisation and playing a political game of chess like Shakuni (a wily character in Mahabharata).

Like the British, the BJP wants to curtail democratic principles and centralise power in Modi. Like the British, BJPs DNA is anti-farmer and it is against the oppressed, Dalits, tribals, backward communities, minorities and women, he said.

Talking about the Black Act on salt and levy of taxes on Indians by British, he said the BJP brought Gabbar Singh Tax and notebandi that have harmed small traders and businessmen, referring to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetisation.

Surjewala said the BJP works only for a handful of rich people, like the British did.

Like the British, who misused police agencies to harass freedom fighters, the BJP is using the ED, CBI, police and investigating agencies to crush opposition, he alleged, and also accused the ruling party of muzzling the voice of independent media.

Britishers used to portray India as a poor country and a land of snake charmers. Similarly, Modi has maligned the country during his overseas visits by saying India had not progressed in 70 years, Surjewala said.

He said under the leadership of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, the party will resolve at the CWC meet to free the country from the economic anarchy under the BJP government. Rahul Gandhi is expected to arrive in Nagpur Tuesday for the CWC meeting, which is expected to last for around two hours. He will pay his respects to Mahatma Gandhi at his ashram, attend a prayer meeting and lead a padyatra that will culminate into a public meeting.

Asked why the Congress is not moving courts on the Rafale fighter jet deal, Surjewala said the party has placed the issues in the peoples court.

Congress has alleged corruption in the deal and has repeatedly attacked Modi. The government has denied all charges. Surjewala said people will force the prime minister to speak on the issue and convert the Maun Modi into Bol Modi.
Opposition parties continued to target the Uttar Pradesh government over the killing of Apple employee Vivek Tiwari even as his family relented on its stand on various issues related to his death after a meeting with chief minister Yogi Adityanath.

Adityanath increased the compensation amount to the family of the slain executive from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 40 lakh , and promised them government accommodation. The amount is lower than the Rs 1 crore compensation initially demanded by the family after Tiwari was shot dead by a policeman in what seems to be a horrific case of police excess.

Although Tiwaris wife Kalpana Tiwari expressed satisfaction, BSP general secretary Satish Chandra Mishra and later Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav dismissed the compensation as inadequate. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi also spoke to the widow of the slain employee and expressed her sympathies.

The family also climbed down from its demand of a CBI probe into the killing, even as BSP chief Mayawati said she was willing to offer legal aid to the family if it doesnt trust the UP police probe. We are satisfied. The chief minister has assured us of full cooperation, the slain executives wife said after the meeting. The chief minister also separately met Tiwaris two young daughters.

Adityanath asked deputy chief minister Dinesh Sharma to escort the widow Kalpana, her brother and two daughters to his official residence where the meeting took place. After Adityanath told them we are fully with you, the family dropped the demand for a CBI probe.

After the meeting, Kalpanaji was fully satisfied with the police investigations which have already been expedited, chief ministers advisor Mrityunjay Kumar said.

A government job for the slain executives wife in the Lucknow Municipal Corporation and a government accommodation were also offered to the family by the CM. The Tiwaris currently live in a rented house.
As it prepares for the elections in five states and the 2019 general election, the Election Commission (EC) is focusing on three major areas  abuse of money in polling, fake and paid news, and the concerns of political parties as they crop up  says chief election commissioner OP Rawat. In an interview to Smriti Kak Ramachandran, Rawat cites data manipulation by technological firms as the biggest challenge for the poll panel, apart from speaking about EVMs, simultaneous elections, and charges of bias levelled against the commission.

The seizure reports during the last few assembly elections indicate that the illegal use of money in elections continues to plague the democratic process. The Supreme Court, however, dismissed a petition to make bribing voters a cognisable offence. What will be ECs course of action?

We are monitoring how these [cases of seizures] can be brought to a logical conclusion. We are focusing on how many cases are resulting in conviction and how much forfeiture is made; so that the seized money and penalisation of culprits act as a deterrent.

Secondly, we are making it very easy for anyone to complain through a new app C-Vigil, increasing the number of flying squads in expenditure-sensitive constituencies, and using closed circuit televisions and static surveillance teams.

Third  this is a suggestion that was made at an all-party meeting  we will be seeking a ceiling on party expenditure.

The audit inspection of candidates and maintenance of shadow expenditure register is also being looked into vigorously. The commission has asked expenditure-observing teams to ensure that their training is up to the mark and their assessment is accurate.

Is there any legal recourse that EC is planning?

That is what we have been asking for. In case there is rampant money distribution, EC should be given the legal powers to countermand polls, like there is a provision in law for booth capturing.

The Supreme Court has left it to Parliament to frame laws to bar convicted candidates. Many former CECs and activists have expressed concerns and they think the court should have spelt out how to do this, because legislators cannot be trusted to do this on their own. What is your view?

I feel when you have trusted them to govern the country, how can you not trust them [to do this]? Wherever we feel there is a void in the law, hampering the process of decriminalisation of politics, we have plenary powers under Article 324 to act. We will never hesitate to do that. We countermanded three elections for rampant distribution of money and it was upheld by the Supreme Court. The commission has an advantage -- wherever it feels that because of a void in law things are unregulated or vitiating the atmosphere, it can fall back on its powers. We will ensure that decriminalisation takes places effectively and comprehensively.

How will candidates agree to the suggestion of spending money on advertising their criminal antecedents as was suggested by the court?

We have reviewed this decision and how we plan to go about it will be in public domain soon.

The commission had asked the government to amend laws to bar people from contesting from two seats or, at least as a deterrent, a candidate who vacates a seat necessitating a bypoll should be asked to deposit an appropriate amount in state coffers. These demands have been opposed by the government.

We had suggested this reform and will continue to review the progress on this issue. Beyond this, I dont think there is any need to do more. These are areas which are mostly in the political domain and they are best judge as to whether these should be done.

Earlier, it was many seats (candidates could contest from several seats), they have brought it down to two seats. So, they are reforming.

A year ago, you spoke about the creeping new normal of political morality and premium on winning at all costs  to the exclusion of ethical considerations.

There will always be the scope for improving things. This I said exactly one year ago I feel in the past one year, things have not deteriorated. Nothing of that sort has been seen. This shows our political class is also concerned and it also tries to improve the situation.

The lack of transparency in political funding has emerged as a big concern.

This is one area where we have to work very hard. Money being distributed as cash and freebies has come under severe surveillance by the election commission. We have found that because of very strict surveillance and checks, money is manifesting in many innovative and different ways in elections. Therefore, we will have to think in terms of augmenting the jurisdiction of the election commission because our jurisdictions starts after the announcement of polls and continues till the results are announced. It is a short period.

We have seen that everything starts much earlier now. When they know elections are only four to five months ahead, things start moving -- cash is moved to vantage positions and people are tasked to distribute it to prospective voters who are ready to jump on the bandwagon. We have to think on the lines of how to stop that.

Secondly, instead of the direct bribing of voters, it is now moving to technology and big data firms and services such as targeted communication on social media, and analysis on where to focus so as to tilt the voting behaviour in a partys favour. All these sophisticated techniques, which may cost a bomb, are being resorted to. From directly being given to the voters, money is now being given into the hands of these firms who are trying to manipulate the margins to change the election outcomes in favour of the client.

Since the Election Commission does not have any wherewithal to monitor all this effectively and nail them, we have to depend on complaints. Even the electorate or other political parties dont have the capability to find out such manifestations and raise a complaint. So that is one area of worry where we will have to do a lot of brainstorming and come up with some imaginative steps.

How is the commission bracing for this challenge?

We have spoken to social media platforms and got their cooperation during the campaign period. They have agreed to take down the campaigning material.

There are many things we need to watch out for. If you read the progress of investigations in elections that have been allegedly manipulated abroad, its an eye-opener; what cannot be done is just not visible. We are taking all possible steps to prevent any adverse impact on our elections.

We have seen some political parties question the ECs credibility. It was accused of bias when it announced the schedule for the Gujarat election, and the Aam Aadmi Party has been among the parties that have questioned the commissions fairness.

I was reading a book How Democracies Die. The authors (Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt) have written that when parties start accusing institutions and technologies for their fate at the hustings, that is the point which should worry all stakeholders. As far as the EC is concerned, it takes such criticism in its stride because being a referee of a match where if you lose, you are in the dumps, we have to be there like a punching bag. We have to bear it.

Same kind of punching is being inflicted on electronic voting machines (EVMs) and now the paper trail (VVPAT) machines. VVPATs were supposed to reinforce the efficacy of the EVMs.

These (VVPATs) are totally new machines being used for the first time  there will be challenges, the man-machine interface will fail, some or the other function will fail; but we will keep learning and improving. Initially, the EVMs were failing in large numbers, but after 20 years, the failure rate is 0.7%. After polling personnel reach a higher level on the learning curve, things will improve. Political parties find these machines easy targets.

Some parties have been suggesting the state funding of elections to control spending and for a level playing field.

State funding in the present scenario will not improve anything. Funds from all sides can still vitiate the atmosphere. And state funds might be a minuscule part of it, and you may be just trying to divert a torrent by holding a fig leaf in your hand. It will look like a foolish exercise. Unless we come up with a solid framework to stop the abuse of money in the political process, we should not be thinking in terms of state funding.

The Centre is pushing for simultaneous elections, even though it requires political consensus as well as a change in law. What needs to be done to roll out this change, and will it really be effective in curbing spending and cutting down on administrative gaps in delivery of projects?

No empirical finding has been conducted to quantify how much saving in terms of money and manpower and other resources will be made [by simultaneous polls]; how much effectiveness in administration will come because the model code of conduct will not be in place. Whatever is put in the public domain is a subjective impression of things.

For example, since Lok Sabha goes to polls with four other states, we need about 2 million EVMs for one million polling stations. If we go for simultaneous polls, we will need nearly 3.3 million EVMs and VVPATs; and these will be used once in five years. The lifespan of these machines is just 15 years; so in case of simultaneous polls. these machines will be used for three elections as compared to six-seven times. The maintenance cost will be higher, because of a larger number of machines will be required to be held. The mortality of these machines will be higher, because the chances of an electronic machine not in use, developing snags are higher.

All those factors have to be studied. One can say the deployment of polling parties and forces will be only once, with more numbers, so there might be a saving there. Campaigning by polling parties will be reduced, their expenditure is likely to come down; but one cannot be sure because they might spend more since there is no ceiling. Hypothetically speaking, they might say since the election is only once in five years, let us spend more.

As far as the federal structure is concerned, there might be no effect. We were having simultaneous elections till 1967. Our democracy has come of age and our voter has shown that they cant be taken for granted.
As chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan Monday directed the Travancore Devasom Board (TDB) to take necessary steps to implement the Supreme Court verdict opening Sabarimala temple for women of all ages, the Kerala BJP asked the government to bring an ordinance to restore the pre-judgment situation on lines of what Tamil Nadu did with Jallikattu.

The BJP and the broader Sangh Parivar affiliates have called for a meeting on October 8 at Kochi to chalk out a strategy and are planning to move a review petition in the Supreme Court. Though the BJP has not taken a firm stand on the verdict, state leaders said they will inform the central leadership about the pent-up anger in the state over it.

The apex court had opened the doors of Sabarimala to women of all ages in a 4-1 judgment on Friday, annulling the age-old tradition of the temple to deny the right of worship to women aged between 10 and 50 years.

We really respect the Supreme Court verdict but at the same time, we cant ignore feelings of crores of devotees. They are really upset. We want the government to promulgate an ordinance on the lines of Jallikattu in neighboring Tamil Nadu, said BJP state president PS Sreedharan Pillai. He was referring to the bull-taming custom in Tamil Nadu which was banned by the Supreme Court but continued after protests by youth groups, leading to the state government approving an ordinance and subsequently passing a law allowing it.

He said the state government was in hurry to implement the verdict without consulting devotees bodies, the temple tantri (supreme priest) family and others, adding TDB president A Padmakumar had made it clear that no women from his family would go to the temple.

The TDB presidents words show prevailing mood. In Kerala, a majority of women have made it clear they have no plan to gatecrash the temple. Communists are known atheists and in the name of court, they are stifling popular sentiments. The government will face stiff resistance if it moves unilaterally, he said.

After supporting the verdict initially, the state Congress has also asked the TDB which runs the temple to file a review petition.

We have to go by the apex court verdict. But at the same time, we have to see practical difficulties and social impact. The state government is playing a double game, said leader of opposition Ramesh Chennithala. Former chief minister Oommen Chandy has also asked the government to move a review petition.

But the Left Democratic Front government reiterated that it will ensure a smooth entry for women when the temple opens for monthly pooja on October 18. Chief minister Vijayan chaired a high-level meeting in the state capital on Monday to review arrangements at the hilltop shrine.

We have taken a number of steps to ensure smooth pilgrimage of women. Though there is no separate queue for women, seats will be reserved in buses and separate bathing ghats will be made for them. Women police will be deployed in large numbers at the hilltop and trekking sites, said Devasom Minister Kadakampally Surendran.

He said virtual queues will be introduced on the lines of Tirupati.

Separate queue is not practical because it needs more space. Only those who can brave winding queues should undertake the pilgrimage. And devotees will not be allowed to stay on temple premises after darshan, he said.

Considered the second largest seasonal pilgrimage after Mecca, at least 3.5 to 4 crore pilgrims throng Sabarimala temple during the three month season starting in November.

Meanwhile, two little-known organizations, the Sabarimala Samrakshana Samiti and former Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Praveen Togadias Antharashtra Hindu Parishad have called for blocking of national and state highways in the state on October 2 demanding enactment of legislation to protect customs of Sabarimala. Though the Shiv Sena had called for a statewide shutdown on Monday, it later withdrew the call to seek support from other religious outfits.

All major parties in the state fear fringe outfits may hijack the emotional and religious issue.
The U.S. and UF stopped when Christine Blasey Ford took a stand.

UF students and faculty sat in silence Thursday morning as they watched history unfold during the hearings of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh with Ford, who accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her in the 1980s when they were in high school. Kavanaugh testified after Ford and denied the accusations.

Regardless of opinion, many in the university community had a stance on the events in the historic hearing.

Rosana Resendes initial reaction was to believe Ford as she watched the hearing on her tablet as her students took an exam.

Fords experience is one that females are all too familiar with, said Resende, a UF lecturer and coordinator for the Center for Latin American Studies.

I believe the women who accused Bill Cosby, she said. I believe the women who accused Donald Trump. My default is to believe, and my default is not to deny.

Students and faculty have discussed the hearings, Resende said. Its a serious conversation the public needs to focus on.

What I like to tell my students all the time is really the power is up to you to create the conversations on campus, she said. You guys have the ability to demand that those conversations are had.

The hearing scared Maya Levkovitz, an 18-year-old UF linguistics freshman.

It sends the message to women everywhere that what happens to them isnt worthy of being considered in one of the most important appointments this country has, Levkovitz said. It scares me that theyre not even willing to consider that, up until it became politically advantageous, the right wasnt willing to consider the possibility that it was worth investigating what happened to Dr. Ford, and it terrifies me that thats not the priority of this country anymore.

Kavanaugh and Fords testimonies arent black and white for Alyssa Morford.

The 18-year-old UF political science freshman said the hardest part of the hearing is figuring out who is telling the truth.

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He does have what he needs to have to be a Supreme Court justice in sense of career standing, and it kind of sucks that he has to go through this, especially if the allegations are false against him, Morford said.

Morford said she believes its vital for people to do research on political topics rather than taking a side.

Theres definitely an overall negative reaction to the hearing as a whole, no matter which direction youre looking at it from, Morford said.

Jadaya Hargraves was sitting in the UF Financial Affairs office when she began to cry.

Hargraves, an 18-year-old UF political science freshman, broke down when she saw Fords testimony.

I have a lot of people in my life who have gone through situations like that, Hargraves said. Seeing how it impacts their social relationships and their self worth and the ways that they view themselves, it really is an important thing that should be discussed.

Offensive remarks and jokes about Fords testimony were posted online, Hargraves said.

The way that its being talked about in the media, I just feel is completely inappropriate and dismissive of people who have gone through those kinds of situations, Hargraves said.

Kavanaugh should be held to a high standard because hes being considered for a lifetime appointment with lasting consequences, Daniel Ospina said.

No sane person would go through all the media attention and public outlash without being certain of the validity of their claims, Ospina, a UF second-year computer science and nuclear engineering masters student said.

A person nominated for such a seat should exemplify the qualities of the Supreme Court, such as integrity, impartiality and sound judgment, Ospina said.

Judge Kavanaugh has failed to exemplify these qualities during the hearing, Ospina said.

Christine Blasey Ford is sworn in before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018 in Washington. (Win McNamee/Pool Image via AP)
Three cases of swine flu, one of them fatal, have been reported in Andhra Pradeshs Tirupati city which is seeing a heavy rush of pilgrims to the hilltop Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple. Chittoor Collector PS Pradyumna, who reviewed the situation Monday, said necessary measures were being taken and there was no need to panic.

Chittoor district medical and health officer (DMHO) B. Ramagiddaiah told media that three persons with swine flu symptoms were admitted in the shrine board-run Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) in the last three days and one of them, a woman from Gangadharanellore of Chittoor, died of other complications.

The collector, who reviewed the situation in a teleconference with medical and health department officials, said that there is nothing to worry about.

Special wards will be created in SVIMs and Sri Ramnarayana Rua hospital for treatment of patients suffering with swine flu symptoms, he said, adding: There is no need for anyone to panic... the situation is completely under control.

The DMHO said medical teams were posted at the airport at Renigunta, the bus station complex and railway station in Tirupati, apart from launching awareness campaigns.

The shrine of lord Balaji on Tirumala hills continue to receive heavy rush of pilgrims ranging up to 1 lakh a day for the last few days since Purattasi masam falling in September is believed to be auspicious by people of the neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

The authorities are taking precautionary action in the pilgrim towns of Tirupati and Tirumala where the Venkateshwara temple is located.. Masks are being widely distributed to the pilgrims at airports, railway stations and bus station complex to check the spread of the virus causing swine flu, Ramagiddaiah said.

He also said that the incidence of swine flu in Tirupati in the current year is relatively low compared to the previous year, with nine cases reported in the January -September period against 232 in the corresponding period last year.
Activist Gautam Navlakha said he was thrilled to have won his freedom after the Delhi high court on Monday cleared the way for his release from house arrest.

From Delhi High Court I have won my freedom and it thrills me no end, said Navlakha, reported PTI.

Cant forget co-accused and those who remain incarcerated for their ideological convictions, said the Delhi-based activist, who was among the five rights activists who were arrested by the Maharashtra police in country-wide raids on August 28 for their alleged links with a banned Maoist group. The Supreme Court put them under house arrest the next day, prohibiting them from being taken to Pune.

Navlakha also said that the period of house arrest, despite restrictions imposed, was put to good use so I hold no grudge, said PTI.

The high court this evening said the transit remand the police had got from a lower court to detain Navlakha was unsustainable because it didnt meet legal and constitutional requirements.

Refusing to accept the Maharashtra governments submission that his house arrest be extended by two days since the apex court, by its verdict last week, had also extended it by four weeks, a bench of justices S Muralidhar and Vinod Goel said the house arrest was extended to enable the activists to avail appropriate legal remedy. The extension was for this limited purpose and Navlakha has availed it, the bench said, according to PTI

Apart from Navlakha, lawyer and trade union activist Sudha Bhardwaj, Telugu poet P Varavara Rao, and lawyers Arun Ferreira and Vernon Gonsalves were arrested.

But on a petition by historian Romila Thapar and others that linked the police crackdown to the strong views of the activists, the Supreme Court had ordered the police to place the five under house arrest rather than send them to jail.

The apex court eventually declined to grant the five activists any relief, ruling that their arrests appeared to have been prompted by their alleged link to a banned organisation and not dissent or their political ideology.
A five-year-old girl was critically injured after a 19-year-old neighbour raped her and dumped her in a huge pipe in Gujarats diamond and textile hub Surat while another girl of the same age was sexually assaulted by an unidentified man on Saturday, police said.

The parents of both the girls are labourers.

Eleven hours after the first girl disappeared, the police found her in severely injured and unconscious state from under a huge pipe lying at an open ground. Police said the accused, Kalu Bhumihar (19), who was taken into custody for interrogation on Saturday night and later arrested, confessed his crime but misguided the police about the location where he had taken her.

Police said Bhumihar who is an unemployed migrant, was arrested for alleged kidnapping, attempt to murder and rape. The arrest was based on a testimony of a six-year-old boy with whom the girl was playing when accused had picked her up on Saturday evening.

The girl was severely injured and lying in unconscious state inside a pipe at open ground for over 11 hours between Saturday evening and Sunday noon. She is now under treatment now, said a police officer.

We received a complaint by a labourer couple from Dindoli area about their missing girl. Talking to kids that she was playing, we found out that Bhumihar, who was their neighbour, had picked her and left, the officer said.

The police formed teams comprising 50 men from various police stations. After an overnight search, she was finally found inside a pipe which was to be used for pipeline construction, police said. Police claimed that Bhumihar told them that he often used to visit the place to drink alcohol.

The second girl is also under treatment but out of danger. The police are yet to identify her attacker.

She went missing on Saturday and had returned by the night in an injured condition. On Sunday, the parents took her to a hospital where doctors informed them that she was sexually assaulted.

The police have registered a rape case under POSCO Act against an unidentified person.
In a tragic end to a teenage romance, two schoolboys in Jagitial in Telangana committed suicide by setting themselves ablaze Sunday evening after discovering that they loved the same girl, police said.

Both the tenth standard boys were 16 years old and went to private school in Jagitial, about 200 km north of Hyderabad.

Police said the two boys went to a deserted place near the towns Mission Compound area at around 7.30 pm, where they drank beer before dousing themselves with petrol which they had brought with them and setting themselves ablaze.

Passers-by who heard their cries, immediately rushed there and took them to a local area hospital, but one of the boys died on the way. The other who sustained 85% burns was shifted to Karimnagar district hospital, where he succumbed to the burns late in the night.

Preliminary inquiries revealed that a love affair with a common girlfriend could be the reason for the incident. The family members also suspected involvement of a third person in the incident, Jaigitial town circle police inspector Prakash said. Further investigations will throw more light on the actual reasons for the deaths.

Independent inquiries revealed that both the boys were in love with their classmate without each others knowledge. When they realised that they were in love with the same girl, they got upset and decided to end their lives, a local reporter of a vernacular daily said.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday assured all help to the widow of Apple employee Vivek Tiwari who was allegedly shot dead by a policeman in Lucknow on September 29, his deputy Dinesh Sharma said.

A Rs 25-lakh fixed deposit has been opened in the name of Viveks daughters. CM had assured them all help, Sharma said after Tiwaris widow Kalpana met Adityanath.

She was accompanied by her brother Vishnu.

He heard what I had to say and assured help. I had earlier also said that I have faith in our state government and today that faith has strengthened, news agency ANI quoted Kalpana as saying after the meeting.

The government will also open a fixed deposit of Rs 5 lakh in Kalpanas name. Adityanath has also asked the DGPs office for all details of investigation so far and summoned the principal secretary home and the state police chief after the meeting with Kalpana.

Tiwaris family had earlier alleged foul play by the police and had initially refused to cremate his body on Saturday seeking the direct intervention of the chief minister and an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The shooting also spurred the opposition to demand Adityanaths resignation over what they called the dismal law-and-order situation in the state.

On Sunday, Adityanath dismissed demands for his resignation saying his government has acted firmly and quickly in the case.



Read: UP minister says high-level officials tried to cover up Apple executives murder
Uttar Pradesh minister Brijesh Pathak Sunday hit out at the state police for showing laxity and hushing up the murder of a tech company executive in the citys posh Gomti Nagar neighbourhood.

Apple executive Vivek Tiwari was shot dead early Saturday morning by a policeman when he allegedly refused to stop his car. The killers deserve to be in jail and they must get stringent punishment.

Some high-level officials are trying to manipulate and hide things. A probe will be conducted against them as well. The Uttar Pradesh government will not pardon any criminal, including the police personnel who killed the innocent youth, Pathak was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Action should also be initiated against officials who showed laxity in this case and tried to hush up the murder, Pathak said. I will also request the honourable court to hand over the entire matter to a fast-track court so that the aggrieved family can get justice soon. I have also sought time from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath so that the aggrieved family can meet him, he said.

The state law minister expressed shock over the fact that even policemen could indulge in such an act. The death of Vivek Tiwari has shocked us. Even the police could do such a heinous act, I did not expect, he said.

Pathak also talked about the various anomalies reported in the case. The lone eyewitness was kept in police custody for nearly 17 hours and her signature was taken on a plain piece of paper. The FIR was not registered in the way it should had been. There is no consistency between the statement of Sana (who was accompanying the victim) and the FIR. And efforts were made to hush up the case, he said.

The minister also hit out at those police officials who tried to safeguard the accused cop. Two constables have been arrested on the basis of an FIR lodged by Tiwaris colleague Sana Khan, who was travelling with him at the time of the incident.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will discuss military cooperation with India when he visits the country this week, the Kremlin said on Monday, without specifying whether the possible sale of S-400 surface-to-air missiles was on the agenda.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, when asked whether Putin would discuss a possible S-400 deal, confirmed that military cooperation was on the agenda but said he could provide no further detail.

Russia said in April it expected to sign a deal with India this year on the sale of the S-400.
Apart from crowds, there is one more thing you need to watch out for while travelling on local trains  phone thieves.

Around 22,920 cases of mobile theft have been registered till August this year, with 2,160 arrests by the railway protection force (RPF), government railway police (GRP) so far.

Even as GRP has been relentless in their crackdown on local mobile thieves and members of the fatka gang, there has been a spurt in mobile thefts this year, particularly by those who come to the city from outside the state, said GRP officials.

Since January 2016, commuters have lost belongings collectively worth 47.72 crores  which amounts to an average of 50,000 per day. Of this, 4.24 crore worth of property has been recovered.

The cases of mobile phone thefts have increased over the past two years because cases are now being registered as first information reports (FIRs) instead of missing cases, said Niket Kaushik, commissioner of police, GRP.

GRP officials have claimed that they have identified the maximum number of mobile thieves have been intercepted in the city. Most of the accused, taking advantage of their anonymity, come in and target locals.

We have arrested at least six gangs from states such as Delhi, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan who have activated a vicious web of committing mobile robberies in Mumbai trains, said Santosh Dhanvate, senior police inspector, railway crime branch.

We have four officers at each station who are a part of the crime prevention and detection team. These officers study the dossier of record criminals and are in charge of tracking their present positions and activities. They conduct a surveillance of the station premise and scan CCTV footages to spot the criminals, said Anoop Shukla, railway protection force (RPF).

After a series of such cases, the city, the police had set up a team to study the pattern of thefts and the modus operandi employed by the robbers. According to GRP and RPF officials, outstation robbers have a peculiar way of operating and transporting the stolen goods.

Each gang has around four members who board the train at a time. The man in charge of carrying out the actual theft is known as the machine. The rest, in charge of covering for the machine by diverting commuters attention and passing the stolen phone along, are called chappad. The gang members position themselves such that within minutes of the robbery, the phone is passed along to either the next compartment or outside the train. The gang members usually rent out a room either in a lodge or a slum pocket for one month, before shifting base to another lodge.

An additional member, who arrives in the city at the end of the month, collects the stolen goods and takes it back to their respective state.

The mobile phones are then sold in Nepal or Bangladesh. These countries are chosen as Indian authorities cannot trace phones in these countries using the international mobile equipment identity (IMEI), a unique number used for identification.

Some phones are also sold to unsuspecting users within the country, and are used for committing cybercrimes.

At least nine to ten phone robbers are arrested by GRP daily. Some are caught by RPF and some by commuters themselves. However, 90 percent of them are first-timers, said Kaushik.
Ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, theres a mega alliance of opposition parties in the making and one of its two main players, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), is keen on getting the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on board.

According to two senior NCP leaders, the party had put forth this proposal in a recent meeting with the Congress. However, Congress leaders shot down this proposal and the MNS has also not officially accepted such a proposal.

Leaders from the NCP feel that by getting MNS on its side, the opposition coalition could impact results of around 25 assembly seats by splitting votes in the urban areas of the state, especially if the ruling saffron parties Shiv Sena and the BJP contest together. This includes assembly seats in Mumbai where Congress strength is depleted and NCP has a limited presence.

However, senior state Congress leaders opposed this move as it is worried that the induction of MNS into the fold would alienate their North Indian vote bank.

The Congress and NCP had declared a pre-poll alliance for the elections and are trying to bring in 10 other like-minded parties to form a mega alliance against the ruling combine. In a meeting held on September 26, NCP leader Nawab Malik proposed the idea of taking MNS into the fold.

The MNS support will help make the oppositions position strong in urban areas such as Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Pune and Nashik. There are some 25 assembly seats where MNS can have a direct impact. With MNS splitting votes of the saffron parties, our candidates can get an edge and in some seats, our votes can benefit the MNS candidate, said a senior NCP leader, requesting anonymity.

The NCP leaders believe the MNS can have an impact in Shivadi, Byculla, Mahim, Ghatkopar East, Ghatkopar West, Magathane, Borivli and Mulund seats against the ruling combine.

The other NCP leader, also a former minister said that the MNS may also secure a win for the Congress-NCP in a few Mumbai Lok Sabha seats, namely South Mumbai, Mumbai South Central, Mumbai North East and Mumbai North Central.

We are willing to share seats with MNS from our quota. The party is mulling to give seven assembly seats to MNS in Mumbai. We have also proposed to give the North Mumbai Lok Sabha seat to MNS against sitting BJP MP Gopal Shetty, the leader said.

Our ideology is different from MNS. They dont follow the law of the land and they resort to violence in their politics thus NCPs proposal was opposed at the state and central level, said Mumbai Congress president, Sanjay Nirupam, to a news channel.

The decision for an alliance has to be taken by the MNS chief. He had also said that political parties should unite to make Modi-mukt Bharat a reality, said MNS spokesperson Sandeep Deshpande.

The Congress is worried that the move may upset the north Indian community in Mumbai as well as in north India, especially in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar considering the violent protests against them by MNS over its son-of-soil stand.
Colleges in Mumbai are looking beyond the confines of the city as part of their social outreach. Students are now initiating projects in order to help empower children from different social and economic backgrounds from students of leading schools and colleges to those run by the zilla parishad in rural Maharashtra.

The Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay (IIT-B), as part of its diamond jubilee celebration, will organise a one-day solar workshop for which close 5,500 students from 120 schools have been invited to the campus to learn and make their own solar lamps.

While thousands of students will be participating in this workshop on campus, thousand others will be following the workshop across the country as well, said a student from the institute. IIT-B is hopeful of setting a world record by involving over 1.25 lakh students across the world in Tuesdays event, which happens to fall on Gandhi Jayanti.

Similarly, Malads Nagindas Khandwala College has recently adopted a village in Raigad district, where they hope to reach out to the children and encourage more of them to attend school. This village has a high dropout rate so apart from creating awareness amongst the elders of the village, we will also be visiting the village twice a month to conduct extra tuitions for the children, said Nelson Daniel, a professor.

He added that apart from this project, students are also planning to conduct a food distribution programme on October 2, to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. We will distribute food to children as well as the elderly on the streets on Tuesday, Daniel said.

Understanding that education is just one important aspect of a childs upbringing, some colleges are also taking up initiatives to ensure that they also lead a healthy lifestyle. In the coming week, students of Narsee Monjee College and UPG College in Vile Parle will hold a peace march to highlight the ill-effects of using vegetables that are grown using pesticides. We wish to spread awareness of better living and food habits, starting with good quality food, said one of the students.

Students and the management of RD National College in Bandra will hold a Yog-Diwas on their campus in October. Students need to focus on their health, and yoga is a very good way of treating the mind and body. We will invite school as well as college students to participate in this workshop and hope that the participants will spread the word for good health further, said N Panjwani, principal of the college.
Your voting power is like a sledgehammer. Its a powerful tool for building, demolishing and shaping things, like the government. But when thrown around carelessly and without a second thought, it can cause permanent damage. Elections are in November, so were giving you advance notice on how to conduct your own make-do investigations in lieu of the detailed research you should be doing on the candidates. Were still a month out, so you have plenty of time. We urge you to take the five or 10 minutes you need to Google the candidate youre going to vote for. Take a critical look at their policies. Dont let your gut lead you astray. Even if you only cram in a few Google searches, always vote with your head. Think of it like you do when you rush to complete a last-minute assignment.

It might go something like this: You are assigned the task and procrastinate heavily. You find yourself up at 3 a.m. Monday morning chugging coffee, rigorously Googling before a 9 a.m. due date. You use Sparknotes, Chegg or your crutch of choice to get a basic sense of the assignment. With your back against the wall, you manage to eke it out on time. You get a B+. You feel a profound sense of pride and wipe the sweat from your brow. Repeat until graduation.

Can you take this same model and apply it to voting? Can you cast your ballot like you submit assignments at 11:58 p.m., seconds from failure? Yes. Its not ideal, and you should be giving yourself more time to look at the issues, but it works. It can be done. As long as you show up to the polls with a few minutes worth of research, you can make a meaningful difference. Sites like Ballotpedia.org are the Sparknotes of voting. Use them. They can give you a decent picture of the candidates and their positions on issues like the environment or education funding. A quick look at the Ballotpedia page for either Andrew Gillum or Ron DeSantis, who are candidates in the 2018 Florida gubernatorial race, will give you their brief biography, their political history and a synopsis of their platforms. As long as you are literate and have a spare 10 minutes, you can be an informed voter.

The candidates are relying on you to not do your homework. In the last Student Government elections, we cannot know how many students voted with nothing but someone elses recommendation to go off of. We also cannot know whether the elections would have turned out differently had students researched the parties and their platforms. But we do know that a lot of students simply picked the party they heard was best and bubbled straight down along party lines. The same goes for presidential elections. We have a bright orange president to show for it.

If all you have to base your choice on is a trustworthy friends recommendation, try this next time you need to drive: Get your best friend to sit in the passenger seat, blindfold yourself and ask them for directions.

It doesnt seem like a good idea because it isnt. You dont need to be a Formula One driver to know that you cant drive without seeing. You cant pass without studying. You cant vote without researching.

Wed like to remind you that you dont need 20/20 vision. You dont need to interview the candidates. You just need enough to get by, even if its rushed and done on a cracked iPhone in line at the polling place. The worst thing you can do is forfeit your right to vote because you dont feel informed. The only thing worse than a wrong vote is not to vote at all.
A Border Security Force (BSF) allegedly shot dead a colleague with his service rifle after an altercation in a school in Ghaziabad on Monday morning, police said. The accused allegedly fired two shots from his Insas rifle.

The incident took place at a school in Brij Vihar locality of Ghaziabad where a BSF unit had arrived on Sunday for taking up law and order duty during the Kisan Yarta in which thousands of farmers are slated to march to Delhi from western Uttar Pradesh.

There was some altercation between the two constables on Sunday night. They both were staying in one of the rooms of the school. Around 8 am on Monday, the accused constable fired two shots with his Insas rifle at the victim killing him. One of the bullets hit his head while other hit his body. Senior BSF officials have been informed. The unit is based at Gurugram, said Dr Rakesh Mishra, circle officer (Sahibabad).

Police said both the victim, 26-year-old Jagpreet Singh and the accused Ajeet Singh hailed from Punjab.

Prima facie reason is a minor scuffle between the two constables over some personal issue. The accused constable is under police custody. Legal action is being taken up, said Vaibhav Krishna, Ghaziabads senior superintendent of police.
The police have booked four juveniles for the alleged rape of a 10-year-old boy in a village in Greater Noidas Dankaur area.

According to the victims family, the accused allegedly sodomised him several times over the past two months. The four accused of rape are 14, 13-and-a-half, 12- and 10-years-old according to the police. They are residents of the same village as the victim, who is enrolled in class 4 of a private school in Dankaur, Greater Noida.

The identity of the accused has been withheld, as has that of the victim, as they all are minors.

The sodomy came to light on Saturday when the victim told his parents about the ordeal.

My son complained of severe pain in his rectum on September 20 and we took him to a doctor. It turned out it was due to an infection. It was only on Saturday that my son revealed that four boys from our village have been raping him for the past two months. We also noticed marks of sexual violence on his private parts. We submitted a complaint to the police on Saturday evening itself, the victims father, who is a farmer, said.

He further alleged that the accused had also tried to drown his child in a water tank.

My son also told us that last week, the four boys pushed him into a water tank outside a house in our village and threatened him against telling anyone about the rape , he added.

The police filed a first information report on Saturday night, taking cognizance of the parents complaint and searched the houses of the four accused.

We have booked four minors, who are neighbours of the victim, under the Indian Penal Code Section 376 for rape and sections 5 and 6 of the Protection of Children against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. All the four accused are currently on the run and we have detained their parents for questioning, Farmood Ali Pundir, station house officer, Dankaur police station, said.

The police also conducted a medical test of the victim, and, according to sources, the reports have shown swelling and injuries in his private parts.

According to the victims father, he was friends with the 10-year-old accused and knew the other three boys.

My son was friends with the 10-year-old boy, who was enrolled in a different branch of the private school run by the same group. They used to hang out together and that is why he was preyed on by the other three boys. We want them to be arrested, the father said.

The police said that all efforts were being made to nab the four minors.

We have started the probe and teams have been formed to nab and detain the four accused who are on the run, Pundir said.
Intelligence gathering is critical in combating terrorism at stage one of any terror related conflict and the countrys needs to be always ready to different unconventional threats being posed by the surrounding enemies, said defence experts and intellectuals who had gathered during a discourse on Coping with Terrorism during the Pune International Literary Festival 2018.

The talks were attended by scholars comprising former Indian diplomat TCA Raghavan, Amit Lodha, Inspector General , Border Security Force (BSF), Major Surendra Poonia at Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration (YASHADA). The session was moderated by prominent journalist Harinder Baweja.

IG Lodha in his address pointed out that there was a need to give due respect to the soldiers and other ranks of the parmilitary and other services who were protecting the frontiers of the nation.  The Indian Intelligence Bureau and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) are doing a commendable job in nabbing the anti national elements and saving the country from terrorists thus making our lives safe. Intelligence has emerged as one of key areas in our fight against terror ,  he said.

Former Indian diplomat TCA Raghavan said that there was a need to look at the issue of Kashmir from a completely different perspective and there is a need to handle the issue with sensitivity and maturity.  The anti terrorism grid of Indian has become strong during the last one decade and has turned out to be an effective deterrent against terrorism , he said.

Applauding the surgical strike carried out by Narendra Modi led BJP government, Major Poonia said that the strike was carried out to protect the citizens of the country in national interest and the Congress political leaders were raising fake alarms over the issue.  Such political pronouncements and parties when in government have betrayed the security establishment of the country , she said.

Journalist Harinder Baweja in her closing remarks spoke on the importance to isolate the ideology of terror.
Local bodies minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has come out in support of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP from Patiala Dharamvira Gandhi for legalising cultivation, sale and consumption of opium and its by-product poppy husk in the state.

I appreciate Gandhi for raising the demand of legalising the cultivation of opium. My uncle used to get opium as medicine from hospital. It is way better than Chitta (heroin), which SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia introduced in the state, due to which parents have to see bodies of their children, said Sidhu, on the sidelines of a function organised by the Noble Foundation, an NGO, in the city on Sunday.

In a rally at Muktsar grain market on Saturday, the suspended AAP MP had advocate legalising poppy cultivation. In July this year, Gandhi had even submitted a memorandum to Union home minister Rajnath Singh in this regard.

Referring to Shiromani Akali Dal (SADs) Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, who resigned from party positions on Saturday, and has in the past, backed poppy cultivation, Sidhu added, Dhindsas resignation is a result of the anger in the public against the Badals and the previous Akali government.

Comparing former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal to the Dhritrashtra of the Mahabharata, he added, Badal could not see beyond his son Sukhbir, just as Dhritrashtra could not see beyond Duryodhana. He added, The Badals and Majithia have marred the image of the state. Till they rule the SAD, the Congress will always have an upper hand as people have seen their true face.

To a query on whether petrol and diesel needed to be brought under the Goods and Services (GST) tax regime, he added, The Union government is not decreasing the prices of fuel, even when the rates of crude oil are lower in the international market in comparison to the levels seen during former PM Manmohan Singhs tenure. If brought under the GST, rates will come down to around 45 a litre.

Ludhiana mayor Balkar Sandhu, MLAs Sanjay Talwar, Surinder Dawar, Rakesh Pandey and Ludhiana MP Ravneet Singh Bittu did not attend the function.
On October 1, 2017, Jagmeet Singh attracted international attention, becoming the first-ever person from a visible minority background to capture the leadership of a major Canadian political party, winning the race to lead the New Democratic Party (NDP) in the very first round of balloting

Canadian media gushed over his historic achievement  the National Post described his ascent as a game-changer, while the Globe and Mail called him Justin Trudeaus worst nightmare. By the end of October 2017, he had a national approval rating of 40%, according to national broadcaster CBCs Leader Meter.

Now, 365 days later, that figure has receded to less than half, currently at 19%. The commentary in has also turned. Recent opinion pieces reflect the trend  Things are looking very ugly for the NDP and Jagmeet Singh, said the Ottawa Citizen.

Singhs early tenure has been marked with missteps, including the changing stances he has assumed after a pair of videos emerged of him speaking at events that supported Khalistan. Singh, soon after his victory, had also voiced support for self-determination in places like Punjab. But his tone has mellowed over recent months, and he even sent out greetings on Indias Independence Day this year.

However, Chris Cochrane, assistant professor of political science at the University of Toronto Scarborough, says that doesnt mean the year ahead, leading to the October 2019 federal elections will follow a similar pattern. I think the first year has been a year when the reality didnt match expectations, but I think those were unreasonable given how deeply divided his party is, he said.

The road to recovery for Singh will be through Burnaby South, the riding (as constituencies are called in Canada) where he will contest a by-election in the hope of finally getting elected to the House of Commons.

A loss may not be career- or leadership-ending, but the challenge will be far graver.

But the real challenge for the 39-year-old in the months ahead is if he can get his party to be a viable player for the federal elections with a coherent agenda.
Macedonian voters on Sunday supported a plan to rename the country aimed at ending a decades-long spat with Greece and unlocking a path to Nato and EU membership, although the referendum was marred by low turnout.

With ballots from 93% of polling stations counted, 91.3% of votes favoured the name changing to North Macedonia, compared to 5.7% opposed, according to the electoral commissions official count.

However, only a third of the 1.8 million-strong electorate voted.

Greece reacted to the result with the foreign ministry saying it remains committed to its June agreement with Skopje under which Athens would drop its objections to Macedonia joining the EU and Nato in return for a change of name.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras expressed his support for his Macedonian counterpart in a telephone call in which he hailed the determination and courage of Zoran Zaev to complete the implementation of this agreement, a government source told AFP.

The non-binding referendum on renaming Macedonia needs to be ratified in parliament by a two-thirds majority and also given the stamp of approval by the Greek parliament.

Zaev and his coalition partners from the ethnic Albanian minority will need at least a dozen MPs from the opposition to back the move.

Lack of enthusiasm

MPs now have an obligation to make Macedonia a better place for all of us, Zaev told reporters late on Sunday.

But the rightwing opposition VMRO-DPMNE party said the low turnout made the referendum deeply unsuccessful with party leader Hristijan Mickoski telling reporters the government lost its legitimacy.

However, the party that ruled Macedonia for a decade until 2017 was split during the referendum campaign. Mickoski did not vote, but several MPs took part in the polls, including partys vice-president Mitko Janchev.

Parliamentary speaker Talat Xhaferi, an ethnic Albanian who supports the agreement, said he was unable to vote.

I was not able to exercise my democratic right because my name was not on the electoral list, I hope it was an isolated case, Xhaferi said, according to Macedonian media reports.

The European Union urged all sides to respect the result of the referendum.

I now expect all political leaders to respect this decision and take it forward with utmost responsibility and unity across party lines, EU enlargement commissioner Johannes Hahn said in a statement.

Nato head Jens Stoltenberg said on Twitter the result was a historic opportunity, adding: Natos door is open.

Zaev said that if he failed to obtain the required majority in parliament to back the name deal, he would call early elections, two years after the last ones.

The vote is an emotional moment for a country that has struggled for recognition of its name since 1991, when the former Yugoslav republic declared independence.

At the time, Athens kicked up a major fuss, accusing Skopje of stealing the name of its own northern province, which is also called Macedonia.

The dispute dives deep into history with both countries vying to lay claim to Alexander the Greats ancient empire of Macedon, which spanned their territories.

Zaev had billed the referendum as a painful but historic opportunity to break a 27-year-old stalemate.

The June deal, however, was openly opposed by Macedonias President Gjorge Ivanov, who is allied with the nationalist opposition and had supported calls for a boycott of the referendum.

Few Macedonians are enthused about the new name, saying they have been unfairly bullied by Greece.

I am not happy and I do not know anyone who likes this deal, said 55-year old Danica Taneska, who voted no.

But a desire to anchor their future to the West -- and the economic prosperity that it could bring -- has been a driving force behind the yes vote in one of Europes poorest nations.

Greece watching closely

The referendum is not binding, but a yes majority gives parliament a political mandate to change the constitution.

Europe and the US have campaigned hard for the deal, with many leaders passing through Skopje this month to urge Macedonians to seize the historic opportunity.

Nato has already issued an invite -- on hold until the deal passes -- while EU accession talks are scheduled to begin next year.

The West is keen to have another foothold in the Western Balkans, a region where Russia, which is opposed to Nato expansion, has historically had influence.

At home, those in favour of the deal say a desire for an EU future is helping bind ethnic Macedonians with the Albanian minority, who are broadly pro-West.

While Macedonia avoided the full-scale inter-ethnic wars that rippled across the region during the collapse of Yugoslavia, it was roiled by an Albanian insurgency in 2001 that left more than 100 dead.

A peace deal was reached later that year granting Albanians more political rights, but tensions have remained.
Pakistans religious affairs minister Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, a member of Prime Minister Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, shared the stage with Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed at an event in Islamabad that focused on the Kashmir issue.

Several pro-Jamaat-ud-Dawah Twitter handles quoted Qadri as saying that he attended the all-party conference organised by the Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC) on Sunday on the instructions of the prime minister as its agenda represented the sentiments of the whole Pakistani nation.

Qadris presence at the event came just a day after Pakistans foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said at the UN General Assembly that the country will continue to strengthen our counter-terrorism frameworks and regimes. Qadri was seen in photos and video footage seated close to Saeed.

Saeed, accused by India of masterminding the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, carries a $10 million bounty on his head. The DPC is an alliance of some 40 religious and extremist groups.

Qadri told the gathering that Pakistan is an atomic power and will respond to any mischief by India in a befitting manner. Our military is ready, dont be under the impression that there wont be any response to a surgical strike, he was quoted as saying.

I joined this conference on the instructions of Prime Minister Imran Khan, he was quoted as saying. Reports said Qadri also signed a declaration adopted at the meeting to declare India a terrorist state.

Though Pakistan wants to resolve all political and territorial issues through dialogue, the Indian response was stubborn, he alleged. They are reluctant to come across the table for negotiations, he added.

Qadri said the government had highlighted Indian alleged involvement in terror activities in Pakistan at the UN General Assembly. India has dismissed foreign minister Qureshis allegations in this regard.

The meet was organised by the DPC to discuss alleged Indian threats, the situation in Kashmir and other issues.

In his address at the meet, Saeed alleged the BJP wants to fight next years general elections by uniting the Hindu votes and oppressing Muslims and on the basis of enmity towards Pakistan.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had mounted a frontal attack on Pakistan at the UN General Assembly on Saturday, calling it an expert in trying to mask malevolence with verbal duplicity, accusing it of funding and glorifying terrorists and warning of a conflagration if terrorism is not rooted out.
H umdrum paraphernalia of the huntin, shootin and fishin brigade sits beside items of historical importance with direct links to Churchill and the royals in a bumper Bonhams auction of four house contents sales on October 3.

Fine Georgian furniture ranges from walnut chests of drawers with estimates from 400, to two beautiful wood-framed sofas  one, lot 216, on for 500-700; the other, lot 100, likely Chippendale, for 10,000-15,000.

There are robust armchairs, solid-silver salvers, plus porcelain, decorative items and good paintings, from 17th-century Dutch still lives to 19th-century portraits. This sale is notable for its more unusual items.

The first 47 lots come from the estate of Lady Lucan, who died last year. Her husband John Bingham, the 7th Earl of Lucan, vanished in 1974 after the body of nanny Sandra Rivett was found in the basement of the familys Belgravia home. Lucan, widely believed to have bludgeoned her to death after mistaking her for his wife, was himself declared dead in 2016.

Lot 1 is a frankly hideous painting of Lucan swathed in blood-red velvet against a bilious green ground. By society portraitist Dominick Elwes, its estimated at 2,000-3,000.

Other fare includes a lovely, heavy silver tray, lot 7, at 1,500-2,000, and lot 14, a striking pair of Empire bronze-and-gilt candlesticks, for 1,500-2,500. Among the flotsam and jetsam of posh living are fob seals and lot 22, a fine black leather dressing case with many silver-topped jars and silver-backed brushes, for 1,000-1,500.

A fascinating piece of royal history is the coronation chair sat in by the 5th Countess Lucan at the coronation of George VI, the Queens father, in 1937. Peers often took their chairs away and this one, lot 46, is estimated to fetch 200-300.

Unusually, theres a pair of identical chairs in the fourth section of the auction, lot 213, on for 500-700, from the estate of Victor, 3rd Viscount Churchill, who also died last year. Banker Victor Churchill was a cousin of the Winston Churchill branch.

Of Victors illustrious ancestors, the second Baron Churchills wife was Lady Jane, Queen Victorias longest-serving Lady of the Bedchamber, who received many gifts, some on offer. The pretty, silver-gilt inkwell that was held by her son Victor Albert, Lord Chamberlain, at Edward VIIs coronation in 1902 for the King to sign the coronation oath, is lot 267, valued 1,000-1,500.

Victor Alberts bobbled viscounts coronet in its box, lot 220, is estimated at 800-1,200, while lot 225, a red leather shot carrier embossed with the royal coat of arms and holding numerous walking sticks, is 600-800. Lot 239, books inscribed by Winston Churchill to his cousins in 1936, could fetch 1,500-2,000 and lot 241, a Bible given in 1881 to Victor Albert by his affec. grandmother Queen Victoria, is on for 400-600. Ten signed royal photographs include Queen Victoria, lot 251, for 500-700.

There are 80 lots from Beverston Castle in Gloucestershire, formerly owned by Major Lawrence Rook and his wife. A decorated war hero, Rook became a world-class eventer, then a gold medallist in the 1956 Olympics. He and his wife were horse and country crazy, and members of the Beaufort Hunt.

There are adorable bronze bunnies, foxes and hounds to be had, plus sporting books and hunting horns, and a pair of Denby porcelain stirrup cups of a fox and hound, lot 169, for 500-700.

Catch fishing rods and flies for 600-800, or riding boots, crops and a silver-topped cane, lot 205, for 200-400. Lot 201 is a collection of bowler and top hats, plus a jockeys pink silk cap, for 200-400.

The major was noted for great gallantry, coolness and determination, and his medals, lot 207, valued at 1,000-1,400, include the Military Cross, awarded in 1945.
The nation has been glued to the news all week as Christine Blasey Ford and Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh testify about sexual assault allegations that have recently come to light. Im not here to get political, so dont worry. I do that enough already. Im actually here because I have had a completely different takeaway.

I noticed one common theme in each allegation of Kavanaugh: Alcohol was involved each time. He was always drunk when he was alleged to have done these horrendous acts, which in no way makes them excusable. Three of the accolades on his yearbook page referenced alcohol: Keg City Club (Treasurer), 100 Kegs or Bust and Beach Week Ralph Club. He could not have been more than 18 years old at the time of that yearbooks publication, which shows how early drinking can start. The fact that Kavanaughs drunken youth is wreaking havoc on his professional career prospects should be a wake-up call for high school and college-aged youths today.

These current events have compelled me to finally address something that has bothered me since I started high school over five years ago: There is a severe drinking problem among high school and college students nationwide. Alcohol is a household staple in dormitories across campus. Greek life not only accepts but promotes drinking. Game days are just excuses for students to get wasted on free booze. Clubbing is a 24/7 occurrence. Students drink to cope after a bad grade, which is, by the way, one of the first signs of alcoholism. Twitter accounts, such as Young Alcoholics, which both condone and encourage underage drinking, have amassed thousands of followers. It seems as though students do not realize that there isnt an age limit for alcoholism. Alcoholism is often acquired during college, and it isnt something to be taken lightly.

Greek life is especially notorious for its alcohol problem. In fact, these organizations cultivate an environment of drinking, allowing members of all ages to participate and ostracize those who do not. In 2017, fraternities at both Louisiana State University and Florida State University were suspended after the alcohol-caused death of two students. Already this year, UF suspended Delta Chi Fraternity for the near-fatal hazing incident of a pledge. After rushing last year, my roommate would tell me stories of the rampant drinking that occurred in her sorority. Date functions were ruined because too many girls got sick with alcohol poisoning. The sorority was given warnings and even put on probation more than once. My roommate, who did not partake in the alcoholic activities, finally left her sorority. Greek life is a major cause of most on campus alcohol-related issues, but again, that is a whole different story.

How can we address this issue and change the attitudes surrounding drinking culture on campuses? Begin by banning fraternities and sororities that do not adhere to the codes and bylaws regarding drinking. Not suspending. Banning. It has been shown time and time again that suspension has no effect on the actions of these groups. Disbanding the organizations that do not comply at least prevents them from congregating in such large numbers. Enforce the rules concerning hazing more strictly. Stop normalizing underage drinking. Indulge in activities that do not involve getting drunk. My friends and I prefer to spend our weekends going to local concerts, which do not require drinking in order to have a decent time. UF also has plenty of on campus activities to get involved with.

Dont drink away your youth. Only poor judgment occurs when under the influence. Judgment terrible enough that it causes someone to destroy the life of a young woman with a bright future. Hopefully, the tragedy of what happened to Ford some thirty years ago can influence the culture of todays youth. With time, the stigma around drinking culture can be changed, but it starts with us.

Hannah Whitaker is a UF English sophomore. Her column appears on Mondays.
Appointment

1 October 2018

Hilton Miami Downtown is pleased to announce the appointment of Susana Vento as the new Director of Sales and Marketing.

With over 14 years of experience, Vento has held leadership positions at multiple resorts within The Ritz-Carton, Hyatt Hotels and Morgans Hotel Group in Miami, Florida. In her new role, she will be responsible for driving group sales, developing sales strategies and leading public relations efforts on behalf of the property.

Vento joins Hilton most recently from the Ritz-Carlton in South Beach and Bal Harbour, where she held the Market Director of Sales position and led the sales and marketing efforts for both resorts. Prior to that, she played a vital role in the pre-opening of The Confidante Miami Beach by Hyatt.

Vento is a graduate of Florida International University in Miami, Florida where she received a double Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management.
Press Release

1 October 2018

After a full-year of 70th anniversary celebrations, Outrigger Hotels and Resorts is concluding its Platinum Anniversary by inviting vacationers to visit any of its tropical destinations across Hawaii, Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean for up to 40 percent off the current room rate. From now through October 26, 2018, guests who use the code "MEMORIES" when booking online will save on their stay at any Outrigger location for travel through June 30, 2019.



As part of Outrigger's year-long 70th anniversary, the brand celebrated the milestone with a "Share Your Story" campaign, encouraging guests to share throwback photos and recollections of their favorite Outrigger memory. The results were phenomenal, with more than 40,000 people sharing a personal experience. From surf trips to graduation parties, wedding proposals and annual family getaways, the common theme across all submissions was: "I had the time of my life!"



Bob and Kathleen Swieton were newlyweds from Illinois that stayed at The Reef Tower Hotel in 1967.They sent a newspaper clipping about the honeymoon alongside their original Hawaii honeymoon outfit to the resort as a memento. Outrigger gave life to the retro orange and brown aloha wear at the company's 70th Anniversary party last May - with models wearing them at the event. Outrigger has extended a complimentary stay for the Swieton's to return to Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort and renew their love in Hawaii at the resort's complimentary vow-renewal ceremony.



"For seven decades, Outrigger has provided guests with unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime vacation memories and we are proud to continue this tradition today said Sean Dee, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Outrigger Enterprises Group." "Outrigger's 70th anniversary was a time to reflect, but more important - an opportunity to look forward as we further position ourselves as the world's leading beachfront hospitality brand."



A handful of other memories submitted:



 "As a kid my dad used to take us down to Outrigger Waikiki once a year when his relatives came to visit from California. As kids it was always something that we looked forward to. We would enjoy swimming in the pool with the window where the people at the bar could watch us through the window. We grew up out in the country (Laie) so going to stay in Waikiki was a big dea l for us. Those were some of the best memories for me and my siblings growing up."



 "I stayed with Outrigger in 1969 with four other girlfriends. We shared the penthouse facing Diamond Head and I still have the receipt for the week that shows my portion of the bill was 70 dollars for the week! I had just turned 21 and this was my first trip to Hawaii and my first airplane flight. I had the time of my life that week and didn't want to leave. It would be fun to stay there again and relive the memories!"



 "We visited Oahu to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. We stayed at the Outrigger and renewed our wedding vows on the beach on the morning after our arrival. Loved the ceremony! It was so much more than we had anticipated. Enjoyed a beautiful first day of touring around the island and ended the day on the beach just outside the hotel watching fireworks. Fabulous day!"



On September 29, the hospitality brand will celebrate Ou trigger Founders Day worldwide, honoring the legacy of its founding members, Roy and Estelle Kelley - as well as the company's inspiring journey of growing a single Waikiki hotel to a global portfolio of properties in the most desired tropical locations including Hawaii, Fiji, Mauritius, Thailand Guam and the Maldives.



Since its first property opening in Waikiki in 1947, Outrigger had the vision of sharing the spirit of aloha with every guest and becoming synonymous with warm hospitality and a true vacation in paradise. More than seven decades later, Outrigger continues to encourage travelers to "Escape Ordinary" and discover local cultures through enriching programs and Outrigger Signature Experiences that create a deeper connection with the people and places they visit. Today, these founding values continue to guide the brand's success, which has blossomed into a global company that thinks and acts locally, encompassing the Outrigger heritage as well as the spirit and culture engrained at each of its 38 properties across the globe.



To learn more about Outrigger Hotels and Resorts, visit www.outrigger.com or follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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The past two weeks have been particularly busy in the social media world, and this weeks newsletter can prove it. Ready to find out about the latest updates and how theyll affect your hotels and resorts? Lets dive in.

The past two weeks have been particularly busy in the social media world, and this weeks newsletter can prove it. Ready to find out about the latest updates and how theyll affect your hotels and resorts? Lets dive in.

Facebooks Creator Studio Rolled Out Globally

Facebooks Creator Studio is a central hub for Pages, allowing them to manage their content libraries for all their Pages in one place, including uploading new images and videos, scheduling posts, and evaluating insights. It just recently rolled out globally, reaching Page admins all over the world.

What This Means for Hotels:



Many hotels and resorts often run more than one Page; they may have affiliate resorts, multiple locations, or even specific Pages dedicated to their restaurants or spas. Being able to manage all content for all Pages on one easy-to-use dashboard can save you a lot of time and hassle. You can access your Creator Studio under the Business Manager.

Facebook Releases New Tracking Events

Facebooks tracking events are snippets of code added to the tracking pixel which you can use to determine if certain actions are taken on your site, like checkouts or clicks on a key product page. Facebook is enhancing the pixel even further by rolling out eight new events in the coming weeks.

The new tracking events are:

- Contact

- Customize Product

- Find Location

- Schedule

- Donate

- Start Trial

- Submit Application

- Subscribe

What This Means for Hotels:



The Schedule, contact, and find location tracking events will likely prove exceptionally valuable for hotels and resorts. Scheduling bookings, spa reservations, and dinners could all be tracked with the new pixel, and every time someone contacts one of your hotels or searches for a location, youll know. This will allow you to retarget to an interested audience and help close the booking.

Facebook Provides More Information for Certain Ad Placements

If you run Facebook Ads in in-stream video placements, Instant Articles, and the Audience Network, youre about to get a lot more information about where your ads could potentially be shown. If you dont have access to the new feature already, youll soon be able to see a full list of specific potential placements where your ads could appear in these placements. After your campaign is over, youll also be able to see which placements your ad actually landed.

What This Means for Hotels:



More visibility is always an advantage, especially when youve got a lot of ad spend on the table. As advertisers, we can already block our content from appearing on content in certain categories or from certain publishers, but getting a full list might give us a reminder of a few more names to block or more targeting to narrow down. More transparency and more information can mean better ad performance, and theres a good chance this be the case for the new placement update.

Facebook Reinvents Canvas Ads

Canvas Ads have been rebranded as Instant Experiences. These fullscreen, interactive mobile experiences will now offer a new Instant Form template and component. This component will allow marketers to add lead generation forms in their Instant Experiences.

Image source: Facebook



Instant Experiences can now be tracked with the pixel, allowing advertisers to get a better understanding of how their campaigns are really performing.

What This Means for Hotels:



Instant Experiences have always had a lot of potential for hotels and resorts, even though they were underused. Theyre a great way to showcase your properties and amenities in exciting, dynamic ways your guests could respond to. Now, you can use the lead form to capture the information of interested potential guests and follow up to schedule a booking.

New Facebook Stories Updates

There are some new features being tested for Facebooks Stories, and while they likely wont be rolling out on a wide scale for a little while, we still want to mention them.

The first is the ability to share links in Stories. Facebook recently confirmed that theyre testing this ability, which Instagram already has. There is no news about when this would move beyond beta testing.

The second will be Stories Ads, which is currently rolling out to Facebook marketing partners. According to TechCrunch, early tests in Mexico, Brazil, and the US gave access to the feature to a few big name brands, which are pretty much identical to Instagrams Stories Ads.

What This Means for Hotels:

Weve already seen that Instagram Stories can be an incredible powerhouse for the hospitality industry, especially once Ads and links are included to drive actionable (and off-platform) results. Having this ability come to Facebook too will be a huge benefit, giving us additional mediums to connect with potential guests. Facebook users are already watching Stories, after all, and this will allow us to drive site traffic and bookings as a result.

Instagram Expands Security Features

Instagram has finally rolled out expanded verification and security features for business profiles. The first will seek to protect users by evaluating the authenticity of accounts with a large number of followers, much like Facebook has recently done. Users will be able to see the accounts history, any name changes, and all ads the profile is currently running.

The second change is coming soon, and will allow use of third-party authentication apps to be used to log into Instagram. This will be a more safe and secure way for businesses to log into Instagram.

What This Means for Hotels:

Instagram wants to make the platform safer for everyone, which means more transparency and more security. Most hotels and resorts have nothing to hide, so the transparency will only help you to build trust, and the added security features can help you protect your accounts and your guests at the same time.

Instagram Releases Polls to Direct Messages

Polls are a great way to drive engagement through Stories, and now users are able to send polls to their friends through direct messaging. Add a small group to a chat, and then use the poll sticker to ask a question. All thats left to do is wait for the responses to come pouring in.

What This Means for Hotels:

Stories broadcast your polls to your entire audience, but using them in direct messaging can have its benefits, too. Reach out to small groups of your followers, and use the text features to let them know theyre in an exclusive group of loyal guests and you want their opinion. Theyll be notified, and it could increase the likelihood that they answer. You could also use this feature to run contests or sweepstakes, too.

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Best Western Hotels & Resorts today celebrated the arrival of its boutique hotel brand, GLo, with a opening celebration introducing its first-ever property in DeSoto, Texas.

Best Western Hotels & Resorts today celebrated the arrival of its boutique hotel brand, GLo, with a opening celebration introducing its first-ever property in DeSoto, Texas. The event celebrated Best Westerns newest brand with a gathering of Best Western executives, local dignitaries, and community VIPs.

Were excited to celebrate the opening of our first GLo property and to introduce this innovative, traveler-centric brand to the world, said David Kong, president and CEO for Best Western Hotels & Resorts. GLo is designed for savvy travelers who expect the best in value, design, and comfort, and we are excited to deliver on that with this refreshing new hotel.

With a strong focus on offering guests an iconic experience, GLo connects todays travelers with state-of-the-art technology and modernized designs throughout the hotel. Designed with millennials expectations in mind, as well as others, the addition of digital keys, a digital concierge, and communal workspace positions at GLo will further secure Best Westerns powerful place as an innovator in the growing midscale market.

GLo is a true testament to the significant evolution of Best Western and our constant efforts to position the company as an innovator in the eyes of todays travelers, said Ron Pohl, senior vice president and chief operations officer for Best Western Hotels & Resorts. In its recent years, Best Western has expanded its portfolio from one brand to 13, and we are now more diversified, able to deliver the unique experiences todays travelers - and developers - expect.

The 75-room boutique GLo DeSoto hotel consists of a spacious, welcoming lobby that includes an energetic bar for unwinding or networking with colleagues and friends, a divisible conference room can accommodate small and large meetings, a 15-person spa/hot tub adjacent to a state-of-the-art fitness center, and unique guestrooms, with large 50 televisions, nested lounge chairs, and signature furniture with built-in storage.

We are excited to open the doors of the first-ever GLo property and invite travelers to experience this warm and welcoming hotel, said Jiger Patel, co-founder of Shreem Capital. As a Best Western member for quite some time, I continue to be impressed with the companys innovative mindset and am proud to have experienced the brands transformation firsthand.

South of I-35, GLo DeSoto is a 15-minute drive from Downtown Dallas, where travelers can enjoy an array of activities such as dining, nightlife, shopping, and the Dallas World Aquarium. DeSoto is a suburban area ideal for this upper-midscale brand, which has a strong pipeline of properties in secondary markets, complementing the urban locations of its sister brand, Vib.

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Five years ago, Ritesh Agarwal was a college dropout; today, Oyo - his chain of renovated hotels - is Indias biggest and is expanding overseas, including into China

Excerpt from South China Morning Post

Five years ago, Ritesh Agarwal was a college dropout; today, Oyo - his chain of renovated hotels - is Indias biggest and is expanding overseas, including into China

Finding clean, affordable hotels in India can be a travellers nightmare. Too often, what looks good on a website turns out to be a roach-infested room in a crumbling building where water has to be schlepped to the bathroom in a bucket.

Ritesh Agarwals solution is a booking app that promises truth in advertising and branded hotels that dont deliver unpleasant surprises. The chain he started in 2013, Oyo Hotels, has already become the largest in India, a chaotic market worth US$4.5 billion, according to New Delhi-based researcher Hotelivate.

Now Agarwal is going overseas with his franchise model, which combines a reservation site with a full stack of services for small hoteliers who want to up their game. The company has said it is raising US$1 billion from SoftBank Vision Fund, Sequoia Capital and other investors to fund expansion in countries including China, where Oyo opened in November. Last week it started service in the UK, bringing the business to a developed market for the first time.

By 2023, we will be the worlds largest hotel chain, the 24-year-old founder said in a recent interview at an Oyo hotel in a suburb of New Delhi, where the company is based. We want to convert broken, unbranded assets around the globe into better-quality living spaces.

Click here to read complete article at South China Morning Post.

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The third sequel to the beloved Bad Boys franchise is finally coming together officially according to a new report from Variety. According to the publication, the plan is for the third installment to be in theatres by Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2020 so filming will begin next year if all goes as planned. If were going to make another Bad Boys after 15 years, its got to be next-level great, Columbia Pictures president Sanford Panitch said.

Will Smith has reportedly confirmed his role as Detective Mike Lowrey while Martin Lawrence is still working on his deal to secure his part as Detective Marcus Burnett. The exact plotline of the film is being kept under wraps, but a previous report alluded to an interesting synopsis.

"The film will see Lawrences character Marcus Burnett working as a private eye after a falling out with Smiths Mike Lowery, who is going through a midlife crisis as a bachelor who finally wants to mature, all while dealing with a new a young and cocky partner who is loyal to Lowery but that loyalty is not reciprocated, and finds bond with Burnett when he returns to the fray," the report read. "Lowery and Burnett are brought together again when a lean, mean, skilled, Albanian mercenary with a vendetta puts a death order on Lowery and Burnett for the death of his brother. Now the two must work together once again to bring him down."
Kanye West has a specific reason for pushing back his album to Black Friday. The rapper is taking his creative juices to Africa to add some unprecedented flavor to his music. Ye is sharing many interesting details about his creative process and mindset behind the completion of the record.

He describes Yandhi as being a "full Ye album" that includes a lot of "original" themes like "body-shaming" and slut-shaming as well as "sound that you never heard before."

"The alien Ye is like fully back in mode, off of medication. You know, working out, breathing as much fresh air as possible. Thinking, doing, being his self. And when I say 'I'm being myself,' it doesn't mean that I'm being Donald Trump. I'm being me and I'm punk. And I can wear whatever I want 'cause I'm a God."

He then goes on about alternate realities, "chakras," "electrical suits," and the space-time continuum. He quickly returns to the album, explaining how he felt "energy" when he was in Chicago that called him to Africa. He feels the need to travel to the continent to "go and find out what it's really called and grab the soil."

View the full clip of his spiel below.
This past Friday, after years of delays, legal setbacks, and label in-fighting, Lil Wayne finally released his long-awaited album Tha Carter V. It's a momentous occasion for a number of reasons, including Wayne gaining independence from Cash Money Records, setting some streaming records, and linking up with a whole host of talent young and old. Top Tracks is not immune to the Weezy onslaught, as this week's top two tracks are both Carter V album cuts.

Wayne is the only artist with multiple songs in the Top Ten this week. New songs barely missing out on spots include Young Thug and 6LACK's "Climax" (#11), Desto Dubb, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Pump, Smokepurpp, and 03 Greedo's "Bank Teller" (#12), Kevin Gates' "Adding Up" (#13), and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie's "Retaliation" (#14).

10. Dave East - Yes Indeed (East Mix)

IN the past, Dave East tackled songs by artists like The Weeknd and Jay-Z in his "East Mix" series, and his latest addition comes in over a hot track from earlier this year, Drake and Lil Baby's "Yes Indeed." His take on the Harder Than Ever single debuts at #10.

9. Lil Durk Feat. Young Dolph & Lil Baby - Downfall

Speaking of Lil Baby, the Atlanta rapper guests (along with Memphis' Young Dolph) on Lil Durk's latest track, "Downfall." One of a small handful of tracks Durk's dropped since getting out of his Def Jam deal, this one debuts at #9.

8. Jacquees - Trip (Quemix)

Here on Top Tracks, we mostly see tracks in their first week of release. Sometimes, if they're really big, we see second-week tracks. But fourth-week tracks? Almost never. Jacquees' take on Ella Mai's sleeper hit "Boo'd Up" initially debuted within the Top Ten when it was released in early September, but has seen a resurgence in searches since it was taken down about a week ago. In its fourth week out, "Trip" is up 12 places from #20 to #8.

7. Kodak Black - If I'm Lyin I'm Flyin

Outside of a collaborative track with Gucci Mane and Bruno Mars, Kodak Black hadn't released any new music since getting out of jail this summer until "If I'm Lyin I'm Flyin." This one, presumably taken from his upcoming album, debuts at #7.

6. DJ Snake Feat. Selena Gomez, Ozuna & Cardi B - Taki Taki

For his latest single, DJ Snake collected three of the hottest artists of Latin descent in the world. "Taki Taki" features American sensations Selna Gomez and Cardi B, as well as Puerto Rican hotshot Ozuna. It debuts at #6.

5. Logic Feat. Method Man, RZA, GZA, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, Masta Killa, Cappadonna & Jackpot Scotty Wotty - Wu-Tang Forever

Back in the run-up to his album Nothing Was the Same, Drake claimed to have a song featuring every living original Wu-Tang Clan member called "Wu-Tang Forever." When the album surfaced, they were nowhere to be found. Logic decided to actually carry through on that promise, grabbing nine members of the Staten Island collective. His "Wu-Tang Forever" debuts at #5.

4. T.I. Feat. Young Thug - The Weekend

T.I. and Young Thug have several collaborations under their belts at this point, including early single "About The Money" and several Bankroll Mafia cuts, but it's been a while since they linked up on a song. "The Weekend" is a single from Tip's upcoming album The Dime Trap, and it debuts at #4.

3. Juicy J Feat. Travis Scott - Neighbor

Juicy J and Travis Scott also have quite a fruitful past working together, and not only that, but the Juiceman also has a track record of great songs about neighbors. He kills two birds with one stone on his latest song, "Neighbor," which debuts at #3.

2. Lil Wayne Feat. Kendrick Lamar - Mona Lisa

One of the more noteworthy Carter V tracks on first glance is this collab with Kendrick Lamar. "Mona Lisa" finds both of the top-tier lyricists at the top of their games, and it debuts at #2.

1. Lil Wayne Feat. XXXTentacion - Don't Cry

It's honestly a bit surprising that this XXXTentacion collab got more views than "Mona Lisa," but then again, every bit of posthumous music that's trickled out since his death has been met with an absurd amount of hype. "Don't Cry" debuts at #1.
Trade between Texas, Mexico and Canada will continue to flow freely, following a late-hour deal on Sunday that re-worked the North American Free Trade Agreement, analysts said.

The agreement, now called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, won't go into full effect until 2020 as it needs to be approved by all three nations.

While details have not yet been released, the deal has significant changes for automakers, opens Canada's milk market to U.S. dairy farmers, and maintains arbitration rules that many American companies hoped would be kept in place.

Analysts said that Texas oil and gas producers will view the deal as a relief. Energy producers have been concerned that Trump, who had called NAFTA the "worst" deal ever made, could scrap NAFTA entirely.

For Texas -- and Houston -- keeping the deal in place is significant to the economy.

Energy companies will now continue to be able to freely export nearly 5 billion cubic feet of gas a day to Mexico, and American refiners will still be able to tap some of the 3.3 million barrels of oil exported from Canada each day.

"The key takeaway is that it should not be negative" to Texas oil and gas producers, said Ed Hirs, an economist at the University of Houston. "It should be business as usual, or maybe a little better." In Texas, trade with Mexico and Canada accounts for more than 1 million jobs.

Mexico is the No. 1 trading partner for Texas and the Greater Houston area. In 2017, there was $20 billion of trade between Mexico and the Greater Houston area, including Galveston, according to the Greater Houston Partnership. Canada accounted for $3.3 billion in trade with the region last year.

About 38 percent of all Texas exports go to Mexico.

"Any agreement that the United States reaches with Mexico is important and is good news for Houston," said Patrick Jankowski, vice president of research for the Greater Houston Partnership.

Texas imports more from Mexico than any other country, roughly 33.2 percent of all of its imported goods. The state's trade with Canada tops more than $40 billion per year.

"This is very good news for Texas companies," said Doug McCullough, director of the Canada-Texas Chamber of Commerce.

Rhetoric between the White House and Canada caused some to speculate that Canada could be left out of the accord. Last-minute negotiations that reached agreement of issues such as providing U.S. farmers openings to Canada's dairy markets, allowed the trilateral agreement to stay in place.

Considering the breadth and scope of new pact, the actual changes to NAFTA are "really very minor," said Tony Payan, director of Rice University's Mexico Center at the Baker Institute.

Payan said USMCA is a good deal for Texas in that little appears to have changed, other than for automakers, which in 2020 must have 75 percent of its components produced in the United States, Canada and Mexico to be tariff free. Previously, the requirement was 62.5 percent.

Payan said that the agreement "from what I see, is really a draw."
The information in this column is intended to provide a general understanding of the law, not legal advice. Readers with legal problems, including those whose questions are addressed here, should consult attorneys for advice on their particular circumstances.

Q. I saw in your column a website for getting Texas legal forms, but I lost the article. What was that site?

A. You can find many Texas forms at texaslawhelp.org.

For instance, they have forms for you to get divorced, change your name, or create a transfer on death deed. They dont have wills, though.

The Texas Legislature in 2015 passed a bill that mandated that the supreme court shall, as the court considers appropriate, promulgate  a simple will form for married and unmarried persons. So far, nothing has been created.

Q. I have seen it in your columns, but where do I go online to search for a local attorney to prepare a will and trust? Would the same attorney be able to draft a prenuptial agreement for me if I get remarried, or should I use a different attorney?

A. If you want to find an attorney who specializes in writing wills and trusts and in handling probates after death, then you should search tbls.org for an attorney who is board certified in estate planning and probate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Some, but not all, board-certified estate-planning attorneys will also draft a prenuptial agreement for you. If your attorney will not agree to do so, you can search the same website for an attorney who is board certified in family law.

Q. My husband died two years ago. I probated his will within six months of his passing. Recently, when I tried to sell our car, I was told I needed Letters Testamentary. My attorney worked quickly, but it took longer than a few days, so my sale had to be started all over again. Should everyone get Letters Testamentary when the probate process is over?

A. It is typically a good idea to get a few extra Letters Testamentary when you probate a will, just in case you need one later for something unforeseen.

However, not all businesses will accept a Letters Testamentary that is older than 30 to 90 days. The reason is that the document states who is serving as executor as of a certain date, but if two years have gone by, that person might no longer be serving. A former executor might have been removed by the judge, who then named someone else to serve.

So even if you had an extra Letters Testamentary, you still might have had to get a new one.

It is worth noting that Letters Testamentary can be obtained quickly, typically on the same day, if you know how to get one. As you found out, it can take a week or two if you mail the court a request along with a check, or fax a request and pay by credit card, and then wait to receive the document in the mail.

Ronald Lipman of the Houston law firm Lipman & Associates is board-certified in estate planning and probate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Email questions to stateyourcase@lipmanpc.com.
The most common complaint from oil company executives four years ago was about how retiring Baby Boomers were triggering a great crew change and creating a shortage of qualified professionals.

CEOs lamented the shortsightedness of layoffs in the 1990s that discouraged an entire generation from joining the industry. They are making the same mistakes today.

We are losing people, and the industry doesnt learn, Isolda Griffiths, an energy economics evaluation engineer, told me. It is pressure from investors who want to see good financials. And we professionals are overhead costs.

Griffiths, like most oil and gas workers of a certain age, has been through booms and busts before. But no one in the industry has seen anything quite like the last 10 years. Petroleum engineers saw demand for their services go from steady to frenzied, to unwanted.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Developing the workforce we need requires big changes

In the 1970s, oil prices skyrocketed, and thousands of Baby Boomers studied petroleum engineering, geophysics and other energy professions. But after oil prices crashed in 1986, U.S. oil and gas drilling slowed, and few members of Generation X entered the industry due to lack of jobs.

When the shale drilling revolution began in 2008, there were not enough professionals to meet demand. The American Petroleum Institute estimated in 2014 that 50 percent of the industry's workforce was on the verge of retirement, and the next person in line was on average 20 years younger.

At the 2014 Offshore Technology Conference, hiring managers lamented laying off people and not recruiting young talent. Some said companies should promise more stable work environments to attract the engineers and scientists they need.

Then oil prices collapsed again in 2014. Companies laid off more than 115,000 Texans, proving once again that an oil and gas professionals career is defined by price volatility. BHP laid off Griffiths, who worked on the offshore team.

We dont call ourselves unemployed; we say were in transition, she said with a laugh.

Griffiths has not given up on the industry. She serves on the Gulf Coast Section of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and organizes job fairs for mid-career professionals like herself.

Many people with a lot of experience are leaving the industry, she said. What we want is for the industry to have the opportunity to meet these people and do something to retain all of their expertise. Otherwise, it will be worse than the 1980s.

The next job fair is Oct. 16 at the Trini Mendenhall Community Center in Houston. But the event is by invitation and is limited to 300 people.

We want people who are experienced and have worked in the active segments of the industry, she said. There will be a gap in experience if these people are lost.

The industry has only hired back about 47,000 people since oil prices turned up again last year, writes Karr Ingham, petroleum economist for the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.

Job growth continues moving into the second half of 2018," Ingham said. "But again, estimated upstream oil and gas employment as of June 2018 is down by over 68,000 jobs compared to peak industry employment levels in late-2014, and still crude oil production is at record levels and continues to climb."

Thats because technological advances in shale drilling allow companies to pump more product from fewer wells while employing fewer people. But the lack of rehiring has sent a message to young people, too.

The number of students pursuing petroleum engineering degrees has dropped from 11,474 in the fall of 2014 to 6,263 in the fall of 2017, according to research by Lloyd Heinze, PE professor at Texas Tech University.

The number of petroleum engineering graduates will drop from 1,220 in 2019 to only 130 in 2022, according to Heinzes research, published in the Journal of Petroleum Engineering. That should worry the industry as the market rebalances and companies need to begin exploring again, particularly for big offshore wells.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Digital natives are perfect for the oil industrys great crew change

Offshore is coming back, and it has to come back because of the reserve replacement factor in the companies that are here to stay, Griffiths said. I think hiring will go back to where it was before 2012.

The workers, though, might not be around of companies dont start hiring again soon. Engineers and scientists are smart people capable of working successfully in industries that promise sustained employment rather than a rollercoaster.

If oil and gas companies dont start taking career stability seriously, they will find few takers when they put out the Help Wanted sign. By now, youd think they would have learned that lesson.

Chris Tomlinson writes commentary about business and economics.

chris.tomlinson@chron.com

twitter.com/cltomlinson
The country's biggest names in barbecue converged in Houston Sunday, firing up a lot of smoke.

And a lot of money.

The fourth annual Southern Smoke  a culinary festival featuring some of the nation's most lauded cooking talents  raised $425,000. Before Sunday night's tally was announced, the fundraiser organized by James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Shepherd, had already taken in more than $1 million in the previous three years of the event.

When the checks were handed out, one went to chefs who were actual participants at Southern Smoke: Vivian Howard of the Chef & the Farmer in Kinston, N.C, and Sam Jones of Sam Jones BBQ in Winterville, N.C. Shepherd called the two to the stage and presented them with a $10,000 check for Hurricane Florence relief.

BARBECUE BIGSHOTS: Listen to Billy Durney and Pat Martin cut up on Barbecue State of Mind podcast

Southern Smoke also presented $200,000 to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and $214,000 to the Southern Smoke Foundation, a nonprofit created to raise funds for charitable purposes, specifically to support those in the food and beverage community and their suppliers.

The event was a bonanza for barbecue fans who were able to sample smoked goodness from barbecue royalty such as Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Billy Durney of Hometown Bar B Que in New York, and Pat Martin of Martin's Bar- B-Que Joint in Nashville. It was also an occasion to taste unique creations from other superstars such as James Beard-winner Edouardo Jordan of Salare and JuneBaby in Seattle, Beard winner Ryan Prewitt of Peche in New Orleans, Beard winner and pizza legend Chris Bianco of Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix, and former Houstonian Daniela Soto-Innes of Cosme and Atla in New York.

"I'm so proud to be here and to be working for Chris," said Soto-Innes, who has worked in kitchens at Triniti, Underbelly and Brennan's of Houston. "I'm humbled and honored." Soto-Innes said she agreed to participate in Southern Smoke not just because of her mentor Shepherd, but because of the community causes the fundraiser supports.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Alison Cook's Top 100 restaurants for 2018

"It took me about no seconds to say I'll be there," Bianco echoed. "The world needs a lot of things right now. It's great to know the money is going to people who need it."

Durney agreed: "This is so important to me," said the chef whose own restaurant was damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. "There's so many similarities between our town and this town."

Houston chefs represented under the umbrella organization the HOUBBQ Collective: Manabu Horiuchi of Kata Robata, Hugo Ortega of Xochi, Seth Siegel-Gardner and Terrence Gallivan of The Pass & Provisions, Brandi Key of The Tasting Room and Max's Wine Dive, Justin Yu of Theodore Rex, Erin Smith and Patrick Feges of Feges BBQ, and Ryan Pera of Coltivare.

More than 1,500 people attended 2018 Southern Smoke, held on the grounds around The Hay Merchant and Blacksmith in Montrose. Guests also were able to get first glimpse at Georgia James, the work-in-progress steakhouse opening soon in the former Underbelly space.

Greg Morago writes about food for the Houston Chronicle. Follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Send him news tips at greg.morago@chron.com. Hear him on our BBQ State of Mind podcast to learn about Houston and Texas barbecue culture.
Teens were well-served by television drama and comedy in the fresh-faced 90s. Thanks to shows such as Party of Five, Blossom, Dawsons Creek and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, that generations television coming-of-age can truly be called the wonder years (pun intended).

But how many actresses can say they were among the cast of that eras most iconic series, Saved By the Bell and Beverly Hills, 90210?

Tiffani Thiessen, for one. At 44, she still has that girl-next-door charm coupled with breezy, peppy California confidence; her face is still beauty pageant perfect. Shes made the transition from teen idol to adulthood (wife/mother/working actress) without any Hollywood headlines drama or tragic flameouts suffered by too many sitcom stars.

Today, shes still in the public eye but a far cry from her days as cheerleader Kelly Kapowski and bad girl Valerie Malone. Thiessen is still acting (Alexa & Kate, a sitcom on Netflix), but she is best known for her easygoing way in the kitchen on her Cooking Channel show Dinner at Tiffanis. The success of that cooking show, where she invites some of her friends and famous pals to dine with homey meals she creates, has led to her first cookbook, Pull Up a Chair, out this week.

The mother of two youngsters and wife of former Houstonian, actor and artist Brady Smith, Thiessen makes it look easy in the kitchen, with her practical advice and recipes designed for casual dinner parties and feeding an active family. Writing a cookbook, however, was a new learning curve.

Tiffani Thiessen in Houston Tiffani Thiessen, the host of Cooking Channel's "Dinner at Tiffani's," will make two Houston area appearances to promote her new cookbook, "Pull Up a Chair" (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $30): Oct. 7: Williams Sonoma, 12850 Memorial Drive, 2-4 p.m. Oct. 8: Books-a-Million, 5000 Katy Mills Circle, Katy, 6 p.m. See More Collapse

I dont know if I learned anything new about cooking, but I learned something about stamina and how much it takes to do a book, she said. I make this joke a lot, but it literally felt like I birthed a baby but with four hard corners.

Those four corners hold 125 recipes encompassing breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as desserts and themed dinner party planning. Fans of Dinner at Tiffanis are familiar with her easygoing style in the kitchen. Her cookbook bears that same mark  a natural, unstudied approach to home-cooked meals that she said she learned growing up in her middle-class California home.

My love for cooking comes from the most honest, genuine place: watching my mom, aunt, and grandmother in the kitchen, she writes. Growing up, you could usually find me hanging out with them, helping make things like my moms famous Cream Cheese Pie (recipe in the book). These incredible women not only taught me how to put great flavors together, but also instilled in me how special it is to share a home-made meal, no matter how humble.

Recipe: My Mom's Salsa from Houston Chronicle food editor Greg Morago

The book is liberally laced with dishes, thanks to her Texan husband, dear to Houston hearts: nachos, ribs, chicken tortilla soup, chili, enchiladas and queso. Ive always had a love for Southern food. It just heightened when I married a Texan and learned about Texan foods, she said, adding that her best friend, from South Carolina, also helped fuel her love for Southern foodways.

When in Houston  she visits often, she said  her favorite restaurant is Ryan Peras Coltivare in the Heights: I could not love his food more, she said.

Shes become a fan, too, of the overall Houston food scene. Ive been married going on 15 years next month, so Ive been going to Houston a ton, on average three trips a year, she said. To see the changes in Houston food and the Houston restaurant scene has been amazing.

Theres little Hollywood gloss in Thiessens game. Thats apparent in her show and in the company she keeps: Her TV and movie industry friends gobble her homey meals with a gusto, so one would assume theyd approach Los Angeles hot spots like Nobu and Spago. Funny story: Ive never been to Spago, she said with a laugh. Ive lived my whole life in Southern California, and Ive never been there.

So what kinds of food appeals to her? Food that tastes good and looks good on the plate, she said. And maybe that says something about the company you keep: Its who you pull up a chair with. Its about the food and the people you break bread with.

When asked how she would define her own style of cooking, Thiessen said, I would say its food that gives you a hug. It comes from the heart. It comes from what makes me feel good, she said. Theres a long relationship with some of the recipes. Its slightly comfort food - comfort for me because it feels like a hug.

Recipe: Cauliflower Chorizo Tacos

Recipe: Bean & Ham Hock Stew

Recipe: Chia Seed Pudding

greg.morago@chron.com

twitter.com/gregmorago
Period costumes, horses, swords, troubadours and beer steins are what visitors expect to see at a renaissance festival. Fine china, not so much.

Yet high tea is the newest attraction at the Texas Renaissance Festival in Todd Mission, an effort by organizers to put a twist on the 44-year-old event that opened this weekend.

Its a traditional British high tea, said Travis Bryant, the festivals marketing director. We always try to reinvent ourselves.

HEADING OUT? What's new at this year's Texas Renaissance Festival?

Each day, visitors can attend a high tea at 1 p.m. and traditional tea at 4:30 p.m., held on a new covered deck above the Queens Pantry, for $55 and $40 per person, respectively, giving guests a full meal of finger sandwiches, biscuits, scones and sweets, along with hot tea  or Texas-style iced tea for guests looking for a break from a warm afternoon. Customers can also purchase cocktails.

Rhonni DuBose, the lead creator of the tea, said the festival wanted to create a unique event where guests can take a respite from the bustle below and relax for an hour in comfortable confines. The breezy deck overlooks the main thoroughfare and includes tables set with linen napkins, tablecloths and china teapots and cups.

We tried to be a bar thats not a bar, DuBose said. We had to marry Victorian and Renaissance aesthetics.

DuBose said the event appears to be off to a smashing start, even as the staff works out some kinks. The event so far has been popular with mothers and daughters, and a man proposed to his girlfriend during tea on Saturday, DuBose said.

After a morning walking the grounds, friends Melissa Pumarega of Spring and Poonam Desai of Houston attended the 1 p.m. tea, which they said offered a nice break for a leisurely lunch to chat and recharge.

Its nice to be here at the Ren Fest, but a little bit removed from the craziness, said Desai, who is six months pregnant.

Pumarega, who has attended British teas before, said she was unsure what to expect from the Renaissance Festival version.

This was exactly what I wanted because it was away from walking around, it was covered, theres a fan going, she said. Plus, its really pretty up here.

It is a tea fit for a king, his highness himself testified.

I like the tea very much, said the festivals jovial monarch, played by Greg Taylor, before excusing himself to attend a jousting contest.

Bryant said the festival had about 11,000 visitors on Saturday and Sunday, a slightly lower number than usual, owing to intermittent downpours that put a damper on the weekend. Clouds gave way to sunshine and temperatures in the low 80s by the afternoon, which helped dry muddy areas.

Other new events include stage acts Philnic the Great, fresh off an appearance on the television show Americas Got Talent, and comedy musical duo The Toobadours.

The festival has also debuted this year the 1574 Founders Club, a private concierge service. For $75 per day, members can enjoy a private bar and restrooms, lockers and air-conditioned rooms.

Ren Fest has nine themed weekends and runs through Nov. 25.

Zach Despart covers Harris County for the Chronicle. You can follow him on Twitter or email him at zach.despart@chron.com.
The Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe is part of the US-based Episcopal Church and led by Bishop Pierre Whalon. In this post, he reflects on questions of ecumenism and Christian Unity.

Cet article est egalement disponible en francais

This blog post is also available in French

The General Convention of the Episcopal Church ended on 13 July without the great controversies or internal struggles that certain media expected. My resolutions sent by the Convention of the Episcopal Churches in Europe in 2017 were approved by the bishops and deputies, in particular that our Church has always been in full communion with the (Lutheran) Church of Sweden, and also the authorisation to continue an official dialogue with die Evangelische Lutherisch Kirche in Bayern, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bavaria, itself a part of the Evangelische Kirche Deutschland.

Full communion does not signify the union or fusion of two churches, but rather the mutual recognition that they possess the faith, sacraments and ministry in common. In practice this means that the faithful can receive communion, marry and be baptised, and that ministers in one church can serve in the other.

As I am deeply involved in these two developments, the General Conventions decisions give me a certain satisfaction. But on the other hand, they increase my dissatisfaction. To get to these ecumenical advances required a lot of effort, and time is pressing. We have entered a new age in which the public thinks that ecumenism has already happened, and doesnt much care, and at the same time the movement is slowing, thanks to the lack of interest by Christian leaders.

This feeling of lassitude shared by the general public and ecclesiastical leaders, this disillusionment, comes not only from the difficulty of dialoguing and deciding together, with other Christians, issues of doctrine, of historic disdain and distrust, but also that the western churches are paralysed by internal crises. In particular, the drop in church attendance, and the parallel decline in social influence that are shaking the hierarchs.

Like me, for instance. I received a commission to write a book on ecumenism, that I am calling for now Choose the Narrow path. I am thinking of Christs saying, Narrow the path that leads to life (Matt. 7:14). Well, if we do not redouble our ecumenical efforts, we will either continue to decline into a gentle dusk, or else to compete for fewer and fewer faithful.

This narrow path is not only the gate that leads to our individual salvation, it is also means accepting that we Christians are already in communion. The Holy Spirit holds us all in an embrace with Jesus our Saviour, whose tangible sign is Baptism. And the same spirit nourishes us all with his Body and Blood. Whether we recite the Nicene and Apostles Creeds in church or not, they sum up succinctly our common interpretation of the biblical message. And we all believe in one way or another that the Spirit chooses human beings to serve Gods people by baptising, celebrating the Holy Communion, teaching the faith of the creeds, and marrying couples.

Of course, we do not do these things in the same way. However, we all do them. And for my part, I am more and more frustrated by the slowness of progress in our dialogues. We have to understand that our survival is at stake. I believe absolutely that the gates of hell will not prevail against the Church, but they will do their best nonetheless. The new atheism, the rise of a certain hostile form of Islam, and the ongoing shocks of scandals are all hitting us hard.

We do not need to merge, to accept one or another hegemony. What is needed is to come to full communion. Of course there will always be divergences and discord. But we no longer have the luxury, so to speak, to exclude other Christians for reasons of superannuated doctrines of long ago.

For our welfare, for our salvation, and to show others that Jesus is Lord and Saviour, let us assiduously pursue our dialogues. Let us choose the narrow path of full communion. By reinforcing the unity we share with other churches, and with the Holy Trinity, our common witness to Jesus Christ  the hope of the entire world  will be more and more convincing.
FBSO

After spending one year and seven months in recovery, the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office deputy who was injured by a drunk driver is back on the job, officials say.

On Feb. 17, 2017, a drunk driver smashed into the vehicle of Deputy Crystal Schooler while she was speaking to a person near Travis High School on Harlem Road. The collision sent the patrol SUV hurling at Schooler, striking her and the person she was speaking to.
Two of the biggest hospital chains in Texas announced plans Monday for a merger that would create a mega-system, stretching from Dallas to Austin to Houston, treating patients in more than 30 counties and employing more than 73,000 people across the state.

Memorial Hermann Health System, Houston's biggest nonprofit hospital chain, and Baylor Scott & White Health, the largest in Dallas, have signed a letter of intent to begin negotiations, with the goal of having a definitive agreement in place by next spring.

The proposed merger is the latest in a growing national trend, experts say. Hospital systems have been consolidating rapidly in recent years, in part because of reforms in the health care market aimed at steering more patients to outpatient treatment and avoiding the need for costly in-hospital care.

"This is an opportunity for two progressive, like-minded organizations, who do similar service, to come together and provide a better model of health care," said Chuck Stokes, Memorial Hermann's president and CEO. "Through this combined system, we can reinvent health care to be more consumer-centric and technology-focused."

GROWING IN CYPRESS: Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital expanding with $25 million project

At a press conference announcing the merger Monday, executives from both institutions noted that the financial strain on hospitals has been even greater in Texas, where nearly a fifth of the population lacks health insurance. Jim Hinton, the CEO of Baylor Scott & White, said the merger would create efficiencies in the health care delivery system, leading to better care while containing costs.

"We are in a competitive business and people do have choices," Hinton said. "Where we are going to compete is on value, what you get versus what you pay for."

Hinton said the proposed new system will have a new name to be determined before the merger closes  "a corporate name that sits in the background"  but both Memorial Hermann and Baylor Scott & White will continue to use their existing brand names in their respective service areas.

TOP OF THE LIST: Houston's best hospitals, according to U.S. News

The new system will be led by Baylor Scott & White officers, at least initially. Hinton will become the new CEO, and Ross McKnight, the chair of Baylor Scott & White Holdings board of trustees, will serve as the new system board chair. A vice chair, to be selected by the Memorial Hermann Health System board of directors, will be named prior to the merger's closing and become chair at the end of McKnight's two-year term.

The goal of the merger is to put the health care systems on sound financial footing for years to come, Hinton said.

"The cost of health care is the No. 1 issue in America, whether it's in Washington, D.C., or in Austin, Texas, or in the benefits office of an employer here in Houston," Hinton said. "So, taking cost out of the system will be an important part of this journey as we come together."

Officials said most of the cost savings would come from the sharing of expertise, collaborations on technology and increased buying power and efficiency.

It's not clear whether a merger would also lead to job cuts. The CEOs noted that the two systems combined have nearly 5,000 current job openings. Memorial Hermann, Houston's largest employer, laid off 460 employees in 2017, with leaders at the time citing the "uncertain health care environment."

Many health care economists disagree with the notion that hospital mergers lead to better, more efficient care for patients. Vivian Ho, a health economics professor at Rice's Baker Institute of Public Policy, said she worries the proposed merger could have the opposite effect. She pointed to research showing increases in health care costs following major hospital consolidations.

"There's nothing that says they have to pass on their savings to the patient," Ho said. "It could lead to higher profits, it could lead to lower prices, but you really need to have other hospitals competing in a market for that to bring prices down, and the problem is that all this consolidation means there's not as much competition."

Barak Richman, a professor of law and business administration at Duke University, said hospital mergers almost always fail to deliver on their promises of delivering better, more affordable health care. Richman said consolidation gives hospitals increased bargaining power with insurance companies, and that in turn can lead to more expensive health plans.

"One thing that does happen, is that prices go up," Richman said. "That seems to be the one predictable consequence of these types of mergers. That is for sure true when the merging hospitals operate in common markets, but it also seems to be true of hospitals that operate in different geographic locations."

Deborah Cannon, the chair of Memorial Hermann Health System board of directors, said the merger talks began several months ago. Cannon said the two systems had partnered in the past, including during Hurricane Harvey, when Baylor Scott & White sent nurses to Houston.

"As we looked at all of the changes that are coming in health care, and understood that there's got to be some radical difference in the way we deliver health going forward to make it more accessible and affordable, we decided, maybe instead of being partners, we needed to be together," Cannon said.

The letter of intent was signed Friday and announced Monday at news briefings in Houston and Dallas. The deal would need the approval of the Texas Attorney General and has been submitted to the Federal Trade Commission for review of anti-trust issues.

Baylor Scott & White is itself the product of the merger between Baylor Health Care System and Scott & White Healthcare five years ago. It has 49 hospitals in central and northern Texas.

Memorial Hermann, created in 1997 when Hermann Hospital merged with Memorial Healthcare System, has 19 hospitals in and around Houston.

Bob Harvey, the president and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership, said he was pleased by this "merger of equals" and its potential to ensure local patients have access to affordable care.

"As final details of the merger are developed over the coming months," Harvey said in a statement, "we would expect representatives of the Memorial Hermann board and executive team to remain mindful of the specific needs of the greater Houston community and to ensure Houston  like the rest of the state  benefits from this combination."

Hinton said the new system will spread leaders around the state and will not make a big deal out of designating a corporate headquarters. If a corporate headquarters ultimately is based in central or north Texas, the merger would leave Houston Methodist as the last hospital system headquartered in the city and the Texas Medical Center.

"We'll have major operations in Austin, Dallas, Houston and Temple," said Cannon, the Memorial Hermann board chairwoman. "We'll have executives and support staff in all of those locations."

Hinton said Stokes, Memorial Hermann's current CEO, and Pete McCanna, president of Baylor Scott & White Health, will join Hinton in the CEO's office. He said the system will "recognize Stokes' expertise on a lot of things, certainly Houston," and give McCanna and Stokes "a big voice in shaping the overall direction of the new company."

Stokes said he does not see anything changing from what Memorial Hermann patients are used to.

"Care should be more become convenient, more affordable, a better delivery model," said Stokes. "But patients shouldn't be worried about any other changes."

mike.hixenbaugh@chron.com

todd.ackerman@chron.com
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine spoke Monday of NASA's legacy, saying it "changed the world for the better"  a legacy that began exactly 60 years ago.

"Over six incredible decades, we've brought the world an amazing number of bold missions and science and aviation and human exploration," Bridenstine said in a short video on NASA's website. "NASA, and its workforce, have never failed to raise the bar of human potential or to blaze a trail into the future. And we are still doing it."

Bridenstine is the 13th person to lead the space agency. The first administrator, T. Keith Glennan, took the helm Oct. 1, 1958, when NASA opened its doors for the first time. President Dwight Eisenhower had signed the National Aerospace and Space Act (which created the agency) just a few months prior.

LIFELINE: Trump signs budget bill temporarily funding NASA until December

Since then, NASA has put 12 men on the moon, sent countless probes and rovers into the far reaches of the galaxy and was instrumental in building and maintaining the International Space Station.

And the agency plans to reach even farther into the universe in the coming years, Bridenstine said, thanks to President Donald Trump's pledge to return to an age of human exploration.

"We celebrate our legacy today with great promise, and a strong direction from our president to return to the moon and go on to mars," Bridenstine said. "America will continue to lead in space, we will reach new milestones that change the world and we will inspire the next generation to build on our legacy."

Trump's $19.9 billion proposed budget for the next fiscal year tasks NASA with launching an uncrewed Orion flight by 2021, followed by a launch of Americans around the moon in 2023. It also would set aside $504.2 million in the coming year to begin working on the foundation on a $2.7 billion Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway  basically a mini-space station orbiting the moon where astronauts could live and work.

It also would transition operations on the International Space Station to commercial companies by 2025, meaning the orbiting laboratory would stop receiving federal funding. This plan, however, has received a lot of backlash from Congress members, who have sponsored measures to extend the space station's life  and funding levels  to 2030.

CLOSEUP: NASA spacecraft uncovers Jupiter's deepest secrets, so far

The budget still must be approved by Congress. Last week, Trump signed a continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown and fund the space agency until Dec. 7 while Congress continues to hash out the details.

"The next decade promises to be full of adventures that only science fiction writers dreamed of and only NASA and its partners will accomplish," NASA's website states.

Alex Stuckey covers NASA and the environment for the Houston Chronicle. You can reach her at alex.stuckey@chron.com or Twitter.com/alexdstuckey.
At a time when Washington is mired in gridlock and partisan fighting, NASA and the International Space Station stand out as one of the few areas of broad consensus and political support, similar to the support we have seen on the Appropriations Committees, to boost NASAs budget year-over-year.

In August, Sen. Ted Cruz joined with colleagues across the aisle and ideological spectrum, including Sens. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., and Ed Markey, D-Mass., to send a powerful signal that the International Space Station and NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston will remain the center of NASAs human spaceflight program for many years to come.

In their bipartisan Space Frontier Act, which was unanimously approved by the Senate Commerce Committee, Sens. Cruz, Nelson and Markey worked together to extend the ISS through at least 2030 to ensure that this critical national asset continues past the misguided effort to terminate federal funding in 2024.

In April, U.S. Rep. Brian Babin, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Space, who represents Texas 36th Congressional District which includes JSC, led the NASA Authorization Act of 2018, which passed the full House Science Committee in a bipartisan vote. Currently, Babin has a bill in the works to authorize ISS operations through at least 2030 and until a demonstrated American commercial low-Earth orbit capability exists to achieve NASAs objectives.

Members of Congress, NASAs own inspector general, industry experts, and independent think-tank observers have all spoken out against the proposed plan to end direct ISS funding in 2024. While there is interest in growing commercial opportunities in low-Earth orbit, few credible experts believe that there will be alternatives to ISS or sufficient market to privatize the station.

That is why these congressional efforts to extend NASA operations of the ISS Station to 2030 sends a powerful message to the workforce, our international partners and commercial users that it will continue past artificial deadlines. It ensures the United States will be able to leverage the unique benefits of this unparalleled space asset for years to come.

There remains much work to be done on ISS to develop commercial businesses, test emerging technologies, resolve health risks for long-duration human spaceflight and leverage the ISS as a test bed for the development of enabling technologies for human spaceflight exploration in deep space.

The ISS program has been the heartbeat of JSC and NASAs human spaceflight program since the space shuttle retirement in 2011. The flight operations, training, mission control and other management functions for ISS ensure that JSC remains the center of NASAs human spaceflight operations even during this gap in domestic U.S. human launch capability. As NASA begins this era of spaceflight, the extensive and irreplaceable expertise built and maintained at JSC through the ISS program will be critical to NASAs efforts, as well as the Houston area economy.

At a time when China has announced its commitment to build a permanent space station and intent to engage our international partners, it is vital that we maintain this asset. China recognizes the value of attaining this incredible capability, and we must work to preserve ours. With thousands of employees and contractors at JSC directly supporting ISS operations, continuation of this program is essential to retaining human spaceflight expertise in Houston and a key driver of economic growth and opportunity.

Continuity of the ISS ensures that NASA remains committed to its core human spaceflight program and, most important, ensures that Americas leadership in space continues on an unparalleled track. We applaud the efforts of our Texas congressional leaders who, through bipartisan actions, are working to ensure that ISS future through 2030 is signed into law.

Mitchell is president of Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership.
Democrats see their fortunes rising with constituencies theyll need to run up big victories in the midterm elections. They expect to do especially well with suburban women, even non-college-educated women, and are optimistic about millennials and a decent turnout by African-Americans.

Theyre concerned, however, about Latinos, especially men. Latinos are likely to vote Democratic, but the issue is whether theyll turn out in sufficient numbers for Democrats to win key races.

I think there will be a modest uptick in the Latino vote, said Victoria DeFrancesco Soto, a political scientist at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas who studies immigration and Latino political influence. That would be good news for Democrats, but not the great news they hope for.

That vote will be critical in the uphill battle to win control of the Senate. Of the 10 states with the most competitive Senate races, four  Florida, Texas, Arizona and Nevada  have sizable but quite different Hispanic populations. Theres a large Cuban-American community in Florida that has tended to favor Republicans, while Democratic-leaning unions play a bigger role with Nevadas Latino voters, who are mostly of Mexican descent.

There also are up to a dozen competitive races in those four states for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. In a few tightly contested ones, for example in Dallas and Houston, Latino voters could provide the margin to unseat veteran Republican legislators.

In California, a half-dozen Republican House seats are under challenge. In three of these districts  in the Central Valley, San Fernando Valley and Fullerton  Latinos comprise about a quarter of the voting-age population, a concern to Republicans. Around the country there are a few other districts  such as one around Aurora, Colorado and another in the suburbs of Chicago  where a smaller Latino vote could nonetheless be decisive. In 2016, Hillary Clinton carried all these Republican-held districts.

To be sure, there are several heavily Latino districts where incumbent Republicans are faring well. These include San Antonio, Texas and Miami, Florida, where Representatives Will Hurd and Carlos Curbelo respectively are considered slightly ahead. Unlike most House Republicans, both have selectively broken with President Donald Trump.

Clinton won two-thirds of the Latino vote nationally in 2016, exit polls showed, and Trumps attacks on immigrants keep him strikingly unpopular with this constituency, according to many polls, including a September survey of Latino voters by Hart Research Associates.

Nearly two-thirds of respondents to that poll said they disapproved of Trumps presidency. They wanted Democrats to win control of Congress by a three-to-one margin over Republicans. They overwhelmingly preferred candidates who side with the Dreamers, young adults who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children and were allowed to stay under President Barack Obama, and those who oppose building a wall along the Mexican border. Obama was viewed positively by 67 percent of respondents and negatively by only 14 percent. Republicans hope that the strong economy will keep more Latino voters in their corner on Nov. 6, and are also appealing to the cultural conservatives among them.

Latinos align with Republicans on some issues, said Barbara Carvalho, director of the Marist Poll. But the Trump brand causes such problems for them.

There is no more intense battle than the Senate race in Florida, where Senator Bill Nelson, the Democratic incumbent, faces a strong challenge from Republican Governor Rick Scott. Republicans were cheered last week by an AARP-Univision poll showing Scott with a large lead among Latinos over 50 years old.

Democrats countered with other surveys suggesting that Nelson, after an onslaught of negative ads against him this summer, has bounced back into the lead, but only by a narrow margin.

In Texas, Latinos are central in Democratic Representative Beto ORourkes surprising campaign to upset the incumbent Republican, Senator Ted Cruz. Most polls show the candidates nearly neck and neck as ORourke travels back roads campaigning in each of the states 254 counties.

DeFrancesco Soto said that ORourke was slow to energize Latinos, but that shes now hearing a lot of Spanish-language radio commercials for the Democrat along with stories of stepped-up grassroots activity.

But to win, she said, ORourke has to do better among Latinos; one survey showed Cruz, whos campaigning as a close Trump ally, lagging ORourke among Latino voters by just 9 percentage points.

Democratic strategists said that its a challenge for any new candidate like ORourke to introduce himself to constituencies with a history of low voter participation.

It takes time for new candidates to break through, and we are investing record amounts in outreach, said Dan Sena, executive director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. There will be very few Hispanics in the country who wont get multiple messages.

Hunt is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering politics and policy. He was the executive editor of Bloomberg News, before which he was a reporter, bureau chief and executive Washington editor at the Wall Street Journal.
Gubernatorial candidates in Maryland, Arizona, Connecticut and at least seven other states  plus even more candidates for Congress  are running on plans to make college free or debt-free, according to the industry publication Inside Higher Ed.

But how much impact on college attendance, graduation and lifetime earnings do such programs actually have? There are no definitive answers, but some indicators arent exactly reassuring.

According to a study by the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, a nonprofit based in Kalamazoo, Mich., the underprivileged dont get a lot out of college and, perversely, those who benefit most from a college degree turn out to be students with middle-class backgrounds.

The institutes analysis of a data set that included 50 years of interviews with 18,000 Americans found that the career earnings premium from a four-year college degree (relative to a high school diploma) for persons from low-income backgrounds is considerably less than it is for those from higher-income backgrounds ... [and] we find that education not only has much lower absolute returns for persons from low-income backgrounds, it also has much lower proportional returns.

A small earnings boost, coupled with student loans that can never be discharged through bankruptcy, sounds like a raw deal to the first-in-their-family students who have been most encouraged, inspired and practically pushed into pursuing a college degree.

So while the campaign-speech catnip of free college sounds enticing to those who want a shot at a middle-class life, the benefits of a free educational lunch may be nothing more than a crowd-pleasing mirage.

A study by the Brookings Institution on one of the first randomized control trials of a debt-free college program looked at students in the Milwaukee Public Schools program who were promised up to $12,000 to pay for college  an amount that would cover all tuition and fees at the local two-year college or at most of the in-state four-year institutions. But the study found that the incentive had no effect on whether students went directly on to college from high school.

The programs didnt randomly hand out free tuition like candy, either. Students were required to graduate on time from a Milwaukee public high school with at least a 2.5 cumulative grade-point average and a 90 percent class-attendance rate.

The students were also required to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which, because it requires parental tax information, often serves as a proxy for how much the students family supports their desire to attend college.

Still, even though the students in the program did exhibit more motivation to attend college  and filled out more applications to college than they might have otherwise  the totality of the investment in getting the students across the finish line of a degree was not significant. In the end, only 21 percent of the students enrolled in The Degree Project with the Milwaukee schools met the performance requirements to unlock the college funds, basically the same as the control group.

We identify three related reasons why the effects were not more substantial, the report noted. (a) The performance requirements greatly reduced the number of students who could plausibly receive the funds; (b) the performance requirements, combined with the temporary, small-scale design, meant that the program did not have the catalyzing effect on high schools that otherwise similar programs have seen; and (c) the context in Milwaukee  particularly, the very low level of academic performance and lack of counselor resources  may have been particularly ill-suited to make a performance-based aid program work well.

Leaving aside the size of the program and its location  though one would have to imagine that communities with low academic performance and few resources would be the most attractive target for such economic-mobility spurring programs  the performance requirements are particularly problematic.

The American public, with its aspirations of meritocracy, seems unlikely to ever support a program that doesnt require, at a minimum, the middling grades that produce a 2.5 GPA (about a high C or low B). This bar can be harder to reach for low-income students who are struggling against many factors to make the grade.

Worse, according to the authors, even though performance standards might seem like they might induce students to work harder and become more academically prepared for college, they dont. The main effect of performance requirements, then, is to provide more funds to higher-income families, which only reinforces existing disparities.

As with so many other well-meaning efforts to reduce inequalities in society, free college seems like it has great potential but requires far more pilot programs and longitudinal research. Before making promises to young people, we must design programs that wont have the unintended consequences of leaving needy students economically insecure after promising them that college is the ticket to a financially prosperous life.

Contact Cepeda at estherjcepeda@washpost.com.
Posted on: October 1, 2018 10:13 AM

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, will retire on 7 June 2020  Trinity Sunday  three days ahead of his 71st birthday, it was announced today. Church of England clergy are required to retire at the age of 70, but the Queen, as Supreme Governor of the Church of England, has the power in her discretion to extend that for up to one year if she considers that there are special circumstances which make it desirable to do so. Before he retires, Archbishop Sentamu will take part in three pre-planned international mission events.

He will also lead bishops missions in three northern dioceses: Liverpool, Southwell & Nottingham, and York before he retires. Bishops missions are something he introduced a few years ago, and involves all the bishops of the York province taking part in a weekend of diocesan-wide evangelism events.

Within his diocese, he will launch and begin to embed the new diocesan evangelism and discipleship programme, Reach, Grow, Sustain; and he will continue his work facilitating discussions on possible political devolution for the Yorkshire region of England, under the One Yorkshire plans for possible regional mayoral election in 2020.

I have decided to announce my retirement now in order to provide the Church of England with the widest possible timeframe to pray, discern with wisdom and insight and put in place a timetable for my successor and to consider fully the work they will be called to do in service to the national church, the Northern Province and the Diocese of York, Dr Sentamu said. I am deeply grateful to Her Majesty The Queen for graciously allowing me to continue as Archbishop of York until June 2020 in order to enable me to complete the work to which I have been called.

I am full of joy and expectation to see all that God is doing and will be doing in this diocese and in the Northern Province over the coming months.

The Archbsihop of York, Dr John Sentamu, during a mission weekend in York Minster.

Photo: The Office of the Archbishop of York

Before being installed as the 97th Archbishop of York in November 2005, Dr Sentamu served as Bishop of Birmingham and prior to that as Bishop of Stepney, an Area episcopacy in the Diocese of London. Dr Sentamu is a Ugandan by birth; having been born near Kampala. He served as a lawyer in the country, becoming an advocate of the Supreme Court and a High Court Judge.

He was imprisoned for speaking out against former dictator Idi Amin and was threatened with death for refusing to clear one of Amins relatives of a crime. He managed to flee to the UK with the support of Anglican missionary Keith Sutton, who later became Bishop of Lichfield. Sutton supported Dr Sentamu through his studies at Ridley Hall in Cambridge and, as Bishop of Kingston, Sutton appointed Sentamu to his first ordained post, as Curate of St Pauls Church in Herne Hill, South London.

The Archbishop of York heads one of two Provinces in the Church of England and is known as the Primate of England. In contrast, the Archbishop of Canterbury is known as the Primate of All England.

Responding to todays announcement, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby told Dr Sentamu: your devotion to Christ and service to the Church of England is something we rejoice in with great gratitude!

Be assured of my prayers  and those of the whole Church  for you and Margaret over the coming period of transition.
Translation:

Fort trafic de passagers en aout, marque par un record doccupation des sieges (pdf)

Factor de ocupacion record destaca la fuerte demanda de pasajeros de agosto (pdf)

Fator de carga recorde reflete forte demanda de passageiros em agosto (pdf)

8  (pdf)



Geneva - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global passenger traffic data for August 2018 showing that demand (measured in total revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) climbed 6.4% compared to the year-ago period. This was slightly above the 6.1% annual increase for July. August capacity (available seat kilometers or ASKs) increased by 5.5%, and load factor climbed 0.7% percentage point to 85.3%, which was the highest for any month since at least 1990.

"The industry experienced continued strong traffic growth in August, putting the cap on a very good peak travel season. The all-time record load factor reflects that airlines are maximizing the efficiency of their assets at a time of rising fuel prices and other costs that are limiting the opportunities for low fare stimulation," said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA's Director General and CEO.

August 2018 (% year-on-year) World share1 RPK ASK PLF (%-pt)2 PLF (level)3 Total Market 100.0% 6.4% 5.5% 0.7% 85.3% Africa 2.2% 3.4% 0.6% 2.1% 77.9% Asia Pacific 33.7% 9.5% 7.3% 1.7% 84.3% Europe 26.76% 5.4% 4.6% 0.6% 88.7% Latin America 5.2% 4.4% 5.8% -1.1% 80.5% Middle East 9.5% 5.0% 5.8% -0.6% 80.4% North America 23.0% 4.6% 4.2% 0.3% 86.5%





International Passenger Markets

August international passenger demand rose 5.6% compared to August 2017, in line with 5.5% year-over-year growth achieved in July. All regions recorded increases, led by airlines in the Asia-Pacific region. Capacity climbed 5.1%, and load factor edged up 0.4 percentage point to 85.0%.

Asia-Pacific airlines' August traffic increased 7.5% compared to the year-ago period, which was an acceleration compared to a 7.2% rise in July. Capacity rose 6.1% and load factor rose 1.1 percentage points to 82.6%. The upward trend in passenger traffic remains very strong, supported by structural changes, including ongoing rises in living standards in the region, as well as more route options for passengers that translate into time savings and ultimately stimulate demand.

August traffic increased 7.5% compared to the year-ago period, which was an acceleration compared to a 7.2% rise in July. Capacity rose 6.1% and load factor rose 1.1 percentage points to 82.6%. The upward trend in passenger traffic remains very strong, supported by structural changes, including ongoing rises in living standards in the region, as well as more route options for passengers that translate into time savings and ultimately stimulate demand. European carriers saw August demand climb 5.1% year-to-year, which was also an increase from the 4.5% growth recorded in July. However, in seasonally-adjusted terms, growth has tracked sideways since late spring. Capacity rose 4.5%, and load factor climbed 0.5 percentage point to 88.9%, which was the highest among regions. European demand is being affected by mixed signs on the economy as well as possible disruptions from air traffic control strikes.

saw August demand climb 5.1% year-to-year, which was also an increase from the 4.5% growth recorded in July. However, in seasonally-adjusted terms, growth has tracked sideways since late spring. Capacity rose 4.5%, and load factor climbed 0.5 percentage point to 88.9%, which was the highest among regions. European demand is being affected by mixed signs on the economy as well as possible disruptions from air traffic control strikes. Middle Eastern carriers posted a 5.4% traffic increase in August, which was a slowdown from 6.2% in July. Passenger volumes have trended upwards at an 8% annualized rate since the start of the year. Capacity increased 6.3%, with load factor slipping 0.7 percentage point to 80.7%.

posted a 5.4% traffic increase in August, which was a slowdown from 6.2% in July. Passenger volumes have trended upwards at an 8% annualized rate since the start of the year. Capacity increased 6.3%, with load factor slipping 0.7 percentage point to 80.7%. North American airlines' international demand rose 3.7% compared to August a year ago. While this was a slowdown from 4.1% growth recorded in July, this largely reflected developments a year ago rather than any change in the current healthy trend. Capacity rose 3.3%, and load factor grew by 0.4 percentage point to 87.2%.

international demand rose 3.7% compared to August a year ago. While this was a slowdown from 4.1% growth recorded in July, this largely reflected developments a year ago rather than any change in the current healthy trend. Capacity rose 3.3%, and load factor grew by 0.4 percentage point to 87.2%. Latin American airlines experienced a 4.8% demand increase in August compared to the same month last year, up from 3.5% annual growth in July. Capacity increased by 6.5% and load factor slid 1.3 percentage points to 81.4%. Year-to-year comparisons are distorted by the hurricane-related disruptions of a year ago, and traffic has largely tracked sideways since April in seasonally adjusted terms.

experienced a 4.8% demand increase in August compared to the same month last year, up from 3.5% annual growth in July. Capacity increased by 6.5% and load factor slid 1.3 percentage points to 81.4%. Year-to-year comparisons are distorted by the hurricane-related disruptions of a year ago, and traffic has largely tracked sideways since April in seasonally adjusted terms. African airlines' traffic climbed 6.8% in August. While this was a slowdown from the 7.4% growth recorded in July the bigger picture is that demand remains strong, despite an increasingly challenging environment in the continent's largest economies. South Africa slipped back into recession in the second quarter and business confidence in Nigeria has moderated in recent months. Capacity rose 3.8%, and load factor surged 2.2 percentage points to 78.2%.

Domestic Passenger Markets



Demand for domestic travel climbed 7.7% in August compared to August 2017, up from the 7.2% growth recorded in July. Capacity rose 6.2% and load factor increased 1.2 percentage points to 85.7%. All markets reported demand increases albeit with wide variation.

August 2018 (% year-on-year) World share1 RPK ASK PLF (%-pt)2 PLF (level)3 Domestic 36.2%

7.7%

6.2% 1.2%

85.7% Dom. Australia 0.9% 1.5% 0.8% 0.5% 78.0% Domestic Brazil 1.2% 3.8% 4.8% -0.8% 79.5% Dom. China P.R. 9.1% 14.9% 11.7% 2.4% 88.0% Domestic India 1.4% 22.6% 16.1% 4.6% 87.5% Domestic Japan 1.1% 1.1% -0.6% 1.37% 80.3% Dom. Russian Fed 1.4% 13.2% 11.3% 1.6% 90.8%

Domestic US

14.5% 5.2% 4.6% 0.5% 86.1%





Indian airlines achieved their 48th consecutive month of double-digit traffic growth as demand rose 22.6%. Traffic continues to be stimulated by sizeable increases in the number of domestic routes served.

achieved their 48th consecutive month of double-digit traffic growth as demand rose 22.6%. Traffic continues to be stimulated by sizeable increases in the number of domestic routes served. China airlines' domestic traffic climbed 14.9% in August, which was a four-month high. In both China and India, huge demand increases are being supported by rising living standards and large increases in the number of flight choices.



The Bottom Line



"Aviation is the business of freedom, reuniting friends and families and connecting businesses to markets. To preserve that freedom, air links need to be maintained. For that reason, it is absolutely critical that UK and EU aviation negotiators achieve a post-Brexit agreement. It is not just about permission for flights to take off and land. Everything from pilots' licenses to security arrangements, and much more besides, needs to be agreed upon. Mutual recognition of existing standards can address much of this, but we cannot wait until the eleventh hour. An assumption that 'it will be all right on the night' reveals little understanding of the complexities involved. Preparations should be made for every contingency, in an environment of far greater transparency than we have seen to date," said de Juniac.

View complete economic analysis (pdf)



For more information, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Tel: +41 22 770 2967

Email: corpcomms@iata.org

Notes for Editors:
Posted on: October 1, 2018 4:02 PM

The Primate of the Anglican Church of South East Asia, Archbishop Moon Hing of West Malaysia, has appealed for prayer for victims of an earthquake and tsunami in the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. The death toll this afternoon (Monday) rose to 1,203, according to the Chinese news agency Xinhua; with officials warning that this is expected to rise sharply. Among the dead are 34 children attending a Bible camp at a church in Sigi, south of Palu, a spokeswoman for the Indonesian Red Cross, Aulia Arriani, told the Reuters news agency. The Church where they were meeting had been engulfed in mud and debris when the area suffered liquefaction  a physical effect that often takes place during earthquakes, which makes soil and solid land act like mud.

The Gereja Anglikan Indonesia (GAI)  the Anglican Church of Indonesia  is a missionary deanery of the Diocese of Singapore in the Anglican Province of South East Asia. Please pray for Sulawesi, Archbishop Moon Hing, the Bishop of West Malaysia, said. The earthquake and tsunami has killed 1000+ victims."

Archbishop Moon Hing said that the GAI had a church on Sulawesi, but was currently unable to assist: no one is allowed in", he said. The military has taken over due to many looting and chaos.

The Malaysian news agency Bernama says that the 1,203 death toll figure is based on reports released by the Disaster Management Institute of Indonesia, Care for Humanity and Humanity Data Centre. It includes victims from Palu and Donggala, but excludes those from Parigi Mountong and North Mamuju, two other badly-affected districts. Authorities say that they are unable to assess the casualty numbers in these areas as all communication has been cut off.

The 7.5 Magnitude earthquake struck at 6.02 pm WITA (10.02 am GMT) on Friday (28 September). It was preceded by a number of foreshocks, beginning with a 6.1 Magnitude quake at 3.00 pm WITA. Since the main quake there have been more than 100 aftershocks, including 14 greater than 5 Magnitute. The tremors triggered a four-six-metre-high tsunami which devastated coastal regions.

Indonesian authorities have welcomed international aid agencies and official specialist support from other countries. A floating power station, capable of generating 125 megawatts of electricity, is on its way to Palu to supplement 30 low low-power generators that have already been distributed across the island. The biggest immediate concern is the lack of clean drinking water and medicines; and the risk of disease caused by decomposing bodies.

Indonesias disaster has declared a 14-day state of emergency, and say they have limited data, information, and access to give a full picture of the effects of the disaster.
Imperial Valley News Center

Former NSA Employee Sentenced to Prison for Willful Retention of Classified National Defense Information

Washington, DC - Nghia Hoang Pho, 68, of Ellicott City, Maryland, and a naturalized U.S. citizen originally of Vietnam, was sentenced Tuesday to 66 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for willful retention of classified national defense information. According to court documents, Pho removed massive troves of highly classified national defense information without authorization and kept it at his home.

The sentence was announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur, and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the FBIs Baltimore Field Office. U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III issued the sentence.

Phos intentional, reckless and illegal retention of highly classified information over the course of almost five years placed at risk our intelligence communitys capabilities and methods, rendering some of them unusable, said Assistant Attorney General Demers. Todays sentence reaffirms the expectations that the government places on those who have sworn to safeguard our nations secrets. I would like to thank the agents, analysts and prosecutors whose hard work brought this result.

Removing and retaining such highly classified material displays a total disregard of Phos oath and promise to protect our nations national security, said U.S. Attorney Hur. As a result of his actions, Pho compromised some of our countrys most closely held types of intelligence, and forced NSA to abandon important initiatives to protect itself and its operational capabilities, at great economic and operational cost.

The privilege of working for the U.S. Intelligence Community requires strict adherence to laws governing the lawful secrecy of its work, said Special Agent in Charge Johnson. We cannot have a functioning Intelligence Community without the protection of sources and methods, and taking classified information and placing it in a vulnerable setting has profound and often disastrous consequences. This case is a clarion call to all security clearance holders to follow the law and policy regarding classified information storage. The FBI will leave no stone unturned to investigate those who compromise or mishandle classified information.

According to his plea agreement, beginning in April 2006, Pho was employed as a developer in Tailored Access Operations (TAO) at the National Security Agency (NSA). NSA is a component of the U.S. intelligence community and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The NSA's TAO involved operations and intelligence collection from foreign automated information systems or networks, as well as actions taken to prevent, detect and respond to unauthorized activity within DoD information systems and computer networks, for the United States and its allies.

Pho held various security clearances in connection with his employment, including Top Secret and Top Secret // Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). Pho had access to national defense and classified information and worked on highly classified, specialized projects. Over his years of holding a security clearance, Pho received training regarding the proper handling, marking, transportation and storage of classified information. Pho was also told that unauthorized removal of classified materials, and the transportation and storage of those materials in unauthorized locations, risked disclosure of the materials and could endanger the national security of the United States. Pho signed numerous non-disclosure agreements demonstrating that he understood the trust that the United States places in individuals who receive a security clearance.

According to the plea agreement, beginning in 2010 and continuing through March 2015, Pho removed and retained U.S. government property, including documents and writings that contained national defense information classified as Top Secret and SCI. This material was in both hard copy and digital form, and was kept in a number of locations in Phos residence in Maryland. Pho knew that he was not authorized to remove the material or store it at his home.

Assistant Attorney General Demers and U.S. Attorney Hur commended the FBI and the NSA for their work in the investigation. This prosecution was handled by the District of Maryland, and the National Security Divisions Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Imperial Valley News Center

President Donald J. Trump Secures A Modern, Rebalanced Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico

Washington, DC - "USMCA is a great deal for all three countries, solves the many deficiencies and mistakes in NAFTA, greatly opens markets to our farmers and manufacturers, reduces trade barriers to the U.S. and will bring all three Great Nations together in competition with the rest of the world." ~ President Donald J. Trump

DELIVERING AS PROMISED: President Donald J. Trump is keeping his promise to deliver a modern and rebalanced trade deal with Mexico and Canada.

President Trump has negotiated a new United StatesMexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA), which will benefit American workers and businesses where North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has failed.

For years, politicians have called for the renegotiation of NAFTA, but President Trump is following through where others have failed.

This new agreement will update and rebalance the 24-year-old NAFTA with modern provisions to serve the interests of American workers and businesses.

BENEFITTING BUSINESSES, FARMERS, AND WORKERS: President Trump has secured a number of wins for American businesses and workers in USMCA.

The Administration worked closely with partners to create a better deal that advances the interests of American workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses.

American auto manufacturers and workers will benefit from new rules of origin requiring 75 percent of auto content to be produced in North America. The new agreement will incentivize billions of dollars in additional United States vehicle and auto parts production. Workers will also benefit from rules that will incentivize the use of high-wage manufacturing labor in the auto sector, supporting better jobs for American workers.

USMCAs labor chapter represents the strongest labor provisions of any trade agreement. USMCAs labor chapter is a core part of the agreement and will make the labor provisions fully enforceable.

USMCA is a win for American farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness as it includes important improvements that will enable food and agriculture to trade more fairly. Canada will eliminate its Class 7 program that allows low-priced dairy ingredients to undersell American dairy products. Canada will provide new access for American dairy products, eggs, and poultry.



MODERNIZING OUR TRADE RELATIONSHIP: USMCA will bring our trade relationship with Canada and Mexico into the 21st century.
Imperial Valley News Center

Chinese National Arrested for Allegedly Acting Within the United States as an Illegal Agent of the Peoples Republic of China

Chicago, Illinois - Ji Chaoqun, 27, a Chinese citizen residing in Chicago, was arrested in Chicago today for allegedly acting within the United States as an illegal agent of the Peoples Republic of China.

The arrest and complaint were announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney John R. Lausch, Jr. for the Northern District of Illinois, and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey S. Sallet of the FBIs Chicago field office.

Ji worked at the direction of a high-level intelligence officer in the Jiangsu Province Ministry of State Security, a provincial department of the Ministry of State Security for the Peoples Republic of China, according to a criminal complaint and affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Ji was tasked with providing the intelligence officer with biographical information on eight individuals for possible recruitment by the JSSD, the complaint states. The individuals included Chinese nationals who were working as engineers and scientists in the United States, some of whom were U.S. defense contractors, according to the complaint.

The complaint charges Ji with one count of knowingly acting in the United States as an agent of a foreign government without prior notification to the Attorney General. He will make an initial court appearance today at 5:00 p.m. EDT (4:00 p.m. CDT) before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael T. Mason in Courtroom 2266 of the Everett M. Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago.

According to the complaint, Ji was born in China and arrived in the United States in 2013 on an F1 Visa, for the purpose of studying electrical engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. In 2016, Ji enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves as an E4 Specialist under the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program, which authorizes the U.S. Armed Forces to recruit certain legal aliens whose skills are considered vital to the national interest. In his application to participate in the MAVNI program, Ji specifically denied having had contact with a foreign government within the past seven years, the complaint states. In a subsequent interview with a U.S. Army officer, Ji again failed to disclose his relationship and contacts with the intelligence officer, the charge alleges.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The charge carries a maximum sentence of ten years in prison. The statutory maximum penalty is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

The U.S. Army 902nd Military Intelligence Group provided valuable assistance. The governments case is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shoba Pillay of the Northern District of Illinois and Senior Trial Attorney Heather Schmidt of the National Security Divisions Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Former Non-Profit President Charged with Scheme to Conceal Foreign Funding of 2013 Congressional Trip

Washington, DC - The former president of a Texas-based non-profit has been charged in an indictment unsealed Monday for his role in a scheme to conceal the fact that a 2013 Congressional trip to Azerbaijan was funded by the Azerbaijan government.

Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu for the District of Columbia, and Assistant Director in Charge Nancy McNamara of the FBIs Washington Field Office made the announcement.

Kemal Oksuz, aka Kevin Oksuz, 48, previously a resident of Arlington, Virginia, allegedly lied on disclosure forms filed with the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ethics prior to, and following, a privately sponsored Congressional trip to Azerbaijan. According to the indictment, Oksuz allegedly falsely represented and certified on required disclosure forms that the Turquoise Council of Americans and Eurasions (TCAE), the Houston non-profit for which Oksuz was president, had not accepted funding for the Congressional trip from any outside sources. According to the charges, Oksuz in truth orchestrated a scheme to funnel money to fund the trip from the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), the wholly state-owned national oil and gas company of Azerbaijan, and allegedly concealed the true source of funding, which is alleged to violate House travel regulations.

The five-count indictment was returned earlier this year in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and ordered unsealed today. It charges Oksuz with one count of devising a scheme to falsify, conceal, and cover up material facts from the Ethics Committee and four counts of making false statements to Congress.

Oksuz is considered a fugitive. A warrant for his arrest was issued earlier this year and remains outstanding. Oksuz was recently detained by authorities in Armenia.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Marco Palmieri of the Criminal Divisions Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Misler of the District of Columbia.

An indictment contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Hospital Chain Will Pay Over $260 Million to Resolve False Billing and Kickback Allegations

Washington, DC - Health Management Associates, LLC (HMA), formerly a U.S. hospital chain headquartered in Naples, Florida, will pay over $260 million to resolve criminal charges and civil claims relating to a scheme to defraud the United States. The government alleged that HMA knowingly billed government health care programs for inpatient services that should have been billed as outpatient or observation services, paid remuneration to physicians in return for patient referrals, and submitted inflated claims for emergency department facility fees.

Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, Assistant Attorney General Joseph H. Hunt of the Justice Departments Civil Division, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez for the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan for the Southern District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Charles E. Peeler for the Middle District of Georgia, U.S. Attorney John R. Lausch Jr. for the Northern District of Illinois, U.S. Attorney R. Andrew Murray for the Western District of North Carolina, U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, U.S. Attorney Sherri Lydon for the District of South Carolina, Assistant Director Robert Johnson of FBIs Criminal Investigative Division, and Acting Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Derrick L. Jackson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.

HMA was acquired by Community Health Systems Inc. (CHS), a major U.S. hospital chain, in January 2014, after the alleged conduct at HMA occurred. Since July 2014, HMA has been operating under a Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) between CHS and the HHS-OIG.

As part of the criminal resolution, HMA entered into a three-year Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) with the Criminal Divisions Fraud Section in connection with a corporate-driven scheme to defraud Federal health care programs by unlawfully pressuring and inducing physicians serving HMA hospitals to increase the number of emergency department patient admissions without regard to whether the admissions were medically necessary. The scheme involved HMA hospitals billing and obtaining reimbursement for higher-paying inpatient hospital care, as opposed to observation or outpatient care, from Federal health care programs, increasing HMAs revenue. Under the terms of the NPA, HMA will pay a $35 million monetary penalty. Under the terms of the NPA, HMA and CHS, the current parent company, agreed to cooperate with the investigation, report allegations or evidence of violations of Federal health care offenses, and ensure that their compliance and ethics program satisfies the requirements of an amended and extended CIA between CHS and HHS-OIG.

In addition, an HMA subsidiary, Carlisle HMA, LLC, formerly doing business as Carlisle Regional Medical Center, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. The plea agreement remains subject to acceptance by the court. Up until 2017, Carlisle HMA, LLC owned and operated Carlisle Regional Medical Center, an acute care hospital located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Carlisle HMA, LLC was charged in a criminal information filed today in the District of Columbia with conspiracy to commit health care fraud.

According to admissions made in the resolution documents, HMA instituted a formal and aggressive plan to improperly increase overall emergency department inpatient admissions at all HMA hospitals, including at Carlisle Regional Medical Center. As part of the plan, HMA set mandatory company-wide admission rate benchmarks for patients presenting to HMA hospital emergency departments  a range of 15 to 20 percent for all patients presenting to the emergency department, depending on the HMA hospital, and 50 percent for patients 65 and older (i.e. Medicare beneficiaries) - solely to increase HMA revenue. HMA executives and HMA hospital administrators executed the scheme by pressuring, coercing and inducing physicians and medical directors to meet the mandatory admission rate benchmarks and admit patients who did not need impatient admission through a variety of means, including by threatening to fire physicians and medical directors if they did not increase the number of patients admitted.

HMA pressured emergency room physicians, including through threats of termination, to increase the number of inpatient admissions from emergency departmentseven when those admissions were medically unnecessary, said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. Hospital operators that improperly influence a physicians medical decision-making in pursuit of profits do so at their own peril. Where we find such conduct, the Criminal Divisions Health Care Fraud Unit, together with our Civil Division and law enforcement colleagues, will aggressively prosecute those responsible to the fullest extent of the law.

HMA also agreed to pay $216 million as part of a related civil settlement. The civil settlement resolves HMAs liability for submitting false claims between 2008 and 2012 as part of its corporate-wide scheme to increase inpatient admissions of Medicare, Medicaid and the Department of Defenses (DOD) TRICARE program beneficiaries over the age of 65. The government alleged that the inpatient admission of these beneficiaries was not medically necessary, and that the care needed by, and provided to, these beneficiaries should have been provided in a less costly outpatient or observation setting. HMA agreed to pay $62.5 million to resolve these allegations with $61,839,718 being paid to the United States and $706,084 being paid to participating States.

The civil settlement also resolves allegations that during the period from 2003 through 2011, two HMA hospitals in Florida, Charlotte Regional Medical Center and Peace River Medical Center, billed federal health care programs for services referred by physicians to whom HMA provided remuneration in return for patient referrals. To induce patient referrals, Charlotte Regional provided a local physician group with free office space and staff, as well as direct payments, which purportedly covered overhead and administrative costs incurred by the group for its management of a Charlotte Regional physician. HMA also provided another local physician with free rent and upgrades to his office space. HMA agreed to pay $93.5 million to resolve these civil allegations, with the United States receiving $87.96 million, and the State of Florida receiving $5.54 million.

Additional allegations that are resolved by the civil settlement are that between 2009 and 2012, two former HMA hospitals, Lancaster Regional Medical Center and Heart of Lancaster Medical Center in Pennsylvania, billed federal health care programs for services referred by physicians with whom the facilities had improper financial relationships. These relationships stemmed from HMAs excessive payments to (1) a large physician group in return for two businesses owned by the group and for services allegedly performed by the group, and (2) a local surgeon that exceeded the value of the services provided. The government alleged that these arrangements were structured in this manner to disguise payments intended to induce the referral of patients. HMA agreed to pay $55 million to the United States to resolve these civil allegations.

Finally, the civil settlement will also resolve claims that Crossgates Hospital, an HMA facility in Brandon, Mississippi, leased space to a local physician from Jan. 15, 2005 through Jan. 14, 2007, but required the physician to pay rent for only half of the space he was actually occupying, in return for patient referrals to Crossgates Hospital. HMA agreed to pay $425,000 to the United States to resolve these civil allegations.

Federal law, including the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law, prohibits hospitals from providing financial inducements to physicians for referrals. These provisions are designed to ensure that physician decision-making is not compromised by improper financial incentives.

Billing for unnecessary hospital stays wastes federal dollars, said Assistant Attorney General Hunt. In addition, offering financial incentives to physicians in return for patient referrals undermines the integrity of our health care system. Patients deserve the unfettered, independent judgment of their health care professionals.

The payment of kickbacks in exchange for medical referrals undermines the integrity of our healthcare system, said U.S. Attorney Chapa Lopez. Todays resolution should remind healthcare providers of their duty to comply with the law, and the heavy price to be paid for corrupt practices committed by their executives. Our Civil Division will continue to invest itself in the pursuit of health care providers who violate the law for personal gain.

Our office will continue to enforce prohibitions on improper financial relationships between health care providers and their referral sources, as these relationships can serve to corrupt physician judgment about a patients true health needs, said U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan. We will devote all necessary resources to ensure that those rendering medical care do so for the sole benefit of the patient and in compliance with the law.

By manipulating patient status, HMA increased Medicare costs and pocketed taxpayer funds to which it was not entitled, said U.S. Attorney Peeler. Our Medicare patients and our taxpayers deserve better, and I am proud that justice has been done. Nonetheless, we will continue to pursue those hospitals in our district that would seek to take advantage of the Medicare Program.

Government healthcare programs are vital to the welfare of our communities, said U.S. Attorney Murray for the Western District of North Carolina, where two HMA hospitals were located. We will aggressively pursue providers that fraudulently inflate charges to government programs and divert scarce resources from those in need into their own pockets.

Our resolution of this matter and the significant recovery we have obtained show once again that no matter how complex the scheme is, we will find it, stop it, and punish it, said U.S. Attorney McSwain. HMA covered up kickbacks for patient referrals with sham joint venture agreements, lease payments, and management agreements. These sorts of improper physician inducements are a form of pay to play business practices that will not be tolerated. Healthcare institutions cannot pad their bottom line at the expense of the American taxpayers. And most importantly, this conduct must be rooted out because it gets in the way of providing top-notch patient care to American citizens.

It is critically important to all of us that the patients interest drive the physicians decisions on care, said U.S. Attorney Lydon. Unnecessary hospital admissions not only drive up costs but can cause damage to patients and cannot be tolerated.

The government further alleged that from September 2009 through December 2011, certain HMA hospitals submitted claims to Medicare and Medicaid seeking reimbursement for falsely inflated emergency department facility charges. HMA agreed to pay $12 million to resolve these civil allegations, with $11.028 million being paid to the United States and $972,000 being paid to participating States.

Compliance with government healthcare rules requires that patients only receive treatment they actually need, said HHS-OIG Acting Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Jackson. Then government programs must be billed just for those services. No more, no less. Let there be no doubt, we will continue to protect federal healthcare programs and beneficiaries by holding provider organizations fully accountable.

This settlement is a result of the FBIs hard work and dedication to hold companies accountable for their role in healthcare fraud and abuse, said FBI Assistant Director Johnson. The FBI will not stand by when there are allegations that a company operates a corporate wide scheme to increase their financial gain at the expense of the U.S. government. We appreciate those who come forward with allegations of criminal misconduct and recognize the importance of the publics assistance in our work.

The allegations resolved by the settlement were originally brought in eight lawsuits filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and to receive a share of any recovery. The eight qui tam cases, which were filed in various districts and transferred to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia as part of a multi-district litigation presided over by the Honorable Reggie B. Walton, are captioned: United States ex rel. Brummer v. HMA, Inc., 3-09-cv-135 (CDL) (M.D. Ga.); United States ex rel. Williams v. HMA, Inc., 3:09-cv-130 (M.D. Ga.); United States ex rel. Plantz v. HMA, Inc., 13-CV-1212 (N.D. Ill.); United States ex rel. Miller v. HMA, Inc., 10-3007 (E.D. Pa.); United States ex rel. Mason & Folstad v. HMA, Inc., 3:10-CV-472-GCM (W.D.N.C.); United States ex rel. Nurkin v. HMA, Inc., 2:11-cv-14-FtM-29DNF (M.D. Fla.); United States ex rel. Jacqueline Meyer & Cowling v. HMA, Inc., 0:11-cv-01713-JFA (D.S.C.); and United States ex rel. Paul Meyer v. HMA, Inc., 11-62445 cv-Williams (S.D. Fla.).

The whistleblower in United States ex rel. Nurkin will receive approximately $15 million as a share of the recovery, and the whistleblowers in United States ex rel. Miller will receive approximately $12.4 million as their share of the recovery. The whistleblower shares to be awarded in the remaining cases have not yet been determined.

These matters were investigated by the Civil Divisions Commercial Litigation Branch; the Health Care Fraud Unit of the Criminal Divisions Fraud Section; the U.S. Attorneys Offices for the Middle District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Middle District of Georgia, Northern District of Illinois, Western District of North Carolina, Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the District of South Carolina, the FBI Healthcare Fraud Unit Major Provider Response Team, HHS-OIG and Defense Health Agency Program Integrity. On behalf of the States, an investigative/settlement team with members from North Carolina, Massachusetts, Virginia, Washington, and Florida assisted with the investigation and resolution of these matters.

The governments resolution of this matter illustrates the governments emphasis on combating healthcare fraud and marks another achievement for the Health Care Fraud and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT) initiative, a partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services to focus efforts to reduce and prevent Medicare and Medicaid financial fraud through enhanced cooperation. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

Except for those facts admitted to in the guilty plea and in the Non-Prosecution Agreement, the claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

If you believe you are a victim of this offense, please call (888) 549-3945.
Doctor Sentenced to more than 11 Years in Prison for $8.9 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme

Detroit, Michigan - A Detroit-area doctor was sentenced to 135 months in prison Thursday for her role in a scheme involving approximately $8.9 million in fraudulent Medicare claims for home health care and other physician services that were procured through the payment of kickbacks, were not medically necessary, were not actually provided or, in some instances, were provided by the defendant, who was not a licensed physician during the relevant time period.

Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider of the Eastern District of Michigan, Special Agent in Charge David P. Gelios of the FBIs Detroit Division and Special Agent in Charge Lamont Pugh III of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector Generals (HHS-OIG) Chicago Regional Office made the announcement.

Millicent Traylor, M.D., 47, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert Cleland of the Eastern District of Michigan. Traylor was convicted in May 2018 of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, one count of conspiracy to pay and receive healthcare kickbacks, and five counts of health care fraud following a four-day trial. Traylors co-defendant, Muhammad Qazi, 48, of Oakland Township, Michigan, was sentenced to serve 42 months in prison on Aug. 27, her co-defendant Christina Kimbrough, M.D., 39, of Canton, Michigan, was sentenced to serve 27 months in prison on Sept. 26, and her other co-defendant, Jacklyn Price, 34, of Shelby, Michigan, awaits sentencing. Qazi, Price, and Kimbrough each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.

According to evidence presented at trial, from 2011 to 2016, Traylor and her co-conspirators engaged in a scheme to defraud Medicare of approximately $8.9 million through fraudulent home health and physician claims. The evidence showed that Traylor, who was unlicensed at the time, acted as a physician for these companies, providing services that were not medically necessary and that were billed to Medicare as if they were provided by a licensed physician. The evidence further showed that Traylor conspired to cause Medicare to be billed for services that were not rendered. To make it appear that these services were medically necessary and actually provided, Traylor and her co-conspirators falsified medical records and signed false documents. Additionally, the evidence at trial showed that Traylor and her co-conspirators paid and received kickbacks in exchange for referring Medicare beneficiaries to serve as patients at the clinics. The trial evidence also revealed that Traylor fraudulently signed the names of licensed physicians on prescriptions for opioid medications, such as oxycodone, as a means of inducing patient participation in the scheme.

The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case, which was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision by the Criminal Divisions Fraud Section and U.S. Attorneys Office for Eastern District of Michigan. Trial Attorneys Stephen Cincotta and Steve Scott of the Criminal Divisions Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

The Criminal Divisions Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in 12 cities across the country, has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion.
Former Chief Financial Officer of Bankrate Inc. Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Orchestrating a Complex Accounting and Securities Fraud Scheme

Miami, Florida - The former chief financial officer of Bankrate Inc., a publicly traded financial services and marketing company formerly headquartered in North Palm Beach, Florida, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for orchestrating an accounting and securities fraud scheme that caused more than $25 million in shareholder losses.

Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan of the Southern District of Florida and Inspector in Charge Delany DeLeon-Colon of the U.S. Postal Inspection Services Criminal Investigations Group made the announcement.

Edward J. DiMaria, 53, of Fairfield County, Connecticut, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore of the Southern District of Florida, who also imposed three years of supervised release and ordered DiMaria to pay restitution in the amount of $21,234,214. On June 28, DiMaria pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to making false statements to a public companys accountants, falsifying a public companys books, records and accounts, and securities fraud; and one count of making materially false statements to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

While serving as Bankrates CFO, Edward DiMaria blatantly manipulated the companys publicly reported financial statements by repeatedly lying and directing others to lie to auditors, regulators, and shareholders, said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. The significant sentence handed down today underscores the serious nature of corporate fraud and the damage it causes to shareholders and to the publics trust in our financial markets. The sentence also demonstrates the Departments commitment to prosecuting corporate misconduct to the fullest extent of the law.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has an extensive history of investigating complex financial fraud schemes in order to protect investors as well as the integrity of the financial marketplace from fraudulent activities by trusted insiders who abuse their positions, said Inspector in Charge Delany DeLeon-Colon. Anyone who engages in this type of financial fraud scheme should know they will be found and they will be held accountable.

As part of his guilty plea, DiMaria admitted that between 2010 and 2014 he directed and conspired to commit a complex scheme to artificially inflate Bankrates earnings through so-called cookie jar or cushion accounting, whereby millions of dollars in unsupported expense accruals were purposefully left on Bankrates books and then selectively reversed in later quarters to boost earnings. In addition, DiMaria admitted that he conspired with other Bankrate employees to misrepresent certain company expenses as deal costs in order to artificially inflate publicly reported adjusted earnings metrics. DiMaria made materially false statements to Bankrates independent auditors to conceal the improper accounting entries, and he caused Bankrates financial statements filed with the SEC to be materially misstated, he admitted.

Hyunjin Lerner, Bankrates former vice president of finance, previously pleaded guilty for his role in the conspiracy. Lerner was sentenced by Judge Moore earlier this year to serve 60 months in prison.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Services National Headquarters Fraud Team investigated the case. Assistant Chief Henry Van Dyck and Trial Attorneys Emily Scruggs and Jason Covert of the Criminal Divisions Fraud Section are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the U.S Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Florida. The SEC also provided assistance in this matter.

Potential victims of the scheme can find information about their rights under relevant law at the following website: www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/case/edward-j-dimaria.
Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras Agrees to Pay More Than $850 Million for FCPA Violations

Washington, DC - Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras (Petrobras), a Brazilian state-owned and state-controlled energy company, entered into agreements with U.S. and Brazilian authorities and agreed to pay a combined total of $853.2 million in penalties to resolve the U.S. governments investigation into violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in connection with Petrobrass role in facilitating payments to politicians and political parties in Brazil, as well as a related Brazilian investigation.

Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger of the Eastern District of Virginia and Assistant Director Robert Johnson of the FBIs Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement.

Executives at the highest levels of Petrobrasincluding members of its Executive Board and Board of Directorsfacilitated the payment of hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes to Brazilian politicians and political parties and then cooked the books to conceal the bribe payments from investors and regulators, said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. The Criminal Divisions Fraud Sectiontogether with our partners in the Eastern District of Virginia, the SEC, and the FBIare grateful for the assistance provided by our Brazilian law enforcement counterparts. This case is just the most recent example of our ability to work with our foreign counterparts to investigate companies and other criminal actors whose conduct spans multiple international jurisdictions.

Protecting the integrity of U.S. financial markets is one of the highest priorities of this Administration, said U.S. Attorney Terwilliger. Those who choose to access our capital markets while failing to disclose the corrupt activities of company executives will be held accountable. I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their diligence and dedication in pursing this important case.

Todays global resolution demonstrates the FBIs commitment to thoroughly investigating and holding accountable those international companies who seek to take advantage of our financial system while also facilitating bribes and fraud in other countries, said FBI Assistant Director Johnson. The hefty $853.2 million criminal penalty should act as a deterrent to anyone seeking to perpetrate this kind of fraud in the future. This case proves that no company is above the law and that corruption that spans borders will not be tolerated by the United States. I want to thank the agents, analysts, and prosecutors who investigated this case in parallel with Brazilian authorities. We will continue to pursue any and all companies and individuals throughout the world who disregard the rule of law and threaten our fair and competitive marketplace for their personal gain.

Todays substantial resolution demonstrates the FBIs continued commitment to working with U.S. and international partners to investigate corruption no matter where it occurs, said Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. DeSarno of the FBI Washington Field Offices Criminal Division. We remain committed to holding companies and executives who violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act accountable for their activity, and we will continue to work diligently to uphold the integrity of an increasingly global marketplace."

According to Petrobrass admissions, while the companys American Depository Shares traded on the New York Stock Exchange, members of the Petrobras Executive Board were involved in facilitating and directing millions of dollars in corrupt payments to politicians and political parties in Brazil, and members of Petrobrass Board of Directors were also involved in facilitating bribes that a major Petrobras contractor was paying to Brazilian politicians. During this period, for example, a Petrobras executive directed the payment of illicit funds to stop a parliamentary inquiry into Petrobras contracts, and the executive also directed payments received from Petrobras contractors to be corruptly used to pay millions of dollars to the campaign of a Brazilian politician who had oversight over the location where one of Petrobrass refineries was being built.

Petrobras admitted that it failed to make and keep books, records and accounts that accurately and fairly reflected the companys capitalization of property, plant and equipment as a result of the bribes being generated by the companys contractors with the cooperation of certain Petrobras executives, and that certain Petrobras executives signed false Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) 302 sub-certifications while they were involved in, and were aware that other executives at Petrobras were involved in, obtaining and facilitating the payment of millions of dollars in bribes to Brazilian politicians, to Brazilian political parties and to themselves. Petrobras also admitted that certain executives failed to implement internal financial and accounting controls in order to continue to facilitate bribe payments to Brazilian politicians and Brazilian political parties.

Petrobras entered into a non-prosecution agreement and agreed to pay a criminal penalty of $853.2 million to resolve the matter. This reflects a 25 percent discount off the low end of the applicable U.S. Sentencing Guidelines fine range for the companys full cooperation and remediation. In related proceedings, Petrobras reached a settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Petrobras entered into an agreement to reach a settlement with the Ministerio Publico Federal in Brazil. Under the non-prosecution agreement, the United States will credit the amount that Petrobras pays to the SEC and Brazil under their respective agreements, with the Department of Justice and the SEC receiving 10 percent ($85,320,000) each and Brazil receiving the remaining 80 percent ($682,560,000). As part of the agreement, Petrobras has agreed to continue to cooperate with the Department in any ongoing investigations and prosecutions relating to the conduct, including of individuals, to enhance its compliance program and to report to the Department on the implementation of its enhanced compliance program.

The Department reached this resolution based on a number of unique factors presented by this case, including that Petrobras is a Brazilian-owned company that entered into a resolution with Brazilian authorities and is subject to oversight by Brazilian authorities, and that, in addition to the significant misconduct engaged in by Petrobras, a number of executives of the company engaged in an embezzlement scheme that victimized the company and its shareholders. In addition, the company did not voluntarily disclose the conduct, but did notify the government of its intent to fully cooperate after learning of the allegations of misconduct; Petrobras fully cooperated in the investigation and fully remediated. Petrobrass cooperation included conducting a thorough internal investigation, proactively sharing in real time facts discovered during the internal investigation and sharing information that would not have been otherwise available to the Department, making regular factual presentations to the Department, facilitating interviews of and information from foreign witnesses, and voluntarily collecting, analyzing and organizing voluminous evidence and information for the Department in response to requests, including translating key documents. Petrobras also took extensive remedial measures, including replacing the Board of Directors and the Executive Board (the companys high-level managers) and implementing governance reforms, as well as disciplining employees and ensuring that the company no longer employs or is affiliated with any of the individuals known to the company to be implicated in the conduct at issue in the case.

In the related SEC matter, Petrobras also agreed to pay to the SEC disgorgement and prejudgment interest totaling $933,473,797, which shall be reduced by the amount of any payment Petrobras makes to the class action Settlement Fund in the matter of In re Petrobras Securities Litigation, No. 14-cv-9662 (S.D.N.Y.).

The FBIs International Corruption Squad in Washington, D.C. investigated the case. Assistant Chiefs Christopher Cestaro and Lorinda Laryea and Trial Attorney Derek Ettinger of the Criminal Divisions Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Grace Hill of the Eastern District of Virginia prosecuted the case.

The Department appreciates the significant cooperation provided by the SEC and the Criminal Divisions Office of International Affairs in this case.
A decade ago, the U.S. economy very nearly crumbled, after the housing crisis laid waste to the storied investment house Lehman Brothers, and the government (along with U.S. taxpayers) bailed out the nation's biggest banks. Today, with renewed access to credit and expanding markets, small businesses are doing better. But uneven results across the country should serve as a reminder that entrepreneurs have no room to get complacent.

Entrepreneurial activity in the United States continues to be stable, with the Inc. Entrepreneurship Index clocking in at 85 out of 100 in the second quarter of 2018, down from 87 in the previous quarter. The percentage of Americans who identify as entrepreneurs is holding steady at 6.3 percent, or about 15.5 million. This includes self-employed solopreneurs. Job growth by small businesses has continued to decline slightly. On the upside, access to capital has ticked up, with about 43 percent of loan requests being approved, according to Index component data.

Your money

The recent increase in access to capital has been driven primarily by big banks approving more loans for small businesses than they were in the years immediately following the recession. In the second quarter, big banks approved 25.9 percent of loan applications from small businesses, as shown by the Inc. Entrepreneurship Index. According to Inc. data partners at Biz2Credit, this is more than double the level seen in 2012. Although small banks, credit unions, and alternative lenders all have higher rates of approval for small-business loans, the increase in big-bank approvals has been the most meaningful.

"We're seeing small-business growth take off, and many business owners are fueling that growth with funding that wasn't available to them just five years ago," says Rohit Arora, CEO of Biz2Credit. "Our data shows that loan-approval rates for small businesses have increased to record post-recession approvals. Women- and minority-owned businesses are benefiting the most from this new lending strength and are securing small-business funding in greater numbers than before."

Jobs and wages

In another measure of entrepreneurial health, a tighter labor market means small businesses are not creating as many jobs as they were one year ago. The slowdown in job creation is consistent with historical research on business cycles: Close to the peak of an economic cycle, large businesses create more jobs compared with small businesses. Inversely, small businesses create the most jobs relative to large companies during recessions.

The Inc. Entrepreneurship Index shows the upside: With the unemployment rate reaching a new low, wages are being pushed up for small-business employees at an annualized growth rate of 2.65 percent. In addition, hiring is becoming less discriminatory, with fewer job postings requiring college degrees.

These changes are not consistent across the country, however. Small-business confidence is at a record high and the unemployment rate is at a record low, but zooming in on local economies reveals ongoing challenges. The most economically prosperous communities in the U.S. reap the most benefits, while other areas just tread water. In terms of earnings growth for small-business employees, Phoenix leads the pack, followed by Riverside, California, Denver, San Diego, and Los Angeles. On the other end of the spectrum, metropolitan areas like Dallas, Seattle, and Detroit are seeing little wage growth.

"While wages have increased modestly, overall wage growth is still much lower than we'd expect, especially given the tight labor market, and it's been decelerating," according to Frank Fiorille, vice president of risk, compliance, and data analytics at Paychex. In June 2017, hourly earnings growth for small-business workers stood at 2.93 percent. In June 2018, it was 2.47 percent.

What now?

As some have said before, the U.S. is not one single economy, but a collection of many local economies. So it is little wonder 10 years past the global financial crisis, amid one of the longest and strongest expansions in U.S. history, that not every part of the country is enjoying the spoils. As such, wise business people--in healthier pockets of the country, especially--ought to take this opportunity to establish contingency plans.

"While the economy is strong now, it doesn't mean it's OK for business owners to get complacent," Arora says. "Small businesses should be preparing themselves for the next slowdown, even when times are good. The smartest thing you can do as a business owner right now is understand your cash flow."

About the Inc. Entrepreneurship Index
A tremendous victory for women as California becomes the first state to pass legislation requiring at least one woman on a public-company's board. Governor Jerry Brown signed the bill into law over the weekend, which requires 165 California-based public companies to have at least one woman on their corporate board by the end of 2019.

Additionally, the bill would require at least two women to be appointed to a board with five directors or more. This move to address the lack of gender diversity will be especially beneficial to the technology sector, which is commonly known to have a lack of women. This new legislation is a partial victory in the debate for gender equity and fairness within corporate boardrooms.

Although it is not a total win, it is a huge start. This measure will create more awareness about the lack of women on corporate boards. According to the Global Development Institute, 53 percent of corporations added women to their boards of directors by increasing the size of the board, rather than by replacing male directors.

The impact of this latest development has numerous effects that you need to consider as your company grows. Here are five ways you can re-evaluate your company's approach to gender inclusion.

1. Diversify your advisory team.

Before you create your advisory board or go public with your company, ensure that your board reflects diverse perspectives and addresses all gender deficiencies. Although the law is strictly in California today, it is a matter of time before other states will follow. Take a proactive approach to assessing the needs of your advisory team.

2. Create in-house gender inclusion listening sessions.

Remember, it is easy to be unaware of the way your team feels about representation. Employees are often silent about speaking up about diversity due to a lack of publicly addressing the issue. The world is changing, and we can no longer be reactive about gender-normative experiences and representation in leadership roles. Make your employees and team part of the process of identifying such leadership deficiencies.

3. Understand that change takes time.

Corporate boardrooms have been traditionally void of women and other diverse perspectives. Be patient, change takes time. When you are diversifying a company, it takes time to adjust to new people, thoughts and ideas. Do not force it, let it happen authentically once everyone brings value.

4. Be transparent.

Keep your team and shareholders in the loop about any and all efforts that you are taking toward creating an inclusive corporate board. In addition, during your listening sessions, take advice from your team. The new legislation in California will make transparency mandatory, which many companies have not done when it comes to their corporate boards. This level of accountability will reassure your partners, investors and stakeholders that you are active about the growth of your business.

5. Don't wait until it becomes mandatory.
Keep going, keep going. Yup, we're going to make it. Getty Images

Absurdly Driven looks at the world of business with a skeptical eye and a firmly rooted tongue in cheek.

You'll never hear all the stories about everything that goes on within airlines.

If even half of the ones I've heard are true -- and I fear 90 percent of them are -- you won't want to hear at least half of them.

The latest -- and weightiest -- to fly across my firmament involves American Airlines.

One of the airline's pilots believes that the airline is flying people to Hawaii, but then is unable to fly all those people back again.

In a recent edition of the internal airline Q&A known as Crew News -- reported by View From The Wing's Gary Leff -- a pilot said this to American's president Robert Isom:

From my understanding, we leave people in Hawaii every day because the Airbus can't make it back to Phoenix with a full load. Is that our plan to take people somewhere where we can't bring them all back?

The issue involves weight restrictions imposed on airlines for twin-engined planes that spend a long time over water.

They have weight limits.

Bigger twin-engine planes such as the Boeing 757 don't have a problem. Indeed, Isom explained to the pilot that the airline will keep some of these older planes precisely for the purpose of trying to not leave passengers behind.

Slightly smaller Airbus 321s sometimes can't make the weight, however.

I asked the airline whether it really is flying people over to Hawaii and leaving them there.

An airline spokesman told me:

Weight restrictions do not occur each day, but can be based on temperature and if the runway is wet. For example, on extremely hot days in Phoenix, we could take weight restrictions as well.

Ah, so those who complain that passengers are bumped for weight reasons -- the plane's, not theirs -- may be telling the truth?

The airline insists it's a rarity. The spokesman explained:

We also compensate for this [potential weight issue] by reducing the number of seats we sell. For example, on LIH-LAX [Kauai's Lihue Airport to Los Angeles], we are only selling 137 seats even though the aircraft has 165. This way, we ensure we don't have to remove passengers and reroute them back to LAX another way.

I shudder. On behalf of the airline's management, of course.

The mere thought that there might be seats that aren't being sold must make them recoil like snakes encountering an especially large mongoose.

Worse, this doesn't just happen on the Phoenix to Hawaii route. I understand the airline has to take similar draconian measures flying out of Aspen in the summer.

It sells a mere 40 tickets for 65-seater aircraft.

I can only see the positives here.
Jennifer Fitzgerald grew up thinking she would travel the world for a career in international development. Instead, she wound up in insurance. After consulting for big financial companies at McKinsey, Fitzgerald and colleague Francois de Lame co-founded online insurance broker Policygenius in 2014. The New York startup now has more than $10 million in annual revenue and $52 million in financing--but landing investors wasn't easy. Here, Fitzgerald discusses the mistakes, disappointments, and investor sexism she had to overcome to line up funding. --As told to Maria Aspan

After college, kind of on a whim, I decided that I was going to do the Peace Corps. I like to call that my first startup experience: You're dropped in your county or village, and you kind of have to figure it out. You don't have a boss. You don't have anybody telling you what to do. I was assigned to a municipal government in Western Honduras, where I helped develop a system for the government to collect property taxes--by moving from paper statements and filing cabinets to a computer database. It was a year-long project, and the municipality collected something like 30 percent more that year. It was awesome.

When my co-founder and I decided, "Yep, there's enough here for us to leave McKinsey and build a company," we knew right away we needed to raise money. We can't build the product ourselves--neither of us is a software engineer, and we have to be able to pay salaries for our first couple of employees. Also, insurance is an expensive industry to build a business. Customer acquisition is expensive.

I wish we had done more research on it, because we went into it with a little bit of hubris and a lot of naivete. When you see company after company raising money, you get the outside-in perception: "It's not that difficult if they can do it." Which is not the case.

We were two ex-McKinsey consultants, neither of us was technical, and we wanted to tackle insurance--every strike was against us. It was a very fruitless and frustrating few months.

Finally, we realized, "This is probably not gonna happen." We don't have the track record. We don't have the trust. We don't fit the patterns that early stage venture firms are looking for. But we know people who do trust us. So we got off the VC track and just raised our seed round with a bunch of small checks from friends and family.

Our target was $1 million. We fell short; we raised about $750,000, among about 50 different small investors. Which is a painful way to do it, but we had to get it done.

We stretched that $750,000 as long as we possibly could. We built and launched the first iteration of Policygenius with a very small team, about four of us. We got some early customers and some attention from the personal finance community. We actually showed that we can build something and not just talk about it; but if we're going to continue the company, we needed to get some institutional investors. There's no way we could build the company we want with $10,000 checks.

It was an uphill climb again. I'm the CEO. I'm older, I was more senior at McKinsey than my co-founder, and in terms of our personalities, I like to be more outward facing. I'm good at public speaking. There was one meeting where the investor would keep asking questions directed at my co-founder. I would answer it, or my co-founder would say, "Well, Jen, do you want to answer that?" I would answer the question, and then the investor would direct his followup back to Francois.

That kept on happening. I'm not a shrinking violet. I've been in the business world for a long time, and I'd never seen anything like that before. For the first 10 minutes of the meeting I was wondering, "What's going on?" Then I realized, "Oh, shit. It's because I'm a woman."

So that was weird. We'd gotten pretty pointed and difficult questions from other meetings and other pitches. But I've never had somebody not want to talk to me directly. We still laugh about it.

It took, oh gosh, five months to find a VC investor who believed in us. We really clicked. He got it. He actually had to advance us some of the cash, because we were a month away from running out of money and not making payroll.

After we got that first term sheet in, it got easier. Investing can be very much a herd mentality, so as soon as you have one institutional investor who will say, "I believe in this company and I'm gonna lead the round," it's easy to round up other venture firms.
California became the first U.S. state to mandate that boards of publicly listed companies include women. India, Germany, Australia, Norway, Spain, France, Italy, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Israel had already instituted similar rules or guidelines, following heated debates on the merits of this type of affirmative action.

Here are five reasons California made the right move:

Women have plenty of intellectual talent and leadership skills, by any measure, yet are under-represented on corporate boards. Boards are recruiting from only half the talent pool; clearly companies can benefit from recruitment that takes into account a wider pool. Better talent on the board can translate into better decisions for the company and better performance. A 2015 study by Grant Thornton estimated that the U.S. could increase GDP by 3.5 percent with more women on boards. Women can provide new and important perspectives about a type of business, particularly in consumer goods, given that men are not the only ones out shopping. Studies also show that having women on boards helps protect companies against risk. The experiences of other countries have shown that a requirement to recruit women makes everyone stop and think about what qualities are best to recruit, forcing a review of existing board members and often an improvement in the overall skill set on the board. Numerous studies have shown positive correlations between board gender diversity and indicators like earnings per share, return on equity, return on sales, and return on invested capital. This is why investment companies have set up portfolios based on gender-balanced boards. The California law cites studies by MSCI, Credit Suisse and the University of California, Berkeley. Other studies have been published by McKinsey and Catalyst. Even though there are plenty of qualified women in the U.S., they don't seem to make it onto corporate boards very often. It takes legislation to shake up old habits and encourage boards to actively seek diversity. Maybe one day habits will have changed so much that the legislation won't be needed.

A typical concern is that there may not be enough qualified women, but organizations such as the Thirty Percent Coalition and the Boardlist refute that notion. "It's not a pipeline issue, it's a demand issue," says Shannon Gordon, CEO of the Boardlist, which collects referrals and vets eligible female board candidates.

Gordon adds that she expects an upgrade in board quality in California following passage of the law. "It's good hygiene for a board to have an open conversation about how to be effective," she says. "'Where is our company headed? Do we have all the right skills in the room to navigate the challenges?'" These conversations will occur more frequently as companies in California work to comply with the new law.
More than 200 academics have signed a letter calling for a judicial review of absurdly harsh prison sentences handed to three fracking protesters on Wednesday.

An open letter, started by staff at the University of Sussex says that the jail terms of between 15 and 16 months for halting a convoy of lorries carrying shale drilling equipment set a dangerous precedent.

Simon Roscoe Blevins, 26, Richard Roberts, 36, and Rich Loizou, 31, are thought to be the first environmental protesters to receive a jail sentence in the UK since 1932.

Richard Roberts was jailed for 16 months climbing onto a lorry in protest over fracking (PA)

They were convicted of causing a public nuisance after clambering onto the roofs of three lorry cabs travelling to energy firm Cuadrillas base in Little Plumpton, Lancashire and refusing to come down for between 45 and 84 hours.

A fourth protestor, Julian Brock, 47 was given a 12 month prison term, suspended for 18 months, after pleading guilty to causing a public nuisance.

The letter says: The ruling sets a worrying precedent, curtailing opportunities for the kind of public protests that have historically been effective in instituting the legal and policy changes that defend our environment for our future generations.

We need more, not less, space for action to confront unsustainable industrial practices that harm our communities and perpetuate our reliance on fossil fuels.

We join calls for a judicial review of this absurdly harsh sentence, and an inquiry into the declining space for civil society protest that it represents.

It was started by Andrea Brock and Dr Amber Huff, staff at the University of Sussex who described the ruling as "part of a wider trend of criminalisation of protest in the UK", but has now been signed by professors, legal scholars and heads of department from around the country.

"This harsh sentencing of environmental protestors suggests that civic space is closing. This is really worrying as non-violent protest is essential for democracy and sustainability," said Professor Ian Scoones, from the Institute for Development Studies at Sussex.

Professor Lyla Mehta, a researcher at the same institute, added: "Fracking is unpopular and controversial around Europe and North America. Using draconian measures and imprisonment to curb peaceful protest is an infringement of basic rights and a blot on UK democracy".

So far the letter has been signed by 233 academics.

Cuadrillas fracking site near Blackpool has been at the centre of continued protests and objections from locals after the government gave the company permission for the UKs first commercial fracking well.

At the sentencing at Preston Crown Court Judge Robert Altham said the defendants caused costs and disruption to Cuadrilla but their other victims were the many members of the public and businesses affected by the traffic.

Though he did not express a view on fracking he recognised it was not a frivolous topic and said the sentences would have been considerably longer if the men had not been protesting.

However he said he could not suspend the sentences of Blevins, a soil scientist, Roberts, a piano restorer, and Loizou, a teacher, as each of them remains motivated by unswerving confidence that they are right.

 Police drag 85-year-old Green activist across road during anti-fracking protest

According to government surveys only 16 per cent of the public support fracking development.

In a statement on the initial sentencing, Greenpeace UK executive director, John Sauve, said: Ministers have changed laws, taken away homeowners rights and distorted the planning process to make way for the shale industry, yet its four peaceful protesters that get punished for climbing on a lorry.

As the worlds leading scientists are about to issue their latest warning on the existential threat fossil fuels pose to our living world, these Lancashire protesters deserve our gratitude, not a prison term.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is due to release a special report next week examining the growing threat climate change poses.

Francis Egan, chief executive of Cuadrilla, said in a statement: We have always respected the right to peaceful and lawful protest.

However we will continue to condemn unlawful, irresponsible and reckless behaviour that at best inconveniences and costs law abiding local business and commuters and at worst puts them at risk of harm.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising funds for key charities and in turn, spreading the word about early detection and offering support after treatment too.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK, and while mostly found in women, men can also develop it. Research and care charity Breast Cancer Now reports that 2.2 million women globally are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, while also finding that two out of three women aged 18-24 dont self-check regularly.

With early detection crucial for prognosis and improved survival rates, talking about breast cancer signs and symptoms is of course vital all year round. The Pink Ribbon foundation outlines that a lump or thickening in the breast or armpit is the first symptom in 80-90 per cent of breast cancers. Other symptoms include nipple discharge, a breast rash, and a change in the appearance of your nipple. Its worth knowing that only roughly one in nine lumps seen by a doctor will be cancerous.

During the calendar marked awareness month, Breast Cancer Nows wear it pink day 2021 lands on 22 October. Communities are encouraged to embrace the colour pink and become part of the widespread fundraising event.

To mark the important occasion, weve found the brands giving back for Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2021, across beauty, home, and fashion.

Read more:

IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.
The Queens Balmoral look served as inspiration for many designers this season with an impressive amount of tweed hitting the runway.

But, as iconic as Her Majestys off-duty style is, it was the Queens love affair with the Hermes silk scarf that really captured the attention of the fashion circle.

Paying tribute to the monarch, who coincidentally sat front row at his show, young Peckham designer Richard Quinn created a collection full of outerwear, silk headscarves and vibrant floral prints that he called a tongue in cheek take on Balmoral, but done my way.

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Quinn, who won the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design in February, channelled his benefactors personal style with a heady dose of irony, presenting everything from handkerchief-hem dresses to paisley patterned morphsuits that covered the models from head-to-toe.

The young designer wasnt the only one to make a case for the return of maximalism though. At Marine Serre, cliche scarf patterns were transformed into slinky dresses and flowing skirts, while Faustine Steinmetz showcased a brilliant collection of patchwork frocks and tunics.

Similarly, Japanese label Toga used the loud print to tame models flyaway hairs, decorate blouses and skirts, and weave into tailored suit jackets.

Scarf Print Pini Dress, 55, Topshop

With the new season trend for earthy tones setting a minimalist mood for autumn/winter, scarf prints will be a welcome dose of colour for those who like to make a statement.

And the good news is that high-street brands such as Zara, Asos and Topshop are also getting in on the action.

Cream Scarf Leopard Print T-Shirt, 20, River Island

Not sure how to wear it? Silky shirts will make a stylish addition to your nice top and jeans catalogue, while the versatile midi dress becomes a statement piece in clashing scarf prints.

Alternatively, you can incorporate the trend as it was first intended; with a scarf. For maximum style points, we suggest wearing yours as a neckerchief layered over fine turtle neck knits or tying to your favourite black bag for extra flair.

Pleated Scarf with Chain Print, 9.99, Zara

Chain Print Pleated Skirt, 79.99, Zara
The US Department of Justice is set to file a lawsuit against the state of California, just hours after it introduced a new bill to protect net neutrality.

According to campaigners in favour of net neutrality, the new law will help ensure a free and open internet by preventing Internet Service Providers (ISPs) like Verizon and AT&T from creating fast lanes for firms who are willing and able to pay for their traffic to be prioritised.

Measures to protect net neutrality were first introduced under the Obama administration but were abolished in December by the Trump-era Federal Communications Commission.

Heres what you need to know about net neutrality.

What is net neutrality?

Net neutrality prevents ISPs from slowing down connections for people attempting to access certain sites, apps and services and blocking legal content.

Without the rules, theyll no longer have to treat all internet traffic equally and will be able to prioritise certain websites and services over others.

Many of the worlds biggest internet companies staged a day of protests in 2017 to highlight what could happen if net neutrality was ended.

Reddit, for instance, altered its logo to make it look like it was loading extremely slowly, while the likes of Netflix and Amazon added banners to its homepage.

Why is it so important?

Without net neutrality, cable and phone companies could carve the internet into fast and slow lanes, warns Save The Internet, a coalition of organisations that have been calling for the preservation of the rules.

An ISP could slow down its competitors content or block political opinions it disagreed with. ISPs could charge extra fees to the few content companies that could afford to pay for preferential treatment  relegating everyone else to a slower tier of service.

This would destroy the open internet.

What could change?

The end of net neutrality could also have a huge impact on innovation and competition.

For instance, ISPs that have their own video services could choose to slow down customers connections when they try to use a competing service, such as Netflix.

Such a move would completely ruin the Netflix user experience, which could in turn lead to the company losing customers.

The end of net neutrality could completely cripple startups too, as large, established sites would be in a much better position than them to strike favourable deals with ISPs, in order to have their services prioritised over others.

There are also fears that ISPs could use their power to censor protesters and suffocate free speech, by controlling what people can and cannot put online.

What are ISPs saying?

Major ISPs including AT&T, Comcast and Verizon, have been urging the FCC to revoke the rules, argue that repealing them could lead to billions of dollars in additional broadband investment and eliminate the possibility that a future presidential administration could regulate internet pricing.

Net neutrality protests  in pictures Show all 5 1 /5 Net neutrality protests  in pictures Net neutrality protests  in pictures Lindsay Chestnut of Baltimore holds a sign that reads "I like My Internet Like I Like my Country Free & Open" as she protests near the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017, where the FCC is scheduled to meet and vote on net neutrality. The vote scheduled today at the FCC, could usher in big changes in how Americans use the internet, a radical departure from more than a decade of federal oversight AP Net neutrality protests  in pictures Demonstrators rally outside the Federal Communication Commission building to protest against the end of net nutrality rules December 14, 2017 in Washington, DC. Lead by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, the commission is expected to do away with Obama Administration rules that prevented internet service providers from creating differnt levels of service and blocking or promoting individual companies and organizations on their systems. Getty Images Net neutrality protests  in pictures Demonstrators rally outside the Federal Communication Commission building to protest against the end of net nutrality rules December 14, 2017 in Washington, DC. Lead by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, the commission is expected to do away with Obama Administration rules that prevented internet service providers from creating differnt levels of service and blocking or promoting individual companies and organizations on their systems. Getty Images Net neutrality protests  in pictures Demonstrators rally outside the Federal Communication Commission building to protest against the end of net nutrality rules December 14, 2017 in Washington, DC. Lead by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, the commission is expected to do away with Obama Administration rules that prevented internet service providers from creating differnt levels of service and blocking or promoting individual companies and organizations on their systems. Getty Images Net neutrality protests  in pictures Demonstrators rally outside the Federal Communication Commission building to protest against the end of net nutrality rules December 14, 2017 in Washington, DC. Lead by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, the commission is expected to do away with Obama Administration rules that prevented internet service providers from creating differnt levels of service and blocking or promoting individual companies and organizations on their systems. Getty Images

They claim that the rules prevent them from finding new ways to make money, and thus prevent them from spending more to improve their networks.

The internet without net neutrality isnt really the internet. Unlike the open internet that has paved the way for so much innovation and given a platform to people who have historically been shut out, it would become a closed-down network where cable and phone companies call the shots and decide which websites, content or applications succeed, says Save The Internet.

This would have an enormous impact. Companies like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon would be able to decide who is heard and who isnt. Theyd be able to block websites or content they dont like or applications that compete with their own offerings.
A physicist who came under fire for claiming that physics was invented and built by men while giving a talk at a European Organisation for Nuclear Research (Cern) workshop in Geneva has been suspended from the organisation with immediate effect.

Professor Alessandro Strumia, a senior researcher at the National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, had allegedly asked Cern if he could deliver a talk on his most recent bibliometrics paper.

He then proceeded to present a talk about fundamental theory and gender, where he spoke about how female physicists such as Marie Curie were welcomed into the physics world only once they had established themselves.

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Professor Strumia used a slideshow to illustrate the discrimination that men have faced, with examples including female Stem students receiving free or cheaper university fees in Italy.

He also explained how he believed that he should have been hired by the National Institute of Nuclear Physics over Anna Ceresole, the professor who was eventually chosen for the position that hed applied for, as he had more citations than her.

Professor Strumia's talk has received a huge backlash on social media, with many describing his presentation as "sexist".

Mara Reed, a student at the University of California, Berkeley, explained on Facebook that the aim of the Cern workshop was to highlight gender issues in physics.

"Alessandro Strumia, a big shot within the Cern research community asked (he was not invited) to give a talk about his recent bibliometrics paper," she wrote.

Instead, he stood up in front of a room of early career women and delivered a manifesto on why women didnt belong in physics.

Strumia believes that physics was invented and built by men, that women were of course welcome if they proved themselves and picked up a Nobel.

Dr Jess Wade, a research associate in the Department of Physics at Imperial College, gave a talk at the Cern workshop about gender equality in physics.

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After Dr Wade gave her talk, Professor Strumia allegedly made a comment about how undergraduate students in the UK are facing large debts due to the amount of money that institutions spend on equality and diversity training.

"The room full of (mainly) early career women physicists were obviously not happy to hear they are only going to get anywhere in a career in physics due to tokenism," Dr Wade tells The Independent.

"My concern is that behaviour like Strumia's largely goes unchecked in academic science, and he has influence on appointment committees as well as impacting the opinions of the people he teachers and supervises."

Four female pilots discuss life on the flightdeck Show all 4 1 /4 Four female pilots discuss life on the flightdeck Four female pilots discuss life on the flightdeck Jessica Sundquist: 787 Dreamliner captain at Norwegian Jessica Sundquist, a Swedish 787 Dreamliner captain for Norwegian, has spoken extensively about being a woman in the industry. In the past shes spoken about the concept of putting your femininity aside in order to succeed. Sundquist says today that she felt she didnt have to do it, but also wanted to fit into the industry without being known as the girl. Today, times are changing, she says, and more women are joining the industry  but its not all good news. Despite working hard to get to where I am today as a captain at one of the most modern and exciting airlines, the industry still has a lot more work to do to give women more opportunities, she says In the future, shed like the discussion on gender inequality to remain open and ongoing, but argues that real action also needs to take place to make any difference. Norwegian Four female pilots discuss life on the flightdeck Joanna Riggs: A380 first officer at British Airways First officer Joanna Riggs says she was never particularly exposed to aviation as a career choice, but became a BA cabin crew member after university in order to see more of the world. She says that entering such a highly male-dominated profession wasnt daunting, but that she felt lucky to have two other females on her course. Colleagues have always been supportive in Riggs experience as have  for the most part  passengers, though some are surprised when they see a female pilot. I hope it will one day be normal to everyone, she adds. Some passengers give a thumbs up or a girl power sign. As for gender differences on the flight deck, Riggs says, We are very professional on the flight deck so it doesnt matter what the gender, race or sexuality of my colleague is. Flying with a fellow female is always a treat though. My brother is also a British Airways pilot, and although I havent flown with him, I get the feeling we would be very similar. British Airways Four female pilots discuss life on the flightdeck Lucy Tardrew: Boeing 747 captain at Virgin Atlantic Lucy Tardrew had always wanted to join the RAF, she says, but it was never allowed to happen  because they werent taking girls at the time. Instead, she travelled to America, where she trained before becoming a flying instructor. After returning to the UK and converting her licences, she began flying night mail  literally all the posts around the country at night  before stints flying executive jets, and last-minute jobs including air ambulances and freighting transplant organs, before joining Virgin 23 years ago. Tardrew is enthusiastic about the company, but is saddened that the ratio of women in the industry as a whole remains low. As for challenges in the workplace, shes never experienced any discrimination. Noting the rare pay equality in the piloting industry, Tardrew feels the reason there arent more female pilots is down to the fact that there arent enough female role models for schoolchildren to think, Im going to become an airline pilot. Virgin Atlantic Four female pilots discuss life on the flightdeck Kate McWilliams: captain at easyJet At 26, Kate McWilliams became the youngest commercial captain in the world. I love being a captain for easyJet, she says. And Im really happy to be working for an airline that is working hard to increase the number of female pilots. Flying was always her goal  but she didnt realise how far she could take it. I joined the air cadets at 13-years-old, but it wasnt until much later that I realised I could become a commercial pilot, she says. EasyJet is aiming to inspire young women, with the Amy Johnson Flying Initiative and their sponsorship of the Brownies, giving girls aged seven to 10 the opportunity to earn an Aviation Badge. The work its doing is really important. The Amy Johnson Flying Initiative was launched in October 2015 with the aim of doubling the number of female new entrant pilots, to 12 per cent, over a two-year period. After achieving its aim in the first year, the airline set a target of 20 per cent for new entrant cadet pilots in 2020. easyJet

In 2015, a study conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development found that girls often lack confidence when pursuing high-paid careers in science and technology, even when they perform better academically than boys at school.

In 2017, it was reported that under a quarter of people working in core Stem industries were women, with nearly 22,000 more women working as science and engineering technicians than in 2016.

Some of the most prominent physicists throughout history include Marie Curie, who won two Nobel Prizes and coined the term 'radioactivity'; Chien-Shiung Wu, who became the first female instructor in Princeton's physics department; Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, who co-discovered the first radio pulsars; and Lise Meitner, who worked on nuclear physics and radioactivity.

After issuing an initial statement condemning Professor Strumia's presentation, Cern has now announced that he has been suspended from the organisation with immediate effect.

Cern has also removed the slideshow that Professor Strumia presented from its website following the negative reaction that his talk received online.

However, the slideshow has continued to circulate on social media since being shared on Google Drive.

"On Monday, 1 October, Cern suspended the scientist from any activity at Cern with immediate effect, pending investigation into last weeks event," the updated Cern statement reads.

"Cern is a culturally diverse organisation bringing together people of many different nationalities.

 The Nobel Prize in Physics 2017

"It is a place where everyone is welcome, and all have the same opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, beliefs, gender or sexual orientation.

"Indeed, diversity is one of the core values underpinning our Code of Conduct and the Organization is fully committed to promoting diversity and equality at all levels."

When asked by The Independent to comment on the statements made in his presentation about physics being invented and built by men, Professor Strumia stated that historically, physics had started four centuries ago with women starting to contribute after around 1900.

He also said that both men and women need to prove themselves in physics, as nobody is invited".
Young people feel loneliness more intensely and more frequently than any other age group, new research has found.

Two-fifths (40 per cent) of people aged 16-24 say they feel lonely often or very often, compared to 29 per cent of 65-74-year-olds and 27 per cent of those aged over 75, according to a nationwide survey - the largest ever conducted into the issue - carried out by BBC Radio 4s All In The Mind in collaboration with Wellcome Collection.

The study, carried out by academics at the University of Manchester, Brunel University London, and the University of Exeter, assessed 55,000 people aged 16 and over, asking them about their attitudes and personal experiences of loneliness.

The findings fly in the face of the stereotypical image of a lonely, elderly person, with some experts suggesting that young people feel loneliness more intensely because they are at a life stage of discovering who they are.

Between the ages of 16 and 24, people generally go through a time of identity change and of learning to regulate emotions, which can lead to a feeling of isolation.

Researchers found that those who report feeling the loneliest tended to have more online only friends, on platforms such as Facebook.

Many people offer advice to friends and family members who seem lonely, however participants said that suggesting they try dating is the least helpful idea.

After all, being alone and lonely arent the same thing - only a third of people say they think loneliness is about being by yourself and 83 per cent of people like being on their own.

The five main characteristics of being lonely, according to the survey are:

Having nobody to talk to Feeling disconnected from the world Feeling left out Sadness Not feeling understood

Whats more, 41 per cent of people believe loneliness can sometimes be a positive experience.

The online survey was open to all members of the public and it asked respondents to answer questions based on their experiences of loneliness, relationships, friendships and technology use.

The researchers point out, however, that as the sample of participants was self-selecting, those who feel lonelier might have been more keen to take part.

The survey also revealed that there is still a stigma to being lonely and that women feeling even more shame about feeling lonely than men. What's more, feelings of shame surrounding loneliness decrease with age, but older people say they're more likely to try and hide their loneliness than younger people.

Commenting on the findings, Pamela Qualter, Professor of Psychology at the University of Manchester, who led the study, says: For me, the most interesting findings relate to the stigma of loneliness and the varied solutions people had to overcome loneliness.

Those findings suggest that we need to be kinder to ourselves when we feel disconnected from others, but also that there is a whole toolkit of potential solutions that we can try.
Aldi sales passed 10bn across the UK and Ireland in 2017, with the discounter also announcing plans to open 130 new stores over the next two years.

Sales rose 16 per cent to 10.2bn, while profit increased by 29 per cent to 417.3m.

The supermarket also reported that customer numbers grew by more than 1.1 million to 15.8 million, giving Aldi a 7.6 per cent market share in the UK.

Last year, the grocer announced that it would invest 1bn in new stores and upgrades of existing branches during 2017 and 2018.

The company has now confirmed plans to open 130 new stores between 2019 and 2020, with three new regional distribution centres also planned.

According to Aldi, the planned expansions will create 5,000 new jobs over the next two years.

Giles Hurley, chief executive officer at Aldi UK and Ireland, said: Our future investment plans underline our continued commitment to growing responsibly in the UK. That means having a positive and lasting impact on the economies where we operate and improving the lives of British people.

"Our fundamental purpose remains  to bring outstanding quality groceries at the lowest prices for our customers, creating jobs and supporting British farming and manufacturing.

He added: The revolution in British grocery shows no sign of slowing. Savvy customers know they can swap and save with Aldi, thanks to great quality products at lower prices. This is happening on a massive scale, with more than 1.1 million new customers shopping with us throughout 2017.

While other grocers introduced more complexity into their businesses in their struggle to win back customers, we stuck to our guns and focused on doing what Aldi does best  buying smart, staying lean, improving quality and keeping prices low.

"Our biggest strength is our simplicity  a carefully selected range of exclusive own-label brands and award-winning products at the lowest prices. Millions of Britons can put fantastic tasting food on their table every day of the week, at prices they can afford.
Aston Martin car maker has reduced the estimated maximum price for its initial public offering this week, valuing the company at 4.5bn from a previous maximum of 5.1bn.

The British luxury car maker trimmed its target price to between 18 and 20 per share, from 17.50 to 22 per share. That still puts the company at a higher price-to-earnings multiple than its only other listed rival Ferrari which has a stronger history of making profits.

Shareholders will be cashing out just five months before Brexit which could usher in damaging trade barriers for the UK car industry.

Recommended Aston Martin moves ahead with stock market float as Volvo shelves IPO

Despite the price reduction, some existing shareholders will have seen a 10-fold increase in their investment in less than a decade. When private equity firm Investindustrial bought a 37.5 per cent stake in 2012, Aston Martin was valued about 400m.

Car manufacturers are expected to be among the hardest hit by Brexit, because they rely on hundreds of parts sourced from across the Continent. Industry figures have warned that any delays at the border or other additional administrative burdens could prove disastrous.

But chief executive Andy Palmer said last month that Aston is well insulated from problems that could result from the UK crashing out of the EU without a trade deal.

We can demonstrate that Brexit is not a major effect for us, he said.

If there is a tariff into Europe, its countered by a tariff into the UK for our competitors so you might lose a little bit of market share in the EU but you pick it up in the UK.

Aston Martin sells roughly 25 per cent of its cars to the EU and operates its only plant in Britain, with a second one due to begin operations in 2019.
A quarter of GP appointments offered during evening and weekends are being wasted because of a lack of demand despite near record waiting times in many parts of the country, an investigation has shown.

GP leaders warned scarce staff time and millions in NHS funds are being spent manning surgeries to fulfil a political must-do.

A core health policy in the last two Conservative manifestos is that everyone in England would be able to routinely book GP appointments in the evenings and at weekends.

This is already in place in much of the country and the NHS set a deadline of 1 October for every local clinical commissioning group (CCGs).

But a Freedom of Information Act investigation by the magazine for GPs, Pulse, found that between April 2017 and September 2018 half a million bookable appointments have gone unused  costing the NHS an estimated 15m.

At a time when general practice is struggling for resources and patients are waiting longer for routine appointments, to find out so many evening and weekend appointments have been unfilled due to lack of demand is shocking, chair of the Royal College of GPs, Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard said.

Demand was particularly low on Sundays, where 37 per of the appointments available across the country have been left unfilled, the data provided by 80 of the 195 CCGs in England shows.

Recommended Election promises to make it easier to get GP appointments will be

Sunday uptake was as low as 3 per cent, in Thanet, Kent however a CCG spokesperson said they would run a publicity campaign to address this and were confident these would all be filled.

NHS England said the fact that more than half of appointments were filled was a sign of success and said patients were willing to vote with their feet for the flexible service they wanted.

However, Pulses findings from pilot regions that launched the scheme in 2014/15 show that they are still struggling to fill more than four out of five appointments.

NHS England pointed to examples of good uptake, such as in London, where 72 per cent of appointments are now being filled after the scheme's first 18 months, and Herefordshire, one of the first to pilot the scheme, where 91 per cent of appointments were filled during one week in August.

In 2017/18 147m was given to CCGs to fund extended access schemes and this will rise to 500m a year by 2020/21.

Because it has become a political must-do, everybody is jumping, said Dr Richard Vautrey, chair of the British Medical Associations GP Committee.

NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary Show all 18 1 /18 NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, addresses demonstrators following the march AFP/Getty NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary EPA NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary Reuters NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary REUTERS NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary EPA NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary REUTERS NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary PA NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary REUTERS NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary REUTERS NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary PA NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images

We understand there is huge pressure from the centre on CCGs to demonstrate they are providing a full seven-day service, he said, adding that a pragmatic approach was needed in light of current doctor shortages.

However, the NHS Patient Survey has shown that millions more patients are reporting difficulty getting a GP appointment, and half of practices report one or more unfilled vacancies.

One issue that may be hampering uptake for weekend and evening appointments, despite long waits during the week, is that extended access appointments are typically run from hubs serving all the practices in an area.

While appointments are routinely bookable, it is less likely that patients will see their local GP and they may have to travel further for treatment.

An NHS England spokesperson said: Despite this small survey of a minority of the country, patients do actually want to be able to see a GP at convenient times, and that includes evenings and weekends.

To suggest that people should always be forced to take time off work if they need to see their GP would be backward step, and as the popularity of new types of online digital primary care shows, patients are increasingly prepared to vote with their feet to get convenient access.
The NHS will suffer cuts worth 2.7bn after the government miscalculated the pension costs of public sector workers, new analysis by the House of Commons library has shown.

The research suggested that government underestimated the costs by as much as 4bn a year.

That money could have paid for the salaries of over 61,900 nurses, the Labour Party, which released the research, said.

The government had pledged to cover the additional costs up until 2020, but the health service will need to pay for the shortfall until the next election.

Labour said the cuts were evidence that you cannot trust the Tories with our NHS.

Peter Dowd, Labours shadow chief secretary to the treasury, said: Billions of pounds are being quietly cut from our NHS, due to a poisonous cocktail of disastrous economic mismanagement and spiteful behaviour. These cuts are the equivalent of paying the salary of over 61,000 nurses a year. Nurses whom we desperately need after eight years of crushing austerity in our NHS.

The Treasury and Department of Health declined to comment when contacted by The Independent. The Conservative Party has also been asked for comment.

The announcement that the government had underestimated the pension costs of all public sector workers by as much as 4bn a year was quietly announced in a statement earlier this month.

The chancellor must immediately own up and commit to meeting these extra costs, not just push them on to slashed and struggling public services, Mr Dowd added. All this just goes to show, you cannot trust the Tories with our NHS.

It comes after experts warned a government pledge to invest 145m in emergency department upgrades and 900 more beds would not scratch the surface of shortages which severely affected the NHS last winter.

NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary Show all 18 1 /18 NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, addresses demonstrators following the march AFP/Getty NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary EPA NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary Reuters NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary REUTERS NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary EPA NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary REUTERS NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary PA NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary REUTERS NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary REUTERS NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary PA NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images

Hospitals had to deploy 4,000 extra beds to manage demand last year and said much more investment was needed.

The Treasury had said there would be no additional money for the NHS or other sectors after Theresa May pledged an additional 20bn a year for the health service by 2023, but that funding will not begin until 2019.
The Nobel Prize for Medicine has been given to two scientists who found a revolutionary new way of treating cancer.

American James P Allison and Japanese Tasuku Honjo found that the body's own immune system could be turned on cancers, marking a major breakthrough in our fight against the disease.

Professor Allison studied a protein that functions as a brake on the immune system. He realised the potential of releasing the brake and unleashing immune cells to attack tumours, and developed this concept into a new approach for treating patients.

Science news in pictures Show all 20 1 /20 Science news in pictures Science news in pictures Pluto has 'beating heart' of frozen nitrogen Pluto has a 'beating heart' of frozen nitrogen that is doing strange things to its surface, Nasa has found. The mysterious core seems to be the cause of features on its surface that have fascinated scientists since they were spotted by Nasa's New Horizons mission. "Before New Horizons, everyone thought Pluto was going to be a netball - completely flat, almost no diversity," said Tanguy Bertrand, an astrophysicist and planetary scientist at NASA's Ames Research Center and the lead author on the new study. "But it's completely different. It has a lot of different landscapes and we are trying to understand what's going on there." Getty Science news in pictures Over 400 species discovered this year by Natural History Museum The ancient invertabrate worm-like species rhenopyrgus viviani (pictured) is one of over 400 species previously unknown to science that were discovered by experts at the Natural History Museum this year PA Science news in pictures Jackdaws can identify 'dangerous' humans Jackdaws can identify dangerous humans from listening to each others warning calls, scientists say. The highly social birds will also remember that person if they come near their nests again, according to researchers from the University of Exeter. In the study, a person unknown to the wild jackdaws approached their nest. At the same time scientists played a recording of a warning call (threatening) or contact calls (non-threatening). The next time jackdaws saw this same person, the birds that had previously heard the warning call were defensive and returned to their nests more than twice as quickly on average. Getty Science news in pictures Turtle embryos influence sex by shaking The sex of the turtle is determined by the temperatures at which they are incubated. Warm temperatures favour females. But by wiggling around the egg, embryos can find the Goldilocks Zone which means they are able to shield themselves against extreme thermal conditions and produce a balanced sex ratio, according to the new study published in Current Biology journal Ye et al/Current Biology Science news in pictures Elephant poaching rates drop in Africa African elephant poaching rates have dropped by 60 per cent in six years, an international study has found. It is thought the decline could be associated with the ivory trade ban introduced in China in 2017. Reuters Science news in pictures Ancient four-legged whale discovered in Peru Scientists have identified a four-legged creature with webbed feet to be an ancestor of the whale. Fossils unearthed in Peru have led scientists to conclude that the enormous creatures that traverse the planets oceans today are descended from small hoofed ancestors that lived in south Asia 50 million years ago A. Gennari Science news in pictures Animal with transient anus discovered A scientist has stumbled upon a creature with a transient anus that appears only when it is needed, before vanishing completely. Dr Sidney Tamm of the Marine Biological Laboratory could not initially find any trace of an anus on the species. However, as the animal gets full, a pore opens up to dispose of waste Steven G Johnson Science news in pictures Giant bee spotted Feared extinct, the Wallace's Giant bee has been spotted for the first time in nearly 40 years. An international team of conservationists spotted the bee, that is four times the size of a typical honeybee, on an expedition to a group of Indonesian Islands Clay Bolt Science news in pictures New mammal species found inside crocodile Fossilised bones digested by crocodiles have revealed the existence of three new mammal species that roamed the Cayman Islands 300 years ago. The bones belonged to two large rodent species and a small shrew-like animal New Mexico Museum of Natural History Science news in pictures Fabric that changes according to temperature created Scientists at the University of Maryland have created a fabric that adapts to heat, expanding to allow more heat to escape the body when warm and compacting to retain more heat when cold Faye Levine, University of Maryland Science news in pictures Baby mice tears could be used in pest control A study from the University of Tokyo has found that the tears of baby mice cause female mice to be less interested in the sexual advances of males Getty Science news in pictures Final warning to limit "climate catastrophe" The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has issued a report which projects the impact of a rise in global temperatures of 1.5 degrees Celsius and warns against a higher increase Getty Science news in pictures Nobel prize for evolution chemists The nobel prize for chemistry has been awarded to three chemists working with evolution. Frances Smith is being awarded the prize for her work on directing the evolution of enzymes, while Gregory Winter and George Smith take the prize for their work on phage display of peptides and antibodies Getty/AFP Science news in pictures Nobel prize for laser physicists The nobel prize for physics has been awarded to three physicists working with lasers. Arthur Ashkin (L) was awarded for his "optical tweezers" which use lasers to grab particles, atoms, viruses and other living cells. Donna Strickland and Gerard Mourou were jointly awarded the prize for developing chirped-pulse amplification of lasers Reuters/AP Science news in pictures Discovery of a new species of dinosaur The Ledumahadi Mafube roamed around 200 million years ago in what is now South Africa. Recently discovered by a team of international scientists, it was the largest land animal of its time, weighing 12 tons and standing at 13 feet. In Sesotho, the South African language of the region in which the dinosaur was discovered, its name means "a giant thunderclap at dawn" Viktor Radermacher / SWNS Science news in pictures Birth of a planet Scientists have witnessed the birth of a planet for the first time ever. This spectacular image from the SPHERE instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope is the first clear image of a planet caught in the very act of formation around the dwarf star PDS 70. The planet stands clearly out, visible as a bright point to the right of the center of the image, which is blacked out by the coronagraph mask used to block the blinding light of the central star. ESO/A. Muller et al Science news in pictures New human organ discovered that was previously missed by scientists Layers long thought to be dense, connective tissue are actually a series of fluid-filled compartments researchers have termed the interstitium. These compartments are found beneath the skin, as well as lining the gut, lungs, blood vessels and muscles, and join together to form a network supported by a mesh of strong, flexible proteins Getty Science news in pictures Previously unknown society lived in Amazon rainforest before Europeans arrived, say archaeologists Working in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, a team led by archaeologists at the University of Exeter unearthed hundreds of villages hidden in the depths of the rainforest. These excavations included evidence of fortifications and mysterious earthworks called geoglyphs Jose Iriarte Science news in pictures One in 10 people have traces of cocaine or heroin on fingerprints, study finds More than one in 10 people were found to have traces of class A drugs on their fingers by scientists developing a new fingerprint-based drug test. Using sensitive analysis of the chemical composition of sweat, researchers were able to tell the difference between those who had been directly exposed to heroin and cocaine, and those who had encountered it indirectly. Getty Science news in pictures Nasa releases stunning images of Jupiter's great red spot The storm bigger than the Earth, has been swhirling for 350 years. The image's colours have been enhanced after it was sent back to Earth. Pictures by: Tom Momary

Professor Honjo "discovered a protein on immune cells and revealed that it also operates as a brake, but with a different mechanism of action. Therapies based on his discovery proved to be strikingly effective in the fight against cancer," the Nobel committee wrote in their citation.

They will share the prize, which is worth 9 million Swedish kronor or roughly 800,000.

"Cancer kills millions of people every year and is one of humanitys greatest health challenges. By stimulating the inherent ability of our immune system to attack tumour cells this years Nobel Laureates have established an entirely new principle for cancer therapy," the Nobel committee wrote.

Recommended Nobel prize won for discoveries that could revolutionise the way we sl

Scientists have long thought that it might be possible to use the immune system  which has the central job of finding things that don't belong in the body and getting rid of them  and turn it on cancerous cells in the body. Despite numerous attempts, that has yielded few practical results, in part because the "brake" in the body stops immune cells from attacking cancers.

But the discovery of the two new Nobel laureates was a way of taking off that brake, allowing the body to attack its own cancerous tumours. It has already had spectacular results.

"For more than 100 years scientists attempted to engage the immune system in the fight against cancer," the committee wrote. "Until the seminal discoveries by the two laureates, progress into clinical development was modest. Checkpoint therapy has now revolutionized cancer treatment and has fundamentally changed the way we view how cancer can be managed."

Professor Allison said in a statement that he had made the discovery while simply looking to expand human knowledge.

"I'm honored and humbled to receive this prestigious recognition," he said. "A driving motivation for scientists is simply to push the frontiers of knowledge. I didn't set out to study cancer, but to understand the biology of T cells, these incredible cells that travel our bodies and work to protect us."

Last year, the same prize was given to three scientists  Jeffrey C Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W Young  who made pioneering discoveries about how the body clock works in humans. Those same discoveries could help vastly improve the way people sleep.

The physics prize will be awarded on Tuesday, with chemistry the following day. The Nobel Peace Prize will be given on Friday and the economics winner will be announced on Monday.

There is no literature prize given this year, because of an ongoing scandal over sex abuse allegations. Instead, the 2018 winner will be given the prize alongside the 2019 winner.
The night sky is set to be lit by a spectacular celestial sight this month, as the Orionid meteor shower passes overhead.

The show of shooting stars happens when Earth passes through the debris of Halley's comet, on its journey around the Sun. As it does, the meteoroids collide with Earth's atmosphere at 148,000mph and burn up in streaks of light that are visible across the night sky.

That means that it happens at the same time ever year. They are most visible around 21 and 22 October, though they should be able to be spotted in the few days before and after that.

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

They do actually get started very early in the month, and will run as long as 7 November. So it's possible that you might spot part of the Orionids any time from now until 7 November.

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And while 21 October marks the peak of the show, the Moon might mean you're more likely to see them the week before. Around the middle of the month, it will get out of the way in the sky and make it easier for the Orionids to shine through.

At their peak, the Orionids could see as many as 20 of the meteors streaking across the sky. That makes it a relatively muted meteor shower compared with some of the other annual displays, but it still should be visible for the ground.

And what they might lack in quantity they can make up for in quantity: the Orionids are known in particular for the brilliance of some of their lights, making them especially easy to spot.

As ever, astronomers recommend heading out to somewhere with relatively little light pollution so that the night sky is more visible. Find somewhere dark and allow your eyes to adjust before looking up into the sky  wherever you'd like, and with no special equipment needed at all.

In keeping with their name, the meteor shower will be most visible from famous constellation of Orion. But in practise, you can look just about wherever you want  and some experts recommend looking up with friends, so that you can survey the entire sky at once.
Prison officers in England and Wales are operating in the most violent and hostile workplace in western Europe, a trade union has warned, after six members of staff required hospital treatment following a riot in one jail.

The incident at HMP Long Lartin resulted in two members of staff suffering facial injuries, another with a suspected fractured arm and three treated for head injuries. The Prison Officers Association (POA) said it highlighted the intolerable working conditions in prisons.

The riot at the Category A jail in Worcestershire on Sunday is believed to have taken place in one wing of the facility and lasted for nine hours. Special anti-riot officers had to be sent to end the disturbance.

Seven prisoners were placed in isolation to be transferred to other prisons and the six injured members of staff were admitted to hospital, the Prison Service said. West Mercia Police are now investigating the incident.

The POA, which represents prison officers across the UK, said the disturbance proved British jails continued to lurch from crisis to crisis, and said officers needed better protective measures to quell the unprecedented levels of violence they face.

Mark Fairhurst, national chair of the POA, said: This incident yet again highlights the intolerable working conditions [our] members endure in the most violent and hostile workplace in western Europe.

He called for staffing levels to be restored to pre-austerity levels and for protective measures to be put in place to quell violence, as well as investment in prisons that ensure decent living and working conditions.

Once again, it was brave prison staff that responded and restored order. Expecting prison officers to work in this environment until they are 68 is unrealistic and must be addressed, Mr Fairhurst added.

We now expect that the judiciary react and ensure the full weight of the law is afforded to the perpetrators.

England and Wales have the highest rate of imprisonment in western Europe, at 148.3 prisoners per 100,000 population, compared with 137.9 in Spain, 98.3 in France and 77.4 in Germany, according to the latest penal statistics from the Council of Europe.

Responding to the disturbance at HMP Long Lartin, shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon said Conservative cuts to staffing and budgets had unleashed an unprecedented crisis in our prisons.

Without urgent action to tackle understaffing and overcrowding, this crisis will deepen even further, he added.

Instead of tinkering at the edges, the government needs to implement an emergency plan, with substantial new Treasury funds, to turn our prisons around.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: Violence in prison is never tolerated and our prison officers do vital and important work which is why we have doubled the sentences for those who attack them.

We have given prison staff the biggest pay rise in a decade and are rolling out body worn cameras, police-style handcuffs and restraints, and trialling Pava incapacitant spray to ensure they have the tools they need to do the job safely.

The spokesperson said the service had also hired over 3,500 additional officers in the last two years and was investing 40m to improve the prison estate and tackle the drugs problem that drives much of the violence.
Boris Johnson will make on overt pitch for the backing of Tory members on Tuesday, demanding the party get back to conservative instincts instead of trying to ape Labours Jeremy Corbyn.

The former foreign secretary will say the party should focus on tax cuts, homes and law and order as he courts members who would vote in any future leadership contest.

In a sign that he is trying to appeal to a broad range of the party following comments that offended many people about Muslim women wearing burqas and niqabs, he will seek to position himself as a one nation Tory.

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His speech on the fringe of the Conservative conference in Birmingham will be seen as the latest step towards an expected challenge to Theresa May in the coming months.

It comes after a string of senior Tory figures including Philip Hammond, Sajid Javid and Ruth Davidson slated the former London mayor after his constant attacks on the prime minister and her Brexit plans.

Mr Johnson is expected to say: We must on no account follow Corbyn, and start to treat capitalism as a kind of boo word.

We cant lose our faith in competition and choice and markets, but we should restate the truth that there is simply no other system that is so miraculously successful in satisfying human wants and needs.

We should set our taxes to stimulate investment and growth. We should be constantly aiming not to increase but to cut taxes.

 Treasurys initial forecast about a no-deal Brexit would 'not have changed radically,' says Philip Hammond

He will argue that it is the conservative approach that gets things done and so that the party must return to its conservative instincts.

In an attack on Mr Corbyns speech in Liverpool last week, he will say: It was astonishing that he had absolutely nothing to say about the wealth creating sector of the economy.

The people who get up at the crack of dawn to prepare their shops, the grafters and the grifters, the innovators, the entrepreneurs  he didnt mention any successes.

Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Show all 6 1 /6 Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Phillip Hammond Chancellor Phillip Hammond said in an interview with the Mail that Boris has never been "a details man", won't be next Prime Minister and that his most notable policy achievement is the launching of Boris Bikes AFP/Getty Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris David Davis Speaking to Sophie Ridge on Sunday, former Brexit Secretary David Davis said "a lot of his ideas, I think, are good headlines but not necessarily good policies" PA Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Ruth Davidson Speaking on Sunday Politics, Leader of the Scottish Conservatives Ruth Davidson has said that Boris' use of language in attacking the Prime Minister's Chequers plan was "not wise" and urged for a "period of silence" PA Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Greg Clark Speaking at a fringe event at the conference, Business Secretary Greg Clark stated that Boris' idea to scrap HS2 and instead build a bridge to Northern Ireland was "completely the wrong approach" PA Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Lord Digby Jones Speaking on stage in Birmingham, crossbench peer Lord Digby Jones branded Boris as "irrelevant" and "offensive" for his comments on business PA Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris David Mundell Referring to Boris' recent 6-point Brexit plan, Scottish Secretary David Mundell stated that "these are things for headlines, not for the substance of negotiations" PA

We conservatives know that it is only a strong private sector economy that can pay for superb public services and that is the central symmetry of our one nation Toryism.

After the former frontbencher undertook a series of interviews over the weekend criticising Ms Mays Brexit proposals, senior figures in the party attacked him.

The latest attack came from Mr Hammond, which saw him question Mr Johnsons ability to understand detail and even do a mocking impression of him during a newspaper interview.
 Close Conservative Party Conference: Five things to watch

Philip Hammond won applause from the Tory faithful when he urged them to stand foursquare behind the prime minister to rescue her Brexit plan.

The Chancellor rejected claims from both pro and anti-EU Tories that the Chequers proposals were dead, after their mauling by the EU  insisting they could still deliver an agreement.

Mr Tusk [the European Council president] says it wont work - but thats what people said about the lightbulb in 1878, he told the Conservative conference. Our job is to prove him wrong.

The run-up to the Birmingham conference has been dominated by infighting over Theresa May's Brexit approach, which Boris Johnson described as "deranged".

See below for live updates
Capitalism is failing ordinary people who believe the system isnt working for them, Philip Hammond has warned the Tory faithful.

In a landmark speech for a Conservative chancellor, Mr Hammond said supporters of free-market economics had to acknowledge it no longer matched the reality for many British people.

Too many people feel that they have lost control, that they are working for the system  but the system isnt working for them, he admitted, in language normally heard from Labour politicians.

Mr Hammond added: Too many people have experienced years of slow wage growth, too many struggle to make ends meet.

They feel less secure in their jobs, and have seen the housing market spiral beyond their reach.

And as they look around them, they feel a growing concern that they are falling behind. And that when they voice those concerns, the political system doesnt seem to hear them.

Mr Hammond told the conference that our challenge is to ensure that 21st century capitalism delivers for them.

Nevertheless, the speech appeared to reflect Conservative fears that Labour, under Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell, have struck a chord with their calls for radical change.

Mr Hammond also won applause from the conference when he urged Tories to stand foursquare behind the prime minister to rescue her Chequers plan for Brexit.

The Chancellor rejected claims from both pro and anti-EU Tories that the proposals were dead, after their mauling by the EU  insisting they could still deliver an agreement.

The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Show all 8 1 /8 The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Post-Brexit immigration workers sorting radishes on a production line at a farm in Norfolk. One possible post-Brexit immigration scheme could struggle to channel workers towards less attractive roles - while another may heighten the risk of labour exploitation, a new report warns. PA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Customs union A key point in the negotiations remains Britain's access to, or withdrawal from, the EU customs union. Since the referendum there has been hot debate over the meaning of Brexit: would it entail a full withdrawal from the existing agreement, known as hard Brexit, or the soft version in which we would remain part of a common customs area for most goods, as Turkey does? No 10 has so far insisted that Brexit means Brexit and that Britain will be leaving the customs union, but may be inclined to change its position once the potential risks to the UKs economic outlook become clearer. Alamy The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Northern Ireland-Irish border Though progress was made last year, there has still been no solid agreement on whether there should be a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. To ensure borderless travel on the island, the countries must be in regulatory alignment and therefore adhere to the same rules as the customs union. In December, the Conservative Partys coalition partners, the DUP, refused a draft agreement that would place the UK/EU border in the Irish Sea due to its potential to undermine the union. May has promised that would not be the case and has suggested that a specific solution would need to be found. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Transition period Despite protests from a small number of Conservative MPs, the Government and the EU are largely in agreement that a transitional period is needed after Brexit. The talks, however, have reached an impasse. Though May has agreed that the UK will continue to contribute to the EU budget until 2021, the PM wants to be able to select which laws made during this time the UK will have to adhere to. Chief negotiator Michel Barnier has said the UK must adopt all of the laws passed during the transition, without any input from British ministers or MEPs. EPA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Rights of EU citizens living the UK The Prime Minister has promised EU citizens already living in the UK the right to live and work here after Brexit, but the rights of those who arrive after Brexit day remains unclear. May insists that those who arrive during the transition period should not be allowed to stay, whereas the EU believe the cut-off point should be later. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Future trade agreement (with the EU) Despite this being a key issue in negotiations, the Government has yet to lay out exactly what it wants from a trade deal with the EU. Infighting within the Cabinet has prevented a solid position from being reached, with some MPs content that "no deal is better than a bad deal" while others rally behind single market access. The EU has already confirmed that access to the single market would be impossible without the UK remaining in the customs union. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Future trade agreements (internationally) The Government has already begun trying to woo foreign leaders into prospective trade agreements, with various high profile state visits to China, India and Canada for May, and the now infamous invitation to US President Donald Trump to visit London. However the UK cannot make trade agreements with another country while it is still a member of the EU, and the potential loss of trade with the world's major powers is a source of anxiety for the PM. The EU has said the UK cannot secure trade deals during the transition period. EPA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Financial services Banks in the UK will be hit hard regardless of the Brexit outcome. The EU has refused to give British banks passporting rights to trade within the EU, dashing hopes of a special City deal. However according to new reports Germany has suggested allowing trade on the condition that the UK continues paying into the EU budget even after the transition period. Getty

Mr Tusk [the European Council president] says it wont work  but thats what people said about the lightbulb in 1878, he told the Conservative conference. Our job is to prove him wrong.

The run-up to the Birmingham conference was dominated by pressure on Theresa May from both Tory left and right to accept the Chequers blueprint is doomed.

But Mr Hammond said the priority was ensuring firms could still trade with the EU with no more delay or bureaucracy than they would crossing the border from England into Wales.

Our businesses, and the workers whose jobs depend on them, need that friction-free access to continue, he said.

That is why I share the prime ministers determination to get the Chequers plan agreed.

And he added: Negotiating and preparing for Brexit is one of the most complex tasks ever undertaken by a peacetime government.

So, over the next few weeks we must stand together, four-square behind the prime minister, to get the best possible outcome for Britain.

The chancellor also made the bold boast of a deal dividend when the UK strikes a satisfactory deal with the EU.

Im going to stick my neck out here today and make a prediction to you  that when the prime minister gets a deal agreed, there will be a boost to our economic growth, a deal dividend.

Vince Cable, the Liberal Democrat leader, poured scorn on the claim, saying: He is aping Boris Johnsons mendacious claim of some sort of dividend from 2016.

There is no deal dividend: the governments own impact assessments show our economy is damaged under any form of Brexit. Indeed, the Bank of England has said that the spectre of Brexit has already lowered GDP.
At least it was an eye-catching comparison.

Urging the party faithful to rally to the cause of Brexit, Jeremy Hunt seemed to liken the European Union to the late, unlamented Soviet Union.

What happened to the confidence and ideals of the European dream? he asked the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham. The EU was set up to protect freedom. It was the Soviet Union that stopped people leaving.

The lesson from history is clear, intoned the British foreign secretary. If you turn the EU club into a prison, the desire to get out wont diminish, it will grow, and we wont be the only prisoner that will want to escape.

Inside the hall, they lapped it up.

Outside, not so much.

I would respectfully say, suggested European Commission spokeswoman Margaritis Schinas, That we would all benefit, and in particular foreign affairs ministers, from opening a history book from time-to-time.

Alternatively, of course, Mr Hunt could find someone to give him a first-hand account of the history: someone like European Council president Donald Tusk, perhaps.

Mr Tusk is, after all, well placed to compare and contrast the repression in Soviet-controlled Poland with the freedom  or otherwise  in the modern EU member state.

On a day in December 1970, for example, the 13-year-old Tusk was able to look out of the window of his Gdansk home and see how the communist authorities dealt with protest.

I saw policeman shooting people, and soldiers shooting people, Tusk later told a Financial Times interviewer.

And at about the time that Jeremy, son of Admiral Sir Nicholas Hunt, was starting at Charterhouse public school, Donald Tusk, the son of a railway carpenter, was starting the altogether riskier business of being an anti-communist dissident.

As a 20-year-old history student in 1977, he helped create the Student Committee of Solidarity, in reaction to the mysterious death of activist Stanislaw Pyjas, who many believe was murdered by Polish state security agents.

In December 1981 when Polands ruler General Wojciech Jaruzelski declared martial law, Tusk lost his job as a journalist and was evicted from his home, along with his pregnant wife. For a time, he had to go into hiding.

In 1983 he was arrested, shortly after co-founding the magazine Przeglad Polityczny (Political Review).

But, in a sense, the future Polish prime minister and European Council president was lucky. Three days after his arrest, Jaruzelski announced an amnesty for political prisoners, and Tusk was freed.

Thousands of others endured much longer and much harsher terms of imprisonment. Dozens of Polish dissidents were killed.

In the Soviet Union itself, of course, repression was equally, if not more fierce.

To voice opposition to the communist regime was to risk being sent to the forced labour camps of the Siberian gulag system. Thats what happened to Vytenis Andriukaitis parents. Which is why the Lithuanian heart surgeon turned EU health commissioner was actually born in Siberia. And why he now seems willing to explain to Mr Hunt the difference between the European and Soviet Unions.

The more persistent Soviet dissidents could also be imprisoned in psychiatric hospitals, being diagnosed with mental illnesses that only Soviet doctors could detect and, if they protested, being injected with drugs that caused convulsions.

It does seem rather difficult to identify the European member state that is resorting to such methods to suppress dissents, despite the British foreign secretary suggesting the EU is in danger of becoming a prison.

There does also seem to be something of a contrast between how the Soviet Union dealt with member states that wanted to leave, and how the EU responded to Brexit.

It is true that Theresa May has had to cope with some rather strong words from the EU, and even a faintly mocking no cherries instagram picture from Mr Tusk. As yet, however, negotiations have not been conducted with any British people staring down the barrel of a real, non-metaphorical gun.

Which was not the case when Lithuania became the first member state to break away from the USSR, (the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics).

On January 10 1991 Mikhail Gorbachev, then the president of the Soviet Union ordered Lithuania to reaffirm that it remained a republic of the USSR.

The Lithuanian parliament, perhaps emboldened by the way communist satellite states like Poland and East Germany had finally rejected Russian overlordship, refused.

The Soviets did not send in the negotiators. They sent in the troops.

January Events: Soviet forces 1991 military action in Lithuania Show all 5 1 /5 January Events: Soviet forces 1991 military action in Lithuania January Events: Soviet forces 1991 military action in Lithuania On January 13, 1991, a the Soviet military made an assault on the Lithuanian Radio and Television station in Vilnius AFP/Getty January Events: Soviet forces 1991 military action in Lithuania The Russian army seized the Radio and televison building, killing 14 people and injuring 140 following a militarty crackdown in response to Lithuania's failure to renounce it's declaration of independence Rex January Events: Soviet forces 1991 military action in Lithuania At the time of the assault in Vilnius, Soviet troops opened fire on unarmed civilians AFP/Getty January Events: Soviet forces 1991 military action in Lithuania A group of Lithuanians attempt to stop a Soviet Red Army tank from crushing a fellow protester AFP/Getty January Events: Soviet forces 1991 military action in Lithuania A Lithuanian demonstrator stands in front of a Soviet Red Army tank during the assault AFP/Getty

On the night of 12-13 January, 1991, Soviet soldiers and tanks broke through a ring of 1,000 protesters who had gathered to protect the radio and television centre in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius.

Armed soldiers overwhelmed civilians whose only weapons, if they had any, were sticks. A total of 14 civilians were killed at the TV tower and about 1,000 injured.

After taking the radio and television stations off the air, the Soviet forces warned the people: Lithuanians, do not resist. Go home to your families and children.

Many, however, disobeyed and prepared to defend the Lithuanian parliament itself.

As recounted by Anatol Lieven in his book The Baltic Revolution, one of those preparing to defend the parliament declared: The intention is not to win ... the intention is to die ... to make sure that the whole world knows that Lithuania was prepared to fight for her freedom.

Lithuania won its freedom because so many civilians crowded in front of the parliament that the Soviet army officers thought there was too much meat blocking their path for world opinion to let them get away with storming the seat of government.

It is not clear that such lengths will be required to achieve Brexit.

Latvia and Estonia followed suit in declaring their independence in the same year, and the comments of Baiba Braze, Latvias ambassador to the UK, would suggest the Baltic states do not regret leaving the USSR  or joining the EU.

Reacting to reports of Jeremy Hunts conference speech, Ms Braze informed a journalist: FYI  Soviets killed, deported, exiled and imprisoned [hundreds of] thousands of Latvias inhabitants after the illegal occupation in 1940, and ruined lives of three generations, while the EU has brought prosperity, equality, growth, respect.

But if Mr Hunt needs another vivid illustration of how the EU has brought comparative prosperity to the former communist states, he has only to turn to the Tory favourite whose words he quoted immediately after offering his Soviet Union comparison: Margaret Thatcher.

She may, as Mr Hunt noted, have issued her anti-federalist no, no, no rallying cry in October 1990, but in March 1991, as the countries of Eastern Europe freed themselves from communist control, Mrs Thatcher told an audience in Washington: As Eastern Europe emerges from the darkness, the truth is now fully known, and told even by communists: behind statistics boasting of bumper crops, food rotted; as economic growth rates soared on paper, people queued for hours to buy goods that a western supermarket couldnt even give away.

As five year plan followed five year plan, command economies turned out products that no one wanted to buy, and created an environment in which no one wanted to live.

It was a pretty accurate summary of one of the signature features of life under Soviet communism: food shortages and queueing for whatever pitiful scraps of meat or rotting vegetables the shops had to offer.

Long queues and near-empty shelves: a Russian shop in 1991, shortly before the end of the Soviet Union (ITAR-TASS/Alamy)

Mrs Thatcher, for all her suspicions of the EU, was one of the leading advocates of former communist bloc countries joining it. In that same 1991 speech in Washington, she declared: The European community does indeed have a political mission. It is to anchor new and vulnerable democracies more securely to freedom and to the west.

For these countries, as Ms Braze suggested, EU membership does seem to have worked out rather better than membership of the Soviet Union.

Food shortages are no longer a feature of everyday life. Instead in June, when the European Commission published GDP growth forecasts for 2019, nine of the 12 member states expected to grow by three per cent or more were former communist countries.

Donald Tusks native Poland was expected to achieve 3.7 per cent growth.

Meanwhile, as it prepared to leave the EU, the UK  with Jeremy Hunt, Theresa May and the rest of the Cabinet at the helm  was expected to achieve 1.2 per cent growth, the lowest figure in Europe alongside Italy.

Which is perhaps one answer to Mr Hunts question about what happened to the confidence and ideals of the European dream.
Jeremy Hunt has been rebuked by the Latvian ambassador after he used a speech at Conservative conference to compare EU membership to being occupied by the USSR.

Baiba Braze reacted cooly to the British foreign secretary's incendiary address, stating that the USSR had ruined lives of three generations in her country while EU membership had brought prosperity, equality, growth, respect.

Latvia was one of several Baltic states to be annexed by the USSR in the 1940s and later incorporated into it as a constituent republic. After gaining its independence in 1990 it sought EU membership, finally joining in 2004 after an overwhelming referendum result.

A string of senior British diplomats also condemned Mr Hunts comments. Lord Ricketts, a former head of the Foreign Office, said Mr Hunts claim was rubbish unworthy of a British Foreign Secretary.

The peers successor as Britains chief diplomat, Simon Fraser, said he agreed with his predecessor and that the Foreign Secretary had displayed a shocking failure of judgement.

Responding to a journalist reporting Mr Hunts words on social media, Latvian ambassador Ms Braze said: Just for your information - Soviets killed, deported, exiled and imprisoned hundreds of thousands of Latvia's inhabitants after the illegal occupation in 1940, and ruined lives of three generations, while the EU has brought prosperity, equality, growth, respect.

Just for your information - Soviets killed, deported, exiled and imprisoned hundreds of thousands of Latvia's inhabitants after the illegal occupation in 1940, and ruined lives of three generations, while the EU has brought prosperity, equality, growth, respect. Baiba Braze, Latvian ambassador to UK

The comments are likely to cause widespread anger across the EU at a time in talks when Britain desperately needs allies on the European Council. Donald Tusk, the president of the body, was active as an anti-Soviet student leader in Gdansk under Polands communist government  at the time a client state of the USSR.

Mr Tusk himself has said that the tough and in fact uncompromising stance struck by the British Government, in particular Theresa May, had pushed EU leaders into hardening their own position and rejecting outright her Chequers Brexit trade plan.

Mr Hunt had told conference delegates: What happened to the confidence and ideals of the European dream? The EU was set up to protect freedom. It was the Soviet Union that stopped people leaving.

Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures An abandoned shop is seen in Mullan, Co Monaghan. The building was home to four families who left during the Troubles. The town was largely abandoned after the hard border was put in place during the conflict. Mullan has seen some regeneration in recent years, but faces an uncertain future with Brexit on the horizon Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures A defaced Welcome to Northern Ireland sign stands on the border in Middletown, Co Armagh Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Mervyn Johnson owns a garage in the border town of Pettigo, which straddles the counties of Donegal and Fermanagh. Ive been here since 1956, it was a bit of a problem for a few years. My premises has been blown up about six or seven times, we just kept building and starting again, Johnson said laughing. We just got used to it [the hard border] really but now that its gone, we wouldn't like it back again Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Farmer Gordon Crocketts Coshquin farm straddles both Derry/Londonderry in the North and Donegal in the Republic. At the minute there is no real problem, you can cross the border as free as you want. We could cross it six or eight times a day, said Crockett. If there was any sort of obstruction it would slow down our work every day Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures John Murphy flies the European flag outside his home near the border village of Forkhill, Co Armagh Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Potter Brenda McGinn stands outside her Mullan, Co Monaghan, studio  the former Jas Boylan shoe factory which was the main employer in the area until it shut down due to the Troubles. When I came back, this would have been somewhere you would have driven through and have been quite sad. It was a decrepit looking village, said McGinn, whose Busy Bee Ceramics is one of a handful of enterprises restoring life to the community. Now this is a revitalised, old hidden village Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Union Flag colours painted on kerbstones and bus-stops along the border village of Newbuildings, Co Derry/Londonderry Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Grass reflected in Lattone Lough, which is split by the border between Cavan and Fermanagh, seen from near Ballinacor, Northern Ireland Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Donegalman David McClintock sits in the Border Cafe in the village of Muff, which straddles Donegal and Derry/Londonderry Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures An old Irish phone box stands alongside a bus stop in the border town of Glaslough, Co Monaghan Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Billboards are viewed from inside a disused customs hut in Carrickcarnon, Co Down, on the border with Co Louth in the Republic Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Seamus McQuaid takes packages that locals on the Irish side of the border have delivered to his business, McQuaid Auto-Parts, to save money on postal fees, near the Co Fermanagh village of Newtownbutler. I live in the south but the business is in the North, said McQaid. "I wholesale into the Republic of Ireland so if theres duty, Ill have to set up a company 200 yards up the road to sell to my customers. Ill have to bring the same product in through Dublin instead of Belfast Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures A disused Great Northern Railway line and station that was for customs and excise on the border town of Glenfarne, Co Leitrim Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Alice Mullen, from Monaghan in the Republic of Ireland, does her shopping at a former customs post on the border in Middletown, Co Armagh. Id be very worried if it was a hard border, I remember when people were divided. I would be very afraid of the threat to the peace process, it was a dreadful time to live through. Even to go to mass on a Sunday, youd have to go through checkpoints. It is terribly stressful, said Mullen. All those barricades and boundaries were pulled down. I see it as a huge big exercise of trust and I do believe everyone breathed a sigh of relief Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures A bus stop and red post box stand in the border town of Jonesborough, Co Armagh Reuters

The lesson from history is clear: If you turn the EU club into a prison, the desire to get out wont diminish. It will grow and we wont be the only prisoner that will want to escape.

The EU has consistently said it respects the Brexit referendum result and that Britain will be leaving on March 29 2019 barring a change of heart from UK politicians.
Big companies will be handed huge tax cuts to woo them to Britain if there is a no-deal Brexit, Dominic Raab has suggested.

Corporation tax would be slashed to as low as 10 per cent, the Brexit secretary said, as part of efforts to pull every lever weve got to see us through.

Labour pounced on Mr Raabs comments to declare the Tories want to turn our country into a tax haven for the super-rich.

They came when he was asked to explain what Philip Hammond, the Chancellor, meant when he vowed to maintain enough fiscal firepower to support our economy if the UK crashes out of the EU.

At a conference fringe meeting, Mr Raab responded to a suggestion, by TaxPayers Alliance campaigner Chloe Westley, that Britain would need to slash taxes.

He said: You just said that Chloe wants to lower corporation tax to 10 per cent and the Chancellor has talked about reserving fiscal firepower in case of no deal.

Of course, hes talking about a recognition that actually, in a no deal scenario, we want to pull every lever weve got to see us through what the short-term buffeting, as Id describe it, or disruption wed have.

The chancellor gave a brilliant speech. It shows you that we are all rowing in the same boat.

The UKs current corporation tax is 19 per cent and is set to fall to 17 per cent by 2020, under existing government plans.

Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Show all 6 1 /6 Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Phillip Hammond Chancellor Phillip Hammond said in an interview with the Mail that Boris has never been "a details man", won't be next Prime Minister and that his most notable policy achievement is the launching of Boris Bikes AFP/Getty Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris David Davis Speaking to Sophie Ridge on Sunday, former Brexit Secretary David Davis said "a lot of his ideas, I think, are good headlines but not necessarily good policies" PA Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Ruth Davidson Speaking on Sunday Politics, Leader of the Scottish Conservatives Ruth Davidson has said that Boris' use of language in attacking the Prime Minister's Chequers plan was "not wise" and urged for a "period of silence" PA Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Greg Clark Speaking at a fringe event at the conference, Business Secretary Greg Clark stated that Boris' idea to scrap HS2 and instead build a bridge to Northern Ireland was "completely the wrong approach" PA Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Lord Digby Jones Speaking on stage in Birmingham, crossbench peer Lord Digby Jones branded Boris as "irrelevant" and "offensive" for his comments on business PA Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris David Mundell Referring to Boris' recent 6-point Brexit plan, Scottish Secretary David Mundell stated that "these are things for headlines, not for the substance of negotiations" PA

Setting a rate of 10 per cent would cost the Treasury tens of billions, but ministers would gamble on recouping that over time, by having one of the lowest tax rates for business in the world.

Before the Tories lost the 2017 general election, Mr Hammond himself talked of lowering taxes as a way to cope without a Brexit deal.

He said: If Britain were to leave the European Union without an agreement on market access, we could be forced to change our economic model....to regain competitiveness.

The threat sparked Labour claims that the Conservatives planned to turn the UK into a low-tax, low-regulation Singapore-on-Thames, in a desperate bid to undercut the EU.

However, Mr Hammond has since backed off such suggestions, as he instead issued increasingly stark warnings about the cost of crashing out of the EU.

Meanwhile, speaking at a separate event, home secretary Sajid Javid called for tax cuts if the UK left the EU with no deal and did not have to pay the so-called Brexit divorce bill of at least 40bn.

In terms of the 40bn, there is tendency in government if you get some sort of windfall back in cash to your department or elsewhere to start wondering how do I spend it.

The default position should be I should give this back to the people, because its their cash in the first place. Thats exactly what I would do. We are taxed enough as it is - give it back to the people.

However, half of the 40bn consists of legal commitments Britain would be expected to pay even without a Brexit deal  while economists agree the cost of crashing out would far outweigh the remaining savings.
Cabinet ministers have ramped up warnings of violence in Northern Ireland if Britain fails to secure a Brexit deal, with one suggesting dissident republicans are already using uncertainty to boost recruitment.

Another warned that any new infrastructure required by the Canada-style trade deal promoted by some Brexiteers would create targets for those looking to heighten tension.

It came as chancellor Philip Hammond openly warned that Britain would have to enforce controls on the Irish border if the UK leaves the European Union without a deal.

Theresa May and her ministers have renewed a push at Tory conference to encourage MPs to weigh in behind her Chequers proposals for Brexit, but on Tuesday her leadership rival Boris Johnson will deliver a speech at a fringe event in Birmingham likely to trash her strategy and call for the Canada-style deal.

Avoiding a hard border in Ireland is one of the prime ministers red lines, with her lieutenants claiming calls for a looser trade relationship would require basic infrastructure on the frontier and risk the return of sectarianism.

One cabinet minister told The Independent: There is a delicate equilibrium in Northern Ireland that the Belfast agreement has held in place.

So for example, while people with republican sympathies may not have a huge amount of love for the EU, previously they could move across the border freely.

Now they see a situation in which the British government might do things that threaten that. There are new risks that they can see and point to.

 Treasurys initial forecast about a no-deal Brexit would 'not have changed radically,' says Philip Hammond

That uncertainty allows a rump of dissidents to create a narrative for their people. There are around 500 of them, but with that narrative 500 can become 1,000.

The minister also highlighted that the EUs requirement for a customs border in the Irish Sea might also aggravate those with loyalist instincts in Belfast.

That uncertainty allows a rump of dissidents to create a narrative for their people. There are around 500 of them, but with that narrative 500 can become 1,000 Cabinet minister

Another cabinet minister said: I havent seen anything that suggests using technology as a solution in Northern Ireland can work.

The problem is as soon as you put anything  anything  on or near the border, then there will be someone who wants to cause trouble that could choose to put a bomb underneath it.

Then you have to put a fence around it, then you have to send someone out in a uniform to guard it, then before you know it you are back where you were in the Troubles.

Its just something that is very difficult to see how it works and no one has said anything or is saying anything to counter that.

Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Show all 6 1 /6 Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Phillip Hammond Chancellor Phillip Hammond said in an interview with the Mail that Boris has never been "a details man", won't be next Prime Minister and that his most notable policy achievement is the launching of Boris Bikes AFP/Getty Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris David Davis Speaking to Sophie Ridge on Sunday, former Brexit Secretary David Davis said "a lot of his ideas, I think, are good headlines but not necessarily good policies" PA Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Ruth Davidson Speaking on Sunday Politics, Leader of the Scottish Conservatives Ruth Davidson has said that Boris' use of language in attacking the Prime Minister's Chequers plan was "not wise" and urged for a "period of silence" PA Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Greg Clark Speaking at a fringe event at the conference, Business Secretary Greg Clark stated that Boris' idea to scrap HS2 and instead build a bridge to Northern Ireland was "completely the wrong approach" PA Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Lord Digby Jones Speaking on stage in Birmingham, crossbench peer Lord Digby Jones branded Boris as "irrelevant" and "offensive" for his comments on business PA Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris David Mundell Referring to Boris' recent 6-point Brexit plan, Scottish Secretary David Mundell stated that "these are things for headlines, not for the substance of negotiations" PA

Speaking at a fringe event at Mr Hammond suggested the government would be forced to implement border checks in the case of a no deal Brexit, potentially creating a new risk for to peace.

He said: The challenges around the Irish border are around the legal requirements we will have if we are not in a trade block within the European Union to operate the WTO compliant border, which does require checks at the border. Thats what the WTO rules require.

Over the last weekend Mr Johnson urged his Conservative colleagues to chuck Chequers and instead adopt his plans for a super Canada trade deal, which he argues would not lead to a hard Irish border, with checks carried out away from the crossing.

The former foreign secretary, who on Friday refused to rule out running for the Tory leadership, quit the cabinet this year in protest at Ms Mays Chequers plans for Brexit.
Philip Hammond has defied Theresa May by vowing to hand MPs a full analysis of the economic damage from crashing out of the EU before crucial Commons votes.

The Chancellor said he would publish updated analysis both of the deal that is being proposed and of the counterfactual no-deal situation.

No 10 faced fierce criticism when, in August, it suggested parliament would be shown economic forecasts just on the deal that the prime minister hopes to strike.

One pro-EU Labour MP accused Ms May of refusing to let MPs see the gory details for themselves before deciding whether or not to jump off the cliff edge.

But Mr Hammond, speaking ahead of his conference speech and an attempt to rebuild battered Tory links with business leaders, insisted parliament would be given full information.

We have made a commitment that  once we have a deal to put to parliament and we are starting the debate that will lead to a meaningful vote in parliament  we will then publish updated analysis both of the deal that is being proposed and of the counterfactual no deal situation, he told BBC Radio 4.

Significantly, the Chancellor said he believed the Treasurys initial forecast about a no-deal Brexit  predicting a 7.7 per cent hit to GDP and an 80bn hole in the public finances  would not have changed radically.

Mr Hammond has also warned that crashing out of the EU would trigger further spending cuts  just as more Tories urge him to end the pain of austerity.

Boris Johnson 'suicide vest' Brexit jibe causes Tory divide Show all 14 1 /14 Boris Johnson 'suicide vest' Brexit jibe causes Tory divide Boris Johnson 'suicide vest' Brexit jibe causes Tory divide Internal divisions in the Conservative Party have exploded into a bitter public row over Boris Johnsons disgusting criticism of Theresa May. Some senior Tories furiously denounced the former foreign secretary after he accused the prime minister of having wrapped a suicide vest around Britain Reuters Boris Johnson 'suicide vest' Brexit jibe causes Tory divide Sajid Javid, Home secretary Sajid Javid, the home secretary, rebuked his former cabinet colleague and said: I think there are much better ways to articulate your differences. He told the BBCs Andrew Marr Show that the public wanted politicians to use measured language BBC/PA Boris Johnson 'suicide vest' Brexit jibe causes Tory divide But other MPs leapt to Mr Johnsons defence, as dividing lines ahead of a possible leadership contest begin to take shape. The Uxbridge MP has repeatedly criticised Ms Mays Chequers plan and used a newspaper article on Sunday to suggest it amounted to wrapping a suicide vest around the British constitution. His latest salvo at the prime minister prompted immediate condemnation, with one minister publicly vowing to end Mr Johnsons career over the matter PA Boris Johnson 'suicide vest' Brexit jibe causes Tory divide Alan Duncan, Foreign minister Alan Duncan, a foreign minister who worked in Mr Johnsons team for two years, wrote on Twitter: For Boris to say the PMs view is like that of a suicide bomber is too much. This marks one of the most disgusting moments in modern British politics. Im sorry, but this is the political end of Boris Johnson. If it isnt now, I will make sure it is later. Getty Boris Johnson 'suicide vest' Brexit jibe causes Tory divide James Brokenshire, Housing secretary Housing secretary James Brokenshire added his voice to the criticism, calling Mr Johnsons comments wrong He said: I think he is wrong on this...I think the tone that he has used isnt right and I think that we just need to be very focused on actually moving forward with the Chequers plan. AFP/Getty Boris Johnson 'suicide vest' Brexit jibe causes Tory divide Zac Goldsmith But as Tory hostilities spilled over into open public warfare, Richmond Park MP Zac Goldsmith, an ally of Mr Johnson, hit back at Mr Duncan. He wrote: There are a number of possible motives behind this tweet, but given its author, we can be certain principles arent one of them. Getty Boris Johnson 'suicide vest' Brexit jibe causes Tory divide Jacob Rees-Mogg Senior Tory Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg told The Independent he thought Mr Johnsons suicide belt accusation was little more than a characteristically colourful catchphrase. He added: I agree with the sentiment. The criticism of Boriss wording merely serves to highlight his point. It means more people hear of Boriss criticism of Chequers and many will agree with him. Reuters Boris Johnson 'suicide vest' Brexit jibe causes Tory divide Nadine Dorries Nadine Dorries, another Brexit supporter, said Mr Johnsons opponents were terrified of his popular appeal, adding: Dont underestimate the vitriol thatll be directed towards Boris today. He delivered the Leave vote, Remainers and wannabe future PMs hate him. If Mr Johnson became leader and prime minister he would deliver a clean and prosperous Brexit, she said Rex Boris Johnson 'suicide vest' Brexit jibe causes Tory divide Andrew Bridgen Andrew Bridgen said Ms May was to blame for her leadership problems. Asked if Mr Johnson had put a bomb under her leadership, Mr Bridgen said: I think that Theresa May did that herself when she put forward the Chequers proposals without consulting widely prior to that. Boris Johnson 'suicide vest' Brexit jibe causes Tory divide Steve Baker, former Brexit minister Steve Baker, the former Brexit minister, warned Ms May the Conservatives faced a "catastrophic split" if she did not jettison her Chequers plan. Mr Baker, who quit the government in July over the scheme, said: When negotiating, the prime minister needs to demonstrate her intent and also her power to deliver. "If we come out of conference with her hoping to get Chequers through on the back of Labour votes, I think the EU negotiators would probably understand that if that were done, the Tory party would suffer the catastrophic split which thus far we have managed to avoid. But he insisted he did not want a change in the Conservative leadership, saying Brexiteers did not want to be in a position of conflict with our own prime minister Reuters Boris Johnson 'suicide vest' Brexit jibe causes Tory divide Tom Tugendhat The deep divisions on the Tory benches were laid bare as Tom Tugendhat, who chairs the Commons foreign affairs committee and is a possible leadership rival to Mr Johnson, also hit out at the former foreign secretary. Recalling how he encountered a suicide bomber in Afghanistan during his time in the army, Mr Tugendhat told Mr Johnson to grow up. He said: A suicide bomber murdered many in the courtyard of my office in Helmand. The carnage was disgusting, limbs and flesh hanging from trees and bushes. Brave men who stopped him killing me and others died in horrific pain. Some need to grow up. Comparing the PM to that isnt happy. PA Boris Johnson 'suicide vest' Brexit jibe causes Tory divide Alistair Burt Alistair Burt, another Foreign Office minister who worked in Mr Johnsons team, said: Im stunned at the nature of this attack. There is no justification for such an outrageous, inappropriate and hurtful analogy. If we dont stop his extraordinary use of language over Brexit, our country might never heal. Again, I say, enough. AFP/Getty Boris Johnson 'suicide vest' Brexit jibe causes Tory divide It comes amid that Ms Mays former aides drew up a dossier on Mr Johnsons sexual encounters with the aim of undermining his leadership prospects. The document was compiled in 2016, when the Uxbridge and South Ruislip MP was seen as the main rival to Ms May in her bid to enter No 10. Downing Street and Conservative Campaign Headquaters (CCHQ) both denied having leaked the 4,000 word memo after it was circulated around Westminster AFP/Getty Boris Johnson 'suicide vest' Brexit jibe causes Tory divide Mr Johnson confirmed that his 25-year marriage to wife Marina had ended AP

However, in the interview, he insisted that preventing Northern Ireland leaving the UKs customs territory  threatened by the backstop demanded by the EU  would be worth the damage of a no-deal Brexit.

If the EU put to us a proposal for a deal that would involve us accepting the break-up of the UK then I would readily accept that no deal would be a better outcome than that, he argued.

Mr Hammond dismissed calls by Boris Johnson and other Brexiteers for a Canada-style trade deal, because Brussels had insisted it would only be possible by leaving Northern Ireland aligned with the EU.

When you go into a negotiation you have to understand the position of the people you're negotiating with," the Chancellor said. It's no good just ignoring it and banging your head against a brick wall.

You have got to understand what their red lines are as well so you can try and find a landing ground you can both accept, which means a deal gets done.
Britain will impose a new digital services tax on the tech giants even if other countries fail to act, the Chancellor threatened.

Philip Hammond likened the dominance of a handful of internet giants to fears about the near-monopoly of Standard Oil and the railroad cartels in 19th century America.

In his conference speech, Mr Hammond announced that a former economist to President Obama would investigate whether changes were needed to make competition policy fit for the digital era.

And he said: The best way to tax international companies is through international agreements, but the time for talking is coming to an end and the stalling has to stop.

If we cannot reach agreement the UK will go it alone with a digital services tax of its own.

Delivering his conference speech, Mr Hammond suggested the measure would form part of a programme to regenerate capitalism to tackle the challenges of the modern world.

It could also help to renew the appeal of the free market to a new generation which, he acknowledged, felt left behind by capitalism.

The Tories had to persuade these people that the market system could work for them, or see them fall for the seductive simplicities offered by Jeremy Corbyn's Labour, he said.

Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Show all 6 1 /6 Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Phillip Hammond Chancellor Phillip Hammond said in an interview with the Mail that Boris has never been "a details man", won't be next Prime Minister and that his most notable policy achievement is the launching of Boris Bikes AFP/Getty Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris David Davis Speaking to Sophie Ridge on Sunday, former Brexit Secretary David Davis said "a lot of his ideas, I think, are good headlines but not necessarily good policies" PA Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Ruth Davidson Speaking on Sunday Politics, Leader of the Scottish Conservatives Ruth Davidson has said that Boris' use of language in attacking the Prime Minister's Chequers plan was "not wise" and urged for a "period of silence" PA Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Greg Clark Speaking at a fringe event at the conference, Business Secretary Greg Clark stated that Boris' idea to scrap HS2 and instead build a bridge to Northern Ireland was "completely the wrong approach" PA Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Lord Digby Jones Speaking on stage in Birmingham, crossbench peer Lord Digby Jones branded Boris as "irrelevant" and "offensive" for his comments on business PA Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris David Mundell Referring to Boris' recent 6-point Brexit plan, Scottish Secretary David Mundell stated that "these are things for headlines, not for the substance of negotiations" PA

George Osborne first promised a tax to target global technology companies, designed to impose a 25 per cent levy on profits that are artificially diverted overseas.

However, it emerged in 2016 that the diverted profit tax  or Google tax, as it was dubbed  did not apply to the internet giant itself.

It was expected to prevent the US company registering up to $6bn of annual British sales in Ireland, so avoiding tax in the UK.

However, Revenue & Customs failed to recover a penny from Google through the DPT during tax settlement negotiations, The Times reported.

Instead, officials were understood to have concluded that the companys offshore arrangements were legitimate.

Mr Hammond told the conference: Just as, in late 19th century America, concerns about the near-monopoly of Standard Oil and the railroad cartels led to the introduction of the worlds first anti-monopolies legislation, so today, the expansion of the global tech giants and digital platforms, while of course bringing huge benefits to consumers, raises new questions about whether too much power is being concentrated in too few global technology businesses.

That is why I have asked President Obamas former chief economist, Jason Furman, to lead an expert panel to review the UKs competition regime, to ensure it is fit for the digital era.

And it isnt just competition policy that needs updating. We can tell them how we have led the debate on reforming the international tax system for the digital economy, insisting that the global internet giants must contribute fairly to funding our public services.
Citizens Advice Bureau has been called in to aid the highly contentious rollout of the governments flagship welfare programme, Esther McVey has revealed as she announced a 39m fund for the partnership.

Ms McVey, the work and pensions secretary, said the cash would fund advisers to help claimants get their first payment on time and be ready to manage it when it arrives.

Citizens Advice - a network of independent charities  has repeatedly raised alarming concerns over the rollout of universal credit, and last year said its expansion was a disaster waiting to happen with claimants being pushed into further debt.

Announcing the move at the Tories annual conference in Birmingham, Ms McVey said the decision to hand responsibility to Citizens Advice was taken after advice from claimants and charities.

I have always said we will steer a new direction and work with partners to deliver vital services, and get universal credit right, she told delegates gathered in the main conference hall.

The state cannot, and should not work in isolation and must reach out to work with independent, trusted organisations to get the best support to vulnerable people.

This brand new partnership with Citizens Advice will ensure everyone, and in particular the most vulnerable claimants, get the best possible support with their claim that is consistently administered throughout the country.

Which is why today, I can announce a new, national partnership with Citizens Advice to deliver Universal Support across the UK, worth 39 million from 2019.

Responding to the announcement, Gillian Guy, the chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: We offer independent and confidential advice to millions of people every year, and have already helped nearly 150,000 people with universal credit. Weve seen first-hand what can happen when people struggle to make a claim and their payments delayed.

We welcome the opportunity to provide even more people with the help they need with universal credit, and deliver consistent service through the Citizens Advice network across England and Wales.

Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Show all 6 1 /6 Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Phillip Hammond Chancellor Phillip Hammond said in an interview with the Mail that Boris has never been "a details man", won't be next Prime Minister and that his most notable policy achievement is the launching of Boris Bikes AFP/Getty Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris David Davis Speaking to Sophie Ridge on Sunday, former Brexit Secretary David Davis said "a lot of his ideas, I think, are good headlines but not necessarily good policies" PA Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Ruth Davidson Speaking on Sunday Politics, Leader of the Scottish Conservatives Ruth Davidson has said that Boris' use of language in attacking the Prime Minister's Chequers plan was "not wise" and urged for a "period of silence" PA Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Greg Clark Speaking at a fringe event at the conference, Business Secretary Greg Clark stated that Boris' idea to scrap HS2 and instead build a bridge to Northern Ireland was "completely the wrong approach" PA Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris Lord Digby Jones Speaking on stage in Birmingham, crossbench peer Lord Digby Jones branded Boris as "irrelevant" and "offensive" for his comments on business PA Conservative Conference: Tories line up to denounce Boris David Mundell Referring to Boris' recent 6-point Brexit plan, Scottish Secretary David Mundell stated that "these are things for headlines, not for the substance of negotiations" PA

Delivering this service will give us even greater insight into the universal credit system. Well continue to share our evidence with the government to help make sure universal credit works for everyone.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said the 39m of funding will be made available from April next year and will be allocated from the 200m Universal Support fund  launched in 2015.

But Labours shadow work and pensions secretary, Margaret Greenwood, said the announcement at the Conservative conference came with no new money and no new answers to the major flaws in universal credit.

She continued: Over four million children are growing up in poverty, and that figure is set to rise by another million by 2022.

Her refusal to recognise the impact of her policies on some of the most vulnerable in our society is shameful.

Stephen Lloyd, a Liberal Democrat MP and the partys welfare spokesperson, added: The announcement of a partnership with Citizens Advice to help claimants navigate the bureaucratic swamp of universal credit, but is mere tinkering around the edges compared to the huge funding cuts and flawed design that have made the rollout of the benefit such a disaster.
(ANSA) - Rome, October 1 - Italy is to cut 100 men from its Afghan mission by the end of the country's electoral process at the end of this month and 50 from the Praesidium mission protecting the Mosul Dam in Iraq, sources told ANSA Monday.

The Mosul expedition will then be wound up "in the first quarter of 2019," the sources said.

Defence Minister Elisabetta Trenta will make the necessary moves in a foreign missions decree she will bring to cabinet in the coming days, sources said.


At least 10 people have been killed and dozens more injured in South Sudan after a hand grenade exploded in a nightclub packed with revellers.

Some 500 people were dancing at a venue in the western city of Yambio on Friday when an attacker threw the missile into the crowd, according to police commissioner James Monday Enoka.

We found four people dead on (the) spot, he said.

Mr Enoka said the incident was an isolated criminal act, unrelated to South Sudans ongoing civil war, which has pitted President Salva Kiirs military against opponents led by his former Vice President Riek Machar.

The criminal will face a court of law, he added.

South Sudans five-year civil war has led to the wide availability of grenades and other weapons in the country. In March, five children were killed in the southern state of Imatong when a hand grenade they were playing with exploded.

South Sudan split from Sudan in 2011, only to be plunged into conflict in December 2013 following a power struggle between Mr Kiir and Mr Machar.

The pair signed a deal that seeks to end the conflict last month, ushering in a sense of stability to Africas youngest nation.

Much rests on the proposed agreement. The conflict is estimated to have killed 190,000 people since its outbreak in 2013, while more than 4 million have been displaced.

In photos: South Sudan ghost town Show all 20 1 /20 In photos: South Sudan ghost town In photos: South Sudan ghost town An abandoned fuel depot in the town of Malakal Reuters In photos: South Sudan ghost town South Sudanese girls walk in the town of Malakal Reuters In photos: South Sudan ghost town Internally displaced people play football in the Protection of Civilians Camp, run by the UN Mission Reuters In photos: South Sudan ghost town A Quran inside an abandoned mosque Reuters In photos: South Sudan ghost town A man waits at a medical clinic in the village of Wau Shilluk Reuters In photos: South Sudan ghost town A man carries sacks of food aid Reuters In photos: South Sudan ghost town Indian army peacekeepers with UNMISS (UN Mission in South Sudan) look inside a health clinic destroyed by fighting in the village of Wau Shilluk Reuters In photos: South Sudan ghost town Internally displaced people stand on roofs of the camp Reuters In photos: South Sudan ghost town Bullet holes in an abandoned fuel depot sign Reuters In photos: South Sudan ghost town People are treated at a health clinic Reuters In photos: South Sudan ghost town A man sitting in a sewing stall Reuters In photos: South Sudan ghost town A man fishes on the white Nile Reuters In photos: South Sudan ghost town A plant growing on the window of a health clinic destroyed by fighting Reuters In photos: South Sudan ghost town An abandoned gas station Reuters In photos: South Sudan ghost town Simon Pakuang, 63, who fled his village as the civil war in 2015 flared up, posing for a portrait Reuters In photos: South Sudan ghost town A destroyed structure Reuters In photos: South Sudan ghost town Reuters In photos: South Sudan ghost town Bullet holes in a sign welcoming people to Malakal City Council Reuters In photos: South Sudan ghost town Desks at an abandoned school Reuters In photos: South Sudan ghost town A Bangladeshi Navy peacekeeper from UNMISS (UN Mission in South Sudan) looks at a World Food Program barge while patrolling on the white Nile Reuters

While UN efforts to stem the conflict have previously fallen short, South Sudanese officials are reportedly cautiously optimistic about the peace deal.

Additional reporting by Reuters
A 29-year-old man has died of a "brain-eating amoeba" after he visited the wave pool of a resort in central Texas.

Fabrizio Stabile, a keen surfer, began experiencing a severe headache on Sunday 16 September.

The following day his mother realised that he could not get out of bed or speak coherently, according to a GoFundMe page set up by his family and friends.

He was rushed to hospital and screened for a "multitude of illnesses" before finally testing positive for Naegleria fowleri, an amoeba which causes a rare and devastating infection of the brain called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Recommended Young girl in hospital after being infected by parasite while swimming

The infection is usually fatal and often occurs when water contaminated with the amoeba enters a person's nose.

Stabile had recently swam in the wave pool at BSR Cable Park, a resort in central Texas, according to CBS News.

Investigators from the CDC have taken samples from the resort, which is currently closed.

"By the time Fabrizio was diagnosed, it was too late to administer the drug that had previously been provided to three of the only five known survivors in North America," wrote Stephanie Papastephanou, the GoFundMe page organiser.

The 29-year-old was pronounced dead on Friday 21 September "as a result of this brain-eating amoeba".

His loved ones have created a foundation in his memory dedicated to educating as many people as possible about the infection.

"Please help us in keeping Fabrizios memory alive," Stabile's family said.
A woman who accuses Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault is reportedly not on a White House-approved list of people the FBI will interview in its investigation into allegations against the Supreme Court nominee.

Christine Blasey Fords lawyer said the FBI had failed to respond to multiple requests for an interview, despite the California professors senate testimony last week alleging the 53-year-old judge abused her when they were teenagers at a house party.

We have not heard from the FBI, despite repeated efforts to speak with them, Debra Katz told The New York Times.

Four witnesses are being interviewed over the coming days, according to the newspaper, including Mark Judge, a high school friend of Mr Kavanaughs; Leland Keyser, a school friend of Dr Ford who claims she was at the party in question 36 years ago; PJ Smyth, another partygoer, and Deborah Ramirez, the second of three women with allegations against Mr Kavanaugh.

It is understood Ms Ramirez spoke to FBI agents on Sunday, where she provided details about her allegation Mr Kavanaugh exposed himself to her at a party in the early 1980s when they were students at Yale.

A source said Ms Ramirez also provided investigators with the names of others who she said could corroborate her account.

 Senate Judiciary Committee votes 11-10 to progress Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court nomination

On Saturday, a lawyer for Julie Swetnick, who says she witnessed a drunken Mr Kavanaugh mistreat women at parties during their school years, said they were yet to hear from the FBI.

When and if we do, we will promptly disclose to them all information and witnesses in our possession, Michael Avenatti said on Twitter. We continue to request this opportunity as we have been doing for days. My client is telling the truth and deserves to be heard and not shammed.

Mr Kavanaugh has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct.

It comes as Donald Trump insists the FBI will have free rein to investigate the matter, adding on Twitter he wanted the organisation to interview whoever they deem appropriate, at their discretion.

On Sunday, the US president upped his attack on Senate Democrats, who he accuses of attempting to destroy a fine person by demanding the investigation into Mr Kavanaugh.

Just starting to hear the Democrats, who are only thinking Obstruct and Delay, are starting to put out the word that the time and scope of FBI looking into Judge Kavanaugh and witnesses is not enough, he said. Hello! For them, it will never be enough  stay tuned and watch!

The White House has reportedly asked the FBI to share its findings after investigators complete their interviews, at which point Mr Trump will decide whether to further investigate the allegations.

Republicans and Democrats have quarrelled over whether the FBI would have enough time and freedom to conduct a thorough investigation before a high-stakes vote on Mr Kavanaughs nomination to Americas highest court.

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The White House insisted it is not micro-managing the new one-week review of Mr Kavanaughs background, but some Democratic members of congress have claimed the White House is keeping investigators from interviewing certain witnesses.

Speaking to the issue of the scope of the FBIs investigation, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said White House counsel Don McGahn, who is managing Mr Kavanaughs nomination, has allowed the senate to dictate what these terms look like, and what the scope of the investigation is.

Ms Sanders added: The White House isnt intervening. Were not micro-managing this process. Its a senate process. It has been from the beginning, and were letting the senate continue to dictate what the terms look like.

White House counsellor Kellyanne Conway said the investigation will be limited in scope and will not be a fishing expedition. The FBI is not tasked to do that.

Senate judiciary committee member Jeff Flake requested an investigation last Friday  after he and other Republicans on the panel voted along strict party lines in favour of Mr Kavanaughs confirmation  as a condition for his own subsequent vote to put Mr Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court.

Another committee member, senator Lindsey Graham, said testimony would be taken from Ms Ramirez and Mr Kavanaughs high school friend Mark Judge, who has been named by two of three women accusing Mr Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct.

I think that will be the scope of it. And that should be the scope of it, Mr Graham said.

The White House has been contacted for comment. The FBI could not be reached for comment.

Additional reporting by PA
A hunter is fighting for life after a bear he shot tumbled down a slope and landed on him.

Alaska state police said William McCormick, 28, was also struck by a rock dislodged by the bear as it fell on Saturday afternoon.

He was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Anchorage, where he was in a critical condition.

Mr McCormick and his hunting partner, 19-year-old Zachary Tennyson, are both US army soldiers stationed at Alaskas Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

Mr Tennyson was not hurt and alerted authorities by sending a distress signal.

Police did not say what kind of bear was shot, how far how it fell, or whether it died.

Alaska is home to several species of bear, including an estimated 30,000 brown bears and 100,000 smaller black bears.

Nearly 1,500 brown bears are hunted each year in the state.
Police have launched an investigation into a McDonalds restaurant in Iola, Kansas after an Allen County Sheriffs Office deputy was given a drink containing a peroxide-based cleaner.

Trevor J Hockaday, a 22-year-old McDonalds employee, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated battery against a police officer after his coworkers told investigators he added four little squirts of a peroxide-based cleaner to the deputys drink order last month. Mr Hockaday, who may face felony charges, has reportedly been suspended as McDonalds conducts its own investigation into the matter, according to a spokesperson.

Allen County Sheriff Bryan Murphy said the incident has shaken officers throughout the small Kansas city, who now have concern over whether their food is safe.

In todays day and age, not only us in law enforcement but citizens as a whole, theres enough going on out there that we have to worry about, the sheriff told the Wichita Eagle. Now my guys are cautious about going through that drive through.

We all chose this line of work to protect and serve, Mr Murphy continued. Now my guys have that concern of  is my food safe?

 McDonald's worker attacked by two men during late night brawl

In a statement, the owner of the Iola McDonalds Glen Nichols expressed regret over the allegations against Mr Hockaday, who he described as a former crew member, and said food safety was a top priority for the local eatery.

In our restaurants, nothing is more important to us than the safety and well-being of our customers, he said. We are very disappointed by the allegations made regarding the behaviour of one of our former crew members. This kind of behaviour goes against our food safety standards and is not tolerated. Our organisation will take all appropriate measures to gather facts and will work closely with authorities in their investigation.

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At first, the deputy was not immediately aware he had allegedly been provided a contaminated drink, which police said was either a cola or an iced tea. The deputy reportedly experienced flu-like symptoms but was not forced to take any time off work.

He thought he caught the bug, Mr Murphy said, but we found out two weeks later when an employee came forward and told the police department.
Plans to open the USs first so-called sex robot brothel in Houston have been put on hold by officials in the city.

Toronto-based company KinkySDollS announced last month it was preparing to launch a store in Texas, which would rent and sell dolls to clients from an office space.

However, the project has reportedly hit a snag after it was discovered business owners had not submitted an application for permits to convert the building, on Richmond Avenue in the east of the city.

Officials said any work done to the property would need to be reversed before the company could reapply for permission to carry out the renovations.

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Adding to the firm's problems, the buildings manager claimed in a statement sent to Eyewitness News through his attorney he was unaware of what his would-be tenants intended to use the space for.

My client was contacted about a lease for an art gallery at his Richmond offices, and was never provided the leasing documents he requested, the statement said.

After a few days passed, my client discovered the true nature of the business and never agreed to signing a lease for what was misrepresented as an art gallery.

My client wants no part in this story or any type of any sexually oriented business.

The move by KinkySDollS to open a robot brothel in Houston, its second venture after launching a similar business in Toronto, Canada, earlier this year, has proved controversial.

The company wants to sell sex robots, which can touch users while providing vocal responses, at prices starting from $2,500 (1,900).

At its Toronto location, KinkySDollS provides rental dolls for customers that can be purchased and brought to private rooms for up to two hours.

However, Houston residents have organised a petition attracting more than 8,000 signatures, calling for such enterprises to be blocked from operating in the area.

The city's mayor, Sylvester Turner, has also criticised the plans, stating the business was not the kind the city is seeking to attract.

In a phone call with Houston TV station KPRC2, the companys owner, Yuval Gavriel, said he was looking to resolve permit issues and win the mayors approval.

We're ready as soon as we get the get-go, he said. We're legal people.

We want to open peacefully and without opposition from any group, we want the blessing of the mayor.

We don't want to bother anyone, we really just want to do everything clean.
 Close Senate Judiciary Committee votes 11-10 to progress Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court nomination

Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court has been delayed as the FBI carry out a "limited" additional background check after Republicans were blind-sided by one of their senators who said his vote for the nominee was dependent on such a probe.

Donald Trump later said it "wouldn't bother me at all" if the scope of the investigation was 'expanded' to include interviews of all three of his nominee's accusers and Mr Kavanaugh himself.

Last week's explosive testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee of Dr Christine Blasey Ford, who alleges a drunken Mr Kavanaugh sexually abused her at a college party in 1982, was hotly contested by Mr Kavanaugh in his counter-testimony.

He appeared angry and had several tense exchanges with committee Democrats, accusing them of doing this as a matter of "revenge" and simply to smear his name.

Please allow a moment for our liveblog to load

In the latest twist in the story, Chad Ludington, a former Yale classmate of Mr Kavanaugh, has accused him of seriously misrepresenting his drinking as a student, calling him a belligerent and aggressive drunk.

The FBI's investigation is to last no longer than a week from the day from when the original vote on the nominee was supposed to take place, meaning it will conclude at the end of this week.

It is unclear if the investigation could be expanded should more accusers come forward.

Democrats and Dr Ford are particularly keen on Mark Judge to be interviewed, the man she claimed was present in the room during the alleged assault. Two other women have also accused Mr Kavanaugh - Julie Swetnick and Deborah Ramirez.
Only three in 10 Americans believe US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh did not commit sexual assault, according to a new poll.

Three women came forward and made a number of allegations against Mr Kavanaugh, who has been nominated to the countrys top court by Donald Trump.

Following testimonies at the Senate Judiciary Committee from Mr Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford, who has accused him of sexual assault, a total of 42 per cent of US voters said they believed the allegations, 31 per cent said they did not and 27 per cent said they "don't know" what to believe.

The responses were divided largely along partisan lines  about two-thirds of Democrats said they believed the allegations and nearly two-thirds of Republicans said they did not.

The findings follow an emotionally charged week in Washington, during which Mr Kavanaugh's once-certain confirmation was jeopardised after allegations of assault and exposing himself in public in the 1980s.

Mr Kavanaugh, a conservative federal appeals court judge, has denied all the allegations and the FBI has now launched an investigation into the claims.

One of the women accusing Mr Kavanaugh of misconduct, Dr Ford, told the Senate Judiciary Committee last week that when they were teenagers in 1982, Mr Kavanaugh and a friend pushed her into a room and that he held her down and tried to take off her clothes.

Dr Ford said she feared that she would be raped and accidentally killed.

Mr Kavanaugh told the committee that he believed the allegations were part of an orchestrated political campaign from Democrats who do not want him confirmed.

He said he did not know any of the women who have accused him of wrongdoing and he produced calendars from the time that he claimed exonerated him.

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The Reuters/Ipsos poll, which was conducted after the allegations were publicised, also found that 41 per cent of adults opposed Mr Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court.

When it came to the allegations of sexual misconduct, the poll found that Americans who are younger, more educated and single were more likely to believe the allegations than those who are older, less educated and married.
Kellyanne Conway, one of Donald Trumps most senior advisers, has revealed that she was the victim of sexual assault and insisted that women who survive such experiences should be heard.

"I feel very empathetic, frankly, for victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment and rape," Kellyanne Conway told CNN as she defended the Supreme Court nomination of Brett Kavanaugh, who has been accused of sexual assault by one woman and sexual misconduct by two other women.

"I'm a victim of sexual assault," she said, without revealing details, although the 51-year-old has previously hinted that she was molested by a congressman.

Judge Kavanaughs nomination has been held up after Mr Trump ordered the FBI to look into the sexual assault allegations against him.

In an earlier confirmation hearing watched by millions around the world, Dr Christine Blasey Ford testified before a Senate panel that Judge Kavanaugh drunkenly forced her down onto a bed during a house party in 1982 in Maryland.

Groping her, he attempted to remove her clothes, and held his hand over her mouth so that she could not scream for help, she said. His friend Mark Judge, was in the room at the time, she added.

In his own appearance before the committee, Judge Kavanaugh repeated his categorical denial about the incident.

A second woman, Deborah Ramirez, now 53, has also claimed that Judge Kavnaaugh exposed himself to her at a dorm party when they were students at Yale University. In a statement, he said the incident did not happen.

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Julie Swetnick has also claimed that she witnessed Judge Kavanaugh and Mr Judge, attempt to get teenage girls inebriated and disoriented so they could then be gang raped in a side room or bedroom by a train of numerous boys.

She said that she was the victim of one of those gang rapes, but did not single the pair out as her assailants.

Ms Conway suggested that the ire of many victims was improperly pointed at Republican supporters of Kavanaugh, as opposed to the perpetrators of the assaults.

"It's not a meeting of the #MeToo movement," she said referring to the social media hashtag which has seen women share their stories of sexual misconduct. "It's raw partisan politics."

 Donald Trump responds to Brett Kavanaugh-

She added: "I'm a victim of sexual assault. I don't expect Judge Kavanaugh, or Jake Tapper, or Jeff Flake, or anybody, to be held responsible for that. You have to be responsible for your own conduct," she added.

"We do treat people differently who are either the victims or the perpetrators of this based on their politics now, based on their gender. That is a huge mistake."

Although she did not say who sexually assaulted her, Ms Ms Conway raised the issue during Mr Trump's election campaign, as she defended him in an interview with cable channel MSNBC about his record in dealing with women.

"I would talk to some of the members of Congress out there," she said. "When I was younger and prettier, them rubbing up against girls, sticking their tongues down women's throats, uninvited, who didn't like it."
Blood-stained and riddled with bullet holes, the robes Mahatma Gandhi wore when he died are the star attraction at the national museum dedicated to him in Delhi. Now, in the next room and 70 years after his death, visitors will be able to listen to the beating heart of the man known here as the Father of the Nation.

The installation, modelled on Gandhis real heart rate measured by ECG in 1937, is just one of a range of initiatives being launched on Tuesday to mark the national holiday of Gandhi Jayanti  Gandhis birthday.

This year the commemorations are particularly ambitious because 2019 will be the landmark 150th anniversary of Gandhis birth. The government has said that, starting on Tuesday, it wants to lead the world in two full years of celebrations honouring the independence leaders legacy.

That legacy, though, is hotly contested. Across the country, children will mark the day by learning about Gandhi in school, dressing up in his trademark white dhoti and wire-rim glasses and emulating his teachings by performing community service  often cleaning.

The prime minister, Narendra Modi, is expected to give a speech marking the occasion and will order the early release of possibly thousands of convicts jailed on lesser charges, in what his government called a homage to the humanitarian values Gandhi stood for.

Outside of India, the rest of the world will observe 2 October as International Day of Non-Violence, remembering Gandhis single most important principle of resistance without bloodshed. But while all these tributes will be positive, experts argue it is a mistake to see Gandhi as someone who can be safely consigned to history.

The National Gandhi Museum in Delhi begins its commemorations marking Gandhis 150th birthday (Adam Withnall/The Independent)

The problem with Gandhi is that he refuses to remain trapped in the past, says Faisal Devji, professor of Indian history at Oxford University. Whether it is for his acolytes or his enemies, he remains very much a living figure in India today.

For Dr Devji, a great example of this is the shutting down of a copper smelting site in Tamil Nadu, southern India earlier this year, after 13 peaceful environmental protesters were killed by police gunfire during marches and sit-ins at the site.

Even without invoking Gandhis name explicitly, the protesters defeated the plant owners using methods that are immediately recognisable as Gandhian, Dr Devji says.

Recommended Ukip leader Paul Nuttall compares himself to Gandhi

Gandhis idea was that you have to demonstrate you are willing to absorb more violence and sacrifice more than the violent person, he explains. You literally have to invite violence and redirect it towards yourself, and it takes guts to do that.

Gandhis legacy is strongest when it is inspiring activists and protesters, Dr Devji says, but his influence is so pervasive that he also gets cited on behalf of causes which he showed little interest in during his lifetime.

The India Against Corruption movement (in 2011) explicitly used Gandhian leaders as a mobilising force, he says. Gandhi of course would have been against corruption, but he never made that the foundation of any of his movements.

Its not that it didnt exist at the time, but Gandhi realised it is not a political issue, it is a structural problem. Technically everybody is against corruption, you cant draw a line and argue either side. So of course it is a problem, but its not one Gandhi himself really went into in his work.

Initiatives include outreach programmes to ensure the next generation continues to uphold Gandhis legacy (Adam Withnall/The Independent)

For Ramachandra Guha, an author and Gandhi biographer who has just published a 1,150-page book seen as the definitive history of Gandhis years in India, many of the claims staked on the great leaders legacy are problematic.

Thats because most people who say they are honouring Gandhi are actually engaging in cherry-picking, he says. He reserves his fiercest criticism for those who celebrate Gandhi for winning Indias freedom while supporting oppressive policies against Indias modern-day minorities.

Of course Gandhi wanted to rid this country of foreign domination, but he also urged Indians to look within at the failures and fault lines in their own society, Mr Guha says.

His campaign against untouchability was based on the premise that if we so grossly oppress a section of our own people, we are not fit to claim freedom from the foreigner. Likewise his campaign for Hindu-Muslim harmony was based on the premise that even if freedom came, he did not want Hindu domination.

By taking foreign leaders to see Gandhis home in Ahmedabad, plastering the image of Gandhis glasses across government programmes and, most recently, dedicating a UN environmental champion award to Gandhi, Mr Modi is associating his name with that of the national hero, Mr Guha says.

At the same time, if Gandhis central message was that India belongs as much to Muslims and Christians as it does to Hindus, then what the Modi government has done in the last four years is completely antithetical to what Gandhi stood for.

Of all the issues dearest to Gandhi, interfaith relations are the most under threat in modern India, Mr Guha says. Never before has there been such systematic persecution [of Muslims], aided by ruling party politicians. It would absolutely horrify Gandhi.

New exhibition asks what influence Gandhi has had on some of the worlds most important leaders (Adam Withnall/The Independent)

At the National Gandhi Museum, the heartbeat installation is not the only contribution to the nations Gandhi celebrations. On Monday afternoon, the museums director A Annamalai unveiled what he called a comprehensive digital learning kit on Gandhi, encompassing the mans own writings and books about him, video and audio recordings of Gandhi speeches and prayers, and audiovisual tours of his former homes.

The kits will be used in outreach programmes for disadvantaged schools  ensuring that the legacy of Gandhi continues to live on for generations to come.

At the same launch event, the director of the Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Peace Studies, Professor Ramin Jahanbegloo, unveiled a new special exhibition showing photos of Gandhi in his last years alongside quotes from major world leaders talking about how Gandhi inspired them.

Professor Jahanbegloo says he believes that  though he may be the Father of the Nation for India  Gandhi has taken on an even bigger role in inspiring moral leadership in the rest of the world.

I can define Gandhis legacy in two words, he tells The Independent on a tour of the new exhibition. Democratising democracies.

Gandhi is now more relevant outside India than in India, he said. If we look around the room at the leaders featured here  Mandela, Obama, Martin Luther King  they all took the message of Gandhi and they made it their own.

Gandhis message is very much alive. He taught us that you must listen, learn from others and only then can you lead. In todays world, with leaders like Putin or Trump worst of all, there is no moral capital in politics. Thats why the world is suffering so much, we have leaders who do not understand the message of Gandhi.

Gandhis great-granddaughter, Sukanya Bharatram, listens to his heartbeat (Adam Withnall/The Independent)

One of the first people to use the Gandhi museums installation to listen to his heartbeat is a woman whose mother, up until he died when she was 14, knew it very well first hand.

Sukanya Bharatram is Gandhis great-granddaughter. She tells The Independent that she does not see her great-grandfathers legacy in terms of movements, governments or international politics.

Mahatma Gandhi transcends all of that, she says. The search for Gandhi is everywhere, it is not restricted by boundaries of religion, of caste, of colour.

The best way to commemorate Gandhi is through introspection, and self-criticism. He was constantly searching within himself. Anyone who is going through that process, if it is done with love and in the pursuit of truth, at some point this search will coincide with Gandhis.

After listening to Gandhis heartbeat, Ms Bharatram says she does not believe it means any more to her than to anyone else. Mohandas K Gandhi belongs to our family but Mahatma Gandhi  he is just as much a part of you as he is of me, she says.

My mother explained it best; she said that when Gandhi died, he evaporated. Hes in the ether now. In that sense he doesnt belong to me or my family  he belongs to everybody.
(ANSA) - Luxembourg, October 1 - French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said Monday that everyone should respect the EU's rules when asked about the Italian government's budget plans. "The rules are there and they are the same for everyone because the futures (of the eurozone countries) are linked," Le Maire said.

"We are reducing our debt, respecting the rules, and we are under the 3% (deficit-to-GDP threshold) to satisfy the European Commission because we believe reducing public debt and introducing reforms is good for the French people".


Mass burials have begun in Indonesia after the country was hit by a powerful tsunami triggered by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake, killing at least 844 people.

The death toll is expected to rise as rescuers reach coastal areas that were cut off by the quake.

Search and rescue teams are yet to fully assess the situation in the towns of Donggala, Sigi and Parigi Moutong.

Some 1.2 million people live across the three areas.

A mass grave, measuring 10m by 100m, has been dug in the hard-hit city of Palu, the capital of Indonesias central Sulawesi province.

According to Tiopan Aritonang, a local army commander, 545 bodies will be brought to the grave from one hospital alone, and 18 burials have already taken place.

All the victims coming from local hospitals have been photographed, so that families can locate where their loved ones have been buried.

Mass burials begin in Palu (AP)

The area, next to a public cemetery, can hold 1,000 bodies, said local military spokesman Mohammad Thorir.

This must be done as soon as possible for health and religious reasons, said Willem Rampangilei, chief of Indonesias National Disaster Mitigation Agency.

The majority of Indonesias population is Muslim and religious custom calls for burials soon after death, traditionally within 24 hours.

Video footage showed residents walking between body bags and checking to see if they could identify faces.

Residents survey a wrecked area (AP ) (AP)

Survivors in Palu are becoming increasingly desperate as food and supplies in the area run low.

Local television said around 3,000 people rushed to Palu airport and attempted to leave the city.

Some residents were filmed screaming in anger after they were unable to board departing military planes.

Only a few commercial flights are leaving from the airport.

We have not eaten for three days! one woman yelled. We just want to be safe!

Nearly 50,000 people have been displaced by the quake in Palu alone.

The city is home to 380,000 residents.

Indonesia quake and tsunami in pictures Show all 17 1 /17 Indonesia quake and tsunami in pictures Indonesia quake and tsunami in pictures A handout photo made available by the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB) shows an aerial image of Palu city harbor in Palu, central Sulawesi, Indonesia, 29 September 2018 after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake and tsunami hit Palu, central Sulawesi, Indonesia, 28 September 2018. According to BNPB the death toll from the Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami has jumped to 384 as the number might be keep rising EPA Indonesia quake and tsunami in pictures A handout photo made available by the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB) shows an aerial image of the coastal area of Palu city, central Sulawesi, Indonesia, 29 September 2018 after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake and tsunami hit Palu, central Sulawesi, Indonesia, 28 September 2018. According to BNPB the death toll from the Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami has jumped to 384 as the number might be keep rising. EPA Indonesia quake and tsunami in pictures A handout photo made available by the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB) shows an aerial image of the coastal area of Palu city, central Sulawesi, Indonesia, 29 September 2018 after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake and tsunami hit Palu, central Sulawesi, Indonesia, 28 September 2018. According to BNPB the death toll from the Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami has jumped to 384 as the number might be keep rising. EPA Indonesia quake and tsunami in pictures A man surveys the damage caused by earthquake and tsunami in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. The powerful earthquake rocked the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday, triggering a 3-meter-tall (10-foot-tall) tsunami that an official said swept away houses in at least two cities. AP Indonesia quake and tsunami in pictures A mosque is seen heavily damaged by earthquake and tsunami in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. The powerful earthquake rocked the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday, triggering a 3-meter-tall (10-foot-tall) tsunami that an official said swept away houses in at least two cities. AP Indonesia quake and tsunami in pictures A department store building is seen heavily damaged by earthquake in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. The powerful earthquake rocked the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday, triggering a 3-meter-tall (10-foot-tall) tsunami that an official said swept away houses in at least two cities. AP Indonesia quake and tsunami in pictures Indonesian soldiers load emergency supplies into a Hercules military plane before heading to Palu at Halim Perdanakusuma military base in Jakarta, Indonesia, Reuters Indonesia quake and tsunami in pictures The ruin of a mosque badly damaged by earthquake and tsunami is seen in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. The powerful earthquake rocked the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday, triggering a 3-meter-tall (10-foot-tall) tsunami that an official said swept away houses in at least two cities. AP Indonesia quake and tsunami in pictures A handout photo made available by the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB) shows the collapsed Anutapura hospital after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, 28 September 2018 (issued 29 September 2018). According to BNPB, a series of powerful earthquakes hit Central Sulawesi killing at least one person and injuring dozens. EPA Indonesia quake and tsunami in pictures People walk near the ruins of a shop at the beach after a tsunami hit in Palu, Indonesia Sulawesi Island, Reuters Indonesia quake and tsunami in pictures The ruins of cars as seen after tsunami hit in Palu, Indonesia Reuters Indonesia quake and tsunami in pictures Residents make their way along a street full of debris after an earthquake and tsunami hit Palu, on Sulawesi island on September 29, 2018. - Rescuers scrambled to reach tsunami-hit central Indonesia and assess the damage after a strong quake brought down several buildings and sent locals fleeing their homes for higher ground. AFP/Getty Images Indonesia quake and tsunami in pictures A handout photo made available by the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB) shows houses in ruins after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, 28 September 2018 (issued 29 September 2018). According to BNPB, a series of powerful earthquakes hit Central Sulawesi killing at least one person and injuring dozens EPA Indonesia quake and tsunami in pictures A shopping center heavily damaged following an earthquake in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia September Reuters Indonesia quake and tsunami in pictures A handout photo made available by the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB) shows houses in ruins after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, 29 September 2018. According to BNPB, a series of powerful earthquakes hit Central Sulawesi killing at least one person and injuring dozens. EPA Indonesia quake and tsunami in pictures Residents trying to salvage belongings from their homes which collapsed after an earthquake and tsunami hit Palu on Sulawesi island on September 29, 2018. - Nearly 400 people were killed when a powerful quake sent a tsunami barrelling into the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, officials said on September 29, as hospitals struggled to cope with hundreds of injured and rescuers scrambled to reach the stricken region AFP/Getty Indonesia quake and tsunami in pictures Medical team members help patients outside a hospital after an earthquake and a tsunami hit Palu, on Sulawesi island on September 29, 2018. - Rescuers scrambled to reach tsunami-hit central Indonesia and assess the damage after a strong quake brought down several buildings and sent locals fleeing their homes for higher ground AFP/Getty

We will send food today, as much as possible with several aircraft, said disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, adding that generators, heavy equipment and tents were also needed.

Palus streets are strewn with debris from fallen buildings, including from a damaged mosque, a collapsed bridge and a shopping complex.

In the Petobo area of the city, the quake caused liquefaction, when loose, water-filled soil near the surface loses its strength, causing massive damage.

In Petobo, it is estimated that there are still hundreds of victims buried in mud material, Mr Nugroho said.

Residents, who pulled loved ones both alive and dead from the rubble, expressed frustration over the fact that rescuers only arrived in the area on Monday.

Up to Saturday we still saw many people screaming for help from the roofs, said 52-year-old Idrus.

But we could not do anything to help them. Now their cries are no longer heard.

Many people are also believed to be trapped under destroyed houses in the Balaroa area of Palu.

Hundreds have been injured and hospitals in the city have been overwhelmed with patients.

Indonesia is vulnerable to earthquakes due to its location in the Ring of Fire, an arc of fault lines and volcanoes across the Pacific Basin.

In December 2004, an earthquake off Sumatra island in western Indonesia triggered a tsunami that killed 230,000 people in a dozen countries.

Associated Press contributed to this report
A row over sexual harassment has broken out in Bollywood after an actress said that one of her co-stars harassed and threatened her on a film set in 2008.

Tanushree Dutta repeated the allegations, which were made public at the time to little attention, in an interview with Zoom TV.

She said that Nana Patekar, a veteran Bollywood performer, harassed her while she taped a dance sequence for the film Horn Ok Pleassss.

"He had no business being on set, it was my solo sequence," she said.

"But there he was pulling me with my arms, teaching me the dance."

Dutta told IANS that after she refused to film with Patekar, the actor called members of a far-right state political party to come to the set and "bash up" her car.

The crowd of men allegedly surrounded Dutta and her family, who were in the car, and attacked the vehicle, eventually shattering its window, according to The Indian Express.

Patekar denies the allegations.

The former Miss India left the set and for a few days the accusations were widely discussed, before vanishing.

A decade on they are once again dominating news in India and Dutta's comments have led to witnesses publicly supporting her for the first time.

Shyni Shetty, the film's assistant director and Janice Sequeira, a journalist, were both on set on the day of the incident and say Dutta's account is accurate.

Many Bollywood stars voiced their support for Dutta on Twitter.

"The world needs to #BelieveSurvivors" wrote the actress Priyanka Chopra.

She retweeted a post by the actor Farhan Akhtar, who said Dutta's "courage should be admired, not her intention questioned".

Patekar has threatened Dutta with legal action and other actors have avoided taking sides when asked about the controversy.

Neither is my name Tanushree Dutta nor Nana Patekar," the famous Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan said, when asked about the story.

Aamir Khan, another actor, said that without knowing about the incident, he could not comment.

"People called and supported me, but there was no public reaction, no condemnation," the actress told the Hindustan Times.

"I was disillusioned, traumatised and walked away," she said.

She has decided not to return to Bollywood in the future.
Pro-independence protesters are blocking major motorways, train lines and avenues across Catalonia, one year after a banned referendum was crushed by Spanish police.

Monday's protests have been called on online messaging apps by the Committees for the Defence of the Republic - local activist groups that emerged after the unauthorised vote on 1 October 2017.

In Girona, north of Barcelona, hundreds of activists occupied the high-speed railway tracks, while regional police tried to stop more protesters from entering the area of the station.

Local media also reported road blockages on the AP-7 highway, the main artery along eastern Catalonia leading to the French border, and in central streets of the cities of Lleida and Barcelona, the regional capital.

On Sunday, 14 people were injured and six arrested after police clashed with Catalan separatists in downtown Barcelona. At least one regional police officer was also injured in the riot, according to Catalan authorities.

Violence erupted after separatists protested at a march of around 3,000 people, which was being held to demand Spains nationwide police officers were paid as much as Catalans regional police.

The clashes come after a poll in late September showed only 15 per cent of Spaniards consider the political situation in Catalonia to have improved, while 69 per cent believe it has worsened.

Polls in Catalonia reveal an ongoing stalemate, with no clear majority either in favour or against remaining in Spain.

Yet while nationalist parties squabble to the point where the regional parliament was suspended for 70 days this summer because of their infighting, the Republican movement has shown no sign of losing its power to mobilise its grassroots supporters.

Every time that Catalonia has revolted - in pictures Show all 14 1 /14 Every time that Catalonia has revolted - in pictures Every time that Catalonia has revolted - in pictures Reapers' War In 1640, amidst the Thirty Years War, Philip IV of Spain sent his Castilian soldiers into the Catalan region to defend the border with France. The soldiers were not on their best behaviour and drew the ire of the Catalan peasants and politicians alike, at a time when the region was already agitated by economic decline. On June 7, reapers arriving to Barcelona for seasonal harvest work were dismayed to find little of the sort and blamed the stationed soldiers. After a reaper was killed, the revolt began in full force with a fierce uprising known as Corpus de Sang (depicted here in a 1910 painting by Ermenegild Miralles) Ermenegild Miralles i Angles Every time that Catalonia has revolted - in pictures Reapers' War More Castilian forces arrived, strengthening the Catalan resolve and leading Pau Claris, President of the Generalitat (Catalonia's political assembly) to declare Catalonia an independent republic on January 17 1641. A week later the republic swore its allegiance to Louis XIII of France and the war came to a head at the Battle of Montjuic (depicted above by Pandolfo Reschi) where the Franco-Catalan forces were victorious. Following negotiations, Catalonia became an independent republic under the protection of France Pandolfo Reschi Every time that Catalonia has revolted - in pictures War of the Spanish Succession As Charles II of Spain died in 1700 without an heir, a variety of nations and other powers across Europe had their own ideas of who ought to succeed him. Catalonia sided with the Austrians, English and the Dutch in endorsing Archduke Charles of Austria, a Habsburg. Unsuccessful in their aims, they were violently brought back under the Spanish crown by the victorious Phillip V. (Depicted above is the Battle of Almansa, a decisive battle in the War of the Spanish Succession) Ricardo Balaca Every time that Catalonia has revolted - in pictures Tragic Week The conflict of the Tragic Week of July 1909 resulted from Spanish Prime Minister Antonio Maura's desire for power gains in Morocco. He relied on, mostly poor, Catalonian conscripts for the cause, who questioned the motives of the conflict and doubted their chances of survival Every time that Catalonia has revolted - in pictures Tragic Week A general strike commenced on Monday 26 July. By midday the crowds had set fire to the San Jose Workers Foundation, the first of around 80, mostly religious, buildings that they would burn that week. Soldiers and police barricaded streets and fought openly with the strikers Alamy Every time that Catalonia has revolted - in pictures Tragic Week By the end of the week, the police and army had taken control. Over 1000 strikers were arrested and 5 leading figures executed. This caused disgust across Spain and wider Europe and the episode contributed to the downfall of Maura's government Getty Every time that Catalonia has revolted - in pictures The Spanish Civil War In the Spanish Coup of July 1936, Republican forces opposed the Nationalist presence in Catalonia. The National Confederation of Labour (CNT), an anarchist organisation, began to take hold of power in Catalonia AFP/Getty Every time that Catalonia has revolted - in pictures The Spanish Civil War As the CNT took control of the Generalitat, companies and organisations were ordered to collective control Getty Every time that Catalonia has revolted - in pictures The Spanish Civil War Nationalist forces eventually regained control of the territory. Pictured are their tanks entering Barcelona in 1939 Getty Every time that Catalonia has revolted - in pictures The Spanish Civil War Barcelona nationalists rejoice at the arrival of General Franco's forces. Catalonia, along with the rest of Spain, was to remain under dictatorship until 1975 Getty Every time that Catalonia has revolted - in pictures Independence Referendum 2017 In 2017 the Generalitat passed a motion that a referendum would be held on Catalan independence. The Constitutional Court of Spain ruled that the referendum was a breach of the Spanish constitution, therefore illegal Reuters Every time that Catalonia has revolted - in pictures Independence Referendum 2017 Catalan government buildings were raided in the lead up and polling stations were blockaded by police on the day but the vote went ahead illegally. Turnout was 43% and of those 92% voted for independence Reuters Every time that Catalonia has revolted - in pictures Independence Referendum 2017 Catalan President Carles Puigdemont declared victory and is pictured here signing a declaration of independence on October 27. Warrants were issued for the arrest of Puigdemont and five other Catalan politicians and the Spanish government did not recognise the result and imposed direct rule over Catalonia, as opposed to its then status as an autonomous community of Spain Reuters Every time that Catalonia has revolted - in pictures 2018 A year on from the vote Spain has ended direct rule in the region and dropped the arrest warrants. But on the anniversary of the vote, more than 180,000 protesters took to the streets of Barcelona with the cry "1 October, no forgiving, no forgetting" AFP/Getty

On Monday morning, Catalonia's regional government returned to a school in northern Catalonia where police stormed in a year ago to bar people - including Catalan president Carles Puigdemont - from voting in the referendum.

The incident left hundreds injured in front of cameras broadcasting the images around the world.

Mr Puigdemont, who ended up voting in another polling station, is now sought in Spain under preliminary charges of rebellion. He has so far fought off extradition to Spain from both Germany and Belgium.

Additional reporting by AP
Finland, on the northern edge of Europe and with a population of fewer than 5.5 million, may not seem an obvious player in struggles of geopolitics. But being situated in the shadow of its giant neighbour, Russia, has meant that the country has been inevitably drawn into the world of hybrid warfare.

Helsinki was the focus of global attention as the venue of the summit between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, with questions inevitably raised over claims that the Russian president had placed his man in the White House through manipulation of the US election.

Away for the limelight Helsinki has become the base for a major cyber-defence programme for the west with the establishment of the Nato-backed European Centre for Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threat, which has received funding and resources from the US, Britain, France and Nordic states.

On a visit to London last week Antti Hakkanen, the Finnish justice minister, warned that the problem of cyber warfare is going to continue growing and stressed the urgent need for a new international alliance to combat it.

New horizons have opened for those who want to misuse the freedoms provided by the new media environment. I am afraid we are only beginning to learn how to cope with these new challenges. The risk is we are constantly one step behind, he said.

There is a need for a broad coalition among countries which share the same values like the US, the European Union states and Britain to stand together when we have other countries like Russia, China and Iran which do not have the same values.

We actually have a good system in Europe in the GDPR [General Data Protection Regulation] but we are not operating with the US; we need to have the US with us to make it work properly.

Mr Hakkanen, who had met UK government ministers during his trip, continued: We have had elections and referendums in Europe which have been targeted. Now we hear that Russia is targeting the referendum being held in Macedonia.

I do not know enough about Brexit to say what went on there, maybe there were some issues with financing campaigns. But there are, we know, those who would like to see a country separated from the values of Europe.

Asked about the practicalities of getting the US to join such a coalition when the current president is alleged to have benefited from election interference, Mr Hakkanen said: In my recent visit to Washington I found that although they may not be prepared to cooperate on trade or some matters of defence, which is worrying, they are prepared to cooperate in the cyber sector. Mr Trump has routinely dismissed reports of Russian election interference as fake news.

Recommended Russian warriors and British PR firms fight it out over Macedonia

They know the Russians have been operating in their country, and it may not be good having the worlds best intelligence service, or second best intelligence service, if they have those kinds of attacks.

The Finnish government has been carrying out its own studies into the systematic interference internationally in a series of votes and have taken a number of precautions to protect its electoral system.

One decision was to abandon plans for electronic voting at the polls, an option being considered by a number of countries.

It was decided in Helsinki, however, that the risks of hacking and other types of interference outweighs potential benefits, and the more cumbersome, but also safer, manual system should continue.

Russian hackers have been accused of targeting election machines in 21 states during the last presidential polls in America. But, just weeks before the crucial midterm elections which may well decide the fate of the Trump presidency, a new report has revealed that cybersecurity flaws in hardware with one machine, used in 23 states, have not been addressed for over a decade.

 Sen. Lindsey Graham: Trump is empowering Putin by ignoring the cyber attacks

Other machines, currently used by 18 states, include a smart card reader which analysts hold can be disconnected to disrupt the election process.

In the UK, the Welsh government has proposed pilot schemes exploring the use of electronic voting in local and by-elections, with calls that the programme be extended across the country. One of the main aims of the innovation is to cultivate interest in politics and encourage voting among young people.

Mr Hakkanen, however, believes that electronic voting could lead to people, including young voters, being manipulated rather than enfranchised.

It increases the vulnerability of the system. It would make it possible to spread false rumours even when the system is not compromised and thus decrease the trust people have in the integrity of elections, he said.

We are facing a new phenomenon  there was a study showing that only 20 per cent of the millennials in the US think that democracy is the best system and that it will continue. I think the big problem for the next two decades would not be the economy, but protecting democracy.
Human rights groups accuse Russia of killing thousands of people in Syria, but the Kremlin claims it has killed even more.

On the third anniversary of Russias military intervention in Syria, an independent monitoring group, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Russian air strikes and artillery shells have killed 18,000 people, including nearly 8,000 civilians, .

The Syrian Network for Human Rights, another monitoring group, alleged 6,239 civilians have been killed, including 1,804 children at the hands of Russian forces, according to a 40-page report it issued on Monday.

But the Kremlin says it killed significantly more in its quest to bolster the rule of Bashar al-Assad in Syria. The head of its parliamentary defence committee announced on Sunday that it had killed 85,000 people, calling them all terrorists. Russia also claims it has not killed a single civilian in Syria over the last three years.

A total of 112 Russian military personnel have been killed in Syria over the last three years, not counting hundreds of private contractors killed in a US air strike last year.

Viktor Bondarev, head of the parliamentary defence and security committee, said the sacrifices were worthwhile since they prepared Russia for future battles and taught the armed forces to fight.

The most important criteria of military prowess is not just the victory but also its price, he said, according to the Interfax news agency.

The September 2015 Russian intervention in Syria changed the course of the war, tipping the balance strongly in favour of the pro-Assad forces at a time when rebels were seen to be winning the conflict. But Russia has also been accused of inflicting horrific attacks on Syrian civilians, with human rights monitors accusing it of indiscriminately bombing populated areas, and targeting hospitals in an attempt to degrade life in rebel-held territories.

The White Helmets, a rescue group funded by US, UK and other western countries, issued a report on Sunday also accusing Russia of disregarding truce and de-escalation deals it itself helped broker over the last three years.

The report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights, which is close to the opposition, accused Russia of culpability in war crimes, including 321 mass-casualty incidents and 954 attacks on civilian infrastructure such as schools, medical facilities, and markets. The Pentagon last week admitted it had killed at least 1,100 civilians while fighting Isis in Iraq and Syria.

The three-year anniversary of the Russian intervention comes as the Kremlin seeks to wrap up the conflict. Russia struck a deal with Turkey last month to stave off an impending attack on the rebel-held Idlib province. That deal included the establishment of a demilitarised buffer zone between opposition and government forces that would be devoid of fighters and heavy weapons.

In recent days, the successor to the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda has begun rounding up foreign fighters in Idlib. Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), a coalition of rebel fighting groups that includes the successor to the al-Qaeda-controlled Jabhat al-Nusra, has reportedly arrested dozens of non-Syrians within its ranks, according to jihadis on social media. .

Prominent al-Qaeda supporters online said HTS arrested around 34 foreign fighters, accusing the group of betraying the jihadi cause and acceding to demands by Turkey, which has emerged as the primary patron of the Syrian opposition to Assads rule.

But others say the detentions could just be part of internal convulsions within HTS, which is riven by factions.

Whats happening in regards to arresting and even the assassination of specific fighters is not a new thing, said Nawar Oliver, a researcher at the Omran Institute for Strategic Studies, an Istanbul think tank.

Since April 2018, HTS has had a huge campaign to solve the security problems of Idlib, and the two methods used were assassination and arrests.
The worlds first  and possibly last  Disgusting Food Museum will open in Malmo, Swedens third largest city, on 31 October.

The unusual attraction will exhibit some of the most divisive dishes from around the globe, from rotten shark (a delicacy in Iceland) to south-east Asias infamously foul-smelling durian, a type of fruit so pungent its banned on public transport in Singapore.

A raw bulls penis, fermented herring from Sweden, roasted guinea pig from Peru and maggot cheese from Sardinia will also feature as part of the museum, which is open for just three months, until the end of January 2019.

The museum is the brainchild of Dr Samuel West, the man behind the hugely popular Museum of Failure in Helsingborg, Sweden; it now has franchises in Toronto and Los Angeles, with another opening planned for Shanghai.

Of his two concepts, the American psychologist told The Local: Theyre both fun, but the food museum is much more relatable and much more interactive. You can only sniff failure to a certain extent. But if you have rotten shark in your face you wish you were never born.

He said that, while first and foremost intended to be fun, interesting and interactive, the museum also has a sustainability slant: We need to question our ideas of disgust if were going to consider some of the more environmentally friendly sources of protein, like insects.

Most of the stinky exhibits will be housed in medical-grade research jars to contain the smell.

However, the Swedish delicacy of fermented herring, surstromming, was so potent that it posed an extra challenge.

We tested it, and tested it and were almost kicked out of our current office space because of the smell, said Dr West. I think weve got it solved, but Im not sure. Its one of those things that keeps me awake at night.

Eat up: bull penis at the Disgusting Food Museum (Disgusting Food Museum)

About half of the dishes being exhibited will have to be replaced at least every other day, making the museum a costly enterprise.

Dr West admitted: The exhibits a pain in the ass, to be honest.

 Dundee opens the V&A, Scotlands first design museum

When I was designing this, I was thinking it has to be easy and economical, because Im paying for it.

But which is more fun to look at, a plastic replica of some food or the real food in front of you? Its just more fun to have a real durian fruit from Thailand.

He added: Its really fun and theres a high risk of failure and if nobody shows up, Im out a lot of money. A hell of a lot of money.

Entry to the museum costs from 185kr (16); children go free.
The testimonies of Dr Christine Blasey Ford and Brett Kavanaugh before the US senate judiciary committee have caused a political earthquake in Washington, with aftershocks still being felt across the world.

Shortly after Fords testimony, in which she alleged that President Trumps supreme court nominee sexually assaulted her at a high school party in 1982, Kavanaugh used his appearance to fervently deny her allegations.

The hearing has been inescapable, with soundbites, video clips and images being widely shared across social media and news platforms. Even for a country as politically polarised as America  where mass shootings are part of the regular news cycle and a reality TV star is president  the pairs testimonies were dramatic and divisive.

 Brett Kavanaugh hearing through the eyes of Fox News

Following the hearing, Americans are at odds over who they believe. A

YouGov poll

shows that 41 per cent of respondents believed Fords testimony, with 35 per cent believing Kavanaugh. The number of people who thought Ford or Kavanaugh were lying was similar, with 38 per cent saying they thought Kavanaugh probably or definitely lied during his testimony, compared to 30 per cent saying the same about Ford.

Unsurprisingly, the results were split along party lines, with 73 per cent of Democrats believing Ford's testimony and 74 per cent of Republicans believing Kavanaugh. The results of this poll are not significantly different to a YouGov poll conducted before the hearing on 22 September.

But since Fords testimony, public statements from Trumps prominent supporters have deviated from the fierce and often reality-bending loyalty weve come to expect.

Sarah Sanders, for instance, described Fords testimony as compelling while still defending Kavanaugh. Kellyanne Conway, of alternative facts fame, used the same word. But similarly, after describing Fords testimony as very sympathetic, she also supported Kavanaugh. They join a roster of Republican senators who described Fords testimony as credible but still plan to support Kavanaughs nomination.

In the post #MeToo era, Fords testimony has put republican politicians and right-wing commentators in an awkward position. Whatever their private views, they know that publicly dismissing alleged survivors of abuse is politically toxic. Republicans are astute enough to realise that they must at least appear to support the #MeToo movement  even while knowingly campaigning against its aims.

MailOnline columnist Piers Morgan  who often lambasts feminists and was recently criticised for mocking #MeToo while hosting Good Morning Britain  can usually be trusted to follow the Trumpian line. But instead he stated that both Ford and Kavanaugh were inherently believable and equally convincing. After originally believing Ford, Kavanaughs raging fury apparently swayed Piers in the other direction. Conservative activist and journalist Tim Montgomerie, who had previously claimed that most people dislike Kavanaugh because hes a white man, called Morgans column brilliant.

But heres the problem: it is impossible that Ford and Kavanaugh are both telling the truth.

Ford claimed to be to be 100 per cent certain that Kavanaugh assaulted her  eliminating any chance of mistaken identity. He denies so much as being at the party where the assault allegedly happened. These stories are not compatible  at least one of them is inaccurate.

It might be comforting for people like Morgan, Montgomerie and even Conway  who are accustomed to taking absolute, unflinching stances on complex issues  to occupy the middle ground for once. Though with allegations this serious and testimonies this ardent, there is no room for fence sitting because Ford and Kavanaughs stories cannot both be believed. No ifs, no buts.

Republicans know this, which is why we should be sceptical of those who claim to believe Ford, or find her credible, while still supporting Kavanaughs nomination  particularly given that their party is led by Trump, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women.

While Kavanaughs college classmates have already accused him of lying under oath about not being a heavy drinker, the reality is we may never know what did or did not happen between Ford and Kavanaugh 36 years ago.

Yet the incompatibility of both stories reveals a dark truth about those claiming to believe both people. Either they do not actually believe Fords accusations, or worse: they would still support Kavanaughs nomination even if they were true.
I am sure there will be some who think Mays idea of a Brexit festival is wonderful. The same prime minister who last year told us that there was no magic money tree.

Surrey County Council is making cuts of 21m to special needs budgets this year and parents are quite rightly taking the council to judicial review in response.

Financial support for womens refuges has been cut by almost 7m since 2010, cuts which put at risk the physical safety of vulnerable women and children.

Mental health budgets for NHS trusts in England have been cut by 105m in real terms since 2011. And only one in four tube stations in London has step-free access for disabled people.

The fact that the prime minister is even thinking about this idea as a populist sop to the Eurosceptics in her party shows just how out of touch she is with the financial priorities of this country.

She also completely fails to acknowledge the fact that trade deals in the 21st century are done via delegations, not Festivals of Britain. May should be focusing on making sure that the supply chains of car manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies arent affected by Brexit. Not yearning for a white elephant trade show, as if we were back in the 1950s.

Chris Key

Address supplied

Kavanaughs confirmation hearing was a spectacular failure for women

Like so many around the world, I watched the Senate Judiciary Committees hearing for Brett Kavanaughs Supreme Court nomination confirmation this week with dismay.

I am a 32-year-old woman who has lived and worked on three continents in various management-consulting related roles. In every job Ive ever had, Ive experienced inappropriate moments that have ranged from silly to uncomfortable to physically and professionally threatening.

In my first job interview, the male interviewer stared at my boobs for the duration. In my first project, a software vendor consultant asked if Id like a cup of coffee or (him) during a workshop tea break.

Ive had a boss claim that I was successful because of my smile and a bit of leg, and a potential supplier corner me with magic card tricks insisting I was so impressed by his skill wed go to bed if he did this to me in a bar. And thats not to mention the countless meetings Ive been in where the boys have named female colleagues as MILFs or gone out of their way to make me blush.

All of these are minor incidents, but all have made me uncomfortable; and some made me fearful, ashamed and unsure. But these experiences are a given if youre a woman in a male-dominated environment and making a fuss could do more harm than good. So, we stay quiet.

#MeToo shone a light on inappropriate behaviour and got people talking about what is and isnt acceptable. Understandably, many men feel afraid and uncertain; women have felt like this for centuries. So its OK if were all a bit uncomfortable for a moment while we figure out how to deal with flirtation, versus stupid, inappropriate comments, versus harassment, versus sexual assault, versus rape. While related, they are not equal.

This past month saw a key test for a powerful institution to set a standard for how we treat information on these matters and the people involved. The result is a spectacular failure to respect people and due process.

The actions of the Senate Judiciary Committee have indicated that its OK to pretend to give airtime to the victim, whilst in the background blaming and shaming her; to praise gorilla-style chest beating defence by the man, and to proceed with promoting the accused anyway. In fact, its worse than that.

This test should have helped us debate whether the apparent actions of a high school boy should impact the future of a 50-something-year-old man. It should have shown us that its OK to listen and important to investigate claims fully. These allegations have overshadowed other important questions about whether a candidate with such a strong history of anti-Democrat action (ie Kavanaughs involvement in the Starr Report to impeach Clinton and working for Bush on the 2000 Florida election recount) is a suitable candidate for the Supreme Court. And importantly, what is the rush to confirm his nomination?

Instead of helping move the discussion and norms forward, weve watched a deeply divisive horror show with an appalling lack of respect for people as human beings. The alleged victim has been shamed further with suggestions shes a political operative, or in it for the publicity. Why on earth would anyone volunteer to put themselves through reliving their trauma, enduring death threats and unsettling her family just for money or publicity? We should show her compassion.

Kavanaughs response to Dr Fords testimony was embarrassing and in my opinion did more harm to his nomination than anything else. He was aggressive, interrupted questions and didnt listen. We did establish that he liked beer. His performance and attitude was not befitting of someone to be a judge in the highest court in the land, ruling on the most difficult and sensitive matters (abortion, gay rights, gun control, to name a few).

This was a missed opportunity to create a safe space for women to be heard, claims to be impartially and thoroughly investigated, and mens futures to be decided on full facts.

Another opportunity will certainly come; there are too many of us with stories to tell. I only hope the approach can be recovered. Our mutual success and harmony depend on it.

Id encourage everyone to watch the discussion Man Enough: #MeToo, which provides a space for men to discuss this issue.

Carina Collins

Teddington

We cant shape Britains destiny without investment

Anne-Marie Trevelyans article on Sunday was revealing. The ambitions aired are very far-reaching. The UK must have the best of everything, be a recognised world leader in every field, institute gold standards, invest in people, promote world peace through a first rank military establishment, etc, etc.

Policies can impel changes but only funding will secure them. Where is the money coming from? At what point in this process will all the harm that austerity has caused to our national fabric be remedied?

The Brexit that Trevelyan promotes will reduce UK revenue under all current estimates for anything from 10 to 50 years.

It doesnt add up.

Steve Ford

Haydon Bridge

Why should I pay for a service I cant use?

I support the concept of the NHS  my wife at one point worked for them, my daughter still does, and I understand more money is needed  but I object to paying extra income tax to fund what Im not allowed to use.

I am a UK taxpayer and British, but I live in Germany. If I had access to the NHS-funded treatment in Germany but chose not to use it I would happily pay more income tax.

Even if I was able to travel on holiday to the UK to visit family and have access to free NHS-funded treatment I would happily pay more income tax

But as I am under 65 and live in Europe, I am not allowed access to free or funded NHS treatment whilst in Germany, and as I am classified as not normally resident in the UK, if I returned to the UK to visit family, I would not be entitled to free NHS treatment. So why should I pay for something I am not allowed to use?

If the tax was to be in the form of extra corporation tax I would be content; if it was to be levied in the form of extra VAT I would be content; if it was to levied on alcohol or tobacco products I would be content; if it was to be levied in the form of a new tax on unhealthy food and drinks I would be content. But if it is to be levied in the form of additional income tax, why should I pay more? Dont forget the old saying you get what you pay for.

If anything, it could be argued I should get a tax rebate, not pay more tax.

Name supplied

Balve, Germany

Something in the water?

What are they putting in the coffee at the Foreign Office? First we had Boris Johnson hallucinating about the EU, and now Jeremy Hunt has claimed the EU is like the Soviet Union.

Roger Hinds

Surrey

Im backing the Boris bridge

Whatever views one may have of Boris Johnson, his support for a Northern Ireland fixed link is worthy and the scheme should be applied.

I voted Remain and make no apology. However the imperatives of post-Brexit competitiveness necessitate a serious upgrading in UK-wide infrastructure to include expansion of all major UK airports  and a Belfast fixed to fully interconnect the United Kingdom.

By a happy coincidence such a scheme would necessitate a reinstatement of the Dumfries-Stranraer line to facilitate freight and passenger trains from Belfast to London and indeed continental Europe via channel tunnel.

John Barstow

Pulborough
There are many reason why students sell sex. Covering tuition fees, paying rent and buying food are high on the list. Not so high on the list: meeting an outreach worker with a pile of leaflets during freshers week.

In 2015, five percent of the students  in survey by the Student Sex Work Project, led by academics from Swansea University  said they were engaged in sex work. One in four said they felt unsafe at work.

In light of this, offering support to student sex workers seems not only compassionate but vital. As is the way when the topic is sex work, however, all rationality went out of the window last week when Brightons Sex Work Outreach Project (Swop Sussex) set up a stand at the University of Brightons freshers week fair.

What began with a few angry tweets spiralled over the weekend into a slew of sensationalised newspaper headlines.

 Sex worker explains why she does her job: 'Its my choice

How to be a sex worker  advice for freshers, raged The Sunday Times. Uni blasted after freshers week stall gives students advice on how to be a prostitute, spluttered The Sun.

The university itself was accused by The Sunday Times of encouraging its students into prostitution.

On Twitter, Sarah Champion, Labour MP for Rotherham, waded in, claiming: Brighton University offers Freshers advice on becoming prostitutes. 1. Theyre colluding with organised crime & abusers 2. This is grooming 3. How is this aspirational/challenging gender norms?

But heres the thing, Swop Sussex was neither offering advice on how to become a prostitute nor claiming sex work is aspirational. Its presence at freshers week was simply an acknowledgement that student sex workers exist and that they deserve support.

In a tweet, Swop Sussex said it never idealised sex work. However, we understand why students may turn to sex work, and navigating the legal precariousness as well as potential danger mean that students are extra vulnerable and we will help.

Back in the mists of time, during my first year at Goldsmiths in 1998, I worked in a hostess bar in Londons Soho. Men would make their way down to the red-lit basement and wed sit there sulkily in miniskirts until they bought us outrageously priced champagne which wed pour on the already-mouldy carpet behind the seats. Officially, no one was supposed to sell sex but lots of the women working there were hookers and I certainly wasnt the only student slouched across those tatty brocaded sofas.

I was lucky though. The following year I got myself sorted and accessed a maintenance grant. Unimaginable now: not only were my fees paid, I was given money to live.

Millennial students whose parents cant support them have no such safety net. In 2018, annual tuition fees are in excess of 9,000. Student finance website, Save The Student, estimates that, with an average monthly spend of 770, maintenance loans frequently fall short of covering living expenses. This is the demand which drives students into sex work.

Its here where feminist ire at the influx of students going into prostitution should be directed. We should be calling furiously for an end to tuition fees, for rent caps, for free student accommodation, for a return of maintenance grants.

Harm reduction is not enticement. No credible person would claim that abstinence-based sex education works, that safety information about drug-taking should be hidden away for fear it encourages people to get wasted, that handing out condoms is irresponsible or that visible access to the morning-after pill encourages women to have unsafe sex. By the same token, safety advice for sex workers is there to protect, not to encourage.

Recommended University launches probe into sex work outreach stall at fair

Back in 1998, there was no easily accessible advice for student sex workers. I certainly never came across any. At the end of a shift in the D'Arblay Street basement, women would sometimes go and stand outside Stringfellows nightclub to pick up clients. Im pretty sure no one had safety procedures in place and it was wildly unsafe.

The prostitution tips Swop Sussex is being slammed for handing out are safety tools. Its leaflets detail the legalities of sex work, offer advice on staying safe during bookings and signpost people to further help. Its chilling to see feminists take umbrage with something so utterly sensible.

I spoke to a woman in her twenties who has just begun a post-grad degree. I have to do sex work to cover my bills, rent and food as my mounting student debt continues to gain interest and the loans dont even begin to cover what I need, she told me. If I saw an outreach project had a stand at freshers fair Id feel like the uni is a place that wants me to succeed and will support me through study regardless of my work in sex work.

Commentators are angry about the normalising of sex work apparent in Swops presence at Brighton freshers fair. But sex work is normal in a society which pushes students into poverty.
Far from being unusual, the hurried and partisan Supreme Court confirmation process for Brett Kavanaugh mirrors several notable examples of similarly politicized confirmations in US history.

Those conflicts, which ultimately placed justices on the court, yielded some of the most damaging civil rights decisions in our nations history.

Unlike any other branch of government, Supreme Court justices do not have to face voters at the polls. They have no term limits. Yet the high court is the final arbiter of constitutional rights and protections.

 Senate Judiciary Committee votes 11-10 to progress Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court nomination

Controversial appointees who were rammed through hearings, or political careerists nominated for strategic reasons and confirmed despite scant vetting, handed down decisions that expanded slavery and rolled back civil rights.

Bad processes do not by themselves yield bad decisions. There have also been thinly vetted justices who have protected and extended civil rights, but such cases are in a minority.

Of course, all Supreme Court nominations are political because they embody the strategic priorities of the president. And the required senate confirmation of a nominee may well be a vapid and hollow charade, in Justice Elena Kagans words, since partisan support matters over merit.

But as history shows, judicious confirmation hearings are vital to vetting a lifetime appointment that can affect citizens right to vote, access to courts, or the limits of presidential power.

Roger B Taney was a partisan warrior who helped President Andrew Jackson kill the Bank of the United States by illegally draining its funds. Congress refused to confirm Taney as treasury secretary and censured Jackson.

So Jackson named Taney to the Supreme Court. The senate refused to confirm him a second time. The next year, after Jackson got a Democratic senate, he renominated him, but this time as chief justice. Taney was pushed hurriedly through confirmation.

The Taney Court was staunchly pro-slavery, rejecting states rights when Northerners asserted them to oppose slavery.

Taneys most sweeping pro-slavery decision in Dred Scott v Sandford in 1857 held that African-Americans had no rights which the white man was bound to respect, and that the negro might justly and lawfully be reduced to slavery for his benefit. The decision ruled that congress had no power to prohibit slavery in any US territory. Dred Scott is widely considered to be one of the worst decisions ever made by the court.

During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln was able to replace the Taney Court with corporation-friendly Republicans like Samuel F Miller of Iowa, whom he nominated in 1862. Lincolns court strategy was to appoint Republicans who would endorse presidential powers in a war to save the Union.

Like Taney, Miller had owned slaves but freed them. And he was a party loyalist. As Millers biographer claims, he sought results first and then found the arguments to justify them.

Millers appointment came just as Lincoln was contemplating the Emancipation Proclamation. Lincoln could have asked Miller his views on the scope of black freedom, but he never did. He never even met Miller. And with no opposition in congress, the senate confirmed Miller within hours.

Millers appointment may have been shrewd politics, but it hollowed out the Civil Wars crowning achievement, the abolition of slavery and constitutional protections for African-American citizenship, including equal protection of the laws and the right to vote.

It was Millers majority ruling in the 5-4 Slaughterhouse cases in 1873 that had the effect of limiting civil rights protections for African-Americans under the 14th Amendment, which extended citizenship to African-Americans and forbade states to deny them equal protection of the laws. The ruling in effect gave states sole power over areas of citizenship not explicitly covered in the federal constitution. That, in turn, ultimately led to the growth of racist Jim Crow laws in states.

President Ulysses Grants two nominees were also pushed through hastily and had an oversized impact on civil rights.

Those appointments  conservative pro-business Republican Joseph P Bradley and political hack Morrison Waite  unwittingly undermined Grants own Justice Departments civil rights enforcement.

In 1870, Grant appointed Bradley specifically to help business interests concerned about recent decisions that they believed harmed them. Bradley faced scant opposition from a majority-Republican senate in bed with railroad and other corporate interests.

Four years later, Grant picked Waite, a crony of Grants Ohio friends, who had zero judicial experience. Called a national nonentity by a court historian, Waites appointment surprised everyone, including Waite. The senate confirmed him without debate.

The unintended consequences of these two overtly political nominations became clear in US v Cruikshank, an 1876 court decision.

In April 1873, up to 150 African-Americans were murdered by whites in a conflict over two competing Louisiana governments. Among those whites was William Cruikshank.

Cruikshank and others who participated in the massacre were charged and convicted in federal court of civil rights violations under the Enforcement Act of 1870. That act made it a federal crime to violate civil rights and was passed with the intention of putting teeth in the 14th Amendment, which guaranteed equal protection of the laws and due process. The case considered by the court was an appeal of those initial convictions.

Justice Waite ruled that the 14th Amendments civil rights provisions, including the equal protections of the laws and right to due process, did not apply to the victims of the Colfax Massacre.

Justice Bradley concurred in the ruling, clearing Cruikshank. Indeed, Bradley declared that none of the Colfax Massacre defendants were alleged to have committed the acts complained of with a design to deprive the injured persons of their rights on account of their race, colour, or previous condition of servitude.

Bradley and Waites responses constituted willful blindness to a naked act of racial terrorism. And these decisions gutted the 14th Amendments civil rights provisions, leading to the swift and violent rise of Jim Crow.

Bradley went on to rule in 1883 that the Civil Rights Act of 1875, which outlawed racial discrimination in public facilities, was unconstitutional. He did this at a time when blacks were being denied the right to vote, barred from businesses and murdered with impunity. Bradley tutted that with his ruling a black citizen ceases to be the special favourite of the laws. And the law ended protection for African-Americans from segregation in schools, theatres and even cemeteries.

It would be 74 years before Congress passed another civil rights act.

Not all justices involved in partisan nominations, or who were poorly vetted, handed down dreadful rulings.

Louis D Brandeis nomination in 1916 led to a bitter partisan brawl infused with antisemitism. One witness at his confirmation accused him of infidelity, and another characterized Brandeis as duplicitous.

Yet Brandeis became one of the nations most renowned Supreme Court justices, standing up for free speech in Whitney v California in 1927 and dissenting in Olmstead v United States the next year against warrantless wiretapping.

Harold H Burton was a surprise nomination when Democrat Harry Truman nominated the Republican senator from Ohio in 1945. The senate dispensed with hearings and confirmed Burton without debate. But Burton defied expectations, shaping the Supreme Courts landmark Brown v Board of Education of Topeka (1954), ruling in desegregated schools and overturning the Jim Crow doctrine of separate but equal.

More recently, contested nominations have revived the 19th-century practice of ramming through partisans whose decisions undermine civil rights.

The 1991 Clarence Thomas nomination evokes that legacy. With a thin resume, partisan credentials, and his nomination hastily pushed through by George H W Bushs administration, Thomas won a lifetime appointment by a two-vote margin after an acrimonious hearing involving his alleged sexual harassment.

Justice Thomas is arguably among the most conservative justices. He joined Chief Justice John Roberts in the landmark 5-4 Shelby County v Holder decision, gutting the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Brett Kavanaughs nomination, like that of Morrison Waite, Joseph P Bradley and Roger B Taney, has been rushed. A partisan warrior, he has been hastily advanced, with the majority of his papers withheld and sexual assault allegations overtaking his hearings.

As American history has shown, this process comes with profound risks.

Calvin Schermerhorn is a professor of history at Arizona State University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article
Milan, October 1 - Dynamic and ambitious small and medium-sized enterprises are the key to the future prosperity of the global economy, contributing to create new opportunities for employment and growth in developed and developing countries, according to participants of Milan's Elite Day, the first international conference dedicated to the global network of Elite firms.

Created in 2012 in Italy, Elite is the London Stock Exchange Group's business support and capital raising program that helps international small and medium-sized firms prepare for external investment, to boost the next stage of their development and to access capital markets.

The Elite community over the past six years has grown to include over 900 companies from 32 countries.

They are generating over 64 billion euros in combined revenues and employ approximately 400,000 people worldwide.

The global network has partnerships across Europe, the US, India, China, South America and Africa, as seen in the latest agreement recently signed to launch Elite in India in 2019.

About 100 companies and partners are gathering today at Milan's Palazzo Mezzanotte to discuss future challenges, changes and opportunities for companies and the program's global prospects.

The event will be opened by the CEO of the Italian Stock Exchange, Raffaele Jerusalmi, Nobel prize laureate in economics, Michael Spence, the founder and president of the Cambridge Family Enterprise Group, John Davis, and the executive president of Eataly, Andrea Guerra.

The program's future prospects will be discussed by the partners of the Elite Global Alliance, the international network that is developing Elite worldwide.

The network includes for Saudi Arabia the General Manager of Corporate & Markets Growth Saudi Smes Authority Monsha'at, Abdulrahman Alsmail; for Brazil the Business Development Director of Idmc, Eduardo Campos; for Morocco the CEO of the Casablanca Stock Exchange, Karim Hajji.

The West African economic and monetary union will be represented by the General Manager of the Bourse Regionale Des Valeurs Mobilieres, Kossi Felix Edoh Amenouve; the CEO of the Budapest Stock Exchange, Richard Vegh, will represent Hungary; for Lebanon, the executive member of the board of the Capital Market Authority, Sami N. Saliba.

Also in attendance will be the top managers of leading companies and organizations worldwide including IBM, Illy, Swift, Esa, Vodafone, Wipro.

The CEO of Elite, Luca Peyrano, will close the event.
Prime Minister Theresa May's government will not accept two different customs regimes in the United Kingdom after Brexit so the European Union needs to show less dry legalism in talks on Northern Ireland, Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab said.

"What we're not going to do is see the United Kingdom carved up into two separate customs regimes... that is just not on the table. Frankly, I think it's outrageous even to contemplate it," Raab told Sky News.

"We need to see a bit less dry legalism and dry dogmatism and a bit more of the flexibility that we have demonstrated in our white paper," Raab added.

Meanwhile, Britain's trade minister Liam Fox said European companies face potential tariffs of as much as 14bn a year if the Britain and the European Union fail to reach a trade agreement.

"If we got no agreement with the European Union that would be very harmful to European trade too. European businesses would have to pay tariffs to access the UK's market, possibly to the tune of as much as 14 billion pounds a year," Fox told BBC TV.

"That is quite a big business tax to apply to European businesses. It is everyone's interest that we reach an agreement and do it as quickly as possible."

More to follow...
British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt compared the EU to the Soviet Union as he warned Brussels: You cannot keep us prisoner.

Mr Hunt launched an extraordinary attack on the EU in a conference speech which invoked Margaret Thatcher and Winston Churchill and which will inevitably spark speculation of a leadership bid.

It came as UK Prime Minister Theresa May and ex-foreign secretary Boris Johnson were at loggerheads over the Government's approach to Brexit negotiations as Mrs May repeatedly failed to rule out making changes to her Chequers plan to secure a deal with the EU.

Mr Johnson labelled Chequers "preposterous" as he accused Mrs May of not being a true Brexit believer, prompting her to hit back as she said: "I do believe in Brexit."

But Mr Hunt seized the spotlight yesterday as he savaged the EU and likened the bloc to a prison in a speech which prompted a standing ovation from Tory activists.

He said: "At the moment you seem to think the way to keep the club together is to punish a member who leaves.

"Not just with economic disruption. But even by breaking up the United Kingdom with a border down the Irish Sea.

"What happened to the confidence and ideals of the European dream?

"The EU was set up to protect freedom. It was the Soviet Union that stopped people leaving.

"The lesson from history is clear: if you turn the EU club into a prison, the desire to get out won't diminish it will grow, and we won't be the only prisoner that will want to escape."

Mr Hunt, who spoke of the Churchill bust in his office and called for Cabinet unity on Brexit, then channelled Mrs Thatcher as he said: "If the only way to deal with the UK leaving is to try to force its break up, as someone much more distinguished than me once said, the answer is 'No, No, No'."

It came after Mrs May was asked more than five times if she was prepared to compromise on her Chequers blueprint but she repeatedly refused to answer, saying she was waiting for the EU to set its concerns about her plan.

Asked if she was prepared to make substantial changes to her Brexit strategy, she told the BBC: "What I have said to the European Union is very clear.

"They have said they have some concerns with the proposals we have put together, let's hear what those detailed concerns are.

"But what I am clear is that what we have put forward is in the national interest and we did it because what the European Union was offering us was unacceptable."

Mr Johnson used an eve of conference intervention to attack Mrs May's Brexit credentials.

He said: "Unlike the prime minister, I campaigned for Brexit.

"Unlike the prime minister, I fought for this, I believe in it, I think it's the right thing for our country and I think that what is happening now is, alas, not what people were promised in 2016."
'The delegation to Switzerland consists of more than 20 businesses, and is led by Pat Breen, the Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection.' Stock photo

Irish companies will travel to Switzerland today for a two-day trade mission as the Government targets an additional 5bn of exports by 2020 to mitigate the effects of Brexit.

Enterprise Ireland will also bring trade missions to Spain, Germany and the Netherlands before the end of the year to work towards its targets of delivering 60,000 new jobs.

The delegation to Switzerland consists of more than 20 businesses, and is led by Pat Breen, the Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection.

It will focus on the Swiss medtech, construction services and agritech sectors.

Mr Breen said the visit is an important initiative to deepen relationships with Switzerland, Ireland's 5th largest merchandising trading partner.

Exports to Switzerland by EI client companies increased by 8pc last year to 330m.

"There are substantial growth opportunities and potential for increased collaboration within the key sectors for innovative and ambitious Irish companies," said Mr Breen.

The minister is scheduled to address more than 100 Swiss and Irish business leaders and attend a 10th anniversary reception for the Swiss Irish Business Network.

Leo McAdams, Enterprise Ireland's international sales and partnering manager, said supporting EI clients' diversification into new markets, particularly within the European Union, is a key priority for the agency post-Brexit.
Aldi Ireland has agreed a new contract with Co. Dublin-based Donnelly Fruit & Veg that will see the fresh produce business supply over 130,000 worth of Irish grown pumpkins to Aldis 133 Irish stores in time for Halloween 2018.

Aldi expects to sell close to 45,000 Irish pumpkins, with small, medium, large and monster sizes available.

Donnelly Fruit & Veg, which already supplies Irish strawberries, Irish tomatoes and several other Irish fruit and vegetable lines to Aldi stores, began growing its crop of Irish pumpkins in early May, with harvesting taking place in September and October.

Welcoming the deal, Martin Gaffney, Farms Director of Donnelly Fruit & Veg, said the company are delighted to add our quality Irish-grown pumpkins to the range of produce we grow for Aldi.

We have been growing premium fruit and veg in Co. Dublin since 1979 and have been supplying Aldi for over 10 years.

"Our partnership with Aldi continues to go from strength-to-strength and this is underlined by its continued support of our business.

Aldis Group Buying Director, John Curtin said Aldi has a longstanding working relationship with Donnelly Fruit & Veg, who have consistently provided our stores with the very finest Irish-grown fruit and vegetables.

"We know that our customers will welcome the addition of Irish pumpkins to our stores, even more so because of the unbeatable prices we offer.
ICSA has announced that it will not to attend the upcoming Beef Forum scheduled for Wednesday due to the lack of solidarity shown by meat processors in recent weeks.

It's also understood that ICMSA will not pass a picked by IFA. IFA has plans to lead a protest of farmers outside Wednesday's meeting and will also not participate in the forum.

Addressing the issue, ICSA president Patrick Kent said Cutting prices week after week is shameful. It shows complete contempt for farmers and is particularly egregious when many are on their knees due to increased costs.

"There is no point in attending a roundtable discussion when factories are attending in bad faith.

Efforts by the factories to cut beef prices by a further 5c/kg last week to 370c/kg for steers and 380c/kg for heifers have prompted a furious reaction from the IFA.

"It is a scandal the way the meat factories have systematically cut cattle prices here, forcing prices down well below the cost of production and inflicting severe losses on farmer suppliers," claimed IFA livestock chairman Angus Woods.

Industry sources said the factory cuts were not being pushed in a stringent manner, and most cattle were still being bought at last week's quotes of 375c/kg and 385c/kg for steers and heifers respectively.

But with last week's kill holding at over 38,000hd, finishers predict that the total kill could breach the 40,000hd threshold over the coming weeks which would ease the way for further price cuts. Since mid-August the factories have pulled quotes by 20c/kg or the equivalent of 70-80/hd.

Mr Woods pointed out that during the same period British steer prices have risen to the equivalent of 4.47/kg (3.80/kg) which equates to a differential of 250/hd between Irish and British steer prices.

"Livestock farmers feel they are being shafted and are not prepared to take it any longer," Mr Woods said.
Animal farm: Maura McElhone with a new arrival and (left) with fiance Sean, who she's marrying in a few weeks

Writer Maura McElhone would be the first to admit she's done things a bit back to front. While everyone else was fleeing the big smoke to relax on the north coast or Donegal, as a child she would travel down from Portstewart every summer to spend two weeks with her granny in west Belfast.

I was probably doing what a lot of people were doing in reverse," she says.

Life went into reverse again years later when Maura 'un-emigrated' from the San Francisco Bay area back to Ireland after six years Stateside, and found herself falling in love with a Kildare farmer.

Maura's journey from the celeb-haunted glamour of sun-drenched California to the pragmatic delights of muck-drenched Kildare are chronicled in her new book, Falling For A Farmer, published by Mercier Press and based on her popular blog, which has been dubbed 'Bridget Jones's Diary meets All Creatures Great And Small'.

All the threads seem to have converged at a key turning point in her life, with Maura's first book being published as she counts down to the wedding to her farmer fiance, Sean, in a couple of weeks.

Maura was bitten by the writing bug early as she grew up in Portstewart with her siblings, Paul and Orla.

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Her dad, Paul, was a pharmacist who built his own business, while her mum, Eimear, was the first female journalist to join the BBC Radio Foyle newsroom.

"I was not a sporty child - I would have done a lot of reading and writing, so I liked kind of nerdy things," Maura says.

"Dominican College was a really good school for bringing out interests outside of just the academic.

"Mummy and Daddy had always said to us, 'Do what you enjoy', so when it came to picking a degree, I wasn't entirely sure - I thought I might want to go into screen-writing or film direction.

"I'd always had this fascination with America growing up, so I thought I would pick a college that would allow me to study abroad. I ended up going to Stirling, over in Scotland, to do English and film and media studies, and I did my year abroad in California."

After completing her degree, Maura moved to LA and worked in an Irish bar for 18 months while writing for one of the local Irish-American newspapers, then studied for a master's degree in writing in Galway.

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"I'd say that was part of being out in LA as well - you get that sort of can-do attitude," she says.

Back in the US again, she settled in, to all appearances, working in an online events start-up before moving to the San Francisco Bay area to work for a magazine publishing company, buying a car and embarking on a relationship.

There were celebrity encounters from time to time - Hulk Hogan worked out at the same LA gym, and Maura laughs about going into a complete tizzy when she met her celebrity crush, Ben Affleck, in a coffee-shop queue and leaving her handbag and jacket behind. "I wasn't one of those people who are cool, calm and collected when they meet their idol," she recalls.

But that dream California lifestyle soon faded.

"Eventually I realised that America was brilliant for a holiday... the grass is always greener, but being out there, living there and working there is a different story from being on holidays and being in college," Maura says.

"I was missing a lot about home. I was in my late 20s, my friends were starting to settle down, I was looking at everything from a distance and I kind of realised then that home was where I wanted to be.

"After six years out there altogether, I decided to come back. I was in a relationship out there and we were starting to talk about where it was going and if we were going to take the next step and get engaged, all that sort of stuff, but it became more apparent that we saw very different futures. I could not imagine being out there long-term, and he could not imagine being in Ireland. Eventually, we had that conversation, and both of us were sticking to our guns.

"I'd just turned 30 a few months previously, and I was like, 'No, I definitely want to go home'. I suppose it was a big decision because I was coming back to nothing, starting from scratch. I was having to move in with my parents again, I didn't have a job and I'd sold my car, whereas a lot of my friends had settled down, got married at this stage, even had children."

But despite the sluggish economy back in Ireland at the time, Maura was hired as a social media and community manager with a Dublin start-up company - in what is still her day job - and she soon settled into city life.

"When I first moved back, I was living with two girls in Ballsbridge, and they were single as well. So, just for a laugh, we'd all go on Tinder and have the craic, swiping and all the rest of it," Maura says.

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Following a string of disappointing Tinder 'duds', her fateful first date with Sean at a nightspot in Temple Bar went very differently than she had expected.

"I was so disillusioned by that stage that I hadn't worn any make-up into work. I was wearing jeans and runners and I was not dressed up for it at all. I immediately regretted it on seeing him because he was very good-looking," Maura laughs.

"It was at Porterhouse in Temple Bar, which is actually where we got engaged last September. We met that night and got on really well and chatted really easily.

"I was fascinated with his lifestyle and the farming thing, and I think he was fascinated with the fact that I was from Derry first of all, and I'd travelled and spent time in Scotland and the States and away from Ireland. We were both interested in how we had got to where we were.

"I had never really met a young farmer, so I was interested in that side of him as well.

"He was working full-time in banking, so Monday to Friday he was a banker, but his parents are both farmers and at weekends he was working on the family farm. Because he was living in Kildare, he could do the commute to Dublin, Monday to Friday, on a daily basis."

What happened in the months that followed became the raw material for Maura's Falling for a Farmer blog, which then opened the door to more writing.

Her work has since appeared in the Irish Times and on RTE Radio 1's CountryWide.

"I'd never been on a real working farm that people lived on before, so I had all these images in my head of stuff that you'd see on TV like on Emmerdale - rolling green hills, very picturesque and tranquil, all that kind of stuff," Maura says.

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"The first time I was on the farm, he delivered a live calf in front of me, which I was not emotionally or mentally prepared for. I think it was a pretty good test for me, as well as for him, that I didn't just like the idea of a farmer - I was happy enough to go over there and see the workings of a real farm and potentially be a part of things.

"I think probably the only clashes that we had were our ideas of holidays - farmers aren't great at going on holidays or the general notion of time away from the farm, whereas I'd be a big believer in working hard and then getting a lovely, long relaxing holiday and break from work.

"The first time we went on holiday, we ended up bringing a bag of soaking wet clothes because Sean had been doing farm stuff all day and was only putting his load of laundry on to bring stuff on holiday hours before the flight went.

"Our honeymoon is coming up, and I was saying, 'How long should we go away for a honeymoon?'. His response was, 'I think 10 days would be long enough', which isn't exactly the response I was looking for. You want, 'Oh three weeks, for sure - I can't get enough time with you', and all this kind of stuff."

Now poised to embark on a new life as a farmer's wife, Maura still hasn't delivered a calf herself, but she is proud to have "pulled a lamb" (from a ewe).

"I think that was my rite of passage," she says. "The amount of times whenever I've said about going out with a farmer and people have said, 'Have you pulled a lamb yet? You're not a farmer's girlfriend until you've pulled a lamb'. I think I was waiting to be rewarded with a medal or something along those lines.

"When I was younger, I went through a phase of wanting to be a vet, and I think farmers have to be vets as well - I've seen that now - so for me being able to go in there and pull a lamb or help Sean when he is giving medication to a sickly calf is a wee bit of that childhood dream."

The hen weekend in Carlingford is just over, and it's only a few weeks until the wedding in Portstewart, followed by the reception at the Beechill Hotel - so it's a chaotic time to be publishing a debut book.

"I feel like I don't have enough hours in the day at the minute," says Maura.

"I'm still working full-time, so I've used some of my annual leave to finish the book, then obviously the wedding-planning.

"I wouldn't even say it's a balancing act - I'm not balancing it, I'm just trying to shove everything in at the minute.

"But I can't complain. I'm so lucky to be in this situation with a series of things that I've waited my whole life for, and now they're all happening at the same time."

Falling For A Farmer by Maura McElhone is published by Mercier Press, 12.49
The figure works out at 8,639 a head for Irelands population of 4.8 million people

The price of bailing out the banks a decade ago now stands at 41.9bn, according to new figures prepared for the Irish Independent.

The figure works out at 8,639 a head for Ireland's population of 4.8 million people.

With the burden of taxation falling most heavily on about two million workers, the cost to each of them is about twice that.

However, the final figure is likely to be significantly better, says Philip O'Sullivan, the chief economist at specialist bank Investec Ireland, who made the calculation.

Mr O'Sullivan believes it will fall to significantly lower than 30bn as more money is recovered from the bailed out banks.

But the numbers can change suddenly. A sharp drop in AIB's shares last week brought the fall in the value of taxpayers' 71pc stake in the bank to 2bn since the start of the year.

Investec's bailout tally includes the value of direct bank recapitalisations as well as the cost to taxpayers of the funds that were used to finance the bailout.

By including the interest that the State had to pay for funds used to recapitalise the bank, Investec put the real price paid to save the banking sector at 80.6bn - 66.8bn of direct recapitalisations plus a financing cost of 14.8bn.

Subtracting money clawed bank from the banks over the past decade - including selling shares, bank levies and money recouped through the Central Bank - the bill falls to 41.9bn.

That does not take account of the potential recovery - estimated at 14bn - of the value of the State's remaining stakes in banks and the likely dividend from Nama (the National Asset Management Agency) when it is wound up in two years' time.

Mr O'Sullivan said: "In practice, the net cost will be lower as we see the value of the investments in the continuing institutions (banks) growing over the coming years, while Nama is expected to perform better than guided."

The Government could in theory recoup around 10bn immediately by selling off the remaining stakes it holds in AIB, Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB.

Adding the forecast Nama surplus of 3.5bn that would cap the final bank bailout bill at 28bn.

Holding on to bank shares holds out the chance of cutting the bill further.

But in the event of a sharp fall in bank shares - as a result of Brexit or a renewed euro crisis - the shares held by the State could just as easily take a sudden plunge. The State's 71pc stake in AIB highlights how big those swings can be.

Based on Friday's closing share price in Dublin, that stake is valued at 8.5bn.

That is significantly lower than when the rest of the shares in the bank were floated on the stock market in July last year.

Since the start of this year the value of the State's stake in AIB has fallen by 2bn.
The sale of a 1.6m colt by Frankel at Goffs helped pre-tax profits gallop ahead by 8pc at the bloodstock firm to 3.42m in the past year.

The sale of the horse was part of a ring turnover that broke the 40m barrier at the annual Orby Sale at Goffs and formed part of a total ring turnover of 177m in the year to the end of March 2018 as the firm enjoyed a bumper 12 months.

The total ring turnover increased by 3.4pc and Group ceo Henry Beeby, in his report, said that the 177m in ring turnover represents an increase of 119pc this decade.

Chairwoman Eimear Mulhern said that in view of the very satisfactory performance, Goffs is proposing a dividend of 8.5c per share and this is to be approved at the Goffs AGM on October 19 next.

The planned payout follows a dividend payout of 499,000 in 2017.

In her report, Ms Mulhern stated: "Brexit is of course a major worry to our business.

"We are working closely with industry bodies to identify the potential risk and measures which may help to soften its impact."

Net revenues at Robert J Goff & Co plc last year increased marginally going from 17.2m to 17.45m.

Pay to directors last year totalled 1.2m and that included 118,600 in pension payments.

Numbers employed by Goffs last year increased to 90, while staff costs increased from 4.89m to 5m. Shareholder funds totalled 30m.
It is one of those much- feted sunny days in the south-east and there's a gentle, ambling, holiday quality to the mood on the streets of Waterford.

Jazz from the Forties wafts from a cafe in the elegant Georgian building that once housed the old Port of Waterford Company, with one of the decorative internal doors still displaying its former designation as the Ballast and Pilot Offices.

A gaggle of tourists drift by on a walking tour of Ireland's oldest city.

With the revitalisation of the Viking Triangle and the proliferation of scaffolding on buildings, it appears that Waterford is in the midst of a rebirth. But it is a slow process.

The body shock of the demise of Waterford Crystal in January 2009 can still be felt, with the loss of 1,000 jobs.

TalkTalk moved its call centre operations out of the area in 2011, with the loss of 575 jobs, while in 2007, the closure of French pharmaceutical company Sanofi Aventis cost 200 local jobs.

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By 2011, Waterford was suffering the worst rate of unemployment in the whole country.

"Waterford entered recession five years before the Celtic Tiger and there was no transition to a knowledge economy," explains Dr Ray Griffin, lecturer in strategic management at Waterford Institute of Technology.

Generally speaking, the city has a lower level of education because the children of the highly skilled glass workers would have expected to follow their parents into the trade.

Now, some 500,000 young people from the south-east region are currently at third level - but at a cost, Dr Griffin reveals.

With young people gone off to college in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick, so too goes a large proportion of the family's disposable income.

It costs an estimated 13,000 to send a student away to college each year.

"That's 13,000 that isn't available to be spent in the local area," Dr Griffin points out.

He adds that the key cornerstone for Waterford to reverse its fortunes is for a university to be established in the region, to attract investment and employers.

"The city is losing half its Leaving Cert cohort every year. These people largely do not return," he said.

But amongst the gloom, there are bright spots for Waterford. It is clear that whatever happens, tourism will be crucial.

Richard Hurley, manager of the historic Granville Hotel on the Quays, reveals that when the recession first hit, he had to think of survival.

"In 2009 you didn't know where this was going, we didn't know where the bottom was," he said.

The hotel upped its standards and began to make its own home-baked blaas and scones, its own jam and marmalade and even its own gin.

It was intended as a selling point - but it saw them scoop major awards. And, crucially, the hotel did not have to lose a single member of staff during the recession.

Brexit is an unknown - but Mr Hurley is hopeful that they will continue to adapt and to survive.

Brendan Halligan, of Children's Group Link, which works with disadvantaged youngsters in Waterford, said the knock-on effects of job losses have had a clear impact.

"We see kids who aren't getting proper clothes, kids who aren't getting breakfast and young people who aren't getting the encouragement they need to grow and develop," he said.

They are looking for more funding to help young people develop their "soft skills" to give them the confidence to express themselves so that they can engage with society.

But Mr Halligan warns that there is no easy fix in reversing the fortunes of Waterford, pointing out that a university will not help those young people who are not suited to college.

He argues that the sudden closures of large industries down the years has created a legacy that they are trying to get away from.

"A bit of a cloud" still lingers around Waterford because of how poorly some companies handled industrial relations in the past, Mr Halligan says.

He added: "I've heard anecdotally that some are uncomfortable at the idea of coming to Waterford because of that - but huge strides are being made to change that reputation."

For Ann McCarthy, from Dunhill, Co Waterford, the biggest issue with life in the city is the lack of adequate health care for her son, Joshua (11).

He has a rare condition that affects his speech and mobility and he has to travel to Dublin to attend the children's hospital in Crumlin.

"We have to fight for everything," she says, explaining that she only gets extra assistance during school term time.

There was also a long time when Joshua did not have a speech therapist.

"You're watching your child deteriorate. I'm telling every politician who comes to my door," she says.
RABAT - The international film festival in Marrakech kicking off November 30 through December 8 will pay homage to Robert De Niro.

The 17th edition of the event, which is held after a one-year pause, will be chaired by US director James Gray, whose Ad Astra film with Brad Pitt will be released at the beginning of 2019.

De Niro, one of the founders of the Tribeca Film Festival, is also a producer and director, as well as an award-winning actor.

His most important movies will be screened in Marrakech.

The actor said in a statement that, although he has visited the city several times, he expects to get to know it better, thanking the festival for the invite and saying he will be very happy to participate.
Expansion: Workers assemble a BMW i3 electric car on the assembly line at the BMW factory in Leipzig, Germany. Photo: Getty

BMW has announced a 37m investment across its retail operations in Ireland, creating 120 jobs over the course of an 18-month period.

The investment coincides with the expansion, in Ireland, of BMW i, the electric vehicle sub-brand of BMW. Paulo Alves, managing director of BMW Group Ireland, said the expansion of BMW i operations and the significant financial investments by its Irish retail network is a clear commitment to meet the future demands of its Irish customers.

"It means that we are well positioned to capitalise on our ground-breaking efforts to transform individual mobility in line with BMW Group's overall global strategy 'Number One > Next'," said Mr Alves.
We already know Ireland has the fourth-highest electricity prices in Europe. If that wasn't bad enough, they're about to go up again, just in time for a chilly autumn.

This is an entirely deregulated market. There are 12 suppliers, all fighting for the same customers, so you'd naturally imagine we'd be more ferocious at taking our business elsewhere, especially since average costs are around 850 a year.

However, only 14pc of people switched energy provider last year, and only one third of us bother reading our bills in detail. Fifteen per cent never even open them, according to research from One Big Switch, which campaigns for lower prices.

This week I'm looking at why this market is overcharging customers and what we can do about it. Let's bust some myths.

It's too much hassle

Probably the most common reason we don't shop around. Will I be cut off? Does someone have to access my house? Will it take long? The answer to all three is no. Switching electricity supplier takes a phone call and a piece of paper.

It's not really worth it

It is. Switching over the past four years would have saved the average household 1,146 on electricity alone.

The biggest problem is that even when you switch, most special offers or discounts last only the first year; after that, you're automatically returned to the standard tariff, which naturally is usually the highest one.

I have to switch my gas to make it worthwhile

No, you don't. While urban customers may definitely save on a dual fuel bundle, there's no guarantee of it. Price checking both on an independent comparison site like Bonkers.ie or Switcher.ie will show whether your house is going to benefit.

I don't even know how to read my bill

There are several elements to understand, but once you do, comparisons are easier.

Unit rate: The actual rate you pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity you use. It depends on which tariff you're on, and discounts are offered based on this, not on the entire bill.

Consumption/usage: The amount of kWh units you used during the billing period. An 'E' indicates it's estimated, so it's worth getting an actual reading ('A' is for actual).

You need to read this off, because companies rarely send out meter readers these days and you may have been overpaying for years.

Standing charge: This is a per-day charge for providing and maintaining the supply of electricity. It depends on your meter and tariff type - Urban, Rural, NightSaver - and varies by supplier. It's a fixed cost no matter how much electricity you use.

PSO levy: The Public Service Obligation levy is a government charge to cover the additional costs associated with producing sustainable and renewable energy in Ireland. This is halving now, which is great for customers.

VAT: When all of the above charges are added up, 13.5pc VAT is then charged on top of the total.

It's so hard to monitor usage, I have no idea what I'm using

That's true, but there are lots of free ways to cut costs.

For instance, simply opting for paperless online billing and paying by direct debit could trim up to 10pc off your bill.

Using old-fashioned draught excluders at doors, shutting off radiators in unused rooms and using a modern electric bar heater instead of switching on the heating at all is far cheaper.

On appliances, 90pc of the cost of electricity goes in heating water, so switch your washing machine to a 30 degree wash, and boil only as much as you need in the kettle.

Obviously, switching off lights you don't need is important, but did you know that switching off electricity at the plug point saves a fortune too?

Don't let unused gadgets and devices lie in sleep mode - switch them off.

How can I control my energy use better?

There are excellent gadgets available now that are controlled by app on your phone, to switch on/off heating and water controls. Hive is available from Bord Gais (299); there's Electric Ireland's Nest (130) or Climote (90); and Netatmo, available on offer from Energia at the moment (normally 249), is free if you sign up to OneBigSwitch.ie and online billing and your house is suitable for it (you'll need wifi and a pre-2006 build).

These are all about the size of a box of cigarettes and allow you full control over turning on/off your heating and water, scheduling it and monitoring kilowatt usage.

I find it fantastic. It will pay for itself in a year with the savings you make on controlling remotely.
It came as a shock to self-employed driving school operator Jay Sukhdeo when he was turned down by the banks for a mortgage.

He only needed to borrow 100,000 to buy a new 480,000 home.

This was because the South African had built up healthy savings in the 18 years he has been living here. But the banks said no.

Luckily for him his local credit union, Heritage in south Dublin, came to the rescue.

He is the first credit union member in the country to be granted a mortgage under a new standardised offering being rolled out across the State by the Irish League of Credit Unions.

The new mortgage has been developed with approval from the Central Bank. The product has been two years in the making and is set to shake up the mortgage market.

Mr Sukhdeo and his wife Ashmin have three children - Ashmika (26), Anamika (24) and Aaryan (14).

He moved to Ireland 18 years ago and the family have been renting until now. He was taken aback to be refused a mortgage from the banks.

"I had been trying with the banks," he said. "I was never in the red. I had a lot of savings but it was no help whatsoever.

"I was told that being self-employed meant I did not meet the criteria."

He appealed to Heritage, where he has been a member for 10 years. It is based in Templeogue, Rathfarnham and Walkinstown and has 37,000 members.

His application was rejected initially, but the lender worked with him and was prepared to accept the rental payments of 500 a month from his live-at-home daughter as part of his income assessment.

The Sukhdeo family is due to move into a new house soon, and the mortgage payments are set to be half of the monthly rental payments of 1,600.

"Hopefully many others will now get a mortgage from a credit unions like me," he said.

Shake-up

The credit union mortgage comes as speculation mounts that An Post could link up with Spanish banking giant Bankinter to offer mortgages.

Bankinter has just bought Leitrim-based credit card provider AvanCard. The card provider already has an agreement with An Post to offer credit cards and loans from early next year.

An Post is seeking a banking partner in a bid to offer mortgages that undercut competitors by 1pc, which would save homeowners with a 250,000 mortgage, paying a 4.3pc variable rate, 250 a month.

And a third lender is planning to enter the market by the end of this year.

Finance Ireland, headed by former Permanent TSB executive Billy Kane, expects to launch mortgages and distribute them through brokers. It will offer the loans to first-time buyers, movers and switchers.

However, it is not expected to undercut the existing banks but offer rates at the mid-point between the highest and lowest on offer in the market.

Now the credit unions have successfully completed a pilot study of their new home loan, hundreds of people could be borrowing from them by this time next year.

The new CUhome mortgage has been standardised with the tacit approval from the Central Bank, the Irish Independent has learned.

Some 160 are expected to be issued by next April, with the number doubling each year.

Around 100 credit unions already offer some mortgages on an ad hoc basis, but a recent probe by the Central Bank found a litany of failings in how they offer them.

In response, the Irish League of Credit Unions set up a new centralised unit to provide a high standard product with the aim of overcoming the shortcomings.

Global financial services firm Link ASI has been engaged to provide underwriting, legal services, software and credit assessments to bolster the mortgage offering from the local lenders.

But the final decisions on home-loan applications will be made by the credit union.

Arrears will be handled by Link ASI, and the league members have signed up to the Central Bank's Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears.

Asked if credit unions were outsourcing the thorny problem of dealing with mortgage arrears, chief executive of the Irish League of Credit Unions Ed Farrell said: "If and when a credit union gets there, it has to be done right but it will be done in consultation with the credit union."

The average interest rate on the mortgages will be a variable 4pc, which is considered high compared with some of the rates in the market.

Project manager for the league's mortgage Ciaran Mahon defended the rate, saying it compared favourably with the variables offered by Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB.

"We are not expensive compared with Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB," he said. "We are pricey compared with AIB's 3.2pc variable, that is true, but we are not setting out to be the cheapest."

Demand

Credit unions are reporting huge pent-up demand for mortgages. Current rules mean credit unions can only issue 10pc of their individual loan books in long-term lending, such as mortgages.

Mr Mahon said even with the lending limit, credit unions have around 270m to lend. This could mean around 2,700 smaller mortgages.

The Central Bank is due to begin a consultation process on lifting the lending cap, which could be finalised by next year.

Nine credit unions are already offering the new mortgage product, including those in Westport, Birr, Mullingar, Douglas and the St Paul's Garda, and the St Joseph's Irish Airports credit unions.

Five more lenders have signed up, and it is hoped 60 credit unions will offer the loans in the next year or two.
Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk have both had weeks they would rather forget. At face value, their current travails have little in common. Zuckerberg, Facebook's chief executive, spent much of last week dealing with the fall-out of the company's past acquisitions.

Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, the heads of Instagram, quit amid hidden tensions with Zuckerberg about the photo-sharing app's direction. Zuckerberg had been throwing his weight around at Instagram more than usual recently, after leaving it largely independent since he paid $1bn for it six years ago. Eventually, he pushed Systrom and Krieger too far.

Shortly after, WhatsApp's co-founder Brian Acton twisted the knife. In an explosive interview, he revealed how relationships between Zuckerberg and the messaging app's founders, Acton and Jan Koum, who sold WhatsApp for $19bn (16.3bn) in 2014, soured over Facebook's ownership until both left.

As for Musk, the saga over the Tesla boss's doomed attempt to take the company private culminated last week when America's financial regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), sued Musk for fraud.

On Saturday, two days after the SEC lawsuit, Musk settled with the regulator, agreeing to pay a $20m fine and step down as chairman. It was hardly what Musk anticipated two months ago when he sent the fateful tweet claiming he had "funding secured" for a buyout of his carmaker.

Given the possible punishments at stake - Musk being barred from running Tesla or worse - the outcome will be a relief for investors.

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Tesla's chief executive can easily pay the fine and the other condition - separating the roles of chief executive and chairman - is one of the first rules of good corporate governance.

What connects the troubles of Zuckerberg and Musk? Simple: the two share a desire for almost total control. Zuckerberg, despite a folksy public persona, is a ruthless tactician, practised at eliminating potential threats.

However, the same tactics play out within Facebook. Zuckerberg carefully curates a network of allies with unwavering loyalty and promotes them into key positions. Those who do not buy into the mission, as Acton clearly did not, and as Systrom and Krieger may never have done either, are edged out.

Musk, too, has centralised power. Tesla's board includes his brother Kimbal and other directors have ties to his other company, SpaceX. He has dismissed calls for more independence, once telling an investor group to buy shares in Ford if they didn't like it.

The problem is, in both Zuckerberg's and Musk's cases, their dictatorial control no longer seems to be working out for them. Facebook is beset by problems (the cyber-attack that allowed hackers to access 50 million accounts, revealed last Friday, is just one).

In Tesla's case, it's not hard to see how a more assertive board would have improved things during the recent buyout debacle.

Figureheads like Musk and Zuckerberg are lionised in Silicon Valley. Their recent problems suggests that they have let too much of that go to their head. ( Daily Telegraph, London)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudea described it as "a good day for Canada"

The United States and Canada forged a last-gasp deal on Sunday to salvage NAFTA as a trilateral pact with Mexico, rescuing a three-country, $1.2 trillion open-trade zone that had been about to collapse after nearly a quarter century.

In a joint statement, the two nations said the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) would "result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region".

Negotiators worked frantically ahead of a midnight ET (04:00 GMT) US imposed deadline to settle differences, with both sides making concessions to seal the deal.

"It's a good day for Canada," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters after a late-night cabinet meeting to discuss the agreement, which triggered a jump in global financial markets.

President Donald Trump, who blamed NAFTA for the exodus of manufacturing jobs to low-wage Mexico, had threatened to walk away from NAFTA unless major changes were made.

"It's a great win for the president and a validation for his strategy in the area of international trade," a senior administration official told reporters.

Trump has approved the deal with Canada, a source familiar with the decision said.

US officials intend to sign the agreement with Canada and Mexico at the end of November, after which it would be submitted to the US Congress for approval, a senior US official said.

The deal will preserve a trade dispute settlement mechanism that Canada fought hard to maintain to protect its lumber industry and other sectors from US anti-dumping tariffs, Canadian sources said.

But it came at a cost.

Canada has agreed to provide US dairy farmers access to about 3.5pc of its approximately $16bn annual domestic dairy market. Canadian sources said the Canadian government was prepared to offer compensation to dairy farmers hurt by the deal.

Canada also agreed to a quota of 2.6 million vehicles exported to the United States in the event that Trump imposes 25pc global autos tariffs on national security grounds.

The quota would allow for significant growth in tariff-free automotive exports from Canada above current production levels of about two million units, safeguarding Canadian plants.

But the deal failed to resolve US tariffs on Canada's steel and aluminum exports.

The Trump administration had threatened to proceed with a Mexico-only trade pact as US talks with Canada foundered.

"It's a good night for Mexico, and for North America," Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray said.

The news delighted financial markets that had fretted for months about the potential economic damage if NAFTA blew up.

US stock index futures also rose, with S&P 500 Index e-mini futures rising by more than 0.5pc, suggesting the benchmark index would open near a record on Monday.

The Canadian dollar surged to its highest since May against the US dollar, gaining around 0.5pc from Friday's close. The Mexican peso gained 0.8pc to its highest against the greenback since early August.

"Though markets were already anticipating an agreement, one source of worry will be swept away if a deal is made," Yukio Ishizuki, senior currency strategist at Daiwa Securities in Tokyo, said.

"That will lead to a rise in trust in the US economy, so it's easy for risk sentiment to improve."

Orrin Hatch, the Republican chair of the Senate Finance Committee, said he was pleased by the news.

"I look forward to reviewing this deal to confirm it meets the high standards of Trade Promotion Authority," he said in a statement.
Turmoil: Tesla founder Elon Musk, whose company has been ordered to control his communications in the future. Photo: Getty

Elon Musk is to step down as chairman of electric car maker Tesla after his false tweets over the company's future caused turmoil on the markets.

Mr Musk and Tesla Inc have also agreed to pay $20m each to financial regulators.

He will stay on as chief executive of the company.

The agreement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission will come as a relief to investors, who had feared a lengthy legal fight.

The row began in August when Musk (47) tweeted that he was considering taking Tesla private at $420 a share and had secured funding. The tweets had no basis in fact, and the ensuring market chaos hurt investors, the SEC said.

The settlement should place more oversight on Musk as required by the SEC while not taking the "devastating" measure of forcing him out, industry insiders said last night.
Anne McNeill was out socialising with friends before her death. Stock Image: Getty

A 60-year-old woman suffered lethal brain damage after she ended up in an awkward position under the influence of alcohol.

Anne McNeill of Walkinstown, Dublin 12 went out socialising with friends on Saturday January 7 2017. She was seen returning home later and was described as unsteady on her feet.

She was found dead by her brother in a downstairs sitting room the following morning. Her brother described finding her in an awkward position that looked like she was crouching or kneeling against the couch.

Dublin Coroners Court heard that while the womans level of alcohol was high, it was not at a toxic level. Pathologist Professor Eamon Leen said the woman suffered a lack of oxygen to the brain due to compression of the blood vessels of the neck.

Deputy Coroner Dr Crona Gallagher described this as an unfortunate and unexpected outcome.

Professor Leen gave the cause of death as hypoxia due to positional compression of the blood vessels with alcohol intoxication as a contributory factor. Prof Leen said the bodys natural reflexes would have woken the woman had she not been under the influence of alcohol.

You cant really survive for more than five to ten minutes with prolonged compression of the arteries of the neck, Professor Leen said.

If you were not intoxicated your own reflexes within your body would wake you up before you got to this point...the alcohol would not have caused the death on its own, Prof Leen said.

The inquest heard from the womans brother Martin McNeill who said she was in good general health.

The last time I saw her she was getting ready to go out with friends, he said. He left the house himself around 6pm. He found his sister not moving or breathing in a downstairs room the next day.

Coroner Dr Crona Gallagher returned a verdict of misadventure.

This was an unfortunate and tragic accident. She was socialising, she drank the alcohol but not with any intent to hurt herself. She was very unfortunate that she ended up in that position, the coroner said.
Fran Fennell's 50,000 fortune was seized by police in New Zealand

POLICE in New Zealand have frozen the bank account of a Dublin man with links to the Kinahan cartel.

A court heard allegations that Fran Fennell had used a network of Irish backpackers to smuggle cocaine.

Socialite Fennell, who gardai suspect operated as a cocaine dealer to the stars in Dublin, was named in New Zealands High Court this month as the organiser of a global drugs ring.

The court heard that he arranged for Irish mules to bodypack 300 or 400 grammes of cocaine and fly into New Zealand and Australia.

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A gram of cocaine costs $360, the equivalent of 205 in New Zealand  the highest price in the world, according to a 2018 global survey.

Fennell, who is originally from Ballymun, is also under investigation at home for money laundering and drug offences.

Asset Recovery Unit boss, Detective Senior Sergeant Stu McGowan, told the New Zealand Herald that police were tipped off about Fennell by Customs.

He flew out here for less than a week, opened the bank account and then disappeared, he said.

Our belief was that Irish backpackers were bringing out cocaine for him, body-packing 300 or 400 grammes at a time. It would get dropped off to an associate Fennell had on the ground running things who would deposit cash into his bank account.

Fennell was relieved of 50,000 of his alleged drug fortune by New Zealand authorities after the court ruled he used human couriers to supply coke and ecstasy to Kiwis and Australians.

A proceeds of crime case heard almost Aus$250,000 (155,000) was shifted by Fennell using banks, Western Union and couriers over a six month period in 2014.

A massive $72,000 (circa 50,000) was in a bank account in his name when authorities froze the assets following a tip-off from gardai.

SMUGGLING

The money was forfeited last week when Justice Gerald Nation said he was satisfied Fennell had benefited from significant criminal activity and that police had proved he controlled the smuggling ring.

Gardai believe Fennell ran a network of human couriers and transported millions in cocaine from Ireland to Australia, using models, executives and even a fireman, who carried the drugs internally across the globe before handing them over to Fennells Australian associates.

Officers in the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau arrested Fennell and another 20 people who were believed to be part of his network over the past year.

They are completing a file for the DPP at the moment and it is hoped he will be charged in relation to laundering an estimated 1m in the global racket.

New Zealand police seized the bank account which had been used to transfer just some of the money Fennell allegedly made from his drug dealing enterprise, which used the Kinahan cartels product.

The High Court there gave orders against the account of Francis Gary Fennell which formed part of a two-year inquiry into his operation.

Fennell travelled the world spending his money.

He racked up $230,000 in a short space of time in New Zealand, doing the same thing in Australia too, according to McGowan.

He used those funds to live the high life.

The New Zealand account was frozen in February 2016 at the beginning of a two-year investigation led by gardai..

RADAR

He was on their radar. They were quite keen on the evidence we had on the money laundering side of things.

We worked with the Australian authorities too, as Fennell had people on the ground there, said McGowan.

Fennell is a regular on the Dublin social scene, where he mixes in pubs and clubs around Grafton Street.

Yet last January he was arrested and quizzed about his role in the human courier network.

Fennell was in a penthouse apartment at Premier Square in Finglas when he was busted by officers.

But it is believed that he moved between a number of luxury properties in the city while he was living here.

He enjoyed luxurious sun holidays to Australia, Dubai, Cuba, Holland, the Philippines, South Africa, Spain, Ibiza and even Colombia during his travels, which were funded by the profits of his lucrative venture, which was backed by the Kinahan cartel.

With cocaine in Australia and New Zealand fetching a higher price than in Europe and is a growing market for Human couriers used in the Ireland to Australia and New Zealand smuggling network were believed to have been paid with a holiday Down Under, a few thousand euro or with cocaine.

In September 2014, Dubliner Ian OHeaire took ill on a flight from Dubai to Australia and was treated on the runway of Perth International Airport by medics who discovered his abdomen was filled with 27 balloons of cocaine.

His cargo was valued at 20,000 and he wound up During 2016, the arrests of a number of Irish people who were suspected of drug dealing, coupled with the movement of large amounts of money through accounts, raised suspicions further. All claimed to be on backpacking holidays.

Fennell was friends with murdered crime lord Eamon The Don Dunne and his business partner Brian OReilly.
ROME - Catalan separatists are staging demonstrations, marches and road blocks to mark the anniversary of the separatist referendum which was not recognized by Madrid.

In Girona, the website of La Vanguardia reports, some militants broke into the local headquarters of the Generalitat, the institution at the helm of Catalonia recognized by Madrid, with the intention of ripping the Spanish flag. Demonstrations are also ongoing in Barcelona.

Protests were organized across Catalonia early this morning: separatists summoned through social networks by the Committees for the defense of the republic (Cdr) blocked the main roads, highways and railways of the north-east.

The most significant disruption was registered in Girona, north of Barcelona, where hundreds of activists occupied high-speed tracks while local police tried to block access to the station.

Road blocks affected the AP-7 highway, the main road with the French border and central roads of Leida and Barcelona, where a large demonstration has been called by the president of the Generalitat, Quim Torra, starting at 6:30 pm today with several official events planned before.

At 10 pm on Monday, university students organizing the ''cacerolada'' to demand the release for politicians who are still detained.

The demonstration is ongoing: the Cdr kick started at 7 am 'surprise actions' across the capital in Catalunya square, the Mercado di Santa Caterina and plaza Letamendi. Thousands of students are peacefully demonstrating across Barcelona with a march starting at the Jardinets de Gracia at midday.

Quim Torra and the rest of the Catalan government were at around 9 am in Sant Julia de Ramis, where police intervened a year ago, to forcibly prevent citizens from voting. It was the polling station where Puidgemont was supposed to cast his ballot, although he voted elsewhere. Demonstrators today showed a banner there reading: ''We won't forget, we won't forgive''.
A woman who found a silver locket in a charity shop dress is looking to reunite it with its owner

A woman who found a silver locket in the pocket of a charity shop dress is looking to reunite it with its owner.

Fiona Leahy (24) purchased the dress in Oxfam on South George Street, Dublin for 10 when it caught her eye but was surprised when she got home to find a silver locket in the pocket of the dress with a photo of a young boy inside.

"I am a kind of charity shop serial shopper," Fiona told Independent.ie.

"Im always vintage clothes shopping and trying to find new pieces from different eras and what caught my eye about this dress was the material of it. It was woven in Scotland and its called a viyella.

"Its from a certain era you wouldnt see it so much now, I think its a 1970s dress.

"I didnt realise what was in the pocket until I tried it on at home and then I found the locket."

Hey #Dublin: I bought this vintage dress from the Oxfam on Aungier Street. Once I got home, I found a precious locket in the pocket. Im sure someone is missing this. If you recognize, Id love to find the owner! #Ireland pic.twitter.com/oSZiZzO1tH  Fiona Leahy (@hellofionaleahy) September 27, 2018

Fiona posted a photo online of both the dress and the locket and although she has had some famous retweeters like Laura Whitmore and Jenny Gibney, she is yet to learn any information as to the owner of what she presumes is a sentimental object.

"I havent had any leads on somebody that would own it," she said.

"People are just suggesting where I should post it or who to get involved but I havent had anybody that recognised it.

"It seems like it was probably owned by an elderly lady because it is an outdated dress so I think it would be an elderly Irish lady."

While Fiona feels that the locket is probably not valuable she said that it has a vintage appeal to it and she is desperate to find its owner, who may think the piece of jewellery precious.

And although the dress is "terribly huge", she's not ready to part with it.

"Its silver the front of it has some kind of design on it," she said of the locket.

"The inside is tarnished silver. It looks very old; the picture in it is colourised though. I feel like if it was fake silver it would tarnishing green that would be my experience but it looks oxidised.

"I genuinely would like to find the owner. They can keep the locket but I want to keep the dress. Thats the deal."

When Fiona, who only moved to Ireland from LA in April, was 10 years old she managed to reunite a high school ring with its owner so she is confident that the same can be achieved with the silver locket.

If you have any information about the owner of the locket please contact Fiona on her Twitter @hellofionaleahy
The pups are now in the care of the DSPCA

Revenue officers seized four puppies at Dublin Port this afternoon.

The dogs had no pet passports and no microchips.

Two UK nationals who were travelling to Holyhead with the pups were questioned by officers.

The four male puppies, one dachshund, one chihuahua and two pomeranian were transferred into the care of the DSPCA, where they are receiving veterinary attention.

A follow-up investigation is now underway.
Teenager Shauntelle Tynan told her siblings that the public raised more than 700k for her cancer-treatment

AN inspirational young Irish woman who underwent "last chance" cancer treatment in the US has revealed that she is preparing to come home to Ireland in the coming weeks.

Shauntelle Tynan (20) raised more than 700,000 for the pioneering treatment and finally got to celebrate being cancer free this week.

After being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Histiocytosis X, in 2015, she moved with her family from their home in Carlow to Houston, Texas so she could receive specialist treatment.

She said last month that she was officially cancer free and on Friday she got to ring the ceremonial hospital bell to mark being cancer free.

Ms Tynan said in an emotional video she shared on YouTube: "Ringing the bell is basically the biggest thing you can do on your cancer journey, it signifies the end of your cancer journey because you're either done treatment or cancer free.

"It's an amazing moment, there were so many times when I would be having chemo, having the worst time, and I would see all of these kids ringing the bell.

"It's such a huge thing to watch so many kids get to do and you're always happy for them but you're always wishing it was you, I never thought I would get to ring the bell."

Ms Tynan said that the countdown is now on to when she can fly home to Ireland.

She wrote on her Facebook page: "Only 3 more weeks and we will be landing on Irish soil and cant wait to be home as a family and see you all."

She revealed that her great-grandmother passed away last week and she was devastated to miss her funeral.

Expand Close Shauntelle Tynan with her family in Texas / Facebook

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"It's so exciting, everything just seems amazing, you must be thinking I'm over the moon but we're actually grieving right now.

"I'm trying to stay upbeat for the video but the last few days have been incredibly hard.

"Basically a few days ago my great-nanny passed away and we weren't expecting to lose her...

"The morning before she passed away we were talking to her and she was so unbelievably happy that I was at this level of health.

"We truly do believe that she saw me at this level of health and thought it was her time.

"She wanted me to ring the bell, she was so happy for me so I'm going to do it for her," she said.

This comes after she said in a post on Facebook in August that she was told she is cancer free.

The inspirational woman said in an emotional post: "We are so lost for words right now but wanted you all to know that my journey of active cancer has come to a close and we hope it remains that way!

"The future obstacles I will face will be worth everything I've been through. Now I truly have a chance at life and will keep you all updated to how I grow in the future.

"Next stop is ringing that bell I've watched so many kids ring when they got to cancer free, something we never thought I'd do!

"I'm sure you're all going to hear it from Ireland, I'll keep you all updated over the next few weeks with everything going on, but for now, I will finish this post here and also include a short video below of this long journey."

Last year Shauntelle told her online followers that she had been advised that her prognosis wasn't good unless she underwent the treatment in the US.

She explained: "Recently we have learned that were going to have to move to Texas for at least a year, thats me on my own, thats not my family, thats me.

"Thats because the cancer has just gotten so out of control. When it started off I had cancer in my ears, my skin and my pituitary in my brain. Now its all throughout my gastrointestinal area. Its in my colon, its in my skin its in my stomach. Its given me really bad side effects. The doctors in Texas have told me if I dont come for at least 12 months then they dont have a great chance of helping me survive.

"Thats because the cancer has just gotten so out of control. When it started off I had cancer in my ears, my skin and my pituitary in my brain. Now its all throughout my gastrointestinal area. Its in my colon, its in my skin its in my stomach. Its given me really bad side effects.

"The doctors in Texas have told me if I dont come for at least 12 months then they dont have a great chance of helping me survive."
Residents in a north Dublin housing estate have been asked to leave their homes as the Armys bomb squad deal are dealing with an incident.

Residents in Yellow Road, Whitehall were asked to leave their homes shortly after 10pm after gardai were called to the area.

Members of the Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit have since been alerted and requested to the scene.

A number of garda units are at the scene and a garda spokesman confirmed that the road is currently closed.
Never underestimate the power of a man with a yoga mat. While the other Presidential candidates have been busy running around Ireland chasing precious votes, Michael D Higgins is not letting himself get out of shape.

The President launched his campaign for a second term in recent days with the revelation that he has a Yogi - and it's got the country talking.

So, who is the man helping the President to unwind? Step forward Michael Ryan. The dashing 44-year-old instructor has been drafted in to hold one-on-one weekly sessions in Aras an Uachtarain.

Mr Ryan is an internationally accredited teacher who has studied with some of the world's leading yogi and was voted Dublin's Best Yoga Teacher by Hot Press magazine. His classes have been described as "a slow-flowing deep journey" into a place of greater ease and presence.

And although critics have been working themselves into knots over the President's age - the yoga instructor says people need to take a chill pill. In fact, he says his 77-year-old student has never been more agile.

"His body is opening up much, much more and he is far more supple than when we first met," Mr Ryan told the Sunday Independent.

Expand Close body and soul: Internationally accredited instructor Michael Ryan is keeping President Higgins in shape. Photo: Fergal Philips / Facebook

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Far from being a publicity stunt, Mr Ryan revealed that the pair have been working together for almost a decade: "We have been working together for nine years now, since just before the beginning of his original candidacy. We usually practice once a week, usually in the Aras. It all depends on his schedule."

So is it a bit strange seeing the President in yoga pants?

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"It is quite surreal, but once you get past the gate and the guard and we are in that space together, it is also very normal. There are no airs or graces to either of them. Sabina is sometimes by the fire with the dogs. She has joined us on a few occasions but we usually do one-on-one sessions," Mr Ryan explains.

"We do a lot of slow and steady movements and a lot of our work focuses on breathing through the movements. We also usually do a few standing poses, back poses and a lot of twists and positions that uncoil the spine. We target the areas of joint mobility and his back and his core."

He adds: "At the age he is - he is incredible. Particularly being a man, because a lot of men tend to get tighter and tighter as they get older, but Michael is opening up more and more all the time and becoming more and more supple."

The President has even proved to be a model student: "Since he had the operation on his knee, it is almost like he is getting younger. He has developed far more mobility than when we first met and it's all from our regular practice together. Our sessions last for an hour and then I leave him homework, which he does himself every day."

Asked what level of skill the President demonstrates, it sounds like the Irish Commander-in-Chief is even more lithe than the average 21 year old: "We do a lot of squatting work. He can do the downward dog, he can do the chair pose and the tree pose," says Mr Ryan. However, he says that the holy grail of positions, which all yoga students strive for - the 'lotus' position - "wouldn't be advisable following his knee operation".

And rather than just simply limbering up, the Yogi and student sometimes take time out to talk about the problems of existence and the meaning of life.

"We talk philosophy a lot and he knows a lot about the human condition. He was telling me recently about what it means to find a sense of home inside ourselves. At the end of the day, we are all trying to find that.

"He is a genuinely remarkable man. He is a beautiful mix of head and heart and there is a great wisdom and compassion there. I think in the Celtic Tiger years we all lost our way a bit but Michael is the beacon of what it means to be the very best of what an Irish person can be. He makes us keep in mind that idea that we are from the land of saints and scholars. He reminds us of our souls."

He adds: "Michael's mind is symbolic of that more sensitive aspect of ourselves. His presidency is such a gift to us. He reminds us about what it is to be a human being, to feel safe in our own bodies and part of a community."

On the President's decision to make their weekly sessions public, he says: "It is very private, so it is his choice but I am delighted he did. In a sense, it is a very intimate space that we are in together. It is a space for him to reboot and de-stress and to breathe and meditate - and that is an area where he shines."

Far from being the most enlightened member of the family, the President is lagging behind his wife. Sabina, herself, has been practicing yoga for over 40 years, since before the pair married.

Meanwhile, Mr Ryan, who holds twice weekly classes in Glasthule, as well as private sessions and retreats, says the nation can get on board if they want to stay as young as their leader. "As we get older, the body builds up toxins. Yoga is a way of alkalizing the body. It gives us the boost needed to stay young."
President Michael D Higgins will continue to carry out presidential duties for the next two-and-a-half weeks, a spokesman has confirmed to the Irish Independent.

The outgoing head of State has already annoyed some of his five opponents over this because they fear he is gaining an unfair advantage.

But Brendan Harbour of President Higgins's campaign office said a number of these duties had been pre-arranged months ago.

He added that the closer it got to the presidential poll on October 26, the fewer engagements Mr Higgins would undertake.

This meant the President would have to juggle his campaign for re-election while also acting as head of State until at least October 17.

Mr Harbour acknowledged it would be a "delicate balance" between presidential duties and campaigning for the election.

Expand Close Gavin Duffy and his wife Orlaith Carmody with Rita ODea at the Ballinasloe horse fair. Photo: Hany Marzouk / Facebook

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Whatsapp Gavin Duffy and his wife Orlaith Carmody with Rita ODea at the Ballinasloe horse fair. Photo: Hany Marzouk

On the issue of President Higgins's 19,000-a-year pension from NUI Galway - which he has continued to draw down while in office - Mr Harbour said that "a substantial sum had been saved by the Exchequer over the years" because since taking office in 2011, Mr Higgins had not taken the TD and ministerial pensions to which he is entitled.

Pension

The college pension, he said, was built up as part of an occupational pension scheme for employees when he was a lecturer in sociology and politics at the college.

Separately, the head of communications at Aras an Uachtarain, Hans Zomer, has dismissed reports the discretionary allowance was used to top up the President's advisers' pay. "Definitely not," he told the Irish Independent.

Expand Close Sean Gallagher with his wife Trish and children Lucy (2) and Bobby (5) at the Pregnancy and Baby Fair at the RDS. Photo: Collins / Facebook

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Whatsapp Sean Gallagher with his wife Trish and children Lucy (2) and Bobby (5) at the Pregnancy and Baby Fair at the RDS. Photo: Collins

Last week, it emerged at the Public Accounts Committee that President Higgins had access to an annual allowance of 317,000 on top of his yearly six-figure salary.

The Comptroller and Auditor General Seamus McCarthy told the committee the allowance was not audited or taxed.

Mr Harbour said all salaries of staff advisers and civil servants came out of the standard funding for the Office of the President.

He said that if Mr Higgins was re-elected he was open to providing more details about spending at the Aras.

According to Mr Harbour, President Higgins would provide more detail to the Comptroller and Auditor General.
TEL AVIV - Amnesty International had described the demolition of the Bedouin village of Khan al Ahmar in the West Bank as a ''war crime to make room for an illegal Jewish settlement'. The transfer of the residents (some 180) of the village, where the so-called 'tire school' is located, was established by the Israeli Supreme Court after a long judicial battle.

The Israeli government authority for the Palestinian Territories, Cogat, gave the village residents until today to demolish structures.

Saleh Higazi, the deputy director of Amnesty for the Middle East and North Africa, called the act ''heartless and discriminatory'' as well as ''illegal''. Israel said the village - which is located in the C Area of the Palestinian Territories, which based on the Oslo accords is under the civil and administrative control of the Jewish State - was built without the necessary permits. The Palestinians stressed it is impossible to obtain those permits from Israel.


Tragedy: The scene at Coonanna Harbour where three anglers died yesterday. Photo: Don MacMonagle

An investigation is under way after three friends died in a boating tragedy off the south-west coast last night.

Anatolijs Teivens (57), Jurijs Burcves (30) and Valerijs Klimentengvs (38) were originally from Latvia.

The alarm was raised shortly after 6pm when a member of the public saw an up-turned boat off the Coonanna Peninsula, near Cahersiveen, Co Kerry.

A major search and rescue operation was launched with emergency services rushing to the scene.

The body of one man was found almost immediately by an Irish Coast Guard crew.

The remains of the two other men were recovered several hundred metres from the shoreline.

Expand Close Tragedy: The scene at Coonanna Harbour where three anglers died yesterday. Photo: Don MacMonagle / Facebook

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All three men were wearing life-jackets when they were found.

Post-mortem examinations are expected to be carried out on the bodies today.

Gardai believe the men were on a fishing trip when tragedy struck and were last night attempting to contact the men's families.

Local sources said the trio regularly went fishing.

Gardai are now carrying out an investigation into the tragedy along with other agencies, including the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB).

While the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, at this stage it is believed to have been a freak accident.

The alarm was raised about 6.20pm yesterday when a member of the public reported seeing an upturned rigid inflatable boat (RIB) in the water near Coonanna Pier.

The Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre at Valentia Head then dispatched several different units to the incident.

A lifeboat from Valentia, the Shannon-based Irish Coast Guard Rescue 115 helicopter and a Coast Guard unit from Iveragh all attended the scene yesterday.

All three casualties were recovered by the R115 helicopter, with the first man brought ashore to Coonanna Pier to a waiting ambulance crew.

The other two men were brought to Kerry Airport, and the three casualties were then transferred to University Hospital Kerry in Tralee.

Post-mortem examinations are expected to be carried out at the hospital today and gardai will prepare a file for the coroner in relation to the fatal incident.

Gardai are now trying to piece together the last known movements of the three men.

They have appealed for anyone who may have seen the men leaving the south Kerry coastline late yesterday morning to contact them.

Weather conditions in the area were said to be fresh with swells of up to three metres.

Coonanna Pier is popular with fishermen and anglers, lying to the north of Cahersiveen and just off one of the most popular stretches of the Ring of Kerry.

The MCIB is currently carrying out an investigation into a separate fatal maritime incident in August at Cromane Point, Castlemaine Harbour, not far from the scene of last night's tragedy.
Has your child chosen which subjects to study? Booked their place at university? Are you, in the back of your mind, thinking about what kind of work would suit them, remembering how you, after a certain undergraduate haze, grabbed a degree and emerged to pursue a career which closely resembles - 20 or 30 years on - the job you are doing today?

We parents are marvellous social replicators. That's the overwhelming conclusion of long-term child-development studies. Middle-class parents, by-and-large, have successful middle-class children. But there's a problem with that: some replication is now bad. When it comes to higher education and the world of work, for example, yesterday's models are no longer fit for purpose. The linear progression from the Leaving Certificate to universities to careers is being torn up.

There are now myriad ways into top jobs, some of which don't involve going to university at all. Meanwhile, education is becoming a life-long process. The highest-flying students today have the choice between a university degree leaving them with debt, or a Google apprenticeship leaving them with money in the bank and a three-year career head start. Many have no difficulty opting for the latter.

It is we parents in our 40s and 50s who struggle to convince ourselves. For we are part of a generation encouraged, at all costs, to go to university. The difference is that a generation ago, children who didn't stay in school after 16 were unlikely to go back to education later in life. And that was a barrier to high-profile, high-prestige, high-earning jobs.

No longer. For our children, work might begin at 18, pause at 25 while they do a Master's, resume at 29. And their working lives are likely to be composites of a dozen or more different jobs.

Increasingly, those jobs will find them. With each day that passes, technology allows companies to outsource more work to freelancers. Company computer systems are housed not on physical hard drives in offices, but remotely, on "the cloud" - allowing them to be accessed from anywhere by people who might be employees for years, or just a day. There is every reason to believe that the gig economy, which we currently associate with Deliveroo cyclists, will extend ever more widely. Competition for that economy's work, then, will become infinitely broader.

And when companies choose their freelancers, data will lead them to the people with the highest competencies for a task, rather than the people who went to a certain school. Sexual and racial discrimination should become less prevalent - but there will be downsides. For example, that picture on Facebook of your son, mindlessly drunk after his graduation party, wearing only stockings and a suspender belt, will not bolster his case for competence.

You may have heard terrifying stories about life in China, where "social credit" scores can dictate individuals' ability to catch a flight, book a hotel room, or get a loan. Forget to pay a bill on time, down goes your score. Keep a healthy savings-account balance, watch it go up.

This may sound like a dystopia. In China, there are certainly nightmarish elements to the system: making disobliging comments about the Communist party online is no way to improve your rating. But if the thought-control aspects of "social credit" will hopefully not transfer to these shores, reputational impact certainly will.

If your children's online reputation drops too low in future, they may find it hard to get work in a world where smart analytics tools will allow employers to scrutinise online information about them that is increasingly searchable. Experts today talk about creating a strong personal digital brand and then, above all, its "hygiene".

"Think very carefully now about your child's digital future and footprint," says Sonia Livingstone, professor of social psychology at LSE. "I might even say think very hard about taking pictures of your kids and putting them online. Because once you have had them facially recognised, that's it. You can't undo it."

This is a particularly crucial issue for parents today, she says, because legislation to protect consumer rights online is highly likely within the next 10 years. "Before that kicks in, we are living in a curious moment of unregulated madness in which the innovation is running far ahead of the tech."

She likens a dodgy digital footprint today to a tattoo: permanent, and something most parents would rather their children did not have. "Get your child to 18 without a problematic digital record, then it's down to them.

"I used to say that about tattoos. I would get my children to 18 without a tattoo. Because a digital marker is like a tattoo - something you can do instantly, that is with you forever. We've never lived in a world where there's been such a record."

Screens for schools

Of course, nothing is straightforward. At the same moment experts like Prof Livingstone caution young people about using digital tools in their social lives, others are encouraging them to immerse themselves in digital possibilities in their academic lives.

At the moment, provision - in the UK as well as Ireland - is patchy and often poor. "Schools take 20 minutes to log on to computers, and ban phones," says Mark Smith, CEO of Ada, the National College of Digital Skills in the UK. "How does that create an environment where children learn to work with computers?"

A report by the European Commission earlier this year found that Ireland has one of the lowest levels of basic digital skills in the EU. Just 48pc of individuals have at least basic digital skills, the report found.

For parents of those teens at school now, the solution is clear. Make home the place you learn with tech. "You can't do history game-based learning in the classroom, but I encourage it at home," says Tom Rogers, Head of History at an international school in Vigo, Spain. "Tech is perfectly suited for home learning and homework."

It will also allow determined parents to find apps and online platforms where learning can be tailored to particular ways their children acquire knowledge. Such personalisation will mean parents hearing less from frustrated teens moaning: "I just can't do it!"

The partnership between kids and tech is essential, because by the time today's schoolchildren start their first jobs, work will be a place where man and machine work side-by-side. "The sweet spot is marrying the sciences and the arts - those are the people who will get snapped up," says Smith. "Those doing graphics, for example, using computers to advance design. Harness your imagination, then use tech to express it - that's the best formula."

He freely admits that the pace of technological change makes it hard to know what specific courses to teach. Instead, he suggests, parents should think about fostering a mindset strong in "computational thinking". This does not mean thinking "like a computer", but rather thinking about a problem in ways that allow computers to help solve it.

Typically, this means breaking problems down into components and thinking creatively, logically and often collaboratively about how to tackle each one. "What employers will want is creative problem solvers," Smith says. "What will set people apart is their ability to work alongside tech."

Take Timothy Armoo (23), who has just graduated from university with a degree in computer science. While there, he set up and ran an advertising company, Fanbytes, from his bedroom. It uses social-media "influencers" to ensure promotional videos are seen online by advertisers' target audiences.

Curiously, despite his degree, it was his founding partner who wrote the algorithm that identifies the best influencers. He, by contrast, brought an intuitive understanding of social-media audiences, developed when he started a company in his teens and promoted it on Facebook.

"There are so many things that as a young person you don't think are business skills," he says, "But they are. Like building big Facebook pages. I was good at partnering with people who had big Facebook pages; I learned how to drive traffic. By 21, I had a deep understanding about how young people behave and how they can be marketed to."

Building his business at a young age, then, required what he calls "a fusion of nerdy understanding of algorithms and an intuitive social understanding of people." He brought the social understanding.

The future, he believes, "belongs to the makers" - like him. If parents really want to push their offspring into that entrepreneurial elite of tomorrow, he says, they should encourage their children to pick up skills that will allow them to "solve problems and make stuff. That's where the value is tomorrow".

It's a mindset which, at its most fundamental, helps explain the current growth in crafts and crafting businesses, essentially a mix of entrepreneurialism and uniquely human dexterity.

Just as parents once had to decide whether to push their children towards top universities, they will in future have to decide whether to push them towards an entrepreneurial future. Whether they should become a "maker". According to AI-expert Mark Minevich, this is the key decision that influences what and how to study.

"If you are going to be a user, a consumer of stuff, then it's a good idea to be a generalist, to have a broad range to appreciate and interpret. But if you are going to be a creator, if you are going to build stuff, specialise. Be as expert as you can."

The masters and the apprentice

All of which requires parents to take a step back, and ask themselves what future will suit their child best. That hasn't changed. What has, is the number of different routes to that future. "When I grew up, a traditional education was seen as the safe and the right thing to do," says Julie Mercer, global education lead partner at Deloitte. "But it's very important that now we are parents, we are willing to accept new routes into employment."

At Ada college, 40pc of the last crop of graduates chose to head to an apprenticeship rather than a university. Two, from a year of 109 students, bypassed both, taking jobs paying more than 30k a year. Not bad when you are 18.

"It makes perfect sense to me that they get an initial degree through an apprenticeship, then perhaps do a Master's in their late 20s," says Smith. "That's the best time for campus-based learning. In your early 20s it's largely about meeting people and having fun, and there are better ways of doing that than spending thousands."

The consequences for universities are likely to be profound, and even futurologist Ian Pearson struggles to see how the current higher-education model can be sustained in the future.

"It's hard to see what will happen to universities," he says. "Deep knowledge learning will only be appropriate for a small number of people."

The lesson for parents is clear: an education that is traditional and safe today may be risky and niche tomorrow.

Six tips for futureproofing your teenager's education

1 DIGITAL FOOTPRINT Chinese-style "social credit scores" are coming, in one form or another. They could influence your child's ability to book a hotel room or secure a mortgage. So think carefully now about your child's digital footprint. Once it's out there, it's out there forever.

2 ACCEPT THE NEW IN EDUCATION Even if you went to a top university, your child's best route to happiness and a good job may lie in an apprenticeship. Be flexible about routes from education into work.

3 FIND THE TAILORED WAY From medicine to education, personalisation will be the keyword of the future. Don't say, "She hates maths", say "She hates learning maths like this". Increasingly, apps and online platforms will offer tailored solutions.

4 QUALITY NOT QUANTITY Exams have got harder. That rigour is useful, but many schools insist children do too many. Consider insisting your school does fewer, and spend the extra time on building social capital - say, by getting children to read about current events, debate them among themselves and with invited guests. It's exams plus social capital that will secure those jobs requiring the highest cognitive skills.

5 DEMAND DIGITAL Ask your school how they are developing your child's digital skills. The future will be about working with computers.

6 HIT THE SWEET SPOT Futureproofed careers will marry human creativity and computing power, like graphic designers and architects. Harness your imagination, then use tech to express it.
Marian Finucane and her husband John Clarke at a remembrance service for fashion designer, Richard Lewis at Mount Jerome cemetery in Dunlin. Pic; Damien Eagers

Figures from the world of fashion, the theatre and the creative arts gathered in the Victorian chapel of Mount Jerome crematorium to celebrate the life and times of couturier Richard Lewis.

The 73-year-old was an important and influential figure in the Irish fashion world over 50 years and he died at St James's hospital last week after suffering a stroke and a brave battle with cancer.

The ladies in Richard's life - his clients and friends - arrived wearing the many outfits he had made for them before retiring three years ago.

Broadcaster Marian Finucane arrived with her husband, John, wearing a striking purple dress and mohair jacket the couturier made for her. A loyal customer over many years, she said Richard was "a gentle soul" and she chose him to make the outfit for her wedding.

Expand Close Breffni Ryan, right and Michael Doyle at a service in memory of fashion designer, Richard Lewis at Mount Jerome cemetery in Dublin. Pic credit; Damien Eagers / INM / Facebook

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Whatsapp Breffni Ryan, right and Michael Doyle at a service in memory of fashion designer, Richard Lewis at Mount Jerome cemetery in Dublin. Pic credit; Damien Eagers / INM

Richard's only sibling, his sister Mary, presented Fr Paul Ward with a number of personal offerings including examples of his work and a photograph featuring his muse, model Sharon Donnelly (nee Bacon) who was abroad but sent her condolences to his family and friends.

There were the red Puma shoes that Richard bought in Barcelona after he went to scatter the ashes of his partner, Jim Greeley, who died from a heart attack 12 years ago, and whose death the designer never really got over.

Fr Paul joked that he was wearing the only Richard Lewis-designed priest alb in existence which had been a gift for a birthday.

Photographer Breffni Ryan recalled how, when they discovered in 1972 that they were both dating the same girl, himself and Richard went off to the pub together and became best pals and were to work together for decades.

Expand Close 1/10/2018, Barry Mccall, fashion photographer arrives at a service in memory of fashion designer, Richard Lewis at Mount Jerome cemetery in Dublin. Pic credit; Damien Eagers / INM / Facebook

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Whatsapp 1/10/2018, Barry Mccall, fashion photographer arrives at a service in memory of fashion designer, Richard Lewis at Mount Jerome cemetery in Dublin. Pic credit; Damien Eagers / INM

Jackie Donnelly, the woman in question had the congregation in fits of laughter when she recalled Richard's opinionated ways "and love of a good argument even over something like a zebra crossing."

She told how she went off to live in England and when she returned, Richard introduced her to Jim whom he met while volunteering with The Samaritans, and it was clear for all to see that the two had found their soul mates for life.

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The congregation listened to UB40's Red Red Wine which was Richard's favourite song. Baton artist, Bernadette Madden, recalled his loyalty and a friendship that went back to their days in neighbouring flats on Herbert Place in the 1970s.

Mary Lewis thanked the staff and doctors of St Luke's and St James and Richard's kind neighbours.

Finian O'Shea recalled how after he retired, Richard went computer shopping and after a walk through the store, he made his final choice of laptop not on its spec, or shape "but because it was purple."

Tona O'Brien, friend and client spoke of the man who had great elegance and a great sense of humour, especially about himself.

Mourners at the ceremony included fellow fashion designers Peter O'Brien, Mariad Whisker and Deborah Veale, photographers Mike Bunn and Barry McCall, former models Sonia Reynolds and Mari O'Leary, long-term friends Maura Smith, Barbara Baker and Sharon Harris.
Macedonias government faces a political battle to push through a deal with Greece that would ultimately pave the way for Nato membership, after a referendum on the agreement won overwhelming support but with low voter turnout.

The European Union, Nato and the US urged the country to move forward with the necessary procedures.

Macedonias international partners have been eager to see the Balkan nation join international institutions, in a region where Russia has not been keen on Nato picking up new members.

The countrys prime minister Zoran Zaev declared Sundays referendum a success, noting more than 90% of voters approved of the deal that would change the countrys name to North Macedonia.

Expand Close Macedonias prime minister Zoran Zaev (Boris Grdanoski/AP) / Facebook

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He said he would now move forward with the next step, which is to seek a two-thirds majority in the 120-member parliament for required constitutional amendments.

If he fails, he said he would have no other choice than to call an early election.

The U.S. welcomes the results of the Republic of #Macedonias Sept 30 referendum. We strongly support the Agreements full implementation, allowing Macedonia to take its place in @NATO and the EU, contributing to regional stability, security, & prosperity. https://t.co/FaBKpi7JaF pic.twitter.com/N9Ik6FyosI  Ned Price (@StateDeptSpox) September 30, 2018

But opponents of the deal with Greece, who say it undermines national interests and had advocated for a boycott of the referendum, seized on the low turnout to interpret the result as a clear rejection of the agreement.

Near complete results on Monday showed 91.4% voted in favour, with a turnout of 36.8%.

The main opposition conservative VMRO-DPMNE party reiterated its interpretation of the votes result as being a clear rejection of the deal with Greece.

Referendum in : I congratulate those citizens who voted in today's consultative referendum and made use of their democratic freedoms. With the very significant "yes" vote, there is broad support support to the #Prespa Agreement + to the country's #Euroatlantic path. 1/2  Johannes Hahn (@JHahnEU) September 30, 2018

The people have clearly sent a message to Zaev that he has no legitimacy to push this deal.

Instead of manipulating he should face the reality and reject this agreement, which is at the expense of the Republic of Macedonia, it said in a statement on Monday.

Macedonias international partners called for parliamentary support for the deal.

We urge leaders to rise above partisan politics and seize this historic opportunity to secure a brighter future for the country as a full participant in Western institutions, US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said.

I welcome the yes vote in  referendum. I urge all political leaders & parties to engage constructively & responsibly to seize this historic opportunity. #NATOs door is open, but all national procedures have to be completed.  Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) September 30, 2018

EU enlargement commissioner Johannes Hahn tweeted that he expects all political leaders to respect this decision and take it forward with utmost responsibility and unity across party lines.

Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg urged the countrys politicians to engage constructively and responsibly to seize this historic opportunity.

He said on Twitter that Natos door was still open to Macedonia but all national procedures have to be completed.

The June deal with Greece aims to resolve a dispute dating from Macedonias declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in the early 1990s.

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Greece, arguing its new northern neighbours name implied territorial ambitions on its own province of the same name, has blocked Macedonias efforts to join Nato since then.

Under the deal, the former Yugoslav republic would amend its name to North Macedonia and Greece would drop its objections to the country joining Nato.

Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras faces problems of his own.

His governing coalition partner, the right-wing Independent Greeks, opposes the deal and has vowed to vote against it, leaving him reliant on opposition support.
ndonesian President Joko Widodo walks at the damage area following earthquakes and a tsunami in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia Agus Suparto/Indonesian Presidential Office via AP

People carry items looted from a shopping mall badly damaged by a massive earthquake and tsunami in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

A combination of satellite images shows Palu, Indonesia on September 25, 2018 (top) and on September 29, 2018 (bottom) Planet Labs Inc/Handout via REUTERS

People survey damage outside the shopping mall following earthquakes and tsunami in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

A woman cries as she waits to be evacuated by military aircraft at Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport in Palu. Photo: Reuters

People search through debris in a residential area following an earthquake and tsunami in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

People make off with goods from a shop in earthquake and tsunami-devastated Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia REUTERS/Stringer

People survey the damage of the shopping mall following earthquakes and a tsunami in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

A woman cries as she waits to be evacuated by military aircraft following an earthquake and tsunami at Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport in Palu Antara Foto/Hafidz Mubarak A/via REUTERS

Rescuers carry an earthquake survivor at restaurant building damaged by a massive earthquakes and tsunami in Palu (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

People survey the damage following a massive earthquake and tsunami in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia (AP Photo/Rifki)

Rescuers evacuate an earthquake survivor by a damaged house following earthquakes and tsunami in Palu (AP Photo/Arimacs Wilander)

Anthonius Gunawan Agung ensured a passenger plane took off safely as the 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck

An air traffic controller was hailed a hero after he sacrificed his own life to ensure a passenger plane carrying dozens of people safely took off during an earthquake in Indonesia.

As his colleagues fled the Mutiara SIS Al-Jufrie airport, near Palu, in Central Sulawesi, 21-year-old Anthonius Gunawan Agung held his ground as the 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck.

He had just cleared Batik Air flight 6231 for takeoff as the ground started to shake, but instead of running for safety he waited until the plane was airborne before finally leaving the air traffic control tower.

Trapped as he attempted to flee, Mr Agung was forced to jump from the fourth storey of the tower as the tremors grew stronger.

He suffered a broken leg and internal injuries and although he was taken to hospital, he died while waiting for a helicopter to take him to a different hospital for specialist care.

Air Navigation Indonesia spokesman Yohannes Sirait said Mr Agung decision to stay behind cost him his life, but he may have saved everyone on board the plane as the city was later ravaged by a tsunami.

Mr Agung, who would have turned 22 on 24 October, had his rank increased by two levels in recognition of his extraordinary dedication.

Soldiers carried his body as it was transported for burial.

Following the earthquake, a 10-foot tsunami swept away buildings and killed at least several hundred people on the central Indonesian island of Sulawesi.

Disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said 384 people were killed in the city of Palu alone. Many remain missing.

The nearby city of Donggala and the town of Mamuju were also ravaged but had not yet been reached by aid on Saturday due to damaged roads and disrupted telecommunications.

Mr Nugroho said tens to hundreds of people were taking part in a beach festival in Palu when the tsunami struck at dusk on Friday. Their fate was unknown.

In some places, the water rose as high as six metres (20 feet).

Palu, which is home to more than 380,000 people, was strewn with debris from collapsed buildings.

A mosque heavily damaged by the quake was half submerged and a shopping centre was reduced to a crumpled hulk.

A large bridge with yellow arches had collapsed. Bodies lay partially covered by tarpaulins and a man carried a dead child through the wreckage.

The city is built around a narrow bay that apparently magnified the force of the tsunami waters as they raced into the tight inlet.

Communications with the area were difficult because power and telecommunications were cut, hampering search and rescue efforts

Mr Nugroho said: We hope there will be international satellites crossing over Indonesia that can capture images and provide them to us so we can use the images to prepare humanitarian aid.

Indonesia has more than 17,000 islands and is home to 260 million people.

Roads and infrastructure are poor in many areas, making access difficult in the best of conditions.

The disaster agency has said that essential aircraft can land at Palus airport, although AirNav, which oversees aircraft navigation, said the runway was cracked and the control tower damaged.

More than half of the 560 inmates in a Palu prison fled after its walls collapsed during the quake, according to its warden Adhi Yan Ricoh.

It was very hard for the security guards to stop the inmates from running away as they were so panicked and had to save themselves too, he told state news agency Antara.

The warden said there was no immediate plan to search for the inmates because the prison staff and police were consumed by the search and rescue effort.

Indonesia is frequently hit by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis because of its location on the Ring of Fire  an arc of volcanoes and fault lines in the Pacific Basin.

In December 2004, a massive 9.1- magnitude earthquake off Sumatra Island in western Indonesia triggered a tsunami that killed 230,000 people in a dozen countries.
SKOPJE - In Macedonia a long-awaited referendum on the agreement with Greece on the new name of the former Yugoslav country (Republic of Northern Macedonia) has failed. Turnout did not reach the quorum of 50% plus one: after 85.71% of ballots were counted, the turnout was only 36.11%.

A reported 91.25% of those who voted was in favor of the agreement with Greece on the country's new name (Northern Macedonia) compared to 5.82% who were against.

Social Democratic Premier Zoran Zaev, a staunch promoter of Europe who was in favor of the vote, while suffering a political defeat, did not step down and promised instead to fight to guarantee the integration of the Balkan country in Nato and the EU. He did not rule out early elections in the event of difficulties in Parliament to approve the accord with Athens. On the opposite front, conservatives who opposed the name change celebrated the result with demonstrations in downtown Skopje with anti-government slogans and traditional music.

''It was a day of democracy, citizens voted peacefully and freely according to their beliefs'', insisted the premier after the end of the election, stressing how the great majority of votes were in favor of the agreement with Athens - the referendum was non-binding - ending an impasse that prevented the small republic from Euro-Atlantic integration. ''It was a successful referendum, the majority of citizens voted yes. We will talk with our adversaries in Parliament and, if we will have a majority of two-thirds for constitutional changes we will move forward to implement the agreement with Greece. If we won't have it, we will go soon to early elections'', said the premier, who believes they could be held already in November. ''There is no alternative to Macedonia's adhesion to the EU and Nato''.

In Brussels - which had posed the solution on the contested name with Greece as a precondition towards EU integration - the Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Johannes Hahn urged ''all parties'' in a tweet to take into account the ''great sense of responsibility'' and the ''great majority of votes in favor'' of the accord, although the quorum was not reached.
Saved: Rescuers evacuate an earthquake survivor from a damaged house following earthquakes and a tsunami in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Photo: AP

Residents of Palu, on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, turned to looting yesterday as they struggled to survive in the aftermath of a deadly 7.5 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that has so far killed 832 people.

Residents of Palu, on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, turned to looting yesterday as they struggled to survive in the aftermath of a deadly 7.5 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that has so far killed 832 people.

Expand Close A woman cries as she waits to be evacuated by military aircraft at Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport in Palu. Photo: Reuters / Facebook

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Looters were spotted taking items from the damaged Ramayana shopping mall and plundering fuel stations.

One earthquake survivor said he had been woken up by a noisy crowd ransacking his local mini-market.

"Without justifying it, I understand why," said the man, who identified himself as Suwanto.

Water

"My wife told me last night that our food supplies will last only two days. The big problem is clean water."

Indonesian President Joko Widodo visited Palu yesterday, urging residents to be patient.

Electricity has been cut off and fuel is in short supply in the worst-affected areas around Palu and the town of Donggala.

Damage to the runway and control tower at Palu airport has hampered aid and rescue efforts.

Roads into the area have also been severely damaged. Amali, a truck driver, spoke of his terror in trying to bring in much-needed supplies along collapsed roads.

"In one part, we have to go past the edge of a cliff. If the driver loses concentration for just a moment then the truck could fall over the side," he said.

The full extent of the devastation has not been revealed as rescue teams are struggling to reach the worst-affected areas.

Officials have warned the death toll could rise into thousands and announced mass burials in a desperate attempt to stave off disease.

Indonesia's disaster authorities are under scrutiny after scientists were taken by surprise by the tsunami, which reportedly reached six metres in height and hit the coastline at speeds of up to 800kmh.

The approach of the unexpected killer wave was caught in a chilling video on social media. Like a scene from a horror movie, a man screams desperately to warn people loitering on the beach front street below.

From his standpoint a few stories above, he can see the surge of water but people are slow to react, their view blocked by beach huts. Cars drive past with no urgency, seemingly unaware.

Havoc

The man cries louder, but as the murky waters hit with brutal force, submerging the huts and wreaking havoc, his voice breaks into sobs as those he tried to save run belatedly for the stairs.

Noticeably absent from the video is the sound of a tsunami warning siren, which could have saved lives.

Indonesia's geophysics agency had initially issued a tsunami warning but lifted it 34 minutes later based on data available from the closest tidal sensor, around 200km from Palu.

It emerged yesterday that a life-saving early warning system had been stalled for five years.

Sea floor sensors and fibre-optic cable were supposed to replace a system set up after an earthquake and tsunami killed nearly 250,000 people in the region in 2004. But delays in getting funding means it hasn't moved past the prototype phase.

Some 50 people, including a South Korean tourist, are believed to be trapped in the wreckage of the Roa-Roa Hotel.

A village chief said that 100 to 200 people could also be buried under the debris of a residential complex.

Of the 61 foreigners known to be in Palu at the time of the disaster, most have been accounted for, but three French citizens and one Malaysian remain missing.

A 25-year-old woman was found alive yesterday in the ruins of the Roa-Roa Hotel.

The current toll of 832 is composed almost totally of deaths in Palu.

The regions of Donggala, Sigi and Parigi Moutong - with a combined population of 1.2 million - have yet to be fully assessed.

"The death toll is believed to be still increasing, since many bodies were still under the wreckage, while many have not been reached," said disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho.

Bodies covered in blue and yellow tarps lined the streets of Palu, and officials said they were digging a mass grave for at least 300 of the dead.

Burial

It was not immediately known when the burial would take place, but "this must be done as soon as possible for health and religious reasons," said Willem Rampangilei, head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency.

The cries from beneath the Roa-Roa Hotel, which appeared to have toppled over, its walls splintered like sticks, went silent by yesterday afternoon.

Officials believe about 50 people could be inside.

"We are trying our best. Time is so important here to save people," said Muhammad Syaugi, head of the national search and rescue team. ( Daily Telegraph, London)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]
Former Britain Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has been pictured running through a field near his home in what appears to be a dig at Prime Minister Theresa May.

Mrs May previously said, while campaigning ahead of last year's general election, that the naughtiest thing she ever did was run through a field of wheat as a young girl.

Photos emerged today of Boris Johnson running through a field near his Oxfordshire home, with political commentators accusing him of "trolling" the prime minister.

The Tory politician is at the centre of a bitter row with Mrs May after slamming her Brexit strategy last weekend.

Mr Johnson branded her Brexit plan "deranged" and "preposterous".

In an interview with the Sunday Times, Mr Johnson said the UK should build a bridge to Ireland and put the HS2 rail line on hold to focus on a high-speed link in the north of England.

He described Mrs May's call for a facilitated customs arrangement - part of the Chequers plan to break the impasse in Brexit talks - "entirely preposterous".
Macedonia's prime minister vowed last night to press on with a vote in parliament to change the country's name to resolve a decades-old dispute with Greece, despite not getting 50pc turnout at a referendum required to make it valid.

The proposed name change is part of an agreement reached in June by Prime Minister Zoran Zaev with Greece to resolve the dispute over the country's name, which had prevented Macedonia from joining Nato or the EU.

With 85pc of votes counted, official turnout was just 36pc, and election officials made clear there was no chance the threshold would be cleared.

The people who did vote overwhelmingly backed the name change - more than 90pc voted Yes with 63pc of polling stations reporting. But that had never been in doubt, since opponents of the change had urged followers not to vote, rather than vote No.

"It is clear that the agreement with Greece has not received the green light from the people," main nationalist opposition VMRO-DPMNE party leader Hristiajn Mickoski said.

The referendum was itself not legally binding, but politicians had pledged to abide by it. The failure to reach the turnout threshold means opponents can now freely vote against the deal.

In an address, Mr Zaev made no mention of the turnout but said the votes of those who had backed the change must be respected. He pledged to hold a vote in parliament on the name change.
A university is launching an investigation after a sex workers' support group ran a stall offering help for students during freshers' week.

A university is launching an investigation after a sex workers' support group ran a stall offering help for students during freshers' week.

The decision to allow the Sex Workers' Outreach Project Sussex (Swop) to attend the University of Brighton's events in the city and at its campus in Eastbourne last week was branded "beyond disgraceful" and criticised online.

The group, which also said it attended the University of Sussex's life and well-being fair on Wednesday, defended its actions.

The organisation is part of the Brighton Oasis Project charity and describes itself as a "discreet and confidential" service for women in the sex industry who live or work in Sussex.

A University of Brighton spokesman said yesterday it would be launching an investigation and "does not promote sex work to its students".

The Swop stalls offered condoms and leaflets as well as inviting visitors to "come and play" on a "wheel of sexual well-being".

In a series of tweets promoting its attendance, it said: "One in six students does sex work or thinks about turning to sex work. We can help."

It also tweeted: "If you're topping up your fees with sex work, or struggling to balance work and studies, or want to talk and don't know where to go... we're here for you. We respect your autonomy, privacy and confidentiality."

Among critics of the idea was feminist campaigner and writer Julie Bindel, the co-founder of the law reform group Justice for Women.

"This is beyond disgraceful. It makes me so angry that the sex trade's become normalised and pimped to women as though it is a harmless and respectable way to earn a living. There should be an enquiry by the university into this," she said.

The organisation defended its position, saying it had "never idealised sex work".
The United Nations highest court has rejected landlocked Bolivias bid to force Chile to the negotiating table over granting access to the Pacific Ocean.

In a legal ruling on Monday from the Hague-based International Court of Justice that was broadcast live throughout Bolivia, the 15-judge panel said that a string of agreements, memorandums and statements produced over decades of talks had not created a legal obligation on Chile to enter negotiations.

In a sweeping rejection of the Bolivian case, the court, by a 12 to three majority, dismissed eight different legal arguments presented by Bolivias lawyers.

The courts rulings are final and binding.

Expand Close Chiles President Sebastian Pinera, centre, accompanied by his wife Cecilia Morel, is embraced by people celebrating the ruling (Esteban Felix/AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Chiles President Sebastian Pinera, centre, accompanied by his wife Cecilia Morel, is embraced by people celebrating the ruling (Esteban Felix/AP)

In Chile, President Sebastian Pinera described it as a great day for the country.

The International Court of Justice has done justice, he said.

He also accused his Bolivian counterpart, Evo Morales, who was in court for the hearing, of creating false expectations.

Bolivia lost its only coast to neighbouring Chile during an 1879-1883 war and the nation has demanded ocean access for generations.

Restoring Bolivias sovereign access to the sea would make a small difference to Chile, but it would transform the destiny of Bolivia

Restoring Bolivia's sovereign access to the sea would make a small difference to Chile, but it would transform the destiny of BoliviaFormer Bolivia president Eduardo Rodriguez Veltze

Chile has a coastline that stretches some 2,675 miles.

At hearings in March, the former Bolivian president, Eduardo Rodriguez Veltze, told judges: Restoring Bolivias sovereign access to the sea would make a small difference to Chile, but it would transform the destiny of Bolivia.

But Chile argued in court that its border with Bolivia was settled in a 1904 treaty and that it had no obligation to negotiate.

The world courts president, Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, agreed, but added that the decision should not be understood as precluding the parties from continuing their dialogue and exchanges, in a spirit of good neighbourliness, to address the issues relating to the landlocked situation of Bolivia, the solution to which they have both recognised to be a matter of mutual interest.

Expand Close A woman in La Paz. Bolivia watches the court ruling (Juan Karita/AP) / Facebook

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Mr Morales sat in the front row of his countrys delegation in the wood-paneled Great Hall of Justice.

After the hearing, he cast Mr Yusufs words as a call to continue with the dialogue.

Meanwhile in Bolivia, disappointment swept across a crowd gathered in the Plaza Murillo in the capital, La Paz, where a giant screen had been set up to show the court session.

Expand Close Bolivias President Evo Morales gives a brief statement at the UN World Court after judges delivered their verdict (Peter Dejong/AP) / Facebook

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While there had been folkloric dances and celebrations before the ruling, people walked away in silence afterward.

This is an injustice for a country that lost its sea. We had hope in the court, said Segundina Orellana, an official with a coca growers group in the city of Cochabamba.

In an indication of the significance of the decision for both counties, Catholic bishops in Bolivia and Chile on Sunday called on their congregations to accept the courts ruling with faith, peace and good sense.
A referendum on changing Macedonias name as part of a deal that would pave the way for Nato membership has won overwhelming support, but voter turnout was low.

Prime Minister Zoran Zaev had hoped for a strong show of support in the referendum on whether to accept a June deal with Greece changing the countrys name to North Macedonia.

That would help him with the next step of winning parliamentary support for the required constitutional amendments.

Results from more than 97% of polling stations showed 91.3% of voters approving the deal. But turnout stood at just 36.8%, a far cry from the massive support the government had hoped for.

Expand Close A supporter of a movement for voters to boycott the referendum (Thanassis Stavrakis/AP) / Facebook

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Opponents to the name change had called for a boycott of the vote and celebrated in the street outside Parliament when turnout figures were announced.

Nevertheless, Mr Zaev declared the vote a success.

The people made a great choice and said yes to our future. It is time for lawmakers to follow the voice of the people and to provide support, he said.

There will be no better agreement with Greece, nor an alternative for Nato and the EU.

Mr Zaev said he would seek to secure the required two-thirds majority of the 120-seat parliament by next week for the constitutional changes.

If he fails, he said the only alternative would be to call early elections.

The deal with Greece has faced vociferous opposition from a sizeable portion of the population on both sides of the border, with detractors saying their respective governments conceded too much to the other side and damaged national interests and identity.

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In Athens, the Greek foreign ministry noted the contradictory result of the referendum  overwhelming approval along with low turnout  and said careful moves were needed to preserve the positive potential of the deal.

The agreement faces more hurdles before it can be finalised. If the constitutional amendments are approved by Macedonias parliament, Greece will then also need to ratify it.

But Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras faces political problems of his own. His governing coalition partner, right-wing Independent Greeks head Panos Kammenos, has vowed to vote against the deal, leaving Mr Tsipras reliant on opposition parties and independent politicians to push it through.

The June agreement aims to resolve a dispute dating from Macedonias declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in the early 1990s.

Greece, arguing its new northern neighbours name implied territorial ambitions on its own province of the same name, has blocked Macedonias efforts to join Nato since then.

Under the deal, the former Yugoslav republic would amend its name to North Macedonia and Greece would drop its objections to the country joining Nato.
Investigation: Brett Kavanaugh is being probed by the FBI. Photo: Reuters

Senior Trump administration officials have insisted the White House is not "micromanaging" a new FBI background check of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and that senators are dictating the parameters of the investigation.

President Donald Trump initially opposed such an investigation in the face of sexual misconduct claims against Kavanaugh, but the president and Senate Republican leaders agreed to an inquiry after Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona made clear he would not vote to confirm Kavanaugh without one.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said oversight of the investigation belonged to the Senate.

"The White House counsel has allowed the Senate to dictate what these terms look like and what the scope of the investigation is," she said. "The White House isn't intervening. We're not micromanaging this process. It's a Senate process. It has been from the beginning, and we're letting the Senate continue to dictate what the terms look like."

White House counsellor Kellyanne Conway said the investigation will be "limited in scope" and "will not be a fishing expedition. The FBI is not tasked to do that."

Yet the precise scope of the investigation remained unclear.

Mr Trump told reporters "the FBI, as you know, is all over talking to everybody" and said "this could be a blessing in disguise".

"They have free rein," he added. "They're going to do whatever they have to do, whatever it is they do. They'll be doing things that we have never even thought of.

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"And hopefully at the conclusion everything will be fine."

The president revisited the question of "scope" on Twitter, writing in part: "I want them to interview whoever they deem appropriate, at their discretion."

Ms Sanders said Mr Trump, who has vigorously defended Kavanaugh but also raised the slight possibility of withdrawing the nomination should damaging information be found, "will listen to the facts" of the FBI investigation.

But she expressed confidence that no new information will be uncovered, noting the allegations did not surface during the judge's six prior background checks for positions in the executive and judicial branches of government.

"I think we're all pretty confident, given that we've been through this process a number of times, but we would assess that at that point," Ms Sanders said.

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At least three women have accused Kavanaugh, a federal appeals court judge, of years-ago misconduct. He denies all the claims.

The lawyer for Deborah Ramirez, who has accused Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct when they were students at Yale classmates, has agreed to cooperate with the FBI.

Ms Ramirez alleged Kavanaugh exposed himself to her at a party in the early 1980s.

A third woman, Julie Swetnick, accused Kavanaugh and his high school friend Mark Judge of excessive drinking and inappropriate treatment of women in the early 1980s, among other accusations.

Kavanaugh has called her accusations a "joke" and Judge said he "categorically" denies the allegations.

Swetnick's attorney, Michael Avenatti, said his client had not been contacted by the FBI but was willing to cooperate with investigators.

Judge, who California professor Christine Blasey Ford says was in the room when a drunken Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her, said he will cooperate with any law enforcement agency that will "confidentially investigate" sexual misconduct allegations against them.

He has also denied misconduct allegations.

Lawyers for PJ Smyth and Leland Ingham Keyser, two others who Ms Ford said were in the house when she was attacked, have said their clients are willing to cooperate "fully" with the FBI.

An attorney for Ms Keyser reaffirmed her previous statement that she does not know Kavanaugh and has no recollection of ever being at a gathering or party where he was present, the Senate Judiciary Committee said in a statement.

Calls for an FBI investigation of Kavanaugh mounted after Ms Ford alleged he sexually assaulted her at a party when they were teenagers. Kavanaugh has denied being the perpetrator.

In duelling appearances on Thursday, he and Ms Ford told their stories during sworn testimony before the Senate Committee.

The panel voted on Friday, along party lines, to send the nomination to the full Senate, and Mr Flake then offered his proposal for the FBI investigation.

Mr Trump ordered the FBI to reopen Kavanaugh's background investigation, delaying a final vote on the nomination.

The committee has said the probe should be limited to "current credible allegations" against Kavanaugh and be finished by Friday.

The FBI conducts background checks for federal nominees, but the agency does not make judgments on the credibility or significance of allegations.

The investigators will compile information about Kavanaugh's past and provide their findings to the White House and include the information in Kavanaugh's background file, which is available to senators.

Ms Sanders spoke on "Fox News Sunday" and Ms Conway appeared on CNN's "State of the Union".
Disclosure: White House adviser Kellyanne Conway said during an interview yesterday that she had been a victim of sexual assault. Photo: Getty

Democrats accused the White House of trying to limit the scope of an FBI investigation into Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee yesterday, as the bitter battle over Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation spilt into another week of partisan politics.

They threatened a fresh Congressional investigation if the Senate and FBI did not conduct a thorough review of the evidence against the man in line to sit on the country's highest court.

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Mr Trump insisted the FBI had a "free rein" to probe allegations of sexual misconduct. But senior Democrats pointed to reports that the White House had given the FBI a list of people to be interviewed and that Julie Swetnick, one of Mr Kavanaugh's accusers, would not be among them.

Mazie Hirono, senator for Hawaii, said it was bad enough that the investigation would last only a week. "But to limit the FBI to the scope and who they're going to question ... I won't use the word farce, but that's not the kind of investigation that all of us are expecting the FBI to conduct," she told ABC's 'This Week'.

Democrats want investigators to interview Mr Kavanaugh's classmates and probe his statement that he never blacked out after drinking.

Jerrold Nadler, who is in line to head the House judiciary committee if Democrats win in the midterms, said he was ready to open an investigation if the Senate and FBI fell short.

"We can't have a justice on the court who has been credibly accused of sexual assault, who's been accused of other things, including perjury," he said.

The confirmation of Mr Kavanaugh was plunged into doubt last month when a woman came forward to accuse him of sexual assault in 1982. Christine Blasey Ford, a California university professor, detailed her claims at an extraordinary Senate hearing on Thursday, describing how Mr Kavanaugh pinned her to a bed and tried to rape her when they were teens.

Two other women, Ms Swetnick and Deborah Ramirez, have also accused him of sexual misconduct.

Mr Kavanaugh angrily denied the claims during the hearing and said he was the victim of a politically motivated attack.

A day later, senators asked for the FBI to reopen its background check for seven days before putting the matter to a full vote of the Senate.

Agents are also expected to interview Mark Judge, Mr Kavanaugh's school friend and a potential witness to the alleged attack.

But people familiar with the investigation and a White House official said Ms Swetnick's allegation - of sexual misconduct at parties while Mr Kavananugh was a student in the Eighties - would not be investigated.

President Trump insisted the report was incorrect and tweeted: "Actually, I want them to interview whoever they deem appropriate."

Kellyanne Conway, counsellor to the president, said the White House was not trying "to interfere" with the investigation, while suddenly revealing that she had been the victim of sexual assault.

"I feel very empathetic for victims of sexual assault, of sexual harassment and rape," she told CNN, before pausing and appearing to gather her thoughts. "I'm a victim of sexual assault." She offered no further details. ( Daily Telegraph, London)
Officials at the worlds largest particle accelerator have suspended an Italian physicist pending an investigation into his highly offensive presentation on gender issues that raised new concerns about sexism in science.

Cern, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, said Alessandro Strumia of the University of Pisa was out of line in his talk on Friday for a seminar on High Energy Theory and Gender.

The Geneva-area centre, where the subatomic particle known as the Higgs boson was confirmed in 2013, said it had no prior knowledge of the content of Mr Strumias presentation and cited its attacks on individuals as unacceptable in any professional context.

[Update] On Monday 1 October, CERN suspended the scientist from any activity at CERN with immediate effect, pending investigation into last weeks event. https://t.co/HhvNSxPVPg https://t.co/o5QGg4L9VZ  CERNpress (@CERNpress) October 1, 2018

A spokesman confirmed a slide presentation on Mr Strumias talk found online, but said a recording was not immediately available.

The slides featured charts, graphs and tables that are hard to understand out of context, but one quotation said: Physics invented and built by men, its not by invitation.

In a phone interview with the Associated Press, Mr Strumia said he wanted to debunk what he insists was a misconception, and said he does not believe men are better than women in physics.

There is a political group that wants women, and other people, to believe that they are victimsAlessandro Strumia

This workshop was continuously telling (saying), men are bad, men are sexist, they discriminate against us  lots of things like this, he said.

I did a check to see if this was true  and the result was, that was not true. There is a political group that wants women, and other people, to believe that they are victims.

Noting the suspension, Mr Strumia lashed out at the Geneva centre, but expressed hope that it would come around to his way of thinking.

I believe Cern is making a mistake, he said. They suspended me because its true  and its contrary to the political line. And I hope Cern will at some point understand. I hope this is just the first self-preservation instinct.

Somebody had to speak.

Laura Covi, who studies cosmology at Georg-August University in Goettingen, Germany, and was at the Friday seminar, said Mr Strumias comments did not go down well.

I don't think he represents the majority view. There were a few men who were there but they didn't support his viewLaura Covi

He was claiming that some of the positions women were getting, theyre getting positions with fewer (journal) citations than men, she said. Im not so sure his thesis was supported by the data.

She acknowledged that some of the worlds most eminent physicists have been men, but said that was mostly a historical bias since men have been able to study physics longer than women.

She also disputed that citations are an indicator of quality and said it was not her experience that female physicists landed jobs with fewer journal publications than men.

Ms Covi said Mr Strumia has frequently made provocative comments in the past and said after his presentation that he was challenged by many at the seminar  so much so that the chair had to abruptly end the session when it ran over.

People were upset by what he was saying. And then he later started to make statements that were completely unscientific, she said.

I dont think he represents the majority view. There were a few men who were there but they didnt support his view.

Dr Julie Moote of University College London, who had spoken earlier in the seminar, said it was a shame Mr Strumia did not engage with evidence from other presenters  including her research with more than 40,000 young people in England and interviews over time with youths aged 10 to 18.

Findings show that young women do experience sexism in physics  from being told by a teacher that you need a boy brain to do physics, to survey data showing that boys feel they are encouraged more by their physics teachers than girls  which leads to a situation where even some of the highest attaining young women were doubting that they were clever enough to do physics, Dr Moote said.

Cern is currently headed by a woman, Italian particle physicist Fabiola Gianotti.
Research center on history of port cities in Naples 18th-century building dedicated to international research

(ANSAmed) - NAPLES, OCTOBER 1 - The great park of the 'Bosco di Capodimonte' in Naples is hosting a new research center on the history of art and architecture of port cities.



The center is located in one of the park's buildings, called 'Capraia', thanks to the cooperation between the Edith O'Donnell Institute of Art History in Dallas and the Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte in Naples. The 18th-century building will house researchers and host workshops and seminars to study the history of the Mediterranean through their port cities, as well as create a new network connecting communities in the area through academic research.



''I am very proud to inaugurate the Center of studies of Capraia - said Sylvain Bellenger, director of the Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte - the first part of a great cultural campus in Capodimonte, which is increasingly multidisciplinary and means to offer visitors all forms of art and culture. Studying how art and architecture in Naples was influenced by the city's port is very interesting for us''.



The first young researchers who have been selected hail from the US and the Great Britain and will be followed by others.



''I am extremely proud that this project will take place in Naples'', commented Pietro Spirito, president of the Authority that includes the port of Naples. ''The project will focus on studying the artistic and social connections between historic cities and ports and represents a truly innovative approach to establish the strengthening of a connection that lies in the architectural, economic and artistic heritage of ports. Naples is the ideal base to offer the international community this new model of cultural contamination, which is able to read in a different way the connection between maritime identity and the socio-economic context. And it is important for me that this connection becomes common heritage, thanks to the results that researchers from this first phase will present, in a year, at the end of their studies''. (ANSAmed).




Former Alaska governor Sarah Palins oldest son hit a woman on the head after telling her she could not leave his house and resisted as authorities arrested him, court documents said.

Track Palin, 29, is in jail facing misdemeanour charges including assault, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, less than a year after being accused of attacking his father at his parents home.

A female acquaintance said Palin blocked the doorway when she tried to leave his house in the city of Wasilla on Friday night, according to an affidavit by Alaska State Troopers.

She told authorities he took her phone when she said she would call the police if he did not let her leave.

She said she made it to her car in the driveway but Palin followed her and was on top of her, hitting her in the head, the document said.

They wrestled over the phone and he let her leave after she screamed for help, the affidavit said. Her arm had small scratches and the back of her head and neck were red, a trooper wrote.

Officers went to Palins house and said he told them the two were arguing over how they said goodbye and that any injuries the woman had were self-inflicted.

Palin said he was injured but would not explain further or let officers examine him, the document says.

Authorities said a trooper told Palin he was under arrest and tried to put his arm behind his back, but he tried to pull it forward. When two troopers tried to pull his arms back, he kicked over a coffee table, the document says. A trooper pulled him to the ground.

After Palin was cuffed, troopers say they tried to put him in a vehicle but he was pulling and shoving with his shoulder. He threw his head back towards a troopers face, who moved to avoid getting hit, lost his balance and they both fell down, the documents say.

Palin appeared in court on Saturday, where a judge set a 500 dollar unsecured bond with the condition of wearing a monitoring device if released.

Palin, whose mother was the 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee, was arrested in an assault on his father Todd last December. He was accused of breaking into his parents home and leaving Todd Palin bleeding from cuts on his head, authorities have said.

Track Palin, an Army veteran who served a year in Iraq, was accepted into a therapeutic programme intended to rehabilitate veterans and pleaded guilty to criminal trespassing in a plea agreement.

His lawyer in that case says he has not been contacted to represent Palin in the new case. Patrick Bergt says he does not know how the allegations will affect Palins standing in Alaska Veterans Court, which gives eligible former service members the option of enrolling in mental health treatment instead of a traditional sentence.

The arrangement called for Palin to serve 10 days in jail if he completed the programme . Otherwise he would serve a year.

Palin family lawyer John Tiemessen said he had no firsthand knowledge of the new case.

Palin also was accused of punching his then-girlfriend in 2016, court documents said. He pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm while intoxicated, and the other charges were dismissed.

Sarah Palin indicated that post-traumatic stress disorder might have been a factor in that case.
There is a drastic amount of difference in lending support to someone and genuinely being there for that person. While a lot of actors have expressed how they genuinely want to support Tanushree and everyone who comes out to tell their stories of sexual exploitation, a lot of people have chosen to be quiet about it.

Joining the bandwagon of actors who have extended their support to Tanushree is Pooja Bhatt.

While Amitabh Bachchan avoided commenting on it, saying he was neither Tanushree nor Nana, Aamir Khan said that an investigation in the matter should happen. Farhan Akhtar became the first A-lister to came out in support of Tanushree and then Priyanka Chopra, Richa Chadha, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar and Hansal Mehta followed the suit.

Talking about Tanushree's claims of what happened to her close to a decade ago, Pooja Bhatt said,

Twitter

Whenever someone complains about it, you shouldnt count it out. I dont think we should silence those voices.

Apart from extending her support, Pooja was blunt as pointed out at Bollywood's hypocrisy and how they send support only if it is someone's wedding or funeral. Pooja Bhatt was present at the closing ceremony of 9th Jagran Film Festival, where she put out her opinion about the issue. She said,

I find it a very frivolous conversation whether Bollywood stands with you or not. Truth doesnt need a PR. If you believe it, go out there and speak it. Do not expect anyone to hold your hands and support you. Bollywood is a great place. You can expect support for award ceremonies, weddings and funerals."

Arjun Kapoor too spoke about the issue. In an interview with India Today, he said,

"If what Tanushree is saying is true then we as an industry would want that nobody experiences this again. We have to create an environment of equality. It's important that women should feel safe in a working environment." He added, "It's sad that this issue has come to light after ten years. As someone from the industry, I would want that no girl should feel this as we want the industry to be the safest place in the world. It's disappointing that such a thing has happened with Tanushree. If the allegations are true, we need to introspect."

The latest development around the issue is that Nana Patekar has already sent a legal notice to Tanushree Dutta. A legal notice has already been sent to her and she will receive it today. The notice that I have sent is a standard one  denying allegations and asking for an apology, said Shirodkar, according to a Firstpost report.
After threatening Tanushree Dutta of defaming him, Nana Patekar has now sent a legal notice to the actress. Latest reports claim that Actor Nana Patekars lawyer Rajendra Shirodhkar has sent a legal notice to Tanushree Dutta, claiming that she has levelled false accusations of sexual harassment against the veteran actor.

Just to jog your memory a little, Tanushree alleged that Nana Patekar had harassed her during the shooting of their 2008 film, Horn OK Please. In her claims, she also accused of Nana demanding an intimate dance step with her. A firstpost report quotes Nana's lawyer Shirodkar saying,

A legal notice has already been sent to her and she will receive it today. The notice that I have sent is a standard one  denying allegations and asking for an apology."

A report also claims how the lawyer was informed that journalist Janice Sequeira, assistant director Shyni Shetty, and actor Daisy Shah had corroborated Tanushrees account. Reacting to this, the lawyer added that Nana will soon hold a press conference in Mumbai, presenting his side of the story.

In the report, Shirodkar further adds,

I cant say much now. I have absolutely no idea why she (Tanushree) is talking about it now but she may have some reasons to do it. Nana will come to town (Mumbai) today or tomorrow and address a press conference. Let him come back and talk, that is the best way to know. Tomorrow he should be definitely here."

In her earlier conversation with media Tanushree Dutta had mentioned how she is putting together a team of lawyers and advocates to defend herself.

On Saturday, she told media,

Agencies

Contrary to claims made by Nanas lawyer I have not received any legal notice. So bluffmaster gogo needs to step up his game a bit here. Instead of making empty threats to intimidate me into silence, send me a legal notice and then you will see what I will do with it!!.

Tanushree, who is prepared to fight this battle till the end added that Nana's bankrupt and corrupt lawyers and advocates were defending serial harassers and offenders in order to attain few seconds of fame. She added,

Despite witnesses coming forward and all evidence in my support, Im being subjected to criminal intimidation and harassment by Nanas helper. Im sure this guy has many skeletons in his closet too as birds of a feather always flock together."

Let's see how the drama unfolds and what Nana Patekar has to say about it all.
Indian roads are turning deadlier for pedestrians. Government data show the number of fatalities shooting up from 12,330 in 2014 to 20,457 in 2017  a jump of nearly 66%. It translates to 56 pedestrians dying daily last year, despite policymakers and authorities talking about prioritising pedestrian safety.

Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users as they have no protection in case of an accident. Cyclists and two-wheeler occupants also fall in this category. According to official data, 133 two-wheeler occupants and nearly 10 cyclists were killed daily in road accidents in 2017.

Tamil Nadu reported a maximum number of 3,507 pedestrians killed in road accidents last year, followed by Maharashtra (1,831) and Andhra Pradesh (1,379). Similarly, in the case of two-wheeler deaths, Tamil Nadu topped the list with 6,329 fatalities followed by 5,699 in Uttar Pradesh and 4,659 in Maharashtra.

bccl/representational image

In total, the three categories of victims had more than half of the share of all road deaths across the country in 2017. Union road transport secretary YS Malik recently lamented how motorists in India, unlike in developed countries, have little respect for the rights of pedestrians.

Designated footpaths are routinely encroached by parked vehicles and shops, especially in urban areas, forcing the pedestrians to walk on roads.

The trend of vulnerable road users getting killed is the same across all southeast Asian countries and hence we need to find solutions to our problems of how to make roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

bccl/representational image

There is a dire need to segregate these road users from other vehicles to reduce conflicts, said K K Kapila of International Road Federation.

On September 17, TOI reported how a study by World Bank, iRAP and NHAI + had found nearly the entire Delhi-Mumbai and Mumbai-Chennai corridors of Golden Quadrilateral lacking any facility for two-wheelers, pedestrians and cyclists. However, there is no specific data on how many pedestrians die on national and state highways.

In a step aimed at reducing road fatalities, the Centre has made it must for all models of two-wheelers from April 2019 to have anti-lock braking system (ABS).

bccl/representational image

ABS generally improves control over the vehicle and decreases stopping distances on dry and slippery surfaces. Due to fear of a locked wheel, riders often dont apply the brake fully even in emergency situation which contributes to higher number of crashes. ABS can also avoid an accident or reduce collision speed significantly.
The government has decided on a ten-fold increase in the minimum compensation payable to road accident victims or their kin in case of death, permanent disability or minor injury irrespective of their income and age criteria.

While revising this after a gap of 24 years, the transport ministry, however, has left the option for people to pursue their case in the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) if they believe they deserve higher compensation.

As per the new norms, to be notified soon, in case of a fatality in road accident the compensation will be Rs 5 lakh and for permanent disability it will be in the range of Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh based on the extent of disability.

bccl/representational image

This will increase by 5 per cent annually. This is being pushed as a move to provide quick relief to a large section of victims. Annually, 1.5 lakh people die while more than 5 lakh get injured in road accidents.

The higher compensation may also entail an increase in the third party premium outgo for vehicle owners.

Currently, the Motor Vehicles Act provides for Rs 50,000 compensation in case of death and Rs 25,000 for permanent disability as per the "no-fault liability" norm where the victim does not have to prove the negligence of the motor vehicle driver.

bccl/representational image

This is binding on insurance firms. However, no victim accepts this and hence all cases go to the MACT.

In this case, the compensation is paid based on a structured formula under Schedule-II of the Act, which takes into consideration the age, income and number of dependants of the victim.

Here, the victim has to establish the fault of the driver to get compensation. Though the MV Act provided for amending this structured formula from "time to time" keeping in view the increased cost of living, it was never revised.

bccl/representational image

The transport ministry while deciding the fixed compensation under Schedule-II of MV Act considered the average claims paid for death for 2011-12 to 2015-16 by the MACT ranged between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 4.9 lakh.

"The idea behind this move is to reduce the number of litigation in majority of the cases. Those who want higher compensation can take the legal route, which takes time," said an official.
Chief Justice Of India, Dipak Misra observed his last day in court on Monday, October 01 along with his successor Ranjan Gogoi as he bade farewell to his 13-month CJI tenure and a career that spanned over two decades.

According to the Press Trust Of India, the Chief attended last day court proceedings that lasted a mere 25 minutes. CJI Misra delivered some landmark judgements as he neared his term including decriminalizing homosexuality, the Aadhaar judgement that recognised a citizens right to privacy and prevented bank accounts and mobile companies from seeking personal information.

Photo: Indian Express

The Adultery law was also read down by the judge who along with a bunch of other dignitaries noted that women were treated like chattel in the Victorian era law. He also gave justice to all the devotees by allowing women in menstruating age to enter the Sabarimala temple.

While the verdict on Ayodhya case was postponed to October 29, Dipak Misra even propagated for transparency in courtrooms by allowing live proceedings to be telecast on constitutional matters and Bhima-Koregaon verdict as well where the apex court refused to interfere with the activists arrests.

At the fag end of proceedings on the farewell day, a lawyer broke into an emotional monotone by singing, Tum jiyo hazaron saal... the lawyer crooned, singing the opening lines of a Hindi film song from the late 1950s usually played on birthdays.

CJI Misra immediately stopped him and said, Presently I am responding from my heart. I will respond from my mind in the evening. Justice Gogoi will assume office from October 03.

Justice Misra was appointed the additional judge of the Orissa High Court on January 17, 1996, before his transfer to the Madhya Pradesh High Court. He became a permanent judge on December 19, 1997.

He assumed charge of the office of chief justice of Patna High Court on December 23, 2009, and became chief justice of the Delhi High Court on May 24, 2010. He was elevated as a judge of the apex court on October 10, 2011, and became the Chief Justice on August 28, 2017.
Twenty years on, a Hindu family and a Sikh-Muslim couple remain the only thread in the bond that has unified faiths in Kargil for years, despite unease between Hindus and Muslims since the 1999 India-Pakistan war that ruptured the towns peace.

Ravinder Nath and his wife Madhu are at ease as they swap seats at their wholesale shop, attending to Muslim buyers in this border town, just 200 metres from the Line of Control.

For the past two decades, this couple is the only Hindu family among the 1.65-lakh people in Kargil.

toi

Not far from them are three Sikh families, who have built a gurdwara that shares its wall with the Hanfia Ahl-e-Sunnat mosque, run by Sunnis.

The bond between the two shrines gave birth to the romance between Jaswinder Singh (now Junaid) and Khatija Bano in 1996, the only inter-faith couple who broke the social stigma despite stiff resistance from families.

Khatija used to visit the gurdwara to fill up water bucket. I was mesmerised by her. I began writing letters to her and we fell in love. I had two options to make our marriage possible: either I embrace Islam or she takes up Sikhism. I decided to become Junaid Akhtar.

Today, I celebrate Baisakhi with my mother and brothers and Eid with my kids  Mansoor, Shoaib and Tanaz Fatima. I am Jaswinder for one family and Junaid for the other, says Jaswinder. I visit the gurdwara more frequently than Junaid does and have even learnt gurbani, smiles Khatija.

reuters

We are liberal parents and have told both sons and daughter to choose their life partners from any religion. But the attacks on young boys and girls who break barriers in Hindu and Muslim societies do frighten us,  she adds.

The couple, employed with Jammu and Kashmirs education department, happily share their love chemistry while taking maths lessons in high schools. As Kargil approaches two decades since the war, the harmony among people of different faiths  Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Islam  remains unique. Ravinder and Madhu are unforgiving about Pakistan forces killing Indian soldiers, but insist that when Diwali is celebrated, its the Muslim families and kids who spend the morning decorating their home with lights.

Even their own children  daughter an ENT specialist daughter in Delhi and son studying in Chandigarh  have rarely had time to return home on Diwali.
Google might be the king of search right now, but it's not an easy task staying at the top. Aside from being efficient enough to convince users to come to them, Google also occasionally has to make sacrifices.

Sometimes, that's a $9 billion sacrifice to maintain its monopoly.

According to a Business Insider report, courtesy of Goldman Sachs analyst Rod Hall, Google will pay Apple approximately Rs 65,000 crore in 2018 in order to remain the Safari browser's default search engine. That number will also climb to $12 billion in 2019 (approximately Rs 87,000 crore).

If that seems like an unreasonable amount to pay for such intangible benefits, think again. After all, Safari is the default browser on everything from the iPhone, to the iPad and Mac. A lot of those users actually prefer Apple's browser to other options, meaning Google would in turn be generating a really high amount of ad revenue from searches. According to Goldman Sachs, the fee Google pays ends up being a fraction of what it earns.

Also Read: Suggested Results In Apple's Safari Browser Have Been Showing Conspiracy Theories As Facts

"We believe Apple is one of the biggest channels of traffic acquisition for Google," the report said. The number has actually jumped significantly from the $3 billion Google paid last year. All of those are estimates, but there are actual court documents indicating Google did in fact pay Apple $1 billion in 2014 for its pride of place as search engine.

Again, none of this is something either company will comments on, even to confirm or deny. However, it seems like a fairly accurate estimate from analysts. Which is means if Google ever decides it doesn't need Apple to give it a special spot as default search engine, the iPhone maker is going to lose a significant chunk of its revenue.
As many as 102 people lost their lives cleaning sewer lines and manholes in India, as per the first ever government record for 2017. If that wasn't enough, nearly 23,000 men and women die every year doing various kinds of sanitation work. Just last month, four sanitation workers died from inhaling toxic fumes while cleaning a septic tank in Delhi.

It's a shameful and shocking state of affairs. People tasked with doing some of the dirtiest work imaginable get no dignity in return from our society, in life or death.

However, a young startup from South India aims to fix this problem. Their solution to improve the work and life of sanitation workers, and thereby initiating societal change, starts with a robot.

"We were first working on an exoskeleton project, which aimed to give human workers superhuman strength," Vimal Govind, CEO of GenRobotics, tells me over the phone, after highlighting how the startup's full of 30-odd engineers from different backgrounds -- mechanical, instrumentation, computer science, electronic, automation. The young team was inspired by superhuman instruments from 2008's Avatar movie.

Setup in 2015, GenRobotics truly took shape during the college days of its young founders: Arun George, Nikhil NP, Rashid K, and Vimal Govind. Where Vimal acts as the CEO of the robotics startup, the rest of the group serve as co-founders.

"When we were working on the exoskeleton, Kerala government came to know of our work and gave us a problem statement: to solve the issue of manual scavenging."

"At that time we didn't know the seriousness of the manual scavenging issue," continued Vimal. "But after researching on how much risk sewage cleaners take every single day, we decided to stop our exoskeleton project and focused all our attention on building a robot for cleaning manholes and sewers."

Enter Bandicoot

GenRobotics Bandicoot

That pretty much was the beginning of how GenRobotics came to build the Bandicoot. Vimal tells me how in the beginning they wanted to build a robot for both sewage line cleaning and manhole cleaning, but later realized that manhole cleaning actually requires a worker to enter the manhole -- unlike sewage line where manual intervention is very less.

"Manhole cleaning is one of the most challenging and dangerous jobs you can imagine," says Vimal, "where on an average people have to dive into 10 metres of faeces and other hazardous waste matter. And there are even deeper manholes, which sanitation workers dare not go into, because they know they can never come back from it."

This is where Bandicoot comes in. It is a complete replacement of a human being. Designed for cleaning manholes, it has a universal robotic arm -- capable of doing all the tasks a human performs -- and later a collecting bucket where Bandicoots arm can dump all the garbage, and its retrieved at the top of the manhole for disposing.

Bandicoot can collect up to 20 litres of sewage in 20 seconds flat.

"Bandicoot has machine vision, which relays all the actions of the robot inside the manhole to its operator," says Vimal Govind. "The machine is connected through wire or wirelessly to the central processing unit, and all the human operator has to do is to press OK. It's that simple."

Through a smart user interface, you can see the internal manhole footage along with all the robot actions on a console. The stand unit also has a console with buttons to operate the Bandicoot, once it's dispatched inside the manhole -- the same stand unit is used to pick Bandicoot out of the sewer as well.

GenRobotics Bandicoot

Bandicoot has to be corrosion resistant, water-proof, and flash proof -- meaning it shouldn't give out any accidental electric sparks, because it can lead to explosions caused by methane build-up. It needs custom-built actuators that help it move in the sewer environment. It's a very challenging, and complicated design compared to normal robots, Vimal went on to emphasize.

Deploying more Bandicoots

The cost of a Bandicoot right now starts at 18 lakh -- which includes training and transportation. The cost may seem too high, but remember municipalities around the country are already approaching GenRobotics to mechanize waste collection and disposal. Municipal corporations in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh have already placed orders for Bandicoot. And the robot will be cleaning sewers in Dubai and Sharjah very soon as well.

GenRobotics Bandicoot

GenRobotics recently participated in Google's Launchpad Accelerator India chapter, having secured funding from Unicorn India Ventures and Rajan Anandan, VP & MD, South East Asia and India, Google. Paul Ravindranath G, Program Manager, Google India said, "Launchpad Accelerator India is based on Googles global Launchpad Accelerator program, dedicated to Indian startups, using ML/AI to solve for Indias needs."

So what's the mission for Bandicoot, I ask Vimal, as they prepare to get honoured and felicitated by the Prime Minister and President at Rashtrapati Bhavan on October 2, 2018 -- Swachh Bharat Day.

"Our aim is to make the job of sanitation workers safer. We want them to use this robot at the initial stage and be able to work in a better environment," he tells me. "This will also ensure better future for the children of sanitation workers -- they will see that their parent isn't risking their life by entering a manhole on a daily basis, but rather standing outside the manhole, operating a robot that does all the dirty work from a safe distance."

Vimal believes that this is how social change will start, and their ultimate hope is that no one's life should be jeopardised in the area of sanitation work.
On September 19, four male students from a school in Dehradun were arrested on charges of gangraping their Std 10 classmate.

During interrogation, they revealed theyd watched porn clips before the incident. Now, the Uttarakhand High Court is acting on the supposed catalyst.

The High Court has now decided it needs to take action against the curse of pornography, and has issued directive to the central government, asking it to strictly enforce the existing ban on adult content.

What's happening here?

The court is referring to the July 31, 2015 circular issued by the Department of Telecommunications, directing Internet Service Providers to block access to pornographic material online. The division bench, composed of acting chief justice Rajiv Sharma and justice Manoj Tiwari, said, "Unlimited access to these pornographic sites is required to be blocked/curbed to avoid an adverse influence on the impressionable minds of children."

Specifically, the court has asked ISPs to block the publication or transmission of "obscene material" in any digital form. Anyone found to be violating the directive will reportedly lose their licence under Section 25 of the IT Act, 2000.

What now?

Now, while the High Court has no jurisdiction to demand this enforcement outside Uttarakand, it's appealed to the DoT which DOES. So, that means we could be seeing a renewed focus from the Centre on restricting pornography in all its forms, especially if the Centre sees benefit in pursuing the issue in view of public opinion. Then again, that brings up other questions.

For one thing, if the ban itself was issued in 2015, and let's assume here that enforcing it would fix India's rape problem, why has it taken three years to implement? For that matter, why does it require a horrific gangrape for the authorities to sit up and take notice?

The second question is whether such a ban would even be effective in the slightest. After all, blocking porn sites is simple enough, but so is accessing a VPN service. Heck, there are plenty of free services you can access from your browser, without even needing a download. So does a ban even make sense, or is it just a way of appearing to do something when the truth is we're floundering with the problem?

In the meantime, if you want young male minds to not be corrupted, it might help to stop teaching them that women are less than human and perhaps how to treat them with respect while youre at it. Maybe then this list from just a single month wouldn't be so heart-breakingly long.

9-YO Girl Gang Raped, Body Burnt With Acid In Kashmir Because Her Cruel Stepmother Wanted That

Police Constable Gangraped Inside All Women Police Station In Palwal

14-Year-Old Brutally Gangraped In UP; Panchayat Lets Off Accused With Rs 80,000 Fine

Doctors Confirm That 8-Year-Old Kathua Victim Was Gangraped & Died Of Asphyxiation

VaayaMoodal Campaign: MLA Abused Rape Survivor, Kerala Women Shut Him Up With Duct Tapes

Teenage Boy Commits Suicide After His Friend Was Gangraped In Front Of Him In Chhattisgarh

Humanity Buried Under Bhopal Shelter Home, Deaf-Mute Minor Rape Victims Tell Horror Stories

Luring Her With A Chocolate, School Employee Rapes 5-Year-Old Girl In Hyderabad

Class 10th Girl Brutally Gangraped In Dehradun Boarding School, 9 Including 4 Minor Boys Held

People Heard Girls Screaming While Being Raped In Muzaffarpur, They Didn't Report Out Of Fear

Kerala Nun Rape Case: Bishop Mulakkal Arrested After Stringent Interrogation For Three Days

Armyman, Prime Accused In 20-Year-Old Haryana School Topper Gangrape Case Finally Arrested

19-Year-Old Rewari Gangrape Survivor Misses Job Exam On Which She Spent Months To Prepare

19-Year-Old Rewari Gangrape Survivor Misses Job Exam On Which She Spent Months To Prepare
In 1942, nearly one thousand Catholic and Jewish children came from Serbia to the Balachadi camp. They stayed here for almost six years. Now, years later seven of them  known as the Survivors of Poland  have come back to the place they learnt to be happy again.

When Jerzy Jomaszek and Jadwiga, both now 90, met for the first time in the barracks of this camp in Jamnagar (then Nawanagar), they were 14 years old. Jerzy fell for Jadwiga but she did not reciprocate his feelings. After staying in the same camp for about a year and a half, they went their own separate ways. Jerzy travelled to East Africa to join another Polish camp, while Jadwiga returned to Poland.

Life moved on, they got married to different people and had their own lives in Poland. Through all of this, they stayed in touch and often reminisced the days they spent in the Balachadi camp. In 2008, 80-year-old Jerzy kneeled down to Jadwiga and proposed to her after both of their spouses died. Jadwiga accepted his proposal. We might be the oldest couple here but I bet we look the youngest, Indian Express quotes Jerzy as saying with a big smile.

Courtesy of Tadeusz Dobrostanski in "The Second Homeland" book by Anuradha Bhattacharjee published by SAGE publications.





The group of seven were accompanied by their families. They gathered at Sainik School, where once the camp stood, to commemorate 100 years of the regaining of Independence by the Republic of Poland and the special Indo-Polish bond strengthened by the efforts of then Maharaja of Nawanagar Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji who sheltered the Polish children, orphaned during the Second World War, in his estate.

For 51-year-old Tomek Gutowski accompanied by his 22-year-old son Maceij and 84-year-old father Roman  who had stayed in the camp  the sight was overflowing with memories.

This is the place about which I have heard from my father since I was two, as I did not have fairy tales, admitted Tomek. It is here where I learnt swimming, Roman added, showing his grandson the remains of a brick wall that was once the palaces swimming pool.

We feel younger coming here as we remember our youth here This is the place where we learned to be happy again, said 87-year-old Stypula Wieslaw who was 11 when he came here 76 years ago.

The Polish survivors have not forgotten the Maharaja. He would tell us I am your bapu (father), said 88-year-old Iwona Tomaszek, who stayed for only one year at the Maharajas camp. Poland ka Dil yahan par bhi hai, said Adam Burakowski, the Polish ambassador to India, who was accompanying the group.

I believe this journey of around seven years became possible because of Jamsahebs soul who chose me to tell this story, says Anu Radha, who brought together the seven persons after she made a film A little Poland in India in 2013.
Gita Gopinath, professor at Harvard University, co-editor of the American Economic Review and co-director of the International Finance and Macroeconomics Program at the National Bureau of Economic Research, was named chief economist at the International Monetary Fund. (Eric Piermont/AFP/Getty Images)
A Congress Party member touches a poster of billionaire jeweler Nirav Modi during a protest in New Delhi Feb. 16. In its ongoing investigation of Nirav Modi and the Punjab National Bank Fraud, the Enforcement Directorate has attached foreign assets worth Rs. 637 in the investigation. (Chandan Khanna/AFP/Getty Images)
Chinese lithium producer Ganfeng Lithium announced on Friday September 28 that it has reached a strategic cooperation agreement with BMW to supply the German carmaker with lithium compounds.

One week ahead of Ganfengs initial public offering (IPO), which is intended to raise $676 million in a Hong Kong share listing,...
Brenntag gets Cargill cocoa, chocolate distribution deal

Brenntag is to become the exclusive distribution partner for Cargills industrial cocoa and chocolate in the Central Eastern European (CEE) region.

Brenntag is to become the exclusive distribution partner for Cargills industrial cocoa and chocolate in the Central Eastern European (CEE) region.

The distribution agreement includes Cargills Gerkens cocoa powder brand, as well as its chocolate range, which includes a variety of chocolate inclusions, coatings and fillings.

Brenntag says that the collaboration with Cargill will expand its offering to the confectionery, bakery, cereals, desserts, dry mixes, ice cream and dairy industries across countries which include Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Albania, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, F.Y.R. Macedonia, Moldavia, Montenegro and Ukraine.

Uwe Schueltke, COO Brenntag EMEA, said: Consumer choice is led by taste. Chocolate is a main taste component across the sweet application areas, also extending to savory. Brenntag CEE is a strong partner for taste and the addition of Cargills high-quality cocoa and chocolate range strengthens our position. Our taste specialists are looking forward to introducing the Cargill range to our customers.

Inge Demeyere, managing director for Cargills chocolates and compound activities in Europe, said: Brenntag has a deep market understanding and a strong presence in the region. We have been impressed by Brenntags facilities and capabilities and how they manage complex supply chains whilst remaining close to the customer. We are excited about this collaboration, because it allows two global market leaders to join forces to better serve food manufacturers in Central Eastern Europe.
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This is just another day for Facebook, unfortunately. With how much press theyve been getting  and not for good reasons  it comes down to how theyre creating code, Burns & Wilcox corporate vice-president and director of professional liability David Derigiotis told WWJ Newsradio 950.

Derigiotis explained that there is no need for users to reset their passwords, since the data breach did not involve passwords, but did suggest that users should start carefully considering what sort of data they post online for the public to see.

But I think now is a good time to reflect on what information  what data trail are we leaving on Facebook, he remarked. Take a look at prior posts that you have. Is there really a need to have years and years worth of information that were giving away?

Constantly sharing details of your personal life on social media could invite disaster  regardless of whether your account has been accessed by an outsider or you are posting publicly for everyone to see, Derigiotis cautioned.

We allow people to collect a profile of information on us. And they can use that to carry out attacks, he remarked. You have no need to leave pictures online for extended periods of time.

Derigiotis suggested that users do not have to stop sharing photos with family and friends, but recommended that such data should be removed online after weeks or months.

He also had several thoughts about people who post on social media about their trips or immediate locations.

Leaving a trail of our whereabouts, what our normal routines look like  youre giving somebody a glimpse into your life every single day, he said.

Derigiotis cautioned that the industry still does not know if the Facebook breach also affects services that require users to login with their Facebook details.

We dont know if [hackers] can view other third-party apps that we use Facebook to log into, he warned.

So think of all of the other places that you log in with your Facebook to access third-party apps. Maybe its your Messenger. And you have a long history of very important or confidential texts and chats that youre having with people.

It might be a good idea now to go in and reset the login for those particular third-party apps, Derigiotis proposed.
However, the report also notes that tariff trade barriers were on the rise for a number of years prior, citing the global financial crisis of 2008-09 as a significant cause. Since these events, many have attempted to address rising inequality and globalisation via stealth protectionism, rather than directly through tariffs.

What is new is a move to bi-polar and regional trade arrangements from multi-lateral agreements, states the report.

For insurers, the rise of protectionism could present a number of additional challenges, particularly around marine insurance  the report suggests that a trade war would be an undesirable situation for the industry.

While IUMI reported earlier this month that there was a 2% rise in marine insurance premiums globally, there are still serious challenges facing the industry. As IUMI noted, cargo and hull present a number of issues; unprecedented nat-cat and outlier event losses, along with falling vessel values and other market conditions, have all contributed to a riskier environment for insurers, even in light of an upwards turn in the market.

Increased protectionism could potentially cause additional issues on top of these existing challenges.

This poses challenges for international re/insurers by making cross-border transactions more costly and reduces the benefits of diversification of global companies, with detrimental implications for re/insurers ability to close protection gaps, the report notes.

The report describes the current impact of higher tariffs on insurers as negligible. However, it also suggests that international regulation will be more fragmented if the shift from multilateral trade agreements to bilateral trade agreements continues.
Brian Stone conspired with others to participate in a string of arson frauds between 2009 and 2013. The scam involved seven fires in commercial buildings in Sacramento and Carmichael, Calif. Stone and his co-conspirators were accused of scamming $1.5 million through the arson and insurance fraud.

Stone ran the scheme with the help of two others, Saber A. Shehadeh and Jamal M. Shehadeh, the Sacramento Business Journal reported.

Jamal Shehadeh owned several businesses that were burned in the scheme. Saber Shehadeh owned a Tru Value Market and another property that were also burned in the scam. Stone, meanwhile, worked as a consultant assisting with the insurance claims.

According to the Sacramento Bee, the men filed insurance claims using fraudulent information in order to collect payouts from the fires.
State investigators, however, said that Hensleys license to sell insurance had expired in 2015. He had collected $72,000 of insurance premiums over the years, which all went into his pocket.

The arrest report said that Hensleys scheme began to fall apart after the businesses filed for a claim following Hurricane Irma last year, discovering that they were not covered as Hensley claimed.

It caused pretty extensive damage to our roof and we called him the day after the hurricane hit, Macho Auto Repair owner Felix Vargas told WFTV.

Vargas, another one of Hensleys victims, could not get a hold of Hensley after Hurricane Irma caused extensive damage to his businesss roof.

No replies on the phone and no emails returned  we kind of put two and two together.

Left to fend for itself, Vargass business had to shell out $18,000 out of pocket to pay for roofing repairs.

Orange County court documents said that between those businesses, Hensley managed to make off with almost $62,000.

Hensley is currently free on bond, WFTV reported.

Related stories:

Insurance agent made nearly $5 million, paid no tax

Insurance agent, wife charged in $1 million scam
In January, GE announced that its remaining insurance portfolio had around 300,000 policies that needed $15 billion in reserves to cover potential payouts - about $50,000 per policy. According to Reuters, many of GEs insurance liabilities revolve around its long-term care (LTC) insurance policies because premiums have been unable to match soaring healthcare costs and extended life expectancy in the US.

Shareholders are unhappy with the firm, highlighted by the 35% shares crash so far this year and the staggering 45% dip in 2017 due to cash-flow shortages and weak sales. Some shareholders accused GE of hiding mounting insurance liabilities (which stood at $38 billion at the end of 2017) and concealing information about a US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) probe into the companys insurance business.

As CEO, Flannery has been unable to stanch bleeding at GE and repair the firms tainted name. Bloomberg reported that the iconic corporation was worth just under $100 billion as of the close September 28, with its stock at around $11. Its a long road ahead for Larry Culp.
We see huge opportunity to grow our US business. We have over a million customers in the US already, but when you look at the scale of the country and the number of people who dont have life insurance, theres a huge opportunity to breach that gap, Holweger told Insurance Business. Were planning to achieve that by focusing on our business partners and our distribution model, offering digital tools and new technology to make things simpler for our broker partners and the end customer.

Part of the problem causing low life insurance uptake in the US is the complicated and time-consuming nature of the sales process. The application forms are long and detailed, and many carriers require prospective policyholders to provide fluids, which again adds to the time and effort needed to get the coverage.

Why do the carriers demand such a stringent process? Its all because of contestability, Holweger explained. In the US, insurers are not allowed to contest details on a life insurance policy form after a two-year time period. This is why they want to carry out a thorough investigation before offering life insurance to someone. In other countries like the UK, contestability is at the time of claim, which means carriers are more able and willing to offer quick, digital solutions with fewer questions.

We want to make things easier for our customers, Holweger commented. Technology can be used in many different ways, from boosting efficiency in back-office and administrative work to enhancing the way we communicate with our customers. We also want to be clever with the way we use data so that were not asking customers questions about things weve already got answers to.

Holwegers appointment as CEO came shortly after the firm launched a consumer-facing blog on life insurance, family, money, lifestyle and technology topics. This fresh communication strategy is part of an awareness building project so that people understand what life insurance is all about and are able to make informed decisions around their purchase, Holweger explained.
Everyone has a voice at the table, and everyone is respected.

That employee comment may best sum up the feelings of the workforce at San Luis Obispo, Calif.-based Morris & Garritano.

Giving employees a voice makes them feel heard, but benefits like work-life flexibility, fair compensation and room for growth, are attributes that earned the firm the gratitude of numerous employees who voted it the Best Agency to Work For  Gold award for the West region in Insurance Journals annual survey.

The 133-year-old independent agency, which employs 123 and had a reported revenue of $18.5 million in 2017, scored among the top agencies.

Morris & Garritano is like my second family. We are true to our mission statement and we live our core values daily. We work hard and play hard, wrote one employee.

Another wrote: Morris & Garritano is a very hard-working, smart and fun community. From the top to the newest employee, everyone here is aware of the culture and strives to live it every day. Our leadership understands that the most valuable part of the company is the employees. If you treat your employees well and acknowledge their contributions, then they will always work to better the organization.

CEO Brendan Morris, the third generation of Morriss to lead the firm, stressed the importance of instilling values like respect and camaraderie over tossing out motivational catchphrases to employees.

We really wanted to make it simple and live by our core values, Morris said. Having a good culture has been like a buzz word you heard for a long time, but its not just words here.

One of the firms values is passion.

Whether its passion for our clients, passion for our employees, passion for building relationships, we really have that, he said. Were passionate about remaning independent, passionate about creating opportunities, about having fun, about learning.

Morris & Garritano has offices in San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria, with producers in Santa Cruz and Fresno. The firm was founded in 1885 by Archibald McAlister in San Luis Obispo as Lands, Loans, Rents & Insurance. McAlister later became mayor of the city.

In 1948, Brendans grandfather, Harry Morris, who worked for The Hartford, came to the firm. His father, Greg, who also worked for The Hartford, came to the firm in 1964 and worked there for 50 years.

Brendan, who earned a degree in finance from Santa Clara University, joined the firm in 1994. His sister Kerry, who is now COO, joined in early 2002.

Morris said the firm has grown organically and through acquisitions, with two agency acquisitions and two producer acquisitions in the past four years.

One employee summed up his feelings about the firm, saying the culture allows employees to have strong growth goals along with a fun work environment.

The agency provides support to allow individuals opportunities to work remotely and provides flexible work schedules along with strong benefits packages, the employee wrote. Additionally, the growth of the agency has brought a diversity of employees from different demographics together.

Another wrote that Morris & Garritano takes care of employees, which fosters an atmosphere of happiness.

People are unusually happy all the time and pass that positivity to our clients, the employee wrote. The culture around the office is upbeat and professional. Its easy to do a good job when it is rare that someone in our area hasnt heard of the agency. Most of the people I talk to tell me their parents or grandparents had their insurance with us, and it was only natural for them to give us a call. I have 100 percent faith that we provide superior coverage and service to every client. Prior to working here, I never would have imagined that a commercial insurance job could be so fun. I am proud to tell people where I work!
Glen Mulready has 35 years of experience in the insurance industry and is a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He previously served as the House insurance committee chair and is now the floor leader emeritus.

Insurance Journal: What are the primary functions of the Oklahoma Insurance Department?

Glen Mulready: I think the absolutely number one priority of the department is consumer protection.  I think in other areas, sort of from a priority standpoint, I would list out insuring the financial solvency of the insurance companies. Basically making sure that they are financially healthy and able to abide by the  contracts that they have committed to.

I think that consumer education is a big part. Unfortunately  not just our state but the general public is not well versed on insurance issues. Insurance can be complicated, and so I think the department has a role in trying to educate consumers so they can be smart insurance consumers and make wise decisions when it comes to spending their precious dollars on insurance premiums.

And third, I think combating insurance fraud is a big part. I have jokingly referred to it as the high blood pressure of the insurance industry. Its the silent killer  so I think [being] vigilant and upfront and proactive on preventing insurance fraud is another priority of the Oklahoma Insurance Department.

IJ: What aspects of your professional background do you feel qualify you for service as Oklahomas insurance commissioner?

GM: I have been in the insurance business for 35 years now  at all different aspects of the industry and at some of the highest levels.  I have experience in the property and casualty side of the business as an independent insurance agent, on healthcare, health insurance, life insurance. Ive worked as an independent agent, as a broker, and Ive been an executive at two of Oklahomas largest health insurance companies.

But addition to that, last decade here in Oklahoma, Ive worked as a small business owner.  My insurance business is a small business and we provide Oklahoma employers with their employees with benefits and health insurance, and make sure theyre maximizing their employee benefit dollars. But in addition to that, for the last eight years, Ive served as a state legislator and a former chairman of insurance committee in the House of Representatives, so Ive seen some other variations of things that I may not have dealt with professionally, specifically, but through that role Ive also had a chance to interact with that.

I received my CIC designation a number of years ago, back in the late 80s. Ive served as the president of both Tulsa and the Oklahoma state Health Underwriters Association and have previously been named as the state health underwriter of the year. So, all of that to say, Ive got a wide variety of experience really from all aspects of the insurance industry. I believe that that extensive and diverse experience, and as my role dealing with insurance policy, uniquely qualifies me to be the next state insurance commissioner.

IJ: Why do you want to serve as Oklahomas insurance commissioner?

GM: Thats a great question, the why.  I think the key thing is that Oklahomans have a lot to worry about. Theyre busy taking care of their families. Theyre putting food on the table. Theyre paying their bills and paying for their prescriptions and things like that. And so, I want to hopefully give them more insurance choices, give them greater access that will help decrease what they have to worry about. I want to be confident that, when the time comes, when they need it  whether its an insurance claim or when they need that insurance  they can be confident that the companies are solvent, theyre gonna do what they say theyre gonna do, and their claims will be properly evaluated and acted upon.

IJ: How would you describe the current state of the insurance market in Oklahoma?

GM: I think, overall, its good. We have certain positive and negative aspects  but number one, from a negative standpoint, I would say is just a lack of choices for health insurance.  The Affordable Care Act had some damaging effects to our state, in our marketplace. We went from having six choices to four, to two, and last couple years, we only had one health insurance option for individuals in the marketplace. The good news is that we are, for 2019, were adding a second option. We have Medica coming into our individual market.

On the positive side, our workers comp  has seen substantial decreases in rates, mainly due to legislative changes and reforms that have been done over the last few years, so thats a positive thing. 

Weve got well over 100 companies in Oklahoma that are writing auto insurance premiums. We have 800 that are licensed to write auto insurance in our state.  I believe that more choices and more competition drives down costs, increases efficiency, increases innovation, and that sort of thing. I think we need more of that.

We can, at times, be a tough state to do some business in, just as you know, we have our share of catastrophic claims with hail and tornado, but overall, I think the current state of the Oklahoma insurance market is good with some pockets of real positives and some pockets of negatives.

IJ: What message would you like to convey to the insurance agents and brokers in Oklahoma?

GM: To agents and brokers, my message to them, I guess first of all I would say that Im one of you.  I have served as an agent or broker  over 20 years  working for families, for Oklahoma families and businesses.  This can be a tough state in which to work. But Oklahomans, the Oklahoma consumer needs you guys and girls more and more to advise them and help protect them. And so, that is the role of the agent broker. I think the agent broker is a critical role. They are pillars in their community, the agents and brokers, throughout Oklahoma.

Topics Agencies Oklahoma Market Politics
A Montana photographer is suing Netflix, alleging the company violated copyright law by using one of his photos without permission to create storm images for the series Stranger Things and the movie How It Ends.

The Great Falls Tribune reported Sean R. Heavey of Glasgow filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Great Falls.

A Netflix attorney has told Heavey in a letter that its images are different from the photo and that the company didnt violate his copyright.

The newspaper says the company didnt respond to its request for comment.

Heavey says he took the photo in Montana in 2010 and registered his copyright that year. It shows a supercell storm cloud.

His lawsuit asks for unspecified damages and legal costs.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Windstorm Montana
The South Carolina Department of Insurance has issued two Hurricane Florence-related notices to all property and casualty insurers doing business in the state.

SCDOI Director Ray Farmer issued an emergency regulation Sept. 14 designed to protect insurance consumers as they recover from Hurricane Florence, according to a statement from SCDOI.

The emergency regulation imposes a 60-day moratorium on cancellations for nonpayment of premiums and on nonrenewals for insureds directly impacted by Hurricane Florence. The 60-day moratorium began Sept. 14, 2018, and ends Nov. 13, 2018.

This emergency regulation will help South Carolinians by giving them some extra time to focus on their family and immediate needs before worrying about insurance notices or paperwork, said Farmer.

Farmer also issued Emergency Order 2018-EO-001, ordering persons licensed or authorized to transact the business of insurance in South Carolina to comply with the requirements of Emergency Regulation 69-79. The emergency regulation provides a number of other protections for consumers, including:

Requiring insurers to consider exceptions to proof of loss deadlines and contract or underwriting requirements for those insureds directly impacted by Hurricane Florence.

Prohibiting insurers from canceling or nonrenewing policies solely because of claims resulting from Hurricane Florence.

Suspending late payment, reinstatement, or insufficient funds fees along with any other fee, penalty, or interest charge resulting from an insureds temporary inability to submit premium payments for those insureds directly impacted by Hurricane Florence.

Allowing insureds to request a duplicate copy of their policy at no additional cost.

Permitting claims payments to be made via prepaid debit card or electronic transfer provided certain conditions are met.

Farmer issued a data call of insurers on Sept. 13 requiring them to complete a claims reporting sheet weekly beginning Oct. 1, 2018, for claims relating to Hurricane Florence for South Carolina policies reported as of Sept. 26, 2018.

However, on Sept. 20 Farmer updated the reporting dates and reduced the number of required reporting cycles from 10 to four. The final report is due Jan. 7, 2019.

Topics Carriers Catastrophe Natural Disasters Legislation Agribusiness Hurricane South Carolina Data Driven
The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) will have more resources to fight insurance and financial services fraud after Gov. Scott Walker issued an executive order creating a new anti-fraud unit within the DIFS.

The agency said the new unit will strengthen the agencys efforts to investigate and prosecute fraud in the insurance and financial services sectors.

Since March, when DIFS launched a new webpage, www.mi.gov/InsuranceFraud, which enables consumers and the insurance industry to report fraud, regulators have received 167 fraud complaints from consumers and 68 complaints from the industry. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners last year received 3,453 suspected insurance fraud complaints from Michigan, according to the DIFS.

The Department is pleased that the Governor sees the value of placing an anti-fraud unit within the Department of Insurance and Financial Services, DIFS Director Patrick McPharlin in a statement released by his office. Insurance fraud touches all consumers and is not a victimless crime. Insurance fraud schemes vary from the simple to the extremely complex. With this Executive Order, DIFS can more aggressively engage in crime fighting efforts.

The executive order empowers DIFS to conduct more thorough and comprehensive background checks, and to coordinate and collaborate with other law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute fraudulent and criminal activities in the insurance and financial services sectors, the regulatory organization said.

The department recently announced the revocation of a producer license for embezzlement of over $15,000, the arrest of a producer suspected of fraudulently abusing his authority as the Power of Attorney for an Alzheimers Dementia patient, and the conviction of Stanley Hayes on 13 felony counts resulting from his theft of $710,000 from the Valley State Credit Union.

Topics Fraud Michigan
As three Massachusetts towns continue to face the after effects of a series of natural gas explosions, finding some normalcy may seem nearly impossible. However, this is something MAPFRE Insurance was seeking to offer as it reached out to the impacted communities.

One of the things we did that was kind of unique is that MAPFRE and our independent agencies provided a couple of televisions so people who were displaced could watch childrens television in the morning, and in the afternoon, they watched the Patriots game, Patrick McDonald, CEO of MAPFRE Northeast, told Insurance Journal.

The blasts, which took place Sept. 13 in Andover, North Andover and Lawrence  three communities northwest of Boston  killed one and injured 25. As a result of the explosions, nearly 8,000 residents were evacuated and as many as 80 houses were destroyed in the largest natural gas pipeline accident in the United States since 2010, Reuters reported.

The National Transportation Safety Board has been investigating the incident, which Columbia Gas has said affected 8,600 of its customers. Columbia Gas is part of utility operator NiSource, which, according to its website, serves 3.5 million natural gas and 500,000 electric customers nationwide.

In the midst of the chaos, however, MAPREs field team was able to spring into quick action, entering the affected area beginning Sept. 14 after the blasts, McDonald said. The company set up tents in designated disaster relief sites and sent its claims field team to work closely with independent agents, The Red Cross, The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), local authorities and school districts in helping the community and reaching out to insureds, he said. It wasnt alone in this approach, either.

[The insurance industry] has stepped up in a big way, starting with the minute it happened, said Cindy Traverso, managing member at North Andover, Mass.-based MTM Insurance Associates. The minute [my partner carriers] heard what happened, they were reaching out to meits very heartwarming. Its been continual communication and asking, What can I do to help your customers, and what can I do to help you?'

Traverso said that while many of MTM Insurance Associates customers werent directly impacted by the large explosions, the agency has seen some claims for basement fires and several of its customers had to evacuate their homes. The issues were two-fold  first, that they had to evacuate their homes, as did I  but secondly, that although they were allowed back in on Sunday (Sept. 16), many of them still dont have gas, she told Insurance Journal a week after the explosions.

McDonald said MAPFRE has seen a number of claims to date as well, and its teams have been visiting the sites that they can enter and paying as many claims as they can. Carla Degnan, president of Lawrence, Mass.-based Degnan Insurance, said the agency has already seen nearly 40 claims so far and the numbers are continuing to rise. Degnan added that in addition to residents, many small businesses in the area were hit hard by the tragedy.

A business claim is a lot different than a homeowner or a property claim, and you have all of these businesses that cant operate. Theyre just losing hundreds of thousands of dollars, she said. We have a lot of small businesses here  a lot of restaurants and small mom-and-pop service businesses  that if they cant operate, how are they going to pay their bills? A lot of people live in the area and have their business in the area. How are they going to survive?

Continued Uncertainty

Degnan added that perhaps one of the most difficult parts has been an ongoing sense of uncertainty.

That uncertainty that we all have as to when people are going to be able to get service again, she said. that uncertainty is really scary.

For Degnan Insurance, this uncertainty began the minute the explosions occurred, she explained. As the agencys office is located in one of the affected areas, employees had to immediately leave the building on Sept. 13 in the afternoon.

When we left the office building, there were fire alarms going off, you smelled smoke and you knew there were fires, but you didnt really know what was going on, she said.

Traverso, who also had to evacuate because she lives in an impacted area, echoed feelings of confusion and uncertainty.

I was so sad. I was worried. I live in North Andover, have grown up here and been here all my life, she said. Initially, we didnt know what happened, and we didnt have a lot of communication. We left our home and went to another town and just kept the news on all night. It was so sad. You feel a lack of control. Very few instances in my life have alarmed me to that level where you felt a lack of control and you didnt know what was going to happen.

McDonald said that his employees were affected as well by seeing the towns after the explosions happened and the destruction that occurred, particularly to some of the homes.

Its a tragic experience for those involved, he said.

That said, he also believes it points to the importance of the value independent agencies and insurance companies can bring to the table.

Theyre there in the community, and theyre helping out immediately, he said. Both us as the insurance company and the insurance agencies that represent us reacted very quickly and understood the challenges faced by those people that were impacted.

Degnan agreed, adding that her agencys carriers contacted the agency immediately asking how to help and offering lists of risks the agency may face.

It has been deemed a catastrophic loss, so they are aware of the severity, and its not easy for some of the national carriers with these business claims, for example, because a lot of them are dealing with the hurricanes too at the same time, she said. Its definitely not something that you expect, but everyones come together to help out.

That said, uncertainty was still looming a week after the incident as to its lasting impact, with Degnan and others wondering how long residents and businesses could be without gas and hot water.

In the long term, theyll fix it and thats fine, she said. But in the short term, how are they going to resolve it? How long is it going to last? Nobody knows.

Topics Carriers Agencies Claims Massachusetts
The Professional Insurance Agents of New Hampshire Inc. (PIANH) has announced its officers for 2018-2019 at its annual meeting during the PIANH Symposium18, held at the 100 Club in Portsmouth, N.H.

Lyle W. Fulkerson of Amherst, N.H., was elected president. Fulkerson is president of HPM Insurance in Amherst, N.H. An active member of PIANH, Fulkerson is a member of the Government Affairs and Executive/Budget & Finance Committees.

of Amherst, N.H., was elected president. Fulkerson is president of HPM Insurance in Amherst, N.H. An active member of PIANH, Fulkerson is a member of the Government Affairs and Executive/Budget & Finance Committees. Keith Maglia of Atkinson, N.H., was elected president-elect. Maglia is president of Insurance Solutions Corporation, in Plaistow, N.H. Active in the association, Maglia served as secretary/treasurer from 2017-2018 and is a member of the Executive/Budget & Finance Committee.

of Atkinson, N.H., was elected president-elect. Maglia is president of Insurance Solutions Corporation, in Plaistow, N.H. Active in the association, Maglia served as secretary/treasurer from 2017-2018 and is a member of the Executive/Budget & Finance Committee. Jeffrey Foy of E. Kingston, N.H., was re-elected vice president. Foy is chief operating officer of Foy Insurance in Manchester, N.H. An active member of PIANH, Foy serves as chairperson of the Government Affairs Committee and is a member of the Executive/Budget & Finance Committee. He also is an active past president of PIANH, serving in 2003-2004 and currently is PIANHs national director.

of E. Kingston, N.H., was re-elected vice president. Foy is chief operating officer of Foy Insurance in Manchester, N.H. An active member of PIANH, Foy serves as chairperson of the Government Affairs Committee and is a member of the Executive/Budget & Finance Committee. He also is an active past president of PIANH, serving in 2003-2004 and currently is PIANHs national director. Casey Hadlock of Littleton, N.H., was elected secretary/treasurer. Hadlock is president and co-owner of Hadlock Agency Inc., a fourth-generation agency in Littleton, N.H. Active in PIANH, Hadlock serves as a member of the Government Affairs Committee.

PIANH is a trade association representing professional, independent insurance agencies and brokerages and their employees throughout the state.

Source: The Professional Insurance Agents of New Hampshire Inc.

Topics Agencies
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Sunday it was up to the countrys financial regulator to prosecute bankers following the release of a scathing report which found some institutions had pursued profit at the expense of honesty.

In almost 60 days of public hearings since February an inquiry into the financial sector heard instances of bribery, fraud, fee-gouging and board-level deception across the industry.

Some of the more shocking allegations included the charging of fees to dead people and the aggressive selling of a complicated insurance product to a boy with Down Syndrome over the telephone.

Morrison told Australian Broadcasting Corp television on Sunday that the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) had previously been too shy in prosecuting.

Now ASIC, I think has been found wanting  Im glad weve increased its powers, its penalties, its resources and in particular its focus on prosecution, he said.

Morrison said he expected ASIC to take action against disgraced bankers following the release of the Royal Commissions interim report on Friday.

I mean, thats the job of ASIC. Its ASICs job.

ASIC said in a statement on Friday that it would work towards building a system of tougher penalties.

ASIC senior executive leader of corporate affairs Matthew Abbott said on Sunday that the regulator had a mandate to prosecute through the courts and had criminally convicted more than 160 people in the seven years since July 2011.

Over that time we have also secured compensation of A$1.82 billion ($1.32 billion) for investors and consumers, he said in a statement emailed to Reuters.

The ASIC had also completed civil proceedings against more than 140 people, and removed more than 840 other people and companies from the financial services industry.

Australias government proposed new laws last year to increase penalties and lengthen prison terms for financial crimes in a bid to strengthen the regulators enforcement powers.

($1 = 1.3833 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Alison Bevege; editing by Michael Perry)

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Topics Australia
The city of St. Paul, Minnesota, has agreed to pay $520,000 to a woman who was attacked by a police dog last year as she was taking out her trash, one of her attorneys said.

The decision to pay Desiree Collins for the Sept. 23, 2017, attack comes a month after a federal judge found that Collins constitutional rights were violated and that Officer Thaddeus Schmidt, the dogs handler, had been reckless and more than negligent. U.S. District Judge John Tunheim ruled that Collins deserved a jury award.

Andy Noel, one of Collins attorneys, said both sides agreed to the settlement on Sept. 27, a day after the City Council met behind closed doors to discuss the lawsuit.

Shes pleased and shes glad that she can put this lawsuit behind her and move on with life, Noel said of the settlement.

According to the lawsuit, Schmidt had K-9 Gabe on a 20-foot leash as he was searching for two burglary suspects. The dog latched on to Collins left leg and then her right arm as she was taking out her garbage, biting her multiple times and knocking her to the ground.

St. Paul City Attorney Lyndsey Olson said in a statement that the city favored an outcome that didnt require Collins to endure the additional stress of a trial and ensures she would receive an appropriate portion of settlement funds, after attorneys fees.

Noel and attorney Robert Bennett also represented Frank Baker, who received a record $2 million settlement from St. Paul after he was mistaken for a suspect and bitten by a K-9 in 2016. He was hospitalized for two weeks. The same attorneys also represent Glenn Slaughter, who was accidentally bitten by a St. Paul police dog in July when the dog got loose from his collar.

The attacks prompted a major overhaul of how St. Paul police officers use dogs to assist in arrests. Changes made in July restrict the use of K-9s for apprehension, and also require twice monthly testing of handlers control of their dogs. K-9 teams that dont meet training standards will be taken off patrol.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Law Enforcement Minnesota
Facebook Inc. said on Friday that hackers stole digital login codes allowing them to take over nearly 50 million user accounts in its worst security breach ever given the unprecedented level of potential access, adding to what has been a difficult year for the companys reputation.

Facebook, which has more than 2.2 billion monthly users, said it has yet to determine whether the attacker misused any accounts or stole private information. It also has not identified the attackers location or whether specific victims were targeted. Its initial review suggests the attack was broad in nature.

Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg described the incident as really serious in a conference call with reporters. His account was affected along with that of Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg, a spokeswoman said.

Shares in Facebook fell 2.6 percent on Friday, weighing on major Wall Street stock indexes.

Facebook made headlines earlier this year after profile details from 87 million users was improperly accessed by political data firm Cambridge Analytica. The disclosure has prompted government inquiries into the companys privacy practices across the world, and fueled a #deleteFacebook social movement among consumers.

U.S. lawmakers said on Friday that the hack may boost calls for data privacy legislation.

This is another sobering indicator that Congress needs to step up and take action to protect the privacy and security of social media users, Democratic U.S. Senator Mark Warner said in a statement.

Federal Trade Commission Commissioner Rohit Chopra on Twitter said I want answers with a link to a Reuters story on the breach.

COMPLEX FLAW

Facebooks latest vulnerability had existed since July 2017, but the company first identified it on Tuesday after spotting a fairly large increase in use of its view as privacy feature on Sept. 16, executives said.

View as allows users to verify their privacy settings by seeing what their own profile looks like to someone else. The flaw inadvertently gave the devices of view as users the wrong digital code, which, like a browser cookie, keeps users signed in to a service across multiple visits.

That code could allow the person using view as to post and browse from someone elses Facebook account, potentially exposing private messages, photos and posts. The attacker also could have gained full access to victims accounts on any third-party app or website where they had logged in with Facebook credentials.

The implications of this are huge, Justin Fier, director of cyber intelligence at security company Darktrace, told Reuters.

Guy Rosen, the Facebook vice president overseeing security, said the flaw was complex in that it resulted from three failings.

A video upload feature should not have displayed on a users profile page when accessed through view as, Rosen told reporters on a conference call. That alone would not have been problematic except that the video feature wrongly triggered the placement of the powerful login code. And it placed the code not for the view as user, but for who they were pretending to be.

Facebook fixed the issue on Thursday. It also notified the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, Congressional aides and the Data Protection Commission in Ireland, where the company has European headquarters.

The Irish authority expressed concern in a statement that Facebook has been unable to clarify the nature of the breach and risk to users and said it was pressing Facebook for answers.

Facebook reset the digital keys of the 50 million affected accounts, and as a precaution temporarily disabled view as and reset those keys for another 40 million that have been looked up through view as over the last year.

About 90 million people will have to log back into Facebook or any of their apps that use a Facebook login, the company said.

Two Facebook users sued the company over the breach in federal court in California on Friday.

More than 6,000 users complained about the breach on Zuckerbergs Facebook page.

Im so scared now. All my activities are on Facebook, Mohammad ZR Zia, a 25-year-old college student in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, who has been using the social media platform since 2009, told Reuters. His account was logged out earlier on Friday.

The level of concern expressed on Facebook was enough that the companys automated system temporarily blocked sharing of some articles about the breach.

Our security systems have detected that a lot of people are posting the same content, which could mean that its spam, a message told users. Facebook later apologized for the misfire.

Facebook has suffered narrower breaches before.

In 2013, Facebook disclosed a software flaw that exposed 6 million users phone numbers and email addresses to unauthorized viewers for a year, while a technical glitch in 2008 revealed confidential birth-dates on 80 million Facebook users profiles.

(Reporting by Munsif Vengattil and Arjun Panchadar in Bengaluru and Paresh Dave in San Francisco; Additional reporting by Christopher Bing, Jim Finkle and David Shepardson in Washington, D.C., Joseph Menn in San Francisco and Angela Moon in New York; Editing by Clive McKeef)

Topics Cyber USA
Insurer market power matters in hospital pricing. Patients with automobile, workers compensation, and other non-conventional commercial insurance plans paid much higher prices than patients with HMO/PPO health insurance coverage for hospital services in Florida, new research confirms.

A new Johns Hopkins University hospital costs study, published today in the October issue of Health Affairs, shows a growing gap between the rates paid by public and private insurers and a growing gap between the rates paid by the different types of commercial insurers for hospital services between 2010 and 2016.

The median price paid by HMO/PPO health insurers at 153 private hospitals in Florida increased from 1.9 times to 2.5 times the price paid by the Medicare program. The median price paid by auto insurers and other non-conventional commercial insurers increased from 2.8 times to 3.8 times the Medicare rate during the same period.

Because automobile insurers and other non-conventional commercial health insurers cover a relatively small number of patients, they have little negotiating clout with the hospital. Hospitals are in a dominant position to unilaterally dictate the price, says first author Ge Bai, an associate professor of accounting at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.

Professor Gerard Anderson, a professor of health policy and management and director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Hospital Finance and Management, co-authored the article, titled Market Power: Price Variation Among Commercial Insurers for Hospital Services.

He cautioned that people with auto and workers compensation insurance need to be especially careful about which hospitals they choose to receive care since the prices can be very high in some hospitals.

Anderson notes that the high prices paid by private insurance is a main reason that health care is more expensive in the United States than in other industrialized nations.

The article cites the Medicare Payment Advisory Commissions March 2018 report to Congress, which said payments by commercial health insurers were about 50 percent higher than those made by Medicare. This paper shows that the rates are much higher for other insurers and varied substantially across hospitals.

Large hospital systems take advantage of their market power to get non-conventional commercial insurers to pay much more, says Bai. According to the study, the 20 Florida hospitals owned by Tennessee-based Hospital Corporation of America charged these between 7.8 and 14.1 times the Medicare rate in 2016.

(A statement at the end of the paper acknowledges that Bai is serving as an expert witness for plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit against HCA-affiliated hospitals.)

Non-conventional commercial insurers were often paying prices closely linked with each hospitals self-determined chargemaster prices, which are the high prices each hospital sets as a starting point for various products and services without considering negotiations, Medicare remittances, private health insurer reimbursements, competition or other factors.

Chargemaster prices are relevant to the prices paid by patients and insurers with little negotiating power, says Bai. Thats particularly bad news for people covered by auto insurers and other non-conventional commercial insurance, and worse still when you consider that the chargemaster prices set by hospitals have been steadily increasing over the past decade.

To address the issue at the heart of the study, Bai says, policymakers, hospitals, and insurers must act to limit the high prices that affect the patients covered by insurers with the least negotiating power. If market forces fail to generate a reasonable price for these patients, policymakers should step in to address this market failure, she says.

Topics Carriers Auto Florida Workers' Compensation Abuse Molestation Talent
Harvard, the nations oldest university, must go to trial to defend a lawsuit claiming it discriminates against Asian-American applicants.

A Boston federal judges rejection Friday of requests by both sides for a win before trial sets up a final showdown set to begin Oct. 15 in which she will decide a case thats likely to end up at the U.S. Supreme Court.

The 2014 lawsuit, filed by the Students for Fair Admissions, an anti-affirmative action group, has already brought increased scrutiny to the admissions policies at Harvard and the countrys other elite colleges.

Harvard is accused of discriminating against Asian-American applicants by using a subjective personal rating system of candidates that is biased against them. The plaintiffs also argue Harvard ignored evidence from its own researchers showing bias and intentionally tried to kill an internal investigation.

The Ivy League school said its consideration of race, as one factor among many in the admissions process, is legal under Supreme Court precedent. And it argued the plaintiff is unable to show how Harvard could provide the educational benefit of a diverse student body while remaining blind to race.

Race-Neutral

U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs, who will hear the case without a jury, said in a 40-page decision on Friday that SFFA has raised a material issue as to whether Harvard acted in serious good faith in considering whether race-neutral alternatives would enable it to assemble a diverse student body.

Whether SFFA may prove its intentional discrimination claim requires a close review of the conflicting expert testimony, the available documents and the testimony of the admissions office employees in the context of a trial, Burroughs said.

She said a trial was necessary as both sides relied heavily upon an expert statistical analysis and came to conflicting conclusions after reviewing hundreds of applications from the classes of 2014 through 2019.

The credibility of the expert witnesses in making these critical modeling and analytical choices is best evaluated at the upcoming bench trial, she said.

Growing Share

Anna Cowenhoven, a spokeswoman for Harvard, said the college looks forward to a trial.

From the start, Harvard has agreed with the view expressed today by the court, that this case can be  and should be  resolved at trial, she said. Thorough and comprehensive analysis of the evidence makes clear that Harvard College does not discriminate against applicants from any group, including Asian Americans, whose share of the admitted class has grown significantly by 27 percent since 2010.

SFFA is led by Edward Blum, whos orchestrated lawsuits challenging affirmative practices, including one against the Universitiy of Texas. Blum declined to comment on Fridays ruling. William Consovoy, a lawyer for the group, didnt respond to voicemail and email messages seeking comment.

Harvard argued that it should be granted a win before trial because the student groups arguments were based on invective, mischaracterizations and in some cases outright misrepresentations. Every year it receives about 40,000 applications for the 1,600 seats in its freshman class and the school said it uses a holistic admissions process that doesnt narrowly focus on grades and test scores, but also identifies engaged and creative students and seeks to create a diverse student body.

While SFFA argued Harvard buried an internal report that concluded its application process discriminated against Asian-Americans, Burroughs said Friday there was evidence that this was a preliminary and incomplete study. She wants to hear from Harvard witnesses herself, saying, it requires the court to assess the credibility of Harvards winnesses and to consider expert testimony.

The Justice Department, which is investigating the admissions policies at both Harvard and Yale University, has filed court papers backing the students group.

Harvard admitted 4.59 percent of the applicants to its class of 2022. Women represented 50.1 percent of those accepted; African-Americans 15.5 percent; Latinos 12.2 percent; and Native Americans 2 percent, according to the Harvard Crimson. Asian-Americans made up a record 22.7 percent of the class.

The case is Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, 14-cv-14176, U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts (Boston).

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Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.

Topics USA Education Universities
Decades of additional weather data have led federal officials to reconsider rainfall totals in Texas that define 100-year weather events and caution that extreme rainstorms will strike the state more frequently.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Sept. 27 released a study finding that in the Houston area, for instance, 100-year estimates increased from 13 inches to 18 inches for a 24-hour period. Rainfall previously classified as 100-year events are now more frequent 25-year events.

A 100-year storm is one that, on average, occurs every 100 years, or has a 1 percent chance of happening in any given year.

In the Austin region, 100-year rainfall amounts for 24 hours increased as much as 3 inches up to 13 inches. The 3-inch increase was the same for the area just north of Corpus Christi, a portion of West Texas that includes the border county of Val Verde, and elsewhere.

Current standards used for infrastructure design and floodplain regulations will possibly be revised based on the new values, said Mark Glaudemans with NOAAs Office of Water Prediction. Officials in locations that have seen significant increases are already assessing the potential impacts of adopting the new estimates.

Earlier rainfall estimates provided by NOAA were based on data that in some cases are more than 50 years old.

In a January report, the National Hurricane Center determined that the Houston metro area last year experienced a flood brought by Hurricane Harvey that was a greater than a once-in-1,000 year event, the highest level thats calculated.

Until Harvey, the record for rainfall from a hurricane or tropical storm in the Lower 48 states was 48 inches in 1978, and 52 inches in Hawaii in 1950.

With Harvey, seven places beat out the 52-inch record and 18 places beat the 48-inch mark. The top two  Nederland and Groves, Texas  both were more than 60.5 inches.

The NOAA findings released Thursday can have wide-ranging implications. NOAA rainfall values guide state and federal regulations that then dictate how infrastructure design and development is done. They also determine flood risks and are used in the development of floodplains.

Harris County commissioners on Tuesday earmarked $14.5 million for updated flood plain maps in the wake of Harvey. The maps rely on rainfall data to help Houston-area regulators determine where homes can be built, insurance costs and locations for flood-control projects. It wasnt clear how the NOAA report may affect the revision of those maps. A spokeswoman for the Harris County Flood Control District did not return a message seeking comment.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Trends Texas Flood
More than 20 state legislators have signed a letter addressed to Texas Insurance Commissioner Kent Sullivan requesting that a 10 percent rate increase filed by the states property insurer of last resort for wind and hail along the Texas coast not be approved.

The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association in August filed with the Texas Department of Insurance a 10 percent rate increase for residential and commercial properties that would go into effect next year.

In an announcement on its website, the association said that at its most recent quarterly meeting TWIAs board made the decision to increase rates for 2019 upon the recommendation of the Actuarial and Underwriting Committee. TWIA said its rates are currently inadequate by 32.2 percent for residential policies and 37.3 percent for commercial policies.

The proposed rate increase must be approved by the insurance commissioner. If approved, it will go into effect Jan. 1, 2019. New business and renewal policies issued in 2018 would not be subject to the rate increase until the policies renew in 2019.

In the letter to Commissioner Sullivan, members of Texas coastal legislative delegation said the 10 percent rate increase would be unfair, excessive and unreasonable for coastal residents who continue to struggle to recover from Hurricane Harvey, which made landfall in Texas in late August 2017.

The restoration of businesses and homes is ongoing, and local tax bases face uncertainty as their values depend on residents capacity to adjust to higher costs associated with building, and now insuring, those structures. The lingering economic effects of Harvey have negatively impacted many TWIA policyholders and any rate increase at this pivotal point would be unfair and unreasonable, the letter states.

The coastal legislators noted that TWIA has an unprecedented $4.9 billion available to pay Hurricane Harvey losses. That amount is far greater than TWIAs total loss estimate from that hurricane of $1.6 billion, the letter points out. According to the delegation, until the associations current level of funding [is] proven to be inadequate to pay projected losses, a rate increase should be denied.

Then Insurance Commissioner Mike Geeslin set a precedent for disallowing a rate increase following a catastrophic event when he denied TWIAs filing for a 10 percent rate increase in October 2009, just over a year after Hurricanes Ike and Dolly made struck the Texas coast, the lawmakers said. In his denial of the rate increase, Geeslin recognized that a rate hike following devastating events such as the 2008 hurricanes would hamper the ability of coastal residents to rebuild their homes and businesses.

In their letter, the legislative group cited a number of issues that they believe support their request for the denial of the rate increase. Among them is the composition of the TWIA Actuary and Underwriting subcommittee, which reviews and recommends a rate to the full TWIA board for purposes of the Associations annually required rate filing for residential and commercial policies. The majority are insurance industry employees and their employers hold a financial interest in TWIAs annual rate filing process, the letter states. Because of that lack of diversity, the subcommittees rate recommendation circumvents the will of the state legislature and violates the spirit of changes to state law made in 2015.

During the 2015 session, lawmakers sought to ensure that three major TWIA stakeholder groups: first tier coastal counties, non-coastal representatives and industry representatives actively writing and renewing wind and hail insurance along the coast, are equally and fairly represented, the group asserted. With only insurance industry members on the actuary and underwriting subcommittee, other stakeholders are left out of the rate decision-making process. Therefore, the composition of the committee should be changed to include members of all stakeholder groups, the coastal delegation said.

Lawmakers who signed the letter to Commissioner Sullivan are: Sen. Larry Taylor, District 11; Sen. Paul Bettencourt, District 7; Sen. Brandon Creighton, District 4; Sen. Sylvia Garcia, District 6; Sen. Juan Chuy Hinojosa, District 20; Sen. Joan Huffman, Texas Senate District 17; Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, District 18; Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr., District 27; Sen. Judith Zaffirini, District 21; Rep. Dennis Bonnen, District 25; Rep. Greg Bonnen, District 24; Rep. Joe Deshotel; District 22; Rep. Wayne Faircloth, District 23; Rep. Ryan Guillen, District 31; Abel Herrero; District 34; Rep. Todd Hunter, District 32; Rep. Oscar Longoria, District 35; Rep. J.M. Lozano, District 43; Rep. Eddie Lucio III, District 38; Rep. Geanie Morrison, District 30; Rep. Rene Oliveira, District 37; Rep. Dade Phelan, District 21; and Rep. Ed Thompson, District 29.

TWIA filed a request to increase the existing maximum liability limits on windstorm and hail policies insuring residential dwelling and individually owned townhouses and associated contents; contents of apartments, condominiums, or townhouses; commercial structures and associated contents; and governmental structures and associated contents. The Texas Department of Insurance will hold a public hearing on that request on Oct. 8.

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Topics Carriers Catastrophe Natural Disasters Trends Texas Legislation Windstorm Pricing Trends Hurricane
Investigators say a Wednesday fire at a northeast Mississippi furniture plant was arson.

Pontotoc Police Chief Randy Tutor told local news outlets Friday that officers worked with the state Fire Marshal and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms to reach the determination.

No arrests have been made. The owners of Washington Furniture and the state are offering a $15,000 reward for information.

Also Friday, the fire rekindled while workers were cleaning up.

Plant owner Lyle Harris says two-thirds of the companys facilities in Pontotoc were destroyed, but he adds the company is converting an undamaged warehouse with the goal of restarting production within three weeks.

The company, owned by Behold Home of Smithville, has promised that its more than 400 workers wont miss a paycheck.

Topics Mississippi Arson
California grocery outlet, PAQ Inc., dba Rancho San Miguel Market, violated federal law when it fired a deli clerk after she requested an accommodation for a disability, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced in a lawsuit.

According to the EEOCs lawsuit filed late last week, on October 2016 a deli clerk provided Rancho San Miquel Market with a doctors note requesting six weeks of medical leave for corrective surgery and time for recovery, based on a disability. Her request was denied, and she was fired.

The alleged action violates the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the ADA Amendment Act of 2008. The EEOC filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, EEOC v. PAQ, INC. dba Rancho San Miquel Market, after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process.

The EEOCs suit seeks back pay along with compensatory and punitive damages for the claimant, as well as injunctive relief intended to prevent and address discrimination.

We continue to see employers struggling with complying with the ADA and failing to engage in the interactive process as required under federal law, said Anna Park, regional attorney for the EEOCs Los Angeles District, which includes Fresno, Calif. in its jurisdiction.

Melissa Barrios, director for the EEOCs Fresno Local Office, said, The act of firing an employee who requests an accommodation not only negatively affects that employee, but can create a chilling effect across the workforce. Other employees may not request an accommodation, as is their right by law, for fear of losing their jobs.

According to their website, PAQ, Inc. is locally owned and operated with stores throughout Central California.

Topics Lawsuits California
Colorados top federal prosecutor says his office may take legal action against licensed marijuana businesses that violate state law or use their status under state law as a shield while selling their product on the black market.

U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer acknowledged that until now, federal officials in Colorado have largely focused on prosecuting the people running entirely illegal marijuana grows. The operations are often concealed on federal forest land or inside houses, spurring regular complaints from local law enforcement in some parts of the state.

Now that federal enforcement has shot down marijuana grows on federal lands, the crosshairs may appropriately shift to the public harms caused by licensed businesses and their investors, particularly those who are not complying with state law or trying to use purported state compliance as a shield, Troyer wrote in an op-ed published late Friday.

After voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2012, Colorado became the first state to broadly allow the sale of marijuana to adults alongside its existing medical marijuana industry. State-tracked sales now total more than $1 billion per year.

The industry has only grown since, with a total of eight states and Washington, D.C., permitting adult use. Marijuana also is allowed for some form of medical use in 31 states. The trade publication Marijuana Business Daily estimates legal marijuana sales topped $5.8 billion last year in the U.S.

But pot remains illegal under federal law, and Troyer suggested even Colorado businesses operating within state law could face federal action.

We make decisions based on safety, Troyer said. Sometimes compliance with state law is relevant to that, and sometimes its not. We do not make decisions based on labels like `compliance with state law. Labels are not relevant to us  peoples safety is.

He did not give more detail on how a company could come under federal scrutiny.

Jacque Montgomery, a spokeswoman for Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, said Saturday that state officials have a solid relationship with federal partners and share their concerns about abuses in the industry.

We remain committed to maintaining the integrity of the system weve built, Montgomery said. That means attentive regulatory oversight and enforcement and, where necessary, criminal enforcement against anyone who abuses our rules.

Industry representatives also said authorities should root out those using state law to hide illegal sales. But it would be unfair to focus on state-licensed companies that do strictly follow its laws, said Kristi Kelly, executive director of the Marijuana Industry Group, a trade association.

Targeting legal dispensaries that are doing their best to follow the letter of Colorados laws makes no sense without meeting with the owners and discussing their interpretation of the laws, she said. We would have extreme concerns about that.

Troyer also told The Denver Post this week that his office plans to take action soon against a Denver-area chain of marijuana dispensaries.

He described the issue as an illegal drug-trafficking organization disguised as a legitimate business under state law. He did not name the company or provide more detail about its operations.

Its unclear how long Troyer will remain in charge of the office. He took the post in 2016 when former U.S. Attorney John Walsh, a nominee of President Barack Obama, resigned.

Jason Dunn, a former deputy attorney general to Republican John Suthers, was nominated in June to fill the post.

Dunns nomination is awaiting U.S. Senate confirmation.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics USA Cannabis Colorado
Parents of a former Boise charter school student are suing the school, claiming administrators created a hostile environment by failing to adequately respond after their daughter reported she had been sexually assaulted by another student.

The Idaho Press reports the lawsuit was filed last week in federal court against Sage International, a public charter school for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

In the lawsuit, the parents say the school violated a federal law called Title IX that prohibits discrimination in schools on the basis of sex.

The parents say the school refused to fully enforce a protection order a judge had issued and told their daughter she would have to transfer to avoid sharing classes with her alleged attacker.

Sage International School officials say the school denies any wrongdoing but cant comment on pending litigation.

According to the lawsuit, the case arose after a male student allegedly forcibly held down and groped a female student at his home on Jan. 2.

The lawsuit says that in March, the girl sought help from a school counselor who encouraged her to report the incident, which she did. The parents say school administrators reviewed text messages between the girl and her alleged assailant and confirmed the male student made several physical advances toward her despite her repeatedly telling him no.

Prosecutors eventually charged the male student with battery, according to court documents, and the judge in that case issued a protection order preventing him from coming within 20 feet of the female student.

The parents claim in the lawsuit that school administrators told their daughter she would have to transfer to avoid sharing classes with the male student and that the schools sexual harassment policies didnt need to be enforced because the incident happened off-campus.

The parents say the male student violated the protection order by approaching the female student at her locker and following her as she went to class. The school eventually agreed to create a passing protocol to prevent further violations, according to court documents, but the female students family didnt get confirmation that the protocol was in place until March 26, and it was lifted when the protection order expired two days later.

The parents say their daughter ultimately withdrew from Sage International School to avoid attending classes with the male student.

The newspaper did not name the family filing the lawsuit.

The Associated Press generally does not identify people who say they are victims of sex assaults.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits
The Vanguard Group has developed Vanguard Retirement Plan Access, a 401(k) product, especially for small businesses. It makes it easy for new or modestly sized employers to offer employees the same retirement savings benefits as larger companies.

These types of small business offerings from large-scale institutions can take a lot of the guesswork out of selecting a plan for small business owners who are less likely to know what to look for than trained benefits specialists at larger firms.

Key Takeaways Small businesses looking to establish a 401(k) retirement plan for their employees can look to Vanguard to provide that service.

Vanguard is a well-known and respected financial institution that specializes in low-cost indexed investing strategies.

Because of this, Vanguard can provide a well-diversified and low-cost solution to smaller employers.

Why Vanguard?

Vanguard is one of the most respected names in the investment community, with a wide range of products, including mutual funds, exchange traded funds (ETFs), and retirement plans. Vanguard products are extremely popular and have a proven track record even among investors not managed directly with Vanguard.

For example, the Vanguard Institutional Index mutual fund is one of the most common funds included in 401(k) portfolios from any provider. This ultra-low-cost fund tracks the S&P 500 and (as of August 31, 2021) has a five-year annualized return of nearly 18% with a very modest expense ratio of 0.035%.

To some degree, many 401(k) plans are alike in terms of how much can be saved and what kind of tax benefits are available. However, because Vanguard offers some of the most successful investment funds around and, in many cases, charges lower fees than its competitors, a Vanguard 401(k) can be an especially cost-effective choice.

What Is Included?

Just like any other 401(k), the Vanguard 401(k) product for small businesses offers professional management, a wide range of investment options and a customizable product that lets employers dictate the specific terms of their plans. The small business 401(k) provides day-to-day plan support for the sponsoring employer, including real-time compliance testing to ensure the plan retains its tax-advantaged status.

Types of Investments

Most 401(k) plans rely on mutual fund investments, and the Vanguard Retirement Plan Access product is no different. However, it provides access to a wide range of passively and actively managed funds, meaning participants can fine-tune their portfolios if they so choose.

This plan provides access to all of Vanguard's mutual funds, as well as over 10,000 outside funds. Participating employees may elect to invest in company stock through a self-directed brokerage account within the plan.

Contributions

Like any other 401(k), Vanguard Retirement Plan Access allows employees to select the amount of each paycheck they want to defer to their retirement accounts. Depending on the terms of the plan, employees may also be able to make after-tax contributions to designated Roth accounts.

Vanguard Retirement Plan Access also accepts employer contributions. The sponsoring employer can tailor the plan to provide for direct contributions or employee contribution matching.

All contributions to Vanguard's small business product are subject to the same IRS limits as any other 401(k).

Tax Benefits

One of the most appealing aspects of 401(k) plans is the tax benefits they provide for employees and employers. Like other products, the Vanguard small business 401(k) allows employees to set aside money each month without paying taxes on that income. Though income tax is due at the time of withdrawal, most people are in lower tax brackets after retirement, so their total tax burdens are reduced.

Employers can also lower their tax loads each year by contributing to employee retirement accounts. Under the Vanguard plan, like other plans, employers can deduct contributions to 401(k) accounts up to 25% of employee salary.

What Does It Cost?

Historically, offering 401(k) plans has proven expensive for small businesses; products designed for large-scale operations end up charging the same fees for the setup and administration of small plans as they would for larger corporate plans. Since many small businesses don't employ trained benefit specialists, the person selecting the plan may not know what to watch out for.

Vanguard Retirement Plan Access is transparent and reduces fees wherever possible. While all 401(k) plans require administrative fees, small businesses don't require the same amount of work as larger plans, so lower fees make sense.

Vanguard's product chargers a per-participant record-keeping fee instead of increasing expenses as the plan's assets grow over time. In addition, the plan offers a record-keeping fee credit to defray this cost.

To maintain transparency, the Vanguard plan offers a detailed expense report that outlines exactly where each nickel and dime gets spent and provides employers with a single comprehensive expense figure.
Toronto, Canada - October 1, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Ahead of everyone, Genesis Blockchain Technologies is proud to announce that World's First Decentralized Exchange Mobile App will now be available at the Apple App Store.

Under the name Genesis DEX it has been approved for release and will be available October 1st.

Along with the Android Mobile App, available since early August this year, the app Genesis DEX closes the gap by bringing in all iOS users into the fold.

As a top-notch Fintech Development Company, Genesis Blockchain Technologies possesses a fixed place on the ground of financial platforms development, and developing custom peer-to-peer Fintech apps. It also offers infrastructure support to modernize your business to stay on the top of the ever-changing marketplace.

App users will now be able to exchange cryptocurrency by simply accessing the Genesis DEX application in their iPhones. With a quick tap they can buy or sell their tokens, and full access to their wallets. It's both an Exchange and an Ethereum wallet.

This simplifies the requirements and agility of the whole market and opens new doors to a world which is slowly implementing cryptocurrency on a day-to-day basis.

Genesis DEX will be available for download from the Apple App Store October 1st.

Genesis Exchange and Wallet App

How the Genesis Exchange and Wallet App works

Source:

http://www.mygenesis.io

Contact:

Info@mygenesis.io

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October 1, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) FOMO (the Fear Of Missing Out) will drive the price of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies higher before the end of the year, affirms the CEO of one of the world's largest independent financial advisory organizations.

The observation from Nigel Green, founder and chief executive of deVere Group, comes ahead of his address this week at the DELTA Summit, Malta's official blockchain and digital event.

He notes: "It's a real honour to be in the line-up at this prestigious summit alongside not only the Prime Minister of Malta, Joseph Muscat, who is a prominent advocate of cryptocurrencies, but also some of the highest-profile and most influential figureheads in the fintech, blockchain, cryptocurrencies and digital sectors.

"Thanks to the progressive, forward-thinking and truly ground-breaking approach of the Maltese government regarding blockchain and digital currency regulation and legislation, Malta has positioned itself to be a global leader in these ever-expanding markets."

He continues: "I have long shared the view stated by Prime Minister Muscat at the UN General Assembly over the weekend that cryptocurrencies are the inevitable future of money,' and I welcome his public championing of this increasingly vital sector.

"It promises to be a landmark event that not only celebrates and galvanizes Malta's position as a pioneering blockchain and cryptocurrency country, but one that celebrates the sector itself."

Mr Green goes on to say that: "Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are, I believe, on the verge of a true global breakout. This is largely due to 'FOMO', the fear of missing out.

"Adoption is increasing all the time. This is evidenced not only in the financial sector, in which major banks are increasingly looking at blockchain and crypto, but with big names within the tech and retail sectors too.

"I feel that there's a growing sense amongst institutions that unless they embrace this sector, their competitors could move way out in front and they might find it difficult to catch up. This is especially true as the public - their customers - are increasingly eager to explore the opportunities themselves."

Mr Green concludes: "I'm not sure we'll see the stratospheric rise in cryptocurrency prices that we experienced at the end of 2017. However, with growing acceptance that that they are indeed the future of money, I believe that the environment is now right for an upswing before year-end."

e: george@priorconsultancy.co.uk

t: +44 207 1220 925

Twitter: @PriorConsults

deVere Group is one of the world's largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients. It has a network of more than 70 offices across the world, over 80,000 clients and $12bn under advisement.

More Info:

This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders

Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions.

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VAUGHAN, ON - October 1, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) CannTrust Holdings Inc. ("CannTrust" or the "Company", TSX: TRST), one of Canada's leading licensed producers and trusted brands of medical cannabis, today announced the appointment of Peter Aceto as Chief Executive Officer of CannTrust, effective immediately. Eric Paul, CannTrust's Co-Founder and leader, has stepped down from his role as Chief Executive Officer, and has been named Chairman of the Board and Special Advisor to CannTrust's management team. Mark Litwin is assuming the role of Vice Chairman.

"It has been a great honour to serve as the CEO of CannTrust since its inception only five years ago. I take great pride in our team's collective accomplishments and the incredible progress we have made in such a short period of time," said Paul. "With the opening of the recreational market just around the corner, and the numerous opportunities that our Company is positioned to capitalize on, the timing is impeccable to bring Peter on board."

Peter Aceto is globally recognized and a seasoned professional who brings decades of significant experience in leading companies in the public markets. Previously, for 10 years, Peter was President & CEO of Tangerine Bank (formerly, ING Direct); held the positions of Chief Risk Officer, Chief of Staff and Chief Lending Officer at ING DIRECT in the U.S., and was Legal and General Counsel at ING DIRECT in Canada.

"The Board, Brad Rogers (CannTrust President), and I are confident that with Peter's successful track record of strong leadership, deep operational knowledge and focus on delivering shareholder value, he will be the perfect compliment to our leadership team and the best candidate to lead our Company into the next phase of our rapid growth," Paul continued.

"I am incredibly excited to have been chosen to lead CannTrust at such an important point in the Company's evolution. The opportunities that lie ahead are limitless," said Aceto. "We have a great team in place and I am thrilled to be leading the corporate strategy and vision to drive our business forward."

CannTrust is a front-runner in the industry and perfectly positioned to continue its exponential growth in Canada and abroad following the legislative changes set to become effective in Canada on October 17th.

"CannTrust is in an enviable position today thanks to the strong leadership, foresight and unwavering dedication of Eric Paul," said Litwin. "On behalf of the Board of Directors, our stakeholders and our staff, I would like to acknowledge and thank Eric for his many contributions, tireless efforts and for being the key driver of our growth and success to date."

About CannTrust

Since its inception in 2014, CannTrust has led the Canadian market in producing standardized cannabis products.

As a federally regulated licensed producer, CannTrust brings more than 40 years of pharmacy and healthcare experience to the medical cannabis industry. CannTrust currently operates its 450,000 sq. ft. Niagara Perpetual Harvest Facility. The 600,000 sq. ft. greenhouse expansion has begun and is fully funded. The industry's broadest product portfolio is prepared and packaged at the 60,000 sq. ft. manufacturing Centre of excellence in Vaughan, Ontario.

CannTrust is committed to research and innovation, as well as contributing to the growing body of evidence-based research regarding the use and efficacy of cannabis. Its product development teams along with its exclusive global pharma partner, Apotex Inc., are diligently innovating and developing products that will make it easier for patients to use medical cannabis. CannTrust supports ongoing patient education about medical cannabis and has a compassionate use program to support patients with financial needs.

For more information, please visit: www.canntrust.ca.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation which are based upon CannTrust's current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs and views of future events. Forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expect", "likely", "may", "will", "should", "intend", "anticipate", "potential", "proposed", "estimate" and other similar words, including negative and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "would" or "will" happen, or by discussions of strategy.

The forward-looking information in this news release is based upon the expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and views of future events which management believes to be reasonable in the circumstances. Forward-looking information includes estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, targets, guidance or other statements that are not statements of fact. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to internal expectations, expectations with respect to actual production volumes, expectations for future growing capacity and the completion of any capital project or expansions. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; loss of markets; future legislative and regulatory developments; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; the medical cannabis industry in Canada generally; the ability of CannTrust to implement its business strategies; competition; crop failure; and other risks.

Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as required by law, CannTrust does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for CannTrust to predict all such factors. When considering these forward-looking statements, readers should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in CannTrust's Annual Information Form dated March 29, 2018 (the "AIF") and filed with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The risk factors and other factors noted in the AIF could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in any forward-looking information.

The TSX does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Copyright  2017 CannTrust Holdings Inc.

SOURCE: CannTrust Holdings Inc.

Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions.

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VANCOUVER - October 1, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Harvest One Cannabis Inc. (TSXV:HVT) ("Harvest One" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its wholly-owned subsidiary United Greeneries Ltd. ("United Greeneries") has entered into a supply agreement with Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries to supply high-quality, craft cannabis for the adult-use market launch on October 17, 2018. This announcement comes on the heels of United Greeneries' recent deals with the Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation and the British Columbia Liquor Distribution Board. Additionally, United Greeneries has successfully been approved as a registered supplier with the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority further cementing Harvest One's national retail strategy.

Reflective in this initial supply agreement with Manitoba, retailers have indicated a strong desire for craft cannabis cultivated in British Columbia.

"Harvest One's horticultural and corporate teams have done a tremendous job cultivating high-quality product and building relationships with key retailers and distributors across the country," said Grant Froese, CEO of Harvest One. "Our Royal High products have received tremendous praise from medical users and we now look forward to bringing them, as well as other specialty products, to the recreational market in Canada as well."

About Harvest One

Harvest One is a global cannabis company that develops and provides innovative lifestyle and wellness products to consumers and patients in regulated markets around the world. The Company's range of lifestyle solutions is designed to enhance quality of life. Shareholders have significant exposure to the entire cannabis value chain through three wholly-owned subsidiaries: United Greeneries, a Licensed Producer; Satipharm (medical and nutraceutical); and Dream Water Global (consumer). For more information, please visit www.harvestone.com.

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

Neither TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Harvest One Cannabis Inc.

For further information:

about Harvest One, please contact: Colin Clancy, Investor Relations, + 1 (877) 915-7934, cclancy@harvestone.com

Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - October 1, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) How do you encourage more schools to go solar when so many school administrators are unsure about the process, time frame and costs? The "Solar Schools 2025" initiative of the nonprofit Renewable Nation thinks it has the answer: by using the "buddy system" to pair up schools eager to go solar with schools that already have gone solar.

Today, Solar Schools 2025 announced that it is seeking 50 K-12 schools across the United States that it can "buddy up" with schools that already have gone through the process. Schools can contact Solar Schools 2025 to apply by emailing joinus@renewablenation.us.

Virtually every rooftop in the U.S. already has been mapped to assess its suitability for solar power generation. There are about 125,000 U.S. elementary and secondary schools, of which 72,000 are solar-ready. However, only 5,489 U.S. schools (under 8 percent) had gone solar through the end of 2017.

Renewable Nation Project Director Scott Stapf said: "More than nine out of 10 solar-ready schools in the United States have not yet gone solar, and the new app-driven Renewable Nation and its Solar Schools 2025 program intend to do something about that. Renewable Nation uses the latest technology to help American schools and homeowners better understand and act on their renewable energy and energy efficiency choices."

Stapf added: "For schools, solar power sends an important message to children about energy. It also saves money and conceivably can free up resources in financially pinched school districts that might otherwise be forced to cut core programs. Solar Schools 2025 will work with a modest number of schools every year, but its materials will be available via the Renewable Nation app to what may be hundreds of other interested educational institutions."

Under the new initiative, Solar Schools 2025 will do the following:

Target 50 schools a year to "buddy up" with schools that already have gone solar.

Provide a step-by-step package of materials for schools that want to go solar.

Produce a weekly series of webinars about how schools can go solar.

Make available for wider consumption all video and written content originally developed for targeted schools through the Renewable Nation app.

Solar Schools 2025 is part of the Renewable Nation app, which is available now on the Google Play store and on iTunes. Renewable Nation is an independent non-profit effort dedicated to accelerating the adoption of safe, affordable and clean energy. Additional information about the app-based effort is available at www.RenewableNation.us.

Other elements of Renewable Nation are: a non-commercial, crowd-sourced database of solar contractors and installers for use by homeowners; and the best in curated videos about clean energy and energy efficiency projects around the home.

KEY FACTS: WHY RENEWABLE NATION IS NEEDED NOW

Researchers have identified 450 individual U.S. school districts which could each save more than $1 million over 30 years by installing solar.

If all 72,000 of Americas "solar-ready" schools were to deploy typical systems, the total energy production for the schools would equal 5,400 MW - an amount exceeding a third of the total solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity installed in the entire U.S.

We also know that about four out of five U.S homes (79 percent) are suitable for solar.

There is a total of 74 million single-family homes in the U.S., which means that about 58.4 million are ideal for solar rooftops.

Surveys show that more than three out of five (62 percent) homeowners want solar on their rooftops.

However, only 1.3 million home rooftop solar installations have been completed so far in the United States, which is just 2.2 percent of the total potential.

CONTACT:

Max Karlin, (703) 276-3255 or mkarlin@hastingsgroup.com.

More Info:

This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders

Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions.

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Here's your morning bulletin.

GET INFORMED ...

IRELAND: Autopsies will take place today on the bodies of three men recovered from the water just offshore at Coonana Harbour in south Kerry yesterday.

IRELAND: Three men who fled a crashed car were arrested after a large manhunt on the northern fringes of Cork City.

IRELAND: Consumer confidence has slumped to a 21-month low amid rising concerns over Brexit, increased household costs such as rent and heat, and limited expectations of gains in next weeks Budget.

IRELAND: Simon Communities: Government can solve homelessness crisis before it becomes the new 'normal'

WORLD: A Yale University classmate of Brett Kavanaugh has disputed the US supreme court nominees characterisation of his drinking while in college.

WORLD: A statue of Donald Trump being stared down by Roald Dahl character Matilda has been unveiled near the authors former home in England.

ANALYSIS: Political Editor Daniel McConnell revisits the fateful days leading up to the bailout, telling the story of one of Irelands darkest days  in the words of the people who were there.

BUSINESS: BMW Group Ireland has said it will inject 37m across its operations in the Republic as it pushes its electric vehicle sub-brand, the BMW i.

SPORT: Heading into yesterdays singles matches, Europe held a number of decisive advantages, writes John McHenry.

SPORT: Munster would be well advised to bear in mind the immediate aftermath of their two previous runaway wins on home territory when celebrating Saturday nights record Guinness PRO14 demolition of an understrength and hapless Ulster combination.

... SOME DISTRACTION

FEATURES: Ahead of ECHOES, a three-day event at Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre (October 5-7) to celebrate the work of Maeve Binchy and other Irish writers, Helen OCallaghan asks six authors about their favourite Binchy book and her influence.

CULTURE: As part of the upcoming Words by Water literary festival, Alannah Hopkin has edited a collection of poems, stories and memories from Kinsale.

VIRAL: In Pictures: Watch how people responded to this mountain gorilla on the loose.
Padraig Hoare

BMW Group Ireland has said it will inject 37m across its operations in the Republic as it pushes its electric vehicle sub-brand, the BMW i.

The German giants Irish arm said it will be creating 120 new jobs over the course of 18 months, and the BMW i brand will now become an integral part of all Irish retailers operations to sell and service the groups current and future range of electrified vehicles.

Vehicles in the range include the BMW i3, BMW i8, a range of plug-in hybrid vehicles as well as the forthcoming BMW iX3 and the Mini Electric.

BMW i was founded in 2011 and is responsible for the design and manufacture of plug-in electric vehicle.

Managing director of BMW Group Ireland, Paulo Alves said: We were the first premium brand to make a clear commitment to electric mobility, we currently have the widest range with nine electrified vehicles and this will grow to 25 models by 2025.

The expansion of BMW i operations and the significant financial investments by our Irish retail network is a clear commitment to meet the future demands of our customers. It means that we are well positioned to capitalise on our ground-breaking efforts to transform individual mobility in line with BMW Groups overall global strategy.

BMW said Frank Keane will substantially expand its sales and service retail centres at Naas Road and Blackrock in South Dublin, as well as increasing its footprint via the acquisition of an adjacent premises at its Naas Road location.

Colm Quinn will be expanding operations with the opening of two new sales and service retail centres in Sligo and in Drogheda, while Joe Duffy will move to a brand new sales and service centre in Charlestown, adjacent to its current North Road facility.

One of Dublins best-known BMW dealerships, Murphy and Gunn in Milltown, Dublin said last month it was to close after losing its deal with the German automaker, having ran a dealership for 50 years.

In May, BMW Ireland said more than 10,000 vehicles were being recalled after a potential electrical fault was noted in a number of its models. More than 310,000 were recalled in the UK.
The number of older Airbnb hosts in Ireland has gone up by a third in the last year.

According to the company, older people are the fastest growing group on the site which saw 34% more people aged over 60 becoming hosts in the past 12 months.
By Ann O'Loughlin

In a society "marked by a serious lack of unity", those involved in administering and promoting justice should "look more closely at the meaning in law of social and economic rights, the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin has said.

"Human rights cannot simply be abandoned to the category of vague aspirations," the Most Reverend Diarmuid Martin added.

The administration of justice must contribute to finding ways to "bring to policy a reflection and a language in which the anxieties of the marginalised are more truly understood and recognised widely", he told judges and barristers at the start of the legal year.

He was concerned that Brexit "brings sharply to our horizons new and troubling forces of moving away from a broad and contemporary vision of unity and cooperation".

The Archbishop was delivering the homily at the annual mass at St Michan's Roman Catholic Church in Dublin marking the opening of the new legal year.

The congregation included the Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan; Attorney General Seamus Woulfe and senior members of the judiciary and legal professions from here, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

In a homily focussing on the importance of unity, Archbishop Martin said justice "will never be attained by polemics and polarisation".

"Unity is fostered by a society and a culture that brings to our attention the factors, which exclude from the unity the benefits that each citizen is entitled to attain," he said.

The legal profession "is called to scrupulously respect the unique dignity of every individual and of the various categories of those who could easily drift into being permanently marginalized".

Love, he said, is the "great commandment" and the foundation of unity but there are some "who feel that today the Church  and they would say even the Pope  seems to be soft on the notion of commandment and prefers the term love."

There are "even those who would propose obedience to the commandments of God and his Church using a language that is anything but loving".

Unity, he stressed "respects diversity", "is not uniformity" and "should not exclude".

Unity of purpose "is challenged in many ways in our world".

In some responses following the death of former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, it was noted the UN "has not risen to its great challenge and call and that forces of division and protectionism and narrow interest seriously impede the emergence of a new and much needed unity within the family of nations".

"Brexit, whether you like it or not, is a legitimate political reality but it is also a cultural reality which brings sharply to our horizons new and troubling forces of moving away from a broad and contemporary vision of unity and cooperation."

The law in the broadest sense of that term is about fostering unity, the law is equal for all and is "more than a rulebook or even the terms of a constitution".

In too many parts of the world today, laws and constitutions exist on paper but their application is distorted by the lack of a true culture of unity and can become even a parody of unity, "using the language of unity to foster privilege".

It is necessary to "look more deeply" at the factors which cause division in society and especially those factors that give rise to exclusion, he urged.

There is the question of unity in access to the law itself.

While not suggesting those called to administer justice "should not respect the limitations of policy that are forged by the political sphere within a legitimate economic framework", the administration of justice must contribute to finding ways like that "in which they can bring to policy a reflection and a language in which the anxieties of the marginalised are more truly understood and recognised widely".

At the annual service at St Michan's Church of Ireland marking the new legal year, the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, presided, with the Archdeacon of Dublin, the Venerable David Pierpoint. The sermon was given by the Revd Barry Forde, Dean of Residence, Queens University, Belfast.

The congregation included visiting judges from Northern Ireland, Scotland and England and Wales as well as political leaders, members of the Irish judiciary, legal profession, gardai, the Defence Forces and the diplomatic corps.
A file is being prepared for the DPP after a man went on a rampage and triggered a seven-hour standoff on scaffolding overlooking one of Corks busiest streets.

Slates and timber were thrown from the top of the building on Washington St and three cars were damaged during the incident which began on Washington St on Friday night and ended peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The man, 39, who has an address in the Gurranabraher area on the citys northside, is known to gardai.

It is understood that he man may have been reacting to a garda search of his house earlier on Friday.

He was eventually arrested and detained under the provisions of the Mental Health Act, before being assessed by a doctor.

It is understood he has been receiving medical care while garda investigations continue. A file is being prepared for the DPP.

The alarm was raised at around 10.30pm on Friday when a man, described by witnesses as disturbed and agitated, scaled scaffolding erected around a three-storey building on the corner of Courthouse St and Washington St.

It is one of the best-known pub and nightclub strips in the city centre and was busy with revellers at the time.

The man began shouting abuse at people before he began firing slates, roof tiles and timber slats from the top of the scaffolding onto the street below.

Gardai were called and a decision was taken to seal off several streets in the area to pedestrians and traffic in the interests of public safety. Two units of Cork City Fire Brigade and an ambulance were tasked to the incident.

Several specialist Garda units were put on standby and a trained garda negotiator was brought to the scene.

Despite the negotiators best efforts, the man refused to leave the scaffolding and continued firing various missiles down from the rooftop.

Three vehicles were damaged during the incident  two private cars and a Garda car.

The negotiator remained on scene for several hours trying to talk the man down.

However, it was 5.30am on Sunday before the man decided to come down of his own accord and the emergency services were stood down.

The man was arrested at the scene and Garda investigations are ongoing.
By Ann O'Loughlin

Author Rosita Sweetman today failed in her bid to have a High Court decision to dismiss her case against Coillte over the alleged spraying of a pesticide near her home overturned.

Ms Sweetman, who is a founding member of the Irish Women's Liberation movement in 1970 and the author of a number of books had sought to have her case which she first began fourteen years ago reinstated after a High Court judge had last year dismissed it due to inordinate and inexcusable delay.

Dismissing her appeal today, the three-judge Court of Appeal ruled the High Court was correct in its decision.

Mr Justice Brian McGovern who delivered the appeal court judgement said in the particular circumstances of the case the court would be failing in its duty if were to allow the proceedings to continue as it would give rise to a serious prejudice to Coillte because of the delay.

The case centres on the alleged spraying of the pesticide Lindane on lands adjoining her the Sweetman property at Hollywood, Co Wicklow. Coillte has denied all claims.

Who will pay the legal costs of the failed appeal will be decided at a later date.

In the High Court in May last year, Mr Justice Michael Moriarty in relation to three related proceedings involving Ms Sweetman her son and daughter dismissed the cases on grounds of inordinate and inexcusable delay.

Outlining the appeal case, Mr Justice McGovern said Ms Sweetman claims that from in or about 1982 and in particular from 1995 to 1998 Coillte allegedly wrongfully caused or permitted a pesticide Lindane to be sprayed on land adjoining her property and to allegedly enter her water supply.

As a result, Ms Sweetman claims her health had been adversely affected. Coillte lodged a full denial of all claims.

Mr Justice McGovern said although the grounds of appeal purported to challenge the High Court judge's finding that Ms Sweetman's delay was inordinate and inexcusable, these grounds were not advanced at the hearing of the appeal.

Instead the judge said when the hearing began Ms Sweetman's counsel said she was "hanging her hat" on another judgement of the court in which, although the person taking the case had been guilty of inordinate and inexcusable delay in the prosecution of the proceedings, special circumstances existed to satisfy the court the balance of justice was served by not making an order dismissing the proceedings.

Mr Justice McGovern said while there were undoubtedly parallels between the two cases, there were a number of distinguishing features including in the Sweetman case that a number of witnesses are unavailable because they had died or are abroad at an unknown address.

The judge said the proceedings had begun in 2004, twenty-two years after the alleged events complained of and while Mr Justice Moriarty in the High Court had said the Coillte did contribute to the delay, he ruled it was to a very significantly lesser extent than Ms Sweetman.

Coillte claimed the case was statute barred and that it would suffer significant prejudice if the case were to go to trial.

It said its then environment manager in the area which included Hollywood was now 79 years of age and lived in Greece and his address was unknown.

Coillte contended the environment manager's evidence would be crucial to its contention it did not spray the pesticide on any of its lands adjoining Ms Sweetman's property.

Mr Justice McGovern said he was satisfied the case is not of such complexity that could justify the delay that has taken place.
By Ken Foxe

The constituency of Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring got almost one eighth of the national pot of money from a recreation scheme funded by his department.

Mayo received 216,000, over 26,000 more than the next highest allocation given to a county under the scheme according to departmental records.

Altogether, 1.82m was given out in the first round of this years outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme  nearly 12% of which ended up going to Co Mayo.

The department defended the funding allocations saying that when populations were calculated, some other counties had actually done better than Mayo on a per capita basis.

There were 128 local projects funded around the country, with 11 of those selected in Co Mayo.

Ten projects in Minister Rings constituency got 20,000 each in funding, the maximum award under this round of the scheme while one got 16,000.

Most of the funding was for repair and maintenance with projects benefitting including the Great Western Greenway between Westport and Achill and the Croaghpatrick Heritage Trail.

Others to benefit from the maximum grant were the Erris Head Loop Walk and the Foxford Way.

Some counties got hardly any funding with three receiving nothing at all: Donegal, Kildare, and Louth although it is not clear how many applications were made from each of them.

Dublin was not eligible for this rural scheme, according to the Department though parts of Fingal are classified as rural for other funding.

A spokesman for the Minister said a total of 267 applications had been made for funding and that every one of the 128 eligible applications had been funded.

Unsuccessful applications were declined on the basis that they did not meet the criteria for funding. Reasons included, failure to provide evidence of planning permission or evidence of matched funding, he said.

The spokesman queried calculations based on population and said that when per capita figures were worked out, Sligo, Monaghan and Westmeath had actually done better than Mayo.

Based on national population, Mayo received 11.8% of the fund despite the fact that its population is less than 3% of the total.

The spokesman said: [That] calculation of the population includes Dublin which is not a recipient in this rural scheme. When Dublins population is excluded from this calculation, which it should be, the proportion of the population represented by Mayo and other counties increases.

With Dublin excluded from the figure, Mayo still makes up less than 4% of the national population but its share of the fund of course stays unchanged at just below 12%.

Announcing the grants, Mr Ring said the projects would enhance existing recreational facilities for the benefit of the communities who use them every day, and also for the many tourists who enjoy visiting our rural areas.
By Eoin English and Elaine Loughlin

Consumer confidence has slumped to a 21-month low amid rising concerns over Brexit, increased household costs such as rent and heat, and limited expectations of gains in next weeks Budget.

However, the results of the KBC Bank/ESRI consumer sentiment index released last night suggests that consumers are increasingly nervous rather than extremely negative about the outlook, analysts said.

The data shows consumer sentiment fell sharply in September to 96.4, its lowest level since December 2016. The six-point drop from Augusts reading of 102.4 was also the largest monthly decline in four years.

KBC Bank Irelands chief economist Austin Hughes said that while the results are still consistent with an improving economy, the clear message is that the average consumer is more focussed on the problems they now face than any improvement they may have seen previously.

And, given the uncertainty around Brexit, he said it is not entirely surprising for a broadly-based change in thinking to translate into a sharp change in sentiment that in time could be at least partly reversed.

There is little doubt that the increasingly loud and jarring ticking of the Brexit clock has unnerved Irish consumers, said Mr Hughes. The threat posed by a possible hard Brexit is notably amplified by high- profile cost increases in areas such as light, heating, and housing, while many consumers may feel their personal circumstances are very remote from recent reports of a return to the boom.

Against this backdrop, it is likely that the drop in confidence overstates the change in the current conditions of the typical Irish consumer.

He said, however, that, in four of the five key elements of the survey, positive responses still outnumbered negative responses.

So while sentiment has weakened, it is by no means sour at present, he said.

Philip Economides of the ESRI said while consumers remain positive about their own finances and continued declines in unemployment, doubts are accumulating about the general economy.

Should the likelihood of a no-deal Brexit scenario continue to rise, we expect to see further losses in confidence with respect to expected economic performance in Ireland, he said.

The results come as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar faced criticism over his bombastic approach to delicate Brexit negotiations, which are entering a critical phase.

Fianna Fails Stephen Donnelly said it is now very unlikely that agreement on the backstop for the border will be reached before this months EU Summit.

The Taoiseach has been quiet bombastic in his megaphone diplomacy, it hasnt helped; it has been heard in Westminster. I would like to see the Taoiseach hold back, Mr Donnelly said.

Junior Minister Sean Kyne described as quite worrying the way the British government is now talking about the border and the Good Friday Agreement.

Unfortunately the border was not the issue of discussion prior to the referendum and we have seen different stances within the Conservative party, which is quite worrying, and Theresa May has no guarantee that she can get Chequers through the parliament, he told RTEs The Week in Politics.

As a former member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, we had discussion before a referendum even took place, we produced a cross-party proposal, launched it in London about the possible impacts of Brexit. Everything that we talked about at that stage nearly four years ago has come to pass, and we are still discussing it.

Ahead of her party conference, Ms May rejected claims she does not believe in Brexit and insisted she would make a success of it regardless of the outcome of talks.

She told the BBCs Andrew Marr Show her plan for post-Brexit trade with the EU was not dead, despite it having been rejected by EU leaders.
By Aoife Nic Ardghail

A Bulgarian circus worker who had sex with an underage girl in Cork will be sentenced later this month for defilement.

Tsvetomir Velikov (42) told gardai that the then 16-year-old girl and her friend claimed they were overage, but they did appear younger.

He admitted during an interview that he had been reckless about their ages.

Velikov, a Bulgarian national with an address at Coolfore Road, Ardbraccan, Navan, Co Meath, pleaded guilty on his trial date at the Central Criminal Court to defiling a female under the age of 17 at a Cork town on February 28, 2015.

He has no previous convictions in Ireland or Bulgaria.

The court heard that the girl, who was a week off her 17th birthday, and her 15-year-old friend had arrived at the circus after consuming a considerable amount of vodka.

Sergeant Mary Skehan told Alice Fawsitt SC, prosecuting, that the girls were whistled at and then invited into a caravan with about six circus workers.

The girls were given more alcohol here before the 16-year-old went to a different caravan with Velikov and her friend left with another circus worker, Ivan Peev (34).

Peev, a Bulgarian national, also of Coolfore Road, got a two-and-a-half year prison sentence for defiling the then 15-year-old in a circus caravan on the same date.

Sgt Skehan said CCTV footage of the girls leaving the circus afterwards showed them appearing very drunk and holding each other up.

A mother and daughter encountered the girls and took them to a garda station because they appeared so intoxicated.

Sgt Skehan said these witnesses and gardai at the station gave differing accounts of how drunk the girls were, but there was evidence that the 16-year-old had been vomiting on the night.

Sgt Skehan told Ms Fawsitt that neither girl made a complaint, but that an adult connected to one of them found out what happened the following day.

In her victim impact statement read out in court, the then 16-year-old said that Velikov used her for her body and left her feeling very unhappy in herself.

She said she felt ashamed and didn't like her body for a long time afterwards. She described how she had built herself up for the court case but was glad Velikov was taken into custody and off the streets.

Sgt Skehan agreed with Blaise O'Carroll SC, defending, that his client gave gardai a clear and concise description of what had happened.

She agreed that Velikov had questioned the girls' ages, but added:

There was a question mark in his mind, but he continued on."

Velikov's employer told Mr O'Carroll that the defendant was a valuable staff member and a good friend. Christopher Lester outlined Velikov's hardworking background since joining the company in 2013.

Mr O'Carroll submitted to Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly that his client was at low risk of re-offending.

He said Velikov had been a model prisoner while awaiting sentence and had completed various courses. He said his client was deeply embarrassed and extremely remorseful for his actions.

Ms Justice Donnelly adjourned sentence in the matter until later this month.
By Sean ORiordan

More than 20 families have been forced to pay local property tax (LPT) for the past five years due to an administrative oversight which should have excluded them because they live in an unfinished estate.

Residents at Gort na hAbainn estate in Milford, north Co Cork, have been living in what has been described as deplorable conditions.

The estate was left unfinished 10 years ago, but the residents have still had to pay an annual LPT of 225 for houses valued between 100,001 and 150,000.

Some houses were left unfinished, the estate still has no public lighting and the road surface was never properly completed.

Five foot deep holes were dug for public lighting and they were left there until earlier this year when they were filled in due to health and safety reasons.

It was a miracle that nobody fell into them and was seriously injured, said Fine Gael councillor John Paul OShea.

At a recent county council meeting, Mr OShea sought information as to why locals were still having to pay LPT when they had to put up with such poor infrastructure.

Exemption from LPT is set out in the Finance (LPT) Act 2012 and estates which qualified were listed in the schedule of the regulations issued the following year.

This list was developed on the 2012 National Housing Development Survey, which should have highlighted the situation at the Gort na hAbainn estate.

Mr OShea was told by council officials that, in February 2012, the Department of Environment wrote to all local authorities informing them that a LPT exemption would apply to estates with seriously problematic conditions.

Gort na hAbainn would have qualified under this, but was never added to the list.

The issue of the property tax was recently raised to me by a resident there and I was shocked to see they were all eligible to pay the property tax for this estate despite the fact it is so unfinished, said Mr OShea.

The department complied this list six years ago and asked local authorities to add or delete estates..I was shocked to see that this list did not include this estate and have asked that we write to the department to have the estate included in the expeditions and LPT payments made by the householders to be refunded to them.

Mr OShea said that he had been working for more than a year to try and get a bond paid over to the council from a financial institution to complete the work there.

Bonds, which are a form of insurance, were paid by developers to ensure that estates were finished if they went out of business.
Residents from Whitehall in Dublin were evacuated from their homes last night, after a suspicious device was found under a car.

Gardai and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team were called to the scene on Yellow Road shortly after 10pm and a controlled explosion was carried out.
Four puppies were seized at Dublin Port this afternoon.

Revenue officers at Dublin Port seized four puppies when they stopped and questioned two men, in routine operations.

The UK nationals, who were travelling to Holyhead, did not have pet passports for the puppies, nor were they microchipped as required under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

The four male puppies, one dachshund, one chihuahua and two pomeranians were transferred into the care of the DSPCA, where they are receiving veterinary attention.

A follow-up investigation is now underway.

- Digital Desk
By David Raleigh

When Donnah Vuma returns to her home in Direct Provision after a hard days study at the University of Limerick, she is not allowed to cook dinner for her children, aged 14, 10, and eight.

Vuma, her son, and two daughters have been living in a Direct Provision centre for the past four years as they await a decision their application for asylum.

Their life story is typical of the thousands who live in Irelands Direct Provision system.

For someone like me, with a family, it is not an ideal situation. We are not allowed to cook and I don't have the right to work, said Vuma, a 32-year old Zimbabwean native.

Being deprived of employment and the opportunity to provide for her children is a torture in itself, she said.

In Zimbabwe, Vuma worked as a sales and marketing manager, but, because of a corrupt political regime and tensions in her home country, she fled to Ireland.

Donnah Vuma.

Simple things like not being able to cook for your family is very difficult for me; having to live on a routine where you know you have to do certain things at a certain time, and doing them the same way every single day, is really difficult.

Its not the best situation or ideal way to raise a family.

Vuma and each of her children are provided with a paltry 21.60 a week to live on. Previously, the State-provided increment was a mere 19.10 a week.

Vuma said she and her family have been left scarred by the Direct Provision experience.

There are health effects, visible ones, she said.

My little boy doesn't eat the food that is provided, as it is either too spicy, or not to his liking; So, he doesn't eat most of the time, so that has negative health (impact) on him.

My daughter overeats, so obviously we know what the results are of overeating.

Vuma also highlighted how psychological effects are very evident, too.

With my 14-year-old daughter, at times, I don't know if she is being moody because she is a teenager, and thats natural, or if it is because of the system.

She has bad days sometimes. She says to me oh gosh, when are we going to get out of here, so, its very difficult, in terms of them experiencing a normal childhood.

The experience has also been hard on Vuma, who added: It is difficult on me as well, as a parent, to know that I cant provide fully for them, so that comes with its own challenges mentally.

It's quite difficult.

Despite the familys ordeal, Vuma has not given up they will one day be granted asylum in Ireland.

In her own right she has become a powerful voice for migrants seeking political support for an "end to Direct Provision".

Last Friday, standing beside President Michael D Higgins at the launch of a four-year plan for migrant integration in Limerick, Vuma highlighted barriers faced by asylum seekers and refugees trying to access education, housing, and employment.

Vuma was crowned 2017 Clare Woman of the Year by the Soroptimist International Ennis and District Club, and she is a member of the board of migrant rights organisation Doras Lumni.

She has been one of the lucky few to secure a path to higher education and is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Limerick.

The course, offered under the Universitys Sanctuary Scholarship programme, waives fees for participants.

Vuma said she believes while there is a long road to walk for migrants in Ireland things are definitely improving.

The evidence of that is the fact there is recognition that there is a problem here, and (people asking) how can we fix it, and what is the way forward.
The State must be held to account on its approach to the rights of people with disabilities, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission has urged.

A report published today by the commission and the Economic Social and Research Institute shows a substantial discrimination gap between people with and without disabilities.

While discrimination has decreased over time, people with disabilities continue to experience higher levels of discrimination than those without disabilities.

It found that 16% of people with disabilities reported discrimination compared to 11% of people without disabilities in 2014.

Between 2004 and 2014, between 10% and 12% of the population reported a disability.

The United National Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is now in force  more than a decade after it was first signed by the State.

Ireland is expected to produce its first report on its implementation of the convention to the UN in Geneva in 2020.

The commission wants people with disabilities to serve on the first ever statutory advisory committee to support monitoring to the implementation of the convention.

The IHREC/ESRI research entitled Disability and Discrimination in Ireland has found that the effect of discrimination on people with disabilities is more serious than for those without a disability.

Just under half of people with a disability who experience discrimination report the effects as either serious or very serious compared to just over 30% of people without a disability.

About one out of five reports of discrimination among people with disabilities concern health services  more than any other setting.

When people with disabilities are looking for work the odds of experiencing work-related discrimination was twice as high compared to those without disabilities.

Those who are blind are at the greatest risk of experiencing discrimination, followed by those with psychological or emotional conditions.

The report suggests that addressing the issue should not just rely on social security or social welfare policy changes  a strategic approach was also needed in the area of education and employment.

The retention of people with disabilities in school is directly linked ot their later life chances, including their access to the labour market or further education, it states.

IHREC chief commissioner Emily Logan said over 13% of Irelands population had a disability  that was over 643,000 people looking to the convention to protect their rights and dignity.

Ms Logan said: Viewing disability from a human rights perspective involves an evolution in thinking and acting by States and all sectors of society so that persons with disabilities are no longer considered to be recipients of charity or objects of others decision-making but as active participants in the exercise of their rights. It is about celebrating human diversity.

- ihrec.ie
By Sarah Frier

Facebooks worst security breach ever is a major blow to the companys effort to rebuild trust with users of the social network after a privacy scandal in March.

A hacker or hackers exploited several software bugs at once to obtain login access to up to 50m accounts. Facebook does not know the number of hackers. That access let the intruder act like users on their profiles, or on any applications where they signed in using Facebook.

User data leaks, security breaches and the spread of misinformation have forced Facebook to confront hostile US congressional hearings and uproar from users.

This breach adds to concerns that the company is collecting too much personal information and not looking after it properly.

Data is the lifeblood of Facebooks advertising business, so any limits on its activities that stem from these mis-steps could crimp the companys earning power.

Facebook has fixed this latest vulnerability, but it does not yet have answers to crucial questions. It is unclear what the hackers did with the access. Were they looking for private data, or were they trying to impersonate real users and post misleading information?

It will now be harder for the public to believe that the company has made progress since chief executive Mark Zuckerberg pledged at US congressional hearings in April to protect user data above all else and invest more in security.

If people lose confidence in Facebooks handling of their personal information, they may spend less time or share less on the social network, limiting the companys ability to make money from their activity.

In the breach disclosed on Friday, Facebook said it started investigating suspicious activity on September 16. A few days before that, Zuckerberg wrote that the company was better prepared for attacks by foreign actors spreading division and misinformation ahead of elections in the US, France, and other countries. The prospect of hackers taking control of almost 50m Facebook accounts may undermine those assertions.

The breach is very different than the crisis earlier this year that forced Mr Zuckerberg to testify before the US Congress.

In that case, the maker of a personality quiz app on Facebook transferred his database of profile information to a third party, Cambridge Analytica.

The political consulting firm, employed by Donald Trumps election campaign and the Brexit Leave campaign, told Facebook it had deleted the information, but it had not.

One Facebook defence at the time was that there was no technical security problem  it was a human error and a lie. The data transfer also happened several years earlier, and Facebook had scrapped ties with developers that allowed it to happen.

This time, Facebook can have no such reassurances. Regulators were quick to criticise the company, demand more information and call for an investigation.

After the Cambridge Analytica news broke, Mr Zuckerberg did not address the public for days. This time, he got on a call with the media right away to try to explain what happened.
There is a substantial return from investment in breastfeeding, with mothers, babies, and wider society benefitting.

A study found that, for every 1 spent on breastfeeding groups, there is a return of 15.85.

It looked at the social return on investment in breastfeeding groups facilitated by public health nurses.

Last year, over half (54.5%) of mothers were breastfeeding their babies at the first public health nurse visit.

However, the percentage of babies breastfed at the three-month developmental check was 39%.

The study, partly funded by the Institute of Community Health Nursing, focused on breastfeeding groups in 11 locations.

Mothers attending felt better mentally. They developed a social network and felt reassured and supported. The mothers breastfed for longer because they were more knowledgeable and confident about breastfeeding and that it was a normal process.

Mothers attending the group were mainly aged 30 to 40 and had a college education. About one in six had not been born in Ireland.

Over 60% were first-time mothers. A further 6% had not breastfed before, although they had other children.

One of the co-authors, Sinead Hanafin, said that the return of 15.85 was considered to be substantial.

The finding from this study clearly highlights a number of benefits for everyone involved and shows a very positive impact on the health of mothers and infants from attending groups facilitated by public health nurse, said Dr Hanafin.

The study also shows that attendance at a breastfeeding group can result in improvements in the mental health of new mothers and can also help mothers to breastfeed for a longer period of time.

It recommends a more systemised approach to the implementation of public health nurse-facilitated breastfeeding groups nationally to ensure equity of access for all breastfeeding mothers.

Today marks the start of National Breastfeeding Week and this years theme is Every Breastfeed Makes a Difference, with more than 125 events organised from coffee mornings to support group events.

There is even a visit by breastfeeding mothers and their babies to Aras an Uachtarain to promote the importance of breastfeeding.

The HSEs dedicated website, breastfeeding.ie, provides information on supports available for breastfeeding mothers and their families and the authoritys Facebook page provides community support for mothers.
Ahead of ECHOES, a three-day event at Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre (October 5-7) to celebrate the work of Maeve Binchy and other Irish writers, Helen OCallaghan asks six authors about their favourite Binchy book and her influence.

Sheila OFlanagan

My favourite is Dublin 4, a collection of four stories set in Dublin, published in 1981. What made me pick it up was its title  Id never read a book written about suburban Dublin before, and the characters in each story resonated with my own experiences of people living in the city. Although the themes were uncompromising, the writing was warm and affectionate, while still making astute observations about city life.

Dublin 4  and so many of Maeves books  made me feel that there was a place for the kind of stories I wanted to write, too.

Ones where women were front-and-centre of their own narratives, where the author didnt sit in judgement on their characters, but allowed them to reveal themselves to the reader. Dublin 4 was the book that gave me the confidence to write

Henrietta McKervey

Its a close call, because Im also so fond of Central Line, her first-ever short story collection, but my favourite Maeve Binchy book is her selected Irish Times writings, Maeves Times, some of which Id read week-by-week, as it was published.

Whether she was writing about a royal wedding (Fergie was put off the fags long ago, when royal nuptials seemed likely) or abortion (what she wanted was not so much moralising as the name of a doctor), her journalism was unfalteringly honest, compassionate, and full of common sense. It was also regularly laugh-out-loud funny.

I won the inaugural UCD Maeve Binchy Travel Award, in 2014, and had a wonderful time exploring the shipping forecast and writing about it. My first trip was to sea areas Sole, Lundy, and Fastnet, which meet just north-east of the Isles of Scilly. For company and inspiration, I brought Maeves Times with me!

Catherine Dunne

I can still see my friends bright faces, as they hand me a beautifully-wrapped gift. Its Light a Penny Candle, by Maeve Binchy. Its her first novel and its 1982. They know Im a voracious reader. They also know Im writing. And, just as my maternity leave starts, they know Ill have the time for both of these passions, before the sleepless nights begin. This luxurious hardback edition is just the indulgence I need.

As soon as my visitors leave, I dive in. This is a big story, in all senses. Im captivated by the 600 pages of Elizabeths and Aislings intertwining lives. I barely come up for air.

Above all else, back then, this book spoke to me of possibilities. Maeve was Irish. Shed written a compelling story of family and friendship. Shed been published. Her achievement allowed me to continue to dream.

Claudia Carroll

As a young one, out of school and wrestling with drama school, I remembered hearing on the grapevine about this huge film thats being shot down in Kilkennywith loads of parts for women, loads! The film was Circle of Friends and I eagerly nabbed a copy to read before the audition

The story only leapt off the page at me and I vividly remember the director asking me what struck me most about it, at the audition. Real, true friendship is a rare gift to be cherished, I told him. The themes of the book were as relevant back in the 1950s as they are today, but wasnt that Maeves extraordinary gift?

I didnt get the part. I was told I was too Dublin for it. But I still wept and laughed and cried at the book, and, indeed, the movie, too. A rich, resonant coming-of-age story, Irish-style and, more importantly, Maeve-style.

Sinead Crowley

I inhaled Echoes as a teenager, as I did every book by Maeve Binchy, but it was only on a recent reread that I really realised how accomplished a novel it is.

All of the Binchy building blocks are there: realistic setting, nuanced and believable characters grappling with complex issues, humanity, and a sense of fair play. But Echoes also contains a touch of darkness. Maeves star-crossed lovers get their romantic moment alright, but then she explores what happens after the happy ever after

The book also contains one of my favourite Binchy characters, Angela, the sardonic school teacher, who sacrifices her life for others, but is allowed a well-deserved, happy ending of her own.

And there are elements of a gripping crime thriller, too; the closing chapters, in particular, are as compelling as any in that genre.

Romance, thriller, social history: Echoes has it all.

Patricia Scanlan

Although Ive read and loved many of Maeves blockbuster novels, I love the smaller ones, too. One of her great gifts was to write engrossing short stories about individual characters, linked by a common theme. The Lilac Bus was a superb exploration of universal characters that we all recognise.

Many of my co-workers in the library service, like Maeves protagonists on The Lilac Bus, would get the bus home on Friday, to go down the country. Maeves observational skill at ferreting out small details revealed so much, like Nancy, who fretted about being early for the bus, because the other regulars would think she had no life in Dublin and was too eager to get home. Classic Maeve.

Maeves greatest influence on me was her generosity of spirit and her willingness to help younger, upcoming writers. She certainly set the bar high.

I try to do my bit to pass on the kindness she showed me.

The six authors will speak at ECHOES.

The full day (10am-5pm) of talks, discussions, readings and dramatisations is on Saturday, October 6, with ancillary events on October 5 and 7.

Visit www.echoes.ie for more information.
As part of the upcoming Words by Water literary festival, Alannah Hopkin has edited a collection of poems, stories and memories from the Co Cork town, writes Marjorie Brennan.

Writer Alannah Hopkin had spent many childhood summers holidaying at her grandmothers home in Summercove near the Co Cork town of Kinsale before she moved there permanently in 1982.

However, Hopkin, who was raised in England, recalls how she really only became a true Kinsalite when she later moved to Cork St in the town. There was one moment in particular that made her feel she was truly at home.

I got to know the lads who passed the time of day outside the Temperance Hall by name, and they in turn gave me the great honour of a town nickname  Cher  presumably because I had long dark hair, she writes in My Kinsale: An Anthology, a collection of stories, poems, photographs and memories of residents and those with a special connection to the town.

The project is an initiative of Words By Water, Kinsales literary festival, and is available in print and as an electronic book, so it can be enjoyed by the diaspora. There will also be an ongoing archive of contributions online.

Hopkins, who has edited the anthology, says the most important aspect of the project is the community involvement.

Its great because its a community project rather than a literary or journalistic project. It has been an absolute delight. Words By Water put out a call for contributions online and some people from Kinsale College went out into the community to older people who may not have been able to write anything but who would share their memories.

Kinsale has always been a town that has been seen as welcoming to blow-ins and one section of the anthology, called Chasing the Dream is devoted to some of the many people who have chosen to put down roots there. What is it about the area that makes it so attractive?

The people are nice and welcoming, says Hopkin.

Also, a lot of people choose Kinsale because its near the airport and Cork city, so if youre working at home and you have to travel its very handy. And of course, its beautiful and by the sea, so you feel as if youre on holiday. The people you meet on the street may be on holiday, so theyre smiling and eating ice cream, its a very nice vibe

While Kinsale has a reputation far and wide for its culinary attractions, with a large side order of sailing, Hopkin says the anthology demonstrates that there is much more to the town.

Yes, there is that view that we all have yachts and drive BMWs, she laughs. I have a dual viewpoint because I initially only knew Summercove, where my mother was from, and then I moved into Kinsale and it was a major culture shock, a completely different place. If you trot up the Stoney Steps in the middle of the town, you are suddenly in a quiet residential area. The whole town is like that  you go around a corner and its like youre in a different village, its very varied, and there are even different accents. There are three I can identify, depending on where you come from.

Its a lovely, very textured town, theres a lot going on apart from gourmet food, sailing, and holidays. Kinsale College has also brought a lot of interesting people to the area.

Hopkin believes the anthology, which has been aided by the towns Chamber of Tourism, Cork County Council, and funding from Creative Ireland, could be a model for other towns and will also be of interest to people beyond the towns environs.

Its a brilliantly simple idea and it brings the community together. I really think it could have quite an impact. I think anyone who has any human curiosity will be interested in it because its about other peoples lives.

The Kinsale Anthology will be launched on Thursday at the Mill Building at 7.30pm, as part of the Words by Water festival
While the train is in the station, please refrain from urination school-boys chanted to the tune of Dvoraks Humoresque, writes Richard Collins.

There is no such appeal to rail passengers nowadays but visitors to Olympic National Park, in Washington State, are asked not to pee near trails. Smells from hikers urine, sweaty clothes and backpacks attract aggressive goats. The animals were introduced to the park a century ago, but the place lacks natural salt deposits.

All animals need salt. We may be the salt of the Earth but our bodies dont manufacture the stuff; we get it from our food and lose it when sweating. People take salt tablets to avoid fainting in the extreme heat of the tropics. Places with names ending in wich, such as Norwich, were sources of the mineral. Ghandi trekked 390km to the coast of Gujarat to make salt. Supplies were transported to Rome along the Via Salaria, now a state highway. Some historians, however, reject the familiar claim that the term salary originally referred to the salt allowance paid to Roman soldiers.

Unlike us, sea-dwelling creatures have no problem getting salt; its all around them. Carnivores get theirs from the bodies of victims. Herbivores, such as deer and goats, however, may experience shortages.

The Rocky Mountain goat is a magnificent beast, with black eyes, hoofs and horns standing out against gleaming white fur. Its usually very difficult to approach but there is little problem doing so in Olympic Park; the goats there have grown accustomed to people, with disastrous results

In October 2010, a man was fatally injured. According to The Seattle Times, 63-year-old Robert Boardman was hiking with his wife and a friend, when an aggressive goat approached them. Boardman faced down the animal, trying to shoo it away while his companions retreated; nobody saw the actual attack. Standing over its victim, the goat wouldnt let anyone approach. Pelted with stones, it finally backed off. The rangers shot it.

A survey in 2016 suggested that there were around 625 goats in Olympic Park, their numbers growing by 8% annually. Over-grazing is damaging the ecosystem. During the 1980s, a proposal to shoot some of them failed when animal-rights supporters objected. There is no option now but to reduce the goat population.

Some areas are to be closed to hikers for health and safety reasons. Seriously offending animals will be shot, their carcasses left lying around, pour encourager les autres. Tranquillised goats are to be transported, slung beneath helicopters, to locations where there are few people. Hundreds of goats were removed in this way during the 1980s.

It seems odd that salt deficiency is such a serious issue in a park. Would placing licks at strategic locations not solve the problem? Farmers use them to keep livestock healthy. I have seen licks put out for deer in Ireland. The really intractable problem is, surely, the goat population explosion; action must be taken to reduce their numbers.

Animal lovers object to culling but, sometimes, we must be cruel to be kind. Sensitive habitats have to be protected from large herbivores in the absence of natural predators. Otherwise, animals become their own worst enemies and it all ends in tears. We have striking examples of this closer to home. Red deer in parts of Scotland are eating themselves out of house and home. There were up to 1,300 fallow deer in the Phoenix Park in the past. Culling reduced it to 40 during the Emergency but numbers increased again. The herd is now kept to around 450.
A veteran of the fight for womens liberation from Kenya is guest speaker at a Cork charitys fundraising event, writes Caroline ODoherty

When Honorine Kiplagat was beginning her career in the male-dominated world of international development, the idea of a #MeToo movement would have met with the response: Me who?

It was the 1960s and women were all but invisible in the power structures of corporations, politics, public life, and even the global agencies that were meant to espouse equality.

Thats why its so exciting to Honorine, an 80-year-old veteran of the fight for womens liberation, to see how things have changed.

When I see this movement of #MeToo, I think how these problems were all there years ago but women could not go out in public and tell the world how they were exploited, how they were molested, how they were mistreated, because they would be ridiculed, they would be laughed at, she says.

People would say: Why did she allow herself to be used? What does she expect from us? This is a problem for herself.

But now women can speak out, they can be heard, they can go to court and I think thats really, really important.

You can not allow yourself to be enslaved the way that women have been before. You should free yourself now from fear and tell the world because the world is listening.

For her part, Honorine has always tried to listen and bring to the fore the voices of girls and women with fewer opportunities than herself.

Shell be doing the same on October 13, when she visits Ireland as guest speaker at a fundraising event for the Cork-born charity, Brighter Communities Worldwide, which works chiefly in Honorines adopted country of Kenya.

The country of her birth is Madagascar, where she was brought up in French colonial times with four sisters and a brother. Their father was a pastor and their mother was the daughter of a pastor  a happy coincidence that she believes was instrumental in providing a pathway in life very different from many of her peers.

My father was really very liberated, she says. Usually in my time, by the age of 16 or 18, girls ended up married but my father and my mother did everything to keep us in school.

My father believed that God created man and women equally and they must be treated equally, respected equally, considered equally. So the faith of my father gave him a very strong belief that we must have the same opportunities.

Honorine initially worked as a teacher where she relished the chance to build confidence in her pupils, in particular the girls.

It was an opportunity for me to create an environment where everyone has the right to speak out and the right to be heard. If you create that environment in the classroom, the children will take that lesson into the world.

A girl guide since her own schooldays, Honorine remained passionate about the movement and became a leader, convinced that membership would foster independence and leadership skills in the young recruits.

However, it was when she left to pursue development studies in Paris that her own resourcefulness was tested. Before long she found herself posted to the headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation in Rome, and then to Ghana.

I felt very much that I was in a minority in that office, she says. The majority were of course men, the director, the deputy director  all men. Men had all the power.

But thats what really made me more and more convinced that we need the men as our allies. The mindset must be changed for the men to accept the women as their equals.

She already had some allies. Her father remained an inspiration to her and in Paris she had fallen for a fellow student who would become her husband and greatest supporter.

Bethuel Kiplagat was building his own career with the Kenya diplomatic service, rising to the rank of ambassador, but there was never a question of him expecting his wife to stay in the background.

My portfolio was youth and women, says Honorine. I was really passionate about the empowerment of women in all fields. For myself, an African woman, I always saw that the women are the ones who feed the nation, they are ones in the farms, the one who did everything to get the money to pay school fees, to take the children to hospital.

At the time there was a major campaign, the freedom from hunger campaign, and I knew it can not be

successful without the involvement of women  not only in the fields but in the places of power.

Honorine Kiplagat with her late husband Bethuel Kiplagat.

When Bethuel was moved back to Kenya to a post in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Honorine joined the newly formed United Nations Environment Programme that happened to have its headquarters in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.

Her focus was still on youth and women and her task was to gender mainstream all policies and programmes  assessing them for their implications on both women and men to ensure all benefited equally.

Through this work, she became involved in the UN womens conferences in Nairobi in 1985 and the follow-up in Beijing in 1995, two massive events which would ultimately lead the UN to establish a dedicated organisation, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women  known as UN Women  in 2010.

By then, Honorine had officially retired but in reality, she was as busy as ever. She had continued her involvement in girl guides becoming Kenyas training commissioner, international commissioner, chief commissioner, and now national commissioner and chair of the board of trustees.

The only other time she was in Ireland was in 1999 when this country hosted the World Association of Girl Guides annual conference. Honorine recalls the delegates being invited to dinner at the Aras and being delighted to find a woman, Mary McAleese, in charge.

But its not 50-50 yet, I dont think? she asks of the gender balance in Irish public life. She is not surprised to hear that it is not.

Thats because, she says, we need not only to continue talking about womens liberation, but also the liberation of men.

Womens equality is really gender equality, she says. Gender equality is a liberation for women but also liberation for men  because mens mindsets need to be liberated.

It is good for men because gender rights are human rights and without human rights, you can not have justice. These are not separate issues for men and women. They are all connected.

In Ireland, we may still have a way to go to ensure gender equality but in Kenya, the gap is much wider. Poverty and tradition still conspire against many girls, depriving them of education, job opportunities and independence.

Honorine is a founding member of the Starehe Girls School in Nairobi which provides free secondary education for impoverished girls.

She is also a founder of the Nairobi Hospice, a long-time volunteer at a counselling and training centre for people in need of psychological supports, a lay canon in the Anglican Church, a campaigner against female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage, and a supporter of safe homes and supports services for girls escaping such brutalities.

Shes also a mother of three, grandmother of three, and sadly, since just last year, a woman learning to embrace life without her beloved Bethuel.

And still she has found time to be a friend, mentor and cheerleader to a Cork charity. Brighter Communities Worldwide was set up by Cobh woman Maria Kidney, who was on holiday in Nairobi in 2000 when she was mugged and sought refuge in the headquarters of Kenyan Girl Guides.

That chance encounter and the friendship that followed changed Marias life  and 18 years later the charity, initially called Friends of Londiani, has helped change the lives of more than 300,000 Kenyans through essential sanitation, education, health and training programmes.

Their work can be as simple as building latrines or as complex as changing a culture where FGM is still performed, menstruating girls stay home from school, and young girls are sold off for marriage to elderly men.

What I see in Londiani is a real partnership, says Maria. The people dont have the money to change how they live but they have the labour force and the will to work and that willingness to change and with financial help from Ireland they can make a big difference.

The volunteers from Ireland work very hard to raise the money but when they come to Kenya, they dont tell you what they give but what they receive because of what they learn. It is a great collaboration where everybody gives what they can give and does what they can do and everybody benefits. This is how we achieve change.

- Brighter Communities Worldwide is holding their annual fundraising Kenya Ball, at which Honorine will be speaking, in the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork on Saturday, October 13. More information on brightercommunities.org.
Seamus O Tuama

Thomas Mackle created history by winning a fourth successive Hurleys of Midleton King of the Roads at Ballincurrig yesterday.

His win was achieved through brilliant bowling and resolve against a super challenge from Arthur McDonagh.

Dutch champion Silke Tulk denied Kelly Mallon her four-in-a-row in the Global Catering Queen of the Roads.

McDonagh got the worst possible start. He played his first to the left and his second hit a sign leaving him almost a bowl behind to Mackles brilliant first shot. From there he dug deep. Mackle raised a bowl after three great shots to the green. He lost momentum with a poor fourth past the creamery and McDonagh hit back with two great bowls to the no-play line to close the gap.

Mackle defended his lead well with four super shots to Leahys. He then had a chance to close it out, but his bowl past the elbow was too tight and hopped onto the bank.

McDonagh hit back with a scintillating bowl to clear sight, which won him a slender lead.

Mackle was a shade lucky to make sight with his next, but McDonagh beat it well. Mackle had luck with his next too and they were locked together after 13 to Din Toughs.

Mackle then played a sensational bowl, with speed and accuracy that almost made sight at the last bend. McDonagh showed his warrior spirit by edging that tip by a few centimetres. Mackle got the better of two good bowls towards the line. McDonagh played a huge loft with his last and reached the end of the green. Mackle replied with a well-played bowl tight left that beat the tip well.

Kelly Mallon looked set to keep both crowns in Ulster when she got an unprecedented opening shot that wound past the bend to the elbow. No score is won in a single shot as Silke Tulk made clear when she delivered a record second shot to win a 5m lead at the sycamores. She was never led again.

After five to the big corner she had almost a bowl. She then got a brush with her next that helped propel her to ORiordans in eight to go almost two in front. Mallon is never beaten though. Despite being in patchy form she had the lead back to a bare bowl after 11 and 12 to the ponys gate. Her comeback came unstuck when she got a poor shot past the creamery. Tulk drove on and kept the lead at a bowl in 15 and 16 to the corner.

A massive last shot by Suzan Zieverink won the Proto-Mark Technologies Youth International Triple Crown for the Netherlands in a contest that was finely balanced from start to finish.

The German FKV team of 14-year-old Marian Jahnke and Lea-Sophie Oetjen set the early pace going a shot clear in five to the big corner. A big bowl by Geraldine Kiernan from the big corner and great 11th from Ronan Toal to Hegartys gave Ireland the lead. Mirco Breuker kept the Netherlands in it with a big second last. Only 13m separated the teams for the last shot. From hind bowl Zieverink played a huge bowl past the school corner.

Wayne Callanan led all the way to victory over Eamon Bowen in the Jim ODriscoll Cup final. He produced a magnificent 10th shot to the big corner to gain a bowl of odds. Bowen battled back and closed with a series of great bowls, but Callanan held his nerve and won well in the last shot.
With a referendum on Article 41.2, Alexandra Tierney says the Government and public can continue to address gender inequality and the issues associated with it head on.

With the recent Justice and Equality Committee discussion on the referendum on Article 41.2, we have a moment to reflect further upon the articles origins and the society that produced it.

It is important to understand our past in order to fully appreciate why we must continue to press for this crucial referendum.

Written in 1937, Article 41.2 is seen by many as sexist and outdated. It declares that the State recognises that by her life within the home, woman gives to the State a support without which the common good cannot be achieved and the State shall, therefore, endeavour to ensure that mothers shall not be obliged by economic necessity to engage in labour to the neglect of their duties in the home.

This idea was sexist and marginalising at the time, and its presence in the Constitution is unacceptable now. A referendum is essential to further address issues of gender inequality within the State.

In order to understand how such a gendered view of women could be written into the Constitution we need to examine the society in which the Constitution was produced.

It is important to keep in mind that many people, men and women alike, in 1937 Ireland held these values extolled by Article 41.2 that women were the carers of the home and should not be compelled to seek work elsewhere.

Women in the home - The Government plans to hold a referendum on Article 41.2.1 of Bunreacht na hEireann regarding womens life within the home. This Note analyses gender inequality in Ireland... #seeforyourself #Women #OireachtasLibrary https://t.co/DPuCtiya4V pic.twitter.com/O1N0YuZRmB  Houses of the Oireachtas - Tithe an Oireachtais (@OireachtasNews) July 1, 2018

For example, historian Caitriona Clears important work on women and household work highlights the importance with which women saw their role and work within in the home. The work of Caitriona Beaumont, Linda Connolly, Maryann Valiulis, Margaret Ward, amongst others, has demonstrated that women did object to the article at the time of its writing, too.

Even when women gained the right to vote in 1918, many politicians embedded womens gender in their newly acquired citizenship rights, just as 41.2 would do in 1937.

This was not solely an Irish phenomenon, too. A speech by British prime minister David Lloyd George encapsulates this gender bias, as he told a womens meeting in December 1918 that their participation in the national election was crucial to the welfare of their gender and the family:

It was fortunate for women... that they had a vote at this election. No election ever held was so charged with the fate of women as this election. The health and lives of their children would be decided at it. Their own health and lives, and the whole status in life of the womanhood of this country would be decided

These comments demonstrate that many of the societal expectations of women did not immediately change with increased political rights.

In the United States, Canada, England and Wales, and across the border in Northern Ireland, it was a cultural tradition that women were homemakers and did not hold a job outside marriage. Therefore, while Ireland was the only State to codify such an ideal in its constitution, such a paternalistic gendered belief was not exceptional to this jurisdiction.

In a 1937 election speech in Kildare, de Valera extolled this gendered ideals inclusion in the Constitution: Everyone knows that there is very little chance of having a home in the real sense if there is no woman in it; the woman is really the home-maker...

The duties of the woman performed, of looking after the children and educating them, is work of fundamental importance to the State

Such comments shed light on the societal expectations of women which understood their work in the home as for the welfare of their children. Therefore, Article 41.2 was set up to protect women in the home, but in practice it was to ensure she completed her motherly duties.

With the conflation of mother and woman directly in the Constitution of the State, this stereotype became legislatively protected.

State consideration for womens welfare only went as far as her needs as a married mother. For instance, state widows pensions introduced in the 1930s provided enough means for a widowed mother to maintain her child in their home rather than looking for work outside the house.

However, once the children reached age 14 or 16 all government support to the widow was withdrawn. With no more child dependents, the widow was compelled to find her own source of income.

In many cases this job hunt was likely after years away from working outside the home due to the societal convention that a woman cease outside work once married.

An applicant decades out of work would not be very appealing to an employer. Therefore, this constitutional protection of the mother in the home did not allow for complexities of difficult life in 20th-century Ireland, ignoring those who did not fit the mould of the nuclear family.

Orla OConnor of the National Womens Council of Ireland noted that the referendum raises issues relating to the failure of previous governments to address significant welfare issues such as inadequate access to childcare and the lack of support to families, particularly low-income families and single mothers and fathers.

Gender inequality informs many of these issues, particularly relating to pay, maternity/paternity leave, and familial care. With a referendum on Article 41.2, the Government and the public can continue to address these issues head on.

Following a year in which the Irish people voted to remove constitutional constraints on female bodily autonomy and we are celebrating the centenary of women gaining the vote, it is time to address these challenges.

Dr Alexandra Tierney is a visiting research fellow at the Centre for Contemporary Irish History, Trinity College, Dublin. Her research examines social policy relating to women in Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State from 1921-39
A science teacher had sex with a pupil in the toilets of a passenger jet returning from a school trip overseas, a court heard.

Eleanor Wilson, 29, is accused of fondling the boy as she sat next to him on the flight before beckoning him into the toilet and performing a sex act on him.

They then had full sex in the cubicle before going back to their seats.

Bristol Crown Court heard that Wilson later told the boy she was pregnant and that he was the father, but that she would have an abortion.

The defendant and the boy, who had both been drinking during the flight, had been part of a group of staff and pupils on a school trip during the summer holidays of 2015.

Prosecutor Virginia Cornwall said that during the trip Wilson and the boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, spent a lot of time together.

"It was the circumstances in which the two interacted on that trip that led to an erosion of boundaries and it was her responsibility, the Crown say, as the adult, to ensure there was no erosion of boundaries," she said.

"She was a 26-year-old woman and he was a teenage boy.

"It was her choice to be with him. There were a lot of nighttime chats where others had gone off to bed.

"He was being treated on a par, an equal basis, as if an adult."

Miss Cornwall said that Wilson and the boy had been drinking on the flight home.

"It was the alcohol, you might find on the evidence, contributed to the lack of inhibition on the part of the defendant," the prosecutor said.

"Such intimacies and attraction built up during the days and nights of the trip, which resulted in close contact on the plane."

She beckoned him into the toilet, where they had sex, Miss Cornwall said.

"Having had sex they went back to their seats.

"It was a secret between them."

After returning home, their "clandestine" relationship continued, with Wilson and the teenager going for a meal in Nando's with others from the trip and also having days out alone together.

The court heard that the boy bought Wilson a bunch of flowers and chocolates, she gave him a lift home and he showed her his bedroom where they kissed.

They also allegedly had days out together at Tintern Abbey and Ashton Court, going for pub meals and drinking pints of cider together.

The jury was told they had swapped mobile phone numbers and Wilson rang him while she was on holiday in Italy with her boyfriend.

The boy's father noticed his son's behaviour had changed and he talked "incessantly" about the defendant and said he was going to split up with his girlfriend.

The teenager had told friends about the relationship but sworn them to secrecy, and when the pair returned to the school for the start of the new academic year, rumours circulated.

Wilson was spoken to by the school's head and deputy, but denied it and "appeared shocked", Miss Cornwall said.

She later allegedly told the boy she was pregnant by him.

"She told him because she was scared. She decided to have an abortion and she kept it from her boyfriend, who she says was the father," the prosecutor said.

There is no doubt there was a pregnancy but she does not accept that she had intercourse with the boy or that he was the father.

"She says she confided in him because she had no-one else."

Wilson, of The Rope Walk, Dursley, Gloucestershire, denies four charges of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust.

The trial continues.

PA
Asia Bangladesh's Opposition Group Says Strongly Wants to Contest Elections

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) supporters are detained by police during a protest in a street in Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 8, 2018. / Reuters

DHAKA  Bangladeshs main opposition political group, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), strongly wants to take part in national elections due in three months, the partys secretary general told Reuters on Saturday.

The BNP will hold a public meeting in the capital Dhaka on Sunday and present demands that include the release of its jailed leader Khaleda Zia, installing a neutral caretaker government, and involving the army to oversee the December elections, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said.

As a large party, we have all the preparations for participating in (a) coming election, but for that we need a level playing field, which is not there, he said.

We are demanding a neutral government as it is our experience that with the ruling party there cannot be a free and fair election.

The interview marks the first time the BNP has explicitly stated its plans for the national election, during which Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas Awami League  accused of increasingly authoritarian rule  is expected to face a tough fight.

Elections in Bangladesh, which won independence in 1971, are usually marked by violence and protests, and the national polls in December are expected to be no different, as several members of the BNP including its leader are in jail.

The BNP boycotted the 2014 polls after Hasinas governing Awami League, which has been in power since 2009, declined demands to put in place a nonpartisan caretaker government.

Bitter Rivalry

Khaleda, a two-term prime minister with whom Hasina has a long and bitter rivalry, was jailed in February for five years on corruption charges that she alleged were part of a plot to hamper her political career. Her son Tarique Rahman was also convicted and sentenced to a 10-year prison term, though he now lives in exile in London.

Dozens of other BNP members have also been sent to prison in recent years on what the party alleges were false charges.

Alamgir said a decision on who would run for Prime Minister would be taken in consultation with Khaleda and Rahman.

While Hasina has been lauded internationally for providing shelter for nearly a million Rohingya Muslims who have fled violence and persecution in Myanmar, she is facing increasing criticism over free speech.

Security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at students who took to the streets last month to demand better road safety. Several people, including students and a senior photographer Shahidul Alam, were put behind bars following the protests, sparking calls from international rights activists for their release.

Security forces have also been accused of extrajudicial killings in a war on drugs declared by Hasina, under which more than 200 people have been killed since July. Most recently, a new digital security law passed by parliament last week has come under intense criticism from journalists who say it would cripple media freedom.

The government has said its crackdown during the student protests was aimed at BNP workers who tried to provoke the students, and has denied allegations of extrajudicial killings.

It also dismisses accusations of jailing BNP workers on false charges, and Hasina has said there are no plans to modify the new digital security law.
Asia Indonesia Mourns as Death Toll from Quake Jumps to 832

Indonesian President Joko Widodo visits the area affected by an earthqquake and tsunami in Palu, Sulawesi, Indonesia, September 30, 2018. / / Antara Foto / Biropers-Kris / via Reuters

PALU, Indonesia  The toll from an earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia soared to 832 confirmed dead on Sunday, with authorities fearing the numbers will climb as rescuers grappled to get aid to outlying communities cut off from communications and help.

Dozens of people were reported to be trapped in the rubble of several hotels and a mall in the city of Palu, on Sulawesi island, which was hit by waves as high as six meters (20 feet) following the 7.5 magnitude earthquake on Friday.

A woman was pulled alive from the debris of the citys Roa Roa Hotel, where up to 60 people were believed trapped. Hundreds of people gathered at the wrecked eight-story Tatura Mall searching for loved ones.

Grieve for the people of Central Sulawesi, we all grieve together, President Joko Widodo tweeted late on Sunday.

Most of the confirmed deaths were in Palu itself, and authorities are bracing for the toll to climb as connections with outlying areas are restored.

Of particular concern is Donggala, a region of 300,000 people north of Palu and close to the epicenter of the quake, and two other districts, which has been cut off from communications since Friday.

We havent received reports from the three other areas. Communication is still down,; power is still out. We dont know for sure what is the impact, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, a spokesman for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, told a news conference.

Along with Palu, 1,500 km (930 miles) northeast of Jakarta, these districts have a combined population of about 1.4 million.

A video of the outskirts of Donggala shot on Sunday afternoon by the Indonesian Red Cross showed scenes of devastation, with houses flattened into piles of rubble and broken furniture.

Smaller aftershocks from Fridays quake continued to rumble through the area.

Social worker Lian Gogali tweeted from the area that several villages on the west coast of Sulawesi were in desperate need of food, medicine and shelter and that road access was still limited.

Pledge to Rebuild

Five foreigners  three French, one South Korean and one Malaysian  were among the missing, Nugroho said. The 832 dead included people crushed in the quake and swept away by the tsunami.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla said the death toll could rise into the thousands.

Earlier President Widodo visited a housing complex flattened when the quake liquefied the soil it stood on, and called for patience.

I know there are many problems that need to be solved in a short time, including communications, he said. The ruins would be rebuilt, he said, as aftershocks rattled the region 48 hours after the quake.

Footage of the ruined city show a crumpled mess of houses, cars and trees mashed together by the quake, with rooftops and roads split and left at all angles.

There are estimated to be many victims in this area. Evacuation is difficult because many collapsed houses are buried in soil, the National Disaster Mitigation Agencys Nugroho said on Sunday evening.

Internal Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo, asked about reports of looting on social media, said he had ordered authorities to help people get food and drink and businesses would be compensated. One video posted on YouTube showed people grabbing boxes of supplies from a truck.

Television pictures showed scores of residents shouting were hungry, we need food as soldiers distributed rations from a truck in one neighborhood, while footage from elsewhere showed people making off with clothes and other items from a wrecked mall.

State logistics agency chief Budi Waseso said it was preparing to send hundreds of tons of government rice stocks to Central Sulawesi areas affected by the disaster.

Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said the government had allocated 560 billion rupiah ($37.58 million) for disaster recovery, media reported.

Questions About Warnings

Indonesia, which sits on the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, is all too familiar with deadly earthquakes and tsunamis. In 2004, a quake off Sumatra island triggered a tsunami across the Indian Ocean, killing 226,000 people in 13 countries, including more than 120,000 in Indonesia.

Questions are sure to be asked why warning systems set up after that disaster appear to have failed on Friday. Nugroho, bemoaning a fall in funding, said no tsunami buoys, one type of instrument used to detect the waves, in Indonesia had been operating since 2012.

The meteorological and geophysics agency BMKG issued a tsunami warning after the quake but lifted it 34 minutes later, drawing criticism it had been too hasty. But officials estimated the waves had hit while the warning was in force.

Hundreds of people had gathered for a festival on Palus beach when the water surged. A disaster official said the tsunami travelled across the sea at speeds of 800 kph (500 mph).

Video on social media showed water-bearing whirls of debris rushing in as people shouted in alarm and scattered.

Palu is at the head of a bay, about 10 km long and 2 km wide, which had amplified the wave as it was funneled towards the city, a geophysics agency official said.

The BMKG said its closest tidal gauge sensor, about 200 km (125 miles) from Palu, had only recorded an insignificant 6 cm (2.5 inches) wave.

Palus airport was damaged in the quake, but had reopened for limited commercial flights, authorities said.

Neighbors including Australia, Thailand and China offered help and Pope Francis, speaking to thousands in St. Peters Square, said he was praying for the victims.

The European Union has announced 1.5 million euros ($1.74 million) in immediate aid.

Indonesia has the worlds largest Muslim population but also significant pockets of Christians, including on Sulawesi, which is one of the archipelago nations five main islands.
Burma China Facilitates Informal Meeting at UN to Expedite Refugee Repatriation Process

The Chinese-facilitated trilateral informal meeting between Myanmar and Bangladesh in progress at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 27, 2018. / XINHUANET

YANGONDuring a China-facilitated informal meeting with the United Nations, Myanmar and Bangladesh, plans were made for a joint working group meeting which is to have a focus on creating a roadmap and timetable for the repatriation of the Rohingya people and to implement repatriation of the first batch of refugees as soon as possible.

The agreement was one of three made during the trilateral meeting at the UN headquarters in New York on Thursday. The meeting was attended by the Minister for the Office of the Myanmar State Counselor U Kyaw Tint Swe, Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was also present, according to a statement about the meeting released by Chinas ministry of foreign affairs.

Nearly 700,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh since August last year following clearance operations by Myanmar security forces in the wake of Arakan Rohingya Salvation Armys serial attacks on police outposts in northern Rakhine State. The Myanmar government denounced the group as a terrorist organization.

Myanmar and Bangladesh signed three bilateral agreements on the repatriation. Myanmar Presidents Office spokesperson U Zaw Htay said last month that more than 3,000 Rohingya would be repatriated to Myanmar soon. It would be the first batch under the bilateral repatriation program.

During the meeting, the Bangladeshi side said it is prepared to repatriate the first group of displaced persons who fled from Myanmars Rakhine State into Bangladesh, while the Myanmar side said it is prepared to receive them. However, neither side said when it would happen.

China has encouraged both Myanmar and Bangladesh to resolve the issue properly. In June, the Chinese foreign minister had an informal meeting with the two ministers in Beijing.

Wang Yi said, according to the statement, the Chinese side is not in support of approaches that tend to complicate, worsen, or internationalize the Rakhine issue.

The priority is to achieve the first repatriation of the people who fled from Rakhine State in Myanmar to Bangladesh. The Chinese side, as a friendly neighboring country of Myanmar and Bangladesh, is willing to continue setting up platforms for communication and consultations between Myanmar and Bangladesh, and continue providing humanitarian aid for refugees from Rakhine State for the return to their homeland, he said.

China has close relations with Myanmar, and backs what Myanmar officials called a legitimate counter-insurgency operation in Rakhine. Beijing has helped to block a resolution on the crisis at the UN Security Council. The middle kingdom is the largest foreign investor in Myanmar, which is part of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative. China has also committed to $31bn worth of projects in Bangladesh, making it the second-biggest recipient of money in south Asia behind Pakistan. They include roads, railways, coal power plants and water treatment facilities.
Burma Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to Join Mekong-Japan Summit in Tokyo

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi (left) and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe shake hands after a joint press announcement following summit talks at Akasaka State Guesthouse in Tokyo, Japan, on Nov. 2, 2016. / Reuters

YANGON  State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will leave for Japan on Friday to take part in the 10th Mekong-Japan Summit to discuss ways to connect industries and improve infrastructure in the Mekong region, according to Japan Today.

The state counselor will also visit a farm in Fukushima Prefecture during the six-days trip to learn how Japans agriculture sector was coping with a labor shortage, a problem Myanmar is also facing.

The summit itself will take place on Oct. 8 and 9 in Tokyo, where delegates will discuss a number of regional initiatives, including the Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy  led by Japan as a way to counterbalance Chinas Belt and Road Initiative  and the 2019-2023 Ayeyarwady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy, according to the website of Japans mission to ASEAN.

A statement on the site said the leaders of Cambodia, Laos, Japan, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam will focus on making connectivity, people and the environment three new pillars of cooperation as ways to promote peace, stability and prosperity across the Mekong region.

The leaders are also expected to endorse Japans efforts on the Indo-Pacific Strategy, affirm the need for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, and share their views on the Mekong Regions role as a link between the Indian and Pacific oceans.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi accepted the invitation to the summit from Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono during his visit to Myanmar in August to discuss the Rohingya crisis. During a joint press conference in Naypyitaw, the state counselor said the meeting in Tokyo would strengthen relations between the two countries. Kono said Japan would continue to help Myanmar solve its problems.

In 2013, while leader of Myanmars opposition, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi visited Japan for the first time in 27 years. She conducted research at Kyoto University from 1985 to 1986.

She last visited Japan in 2016 as state counselor. During that trip she met with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to discuss economic assistance for Myanmar and the countrys peace process.
Burma Local Weekly Newspaper Charged for Satirical Article

An illustration accompanying the satirical article Electioneering Smile published in the Nov. 20, 2017 issue of the Tanintharyi Journal. / The Irrawaddy

YANGONThe Dawei Township Court charged the regional weekly Tanintharyi Journal on Monday under the Media Law for a satirical article published last year.

Daw Aye Mon Thu, the advocate representing the defendant told The Irrawaddy that the judge read out the decision, As the [satirical] piece is believed to be aiming to undermine the dignity of the Tenasserim Regional government and thus it is charged and we have to give an explanation.

The next trial will take place on Oct. 15 and the plaintiffs witnesses will testify again.

The journal is charged under Article 25 (b) of the Media Law.

If found guilty, the charge carries a minimum fine of 300,000 kyats to a maximum 1,000,000 kyat for news stories that deliberately affect the reputation of a specific person or an organization, if not concerned with public interests and human rights.

The complaint was filed in December over a satirical piece Electioneering Smile, which appeared under the byline Mu Say Ooh in the journals Nov. 20 issue. The headline referred to an incumbent female administrator who planned to contest the election for ward and village administrators.

Following publication of the article, the regional government office deputy director filed the complaint in November last year, saying it deemed to satirize the regional chief minister Daw Lei Lei Maw and thus damaging the governments dignity.

U Myo Aung, editor-in-charge said the respective administrations and many other pillars do not thoroughly understand the nature of satirical literature, media operations or media ethics.

He added, there is a lack of mutual understanding between sectors and that has attributed to the filing of the complaint and the court case.

Although he does not want to comment on whether the courts decision is just or unjust, he said, he is concerned that the acceptance of the charge affects media freedom as well as intimidating the media.

We believe this case does not even warrant getting sued, therefore, we will do our best to defend our [actions] within our legal rights, said U Myo Aung.

The Tanintharyi Journal appealed to the Tenasserim Regional High Court to dismiss the case on June 21, but their appeal was rejected on July 31.

The journal also sought the appeal at Naypyitaws Supreme Court on Aug. 14 and is awaiting the decision of the court on whether they would accept the appeal or not.
Monday, October 1st, 2018 (10:39 am) - Score 5,064

The UK telecoms regulator has today announced their decision to clamp down on scams that abuse premium rate 070 numbers, which are often mistaken by consumers for mobile numbers (which always begin with 07). In response Ofcom will slash the wholesale cost of calling such numbers .

Strictly speaking 070 numbers are designed to be used as a follow me service (i.e. where calls are diverted from one number to another, so the person being called can keep their own number private), which makes them useful for things like classified adverts (e.g. those posted by individuals online or in a newspaper) and the call management facilities run by small businesses.

However its estimated that 20% of 070 calls (there were 2.6 million to 070s in 2017) involve some form of fraudulent activity and these often prey on the aforementioned consumer confusion (e.g. fake missed calls and job adverts). People may thus call such numbers while expecting to pay the same as an ordinary mobile call, but this is a wrong and 070 numbers can attract charges of between 45p and 1.10 per minute!

The Solution to 070 Abuse Impose new rules to cap the wholesale cost of calling 070 numbers (currently up to 39p per minute). The new 070 wholesale price cap will be aligned with the existing cap set by Ofcom for calls to mobile numbers  currently around 0.5p per minute.

The regulator hopes this will remove the incentive for related scams to abuse such numbers and encourage phone providers to include 070 numbers in free minute allowances, as they currently do for calls to mobiles. Further details can be found here.

Jonathan Oxley, Ofcoms Competition Group Director, said: Millions of calls are made to 070 numbers, but many people arent aware of the high costs of calling them. This can lead to people receiving much higher bills than expected. So were slashing the wholesale cost of connecting 070 numbers. Theres no reason why phone companies shouldnt pass this saving on to their customers as soon as possible.

The new measure wont be enforced until 1st October 2019, which is hardly surprisingly because it represents a significant change for companies that sell or make use of such numbers (theyll need to contact all their customers and update billing systems etc.). As a result Ofcom is giving them all one year to adapt.

If any companies do move to other number ranges, it will be to ranges that our research suggests are more familiar to consumers, and people would have a better idea of the likely cost of calling them, said Ofcom. Mind you this overlooks the potential negative impact on end-users (businesses) who could face additional costs due to the admin or lost business involved in updating any public facing contact numbers.
Monday, October 1st, 2018 (12:03 am) - Score 3,796

There is a perception problem in the ISP industry. And its certainly not getting any better. If anything, we are falling into the same traps we always have. Lessons we should already have learned are not being heeded.

Arguments over what constitutes fibre. Use of terms like up to and then use of averages and percentiles. Conflating sync speed with usable bandwidth. Complex pricing and bundles.

Its become normal and indeed easy now to blame your connectivity provider when something related to the internet doesnt work. There are many reasons for this, but I think its worth exploring that the industry  and by that I mean not just ISPs but regulators (Ofcom, ASA), governments (local and national), journalists, analysts  is itself to blame for this massive perception problem.

NOTE: This article is a special Guest Editorial for ISPreview.co.uk, which has been written by Nic Elliott  Chief Technology Officer of UK ISP This article is a special Guest Editorial for ISPreview.co.uk, which has been written by Nic Elliott  Chief Technology Officer of UK ISP Evolving Networks . The views of this author are their own and may not represent those of this website.

As an industry we over-promise, we under-deliver, we spin and we downright lie. No wonder customers blame us for everything.

Never ending roll outs and mis-set expectations

In July, the UK government published its Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review, which among other things set notional dates for when everyone in the country should have a fibre connection to the internet. Like every date so far announced in the last 20 years, they will be missed.

One of the key aims, supported by the head of Ofcom, our regulator, is the switch off of copper services, in favour of these full fibre connections. My reaction at the time was Ill believe that when I see it.

But if there is a single problem in our industry its that we never learn from our mistakes. How are we expected to replace all copper cable with fibre by 2033 (15 years away) when we still havent finished what is the infinitely easier task of upgrading every ADSL Max line to ADSL2+?

We live in an era of more different types of connection than ever. ADSL Max, ADSL2+, FTTC, Cable, FTTP, G.fast, 3G, 4G, satellite  the list goes on. Part of that, though is that we never finish a roll out. And this is when customers started to get weary of the promises we made.

Sorry that product isnt available where you live.

Yes, you do have the latest broadband technology, but youll be lucky to get a tenth of the speeds we advertise at.

Superfast. Ultrafast. Arguments over whether 20mbps is super. Maybe 24? How about 30?

The outright mis-use of terminology

At one end we have EU directives declaring that EFM (a service comprised of bonded copper pairs) is classed as Next Generation Access and therefore can be subject to a government subsidised connection voucher, while declaring that a service comprised of bonded FTTC lines (in almost every way better, including not failing if a single pair fails) cannot qualify even when it is demonstrably superfast.

At the other end we have consumers being marketed to with hijacked terms like fibre or downright lies like no line rental or no contract, or my personal favourite unlimited.

Is it right that we have redefined words in the English language? And not just that but to actually mean the exact opposite? Since when do we apply limits to something thats unlimited? This is like something straight out of the Ministry of Truth.

How can there genuinely be an argument that fibre should include cables that have perhaps hundreds of metres of copper in them? Its not like genuine, real, actual fibre cable doesnt exist.

Terms that are unfit and poorly communicated

When it comes to measuring bandwidth (or speed as everyone calls it, mostly incorrectly), Up to became the first of what would become a series of vague, misleading over-promises.

Of all the terms used to advertise speed I actually think Up to isnt misleading as a piece of the English language. But it was certainly not communicated well as a technical characteristic by the industry  which is basically the problem. Up to means any value from 0 up to that figure. That obviously covers everything. The problem is that it was used to cope with the distance dependency of broadband technology, as well as fluctuations and faults, and importantly the congestion and contention of ISPs networks.

90th Percentile and now averages are not the solution either.
Germany-based Linux company SUSE Linux has no national conference scheduled this year, due to the fact that its financial year is changing.

But the company has not forgotten to put out one thing which has marked that conference since 2015  a parody video, extolling the virtues of open source software.

SUSE, which will hold its next annual conference in April 2019, has published its I'm SUSE Now Hallelujah video, a parody of Faith by Stevie Wonder and Ariana Grande.

As with all previous efforts, the Hallelujah video is professionally crafted. It focuses on the company's mascot  the chameleon.

The lyrics are, as always, directed towards geeks and nerds. They would not mean much to the average individual.

I'm SUSE Now Hallelujah follows a string of videos made by the company since 2015, when it released a parody of Bruno Mars' blockbuster hit Uptown Funk, titled Uptime Funk.

This was to mark the release of technology for live kernel patching.

In 2016, there was a parody of Justin Timberlake's Can't Stop the Feeling with the title Can't Stop the SUSE.

And last year, at its conference in Prague, SUSE released two videos  one to mark its 25th year titled 25 Years, a parody of 7 Years, and the second, titled Linus Said, was based on Momma Said.
Websites can be denied renewal of the certificates that ensure they are secure due to false positives, if Google lists such sites as not being safe for browsing. Visitors could be denied entry if they visit the site using Chrome or a browser built using the Chrome codebase, a Melbourne developer says.

Russell Coker, an experienced sysadmin and Linux developer, had just such an experience recently when one of his servers, running his domain www.coker.com.au, could not get a certificate issued by Letsencrypt renewed.

The error message that he got was that two domains that he had set up  mail.gw90.de and listen.gw90.de  had been deemed unsafe by Google.

Russell wrote up the issue on his blog, pointing out that neither of these domains had any content, and he had set them up using Apache to get SSL certificates that he could use for other purposes.

He said he would not have been surprised if Google had listed his own blog  which is on a sub-domain  as dangerous as it runs on WordPress which has had a fair number of security issues.

But the two sites in question had nothing in the base directory for documents until recently when he put in a single file to say, "This site is empty".

Russell wrote: "Its theoretically possible that someone could have exploited a RCE bug in Apache to make it serve up content that isnt in the DocumentRoot, but that seems unlikely (why waste an Apache 0day on one of the less important of my personal sites?).

"It is possible that the virtual machine in question was compromised (a VM on that server has been compromised before but it seems unlikely that they would host bad things on those websites if they did."

What made the incident stand out even more was that a few hours after he had blogged about the issue and copied a tweet to Google, he received a message via Twitter, from one Frank Petrilli, telling him that it had been "raised internally" and fixed.

When asked where he was from, Petrilli replied that he was from Google but not from the team that handles such issues. "As I'm sure you understand, false positives do happen, especially at scale. The team is tuning what caused your site to be flagged so it won't happen to others, so that we can make it work better for everyone," he wrote.

Russell's conclusion? "People who lack the ability to write a good blog post in English, the confidence to tweet Google about it, or maybe the social capital to have their tweets taken seriously will have more problems running servers."

In other words, exactly how one who is not technically competent gets such an issue fixed is open to question.
Travellers who pass through airports in New Zealand will face fines of NZ$5000 (A$4577) if they refuse to provide a means for customs to access any digital devices they are carrying with them.

The law took effect on Monday and sets guidelines for the manner in which customs are allowed to carry out digital searches, according to Radio NZ.

Under the updated law, officials would need to have reasonable suspicion to ask a traveller to provide access to a digital device - whether through a password, pin, fingerprint or face recognition.

Anyone who is asked to provide access and refuses, faces a fine and seizure of the device in question.

Radio NZ quoted New Zealand Customs spokesman Terry Brown as saying: "It is a file-by-file [search] on your phone. We're not going into 'the cloud'. We'll examine your phone while it's on flight mode."

Brown claimed the law was a "delicate balance" between the right to privacy and the duties of law enforcement.

Thomas Beagle, a spokesman for the New Zealand Council for Civil Liberties, criticised the law and described it as an invasion of privacy that was not required.

"Nowadays we've got everything on our phones; we've got all our personal life, all our doctors' records, our emails, absolutely everything on it, and customs can take that and keep it," he said.

Beagle added that any serious criminals would avoid carrying incriminating material on devices and store it online. "You'd be mad to carry stuff over on your phone," he said.

A total of 540 electronic devices were searched at airports in the country in 2017.
Queensland-based Gilmour Space Technologies has secured $19 million in funding from the CSIRO's Innovation Fund, managed by Main Sequence Ventures, and Blackbird Ventures, to develop low-cost rockets, the Federal Government's Industry, Science and Technology Minister Karen Andrews has announced.

Based in Pimpama, the company is building low-cost launch vehicles to put small- to medium-sized satellites into low earth orbit, a statement said.

The target date for the first commercial launch of the ERIS orbital launch vehicle for small payloads to low earth orbit is the last quarter of 2020.

CSIROs Innovation Fund, part of the Coalitions National Innovation and Science Agenda, has already invested in nine companies, creating over 100 jobs and opening up new industries so Australia can position itself as a leader on the global stage, Andrews said.

This investment into Gilmour Space is the 10th investment by CSIROs Innovation Fund."

Gilmour Space co-founder and chief executive Adam Gilmour said: We see small satellite launches as a multi-billion dollar opportunity, and this funding will help us become a significant player in the global small launch market."

Martin Duursma, partner, Main Sequence Ventures, said Gilmour Space would soon be capable of launching satellites for both commercial and national benefit.

This is a great example of the rise of innovation in the nations space sector. We are excited to support the company in its growth in Australia and beyond," he said.

CSIRO chief executive Larry Marshall said the CSIRO Innovation Fund was ready to help local innovators.

Australia is on the cusp of launching its own space industry, as outlined in CSIROs Space Roadmap, launched by Minister Andrews earlier this week, he said.

Building on more than 70 years of space research, CSIRO is excited to continue its journey from radar to Moon landing to Wi-Fi, to now investing in rockets."
Sydney-based incubator for start-ups targeting Asia, Haymarket HQ, is leading a Sydney push designed to attract millions of dollars in business investment from China and other countries.

Based in the heart of Sydneys Chinatown, Haymarket HQs joint role in the City of Sydney project will be to provide a welcoming landing pad that nurtures and supports Asian companies eager to do business in Australia.

The citys sponsorship of the program is designed to help Australias only Asia innovation hub to provide office space for incoming businesses, as well as to offer comprehensive introduction-and-support programs for visiting entrepreneurs.

Sydney Mayor Clover Moore said the program would help attract businesses from Asia and position Sydney as an investment destination.

The landing program is an ideal opportunity for Sydney to welcome more entrepreneurs from Asia and introduce investors to Australias largest tech start-up community.

Haymarket HQs mission is to support and connect entrepreneurs between Australia and Asia, says Duco van Breemen, general manager of Haymarket HQ.

The Sydney Landing Pad will allow us to attract a new wave of international entrepreneurs, bringing in more international networks, sources of funding, innovation and expertise into Australia.

Founded by Brad Chan, chief executive of Banna Property Group, Haymarket HQ has supported more than 100 local and international startups since its launch in 2016.

Our new landing pad program is designed to support high-growth international small to medium-sized businesses establish and grow their presence in the Australian market by using Sydney as their base, Chan said.

We will also work closely with universities to encourage international students create new ventures in Sydney.
It has been years since Om Puri left a void in Bollywood after giving us some iconic performances and scenes.

It has been years since Amrish Puri left a void in Bollywood after giving us some iconic performances and scenes which are remembered even today  be it Jaa Simran Jaa or Mogambo Khush Hua.

Hollywood star Tom Hardy, who rose to fame post Inception, Warrior, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Revenant, took us back in time where Amrish Puris voice was just enough to send down chills to the spine.

Tom, who is currently promoting his upcoming film Venom, did the unimaginable thanks to his co-star Riz Ahmed, the Hollywood actor with a Pakistani descent. Riz was the reason Hardy said the iconic dialogue. See it here:

Tom Hardy gives us his best #mogambo - whats the verdict?

Think u can do better?

Post urs here with #mogambo before the single drops Oct 3rd... pic.twitter.com/TEkyvi9vdt  Riz Ahmed (@rizmc) September 30, 2018

This however isnt the first time when Riz made a Hollywood personality do this. He earlier made Jimmy Kimmel say those lines. Also a rapper, Riz is actually doing this as promotions for his upcoming song which is titled Mogambo.
With Election Day about two weeks away, residents are reminded to participate in this years school board election.
Makoko is Ivanhoe's third major copper discovery in the DRC

Makoko high-grade copper shows characteristics identical

to the tier one Kamoa-Kakula Discoveries

Makoko has been drilled over an area measuring 4.5 kilometres by 1.5 kilometres and remains open

Drilling continuing on other Western Foreland targets

Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of Congo--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2018) - Robert Friedland and Yufeng "Miles" Sun, Co-Chairmen of Ivanhoe Mines (TSX: IVN) (OTCQX: IVPAF), announced today that the company has made an important new discovery of high-grade copper on its 100%-owned Western Foreland licences, west of the Kamoa-Kakula mining licence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Ivanhoe holds an extensive land package, totalling approximately 700 square kilometres, of prospective, 100%-owned exploration licences in the Western Foreland area. Ivanhoe began exploration drilling on the licences in the third quarter of 2017. To date, the company has drilled more than 50 holes, the great majority of which have been in the Makoko Discovery area.

Makoko is the first of multiple high-potential target areas identified by Ivanhoe's exploration team to be tested by drilling. An initial, independent resource estimate for the Makoko Copper Discovery is expected in the current financial quarter. In addition, Ivanhoe recently began exploration drilling on other targets identified in the Western Foreland area to test for high-grade copper.

Selected drill holes at the Makoko Discovery include:

DD004 (the Makoko discovery hole) intersected 3.94 metres (true width) of 5.46% copper, at a 2.0% copper cut-off, and 3.94 metres (true width) of 5.46% copper at a 1.0% copper cut-off, from a downhole depth of 306 metres.

DD010 intersected 3.21 metres (true width) of 6.78% copper, at a 2.0% copper cut-off, and 3.95 metres (true width) of 5.81% copper at a 1.0% copper cut-off, from a downhole depth of 441 metres.

DD017 intersected 3.19 metres (true width) of 6.49% copper at a 2.0% copper cut-off, and 4.64 metres (true width) of 4.88% copper, at a 1.0% copper cut-off, from a downhole depth of 471.7 metres.

DD025 intersected 3.00 metres (true width) of 7.61% copper at a 2.0% copper cut-off, and 3.00 metres (true width) of 7.61% copper, at a 1.0% copper cut-off, from a downhole depth of 406 metres.

DD046 intersected 7.44 metres (true width) of 7.81% copper at a 2.0% copper cut-off, and 9.39 metres (true width) of 6.51% copper, at a 1.0% copper cut-off, from a downhole depth of 523.51 metres.

Table 1 on page 13 contains a complete list of assay results, at 1% and 2% copper cut-offs, for the drill holes completed to date at Makoko.

"This latest discovery at Makoko validates our exploration model for the geologic features controlling the high-grade copper mineralization in the region," said Mr. Friedland. "This model reflects the accumulation of in-depth, proprietary geological insights gained by Ivanhoe's exploration team during nearly two decades of exploring in the region.

"Given the early drilling success at Makoko, we are highly confident that we have the secret blueprint for additional exploration successes in the Western Foreland area in 2019 and beyond.

"We are in the privileged position of owning 100% of a massive exploration land package with outstanding geological potential next door to our Kamoa and Kakula discoveries. Kamoa-Kakula already has been independently established as the world's fourth-largest copper project and still is growing. It has copper grades that are the highest, by a wide margin, of the world's top 10 copper deposits," Mr. Friedland added.

"While some investors are focused on short-term issues such as the DRC Mining Code revisions and the upcoming presidential election, Ivanhoe's philosophy is to think big and think long term. Our geological team has done an outstanding job of executing our strategy to continue to add shareholder and stakeholder value by keeping the drill bits turning and delivering spectacular exploration results.

"The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has encouraged investors to continue their exploration efforts in the DRC. Ivanhoe's team is the determined and absolute global leader in exploration technology and success. Our talented and dedicated employees will continue to help the Congolese people unlock the full potential of their country's mineral endowment.

"Our continued exploration successes in the DRC will continue to catch the fullest attention of the mining world," Mr. Friedland said.

Exploration history and target areas on Ivanhoe's Western Foreland licences

Exploration on Ivanhoe's Western Foreland licences began in July 2017, with the construction of all-season access roads, bridge construction and the development of new camp facilities. In parallel, Ivanhoe undertook airborne and ground-based geophysical surveys and revisited previously acquired geophysical and geochemical data sets. The interpretative work led to the definition of a number of promising exploration targets, of which Makoko was the first to be tested with drilling.

The initial discovery hole at Makoko, DD004, was drilled in September 2017. Follow-up and infill drilling has been ongoing since then. Drilling to date at Makoko has defined a flat-lying, near-surface stratiform copper deposit, similar to the Kamoa and Kakula deposits. The structure contour map indicates that the mineralized formation in the Makoko area is within 1,000 metres of surface (see Figure 1 on page 4). The majority of the drilling to date at Makoko has intersected the copper-rich zone between 400 metres and 800 metres below surface. Figure 4 on page 7 shows a three-kilometre section along strike where the flat-lying, copper-rich zone is between 400 metres and 500 metres below surface.

The mineralized zone at Makoko strikes approximately south-southeast. It has been tested over a strike length of 4.5 kilometres and a dip extent of between one and two kilometres. Copper mineralization remains open both along strike and down dip.

The Grand Conglomerate unit (coarse-grained clastic sedimentary rock), the base of which hosts copper mineralization in the Western Foreland area, underlies the majority of the area covered by exploration licences held by Ivanhoe, with the base of the unit interpreted to be generally within 600 metres of surface.

At the nearby Kakula Discovery, the highest copper grades are associated with a siltstone-sandstone unit occurring within the Grand Conglomerate, located approximately one metre above the top of the Mwashia sandstone unit. Mineralization at Kakula consistently is bottom loaded, with grades increasing down-hole toward the contact between the host Grand Conglomerate and the underlying sandstone unit.

Copper mineralization at the Makoko Discovery similarly is located at the base of the Grand Conglomerate, just above the contact with the underlying Roan footwall rocks. This location is consistent with copper mineralization seen in earlier drilling into the Kakula Discovery and elsewhere in the Western Foreland area.

High-grade copper intersections at Makoko are associated with a rhythmically-banded, fine-grained siltstone-sandstone unit similar to the siltstone-hosted mineralization at Kakula, although at Makoko the host package of rocks also includes zones of reworked diamictite. The siltstone-rich zones appear to have been controlled by the underlying basin architecture at the time of deposition.

Sulphide copper mineralization generally is fine-grained and shows typical downward vertical zonation of chalcopyrite to bornite to chalcocite, similar to Kakula. The dominant copper sulphide mineral at Makoko tends to be bornite.

Makoko Discovery validates Ivanhoe's proprietary exploration model

The new Makoko Discovery is a result of the integration of airborne and ground-based geophysical techniques with a proprietary understanding of the structural and basin architecture controls on mineralization in the Western Foreland area.

This approach has helped guide the ongoing exploration drilling program and also has identified a number of similar high-value targets on the Western Foreland area that will be drill tested in 2019 and beyond.

Figure 1: Detailed map of Makoko Discovery showing structure contours, drill hole collars and section line A-A.

Figure 2: Makoko Discovery's selected mineralized zones (SMZ) copper grade at a 2% copper cut-off and 3-metre minimum width.

Figure 3: Makoko's SMZ true thickness at a 2% copper cut-off and 3-metre minimum width.

Figure 4: Section A-A': A strike-section along the axis of the Makoko Discovery.

Figure 5: Downhole assay plots for Makoko drill holes DD004 and DD010.

Figure 6: Downhole assay plots for Makoko drill holes DD017 and DD046.

Figure 7: Silstone-hosted mineralization in Makoko drill holes DD004, DD017 and DD010. DD004 is one of the holes where chalcocite is the dominant copper sulphide mineral. The purple-coloured copper mineralization in DD017 is bornite.

Figure 8: The host sequence in drillhole DD046 from a downhole depth of 525 metres to 536 metres showing banded siltstone. The darker bands are fine-grained silstone with bornite. The angular hematitic conglomerate at the base of the hole is the Roan Conglomerate.

Figure 9: A drill rig in action at the Makoko Discovery.

Figure 10: One of the drill rigs testing projected high-grade copper trends emanating from the northern part of the Kamoa-Kakula mining licence.

Table 1: Assay composites at 1% and 2% copper cut-off for Makoko drillholes.

Table 2: Collar location and elevation for Makoko drillholes.

Note: Collar locations and elevations are based on a hand-held GPS unit.

Qualified Person and Quality Control and Assurance

Disclosures of a scientific or technical nature in this news release have been reviewed and approved by Stephen Torr, who is considered, by virtue of his education, experience and professional association, a Qualified Person under the terms of National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Torr is not considered independent under National Instrument 43-101 as he is Ivanhoe Mines' Vice President, Project Geology and Evaluation. Mr. Torr has verified the technical data disclosed in this news release.

Ivanhoe Mines maintains a comprehensive chain of custody and QA-QC program on assays from its Makoko Project. Half-sawn core is processed at IME's on-site preparation laboratory and prepared samples then are shipped by secure courier to Bureau Veritas Minerals (BVM) Laboratories in Australia, an ISO17025-accredited facility. Copper assays are determined at BVM by mixed-acid digestion with ICP finish. Industry-standard certified reference materials and blanks are inserted into the sample stream prior to dispatch to BVM.

About Ivanhoe Mines

Ivanhoe Mines is a Canadian mining company focused on advancing its three principal projects in Southern Africa: the development of new mines at the Kamoa-Kakula copper discovery in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Platreef platinum-palladium-nickel-copper-gold discovery in South Africa; and the extensive redevelopment and upgrading of the historic Kipushi zinc-copper-germanium-silver mine, also in the DRC.

Information contacts

Investors

Bill Trenaman +1.604.331.9834

Media



North America: Bob Williamson +1.604.512.4856

South Africa: Jeremy Michaels +27.82.772.1122

Cautionary statement on forward-looking information

Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.

Such statements include without limitation (i) statements regarding the planned exploration programs at the Western Foreland area; and (ii) statements regarding an initial, independent resource estimate for the Makoko Copper Discovery is expected in the current financial quarter.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements.

Forward-looking statements and information involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indicators of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements or information, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the company's MD&A, as well as the inability to obtain regulatory approvals in a timely manner; the potential for unknown or unexpected events to cause contractual conditions to not be satisfied; unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts with the company to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; and the failure of exploration programs or studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations.

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.

The company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the factors set forth in the "Risk Factors" section and elsewhere in the company's MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2017 and its Annual Information Form.
The activist was one of the five put under house arrest in connection with the violence in Koregaon-Bhima in Maharashtra.

Navlakha added that he cannot forget about his co-accused and the tens of thousands of other political prisoners who remain incarcerated for their ideological convictions on account of false charges filed against them. (Photo: PTI | File)

New Delhi: "It thrills me no end," activist Gautam Navlakha said here Monday after the Delhi High Court allowed his release from house arrest.

The activist was one of the five put under house arrest in connection with the violence in Koregaon-Bhima in Maharashtra.

Navlakha added that he cannot forget about his co-accused and the tens of thousands of other political prisoners who remain incarcerated for their ideological convictions on account of false charges filed against them.

"The period of house arrest, despite the restrictions imposed, was put to good use, so I hold no grudge," Navlakha, under house arrest since August 28, said in a statement.

The high court granted him the relief, saying the Supreme Court last week had given him the liberty to approach the appropriate forum within four weeks to seek further recourse, which he has availed.

Read: Setback to Pune cops: Delhi HC ends activist Gautam Navlakha's house arrest

The high court also quashed the trial court's transit remand order which he had challenged before the matter was taken to the apex court.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2018 / Midnight Sun Mining Corp. (the ''Company'' or ''Midnight Sun'') (TSX-V: MMA) announces the termination of the previously announced letter of intent and term sheet with Kam Chuen Resource Holdings Inc. (''Kam Chuen'') to acquire the remaining 40% interest in Zambian High Light Mining Investment Limited (See news release dated February 20, 2018 for more details).

ZHLMIL holds the two large scale exploration licenses collectively known as the Solwezi Licenses. Midnight Sun and Kam Chuen will continue to operate as partners in ZHLMIL with Midnight Sun holding a 60% interest and Kam Chuen holding a 40% interest as contemplated in the original property option agreement dated July 30, 2013.

The Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, Brett Richards stated: ''The acquisition of the remaining 40% of Zambian High Light Mining Investment Limited no longer makes sense in the context of the current market, and we are happy to move forward with Kam Chuen as partners on the Solwezi Licences.''

ABOUT MIDNIGHT SUN MINING

Midnight Sun has earned a 60% interest in the Solwezi Licences with the potential to acquire the remaining 40% through unmatched property expenditures. The Solwezi Licences are comprised of two individual exploration licences totalling 506 square kilometres, situated in the North-Western Province of Zambia, adjacent to First Quantum's Kansanshi Mine; Africa's largest copper mining complex, on the prolific Zambia-Congo Copper Belt.

Led by experienced directors and talented management, Midnight Sun aims to further explore the impressive mineralization and anomalies that have been discovered on the Solwezi Licences.

Midnight Sun Mining Corp. trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol MMA.

Please also refer to the Company's previous news releases as well as the Company's presentation on its website at: www.midnightsunmining.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF MIDNIGHT SUN MINING CORP.

Brett A. Richards - President and Chief Executive Officer

For Further Information Contact:

Brett A. Richards

President and Chief Executive Officer

Tel: +1 905 449 1500

Al Fabbro

Lead Director

Tel: +1 604 351 8850

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 NEW RELEASE.

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed as ''forward-looking statements'' within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include: changes in market conditions, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in the price of commodities (particularly copper, cobalt, gold and nickel), unanticipated changes in key management personnel and general social, economic or geo-political conditions. Mining exploration and development is an inherently risky business. Accordingly the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be from time to time by the Company or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Radius Gold Inc. (TSX-V: RDU) would like to announce a correction to its press releases dated August 27, 2018 and September 27, 2018 concerning its 100% owned Coyote hot-springs epithermal gold project near Elko, Nevada. No change has occurred at Coyote Project. Radius management compared the Coyote Project to Western Explorations recently discovered Gravel Creek Project, located 45km North of Coyote and would like to correct data associated with the project comparison.

Coyote Project Comparison

Information on the Gravel Creek Gold-Silver Deposit was published in New Concepts and Discoveries: Geological Society of Nevada 2015 Symposium, O.D Christensen and J.G. Cleary. Geology and Discovery History of the Gravel Creek Silver-Gold Deposit, Elko County, Nevada. From that paper Radius published drill hole assays where silver assays were mistakenly published as gold assays. Radius management apologizes for this error. The corrected significant gold assays from the Gravel Creek Project as published in New Concepts and Discoveries: Geological Society of Nevada 2015 Symposium are:

Hole From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (ppm) WG373 480.1 534.9 54.9 2.42 WG374 457.2 501.4 44.2 5.72 WG375 583.7 650.7 67.0 1.27 WG376 239.3 242.3 3.0 6.19 WG377 600.5 611.1 10.7 10.98 WG379 480.1 489.2 9.1 41.15 WG380 443.5 510.5 67.1 2.77

Radius recently received drill permits for the Coyote Project and is planning a drill program that will target deeply penetrating resistive structures identified by CSAMT geophysical survey, co-incident with rock and soil geochemical gold-antimony-arsenic-mercury anomalies within a surficial sinter hot spring environment.

Technical Information

Bruce Smith, M.Sc. (Geology), a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, is Radiuss Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Smith participated in the reported Coyote Project programs and prepared and approved the technical information contained in this news release.

Radius Gold Inc.

Radius has a portfolio of projects located primarily in the United States and Mexico which it continues to advance, utilizing partnerships where appropriate in order to retain the Companys strong treasury. At the same time, management is seeking out additional investment and project acquisition opportunities across the globe.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Simon Ridgway

President and CEO

Symbol: TSXV-RDU

Contact: Simon Ridgway

200 Burrard Street, Suite 650

Vancouver, BC V6C 3L6

Tel: 604-801-5432; Toll free 1-888-627-9378; Fax: 604-662-8829

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: www.radiusgold.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements which include, without limitation, statements about the possible acquisition by Pan American of an interest in the Amalia Project; the exploration plans for the Amalia Project Bald Peak and Coyote Project; the Companys business strategy, plans and outlook; the merit of the Companys investments and properties; timelines; the future financial performance of the Company; expenditures; approvals and other matters. Often, but not always, these forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as estimate, estimates, estimated, potential, open, future, assumed, projected, used, detailed, has been, gain, upgraded, offset, limited, contained, reflecting, containing, remaining, to be, periodically, or statements that events, could or should occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, the plans for exploring Coyote Project; changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; the Company or any joint venture partner not having the financial ability to meet its exploration and development goals; risks associated with the results of exploration and development activities, estimation of mineral resources and the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; unanticipated costs and expenses; and such other risks detailed from time to time in the Companys quarterly and annual filings with securities regulators and available under the Companys profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

Forward-looking statements contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management, including but not limited to: that the exploration activities at the Coyote Project will proceed as planned; that the Companys activities will be in accordance with its public statements and stated goals; that all required approvals will be obtained; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its investments or properties; and such other assumptions as set out herein. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
TORONTO, Oct. 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Galane Gold Ltd. (Galane Gold or the Company) (TSX-V: GG) is pleased to announce that all of the conditions precedent set forth in the previously announced earn-in option agreement (the Earn-in Agreement) with B2Gold Corp. (B2Gold) have now been satisfied which will enable the parties to move forward with their obligations under the agreement.

Under the Earn-in Agreement, B2Gold has the option to indirectly acquire, in tranches, up to 70% of the shares of Southern Cross Exploration and Development (Pty) Ltd. (Southern Cross), a newly incorporated subsidiary of Galane Gold, which has received two gold prospecting licences over an aggregate of approximately 520 km2 located around the Companys Mupane property, excluding its current operations and mining licences, in Botswana. B2Gold has agreed to and will carry out exploration on the properties with guidance received from a jointly formed technical committee.

Please refer to Galane Golds press release dated March 11, 2018 for further detail on the Earn-In Agreement. Upon B2Gold acquiring shares of Southern Cross, the Earn-in Agreement will be replaced by a definitive shareholders agreement governing the parties interests in Southern Cross.

Galane Gold CEO, Nick Brodie commented: As I stated previously, this represents a great opportunity for Galane and B2Gold to join together to target exploration in the highly prospective Tati Greenstone Belt. I am confident that B2Gold and Galane working together represents the best chance of finding another significant resource like Tau, which has been the back bone of Mupane for the majority of its operations.

About Galane Gold

Galane Gold is an un-hedged gold producer and explorer with mining operations and exploration tenements in Botswana and South Africa. Galane Gold is a public company and its shares are quoted on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol GG. Galane Golds management team is comprised of senior mining professionals with extensive experience in managing mining and processing operations and large-scale exploration programmes. Galane Gold is committed to operating at world-class standards and is focused on the safety of its employees, respecting the environment, and contributing to the communities in which it operates.

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 Companys 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 Companys 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 Companys dependence on two mineral projects; gold price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Companys mining activities in Botswana and South Africa; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to the Companys exploration, development, plant expansion and mining activities being situated in Botswana and South Africa; risks relating to reliance on the Companys management team and outside contractors; risks regarding mineral resources and reserves; the Companys inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks arising from the Companys fair value estimates with respect to the carrying amount of mineral interests; mining tax regimes; risks arising from holding derivative instruments; the Companys need to replace reserves depleted by production; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; lack of infrastructure; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; health risks in Africa; the Companys interactions with surrounding communities and artisanal miners; the Companys ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; risks related to restarting production; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; development of the Companys exploration properties into commercially viable mines; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; risks related to the market perception of junior gold companies; and litigation risk. Management provides forward-looking statements because it believes they provide useful information to investors when considering their investment objectives and cautions investors not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and other cautionary statements or factors contained herein, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect subsequent information, events or circumstances or otherwise, except as required by law.

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.

For further information please contact:

Nick Brodie

CEO, Galane Gold Ltd.

+ 44 7905089878

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.GalaneGold.com
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nevada Copper Corp. (TSX: NCU) (Nevada Copper or the Company) is pleased to announce two key additions to the existing executive team with the appointment of Mr. Abraham (Braam) Jonker as Chief Financial Officer of the Company and Mr. Mark Wall as Chief Commercial Officer of the Company, effective October 1, 2018.

Mr. Jonker has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Company since May 2017 and served as interim CEO between February 15, 2018 and May 1, 2018. He was previously Chief Financial Officer of Western Coal Corporation and currently serves as Lead Independent Director of the Board of Directors of Mandalay Resources Corporation and non-Executive Chairman of Golden Reign Resources Ltd. Mr. Jonker has 25 years of management, accounting and corporate finance experience. He is a registered chartered professional accountant in British Columbia, (Canada) and holds equivalent accreditation in England, Wales and South Africa.

Mr. Jonker, as part of this transition, will step down from his position as Non-Executive Director of the Company, effective October 1, 2018 and Mr. Bob McKnight, a highly experienced geological engineer with broad experience in the mining industry, will transition to a new role as Executive Vice President  Concentrate Sales and Logistics.

Mr. Wall has more than 22 years of experience in the mining industry, most recently as Senior Vice President & Operations Officer for Barrick Gold Corporation where he was responsible for coordinating all aspects of Barricks portfolio of operations. Mr. Wall has significant experience in operations, risk management and sustainability. During his twelve years at Barrick he served as General Manager for the Veladero operations in Argentina, Barricks Vice President of non-financial assurance activities (Environment, Safety & Health, Maintenance, Technical Services, Community Relations and Security), and other senior roles. He also served on the Executive Committee of Australias Largest open pit gold mine, a joint venture between Barrick and Newmont. Prior to joining Barrick, Mr. Wall worked with Placer Dome Inc. and Western Mining Corporation.

Mr. Wall holds various degrees and qualifications, including a Master of Business Administration, Master of Management, Masters Certificate in Risk Management & Business Performance, Diploma of Project Management and Diploma of Mineral Processing.

Matt Gili, Chief Executive Officer of Nevada Copper, stated I am excited to welcome Braam and Mark to Nevada Coppers executive team. Braam has extensive leadership experience and corporate finance expertise in the industry and will be an asset to the Company as we continue to construct the underground mine and progress our financing and strategic options. Mr. Wall joins us as Chief Commercial Officer with a diverse skill set and deep operational experience, thereby strengthening our path to becoming a truly world-class operation.

Lastly, on behalf of the Company I would like to thank Bob McKnight for his dedication and many years of service to Nevada Copper as Chief Financial Officer. The successes we are achieving today are in no small part attributable to Bobs valuable contributions to the Company thus far.

About Nevada Copper



Nevada Coppers (TSX: NCU) Pumpkin Hollow project is the only major, shovel-ready and fully-permitted copper project in North America. Located in Nevada, USA, Pumpkin Hollow has substantial reserves and resources including copper, gold and silver. Its two fully-permitted projects include: the high-grade Pumpkin Hollow underground project which is in construction with a view to near-term commencement of copper production; and the Pumpkin Hollow open pit project, a large-scale copper deposit with substantial mineral reserves, and which is currently undergoing an optimization program to target a reduced-capex, staged-development approach.

Additional Information



For further information please visit the Nevada Copper corporate website (www.nevadacopper.com).

NEVADA COPPER CORP.

Matthew Gili, President and CEO



For further information call:

Rich Matthews,

VP Marketing and Investor Relations

Phone: 604-355-7179

Toll free: 1-877-648-8266

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We seek safe harbour.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2018 / Skeena Resources Limited (TSX.V: SKE, OTCQX: SKREF) ("Skeena" or the "Company") is pleased to announce additional Au-Ag assay results for five holes from the ongoing Phase I surface drilling program at the Eskay Creek Project ("Eskay Creek") located in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia. Base metal results are pending and will be disclosed once available. The multifaceted Phase I program is being performed in the historically drill defined 21A, 21C and 22 Zones. Reference images are presented at the end of this release as well as on the Company's website.

Eskay Creek Phase I Drilling Highlights

14.02 g/t Au, 707 g/t Ag, 23.45 g/t AuEq over 28.50 m (SK-18-004) Including: 33.19 g/t Au, 1,903 g/t Ag, 58.56 g/t AuEq over 10.50 m

22.13 g/t Au, 193 g/t Ag, 24.69 g/t AuEq over 11.90 m (SK-18-005) Including: 31.33 g/t Au, 278 g/t Ag, 35.03 g/t AuEq over 8.25 m

28.97 g/t Au, 15 g/t Ag, 29.17 g/t AuEq over 12.95 m (SK-18-006)

Gold Equivalent (AuEq) was calculated with the formula: Au (g/t) + [Ag (g/t) / 75]. Reported core lengths represent 80-100% of true widths and are supported by well-defined mineralization geometries derived from historical drilling. Length-weighted AuEq composites were constrained by geological considerations as well as a calculated 1.0 g/t AuEq assay grade cut-off assuming reasonable prospects for economic extraction via open pit mining methods. Grade capping of individual assays has not been applied to the Au and Ag assays informing the length weighted AuEq composites. Processing recoveries have not been applied to the AuEq calculation and are disclosed at 100% due to a lack of supporting information. Samples below detection limit were nulled to a value of zero.

Phase I Drilling Discussion

The Phase I drilling program on the 21A, 21C and 22 Zones is designed to upgrade Inferred Resources to Indicated Resources in areas with low drill density to allow for future economic analyses and to collect fresh core for a planned metallurgical characterization and testing program. No historical drill core remains for any zones at Eskay Creek. Therefore, new material must be collected for metallurgical evaluations. Overall, the metallurgical program is designed to gather unbiased, representative material that is spatially distributed throughout the various zones that will ultimately be used to optimize future mine planning. Core lengths represent 80-100% of true widths and are supported by well-defined mineralization geometries derived from historical drilling.

The 21A Zone represents a significant portion of the pit constrained resources hosted at Eskay Creek containing Indicated Resources of 207,000 oz AuEq grading 5.9 g/t AuEq and Inferred Resources of 418,000 oz AuEq grading 4.6 g/t AuEq (see Skeena press release dated September 17, 2018).

Phase I drill hole SK-18-004 is the final hole on section 10040N, and demonstrates the strong dip continuity of the Au-Ag mineralization hosted within the 21A Zone having intersected 14.02 g/t Au, 707 g/t Ag, 23.45 g/t AuEq over 28.50 metres, including a higher grade interval associated with the contact mudstone averaging 33.19 g/t Au, 1,903 g/t Ag, 58.56 g/t AuEq over 10.50 metres. In this portion of the 21A Zone, exhalative mineralization hosted within the contact mudstone occurs immediately adjacent to footwall rhyolite hosted mineralization.

A second fence of four drill holes located on section 10060N, also demonstrates the exceptional continuity of the mineralization hosted within the contact mudstone as well as within the rhyolite. Zone geometries on this section differ slightly in that the mudstone and rhyolite hosted mineralization bifurcate down dip as opposed to section 10040N where all mineralization styles form a continuous body. Highlights of this area include SK-18-005 and SK-18-006 which intersected 22.13 g/t Au, 193 g/t Ag, 24.69 g/t AuEq over 11.90 metres and 28.97 g/t Au, 15 g/t Ag, 29.17 g/t AuEq over 12.95 metres respectively within the contact mudstone.

The 21A Zone is currently drill defined over a large area measuring 420 m along strike, 180 m down dip with true widths ranging from 1 to 80 m in thickness.

Additional Drill Rig Mobilized

To expedite the Phase I program, a second drill rig has been mobilized to Eskay Creek and is now being utilized on the 21C Zone.

21A and 21B Zones - Analogous Mineralization Styles

The 21B Zone is geologically and geochemically equivalent to the 21A Zone and accounted for the bulk of mineralization historically mined at Eskay Creek. The 21B Zone occurs as a tabular, stratiform, fault-bounded body characterized by well-bedded, reworked sulfides and sulfosalts interbedded with unmineralized, carbonaceous argillite (mudstone). In addition to the extremely high precious metal grades, Eskay Creek as a whole, particularly the 21A and 21B Zones, is distinguished from conventional VMS deposits by the association with elements of the epithermal suite (Sb-HgAs). Elevated concentrations of Sb-Hg-As in the 21A and 21B Zones are not evenly distributed throughout the zones but rather occur as isolated clusters due to later stage localized, hydrothermal overprinting.

Although the bulk of the mined material was hosted in the contact mudstone, significant unmined mineralization exists in proximal feeder structures in the footwall rhyolites (21C and Pumphouse Zones). These zones differ geochemically from the 21A and 21B Zones in that they contain low levels of Sb-Hg-As as compared to those hosted in the contact mudstone.

21B Zone Historical Reconciliation

Underground mining at Eskay Creek was performed using the drift and fill mining method with run of mine material either milled at site to generate a concentrate or as direct shipping ore ("DSO"), to smelters. Due to the elevated concentrations of Sb-Hg-As in the 21B Zone, smelter penalties were often prevented via blending with slightly less deleterious material hence diluting the penalty elements while maintaining a profitable head grade. Based upon historical internal technical reports from the Eskay Creek Mine, the parameters for determining reserves in 2006 were based upon a gold price of US$475.00 per ounce, a silver price of US$8.50 per ounce and a copper price of US$1.50 per pound, which are significantly lower commodity prices than today. The determination of whether the material was milled on site versus shipped directly to an offsite smelter was based on mercury concentrations less than 200 ppm and antimony concentrations less than 1% for onsite milling and greater than 200 ppm mercury and greater than 1% antimony for smelter DSO. The same 2006 mill performance report indicates metallurgical recoveries from onsite milling of the 21B Zone at 84% for gold and 96% for silver.

Despite the substantial precious metal grades and base metal credits of the 21A Zone, in the opinion of the Company, the low commodity prices combined with smelter penalties and necessary cut-off grade deemed the 21A Zone historically uneconomic. As well, antimony was treated as a penalty element and now has the potential to offer significant by-product credits.

About Eskay Creek

In December 2017, Skeena secured an option to acquire 100% interest in the Eskay Creek property. Discovered in the Golden Triangle in 1988, the former Eskay Creek mine produced approximately 3.3 million ounces of gold and 160 million ounces of silver at average grades of 45 g/t gold and 2,224 g/t silver and was once the world's highest-grade gold mine and fifth-largest silver mine by volume.

A precious and base metal-rich volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposit, Eskay-style mineralization has been the focus of considerable exploration activity in the Golden Triangle dating back to 1932. Exploration programs in 1988 led to the discovery of the 21A and 21B zones, followed by an underground development of the 21B zone starting in 1990 with the official opening of the Eskay Creek mine in 1994. Over the 14-year life of the mine, approximately 2.2 million tonnes of ore were mined with cut-off grades ranging from 12 to 15 g/t AuEq for mill ore and 30 g/t AuEq for direct shipping smelter ore.

Eskay is endowed with excellent infrastructure including all-weather road access and proximity to the new 287-kilovolt Northwest Transmission Line. The Property consists of 8 mineral leases, 2 surface leases and several unpatented mining claims totaling 6,151 hectares.

Eskay is in the traditional territory of the Tahltan Nation. Skeena has a positive working relationship with the Tahltan Central Government ("TCG") and has signed Exploration and Communication Agreements with the TCG that cover the Company's other projects in Tahltan territory (see new releases dated September 25, 2017 and January 24, 2017).

About Skeena

Skeena Resources Limited is a junior Canadian mining exploration company focused on developing prospective precious and base metal properties in the Golden Triangle of northwest British Columbia, Canada. The Company's primary activities are the exploration and development of the past-producing Snip mine and the recently optioned Eskay Creek mine, both acquired from Barrick. In addition, the Company has completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment on the GJ copper-gold porphyry project.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Skeena Resources Limited,

Walter Coles Jr.

President & CEO

Qualified Persons

Exploration activities at the Eskay Creek Project are administered on site by the Company's Exploration Managers, Colin Russell, P.Geo. and Adrian Newton, P.Geo. In accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, Paul Geddes, P.Geo. Vice President of Exploration and Resource Development, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has prepared, validated and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release. The Company strictly adheres to CIM Best Practices Guidelines in conducting, documenting, and reporting its exploration activities on its exploration projects.

Quality Assurance  Quality Control

Once received from the drill and processed, all drill core samples are sawn in half, labeled and bagged. The remaining drill core is subsequently securely stored on site. Numbered security tags are applied to lab shipments for the chain of custody requirements. The Company inserts quality control (QC) samples at regular intervals in the sample stream, including blanks and reference materials with all sample shipments to monitor laboratory performance. The QAQC program was designed and approved by Lynda Bloom, P.Geo. of Analytical Solutions Ltd., and is overseen by the Company's Qualified Person, Paul Geddes, P.Geo, Vice President Exploration, and Resource Development.

Drill core samples are submitted to ALS Geochemistry's analytical facility in North Vancouver, British Columbia for preparation and analysis. The ALS facility is accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard for gold assays and all analytical methods include quality control materials at set frequencies with established data acceptance criteria. The entire sample is crushed and 1kg is pulverized. Analysis for gold is by 50g fire assay fusion with atomic absorption (AAS) finish with a lower limit of 0.01 ppm and an upper limit of 100 ppm. Samples with gold assays greater than 100ppm are re-analyzed using a 50g fire assay fusion with gravimetric finish. Analysis for silver is by 50g fire assay fusion with gravimetric finish with a lower limit of 5ppm and upper limit of 10,000ppm. Samples with silver assays greater than 10,000ppm are re-analyzed using a gravimetric silver concentrate method. A selected number of samples are also analyzed using a 48 multi-elemental geochemical package by a 4-acid digestion, followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and also for mercury using an aqua regia digest with Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) finish. Samples with sulfur reporting greater than 10% from the multi-element analysis are re-analyzed for total sulfur by Leco furnace and infrared spectroscopy.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements

Certain statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and the United States securities legislation. These statements and information are based on facts currently available to the Company and there is no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements and information may be identified by such terms as "anticipates", "believes", "targets", "estimates", "plans", "expects", "may", "will", "could" or "would". Forward-looking statements and information contained herein are based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, the realization of resource and reserve estimates, metal prices, taxation, the estimation, timing and amount of future exploration and development, capital and operating costs, the availability of financing, the receipt of regulatory approvals, environmental risks, title disputes and other matters. While the Company considers its assumptions to be reasonable as of the date hereof, forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue importance on such statements as actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or information except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

*Gold Equivalent (AuEq) was calculated with the formula: Au (g/t) + [Ag (g/t) / 75]. Reported core lengths represent 80-100% of true widths and are supported by well-defined mineralization geometries derived from historical drilling. Length-weighted AuEq composites were constrained by geological considerations as well as a calculated 1.0 g/t AuEq assay grade cut-off assuming reasonable prospects for economic extraction via open pit mining methods. Grade capping of individual assays has not been applied to the Au and Ag assays informing the length weighted AuEq composites. Processing recoveries have not been applied to the AuEq calculation and are disclosed at 100% due to a lack of supporting information. Samples below detection limit were nulled to a value of zero.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA / TheNewswire / October 1, 2018 - Nevada Clean Magnesium, Inc. (TSXV: NVM; Frankfurt-M1V; OTCQB: MLYFF) (The "Company") today announced that has increased its non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") originally announced September 14th, to $450,000. The terms of the Offering of units ("Units") will remain the same. The Offering is subject to TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") final acceptance.

The Offering

The Offering is for gross proceeds of up to $450,000. The Offering is not subject to any minimum aggregate subscription. Each Unit will consist of one Common Share at $0.05 in the capital of Nevada Clean Magnesium (the "Common Shares") and one Common Share Purchase Warrant (the "Warrants"). Each Warrant will be exercisable into one Common Share for a period of two years at a price of $0.08/share.

An acceleration clause is included with the Warrants such that the Company has the right, on thirty days' written notice, to require a Holder to exercise the Warrants so long as the closing trading price of the Company's common shares on the Company's principal trading market exceeds $0.10 per share for at least ten consecutive trading days at any time prior to the date of the Call Notice. The Warrants will terminate on the date that is thirty days from the date of the Call Notice in the event that the Holder has not exercised the Warrants in accordance with the terms of the Call Notice by such date.

The securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day from the date of issuance of the securities. The completion of the private placement and payment of any commission and fees remains subject to the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Proceeds from the Offering will be used for working capital.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this news release include that we will conduct and close a private placement and that we can become a a major U.S. producer and distributor of primary, high grade, low cost magnesium metal. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors, including the Company's dolomite reserves may not be mined because of technical, regulatory, financing or other obstacles, the market price for magnesium may make our resources uneconomic, we may not be able hire and retain skilled employees, and other risks associated with being a mineral exploration and development company. We may not be able to close with interested investors on our intended private placement because of perceived risks or market conditions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release.

To Reach Nevada Clean Magnesium Please Contact:

Edward Lee, CEO at (604) 210-9862

For additional information please visit our website at http://www.nevadacmi.com or view our profile at http://www.sedar.com.

You may also follow us on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.
The Special Criminal Court (SCC), a hybrid court set up in 2015 as part of the CAR judicial system with UN support, now has staff in place in Bangui and is ready to start work. The investigations will start officially after the courts inaugural session, which should take place in October, Nelly Mandengue of the SCCs communication department told us.

Preparing a special corps of lawyers

With this in sight, Central African lawyers, who will be required to defend suspects and represent victims, are readying themselves. A special body of lawyers is planned at the SCC. Accused persons and civil parties will be able to benefit from free assistance from a lawyer. There are some experienced Central African lawyers who are capable of defending the interests of victims and accused, says lawyer Mathias Barthelemy Morouba, deputy national coordinator of the Central African network of human rights NGOs, while a capacity strengthening programme has been set up for others, and foreign lawyers will be able to intervene in certain cases.

Lawyers without Borders (ASF) is one of the organizations involved in this programme to support Central African lawyers through training. The aim is that a victim or a suspect can have a list from which to choose their lawyer, says Adrien Nifasha, ASFs Burundian director in the CAR. We also plan to make available to young Central African lawyers some senior international colleagues, so they can provide pro bono support to them. We want to provide this support at the Special Criminal Court but also, and especially in the national courts. The ultimate objective is to leave a legacy to the national judicial system, because most of the suspects will be tried by normal Central African courts and the SCC can only deal with a limited number of cases.

Access to evidence and victims

The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) has been working with partner organizations in CAR since 2013 to gather evidence on the crimes committed in the country. In 2014, a collective of some 15 Central African lawyers plus African and European jurists affiliated to the FIDH was set up to defend the interests of victims. It is above all a question of enabling our Central African colleagues to benefit from experience acquired elsewhere in Africa and worldwide on trials of complex and serious crimes, explains ASFs Africa director Florent Geel, who nevertheless expects big obstacles for all judicial actors called to play a role before the SCC. The biggest difficulty, which is not just for the lawyers, is to have proper investigations and evidence, and people to try, he says. Access, security and the participation of victims and witnesses are the biggest challenges for civil parties lawyers and the associations supporting them. Many victims are displaced, while others are in areas that are isolated and/or controlled by armed groups. They are all living in difficult conditions: poverty, health problems often caused by abuses suffered, and stigmatization, especially for the victims of sexual crimes. To overcome such obstacles, he says what is needed is specific tools, solid judicial experience, strong political will on the part of organizations supporting the survivors, and committed political and financial partners.

National courts set an example

At the SCC, staff are aware of this context of insecurity, instability, fear and uncertainty. The Court will do its best to fulfil its mandate and bring to justice those suspected of the most serious crimes (war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide), says Nelly Mandengue. But we must not create unrealistic expectations in the sense that unfortunately, given the widespread and numerous nature of the crimes committed in this country, it will be impossible for the Special Court alone to try all the perpetrators.

The SCC has not yet started a trial, but the ordinary Central African courts are already working. Criminal hearings have restarted across the country, one of which ended on August 31 at the appeals court in Bangui. Another is currently under way since mid-September at the appeals court in Bouar. This is a test that the countrys gradually recovering judicial system is meeting with success, even if independent observers deplore the weakness of some case files, especially those linked to serious crimes. The resumption of criminal hearings in the CAR is progress and it shows that justice, imperfect but operational, is back, says Florent Geel. The enthusiasm generated amongst the people by the criminal hearings shows the needs and expectations of justice in the CAR. It is time for the SCC to act and for its work to be seen to be done in the coming months.
Former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo on Monday asked the International Criminal Court to acquit him of crimes against humanity and free him after seven years in detention.

Gbagbo, 73, is the first-ever head of state to be handed over to the Hague-based ICC, where he has been on trial since 2016.

He faces four counts of crimes against humanity for his role in fomenting a wave of post-electoral violence eight years ago in the west African nation.

After more than two years on trial, Gbagbos lawyers believe the prosecution failed to prove the charges and are demanding a full dismissal, an acquittal on all charges and Gbagbos immediate release.

We are confident that president Laurent Gbagbo will be acquitted, released and will be able to return to his country, said Justin Koua, the youth chairman of a coalition of political parties including Gbagbos own Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) as well as civil society groups.

Mr Gbagbo is suffering an injustice, he told AFP.

Defence lawyers want the same for Gbagbos right-hand man Charles Ble Goude, 46, leader of the Young Patriots group which allegedly murdered and raped hundreds of people in order to keep Gbagbo in charge.

Judges joined the two mens cases before trial started and both pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors, however, argued in court that the judges should reject the attempt to throw out the case.

Eric MacDonald said that evidence of the crimes committed against supporters of Gbagbos rival Alassane Ouattara were never investigated or followed up including in very serious cases involving murder. Nobody was ever punished.

 Clung to power 

Around 200 supporters wearing free Gbagbo t-shirts, some of them waving Ivory Coast flags, rallied outside the court on Monday before the hearing

We demand that our president is freed. Mr Gbagbo simply defended his country, said Jules Okou, a 58-year-old Ivorian from Paris.

On Monday, the courts proceedings were being televised on a giant screen in an Abidjan neighbourhood stronghold of Gbagbo and Ble Goude.

Several opposition figures are expected to attend the event billed as the last steps before an acquittal for the two leaders.

But the Ivorian state has blasted the move.

The former Ivorian head of state is preparing to demand a dismissal even before the trial is completed and defence witnesses have been heard, the Ivorian states lawyers said in a statement.

Its a bluff, the lawyers said.

Unrest wracked Ivory Coast for five months from December 2010 until early 2011, after Gbagbo refused to accept his internationally-recognised defeat by bitter rival Alassane Ouattara.

The crisis  which saw both sides level allegations of gross abuses  paralysed the worlds largest cocoa producer and west African powerhouse for several months. About 3,000 people died when rival supporters clashed on the streets of Abidjan, which was then one of west Africas most cosmopolitan cities.

After a months-long standoff, Gbagbo was arrested by Ouattaras troops aided by UN and French forces, and turned over to the ICC in 2011.

Prosecutors maintain Gbagbo clung to power by all means and that the long-time leader conspired with Ble Goude to orchestrate a plan to stay in power even before he was narrowly defeated by Ouattara.

Defence lawyers however say the prosecution has failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, despite 82 witnesses testifying, thousands of documents of evidence and hundreds of hours of video.

If the judges indeed decide to free Gbagbo he could soon be following in his wife Simone Gbagbos footsteps.

Known as the Iron Lady, Simone Gbagbo walked away from a 20-year jail term in August when she was amnestied by Ouattara after seven years in detention.
Forces will give befitting reply to any bid to breach peace, says Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that while India staunchly believes in peace and was committed to taking it forward, this would not be at the cost of compromising its self-respect and the sovereignty of our nation. Recalling the 2016 surgical strikes, he asserted that the armed forces would give a befitting reply to any attempt to destroy the atmosphere of peace prevailing in the country.

In his monthly Mann ki Baat radio address, Mr Modi said Indian troops had given a befitting reply to the audacity of a proxy war under the garb of terrorism. The PM said: It has now been decided that our soldiers will give a befitting reply to whosoever makes an attempt to destroy the atmosphere of peace and progress in our nation.

Saying India had always been resolutely committed to peace, the PM said India had never eyed someone elses territory maliciously. This in itself was our commitment and dedication towards peace, the PM said. His remarks came days after India called off the planned meeting of Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers in New York, citing the brutal killings of three policemen in Jammu and Kashmir. The external affairs ministry said talks in the circumstances would be futile and also cited stamps issued by Pakistan in July to glorify Kashmiri militant Burhan Wani as a reason for the cancellation.

The Prime Minister also pointed out that India was one of the largest contributors to various United Nations peacekeeping forces in terms of sending its personnel. For decades, our brave soldiers wearing blue helmets have played a stellar role in ensuring the maintenance of world peace, he said.

Mr Modi had said on Saturday that Indians celebrated the Parakram Parv to mark the second anniversary of the surgical strikes. We remembered the surgical strike carried out in 2016, where our soldiers gave a befitting reply to the audacity of a proxy war under the garb of terrorism, he said. He said such celebrations remind the youth of the glorious heritage of the Indian Army. It also inspires us to maintain the unity and integrity of the country, he said.

Days before Air Force Day will be celebrated on October 8 to mark its birth in 1932, Mr Modi said that our air warriors have proved themselves through the display of sheer might in the skies. He also recalled the IAFs contribution in transporting men and material to Srinagar in October 1947 when Pakistani attackers had tried to capture Jammu and Kashmir. He said the IAF played a key role in the 1965, 1971 and Kargil wars, and be it in relief and rescue or disaster management, the nation was indebted to the IAF for its commendable efforts.

Now the Air Force is offering the option of permanent commission to women, besides the short service commission... India can proudly claim that in the armed forces, not only manpower but womanpower too is contributing equally. Women are already empowered and now getting armed too, he said.

The Prime Minister also stressed on the importance of human rights and inculcating them into practice, saying it was the very basis of his governments Sabka saath, sabka vikas principle. The PM made these remarks while referring to the role of the National Human Rights Commission, which completes 25 years next month.




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.
Pathbreaking verdicts on Aadhaar, gay sex, adultery and Sabarimala to be remembered.

New Delhi: Outgoing Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, who demits office on Monday, will go down in the Supreme Courts history as one who brought in several social reforms through his pathbreaking judgments on issues like Aadhaar, decriminalising adultery and gay sex, and opening the Sabarimala shrine to women of all ages.

He leaves behind an indelible legacy as during his tenure the Supreme Court rendered several judgments on all branches of the law and commitment to human rights.

Monday is the last working day for Justice Misra and his actual retirement date is October 2. Justice Ranjan Gogoi will be sworn in as the 46th Chief Justice on October 3.

Justice Misra is the 45th Chief Justice of India since August 28, 2017. He has been a judge of the Supreme Court and a former Chief Justice of the Patna and Delhi high courts. He is the nephew of Justice Ranganath Misra, who was the 21st Chief Justice from 1990 to 1991. His commitment to upholding the supremacy of constitutional values and his refusal to flinch before the weight of societal morality and age-old customs is what will likely be remembered about him.

Justice Misra also had the dubious distinction of facing an impeachment motion in Parliament initiated by the Congress Party, which was, however, rejected at the initial stages itself by the Rajya Sabha Chairman. He had to face this ignominy as the Congress felt he might bring about a solution to the Ayodhya title suits in his tenure.

Incoming CJI Ranjan Gogoi and three other judges, J. Chelameswar, Madan B. Lokur and Kurian Joseph, held an extraordinary press conference on January 12 this year complaining about Chief Justice Misras style of allocation of major cases to junior judges. The allotment of hearing on petitions raising questions over the death of Mumbai judge B.H. Loya, who had been hearing the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case, to Justice Arun Misra became a trigger point. Though this open revolt by four senior judges sent shockwaves, Chief Justice Misra proceeded to hear cases despite complaints of lack of transparency in the preparation of the roster system.

Within few days, he put on the Supreme Court website the classification of cases and the categories allocated to each bench. But he did not address the major criticism that he kept to himself all important cases, particularly those decided by Constitution Benches, that he headed. None of the four judges were part of the Constitution Benches, except in one case where Justice Kurian Joseph was accommodated.

During the initial hearing of the Ayodhya title suits, senior Congress leader and advocate Kapil Sibal and senior counsel Dushyant Dave urged CJI Misra not to hear the matter at that point and adjourn the proceedings till July 2019 after the Lok Sabha polls. Both the lawyers said the verdict either way would result in serious consequences and impact the polls. But CJI Misra didnt buckle under pressure and continued to hear the case.

Having failed in their efforts to adjourn the Ayodhya title suit hearing, a new demand was made to refer the case to a five-judge Constitution Bench and to revisit the 1994 verdict in which an observation was made that offering namaz in a mosque was not integral to Islam. Now. The CJI has posted the matter for hearing from October 29, and it remains to be seen whether incoming CJI Ranjan Gogoi will complete the hearing and render a verdict before next years general election.

Chief Justice Misra delivered many verdicts impacting society at large, and particularly so in the last few days prior to retirement. Some of Chief Justice Misras bold judgments are bound to bring about a social transformation.
Officials said a white helicopter crossed into the Indian airspace in Gulpur sector and hovered over there for sometime before turning back.

The chopper flew near the LoC for a while before retrieving to Pakistan territory. (Photo: ANI screengrab)

Jammu: A Pakistani helicopter carrying Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) prime minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan and his information minister Mushtaq Minhas violated the Indian airspace on Sunday along the line of control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir but turned back after it was engaged by air sentries, sources and the Army said.

Officials said a white helicopter crossed into the Indian airspace in Gulpur sector and hovered over there for sometime before turning back. Jammu-based Army PRO Lt. Col. Devender Anand said the helicopter violated the airspace around 12.10 pm. Air sentries at forward location had engaged it with small arms, he said, adding that it was most likely a civilian copter and was flying very high.

Three forward posts fired small arms after noticing the airspace violation, the sources said.

According to norms recognised by both India and Pakistan, helicopters are not supposed to come within one kilometre of the Line of Control or LoC, and fixed-wing aircraft within 10 km. In February, a Pakistani helicopter was seen flying 300 metres from the LoC. Mr Khan confirmed that he was in the helicopter but denied doing any wrong. The Indian Army fired to show that Pakistan had violated their airspace. When the firing took place, we were within our own airspace, reported Reuters quoting Mr Khans office.

He said that his helicopter was not armed in any way, and called for calm heads.

We do not want any war hysteria in this region, he said.

Mr Khan, it is learned, was in the area to attend the condolence meeting of his colleague. The private helicopter landed at Haveli helipad after the retaliation by the Indian Army.

For their engagement in Polasgayon village in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), Mr Khan and his colleague had boarded the helicopter from Islamabad, sources said. After the firing by Indian Army posts their copter rushed back to Islamabad, they said.

Since the distance between Kahuta, a forward area, and Islamabad is shorter than the one between Kahuta and Muzaffarabad, PoKs capital, most visitors from Muzaffarabad prefer taking helicopters from Islamabad to reach this destination instead of a direct flight from the capital, sources said.
CJI Dipak Misra also said that young lawyers were assets having a potential to develop the jurisprudence.

New Delhi: The outgoing Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, who was given a farewell by the bar and Bench, said Indian judiciary ois ne of the most robust and strongest institutions in the world in the face of attacks and even in troubled times.

In his farewell address, Justice Misra said, Our judges are ahead than their counterparts in other parts of the world. Justice must have a human face and must be insulated from destructive forces.

Justice Misra who is due to retire on Tuesday after a successful tenure of over seven years is leaving an indelible imprint as a fearless and courageous judge, who fought for womens empowerment and gender justice. He was given a warm farewell by the members of the Bar and the Bench at a function organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association on his last working day.

Justice Misra said young lawyers were assets having potential to develop the jurisprudence.

CJI Misra who had delivered a series of key verdicts including the one on Aadhaar and de-criminalising homosexuality, said truth has no colour and it is not as it is made to appear.

Paying rich tributes Justice Gogoi said, Justice Misra has displayed remarkable erudition and fortitude ever since he was elevated to the Bench. His greatest contribution has been in Constitutional law particularly concerning civil liberties. What we should we wear, eat, believe etc are issues which cut and divide us. So what is it that unites us? Without doubt it is the Constitution. Whenever we are in doubt, it is Constitutional morality which should guide us.

The Chief Justice of India-designate Ranjan Gogoi, who will take over from Justice Misra from October 3, said Justice Misras greatest contribution has been to civil liberties and he has continuously upheld the freedom of individual and freedom to choose and he has supported womens rights.

He cited Justice Misras judgments against mob lynching, abolition of section 377, national anthem and honour killings among others. Justice Gogoi said What we should we wear, eat, believe etc are issues which cut and divide us. So what is it that unites us? Without doubt, it is Constitution.

Justice Gogoi said that he will continue in the footsteps of a judge who has played a part in settling several challenging cases. He said the Supreme Court not only has to manoeuvre difficult legal questions but also nudge society into thinking constructively.

"In times of great political churning, alongside huge diversity of thought and opinion, we are divided, perhaps more than ever, by lines of caste, religion, ideology... these are issues that cut and divide us. They make us hate those who are different. The challenge is to protect a common world view," Justice Gogoi said.

Stressing the importance of holding true to constitutional ideals, Justice Gogoi said failure to do so would result in people continuing to "kill and hate each other". But the judges of the Supreme Court are committed to protecting these ideals, and "will remain committed", he added.

Attorney General K K Venugopal said the number of judgments CJI Dipak Misra has written in the last week is perhaps a record; time and again he has dealt with gender issues, he has been named gender warrior by some newspapers.

Legal justice delivery should be improved. Glad that CJI Designate Ranjan Gogoi said that he will be trying to tackle pendency, the AG added.
Kiren Rijiju shared a video of his daughter cajoling and convincing her father to visit her school.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju is seen sitting on a ledge in the school corridor with his daughter all elated. (Photo: Twitter | @KirenRijiju)

New Delhi: Children often complain about their working parents not visiting their school on special occasions. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju's daughter was one of these disappointed daughters, but not anymore.

A video tweeted by the Union minister shows how his daughter managed to convince him to visit her school in Delhi for Grandparents Day celebrations.

Kiren Rijijus daughter was one of the happiest children whose father managed to take out time from his busy schedule to fulfil her daughters wish.

"Finally, for the first time I could manage a little moment to attend my daughter's "Grandparents Day" in her school in the absence of any of her grandparents. She was too excited!" 47-year-old Kiren Rijiju tweeted on Sunday.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs is seen sitting on a ledge in the school corridor with his daughter all elated.

Kiren Rijiju also shared a video of his daughter cajoling and convincing her father to visit her school.

Papa, tomorrow is my Grandparents' Day. You must come tomorrow. Mama always comes to my school, sees the performance. She sees my dancing...(sic), Rijiju's daughter tells him, sitting on her bed.

"But you never ever come to my school. How can that be, Papa? My grandparents come to Delhi from far village (sic)," she goes on.

This is how my little daughter convinced me to attend her school's "Grandparents Day" for the first time. pic.twitter.com/ZaIt3y658D  Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) September 30, 2018

The Union minister can be seen finally relenting, "Alright, I'll try to come. I'm so busy these days. What to do?" Rijiju can be heard saying in the 51-second clip.

Rijijus daughter's reply to this is classic, "You have office but just say to your boss that I have to come to my daughter's school. Then your boss can forgive you.
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The California Department of Justice mandate to consult CURES (Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation) prior to prescribing, ordering, administering, or furnishing a Schedule II, II or IV controlled substance becomes effective on October 2, 2018.

The law states that CURES must be consulted the first time a patient is prescribed, ordered or administered a Schedule II, III or IV controlled substance. CURES must be consulted every four months thereafter if the medication remains part of the patients treatment plan.

It is recommended that you document any reason that you do not consult CURES.

You do not have to consult CURES if:

The patient is admitted. The patient is seen in the Emergency Department and the substance does not exceed a seven day supply. The substance is part of a surgical treatment plan and does not exceed a five day supply. The patient is receiving hospice care. CURES cannot be accessed in a timely manner and the prescription does not exceed a five day supply. CURES cannot be accessed because of technology limitations. Trying to access CURES would result in an inability for the patient to receive the prescription in a timely manner and does not exceed a five-day supply.

Other states are closer than California at having an interface with common electronic health records. Meanwhile, despite considerable effort and new sections built into the software, consulting CURES is time-consuming and cumbersome.

I was demonstrating the process to one of the twenty-something-year-old Epic whiz kids. I was able to get to the DOJ CURES website easily, as the link is embedded in our EHR. Score 1. After that, things went downhill. I didnt remember my password. Yes, Im supposed to be reasonably adept at this stuff! However, the CURES site requires a password change every ninety days. Of course, I dont remember. To reset the password, the link is sent to your email, which does not have a link in the EHR. I breezed through the security questions. The whiz kid wondered why I can remember a phone number from the 1960s and not my password. I did not snarl at him. Score 2. You cannot use any of your last twenty passwords. Ack! I run out of children and pets at that point. Then there were the CAPTCHAs. The pleural is intentional. It went on and on. There were at least five different CAPTCHAs. I squinted and struggled to know which picture had street signs. At last! My password was reset. Score 3.

Once successfully in the CURES site, you have to manually enter the patient and birthdate. Of course, by now, youve hidden the EHR screen behind the CURES screen, and quite probably your email  so you have to go back and find the patient data. That interface with the EHR needs to get here now.

What do you do with the information? Your duty to consult CURES is complete once you have accessed the record. Note, it has to be the prescribing clinician, not your nurse or any delegate, no matter what you document. There is an audit trail. Of course, the DOJ is careful to warn against providing your password to anyone. (The horror! No physician has EVER in frustration given a member of the staff a password.) Regardless, you probably want to record the information in the chart. There is no interface. You can screen capture and paste into your note, or take a picture with your SmartPhone app. Awesome.

In both my demonstration and in the clinic, facing a real patient, I become frustrated. And, remember, Im good at this technology stuff. What is going to happen in most offices? Some clinicians will ignore the law risk their license. Others will cheat and give a trusted delegate access. Many more, I imagine, will obey the law, not by spending the time to consult CURES, but by avoiding prescribing any controlled substance. Most of us didnt like writing those drugs anyway. Now there is one more reason to avoid writing the script.

Did we need this law to affect all physicians? We have prescribing data. Would looking at those outliers (and excluding oncologists) have been a more sensible approach? Additional training for those who prescribe above a predetermined threshold would make sense. Embedding decision support and socializing guidelines for use makes sense. Having total morphine equivalent visible in the header is already implemented. SureScripts data that easily allows visualization of prescriptions from other providers has been an amazing step in the correct direction.

Months from now, when the prescriptions of opioids are down, perhaps the politicians will view this as a success. But what really happens? What about the patients who truly have pain? Many patients will be referred to pain specialists. There are not that many pain specialists out there and the access is already limited in many (most) areas. Other patients will seek other solutions to their pain- some legal, some not.

Pain should never have been made the fifth vital sign. We can be an empathetic and helping profession without aiming for a pain level of zero. Yet, on many levels, opioids are great drugs. They do what they were designed to do. What a shame the CURES act will, for many, take away a valuable tool. Yes, the law allows for five days in post-op patients, or seven days after an emergency department visit. Does that cover all the people who wouldnt become addicted and who will hurt for more than a week? Defining appropriate usage is in its infancy. Advances in research will continue, and with this information around safe prescribing strategies will be refined.

Our care should be safe, compassionate and appropriate. I applaud the intention to reduce prescribing practices that contributed to the opioid crisis. Well this law preserve access to safe and appropriate usage of opioids?

Yes, the opioid crisis is a crisis. I do not think CURES in its current format is the answer.

Lisa Masson is a family physician. This article originally appeared in Doximitys Op-(m)ed.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
Congress has been attacking the Narendra Modi govt over the Rafale deal and absconders like Nirav Modi.

New Delhi: In a bid to blunt Congress attacks on the Rafale fighter jets and economic issues, the BJP plans to build a campaign around nationalism on the twin planks of illegal infiltration and the Centres tough policy on security matters related to Pakistan and the Maoists, sources said.

Sources in the BJP said that the decision to hold nationwide events on September 28-29 to mark the second anniversary of the surgical strikes, following a relatively quiet first anniversary of the Army operation in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), was taken to highlight the governments tough policy on security matters.

The Congress has been attacking the Narendra Modi government over the Rafale deal and absconders like Nirav Modi. The BJP with its nationalist narrative plans to turn the tables on the Opposition parties.

BJP president Amit Shah has also been constantly speaking on the issue of illegal infiltration and has gone on to assert that the government will identify such infiltrators across the country if the saffron party retains power after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

A senior BJP functionary said the top leaders of the party believe that the contentious issue of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) of Assam can help them, especially in states where infiltrators are said to be living in large numbers.

Mr Amit Shah has targeted the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi over the issue, accusing the latter of standing with those who are a threat to national security.

BJP leaders have claimed that West Bengal is home to millions of infiltrators. Many party leaders have demanded an NRC-like exercise in the state.

The recent arrests of five activists by the Maharashtra police for their alleged links to the Maoists have also become a handy issue for the BJP after the Supreme Court refused to interfere with the police action.

Meanwhile, the Congress hit out at external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj for using her speech at the UNGA to woo voters

On Saturday, Ms Swaraj tore into Pakistan at the UNGA for providing safe haven to terrorists and its verbal duplicity on peace talks.

Hitting out at the ministers address Congress MP and former minister of state for external affairs Shashi Tharoor said, We get the sense that everything is about the political environment in India and this was a speech aimed at BJP voters and sending a message to them particularly on subject of Pakistan rather than constructing a positive and constructive image of India in the world.
Award-winning chef Michael Thomas previously of Waterford Castle Hotel has been appointed new Head Chef in Restaurant, Bar and Boutique Hotel, Zuni.

Bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience and a passion for top class food, Michael is taking the reins in Zuni at a time when the city's culinary community is gaining well deserved national recognition with Kilkennys recent award for Foodie Destination of the year.

Michael, who is originally from Loughboy in the city, has returned to his native place to continue his successful career. Having trained in Waterford Institute of Technology, he has gone on to work in many prestigious kitchens throughout Ireland over his 22 years as a chef, including Lacken House under Eugene McSweeney, Waterford Castle Hotel for four years as the resort Head Chef, Hayfield Manor as Head Chef and the Radisson in Sligo as Senior Sous Chef.

Michael won "Best Chef of Ireland 2017" along with the "Best Chef Regional Winner of Munster" at the YesChef Awards 2017 and has also received two AA Rosette Awards. Michaels passion for food started at a young age and came from his Mother and Grandparents. He describes working as a chef as a hobby rather than a job.

Michael reinforces Zunis excellent reputation for using local produce and supporting local producers in Kilkenny and some of the produces featured on their menu are vegetables from Eamon Wallace, rapeseed oil from Second Nature oils in Urlingford, Duck from Mary and Tony in Kilkenny Free Range and fish from Mag Kirwan in Goatsbridge Trout Farm, to name just a few. Kilkenny has a longstanding reputation for producing amazing food, Michael says Home is where good food is, and thats Kilkenny.

Zuni has had a busy year with the addition of 14 new bedrooms. Paul Byrne, owner of Zuni, sees the appointment of Michael as another important development in their reputation as one of the finest restaurants in the South East.

We are delighted to welcome Michael to Zuni. I am excited for the future of great food in Zuni. Michael has an abundance of culinary experience and flair which will further enhance the high-quality food we produce in our kitchen, said Paul.
Marion Acreman, Centre Manager of MacDonagh Junction and President Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce was amongst a select group of top tier female business leaders at a lunch reception in honour of the visit to Ireland of the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

The event was a chance to discuss the challenges being faced regarding the disproportionate ratio of women on senior company boards and positions of higher management authority in Ireland and the UK. Also present in the beautiful surrounds of the British Ambassadors Residence at Glencairn were Sinead McSweeney, MD Twitter Ireland, Norah Casey, Activist and Broadcaster, Jean OSullivan Head of HR Enterprise-Ireland, Senator Catherine Ardagh, Dearbhail McDonald, Group Business Editor INM, Jillian Van Turnhout, Children & womens Rights Advocate, Katherine Licken, Sec Gen, Dept of Culture, Heritage & Gaeltacht, Verona Murphy, President of Irish Road Haulage Association, Catherine Martin TD, Chair of Irelands first Parliamentary Womens Caucus, Amanda Pullinger, CEO of 100 Women in Finance and Ruth Curran, Managing Partner, Merc.

Amongst the items discussed were the importance of mentorship and fostering of support groups. Marion spoke about instilling a sense of confidence in our children regardless of gender and rejecting gender stereotypes to enable the next generation to maximise their potential to become great and empathetic leaders, she described how strong parenting had been the cornerstone of her own success. Support of partners and peers are paramount as women step, more and more into areas traditionally dominated by males.

Statistics have shown the stark imbalance of the genders on senior boards across Europe and the continued pay imbalance but thankfully, these gaps are narrowing. Verona Murphy stated that one of her mantras for success was If you think you can do it, or you think you cannot do it, you will always be right Also discussed was the importance of confidence and access to multi-disciplinary education being importance key elements for women in the workforce. Duchess of Wessex, Sophie married Prince Edward, youngest son of the Queen in 1999. She has been the chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Women's Network Forum since January 2014, a committee that was founded by her, whose goal is the advancement of gender balance and equality by influencing business leaders, inspiring the next generation and sharing best practice.

After lunch, before leaving to visit President Michael D Higgins at the Aras, Prince Edward posed the question as to whether our two female former presidents had improved the perception of the potential of Irish women as strong and competent leaders to which every person in the room agreed the presidential terms of both Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese began a seismic shift for this country.

Marion developed her connection to the British Ambassador Robin Barnett last year when she invited him to take part in the Community aspect of the Kilkenny Famine Experience, the Ambassador returned along with Australian Ambassador Richard Andrews, to launch the free visitor tour around the Kilkenny Union Workhouse, now MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre last November. This event also saw the unveiling of the beautiful bronze Famine sculpture created by local sculptor Ani Mollereau at the burial place of nearly 1,000 of Kilkennys Famine Victims.

Marion has met both Ambassadors on several occasions since as an invited guest each year to the National Famine Commemoration and again recently when Marion and Ani scooped the accolade of the Jim McNaughton Perpetual Commissioning Award at the National Allianz Business to Arts Awards.

The Kilkenny Famine Experience tour continues to attract people from across the globe back to the Kilkenny Workhouse as they retrace the steps of their ancestors. This free tour can be booked at www.kilkennyfamineexperience.com or by dropping into the customer service desk at MacDonagh Junction.
Slams Islamabad for raising Kashmir issue at UN, says J&K will remain integral part of India.

New Delhi/New York: India on Sunday strongly hit back at Pakistan for the preposterous allegation its foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi made at the UN General Assembly that terrorists behind the 2014 attack on a Peshawar school were supported by India, saying the despicable insinuation dishonours the memory of the children kill-ed in the assault. New Delhi also scoffed at the new Imran Khan-led Pakistani governments claim of ushering in a naya (new) Pakistan, saying, that what Pakistans new foreign minister had said was a New Pakistan cast in the mold of old.

Making a highly outrageous claim, the Pakistan foreign minister said earlier, Pakistan shall never forget the mass murder of more than 150 children in a Peshawar School, the terrible Mastung attack and many others that have links with terrorists supported by India.

Reeling under external affairs minister Sushma Swarajs blistering attack on Saturday that had put Islamabad on the mat on the issue of terrorism at the UN General Assembly, a furious Pakistan in turn on Sunday accused India and the RSS of terrorism at the UNGA on Sunday. A Pakistani diplomat at the UNGA, while exercising Islamabads first right of reply said, The breeding ground of terrorism in our region are the RSS centres of fascism. The claims of religious superiority are perpetrated through state patronage all across India.

But Indian diplomat from the countrys Permanent Mission to the UN, Eenam Gambhir, exercised Indias Right of Reply and rejected Islamabads baseless allegations. Among the most outrageous was the preposterous allegation relating to the horrific terror attack on a Peshawar school four years ago, Ms Gambhir said. Ms Gambhir also took a dig at Mr Qureshis emph-asis on a new Pakistan under Mr Khan, saying while the Indian delegation had come to listen to Pakist-ans new foreign minister outline the vision of a new Pakistan, what we heard is a New Pak-istan cast in the mold of old.

She reminded the new Pakistan government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan, that there was an outpouring of sorrow and pain in India following the massacre of children in 2014. She said both the Houses of Indias Parliament had expressed solidarity while paying respects to those killed.

Schools all over India had observed two minutes of silence in their memory. The despicable insinuation made by the foreign minister of Pakistan dishonours the memory of the innocent lives lost to terrorists that day, Ms Gambhir said. She said the allegation was a desperate attempt to look away from the monster of terror Pakistan has created in its quest to destabilise its neighbours and covet their territory.

The Peshawar attack was carried out by heavily-armed 8-10 Taliban suicide bombers, who stormed the Army-run school and took several hostages. The attackers wearing paramilitary Frontier Corps uniforms had entered the school and started indiscriminate firing.

Ms Gambhir tore into Pakistans claim that it has turned the tide against terrorism, saying a fact-check of this claim will give a different picture. She asked if Pakistan can deny the fact that it is the host and patron of 132 of the UN-designated terrorists and 22 terrorist entities listed under the UN Security Council Sanctions regimes.

Will Pakistan deny that the UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed enjoys a free run inside Pakistan and spews venom and sets up candidates for electoral offices, she said.

With Mr Qureshi again raking up the Kashmir issue, Ms Gambhir asserted that India is making it clear to the new government of Pakistan that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is and will remain an integral part of India. India also ripped through efforts of the New Pakistan to champion human rights.

This is vintage verbal duplicity, Ms Gambhir said, citing the example of Princeton economic professor Atif Mian. The economist was appointed and removed by Mr Khans government from the Economic Advisory Council on the grounds that he belongs to a minority. Mr Mian is an Ahmadi, a religious minority of Pakistan.

Before preaching to the world, championing of human rights should begin at home, Ms Gambhir said. She said a report by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Kashmir, which Mr Qureshi mentioned and welcomed in his speech, is a publication that no UN member-state had asked for or supported and on which no action was taken. The new foreign minister of Pakistan chose to term the gruesome killing of our security personnel by Pakistani-sponsored terrorists as flimsy grounds, she said. She said Mr Qureshis speech was made up of fake allegations and fake facts which can only make for a fake vision.

Earlier, Pakistan foreign minister Mr Qureshi said in his speech, Pakistan continues to face terrorism that is financed, facilitated and orchestrated by our eastern neighbour... We wanted to sit with India to discuss all issues, including terrorism. Islamabad threw in everything from Kashmir to (former Indian naval officer) Kulbhushan Jadhav to the Peshawar school attack to lynching in order to make wild allegations against New Delhi. For instance, while mentioning pellet injuries in Kashmir, Pakistan conveniently did not mention the fact that security forces in the Kashmir Valley routinely come under attack from vicious pro-Pakistan stone-pelting mobs or the terrorism perpetrated by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists.

But the Pakistani diplomat during Islamabads first right of reply speech on Sunday sought to drag in instances of lynching in India, saying that Muslims and Christians are publicly lynched at the hands of Hindu zealots, with wild claims that churches and mosques are torched. In Illiberal India of today, there is no room for dissent, he claimed, adding, hollow allegations of cross-border terrorism and phony bravado may win you an election, but will not win you peace.
'The death of Vivek Tiwari has shocked us. Even the police could do such a heinous act, I did not expect,' UP Law Minister said.

'The killers deserve to be in jail and they must get stringent punishment. Action should also be initiated against officials who showed laxity in this case and tried to hush up the murder,' Uttar Pradesh Law Minister Brijesh Pathak said. (Photo: Twitter | ANI)

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh minister Brijesh Pathak Sunday hit out at the state police for showing "laxity" and "hushing up" the murder of a tech company executive in the city's Gomti Nagar neighbourhood.

Apple executive Vivek Tiwari was shot dead early Saturday morning by a policeman when he allegedly refused to stop his car.

"The killers deserve to be in jail and they must get stringent punishment. Action should also be initiated against officials who showed laxity in this case and tried to hush up the murder," Pathak told PTI.

"I will also request the honourable court to hand over the entire matter to a fast-track court so that the aggrieved family can get justice soon. I have also sought time from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath so that the aggrieved family can meet him," he said.

The state law minister expressed "shock" over the fact that even policemen could indulge in such an act. "The death of Vivek Tiwari has shocked us. Even the police could do such a heinous act, I did not expect," he said.

Also Read: Lucknow techie dead after constable fires in 'self-defence', 2 cops arrested

Pathak also talked about the various anomalies reported in the case.

"The lone eyewitness was kept in police custody for nearly 17 hours and her signature was taken on a plain piece of paper. The FIR was not registered in the way it should had been. There is no consistency between the statement of Sana (who was accompanying the victim) and the FIR. And efforts were made to hush up the case," he said.

The minister also hit out at those police officials who tried to safeguard the accused cop.

Two constables have been arrested on the basis of an FIR lodged by Tiwari's colleague Sana Khan, who was travelling with him at the time of the incident.
The Modi government uses the Mahatmas name in its Swachchh Bharat programme, that was also launched on October 2, 2014.

New Delhi: The Congress Party is making a valiant attempt to hold on to Mahatma Gandhis legacy by holding a meeting of the Congress Working Committee on October 2, the 149th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, at Sevagram near Wardha, the Mahatmas home for over a decade towards the end of his life.

AICC general secretary Ashok Gehlot tweeted: To mark the 150th birth anniversary (celebrations) of Mahatma Gandhi, Congress Working Committee meet under the leadership of Congress president Rahul Gandhi will be organised tomorrow at Mahadev Bhavan in Sevagram, Wardha. Indeed it is a historical and delightful moment for us.

However, the BJP said that Rahul Gandhis Congress has now lost the claim to be called Mahatma Gandhis Congress for giving backhand support to Pakistan as senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor denounced external affairs minister Sushma Swarajs speech at the United Nations, where she attacked Pakistan for harbouring terrorists, as aimed at BJP voters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hit out at the Opposition party on Sunday, saying it can abuse him but should stop belittling icons like Mahatma Gandhi, Vallabhbhai Patel and Babasaheb Ambedkar after the Congress said the upcoming statue of Sardar Patel in Gujarat was made in China.

At the CWC meeting, to be attended by Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi, the UPA chairperson, a call will be given to oppose the BJPs politics of hate, sources said.

The plan to hold the CWC meeting at Wardha was taken in order to counter the BJPs efforts to appropriate the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. The Modi government uses the Mahatmas name in its Swachchh Bharat programme, that was also launched on October 2, 2014.

The Sevagram Ashram also has another symbolic value: it was there Mahatma Gandhi had presided over the last CWC meeting before the Quit India movement in 1942.

Congress chief spokesman Randeep Surjewala said: We will give a call for Quit Communalism, Quit Politics of Hate. Addressing a press conference in Nagpur, he said: The situation prevailing in the entire country today can be summed up as loot, jhoot, batware se mukti ka sangram... Phir se Sevagram.

The party has lined up a slew of events at Wardha. Sources said the party was likely to discuss the countrys social, political and cultural atmosphere and pass a resolution urging people to follow Gandhijis vision of love, peace and brotherhood.

The Grand Old Party will then hold a peace march, named Gandhi Sandesh Yatra  Mahatma Ki Raah Par, which would be led by the Congress president, Mrs Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. After this there will be a public meeting, which would be addressed by Mr Gandhi and attended by Congress leaders from all over the country.
During Mr Guterress visit, he is scheduled to meet President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and foreign minister Sushma Swaraj.

Srinagar: An alliance of key Kashmiri separatist leaders has ahead of United Nations (UN) secretary general Antonio Guterress India visit, urged him to persuade New Delhi to engage the Kashmiri representatives and Pakistan in meaningful and result-oriented talks to seek an amicable solution to the Kashmir problem.

In a letter written to Mr Guterres, Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) which has on it Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik, said, As you embark on your trip to India, we in the state of Jammu and Kashmir take this opportunity to draw your attention towards the urgency of the need to resolve the dispute over it, which, as you know, Sir, remains on the agenda of the United Nations

The letter added that Indias refusal to talk is doing unimaginable harm not only to Kashmir, but also to the entire South Asian region, when interconnectedness - culturally, economically and politically- (often termed globalization) is the driving force in international relations.

Hence, we would like to urge you to advocate that New Delhi engages with us in Kashmir and with Pakistan, with whom Indias relations are also deteriorating by the day, the letter read.

The letter asserted, We have a right to self-determination but Delhi would like us to abdicate that responsibility before they talk.

The letter, copies of which were released to media on Monday, further said, To cede to that demand would be to concede before talks, rendering talks unnecessary.

When asked that since India has repeatedly rejected any third-party intervention on Kashmir what makes the alliance hopeful about the UN secretary generals India visit, the Mr Farooq told this newspaper, Were optimistic because the UNs Human Rights Commission has in a recent report expressed its concern on the human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The secretary general too has said that he is concerned over the situation in the state.

Mr Farooq added that since Kashmir continues to be on the agenda of the UN Security Council, Mr. Guteress will be only fulfilling his official as well as moral responsibility if he discusses Kashmir and the prevailing grave situation there with the Indian leadership and asks it to hold talks with the Kashmiris and Pakistan to arrive at an amicable solution. He reiterated that Kashmir issue cannot be resolved unless its people are also taken onboard during talks.

Mr Guterres had ahead of his three-day visit to India voiced concern over the situation in Indian Kashmir, while encouraging positive dialogue to resolve the disagreements peacefully. He also said that the UN welcomes a greater role by India in addressing regional peace and security challenges.

On the development front, India already is, and can become an even greater regional development force, helping other countries of the region forge a better future, Mr Guterres told Press Trust of India in an email interview. He said the UN welcomed a greater role for India in addressing regional peace and security challenges. I remain concerned by the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. I encourage positive dialogue for disagreements to be resolved peacefully, he said.

During Mr Guterress visit, he is scheduled to meet President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and foreign minister Sushma Swaraj.

A Kashmiri civil society group, Centre for Social and Development Studies (KCSDS), had invited the UN secretary general to also visit J&K during his three-day stay in India for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation. But his officer, while thanking the society for the invite said, it was not possible for Mr. Guterres to visit the state because of his prior commitments.
Some elements are spreading terrorism in the name of religion, but no religion talks about violence.

New Delhi: Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu said on Monday said that the world must come together to fight against terrorism and urged the United Nations (UN) to come up with strong, coded actions to tackle terror, its sponsors and those who are funding and supporting it.

The Vice-President also noted that one of Indias neighbours is aiding and abetting terrorism while talking about peace. He made the veiled reference to Pakistan, while addressing a gathering of human rights leaders from several parts of the world.

Terrorism is an enemy of humanity. Some elements are spreading it in the name of religion, but no religion talks about violence. India has suffered the pain. The West, when they became the victims of terrorism, realised the problem, Mr Naidu said. He further added In our region too, one of our neighbours is aiding, abetting, funding and training terrorists and (it) talks about peace. Terror and talks cant go together.

Mr Naidu urged the world to speak in one voice to deal with terror globally. UN, at the earliest, should complete the deliberations (on terrorism) and come up with a strong, united, coded action to tackle terror, its sponsors and those who are funding or supporting it, Mr Naidu said. He added that it is the way forward for peace, and for protection of rights of people.

The conclave was organised by the National Human Rights Commission as part of its Silver Jubilee celebrations. Foreign participants of the conclave included senior officials from apex human rights bodies in Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and representatives from Scotland, Croatia and other countries.

Mr Naidu also said that misuse of provisions of human rights is a matter of concern, in recent times. Some people kill others, destroy public property and then claim human rights violations. Is it right? Terrorists, extremists have to be curbed, he said.
Cops had rushed its patrol van to take charge.

Mumbai: Mehboob Alam (32), the driver of Cox & Kings chief operating officer Venku Murthi who was driving rashly in an inebriated state early on Sunday morning, was nabbed after a four-kilometre-long chase from Byculla to RAK Marg.

The police said that Alam was driving southwards when he hit a two-wheeler, injuring two, and then took a left turn and began speeding towards the suburbs in order to escape. However, by then, several vehicles had begun following him along with a police interceptor.

The accused was intercepted in the jurisdiction of the RAK Marg police station minutes after the accident, said Dinesh Kadam, senior inspector of the Byculla police, which is investigating the case.

The police had rushed its night patrol van to take charge of the situation while the chase was underway. Locals apprehended Alam after chasing him for around 10 to 15 minutes, the police said. Alam has been working for the Murthi family as a driver for a month, police said.

After the car was intercepted, Alam was pulled out and beaten by the locals while the vehicle was vandalised. There was a nearly empty whiskey bottle lying on the front seat, which was allegedly consumed by Alam. The accused was heading home while getting drunk inside the car, the keys of which were given to him by the owner.

Javed, whose two-wheeler was hit by the speeding car, said, The driver drove over someones foot and he rammed into me at Lalbaug. We nabbed him near Sundar Tower on RAK Marg. There were liquor bottles inside the car.

Ramesh More, a police inspector who was at the spot soon after the accident, said, The car belongs to Venku Murthi who left for Dubai a day before. The owner gives the keys to him whenever she is out of town. He said that he took the car out in the evening and later consumed alcohol.

A case of drunk driving and endangering the life and personal safety of others has been registered against Alam. A medical examination was conducted on Alam, which preliminary reports have revealed that his alcohol level was multiple times higher than the permitted limit. He has been remanded in police custody for further investigation.

Meanwhile, RTO officials said that they had not received any details from the police. They said they would the necessary action against the owner or driver after receiving details about the incident and accused.
The MNS has taken strong objection to her comments and threatened that they would not allow her to work henceforth.

Mumbai: The controversy over Bollywood actress Tanushree Duttas allegations of misbehaviour against actor Nana Patekar has taken a political turn. Ms Dutta had claimed that goons from Raj Thackerays Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) tried to vandalise her car in 2008, during the film shooting of Horn Ok Pleassss. She said that the MNS is a party of goons. The MNS has taken strong objection to her comments and threatened that they would not allow her to work henceforth.

During an interview to a television channel, the actress had said, I was threatened and my car was attacked when my parents were inside. This was done on the behalf of MNS. It is a pathetic party. They are also doing things to get mileage by breaking things. They have no standing of their own like the BJP or the Congress. It is easy to take on ordinary people with muscle power and then you can be called strong politically. Ms Dutta also said that Mr Thackeray wanted to be Shiv Sena chief like the late Balasaheb Thackeray.

Her statements has irked the MNS wing movie artistes. Its chief, Amey Khopkar, issued a warning, saying, I have cuttings of news where Ms Dutta said that the car was attacked by people on set and a few mediapersons. We have never done this to any woman. These kinds of allegations are just made to create a sensation. He also said that if Ms Dutta reportedly joins Bigg Boss, a popular TV reality show, then his party would close down that show.

Ms Dutta had alleged that Patekar harassed her during the shooting of a song from Horn Ok Pleassss. Many Bollywood actresses and actors have supported her. Meanwhile, Patekars lawyer sent her defamation notice on Monday. The actor has himself said that he is busy shooting in Jaisalmer and will talk to the media once he returns to Mumbai.
Killeen police announced Monday the arrest of 16 people in a multi-agency warrant round up.

Officers from KPD Criminal Investigation Division were aided by the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and U.S. Marshals in picking up the fugitives Thursday.

The department said 16 people were wanted for a litany of crimes including murder, assaults, narcotics and parole violations and theft.

Additional information was not released.
Krishna was also part of special screenings, her last being Sanju starring her grandson Ranbir Kapoor.

Raj Kapoors wife Krishna Raj Kapoor passed away on Monday morning due to cardiac arrest. She was 87.

My mother passed away at about 5 am today due to cardiac arrestold age was another factor. We are deeply saddened by her demise, son Randhir Kapoor told PTI.

Sharing the news on Twitter, Raveena Tandon wrote, Condolences to the entire Kapoor family. An era passes away,#KrishnaRajKapoor .God give you strength,and may the soul rest in peace. Om Shanti. @chintskap

. Condolences to the entire Kapoor family. An era passes away,#KrishnaRajKapoor .God give you strength,and may the soul rest in peace. Om Shanti. @chintskap  Raveena Tandon (@TandonRaveena) October 1, 2018

Deeply saddened to learn about the sad demise of Smt. #KrishnaRajKapoorJi. She was one of the most dignified and affectionate ladies that I met. May her soul rest in peace. My condolences to the entire Kapoor and Nanda family. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/G4IMSuFbZJ  Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) October 1, 2018

Saddened to hear the demise of #KrishnaRajKapoor ji my deepest condolences,

May God give immense strength to whole family. #OmShanti  pic.twitter.com/ATYbd8kaYK  Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) October 1, 2018

Such sad news this morning.. the most beautiful lady of our industry Krishna Raj Kapoor passes away.. my heart goes out to the entire family.. Krishna Aunty may you rest in peace.  Farah Khan (@TheFarahKhan) October 1, 2018

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of #KrishnaRajKapoor The few times I interacted with her were so memorable; she was an incredible personality full of life and passion and with never a hair out place! She will be missed greatly. My deepest condolences to the family.  Soha Ali Khan (@sakpataudi) October 1, 2018

This happened a few days after RK studios, which Krishna held very dear, was sold off, after the Kapoor family performed their last Ganesha Chaturthi there.

Krishna Raj Kapoor, who tied the knot with Raj Kapoor in May 1946, is survived by her children Rishi Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Rajiv Kapoor, Ritu Nanda and Reema Kapoor.

The last rites will be performed at Chembur crematorium, confirmed Randhir.

Though her sons, Randhir and Rajiv Kapoor are in Mumbai, actor Rishi Kapoor on Sunday left for USA for medical treatment.

Hello all! I am taking a short leave of absence from work to go to America for some medical treatment. I urge my well wishers not to worry or unnecessarily speculate. Its been 45 years plusof wear and tear at the movies. With your love and good wishes,I will be back soon!  Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) September 29, 2018

Krishna was also part of special screenings, her last being Sanju starring her grandson Ranbir Kapoor.
Behind the Brands is a campaign launched by Oxfam to help create a world where everybody has enough to eat.

Behind the Brands is a campaign launched by Oxfam to help create a world where everybody has enough to eat.

Every brand has a story to tell, so said some marketing experts. What the experts failed to share is that most brands also have stories to hide. These are the stories of unjust, unlawful treatment of those who create products which are wrapped up in illusions of comfort, grandiosity and pride of possession called brand and sold to beguiled consumers. But as long as hope is alive in human hearts, the battle between the brands and those who expose the brands will continue.

The key point is: these battles are spurred by the alliances formed in developed countries in solidarity with people  workers, trade unions and civil society  in developing countries who are often often the victims of the brands greed. The alliances lobby Western governments and international bodies, mobilise consumers and push brands to respect workers rights and earn a positive image through affiliations and compliance.

Behind the Brands is a campaign launched by Oxfam to help create a world where everybody has enough to eat. The initiative has resulted in over 700,000 actions by people from all over the world demanding from the top 10 food brands that they improve their policies vis-a-vis labour rights, human rights and the environment. The top 10 companies allegedly involved in land-grabbing, environmental destruction, paying low wages, ignoring dangerous working conditions and using child labour are now trying to improve their score on key issues monitored by Behind the Brands.

The Ethical Trading Initiative is taking concrete actions to ensure fundamental human rights, transparency and accountability in the global supply chain through membership-based partnerships with companies, trade unions and civil society organisations. An important component of the ETI is its lobbying with the UK government to promote ethical trade and labour compliance in the public sector procurement of products and services. The Fair Labour Association, another alliance, is tackling abusive labour practices by the brands. The International Labour Rights Forum has addressed the issue of child labour in cocoa, tobacco and palm oil production in global supply chains. The Worker Rights Consortium, developed by students of 140 colleges and universities in the US, monitors conditions in factories producing for major brands, investigates and issues public reports.

An alliance of labour unions and civil society, the Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC), is up against unlawful acts by brands in the garments sector. It runs campaigns in 15 European countries, with a network of more than 250 partner organisations around the world. The alliance pressurises brands to ensure decent work conditions in the supply chain  living wages, minimum working age, gender equality, safety and health, right to form unions and collective bargaining  and holds the brands accountable for their misdeeds.

In 2013, international labour alliances played an instrumental role in mobilising the brands to sign a five-year Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh, a legally binding agreement between 151 global apparel brands and retailers across 21 countries, eight Bangladeshi trade unions, two international trade union federations and four international labour alliances, including the CCC.

Signed in the aftermath of the Rana Plaza building collapse and based on a strict plan of action, the accord was supported by brands like PVH Corp, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Abercrombie and Fitch, American Eagle, H&M and Adidas. By April 2018, more than 1,600 factories had undergone the inspection and remediation process to make the premises safe and healthy. A follow-up accord signed in May 2018 will continue and complete the process in 2021.

In Pakistan, the CCC played the key role, along with the Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research, in making the German retailer KiK Textilien pay long-term compensation to the affected workers families of the 2012 Baldia factory fire. A lifelong pension scheme matching ILO standards, which materialised in 2018 after a long struggle, has set a global precedent for ensuring accountability of brands and retailers in the garments industry. The achievement that came about through the alliance between local, national and global stakeholders has established that collective struggles  cross-border and cross-continents  are essential to push brands to ensure workers rights.

By arrangement with Dawn
The new Element Case X1 Series has been introduced in India to cater to all the new iPhone models, the XS, the XS Max as well as the XR.

Element Case has decided to strengthen its presence in the Indian market via its premium offering for the latest iPhones  the X1 series of ultra-protective and innovative iPhone cases.

In a recent survey done by the company, it was observed that 90 per cent of the people surveyed had dropped their expensive phones at least once in a month, with a small minority claiming to accidentally drop their phones even six times a month. Element Case offers a wide array of designs for protecting the iPhones and the new Element Case X1 Series has been introduced in India to cater to all the new iPhone models, the XS, the XS Max as well as the XR.

The X1 Series by Element Case is an extension of its X icon used by Element Case on its tenth anniversary. Under the X1 Series umbrella, Element Case has introduced the Rally, Illusion, Shadow and Vapor-S variants of iPhone cases. The company says that each variant comes with unique features and innovative craftsmanship to protect and enhance the image of the latest iPhones. All variants are designed to meet military specification drop test requirements and support wireless charging as well.

Here are some of the key features of the Element Case X1 Series collection:

Rally: It is designed with clear and simple yet elegant curves. Rally aims to cater to iPhone users, who prefer full visibility of their device. Made of crystal clear polycarbonate, the Rally case is said to offer drop shock corners and a comforting grip.

Illusion: The Illusion Spectre series has a structural frame which is lightweight. It is designed with front and back table top protection to prevent the screen from coming in direct contact with surfaces and to keep the iPhone scratch free. It also has tinted polycarbonate to enable the beauty of the iPhone to shine through the case.

Shadow: Designed for ergonomics, the Shadow Spectre variant of the X1 collection is created with the quality crafted TPU as its foundation, as per the company.

Vapor-S: The Vapor-S variant comes with meticulous engineering, smooth lines and a slim profile. The aluminium front bezel is precision manufactured for robust handling. The polycarbonate back bezel provides added protection. The SLS Screw Lock System has screws that connect the front and back bezel to secure the phone in between while anchoring into the aluminium increases retention and strength of the hold. Internal drop shock corners, fast tap buttons, tabletop protection and a glass backplate aim to fully protect the iPhones while adding to the aesthetics of the device.

The new Element Case X1 Series will shortly be available in India in multiple variants at most Apple Channel Partners and online via Amazon.
Mgr Jacob Murickan visited him in prison. The president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India speaks out on the matter, slamming the media for insinuating that the Church is involved in a cover-up.

Mumbai (AsiaNews)  Mgr Franco Mulakkal is praying and continues to claim he is innocent, this according to Mgr Jacob Murickan, auxiliary bishop of Pala, Kerala, who visited him in prison on 25 September.

The bishop of Jalandhar (Punjab), who took a leave of absence, was arrested ten days ago on rape charges brought by a nun from the Missionaries of Jesus.

"I talked to him for 15 minutes, Mgr Murickan told AsiaNews. His faith is strong. He told me that he spends his time praying."

Meanwhile, the president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), Card Oswald Gracias, has spoken out in this case, slamming media attacks against the Church.

In a statement released yesterday, drafted at the end of the meeting of the CBCI Standing Committee (27-28 September), the cardinal said that he and his fellow bishops met in prayer "to bless the Church in India, to strengthen us and to guide all of us in the carrying out of our responsibilities."

The Committee, the statement says, "reflected on recent happenings in the Church in India and has a special thought for Mgr Mulakkal.

"We are deeply pained at the recent developments with the Bishop of Jalandhar and the constant attacks by the media on the Church implying that it was trying to cover up this case. This accusation does not correspond to the truth. Church authorities have studied and continue to examine this serious and complex matter.

Card Gracias said that he has "full confidence in the judicial system of our country and calls for prayers for all the people involved.

"We pray for the Church in India. We pray for unity. We pray that the Gospel values become more and more [like a] moving spirit for our life and our work." (NC)
Ahmedabad, Oct 1 (PTI) The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Monday nabbed a man who is believed to have played a key role in smuggling a large cache of heroin into the state from Pakistan through the sea route a few months back.

The accused, Arshad Sotta, was arrested from the Indo- Nepal border, said an ATS release here.

Sotta was a key person in smuggling the contraband into Gujarat from Pakistan through a boat, it said.

Sotta, a native of Mandvi in Kutch district, is the fourth accused to be arrested by the ATS in connection with a racket involved in selling heroin smuggled from Pakistan using the sea route.

In August, the ATS had arrested two men - Aziz Abdul Bhagad and Rafiq Adam Sumra - from different parts of Gujarat and seized 5kg of heroin worth Rs 14.84 crore in the international market.

While Sumra was held from Mandvi town in Kutch, Bhagad was nabbed from Salaya, a coastal town in Gir Somnath district.

During the probe, it was revealed Bhagad had brought around 300kg of heroin from Pakistan via the sea route and given a large portion of it to Sumra.

Last month, the ATS nabbed one Nazir Ahmed Thakar from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir.

It was alleged that Thakar, a native of Anantnag in Kashmir, allegedly took delivery of a large amount of heroin from Sumra on the instruction of a Punjab-based drug dealer, identified as Simranjeet, who is still at large.

Sotta's alleged involvement in the drug smuggling racket came to light during the questioning of Sumra, Bhagad and Thakar, said the ATS.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Ahmedabad, Sep 30 (PTI) An international delegation Sunday visited Punsari model village in Gujarat's Sabarkantha district to see ongoing cleanliness and rural development works.

The delegation, comprising members from 60 countries, also visited Gandhi Ashram and Dandi Kutir and attended lunch hosted by Governor O P Kohli at Mahatma Mandir, an official release said.

The 138-member delegation included Uzbekistan deputy prime minister Sukhrob Kholmuradov and ministers from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bolivia, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Chad, Kenya, Ghana, Morocco, South Sudan, Sri lanka, Jordan, Singapore, Vietnam to name a few.

They are in India to participate in the ongoing Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention in Delhi. The event is scheduled to conclude on October 2, the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

In Punsari village, the members visited public health centres and school, and also saw toilets constructed there.

They also enjoyed a digitalised exhibition called "Gandhi to Mahatma" at Dandi Kutir in Gandhinagar, the release said.

Punsari village has undergone a transformation under the panchayat. There has been use of new and advanced technology in education.

The village has wi-fi connection for all people. Efforts have been made for the empowerment of women and increasing security in the village. Some of the facilities provided by the panchayat include local mineral water supply, sewer & drainage project, a healthcare centre, banking facilities and toll-free complaint reception service.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, October 1: A 38-year-old man was shot to death by unknown miscreants in Delhi's Taimoor Nagar area last evening. This has triggered protests in the area. The victim identified as Rupesh was allegedly killed in firing by two unknown men, who were passing by his house. Rupesh's family claimed that he had opposed the sale of drugs in the area and that is why he was attacked. International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2018: Drug Addiction in Children and Adolescents.

Locals have alleged that the drug gang found out about the complainant's identity from the police, which led to widespread protest. A CCTV footage of the incident has gone viral, and it shows two men walking up to Rupesh on a busy street, and shooting him in the chest before walking off.

Delhi: Locals hold protest in Taimoor Nagar after a 38-year-old man was shot dead by unknown miscreants in the area last evening. pic.twitter.com/0J3fBdDdmG  ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2018

Locals resorted to stone-pelting and ruckus, which forced police to use lathi-charge and aerial firing to control the crowd. A few people were also injured in the firing,

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2018 11:05 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
New Delhi, Oct 01: Terming Congress a "national saboteur", Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday claimed that the party has been busy spreading false information about the Centre's possible moves in relation to the private sector company Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Limited (IL&FS). "The Congress Party, for the last few days, has been busy spreading disinformation about the Government's possible moves in relation to the private sector company IL&FS. The Congress is a national saboteur. It party wants to sabotage India's economy by allowing a situation in relation to a company to persist, expand and become unmanageable. It lacks statesmanship and vision." Furthermore, Jaitley published a letter written by Congress leader KV Thomas, which highlighted ways for the government to bail out IL&FS, and suggested assistance using entities like State Bank of India (SBI) and the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). Government May Move NCLT in Mumbai for Management Change.

"A senior Congress leader, Prof. K.V. Thomas, who is a former Union Minister and has been the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, has written to me on 20th September 2018 making such a request. I am enclosing his letter. It demolishes every word that Rahul Gandhi and his coterie have been spreading. It may be advisable for Rahul Gandhi to get some 'words of wisdom' from Prof. K.V. Thomas," he said.

Continuing his tirade against the Gandhi scion, Jaitley asked, "The financial institutions' investment in any company - 'is it a scam' as Rahul Gandhi and his coterie are spreading? Was it a scam in 1987 when the IL&FS was promoted with the Central Bank of India has 50.5 per cent shares and the UTI having 30.5 per cent shares? Was it a scam in 2005 when LIC acquired 15 per cent stake in IL&FS and in March 2006 when it acquired another 11.10 per cent stake in the IL&FS? In fact, LIC further bought 19.34 lakh shares in IL&FS in 2010. Do I start calling all these investments today 'a scam' as per 'the perverted Rahul Gandhi school of thinking?' From where has he invented a proposal of Rs.91, 000 crores investment likely to take place by LIC and SBI in the IL&FS? In fact, it is the section of the Congress leadership which has been urging me to enable investments in the IL&FS and save the company."

Concluding his blog, Jaitley said that the Congress must remember that 'the days of crony capitalism are over.' "The Congress Party must remember that 'the days of crony capitalism are over.' The NDA Government deals with such challenges objectively and professionally," he said. The fresh attack from Jaitley came after the Congress President accused the Prime Minister of bailing out the debt-ridden IL&FS using funds from the SBI and LIC. He had also accused the Prime Minister of working for select "crony capitalists". Debt-Ridden IL&FS Taken Over by Govt, Uday Kotak and GC Chaturvedi to be Part of New Board.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, Oct 1: India and Uzbekistan set an annual bilateral trade target of $1 billion to be achieved within two years and agreed to boost connectivity as the two sides signed 17 agreements across a range of sectors following delegation-level talks led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev here on Monday. The two sides also agreed to further strengthen their Strategic Partnership which will be a boost to India's increasing engagements with Central Asia. "We have agreed to strengthen trade and investment ties and have set a bilateral trade target of $1 billion by 2020," Modi said in a joint address to the media with Mirziyoyev following the the talks. "We have also decided to start negotiations for a preferential trade agreement," he said. India-Uzbekistan bilateral trade stands at around $350 million now and the new target represents a six-fold increase over this. Modi also said that India has decided to extend a line of credit (LoC) of $200 million to Uzbekistan for housing and other social infrastructure projects. Cabinet Approves India-Uzbekistan MoUs in Tourism, Trade.

"Apart from this, we will welcome Uzbekistan's proposals under $800 million line of credit and buyer's credit from Exim Bank," he said. "We have proposed to help Uzbekistan in the areas of space, human resource development and information technology."

Modi said that in Monday's talks, they discussed ways to boost connectivity. In this connection, he stressed on the importance of Chabahar port in Iran that is jointly being developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan. He also expressed gratitude to Uzbekistan for its support in India becoming a member of the Ashgabat Agreement, which seeks to establish an international transport and transit corridor between Iran, Oman, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, earlier this year. Uzbek President to Arrive on Sunday on Maiden India Visit.

"We are happy that Uzbekistan has agreed to be a part of the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC)," he said. The INSTC is a 7,200-km-long multi-modal network of ship, rail and road routes for moving freight between India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe. Modi said that during the talks, both sides shared their vision and plans to further strengthen the Strategic Partnership that they share. The India-Uzbekistan relationship was elevated to that of a Strategic Partnership during the visit of then Uzbek President Islam Karimov to India in 2011.

"Meaningful discussions were also held on regional issues of importance that are linked to our security, peace, prosperity and cooperation," Modi said. He said that both sides also agreed to deepen cooperation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisatin (SCO) and other international forums.

India was made a member of the SCO, a Eurasian inter-governmental organisation, last year. In terms of defence cooperation, the Prime Minister said that India and Uzbekistan discussed joint military exercises and military education and training among other areas. Stating that both India and Uzbekistan seek a secure and prosperous external environment, he said that a stable, democratic, inclusive and prosperous Afghanistan will be beneficial for the whole region.

"We also discussed issues of e-visa, tourism, academic exchanges and air connectivity," Modi said. On his part, Mirziyoyev said that the India-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership is very important for Tashkent's foreign policy. He said that Uzbekistan supports India's bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council. "We discussed the fight against terrorism, extremism, and narcotics trafficking," the Uzbek President said. "We are very concerned about the conflict in Afghanistan and feel that the only solution is a dialogue between the Afghan government and the opposition." India Will Help Uzbekistan Set Up Technology Parks: Ravi Shankar Prasad.

Following the talks, 17 agreements were signed between the two sides, including in the areas of tourism, military training, law and justice, agriculture, science and innovation, health, and pharmaceuticals. Earlier in the day, Mirziyoyev was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also called on the visiting dignitary and discussed cooperation in trade and investment, development cooperation, education, renewable energy, connectivity and tourism. The Uzbek President arrived here on Sunday on his first official visit to India since assuming office in 2016.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2018 05:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
New Delhi, October 1: The government expects the nation's first compressed bio-gas (CBG) plant to become operational within the current quarter of the fiscal, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Monday.

"We expect the SATAT plan to be working fully inside of the next three months and the first CBG plant to be operational within this quarter itself," Pradhan said while launching the Centre's Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) initiative designed to benefit both vehicle users as well as farmers and entrepreneurs.

"Our aim is that the cleaner green fuel CBG replaces LNG (liquefied natural gas) for use in households, as well as in transportation," he added.

The event organisers, state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) IOC, BPCL and HPCL, announced the call inviting expression of interest from potential entrepreneurs to set up CBG production plants to market the clean fuel for vehicular use. PM Narendra Modis Video Explaining Method of Making Tea from Gutter Gas Goes Viral: But Is He Entirely Wrong?

Under the initiative, CBG plants are proposed to be set up mainly through independent entrepreneurs.

A Petroleum Ministry release said the 1,500-strong compressed natural gas (CNG) stations network in the country currently serve about 32 lakh gas-based vehicles.

"The Working Group on Biofuels, set up under the National Policy on Biofuels 2018, is in the process of finalising a pan-India pricing model for compressed bio-gas," it said

"The entrepreneurs would be able to separately market the other by-products from these plants, including bio-manure, carbon-dioxide, etc. to enhance returns on investment."

Noting that OMCs have decided to pay a higher procurement price for CBG than they currently pay for domestic natural gas, Pradhan asked the state-run companies in oil and gas to jointly devise a production offtake guarantee plan for CBG entrepreneurs.

"It is planned to roll out 5,000 CBG plants across India in a phased manner, with 250 plants by the year 2020, 1,000 plants by 2022 and 5,000 plants by 2025. These plants are expected to produce 15 million tonnes of CBG per annum, which is about 40 per cent of the current CNG consumption of 44 million tonnes," the Ministry said.

"At an investment of around Rs. 1.7 lakh crore, this initiative is expected to generate direct employment for 75,000 people and produce 50 million tonnes of bio-manure for crops."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2018 03:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
by Mathias Hariyadi

For Fr Banu Kurnianto, director of Caritas Indonesia, an on-the-spot assessment is needed to establish what kind of emergency measures should be taken. Catholic staff and volunteers are closely working with the dioceses of Manado and Makassar. The Catholic Doctor Community is also involved on the ground. The Church of the Sacred Heart of Mary in Palu has suffered damages.

Jakarta (AsiaNews)  Indonesias Catholic Church is involved in providing relief to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami that devastated the island of Sulawesi. To fund this effort, the Church has launched a fundraising campaign.

Fr Banu Kurnianto, director of Caritas Indonesia (Karina Kwi), told AsiaNews that two of his aides have already left Makassar (South Sulawesi) for Palu, capital of Central Sulawesi province and epicentre of the disaster.

"As we all know, in some areas the telephone is out of service and this makes contacts with our officials on the ground difficult, said the priest from the Archdiocese of Semarang (Central Java)

At present, "an on-the-spot assessment is needed to establish what kind of emergency measures should be taken, Fr Kurnianto stressed.

Currently, Caritas is working closely with its partners in the Diocese of Manado (North Sulawesi) and the Archdiocese of Makassar (South Sulawesi).

The latter authorised its Socio-Economic Development Commission (PSE Komisi) to open a bank account to raise funds for the victims of the tragedy.

Located in the middle of the island of Sulawesi, Palu can be reached from both cities, but the journey by land is complicated, as the quake and its aftershocks have caused the collapse of the main bridges.

Caritas is monitoring the situation and has organised a meeting to coordinate matters with the PSE Commission in Manado and the Archdiocese of Makassar. Both ecclesiastical districts are very close to the affected area.

A rescue team from Makassar is now in Mamuju (West Sulawesi) to meet volunteers. It will soon reach Palu and will make the first evaluations.

The PSE Commission in the Diocese of Manado will send staff and volunteers to work with colleagues from Makassar.

They will be joined by members of the dioceses Catholic Doctor Community, which will provide medical assistance and supplies.

Caritas is also working and sharing information with CRS Indonesia, Humanitarian Forum Indonesia (HFI) and other humanitarian organisations.

In Palu, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Mary, located in the heart of the city, was among the buildings damaged by the earthquake.

The parish priest, Fr Johanis Salaki MSC, told AsiaNews that "the building has cracks on the walls, especially on the balcony" (pictures 2, 3, 4). Immediately after the earthquake, hundreds of people found refuge in the parish.

"The number of temporary refugees goes sharply up in the evening when people return from inspecting their homes," the priest said.

Local sources report that the St Paul Church was also affected but without significant damage.
Mumbai, October 1: The Maharashtra government has dropped FIRs against 85-year old Sambhaji Bhide, a right-wing Hindutva leader Sambhaji Bhide alias Guruji in connection with the Bhima Koregoan Violence, a tweet by CNN News 18 informed. According to reports, the Devendra Fadnavis-led government withdrew at least six rioting cases against the right-wing activist on Sunday. Apart from Bhide, the state government has also withdrawn cases against hundreds of his workers. However, Pune SP Sandeep Patil was quoted by ANI saying that no charges against Sambhaji Bhide and others have been removed so far in Bhima Koregaon violence case. Patil added that the investigation is still in progress.

Sambhaji Bhide has been in news for instigating violence with his provocative speeches. Bhide, who is the head of Shri Shiv Pratishthan, alleged that the roots of the riots lay in the 'Yalgar Parishad' (conference) organised by various groups on 31 December in Pune. On the complaint of Anita Salve, a 39-year-old social worker, an FIR was registered in Pimpri police station claiming that she had seen members of organisations led by Bhide and Ekbote participating in the violence in Bhima Koregaon. Bhima Koregaon Case: Supreme Court Says 'Can't Stifle Democracy at Altar of Conjecture', to Resume Hearing on Thursday.

According to reports, the information was revealed in an RTI report. The information adds that several cases registered against BJP and Shiv Sena workers have also been withdrawn by the government. Bhide is no stranger to controversy. In 2008, he had led the protests against Ashutosh Gowariker's historical romance film Jodhaa Akbar and was booked for ransacking theatres and halting the movie screenings. Bhima Koregaon Case: Supreme Court Extends House Arrest of Five Accused Till September 19 After Heated Arguments in Courtroom.

The information revealed by the RTI informed that at least eight circulars were issued by the Maharashtra government. the circulars demanded the withdrawal of cases registered against right-wing activist Sambhaji Bhide, political leaders belonging to BJP and Shiv Sena and hundreds of their party workers.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2018 10:42 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
New Delhi, Oct 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary. He is scheduled to attend programmes on sanitation and renewable energy.

As per the statement issued by the Prime Minister, he would be paying floral tributes at Rajghat -- marking the launch of Mahatma's 150th birth anniversary commemoration. Modi is later scheduled to attend the closing session of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention (MGISC) at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. Mahatma Gandhi Quotes: Celebrate Gandhi Jayanti 2018 With These Inspirational Sayings By The 'Father of The Nation.

MGISC has been a 4-day international conference that has brought together Sanitation Ministers and other leaders in WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) from around the world.

"At this event, the Prime Minister will visit a mini Digital Exhibition. He will be accompanied by the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres. From the dais, the dignitaries will launch commemorative postage stamps on Mahatma Gandhi, and a medley CD based on Mahatma Gandhis favourite hymn  'Vaishnav Jan'," the statement read.

The Swachh Bharat Awards will also be distributed on this occasion. The Prime Minister will address the gathering.

Later in the day, Modi will inaugurate the first Assembly of the International Solar Alliance at Vigyan Bhawan. The same event will also mark the inauguration of the second IORA Renewable Energy Ministerial Meeting, and the 2nd Global RE-Invest (Renewable Energy Investors Meet and Expo). The Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres, will also be present on the occasion.

(With PIB inputs)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 02, 2018 12:16 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
New Delhi, Sep 30: The Pakistani helicopter that violated Indian airspace on Sunday in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch sector was carrying the so-called prime minister of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) Raja Farooq Haider Khan, reported news agency Reuters. Reports in Pakistani media also said that Khan was on the chopper.

Khan was preparing to land in the Tarori area when the Indian Army began shooting, according to Pakistani media channel Aaj News. The chopper that was carrying Khan was spotted in Indian airspace around 12:10 pm on Sunday. The helicopter withdrew into Pakistani territory after Indian troops fired at it with small arms. Islamabad has so far not reacted to the incident.

In video footage, accessed by news agency ANI, a white chopper can be seen breaching the Indian airspace and violating international conventions to illegally enter the Indian boundaries near the Line of Control (LoC). The incident of a Pakistani chopper violating Indian airspace further fray ties between the two countries.

#WATCH A Pakistani helicopter violated Indian airspace in Poonch sector of #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/O4QHxCf7CR  ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2018

Following the incident, Khan said that his helicopter was unarmed, but called for calm. "We do not want any war hysteria in this region," he reportedly said. The incident a day after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York, raised the issue of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

The demon of terrorism now stalks the world, at a faster pace somewhere, a slower pace elsewhere, but life-threatening everywhere. In our case, terrorism is bred not in some faraway land, but across our border to the west. Our neighbours expertise is not restricted to spawning grounds for terrorism; it is also an expert in trying to mask malevolence with verbal duplicity, said Swaraj.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 30, 2018 11:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Bengaluru, Oct 1: Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Monday questioned as to why Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government did not protect the interests of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in the Rafale deal, if the Congress, as accused by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, was responsible for the deal not going to the public sector company. Speaking to ANI, Kumaraswamy said: "Nirmala Sitharaman shifted the blame on Congress for the contract not going to HAL, then why this government takes this kind of decisions? They have all the powers, they could have given this order to HAL and protected the interests of HAL. Why didn't they do so?" Sitharaman had accused the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for not concluding the Rafale deal in time and in the process HAL, which is under the Defence ministry, was out of the multimillion deal. HAL May Have Lost Rafale Deal as It Quoted 2.57 Times More Man-hours Than Dassault, Says Union Minister Babul Supriyo.

She had also pointed out that Dassault, the company that makes Rafale, and HAL, which is under the Defence ministry, could not agree on several terms during their negotiations in the previous government. She had said that it was the UPA government's responsibility to create conducive atmosphere to help a pact between HAL and Dassault. On September 28, Congress president Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of choosing the Reliance Defence over state-run HAL to benefit businessman Anil Ambani.

The Rafale controversy has heated up in past recent weeks, with the opposition targeting the BJP-led central government over irregularities in pricing in the deal. The controversy took a new turn after former French President Francois Hollande stated on September 22 that Reliance Defence was nominated by the Indian government to partner with Dassault Aviation for the deal. The deal for 36 ready-to-fly Rafale jets was signed in September 2016 between former defence minister Manohar Parrikar and his French counterpart Jean Yves Le Drian following intense negotiations.

In January 2016 following the bilateral meeting between former French President Franois Hollande and Prime Minister Modi, the two sides had announced signing of Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA). The much-talked about Rafale deal was under negotiation during the UPA government's time too. However, the negotiations did not conclude. Rahul Gandhi Has Become 'Emperor of Lies', Says UP Minister Sidharth Nath Singh.
October 1 is celebrated as International Coffee Day to promote coffee as a beverage across the world. The day is also to raise awareness about sustainable coffee cultivation and fair trade practices in the coffee industry. International Coffee Day was first celebrated was launched on October 1, 2015, by the International Coffee Organization in Milan. Coffee shops and popular coffee outlets have different offers and discounts on this day. Did you know these amazing health benefits of coffee?

While addiction to coffee can cause health issues, drinking the beverage appropriately also comes with health benefits. It is said to boost heart functions in the elderly and also help reduce the chances of prostate cancer. Coffee can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and also liver cirrhosis. Meanwhile, coffee lovers have taken to social media expressing their love for their favourite drink. Mushroom Coffee, a New Caffeine Fad With Health Benefits?

Tata Starbucks in India is celebrating International Coffee Week this year with coffee-forward experiences and special promotions across its stores. Beginning October 1, International Coffee Week will be celebrated across all Starbucks stores in India from October 1 to 7, 2018. Three countries of the world USA, France, Germany consume 65 per cent of the world's coffee. Reasons Why Coffee is Good for You! Study Suggests Coffee Can Help You Live Longer

According to legends, Ethiopian circa shepherds discovered coffee in 800 A.D. It is said to be the second most commodity traded on earth. Around 40 percent of the world's coffee is produced in Brazil while the second and third place is held by Colombia and Vietnam. Coffee was earlier consumed as berries and wine were also made from its pulp. In history, there have been five attempts to ban coffee for various reasons.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2018 12:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Beijing, Oct 1: China wants to continue building its friendship and deepen cooperation with the Maldives, President Xi Jinping has said in its congratulatory note to the country's newly elected President Ibrahim Solih, who ousted pro-Beijing Abdulla Yameen in general election. Solih, who was sent the message by Xi on Sunday as reported by the state-run Xinhua news agency, is the leader of the Maldivian Democratic Party that has been critical of the Chinese projects and deals signed under Yameen who was said to have drifted from traditional ally India to China. "China is willing to work with the Maldives to continue to cement their friendship and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields to better benefit the people of both countries," Xi said in his message. He said he highly values the development of China-Maldives relations and was willing to join hands with Solih to lift the comprehensive friendly cooperative partnership between the two countries to a new level. FOCAC Beijing Summit 2018: Chinese President Xi Jinping to Showcase BRI in Beijing.

The election of Solih is bound to worry China as his party had raised objections to the Free Trade Agreement signed between Yameen and Beijing. The 1,000-page document was rushed through in the Maldivian Parliament at lightning speed without any debate. Last week, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Beijing hoped that Male will stick to the pact and create an enabling environment for Chinese companies. It also chided Maldives former President Mohamed Nasheed for slandering Beijing.

The deal, said to be in favour of China, is yet to become operational. Located in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes in the India Ocean, the archipelago is strategically important to China which has invested heavily in the country. This has worried India, which suspects that Chinese investment is mainly to encircle India in the Indian Ocean.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2018 06:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Mogadishu, Oct 1: At least two people were killed when a suicide car bomb struck an EU mission convoy in the Somali capital on Monday, officials said. Abdikadir Abdirrahman, Director of Amin Ambulances, told Xinhua news agency that emergency crew transported four injured people and two bodies. The blast occurred near the Somali Defence Ministry where a convoy of Italian troops was passing by. The police said no member of the Italian troops were killed or injured. Witnesses reported seeing huge plume of smoke rising over the place. "It was so huge. We learnt that foreign troops were targeted. Somali forces arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area," said one eyewitness. Suicide Bomb Attack in Somalia Government Office, 3 Soldiers Killed 14 Injured.

Militant group Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack. The Italian Defence Ministry reportedly said that no Italian soldiers were hurt in the strike.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2018 08:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
by Chao Mien

Four years after the movement that called for universal suffrage, disappointment reigns in the former British colony among the participants in the protests that ended in failure. Catholics gather to pray and denounce the worsening political situation.

Hong Kong (AsiaNews)  Participants in the Occupy Central movement gathered last Friday to mark the fourth anniversary of the start of street protests on 28 September 2014 that paralysed central areas of the city.

Although frustrated by the lack of progress in their demand for more democracy, they are still confident that they must continue the battle.

Catholics in the former British colony  who played a crucial role in what was dubbed the "umbrella revolution" in favour of universal suffrage  also commemorated the anniversary with prayers, hoping to overcome what they call a difficult political situation".

More than 3,000 people came together on Friday at the Admiralty, the hub of the protest movement four years ago, which failed because of Beijing's refusal to accept the protesters' demands.

At the same location, the Yellow Umbrella Christian Base Community, a Catholic-led group established during Occupy, held a Mass.

People who participated the movement gathered once again in front of the Central Government Office of Hong Kong, to express our voice on democracy and justice, said the organiser.

The Communist authority in Beijing continues to violate many human rights given to the people in Hong Kong by the Basic Law, he added, noting that the political situation in Hong Kong is getting worse.

Fr Franco Mella, of PIME, and Fr Stephen Chan, OFM, celebrated the Mass. Card Joseph Zen Ze-kiun was among the approximately 50 Catholics who took part in the service.

I have no regrets about participating in the Umbrella movement. I would do the same if I could choose again, said Gregory Lo Cheuck-fung, 24, a young Catholic.

Lo was a member of the executive committee of the Hong Kong Federation of Catholic Students, which was involved in the street protests.

Maybe because of the Umbrella Movement, the Chinese Communist Party sped up its takeover of Hong Kong in the past four years. It is getting worse, a disappointed Lo lamented.

Lo, who is a member of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Diocese of Hong Kong (HKJP), is now a teacher. He is convinced of the importance of educating his students to the truth.

It is very hard for me for me to teach the nonsense promoted by the government, like national education on the Chinese flag, he said. However, "Students are my hope, he goes on to say. We have to keep proclaiming what we should say and do what we should do.

For HKJP executive secretary Lina Chan, Hong Kongs process of democratisation has not only stopped, but it has actually gone backward.

"The local government, with the help of the central authorities, has disqualified some elected lawmakers. The Legislative Council has adopted laws that are opposed by public opinion.
Oct 1, 2018, 4:01am ET

Body-on-frame Nissan SUV not US-bound

The SUV wasn't designed with the American market in mind.

The widespread rumors that claimed Nissan would sell the pickup-based Terra (pictured) in the United States as a successor to the Xterra were false. Company officials explained the SUV simply wasn't developed with the American market in mind so selling it here is more difficult than putting it on a boat and printing market-specific sales brochures.

"Currently, that is out of our scope," replied Hironori Awano, the Terra's chief engineer, when asked by Automotive News about the possibility of selling the model in the United States. He conceded it's right-sized for the American market but added it's not the right model to help Nissan surf the SUV wave.

"The U.S. market is one of the toughest, not just because of crash tests but also because of customers expectations," he explained. Masato Takahashi, the Terra's lead designer, told Automotive News that his team focused on emerging markets, not America. The SUV won't pass a U.S. crash test without costly modifications and it may not suit the tastes of the average SUV buyer.

That doesn't mean Nissan won't replace the Xterra sooner or later. The Xmotion concept introduced at the 2018 Detroit auto show loosely previewed what the firm's 4Runner rival could look like if it ever happens. Michael Bunce, Nissan's senior vice president of product planning, said in 2017 that his team is "very, very closely looking" at the Xterra's segment as a way to lure millennial men into showrooms.

Until that happens, buyers who dream of exploring the great outdoors in a body-on-frame Nissan SUV will need to move to China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, or one of the other markets in which the Terra is sold.
Oct 1, 2018, 10:07am ET

Canada, US reach last-minute deal to reform NAFTA

The new pact will be known as the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Negotiators from the US and Canada finally reached a deal to replace NAFTA with a new trilateral trade pact known as the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA).

"Late last night, our deadline, we reached a wonderful new Trade Deal with Canada, to be added into the deal already reached with Mexico," President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter. "It is a great deal for all three countries, solves the many deficiencies and mistakes in NAFTA, greatly opens markets to our Farmers and Manufacturers, reduces Trade Barriers to the US and will bring all three Great Nations together in competition with the rest of the world."

The new deal is said to provide more access for US dairy products in Canada, while automakers may find it more expensive to continue building vehicles in Mexico.

More details of the agreement could be announced today during Trump and Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's respective press conferences.
Hank and George are back at work, pulling the eastern United States' last-operating mule-drawn canal boat, according to the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.

The Percheron mules were on a two-month hiatus with the canal in Easton drained to allow for repair of an important stormwater culvert. Canal boat rides have resumed for autumn weekends, the National Heritage Corridor announced.

The city began the $200,000 canal project in July, and it took longer than expected because of the summer's higher-than-average rainfall, city Public Works Director David Hopkins said.

Easton had a contractor repair an arched stone culvert that was built around the start of the 20th century. It funnels stormwater from a large portion of the city's South Side into the Lehigh River. Crews were delayed by high river flows and when rainwater was draining through the culvert, according to Hopkins.

"The canal was drained because it had been leaking back into the pipe," he said Monday.

Starting Monday, Oct. 1, the heritage corridor's National Canal Museum switches to seasonal hours and the Josiah White II canal boat rides run on weekends only. The museum also offers boat and bike rentals, an outdoor park with playgrounds and educational exhibits.

"We are so grateful that our members and visitors can again enjoy rides on the canal boat, which plays a critical part in the D&L's educational programming," Elissa Garofalo, executive director of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, said in announcing the return of canal boat rides. "The repairs took longer than expected, with an especially rainy summer season, but it's better than ever."

The public is invited to celebrate the reopening during "Canal Appreciation Month." Guests at Hugh Moore Park can receive the corridor's 30th anniversary mug or water bottle. Special events this month include a Dinner on the Canal Celtic Culture Night, a dinner boat cruise that was rescheduled from summer to Oct. 13. Blackwater will be performing their high-energy brand of Celtic music along with a Celtic-themed dinner, organizers say.

Also, families are in for spooky fun at Haunted Hugh Moore Park on Oct. 19, 20, 26 and 27. Visit canals.org for more information.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
The Pasdaran have launched ballistic missile over an area "east of the Euphrates River". The attack would have caused several "dead and wounded" among the militia. For the third time in a year Tehran has launched ballistic missiles outside its borders. No comment from the Syrian government.

Tehran (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The Guardians of the revolution in Iran launched missiles against extremist groups in the eastern sector of Syria this morning, in response to the bloody attack in late September at the military parade in Ahvaz, in the southwest of the country, where 29 people died.

Referring to the attack, Iranian state television and the official Iran agency underline that the Pasdaran "killed and wounded" militia in Syria "east of the Euphrates River", without providing further details on the operation.

At the moment there are no comments from the Syrian front. Together with Moscow, Iran is President Bashar al-Assad's main ally in the context of the conflict. In recent years it has sent hundreds of soldiers and means to support the government army.

The military operation carried out today by the Pasdaran throws further confusion and uncertainty on the perpetrators of the attack on the military parade on 22 September, which caused dozens of dead and wounded.

At first Tehran had pointed the finger at the Arab separatists, who a few hours later claimed responsibility for the gesture by providing details on the identity of one of the assailants.

Soon after, the announcement of the Islamic State militias (IS, ex Isis) also arrived, and through one of the official communication channels (the Amaq website) they claimed responsibility for the operation. In reality, the details provided by the Caliphate jihadists regarding the operation proved to be false.

In recent days, Tehran reported the arrest of at least 22 people in response to the attack.

In a statement released on its Sepah News website, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards refer to the launch of "numerous ballistic missiles" in an area east of the Euphrates in Syria. The Pasdaran also released a series of images to confirm the attack.

For the third time in the last period Iran has carried out a military operation, which involves the launch of ballistic missiles, outside its borders: last year Tehran had attacked extremist groups in Syria, after the attack in the capital on Parliament and the mausoleum of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. In September the launch of missiles in Iraq, against the base of an Iranian Kurdish separatist group; the toll from that attack was 11 dead and 50 wounded.
On the day he was to stand trial for murder, Dennis Maurice Long took a plea deal that will make him eligible for parole after spending four years in prison.

The 53-year-old Lower Mount Bethel Township man pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter on Monday morning. He was immediately sentenced to four to eight years in prison by Northampton County Judge Jennifer Sletvold.

The Longs' trailer is among these buildings.

Assistant District Attorney John Obrecht confirmed the sentence and the plea deal but had no comment beyond that.

Long was accused of fatally shooting his stepson, 26-year-old Ryan Boomer, in a dispute over Boomer's lack of employment, according to police.

Long maintains he didn't kill Boomer and that the gun went off by accident during a struggle. His lawyer, Ed Andres, said a ballistic expert tested the gun and it fired without the trigger being pulled. That type of rifle, a Remington Model 700, is known to have trouble with the trigger mechanism, according to Andres' expert.

"It's the type of thing that could go off during a struggle," Andres said.

By pleading no contest, Long admitted only that prosecutors had enough evidence to convict him of voluntary manslaughter. He did not admit guilt, although the plea is treated the same as a guilty plea for sentencing purposes.

Andres said the plea deal will allow Long "a chance at parole and an opportunity to resume his life."

Pennsylvania state police trooper Christopher Smith previously testified that Boomer, Long and his wife, Lori Long, had been drinking alcohol Oct. 21, 2017, at the Long's mobile home on Little Creek Road. They argued and fought, and then Lori Long took Boomer away to cool off, Smith said.

Smith said Boomer went back to get Lori Long's glasses when another fight ensued and the gun went off. A sobbing Dennis Long crawled out of the trailer after that, witnesses testified at the preliminary hearing.

"He's someone who has never been proud of what happened that night," Andres said. "He does mourn the loss of his stepson."

At the preliminary hearing, neighbor Lisa Diehl said she ran from the trailer next door, came upon Dennis Long and then ran inside to help Boomer.

"He was shot in the heart. I couldn't save him. There was no way," she said.

Diehl also said Dennis Long claimed Ryan Boomer "hurt him" immediately prior to the shooting.

He blamed Lori Long and Ryan Boomer for an injury under his eye he suffered that night, according to Smith, the state trooper.

"It was difficult to pin him down for one story as to what occurred," Smith said of Dennis Long.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
John Hann's decision to kill his cousin wasn't a spontaneous one, according to a Northampton County judge.

It was deliberate and premeditated, according to Judge Craig Dally.

So the 62-year-old Bushkill Township man was found guilty Monday of first-degree murder for killing his cousin, Joseph Mullner, and attempting to kill his cousin's wife, Melinda Mullner.

"I find the degree of knowledge, preparation and control demonstrates you were very much able to form the specific intent necessary to kill the Mullners," Dally told Hann.

Hann gave up his right to a jury trial and instead agreed to a degree-of-guilt hearing presided over by Dally. He did so to avoid the death penalty, prosecutors previously said.

The first-degree murder conviction carries a mandatory life sentence. A third-degree conviction would have allowed Hann a chance at parole. Hann will be sentenced Nov. 20.

Four rows behind the prosecutors were full of friends and family of the Mullners. Some gasped with relief and a few cheered when Dally rendered his decision. Testimony started Monday, Sept. 24, and wrapped up Monday, Oct. 1, with Dally's decision.

"It was important, very important to the Commonwealth and for the victim's family that they be told by a fact finder that this was intentional, which is why we took this week-long hearing," First Assistant District Attorney Terence Houck said.

Attorney Gary Asteak argued Hann should be found guilty of third-degree murder because Hann was paranoid and delusional and didn't intend on killing Mullner when he went to his home Oct. 4, 2017.

Asteak said Hann feared relatives were after his money. He was sole caretaker for his sister, Mary Lou, who has Down Syndrome. Hann feared relatives wanted to take her away from him, Asteak said.

"I've been struggling with this only because I recognize there's a thin line between madness and sanity. What does it take for an otherwise good man to completely break?" Asteak said, adding, "I'm not quite sure any man is quite capable of defining that line."

Houck convinced Dally the murder was premeditated. Hann changed his estate plans shortly before the murder, Dally said. The judge noted that Hann didn't normally carry guns, but brought two of them to the Mullners' home in Lehigh Township.

He shot Joseph Mullner him 18 times, according to Assistant District Attorney Rebecca Kulik. When Mullner fled, Hann pursued him through the home and shot him again outside, the judge said.

He also shot Melinda Mullner and the Mullners' dog, according to testimony. Melinda Mullner testified she played dead so Hann wouldn't keep shooting her and kill her. Hann pleaded guilty to attempted murder and cruelty to animals for those shootings.

"The evidence was overwhelming," Houck said. "His conduct was just so repetitive and so brutal that I just couldn't see it going any other way. I'd just like to thank the judge for seeing it the way the Commonwealth saw it."

The shootings were witnessed by Han's sister, police said. Hann brought her to the Mullners' home, then brought her when he fled to his late parents' home in Bethlehem Township, police said. Police pulled him over the next morning while a three-hour standoff ensued, during which Hann threatened to kill himself while he was with his sister in his truck, police said.

Asteak tried to pursue a "diminished capacity" defense, but the judge ruled Hann was sane enough to know better than to commit the crime. Asteak called Hann a good man overcome by his demons.

"Why do good men do bad things?" Asteak asked. "Don't we all have a breaking point, and where is it? Do we know we're there when we get there? He didn't. He pulled the trigger and he paid for it."

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
When I was stationed in South Korea in the 1960s, I was an E5 in charge of 12 Morse Code intercept operators. One was a heavy drinker and often got loaded, but it never interfered with his job performance.

One night, in town, I happened to be in a bar where he was. He was totally drunk and began harassing a young bar girl, pressing against her. Her boyfriend tried to stop him and the airman punched the young man.

I immediately got him out of there, got a cab and managed to get him into bed and told his roommates to watch him. He was very combative. The next morning I confronted him; he had absolutely no memory of the night before. I cautioned him about the consequences of his actions, including loss of his security clearance. I also interviewed his roommates. They confirmed when he got really drunk he had no memory of what he did.

He came to mind when I watched Bret Kavanaugh testify. I can easily imagine him being drunk, doing what Christine Blasey Ford alleged and not remembering anything. His friend, Mark Judge, was allegedly in the room when Ford was assaulted and has agreed to cooperate with the FBI. I'm sure his lawyer has advised him to tell the truth or face serious jail time.

He may testify that Kavanaugh did what he was accused of doing and doesn't remember it. That's the only reason I can think why both seemed so credible. If so, he shouldn't be a judge of any kind.



Ron Pizarie

East Allen Township
A new fundraising initiative is underway to help fund the second phase of renovation work on the Tenakill House Restoration project.

The house in Raheen fame rests in the fact that it was the family home of the most famous family of Laois patriots the Lalors.

The best known is James Fintan Lalor who was an inspiration to many who fought for Irish freedom. The family also have strong links to Australia where they played a big role in Australia fight for independence.

A team of specialists moved on to the site on Monday, September 10 and began erecting scaffolding with restoration work commencing the following day.

We are delighted with this progress. We have set out a plan to undertake a certain aspect of the restoration each year and that way the project will not be too daunting. If you were to have the entire project in mind the whole time it could be self-defeating but bit by bit it will be completed said Kevin Lalor- Fitzpatrick, Chairperson of the Tenakill Restoration Committee.

He said he was greatly encouraged by the interest of Laois County Council in the project and the grant assistance which the council has given the committee over the past two years.

Catherine Casey, the Councils Heritage Officer has been of great assistance to the committee not only through the grant allocations but also with her expert knowledge of similar projects throughout the country and the skilled companies and their craftsmen who undertake the work, Kevin added.

The first phase of work which was undertaken last year involved putting struts in the window spaces as the lintels and brickwork surround in these areas were both in a state of advanced deterioration and were in danger of collapse at any time and particularly in times of storms involving high winds and heavy rain.

The phase which is now commencing will see the removal and replacement of the damaged brickwork and lintels.

This is a time consuming and very difficult, delicate and intricate type of work and of course it is also very expensive added Mr Lalor-Fitzpatrick.

The company undertaking the task is Heritage from Dovea, Co. Tipperary headed up by Patrick (Noel) Ryan. His company has been involved in the restoration of some of the most historic landmarks in Ireland such as The Rock of Cashel, Roscrea Castle, Damer House in Roscrea and the Famine Warhouse 1848 which was the scene of the Young Irelanders attempt to stage of bloodless revolution to overthrow British rule in Ireland.

The brothers, James Fintan, Richard and Peter Lalor were involved in this abortive event and James Fintan was consequently incarcerated in jails in Nenagh and Dublin for a total of six months.

We are delighted to have secured this contract on what must be one of the most historic homes ever in Ireland from a nationalist perspective and certainly when completed it will give Co Laois a structure and a tourist attraction of which the county can be immensely proud, said Mr Ryan.

The house will certainly be the envy of many counties because of its uniqueness from both a historical and architectural aspect. It is a Georgian structure which I believe will be 250 years old in 2020.

But it has a history that is unique in that it produced a father and three sons who had a huge impact not only on the history of Ireland but on the history of Australia and the eventual self-government of that continent.

There are not many politicians who can claim such an accolade as playing such a major role in assisting a continent on its way to self-government. It is a great honour and privilege to be selected for the work on this historic house, said Mr Ryan.

Kevin and his wife Mary, current owners of the property, have made a very substantial financial contribution to the restoration project.

Funding for projects like this is always a major headache. There is always the shock element in that unforeseen problems can and will arise, and each and every one of such problems means more costs added Kevin.

At the recent successful open day at Tenakill House, held in conjunction with the National Heritage Councils Heritage Week, a major fundraiser was launched by the newly elected chieftain of the O Leathlobhair (Lalor) clan, Mary Lalor Carmody, who is also Joint Treasurer, with Tom Lawlor, of the Tenakill Lalor House Restoration Committee.

This fundraiser is the Sponsor A Slate initiative in which the Tenakill House Committee is inviting members of the public, small and large businesses, organisations interested in heritage, both at home and abroad, to purchase a slate/slates, for 5 (five Euro) each. Of course, purchasers are not confined to one slate but may purchase as many as they like.

In return for making a contribution, sponsors will receive a special certificate and their contribution to this important restoration event will be recorded in the Roll of Honour which will be on permanent display, for posterity, in Tenakill House when the restoration work is completed.

Slate can be purchased through Paypal to: Tenakillhouserestoration@gmail.com

Alternatively, payment can be made through Bank of Ireland, Portlaoise.

Account Name: Tenakill House Restoration Fund Account No.: 79166416 Sort Code: 90 18 88

The fundraisers say sponsorship would be a nice gift to send to a relative as a Christmas or birthday present and thus have their name enshrined for posterity as helping to restore the most remarkable landmark historic nationalist house in the midlands, if indeed the entire island of Ireland.
The daughter of a Newbridge woman, who was recently given the all clear from cancer after around 18 months of intensive treatments in the US has officially rung the bell at the Texas Childrens Hospital to signify that she is now cancer free.

Shauntelle 'Shan' Tynan from Carlow was getting treatment in the US for a rare form of cancer after people donated over 600,000 last year to fund her journey to the US facility.

She was recently given the all clear from cancer after around 18 months of intensive treatments in Texas has described her experience of the illness as "devastating" but feels proud of herself for staying so positive.

In a post on Facebook last Friday, Team Shan Tynan said: "After what has been an extremely emotional week, we wake up excited for Shan's big day and finally ringing the bell.

"We have waited so long for this day and 3:30pm (9:30 Irish time) cant come quick enough xx We know our Nana will be here in spirit and so proud of how far Shan has come.

"We cant thank you all enough for your support and the incredible Doctors and Nurses at Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers who have got Shan to this point!! You will never know how much you all mean to us.

"Only 3 more weeks and we will be landing on Irish soil and cant wait to be home as a family and see you all.

In a video posted online in the last couple of days, Shan says there were times when she thought she would never get to ring that bell and added: Its something that signifies the end of your cancer journey...and its just an amazing moment.

Theres been so many times in my life where I was sitting having chemo and I was having the worst day ever and Id be watching all these kids ring the bell.

And its just such a huge thing to have to watch so many other kids do and youre always happy for them, but you're always just wishing that was me and I never thought I'd get to ring the bell.

Weve all seen me go through the times where we didnt even know if Id have a future, never mind ring the bell.

Heres Shans full video:

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The Government has no intention of discontinuing the Christmas Bonus, a local Fine Gael TD has said.

Sligo/Leitrim Deputy, Tony McLoughlin said: I can confirm that Minister Doherty has absolutely no intention of discontinuing the Christmas Bonus for any Social Welfare recipient.

I know many people have been concerned in recent days following reports in the media regarding discontinuing the Christmas Bonus.

Some newspapers sought to make waves by suggesting that this was under threat, this is absolutely incorrect.

As is always the case, there is currently no provision for a Christmas bonus in the Department of Social Protection's allocation for 2018, the decision to pay a Christmas Bonus is made at budget time every year.

I was contacted by a number of concerned constituents on this issue and I am happy to be in a position to clarify that the Government has absolutely no intention of discontinuing the Christmas Bonus for any Social Welfare recipient."
Center Parcs bosses have reaffirmed their long held pledge to open the doors to Ireland's biggest private tourism investment by the summer of next year.

Chief Executive Martin Dalby underlined that commitment during a community forum meeting with locals in Ballymahon last week.

It was the UK leisure giant's seventh time to hold such a discussion with members of the public over its plans and progress concerning the 233m Longford Forest.

I'm confident that by the summer of next year we (Center Parcs) will be open, he said.

Mr Dalby was just as self assured when questions were put to him over ongoing works surrounding the extension of the national gas pipeline.

He said talks with senior representatives from Gas Networks Ireland had proved hugely positive in that regard as thoughts turned to putting the finishing touches to the 395 acre site at Newcastle Wood.

A large slice of that focus was directed at two recruitment open days which have been pencilled in for next month (October 12 & 13) at Longford Rugby Club.

It's not the time to bring CVs or anything like that, not yet, added Mr Dalby.

It's about seeing what it's like to work in Center Parcs, seeing the types of jobs, opportunities and career progression that will be on offer.

And to do that, we will be bringing over a team of 30 people from the UK to talk to people and to let them know what it is like to work at Center Parcs.

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Following a grim and unproductive meeting between the British PM and EU heads of state and government at the recent summit in Salzburg, the possibility of a hard or no deal Brexit looks increasingly likely.

In this event, Ireland will suffer disproportionately. According to new figures released today by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI), the impact of a hard Brexit on the drinks and hospitality sector alone could cost the Exchequer as much as 135 million in lost revenue a year.

The estimate was published in a statement, The Economic Impact of Brexit on the Drinks and Hospitality Sector, published by DIGI with supporting analysis by DCU economist Anthony Foley.

The statement updates the 2017 Economic Impact of Brexit on the Drinks and Hospitality Sector Report, authored by Anthony Foley.

The lost revenue would result from a combination of hard Brexit-related factors, including reduced drinks exports to the UK, reduced British tourism, and an increase in cross-border shopping.

Drinks exports to the UK have already decreased, dropping 11% in the first half of 2018 alone. This compounds a decrease of 7% in the period 2015-2017. Many Irish drinks products are dependent or heavily reliant on the British market. More than 70% of all cider exports and 43% of all beer exports are to the UK.

Difficulty accessing the British market due to new tariffs, an increase in wait times at the border, or other costly barriers will eat into the margins of drinks producers, especially micro-breweries and distilleries.

Much of rural Ireland is dependent on tourismwhich in turn is highly dependent on drinks and hospitality businessesfor employment and revenue. The UK is Irelands single biggest tourism market. If a hard Brexit does occur, the value of sterling is likely to drop again, leading to a decrease in the number of British tourists patronising Irish businesses. Between May 2015 and May 2018, the sterling cost of a 1,000 holiday in Ireland increased by approximately 135 (from 721.43 to 877.26).

A more attractive euro-sterling exchange rate could also lead to an increase in cross-border shopping. DIGIs report estimates that if Republic of Ireland citizens travel north of the border to purchase drinks products, businesses and government here could lose out on 60 million worth of expenditure.

Counteracting a hard Brexit

To counteract the effects of a hard Brexit on the drinks and hospitality industry, ahead of Budget 2019, DIGI is calling on the Government to reduce alcohol excise tax.

Ireland has the second-highest level of excise tax on alcohol in the EU. Broken down by category, Ireland has the highest tax on wine, the second highest on beer, and the third highest on spirits.

A reduction in excise will serve as defensive measures in case of a hard or no deal Brexit, freeing up funds for businesses in a more restricted, regulated market while also allowing for continued growth and expansion at home and abroad.

The drinks and hospitality industry has been one of Irelands greatest post-recession success stories, exporting 1.3 billion worth of goods every year. While the number of total manufacturing enterprises has grown by just 1% since 2008, the number of drinks manufacturing enterprises has grown by 105%.

In 2013, there were just four active distilleries in Irelandby the end of the 2018, there will be 25. Irelands micro-breweries have quadrupled in number in the last six years, their turnover increasing from 8 million to 52 million in four years. Collectively, Irelands pubs, off-licences and restaurants have invested millions in new premises, new products and services, and new employees.

However, a hard Brexit in a high excise environment is likely to restrict further growth and jeopardise the future of smaller drinks and hospitality businesses.

Commenting, Rosemary Garth, Chairperson of DIGI and Director of Communications at Irish Distillers, said that while the negative effect of Brexit has been presented in terms of the medium and longer term, were concerned about the immediate and short-term effects which are already being felt by the drinks industry.

"Following last weeks summit in Salzburg, the prospect of a hard or even no deal Brexit is looking increasingly likely. While this will be bad for Ireland overall, it will disproportionately affect certain industries, drinks and hospitality among them.

"A hard Brexit will inevitably lead to reduced revenue, business closures and job losses. In some areas, where the industry is the primary employer, we are looking at the possibility of a recession-type effect, whereby entire communities suffer because of a drop in product exports or tourist numbers.

"To avoid this kind of scenario, the Government needs to make it as easy as possible for drinks and hospitality businesses to trade and grow. A hard Brexit alone is tougha hard Brexit in a market with high excise tax is even tougher. High taxes mean more money is spent covering overheads before anything can be invested in productive outputs, like new premises, new products, or new staff.

"For smaller producers with limited product ranges, a bump up in excise can cost thousands of euros. That is enough to eat into their profit margins and potentially shutter them completely.

"As has so often occurred in this countrys history, when the UK sneezes, Ireland catches a cold. We are asking the Government to boost this industrys immune system now by reducing excise tax on alcohol."

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Homelessness is not normal and with the scale of the housing and homelessness crisis it is more important than ever that we highlight this.

Thousands of men, women and children are now homeless or in fear of losing their home. What is becoming an everyday sight and story must not be normalised. Its time for change. This is unacceptable. If we dont challenge the new normal, then we all risk being complicit with the narrative that this is all normal and will be resolved with time.

From January to July of this year alone the North West Simon Community worked with 38 cases in Leitrim alone  of that 17 were families, 54 children and 21 individual people.

The majority of the cases were Irish nationality. Due to the large number presenting in Co. Leitrim a Simon housing support & advice clinic takes place in The Breffni Resource Centre, Carrick on Shannon every Tuesday from 2-5pm. This has been running for over three years now.

Our housing sector remains in crisis with all elements of it showing signs of being broken and inadequate. The private rented market is failing as a response to tackling the crisis. Social housing construction in recent decades has halted, and mortgage debt and rents have spiralled.

The results have had devastating consequences on the lives of hundreds of thousands of men, women and children in Ireland. People are trapped in emergency accommodation for far too long while many more have no other choice but to share with family and friends, doubling and tripling up, resulting in unsustainable overcrowding.

Still more people join them each month, due to our dysfunctional housing system. While it is welcome that some people are leaving emergency accommodation, others are quickly taking their place.

Large-scale secure, social and affordable housing supply is urgently required to meet the housing needs of the (at least) 86,000 households on the social housing waiting list. Prevention and keeping people in the homes they have, is key to stopping the flow into homelessness.

Those in the private rented sector remain most at risk due to rising rents, dwindling supply and limited security of tenure. Access to safe, affordable and secure housing is a basic need and income should not be a barrier to this. People must not be left to wait any longer we need urgent action now, they need urgent action now.

The Simon Communities have three core solutions, all of which are underpinned by the right to housing:

1. Prevent homelessness and keep people in their homes.

We need to keep people in their homes, preventing homelessness from happening in the first place. Measures are required to prevent homelessness occurring, for those who have an increased risk of homelessness due to crisis situations in their lives, and those that have already been affected by homelessness.

2. Secure social and affordable housing supply

People need the security and safety of their own home. Addressing other issues or problems a person or family may be experiencing in their lives is much more effective when people have a place to call home. Adopting a Housing First approach, where people are housed in the first instance and given the support they need afterwards, is essential.

3. Support in Housing

Addressing other issues or problems a person or family may be experiencing in their lives is much more effective when people have a place to call home. Adopting a Housing First approach, where people are housed in the first instance and given the support they need  support to live independently, clinical support and support toward community integration.

Support in housing is critical to the success of a Housing First approach and is vital to the sustainability of exits from homelessness. It is also an essential part of homelessness prevention work. This support allows people to maintain their tenancies/homes, improve their general health and well-being and seek education and employment opportunities if and when they choose to.

This Simon Week you can sign the petition online, go to www.simon.ie and send a message to the Government that they cant ignore the homeless and housing crisis.

You can support your local Simon Community this week  there is still time to sign up for the Annual Sleep Out in Sligo Town.

Upcoming events include Friday 26th October  Yeats Fine Dining Experience hosted by Damien & Paula Brennan  Tickets from 087 7708865- limited to 50 people, a night not to be missed.

Soup for Simon  Monday 22nd to Sunday 28th October  calling all cafes/restaurants to sign up to donate 1 from every bowl of soup sold this week to the NW Simon Community.

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BRUFF Superintendent Brian Sugrue has urged farmers to ring gardai if they see trespassers on their land and not to approach them.

Cllr Eddie Ryan raised the issue of illegal hunting at last weeks meeting of the joint policing sub-committee for the Cappamore-Kilmallock municipal district. Cllr Ryan said there is major fear amongst Limerick farmers when men with lurchers chasing and killing hares appear on their land.

Cllr Ryan cited the case of a Dublin man who was kicked unconscious this month. He was watching TV with his wife and children when he spotted two men with lurchers walking through his herd of suckler cows along with another two men close by. He got into his jeep and went after them but was attacked by them when he confronting them over trespassing.

Cllr Ryan said this form of hunting is happening across County Limerick. Supt Sugrue said it is trespassing.

Ring us. There is no need to challenge these people. We can deal with it as a trespassing charge, said Supt Sugrue.

Cllr Gerald Mitchell said that while they are on the land with the lurchers they have their eyes on something else. It is believed that the intruders often use hunting as an excuse to gain entry to the land to scout sheds and homes.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Ryan said two well-known families and their associates have divided up the county for their hunting.

One has from Tipperary Town to Knocklong and the other has from Knocklong to Kilmallock. The advice is to keep away from them, said Cllr Ryan.

Hunting hares with lurchers has previously been raised in the Limerick Leader by farmers in the Granagh area. They said that when the trespassers are challenged they have the attitude that we are going in here no matter what.

As well as the land owners feeling intimidated there are serious consequences for their cattle. Neospora - one of the most common causes of bovine miscarriage - can be carried in dog faeces. Heifers can slip their calved due to the stress of dogs running wild. Cattle can run through fences due to being frightened.

IFA deputy president Richard Kennedy, who is from Clarina, said: The hunting of hares is illegal under the Wildlife Act and gangs with their dogs are trespassing on farmlands across the country and when approached by farmers and land owners are met with hostility and in some cases violence.
by Nirmala Carvalho

The Christian sanctuary was built in 1970. Criminals, perhaps Hindu radicals, have installed saffron-colored idols and flags instead of the statue dedicated to Our Lady of Velankanni.

Mumbai (AsiaNews) - Some unknown criminals, in all likelihood radical Hindus, have demolished a grotto with the statue of Our Lady of Velankanni, Sajan K George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), told AsiaNews.

The incident occurred on the night of September 27th in Kulal, near Kolnadu, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The GCIC, on behalf of its president, "condemns the incident and the growing intolerance against the Christian faith and extremism in Karnataka".

What hurts even more the religious feeling of Christians, adds Sajan K George, "is the installation of idols [Hindu] and saffron flags [the color of the nationalists, ed] all around the place where the grotto to Our Lady is found since 1970. The parish priest erected this sanctuary and dedicated the grotto to Our Lady of Valikanni. The criminals have demolished both the grotto and the statue. They also ripped off the entrance gate and took away the poor box. "

The police arrested two people - Jayarama Naika and Monappa Naika - and registered them in the register of suspects for various offenses under the Indian Penal Code. Ravikanthe Gowda, Dakshina District Police Superintendent, has suspended an agent for non-compliance.

In the meantime, a person filed a complaint stating that the grotto to Our Lady was built on disputed land. The leaders of the local Church, however, let it be known that permission to build the place of Christian worship had been granted by the owner of the land. Sajan K George concludes: "In Karnataka religion is often used as an instrument of divisionn, which wants to throw seeds of suspicion and tear the social fabric to create sectarian discord."
THE phenomenal stories which are coming to light in relation to the days before and after Limericks historic All-Ireland final victory are worthy of a research project, according to the Limerick hurling manager John Kiely.

Ive heard a lot of really, really fascinating stories and I think it would be nice to get them all documented and put together in a publication as something to have. I think there is actually a research project there for someone to go and do in terms of bringing together a compilation of all the different stories around the days leading up to the final and post final, said the Galbally native.

The man who guided Limerick to their first All-Ireland title in 45 years was speaking at the Clayton Hotel this week where along with team captain Declan Hannon he accepted the Limerick Person of the Month award for the teams much feted achievement.

Seated on one of the couches in the hotel lobby, the winning manager and captain reminisced on what has been a remarkable few weeks in Limerick's sporting history.

People from different villages and parishes around the county all have their own stories, said John.

We had a couple of guys who had a 1973 Ford Cortina that they drove to Dublin on the day. Four of them set off - four very unlikely characters setting off to the All-Ireland, a Tipp man and three Galbally men, he smiled. They struck for Croke Park and they had to get a van to come back to take two of them because the car was struggling a bit. They still managed to get the car to Dublin, drive it up OConnell Street and out to Croke Park. And there is a hell of a lot more to that story that I dont know but they know, he laughed.

Declan, who had the honour of being the first Limerick man since Eamonn Grimes to life aloft the Liam MacCarthy Cup in the Hogan stand, is taking great satisfaction from the boost the win has given the people of the county and city.

There is a lady in Adare, Mrs Kennedy, she used to go to all the matches and I remember calling down to her after the All-Ireland final and she just burst into tears, she was so delighted. Its great for those kind of people who are real, genuine supporters who have been following Limerick through thick and thin.

The reaction to the Liam MacCarthy cup, Declan says, is remarkable.

If you put it on the table there, there could be a 1,000 people gathered around in 20 minutes. Its been a lifetime of waiting - 45 years so everybody wants to touch the cup and get their picture with the cup and were delighted the cup is going around to all the schools and colleges and clubs - theyll all get a piece of it, eventually.

While many supporters have had the chance to re-watch the final umpteen times, John and Declan have yet to sit down on their own and dissect the action.

In the immediate aftermath of the final John was struck down with a chest infection and since then the father-of-two who is principal of The Abbey School in Tipperary has been on the go, non -stop.

We were running hard for the guts of two years without stopping to pause and when the final was over then and we had a few days at home I suppose the system kind of crashes a little bit,  John said of the unfortunate chest infection.

I had a few of my friends at home who came back to the house after the homecoming in Galbally and we had a few drinks and sat down and watched the match in the sitting room. We had right craic, great fun, couldnt get them to get out of the house then, that was the problem, he smiled.

Declan, meanwhile, has earmarked Christmas Day as D-Day to sit down on the sofa and press play.

Its the same as John, I havent had the time to watch it. Any evening Ive had off, Ive fallen asleep on the couch. You are trying to recover and Im back to work as well.

Declan works in the area of recruitment with UniJobs based in UL.

They have been great to me in the lead up to the match and afterwards because its been very busy. They have been very accommodating and I obviously really appreciate it.

Its intense but its great too. If we didnt win the match we wouldnt be in this position. Its tiring on the body but wed prefer to be in this situation rather than looking back on the match having lost.

Just last week the Economic and Social Research Institute launched a report into the demands on modern inter-county players. When asked which area he feels needs most immediate attention when it comes to player support and welfare, Declan drew attention to students.

I remember when I was in college I couldnt have a part time job it was just impossible, said the Adare man who studied English and Psychology at Mary Immaculate College.

You just didnt have the time, he insists. I think its harder on college lads because they have no real income obviously, if they cant have a part-time job.

I remember I used to work in a petrol station in Adare and you were chopping and changing your shifts all the time. It just doesnt work. And the way it is now, you are training five or six days at least a week.

Its not too bad for the lads working nine to five or eight to four but I think there could be something in place for the college lads to help them and to give them some sort of an income throughout the year. Its expensive enough trying to eat properly and going training and these things. So I'd say the college lads need a bit of a hand.
MORE THAN 200 small business owners and managers flocked to Limerick city to showcase the strength of Irish SMEs at a major event.

The one-stop-shop event, entitled Taking Care of Businesses, was organised by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, and held at the Radisson Blu on the Ennis Road last Tuesday.

Held in conjunction with the Health and Safety Authority and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, the event provided information to people who wish to start a business and existing entrepreneurs.

Delivering a keynote speech at the event, Minister of State for Trade, Employment and Business, Deputy Pat Breen said: I believe that Taking Care of Business is a further demonstration of our commitment to reach out to the business community, and to promote awareness of the full range of supports available to the SME sector, start-ups and entrepreneurs. It is also a sign of our commitment to regional development.

We all need small businesses to thrive, so I welcome efforts such as this to provide advice on so many aspects of regulation and tell people about the supports available to them.

A number of representative bodies from industry supported the event and were available to talk to attendees on the day.

The three sessions of presentations in Taking Care of Business were chaired by Helen Downes, Chief Executive of Shannon Chamber, Frank Murray, Managing Partner of The Linkage-Partnership and Mike Cantwell CEO of Innovate Limerick.
GARDAI have launched an investigation into a suspected arson at a protected residential structure in County Limerick.

The incident occurred at Mungret Lodge, an historic gateway lodge at the entrance of Mungret College, last Friday night.

Limerick Fire Service was alerted to the incident at 9.25pm, and dispatched two units to the scene. The units returned to the city base on Mulgrave Street at around 10.30pm.

A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said that no arrests have been made yet and investigations are ongoing.

Gardai are investigating a criminal damage incident that occurred at a house in Mungret Lodge, Co Limerick on the 28th September at 10pm, said a spokesperson.

The limestone gatelodge was built in the 1860s and is a protected structure under the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage. It is privately owned and currently undergoing some renovation.

The Limerick Leader has been informed that, at the time of the incident, a group of intoxicated teens were seen lighting fireworks in the Mungret Woods area.

Anyone with information in connection to this incident is urged to contact Roxboro Road gardai at 061 214340.
THE UNIVERSITY of Limerick will welcome almost 3,000 international students to campus this year, as part of a programme the university estimates is worth more than 21 million to the region.

According to the university, UL continues to be an attractive location in 2018 for international students to come to take bachelors, masters and research degree courses as well as students visiting for one year, a semester or the summer under the Erasmus exchange and Study Abroad programmes.

University of Limerick attracts students from around the world generally and specifically from our key regions of activity: USA, China, India, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and West Africa, said Josephine Page, director of the International Education Division at UL.

Students and parents are becoming more aware of Ireland as an education destination and focus increasingly on the strength of the education system, the stable political environment, the high level of student support and the fact that education is through English.

International students create important cultural, diplomatic and economic links between Limerick and the world. By attracting international talent, University of Limerick ensures a culturally-rich setting for domestic students to prepare for the global work environment, Ms Page added.

In the 2019 QS Graduate Employability ranking, University of Limerick is ranked 201-250 globally.

According to UL, this high ranking position is a direct result of strong connections with industry and the professions and a commitment to ensuring that programmes remain relevant and reflect the needs of employers.
VOTERS in Limerick are to be asked if they want a directly elected mayor, it has been confirmed.

The decision to hold a plebiscite (vote) was agreed by the Cabinet last week and announced at the weekend by John Paul Phelan, the Minister of State for Local Government and Electoral Reform.

The plebiscite will take place next May on the same day as the local and European Elections.

The exact power and functions of any directly elected mayor have not yet been confirmed and it is not known how it will work in practice.

Cllr James Collins, the current Mayor of Limerick city and county, says he supports the concept provided any directly elected mayor has real executive powers.

Former Mayor of Limerick, Diarmuid Scully has cautiously welcomed the proposal. "A directly elected mayor will have a popular mandate, but without a majority on the council she/he will have no power," he said.

Directly elected mayor could be on the way to #Limerick: People across the city and county will next May be asked if they want to see a directly elected mayor here. #limerickmayor @Limerick_Leader  Nick Rabbitts (@Nick468official) September 30, 2018

A government spokesperson says further details on the proposals will be announced nearer to May .

Further detailed proposals on the plebiscites and the questions to be put to the electorate, as well as the specific powers to be given to executive mayors, are to be brought to government in the coming months.

If the plebiscite is approved by voters in Limerick, it is likely the first vote to elect a mayor will take place in 2021.
by Mathias Hariyadi

The death toll is destined to rise: thousands are missing feared dead. Rescue teams race against the weather and lack of heavy equipment or machinery. President Widodo: "Priority to save the missing". The displaced persons are over 17 thousand. They have found shelter in at least 24 centers set up in military bases, churches, schools and other open spaces.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - The Indonesian government is appealing for international aid to cope with the emergency caused by a series of devastating earthquakes and a tsunami on the island of Sulawesi, where at least 832 people were killed: 11 in Donggala and 821 in Palu, capital of the Central Sulawesi province. The authorities say the death toll is set to rise and announce mass burials, in a desperate attempt to prevent the spread of disease.

A first earthquake, of magnitude 7.4 with its epicenter 27km away from the city and at a depth of 10km, struck Donggala at 18.02pm on the evening of three days ago. A few minutes later, another 5.9 magnitude earthquake hit Palu. The two shocks caused waves of up to 3 meters that devastated Talise Beach and the Donggala coast between 18.22 and 18.36.

Rescue teams struggle against time and the lack of heavy equipment or machinery to rescue those still trapped in the rubble. It is feared that there are 60 people blocked under the Roa Roa Hotel in Palu, dozens of those hit by the collapse of several hotels and a shopping mall, hundreds of victims of landslides that hit the surrounding villages. The Indonesian government confirms that 1,200 detainees have fled from three detention centers, two in Palu and one in Donggala. In the latter, a fire caused all 343 prisoners to flee.

Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has reached the locations of the disaster along with military leaders and several government ministers. Widodo states that the priority is to save the missing. "The evacuation has not ended - he says - There are many places where it was not possible due to the lack of equipment, but it is coming. Several airplanes loaded with food will also come from Jakarta ".

At the moment, there are over 17 thousand displaced persons. They found shelter in at least 24 centers set up in military bases, churches, schools and other open spaces. Since communications have been interrupted, it is not yet possible to establish the number of people evacuated to Donggala. However, the authorities published a detailed bulletin on victims and injured in local health facilities:

Wirabuana Hospital of Palu: 10 dead, 184 injured.

Masjid Raya Hospital: 50 dead

Bhayangkara Hospital: 161 dead.

Pantoloan Indouk Hospital: 20 dead.

Kayumalue Pajeko Hospital: two dead.

RS Undata Mamboro Palu: 141 dead, 160 injured.

Woodward Hospital: 28 injured.

Budi Agung Hospital: 144 injured.

Samaritan: 54 injured.
The program for the Synod dedicated to Young people, faith and vocational discernment. Making the Church "credible" to the new generations and aware of its missionary task of "accompanying every young person, no one excluded, towards the joy of love, which Jesus Christ offers ". In first ever there will be two bishops from mainland China.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - To know the concrete and complex reality of today's young people to accompany them to the fullness of faith and life, with the awareness of not having a "ready recipe", or "pre-packaged solution", with the desire to make the Church "credible" to the new generations and aware of its missionary task of "accompanying every young person, no one excluded, towards the joy of love, which Jesus Christ offers".

Moreover, for teh first time, following the signing of the provisional agreement between the Holy See and the People's Republic of China there will also be "two bishops from mainland China".

This, in a nutshell, is what has been proposed for the XV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to be held in the Vatican from 3 to 28 October on the theme: Youth, faith and vocational discernment. The program for the gathering was presented to press today.

The preparation of the assembly, underlined Card. Lorenzo Baldisseri, general secretary of the Synod, started in 2016, was characterized by a wide "wide-ranging consultation with the whole People of God". This saw the intervention of the episcopates around the world and "three other instances promoted by the General Secretariat: a specific online questionnaire for all young people in the world, the international seminar on the condition of young people, celebrated from September 11 to 15, 2017 and the Pre-Synod meeting of young people from all over the world: 300 in the hall and 15,000 online), celebrated from March 19 to 24 this year ".

"The path of listening that preceded the Synod - said Card. Sergio da Rocha, who is the general rapporteur of the assembly - has collected thousands of pages of testimonies, reflections and requests from all over the world; the Instrumentum laboris summarizes all these contributions, helping us to have a complete and integrated look at the issues that we will have to deal with: it is therefore the 'framework of reference' of the synodal works that will accompany us daily, offering us both a method and content to be discussed ".

"Its structure is based on the style chosen to walk together: discernment. There is no 'ready recipe' to accompany young people to the faith and fullness of life, nor a 'pre-packaged solution' to the many questions that the pre-synodal listening has raised. It is so opportune that as a synodal assembly we move forward in a dynamic of discernment. To do so means to assume some precise attitudes:

 The first is to keep the eyes and ears open, but also the mind and the heart, like a sentinel that does not let any sign of the changes taking place escape;

 The second requirement of a good path of discernment is to know how to evaluate in the light of faith what moves in the life of the world and of the Church, and in the interiority of each one of us;

 Finally, the willingness to stand in the wounds of history with a heart full of mercy is necessary, keeping the doors wide open to the God of tenderness who continually acts in His people and makes himself alive through the voice of the little ones and the poor ".

The general rapporteur then explained the schedule. Thus, throughout the first week, the first part of the Instrumentum laboris will be addressed, "which is characterized by the verb 'to recognize': we will face reality not from a sociological analysis, but with the disciple's gaze, scrutinizing the footsteps and the traces of the passage of the Lord with an open and welcoming attitude. For those who care about young people and want to accompany them towards life in fullness, it is essential to know the realities that they live, starting from the most painful ones such as discomfort, war, prison, migration and all other types of marginalization. and poverty".

"Equally it will be necessary for us to be challenged by the concerns of young people, even when they question the Church's practices or concern complex issues such as affectivity and sexuality. In our ecclesial contexts it is very easy to talk about young people 'by hearsay', referring to stereotypes or youthful models that no longer exist. In this way, instead of listening and learning from reality, we idealize and ideologize young people. Sometimes we refer to our youth and we think that today's young people live our own experiences. But in this way we inevitably lose sight of the characteristic traits of today's young people, who live and grow up in a very different context than even just a few years ago. With regard to the world of youth, we are invited to recognize immediately that reality is more important than the idea (see Instrumentum laboris, n.4): our words on young people and young people must start from the concreteness of reality ".

The works, recalled Card. Baldisseri, will be held according to an already consolidated method, under which the general congregations in the Synod hall will be followed by 14 minor circles (working groups) divided by languages where we will proceed to the elaboration of collective modes of the basic text, or the Instrumentum laboris, which will then be delivered to the General Secretariat. The interventions of the Synodal Fathers, the collective work of the Minor Circles and the reports of the Circles will be collected and summarized in a provisional supplementary text to the Instrumentum Laboris at the end of each 'working unit'. A Commission for the elaboration of the Syndoal document will then be established. It will coordinate and oversee the work of the Synodal texts and will elaborate the project of the Final Document. This project will be presented in the morning of Wednesday, October 24 in the Hall. The Synod Fathers will be able to intervene further on the project, both in oral and written form. The Commission will then process the final drafting of the Final Document, which on Saturday morning 27 October will be presented in the Hall and in the afternoon subjected to a vote by the Synodal Fathers and finally once voted by them will be handed over to the Pope, who has the final decision.

266 Synod Fathers will take part in the work: 31 ex officio (15 Patriarchs, Archbishops Major and Metropolitans of the metropolitan churches su iuris of the Eastern Catholic Churches, 16 Heads of the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia, the Secretary General and the Under-Secretary of the Synod of Bishops, 15 Members of the XIV Ordinary Council), 181 elected by the Episcopal Conferences (ex electio ) and 41 Members named by the Pope. Among the other participants, there are 23 experts and 49 auditors. These include not only many youth ministry specialists but also 34 young people between 18 and 29 years. Finally, there will be eight fraternal delegates, representatives of other Churches and Ecclesial Communities. (FP)
A New Jersey man died after contracting a "brain-eating" amoeba called Naegleria fowleri, according to news reports.

Though it's unclear exactly how the man, 29-year-old Fabrizio Stabile, got the amoeba, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently investigating BSR Cable Park's Surf Resort in Waco, Texas, the Waco Tribune-Herald reported on Sept. 28.

Stabile had used the park's wave pool while on vacation, according to the Waco Tribune-Herald.

Once he returned home to New Jersey, Stabile complained of a severe headache on Sept. 16, according to a GoFundMe campaign set up to spread awareness about N. fowleri. He went on to develop symptoms, including brain swelling and fever, and was pronounced brain dead on Sept. 21.

N. fowleri is an amoeba found in warm fresh water, according to the CDC. People can become infected if water contaminated with the amoeba goes up their nose. From there, the amoeba can travel to the brain, where it causes a severe inflammatory condition called primary amebic meningoencephalitis, or PAM. The infection destroys brain tissue, leading to brain swelling and death, the CDC says. [5 Key Facts About Brain-Eating Amoebas]

A person cannot become infected by drinking water contaminated with N. fowleri, the CDC says.

N. fowleri infections are extremely rare: From 1962 to 2017, 143 cases were reported in the U.S., according to the CDC. The infection is also extremely deadly, with a fatality rate exceeding 97 percent, the CDC says. Of the 143 cases reported, only four people survived.

The CDC, along with the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District, is currently testing water samples from the surf resort for the presence of the amoeba, CDC spokesperson Candice Burns Hoffmann told the Waco Tribune-Herald.

Originally published on Live Science.
The "Halloween Asteroid" 2015 TB145, shown here in an artists illustration, is expected to whiz by Earth a little later than usual, swinging by on Nov. 11, 2018.

Better late to the Halloween party than never: An asteroid shaped like a grinning skull is set to pass by Earth on Nov. 11.

Asteroid 2015 TB145 was first discovered in 2015, when it zipped within 301,986 miles (486,000 kilometers) of Earth right on Halloween. According to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory small-body object database, the asteroid's next flyby will not be nearly so close; it will pass about 24 million miles (38 million km) from our planet. That's about a quarter of the distance from the Earth to the sun.

The next time 2015 TB 145 approaches Earth won't be until 2082, when it will pass at about a third of the distance between the Earth and the sun. Its orbit will take it closer to Venus and Mercury in 2024, 2028 and 2037.

Scientists had the opportunity to snap some spooky images of 2015 TB 145 when it first passed the planet, in 2015. The pictures showed a mostly spherical rock with indentations that resembled gaping eye sockets and a nose hole, at least from some angles.

This radar image of 2015 TB145, a dead comet, was generated using radar data from the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. (Image credit: NAIC-Arecibo/NSF)

The asteroid is about 2,047 feet (625 meters) wide, according to a 2017 study, making it a relative pip-squeak, astronomically speaking. (By comparison, the asteroid thought to have wiped out the dinosaurs was about 6 miles, or 10 km, across.)

The skeletal rock didn't affect Earth on its 2015 flyby, and the asteroid won't have any effect on the planet during its more-distant November pass-by. However, researchers have found that the asteroid is not just spooky, but also special. According to NASA researchers, the asteroid's oblong orbit and its velocity suggest that it might be a dead comet, stripped of its icy debris tail by too many trips around the sun. Comet tails are tails of dust and gas that stream behind a comet due to solar radiation.

While the Halloween asteroid won't be coming very close to Earth on its flyby, there will be a few close shaves with other space rocks in the near future. According to Max-Planck-Institut fur extraterrestrische Physik scientist Thomas G. Muller, an asteroid dubbed 1999 AN10 will pass 185,911 miles (299,196 km) from Earth on Aug. 7, 2027. On April 13, 2029, an asteroid named 99942 Apophis, after the Egyptian god of evil, will whiz by Earth at a distance of only 23,239 miles (37,400 km), about a tenth of the distance from the Earth to the moon.

Original article on Live Science.
This artist's reconstruction shows the newly discovered ecosystem, with both conifers and flowering trees, as well as dinosaurs, crocodylians, turtles, pterosaurs and sharks.

During the late Cretaceous period, northeastern Utah was home to pterosaurs, duck-billed dinosaurs and fearsome therizinosaurs with claws that would put Edward Scissorhands to shame.

Now, add to that list giant flowering trees.

A fossil log found in the Mancos Shale of Utah reveals that huge angiosperms were part of the forest canopy in North America at least 15 million years earlier than previously believed. The preserved log was nearly 6 feet (1.8 meters) in diameter, 36 feet (11 m) long and probably came from a tree about 164 feet (50 m) tall, according to a new study published online Sept. 26 in the open-access journal Science Advances. It would have shared the forest with gymnosperms like conifers and ginkgo trees. [Photos: Ancient Flowering Plant May Have Lived with Dinosaurs]

The fossil is the first documented angiosperm greater than 9.8 feet (3 m) in diameter from prior to 75 million years ago, study researcher Michael D'Emic, a biologist at Adelphi University in New York, told Live Science in an email.

Lucky log

The petrified log dates to between 94 million and 90 million years ago, part of the late Cretaceous period. At the time, a vast interior seaway cut North America in two. The log was found in what was once an ancient river delta by this seaway.

"It was transported far from the original forest," D'Emic said.

Fragment of a fossilized leaf from the Ferron Sandstone in Utah. (Image credit: Nathan Jud)

The researchers couldn't assign the tree to any one species, but they found that it belonged to the genus Paraphyllanthoxylon, a group that contains at least 11 species of fossilized tree.

Rare find

The finding is important, D'Emic said, because it's unusual to find fossil wood from the Cretaceous. That led to the question of whether the wood simply wasn't being preserved in the fossil record or whether flowering trees simply weren't around in that period.

The new results suggest they were around and growing as part of the forest canopy, D'Emic said.

"This has importance for how we understand both climate and plant-animal interactions during the Cretaceous period," he said.

The researchers also found fossilized segments of turtles, a shark tooth and teeth from Cretaceous-era relatives of crocodiles.

Original article on Live Science.
The New York Times hired its seventh reporter to cover the White House last month, giving the newspaper one of the largest contingents of correspondents on the beat. Aside from being top-flight journalists, the crew shares a common trait: All seven are white.

That's not exactly unusual around the White House press briefing room these days. The press corps that covers the president has long been overwhelmingly composed of white reporters. The White House reporting staffs of the largest and most prominent outlets, particularly newspapers and newswires, tend to be the least racially diverse of all.

Does it matter?

Does racial background affect how a reporter covers a story? Or is it just one factor that determines how a journalist sees the world, the way age, gender, education, religious affiliation, regional and economic background, ideological leanings, or military service might?

News organizations have declared their intention to diversify their staffs since at least the late 1960s, after the Kerner Commission report on the causes of the urban riots of that decade attributed some of America's racial divide to a highly segregated media. Newsroom recruiters often say the underlying goal of greater diversity isn't simply numeric, but journalistic: People from different backgrounds see the world differently and can offer these perspectives to readers and viewers.

The result of these efforts has been mixed, however. The number of women in journalism is gradually approaching parity with that of men and has more than doubled as a percentage of all professional reporters over the past two decades. But overall, newsrooms have only slowly become less white, lagging far behind changes in the general population.

Minority journalists accounted for 16.6 percent of the workforce in 2017, compared with 11.3 percent in 1997, according to surveys by the American Society of News Editors. By contrast, the U.S. population as a whole is 39 percent minority, including white Hispanics and Latinos, according to the Census Bureau.

As the Times' hiring showed, the White House beat - arguably the beat with the highest profile - may be among the most resistant to change.

The White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) doesn't take a census of its 600 regular and associate members, said its president, Olivier Knox, so there's no official accounting of racial diversity. Still, there's a telling statistic about the WHCA: In its 104-year history, the WHCA has had only one nonwhite president, and only five nonwhite correspondents have served on its board, according to George Condon, a White House correspondent for the National Journal who is writing a history of the organization.

The number of minority journalists at the White House, particularly African Americans, has waxed and waned, rising during the Clinton and Obama presidencies and falling during the George W. Bush and Trump administrations, said April Ryan, a correspondent for American Urban Radio Networks who has covered the White House for 21 years.

"We've made some strides, but there's a long way to go," she said. Ryan, who is also a CNN contributor, reflects, "Sometimes you think, 'It would be nice to have a press room that looks like America, that brings the texture of America' " to reporting on the presidency.

Asked about the Times' minority hiring record, spokeswoman Eileen Murphy said the newspaper has given priority to the recruitment of journalists "of diverse backgrounds" for all the beats it covers. She noted that 60 percent of the paper's new newsroom hires last year were female or minority journalists.

But she also said, "At the White House currently, our lineup includes gender but not racial diversity, and that is something we're aware of and focused on getting right."

Some of the leading print and text news organizations covering the White House and presidency have reporting staffs that look a lot like that of the Times.

Politico will have seven reporters on the beat when its latest hire comes aboard next month; none is a minority. The Wall Street Journal, Reuters and USA Today also have no minority reporters on their teams covering President Donald Trump. The Associated Press has six reporters on the beat, one of whom is an African American.

Spokesmen for Politico and AP declined to comment beyond confirming their staff totals; the Wall Street Journal didn't return a request for comment. Reuters spokeswoman Heather Carpenter said, "We continue to be committed to growing diversity in our newsrooms around the world."

Other news outlets have somewhat more diverse rosters. The Washington Post's six-person team includes two nonwhite reporters; Bloomberg's eight-member White House reporting staff also has two.

The six leading television networks field a generally more diverse group of correspondents. Although white males are the lead White House reporters for ABC, CBS and Fox News, all of the networks employ women and nonwhite journalists in prominent reporting positions.

"We believe diversity matters and makes journalism better, whether at the White House or any other coverage area," said Ken Strickland, NBC News' Washington bureau chief. "And that's why you see it in our White House team," which includes two African-American reporters.

Those who advocate on behalf of minority journalists say the relative lack of diversity in the White House press room is a high-visibility symptom of a larger problem: Minority journalists and perspectives are often underrepresented in many areas of news reporting.

"The lack of diversity in the White House press corps is unsettling," said Sarah Glover, president of the National Association of Black Journalists. "News organizations should have staff that reflect the communities they serve. . . . A White House press team without ethnic diversity is a complete missed opportunity."

The limited number of minority reporters means that issues of concern to minority communities - such as Trump's controversial initiatives to change the nation's immigration system - are reported by people who probably don't have much personal connection to the issue, said Yvonne Leow, who heads the Asian American Journalists Association.

At the same time, news organizations as well as readers and viewers don't know what stories aren't being told as a result of the composition of their staffs, said Hugo Balta, president of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

Hispanics and Latinos don't want to hear only about immigration restructuring, the prism through which mainstream reporting about Latinos is typically filtered, he said. The topic is important, "but to a community that is mostly U.S.-born, it's not the only area of interest or concern when it comes to government or motivation to vote."

Balta says a lack of diversity among news managers perpetuates the status quo - and "we see the quality of coverage and representation suffer."
The most frequent question I get from readers - whether family members, neighbors, friends or other book critics and authors - is "What should I be reading? What's good right now?"

This column is the answer. I'll provide a selection of the month's hottest releases, from must-read memoirs to the finest fiction. And although a few Very Big Books may not make the cut, I'm sure we can all agree that Stephen King's "Elevation" doesn't really need more, well, elevation.

---

Oct. 2

"All You Can Ever Know: A Memoir," by Nicole Chung (Catapult, $26)

Chung's search for her biological roots, after being raised in Oregon by white parents who adopted her from Korea, has to be one of this year's finest books, let alone memoirs. Editor in chief of Catapult and former editor of The Toast, Chung has literary chops to spare and they're on full display in descriptions of her need, pain and bravery.

"The Flame: Poems Notebooks Lyrics Drawings," by Leonard Cohen (FSG, $28)

Published posthumously, Cohen's final volume shows his poetic soul. If you know the man only because of "Hallelujah" or "Suzanne," pick up "The Flame" and warm yourself within its pages.

"The Greatest Love Story Ever Told," by Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally (Dutton, $28)

This is pure silly fun, with a generous side of real intimacy, from the scene-stealers from"Parks and Recreation" and "Will and Grace," who remind us not only that relationships are like jigsaw puzzles, but also that solving jigsaw puzzles can help any relationship.

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Oct. 9

"Killing Commendatore," by Haruki Murakami (Knopf, $30)

Even those who didn't love some of the famed Japanese author's earlier work should try this new one, translated by Philip Gabriel. It's an homage to "The Great Gatsby," as well as a sort of puzzle epic.

"November Road," by Lou Berney (Morrow, $26.99)

There's no shortage of books about the assassination of John F. Kennedy, including the aforementioned Stephen King's "11/21/63." This pick, by the author of "The Long and Faraway Gone," offers an outlaw's perspective on that era-defining tragedy.

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Oct. 16

"Unsheltered," by Barbara Kingsolver (Harper, $29.99)

Cue the sound of book-club members' credit cards being swiped; a new Kingsolver novel is an event. "Unsheltered" will have people talking not simply because it's vintage Kingsolver, but because it's a historical novel in two eras with pointed references to climate change.

"The Library Book," by Susan Orlean (Simon & Schuster, $28)

The acclaimed author of "The Orchid Thief" returns with a book that's both a chronicle of the catastrophic 1986 Los Angeles Public Library fire and a powerful paean to libraries and the people who love them.

"My Love Story," by Tina Turner (Atria, $28)

You might remember Turner's memoir, "I, Tina" that became the 1993 movie "What's Love Got to Do With It?" Tough stuff. In her new autobiography, the woman born Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tenn., focuses less on her abusive ex and more on the passion for music that made her one of the world's most successful entertainers.

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Oct. 30

"Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves," by Glory Edim (Ballantine, $20)

Edim's Well-Read Black Girl online community is one of the best arguments for social media that exists. In this essay collection she has edited, we can see that it's also necessary, with some of today's finest writers - including Jesmyn Ward, Jacqueline Woodson and Tayari Jones - making the case for why representation in literature changes lives.

"I Might Regret This: Essays, Drawings, Vulnerabilities, and Other Stuff," by Abbi Jacobson (Grand Central, $28)

Have you watched "Broad City" yet? If not, do: Comedians Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson might be the Lucy and Ethel of Gen Y. Jacobson, who recently drove cross-country alone, uses the more tender side of her humor in this delightful mash-up of an essay collection. She's worth the trip.

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Patrick is the editor, most recently, of "The Books That Changed My Life: Reflections by 100 Authors, Actors, Musicians and Other Remarkable People."
A collaborative effort between the Laredo Sector Border Patrol and the Webb County Sheriff's Office resulted in the discovery of marijuana, two firearms and ammunition that was located inside a residence in central Laredo.

READ ALSO: Laredo man refuses to move car, threatens person with firearm, Laredo PD says

Border Patrol agents received information from counterparts in the Rio Grande Valley regarding possible undocumented immigrants being harbored at a residence located on Flores Avenue.

Assistance was then requested from the Sheriff's Office to conduct surveillance on the home. Afterward, the Sheriff's Office obtained consent to search the residence. Upon entering the home, agents and officers discovered 37 pounds of marijuana, two pistols and 107 rounds of ammunition.
Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo Sector Marine unit discover a human body floating down the Rio Grande.

On Saturday, at approximately 9:05 a.m., Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo Sector Marine unit were working their assigned duties when they observed a deceased person floating down the Rio Grande. A medical examiner was called to the location and took possession of the body. No identification was found on the body.
A homicide suspect's case was reset once again after defense attorneys could not reach or communicate with several witnesses.

Guillermo Capetillo's trial was reset for Oct. 15. Defense attorney George Altgelt filed a motion for continuance on Sept. 13, almost two weeks before the trial was initially scheduled to begin.

Altgelt filed the motion stating that testimonies from several witnesses in the case are "material to defendant's cause" but that both he and the court appointed private investigator, Tony Guardiola, have "been unsuccessful in making any direct contact with the witnesses."

READ MORE: Man accused of murder denied reduction on $250,000 bond

"The defense has attempted to interview the aforementioned witnesses whom are persons listed as state's witnesses, but these witnesses have refused to cooperate," court records state.

The motion also asks for assistance from the court to compel the attendance of each of the state's witnesses and "advise (them) that they are permitted to speak with members of the defense team." The defense team "requests a continuance of this cause until the witnesses have been interviewed."

Capetillo, 29, is accused of killing Sergio Ramirez Jr., 27, and causing serious bodily injury with a firearm to Maldonado. He is currently out on bond.

The homicide case arose at about 5 a.m. Jan. 15, 2017 when police and the Laredo Fire Department responded to a shooting reported by the intersection of North Arkansas and Price Street.

There, EMS encountered Ramirez and Maldonado.

Ramirez had at least one gunshot wound to his head. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to reports.

Initial reports indicated paramedics treated Maldonado for multiple gunshot wounds to his chest and right bicep area. He was alert and oriented, according to the Fire Department. He was rushed in critical condition to Laredo Medical Center.

READ ALSO: Man detained after shots fired at Flying J Travel Plaza

Police said they learned that an altercation had occurred inside a home on Arkansas and it escalated into a shooting outside on the street. Authorities said they seized several .40-caliber casings from the crime scene.

Capetillo used or exhibited a .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun during his assault against Maldonado, court documents state.

Court records state that the motion was "not made for the purposes of delay" but so that "Guillermo Capetillo receives a fair trial."

Maria Salas may be reached at 728-2580 or msalas@lmtonline.com
ISTANBUL - Iran on Monday launched missile strikes on what it said were Sunni Islamic extremist hideouts in eastern Syria, a move it portrayed as retaliation for a deadly terrorist attack on an Iranian military parade last month.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps said that it fired six medium-range missiles into Syria from bases in western Iran at 2 a.m. local time, striking east of the Euphrates River and killing and wounding several militants. It said that its combat drones then targeted the sites.

A statement on the Guard's website described those killed as "takfiri terrorists," a term it often uses to refer to the Islamic State. The militant group still holds pockets of territory in Syria's Deir al-Zour province, where U.S. troops are assisting local fighters to defeat the extremists.

The strikes against the Islamic State on Monday, however, came even as Iran had blamed local Arab separatists for last month's attack in the southwestern city of Ahvaz. That assault, at a military parade Sep. 22, saw gunmen kill at least two dozen people, including a 4-year-old boy. Iran identified the five perpetrators as residents of Ahvaz.

But both the Islamic State and a local separatist group claimed responsibility for the attack. Iran accused regional rivals Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates of supporting the local Arab nationalists, who have fought for autonomy from Iran's mainly ethnic Persian population.

Iran's show of strength Monday appeared to be more about sending a message to its adversaries - both in the region and abroad - than targeting those responsible for the assault.

At least four of the missiles landed in the Hajin area of eastern Syria, where the Islamic State is still active, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Revolutionary Guard said the missiles traveled some 350 miles from Iran's Kermanshah province to their targets in Syria. Iran, however, commands a number of loyal proxy forces in Syria who are stationed nearby.

The strikes also capped a week of Iranian diplomacy at the United Nations, where President Hassan Rouhani sought to rally European and other nations to oppose stepped-up U.S. efforts to target Iran.

According to Henry Rome, Iran associate at the Eurasia Group risk analysis firm, Rouhani did "not want an Iranian retaliation to dominate conversations" at the U.N.

It is the second time in a month that Iran has fired medium-range ballistic missiles at militant groups in Syria and Iraq. Last month, Iran fired missiles at Kurdish militants based in Iraq.

- - -

The Washington Post's Bijan Sabbagh contributed reporting.
BAGHDAD - Kurds voted Sunday in parliamentary elections for the first time since 2013, an effort to kick-start a stagnant political scene in northern Iraq that has been beset by competing visions for the future of the autonomous region.

The vote is the first since political infighting and a growing Islamic State threat shuttered the last parliament, setting off a fierce fight for control over the Kurdistan Regional Government between two dynastic political parties, the Kurdish Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan.

It is also the first time Kurds go to the polls after holding a referendum last year on independence from Iraq. Despite 94 percent of voters choosing to secede, the referendum failed to win international support and provoked a firm response from Baghdad that saw Kurdish territory and economic independence greatly reduced.

With the referendum fallout in mind, along with deeply held frustrations with the two-party politics that have dominated the region since it won semi-autonomy in 1991, many Kurds expressed apathy over Sunday's vote.

"I am not going to vote and waste my time for nothing," said Farouq Omar, a 31-year-old from the Kurdistan Regional Government, or KRG, capital of Irbil. "We already voted in the referendum saw the result: We lost what we had instead of winning anything."

According to Kurdish election authorities, numbers released after polls closed showed a turnout of 58 percent across the major provinces that make up the KRG.

Long a favorite with American diplomats, military generals and politicians for its outwardly pro-Western stance and appetite for modernity, the KRG has been isolated since holding the 2017 referendum. The United States warned against holding the vote and supported Baghdad's military and economic measures that followed - including the retaking of oil-rich Kirkuk province by Iraqi troops and the banning of international travel.

Though relations with Baghdad have since improved, the disastrous fallout from the referendum accelerated splits between the KDP and PUK and within the parties themselves. Masoud Barzani, the president of the KRG and the leading KDP figure, stepped down as president but retained control of the KDP.

The rivalries that emerged from the KDP-driven referendum have only become more intense and have seeped into Iraq's national politics. For the first time since Iraq began holding elections in 2005, Kurds have nominated competing politicians for the post of president of Iraq. While largely a ceremonial seat, Kurds have traditionally unified behind a PUK member for the job.

This year, as Iraq has struggled to form a government since elections in May, the KDP has insisted on putting forward its own candidate for the presidency of Iraq, which is reserved for a Kurd under Iraq's informal power-sharing agreement. The parliamentary speaker role goes to a Sunni, while the head of government, the prime minister, is reserved for a Shiite.

The competition for the presidency reflects the growing rift between the Kurds as they attempt to regroup from the referendum amid public outcry over economic hardships and a tightening space for political expression.

Since 2014, Kurdish leaders have responded to economic decline by rallying Kurds around the fight against the Islamic State while emphasizing the region's role in hosting hundreds of thousands Iraqi people displaced from their cities by the militant group.

"So now the next regional government will have to focus on how to actually build a functioning government and functioning substate," said Renad Mansour, an expert on Kurdish and Iraqi politics at Chatham House.

Sunday's election and the battle for the presidency of Iraq has highlighted the competing visions for the KRG.

The PUK has argued for better relations with Baghdad as a means for improving the fortunes of the Kurdish region, while the KDP has insisted that an independent Kurdistan would strengthen the Kurdish government's hand in revenue-sharing and security quarrels with the central government of Iraq.

The competition in Baghdad over the presidency has contributed to a sense in the Kurdish region that Sunday's election is merely a formality and one that would entrench the KDP and the PUK as the dominant parties.

But for smaller opposition groups that have struggled to break into the system, Sunday's ballot is a critical test of their influence.

Gorran, also known as the Movement for Change, is seeking to improve on the 24 seats out a total of 111 it won in 2013. Leaders from Gorran see Sunday's election as more open than previous contests, owing to popular discontent over poor governance that has seen public salaries unpaid or delayed and the economic and psychological effects of the failed independence push.

Gorran had initially opposed the timing of the referendum but eventually supported holding it last September amid intense political pressure.

Ayoub Abdullah Ismael, a Gorran lawmaker, said the Kurdish government has been operating without oversight from parliament for more than five years and that his party would vigorously take on the role of watchdog while improving relations with the central government of Iraq in an effort to release money Baghdad has routinely frozen as leverage over the KRG.

"This election will be the last chance to correct the political process in Kurdistan," he said. "We will try our best to break the ice with Baghdad for the sake of the people of Kurdistan."
Maryland will add three laws to its already sweeping gun-control regulations on Monday, while shoppers in the District of Columbia will see their sales and cigarette taxes go up.

The provisions are among hundreds of recently passed laws taking effect in the region on Oct. 1.

In Maryland, the gun laws - passed in the wake of two mass shootings at high schools this year and the massacre at a Las Vegas concert last year - are designed to limit access to firearms and certain accessories. They also might have cost Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, R, his high ranking with the National Rifle Association.

The state's "red flag" law allows concerned family members and law enforcement to ask a judge to temporarily confiscate firearms from gun owners who pose a risk to themselves or others. In February, before 17 people died in the Parkland High School shooting in Florida, five states had such laws. Now, Maryland is among 13 that do, according to Everytown for Gun Safety.

"The public has not only a responsibility but now has a very effective tool in actively preventing future gun violence - either suicide or mass shootings," said Del. Geraldine Valentino-Smithm D-Prince George's County, who sponsored the red flag law.

Maryland is also banning the sale and possession of bump stocks and other rapid-fire accessories that can make a semiautomatic rifle fire almost as fast as a machine gun. The Las Vegas shooter used a bump stock as he fired on concertgoers, killing 58 people and injuring more than 500.

In addition, the state now requires gun owners convicted of domestic violence to surrender their firearms. Though domestic violence convictions have long disqualified Maryland residents from owning guns, until Monday, there was no mechanism to ensure such convicts got rid of their guns.

The gun laws were backed by most Maryland Democratsand some Republicans, including Hogan, who held a news conference to urge their passage in the Democratic-majority General Assembly.

Last week, the NRA dropped Hogan's rating from the A-minus he received in 2014 to a C.

NRA spokeswoman Jennifer Baker would not discuss details of how Hogan's rating was calculated but said the ratings take into account the entirety of a candidate's record since the previous election cycle.

The organization endorsed Hogan in 2014 but has not endorsed his bid for reelection; Hogan recently told students from Great Mills High School, where a 16-year-old girl was fatally shot this year, that he would not accept an NRA endorsement if one was offered.

In Washington, D.C., the general sales tax increases to 6 percent Monday from the current 5.75 percent - part of a plan to pay for the District of Columbia's $179 million share of an agreement with Maryland and Virginia to give the Metro transit system dedicated funding. It will be the first time the bus and rail system has a reliable revenue stream since it opened in 1976.

The city's estate tax exemption will change to $5.6 million. The District's exemption level was previously pegged to the federal level, which rose to about $11 million under the Republican tax bill approved by Congress last year.

The tax on cigarettes will go up by $2, to $4.94, a 68 percent jump. The legal age for purchase of tobacco is also increasing, from 18 to 21, Washington, D.C., Council Secretary Nyasha Smith said.

Maryland is trying to rein in the widespread use of e-cigarettes by teenagers by creating new penalties for retailers that sell to them, said Del. Sandy Rosenberg, a Baltimore Democrat who pushed for the law. Starting Monday, retailers face the same penalties for selling e-cigarettes and vaping devices to minors as they would face for selling traditional tobacco products.

"The tobacco industry is looking for new customers . . . so we need to be vigilant in terms of shutting off that avenue and making it less likely that minors will get hooked and addicted," Rosenberg said.

In May, after Maryland passed its law, the Food and Drug Administration announced a crackdown on sales of e-cigarettes and the popular Juul vaping products to minors. The cartridges come in fruit flavors and can be disguised in a device that looks like a USB drive, making teen use of them difficult for adults to detect.

Also on Monday, Maryland joins a handful of states that prohibit licensed counselors from trying to change the sexual orientation of LGBTQ people. The ban on "conversion therapy" passed after a delegate came out as bisexual on the floor of the House of Delegates in an emotional speech that also criticized her father, a state senator who defended the practice as therapeutic.

Other laws taking effect in Maryland will:

--Expand the medical marijuana industry in an effort to include more black-owned firms, which were largely shut out of the initial growing and processing market.

--Grant state employees the most generous parental leave benefit in the region, giving parents of newborns and newly adopted children as much as 18 weeks off with pay.

--Prohibit drug distributors from placing a "gag rule" on pharmacists, which prevents them from telling customers the cheapest way to obtain a drug.

--Broaden the prosecution of hate crimes to include actions that target a group in general, rather than a specific individual. The law comes after a surge of hate-based incidents at Maryland schools, including many in Montgomery County, Maryland.
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A teen died after he was shot in the head Sunday while playing with a handgun inside an Atascocita home.

The victim and his friend, both 17, were fooling around with the weapon inside a garage in the 6700 block of Atasca Drive, authorities said.
Bexar County jurors began hearing testimony this morning in a horrific child abuse case involving a toddler whose mother originally claimed was attacked by dogs but doctors found had been sexually assaulted.

Isaac Andrew Cardenas was indicted in March 2017 on two counts of super aggravated assault of a child.

His girlfriend and the childs mother, Crystal Herrera, called 911 on Dec. 31, 2016, to report that her daughter, then 21 months, had been viciously attacked by dogs after she wandered away from the South Bexar County home where they lived. When Bexar County sheriffs deputies and EMS techs arrived, they saw the child had numerous injuries to her genital and anal area.

The child was taken to University Hospital for treatment. Medical evidence indicated her injuries were consistent with a brutal sexual assault, the Bexar County District Attorneys Office stated at the time of the indictment. Doctors and investigators said the childs injuries were horrific, and some of the worst they had ever seen.

RELATED: Man accused of 116 child sex crimes in San Antonio area found 5 years later in Argentina

According to reports, medical personnel examining the childs injuries quickly determined she had suffered life-threatening stab wounds. Authorities said the stab wounds on her upper body and private parts were nonaccidental.

In one of his first news conferences following his election, Sheriff Javier Salazar said the childs injuries were enough to chill any of us in law enforcement.

Herrera, 24, also was indicted in March 2017 on one count of injury to a child by omission, which is punishable by five to 99 years or life in prison and a $10,000 fine. She is out on bond and is awaiting trial.

Super aggravated sexual assault of a child is a first-degree felony, with an enhanced punishment. If convicted, Cardenas faces 25 years to life in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Cardenas, 25, is being tried in Felony Impact Court, presided by Judge Laura Parker.

Elizabeth Zavala is a courts and crime reporter in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is not running for re-election against Democrat Beto O'Rourke, but during an early morning interview on national television, it was clear the El Paso Democrat is on Abbott's mind.

For more than half of the 5-minute interview on Fox & Friends, Abbott talked about O'Rourke almost exclusively, never mentioning U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz -- the Republican O'Rourke is challenging in his campaign -- or Democrat Lupe Valdez, the Democrat running against Abbott this year.
I would like to acknowledge all the visionary women of the Rodney District who signed the suffrage petition, which led to women gaining the right to vote in 1893. New Zealand made history in a world first we can all be very proud of as we celebrate the 125th suffrage anniversary. My great, great grandmother Edith Marcroft, who came to New Zealand on the Matilda Wattenbach in 1862 and settled in Wharehine, was one of 32,000 women to put her name to this movement. . Today, I wonder how Edith would feel if she knew that all these years later her great, great granddaughter was a Member of Parliament. It took another 40 years after women got the vote before the first woman entered parliament. The first woman MP was Elizabeth McCombs, who won the Lyttelton by-election after the death of her husband.

Until the 1980s, under the first-past-the-post electoral system, the number of women in Parliament did not exceed ten, equivalent to about five per cent of the total number of MPs. There are 149 women, past and present, who have entered the House of Representatives. Of the 120 MPs in this Parliament, 48 are women. New Zealand ranks 20th in the world in terms of the percentage of women in lower houses of Parliament. The Rodney district is well served as we have three women MPs in government, one of whom is a Government minister. They are passionate about our people and our unique slice of paradise.

Looking ahead to 2019, I am excited to be able to offer interested youth a unique experience of being involved in politics. The ninth Youth Parliament is being held next year, and Im seeking applications from local students to be my Youth MP. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone aged 16 to 18 who is passionate about issues facing our younger generation. The Youth MP will participate in the Youth Parliament programme, consisting of a six month tenure from March to August and attend a two-day Youth Parliament event in July. This triennial programme gives young people the opportunity to understand and be a part of the Parliamentary process and connect with their communities. It will be a significant opportunity for 120 young New Zealanders to gather the views of their peers and bring young peoples voice to Parliament.

Every Member of Parliament will select a Youth MP to represent their community. Im seeking applications from interested students. It will be great privilege to take the youth voice of Rodney to Parliament. For those interested please email me, Jennifer.Marcroft@parliament.govt.nz

Jenny Marcroft, Matakana-based MP

jennifer.marcroft@parliament.govt.nz
The release of a report that gives the reasons behind a decision to start the Matakana link road off State Highway 1, near the Warkworth Showgrounds instead of directly opposite the new motorway, is being delayed by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).

Mahurangi Matters requested a copy of the report after hearing residents repeatedly question the decision at public meetings and consultation events.

But an NZTA spokesperson says the report has to first be reviewed by its owners, including Auckland Transport, and then potentially undergo further processes before its release.

Omaha Beach Community Group liaison person Martin Dancy says he has given up on communicating with the involved parties over the decision.

Ive been in on this process since the beginning and said from the start that the link road and motorway must connect, but they just dont listen, Martin says. A lot of people have supported this idea so to ignore it just makes a mockery of the whole feedback process.

Its understood landowners in the vicinity of the link road, as well as developers, were unanimous in their support of the link road directly meeting the motorway but they were told that it wasnt an option because it didnt fit with the motorway contract agreement.

But, not all residents oppose the design. Retired roading engineer Roger Williams says connection of the link road with the western collector serves local traffic movements better.

Seventy-five per cent of traffic on the link road is destined for Warkworth or the collector route according to modelling so this design is the most effective, Roger says.

Martin argues that the congestion is an issue mainly at peak holiday times so the road network should cater for the traffic to and from Auckland.

The area surrounding the interchange and link road is also set to undergo major changes in the near future with industrial and residential land development, the building of a PaknSave, additions to the showgrounds facility and construction of a park and ride.
Cindy Bakewell may be new to Wellsford but she has decades of experience in the travel industry.

She works from home under the umbrella of NZ Travel Brokers and does everything a traditional travel agent does and more.

She says a key point of difference between a broker and a traditional agent is that brokers are not tied to pushing a limited range of travel options.

Brokers, being independent, will find a product that suits you, she says.

Moreover, Cindy happens to belong to an exclusive group of Virtuoso Travel Advisors that enables her to access exclusive VIP benefits and extras that are simply unavailable to most agents.

It allows me to put the wow into clients holidays, she says.

She adds that working from home also has its advantages. Rather than being strictly tied to office hours, Cindy is on call 24/7.

If you need to reconfirm bookings, your luggage has gone lost, or you have missed a connection, Cindy will pick up the phone, even if its 2am in New Zealand, and use her extensive travel know-how to sort things out.

As her tagline puts it: Without a travel broker, you are on your own.

Cindy specialises in group bookings for schools, corporates and inter-generational family trips, which can be near impossible for individuals to coordinate online.

For a big family cruise trip, Cindy will coordinate everybodys timetable, organise the booking and payment, and make sure family members have cabins next to each other.

She especially enjoys organising school trips, particularly to out of the way places like Mozambique, Madagascar and Uzbekistan, where there is often a humanitarian component to the trip.

Its a thrill to be part of providing students with that experience and making sure everything runs smoothly, she says.
Two firefighters from Puhoi Volunteer Fire Brigade recently returned from a 36-day stint in British Columbia, Canada battling the worst wildfires in the provinces history.

Mike Donovan and Rob Beardmore joined crews from the US and Mexico to help the Canadians fight 600 fires spread across 1800km of rugged and often remote terrain.

Their wildfires are like nothing youd see here. The number of structures threatened is enormous, so its all hands to the pump, Mike said. Some of them burn for months, but the fires we left were in a good state, at the mopping up stage, and all the big fires are now controlled and contained.

Mike was the leader of a crew of six Auckland firefighters deployed to Canada, who worked two gruelling 14-day rotations  14 to 15-hour days for two weeks solid.

He said the Kiwis were highly valued by the Canadians, and this was his second trip to help with their large-scale summer wildfires.

You use your skill sets to the max, which you dont often get the chance to do here, and you bring back a lot of new skills, too, he said. Theres a lot of digging, back-burning and dry firefighting techniques that we dont use in New Zealand.

Im a brigade training officer, so will initiate what weve learned in our training and work with our brigade, well be able to implement some of it.

The NZ crew stayed in a camp in the village of Fraser Lake, more than 900km north of Vancouver. While the weather was warm at first, by the time Mike and Rob returned home, the nights were getting distinctly chilly, with water freezing in firehoses overnight. The firefighters saw black bear, moose and beaver in the course of their work, but its the peoples welcome that stood out most.

The people are just so friendly and make you feel so much at home, Mike said. Theyre the memories you carry.
Three months in, the beards are becoming more impressive as Whangaparaoa Community Constable Sam Webb and School Community officer Bryan Ward say no to shaving in order to raise money for charity.

The pair, based at Whangaparaoa Police station, threw away the razors and began their Forget Me Not project on July 9 (HM August 1) to raise awareness about dementia, as well as fundraise for Alzheimers NZ.

So far they have raised $585 and Bryan says there have been some great connections made with Alzheimers support groups and the general public along the way.

September 21 was World Alzheimers Day and Bryan says they both got lots of comments on that day about the beards.

The big shave off happens on December 10 at 10am.

Donations can be made at givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/forget-me-not
The beginning of the school year when you got to show off your new duds, new cars, new looks!

Sports! Playing, cheering, watching high school athletics.

The arts: Dramatic arts, musical groups and shows, graphic arts groups, debate, etc.

The prom! No dancing the night away or punch bowl antics.

The daily interactions. Just being with the group, hanging with friends and classmates.

Access to college recruiters and advisors  its harder to line up higher education.

Walking onstage to get a diploma while all the family is watching with everyone elses family.

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Imagine a world where there were no journalists at local courts, a society where wrongdoers did not have to worry about having their crimes reported in the newspaper read by their local community.

Or a local council that was not held accountable by anybody, because there were no reporters at the key meetings, and no real journalism to question the use of taxpayers money, or the decisions that can have a real impact on local peoples lives.

Journalism matters. Without it, communities would not be kept properly informed. The advent of fake news is another sharp reminder that people need news that they can trust.

This newspaper has a proud history of doing the basics of local journalism  that means having reporters at our local courts and council meetings, along with numerous other events and gatherings that make a difference to local life every week.

Strong, independent journalism, however, is under threat as never before. The business model for local newspapers has been profoundly affected by the internet  and in particular by the dominance of the so-called duopoly of Google and Facebook.

Local newspapers are fighting back, however. We pride ourselves on giving readers a first-class service, in print and online.

ut in these fast-changing times, nobody should take for granted the ability of local titles to continue providing trusted news.

The #JournalismMatters campaign was launched at Leinster House last week. As an industry, we believe Ireland can take practical steps to ensure a sustainable future for good journalism in this country.

The campaign has identified five key measures, which you can read about elsewhere in this edition. They include a reduction in VAT, reform of draconian defamation laws, investment in training support schemes for journalists and a fund to drive innovation.

We hope you, our valued readers, will support this campaign  because trusted journalism has never mattered more.
Granards Elisha Stokes is a finalist in the prestigious Irish Beauty Blog Awards where winners will be announced at Lillies Bordello, Dublin on Thursday night at a Gala Ceremony.

Elisha said she was not just delighted to be nominated but is also thrilled to be associated with the countrys top beauty bloggers including Keilidh Cashel, Rosanna Davidson and Suzanne Jackson!

An Instagram and Facebook blogger, Elisha has risen through the blogging ranks over the last few years with what very much appears to be a unique, creative and fun flair for makeup.

Its the first time she has been nominated for this type of an award and as she says herself, this makes it all the more special.

Its my first time to be nominated for an award like this and I really am over the moon, Elisha told the Leader.

I wouldnt be able to achieve all this without my family, friends, my boyfriend Dominick, and my many followers so thank you so much to everyone for all their support.

Meanwhile, the Granard woman has been nominated in the Best Makeup Influencer category at the awards.

Longford bloggers nominated in Blog Awards Ireland 2018

And it appears that its her genuine flair for makeup and her creative vibe that has attracted so many followers to her blog Elisha.mua

My aim is to create new makeup looks; design looks and give reviews on products, said the daughter of proud parents Tommy and Lena.

The Granard woman is not stopping there and outlined her plans to open her new salon in Granard in the New Year.

Elisha trained at the Beauty Institute in Athlone and worked in a salon in Granard thereafter.

It was while working locally that her blogging efforts took off.

I was working at a fundraiser on Sunday for the Irish Cancer Society in the Hotel Kilmore and was privileged to work alongside some amazing ladies doing makeup and hair demos for the day, she added.

Working as a makeup artist the past two years, it never feels like work because I love it so much.

As the saying goes, Choose a job you love, and youll never work a day in your life - thats me!

The Irish Beauty Blog Awards was established to acknowledge the immense effort and commitment that is invested into creating a memorable and insightful blog.

Longford bloggers shortlisted for Irish Blog Awards

Irish beauty and fashion blogs are becoming more influential with more and more people reading and writing beauty blogs, and more businesses using blogs to engage with their customers
Local News, Crime, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: October 01 2018

Huan Lu, 15, was last seen on Thursday, September 27.

UPDATE - October 2, 2018 - Police report that Huan Lu has been located.

Below is the original report.

Woodbury, NY - October 1, 2018 - The Missing Person Squad reports the details of a Missing Juvenile at 6:00pm on Thursday, September 27, 2018 in The Missing Person Squad reports the details of a Missing Juvenile at 6:00pm on Thursday, September 27, 2018 in Woodbury . It was reported to Nassau County Police at 10:00am on Friday, September 28, 2018.

According to Detectives, Missing Juvenile Huan Lu, 15, is described as an Asian female, approximately 53, 100lbs., with black hair. A possible destination is Flushing, NY.
PALMER - Palmer Paving, a maker of asphalt and builder of roads with facilities in Springfield, Palmer, Easthampton and Barre, Massachusetts, was sold in September to Peckham Industries Inc. of White Plains, New York.

In a news release, Pekham promises to keep Palmer Paving's 150 employees and to retain Janet Callahan as President of Palmer Paving Corp.

"We know that the Peckham group will enhance our business operations and provide great opportunities for our team here at Palmer," Janet Callahan said in a news release.

Both Pekham and Palmer are privately held companies run by their founding families. The sale price was not disclosed.

Peckham Industries, Inc., a family operated company since 1924, now employs more than 800 people at more than 25 facilities located in Connecticut, New York, Vermont and now Massachusetts.

Peckham didn't have a Massachusetts presence before buying Palmer Paving. It's Connecticut Plant is in Bridgeport. The Vermont Plant is in Wilmington and it has plants near Saratoga Springs and Glens Falls, New York, and in the Catskills.

"Early on in our discussions, we saw that our business values aligned. We're enthusiastic and excited about the possibilities for growth and continued prosperity in the region," John R. Peckham, president of Peckham Industries Inc., said in a news release. "Both companies are committed to empowering their employees to continuously experiment, innovate and improve our operational efficiency and safety."

Charles M Callahan Jr, moved from Boston to Palmer in 1955, founding the company to make asphalt paving material.

It's expanded over the years, buying Bayer-Mingola in Springfield in 1974, Labrie Asphalt in Easthampton in 2001 and Aggregate Industries Barre, Massachusetts facility in 2007.

Palmer Paving has long proposed building a wood-chip fired power plant at its Springfield facility. But that project, although permitted, has been on hold with opposition from neighbors and environmental groups.

"I'm not involved in that project, but I know it is still ongoing," John Peckham said on Monday. "We made allowances in our site plan should that project move forward."

But the biomass power project, if it comes to fruition, will still be the Callahan family's project, Peckham said.
Fifty years ago, this week, GOP presidential candidate Richard Nixon paid a visit to Hartford, Conn., where he spoke to 5,000 supporters at the State Armory. A group of about fifty antiwar protesters had their message drowned out by the much larger group of Nixon fans. Besides the crown inside the building an additional 4,000 people cheered their support for the candidate on the outside.

From the October 5, 1968 edition of The Springfield Union

On the same day, a $10 million fire leveled the Bondsville Mill complex on Main Street in Palmer. Exploding tanks of gas and magnesium spread the blaze which could be seen from the heights of Holyoke twenty miles away. Low water pressure hampered firefighters' efforts in knocking down the blaze. Three workers were reported missing at the time of the fire.

From the October 5, 1968 edition of The Springfield Union

Ten years later, over 250 members of the World War II Glider Pilots Association started their four-day, annual convention in downtown Springfield. A spokesman for the group said that 5,000 personnel had been trained to be glider pilots during the war and about 2,000 still alive in 1978.

From the October 6, 1978 edition of The Morning Union

These are some of the headlines you'll see from Page 1 of The Republican and its predecessors over the past fifty years for the week of September 30 - October 6. Each week I'll put together a slideshow of Page 1 images from selected years over the course of that week. We're starting with a look back at one, five, thirty, forty and fifty years ago, with Page 1s from each day of the week for those years.

The slideshow for September 30 - October 6 is embedded at the top of this article.

We'll also find some humor printed out on page one over the years. In 1968 'Dennis The Menace' could be found on the bottom of page one six days a week.

From the October 1, 1968 edition of The Springfield Union

Thirty years ago, this week, vice presidential candidates Lloyd Bentsen and Dan Quayle met in their debate five weeks before the national election. The candidates took swipes at each other as well as at the presidential candidates on each of their tickets.

From the October 6, 1988 edition of the Union-News

And from 1968, a photograph of the new Boeing 747 Superjet as it rolled out of its hanger in Everett, Washington. At that time it was the world's largest and fastest commercial airliner and could carry 490 passengers.

From the October 1, 1968 edition of The Springfield Union

As you'll find with looking through the slideshow, that while many stories come and go, many of the issues and topics that affected lives in the past, continue to have an impact on our lives today.

Copies of these and other stories can be found in the online archives. The Historic Archive includes stories from 1824 to 1989, and the Newsbank Archive covers 1988 through the present day.
WESTFIELD - JDog Junk Removal & Hauling of Westfield and Homeward Vets are teaming up to provide free furnishings for veterans in Massachusetts.

A donation drive will be held on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Shortstop Bar & Grill, 99 Springfield Road.

JDog is a national company owned by veterans that employs veterans. Local franchise owner Wade Rivest is an Air National Guard veteran who was happy to join forces when Gina Panzieri of Homeward Vets contacted him.

"A few months back, Gina reached out to me with an interest in doing some sort of charitable event to help veterans, and since JDog is a completely veteran-owned franchise, she asked to meet up and discuss possibilities," said Rivest. "We came up with the idea for a donation drive for the Homeward Vets out of Ludlow. They are a non-profit organization that helps homeless and less fortunate veterans with home builds and furnishings."

Rivest said they hope to collect donations of furnishings and money.

"Our goal is to get the useful donations they so need," he said. "At the moment, they need some of the smaller things such as microwaves, toasters, mini-fridges, small desks, batteries, light bulbs, pots and pans, utensils, building supplies, etc."

Rivest said he did not hesitate to help.

"JDog's Mission is clear: Empower veterans within entrepreneurship, support the veteran community through donation, employment, and any possible means of support," he said. "This donation drive will further enhance local awareness throughout the community and allow local people the opportunity to help. "

JDog Junk Removal & Hauling organized the event with Charter Oak Insurance & Financial Services Co. Event sponsors are Nextgen Construction Services, Wainscott Building, electrician Adam Riley and realtor Duane Desilets.
Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake, a swing-vote Republican who has been under scrutiny during the nomination of Supreme Court Judicial nominee Brett Kavanaugh, spoke to a mixed crowd at Boston City Hall Plaza on Monday.

At a Forbes "Under 30" summit in Boston, Flake faced several silent protestors as he spoke to a crowd of young entrepreneurs on Monday. On the edge of the plaza, behind barriers to the Forbes event, some protestors chanted as Flake spoke.

The Arizona politician voted last week to move Kavanaugh's nomination out of the Senate Judiciary Committee, but has said he would not support a final vote for the judge without a reopened FBI investigation.

"I've been troubled for a while and I felt we weren't doing due diligence," Flake told Forbes Chief Content Officer Randall Lane, who conducted the talk.

"With a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court, if there are questions that haven't been answered, and the FBI could have investigated, I felt it needed to," Flake added.

Protestors spilled in front of Boston City Hall earlier Monday morning, led by activist groups, college students and political leaders such as Boston City Councilor and presumptive Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jay Gonalez, Senator Ed Markey and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh.

The protestors called on Flake, who had a crucial swing vote on the Senate Judiciary Committee as the eleventh Republican on a committee with 10 Democrats, to reject support for Kavanaugh.

The protestors and Democratic political leaders said they believed the accusations by California professor Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, who testified to Flake and the committee that Kavanaugh tried to rape her when the two were in high school. Kavanaugh testified also, firmly denying the allegations by Dr. Blasey and others.

"She offered compelling, credible testimony," Flake said in Boston. He added that many on "his side of the aisle" believed she offered compelling testimony as well.

"Then Brett Kavanaugh came on and made an impassioned, very raw defense and rebuttal...some people were turned off by the rawness of it, the anger. But I said at the time, had I been what I felt was unjustly accused, that's probably how I would have responded as well," Flake said to some boos in the crowd.

Flake said he used his leverage as the swing vote to push for a thorough FBI investigation, citing compromise and dialogue with Delaware Sen. Chris Coons.

"I thought there's no reason we shouldn't accept that...we don't do bipartisan things in the Senate anymore, but I felt it was important to do this," Flake said.

He added, too, that the FBI investigation should be thorough following reports that the White House may limit which witnesses could be interviewed in the process.

The White House announced on Monday afternoon that it would permit the FBI to investigate any person of interest while looking into Kavanaugh's background.

"It does no good to haven an investigation that just gives us more cover, for example. We actually need to find out what we can find out," said Flake, who has vocally opposed President Donald Trump.

"But we have to realize we may not be able to find out everything that happened, this was something that was a while ago,'" he added.

Lane asked the senator to respond to the viral clip which showed two sexual assault survivors confronting the Arizona Republican in an elevator. Flake said he and many of his colleagues have received an outpouring of calls, emails and -- in his case -- personal, emotional accounts from survivors of sexual assault.

"Dr. Ford really emboldened a lot of women to come forward," Flake said.

"I got calls, emails, texts, from women who I never thought I'd hear from in this regard, saying, 'Here's what happened to me when I was young. Here's what happened to me 30 years ago," Flake added.

Some who silently protested the senator in Boston said they do not want to see Kavanaugh approved to the Supreme Court.

Kristin Van Busum, a Boston entrepreneur who attended the Forbes summit as a part of Project Alianza, said she believes Kavanaugh does not stand for what women stand for. She cited Flake's silence on how he views abortions as an example.

"This is the first time in history where women's voices have been heard," Van Busum said prior to Flake's talk.

After his talk ended, Van Busum said while she admired Flake for honoring his commitment to show up and speak at the event despite the public pressure he is facing, she thought nothing the Arizona senator said was surprising.

"There was nothing talked about with women's issues," she said. "I mean, again, it's two men sitting on stage discussing women's issues, right? And that's not the way forward."
Hundreds gathered on Boston City Hall Plaza Monday ahead of a planned speech by Sen. Jeff Flake to urge him and senators to vote no on Judge Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court.

"No one is entitled to a job on the Supreme Court but the American people are always entitled to the truth," Sen. Ed Markey said, to cheers.

Kavanaugh, who was appointed to fill Justice Anthony Kennedy's seat on the Supreme Court, has been accused of sexual assault by three women. The first to come forward - Christine Blasey Ford - said Kavanaugh tried to rape her when they were both high schoolers in Maryland in 1982.

Ford testified for hours before the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday. Flake, who was considered the swing vote on the committee, voted to advance Kavanaugh's nomination to the full Senate floor, but argued there should be an FBI investigation of the allegations.

Flake spoke to people gathered for the Forbes Under 30 Summit just hours after hundreds of people packed the plaza in protest. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, and Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley addressed the crowd with fiery remarks.

Olympian Adam Rippon and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a rising political star who unseated incumbent Joe Crowley in a June primary in New York, also spoke.

"Sexual assault is not a crime of passion," Ocasio-Cortez said. "It is about the abuse of power and that is precisely why it is one of the most serious allegations anyone who cares to be a public servant can be accused of."

Ocasio-Cortez detailed her own experience with sexual harassment and assault, beginning when she was a young girl. She said she was nearly abducted by a man who pulled up in front of her home while she was sitting on the fence. As a teenager she was harassed on the subway, she said.

Other women who said they are survivors of sexual assault also had a chance to speak. Annie Noel, a sophomore at Emerson College, gave perhaps the most powerful remarks of the hour-long rally.

"While my story is not Dr. Ford's, there are certainly elements that echo hers," Noel said. "A covered mouth. A Catholic all-boys high school with a cult of silence. And a confession that came too late."

Noel began to cry as she shouted: "The way women and sexual assault survivors are treated in this country is unacceptable." The crowd cheered her on, chanting "We believe you."

She smiled.

Pressley, also a survivor of sexual assault, said she was told to not come off as too upset "for fear of being labeled an angry black woman."

"Well I am angry," Pressley yelled. "And I am outraged. Because this is outrageous."

Walsh addressed Flake directly, thanking him for raising the question of the FBI investigation. But, he pointed out, "that's your job."

"That's your job to ask questions about an investigation. That's your job and that's the Republican leadership's job," Walsh said. "They did nothing special last week. That's their responsibility."
An appearance by Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake at a Forbes Under 30 Summit in Boston is expected to draw a mass of protestors who want the senator to reject the Supreme Court nomination of Brett Kavanaugh.

Sen. Flake, a key vote on the Senate Judiciary Committee, is under scrutiny for his role in the nomination of Kavanaugh, who has been accused of multiple sexual assault and misconduct allegations.

At a Forbes Under 30 Summit, Flake is slated to speak with Ohio Gov. John Kasich at a panel called the "Future of the Republican Party." The talk was originally scheduled to take place at 11:30 a.m. at the Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston, but was moved to Boston City Hall Plaza amid security concerns.

Protestors plan to rally at Boston City Hall at 10 a.m. on Monday to call on Sen. Flake "to reject Kavanaugh's nomination, and make clear that a vote to confirm Kavanaugh is a vote to betray women and sexual assault survivors," according to a Facebook page. On social media, more than 800 people said they plan to attend the event.

The protest will be led by local leaders such as Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, Boston City Councilor and presumptive congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jay Gonzalez and activists from multiple groups such as local chapters of Planned Parenthood and the ACLU.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a congressional candidate in New York visiting Massachusetts for a talk at Boston University Monday afternoon, also plans to attend the protest.

Last week Sen. Flake supported Republicans in voting to move the Kavanaugh nomination out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Arizona senator did have a slight change of heart during that voting process, saying he would not vote for Kavanaugh without an FBI investigation of the allegations made against him.

Following the emotional testimonies, President Donald Trump conceded to a request from Senate Republicans which permits a brief FBI investigation on the background of Kavanaugh.

Sen. Flake told CNN this week that if the FBI found Kavanaugh had lied at all to the Senate Judiciary Committee during testimony, he would not move forward with his nomination.

Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, a psychology professor from California, testified publicly last week to explain what she says was an attempted rape against her by Kavanaugh in the summer of 1982, when the two were both high school students.

Kavanaugh, in his testimony, firmly denied all sexual assault allegations and subsequent reports, such as an account from a classmate at Yale, which say he was a heavy drinker in his high school and college years.

Two other women have publicly accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting them during his high school and college years.
ERVING - A 13-year-old boy was seriously injured after he plummeted about 100 feet down a rocky ledge while hiking on a popular trail Sunday.

"He was climbing with some other people and tried to jump over a ledge," Police Chief Chris Blair said. "He fell about 100 feet."

The boy, who is from Erving, was flown to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. He had serious injuries but is expected to recover, Blair said.

The accident happened at 4:48 p.m., Sunday, at Farley Ledge, which is a popular rock climbing area and has several trails as well. It is managed by the Western Massachusetts Climbers Coalition.

The boy was hiking, not rock climbing, when he fell, Blair said.

Erving Police and Fire departments were assisted in the rescue by Gill, Montague and Bernardston police departments, Northfield Fire Department, Orange Police and Fire and Massachusetts State Police, he said.

Police closed Route 2 in Erving around the time of the accident to allow the helicopter to land, he said.
Plans for a casino in East Windsor that would compete with MGM Springfield were dealt a setback this weekend when a federal judge issued a ruling that appears to block the casino from going forward.

The 58-page ruling issued by U.S. District Court Justice Rudolph Contreras says the courts cannot compel the U.S. Department of the Interior to support the project if it does not want to -- and Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke has said he does not want to.

"Because the Court concludes that the IGRA does not require the Secretary to take the steps asserted by Plaintiffs, the Court must consider Defendants' argument that Plaintiffs have failed to state claims upon which relief may be granted," Contreras wrote.

A joint venture by the Mashantucket Pequot and the Mohegan tribes, which separately operate Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos, were prepared to break ground on a 100,000-square-foot facility in East Windsor this fall.

Now the project, estimated to cost between $300 million and $400 million, is in serious jeopardy.

The Hartford Courant reported that barring a change, it appears to be blocked indefinitely.

At issue is the joint development of a casino by the Mashantucket Pequot and the Mohegan tribes on Connecticut land that is not tribal reservation property.

Such a project requires amending procedures under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

The State of Connecticut's endorsement of the East Windsor project was contingent upon the Department of Interior accepting revisions to the existing exclusivity agreement between the state and the tribe. Under the long-standing agreement, Connecticut receives up to 30 percent of all gaming revenues at Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. In exchange, the two casinos are given exclusive rights to operate in Connecticut.

Connecticut and the MMCT Venture LLC, the developers, agreed to exempt the East Windsor project from exclusivity clause, but the agreement needed to be endorsed by the federal Department of Interior, which oversees Indian gaming.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke declined to endorse the measure, citing insufficient information, and the developers turned to the courts.

According to the CT Post, Connecticut State Attorney General George Jepson issued a statement through his office expressing disappointment over the ruling.

"We are disappointed with the Court's ruling, which we are continuing to review as we evaluate possible next steps," he said.

According to the Hartford Courant, MMCT Venture was also disappointed.

"We are obviously disappointed with the court's ruling and are currently reviewing our options," officials said. "We remain committed to both seeing this process through and to the people of Connecticut and our partners in state government."

The court also ruled in favor of MGM's request to be considered as having an interest in the case, and granted MGM the right to intervene as a defendant if an appeal on the ruling is filed.

The ruling notes the East Windsor location is just 12 miles from MGM Springfield, and it was eyed in part "because of its potential to compete with the Springfield casino," the ruling states.

MGM Resorts Global Development LLC is also interested in developing a casino in the Bridgeport, Connecticut area. This would make it a competitor of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, which is also looking to do a similar project.

MGM issued a statement celebrating the decision, calling it "a clear rejection of the Tribes' insistent efforts to obtain a no-bid commercial casino license in Connecticut. It has become increasingly apparent that the Tribes' promises of legal victory, no matter how often they are repeated, prove hollow."

The statement also said Connecticut would be better served by spending less time in court and "more time on real opportunities to maximize economic development and job creation," and the "most productive path forward" would be for Connecticut to pass legislation approving competitive bidding on new commercial casinos.
SOUTHWICK - The investigation into the Saturday morning fire on Bugbee Road that killed two people is ongoing, and while no cause has been determined, it appears to have been accidental, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshall.

Jennifer L. Mieth, spokeswoman for Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey, said arson investigators are "focusing on an accidental cause."

The names of the two deceased have not yet been made public. James Leydon, spokesman for Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, said the fire has complicated the process of identification by the state Medical Examiner's Office.

A friend of the family told a reporter at the scene on Sunday that the victims were a man and a woman in their 20s.

The fire at 13 Bugbee Road was reported at 6:30 a.m. Saturday morning. The building was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived and an occupant told firefighters that two people were still inside, according to Fire Chief Russell Anderson.

There were heavy flames and smoke coming from the first floor and the fire was too intense for firefighters to enter the home. Initially they poured water on the blaze from the exterior, he said.

State Police detectives attached to the Hampden District Attorney's Office, Southwick Fire investigators and the Department of Fire Services Code Compliance Office are all with the State Fire Marshal's office to investigate.
Three months after the target date for the opening retail marijuana shops, legalization advocates are calling on the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission to "pick up the pace."

A handful of companies obtained provisional licenses are awaiting final approvals, as an opening still appears weeks away. They must still deal with inspections and a number of required conditions as part of receiving the final licenses.

Testing labs, a key part of the nascent marijuana industry since the substance must be tested before sold, were handed provisional licenses in late August.

The five-member commission has signed off on 38 provisional licenses, ranging from licenses for cultivation to product manufacturing, independent testing labs, transport and retail.

Once the Massachusetts retail shops open, they'll be the first marijuana establishments on the east coast.

Massachusetts voters broadly legalized marijuana for adult recreational use in November 2016. The ballot question was rewritten by state lawmakers, who pushed back deadlines while agreeing on July 1 as a target date for openings. The date was not enshrined in law.

Nevada voters similarly approved recreational use, and shops opened in July 2017, according to Will Luzier, who worked on the ballot question campaign legalizing marijuana.

Massachusetts officials have lost out on roughly $16 million in revenue from retail shops, or $176,200 a day, since July 1, Luzier said at a press conference outside the State House on Monday.

"Almost every day folks who are not involved in the process ask me, what's taking so long?" he said.

The commission is understaffed, he acknowledged.

Jim Borghesani, who served as the spokesman for the ballot campaign, said he fears recreational marijuana legalization process is beginning to mirror what happened with medical marijuana.

"We're very worried that again we're seeing a repeat of the slow rollout of medical cannabis in Massachusetts," he said.

Massachusetts voters approved medical marijuana in November 2012 and the first medical marijuana dispensary opened in June 2015. Gov. Charlie Baker's administration, once they took office, had to revamp the program started under Gov. Deval Patrick.

The Cannabis Control Commission is scheduled to take over the medical marijuana program, which is currently overseen by the state's Department of Public Health.

The Cannabis Control Commission has a meeting in Boston scheduled for Thursday.
Vacant storefronts. Confusing signage. Street layouts that can be hazardous for pedestrians.

Some downtowns have their issues and state officials have funneled more than $700,000 to more than two dozen Massachusetts communities in the last four years as part of efforts to remake city and town centers that can still serve as drivers of economic activity.

State officials on Monday announced the opening of another round of funding through its Massachusetts Downtown Initiative, following a summit with local economic development experts in Lowell.

The funding can be used to deal with parking problems, signage that helps people find their way through an area, empty storefronts, and branding, among other issues.

"Vibrant and walkable downtowns are essential to local economic strength and quality of life," Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said in a statement.

"The Massachusetts Downtown Initiative provides high-impact grants that enable municipalities to access specialized technical assistance to tackle local obstacles and engage in long-term planning efforts, and I'm pleased to announce this year's application is now open," she added.

MassLive has focused on downtowns as part of its "Communities on the Rise" series, pointing to ways cities and towns have overcome economic turbulence and persevered and providing a potential playbook for other communities.

In Hudson, local business leaders joined together with town officials to revamp a downtown that has drawn trendy restaurants like Rail Trail Flatbread Co. and New City Microcreamery.

And in Worcester, where the triple A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox will play starting in 2021, a craft beer and farm-to-table restaurant, Armsby Abbey, has joined BirchTree Bread, a popular bakery and coffee shop.

Gov. Charlie Baker's economic development chief, Jay Ash, said the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative money is aimed towards "catalytic projects and shovel-ready transformative development."

Earlier this year, Baker administration officials handed out $285,000 to 19 communities. They included funds for Beverly (for a hotel feasibility study), Marlborough (branding strategy to "create a sense of place") and Stow (market analysis for business district improvements in Lower Village).

The deadline for applications for the latest round of funding is Nov. 9, 2018.
SPRINGFIELD -- New Superior Court Judge Frank E. Flannery told the audience at his induction ceremony Monday to reserve judgment on him until they can assess his performance on the bench.

Flannery, of Holyoke, said friends told him his judicial appointment was "well deserved."

"But I think it is too soon to tell," he said in a courtroom ceremony at the Roderick L. Ireland courthouse. "It's an open question. Every day I'm going to think am I doing this in a way that is worthy of all this support, that is worthy of this great honor that has been bestowed upon me."

He added: "In the end I want to make sure that I don't let anyone down."

Flannery thanked his family and friends.

"It makes me wonder why me?" Flannery said, saying he didn't think he was the smartest person in the room.

"I suspect that although there's a lot of factors that primarily it's in the way I've interacted with people, the way I treat people," he said. "I've always tried to be respectful, to be patient, to see things from the perspective of the other side."

It wasn't an act, he said. "That is something that was ingrained in me at an early age -- my parents to thank for that -- and that will not change," he said. "I promise that will not change."

Flannery also promised he would never forget what it's like to be on the other side of the bench.

Among the audience were Flannery's wife Julia and their son Connor, his parents and her parents, and other family members.

Cheryl A. Parker, a partner at Parker and O'Grady in Southampton, spoke about Flannery's four years with the firm, getting laughs as she mentioned some of his well-known traits.

"I've learned a lot from him. I hope he learned a lot from me. If he didn't, it's his own damn fault," she said.

"Frank definitely has the scholarly, contemplative Superior Court demeanor down," she said.

She said Flannery will be very respectful of everyone who is in front of him -- the only issue being they won't be able to hear a thing. She referenced the "low talker" bit from a Seinfeld episode, in which people in a courtroom strain to hear a woman on the witness stand.

After repeatedly saying "What?" you just say, "Whatever you say, Frank," she said.

Parker went on to tease Flannery about being known as a snappy dresser, saying if she could have figured out how to make a velcro pocket square to go over his robe, she would have.

Judith Fabricant, chief justice of the Superior Court for the state, outlined Flannery's background, both in private practice and as prosecutor in both the Northwestern district attorneys office and then the Hampden district attorney's office.



She promised him the support of all his colleagues on the Superior Court.



"We take great pride in the accomplishments and the capabilities of each other. Each of your colleagues stands ready to assist you in any way you may need and we know that we can depend on your help when we need it," she said.
Sgt. Mark S. Lynch has been appointed as the new President of the State Police Association of Massachusetts following the resignation of Dana Pullman last week.

The State Police Association of Massachusetts, also known as SPAM, is the organization that represents troopers and sergeants of the Massachusetts State Police.

Lynch said in a statement that he would reach out to the union's members in the coming weeks to assess the appropriate next steps for the organization.

"As importantly, I will be meeting with Colonel Gilpin shortly to identify issues of mutual concern and to discuss the well-being of this Department," Lynch said. "I appreciate everyone's patience as I get further educated on the challenges and solutions available to us."

Pullman's resignation was announced by the union on Friday.

The union said that Pullman cited personal reasons for leaving the position.

In the hours after Pullman's resignation was announced, it was reported that federal authorities have launched an investigation into whether the State Police Association of Massachusetts illegally reimbursed political donations by its board members.

Over the last year, the State Police have been implicated in several scandals, including an overtime scheme and the altered arrest report of a judge's daughter.

Pullman steered the union through the scandals.

"Our department and union have faced many challenges over the last eighteen months and I look forward to working with Colonel Gilpin and the members of the SPAM board to restore confidence in our department and forge a positive relationship with the administration," Lynch said.

Lynch will serve the current term of the presidency through January 2020.
SPRINGFIELD -- State Rep. Bud L. Williams, D-Springfield, is proposing public hearings in Western Massachusetts with Columbia Gas in the aftermath of gas explosions last month in three Merrimack Valley communities.

Williams wants hearings in Springfield, Northampton, Greenfield and Pittsfield to discuss safety.

"The safety of our citizens is our primary mission in government," Williams said. "Without explanation directly from Columbia, our citizens are literally left in the dark regarding natural gas usage."

Gas explosions on Sept. 13 led to evacuations in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover, more than 60 house fires, more than two dozen people treated for injuries and one death.

Preliminary investigative reports listed over-pressurized gas lines as the believed cause of the disaster.

The state Legislature must examine the events leading up to the explosions and make necessary changes, Williams said. The changes could address the number of state inspectors, changes in regulatory oversight, additional reporting requirements and other safeguards deemed necessary, Williams said.

His proposal for hearings is in order "for citizens to hear firsthand the nature of the problem and the required corrective action by Columbia," he said. He said he would expect hearings to be held by the company and officials in those cities.

Williams said he has received numerous phone calls from constituents raising concerns about their safety.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said in September that the city would seek a meeting with Columbia Gas to discuss maintenance and safety in the city.
The Massachusetts' Supreme Judicial Court will address questions of manslaughter, suicide and free speech on Thursday, as justices hear arguments in the appeal of Michelle Carter -- the Plainville woman convicted last year of pressuring her boyfriend into killing himself.

Carter was 17 years old when she sent 18-year-old Conrad Roy III a barrage of texts and Facebook messages encouraging him to kill himself. He was found dead on July 13, 2014, after filling the cabin of his truck with carbon monoxide in a Fairhaven Kmart parking lot.

Carter was convicted on one count of involuntary manslaughter in Taunton Juvenile Court on June 16, 2017. She was sentenced to 15 months in jail, though her sentence has been stayed pending appeals in state courts.

The case gained national notoriety for its internet-age combination of online relationships, mental illness and tragic consequences. At trial, prosecutors displayed a series of text messages in which Carter urged Roy to kill himself during the last weeks of his life.

"You can't think about it. You just have to do it," she texted him. "You said you were gonna do it. Like I don't get why you aren't."

Carter's defense team argued that Carter was not responsible for Roy's suicide, or even her own actions. They said that the suicide plan was originally Roy's idea, that she was involuntarily intoxicated by the antidepressants she was taking and that she had repeatedly encouraged him to seek help for his depression.

In Carter's appeal brief, her legal team argued that her account of phone calls between her and Roy may not have been accurate, that she should not have been charged as an adult, that Massachusetts' manslaughter law was unconstitutionally vague as used by the prosecution and that the verdict violated Carter's right to free speech.

Prosecutors have disputed all those claims, saying the evidence supported the conclusion that Carter told Roy to get back in the truck and that her conversation with him went beyond encouraging or suggesting suicide.

"Ordering a depressed teenager to resume a suicide attempt is not constitutionally protected speech," prosecutors wrote in their brief.

But Judge Lawrence Moniz ruled that phone calls between Carter and Roy on the evening he killed himself caused his death and were the "wanton and reckless conduct" needed to prove a manslaughter charge. While those phone calls were not recorded, she later texted a friend that he left the truck because he was "scared" and she told him to "f------ get back in."

The ACLU of Massachusetts and the Youth Advocacy Division of the Committee for Public Counsel Services have filed briefs supporting Carter's appeal. The ACLU argues that the verdict violated Carter's freedom of speech, and CPCS says the court should have considered her adolescent brain development when evaluating her conduct.
A Worcester man accused of having a stash of child porn along with a child-like "love doll" and several pairs of children-sized underwear in his apartment earlier this year has pleaded guilty in federal court.

James M. Stoddard, 38, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of possession of child pornography in a Worcester federal court. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 3 and the prosecution is offering 10 years in prison with 10 years supervised release.

Stoddard, who is listed as a Level 1 sex offender after being convicted in 2015 of possessing sexually explicit material of a minor in Maine, was originally charged in June.

Authorities began investigating Stoddard in February when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a tip from Google about child pornography being uploaded on Feb. 19, according to federal court records.

Worcester police, the FBI, Massachusetts State Police and Homeland Security special agents traced the upload back to an Arcadia Street apartment in Worcester.

Investigators then executed a search warrant at Stoddard's apartment in April.

During the search, authorities said they seized computers that contained nearly 50 images depicting child pornography. There were also thumb drives and DVDs depicting child pornography, federal records say.

As the search continued, investigators discovered Stoddard had a homemade, child-like "love doll" and several pairs of female, children sized undergarments.

Stoddard wasn't home at the time of the search. He eventually reached out to investigators that day but refused to say where he was located.

Authorities pinged his cell phone and saw he was in Natick.

"Stoddard eventually revealed to investigators that he had climbed a tree," investigators said. "He demanded a letter stating that he would not face criminal charges if he came down from the tree. Stoddard stated that, if he did not receive this letter, he intended to end his life by jumping from the tree."

Police responded to the woods and found Stoddard in a tree about 150 feet up. He came down after lengthy negotiations.
Apart from the sexual misconduct allegations lodged against him, there are plenty of reasons for Judge Brett Kavanaugh to be kept off the U.S. Supreme Court. And he showed them plainly and repeatedly in his sworn testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday.

In his prepared statement, which Kavanaugh said he'd written without assistance, the nominee advanced wild conspiracy theories behind the difficulties he faced in being confirmed. Throughout the question-and-answer session, he repeatedly mischaracterized what's been said by three people his accuser has claimed were at the 1982 gathering where she said Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her. Further, he often showed a sort of unhinged anger and belligerence that is, at a minimum, unbecoming a federal judge -- at any level.

In other words, even if the FBI's reopened background check does not turn up any new information that might doom his nomination, there is sufficient cause to keep the intemperate Kavanaugh from being elevated to the highest court in the land.

Take his opening statement. Said an obviously enraged Kavanaugh:

"This whole two-week effort has been a calculated and orchestrated political hit, fueled with apparent pent-up anger about President Trump and the 2016 election. Fear that has been unfairly stoked about my judicial record. Revenge on behalf of the Clintons and millions of dollars in money from outside left-wing opposition groups."

Really? Revenge on behalf of the Clintons? C'mon, man. C'mon, judge. It's the kind of thing one expects to hear from some whackadoodle conspiracy-theorist holding forth at the local bar, not from a federal appeals court judge hoping to be elevated to the Supreme Court.

Separately, Kavanaugh played fast and loose with the facts, especially when characterizing statements from three people Professor Christine Blasey Ford has said were at the gathering at which she has asserted she was attacked by Kavanaugh.

One example: "Dr. Ford's allegation is not merely uncorroborated, it is refuted by the very people she says were there, including by a longtime friend of hers. Refuted."

This is patently untrue. Ford's longtime friend has said she didn't recall the gathering, a far cry from refuting what Ford says. Lawyers for Mark Judge, a friend of Kavanaugh's who is alleged by Ford to have been in the room when she was sexually assaulted, issued a weak statement that said little -- and then Judge went into hiding. This, too, is an awfully long way from Kavanaugh's claimed refutation.

Someone who plays so fast and loose with the facts shouldn't be seriously considered for a seat on the highest court in the land.

And then there's his temperament. He was at times angry. At others mocking. Not infrequently sniveling. And generally as partisan as one of the B-list shouters on a political TV gabfest.

In one notable moment, while answering -- or parrying -- questions from Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, Kavanaugh fired back, like a wiseacre teenager, foolishly trying to turn the tables rather than addressing the matter at hand.

Klobuchar, pointing to tales of Kavanaugh's frequent heavy drinking in high school and college, asked if he'd ever had so much to drink that he'd suffered memory losses. His intemperate response, in part: "I don't know -- have you?"

This is but one example of Kavanaugh's not infrequent thuggishness during his testimony before the Judiciary Committee.

It ought to be impossible to imagine such an angry, factually challenged conspiracy-theorizing man as this on the highest court in the land. Yet Republicans and the president continue to push for his confirmation.

If they win this battle, the integrity of the Supreme Court, such as it is, will be badly harmed, perhaps irreparably. They should cut their losses, cut Kavanaugh loose, and begin again with a new nominee.
Ayanna Pressley, a Boston city councilor who claimed an historic victory over incumbent Michael Capuano in Massachusetts' 7th Congressional District last month, is among a handful of state Democrats to secure former President Barack Obama's backing Monday.

Obama, who recently stepped up his efforts to help Democrats win in the November election, announced his support for Pressley and five other Massachusetts candidates as he released his second wave of mid-term endorsements.

In addition to endorsing Pressley, who will face no opponents in the November contest, the former president also announced his support for gubernatorial candidate Jay Gonzalez and lieutenant governor hopeful Quentin Palfrey.

He further endorsed Massachusetts state Senate candidates Julian Cyr and Katie McBrine, as well as state House hopeful Tram Nguyen.

The latest round of endorsements adds 260 candidates to the list of 81 others Obama previously backed.

Obama's office said the new group of endorsements focuses on: close races in which the former president's "support would make a meaningful difference; state legislative and/or statewide races that are redistricting priorities; Obama campaign and administration alumni who have been inspired to run for office; and building a pipeline of diverse talent and elevating the next generation of leaders within the Democratic Party."

"Our incredible array of candidates up and down the ticket, all across the country, make up a movement of citizens who are younger, more diverse, more female than ever before," the former president said in a statement. "They're Americans who aren't just running against something, but for something. They're running to expand opportunity and restore the honor and compassion that should be the essence of public service. I'm proud to endorse so many of them today, and I'm eager to continue making the case for why they deserve our votes this November."

Gonzalez, who will square-off against incumbent Republican Gov. Charlie Baker in November, thanked Obama for his endorsement.

Thank you for your support, Mr. President! https://t.co/RIToiend6Z  Jay Gonzalez (@jay4ma) October 1, 2018

Palfrey, a former Obama administration official, meanwhile, said he was "so honored" to have the former president back his bid to unseat Republican Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito.

I am so honored that President Barack Obama has endorsed my campaign for Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor, as well as Jay Gonzalez for Governor. Working in President Obama's Administration was the honor a lifetime. #mapoli https://t.co/8uwsOKVPPh  Quentin Palfrey (@qpalfrey) October 1, 2018

Obama announced his first round of endorsements in early August. That group did not include any candidates from Massachusetts.
President Donald Trump revived his attacks on U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal Monday, arguing that the Connecticut Democrat should be the one whose honesty and integrity is questioned -- not Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

Trump took aim at Blumenthal's military service record -- a topic he has previously criticized -- while fielding questions on the investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct that have been raised against Kavanaugh.

"Look at some of these people asking the questions. Look at Blumenthal; he lied about Vietnam -- he didn't just say 'Hey, I went to Vietnam' -- no, no. For 15 years he said he was a war hero, he fought in Da-Nang province," Trump said, alluding to a 2010 incident in which the senator -- a member of the Judiciary Committee -- was forced to explain that although he said he served in the Vietnam War, he meant he served during it.

"We call him 'Da-Nang Richard -- Da-Nang, that's his nickname,'" the president continued. "He never went to Vietnam, and he's up there saying 'We need honesty and we need integrity.' This guy lied ... But now he's up there talking like he's holier than thou. You know what? Take a look at his record."

Trump, who also criticized other Democratic members of the Judiciary Committee, further urged reporters to contrast that with Kavanaugh, whom he argued "has led an exemplary life."

"You're going back to high school because he had beer?" he said. "I think the judge has been pretty amazing about describing his situation with alcohol and with beer."

Blumenthal, who has been a vocal critic of Trump's Supreme Court nominee, called the president's comments "total nonsense" and "simply untrue."

These ridiculous personal attacks are total nonsensesimply untrue. Here are the actual facts: https://t.co/zo1Db1X3id  Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) October 1, 2018

The senator added that he "won't be stopped or silenced by President Trump's false personal attacks."

Blumenthal received at least five military deferments between 1965 and 1970 and took steps that enabled him avoid deployment, according to records obtained by the New York Times. In 1970 he joined a Marine Reserves unit in Washington that conducted drills and focused on local projects.

The president has repeatedly accused Blumenthal of "defrauding" voters and called him a "phony Vietnam con artist" after the Democrat raised concerns about alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia in 2016.

Trump previously criticized Blumenthal's military record and credibility after the senator met with then-Supreme Court Justice candidate Neil Gorsuch in February and after the Democrat raised concerns about former FBI Director James Comey's dismissal in May.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren's online campaign store expanded after she told a crowd in Western Massachusetts she would take a "hard look" at running for president.

Notably, Warren launched a line of "PERSIST" t-shirts - that includes one for all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The Massachusetts Politico Playbook was the first to report the update.

"We wanted to give everyone the chance to show they're in this fight," Warren spokesperson Kristen Orthman told Politico.

At an event in Holyoke, Saturday Warren said she would take a "hard look" at running for president after the midterms.

"It's time for women to go to Washington and fix our broken government and that includes a woman at the top. So here's what I promise, after November 6 I will take a hard look at running for president," she said Saturday.

Warren, who was first elected to the Senate in 2012, has been an outspoken critic of President Donald J. Trump. Most recently, she's joined protesters in Washington in their calls for the Senate to block Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh's appointment.

At the Holyoke event, Warren was critical of Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans who hired Rachel Mitchell, an Arizona prosecutor, to question Kavanaugh's alleged victim Christine Blasey Ford Thursday.

"I watched 11 men who were too chicken to ask a woman a single question," Warren said. "I watched powerful men helping a powerful man make it to an even more powerful position."
Despite the White House's Monday call for Capitol Hill lawmakers to approve its proposed trilateral trade agreement with Mexico and Canada, at least one member of Massachusetts' congressional delegation noted that questions remain about the plan.

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, a Springfield Democrat and the House Ways and Means Committee's ranking member, lauded the administration for including Canada in its effort to update the North American Free Trade Agreement.

He, however, stressed that several questions must be answered before Congress can move forward in approving the $1.2 trillion trade deal.

Neal, for example, offered that lawmakers must assess "whether this agreement makes real improvements to the terms of the existing NAFTA or President (Barack) Obama's (Trans-Pacific Partnership deal.)"

Specifically, the congressman argued, Congress must look at the enforcement and enforceability of the new agreement's provisions, particularly those "that have always been critical to Democratic support -- the ones that provide for worker rights and environmental protections."

"The bar for supporting a new NAFTA will be high," he said in a statement. "NAFTA has had many critics over the years and its flaws are well-known. Like me, many of my colleagues did not support the deal originally. And those who did will have serious questions that they need answered before doing so again."

Neal, who has said he supports efforts to re-examine trade deals and tariffs, urged the White House in June against escalating trade tensions with Canada.

He offered at the time that while "reviewing NAFTA after 24 years is a good idea ... you can't do it with just bluster."

President Donald Trump and administration officials detailed their proposed United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement during a Monday morning White House news conference.

The president touted the deal, which will officials said would "update and rebalance" NAFTA if approved by Congress and its foreign counterparts, as "truly historic"and "incredible."

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, who noted that officials began trade negotiations just over a year ago, offered that the deal is based on three main pillars: Fairness, ambitious intellectual property provisions and new provisions to eliminate unfair trade practices, like currency manipulation.

Trump said he plans to sign the agreement and submit it to Congress by the end of November.

The president said while "in theory there should be no trouble" in lawmakers supporting the agreement, "anything you submit to Congress is trouble, no matter what."

He told reporters that he's "not confident at all" about the agreement's chances in Congress, but hopes it will gain approval.
BOSTON -- J.D. Martinez bashed his 43rd homer of 2018 in the regular season finale here Sunday at Fenway Park. He set the Red Sox franchise record for most homers by a player in his first season with the club.

He passed Dick Stuart who belted 42 in his first season with Boston in 1963. Jimmie Foxx smashed 41 home runs in his first season with the Red Sox 1936. Manny Ramirez also hit 41 in 2001 after signing an eight-year, $160-million deal with Boston.

Martinez's three-run homer to center field traveled 107.5 mph and 397 feet. It put Boston ahead 10-2 over the Yankees in the fourth. He connected on an 89.4 mph changeup from left-handed reliever Justus Sheffield.
Abbott won the European CE Mark for its FreeStyle Libre 2 continuous glucose monitor that features low and high glucose level alarms, letting patients know in real-time that theyre falling outside of their normal range.

The system doesnt require regular and painful finger pricks, instead relying on an upper arm sensor that regularly measures glucose within the interstitial fluid using a tiny built-in needle. The sensor shares its readings with a paired device that looks like a smartphone, which the patient uses to keep a history of readings, set alarms, and manage all kinds of related data. Though this device is important, the sensor will still work on its own and will vibrate or make sounds (depending on the users preference) when its readings sugar levels outside the norm.

Enabling patients to have optional alarms with the FreeStyle Libre 2 system provides them with even more freedom in managing their condition, said Jens Kroger, M.D., specialist of Internal Medicine and Diabetology at the Center of Diabetology Bergedorf in Hamburg, Germany, and chairman of diabetesDE. For some patients who are unaware of the hypoglycemia episodes they may be experiencing  especially during sleep  having alarms can be important. Or, for the parents of children with diabetes, alarms can provide peace of mind.

Heres a short promo video from Abbott for the FreeStyle Libre 2:

Via: Abbott

Flashback: Abbotts FreeStyle Libre 14 Day Flash Glucose Monitor Approved in U.S
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market  Overview

The Global Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Market is expected to witness a moderate CAGR of 4.93% during the prognosis period (2018-2023), reports Market Research Future (MRFR). The APIs have proven to be an asset for multiple pharmaceutical brands owing to the effectiveness of the products.

The compound is organic with a unique chemical structure and stereochemistry and is used in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical drugs as a biologically active compound.

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Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market  Market Competition

The market is well poised with the presence of international and regional brands. Furthermore, the emergence of APAC has changed the market scenario considerably. For instance, Piramal Pharma Solutions (PPS) is investing $55 million across its sites in North America and Asia with an eye on expansion of its API manufacturing capabilities and capacities. After experiencing growth in Japan, Sterling Pharma Solutions is planning to explore the region. Other big players are banking on conventional merger and acquisition method. Ardenas acquisition of ChemConnection can be considered exemplary. Cambrex in a decisive mode has announced an expansion in Milan, North Carolina, and in a Swedish site.

The key players influencing the market are Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Bayer AG, Pfizer Inc., Sanofi, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Eli Lilly and Company, and others.

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market  Segmentation

The global market of active pharmaceutical ingredients is segmented by manufacturing process, synthesis, formulation, application, and molecule.

By manufacturing process, the market is segmented into captive manufacturing and contract manufacturing. The captive manufacturing segment is expected to dominate the market. Once a stronghold of Europe, this market is now slowly shifting towards Asia Pacific (APAC). Low manufacturing cost and high demand for generic drugs are going to propel APAC market.

Synthesis-wise segmentation includes synthetic and biotech. New product approvals, easy manufacturing process, and the introduction of the new synthetic molecule can boost the segment further. However, advances in biotechnology and growing demand for biopharmaceutical can encourage the growth of biotech APIs which are expected to garner a faster expansion rate.

Formulation-based segmentation includes Generic API and Innovative API. Innovative APIs are expected to dictate the market owing to the demand for the same in various chronic diseases such as cancer. Furthermore, FDA is showing relaxation in the production of such medicines resulting in the growth of this segment.

Based on the application, the market is segmented into cardiovascular disease, oncology, neurological disorders, orthopedic disorders, respiratory, gastrointestinal disorders, urology, and others. As per the reports of the World Health Organization (WHO), people mostly succumb to cancer. Hence, oncology draws in the maximum amount of revenue.

Molecule-wise the market comprises small and large molecule. The market is currently experiencing a demand for small molecules owing to newly developed small molecules drugs, increasing outsourcing and burgeoning pharmaceutical industry in developing nations.

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market  Drivers and Restraints

Rapid urbanization and growing healthcare awareness have resulted in increasing healthcare expenditure, and this has been a global phenomenon. Branded generic drugs are enjoying a higher adoption rate, and the case is the same for the specialty medicines. Among the other factors, rising contraction of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes and others have given a boost to the need for APIs in the market.

The market is also getting propelled by the intense need for commercialization of drugs that would curb the cost and increasing expenditure in research and development can prove to be boons for the global API market.

Patent expiry of various biological drugs can open the market further for APIs. The market also benefits from supply chain consolidation. However, skilled professionals in this segment is a rarity and are impeding the production. The medicines are also not readily accessible in developing countries and are failing to explore the opportunities given by the developing countries. Also, in various countries, stringent regulations are posing as barriers.

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market  Industry Trends

Swiss-based company Kemiex has recently launched an online trading solution for business-to-business (B2B) communications in partnership with insurance firm Atradius. The industry was expecting a reform in supply chain consolidation, and this step can revolutionize the market. E-commerce giants such as Amazon are also expected to enter the market and can cause massive disruption regarding the price.

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market  Regional Analysis:

The global market for APIs covers namely Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific (APAC), and the Middle East & Africa (MEA).

The Americas generate the maximum amount of the global market share and is expected to do so in the foreseeable future. A number of advantages have gone in its favor such as well-sustained small molecule segment in Canada and the U.S. The pharmaceutical sector develops rapidly and enjoys a formidably structured system.

In Europe, Germany and France contribute the most. Governments of the region strongly support the consumption of generic drugs over the branded drugs which in turn helps in revenue generation.

APAC is expected to be the fastest growing segment owing to low labor cost, contract manufacturing services and high investments in drug researches. In fact, Europe has outsourced most of their productions to India and China to restrain labor cost and energy expenditure. India is currently one of the leading exporters with network spread across 200 countries.

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Global Organ Preservation Market  Overview

Organ Preservation is supplying line for organ transplantation. Organ transplantation has been the most successful and sophisticated technique that has been rising over the past 50 yrs. The global organ preservation market is majorly driven by the high prevalence of organ failures, increasing advancement in surgeries, increasing number of transplantation procedures, and growing penetration by market players. Additionally, factors such as initiatives taken by government and NGO to encourage organ donation, availability of skilled personnel are likely to spur the growth of the market. However, factors such as high cost of organ preservation and its transplantation procedures, unavailability of the suitable donor as well as the development of organs by stem cell therapy are likely to hamper the growth of the market. Extensive research should be done preservation solutions to increase their efficacy to protect the organs from cellular damage and maintain its metabolic rate. This can accelerate the market growth by decreasing the gap between demand and supply. The Organ Preservation market is expected to register a CAGR of 8.0% during the forecast period.

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Organ Preservation Market  Leading players

Bristol-Myers Squibb

Xvivo Perfusion AB

Essential Pharmaceuticals LLC

Franz Kohler Chemie GmbH

BioLife Solutions, Inc.

Bristol-Myers Squibb

Claris Lifesciences Limited

Lifeline Scientific

ToleroTech, Inc.

21st Century Medicine

CryoLife, Inc

Global Organ Preservation Market  Regional Analysis

The Americas dominates the global organ preservation market owing to the increasing geriatric population, which eventually leads to the increasing patient pool because of their vulnerability to organ failures. Additionally, the increasing burden of diabetes, cardiovascular disorder, diabetic nephropathy, and obesity rate along with rising government initiatives for the research and development of innovative and advanced products are likely to enhance the growth of organ preservation in the North American region. The American Heart Association estimated that 31% of the deaths in the U.S. were due to cardiovascular disorders in 2015. Similarly, according to the data from (CDC), in 2016, 38,170 deaths occurred due to liver diseases in the U.S. and 6.10% of the adults were diagnosed with liver diseases in the U.S. alone. This depicts the rising need for organ transplantation which is going to spur the organ preservation market growth.

Europe accounts for the second largest market due to the increasing rates of cardiovascular disorders and obesity. Additionally, the increasing government support and increasing healthcare infrastructure along with the increasing demand for minimally invasive treatments are driving the growth of the Organ Preservation market in Europe. For instance, Eurostat estimated that over 19.2% of the population in Europe was aged 65 and above. This increasing older population is likely to lead to the rising patient population because of them being prone to multiple organ failures. These factors are likely to drive the growth of the organ preservation market.

Asia Pacific is the fastest growing market for organ preservation whose growth is attributed to the rising population and improving the standard of living. Additionally, the increasing healthcare spending and demand for new and innovative treatment options are likely to drive the growth of the market. India, Singapore and Australia China are the major contributors to the market growth due to the rapid development of healthcare infrastructure and presence of regional headquarters of key players in these regions and increasing demand for diagnostic services.

On the other hand, the Middle East and Africa is expected to witness slow growth due to limited access to healthcare facilities and affordability issues among the population. In the Middle East, the growth of the market is driven by the increasing availability of new and advanced diagnostic and treatment methods for various chronic diseases.

Global Organ Preservation  Market Segmentation

The global organ preservation market is segmented on the basis of preservation solution, organ type, the technique of preservation and end-user. Considering preservation solution, the market is segmented into perfadex, University of Wisconsin (UW) solution, custodiol HTK, celsior solution, citrate solutions, and collins solution. By organ type, the market is segmented into liver, kidney, heart, lungs, and others. With reference to the technique of preservation, the market is segmented into static cold storage, and dynamic cold storage. The dynamic cold storage is further segmented into normothermic machine perfusion, hypothermic machine perfusion, normothermic machine perfusion and oxygen persufflation. On account of end-user, the market is segmented into organ banks, hospitals & clinics, and others. Based on region the market is segmented into Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. Americas region is segmented into North America and South America. Similarly, Europe is segmented into Western Europe and Eastern Europe.

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TOC of Organ Preservation Market Research Report  Global Forecast to 2023

1.Report Prologue

2.Introduction

2.1 Definition

2.2 Scope of the Study

2.2.1 Research Objective

2.2.2 Assumptions

2.2.3 Limitations

2.3 Market Structure

2.4. Market Segmentation

3.Research Methodology

3.1 Research Process

3.2 Primary Research

3.3 Secondary Research

3.4 Market Size Estimation

4.Market Dynamics

4.1 Drivers

4.2 Restraints

4.3 Opportunities

4.4 Threats

4.5 Macroeconomic Indicators

TOC CONTINUED

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This week,, a Philadelphia-based digital pathology company started by entrepreneurs from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Pittsburgh, announced the completion of an $8.3 million Series A financing led by Flybridge Capital Partners. Other participants in the round included Emerald Development Managers, Fusion Fund, Razors Edge Ventures, and RobinHood Ventures.

The last time Medgadget heard from the company, it had added new cancer image analysis tools to the Proscia Pathology Cloud. The new funds will be used to continue expanding Proscias current digital pathology software, fuel development and commercialization of new artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled workflows targeting high-volume, high-impact cancers, and ramp up sales and marketing efforts. The first AI-enabled module on the companys platform, DermAI, is slated for release this coming December.

On the move towards AI-based tools, Proscia CEO David West commented that, Digital pathology and artificial intelligence are unlocking new possibilities for pathologists in the fight against cancer. Pathology has been historically underserved by technology, and we believe that powerful software tools will push the boundaries of how modern pathology is practiced.

As noted in the press release, Proscias technology is currently used by thousands of pathologists, scientists, histotechnicians, and lab managers at more than 300 clinical and research facilities worldwide. The cloud-based, modular platform easily integrates with existing technology ecosystems and allows clients to:

Adopt digital pathology on own terms by rolling out new features and capabilities seamlessly

Create new image-based workflows to streamline operations, reduce turnaround times, cut costs

Open up new imaging and analytics revenue streams to differentiate themselves from peers

Protect and future-proof current investments in hardware and other infrastructure

Improve diagnostic efficiency and quality to improve patient outcomes

Link: Proscia company homepage
Scientists at the Riken, a major Japanese research institute, and University of Tokyo have developed a remarkable ambient light-powered cardiac monitor that looks like a transparent bandage. The underlying technology makes possible other flexible body-worn sensors that dont need to have an external electric source powering them, including temperature and sweat sensors. Because power is supplied directly from a built-in photovoltaic cell, the noise in the electronics is kept to a minimum, allowing for high-precision measurements.

Because electronics in devices that can measure heartbeats and other things need quite a bit of power compared to what tiny solar panels can produce, the Riken researchers developed a way of making solar panels be more efficient. The engineers used a so-called nano-grating surface to make their solar panel more efficient and able to effectively absorb light coming in from different angles. The photo-conversion efficiency (PCE) of the new device is 10.5% and a high power-per-weight ratio of 11.46 watts per gram, which is getting closer and closer to 15%, what the researchers believe is the magic number that will allow organic photovoltaics to compete with silicon-based panels in the larger market.

But, for now the technology is already sufficient to drive a tiny heart monitor, which has already been demonstrated in initial tests on both rats and humans. According to Kenjiro Fukuda of the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science, This is a nice step forward in the quest to make self-powered medical monitoring devices that can be placed on human tissue. There are some important remaining tasks, such as the development of flexible power storage devices, and we will continue to collaborate with other groups to produce practical devices. Importantly, for the current experiments we worked on the analog part of our device, which powers the device and conducts the measurement. There is also a digital silicon-based portion, for the transmission of data, and further work in that area will also help to make such devices practical.

Study in Nature: Self-powered ultra-flexible electronics via nano-grating-patterned organic photovoltaics

Via: RIKEN
by Sean Hargrave , Staff Writer, October 1, 2018

Does he mean it? Will he even be in a position to impose it? Will Brexit make it more or less likely? Those are the questions surely ringing around digital marketing circles and in the boardrooms of the tech giants today, after the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, reiterated the threat of raising a new digital tax

He took to the podium at today's Conservative party conference today to stress again that if the tech giants don't play their part in funding public services (ie., by paying their fair share of tax), then he would be forced to find another way to tax them. Again, we have reference to this being better done by international agreement, but if that cannot be reached, the UK will act alone with the so-called "digital services tax."

It's hard to know how much of this is sabre rattling or a real warning. The pledge does go back to the party manifesto a year ago and has been talked up a couple of times but, let's face it, when it comes to agreements on international trade and tax, the subject of Brexit looms a lot larger on the immediate horizon than the US tech giants.

As soon as any politician puts together the words "international" and "agreement," you know full well that we are talking years of wrangling.

That is not to say that Google and Facebook and the rest of the tech giants that use fancy accounting to avoid their fair share of UK tax can rest too easily. Public opinion is very much running against companies who suck budget out of our markets and have the profits whipped away by an accountant skilled by the art of (legally) avoiding, rather than (illegally) evading tax. The end result is much the same, however.

There are two possibilities here. One is that if the UK remains in the EU through a second referendum, or strikes a deal where it is an EU rule taker on trade, which would obviously mean a defeat of the current Government or a massive piece of back-peddling. If either of these two similar outcomes were to take place, then the international cooperation that Hammond needs is more likely to happen. The rest of the EU is equally frustrated by the tech giants, and would be keen to make sure that money earned in Europe is taxed there.

However, if the UK leaves the EU without a trade, a "hard" Brexit, or if it manages to strike a deal where it is not a taker of trading rules, then we have an altogether different scenario.

It does not take too long to realise that the UK would be knocking on the White House door for a trade deal if the latter were the case and, despite what President Trump says domestically about US companies needing to do more business at home and so pay their taxes in the US, a tech giant "digital services tax" would go down like a lead balloon. A tax singling out the star players from a country you want to conduct a trade treaty with? It's not the best opening line.

Plus, if the UK were standing alone on the edge of Europe, the chances are that it would want to give the tech giants every reason to remain headquartered in the UK, particularly if the EU were to ever press ahead with a similar levy.

So if I were the tech giants, I'd not see this as an immediate threat. It's either going to be dropped so the UK can talk trade with Trump and be a tech centre on the edge of the EU, rather than in it. Or if little changes between the EU and the UK, then it will take years of wrangling to turn threats into action.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, October 1, 2018

A new net neutrality law in California, signed Sunday night by Governor Jerry Brown, has set the stage for a showdown between states and the federal government over broadband policy.

California's SB 822, which largely restores the Obama-era net neutrality regulations, prohibits broadband providers from blocking or throttling traffic, charging higher fees for fast-lane service, and from exempting their own video streams from consumers' data caps. Within an hour of its enactment, the Department of Justice sued to block the measure.

California ... seeks to second-guess the Federal Governments regulatory approach by enacting SB-822, the Justice Department writes in a complaint brought Sunday in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California. The Justice Department is seeking a court order declaring California's law invalid and blocking the state from enforcing it.

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Last December, the Republican-led FCC voted 3-2 to repeal regulations that prohibited broadband providers from blocking or throttling traffic, and from charging higher fees for prioritized delivery. The agency said at the time it was also preempting states from passing or enforcing their own broadband laws.

California isn't the only state to attempt to reinstate net neutrality rules. Earlier this year, the governors of Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Montana, Hawaii and Vermont signed orders requiring state agencies to contract only with providers that follow net neutrality principles. In Oregon, lawmakers passed a bill that prohibits state agencies from contracting with broadband providers that violate net neutrality principles. Washington state passed a more comprehensive law that prohibits broadband providers operating in the state from blocking or throttling traffic and from charging companies higher fees for prioritized delivery

It's not clear whether the agency's attempt to preempt state laws will hold up in court. Telecom expert Catherine Sandoval, a law professor at Santa Clara University and recent member of the California Public Utilities Commission, previously told MediaPost that the argument for preemption is very problematic.

She said the government will have to argue that the FCC has "occupied the field" of broadband by passing the regulations that make it impossible for carriers to comply with state and federal rules at the same time. Here, by withdrawing regulations, the FCC has done the opposite of occupying the field, she said.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, who shepherded the repeal, says the prior rules were too "heavy handed, and depressed investment.

But net neutrality proponents say net neutrality rules are necessary to prevent Comcast, AT&T and other broadband providers from censoring sites or discriminating against competitors like Netflix. Advocates who examined the carriers' stock reports dispute that the rules depressed investment; Free Press said last year that investment by 13 major broadband providers increased in the two years after the FCC passed the net neutrality regulations.

The Justice Department says in its lawsuit that the Obama-era rules were a departure from the FCC's prior decisions. When the FCC passed net neutrality rules in 2015, the agency, for the first time, declared broadband a utility service.

But even though the FCC hadn't previously characterized broadband as a utility, the agency had attempted to impose some common carrier rules in the past -- including regulations against blocking and throttling traffic. An appellate court struck down those prior regulations in 2014, ruling that the FCC could only impose common carrier rules on providers of utility services.
by Ray Schultz , October 1, 2018

Bluecore, a firm that helps firms launch personalized communications in email and other channels using first-party data, has opened an office in London in an international expansion.

Mike Harris, who has been appointed as vice president and general manager international, will head the operation, reporting to COO Rob Holland. Harris launched Monetate Europe in 2012,

The goal is to bring Bluecore closer to existing global customers, including two Perry Ellis brands, Original Penguin and Farah, the company says.

Bluecore enables retail brands achieve growth without using third-party consumer data and cookies, it claims.

The firm says it helps retailers send triggered, personalized communications via email, social media, search and display, using opt-in email identities. The company claims that it now manages 500 million unique customer IDs for its U.S. customer base.

Perry Ellis International has utilized Bluecore since 2014 for six of its lifestyle apparel brands. The goal is to enhance its interaction with each individual shopper that comes to our brands e-commerce sites, states Justin Roisman, senior manager, digital marketing, Perry Ellis International.

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Roisman adds that Bluecore helps with technology and campaign strategy and that it will be valuable to have their team on the ground in the UK.

Bluecore serves over 400 retail brands, including Staples, Tommy Hilfiger, Perry Ellis, Teleflora and Best Buy Canada.
by Larissa Faw , October 1, 2018

A year ago UN Women convened the Unstereotype Alliance to rally the global advertising industry to eradicate harmful stereotypes and use advertising as a force to impact social norms. A Monday morning Advertising New York session provided an Alliance progress report.

Unstereotyping is challenging norms like having a panel full of men talking about the future of women, said Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, executive director, UN Women, adding that she won't sit on an all-male panel. (This panel, fortunately, was split equally between genders.)

Unconscious bias is a key reason that Interpublic Group is making sure everyone has a voice and contributes their views and insights to the work the company presents to clients, said company CEO Michael Roth. As he pointed out, if 80% of the women are buying the product, it makes sense to have a female on the creative team.

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While the first phase of the Alliance project focused on inclusion, IPG's Roth said addressing tokenism is the most important next step. Creative imagery had diverse representatives without assimilating diverse voices into the creative conversation, he added. "They checked the box. It is more than that."

It isn't just that women have been misrepresented, said panelists. There are stereotypes of religion and color. Women in hijabs don't exist in advertising, said Aline Santos Farhat EVP, global marketing, Unilever.

Panelists agreed that this issue begins internally and then these members are able to influence the creative execution. If you aren't associated with an organization that isn't aligned with your issues, then go find one that is. "Life is too short," joked Roth.

Still, Roth pointed out it's hard to boil the ocean, alluding to the fact that change must start somewhere, but it doesn't happen all at once.

The panel ended by announcing new partners joining the #Unstereotype Alliance, including Ogilvy, Anomaly, HP and GlaxoSmithKline.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, October 1, 2018

A federal judge has closed the courthouse door on an advertiser who sued Google over allegations of "rampant" and "widespread" click fraud on the company's network of publisher sites.

In a decision issued late last week, U.S. District Court Judge Beth Labson Freeman in the Northern District of California said the advertiser -- business owner Gurminder Singh -- didn't show that he had been charged for invalid clicks. Therefore, Freeman wrote, Singh lacked standing to proceed with a lawsuit against the company.

Earlier this year, Freeman dismissed a prior version of Singh's complaint, but allowed him to revise his allegations and bring the case again. The new dismissal order is with prejudice, meaning that Singh can't re-file his complaint.

Singh's lawsuit centered on alleged click fraud on the Google Display Network -- including Blogger, YouTube and numerous other sites that show pay-per-click ads. He said that starting in 2016, he noticed "anomalous click patterns" that were indicative of fraud.

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He alleged in an amended complaint filed in April that he engaged an outside firm to analyze data and determine whether he was billed for invalid clicks, including clicks by bots.

Singh said the firm found at least 50 seemingly fraudulent clicks, but couldn't determine whether he was charged for them, according to the court papers.

Though he alleges that he has 'been charged for, and subsequently paid for, invalid and/or fraudulent clicks on the Google AdWords platform,' ... such conclusory allegations are insufficient, Freeman wrote.
The southern state of Telangana has seen better days. Of late, the state has been marred with a series of tragic murders, and the State Police Department has been facing constant pressure and criticism over the matter, from the media and citizens alike.

Amidst numerous speculations about the inefficiency of the Telangana Police, a viral photograph of a Telangana constable's kind gesture has been nudging viewers to reconsider their judgements, and acknowledge the human face of cops.

Head Constable Officer Mujeeb-ur-Rehman (of Moosapet PS) who was on duty for conducting SCTPC exam in Boys Junior College, Mahbubnagar

trying to console a crying baby, whose mother was writing exam inside the hall. #HumanFaceOfCops#Empathy pic.twitter.com/QudRZbAADu  Rema Rajeshwari IPS (@rama_rajeswari) September 30, 2018

The picture shared by IPS officer Rema Rajeshwari on Twitter yesterday, shows Head Constable Mujeeb-ur-Rehman attempting to pacify a 4-year-old baby sitting on his lap, while the toddler's mother wrote her exam in the premises of the centre.

Rehman was put on law and order duty at the Boys Junior College, Mahabubnagar, which was an exam centre for the SCTPC exams, on Sunday. Rehman was quoted as saying to TNM, that this was the first time he had witnessed a candidate bring their infant to an exam centre.

This should be the real face of the Indian Police   Swaroop Charmling (@GurkhaSwaroop) September 30, 2018

It was when Rehman was patrolling outside the school premises, after the commencement of the exams, that he noticed that the baby was getting impatient without its mother. The child had been left in the care of its teenaged aunt, who found it difficult to console the baby with every passing minute. After noticing the young girl struggling with the inconsolable baby for a little longer, Rehman couldn't help but step in.

After the cop cradled the toddler, the baby not only stopped crying soon enough but fell asleep within thirty minutes of being held in Rehman's arms. He then proceeded to hand over the child to its aunt.

The incident was captured in a picture-perfect frame by IPS officer Rema Rajeshwari, who then shared it on her personal Twitter handle.

Man with a golden heartLook at their expressions   Shashi Menon (@cherukote) September 30, 2018

The photograph has since gone viral, and people from all parts of the country have joined in to praise the kind cop for his thoughtful gesture.

It is believed that this was much needed at a time like this, when the public seems pretty upset with the state police's lack of timely intervention in previous cases.
WORTH TOWNSHIP  A 21-year-old Croswell woman was injured in a single vehicle rollover, which occurred on Black River Road near Burns Line Road.

According to the Sanilac County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to the scene around 5:45 a.m. Saturday morning, where they found a 2017 Dodge Journey on its side and off the roadway into the trees. The Croswell woman  the driver and lone occupant of the vehicle  was found lying on top of the car.

Responders worked to stabilize the wreck in order to get to the top of the car and get the injured female down. Once down, she was stabilized and transported to McLaren Port Huron Hospital by Croswell EMS.

An investigation revealed the driver was south bound on Black River Road in the curves near Burns Line Road, when she went off the roadway and entered the west ditch. The vehicle missed several large trees and then stuck a driveway embankment, vaulting the vehicle into several smaller trees and coming to rest on the driver's side.

The front and side airbags deployed and the driver was wearing her seatbelt. Speed is believed to have contributed to the crash and the driver's name is being withheld pending further investigation.

Also assisting at the scene were the Croswell Police Department and Croswell Fire Department.
The U.S. Air Force has reached a plea deal with a former mobility wing commander previously charged with sexual assault, maltreatment and cruelty, among other offenses.

The service last week announced that Col. John Howard, the former 375th Air Mobility Wing commander at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, received non-judicial punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for conduct unbecoming an officer and fraternization with a junior enlisted airman.

Howard accepted non-judicial punishment in a pretrial agreement reached July 2, the 18th Air Force said in a release Thursday. The appeals process associated with the non-judicial punishment finished on Sept. 10.

It is unclear what the parameters of Howard's non-judicial punishment are, but he could be subject to forfeiture or reduction in pay, reprimand or restriction, additional duties and/or a reduction in rank.

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In June, the Air Force charged Howard with two specifications of cruelty and maltreatment; two specifications of sexual assault; one specification of conduct unbecoming an officer; and one specification of fraternization.

The victim in this case, not named for privacy reasons, did not wish to participate in the court-martial, the Air Force said Thursday.

"After much consideration, my client has decided not to testify in the ... court-martial proceeding," said Capt. Lauren Kerby, Special Victims' Counsel Judge Advocate, in a statement. "For my client, an expeditious resolution honoring her desire not to participate in a court-martial while still holding Colonel Howard accountable for his actions is justice."

As a result, former commander of the 18th Air Force Lt. Gen. Giovanni Tuck accepted the pretrial agreement based on written testimony provided by the victim through the Special Victims' Counsel, the release said.

An Article 32 hearing had been scheduled for July, but was postponed to allow for additional time to consider the facts of the case, 18th Air Force spokesman Capt. Ryan DeCamp said at the time. Howard was relieved of command in December in the midst of an Air Force Office of Special Investigations probe for what officials at the time said were sexual misconduct allegations.

Howard's attorney said there had not been any sexual misconduct in this case, and that those charges had been dropped after the defense was prepared to present evidence that showed communications from the alleged victim to Howard, according to Air Force Times.

"There was no sexual assault in this case, period," said defense attorney Richard Stevens.

Stevens said this new evidence uncovered by the defense had contradicted the sexual assault allegation, according to the Air Force Times report.

"Now Col. Howard and his family can begin to heal from the very public airing of this false sexual assault allegation," Stevens said.

According to a charge sheet provided to Military.com in June, the alleged offenses pertain to encounters Howard was accused of having with a senior airman, whose name was redacted from the document.

Between July and September 2016 at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom, Howard allegedly committed cruelty and maltreatment by "rubbing his groin" against the senior airman's torso; saying ,"every time I see you, there it is," alluding to his becoming erect; and saying his penis is "too big" to hide, or words to that effect, the document said.

Howard also allegedly said, "you're making me hard," and that he had to be careful because his erection could be visible through his pants, or words to that effect, it said.

Less than a year later while stationed in Bangor, Maine, Howard is alleged to have sexually assaulted a senior airman by penetrating her with his tongue. Howard also allegedly penetrated her mouth with his penis, without her consent.

Howard also allegedly committed conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman between March 2016 and November 2017 by wrongfully and dishonorably engaging in unprofessional conduct with the senior airman, as well as fraternizing with enlisted persons, the charges said.

Prior to becoming the 375th commander in July, Howard was the vice commander of the 100th Air Refueling Wing at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, for roughly two years.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @oriana0214.
Forensic Science Advances Mean US War Fighters Are No Longer Likely to Be Buried as Unknown

No American service member killed in action over the past 30 years has been buried as unknown.
Military members and veterans can get up to four free months of Apple Music through the Apple Music military discount -- but...
Regions containing this locality

North America Plate Tectonic Plate

Select Mineral List Type Standard Detailed Strunz Dana Chemical Elements

Detailed Mineral List:  Calcite Formula: CaCO 3 Reference: Frederic Messier Leroux Field Observations, 2013  Chalcopyrite Formula: CuFeS 2 Reference: Jonathan Levinger  Malachite Formula: Cu 2 (CO 3 )(OH) 2 Reference: Jonathan Levinger  Quartz Formula: SiO 2 Reference: Frederic Messier Leroux Field Observations, 2013  Quartz var: Chalcedony Formula: SiO 2 Reference: Frederic Messier Leroux Field Observations, 2013

List of minerals arranged by Strunz 10th Edition classification Group 2 - Sulphides and Sulfosalts  Chalcopyrite 2.CB.10a CuFeS 2 Group 4 - Oxides and Hydroxides  Quartz 4.DA.05 SiO 2  var: Chalcedony 4.DA.05 SiO 2 Group 5 - Nitrates and Carbonates  Calcite 5.AB.05 CaCO 3  Malachite 5.BA.10 Cu 2 (CO 3 )(OH) 2

List of minerals arranged by Dana 8th Edition classification Group 2 - SULFIDES A m B n X p , with (m+n):p = 1:1  Chalcopyrite 2.9.1.1 CuFeS 2 Group 14 - ANHYDROUS NORMAL CARBONATES A(XO 3 )  Calcite 14.1.1.1 CaCO 3 Group 16a - ANHYDROUS CARBONATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN  Malachite 16a.3.1.1 Cu 2 (CO 3 )(OH) 2 Group 75 - TECTOSILICATES Si Tetrahedral Frameworks Si Tetrahedral Frameworks - SiO 2 with [4] coordinated Si  Quartz 75.1.3.1 SiO 2 Unclassified Minerals, Mixtures, etc.  var: Chalcedony - SiO 2

List of minerals for each chemical element H Hydrogen H  Malachite Cu 2 (CO 3 )(OH) 2 C Carbon C  Calcite CaCO 3 C  Malachite Cu 2 (CO 3 )(OH) 2 O Oxygen O  Calcite CaCO 3 O  Quartz (var: Chalcedony) SiO 2 O  Malachite Cu 2 (CO 3 )(OH) 2 O  Quartz SiO 2 Si Silicon Si  Quartz (var: Chalcedony) SiO 2 Si  Quartz SiO 2 S Sulfur S  Chalcopyrite CuFeS 2 Ca Calcium Ca  Calcite CaCO 3 Fe Iron Fe  Chalcopyrite CuFeS 2 Cu Copper Cu  Malachite Cu 2 (CO 3 )(OH) 2 Cu  Chalcopyrite CuFeS 2

Regional Geology

Please note: As of July 2017, this site has been completely backfilled and leveled, as it is part of a housing development.Small diatreme pipe, exposed briefly during excavation works in a low hill, locally referred to as "Mont Laval", in Sainte-Dorothee, part of the city of Laval, north of Montreal. This locality did not have many mineral varieties, but I consider it was interesting due to the fact that it is related to the Monteregian Intrusives, like Mont Saint-Hilaire.Geologically, this site was of some interest because the associated breccia contains fragments of many underlying geological formations. The diatreme rocks contained small vugs, lined with small calcite crystals, and small acicular crystals of what seemed to be strontianite. Numerous, but small veinlets of chalcedony were encountered, but none of them were wide enough to be of interest for stone cutters.

This geological map and associated information on rock units at or nearby to the coordinates given for this locality is based on relatively small scale geological maps provided by various national Geological Surveys. This does not necessarily represent the complete geology at this locality but it gives a background for the region in which it is found.

Click on geological units on the map for more information. Click here to view full-screen map on Macrostrat.org

Paleozoic sedimentary rocks Age: Phanerozoic (251.902 - 541 Ma) Lithology: Sedimentary rocks Reference: Chorlton, L.B. Generalized geology of the world: bedrock domains and major faults in GIS format: a small-scale world geology map with an extended geological attribute database. doi: 10.4095/223767. Geological Survey of Canada, Open File 5529. [154]

Data and map coding provided by Macrostrat.org, used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License

References

Sort by Year (asc) Year (desc) Author (A-Z) Author (Z-A)

Clark, T.H. (1972) Region de Montreal. Ministere des Richesses naturelles, Quebec, RG-152, 244 pages, at p. 147. Gold, D.P. (1972) Congres geologique international 24 ieme session, excursion B-10, Les collines Monteregiennes: diatremes, kimberlites, lamprophyres et breches intrusives a l'ouest de Montreal.

External Links
As part of a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Elon Musk and Tesla have each been ordered to pay $20 million for its role in misleading investors.

This quick resolution comes after the federal agency charged Musk with misleading investors for an August tweet where he claimed he had "funding secured" to take his company private, among other things in an interesting lawsuit. As part of the deal, Musk will remain Tesla's CEO but must step down from his role as chairman for at least he next three years.

To see the tweets that cost Musk $20 million, see below:

Am considering taking Tesla private at $420. Funding secured.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 7, 2018

Shareholders could either to sell at 420 or hold shares & go private  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 7, 2018

In the lawsuit, the SEC revealed that Musk picked the $420 price point because "he had recently learned about the number's significance in marijuana culture and thought his girlfriend 'would find it funny, which admittedly is not a great reason to pick a price."

"Musk's statements, disseminated via Twitter, falsely indicated that, should he so choose, it was virtually certain that he could take Tesla private at a purchase price that reflected a substantial premium over Tesla stock's then-current share price, that funding for this multi-billion dollar transaction had been secured, and that the only contingency was a shareholder vote," the SEC's complaint from late last week reads.

"In truth and in fact, Musk had not even discussed, much less confirmed, key deal terms, including price, with any potential funding source."

The SEC says in a statement that Tesla was included in the settlement for "failing to have required disclosure controls and procedures relating to Musk's tweets."

Tesla is required to hire two new independent members to its board and create a committee to oversee Musk's communications as part of the settlement. The SEC says that while Tesla announced Musk's Twitter account would serve as a "means of announcing" news and information back in 2013, the company had no procedures to make sure his comments would contain information needed to be disclosing in filings.

"The total package of remedies and relief announced today are specifically designed to address the misconduct at issue by strengthening Tesla's corporate governance and oversight in order to protect investors," Stephanie Avakian, co-director of the SEC's enforcement division, said in the agency's news release.

Steven Peikin, the other director of the enforcement division, said that this settlement was drafted with Tesla's shareholders in mind with the goal to prevent further "disruption" and "harm."

After sending the tweets in early August, Tesla's stock price increased more than 6 percent and then by as much as 10 percent by the end of the day. The Associated Press reports Tesla's stock dropped 14 percent on Friday as a result of the charges against its CEO.

In its lawsuit filed with the U.S. District Court's Southern District of New York in Manhattan, the SEC also pointed to these tweets of Musk's for misleading investors:

Investor support is confirmed. Only reason why this is not certain is that its contingent on a shareholder vote. https://t.co/bIH4Td5fED  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 7, 2018

My hope is *all* current investors remain with Tesla even if were private. Would create special purpose fund enabling anyone to stay with Tesla. Already do this with Fidelitys SpaceX investment.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 7, 2018

--

"Musk knew or was reckless in not knowing that each of these statements was false and/or misleading because he did not have an adequate basis in fact for his assertions," the SEC said of the Tesla CEO's tweets.

"When he made these statements, Musk knew that he had never discussed a going-private transaction at $420 per share with any potential funding source, had done nothing to investigate whether it would be possible for all current investors to remain with Tesla as a private company via a 'special purpose fund,' and had not confirmed support of Tesla's investors for a potential going- private transaction."

Statement regarding agreed settlements with Elon Musk and Tesla https://t.co/217NfzR4AK  SEC_News (@SEC_News) September 29, 2018

A.P. notes that Musk has an estimated fortune of $20 billion, and that Tesla reported cash holdings of $2.2 billion at the end of June.

--
ANN ARBOR, MI -- Aaron Bleyaert, an Ann Arbor native known for playing video games on TV and livestreaming his international adventures with Conan O'Brien, has won his second Emmy for his role in producing the unscripted "Conan Without Borders" series on TBS.

In 2015, O'Brien's production team started filming special episodes abroad, where the late-night talk show host improvises comedy bits while interacting with locals.

Bleyaert and the film crew have accompanied O'Brien on trips to Cuba, Armenia, Qatar, South Korea, Berlin, Mexico, Israel, Haiti and Italy.

Bleyaert credited an open-minded production team and a humble boss for the five nominations and two Emmy Awards he's earned in 16 years working on the Conan show.

"You can draw a straight line from our Emmy wins to Conan's attitude," Bleyaert said. "He has this mantra that's always like, 'Let's try it. Let's try something new.' He's been in this business for 25 years. He has four Emmys now and the guy really knows his stuff. But he also knows that he doesn't know everything, and that's so important."

Though Bleyaert has attended four Emmy Award ceremonies -- the most recent being Sept. 17 -- the Pioneer High School and Michigan State University graduate still finds "unreal" moments at the glamorous Hollywood gathering.

"I was on the red carpet with my mom and Louie Anderson walks right past us," Bleyaert said. "My mom really loves the show 'Baskets,' so I ran up to him and was like, 'I'm so sorry. I never do this but we're huge fans of your show,' and he was the nicest guy. I got a photo of him and my mom and it was the greatest thing ever.

"Then, weirdly enough, Louie ended up being the presenter who gave me my Emmy. I ran up on stage, ran past Lori Greiner from 'Shark Tank' and went straight for Louie and was like, 'Thank you Louie. This is so great. You're the best.'"

Bleyaert has had the "mind of an entertainer" since he was in kindergarten performing magic shows for his classmates during show and tell, said his mother Mary Bleyaert.

That mindset followed him to his first job in a haunted barn at Wiard's Orchard in Ypsilanti, and later to MSU, where he spent an "unhealthy" amount of time acting and producing for the Michigan State Telecasters.

"He's definitely a character, but in the most joyous ways," his mother said. "He has always loved to joke around and entertain people, but he's also incredibly driven. He's never satisfied, so he's always coming up with more and more ideas to reach people and strive in his career. He is relentless and clearly, Conan admires that."

O'Brien's "webmaster extraordinaire" started as an intern at Late Night with Conan O'Brien in 2001, and was hired as an assistant to the show's segment producers shortly after the internship ended.

Through the years, Bleyaert moved on to video and celebrity research positions for Late Night, until higher-ups at NBC required every show to have an online presence. Because he kept a personal blog in his free time, co-workers suggested Bleyaert should write a blog for the show.

"I was psyched. No one read (the blog), but I was still so happy to do it and I put all my energy into it," Bleyaert said. "Then I asked Conan if I could start making little web videos, and he was like, 'Sure. Let's try it.'"

Following the 2010 Tonight Show conflict, which resulted in O'Brien resigning as the show's host, Bleyaert's short videos were all that fans had left to interact with.

When O'Brien reached a settlement with NBC that barred him from appearing on TV until Sept. 2010, he asked Bleyaert accompany him on "The Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour."

"I basically documented the entire tour for our fans," Bleyaert said. "I wrote the tour blogs, I made videos and traveled the country. It made for a pretty fantastic and unreal summer. Not only was it fun, but it really solidified my role as Conan's one-man digital team."

In November 2010, O'Brien's new show, Conan, premiered on TBS, and a digital team was formed to put more focus on the show's website, TeamCoco.com.

On the site, Conan fans can search for episodes and special segments, many of which feature Bleyaert on camera as O'Brien's video game expert in the popular series "Clueless Gamer."

"I love digital (media) because we have so many different ways to entertain people," Bleyaert said. "You can make a joke through a post on Instagram, do a two-minute video and put it on YouTube or a do 15-second Snapchat story. I love looking for new ways to give our fans what they want."
Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) courtesy vans were removed from Metro Detroit freeways Sunday night, due to a dispute with the contractor.

MDOT terminated its contract with Emergency Rapid Response, a freeway courtesy patrol, and is changing vendors.

"It is unfortunate that they decided to end service now while still under contract," MDOT spokesperson Jeff Cranson said. "We hope this can be resolved and service can be resumed but for now, we will use the cameras to monitor the freeways in MDOT's Metro Region and make law enforcement aware of breakdowns when we see them."

The courtesy vans provide non-emergency road assistance to stranded drivers, including aid with flat tires and empty gas tanks. About 20 vans are typically on the freeways daily.

MDOT had asked the contractor to continue service for another 3.5 months, until the new vendor begins service.

"They have to, every year, put out a renewal for funds. We're going into year three," said Nick Bachand, general counsel for the contractor.

He said MDOT set a three-year contract and decided to cancel the contract earlier this year and "only wanted us to work for three months."

"They are proceeding to award the contract to an outside company that's never done business in the state of Michigan," Bachand added.

Monday would have marked the beginning of the third year for the three-year contract with Emergency Rapid Response, Cranson said.

"The contracts were put out for bid earlier this year as MDOT saw the opportunity to align the timeline for the contracts," Cranson said. "The new vendor begins the service Jan. 11, 2019, and we expected the current vendor would continue the service in Metro until then."

Bachand said MDOT wanted his team to sign onto a contract for 3.5 months.

"Three days later, they asked another contractor to come in," Bachand said.

The new vendor begins Jan 11, 2019, Cranson said. MDOT is looking to switch to IncidentClear, LLC for Metro Detroit, which would cost about $5.4 million, along with Washtenaw and Livingston counties for about $853,000.
PERRY TWP, MI - A Michigan State University student died Sunday in an early-morning crash in Interstate 69.

Seryoung Park, of East Lansing and a student at MSU, was a passenger in a vehicle that was driving east when her vehicle left I-69 and rolled several times, police said.

The Shiawassee County Sheriff's Office was dispatched at 4:50 a.m. on Sept. 30 to a single vehicle rollover crash near mile marker 110 in Perry Township, according to a statement from the sheriff.

Police did not release the name of the driver and said the investigation is on-going.
Veterans and seniors across the mid-Michigan region are among those set to benefit from a grant provided to the Flint Mass Transit Authority to help get around for their health and wellness.

The Michigan Department of Transportation has announced MTA was awarded a $603,500 Michigan Mobility grant for the Vets for Wellness program in multiple counties.

MTA partnered with the Shiawassee Area Transit Agency, Greater Lapeer Transit Authority, Kevadiya Inc., and several veterans-serving organizations to secure the grant through an $8 million Michigan Mobility Challenge, said MTA General Manager Ed Benning.

The mobility challenge is a collaborative effort by MDOT, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights - Division on Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing to fund pilot transportation projects to solve transportation gaps for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities in urban, suburban, and rural communities across the state.

"It reduces these borders of our counties and opens it up to a more region-wide approach to help with the veterans," Benning said.

The money will pay for staff, leasing eight vehicles for the fleet and offset the cost of providing longer trips to medical appointments in Ann Arbor and Saginaw.

The program is expected to begin on or around Nov. 1 and run for at least six months. Benning noted fares and other funding sources will provide matching money to hopefully continue the program into the future.

"We're one of the eight agencies in the state to get the money and we're really proud of that," he said.
FLINT, MI - A child protective services investigator testified in court Monday that the parents accused of torturing and beating their 2-year-old daughter to death didn't take the girl to the doctor because they'd be accused of abusing her.

Destiny and George Bingaman face up to life in prison and are held in the Genesee County Jail without bail on charges of felony murder, first-degree child abuse, torture and two counts of first-degree child abuse committed in the presence of another child in the July 30 death of their daughter, Emma Rose Bingaman.

George Bingaman, left, and Destiny Bingaman are shown in photos provided by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

George Bingaman appeared before Genesee District Judge Vikki Bayeh Haley on Oct. 1 as part of a preliminary exam.

Nicole Seib testified Monday that she talked with George Bingaman at the Genesee County Jail a couple of days after Emma's death.

He explained why they didn't take the child to a doctor.

"They were afraid because they'd be accused of what they were being accused of," said Seib, a child protective services investigator with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The girl, who was born at 27 weeks, had developmental delays and suffered from seizures, officials previously said.

Around the time Emma was a year old, she began having seizures and was hospitalized.

The girl's parents stopped taking her to the doctor a short time later.

But George Bingaman's attorney said the father thought his wife was taking the child to the doctor.

"He is understandably horrified," said Attorney Michael Ewing of George Bingaman. "He loved Emma and he is very sad about what has happened. He thought follow-ups to the doctor was going on. He learned after the fact that she wasn't taking the baby to appointments."

Bayeh Haley continued the preliminary exam because an autopsy that outlines the cause and manner of death was not complete.

"The issue, in this case, is that when Mr. Bingaman was at work, his wife started beating the baby," Ewing said. "When his wife called him and said there was something wrong with the baby, he told her to call 911 and rushed home."

Investigators believe Emma's parents abused her for more than a year.

Seib testified that George Bingaman told her that some of the scratches on the baby were about a year old.

"He said she would scratch herself," Seib told the court. "At one point he said he was afraid that Destiny did maybe drop her."

Destiny and George Bingaman face up to life in prison and are being held in the Genesee County Jail without bail.

Destiny Bingaman will be back in court on Oct. 9 for a review after she was previously ordered to undergo a competency evaluation.

Paramedics responded July 30 to 4426 N. Elms Road in Mt. Morris Township and found Destiny Bingaman in the back room of the home doing chest compression on her daughter, according to documents filed the same day by Child Protective Services in Genesee Family Court.

Emergency responders scooped up Emma and took her to an ambulance, according to the court file.

The girl appeared to have been dead for a while because she had pale skin, dry eyes and was very cold to the touch, the juvenile court file said.

The girl also appeared to have fingernail impressions all over her body - some of which had broken the skin and already scabbed over. She also had multiple bruises on her body and possible bite marks on her as well, according to the juvenile court file.

Investigators said Emma also appeared to have a broken left femur because her leg was purple, red and swollen.

The girl was taken to Hurley Medical Center at 10:19 a.m. on July 30, suffering from injuries consistent with child abuse and neglect, according to court records.

A Hurley doctor told CPS that it was "one of the worst cases she has seen," court records show.

Emma was estimated by a Hurley doctor to weigh less than 10 pounds and that her parents did not have an explanation for how the child got the injuries, according to the filing by CPS.

The girl's parents told Genesee County Child Protective Services that the girl was last seen alive four minutes before they found her not breathing.

However, the CPS filing says that claim was not consistent with the evidence.

Two other children were seen sitting on a couch in the home watching TV, investigators said.

When the victim's 4-year-old sister was interviewed by CPS, the sister said Emma couldn't walk, talk or feed herself.

Genesee County Child Protective Services moved to terminate the parental rights of the couple's two other children.

The 4-year-old girl and a 1-year-old boy were removed from the home and have been placed in temporary foster care.
Grand Rapids, MI -- Grand Rapids has another new grocery store near downtown.

Gordon Food Service is hosting a grand opening this morning for its new store at 1003 Michigan St. NE.

It's located within Diamond Place, a $42 million development near the intersection of Michigan Street and Diamond Avenue that features apartments and restaurant space.

The new grocery store will offer seasonal produce, a full-service deli, a bakery, a meat and seafood counter, as well as an olive bar, and a craft ice cream bar, according to a news release. It's modeled after grocery stores in large cities that "make the most of tight spaces."

The store will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday through Saturday, according to an online listing of hours. It will open at 9 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. on Sunday.

The Grand Rapids store will be the second Gordon Food Service location to offer lighter daily grocery options. The first is in Cascade Township.

Gordon Food Service is the second grocer in just over a month to open a store near downtown Grand Rapids. In late August, Meijer opened Bridge Street Market, a small-format neighborhood market at 613 Bridge St. NW.

Gordon Food Service, based in Wyoming, was started in 1897 and is now the largest family business in the food service industry, according to the company. It has 170 locations in the U.S.
Adam Nolin

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Adam Nolin, the man accused of killing his girlfriend, and shooting at police before he was hit by a patrol car, has been discharged from the hospital and is jailed.

His mugshot shows obvious injuries sustained Thursday, Sept. 27, when he got into a shootout with police on the S-Curve of U.S. 131. A Grand Rapids police officers ran him down while he was shooting at police.

He suffered multiple injuries.

Wyoming police say he shot and killed his girlfriend, Tia Randall, 27, a mother of two, at their home in Creekside Estates mobile home park, near Clyde Park Avenue SW and 52nd Street.

While hospitalized, he was arraigned by Wyoming District Judge Pablo Cortes on two charges of assault with intent to murder, for allegedly firing at police, fleeing police and carrying a concealed weapon.

Further charges are expected in Grand Rapids and Wyoming.

Tia Randall worked the last seven years at Mr. Burger in Wyoming where a vigil was held over the weekend.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Kent County likely violated state public meetings law last month.

Jennifer Dukarski, associate general counsel for the Michigan Press Association, says the county probably violated the Michigan Open Meetings Act by barring protesters wholesale from the Kent County Board of Commissioner's relocated Sept. 13 meeting and asking for identification at the door.

People who breach the peace at a meeting can be excluded from attendance, according to the Act, but excluding those in the group not causing a disruption is tantamount to suppressing free speech, Dukarski said.

"You're denying the voice of an entire group of people who have a certain opinion on a matter of import in the community," Dukarski said. "It's a problem, and it runs the risk of being unconstitutional."

The county commission relocated their Sept. 13 meeting to another county building across the street after people protesting the county's jail contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement formed a "people's commission" in the back of the public seating area.

Protesters have been interrupting county board meetings since June in an effort to end the contract which formalizes the amount of payment the county receives each day an inmate flagged for ICE detention is held.

Commissioners say they cannot end the contract, and the sheriff says he must oblige ICE detention requests.

Soon after the Sept. 13 meeting, the county released a statement in justification:

"The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled that, when a public meeting is disrupted by protest, a public body may relocate its meeting after a recess and exclude protesters from attending, as long as the media is allowed to attend, and the location change is posted. The court concluded this action was the same as removing the protestors."

Michigan law states only a person who breaches the peace can be excluded from a public meeting.

"No one may be excluded from a meeting otherwise open to the public except for a breach of the peace actually committed at the meeting" Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette's office writes in the Open Meetings Act handbook.

The Attorney General's Office declined to comment on the story, saying they would not provide "legal advice or interpretation of law."

Kent County Administrator Wayman Britt contended every person in the group disrupted that meeting and meetings prior. Britt said the county's exclusion of them is backed by case law.

The media was allowed to attend the relocated meeting but not before county employees, again, likely violated the law.

Dukarski said the county ran afoul when a deputy required a Grand Rapids Press reporter to show identification to enter the building in which the relocated meeting was held.

The same deputy said the public was not allowed in, though several were and gave public comment.

"No one may be required to register or otherwise provide his or her name or other information or otherwise to fulfill a condition precedent to attend a public meeting," the Open Meetings Act handbook states.

The county has tried several tactics short of arrest to solve the ongoing problem of meeting disruptions by protesters.

The disruptions have been going on since late June. Since then, the board has suspended at least three separate meetings because of the interruptions.

The county's most recent tactic, implemented at their Sept. 27 meeting, was to force the attending public into a room next door to watch the proceedings on a video monitor. Those in the room are flanked by deputies.

During public comment, attendees must write their statements down and give them to a county staff. Only then are they corralled in and out of the meeting room, one-by-one, past more deputies and an ad hoc camera recording the entrance to the Board of Commissioners chambers.

The new measures might conform with Open Meetings Act, Dukarksi said, but not with its spirit.

"Even if it's not an outright violation, it definitely indicates that they are not interested in promoting transparency and allowing the public to interface with their representatives," she said. "Distancing yourself from your constituents just doesn't meet the spirit of what the Open Meetings Act was intended to create."

Britt contended the new measures allow government to function and is better than arresting people.

"Over the years, individuals and groups that wanted to make their views, positions, support, or criticisms known to the board have participated in public comment," Britt said in a statement. "What is different now is that the stated intent of the protestors to disrupt the meetings -- as opposed to voicing views or positions. It requires a different response that is designed to allow public comment, while also allowing the board to consider, debate, and decide all the issues before it on behalf of all 600,000-plus Kent County residents."

In a statement, he said the "decorum that was instituted and maintained" at the meeting was the "least restrictive arrangement" and in compliance with the Open Meetings Act.

The county will consider adaptations to the measures if they are "appropriate to encourage public participation and transparency," Britt wrote.

Only one person gave public comment at the last meeting. They intended to talk on another topic but were perturbed by the new arrangements.

"Thank you for making me feel like a criminal," August Treu told the board. "Feels like police state. It's great that we have the officers protecting us, but closing this meeting off, I just can't believe it."

Treu is running as a Democrat in the upcoming race for the county's 11th district.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- After eight months with an interim manager leading city operations, Grand Rapids has its next city manager in place.

Mark Washington, 45, started in his new position Monday, Oct. 1. His first week will include spending time with the mayor, commissioners, city staff and community stakeholders to listen to their ideas and concerns.

The city will hold a public, swearing-in ceremony at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, ahead of the bi-monthly 7 p.m. city commission meeting at City Hall. Community members will have a brief opportunity to meet him during the event.

Washington comes from Austin, Texas, where he most recently worked as an assistant city manager. He has nearly 23 years of local government work in Austin and Fort Worth, Texas.

He emerged as a finalist for Grand Rapids' open city manager position during the city's second search process.

The first search, which cost $25,000, failed to yield a fitting candidate in the eyes of the commission, community groups and residents. The city tried again in March, this time paying $26,500 to the firm Springsted Waters to lead the search process.

On July 31, the city commission heard enough from Washington and the two other finalists to skip the final interview and vote to appoint to Washington as the next city manager. The vote was 6-1, with Third Ward Commissioner Senita Lenear as the lone opponent.

Lenear said the process felt rushed and she wanted the public to get an opportunity to weigh-in on the finalists before making a decision, as was previously planned.

With Washington settling in Monday, Eric DeLong, who filled in as interim city manager for eight months, returned to his role as deputy city manager.

Washington replaces former city manager Greg Sundstrom, who announced his retirement Aug. 15, 2017, and officially left office Feb. 1, 2018 after eight years of service.

Washington is the city's first African American city manager. He's under a three-year contract with a salary of $250,000.
Former President Barack Obama is endorsing Democrat Gretchen Whitmer in the race for governor of Michigan, Whitmer's campaign announced Monday.

"I'm proud to endorse Gretchen Whitmer because Michigan's middle-class families need a governor who knows how to get things done," said Obama said in a statement.

"Gretchen has spent her whole life getting real results for hardworking Michiganders, whether it was raising the minimum wage, or working to expand Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act to cover more than 680,000 people. As governor, she'll focus on getting things done that will actually make a difference in people's lives right now, like fixing Michigan's roads, speeding up the replacement of lead pipes in communities like Flint, and getting our kids the skills they need to compete for good-paying jobs. That's exactly the kind of leadership Michigan needs in the governor's office right now."

"It's such an honor to have President Obama's support because as President he fought every day to make sure hardworking Michiganders had access to quality, affordable health care and worked to rescue Michigan's auto industry, which saved 1.5 million jobs," said Whitmer.

"Thanks to the Affordable Care Act and the work I did as Senate Democratic Leader to expand Medicaid, more than 680,000 Michiganders now have health care who didn't before. There's still more work to do, and I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and expand Medicaid to the 600,000 Michiganders who still need care. Let's get it done."

Obama also endorsed Garlin Gilchrist II as the Democratic Lieutenant Governor candidate. On the congressional level, Obama also endorsed Democrats Haley Stevens in the 11th Congressional District and Elissa Slotkin in the 8th Congressional District, along with a smattering of state legislative candidates.

Obama joins his former Vice President, Joe Biden, in endorsing Whitmer.

Schuette, the Republican contender in the governor's race, has the endorsement of President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.
GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, MI - The search continues for a Michigan man who went missing while kayaking in Grand Traverse County.

Authorities from multiple agencies have been looking for Randy Robert Day, 42, of Garfield Township, since he was reported missing on Wednesday, Sept. 26.

He was last seen at approximately 7 p.m. on Sunday Sept. 23 the day before he was kayaking in the Bowers Harbor area of Grand Traverse County.

A kayak used by Day was located by the Grand Traverse Sheriff's Office near Neahtawanta Point on Monday, Sept. 24. His backpack and cellphone were later located by the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office.

Day is approximately 6 feet tall. It is unknown what clothes he was wearing when he went missing. Several agencies, including deputies from Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Antrim and Roscommon counties, the United States Coast Guard, Michigan State Police and Peninsula Fire and EMS are continuing to search for Day.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact Grand Traverse Central Dispatch at 231-922-4550.
New estimates show legalized recreational marijuana in Michigan could generate $129.4 million in tax revenue for the state once the market matures, according to a study released Monday by the pro-legalization campaign.

The revenue estimates come nearly one month before Michigan voters will decide Nov. 6 whether to legalize marijuana for recreational use for adults 21 and over. The issue is on the ballot as Proposal 1.

The proposal would require the state to set up a licensing system for businesses, and would set a 10 percent excise tax on the product and apply the state's six percent sales tax. Those taxes would be among the lowest recreational marijuana taxes in the country.

The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol -- the group behind the ballot proposal -- paid the Colorado firm VS Strategies for the revenue estimate study. Previously, the coalition was estimating the proposal could bring $200 million in revenue.

"What went wrong?" said Scott Greenlee, president of the opposition group, Healthy and Productive Michigan. "The report is very clear: the numbers do not match their promises."

The Senate Fiscal Agency is planning to release its analysis of Proposal 1 next week.

The VS Strategies study took into account 4.5 million Michigan residents have admitted to trying marijuana in their lifetimes, and 980,000 residents say they use it every month, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

If Proposal 1 is approved by voters, the study anticipated the first marijuana businesses would be open by 2020 and would generate $53.7 million in tax revenue during that year.

Tax revenue would continue to grow, nearly doubling by 2023 when the Michigan market is expected to peak with $1.5 billion in sales, drawing in $134 million in tax revenue.

By 2024, the market is expected to stabilize with $129.4 million in annual tax revenue, according to the study.

Revenue from the excise tax -- expected to be about $80 million in 2024 -- would be divided between local governments (30 percent), roads (35 percent) and schools (35 percent).

Revenue from the sales tax -- expected to be $48.5 million in 2024 -- would mostly go to schools through the state's School Aid Fund.

That means roads and bridges in Michigan may get $28 million in new revenue by 2024 from the recreational marijuana program.

"We've never said this initiative is going to solve all of Michigan's funding problems, we're only going to direct the funding where we think it's needed," said Josh Hovey, spokesman for the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol."

The revenue estimates do not include licensing fees, and do not account for the costs the state will incur to launch the program.

For at least two years, the state would also have to give $20 million in tax revenue to a clinical trial approved by the FDA to an academic institution to research the effectiveness of marijuana in treating veterans for their medical conditions and to prevent suicide.

Revenue is expected to decline slightly between 2023 and 2024 due to rising business competition in the state, which is expected to bring down prices, said Andrew Livingston, policy analyst for VS Strategies. There's also no likely increase in consumers after that time, as population growth in Michigan is flat, Livingston said.

Projections for Michigan show lower revenue expectations than Colorado, even though Colorado has a smaller population.

In its third full year of a licensed system, Colorado drew in $247 million in tax revenue and license fees in 2017.

The projections for Michigan are lower than that because the rate of marijuana consumption in the state is lower than in states like Colorado, Washington and Vermont, Livingston said. Colorado also has a higher tax rate: a 15 percent excise tax, as well as a 15 retail sales tax.

-- Amy Biolchini is the marijuana beat reporter for MLive. Contact her with questions, tips or comments at abiolch1@mlive.com. Read more from MLive on this issue.
Temporary water filters will be added this week to a Metro Detroit automotive supplier factory thats been identified as a source of high levels of PFAS contamination in the Huron River.

The equipment is expected to be installed on Friday, October 5, at the Adept Plastics/Tribar plant in Wixom.

Coming next: A permanent water-cleansing system to reduce the discharge to below 12 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOS and PFOA. That is expected by year-end, said attorney Paul Bohn.

"We would like it sooner rather than later," said Bohn.

The specialized equipment hadn't been available until now, Bohn said, as company officials spent months navigating what he called "unique circumstances" surrounding the chemicals emerging from their factory.

PFAS contamination prompted an escalating series of public health warnings surrounding the Huron River starting in August - including warnings not to eat fish in five southeast Michigan counties - as officials learned that the Wixom wastewater treatment plant had been discharging the chemicals into a tributary.

The city's effluent testing determined that treated water containing at least 290 ppt of PFOS was flowing into Norton Creek, after the treatment plant accepted water from Adept/Tribar that - according to one test - contained PFOS at 28,000 ppt.

Investigations by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality later indicated that PFOS - part of the PFAS chemical family, and recognized as a cause of cancer and other health concerns - measured 5,500 ppt in Norton Creek. State surface water standards allow up to 12 ppt of PFOS in Michigan's lakes and rivers.

The testing came as concerns about PFAS mount across the U.S., resulting in a Senate subcommittee hearing last week and multiple calls for the Environmental Protection Agency to set national enforceable standards for the so-called "forever chemicals."

In Michigan, state officials set a rigorous course of PFAS investigation in November. By midyear, the DEQ found that at least 1.5 million Michigan residents unwittingly have been drinking municipal water with some level of contamination by the toxic chemicals.

Among them are city of Ann Arbor water customers. Testing of the city's water supply showed PFAS at levels up to about one-half of the federal lifetime health advisory starting in 2014.

The city gets about 85 percent of its water from the Huron River, one reason that Bohn said Adept/Tribar attempted to act quickly to address its role in the contamination. He said the effort began over the summer.

Adept/Tribar hired Clean Harbors Inc., which located the temporary equipment and also is planning the permanent filter installation.

"They understand they have a challenge ahead of them," Bohn said. "They're trying to meet that challenge."

The equipment is highly specialized and "not a cookie-cutter system," Bohn said. It follows significant on-site work to make sure no lingering PFAS remained in the company's production processes after it - along with other U.S. plating companies - followed a voluntary move to stop using PFOS and PFOA in 2015.

Bohn said he did not yet have an amount that Adept/Tribar is spending on the PFAS issue.

The company received a 30-day administrative order from Wixom on September 19. Adept/Tribar faces an October 19 deadline to tell the city how the "violations occurred and how future violations will be prevented." It also has to provide a detailed work plan on how it will prevent pass-through contamination while it works on a solution, as well as pay for the city's ongoing testing.

Bohn said these steps likely will address the request from the city, which has continued to supply wastewater services to the plant. So far, Bohn said, Adept/Tribar has not curtailed production of its chrome-plated plastic components since the PFAS discovery.

Along with DEQ urgency on the Huron River testing, watershed advocates and public officials called for the state to focus on the factory's discharge.

"I think the priority should be on cleaning up the Adept factory," said Laura Rubin, executive director of the Huron River Watershed Council, in mid-September. And last week, state Rep. Yousef Rabhi called on Gov. Rick Snyder to shut down the source of the PFAS contamination in the river.

Adept/Tribar is one identified source of PFAS contamination in the Huron River, which now also has a recent foam advisory - a rare move in Michigan after the city tested thick, white foam found in four locations and found very high readings.

The state continues to look for other sources in the five-county watershed.

Bohn said he can "understand why people were upset" at the PFAS discovery, given both the drinking water connection and the recreational uses of the river and its chain of lakes.

His client, he added, likely will find itself among additional industrial users in a similar situation. Lapeer Plating and Plastics also has been working with the city of Lapeer to reduce the PFAS in its water treatment influent, and testing is under way to find others.

While the immediate focus for Adept/Tribar is on finding and setting up the filtration equipment, the company also is cautious about defining its role in the river contamination.

"The company hasn't determined it put anything into the river," Bohn said. "... It's focus is on attempting to install a solution and making sure it's eliminating the material from their plants."

The Huron River Watershed Council is holding a meeting called PFAS and the Health of the Huron River at 7 p.m. Thursday, October 4, at the Milford Civic Center, 1100 Atlantic Street, Milford MI.
JACKSON, MI - One month before Michigan voters head to the polls to decide on the potential legalization of recreational marijuana, a Jackson County nonprofit is hosting a town hall meeting to discuss the topic.

Drug Free Jackson - formerly known as the Jackson County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition - is hosting the event from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, at the Michigan Theatre of Jackson, 124 N. Mechanic St.

Speakers will make 20- to 25-minute presentations and take five to 10 minutes for questions, said Emma Sigman, substance abuse prevention specialist for Drug Free Jackson.

Speakers are coming from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Michigan Prosecuting Attorney's Association, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Prevention Association and Healthy and Productive Michigan.

Drug Free Jackson, a grant-funded coalition of about 20 Jackson County agencies, has released a resolution opposing the legalization of recreational marijuana.

The resolution mentions health and societal risks as some of the "dangers" involved.

"We're not going to go tell people, 'You should vote this way,' or 'You should vote that way,'" Sigman said. "We adopted the resolution as a way to talk about some of the potential consequences that may come up if it is legalized."

Sigman, who also works for Most Teens Don't in Jackson, said one of the reasons to oppose legalization is because it would make marijuana easier for youth to access.

"Teens, their brains haven't fully developed yet," Sigman said. "So if they are using drugs or marijuana before they're in their late teens to early 20s, it could damage their developing brain."

Legalizing medical marijuana was passed in 2008 in Michigan, with 63 percent of voters in favor. The legalization of recreational marijuana will be on the Nov. 6 ballot.
KALAMAZOO, MI -- Both Western Michigan and Grand Valley State universities are facing shrinking student enrollment this fall.

Enrollment at both universities is down 1.5 percent from last fall, according to enrollment data released by the universities.

Between 2010 and 2015, Michigan high schools graduated 20,000 fewer students annually, according to Michigan Association of State Universities.

The number of Michigan high school graduates is expected to keep dropping for the next decade, according to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

WMU lost 332 students since last year, according to the university's fall 2018 enrollment report. There are 22,562 students enrolled at WMU this year, a 1.5 percent drop from 2017. Last year, the campus had 22,894 students.

Just 65 miles north, Grand Valley State University reports 24,677 students are enrolled this fall, according to its fall enrollment report.

That number also represents a 1.5 percent decrease from GVSU's enrollment in the fall of 2017, when the university counted 25,049 students.

WMU's declining enrollment

Western Michigan's enrollment has seen a steady decline since the early 2000s. In the last three decades, the school's enrollment peaked at 25,461 during the 2002-03 school year.

Enrollment is a top priority for new WMU President Edward Montgomery, who created the Transformational Initiative Fund of $1 million last September to create programs that help students succeed and graduate.

Montgomery hired a vice president for marketing and strategic communication to increase WMU's reach and brand the university as a school of choice.

In an effort to increase recruitment from outside Michigan, the university cut the cost of out-of-state tuition from nearly $27,000 to $15,000 in 2017.

At the same time, efforts to upgrade the school's curb appeal were also in the works.

The 1960s-era Elmwood Apartments, visible from Stadium Drive, were demolished this summer, and the university plans to replace them with newer student housing.

According to WMU's fall enrollment report, the number of freshmen students enrolled at Western this fall is 3,989, 0.6 percent fewer than the 4,015 freshmen enrolled at the same point last year.

The number of sophomore students enrolled is 5.6 percent higher than last year, while the numbers of both junior and senior students have decreased.

Associate Provost for Enrollment Management Terry Curran said the university is feeling positive about enrollment.

He said efforts to engage students and keep them on campus are proving to be successful, as both freshmen and sophomore retention rates increased 2 percent.

"We think we are slowly and surely turning the ship around in the right direction," Curran said.

College officials believe it is likely that they will see an uptick in enrollment next year and feel "optimistic" about the university's future, he said.

GVSU stops growing

Grand Valley State University's enrollment has seen nearly uninterrupted, steady growth over the last two decades, and total enrollment at GVSU surpassed WMU enrollment in 2009.

In 2017, the university's enrollment streak was broken when the school lost 411 students.

This year is the seventh consecutive year the school has enrolled over 4,000 freshmen.

The 2018 enrollment report shows 4,577 freshmen students, which is a 0.7 percent increase from last year.

The university "continues to attract top students," President Thomas Haas said in a news release from GVSU. "Even with the demographic challenges in the state, Grand Valley's enrollment is strong and ensures a stable future for the university and the communities and employers who depend on our graduates."

The report said new-student enrollment rose 1.4 percent, while the number of returning students decreased 2.5 percent.

The number of sophomore, junior and senior-level students decreased from last year. Students categorized as sophomores decreased 2.5 percent, while the number of juniors is down only 0.5 percent.

Last year, Grand Valley reported having the largest number of seniors, 7,184, in the university's history. This year, that number is down 1.9 percent, with 7,051 senior-level students enrolled.

The university praised increases in diversity on campus in the press release. The number of new students of color increased 6 percent while the total percentage of racial and ethnic minority students is up to 17.4 percent, according to the release.
KALAMAZOO, MI -- A comparison of shelters across Michigan shows Kalamazoo County provides more emergency beds and transitional housing than most communities.

Every year, Michigan Continuum of Care networks count the number of homeless people and available housing capacity on a single night in January. The figures are reported to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which compiles a report based on the information.

Data released by HUD shows Kalamazoo County has around 600 year-round beds providing emergency shelter, safe haven and transitional housing. Another 1,600 beds are considered "permanent housing," which includes state-funded vouchers, subsidized housing and leases available in units owned by service providers.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

A perception that these options aren't working for everyone sparked a month-long protest in Bronson Park. Protesters sought more emergency shelter space and greater access to services. The encampment ended when City Manager Jim Ritsema threatened to arrest anyone still camping in the park after Sept. 18.

Service providers don't do a great job of communicating about who they are dealing with, said Kalamazoo's Continuum of Care Director Benjamin Leverette. A single access point is needed to eliminate confusion and streamline the process of obtaining housing.

"I think one of the issues we have is that our access system has not been set up in a way that is good for tracking individuals through their homeless experience so we can get really good data," Leverette said. "If we just had one agency collectively doing the intake into the actual housing system in Kalamazoo, there won't be as much confusion within the system itself."

Only Kent County and the city of Detroit has more shelter space and more homeless people. Both are several times larger than Kalamazoo geographically and by population.

The 2017 count found Kent County, including the city of Grand Rapids, has nearly twice the number of people experiencing homeless compared to Kalamazoo. It also has more than twice as many permanent housing spots for low-income residents.

The "permanent housing" category does not include affordable and workforce housing units, many of which are provided by developers in exchange for tax credits. A unit is determined by HUD to be affordable when gross housing costs are under 30 percent of a person's income.

The city of Kalamazoo identified a need for 3,000 more in a newsletter released last week.

Local Initiatives Support Coalition Program Officer Kathy Roberts said that number is based on old data and could be even higher. There hasn't been a county-wide study of the need for affordable housing.

When it comes to emergency shelter, the Kent County and Kalamazoo County are much closer. Kalamazoo has only 60 fewer emergency shelter beds compared to its northern neighbor.

Kalamazoo County provides more shelter beds for its size, compared to other communities. It has 2 temporary beds per 1,000 people and 6.4 permanent housing units per 1,000 people.

Only Detroit (2.9) and Jackson County (5.9) have a higher rate of temporary beds per 1,000 people.

Most of Kalamazoo County's temporary beds are in emergency shelters. Leverette said more transitional housing is likely needed. This provides a structured environment to move people toward independence, especially helpful for homeless individuals with disabilities, substance abuse and mental health issues, those existing prison, unaccompanied youth and homeless families with children.

The local Continuum of Care network covers Kalamazoo County, including the cities of Portage and Kalamazoo, directed by LISC. There were more than 4,636 people who experienced homelessness at some point last year, including those living on the streets, in emergency shelters and people forced to live with friends or family due to a housing crisis.

The most recent point-in-time count shows 567 people experienced homelessness during a single night in January this year, including 53 people not staying in a shelter and 149 children. These numbers are expected to be higher in warmer months.

Leverette said counts of the homeless population often don't tell the whole story. The homeless population is "extremely transient."

While the area provides a lot, there are few open spaces. The 2017 count showed no vacancies for permanent supportive housing.

A majority of "permanent housing" in Kalamazoo County comes from MSHDA vouchers and units offered by Housing Resources Inc. and the county mental health and substance abuse authority. (SOURCE: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development)

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority offers 974 housing choice vouchers to the community. A wait list for vouchers has 185 people on it.

Roberts said only people who are homeless can apply for the vouchers. It hasn't been open to the general public since 2006.

Housing Resources Inc., Catholic Family Services and Kalamazoo County Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services provide several hundred more long-term housing options.

"Housing first" is an approach that seeks to put people experiencing homelessness in a unit first, then connect them with supportive services to prevent them from returning to homelessness. The strategy, preferred by HUD, is meant to provide a foundation to build stability, begin the recovery process and pursue personal goals.

Leverette said there has been a shift in thinking locally toward the need for transitional housing.

There were 2,274 total beds for low-income residents in 2017. Around one-quarter of the county's available beds are dedicated for emergency shelters, while the rest are for permanent supportive housing.

According to the 2017 report, there were 530 emergency shelter beds last year, according to a housing inventory count report submitted to HUD.

Three-quarters of the available emergency shelter beds are owned by the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. Because the Gospel Mission and Ministry With Community, a day shelter, don't receive federal funding through the county Continuum of Care, Roberts said they are not obligated to keep the same data as LISC.

Seventy emergency beds are available at the YWCA's domestic assault program. The YWCA also offers 22 permanent supportive housing beds and 42 transitional housing beds.

The 65 remaining emergency shelter beds are owned by Catholic Family Services, Housing resources Inc., the Oakland House and Open Door Shelters.

Immediately to the east, Calhoun County only has 239 year-round beds available for emergency, safe haven and transitional housing; 150 are for emergency shelter. There are 286 more for permanent housing.

Kent County has 794 year-round temporary beds, including 588 emergency shelter beds and 206 beds for transitional housing. There are 3,590 permanent housing beds.

Ingham Couty, including the cities of Lansing and East Lansing, has 342 temporary beds, including 2,144 for permanent housing.
KALAMAZOO, MI -- Five Kalamazoo residents are running for two seats on the Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education this November.

Incumbent Craig Herschleb is running for reelection, and will face Jermaine Jackson, Tandy Moore and Jason Morris at the polls Tuesday, Nov. 6. Current board Vice President Carol McGlinn's term is up this year, but she is not running for reelection.

Board members are elected to six-year terms and serve as leaders of the school district, passing budgets and making decisions on policy and other issues facing the school district.

This year, MLive Media Group partnered with the League of Women Voters of Michigan Education Fund to provide candidate information and other voting resources to our readers. Each candidate was asked to answer a series of questions about their policy stances.

Information on all state and federal races and many of Michigan's county and local races will be available at Vote411.org.

Herschleb, 50, is an American Axle/Assembly technician who graduated from Vicksburg High School, he said in his questionnaire response. He has served as a board trustee since 2013, was the parent teacher organization president for Washington Writers' Academy and served on the Parent Advisory Board for the district.

Candidate Jermaine Jackson, 42, is a librarian assistant at Kalamazoo Public Library, and is a graduate of Kalamazoo Public Schools, he said in his response. He is a former Head Start educator, paraprofessional at Milwood Elementary School and former bus driver for the district.

Candidate Tandy Moore, 37, has experience as a local community organizer and is trained and certified in youth conflict resolution, she said in her questionnaire. She also said she is a member of Kalamazoo Community Foundation's THRT Racial Healing community cohort.

Candidate Jason Morris, 42, holds a bachelors degree in marketing and Spanish from Western Michigan University, he said in his response. He served four years as the Parkwood Upjohn Parent Teacher Organization Co-President. He was also the Co-Chair for the 2018 School Enhancement Millage $96 million for School Improvements.

Candidate Jamie DeLeeuw Balint, 41, said she withdrew from the race.

Why are you running for a board seat? What strengths or talents especially qualify you for that role?

CRAIG HERSCHLEB

I like to continue to advocate and work hard for our students and their families. I have worked for more than 14 years as a volunteer and a parent in KPS. I was the PTO president at Washington as well as on the Parent Advisory committee for KPS. I have worked to pass bonds for KPS that included a new building for Washington Writers' Academy and Milwood Elementary. I have worked to pass a county wide special education millage to support the needs of all Kalamazoo county children. During my term reading, math and high school graduation rates were raised. I have also helped to balance the calendar at Washington and Woodward.

JERMAINE JACKSON

I have always been passionate and involved in my community, especially with youth and at-risk students. As a former Head Start educator, paraprofessional at Milwood Elementary, and KPS bus driver, I have worked professionally with Kalamazoo youth my entire life. Beyond that, I have served as a counselor for the Michigan Youth Challenge, a mentor at Lakeside Academy, and a lead volunteer at the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home. I am fully invested in Kalamazoo youth. Currently, as a Librarian Assistant at Kalamazoo Public Library, I assist and organize youth programs for all ages. Lastly, I am expanding an after-school homework help program.

TANDY MOORE

As a long time resident of Kalamazoo, mother of five children, and a local organizer, I am deeply invested in the improvement of our public school system for the benefit of our entire community. Issues of inequity and oppression throughout our country are deeply rooted within the school system itself, and must be approached with boldness and urgency. My work in the community organizing and social justice realm will bring this necessary perspective to educational policy and board culture.

JASON MORRIS

It has been my privilege the last five years as to serve as Co-President of Parkwood Up-John PTO. In that time, we have worked tirelessly to improve the educational environment for over 560 students by raising funds for field trips, class room supplies and supporting teachers in every way possible. I also have had the honor of working on the Special Education Millage of 2015 as Co-Chair. Successful Passage of that millage brought $11 million in much needed funding for special education in KPS. I worked as Co-Chair of the 2018 millage Renewal for Kalamazoo Public Schools.This delivered $96 Million to the district for much needed security.

If elected, what are your top two priorities for the coming year? How will you strive to address them?

CRAIG HERSCHLEB

My top two priorities are ensuring our schools are safe learning environments and broaden vocational education for students. I will strive to help carry this out by advocating with others who have the authority to accomplish these issues.

JERMAINE JACKSON

My two top priorities are the safety of all students and expanding counseling and social support services. In a reality of school shootings, bullying, and abductions, I will fight to make sure all students and staff feel safe to and from school. I will continue to find ways that support best practices for active shooter training. I will push for a holistic counseling program that meets the needs of students where they are at.

TANDY MOORE

Our board currently operates without adequate efforts made to inform the pubic and seek input on important policy decisions. Greater transparency and accountability are crucial. My aim is to open channels to disseminate information broadly, and ensure that the public has ample opportunity to engage their elected officials, in part through regular town hall events that will require the board and superintendent to directly respond to questions and concerns from community members. In addition, I will advocate for the support of a trained anti-racism task force to address issues of racial bias within our school system.

JASON MORRIS

Continued improvement in academic achievement and graduation rates.

Drive improvements in early child-hood literacy. Investment in the future.

Increase education in skilled trades and vocational training. This is an aspect of education that is often overlooked that I believe is critical in making sure all our students have the skills needed to have gainful employment.

Advocate for more career focus on Science Technology and Math.

Improve relationships with the students and their families. Creating support structures that foster high achievement and education.

What are the most positive characteristics or qualities of the school district--ones that support student academic achievement and personal development? What are the opportunities for improvement?

CRAIG HERSCHLEB

Some of the most positive qualities are our mentoring programs, more students taking advanced placement classes, and a diversity in staff and students. The need most prevalent is adequate state funding. We need to work on increasing graduation rates and test scores for futures success.

JERMAINE JACKSON

As a proud MEA member and proudly endorsed by the MEA, I applaud the recent increase in base salary for KPS educators, and I hope the conversation of teacher pay will continue. Quality educators produce students ready for college. However, we need to make the Kalamazoo Promise more equitable for all students. I also support the recent increase in social workers, which is a core component of my platform.

TANDY MOORE

The Kalamazoo Promise has opened doors to many students and put us in the national spotlight for good reason. We are now poised to become a leader in education, and with the support of vibrant local organizations and business leaders, so much is possible. A recent ACES initiative undertaken by Kalamazoo Public Schools and community partners is an excellent example. Continued efforts to address our students' social and emotional needs, an increased focus on vocational education, and the implementation of a project-based learning approach to curriculum are all achievable goals, and will bring that promise within reach for more of our kids.

JASON MORRIS

The most positive aspects of great school district are safe secure learning environment where children are supported by teachers who have been equipped to with skills and training to effectively educate all of their students. There's a shared sense of community among the parents, teachers and the administration. All stake holders feel they are listened to and consulted in the process. Their opinions are not only valued but sought regarding issues that affect the district. All parties feel they have agency and responsibility in the outcome of the educating our children.

What actions will you take to promote further parental or community involvement in schools?

CRAIG HERSCHLEB

I will promote the school district at school and community events in Kalamazoo. I will let parents know their input and presence in the school district is important and essential.

JERMAINE JACKSON

As a former participant of a KPS Parent Advisory Counsel, and as my wife is active in the PTA, I'm an advocate for more parental and community involvement, to give power and voice to those that matter most. The phrase "it takes a village" is true. I will challenge parents to get involved in the PTA, I will organize parental bus stop monitors, and I will expand after-school homework help.

TANDY MOORE

In addition to offering the community the chance to engage with their board and superintendent at town hall events, we need to create more opportunities for working caregivers to participate in school activities by scheduling functions during evening and weekend hours when possible. I will also advocate for the development of mentoring programs that are more inclusive and welcoming, and look for ways to open our doors more frequently to the wider community during school hours. One way we can do this is by offering businesses and institutions the opportunity to collaborate with students through project-based learning.

JASON MORRIS

I will continue to reach out to the community through Parent Advisory Council meetings, attending community events such as literacy night at the local schools, sporting events, plays. I will also endeavor to increase communication to the between the board and community at large. I will seek increased input from the parents, teacher's and staff on regarding school policy. An informed district is an involved district that feels they have a stake in the success of our children. To that end we need to continue supporting the mentoring programs in KPS and seek partnerships with local organizations such as churches and local non-profit groups.

The candidates are invited to four community forums in October to discuss issues and answer questions. The forum is hosted by resident Majyck Dee.

Dates for the community forums were announced Thursday, Sept. 27, by Trustee Lauren Freedman during a Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education meeting.

The dates of the forums organized by Dee and participating community and faith-based organizations are:

5:30 p.m., Oct. 3 at the Edison Neighborhood Association, 816 Washington Ave.

5:30 p.m., Oct. 11, at the Eastside Neighborhood Association, 1301 E. Main St.

5:30 p.m., Oct. 18, at the Vine Neighborhood Association, 814 S. Westnedge Ave.

6 p.m., Oct. 25, at the Allen Chapel AME, 804 W. North St.

All responses in the voter guide were submitted directly by the candidate and have not been edited by the League of Women Voters, except for necessary cut if a reply exceeded character limitations. Spelling and grammar were not corrected. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should NOT be considered as an endorsement. The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties.
PARCHMENT, MI -- A company formerly associated with paper manufacturing in Parchment will assist the state in determining how the area became contaminated with PFAS.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality announced Monday that Georgia-Pacific LLC will voluntarily aid efforts to identify the source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances that contaminated the city of Parchment's water supply and private wells in Cooper Township. Extremely high levels of the toxic chemicals, historically used to coat specialty papers, were found at a capped landfill formerly used by Parchment paper mills.

Georgia-Pacific operated its Epic manufacturing plant in Parchment until the end of 2015, producing food wraps and other items for the food industry. The plant was the last use of property originally used by the Kalamazoo Vegetable Parchment Co., which was at various times owned by owned at Brown Co., James River Corp., Fort James Corp. finally Crown Vantage Paper Co.

Crown Vantage declared bankruptcy and shuttered most of the complex in 2000. The same year, the Fort James Corporation was acquired by Georgia-Pacific for $11 billion.

A perfluoroalkyl polymer was a main ingredient in oil and grease-repellents used in laminated paper products produced by Fort James Corp in the 1990s. The repellant was patented by Minnesota manufacturing giant 3M and discontinued when 3M began phasing out products based on PFOS in 2000.

Georgia-Pacific's plant was in part of the complex purchased from Fort James in 2000.

Samples collected from the nearby landfill revealed one spot contained 11,500 parts per trillion of perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, or PFOS. The compounds are among a larger collection of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances collectively called PFAS.

Parties known to have responsibility for contamination are required to conduct cleanup activities unless they are financially insolvent. An Oct. 1 press release states Georgia-Pacific never owned or operated the paper mill that is suspected to be a source of the contamination.

The former paper mill property and landfill may not be the only sources of PFAS in the area, according to the release. The MDEQ continues to investigate potential sources.

David Harn, MDEQ Project Manager said Georgia-Pacific contacted the state after learning about PFAS contamination in Parchment.

"The MDEQ has been preparing plans to undertake a field investigation while also researching potential source operations and responsible parties when GP made contact," Harn said in the release.

Georgia-Pacific has voluntarily agreed to do the following, at its own expense, under the MDEQ's supervision:

Develop a work plan, with the MDEQ's assistance, that identifies monitoring well locations and depths, sampling procedures and analytical methodology.

Install monitoring wells in accordance with the work plan.

Measure water levels in the monitoring wells.

Collect and analyze groundwater samples in accordance with the work plan.

Provide all data to the MDEQ along with tables and figures to summarize results.

Install additional monitoring wells and collect additional groundwater samples as needed to understand and define the extent of contamination as well as the sources of PFAS impacting private and public water supplies.

Provide the MDEQ with a report on the information obtained through the work plan.

Michigan uses a 70 ppt guideline for lifetime exposure to the two compounds, set by the EPA to determine at what level adverse health effects are anticipated to occur. Results were found in Parchment's source water wells at levels 26 times greater than the health advisory.

People connected to Parchment's water system were provided bottled water for nearly a month. The city of Kalamazoo connected its water system to Parchment and residents were told to drink from the tap again on Aug. 27.

Residents using private drinking water wells in Cooper Township were given filters by MDEQ after being put on bottled water. An investigation into the extent of contamination continues.

Health officials link exposure to PFOS and PFOA to pregnancy-induced hypertension, liver damage, increased risk of thyroid disease, cancer and other issues.

Part 201 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act governs the state's responses to contamination. It allows private parties to conduct response actions for many reasons, including liability for the contamination, a desire to market or redevelop a property, or for no defined reason at all.
SAGINAW, MI -- A Catholic priest accused of sex crimes will head to trial after withdrawing his no contest pleas.

The Rev. Robert "Father Bob" DeLand Jr. withdrew his plea on Friday, Sept. 28, according to Saginaw County Assistant Prosecutor Mark Gaertner.

Gaertner said Monday that DeLand did not want to accept the potential sentence he faces and decided to withdraw his plea.

The Saginaw Catholic Diocesan priest pleaded no contest on Sept. 4 to seven criminal charges involving three victims.

DeLand had pleaded no contest to two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct involving injury; attempted second-degree criminal sexual conduct; assault with intent to commit second-degree criminal sexual conduct; gross indecency between males; selling alcohol to a minor and distributing an imitation controlled substance.

Sentencing guidelines for DeLand's plea agreement ranged from 12 to 24 months. Circuit Judge Darnell Jackson, who initially accepted DeLand's pleas, had indicated he would sentence the DeLand to one year in jail without the possibility of release on tether, followed by five years' probation. He would also have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

DeLand or his attorney Alan Crawford could not be reached immediately for comment.
As it continues to work toward its directed goal of returning humans to Earth's moon and eventually onto Mars, NASA recently unveiled its five-step campaign that will help the space agency get there.

Back in December 2017, President Donald Trump signed the Space Policy Directive-1 which directed NASA to develop a program using commercial and international partners to "enable human expansion across the solar system and to bring back to Earth new knowledge and opportunities."

The U.S. space agency first revealed its National Space Exploration Campaign in a Wednesday, Sept. 26 post to its website.

"The National Space Exploration Campaign calls for human and robotic exploration missions to expand the frontiers of human experience and scientific discovery of the natural phenomena of Earth, other worlds and the cosmos," the space agency writes. "The Exploration Campaign builds on 18 continuous years of Americans and our international partners living and working together on the International Space Station.

"It leverages advances in the commercial space sector, robotics and other technologies, and accelerates in the next few years with the launch of NASA's Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System (SLS) rocket."

NASA's plan lays out the following steps, in numerical order:

To transition U.S. human low-Earth orbit spaceflight activities to commercial operations that support NASA "and the needs of an emerging private sector market." Lead the implementation of functions that support operations on the surface of the moon, and to "facilitate missions" beyond just between the Earth and its moon. Foster new scientific discoveries and use of lunar resources through a series of future robotic missions. Return American astronauts to the surface of the Moon for a "sustained campaign of exploration and use. Demonstrate what is required to support manned missions to Mars and beyond.

--

"Based on inputs from current partners, commercial and other stakeholders, NASA will shape the plan for the transition of low-Earth orbit activities from direct government funding to commercial services and partnerships, with new, independent commercial platforms or a non-NASA operating model for some form or elements of the International Space Station by 2025," the space agency says of the space station.

"In addition, NASA will expand public-private partnerships to develop and demonstrate technologies and capabilities to enable new commercial space products and services."

This all falls in line with everything President Donald Trump said in the policy directive and budget signing, as well as Vice President Mike Pence's remarks at meetings of the National Space Council.

Back in February, Pence, the chairman of the revived space council, said the "convoluted maze of bureaucratic obstacles" and "outdated regulatory processes" were holding the space industry and our technological capabilities back. The vice president made these remarks from the Kennedy Space Center.

"President Trump and our entire administration believe that America's prosperity, security, and even our national character, depend on American leadership in space," Pence said at the time.

"And over the past year, the world has seen the vital role that private enterprise plays to advance American leadership in outer space. We've seen the increasing number of American businesses sending experiments to the International Space Station."

Trump's 2019 NASA budget was highlighted by sending astronauts back to space and the goal of ending federal funding of the International Space Station by 2025.

NASA clarifies in its National Space Exploration Campaign that the space station will continue its current operations through at least 2024. If that timeline holds true, the orbiting laboratory will have had continuous human occupancy for nearly 25 years.

The current crew aboard the International Space Station consists of two from Roscosmos, three NASA astronauts and one from Germany by way of the European Space Agency.

The president agreed to set aside $10.5 billion of the $19.9 billion budget to kick off a mission that will return humans to the Moon for long-term exploration and eventually push missions on to Mars.

This funding also helps to boost the creation of low-Earth orbit space flight meant for NASA's "commercial partnerships and innovative approaches, to achieve human and science exploration goals."
National carrier Air India is set to fly its 423-seater, double-decker Boeing 747 aircraft to two key domestic destinations, Mumbai and Kolkata, starting October 16 to meet the demand during the festive season.

With 12 seats in first class, 26 in business and 385 in economy class, the 'Jumbo' plane will operate one flight per day each to Kolkata and Mumbai from New Delhi between October 16 and October 21, Air India said in a statement.

Kolkata will be covered in the first phase and Mumbai in the second phase (November).

Generally, these four-engine planes are operated on international routes as well as for ferrying VVIPs.

Coincidentally, the year 2018 also marks the 50th anniversary of the Boeing 747 operations.

According to the airline, the first B-747 will operate as AI 887. It will leave from Delhi at 0700 hours and arrive in Mumbai at 0910 hours. On its return journey, it will be operated as AI 809 and will leave from Mumbai at 1040 hours to reach Delhi at 1245 hours.

The next B747 flight will operate as AI764, which will depart from Delhi at 1655 hours and reach Kolkata at 1910 hours. The return flight, AI 023, will leave from Kolkata at 2050 hours and reach Delhi at 2255 hours, the airline said.

The Jumbo aircraft will also operate two flights per day daily on the Delhi-Mumbai-Delhi sector from November 1 to November 11 to cater to passenger demand during the Diwali season, the statement added.
Iraq plans to increase the production and exports of light crude oil to 1 million barrels per day in 2019, as part of its strategy to boost state revenue, its oil minister Jabar al-Luaibi said on Sunday.

The light crude oil is a new grade with an API gravity of around 34-43, while the current Basrah Light grade that Iraq exports will be renamed Basrah Medium, one Iraqi industry source familiar with the matter said.

"This (decision) will boost Iraq's position in the global oil markets by producing three crude grades: light, medium and heavy," al-Luaibi said in a statement.

Iraq is OPEC's second-largest producer after Saudi Arabia and pumps around 4.6 million bpd. The majority of its crude exports go to Asia.

The bulk of Iraq's oil is exported via the southern terminals, which account for more than 95 percent of the OPEC producer's state revenues. Iraq exported 3.583 million bpd from the southern ports on Gulf in August.

Iraq's crude exports have risen in recent months as shipments drop from Iran, OPEC's third biggest producer, which is facing renewed U.S. sanctions.

Iraq decided to split its oil supply into two grades in 2015 to resolve quality issues. It offered Basrah Heavy produced from southern oilfields separately from its traditional Basrah Light crude.

The shift by Iraq's state-oil marketer SOMO was widely supported by crude buyers who until then had to deal with variations in the quality of a blend of Basrah Light with heavier, high-sulphur content oil produced from newer fields.

Selling Basrah Heavy and Basrah Light separately increased buyers' confidence in quality, and cut the time ships spent waiting for different crudes to reach terminals and that had added to costs.

But the current Basrah Light grade, was itself a blended grade using crude from different oilfields, which has also led to varying qualities in different cargoes, the source said.

Now Iraq will sell the current Basrah Light grade as Basrah Medium with a lower API.

The volumes for the new light crude will come from the Luhais, Tuba, and Artawi southern oilfields, an Iraqi oil official familiar with the project's execution told Reuters.

"We expect rising demand from Asian refiners for the low-sulphur Basrah light crude in 2019. Meeting demands of buyers will help Iraq win more customers in the Asian markets."

Iraq, which relies on oil to generate most of its budget revenues, is seeking to increase crude production capacity to 7 million bpd by 2022 from 5 million bpd now.
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Drug maker Dr Reddy's Laboratories on Monday said it had sold its antibiotic manufacturing facility and related assets in Bristol, Tennessee, to Abu Dhabi-based Neopharma.

The company didn't disclose the financial details of the sale.

"This sale is in line with our stated priority to streamline and optimize our global cost structures and help us focus on other business priorities to drive growth," said Erez Israeli, Chief Operating Officer at Dr Reddys.

"We are pleased that the agreement may provide continued employment opportunities for many of the experienced employees at the site," Israeli said.

In March 2011, Dr Reddy's acquired the penicillin-based

antibiotics manufacturing plant in Bristol, along with product rights for oral penicillin brands such as Augmentin and Amoxil in US, from British drug maker GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

Dr Reddy's was said to have paid around $73 million to GSK for the acquisition. The deal enabled the Indian drug maker to enter the US oral antibiotics market with a comprehensive product filing and a dedicated manufacturing site.

However, due to extensive competition and commoditisation of oral pencillin, Dr Reddy's discontinued certain antibiotic products and dosage strengths, and reduced workforce at the plant. The company said even the availability of the active pharmaceutical ingredients used in their production became a problem.

The sale of the Bristol plant is a part of Dr Reddy's efforts to rein in costs as it faces intense pricing pressure in its key market -- the US -- combined with a lack of significant product approvals, and regulatory problems.

Deal terminated

In another development, the company said it had terminated the license granted to Armis Biopharma for its investigational antibacterial product, DFA-02, meant for prevention of surgical site infections (SSIs) .

"As a result of the termination, Dr Reddy's has regained worldwide rights to DFA-02, and is currently evaluating its options to take the program forward," the company said.

The company didn't disclose the reasons behind termination of the licensing agreement.
Representative Image

Wolters Kluwer, the Dutch information services firm is betting big on India led by a surge in spending on data and digital technologies by hospitals, medical colleges and doctors as they try to improve patient care and treatment outcomes.

Wolters, headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, Netherlands generated over $5 billion in revenues in 2017 across tax and accounting, legal and regulatory, and global risk and compliance (GRC).

But in India, it is healthcare that's keeping the company excited. The company doesn't provide a geographic break-up of sales but said it gets about 70-80 percent of sales in India from healthcare.

The overall healthcare IT market is expected to be around $2 billion in 2020, and the healthcare software segment is expected to be around $180 million. The latter segment is the fastest growing in the market, said Shireesh Sahai, CEO, India-South Asia at Wolters

In the healthcare, Wolters offers clinical decision support or to simply put it an information platform to help doctors make right decisions on diagnoses and treatment plans at the point of care delivery.

The information service is delivered through a mobile-based app called UpToDate. The digital solution is integrated with hospital electronic medical records and delivered through cloud.

"Around 6,700 experts from around the world, in 25 specialties are updating the content on this app every day," said Sahai.

"It is based on high impact factor journals; so it is evidence-based and not influenced by peoples opinions or biases. Now the beauty of this app is that it can also work offline," he said.

More than 50,000 doctors, 100 hospitals and 25 medical colleges are using the app in India.

Wolter also provides a nurse training app that trains nurses to keep them abreast of the latest happenings in the field. The system is entirely cloud-based and gets updated as and when the changes happen around the world.

Under the Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (LWW) brand, Wolters publishes and sells scientific, technical, and medical content such as textbooks, reference works, and over 275 scientific journals. The company's medical content is consumed by around 250 medical colleges in India.

"We have a huge demand-supply gap of almost all the resources in healthcare, be it hospital beds, doctors or nurses. In addition, schemes like Ayushman Bharat will add more pressure to the system. All this can be improved by opening up new hospitals and medical colleges, expanding existing infrastructure and retaining qualified resources within the country," Sahai said.

"At the same time we need to enhance clinical skill at all levels and continuing education should be a must for all healthcare professions throughout their practice. Technology can make a difference in this area," he said.

Wolters has around 1,000 employees in India and around 750 of them are working on developing software solutions.

"We have development centers in Pune and Chennai where we have people who are developing software solutions, not only India but for the entire globe," Sahai said.
IL&FS Transportation Networks | The company defaulted on the interest on non-convertible debentures due on August 25, 2020. (Image: Reuters)

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Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is unlikely to offer a line of credit on an immediate basis to cash-strapped Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS).

Sources told Moneycontrol that while the life insurer - the largest shareholder in IL&FS with 25.34 percent stake - will subscribe to the rights issue, it may not offer any loan in the near term.

A specialist agency (Alvarez and Marsal) has been appointed for a turnaround. Once they study the company and come out with a debt restructuring plan, a decision will be taken, said an official. It is likely that the Alvarez and Marsal may take at least 4-6 months to finalise a strategy to reduce IL&FS debt.

Moneycontrol had earlier reported that State Bank of India (SBI) has refused to facilitate any further credit, though it may take part in the rights issue. IL&FS is seeking Rs 3,500 crore from its shareholders through a line of credit.

In the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 29, IL&FS passed resolutions to raise capital through rights issue worth about Rs 4,500 crore and approached National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for sale of assets to secure liquidity to repay debtors.

LIC Managing Director Hemant Bhargava has also stepped down from the IL&FS board. He has been replaced by Rakesh Kumar as LICs nominee director.

Apart from LIC, Japans Orix holds 23.54 percent stake in IL&FS and Abu Dhabi Investment holds 12.56 percent. Other shareholders include Housing Development Finance Corporation (9.02 percent), Central Bank of India (7.67 percent) and State Bank of India (6.42 percent).

In its maiden meeting with large shareholders on September 28, the Reserve Bank of India also expressed concerns on the ongoing debt crisis at the IL&FS group.

The first signs of trouble in the IL&FS group emerged in June when IL&FS defaulted on inter-corporate deposits and commercial papers (borrowings) worth about Rs 450 crore. Over the next 2-3 months, at least two rating agencies downgraded its long term ratings.

IL&FS, which has missed more than five debt payments since August and downgraded by three rating agencies, has filed an application with NCLT. The company has sought some accommodations from NCLT for itself and 40 group units under the Companies Act, 2013.

Among group companies, its financial services arm IL&FS Financial Services also defaulted on interest payment on commercial papers four times in September.

IL&FS Financial Services also defaulted on seven debt repayments between September 12 and 27, it informed the stock exchange. IL&FS group has a debt of over Rs 91,000 crore.

IL&FS also informed the exchanges that it was unable to pay the principal and interest of Rs 223.35 crore to banks and financial institutions that were due on September 29.
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The government has accepted the Europe-based combined charging system (CCS) for electric vehicles, ending the ambiguity over charging protocol, sources told Moneycontrol. Also, the government is betting on two/three wheelers to spearhead e-mobility in India.

In a meeting held last week, all the stakeholders agreed that CCS-based charging will be the best suitable charging module for the country, sources said.

CCS based chargers combine different charging methods  Alternate Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) -- into a single connector.

Major auto-companies like Volkswagen, Hyundai, Ford Motors, Renault, BMW, Chevrolet, Audi, Jeep and Fiat follow the European standard in India while home-grown majors like Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra prefer Bharat EV standard due to its easy compatibility with European standard.

Interestingly, Indias largest car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki, prefers Japan-based CHAdeMO system developed by its parent Suzuki Motor Corp. and Toyota Motor Corp.

CCS was selected from a host of charging protocols available including CHAdeMO (Japanese), GB/T (Chinese) and Tesla Superpower.

Indecision regarding specific protocol was one of the reasons for sluggish adoption of electric vehicles in India. With no charging stations available at close quarters, public acceptance for the cleaner-mobility solution was minimal.

Also read: Allocation under FAME-II will help decide charging infra roadmap, says Power secy

Ajay Bhalla, secretary, Ministry of Power had told Moneycontrol that the ministry was awaiting suggestions from Department of Science and Technology to finalise a standard protocol and that the roadmap for stations will depend on the amount given to the department under FAME scheme.

The executive finance committee has done their studies and the scheme will be sent to the cabinet unless that is done, we cannot do anything... That is not our department, he had said.

Sources, however, said that announcement regarding the same may take some time as second phase of governments subsidy scheme, FAME India, for e-mobility has been deferred for another six months.

There will not be any specific policy-like announcement Government has decided to take things forward as they are with CCS based charging, said a person privy to the development.

Consequently, all the companies that are planning to set-up charging stations in India will have to follow the European standards.

Currently, various state-run companies are planning to set up charging stations in the country. These include, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) together with Tata Power, National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Gail India, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL).

Another person said that petroleum firms like IOC and HPCL have enough space to facilitate charging infrastructure in the country.

They can set up these stations at their conventional fuel pumps They are big enough to support entire city, he said.

Moneycontrol first reported on September 24, that Department of Heavy Industries (DHI) could notify extension of Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric (FAME) India schemes first phase till March 31, 2018. The official notification came on September 27.

Also read: Exclusive | First phase of FAME to get six month extension; revised phase-II to kick in from FY20

It has been decided that the period of the FAME-India scheme be further extended for a further period of six months up to March 31, 2019 or till notification of FAME-II, whichever is earlier, the ministry said.

According to sources, FAME-II could be deferred beyond April due to Lok Sabha election 2019.

Back to basics: Centre to focus on two/three wheelers

According to people in the know, government has shifted its focus towards two and three wheelers to push electric mobility in India.

Close to 54,800 two wheelers were sold in India last year E-rickshaws were 0.8 million (eight lakh) Both these segments dont need extensive charging infrastructure, they said.

According to sources, Centre could promote battery swapping for auto-rickshaws due to their standard model.

Battery swapping is a fruitful model for three wheelers. As they have to move long distances under work obligations, it can easily swap batteries, they said. Thus, it is very much doable for three wheelers.

Sources said that government is veering towards promotion of highly penetrated vehicles.

The focus was on buses and public transport, but the reports (released by NITI Aayog at various time intervals) reveal that their focus has shifted from buses to three wheeler as thats where the penetration will happen, they added.

According to India Leaps Ahead, a report released by National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog, Centre should focus on creating standardised, smart, swappable batteries for 2- and 3-wheelers to electrify these important vehicle segments as quickly as possible.

Their recent report, 'Moving Forward Together: Enabling shared mobility in India' on shared mobility also underscored promotion of high occupancy vehicles.

For promoting high occupancy vehicles, contract carriage permit systems may need to be reviewed in order to allow more flexibility to state governments to support different types of shared mobility models. Some of the recent examples like Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicle Rules recognizing the usage of auto-rickshaws with contract carriage permits for shared mobility are regulatory initiatives that could encourage shared mobility models, it noted.

Currently, there are close to 2,10,000 electric two-wheelers. Out of these, more than 98 percent are low powered and low speed variants (maximum power not exceeding 250 Watts and maximum speed not exceeding 25 kilometers per hour).

Sources said that due to supply constraint, that is only handful auto-makers operating in India, it is difficult to promote electric mobility through cars.

Its easy to say that buses and cars will be supplied, but in reality there hardly is any suppliers for cars. There is no supply side for cars in India. It is only for two wheelers that one or two makers are holding the entire sector, they said.
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) has helped creditors recover close to Rs 1.1 lakh crore from loan defaulters who were unwilling to repay their dues, sources told The Times of India, adding that promoters of companies are paying up to retain control

When the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) was formed two years ago, the regulator wanted to meet bank chiefs but bankers were unwilling, the report said. This prompted it it to seek the Reserve Bank of Indias intervention, but despite the latter convening a a meeting with the IBBI brass, seven bank MDs did not turn up, it added. Today, IBC has helped lenders the most in bringing defaulters to book.

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has admitted 977 cases so far, wherein lenders or operational creditors have demanded action. The number of cases filed is four times higher since the law came into being, although many were withdrawn due to out-of-court settlements.

A senior official told the paper, It would be wrong to say that all the cases are withdrawn because the debtor pays up, but we are seeing that dues are cleared in a large number of cases once a case is filed.

Public sector banks aim to recover Rs 1.8 lakh crore from loan defaulters in FY19, which is 2.5 times the amount recuperated in FY18. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley called it a success of the IBC. The law has helped in loan recoveries, but in over 42 percent of the cases, the 180-day deadline of the insolvency process is not being followed.

IBBI data suggests the process has not been completed in the allotted time, even though there is a 90-day extension period provided.

MS Sahoo, Chairman of the IBBI, told the paper that India is the only country where the process has to be completed in a time-bound manner. He is hopeful that the situation will improve with respect to punctuality.

The government is also thinking of appointing more members to NCLT benches to speed up the resolution of insolvency cases.
Online retailer Flipkart has begun talks with strategic investors to raise fresh capital, according to a report by Mint.

Global retail giant Walmart had acquired 77 percent of Flipkart for around $16 billion in May. Flipkart's acquisition marked Walmart's elephant-footed entry into India's e-commerce market.

Walmart had indicated that it would bring in more strategic investors at some point. One such investor at the time was Google.

However, talks with Google collapsed after Flipkart co-founder Sachin Bansal's exit from the company. Bansal was reportedly keen on having Google as a shareholder of Flipkart.

Google is now reportedly planning to launch its own e-commerce platform separately in India.

Moneycontrol could not independently verify the report.

If Flipkart-owned PhonePe also manages to attract investors apart from Walmart, it may raise up to $1 billion separately next year to take on rival Paytm, sources told the news daily.

PhonePe had separately received $175 million from Flipkart's parent Walmart last week, as a part of the $500-million commitment, the news daily reported.

While Walmart has indicated it is willing to continue funding PhonePe, it is open to getting other strategic investors on board.
In a major breather to the crippled infra lender and engineering group IL&FS, its largest shareholders LIC and Orix Corp and the State Bank of India on Saturday announced they would subscribe to the proposed Rs 4,500 crore rights issue of the company.

The announcement came at the annual general meeting (AGM) of the company, which has been defaulting on debt obligations.

Here's what Hari Sankaran, the vice chairman and the managing director of IL&FS, said in an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18:

Q: Have all shareholders agreed to subscribe to the rights issue?

A: We had an AGM this morning and in the AGM the authorised capital of the company was increased to Rs 4500 crore. The board has approved an issuance of rights of Rs 4500 crore and that is the first step towards realising that amount of money.

The shareholders now have to process the investment proposal within their system and come back hopefully by the end of October in order to complete the rights issue.

Q: Did they give any indication that all of them are onboard? Will Rs 4500 crore come?

A: It is very clear that the recapitalisation of the company is an essential part of the measures that we need to take to bring back normalcy and to be able to go forward. So, as part of the plan, this Rs 4500 crore constitutes a critical part of making sure it happens.

Q: I am asking you because HDFC was on record saying that they are passive investors ... some papers reported that Orix is not interested, so that is why I am asking you if everyone is onboard ... will LIC pick up what is not picked up by the other shareholders?

A: It is my belief that all these shareholders are very responsible institutional shareholders. Therefore I do believe that they will consider the proposal very seriously and take a decision based on the merits of the case.

We believe that IL&FS group as a whole remains an important institutional player in the infrastructure sector and has got and built a lot of assets which have value.

Q: At the moment people are in their own problems. For instance, Central Bank of India is prompt and corrective action bank for the Reserve Bank of India. It is possible that they will not be able to invest. That is why I am asking you how many shareholders have committed?

A: I do not know. That is not something that I should even speculate on. Having said that, I should tell you that the resolution passed by the board is to first offer every shareholder an opportunity to participate in the rights issue, failing which other shareholders can participate, failing that even a third party could participate in the investment opportunity.

Q: Do you think it will go to the extent of needing a third party? Or will the current shareholders themselves take up what someone else is not?

A: It is very inappropriate for me to speculate now.

Q: Orix has 23 percent, if they do not pick up their share, that is a substantial portion that only LIC can because State Bank of India has its responsibilities I would assume?

A: At the end of the day this group of shareholders has been very supportive of this institution and they have been able to see it to this point. Therefore I do believe there is merit in waiting for them to come forward after they go through their processes and express their commitment.

Q: It is going to be Rs 4500 crore rights issue, which has been known for some time now. Was there any positive response from Abu Dhabi Investment and Orix?

A: Yes. They came here, they spent some time, they went through the report, they understood the valuation metrics, they understood the situation which the company is in and they understood how this Rs 4500 crore is essential for the purposes of making sure that the rehabilitation plan works.

Q: By when will you know whether all of them are onboard? What is the deadline by when they have to come back to you?

A: Today was the very important meeting of the board of IL&FS where we discussed these issues. Essentially what has now come out very clearly is we have a very comprehensive plan to restructure the group in terms of being able to give creditors and shareholders a plan by which we can restore normalcy by sale of assets, by recapitalisation and all the other stuff that we have to do.

I think we need about 30 to 45 days to be able to complete that exercise and give that confidence to our creditors and especially shareholders.

Q: Let me just ask about HDFC because they spoke on the channel and they said they are not interested. Is there a change of mind since they last spoke to us, that was about 48 hours ago?

A: My recollection of that interview was that, if I had to make a decision, I may not make the decision. I do not believe the institution itself took that decision.

Q: The vice chairman said it.

A: I can make commitments which I cannot honour either.

Q: The vice chairman said that they were not interested in subscribing. Has he changed his mind?

A: I have no idea, you will have to ask him that question.

Q: Then let me come to the loans part. Loans - has LIC or State Bank of India committed?

A: Not as yet.

Q: What is the short term plan? We were told that just commercial paper maturing is about Rs 17000 crore for the group.

A: No. That is not true.

Q: Only commercial paper how much would the liability be?

A: I would not know readily because ... we have defaulted. So I am not quite sure what the current tally is.

Having said that, let me also bring attention to our plan that the board of this company actually had thought of some time ago and which we are in the process of detailing and implementing. The bottomline is that the only way in which we can actually honourably in transparent fashion repay our creditors is to be able to sell our assets in a calibrated orderly fashion and that is our focus.

So, if you look across the group, you have one of the largest wind assets that has been built by IL&FS Energy of about 1000 megawatts operational. You have got 19 assets in the road sector out of which 14 are operational. We have got assets in other verticals which are also performing. So, therefore at the asset level, you are actually seeing valuable assets operational. The intrinsic value of these assets has to now be discovered through a very calibrated and orderly asset monetisation plan.

We feel confident based on the kind of assets we have created, that we should be able to service much of the creditors that we have taken money from to build these assets. So, that is the real plan. The plan is to create an asset monetisation plan that results in unleashing value and cash flow to repay creditors.

Q: Your total debt is Rs 91000 crore, according to the ICRA report. Will the assets amount to that much?

A: There are two parts to this number. Most of that money has been taken to build assets. Those which are operational in my view very easily will be able to repay those debts and that is a substantial part of Rs 91000 crore.

Q: Give me an idea of how much is substantial?

A: Rs 60,000 crore to Rs 65,000 crore. I would go one step further to say that if we are able to realise the value that we ought to get for the equity that we have invested in these assets, then the rest of it also becomes highly manageable. Dont forget these are growing businesses. In other words they will have EBITDA margins which will service debt. So, if you consider three parts to the equation, number one divestment of assets, number two equity value realised from sale of assets, number three running EBITDA margins of the group as it goes forward. I believe that we have a credible story to work on a restructuring plan.

Q: This is coming at a time when there are already a lot of stressed assets in the economy which are going for distressed valuations. So, how quickly will you be able to sell and will you be able to garner this Rs 65000 crore sometime soon  18 months, 24 months?

A: We identified 25 assets from July 21 to this month ... so, I am personally very confident that if I am given the opportunity to calibrate, we should get real value for our investments. This is good for creditors, it is good for our shareholders going forward and it is good for the country because we have very consciously taken a decision that we will complete projects even if it means that we have to bear the extra cost because an operational asset is far more important than an under construction asset.

Q: What do you mean by saying if I am given time and if I am given the space, how much time do you want and how much money do you want till then?

A: In my view, if we have the ability to build a plan in 30-45 days and then we get about six months to complete the approval process of getting every class of creditors to look at it and approve it, we believe that within a period of 18-24 months, we should make substantial progress on this work.

Q: But until then, how much money will you need?

A: It is an operating asset. All the loans at the level of the project SPVs are being serviced. It is only the loans at the level of the holding company (holdco) that are stressed and do not have ready cashflows. So once the plan is approved then it is very quick for us to be able to implement and those asset sales can start repaying and bringing credit risk back to normal.

Q: I agree at the SPV level, they are servicing their own loans but at the holdco level, how much will mature? I am trying to figure out that other than this Rs 4,500 crore of rights money, how much more will you need before the 18 months are up?

A: The plan is in fact exactly on that ground saying that because we can get you your money back through sale of assets, give us the time to do so and we will have a very detailed plans that tells you which assets we can sell, when, how much of the money can come to you in order to give you the credibility that you need for the purpose of going to your board and satisfying them that this money will come back to them.

Q: Who will loan you till then? Is it LIC and State Bank of India (SBI) you are expecting will loan you?

A: Our shareholders have to support that is for clear but there can also be other lenders who are willing to take that risk and do that against specific asset sales.

Q: Have you indicated that?

A: We haven't gone to them as yet. We need a plan first.

Q: But this is a plan, isnt it?

A: No, it has to be detailed. A television interview will not generate the money I want.

Q: You have got 25 assets on sales, July 31st you have announced it and from July 31st to September 30th surely you have reasonable amount of details available.

A: We have lots of details available but we don't have a legal framework.

Q: It is not enough for LIC to tell you that I will put some more money on the table.

A: No, we need a legal framework in which you can do this.

Q: Coming to the legal framework, you have gone to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to stop insolvency proceedings in all your group companies, has that permission been granted?

A: No. Our lawyers are working through that process but the bottomline is very simple. We need a framework in which we can divest assets in an orderly manner. Once we have that opportunity, we are confident that we will be able to show the cashflows that are needed to keep all creditors current and then to move forward on that basis.

Q: Because in the Madras High Court one of the companies has been taken to NCLT, so which will supersede which, you are going to NCLT, somebody else has already taken one of your group companies to NCLT?

A: That matter is subjudice. We believe that the scheme of restructuring which was approved by our consortium of lenders on December 7, 2017 is valid and is the basis on which this company has been currently servicing all lenders without any problems. So all we are saying is, let us honour the December 7, 2017 restructuring plan approved by all the lenders because company is current as far as servicing lenders are concerned.

Q: Let me proceed with the financial restructuring plan. Can you reassure whether lenders will have to take a haircut and if yes, just how much?

A: I shouldn't be premature or speculative. I can tell you - as a group we have done 4 CDRs, no lenders had a haircut so far.

Q: Lenders didn't have a haircut in the past under CDR also because loans were stretched on into 8-10 years and some of them at cumulative preference shares, earning 0.1 percent. So it made to look like there is no haircut?

A: No, they got back the money as per the original term as sanctioned. In all our CDRs till date without fail.

Q: So you are expecting that nobody will have to forego even interest on anything?

A: I am not going to speculate. I need a plan in place. There are very competent people preparing the plan as we speak. It will take a few days to get that done but I can assure you this much that as an institution we wish to honour our obligations.

Q: What was the board's decision - that Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) will prepare this plan?

A: Yes.

Q: When are they expected to come back to you?

A: Next week onward we will start.

Q: Are you restructuring the group itself?

A: Yes.

Q: So you will have different kind of subsidiaries, fewer number of subsidiaries. How will the vertical look like?

A: As we sell assets, obviously it will come down but you must keep in mind that under the legal framework of this country, every time I win a project I have to create a subsidiary for that project. So it is not as if we create subsidiaries because we want to, it is because we have to.

Q: Coming to your financial services unit. The managing director has resigned and a bunch of directors have resigned both executive director and independent director. How will that unit function?

A: We are reappointing independent directors. We have been privileged and the names will be revealed as soon as they come on board. Very good, very high standing and we wish to re-purpose the financial services arm in a manner which better suits the needs of the NBFC sector and the sectors that we address.

Q: And the CEO?

A: We already have a CEO in place. He was ex-CEO of Rabobank India and he is already in charge and he is doing a very fine job.

Q: I want to come to the way in which your creditors are spread. I counted from some of your analysis of the NCDs that had a lot of data - About Rs 15,000 crore is owed to provident fund companies and some Rs 57,000 crore to banks. Can you give us some idea whether these numbers are right. How much is owed to banks, how much is owed to mutual funds and how much to insurance or pension companies?

A: Let me make a different cut on the way you presented the facts. These are data points. Like I said to you, most of our money goes into projects which are project specific loans and those loans are serviced from the earnings of those projects. Since majority of our loans are in these projects, we are able to refinance these projects with the kind of long-term paper like pension funds etc., as we commission these projects when they become operational. We are completely safe at the project level; there is absolutely no problem, all our projects are working reasonably well and they are getting their servicing. There maybe some exceptions but it is not something that is not insurmountable, over the next 6-12 months they will quadruple.

The level of the holding company, the sector verticals; we have to sell assets to generate the liquidity required to repay our loans. So whether it's a bank or any other form of lender, all of us have to be able to see that plan of action anchored on asset divestment.

Q: Certainly but that still doesn't answer how much is owed to banks, how much is owed to mutual funds, how much is owed to insurance companies?

A: I will give you that statement if you want, I do not have it readily on my hand, but roughly speaking about Rs 55,000-57,000 is banks and I would imagine the number with the pension funds would not be as high as you mentioned it but I will reconfirm that.

Q: It says rural postal, NPS, SBI Provident Fund, SBI Pension Fund, UTI Pension Fund and some rural insurance and pension funds as well and that number was Rs 15,000 crore. It was gleaned from all your NCD document?

A: I suspect it will not be that high but I will check it out.

Q: But do you think all this will be not reneged out because those are the small guys?

A: I understand. We take our obligations seriously so we will have to make every effort.

Q: From the same documents we also gleaned that the short-term debt of the financial services companies in particular was as high as 43 percent way back from FY14. This is a infrastructure financing company.

A: No. The way it works is follows; you must understand the context in which the liability profile you see today is manifesting itself. So the infrastructure sector as a whole has been finding it difficult to find money for greenfield projects especially public-private partnerships (PPPs) and Buildoperatetransfer (BOTs). Our space is PPPs and BOTs. So this is not a new problem; it's an old problem that we have to deal with. Now as the amount of refinancing available in the system for these kinds of projects came down, you still have to find the money to repay the loans that had come in the first instance and therefore, the maturity profile of these assets which is much longer than the liability profile - that mismatch began to get stronger and stronger and more and more elongated. When the mounting receivables problem took place - that culminated in a crisis of liquidity because these are all long dated assets; they are 30 years of concessions, 25 years of concessions being financed on 10-15 and 5 year money. So the intrinsic nature of these projects requires refinancing. When that window began to close because most of the public sector undertaking (PSU) banks had to vacate this space and they were the biggest source of longish term money, this crisis became very large.

Q: But that started off in FY14 itself?

A: You will be surprised to know that from 2015 onward in ITNL, we haven't taken up a single new BOT project. It is not a new problem; it's an old problem. Its manifestation was that we had agreed to invest into ITNL, a significant amount of money which unfortunately could not transpire; the investor backed out because of sector condition. As a consequence the crisis got triggered.

Q: If you knew about the crisis this early, your annual report also indicates that there are fairly large bonuses given to the former chairman Ravi Parthasarathy and some others - that on hindsight seems like something which should have been avoided, isn't it?

A: One, the numbers reported were incorrect. They were actually then reflected so in the same paper that showed the numbers. Second, they were market competitive. Third, IL&FS itself is not in a problem. IL&FS is doing well, in fact it has been steadily improving performance till March 31, 2018. The liquidity crisis happened because of lack of financing culminating with a lack of infusion of capital that has been agreed upon through a term sheet which was to come by June 30. When that didn't come up, this whole thing became a crisis of liquidity.

Q: Who didn't honour their commitments?

A: They had to go through a DD and through that process of DD they felt that this is not the right opportunity from their point of view.

Q: So the banks didn't restructure?

A: There was no restructuring process because on February 12th the RBI had actually abolished all restructuring schemes.

Q: So it was some 5:25 scheme?

A: We didn't have an opportunity to restructure our assets because those schemes were no longer existed. The refinancing had stopped and the investor who was looking at IL&FS Transportation Networks India Limited (ITNL) felt that it was no appropriate for him to come in with such a large investment. All three confluenced in order to make this a liquidity crisis which required the parent sponsor to step in - that dragged the parent into the crisis.

Q: Who was this person who was speaking to ITNL?

A: It has come in the press. I am under NDS so I should not be disclosing this - that survives the withdrawal of the offer.

Q: There are a lot of people out there who are just waiting to know whether IL&FS crisis can be resolved. Your liquidity payments can start. What can you tell them. There are mutual fund guys who are holding IL&FS paper and who could be faced with redemption, who probably have already seen a little bit of redemption and then of course as I told you, insurance companies, provident fund guys. What is your message to them. When will you be able to tell them with clarity that from this date I will start servicing?

A: I cannot give you a date because there are a lots of decisions to be taken before that can be done but I can tell you this that we are working round the clock to create a comprehensive plan through divestment which will give back the money that we have borrowed to build these assets and to run this business.

Q: I guess the two important people are LIC and SBI?

A: LIC is our largest shareholder. SBI is a significant shareholder but they do not have such a big shareholding.

Q: Their shareholding is only 6.4 percent but they are big lenders in the market. So is there any commitment from either of them and or if you can give us a date by which they will come back to you?

A: A date for what.

Q: To come back to you for giving you a line of credit and to pay for the shares, for the rights issue?

A: I just need the legal framework in which I can pursue aggressively my asset, divestment programme. I do not believe I need anything more than that.

Q: What is this legal framework. Do you need permission from courts. from whom do you need this permission?

A: I need permission from court for the simple reason that today if I were to sell an asset how do I establish, by which process I establish the fair price of the asset. Once I receive the money for the asset how do I distribute this money. So these are legal issues that need to be resolved.

Q: The permission that you said in your communication after the board meeting that you need permission under section 230 of the Companies Act. Is that what you are referring to?

A: That's the one I am talking about.

Q: By when do you expect to get the permission?

A: As early as possible.

Q: That is within a month?

A: Yes, I would imagine so.

Q: Is that was Alvarez is working towards?

A: Alvarez is working towards comprehensive plan and they are going to work with us as special agency to built the plan with us, present it to our board, get their approval. Present it to each class of creditors, get their approval, get our shareholders approval and then implement the plan.

Q: So this permission under Companies Act 230 is why you have gone to NCLT?

A: Yes.

Q: And so you are really awaiting the NCLT's word?

A: That's right.

Q: Is a hearing slotted?

A: That is a legal process. I should not be speculating or second guessing the courts.

Q: They haven't set a hearing for the case or anything?

A: They have their own process, they will follow it of course.

Q: So we should expect in a month some permission to come from the NCLT?

A: Hopefully.

Q: It will be helpful for people who are holding paper in their mutual fund and in their insurance funds, if you can tell us when your shareholders and your bankers have agreed to pay for the short-term liabilities at least?

A: I will be extremely happy to share the details as I receive it myself.

(Source: CNBC TV 18
bid auction sale

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Private equity firms KKR, Blackstone and Aion Capital are among the 10 entities that have envisaged interest in Dighi Port, the first port to land up in the National Companies Law Tribunal (NCLT) under the insolvency law, Business Standard reports.

The three firms bid in partnership with the local players, sources told the paper. The bid condition stated that parties should have prior experience in the sector. The three PE players are just sleeping partners of consortiums. One of the PE firms is bidding with Euroports, one of the largest and most diversified port operators in Europe, a source told the paper.

The firms have been very aggressive in their bidding processes, the report said, adding that their bids are 42-48 percent higher compared to those by other core industry players.

PE firms like Ascent Capital Advisors, Standard Chartered Private Equity and 3i Group have invested in other Indian ports like Karaikal and Krishnapatnam during FY07-09. They exited Indias port sector between FY15 and FY16.

Port traffic is expected to grow 3-5 percent in FY20 and the scope for PE participation is very limited, according to Hetal Gandhi, Director at CRISIL Research. However, port specific dynamics such as region, commodity mix, traffic demand among others determine the prospects of PE investments, she added.

Others bidding for Dighi Port are JSW Infrastructure, Adani Ports and South Korean firm Posco with Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust. They sent their expressions for the port on September 21 and the bids will be opened on October 10.

Dighi Port owes nearly Rs 1,600 crore to lenders, led by Bank of India. Balaji Infra Projects owns 51.01 percent stake in the port; IL&FS, which is also one of the lenders, owns 39.37 percent and Tara India Fund III holds 5.46 percent. CARE Ratings ranked the port as default in April last year.

The port, located in Raigad, Maharashtra, is spread over 1,600 acres and has an oil tank farm. It has been developed by Balaji Infra under a 50-year concession agreement with the states maritime board. Of its 30 million tonne capacity, only two million tonne has been utilised.

It is considered a good investment opportunity as it is a part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor and National Investment & Manufacturing Zone. However, due to poor road connectivity, it has not been utilised over the years, sources told the paper.
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Bharat Electronics share price rallied 4.7 percent intraday Monday after the Karnataka High Court quashed sales tax demand against the company.

The Bangalore Unit of the Company received demand notices for Rs 850.80 crore from Deputy Commissioner of Commercial Taxes (DCCT), Karnataka for already completed assessments for financial years 2008-09 to 2013-14 & 2015-16.

The demand notice disputed the goods sold at concessional rates of Sales Tax and sought to charge at non-concessional rates of sales tax, without taking cognisance of the previous orders of the Appellate Authorities in favour of BEL, the company said in its filing.

The company had filed appeals with JCCT (Appeals), Bangalore, Karnataka challenging the demand.

The company had also filed a writ petition in High Court of Karnataka and as directed by the Honorable High Court of Karnataka, BEL had paid 10 percent of demand (Rs 85.08 crore) as deposit and furnished Bank Guarantees for 20 percent of the demand, till disposal of appeals.

BEL said JCCT (Appeals) admitted the appeals and passed the order for all the years, in favour of company on in May 2018. "DCCT, Commercial Taxes, Peenya, Bangalore has passed re-assessment orders for all the years, in favour of BEL, in line with the order of JCCT (Appeals)."

The bank guarantees have since expired and the cash deposit of Rs 85 crore has been refunded to BEL, by the Department on September 29, 2018, the state-owned defence company said.

At 15:15 hours IST, the stock price was quoting at Rs 83.10, up Rs 2.90, or 3.62 percent on the BSE.
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Anand Rathi

We can see an upside of 32.5 percent from Rs 621 with a target of 823 in Biocon. It is one the largest and fully-integrated, innovation-led bio pharmaceutical company emerging globally bio pharmaceutical enterprise serving customers in over 120 countries.

The company has reported a growth of 21.2 percent in its consolidated revenues at Rs 1,123 crore in Q1-FY19 as against Rs 927 crore in Q1-FY18.

Profit after tax for the company grew by 47 percent and stood at Rs 119 crore in Q1-FY19 against Rs 81 crore in Q1-FY18.

The top 10 brands in its India portfolio reported a strong double digit growth.

The key developments during the quarter were approval of Fulphila (Pegfilgrastim) Biosimilar co-developed by Biocon and Mylan for launch in US markets.

The companys sterile Drug Product manufacturing facility in Bengaluru received EIR from USFDA and EUGMP certification.

: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on moneycontrol.com are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
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Share prices of airline companies fell between 3 percent and 5 percent to hit fresh 52-week lows in morning trade Monday after hike in jet fuel prices by the oil companies.

Jet Airways declined as much as 5 percent to hit a fresh 52-week low of Rs 171, SpiceJet fell 3 percent to 52-week low of Rs 66 and InterGlobe Aviation corrected 3 percent to 52-week low of Rs 800.25 on the BSE.

Jet fuel price has been increased by Rs 5,106 to Rs 74,567/kL in Delhi today morning.

Any hike in fuel prices is always have a major impact on aviation companies as it constituted major portion of operational expenses.

It is another blow to these companies which indicated earnings performance, which have been dismal for last couple of quarters, is expected to be week for September quarter as well.

At 9:18 hours IST, Jet Airways was quoting at Rs 172.80, down Rs 7.65, or 4.24 percent while SpiceJet was down 3.08 percent to Rs 66.05 and InterGlobe Aviation slipped Rs 17.20, or 2.08 percent to Rs 808.35.
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KEC International share price fell 4 percent intraday Monday despite the company received orders worth Rs 1,159 crore in its transmission & distribution business across India, Africa, Oceania and Americas.

The fall in share price was largely due to overall weak equity market conditions.

The infrastructure EPC major has received contracts for 132 kV transmission line package and associated substations in North Eastern India from Power Grid Corporation of India; and 225 kV double circuit overhead transmission line and associated substations in Mali and Senegal

It also bagged contracts for 132 kV transmission line and substations in Oceania.

SAE Towers has received various orders in the Americas, the company said.

At 12:25 hours IST, the stock price was quoting at Rs 284.65, down Rs 11.35, or 3.83 percent on the BSE.
Employees of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on October 1 protested outside the regulator's office in Mumbai against its new policy for promotion of officials.

The protest followed SEBI's move to change its promotion policy that had been in place for over 15 years. It was aimed at conveying the employees' disappointment at being short changed in the name of career progression.

"Ostensibly, the policy is for better career progression, but it actually it slows down careers of SEBI employees by requiring them to serve for a minimum of 5 years at every level, 2 years more than the current 3 years," a SEBI employee present at the protest told Moneycontrol.

An officer working at SEBI, who was also present at the protest, pointed out that it would take far longer for a person to get promoted under the new policy.

"We could hope to become a manager in 3 years and an assistant general manager in 6 years. But now, the same kind of employee will need to put in 10 years of service to reach that level," the officer said.

At the Reserve Bank of India, new recruits become assistant general managers in 7 years. In public services, someone joining as undersecretary becomes deputy director -- a position considered senior to assistant general manager -- in around 8 years.
Answer: Tata Motors

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Shares of Tata Motors gained 2 percent on Monday after company reported strong sales numbers for the month ended September 2018.

The company in the domestic market sold 64,250 units, up 20 percent, compared to 53,964 units over the previous year.

The cumulative domestic sales performance (April-September 2018) for Tata Motors witnessed a strong growth of 40 percent with 3,39,186 units as compared to 2,42,787 units in the same period last year.

Its domestic commercial vehicle sales was up 26 percent at 46,169 units, while domestic passenger vehicle sales was up 6.6 percent at 18,429 units.

Exports grew 35 percent at 5,250 units against 3,887 units.

Tata Motors ended at Rs 229.25, up Rs 5.80, or 2.60 percent on the BSE.

Posted by Rakesh Patil
Digital wallet company Paytms e-commerce arm, Paytm Mall, may acquire a majority stake in online grocery provider BigBasket, according to a report by Business Standard.

According to the report, Paytm has been looking for an online grocery platform ever since there were rumours in 2017 that Walmart wanted to acquire an e-commerce partner in India.

Chinese e-commerce giant and Paytm backer Alibaba had invested $200 million in BigBasket in February. This had triggered Paytm's interest in purchasing a stake in the online grocery firm, the report suggests.

The report suggests that negotiations are on the fast track. However, Paytm has been unable to decide on BigBasket's valuation.

BigBasket wanted a seat on the board of Paytm Mall. It also wants the company to be valued at a premium, people aware of the development told the newspaper.

A person aware of the development at Paytm told the newspaper, At the moment Flipkart and Amazon own almost 95 percent of the countrys e-commerce space. If Paytm Mall, or rather Alibaba, wants to elbow its way in, it needs a strong platform. BigBasket is one such entity, more importantly, it is one of the few that deals with fresh produce.

Walmart-owned Flipkart had also set aside around $400 million for the online grocery segment.
Petrol crossed Rs 91 per litre in Mumbai on the first day of October. The motor fuel, which has been on a tear since mid-August, jumped 24 paise to Rs 91.08 per litre.

A litre of diesel now costs an additional 32 paise in the financial capital at Rs 79.72, according to Indian Oil Corporation (IOC).

In Delhi, the hike in petrol was equal to Mumbai and now retails at Rs 83.73 per litre. A litre of diesel now costs 30 paise more at Rs 75.09 in the national capital.

The price hike in petrol was slightly higher in Chennai as compared to Mumbai and Delhi. It rose 25 paise to Rs 87.05 per litre. Diesel price too increased 32 paise to Rs 79.40 per litre.

In Kolkata, prices of petrol and diesel increased 23 paise and 30 paise to Rs 85.53 per litre and Rs 76.94 per litre, respectively.

Petrol & Diesel Rates Nov 12, 2021 Petrol Rate in Mumbai Nov 12, 2021 Current Petrol Price Per Litre 110 110 View more Diesel Rate in Mumbai Nov 12, 2021 Current Petrol Price Per Litre 0 View more Show

City Petrol price Price change Diesel price Price change (Rs/litre) (increase) (Rs/litre) (increase) Bangalore 84.4 25 75.48 31 Bhopal 89.51 14 79.12 22 Hyderabad 88.77 26 81.68 33 Lucknow 83.03 34 75.22 40 Patna 89.87 23 80.77 27 Port Blair 72 20 70.21 27

The price of petrol and diesel in other cities:

Fuel prices have been on a rise since mid-August, touching fresh highs almost on a daily basis. Despite consumer protests, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan ruled out reducing taxes on these items. Blaming global factors, he said a tax cut, if approved, won't have any lasting impact due to volatile crude prices.

Petrol prices at record high in India: Check how much it costs around the world

The Centre currently levies an excise duty of Rs 19.48/litre on petrol and Rs 15.33 per litre on diesel. Various states levy Value Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel. Mumbai has the highest VAT of 39.12 percent on petrol, while Telangana levies the highest VAT of 26 percent on diesel.

In Delhi, prices of compressed natural gas (CNG) rose Rs 1.7 to Rs 44.30/kg. Prices of subsidised LPG cylinders too increased Rs 2.89 at Rs 502.4 per cylinder.
Puravankara Limiteds associate firm will develop its first commercial development in India for which it has entered into agreements to acquire a prime 7.635 acres site in Yeshwantpur, Bengaluru, from Metro Cash & Carry India Private Limited (MCCIN). The total consideration is approximately Rs 405 crore.

The total consideration includes the cost of approximately Rs 80 crore for KDPL to construct a 160,000 sq. ft. retail-cum-office facility on the land, which will be handed over to MCCIN, the company said in a statement.

The Grade A office development will be managed by KPDL upon completion.

"Over the last couple of years, there has been a conscious effort to diversify Puravankara's existing commercial portfolio. This commercial project, for the development of the mixed-use project is in line with our strategic plan to expand Puravankara's commercial presence over the next five years. The timing of the project could not be better, seeing as the demand for office and retail space, is on an upward trajectory and yielding good returns, especially in Bangalore. We believe that this upcoming project, with its prime location, will become a landmark in Yeshwantpur. We are very confident of the runaway success of this venture," said Ashish R. Puravankara, Managing Director, Puravankara Limited.

Sam Moon Thong, president (Regional Investments), Keppel Land, said: :We believe this acquisition will further augment Keppel Lands commercial portfolio and will position us well to meet the urbanisation needs for prime office space in Bangalore."

Strategically located in the established prime commercial hub of Yeshwantpur, the site is approximately 5 km northwest of Bengulurus city Centre. The site enjoys excellent accessibility to other parts of the city and other business districts via key transport routes, such as Bengaluru's local mass rapid transit system, Namma Metro.
Saudi Arabia has shelved a $200 billion plan with SoftBank Group Corp to build the world's biggest solar-power-generation project, the Wall Street journal reported on Sunday, citing Saudi government officials.

No one is actively working on the project, and instead, the Saudi kingdom is working up a broader, more practical strategy to boost renewable energy, to be announced in late October, the WSJ reported.

SoftBank Chief Executive Masayoshi Son had announced in March a plan to invest in creating the world's biggest solar power project in Saudi Arabia, a project expected to have the capacity to produce up to 200 gigawatts (GW) by 2030.

Softbank declined to comment.
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State Bank of India (SBI) has cut its ATM cash withdrawal limit from Rs 40,000 per day to Rs 20,000 per day, according to a report by The Economic Times. The new restriction will be effective from October 31.

The public sector bank (PSB) has taken the step because of an increase in the number of complaints received by banks about fraudulent transactions at ATMs and to encourage cashless transactions, the newspaper reported.

"In view of the increase in the number of complaints received by banks around fraudulent transactions at ATMs and to encourage digital and cashless transactions, it has been decided to decrease the cash withdrawal limits of debit cards issued or being issued on 'Classic' and 'Maestro' platforms," the bank reportedly said in a communique to its offices.

SBI offices have been asked to inform the bank's customers, the news daily reported. The cut in withdrawal limit comes weeks before the Indian festive season.
The United States and Canada forged a last-gasp deal on September 30 to salvage North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as a trilateral pact with Mexico, rescuing a three-country, $1.2 trillion open-trade zone that was about to collapse after nearly a quarter century.

In a big victory for his agenda to shake-up an era of global free trade that many associate with the signing of NAFTA in 1994, President Donald Trump coerced Canada and Mexico to accept more restrictive commerce with their main export partner.

Trump's primary objective in reworking NAFTA was to bring down US trade deficits, a goal he has also pursued with China, by imposing hundreds of billions of dollars in tariffs on imported goods from the Asian giant.

While the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) avoids tariffs, it will make it harder for global automakers to build cars cheaply in Mexico and is aimed at bringing more jobs into the United States.

Since talks began more than a year ago, it was clear Canada and Mexico would have to make concessions in the face of Trump's threats to tear up NAFTA and relief was palpable in both countries that the deal was largely intact and had not fractured supply chains between weaker bilateral agreements.

"It's a good day for Canada," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters after a late-night cabinet meeting to discuss the deal, which triggered a jump in global financial markets.

In a joint statement, Canada and the United States said it would "result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region".

Negotiators worked frantically ahead of a midnight ET (0400 GMT) US imposed a deadline to settle differences, with both sides making concessions to seal the deal. The United States and Mexico had already clinched a bilateral agreement in August.

"It's a great win for the president and a validation for his strategy in the area of international trade," a senior administration official told reporters.

Trump has approved the deal with Canada, a source familiar with the decision said. US officials intend to sign the agreement with Canada and Mexico at the end of November, after which it would be submitted to the US Congress for approval, a senior US official said.

COST FOR CANADA

The deal will preserve a trade dispute settlement mechanism that Canada fought hard to maintain to protect its lumber industry and other sectors from US anti-dumping tariffs, US and Canadian officials said.

But it came at a cost.

Canada has agreed to provide US dairy farmers access to about 3.5 percent of its approximately $16 billion annual domestic dairy market. Although Canadian sources said its government was prepared to offer compensation, dairy farmers reacted angrily.

"We fail to see how this deal can be good for the 220,000 Canadian families that depend on dairy for their livelihood Pierre Lampron, president of Dairy Farmers of Canada, said in a statement.

"This has happened, despite assurances that our government would not sign a bad deal for Canadians."

The deal also requires a higher proportion of the parts in a car to be made in areas of North America paying at least $16 an hour, a rule aimed at shifting jobs from Mexico.

Canada and Mexico each agreed to a quota of 2.6 million passenger vehicles exported to the United States in the event that Trump imposes 25 percent global autos tariffs on national security grounds.

The quota would allow for significant growth in tariff-free automotive exports from Canada above current production levels of about 2 million units, safeguarding Canadian plants. It is also well above the 1.8 million cars and SUVs Mexico sent north last year.

But the deal failed to resolve US tariffs on Canada's steel and aluminum exports.

The Trump administration had threatened to proceed with a Mexico-only trade pact as US talks with Canada foundered.

"It's a good night for Mexico, and for North America," Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray said.

The news delighted financial markets that had fretted for months about the potential economic damage if NAFTA blew up.

US stock index futures rose, with S&P 500 Index e-mini futures up more than 0.5 percent, suggesting the benchmark index would open near a record on Monday.

The Canadian dollar surged to its highest since May against the US dollar, gaining around 0.5 percent. The Mexican peso gained 0.8 percent to its highest against the greenback since early August.

"Though markets were already anticipating an agreement, one source of worry will be swept away if a deal is made," Yukio Ishizuki, senior currency strategist at Daiwa Securities in Tokyo, said.

"That will lead to a rise in trust in the US economy, so it's easy for risk sentiment to improve."
President Donald Trump Monday slammed India for imposing "tremendously high tariffs" on American products and said that New Delhi wanted to have a trade deal with the US primarily to keep him happy.

Trump's charges against the alleged high Indian tariffs, for the second time in a few days, came during his White House news conference where he announced a new trade deal with neighbouring Mexico and Canada.

As he announced the key elements of the US-Mexico and Canada Agreement or USMCA, Trump listed out at the trade deals that are under negotiations, including with Japan, European Union, China and India.

Trump described India as a "tariff king" as he reiterated his allegations that New Delhi has a high tariff rate on various American products.

He alleged that India puts "tremendously high tariffs" on American products and raked up the issue of Harley Davidson motorcycles.

"When we send Harley Davidson motorcycle, and other things to India, they charge us very very high tariffs. I have spoken to Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi and he is going to reduce them substantially," he said.

Trump said the relationship with both India as well as the country's Prime Minister Modi "is great".

He, however, rued that no one from the previous regimes had ever spoken with the Indians.

"Nobody ever spoke to these people (Indians). He (Modi) said, nobody ever spoke to me. I am not trying to be overly dramatic. We have had presidents of the United States and (US) Trade Representatives, they never spoke to India. Brazil is another one," Trump said, adding that "they charge us whatever they want".

Noting that the tariff on motorcycles was 100 percent, the president said it was like a barrier.

India has already reduced it substantially, but it is still too high, Trump said, adding that who is going to buy it as it costs so much.

He also warned against imposing similar tariffs on import of Indian products.

Trump said India wanted to have a trade deal with the US and the negotiations are being carried out by the US Trade Representatives Robert Lighthizer.

When US officials asked Indians why they want to have a trade deal with America, Indian officials told them that they want to keep the US President happy, Trump told reporters.

"India, which is the tariff king, they called us and they said, 'we want to start negotiations immediately'," Trump said.

Thereafter, he referred to a conversation that Lighthizer had with the Indian officials.

"When Bob Lighthizer said, 'What happened? He would never do this.' They said, 'No, we want to keep your president happy.' Isn't that nice? Isn't that nice? It's true. They have to keep us happy, because they understand that we're wise to what's been happening," Trump claimed.

"India charges tariffs of 100 percent, and then if we want to put a tariff of 25 percent on, people will call from Congress, 'But that's not free trade.' And I'd look back to people and say, 'Where do these people come from? Where do they come from?'" Trump said.

"So because of the power of tariffs and the power that we have with tariffs, we, in many cases, won't even have to use them. That's how powerful they are, and how good they are. But in many cases, we're not going to have to use them," he added.

On Saturday, Trump had said that India wants to have a trade deal with the US because it does not want him to impose tariffs on their products.

Trump's remarks came days after Assistant US Trade Representative Mark Linscott returned from India where he had detailed discussion with senior Indian officials on bilateral trade and a possible trade deal between the two countries.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who addressed the gathering by video message because of the pandemic, warned that "the only way to totally eliminate nuclear risk is to totally eliminate nuclear weapons".

UN chief Antonio Guterres has appreciated India's support to his proposal to reform the UN Security Council and expressed hope that the progress will continue to be made during the current session of the General Assembly to make the world body reflect the current global realities.

For long, India has been calling for the reform of the UN Security Council along with Brazil, Germany and Japan. The four countries support each others' bids for the permanent seats in the top UN body.

"We are facing unprecedented challenges today, so we need to adapt and make the organisation fit for purpose. That is why I embarked on the reform of three key areas: the peace and security architecture, UN development system and management. I highly appreciate the support India has given to my reform proposals," UN Secretary-General Guterres told PTI ahead of his three-day visit to India begining Monday.

His visit coincides with the beginning of events to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2, 2019.

On the first day of his visit to India, the Secretary-General will formally open the new UN House in New Delhi.

Guterres will participate in the closing session of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention.

He will also meet Speaker of the Lok Sabha Sumitra Mahajan before giving an address at the India Habitat Centre on Global Affairs on the theme 'Global challenges, global solutions'.

In the evening, the Secretary-General will take part in the General Assembly of the International Solar Alliance.

He will meet President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar on October 3.

Guterres said he personally believes that a more democratic UN, with power divided in a more balanced way and with more diversity in the regional representation in all bodies of the UN including the Security Council is important.

"The makeup of the Security Council must reflect the current realities, not the world as it stood at the end of World War II," he said.

Reforming the Security Council is a matter for member states and the General Assembly, in which all 193 members are represented, has a central role to play, Guterres said.

The intergovernmental negotiations within the General Assembly on Security Council reform represent the key forum for advancing the discussion on the five components of Council reform, namely categories of membership, the question of the veto, regional representation, the size of an enlarged Council and its working methods as well as the relationship between the Council and the General Assembly.

"I hope that progress on Council reform will continue to be made during the 73rd session of the General Assembly," he said.

India has been at the forefront of global efforts to achieve the long-pending reform of the 15-nation Security Council.

Last week, G4 nations India, Brazil, Germany and Japan met on the margins of the high-level General Debate of the 73rd General Assembly session and reaffirmed the need for an early reform of the council including the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent categories of membership to enhance its legitimacy, effectiveness and representativeness.

They said that the current composition of the 15-nation Council does not reflect the changed global realities and stressed that UNSC reform is essential to address today's complex challenges.
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The Congress termed the hike in CNG/LPG prices an assault on the budget of the common man and said the Narendra Modi government has lost the moral right to govern.

Congress leader Pawan Khera said the "mirage" of "achche din", promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the people of the country, has been shattered and they will give a befitting reply to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in the next general elections.

He alleged the BJP was "pickpocketing" savings from the tax levied on fuel and gave the party a new full form "Bahut Jyada Price (BJP)".

Khera reiterated the Congress's demand of bringing petrol and diesel under the Goods and Service Tax (GST).

"The unpardonable rise in fuel prices caused by the 'tax terror' of the Modi government has burnt gaping holes in the pockets of common people. Only few months are left. People are counting the days of this anti-people government," he said.

"The mirage of 'achhe din' has been shattered beyond repair and people are fed up of this 'fuel loot'. Yesterday's assault on the budgets of common people is the final nail in the coffin of the government that has lost the moral right to govern," he told reporters.

The Congress and the people of India have lost all hopes. Still, we reiterate our demand that petrol and diesel prices be brought under the ambit of the GST, he said.

Khera alleged cooking gas prices have increased by Rs 400 since the Modi government came to power and said the 10 per cent hike in natural gas prices will have a spiralling effect on the prices of CNG, PNG, urea, fertilizers and electricity.

"Couple all this with the ever-increasing prices of petrol and diesel, the decimation of budgets of common people is complete," he said.

Khera said the prime minister had said that the middle class should give up their cooking gas subsidies, so that the poor can benefit. "Unfortunately, this has turned out to the 'biggest jumla' on both the middle class and the poor."

He said the cost of 14.2 kg non-subsidised LPG was Rs 414 per cylinder in May 2014 and this has risen to Rs 831 per cylinder, a "whopping increase of Rs 399 per cylinder in 52 months of the Modi government".

Similarly, he said, the price of subsidised gas cylinder has gone up from Rs 412 in May 2014 to Rs 502 per cylinder.

"Why is the Modi government not rolling back the hike in prices? Why doesn't it rollback the excise and custom duty to give relief of Rs 10-15 per litre?" he asked.

The Congress leader claimed the Modi government gives a concession of Rs 1,600 on a LPG connection under the 'Ujjwala scheme' and "this cost is eventually also being paid by the beneficiary in instalments".

Khera alleged that while crude oil prices have reduced by 40 per cent, the "fuel robbery continues".

He said petrol prices in Delhi have increased by Rs 5.05 in the last 30 days, while diesel prices in the city have risen by Rs 4.67.

In Mumbai, he said, petrol is selling at a back-breaking price of Rs 91.08 and diesel at Rs 79.72. In the last 30 days, petrol prices there have increased by Rs 4.99 and diesel prices by Rs 4.96.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi (3)

Taking a swipe at the Centre, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said in "Modi's India", demonetisation meant "lining up and depositing money in banks" for the poor, while it was a "means of converting their black money" for crony capitalists.

He also alleged that crony capitalists got their Rs 3.16 lakh crore debt written off using public money.

"Modi's India - For Common Man: Notebandi-line up and put your money in banks. All your details into Aadhar. You can't use your own money.

"For Crony capitalists: Notebandi-convert all your black money to white. Let's write off 3.16 lakh crore using common man's money," Gandhi said on Twitter.

The Congress leader also hit out at the BJP-led NDA government over a media report which, citing Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, stated that public sector banks had written-off over seven times the recovery amount in the last four years.

Between April 2014 and April 2018, the country's 21 state-owned banks ended up writing off Rs 3,16,500 crore of loans even as they recovered Rs 44,900 crore written off on a cumulative basis  or less than one-seventh the write-off amount, the report said.

The Congress president has often targeted the government over writing-of bad debts of industrialists and not of farmers.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Congress allegations of reduction in the number of Rafale jets being purchased from France is baseless and asserted the Modi government is in fact buying 36 fighter jets in fly-away condition as against 18 proposed during the UPA regime.

The Congress has demanded the government explain why instead of 126 Rafale fighter jets, only 36 are being purchased if they were cheaper under the NDA deal than the one worked out by the UPA.

Denying suggestions that the controversy around the deal is tarnishing the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, she said the Congress campaign is based on "baseless" arguments.

The Congress campaign over the Rs 58,000-crore Rafale deal is almost sabotaging the Indian Armed Forces' operational readiness, the minister said.

Sitharaman alleged the support for the Congress campaign against Indian armed forces is reflected in our "not so friendly" neighbour Pakistan.

"Look at what the UPA's own deal was. At that time already number of our (IAF's) squadron were reduced to 32-33 from 44.

"In their deal also there was a provision of purchase of 18 fighter jets in fly away conditions, and rest were to be later produced," she said, replying to a query on why the number of Rafale being purchased from France was reduced from 126 to 36.

"In fact, we increased the number of fly away condition purchase from one squadron (18) to two squadron (36). Looking at the emergency requirement, the Prime Minister (Modi), when he went to France, inquired what can be delivered immediately.

"And on the basis of that this figure (36 jets) was finalised," she said, adding the first of the planes will be available to India in September 2019.

Regarding the remaining number of fighter aircraft, the defence minister said the procedure to acquire them for the Indian Air Force is going on.

"So the numbers have not been reduced," she stressed.

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram had earlier sought to know why the BJP-led NDA government was buying so few Rafale fighter jets if they were cheaper as claimed by it.

Talking to reporters in Tamil Nadu, Chidambaram had said the UPA government had decided to buy 126 Rafale aircraft.

"They claimed that the fighter jet was cheaper...In that case they should tell how they (jets) are cheaper...They are not revealing...besides if the cost of the plane is cheaper then why not buy more jets? why is the government buying only 36 jets?," the former Union minister had said.

Asked about the cost of one Rafale fighter jet bought under the NDA deal, Sitharaman said the figure has already been revealed on the floor of Parliament.

Asked if the controversy over the deal is tarnishing her government's image, she replied in the negative.

"But I am afraid, the campaign which the Congress is doing with half truth and baseless arguments is almost sabotaging Indian Armed Forces' operational readiness.

"And strangely the support for the Congress campaign against our armed forces is reflected from our not so friendly neighbour," she said, without naming Pakistan.

Asked about the perception that armed forces officers are fielded to spell out government's view on defence deals, she said the government neither tells them to speak on any issue nor stops them from speaking on any subject.

She declined to elaborate on the statement of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh that "appropriate" action has been taken to avenge the death of a BSF solider at the hands of Pakistan.

She also refused to say anything on airspace violation by a Pakistan helicopter in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it is a very sensitive issue.
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In a news cycle overwrought with sensational headlines, the less interesting bytes do not enjoy as much bandwidth, but then that is why we are here. To give you a well-rounded perspective of the important developments that can in some way interest or impact consumers of services and products.

In this podcast, we dive deep into the government's plans to rationalise various levies being imposed on the service providers of the telecom industry.

The catchphrase is 'broadband for all'

As was reported by various news outlets, the Cabinet recently approved the new telecom policy or the National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP) 2018. This according to DNA, is significant in the view of the country moving towards the next evolution in technologies. And yes, the focus happens to be on ''broadband for all."

News agencies cited Telecom minister Manoj Sinha, "Emerging technologies like 5G, artificial intelligence, machine-to-machine communications and Internet of Things (IoT) called for a new consumer- and application-centric policy. The government aims to improve the reach of telecom services and applications riding on the network."

So what exactly is the new National Digital Communications Policy-2018?

News sources inform that the new telecom policy has been formulated, in place of the existing National Telecom Policy-2012 to facilitate India's effective participation in the global digital economy.

The policy has listed out targets for the next five years and modalities will be decided within a year.

First things first. Telecom Commission, to start with, has been renamed as "Digital Communications Commission".



The policy hopes to provide universal broadband connectivity at 50 Mbps to every citizen.



Provide universal broadband connectivity at 50Mbps and 1 Gbps connectivity to all Gram Panchayats of India by 2020; 10 Gbps by 2022.



Ensure connectivity to all uncovered areas.



Attract investments of $100 billion in the Digital Communications Sector.



Train one million manpower for building New Age Skill.



Expand IoT ecosystem to 5 billion connected devices.



What is loT? Express elucidates, "The IoT is the network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and connectivity. This enables these things to connect, collect and exchange data, creating opportunities for more direct integration of the physical world into computer-based systems. IoT results in efficiency improvements, economic benefits, and reduced human exertions."

Another goal is to establish a comprehensive data protection regime for digital communications that safeguard the privacy, autonomy and choice of individuals.

Express adds, "In this way, it will enforce accountability through appropriate institutional mechanisms to assure citizens of safe and secure digital communications infrastructure and services."

The policy also hopes to facilitate Indias effective participation in the global digital economy.

Among the chief goals of the policy, DNA adds is to create four million additional jobs in the digital communications and to ensure digital sovereignty.

The revamped policy also hopes to improve India's ranking, which is at 134 currently, in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Development Index of International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The aim is to bring India in the league of the top 50 nations in this index within the next five years.

At the core of the policy is the telecom department's plans to reform the licensing and regulatory regime to spur investments and innovation.

This is apart from as DNA puts it, "Promoting ease of doing business, a review of levies and fees, including license fee, spectrum usage charges, and the definition of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) and rationalisation of universal service levy. There is also a plan to rationalise license fees on fixed line revenues to incentivise digital communications."

The report quotes Harsh Walia, associate partner, Khaitan & Co, according to whom, the framework seems to suggest, "that Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is looking to revamp its image of a revenue-monger to a business-facilitator as charges, taxes and levies may be rationalised. In particular, spectrum usage charges may now only reflect administrative costs. This will be a breath of fresh air for the industry, whenever implemented."

There is another perspective by Rajan S Mathews, director general, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), who says in the report, that the most important and urgent requirement is to restore the financial health of the sector for which the policy document envisages the reduction in levies and ease of doing business.

This according to him will help the industry in achieving the goals and fulfilling the objectives outlined in the policy.

The keynotes of the policy

The DNA report says the policy aims to recognise telecommunication services and infrastructure as an essential public utility.

"This will not only aid proliferation of telecom services but also facilitate low-cost financing. The industry today is facing one of its toughest phases, and low-cost financing is the need of the hour, for most service providers, who are languishing in debt and unprecedented losses, Harsh Walia told the daily.

The significant point is that the policy reforms come in the context of a long-standing demand of the telecom industry for reduction/rationalisation of levies because the operators have been adversely affected by the domination of the key player Reliance Jio. The competitiveness in the sector post Jio's entry has affected mobile tariffs, profits and margins says DNA, the industry has been sitting on a cumulative debt of around Rs 5.6 lakh crore.

In a nutshell, NDCP aims to increase high-speed broadband penetration, with the use of modern technologies like 5G and optical fibres at affordable rates.

A Moneycontrol report says the provisions to adopt "Optimal Pricing of Spectrum" may ensure sustainable and affordable access to digital communications since high spectrum price and related charges have been the main concern of telecom services segment.

A reality check

The Hindu Business Line however analyses the flip side of the new digital communications policy and says that it fails to address the sector's core issues

The report says that the National Digital Communications Policy 2018 approved by the Union Cabinet does not have any fresh ideas in terms of addressing the issues being faced by the telecom sector.

"While restating the Centres intent to address the problems, it neither spells out how it plans to achieve the stated objectives nor gives a specific timeframe to implement the various proposals. Broadly, there are four major issues plaguing the telecom sector that need immediate attention. First, the industry is going through a financial crisis as a result of which as many as five operators have shut shop. Overall debt burden of the remaining players has burgeoned to alarming levels due to expensive spectrum auctions and huge reduction in cash flows," reported The Hindu Business Line.

"Second, telecom consumers are no better today than they were two decades ago when it comes to quality of services. Call drops, unwanted telemarketing calls, patchy data networks and unfair practices to get users pay more are rampant. To make matters worse, consumers do not have access to a reliable and neutral complaint redressal mechanism."

"Third, public sector companies in this sector continue to languish under high manpower costs and red tape. Fourth, there is a big worry over the huge imports of telecom equipment and devices at a time when Indias trade deficit is ballooning."

Old wine in a new bottle

The new policy, says Business Line, is acknowledges problems, but almost all the solutions offered, find mention in earlier regulations and vision statements. Some of the major targets listed in the 2012 policy are still to be achieved.

"For example, the minimum broadband speeds are set at 512 kbps at present even though the 2012 policy had envisaged minimum broadband speeds of 2Mbps by 2015. The 2012 policy had also set a target of achieving 70 percent rural teledensity by 2017. In reality, the rural teledensity is just under 60 percent. Instead of delving into why these targets were missed and how things can be improved, the National Digital Communications Policy 2018 lists out more and new targets."

The report opines that rather than re-stating old mission statements, the Centre should have focused on putting together a roadmap, explaining how it will execute these initiatives. When addressing the issue of reducing the financial burden on the telecom operators, the policy merely restates, says Business Line, that the plan is to rationalise government taxes and levies, apart from giving critical infrastructure status to the industry.

"The reality is that these proposals have been pushed by the Department of Telecom for several years only to be blocked by the Finance Ministry, which has so far seen the sector only as a non-tax revenue generator for the exchequer. If the Centre wants to really prepare the countrys telecom sector for the upcoming digital revolution, it must go beyond giving mission statements to ensure that the vision translates into reality on the ground," reported The Hindu Business Line.

A historical perspective

Even as we analyse the latest developments, a look back at India's telecom evolution offers interesting perspectives. In 2017, a piece in nationalinterest.in, narrated how Indias telecom industry has been through a paradigm shift over the last three decades. Writer Prashant Pandhre offered a brief overview of the telecommunications market and observed that the industry has also undergone significant policy and regulatory changes through the years, in essence, leading to a control of market share of services by a few players. But it was not always so.

He recalled how in the early 1990s, the telecom sector was dominated by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), which was the sole service provider.

"The first whiff of reform came about in 1994 when the sector began a transition from a monopoly to a competitive structure. During this period, beginning with the deregulation of the sector and followed by the issuance of two major policy instruments  the National Telecom Policy, 1994 (NTP94) and the New Telecom Policy 1999 (NTP99)  the transition to a competitive market-based structure was successfully accomplished," wrote Pandhre.

As was inevitable, he says, the dominance of DoT, as the sole operator subsided with the entry of a number of private operators in various services such as fixed line, mobile telephony, international long distance and internet service providers.

Telecom licenses, he adds, were allocated by the DoT through auctions at a circle level with the country divided into 23 circles (in most cases each circle represented a state). Each circle was allotted two licensed operators.

The piece recalls that the market for fixed telecom services was highly concentrated and the existence of a telecom regulator in the form of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) too acted as a check on service providers abusing their dominant position.

"Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) made substantial progress; reduced tariffs, improved efficiency and it can be argued that this was entirely due to the force of competition leading to efficiency gains," he wrote.

"The transition for BSNL from a monopolistic firm which had a previous history of being impervious to consumer demands to a firm that adapts and responds to market competition ultimately led to providing a surplus to its consumers."

The subsequent growth of the mobile services industry was phenomenal, narrated the piece and it all began in 1997. The government, informs the writer, followed a policy of "managed competition" by licensing more than one service provider in a telecom circle. In fact, a majority of the 28 Telecom circles that were present at that time had at least four to six services providers.

"The private mobile operators grew on new and latest state-of-the-art technologies. Entry of a new player Reliance Infocomm Ltd. in 2002 saw introduction of CDMA (Code Division Multiple Services) services across 17 circles on a countrywide basis. CDMA has since been growing faster than GSM. The existences of the two standards have made both the markets for GSM and CDMA services very competitive. This is especially so when the market for CDMA services was highly concentrated with just two service providers accounting for almost the entire output."

Every telecom operator was assigned certain portions of the spectrum to use in India through auctions and administrative allocations. Essentially, the spectrum "bands", and frequencies around a particular band were then auctioned off, says the piece and adds that the years of 1998 and 2004 saw 2 rounds of spectrum auctions with major share being grabbed by the existing players.

"Later in 2008, the government's policy bypassed the spectrum auction process leading to controversies. The Government's move of selling spectrum by way of a first come first serve basis rather than by auction and fixing of prices based on 2001 prices was alleged to be an outcome of the nexus between a few dominant players and government representatives. The result was that major frequencies were captured and held by a very few operators and in some cases even by few non-serious telecom players leading to hoarding of the spectrum," Pandhre wrote.

These controversial auctions as is well documented led to legal snarls and the eventual cancellation of spectrum licenses. The ensuing bad blood, losses and stagnation led to an upward revision of prices, consolidation and smaller players exiting from the industry, according to the writer.

Early gains

What we are reaping today are the fruits of the National Telecom Policy of 1994 and The New Telecom Policy of 1999 that, according to the piece, set up the blueprint for opening up of the telecom sector in India.

"The pace of growth and the achievements in terms of statistics have been quite spectacular, with an average addition of 18 million subscribers every month, contributing nearly 2 percent to the Indian GDP and with a tele-density of 84 percent the Indian telecom industry is considered to be the second largest telecom market in the world."

"Intense competition in the sector eventually led to government intervention in the form of setting up of a regulator TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) by a special act of parliament. With more maturity in the sector and with an aim to provide stable and equal opportunities over disputes. The Telecommunications Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) was set up."

Since all service providers were new, says the piece, their competition was more in terms of price and conditions of sale and of late these two aspects are much in public scrutiny thanks to the timely intervention, on various occasions, by the regulator.

As the article rightly points out, the penetration of mobile telephony in rural areas, turned the farming communities into the biggest beneficiaries and banking and other reforms like financial inclusion were also made possible with the telecom revolution.

"The telecom industry in India started as a monopolistic regime controlled by the DoT and gradually transformed into an industry flooded by private players. Today it is in an era of consolidation and may likely see the existence of only a few players and if this indeed happens then the industry may have literally come a full circle," the writer wrote.

The take away is that regulations have played a significant role and as the writer says, the government started off as a market participant and transitioned to a facilitator and further as a regulator.

The telecom commission and the setting up of an independent regulator TRAI, according to the writer were significant as TRAI made it a mandatory provision for all the private players to provide a certain percentage of services in the rural areas under the USO (Universal Service Obligation), and further opening of the sector and introduction of mobile telephony led to penetration in rural areas taking tele-density to a record level of 84 percent today.

The piece says and correctly so that the entry of a new entity with disruptive technology again is making the merger and acquisition space active.

"The industry currently is at a very interesting stage and one has to see whether this consolidation will again lead to concentration of the market by a select few. However, it can be said without doubt that the consumer has been the biggest beneficiary," Pandhre wrote.

Will the consumers continue to be the biggest beneficiary or will dominant players restrict the array of choices available to them, is another question that only time will answer.

:

Reliance Industries Ltd is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi (3)

The opposition alliance in Telangana may be heading into turbulence over seat-sharing.

Congress is willing to share only half of the seats demanded by its ally Telugu Desam Party (TDP) for the assembly election in Telangana, according to a report by Mint.

Congress has tied up with N Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP, the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) for the polls.

The report suggests that a decision on seat sharing is expected to be taken after the first week of October.

The report, citing a senior leader of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC), suggests that the Congress is ready to share 20-25 seats with all its partners. The state assembly has a total 119 seats. This is well short of TDPs demand for contesting 30 seats.

The report cites the TPCC leader as saying that the TDP "will settle for about half" of what they have demanded.

Congress has also reportedly decided to limit the seat allocation for its senior leaders to around 40 seats.

The party's focus will be on selecting candidates on the basis of their chances of winning the polls, the report adds.

We cannot take a risk by giving seats to people just because they come from political dynasties, the Congress leader told the newspaper.

Senior TDP leader E Peddi Reddy however told the newspaper that the final decision on seat allocation will be taken only after the election schedule is announced.

Also read: EC to keep tab on high-value bank transactions in Telangana

The Election Commission (EC) is currently working on a plan to hold the state's assembly election before the end of the year, after Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao-led Telugu Rashtra Samithi (TRS) prematurely dissolved the Assembly on September 6.

The TRS has already declared its list of 105 candidates and is expected to declare candidates for the remaining seats soon.

In 2014, the Rao-led party had won 63 seats in the assembly polls, that happened simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections. Congress had clinched 21 seats while TDP had settled for 15 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had won five seats in the state assembly.

The EC has decided to publish the final electoral rolls list on October 8, hinting at the possibility that the state polls could happen later this year along with Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram and Rajasthan.
Besides these moves, the Modi government has also come up with various other schemes including Make in India, Swachh Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Startup India, etc.

Shekhar Iyer

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Swachh Bharat Mission from the ramparts of the Red Fort in his first Independence Day address in 2014, many could not help wondering why a subject of a municipal nature was raised by the PM -- and that too on a historic occasion!

No PM had previously raised the question of cleanliness and sanitation at a national level.

Modi gave the slogan of 'Na gandagi karenge, na karne denge' (neither will we litter, nor will we let others litter). He also simultaneously sought to address the health problems that more than 60 percent of Indian families have to deal with due to lack of proper toilets in their homes and safe drinking water.

Subsequently, the Swachh Bharat Mission was launched throughout the length and breadth of the country as a national movement. It aimed to achieve the vision of a 'Clean India' by October 2, 2019, with a goal of making the country 100 percent open defecation-free with proper solid waste management.

Today, four years later, official figures show that the 503 of India's 699 districts, 3,622 of the 4,041 urban local bodies and 487,445 villages have been declared open defecation-free. More importantly, women no longer suffer the indignity of having to go out into the open to defecate.

At the time of initiative's launch, fewer than 40 percent of households in India had toilets at home. Today, that figure is close to 85 percent.

Citizens today are active participants in cleanliness activities across the nation. Appeals from Bollywood stars, sport icons, industrialists, spiritual leaders and harbingers of change have evoked a positive energy among many people. Every day one hears of cleanliness initiatives by government departments, NGOs, local community centres, and students.

There are a good number of stories of people getting together to build their first toilet to serve their homes and communities. In many places, it is no longer a government-led initiative but a "government-wide" one aimed at involving the communities.

Of course, on the flip side, there are stories of villages claiming to be open defecation-free merely on paper. There have also been instances of politicians 'cleaning' roads and pavements for the cameras. Any hype cannot be sustained if there is no change whatsoever and no beneficiaries to recount the change.

True, Modi's ambitious campaign for an open defecation-free country may appear still a far cry from the reality in vast parts of urban and semi-urban India. However, it is important to remember that Modi's pet scheme is one that was not born out of effecting a political one-upmanship. Driven by his desire to usher in behavioural change among Indians, Modi can only find political dividend if Clean India turns out to a huge success in the long run.

An all-India sanitation revolution can be a great measure of good governance.

We are one of the dirtiest nations in the world. We battle a mindset that pushes all the dirt out of the home and into public spaces, so much so that even the hardest of Modi critics have not dismissed his act of picking up a broom on October 2, 2014  and every year since then  as a mere a photo-op.

The challenge of building a toilet for every household aims to bring sustainable solutions that save water, power and lives and end water-borne and waste-induced diseases. As experts say, the building of 85 million new toilets and 21 states declaring themselves open defecation-free is just one part of that challenge. The other is to build an efficient and durable sanitation infrastructure for community-level disposal of waste.

Modi has been candid to concede that "only constructing toilets won't make India clean. There have to be facilities in the toilets, facilities for garbage collection and disposal. Cleanliness is a habit which must be included in everyday experiences. This is the way towards a behavioural change."

Param Iyer, a former IAS officer and World Bank employee, who was picked by Modi to head the mission, believes that of the people who have had access to toilets so far, 92 percent were found to use them regularly, correlating to the findings of a separate survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Office. Almost 70 percent of the villages surveyed have also had minimum litter or stagnant water.

Be that as it may, there is little doubt that in a number of villages, cities and towns, the focus has turned on sanitation.

There is an apolitical character to this awakening for cleanliness and hygiene. On October 2, the government will flag off celebrations to mark Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary with Prime Minister Narendra Modi hard-selling the success story of the Swachh Bharat Mission as a global model.

Can one deny Modi or his government credit if the mission finally changes quality of life for millions of people?
Om Prakash Rajbhar

Lashing out at his own government over the alleged killing of a tech company executive by a policeman, a Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister claimed Monday that the Yogi Adityanath government had "completely failed" on the law and order front. Uttar Pradesh Minister of Backward Class Welfare and Divyangjan Empowerment, Om Prakash Rajbhar, also demanded a CBI probe in the killing of 38-year-old Vivek Tiwari, who was allegedly shot Saturday in Lucknow by a constable when he was going to drop his colleague Sana Khan.

Rajbhar, who leads the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), a key BJP ally in UP, also alleged that the police was trying to "cover up" the matter.

"A common citizen was murdered by the police. In the name of encounter, the police takes money, and kills people. Crime is making its presence felt in the state, while law and order situation has become a joke. Yogi ji has neither been successful in reducing crime in the state nor he has been able to make the people feel that they are safe," Rajbhar alleged in a tweet.

The minister claimed the state government had "failed completely" on the law and order front.

"There should be a CBI probe in this, and stringent action must be initiated against the guilty. Police is trying to cover up the matter," the minister said referring to Vivek Tiwari's killing.

Another Uttar Pradesh minister Brijesh Pathak had Sunday hit out at the state police "for showing laxity" and "hushing up" the killing of the tech company executive in Lucknow's posh Gomti Nagar neighbourhood.

Apple executive Vivek Tiwari was shot dead early Saturday morning by a policeman when he allegedly refused to stop his car.
Britain will leave the European Union "in fact, not just in name", Brexit minister Dominic Raab will say on Monday, warning that London's "willingness to compromise is not without limits" and leaving without a deal is very much an option.

Prime Minister Theresa May's government has adopted a new strident tone in its dealings with the EU, angered after what some saw as an ambush in Austria last month when several of the bloc's leaders criticised some of her Brexit proposals.

But ministers are also keen to use the governing Conservative Party's annual conference in the central English city of Birmingham to try to win over Brexit supporters who fear May is leading Britain towards leaving the EU in name only.

"My approach to Brexit is pragmatic, not dogmatic. Our proposals would deliver a historic agreement that provides a roadmap out of the EU and a final deal that will be good for the whole country," Raab will say, according to excerpts of his speech.

"But our willingness to compromise is not without limits. We are leaving the European Union in fact, not just in name."

He will say the government will fight any attempt to try to keep Britain too closely in the EU's sphere or to try to split the United Kingdom by forcing the British province of Northern Ireland to adopt a different set of customs rules.

Just six months before Britain is due to leave the EU in the country's biggest shift in foreign and trade policy in more than 40 years, the debate over how to leave the bloc is still raging in the centre-right Conservative Party, and even in government.

With no agreement on the divorce and continued wrangling over Britain's future relationship with the EU, the probability of a so-called "no deal Brexit" has risen - something that Raab and other ministers said should not be feared.

The main opposition Labour Party accused Raab of being "in denial" over May's Chequers plan, named after her country residence where an agreement was hashed out with her ministers in July.

"The Chequers' proposals have been rejected by his own party and by the EU. Chequers cannot command support at Conservative Conference, let alone in Parliament or across the country," said Paul Blomfield, a Brexit spokesman for Labour.

But Raab said he was pursuing a deal that "delivers on the referendum, because that's our democratic duty".

"If we can't obtain a deal that secures that objective ... then we will be left with no choice but to leave without a deal."
Pervez Musharraf

Pakistan's former President General Pervez Musharraf is "growing weaker rapidly" due to a new unspecified illness and cannot return to face the treason case now, a senior leader of his party has said. Musharraf, 75, who has been living in Dubai since 2016, is facing the high-profile treason case for suspending the Constitution in 2007.

According to Muhammad Amjad, a former chairman of the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) -- a political party floated by Musharraf in 2010 -- said the former president has to visit London for treatment in every three months due to the new unspecified ailment, Dawn news reported.

"Pervez Musharraf had a fracture in his spine, for which he got treated in the USA. But nowadays he is being treated for a separate ailment. For this, he has to go to London after every three months," Amjad told reporters after a party meeting on Sunday.

"We cannot tell the nation about the ailment right now but we will tell the court about it and also present the ailment's documentation to the chief justice.

"Musharraf is growing weaker rapidly so we cannot put his life at risk," he said.

Amjad said Musharraf would return to Pakistan but on the guarantees that he would be given a free trial and also allowed to leave the country for treatment.

He claimed that the party tried to bring him back to the country before the July 25 general elections but "hurdles were created in his way".

Amjad reiterated that Musharraf wants to appear before the court and is in consultation with his legal team to decide when and how to return, the report said.

The former Army chief has been declared an absconder due to his persistent failure to appear before a special trial court set up to try him in the case.

Last month, Pakistan's Supreme Court assured Musharraf that high-level security will be provided to him if he returns to the country to face the trial in the treason case.

The former president was indicted in March 2014 on treason charges for suspending the Constitution and imposing emergency which led to the confinement of a number of superior court judges in their houses and sacking of over 100 judges.

A conviction for high-profile treason carries the death penalty or life imprisonment.
(Image: REUTERS/Brendan McDermid)

Pfizer Inc said on Monday its Chief Executive Officer Ian Read would step down at the start of next year.

Read will be succeeded by Chief Operating Officer Albert Bourla, the company said, adding that from January 1, Read will serve as the executive chairman indefinitely.
Facebook had its data stolen once again. By its, I mean your and my data, of course. Yeah, I know, what else is new! Im now considering going the same route as Gene Hackmans character in the film Enemy Of The State - as off-the-grid as possible, with all electronic gadgets confined to a secure basement.

After a testimony before the US Congress earlier this year, which gave rise to memes that portrayed Facebook as the tech equivalent of the devil, people are once again stunned. Probably because they assumed the social media behemoth would change. What happened again is what we will be answering today on our Story of the Day. My name is Rakesh, and you are listening to Moneycontrol.

So heres what happened.

According to reports, on September 25, Facebook discovered a security flaw that affected approximately 50 million accounts. Instagram, which is owned by Facebook, may also have been affected. Tinder, Airbnb, and Spotify, three prominent companies that use Facebooks login, are yet to respond on this issue. The flaw could have allowed attackers to take over those accounts, Facebook said in a statement. The social network, which now claims to have around 2.2 billion users, said it has fixed the vulnerability and informed law enforcement.

Reports indicate that the attackers stole Facebook access tokens through something called a "view as" feature. "View as" allows users to see what their own profile looks like to someone else. Taking over someones account from a page that tailors how we would like to be seen by the world. Delicious irony there.

Wait, didnt something similar to this happen just the other day? Well, sort of. The most recent episode wasnt so much data security as sharing private information. In that instance, the maker of a personality quiz app on Facebook transferred his database of profile information to a third party, Cambridge Analytica.

Back in March of this year, Christopher Wylie, a Canadian data scientist working with Cambridge Analytica (CA), tweeted that his company had harvested the data of 50 million Facebook users in an alleged attempt to influence American voters ahead of the 2016 elections there. That number would eventually settle at 87 million. It was an important moment in our understanding of social media, data and how all our online habits are tracked. It was the first time most of us even realized that we had something known as online habits or that it is something companies use as a business. CA told Facebook it had deleted the information, but it had lied.

The New York Times, reporting on the CA scandal, said software flaws in Facebooks systems allowed hackers to break into user accounts, including those of the top executives Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg. Two bugs were introduced by an online tool meant to improve the privacy of users. Another was introduced in July 2017 by a tool meant to easily upload birthday videos. The bugs were especially awkward because Facebook takes pride in its engineering.

The aftermath of that scandal saw the company spouting catchphrases like a breach of trust, data breach, mistake etc. And they pledged to make changes and reforms in Facebook policy to prevent similar breaches. Yes, they pledged. You can see why some people would have trust issues with Facebook. Some analysts say Facebooks stock price fell as a result of this scandal. So while it wasnt data security, a strong perception took hold that Facebook isnt very proficient at handling user data.

This week, once again, events took an expected turn. CEO Jesse Eisenberg...sorry, thats the guy from the movie...CEO Mark Zuckerberg said, We do not currently have any evidence that suggests these accounts have been compromised. Is it just me, or does the CEO sound just a bit too rhetorical? In any case, the companys stock fell more than 3 percent in Friday afternoon trading on Wall Street.

Facebook says it has reset these access tokens for the 50 million accounts that were affected. As a further precaution, the company said it had also reset access tokens for another 40 million accounts that have been looked up through the "view as" option over the last 12 months. So, approximately 90 million people will have to log back in. However, Facebook users should note that the "view as" option is being disabled temporarily. Zuckerberg said his company needs to continue developing new tools to make accounts more secure and prevent similar breaches.

A report by Wired says affected users will see a message at the top of their News Feed about the issue when they log in. It reads, "Your privacy and security are important to us. We want to let you know about the recent action we've taken to secure your account."

While many reports claim the current instance is the largest data breach in the companys 14-year history, it is not Facebooks first brush with data security problems. Facebook hasnt exactly been blindsided by unforeseen assaults in 2018. In 2008, a technical glitch revealed confidential birth-dates of 80 million Facebook users.

In 2013, Facebook disclosed a software flaw that had exposed 6 million users' phone numbers and email addresses to unauthorized viewers for an entire year. Theres a reason senior executives had to testify in congressional hearings where some lawmakers suggested the US government might need to step in if the company couldnt get its act together.

From that point of view, the latest breach is coming at the worst time for Facebook. Some people in American politics were quick to capitalise on the incident.

Mark Warner, a Democrat senator, was blunt in his views. He said, This is another sobering indicator that Congress needs to step up and take action to protect the privacy and security of social media users. A full investigation should be swiftly conducted and made public so that we can understand more about what happened.

His words could prove problematic for Zuckerberg and company. Warner is the Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and co-chair of the Senate Cybersecurity Caucus. Rohit Chopra, a commissioner with the Federal Trade Commission, said, Breaches dont just violate our privacy. They create enormous risks for our economy and national security. The cost of inaction is growing, and we need answers.

It could get more painful across the pond. Irelands Data Protection Commission, Facebooks main regulator in Europe, has demanded more information regarding the attack.

The Economic Times reported that Facebook could face a steep $1.63 billion fine from the European Unions privacy watchdog if it is found not to have taken appropriate steps to protect user data. And it indeed does look like the company might be in trouble this time around. Facebook said it is cooperating with authorities but does not yet know who is behind the attack, or even where it originated. Vice president of product, Guy Rosen, said, We may never know.

The company claims its own investigation into the matter started on September 16, following an unusual spike in users accessing Facebook. On September 25, the companys engineering team found that hackers appeared to have exploited bugs related to the View As feature.

New Scientist reported that the attackers exploited an interaction between several different bugs in Facebooks code, tricking the site into handing over the digital keys to individual accounts. When using the View As feature, a video-upload box was incorrectly left activated. Using this box to upload a video then generated a key that gave access to that other persons account.

This allowed the hackers access to anything that users could view on their own profiles. That includes names and dates of birth of friends and/or family members, private photos etc. This information can also be used in phishing attacks.

Rosen said, This is a complex interaction of multiple bugs.

Wired claimed that Chang Chi-yuan, a Taiwanese hacker had promised to live-stream the deletion of Mark Zuckerberg's Facebook account, but Rosen dismissed it saying the company was not aware that he was related to this particular attack.

Lukasz Olejnik, a member of the W3C Technical Architecture Group and a security researcher, said, If the attacker exploited custom and isolated vulnerabilities, and the attack was a highly targeted one, there simply might be no suitable trace or intelligence allowing investigators to connect the dots. David Kennedy of cybersecurity firm TrustedSec is sympathetic to Facebooks problem. He says, ...these types of security vulnerabilities can be extremely difficult to spot or catch since they rely on having to dynamically test the site itself as its running.

Some media reports said there are indications that Mark Zuckerberg has learnt from the Cambridge Analytica fiasco. When that scandal broke, Zuckerberg didnt communicate with the media for days. This time around, he connected with the media right away to explain what went wrong. And Facebooks Cambridge Analytica misadventure doesnt help shore up its credibility. Or it could just all be Putins fault. As Guy Rosen said, We may never know.
Embroiled in another massive data breach, Facebook may face $1.63 billion in fine from the European Union (EU) privacy watchdog, the media reported.

According to a report in The Wall Street Journal on Sunday, Ireland's Data Protection Commission which is Facebook's lead privacy regulator in Europe, has asked Facebook to submit more details in the incident where data of over 50 million users were hacked via "Access Tokens" or digital keys.

The "privacy watchdog could fine Facebook as much as $1.63 billion for the data breach", the report added.

"We are concerned at the fact that this breach was discovered on Tuesday (last week) and affects many millions of user accounts but Facebook is unable to clarify the nature of the breach and the risk for users at this point," the regulator was quoted as saying.

A Facebook spokeswoman said the social media giant will respond to questions from the EU watchdog.

In the biggest-ever security breach after Cambridge Analytica scandal, Facebook on Friday admitted hackers broke into nearly 50 million users' accounts by stealing their "access tokens" or digital keys.

This allowed them to steal Facebook access tokens which they could then use to take over people's accounts.

Access tokens are the equivalent of digital keys that keep people logged in to Facebook so they do not need to re-enter their password every time they use the app.

Senator Mark R. Warner has also called for a full probe into the incident.

Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and co-chair of the Senate Cybersecurity Caucus, Warner said it was high time the Congress stepped up and took action to protect privacy and security of social media users.

Facebook also said it was taking precautionary step to reset access tokens for another 40 million accounts that have been subject to a "View As" look-up in the 2017.

As a result, around 90 million people will now have to log back into Facebook, or any of their apps that use Facebook login.

Reacting to the new data breach, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said: "While I'm glad we found this, fixed the vulnerability, and secured the accounts that may be at risk, the reality is we need to continue developing new tools to prevent this from happening in the first place."

Zuckerberg and Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg have already faced hearings at US Congress over Cambridge Analytica data breach that affected 87 million users.

Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article.
The major indices of the Indian stock markets rallied on Monday and closed with gains over Fridays close. On the NSE, there were 725 advances, 1,034 declines and 318 unchanged. The trends of the major indices in the course of Mondays trading are given in the table below:

Commercial vehicles major Ashok Leyland Ltd on Monday said it closed September 2018 with a 26% growth in sales. In a statement here, the company said it sold 19,373 units last month, up from 15,371 units sold in September 2017. Ashok Leyland Limited shares closed at Rs121.00, up 1.60% on the NSE.

Pharma major Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd on Monday announced the sale of its antibiotic manufacturing facility and related assets in Tennessee, US, for an undisclosed sum. Dr Reddys Laboratories shares closed at Rs2,512.00, down 0.74% on the NSE.

Gayatri Projects has been awarded with two add-on works to the existing works of Chintalapudi Lift Irrigation Scheme (Package-1 & 2). These two additions lead to a consolidated increase of Rs548.98 crores, nearly 55% of the existing value. Gayatri Projects shares closed at Rs192.30, up 14.70% on the NSE.

Cadila Healthcare has received final approval from the USFDA (US Food & Drug Administration) to market Desoximetasone Cream USP (US RLD  Topicort Cream), 0.25%. Desoximetasone is a strong corticosteroid, used to treat a variety of skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, allergies and rash. Cadila Healthcare shares closed at Rs398.00, up 3.12% on the NSE.

KEC International has secured new orders of Rs1,159 crore in its Transmission & Distribution business across India, Africa, Oceania and Americas. KEC International shares closed at Rs285.00, down 3.72% on the NSE.

GMR Infra has emerged as the highest bidder for the Development, Operations and Management of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis. In FY2017-18, Nagpur Airport had handled 2.18 million passengers and 7,800 MT cargo. GMR Infrastructure shares closed at Rs17.00, up 4.94% on the NSE.

HCC Infrastructure Company has executed a definitive agreement for the sale of 100% equity stake in Farakka-Raiganj Highways to Cube Highways II, Singapore for an equity consideration of Rs372 crore subject to closing adjustments. Hindustan Construction Company Limited shares closed at Rs11.10, up 4.23% on the NSE.

The Fortive Corp. has chosen TCS as the preferred partner for providing engineering & digital/IoT solutions and services to its operating companies. To explore other opportunities allowing for potential offerings that leverage skills, resources, and IP from both companies. TCS shares closed at Rs2,250.30, up 3.05% on the NSE.

Take Solutions's subsidiary Navitas, Inc (USA) has sold off its supply chain unit namely 'TAKE Supply Chain' in Austin, USA to ESW Capital, LLC, USA for a consideration of US$ 3.25 million (approx. Rs23.58 crore). Take Solutions shares closed at Rs171.00, up 11.80% on the NSE.

Bandhan Bank shares closed at Rs452.20, down 20.00% on the NSE after RBI withdrew permission to open new branches stands after the bank failed to comply with the licensing condition to bring down the shareholding of holding company in the Bank to 40%.

The Heavy Civil Infrastructure business of L&T won orders worth Rs7,489 crore from the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) for the construction of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP), packages 01 & 04. Larsen & Toubro shares closed at Rs1,251.00, down 1.66% on the NSE.

The top gainers and top losers of the major indices are given in the table below:

The closing values of the major Asian indices are given in the table below:
'Mexipunx' Photo Exhibition Opens at the OPC Oct. 6

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The Office of Cultural Projects, in collaboration with the Manuel Alvarez Bravo Photographic Center (CFMAB) in Oaxaca, is honored to present Mexipunx, a photographic exhibition by Ruben Ortiz Torres and curated by Laureana Toledo.

The images were originally exhibited in 1984 as part of the Jesus and the Mutants series at the Mexican Council of Photography. Mexipunx is an extended version of that exhibition, which now includes videos originally recorded in Super-8 and drawings of people that appear in the photographs. The exhibition presents vintage and more recent prints designed specifically for the exhibition.

In his images, Ortiz Torres narrates his own history of punk in the capital city. Unlike other photojournalist works of the countercultural movement of the time, Ruben was part of that subculture, and produced a self-representation without ceasing to document.

His photographs picture the first punks of the time, such as Guillermo Santamarina, nicknamed "Tin Larin" who, according to legend, became the first Mexican punk and then the curator of the Museum of Contemporary Art of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (MUAC).

Also included are images of brothers Juan Carlos and Mario Lafontaine, members of the legendary duet Maria Bonita; the girls from Las Flores del Mal who wore vintage clothes from the 50s and 60s; legendary underground scenes such as the photos he took at Disco Bar 9, a gay bar in the Zona Rosa; and the only true punk bar: Tutti Frutti.





Along with this exhibition,will be exhibited in the William Hobi Hall at Taller OPC, in commemoration of the 50 anniversary of October 2, conformed by graphic work done by students and teachers of UNAM.

This exhibition is curated by Fernando Sanchez and Rene Contreras, in collaboration with Teacher Victor Rios; Production Coordinator at the Carlos Olachea Workshop, FAD Xochimilco, UNAM; and Teacher Fanuvy Nunez Aguilera, Professor of Engraving, FAD Taxco, UNAM.

Ruben Ortiz Torres is a professor of Visual Arts at the University of California at San Diego. He began his career as a photographer, printmaker and painter, but has produced over the years a series of works in a variety of media, including movies and videos, automobiles, and custom machines. His work has been included in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art in New York; the Museum of Contemporary Art of Los Angeles, the National Museum of Art Reina Sofia in Madrid, and the Museum of Contemporary Art of San Diego, among others.

An opening reception for Mexipunx will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 pm on Saturday, October 6, 2018. The exhibition will remain on display at the Oficina de Proyectos Culturales, located at Juarez #598 at the corner of Aldama in downtown Puerto Vallarta, through January 5, 2019.
Susan Dziubinski: Hi. I'm Susan Dziubinski from Morningstar.com. It isn't easy for a fund to earn our top Morningstar fund analyst rating of Gold. Funds that do so are best in breed, models in their respective categories. In fact, fewer than 200 funds across dozens of fund categories earn Gold ratings. Here are three funds that recently joined the Gold-rated fund club.

Adam McCullough: Fidelity Extended Market Index is a great option for investors looking to round out a large-cap equity position. This fund invests in nearly all investable U.S. stocks outside of the S&P 500. That means that it does own small- and micro-cap stocks even though it lands in Morningstar's mid-cap blend equity category. Because it does own smaller cap and micro-cap stocks this fund also carries a little bit more risk than the average fund in the mid-blend category. It's broad diversification should help in mitigate risks of single stock or sector exposures. Also, this fund is the cheapest of its kind. It only charges 5 basis points per year which is much lower than the mid-cap blend fee average. All said, this fund earns a Morningstar Analyst Rating of Gold because it's cheap, broadly diversified, and has a soundly constructed index.
The Ministry of the Attorney General of British Columbia announced late last week that it will be clamping down on alleged money laundering by foreign nationals in the provinces casinos.

The move came in the wake of a previous recommendation that called for an in-depth investigation of possible fraudulent activity and manipulation by unscrupulous Chinese and other foreign criminal elements in B.C.s real estate, horse racing, and luxury car segments.

There is good reason to believe the bulk of the cash we saw in casinos is a fraction of the cash generated through illicit activities that may be circulating in British Columbias economy, David Eby told Bloomberg.
Shopify Inc. has entered the next stage of its Canadian growth with its $500-million investment in Torontos commercial property market.

The Ottawa-based firm will be leasing 254,000 square feet from Allied Properties Real Estate Investment Trust and RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust at The Well, the company said in a statement late last week.

Shopify is set to occupy its space at The Well  which is one of Torontos biggest office developments  by 2022. The lease will last 15 years, Bloomberg reported.
Wells Fargo has suspended two executives in connection with a federal probe into its purchase of low-income housing tax credits.

Rick Davis, senior vice president and regional equity manager, and Robert Klixbull, a vice president based in the Charlotte, N.C., area, have been suspended. Both worked in Wells Fargos community lending and investment division, according to a report by the Charlotte Business Journal.

The Department of Justice is investigating whether the scandal-plagued bank colluded with developers to submit lowball bids on tax credits for low-income housing projects, according to a Bloomberg report. Citing sources close to the matter, Bloomberg reported that an investigation that started in Miami has been referred to the Justice Departments corruption unit, which is now investigating Wells Fargo deals across the country.
MRT file photo

AUSTIN  Parsley Energy on Friday celebrated the 10th anniversary of the companys founding, recognizing a decade marked by growth, innovation and community partnership.

Since its founding in 2008, Parsleys CEO Bryan Sheffield has overseen the growth of the company from a two-person outfit operating a few dozen vertical wells to a publicly traded company that today operates more than 1,300 wells across the Permian Basin with an enterprise value of roughly $11 billion. Under Sheffields leadership, Parsley has been at the forefront of the shale oil revolution, utilizing new technology to grow production from 10,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day to more than 100,000 Boe per day over a four-year span, according to a press release from the company.
Intercam Bank Joins International Beach Cleanup Day

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - On Saturday, September 22, volunteers from the Puerto Vallarta, Flamingos and Sayulita, Nayarit branches of Intercam Bank, accompanied by their families and friends, celebrated International Coastal Cleanup Day 2018 by removing trash from Banderas Bay beaches.

That morning, almost 100 volunteers were met by the Intercam Bank team's leaders who, for the second year in a row, led the teams in the cleaning of approximately 3 kilometers of beach in Litibu, Nayarit. By the time they were finished more than 60 kilos of garbage had been collected.

In addition to contributing to the conservation of our natural environment, this activity promotes environmental awareness, encourages everyone to participate in keeping our beaches and coastline clean, and teaches children how their environmental footprint impacts our community and the world.

Keeping the Banderas Bay region's beaches clean not only improves the destination's image with tourists, but also improves the quality of life for those of us who live here, making it a shared responsibility. The Vallarta-Nayarit Intercam Bank team invites everyone to join in their efforts next year on the third Saturday of September, International Coastal Cleanup Day 2019.

For more information, contact them at intercam.com.mx or by calling +52 (322) 209-0696.
Roberto's to Host Democrats Abroad's October Social

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - The Costa Banderas Chapter of Democrats Abroad Mexico invites you to join us for our October Social Hour in the air conditioned comfort of Roberto's Seafood Restaurant on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 from 5-7 pm.





Everyone is invited to enjoy an evening of fun and friendship in an easily accessible ground-floor location offering a no-host bar and comfy seating. Snacks are available and you may well opt to stay on for dinner, with owner Roberto Castellon ensuring a good time and good food and drink are enjoyed by all.

Roberto's is located at 284 Basilio Badillo, between Ignacio Vallarta and Constitucion, on the north side of the street in Puerto Vallarta's Romantic Zone.

The Blue Wave continues. Let's show U.S. citizens that we have voted so they can jump on the "I Voted" bandwagon with us! Bring your cameras and smartphones, as we will be taking photos of ourselves holding signs proclaiming our participation. Then posting them on our favorite social media sites with hash tag #ivoted - especially on the Democrats Abroad Costa Banderas Facebook Group page.

Democrats Abroad Mexico is the official organization of the Democratic Party in Mexico; connecting Americans with US politics and the Democratic Party; registering, informing, and motivating voters; supporting candidates, holding events, and raising resources. Mexico has five chapters: Lake Chapala, Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, Costa Banderas (Puerto Vallarta) and Mazatlan. But you don't have to be a Democrat, or an American, to join us for this fun get-together. See you there!
How do you muffle the roar of a big, industrial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system using safe, compact, inexpensive technology? With coaxial thermophones.

First there was the technical problem: developing technology to keep an industrial HVAC system quiet. Then came the next challenge: commercializing the technology.

Andrew Barnard, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, and his graduate student, Steven Senczyszyn, who earned his masters degree in May and is now a research engineer in mechanical engineering, joined forces with Great Lakes Sound & Vibration to solve the first problem. They created an active noise control system, which works by playing back the opposite of the sound you are trying to cancel.

This is how noise canceling headphones work, Senczyszyn says. They measure the incoming sound and use a speaker to play back the opposite of that sound, which effectively eliminates the incoming sound before it reaches your ears.

The goal of Barnard and Senczyszyns technology is to do the same thing inside HVAC ducts using coaxial thermophones. A thermophone is a type of loudspeaker that generates sound using heat. Coaxial means that two items share a common axis, so a coaxial loudspeaker fits directly in-line with a duct without obstructing airflow in the duct. Theyre made of carbon nanotubes that are extremely tiny tubes of carbonless than 1/1000th the diameter of a strand of human hair.

Carbon nanotubes get stretched into place. In a coaxial thermophone, they save 90 percent of the space taken up by current noise mufflers in heating and cooling ducts.

A carbon nanotube forest consists of millions of these small tubes, standing up and aligned with each other, Senczyszyn explains. When we pull on one end of these forests, the tubes fall together, creating a film we can wrap to create our speakers.

Having created and tested their technology, Barnard and Senczyszyn faced another, equally challenging problem: how to scale it up and ready it for the marketplace.

NSF Grant to Commercialize New Technology

They have just received a $200,000 grant from the National Science Foundations (NSF) Partnerships for Innovation-Technology Translation program to tackle that challenge. They will use the 18-month grant to develop a prototype, form a business, demo the technology to the HVAC market at trade shows and conferences and disseminate data in trade publications.

The goal is to use their prior research on carbon nanotube thermophonesoriginally designed to muffle automotive noisecoupled with customer feedback from a market study by an NSF-funded I-Corps team, to design and prototype a coaxial active noise control device for the HVAC industry. The research is a prime example of the work done here on Innovation Shore.

Carbon nanotube thin films, with their low-heat capacity properties, have opened the door for an evolutionary change in loudspeaker technology, the acoustic engineering researchers say in their NSF project description.

This technology provides a significant reduction in both the size and weight of the system used to control the noise generated by an air handling unit, as well as improved performance of the HVAC system, due to the coaxial design, Senczyszyn says.

The size and weight reduction makes it much easier to design into new buildings, and it is a great option for retrofitting older buildings with noise problems, he says. The improved performance of the air handler provided by the coaxial design has the potential to save on operating costs as well as extend the life of the air handler.

An anechoic chamber is used for acoustic engineering to test and control noise. Mechanical engineers Andrew Barnard and Steve Senczyszyn used the foam-lined room while developing a new technology to quiet industrial heating and cooling systems.

Smaller, Safer Sound Control

The technology is also safer. Without the need for fibrous materials acting as sound absorbersmaterials that break down over time and can enter the air ductsthe new technology can be used by hospitals, where conventional silencers can pose a threat to patients, Barnard and Senczyszyn explain in their project proposal. They can control low frequency noise while taking up 90 percent less space. They can also adapt to changing sound sources, which conventional silencers cant. The new technology will be valuable not only to hospitals, but to schools and residents in industrial areas as well.

Noise has a known negative effect on student learning, Barnard explains. And community noise in industrial areas can cause sleep interruption and increased stress on residents.

Meeting the Next Challenges

There are still significant technical problems to solve. One is increasing the scale of a demonstration model. Another is long-term durability. And a third, is identifying a material for the diaphragm that protects the carbon nanotube thermophone from airflow in the duct.

There are also business issues. Steve Tokarz, Michigan Techs mentor-in-residence, will advise the team on the commercialization and product development. A patent on the new technology is pending.

Barnard and Senczyszyn are convinced that they can overcome these hurdles.

"This project is significant because it will help us commercialize our technology, says Barnard. Many university technologies die in the laboratory because there is no connection made between the technology advancements and the customer.

He explains the NSF grant will enable the team to develop a demonstrator unit that will be used to pitch the technology to business partners, investors and customers.

We have talked to almost 200 people through our customer discovery process to help us define the value that our minimum viable product must offer, Barnard says. Only by matching the product value proposition to the customer needs can we launch a successful product."

The new grant will help Barnard and Senczyszyn both quiet HVAC systems with carbon nanotubes, and make more noise about their technology as they develop and commercialize their coaxial thermophones.

What do hospitals, industrial complexes and schools need? Quieter heating and cooling with carbon nanotubes.

About the Researcher Steven Senczyszyn

Michigan Technological University is a public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan, and is home to more than 7,000 students from 55 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, the University offers more than 125 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure.
The Jacksonville Public Library will host a showing of Immortal Beloved, a 1994 movie about the life and times of Ludwig van Beethoven, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The movie will be presented in conjunction with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestras first concert, which will feature a performance of Beethovens Fifth Symphony. The concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Illinois Colleges Rammelkamp Chapel
Dave Eggertorn CCWD GM leaving for position as ED of ACWA View Photos

San Andreas, CA  The head of Calaveras Countys largest water district has given notice that he is taking a state-level position he is describing as a dream come true.

Calaveras County Water District (CCWD) officials are sharing word that its general manager, Dave Eggerton, announced on Friday that he agreed to become the executive director designate of the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) and will be assuming those new duties beginning Nov. 1.

While Im sad to see him go, he is moving into one of the most prestigious positions in the California water industry and congratulations are certainly in order, CCWD Board President Scott Ratterman comments. The adds that Eggerton will continue working through the end of October and that the board plans to select an interim general manager at its Oct. 10 meeting. In the meantime, the formal recruitment process is underway.

The nations largest statewide coalition of public water agencies, ACWA membership includes about 450 public agencies, who are collectively responsible for about 90 percent of the water delivered to Californias cities, farms and businesses.

Eggerton, who has served as the CCWD general manager for the past four years, states, As excited as I am to embark on this new journey, its bittersweet. I have had such a fantastic experience working with CCWDs talented staff and board members, and I am very proud of the accomplishments we have achieved together.

Ratterman notes, I have a great deal of confidence in the districts management team and I expect the transition to our next general manager will go very smoothly. We have a very capable staff, and Dave is leaving the District in good hands.
President Donald Trump View Photos

President Trump issued a Proclamation declaring October to be National Energy Awareness Month.

Trump was Mondays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here are his words:

During National Energy Awareness Month, we recognize the remarkable role American energy plays in producing more abundant, affordable, and reliable power for our Nation and the world. My Administration is reducing regulatory burdens on the energy sector, developing innovative energy technologies, and building new energy-related infrastructure. Our agenda is fueling tremendous economic growth and forging a more secure future for our country and our allies.

The American energy renaissance is pressing forward with stunning speed. The United States is becoming both energy independent and energy dominant because of the entrepreneurial spirit of the American people and the application of innovative technologies to energy production, transmission, distribution, and use. Recently, United States crude oil production rose to roughly 11 million barrels a day, making our Nation the largest global producer. Additionally, the United States is the worlds largest producer of natural gas, and, in 2017, our coal exports rose by roughly 60 percent over the previous year. American energy dominance means the end of our crippling dependence on foreign energy, and that our industries have access to reliable, affordable, and diverse energy supplies that enable them to compete in the global marketplace. Increasing energy security is also ushering in a new era of American leadership around the world as we export more of our energy bounty to friends and allies abroad, freeing them from hostile dependence.

Our Nations increasingly innovative energy industry is proving that we can be responsible stewards of the environment while developing energy resources to grow the economy, lower costs, ignite job creation, and drive up incomes for American workers. From 2005 to 2017, the United States led the world in cutting energy-related carbon dioxide emissions, reducing them by about 860 million metric tons. Between 1970 and 2017, combined emissions from the six common pollutants dropped by 73 percent, all while our economy continued to grow. We are leading the world in the development of the next generation of energy technologies that will convert our abundant and diverse domestic energy resources, including coal, natural gas, nuclear, and renewables, into the useful energy services that power our economy. Americas innovative minds and industrial might, not the mandates of international agreements, have made our Nation the world leader in producing energy more abundantly while simultaneously reducing emissions.

Americas future has never been brighter, and American energy is leading the way in providing jobs, opportunity, and security for our Nation. This month, we recommit to strengthening our energy security and to responsibly using our energy resources so that we can continue on our path towards energy independence and dominance.

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.
Fire Chief Mike Spear Remembered View Photos

Sacramento, CA  A late Tuolumne County Battalion Chief, a Twain Harte Fire Captain, and a pilot who played a big part in the early attack on the Rim Fire, all had their names placed on the California Firefighters Memorial in Sacramento over the weekend.

The CAL Fire Local 2881 leadership team and its Honor Guard recognized six of its fallen brothers at the 16th annual California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony in Capitol Park. CAL Fire Battalion Chief Mike Spear was one of those added to the Memorial Wall. It was noted that Chief Spear passed away in August of 2016 from job related heart complications after returning home from the Soberanes Fire in Monterey County. He was survived by his wife Kimberly and two children, William and Molly.

Twain Harte Fire Captain Paul Waite, who passed away in 2016, was added to the memorial. He had spent 25 years in the fire service, and among other things, was known for his commitment to training new firefighters and volunteers.

Also recognized Saturday was pilot Jerold (Jerry) Bonner. He was a member of the Santa Clara Unit and passed away in 2015 while on duty at the Alma Helitack Base. Of local note, Bonner was dispatched out of unit to the 2013 Rim Fire in Tuolumne County and was the pilot that helped rescue hunter Keith Emerald on the first day of the incident. Emerald was later accused by the US Forest Service of accidentally starting the Rim Fire, but charges were eventually dropped. One of the reasons cited in doing so by the federal government was that Bonner had been expected to be a key witness in the trial. Bonner was survived by his wife, two children, and two grandchildren.

CAL Fire Local 2881 President, Cliff Allen, stated, Unfortunately, every year CAL Fire adds names to the wall which sadly confirms just how dangerous firefighting is. By commemorating our fallen on the wall, we continue to honor those we have lost in the line of duty who will not be forgotten.
A man who offered private tutoring services and allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a student was being held Tuesday in the Midland County jail, according to court documents.

Nicholas Richard Conn, 27, was facing second-degree felony charges of sexual assault and improper relationship between an educator and a student. Bond had not been set as of that afternoon.

Midland ISD in a Sept. 14 press release said Conn previously offered private tutoring services to some band students and was not a district employee.

A lieutenant was dispatched to Lee High School at about 11 a.m. Aug. 29 to assist a MISD police officer with an investigation.

A Lee student went to Conns apartment in August 2017, where the two engaged in sexual activity, according to his arrest affidavit. Conn and the student had discussed starting a dating relationship after her graduation, according to the affidavit.

The 2017 incident was discovered when another student alerted campus administrators, according to a previous Reporter-Telegram story. Police during the subsequent investigation conducted interviews and examined text messages, according to the affidavit.

Conn, who has a Midland address, was arrested in Bexar County on Sept. 13. MISD police had issued a warrant for his arrest, which was handed to the U.S. Marshals Office in San Antonio, according to the previous report.

Conn was an adjunct faculty member at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin and had been relieved of his teaching and other duties while a full investigation was conducted, according to that report.

If convicted of a second-degree felony charge, Conn could face up to 20 years imprisonment.
No place in San Antonio has drawn generations of family weekends like Woodlawn Lake. Flip through any S.A. family photo album, and chances are there's a snapshot or two of toddlers feeding ducks, teens lazing on the pier and granddads fishing.

The vision of 19th century real estate developers, Woodlawn Lake was built to attract residents to what was then a subdivision on the rural west side of San Antonio. Through the years, it featured vaudeville acts and outdoor movies, added fishing piers, boat docks, running trails and raspa trucks.
3 1 of 3 Jerry Lara /San Antonio Express-News Show More Show Less 2 of 3 JERRY LARA / San Antonio Express-News Show More Show Less 3 of 3





The U.S. natural gas export balance in the first half of 2018 is more than double the rate of the first half of 2017.

New government data shows that U.S. natural gas exports outstripped imports by an average of 870 million cubic feet a day through June 2018, more than double the average of 340 million cubic feet for the first six months of 2017, according to the Department of Energy.
Former Workforce Solutions Alamo CEO Gail Hathaways legal settlement over her 2016 firing didnt result in a huge payday.

Hathaway, who sued the agency for breach of contract and emotional distress about six months after her termination, will receive slightly more than $50,000 under the settlement  about a third of her annual salary when she was hired. Her lawyer, Dennis Richard, also will receive just under $20,000.

Workforce Solutions Alamo released the terms of the settlement after the San Antonio Express-News submitted an open-records request with the agency Sept 20.

Hathaway had been seeking from $200,000 to $1 million in damages, as well as unspecified punitive damages, according to the lawsuit.

Hathaway declined to comment on the settlement when reached today.

Frank Burney, an attorney for Workforce Solutions Alamos board, said today he had no comment on the settlement. The organization helps job seekers find employment and serves a 13-county area.

Workforce Solutions Alamo made no admission of liability in settling, the agreement says. Hathaway, 55, agreed to release all claims against the organization.

Workforce Solutions Alamo hired Hathaway to head the organization in 2014, paying her an annual salary of $151,000.

To read the full story, see Tuesdays Business section or click here to visit out subscriber website, ExpressNews.com.

Patrick Danner is a San Antonio-based staff writer covering banking and civil courts. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | pdanner@express-news.net | Twitter: @AlamoPD
Looking around the citys South Side, Joel Tatu Herrera felt like something was missing: an old-school coffee house.

Not a coffee shop, like a Starbucks, said the veteran chef and caterer behind Tatus Food Debauchery. A real coffee house. A place to chill, do homework, hang out.

So he and his wife, Emilie Herrera, decided to fill that need with Folklores Coffee House, a low-slung building at 5007 S. Flores St. south of Division Avenue. It has plum-colored trim, deep blue exterior walls and a dark-haired femme fatale painted by San Antonio muralist Mike Comm Arguello.

The shop will launch with a grand opening party from 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 13. Co-hosted by Lady Grace CBD Distributor, which shares the building with Folklores, the party costs $30 a person, with food, drinks, a DJ and samples of Lady Grace products made with the non-intoxicating hemp derivative cannabidiol, or CBD. See the Facebook event page here for details.

RELATED: S.A.'s newest rooftop bar throws sneak peek party

After that, Folklores regular hours will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Wednesday, closed on Thursday. The menu will include the usual range of coffee drinks, Tatu Herrera said, with room for creative variations like horchata coffee, bunuelo coffee and something called the Cookie Monster with, well, cookies.

Im so used to doing that kind of thing with food. Im super-excited to do it with drinks, said the chef, who last year entered his Dragon Burger on a rainbow pretzel bun in the James Beard Blended Burger project.

Food at Folklores wont be quite so elaborate, with a modest menu of bagels and baked goods from local vendors, plus parfaits, a cereal bar and fried bologna panini. Beer and wine are part of the plan in the coming months, he said.

The decor at Folklores will reflect the Herreras love for tattoos, punk and ska music and 80s pop culture, with room for 35 to 40 people inside and a patio on the way, he said.

Folklores is at 5007 S. Flores St., 210-455-7829, Facebook: @southsidecoffeehouse

Mike Sutter is a food and drink reporter and restaurant critic. Read more of his stories on mysanantonio.com and ExpressNews.com, our subscriber site. | msutter@express-news.net | Twitter: @fedmanwalking | Instagram: @fedmanwalking
San Antonio may be a mecca for breakfast taco lovers, but it remains a Waffle House-less land, leaving breakfast fans desperate, judging by a response from the company's spokesperson to a viral fake article claiming the restaurant was coming to town.

The 24-hour diner serves enough bacon annually to wrap around the equator, according to its website, yet none of the 25,000 miles of strips reach San Antonio. In September, hundreds responded to a now-deleted Facebook that contained a link to a prank article announcing San Antonio was getting a Waffle House.

Whether users fell for the hoax or used it to fool their hungry friends, Waffle House called the post a "cruel, cruel joke."

Director of Public Relations Pat Warner said corporate knows about the Alamo City's cravings.

An online campaign has been pushing the agenda since 2015 via the @WaffleHouseInSA Twitter account, which frequently curates tweets from residents demanding to know why, with more than 1,500 locations dotting the country, the closest restaurant is in Austin. Earlier this year, Waffle House received five pounds of printed-out tweets from those residents. The restaurant acknowledged the effort with a message that said, "We see you San Antonio."

RELATED: San Antonio residents sound off on which chain stores, restaurants they want

"We are well aware of their passion for bringing a Waffle House to San Antonio," Warner told mySA.com in an email. "The last time I was in our Austin restaurants, I had a couple of folks corner me lobbying for a restaurant in San Antonio."

In 2015, company spokeswoman Kelly Thrasher-Bruner told mySA that there were no plans to open a restaurant in the Alamo City.

"We love San Antonio," she said, but added though there was a Waffle House here in the 1970s, the city "wasn't the right fit" to keep its doors open.

Now, there might be a slight chance.

Warner said there still aren't immediate plans to bring waffles, hashbrowns and bacon back to San Antonio, but corporate has been talking about it.

"We know we have some great fans of our restaurants in the area," he said. "While we don't have a restaurant planned for the near future, I can say it has been a topic of discussion here at the corporate office."

"I believe we will have restaurants in San Antonio someday. Unfortunately I can't say what day that will be," Warner added.

As for the creator of the prank post, he has since apologized for riling up San Antonio's many Waffle House fans.

Madalyn Mendoza is a digital reporter for mySA.com. Read more of her stories here.| mmendoza@mysa.com | Twitter: @MaddySkye
Dear Mr. Premack: Can a durable power of attorney and a medical power of attorney be amended to change the alternate agent without a new document being issued?  RLD

A durable power of attorney is legally intended to delegate to an agent authority to assist with the principals financial and business matters. A medical power of attorney, likewise, delegates to an agent authority to make medical decisions for an incapacitated principal.

If your attorney has written and you have signed these documents, but now desire to change the identity of the agent or an alternate agent, what steps do you take?

First, for a medical power of attorney, Texas law specifically forbids changing the agent or alternate agent except by signing a brand new medical power of attorney. You cannot amend your medical power of attorney; you must replace it to change it.

Second, for a durable power of attorney, Texas law has no specific instructions. The statute neither allows nor forbids you to amend a durable power of attorney. May you, then, amend your durable power of attorney to change the identity of an agent or alternate agent? To provide an answer, look at this from the perspective of a third party being asked to accept that amended durable power of attorney.

Third parties are quite cautious about protecting themselves and protecting the principal who signed a durable power of attorney. Perhaps it is your bank, and the agent is attempting to access your money. The bank does not want to make a mistake that may create a liability. Consequently, I have never 1) myself amended a durable power of attorney for a client, 2) seen any other attorney do so, or 3) seen any bank accept and act under an amended durable power of attorney.

Your safest route is to have your lawyer re-write a new durable power of attorney which revokes and replaces the prior one. If the new durable power of attorney removes an agent or an alternate agent, that removed individual should be informed of the change in their authority. Any institution or individual who had a copy of the prior durable power of attorney should be informed that it has been revoked, so that they will not continue to rely on what you previously told them.

Powers of attorney, both financial and medical, are important and complex legal documents. They typically grant broad authority to someone you have selected. If you change your mind, you need to protect yourself and your assets by having your lawyer write a replacement legal document. Do not try to amend your power of attorney.

Paul Premack is a Certified Elder Law Attorney with offices in San Antonio and Seattle, handling Wills and Trusts, Probate, and Business Entity issues. View past legal columns or submit free questions on legal issues via www.TexasEstateandProbate.com or www.Premack.com.
Dear Carolyn:

Is it tacky or deceitful to legally get married as much as nine months in advance of a wedding ceremony? I'm recently engaged (yay!) to a great guy. We chose a date nearly a year from now because my fiance travels for work all through the spring, and we want to accommodate parents, stepparents, and family traveling from many other states.

However, we're both small-business owners and it looks like it would benefit us financially to marry before 2018 is over. I recently told a friend this idea and she was appalled, that it amounted to us putting on a "show" wedding. For me and my fiance, getting legally married as a business/tax decision doesn't have any of the emotional meaning that standing up in front of our friends and family would.

We're having a "no gifts" wedding, so it doesn't feel like we're even asking friends for anything other than joining us for a celebration of vows. Is my friend right, could it be perceived as dishonest? Should we keep this idea to ourselves?

-- Engaged

I'm impressed your friend has the energy to be "appalled" by a decision that isn't about her and doesn't hurt anyone. It's good to be young, I guess.

There is something to its being a "show"; I've been knowingly to one such wedding and, yes, there are moments that might otherwise have seemed spontaneous that came across as staged.

But it's hard to remember caring more than a second or two beyond said flicker of recognition. The point of that wedding and any other was for the couple's loved ones to show their support; for the couple to share their moment with others and express gratitude for the support through generous hospitality; and for people in general to step out of their routines to celebrate life for a day or three.

And, pardon the juxtaposition: A memorial gathering is still moving and important when it's held months after a loved one's burial, no?

And, pardon the juxtaposition again: The end of a close game is still exciting (to me at least) an hour late on DVR. It technically already happened but the story it tells is the same.

Whether any of this gets you off the "tacky" hook is moot because every guest will have an opinion on everything you do anyway; that's why chasing approval is for suckers. Be true to yourselves and be gracious hosts and leave the sleep loss to somebody else.

It is "deceitful," of course, if you pre-marry and don't tell anyone you did; you don't need me to tell you that. Now you just need to decide whether the deception is morally significant and/or worth the money you'd save.



Dear Carolyn:

I have a neighbor who frequently joins me in my morning walk. She or I will initiate a conversation. There are times when she is quite insightful and even delightful. Usually however, when I start talking, she either pulls out her phone and starts talking about something else, or yells to someone across the street, or is so distracted by whatever is going on in her head she completely misses whatever I'm saying.

I'll say something like, "Apparently I've lost my audience." Or, "I'm sorry. Am I keeping you from something?" My sweet morning activity then becomes an upsetting experience.

When I have spoken to her about how this makes me feel, she says, "I'm a space case. Don't take it personally." I do take it personally. Sometimes it affects the rest of my day.

Any suggestions on how I can get through to her without killing the relationship?

-- Tuned Out

You are unlikely to get through to someone who's still in the excuse-making phase, and you have no relationship to kill. Unless performer/audience counts as one.

I actually agree with her that not taking it personally is your best play, though. Your only information is that she demonstrates zero interest in what you have to say, so I get why you see it as personal and why it can ruin your day. But look at it this way: A polite person with zero interest in you would at least make a show of nodding and uh-huh-ing during your turns to speak.

She doesn't do that -- she grabs her phone, ugh, like an adolescent dopamine fiend. More important, when you object, she doesn't show you the basic respect of an apology. That's not spacy, that's self-absorbed.

So your neighbor apparently is a few qualities short of high-quality. Oh well, right? Don't torture yourself looking for just the right combination of words to unlock the secret brain-dungeon that imprisons her social graces. When you see her coming, just remind yourself you're the latest audience for an impromptu one-woman show. Or, of course, walk the other way.
HAMDEN - Police are seeking information after two town residents were shot early Sunday morning.

On (Sunday) at approximately 1:50 a.m. Hamden Police responded to the parking lot located in the vicinity of Off The Hook, 940 Dixwell Avenue on the report of a shooting, Capt. Ronald Smith said in a release.

Moments later, officers located a 39 year-old Hamden resident that was suffering from a gunshot wound to her thigh. Shortly thereafter, officers located a second victim, a 31 year-old Hamden resident, who suffered a gunshot wound to his ankle.

Hamden firefighters responded to provide medical care and the two people were taken to Yale New Haven Hospital for further treatment, Smith said.

Officers searched for the shooter, but did not find anyone, Smith said.

Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact Detective Matthew Barbuto by calling 203-287-4807.
GLEN CARBON  Shoppers in the Edwardsville Crossing development will see a slight drop in sales taxes.

At the last regular meeting of the Glen Carbon Village Board, trustees voted to eliminate the 1 percent sales tax that applies to businesses in the shopping district.

When the Edwardsville Crossing Development was in the planning stages, both Edwardsville and Glen Carbon created a business district that added a 1 percent sales tax on top of the existing sales tax to help offset some of the extraordinary development costs associated with the construction.

Village Director of Finance Scott Borror said officials from Edwardsville asked about the elimination of the sales tax contacted the Village.

We were contacted by Edwardsvilles City Administrator Tim Harr about their intent to pass a similar ordinance due to the fact that they are nearing the completion of the payment of all of the debt obligations from that development, Borror said. With that in mind, we advised our attorney to draft this ordinance. It was reviewed by the Finance & Administration Committee and recommended for approval.

Borror said the elimination of the tax will be reported to the Illinois Department of Revenue and the sales tax reduction will take place on Jan. 1, 2019.

Mayor Rob Jackstadt said part of the sales tax revenue collected was used to assist businesses located within the district with costs associated with expansion.

We entered into an agreement with 54th Street Bar and Grill to help with some of their extraordinary costs, including water and sewer tap on fees when they expanded, Jackstadt said. At that time they told us they would not expand without our help.

Jackstadt asked if all of the Villages obligations had been met in regards to the payments.

Village Administrator Jamie Bowden said the business had been reimbursed for work and the money had been paid out of the 1 percent sales tax.
The second victim in a "targeted" double shooting early Sunday at a Northwest Side apartment complex died after several hours on life support, police said.

Nicholas Andrew Milanovich, 23, was shot as he lay in bed Sunday morning with a woman in an apartment at the Sonoma Canyon complex, in the 8600 block of Fairhaven Street. Milanovich was identified Monday afternoon by the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office.

Police said Milanovich was mortally wounded by a gunshot to the head. The woman he was with was able to flee from the apartment, but she was gunned down outside of the building and pronounced dead at the scene. She has not been identified.

"This was not a random accident," said San Antonio Police Chief William McManus.

At about 6:30 a.m., a neighbor noticed blood on the victims' door and porch and called 911. When officers arrived they found the woman shot to death and immediately conducted a security sweep. They found Milanovich lying in bed, covered by a sheet, authorities said.

RELATED: Firefighters free man from vehicle after he crashed into NW side tree

He was taken to University Hospital in critical condition and placed on life support. He died later Sunday night.

McManus said they had been living in the apartment for about two months before they were killed.

McManus said the shooter snuck into the ground-level apartment through a back window. Investigators believe he started shooting as the couple lay in bed.

Police have no suspect description, but they said neighbors told investigators that there was a lot of traffic in and out of the apartment.

McManus said statements from the neighbors have helped investigators narrow down possible motives, though he didn't elaborate on what those motives could be.

Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

Caleb Downs is a crime reporter for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here.| cdowns@mysa.com | Twitter: @calebjdowns
I never thought it could be as brutal.

The same Republican gargoyles who once tore Anita Hill limb from limb knew they had to tread gingerly, with women at the barricades. They outsourced the estrogen to a female assistant, as Mitch McConnell called Maricopa County sex-crimes prosecutor Rachel Mitchell.

And race, which scorched the Hill-Thomas hearings, was not a part of this excruciating face-off. Christine Blasey Ford and Brett Kavanaugh were summoning memories of summer days in the very white, very cosseted country club, prep school world of suburban Washington.

But, shockingly, it was more brutal. Not only because the sexual transgression Ford was describing was more savage. But also because Kavanaugh simply adapted Clarence Thomas playbook of raging against the machine. Thomas fury was white-hot. Kavanaughs, weepy. But the pitch was the same.

Kavanaugh echoed Thomas martyrdom, claiming he was being destroyed by partisans conspiring to dig up dirt. He charged that Democrats were conducting a grotesque and coordinated character assassination because of their anger about President Donald Trumps ascent and their desire for revenge after his own seamy work helping Ken Starr in his pervy pursuit of Bill Clinton.

It was custom-designed to please Trump himself: entitled white men acting like the new minority, howling about things that are being taken away from them, aggrieved at anything that diminishes them or saps their power.

Thomas prevailed over Hill because of that lava flow of anger. The senators were frozen, Pompeii-style, as he cried racism to snatch the mantle of victim.

Hills aloof, dispassionate description of Thomas harassment, and her preternaturally cool reaction to all the lurid slanders hurled at her, left the senators skeptical she was telling the truth; shouldnt a wronged woman show more emotion?

Six years later, when Hill wrote a book, the law professor explained that, as the youngest of 13 from a rural Oklahoma family, she had had years of practice in being impervious to and immobile in the face of hurt.

Hill seemed so poised and polished at 35, you had to remind yourself that she was a less-assured 25-year-old personal assistant when Thomas spewed his talk about bestiality and porn stars anatomies. But there was no need to remind people Thursday that the dignified professional woman at the witness table was describing something from 36 years ago.

The Palo Alto psychology professor laced her testimony with scientific terms like sequelae, norepinephrine and hippocampus. But it was easy to visualize the 15-year-old in the 51-year-old with the girlish voice and guileless air as she repeatedly pushed a blond strand of hair out of her face, smiled nervously and tried oh so hard to please everyone.

Like Hill, Ford had a purity to her manner and story that was luminous, an impressive contrast to all the dark obfuscations, self-serving political maneuvering and petty deceptions around her.

Kavanaugh had seemed to dissemble a few times in his earlier testimony, including about his role in the case of the stolen Democratic documents in the Bush years and his role in the NSAs warrantless wiretapping program.

And he appeared to do so again Thursday, pretending the Renate alumnius in the Georgetown Prep yearbook was an affectionate term for his great friend, who called the innuendo horrible, hurtful and simply untrue. He said the vomiting that gained him entry to the Beach Week Ralph Club was about spicy food more than drinking. Right. Again treating the senators like idiots, he provided innocent meanings for clearly salacious terms used like Devils Triangle.

The nominee whom Ted Cruz defended as a boring Boy Scout became a sneering portrait of privilege denied.

Jeff Flake was so unnerved by the blast of opposition to his decision to vote for Kavanaugh that he led a scheme to get a weeks delay to have the FBI investigate.

So we will finally drag Mark Judge, the man named by Ford as the third person in the room that night, out of his beachfront hideout. If the Republicans wanted to discern the character of who theyre putting on the court, rather than simply solidifying the conservative majority, they would already have subpoenaed Judge and anyone else who could provide clarity.

The hope that the FBI will save the day may be misplaced. In the case of Anita Hill, agents were deployed by Republicans to help smear her.

But at least we have a few more days to pretend to look for the truth.
Bank of America has signed a lease to occupy two and a half floors of an office building under construction next to the Pearl, adding to what is set to become a cluster of banking firms on lower Broadway.

The Charlotte, North Carolina-based company plans to move into the offices by the third quarter of 2020, spokeswoman Britney Sheehan said in an email. It will be in a six-story office building that Pearl developer Silver Ventures is constructing next to a 10-story new headquarters for local credit union Credit Human.
Of all the hyperbolic new benchmarks of the American housing market (Highest-ever national home prices! Fewest-ever days on market! Most expensive teardown shack in history!), there's one key metric that seems to get the least number of blaring headlines: inventory levels. But maybe that should change. The fact is, the number of properties available for sale in the U.S. has reached nearly historic all-time lows. And this might be the main reason why you're having trouble affording a new home.

So we set out to find the metros where the number of homes on the market is shrinking at the fastest rate. And what it all means.

The realtor.com data team calculated the total amount of residential square footage that has disappeared from the market over the past three years. And because inventory shortages are a heck of a lot tougher to visualize than, say, home prices, we put them into perspective. For example, Minneapolis lost the equivalent in inventory of more than two Malls of Americathe largest mall in the nation with 4.9 million square feetover a three-year period.

Bottom line: The total number of homes for sale is about as low as it's ever been. Inventory listed on realtor.com in the first six months of 2018 is 18.2% lower than the same period in 2015. The sheer number of homes on the market in January 2018 was only 6.2 million, according to U.S. Censusa gigantic drop-off from the 14.3 million total in January 2009. Current inventory levels are comparable with what they were in the early '60s, when the Census started collecting the data and the U.S. had roughly half its current population.

Yikes. The shrinking number of homes available means more bidding wars, bigger price hikes, and less selection. And this isn't something that is limited to a handful of places. Of the 50 largest markets, 39 saw a decrease in inventory over the past three years.

Thank the rebounding economy for the shortage. During the recession, many folks lost their homes to short sales and foreclosures, and many builders went out of business. Then came the recovery and pent-up demandand not enough homes to meet it.

It's worth noting that inventory is now beginning to rise again, at least in some of the biggest markets, as fewer sellers are underwater these days and many want to cash out while prices are still high. But it's not enough just yet to make a dent in the shortages.

Buyers have the least amount of options theyve ever seen before," says Javier Vivas, director of economic research at realtor.com. At the same time, "competition has virtually doubled over the past five years.

The data team looked at the 50 largest metropolitan statistical areas,* and found the places where the number of homes on the market has dropped the most in the first six months of 2018, compared with the first six months of 2015. Then we calculated the drop in total square footage in each market. We did that by multiplying the drop in total homes in each metro by the average square footage of homes in those areas.

We excluded metros in which fewer than 50% of the listings on realtor.com didn't include square footage. And finally, we limited our ranking to one metro per state.

Now let's show you just what that lack of inventory looks like.

Median list price: $453,000

Decrease in inventory: -55.1%

Drop in square footage on the market: 10,409,000

Lost inventory in Sacramento Tony Frenzel

Sacramento burst onto the national scene a few years ago as more folks priced out of the San Francisco Bay Area found a cheaper alternative about two hours northeast. The city played a starring role in last year's Oscar-nominated "Lady Bird," a coming-of-age film where the protagonist laments her dreary life in the Sacramento of the early aughts. But all that's changing now as refugees from San Francisco, where median prices are $898,300, and San Jose, CA, where they're $1.2 million, are moving in and looking for relative bargains.

Now there are plenty of cities seeing influxes of new residents. But the lack of building in Sactown, as it's called, is what earned the city the top spot on our analysis. New construction made up 9.5% of all of the homes listed on realtor.com. But that figure was just 1.9% in Sacramento.

"We have a shortage of skilled [construction] labor," says local appraiser Ryan Lundquist. "And it is really expensive to build in California. There are [high] permit fees and environmental fees."

Median list price: $334,600

Decrease in inventory: -52.2%

Drop in square footage on the market: 17,257,000

Fast-growing employers headquartered in Charlotte, like Bank of America, have kept a steady stream of moving trucks heading for the region. The population of the metro jumped 14% from 2010 to 2017. And all those new faces mean more buyers competing for a dwindling number of homes.

That drop in inventory is equivalent to 12 Bank of America Corporate Centersthe tallest building in Charlotte and where the bank is based. And it would be even worse if it weren't for all of the new construction, particularly subdivisions out in the suburbs.

About 1 in 7 homes in Charlotte is new. They're just not going up fast enough.

Median list price: $260,000

Decrease in inventory: -49.6%

Drop in square footage on the market: 10,726,000

Indiana has long been home to some of the Midwest's best schools, including Notre Dame, Butler, and Purdue. As the economy in the state's capital continues to grow, with pharmaceutical and health insurance companies like Eli Lilly and Co. and Anthem based there, more grads are choosing to stick around. Why not? The housing is still affordable compared with the coasts.

But that means the number of homes on the market is way down. In fact, the total residential square footage lost is equal to almost six Lucas Oil Stadiums, the state-of-the-art, 1.8 million-square-foot venue where the Indianapolis Colts play ball. Ouch.

Median list price: $190,000

Decrease in inventory: -47.1%

Drop in square footage on the market: 2,843,000

Lost inventory in Buffalo Tony Frenzel

This former manufacturing town is experiencing a long-delayed resurgence. New restaurants and condo buildings are popping up downtown. People are kayaking on the Buffalo River, an industrial waterway that has since been restored. And more importantly, some folks are moving back to their hometown to score some sweet real estate deals.

"The narrative for a long time has been [that the] millennial generation are living in their parents' basements ... but the reality is they're the majority of my buyers," says local real estate agent Joe Saccone, of Keller Williams Realty. "Some of the hottest real estate in our region has been in the city proper, the walkable neighborhoods."

But the inventory levels might start to come back up soon. More buyers are getting sick of losing in multiple-offer bids and are starting to back off a bitleading to fewer residences flying off the market, Saccone says.

Median list price: $248,500

Decrease in inventory: -46.4%

Drop in square footage on the market: 16,299,000

Detroit was already reeling from the loss of auto manufacturing jobs when the Great Recession hit. The blow resulted in corporate giants like General Motors filing for bankruptcy, widespread foreclosures, and vacant, boarded-up homes for as far as the eye could see in many neighborhoods. Desperate homeowners were selling their abodes for practically nothing in some areas.

Fast forward to 2018, and the city is undergoing a resurgence with a revitalized downtown and industrial sites being converted into condos and office space. That's snaring more buyers. The crash caused a huge buildup in inventory, so the spike in buyers is causing the number of homes on the market to drop.

In just the first six months of 2018, the amount of square footage lost in the metro was equal to 18 Little Caesars Arenas. The arena, home to the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Pistons, clocks in at 885,000 square feet.

Median list price: $337,100

Decrease in inventory: -41.3%

Drop in square footage on the market:12,688,000

Lost inventory in Minneapolis Tony Frenzel

Last year, Kristen Schwartz, 49, and her husband traveled from San Francisco to Minneapolis, where their oldest son was in graduate school. They fell in love with the Midwestern cityand its real estate prices. So they sold their 985-square-foot home in San Francisco for about $1.3 million, and bought a three-story, 2,600-square-foot residence in Minneapolis for $500,000.

"We were able to get this big, beautiful home," says Schwartz. She was also able to get their twin boys into good public schoolsa challenge in the Bay Area.

Newcomers like Schwartz have been driving down inventory and pushing up prices. Many millennials have been moving to the city and buying condos in downtown priced around $250,000.

"We are a darn bargain economically," says Chris Lindgren, a real estate agent at Keller Williams Realty Integrity Lakes. "We have a wonderful culture, great restaurants, several nice rivers. There's an amazing amount to do outdoors."

Median list price: $250,000

Decrease in inventory: -37.3%

Drop in square footage on the market: 4,953,000

Milwaukee is a college town that boasts 13 Fortune 1000 companies in the region, including Harley-Davidson, Northwestern Mutual, and auto parts maker Johnson Controls. That's more than more fashionable metros such as Nashville, TN, and Miami. And that combo of college grads and good-paying jobs means that plenty of locals are able to buy homes of their own.

The drop in inventory here is equivalent to losing more than four Northwestern Mutual Tower and Commons buildings, a 1.1 million-square-foot building in the city.

Median list price: $249,500

Decrease in inventory: -36.8%

Drop in square footage on the market: 3,454,000

Lost inventory in Louisville Tony Frenzel

Every spring, Louisville grabs the national spotlight as folks tune in to the Kentucky Derby to watch horses run the 1-mile oval track at Churchill Downs. But horse racing isn't the biggest gamble here: More people are betting big on the housing market, and buying homes at near record levels. That's causing inventory to drop off big-time.

Everything is selling here, from three-bedroom homes in suburbs like Crestwood priced around $300,000 to historic homes built around 1900 in walkable downtown neighborhoods. Heck, even farmhouses out in the yonder where you can drink a glass of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon on your front porch are selling fast.

Median list price: $311,500

Decrease in inventory: -36.8%

Drop in square footage on the market: 4,192,000

The job market in the capital of Virginia is on a tear, and so are home pricesup 7% in August year over year, after a 9% jump the year prior. And around 1 in 3 homes in Richmond end with multiple offers.

The amount of lost inventory in Richmond is equivalent to more than eight James Monroe Buildings, the tallest building in the city. (It's a 29-story office tower with about 500,000 square feet of space.)

The housing shortage would be even lower if home builders weren't putting up new homes at a frantic pace. New construction accounts for 27.6% of homes in Richmond for August.

Median list price: $552,600

Decrease in inventory: -35.1%

Drop in square footage on the market: 4,687,000

Lost inventory in Seattle Tony Frenzel

Seattle is a well-known success story: Big tech companies such as Amazon and Microsoft supercharged the region and unleashed hordes of well-paid tech workers into the market. But combine that endless stream of new residents with the city's geographic challenges (much of the city is surrounded by water, which limits new building) and strict zoning laws, and you wind up with chronic shortages of housing.

Inventory was already tight in 2015, and has fallen even more since then. More folks are scooping up homes in the suburbs and smaller, nearby cities like Tacoma, where bargain hunters can find single-family homes priced between $350,000 to $500,000.

But more homes could be starting to go up for sale, says Steve Sloboda, a broker at Windermere Real Estate in the Seattle region. He's seeing more homes bought at the peak of the market, in 2006, come out from underwater. That means their owners can sell them now without losing money on the deal. Finally.

* A metropolitan statistical area is a designation that includes the urban core of a city and surrounding smaller towns and cities.

The post Where Did All the Homes Go? A Historic Shortage, and Cities It's Hitting Hardest appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com.
OPPOSITION MDC Alliance elections director, Henry Chimbiri, was seriously injured after he was caught in the crossfire and assaulted by Harare law enforcement agents pursuing illegal vendors on Friday.

This was confirmed by MDC Alliance senior official Kurauone Chihwayi on Saturday, who indicated that Chimbiri was rushed to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals after the attack, where doctors indicated the injuries he sustained on the face and lower part of his backbone were serious.

MDC director of elections Chimbiri was attacked by members of the police service anti-riot squad while fuelling his vehicle at a service station in Harare, Chihwayi said.

He is receiving treatment at Parirenyatwa Hospital. Some of the culprits have been identified.

He said doctors confirmed that he had sustained serious injuries and had carried out a second orthographic angle X-Ray.

Speaking to NewsDay from his hospital bed, Chimbiri said on Friday, he was number two in a fuel queue at a service station located at the corner Sam Nujoma Street and Kwame Nkrumah Avenue in Harare when motorists were asked to wait for an hour for a fuel tanker to finish offloading its contents.

He said he was sitting in his vehicle when he saw vendors being pursued by the anti-riot and municipality police, who were throwing teargas at them.

I opened the car door to see what was happening and that is when I was dragged from behind by a police detail, who accused me of being a vendor, saying I was trying to hide in the car, Chimbiri said.

They seriously assaulted me. Even the service station attendant who came to my car to give me back my swipe card was assaulted in the melee.

He said he questioned the officers motive as they dragged him away from his car.

Chimbiri said some passers-by later came to his rescue.

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OUTGOING British ambassador to Zimbabwe, Catriona Laing was a card-carrying member of Zanu PF, who had no right to the diplomatic title, opposition MDC Alliance deputy chairperson Tendai Biti has sensationally claimed.

In a message on microblogging social media platform Twitter, Biti seemed to celebrate Laings departure.

Catriona Laing has finally left Zim. We wish her luck in Nigeria. As we welcome the new UK [United Kingdom] Ambassador, we trust that the British Embassy will once again be the home of the Magna Carta, the home of reform, fairness & the rule of law, not of tin pots, despots and scarfs, he said.

In July, Bitis party issued an angry statement after Laing appeared to have liked a tweet from a shadowy character who had argued President Emmerson Mnangagwas government was giving too much freedom to Zimbabweans.

We find Laings conduct in the past few years to be continuously excessive, deliberately offensive, extremely biased and retrogressive. She is always offside, Biti said then.

Asked to clarify his statements yesterday, Biti did not hold back.

As an individual, she was an absolute disaster and sad representative of the British government. Treated the average Zimbabwean as a native, she thought Zimbabwe in 2018 was Southern Rhodesia in 1931. She was an absolute disaster. She had no right to be called an ambassador, the former Finance minister said.

She was partisan, was a card-carrying member of an authoritarian regime. She brought British diplomacy into disrepute.

Laing arrived in Harare in 2014 and her tour of duty was supposed to end in 2017, but was reportedly extended by a year to allow her to finish her project, including handholding the country through the elections held in July this year.

Before taking power on the back of a military intervention last November, Mnangagwa, a former Vice-President and then Finance minister Patrick Chainamasa, were seen by Whitehall as reformers within the Zanu PF establishment.

The two were at the forefront of Zimbabwes re-engagement process vehemently opposed by former President Robert Mugabe, particularly reforms that included a cull of the civil service under what is known as the Lima Plan structured in Peru in October 2015.

The plan centres on Zimbabwe paying $1,8 billion in arrears to preferred international financial institutions  the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and African Development Bank (AfDB) to unlock $2 billion in new funding.

Biti has been leading an opposition international lobby against the plan. Britain was also accused of supporting the military action that toppled Mugabe and after the elections in July won controversially by Mnangagwa, Zimbabwes former colonial master has indicated it is ready to support the countrys economic reforms.

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A Harare man was dragged to court on Saturday after reportedly shouting unprintable words to the effect that President Emmerson Mnangagwa was incapable of running Zimbabwe.

Norman Machipisa, 29, appeared before Harare magistrate Learnmore Mapiye charged with contravening section 41(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform Act) for disorderly conduct.

He was released on $20 bail and ordered not to interfere with witnesses and continue residing at his current address until the case is finalised.

He was remanded to October 11.

The informant in this case is Donaldson Chikotera of Mabelreign in Harare.

Machipisa is a vendor who operates from Corner Second Street and Kwame Nkrumah Avenue in Harare.

Prosecutor Peter Kachirika alleged that on September 28 Chikotera was at Central Vehicle Registry when he heard the accused person shouting on top of his voice saying: Mnangagwa im***a haagone kutonga nyika, loosely translated to mean Mnangagwa has no capacity to rule the country.

This annoyed Chikotera who felt that Machipisa had behaved in disorderly conduct.

Chikotera apprehended Machipisa and dragged him to Harare Central Police Station and handed him over to police.

Machipisa was formally charged.

Previously, people who insulted the president and his office were charged under section 33 (2) (b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform Act).

But this was contested on the basis that the section infringed on the right to freedom of expression.

As a result, the prosecution never managed to sustain a conviction for any of those cases which were normally dismissed by the Constitutional Court.

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Another German tourist was on Saturday seriously injured after he was trampled by an elephant as he tried to film it in Victoria Falls.

The incident comes two days after another German national was trampled to death by a jumbo at Mana Pools game reserves as she tried to photograph it.

Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) spokesperson confirmed the incident, saying the tourist was attacked by a cow elephant near Kingdom Hotel.

Farawo said the tourist, who was not identified but is in his 50s, was rescued by curio vendors who diverted the attention of the jumbo by clapping their hands to stop it from trampling him.

He said the tourist was rushed to a private hospital before being airlifted out of the resort town for further medical treatment.

Farawo urged tourists to desist from endangering their lives by drawing close to the wild animals as they are dangerous.

This is the second incident this week. We advise tourists to please stay away from the animals.

Dont feed them and dont try to draw too close to them because these are wild animals and they are dangerous.

By the way, this is the breeding season for the elephants and they are more dangerous when they have calves. So, if you get too close to them, they will definitely charge and trample you because they will be protecting their young ones, said Farawo.

Farawo also pleaded with tourists to exercise constraint and be cautious of the animals around them, particularly those with calves.

Pictures of the trampled tourist covered with blood were widely circulated on various social media platforms over the weekend.

On Wednesday, another German tourist was trampled to death by an elephant after she reportedly apparently left the protection of the vehicle she was travelling in.

ZimParks said the woman, who was in the company of other tourists, encountered a herd of elephants when they were entering the park and they started taking pictures.

The elephant became irritated and attacked the woman.

The woman died on Wednesday night after succumbing to the injuries she sustained.

Last year, a 50-year-old elephant handler Enock Kufandada was trampled to death by a domesticated elephant as he prepared to pen it in a bush near his workplace.

ZimParks rangers later shot and killed the elephant.

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The Nelson Chamisa-led MDC will lock horns with Zanu PF in an electoral contest again in the Mutoko North by-election  three months after the July 30 disputed harmonised elections, the Daily News can report.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has ordered that new elections be held for Mutoko North Constituency which fell vacant when incumbent legislator, Marble Chinomona, was elevated to president of Senate a fortnight ago.

Chinomona was elected Senate president after beating MDC Alliance candidate Morgen Komichi.

In a recent government gazette, Mnangagwa proclaimed November 24 as the day on which the by-election will be held to choose the Member of Parliament to replace Chinomona.

In the same vein, Mnangagwa proclaimed October 12 as the date on which the nomination court shall sit for the Mutoko North Constituency by-election.

Reads the gazette: Now therefore, under and by virtue of the powers vested in the president as afore said I do hereby (a) order a new election for the constituency of Mutoko North, and (b) fix Friday the 12th day of October, 2018, as the date on which the nomination court shall sit, commencing at 10 oclock in the morning at the magistrates court, Ruzawi Road, Marondera for the purposes of receiving nominations of candidates for election as a member of the National Assembly constituency for Mutoko North and (c0 fix Saturday the 24th of November 2018 as the day on which a poll shall be taken if a poll becomes necessary in terms of section 46 (17) (c) of the Electoral Act.

MDC secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora told the Daily News yesterday that the MDC was ready to battle it out again in the parliamentary by election.

Our national standing committee made a resolution to participate in all by-elections including the Chegutu council by-election that is also coming up and we will hold primary elections soon to choose our candidates and roll out our campaign, Mwonzora said.

Added Mwonzora: The reason why we are holding primary elections is that we are not assuming that because one was the candidate in the July 30 elections so he or she remains the popular candidate because circumstances change.

If they are popular, they can still win but should they lose, that tells you the kind of candidates they are so the internal process will be allowed to decide.

Chamisa, who lost to President Emmerson Mnangagwa after he polled 44, 3 percent of the presidential votes against the incumbent disputes the results accusing the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) of colluding with Zanu PF to rig the polls.

But Mwonzora said that will not force the MDC into boycotting saying we will not abdicate our responsibility to represent the people so we will give it a go notwithstanding our reservations about Zecs ability to administer a free, fair and credible election

The Zanu PF womens chairperson won the seat in the July 30 election, polling a massive 16 902 votes to defeat her rivals who include against her challengers, Boniface Mushore of MDC Alliances 3 151 votes with Kativhu Shamu of FreeZim Congress managing a paltry 262 votes.

The main MDC, under the tutelage of its late founding president Morgan Tsvangirai had been in the habit of boycotting the countrys by-elections in attempts to press for electoral reforms.

However, that seems to have changed with Chamisa taking over the reins of power with the former ICT minister said to be of the view that it is not wise to boycott on account that by-elections keep the party visible.

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Former cabinet minister Professor Jonathan Moyo has described President Emmerson Mnangagwas commitment to economic turnaround as a pie in the sky saying the current administration is trapped in the dark with no vision.

Moyo fled the country last November following a military driven power transition that targeted criminals around the President including him, Savior Kasukuwere, Patrick Zhuwao and Mandi Chimene among others.

In response to questions from 263Chat on prospects of economic change under the new administration, Moyo lashed out at the government saying they have no plan in place to change the direction of the country.

There are no such prospects from a government that has no plan for economic growth, let alone economic development, he said.

They are just muddling through, shooting from the hip and groping in the dark, using slogan sand mantras. The vision thing is a huge problem for them!, added Moyo.

The Mnangagwa government has been on a re-engagement offensive reaching out to countries previously deemed hostile to Zimbabwe during the Robert Mugabe era under the mantra Zimbabwe Is Open for Business.

The new government has also appointed a technocrat in Professor Mthuli Ncube to head the ministry of finance and economic planning as part of efforts to try to restore confidence.

Prof Ncube accompanied Mnangagwa to the United Nations General Assembly where he has continued to lure investors to come to Zimbabwe while announcing an ambitious plan to attain a middle income economy by 2030.

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- Ibrahim Abubakar Nagwari, the chairman of the Birnin Gwari vanguards for security and good governance, accuses a suspected imposter of secretly working with bandits in Kaduna state

- Nagwari calls on the military authorities to arrest other collaborators tarnishing the image of the army

- Army makes more discoveries in killing of missing General Idris Alkali

An imposter parading himself as a senior military officer with the rank of colonel has been arrested in Birnin-Gwari area of Kaduna state by security officials.

The chairman of the Birnin Gwari vanguards for security and good governance, Ibrahim Abubakar Nagwari, said the suspect has been parading himself as a colonel for over two years, Daily Trust reports.

Nagwari also disclosed that the suspect, thought to be secretly working with the bandits terrorising Birnin-Gwari and motorists, was apprehended by Captain Buhari Adamu.

READ ALSO: EU, US, UK react to outcome of Osun rerun election

The fake military officer was arrested at the operational base of the military at Kada Motels Birnin-Gwari, adjacent Bagoma Dam where he has been staying for over two years," Nagwari said.

He has since been handed to Major Muhammad Gana, who is the Field Commanding Officer in-charge of the area and is suspected of working secretly with the bandits terrorising Birnin-Gwari and motorists.

The chairman called on the military authorities to arrest collaborators tarnishing tarnishing the image of the army.

Nagwari said the armed bandits had totally taken over two major highways of Birnin-Gwari-Kaduna and Birnin-Gwari-Funtua. He urged military and other security personnel to be alert over the activities of bandits on these routes.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian army has recovered some personal belonging of Major General Idris Alkali after his vehicle was discovered in a pond in Jos, Plateau state.

In a Facebook post by one Idris Ahmed Ahmed, it was reported that the clothes and shoes of the retired major general were recovered on Saturday, September 29.

Although his body has not been found yet, it is believed that Alkali was killed before his vehicle and other belongings were thrown into the pond.

Nigerian Air Force Day Celebration 2018 (54th Anniversary) | Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng
It is no news the deplorable conditions many people are forced to live under in Nigeria. A man identified as Ayo has taken to Twitter to express his opinion about some of these things and why people should leave the country.

Over the past few years, many more people have left the country and more are still fighting for their way out. This comes as no surprise considering the state of things in the country ranging from corrupt government officials to general insecurity.

This is why Ayo who is quite vocal on the Twitter platform, is of the opinion that if one is a graduate and is earning anything below N200K, he or she should find a way to leave Nigeria as the country has failed them.

He tweeted: "If you are a graduate in Nigeria, and you earn anything less than N200k ($555) a month, Nigeria your Country has failed you and I commiserate with you tonight. Please find your way and get out now. It is better to love Nigeria from outside Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Patience Jonathan steals show as she attends burial ceremony in Rivers

Remember, They told you to go to school, they told you to read your books, they told you to be the best amongst your peers, they told you to be outstanding. They told you to get good grades, they told you to graduate only for them to give you a mediocre life after school. Shame!"

READ ALSO: Viral video of lady dancing Shaku-Shaku as she gets called to bar in Canada

While a lot of people on the platform agreed with his post, there were a few who felt his advise wasn't the best. Some people were of the opinion that it was in the best interest to stay back and make the country better.

Interesting!

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I quit my accounting job to start making shoes. | Legit.ng TV

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- A Florida woman has stabbed her boyfriend in the face after he refused to sleep with her

- According to reports, she had been drinking before the assault on her boyfriend in her home

- She has since been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon

Identified as Katherine Nieves-Tavarez, the young woman is currently cooling off in the police station for stabbing her boyfriend. According to reports, she stabbed him in the face after he refused to sleep with her.

The incident reportedly took place in her home after he had turned her down severally. Police responded to Nieves-Tavarezs apartment at 3:30 a.m. Thursday, September 27 and was found Katherine with blood on her clothing and hands, court files say.

The man was standing in the doorway with his face covered in blood and told police that She hit me with a knife.  I cant see. He was rushed to the Indian River Medical Centre where he was treated for several facial cuts.

READ ALSO: Davido reacts to final result of Osun governorship election which his uncle lost

Mugshot of Katherine Tavarez

Source: UGC

Katherine is currently being held in Indian River County Jail and has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. She was booked at the Indian River County Jail and bail was set at $15,000 which is about N5.4m when converted.

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My Girlfriend And I Have Backup Boyfriend/Girlfriend And We Are Happy: Street Gist | Legit.ng TV

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- Masked gunmen invaded Aboh police station in the Ndokwa east local government area of Delta state

- Two officers on duty were killed during the attack while some others were left injured

- The gunmen broke into the police armoury and carted away ammunition and sophisticated weapons

Masked men carrying guns invaded the Aboh police station in the Ndokwa east local government area of Delta state, killing two cops and carting off sophisticated weapons in the early hours of Saturday, September 29.

The gunmen, according to sources, arrived the community and opened fire on police officers on duty at the station, killing two and injuring several others before making away with some ammunition.

READ ALSO: Ex-EFCC boss Ribadu pulls out of Adamawa APC governorship primaries

A source, who spoke to The Punch, said: The police were taken unawares by the gunmen. They attacked the police station, killed two policemen and the ones that survived escaped with bullet injuries.

One of the police officers died on the spot and the other one died on the way to the hospital, while the ones that were injured are receiving treatment in a hospital.

They also made away with ammunition at the police station. A plain-clothes female police officer, who was at the gate of the station, escaped unhurt after she told the gunmen that she was a flood victim who came to seek refuge at the police station.

A police source, who also confirmed the attack, disclosed that the invaders made away with the engine of a patrol boat belonging to the marine police post in the community.

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The Delta state police public relations officer, Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the incident.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that about five persons including a police sergeant, Jude Ndi, were reportedly killed by armed robbers during a raid in Cross Rivers state.

The incident which happened on Sunday, September 16, around the Utugwang axis of Obudu local government area of Cross River state was caused by robbers who wore the Police Mobile Force (PMF) uniforms with the insignia of the command to rob the passengers and local residents.

Offa bank robbery: Why some residents were shot by armed robbers - Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng
- Gov Abubakar Bello has emerged as the APCs gubernatorial candidate for Niger state

- He expressed appreciation to party members for the confidence reposed in him by returning him unopposed

- The governor assured party faithful and people of the state of his resolve to be more committed to the actualization of the restoration agenda of his administration

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger has endorsed Governor Abubakar Bello as the partys flag bearer for 2019 governorship elections in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of the party from the 274 wards trooped out in their numbers to affirm Bello as the partys flag bearer.

READ ALSO: Gunmen invade police station in Delta, kill 2 officers, cart off ammunition

Legit.ng gathers that Bello, thereafter, expressed appreciation to party members for the confidence reposed in him by returning him unopposed.

It is appealing when your people have confidence in you, when they support you, when they overwhelming endorse you.

In politics this is what is needed and I really appreciate this gesture.

Their action has continued to humble me and I am compelled to do more in the years ahead. By 2019 our administration will continue the good works we had started, he said.

Bello assured party faithful and people of the state of his resolve to be more committed to the actualization of the restoration agenda of his administration.

No doubt, there have been challenges in the years past but we had tried to accomplish some vital aspects of our set goals.

We may have not been able to cover all sectors; this time we are determined to cover more grounds when APC is returned in 2019, the governor said.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a total of 2447 All Progressives Congress (APC) delegates on Sunday, September 30, endorsed the candidature of Governor Nasiru El-Rufai to contest the 2019 governorship election in Kaduna state.

The committee chairman for the APC gubernatorial primary in the state, Mathew Iduoriyekemwen, while announcing the result in Kaduna, stated that 33 votes were declared invalid.

APC official tells why his party may be voted out in 2019 - on Legit.ng TV:

Source: Legit.ng
- First term PDP governors seeking to return to office in 2019 have won the party's ticket

- Most of the governors contested unopposed in the primaries conducted across Nigeria

- The party's primary was conducted on Sunday, September 30

First term governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Rivers, Delta and Cross River states have all emerged victorious in the party primaries held on Sunday, September 30.

Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike, was the only aspirant of his party and the only candidate on the ballot paper. The primary election in Rivers was also witnessed by the party's national chairman, Uche Secondus, Vanguard reports.

READ ALSO: Ex-EFCC boss Ribadu pulls out of Adamawa APC governorship primaries

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi also emerged unopposed in Enugu state while Governor Ifeanyi Okowa emerged as the governorship candidate through a process of affirmation at the primary election held at the Cenotaph, Asaba.

Governor David Umahi, emerged the candidate of the PDP for Ebonyi state following a primary election in which he was the only aspirant.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu emerged as candidate of the party at the primary after delegates from the 17 council areas of the state renewed their mandate with a total of 1, 991 votes, while Governor Darius Ishaku, who was unopposed, emerged the candidate of the PDP at the Taraba state.

Umar Muhammad Nasko, former Chief of staff to Governor Babangida Aliyu emerged the PDP candidate at the Niger state primary.

Benue state, all aspirants except John Tondu, a former commissioner in the Gabriel Suswam administration stepped down for Governor Samuel Ortom as at press time.

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River emerged the governorship candidate of PDP for the 2019 elections through affirmation by delegates at the partys primary election.

Ayade was announced as the candidate by the PDP panel Chairman, Olorogun Tebite, who conducted the primaries.

The situation was different in Oyo as two faction of the party conducted separate primaries in Ibadan, the state capital.

A similar issues as Oyo occured in Borno state where one of the factions with Usman Baderi as chairman conducted their primary at the new PDP secretariat along Circulur Road, Maiduguri with Mohammed Wakil, a former minister of Works (State) and Alhaji Bukar Kyari as the major aspirants. The other faction which has Alhaji Zanna Gadama as chairman held its own primary at the Old PDP secretariat around Leventis General Area of the metropolis.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that a total of 2447 All Progressives Congress (APC) delegates on Sunday, September 30, endorsed the candidature of Governor Nasiru El-Rufai to contest the 2019 governorship election in Kaduna state.

The Committee Chairman for the All Progressive Congress (APC) gubernatorial primary in the state, Mathew Iduoriyekemwen said while announcing the result in Kaduna that, 33 votes were declared invalid.

Can Ambode Defeat Tinubu for a second term? - Nigerian Opinion | Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng
- President Buhari has released a statement to Nigerians, to mark the country's 58th Independence Day anniversary

- The president said he is committed to working for a united, peaceful, prosperous and secure Nigeria

- He enjoined all citizens to continue to promote the values, virtues and common aspirations that unite Nigerians; even as he gave updates on the Boko Haram situation and the crisis between farmers and herdsmen

- The president also acknowledged that developing a thriving democracy is not an easy task; and that there can be no quick fixes or short cuts

President Muhammadu Buhari says he will continue to work tirelessly to promote, protect and preserve a united, peaceful, prosperous and secure Nigeria, where all, irrespective of background, can aspire to succeed.

The president gave the assurance in his nationwide broadcast to mark the nations 58th Independence Anniversary in Abuja on Monday, October 1.

READ ALSO: 2019: Gov Bello emerges as APC governorship candidate in Niger

Legit.ng notes that in the statement which was released by Buhari's aide, Femi Adesina, the president also enjoined all citizens to continue to promote the values, virtues and common aspirations that unite Nigerians rather than engaging in divisive tendencies.

The full statement read: "Fellow Nigerians, today is a day of celebration and solemn reflection. It is the anniversary of the day Nigerians realised one of the most cherished of human desires  the desire for freedom. We, therefore, give thanks to and remember our founding fathers who laboured so hard and sacrificed so much to build and bequeath to us this wonderful nation. It is our duty to consolidate this great legacy.

"On this first October date and on the eve of the start of the general election cycle, we should do well to reflect on what binds us together and the great strength our diversity bestows on us. Ours is an ambitious nation, and, as citizens we have every right to look forward to the future with confidence and optimism which are well founded, considering where we find ourselves today.

"There has been a steady improvement in the security situation in the north-east. We remain committed to ending the crisis and make the north-east safe for all.

"Our thoughts and prayers are always with the victims of the Boko Harams atrocities and their families. Beyond that, we know that the goals of the Boko Haram terrorists include capturing territories, destroying our democracy and denying our children the right to education. We will not allow them to succeed.

"I want at this point to pay tribute to the men and women of our armed forces, the police and other security and law enforcement agencies, who have been working under the most difficult conditions to keep the country safe. In the process, many have made the supreme sacrifice.

"As their commander -in- chief, I assure these our gallant men and women that I will continue to empower them by deepening their professionalism and providing all the necessary force multipliers and enablers required for them to prevail on the field. I am looking into all reported cases of inadequacies in relation to their entitlements, their welfare and those of their families.

"We are diversifying away from reliance on oil to increased manufacturing capacity, solid minerals development, and agriculture.

"Efforts are on course in the Niger Delta to clean up polluted lands, restore hopes of the youths in the region and re-establish livelihoods, and strengthen their capacity to guarantee for themselves and for our country a brighter future.

"The age-long conflict between herders and farmers that was being exploited by those seeking to plant the seeds of discord and disunity amongst our people, is being addressed decisively. We will sustain and continue to support the commendable efforts by all including civil society organisations, local and states governments and our traditional and religious leaders in finding durable solution to this problem.

"This being a transhumance issue, we are working with countries in our region that are also facing similar difficulties to complement our common efforts. In this context I must warn that the perpetrators of murder and general mayhem in the name of defending or protecting herders or farmers will face the full wrath of the law.

"Meanwhile, we urge all peace loving Nigerians to reject any simplistic portrayal, at home or abroad, of this conflict as either religious or ethnic based.

"We are one of the countries in the world most affected by environmental degradation, as a consequence of climate change. We are signatories to almost all conventions and agreements aimed at slowing down the effect of climate change and mitigating its now evident consequences.

"The consequences on lives and livelihoods of the shrinking of the Lake Chad and the pollution caused by oil exploitation activities alone make it mandatory on us to be at the forefront of the struggle for a safer and more sustainable environment. We will continue to mobilise international support for our efforts in this regard.

"We are making progress in the fight against corruption and recovery of stolen public funds and assets despite vicious and stiff resistance. The shameful past practice, of the brazen theft of billions of Naira is no more. Shady oil deals and public contracts that were never delivered have become things of the past.

"Consequently, and this is very evident across the country, we have done more with less in infrastructural developments. Roads, railways, major bridges, schools, energy and power, air and sea ports, welfare of serving and retired personnel both civilian and military including payment of legacy debt such as pension arrears, have been attended to.

"There is now an enabling environment for local and foreign investment in Nigeria. We are building a rules-based system - a level playing field that is free from fixers and intermediaries. This is the cornerstone to help genuine investors and honest consumers, and the platform that will allow for the real reforms that we intend to deliver over the coming years.

"We are gradually strengthening the economy with a stable Naira and falling inflation rate. We are building an economy that is moving away from over reliance on oil. Consequently we have witnessed massive return to farms and seen bumper harvest, despite recurrent floods across the country.

"These positive developments are the result of our collective pursuit of a common vision through hard work and dedication, after the missed opportunities and disappointments that followed the return to democracy in 1999.

"At the forefront, have always been our youths. They have been at the vanguard of the struggle for independence. They fought in the war to keep the country united. And it was they who kept alive the struggle for democracy and human rights in our country at times when these were at risk, especially following the June 12th 1993 election and the historic 2015 election process.

"Even today, our youths play a central role in Nigerias continuing progress and developments in all fields of our national endeavour technology, agriculture, mining, engineering and especially the creative arts. Together we are building a more diverse, inclusive and self-reliant economy.

"In the past three years we have introduced many policies and programmes targeted at youth development and youth empowerment. We support the not too young to run legislation aimed at giving the youths greater say in our national politics and governance.

"The school feeding program in primary schools is aimed at encouraging enrollment and attendance. We are building on what we have already introduced to support schools and universities to which funds have recently been released for upgrade of facilities, training programs for our entrepreneurs, and rehabilitation schemes for victims of terrorism and human trafficking.

"Fellow Nigerians, now,we have in our hands technology that is a powerful tool that we can and should use for knowledge and understanding. As with other countries, we must also learn how to manage those tendencies that, instead, look to abuse new technologies to provoke passions and stir tensions.

"Never before have we faced such a challenge. We must all rise to the responsibility of shutting out those disruptive and corrosive forces that hide in todays world of social media. We need critical minds and independent thinking, to question and question until we are satisfied we have the facts. Otherwise, all the progress we have made as a democracy since 1999 is at stake.

"I have committed myself many times to ensure that elections are fully participatory, free and fair and that the Independent National Electoral Commission will be exactly independent and properly staffed and resourced. The ballot box is how we make our choice for the governments that rule in our name.

"Fellow Nigerians, developing a thriving democracy is not an easy task. There can be no quick fixes or short cuts. These are the most important lessons that we have learnt in our 58 years as an independent nation.

"At the international level, we remain a responsible and respected member of the international community, playing active positive roles within ECOWAS, the African Union and the United Nations as well as all other regional and international organisations and institutions of which we are members.

"We will continue to support initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges of our times: global and regional crises and conflicts, terrorism, trans-border crime, climate change, human rights, gender equality, development, poverty and inequality within and between nations, etc.

"In this context, we are working hard to achieve both the AU 2063 Agenda for socio-economic transformation of our continent; and the UN 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, which together aim at addressing these challenges

"Fellow Nigerians, as we celebrate the 58th Anniversary of our independence, we know we are on the right path. Although we have our differences, they count for far less than the values, virtues and common aspirations that unite us as a nation. We have so much for which we should be grateful, and in which we should rightly take pride. Our journey is not finished but we have come a long way.

"I want to assure you that as president, I will continue to work tirelessly to promote, protect and preserve what really matters: a united, peaceful, prosperous and secure Nigeria, where all, irrespective of background, can aspire to succeed.

"Thank you. I wish you a memorable independence celebration."

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Recall that Legit.ng previously reported that Monday, October 1, 2018, was declared as a public holiday by the federal government, in commemoration of Nigerias 58th Independence Anniversary.

The announcement was made on Thursday, September 27, by the minister of interior, Lt Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd.).

How Nigerians celebrated the 57th Independence anniversary in Umuahia - on Legit.ng TV:

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- The APC governorship primary in Akwa Ibom has recorded unprecedented violence

- One person is said to have been killed during the exercise

- Thugs had earlier invaded the APC secretariat ahead of the exercise in the state

One person has been killed in Akwa Ibom on Sunday, September 30, over the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The victim identified as Ukeme Efanga, an APC member, was said to have been shot dead in Ifiayong, Uruan local government area, during a disagreement over the distribution of election materials in the area.

Legit.ng gathered that the late Efanga is a father of three children.

READ ALSO: Ribadu pulls out of Adamawa APC governorship primaries

As at 8: 10 p.m., the victims corpse was dumped at the premises of the state secretariat of the APC, along Ikot Ekpene road, brought all the way from Uruan.

Two persons, a man and a woman, said to be the victims relatives, sat on the floor near the corpse, crying helplessly.

A few APC members from Uruan stood near by, staring at the corpse.

Apart from an APC aspirant for Senate race in the state, Kufre Etuk, no senior party member was around the area.

It is a very unfortunate thing, Etuk told Premium Times.

He was a very loyal and committed member of the party since the days of the Action Congress (ACN). He has never gotten anything from the party. And yet they killed him just like that. Who will now take care of his three children?

I am waiting here to make sure the corpse is taken to the mortuary, he said.

Etuk said election did not take place in whole of Uruan local government area where he comes from.

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Legit.ng had earlier reported that thugs invaded the APC secretariat in the state to disrupt the governorship primary on Sunday, September 30.

Some areas in the state capital, Uyo, were said to have been taken over by the thugs, who many suspect are working for one of the governorship aspirants of the party.

The primary election is a straight fight between Senator Akpan Udoedehe and the managing director, Niger Delta Development Commission, Obong Nsima Ekere.

Osun Election 2018: INEC Did Not Ban Use of Phones at Polling Units | Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng
- The death of Chief Sunny Okogwu is described as a great loss to the ordinary Nigerian

- One person is killed in Akwa Ibom APC governorship primary

Chief Sunny Okogwu, a brother in-law to a former military ruler, Ibrahim Babangida, has died in a hospital in Abuja due to an undisclosed illness.

Vanguard reports that Okogwu was the elder brother to Maryam, the late wife of Ibrahim Babangida. He was businessman based in Kaduna with the title of Ojise of Asaba.

The business man was also a former presidential candidate of the Republican Party of Nigeria in the 2007 presidential election.

READ ALSO: Ex-EFCC boss Ribadu pulls out of Adamawa APC governorship primaries

The death of the Okogwu was reportedly confirmed by one Michael, who claimed to be one of the sons of the late philanthropist.

"The death of Chief Sunny Okogwu is a great loss to the ordinary Nigerians, who benefited from his humanitarian gestures, a security guard told visitors at the deceased's ship house residence on Ilorin Road, Marafa Estate on Sunday, September 30.

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"I have been with him since 1982 and he treated me like a son even though I am a Muslim. Despite my religion, he never discriminated against me.

We members of the Sabon-Gaya community in Chikun Local Government Area will miss him. He brought development to the community. We will never forget him.

In another report, one person has been killed in Akwa Ibom on Sunday, September 30, over the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The victim identified as Ukeme Efanga, an APC member, was said to have been shot dead in Ifiayong, Uruan local government area, during a disagreement over the distribution of election materials in the area.

Legit.ng gathered that the late Efanga is a father of three children.

Can Ambode Defeat Tinubu for a second term? - Nigerian Opinion | Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng News
- A close ally of former military head of state, general Sani Abacha has emerged the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau

- 75 year-old Jeremiah Useni will face incumbent governor Simon Bako Lalong

- The former military governor polled 1018 votes to defeat 12 other candidates at the partys primaries

Senator Jeremiah Useni, 75 years old, has emerged the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau in the 2019 general elections.

Useni will face incumbent governor Simon Bako Lalong, 20 years his junior. Lalong belongs to the All Progressives Congress, APC. He also bagged the second term ticket of his party, unopposed on Sunday. Lalong, who is from Shendam LGA was born on May 5, 1963.

READ ALSO: APC sets new dates for primaries in Lagos, Enugu, Adamawa

Useni polled 1018 votes to defeat 12 other candidates at the partys primaries. His closest rival Johnbull Shekarau got 340 votes.

In all, 2,097 delegates from the seventeen local government areas voted at the primaries.

Useni a serving senator representing Plateau south senatorial zone in the Senate was once the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and a former minister of transport. He was also between 1984 and 1985, the military governor of the old Bendel state, now made up of Edo and Delta state.

He was also a very close ally of former military head of state, general Sani Abacha.

He was born February 16, 1943 in Langtang and joined the army after his early education. He rose to the post of Lt. general before retiring in 1999.

Prior to the commencement of voting, Senator Victor Lar, on behalf of the aspirants promised to support whoever emerges as the winner in Plateau state.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that first term governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Rivers, Delta and Cross River states have all emerged victorious in the party primaries held on Sunday, September 30.

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Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike, was the only aspirant of his party and the only candidate on the ballot paper. The primary election in Rivers was also witnessed by the party's national chairman, Uche Secondus.

Can Ambode Defeat Tinubu for a second term? - Nigerian Opinion | Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit
- A justice group has condemned reports on the missing Nigerian Army general

- The group said allegations by the Citizens United for Peace and Security (CUPS) led by Idris Ahmed as totally wrong

- according to PPJF, CUPS and its leadership as an avowed enemy of the Nigerian Army and the good people of Plateau state

A group has alleged that some individuals are set to cause mischief following the search of the missing Nigerian Army general, Idris Alkali.

The Plateau Peace and Justice Forum (PPJF) described allegations by the Citizens United for Peace and Security (CUPS) led by Idris Ahmed as totally wrong.

PPJF also describing the CUPS and its leadership as an avowed enemy of the Nigerian Army and the good people of Plateau state", called on indigenes of the state to be wary of those that are instigating them to violence or the Nigerian Army against them.

Speaking on Sunday, September 30, in Abuja, the president of PPJF, Alexander Mamedu, faulted the Facebook post by Ahmed.

READ ALSO: Breaking: Buhari releases Independence Day message; pledges to work for a peaceful, prosperous Nigeria (FULL STATEMENT)

Mamedu said the other many contradictions in his Facebook posts have left people wondering about his mental state and character.

He said in the course of this distressing search, the PPJF have noted the efforts of the Nigerian Army and the commitment of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, who has not relented in the commitment to get to the bottom of the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Alkali.

Mamedu said: Unfortunately, Nigeria like any other country of the world has its own share of sadists and nihilists who will prey on the sorrows of grieving families to get their daily kicks from tormenting others same way drug addicts crave their fix. It is in this regard that we note the numerous contradictions by one Idris Ahmed of CUPS sowing discord on his Facebook page in his attempt to instigate a crisis between the Nigerian Army and the people of Plateau state."

Without any intent to prejudice what the ongoing investigations will find, we find it most inhuman, insensitive and irresponsible that Idris Ahmed has constituted himself into a supreme authority to declare Major General Idris Alkali (retired) dead to an extent that he was already expressing his condolence to the distraught family," Mamedu said.

It is most unfortunate that Idris Ahmeds vampire disposition did not allow him to see the sheer bizarreness of his actions, which has every appearance of someone craving human flesh. How else can one describe the obsession that made him to claim that he prompted the investigation that led the Nigerian Army to finding the missing car?

Not only is Idris Ahmed totally wrong, the other many contradictions in his Facebook posts have left us wondering about just how disturbed this character is. He regaled the world with distorted timeline of when General Alkalis car was found and when his other personal effects were found.

READ ALSO: PDP's first-term governors win party's tickets for 2019

There is a limit to the positive outcomes we can wish for under the circumstances, but since Idris Ahmed has declared Major General Idris Alkali (retired) dead, we wish to appeal to him to allow the dead to rest in peace. He should also allow the Nigerian Army to do its job without instigating strife and unnecessary apprehensions in the land.

The Army under Buratai has proven to be a friend of the Plateau people and must not allow the activities of a criminal elements to sow any seed of discord between that institution and our people.

The full investigation that has been commissioned should be allowed to run its course undistracted. We support the investigation and the Armys quest to unravel the truth. The Army began its investigation long before Idris Ahmeds contradictions and peddling of falsehood began so we will not set stock in his antics.

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We call on our brethren in Plateau state, home and abroad, to be wary of those that are instigating them to violence. This is a time to allow the relevant agencies do their work. Even when those behind the Generals disappearance would have been apprehended, we call for restraint to allow the law take its course and not resort to hostilities based on whatever their ethnicity turns out to be," he added.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the search for Alkali, a retired missing major general took a controversial turn after his vehicle was recovered inside a pond in Plateau state.

Alkali, former chief of Administration, Army headquarters, Abuja, was declared missing on September 3.

He was on his way to Bauchi after leaving Abuja in the morning.

Nigerian Air Force Day Celebration 2018 (54th Anniversary) - on Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng
- President Muhammadu Buhari has visited the two Nigerian Air Force officers involved in a crash last week

- He also commiserated with them on the loss of their colleague, Squadron Leader M.B Babari

- The president visited the two officers at the Defence Intelligence Agency hospital in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday, September 30, visited the two Nigerian Air Force officers involved in a crash last week, at the Defence Intelligence Agency hospital in Abuja.

The president turned up at the hospital to pay a morale boosting visit to the injured officers at about 5:30pm.

He rejoiced with Squadron Leader Batuba, and Flight Lieutenant Andy, giving glory to God for sparing their lives and commiserated with them on the loss of their colleague, Squadron Leader M.B Babari.

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Chief of medical services at the hospital, Air Vice Marshal Saleh Shinkafi, assured President Buhari that the medical condition of the officers was improving steadily, and that they were being kept for further rest and counseling, as part of the rehabilitation process.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who was also on hand to receive the president, explained that the three pilots ejected successfully from their jets after the collision, while training for air parade to mark the country's 58th Independence Anniversary, but the helmet of Babari flew open, and he suffered head injuries that turned fatal.

Among others that received the president at the hospital were his chief of staff, Alhaji Abba Kyari, and chief of defence intelligence, Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Usman.

READ ALSO: Independence Day: Buhari pledges to work for a peaceful, prosperous Nigeria

President Buhari had returned to the country in the wee hours of the day from New York, United States of America, where he had attended the 73rd United Nations General Assembly.

The president and the first lady, alongside their entourage arrived the country after participating in the high level meeting.

President Buhari on 2019 Presidential Election: Will You Vote For Him? | Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit Nigeria
- As Nigeria celebrates her 58th independence, Governor Ortom has called on all to support the federal government in its fight against insurgency and terrorism

- The Benue state governor said the independence day was worth celebrating as Nigeria has survived series of trials over the years

- Ortom called on Nigerians to sustain their faith in the countrys corporate existence

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue has called on all tiers of government in the country to work towards deepening democratic culture by entrenching the rule of law in their jurisdictions.

Ortom made the call on Monday, October 1, in a radio broadcast to mark the 58th independence anniversary of the country.

He explained that the rule of law and the democratic process remained veritable tools for driving democracy to achieve expected outcomes. According to him, abiding by the rule of law, due process and credible candidates will be voted into power to accelerate development and progress in the country.

READ ALSO: 15 major issues Buhari talked about in 58th Independence Day speech

Ortom also urged Nigerians to sustain their faith in the countrys corporate existence regardless of the challenges confronting it.

The governor said Nigerians had cause to celebrate their independence, having survived series of trials over the years.

He appealed to the various tiers of government in the country to support the federal government in its fight against insurgency and terrorism and promised to redouble his efforts in providing the dividends of democracy to the people.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the independence anniversary is low keyed, as political activities to elect party candidates for the APC, PDP are holding in major venues in Makurdi.

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In an earlier report by Legit.ng, former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan expressed hope that all will be well in his message to Nigerians as they celebrate 58th Independence Day. According to him, things are tough but Nigerians are a tough people and the nation will pull through its challenges.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari says he will continue to work tirelessly to promote, protect and preserve a united, peaceful, prosperous and secure Nigeria, where all, irrespective of background, can aspire to succeed.

The president gave the assurance in his nationwide broadcast to mark the nations 58th Independence Anniversary in Abuja on Monday, October 1.

Democracy Day! What is There to Celebrate? - Nigerians Lament | On Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit Nigeria
- A former minister of the FCT Abuja, Senator Bala Mohammed, has emerged as the 2019 governorship candidate of the PDP in Bauchi state

- Mohammed defeated two former senators from the state to clinch the ticket

- Only 32 invalid votes were recorded during the election

The immediate past minister of Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Senator Bala Mohammed, has emerged as the 2019 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bauchi state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mohammed defeated tow other contestants; Senator Abdul Ningi and Senator Adamu Gumba, at the keenly contested primary election.

The chairman, PDP electoral panel for the state, Chief Dan Orbih, announced that Mohammed scored 1,335 votes to emerge winner, while Ningi got 802 votes and Gumba polled 15 votes.

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He noted that only 32 invalid votes were recorded during the election.

According to him, the election was free, fair, peaceful and conducted in accordance with the partys constitution.

Orbih, who is the chairman of the Edo state chapter of the PDP, urged party members to remain loyal to the party and also work hard to reclaim the state.

He also commended the delegates for their resilience and well behaved conduct during the exercise. (NAN)

READ ALSO: 2019: PDP's first-term governors win tickets to recontest

Meanwhile, chairman of the PDP special national convention committee, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has said members of the committee will be impartial to ensure that a free, fair and acceptable primary is organised.

Okowa made the disclosure on Thursday, September 27, in Asaba, when former Senate president, Senator David Mark, paid a consultative visit to delegates to unveil his programmes if elected as the presidential flag bearer of the party.

Atiku Says He Will Stay in Office for Just One Term if Elected - Nigeria Latest News | Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit Newspaper
- Emmanuel David Ombugadu has emerged the governorship candidate of the PDP in Nasarawa state

- The member of the House of Representatives got 745 votes to defeat his closest rival Solomon Ewuga who got 551 votes

- Out of the 1, 502 delegates, only 1, 490 were accredited to vote

A serving member of the House of Representatives, Emmanuel David Ombugadu has emerged the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa state.

Emmanuel Anyanwu, chairman of the state PDP primary committee announced the result at on Monday, October 1, at Keffi local government secretariat, venue of the primary.

According to him, Ombugadu got 745 votes to defeat his closest rival Solomon Ewuga who got 551 votes.

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He therefore declared Ombugadu as the winner of the election and the candidate of PDP in the state.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that out of the 1, 502 delegates, only 1, 490 were accredited to vote.

Ombugadu thanked the delegates and leaders of the party for the confidence reposed on him and promised not to let them down.

He also appealed to all members of the party to join hands with him to ensure victory for the party in the 2019 election.

Ombugadu, 40, is the current chairman house committee on AIDS, tuberculosis, leprosy and malaria control.

He is a graduate of economics at the University of Jos (NAN)

READ ALSO: 2019: PDP's first-term governors win tickets to recontest

Similarly, the immediate past minister of Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Senator Bala Mohammed, has emerged as the 2019 governorship candidate of the PDP in Bauchi state.

Mohammed defeated tow other contestants; Senator Abdul Ningi and Senator Adamu Gumba, at the keenly contested primary election.

The chairman, PDP electoral panel for the state, Chief Dan Orbih, announced that Mohammed scored 1,335 votes to emerge winner, while Ningi got 802 votes and Gumba polled 15 votes.

Nigeria news: IDPs in Plateau getting ready for the elections | Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng
A Zimbabwean pastor identified as Joseph Ponda of AFM Church, Tynwald in Dzivarasekwa was recently caught in the bush sleeping with a member of his assembly.

According to a report by H-metro reports, the pastor was allegedly descended upon by passersby who attached him after he was caught pants down with his member.

According to a source, the woman is a single parent who also lives in Dzivarasekwa just like her pastor.

READ ALSO: Bishop Oyedepo goes hot, rains spiritual curses on killers across Nigeria

I have seen the pastor with the woman, whom he was caught with several times in his vehicle. The woman is a single parent and also stays here in Dzivarasekwa.

I never suspected that there was something going on between them until I saw the video. I had the opportunity to see him after the incident and he was in serious pain from the assault

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Contacted for comment, Ponda who could not deny or confirm the allegations, however, said: I have a lot to say about what happened and I can not tell you over the phone. I will be free in two hours.

Meanwhile, according to reports, a Ghanaian pastor identified as Apostle Douglas Akwesi Amanor, who is the head pastor and founder of the Apostolic Good News Church International, was caught sleeping with a married member of his church identified as one Mrs Mina Adjei, in her house in EMEFS Estate, Lashibi, Accra Ghana.

Jesus came here and took me physically to the third heavens - on Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng
- Armed personnel has been mobilised to quell unrest in some parts of Jos

- The police say the command was aware of the situation and has been brought under control

- No death was recorded according to the police

The Plateau police command, says it has mobilised its armed personnel to quell unrest in some parts of Jos North local government area of the state.

DSP Terna Tyopev, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, announced this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Jos.

READ ALSO: Independence Day: Buhari pledges to work for a peaceful, prosperous Nigeria

He said the command received news of disturbances in some parts of the area.

We are aware of the situation around some parts of Jos North, but it has been brought under control by our men. We have deployed our armed personnel to affected parts, he said.

The police spokesman said no death was reported, but promised to make casualty figures known if any.

However, Mr Boniface John, a witness, told NAN that gunshots were heard between Lamingo junction and Angwan Rukuba area near University of Jos staff quarters, forcing residents and commuters to scamper for safety.

John said he ran from the Lamingo junction to British America junction on foot, following sound from sporadic gunshots.

I saw people running and I was told that someone was killed. I also heard sound of gun shots from different angles, he said.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that following civil unrest in parts of Jos north and Jos south local government areas of Plateau, the state government, on Friday, September 28, imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the two areas.

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Richard Tokma, the Acting Secretary to the government of the State (SGS), announced this in a statement issued on Friday in Jos.

Nigeria Latest News: IDPs in Plateau - The Herdsmen Have Taken Over Our Villages | Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng
- MURIC has commended President Buhari over his achievements in the last three years

- The Muslim group, however, attacked the National Assembly members, accusing them of delaying Nigerias progress

- It urged Nigerians to distance themselves from stomach infrastructure politicians

Prof. Ishaq Akintola, the director of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has commended the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration on its fight against corruption.

Akintola in his Independence Day message congratulated Buhari for his many achievements in spite of daunting challenges, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

In particular, MURIC hailed the president for displaying incomparable maturity and unequalled statesmanship in steering the ship of the nation.

READ ALSO: Breaking: Buhari releases Independence Day message; pledges to work for a peaceful, prosperous Nigeria (FULL STATEMENT)

The successful prosecution of the war against corruption, the prudent management of the countrys scarce resources, the technical defeat of Boko Haram insurgents, the unprecedented overcoming of recession within one year.

The tactical downsizing of the Biafra agitation, the diversification of the economy, the aggressive provision of infrastructural facilities across the nation like the second Niger Bridge, road and rail networks.

The indiscriminate release of funds to all states even when some governors remained irrationally hostile and erratic as indisputable manifestation of magnanimity by the president, he said.

Akintola who noted that corruption has always been the bane of the countrys progress, urged political leaders to stay off corruption ahead of 2019 elections.

Corruption has made Nigerian roads the best death traps in Africa, turned the hospitals into public mortuaries, removed the glamour in education and nearly strangulated the economy.

As we prepare for the 2019 elections, therefore, all the political parties must steer clear of corrupt politicians. The battle cry should be total war on corruption.

The Nigerian electorate must distance themselves from stomach infrastructure politicians who will feed them for only one day to make them hungry for four whole years.

The civil society group and the Nigerian press should educate voters. Nigerians should be taught how to fish by themselves instead of waiting for crumbs from the tables of politicians.

We must make our 58 years of independence more meaningful by setting ourselves free from political charlatans, he said.

He said that the focus in the 2019 election should be the emergence of a new, reformed National Assembly (NASS).

It must be a NASS that is totally committed to the war against corruption.

Politicians who hold the whole nation to ransom for their selfish interests; those who arrogate to themselves all the milk and honey in the land while the Jamaheer continue to suffer.

Those that pay themselves N29 million per month for sleeping during National Assembly (NASS) sessions while the proletariat cannot get a dignifying minimum wage;

Those who delay the countrys budget, those who deduct money from the allocations of critical areas of infrastructure to add to their constituency projects are not fit to represent the Nigerian people.

He urged Nigerian youths to take their destiny in their hands by choosing credible and trusted leaders.

At both state and national levels, Nigerians should choose tested, trusted and credible leaders.

The countrys youths should emancipate themselves from the shackles of laziness, indolence and corruption, Akintola further advised.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that President Buhari restated his commitment to ensuring free, fair and credible elections in the country.

The president stated this in a speech he delivered in the early hours of Monday, October 1, to mark the celebration of the 58th anniversary of Nigeria's Independence.

He reiterated his support for credible elections, saying: "I have committed myself many times to ensuring that elections are fully participatory, free and fair and that the Independent National Electoral Commission will be exactly INDEPENDENT and properly staffed and resourced. The ballot box is how we make our choice for the governments that rule in our name."

How Nigerians celebrated the 57th Independence anniversary in Umuahia - on Legit.ng TV:

Source: Legit
- Two top public persons have been reported absent at the Eagle Square in Abuja as the nation celebrates its 58th Independence anniversary

- Bukola Saraki, the Senate president and Yakubu Dogara, the speaker of the House of Representatives are yet to be seen at the event

- The spokesman to Dogara, Yusuph Olaniyonu, speaking with newsmen said that he is unaware if his boss was invited to the ceremony

Bukola Saraki, the Senate president and Yakubu Dogara, the speaker of the House of Representatives, are both absent at Eagle Square Abuja where the nations 58th Independence anniversary is being celebrated by dignitaries and many elder state men.

READ ALSO: Nigeria at 58: Muslim group commends Buhari, highlights presidents achievements

Those present at the parade are President Muhammadu Buhari and his vice, Yemi Osinbajo, Walter Onnoghen, the chief justice of Nigeria, and former head of state and Yakubu Gowon, among many other top public figures, Premium Times reports.

The all-important national ceremony will witness a parade of the nations military officials and a photo exhibition showing Nigerian history and an independence day dinner.

Whereas efforts to speak with Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki's spokesperson, proved unsuccessful, the spokesperson of Dogara, Turaki Hassan, said he has no idea if his boss was invited to the event or why he is not attending.

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Hassan, speaking with newsmen, said: Actually, I am out of Abuja and I dont know what is happening there.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Saraki had faulted the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the Osun governorship election results were inconclusive.

Saraki, in a statement signed by him, and sent to Legit.ng, expressed dismay over the decision by INEC to declare as "inconclusive" an election in which a candidate won the highest number of votes and fulfilled the condition for geographical spread.

Election 2019: Can Saraki be the Next President of Nigeria? | Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng News
- The repentant insurgent wanted to surrender to the Nigerian Army and hand over 300 hostages

- Gaga was killed by other commanders in the Mamman Nur faction after they got hint of his plans

- The dead commander was said to be tired of Boko Haram's activities which he said brought 'needless suffering'

Boko haram insurgents have killed one of their top commanders Ali Gaga while he was reportedly planning to escape with about 300 hostages and surrender to the Nigerian government.

PRNigeria reports that Gaga was killed by other commanders loyal to Mamman Nurs faction after being tipped off about his plot to escape from the group and surrender with 300 captives in their den.

The report said Gaga left behind videos of his detailed plan to rescue the hostages and hand them over to Nigerias military authorities in a deal brokered by a popular non-governmental organization.

READ ALSO: Independence Day: Buhari pledges to work for a peaceful, prosperous Nigeria

It was further reported that Gaga, a Fulani man from Taraba state, was tired of working for the insurgents after being forced to join the Mamman Nur faction of the group three years ago.

Screenshot of Gaga in a video alongside some other insurgents. Photo: PRNigeria

Source: Depositphotos

He came into Boko Harams employ after his cows were seized from him by Boko Haram on the fringe of the Lake Chad and he was mandated to join the group.

Gaga was trained on how to fight wars and engage in combat operations. He also possessed an extraordinary ability to know the terrain because he was a herdsman. This elevated him to a level of a Commanding Officer by the Mamman Nurs Faction.

Gaga was not interested in holding captives for ransom like others. What is paramount to him is getting his livestock and continue what he was doing as a herdsman and reunite with his family, PR quoted the sources as saying.

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In one of his videos, a 3-minute one recorded in a forest alongside others working to rescue the hostages, Gaga had said in Hausa language that he was tired of the activities of the insurgents which only brought needless suffering.

Gaga's body after he was killed by Boko Haram commanders before he rescued the 300 hostages. Photo: Twitter/Guardian

Source: Twitter

We are tired of this senseless act of terrorism. We are ready to surrender with my people and other captive and live a normal away from this unfortunate terrain of needless suffering, he said in about 3-minute video recording in a forest.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force said its Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation Lafiya Dole destroyed a Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) meeting venue at Jabullam in Northern Borno.

Legit.ng reported that Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, NAF director of public relations and information, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, October 1, in Abuja.

He explained that the attack was carried out following credible human intelligence reports indicating that some buildings within the settlement were being used for meetings attended by BHT leaders.

Exclusive: Freed Dapchi Girl Recounts Her Ordeal with Boko Haram - on Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit
- Governor Ambode justifies his decision to seek reelection in 2019 on the grounds that he needs to complete various infrastructure projects his administration initiated in the last three years

- Chief Bola Tinubu reportedly endorses Jide Sanwo-Olu for candidacy of Lagos APC

Some member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) loyal to Bola Ahmed Tinubu have reportedly asked Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state to drop his reelection bid or face impeachment.

This Day, citing a party source who demanded not to be named, reports that the Lagos state governor is being harassed and intimidated by Tinubus political followers to drop his second term ambition.

They are threatening to impeach him should he refused to bow to their demand to withdraw. The incumbent governor, who is traditionally entitled to another term is being harassed and intimidated by Tinubus political machine to withdraw for their new man, even though the governor had agreed to subject himself to primary. They are boasting that they will direct the State House of Assembly to immediatly begin impeachment proceedings against him, the anonymous source said.

READ ALSO: 2019: PDP's first-term governors win tickets to re-contest

Party chieftains who spoke with This Day said Governor Ambode at the APC Governors Advisory Council (GAC) meeting held on held Friday night, September 28, was asked by Tinubu to step down for Sanwo-Olu or face impeachment, however the governor was said to have looked him squarely in the face and refused.

At the GAC meeting held at Tinubus residence, Bourdillion, Ikoyi, Ambode reportedly justified his decision to seek reelection in 2019 on the grounds that he needed to complete various infrastructure projects and urban renewal programmes that his administration initiated in the last three years.

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But when Tinubus special adviser on media, Tunde Rahman, was contacted about the threat to impeach the governor by Tinubus camp, he said he had no comment to make on the issue.

Meanwhile, the national leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has reportedly endorsed Jide Sanwo-Olu as governorship candidate of the party in Lagos ahead of the primary election.

In a statement released on Sunday, September 30, the former governor of Lagos state noted that the state follows a blueprint that has guided the success of his own and Babatunde fasholas administration.

Tinubu hinted that Ambode has failed to follow this plan and thus called on members of the party to vote for Sanwo-Olu

He described him as someone who understands the plan of the state and said he will personally participate in the state primaries.

Can Ambode Defeat Tinubu for a second term? - Nigerian Opinion | Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng
- The ruling APC has attacked the opposition PDP

- The ruling party alleged that Governor Wike of Rivers state is now the sole administrator of PDP

- It advised members of the PDP who genuinely believe in the APCs progressive ideologies to dump the opposition party and come to its (APC's) fold

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reportedly alleged that the Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike, has become the sole administrator of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

It said it was now obvious that the governor had become the partys defacto national chairman, spokesperson and sole administrator, who determines what happens in the PDP.

The APC said this in a statement signed by the acting national publicity secretary, Yekini Nabena, in Abuja on Sunday, September 30.

He alleged that since Nigerians rejected the PDP which ruled the nation for 16 years, it had become obvious that there was nothing democratic about PDPs policies and practices.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: Saraki, Dogara missing in action, absent at Independence Day parade

Read the statement in full:

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) formed the federal government and many state governments for 16 years before Nigerians rejected the Party in 2015 for its many acts of corruption, impunity and waste.

As events have shown, it is a misnomer to call the party, Peoples Democratic Party as there is nothing democratic about its policies and practices.

The PDP to all intents and purposes has become the theatre of the Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike. Since assuming office after the disputed 2015 Rivers governorship election, Wike has assumed the role of de facto PDP National Chairman, sole administrator, spokesman, organising secretary and BoT Chairman.

Recall Governor Wikes imposition of an erstwhile PDP national chairman without a formal convention and the leaked telephone conversation of Governor Wike (allegedly) threatening to kill INEC officials he had paid to rig the rivers rerun election in favour of the PDP.

Most recently, Governor Wike threatened the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, other PDP presidential aspirants and leaders to Teach them a bitter lesson if they dared to oppose his decision to host the PDP National Convention in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. Governor Wike had his way.

It is an open secret that Governor Wikes insistence on Port Harcourt is to manipulate and influence his choice of presidential candidate from the crowd of PDP presidential aspirants, virtually all of whom stole the nations commonwealth in the recent past.

It is surprising that the PDP with its supposed seasoned politicians will sit by and allow Governor Wike use the PDP as his personal property, to determine who gets what, when and how, and where party conventions must be held. What happened to internal party democracy? Of course, this is an alien concept to the PDP.

Our great party, the APC has ensured that party processes are inclusive and participatory. The progressive Direct Primaries method of electing party candidates introduced by the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole-led APC national leadership is a solid demonstration of our drive to ensure that internal party democracy is adhered to. This is a departure from the cash and carry system institutionalised by the PDP.

PDP members who genuinely believe in our progressive ideologies are encouraged to leave the sinking PDP and join the APC where their voices will be heard and decisions taken collectively. They should leave the Wike Autocratic Party (WAP) for the Rivers state governor and his minions, bent on foisting their unpopular and undemocratic will on the majority.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that the governorship primary of the Lagos chapter of the APC was allegedly set to be moved again, following the intervention of the national secretariat of the ruling party, in the crisis rocking the chapter.

According to The Cable, the exercise may be moved to Tuesday, October 2 or Wednesday, October 3, to allow the national secretariat solve a number of issues in the state.

The incumbent governor of Lagos, Akinwunmi Ambode, is being challenged for the APCs 2019 gubernatorial ticket, by Jide Sanwo-Olu, who has the backing of the partys national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Can Ambode get a second term without Tinubu's approval? - on Legit.ng TV:

Source: Legit.ng
- Rinsola Abiola says she will be running on the platform of the ADP

- She says her experience working for Speaker Dogara will be useful to her in the Green Chamber

- She also says she will use necessary legislative tools to care for infrastructural needs, healthcare, agriculture, youth and women empowerment

Rinsola Abiola, a daughter of the late Moshood Abiola, has joined the race for the Abeokuta North federal constituency seat in the House of Representatives in 2019 on the platform of the Action Democratic Party (ADP).

Premium Times reports that Rinsola Abiola declared her intention to run in a statement she issued on Sunday, September 30.

READ ALSO: Saraki, Dogara absent at Independence Day parade

The statement read: I wish to formally notify you of my desire to represent Abeokuta North/Obafemi Owode/Odeda federal constituency in the House of Representatives on the platform of the Action Democratic Party in 2019, God willing.

It added: I feel deeply connected to my people as I spent a good portion of my formative years in Ogun state. I got most of my education in Abeokuta and I have voted in my hometown since I became eligible to vote; Ogun Central has always been home.

Abiola is confident that her experience as a special assistant to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, for three years, has prepared her for the job of lawmaking.

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She also believes that her part in the enactment of the Not Too Young To Run law also gives her some bragging rights.

She said: My aspiration is made possible by the recently enacted Not Too Young To Run law, a campaign I actively participated in. I have consistently advocated for youth and women inclusion, and I believe that there is no better way to transition from tokenism to meaningful inclusion than to utilise this law by running for office.

Legit.ng had reported that Rinsola left the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a series of tweets on Friday, August 31, Rinsola said she had duly written to her ward chairman.

She noted that although she has yet to join a new party as she resigned from APC, commitment to youth and women development will determine her next move.

Abiola Is The Messiah of Nigeria's Democracy; I Foresaw the Annulment - Kenny Martins - on Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng
No woman ever plans to become a widow especially when she is very young. This makes it hard for her to bear the loss, heartbreak and even find a new man. However, some people do not have a choice than to accept their fate.

The families of a new couple have been thrown into mourning after the groom was crushed to death in an accident on his way to his wedding reception on Sunday, September 30, in Accra, Ghana.

It was also reported that the deceased was involved in the fatal accident with his new bride, who is still battling for her life in the hospital.

Ghanaian groom dies in an accident on his way to his wedding reception

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Man who sneaked in hospital ward to make love to sick wife convicted

According to several reports, after the first part of the ceremony guests were supposed to have converged at Africana Guest House, opposite TF Hostel at Atomic Junction where the reception was supposed to take place.

The groom and his friends reportedly left Adenta in a convoy towards the venue for the reception but things went awry when a vehicle trying to overtake another, ran into the car. The groom, who was seriously injured in the accident, was rushed to the Legon Hospital but pronounced dead on arrival, turning the entire function into a mourning ground.

However, one of the grooms friends who is in shock took to her Facebook profile to express her grief over the death of her beloved friend.

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See post below:

RIP!

Nigeria News Today: Nigerian Air Force Buries Pilot Who Died in a Crash | Legit.ng TV - on Legit.ng TV.

Source: Legit
- The US congratulated Nigeria on the occasion of the countrys Independence Day celebration

- It described Nigeria as the leader in Africa

- The US promised to support a free and fair election in Nigeria in 2019

The U.S. has described Nigeria as an indisputable leader in Africa, a friend and a key partner of the U.S.

In a statement issued by the Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, on the occasion of Nigerias National Day on Monday, the government congratulated Nigeria and its people on the nations independence anniversary.

READ ALSO: After defecting from APC, Senator Hunkuyi loses PDP governorship primary election

Pompeo said: I would like to convey warm wishes to the government and people of Nigeria on the 58th anniversary of your independence. Nigeria remains a key partner and friend of the United States.

Through its strengthening democracy, its dynamic economy and the great entrepreneurial spirit of its people, Nigeria is a leader in the region and beyond.

We count on Nigeria to continue its leadership through free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections in 2019.

The United States offers our continuous support to Nigeria in its efforts to expand trade and investment, counter-terrorism, ensure regional stability and tackle corruption.

As you celebrate the anniversary of your independence, please know that the people of the United States celebrate with you.

Nigeria, a former British colony, gained Independence on Oct. 1, 1960.

Meanwhile, Bukola Saraki, the Senate president and Yakubu Dogara, the speaker of the House of Representatives, are both absent at Eagle Square Abuja where the nations 58th Independence anniversary is being celebrated by dignitaries and many elder state men.

Those present at the parade are President Muhammadu Buhari and his vice, Yemi Osinbajo, Walter Onnoghen, the chief justice of Nigeria, and former head of state and Yakubu Gowon, among many other top public figures, Premium Times reports.

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The all-important national ceremony witnessed a parade of the nations military officials and a photo exhibition showing Nigerian history and an independence day dinner.

Whereas efforts to speak with Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki's spokesperson, proved unsuccessful, the spokesperson of Dogara, Turaki Hassan, said he has no idea if his boss was invited to the event or why he is not attending.

Election 2019: Can Saraki be the Next President of Nigeria? | Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit Newspaper
- President Buhari received Pastor Kumuyi at the State House in Abuja

- Buhari said God brought Nigerians together for a purpose

- Pastor Kumuyi said he would continue to pray for the president

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, October 1, in Abuja said Nigerians must appreciate God for bringing everyone together.

The president stated this when he received the general superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi, at the Presidential Villa.

He said: God did not make a mistake when he created over 250 different ethnic groups, and decided to put them in a place called Nigeria. We must appreciate God for bringing us together. He knows what he was doing. He didnt make a mistake."

READ ALSO: After defecting from APC, Senator Hunkuyi loses PDP governorship primary election

While describing Nigeria as a great country endowed with human and natural resources, the president said: We have challenges in trying to get people to understand us.

With my experience as a governor, minister of petroleum, head of state, chairman of Petroleum Trust Fund, I thought I had seen it all, but Nigeria has a way of going at its own speed. My morale is raised by your visit. I very much appreciate it.

President Buhari recalled what he described as Pastor Kumuyis intellectual achievements as a scholar and university lecturer before going into full time ministry.

He added that he was excited a great deal for the general superintendents acceptance of governments invitation to preach the sermon at the countrys 58th independence anniversary. Thank you very much, the president said.

In his remarks, Pastor Kumuyi, who leads one of the countrys largest Pentecostal churches, said it was an honour to be received by the president on a busy day as Oct. 1.

He expressed appreciation to the President for his tireless efforts toward transforming the country.

Kumuyi said: Please remain focused and courageous and do what is right. Not everyone will support you publicly, but we are praying for you so that your tenure will be one of progress and prosperity for the country.

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The general superintendent was accompanied by his wife, Esther, and Pastor Samuel Afuwape. Others on his entourage included Pastor Chike Onwuasoanya and Pastor Seyin Malomo, the Chaplain of Aso Villa Chapel.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari says he will continue to work tirelessly to promote, protect and preserve a united, peaceful, prosperous and secure Nigeria, where all, irrespective of background, can aspire to succeed.

The president gave the assurance in his nationwide broadcast to mark the nations 58th Independence Anniversary in Abuja on Monday, October 1.

Legit.ng notes that in the statement which was released by Buhari's aide, Femi Adesina, the president also enjoined all citizens to continue to promote the values, virtues and common aspirations that unite Nigerians rather than engaging in divisive tendencies.

How Nigerians celebrated the 57th Independence anniversary in Umuahia - on Legit.ng TV:

Source: Legit.ng
- Senator Ben Murray-Bruce will not be participating in next year's senatorial election

- The senator announced his withdrawal from the race in a letter posted on his Facebook page

Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, representing Bayelsa East constituency on Monday, October 1, announced his withdrawal to return to the Senate for a second term in 2019.

The common sense senator in a letter posted on his Facebook page on the eve of the senatorial primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) thanked his district for giving him the opportunity to serve.

Bruce also assured the party of his availability and readiness to serve at any capacity when the opportunity comes.

Read the letter below:

READ ALSO: What I told President Buhari - Pastor Kumuyi

"I thank God and the good people of Brass, Bayelsa East Senatorial District who offered me the golden opportunity four years ago to represent them and the state in the Senate, Nigerias highest lawmaking chamber.

It is without doubt that I have tried to discharge my duties as a legislator and representative of my people creditably to the best of my ability so far.

My voice has been very loud on the issues that matter to our people and our country at all time.

My support to our party, my people and state government is unquestionable. I am humbled that the national leadership of my party supported by the State chapter in appreciation of my efforts offered to support my reelection to the senate to continue my service.

I have also intensified consultations in the last couple of week in the course of which I have come to realize an existing local rotational arrangement of over 20 years beginning with the late Great Chief Melford Okilo, by which arrangement the Senatorial seat rotates per local government area among the three councils for four years in the Senatorial District.

Even with the support of my party at the National and state levels with the full backing of my state government and leadership, as a man of honour interested in the well being of my people, I hereby announce my withdrawal from the Senatorial race.

I do not want whatever reason to appear to have used my privileged position and influence to do anything that other than the well-being and the stability and the good of the people. I am in all of these for the people, not for my self.

Once again, I thank the former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, my colleagues in the Senate and Governor of Bayelsa State, the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson for their support and encouragement.

I also thank the leadership of my Senatorial District and state, for for being there for me.

I thank Specially the people of my constituency for their trust and confidence in me to serve and represent them in the Senate.

By trusting me with this mandate, I have come to know them and our people even better, an experience I will never forget for the rest of my life.

I am indeed grateful to my darling wife, my children, other members of my family for their support and prayers. I appreciate the efforts of my hardworking campaign staff for their support and dedication.

Again, I thank the leadership of the party for their continuing support. I also assured the party of my availability and readiness to serve at any capacity when the opportunity comes."

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Legit.ng previously reported that Senator Ben Murray-Bruce told the All Progressives Congress (APC) that senators in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are not fighting for Senate president Bukola Saraki, but are against any undemocratic attempt at impeaching the Senate leader.

The senator representing Bayelsa east district at the National Assembly, in a tweet on Saturday, August 11, advised the APC to resort to legal mean of impeaching Saraki if the party desired to do so.

He however, noted that PDP senators will oppose any forceful, illegal and undemocratic attempt to remove the Senate president.

Nigeria Latest News: Who is responsible for the siege on the National Assembly?| - on Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit
OPINION: Adetola Adepetu, a Lagos-based communications expert and motivational speaker, writes on the ill-treatment of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode by chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos state, warning that their actions will have dire consequences for the party

Read below:

Lagos, in many ways, plays a leading role in how the world views Nigeria. As one of Africas most cosmopolitan city-states, the flavor of Lagos is seen by many as the flavor of Nigeria. With the undemocratic approach the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is taking in deciding its flag-bearer for the Lagos governorship elections in 2019, surely the world must think that the difference between Nigeria now and Nigeria pre-1999 is the presence of contraptions called elections.

Having been pushed to the wall in a bid to humiliate him out of the race, the governor of Lagos state, Akinwunmi Ambode has revealed plans by the party hierarchy in the state to disenfranchise party members in the state to create an easy sail for Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who has been endorsed by the high and mighty in the state APC. Apparently, the party leadership has decided to use the party register from 2014 to conduct the primary elections, a situation that will disenfranchise the millions of party members who joined the ranks from 2015 to 2018.

What do politicians in Nigeria take the electorate for? The APC sold to Nigerians, a party that would deviate drastically from the norm of internal party autocracy. Looking at what is happening in Lagos, a state in which it is believed the idea of APC was hatched; Nigerians were obviously sold a lie, at least by the section of the APC that leads the party in Lagos state.

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The public conversations about the Ambode press conference have been around his personal attacks on his co-contestant, Jide Sanwo-Olu. Politics is a contact sport and sometimes shots are taken at personalities. This is as true in Nigeria as it is anywhere else in the world. What some Nigerians are failing to see in all that ensued at the press conference is that a party that was wholly sold to unsuspecting Nigerians as a stable party with internal democracy is totally the opposite of the dummy that was sold.

Governor Ambode has been put through a lot of humiliation in his bid to actualize his right to be Lagos state governor. He is a citizen of Nigeria, a member of the party and by all constitutional provisions, has every right to contest for re-election in Lagos. We worry. We worry that a party that sold a promise and attempted to build a brand around giving all members an opportunity to achieve their political aspirations, is now preventing a governor who is perhaps its biggest poster boy for progressive development from achieving his political aspiration. We worry that we have been sold a lie and the APC, at least in Lagos, never had the intention of giving everyone an opportunity.

In all of the noise, where are the democrats who sold the APC as a credible alternative to the PDP? We bought the lie the last time. We can assure the APC in Lagos that will not happen again.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Legit.ng.

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Can Ambode Defeat Tinubu for a second term? - Nigerian Opinion | Legit.ng TV

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- Uche Secondus declares says Nigeria can be great again with a flourishing democracy

- Secondus is not happy that a country as endowed as Nigeria is being termed the poverty headquarters

- He urges Nigerians to stand against any attempt to hinder them from picking their leaders

The national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, says prospects of a better Nigeria are very bright, if democracy flourishes and people are allowed to exercise their franchise at will.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Secondus said this in a statement issued by his media aide, Ike Abonyi, on Monday, October 1, in Abuja, to mark Nigeria 58th Independence anniversary.

READ ALSO: Go back to work - Organised labour calls off warning strike

He said it was regrettable that a richly endowed nation like Nigeria was being declared the headquarters of the world poor due to leadership problem.

Secondus expressed concern about threat to the countrys democracy as Nigeria celebrated another anniversary.

According to him, this was witnessed at the last governorship election in Osun state, where he said that will of the people was truncated.

He said that the consolation was that democracy provided Nigerians the opportunity to change bad government and urged them to do so in 2019.

The PDP leader urged Nigerians to stand up against anything that would prevent them from freely determining who governs and how public funds were expended.

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Secondus wished Nigerians happy Independence anniversary, saying they deserve salute for their dexterity in the face of leadership problem.

He also saluted Nigerias fallen heroes and wished Nigerians well, assuring them of a better Nigeria under a PDP administration.

Legit.ng earlier reported that many Nigerians reacted to President Muhammadu Buhari's address to Nigerians to herald the celebration of the country's independence.

Can Ambode Defeat Tinubu for a second term? - Nigerian Opinion | Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit Newspaper
- President Buhari called for peace in Plateau state

- The president said his administration has worked to achieve peace

- President Buhari said the stability achieved should not be squandered

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed concern over the spate of violent attack in Plateau state.

In a statement by Garba Shehu who is the senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, he said Buhari noted that his administration has worked hard to achieve peace.

READ ALSO: What I told President Buhari - Pastor Kumuyi

The president lamented that some politicians were promoting ethnic violence and called for peace in the region.

Read the statement below:

President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the latest violence in Jos which led to the imposition of a curfew in the Plateau state capital.

In his reaction to the flare up, President Buhari said, "I am deeply worried about the seeming indifference to the sanctity of life by criminals whose hearts are hardened by evil.

The President recalled that through the last three and a half years of the present administration in the state, the government had worked very hard with various communities and clearly demonstrated that a lasting peace can be achieved.

I know it is not an easy thing. It is a very difficult thing. But the resultant peace achieved by the people of Plateau state should not be squandered. Every citizen deserves stability and development. Peace has no alternative. It is my appeal to all the communities in the state capital, and the entire state as a whole to embrace peace. Where there are differences, dialogue should be used to bring about understanding. There is also the due process of the law. Differences cannot be resolved by abuses or by bullets.

The President once again lamented that some politicians are promoting ethnic and religious prejudices for cheap popularity, despite the knowledge that such incitement could play into the hands of hate mongers.

He said his administration would continue to engage with stakeholders to address the root causes of this repeated violence in Plateau State and other parts of the country. He however warned that no responsible government would allow anarchy to replace law and order.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that following civil unrest in parts of Jos north and Jos south local government areas of Plateau, the state government, on Friday, September 28, imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the two areas.

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Richard Tokma, the Acting Secretary to the government of the State (SGS), announced this in a statement issued on Friday in Jos.

Nigeria Latest News: IDPs in Plateau - The Herdsmen Have Taken Over Our Villages | Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit
By Jerri-Lynn Scofield, who has worked as a securities lawyer and a derivatives trader. She is currently writing a book about textile artisans.

The Department of Justice (DoJ) yesterday filed a lawsuit against the state of California alleging that its Senate Bill 822, which would restore net neutrality and was signed into law earlier during the day by Governor Jerry Brown, unlawfully imposes burdens on the Federal Governments deregulatory approach to the Internet, according to a DoJ press release.

The California bill is one of several state measures to roll back the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) 2017 decision to scupper net neutrality. At least half of US states have introduced bills restoring net neutrality and three states Oregon, Vermont, and Washington have already enacted legislation. Governors in six states Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Montana, Rhode Island, Vermont have signed executive orders to this effect, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The Los Angeles Times in California enacts strongest net neutrality protections in the nation  and the Trump administration sues summarized the California measure:

Experts have said the new law would impose the toughest net neutrality regulations in the country by reinstating the rolled-back federal regulations at the state level. It tasks the state attorney general with evaluating potential evasion of the net neutrality rules. It also adds new restrictions on some zero-rated data plans, package deals that allow companies such as Verizon or Comcast to exempt some calls, texts or other content from counting against a customers data plan. Those limits prohibit plans that exempt content from some companies but not the same type of content from others  video streamed on YouTube but not Hulu, for example.

The California law goes farther than the previously existing federal net neutrality rules on zero rating, and, according, to The Verge in Trump administration sues California over tough net neutrality law:

Zero-rating is an area that has proved particularly divisive. The Obama eras net neutrality rules did not explicitly ban the practice (it left it open for further study), but Californias new legislation does. Although Pai claims that zero-rating is popular amongst lower-income Americans, others argue that it gives incumbent internet services an unfair market advantage, while letting internet providers pick the winners and losers. In other words, what chance does a new streaming media service have if internet providers can bundle free access to Netflix without it impacting users data caps?

Trump Administration Policy: Bring It On

Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued the following statement yesterday, according to the DoJ:

Under the Constitution, states do not regulate interstate commercethe federal government does. Once again the California legislature has enacted an extreme and illegal state law attempting to frustrate federal policy. The Justice Department should not have to spend valuable time and resources to file this suit today, but we have a duty to defend the prerogatives of the federal government and protect our Constitutional order. We will do so with vigor. We are confident that we will prevail in this casebecause the facts are on our side.

And FCC Chairman Ajit Pai also had his say, according to the DoJ:

Im pleased the Department of Justice has filed this suit. The Internet is inherently an interstate information service. As such, only the federal government can set policy in this area. And the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit recently reaffirmed that state regulation of information services is preempted by federal law. Not only is Californias Internet regulation law illegal, it also hurts consumers. The law prohibits many free-data plans, which allow consumers to stream video, music, and the like exempt from any data limits. They have proven enormously popular in the marketplace, especially among lower-income Americans. But notwithstanding the consumer benefits, this state law bans them. The Internet is free and open today, and it will continue to be under the light-touch protections of the FCCs Restoring Internet Freedom Order. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Department of Justice to ensure the Internet remains unfettered by Federal or State regulation, as federal law requires, and the domain of engineers, entrepreneurs, and technologists, not lawyers and bureaucrats.

Other Lawsuits

In addition to the latest DoJ action, broadband providers are expected separately to sue states including California that enact their own net neutrality rules, the New York Times reports in Justice Department Sues to Stop California Net Neutrality Law:

USTelecom, a trade group representing big broadband providers such as Verizon and Charter, criticized the rules for creating separate rules for California and other states. The group did not reply to questions on immediate plans for a lawsuit but several industry officials say the state rules are likely to be challenged.

And in January, California and other states sued the federal government over the repeal of the federal net neutrality rules. Amazon and Facebook have filed brief s in support of the states lawsuits, according to the LA Times.

Back to Congress?

Congress will certainly revisit the net neutrality issue especially if Democrats capture either chamber in the mid-terms (see my previous post, Net Neutrality: FCCs Scuppering Will Stand; Meanwhile, India Adopts Worlds Most Sweeping Protections). Currently, a resolution seeking to restore net neutrality nationwide has passed the House, but is considered unlikely to clear the House, Politico reports in Trump administration sues California over net neutrality law.

Telecoms providers which benefit from the FCCs December 2017 repeal might support tossing the issue back to Congress, according to the New York Times:

Rather than 50 states stepping in with their own conflicting open internet solutions, we need Congress to step up with a national framework for the whole internet ecosystem and resolve this issue once and for all, Jonathan Spalter, the president of USTelecom, said in a statement.

And in fact, some Democrats have also endorsed this scenario, according to Politico:

Sensing a winning political issue, congressional Democrats have spotlighted the states net neutrality efforts. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi had urged Brown to sign the bill and predicted it could lend critical leverage to federal lawmakers. Once we establish California as a model of a state taking action, other states may follow, and then I think you may see some of corporate America say OK, lets have a federal law, because we dont want to have to do different things in different states, Pelosi said at a recent press conference in San Francisco.

So, the saga continues. Pass the popcorn.
Lambert here: Even if we withdrew all our troops from the Middle East tomorrow, would that prevent any blowback to come?

By Danny Sjursen, a U.S. Army strategist and former history instructor at West Point. He served tours with reconnaissance units in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He has written a memoir and critical analysis of the Iraq War, Ghostriders of Baghdad: Soldiers, Civilians, and the Myth of the Surge. Originally published at TomDispatch.

He was shot in the back, the ultimate act of treachery. On September 3rd, a U.S Army sergeant major was killed by two Afghan police officers  the very people his unit, the new Security Force Assistance Brigade, was there to train. It was the second fatal insider attack, as such incidents are regularly called, this year and the 102nd since the start of the Afghan War 17 long years ago. Such attacks are sometimes termed green-on-blue incidents (in Army lingo, green forces are U.S. allies and blue forces Americans). For obvious reasons, they are highly destructive to the military mission of training and advising local military and security forces in Afghanistan. Such attacks, not surprisingly, sow distrust and fear, creating distance between Western troops and their supposed Afghan partners.

Reading about this latest tragic victim of Washingtons war in Afghanistan, the seventh American death this year and 2,416th since 2001, I got to thinking about those insider attacks and the bigger story that they embodied. Considered a certain way, U.S. policy across the Greater Middle East has, in fact, produced one insider attack after another.

Short-term thinking, expedience, and a lack of strategic caution (or direction) has led Washington to train, fund, and support group after group that, soon enough, turned its guns on American soldiers and civilians. Its a long, sordid tale that stretches back decades  and one that, unlike the individual instances of treachery that kill or maim American servicemen, receives next to no attention. Its worth thinking about, though, because if U.S. policies had been radically different, such green-on-blue incidents might never have occurred. So lets consider the last decades of American war-making in the context of insider attacks.

The Ground Zero of Insider Attacks: Afghanistan (1979-present)

In 1979, the Washington foreign policy elite saw everything through the prism of a possible existential Cold War clash between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Such a focus tended to erase local context, nuance, and complexity, leading the U.S. to back a range of nefarious actors as long as they were allies in the struggle against communism.

So in December 1979, when the Soviet Union invaded neighboring Afghanistan, Washington knew just what to do. With the help of the Saudis and the Pakistanis, the CIA financed, trained, and armed  eventually with sophisticated anti-aircraft Stinger missiles, among other weapons  a range of anti-Soviet militias. And it worked! Eight years later, having suffered more than 10,000 combat deaths in its own version of Vietnam, the Red Army left Afghanistan in defeat (and, soon after, the Soviet Union itself imploded).

The problem was that many of those anti-Communist Afghans were also fiercely Islamist, often extreme in their views, and ultimately anti-Western as well as anti-Soviet  and among them, as you undoubtedly remember, was a youthful Saudi by the name of Osama bin Laden.

It was, then, an easy-to-overlook reality. After all, the Islamist mujahideen (as they were generally called) were astute enough to fight one enemy at a time and knew where their proverbial bread was being buttered. As long as the money and arms kept flowing in and the more immediate Soviet threat loomed, even the most extreme of them were willing to play nice with Americans. It was a marriage of convenience. Few in Washington bothered to ask what they would do with all those guns once the Soviets left town.

Recent scholarship and newly opened Russian archives suggest that the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan was driven as much by defensiveness and insecurity as by any notion of triumphal regional conquest. Despite the fears of officials in the administrations of presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, the Soviets never had the capacity or the intent to march through Afghanistan and seize the oil fields of the Persian Gulf. Like so much Cold War-era thinking, this was pure fantasy and the meddling that went with it anything but necessary.

After the Soviet exit, Afghanistan fell into a long period of chaos, as various mujahideen leaders became local warlords, fought with one another, and terrorized average Afghans. Frustrated by their venality, former mujahideen, aided by students radicalized in madrassas in Pakistani refugee camps (schools that had often been financed by Americas stalwart partner, Saudi Arabia), formed the Taliban movement. Many of its leaders and soldiers had once been funded and armed by the CIA. By 1996, it had swept to power in most of the country, implementing a reign of Islamist terror. Still, that movement was broadly popular in its early years for bringing order to chaos and misery.

And lets not forget one other small but influential mujahideen group that the U.S. had backed: the Afghan Arabs, as they were called  fiercely Islamist foreigners who flocked to that country to fight the godless Soviets. The most notable among them was, of course, Osama bin Laden  and the rest, as they say, is history.

Bin Laden and other Afghan War veterans would form al-Qaeda, bomb American embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998, blow up the USS Cole in Yemen in 2000, and take down the Twin Towers and part of the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. These, though, were only the most well known acts of those anti-Soviet war vets. Thousands of Afghan Arabs left that war zone and returned to their own countries with plenty of zeal and fight still in them. Those veterans would then form local terror organizations that would challenge or help destabilize secular governments in the Middle East and North Africa.

After 9/11, the question on many American minds was simple enough: Why do they hate us? Too few had the knowledge or the sense of history that might have led to far more relevant questions: How did the U.S. contribute to what happened and to what extent was it blowback from previous American operations? Unfortunately, few such questions were raised as the Bush administration headed into what would become a 17-year, still-spreading regional war not on a nation or even a set of nations, but on a tactic, terror.

Still, its worth reflecting on Americas complicity in its own 9/11 devastation. In a strange fashion, given Washingtons history in Afghanistan, 9/11 could be seen as the most devastating insider attack of all.

The Many Iraq Wars (1980-present)

The 2003 invasion of Iraq  Operation Iraqi Freedom as it was optimistically named  may go down as one of the more foolish wars in American history  and many of the attacks on U.S. troops that followed from it over the years might be considered green-on-blue ones. After all, Washington would, in the end, train and back so many diffuse groups that a number of the members of various terror and insurgent outfits were once on the U.S. payroll.

It began, of course, with Saddam Hussein, the brutal Iraqi dictator whom the American people would be assured (in 1990 and again in 2003) was the next Hitler. In the 1980s, however, the U.S. government had backed him in his invasion of Iran (then as now considered a mortal enemy) and the eight-year stalemated war that followed. The U.S. even gave his forces crucial targeting intelligence for the use of his chemical weapons against Iranian troop formations, embittering the Iranians for years to come.

The Reagan administration also took Iraq off the State Departments list of state sponsors of terror and even allowed the sale of components vital to Saddams production of those chemical weapons. Nearly a million people died in that grim war and then, just two years after it ended, the U.S. found that, for its efforts, Saddam would send his troops into neighboring Kuwait and threaten to roll over Americas key ally in the region (then as now), Saudi Arabia. That, of course, kicked off another major Iraqi conflagration, again involving Washington: the First Persian Gulf War.

At the end of that victory, President George H.W. Bush encouraged Iraqs oppressed Shia and Kurdish populations to rise up and overthrow Saddams largely Sunni regime. And rebel they did until, bereft of the slightest meaningful support from Washington, they were defeated and massacred. More than a decade later, in 2003, when the U.S. again invaded Iraq  this time under the false pretense that Saddam had weapons of mass destruction  Americans were assured that most civilians (especially the embattled Shia majority) would cheer the arrival of Uncle Sams military machine.

In reality, it took less then a year for Shia militias to form and begin openly attacking U.S. troops (with a helping hand later from the Iranians, who had their own bitter American legacy to recall). You see, those Shia  unlike most Americans  still remembered how Washington had betrayed them in 1991 and so launched their own versions of insider attacks on U.S. soldiers.

However, from 2003 to 2007 (including the period when I served as part of the U.S. occupation force in Baghdad), the main threat came from Sunni insurgents. They were a diverse lot, including former Saddam loyalists and military officers (whom the U.S. had thrown out onto the street when it disbanded his army), Islamist jihadis, and Iraqi nationalists who simply opposed a foreign occupation of their country. As Iraq fell into chaos  I was there to see it happen  Washington turned to a savior general, David Petraeus, armed with a plan to surge U.S. troops into key Sunni regions and lower the violence there before Democrats in Congress lost patience and started calling for an end to the American role in that country.

In the years that followed, the statistics seemed to vindicate the Petraeus miracle. Using divide-and-conquer tactics, he paid off the tribal leaders, who became known as the Sunni Awakening movement, to turn their guns on more Islamist-focused Sunni groups. Many of his new allies had only recently been insurgents with American blood on their hands.

Still, the gamble seemed to work  until it didnt. In 2011, after the Obama administration withdrew most American troops from the country, the Shia-dominated (and U.S.-backed) government in Baghdad failed to continue to pay the awakened Sunnis or integrate them into the official security forces. Im sure you can guess what happened next. Sunni grievances led to mass protests, which led to a Shia crackdown, which led to the explosion of a new insurgent terror group: the Islamic State, or ISIS, whose origins  talk about insider  can be traced back to the inspiration of al-Qaeda and to a group initially known as al-Qaeda in Iraq.

In fact, it was a dirty secret that many of the Awakening veterans either joined or tacitly supported ISIS in 2013 or thereafter, seeing that brutal group as the best bet for protecting Sunni power from Shia chauvinism and American deceit. Soon enough, the U.S. military was back in action (as it still is today) in response to ISIS conquests that included some of Iraqs major cities. And if all of that doesnt qualify as a tale of blowback, what does?

Yemen, Syria, and Beyond (2011-forever)

Syria is a humanitarian disaster area and no U.S. administration has demonstrated anything resembling a coherent or consistent strategy when it comes to that country. Torn between Iraq War fatigue and military overstretch, the Obama team waffled on what its policy there should even be and ultimately failed to achieve anything of substance  except to potentially sow the seeds for future insider attacks. Indeed, a paltry (yet startlingly expensive) CIA attempt to arm moderate rebels opposed to the regime of Syrian strongman Bashar al-Assad turned out to be wholly counterproductive. Some of those arms were ultimately reported to have made their way into the hands of extremist groups like the al-Nusra Front, an al-Qaeda franchise in Syria. In a situation where truth proved more farcical than fiction, the $500 million effort to train anti-ISIS rebels managed to train four or five of them, according to the top U.S. military commander overseeing the Syrian effort.

In Yemen, in a Saudi-led war in which the U.S. has been shamelessly complicit, a brutal bombing campaign waged largely against civilians and a blockade of rebel ports have undoubtedly sown the seeds for future insider attacks. Beyond the staggering humanitarian toll  a minimum of 10,000 civilian deaths, mass starvation, and the outbreak of the worlds worst cholera epidemic in modern memory  there is already strategic blowback that could harm future American security. As the U.S. military provides in-flight refueling of Saudi planes, smart bombs for them to drop, and vital intelligence, it is also undoubtedly helping its future enemies. The chaos, violence, and ungoverned spaces that war has created are, for instance, empowering the al-Qaeda franchise there, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), one of the most active and dangerous jihadist crews around. When, however, AQAP inevitably succeeds in some future strike aimed at Americans or their property, precious few pundits and policymakers will call it by its proper name: an insider attack.

So, as we lament the death of yet another soldier in a green-on-blue strike in Afghanistan, its worth thinking about the broader contours of U.S. policy across the Greater Middle East and Africa in these years. Is anything the U.S. doing, anyone it is empowering or arming, likely to make the Middle East or America any safer? If not, wouldnt a different, less interventionist approach be the essence of sober strategy?

It may, of course, be too late. Washingtons military policies since 9/11 have alienated tens of millions of Muslims across the Greater Middle East and elsewhere. Grievances are gestating, plots unfolding, and new terror outfits gaining recruits due to the very presence of the U.S. military, its air power, and the CIAs drone force in a war that is about to enter its 18th year. Seen in this light, its hard not to believe that more anti-U.S. insider attacks arent on the way.

The question is only where and when, not if.
By Carmen Arroyo, a journalist and regular contributor to Inter Press Service. Originally published at Inter Press Service

When the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) was founded eight years ago, the general public thought that renewable energies would never replace oil and coal. Today, the tables have turned.

Dr. Frank Rijsberman has been the director general of the institute since 2016, and for him, green growth is no longer a matter of morality, but of economics. Renewable energies are now cheaper than fossil fuels. They create employment, do not pollute and provide countries with the amount of energy they need. Last week he joined several side events at the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

GGGI is an intergovernmental organisation that works with over 60 countries. It seeks commitments among governments and private companies to switch to green growtheconomic growth that takes into account environmental sustainability.

The organisation, based in Seoul, South Korea, works mainly with governments that express an interest in sustainable growth. Its work does not directly depend on changes in administrations.

Under Rijsberman, GGGI has consulted with Colombia on their protection of the Amazon rainforest, the United Arab Emirates on how to diversify its economy, and more recently with New Zealand. Rijsberman is especially proud of the organisations work in Ethiopia and Rwanda, with its president Paul Kagame, who he considers a champion of green growth.

Rijsberman is not only very knowledgeable, he also calls his job his passion. When he describes GGGIs presence worldwide, he jumps from Australia to Ethiopia, from South Korea to Mexico, and from Norway to the Philippines.

He talks slowly, like a teacher giving his first class, or a father trying to get his point through. And when he talks about GGGIs achievements, he smiles in the affable way most Dutch people do. His excitement is justified: renewable energies are the present. And public opinion cares. Excerpts of the interview follow:

Inter Press Service (IPS): Why has green growth become relevant?

Frank Rijsberman (FR): A variety of countries are already convinced green growth is their only option for pollution and climate reasons. For example in Asia, air pollution is a strong driver of investors in green growth. In Seoul, everybody checks the air condition in the morning, because it is a real issue. We have to decide whether we are going to wear air masks or not. In the West, last summer we saw fires and heat waves. And in Africa, the average farmer is convinced the climate has changed.

Ive been involved in climate change for a long time, and it used to be something we talked about that would happen in a 100 years. Then for our grandchildren. Then our children and then its today.

Before, ministers of finance used to say they wanted first to develop and then they would care about the climate. Now, they also care about the quality of growth.

IPS: Has that international public opinion changed since United States president Donald Trumps election?

FR: The truth is that the U.S. government was very influential in making the Paris Agreement exist in the first place. We have to thank them for that. They brought China to the table.

And after Trump was elected, the Chinese government did not back out, because solar and wind has become cheaper than coal. Wind energy prices have dropped by 66 percent and solar by 86 percent. In the last three years, the atmosphere has changed. There is a stronger belief that renewable energies are making a breakthrough.

Apart from the prices, the second big deal is batteries.Generally, you need a grid or a diesel generator to back solar and wind up. But instead of using diesel generators, now we can use batteries that store energy. Battery prices have also gone down by 80 precent. And over the next five years, batteries will be cheaper than the diesel backups. The investment recommendation we make is to buy batteries now, not diesel generators.

IPS: Where have renewable energies impacted the most?

FR: For example, in electricity production, weve seen a huge disruption. Most of the investments go to renewable energies. However, electricity is only 20 percent of energy use.

The other 80 percent is transportation and buildings. But I am confident that in some years, electric vehicles will be cheaper than normal fuel cars. These autonomous vehicles could reduce the number of vehicles in cities by three, which would reduce pollution, traffic, and costs.

IPS: The institute must also face challenges when promoting green growth. Is shifting investment patterns its biggest challenge?

FR: Yes. The hardest has been convincing Southeast Asian countries with fast-growing economies. They still invest in coal. Convincing those governments that solar and wind are cheaper remains the biggest challenge.

Sometimes we also find resistance in the utilities, companies that work with fossil fuels. Weve had one government for which we did a plan for renewable energies, and then they told us they had already signed with fossil fuels. There are also countries where hotels want to put solars on their rooftops, but utilities say: we will cut you off the grid.

However, once the government agrees, it can take a short amount of time for them to transition to sustainable energies. In India it took two years. India had coal fired power plants. But as soon as the price of renewables decreased, the coal fired plants went down.

The example of Canberra (Australia) is also enlightening. They decided they wanted to be renewable by 2020. So, they put solars in schools, and they made it accessible so people could also put it on their homes. People got used to it and then they moved to utility-scale renewables.

IPS: Does this resistance in transitioning have to do with the loss of jobs?

FR: In the end there are gonna be more jobs with renewables than with coal. Trump talks about the job losses in coal, but he doesnt talk about the new jobs with renewables. Its true they may not be the same people, so you need some formal training. But that is normal. One industry dies and another is born.

IPS: You have been director general for two years, what have you achieved so far?

FR: GGGI has been strong in policy for a number of years. My predecessor saw there was a gap in developing bankable projects, and he started green investment finance services.

In 2017, we mobilised half a billion dollars in green and climate finance for the first time. I increased our goals to mobilise a couple billion dollars in our strategic planning. We raise it by investor commitments. Although our clients are governments, sometimes they cant find investment themselves for renewable plans. We help find projects, we bring investors to the table, they sign a letter of intent, we hand it to the government and they decide over it.

IPS: And what do you want to accomplish in the next two years?

FR: We want to demonstrate that we can do it. Our goal for 2020 is to raise more than two and a half billion dollars in green and climate finance. And then convince more governments that this is crucial. Not only renewable energy, also waste management, pollution, and green jobs. We want to get more evidence that this works, and scale it to more countries. Our goal is to transform countries economies to green growth.
(signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Multinational Special Aviation Program by the Defence Ministers of Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, and Slovenia)
(Natural News) Do you know flu propaganda when you see it? As Dr. Robert Scott Bell, of The Robert Scott Bell Show, contends, the great flu fear propaganda campaign is in full swing already. Indeed, it seems the push to make people afraid and go get their flu shots starts earlier every year. U.S. health officials recently revealed that there were two major health scares at stateside airports. Channel News Asia reports that two inbound flights involving passengers who were returning from the Haj, which is the Muslim pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, were part of an alleged health scare.

According to reports, authorities sent an emergency response team with mobile diagnostic equipment to New Yorks John F Kennedy International Airport. More than 100 passengers aboard an Emirates airlines flight from Dubai were reportedly experiencing flu-like symptoms. But hardly any of the 100 passengers involved were found to actually be sick with flu  though thats not how the media is portraying things.

The media promotes flu fear

The CDCs director for the division of Global Migration and Quarantine at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Martin Cetron, confirmed with Reuters in a phone interview that 11 patients were sent to a nearby hospital for further testing.

Ultimately, ten people were tested for an array of diseases. Just two tested positive for a strain of influenza A. One of the patients presented with pneumonia and was co-infected with a respiratory infection, and a third tested positive for a cold virus.

There has been tremendous media mayhem about an epidemic and the mecca flu  while there were just two cases of flu actually confirmed. Two cases of flu does not an epidemic make, but the fear-mongering continues anyway. The media is once again complicit in pushing the vaccine agenda.

As Dr. Robert Scott Bell notes, the three-ring media circus pumping out fear-mongering headlines, pro-flu shot propaganda is everywhere. Despite the predicted 20 percent efficacy rate, health officials are calling for everyone to get vaccinated, as usual. Bell contends that the media is just trying to freak you out over the flu. If they cant just coax people into getting jabbed, a fear campaign is their next best bet, after all.

Health officials are actually suggesting that people need to get vaccinated with the flu shot before the end of October to ensure they are protected.

In their artificial reality of the immune system, the only way you could survive anything is by having an antibody, Dr. Bell states, noting that this is a very immature understanding of how the immune system works. Antibodies are just one of many parts to the immune system. As Bell notes, antibodies arent a guaranteed protection, as the immune system can still be deficient in other areas.

Bell argues that the media is purposely making people afraid of germs and viruses, without ever telling them that a compromised immune system plays a bigger role in the onset of illness than just exposure. Indeed, a strong, healthy immune system is the best defense against disease  not that Big Pharma and their medical industry lackeys would ever tell you that.

As Dr. Bell explains, the symptoms of disease we experience are actually your body fighting off infection and trying to restore balance, or homeostasis.

The flu shot fraud

In many ways, the flu vaccine promotes more disease and illness than it prevents.

Mike Adams, founder of Natural News and Brighteon.com, has spoken out about the fraud behind flu vaccines for years. In a shocking report last year, Adams wrote:

My independent atomic elemental analysis of flu vaccines, published in the summer of 2014, proved that flu vaccines contain over 50 ppm mercury, an extremely toxic heavy metal linked to kidney failure, birth defects, spontaneous abortions and neurological damage. This finding has never been refuted by anyone. In fact, it was affirmed by vaccine proponents who insisted that it is perfectly safe to inject pregnant women, young children and senior citizens with mercury even though the flu vaccine insert itself readily admits there is no scientific evidence whatsoever to support the safety and efficacy of the vaccine in such groups.

Despite the claims that mercury is no longer in vaccines, there is substantial proof to the contrary  including on vaccine packaging itself.

See more coverage of the flu shot and more at Vaccines.news.

Sources for this article include:

Brighteon.com

ChannelNewsAsia.com
(Natural News) Already angry over their inability to control the flow of politics in Washington, the militant Left is getting even angrier. And more militant.

Following a week in which Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee were unable to stop a hugely qualified constitutional jurist, Brett Kavanaugh, from advancing to a vote of the full Senate despite the use of a hail Mary sexual assault allegation, the perpetually triggered Left is lurching towards a full meltdown, even to the point of openly calling for violence against all conservatives and supporters of POTUS Donald Trump.

As noted by PJ Media, self-avowed Communists took to social media as keyboard warriors to discuss strategies for armed insurrection against those they have identified as their enemies:

Dr. Bones, the co-host of the far-left podcast The Guillotine, started the conversation going with his 5,000-plus Twitter followers. Bones (@Ole_Bonsey on Twitter) asked: Hey quick little question for military minded lefties: should leftists train/organize in a insurgent focus where they blend into a civilian population for potential attacks or a more militia structure focused on holding/maintaining turf?

From there the online conversation progressed into discussions of weapons, tactics, and moving among the population freely without being noticed  guerilla warfare-style. At one point Dr. Bones told his followers he had ordered a book by Seth G. Jones, Waging Insurgent Warfare: Lessons from the Vietcong to the Islamic State.

Id check this out. Details 181 insurgencies, how they started, how they were successful, the tactics they used, and how they ended, he tweeted. First hand documents, interviews, even loads of statistical data! My copy is on its way!

The group discussed forming hidden cells that would concentrate on staging ambushes and assassinations, with the objective being to bleed right-leaning forces dry. Bones said during the daytime revolutionaries should be seen as helping everybody, but never discuss their nighttime activities.

Now, you might think that this is harmless banter between Che Guevara wannabes who do all of their talking on social media, but its becoming far too common in the Trump era.

No doubt the FBI and Department of Homeland Security are aware of these activities and are tracking them  if youre a real revolutionary youre not plotting on social media  but the fact that some people feel comfortable enough talking about these kinds of things in an open forum is disturbing. (Related: Scalise warns: Democrat-supporting LEFT inciting more and more violence.)

At some point, the right will respond in kind

What makes the risk even greater is that, without question, discussions like these inspire certain people to eventually think that violence is a much better political solution than traditional means such as candidates using public forums and other methods to reach out to voters and convince them, with better ideas, to lend their support.

We have to ask ourselves how many dog whistles from Antifa protesters and elected Democrats did James T. Hodgkinson, of Belleville, Ill., hear before traveling to Northern Virginia in the summer of 2017 with intent of assassinating Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., and as many other Republicans as possible?

How many times does Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., get to call on supporters to physically confront Republicans and Trump Cabinet members in public before one of them harms or kills someone?

How many more times will Republican lawmakers have to suffer through public shaming confrontations in restaurants and other places before one of them is attacked?

So, in that vein, its imperative that we address this growing insurgency, if you will, and stop it in its tracks before we have a real-live shooting war on our hands.

Our founding fathers could only take so much perceived abuse from Great Britain before they decided theyd be willing to risk life, limb, and fortune to fight back. After decades of arguing over slavery, the North and the South split and war ensued.

The thing to remember is that those events did not happen overnight. They took time to fester.

Read more about the coming second civil war at CivilWar.news.

Sources include:

TheNationalSentinel.com

PJMedia.com
(Natural News) By now, millions of Americans have seen the clip of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., forcefully and passionately defending Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh during a sham of a hearing on Thursday, in which the judge appeared to defend his well-earned good name against sexual assault allegations that have no corroboration.

Weve seen a lot of political theater over the years, and much of it was just that  theater. Much of what passed for passion or outrage on Capitol Hill is manufactured because at the end of the day, most members of Congress still sit down with one another and socialize, no matter what side of the political aisle they are on.

If you missed it, here it is:

Grahams defense of Kavanaugh and his anger at Democrats for what theyre trying to do to him was as genuine as it gets. Frankly, it was refreshing to see a conservative Republican backer of POTUS Donald Trump erupt in a manner befitting the grotesque nature of the Democrats attacks on Kavanaughs character, all without a shred of evidence to prove them.

Kavanaugh himself gave a great opening statement, where he, too, forcefully defended himself against allegations of sexual misconduct by Christine Blasey Ford, a Palo Alto University professor who swears that the nominee assaulted her 35-plus years ago at a high school gathering, though four witnesses she named all deny her charges and she herself has given conflicting information without corroboration.

He just as forcefully defended himself against Democrat allegations  that he is evil, that people will die if hes appointed to the Supreme Court  as well as the millions of dollars spent in opposition to his nomination by Left-wing, Marxist groups financed by serial political meddler George Soros.

He forcefully defended his career, which is replete with successes, but which is conspicuously absent any claims or allegations of any sexual improprieties of any nature (more than 65 women who know and/or have worked with him through the decades as he rose through the ranks of government and the Judicial Branch have vouched for him).

Kavanaugh also lashed out at how baseless, uncorroborated allegations have put his wife and family at risk and under threat.

Wouldnt anyone be angry at being falsely accused?

At times he was visibly angry, and he had no problem letting anyone on the Senate Judiciary Committee know it  especially Democratic members. And why shouldnt he be angry? Hes been accused of some of the most horrific things (including facilitating gang rape); wouldnt anyone who has been charged falsely be equally agitated? (Related: Christine Blasey Fords story falls apart; dishonest tactics to delay the Kavanaugh confirmation exposed.)

But for passionately defending himself and his family, Kavanaugh was even attacked for that.

The disgustingly dishonest New York Times turned Kavanaughs passionate defense of his own character into a racial thing in order to bash the president with this headline, Kavanaugh Borrows From Trumps Playbook on White Male Anger. The takeaway here, of course, is that only white men who support POTUS approve of the nominees demeanor.

Left-wing Think Progress noted, Brett Kavanaughs angry remarks draw widespread criticism online. Well, sure. But so, too, was his demeanor and response widely praised  so why is this a story?

Some tried to equate his anger to Fords accusations  something along the lines of, well, we can sure imagine him being an angry drunk taking it out on women Right; just like we can imagine a dinosaur trashing Tokyo.

Other goofballs on the usual suspect cable networks  such as CNN and MSNBC claimed Kavanaugh was injudicious in appearance, unhinged, and scary.

Fox News Laura Ingraham mocked the medias criticism of Kavanaughs anger, noting that as a law student clerking for federal judges, shes seen plenty of them get vocal.

But the point is lost that this man has been accused  without proof or evidence and with lots of denials from supposed witnesses  of doing horrific things. Why is he expected to meekly accept them?

Read more about how the White House is handling the Kavanaugh nomination at WhiteHouse.news.

Sources include:

TheNationalSentinel.com

NewsTarget.com

NYTimes.com
California Gov. Jerry Brown signed the nation's toughest net neutrality measure Sunday, requiring internet providers to maintain a level playing field online. The move prompted an immediate lawsuit by the Trump administration.

Advocates of net neutrality hope the new law in the home of the global technology industry will have national implications by pushing Congress to enact national net neutrality rules or encouraging other states to follow suit.

But the U.S. Department of Justice wants to stop the law in its tracks, arguing that it creates burdensome, anti-consumer requirements that go against the federal government's approach of deregulating the Internet.

"Once again the California Legislature has enacted an extreme and illegal state law attempting to frustrate federal policy," U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement.

The law is the latest example of the nation's most populous state seeking to drive public policy outside its borders and rebuff President Donald Trump's agenda.

Brown did not explain his reasons for signing the bill when the decision was announced, but supporters cheered it as a win for Internet freedom.

"This is a historic day for California. A free and open internet is a cornerstone of 21st century life: our democracy, our economy, our health care and public safety systems, and day-to-day activities," said Democratic Sen. Scott Wiener, the law's author.

The Federal Communications Commission last year repealed rules that prevented internet companies from exercising more control over what people watch and see on the internet.

Telecommunications companies lobbied hard to kill it or water it down, saying it would lead to higher internet and cellphone bills and discourage investments in faster internet. They say it's unrealistic to expect them to comply with internet regulations that differ from state to state.

USTelecom, a telecommunications trade group, said California writing its own rules will create problems.

"Rather than 50 states stepping in with their own conflicting open internet solutions, we need Congress to step up with a national framework for the whole internet ecosystem and resolve this issue once and for all," the group said in a Sunday statement.

Net neutrality advocates worry that without rules, internet providers could create fast lanes and slow lanes that favor their own sites and apps or make it harder for consumers to see content from competitors.

That could limit consumer choice or shut out upstart companies that can't afford to buy access to the fast lane, critics say.

The new law prohibits internet providers from blocking or slowing data based on content or from favoring websites or video streams from companies that pay extra.

It also bans "zero rating," in which internet providers don't count certain content against a monthly data cap  generally video streams produced by the company's own subsidiaries and partners.

Oregon, Washington and Vermont have approved legislation related to net neutrality, but California's measure is seen as the most comprehensive attempt to codify the principle in a way that might survive a likely court challenge. An identical bill was introduced in New York.

Here's a list of bills signed by Brown on Sunday:

AB 929 by Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park)  Spousal support factors: domestic violence.

AB 1619 by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Palo Alto)  Sexual assault: statutes of limitations on civil actions.

AB 1976 by Assemblymember Monique Limn (D-Goleta)  Employment: lactation accommodation.

AB 2044 by Assemblymember Mark Stone (D-Scotts Valley)  Domestic violence: family court.

AB 2289 by Assemblymember Shirley Weber (D-San Diego)  Pupil rights: pregnant and parenting pupils.

AB 2302 by Assemblymember Catharine Baker (R-Dublin)  Child abuse: sexual assault: mandated reporters: statute of limitations.

AB 2507 by Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles)  County jails: infant and toddler breast milk feeding policy.

AB 2626 by Assemblymember Kevin Mullin (D-South San Francisco)  Child care services.

AB 2698 by Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park)  California state preschool programs: general child care and development programs: mental health consultation services: adjustment factors.

AB 2785 by Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park)  Student services: lactation accommodations.

AB 3082 by Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D-San Diego)  In-home supportive services.

AB 3109 by Assemblymember Mark Stone (D-Scotts Valley)  Contracts: waiver of right of petition or free speech.

AB 3118 by Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco)  Sexual assault: investigations.

SB 224 by Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara)  Personal rights: civil liability and enforcement.

SB 419 by Senator Anthony Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge)  Legislature: Whistleblower protection and retaliation prevention.

SB 820 by Senator Connie Leyva (D-Chino)  Settlement agreements: confidentiality.

SB 826 by Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara)  Corporations: boards of directors. A signing message can be found here.

SB 1300 by Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara)  Unlawful employment practices: discrimination and harassment.

SB 1343 by Senator Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles)  Employers: sexual harassment training: requirements.
California Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed Assembly Bill 186 on Sunday, which would have allowed the city and county of San Francisco to open safe injection sites following a three-year pilot program, according to the governor's office.

The bill, which was one of many that crossed the governor's desk on Sunday, was co-authored by Assemblyman Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco and introduced by Assemblywoman Susan Eggman, D-Stockton. It passed in both the Assembly and Senate floors before going to Brown's desk in early September.

The governor said in a statement that despite the belief of supporters that the centers would have a positive impact and reduce deaths from drug use, non-supporters - including police, drug court judges and the rehab treatment industry - didn't agree with the "harm reduction" approach the bill was hoping to achieve.

"Fundamentally, I don't believe that enabling illegal drug use in government-sponsored injection centers - with no corresponding requirement that the user undergo treatment - will reduce drug addiction," Brown said in a statement.

Brown also said that although the bill creates immunity under state law, there are no protections under federal law, and cited a claim from United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions that prosecution of local officials and healthcare professional would take place if the bill was passed into law.

Wiener issued a statement voicing his strong disappointment to the veto and the threat of federal prosecution.

"We should not allow threats from a backward federal government stop us from helping people who are dying on our streets," Wiener said. "The status quo is not working ... Safe injection sites provide people with an opportunity to inject in a clean, safe environment with healthcare personnel available to prevent overdoses, and with an opportunity to offer people addiction, healthcare, housing and other services. These sites save lives, and today's veto is definitely a lost opportunity."

San Francisco Mayor London Breed also expressed displeasure over the governor's decision not to sign the bill into law.

"If we are going to stop the drug use we see in public every day and get the needles off our streets, we need proven public health solutions," Breed said in a statement. "

We have seen these sites work in cities in other countries and we know they not only save lives, but they can save our city money by reducing costs for healthcare and emergency services."
The Supreme Court is refusing to hear an appeal from a California billionaire who doesn't want to open a road on his property so that the public can access a beach.

The justices said Monday that they will not take up Vinod Khosla's appeal of a California appeals court decision. The case had the potential to upend California's longstanding efforts to keep beaches open to the public.

Khosla bought the property in the San Francisco Bay Area for $32.5 million in 2008 and later blocked the public from accessing it. That prompted a lawsuit by the nonprofit Surfrider Foundation.

A state appeals court ruled last year that Khosla needed to apply for a coastal development permit before denying public access.

Khosla  a venture capitalist who co-founded the Silicon Valley technology company, Sun Microsystems  closed a gate, put up a no-access sign and painted over a billboard at the entrance to the property that had advertised access to the beach, according to the appellate ruling.

The secluded beach south of Half Moon Bay, about 35 miles south of San Francisco, is only accessible by a road that goes over Khosla's land.

The previous owners of the property allowed public access to the beach for a fee. But Khosla's attorneys say the cost to maintain the beach and other facilities far exceeded revenue from the fees.

The government cannot demand that people keep their private property open to the public without paying them to do so, Khosla's attorneys said in their appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The state appeals court ruling would "throw private property rights in California into disarray," the appeal argued, saying other property owners along California's coast would prefer to exclude the public.

The Surfrider Foundation said Khosla's appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court was premature because he had not yet applied for a permit and received a decision from the state.

"This win helps to secure beach access for all people, as is enshrined in our laws," said Angela Howe, legal director of the foundation. "The Surfrider Foundation will always fight to preserve the rights of the many from becoming the assets of the few."

Attorneys for Vinod Khosla did not immediately return an email message seeking comment.
No reasonable prosecutor would bring sexual assault charges against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh based on the public evidence, the prosecutor whom Republicans hired to ask the questions during last week's Senate hearing said in a memo to senators, NBC News reported.

In the memo, which was sent to all Republican senators and was obtained Sunday night by NBC News, Rachel Mitchell, the deputy county attorney in charge of the Special Victims Division in Maricopa County, Arizona, said her "bottom line" was that "a 'he said, she said' case is incredibly difficult to prove."

"But this case is even weaker than that," Mitchell wrote. "Dr. Ford identified other witnesses to the event, and those witnesses either refuted her allegations or failed to corroborate them."

"I do not think that a reasonable prosecutor would bring this case based on the evidence before the committee," she wrote.

During her Senate testimony, Christine Blasey Ford said she was "100 percent" certain that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were in high school. Kavanaugh has strongly denied the allegation.

Democrats and other opponents of Kavanaugh argued it was inappropriate to have a prosecutor question Ford in a nonjudicial setting.

The FBI is conducting a one-week supplementary investigation after the Judiciary Committee cleared Kavanaugh's nomination on a party-line vote last week.
What to Know US Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Arizona) vowed to ensure the FBI conducts "a real investigation" into Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

Flake's comments came during Forbes' 30 Under 30 Summit in Boston during a trek to New England to explore a possible presidential run.

Before the even, demonstrators gathered at Boston's City Hall Plaza to encourage Flake to block Kavanaugh's nomination.

The Republican senator who suddenly sits at the center of the explosive Supreme Court debate vowed Monday to ensure the FBI does "a real investigation" into President Donald Trump's nominee as he trekked across New England while exploring a possible run for president.

"It does us no good to have an investigation that just gives us more cover," Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake told hundreds of young people at the Forbes 30 Under 30 Summit in Boston.

The White House has insisted it's not "micromanaging" the new one-week review of decades-old allegations of sexual misconduct against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Some Democratic lawmakers claimed the White House was keeping investigators from interviewing certain witnesses.

While Flake was on stage, moderator Randall Lane, chief content officer at Forbes, announced news that the White House had just authorized the FBI to expand its abbreviated investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against Kavanaugh by interviewing anyone it wants. Lane credited Flake for the decision.

Before the event in Boston, hundreds of demonstrators gathered at City Hall Plaza to urge Flake to block Kavanaugh's nomination.

"We're here to send a message to Senator Flake that if you come to Boston, you're going to hear from us," said Rebecca Hart Holder, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, Democratic Massachusetts congressional candidate and Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley, Democratic New York congressional candidate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, along with advocacy groups and survivors of sexual assault, all spoke at the event.

The crowd gathered at the rally carried signs with messages like "No, Brett" and "Kava-NAH." They joined in chants of "Love, not hate," and "Hey hey, ho ho, Kavanaugh has got to go!"

Both Pressley and Ocasio-Cortez spoke of their own experiences of sexual assault and harassment.

"There are many parts that make up my identity," Pressley said at the rally. "Chief amongst them, I am black, I am a woman and I am a survivor. I have been asked to not come off as outraged or angry for fear of being labeled as an angry black woman. Well, I am angry, and I am outraged because this is outrageous."

Pressley, quoting activist Deray McKesson, noted that those who are abused or marginalized are not voiceless, "what we are is unheard."

"Senator Flake, Donald Trump, Brett Kavanaugh, can you hear us now?" she added. "Look me in the eye when I'm talking to you. Can you hear us now?"

Ocasio-Cortez shared several personal stories, including how when she was 18 or 19 years old, at a party in Boston, she saw a girl getting flung over someone's shoulder, unconscious, at a fraternity party, and taken upstairs. "Everybody looked, but nobody said anything," she said.

Walsh said Flake should not be receiving praise just for asking for an FBI investigation.

I want to say to Senator Flake, I guess I want to say thank you for asking the question, but thats your job," he said. "Thats your job to vet the nominee sitting on that committee."

Democratic Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey made clear he is opposed to Kavanaugh because his presence on the court would pose a danger to Roe v. Wade. He also noted the state's long-standing history of launching revolutionary changes and leading progressive movements.

"We are Massachusetts. We are the revolutionaries," Markey said. "This is where the abolitionist movement started, this is where the suffragette movement started, this is where the Affordable Care Act movement started, this is where the gay marriage movement started. This is where the revolution starts to say that Brett Kavanaugh will not serve on the Supreme Court of the United States of America."

Olympian Adam Rippon, who was also in town to speak at the Forbes event, attended Monday's rally.

"As soon as I found out Jeff Flake would be here in Boston, I said, 'Where is the rally?'" Rippon said.

"We need to protect safe and legal abortion," he added. "We need to stand up for victims of sexual abuse. And we need to call every single day and say no to Brett Kavanaugh."

Flake later traveled to St. Anselm's College in Manchester, New Hampshire for a speech at the school's New Hampshire Institute of Politics.

Flake quipped that he'd always heard that St. Anselm's was a safe place, populated by calm, reasonable people.

"I'm counting on this today. You have no idea," Flake said with a smile, as the crowd laughed.

Flake spoke about last week's Kavanaugh hearings and how party loyalists and tribalism affected the process.

"My message here today is that tribalism is ruining us. It's tearing our country apart. It is no way for sane adults to act," Flake said. "Ultimately, the only tribe to which any of us owes allegiance is the American tribe."

It was Flake's second appearance in New Hampshire this year. He has said a bid for president in 2020 is unlikely, but hasn't ruled one out altogether.

"Not really thinking of that," Flake said when NBC10 Boston asked him about a potential White House run. "There's too much going on in Washington now."

Monday's Boston event, which also included an appearance by Ohio Gov. John Kasich, was originally scheduled to be held at the Colonial Emerson Theatre, but Emerson College pushed to have the event canceled over "safety reasons." Instead, it was moved to City Hall Plaza.

Flake was a central figure in advancing Kavanaugh's nomination from the Senate Judiciary Committee with his tie-breaking vote. Flake said he'd vote to advance the bill to the floor, but asked for a one-week investigation into the sexual assault allegations lodged by Christine Blasey Ford against Kavanaugh.

On "60 Minutes" Sunday night, Flake talked about his impressions of Kavanaughs testimony, saying, "It was anger...but if I were unjustly accused, that's how I would feel as well. As it went on, I think his interaction with some of the members was a little too sharp, but the statement at the beginning I thought was pretty raw, but in keeping with someone who had been unjustly accused."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
What to Know Zombie houses, many of which are a lingering legacy of the foreclosure crisis a decade ago, continue to haunt Massachusetts.

Local authorities are turning to a state program as another weapon in the fight to clean them up.

Despite a red-hot real estate market, Massachusetts has hundreds of abandoned homes from Springfield to Dedham, Weymouth to Worcester.

Catherine Grosmaitre and her family love their spot in Arlington.

To the left is the stunning calm of Spy Pond, with well-kept million dollar homes nestled around it.

But pan right, and find a house enveloped in a sea of trees and debris, bringing down the entire neighborhood.

The owner died in 2016 and no one had stepped forward to take the house or deal with what lay inside.

We dont know who could come in and what could happen, she said.

Zombie houses like that one in Arlington continue to haunt Massachusetts, many of which are a lingering legacy of the foreclosure crisis a decade ago.

These properties have been abandoned for one reason or another, with owners unable or unwilling to fix them. They can be fire hazards, devolve into drug dens or become a magnet for crime.

And then ultimately, its taxpayers that pay the price.

But local authorities are turning to a state program as another weapon in the fight to clean them up.

The Arlington Health Department condemned the house next to Grosmaitres, dubbing it a fire trap and noting a hoarding situation.

Beyond being a fire risk Arlington health inspectors said a property like the one next to Grosmaitres also draws pests like rats that do not abide by property lines.

These problems dont pick the neighborhood, said Dan McAuley, an attorney. Its a legal problem and could happen anywhere.

McAuley is one of a number of people who become receivers of problem properties, appointed by courts to rehab and resell rundown, vacant buildings.

According to recent RealtyTrac data from Attom Data Solutions, one in four residential properties is vacant in the US.

Abandoned Massachusetts Properties

Click on each location in your area to see more information about the property.

Despite a red-hot real estate market, Massachusetts has hundreds of abandoned homes from Springfield to Dedham, Weymouth to Worcester. Many are bank-owned, a legacy of the financial crisis a decade ago.

Weve seen party houses, homeless, drug dens, foreclosures where half boarded, people living in the other half, McAuley said. The ultimate problem usually is theres some legal clog...in the title, the bank, the owners.

A bank-owned two-family building in Haverhill sat empty for two years before a judge appointed receiver Jonathan Cody to fix it up.

He had just finished renovating when squatters broke in and yanked out about 18 cents worth of copper piping, letting water gush through the house for weeks.

There was two and half feet of water in the basement, Cody said. This entire ceiling, the ceiling from the hallway had collapsed. It looked like a waterfall from the second floor there was so much water.

Some communities are much harder hit than others. Haverhill has its fair share of vacant properties, a draw for crime.

Gangs, guns, and drugs, thats the problem in all the Gateway cities, so we want these streets fixed up. Said Haverhill Mayor James Fiorentini.

The city of Haverhill has stepped up patrols, planted trees and pushed to get homes repaired. But frustrated by inaction and blight, theyve turned to the Attorney Generals Abandoned Housing Initiative for help.

First of all, were law enforcement. So well send demand letters to the owners of these properties, to the banks that own these properties demanding that they take action and step forward and clean them up, Attorney General Maura Healey said.

If they dont, the court appoints a receiver to make repairs. Receivers like McAuley said the renovation is not a flip, with expensive fixtures and all the bells and whistles to get top price.

No, youre getting it up to code, McAuley said. Its a very regulated process.

If, in the end, an owner or heir refuses to pay for the fixes, the receiver can try to foreclose. But the city or town gets paid first off any sale. Since 2013, 135 cities and towns have recouped nearly $2 million in back taxes.

Zachary Visinho is a recovering addict training to be a counselor. He bought one of the rehabbed properties in New Bedford for $40,000 under market value.

I won the lottery, both literally and figuratively, Visinho said.

To prevent flipping and to maintain stability in the neighborhood, Visinho had to commit to keeping the house for 15 years or face a penalty.
Doppelgangers are instant viral internet fodder, but even more so when the person in question looks like Regina George from Mean Girls.

This month we chat with Miss Teen Namibia 2018 1st Runner Up, Clasrisse Muller. An inspirational teen with an incredible mission.

Read more about her on our site. Link in our bio. pic.twitter.com/WSTzBHifsb  Afterbreak Magazine (@afterbreakteens) September 22, 2018

Oh my God I thought it was Regina George from Mean Girls before I read the caption  G (@_AmandaNdlela) September 23, 2018

She's a teenage from a country called Namibia in Southern Africa. This is not Rachel McAdams better known as Regina George from Mean Girls. pic.twitter.com/9p4IO68WM4  Afterbreak Magazine (@afterbreakteens) September 25, 2018

A 16-year-old model from Namibia, Clarisse Muller, fits this bill almost entirely.She became an overnight viral sensation after the internet just couldnt believe how similar she looks to villain of the 2004 pop culture classic, played by Rachel McAdams.And of course, it was a tweet that kicked it all off.After the above was posted on Saturday, people rushed to highlight the similarities between Muller and McAdams features.Oh my God! I thought it was Regina George from Mean Girls before I read the caption, one user of many wrote.posted another tweet featuring two more pictures of the model, asking people to calm down.Shes a teenage [sic] from a country called Namibia in Southern Africa. This is not Rachel McAdams better known as Regina George from, it read.But even this received another 2,400 likes, and did little to stem the viral tide.After the likes ofandcovered the story,website crashed due to the immense traffic it received.Meanwhile, fans ofreadied their fetch threads.Unsurprisingly, search traffic for Regina George has seen a notable spike in the United States over the past week, Google Trends notes.
An autopsy has been conducted on a man who was killed in a police-involved shooting Saturday in Epping, New Hampshire.

Law enforcement officials say a gun was found in the hand of a 40-year-old Walter Welch Jr., a Fremont man who was shot by a state trooper during a roadside encounter.

Monday, the attorney general's office announced that an autopsy had determined that the cause of Welch's death was gunshot wounds to the head.

Authorities say around 6:45 p.m. Saturday, police received a 911 call about an erratic driver in a white pickup truck on Route 101.

A state trooper spotted the vehicle 15 minutes later off Exit 6, southbound on Beede Road in Epping.

The trooper approached the stopped pickup truck, at which time "an encounter ensued" in which the trooper discharged his firearm, killing Welch Jr.

Welch, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The trooper was not physically injured during the incident but was evaluated at a local hospital before being released.

The trooper, whose name is being withheld pending his interview, was placed on administrative leave according to protocol.

The exact circumstances surrounding the trooper's discharge of his weapon remain under active investigation.

Police say there is no known video footage of the incident because state police cruisers dont have dash cams and troopers dont have body cameras.

Any person who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Sgt. William Bright of the New Hampshire Police major crime unit at 603-271-3636.

State police and the attorney general are investigating.
Police say that at least two people were injured in a shooting at a Northwest Indiana Walmart on Sunday evening.

Authorities were called just after 7:30 p.m., police say. Witnesses say that a man opened fire in the parking lot of the store, striking two people.

Those victims ran inside the store and the gunman fled the scene, police say. They are now being treated at a local hospital, but their condition is unknown at this time.

According to the Times of Northwest Indiana, eyewitnesses say there were at least 12 shots fired in the incident.

Later on Sunday, police released a surveillance image they say is of a person of interest in the shooting. No one is in custody.

Hobart Mayor Brian Snedecor cautioned people not to rush to judgment on the shooting, and said there are inaccurate details being circulated.

"There are so many false and inaccurate comments being made on Facebook in regards to the incident at the Hobart Walmart on Route 30," he said. "Please refrain from posting comments that are rumors or unconfirmed comments. The Police are on the scene and conducting an investigation."

In a statement issued by a Walmart spokesman, the company says they are aware of the incident and are cooperating with the investigation.

The safety of our customers and associates is always a top priority," the company said. "We take what has been reported seriously and are currently working with law enforcement."

According to the NWI Times, the FBI and Hobart Fire Department are assisting in the investigation.

Stay tuned to NBC 5 for more information on this developing story.
What to Know Van Dyke is charged with murder in the shooting death of 17-year-old McDonald nearly four years ago

The Chicago police officer was captured on dashcam video shooting McDonald 16 times the night of Oct. 20, 2014, on the city's Southwest Side

Van Dyke entered a plea of not guilty

After a brief recess Monday morning, a judge unexpectedly canceled court for the day in the trial for Jason Van Dyke, the officer charged with murder in the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald.

The judge said there were "difficulties," but did not offer further information.

A court spokesperson later confirmed the cancellation was due to a sick juror. Court was scheduled to resume Tuesday.

Monday would have marked the fifth day of the defense phase in the case.

Last week, defense attorneys spent four days calling more than a dozen witnesses as they argued the Chicago teen posed a threat in the moments before he was shot 16 times by Van Dyke in 2014.

Among the witnesses called was a retired CPD weapons instructor, who testified that officers are trained to shoot "until the threat is eliminated" when"reasonable and necessary."

Nicholas Pappas told a jury "there's no telling how many rounds it could take to do that."

But prosecutors pressed Pappas on whether such a shooting should be classified as "reasonable or necessary."

It remains unclear if Van Dyke himself will take the stand.

Attorneys have said that Van Dyke never should have been charged with murder because of an Illinois law that protects peace officers trying to arrest fleeing felons.

On Tuesday, jurors were shown a recreation of the fatal shooting from the officer's perspective that was based on laser analysis of the scene and looked like it was taken straight from a video game.

According to defense attorneys, the video showed that McDonald was closing the distance between himself and Van Dyke before the officer opened fire. Prosecutors have argued dashcam video shows McDonald appearing to walk away as Van Dyke shot the teen 16 times on Oct. 20. 2014.

Van Dyke was charged with six counts of first-degree murder more than a year after he shot McDonald on the city's Southwest Side. He entered a plea of not guilty.

Special prosecutors rested their case against Van Dyke Thursday after calling 24 witnesses over three and a half days.

So far in the trial, the jury saw dashcam video of the shooting, graphic autopsy images of the more than a dozen gunshot wounds on the body of McDonald, the recreated video of the shooting and video showing 16 gunshots fired in under 14 seconds.

They have also heard testimony from several Chicago police officers and witnesses at the scene, seen the weapon Van Dyke used, and watched as FBI specialists demonstrated the shooting.

Follow along live from court as the defense enters day five of its case.

9:52 a.m.: Court spokesperson confirms a sick juror led to todays cancellation of testimony at Jason Van Dyke trial.

9:30 a.m.: BREAKING: No testimony in Jason Van Dyke trial today. After a short recess, Judge Gaughan only said there were some difficulties and court will resume tomorrow.
"Please dont take the signs," Marine Safety Captain Larry Giles with the Encinitas Lifeguard Department implored at a press conference Sunday morning while giving an update on Saturdays shark attack at Beacons Beach.

"Youre stealing public property," he added, after people had stolen from the beach north of San Diego at least 20 to 30 signs warning swimmers to stay out of the water while authorities investigate for sharks. Giles said the department was forced to order $800 in new signs.

A 13-year-old boy sustained ear and shoulder injuries in Saturday's early-morning attack. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition but was upgraded Sunday to serious condition.

"We want to have those signs on hand if we have to re-establish those signs in the future," Giles said while pleading to the public to leave the signs alone.

But the public apparently didn't listen. A lifeguard reopening a portion of the Encinitas Beach Monday morning found that there were no signs left. Encinitas lifeguards had placed upwards of 70 warning signs at beaches from Carlsbad to Encinitas on Saturday.

Presumably, they were all stolen, Giles told NBC 7 while assisting his team in reopening the shoreline.

The signs cost several dollars each, according to Giles.

Giles said his team has followed up with the San Diego Sherriffs Department after witnesses reported the license plates of some of the alleged thieves.
An error inputting a bank account number cost an Andover man thousands of dollars.

Justin Marchand is a fan of Volkswagon.

Its good on gas and diesel said Marchand.

But last April, Marchand had to sell his 2012 Passat back to the dealership after a major recall involving its diesel emissions meant that it couldnt be fixed and it wouldnt pass an inspection.

Marchand said Volkswagon refunded him $8,300 through a class-action settlement. The car company transferred the money using Chase payments. But when Marchand tried transferring the funds into his Bank of America account, he ran into trouble.

I accepted it right away and thats where I ended making the mistake and putting the wrong number in, said Marchand.

The money went to someone elses bank account. When he tried to get the money back, Merchand told us it was already withdrawn. He said neither Bank of America or Volkswagen could help him retrieve the funds.

They told me that the money was in that account. But theres nothing they can do about it because its someone elses account, said Marchand.

Marchand said he filed a police report and that detectives tracked down the Bank of America account holder who withdrew the original deposit to a Waterbury address. But Marchand says police have told him that charges have not been filed.

When NBC Connecticut Responds asked Marchand what police said they could do moving forward, he said they told him there was nothing else they could do, and it was up to him to go to court.

Marchand said he had planned to use that $8,300 to put down on another car.

When Responds reached out to Bank of America, their spokesperson Tara Burke told us a statement:

We advise our customers to be extra diligent to ensure they provide the correct account numbers. Once funds are transferred to another account pursuant to instructions provided by a customer, the person who receives the funds now owns them. We do not have the authority to pull out funds without the permission of the account holder.

Marchand said he just wants to get his money back.

Im kind of at a dead end at this point. I dont know where else to go.

Always remember to double and triple check your information before entering your bank account number and verify the name on that account.
A new Connecticut state law that bans the sale, purchase, possession and manufacturing of bump stocks went into effect today.

The law, Public Act 18-29, also bans the sale, purchase, possession, and manufacturing of enhancements that increase the rate of fire for semiautomatic weapons. It went into effect a year to the day after tragedy shook Las Vegas when 58 people were killed and hundreds were injured in a shooting at a country music concert.

Authorities said the shooter in Las Vegas had bump stocks, which allow guns to fire at a rapid rate, similar to an automatic weapon, on several guns.

States are leading on efforts to stop gun violence while leaders in Congress sit on their hands and do nothing but give into the demands of the NRA and their big money lobbyists who give them millions in cash, Gov. Dannel Malloy said in a statement. Its worth noting that we were able to pass this law in Connecticut on a bipartisan basis, and I thank lawmakers on both sides of the aisle for sending the bill to my desk for my signature. But the simple fact is that laws by individual states on this issue are not enough  President Trump and Congressional leaders promised action nearly a year ago following the tragedy in Las Vegas and they have done nothing, despite the urges of the overwhelming majority of Americans who see no need for anyone to own a device that can fire 90 bullets every 10 seconds. A patchwork of laws by individual states is not the solution  we need action on gun violence prevention on a nationwide, federal basis.

Under the Connecticut law, it will be a class D felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine, for anyone to sell, purchase, possess or manufacture a so-called bump stock. The law includes some exceptions, such as for certain military personnel.

It is appropriate that today, on the one year anniversary of the Las Vegas shooting in which 58 people were senselessly and brutally gunned down, Public Act 18-29 goes into effect, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said in a statement. Connecticut now bans the sale, purchase, possession, and manufacturing of bump stocks, an enhancement that has no place in a civilized society.

As we remember the victims of this massacre, and the other victims of every day gun violence, we must come together and call on Congress to take similar action at the federal level so that all Americans can feel safe going to school, seeing a movie, or enjoying a concert, Wyman said.

After the shooting in Las Vegas, the NRA released a statement, saying, "devices designed to allow semi-automatic rifles to function like fully-automatic rifles should be subject to additional regulations."

"In an increasingly dangerous world, the NRA remains focused on our mission: strengthening Americans' Second Amendment freedom to defend themselves, their families and their communities. To that end, on behalf of our five million members across the country, we urge Congress to pass National Right-to-Carry reciprocity, which will allow law-abiding Americans to defend themselves and their families from acts of violence," the statement says.

A federal proposal to ban bump stocks was sent to the Office of Management and Budget for review, according to an NBC News report.
The statewide trend of Democrats being linked to Gov. Dannel Malloy and Republicans being linked to President Donald Trump was ever-present during the first debate between the two major candidates for attorney general.

Republican Sue Hatfield and Democrat William Tong participated in a debate Monday night at NBC Connecticut.

Hatfield, a state prosecutor from Pomfret, took multiple jabs at Tong for being close to Malloy, whose approval ratings have been hovering in the range of 20 percent.

Tong, on the other hand, used every chance he could to connect Hatfield with President Trump, who has higher approvals than Malloy, but not by much.

"I think what Ms. Hatfield is missing is that Donald Trump's attack on Connecticut families is entirely about Connecticut and all of us, Tong said. His attack on immigrants across Connecticut. You know why I talk about Donald Trump? because he's coming after people like my parents."

Tong, an attorney from Stamford who was born in Hartford, is the son of Chinese immigrants.

Hatfield, who is vying to become the first Republican attorney general in Connecticut since 1959, criticized Tong for his role in the state budget, voting for tax increases as a member of the General Assembly. She said his attacks on her are meant to distract from more substantive issues. She also said Connecticut is a less safe place now than it was a decade ago.

"It's no wonder why Attorney Tong wants to talk about Donald Trump because he wants to run from his record of raising taxes to a record high and releasing violent criminals from jail which resulted in a triple murder in my hometown of Griswold."

On the issue of crumbling foundations, the two differed on their approach to addressing the crisis. FEMA has also ruled out assistance for homeowners.

Tong said getting sworn statement from insurance executives would be a key move.

Yes. Plain and simple. Clear as day and I've been specific on what I would do. Not just some nebulous investigation but an investigation under the CT unfair insurance practices act and the CT unfair trade practices act ."

Hatfield was slightly less direct, saying she would want to work across with all stakeholder on a solution and referred to sworn statements from insurance executives who may have known about the issue decades ago, as a sort of last resort.

"If it takes a subpoena, it takes a subpoena but I believe that the people of Eastern Connecticut need answers and they should have been listened to back when Attorney General Blumenthal was in office."
Montville police are investigating after shots were fired into an apartment building Saturday night.

Police said they were called to a report of gunshots in the area of 91 Leffingwell Road around 9:45 p.m. No one was hurt, but investigators determined several shots were fired into the building.

The Connecticut State Police Major Crime Squad is investigating.

Anyone with information should contact State Police Detective Jette at 860-848-6532.
What to Know The boy was diving for lobsters about 115 feet from shore when he was attacked.

Nearby kayakers, an off-duty police officer, an off-duty lifeguard and their friend, rushed to the boy's aid and quickly got him to shore.

A teenager was attacked by a shark and air-lifted to the hospital early Saturday morning, according to Encinitas lifeguards.

The attack happened at Beacons Beach in Encinitas, around 6:55 a.m.

According to the San Diego County Sheriffs Office, a 13-year-old boy was flown to Rady Childrens Hospital with serious injuries to his ear and shoulder.

By Sunday afternoon, the boy's condition had been upgraded from critical to serious condition, Rady's Children's Hospital said.

He has been identified as Keane Hayes of Encinitas.

"The boys parents want to inform family, friends and the entire community that he is expected to make a full recovery," the hospital said in a statement. "At this time, the family continues to ask for privacy. They are grateful for all of the support they have received so far and want to also thank the staff at Rady Childrens."

NBC 7 spoke to a Chad Hammel, a lobster diver who helped bring the teenager to safety. The witness said approximately 30 people were in the water at the time of the attack, catching lobster.

The witness said he first heard the boy scream, I got bit.

I paddled to him, he said, and there was a big wake of blood behind him. His entire back was open. The shark hit him in the clavicle. The sharks top teeth got him in his cheek, he said.

Two other men also helped with the rescue.

The response from lifeguards was quick since they were on duty for the first day of lobster diving.

The teenager arrived at Rady Childrens Hospital around 7:45 a.m.

The attack happened near the shore in about nine feet of water.

The boy was in critical condition Saturday with traumatic injuries to his upper body. He was conscious when he was taken to the hospital.

The shark was about 11 feet long, Giles said.

By Saturday afternoon, the beach was full of signs saying the area was closed to swimmers, and by Sunday morning, lifeguards were on wave runners actively warning people to stay out of the water.

The water from Ponto Beach in Carlsbad to Swamis in Encinitas is closed and will be for the next 48 hours until Monday morning at 7 a.m. The beaches are open.

Giles asked that people leave the warning signs in place as people have been taking them as souvenirs. They are now ordering $800 worth in signs to replace the 20 to 30 stolen ones.

Please dont take the signs. Youre stealing public property," Giles said.

Despite the closure, surfers were seen in the water at Swami's Beach Sunday morning.

The shark has not been seen since the attack and "There has been no activity with shark sightings since the incident this morning," Giles added at a 4 p.m. news conference Saturday.

The Carlsbad Police Department is using a drone to check to look for any sharks that may be a threat, he said. They are also using jet skis to search. There are non-threatening sharks in the water, he added.

Encinitas Lifeguards are also working with a scientist from Long Beach State University to try to determine what type of shark bit the boy.

Other agencies helping with the investigation are California State Park Lifeguards, Solana Beach Lifeguards, the San Diego Sheriff's Department, Encinitas and Carlsbad fire departments and the U.S. Coast Guard is aware of the incident.

There was a fatal shark attack in Solana Beach in 2008.

A Go Fund Me page has been created to help with medical bills.
Great Yellow Brick appoints Tribeca for Lego store launch

The Great Yellow Brick Company appointed Tribeca Public Relations to assist with the launch of South Africa's first Lego Certified Store.



Tribeca Public Relations, who worked closely with The Great Yellow Brick Company, Retroviral and Jawbone to launch the store, was tasked with raising awareness and driving opening sales of the store in Sandton City Shopping Centre.



The 179m store is the first Lego Certified Store in Africa.
Civil rights attorney Lee Merritt is facing fresh legal troubles. He's well known in North Texas for taking on high-profile clients, often over police misconduct allegations.

Now a committee of the Supreme Court of Texas is again accusing Merritt of practicing state law without a Texas law license.

This stems from a complaint originally filed in January. To resolve it, Merritt signed an agreement not to practice law in any state cases in Texas. He is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but can only practice federal law in Texas.

The Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee said Merritt has since broken their agreement. They're seeking to hold him in contempt and asked for "six months imprisonment" for each alleged violation plus a $500 fine for each instance.

Merritt disputed the allegations. He said that in each case the motion for contempt cited, he acted as an advocate for a family while he prepared to file a federal civil rights claim, and that he always worked with a licensed Texas attorney who handled the criminal side of any state case.

Merritt called the allegations an attempt to silence and discredit him for pursuing civil rights cases.
Update: Gary Edwards notified NBC 5 on Thursday, Oct. 4, that the Fort Worth Police Department said they recovered his stolen truck after a high-speed pursuit and that a man and woman were seen running from the vehicle.

A retired North Texas Army veteran is without a truck tonight after thieves struck in broad daylight.

After serving nearly 22 years in the military, it was supposed to be Gary Edwards' time to relax.

The Fort Worth resident travels across the country with his family in his spare time.

"We've taken quite a few trips in that truck," he said. "I just want [my family] to appreciate the country. It's not so much for me. I went overseas to gain appreciation. I'd like for them to appreciate it without having to go through what I went through."

But coming home to his southeast Fort Worth neighborhood after a work trip proved to be a homecoming the veteran did not expect.

"I got out of the van and I said to my wife, 'Someone stole my truck,'" Edwards said.

His white, 2007 4-door Ford F-250 was gone.

Edwards checked his security camera and there it was.

"I was really let down," he said. "I see this truck go down the street, then it comes back up."

A dark grey, single cab truck drove by the house at about 9:20 a.m. then reversed and parked behind Edwards' pickup.

The truck then pulls up next to the truck and the passenger gets out.

The person's face is not visible on camera, but they manage to open the driver's side door.

Edwards said he is sure he left his truck locked, but said the keys were inside a compartment.

It took the thieves just over a minute to strike.

"Somebody's just going to drive away in it, didn't pay a dime for it," he said.

The thieves even disregarded the specialty license plate and stickers on the back window.

"They don't care," Edwards said. "They knew it was a disabled veteran. I have United States Army across the back window. There's no doubt about it. And they took it. No sense of dignity or honor."

The truck is essentially a complete loss as Edwards only had liability coverage on it since it is mainly used for hauling or road trips.

The truck's license plate number is MMW9DV.

According to Edwards, police told him thieves are stealing trucks across DFW in order to move narcotics out of the state.

If you have any information on the theft, you are asked to call Fort Worth police.
Among the thousands of immigrants who have been coming across the U.S.-Mexico border in recent months, many are seeking to escape gang and drug violence raging in their homelands. The weapon of choice used to intimidate them? Often an American-made gun.

While the flow of drugs and immigrants into the U.S. has been well-documented for decades and become a regular part of the political debate, what is often overlooked is how gangs and drug cartels exploit weaknesses at the border to smuggle guns from the U.S. into Latin America.

A 2013 report by the University of San Diego says the number of firearms smuggled from the United States was so significant that nearly half of American gun dealers rely on that business to stay afloat. On average, an estimated 253,000 firearms each year are purchased in the United States expressly to be sent to Mexico, the report said, the vast majority of the sales originating in the border states of California, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.

Once in Mexico, the weapons end up in the hands of drug cartels or get shipped to gangs in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador  countries that are dealing with an epidemic of gun violence.

Armed holdups on public transportation are a regular occurrence in Honduras, where nearly half of the unregistered weapons originated in the U.S., the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives reported in recent years.

Gun violence in El Salvador is so rampant that the country has been averaging more than one shootout a day between police and gangs this year, said Ricardo Sosa, a criminologist specializing in gangs and security in El Salvador.

"In every one of these operations, police are able to seize between two and six firearms at the scene," he said. "That is one of the indicators that the gangs are armed on many occasions with long guns and short guns for each one of their members."

Mexico last year recorded its highest number of murders in nearly two decades, with more than 31,000 people killed, higher than even during the country's drug war in 2011. It continues unabated with an average of 88 people killed each day in the first five months of this year.

The bloodshed in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador has been a big driver of immigration into the U.S., with the government saying nearly 16,000 families came across the border in August alone  many of them from those three countries.

Gun-control groups contend that the U.S. government is essentially exporting gang violence to Latin America with permissive gun laws  which in turn creates an immigration crisis along the border.

"If the Trump administration were serious about wanting to stop refugees from fleeing violence in Latin America and Mexico to come north, they would be doing something about the southward gun trafficking that is fueling a lot of that migration," said Adam Skaggs, chief counsel with the Giffords Law Center.

Gun-rights activists say the issue is overblown and mischaracterized.

The National Rifle Association and other gun-rights groups contend the most effective way to combat the problem is not with stricter gun laws but by eradicating drug cartels and other criminal enterprises.

They say the numbers are inflated and that the industry has proactively sought to educate licensed gun dealers on how to detect "straw purchases," in which a firearm is bought expressly to give it to someone who otherwise would not be able to legally own a gun.

"Obviously, Mexico has a huge problem with rampant corruption that clearly cannot be blamed on the U.S.," the NRA said in a position paper on the issue in 2009. "At the same time, Mexico has extremely prohibitive gun laws, yet has far worse crime than the U.S."

Under the Obama administration, federal authorities launched an operation dubbed Fast and Furious that allowed criminals to buy firearms with the intention of tracking them to criminal organizations. But the ATF lost most of the guns, including two that were found at the scene of a slaying of a U.S. Border Patrol agent.

In 2011, gun dealers along the border states were required to report to the ATF anytime someone purchased two or more semiautomatic long guns in a five-day period.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order in 2017 as his response to gun trafficking, directing federal agencies to ramp up prosecution aimed at going after foreign criminals and to improve coordination among federal agencies along the border.

Nabbing the guns at the border is a challenge on several levels. They aren't as detectable as drug shipments, and they can be disassembled and loaded with legal goods making their way from the U.S.

"The effectiveness of this kind of gun smuggling still remains very high. It doesn't take a whole lot," said David Shirk, one of the University of San Diego report's authors.

Experts say a big reason gun trafficking remains one of the hot commodities flowing from the United States into Latin America is profit.

Retired ATF agent Bernard Zapor noted that an AR-platform firearm that sells retail in the U.S. for $1,000 can fetch more than $4,000 in Mexico. A box of ammo that might go for just under $200 could command $3,000.

"They're not buying grandpa's old shotgun that's been lying around and found in a shed," Zapor said. "They're buying brand new Colt AR-15s."
California Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday extended the state National Guard's participation in President Donald Trump's border deployment by six months, a low-key announcement that was made without any of the acrimonies that characterized his early negotiations with the federal government.

The California National Guard said in a press release that the mission will now run until the end of March. It had been scheduled to expire on Sunday.

In April, Brown and Trump clashed fiercely and publicly over whether the Guard would participate and under what terms. Brown insisted that troops have no involvement in immigration enforcement or construction of any border barriers  a condition that the California Guard said will continue during the six-month extension.

The Republican governors of the three other border states with Mexico  Arizona, New Mexico and Texas  quickly signed up for the Guard's third major border deployment since 2006 and without the conditions that Brown insisted on. Brown, a Democrat, initially held out but his eventual commitment of 400 troops brought the total to about 2,400 for all four border states, above the low end of Trump's target of sending 2,000 to 4,000.

The Democratic governor has cast his decision as a welcome infusion of federal support to fight transnational criminal gangs and drug and firearms smugglers.

The California Guard currently about 400 troops assigned, including some 250 in the San Diego and El Centro areas on the Mexico border.
FBI agents on Sunday interviewed one of the three women who have accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct as Republicans and Democrats quarreled over whether the bureau would have enough time and freedom to conduct a thorough investigation before a high-stakes vote on his nomination to the nation's highest court.

The White House insisted it was not "micromanaging" the new one-week review of Kavanaugh's background but some Democratic lawmakers claimed the White House was keeping investigators from interviewing certain witnesses. President Donald Trump, for his part, tweeted that no matter how much time and discretion the FBI was given, "it will never be enough" for Democrats trying to keep Kavanaugh off the bench.

And even as the FBI explored the past allegations that have surfaced against Kavanaugh, another Yale classmate came forward to accuse the federal appellate judge of being untruthful in his testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee about the extent of his drinking in college.

In speaking to FBI agents, Deborah Ramirez detailed her allegation that Kavanaugh exposed himself to her at a party in the early 1980s when they were students at Yale University, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to publicly discuss details of a confidential investigation.

Kavanaugh has denied Ramirez's allegation.

The person familiar with Ramirez's questioning, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said she also provided investigators with the names of others who she said could corroborate her account.

But Christine Blasey Ford, a California professor who says Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were teenagers, has not been contacted by the FBI since Trump on Friday ordered the agency to take another look at the nominee's background, according to a member of Ford's team.

Kavanaugh has denied assaulting Ford.

In a statement released Sunday, a Yale classmate of Kavanaugh's said he is "deeply troubled by what has been a blatant mischaracterization by Brett himself of his drinking at Yale." Charles "Chad" Ludington, who now teaches at North Carolina State University, said he was friend of Kavanaugh's at Yale and that Kavanaugh was "a frequent drinker, and a heavy drinker."

"On many occasions I heard Brett slur his words and saw him staggering from alcohol consumption, not all of which was beer. When Brett got drunk, he was often belligerent and aggressive," Ludington said. While saying that youthful drinking should not condemn a person for life, Ludington said he was concerned about Kavanaugh's statements under oath before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Speaking to the issue of the scope of the FBI's investigation, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said White House counsel Don McGahn, who is managing Kavanaugh's nomination, "has allowed the Senate to dictate what these terms look like, and what the scope of the investigation is."

"The White House isn't intervening. We're not micromanaging this process. It's a Senate process. It has been from the beginning, and we're letting the Senate continue to dictate what the terms look like," Sanders said.

White House counselor Kellyanne Conway said the investigation will be "limited in scope" and "will not be a fishing expedition. The FBI is not tasked to do that."

Senate Judiciary Committee member Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., requested an investigation last Friday  after he and other Republicans on the panel voted along strict party lines in favor of Kavanaugh's confirmation  as a condition for his own subsequent vote to put Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court.

Another committee member, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said Sunday that testimony would be taken from Ramirez and Kavanaugh's high school friend Mark Judge, who has been named by two of three women accusing Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct.

"I think that will be the scope of it. And that should be the scope of it," Graham said.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, called on the White House and the FBI to provide the written directive regarding the investigation's scope. In a letter Sunday, she also asked for updates on any expansion of the original directive.

Sen. Susan Collins said Sunday she is confident in the investigation and "that the FBI will follow up on any leads that result from the interviews." The Maine Republican supports the new FBI investigation and is among a few Republican and Democratic senators who have not announced a position on Kavanaugh.

Republicans control 51 seats in the closely divided 100-member Senate and cannot afford to lose more than one vote on confirmation.

Collins and Flake spoke throughout the weekend.

Senate Republicans discussed the contours of the investigation with the White House late Friday, according to a person familiar with the call who was not authorized to discuss it publicly.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., had gathered Judiciary Committee Republicans in his office earlier. At that time, the scope of the investigation was requested by Flake, Collins and Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, said McConnell's spokesman Don Stewart.

Murkowski is not on the committee, but also has not announced how she will vote on Kavanaugh's confirmation.

Republicans later called the White House to discuss the scope of the probe, the person said.

McConnell's office declined to elaborate Sunday on which allegations would be investigated, reiterating only that it would focus on "current credible allegations." Stewart said the investigation's scope "was set" by the three GOP senators Friday and "has not changed."

But Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, a Judiciary Committee member, doubted how credible the investigation will be given the time limit.

"That's bad enough, but then to limit the FBI as to the scope and who they're going to question, that - that really - I wanted to use the word farce, but that's not the kind of investigation that all of us are expecting the FBI to conduct," she said.

Trump initially opposed such an investigation as allegations began mounting but relented and ordered one on Friday. He later said the FBI has "free rein."

"They're going to do whatever they have to do, whatever it is they do. They'll be doing things that we have never even thought of," Trump said Saturday as he departed the White House for a trip to West Virginia. "And hopefully at the conclusion everything will be fine."

He revisited the "scope" question later Saturday on Twitter, writing in part, "I want them to interview whoever they deem appropriate, at their discretion."

Sanders said Trump, who has vigorously defended Kavanaugh but also raised the slight possibility of withdrawing the nomination should damaging information be found, "will listen to the facts."

At least three women have accused Kavanaugh of years-ago misconduct. He denies all the claims.

The third woman, Julie Swetnick, accused Kavanaugh and Judge of excessive drinking and inappropriate treatment of women in the early 1980s, among other accusations. Kavanaugh has called her accusations a "joke." Judge has said he "categorically" denies the allegations.

Swetnick's attorney, Michael Avenatti, said Saturday that his client had not been contacted by the FBI but was willing to cooperate with investigators.

The FBI has not been permitted to investigate the claims of Julie Swetnick, a White House official confirmed to NBC News.

Ford also has said Judge was in the room when a drunken Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her. Judge has said he will cooperate with any law enforcement agency that will "confidentially investigate" sexual misconduct allegations against him and Kavanaugh. Judge has also denied misconduct allegations.

In a memo obtained by NBC News Sunday, the outside counsel hired by Republicans to handle questioning during Thursday's hearing, Rachel Mitchell, said a "he said, she said case is incredibly difficult to prove. But this case is even weaker than that."

She said a "reasonable prosecutor" would not bring the case based on the evidence brought before the committee, writing that Ford identified witnesses to the event that either refuted the allegation, or did not corroborate them.

The memo, provided to Republican senators, only had Mitchell's analysis of Ford's testimony; it did not include an analysis of Kavanaugh's responses.

Sanders spoke on "Fox News Sunday," Conway appeared on CNN's "State of the Union" and Graham and Hirono were interviewed on ABC's "This Week."

Associated Press writers Eric Tucker, Lisa Mascaro, Mary Clare Jalonick and Jonathan Lemire contributed to this report.
A Florida woman was arrested after she cut a man in the face with a kitchen knife when he refused to have sex with her, authorities said.

Katherine Nieves-Tavarez, 27, was arrested Thursday on a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, Indian River County jail records showed.

The man said Nieves-Tavarez, of Vero Beach, became angry when he refused to have sex with her multiple times, TC Palm reported. He had several cuts on his face and was treated at a local hospital.

"She hit me with a knife...I can't see," the man told police, according to the arrest report.

Nieves-Tavarez, who police said was under the influence of alcohol, was booked into jail. Attorney information wasn't available.
Hes a roofer by day, but police say he forced a child into sex trafficking by night.

James Edward Capers is being held without bond in a Broward County jail on charges ranging from kidnapping to human trafficking.

Last week, a 13-year-old girl went to the Hollywood Police Department claiming she was held in Capers apartment for a week against her will and was forced into performing sex acts with five different men on seven different occasions.

A detective told a judge that a witness saw the girl escape.

Theres an independent witness who did see the victim fleeing from the residence who also positively identified him through a photo lineup, detective Debra Levy told the judge.

Hollywood Police and the Broward State Attorney would not release any additional details about the case or the address of where the alleged crime occurred.

Florida ranks third in the country in the number of human trafficking calls made to the national hotline.
Mikateko Media wins pitch to publish SAA's Sawubona

Communications agency Mikateko Media has won the pitch to publish South African Airways' (SAA) magazine, Sawubona.



The first issue will be published on 1 October 2018 and will be centred around flights. Mikateko Media will redesign the magazine and provide travellers with information that adds value.
Former President Barack Obama endorsed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum, while Puerto Rico's governor, Ricardo Rossello, endorsed Bill Nelson in the Senate race.

Gillum is racing against Republican U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis for the governorship. Nelson is facing off against Gov. Rick Scott in the race for one of Florida's U.S. Senate seat.

Andrew is a proven fighter with the courage and determination to stand up for Florida families. As Governor, Andrew will expand access to affordable healthcare, protect Floridians with pre-existing conditions, invest in education, protect the environment and build an economy that works for all," President Barack Obama said in a statement on Monday. "Andrew believes that healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and he will make expanding Medicaid a priority on day one as governor."

In an Orlando event, Rossello was joined by former Puerto Rican governors Pedro Rossello and Alejandro Garcia Padilla in endorsing Nelson.

Nelson, the Democratic incumbent, last week took the lead in the Florida Senate electoral race ahead of Scott, a Republican, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released Tuesday.

The poll shows that Nelson has 53 percent of support among likely Florida voters compared to Scott's 46 percent of support.

The endorsement comes after President Donald Trump declared himself an "absolute no" on statehood for Puerto Rico as long as critics such as San Juan's mayor remain in office.

Nelson was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000 and is Florida's only statewide elected Democrat. Scott was first elected amid the Tea Party movement in 2010 but has flipped on some of his hardline positions, including immigration.

Term limits prohibit Scott from seeking a third term as the governor of Florida.
Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson and Republican challenger Gov. Rick Scott clashed on everything from gun control to the economy and even the Supreme Court nomination of Brett Kavanaugh during their first and only debate for Florida's U.S. Senate seat, hosted by Telemundo 51 Tuesday.

The exclusive debate aired in Spanish on Telemundo 51 and online on Telemundo51.com, and in English on NBC6.com. The debate is the only one between Nelson and Scott that will air in the Spanish language. Telemundo 51 senior political reporter Marilys Llanos and NBC 6 senior news anchor Jackie Nespral served as moderators.

Some of the strongest exchanges came when the candidates were asked about the bitter battle over Judge Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court. Nelson said he would be voting no while Scott said he was supporting Kavanaugh's nomination.

"The judge in his response, there was just not the temperament that is needed of what you want to put someone on the highest court in the land," Nelson said.

"The way the U.S. Senate has handled this is a circus, it's more like a Jerry Springer show," Scott said. "Sen. Nelson is a partisan politician, that all he does is attack Republicans and defend Democrats."

"You know governor, you just can't tell the truth. Everything that you have said here, and that's why newspapers in this state are on to you, that's why they say you're a walking conflict of interest," Nelson responded.

Throughout the debate, Scott claimed Nelson did little during his decades in office. Nelson said Scott was lying about his positions on a number of issues.

Both Nelson and Scott immediately went on the attack over the first question about immigration. Nelson said he wants comprehensive immigration reform, and claimed Scott wanted to bring an Arizona immigration law that was later deemed unconstitutional to Florida. Scott claimed Nelson wants open borders and has done nothing on immigration during his time in the Senate.

"My opponent had been up there for over 42 years, he had time to do this and he never got anything done," Scott said.

On gun control, Nelson said he supports more comprehensive background checks and taking assault rifles off the street. Scott said he supports background checks and has been focused on the mental health issues related to guns.

On jobs and the economy, Scott said Nelson supports higher taxes and more regulation that he said "kills the economy." Nelson said he would like to raise Florida's minimum wage to at least $12, if not $15.

On environmental issues, Scott said he has directed the state to spend millions on Florida's recent red tide issues while Nelson hasn't received federal funding for algae bloom problems. Nelson claimed Scott has drained funding from environmental agencies during his time as governor, leading to more pollution in the water supply.

"He has systematically in his eight years as governor, systematically disassembled the environmental agencies in this state," Nelson said. "His record is very clear on the environment."

Scott is challenging the incumbent Nelson for his Senate seat in November. The most recent NBC News/Marist poll had Nelson leading Scott 48-45 percent among likely voters, with six percent undecided.

Many questions from the moderators dealt with Cuban relations, the situation in Venezuela and repression in Nicaragua. Both Scott and Nelson sought to underscore their support for helping Puerto Rico recover from Hurricane Maria, with Nelson noting that he was just endorsed Monday by the island's governor, Ricardo Rossello.

Both campaigns have strongly courted Puerto Ricans, an important voting bloc in Florida.

Scott noted that he has visited Puerto Rico eight times since the storm and has taken numerous steps to help, including dispatching National Guard troops, making it easier for Puerto Ricans in Florida to register for school and providing them an in-state tuition waiver for college.

"It was never about politics, it was about helping our fellow citizens," Scott said.

Nelson, however, said the administration of President Donald Trump "has treated Puerto Rico and its people as second class citizens." The administration's response to the hurricane, he added "has been terrible and everybody knows that."

The two also differed on the Affordable Care Act, which Nelson wants to keep and strengthen, but Scott calls deeply flawed and costly.
What to Know It has been a year since the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history, which happened in Las Vegas and claimed the life of 58 people

A landlocked surf resort in Central Texas closed after a man who visited died from what is commonly known to as a "brain-eating amoeba

Brett Kavanaugh was the center of attention on 'Saturday Night Live's' season 44 premiere, with Matt Damon playing the Supreme Court nominee

Get the top headlines of the day in your morning briefing from NBC 4 New York, Monday through Friday. Sign up for our newsletter here.

'Tragedy of Grand Scale': Events Mark Date of Vegas Shooting

It has been a year since the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history, and a woman set to talk at a sunrise ceremony commemorating the lives lost says that although hearts are still healing, she hopes people can move forward from the enormous tragedy with "love and light." Among survivors, victims' family members, first-responders and elected officials offering prayers, songs and speeches, Mynda Smith will remember her sister. Nyesa Davis Tonks was killed by a gunman in a high-rise hotel raining gunfire into a crowd of 22,000 at an outdoor country music concert on the Las Vegas Strip. Nyesa pronounced her name "Neesha." She was a 46-year-old single mother originally from the Salt Lake City area who was raising three boys in Las Vegas. Smith said she was energetic, adventurous, a fan of all kinds of music. Many who were cheering Jason Aldean's headline set on the Las Vegas Strip late Oct. 1, 2017, said later they thought the rapid crack-crack-crack they heard was fireworks  until people fell dead, wounded, bleeding.

US and Canada Reach Free Trade Deal With Mexico

Canada was back in a revamped North American free trade deal with the United States and Mexico after weeks of bitter, high-pressure negotiations that brushed up against a midnight deadline. In a joint statement, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said the agreement "will strengthen the middle class, and create good, well-paying jobs and new opportunities for the nearly half billion people who call North America home." The new deal, reached just before a midnight deadline imposed by the U.S., will be called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA. It replaces the 24-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement, which President Trump had called a job-killing disaster. The agreement gives U.S. farmers greater access to the Canadian dairy market. But it keeps a NAFTA dispute-resolution process that the U.S. wanted to jettison and offers Canada protection if Trump goes ahead with plans to impose tariffs on cars, trucks and auto parts imported into the United States.

Evidence Doesn't Support Claim Against Kavanaugh, Prosecutor Says

No reasonable prosecutor would bring sexual assault charges against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh based on the public evidence, the prosecutor whom Republicans hired to ask the questions during last week's Senate hearing said in a memo to senators, NBC News reported. In the memo, which was sent to all Republican senators and was obtained by NBC News, Rachel Mitchell, the deputy county attorney in charge of the Special Victims Division in Maricopa County, Arizona, said her "bottom line" was that "a 'he said, she said' case is incredibly difficult to prove." "But this case is even weaker than that," Mitchell wrote. "Dr. Ford identified other witnesses to the event, and those witnesses either refuted her allegations or failed to corroborate them." "I do not think that a reasonable prosecutor would bring this case based on the evidence before the committee," she wrote. During her Senate testimony, Christine Blasey Ford said she was "100 percent" certain that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were in high school. Kavanaugh has strongly denied the allegation. The FBI is conducting a one-week supplementary investigation after the Judiciary Committee cleared Kavanaugh's nomination on a party-line vote last week.

NJ Man Dies From 'Brain-Eating Amoeba'; Surf Resort Closes

A landlocked surf resort in Central Texas closed after a man who visited died from what is commonly known to as a "brain-eating amoeba." The Waco Tribune-Herald reports Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is testing BSR Cable Park's Surf Resort for Naegleria fowleri, a rare but highly deadly ameba colloquially known as a "brain-eating amoeba." BSR Cable Park owner Stuart E. Parsons Jr. said it will continue to comply with requests related to the investigation of Fabrizio Stabile's death. The 29-year-old man died in New Jersey earlier this month after falling ill with Naegleria fowleri. Parsons said Stabile had been in the park's wave pool. Officials are investigating the source. The surf resort has closed pending the test results from the CDC.

'SNL' Taps Matt Damon for a Raging Kavanaugh

Judge Brett Kavanaugh was the center of attention on "Saturday Night Live's" season 44 premiere, with Matt Damon playing a sniffling and shouting Supreme Court nominee defending himself against sexual assault allegations. The show opened with a portrayal of Kavanaugh's fiery and emotional hearing, opting to skip an impression of Christine Blasey Ford's testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Ford said with "100 percent" certainty that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were teens. Kavanaugh defiantly said he is "100 percent certain" he didn't do it, and the FBI is now conducting a background investigation into Ford's claims before the full Senate votes on his confirmation. A raging Damon played up the outbursts that littered Kavanaugh's testimony by yelling into the microphone, audibly sniffling between shouts, aggressively flipping pages of his script and choking up at the mention of his high school friends and now famous summer calendars. He stayed hydrated too, chugging glasses of water and spilling them down his suit.
The death of a 27-year-old man who fell and hit his head on the sidewalk after a punch to the face from a co-worker last month has been ruled a homicide, authorities said Monday.

Bryan Trinidad died two days after co-worker Luis Solano allegedly punched him after an argument got heated in front of the Brooklyn Army Terminal around 5 p.m. Sept. 24. It wasn't clear if that was where they both worked, but police said they did work together.

It also wasn't known what they had been fighting about. Trinidad was initially taken to the hospital in critical condition after being found unconscious on the pavement with head trauma. Cops say Solano allegedly continued to attack Trinidad as he lay helpless on the ground.

Solano ran off after the attack but was apprehended a few days later and charged with manslaughter and assault. It wasn't clear if he had an attorney who could comment on the allegations against him.
What to Know The tri-state joined a coalition in an effort to stop the Trump Administration from denying asylum to victims of gang and domestic violence

18 states filed an amicus curiae brief, or "friend of the court" brief, Friday arguing they have a strong interest in the matter

In August, the ACLU and the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies filed suit to block the new policy from taking effect

The tri-state has joined a coalition in an effort to stop the Trump Administration from blocking immigrants who seek asylum in the United States from domestic or gang violence in their home countries.

New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced Monday the state has joined California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington in an amicus curiae brief filed Friday.

In the friend of the court brief, Grewal and other attorney generals argue that the Trump Administration has ignored decades of federal policy and court-decided law that protected asylum-seekers persecuted in their home countries because of their gender, ethnicity or other key personal characteristics.

Based on United States law, immigrants may seek asylum in this country because of a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

Top Tri-State News Photos

However, this past June, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a decision to generally preclude asylum claims by aliens pertaining to domestic violence or gang violence perpetrated by non-governmental actors.

Additionally, the new decision made it difficult for asylum applicants to prove to an asylum officer that they have credible fear of persecution, Grewal's office said.

In August, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies filed suit to block the new policy from taking effect.

An amicus curiae brief is filed by a person or group who is not a party to a case, but has a strong interest in the matter.

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Friday's brief argues that the Trump Administrations reversal on federal law is harmful because domestic and gang-related violence victims deserve U.S. protection, women and children predominantly suffer from domestic violence and because limiting immigration hurts states.

The multi-state coalition says in its brief that it has an interest in ensuring that asylum-related protections continue to exist for individuals relocating to their States based on a well-founded fear of persecution due to domestic or gang-related violence, adding that the states are home to hundreds of thousands of immigrants, many of whom came to this country through the asylum process. The States recognize the important contribution these immigrants have made to society, and believe that immigrants are vital to their economic success.

According to Grewal, New Jersey constantly receives a high percentage of asylum seekers with more than 3,000 people living in the state who were granted asylum status between 2012 and 2016.

New Jersey ranks only behind California, New York and Florida in terms of the percentage of asylum grantees it receives.

[NATL] Top News Photos: Pope Visits Japan, and More

The Administrations callous policy of closing U.S. borders to refugees who seek asylum due to legitimate fears of being persecuted, physically abused or killed in their home countries must be challenged, Grewal said in a statement.

Not only is the policy misguided and cruel, it ignores decades of settled law on this issue. There are asylum-seekers out there  many of them women and children -- living with danger we cant begin to fathom, Grewal added.

New York and Connecticut attorney generals did not immediately respond to NBC 4 New Yorks requests for comment.

Plaintiffs in the brief include women and children from Central America who sought asylum in the United States from domestic violence and violent persecution by gangs in their home countries.

They allege  as past asylum-seekers have also claimed  that the governments in their home countries were unwilling or unable to protect them from such harm.

NBC 4 New York contacted the Department of Justice for comment. A spokesperson pointed us back to Sessions' initial June statement when he issued the decision to change the policy.

Part of Sessions statement said that he did not minimize the vile abuse or the harrowing experiences of many other victims of domestic violence around the world."

"I understand that many victims of domestic violence may seek to flee from their home countries to extricate themselves from a dire situation or to give themselves the opportunity for a better life. But the asylum statute is not a general hardship statute, Session said in his June statement.
An Abington Township teacher was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a student.

Thomas Kummer, a Latin teacher at Abington Senior High School, was charged Sunday with corruption of a minor, sexual assault of a minor, unlawful contact with a minor and other related offenses.

Investigators say Kummer began a sexual relationship with one of his students during a class trip to Italy over the summer in which he served as a chaperone.

Police were tipped off about a possible relationship between Kummer and the student last week. They then notified the girl's mother and examined the girl's computer, according to officials.

Police say they found at least 290 messages between Kummer and the girl.

"You need to delete everything," Kummer allegedly texted the girl.

"I've fallen in love with you," Kummer allegedly told the girl in another message.

Police also charged Kummer with various drug-related offenses after finding marijuana in his home during a search Sunday night, investigators said.

During a court appearance, Kummer asked the judge to lower his bail, telling her he is the caretaker for his cancer-stricken father and that he was worried about his college-aged daughter.

The judge denied Kummer's request for lowered bail however, saying that she considered him a flight risk due to a message he allegedly sent to the student stating that he was thinking of running away.

Kummer also told the judge he had been a teacher in the Abington School District for 23 years and hadn't had any problems.

In March of 2000 however, he was charged with terroristic threats, simple assault as well as a summary offense of harassment. According to a criminal docket however, Kummer successfully completed the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program and was never convicted of any of those offenses.

A spokesperson for the Abington School District told NBC10 that under state law in 2000, Kummer was not required to report those types of criminal offenses and the district had no knowledge of it.

The spokesperson said the district learned about the initial charges against Kummer in November of 2015, about a decade and a half later.

In the absence of a reasonable belief that an employee was arrested or convicted for an offense required to be reported under the School Code, the District had no right to compel its employees to allow the District to obtain updated background checks, the spokesperson wrote.

State law in 2015 did not provide any basis for the District to terminate the employee based on charges for which Mr. Kummer was not convicted.

Abington School District Assistant Superintendent Jefferey Fecher announced the charges in a letter to parents. Fecher said school district officials are cooperating with Abington Township Police and Kummer was suspended from his teaching position.

Parents with any information on Kummer are asked to contact Detective Cindy Pettinato at 267-536-1098.
What to Know A father and son were killed in the blast. Officials believe the father "was friends" with the third victim.

Three people were killed in an "intentional" car explosion in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Saturday night, officials confirmed.

The vehicle exploded in the 700 block of West Turner Street near North Hall Street around 9:30 p.m.

A father and son were killed Saturday night when a car exploded in Allentown, the Lehigh Coroner's Office announced Monday afternoon.

Jacob Schmoyer, 26, of Allentown, and his 2-year-old son, Jonathon Schmoyer, were among two of the victims, officials said.

A third victim, David Hallman, 66, also from Allentown, knew and "was friends" with the elder Schmoyer, authorities added.

Three cars were removed from the scene, including the one that received the brunt of the blast, officials said. [[494829531, C]]

No arrests have been made as of Monday.

Officials hope to finish processing the crime scene by Tuesday but the investigation remains ongoing.

The deadly blast rocked Allentown Saturday night and shocked both witnesses and residents, several of whom described seeing body parts litter the street.

One neighbor told NBC10 that his entire apartment building shook after the explosion. Another said it sounded like fireworks going off in the street.

"We heard a big blast and we ran out to our balcony to see if we could see anything," neighbor Jonathan Pack said. "My gut reaction was, bomb."

Mike Hunter, another witness, was about a block away from the blast when he heard the explosion.

"People were yelling. People were running," Hunter said. "People were scared."

Hunter grabbed his cellphone and recorded the aftermath. The video showed a car engulfed in flames, as well as what appear to be body parts on the ground.

"I've never seen anything like that before," Hunter said. "I've only seen things like that on TV."

Dozens of ATF agents responded to the scene Saturday night, which they said appeared to be a "criminal matter." County, state and federal officials were also involved in the ongoing investigation. Local residents were advised to avoid the area and find alternate routes around the crime scene.

On Facebook, Allentown Councilman Courtney A. Robinson expressed sympathy for the victims and the community at large, and warned that "this will be a complicated investigation and it will take time until we know what happened."

Neighbors, meanwhile, described a confusing and terrifying scene moments after the blast tore through the area.

"As soon as I turned around I heard a big boom," Desiree Guth, a witness, said. "I saw the car on fire. I saw a leg by the car and I ran away."
What to Know Incumbent Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey has seen his lead over GOP challenger Bob Hugin steadily narrow as election day nears.

A new Stockton University poll shows Menendez and Hugin in a "dead heat." Menendez maintains a two-point lead  in the margin-of-error.

Last year, Menendez was put on trial on bribery charges, but the federal proceedings ended in a mistrial. Mistrust remains, the poll shows.

With just five weeks to go until the midterm elections, New Jerseys incumbent U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez is in a statistical dead heat with Republican newcomer Bob Hugin, according to a new poll by Stockton University.

Menendez leads with 45 percent to Hugins 43 percent in the race for the U.S. Senate, according to a poll of 531 likely voters. Libertarian Murray Sabrin came in at 3 percent with an additional 8 percent of voters undecided.

With a two-point lead falling within the polls margin of error, the Senate race at this point is up for grabs, Michael W. Klein, interim executive director of the Hughes Center, said.

Bob Hugin has been attacking Senator Menendez on ethics with a heavy advertising campaign. However, with so many voters still unfamiliar with the Republican, Menendez will likely try to define his challenger in negative terms, Klein added.

Last year, Menendezs federal bribery trial ended in a mistrial when the jury said it was hopelessly deadlocked on all charges against the New Jersey politician and a wealthy donor.

The Democrat was accused of using his political influence to help Florida eye doctor Salomon Melgen in exchange for luxury vacations in the Caribbean and Paris, flights on Melgen's private jet and hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions to organizations that supported the senator directly or indirectly.

Nearly 60 percent of voters polled said the corruption charges against Menendez are an extremely important or significant factor in their vote. But, 51 percent also said a claim by that Hugin profited off an expensive cancer drug while CEO of a pharmaceutical company is an extremely important or significant factor in their votes, according to the poll.

We knew this would be a competitive race given the millions greedy drug company CEO Bob Hugin spent on TV he made off the backs of cancer victims and their families, the Menendez campaign said in a statement. No one has fought harder and longer and delivered more for New Jersey than Bob Menendez. The energy and enthusiasm for Bob Menendez is palpable wherever he goes around the state.

But the Hugins camp said Mondays polling results come as no surprise.

Its clear that voters are unwilling to re-elect Bob Menendez, a corrupt, career politician who violated federal law and abused the power of his office for his donor friend, a convicted felon who blinded patients with lasers, scammed seniors, and stole $73 million from Medicare, Hugin campaign manager Stacy Schuster said.

Hugin, a native of Hudson County, graduated from Princeton University before entering the Marine Corps in 1976. He served for eight years. After earning an MBA from the University of Virginia, he went to work at J.P. Morgan. Over the years, he rose to managing director.

In 1999, he took over as chairman and CEO of a large pharmaceutical company called Celgene, based in Summit.

Hugin retired this year and is a first-time candidate He says he's running as an independent Republican in a state with roughly 900,000 more Democrats than Republicans.

Menendez, the son of Cuban immigrants, served in the House from 1993 until he was appointed to fill a Senate vacancy in 2006. He has chaired the Foreign Relations Committee and was a major player in the unsuccessful bipartisan "Gang of Eight" effort to overhaul the nation's immigration laws in 2013.
What to Know Pennsylvania's higher education agency won't agree to allow the release of a report on former East Stroudsburg University VP Isaac Sanders.

Pennsylvania AG Josh Shapiro says the report on Sanders remains subject to an 8-year-old confidentiality agreement and can't be released.

It remains unclear the extent to which law enforcement investigated the students' allegations or the claims of financial malfeasance.

Even as top Pennsylvania officials assail the Catholic Church over its cover-up of clergy sexual abuse, a state agency is refusing to release a report on allegations of sexual abuse by a high-ranking state university administrator despite lingering questions about how the accusers' complaints were handled.

In a case that bears some broad similarities to  and contains important differences with  the Pennsylvania church scandal that exploded in August, Pennsylvania's higher education agency won't agree to allow the public to see the 10-year-old report on former East Stroudsburg University Vice President Isaac Sanders. The report has taken on fresh significance in the wake of a new federal lawsuit by Sanders over his firing that could put Pennsylvania taxpayers on the hook for millions of dollars.

The office of Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro  acting as the higher-ed agency's lawyer  says the report on Sanders remains subject to an 8-year-old confidentiality agreement and can't be released. But Sanders' lawyer says he "could care less" if the document is disclosed, and the students who accused Sanders of sexual assault and harassment have long wanted the state's evidence against him made public, only to be rebuffed by state officials.

The government's position that it should remain out of public view stands in sharp contrast to Shapiro's well-publicized effort to force the Catholic Church to be more transparent about child sexual abuse.

The first-term Democrat has been on a media blitz since he released a blockbuster grand jury report that found senior officials in the Catholic Church in Pennsylvania covered up widespread abuse by predator priests.

Shapiro blasted church leaders for "protecting their institution at all costs" and ridiculed clergy who fought to block the release of the grand jury report, declaring "they wanted to cover up the cover-up." He's now waging a legal battle against nearly two dozen priests who are fighting to keep their names blacked out of the public version of the 900-page document.

"Every name of a predator priest left redacted means the silencing of a victim's voice," Shapiro said last week.

In the Sanders case, though, the state has long refused to share what it knows with the public.

The former students at East Stroudsburg, a state-run university in the Pocono Mountains, claim Sanders used his high-powered job to offer them gifts, scholarships and campus jobs, then sexually harassed or assaulted them  including forced oral sex. Their lawyer portrayed him as a predator who targeted emotionally fragile black men from broken homes because he believed they'd be less likely to report the abuse. The state's investigation into Sanders, which led to his 2008 ouster, found he "exercised exceedingly poor judgment toward" students and mishandled donor funds, according to his termination letter.

Sanders has never been charged with a crime and has always categorically denied sexually touching any of the men. A federal jury sided with the former university official in a 2014 lawsuit brought by the students. Sanders, who faced a similar accusation of sexual misconduct when he worked at Stillman College in Alabama in the 1990s, recently filed a wrongful termination suit against the state, alleging he was railroaded.

After Sanders sued, The Associated Press asked Shapiro's office and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education to release the 2008 investigative report on him. Both agencies declined  the attorney general's office acting on behalf of its client  citing a court order still in effect from the students' lawsuit.

The secret document entered the federal court system after a half-dozen men sued Sanders and the university in 2009. The university turned it over to the plaintiffs, but the parties agreed in court that it would be sealed from public view. It has remained that way ever since, even though the case is now over.

After losing at trial, the students' lawyer asked the attorney general's office in 2016 to abandon the confidentiality agreement and release the report. "Failure to disclose," wrote the attorney, Albert Murray Jr., is "tantamount to a cover-up ... by the state."

The government rejected the students' request.

Murray declined to comment for this story.

Shapiro's office would not say whether he favored the report's release, given his high-profile assertions about the church cover-up. Shapiro, who took office in 2017, did not respond to an interview request.

"The Office of Attorney General has a legal and ethical duty to zealously represent its clients  here a state university. The report is not ours to release; it is the client's report and remains under court seal," said Joe Grace, Shapiro's spokesman.

The university system, meanwhile, has relied on exceptions to Pennsylvania's open records law as well as the confidentiality agreement to block requests for the document. Spokesman Kenn Marshall said the agency doesn't "plan to seek any change to the status of the report." He wouldn't elaborate.

The state's actions in the Sanders case and the clergy abuse cover-up differ in important aspects. University officials advised the students to talk to the local district attorney, while Catholic church leaders discouraged victims from reporting to law enforcement. Sanders was fired; abusive priests were simply moved to new parishes. The attorney general's role in each case was different, too, leading a grand jury probe into church abuse while, in the Sanders case, representing East Stroudsburg's interests in court.

But there are also broad similarities.

Just as church officials failed to report abusive clergy to law enforcement, the university system didn't go to police or prosecutors with the results of its months-long probe. In fact, when law enforcement officials asked for the report years ago, the higher-ed agency refused, citing the confidentiality agreement.

Yet the system got the report from its outside law firm in 2008  a full two years before it was sealed by a federal judge at the request of the parties in the civil suit.

Legal experts said the agency could have and should have turned it over.

"As a general proposition, I think they had a duty to disclose," said former federal prosecutor Gordon Zubrod. "If they were required to turn it over to a civilian party in a lawsuit, how can they say, 'We're not required to turn it over to law enforcement?' That's just crazy talk."

It remains unclear the extent to which law enforcement investigated the students' allegations or the claims of financial malfeasance. The local district attorney said he turned the investigation over to federal prosecutors years ago. The U.S. Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to a request for information about Sanders. The state attorney general's office has said it couldn't do its own criminal investigation because its civil division was already representing East Stroudsburg in the students' lawsuit.

Nearly all of the allegations made by the students are too old to prosecute, though one student's 2007 sex assault claim against Sanders might conceivably fall within the statute of limitations. But Zubrod said a prosecutor would probably be reluctant to take on such a case at this point, given the students lost their lawsuit against Sanders.
North Korea needs more trust in the U.S. and their developing relationship before it will get rid of its nuclear weapons, Pyongyang's top diplomat said Saturday as an envoy from another of the international community's biggest worries  Syria  demanded that the U.S., France and Turkey withdraw their troops from his civil-war-wracked country.

More than three months after a June summit in Singapore between the U.S. and North Korean leaders, Ri Yong Ho told world leaders at the U.N. General Assembly that the North doesn't see a "corresponding response" from the U.S. to North Korea's early disarmament moves. Instead, he noted, the U.S. is continuing sanctions aimed at keeping up pressure.

"The perception that sanctions can bring us on our knees is a pipe dream of the people who are ignorant of us," he said, adding that the continued sanctions are "deepening our mistrust" and deadlocking the current diplomacy.

"Without any trust in the U.S., there will be no confidence in our national security, and under such circumstances there is no way we will unilaterally disarm ourselves first," Ri said, adding that the North's commitment to disarming is "solid and firm," but that trust is crucial.

Washington is wary of easing sanctions or agreeing to another of the North's priorities  a declaration ending the Korean War  without Pyongyang first making significant disarmament moves.

Officials at the United States' U.N. mission didn't immediately respond to an inquiry about Ri's comments, which came as U.S. President Donald Trump and his secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, are trying to regain momentum in their quest to get North Korea to renounce its nuclear ambitions.

Pompeo is planning to visit Pyongyang next month to prepare for a second Kim-Trump summit.

Both Kim and Trump want to meet again. But there is widespread skepticism that Pyongyang is serious about renouncing an arsenal that the country likely sees as the only way to guarantee its safety.

Pompeo and Ri met on the sidelines of the General Assembly Wednesday for what Pompeo described as a "very positive" discussion. He did not give any details.

The North has traditionally said that the nuclear standoff is between it and the United States, but recent summits between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in have also dealt with the nuclear issue.

Like North Korea, Syria could be on the cusp of significant developments.

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem declared Saturday that his country's "battle against terrorism is almost over" after more than seven years of civil war.

He demanded that U.S., French and Turkish troops pull out of the country immediately, calling them "occupation forces" that are there illegally, without the government's invitation.

The U.S., which has around 2,000 troops in northern Syria, worked with Syrian Kurdish-led fighters to help rout the Islamic State extremist group from all urban areas in Syria and is continuing to tackle pockets of IS militants in the country. Turkey says it is also fighting IS, though Ankara is also seeking to curb the spread of the Syrian Kurdish militia, which Turkey deems "terrorists."

The U.S., French and Turkish U.N. missions didn't immediately respond to inquiries about al-Moallem's speech.

Al-Moallem vehemently restated denials that Damascus has used chemical weapons during the war  although international investigators have found otherwise  and he called on all refugees to return home, saying that is a priority for Damascus.

"Today, the situation on the ground is more stable and secure," he said. "All conditions are now present for the voluntary return of refugees."

Syrian government forces, backed by Russia and Iran, have retaken most of the territory rebels seized during the war that has killed over 400,000 people and driven millions from their homes.

A military offensive by President Bashar Assad's forces on Idlib, the last remaining rebel stronghold, was averted last week in a deal reached between Russia and Turkey to set up a demilitarized zone around the province. Still, there is uncertainty over how the deal will be implemented; two insurgent groups have rejected it.

Idlib has been a relative refuge for people displaced by violence in other parts of the country, and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said a full-scale battle for Idlib could unleash "a humanitarian nightmare" surpassing the misery already seen during the war.

Al-Moallem said the Syrian government hopes that when the demilitarization zone deal is implemented, "the last remnants of terrorism in Syria" will be eradicated.

Investigators from the U.N. and an international chemical weapons watchdog have attributed several chemical attacks during the war to government forces, while also blaming the Islamic State extremist group for at least one chemical assault. Syria has denied using chemical weapons in the fight.

"We fully condemn the use of chemical weapons under any circumstances," al-Moallem said. He said countries have lobbed "ready-made accusations" at Syria without evidence.

The issue has been a flashpoint at the U.N. Security Council, with the U.S. and Western countries denouncing Assad over chemical attacks and Russia rejecting the investigators' findings. The U.S. has twice carried out its own airstrikes in response to the chemical attacks.

Speaking to another area of tensions, Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj used her speech Saturday to accuse neighboring Pakistan of harboring terrorists, and she said any notion that her country is sabotaging peace talks between the two nations is "a complete lie."

Hours later, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi retorted that India "preferred politics over peace." India had called off a meeting between the two ministers on the assembly sidelines this week after an Indian border guard was killed in the disputed region of Kashmir.

Meanwhile, Canada postponed its scheduled speech Saturday amid high-stakes trade talks with the U.S.

Associated Press writer Maria Sanminiatelli and Rob Gillies contributed to this report.
What to Know The US and Canada beat a midnight deadline Sunday to reach a trade deal between the two countries and Mexico

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said, "It's a good day for Canada" while leaving his office, adding that he'd have more to say Monday

The new deal will be called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA; it replaces NAFTA

President Donald Trump hailed his revamped North American trade agreement with Canada and Mexico as a breakthrough for U.S. workers on Monday, vowing to sign it by late November. But it still faces a lengthy path to congressional approval after serving for two decades as a political football for American manufacturing woes.

Embracing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which the Canadians joined just before a Sunday midnight deadline, Trump branded it the "USMCA," a moniker he said would replace the 24-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA. With a satisfied smile, the president said the new name had a "good ring to it," repeating U-S-M-C-A several times.

But he noted that the agreement would need to be ratified by Congress, a step that could be affected by the outcome of the fall elections as Democrats seek to regain majorities in the House and Senate. When a reporter suggested he seemed confident of approval after his announcement, he said he was "not at all confident"  but not because of the deal's merits or defects.

"Anything you submit to Congress is trouble, no matter what," Trump said, predicting that Democrats would say, "Trump likes it so we're not going to approve it."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday that his country was in a more stable place now that it had completed the negotiations. He said the deal needed to be fair since one trading partner was 10 times larger. He said Canada did not simply accept "any deal."

"We got the right deal. We got a win-win-win for all three countries," Trudeau said.

On Twitter Monday morning, Trump called the agreement reached Sunday "wonderful," congratulated Canada and Mexico and said the deal would "bring all three Great Nations together in competition with the rest of the world."

Likewise, outgoing Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said via Twitter that the deal negotiated over the past 13 months "achieves what we proposed at the beginning: a win-win-win agreement."

Despite Trump's jibe at the Democrats, their comments on the agreement were largely muted, though many lawmakers said the way the provisions of the deal are enforced would be critical.

"As someone who voted against NAFTA and opposed it for many years, I knew it needed fixing. The president deserves praise for taking large steps to improve it," said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York. He said any final agreement "must be judged on how it benefits and protects middle class families and the working people in our country."

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent who sought the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination, said that while the plan included "some improvements that could be good for U.S. workers, it lacks enforcement mechanisms that are necessary for these policies to succeed."

Trump, for his part, said the accord would return the United States to a "manufacturing powerhouse."

In fact, the U.S. has always been a manufacturing powerhouse and by some projections  made before he took office  is expected to be No. 1 in 2020.

The new agreement was forged just before a midnight deadline imposed by the U.S. to include Canada in a deal reached with Mexico late in the summer. It replaces NAFTA, which Trump has lambasted as a job-wrecking disaster that has hollowed out the nation's industrialized base.

NAFTA has long been a lightning rod for criticism among labor unions and manufacturing workers since it was being negotiated in the early 1990s during President George H.W. Bush's administration and later implemented by President Bill Clinton.

During the 1992 presidential campaign, independent candidate Ross Perot famously predicted a "giant sucking sound" as NAFTA pulled U.S. factory jobs into Mexico.

The new version would give U.S. farmers greater access to the Canadian dairy market. But it would keep the former North American Free Trade Agreement dispute-resolution process that the U.S. wanted to jettison. It offers Canada protection if Trump goes ahead with plans to impose tariffs on cars, trucks and auto parts imported into the United States.

NAFTA reduced most trade barriers in North America, leading to a surge in trade between the three countries. But Trump and other critics said it encouraged manufacturers to move south of the border to take advantage of low-wage Mexican wages.

The new pact will require regional content of 75 percent for automobiles, and also that 40 to 45 percent of vehicles coming to the U.S. be produced in plants paying at least $16 per hour. Mexico's incoming foreign relations secretary, Marcelo Ebrard, said some new regulations may pose challenges for companies to adapt to. However, he also said that "finishing this process of renegotiation provides certainty for financial markets, investment and job creation in our country."

In all, Trump said, the pact covers $1.2 trillion in trade.

For Trump, the agreement offered vindication for his hardline trade policies that have roiled relations with China, the European Union and America's North American neighbors while causing concerns among Midwest farmers and manufacturers worried about retaliation. Trump's advisers view the trade pact as a political winner in battleground states critical to the president's 2016 victory and home to tens of thousands of auto workers and manufacturers who could benefit from the changes.

Trump said he would sign the final agreement in late November, in about 60 days, and the pact is expected to be signed by Trudeau and by Mexico's Pena Nieto who leaves office Dec. 1. Trump said he spoke to Trudeau by phone and that their recent tensions didn't affect the deal-making. "He's a professional. I'm a professional," Trump said, calling it a "fair deal."

Canada, the United States' No. 2 trading partner, is by far the No. 1 destination for U.S. exports, and the U.S. market accounts for 75 percent of what Canada sells abroad.

But the president said his administration had not yet agreed to lift tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, a contentious issue between the two neighbors.

Trump has used U.S. tariffs on billions of dollars' worth of imported goods from China and other nations as a negotiating tactic and said the North American deal offered evidence that his approach was working. "Without tariffs, we wouldn't be standing here," he said.

The future of the agreement has also been a major issue in Mexico, where Pena Nieto will be replaced by President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in December. Uncertainty over the fate of NAFTA talks had threatened to batter Mexico's currency and economic outlook.

Ratifying the deal is likely to stretch into 2019 because once Trump and the leaders from Canada and Mexico sign the agreement, the administration and congressional leaders will need to write legislation to implement the deal and win passage in Congress.

"The bar for supporting a new NAFTA will be high. NAFTA has had many critics over the years and its flaws are well-known," said Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass. "Like me, many of my colleagues did not support the deal originally. And those who did will have serious questions that they need answered before doing so again."

AP Business Writer Paul Wiseman and Kevin Freking contributed.
What to Know The boy was diving for lobsters about 115 feet from shore when he was attacked.

Nearby kayakers, an off-duty police officer, an off-duty lifeguard and their friend, rushed to the boy's aid and quickly got him to shore.

The mother of an Encinitas teenager bitten by a shark Saturday at Beacon Beach said the first things her son wants to do after getting out of the hospital are play baseball and get back out in the water.

Keane Webre-Hayes, 13, was lobster fishing when he was bitten by the shark in the ear, shoulder and back, around 6:55 a.m. on Saturday.

His mother Ellie Hayes was watching her son from a parking lot on the bluffs above the beach and could hear her son's screams.

Witnesses described hearing calls for help from Keane before seeing a pool of blood in the water.

The family of an Encinitas teen who was attacked by a shark spoke out about his recovery. NBC 7's Rory Devine has more.

"I paddled to him," witness Chad Hammel said. "And there was a big wake of blood behind him. His entire back was open. The shark hit him in the clavicle. The sharks top teeth got him in his cheek."

Ellie says Keane was able to swim to a nearby kayak and three men on board, among them an off-duty police officer and lifeguard, pulled him out of the water and got him to the beach. He was then life-flighted to Rady Children's Hospital in Linda Vista.

You or I, we probably would have swam to the shore because we know the shark doesnt go ashore, but he had his wits about him," Ellie said at a news conference from the hospital Monday afternoon. "He knew that there were men in a kayak away from shore and thats amazing to me. And I will never question his wits again. Ever."

Encinitas lifeguards are talking about the "heroes" who helped save an teen from a near-fatal shark attack. NBC 7's Danny Freeman has more.

Keane remains in serious condition at the Intensive Care Unit at Rady's, according to Chief of Pediatric Surgery Dr. Tim Fairbanks.

Honoring the family's wishes, the only detail about Keane's injuries Fairbanks revealed was it was a "very large shark bite."

"[The bite was] very deep, down to the chest wall through the muscles. It was a very large injury. He was lucky in that no vascular structures were injured in the initial attack," Fairbanks said.

Fairbanks said Keane's condition is improving, but doctors are still monitoring several situations. Possible infections and Keane's blood count are among the medical staff's chief concerns.

Ellie said Keane was alert and talking on Monday and had a chance to enjoy a donut and a cup of noodles.

Hes very brave, hes very strong, athletic. Hes a warrior," she said of her 8th-grade son.

Ellie did not go into detail about the attack, saying it was Keane's story to share however he sees fit once he recovers.

"I just want to say thank you to all three [kayakers]. Without what they did we would be having a whole different scenario," she said. "Keane has been asking for them. His eyes havent welled up until hes asked for the people who saved his life."

Fairbanks said the men in the kayak and other Good Samaritans who helped apply pressure to Keane's wounds on the beach before paramedics arrived deserve partial credit for saving the boy's life.

More than that, though, Fairbanks said Keane is alive because "He made a decision to survive and got help.

Given the choice, he sought help," Fairbanks added. "The help was given to him, they got him to the beach and they started providing care. They applied pressure and the brought him here... He made a decision immediately to take action and save himself.

Fairbanks said the care provided to Kenane immediately after the attack should serve as a reminder for everyone to apply pressure to major injuries.

Both Ellie and Fairbanks said the community's support for Keane has been a big help.

"We can feel the love, we can feel the support," Ellie said. "We are very, very lucky and were very blessed. Were just blessed to have him.

Fairbanks became choked up at several points during the news conference as he talked about Keane and his family.

This family and this child are special. Hes just a special person," Fairbanks said. "Fifteen minutes ago as we prepared for this, the family was concerned about the other families in the pediatric intensive care and what they were going through.

He said he couldn't think of a better kid for the community to rally behind.

Ellie said that right now, prayers and positive thoughts for Keane are needed most.

She said Keane is eager to recover and get back to doing the things he loves, like playing baseball and playing in the ocean.

He said 'Mom. The chances are so much more slim of a second bite.

San Diego County Sheriffs Department deputies on Saturday cited an Encinitas resident and former lifeguard for flying his drone into an area reserved for a medical response helicopter. Deputies say the pilot had to circle the landing area before picking up Keane.

The water from Ponto Beach in Carlsbad to Swamis in Encinitas was closed for 48 hours and reopened at 7 a.m. Monday.

"At this time there have been no reports from the public or any public safety officers of any shark activity in this area, so we want to make this loud and clear to everybody. And this is very, very unfortunate and very infrequent, this is a significant event for us but at the same time, it's very rare," Encinitas Marine Safety Captain Larry Giles said.

Cal State Long Beach Shark Lab Director Chris Lowe and his team are using new techniques to help Encinitas lifeguards identify what type of shark bit Keane.

"We're working very closely with the Encinitas lifeguards to try and sort out what species was involved, the size of the shark and more about the behaviors so we can better advise the public," Lowe said.

So far, the animal has only been described as 11 feet long.

The team is taking swabs of Keane's wetsuit to identify DNA from the shark. If the shark is spotted again, the water can also be tested for DNA, Lowe said.

"We hope to have some DNA evidence back in the next week that might help us confirm what kind of species it is," he said.

After the attack, the beach was full of signs saying the area was closed to swimmers and lifeguards were on wave runners actively warning people to stay out of the water. Encinitas Lifeguards said people were stealing the signs and they had to order about $800 worth of replacements.

Despite the closure, surfers were seen in the water at Swami's Beach Sunday morning.

The beach was closed for hours after someone saw a hammerhead shark Tuesday. NBC 7s Rory Devine reports from Oceanside Pier.

The shark has not been seen since the attack, though there were non-threatening sharks in the water, Giles said at a 4 p.m. news conference Saturday.

The Carlsbad Police Department is using a drone to look for any sharks that may be a threat and Encinitas Lifeguards are scanning the waters on jet skis.

Other agencies helping with the investigation are California State Park Lifeguards, Solana Beach Lifeguards, the San Diego Sheriff's Department, Encinitas and Carlsbad fire departments and the U.S. Coast Guard is aware of the incident.

In April 2017, a woman was attacked by a shark in the waters off San Onofre State Beach near Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The last time a shark attack has been deadly in San Diego County was in Solana Beach in 2008.

A Go Fund Me page has been created to help with Hayes medical bills.

Editor's Note: A previous version of this story erroneously said Rady Children's Hospital was in La Jolla. It is in Linda Vista.
The marquees on the glimmering Las Vegas Strip dimmed their lights for three minutes Monday night as officials slowly read the 58 names of the people killed one year earlier in the country's deadliest mass shooting in modern history.

The names of the 58 slain were recited before a silent crowd punctuated by sobs shortly after 10:05 p.m., nearly the exact time 12 months earlier that a gunman in a tower suite at the Mandalay Bay casino-resort opened fire on the crowd of 22,000.

The ceremony ended a somber day of events reuniting survivors and the family members of those killed at last year's country music festival.

Jane Matusz of San Diego, who had attended the festival with friends, said memories of the Oct. 1, 2017, shooting returned Monday as she attended memorial events in Las Vegas.

"There is something very comforting about being with other survivors (and) family members," she said. "It's a very strange club to be a part of."

Hours earlier, victims' families, survivors and elected officials marked the anniversary of the tragedy by placing roses on a tribute wall and dedicating a downtown memorial garden.

The dedication ceremony under a cloud-streaked orange sunset drew at least 200 people, including former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords of Arizona, herself a survivor of a 2011 mass shooting.

The garden, which features a tree for each of the 58 victims and an oak that represents life, is the only permanent public space that has been created. It was built by volunteers and crated days after the shooting as the community's way of reacting to the searing violence, according to the project's co-creator.

"We've pushed back with a very deliberate act of compassion," Jay Pleggenkuhle said.

The city known for its gambling and entertainment started the tributes Monday with a sunrise ceremony where a flock of doves were released at a ceremony, with each bird bearing a leg band with the name of one of the 58 people slain.

"Today we remember the unforgettable. Today, we comfort the inconsolable," Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval told several hundred survivors, families of victims, first-responders and elected officials who gathered at the dawn ceremony at an outdoor amphitheater.

He added: "Today, we are reminded of the pain that never really goes away."

The festival venue that became a killing ground has not been used in the year since the shooting. MGM Resorts International, the owner of the property and Mandalay Bay hotel, has not said if or when it will reopen.

Company officials redirected curious people on Monday to a nearby Catholic church that offered a spot for quiet reflection.

Many who were cheering Jason Aldean's headline set on at the Route 91 Harvest Festival late Oct. 1, 2017 , said later they thought the rapid crack-crack-crack they heard was fireworks  until people fell dead, wounded, bleeding.

From across Las Vegas Boulevard, a gambler-turned-gunman with what police later called a meticulous plan but an unknown reason fired assault-style rifles for 11 minutes from 32nd-floor windows of the Mandalay Bay hotel into the concert crowd below. Police said he then killed himself.

Medical examiners later determined that all 58 deaths were from gunshots. Another 413 people were wounded, and police said at least 456 were injured fleeing the carnage.

Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo declared the police investigation finished in August, issuing a report that said hundreds of interviews and thousands of hours of investigative work could not provide answers to what made Stephen Craig Paddock unleash his hail of gunfire.

That has left unanswered the question of why a 64-year-old former accountant, real estate investor, small plane pilot and high-limit video poker player assembled his arsenal and attacked the concert crowd.

Paddock was characterized by police as a loner with no religious or political affiliations who became obsessed with guns, spent more than $1.5 million in the two years before the shooting and distanced himself from his girlfriend and family.

Paddock's gambling habits made him a sought-after casino patron. Over several days, Mandalay Bay employees readily let him use a service elevator to take suitcases to the $590-per-night suite he had been provided for free. The room had a commanding view of the Strip and the Route 91 Harvest Festival concert grounds across the street.

After breaking out windows, Paddock fired 1,057 shots in 11 minutes, police have said.

Jim Murren, the chief executive and CEO of MGM Resorts International, issued a statement calling the shooting "an unforgettable act of terror."

"Oct. 1 will forever be a day of remembrance, reflection and mourning as we struggle to comprehend the incomprehensible  the senseless act of evil that caused such a tragic loss of life, along with the suffering that we know continues," Murren said.

Associated Press writers Michelle L. Price and Brady McCombs contributed to this report.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai went to Washington Friday to discuss concerns about the company's business practices with members of Congress and emerged with an invitation to meet with President Donald Trump during an upcoming roundtable.

Larry Kudlow, the head of the National Economic Council, extended the invitation while meeting with Pichai and the offer was accepted, according to the White House.

Other "internet stakeholders" will be invited to the same roundtable with Trump, the White House said, with other details, including the date, still to come.

Google didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.

Trump has recently accused Google of rigging the results of its influential search engine to suppress conservative viewpoints and highlight coverage from media that he says distribute "fake news." Google has denied any political bias.

The White House said Kudlow discussed the internet and the economy with Pichai on Friday, and described the talks as "positive and productive."

Pichai made the rounds in Washington just a few weeks after he and his boss, Google co-founder Larry Page, irked lawmakers by skipping a public hearing.

There was plenty to talk about, based on recent remarks by both lawmakers and Trump.

That includes recent reports that Google is poised to re-enter China with a search engine generating censored results to comply with the demands of that country's Communist government. Also potential new regulations that would define how much personal information that internet companies can collect about people using their services.

Both Trump and some U.S. lawmakers have been raising the possibility of asking government regulators to investigate whether Google has abused its power to thwart competition through its dominant search engine and other widely used services, which include Gmail, YouTube, the Chrome web browser and its Android software that runs most of the world's smartphones.

Pichai's meeting with about two dozen Republican lawmakers was held in the Capitol office of House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who represents a district in Google's home state of California.

"We held a very productive meeting with Google CEO Sundar Pichai to discuss concerns regarding Google's business practices," said Bob Goodlatte, a Republican from Virginia. He said Pichai will be invited to attend a public hearing that the House Judiciary Committee plans to hold in November, after the midterm elections.

Before the meeting with Republican lawmakers, Pichai also indicated he planned to meet with Democrats.

"These meetings will continue Google's long history of engaging with Congress, including testifying seven times to Congress this year," he said.

Google and its corporate parent, Alphabet, also may have been trying to mend some political fences after Pichai and Page  now Alphabet's CEO  snubbed Congress a few weeks ago. Neither of them appeared at a high-profile hearing looking into what Twitter, Facebook and Google have been doing to prevent Russia and other foreign governments from using their services to sow discord among U.S. voters in an attempt to sway elections.

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey testified at the hearing, as did Facebook's No. 2 executive, Sheryl Sandberg, but Google was only willing to send its general counsel. That didn't satisfy lawmakers, who left a vacant chair that they hoped either Pichai or Page would occupy. The no-show prompted Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., to call Google "arrogant."
What to Know The Air Force One will help educate children about American politics.

A barge carried the iconic plane from Rhode Island to National Harbor Monday.

The "Air Force One Experience" will be at National Harbor through the holiday season.

Air Force One  well, a replica  floated down the Potomac River on Monday morning.

A barge was carrying the iconic plane from Rhode Island to National Harbor, Maryland, where people will have a chance to see it up close and personal beginning Oct. 19.

The life-size copy is part of a project to help educate children about America's political history and democracy. Visitors to the "Air Force One Experience" can tour the plane and see what it's like to be a president on Air Force One.

The plane was set to arrive at National Harbor on Monday morning and will stay there through the holiday season.

Check here for more information on tickets.
A man is believed to have died while protecting an 8-year-old boy from the brunt of a motorcycle crash in Landover, Maryland.

The boy, Edward Julian Pope, remains in a hospital in critical condition.

Pope's mother allowed him to take a short ride with a family friend, according to a fundraising page approved by his family. Less than an hour later, police knocked on the door to inform her that her son had been hurt.

Christopher McClain, 44, of Colmar Manor, was killed.

Pope suffered injuries to his face, jaw, nose and back, the fundraising page says. His mother is not working. The site says donations will help pay for medical bills and related expenses. His recovery is expected to take several months.

"I know that the stress of work of being a single parent mother is taking a toll on her. We've never had to do anything this serious," said Bria Davenport, Pope's 25-year-old sister.

The crash with a car occurred about 3:30 p.m. Monday on Old Landover Road near Kilmer Street, a Prince George's County Police Department representative said.

Police believe McClain pulled the brake as a car turned left in front of him. The family says that the McClain tucked his body around the boy to protect him as the motorcycle went into a slide.

McClain and Pope were rushed to a trauma center in critical condition, a representative for the county fire department said. McClain later died.

The driver of the car remained on the scene and was unhurt, police said. The car wasn't damaged in the crash.

Police ask anyone with information to contact them.

A second motorcycle crash in Montgomery County, Maryland, left a 26-year-old woman dead on Monday.

Priscilla Anne Alves, of Silver Spring, was killed after colliding with a car making a U-turn near East Gude Drive near Taft Court in Rockville. The driver stayed on the scene. The crash is under investigation.
What to Know A victim told her mother Boykin touched her inappropriately in March.

Investigators identified four victims of molestation and at least 15 of improper touching, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors also said Boykin took inappropriate photos of children with his smart watch.

A former teacher at a Virginia preschool pleaded guilty to 14 charges of sexually abusing children in his care and taking inappropriate photos of them.

Taylor Keith Boykin, 27, admitted sexually molesting four girls, but prosecutors also revealed as many as 15 children were victims of improper touching by Boykin.

The mother of a girl enrolled at the Minnieland Academy in Bristow sparked the investigation in March when she saw Boykin's strange behavior near the playground slide and asked her 5-year-old daughter what was happening. She told her Boykin, who the children called Mr. Taylor, tickled her all over her body, including her private parts, according to the prosecution.

Boykin would reach into the tube of the slide and sexually assault them, telling them he was tickling them, according to the prosecution. Often he pulled down their pants and underwear and took photos with his smart watch. Investigators found 120 images.

The mother told Child Protective Services, and police began an investigation, quickly identifying other victims.

Police arrested Boykin April 20. Boykin confessed to police, saying, "I knew I shouldn't have been tickling there. I knew I shouldn't have been in that area."

In court Monday, it was revealed another mother first reported improper behavior to the director of Minnieland in 2016. Another teacher told the director in January 2018 she saw Boykin tickling children between the legs, and that same month, the lead kindergarten teacher told the director Boykin made improper comments about children's pants being pulled down.

Boykin pleaded guilty to charges including indecent liberties, aggravated sexual battery and production of child pornography.

Boykin faces life in prison at sentencing in March. Some victims' parents will take the stand at sentencing to tell the judge how the crimes affected their daughters.

Minnieland's Bristow location closed in June because of parents taking their children out of the program. Some parents are considering legal action against Minnieland's owners.

Minnieland sent News4 a statement Monday, saying, "Minnieland Academy is relieved Taylor Keith Boykin has taken responsibility for his actions by entering a guilty plea to the charges against him in Prince Williams County Circuit Court. We were appalled by Boykins violation of trust of children, their families and his co-workers. Minnieland Academy is focused on providing the safest and most nurturing environment. We have cooperated fully with investigators and have implemented enhanced security measures."
A broken water valve in Gaithersburg, Maryland, sent water shooting 100 feet into the air early Monday morning, water and fire officials say.

The valve broke at 2 a.m. along Game Preserve Road, WSSC says.

Route 355 between Game Preserve Road and Professional Drive was closed for several hours, Montgomery County fire officials say. WSSC says all northbound lanes are now open, but southbound lanes at Professional Drive remain closed.

Crews are working to repair the water valve.

No further information has been released.
Got a question or tip? Contact us at bizmojoidaho@gmail.com.
Tokyo, Japan and Luanda, Angola, 1 October 2018 - Angola Cables S.A. and NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) announced today that the construction of the world's first submarine cable system across the South Atlantic has been completed and is now ready for commercial service.



The South Atlantic Cable System (SACS) will connect Angola and Brazil, directly linking the African continent to Latin America across the South Atlantic for the first time, enabling high speed and large capacity international data transmissions, spurring trade and economic growth in both regions.

Route Map of the South Atlantic Cable System (SACS)

In order to meet the growing demand from broadband, mobile, broadcasting and enterprise traffic crossing the South Atlantic, SACS will feature the latest high quality 4-fiber-pair cable and optical transmission technologies with an initial design capacity of 40Tb/s (100Gb/s x 100 wavelengths x 4 fiber-pairs).



The SACS cable system will land at Sangano cable landing station in Angola, near the capital city of Luanda, and will provide onward connectivity to the Angonap data center. In Brazil, SACS will land directly in a newly constructed data center, which was built together with SACS and for another cable system connecting Brazil to the U.S.A. SACS is 100% owned by Angola Cables. The data center in Fortaleza is majority-owned by Angola Cables, along with local investors. Angola Cables operates SACS and both the Fortaleza data center and Angonap. This way, Angola Cables will connect Angola and Africa directly to Brazil and the U.S.A. through SACS and the other cable, adding to today's existing connectivity from Africa to the U.S.A. through Europe.



SACS was partially funded by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) through a loan agreement in buyer's credit with Banco de Desenvolvimento de Angola (BDA), the state-owned development bank of Angola. The loan was co-financed with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) with Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI) providing insurance for the portion financed by SMBC.



"Our ambition is to transport South American and Asian data packets via our African hub using SACS, and together with Monet and the WACS, provide a more efficient direct connectivity option between North, Central and South America onto Africa, Europe and Asia. By developing and connecting ecosystems that allow for local IP traffic to be exchanged locally and regionally, the efficiency of networks that are serving the Southern Hemisphere can be vastly improved. As these developments progress they will have considerable impact for the future growth and configuration of the global internet. Furthermore, Angola Cables' relationship with Ocean Specialists, Inc. (OSI) is quite strategic; we have collaborated since 2011 on our plan to become a global provider of high-quality network services. Together with our commercial and development team, OSI has helped transform the initial confirmation of commercial viability to drive the day-to-day project management, network planning and implementation of this direct connection between Africa and the Americas," said Mr. Antonio Nunes, Chief Executive Officer of Angola Cables.



"NEC is honored to have been selected as a partner for SACS, the world's first optical submarine cable system crossing the South Atlantic, directly connecting two Portuguese speaking nations of Angola and Brazil," said Mr. Toru Kawauchi, General Manager at NEC's Submarine Network Division. "Yesterday, all communication between the two continents had to go up north and cross the North Atlantic. From today, this new cable will bring information at the speed of light, improving the connectivity between the two nations and two continents. I would like to extend my congratulations for the successful completion of SACS and wish to continue building on our relationship with Angola Cables."



NEC has more than 40 years of experience in the submarine cable business and is recognized as one of the world's top submarine system vendors. NEC has laid a total of more than 250,000 kilometers of submarine cable, the equivalent of six trips around the earth. As a total system integrator, NEC produces optical submarine cable, optical submarine repeaters and equipment for connecting optical transmissions to land, in addition to carrying out ocean surveys, route design, laying optical submarine cable and training personnel for the handover of these systems.

***
South Korea began clearing mines from two sites inside the heavily fortified border with North Korea on Monday under tension-reducing agreements reached this year. Seoul says North Korea is expected to do the same.

The development comes amid renewed international diplomacy on North Korea's nuclear weapons program after weeks of stalemated negotiations. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is to visit Pyongyang this month to try to set up a second summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

South Korean troops entered the Demilitarized Zone on Monday morning to remove mines around the border village of Panmunjom and another frontline area where the rivals plan their first joint searches with North Korea for soldiers during the 1950-53 Korean War, according to Seoul's Defense Ministry.

The South Korean troops will try to focus on taking out mines on the southern parts of Panmunjom's Joint Security Area and the so-called "Arrow Head Hill," where one of the fiercest battles during the Korean War happened. Seoul officials believe the remains of about 300 South Korean and U.N. forces are in the Arrow Head Hill and likely many Chinese and North Korean remains too.

South Korean Defense Ministry officials said they couldn't immediately confirm whether North Korea also began demining on the northern parts of the two sites. But they said they expected the North to abide by the tension-easing deals their defense chiefs struck on the sidelines of their leaders' summit last month in Pyongyang.

Aiming to reduce conventional military threats, the Koreas' defense chiefs also agreed to withdraw 11 frontline guard posts by December and set up buffer zones along their land and sea boundaries and a no-fly zone above the borderline to prevent accidental armed clashes.

About 2 million mines are believed to be peppered inside the Koreas' 248-kilometer (155-mile)-long Demilitarized Zone that was originally created as a buffer zone at the end of the Korean War. The DMZ is the world's most heavily fortified border that is also guarded by hundreds of thousands of combat troops, barbed wire fences and tank traps on both sides.

Many experts say the fate of inter-Korean deals can be affected by how nuclear negotiations would go between the United States and North Korea. Past rapprochement efforts were often stalled after an international standoff over the North's nuclear ambitions intensified.

After provocative tests of three intercontinental ballistic missiles and a powerful nuclear weapon last year, North Korea entered talks with the United States and South Korea earlier this year, saying it's willing to deal away its expanding nuclear arsenal. Kim Jong Un has subsequently held a series of summits with U.S., South Korean and Chinese leaders and taken some steps like dismantling his nuclear-testing site.

Nuclear diplomacy later came to a standstill amid disputes over how genuine North Korea is about its disarmament pledge. But Trump, Pompeo and other U.S. officials have recently reported progress in the denuclearization discussions with the North. Pompeo is to make his third trip to North Korea soon for talks.
Police are now calling the deaths of a man and woman found shot inside a Rhode Island home a murder-suicide.

The Providence Journal reports Woonsocket police said Monday they believe 56-year-old Glenn Benvenuti shot his ex-wife, 45-year-old Michelle Benvenuti, before killing himself on Sunday in his Woonsocket home.

Police say officers responded to the home just before 11 a.m. after getting reports of gunfire.

They tried to make contact with the people inside, but when they got no response, officers forced their way in and found the bodies.

The divorced couple's 7-year-old son was also found in the home but he was unharmed.

The child was examined as a precaution and is in the custody of relatives.

Police say Michelle Benvenuti went to the home to pick up their son.
Massachusetts' highest court will soon hear the case of a young woman convicted of involuntary manslaughter for sending text messages to her suicidal boyfriend urging him to kill himself.

The Supreme Judicial Court will hear arguments Thursday in Michelle Carter's case.

The Plainville woman was convicted in June in Conrad Roy's 2014 death and later was sentenced to 15 months in jail.

A judge found that Carter caused Roy's death when she told him to "get back in'' his truck as it was filling with carbon monoxide in Fairhaven.

Prosecutors are urging the court to let the conviction stand.

Carter's attorneys say in court documents that the case will set precedent "for who may be prosecuted for encouraging suicide with words alone.'' Carter was 17 when Roy died.
In a heated debate over where to put Portland, Maine's new homeless shelter, a non-profit is floating the idea of re-purposing an old cruise ship to make a shelter on the water.

Ken Capron, the founder of non-profit Memory Works, is applying for a grant to fund a feasibility study.

"It's a creative idea," he said. "This is a solution to so many problems."

Capron thinks Portland can find an old 400-cabin cruise ship for under $20 million. He thinks the ship could house social services and even have room for immigrant and low-income housing.

"We would give them all the resources they need to succeed, and we would put it right there on the ship," Capron said.

The ship would be permanently docked on the Portland waterfront.

No other cities in the world have tried the cruise ship shelter idea, but some cities, like San Francisco, have considered it.

Portland's homeless population has been growing and city resources are stretched thin. The city had been considering a proposal to create a 24-hour homeless shelter near the Portland-Westbrook city line, arguing that social services were too concentrated in the Bayside neighborhood.

People living near the proposed site have come out strongly against the relocation of the shelter there, saying Portland was just moving a problem instead of fixing it.

At the same time, Portland is dealing with a serious housing shortage. Portland Mayor Ethan Strimling says the Portland Housing Authority has a waiting list more than 1,000 families long and says they need creative ideas to address the crisis. He's not fully on board with the cruise ship concept but wants to hear more.

"I have no idea if it's the craziest idea I've ever heard or the most brilliant idea I've ever heard," said Strimling said.

Capron will discuss his proposal with stakeholders at a public meeting at Portland City Hall Tuesday at 1 p.m.
Drug and alcohol misuse charity The Matthew Project this week opened the doors of its Norwich recovery hub to its supporters and the wider community.

Drug and alcohol misuse charity The Matthew Project this week opened the doors of its Norwich recovery hub to its supporters and the wider community.

Make friends and re-fuel at Fakenham church centre Salvation Army leaders in Fakenham are inviting people in the town to come and attend two new community groups which started this autumn. Read more

YMCA Norfolk needs an On-Track Coach YMCA Norfolk is looking for an On Track, giving the advice and help young people need to make the most of the things they are good at. Read more

Chance to see epic tale of man who changed China The epic tale of a Norwich man who gave up all to change the Chinese nation is being told in the feature documentary, Children of Shanghai at Cinema City Norwich on Tuesday November 23 at 6pm. Read more

Broadland Christian offers free tech support A Christian living in Wroxham is offering free technology support to anyone who is retired or disabled through an organisation called AbilityNet. Read more

Lady Dannatt praises Community Chaplaincy Norfolk Lady Dannatt, the Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, applauded the work of Community Chaplaincy Norfolk (CCN) when she spoke at its annual meeting. Read more

Running the race with Jesus Regular columnist Ruth Lilley has been running a half marathon, but she did have some help Read more

Christian care home celebrates Fran's service Tenants at Brakendon Close independent living community enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea in celebration of nearly ten years dedicated service by Fran Veale. Read more

Convert Nissar to tell his story at Norwich dinner Nissar Hussain, a high profile convert from Islam to Christianity, who has suffered persecution for his decision, is the speaker at the Christmas dinner of the Norwich FGB on December 13 in Norwich. Read more

Norfolk charity provides some soul space for young people As we move into a new season North Breckland Youth for Christ is finding innovative ways to engage with young people. Read more

Eaton quilt of kindness displays bright things from darks times A Quilt of Kindness produced by a crafters group in Eaton will be on display in Christ Church later this month. Read more

Engagement, property and youth worker needed YMCA Norfolk is looking for a Housing Engagement Worker, a Property Co-ordinator and a Youth Project Lead. Read more

New cross sculpture illuminates Norwich church The Open Door Christian Fellowship in Norwich switched on its new illuminated cross which sits a top The Building in Ramsey Close. Read more

Christmas Events Week at Dereham bookshop Green Pastures Christian bookshop in Dereham is holding a Christmas Events Week. The managers, Irene Humphrey and Helen Cockburn, explain. Read more

When God the master chef gets to work. Regular contributor Jane Walters has been creating soup, and marvels at how such a combination of sometimes disparate and random ingredients can produce a nourishing and worthy end product. Read more

Diocese of Norwich votes to sell fossil fuel shares Today the Diocese of Norwich Synod voted overwhelmingly (by 61 votes to 5) to approve a motion to divest from fossil fuels, following a thoughtful debate. Read more

YMCA to stage Christmas craft fayre in Norwich YMCA Norfolk will be staging a Christmas Craft Fayre at its Aylsham Road Community Hub in Norwich on November 27. Read more

Fakenham Baptists building for the future Fakenham Baptist Community Church is developing a brand-new building on the outskirts of Fakenham which they will use to provide a range of amenities to serve the community as well as for worship. Read more
The Eurasian watermilfoil has gotten so bad at Lake Lillinonah that residents docks are overgrown by the invasive plant, making it challenging to boat and swim and raising concerns that someone could get tangled and drown.

Residents along the 1,500-acre lake have had their own approaches to controlling the weeds, but the Friends of the Lake group and the Lillinonah Lake Authority are creating a lakewide management plan.

Lillinonah is in Brookfield, Bridgewater, New Milford, Newtown, Roxbury and Southbury.

Scientists at Aquatic Ecosystem Research, the consulting firm hired to examine the lakes problems, presented on Friday their recommendation of using a new herbicide, Florpyrauxifen-benzyl, for the first two years to get the weeds under control and to follow up with mechanical techniques such as pulling the weeds to keep it in check.

Under the plan, 40.1 acres would be treated the first year and 37.7 acres the following year. Mark June-Wells, of Aquatic Ecosystem Research, said the evidence so far suggests that the herbicide would only target the milfoil and is very safe for humans and other wildlife. It also only requires only a small dosage that disappears from the water in a few hours and from the sediment in 15 days.

However, both the friends group and lake authority opposed the use of chemicals of any kind and said there have been too many instances where chemicals were initially thought to be safe but were actually harmful in the long run. The groups instead advocated for sterile grass carp to be added to eat the invasive plants, something the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has already rejected for this lake.

More for you Robert Miller: Making Lake Lillinonah deal with changing ecosystems

Lake Lillinonah has river characteristics because of how its dammed on the Housatonic River. This means the fish cant be contained in one area  a DEEP permit requirement for the grass carp, said Larry Marsicano, of Aquatic Ecosystem Research. He has experience with the permit because he secured carp for Candlewood Lake when he was the executive director of that lake authority.

Scott Conant, a Newtown member of Friends of the Lake, said the group is working with local, state and federal officials to try to get the permit to show its not a bad thing if the fish swim to other parts of the Housatonic and eat the milfoil.

I cant think of a river along the Housatonic that wouldnt welcome this, he said, adding they will also look into purchasing a harvester to pull the weeds. These tend to cost between $150,000 and $200,000 for a large one and $50,000 to $60,000 for a small one.

The statements from the two groups followed a presentation from Mark June-Wells, of Aquatic Ecosystem Research, detailing the lakes problem and listing the different biological, mechanical and chemical treatments.

Lillinonah has four invasive plants: milfoil, minor naiad, curly leaf pondweed and water chestnut, though the biggest threats are the first two. Zebra mussels are also in the lake, which improves water clarity, allowing for more sunlight to get to the plants.

There were 157 acres of milfoil in 2018 and that is projected to be at 180 to 200 acres next summer if left unchecked.

Theres a 650 percent increase in Eurasian watermilfoil since 2007, June-Wells said. Thats a scary, scary number.

The minor naiad has increased 262 percent in that time, but measured at only 20 acres in 2018, which is a small amount for a lake of Lillinonahs size. More mapping and monitoring is needed for the other two plants, but June-Wells said they are being well managed.

June-Wells said its important to account for the minor naiad because that will be the plant that replaces the milfoil when removed.

When you control one species in a community, something else is going to take its place, he said. "We dont want another problem after we solved that.

June-Wells repeatedly told the audience that the milfoil will not be completely eradicated and the plan only addresses the plants that are causing recreation problems, such as along peoples properties. He said the plant itself is now part of the ecosystem and provides shelter and is a food source for fish.

Trying to remove it completely would hurt the lake system, he said.
NEWTOWN  The Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Co. had just received its first pumper truck in the early 1940s when Michael Lucas joined the department.

Lucas, who went on to become fire chief, served as a member of the department for more than 60 years. He died Friday at the age of 92.

And while the former chief hadnt been fighting fires in recent years, he was still an active member of the ranks.

He was the kind of guy who never really retired, said Sandy Hook Fire Chief Bill Halstead. Even in his later years, he would often stop by the firehouse to help out, particularly during the annual Lobster Fest and other fund raising events.

Lucas started volunteering with the department in 1946, shortly after returning from service with the U.S. Army during World War II, where he fought in both Germany and France, including as an infantryman in the heroic Battle of the Bulge.

The battle was a major turning point in the war and resulted in the most causalities for American forces.

He never really liked to talk about his time during the war, but he was always very proud of his service to his country, said Susan Petty, his daughter. He always wanted to do what he could to help people.

It was that same characteristic that led to decades of service in the local fire department for Lucas, who served as assistant chief for more than 15 years before becoming chief of the department in August 1975.

It was during his tenure as chief that the town completed construction of second fire house for the company that is located on Riverside Road.

He was also on scene in 1967 when the department battled the Sandy Hook Center fire, which destroyed several buildings.

Dozens of firefighters including Lucas toiled for more than four hours to put out the blaze in subzero temperatures. It was also the first time the department had used a ladder truck.

And while the department may have a lot more equipment today, fire officials said the halls felt a little more empty this week with Lucas passing.

He may have been in his 90s but he still came to the firehouse whenever he could, Halstead said. If he couldnt make it, wed always try to find someone to pick him up. He was part of the family.

Petty said her fathers service with the department was always very important to him, and other members of the family understood. Even if that mesant running out to the scene of a fire during important family functions.

I can remember the tones going off on the scanner during holidays or sometimes during birthday parties, Petty said. He was very dedicated to the fire service and would always go to the call when he could. And we all understood how proud and dedicated he was.

Besides his service with the fire department, Lucas was active later in life with the Knights of Columbus, and had worked for decades as a driver both for the State of Connecticut and for the former Fairfield Hills Hospital.

He also served as a member of the Fire Department at Fairfield Hills during his time there.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church, Newtown, at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Burial will be in St. Rose Cemetery will be at a later time.

Friends may call at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Memorial Donations may be made to Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association, 2075 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 www.alz.org. In memory of his wife Josephine Lucas.

dperrefort@newstimes.com
Helen Morris, a resident at Candlewood Valley Health & Rehabilitation Center in New Milford, was recently treated to multiple celebrations for her 105th birthday.

Tabitha Williams, CNA, has formed a special bond during Morris time at the center, thus she coordinated a collection among CVHR staff to raise funds to purchase 105 balloons for a balloon drop for Morris parties the weekend of Sept. 15-16.

At Morris first party Sept. 15, numerous family members gathered to celebrate their loved ones life with stories, fellowship and cake.

In addition, a family member played the bagpipes for her and New Milford Mayor Pete presented Morris with a proclamation honoring her for the milestone.

The following day, on Morris actual birthday, another party was held with additional family members.

The party included a joyful round of Happy Birthday sung by family, friends, staff and center residents.

To round out the festivities, Candlewood Valley Health & Rehab nurse Jessica Visokay was able to secure an official statement from Governor Dannel P. Malloy, recognizing Morris for her birthday.

Morris, one of six children, was born and raised in Vermont. She taught all eight grades in a one-room schoolhouse.

In 1944, she married James Morris, to whom she was wed for 40-plus years.

She moved to New Milford around 1950 and worked for George Wells chicken farm for many years before working in the lab at Nestles, from which she retired.

In her prime, Morris loved to bowl, play cards, knit afghans, and play bingo and slots at the casino.

She is a past volunteer for New Milford Hospital and the New Milford Public Schools lunch program.

Morris has four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Washington Montessori School recently kicked off the new school year and celebrated the installation of Carney M. Heavey OBrien as its second head of school.

Heavey OBrien replaces Pat Werner who retired this July after having served as head since 1975.

The ceremony began with a Timeline of WMS lesson led by Lower Elementary Head Teacher Debby DeGuire.

This blue ribbon represents the history of WMS, from its very beginning, DeGuire said as she handed the end of the ribbon to Ineke Ghering, who taught the schools first class in 1965.

WMS was a very small school founded by Elvira Charles, in the basement of a church, DeGuire continued as teachers and students joined to help unfurl the ribbon.

The Timeline of WMS takes inspiration from The Long Black Strip, which is often cited as the most powerful lesson in a Montessori classroom.

Meant to inspire wonder and awe for the age of the universe compared to the very little time humans have existed, the impressionistic lesson communicates the passage of time in a concrete way and allows children to begin to understand their place in the vastness of the universe.

Likewise, the Timeline of WMS is meant to inspire wonder and awe for the schools humble beginnings and to remind the students of their place in a larger WMS community that began many years ago and will continue for many years to come.

Today, we welcome to our community new students, new teachers, DeGuire said. And we also welcome our new head of school, Carney OBrien, who will continue writing the history of WMS as we move forward.

She then symbolically handed the ribbon to OBrien and asked for a moment of reflection.

Bill Dunbar, WMS Board chairman, then offered a welcome.

Im honored to be here today, Dunbar said. This years opening bell is especially meaningful. Not only are we celebrating the start of a new school year together, but we are also officially welcoming our new head of school, Carney OBrien, to our community, he said.

Heavey OBriens four children, Reilly, Quinn, Seamus and Connolly gathered for the ceremony, as well as one of Heavey OBriens nine siblings and her three children.

Lower elementary students, Jackson Morse, Sarah Menozzi-Weisgal, Finley Clark and Saylor Fisher, presented Heavey OBriens family members with Washington Montessori gear to welcome them to the community.

Dunbar, along with others representing different branches of the WMS community, then began the Installation Charge.

Heavey OBrien was then presented with the school compass, representing the combination of vision, grit, loyalty and love demonstrated by our first head of school, Pat Werner, as she worked tirelessly to lead our community in providing a Montessori education for our children, Dunbar said.

The school compass bears the name and dates of founders Elvira and Charles Otis, Head of School Emeritus Pat Werner, and Head of School Heavey OBrien.

Elvira Otis, Werner and Carneys signatures adorn the compass, which will be passed down to future heads.

I am so incredibly grateful and humbled to have earned your confidence to lead this exceptional school and community, Heavey OBrien said. Ive been anticipating this moment for almost a year now and imagining all the different ways I might express what this means to me and how very sincerely I pledge to honor this trust you have placed with me.

The new head of school then shared a little about herself.

My parents instilled in me and my brothers and sisters the essential lessons of curiosity, grit, empathy and grace, she said. I believe the best tribes, communities, schools  engender in us these same lessons and this is what I see in the Washington Montessori community.

Heavey OBrien and some students then rang the school bear to usher in the new school year.

The head of school comes from Chatham Hall in Virginia where she was the assistant head of school for enrollment management.

Prior to that, from 2010-14, she served Indian Mountain School as its director of secondary school advising, ninth grade dean and taught English.

She began her independent school career at Mizzentop Day School in Pawling, N.Y., where she taught a variety of subjects including early childhood art, dramatic lit and theater arts, public speaking/debate and writing.

She also held a number of administrative roles through her time at Mizzentop, including director of admission and assistant head of school.

She earned a B.A. in English from Vassar College and did her graduate work in educational psychology at Marist College.

She has been an active volunteer for Vassar, served as the director of volunteer services for The Childrens Museum in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and co-produced several professional productions at Bardavon Theater.
Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies announced today that DePuy Synthes is introducing SENTIO MMG, a first-of-its-kind digital mechanomyography platform designed to assess nerve status and identify and avoid peripheral nerves during spine surgery.

SENTIO MMG enables motor nerve monitoring for a variety of spine procedures, including non-fusion procedures such as discectomy and both minimally invasive (MIS) and open spinal fusion surgery.

SENTIO MMG is being broadly introduced at the 2018 North America Spine Society Meeting in Los Angeles, California.

The ability of surgeons to improve how nerves are assessed is an unmet clinical need in spine surgery.

Most technologies on the market today rely on multiple needle electrodes in the patients arms or legs to locate motor nerves in the cervical and lumbar spine and generate signals.

This technology can be problematic due to anesthesia effects, electrical interference, or interpretation challenges.

These systems typically require a neuromonitoring specialist to interpret the signals and guide the surgeon.

SENTIO MMG consists of a touchscreen tablet, control unit, probes, and smart sensors which can be set up by surgical personnel with a minimal footprint in the operating room.

With the launch of SENTIO MMG, DePuy Synthes is enabling surgeons to assess nerve status in a differentiated way.

It delivers a patented, smart sensor technology that provides real-time feedback directly to the surgeon on nerve location in the form of visual and audible alerts designed to support surgical decision making and potential efficiency during surgery.

The SENTIO MMG System has provided me with a reliable technology to attain nerve mapping during spinal fusion procedures. It is a useful means to assess nerve status intraoperatively while simultaneously making the OR workflow more efficient and decreasing costs for the hospital, Dr. Frank LaMarca, Neurological Surgeon, Michigan.

The launch of SENTIO MMG further illustrates DePuy Synthes commitment to enhancing its portfolio of enabling technologies in the spine market to help and guide surgeons performing spinal procedures.

The addition of SENTIO MMG to our enabling technologies portfolio will provide value to surgeons performing spine procedures in a variety of care settings, including both hospital and outpatient surgery, said Nadav Tomer, Worldwide President, Spine, DePuy Synthes.

This platform underscores our commitment to digital technologies that advance care for patients and we believe by embracing solutions such as SENTIO MMG we can help to reduce variability and inefficiency in spine surgery.
Committed to scientific excellence, since the 1960s, the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) has helped thousands of early-career scientists through its fellowship programme. Typically awarded for two-year periods, EMBOs long-term fellowships support advanced research and training by funding postdoctoral scientists through spells in other European countries or, when justified, further afield.

Between 2001 and 2010, applications for EMBO fellowships more than doubled, creating a situation in which co-funding was needed to meet demand. Subsequently, the EMBO successfully applied for funding from the EUs Marie Skodowska-Curie Actions programme, leading to the establishment of its long-term fellowship co-fund, LTFCOFUND2013.

The fund has enabled the EMBO to increase the number of its transnational fellowships and improve fellowship conditions, thereby furthering the development of European research.

In 2015, from a total of 1 549 applications, the LTFCOFUND2013 was used to provide fellowships for 252 young postdoctoral life scientists (or EMBO fellows) during a crucial phase in their careers. This figure is about 25 % higher than that for 2016, when no co-funded money was available for the EMBO.

Through LTFCOFUND2013, EMBO funded early postdoctoral researchers in most areas of life sciences with a focus on molecular biology, says David del Alamo, head of the EMBOs fellowships programme in Germany. However, the EMBO defines molecular biology in the broadest possible terms, encompassing research into the mechanisms of life at all levels, from single molecules to organisms and ecosystems.

The EMBO funds applications in areas as diverse as molecular biology of disease and biomedicine, neuroscience, plant biology, ecology and evolution, genomic and computational biology, and structural biology and biophysics, he adds.

Developing careers

Funding under LTFCOFUND2013 is only used to cover fellows needs. As del Alamo says: No money is spent on overheads, research-related costs or any other administrative or bureaucratic expenses. The EMBO aims to maximise the investment in researchers themselves, helping them develop their careers and therefore advancing science in Europe and beyond.

In terms of career development, EMBO fellows have the chance to attend lab leadership courses during their fellowship periods to help them move into group leader roles shortly afterwards.

A boost for science

As regards advancing science, EMBO funding helped enhance medical knowledge of the genetic changes and mutations associated with some 7 000 tumours across 19 types of human cancer. Another EMBO-funded study of 46 children and 30 adults in Sweden advanced knowledge of human brain development. This could feed into the development of treatments for neurological disorders such as autism, dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

EMBO fellowships have also helped further understanding of areas including Alzheimers disease, heart conditions, injuries to the central nervous system, leukaemia, and breast, lung and kidney cancer.

At the end of their fellowship, all fellows are invited to the EMBO fellows meeting in Heidelberg, Germany. A similar gathering is organised every two years in the USA for fellows living in North America. According to del Alamo, this represents an excellent opportunity not only to present their scientific results but also for networking with other fellows.
Adaptive Biotechnologies today announced that Blood, the Journal of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), published online an analysis of patient samples from the Intergroupe Francophone du Myeloma (IFM) 2009 trial. The analysis confirms the value of minimal residual disease (MRD) as a prognostic indicator in multiple myeloma (MM) measured by next-generation sequencing (NGS), using a prior version of Adaptive's highly sensitive NGS platform to detect the presence of disease before and after maintenance therapy. The analysis looked at the impact of achieving MRD negativity on progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). MRD status was shown to be prognostic of PFS and OS. Deep assessment of MRD negativity using this assay, defined in the analysis as less than one myeloma cell in 1 million healthy cells (or 10-6) was the strongest prognostic factor for PFS, regardless of treatment, cytogenetics (risk factors) or stage of the disease. Achieving and maintaining MRD negativity regardless of treatment, resulted in significantly superior PFS and OS compared to those patients who remained MRD-positive.

Myeloma is an incurable cancer of the plasma cells that typically develops in the bone marrow. It is the second most common form of blood cancer, affecting 1.5 times more men than women. MRD refers to the small number of cancer cells that can remain in a patient's body after treatment, which often cause no signs or symptoms, but eventually can lead to recurrence of the disease. These residual cells can be present at very low levels and require highly sensitive tests to identify them. Even very small amounts of MRD during and after treatment can have a profound effect on treatment success and patient outcomes. A test that can reliably determine the presence and amount of MRD at very low levels can be used in clinical trials and in the clinic to predict clinical outcomes, guide management and improve patient care.

"The IFM 2009 analysis demonstrates that MRD is the most important prognostic indicator in myeloma clinical trials when it is measured by a highly sensitive NGS MRD test," said Herve Avet-Loiseau, MD, PhD, Head of the Laboratory for Genomics in Myeloma, University Cancer Center Toulouse, and co-corresponding author. "In the study, patients who achieved MRD negativity with NGS MRD testing, which is able to detect a single myeloma cell among 1 million healthy cells, had better outcomes, regardless of treatment, risk factors or disease stage. Given that MRD-negative patients can still relapse, these results demonstrate the importance of evaluating patients at diagnosis and monitoring them throughout treatment and remission, and it suggests this approach could be used to adapt treatment strategies in future clinical trials."

Study Results

The IFM 2009 study analyzed the relationship between MRD status, OS and PFS between two treatment arms. In the analysis published in Blood, a subset of patients (N=224) were analyzed using NGS MRD testing prior to maintenance and 183 patients were assessed after maintenance. DNA was extracted from frozen bone marrow samples and sequenced using an earlier version of Adaptive's NGS MRD assay developed by Sequenta Inc., which Adaptive Biotechnologies acquired in January 2015. Since the acquisition, Adaptive has combined the technologies into its current MRD assay known as clonoSEQ.

MRD negativity was associated with prolonged PFS prior to (P<0.001) and after completion (P<0.001) of maintenance therapy, demonstrating that NGS MRD testing is highly predictive of outcomes. The PFS was significantly longer in patients who achieved and maintained MRD negativity (<10-6) than in patients who were MRD-positive (P<0.001). The risk of progression was nearly doubled in patients with an MRD level of 10-610-5 versus those who were MRD negative (<10-6) at the start of maintenance therapy (HR=1.94; 95% CI: 1.03 to 3.63; P=0.04) and was almost three-fold higher when MRD was detected after the completion of maintenance therapy (HR= 2.81; 95% CI: 1.50 to 5.24; P=0.001).

Overall survival was also significantly prolonged in MRD-negative patients compared to MRD-positive patients. The overall survival at 4 years after the start of maintenance therapy was 94% among MRD-negative patients, and 79% among MRD-positive patients (HR=0.24; 95% CI:0.11 to 0.54; P=0.001). The overall survival at 3 years after the completion of maintenance therapy was 96% among MRD-negative patients, and 86% among MRD-positive patients (HR= 0.26; 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.68; P=0.008). PFS and OS were significantly superior for patients who had sustained MRD negativity or became MRD-negative at the end of maintenance, indicating the clinical need for measuring MRD over time (P<0.001; P=0.004).

In the IFM 2009 trial, MRD was also assessed using conventional multiparametric flow cytometry, which can detect one myeloma cell in 10,000 healthy cells (10-4). Flow results were previously reported in the New England Journal of Medicine. Of the 233 patients who were previously identified as MRD-negative in the IMF 2009 trial by multiparametric flow cytometry, 113 patients (48%) were found to be MRD-positive using NGS MRD testing.

"The IFM 2009 analysis underscores the need for a deeply sensitive, highly accurate and reliable NGS MRD test that can detect and monitor disease burden throughout the treatment continuum. This study adds to the growing body of evidence that MRD is a critical endpoint that should routinely be incorporated into clinical trials and clinical practice to ensure the best patient outcomes," said Charles Sang, senior vice president of Diagnostics, Adaptive Biotechnologies. "Adaptive remains committed to providing physicians and their patients with a validated, specific and standardized NGS MRD assay that meets regulatory standards and can be used to assess burden of disease and guide disease management for patients living with multiple myeloma."

MRD is also being examined by the FDA and the EMA as a surrogate or primary endpoint in multiple myeloma and other lymphoid malignancies. The recent FDA review and approval of drugs with MRD included as a clinical endpoint, as well as the agency's inclusion of MRD in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) on the recently released list of surrogate endpoints, demonstrates the clinical actionability of MRD and reinforces the need for accurate and standardized NGS MRD testing.

The Adaptive platform uses NGS to precisely identify and monitor MRD in patients throughout treatment and remission with meaningful sensitivity. Determining MRD status with deep sensitivity can help physicians better manage multiple myeloma and other lymphoid malignancies.
Seattle Genetics, Inc. and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited announced today that the phase 3 ECHELON-2 clinical trial met its primary endpoint. The trial demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) of ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) in combination with CHP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, prednisone) versus the control arm, CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone). ECHELON-2 is a global, randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial evaluating ADCETRIS as part of a frontline combination chemotherapy regimen in patients with previously untreated CD30-expressing peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), also known as mature T-cell lymphoma (MTCL). ADCETRIS is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) directed to CD30, which is expressed on the surface of several types of PTCL. ADCETRIS is currently not approved for the frontline treatment of PTCL.

Patients in ECHELON-2 were randomized to receive either a combination of ADCETRIS plus CHP or CHOP, a recognized standard of care for frontline PTCL. Results from the trial demonstrated that combination treatment with ADCETRIS plus CHP was superior to the control arm for PFS as assessed by an Independent Review Facility (IRF; hazard ratio=0.71; p-value=0.0110). The ADCETRIS plus CHP arm also demonstrated superior overall survival (OS), a key secondary endpoint, compared to CHOP (hazard ratio=0.66; p-value=0.0244). All other key secondary endpoints, including PFS in patients with systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL), complete remission rate and objective response rate were statistically significant in favor of the ADCETRIS plus CHP arm. The safety profile of ADCETRIS plus CHP in the ECHELON-2 trial was comparable to CHOP and consistent with the established safety profile of ADCETRIS in combination with chemotherapy. Additional data will be presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) 2018 annual meeting, December 1-4, 2018, in San Diego, California.

"Peripheral T-cell lymphoma is an aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma with approximately 4,000 CD30-expressing patients diagnosed every year in the United States," said Clay Siegall, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Seattle Genetics. "We are excited about the groundbreaking results of the phase 3 ECHELON-2 clinical trial, which demonstrated ADCETRIS in combination with chemotherapy significantly improved treatment outcomes for adult patients with previously untreated CD30-expressing PTCL compared with the current standard of care (CHOP). We'd like to thank the many investigators and patients who participated in this study and contributed to this significant milestone for the PTCL community. We look forward to presenting results at the ASH annual meeting in December and intend to submit a supplemental Biologics License Application to the FDA for approval in this setting in the near future."

"These clinically meaningful results from ECHELON-2 represent a significant step in the development of a potential frontline treatment in this disease. This trial is the largest randomized, double-blind, phase 3 trial in PTCL," said Jesus Gomez-Navarro, M.D., Vice President, Head of Oncology Clinical Research and Development, Takeda. "Standard of care in PTCL has not changed in several decades and there remains an unmet need for patients. These data showed a significant improvement in the primary endpoint of progression-free survival and all key secondary endpoints, including overall survival, along with a manageable safety profile. We look forward to sharing these data with regulatory authorities globally."

Takeda and Seattle Genetics plan to submit these results to regulatory authorities for approval in their respective territories.

ECHELON-2 Phase 3 Clinical Trial Design

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial is investigating ADCETRIS plus CHP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, prednisone) versus CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) as frontline therapy in patients with CD30-expressing peripheral T-cell lymphoma, also known as mature T-cell lymphoma. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival (PFS) per Independent Review Facility assessment, with events defined as progression, death, or receipt of chemotherapy for residual or progressive disease. Secondary endpoints include PFS in patients with systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL), complete remission rate, overall survival and objective response rate, in addition to safety. The multi-center trial was conducted at sites across North America, Europe and Asia and was designed to enroll 450 patients, approximately 75 percent of whom were to be diagnosed with sALCL. The ECHELON-2 trial is being conducted under a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) agreement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the trial also received European Medicines Agency (EMA) scientific advice.
Ingenia Ambition X combines fully-sealed BlueSeal magnet technology and workflow innovations for step-change in productivity

Royal Philips, a global leader in health technology, today launched the Ingenia Ambition X 1.5T MR. Incorporating Philips breakthrough BlueSeal fully-sealed magnet, the Ingenia Ambition X is the worlds first MR system to enable helium-free operations, reducing the chance of potentially lengthy and costly disruptions, and virtually eliminating dependency on a commodity with an unpredictable supply. The first commercial installation of the Ingenia Ambition X was recently completed at Spital Uster Hospital, a major provider of extended primary healthcare in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland. The Ingenia Ambition X is CE marked and has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

We are very proud to be the first hospital in the world to offer this new cutting edge, resource-friendly MRI technology to our patients, said Dr Andreas Steinauer, Chief Radiologist at Spital Uster Hospital, Switzerland. With the new Philips Ingenia Ambition X our patients can have the best of two worlds: leading MRI technology with a smaller footprint. This new leaner platform will allow more sites to deliver advanced MRI technology to their patients, helping to improve patient care.

This announcement completes the renewal of the Ingenia MRI portfolio, which comprises fully-digital MRI systems, healthcare informatics and a range of maintenance and life cycle services for integrated solutions that support customers needs for first-time-right imaging, enhanced diagnostic capabilities and improved productivity.

1.5T MR imaging is core to the day-to-day operations of radiology departments in the UK and around the world, supporting clinicians in the diagnosis of a wide range of patient conditions. As demand for care increases and budgets become more constrained, improvements in productivity of this diagnostic mainstay can have a significant impact. The Ingenia Ambition X can substantially improve overall efficiency, combining its revolutionary BlueSeal magnet with innovations that can reduce downtime, enable single operator workflow and speed up exam times by up to 50 %.

MRI provides exceptional diagnostic and therapy guidance capabilities, but it also places substantial operational demands on the hospital or imaging center due to requirements for installation, footprint and services, said Ben Huard, Business Marketing Manager, MR at Philips UK. With our breakthrough fully-sealed BlueSeal technology were dramatically cutting the amount of liquid helium needed to cool the magnet to less than half a percent of the current norm. The result is numerous customer benefits from a smaller, lighter and more flexible installation footprint, and a more efficient return to normal operations when required.

A wealth of innovations delivers step-change in MR productivity

The Ingenia Ambition X includes a range of innovative features that combine to deliver a step-change in productivity. With Philips EasySwitch services, the BlueSeals magnetic field can be easily turned off if an item becomes stuck in the bore. Once the problem is resolved, an in-house or Philips technician can initiate an automated ramp-up to bring the magnet back to field, minimizing operational downtime. A conventional MR typically requires two staff to manage daily operations. The Ingenia Ambition X combines guided patient setup and Adaptive Intelligence-driven SmartExam analytics for automatic planning, scanning and processing. This frees up time to enable a single operator to manage the full scan from the patients side with just a single touch of a button.

Philips Compressed SENSE is an advanced acceleration application that reduces exam times by up to 50%. In addition, Philips VitalEye is a unique approach to detecting patient physiology and breathing movement. VitalEye technology and algorithms intelligently extract signs of breathing  allowing routine exam set-up time to occur in less than a minute, even for less experienced operators. Together, these innovations help to standardize and speed up workflow, allowing clinicians to focus on the patient.

The Ingenia Ambition X is part of the all-new Ingenia digital MR portfolio and complements the recently introduced Ingenia Elition and Ingenia Prodiva MR solutions. For more information about Philips MR portfolio and to see how Philips MR Innovations are improving diagnostic speed, comfort and confidence visit the next MR wave webpage.
Researchers at the University of York have identified genes in a parasite that could help clinicians predict drug treatment outcomes for patients with visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil.

The findings could lead to a new prognostic test that can predict which patients will respond well to drug treatment and which patients need alternative solutions.

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted to humans by the bite of the infected female sandfly. With 50,000 to 90,000 new cases worldwide each year, it causes fever, substantial weight loss, swelling of the spleen and liver and anaemia and can be fatal if left untreated.

The team, in collaboration with the University of Glasgow, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, the Universidade Federal do Piaui, and the Universidad Estadual de Montes Claros, found that the absence of four particular genes in Leishmania infantum parasite in Brazil makes it less susceptible to an oral drug called miltefosine.

The parasite first arrived in the country from Europe in the 1600s and has mutated and adapted over time, making it challenging to predict when it will respond to drug treatment. During an earlier clinical trial of the oral medication, 40% of patients relapsed within six months.

The presence of the genes in the parasite in India, however, means that after a month of treatment, the disease can be cured with a lower risk of relapse.

Juliana Brambilla Carnielli, Research Associate at the University of York's Department of Biology, said: "Miltefosine is the only available oral drug treatment for leishmaniasis, but due to its poor efficacy to treat visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil, this drug is not licensed in the country.

"This means that Brazilian patients have to rely on intravenous medications, which require medical facilities for its use.

"It was therefore important that we investigated what was making the oral drug less effective in Brazil than it has been in India, where it has been widely used."

Researchers investigated the molecular markers of the Leishmania parasite to understand what might be contributing to its natural resistance to miltefosine.

The absence of the genes correlate with resistance to the drug, which means that Brazilian patients would benefit from a blood test that can detect whether they are carrying the drug-resistant parasite. This blood test is currently being developed by the research team.

Jeremy Mottram, Professor of Pathogen Biology at the University of York's Centre for Immunology and Infection, said: "This work contributes to many studies being conducted around the world into this neglected disease.

"India, Brazil, East Africa and some parts of Europe are impacted by this disease to varying degrees, so we need to know more about how the parasite lives in humans and how the parasite reacts to various drugs.

"A personalized medicine approach will be key to making the big difference to patient outcomes, as our research is telling us that the parasite won't react the same way in every case to a one-size-fits all treatment."

Up to 3,200 patients presented with the condition in Brazil in just one year and more than 260 patients died in the country, creating a significant burden on hospital resources.

The next stage of the study would be a new clinical trial on patients in Brazil that have a positive blood test to see whether conducting prognostic tests early in the disease progression and tailoring medicines accordingly could reduce the numbers of patients relapsing with the disease.
A paper published September 27 in Scientific Reports shows the positive results of a phase II clinical trial using the oral medication DFMO to prevent relapse in children with High Risk Neuroblastoma (HRNB).

Neuroblastoma is a form of cancer that develops from immature nerve cells found in several areas of the body. It occurs most often in infants and young children, usually under the age of five. The disease remains a challenge in pediatric oncology and current treatments include therapies that have significant long-term side effects for patients.

HRNB accounts for 15 percent of all childhood cancer deaths, in part, due to the fact that nearly half of all patients who reach remission will relapse.

"These results are promising and have changed the outlook for our patients with high risk neuroblastoma," said Giselle Sholler, MD, director of pediatric oncology research at Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children's Hospital and principal investigator of the study.

"By using DFMO for two years after finishing conventional therapy, we've seen an overall two-year survival rate for these children of 97 percent. This is a large increase in survival," Sholler added. "Previously it was believed that children with refractory and relapsed neuroblastoma were considered incurable. This study shows more than 50 percent of patients remaining in remission up to four years."

Beat Childhood Cancer's trial studied the use of difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) as a single agent for enrolled patients at 20 children's hospitals from June 2012 to February 2016. The children received two years of oral DFMO twice daily and were evaluated for outcomes of event free survival (EFS*) and overall survival (OS). The study used targeted oral therapy of an ODC inhibitor (DFMO), as a maintenance therapy to prevent relapse in HRNB patients after standard therapy. DFMO works by targeting specific cancer stem cell pathways and "turning off" the cells, thereby preventing the cancer from growing back.

There were two arms in this study, the first designed for patients who had completed standard therapy, and the second for children who were able to achieve remission after having previously relapsed. Both of these patient populations are at very high risk of relapsing after completing treatment and therefore can be very good candidates for using a maintenance therapy with the goal of preventing relapse.

With a median follow up of 3.5 years, the first arm of the study had 100 eligible patients. The results show that two-year EFS was 84 percent and two-year OS was 97 percent.

With a median follow up of 3.7 years, the study enrolled 39 previously relapsed patients and the results reported in the journal showed that two year EFS was 54 percent and two-year OS was 84 percent for these children who had previously relapsed.

"While these EFS and OS figures at two years are remarkable, the really exciting part of these results is that EFS and OS are stable out to four years," said Patrick Lacey of Beat NB Cancer Foundation, one of the childhood cancer parent-led foundations that funded this clinical trial. "Not only did this oral drug lead to a prolonged and stable remission for the children in this study, but the drug was extremely safe and well tolerated in this patient population."

"While many children have been able to attain remission with the current, albeit harsh, upfront therapies, these remissions are not historically durable," Dr. Sholler added. "The current five-year survival curves have not changed significantly in the past two decades despite recent increases in two-year survival as a result of intensified therapies and new multimodal therapies."

Principal Investigator at MUSC, Jaqueline Kraveka, MD, states survival for children with high-risk neuroblastoma remains a challenge. "These results are groundbreaking and very exciting for oncologists and their patient families. I am thrilled to have our confirmatory study open at so many sites across the USA and Canada, enabling children to receive this treatment close to home."
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New Delhi : Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat is leading a high-level delegation on an official visit to Russia from October 1 to 6, the Army said on Monday.

The delegation is scheduled to meet Russia's military brass and visit key military formations and establishments.



Gen Rawat will visit the Mikhailovskaya Artillery Academy and the headquarters of a Motorised Rifle Division in Moscow.

"The visit is yet another milestone in giving impetus to the strategic partnership between India and Russia and taking forward the military to military cooperation to the next level," Army spokesman Colonel Aman Anand said.
Sanaa : Yemen's Shia Houthi rebels launched on Sunday two "unique" cross-border attacks against the Unites Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, according to a statement carried by rebel-controlled Saba news agency.

According to the statement, the first attack was carried out by a Sammad-3 drone on Dubai international airport.

The second attack was conducted by the rebels' naval forces on military boats carrying Saudi border guards off the Saudi Red Sea port city of Jazan.

The Houthi statement, however, did not provide evidence of the two operations.

Meanwhile, both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have yet to officially comment on Houthi claims.

"The Dubai International Airport was operating as normal without any interruption," some news reports quoted a spokesman of Dubai international airport as saying.

Last month, the UAE denied a similar drone attack on Dubai airport.

Houthi rebels have recently escalated ballistic missile attacks on Saudi border cities, but most of the missiles were intercepted and destroyed without causing casualties.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been targeted by Yemeni Houthi rebels for leading an Arab coalition fighting against them in Yemen since March 2015.

The Houthis say their missile attacks were launched in response to the coalition airstrikes on Houthi-controlled lands in Yemen.

The Houthi rebels have seized control over much of the country's north, including the capital Sanaa, since September 2014 when they ousted the internationally recognized government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.
Tehran : Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Monday that a special bilateral trade channel will be opened with the EU in order to get around economic sanctions imposed on Tehran by the US.

The cooperation mechanism between Iran and EU has reached its final stages, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Bahram Qasemi said in a statement.

"If the Europeans and other partners, for any reason, cannot secure a guarantee, the issue can affect Iran's decision, and Tehran will take a way that is in line with its interests," Qasemi said in a statement cited by IRNA news agency.

Qasemi explained that details of the talks with the EU and the exact cooperation mechanism were being kept secret to prevent the US interference.

The US has re-imposed sanctions, including an oil embargo that will begin in November, after unilaterally withdrawing in May from the 2015 nuclear deal, which put limits on certain nuclear activities in Iran in exchange for lifting international sanctions.

The EU has continued to back the accord, which also included China and Russia, and has defended its relations with Iran.

Qasemi said that in a meeting in New York, the foreign ministers of Iran and the five countries that continue to support the pact (France, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Russia) agreed to complete the cooperation programmes.

The meeting discussed payment channels and other measures to facilitate payments related to Iranian petroleum exports, among other issues, according to the final communique.
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New Delhi:

Amid criticism by Congress president Rahul Gandhi, the Narendra Modi government on Monday took over the management of debt-ridden Infrastructure Leasing & Finance Services (IL&FS). The government has submitted a list of new 6-member management board led by industrialist Uday Kotak to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).

The NCLT will consider petitions against the governments move till October 31  the next date of the hearing.

The development came a day after Congress president Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi using public savings via LIC and the SBI bank to bailout the debt-ridden group.

Also Read | 'Lights, Camera, Scam': Rahul Gandhis mordacious attack on PM Modi over IL&FS bailout

On Sunday, the Congress president had claimed that Modi had given the IL&FS group a "Gift City" project worth Rs. 70,000 crore in 2007 when he was the chief minister of Gujarat. He, however, claimed that there has not been any work on the plan till now.

The IL&FS is a vast that operates through more than 250 subsidiaries including IL&FS Investment managers, IL&FS financial services and IL&FS Transportation networks India Limited (ITNL). The group finances infrastructure projects across the country. The group has a debt of over Rs. 91,000 crore.

Also Read | After petrol and diesel, LPG cylinder price increased; check new rates here

Earlier, the Congress party had demanded a forensic audit of the group over the disbursement of Rs. 42,000 crore by the Modi government in the last four years after some of its subsidiaries defaulted on commercial paper repayment obligations.

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New Delhi:

Equity benchmarks snapped their three-day losing streak on Monday as the RBI announced measures to shore up liquidity amid the government pressing for a change of management at the crisis-hit IL&FS.

The 30-share BSE Sensex soared 299 points in see-saw trade to close at 36,526.14, while the NSE Nifty jumped 77.85 points to reclaim the 11,000-mark.

Positive manufacturing PMI data for September and healthy auto sales numbers also reassured investors, brokers said.

Yes Bank was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, spurting 9.86 per cent, after the mid-sized lender said it is fully geared up to find a successor for its MD and CEO Rana Kapoor, whose tenure was curtailed by the RBI last month.

Also Read | Bhima-Koregaon Case: Delhi High Court ends house arrest of activist Gautam Navlakha

Shares of IL&FS group companies surged up to 20 per cent Monday after the government moved the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for change of management at the crisis-hit firm.

The NCLT allowed the governments plea to reconstitute the board of Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Ltd (IL&FS) after market hours on Monday.

The six members of the new board areUday Kotak of the Kotak Mahindra Bank, retired IAS officer Vineet Nayyar, former Sebi chairperson G N Bajpai, ICICIs non-executive chairperson G C Chaturvedi, IAS officer Malini Shankar and senior bureaucrat from CAG Nand Kishore.

Debt defaults by certain group entities of diversified IL&FS have triggered fears of liquidity crisis in the financial markets and the RBI has been taking steps to improve the overall cash situation.

The Reserve Bank Monday announced that it will inject Rs 36,000 crore liquidity into the system through purchase of government bonds in October to meet the festival season demand for funds.

Also Read | Indonesia Earthquake: How this air traffic controller sacrificed himself saving scores of lives

The Sensex opened on a strong note at 36,274.25 but soon declined due to concerns surrounding the NBFC space and the commercial paper market. However, it recovered in afternoon trade to touch a high of 36,616.64, before finally closing higher by 299.00 points, or 0.83 per cent, at 36,526.14.

The NSE Nifty gained 77.85 points, or 0.71 per cent, to finish at 11,008.30. Intra-day, it shuttled between 10,821.55 and 11,035.65.

Meanwhile, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) net sold shares worth Rs 1,699.94 crore Friday, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought equities to the tune of Rs 3,256.34 crore, as per provisional data.

Market rebounded after a weak start with short covering in banking stocks after recent correction and a positive global market. The new trade deal between US and Canada eased trade war concerns and will stimulate sentiment, said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services Ltd.

Other major index gainers included TCS, HDFC, State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, Tata Motors, Infosys, Hindustan Unilever, Coal India, Wipro and Bajaj Auto.

In contrast, Bharti Airtel, Axis Bank, IndusInd Bank, Reliance Industries, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Larsen & Toubro, M&M and Asian Paints settled with losses of up to 3.67 per cent.

Meanwhile, the BSE small-cap index fell 0.25 per cent while the mid-cap gauge gained 0.53 per cent.

The countrys manufacturing sector activity improved in September amid gains in new orders, output and employment, a monthly survey said on Monday.

The Nikkei India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index strengthened slightly in September to 52.2, up from 51.7 in August, as sales rose from both domestic as well as foreign clients.

Auto stocks rose after companies posted healthy sales numbers for September.

Bajaj Auto reported a 17 per cent increase in total sales in September, while Hinduja Group flagship Ashok Leyland reported a 26 per cent rise.

Other major auto players that posted a rise in September sales included utility vehicles major Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), Tata Motors and Royal Enfield, the two-wheeler division of Eicher Motors.

The countrys largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI), however, reported a marginal decline.

In other Asian markets, Japans Nikkei gained 0.52 per cent, Hong Kongs Hang Seng rose 0.26 per cent and Shanghai Composite Index climbed 1.06 per cent.

In Europe, Frankfurts DAX rose 0.60 per cent and Paris CAC 40 was up 0.33 per cent in early deals. Londons FTSE 100 too inched up 0.01 per cent.

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New Delhi:

Surbhi Rana entered the controversial Bigg Boss house in the last episode and this former Roadies contestant has already triggered a whirlpool of buzz. Rana was introduced in the show's OutHouse Taala Khol segment on Voot before the show's premiere, along with Mital Joshi, Roshmi Banik and Kriti Verma. However, she and Joshi were voted out by viewers.A

Surbhi has been in news for her twisted ways and foul mouth during her time at Roadies. Rana, a dentist and a pharmaceutical scientist from Himachal Pradesh, did not get along well with her jodidaar Kriti Verma who was also a participant on the show.A

With Surbhias power-packed entry into the house, grudges can be seen developing in the house already. The former Roadies Xtreme contestant will be likely be paired with Romil Chaudhary, whose partner Nirmal Singh was evicted on Sunday night's episode.

#RomilChoudhary laut aaye hain #BB12 mein aur unke saath aa rahi hain season ki first Wild Card contestant #SurbhiRana! Tune in tonight at 9 PM for all the dhamaaka. #BiggBoss12 pic.twitter.com/jUz5dEFKss a COLORS (@ColorsTV) October 1, 2018

Mumbai mirror quoted Rana as saying, "I was very confident when I had entered the house for the first time. I donat want to talk about why I was voted out but yes, it was shocking! That said, I was prepared for any possibility. I always wanted to be on Bigg Boss, so I will be back with a bang. Iam coming back like a wounded tiger who knows whatas happening in the jungle. Iam more dangerous than before. I have analysed everyoneas personality."

Fans are up to witness some more intense drama in tonight's episode, when Surbhi will leave no chance to provoke contestants leading to a rough fight. The 26-year-old former Roadies contestant is expected to stir some bitterness and pose a threat to other contestants letting the drama unfold in the upcoming episodes.

Are you rooting for this wild card contestant?




Mumbai:

Air India will fly its 423-seater, double-decker Boeing 747 Jumbo aircraft to Mumbai and Kolkata from New Delhi, starting October 16 to meet the rising demand during the festive season. Equipped with 12 first class seats, 26 in business and 385 in economy class, the Jumbo plane will operate one flight each to Kolkata and Mumbai from New Delhi daily between October 16 and October 21, the national carrier said in a statement.

Read More | Imran Khan is nothing but a 'chaprasi'; no point holding talks with Pakistan, says Subramanian Swamy

The Jumbo aircraft will also operate two flights per day daily on the Delhi-Mumbai-Delhi sector from November 1 to November 11 to cater to passenger demand during the Diwali season, the statement added.

According to the national carrier Air India, the first B-747 will operate as AI 887. It will leave from Delhi at 0700 hours and arrive in Mumbai at 0910 hours. On its return journey, it will be operated as AI 809 and will leave from Mumbai at 1040 hours to reach Delhi at 1245 hours.

Also Read | Ram Nath Kovind 74th Birthday: PM Modi, Nirmala Sitharaman extend wishes to 14th President of India

The next B747 flight will operate as AI764, which will depart from Delhi at 1655 hours and reach Kolkata at 1910 hours. The return flight, AI 023, will leave from Kolkata at 2050 hours and reach Delhi at 2255 hours, the airline said.

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Washington:

The Trump Administration wants a trade deal with India, but it is too early to talk about it, a senior White House official said on Monday.

We want to (have a trade) deal (with India). (But) Its way too early for me. I do not want to get in front of that process, White House Economic Advisor Larry Kudlow told reporters here when asked what kind of trade deal US wants to have with India.

The discussions with India on a trade deal is at an early stage, the top White House official said.

We would love a deal with India. But its way too early, Kudlow said.

Also Read | Video of Tanushree Dutta's car being attacked in 2008 goes VIRAL

The top White House official was talking to reporters after US and Canada reached an agreement, alongside Mexico, on a new, modernized trade agreement for the 21st Century: the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Over the weekend, for the second time in last few weeks, President Donald Trump spoke about a trade deal with India claiming that it is New Delhi that wants a trade deal with the US.

Trumps remarks came days after Assistant US Trade Representative Mark Linscott returned from India where he had detailed discussion with senior Indian officials on bilateral trade and a possible trade deal between the two countries.

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New Delhi:

Former President Pranab Mukherjee said on Monday that India is what it is today because of the contributions made by the elders and there is an urgent need to mainstream issues concerning the ageing population of in the country.

Speaking on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons at a function organised by HelpAge India, Mukherjee said: "The government, civil society, corporates, educational institutions, media and society at large need to recognise the importance of this segment's needs Elderly should not be considered a spent force and consigned to the history books, but seen as active members of the society contributing to its well-being." Mukherjee said if on one hand youths have the energy, elderly people have the knowledge and experience and all they need is an opportunity.

Also Read | Bhima-Koregaon Case: Delhi High Court ends house arrest of activist Gautam Navlakha

According to official figures released in 2016 by the ministry of statistics, the number of Indians over the age of 60 is at an all-time high, comprising 8.6% of the countrys 121-crore population.

Also Read | Bigg Boss 12: Wildcard entry Surbhi Rana is getting scandals and fights to pump up the drama in the house

On December 14, 1990, the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish this date as the International Day of Older Persons. The next year, the day was observed as a holiday. The International Day of Older Persons is similar to National Grandparents Day in the United States and Canada and also Respect for the Aged Day in Japan.

(With PTI inputs)

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New Delhi:

Gautam Navlakha, one of the five rights activists arrested in connection with the Koregaon-Bhima case, has been allowed to be freed by the Delhi High Court on Monday.

Granting Navlakha the relief, the high court said the Supreme Court last week had given him the liberty to approach the appropriate forum within four weeks for further recourse, which he has availed. The Delhi HC also rejected the trial court's transit remand order which he had challenged before the matter was taken to the apex court.

The Supreme Court on Friday extended the house arrest of five rights activists and refused to constitute SIT investigation into their arrest. The five activists -- Varavara Rao, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj and Navlakha  have been under house arrest since August 29.Historian Romila Thapar, economists Prabhat Patnaik and Devaki Jain, sociology professor Satish Deshpande and human rights lawyer Maja Daruwala, sought an independent probe into the arrests and the immediate release of the activists.Navlakha's detention has exceeded 24 hours which was "untenable", the high court said on Monday.

Navlakha was arrested from Delhi on August 28. The other four activists were arrested from different parts of the country.Prominent Telugu poet Rao was arrested on August 28 from Hyderabad, while activists Gonsalves and Ferreira were nabbed from Mumbai, trade union activist Sudha Bharadwaj from Faridabad in Haryana and civil liberties activist Navlakha from Delhi.

(With PTI inputs)

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New Delhi:

Old rioting cases against right-wing leader Sambhaji Bhide, a former Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activist who heads Shiv Pratishthan Hindustan, have been withdrawn by the Maharashtra Police six months before the violence in Bhima- Koregaon near Pune, according to a response to an RTI query. Bhide is an accused in the January 1 Bhima-Koregaon caste violence case.

According to the RTI reply, six cases that were filed against Bhide and his organisation were protest against Bollywood movie 'Jodha Akbar' in 2008 and another against an artist's depiction of the assassination of Shivaji in 2009.

Also Read | Kangana Ranaut oozes grandeur in Manikarnikas new poster; Teaser to be released on Gandhi Jayanti

The protesters indulged in rioting, stone-pelting and burning of several tyres. The cases were filed in Sangli in western Maharashtra, it said. A senior police official, however, on Monday told news agency PTI that the charges against the 85-year-old in the Bhima-Koregaon violence case have not been dropped.

"The cases against Bhide that were withdrawn were old cases in Sangli and have nothing to do with the Koregaon-Bhima violence," Superintendent of Pune (rural) police Sandip Patil said.

Also Read | Video of Tanushree Dutta's car being attacked In 2008 goes VIRAL; Video inside

"The investigation in the Koregaon-Bhima violence case, in which Bhide and (Hindu Ekta Aghadi leader) Milind Ekbote are accused, is in progress," the officer said.

NDTV quoted Maharashtra's finance minister Sudhir Mungantiwar as saying that the withdrawls were done in accordance with the government resolution (GR) issued by the previous Congress-NCP government. "The GR says that cases of protests and movements initiated for public can be withdrawn," he said.

The information revealed by the RTI added that at least eight circulars were issued by the Maharashtra government since June last year asking for withdrawal of cases against Bhide, leaders of the BJP and Shiv Sena and thousands of party workers, the NDTV report added.

(With PTI inputs)

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New Delhi:

Shiv Sena's Kerala Unit Sunday called off its dawn-to-dusk hartal, which was scheduled on October 1 to protest against the Supreme Court's verdict allowing women of all age groups to enter Hindu pilgrim shrine Sabarimala temple. The 12-hour-long state-wide strike has been withdrawn in view of the forecast of heavy rain alert in a few districts across Kerala.

"The hartal is being withdrawn taking into account the forecast of heavy rain and issuance of yellow alert in a few districts," a press release from the Siva Sena state committee read.

The Supreme Court on Friday lifted restrictions on the entry of women of a particular age group in the Sabarimala temple. The court changed the Kerala shrines decade-old tradition of barring girls and women of menstruating age 10-50 years.

Read | Sabarimala verdict: Shiv Sena calls for 12-hour bandh in Kerala on October 1

However, the revised date for the hartal will be announced anytime soon. Shiv Sena will also ask other Hindu outfits to file a review period against the SC verdict, according to local news channel Manorama News.

While the BJP government and people from across different sectors welcomed the Sabarimala verdict, terming it a victory for womens rights, the ruling has stirred controversy among various sections of the society.

Read | Sabarimala Verdict: SC decision makes Hinduism even more inclusive, says Maneka

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New Delhi:

Hours after Delhi High Court ended his untenable house arrest, journalist and social activist Gautam Navlakha on Monday released his statement and vowed to continue to speak up for enforcement of our constitutional freedoms and fight against the oppression and exploitation.

In a letter titled Statement of an Urbal Naxal, Navalakha expressed his gratitude towards the people, including Supreme Court judges, and said that he won his freedom from the Delhi High Court. It thrills me to no end, he wrote.

Navlakha was one of the five rights activists who was arrested by Maharashtra Police in connection with the Koregaon-Bhima violence case. The police had claimed that Navlakha had links with banned Maoist organisation and his actions at the 'Elgaar Parishad' event held on December 31, 2007, triggered the Bhima-Koregaon violence - a charge he outrightly denied.

Also Read | 51 months of unofficial emergency: Congress on Lois Sofia arrest

The journalist-activist congratulated the LGBTQ community for the Supreme Court verdict that scrapped Section 377 of the Indian penal code that criminalised homosexuality or gay sex. He said the release of Bhim Armys Chandrashekhar from preventive detention was another reason to celebrate as it showed the power of indomitable resistance against socially entrenched casteist tyranny.

He called upon people to continue to speak up for the enforcement of our constitutional freedoms and against oppression and exploitation in all forms.

Read the complete statement of Gautam Navlakha below:

Read the complete statement of #GautamNavlakha in the attachment. pic.twitter.com/8jpAneLeed  News Nation (@NewsNationTV) October 1, 2018

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New Delhi:

Expressing concern over diminishing values in journalism and the disturbing trend of mixing views with news, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday advised journalists to exercise restraint and guard against disinformation and misinformation while presenting news.

In the present digital era when millions are using social media platforms, journalists will have to be extra careful in checking the veracity of information and guard against fake news, disinformation and misinformation, the president said while delivering the Justice JS Verma Memorial Lecture on Freedom and Responsibility of Media in the evolving media space, in the national capital on Monday evening.

Read | CJI Dipak Misra's Farewell Speech: Indian judiciary strongest, dont judge people by their history

Naidu said that in the race to flash news alerts and updates to users, the cardinal principles of journalism - truth, objectivity, accuracy, credibility, fairness, impartiality, humanity and accountability - have taken a back seat with news purveyors themselves assuming the role of gate-keepers. Most news channels are obsessed with lending primacy to their points of view.

And, the disturbing trend of mixing news with views has become the new normal, he said.

The digital media provides news by the minute in a fastest finger first mode, with alerts and flashes on smart phones. In this milieu, with media houses scrambling to flash news alerts to an ever-widening base of users, the freedom and responsibility of the media acquire far greater significance than ever before, Naidu said.

Also Read | When Mahatma Gandhi got angry with wife Kasturba for just Rs 4

He said that some sections of the media have become propagandists of a particular ideology and reduced broadsheet journalism to pamphleteering.

Naidu also urged TV channels to exercise editorial discretion and restraint while broadcasting a programme so that it does not harm viewers. He said that media must act as an instrument of reformation in the transformation of the nation into a leading economic power.

The freedom of media is not absolute and is circumscribed by certain reasonable restrictions relating to security of State, public order, decency or morality, defamation and contempt of court and sovereignty and integrity of India, Naidu said.

The vice-president also said that every Indian citizen has a responsibility in protecting the sovereignty and integrity of the country.

Read More | Activist Gautam Navlakha vows to continue fight against oppression, exploitation

Strongly underlining the medias role to act as a bridge between the government and people, Naidu said the media should ensure that justice is not denied to the people, particularly the vulnerable and marginalised sections of society.

Urging the media to give equal focus to all regions of the country and all segments of society, Naidu said the media must focus on development and welfare The vice-president also stressed upon the means of empowerment for development through informed actions.

The event, organised by NBA, was graced by other luminaries, media personalities and students of journalism.

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Lucknow:

The two Lucknow police constables, accused of killing Apple executive Vivek Tiwari on September 29, were dismissed from service on Monday morning. According to a news channel, constables Prashant Chaudhary and Sandeep Kumar were axed from service for killing Tiwari in the upscale Gomti Nagar locality for refusing to stop his car at a police check-post. This development comes right after Tiwari's wife, children and kin met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The matter came in media limelight in no time, prompting the police to arrest accused constable Prashant Chaudhary and his colleague. A murder case had also been registered against them.

Read More | Ram Nath Kovind 74th Birthday: PM Modi, Amit Shah, Sitharaman extend wishes to 14th President of India

Uttar Pradesh police chief OP Singh had asserted on Saturday that the rogue policemen will be dismissed from service. The Director General of Police (DGP) said that the shooting was a criminal case and no policeman is permitted to gun down anybody.

Constable Prashant Chaudhary claimed he had fired in self-defence. However, Sana Khan, who was accompanying Tiwari, maintained that that they hadnt realised that the policemen wanted them to stop, and their vehicle had hit the motorcycle while trying to pass them. The two constables were arrested on the basis of an FIR lodged by Khan.

Also Read | ISL 2018/19, Bengaluru FC vs Chennaiyin FC: Top 3 talking points

Tiwari was hit on the neck when constable Prashant Chaudhary fired at the cars windshield. The vehicle ended up ramming into the pillar of a bridge nearby. Though Tiwari was rushed to the Lohia Hospital, he later succumbed to his injuries.

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Colombo:

Former Maldives president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was released from jail on Sunday, a week after his estranged half-brother suffered a shock electoral defeat, raising hopes that other high-profile political prisoners could soon have their convictions overturned.

Gayoom, 80, and his legislator son Faris Maumoon, were released on bail by the High Court in Male, a week after strongman Abdulla Yameens spectacular loss at the polls in the Indian Ocean archipelago nation.

Read More | Petrol price crosses Rs 91-mark in Mumbai, diesel hits all-time high of Rs 75 in Delhi

Gayooms daughter Dunya, a former foreign minister, welcomed the release and said she hoped the sentences of other dissidents, including another former leader, Mohamed Nasheed, would soon be withdrawn.

These are all politically-motivated convictions and I hope they too will be overturned soon, allowing... Nasheed to return home, Maumoon told AFP by telephone from Male as Gayoom returned home.

Nasheed, the countrys first democratically-elected president, was convicted on a terrorism charge and sentenced to 13 years in prison in 2015. He obtained prison leave in 2016 and travelled to London for medical treatment and has remained abroad since.

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Nasheed was barred from contesting the September 23 presidential election because of his conviction which the United Nations said was a travesty of justice.

Former foes Nasheed and Gayoom both backed Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to challenge Yameen, who had locked up all his key political opponents or forced them to flee the country.

Sundays release followed appeals from President-elect Solih, who urged Yameen to free all political prisoners in the tourist paradise atoll nation after his stunning victory last week.

Gayoom had ruled the nation of 340,000 Sunni Muslims for 30 straight years till he was defeated by Nasheed at the countrys first multi-party elections in 2008.

He supported Yameen against Nasheed in a controversial run-off election in 2013 although the half-brothers later fell out and became bitter foes.

Gayoom was arrested in February along with the countrys Chief Justice and another Supreme Court judge on a charge of attempting to topple Yameen. He declared a 45-day state of emergency to block impeachment.

Gayoom was serving a 19-month jail term for obstruction of justice and was also under trial on a terrorism charge when the High Court ordered his release.

The ex-leader had bail set at 60,000 rufiyaa ($3,900) and his son Faris at 40,000 rufiyaa, and they were ordered not to travel abroad without the courts permission.

Another high-profile Maldivian dissident, Qasim Ibrahim, was also granted bail. He, however, is not in the Maldives. He had obtained prison leave for medical treatment and has remained in Europe.

Almost all key opposition leaders and a number of ruling party dissidents had either been jailed or gone into exile in recent years under Yameen who relied heavily on China for political and financial support.

Soon after his defeat, Yameen freed five other political prisoners but was delaying the release of his half-brother who could have made a claim to the leadership of his PPM party.

Yameen secured the leadership of the party on Friday.

His five-year term as president will come to an end on November 17 when Solih is due to be sworn in.

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BROOKFIELD  Community members are invited Wednesday morning to drink coffee and chat with police officers.

The police department is hosting a Coffee with a Cop event from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Chick-fil-A on Federal Road. The event is a chance for residents to meet the officers that patrol their neighborhood, voice concerns and ask questions.

More News Coffee with a Cop stops by McDonald's

We hope you will join us to become part of the dialogue with our amazing town, the department said on its Facebook page.

Parents are encouraged to bring their kids.

Wednesday is National Coffee with a Cop Day. This day aims to build relationships between residents and officers. The Coffee with a Cop movement started in 2011 in California and has spread across the country and world, according to the initiatives website.
WESTPORT  Accusations of foul play are flying from both sides in the race for the 26th Senate District pitting a 22-year-old Democrat versus a Republican 21-year veteran of Hartford politics.

It seems to be one of the races where theres an unusual amount of interest this year, Gary Rose, a professor of government at Sacred Heart University, said of the race for the 26th District, which includes parts of Bethel, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport and Wilton.

Incumbent Sen. Toni Boucher has accused Haskell of being a privileged Westport kid and his supporters of taking down campaign signs and conducting push polls, which propose leading and often negative questions to discredit a candidate. Bouchers challenger, Will Haskell, says Boucher is levying false claims about his familys finances and personal life.

The testiness and antagonism now showing up in the race for the 26th could be filtering down from the state gubernatorial race, which has gotten heated with personal attacks, Rose said.

Democratic enthusiasm in the state, coupled with antipathy to President Donald Trump, could buoy Haskells chances of winning the race, but Boucher has won her last two elections with more than 60 percent of the vote in a district that has 30.8 percent registered Democrats and 30.4 percent registered Republicans.

It would be an upset of major proportions, Rose said of the possibility that Haskell defeats Boucher.

In a Sept. 19 Facebook post on her personal page, Boucher, who has represented the 26th Senate District since 2009 and previously represented the 143rd House District, which includes Wilton, her hometown, and Norwalk for the previous 12 years, said her opponent has engaged in unfair campaign practices.

First pulling up signs and now push polls. So sad to start a new political journey by using the worst of campaign tactics. And, not a good way to establish a positive reputation when newly entering the political arena, Boucher, 68, wrote, noting she heard about the alleged push polls from several of her supporters, including Weston resident Michele Tivey, who said she received a call that painted Sen. Boucher in a negative light and repeatedly lied about her record on education funding, tax reform and LGBTQ rights.

Tivey did not return a call seeking comment.

All the other side is interested in doing is levying accusations that just arent true, Haskell said, adding, Push polls are not something my campaign could afford or something were interested in doing.

A search of Haskells campaign on the State Elections Commission website does not show any expenditures for polling.

Boucher claimed, without evidence, that his campaign removed several Boucher lawn signs from private property in Weston in a Facebook post on Sept. 15 and a week prior told a group of Republicans at the opening of the Ridgefield Republican Town Committee that his parents are major donors to U.S. Rep. Jim Himes and Sen. Chris Murphy, (both D-Conn.), Haskell said. Im not aware of any political sign theft complaints that weve received, Norwalk police Lt. Terry Blake said.

It certainly has to be those that are advancing that campaign, otherwise I dont know why they would spend the money and time to do it, Boucher said of the woman that removed her sign. Haskell denies his campaign was responsible for the removal of Bouchers signs in Norwalk.

In a recording obtained by the Westport News, Boucher levied several personal criticisms of Haskell in speaking to a group at the opening of the Ridgefield Republican Town Committee headquarters.

He has nothing else to do. People get the sense that he is that really privileged, wealthy kid from a wealthy family in Westport and he cant wait to get to law school, Boucher is heard on the recording. His parents gave so much money to the Democrats, he gets every opportunity to work for Himes, or Chris Murphy, or Blumenthal, and so on. So, trust me, he has his minions and he had them there tonight that are his college buddies that graduated, and of course apparently, his parents are paying for his lifestyle.

Haskell, who graduated from Georgetown University in May and interned in the Washington offices of Himes and Murphy, said he is supporting himself with money he saved from working as a researcher and at a convenience store throughout college. His parents are not financially supporting him at this time, he said. Haskell, who grew up in Westport, lives in an apartment in New Canaan, he said. A search of Haskells parents on the Federal Election Commission database shows neither of Haskells parents has donated to the campaigns of Murphy or Himes.

What weve seen repeatedly from the other side is an interest in talking about anything other than Sen. Bouchers record and the issues. The distraction is so frustrating because when I go door-to-door, no voters want to talk about push polls or signs. They want to talk about the cost of prescription drugs and common-sense gun regulation, Haskell said.

In response to why she made false claims about Haskells parents campaign donations, Boucher blamed the Haskell campaign for sending trackers to follow her. Theres apparently some person tracking and running around trying to get I gotcha kind of tapes, Boucher said, adding, This is all part of the devolution of the process. We do not send trackers or people to spy on the other person in their private gatherings.

Our campaign desperately needs all the help we can get and we simply dont have an indefinite number of resources to send people to her events and its not something were going to do, Haskell said, denying the use of trackers.

svaughan@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2638; @SophieCVaughan1
NEW HAVEN  A private foundation with a recent history of funding programs in the citys schools announced a $965,000 grant to pay for full-time mental health clinicians at five schools this month.

For four years, the Dalio Foundation, the family foundation of Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio and wife, Barbara, has awarded a grant to New Haven schools to pay for clinicians from the Clifford W. Beers Guidance Clinic. Bishop Woods School, Truman School, Wexler Grant School, Career High School and High School in the Community will receive clinicians.

The mental health of our students is the most fundamental prerequisite for their well-being and education, and for that reason, the collaboration with New Haven Public Schools and Clifford Beers is very important to me, said Barbara Dalio in a statement.

The grant comes at a time when over a dozen school counselors lost their jobs in layoffs, while the school district faces down a projected deficit of over $8 million. At a recent community meeting, a parent from John C. Daniels School asked Superintendent of Schools Carol Birks if she would reinstate school counselors to the district in lieu of social workers.

Birks said she is not bending on the decision to hire social workers in the schools because of their specialized training. She also explained to the audience of that community meeting at the Atwater Senior Center that certain salaries are paid by operating fund dollars, whereas other workers are paid through grant funding.

Our teachers see firsthand the effects of adversity, trauma and stress on our students. They know that these factors have the potential to negatively impact a childs ability to achieve and be successful in school. Our collaboration with the Dalio Foundation and Clifford Beers benefits both students and teachers, helping us to create a supportive learning environment to bolster students affective growth and development and social emotional well-being, Birks said in a statement.

Alice Forrester, CEO of Clifford Beers, said the clinics approach focuses on the holistic needs of the whole child and families and leverages community resources in a statement. Dave Cicarella, president of the New Haven Federation of Teachers, also said in a statement that his union welcomes the social workers as we work together to support our students.

The Dalio Foundation reports that it has contributed more than $3,000,000 in grant funding since 2015 for social workers in New Haven schools.

Additionally, the Dalio Foundation has supported a data-driven program called the RISE Network in several school districts in the state, including Career High School. Some members of the community have expressed cynicism about the programs use of student data, although it appears some of those concerns have been assuaged somewhat.

Parent Jill Kelly, a volunteer with a grassroots education-focused community group called NHPS Advocates, said she would like to see the school district commit more of its resources to protecting student data, but she felt officials with the RISE Network had been transparent about data agreements in private meetings.

We found the requirement to provide an opt-out form for parents really lies with the district, so its up to the district to decide whether they should allow parents to opt out, Kelly told the school board on Monday at a meeting.

Mayor Toni Harp, who has become an advocate for the RISE Network, initially expressed concerns about the sustainability of Dalio-funded projects at a committee meeting after seeing a presentation. What if the Dalio Network moved onto other philanthropic interests beyond urban education, she wondered.

At last weeks school board meeting, officials with RISE did a brief presentation on the program for the first time in front of the full school board. Birks thanked RISE Director Emily Pallin for giving the presentation and suggested that Pallin repeat how grateful the school district is for the program to the Dalio Foundation.

brian.zahn

@hearstmediact.com
The things I remember most about the end of summer in Wooster Square have to do with canning and pickling the summer fruits and vegetables.

My most vivid memories are the bushels of plump eggplants lined up on the sidewalk in front of our store waiting to be transformed into a delicious antipasto condiment. So many of our neighbors made this delicacy that we would stock up on all of the ingredients needed to make the jarred pickled eggplant that we all loved.

White vinegar, capers, olives, oregano, garlic and olive or blended oil were all essential to the finished product. Eggplant needed to be cut into strips, salted, wrung dry and mixed with all the ingredients before being stuffed into Mason jars and completely covered in oil. They were stored for winter use as a condiment on sandwiches or as an antipasto ingredient. My mother was always proud of her eggplant and the goal was to have the strips be as white as possible with just the right balance of vinegar, spices and oil.

Of course, tomatoes were also transformed into the essential ingredient for Sunday sauce. They needed to be cut, drained, run through a mill that separated the pulp from the seeds and skin, poured through a funnel into wine or soda bottles and capped. They were then boiled in pots of water until sterilized and set up for the winter. Very often the large pots were set up outdoors on a wood fire.

We also sold grapes for wine making and green olives for curing. Mr. Russo, who had a laundry on Hamilton Street, also rented wine presses for the homemade wine. Some people preserved the summer fruits in alcohol; cherries and grapes were placed in jars and covered in grain alcohol. These were special treats for holiday eating and for visitors on a Sunday afternoon.

Sweet cordial liquors were also homemade, with the flavor essence available in the pastry shop. The addition of alcohol created a sweetly flavored liquor for special occasions. Caffe Sport, Rosalia, Strega were favorites. A bottle of sweet vermouth and anisette for the coffee rounded out the selection.

Finocchi or fennel would also appear in our store, tied in a bunch and still attached to the long stalks with their wispy fronds.

When we think now of Wooster Square, we generally envision Wooster Street and the quad surrounding Wooster Square Park or, for us locals, Columbus Green. The imposing Columbus statue that dominates the Chapel Street side of the park has become one of the most enduring symbols of the neighborhood. It was erected in 1892 by the Italian-American community to commemorate the quadricentennial of the Italians important role in the exploration of the North American continent. Italians in New Haven were proud to point to the accomplishments of such a noted Genoan.

Next to the celebrations of each patronal feast, the Columbus celebration was a source of pride. It took several decades for the residents to understand that their own accomplishments were a source of pride as well, pride in their own efforts to create a community of their own.

The whole area that was geographically Wooster Square encompassed some quiet streets with single- and double-family residences, such as Green. St. John and Lyon streets, which are still almost intact. These were places where there was less activity perhaps, but they still resonated with the sounds of the familiar language and where the customs were faithfully practiced.

The main thoroughfare that formed the boundary was Grand Avenue, second only to downtown Chapel Street for its importance as a shopping area. It was and is a busy thoroughfare and, back in the early 20th century right through the sixties, many stores catered to the Italian-American community. The Dreamland theater served as a neighborhood venue for movies on their second run and I remember going there on Saturday afternoon for a cowboy movie with a serial as an extra treat.

Marzulos Pastry Shop on Wallace near Grand served as the uppermost boundary, with Polio Cheese across the street. Italian pastry was and remains a very selective choice. Each of the five pastry shops had their devoted followers and, from time to time, one might hear a slightly argumentative conversation that was focused on the merits of one bakers pastry over the others.

A trip to Grand Avenue was not a daily experience for most of us but reserved for special shopping needs. Several furniture stores there were convenient places for newlyweds setting up their first apartment to purchase their furniture. Mr. Di Cusati had his photography studio there, where he memorialized several generations with wedding, First Communion and confirmation portraits. In the days before instant cameras, you went to a studio for a formal photo to mark important occasions.

It was also not uncommon for a family portrait to be taken as a memento, for posterity. I have seen many such wonderful group photos, the entire family, dressed in their finest, looking intently into the camera lens and displaying a sense of pride in their accomplishments here in their adopted country. These photos, more than anything else, chronicle the history of the neighborhood because they represent the continuity of the traditions that were so important to us all. The weddings represented a new generation planting roots here and all the other religious and family occasions that represent the continuity of life experiences here in a new place.

In this neighborhood respect, for the old and appreciation for the new opportunities somehow came together in a very compatible way and we benefited from both.

Frank Carrano lives in Branford. Contact him at f.carrano@att.net.
NEW HAVEN  Before even graduating high school, twin brothers George and Jake Wang are developing the curriculum.

The Wang brothers, who are 16-year-old juniors at Hopkins School in their Westville neighborhood, co-founded Chess Haven, a nonprofit that wants to bring chess to low-income and urban children, a little more than three years ago.

I dont really see chess as a board game, but as an art, said Jake, Chess Havens vice president. Its like players engaging in a dialogue.

Qi Li, George and Jakes mother, said their first introduction to chess began at a camp in Lake George, New York, around the time they were 10 years old.

They really got into chess by themselves, she said.

George, president of Chess Haven, said shortly after he caught the attention of a stranger at the library, who challenged him to a game.

My mom told me not to talk to strangers, but he was a really nice guy, he said. My brother and I looked up the rules and played the guy.

About two years later, he said he saw the man on the street with a cardboard sign, and learned that the man was formerly incarcerated and was experiencing homelessness as a result of his inability to find work.

It shows how chess connects people, George said. We decided to start Chess Haven because we wanted to help students.

The Wang brothers say that between the two of them, they have more than 1,000 volunteer hours teaching New Haven students the fundamentals of chess and helping to launch schoolwide chess clubs. In January, theyll host a third annual chess tournament for kindergarten through 12th grade at Hopkins, which they say draws about 80 players.

Its a really unique experience, George said.

As a way of expanding Chess Havens mission of reaching children with chess, the brothers recently developed Common Core-aligned chess curriculum they hope can be implemented into urban schools.

Jake said the concepts discussed in the chess curriculum involve storytelling and using chess to solve math and logic problems. For example, the curriculum assigns pawns a worth of one cent and bishops three cents and is using that to create math and logic puzzles for learners.

This past Wednesday, Elm City Montessori students Kingston Clark, 7, and Malachi Antoine, 8, were practicing moving pawns around a chess board under the brothers supervision.

I like it, Kingston said. Weve been playing since we were 6.

Malachi corrected that he was 5 when he began playing chess.

Both brothers are accomplished chess players at the state level where they are co-champions in their division and they have had various successes in tournaments around the country. Recently, Jake won first place in the 2017 Continental Open.

Although its nice to win, I feel like I learn more from the losses, he said. I didnt perfectly win every game. It teaches you to be determined and resilient.

brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com
Theres rich and then theres really rich. But in the governors race its hard to tell.

Democrat Ned Lamont and Republican Bob Stefanowski have, so far, declined to release their income tax returns, though both have promised to make summaries of their tax filings public. In Connecticut, however, where the tax collector keeps tabs on personal property, a picture of wealth can emerge from the things a candidate owns.

For Stefanowski, there is the $3 million mansion hidden behind the big trees along the busy Boston Post Road in Madison. Then there are the Stefanowskis two beachside houses nearby, worth a combined $2.3 million.

Around the corner from the beach, on a small tidal inlet off Neck Road, is a private dock purchased for $85,000 three years ago. That was around the time the family sold its $2 million mansion in Florida.

For Lamont, home is a $7 million, 8,300-square-foot colonial behind bushy evergreens and a high, deer-proof fence on a secluded, private cul de sac in mid-country Greenwich. Lamonts eight bathrooms became a point of contention during the primary. The adjoining two-acre, $1.6 million parcel, was added for privacy. A few miles away, along Long Island Sound, a slick 22-foot Mako power boat is docked.

In 2005 Ned and Ann Lamont bought 32 acres at 0 Lakewood Drive and 23 acres at 0 Northrup Street in Bridgewater, near Lake Lillinonah. Each of the vacant lots sold for $2.2 million, according to the town tax assessor.

Stefanowskis could be called upper-management wealth. Industry analyses suggest he earned an estimated $2 million-plus a year and millions in stock options as a division-level corporate executive during much of his career, before rising to a CEO position at a payday loan company, Dollar Financial Group, in London.

His wife, Amy Stefanowski, is a Realtor who has rented at least one of the shoreline houses, on the private Soundview Avenue, for up to $5,000 a week in the summer.

Lamonts inherited wealth and investment income  going back more than 100 years to his great-grandfather Thomas W. Lamont, a top New York banker  is an entirely different level of money. When he ran for U.S. Senate in 2006, he estimated his wealth at between $90 million and $300 million. His wife, Annie Lamont, is an executive with a multi-billion-dollar venture-capital and private-equity firm who as recently as 2014 was listed by Forbes magazine as one of the nations top tech investors.

Pockets, deep

and otherwise

What the two families have in common, besides three children and the goal of becoming governor of Connecticut, are Mini Cooper autos in their garages. Stefanowski also owns a 2013 Audi A8 and a 2009 Ford Ranger pickup. Lamont also owns a 2006 Lexus RX 400 and 2017 Tesla X.

Its clear that Lamont, who spent $20 million on his winning 2006 U.S. Senate primary and losing general election race against U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, has fewer financial concerns than Stefanowski.

The Republican gave a $2.2 million loan to his campaign for governor. Amy Stefanowski recently emailed pleas to potential GOP contributors, warning if they couldnt raise $10,000 quickly, one of her husbands TV ads would have to be pulled.

Between 2007 and 2015, the Stefanowskis owned a secluded seaside home on the north side of Key Largo, Fla., that sold for about $2 million, around the time the Stefanowskis bought the 5,142-square-foot place on the Boston Post Road, according to local land records.

The Democrat, a cable TV pioneer who started out wiring college campuses, is primarily a tech investor through his Lamont Digital Systems Inc. He has invested about $3 million in his third statewide campaign, with no claim in recouping the investment. Last year, he helped wrangle the India-based Infosys information technology company, into committing to a Hartford operation.

Ronald Schurin, a political scientist at University of Connecticut, said wealthy political candidates are part of the states new political landscape.

Griebel showed

income, taxes

The fact that Stefanowski is rich and Lamont is super rich is the norm, said Schurin, noting Lamont is the first Democratic candidate since public financing kicked in during the 2010 governor cycle, to eschew the voluntary program, which limits candidates to about $8 million during an election cycle.

Theres nothing new or startling about this, Schurin said. What this says is that these are people who have the free time, free from the pressures of making a daily living, to get into politics at that level.

Unaffiliated candidate for governor Oz Griebel, a former banker and regional business leader who has an apartment in Hartford, released the top sheets of his income-tax forms this week.

He paid the IRS more than $93,000 a year in taxes over the last three years on income of about $400,000. He has been giving the state about $25,000 a year in taxes.

People are entitled to this, Griebel said. People are entitled to understand transparency. The voters in this state are entitled to it.

Previous candidates for governor have released their tax information. When Republican businessman Tom Foley, of Greenwich, ran for governor against Dannel P. Malloy in 2014, he allowed reporters to view three years of his federal tax summaries. Malloy released four years of his partial federal and state tax returns.

This years millionaire-versus-millionaire contest could signal the end for middle-income people, such as Malloy and his immediate predecessors, including M. Jodi Rell and John G. Rowland, from getting a shot at the states top job.

Of course, it would have been better for Rowland if he had some wealth, Schurin noted. In 2004, Rowland resigned in the middle of his third four-year term, and pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges.
A law enforcement official is being called out for allegedly threatening the town council president in a recording that was played at a public meeting last week.

Englewood Cliffs Police Chief Michael Cioffi was recorded allegedly making comments about Council President Carrol McMorrow.

"I'd like to kill her but I can't," Cioffi allegedly said, according to a recording played by McMorrow during the public comments portion of a council meeting Wednesday night.

The tape surfaced during the discovery phase of a lawsuit filed by Cioffi against the borough. The recordings were made by Cioffi, himself, according Attorney James Patuto, who has represented Cioffi on disciplinary matters but is not the attorney in this case.

A call to that attorney was not immediately returned.

"He made the tapes to protect himself against the mayor," who Patuto says has accused Cioffi of "all types of nefarious things."

Cioffi "could've taken the tapes and thrown them in the garbage," Patuto said. "Instead he told the federal court, I have these tapes."

"There are tapes where he's praying for a sick child," he added.

The snippet

is from one of 120 tapes -- more than 40 hours of recordings -- and it was one that was not marked confidential, McMorrow said.

It was recorded on Jan. 2, 2017 using a borough-owned recorder that officials later took back. (And by took back, they asked for it repeatedly and finally filed criminal charges against the chief to get it returned, Mayor Mario M. Kranjac said at the meeting Wednesday).

"I'm playing it here for you tonight so you can have an idea of what these tapes are like," she said. "There are other tapes with content equally disturbing to this if not worse. The conversation on this tape is between Chief Cioffi and borough employees."

The chief allegedly says to a borough employee, about McMorrow, "she is one hell of a b----, let me tell ya."

And "Was Carrol breaking my b---- yesterday, or what?"

After saying he'd "like to kill her," Cioffi allegedly says, "I look at the Shawshank Redemption and say, hmm. You know?" then he laughs.

The chief, according to McMorrow, then discusses the pros and cons of killing her with a borough employee.

"Just imagine, our chief of police, on duty, carrying a borough-issued gun, discussing with a borough employee whether or not ending my life would be worth it," she said. "I am extremely concerned about this conversation."

Cioffi did not return calls seeking comment.

Patuto said the remarks made by the chief were workplace jokes.

"The chief has been harassed for the last two years by the mayor and council president," Patuto said. "There was some joking going on between a lot of people in city hall just to break the tension."

"No one is proud of these things but it's normal ... workplace talk when you have an ill-tempered chief executive who just doesn't follow the law," Patuto said.

McMorrow said she is frustrated by the lack of outrage by the same public officials who recently condemned Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino for his racist comments. Saudino resigned Sept. 21 after being caught on tape making comments about African Americans and the state's Sikh attorney general.

McMorrow, a Republican in a town that for 42 years was a Democratic strong-hold, also chastised her Democratic council colleagues who voted against hiring a hearing officer -- the first step in the process of bringing disciplinary charges against the chief and any other members of the police department who made disparaging comments on the tapes.

"I am extremely disappointed the three Democratic council members would vote no to allow due process to occur and to allow the truth to come out," she said. "But then again, I know what's on those tapes and I believe that's what they're trying to hide."

Democratic council members Ed Aversa, Gloria Oh and Ellen Park did not respond to requests for comment.

Cioffi -- who is one of the highest paid police chiefs in the state -- and the borough have a litigious relationship.

He is suing the mayor for overstepping his powers by trying to force the chief to use his cache of vacation time, rather than having the borough pay out roughly $300,000 upon Cioffi's retirement.

McMorrow also sued the chief for retaliation in December 2017. But the friction between the chief and the McMorrow family dates back about a decade -- the council president's husband, Michael McMorrow, is a retired Deputy Police Chief in the Englewood Cliffs Police Department who walked away from his $200,000 per year job because of a hostile work environment.

The recording from Wednesday night was first shared by Matt Katz, the WYNC reporter who made public the tape of Saudino making racist comments.

Allison Pries may be reached at apries@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AllisonPries. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Q. Is the beneficiary of a will required to pay judgments against the deceased from proceeds of an inheritance? My ex's mother recently passed away and he owes me a child support judgment and another judgment. His sister is the executor of the will and I would like to contact her about the judgments.

-- Ex-wife

A. You should absolutely contact your former sister-in-law about the money you're owed.

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56.23b, if your ex-husband's inheritance from his mother's estate exceeds $2,000 and he is the subject of an outstanding child support judgment, his sister, as executor, must refrain from distributing your ex-husband's inheritance to him until the child support judgment is satisfied to the extent made possible by the inheritance, said Shawna Brown, an attorney with Mandelbaum Salsburg in Roseland.

Your ex-husband's sister should be made aware of the child support judgment so she can ensure that it is satisfied to the extent possible, Brown said.

"However, even if you do not notify your ex-husband's sister about the judgment, your ex-husband's attorney or, if he has none, his sister or her attorney, are obligated to perform a search of child support judgments to determine if one exists against your ex-husband," Brown said. "Your ex-husband's sister is also obligated to contact the Probation Division of the New Jersey Superior Court to arrange for the child support judgment to be satisfied in whole or in part, depending on the amount of the inheritance."

If she fails to perform these steps and distributes your ex-husband's inheritance to him, she can be held personally liable for the child support obligations, Brown said.

The child support judgment has priority over any other claims against your ex-husband's inheritance, unless a court has directed otherwise or the claim is for unpaid New Jersey income tax, Brown said. Therefore, if the amount of the child support judgment equals or exceeds the amount of your ex-husband's inheritance, it is unlikely that you will be able to collect on your second judgment.

If the inheritance is sufficient to satisfy both the child support judgment and all or part of your judgment, you may act to collect, Brown said, noting that N.J.S.A. 2A:14-5 allows you to file an action to collect on the judgment if it was entered in the last 20 years.

This type of action is filed in the Special Civil Part of the New Jersey Superior Court.

"You may ask the court to collect the judgment from your ex-husband's inheritance and include both him and his sister, in her capacity as executor of their mother's estate, as parties so that she cannot withhold the amount owed pursuant to the judgment," she said. "If the judgment was entered over 20 years ago, you can file an action to 'revive' the judgment and collect on it."

If you are successful, the court will issue a document called a writ of execution that empowers a court officer to collect the amount of the judgment from your ex-husband or from his mother's estate, depending on where the funds are then being held, Brown said.

She recommends you speak with an attorney who is experienced in estate administration to fully evaluate your legal rights as a creditor of the estate.

Email your questions to Ask@NJMoneyHelp.com.

Karin Price Mueller writes the Bamboozled column for NJ Advance Media and is the founder of NJMoneyHelp.com. Follow NJMoneyHelp on Twitter @NJMoneyHelp. Find NJMoneyHelp on Facebook. Sign up for NJMoneyHelp.com's weekly e-newsletter.
N.J. home makeover is a regular feature on NJ.com that showcases designer, contractor and DIY renovations, large and small. To submit your renovation for consideration, email home@starledger.com with your full name, email address, phone number and town/city. Attach "before" and "after" photos of what you renovated.

With three children, three bedrooms and one and a half bathrooms, Gary and Sharon Foti were outgrowing their Pompton Plains ranch home.

They looked into buying a bigger house, but they really like where they live, so they considered an addition. Gary Foti always wanted a house with a basement, and they began to explore their options.

They learned that the all-new living quarters they could have with a modular house would be a reasonable cost above what they would have spent to enlarge their existing house.

"We knocked down our house, put in a modular house and got a basement," Sharon Foti said.

They also got a more spacious 2,800-square-foot house with a master bedroom and a second full bath, a second half bath and bigger room for their sons, ages 16 and 11 to share. Their daughter, 13, has her own smaller room.

Like other modular structures, their 2011 Colonial-style home was factory-built in sections and transported to their property to be joined and finished.

When the Fotis were planning their house, they felt their choices were somewhat limited for the interior. After living in it for six years, they decided to update the first floor with more personalized styling. Sharon Foti also had grown weary of the color scheme and furnishings.

"We needed a new couch, and one thing led to another," she said.

They decided to fully update the dining room and great room and change the flooring throughout the first floor. They selected prefinished engineered hardwood in wide planks with a distressed walnut finish.

"Doing the same flooring throughout really made the whole first floor flow together," she said.

They wanted the same cohesive feel for the furnishings, accessories and other features of the rooms, so they hired interior designer Heather McManus of Artistry Interiors in Kinnelon to guide them.

"I wanted it to make sense," Foti said. "We also needed to create a better layout for our great room. It is a large, long room that was difficult to design."

In the great room, they would modernize the fireplace by replacing the traditional surround and mantel with a face of brick-like ceramic tiles installed from floor to ceiling.

"Before, we just had what the modular house came with, and my husband never really liked that," Sharon Foti said.

While they selected the tiles themselves, they sought input from McManus on that and other choices. Their work with the designer involved consultations, a floor plan she laid out for them, and recommendations for color schemes, furniture, fabrics and other materials.

They went with a neutral backdrop of light gray and beige for the walls. From the furniture and lighting options McManus suggested, they purchased some pieces and shopped on their own for others in styles and fabrics similar to what she recommended. McManus also said their home would be improved if they incorporated some custom pieces.

"Instead of a China cabinet in the dining room, they did a beautiful built-in with glass and lights," McManus said.

In the great room, along a wall with entry doors at both sides, McManus suggested making better use of the available space with a unified built-in that would provide height with more storage, a place for the television and a working desk. Previously, the television had been mounted above a console cabinet with a desk next to it.

For the great room's opposite wall, McManus designed a home bar. To help unify the great room and dining room, all the built-ins have a similar style with the same glass or solid cabinet doors and a crisp, white finish that matches the molding and other trim in the rooms.

The desk and dining room both have contrasting natural wood counters and the bar has a moisture-friendly granite countertop. All the custom pieces were built by Joseph J. Opalka Custom Woodwork and Refinishing of Wayne.

McManus also worked into the design some items the couple wanted to keep including a newer dining room rug and decorative accessories such as a large wall clock and a mirror that resembles an arched window.

"It's nice for the client to have the security of a design plan," McManus said. "They knew how big they could go with the sectional sofa, and they had scaled drawings of the built-ins. I recommended Joe, and they went with him."

Sharon Foti says working with McManus made a difference in the way they improved their home.

"Heather helped us pick out colors and fabrics and tones that we would not have been able to do ourselves," she said. "She also helped us to keep our house simple and functional."

What they renovated

Gary and Sharon Foti replaced flooring throughout the first floor of their 2011 Colonial-style home in Pompton Plains, including the dining room, great room, kitchen and hallway. They worked with an interior designer on a new layout, painted and updated their furniture, including several custom built-ins. They freshened their kitchen and guest bathroom with new wallpaper.

Who did the work

Design by Heather McManus of Artistry Interiors; custom woodwork by Joseph J. Opalka Custom Woodwork and Refinishing of Wayne.

How long it took

About five months. "We met Heather in January 2016, and work started in March and finished by end of May 2016," Sharon Foti said.

What they spent

About $60,000

Where they splurged

On the hardwood flooring and the grouping of four designer chairs in the great room.

How they saved

By getting a few contractor estimates on all the work so they could get the best price. "We also, shopped around on some of the furniture to get a reasonable price on the new sectional, dining room chairs and area rugs," she said.

What they like most

"I love the color scheme and how it flows on the whole first floor," says Sharon Foti. "When I look around my house, I feel so happy and I love where I live. The custom bar and cabinetry. They add so much richness and beauty and look like they were always part of my home."

What they'd have done differently

Nothing

Kimberly L. Jackson may be reached at home@starledger.com. Find NJ.com Entertainment on Facebook.
A New Jersey attorney admitted Friday he ran a multi-million dollar short sale mortgage scam for almost six years.

Christopher Goodson, 45, of Newark, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, the U.S. Attorney's Office said Friday. He faces up to 30 years in prison when he is sentenced Jan. 29.

The U.S. Attorney's office initially estimated the scam at $30 million when Goodson and a co-conspirator were charged last year.

"Mr. Goodson has accepted responsibility for his conduct in this case," his Morristown-based attorney, John C Whipple said in an email to NJ Advance Media. "He is embarrassed and ashamed that he permitted himself to become involved in the actions described in the information. He looks forward to rebuilding his life with his family after accepting the court's judgment at sentencing."

Real estate agent Anthony Garvin, of Jersey City, is facing the same charge. The case against him remains pending.

Conspirators in the scam setup simultaneous fraudulent transactions using the same target property, according to a federal criminal complaint. The scam allegedly involved properties in mortgage default in Jersey City, Clifton and other communities.

In the first transaction, the scammers convinced financial institutions holding the mortgage to accept the sale of that property at a loss, authorities alleged. The buyer was often another conspirator or entity that was part of the fraud, authorities.

With the second deal, conspirators flipped the same targeted property from the first buyer to another buyer at a much higher amount, according to the complaint. That second buyer typically obtained a mortgage from another financial institution using bogus loan applications, bank account statements and other documents provided by others involved in the fraud.

The scam ran from around January 2011 to August 2017.

Prosecutors alleged Goodson and Garvin "rigged" the short sale process along each step to "maximize the difference in price between the two transactions and keep the victim financial institutions from detecting the fraud."

Goodson hid the fact that he played different roles in the short sale deal, authorities said. He created fake pre-approval letters from a New Jersey corporation he owned that claimed to be a short-term lending firm based out of California.

One of the homes illegally flipped is on the 2500 block of Adam Place in Union City.

Editor's note: The headline and story have been updated to reflect that federal authorities said Goodson pleaded guilty in a multi-million dollar scam. The initial charging documents listed an estimate of $30 million.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
A Jamaican woman who illegally reentered the country to flee an uncle who raped her has been in ICE custody at Hudson County jail for a year and a half, according to The New York Daily News.

The woman, a New York City resident, said she was raped and tortured by her uncle in Jamaica for months in 2008. She reentered the United States around 2011 after being deported twice because she heard her uncle was looking for her in Jamaica, The Daily News reported.

A mother of two, the woman was arrested at her home in May 2017 as part of a roundup of illegal immigrants. She currently awaits court proceedings in New York, where there is a backlog of thousands of immigration cases, according to the paper.

"She feels like she's worthless  she's a screw up, she's not there for her kids," the woman's 48-year-old husband told The Daily News. "It's tough. I've been without my wife for 16 or 17 months."

According to the report, the woman detailed the alleged abuse in previous court hearings.

"I know I've done wrong, and I am truly sorry from the bottom of my heart that I broke the laws of this great nation," she said in court in December, according to The Daily News. "I was just looking for protection and that is all...I have nowhere else."

The ICE facility at the Hudson County jail has been the target of liberal activists and immigrant advocates, who have called on the county to end its agreement with the federal agency. The ICE contract is expected to bring the county $19 million this year.

The county recently announced its plan to end that partnership by no later than 2020.
JERSEY CITY -- A West New York veteran took the stand in his own defense Monday and described the traumatic events that left him with PTSD, including his military service in Iraq and a Miami nightclub shooting in which he was wounded.

Emmanuel Hernandez, 28, of 57th Street, is charged with shooting at two police officers on Feb. 5, 2017 outside his home after a high speed chase from a Quick Chek in North Bergen.

His attorney, Peter Willis, is working to show the jury Hernandez was insane at the time of the incident.

Willis asked Hernandez to describe his emotional state after being shot in his shoulder in 2014 while working as an armed security guard at a Miami nightclub.

"I was by myself with my injuries," said Hernandez, who was calm and well-spoken as he testified.

"I felt extremely paranoid. I felt vulnerable. I felt anxious," Hernandez said. "I couldn't sleep. Honestly, I couldn't do very much. I couldn't drive. I had nerve damage on my left arm and a fractured clavicle, so both my arms had limited movement. I just wanted to isolate myself from my family and that's what I did."

Hernandez testified that when he got his first job after being shot, he was having constant "flashbacks of that night, as well as flashbacks of my deployment and I was in a very emotional state. I was crying."

"Did you lose your job," Willis asked.

"I did sir," Hernandez responded.

Hernandez said that after being shot, he felt compelled to carry a gun and he had a carry permit in Florida.

Hudson County Superior Court Judge Mark Nelson told the jurors that having a carry permit in Florida has nothing to do with the weapons charges he now faces after allegedly shooting at a police officer. A shotgun was also found in his apartment.

Hernandez, who was diagnosed with PTSD, said he has had some 100 visits with caregivers for psychological issues in Veteran Affairs facilities and other settings. He said he was also hospitalized in Florida for mental issues at one point.

Hernandez returned to his hometown of West New York not long before the Feb. 5, 2017 incident that ended in a 12-hour standoff with police.

Willis previously told the jury that emotional trauma from from his military deployment and being shot, possibility combined with a genetic disposition to mental health issues, resulted in bouts of uncontrollable crying, anxiety, fear, insomnia, night sweats and depression. He said they resulted in the events that Hernandez is now being tried for.

Hernandez will continue on the stand under direct examination by Willis and then under what is expected to be extensive cross-examination by the state.

The state's expert testified that Hernandez was sane, understood what was happening and was in touch with reality during the incident. The defense's expert will testify Tuesday when Hernandez is done on witness stand. That psychiatrist is expected to say the defendant was insane at the time of the incident and in a dissociative state.

After the jury was released for the day, Hernandez was allowed a moment with his mother in the jury room. She could be heard sobbing behind the closed door. Because she is on the witness list, she has not been allowed to be in the courtroom during testimony. She has sat across the courthouse hallway during each day of the trial.

Hernandez is also charged with resisting arrest, eluding police, assault on police officers and he was issued numerous motor vehicle citations. The state's last plea officer two, 20-year consecutive prison terms.
A state judge has removed from office the interim mayor of Rockaway Township and installed a new interim mayor, Adam Salberg, for the next five weeks in the latest twist stemming from the unexpected death of Mayor Michael Dachisen.

Superior Court Assignment Judge Stuart Minkowitz invalidated on Monday a hastily-scheduled Rockaway Township Council meeting that began at 10:30 p.m. on Friday Sept. 14, and was called in part to name an interim mayor and replace the municipal attorney.

Residents hold photos of late Rockaway Township Mayor Michael Dachisen at a township council meeting on Sept. 14, 2018.

The council's five-member majority wing had been at odds with Dachisen. At the meeting, it chose former Councilman Paul Minenna as interim mayor, with the four other council members voting against him.

The same faction that night also replaced John Iaciofano as municipal attorney with John Inglesino, a former Rockaway Township mayor and ex-Morris County freeholder.

Officials scheduled the highly-unusual, late-night meeting two nights after a local church rescinded its invitation to host the meeting on Sept. 13.

The urgency stemmed from New Jersey's municipal vacancies law. It requires governing bodies to name a successor within 30 days, after which the choice goes to the local committee of the political party to which the former official belonged.

Dachisen, who died Aug. 15, was a Republican, as are seven of the nine council members.

Critics of the council majority, though, questioned the validity of the meeting, citing the 48-hour public meeting notice required under the Open Public Meeting Act. While officials said the 10:30 p.m. meeting on Sept. 14 was scheduled at 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 12, notices posted in the municipal building would not have been seen by the public until the following morning.

On Sept. 17, three days after the council meeting, the Rockaway Township Republican Committee convened and chose Salberg for the interim mayor's post.

Inglesino responded via a letter to the committee's chair, Dan Anello, asserting that Minenna was the lawfully-elected mayor.

Rockaway Township Interim Mayor Paul Minenna (left) is sworn in at the Sept. 14 township council meeting.

Salberg's wife, Lisa, then filed a lawsuit, joined by more than a dozen other residents as plaintiffs, seeking to invalidate the meeting.

Lisa Salberg was among the organizers of a petition drive, launched soon after Dachisen's death, aimed at recalling from office Council President Jeremy Jedynak.

The case was heard Monday by Minkowitz in Morristown.

Minkowitz, in his official order, decreed that "any and all actions taken by the Township of Rockaway at the Sept. 14, 2018 special meeting are null and void."

Afterward, Adam Salberg went from the courthouse to the municipal building, where he met with department heads.

"We knew we had the law on our side. We knew we were right, and the judge simply verified that to us," Salberg said.

Contacted on Monday afternoon, Jedynak said the council is exploring its legal options in response to the judge's ruling.

Salberg's time in office will be brief. The winner of the Nov. 6 special election for mayor, in which Councilman Michael Puzio is the Republican candidate and unopposed by the Democrats, will immediately take office upon the outcome of the election for a term running through 2019.

Puzio, Minenna and Salberg were the three candidates for interim mayor that the local Republican group had submitted the council prior to its Sept. 14 meeting.

Puzio voted against Minenna for mayor and joined the four dissenting council members in abstaining on the vote to replace municipal attorney.

Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RobJenningsNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Victims advocates are questioning why the Catholic Church has moved former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick to a home for priests in Kansas located within feet of an elementary school.

McCarrick, the former head of the Archdiocese of Newark and the Diocese of Metuchen, resigned from his post as a cardinal last summer after he was accused of sexual misconduct, including sexually abusing at least two altar boys several decades ago. The 88-year-old priest is awaiting a church trial.

The Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., where McCarrick had been living, confirmed Friday that McCarrick was moved to St. Fidelis Friary in Victoria, Kansas, after Pope Francis told him to withdraw from public ministry and events.

"Out of consideration for the peace of the community at St. Fidelis Friary, respect for the privacy of this arrangement is requested," the Archdiocese said in a statement.

St. Fidelis is located around the corner from Victoria Elementary School. The two properties share a border and the corner of the school is within a few feet of the back corner of the St. Fidelis Basilica attached to the friary, according to Google Maps.

An arial view of St. Fidelis Friary and Victoria Elementary School in Kansas. (Google Maps)

Officials at the elementary school were stunned to learn a priest accused of sexually abusing young boys was living next door, the Kansas City Star reported.

"I was never made aware of it until I found out through social media today," said Kent Michel, superintendent of the school district and principal of Victoria Elementary told the Kansas City Star.

Some victims advocates questioned why McCarrick is not in a treatment facility or other location far from children.

.@WashArchdiocese Who is paying for McCarricks life in Kansas and why wasnt the school next door informed? Shameful! @Cardinal_Wuerl https://t.co/wkvpy1UjmV  Rachelle Nigro (@nigro4dc) September 29, 2018

Bishop Gerald L. Vincke of the Diocese of Salina said in a statement he received a phone call from the Archbishop of Washington on Sept. 13 asking if he could send McCarrick to the friary in Kansas.

Vincke said he replied "yes," his statement said.

"I realize this decision will be offensive and hurtful to many people. Archbishop McCarrick is, in many ways, at the forefront of the recent firestorm in the Church. Many of us are confused and angry by what Archbishop McCarrick is alleged to have done several decades ago," Vincke said.

The Kansas diocese is not paying McCarrick's living expenses, Vincke said.

"Please know that I agreed to this arrangement with the understanding that Archbishop McCarrick is excluded from any public appearances and ministry," he said.

Shame on @SalinaDiocese for secretly putting accused child sexual abuser #McCarrick next to a grade school and not warning them first. Shame on Bishop Vincke for doing @Cardinal_Wuerl's bidding instead of putting kids' safety first. #Clericalism @USCCB https://t.co/8vlt1ffagu  Will Kurtz (@wkurtz94) September 29, 2018

McCarrick has been accused of sexually abusing a teenage boy 50 years ago while he was a priest in New York. The former cardinal said he didn't remember the incident, but didn't think he'd done anything wrong.

A second man whose family was close to McCarrick also accused the priest of sexually abusing him for years, starting when he was an 11-year-old boy in New Jersey.

The Archdiocese of Newark has said McCarrick was previously accused of sexual misconduct with adults during his time in New Jersey that two resulted in settlements that reportedly cost the church about $180,000.

New Jersey's attorney general recently set up a hotline for victims to report allegations of priest sexual abuse. The information will be used for a grand jury probe into how the Catholic Church has handled abuse allegations, similar to the investigation in Pennsylvania that found more than 300 clergy members were accused of sexual misconduct.

Kelly Heyboer may be reached at kheyboer@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KellyHeyboer. Find her at KellyHeyboerReporter on Facebook.
Five people aboard a New York City-bound New Jersey Transit bus were hurt near the Lincoln Tunnel on Monday morning when a car struck the bus before colliding with another vehicle.

The car was traveling on the westbound helix after coming out of the Lincoln Tunnel around 7:15 a.m when it struck the bus in the eastbound XBL (Exclusive Bus Lane), according to a passenger aboard the No. 320. The car then skidded into another westbound vehicle before coming to a rest.

The crash temporarily blocked all westbound lanes, according to Port Authority police. Westbound traffic exiting the Lincoln Tunnel was diverted into Hoboken.

The driver and four passengers of the bus were treated for injuries not considered life-threatening, according to a New Jersey Transit spokesman. Information about injuries to the occupants of two cars wasn't immediately available, but Port Authority police said they were not considered life-threatening.

The No. 320 bus was headed from the Secaucus area to the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Traffic remained heavy at New York-bound Lincoln Tunnel at 10 a.m.

The eastbound XBL was temporarily closed, but re-opened around 8:35 a.m. Bus passes will be temporarily honored on NJ Transit trains, though.

Drivers were advised to use the George Washington Bridge or Hollands Tunnel as alternate routes.

Police and emergency workers remained on the scene of the crash on the helix at 8:30 am.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP >> After listening to more than four hours of public comment, the board of supervisors on Wednesday night voted to deny Provco its request for preliminary/final land development approval for a new Wawa convenience store and gas station in Holland. The vote brought immediate applause from Holland residents who have been fighting the project for months and who...
When Army Capt. Gregory Funk was deployed to Qatar, he packed his bags at his South Jersey military base and headed to the Persian Gulf.

But despite his orders, he was hit with a $899 charge for the early termination of his lease by his landlord, which runs the housing complex where he lived.

A Justice Department investigation into the matter has led to a $62,502 settlement with the company, United Communities, a private company that manages military housing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, located in Burlington County.

"Members of the Army, Navy, and Air Force at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, and servicemembers nationwide, have the right to terminate their leases without penalty when their military orders send them elsewhere," said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore.

United Communities did not respond to calls for comment.

According to a complaint filed in federal court in New Jersey, United Communities violated federal law by imposing early termination charges on 13 service members who had exercised their right to terminate their residential leases upon receipt of qualifying military orders.

The early termination charges ranged from $138 to $3,100.

Federal law prohibits landlords from charging service members an extra fee when they move due to military orders.

It marked the second such case in the past month. The Justice Department on September 11 announced a settlement with the owner of an apartment complex in Nebraska, adjacent to the Offutt Air Force Base, over lease termination charges imposed against 65 service members who had sought to terminate their residential leases as a result of military orders. The charges ranged from $72 to $1,498.

According to the complaint filed in New Jersey, Funk had sought to terminate his lease with United Communities after he received military orders to deploy to Qatar for up to 365 days as a part of Operation Inherent Resolve. While the landlord agreed to release Funk from the remainder of his lease term, he was told he had to pay back a $899.20 lease incentive he had received because he had not completed the 24-month term of the lease.

Funk paid the charge, but lodged a complaint with the Department of Justice, which said it found 12 other cases where military personnel were required to pay back their lease incentives.

Under the terms of the settlement, United Communities must pay $45,002 in damages to 13 military service members. The company will also pay a civil penalty of $17,500.

Ted Sherman may be reached at tsherman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TedShermanSL. Facebook: @TedSherman.reporter. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
By Christine Todd Whitman

During my time as both governor of New Jersey and administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, I knew that I'd be judged by my actions. All the speeches and public appearances in the world won't convince people you've done your job unless you produce results.

That's how we need to judge our elected officials when it comes to climate change.

Because climate change has become needlessly partisan, I am always heartened when a fellow Republican recognizes the seriousness of the issue. More elected Republicans are now publicly acknowledging the truth: climate change is real and humans are the leading cause of it.

However, too many Republican elected officials who know better -- even those who have publicly recognized the problem of climate change - are still refusing to go beyond words. The Climate Solutions Caucus in Congress has 44 Republican members, but the vast majority of them continue to vote against real solutions or in support of measures damaging to our environment and health. A recent vote brought before the House of Representatives saw Republicans overwhelmingly reject the idea of making major industries pay for the dangerous pollution they emit in our air. Most frustratingly, these same members have offered no suggestions of their own.

Like most Republicans, I am a firm believer in free market solutions. And hearteningly, there are a small number of Republicans bringing market-based approaches to address climate change. Rep. Carlos Curbelo of Florida did just that when he introduced a bill over the summer calling for a price on carbon pollution that would bring about infrastructure investment, regulatory stability, and tax reforms based on conservative, free market principals. But unfortunately plans like Curbelo's have been the exception, and not the rule.

I am not saying that conservatives should simply adopt the policies of Democrats on climate change. Republicans can stand for a clean environment and market principles. But we can't stand on the sidelines. We must enter this debate with our own ideas, and push for policies that cut the pollution intensifying havoc across our country and world. And token cuts are not enough, we must reduce emissions and move toward clean energy as fast as the science of climate change demands.

It's time to hold the Republican party to higher standard, which means real solutions, not just words.

Anyone who cares about leaving a better world for their children and grandchildren -- and that is all of us -- should contact their members of Congress and ask them for their plan to cut climate pollution. Don't accept encouraging words, but instead demand real plans that meet important climate goals. The time for statements and press clips alone has long passed. Joining coalitions is not enough. We need action.

And to my fellow Republicans who are in the Congress, we must do better. Our party has a great history of environmental protection. Let's reclaim that.

Christine Todd Whitman, president of the Whitman Strategy Group, served as governor of New Jersey from 1994-2001 and administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from 2001-2003. Whitman is co-chair, with former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, of The National Task Force on Rule of Law and Democracy at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law.

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By Josh Gottheimer

It's said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Well, year after year, we all shake our heads in disbelief as too many in Congress put extremism, political gamesmanship and partisan gridlock over common sense legislation and problem solving for our country.

Why can't Congress just get the most basic things done?

The list is long. In recent years, a small group of extremists have deployed a series of parliamentary tricks to hijack Congress and literally grind to a halt progress on everything from infrastructure to fixing health care. They spurred former House Speaker John Boehner's retirement and caused Speaker Paul Ryan to throw in the towel, too. The key to bipartisan progress is to knock down these parliamentary maneuvers that are blocking the will of the majority. Regardless of who will be leading the House next November, now is the time to push for this change, so we can actually govern again.





Last month, the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, a group I co-chair, introduced a bipartisan package of reforms we're calling "Break the Gridlock," to stand up to the extremist stranglehold and change the way Congress functions at its core. More than 15 members of Congress, including me, have said we would only support a speaker next Congress who is willing to adopt the package of reforms.



The partisan, one-sided legislating is the worst it has ever been. The current Congress has been called the "most closed in American history," with a record-breaking 380 blocked legislative amendments, meaning that members of Congress can't even get their suggested changes to bills up for discussion. According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, a grand total of zero bills were open to the whole of Congress for simple amendments and other changes, something that has never happened in the history of Congress.



Put another way, this means that the House of Representative has shifted from a body of debate and voting, like it was when our founders imagined it, to a closed society controlled by a tiny fraction -- in this case about 30 Freedom Caucus members -- who are more interested in obstruction than in making progress on the critical issues of the day. The result is that hundreds of Democrats and Republicans alike, effectively, have had their voices, and those of their constituents, silenced.

Now, it's never been easy to get things done in Washington. The framers of the Constitution wanted to prevent us from making sweeping changes on a whim. That said, what I didn't realize before I got to Congress last year is just how hard it is to get a debate and vote even on legislation that has broad bipartisan support. I'll give you a few examples.





The Problem Solvers Caucus I mentioned comprises 48 members of Congress -- half Democrat and half Republican. When three-quarters of us agree on a position or a bill, we agree to publicly support it as the full caucus. Over the last year and a half our caucus has found a way to reach agreement on some of the knottiest issues in Washington, including health care, immigration, gun and school safety and the budget. We don't get everything we want, but, as I learned in business, it's better to get something done than to obstruct for the sake of it.

On immigration, not only did the caucus find a bipartisan solution, but we know that at least 218 members of Congress -- the votes you need to pass a bill -- were willing to pass a reasonable legislation that balanced border security and provided a path to citizenship for Dreamers. Despite this majority, we couldn't even get a simple vote in the House.

Unfortunately, there are dozens of other bills like it that have enough bipartisan support to pass, including on issues spanning rail safety to clean water, if they could only make their way to the House floor.

Our caucus' "Break the Gridlock" package changes a series of arcane House rules that will pave the way for more openness and transparency, force bills with strong bipartisan support to a vote, create open debate on tough issues, and empower lawmakers to do their job. To encourage bipartisanship, the package would also replace the current "Motion to Vacate the Chair," removing the ability of one extremist member, like a tea partier, from calling a vote to remove the Speaker of the House.

Last week, nineteen members of the Problem Solvers Caucus stood together to call on leadership in both parties to help enact commonsense solutions that will help fix Congress and get us governing again. pic.twitter.com/OUHRaBhSfu  Rep Josh Gottheimer (@RepJoshG) October 1, 2018

In the few weeks since we introduced the reforms, it's already gained traction among leaders in the House. Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer said the proposal represents "an important effort to ensure that the House can work its will" and Republican Majority Whip Steve Scalise said the ideas would "make the House work more effectively and efficiently."



North Jersey residents have seen their interests sidelined too many times by a system that empowers the voices of a few extremists over those looking to find broad-based bipartisan solutions. It's time to govern from the reasonable middle again and move the country forward.



Josh Gottheimer is a U.S. congressman representing North Jersey's 5th Congressional District. He serves as co-chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. The "Break the Gridlock" package of reforms can be found at Gottheimer.House.Gov

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My mother was in her 90s, frail but feistily independent, when we went shopping in Secaucus some years ago. In an outlet that no longer exists, she found a dress she really liked and went to the cash register. I was still looking around when I heard her call me.

Mom never carried much money in her handbag, but she always had some American Express Travelers Cheques. Having endured the Great Depression, credit seemed a dirty word to her, so she'd never applied for a credit card either.

The cashier had refused, brusquely, to accept her travelers checks and told her to come up with cash or a credit card or get out of the way and let others pay for their goods. I rushed over, pulled out my own credit card and offered to buy the dress, saying she could pay me back later or accept it as a gift.

Embarrassed by the situation -- everyone was watching and listening at that point -- she proudly walked away with nothing, but she cried when she got in my car.

I thought of that recently when I read about a piece of legislation proposed by Sen. Nellie Pou (D-Passaic) that would require retailers in New Jersey to accept cash for purchases. I was shocked to think that now cash is getting obsolete, too.

It's a simple bill, only one page long, to prohibit discrimination against consumers wanting to pay for goods or services with cash. It includes only in-person transactions so it wouldn't affect phone or internet orders. There would be penalties for retailers who refuse to sell to buyers not using credit.

Pou, who has always been an advocate for consumers, expressed concern about low-income people who don't have access to credit cards or Apple Pay, and she's right. But I thought of so many other ways no-cash rules could affect all of us.

Say you're out for a run early one morning with only your house key and a $10 bill in your pocket. You feel you can't make it back home without coffee, and the coffee shop won't accept your money. Or, you're driving back from a party with a tiny sequined purse into which you've squeezed only your license, lipstick and a few singles. When the gas gauge gets low, you could be out of luck.

And don't even think about sending Junior to the corner to pick up a loaf of bread or a magazine. Kids won't be able to shop at all. And more elderly ladies may cry.

Pou is the sole sponsor of S2785 and there's no Assembly counterpart, but her bill was scheduled for a vote last week. Until Amazon and Walmart discovered it.

Both retailers now accept cash, but they're making plans to do away with it as much as possible, offering cashless shopping already in several pilot locations. So they said they don't want any legislation that could interfere with their business plans. Pou pulled the bill from consideration while she listens to their concerns.

Under current federal law, coins and currency issued by the Federal Reserve are legal tender and must be accepted "for the payment of all debts," including such things as taxi rides and restaurant meals. However, there's an exception for direct sales in which the seller can demand certain forms of payment, such as stock, gold, goods, other currencies or properties.

So unless Pou's bill passes, you'd better have good credit. Someday not too far off, you might not be able to buy a pack of gum or even a stamp without it.

A former assemblywoman from Jersey City, Joan Quigley is the president and CEO of North Hudson Community Action Corp.

Submit letters to the editor and guest columns at jjletters@jjournal.com
Not long ago, I came across an article about the Keystone XL Pipeline. I don't know a lot about this pipeline except that it is a way to get crude oil from Alberta, Canada, to Nebraska and ultimately (via connection with existing pipelines) to refineries in Oklahoma and Texas. I also know that the pipeline will run through several states, and that any accident or oil spill along the route could result in environmental damage of monumental proportions.

Various citizens' groups in the affected states have been protesting and doing what they can in the courts to block the project's completion because of the risk of spills and the mess they'd leave behind. My understanding is that the pipeline runs through mostly Native American lands in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska, because standard-issue Americans won't tolerate the risk that is placed on marginalized communities -- and you know how that goes.

Aside from the pipeline and its potential risks, what caught my eye in an article from Inside Climate News was the number of states that have enacted or are considering very harsh anti-protest laws and penalties against demonstrating residents. The article carried the headline "ACLU Fears Protest Crackdowns, Surveillance Already Being Planned for Keystone XL."

While the article's specific focus is on the Keystone protests and various responses from law enforcement -- everything from surveillance drones to tear gas and water cannons --it also mentions that since 2016, more than 30 states have passed bills or imposed executive orders to crack down on demonstrations. The article cites the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law's "U.S. Protest Law Tracker," a glance through which suggests to me that we're forgetting how America got made.

Understand, that as a mayor who values the rule of law, I can think of few things worse than an unruly mob scaring citizens, creating mayhem and destroying property. When wearing my "mayor's hat," my focus is on keeping order, protecting life and limb, and making sure my community is not ravaged by a destructive group of crazies in the name of "protest." As is true of any mayor, if this foundational responsibility can't be met with local assets, it's time to call in state and federal reinforcements.

Yet, as a member of a group that not too long ago had to resort to protest in the face of fire hoses, Bull Connor types, and snarling dogs to get the courts moving to secure civil rights, I don't want to see legitimate protest criminalized. There is a difference between legitimate protest and a riot. As a society, we have to be careful not to blur the lines or misuse the lawmaking process because one group or another doesn't like a certain message.

In New Jersey, a person can be guilty of "riot" if he or she is with as few as four others deemed to be engaging in disorderly conduct which, in its most benign form, includes "improper behavior" meant to "cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm." The governing statute also refers to "tumultuous behavior" and "offensive language". Heck, I've been to city council meetings that caused inconvenience, annoyance and alarm, not to mention being tumultuous with offensive language. Go figure.

Now, Some states are making it a criminal offense to conceal any portion of a person's face while protesting, which could include wearing a jacket with a hood. Other states seek to eliminate the liability of a driver who hits a protester with their car, and some have increased penalties for protests deemed to be near "critical infrastructure." The problem is that authorities can, and will, stretch this language in untold ways if their intent is to silence certain groups -- especially the ones they've always silenced.

Regardless, America in so many ways has evolved through the act of protest, whether it was the Boston Tea Party in 1773, the Greenwich Tea Burning in December 1774, the Whisky Rebellion in 1791, the original Women's Suffrage March in 1913, the Bonus Army march for veterans in 1932, or the Edmund Pettus Bridge protest for civil rights in 1965.

We're a better people because of protest, and we shouldn't give that away in the name of "riot."

Albert B. Kelly is mayor of Bridgeton. Contact him by phone at 856-455-3230 Ext. 200.

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First the good news: Science may no longer be the greatest casualty in Donald Trump's war on truth, as his official position on climate change has made a tangible shift from "Chinese hoax" and "nonsense."

The bad news is that while his administration now acknowledges the reality of climate change, his policy is essentially this: The planet's screwed, so let's feel free to burn as much fossil fuel as we can.

That is the message contained within an environmental impact statement drafted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which was written to justify Trump's recent decision to freeze fuel efficiency standards on cars and light trucks.

The Washington Post found it buried on Page 191 of a 500-page report: At the current pace, the planet will warm by 4 degrees Celsius (7 Fahrenheit) by 2100, which scientists assert will be catastrophic, so the report concludes that there is no point in trying to prevent it.

"The emissions reductions necessary to keep global emissions within this carbon budget could not be achieved solely with drastic reductions in emissions from the U.S. car and light truck vehicle fleet," said the NHTSA, adding that the only significant change can come by a "move away from the use of fossil fuels," which is "not currently technologically feasible or economically practicable."

Behold: Defeatism is the new denial.

This might be a good time for your grandkids to invest in life jackets and hazmat suits.

This is their government saying that it has no interest in saving the planet, so future generations are just going to have to suck it up.

It's not like we haven't been forewarned of this global cataclysm, of course. Almost daily, we get more feedback about the planet's current trajectory. Al Gore, the Cassandra in this old story, put it this way: "Every night on the TV is like a nature hike through the Book of Revelation."

But when a nihilistic government publicly admits that the biosphere is so degraded that no human activity will halt runaway climate change -- and then shrugs its shoulders at the impending calamity -- that's a tipping point that deserves greater attention.

"This is the same logic as, 'I'm going to die anyway, so eating fast food for every meal won't make a difference,'" Rep. Frank Pallone, D-6th Dist., said Monday. "In the face of insurmountable evidence, this toxic administration once again chooses corporate profits over our children's future."

In many ways, it's worse than the standard wingnut denialism, because this is an area where America can show it still bestrides the world like a colossus.

As the rest of the world commits to limiting the global temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial era, Trump has pulled out of the Paris Accord, begun a repeal of the Clean Power Plan, brought coal plants back from the grave, rolled back emissions standards, and thinks vehicles should pour 8 billion more tons of carbon into the atmosphere because the glaciers are melting and cities are drowning anyway.

It is morally indefensible. A real American leader would understand that a demonstration of global power doesn't always mean flaunting military and economic might. It can also take the form of leading the rest of the world toward a greener future. If only.

Instead, we are careening and gasping toward disaster, as the official U.S. policy is to leave a charred hellscape, crafted by an emperor without clothes who will jeopardize life itself for the political present. At least now he admits it.

We should be focused on magnificently clean and healthy air and not distracted by the expensive hoax that is global warming!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 6, 2013

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By James H. Whitney III

As a young man, I was headed not toward college but toward trouble when I came to a crossroads. The sign said "Rutgers EOF" and I took it. I am the better for it.

Today, Rutgers University-New Brunswick celebrates 50 years of the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF). As we mark this milestone, we should all appreciate how and why it remains the most comprehensive statewide program for academic success in American higher education.

My journey to Rutgers can only be attributed to the Educational Opportunity Fund. Like many African-American males who are the first in their family to attend college, my quest seemed bleak. My mother died when I was 11. My father struggled with drug and alcohol addiction after many tours in the Army. This left my 23-year-old sister as my only support. We struggled, often moving from apartment to apartment, not having money for food and electricity or extras that many of my peers had.

Among the biggest hurdles was saving and planning for college. My sister, to whom I am eternally grateful, worked three low-paying jobs just to support us. Thankfully, she put me in a great public school, where I became a student-leader and did well academically, but I succumbed to poor peer influences that almost led to prison.

Nonetheless, my high school guidance director connected me to the Rutgers EOF program, which helps academically talented students who need personal, academic and emotional support. At 18, I received a call from then-EOF Director Wally Torian and Admissions coordinator Randall Westbrook. They told me I could attend Rutgers and that EOF would help me.

That day changed my life.

Twenty years ago, I spent my first summer as an incoming EOF student at Rutgers. I was scared, confused and worried.

But, the director and staff treated me as a special part of Rutgers and supported me until I graduated. That support ranged from basic necessities like food and healthcare to allowing me to be a leader and earn an income as an independent student. As a result, I graduated in four years and earned both a master's degree and a doctorate.

Today, through my role of assistant vice chancellor, I continue the cycle of lifting up those in need. I have served my alma mater, which has helped me defy the stereotypes stacked against me.

Created in 1968 under the direction of then-Assemblyman Thomas Kean at the height of the civil rights movement In 1968, the EOF program was one of the state's boldest moves to close the economic, racial and social divide of the late 1960s. Many believe the advocacy of Rutgers students led to this groundbreaking legislation, which has greatly increased enrollment of low-income, first-generation and historically-underrepresented students at our states' colleges and universities.

Education has long been touted as the "great equalizer," responsible for narrowing the gap between the rich and working poor. Despite efforts to confront this economic, social and cultural gap, it continues to cause significant barriers for many students across New Jersey and the United States. Rutgers has been undeniably successful in reducing this gap by supporting the largest EOF program in the state and by promoting the values - of fairness, accessibility and equity -- that the program espouses. As the state university of New Jersey, Rutgers has supported and graduated more than 20,000 EOF students since the program's inception.

The success of EOF is not just its modest financial support, but rather the individualized support that includes intensive academic advising, college planning and, most of all, mentorship. The EOF program at Rutgers-New Brunswick has a six-year graduation of 75.8 percent and a retention rate of 89.1 percent, which equals the graduation and retention rates for all students at the flagship campus. These averages are impressive, especially if we consider that national averages for first-generation and low-income students are significantly lower at 42 percent.

The EOF program has created a network of dedicated alumni, former staff and directors who are committed to student success through best practices passed down through generations of EOF cohorts. Many of the program's first directors and early administrators are still working at Rutgers, providing support for a new generation of students. We continue to see our EOF alumni serving as program counselors and directors supporting the program just as they were supported.

EOF provided me with a family committed to my success in spite of my troubled past and lack of knowledge about the college culture.

The EOF program has also inspired Rutgers to develop new programs. In 2015, RU-1st was created, a New Brunswick-wide collaborative initiative that supports first-generation students who do not receive traditional grants. Also, Rutgers established the Paul Robeson Leadership Institute, which provides academic and financial support to young men and women from underrepresented communities in higher education.

Today, I am living proof of the benefits of Rutgers' EOF program, which is part of the Student Access & Educational Equity department that I oversee along with other student support and academic excellence programs for Rutgers-New Brunswick. This would not have been possible without the love, guidance, and support of the EOF family.

James H. Whitney III is assistant vice chancellor for Undergraduate Academic Affairs at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.

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WASHINGTON -- Almost half of registered voters opposed putting Judge Brett Kavanaugh on the U.S. Supreme Court in a poll that highlighted huge divides among the American electorate.

Kavanaugh is now opposed by 48 percent of U.S. voters, while supported by 42 percent, in a Quinnipiac University poll released Monday. Last month, public opinion was virtually split equally, with 41 percent of American voters supporting his confirmation and 42 percent opposed to it.

Senate Republicans were poised to confirm Kavanaugh when Christine Blasey Ford, a research psychologist, claimed he sexually attacked her while both were in high school. Two other women have since come forward as well.

Voters overwhelmingly supported the new FBI investigation into the charges President Donald Trump and the Senate Judiciary Committee agreed to conduct, though for just one week. The poll found U.S. voters supported reopening the probe by 68 percent to 28 percent.

"There is a very sharp divide between men and women on credibility," said Tim Malloy, assistant director of the Quinnipiac poll. "What voters agree on is letting the FBI try to sort out the events in the pursuit of the truth."

Men and whites backed Kavanaugh's confirmation. Women, blacks and Hispanics opposed. Self-described Republicans wanted to see him on the Supreme Court. Self-described Democrats and independents did not.

At the same time, 49 percent said they believed Kavanaugh was "the victim of a politically motivated smear campaign," while 45 percent said he was not.

"Dr. Christine Blasey Ford is winning the trust of American voters, who overwhelmingly believe she is honest," said Tim Malloy, assistant director of the Quinnipiac poll. "But about half of voters say Judge Brett Kavanaugh is the target of a smear campaign."

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook
New Jersey's tense U.S. Senate race between Democratic incumbent Robert Menendez and Republican challenger Bob Hugin is a dead heat with only five weeks until Election Day, according to a new poll.

Menendez leads Hugin by a mere two percentage points, 45 percent to 43 percent, in the Stockton University poll released Monday morning -- which is within the poll's margin of error.

Libertarian candidate Murray Sabrin gets 3 percent of the vote, while other candidates and undecided voters make up 8 percent heading into the Nov. 6 election.

"With a two-point lead falling within the poll's margin of error, the Senate race at this point is up for grabs," Michael W. Klein, the interim executive director of the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University, said in a statement.

"Bob Hugin has been attacking Senator Menendez on ethics with a heavy advertising campaign," Klein added. "However, with so many voters still unfamiliar with the Republican, Menendez will likely try to define his challenger in negative terms."

Though other polls have shown a closer-than-expected battle between Menendez and Hugin, this is the first to show a razor-thin margin in the critical race.

A Menendez loss, once considered unthinkable, could jeopardize Democrats' chances of re-taking control of the U.S. Senate, which Republicans control by only two seats -- 51 to 49.

No Republican has been elected to the U.S. Senate in New Jersey since 1972. Registered Democrats outnumber registered Republicans by a nearly 2-to-1 margin in the state.

Plus, Democrats have been hoping to leverage Republican President Donald Trump's unpopularity in New Jersey into tightening their control of the state's congressional delegation. The Stockton poll shows 64 percent of likely voters say Trump is doing a poor or fair job.

But Menendez, who is vying for a third full term, has been hurt by federal corruption charges he beat earlier this year. Though Menendez was acquitted thanks to a hung jury and the federal government dropped all charges, he was also "severely admonished" by a Senate ethics panel.

Monday's poll shows 59 percent of likely voters say the charges are an extremely important or significant factor in their vote.

Meanwhile, 51 percent say the allegations that Celgene, the pharmaceutical company Hugin once ran, raised prices on drugs for cancer patients are important. Hugin, a multimillionaire, is now retired.

Menendez, Hugin, and their allies have poured millions into a series of back-and-forth bruising campaign ads highlighting the corruption charges and drug prices, respectively.

Menendez has also tried to score points by painting Hugin as a supporter of Trump supporter.

Hugin said Monday the poll is "no surprise."

"Whether you're a Democrat, Republican, or independent, voters want a senator who will put New Jersey first and represent them with honor and integrity," the Republican nominee said in a statement. "That's why a growing number of Democrats are publicly endorsing my campaign."

But Menendez's campaign said Stockton's polls "historically underestimate Democratic performance."

"No one has fought harder and longer and delivered more for New Jersey than Bob Menendez," the campaign said. "At the end of the day, New Jerseyans will choose a proven fighter who will stand up to Trump's dangerous policies, not a Trump, Christie Republican like Bob Hugin who made a fortune ripping off cancer patients and will never have our back and will just be another vote for Trump's dangerous policies."

At the same time, at least one prominent pollster took issue with Stockton's methodology.

In a statement issued late Monday, Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, said there were "serious problems" with the way the Stockton conducted the survey.

Murray argued the way data was weighed seemed off the mark, with a too-small sample of younger and minority voters.

I do not make this comment on the Stockton poll lightly. But I feel this practice can undermine the credibility of the good work done not only by Monmouth, but also Marist, Siena, Quinnipiac, Eagleton, FDU, etc. pic.twitter.com/6jVxt51zLG  Patrick Murray (@PollsterPatrick) October 1, 2018

The Stockton poll also found Menendez is viewed favorably by 30 percent of likely voters and unfavorably by 54 percent, while 6 percent are unsure. Only 10 percent are not familiar with the senator.

Hugin is viewed favorably by 34 percent and unfavorably by 21 percent. But 43 percent are not familiar with him.

The poll was conducted via telephone from Sept. 19-27 with 531 likely New Jersey voters. The margin of error is plus-or-minus 4.25 percentage points.

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.
WASHINGTON -- For the second time in three days, President Donald Trump went after U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, an opponent of putting Judge Brett Kavanaugh on the U.S. Supreme Court.

During a White House press conference Monday to announce a new free trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, Trump criticized Booker, D-N.J., a potential 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and an opponent of Kavanaugh's nomination.

"Take a look at Cory Booker," Trump said. "He ran Newark, New Jersey, into the ground; he was a horrible mayor; and he made statements that when he was in high school or college what he was doing. He actually made the statements. And now he's talking about Judge Kavanaugh."

Trump appeared to refer to Booker's article in the Stanford University newspaper when he was a student there.

Booker wrote of his attempt, as a 15-year-old, to try to grope the breast of a girl who had given him "an overwhelming kiss" on New Year's Eve. She pushed his hand away once, he succeeded on his second try and nothing more ensued.

Critics of Booker have equated that incident to Christine Blasey Ford's account of Kavanaugh covering her mouth and turning up the music to muffle her screams as he tried to sexually assault her while both were in high school.

Booker spokeswoman Kristin Lynch has said that the column actually was "a direct criticism of a culture that encourages young men to take advantage of women."

Booker told Ford that her willingness to come forward was "heroic" when she testified before the Judiciary Committee on Thursday, and he rejected Kavanaugh's contention that the research psychologist's allegations were a "calculated and orchestrated political hit" by Democrats.

Trump also went after Booker at a campaign-style rally on Saturday in West Virginia.

"What was the moment he said he had?"

The audience called out "Spartacus."

"I don't think so," Trump said. "I think we take Kirk Douglas in his prime. Do we agree?"

Booker had described as his "Spartacus moment" his defiance of Judiciary Committee Republicans, who allowed a lawyer who represented members of the Trump administration to decide which documents involving Kavanaugh would be made public, instead of letting the National Archives fulfill its traditional role.

The president also took aim at the top Democrat on the committee, U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, and another Democratic member, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut.

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook
Honors

:





An American Library Association Notable Children



s Book 2009







A Junior Library Guild Selection







A Children



s Choices title 2009







A Capitol Choices Noteworthy Book for Children and Teens 2009







An Association for Library Service to Children Notable Children



s Book 2009







A Sydney Taylor Notable Book of Jewish Content 2009







Kirkus Reviews



best of 2008



list







New York Public Library



s



100 Titles for Reading and Sharing



2008







Starred reviews

:







Vibrant and well-researched...Nobleman details this achievement with a zest amplified by MacDonald



s...punchy illustrations



 Publishers Weekly







[T]his robust treatment does [Shuster and Siegels] story justice



 Booklist







The battle for truth and justice is truly never-ending



 Kirkus Reviews





Other coverage

:











[N]o library in the world could object to the books style and panache. [T]his is one biography thats going to lure the kids like nothing else. More fun than any childrens biography has any right to be



Fuse #8 ( School Library Journal ; four out of five stars)







Fascinating



 Horn Book







Sure to become a classic example of the genre



Families Online







Wonderfulyoung readerswill find thistitle appealing and thereby ensure that future generations recall the amazing story behind Supermans creation as well. Wait, did I say recall? Strike thatmake it will be inspired by instead. This book is that good



Firefox News







[T]ouching... The illustrated section...is upbeat, entertaining, and informative...the [well-crafted] afterword shows the shadow side of the great American dream. ...Nobleman is equally adept at both stories



 Boston Globe







Surprisingly poignant



 San Francisco Chronicle







Haunting



 Geek Monthly







Excellent



GeekDad (WIRED)







A-minus



A.V. Club







Engrossing...wonderful



Scripps Howard News Service







I was completely mesmerized by this book from the first instant I opened it. I loved every page, and every word.

Boys of Steel

transported me; it made me feel young; it moved me to tears. Honest to God, it did! It caused my black heart to melt. The book is absolutely fantastic, the book is tremendous, the book is a huge achievement



Robby Reed, DIAL B for BLOG







Expertly crafted...entertaining and good looking...a real winner



 Tripwire







I have to praise this wonderful book. It has something for children and adults, fans of comics and otherwise...I don



t use the word a lot, but the book is very charming



PLAYBACK:stl







Terrific...elegantly laid down



Comics Waiting Room




Disney's "Aladdin" flew into the Saenger Theatre last week with a production full of flash, bam and alakazam, all under (in the words of the old Nat King Cole hit) an orange-colored sky.

The national touring company of the 2014 Broadway hit spares no tricks for its dazzling spectacle, full of color and light, and astonishing pieces of theatrical magic.

Based on the 1992 animated film, which starred Robin Williams voicing the Genie, "Aladdin" has a more contemporary, even funkier feel than other now established Disney shows as "The Little Mermaid" or "Beauty and the Beast." It's popping score, for example, has the same verve as the Louis Prima-inspired songs from "The Jungle Book," Disney's 1967 animated classic.

In addition to the songs from the film by composer Alan Menken and lyricists Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, the stage adaptation includes additional music with lyrics by Chad Beguelin, who also penned the book.

What:

Along with that attitude, this rendition of "Aladdin" has enough topical humor to keep the adults as enchanted as the children.

Above all, it is a glitzy spectacle to behold. Gregg Barnes' costume designs are awash with color and have surely cornered the market on sequins. All the baubles, bangles and beads are nearly blinding as they catch the light, especially in the exhilarating opening number, "Arabian Nights."

Bob Crowley's sets, most notably the golden, bejeweled Cave of Wonders of the first act, are positively breathtaking. The "Friend Like Me" number, in which the Genie describes all he can do for Aladdin, sizzles throughout before culminating with a burst of onstage fireworks.

The show would, however, simply be a flash in the pan, were it not for the heart of the story that underlies it all. While its themes may not reach the depths of some earlier Disney works, the popular story gleaned from "The Tales of the Arabian Nights" is as captivating as any that Scheherazade might weave.

The young Aladdin lives by his wits and streetwise ways as a "street rat thief," always "One Jump Ahead" of the authorities. On the current tour, he is played by Clinton Greenspan with a plucky charm. An exceedingly likable performer, the audience is rooting for him from the minute he takes to the stage.

A chance encounter with the petulant Princess Jasmine leads to a mismatched love story. Lissa deGuzman gives Jasmine a lovely voice, as well as the spunk that ranks her among the more gutsy Disney princesses of late. Disguising himself as a Prince, Aladdin works to win both her approval and her hand in marriage.

Aladdin is aided in this quest, of course, not by a fairy godmother, but a Genie in an enchanted lamp. Trevor Dion Nicholas is a rollicking, show-stopping boundless ball of energy and laughs in the role. Aladdin isn't the only thief on stage - this Genie could be charged with grand larceny for scene-stealing. It is one of the most rousing performances we've seen this year.

In a show that unveils one surprise after another, the wonder of wonders is the flying magic carpet, aboard which Aladdin and Jasmine sing the show's hallmark ballad, "A Whole New World." The keenest eye spots no supporting wires or hydraulics. Who knows how it's done, other than those in charge of that special blend of fairy dust stored in the Disney vaults.

Director Casey Nicholaw, who is a tight ringmaster for this extravagant circus, has a pleasing cast fulfilling all the requisite Disney roles: Jonathan Weir is the flamboyant villain, Jafar; Jay Paranada, his toadying assistant; and Jerald Vincent, Jasmine's hapless father. In a change from the film, in lieu of an animal sidekick, in this rendition of the story, Aladdin has a trio of goofy comrades in thievery, played with lively character by Zach Bencal, Philippe Arroyo and Jed Feder.

"Aladdin" has settled in at the Saenger for a slightly longer run than usual. Don't miss out on this witty and eye-popping show.
The Orleans Parish coroner has identified three people found dead from gunshot wounds in late September homicides in Algiers, Treme and New Orleans East.

Reena Smith, 38, was found in a ditch in the 3200 black of Luna Street in Algiers around 2 a.m. Thursday (Sept. 27). She had been shot more than once and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Rashad Washington, 30, was one of two men shot at the foot of a Treme nightclub in the 1900 block of Orleans Avenue Thursday evening. He was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other injured man was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound to the foot. According to police, two men opened fire at the duo around 7:20 p.m.

Shawn Jones, 30, was shot dead inside his family's unoccupied home in the 4300 block of Dale Street in New Orleans East. Authorities arrived Friday evening (Oct. 1) and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Family members remembered Jones as funny and helpful, good at entertaining children. He had a 6-year-old son. The 30-year-old father worked at a local marina but was preparing to take on second job paving roadways, his mother said.
The bad news for fans of the Cajun superhero "Gambit" is that the oft-delayed big-screen adaptation of the Marvel Comics property has been delayed yet again. The good news, though, is that it's still coming.

As part of a handful of recently announced release date changes, Twentieth Century Fox has shifted "Gambit" from June 2019 to a March 13, 2020 release, a delay of about nine months, according to Variety. Channing Tatum, for whom the movie has been a passion project, is still scheduled to star.

Other Fox films to get new release dates include James Cameron's "Alita: Battle Angel," which moves from a summer release to Feb. 14; the X-Men film "Dark Phoenix," which is now set to arrive June 7; and an untitled "Deadpool" film -- believed to be a PG-13 version of the recently released "Deadpool 2" -- which is set to arrive Dec. 21.

For New Orleans film fans, though, the "Gambit" news is particularly noteworthy, given that the character is a New Orleans-born superhero known for his ability to create and manipulate pure kinetic energy -- and that it has been planning a local shoot.

"Gambit," which has been in active development since 2014, has undergone repeated production delays, with no fewer than three directors being attached to it over the past four years. In May, however, producer Simon Kinberg suggested it could begin shooting by the end of the year.

"We have a script that we love -- that Channing loves," Kinberg told Variety then. "We've met with a bunch of directors in the last couple of weeks, and we're hoping to actually pick one in the next couple of weeks and shoot the movie maybe the end of this summer."

Read the full report at Variety.com.
Whatever your question, we want to answer it. Welcome to Louisianswers, where you do the asking and we do the digging. Together, we'll learn more about this funky, fun and sometimes frustrating place we call home.

What's the right way to take a left turn across a neutral ground?

New Orleans drivers aren't exactly known for their reasonable approach to getting around. Why else would car insurance be so expensive in this town?

But there's one thing -- well, apparently besides the use of turn signals -- that really confuses folks, and that's what to do at a left turn across a neutral ground. (That's what we call a median, for all y'all not from these parts.) In fact, we talked to three different people near just such a turn Uptown, and each one gave us a different answer.

The conundrum we're talking about is this: You're driving down a road that's divided by a neutral ground, and you want to take a left, so you do. Thing is, you now have to make a decision: Do you cross the traffic on the other side of the neutral ground to keep going on your merry way, or do you wait for the light to turn green at that intersection?

It seems like a lot of people have trouble with this one. Jewel Carney, the director of the New Orleans Safe Driving School, said he gets asked about it just about every week. Actually, before I could even explain exactly what I was asking, he sighed and just said, "I'm going to go ahead and guess that you're asking about how to make a left turn at a median? Nobody does this correctly."

The right way to cross that neutral ground, according to Trooper Melissa Matey with the Louisiana State Police, is to obey the traffic light if there is one. You don't get a pass just because you're turning off a street that gave you a green light. If there's a red one in front of you, you don't get to run it just because you're turning. And when there is no traffic light, you yield to oncoming traffic before continuing.

Notably, this has nothing to do with the size of the neutral ground, nor whether there's any striping on the ground. It has only to do with what the traffic control signage says, though Rodney Mallett, the spokesman for the Department of Transportation and Development, said roadway engineers look to the size of the median for whether or not to put any signage there. (If it's 30 feet or wider, road engineers would install a stop sign on each end of the neutral ground. The presence of a green arrow grants drivers the right-of-way; a regular circular green light indicates drivers should yield to oncoming traffic when turning.)
And yet his instinct to defuse conflict when conflict is necessary betrays him in this case. He wants to send Bobby home, tells him that no ones blaming you. He cant make the hard, necessary decision to hold his friend accountable.

The seeds for Vinnies behavior were planted in the very first episode of the series, when he saw C.C. viciously slash Ashley  now Dorothy  for refusing to work in the rain. He was properly repulsed by it, but C.C. strode confidently past him in the hallway, knowing he wouldnt take action. Why dont we just give it a rest? is Vinnies attitude in The Hi-Hat here, and it could be his personal mantra, as he works endlessly to forge relationships and make peace when he ought to be drawing a line in the sand. His passiveness is leading him into serious trouble: Every time he bails out his brother Frankie, he sticks his own neck out further. And now that hes merely tolerating Abbys initiatives in remaking The Hi-Hat and fighting for streetwalkers, rather than advocating for them, he is losing her respect.

It would be a stretch to hold Vinnie responsible for what happened to Jane Doe  who we later learn was a high-school girl named Stephanie  but his habit of looking the other way is an epidemic in this world. Stephanie was the victim of a mob war, but she was also the victim of benign neglect from Bobby, who knew she was underage, and from the manager of the torched parlor, who left her sleeping through the blaze. Unlike the girls own father, who is content to leave her body unclaimed at the morgue, Vinnie, Bobby and her parlor manager are capable of feeling sadness and remorse over what happened to her. They just cant be counted on to keep it from happening again.

In sharp contrast to Vinnie, Maggie Gyllenhaals Candy is an active player who keeps pressing forward on her Little Red Riding Hood idea, no matter how much resistance she gets from Harvey about the budget or from her own limitations as a writer. Candy has progressed from streetwalker to porn star to creative partner and director, but What Big Ideas has a gratifyingly nuanced view of her auteur ambitions. She wants to control every aspect of the production, which initially leads her to reject the idea of an outside writer, but the movie that has taken shape in her head isnt translating to the page.

She is quickly learning how to be a better filmmaker, not just in moments when she acquires a new skill, like incorporating improvisation, but in recognizing that other collaborators can bring her vision to life. Thats real leadership, a gathering of forces toward a common cause. For all his evident charm, Vinnie is incapable of it.
[music] This is Zhang Zhejun. Today, hes making drugs. He isnt a chemist or a dealer. Hes making medicine for his mother. She has stage 3 lung cancer. Zhejun earns $300 a month, but the medicine needed to treat his sick mother costs $2,000. Looking for options, he turned online. Today, hes making WZ4002. It hasnt been approved by Chinese or American regulators, and it doesnt have a commercial name yet. But he can still order the raw ingredients for drugs like this online at a fraction of their official prices. The Communist Party of China says it provides close to universal health care coverage. Nearly 95 percent of people are insured here, including Zhejuns mother. So why is he making drugs on the floor of his apartment when his mother has insurance? Its a symptom of a health care system in crisis. To understand this crisis, we need to rewind a bit. Under Mao Zedong, the Communist state provided free health care for all. Decades later, China adopted a unique brand of capitalism that transformed the country from a poor farming nation into an economic superpower. Life expectancy soared. But the introduction of capitalism and the retreat of the state meant that health care was no longer free. Hospitals became profit-driven. And with limited accountability, they were widely accused of predatory behavior. A culture of mistrust and inequality now plagued the system. Heres what that looks like today for ordinary Chinese. Its 5 a.m., and about 100 people have gathered in a line in downtown Shanghai. This isnt the line to the movies or a holiday sale. Its the entrance to the Shanghai Cancer Center at Fudan University. Those who were willing to lose a nights sleep trying to get a spot in line now have one question in their mind: Will I be able to see a doctor today? The scalpers are out, and theyre selling spots in line. Chinas line scalpers symbolize a greater dysfunction. The chance of seeing a doctor here is directly related to how big your wallet is. Corruption is inherently part of the system. And in rural areas, its worse. But leaving your home in the countryside could have a profound impact on what type of care you can get in the city. Despite its rapid modernization, China still uses what is known as the Hukou system. Your Hukou is defined by your birthplace, and youre only entitled to social services within that region. Everything from the schools your kids can go to, to what your health insurance will cover is determined the moment you are born. So if you get cancer and live in an area without an oncologist, you could be in trouble. Some here compare it to a caste system. By 7 a.m., its one hour before opening time. The line has tripled in size, and then the news hits. Those are not good odds. But even worse, they arent unusual. There are nearly 7,000 people per general practitioner in China. To put this number in perspective, the World Health Organizations international standard is one doctor for every 1,500 to 2,000 people. General practitioners we talked to in China typically see 70 to 80 patients per day. Specialists said they see up to 200, each just for minutes at a time. The doctors we talked to in the U.S. said they see fewer than 30 patients a day. While rich Chinese will pay for individual care or leave the country altogether for it, the rest of the population, those dependent on health insurance, end up paying roughly 30 percent of their health care costs. Americans pay about 10. Numbers like these have added up to a culture of conflict. With more and more patients and underpaid doctors, violence has become commonplace in hospitals across China. And with the state insurance system not meeting the rising costs of treatments and drugs, medical disputes often play out in public on the hospital floor. Violence in hospitals has become so common in China, theres a word for it  yi nao. Roughly translated, its medical disturbance. Back at the Shanghai hospital, its opening time. Scalpers are making a last effort to sell off doctors appointments they secured in advance. Some that wouldnt wait, or couldnt afford the scalpers tickets, try to cut in line and are thrown out by security guards. Once in the hospital, patients will stand in another line. Its the second, and there are more to come. They scan the board of available specialists, selecting one based on their best self-diagnosis. If theyre lucky, the one they choose will have time to see them. For those who choose wrong, the cycle will begin again tomorrow. Others prefer to solve their problems at home.
California became the first state to require its publicly held corporations to include women on their boards after Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill into law on Sunday.

The bill, which applies to companies whose principal executive offices are in California, requires them to have at least one woman on their boards by the end of 2019.

In 2021, the companies must have a minimum of two or three women, depending on the size of their boards.

Hundreds of companies will be affected by the law, according to The Los Angeles Times, and those that fail to comply can be fined $100,000 for a first violation and $300,000 for a second.
He reviewed the footage on his computer with Mr. Dwyer.

Jim and I watched it and sort of gave each other a high five, Mr. Haner said. We knew when we saw this footage that it captured the essence of what we were seeing on these islands.

In the final, edited scene, the broch sits on a cliff jutting into the sea, and the video swirls from the stone entrance facing landward to the back, where the cliff crumbles into the waves crashing below.

The footage from the Broch of Borwick leads an article by Mr. Dwyer and Mr. Haner about how climate change is threatening Orkneys pieces of history and about the people working to save them. The story is one in a series on the threat climate change poses to some of the worlds most precious cultural sites. As many as half of the more than 3,000 archaeological sites across Orkneys roughly 70 islands are at risk from rising seas and heavier, more frequent rain.

We wanted to bring our readers close to places where the cultural identity is being permanently erased by climate change, said Hannah Fairfield, The Timess climate editor, who is overseeing the series. And because we wanted to let Josh Haners powerful photography and drone video tell that story, it was important that the text and visuals were tightly integrated.

Mr. Haner previously traveled with his drones to document  alongside the Times reporter Nicholas Casey  how sea level rise is threatening the economic future and heritage of Easter Island, including its famed moai statues. His images also accompanied the reporter Anne Barnards words showing how a warming world is shrinking the territory where Lebanons cedars can survive.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is on the case.

The agency is now looking into allegations that the Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh engaged in aggressive sexual misconduct  including assault and possibly rape  when he was in high school and college.

And yet there is a gnawing in my gut that nothing we do now will fully or even sufficiently cause us to recover from the tremendous damage already done by the way the Senate has treated these allegations and the way that the media has covered them.

We have severely damaged the confidence of survivors of sexual assault, particularly childhood sexual assault, to come forward to the authorities and talk openly about what happened to them.

At the same time that the accuser Christine Blasey Fords example has inspired countless victims to feel empowered and share their trauma in all manner of forums, the way that her courage has been met in the Senate with condescension, contempt and hostility has secured in many survivors a sense that power will not be sympathetic to the disclosure; it will treat it as an affront and an attack.
Tennessees lethal-injection protocol calls for the administration of midazolam followed not by a painkiller but by drugs that paralyze the body, including the lungs, and stop the heart. Because of the paralytic, the inmates suffering might not be visible to onlookers without training in anesthesia, but its nothing less than state-sanctioned torture. Thats why Justice Sonia Sotomayor of the Supreme Court, writing in a powerful dissent to the courts refusal to stop Mr. Iricks execution, characterized the states protocol as a descent into barbarism.

Earlier this year, 33 death row inmates in Tennessee challenged the protocol as a violation of the United States Constitutions ban on cruel and unusual punishment. After a judge ruled against them in July, lawyers for the inmates immediately appealed to the Tennessee Supreme Court. The state executed Mr. Irick before the case could be heard. Two more inmates are scheduled to die this year  Edmund Zagorski on Oct. 11 and David Earl Miller on Dec. 6  both by the lethal-injection method that relies on midazolam.

Mr. Iricks crime  the rape and murder of a 7-year-old girl left in his care  was unimaginably hideous, a case tailor-made to challenge even the most ardent activists desire to abolish the death penalty. Mr. Zagorski, by contrast, is on death row for something almost routine by maximum-security standards: a drug-related double murder. His 1984 conviction was complicated by the kinds of problems that so often spring up in death penalty cases: profound concerns about police interrogation methods, about the effectiveness of his legal representation and about his mental competence.

Mr. Zagorski has been a model prisoner during his 34 years of incarceration. He has never been cited for so much as a minor rule infraction, and a remarkable list of prison staffers support his request for clemency, which is now on the desk of Gov. Bill Haslam, a Republican. According to a former warden, Mr. Zagorski is a perfect example of how a man can change for the better over the years.

At the time of his conviction, Mr. Zagorskis jury was not given the sentencing option of life without parole  an option that six of the surviving jurors who decided his fate now say they would have chosen if it had been available. At least 20 prisoners in Tennessee have been sentenced to life without parole for crimes far worse than Mr. Zagorskis. As the Nashville Scene news sites Steven Hale reports, the application of capital punishment here is so arbitrary that two lawyers, Bradley MacLean and H.E. Miller Jr., writing in The Tennessee Journal of Law and Policy, called it Tennessees Death-Penalty Lottery.
Since the early days of his campaign, from his proposal to build a wall along the Mexican border to his discredited committee on voter fraud, President Trump has declared war on Americas changing demography. His administration has followed through on that strategy with a proposal to add a question to the 2020 census asking about citizenship. If the question remains on the form, millions of households, particularly Hispanic and Asian-American, could skip the census, leading to an overrepresentation of white Americans during this once-a-decade count.

Six lawsuits seeking to remove the proposed question are moving through the federal courts, with the first trial likely to take place this fall.

If it is added to the census form, the citizenship question will distort our understanding of who resides in the country. What this selective underenumeration will not do is make Americas growing racial minority populations disappear. The losers from this undercount include members of Mr. Trumps older white base, who will suffer from lost investments in a younger generation, whose successes and contributions to the economy will be necessary to keep America great.

The demographic trends make this plain. Americas white population is growing tepidly because of substantial declines among younger whites. Since 2000, the white population under the age of 18 has shrunk by seven million, and declines are projected among white 20-somethings and 30-somethings over the next two decades and beyond. This is a result of both low fertility rates among young whites and modest white immigration  a trend that is not likely to change despite Mr. Trumps wish for more immigrants from Norway.
President Trump raged at Iran for much of his annual address at the United Nations last week. He also praised Kim Jong-un, a sweeping redirection after last year pledging during the same speech to totally destroy North Korea.

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The law is meant to protect consumers from attempts by telecom companies to charge extra or suppress access for some websites. The legislation is also intended to protect start-ups that could not compete with bigger websites that team with telecom companies for greater exposure to internet users.

State Senator Scott Wiener, an author of the state bill, defended the law after the Justice Department lawsuit was announced.

In their world, no one is allowed to protect an open internet, he said. Weve been down this road before: when Trump and Sessions sued California and claimed we lacked the power to protect immigrants. California fought Trump and Sessions on their immigration lawsuit  California won  and California will fight this lawsuit as well.

The F.C.C. passed net neutrality rules in 2015 with the support of President Barack Obama. But the F.C.C. chairman under President Trump, Ajit Pai, has argued that the rules arent needed, saying that there arent enough examples of harm to justify rules on broadband providers. Some promotions, like zero rating, in which a company like Verizon may offer free streaming of Hulu but not Netflix, could be good for consumers, he said.

The internet is free and open today, and it will continue to be under the light-touch protections, Mr. Pai said in a statement supporting the Justice Department lawsuit.

Since the F.C.C. dismantled federal net neutrality rules last December, four states, including California, passed their own net neutrality laws. The F.C.C. has argued that the states are not allowed to create new rules. But state legislators and consumer groups have said they are prepared to fight any lawsuits.

When the F.C.C. chose to ignore the millions of consumers who urged them not to repeal net neutrality protections last year, it left a void that state lawmakers are now rightly filling, said Jonathan Schwantes, senior policy counsel for Consumers Union.
Now books are becoming like drugs. You have to have your banned-book dealer.

HIND FRANCIS, an activist with a Kuwaiti anti-censorship group, criticizing the Kuwaiti government for having banned 4,390 books, including a Disney version of The Little Mermaid, since 2014.
At the New Rules Summit, hosted by The New York Times, participants worked in groups to propose steps that business leaders, policymakers and individuals can take to create inclusive, equitable environments that enable women to succeed. Each group was advised by an expert in business or academia. Following are the topics, quotes from the panel leaders and three takeaways from each.

More stories from The New Rules Summit Special Report.

Advancing Women to the Top

This whole idea of a glass ceiling is the wrong metaphor, because glass seems easily shatterable. Its more like a concrete ceiling. What has gotten us here isnt going to get us to where we want to go. We havent yet invented the practices we need to go from here to there, Molly Anderson, founder and chief executive of Exponential Talent LLC

Business Leaders

The importance of top leadership in this field cannot be overstated. Business leaders need to rethink what it means to take risks when advancing women to the top. Its not taking a risk on a woman. Its making it a priority and changing the system.

The risk here isnt making a mistake on one person by perhaps putting them in a role too early, the risk is losing out to other business leaders on a whole talent pool because you didnt tap into it.

Policymakers

The only way to get policymakers to make legislative change around this is to get more women and allies to run for office. This means not only encouraging people to run but also teaching them how to do so, so they have a seat at the table.
BENNETT One of the things I often hear my generation lament is the lack of mentors  or that we need to do a better job of mentoring the women who are now coming up. Did you feel supported when you were starting out?

CHIRA When I entered the working world, I too believed that the doors were open  and certainly my generation encountered so much more opportunity than the heroines who came before us. I well remember seeing women whose careers were completely stymied. But many of us who entered at that time were delighted to be given good assignments, promoted, dispatched around the country or the world.

But I believe that we underestimated the subtlety of the barriers and the need to think about systemic ways of crashing through them. We thought if we put our heads down and did great work, we would advance to leadership. And of course that was not always true.

So I think my generation  at least early in our careers  did not do enough thinking about how to more actively advocate for other women, to raise questions about how good leadership was defined in male terms and overlooked in women, to agitate to make sure women got the same opportunities to prove that they could rise in the ranks as men did. That changed, and many of us began looking more systemically at what needed to be done. But your generation was primed to do that sooner.

BENNETT Do you think there are generational differences in the way that women  and men  have responded to #MeToo?

CHIRA I think younger women grew up with different cultural and educational signals, and heightened awareness about what harassment is and why you shouldnt stand for it. My peer group was breaking barriers, and to some extent we were focused on getting to that next rung, and enduring whatever it took. We wanted to be taken seriously, to have the chance to prove what we could do.

Of course, young women still face what we faced  the risk of speaking out about men with the power to derail your career. It still takes courage, and so many women still suffer the consequences. But now there are consequences for the men. I think younger women who I know are far more impatient, far less accepting and far quicker to recognize the potential for bias.
LONDON  Its that time of year again: Frieze Week, when Londons museums, galleries and exhibition venues pull out all the stops to attract the legions of international collectors, curators, museum directors, patrons and cognoscenti flying into town.

Most of those visitors will be ambling through the Frieze London and Frieze Masters fairs at some point. But there are plenty of exhibitions to see outside of the fair tents. Here is a selection of other places to visit.

The National Gallery

For a break from the fresh-out-of-the-studio artworks that tend to proliferate at contemporary fairs, head over to Trafalgar Square. There, youll see the exhibition Courtauld Impressionists: From Manet to Cezanne, a group of paintings completed a century ago or more that still manage to dazzle the crowds.
PARIS  For over 150 years, the famous paintings origin was as mysterious as its subject  a meticulous close-up of a womans genitals  was considered unspeakable. No head, no arms, one breast: only a torso, finely rendered. Who posed for this notorious nonportrait by the celebrated troublemaker of 19th-century French realist painting, Gustave Courbet?

The painting itself, The Origin of the World, was hidden from public view, whispered about but unseen, existing in the back rooms of private collections, or covered over by other paintings.

The work, in the half-hidden possession of the psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan for many years, is now at the Musee dOrsay in Paris, where it has been on public display since 1995. The American art historian Michael Fried called it, very likely the most brilliant rendering of flesh in all Courbets art. The feminist art historian Linda Nochlin called the work pornography but also a little masterpiece of overt sexuality.

And now finally the mystery of its sitter seems to have been solved, thanks to a chance discovery by a mild-mannered French historian toiling in the archives: the torso belonged, with near certainty, to Constance Queniaux, dancer at the Paris Opera, courtesan, mistress of rich men, companion of a celebrated composer, and  improbably at the end  a well-to-do older lady living on one of the most chic streets in Paris, the Rue Royale.
By almost any measure, women still dont have parity in the art world, whether it is the number of solo museum shows, institutional directorships or major gallery representation.

In that context, Frieze London and Frieze Masters, the sibling art fairs taking place Thursday to Saturday in Londons Regents Park, are notable: Women have most of the leadership positions, and they have pushed for female-centric programming at every level.

Theyre trying to counter the effects of the male-dominated art market, said Diana Campbell Betancourt, the curator who is this year in charge of Frieze Projects, the parts of the contemporary-focused Frieze London that extend beyond the traditional dealer booths.

That fair, in its 16th year, will feature some 159 galleries from far-flung locations including Los Angeles, Vienna, Tokyo and Johannesburg.
Early in her career, Lenore G. Tawney seemed poised for artistic success. Trained as a sculptor by Alexander Archipenko and in drawing by Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, she developed her avant-garde style in the 1950s and 60s along the Coenties Slip, an old seaport at the lower tip of Manhattan, where she worked in a milieu that included Ellsworth Kelly, Robert Indiana and Agnes Martin.

But as she chose to express her ideas through weaving and tapestry  mediums long associated with the crafts, which fell into the realm of womens work  her pieces were not appreciated as fine art, said Kathleen Mangan, executive director of the Lenore G. Tawney Foundation. Today Ms. Tawney is recognized primarily as a pioneer in fiber art, although her modernist and multifaceted practice also included drawing, collage and assemblage.

Thats one of the reasons that the curator Toby Kamps chose to feature Ms. Tawneys work, as presented by Londons Alison Jacques Gallery, in this years Frieze Masters Spotlight section, which highlights 20th century artists whose work, for one reason or another, has been unjustly overlooked.

Its absolutely gorgeous stuff that suddenly makes sense to us now, said Mr. Kamps, White Cube gallerys new director of external projects, who is curating the section for the third time. And it exemplifies the kinds of work were trying to show: something that is between worlds and that is unusual, and represents a different side of what you think of when you think of the sweep of milestones of 20th century art.
Both Nightcap and another contemporary music series, Sound On  which has its debut on Sunday at the Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center, with a focus on the Dutch composer Louis Andriessen  take the place of Contact, the new-music series Alan Gilbert had introduced during his tenure as the Philharmonics music director. These new ventures are meant to be more informal. Still, Mr. Taos Nightcap could have used a little more music and a little less chitchat, though all the comments about the pieces were helpful.

But demystifying contemporary music is essential work. Nightcap was a good start.

At the penthouse on Friday, Jaap van Zweden, the Philharmonics new music director, introduced Mr. Tao, whom he first got to know as a prodigious 16-year-old pianist. (He spends most his time on the concert pianist circuit.) Mr. van Zweden said that, having commissioned Mr. Tao several times over the years, he had asked him to write a piece inspired by the Bruckner symphony that would segue  without a pause  into its first movement. But, as he explained, he hoped the Philharmonic audience would sort of feel that the Bruckner was inspired by Conrad. If only Mr. van Zweden had thought to offer these charming, revealing comments to the audience at Geffen Hall the night of the premiere.
The annual art and design fair known as PAD, for the Pavilion of Art and Design, opens to the public on Wednesday with a marked shift toward the decorative arts and away from its past, with a reduced fine arts roster.

In London, the fairs 68 exhibitors, in a gigantic white tent on Berkeley Square, will be primarily specialists in modern and vintage furniture, lighting, ceramics and jewelry, with fewer than 10 showing modern art.

Design and decorative arts have always been a strength at PAD, said Patrick Perrin, a founder of the event and a former antiques dealer, of the fair, which is known by its acronym. Given the caliber of our clientele, we are clearly responding to a demand.
LONDON  Generations of women artists either ignored  or were ignored by  the commercial art market, and often turned to teaching as an outlet for artistic expression and to earn a living.

Such artists form the core of the Social Work invitational section of Frieze London this year, which organizers say is an effort to give them some overdue recognition.

Many of these women dont have the visibility that they ought to, Jo Stella-Sawicka, the fairs artistic director, said in an interview. And the reasons they arent better known are manifold. Some artists might have been marginalized for reasons of race or sexuality.

And women often have to play different roles as caregivers to elderly parents or children and make their art in between that. Some artists just werent interested in being part of the scene.
QUEEN OF THE WORLD (2018) 8 p.m. on HBO; also on HBO streaming platforms. At 92 years old, Queen Elizabeth II has ruled for 66 years  longer than any monarch in British history. In that time, shes seen the Commonwealth grow from eight nations to 53, modernized the monarchy and supported hundreds of charities and organizations. This new documentary by Matt Hill looks back at her life by weaving footage from the queen and the Duke of Edinburghs private film archives with behind-the-scenes shots of the royal family.

HAPPY TOGETHER 8:30 p.m. on CBS. After going through a high-profile breakup, a young pop star, Cooper James (Felix Mallard), escapes the paparazzi by hiding out at the home of his accountant Jake (Damon Wayans, Jr.) in this pilot. At first, Jake and his wife Claire (Amber Stevens West) are happy to have an exciting, famous roommate. (Their idea of fun is recording outgoing voice mail jingles.) But as Coopers wild lifestyle upends their mellow routine, they realize they may not be able to keep up.
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Good morning.

Heres what you need to know:

Nafta survives (with a new name)

After a weekend of frantic talks, the U.S. and Canada reached a last-minute agreement on Sunday to avert the collapse of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

The pact  which will be renamed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement  builds upon a deal Washington reached with Mexico in August. The inclusion of Canada came as a relief to many, including industry groups in the U.S.

 Whats next: The breakthrough was seen as a victory for President Trump, who has made rewriting trade agreements a top priority. He wants Congress to ratify the deal quickly, but lawmakers have said they dont expect a vote until next year.
| BY Lynchy |

TBWA\China has launched BOLT, a new production arm to focus on agile video production to cater to the growing need for fast, cost effective but high-quality video content. In the past two years, China has seen an explosive growth for video content with the rise of short video platforms such as Kuaishou, in addition to the growing video content needs for mobile-first digital and social channels.

Joanne Lao, CEO, TBWA\ Greater China said, BOLT is a natural extension of our growing maker culture. With the speed of change in China, it is increasingly critical to scale up our in-house ability to unleash creative possibilities focusing on video content with a streamlined process, and with budget frameworks and timelines that make business sense for our clients. We are very excited to launch BOLT in China.

BOLT, based in Shanghai will operate as an independent unit backed by TBWA with the ability to create video content at the speed from creative ideation through to production.

As part of the TBWA collective, BOLT also has the ability to leverage the companys strategic and creative collective in an agile and pragmatic way for clients.

Martin Granger has been appointed to lead BOLT in China. Granger joins from French production agency Ores, with a wealth of experience from the companys operations in both Paris and Shanghai. Martin will work with a collective of young film directors to build BOLTs capabilities in China.

Martin Granger, Im thrilled to be given the opportunity to head BOLTs incredible pool of creative talents. Brands today are competing with everything in modern culture for peoples attention, and they need content that is timed to perfection, culturally relevant and on brand. Thats what BOLT is all about  an agile filmmaking collective built to produce creative and engaging content at the speed of culture. The studio will add to the creative strength that makes TBWA\China so special.

BOLT is part of the TBWA collective with offices in the US, Netherlands, France, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, and now China.
2. The F.B.I. should interview anybody that they want within reason, but you have to say within reason.

President Trump authorized a very comprehensive F.B.I. investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against his nominee for the Supreme Court, Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh. Earlier, the White House and Senate Republicans had given the F.B.I. a list of just four people to question.

The president said he would not object if the bureau wanted to question Judge Kavanaugh or even a third accuser, a woman who was left off the initial witness list.

The simmering confirmation process went unremarked at the Supreme Court, which, following longstanding tradition, convened on the first Monday in October. First up on the courts calendar: the fate of the dusky gopher frog, in danger of extinction.
For the S.E.C., this is one of its highest-profile cases in recent years. Just issuing a monetary penalty could have reinforced the perception that the agency has lost its edge as Wall Streets top cop. With the removal of Mr. Musk as chairman, the S.E.C. avoids that reputational hit. The penalty is a step toward changing how Tesla operates and shows that the agency is concerned primarily with the companys future governance.

For investors, the settlement removed uncertainty around the leadership of Tesla and Mr. Musks private companies, SpaceX and the Boring Company. The S.E.C.s lawsuit sought to bar Mr. Musk from serving as a director or officer of a public company. That would have pushed him out of his leadership role at Tesla, and also prevented SpaceX and the Boring Company from going public with him in an executive role or as a board member.

It was not a given that the S.E.C. could remove Mr. Musk, even if it prevailed in proving fraud. Federal securities law allows a court to impose a permanent bar or one for a period of years if the persons conduct demonstrates unfitness to serve as an officer or director of any such issuer. An earlier version of the statute required showing substantial unfitness, but the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in 2002 deleted substantial from the law, making it easier to impose the prohibition.

Even with that change, federal courts still adhere to standards set in the 1995 appeals court decision, S.E.C. v. Patel: (1) the egregiousness of the underlying securities law violation; (2) the defendants repeat offender status; (3) the defendants role or position when he engaged in the fraud; (4) the defendants degree of scienter; (5) the defendants economic stake in the violation; and (6) the likelihood that misconduct will recur.

In considering the factors, a key issue would have been whether the S.E.C. could show that Mr. Musk intentionally made false statements, rather than just being reckless in discussing the going-private deal when the details had not been adequately vetted with Teslas board or potential outside investors. If he were found to be reckless, there would not be as strong a case for imposing a bar.
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General Electric said on Monday that it was replacing its chairman and chief executive, John L. Flannery, after just over a year on the job, as it continues to search for a viable turnaround plan. The company will also take a $23 billion write-down in its power business.

Back story: Mr. Flannery succeeded Jeffrey Immelt as chief executive last summer. His task: reinvigorate the industrial icon, whose stock price had stagnated for several years, despite Mr. Immelts efforts. Mr. Flannery, who spent much of his career as a deal maker, announced a new strategy in June. G.E. would shrink to just three major operations: jet engines, electric power generators and wind turbines. It also would spin off the companys health care business and sell its stake in the oil field servicer Baker Hughes.

The news: Mr. Flannerys plans havent lifted the companys stock price. Shares in G.E. have fallen about 56 percent since Aug. 1, 2017, according to Capital IQ. The power division continues to struggle after badly misjudging a decline in demand. And G.E. also admitted that it will miss guidance for earnings per share and free cash flow for 2018.
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Ian Read is stepping down after eight years as chief executive of Pfizer.

During his tenure, Mr. Read helped reshape one of the worlds biggest pharmaceutical companies. Through deal making, he focused the company on its core business like vaccines and other specialized treatments. He acquired companies like Hospira, a maker of complicated generic versions of biotech treatments, and spun off divisions, such as an animal health business that is now the separately traded Zoetis.

But his time there may be best remembered for two deals that he failed to strike that made Pfizer a target for public criticism over corporate taxes.

His pursuits of AstraZeneca, the British drug maker, and Allergan, the Botox manufacturer that is headquartered in Dublin, both failed. AstraZeneca repeatedly rebuffed Pfizers approaches. And the Obama administration tightened tax rules enough to make Pfizers bid for Allergan financially unattractive.
Its giant Lake Charles refinery and its refineries in Texas and Illinois produce roughly 4 percent of the nations refined petroleum products. But Citgo is even more crucial to Venezuela. It imports 175,000 barrels of Venezuelan crude daily  nearly one of every five barrels the country exports worldwide, providing the leftist government with desperately needed dollars.

Citgo is a hard-currency cash cow for Venezuela, said Ramon Loureiro, global business development director for KBC Advanced Technologies, a consulting firm that works with Citgo.

Citgo also sends roughly 29,000 barrels a day of refined fuels like gasoline back to Venezuela.

For all of Citgos American roots, Venezuelan themes abound in its modern Houston headquarters. A Venezuelan flag flies out front, and a bronze statue of three Venezuelan workers adorns the lobby. A mural depicting Venezuelas liberator, Simon Bolivar, decorates the hallway outside the executive suites inscribed with his motto: God grants victory to perseverance.

Perseverance is a theme repeated by Citgos executives. Its really business as usual, said Rick A. Esser, a Citgo vice president and chief strategy officer. We are focused on doing the day to day every day.

Events are sorely testing that determination.

Several of Citgos most senior executives have been imprisoned in Venezuela since late last year, awaiting trial on corruption charges. Asdrubal Chavez, Citgos chief executive and a cousin of former President Hugo Chavez, has had his American visa revoked, forcing him to direct operations by videoconference calls.

Then there is the existential threat posed by Pdvsas debt. This month Venezuela must pay more than $840 million to holders of Pdvsas 2020 bonds. A default would prompt a foreclosure on the bonds collateral, 50.1 percent of the company stock of Citgo Holdings, one of Citgos two holding companies. Lenders could then demand accelerated principal and interest payments.
The last two years have brought unimaginable pain and grief to my family and me, Aaron Rich said in a statement. I lost my only brother to a murder that to this date has not been solved, only to then have politically motivated conspiracy theorists falsely accuse me of grotesque criminal acts.

I accept The Washington Timess retraction and apology, he continued, and I am grateful that The Washington Times has acknowledged the indisputable truth that these allegations are, and always have been, false.

In the column, James A. Lyons, a retired United States Navy admiral, asserted that it is well known in the intelligence circles that the Rich brothers were responsible for sharing a cache of committee emails with WikiLeaks. He also questioned why Aaron Rich had not been interviewed after his brothers death.

In the retraction, The Times disavowed both allegations, writing that it had no basis to believe the statement about the intelligence community and acknowledging that Aaron Rich had been interviewed by law enforcement officials after his brothers death.

Seth Rich was 27 when he was shot in the back near his Washington home in 2016. While the police have theorized that he may have been killed in a botched robbery attempt, right-wing commentators have repeatedly connected the death to the leaked Democratic National Committee emails, spawning an enduring conspiracy theory.
A surfer-meets-biker festival in Biarritz, France, was an unlikely backdrop for Americas oldest motorcycle maker to showcase its latest handiwork.

But that is where, in June, Indian Motorcycle made the announcement that a one-off design concept, inspired by county-fairgrounds racing machines, would become a production model.

It was a sign of just how profound a departure in strategy this new model, the FTR 1200, would be.

The bike, the road-going derivation of a machine trouncing all comers on the dirt ovals of the American Flat Track racing circuit  and revealed in showroom-ready form on Monday at the Intermot industry show in Germany  is an acute change of course for Indian, whose retro-flavored cruisers and Deco-kissed touring machines have revived the company.

Indian, based in Minnesota, is not alone among motorcycle makers in taking a daring, and perhaps unexpected, leap with its designs. Ducati, based in Italy, has hit pay dirt with its out-of-character Scrambler, introduced in 2015 (and now stretched to a subbrand), which expanded the companys portfolio beyond muscular sport machines.
I wouldnt be caught dead selling oil thats more than a year old, Mr. Jenkins said. They range from Spanish Arbequina, the most delicate, to strongly vegetal Tuscan and peppery Baena and Priego de Cordoba from Spain. He also sells a decently made all-purpose balsamic vinegar, a grapey saba sauce and an unusual ruby-colored Lambrusco vinegar to balance a salad with a whisper of sweetness.

Olive Oils, $39 to $59 a liter (33.8 ounces), vinegars $39 a liter, $23 for 375 milliliters (12.6 ounces) all including shipping, oliveoiljones.com.

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The patient who died had B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia that had relapsed several times after standard treatments, and was being treated at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.

The university declined to say when he was treated, to protect patient privacy. But the study he joined enrolled patients from August 2011 until September 2016.

Once he relapsed after the CAR-T treatment, tests on his blood indicated that all of his leukemia cells carried genetic changes from the treatment, and all the cells had identical traits indicating that they originated from the same cell. The finding stunned university researchers, who said that of hundreds of patients who have received the therapy, the case was the only one known in which a leukemia cell was transformed and caused a lethal relapse.

It is exceptionally rare, said Dr. Marco Ruella, an assistant professor at the universitys medical school, and the lead author of the journal report. He emphasized that the treatment is still the best option, and most likely the only one, for many patients when other therapies fail.

But it warrants close monitoring of patients, and improvement of the manufacturing process, Dr. Ruella said. He also said the findings underlined the importance of studying every patient who relapses after the treatment, to find out why.

The treatment requires removing white blood cells from the patient to obtain T-cells, which are the fighting forces of the immune system. The T-cells are then exposed to a virus that carries new genetic material into them, enabling them to recognize and kill cancer cells. Next, the turbocharged cells are dripped back into the patient.

In the process, some leukemia cells are also captured along with the T-cells, Dr. Ruella said. But they generally die on their own, or are killed off by the reprogrammed T-cells, he said, adding that the researchers do not know why one malignant cell was transformed and survived in the patient who died.
Have you ever gone to a well-known or well-recognized place mostly for the purpose of taking pictures of yourself, your friends or your family?

If so, what was the experience like? What did you do with the photos you took?

In The Existential Void of the Pop-Up Experience, Amanda Hess writes, I went to as many Instagramable museums, factories and mansions as I could. They nearly broke me. She continues to give her opinion of these venues:

The central experience delivered at all these places is one of waiting. At the Color Factory, I first waited for half an hour past my ticket time, outside in the 90-degree heat. Then I waited inside the lobby, just outside a roped-off area. After being allowed inside the roped-off area, I was offered mochi ice cream while I waited. Then I was shown an orientation video and ushered into a rainbow-painted hallway, which turned out to be another line in disguise. What are we waiting for? Places that are themselves reminiscent of lines. At 29Rooms, a pop-up from the womens site Refinery29, I waited outside big white tents to get into makeshift rooms like Star Matter, a space curated in collaboration with Nicole Richie, which features big fake rocks, little fake stars and a hanging red orb. The aesthetic recalls the line for Disneylands Splash Mountain, except in here, Fleetwood Mac was playing. One of the features of the Rose Mansion is a fake gold throne that you can sit on while wearing a fake gold crown, an event akin to hanging out in the lobby of the New Jersey Medieval Times. Each of these experiences culminates in a ball pit  filled with marshmallows at Candytopia, champagne bubbles at the Rose Mansion, and blue-colored balls at Color Factory  a feature pioneered by the McDonalds PlayPlace. Yet these line-adjacent experiences are pitched as somehow transformative. In a plaque outside the Star Matter room, the experience was teased as a cosmic pilgrimage of love, music, and connectedness into the California night sky and back in time to the 1970s, a decade defined by progressive group thinking. The Color Factory says its designed to invite curiosity, discovery and play. The Museum of Ice Creams Pint Shop is said to inspire and empower audiences to be their most creative selves. Mostly, were expected to have the time of our lives. A Candytopia employee announced: The first rule is to be happy and always smile! Frowns make other people sad! .... There is one way these experiences are better than real life. Standing on the lip of the Grand Canyon, taking in the Mona Lisa at the Louvre or witnessing a seal pup shimmy onto a rock, we might pull out our phone to take a picture, only to find that what we experienced as grand feels dinky through the lens. But these experiences often look cheap and grimy in person. Theyre made to pop on camera. These places are often described as Instagram Museums, and the real experience plays out only after we post photographic evidence on social media. The internet is an increasingly visual space, and these museums, with their enormous pools of candy and gargantuan emoji props, are designed to fit the shrunken-down Instagram grid. Whats the point of anything else?

Students, read the entire article, then tell us:

 What do you think when you look at the photo at the top of this page? Do the people remind you of yourself or people you know? Why or why not?

 Have you visited the Museum of Ice Cream, Color Factory or any other venue billed as a pop-up experience? What about an Infinity room? If so, what did you think? If you havent been to places like those named in the article, would you like to go? Why or why not?

 To what degree, if at all, do you share Ms. Hesss opinions about the experiences? Why?

 Have you ever gone to a place for the primary purpose of taking selfies to post on social media? Please share an example from your life.

 Ms. Hess calls the experience one of the defining fads of her generation. Do you agree? What are other potentially defining fads of 2018?
International drug lords sometimes kill people who plan to take the witness stand against them. It has happened so often in Mexico, for example, that some have described the countrys witness protection program as a witness detection program, or a hit list.

As the authorities in New York prepare for the trial next month of the worlds most famous drug lord  Joaquin Guzman Loera, who is best known as El Chapo  they have taken extraordinary steps to keep those who will testify from getting killed. Mr. Guzmans lawyers say those strict protective orders have made mounting a strong defense more challenging.

Here are few of the ways the prosecution has kept the witnesses, and issues at the trial that concern them, under a veil of secrecy, and why:

Shielding names on court documents

From the moment Mr. Guzman was extradited to Brooklyn from Mexico last year, prosecutors have argued that he presents an extreme danger to the numerous former allies, rivals and underlings who will ultimately testify against him.

[7 Tons of Cocaine in Jalapeno Cans: The Evidence Against El Chapo]

The government has repeatedly refused to identify the witnesses in any public papers, saying that if it does, the Sinaloa drug cartel, which Mr. Guzman ran for 20 years, could easily seek revenge.
My Fair Lady was the show to see at the time. The predawn lines for standing-room tickets were famous. Of course, we had to have a go, but there was no bus that would get us there early enough.

We devised a strategy: My mother and aunt would drive me and my friend across the bridge to the subway. From there, we could take the train to the theater and claim spots on the standing-room line. They would drive downtown and find a parking spot nearby.

As I recall, there were only 30 standing-room tickets each day. We lost out by two or three spots on line the first time we tried.

On our second attempt, my mother and aunt couldnt find a space on the street, so they pulled into a lot.

They rushed to the street and spotted a taxi stopped for a light. They jumped in.

Mark Hellinger Theater, they said.

The light changed. The driver shifted gears. The cab turned the corner and stopped. Sitting on a blanket in front of the theater in the predawn silence, I heard the shrieks of laughter as it did.
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I still really want to know the truth, my colleague Ross Douthat wrote last week, after the Senate hearing on the allegations against Brett Kavanaugh. What a quaint notion: the truth. It is probably never fully knowable all these years later, as Ross wrote, but there are still witnesses and information that can get us closer to understanding what happened.

That simple standard  what happened  is the only one that should be guiding the F.B.I. investigation. And yet it does not seem to be.

The details of the investigation remain maddeningly unclear this morning. The White House, working with Senate Republicans, appear to have put strict limits on what the F.B.I. can do. It cant follow whatever leads it believes are more likely to shed light on Christine Blasey Fords account of an attempted sexual assault by Kavanaugh during high school. If media reports are correct, the F.B.I. has instead been given a proscribed set of orders.
Yet it did. On Oct. 2 came the denouement. There was a protest meeting that afternoon in the Plaza of Tlatelolco. The army had been given orders to dissolve the meeting, but their assault ended in a cross-fire between soldiers and the mysterious Olympic Battalion, a paramilitary group created by the government posted in nearby buildings.

It was the unarmed students who paid with their lives. The hellish violence went on for hours. No one knows the exact number of dead. There was talk of hundreds. Perhaps there were even less than 100 slain, but the scenes of horror, the arrests and imprisonments, the revelations of torture, would linger in our collective memory down to the present day.

Over the years, various theories about the massacre have been proposed. The C.I.A. seemed to believe in a conspiracy forged in Cuba, a theory that was brandished by Mr. Diaz Ordaz. However, for better or for worse, such an idea was highly unlikely, since Mexico was the only Latin-American country that had refused to break off relations with Castro. In his unpublished memoirs, Mr. Diaz Ordaz asserts that Mexico was at war. The students were the opponents. After the killings, he would write, in a tone of satisfaction, They finally obtained their insignificant deaths (sus muertitos).

The real war unleashed in 1968 Mexico was the struggle for the presidential succession in 1970. As had been the custom since 1929, a Mexican president would designate his successor. Various government secretaries would wage a no-holds-barred struggle to gain presidential favor. Luis Echeverria, secretary of the interior, would finally be the winner because in the eyes of Mr. Diaz Ordaz he showed more pants and was the boldest. And he also effectively nourished the presidents paranoia.

Perhaps the greatest contribution of 68 was in behalf of freedom of expression. Although as president, Mr. Echeverria, Mr. Diaz Ordazs successor, tried to ingratiate himself with university students through a rhetorical veering to the left, the criticism he kept receiving from the newspaper Excelsior (very much in the spirit of 68) exasperated him enough that he maneuvered a coup (in July of 76) against its editor, Julio Scherer.
Tesla under Mr. Musk has also established a template for what the mobility firms of the future must do. Chief among these is the ability to update vehicle functionality via over-the-air software updates; the addition of algorithm-driven features that offer partially autonomous operation along with the collection of data to improve those algorithms; connectivity with the consumer to provide services; and the ability for a customer to configure and purchase a vehicle online.

Tesla under new leadership, or as a unit of a much larger company, might be able to maintain what Mr. Musk has achieved. But Teslas survival thus far has been a tightrope act, and falling off is virtually guaranteed without Mr. Musk.

He has proved uniquely and idiosyncratically able to sustain the loyalty and fervent belief of investors, customers and employees. While Tesla has benefited from public subsidies such as consumer tax credits, federal grants, and the sale of zero emission credits to other automakers, Mr. Musks ability as a salesman is apparent in his success at raising private funds and sustaining high valuations. Even Teslas luck in buying its factory in Fremont, Calif., at a bargain-basement price from Toyota is attributable to Mr. Musks ability to charm Toyotas chief executive.

Tesla owners also seem to identify closely with Mr. Musk. For the Model 3, they had to put down a $1,000 deposit, and most have been waiting months for their new cars. This willingness to commit to a purchase before the vehicle is even available for viewing has enormous value. It means Tesla spends almost no money on marketing, and it knows before building each vehicle who the customer will be and how he wants it configured. No other auto manufacturer enjoys this type of prerelease enthusiasm  and it is Mr. Musk who single-handedly sustains it. Were Tesla to become the electric car division of an existing automaker, even if its products stay strong, this pattern of advance demand commitments would be unlikely to continue.
The relentlessly partisan Supreme Court confirmation process seemed to take a welcome bipartisan turn on Friday night when, in a dramatic reversal on the part of Jeff Flake, the Senate Judiciary Committee announced that it would ask the F.B.I. to reopen the background investigation into Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh. But by Sunday the Democrats were dismissing the investigation as a farce  and rightly so.

Thanks to the White House and Senate Republicans, not only is the F.B.I. limited to a weeklong investigation  a constraint the former F.B.I. director James Comey called idiotic in these pages  but, far more important, the bureau is seriously limited in terms of who it is allowed to interview.

President Trump tweeted on Sunday that he wants the F.B.I. to interview whoever they deem appropriate. But so far his tweet is the only indication that this is true.

Indeed, the Times has reported that Senate Republicans identified a list of just four witnesses: Mark Judge and P.J. Smyth, high school friends of Judge Kavanaughs; Leland Keyser, a high school friend of one of Christine Blasey Ford, who has accused Judge Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct; and Deborah Ramirez, another of the judges accusers. The Wall Street Journal, citing a person familiar with the FBIs thinking reported that the bureau planned to stick to the people and topics directed from the White House unless the White House changes its mind.
This is not an abstract concern: I was a co-author of a Brookings Institution report concluding that conflicts of interest, and the appearance of such conflicts, would be pervasive in cases arising from the special counsels inquiry into Russian meddling in the 2016 elections.

The Supreme Court may have to consider questions about whether a sitting president can be indicted or subpoenaed, and what effect pardoning a federal offense would have on state charges for the same conduct  an issue bound up in Gamble v. United States, a double jeopardy case already on the courts calendar. Many have argued that Judge Kavanaugh should not be confirmed unless he commits in advance to recusing himself from such cases. He has predictably refused to do so.

The accusations made by Christine Blasey Ford raise another order of concern. Some might argue that the unresolved cloud over his past would require a Justice Kavanaugh to recuse himself from any case involving sexual assault or harassment. That might well be, but I have in mind something more sweeping and fundamental.

To be sure, the rules of recusal that bind lower federal court judges do not technically apply to Supreme Court justices  at least according to the self-interested interpretation of the justices themselves. But those rules are not the only source of legal principles requiring all judges, of whatever court, to step aside when the institutional integrity of the judicial process is incompatible with their participation.

Apart from formally promulgated codes of judicial conduct, the Supreme Court has recognized that those whom our legal system entrusts to resolve controversies among litigants have a constitutional duty to step aside whenever a conflict of interest  or the public appearance of such a conflict  is so powerful as to erode public trust in the fair and impartial administration of justice.
The results of the investigation the F.B.I. is undertaking into the sexual assault allegations against Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh may objectively disqualify or vindicate President Trumps nominee to the Supreme Court. Regardless, the Senate Judiciary Committees extraordinary hearing on Thursday has already uncovered vital evidence about his suitability for the bench: the injudicious temperament he displayed. The eruption of Mount Kavanaugh raises questions about judicial temperament that may be enough on their own to resolve the nomination.

Mr. Kavanaugh fulminated: The process was a national disgrace. He interrupted. What do you like to drink? he demanded of Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Democrat of Rhode Island. He invoked old political disputes and argued that the accusations against him were fueled by pent-up anger about President Trump and the 2016 election and revenge on behalf of the Clintons. He appeared to level fresh political threats: And as we all know, in the United States political system of the early 2000s, what goes around comes around.

These qualities endeared him to President Trump, at least for a while. Judge Kavanaughs performance showed America exactly why I nominated him, the president tweeted. Retribution and distemper  even under extraordinary stress, which can obscure but also amplify a persons character  are not qualities one should seek in a Supreme Court justice or a judge of any kind. Judge Kavanaugh was not calling balls and strikes. He was swinging wildly at the ball.

This is not about whether an originalist should replace Justice Anthony Kennedy. One almost certainly will. President Trump has confined himself to a list of them, and Senate Republicans have months left to confirm one, at the very least. It is about whether that justice will have both the ability and, crucially, the credibility to render neutral judgments of law. This is also true for the court as a whole, especially in an environment in which groups of justices in both wings of the institution are perceived as political factions that deliver for the parties by which they were nominated.
To the Editor:

Since so much about the Brett Kavanaugh case is disputed and senators (like the rest of us) are subject to error, it is time to consider which side it is better to err on. If Judge Kavanaugh is guilty and elevated to the Supreme Court, we are stuck with him for decades. If he is innocent and denied confirmation, no biggie: Judge Kavanaugh keeps his high position on a court of appeals, President Trump gets to nominate someone else and we may actually have someone with a more judicial temperament.

Which would you prefer?

Phil Holt

Ann Arbor, Mich.

To the Editor:

As a 17-year-old living in the Washington suburbs where Brett Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford grew up, I was moved by Peggy Orensteins essay We Cant Just Let Boys Be Boys (Sunday Review, Sept. 30). Confirming Judge Kavanaugh would send a message to young boys and girls completely counter to the sexual ethics education that Ms. Orenstein argues we should be trying to promote.

I go to a high school not far away from the prep school that Judge Kavanaugh attended. He was my age, living near my town, when he allegedly committed a sickening act of sexual assault. If he were to be confirmed despite those allegations, it would be explicitly saying that the actions of my male peers do not hold consequences.

I do not want to be a high schooler in a country where alleged sexual assault does not disqualify him from serving in significant positions of power.
Instead, the Trump administrations own draconian policies are to blame. Around the same time that it began separating immigrant children from their parents as they crossed into the United States, the Department of Homeland Security also established strict requirements for the relatives and friends who might care for these children while their cases are sorted out. Prospective sponsors are now required to submit fingerprints, and to share their information with federal immigration officers. Because most of them are undocumented immigrants themselves, they have been scared off by these requirements. And with good cause: Dozens of applicants who took the chance of applying to be sponsors have been arrested on immigration charges. As would-be sponsors shrink away, more children are stranded in federal custody.

Images of young children who were taken from their parents this summer prompted a widespread public outcry, leading the Trump White House and immigration officials to reverse course. The long-lasting trauma of extended detention, however, is harder to capture on film. Proponents of the current system insist that the restrictions on sponsors were put into place for the childrens protection. But its hard to see how any of the new policies could possibly do more good than harm.

Staff members at shelters cried as the children were removed, they told The Times, out of dread for what the children would now face. The tent city in Texas is not being held to any of the rules that group homes or foster care facilities are subject to. And those existing safeguards had already proved inadequate protection against physical abuse, sexual assault and emotional torment. The Department of Health and Human Services has instead offered a thin set of guidelines, but while the tents are air-conditioned, children will not have regular access to schooling or legal services.
The Trump administration wants to change how the government defines who is or is likely to become a public charge. The Department of Homeland Security released a draft regulation on Sept. 22, in which it proposed that any immigrant who is likely to use or who has already used Medicaid, public housing or a rent voucher, cash assistance or food stamps could be barred from the country or kept from getting permanent resident status.

The proposed rule change is part and parcel of the Trump administrations hostility to immigrants. But its also about more than that. The administration would remake the idea of self-sufficiency, admitting only those who never need to turn to the public safety net, but instead rely solely on their own capabilities or the resources of their families and private charity. It even asserts that people who use public programs in a relatively small amount or for a relatively short duration are still considered dependent on the welfare state.

This redefinition of self-sufficiency ignores the way that most people use these programs. Even people with jobs often cycle on and off assistance as work comes and goes, or to plug the gaps when it just doesnt pay enough. These programs allow people to remain healthy and solvent  supporting their independence. This rule therefore hurts everyone, not just immigrants, by stigmatizing the safety net funded by all of us to help people survive when they fall on hard times.
Berry: I distrust entirely the terms free market and level playing field. Those phrases are intoned as if they were the names of gods, but what do they mean? How exactly do the conservatives and the libertarians think small farmers would be served by the free market and the level playing field?

The problem that has impoverished and destroyed farmers nearly always is that of low prices resulting from surplus production. That is also, obviously, a land-destroying problem. The only solution to that problem that can sustain the small farmers is the combination of production control and price supports as exemplified by the Burley Tobacco Growers Cooperative Association as it was reorganized in my region under the New Deal in 1941. I dislike recommending my own writing, but that organization and its work are explained pretty fully in The Art of Loading Brush. The conservative politicians and their friends in the Farm Bureau hated that program because it protected the small farmers, and they finally killed it. In its absence, our troubles have multiplied.

Recently, for example, 100 family dairy farms have been put out of business in this region, two of them in my county, because Walmart is building its own milk-bottling plant in Indiana. And so 100 self-employed, self-supporting, self-respecting farm families are being severely damaged or destroyed in order to increase the wealth of a family already far too rich. I am unsure what the farmers themselves have concluded, but I can conclude only what I already knew: They have no friends among the conservatives and libertarians. And if the Democrats and the liberals were to capture the government, those small farmers would find no friends among them, as they now are.

Both of the political sides, so far as I am concerned, have to accept responsibility for the emergence of Donald Trump, the autonomous man, the self-made man, economically free and sexually liberated, responsible only to himself, starting from scratch and inventing his own way of doing things. To get outside the trajectory that produced Trump, we will have to go back to tradition. I am unsure when we began to think of, for instance, the 15th Psalm and Jesuss law of neighborly love as optional. They are not optional, as I think the Amish example proves, and as proved by present failure.

Olmstead: Our trade war with China has highlighted American farmers reliance on the global market. Do you believe this reliance is a necessary risk in todays globalized economy? How can these farmers safeguard their own self-sufficiency and well-being?

Berry: I have been arguing for a long time, and I still argue, that an economy worthy of the name should begin with proper care of its sources in the natural world and in the local cultures of land use. Beyond that it should be based upon the principle of a reasonable self-sufficiency, from the household to the local community and on through the categories of political organization.

Such an economy, within the variables of weather and human capability, would be formed within certain prescribed limits. To the extent that it would be limited and formed or formal, we might assume that it would be stable. Because such an economy has never been tried, we should not think of it with too much confidence. But there is certainly nothing limited or stable in our present casting about the globe for supplies and demands. This, like our present society, is disorderly if not chaotic.
This past August, Jean Touitou, the founder of the influential Parisian clothing label A.P.C., and his son, Pierre, a chef, cooked a feast together for family and friends in Jeans new holiday compound on Pantelleria, the craggy, volcanic Italian island between Sicily and Tunisia. They followed a recipe from Jeans Tunisian mother, Odette, for molokhia: a meat stew made with a leaf of the same name that gives the dish a dark, viscous quality that Jean humorously compares to an oil slick. Father and son had served up the same dish just a few weeks earlier at Pierres Parisian establishment Deviant, a buzzy, marble- and terrazzo-clad natural-wine bar in the lively 10th arrondissement. On that occasion, they slightly tweaked the recipe to make it more crowd-friendly: We made it look sexier by serving it with bread and a little bit of couscous infused with saffron, says Jean.

Jean doesnt usually accompany Pierre in his kitchen, but this was a special evening that celebrated Tunisian food  recipes the family has cooked for generations. Jean, now 67, moved to Paris from Tunisia when he was seven. I loved it, he says of spending time behind the burners at Deviant, Its like being on stage and youre not afraid of singing out of tune. The duo has an easy dynamic, and while Jean gives Pierre the space to find his own expression, he is visibly proud. I was stuck to the ceiling with happiness, he says of working side-by-side with his son.
As the case wound its way up to the Supreme Court, it threatened to gut Californias Coastal Act of 1976, which enshrines public access to beaches as a right.

If I were to ever win in the Supreme Court, Id be depressed about it, he told The New York Times this year. I support the Coastal Act; I dont want to weaken it by winning. But property rights are even more important.

The situation began shortly after 2008 when Mr. Khosla bought a 53-acre hillside on the Northern California coast. It had about 47 cottages on it and was known as Martins Beach. While the previous owners had largely left the gate to the beach open and charged for parking, Mr. Khosla decided not to do the same. He tried to close the road, immediately sparking a controversy.

Over the years, the battle grew increasingly contentious. At one point, Mr. Khosla, who owns the land through a holding company, hired guards to stand at the top of the road. In 2012, five surfers were arrested and became known as the Martins Five.

The Surfrider Foundation, which led the fight to keep the road open, hailed the Supreme Courts decision as one that saves the coast from being slowly privatized by wealthy landowners.
You know a play has become a classic when directors start messing with it. Now, 20 years after opening on Broadway, Yasmina Rezas Art is back for a run, Oct. 4-6, at the experimental Crossing the Line Festival in New York, and its ready for its deconstructed close-up.

Created in Paris in 1994, this lacerating comedy dissects the bonds among three friends when one mocks another for buying an expensive all-white contemporary painting, and the third is stuck in the uncomfortable middle. Art  the word itself is self-consciously in quotation marks in the title, though it is rarely rendered that way  won prestigious prizes in Paris and London, as well as the best play Tony Award on Broadway, and has enjoyed the kind of global success rare for a modern script. Let alone a French one. Let alone one by a woman.

It has been produced in 45 countries and translated into some 30 languages. And it tends to attract actors of stature, who enjoy sinking their teeth into the meaty dialogue.

The original 1996 London production starred Albert Finney and Tom Courtenay, and ran for six years with numerous replacement casts. In France, the play has drawn Jean-Louis Trintignant and Charles Berling, while the original Broadway ensemble consisted of Alan Alda, Victor Garber and Alfred Molina.
Within the anxiety dream of a lecture hall that is the setting for What the Constitution Means to Me  the agreeably baggy and highly topical performance piece that opened Sunday night at the New York Theater Workshop  the writer and actor Heidi Schreck is living out an assortment of roles. They include professor and pupil, class troublemaker and teachers pet, the woman in her 40s she is today and the 15-year-old girl she once was.

These various roles, I should add, are not mutually exclusive, and for the most part they are all inhabited by Ms. Schreck simultaneously, in the same exhilarated, frightened and confused breath. If such an all-in-one approach sounds like it might generate ambiguity and ambivalence, well, thats appropriate to the subject at hand.

That would be the confounding, cohesive and divisive document that is the United States Constitution. This nation-founding set of principles from the late 18th century is  or should be  very much on most Americans minds at the moment. For the implementation of said Constitution to meet contemporary needs is largely in the interpretive hands of those men and women (but mostly men) who sit upon the Supreme Court.

That those eminences may or may not wind up including one Brett M. Kavanaugh has been a cause of angry debate in recent days. Ms. Schrecks show, which has been evolving for more than a decade, never mentions Mr. Kavanaugh by name. But his invisible judiciary presence is there, affirming many of her implicit arguments, which are often indistinguishable from her deepest fears about a document with which she has had a long and complicated relationship.
NONE OF THAT WAS PLANNED when I woke up that morning, excited about my actual destination: an anomaly of a resort in San Luis Obispo called the Madonna Inn. On our way through on that family trip, my parents bought a book of postcards depicting the 110 themed rooms, and though we didnt stay there, I had savored it, hoarded it, studied it so closely that I remembered the features and names of some of the rooms decades later, including a rock-waterfall wall and shower in the Cave Man Room. Which is precisely the one I checked into, and which somehow exceeded my expectations, though Ive been expecting them since I was 13 years old.

The Madonna Inn is beyond garish, wild with over-decoration and lack of subtlety and colors  the steakhouse oozes with every shade of pink, because Alex Madonna, the second-generation Swiss who opened this hotel in 1958 and was a ranching partner of John Wayne, was not concerned with what you thought about his masculinity. But every detail of the million details throughout the sprawling property is clean and classy and meticulous  and beautiful.

In my room, where the ceiling, floor and walls were made of real rock, there was a set of clubs  cave-person clubs  hanging in wall-mounted holsters at either side of the king bed. When I picked one up and turned it around in my hands, it was heavy: hand-hewn from a solid piece of wood. The window in my bathroom was a stained-glass rendering of a cave man overlooking a valley rich with jewel tones. Ive been to countless hotels in dozens of countries since I looked at pictures of the Madonna Inn as a teenager. I am unconvinced I wasnt somehow looking for the Cave Man Room the whole time.

The next morning, I had planned to wake up early. But I slept, in soft sheets and with animal-print blackout curtains drawn, for 12 hours. I had planned to lunch at one of the classic seafood spots along the 1 in Malibu, where its called the Pacific Coast Highway. Instead I stopped at another beach on the way and sat and stared in the wind and then had to head more directly to the airport, accounting for Los Angeles traffic.

Plans change. Landscapes change. Perilously, climates change.

BEFORE THIS TRIP, THE LAST TIME I had been on the 1 was three springs ago, revisiting with my then husband, after we had moved away from the Bay. One morning, I found myself alone behind the wheel at a sharp curve in Big Sur with a strong enough urge to drive off it that I realized I needed to change my life. Within a year, I had separated. Within another, I was finalizing plans to move again, to find my way back, to the state.

It wasnt just how you could die in California, on a famous bridge, that my father had taught me almost exactly 25 years ago. It was also how you could live. Lot of gays here, he had said our first morning in San Francisco, over breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Id wondered, heart racing, if he had brought it up because he had seen two men holding hands on the sidewalk outside the window next to our table; trying not to leap out of my chair to look, I asked how he knew that. Both of my parents sort of shrugged. Everybody knows that.

It turned out to be my place for sanctuary, too. When I moved here in my late 20s, I drank too much, and built a career I barely could have dreamed, and got evicted by tech workers and had the time of my life and had to fight for it, too. Moving back a few months ago, in my late 30s, not just queer but also openly trans, I was new but rooted in a place that is capable of holding so much complexity. That expands the definitions of whats worthwhile, building and maintaining a road on an ever-shifting stretch at an edge of the world. That is harsh and precarious and utterly nourishing. That understands how a person or a tree or a planet can be simultaneously burned out and voraciously alive; that gender can be a construct, and a spectrum, and a death sentence. That my path here was switchbacked but perfect, and that you dont have to be born someplace for it to be home.
The potent combination of fish and bleach hit me as I walked into the inner section of Tokyos Tsukiji Market just after 11 a.m. The markets famed tuna auction had long since ended, and the chefs had gone home with the days best catches. Shopkeepers were checking inventory as forklifts whizzed past streams of tourists hoping to get a final look.

For more than 80 years, 900 licensed wholesalers at Tsukijis inner market have sold 3,100 tons of fruits, vegetables and, most famously, fish per day to Tokyos citizens. On Sept. 15, the last group of tourists lined up in the wee hours of the morning to secure one of 120 coveted spots to witness the final tuna sold at auction; Sept. 29 will be the last day for visitors before the facility closes to make room for the 2020 Olympics.

The outer market  a maze of 600 vendors pedaling dried food, tea, souvenirs and more  is owned privately, not by the Tokyo Metro Government , and will remain in its current space for tourists to explore. Guided tours of the outer market with popular companies like Urban Adventures and Arigato Japan Food Tours will start up again at the end of October.
SEATTLE  The part of this city east of Northgate Mall looks like many of the neighborhoods that surround it, with its modest midcentury homes beneath dogwood and Douglas fir trees.

Whatever distinguishes this place is invisible from the street. But it appears that poor children who grow up here  to a greater degree than children living even a mile away  have good odds of escaping poverty over the course of their lives.

Believing this, officials in the Seattle Housing Authority are offering some families with housing vouchers extra rent money and help to find a home here: between 100th and 115th Streets, east of Meridian, west of 35th Avenue. Officials drew these lines, and boundaries around several other Seattle neighborhoods, using highly detailed research on the economic fortunes of children in nearly every neighborhood in America.

The research has shown that where children live matters deeply in whether they prosper as adults. On Monday the Census Bureau, in collaboration with researchers at Harvard and Brown, published nationwide data that will make it possible to pinpoint  down to the census tract, a level relevant to individual families  where children of all backgrounds have the best shot at getting ahead.
An ambulance ride of just a few miles can cost thousands of dollars, and a lot of it may not be covered by insurance. With ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft far cheaper and now available within minutes in many areas, would using one instead be a good idea?

Perhaps surprisingly, the answer in many cases is yes.

The high cost of an ambulance isnt really for the ride. It comes with emergency medical staff and equipment, and those can be very important, of course, even lifesaving.

But they are not things you always need, although you (and your insurer) pay for them with every trip.

Dont reflexively call an ambulance, said Anupam Jena, a physician and researcher with the Harvard Medical School. Ambulances are for emergencies. If youre not having one, its reasonable to consider another form of transportation.
When Dennis Dickey, a United States Border Patrol agent from Arizona, fired at a target filled with colorful powder, he was expecting to learn the gender of his future child, his lawyer said.

Instead, the target erupted and sparked a fire that consumed more than 45,000 acres of land and resulted in more than $8 million in damages, the United States attorneys office for Arizona said.

On Friday, Mr. Dickey pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor violation of United States Forest Service regulations for igniting what became known as the Sawmill Fire, which started on April 23, 2017, and had nearly 800 firefighters battling it for about a week.

The fire began while Mr. Dickey was off duty near Green Valley, Ariz., about 26 miles south of Tucson, to celebrate his wifes pregnancy, his lawyer, Sean Chapman, told The Arizona Daily Star.
As Christine Blasey Ford testified in Washington last week about the sexual assault that she said happened years ago but remained seared in her memory, a woman on the other side of the country watched and felt inspired.

The woman, Candace Faber, was at home in Seattle watching the testimony of Dr. Blasey and Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh, the Supreme Court nominee who denies her allegation that he drunkenly assaulted her in high school.

Ms. Faber, a 35-year-old strategy consultant, live-tweeted her impressions of the hearing. And after hours of testimony, she had had enough.
For months after the shooting, as the coordinator for the team that deals with active shooters, Branden routinely worked long hours to talk to churches and school groups, casinos and small businesses about preparing for future shootings. He was surprised with the intensity of the task.

It was even more aggressive than anything I was doing before  like constant long days and nights, Branden said. Ive heard people talk about working 13- and 14-hour days and I think how can they do that. But I just did. It was like passion that came to get something done.

He has taught his own children to run, hide or fight, and facilitated dozens of stop the bleeding trainings. He gets frustrated when someone suggests such training is unnecessary. If it wasnt, he argues, people would not hesitate when they hear a series of loud pops.

Youll hear people say after these things that they thought they were fireworks, he said. Well you know, thats just not normal most places. Its probably not fireworks. Maybe you should react to that.

In nearly every one of the five or so talks hes delivered, Casey said, some memory has inevitably choked him up. In one presentation with the footage from his own body camera, he had to wipe away tears when he saw his interaction with a nurse who kindly but firmly forced him to take off his bloody bandage so that she could pinch his wound together to staunch the bleeding.

I still dont know who she is, he said in an interview, his voice shaking again. And he urges officers to confront the fact that sooner or later, they will likely have to respond to a mass shooting. When I teach, I try to ingrain that this is going to happen. Weve all been around like gunshots and shootings or whatever, but its usually like no more than 15 or 20 rounds. You need to know what this will sound like.
A high-stakes gambler living in Nevada climbed to the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on Oct. 1. In his hotel suite, where he was equipped with an arsenal, he opened fire on thousands of people gathered at the Route 91 Harvest festival, a country music event.

With 58 fatalities, the event became the deadliest shooting in modern American history. But a year later, the gunmans motive remains a mystery. In August, Las Vegas police released a final report on the massacre  with no answer as to why it happened.

A guide to New York Times coverage

Oct. 2, 2017

Multiple Weapons Found in Las Vegas Gunmans Hotel Room

A gunman on a high floor of a Las Vegas hotel rained a rapid-fire barrage of gunfire down on an outdoor festival, sending thousands of terrified survivors fleeing for cover.

Oct. 2, 2017

Las Vegas Shooting Victims: The Full List

Hannah Ahlers was a mother of three, our sunshine, her family said. Heather Alvarado was always the first to help out. Sandy Casey was a person who brings light wherever she is.
Even some of Mr. Bidens friends say he will have to show remorse for the Hill-Thomas hearings if he wants Democrats to accept him as a leader for the future in a party sharply defined by the concerns of liberal women.

Former Senator Barbara Boxer of California  who won her seat in the so-called Year of the Woman election in 1992, spurred in part by outrage over the Hill-Thomas hearings  said Mr. Biden had to address his past head-on.

If he handles it right, it could be a plus; if he handles it wrong, itll be a minus, Ms. Boxer said. And handling it right means stepping up to the plate.

[Make sense of the people, issues and ideas shaping the 2018 elections with our new politics newsletter.]

Mr. Bidens low profile in the Kavanaugh fight has contrasted sharply with the prominence of other potential 2020 candidates, including Senators Kamala Harris of California and Cory Booker of New Jersey, who questioned the judge and Dr. Blasey in the Judiciary Committee, and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. Ms. Warren said Saturday that the Republicans treatment of Dr. Blasey had pushed her closer to running for president.

Mr. Biden has privately expressed frustration about the ire directed at him for his Judiciary Committee tenure, according to multiple people who have spoken with him directly but requested anonymity to discuss private conversations. He has been incensed about Republicans taking some of his past remarks out of context: They brandished one video clip from 1991 to suggest Mr. Biden had dismissed the value of having the F.B.I. investigate Ms. Hills allegations. Mr. Bidens spokesman said he had been rejecting an argument from a Republican, Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah, who said the F.B.I. had effectively exonerated Mr. Thomas.

But Mr. Biden has also complained to allies that fellow Democrats are now judging his role in the Hill hearings without, he believes, appropriately recognizing the limits of his power as a committee chairman, and the political reality of that moment.
Good Monday morning. Here are some of the stories making news in Washington and politics today.

 Democrats said the apparent constraints on the F.B.I. investigation of sexual misconduct allegations against Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh, the Supreme Court nominee, could make it a farce. A former classmate of Judge Kavanaughs said he planned to tell the F.B.I. that he frequently saw the judge staggering from alcohol consumption during their years at Yale. [Read the story]

 With all of its emotion and anger, the fight over Judge Kavanaughs nomination shows how the dynamics of the #MeToo movement have begun to thread their way into American life. [Read the story]

 With his decision to force an F.B.I. investigation into the sexual assault accusations against Judge Kavanaugh, Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona may have cleared the way for Judge Kavanaughs confirmation and saved Republicans from themselves. [Read the story]

 The United States and Canada reached a last-minute deal to salvage the North American Free Trade Agreement, overcoming deep divisions to keep the 25-year-old trilateral pact with Mexico intact. [Read the story]
WASHINGTON  President Trump said Monday that the revised North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada would pour cash and jobs into the United States. But the deals importance may have less to do with the details than the signal it sends that Mr. Trump is methodically settling his multifront trade war to fight a single enemy: China.

A jubilant Mr. Trump celebrated the new Nafta agreement as the fulfillment of a bedrock campaign promise. He claimed it was a vindication of his aggressive use of tariffs and vowed to keep imposing them to extract deals from other trading partners, like the European Union and Japan.

But while Mr. Trump expressed confidence about eventually reaching deals with Europe and Japan, he was far more grudging about China, saying it was too soon to begin talking. Administration officials say privately that Mr. Trump is content to leave tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese goods in place for the foreseeable future to weaken its hand.

China wants to talk very badly, Mr. Trump said at a news conference in the White House Rose Garden. I said frankly its too early to talk, because theyre not ready. He added, If politically, people force it too quickly, youre not going to make the right deal.
Hi. Welcome to On Politics, your guide to the day in national politics. Im Lisa Lerer, your host.

[Get On Politics delivered to your inbox.]

What does it feel like to be a man without a country?

That was the question posed to Senator Jeff Flake on Monday, three days after he infuriated many fellow Republicans by delaying Judge Brett M. Kavanaughs confirmation proceedings by insisting on an F.B.I. investigation as a condition for his support.

Since then, Mr. Flake has been making the rounds, popping up on 60 Minutes, in print interviews and on a panel at a Forbes conference in Boston. Tonight, hes speaking at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H., a traditional stop for presidential candidates  a possibility he has not ruled out.

Given that Mr. Flake was cornered by emotional victims of sexual assault last week, you might think he wants to talk about Judge Kavanaughs qualifications. Or you might think he has something to say about sexual violence.
WASHINGTON  With the nation riveted by the embattled Supreme Court nomination of Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh, the court itself returned to the bench on Monday to start a new term after the justices summer break.

There was no empty chair to mark the absence of a ninth justice, and no mention of the confirmation fight. Instead, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. started the session with a nod toward continuity, noting that it was the 25th anniversary of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburgs investiture. We all look forward to sharing many more years with you in our common calling, the chief justice said.

Justice Ginsburg, who is 85, smiled and nodded.

Soon afterward, the eight justices turned their attention to the fate of the dusky gopher frog. They discussed draining the swamp, but not as a figure of speech.

The species is in danger of extinction, and the only known remaining frogs live in the De Soto National Forest in Mississippi. In 2012, the federal government came up with a backup plan, designating private land in Louisiana as critical habitat for the frogs survival. None of the frogs live there now, and the designation could limit the ability of the owners to develop the land, by one account potentially costing them about $33 million.
Anxiety disorders, the most common mental health problems in children and adolescents, often go untreated while children suffer, even though there are effective treatments available, according to a new report on anxiety in children and adolescents from the Child Mind Institute in New York. Anxiety may be missed because it doesnt necessarily declare itself with attention-getting disruptive behaviors; in fact, symptoms may keep some children quiet and inhibited, though in other children, alternatively, anxiety may be misunderstood as oppositional behavior.

Adults may also assume that anxiety in a child is just a phase to be outgrown. A certain amount of anxiety is a normal aspect of development for young children  consider separation anxiety, for example  and it can even be protective, since children need to learn to keep themselves safe and anticipate certain kinds of dangers. But when worrying or avoiding possible threats gets in the way of a childs functioning or a childs enjoyment, it should be a signal to parents that help is needed, not just watching and waiting, not arranging the childs life to avoid the occasions of anxiety.

Kathleen Merikangas, the senior investigator and chief of the Genetic Epidemiology Research Branch at the National Institute of Mental Health, said, To me, anxiety is one of the most underrecognized or under-treated conditions of childhood and adolescence. These children can get missed, she said, because they may seem to be functioning well; many dont have the kinds of developmental problems or attention issues that draw attention in school, though they may be suffering.

Consider the child whose anxiety about speaking in public gets in the way of participating in class. The child may be silent out of a fear of being laughed at or otherwise rejected, Dr. Merikangas said, but to the teacher, it may look like the child is just not interested. Environmental modifications can really help these children thrive in school, she said; for example, working in small groups with children they know.
WASHINGTON  Melania Trump ended up picking a lively week to get out of town.

On Monday, the mysterious, glamorous, disappearance-prone first lady was leaving behind a roiling capital where her husband faces several raw battles, including one over his Supreme Court nominee, to embark on a trip to Africa. In her first big solo trip abroad, Mrs. Trump is scheduled to visit four African countries in the span of a week: Ghana, Kenya, Malawi and Egypt.

She is expected to see the sights. (This first lady on safari? Its a possibility.) She is expected to greet schoolchildren and dole out baby blankets at hospitals. She is expected to wear flats.

And through it all, Mrs. Trump will try her hand at putting a softer lens on her husbands administration abroad, just a week after he appeared before the United Nations and rejected globalism.

Her husbands charged language about the continent may not make that any easier. The president was widely reported as having maligned African countries and Haiti as shitholes, and he spoke of Nigerian immigrants as having lived in huts back home. Then there was the lengthy crusade Mr. Trump led claiming that Barack Obama was a Kenyan citizen, and not eligible for the presidency.
SEOUL, South Korea  Army engineers from North and South Korea began clearing land mines on Monday in the Demilitarized Zone between their nations as they prepared to search there for the remains of soldiers killed during the Korean War.

A similar mine-clearance operation also began in Panmunjom, a truce village in the DMZ, a buffer zone two and a half miles wide. Although Panmunjom was originally created as a neutral area, it has since been the site of armed standoff and occasional violence.

When President Moon Jae-in of South Korea and North Koreas leader, Kim Jong-un, met last month in Pyongyang, the Norths capital, they agreed to take steps to lower tensions along the border, like the banning of military flights or drills near the frontier. The measures also included jointly searching for Korean War dead  including American and French troops  within the DMZ and disarming Panmunjom to turn it into a peace zone where tourists from both sides could move around freely.

When the armistice halting the 1950-53 war was signed at Panmunjom, the American-led United Nations Command agreed with Communist generals of North Korea and China to create the demilitarized buffer zone to keep the warring armies apart. Despite its name, the DMZ has since become the worlds most heavily fortified frontier, defended with layers of fences and numerous guard posts.
SWINDON, England  Andrew Couch spends much of his work day apologizing, usually on Twitter, and this turns out to be more complicated than it sounds. Simply typing Im sorry over and over again wont do.

You cant repeat yourself, said Mr. Couch, part of the social media team for the Great Western Railway, one of the United Kingdoms largest train companies. Sometimes you say, Im sorry weve done this. Or Apologies for this. Or Im sorry that this happened. Youve got to understand the situation and you need to mix it up.

This is the Age of Sorry for nearly every train company in Britain.

In May, Network Rail, which owns the countrys entire rail infrastructure, unveiled its twice-a-year revision to daily timetables. Because of new connections and services, there were some four million changes, about seven times the usual number. The result was a shambles.
STOCKHOLM  A Swedish court on Monday found Jean-Claude Arnault, the man at the center of a scandal that led to the cancellation of this years Nobel Prize in Literature, guilty of raping a woman in 2011.

The court sentenced Mr. Arnault to two years in prison, the minimum term for rape.

Mr. Arnaults lawyer, Bjorn Hurtig, told Swedish news media that his client would appeal the verdict. He had previously denied the allegations against Mr. Arnault, describing them as a witch hunt.

The charges against Mr. Arnault, 72, stemmed from a scandal that severely damaged the reputation of the Swedish Academy, which awards the Nobel Prize in Literature, and set off a series of recriminations and power struggles there.

Mr. Arnault, a French photographer, was long seen in Sweden as someone who could make or break a career in the arts. He and his wife, a member of the Swedish Academy, owned the Forum, a popular cultural venue that received support from the academy.
ISTANBUL  A 16-year-old boy in Turkey has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison for kissing his 13-year-old girlfriend after teachers found his schoolmates sharing video of the event.

A court in southern Antalya Province on Friday found the boy guilty of sexual abuse under a law that forbids sexual conduct with children under the age of 15. Video filmed by a schoolmate showing the boy hugging and kissing the girl in the schoolyard was used as evidence.

Five other children  all school friends ages 13 to 16, including one who filmed the episode and others who shared it  were charged with using children to produce obscene images and spreading them. They were all acquitted.

Zuhal Merve Ozfidan, the 16-year-old boys lawyer, said she would appeal the verdict, and declined to share the details of the case as it involves minors. The boy remains free pending appeal.
BEIRUT  Iran fired six medium-range ballistic missiles across Iraq and into Syria early Monday at what it said was an Islamic State base, according to Iranian news agencies, its allies and spokesmen for Irans Revolutionary Guards Corps.

The Revolutionary Guards described the strike as retaliation for an attack in Ahvaz, Iran, on Sept. 22 against a military parade by its soldiers in which at least 25 people were killed, including 12 members of the elite unit plus civilian spectators and at least one young child.

Iran initially attributed the attack to an Arab separatist group backed by the United States, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. But the missile strike was on what it said was the headquarters of the Islamic State group in the eastern Euphrates River valley, close to Syrias border with Iraq. The area is one of the last strongholds of the Islamic State, also called ISIS and Daesh, after its Arabic acronym, and has also been the site of recent American military activity.

It was not immediately clear whether Iran was now blaming the Islamic State exclusively for the attack, a combination of ISIS and the Arab separatist group or, implausibly, those groups and the foreign powers it named previously.
With the countrys book fair  the third largest in the Arab world, after Cairo and Beirut  scheduled in November, officials have pushed back. There is no book banning in Kuwait, read a recent statement by the Ministry of Information. There is a book censorship committee that reviews all books.

An assistant minister of information, Muhammad Abdul Mohsen al-Awash, elaborated. In Kuwait, over the past five years only 4,300 books were banned out of 208,000 books  that means only 2 percent are banned and 98 percent are approved, he said. Some books are being banned in the U.S., Europe, Beirut and other countries, too.

In the past 11 months, he said, 3,600 books were approved by censors, while 700 were banned.

Yet, he insisted, since its inception, Kuwait has always been known for its sponsorship of literature and culture.

It is a particularly sensitive issue because Kuwaits emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, has pushed to make his country a regional cultural hub. While theater, dance and music are under royal patronage and exempt from censorship, books are not.

That cultural hub just cannot happen when you have a book massacre like this, all these books being banned, said Bothyana Al-Essa, a Kuwaiti author whose book Maps of Wandering was banned. Kuwaiti censors banned the book over a child abuse scene set in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, she said, but the Saudis never banned the book in their country, where it was a best seller.

Bans have for the first time extended to many international books and reference books already on Kuwaiti shelves, at least in part because of parliamentary pressure, critics say.
Can a viral ad propel a Democratic challenger in a deep red district? We made 32002 calls, and 490 people spoke to us.

This survey was conducted by The New York Times Upshot and Siena College.

Hey, Im Alex Burns, a politics correspondent for The Times. Ill give you the latest reporting and intel on the midterms and take your questions from the campaign trail.

Its generally best to look at a single poll in the context of other polls:

There hasnt been a public poll here yet, but a Democratic poll recently showed only a four-point lead for Mr. Carter.

Democrats have a strong nominee in Ms. Hegar, who raised millions from a widely shared ad called Doors that highlighted her military service , which includes three tours of duty in Afghanistan and a Purple Heart. The ad, called unusually engaging by Adweek, mentions that she was unable to secure a meeting with Mr. Carter during her crusade against the militarys ban on women in ground combat.

In 2014, Mr. Carter received double the support of the Democratic candidate, 64-32, and he won by 22 points in 2016. He supported the tax overhaul and the effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

This is a deeply conservative district in the central portion of the state and includes the suburbs and exurbs north of Austin. Heading into this year, this was viewed as a safely Republican district.

is the incumbent, first elected in 2002, and a former district court judge. 45% favorable rating; 24% unfavorable; 31% dont know

But sampling error is not the only type of error in a poll.

One reason were doing these surveys live is so you can see the uncertainty for yourself.

As we reach more people, our poll will become more stable and the margin of sampling error will shrink. The changes in the timeline below reflect that sampling error, not real changes in the race.

Our turnout model Theres a big question on top of the standard margin of error in a poll: Who is going to vote? Its a particularly challenging question this year, since special elections have shown Democrats voting in large numbers. To estimate the likely electorate, we combine what people say about how likely they are to vote with information about how often they have voted in the past. In previous races, this approach has been more accurate than simply taking people at their word. But there are many other ways to do it. Our poll under different turnout scenarios Who will vote? Est. turnout Our poll result The types of people who voted in 2014 146k Carter +20 Our estimate 195k Carter +15 People whose voting history suggests they will vote, regardless of what they say 196k Carter +16 People who say they will vote, adjusted for past levels of truthfulness 211k Carter +15 People who say they are almost certain to vote, and no one else 223k Carter +7 The types of people who voted in 2016 253k Carter +16 Every active registered voter 403k Carter +16 Just because one candidate leads in all of these different turnout scenarios doesnt mean much by itself. They dont represent the full range of possible turnout scenarios, let alone the full range of possible election results.

The types of people we reached Even if we got turnout exactly right, the margin of error wouldnt capture all of the error in a poll. The simplest version assumes we have a perfect random sample of the voting population. We do not. People who respond to surveys are almost always too old, too white, too educated and too politically engaged to accurately represent everyone. How successful we were in reaching different kinds of voters Called Inter-

viewed Success

rate Our

responses Goal 18 to 29 2 6 6 1 2 1 1 in 127 4% 7% 30 to 64 1 7 7 2 4 3 2 0 1 in 55 65% 62% 65 and older 5 2 1 2 1 4 9 1 in 35 30% 31% Male 1 1 2 8 5 2 2 9 1 in 49 47% 47% Female 1 4 3 1 8 2 6 1 1 in 55 53% 53% White 1 8 5 0 6 3 6 5 1 in 51 74% 73% Nonwhite 5 3 5 5 8 3 1 in 65 17% 19% Cell 1 5 8 1 2 2 9 5 1 in 54 60%  Landline 9 7 9 1 1 9 5 1 in 50 40%  Pollsters compensate by giving more weight to respondents from under-represented groups. Here, were weighting by age, primary vote, gender, likelihood of voting, race and region, mainly using data from voting records files compiled by L2, a nonpartisan voter file vendor. But weighting works only if you weight by the right categories and you know what the composition of the electorate will be. In 2016, many pollsters didnt weight by education and overestimated Hillary Clintons standing as a result. Here are other common ways to weight a poll: Our poll under different weighting schemes Our poll result Weight using census data instead of voting records, like most public polls Carter +12 Dont weight by education, like many polls in 2016 Carter +12 Dont weight by primary vote, like most public polls Carter +14 Our estimate Carter +15 Just because one candidate leads in all of these different weighting scenarios doesnt mean much by itself. They dont represent the full range of possible weighting scenarios, let alone the full range of possible election results.
The Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard is mostly known as one of the few places on Earth where people are forbidden from dying, but few know that this place also has a ban on cats, with one exception, a purring feline thats technically a fox.

Cats werent always banned on Svalbard. It was only during the 1990s that Norwegian authorities enforced the ban, after it was decided that they were susceptible to rabies and echinococcosis (a type of tape worm) infections from foxes and rats, which in turn posed a big risk to the human population. Interestingly, rats are not indigenous to the northern archipelago, only arriving here relatively recently on board cargo ships, but being the resourceful creatures they are, they quickly adapted to the harsh conditions. Photos taken prior to the ban on cats show that felines were once popular on Spitsbergen and the other islands that make up Svalbard, but since then, only one ginger cat has been photographed on the archipelago. Her name is Kesha and she has a rather interesting story.



Kesha lives in Barentsburg, a Russian town on the island of Spitsbergen. In its heyday, during the time of the Soviet Union, Barentsburg was a thriving mining town with a population of over 1,000, but nowadays, only a few hundred people still live here and the place looks deserted. While the whole of Svalbard is under Norwegian authority, the Svalbard treaty of 1920 allowed signatory countries to establish mining operations on the archipelago, which is how settlements like Barentsburg came to be.

No one knows exactly when Kesha arrived in Barentsburg, just that she was brought by Russians, and registered as a fox, in order to bypass the ban on cats. Apart from the thick, ginger coat, Kesha doesnt even resemble a fox, but Norwegian authorities never questioned her official species, and she has been allowed to live on Svalbard. According to Big Picture, she has a human friend who welcomes her into her apartment on particularly cold nights and loves to take care of her, but for the most part, Keshe loves her freedom.



Svalbard is a harsh place to live even for a cat. Keshas thick coat helps her withstand the cold, but the scars on her face and body hint that she has been a fight or two with the local fauna as well. She survived them, though, and, as far as we know, she still retains the unofficial title of the only cat on Svalbard.

And just in case you didnt know about Svalbards famous ban on dying, people who are expected to die are flown to the mainland, and even those who do break the law and lose their life here are taken to the mainland to be buried. Thats because the permafrost prevents their bodies from decomposing and risk attracting hungry predators that dig them up.



While childbirth on Svalbard is not prohibited by law, pregnant women nearing their due date are also flown to the mainland, as the archipelagos small hospital isnt properly equipped for childbirth.
Facebook today said the site was hit last week with a massive security breach, after hackers were reportedly able to gain access to accounts belonging to as many as 50 million of the sites users.

The breach was discovered on Tuesday by the social media networks engineering team. The company said that hackers had exploited a vulnerability in the sites view as feature, a privacy control that allows users to see what their profile looks like to others. A reported bug in this feature allowed attackers to steal access tokens  or digital keys that allow people to stay logged in after multiple sessions  which the hackers then allegedly used to take over users accounts.

Facebook said it has since fixed the vulnerability. Anyone affected by the breach was logged out of the network on Friday morning and prompted to re-log-in for security purposes.

Peoples privacy and security is incredibly important, and were sorry this happened. Its why weve taken immediate action to secure these accounts and let users know what happened, Facebook said in a Friday statement on the newsroom portion of its site.

The company also said that it doesnt currently know the attackers identity or their country of origin. An internal investigation into the matter is still in its early stages, and Facebook hasnt yet fully assessed the scope of the attack, when it happened or what information was accessed from users accounts. It has notified the FBI about the breach and, per Europes new GDPR regulations, has informed the Irish Data Protection Commission.

This is a really serious security issue. And were taking it really seriously, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said today in a conference call with reporters. We have a major security effort at the company that hardens all of our surfaces, and investigates issues like this. In this case, Im glad that we found this and that we were able to fix the vulnerability and secure the accounts. But it definitely is an issue that this happened in the first place.

The breach is the latest development in what has become an ongoing security drama for the company, coming only months after it was discovered that Trump-linked data analysis and political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica illicitly harvested the data of an estimated 87 million Facebook users in order to pitch them political messages in the months leading up to the 2016 presidential election.

Prior to that, the site had been excoriated for allowing Russia-backed propaganda outfits to purchase political ads and circulate millions of items of misleading content over the sites news feed.

For its part, however, Facebooks PR response to this latest crisis appears to be far more bullish and transparent than its role in previous scandals. The site announced the hack on its own volition today, beating the press to the story. The company was also on the ball in fixing the technical aspects of a problem it had learned about only three days before, a far cry from how Facebook handled the Cambridge Analytica leak, which the company had allegedly known about since 2015 yet never shared with the public until the press broke the story in early 2018.

Facebook has finally learned from its mistakes in crisis communications, Curtis Sparrer, co-founder and principal of Bospar, told ODwyers. Instead of waiting months or years to disclose bad news to the public like they did in the past, Facebook did the right thing and alerted us now. Our research shows that most Americans expect companies like Facebook to reveal such breaches in a weeks time and actually reward companies for being responsive and transparent. We hope to see this trend continue.
Tesco Ireland has today launched a new initiative offering free deliveries for over-65s when they shop online.

It was launched to coincide with todays International Day of Older Persons, which seeks to support full and effective participation of older persons in the community. The new initiative was supported by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and Age Action Ireland.

Tesco is the first retailer in Ireland to provide free grocery home shopping delivery for over-65s. These deliveries will operate across Offaly six days a week from 3pm-7pm Monday-Saturday subject to a minimum spend of 50. Tescos dedicated customer service team will be available on Freephone 1800 248 123 to help process online orders over the telephone.

Speaking in support of the initiative, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Ms Heather Humphreys TD said, Government welcomes innovation in our retail sector and this is a good example of combining technology with social good. It is positive to see an age-friendly initiative that aims to assist older people across the country. This Tesco initiative will be great for older people, especially in rural areas. It also means that not having to spend time shopping gives people more time to spend in their communities. Tescos policy is a recognition of that, giving older people the freedom to prioritise family and friends.

Ruairi Twomey, Marketing Director, Tesco Ireland said, At Tesco, we believe that even the little things make all the difference so this new extension of our home delivery service helps older members of our community avail of free delivery of their weekly shopping. This will be highly beneficial especially as we enter the colder months. This way we can be sure older members of our community get the very best food in the manner most convenient to them.

The Interim CEO of Age Action Ireland, Anna McCabe said, We are really pleased to see this innovative initiative from Tesco particularly as we mark the start of Positive Ageing Week. Tesco is the first supermarket chain in Ireland to provide this service which will have a real positive impact on the day-to-day lives of older people and offer much needed convenience, especially for those with limited transport options or reduced mobility. It brings a welcome saving of time and money for older people as well as facilitating increased autonomy which is so important for all of us.

Since 2014, Tesco has supported over 218 community projects in Offaly with 77,904.99 in donations through the Tesco Community Fund and provided over 350 causes nationwide with 6 million meals in surplus food donations.
All Air India employees to be retained for one year: Govt

This is daylight highway robbery of national assets, Sitaram Yechury on Air India returning to Tatas

Procurement of expensive aircraft parts to be done after approval of senior official: Air India

4 passengers of Air India flight detained at Jodhpur airport for using objectionable language

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Jodhpu, Oct 1: Four passengers of an Air India flight have been detained at Jodhpur airport in Rajasthan on Monday for allegedly using objectionable language during the flight, hampering security.

As sson as the flight Mumbai-Jodhpur flight Air India 645 landed, police and CISF have taken custody of a passenger.

It is learnt that four passengers onboard Mumbai-Jodhpur flight had approached the cockpit and started threatening as the aircraft landed. One of them shouted that there is a plan to hijack an aircraft on October 02.

The Air India flight, which was scheduled from fly from Jodhpur to Mumbai, is now being searched by security personnel.

Further investigation is underway.

In a similar incident, one of the commuters attempted to open the airplane's rear door on September 23 in Delhi-Patna GoAir flight numbered G8 149.

A major tragedy was averted as the onboard security personnel overpowered him and kept him under watch till the aircraft landed at Patna airport.

The passenger, identified as a resident of Rajasthan's Ajmer in his mid-20s, was handed over to the CISF. In the interrogation, he revealed that he was a first-time flyer. The police verified the passenger's claim and found that he had boarded a plane for the first time in his life.
Apple executive Vivek Tiwari's murder: Two cops named in fresh FIR

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Oct 1: Kalpana Tiwari, wife of Apple store manager Vivek Tiwari, who was shot dead by a police constable in Lucknow on Friday night, filed a second FIR in the case on Sunday as the victim's wife pointed out that the names of the prime accused were missing in the first FIR.

Victim Vivek's wife Kalpana Tiwari lodged a fresh FIR in which she has named the two accused cops- Prashant and Sandeept. The first FIR was filed on the basis of the complaint submitted by Vivek's colleague. She is the only eyewitness in the case because she was travelling with Vivek in the same car.

The second FIR reads that Vivek feared that the two constables may misbehave with Sana so he tried to move on when Sandip Kumar tried to put his baton inside the SUV. Prashant Chowdhary, who was present on the other side by then, opened fire on Vivek by putting his pistol's nozzle on the front windshield.

Also Read | Vivek Tiwari cremated, KP Maurya assures severe punishment to those responsible for killing

Kalpana has also mentioned the sequence of events as told to her by Sana Khan, the lone eye-witness with whom Vivek was returning from an office party when he was fatally shot. The police have charged the cops in Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code.

Tiwari's wife further alleged that Sana was not allowed to call anyone when another police team reached after Vivek's SUV rammed into the underpass after travelling for over 500 meters. She said the police personnel made Sana sign a blank paper and later made her write an application, narrating the content according to them, allegedly to favour the two constables.

Also Read | Lucknow killing: Rajnath speaks to Adityanath, seeks effective action

Uttar Pradesh Justice Minister Brijesh Pathak also accused the police of hushing up the killing. "The lone eyewitness was kept in police custody for nearly 17 hours and her signature was taken on a plain piece of paper. The FIR was not registered the way it should had been. There is no consistency between the statement of Sana (who was accompanying the victim) and the FIR. And efforts were made to hush up the case," Pathak told PTI.

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Story first published: Monday, October 1, 2018, 10:50 [IST]
New roaster in SC: PILs to be heard by CJI and 3 senior most judges

Bar Council wants judges to avoid post-retirement jobs

India

oi-Shubham Ghosh

New Delhi, Oct 1: The Bar Council of India (BCI) has spoken out over its apprehension that the promise of post-retirement jobs has made the judges issue order against lawyers' strikes. It said in a press release that this is done at the behest of influential people in the government. The release, signed by BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra said the concern was shared openly during a recent council meeting that took place between the bar councils and associations.

"The meeting openly discussed and opined that some powerful people, sitting in the Government, (which is the largest litigant), have been controlling our Judges by giving them assurances to keep them engaged after their superannuation. And since the Bar is supposed to be the mouthpiece and voice of the people, the Judiciary is being used to throttle and shut its mouth," the release said.

Also Read | MP's MLA's can practise as advocates, but there is a rider

The release also said the tendency becomes apparent from the manner in which some of the judges humiliate the lawyers in courtrooms.

"The Bar in its joint meeting unanimously felt that some of the Judges feel pleasure in humiliating the Lawyers and passing uncalled-for, unnecessary remarks against members or leaders of the Bar. This has become a fashion nowadays..."

Also Read | Regulation to check lawyer fee is needed: SC

The statutory body of lawyers said in a resolution that the outgoing Chief Justice Dipak Mishra should follow the example of former judges Justice Chelameswar and Justice Kurian Joseph who have declared that they would not accept any government job post retirement.

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Story first published: Monday, October 1, 2018, 16:18 [IST]
BJP promises cow ministry in Madhya Pradesh to woo upper caste and to counter Congress

India

oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla

New Delhi, Oct 1: Politics over cow intensifies as in response to the promise made by Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee chief Kamal Nath to set up a gaushala at every panchayat, chief minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan too has made a commitment of setting up a cow ministry in the state. The ministry would replace the present Gau Samvardhan Board. Many Sangh Pariwar affiliates have been demanding the ministry for long.

Interestingly, Madhya Pradesh has set up the first cow sanctuary of the country under the Gau Samvardhan Board in September 2017 at Agar Malwa district, spread over 472 hectares, with a capacity for housing 6,000 cows.

But this is to recall that some times back MPCC chief promised to set up cow shelters at every village panchayat if the Congress comes to power in the state as he was pained by deaths of cow progeny that room around on streets and highways and getting hit by vehicles.

Also Read | Kamal Nath promises Gaushala in every panchayat in Madhya Pradesh

The Bharatiya Janata Party was also under pressure due to anger of the upper caste community across the country so this move is also being considered to cajole the community as the MP was the worst hit by this. War of words between the Congress and the BJP has intensified with the Congress taking the rout of soft Hindutva making the BJP uneasy.

The BJP attacked the Congress by arguing that the Congress is responsible for this state of affairs of cows in the state as its policy of giving away common grazing ground to squatters which had reduced local fodder for the cows.

Madhya Pradesh chief minister has now started talking about cow ministry during Jan Ashirvad Yatra. Chouhan reportedly said that the state has Gau Samvardhan Board, but the government is thinking that it would be better if it has a cow ministry. The board has financial constraints, but with the ministry this could be done away with.

Also Read | Congress trying to turn tide of upper caste anger in its favour by more tickets to community in MP

The MP CM is not criticizing gaushala promised by the state Congress president. He said that gaushalas are a nice idea but it would be better if cows are kept at every home. A gaushala in every home with 2-3 cows has the potential to bring about a revolution.

But the Congress has come down heavily on the proposal of the CM when Congress spokesperson Narendra Saluja tweeted that the BJP did nothing for setting up cow shelters during its 15 years in power.

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Story first published: Monday, October 1, 2018, 8:14 [IST]
Computer baba resigns as Minister of State, accuses BJP govt of being anti-religion

India

oi-Deepika S

Bhopal, Oct 1: Computer Baba, one of the five sadhus or religious leaders given the status of minister in Madhya Pradesh resigned on Monday accusing the BJP government of being "anti-religion".

The self-styled godman accused the government of doing little to stop illegal mining in the Narmada river. He said he had brought the rampant illegal mining in the river to the notice of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan but he did not pay heed to his words.

"I discussed the condition of cows and illegal mining at river Narmada but I wasn't allowed to do anything. I could not put forth the thoughts of saints before the government and therefore I don't want to be a part of such government," news agency ANI quoted him as saying.

Computer Baba further said saints are saying that he "couldn't make Shivraj government do anything".

"We have a system where all saints sit together and decide things. They said that I couldn't make Shivraj govt do anything, I think they're right," he said.

"I think Shivraj is not interested in doing any work related to religion. So, I resigned (Mujhe aisa laga Shivraj dharm ke theek vipreet hain aur dharm ka kaam kuch karna hi nahi chahte hain)," he said.

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Story first published: Monday, October 1, 2018, 19:55 [IST]
Congress in dilemma over making commitment on law for landless

India

oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla

New Delhi, Oct 1: It is being said that Congress president Rahul Gandhi may announce providing land to landless people at his Morena rally in Madhya Pradesh on October 6, 2018. But many Congress leaders are questioning the Congress president committing to any such law. This question is being raised because the UPA government failed to fulfill despite making commitment in 2012.

Interesting thing is that Rahul Gandhi is expected to make this commitment from the stage of the organisation called as Ekta Parishad which works for landless people, former Union development minister Jairam Ramesh had made the same promise during the UPA government in 2012.

The bill was being prepared by K Raju then and now also he is playing an important role in it. He is the person who is bringing Rahul Gandhi to the stage of Ekta Parishad. Now, K Raju is a Congress leader and has a say in the Congress office. He had arranged several round of meeting of chief of Ekta Parishad Rajgopal with Rahul Gandhi. But the main question is when will be K Raju and Jairam Ramesh answer that why did they fail to implement last time?

Also Read | Why are you trying to save IL&FS with LIC money: Rahul asks Modi

Though Rajgopal with whom Jairam Ramesh made the commitment is not asking for any explanation or apology. He is saying that his organisation's main concern is that landless people get land for free such a law should be made whether the law is made by Rahul Gandhi or Narendra Modi.

Rajgopal already had a long meeting with the Prime Minister also which was without any outcome. This is no less interesting that when Rajgopal tries to make understand calculation of crores of vote bank then people tries to catch it but when the matter is discussed with officials they call it figment of imagination and making this into a reality is not easy as it is being told.

Also Read | Karyakarta Mahakumbh: Amit Shah tears into Congress, says 'Rahul baba' day dreaming about winning

Actually Rajgopal wants to give 4400 sq feet to every landless person so they can built a house and grow some vegetable besides rearing some livestock. This could be the best option for their livelihood. The law that is being planned is subject to Union rural development ministry. At present, the ministry is with Narendra Singh Tomar who belong to that region only where Rajgopal will be gathering people for Rahul's rally. Even Tomar has failed to understand what Rajgopal wants to say.

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Story first published: Monday, October 1, 2018, 16:28 [IST]
Drone near International Border in Jammu vanishes after BSF fires at it

Ghaziabad: BSF constable shoots and kills colleague

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Ghaziabad, Oct 1: A Border Security Force (BSF) constable Jagpreet Singh was allegedly shot dead by his colleague at around 8 am on Monday in Ghaziabad.

The incident took place at a school in Brij Vihar locality of Ghaziabad where a BSF unit had arrived on Sunday for taking up law and order duty during the 'Kisan Yarta' in which thousands of farmers are slated to march to Delhi from western Uttar Pradesh.

Both the jawans belong to the 95th battalion of the border guarding force based in Gurgaon and were deployed as part of a unit to aid the Ghaziabad Police in law and order duties.

Also Read | Wakeup call: Naxals aim to consolidate in south through killing of AP MLA

Police said both the victim, 26-year-old Jagpreet Singh and the accused Ajeet Singh hailed from Punjab. However, the accused has been taken into police custody.

The reason behind the murder is yet to be ascertained. It is suspected that the two jawans, who joined the paramilitary force in 2012, had an argument in the morning after which Ajit allegedly pulled the trigger, the officials said.

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Story first published: Monday, October 1, 2018, 14:28 [IST]
Government takes control of IL&FS, forms 6-member board led by Uday Kotak

India

oi-Deepika S

Mumbai, Oct 1: The government on Monday took control of the debt-laden Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS), whose recent defaults have roiled the markets.

A Mumbai bench of judges M K Shrawat and Ravikumar Duraisamy approved the takeover of IL&FS board by government nominees, saying the mismanagement at the crisis-ridden IL&FS made the present case a fit one for invoking Article 241 (2) of the Companies Act-2013, that provides for the suppression of the existing board.

Why are you trying to save IL&FS with LIC money: Rahul asks Modi

The bench said going by the Centre's petition, it was apparent that the "affairs of IL and FS were being conducted in a manner prejudicial to public interest".

It, thus, approved the Centre's proposal to let a six- member team take over the IL&FS board.

These six members are - Uday Kotak of the Kotak Mahindra Bank, retired IAS officer Vineet Nayyar, former SEBI chairperson G N Bajpai, ICICI's non-executive chairperson G C Chaturvedi, IAS officer Malini Shankar and senior bureaucrat from CAG Nand Kishore.

The new board members have been given the liberty by the bench to unanimously elect a chairperson from among themselves.

The new board has been directed to hold its first meeting on October 8 this year, and to submit a report on its finding and a roadmap before the bench by October 31, the next date of hearing.

The bench also issued a notice to IL&FS, directing it to respond to all points raised by the Union government in its plea by October 15 this year.

OneIndia News (with PTI inputs)

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Story first published: Monday, October 1, 2018, 18:29 [IST]
Hindu, Yogi, RSS: The common factor between Pakistans official line and Lashkars thinking

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Oct 1: The official line that Pakistan towed at the United Nations was similar to line that its terrorists have been towing over the past several years. After being chastised by External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj for harbouring terrorists, Pakistan decided to counter these statements by targeting the RSS and also raking up the Assam NRC issue.

Pakistan envoy Saad Warraich described the RSS as fascist and the breeding ground for terrorism. He also raked up the NRC issue and said that for a country where members from India's minority, including Christians and Muslims are publicly lynched at the hands of Hindu zealots, where perpetrators of Samjhauta attack receive state patronage, where an unabashed Hindu extremist Yogi Adityanath who openly advocates religious superiority of the Hindus serves as the face of the largest Indian state, Uttar Pradesh, where right to citizenship to Bengalis in Assam is being arbitrarily rescinded and who have suddenly been made stateless and have been called 'termites' by a prominent Indian leader, where churches and mosques are torched, is surely not qualified to give sermons to others.

In selection of new ISI chief, Imran Khan wasn't given a choice

The line towed by the envoy is similar to the one that the Lashkar-e-Tayiba has been towing for several years now. If one were to revisit the various interrogation reports of Lashkar operatives, they have raked up similar issues. The boss of the outfit Hafiz Saeed too in his brainwashing summits has spoken about the Rohingya Muslims, RSS among other issues.

Warraich's statements are a clear indicator that terrorism in Pakistan is state sponsored. A senior official in Delhi told OneIndia that Pakistan stands exposed with such statements.

Instead of cleaning up its act and fighting terror, it has decided to meddle in India's internal affairs. The real problem is at the border, which Pakistan has made sure has become a launch pad for its terrorists, the official also added.

J&K: Pakistani helicopter violates Indian airspace in Poonch sector

Moreover the official line and the one taken by the terrorists is very similar. It is now amply clear yet again that the terrorists have been towing this line at the behest of the officials in Pakistan, the officer also noted.
Norovirus outbreak in Kerala: How contagious is it? Symptoms, treatment, all you need to know

Impractical: Kerala denies women separate queues at Sabarimala temple

India

oi-PTI

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 1: The Kerala government on Monday said it was "impractical" to have separate queues for women at Sabarimala, though it decided to facilitate their visits to the Ayyappa temple by providing better facilities.

A high-power committee meeting chaired by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan discussed various arrangements to be made for women devotees, days after the Supreme Court opened the gate of the temple for women of all ages.

'Travancore Devaswom Board' set to increase facilities at Sabarimala temple

On October 28, a five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

Monday's meeting also held that it would be "impractical" to have separate queues for women at the 'sannidhanam', the temple complex. "Worshippers have to wait for 8-10 hours in long queues for darshan and women devotees also need to be prepared for the same. We cannot do anything. Those who are prepared to wait for hours in long queues only (they) need to come," Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran said.

When will we stop treating women in India less human?

Women devotees would mostly be accompanied by their male relatives and other worshippers. In case of separate queues, there is a possibility of them getting separated from their family members, he said. However, separate washrooms and bathing ghats would be provided for women worshippers, he said.

There were also plans to restrain devotees from staying back at the 'sannidhanam' after worship. They would be encouraged to leave the shrine to avoid rush of pilgrims, he said. With a huge rush of devotees expected, talks will be held with the temple administration to increase the darshan timings and pooja days, he said.

For effective crowd control, digital booking facilities would be introduced this year on the model of Tirupati temple, the minister said. This would also help know the total number of devotees expected to visit the shrine each day beforehand and enable authorities make better security arrangements, he said.

SC verdict on Sabarimala hailed: "Must keep re-inventing society with values of equity"

With more women devotees expected, there would be an increase in the number of female police personnel, the minister said, adding more CCTV cameras would be installed at various places on the route to the temple complex. Women police personnel would be posted at the holy 'padinattam padi' (18 steps) if needed, he added. This year's Mandalam-Makaravillaku festival will be plastic-free, he said.

Chief secretary Tom Jose, chief minister's private secretary MV Jayarajan, Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) member KP Sankardas and DGP Loknath Behara were among those who participated in the meeting.

Meanwhile, BJP state president S Sreedharan Pillai said the party planned to launch state-wide agitations to protect the interest of Sabarimala devotees. "The BJP will take all steps to check the ruling CPI(M)'s efforts to destroy Sabarimala under the garb of the top court's order," he said. The government failed to make the court realise the significance and unique features of the hill shrine which resulted in such a verdict, he told reporters in Kozhikode.

A Kochi report said the Kerala high court on Monday directed the TDB to apprise it about the steps taken by it in view of the apex court's decision on entry of women of all ages to Sabarimala. The direction was issued by a bench comprising Justice PR Ramachandra Menon and Justice Devan Ramachandran while considering a periodical report by the Sabarimala special commission. The board informed the court that it would submit the report in a week's time.

PTI

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Story first published: Monday, October 1, 2018, 23:04 [IST]
Kids travel on aluminium containers daily to reach school in this Assam village

India

oi-Shubham Ghosh

Dispur, Oct 1: Lack of infrastructure hampering smooth flow of life is not something new in India. Especially, away from the glitzy urban life, it often becomes a hardship for the common man and recently, another example of how children are being forced to cope with a tough life came to the fore, making even those in power feeling ashamed.

Not only Sabarimala: Women are not allowed in these temple

A video recently surfaced showing kids in Sotea village in northern Asam's Biswanath district travelling to and back from their school riding aluminium pots to cross a river daily. There are no bridges nor boats to help them reach school but the children are too determined to continue with their study. They carry their pots to the river bank, climb into them and row them by themselves to reach school on the other side of the river.

#WATCH Students of a primary govt school in Assam's Biswanath district cross the river using aluminium pots to reach their school. pic.twitter.com/qeH5npjaBJ  ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2018

This is a far too risky tale in the lives of these kids and on a daily basis.

The video faced a backlash for the state of affairs in the district which was formed just three years ago. Even the local MLA Pramod Borthakur, who is from the BJP, said he is "ashamed" of what's happening. He promised to make arrangement for boats for the school kids to reduce their ordeal.

In Aadhaar verdict, word of caution to Centre on illegal immigrants

"I am ashamed to see this. There is no PWD road in the area. Don't know how government constructed a school on an island. We can definitely provide a boat for the students. I will ask the district officer to shift the school to another place," ANI quoted him as saying.

The BJP came to power in Assam in 2016 after a 15-year rule by the Congress.

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Story first published: Monday, October 1, 2018, 10:55 [IST]
National Saboteur Congress behind IL&FS debt crisis: Arun Jaitley

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Oct 1: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday hit back at the Congress accusing it of "spreading disinformation" about the government's possible moves in relation to the private sector company IL&FS" that is struggling to pay its creditors.

Calling Congress a "national saboteur", he asked whether all those instances of public sector entities investing in IL&FS during the UPA regime were a scam.

In a series of tweets, Jaitley indirectly held the Congress responsible for prolonging the crisis at the company and accused it of spreading "disinformation about the Government's possible moves in relation to the private sector company IL&FS."

Government takes control of IL&FS, forms 6-member board led by Uday Kotak

"The Congress is a national saboteur. It wants to sabotage India's economy by allowing a situation in relation to a company to persist, expand and become unmanageable. It lacks statesmanship and vision," he wrote.

Jaitley said several entities, including Life Insurance Corporation - one of the largest shareholders in IL&FS - have invested heavily in the company over the years. "Do I start calling all these investments today 'a scam' as per 'the perverted Rahul Gandhi school of thinking?'" the Finance Minister wrote on Facebook.

Why are you trying to save IL&FS with LIC money: Rahul asks Modi

He claimed that in fact, it is a section of the Congress leadership that has been urging him to enable investments in the IL&FS and save the company.

"A senior congress leader, Prof. K.V. Thomas, who is a former Union Minister and has been the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, has written to me on 20th September, 2018 making such a request," he said, adding that the letter demolishes every word that Rahul Gandhi and his coterie has been spreading.

"It may be advisable for Rahul Gandhi to get some 'words of wisdom' from Prof. K.V. Thomas. The Congress Party must remember that 'the days of crony capitalism are over.' The NDA Government deals with such challenges objectively and professionally," he said.

He said public sector banks have recovered Rs 36,551 crore of bad loans or NPAs during April-June quarter of the current financial year as compared to Rs 74,562 crore recoveries made in the full 2017-18 fiscal.

Commenting on reports that the country's 21 state-owned banks wrote-off Rs 3.16 lakh crore of loans in four years of the BJP government and made recoveries of Rs 44,900 crore of written off loans, Jaitley in a Facebook blog said "technical write-offs" are resorted to by banks as per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines.

"This however does not lead to any loan waiver. Recovery of loans continues rigorously by banks," he said. "In fact the defaulting management of most insolvent companies have been removed under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)."

The NCLT on Monday approved the takeover of IL&FS by government nominees, saying the mismanagement at the crisis-ridden company was being conducted in a manner "prejudicial to public interest" and approved a Centre's proposal to let a six-member team headed by Uday Kotak to head the new board.

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Story first published: Monday, October 1, 2018, 20:24 [IST]
Never supported anybody in Rafale deal, would never do: Sharad Pawar

India

oi-PTI

Mumbai, Oct 1: Under flak for allegedly 'defending' Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the controversial Rafale jet (rpt jet) deal, NCP chief Sharad Pawar Monday rejected the charge, saying he would "never" do that. Pawar had caused a flutter with his remarks that he didn't think that people have doubts about Modi's intentions in the purchase of fighter jets from France.

Objecting to Pawar's remark, NCP founder member Tariq Anwar and general secretary Munaf Hakim had quit the party last week. The statement had come at a time when the Congress has launched a pointed attack on the prime minister over the deal and is trying to forge an alliance with the NCP for future polls.

Pawar backs Modi on Rafale deal, says people don't have doubts over PM's intentions

"Some people have criticised me saying I supported him (Modi). I have not supported him. I did not (support Modi) and will never (do that)," Pawar said while addressing a party meeting here in the Marathwada region.

He said, "They (the government) bought the aircraft. I am saying this clearly that the government should explain it to Parliament why the cost of the aircraft rose from Rs 650 crore (per plane) to Rs 1600 crore". Pawar's recent comments which were inferred as defence of Modi was welcomed by the BJP and party president Amit Shah had thanked Pawar for the same. However, the NCP had claimed that Pawar was quoted out of context by the media.

Tariq Anwar quits NCP after Sharad Pawar's 'clean chit' to Modi on Rafale issue

The NCP chief Monday reiterated the demand for a probe by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) into the Rafale deal and demanded the government share details of the prices of the 36 fighter jets.

Rafale woes for NCP continues: Another quits party

The former Defence Minister also said that there was no need to make public the technical details relating to the aircraft. Pawar, who served as Agriculture Minister under the erstwhile Manmohan Singh government, also hit out at the Central and Maharashtra governments over agrarian issues.

He hailed the previous UPA government's decision to write off farm loans worth Rs 71,000 crore.

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Story first published: Monday, October 1, 2018, 20:05 [IST]
Pakistan takes advantage of its strategic location to win powerful nations by its side

India

oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla

New Delhi, Oct 1: A country like Pakistan whose economy is in tatters still continues with such a policy like promoting terrorism and still surviving. Actually its strategic location has been the reason for the country to get bailed out and Pakistan knows it very well and takes advantage of the situation.

Strategic experts say that its geopolitical and strategic standing of Pakistan that forces world powers to its rescue always. The economy of the country is such that it is not self sustainable. Its tax net is very week which is not able to provided enough finance for the growth of the country.

Sources said that Pakistan being the gateway for central Asia, Africa and Europe, any emerging country needs Pakistan by its side. Similarly if any European nation has any interest in south Asia for business purposes it is Pakistan through which one has to pass. All oil pipeline has to come via Pakistan. China building China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to reach as far as Europe and Africa providing all kinds of concession to Pakistan including supporting on the issue of Masood Azhar.

Also Read | Talks the only solution but unlikely with elections round the corner in India

Experts say that no one can ignore India for it being the fastest growing economy and also being one of the biggest market in the world but it can also not ignore Pakistan for its strategic location. It has connect with Islamic world with being Islamic country. The most interesting aspect is that if anyone wants to have any deal with Pakistan that can be done just by managing handful of people.

Moreover, if you can manage top brass of Pakistani military you can have any deal in the country. There are just 20 people at the top in military. It is said that destiny of Pakistan is in the hands of 20 core commanders of military including the Army chief. Army is managing the entire affairs of the country. But Pakistan will not be allowed to fail as its has interest of many. The government knows that economic condition is bad and it is not in a position to repay loans but it is still getting it. There is no other option except saving the country for Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, China and the US, anyone will bail it out. The US has been doing this for long with its long time political interest. If IMF does not bail out, China will bail out Pakistan for its strategic location but it is altogether a different matter that China will recover its money as well without any concession. However, the US used to give some concessions as well.

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Story first published: Monday, October 1, 2018, 13:17 [IST]
PNB fraud: ED attaches assets worth Rs 637 crores of Nirav Modi

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Oct 1: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday attached properties and bank accounts to the tune of Rs 637 crore in Nirav Modi case.

The seizure includes jewellery/bank accounts/immovable properties in India as well as four foreign juridictions under section 5 of Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The is one of the rare cases where the investigation agency has seized the properties abroad.

Two immovable properties having total value of USD 29.99 Million (Rs 216 Crores Approx) and beneficially owned by Nirav Modi in New York, have also been attached by Enforcement Directorate under section 5 of Prevention of Money laundering Act.

Also Read | PNB fraud: Mehul Choksi cites TV debate phone-in in plea to get NBW cancelled

''5 overseas bank accounts belonging to Nirav Modi having balance of total Rs 278 Crores also attached by ED. Diamond studded jewellery worth Rs 22.69 Cr has brought back to India from Hong Kong. A flat in South Mumbai worth Rs 19.5 Crore also attached,'' it said.

The beneficial owners of these deposits have been identified as Purvi Modi and her husband Maiank Mehta, the ED said. Five other overseas bank accounts, holding Rs 278 crore, have been attached and they belong to Nirav Modi, Purvi Modi and their controlled firms, it said.

"During investigation it was found that most of the money was transferred to these accounts after FIRs were filed in this scam," the agency said. A Rs 19.5 crore worth flat in a tiny locality of south Mumbai, owned by Purvi Modi, has also been attached as part of this order, it said.

The agency, a senior official said, also got issued an Interpol Red Corner notice (global arrest warrant) against Aditya Nanavati, an accused in the same case, on charges of money laundering.

Also Read | PNB fraud case: CBI moves for extradition of Nirav Modi's brother Neeshal

Nirav Modi, his uncle Mehul Choksi and others are being probed under various criminal laws after the fraud came to light this year following a complaint by the Punjab National Bank (PNB) that they allegedly cheated the nationalised bank to the tune of over Rs 13,000 crore, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank.
Postal stamp issued by Pak maliciously portrays picture of Pandits protesting against India

India

oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla

New Delhi, Oct 1: The issue of Pakistan issuing some postage stamp has been in controversy including Burhan Wani being depicted as freedom fighter. Pakistan has issued some other postal stamps in support of the terrorists and terrorism in the valley. Pakistan has also issued a postal stamp with a photograph of Kashmiri Pandits in protest.

The picture in the stamp is from a protest organised by a Kashmiri Pandit group 'Roots in Kashmir' against the injustices, crimes, murders, rapes and acts of terrorism sponsored and supported by Pakistan.

World has started seeing Kashmir problem differently, claims Pak foreign min Shah Mehmood Qureshi

Amit Raina spokesperson of Roots in Kashmir told Oneindia, "There is one stamp showing protest against India that is actually the picture of protest organised by Roots in Kashmir that to against Pakistan. They have used it against India which is wrong and insult to us."

The Roots in Kashmir says that the postal stamps not only make a hero out a terroist, it also has a line in Urdu text running down the left side of the stamps that reads: "Kashmir will become Pakistan. "This adds insult to our injury by the perpetrator of the crime against Kashmiri Pandits," said Raina.

Pakistan takes advantage of its strategic location to win powerful nations by its side

The Pakistani propaganda tool, which only believes in spreading terrorism and lies, portrays this as a protest against India by Kashmiri Pandits. "We see this an attempt to appropriate the exodus and exile of Kashmiri Pandits and thus a spiteful attempt at not just deflecting blame but also an attempt to deny the victims of ethnic cleansing a right to protest by appropriating their symbols of protest," said Raina.

Roots in Kashmir has submitted a letter to the United Nations requesting to not only intervene to safeguard the existence of Kashmari Pandits but also force Pakistan to withdraw the atrocious stamps, issue an apology to the entire Kadhmiri Pandit community for the crimes against them and also for the false representation they have tried to make by using the protest picture of Roots in Kashmir.

Pakistan says Chopper carrying PoK 'PM' did not cross LoC

"Roots in Kashmir will also be submitting similar letters to Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and Ministry of External Affairs soon," said Raina. However Ministry of external Affairs has not responded on this so far.

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Story first published: Monday, October 1, 2018, 19:02 [IST]
Talks the only solution but unlikely with elections round the corner in India

India

oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla

New Delhi, Oct 1: India-Pakistan relations have stooped to a low with both the countries attacking each other but there seems to be no sign of improvement in view of Lok Sabha elections in India in 2019 and Pakistan knowing it very well take advantage of the situation by not only attacking India but also inviting the country for talks again and again.

Sources said that the Indian government cannot go beyond a certain limit as Lok Sabha elections are due in 2019. They have the concern to look into their constituency in the country. There is a possibility that relations might further get deteriorating in view of elections as attacks made by Pakistan are deliberate to put pressure on the government. Such intimidation from the Pakistan side is likely to continue.

Pakistan says Chopper carrying PoK 'PM' did not cross LoC

Sources said that there is a stated position of the Indian government that terror and talks cannot continue and terrorism is unstated state policy of Pakistan. In such a situation deadlock will never end but dialogue is the only way forward for peace so both the countries might go for dialogue only after the new government is formed in India whether led by the present party or any other. Till then stalemate on the issue is expected to continue.

Because looking at the compulsions of Pakistan, it is unlikely that terrorist incidents in the region will stop. They might decline but it will not completely stop. "So whichever government comes to power after the Lok Sabha elections will come to the table of talks but till then this deadlock will continue," said sources.

Strategic experts say that the government will not take any risk at this moment. They had taken the risk whatever they could have taken in the beginning by inviting Pakistan Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Narendra Modi making a stop over in Pakistan. The PM had also met Nawaz Sharief at places other than India and Pakistan but no breakthrough has been made.

Peace in the region seems elusive unless there is a strong civilian government in Pakistan

However, talks is only option by which peace could be brokered in the region. This government will delay the talks and it would definitely not like to send the message to people of the country of being week and succumbing to the pressure of Pakistan.

Pakistan is well aware about this fact that is why they are instigating India with provoking statements. "There is a possibility that Pakistan might call for talks repeatedly even by making soft statements. They will try to bring India on table of talks. Since they know very well that India will not come forwards for talks as unpredictable Pakistan might harm the chances of ruling party in the next election, so they will try to avoid it.

"The argument given by India that Pakistan is isolated on the issue of terrorism and runs away from dialogue could be used by Pakistan against India that the country is running away from dialogue and does not want peace in the region. Allegation and counter-allegation will continue. Increasing trade between the two countries and Pakistan alleging India interfering into its internal matters and executing terrorist attack will go on," added an expert.

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Story first published: Monday, October 1, 2018, 11:40 [IST]
UIDAI asks telecom companies to submit Aadhaar de-linking plan in 15 days

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Oct 1: Days after the Supreme Court imposed curbs on the use of Aadhaar, biometric-issuing authority UIDAI on Monday asked telecom companies to submit, within the next 15 days, a plan to stop using the 12-digit unique ID number for customer authentication.

A circular to this effect has already been issued to the telecom service providers (TSPs). The communication, seen by PTI, says: "...all TSPs are called upon to immediately take actions in order to comply with the judgment dated 26.09.2018. In this regard, TSPs are hereby directed to submit by 15th October, 2018 an action plan/exit plan to the authority for closure of use of Aadhaar based authentication systems..."

Also Read | Unfazed by the SC verdict, Banks still insisting on Aadhaar to open account

The Supreme Court, last week, struck down Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act, which allowed private companies to use the 12-digit biometric ID-based eKYC. Following this, private companies like telecom operators will not be able to use this instantaneous and inexpensive Aadhaar eKYC route.

This would mean that the industry will have to revert to alternates like legacy paper-based technique (collect physical paper forms with signature, photographs, ship to verification centre and call up the customer to cross-verify submitted details). The turn around times in this route is between 24-36 hours.

Also Read | Private entities cannot demand Aadhaar: Section 57 struck down

ontacted, UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey said: "In order to ensure smooth discontinuation...there are certain requirements which are there under the Aadhaar regulations...so the companies are in the best position to know what exactly is needed and they can submit their plan by October 15. If any additional requirements are to be done from the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) side, we will tell them after receipt of their plan."
Yogi Adityanath set first UP CM from BJP to complete 3 yrs in office

UP: 'Adityanath assured all help', says Apple executives wife after meeting chief minister

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Lucknow, Oct 1: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday assured all help to the Family members of Apple executive Vivek Tiwari who was shot dead by a police constable in Gomti Nagar area of Lucknow.

"A Rs 25-lakh fixed deposit has been opened in the name of Vivek's daughters. CM had assured them all help," deputy Dinesh Sharma said after Tiwari's widow Kalpana met Adityanath.

The Apple executive was shot dead early on Saturday morning by a policeman when he allegedly refused to stop his car. Two constables have been arrested on the basis of an FIR lodged by Tiwari's colleague Sana Khan, who was travelling with him at the time of the incident.

Also Read | Apple executive Vivek Tiwari's murder: Two cops named in fresh FIR

The state government will also open a fixed deposit of Rs 5 lakh in Kalpana's name. Adityanath has also asked the DGP's office for all details of investigation so far and summoned the principal secretary home and the state police chief after the meeting with Kalpana.

Tiwari's family had earlier alleged foul play by the police and had initially refused to cremate his body on Saturday seeking the direct intervention of the chief minister and an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Also Read | Vivek Tiwari cremated, KP Maurya assures severe punishment to those responsible for killing

On Sunday, Adityanath dismissed demands for his resignation saying his government has acted firmly and quickly in the case.

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Story first published: Monday, October 1, 2018, 13:43 [IST]
Indias vaccination coverage to remain under 35% by end of 2021: IMF

Who is Gita Gopinath? The new IMF chief economist

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Oct 1: Prominent Indian-American economist Gita Gopinath was appointed as chief economist of the International Monetary Fund, the financial body's chief Christine Lagarde announced Monday.

"Gita is one of the world's outstanding economists, with impeccable academic credentials, a proven track record of intellectual leadership, and extensive international experience," Lagarde said.

Gita Gopinath is IMF's new chief economist

"All this makes her exceptionally well-placed to lead our Research Department at this important juncture. I am delighted to name such a talented figure as our Chief Economist," she said.

Gita, 46, will succeed Maurice (Maury) Obstfeld, who announced in July that he would retire at the end of 2018. She currently serves as the John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and Economics at Harvard University.

Here is all you need to know about the new IMF chief economist

Gita was born in Calcutta (1971) and grew up in India. She is a US citizen and an Overseas Citizen of India.

She is the second Indian after former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan to hold the position.

She received her Ph.D. in economics from Princeton University in 2001 after earning a B.A. from the University of Delhi and M.A. degrees from both the Delhi School of Economics and University of Washington. She joined the University of Chicago in 2001 as an Assistant Professor before moving to Harvard in 2005.

She became a tenured Professor there in 2010.

She is the third woman and the second Indian after Nobel laureate Amartya Sen to be made a permanent member of the economics department at Harvard.

She is an Economic Adviser to the Chief Minister of Kerala state (India).

She is co-editor of the American Economic Review and co-director of the International Finance and Macroeconomics Program at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER).

She is co-editor of the current Handbook of International Economics with Former IMF Economic Counsellor Kenneth Rogoff.

She is married to Iqbal Dhaliwal, who is the executive director at Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab at Department of Economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

She has authored some 40 research articles on exchange rates, trade and investment, international financial crises, monetary policy, debt, and emerging market crises.

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Story first published: Monday, October 1, 2018, 23:24 [IST]
India wants trade deal with US primarily to keep me happy: Donald Trump

International

oi-Deepika S

Washington, Oct 1: India wants to start trade talks with the US "immediately", US President Donald Trump said today at a press conference to announce a trade deal struck between the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Describing the south Asian country as the "tariff king," the president at the White House said that India "called us and they say, 'We want to start negotiations immediately," reported news agency AFP.

Trump's remarks came days after Assistant US Trade Representative Mark Linscott returned from India where he had detailed discussion with senior Indian officials on bilateral trade and a possible trade deal between the two countries.

Donald Trump looks forward to visiting India, says US official

He alleged that India puts "tremendously high tariffs" on American products and raked up the issue of Harley Davidson motorcycles.

"When we send Harley Davidson motorcycle, and other things to India, they charge us very very high tariffs. I have spoken to Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi and he is going to reduce them substantially," he said.

Trump said the relationship with both India as well as the country's Prime Minister Modi "is great".

He, however, rued that no one from the previous regimes had ever spoken with the Indians.

Exploring alternatives to Iranian oil for 'our friend India', says US

"No body ever spoke to these people (Indians). He (Modi) said, no body ever spoke to me. I am not trying to be overly dramatic. We have had presidents of the United States and (US) Trade Representatives, they never spoke to India. Brazil is another one," Trump said, adding that "they charge us whatever they want".

Noting that the tariff on motorcycles was 100 per cent, the president said it was like a barrier.

India has already reduced it substantially, but it is still too high, Trump said, adding that who is going to buy it as it costs so much.

He also warned against imposing similar tariffs on import of Indian products.

Trump said India wanted to have a trade deal with the US and the negotiations are being carried out by the US Trade Representatives Robert Lighthizer.

When US officials asked Indians why they want to have a trade deal with America, Indian officials told them that they want to keep the US President happy, Trump told reporters.

How new US visa rule, starting next week, will impact H-1B holders

"India, which is the tariff king, they called us and they said, 'we want to start negotiations immediately'," Trump said.

Thereafter, he referred to a conversation that Lighthizer had with the Indian officials.

"When Bob Lighthizer said, 'What happened? He would never do this.' They said, 'No, we want to keep your president happy.' Isn't that nice? Isn't that nice? It's true. They have to keep us happy, because they understand that we're wise to what's been happening," Trump claimed.

"India charges tariffs of 100 per cent, and then if we want to put a tariff of 25 per cent on, people will call from Congress, 'But that's not free trade.' And I'd look back to people and say, 'Where do these people come from? Where do they come from?'" Trump said.

"So because of the power of tariffs and the power that we have with tariffs, we, in many cases, won't even have to use them. That's how powerful they are, and how good they are. But in many cases, we're not going to have to use them," he added.

Last month, Trump had said India wanted a trade deal with the US despite the US administration's tough stance on the issue.

"Take India. You talk about free trade. So, let's say they (Indians) charge us 60 per cent tariff on a product. And for the same product when they send it in (America), we charge them nothing. So now I want to charge them 25 per cent or 20 or 10 or something," he had said.

The US is already fighting a major trade battle with China, with both imposing tariffs and counter-tariffs on a range of high-volume goods.
Pakistan hit my mysterious viral fever: All you need to know

World has started seeing Kashmir problem differently, claims Pak foreign min Shah Mehmood Qureshi

International

oi-Shubham Ghosh

New York, Oct 1: Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi claimed after his seix-day visit of the United Nations where he attended the 73rd session of the General Assembly that there is a marked change in how international diplomats see the dispute in Kashmir.

According to a report in Pakistani daily Dawn, Qureshi, who represents the new government in Pakistan that took charge in August, said this while talking to the media at the end of his visit.

Pakistan takes advantage of its strategic location to win powerful nations by its side

The 62-year-old leader said the UN Human Rights Council's report on the state of human rights in "India-held Kashmir" is the reason why the international diplomats have started seeing the problem in the state differently.

Qureshi is likely to meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Adviser John Bolton on Tuesday, October 2.

"The continuing human tragedy in held Kashmir definitely struck a sympathetic cord among world leaders," Qureshi was quoted as saying.

"I presented Pakistan's case to my counterparts as representative of the new government," he said, adding that one of his main thrusts was to reconnect Pakistan with countries that the previous government of Pakistan had ignored.

He also said that he was glad to see the world was looking at Pakistan with respect for its role in the UN, especially as a leading contributor to the UN peace-keeping operations.
In selection of new ISI chief, Imran Khan wasnt given a choice

International

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Islamabad, Oct 1: The Pakistan's ISI is set to get a new chief today. Lt. Gen Asim Munir is expected to take over as the new chief of the spy agency. Lt. Gen Naveed Mukhtar retries today as the ISI chief.

The Army Promotion Board headed by the Chief of army staff, Gen Qamar Bajwa approved the promotions of six generals in place of five generals who are retiring on Monday.

Watch Pakistan official caught on camera stealing Kuwaiti delegates wallet

Munir takes over at a crucial time, when tensions with India are at an all time high. Indian officials say that they do not expect any change in strategy by Pakistan, with the new ISI chief in place. He is expected to continue from where Mukhtar left off.

Munir is considered to be close to General Bajwa. Usually the army chief sends three names for the post and the PM has the authority to pick any one of them. However the army chief met with Khan and informed him that Lt. Gen Munir would be the next chief of the ISI.

Among the key issues on his plate would be the Kashmir issue, where Pakistan has taken an aggressive stance. He also takes over at a time when India has made it clear that it wants peace, but not at the cost of self-respect. India is also planning several measures to take down terrorists both within and across the border.

J&K: Pakistani helicopter violates Indian airspace in Poonch sector

Indian officials tell OneIndia that they do not expect any change in policy by the new chief. It is clear that he has been handpicked by the army chief of Pakistan, with whom he shares a good rapport. The fact that the army chief did not give a choice of three names to the PM shows that the military had made up its mind and decided to place its blue-eyed boy at the helm of affairs, the official said.
Saeed to Lakhvi: Arrests in Pakistan more protective than preventive

2 suspects arrested in connection with blast outside Hafiz Saeed's house in Pak

Pak Minister attends event with 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed

International

pti-PTI

Islamabad, Oct 1: A minister in Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's Cabinet has shared the dias with 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed at an event in Islamabad, hours after Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi assured the world that his country has "turned the tide against terrorism".

Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Noor-Ul-Haq Qadri was seen seated near Saeed as he addressed an All Parties Conference organised by the Difa-e-Pakistan Council on Sunday, according to media reports.

How India convinced the US to help track and crack Dawood Ibrahim

A banner in the background said the conference was in "defence of Pakistan", and mentioned "Kashmir" as well as "threats from India".

The Difa-e-Pakistan Council is a coalition of over 40 Pakistani political and religious parties that advocate conservative policies.

Qadri's presence at the event with Saeed vindicated India's stand that there is no change in Islamabad's atttude towards terrorism after Prime Minister Khan assumed office in August.

Hafiz Saeed's JuD get Pak SC nod to do charity work

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in her address to the UN General Assembly on Saturday said Pakistan's commitment to terrorism as an instrument of state policy has not abated one bit.

She asked the world leaders how India can pursue talks with a nation that "glorifies killers" and allows the Mumbai attack mastermind to "roam free" with impunity.

Qureshi in his address to the UN General Assembly said Pakistan had turned the tide against terrorism. With the deployment of 200,000 troops, Pakistan has conducted the largest and most effective counter terrorism campaign in the world. Peace and security have returned to our cities and towns, he had claimed.

The US has named Saeed as a specially-designated global terrorist, and announced a USD 10 million bounty for information that will help bring him to justice.

PTI
Pakistan hit my mysterious viral fever: All you need to know

Pakistan says Chopper carrying PoK 'PM' did not cross LoC

International

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Islamabad, Oct 1: The Pakistani media has claimed that the helicopter carrying the 'Prime Minister' of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, Raja Farooq Haider, did not violate Indian airspace.

The 'prime minister' of PoK (which is known as Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistan), Raja Farooq Haidar told Geo News that he was not travelling with any gunship helicopters and was flying to offer condolences to an acquaintance. He claimed that civilian helicopters can go up to the zero line, i.e the actual line of control.

According to news reports, Indian Army public relations officer Lieutenant Colonel Devender Anand claimed that a helicopter violated "the air space" in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district at around 12:10 pm on Sunday.

Also Read | J&K: Pakistani helicopter violates Indian airspace in Poonch sector

The Indian Express had quoted the PoK tourism minister Mushtaq Minhas, who was also on board the helicopter, as saying their pilot did not get any message from the ATC on the Pakistani side that they had strayed.

Press Trust of India quoted the Army PRO as stating that sentries at three Indian forward posts used small arms to fire at the chopper, which forced it to withdraw.

Also Read | Avenged! Something big just happened at the Indo-Pak border

The airspace violation comes amid tensions between India and Pakistan at the border and at the United Nations, where External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj accused Islamabad of "glorifying terrorists".
Journalists accompanying Mamata Banerjee to London steal silver cutlery during official dinner

In this village, commit a crime and pay fine by liquor

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Two get 7 years in jail for stealing mobiles on trains

Watch Pakistan official caught on camera stealing Kuwaiti delegates wallet

International

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Islamabad, Oct 1: A senior Pakistani bureaucrat was caught on camera stealing a wallet belonging to a member of a Kuwaiti delegation in Islamabad recently.

J&K: Pakistani helicopter violates Indian airspace in Poonch sector

According to the Dawn, the theft was committed by a grade 20 officer of the Pakistan Administrative Services Group deployed at the finance ministry.

A news channel identified the official as Zarar Haider Khan, attending the two-day Pakistan-Kuwait joint ministerial commission meeting.

BJP can't afford to turn 'soft' on terror before LS polls, Hurriyat leader writes in Pak daily

In the video the official is seen lifting the wallet from a table and then pocketing it when the delegates had left the hall.

Grade 20 GoP officer stealing a Kuwaiti official's wallet - the official was part of a visiting delegation which had come to meet the PM pic.twitter.com/axODYL3SaZ  omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) September 28, 2018

After the Kuwaiti officials complained a thorough search was conducted and employees were questioned. Later on the CCTV footage showed Zarar Khan stealing the wallet. No complaint has been lodged with the police.
Photo: Contributed

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce will host its mayoral forum Oct. 9 in conjunction with the local chapters of the Urban Development Institute and the Canadian Home Builders Association.

All four candidates, including incumbent Colin Basran, have confirmed they will take part in the forum, which will be held at Coast Capri Hotel. The event opens with registration at 11 a.m., lunch starts at noon, and the forum will begin between 12:20 and 12:30 p.m.

The candidates will take questions from both the moderator and the audience members. Phil Ashman, who is Okanagan Colleges Central Okanagan regional dean, will serve as moderator.

Several councillor candidates will be in attendance as well. Although they wont participate in the live forum, they will be available to speak with those at the forum.
Photo: The Canadian Press

FBI agents on Sunday interviewed one of the three women who have accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct as Republicans and Democrats quarreled over whether the bureau would have enough time and freedom to conduct a thorough investigation before a high-stakes vote on his nomination to the nation's highest court.

The White House insisted it was not "micromanaging" the new one-week review of Kavanaugh's background but some Democratic lawmakers claimed the White House was keeping investigators from interviewing certain witnesses. President Donald Trump, for his part, tweeted that no matter how much time and discretion the FBI was given, "it will never be enough" for Democrats trying to keep Kavanaugh off the bench.

And even as the FBI explored the past allegations that have surfaced against Kavanaugh, another Yale classmate came forward to accuse the federal appellate judge of being untruthful in his testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee about the extent of his drinking in college.

In speaking to FBI agents, Deborah Ramirez detailed her allegation that Kavanaugh exposed himself to her at a party in the early 1980s when they were students at Yale University, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to publicly discuss details of a confidential investigation.

Kavanaugh has denied Ramirez's allegation.

The person familiar with Ramirez's questioning, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said she also provided investigators with the names of others who she said could corroborate her account.

But Christine Blasey Ford, a California professor who says Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were teenagers, has not been contacted by the FBI since Trump on Friday ordered the agency to take another look at the nominee's background, according to a member of Ford's team.

Kavanaugh has denied assaulting Ford.

In a statement released Sunday, a Yale classmate of Kavanaugh's said he is "deeply troubled by what has been a blatant mischaracterization by Brett himself of his drinking at Yale." Charles "Chad" Ludington, who now teaches at North Carolina State University, said he was friend of Kavanaugh's at Yale and that Kavanaugh was "a frequent drinker, and a heavy drinker."

"On many occasions I heard Brett slur his words and saw him staggering from alcohol consumption, not all of which was beer. When Brett got drunk, he was often belligerent and aggressive," Ludington said. While saying that youthful drinking should not condemn a person for life, Ludington said he was concerned about Kavanaugh's statements under oath before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Speaking to the issue of the scope of the FBI's investigation, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said White House counsel Don McGahn, who is managing Kavanaugh's nomination, "has allowed the Senate to dictate what these terms look like, and what the scope of the investigation is."

"The White House isn't intervening. We're not micromanaging this process. It's a Senate process. It has been from the beginning, and we're letting the Senate continue to dictate what the terms look like," Sanders said.

White House counsellor Kellyanne Conway said the investigation will be "limited in scope" and "will not be a fishing expedition. The FBI is not tasked to do that."

Senate Judiciary Committee member Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., requested an investigation last Friday  after he and other Republicans on the panel voted along strict party lines in favour of Kavanaugh's confirmation  as a condition for his own subsequent vote to put Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court.

Another committee member, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said Sunday that testimony would be taken from Ramirez and Kavanaugh's high school friend Mark Judge, who has been named by two of three women accusing Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct.

"I think that will be the scope of it. And that should be the scope of it," Graham said.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, called on the White House and the FBI to provide the written directive regarding the investigation's scope. In a letter Sunday, she also asked for updates on any expansion of the original directive.

Sen. Susan Collins said Sunday she is confident in the investigation and "that the FBI will follow up on any leads that result from the interviews." The Maine Republican supports the new FBI investigation and is among a few Republican and Democratic senators who have not announced a position on Kavanaugh.

Republicans control 51 seats in the closely divided 100-member Senate and cannot afford to lose more than one vote on confirmation.

Collins and Flake spoke throughout the weekend.

Senate Republicans discussed the contours of the investigation with the White House late Friday, according to a person familiar with the call who was not authorized to discuss it publicly.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., had gathered Judiciary Committee Republicans in his office earlier. At that time, the scope of the investigation was requested by Flake, Collins and Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, said McConnell's spokesman Don Stewart.

Murkowski is not on the committee, but also has not announced how she will vote on Kavanaugh's confirmation.

Republicans later called the White House to discuss the scope of the probe, the person said.

McConnell's office declined to elaborate Sunday on which allegations would be investigated, reiterating only that it would focus on "current credible allegations." Stewart said the investigation's scope "was set" by the three GOP senators Friday and "has not changed."

But Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, a Judiciary Committee member, doubted how credible the investigation will be given the time limit.

"That's bad enough, but then to limit the FBI as to the scope and who they're going to question, that - that really - I wanted to use the word farce, but that's not the kind of investigation that all of us are expecting the FBI to conduct," she said.

Trump initially opposed such an investigation as allegations began mounting but relented and ordered one on Friday. He later said the FBI has "free rein."

"They're going to do whatever they have to do, whatever it is they do. They'll be doing things that we have never even thought of," Trump said Saturday as he departed the White House for a trip to West Virginia. "And hopefully at the conclusion everything will be fine."

He revisited the "scope" question later Saturday on Twitter, writing in part, "I want them to interview whoever they deem appropriate, at their discretion."

Sanders said Trump, who has vigorously defended Kavanaugh but also raised the slight possibility of withdrawing the nomination should damaging information be found, "will listen to the facts."

At least three women have accused Kavanaugh of years-ago misconduct. He denies all the claims.

The third woman, Julie Swetnick, accused Kavanaugh and Judge of excessive drinking and inappropriate treatment of women in the early 1980s, among other accusations. Kavanaugh has called her accusations a "joke." Judge has said he "categorically" denies the allegations.

Swetnick's attorney, Michael Avenatti, said Saturday that his client had not been contacted by the FBI but was willing to co-operate with investigators.

Ford also has said Judge was in the room when a drunken Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her. Judge has said he will co-operate with any law enforcement agency that will "confidentially investigate" sexual misconduct allegations against him and Kavanaugh. Judge has also denied misconduct allegations.

Sanders spoke on "Fox News Sunday," Conway appeared on CNN's "State of the Union" and Graham and Hirono were interviewed on ABC's "This Week."
Opalesque Industry Update - -Masthaven, the UK specialist bank, and Varde Partners, the global alternative investment firm, today announced an agreement for Varde Partners to make a strategic 60 million equity investment in Masthaven. The investment will enable the bank to deliver against its stated ambition to become one of the leading specialist banks in UK residential and SME markets. "In Varde Partners we have chosen our strategic partner for the next phase of the continued journey of Masthaven bank. Our original investors remain committed to the bank - what Varde Partners brings to the table is the commitment, experience and firepower to take us to the next level.'' " The 60 million equity investment from Varde Partners, along with Masthaven's existing capital base, will enable the bank to significantly increase lending to consumers and SMEs over the next 3 to 5 years as well as provide innovative deposit solutions to Masthaven's customers. By serving borrowers without access to the traditional high street banking brands, Masthaven has become a force in the UK challenger banking market. Masthaven has demonstrated significant growth in its chosen market niches - namely retail savings, SME lending, short- and long-term property financing across commercial, buy-to-let and specialist residential real estate. Masthaven has also been recognised as the 2018 Most Innovative Digital Retail Bank UK by CFI. Varde Partners, a $14 billion global alternative investment firm, has more than 20 years of experience investing in consumer and commercial credit in the specialty finance sector. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval from the Bank of England. Andrew Bloom, Masthaven's founder and CEO, said: "In Varde Partners we have chosen our strategic partner for the next phase of the continued journey of Masthaven bank. Our original investors remain committed to the bank - what Varde Partners brings to the table is the commitment, experience and firepower to take us to the next level.'' "Masthaven has made tremendous strides in the past few years and, since our launch of the bank two years ago, we have successfully launched specialist residential and buy-to-let mortgages plus bolstered our savings suite by entering the SME savings market, all while growing our team to above 170 people and generating over 0.5bn of deposits. Now it's time for us to further enhance our propositions for both our existing customers and intermediary partners as well as our future clients. Masthaven will use the investment to bring more capacity to the UK market and enable us to innovate in terms of both our savings and lending propositions. We believe a company is only as good as the people it hires. As such, it was incredibly important for us to respect our employees' share ownership and select a partner who has the same core values." Elena Lieskovska, Senior Managing Director and Head of European Specialty Finance at Varde Partners, said: "Masthaven is an exciting brand in the UK challenger bank scene and we're thrilled about the opportunity to work together to hone the bank's proposition and to take it to the next level. At Varde, we are active in our portfolio companies, favouring the partnership approach to creating value, and that's exactly how we expect to work with the Masthaven team." Michael Baker, Managing Director Joint Ventures at The William Pears Group, Pears being an investor in Masthaven, said: "We've backed Masthaven Finance since 2011 together with the launch of Masthaven Bank in 2016 and are pleased to welcome Varde Partners as a new investor and look forward to them being part of the next phase in Masthaven's journey'.
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North America Manufactured Housing Market: IntroductionUnaffordability of site-built houses is a key concern across major geographies. The steadily increasing inflation rate has led to increase in price of raw materials and commodities, which makes construction of buildings costlier. The necessity of a shelter, demanded an alternative for the costly site-built homes. Thus, manufactured housing emerged as a decent solution for this problem. The manufactured housing market is a potential market, especially in North America, where the demand for affordable and quality housing is continuously increasing. Manufactured housing is a type of prefabricated housing. The houses are built in factories, then assembled and are then transported to the housing site trough trucks and trailers. Manufactured housing has brought a revolution in the housing industry, as one can own a house at a price that costs at least 10-20% lesser than the cost of a site-built home. Further, highly customized interior and exterior designs are available, depending upon the choice of the customer. Manufactured housing industry in North America generates significant revenue and the industry is expected to witness high value growth over the forecast period.Construction of manufactured houses in the U.S. is governed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which regulates and authenticates the design, construction, strength and durability of manufactured houses. Manufactured housing market is expected to witness increased number of annual installations owing to the added benefits that manufactured housing offers over site-built homes. Some of these benefits include, no delay in construction due to natural hindrance such as bad weather, risk of damage to building products, unavailability of skilled labours, etc.Request For Report Sample@North America Manufactured Housing Market: Market DynamicsSome of the major factors driving the growth of manufactured housing in North America is that, it offers house ownership at a lower cost, when compared to the site-built homes. Various architectural styles, both interior and exterior, which cant be achieved easily in site-built home can easily be deployed in manufactured housing. Technological advancements and focus of manufactures on delivering high quality services to the customers can further fuel the growth of North America manufactured housing market over the forecast period.Some of the key factors restraining growth of the manufactured housing market include, lack of customer confidence over manufactured housing, many of the customers doubt over the quality and durability of manufactured housing and thus hold back from investing in such projects. Availability of affordable and attractive home loans for site-built homes can also hamper the growth of manufactured housing market. Furthermore, economic and political fluctuations also tend to affect the market growth.North America Manufactured Housing Market: SegmentationNorth America manufactured housing market can be segmented into:By product type, North America manufactured housing market can be segmented into:Manufactured HomesModular HomesPanelized HomesBy construction type, North America manufactured housing market can be segmented into:Single sectionMulti-sectionNorth America Manufactured Housing Market: Region-wise OutlookIn North America manufactured housing market, the U.S. accounts for a larger share of the revenue generated from the sales of manufactured housing, whereas Canada holds only nominal share of the revenue. The market in the U.S. is marked by the presence of a large number of manufactured housing manufactures and service providers, who hold significant positions in the local as well as global market. Canada has witnessed slowdown in construction spending in the recent past, the manufactured housing market in the country is expected to struggle for growth as the industry has witnessed slowdown in installation rate, however slow recovery is projected over the forecast period.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC):North America Manufactured Housing Market: Market ParticipantsExamples of some of the market participants identified in the North America manufactured housing market include:Nobility Homes, Inc.Modular HomeownersCavco Industries, Inc.Champion Home Builders Inc.Palm Harbor HomesFleetwood HomesJacobsen HomesExcel HomesWoodlund HomesDUTCH HOUSING, INC.Chief Custom HomesThe research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geographies, application, and industry.ABOUT US:Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance. To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.CONTACT:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Insulin Management Systems Market - By Product (Insulin Pen, Insulin patches); By End User (Home care setting, Non- Diabetic Clinics) and Forecast 2023

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Insulin prevents hyperglycemia and maintain blood sugar levels in co-ordination with glucagon. Diabetes is a most common health problem causing high blood sugar level resulting into excessive thirst and large amount of urine production. Diabetes is a most common health problem causing high blood sugar level resulting into excessive thirst and large amount of urine production.The Global Insulin Management Systems Market comprises the leading regions in the market during the forecast tenure. Facts and figures that are given on the region leading this market are some of the features emphasized under this section of the report. The competitive landscape section of the statistical report presents information on major key players in the Global Insulin Management Systems Market. On the basis of product profile, introductions, SWOT analysis and contact information, these key players are selected.Get Sample Copy of this Report @The report analyzes the technical data and key manufacturing plants of the market across the globe. Factors such as commercial production, capacity production, research and development status, technology sources, and various manufacturing plants of Insulin Management Systems Market are estimated in the report. Various manufacturers, regions, and types are considered to analyze the production, capacity, and revenue of Market.Top Key Vendors in Market: Baxter, Grifols, Octapharma, Shanghai RAAS, Hualan Biological, China Biologic, Tiantan Biologic, Shuanglin Bio-pharmacy, Sichuan Yuanda Shuyang, Boya Bio-pharmaceutical.Ask for discount@Types of product manufactured, product specifications and pictures of products manufactured by key businesses operating in the global Insulin Management Systems Market are mentioned in detail. The report presents a detailed study of projects, and analyses the investment and return feasibility of these projects in the market. A detailed account of supply and demand chain of the Market, and an analysis of marketing channels, clients, and industry development trends, is also included in the report.The report evaluates the products available in the market on the basis of the production volume, their pricing structure, and the revenue generated by them. Production chain and the dynamics of demand and supply has also been assessed in this report. The research report also analyzes the market hierarchy carrying out a SWOT analysis of the key players operating on the Global Insulin Management Systems Market in order to provide an overall picture of the competitive landscape in the industry and assist the participants to come up with market winning strategies to gain an edge over their peers.Table of Content:Insulin Management Systems Market Research Report 2018-2025Chapter 1: Industry Overview of Insulin Management Systems MarketChapter 2: International and Graphic Market AnalysisChapter 3: Insulin Management Systems Market and China MarketChapter 4: Analysis of Revenue by ClassificationsChapter 5: Analysis of Revenue by Regions and ApplicationsChapter 6: Analysis of Technologies Market Revenue Market Status.Chapter 7: Analysis of Insulin Management Systems MarketChapter 8: Sales Price and Gross Margin AnalysisChapter 9: Distributor Analysis of Global Software MarketChapter 10: Insulin Management Systems Market Industry 2016-2021Chapter 11: Telemetry Monitoring System Market with Contact InformationChapter 12: Feasibility Analysis of Insulin Management Systems MarketFor more Information@About Research N Reports:Research N Reports is a new age market research firm where we focus on providing information that can be effectively applied. Where counting on a legitimate board company for your selections will become critical. Research N Reports specializes in enterprise evaluation, marketplace forecasts and as a result getting great reports overlaying all verticals, whether be it gaining angle on modern market situations or being in advance inside the cut throat Global opposition.Contact:(Research N Reports)10916, Gold Point Dr, Houston, TX, Pin - 77064,Sunny Denis(Sales Manager),+1-8886316977,sales@researchnreports.com
Key Foresights on How Immunology Drug Market will Evolve During 2017 - 2025

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The immune system is an assembly of structures and processes inside the body to protect against possibly damaging foreign bodies and diseases. It identifies various threats like bacteria, viruses, and parasites and distinguishes them from body's healthy tissues. When the immune system weakness and lose the capability to detect and destroy the abnormal cells or body attacks and damages its tissues lead to diseases like cancer and autoimmune diseases. Immunotherapy is a process which includes the treatment by inducing, enhancing or suppressing an immune system to fight against the diseases.According to American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, autoimmune disease affects up to 50 million Americans. Autoimmune diseases are of 80 types out of which most prevalent are rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematous (Lupus), Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis and affects different body organs like joints, muscles, skin, red blood cells, blood vessels, connective tissues and endocrine glands. Immunology drug is becoming the choice of several oncologists as they provide long-lasting affect by activating the immune system to identify cancerous cell and kill them through the natural process as well as improve the quality of survival. Some of the cancer treatment vaccines approved by FDA are bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), Sipuleucel-T which propel the growth of the Immunology Drug market.Request For Report Sample@Immunology Drug Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe increase in the prevalence rate of the different type of cancer and rheumatoid cancer, rising government initiatives, increasing funding from the various government and non-government organization is driving the immunology drug market. Patients with poor prognosis are expected to drive the growth of the immunology drugtrial evidence reveals that after preparing the immune system to fight against cancer immunology, drug effects last for a long time even after the reduction of the tumor. High costs of immunology drug and lack of awareness could be the possible restraints for the immunology drug market. Also, the introduction of generic drugs in some regions and slower pipeline development are the challenges for the immunology drug market.Immunology Drug Market: SegmentationImmunology drug market is segmented by drug class and the end users.By drug class, Immunology Drug market is segmented into following:Monoclonal Antibodies (mAb)Antibody Drug ConjugatesInterferon and Cytokine therapiesImmunosuppressive medicationBy end use, Immunology Drug market is segmented into following:HospitalsClinicsCancer Research Centers and InstitutesTo the date most clinically and effective drugs in monoclonal antibodies are Humira (adalimumab) and Remicade (infliximab).Immunology Drug Market: OverviewDevelopment of some new drugs with success rate is expected to offer the good opportunity for immunology drug market. Wide-ranging scope of Immuno-oncology agents in different cancer treatments would provide the maximum share to immunology drug market in the forecast period. pharmaceutical companies and R&D are showing increased interest in this field and is expected to offer better potential for immunology drug market. Companies involved in partnership and R&D for efficient technologies are some of the latest trends that have been observed in immunology drug market. Currently, most of the immunology drugs are in clinical trial and are expected to rise the immunology market after clearance or success of these products from clinical trials.Immunology Drug Market: Region-wise OutlookNorth America has the largest share globally in immunology drug market because of the availability of better reimbursement policies, high potential to invest the huge amount of money in the development of immunology drug and the advancement in the technologies. Europe is the second largest region regarding value because of the easy accessibility to the immunology drug, and also the affordability for the cost of treatment is high. Increase in awareness, rising economy, increasing government initiatives and large patient pool in Asia-Pacific regions also demonstrates the higher growth in Immunology Drug Market.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC):Immunology Drug Market: Key Market ParticipantsSome of the major players in Immunology drug market are Abbott Laboratories, Active Biotech, Eli Lilly and Company, Autoimmune Inc., Pfizer, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline plc, Seattle Genetics, Inc., Genentech, Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Eisai Co., Bayer AG and Sanofi Aventis LLC.ABOUT US:Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance. To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.CONTACT:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Graders Market: Overall Market Sizes, Upcoming Industry Trends, Growth Opportunity through 2017-2026 and Highlighted Key Merchants  Guidetti S.r.l., Probst GmbH, VT LeeBoy Inc., XCMG, KH Plant, Terex Corporation, etc.

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Fact.MR has published a new research report titled Global Graders Market: Overall Market Sizes, Upcoming Industry Trends, Growth Opportunity through 2017-2026 to its online database that tries to unveil the various scenarios prevailing in the Graders Market. This assessment delivers a smart compilation of primary and secondary data which provides a clear insight about the future plans expected to impact the Graders Market. This study comprises of prominent data which makes it a beneficial source for investors, analysts and industry experts to acquire necessary knowledge associated to the fundamental market trends, opportunities and growth drivers during the stated forecast period (2017-2026).Request for Sample Report Here -Manufacturers in the global market are offering broad range, technically advanced graders with added features. They are also focusing on developing graders with to match the need of user in any application from construction to road maintenance. Design changes are also being made in graders to offer operators with better operating capabilities. Improving blade control system and offering high-speed grading are two of the major focus areas of manufacturers.Construction equipment manufacturers, especially the companies in China are moving towards integrating advanced technology to meet the global standards. Also, manufacturers are providing better air filtration equipment as graders operate in the environment where dirt can easily damage any piece of equipment. Moreover, the clogged air filter can reduce the efficiency of graders. However, high operating costs and maintenance costs are some of the factors hampering the market growth.A new report by Fact.MR expects slow growth in the global market for graders. The market is also projected to reach US$ 4,841.7 million revenue by 2026 end. Also, in terms of volume, more than 18,700 graders are projected to be sold in the global market for graders towards 2026 end.Graders with Base Power of Above 200 HP to Gain Maximum TractionCompared to the graders with upto 200 HP, graders with above 200 HP are likely to gain maximum traction in the global graders market. By 2026 end, above 200 HP graders are projected to surpass US$ 2,700 million revenue. Graders with high horsepower are witnessing increasing demand as it offers better performance. Manufacturers are also improving horsepower ratings to increase the sales in the global market.To know the Latest Trends in Graders Market, Visit Here -Above 15,000 Ibs graders are likely to witness the substantial growth through 2026. Above 15,000 Ibs graders are projected to create an incremental opportunity of over US$ 500 million between 2017 and 2026. Graders are used largely in a wide variety of conditions such as from drifted snow to overgrown ditches hence graders with blade pull of above 15,000 Ibs are being used on a large scale as it has ample power to cut through the material using blade.Graders to Find Major Application in Construction IndustryCompared to the various industries where graders are used, the construction industry is likely to emerge as the largest user of graders. By 2026 end, construction industry is projected to surpass US$ 2,500 million revenue. Growing construction industry is one of the most significant driving factors in the global market for graders. Moreover, the governments of various countries are focusing on developing better transportation facilities. This is likely to create an opportunity for grader manufacturers.Competition TrackingThe report provides profiles of the prominent companies that are likely to operate in global graders market throughout the forecast period, which include Guidetti S.r.l., HERBST SMAG Mining Technologies GmbH, Probst GmbH, VT LeeBoy, Inc., XCMG, KH Plant, Terex Corporation, Sany Group Co. Ltd., Galion Iron Works, LiuGong Construction Machinery, LLC, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Komatsu Limited, CNH Industrial N.V., Deere & Co., and Caterpillar Inc.To Buy Global Market Research Report, Check the link -About Fact.MRFact.MR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized market research reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; that's why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFact.MR11140 Rockville PikeSuite 400Rockville, MD 20852United StatesEmail: sales@factmr.comWeb:
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Dog owners near a North Vancouver park say they are fearful following menacing signs posted in the neighbourhood and one very sick dog that ended up in the care of a vet.

An Australian Shepherd named Hutch was taken to the vet Saturday because he wasn't eating, was acting lethargic and weak and had a slow heart rate.

He had also had a seizure on Friday, following a walk in Windsor Park.

He licked something on a rock, said Meaghan Lind-Petersen, a veterinary technician who treated Hutch. A brown substance. There was a little bit of white powderiness to it.

Although lab work came back normal, Lind-Petersen said that does not eliminate the possibility that the dog was poisoned intentionally.

Windsor Park has seen distressing signs posted recently, indicating hostility toward dogs.

One, posted roughly a week ago, read "dead dogs don't s--t."

Were very afraid, said Kate Warren, who usually walks her dog there daily. "Other dog owners are as well. The word spread very quickly in our neighbourhood.

North Vancouver RCMP are investigating whether anyone in the area has motivation to hurt animals.

Hutch is now on the mend and at home. Lind-Petersen is still cautious about his healing process, though.

"I don't know if there will be long-term effects of whatever was in his system," she said.

-With files from CTV Vancouver
Global Magnet Wire Market 2015-2025 Growth:Manufacturing Technology and Key Players Superior Essex, Rea, Sumitomo Electric, Liljedahl, Fujikura, Hitachi, IRCE, Magnekon etc.

Global Magnet Wire Market 2015-2025 Growth

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Global Magnet Wire Market will reach xxx Million USD in 2018 and with a CAGR if xx% between 2019-2025.Global market study report will make the detailed analysis and in-depth research on the development environment, Market size, development trend, operation situation and future development of the Magnet Wire Market. The content in the research report has been gathered and validated via extensive research methods (primary research, secondary research, and SWOT analysis).Magnet wire or enamelled wire is a copper or aluminium wire coated with a very thin layer of insulation. It is used in the construction of transformers, inductors, motors, speakers, hard disk head actuators, electromagnets, and other applications that require tight coils of insulated wire.The Global Magnet Wire Market report provides detailed analysis of following factors:Product Type Coverage (Market Size & Forecast, Major Company of Product Type etc.):Copper Magnet WireAluminium Magnet WireDemand Coverage (Market Size & Forecast, Consumer Distribution):MotorsTransformersHome ApplianceReactorCompany Coverage (Sales data, Main Products & Services etc.):Superior EssexReaSumitomo ElectricLiljedahl, FujikuraHitachiIRCEMagnekonCondumexElektrisolaVon RollAlconexJingdaCitychampDartongShanghai YukeRoshow TechnologyShangfeng IndustrialTongling Copper Crown ElectricalHONGYUANRonsen Super Micro-WireShenmao Magnet Wire and GOLD CUP ELECTRICTianjin Jing Wei Electric WireMajor Region Market:North AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificSouth AmericaMiddle East & AfricaGlobal Magnet Wire Market 2018-2025 Scope of Report:-Magnet Wire Global Market research Report check out the growth rate and the Market value based on Market dynamics, growth-inducing factors. The complete knowledge Magnet Wire Market is based on the latest industry news, opportunities and trends. Magnet Wire Global Market research report offers a clear insight about the influential factors that are expected to transform the global market in the near future.This assessment comprises Magnet Wire industry key vendors discussion based on the companys summary, Profiles, financial analysis, market revenue, and opportunities by top geographical regions. The analysis of industry chain is provided to help market players develop business strategies for the future and identify the level of competition across the world.To know more about Magnet Wire Market ReportDownload Sample PDF of this report:Magnet Wire Market Historic Data (2015-2018):Industry Trends: North America Revenue, Status and Outlook.Competitive Landscape: By Manufacturers, Development Trends.Product Revenue for Top Players: Market Share, Growth Rate, Current Market Situation Analysis.Market Segment: By Types, By Applications, By Regions/ Geography.Sales Revenue: Market Share, Growth Rate, Current Market Analysis.Magnet Wire Market Influencing Factors:Market Environment: Government Policies, Technological Changes, Market Risks.Market Drivers: Growing Demand, Reduction in Cost, Market Opportunities and Challenges.Magnet Wire Market Forecast (2019-2025):Market Size Forecast: Overall Size, By Type/Product Category, By Applications/End Users, By Regions/Geography.Key Data (Revenue): Market Size, Market Share, Growth Rate, Growth, Product Sales Price.Purchase the Full Research Report at:Table of Content:1 Industry Overview1.1 Magnet Wire Industry1.1.1 Overview1.1.2 Products of Major Companies1.2 Market Segment1.2.1 Industry Chain1.2.2 Consumer Distribution1.3 Price & Cost Overview2 Magnet Wire Market by Type2.1 By Type2.1.1 Copper Magnet Wire2.1.2 Aluminum Magnet Wire2.2 Market Size by Type2.3 Market Forecast by Type3 Global Market Demand3.1 Segment Overview3.1.1 Motors3.1.2 Transformers3.1.3 Home Appliance3.1.4 Reactor3.2 Market Size by Demand3.3 Market Forecast by Demand4 Major Region Market4.1 Global Market Overview4.1.1 Market Size & Growth4.1.2 Market Forecast4.2 Major Region4.2.1 Market Size & Growth4.2.2 Market Forecast5 Major Companies List5.1 Superior Essex (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.) MoreTables & Figures:Table Global Magnet Wire Market 2015-2018, by Type, in USD MillionTable Global Magnet Wire Market 2015-2018, by Type, in VolumeTable Global Magnet Wire Market Forecast 2019-2025, by Type, in USD MillionTable Global Magnet Wire Market Forecast 2019-2025, by Type, in VolumeTable Superior Essex Overview ListTable Magnet Wire Business Operation of Superior Essex (Sales Revenue, Sales Volume, Price, Cost, Gross Margin)Table Rea Overview ListTable Magnet Wire Business Operation of Rea (Sales Revenue, Sales Volume, Price, Cost, Gross Margin)Table Sumitomo Electric Overview List MoreFigure Global Magnet Wire Market Growth 2015-2018, by Type, in USD MillionFigure Global Magnet Wire Market Growth 2015-2018, by Type, in VolumeAbout Us:Report Hive Research delivers strategic market research reports, statistical survey, industry analysis & forecast data on products & services, markets and companies. Our clientele ranges mix of global business leaders, government organizations, SMEs, Individual & Start-ups, top management consulting firms, universities etc. Our library of 600,000 + reports targets high growth emerging markets in the USA, Europe Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific covering industries like IT, Telecom, Semiconductor, Chemical, Healthcare, Pharmaceutical, Energy & Power, Manufacturing, Automotive & Transportation, Food & Beverages etc. This large collection of insightful reports assists clients to stay ahead of time & competition. We help in business decision-making on aspects such as market entry strategies, market sizing, market share analysis, sales & revenue, technology trends, competitive analysis, product portfolio & application analysis etc.500, North Michigan Avenue,Suite 6014Chicago, IL - 60611United StatesContact Us:Mike RossMarketing Managersales@reporthive.comPhone Number: +1-312-604-7084
Medically Prescribed Apps Market 2027 Top Key Players are Pathfinder International, Fueled, Y Media Labs, Sourcebits Technologies, WillowTree and More

Medically Prescribed Apps Market

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Namely Medically Prescribed Apps Market Report has Been Published by Market Research Future Which Covers All the Geographical Locations with Demand, Trend Analysis with near about Forecasted results and Also Covers the Market Expectations.The Global Medically Prescribed Apps Market Key Players are Pathfinder International (U.S.), Fueled (U.S.), Y Media Labs (U.S.), ArcTouch (U.S.), Intellectsoft US (U.S.), InnovationM (India), Sourcebits Technologies, WillowTree, Inc (U.S.), OpenXcell (India), Contus (India), Savvy apps (U.S.)Get Premium PDF Copy @Market Overview:Medically prescribed apps are software applications which is designed to help individuals manage their medical routine, calculate medical data, help acquire information regarding the availability of doctors, determination of critical health parameters, provide e-prescriptions, notifies about new treatment options and much more. They have been on the rise lately and finds its application in diabetes management, multi-parameter tracker, cardiac monitoring and others. These apps offer a variety of applications ranging from treatment-related recommendations to self-managing diseases, and they can be downloaded from the Google's Play Store or Apple's App Store. A diverse range of benefits and ease of use has proven to be a driving factor for the market growth. Medically prescribed apps are experiencing enormous demand and gaining acceptance among consumers. The global medically prescribed apps market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 18.8% over the forecast period 2017-2027, reveals a study by Market Research Future (MRFR). This thriving growth can be attributed to the ubiquity of smartphones and proliferation of mobile apps. Medically prescribed apps are helpful in monitoring diseases such as diabetes and obesity as they require continuous supervision; rise in patient pool of diabetes and other such lifestyle disease has contributed significantly to the growth of the medically prescribed Apps market. Rising prevalence of cancer and other chronic diseases, rise in geriatric population, unhealthy lifestyle, and lack of physical activity has spurred the growth of these apps. Additionally, increase in R&D activities, and broad adoption of medically prescribed apps, growing awareness for fitness are adding fuel to the growth of the market. Medically prescribed apps, however, have not been very successful in proving their efficacy and their reliability thus far has been questionable. The aged pool of patients and less tech-savvy patients who are not well acquainted with smartphones may face trouble using these apps which is a significant constraint to the market growth. Lack of awareness among patients, inadequate healthcare infrastructure in specific areas and unavailability of smartphones are factors impeding the market. Medically prescribed apps have also been reported to have produced inaccurate data and misidentify diseases.Segmentation:The global medically prescribed apps market has been segmented based on types, devices, operating system and application. By types, the market has been segmented into wellness management apps, diseases and treatment management apps, womens health & pregnancy apps, diseases specific apps, and others. By Devices, the market has been segmented into personal digital assistant, smartphone, tablet computer, and others. By operating system, the market has been segmented into windows, android, iOS system, and others. By application, the market has been segmented into diabetes management, multi-parameter tracker, cardiac monitoring, and others.Industry Trends/Updates:In June 2018, a company developing mobile medical applications for the management of chronic diseases, Tilak, announced the achievement of CE marking for Odysight, its first mobile medical game in Ophthalmology. Odysight can be availed only through medical prescription on the App Store and Google Play.Get Standard Discount @Regional Analysis:The key markets of the global medically prescribed apps market include the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East and Africa. The Americas lead the medically prescribed apps market owing to growing prevalence of chronic diseases, unhealthy lifestyles, high expenditure on healthcare, increasing government aid and concentration of major key players in the region. North America is a major contributor of the region due to presence of countries like US and Canada which have robust technology and healthcare sector. The Americas is followed by Europe. Strong economic conditions and government support for R&D activities favor the growth of the market in the region. Asia-Pacific is slated to emerge as the fastest growing market for medically prescribed apps due to rapidly growing healthcare sector in developing countries such as China and India, wide adoption of medical apps and prevalence of chronic diseases in the region. On the other hand, poor economic conditions, low literacy rate, low internet penetration and lack of awareness in the Middle East & Africa region restricts the growth of the market.Table of Content1 Report Prologue2 Market Introduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope of the Study2.2.1 Research Objective2.2.2 Assumptions2.2.3 Limitations3 Research Methodology3.1 Introduction3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary Research3.4 Market Size Estimation4 Market Dynamics4.1 Drivers4.2 Restrains4.3 Opportunities4.4 Challenges4.5 Macroeconomic Indicators4.6 Technology Trends & AssessmentCollect More Enquiry @Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
By JONATHAN J. COOPER, Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  California Gov. Jerry Brown has approved the nation's strongest net neutrality law, prompting an immediate lawsuit by the Trump administration and opening the next phase in the battle over regulating the internet.

Advocates of net neutrality hope California's law, which Brown signed Sunday to stop internet providers from favoring certain content or websites, will push Congress to enact national rules or encourage other states to create their own.

However, the U.S. Department of Justice quickly moved to halt the law from taking effect, arguing that it creates burdensome, anti-consumer requirements that go against the federal government's approach to deregulating the internet.

"Once again the California Legislature has enacted an extreme and illegal state law attempting to frustrate federal policy," U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement.

Oregon enacted its own, less sweeping net neutrality law earlier this year. It blocks many local governments from contract with internet companies that do not comply with the principles of an open internet. The federal government has not taken action against Oregon's law.

The Federal Communications Commission repealed Obama-era rules last year that prevented internet companies from exercising more control over what people watch and see on the internet.

The neutrality law is the latest example of California, ground zero of the global technology industry, attempting to drive public policy outside its borders and rebuff President Donald Trump's agenda.

Brown did not explain his reasons for signing the bill or comment on the federal lawsuit Sunday night.

Supporters of the new law cheered it as a win for internet freedom. It is set to take effect Jan. 1.

"This is a historic day for California. A free and open internet is a cornerstone of 21st century life: our democracy, our economy, our health care and public safety systems, and day-to-day activities," said Democratic Sen. Scott Wiener, the law's author.

It prohibits internet providers from blocking or slowing data based on content or from favoring websites or video streams from companies that pay extra.

Telecommunications companies lobbied hard to kill it or water it down, saying it would lead to higher internet and cellphone bills and discourage investments in faster internet. They say it's unrealistic to expect them to comply with internet regulations that differ from state to state.

USTelecom, a telecommunications trade group, said California writing its own rules will create problems.

"Rather than 50 states stepping in with their own conflicting open internet solutions, we need Congress to step up with a national framework for the whole internet ecosystem and resolve this issue once and for all," the group said in a Sunday statement.

Net neutrality advocates worry that without rules, internet providers could create fast lanes and slow lanes that favor their own sites and apps or make it harder for consumers to see content from competitors.

That could limit consumer choice or shut out upstart companies that can't afford to buy access to the fast lane, critics say.

The new law also bans "zero rating," in which internet providers don't count certain content against a monthly data cap  generally video streams produced by the company's own subsidiaries and partners.

Oregon, Washington and Vermont have approved legislation related to net neutrality, but California's measure is seen as the most comprehensive attempt to codify the principle in a way that might survive a likely court challenge. An identical bill was introduced in New York.



-- Associated Press writers Eric Tucker and Mike Balsamo in Washington and Kathleen Ronayne in Sacramento contributed to this report.
By Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times

Tesla Inc. stock jumped nearly 15 percent Monday morning, the first day of trading since the electric-car maker's Chief Executive Elon Musk agreed to settle a Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit that charged him with fraud and sought to push him out of the company's leadership.

Shares of Tesla climbed $40 to $312 Monday. That was still down nearly 10 percent compared to Aug. 6, the day before Musk issued the slew of tweets that began the saga.

On Saturday, Musk and Tesla agreed to pay $40 million  $20 million each  as part of the settlement. Musk agreed to relinquish his role as chairman of the Palo Alto automaker for three years, and the company is required to install an independent chairman and two new board members. Musk will remain on the board.

He and Tesla did not admit wrongdoing.

Musk revived his rakish Twitter persona early Monday. At about 1:30 a.m., he tweeted, "Naughty by Nature" with a winking emoji and a link to a music video of the same name by rap group O.P.P.

Saturday's settlement marked a swift end to the SEC's lawsuit, which was filed Thursday. In it, the regulatory body alleged that Musk made "false and misleading" statements in August tweets about his plans to take Tesla private at $420 a share. It alleged that Musk's statements  including the assertion that he had "funding secured" to take Tesla private  "were premised on a long series of baseless assumptions and were contrary to facts that Musk knew."

As part of the lawsuit, the SEC sought to have Musk banned from serving as an officer or director of any public company.

The suit was filed after markets closed Thursday. On Friday, Tesla's stock sank almost 14 percent.

-- The Los Angeles Times
Oregon's next game will be in the afternoon.

The No. 18 Ducks will host No. 10 Washington at Autzen Stadium on Oct. 13 at 12:30 p.m. PT on ABC, ESPN or ESPN2.

It will be the first midday meeting of the Pac-12 North rivals since 2013.

Washington has won the last two meetings in the series by a combined score of 108-24, including last year's 38-3 win in Seattle. Prior to 2016, Oregon had won 12 straight in the series.

It will be the 111th meeting between rivals, with Washington leading the all-time series 60-45-5. The Huskies and Ducks have met five times when both have been ranked.

Oregon (4-1, 1-1 Pac-12) is off this week while Washington (4-1, 2-0 Pac-12) is at UCLA.

-- James Crepea | jcrepea@oregonian.com | @JamesCrepea
By LeeAnn Larsen

As the campaign for governor kicks into high gear, we should look to some key words from one of our most celebrated governors, Mark Hatfield, who once said "Few services a government can provide are as important as education. Oregon traditionally has done an excellent job in this field. The number one problem in education is how to finance our programs."

That statement remains as true today as it was in 1959 when Gov. Hatfield delivered that quote. The problem of how to adequately finance our schools will be one of the biggest challenges facing either Gov. Brown or Gov. Buehler and, regardless of who wins, 2019 is the year in which our schools and our students must see results.

State leaders have championed an overhaul of our educational system with a shared goal of graduating 100 percent of high school students by 2025. It's important, and like any important endeavor, one that requires an investment of energy, willpower and money.

Oregon's K-12 public schools have come to consume a significant part of the state budget, which lawmakers craft in Salem every two years. But in the last decade, as the economy slowed and legislators sought areas to trim, the education budget has not kept up with spiraling costs.

The Quality Education Commission is tasked with examining best educational practices and estimating how much it would cost to create a model Oregon schooling system. In its projections for 2017-19, the commission estimated that Oregon will spend about $2 billion less per biennium on public schools than it should.

In 2017, legislators adopted a budget that is about $200 million short of what K-12 schools needed to maintain current service levels in the current biennium. Furthermore, lawmakers were unable to agree on a path for comprehensive revenue reform that would address the heart of this problem.

Simply put, we have a revenue system that is broken. To fix it, we need to find smart solutions that will free up funds for Oregon schools and students through cost containment and increased accountability.

Oregon's children cannot afford to wait. We have seen what funding shortfalls have done to public education in the form of teacher layoffs, larger classes sizes, shortened school years and a graduation rate among the lowest in the country. As legislators continue to grapple with adequate school funding, more than 580,000 students in grades kindergarten through 12 are hanging in the balance.

An investment in our schools is an investment in our future. Oregon's business leaders have made it clear that they need graduating students who are ready for higher education and to begin a career. As the state and world have gravitated from resource-based economies to ones relying on the value of finished goods and services, Oregon's greatest natural resource is now our children.

Our next governor must lead the charge to reform our revenue system and fund our schools. I am encouraged to see that both candidates have made strong statements about improving public education. I hope that they will continue to make schools a campaign priority -- our education leaders stand ready to work with the next governor and the Legislature to make sure that the funding our schools and students need and deserve is finally realized in 2019.

-- LeeAnn Larsen is a member of the Beaverton School Board and president of the Oregon School Boards Association.

Share your opinion

Submit your essay of 800 words or less on a highly topical issue or a theme of particular relevance to the Pacific Northwest, Oregon and the Portland area to commentary@oregonian.com. Please include your email and phone number for verification.
Update: The woman has been found and taken to a local hospital, authorities said. Her dog was by her side.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office is looking for the public's help to find an Aloha woman who walked away from her home.

Family members reported that Linda Bell, 76, left her home around noon today. She has been diagnosed with dementia. Police expect that she is walking with her five-year-old German shepherd.

Bell is 5-foot-2, 130 pounds, with short gray hair. Authorities said she may be wearing a baby blue knit sweater, khaki slacks, black slip-on shoes and could be carrying a purple purse.

Anyone who has information about her whereabouts is asked to call non-emergency dispatch at (503) 629-0111.

-- Rob Davis

rdavis@oregonian.com
A unidentified 72-year-old man rappelling Sunday near Big Creek Falls on the Lewis River in Skamania County was in critical condition after falling.

A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter unsuccessfully tried to hoist the man out after he dropped the last 20 feet of a 150-foot decline he was using a rope to rappel down.

The Coast Guard's MH-60 Jayhawk was requested at 11:50 a.m. Sunday and arrived about an hour later. But the helicopter couldn't get the man out. A Skamania County ground rescue party carried the man to a nearby landing area, where a Life Flight aircrew transported the man to the hospital.

The man was transported to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland.

The Coast Guard initially reported, incorrectly, that its crew had extracted the man.

-- Rob Davis

rdavis@oregonian.com
Should Oregon allow more density in neighborhoods of single-family houses? Brown signed into law a bill that would allow accessory dwelling units in single-family neighborhoods, as well as allowing religious institutions to develop affordable housing on their property and expedite affordable housing permits (House Bill 4007, 2018).
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Photo: The Canadian Press

Facebook says it recently discovered a security breach affecting nearly 50 million user accounts.

The hack is the latest setback for Facebook during a year of tumult for the global social media service.

In a blog post , the company says hackers exploited its "View As" feature, which lets people see what their profiles look like to someone else. Facebook says it has taken steps to fix the security problem and alerted law enforcement.

Read more
Should Oregon allow more density in neighborhoods of single-family houses? Buehler voted "yes" on a bill that would allow accessory dwelling units in single-family neighborhoods, as well as allow religious institutions to develop affordable housing on their property and expedite affordable housing permits (House Bill 4007, 2018). Buehler said he favors going further in allowing different housing types.
Photo: The Canadian Press CAQ Leader Francois Legault greets supporters during a campaign stop in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.

Voters in Quebec will go to the polls today after a provincial election campaign that has seen the Liberal party and the Coalition Avenir Quebec locked in a battle for first place.

Coalition Leader Francois Legault entered the race as the front-runner, but has seen his early lead dwindle as he seeks to unseat Philippe Couillard's incumbent Liberals.

The race is rounded out by Jean Francois Lisee's Parti Quebecois, which entered the campaign as the official Opposition but has been stuck in third place in the polls.

The three main leaders spent the final day of the campaign on Sunday criss-crossing Quebec, making last-minute pitches to voters and trading insults over which leader would best advance the province's interests.

With campaigning over, the leaders will cast ballots in their home ridings this morning before waiting for the results to come in after polls close at 8 p.m.

The Liberal party had 68 seats at the legislature's dissolution, while the Parti Quebecois had 28, the Coalition had 21 and the small, left-leaning Quebec solidaire had three. Sixty-three seats are needed to form a majority.

Most polls show the Coalition Avenir Quebec with a whisker-thin lead over the Liberals, but the two parties remain close with just over 30 per cent support each.

While Quebec's economy has surged in recent years, public opinion polls have suggested for months that voters are looking for a change after 15 years of nearly continuous Liberal rule.

With the exception of a 19-month Parti Quebecois minority government between 2012 and 2014, the Liberals have been in power since 2003.

With none of the major parties promising a sovereignty referendum in the next four years, the 39-day campaign focused on immigration, health care and the best way to spend the province's billions in budget surpluses.

While Couillard touted his government's balanced budgets and the province's strong economic performance, Legault positioned himself as the best person to deliver needed change.

Both leaders faced criticism at times: Couillard for having reduced health and education budgets early in his mandate, and Legault for a controversial plan to "expel" immigrants who fail to pass a language and values test within three years of arrival.

A Coalition victory would mark the first time in nearly 50 years that the province would be led by a party other than the Liberals or the Parti Quebecois. The last other party to hold power was the now-defunct Union Nationale, which led the province from 1966 to 1970.
 Nate Rhee, who earned the Paderewski Award from the American College of Musicians/National Guild of Piano Teachers.

 All the winners of the 20th annual Chili & Salsa Taste-Off that took place on Sept. 22 in downtown Midland.
To the editor,

I want to express my support of Annette Glenn for the Michigan House of Representatives.

I have known Annette Glenn personally for many years and have worked closely with her in various organizations within our church.

Annette Glenn is an incredibly hard working. I have never met a woman more willing to take on hard and heavy stuff and ensure it gets done. She is a person always willing to serve and help those around her. She blesses the lives of all those who know her with her dedication and selflessness.

Annette Glenn is fair. Whether it is in her political work, her church service, or her family, she is always willing to consider both sides and give credit where its due. Shes able to see others perspectives and is willing to stand for what is right while being compassionate to others as well. Shes incredibly talented at searching for solutions and finding compromises for all involved.

Annette Glenn is optimistic. When others see rain clouds she is able to find the rainbow. She is upbeat, energetic, and can always find a positive point to any situation. She is able to have a wide perspective and scope in any situation. She is a ray of light to all in her presence.

I am personally grateful to know Annette Glenn and am proud to support her in her candidacy for the state House of Representatives. I know she will do a phenomenal job and will make Michigan proud.

ERICA JONES

Midland
Photo: The Canadian Press

Four passengers remained hospitalized on Monday after an airliner crashed into a Pacific lagoon in Micronesia last week, the airline said.

The four were in stable conditions at a Chuuk island hospital and would soon be taken to Guam for further treatment, Air Niugini said in a statement.

A Chuuk State Hospital official did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.

The four were among 47 passengers and crew who were evacuated from a sinking Boeing 737 on Friday after Flight PX73 from nearby Pohnpei island crashed into a lagoon about 145 metres from the Chuuk International Airport runway, the Papua New Guinea national carrier said.

The airline revealed on Saturday that one of the passengers hadn't been accounted for, although a search of the airliner's interior by U.S. Navy divers had confirmed he was not inside.

An Air Niugini spokeswoman did not immediately respond on Monday to a request for an update on the search for the passenger and for further details about him, including his nationality.

Air Niugini chairman Kosta Constaninou said witnesses reported seeing the passenger board a dinghy as U.S. divers and locals rescued the passengers and crew from the sinking plane.

What caused the crash and the exact sequence of events remains unclear. The airline and the U.S. Navy both said the plane landed in the lagoon short of the runway. Some witnesses thought the plane overshot the runway.

A Papua New Guinea accident investigation team flew to Micronesia on Friday, the Post Courier newspaper reported.
Orri Pall Dyrason, the drummer for Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Ros, has been accused of sexual assault. Instagram user @yinshadowz, aka artist Meagan Boyd, detailed an account of an assault at the hands of Dyrason in a post. She claimed that Dyrason assaulted her while she slept after the pair spent a night out together in 2013.

Boyd claims that she did not share the story during the peak of the #MeToo movement because it gave her extreme anxiety. Following Dr. Christine Blasey Fords testimony about her alleged assault at the hands of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, Boyd said she felt compelled to share her story.

Boyd also shared screenshots of an email ostensibly sent by Dyrason, in which he denies the accusation, writing that he cannot understand why you would want to publicly accuse me of something I did not do. He claims that Boyd offered to drive him home from the club, and that they had a nice night of drinking and drawing at his flat. Paste was not able to verify that Dyrason engaged in the exchange posted to Instagram.

Read Boyds full account via the text of her initial Instagram post below. Paste has reached out to Boyd and representatives for Sigur Ros for more informationwatch this space for further updates.

In January of 2013 I was sexually assaulted by a member of the band @sigurros when they were in Los Angeles recording an album that was set to come out later that same year. My assailants name is Orri Pall Dyrason. I never reported it. I never expressed my pain publicly. I harbored this ache now for almost 6 years for many reasons. I felt no one would believe me, I felt I had been irresponsible for trusting him just because he was in a band I loved and I respected him as an artist. I was drunk, and I had met him at a club (I had a brief period in which I was a dancer at a club called the body shop), I also engaged in a kiss with him before falling asleep in the same bed, after that I completely knocked out. I woke up with the feeling of being penetrated without my consent during a deep slumber.. it happened twice that night, and I wondered myself why I didnt leave after the first time- but I was drunk, dead tired, in shock, and this was right before I ever heard of anything like Uber/lyft  but none of that should matter because no one deserves to be raped/touched/licked/fucked without CONSENT. (((My heart is racing and Im shaking just typing this.))) I wasnt ready to go public in the midst of the hype of the #metoo movement because just speaking about it gives me intense anxiety and I was about to give birth to my first child. In the wake of the news of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford calling out Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, I was triggered to speak out myself. Ironically, hes now engaged to feminist activist who is also the founder of the Icelandic Slut walk. #endrapeculture

Update #1: After her second Instagram post was taken down, Boyd shared a new post explaining its disappearance from her account.

I made a post following up with some information about my abuser/rapist getting in touch with me, gaslighting, and trying to silence me as well as denying what he did to me in 2013 in which he raped me 2 times over the course of a night spent with him during his stay in Los Angeles recording an album. I posted screen shots of his correspondence with me via email and they were flagged by someone and removed by @instagram for not following community standards. I did not remove them myself. I understand if they may have violated Instagrams standards of privacy so I will not repost on here but they have been sent to a major broadcasting network in Iceland. I will not back down or be silenced or gaslighted. I know what happened and I will not forget. This has not been easy for me or my family but it is my duty to expose him as a sexual predator who should not be in a womans safe place. Today is the first time I truly wanted to cry as Ive pushed down and repressed my trauma for years. This is not over. This is only the beginning. His name is Orri Pall Dyrason and he is in a band called @sigurros Im looking to speak with a lawyer as well- this story is beginning to build momentum and hype and some legal advice would be appreciated.

Update #2: Orri Pall Dyrason has resigned from Sigur Ros in light of the allegations against him.

Update #3: Boyds Instagram account has since been set to privatewe have replaced her previously embedded Instagram posts with the text from their captions.
(*This piece has been updated)

Good Monday Morning, Fellow Seekers.

The state Senate could vote as soon as this week on legislation allowing cameras to be placed in active work zones on Pennsylvania's interstate highways and the Pennsylvania Turnpike to catch speeders.

But even as the Keystone State moves to embrace work-zone cameras, some states are pumping the brakes on other eyes in the sky, finding that, at least on the local level, cities and municipalities are using the cameras less as life-savers and more as revenue raisers.

(Stateline.org image)

In Ohio, for instance, a new law restricts cities' abilities to install cameras at red lights, Stateline.org reports.

The Buckeye State's Supreme Court overturned the law, finding it conflicted with cities' authority to regulate traffic enforcement.

Even so, the city of Columbus "gave up on the cameras, refusing to re-install them because its residents were outraged," Stateline reported.

The Pennsylvania proposal would punish first-time work zone offenders with a written warning.

A second offense would carry a $75 fine, while third and subsequent violations would be punished with a $150 fine. Offenders would not have points put on their licenses.

According to a published report, the legislation could put more than $33 million a year into the state's coffers, with the take split between the Pennsylvania State Police, PennDOT, Turnpike Commission, and the state's Motor License Fund.

As The Reading Eagle reports, the work zone cameras would not be placed on state or local roads, such as Route 322 through Hershey. And the cameras would not be used for speed enforcement in other settings, the newspaper reported. The legislation has the support of Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf.

After reaching a high of 2,075, work zone crashes* decreased to 1,789 in 2017, the Eagle reported, citing Pennsylvania Department of Transportation data. The agency attributed that decline to safety measures it had implemented over the last five years, the newspaper reported.

As you can see from the map above-left, Pennsylvania is among the states that uses red light cameras. As Stateline.org reports, after enjoying something of a vogue, they're now in decline.

From Stateline: "Nationwide, 418 communities had red-light cameras and 146 communities had speed cameras as of September, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an industry group that supports cameras. That's down from a high of about 540 communities with red-light cameras in 2012. Speed cameras have remained steady, the institute said."

Buried within the bill is language singling out Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia for a special enforcement effort.

You have to know what you're looking for to find it.

Regardez:



Thomas McCarey, a consumer advocate in suburban Philadelphia, told the trade publication LandLineMag.com that the Philadelphia language, which would have to be approved by City Council, is a "scam" designed to empty drivers' wallets and not to improve safety.

The rest of the day's news starts now.

WHHY-FM takes a look at the latest whack at redistricting reform in the General Assembly.

The rivalry between Sheetz and WaWa now extends to the governor's race, The Inquirer reports.

The Wolf and Wagner campaigns have both opened offices in Philadelphia - in different parts of the city, BillyPenn notes.

The Incline has your complete guide to the mid-term debates. There aren't many.

Here's a very dramatic #Harrisburg Instagram of the Day:

The Morning Call has ongoing coverage of a deadly car explosion in Allentown that claimed three lives.

For a public official, USDOT Secretary Elaine Chao has a lot of private time, Politico reports after inspecting 14 months' worth of her schedule.

The White House reached a trade deal with Canada Sunday, but the fight on Capitol Hill over it will be a messy one, Roll Call reports.

What Goes On.

Gov. Tom Wolf and Republican Scott Wagner meet in Hershey this Monday night at 7 p.m. for their one, and only, "debate" of the 2018 campaign. The 45-minute session, put on by the Pennsylvania Chamber, will be moderated by "Jeopardy" host Alex Trebek. But we so wish it was this guy:

What Goes On (Nakedly Political Edition).

Sen. John Rafferty, R-Montgomery, holds an 11:30 a.m. luncheon at Rubicon on North Street. Admission runs $500 to $2,500. State Rep. Perry Warren, who we now know is an actual member of the General Assembly, holds a 5:30 p.m. reception at McGrath's on Locust Street. Admission runs $250 to $2,000.

Heavy Rotation.

Here's some new music from

Disclosure

to get your Monday morning rolling.

And now you're up to date.
Plans for a West Shore leg of Millworks have been solidified.

Owner Joshua Kesler said he will open a tasting room at the former Creative Elegance Boutique at 2129 Market St. It will serve beer made at the Millworks in Harrisburg as well as a limited menu and Pennsylvania wine and spirits.

Kesler said he expects to open the tasting room by summer 2019.

"Our family had lived in Camp Hill for almost ten years, so this feels like a homecoming for us,'' Kesler said in a press statement. "Camp Hill is a walking community like The Millworks' location in midtown Harrisburg, so this is a natural fit.''

Renovations call for expanding the porch and relocating a parking lot from the side to the rear of the buildling to create outdoor seating, Kesler said. In addition, he emphasized they plan to preserve the architectural distinctiveness of the building, which dates back to the 1830s.

RSR, Realtors handled the transaction.

Kesler opened the Millworks in Midtown in 2015, and along with the restaurant, the facility houses a gallery and about two dozen leased artist studios. He opened the brewery and 165-seat rooftop biergarten in 2016.

Brewer Jeffrey Musselman heads Millworks' beer production and recently collaborated with 150-year-old Bamberg-based Keesmann Brewery to give Harrisburg beer lovers two authentic German brews made in the old-country style.
The indigenous people of America are getting a celebration of their own over Columbus Day weekend.

The Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia is teaming up with the Oneida Indian Nation for a four-day Indigenous Peoples Celebration starting on Oct. 4. The event includes dancing performances, craft demonstrations and educational panels.

It all kicks off with a discussion titled "Honoring and Remembering: Can We Memorialize Historical Figures Without Glorifying Atrocities?" with panelists from the National Museum of the American Indian, Oneida Indian Nation, ROZ Group and Harvard Teacher Fellows Program. Admission to the discussion are $20 and $10 for students and includes access to the the museum's exhibits.

For those interested in historical clothing reproduction and crafting lifelike figures, there will be a behind-the-scenes look at how the figures in the museum's Oneida Nation Theater were created. That'll happen at 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 6.

There will also be performances of traditional Haudenosaunee dances by the Oneida Indian Nation at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Oct. 8. The dancers will be wearing authentic cultural dress and will be performing at the Museum's outdoor plaza. The dance performances are free.

Throughout the entire celebration, there will be screenings of the Kevin Costner-narrated film "People of the Standing Stone," which shows the history of the Oneida Nation during the Revolutionary War. The screenings will happen at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 4-6.

The Museum of the American Revolution is located at 101 S. 3rd St. in Philadelphia. Regular admission is $19 for adults, $17 for seniors, students and military and $12 for children (ages 6-17). For more information call 215-253-6731 or visit amrevmuseum.org.

Want more stories about Philly? Click here for all our coverage of the City of Brotherly Love.
The United States entered the Korean War in July 1950 on behalf of South Korea.

Around 5 million people lost their lives in the conflict between North Korea - backed by China and the Soviet Union - and South Korea.

From history.com, "On June 25, 1950, the Korean War began when some 75,000 soldiers from the North Korean People's Army poured across the 38th parallel, the boundary between the Soviet-backed Democratic People's Republic of Korea to the north and the pro-Western Republic of Korea to the south.

This invasion was the first military action of the Cold War. By July, American troops had entered the war on South Korea's behalf. As far as American officials were concerned, it was a war against the forces of international communism itself. After some early back-and-forth across the 38th parallel, the fighting stalled and casualties mounted with nothing to show for them. Meanwhile, American officials worked anxiously to fashion some sort of armistice with the North Koreans.

The alternative, they feared, would be a wider war with Russia and China-or even, as some warned, World War III. Finally, in July 1953, the Korean War came to an end. In all, some 5 million soldiers and civilians lost their lives during the war. The Korean peninsula is still divided."
Three men are confirmed dead in a car explosion Saturday evening in Allentown, which might have included the perpetrator, authorities said Sunday afternoon.

Allentown police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI agents, the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office, the Lehigh County Homicide Task Force, the Lehigh County Coroner's Office and Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate the blast.

A news conference was held at 4 p.m. Sunday at Seventh and Linden streets with authorities providing little information about what led to the blast shortly after 9:30 p.m. in the 700 block of West Turner Street.

More information is expected to be made available during a second news conference yet to be scheduled for Monday morning in Allentown.

Lehigh County Coroner Scott Grim said authorities are awaiting next of kin before releasing the identities of the deceased. An autopsy is planned Monday to determine the exact cause and manner of death for each, Grim said.

Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin said there's a high degree of confidence that "A. This is an isolated incident and B. There's no continuing threat as a result of it."

Allentown police said a portion of the roadway between Sixth to Ninth streets and Chew to Linden streets will remain closed as a result of the investigation. Martin asked for neighbors to continue to be patient as authorities continue to investigate.

"It's going to be inconvenient for the people who live in that area, surrounding that area, until the ATF and everybody is able to collect the evidence and lead us to hopefully concluding this ... we're asking for the public's cooperation."

Police Chief Tony Alsleben said additional victims and witnesses continue to be interviewed. There was high police activity Sunday afternoon in the vicinity of North Lumber and Chew streets -- just blocks away from the scene of the explosion.

Authorities did not release information if the activity at that scene was related to the explosion. Authorities also declined to provide information about any possible suspects, however Martin did say, "We know it's a criminal incident."

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Police are looking for men who posed as Uber drivers before sexually assaulting passengers in two incidents over the weekend.

Both incidents occurred where passengers were picked up in downtown State College, then transported to highland areas where the passengers were assaulted, State College police said.

The assailants had a large build, police said, but no detailed description was available.

The photo is a vehicle used in one assault, which happened around 1:30 a.m. Sept. 30 in the 200 block of South Allen Street.

Anyone with information is asked to call State College Police at 814-234-7150, by email or by submitting an anonymous tip through their website.
We now know who was killed when a car exploded in the middle of Allentown. Yet to be answered: Why?

The three victims of the blast that shocked the Lehigh Valley's largest city Saturday night were a father and his toddler son, along with another adult friend, authorities confirmed in a news conference Monday as the investigation continued for its second full day.

The explosion happened 9:30 p.m. Saturday in the 700 block of West Turner Street -- a block from the PPL Center.

After the deadly car explosion in Allentown, police are discussing the investigation into what happened and what will happen next. Posted by lehighvalleylive.com on Monday, October 1, 2018

Lehigh County Coroner Scott Grim publicly identified the victims for the first time as 66-year-old David Hallman, 26-year-old Jacob Schmoyer and 2-year-old Jonathan Schmoyer, all of Allentown. The two adults were said to be friends.

Authorities were able to confirm no other bystanders were hurt but could not immediately say the reason for the meeting Saturday night.

Also unclear is the explosion's cause: It "could be anything from an accident to an explosive device," said Dan Robinson, special agent in charge with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. A definitive ruling will depend on analysis of material sent to a lab in Maryland, he said.

Investigators are hopeful local police and federal agents can clear the scene sometime Tuesday and let residents, some of whom have been sheltered by the local Red Cross, get their lives back to normal.

What you can do:

Investigators have asked anyone with information about Saturday's explosion to call the Allentown Police Detective Bureau at 610-437-7721 or 1-888-ATF-BOMB.

Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteveNovakLVL and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Brightly colored body bags were placed side-by-side in a freshly dug mass grave Monday, as a hard-hit Indonesian city began burying its dead from the devastating earthquake and tsunami that killed more than 840 people and left thousands homeless.

The death toll, largely from the city of Palu, is expected to keep rising as areas cut off by the damage are reached. The magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck at dusk Friday and generated a tsunami said to have been as high as six metres in places.

Local army commander Tiopan Aritonang said 545 bodies would be brought to the grave from one hospital alone. The trench dug in Palu was 10 metres by 100 metres and can be enlarged if needed, said Willem Rampangilei, chief of Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency.

"This must be done as soon as possible for health and religious reasons," he said. Indonesia is majority Muslim, and religious custom calls for burials soon after death, typically within one day.

Local military spokesman Mohammad Thorir said the area adjacent to a public cemetery can hold 1,000 bodies. All of the victims, coming from local hospitals, have been photographed to help families locate where their relatives were buried. Video footage showed residents walking from body bag to body bag, opening the tops to check if they could identify faces.

Around midday, teams of workers, their mouths covered by masks, carried 18 bodies and laid them in the trench. A backhoe waited to push soil on top of the dead. More burials were expected to follow.

Military and commercial aircraft were delivering some aid and supplies. But there was a need for heavy equipment to reach possible survivors buried in collapsed buildings, including an eight-story hotel in Palu where voices had been heard in the rubble.

People suffering from a lack of food and supplies were also becoming more desperate. Local television said around 3,000 residents had flocked to the Palu airport trying to get out. Footage showed some people screaming in anger because they were not able to board departing military aircraft. The airport has resumed only some commercial flights.

"We have not eaten for three days!" one woman yelled. "We just want to be safe!"

Conditions in the Balaroa section of Palu were particularly bad because the earthquake caused the ground to violently heave up and sink down in places, trapping many people under destroyed houses. In Petobo, another area of the city, the temblor caused loose, wet soil to liquefy.

It's estimated there are still hundreds of victims buried in the mud.
A central Pennsylvania car dealer has been accused of rolling back the odometer of a pickup truck he sold by nearly 300,000 miles.

State police said Monday that they began investigating after a customer complained about his $10,000 purchase of a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado from Village Auto in Mahanoy City, Schuylkill County.

According to Trooper Alyssa Becker, the vehicle's odometer registered around 61,000 miles. In fact, the truck had logged 344,174 miles, Becker said.

She said the owner of the dealership, 58-year-old George D. Mammarella, was charged with theft by deception, deceptive business practices, tampering with records and engaging in unprofessional conduct.
What the video showed was a state police helicopter, dropping in above a tailgate party.

The chopper blew around tents, grills, debris and even revelers as it hovered above the festivities outside of Beaver Stadium Saturday.

What it doesn't show, the Pennsylvania State Police say, is tailgaters getting out of hand, assaulting police horses and injuring a trooper prior to the Aviation Unit being called in.

At least one person has been arrested and a state trooper suffered a broken wrist during the Saturday incident in State College before Penn State's Whiteout game against rival Ohio State, said Cpl. Adam Reed, spokesman for the Pennsylvania State Police.

Numerous videos posted on YouTube and social media show the state police helicopter flying in low on the incident.

This should blow over well.



State Police flew a helicopter very low over tailgates sending tents, grills and other debris flying pic.twitter.com/NoweMUkJZF  Barstool Penn State (@PSUBarstool) September 30, 2018

Reed said today the large-scale party, with more than 500 people, was getting out of hand, creating a risk to other people and property. The state police, along with their Tactical Mounted Unit, went in to get the situation under control.

"First, the tailgaters ignored commands to disperse from law enforcement on the ground," he said. "The crowd began to turn unruly and two PSP horses were assaulted and a trooper was injured."

The ground units were pulled back in an effort to deescalate the situation, Reed said, and the aviation unit was called in.

Crews on the helicopter issued commands over a loudspeaker, ordering the crowd disperse. The intent was not to cause the disruption on the ground seen in the videos, though, Reed said. The helicopter only got that low to ensure people on the ground heard the commands, he added.

"When personnel on the scene noticed the helicopter was low enough to disturb items on the ground, the helicopter pulled up to a higher altitude," he said.

The crowd dispersed shortly afterwards.

The Tactical Mounted Unit and Aviation Section are routinely called in to assist in events with large crowds, he said.

The two horses were not injured in the incident.
Pennsylvania will be the first state in the nation with state-wide deployment of a threat reporting system devised by people whose children were killed by a shooter at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, officials announced Monday.

The program, called "Safe2Say," is expected to be up and running by early January. It will involve a mobile app, website and hotline which can be used to make anonymous reports of students and others showing signs they have the potential to carry out school violence.

Safe2Say was devised by Sandy Hook Promise, a non-profit formed following the 2012 shooting to search for ways to prevent such violence.

Nichole Hockley, who founded the organization and whose six-year-old son Dylan died in the shooting, attended an event in Dauphin County on Monday to announce a partnership with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, which will run the hotline program.

She said the goal of the program is "to help someone before they make the tragic choice" to carry out an act of violence.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro said tips to the hotline will go to specially-trained agents in his office who will analyze them and, when warranted, refer them to both school and police officials in the community where they arose. The local officials will then be responsible for following through with steps to avert an act of violence, using tactics such as extending counseling or mental health care to the potentially violent person.

Hockley's organization, meanwhile, will provide the mobile app and work with Sharpiro's office "to train students and teachers across Pennsylvania on signs to look for from potentially trouble individuals, and how to responsibly report them."

Shapiro said a goal is for young people to regard it as "cool" to report someone who may pose a threat of violence."

He and others stressed that, in case of someone who is directly threatening to hurt others or themselves, the situation should be reported with an immediate 911 call, rather than a report to the new hotline. They said the hotline should be used for situations such as when someone is engaging in bullying, talking about violence, or showing signs of being depressed or otherwise needing help.

According to Shapiro, someone making a tip won't have to give their name and there is no baseline level of detail they must be willing to provide. However, for the agents receiving the tips, "the key is to get as much information as we can," he said.

The hotline is part of an array of legislation and measures that have arisen in Pennsylvania following the school shooting in Parkland, Fla. in February.

A series of information collecting hearings held as part of the effort found many school officials believe school staff is well-aware of the students who seem troubled and who might turn violent. However, they cited a major lack of resources such as counselors and mental health services needed to effectively intervene.

Asked about that on Monday, Shapiro said the Safe2Say program will "force [school and law enforcement officials] to work together" in a way that will head off violence.
When state police pulled Melissa Lee Rothermel over and arrested her on a warrant in February 2015, the Millersburg woman insisted, emphatically, that they had the wrong person.

As her 10-year-old daughter watched, the cops handcuffed Rothermel and hauled her off to Dauphin County Prison anyway.

At the jail, Rothermel repeated her insistence that her arrest was an error. Still, she spent 48 hours behind bars.

Only then, it appears, did authorities realize they had, in fact, arrested the wrong woman.

Due to numerous screw-ups in records, the cops hauled in Melissa Lee Rothermel when the subject of the warrant was a convicted thief named Melissa Ann Rotharmel.

Melissa Lee Rothermel filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Dauphin County and several police officers in 2016. On Friday, U.S. Middle District Chief Judge Christopher C. Conner issued an order that keeps her false arrest case alive.

Although he dismissed one state trooper and a county probation officer as defendants in the complaint, Conner refused to free two other troopers, the state police, county Clerk of Courts Dale Klein and Dauphin County from the suit.

As Conner noted, Rothermel was pulled over by a trooper on Interstate 81 as she was returning home from a shopping trip with her daughter.

The trooper who stopped her told her there was an outstanding warrant for her arrest on a charge of theft of telecom services. Rothermel told the cop he must be mistaken since she's never been arrested for any crime.

The warrant in question actually pertained to Melissa Ann Rotharmel, who in 2009 was accused of illegally charging $128 worth of internet services to someone else. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to probation.

The original criminal complaint against Melissa Ann Rotharmel "was rife with errors," Conner noted. Her first and last names were spelled incorrectly, she was listed as a man, her date of birth was three years off, her driver's license number was wrong, as was her Social Security number, the judge observed.

The errors supposedly were corrected in a later filings in the case and are accurate in her records in the county probation office, he noted. The warrant that resulted in Melissa Lee Rothermel's undue arrest was issued when Melissa Ann Rotharmel failed to appear in county court for a probation revocation hearing.

Melissa Lee Rothermel claims that, because county officials didn't have proper accuracy checks in place, incorrect information regarding Melissa Ann Rotharmel was printed onto that warrant.

She claims state police should have noticed various discrepancies between her information and the data the warrant contained and questioned whether she actually was the person being sought.

County prison employees also refused her demands that they fingerprint her during the intake procedure to confirm her true identity, Melissa Lee Rothermel contends in the suit.

"Her husband eventually marshaled the assistance of a then-state senator whose office contacted the state police and Dauphin County to inquire about the matter," Conner wrote. "After more than 48 hours in prison, M.L. Rothermel was released without explanation."

The anxiety of the incident still plagues her, Melissa Lee Rothermel insists in her suit.

In his latest ruling on the case, Conner rejected claims by the arresting troopers that Rothermel waited too long to name them as defendants in the suit. He denied a plea by the state police to dismiss her contention that its troopers weren't adequately trained to avert snafus involving inaccurate warrants.

The judge also refused to grant Klein immunity against Rothermel's contention that Klein should have had procedures in place to ensure arrest warrants are error-free. He found, too, that Rothermel has made a "plausible" claim that Dauphin County's process for verifying the identities of those brought to the prison was faulty.
[*This piece has been updated with additional comment from the Wagner campaign]

In a sharply worded video posted to his Facebook account, Republican governor candidate Scott Wagner called for the confirmation of U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett M. Kavanaugh and called accusations of sexual assault lodged against him "scorched earth tactics" employed for political gain.

In a one-minute video posted Friday in response to a query by the political arm of Planned Parenthood, Wagner calls for a "return to manners; a return to respect, and a return to the politics of decency." He appears to be reading from prepared remarks.

The video is clearly sympathetic to Kavanaugh, with Wagner saying he was " shocked and disgusted" by the way the federal appellate judge "and his and his family have been treated," since Dr. Christine Blasey Ford stepped forward last month with a three-decade-old allegation of sexual assault.

He adds that "It has become crystal clear to all Americans that there are those whose only wish is the destruction of a duly elected president."

Here's the clip:

Statement on Senate Hearings and Confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh My statement on Judge Kavanaugh Posted by Scott Wagner on Friday, September 28, 2018

The video does not mention Blasey Ford by name. She, like Kavanaugh, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday in a hearing that riveted the nation.

But Wagner did allow that the nation "also witnessed the agony of a woman, clearly troubled by her experience."

But, he added, "We cannot allow legitimate women's issues to be weaponized by the politically immoral. We cannot, any longer, tolerate scorched earth tactics for political gain."

Wagner concluded: "Enough is enough. It is time to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court where he belongs. Please join me in supporting a return to manners; a return to respect, and a return to the politics of decency. Thank you, and God bless you."

The video has received 15,000 views since it was posted on Friday and had been shared more than 400 times by Monday morning.

In a Tweet posted to his official Twitter account on Friday in response to Planned Parenthood's request for comment, Wolf said "Ford's testimony was credible. We should not confirm Judge Kavanaugh to a lifetime appointment until the FBI can investigate."

Wolf also said he stood with Republican governors in Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Vermont "in calling on Senate Republicans to delay the vote."

Dr. Christine Fords testimony was credible. We should not confirm Judge Kavanaugh to a lifetime appointment until the FBI can investigate. I join my Republican colleagues @MassGovernor, @JohnKasich, @GovLarryHogan @GovPhilScott in calling on Senate Republicans to delay the vote.  Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) September 28, 2018

*In a statement, Wagner's spokesman, Andrew Romeo, said the Republican nominee "believes that Dr. Ford clearly experienced something terrible and he admires her courage for coming forward."

But, Wagner "feels there is no evidence to show Judge Kavanaugh was the perpetrator of the crime that occurred. Scott would have voted to confirm Judge Kavanaugh on Friday morning without an FBI investigation. But he feels the investigation will only further illustrate that there is no reason for Judge Kavanaugh not to be on the Supreme Court," Romeo added.
By Shira Goodman and Julie Bancroft

Pennsylvania is poised to take a critical step in protecting victims of abuse from their abusers. This is a moment we cannot let pass.

The House of Representatives has done its part by passing an important bill to disarm domestic abusers.

We now hope the Senate will once again stand up for safety, for victims, for survivors and families, and pass the proposal, HB2060, sponsored by Rep. Marguerite Quinn, R-Bucks.

The combination of firearms and domestic violence is deadly. Firearms have been the top method of killing in intimate partner homicides in Pennsylvania for the last decade. In 2017, we saw the highest number of firearms deaths in a decade.

But, our existing law has critical gaps that enable many abusers to keep their guns, despite being subject to a protection order. Currently under Pennsylvania law, when a final protection from abuse order is issued, the judge has discretion whether to order surrender of firearms.

This is a major gap in the law, because those subject to active final protection from abuse orders are prohibited purchasers under federal and state law and cannot purchase new firearms.

But under Pennsylvania law, they may be able to keep the ones they already have. Quinn's bill was intended to close this gap.

In addition, under current law, when surrender is ordered, the abuser has 60 days to surrender the firearms and may surrender them to friends and family.

This 60-day window, and the ability to surrender to someone who may more easily be persuaded to provide access, leaves family members, the abuser and the public in danger. HB 2060 was intended to fix this as well.

Under 2060, in all cases where the judge issues a final protection order, surrender will be mandatory. Where a judge is signing off on a consent order agreed to by the parties, the judge retains discretion whether to order surrender.

And, where surrender is ordered (in either type of case), surrender must occur within 24 hours and only to law enforcement, a licensed federal dealer, a commercial armory, or a lawyer.

These are significant changes that will protect victims and survivors and ensure that we disarm abusers -- people that virtually everyone agrees should not have access to guns.

Domestic violence is a real problem, and it does not discriminate by race, age, geography, religion or economic circumstances.

And when you introduce a gun into a domestic violence situation, the risk of death increases by 500 percent.

Protection from abuse orders are not handed out like candy in the courthouse -- there is a procedure, with due process protections for the accused abuser. We also know that abusers often isolate their victims, making it very difficult to do the work needed to even apply for a protection from abuse order.

So, once it's gotten to the point that an individual has filed a petition for a protection from abuse order, and a judge has found them credible after hearing both sides, we should believe there is a real danger.

Fortunately, the state House passed Quinn's legislation by a vote of 131-62.

Those 62 members who voted no should be ready to explain to their constituents why they chose to protect domestic abusers and turned their backs on Pennsylvania families.

Of course, there is no acceptable explanation.

The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence believes Quinn's bill will save lives. We should all believe them.

We hope our 50 Senators will as well and will pass Quinn's bill swiftly. We can't afford to wait anymore. It's time to recognize the facts: domestic abuse is real; guns turn these situations deadly.

Shira Goodman is executive of CeaseFirePa, a gun-control advocacy group in Philadelphia. Julie Bancroft is chief public affairs office of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence in Harrisburg.
Penn Waste's recognizable logo has played a prominent role in this year's gubernatorial campaign.

It was there on the waste hauling company's trucks sat in the background as the company's owner, Republican Scott Wagner, announced he was running for governor.

It shows up in several of his political commercials and he got running mate Jeff Bartos to join him in wearing a safety vest with the Penn Waste logo on it in a campaign video.

And undoubtedly on Monday, the logo will be visible somewhere at the 34th annual Chamber Dinner since Penn Waste is a high-paying gold sponsor.

As part of this pricey affair, Jeopardy! game show host Alex Trebek moderating the one and only gubernatorial debate between Wagner and Democratic incumbent Gov. Tom Wolf in the campaign.

READ MORE: "Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek to test moderating skills at Pa. gubernatorial debate

Wagner's campaign spokesman Andrew Romeo said Wagner doesn't see his company's sponsor of the event as a concern or inappropriate. The Wolf campaign declined to comment about the matter.

Gene Barr, president and CEO, also doesn't see it as problematic for several reasons.

"Penn Waste is a member of our organization. We certainly wouldn't say you couldn't participate. Penn Waste was a member of this organization before Scott Wagner announced he was running for governor," Barr said.

If Wolf's former cabinet and building materials supply company, the Wolf Organization, wanted to be a sponsor, Barr said it would be permitted as well.

"It has no impact on the questions that get asked. Sponsors don't get to see the questions. Sponsors don't get to have veto power over them," Barr said.

Beyond that, he said this isn't the first year Penn Waste has sponsored this chamber event. So just because the company's owner is the Republican candidate, "we certainly don't want to say you can't do it this year."

But an adviser to the Democratic-leaning advocacy group Pennsylvania Spotlight finds it concerning.

"This is yet another example in the long laundry list of Wagner explicitly and inappropriately using his political campaign to benefit his own personal bottom line and misusing his business funds to boost his political career," said adviser Joshua Henne.

G. Terry Madonna, a political scientist at Franklin & Marshall College, however, sides with Barr. He expects Trebek who Barr said is developing the questions to be asked will be sensitive to potential conflicts.

As for Penn Waste's logo being highly visible in the Wagner campaign, he said that's inevitable when a candidate is running for a major office and owns a big enterprise. He also said he hasn't seen it be much of a difference-maker in the race given Wolf's double- digit lead in every independent poll done so far.

"The fact that Penn Waste is just ubiquitous in terms of what the company does and the clients they have, it's just one of those things that occurs," Madonna said.
'Up North in Michigan' reminds readers to get out and explore
Photo: The Canadian Press

Iran's Revolutionary Guard launched six ballistic missiles as well as drone bombers early Monday toward eastern Syria, targeting militants it blamed for an attack on a military parade last month while also threatening regional adversaries as Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers unravels.

The missiles had enough range to strike regional U.S. military bases and targets inside both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Iran's supreme leader has called out the two Arab nations by name, accusing them of being behind the Sept. 22 attack on the parade in the Iranian city of Ahvaz, something denied by both Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.

Monday's strike was the second missile attack by Iran in a month's time, and came as tensions rise ahead of renewed U.S. sanctions targeting Tehran's oil industry that will take effect in early November.

"This is the roaring of missiles belonging to the Revolutionary Guard of the Islamic Revolution," a state TV reporter said as the missiles launched behind him. "In a few minutes, the world of arrogance  especially America, the (Israeli) Zionist regime and the Al Saud  will hear the sound of Iran's repeated blows." Al Saud is a reference to Saudi Arabia's royal family.

Iranian state TV and the state-run IRNA news agency said the missiles "killed and wounded" militants in Syria, without elaborating. The missiles, launched from western Iran, flew over Iraq and landed near the city of Boukamal in the far southeast of Syria, they reported.

"Terrorists used bullets in Ahvaz," Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, chief of the Guard's aerospace division, told the semi-official Tasnim news agency. "We answered them with missiles."

The Guard, a paramilitary group that answers directly to the supreme leader, said it followed the missiles with bombing runs by seven remotely piloted drones, a first for Iran. State TV aired footage of a drone dropping what appeared to be an unguided munition.

Boukamal is held by Syrian government forces, but IS still maintains a presence in the area, despite being driven from virtually all the territory it once held in Syria and Iraq.

Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told The Associated Press that the Iranian missiles hit the IS-held town of Hajin, just north of Boukamal.

Strong explosions shook the area early Monday, reverberating east of the Euphrates River, he said. U.S.-allied Kurdish fighters have been battling IS in and around Hajin for weeks.

The U.S. military's Central Command acknowledged that Iranian forces conducted "no-notice strikes" in the area.

"The coalition is still assessing if any damage occurred, and no coalition forces were in danger," U.S. Army Col. Sean Ryan said.

IS militants did not immediately acknowledge the attack.

The missile launch further adds to confusion over who carried out the assault on a military parade, which killed at least 24 people and wounded over 60.
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Julie Swetnick and her lawyer are getting frustrated and very, very impatient.

Swetnick is the third Kavanaugh accuser, who said she was gang raped by the Supreme Court nominee and his friends when in high school. She is represented by Michael Avenatti, who has become one of the most famous lawyers in America.

Avenatti has won over a billion dollars of judgments in lawsuits for his clients, who are typically considered the underdog or the little guy. He has delighted in being a thorn in Donald Trumps side by representing Stormy Daniels, and he predicted months before it happened that Trumps lawyer, Michael Cohen, would be found guilty of multiple crimes and go to jail.

Because of his prominence (and the fact hes on TV almost every day) Avenatti is contacted (according to him) by literally thousand of people seeking legal representation. He and his associates have to go through and research which ones are credible, and he did that with Julie Swetnick. He has said many times that not only is she telling the truth but that they have lined up OTHER witnesses who will testify under oath about the Kavanaugh gang rapes.

Over the past week Avenattis frustration level has grown every day, as evidenced by his string of tweets. He has contacted the Judiciary Committee, asking that his client be allowed to tell her story. He has contacted the FBI, asking that they investigate his clients claims against Kavanaugh.

He has also gone on television dozens of times, pleading to whoever will listen that his client needs to be heard. He says he wants the truth of her story to be told to the American public BEFORE Kavanaugh gets a seat on the Supreme Court.

Most people thought that Fridays announcement of a new FBI probe into Kavanaughs background would surely lead to Swetnick being given a chance to testify under oath. But that hasnt happened, and it may never happen, despite Donald Trumps assurances otherwise.

So this morning came the latest tweet from Avenatti, in which he lets the world know whats going on, and what he and his client intend to do next:

Be clear: 1. I CANNOT just walk my client into an FBI office. We tried that. They claim they dont have jurisdiction and they refuse to take a stmt. 2. While we may file a criminal complaint, that will have no bearing on any vote due to timing. We will proceed with other options.

Be clear: 1. I CANNOT just walk my client into an FBI office. We tried that. They claim they dont have jurisdiction and they refuse to take a stmt. 2. While we may file a criminal complaint, that will have no bearing on any vote due to timing. We will proceed with other options.  Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) October 1, 2018

As his tweet points out, Avenatti has tried to go directly to the FBI and he was rebuffed. He could file criminal charges, but that would have no bearing on a Senate vote on Kavanaughs confirmation this week. (Although it could lead to impeachment and possible criminal charges later.)

What is most intriguing is his last sentence, where he makes clear that he and Julie Swetnick have other options.

From the beginning weve been hoping that Swetnicks story would be told through the media, on national television. That way the story would be out there even if it has been swept under the carpet by the FBI and the Republicans.

And that is what it appears that Avenatti and his client will soon be doing. We dont know if this will stop Kavanaughs confirmation to the Supreme Court. We do know it will have political consequences for those senators who go on record as voting to confirm an accused rapist to the Supreme Court.

Julie Swetnick, Michael Avenatti, and most Americans are fed up with the stalling and the lying. We want the truth, and we want it now. And we are counting on Michael Avenatti to make sure we get it.
Photo: The Canadian Press Tesla CEO Elon Musk

It won't be an easy job.

Whoever becomes the new chairman of Tesla Motors will face the formidable task of reining in Elon Musk, the charismatic, visionary chief executive with an impulsive streak, while also helping Musk achieve his dream of turning Tesla into a profitable, mass-market producer of environmentally-friendly electric cars.

Musk is giving up the chairman's role under a settlement announced Saturday with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Besides a new chairman, Tesla was also ordered to appoint two new, independent members to its board. A more assertive board could provide the kind of tighter oversight that many legal experts, and Tesla investors, say is overdue for a company of Tesla's market value. Shares in the company surged 15 per cent in premarket trading.

The settlement stemmed from a lawsuit the SEC filed charging Musk with misleading investors in August with a tweet that said he had "funding secured" for taking the company private.

Yet a more forceful board, coupled with a domineering CEO like Musk, could create conflicts at a risky time for the company. Visionary CEOs such as Apple's Steve Jobs and Twitter's Jack Dorsey have been forced out by strong boards of directors, though both eventually returned to their companies.

Even with the settlement, Tesla faces a daunting array of challenges.

The Justice Department has opened its own investigation into Musk's Aug. 7 tweet, in which he said he would take the company private at $420 a share. The SEC's lawsuit charged that the tweet, which caused Tesla's shares to jump, was misleading because he did not actually have the funding lined up for such a move.

Tesla is also under heavy pressure to turn a profit because it is burning through $1 billion in cash every three months and, as of the end of June, had just $2.2 billion in the bank.

Musk has said the company needs to produce 7,000 cars a week to make money, a target he aimed to reach in the July-September quarter. The company is likely to report production numbers this week and financial results from that quarter in early November.

Another concern: About $1.3 billion in Tesla debt is due to be repaid by March, including $230 million in November.

Some investors might want more than a new chairman. Tesla has no chief operating officer, a critical No. 2 executive in most companies. That's a stark contrast to other startups, such as Facebook, where Mark Zuckerberg hired Sheryl Sandberg as a highly influential COO.

In the lawsuit filed Thursday by the SEC, the agency said it was seeking to remove Musk from Tesla management altogether. Many investors have argued that keeping Musk as CEO is critical at such a time.

"I do not doubt the value of Musk to Tesla," John Coffee, a Columbia University law professor and corporate governance expert, said. "Without him, they are just a struggling start up that is burning cash at a hopeless rate and is facing a debt refunding crisis in the near future.

"Musk is an iconic entrepreneur but he needs adult supervision," Coffee added.

That's where the new board members come in. The current board, which includes Musk's brother, Kimbal Musk, is widely seen as subservient to Musk. They have publicly expressed support for many recent moves, such as his rejection last week of an early SEC settlement offer.

"The board is truly the alpha chapter of the Elon Musk fan club," said Erik Gordon, a professor at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business.

Teresa Goody, a former SEC attorney and founder of The Goody Group, a consulting firm, said that many startups begin with a powerful CEO who typically puts "friendlies" on the board.
Democrats are very upset about the scope of the FBI investigation into Judge Brett Kavanaugh, saying that White House constraints are making it a farce. At the same time they are demanding more information about what exactly is going on.

Everyone agrees the FBI has a tough job. They must try to satisfy a lot of different parties who seem to be at war with each other.

The investigation from the beginning was limited to current credible allegations against the judge. But that term was not defined for them.

In doing their job the FBI is trying to please Donald Trump, White House Counsel Don McGahn, and Republicans in the Senate. But that is easy compared to trying to make the Democrats happy.

Here are some unanswered questions:

Is the FBI going to probe Kavanaughs behavior at Yale or just high school? Is the investigation going to probe all allegations by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, Deborah Ramirez and Julie Swetnick? Who decides what is credible? (Michael Avenatti has claimed that Trump and the Republicans are trying to tell the FBI in advance what is credible.) Will the FBI seek out additional witnesses based on interviews with Ramirez and others?

The investigations narrow scope has infuriated Democrats. They think he has lied during his testimony. They also think he should be subjected to a very wide-ranging examination of all of his drinking and possible sexual misconduct, as well as possible perjury charges.

Senator Mazie K. Hirono, a Hawaii Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, said on ABCs This Week on Sunday that if there are limits on who the F.B.I. can interview, and which leads they can follow, this would be a farce.

Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat who also on the Judiciary Committee, said the White House was micromanaging the process: You cant interview this person, you cant look at this time period, you can only look at these people from one side of the street from when they were growing up.

I mean, come on, she said on CNNs State of the Union.

Perhaps the greatest frustration for Democrats is that they have been kept in the dark about the parameters of the FBI probe. There have been conflicting statements from the White House, from Capitol Hill, and from the media. So nobody seems to really know what is going on.

As Democrats sound alarms that the White House is improperly limiting the F.B.I.s work, one key Congressman said that if the Democrats win control of the House in November, and if Judge Kavanaugh is confirmed, then they will fully investigate the claims against him.

If he is on the Supreme Court and the Senate hasnt investigated, the House will have to, said Rep. Jerrold Nadler of New York, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee.  We would have to investigate any credible allegations, certainly of perjury and other things that havent been properly looked into before.

It appears right now that Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell and other Republicans are still trying to quickly force through the Kavanaugh nomination. They didnt want full public hearings and they dont want a full FBI investigation either.

Because they are in power they may get their way. But their power may be fleeting. When Democrats take back control they will seek their revenge on the farce of the Kavanaugh nomination process. And when they do, Judge Kavanaugh may wish that he had never been nominated for the Supreme Court by Donald Trump.
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This weeks FBI investigation into Brett Kavanaugh is happening only because of Arizona Republican Senator Jeff Flake and the two heroic women who pushed him into calling for it.

Flake warned everyone up front that hes still planning to support Kavanaugh in the full Senate vote unless the FBI probe turns up something disqualifying.

Now hes defining the parameters of what would be disqualifying and that could be very bad news for Kavanaugh.

Flake went on the CBS show 60 Minutes Sunday night with his friend, Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware to discuss the Kavanaugh nomination.

During the interview, Flake was asked this question: If Judge Kavanaugh is shown to have lied to the Committee, nominations over?

And his answer was very simple, consisting of only two words: Oh yes.

NEW: Senators Jeff Flake and Chris Coons agree that if Brett Kavanaugh is shown to have lied to the Senate Judiciary Committee his nomination is over

NEW: Senators Jeff Flake and Chris Coons agree that if Brett Kavanaugh is shown to have lied to the Senate Judiciary Committee his nomination "is over" pic.twitter.com/ahVZaT1qhU  Matt Rogers  (@Politidope) October 1, 2018

Flake could have answered like a typical politician and not given a direct answer. He could have hedged his bets and been unclear about what he would do. But he didnt do that  he was very clear and very direct. He said that lying by Kavanaugh will disqualify him from the Supreme Court.

So the FBI doesnt have to prove that Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted anyone, which could be hard to do. All it has to do is show the Senate that Kavanaugh lied about something  anything  during his Senate testimony when he was under oath.

Many people, including Kavanaughs former classmates at Yale, are already coming to the media saying that he lied to the Senate about his drinking habits in his youth. There have been other documented lies told by Kavanaugh also.

All of this should make it very easy for the FBI to show that Kavanaugh perjured himself. The evidence for this should be in the FBI report that will be distributed after the investigation has concluded.

If Jeff Flake had said that he would only vote no if the FBI could convince him that Brett Kavanaugh was a serial rapist that would be difficult.

But Flake just went on national TV agreeing to the single condition that if Kavanaugh lied to him at all during committee hearings, hell vote no on the Kavanaugh the nomination.

As to whether or not the other swing votes (Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski) agree with him, that is unclear. Also unclear is the exact scope of the FBI probe, and what will happen once it is completed.

Now we have to wait and see if the FBI will do a real investigation, and if Flake will come through on his promise. The future of the Supreme Court  and possibly the entire country  hangs in the balance.
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Maria Gallagher may be the symbol of this years midterm elections.

It was Gallagher who confronted Arizona Senator Jeff Flake in an elevator last week and said to him:

Dont look away from me. Look at me and tell me that it doesnt matter what happened to me, that you will let people like that go into the highest court of the land and tell everyone what they can do to their bodies.

What Maria Gallagher said to Jeff Flake expressed the way millions of American women feel about what is going on in the U.S. Senate. To say they are unhappy would be an understatement. They are outraged, and they plan to take their anger to the polls on November 6th and turn Congress blue.

According to a Pew Research poll released last week, 76 percent of registered voters say appointments to the Supreme Court will be very important to their vote this fall and, as of this moment, is ranked as more important than health care or the economy.

There is no way the Kavanaugh hearings and nomination process are going to help Republicans. Right now some of them try to appear sincere, but it is all an act. Everybody knows they dont care about women. They dont care about the right to choose an abortion or about protection from (or justice for) sexual assault and harassment.

Some studies have shown that over 80 percent of women have reported being sexually harassed at some point in their lives. No matter what happens with this weeks FBI investigation, its not going to change how women feel. If more information about Kavanaugh comes out in the media, and if witnesses are not allowed to testify, it will inflame womens anger even more.

Democrats have termed the FBI probe a farce and it appears that they are correct. Republicans are just trying to put on a show to cover themselves politically. Trump and McConnell are trying to get Senator Flake and his Republican colleagues, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, to solidify votes in favor of Kavanaughs confirmation.

Collins and Murkowski may be wavering, since they have expressed their concerns about the allegations on several occasions. They are probably hoping the FBI probe will clear Kavanaughs name and let them vote for his confirmation without suffering any political consequences.

The same is probably true of Flake who said he wanted an FBI investigation only after being confronted by Maria Gallagher, saying:

We ought to do what we can to make sure we do all due diligence with a nomination this important. This country is being ripped apart here.

But the country right now feels that there really is no due diligence being done because the FBI investigation is being limited. Even if the FBI were to give Kavanaugh a clean bill of health for his nomination there will be political fallout for the GOP. No matter what happens this week it will be to the detriment of Republicans who already are down by 7 points to 8 points in the generic ballot for Congress. Kavanaugh could turn a Blue Wave into a Blue Tsunami.

By involving the FBI Republicans may have saved themselves from an immediate political disaster. But the disaster is still looming out there, and it will hit with full force on November 6th.
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Adam Parker has covered many beats and topics for The Post and Courier, including race and history, religion, and the arts. He is the author of "Outside Agitator: The Civil Rights Struggle of Cleveland Sellers Jr.," published by Hub City Press.
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Adcox returned to The Post and Courier in October 2017 after 12 years covering the Statehouse for The Associated Press. She previously covered education for The P&C. She has also worked for The AP in Albany, N.Y., and for The Herald in Rock Hill.
So many things about Florence seemed slow. At times it moved as fast as people walk, dumping 13 trillion gallons over the Carolinas and Virginia. Thats enough water to fill the North Charleston Coliseum nearly 200,000 times.

Lingering like an evil house guest, its impacts grew uglier by the day. Forty-eight people have died so far in the storm and its still-unfolding aftermath. That's more than the 43 felled by Hurricane Matthew in 2016.

And, massive volumes of water are still pulsing through the coastal plain, its murky flow loaded with millions of gallons of waste from hog farms and breached sewer plants. At least 11,000 South Carolinians have been displaced, a number likely to grow. Two weeks after Florence made landfall, its fetid floodwaters finally reached Georgetown.

Slow is bad when it comes to hurricanes. Lumbering tropical storms can unload rain measured in feet instead of inches, and Florence was Exhibit A.

But how does Florence stack up compared with other record-breaking storms?

As slugs of waste-fouled rivers drained last week, Kenneth Kunkel, a meteorologist with the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies in Asheville, gathered data from Florence and other storms since 1949.

We knew we had set a record in North Carolina for rainfall, but I think it helps people to know how rare an event like this is as they rebuild.

He analyzed each storms four-day rainfall pattern and calculated how much fell over a 14,000-square-mile area  about half the size of South Carolina. Looking at storms this way helped weed out smaller downpours. His jaw-dropping results:

Florence let loose an average of 17 inches in this core area, second only to Texas Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

Its really a top 10 event nationally, and thats saying something, he said.

For the history books

There are lots of ways to look at Florences punch.

Its 13 trillion gallons were enough to fill Lakes Moultrie and Marion 16 times.

Or, put all that water in the worlds biggest supertankers, and you would fill about 155,000 of them.

By any measure, Florence was a storm for the history books.

And, coming on the heels of Hurricane Harvey's 60-inch deluge last year, Florence fits squarely in what scientists say is a new chapter: an increase in sluggish storms  drenching tempests that change what we think are normal amounts of rain.

Earlier this year, researchers with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration published an analysis of how quickly storms move, and whether storm speeds had changed since 1949.

The slower speeds were even more pronounced in the North Atlantic  a drop of about 20 percent.

Thats important because slower storms dump more rain. A 10 percent slowdown can double the amount of rain that falls in a given area, the researchers found.

Stalling storms such as Florence and Harvey might turn out to be the norm moving forward, said Colin Zarzycki, a project scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado.

'Decades to come'

Florence's 13-trillion-gallon assault was impressive, with some rain gauges in North Carolina exceeding 35 inches.

But overall it was less than Irma's deluge in 2017 and Matthew's total in 2016  both about 18 trillion gallons, according to estimates by Ryan Maue, a private meteorologist.

Yet, those storms dumped their rain over wider areas: Irma hit an area from Florida to North Carolina, while Matthew's reach was even greater  from Florida to New York.

In contrast, Florence concentrated its punches on a relatively flat area straddling the North and South Carolina border.

With relatively gentle drops in elevation to the sea, floodwaters often came at a leisurely pace. Enormous volumes poured into neighborhoods, farms and streets. Reflections of homes and businesses were clear in these waveless pools of standing water, a deceptive soup of potentially dangerous bacteria and pollutants.

"Florence was a historical event indeed," said Kunkel, the Asheville meteorologist.

And, yet it had a strangely familiar feel.

In three of the past four years, parts of South Carolina had the kinds of rains normally seen once every 200 to 1,000 years, NOAA records show.

With the definition of "normal" in flux, government planners, insurers and homeowners may need to rethink how and where they build, said Norman Levine, a College of Charleston geology professor who studies development patterns across the region.

I dont know that planning for a 100-year-storm is suitable at this point anymore.

'It just took forever'

That reality is sinking in for many South Carolinians, especially those whove felt the slow-moving wrath of other storms in recent years.

For them, the impacts are as real as the new waterlines in their living rooms.

In 2016, David Hunter and his wife, Margaret, retired and moved from Raleigh to a home in Nichols along the banks of the Little Pee Dee River. They'd only been there a few months before Hurricane Matthews floods forced them out and into a rental.

Florences slow march was even more painful. "It just took forever for this thing to move off," Hunter said.

In Conway, Darren Smith had between 3 and 4 feet of water inside his restaurant, Bonfire. We cant go through this again  moving everything in and out  ugh, Smith said.

Such stories were common across Florences path and downstream of its deluges.

Florence probably wasnt as bad as Harvey was in Texas, because the raw population during Harvey was higher, said Zarzycki, the Colorado meteorologist.

But as far as rainfall and flooding are concerned, there are impacts from Florence in North and South Carolina that will shape those areas for a decade or more.

Thad Moore, Jennifer Berry Hawes and Andrew Brown contributed to this report.
Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations.
Editorials represent the institutional view of the newspaper. They are written and edited by the editorial staff, which operates separately from the news department. Editorial writers are not involved in newsroom operations.
Photo: The Canadian Press Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrives on Parliament Hill, Monday.

In the new dawn of North American free trade, the stock-taking of winners and losers has begun, but U.S. President Donald Trump is calling it a great deal for all three countries.

It was a magnanimous early morning Twitter appearance from an American president who was blasting Canada just days ago and threatening crippling auto tariffs if it did not settle.

"Late last night, our deadline, we reached a wonderful new Trade Deal with Canada, to be added into the deal already reached with Mexico. The new name will be The United States Mexico Canada Agreement, or USMCA," Trump tweeted.

So, officially, the long-familiar NAFTA is now known as the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement.

Trump said he had no intention of keeping the old name. The new agreement, he said, is "a great deal for all three countries" because it "solves the many deficiencies and mistakes in NAFTA, greatly opens markets to our farmers and manufacturers, reduces trade barriers to the U.S. and will bring all three great nations together in competition with the rest of the world. The USMCA is a historic transaction!"

Like all negotiations, there was horse trading, but for the Canada there were elements of the new pact that could be viewed as victories.

Canada, along with Mexico, took a "do no harm" approach to the talks, and there were early indications the Trudeau government succeeded in preserving the status quo in key areas, even though it faced criticism for giving the U.S. concessions on dairy.

The deal preserved the key dispute-resolution provisions  Chapter 19  which allow for independent panels to resolve disputes involving companies and governments, as well as Chapter 20, the government-to-government dispute-settlement mechanism.

Other contentious, so-called U.S. poison pills  which would have limited Canada and Mexico's ability to bid on lucrative U.S. procurement projects  are gone.

The United States "finally came to their senses" and created an environment conducive to reaching an agreement with Canada, said Jerry Dias, head of the major Canadian union Unifor.

"Things started to change when the United States understood that we weren't moving on the dispute mechanism, Canada's cultural exemption needed to be in place, we weren't going to bend on the auto industry," he said.

Canadian dairy farmers immediately panned the renegotiated deal, saying it will undercut the industry by limiting exports and opening up the market to more American products.

Dairy Farmers of Canada issued a terse statement saying the deal would grant an expanded 3.6-per-cent market access to the domestic dairy market and eliminate competitive dairy classes, which the group says will shrink the Canadian industry.

It said the measures will have "a dramatic impact not only for dairy farmers but for the whole sector."

"This has happened, despite assurances that our government would not sign a bad deal for Canadians," Pierre Lampron, the organization's president, said in the statement. "We fail to see how this deal can be good for the 220,000 Canadian families that depend on dairy for their livelihood."

Canada had previously offered the U.S. a 3.25-per-cent market share under the old Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, which Trump also derided  and pulled the U.S. from  after he took office in 2017.

Canada also agreed to get rid of its two-year-old Class 7 pricing agreement that has restricted U.S. exports of ultra-filtered milk used to make dairy products. Dairy Farmers objected to this, too, but the once-obscure dairy classification had become a lightning rod of discontent for Trump.

Trump said it was unfair and economically crippling to dairy farmers. U.S. administration officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Sunday night that this was a win for farmers in Wisconsin, New York and elsewhere.

Trudeau would only say it was a "good day for Canada" as he left a late-night cabinet meeting in Ottawa that capped several days of frenetic long-distance talks.

A side letter published along with the main text of the agreement exempts a percentage of eligible auto exports from tariffs. A similar agreement between Mexico and the U.S. preserves duty-free access to the U.S. market for vehicles that comply with the agreement's rules of origin.

Canada fought hard to retain Chapter 19, a holdover from NAFTA that U.S. trade ambassador Robert Lighthizer worked tooth-and-nail to eliminate.

"USMCA will give our workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses a high-standard trade agreement that will result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region," Lighthizer and Chrystia Freeland, Canada's foreign minister, said in a joint statement.

On the matter of Section 232 tariffs, Trump's trade weapon of choice, U.S. officials told a late-night conference call with reporters that the two sides had "reached an accommodation" on the issue.
Political Editor

Schuyler Kropf is The Post and Courier political editor. He has covered every major political race in South Carolina dating to 1988, including for U.S. Senate, governorship, the Statehouse and Republican and Democratic presidential primaries.
Political Reporter

Caitlin Byrd is a political reporter at The Post and Courier and author of the Palmetto Politics newsletter. Before moving to Charleston in 2016, her byline appeared in the Asheville Citizen-Times. To date, Byrd has won 17 awards for her work.
Its not that reading  that thing that I would do all day were it not for the necessity of going to an office and earning a living  knows a particular season. But were approaching the cozy time of year, when even the most outdoorsy among us might find themselves in an armchair with a cup of tea, gazing out at the rain before letting their eyes drift down to a printed page. (Or, OK, a Kindle.) I love the idea, on a gray afternoon, of thinking of readers all over town curled up quietly, lost in books.

Should you need a recommendation, here are a few books that Ive recently read and enjoyed.

"Transcription" by Kate Atkinson (Little, Brown, $28, Sept. 25)

After being utterly dazzled by Atkinsons brilliant "Life After Life" and its sequel/overlay "A God in Ruins," my expectations couldnt have been higher for her latest  another wartime novel, another experiment in playing with time and narrative. Here, our central character is Juliet Armstrong, who as a young woman becomes a transcriptionist for MI5 during World War II, eavesdropping on suspected fascist sympathizers; the book floats between this period and one 10 years later, when Juliet is a BBC radio producer. In the latter, shadows from her earlier life loom, and people keep popping up "out of the box that the past is supposed to be contained in."

Atkinsons writing is, as always, heaven to read; she describes a posh houses ballroom as "the kind of room where men signed treaties that damned both victor and loser, or where girls in disguise mislaid their glass slippers." Juliet is, of course, a girl in figurative disguise, as is nearly everyone we meet in this novel, populated with spies and double agents and people whose motives are as muddy as the cheap wartime tea Juliet gulps down. And as always, her structure is fascinating; throughout, Atkinson plays with the very idea of transcription  what is a novel if not words typed on a page, dictated and awaiting interpretation?  and with the conventions of fiction. (Very late in the book, a character says, "Come now, quite enough of exposition and explanation. Were not approaching the end of a novel, Miss Armstrong.") A terrible event is teased throughout the book, with tiny hints interrupting Juliets consciousness, like a shudder. And the day-to-dayness of wartime and its aftermath is this books well-worn wallpaper: the tasteless food, the small luxuries, the endless sense of waiting for something.

Like a transcription read aloud with differing inflections, you can find new angles to this book each time you read it (I went through it twice, and am quite ready to do it again). Atkinson has that gift, throughout her detective novels (the splendid Jackson Brodie series) and her recent wartime fiction  shes both telling us a story and pulling back the curtain just a bit, showing us how she tells the story, how she builds this delicate house of cards.Its mesmerizing, from every angle.

"Invisible: The Forgotten Story of the Black Woman Lawyer Who Took Down Americas Most Powerful Mobster" by Stephen L. Carter (Henry Holt, $30, publication date Oct. 9)

Carter, a Yale law professor and an author (I remember devouring his suspenseful debut "The Emperor of Ocean Park" back in 2002), here performs an important act of reclamation: for history, in bringing the remarkable life of Eunice Hunton Carter back into the light, and for his family. Eunice (1899-1970) was Carters grandmother, born in Atlanta, raised in Brooklyn  and for a time in the mid 20th century, one of the most famous black women in the country.

As a child, Carter remembered her as stern and forbidding, but now, he and all of us have a much more nuanced, fascinating portrait of the woman he called Nana  a brilliant scholar who graduated from Smith College in 1921 with a bachelors and a masters in four years (only the second woman in Smiths history, he tells us, to do this), who rubbed shoulders as a writer with key members of the Harlem Renaissance, and who enrolled in law school at a time when no black lawyer had ever been admitted to the New York Bar Association.

Carter uses his novelists toolbox to bring suspense and drama to Eunices work with Manhattan special prosecutor (and later New York governor and unsuccessful presidential candidate) Thomas E. Dewey, showing how she was key in bringing the mobster Charles "Lucky" Luciano to justice in 1936. Constantly having to prove herself within a sea of white men, Eunices career was one of both great triumph and crushing disappointment, and she emerges here not as a saint but as an ambitious, tireless worker. "Things did not work out as neatly as they might have had she been white, or male, or both," Carter writes, with elegant understatement. But quitting, we learn through these pages, was not in her nature: Eunices triumph, we learn, was in "her constant and remarkable reinvention."

"All You Can Ever Know" by Nicole Chung (Catapult, $26, publication date Oct. 2)

Chungs beautifully written memoir about adoption, parenthood, race and identity has aching honesty in every line. Ultimately, its a story of overlapping circles of family: the one she was born into, the one she grew up in and the one she formed. Born in Seattle in 1981, she was placed for adoption by her Korean parents and grew up in a white family in an Oregon town where people of color were rare; in her first 18 years there, she never met another Korean. Describing a visit to Seattle as a child, she was thrilled to be among other Asian faces. "It was novel, exhilarating, to be one among so many; it was a glimpse of the world as it could be."

The book reveals what happened when Chung, as an adult, began exploring the details of her adoption, unveiling the story to us like a heart-wrenching mystery being solved. I dont want to reveal many of the details  thats part of the pleasure of the book  but what emerges is a history very different from what Chung imagined; a "Korean soap opera," she wrote, populated by people who didnt all fit neatly into the noble-immigrant template shed imagined. But you read these pages awed by Chungs ability to combine clear-eyed unsentimentality with faith and optimism, and to create a family not from her dreams, but from her reality. She has, by its end, built an identity "from what has been lost and found."

"Fashion Climbing: A Memoir With Photographs" by Bill Cunningham (Penguin, $27)

The legendary New York Times fashion photographer Bill Cunningham died in 2016, but left behind a treasure: a neatly typed memoir, found by his family among his belongings, about his early years in fashion. Now its finally in print, and it is  like a fanciful hat  pure pleasure. Youll find nothing here of Cunninghams nearly four decades at the Times, in which he elevated street-fashion photos to joyful art; these are the memories of a young man newly arrived in New York (he grew up in a Boston suburb) to make his fame and fortune as a society hatmaker, written with a palpably wide-eyed wonder.

Even though the book begins with Cunninghams mother "beat(ing) the hell out of me" for wearing his sisters dress at age 4, "Fashion Climbing" mostly bubbles with happiness. (In one of very few passages of self-reflection, Cunningham notes that "My poor family was probably scared to death by all these crazy ideas I had, and so they fought my direction every step of the way.") Resourcefulness and dedication to his goal abounds; this is a man who, when drafted into the army and sent overseas in 1950, maintained his hat business in a French millinery shop  and, when the general found out, was asked to open a hatmaking school for military wives. "It was a hilarious scene to see me trailing out of the army barracks, packing all this feminine fluff into the car," Cunningham writes, of being picked up by the generals limo with his feathers and ribbons. "It sent the posts colonel into a state of shock."

Stateside, Cunningham writes about his early, broke years as a Manhattan milliner (he swathed his tiny West Side shop in hundreds of yards of nylon curtain, scavenged from the trash and washed in his bathtub, for the effect of a "seductive harem"), his freelance work at Womens Wear Daily, his breathless reports from fashion shows and his gradual realization by the early 1960s that the hat business was quietly grinding to a halt. Its a portrait of a time and place, written without pretension but with fly-on-the-wall slyness. (Coco Chanel is described as "that delicious eighty-year-old-plus Witch of the West.")What a treat, for those who loved Cunninghams work in the Times, to spend time with him again.

"The Witch Elm" by Tana French (Viking, $28, publication date Oct. 9)

The great Tana Frenchs latest novel, her seventh, is something new: a stand-alone work, told from the point of view of a crime victim. Her previous novels  all of them soulful literary procedurals, most recently "The Trespasser"  have been set within the same police precinct, the Dublin Murder Squad, each with a different team member stepping up from the background as narrator. You get the sense, reading them, of an entire world, with the colors of each character being filled in book by book.

Now were in a new world; that of Toby Hennessy, a cheery Dublin bloke who does PR for an art gallery. His agreeable life  handsome face, sweet girlfriend, good pals, evenings in pubs  is changed forever when he is attacked and beaten savagely by burglars in his apartment, in the books early pages. Recovery from his head injury is slow and painful; "now every second," he ponders, "was part of an inexorable tide drawing me farther and farther from that guy whom I had every right to be and who was gone for good, left behind on the other side of that unbreakable sheet of glass."

The books central mystery, which French masterfully takes her time getting to, takes place at his familys ancestral home, where an ancient tree conceals a strange, violent story that may or may not be connected to Toby. You savor the details  the way Tobys extended family spreads itself over the house like melting butter; the sly portrayal of the cops, whose techniques we can read more easily than Toby can; the delicious portrayal of crisp fall weather in Ireland  as you race through the pages.Ultimately, its both a tick-tocking mystery and a fascinating portrayal of memory as a cracked mirror, through which the past cant quite be seen clearly.

"Lethal White" by Robert Galbraith (Mulholland Books, $29)

J.K. Rowling (writing under the pseudonym of Robert Galbraith), in her delicious detective series featuring the Nick-and-Nora-or-not duo Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott, left us with one hell of a cliffhanger in her last installment, 2015s "Career of Evil." (Is it a spoiler if I tell you? After three long years? Lets just say it involves an interrupted wedding.)Finally, Strike and Robin are back, and things pick up right where we left off, and  oh, Im not going to tell you. But such is the power of these characters that I pounced on this book like my cat does with her toy mouse, reluctant to sleep or leave the house until Id made it to its final pages  a less dramatic ending than before, but one that still left me eager for more.

"Lethal White," whose complex plot revolves around a posh family, an old manor house and a mentally ill young man who may or may not have witnessed a murder, doesnt quite reach the perfection of "The Cuckoos Calling" (the first and best of the series) in its storytelling. As with the later editions of the Harry Potter series, just a bit of editorial tightening up might have been in order. While the details of Strikes and Robins personal lives are always compelling, the details of the various family members involved with the crime occasionally overwhelm.

But it is, as always, a joy to hang with Strike and Robin, and its to Rowlings enormous credit that these two  who seemed fully formed from the first pages of "The Cuckoos Calling"  continue to develop and become richer characters with each book. (Its also great fun to see the return of a fascinating character from earlier in the series  and no, Im not going to tell you who it is.) "Lethal White" goes to some dark places in its characters psyches, in a way that feels quite appropriate for two people whose work involves proximity to violent crime. But much of it is simply Strike and Robin, in a pub or at the office, pulling at the threads of a tangle together; the will-they-or-wont-they is alive and well, but so is one of contemporary crime fictions most delightful partnerships.

"The Winter Soldier" by Daniel Mason (Little, Brown, $28)

A young, idealistic medical student travels to a distant field hospital in the Carpathian Mountains in north Hungary, leaving his wealthy family behind in Vienna; its World War I, and Lucius  who in all his training has only touched four living patients  is eager to become a hero by practicing the art of surgery. Arriving at the outpost, where a church has been commandeered for the wounded, he finds he is the only doctor there, and the only nurse is a loquacious, determined nun named Sister Margarethe. Over weeks and months of tending to the horrifically injured, the two begin to form a connection, which becomes an unlikely wartime romance.

This description of the latest novel from Mason (himself a physician/psychiatrist, and author of "The Piano Tuner" and "A Far Country") sounds like it might be a slightly creaky, melodramatic love story, destined to become a movie with sweeping music and not-quite-subtle performances. But instead its a remarkable example of how a skilled writer can turn a dusty premise into a story bursting with vivid life. There is nothing romanticized about Lucius and Margarethes work; the lice and frigid cold and unthinkable injuries (the squeamish will need frequent pauses) are rendered with meticulous art. Its less a story of love than a story of pain, of how war pinches ones emotions in a grip, of how the human brain processes glimpses of hell. Masons prose, however, flows like clear water, leaving us moved by these star-crossed lovers, and by the soldiers "who seemed forever stuck in their eternal winters."

"The Caregiver" by Samuel Park (Simon & Schuster, $26)

Its impossible to read Parks graceful novel, his second, without pausing to appreciate the poignancy of the story behind it: Park, not long after he finished writing it, died of stomach cancer in 2017, aged just 41. In "The Caregiver," a character  not a central one, but a key one  has stomach cancer; after surgery, she "looks like the chalk police outline of her own body." You imagine Park creating this character, gazing at her, deciding what her fate might be. It seems a remarkable example of literary courage.

A haunting mother/daughter story, "The Caregiver" is narrated by a Brazilian woman named Mara, at two points in her life: in the early 1970s as a child in Rio de Janeiro, and the 1990s as a young immigrant in California working as a caregiver, still surprised by a country where "there werent ghosts everywhere." (Park himself was born in Brazil, raised in Los Angeles.) Mara is obsessed with thoughts of her single mother, Ana, who undertook a dangerous alliance with a rebel group to earn money. Floating from Maras present to her past, the book slowly reveals Ana to us, as grown-up Mara begins to grapple  as young adults must  with not the adored fantasy of her mother, but the real woman, an unstoppable force. "She was a river," muses Mara, "and I was just the boat careening from side to side."

"The Shakespeare Requirement" by Julie Schumacher (Doubleday, $25.95)

"Dear Publishing Industry: Why do you produce so few truly funny novels? Love, Moira"

Ive never sent the letter above, but Ive often been tempted to  and, if I had, this rollicking novel might be the answer. (To which Id say: grateful thanks, but how about a few more?) A sequel to Schumachers 2014 novel "Dear Committee Members," which won the Thurber Prize for American Humor, "The Shakespeare Requirement" returns us to the perfectly named Payne University. (Banners for an upcoming centenary read "One Hundred Years of Payne.") English Department chair Jason Fitger has many, many headaches, not least of which are the far-better-funded Economics departments tendency to poach his space; his torch-carrying feelings toward his ex-wife, whos now sleeping with his dean; and the tendency of his undergraduate students to hand in essays replete with "floral or multicolored paper or typeface, plastic cover-sheets, emoticons and links to YouTube videos."

If youve ever spent time in a college English department, youll recognize many of the types portrayed here. (Schumacher is on the English faculty at the University of Minnesota, an institution I devoutly hope is nothing like Payne University.) But even Econ majors who spent their college years in a velvet cocoon (thats the idea this book gives) will appreciate the descriptions of faculty meetings, in which "discussion was always an unpopular option, leading as it did to calumny, stalemate, lamentation and wrath," and might find themselves rooting for Fitger, a lovable Luddite who cant seem to do anything right. What fools these mortals be, and what fun they are to encounter  on the page, at any rate.
Photo: The Canadian Press Memorial for victims of the Oct. 1, 2017, mass shooting in Las Vegas.

A flock of doves fluttered skyward at sunrise in Las Vegas on Monday, each bird bearing a leg band with the name of one of the 58 people slain in the deadliest mass shooting in nation's modern history one year ago.

Marking the anniversary of the night that a gunman opened fire from a high-rise casino suite on a crowd of 22,000 country music fans, Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval gathered with several hundred people at an outdoor amphitheatre remembrance ceremony.

"Today we remember the unforgettable. Today, we comfort the inconsolable," Sandoval told survivors , families of victims, first-responders and elected officials who gathered at dawn.

He added: "Today, we are reminded of the pain that never really goes away."

Among those who offered prayers, songs and speeches was Mynda Smith, whose sister Neysa Davis Tonks was killed.

Mynda Smith said her sister, who pronounced her name "Neesha," was a 46-year-old single mother raising three boys in Las Vegas. Smith called her sister energetic, adventurous, a fan of all kinds of music and a person who danced when no one was watching.

Smith started a scholarship fund for victims' children and said she reached out to loved ones of almost all the dead.

"None of us will ever be the same," Mynda Smith said. "We have all changed. We have all been broken. But we can find a way to pick up those pieces and glue it all back together. Yes, the cracks will be seen. But it can be whole again and we will be stronger."

Christie Kraemer, a Las Vegas real estate agent who wasn't at the concert but knew people who were, said "I never want Oct. 1 to happen again. But I love Oct. 2 because of the way everyone came together."

Shooting survivors Chris and Larisa Rapanick of Chesapeake, Virginia, made the trip to Las Vegas for weekend events including a 5K run, a country music club show and a reunion of survivors on Saturday. At the sunrise service, they stood with their two adult daughters.

"We weren't going to let this ruin a place we like to come to," Chris Rapanick said. "I'm glad to be standing here."

Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo recalled the chaos and confusion of the shooting, and the prayers to "heal broken hearts," blood banks filled with donors and "acts of kindness that comforted the suffering" that followed.

"When the sun rose the next morning, grief turned to anger, anger turned to resolve and resolve turned to action," Lombardo said.

Many who were cheering Jason Aldean's headline set on at the Route 91 Harvest Festival late Oct. 1, 2017 , said later they thought the rapid crack-crack-crack they heard was fireworks  until people fell dead, wounded, bleeding.

The Rapanicks heard bullets hitting a canvas awning near them as they fled and saw a shot hit a plastic cup that flipped in the air.

From across neon-lit Las Vegas Boulevard, a gambler-turned-gunman with what police later called a meticulous plan but an unknown reason fired assault-style rifles for 11 minutes from 32nd-floor windows of the Mandalay Bay hotel into the concert crowd below. Police said he then put a pistol in his mouth and killed himself.

Medical examiners later determined that all 58 deaths were from gunshots. Another 413 people were wounded, and police said at least 456 were injured fleeing the carnage.
Air Niugini has confirmed that a man's body was found during a reinspection of the airline's sunken Boeing 737 that crashed into Chuuk Lagoon on Friday morning.

U.S. Navy divers who made an initial inspection of the aircraft following the crash had found no one.

However, one passenger remained unaccounted for and the divers went back down for another look Monday and discovered his body.

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"It is with deep sadness I confirm that the body of a male passenger was discovered by divers today as they conducted a further search," Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer Tahawar Durrani stated in a release Tuesday.

Durrani's statement also confirms that the body recovered by the divers is the missing man they had been looking for.

It is not clear from the release whether the body was found inside the plane or in another area of the lagoon.

Previously, the airline announced that all the passengers were safely evacuated and that the missing man had been seen outside the aircraft in one of the many skiffs that evacuated passengers following the crash.

The aircraft was on a flight from Pohnpei to Chuuk, enroute to Port Moresby when it landed short of the runway at the Chuuk International Airport.

In his statement announcing the death, Durrani also said, "Our outreach team is in touch with the man's family and we are making arrangements to repatriate his body."

"We express our deepest sympathy to his family. We are and will continue to provide support to his family in this time of loss."

The man's name and nationality have not been released.

Thirty-five passengers and 12 crew members were aboard the Boeing 737-800 when it splashed into Chuuk Lagoon.

Local boaters and an underwater Navy construction team helped evacuate the passengers and crew before the plane sank. The plane is in 100 feet of water, the Navy has stated.

Four survivors on Guam

Four injured passengers were flown to Guam on Sunday by a U.S. Coast Guard C-130 out of Barbers Point in Hawaii.

One of the injured was in guarded condition at Guam Regional Medical City as of Monday. The other three are being cared for at Naval Hospital Guam. The airline has said their conditions are stable.

Investigation

The airline stated, "The circumstances surrounding this accident are now a matter for relevant authorities as they begin their task of investigating the events that led to the incident and the actions which followed. We are committing all required resources to ascertain the factors that led to this accident."
Dr. B Speaks!

The jury is in. Study groups and reading circles do work. So much research has been done in the last few decades about practices that facilita Read more
The Kavanaugh confirmation horror show impresses on us the need to keep the Senate under Republican management for the next two years. Paul Mirengoff usually takes the time to sort the races out for us, but we have let the task go this year. Yesterday I looked at top takeaway opportunities and linked to the sites of recommended campaigns. Below is my unscientific selection of the four races where Republican seats may be in play and in need of money. I include my own telegraphic notes and again add a link to the official campaign site in each case so that readers can contribute if they feel so inspired.

Top GOP seats in play:

 Kyrsten Sinema v. Martha McSally.

Martha McSally is the Air Force combat veteran and Republican nominee to succeed the flaky Jeff Flake. She represents Arizonas Second District in Congress. She is of the post 9/11 generation that answered the call to serve. We need more of her like in Congress. We do not need the likes of Kyrsten Sinema. On the contrary, as the old Hermans Hermits song has it, shes a must to avoid.

Most recent poll has Sinema +3. RCP aggregation here.

Please contribute to Martha McSally here.

 Phil Bredesen v. Marsha Blackburn.

This is a tight race for the seat currently occupied by Bob Corker. Republicans want desperately to hold it in a conservative state. Democrats have put up popular former Governor Phil Bredesen. Roger Simon scored the first debate between the candidates to be a big Blackburn win. President Trump is on his way to lend Blackburn a hand. This is a critical race in a state that is in GOP territory.

Most recent poll has Bredesen +5. RCP aggregation here.

Please contribute to Marsha Blackburn here.

 Jacky Rosen v. Dean Heller.

Dean Heller is the Republican incumbent. Jacky Rosen is Harry Reids handpicked candidate to return this seat to the Democrats. Need I really say more? This is a difficult but winnable race.

Most recent poll has Rosen +2. RCP aggregation here.

Please contribute to Dean Heller here.

 Beto ORourke v. Ted Cruz.

Democrats and their media adjunct are awfully excited about this race. I trust that ORourke is this years model (of Wendy Davis, that is), but I dont know. Let us not take any chances.

Most recent poll has Cruz +9. RCP aggregation here.

Please contribute to Ted Cruz here.
PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-01 15:52:08

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Thursday October 4, 2018 at 10am CSTPLANO, TX / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2018 / Amazing Energy Oil and Gas, Co. (OTCQX: AMAZ), ("Amazing", "Amazing Energy", or "the Company"), , today announced that it will presenting at the OTCQX Virtual Investor Conference on October 4, 2018, featuring US-based issuers traded on the OTCQX Best Market.To register, please visit https://www.investornetwork.com/event/agenda/otcThe Company's CEO/Director, Willard G. McAndrew III will be presenting live as well as conducting a question and answer session immediately following the presentation. The event, including presentations, will be available for on-demand replay following the conclusion of the conference.OTC Markets Group has sponsored several OTCQX Virtual Conferences with over 100 companies participating and reaching over 1,000 investors. This OTCQX Virtual Investor Conference is made possible through OTC Markets Group Inc. in collaboration with Issuer Direct.To register, please visit https://www.investornetwork.com/event/agenda/otc . Pre-registration is suggested. There is no fee for participants.Presentation Date: Thursday October 4, 2018Presentation Time: 10am CSTRegister today: https://www.investornetwork.com/event/agenda/otcAbout Amazing Energy Oil and Gas Co.Amazing Energy Oil and Gas, Co. is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company based in Plano, TX. The Company operates leaseholds in the Permian Basin of West Texas where it holds the rights within a 70,000-acre leasehold in Pecos County, TX. The Company primarily engages in the acquisition and exploitation of oil and natural gas properties with a focus on well-defined plays containing stacked pay zones on the Central Basin Platform of the Permian Basin. More information may be found on Amazing Energy's website at www.amazingenergy.com.Investor Relations Contact:Derek Gradwell MZ GroupSVP Natural ResourcesPhone: 512-270-6990Email: dgradwell@ mzgroup.us Web: www.mzgroup.usSOURCE: Amazing Energy Oil and Gas Co.
Madison Erhardt

It was a cool and wet start to the week, but Environment Canada says the rain will clear up by the end of Tuesday.

An Arctic front is expected to move into the Okanagan on Tuesday.

"With the low of -1 C into Tuesday, that is when the Arctic front is reaching our area. Fortunately, the front will move off to the east and a ridge of high pressure will build into western B.C., and we will reap a little bit of the benefit of that," says meteorologist Doug Lundquist.

Although it may be a couple of weeks until the white fluffy stuff sticks around, major highways have already seen their share of snow.

As of today, B.C. drivers are required to have winter tires on most provincial highways.

"It is already snowing on the Connector, and it looks like we will see that snow level drop, so we will start to see more snow accumulating there. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw 10 to 15 centimetres on Tuesday night," Lundquist added.

Tuesday should see a high of 9 C with showers off and on, and a low of -1 C.

Wednesday through Sunday, highs should stay close to 13 C with a mix of sun and cloud.
PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-01 13:30:19

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Front Range Resources Ltd.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Calgary, Alberta (FSCWire) - Front Range Resources Ltd. (TSX Venture:FRK). has issued a press release with the following headline:ARROW Exploration Corp. Announces Closing of Acquisitions from Canacol and Samaria and Completion of Reverse Takeover of Front Range Resources Ltd. and Provides UpdateTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on Front Range Resources Ltd., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Front Range Resources Ltd.Source: Front Range Resources Ltd. (TSX Venture: FRK, OTC Bulletin Board: CSTPF, FWB: C1JS)Date: October 01, 2018Time: 7:30 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Front Range Resources Ltd. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2018 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-01 16:25:01

Bologna (Italy), 1st october 2018  Bio-On S.p.A., listed on the AIM segment of Borsa Italiana and operating in the sector of PHAs bioplastics and the new green chemical industry, announces that its board of directors, which met on 28th September 2018, has approved the six-monthly consolidated report of 30 June 2018.

Operating revenue recorded in the first half of 2018 came to 6,122,476 Euro (+885%), an increase of 621,880 Euro compared to the first half of 2017.



The main economic and financial data can be summarised as follows:



6,122,476 Euro Group operating revenue in the six-month period (+ 885%) , compared to 621,880 Euro in the first half of 2017;

Group operating revenue in the six-month period , compared to 621,880 Euro in the first half of 2017; the EBITDA in the first half of 2018 was 1,993,166 Euro (+213%) compared to -1,759,953 Euro in the first half of 2017, a strong increase thanks to new licenses granted in relation to recent technologies;

in the first half of 2018 was compared to -1,759,953 Euro in the first half of 2017, a strong increase thanks to new licenses granted in relation to recent technologies; 44 million Euro Group Shareholders Equity, slightly down by 3 million Euro (-6 %) on the 47 million Euro recorded on 31 December 2017;

Group Shareholders Equity, slightly down by 3 million Euro (-6 %) on the 47 million Euro recorded on 31 December 2017; the overall net financial position as of 30/06/2018 is positive by 7.8 million Euro, compared to a positive net financial position on 31/12/2017 of 24 million Euro, down by 16 million Euro (-68%) due mainly to the partial use of financial assets to invest in the Castel San Pietro Terme plant.

Group operating income in the first half of 2018 was 1.8 million Euro, compared to operating income of -1.9 million Euro in the same period last year (+193%). Compared to 2017 the company generated high EBITDA in the first six months of 2018, guaranteeing operating costs will be covered for the next period. In consideration of the nature of the Company's and the Group's business, whose revenue has historically been much more concentrated in the latter part of the year, we are preparing to manage a further major increase in revenue in the second half of the year.

The Group's shareholders equity of 44 million Euro and the positive overall net financial position on 30/06/2018 of 7.8 million Euro continue to guarantee the company's financial soundness at a time of intense development of work orders, research and creation of new patents, which broaden the field of application of PHAs biopolymers in cosmetics, biomedical, smart materials, bioremediation (cleaning hydrocarbon leaks in the sea), fertilisers, tobacco, and fashion and design, also guaranteeing a further positive effect on its licensing activity.

One of Bio-On S.p.A.'s greatest successes in this six-month period was finalising a new 6,000,000.00 Euro license agreement. Total revenue, already matured and collected, for the period January 2018 to September 2018 therefore comes to 12,000,000.00 Euro, which will boost the Group's Shareholders Equity. As occurred in previous years, further major licenses are expected to come into effect during the last quarter, in particular one worth 18,000,000.00 Euro, which includes the supply of proprietary equipment currently being finalised.

Parallel to the constant development of the company, which in June 2018 inaugurated its own production plant, opening up new growth opportunities and boosting its research and development capability, its growing number of Business Units rose to 6 over the last 12 months. The FDM BU (Fashion Development Material) was launched in September 2018 and will work with the luxury clothing sector.

The company is also looking to move to a larger financial market to improve visibility on the markets.

 For our company, the conditions are now in place to move to a larger market, says Guy Cicognani, Vice Chairman of Bio-On SpA, that can take full advantage of the progress we have made in the last 4 years. In addition to Milan, we are attracting attention from the world's major markets such as London, Paris and New York. Our company has always been internationally-focused and this is why we will choose the best international financial market with great care. Any operation will be done with the precise goal of protecting and taking full advantage of the contribution of our investors, who have been key in the growth we have seen in recent years.

 Our company has entered a new phase, says Marco Astorri, Chairman and CEO of Bio-on SpA . Thanks to our growing number of patents to protect our applications, the possibility of developing in new sectors and markets has also increased. The value of Bio-On has significantly grown since the IPO thanks to the increasing number of high quality patents, the recent launch of new companies dedicated to developing large-scale market sectors and the participation of partners that are already world-leaders in their sectors.

The licensing activity continues as normal and has excellent prospects for the near future.

 This is an extraordinary opportunity for Bio-On, says Vittorio Folla, Bio-on S.p.A General Manager , thanks to the high growth in demand for special green plastics, with higher growth trends than conventional plastics. The expected demand for special bioplastics in the near future, continues Folla , will mean more PHA production plants will be built, enabling Bio-On to grant new licenses, including in the top price bracket.

Regulatory changes implemented by many countries in 2017 and 2018 to rapidly phase out conventional polymers, particularly in human health-related applications (e.g. cosmetics and clothing), have led to higher demand for PHAs bioplastics. Poor conditions in our seas and rivers, which are suffering from an increased presence of oil-based plastics and microplastics, have raised awareness among the public and businesses of the need to rapidly solve these issues.  Bio-On is able to offer ideal solutions to this increased demand in a position of technological leadership consolidated over the last 10 years, explains Astorri , and made even more evident by our commitment to make our Castel San Pietro Terme plant fully operational by the end of 2018. The entire company is committed to making its biodegradable micro powders available on the market as soon as possible. As well as reducing pollution, they will also help consolidate the generation of new patents and the operations of the newly set up companies and of those to be announced in the coming weeks.

All the PHAs bioplastics (polyhydroxyalkanoates) developed by Bio-on are made from renewable plant sources with no competition with food supply chains. They guarantee the same thermo-mechanical properties as conventional plastics with the advantage of being 100% eco-sustainable and naturally biodegradable. They are certified as Biobased by USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and as biodegradable in water and soil by Vincotte. They are also certified as completely natural in the cosmetics sector.

Press releases are available at: http://www.bio-on.it/news.php

Press information: Simona Vecchies +393351245190  press@bio-on.it - Twitter @BioOnBioplastic

Bio-on S.p.A.



Bio-on S.p.A., an Italian Intellectual Property Company (IPC), operates in the bioplastic sector conducting applied research and development of modern bio-fermentation technologies in the field of eco-sustainable and completely naturally biodegradable materials. In particular, Bio-on develops industrial applications through the creation of product characterisations, components and plastic items. Since February 2015, Bio-on S.p.A. has also been operating in the development of natural and sustainable chemicals for the future. Bio-on has developed an exclusive process for the production of a family of polymers called PHAs (polyhydroxyalkanoates) from agricultural waste (including molasses and sugar cane and sugar beet syrups). The bioplastic produced in this way is able to replace the main families of conventional plastics in terms of performance, thermo-mechanical properties and versatility. Bio-on PHAs is a bioplastic that can be classified as 100% natural and completely biodegradable: this has been certified by Vincotte and by USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). The Issuer's strategy envisages the marketing of licenses for PHAs production and related ancillary services, the development of R&D (also through new collaborations with universities, research centres and industrial partners), as well as the realisation of industrial plants designed by Bio-on.
PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-01 09:01:02

CICC Asset Trading Platform: New Era with the Global Circulation of CNS Points

Long Brand holding group co. LTD

Chen XiangYang

info@manmingjituan.com

http://www.manmingjituan.com

During the Warring period in the 500th century BC, "Zhou Li, Local official, Market Governor" - a classical book in ancient China said that "market governor governs the market's disputes, teachings, decrees, penalties, units of measurement and bans. He divides the market according to the arrangement of management office and business and classifies the stores according to different goods to make the fair sale. This is the earliest record of the ancient Chinese trading platform "market". In the information age at 21st century, with the rapid development of global transactions, banknotes and bank digital currency transactions, affected by factors such as the global financial crisis, international trade wars, and international monetary policies, has an unstable value and is vulnerable to bank foreign exchange restrictions and state capital controls, which makes virtual currency the first choice for global transnational traders.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181001005

CICC Asset Trading Platform: New Era with the Global Circulation of CNS Points (Graphic: Business Wire)

CICC Asset Trading Platform is a digital asset trading platform for global users, integrating the Internet spirit of being "open, equal, collaborative, efficient, and shared" to provide CNS points and mainstream digital asset exchange security services (CNS/USDT, BTC /CNS, ETH/CNS) to global traders. CICC took the lead in introducing the extension technology: Internet of data and developing the CICC trading platform with the world's top technology team, providing safe and efficient global resource exchange platform to the world's real economic enterprises, commercial institutions and market investors. CICC resource exchange platform is an independent-developed risk management cloud platform integrated with financial, legal, policy, and consortium information resources in Hong Kong, Singapore, the United States, and the European Union, providing global investors with the safe channel to connect world digital assets and enjoy the wonderful life of Internet technology.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181001005
PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-01 07:00:01

Leading UAE Financial Services Firm Committed to a People-Centric Culture

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Glint, the people success platform that helps leading organizations increase employee engagement, develop their people, and improve business results, today announced that Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD), a leading bank in the United Arab Emirates, has chosen Glint to deliver improved agility to its employee engagement strategy.



Glints platform will help CBD increase employee engagement through frequent pulse surveys, as well as employee lifecycle, manager and team effectiveness surveys that will take employees just minutes to complete. Glints interactive dashboards will automatically analyze employee data and deliver results, recommendations, and suggested actions in real time.

The financial services industry is rapidly changing and becoming more digital in its product and service offerings. In order to respond to these changing demands our employees must be fully engaged and committed to our goal of creating a high performance culture, said Gareth Powell, Chief Human Resources Officer, Commercial Bank of Dubai. Glints people success platform represents the very best technology to equip our organization to understand the employee experience and take the right actions to improve engagement and performance. Their technology and expertise will give us an important foundation for supporting our employees to deliver on the banks ambitious goals through to 2020.

Commercial Bank of Dubai is committed to fostering a high-performance culture and sees the implementation of an agile employee engagement process as essential to support this effort, said Scott Sinatra, Vice President, EMEA at Glint. The leaders at CBD recognize that it takes more than measuring employee sentiment to see sustainable change  managers and leaders need to be prepared to take action and lead conversations to improve the employee experience. With predictive analytics, narrative intelligence and personalized recommended action plans for managers, Glints innovative AI-for-HRTM technology will help CBD create an environment where their people love their jobs.

About Commercial Bank of Dubai:

Commercial Bank of Dubai was established in 1969 and is registered as a Public Shareholding Company (PSC). The Bank is listed on the Dubai Financial Market and is fully owned by UAE Nationals, including 20% by the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD). Over the years, Commercial Bank of Dubai has built itself into a progressive and modern Banking institution, endowed with a strong financial structure and strong management, as well as a loyal and ever increasing customer and correspondent base. Today CBD is one of the leading banks in the United Arab Emirates and offers its customers a full range of retail and commercial banking products and services.

For additional information, contact Mr. Sandeep Poduval Shivram, Head of Marketing, Commercial Bank of Dubai on 04  2121899 or email sandeep.poduval@cbd.ae

About Glint, Inc.

Glint is the people success platform that leverages real-time people data to help global organizations increase employee engagement, develop their people, and improve results. Leading brands like United, Intuit, and Sky leverage Glints unique combination of intuitive design, sophisticated analytics, and actionable intelligence to help employees be happier and more successful at work. For more information, please visit www.glintinc.com.

Press Contact

glint@highwirepr.com
PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-01 18:16:40

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Rich, Full-Bodied Hue Reflects Exotic Tastes in Design and Life and a Return to NatureLOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2018 / Dunn-Edwards has announced its 2019 Color of the Year - Spice of Life - a dark, browned, fire brick red with orange undertones. "Spice of Life is an outgoing, confident hue that adds drama and stimulates the senses," explained Sara McLean, color expertand stylist for Dunn-Edwards. "It's a celebration of what makes life interesting and exciting. Spice of Life makes a bold statement with a melding of diverse and global cultural influences." Dining room featuring Dunn-Edwards 2019 Color of the Year Spice of Life; photo credit: Bethany Nauert McLean selected Spice of Life after extensive research on color trends in everything from art, hospitality, and fashion to global events and local street culture. "In these always-connected times, we start to crave real, genuine connections with the earth and with each other," said McLean. "These feelings are reflected in a movement away from cooler hues towards more earth-inspired color reminiscent of Naturalist motifs, Bohemian moods, the great American West and an anticipation of exploring the red planet, Mars. These organic, autumnal and life-affirming hues, such as Spice of Life, are strong, authentic and full of humanity."This global, exotic color is represented in Sojourn, one of the Dunn-Edwards 2019 color and design trend stories. It's a palette that celebrates layers of cultures and eras that blend harmoniously, combining modesty and the grandiose. Spice of Life is inspired by nostalgic journeys back in time. The name comes from William Cowper's poem "The Task" (1785) which includes the well-known verse, "Variety's the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavour." The renewal of folklore aesthetics and the revival of interest in the American naturalist painters of the 19th and 20th centuries, such as Andrew Wyeth, Georgia O'Keeffeand Edward Hopper, are also influences.Spice of Life is a strong and vibrant punch of color, adds depth and intensity to color palettes, and displays an elegance to design, working well with both cool and warm tones. With nature as a color guide, McLean recommends pairing Spice of Life with a range of other autumnal hues such as clay, sunny yellow and deep moss green. Try Sorrel Felt DET624 or Peppered Moss DEA169.For modern or contemporary interiors, McLean suggests pairing Spice of Life with a crisp white, cool gray and black. For traditional interiors, she advises trying Spice of Life with khaki, cream and deep blue. Pair Kiln Dried DET692 or Blue Suede Shoe DEA190 with Spice of Life.For more color palette ideas and inspiration visit our design blog and see the video.High-Res photos are availableMedia contact:Rich RodriguezDunn-Edwards323.826.2667 Richard.Rodriguez@DunnEdwards.comAbout:Dunn-Edwards is one of the nation's leading manufacturers and distributors of premium architectural, industrial and high-performance paints and paint supplies. It operates more than 136 company stores in California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexicoand Texas, and 90+ authorized dealers throughout the West. Dunn-Edwards is dedicated to preserving and protecting theenvironment, and produces its coatings in a LEED Gold-certified manufacturing plant. Based in Southern California, the 93-year-old company has approximately 1,700 employees. Dunn-Edwards is a wholly owned subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd., one of the world's largest paint companies. For more information, visit www.dunnedwards.com.SOURCE: Dunn-Edwards Paints
PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-01 07:02:01

With a significant growth in demand for its Blue all-in-one evaluation solution among its European clients, Explorance opens European offices to accommodate market needs

Explorance Doubles European Higher-Education Client Base

Gil Gruber

gil@directobjective.com

+1.514.238.7766

Explorance, the leading provider of Learning Journey Analytics (LJA) solutions doubled its European client base in the past year. With the opening of new European offices, Explorance will be able to better partner with its growing European clients.

Improving the quality and relevance of teaching and learning in the European higher education market is the centre of the Bologna Process. The Yerevan Communique strengthened the call for better visibility of this policy area. According to the EUA Trends 2018 survey, 90% of the institutions use student feedback surveys to assess and enhance the quality of teaching. As the Bologna Process entices institutions to embrace a digitally-enabled approach, more institutions move toward the strategic use of digital tools to measure learning and teaching improvements.

Before implementing Blue, we were using a dozen or so traditional questionnaires, combined with a few digital surveys. The wide range of individual solutions made it impossible to take full benefit of course evaluations, says Mustapha Ali El-Ahmad, Senior Evaluation Consultant and Analyst at the Aarhus University. He adds, Blue combines all these different questionnaires into one single solution, cleaning the data from the LMS & SIS, and automating the data analysis, while accommodating to different schools requirements. Explorances Blue is built to support various feedback processes including course evaluations, competency development assessment, midterm reviews, applicant feedback, alumni perception analysis, student satisfaction, organisational surveys, and 360 degree reviews.

The surge in demand for Explorance software and services in Europe indicates a growing need for proven online teaching and learning evaluation tools and increased trust in the Blue solution, commented Ian Haugh, General Manager of the European offices. The new European office is located in Amsterdam and coordinates local activities across Europe and the UK. Local professional services are offered across Europe and customer service is provided 24/7 in multiple languages.

Blue surveys and evaluation solutions are fully localised with English, French, Spanish, German, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Icelandic, Italian, Russian and Portuguese support. To support student mobility, Blue allows multiple languages to be used in one implementation at the same time. For an evaluation of your organisations needs, contact Explorance for a demonstration.

About Explorance

Explorance is a Learning Journey Analytics (LJA) provider that supports organisations in making the right decisions using fact-based feedback data. Through its Blue suite of products, organisations can assess needs, expectations, competencies, and monitor improvement over time.

Founded in 2003, Explorance is a privately held corporation headquartered in Montreal, Canada with business units in America, APAC, Europe, and the MENA region. As of 2014, Explorance has been ranked top employer by the Great Places to Work Institute. Explorance's clients span a wide variety of learning organisations including academia, consulting firms, government institutions, and corporations. Learn more about Explorance.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180930005

Explorance doubles #European #higherEd client base in the past year, indicating increased market demand and trust for digital #learninganalytics solutions
MRRSE

PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-01 13:20:40

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MRRSE

State Tower



90, State Street



Suite 700



Albany, NY - 12207



United States



Abhishek Budholiya

Marketing Manager

+1-518-730-0559

email

https://www.mrrse.com/





# 657 Words

State Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United StatesMarketing Manager+1-518-730-0559

Worldwide expansion and ceaseless activity of the construction industry, and rapid urbanization are expected to boost dust formation significantly and consequently also drive demand for dust suppression control chemicals and systems during the forecast period. In addition, increased demand for better visibility and health safety in construction sites and rising concerns about air pollution is expected to create a rise in demand for dust suppression control.Revenue earned from the dust suppression control market are estimated to grow at a modest CAGR of 3.4% through 2026. Such insights have been taken from the report titled Dust Suppression Control Market  Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2018  2026 added recently to the vast repository of Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE).For More Information Request Free Sample on Dust Suppression Control Market Report @ https://www.mrrse.com/sample/16872 Stringent rules and regulations on dust emissions, enacted by environment protection agencies worldwide are also a major factor being the rising demand for dust suppression control. Lack of awareness regarding air pollution and health hazards arising from dust emissions are primary constraining factors for the dust suppression control market, particularly in developing countries such as India and Mexico.The Asia Pacific region dust suppression control is expected to lead in terms expansion rate, followed by North America and Europe owing to massive rise in construction output in emerging economies such as China and India during the forecast period.Dust Suppression Control Market: Report SummaryThis report provides a complete analysis and forecast at a regional and global level for the dust suppression control market, in terms of value (US$ Mn) and volume (Tons), for the period of forecast 2018 to 2026. Essential business dynamics, such as social, economic, technological, and political factors impacting development and requirement for dust suppression control have been examined in depth in the report.Browse Complete Details on Dust Suppression Control Market Research Report with TOC @ https://www.mrrse.com/dust-suppression-control-market A detailed analysis on the dust suppression control industry has been offered in this report, and the Porters Five Forces model has been effectively been utilized to help readers to gain an improved understanding about the competitive scenario among key market players. A complete market attractiveness of each player has been added to the report, where applications have been accurately assessed on the basis of their general attractiveness, growth rate, and market size. Key players have been assessed on the basis of SWOT analysis, company portfolio, recent developments, and competitive strategies.Dust Suppression Control Market: Research MethodologyElaborate discussions and interviews have been conducted with a number of eminent industry experts and opinion leaders during the compilation of this report. Detailed primary and secondary research has been conducted, to extract relevant and reliable insights on the dust suppression control market. Primary research comprises a large part of the research efforts, which is further supplemented and validated by extensive secondary research.Prominent market players in the dust suppression control market have been studied in detail, and relevant data has been taken from a number of data sources such as annual reports, press releases, and other relevant documents for better comprehension of the markets competitor landscape. The research approach is regarded to be highly efficient and successful in identifying useful insights on market data, market players, and new opportunities for business.Enquire More about This Report @ https://www.mrrse.com/enquiry/16872 About (MRRSE)Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords. MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.
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PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-01 13:30:42

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# 541 Words

State Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United StatesMarketing Manager+1-518-730-0559

Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) has added a new research study titled Insulation Materials Market  Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2018  2026, to its broad online database. This assessment aims at providing vital predictions that highlight transformations across the insulation materials market in the near future. Furthermore, important market factors such as revenue (US$ Mn) and volume (kilo tons) during the forecast period are carefully measured and made available to the readers.For More Information Request Free Sample on Insulation Materials Market Report @ https://www.mrrse.com/sample/16877 According to research findings, the global market for insulation materials acquired US$ 65 Mn in 2017 and is projected rise at 8% CAGR during the period 2018-2026. It is analyzed that increasing usage of fiberglass across the construction and automobile industries is expected to motivate the insulation materials market in the coming years. This report is a useful data source which discourses various other drivers, opportunities and restraints that are likely to impact the global insulation materials market. In addition, the assessment comprises a detailed value chain analysis, which delivers a comprehensive view of the overall market. Moreover, the competitive landscape is judged through the availability of Porters Five Forces model. Readers can even acquire information related to market attractiveness analysis, in which applications are examined based on their growth rate, market size and general attractiveness.The later section discusses the market segmentation based on type, material, application and region. On the basis of type, the insulation materials market is classified into blanket insulation, foam board, concrete block insulation, loose-fill insulation, insulating concrete form, rigid fiber board insulation, radiant barriers, structural insulated panels and spray foam insulation. Further, on the basis of material, the target market includes mineral wool, polyethylene, polyurethane foam, polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, cellulose, fiberglass and others. Geographically, the current and projected demand for insulation materials is studied across North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Europe and Middle East & Africa. Each of these segments are assessed on the basis of market volume (Kilo Tons) and value (US$ Mn) as well as market attractiveness analysis.Finally, readers can gather important data associated to the key players operating in the insulation materials market. Some of these manufacturers examined in the report are BASF SE, DowDuPont, Covestro AG, Kingspan Group PLC, Huntsman International LLC, Owens Corning, Saint-Gobain S.A., Rockwool International A/S, Johns Manville, Evonik Industries AG, Asahi Kasei Corporation, Atlas Roofing Corporation, GAF Materials Corporation and Bridgestone. Each of these market players are profiled based on different attributes such as financial overview, company overview, recent developments and business strategies.Browse Complete Details on Insulation Materials Market Research Report with TOC @ https://www.mrrse.com/insulation-materials-market About (MRRSE)Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords. MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.
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PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-01 13:29:00

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State Tower



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Albany, NY - 12207



United States



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Marketing Manager

+1-518-730-0559

email

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# 536 Words

State Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United StatesMarketing Manager+1-518-730-0559

Plasma exchange is basically a procedure which separates and removes plasma from the blood so as to eradicate a disease substance mixing in the plasma. In the present day scenario, plasma exchange is extensively performed in the treatment of different chronic diseases as first line or as second line of therapy. Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) has included a new research titled Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Market  Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2018  2026, which discusses the overall market status for the therapeutic plasma market for the current & forecast period. Furthermore, this analysis tries to highlight the overall market size in terms of US$ Mn for each segment for the duration between 2018 and 2026, considering both macro and micro environmental factors. As per research findings, the global therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) market acquired US$ 1,063.38 Mn in 2017 and is likely to expand at 7.5% CAGR during the forecast period to reach a milestone of US$ 2,015.93 Mn by 2026.For More Information Request Free Sample on Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Market Report @ https://www.mrrse.com/sample/16878 This report presents a detailed qualitative analysis of factors which are responsible for motivating market growth as well as future opportunities in the global therapeutic plasma exchange market. In addition, readers can access insights associated to key trends of the global market such as growing prevalence of autoimmune diseases, improvement in health care infrastructure across emerging economies and cost advantage over IVIG treatment. The later section of the report talks about the market segmentation based on disease indication, end-user and region. It should be known that market revenue in terms of US$ Mn and CAGR % for the forecast period (2018-2026) are provided for each of the segments, bearing in mind 2017 as the base year.Finally, the report also profiles major players from the global therapeutic plasma exchange market categorized on the basis of various attributes like company overview, SWOT analysis, financial overview, product portfolio, key business strategies and recent developments. Some of the key companies examined in the report include Baxter International, Inc., Asahi Kasei Corporation, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Terumo Corporation, Kawasumi Laboratories, Inc., Fresenius Kabi AG, Cerus Corporation, Haemonetics Corporation, Medica S.p.A. and Hemacare Corporation. Overall, this research report is a huge advantage for investors and industry experts, since it offers a vast collection of researched data gathered from both primary and secondary sources. Moreover, new investors can take this report as a helping guide that can assist them in setting up their establishment in the global therapeutic plasma exchange market in a much better manner.Browse Complete Details on Mobile TV Market Research Report with TOC @ https://www.mrrse.com/therapeutic-plasma-exchange-market About (MRRSE)Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords. MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.
PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-01 09:31:01

Sponsored by CGI, Event Gathers Thought Leaders to Share Market Trends and Best Practices for Building and Managing the Digital Workforce

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kofax, a leading supplier of Intelligent Automation software to automate and digitally transform end-to-end business processes, today announced it will host  Intelligent Automation (IA): The Next Generation of Robotic Process Automation (RPA )  with CGI, one of the worlds largest system integrators. Business leaders throughout Europe are invited to attend this interactive event that features thought leaders showcasing market trends, industry use cases, and success stories. Attendees will receive guidance on best practices for building and managing a digital workforce, including the tools necessary to begin developing their own.

The all-day event will take place on October 9 at LHotel du Collectionneur Paris from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; pre-registration is free. The agenda includes:

An introduction to Intelligent Automation by Kofaxs Chief Strategy Officer, Chris Huff

RPA and Beyond delivered by Amardeep Modi, Senior Analyst at Everest Group

Advice from CGI on Powering your Digital Workforce

Kofax customer case study presentations and panel discussion on intelligent automation in the real world

An in-depth look at key considerations for deploying intelligent automation in various industries

An examination of RPA initiative challenges

A Build-a-Bot demonstration and hands-on training

Touted as next-generation RPA, Intelligent Automation encompasses a much broader range of smart technologies including RPA, cognitive document automation (CDA), machine learning, workflow orchestration, advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to drive significant business value.

This event will bring together business leaders from throughout Europe to tap into the knowledge and experience of many well-known intelligent automation and AI trailblazers, said Kathleen Delaney, Chief Marketing Officer at Kofax. Attendees will hear from our diverse group of experts about this new IA journeyfrom what it is to pilot project to full implementation and scale. And participants will experience firsthand how easy it is to build their own bots with Kofax Kapow Intelligent Automation software.

About Kofax

Kofax is a leading supplier of software and solutions to automate and digitally transform human and information intensive processes across front and back office operations. These can dramatically improve customer engagement, greatly reduce operating costs, mitigate compliance risk and increase competitiveness, growth and profitability. Its broad range of software and solutions can be deployed in the cloud or on premise, and include robotic process automation, business process management, multichannel capture and other critically important capabilities. These provide a rapid return on investment to over 20,000 Kofax customers in financial services, insurance, government, healthcare, supply chain, business process outsourcing and other markets. Kofax delivers its software and solutions through its direct sales and services organization and more than 650 indirect channel partners in more than 60 countries throughout the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific. For more information, visit kofax.com .

 2018 Kofax, Inc. Kofax is a registered trademark and Kofax Kapow is a trademark of Kofax Limited.



Source: KOFAX
Photo: pixabay

The cannabis industry appears to be eying the District of Summerland as a future home for production facilities.

Chief administrative officer Linda Tynan disclosed Thursday during a special meeting on local cannabis regulations that the municipality is currently reviewing two applications for large-scale grow-ops, one within the ALR and one outside.

The South Okanagan is shaping up to be a hub of legal cannabis production, with massive facilities already being built in OK Falls, Kaleden and Princeton.

With legalization arriving later this month, Tynan says they are hopeful Health Canada regulations will deal with the grow-ops already operating within district limits under rules unknown to the district.

We dont even know how they are operating. The RCMP can say to us, 'they have their license in place so we cannot enforce anything,' Tynan said. We dont even know as district staff, what kind of licenses they are, but the theory is, those ones will not operate in the scale they are now because they wont be licensed [Health Canada] cannabis production facilities.

Council heard complaints about smell from residents living near existing grow-ops in Prairie Valley during the public hearing portion of the meeting.

Its believed that Health Canada rules will bring smelly existing grow-ops in line by requiring sophisticated air scrubbers be in place before a facility will be licensed under the new regime.

Council decided to move forward with allowing cannabis production facilities to be built in industrially-zoned areas. For non-ALR farmland, the same rules will apply as within the ALR  meaning grow-ops must not be concrete "bunkers" and grow plants directly in topsoil.

Council also accepted a recommendation from district staff to permit retail cannabis stores in the downtown business centre and shopping centre zones. Unlike other municipalities, Summerland did not opt to write exclusion or buffer zones around school and parks into its bylaws.

It would be very difficult to manage that type of regulation in a municipality like this where the downtown core is fairly close together, Tynan said.

Instead, cannabis storefronts will be handled on a case-by-case basis, with city council having to sign off on each one after a period of public engagement. Groups like the school district and public library will be consulted on an individual proposal during that public engagement.
PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-01 16:13:15

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Life Happens' Scholarship Program offers financial support for college-bound students in the wake of family tragediesFREDERICK, MD / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2018 / Legal & General America (LGA), a top 10 U.S. life insurer, announced today that it has awarded a $10,000 Life Lessons Scholarship to Carrie Shuman, a SUNY Morrisville senior studying dairy management. This scholarship, part of non-profit organization Life Happens' annual program, recognizes students like Shuman for their perseverance in the face of adversity following the loss of a parent or guardian with little to no life insurance coverage.In 2012, following a farming accident that resulted in the death of her father and injured her brother, Shuman's family relied on a small life insurance policy that covered only some funeral and medical costs, leaving them in a challenging financial position. Determined to realize her family's dream of Shuman attending college, she began working at local farms and at her university, SUNY Morrisville, to support her family's monthly expenses and tuition costs while attending classes full time."It's never easy for families to anticipate how much life insurance coverage they need, let alone to think about the events that would precipitate such a need," said Mark Holweger, President and CEO of Legal & General America's insurance division. "At Legal & General America, one of our goals is to educate people on financial wellness at every stage in life, and that includes preparing for unforeseen events like those that took place in Carrie's family. In recognition of the courage and perseverance it takes for Carrie to keep forging ahead to fulfill her goal of graduating with her bachelor's degree next spring, we are proud to award her with a 2018 Life Lessons Scholarship.""Even in the darkest of moments, hopes and dreams still shine bright and can lead the way," Shuman said. "This scholarship provided through Life Happens and Legal & General America will be used to lower my college expenses allowing me to get to my dream faster, which is to build a dairy barn with an on-farm creamery to take my family farm into the future."Through its annual Life Lessons Scholarship Program, Life Happens recognizes students through scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, which help pay for their college education. The program started in 2005 and has awarded roughly $1,790,000 to nearly 580 students. LGA has been working with Life Happens for over 10 years, and 2018 marks the first year of LGA's involvement specifically in the Life Lessons Scholarship Program."The Life Lessons Scholarship Program has been helping students achieve their educational goals for over 13 years," said Andrea Englert, Manager, Consumer & Industry Programs at Life Happens. "At Life Happens, we feel it is an honor to play a small part of their future. With the help of companies like Legal & General America, we can continue this important work and continue to assist students in their time of need."To learn more about the value of life insurance, as well as other financial wellness tips for families, visit LGA's newly launched blog: blog.lgamerica.com . For more on the Life Lessons Scholarship Program, visit: lifehappens.org.About Legal & General AmericaLegal & General America (LGA) is part of the worldwide Legal & General Group. For nearly 70 years, the Legal & General America companies have been in the business of providing financial protection through life insurance for American families. The Legal & General America companies are Banner Life Insurance Company and William Penn Life Insurance Company of New York. With more than $53 billion in new coverage issued in 2017, LGA is ranked in the top 10 of U.S. life insurers and ended 2017 with in excess of $703 billion of coverage in force with 1.3 million U.S. customers. LGA shares Legal & General's independent financial strength ratings: A+ Superior from A. M. Best and AA- Very Strong from Standard and Poor's and Fitch. To learn more, visit lgamerica.com . 18-251About Life HappensLife Happens is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers take personal financial responsibility through the ownership of life insurance and related products. The organization does not endorse any product, company or insurance advisor. Since its inception in 1994, Life Happens has provided the highest quality, independent and objective information for people seeking help with their insurance buying decisions. The organization supports the insurance industry by providing marketing tools and resources and convening the industry each September for Life Insurance Awareness Month. Life Happens is supported by more than 140 of the nation's leading insurance company and financial services organizations. To learn more, visit lifehappens.org.Media ContactKristina Pereira TullyCaliber Corporate Adviserskristina@ calibercorporate.com888.550.6385 ext. 5SOURCE: Legal & General America
PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-01 15:02:55

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2018 / Midnight Sun Mining Corp. (the ''Company'' or ''Midnight Sun'') (TSX-V: MMA) announces the termination of the previously announced letter of intent and term sheet with Kam Chuen Resource Holdings Inc. (''Kam Chuen'') to acquire the remaining 40% interest in Zambian High Light Mining Investment Limited (See news release dated February 20, 2018 for more details).ZHLMIL holds the two large scale exploration licenses collectively known as the Solwezi Licenses. Midnight Sun and Kam Chuen will continue to operate as partners in ZHLMIL with Midnight Sun holding a 60% interest and Kam Chuen holding a 40% interest as contemplated in the original property option agreement dated July 30, 2013.The Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, Brett Richards stated: ''The acquisition of the remaining 40% of Zambian High Light Mining Investment Limited no longer makes sense in the context of the current market, and we are happy to move forward with Kam Chuen as partners on the Solwezi Licences.''ABOUT MIDNIGHT SUN MININGMidnight Sun has earned a 60% interest in the Solwezi Licences with the potential to acquire the remaining 40% through unmatched property expenditures. The Solwezi Licences are comprised of two individual exploration licences totalling 506 square kilometres, situated in the North-Western Province of Zambia, adjacent to First Quantum's Kansanshi Mine; Africa's largest copper mining complex, on the prolific Zambia-Congo Copper Belt.Led by experienced directors and talented management, Midnight Sun aims to further explore the impressive mineralization and anomalies that have been discovered on the Solwezi Licences. Midnight Sun Mining Corp. trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol MMA.Please also refer to the Company's previous news releases as well as the Company's presentation on its website at: www.midnightsunmining.com.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF MIDNIGHT SUN MINING CORP.Brett A. Richards - President and Chief Executive OfficerFor Further Information Contact:Brett A. Richards President and Chief Executive Officer Tel: +1 905 449 1500 Al Fabbro Lead DirectorTel: +1 604 351 8850NEITHER 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 NEW RELEASE.This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed as ''forward-looking statements'' within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include: changes in market conditions, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in the price of commodities (particularly copper, cobalt, gold and nickel), unanticipated changes in key management personnel and general social, economic or geo-political conditions. Mining exploration and development is an inherently risky business. Accordingly the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be from time to time by the Company or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.SOURCE: Midnight Sun Mining Corp.
PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-01 01:01:01

In line with International Coffee Day, new research reveals that while one in five Australians are coffee enthusiasts, two thirds are guilty of poor coffee etiquette

12.7 Million Aussies Experiencing a Coffee Faux Pas

For more information or images, please contact:

Burson-Marsteller

Matea Rojas, 0433 442 728

matea.rojas@bm.com

Coffee faux pas are real. 12.7 million Australians have had a poor coffee experience at home with a guest, despite a whopping 4.12 million Australians being coffee enthusiasts, according to the new Sunbeam research released today.

Released in line with International Coffee Day (1 October), the data confirmed we continue to be a coffee-obsessed nation. 4.6 billion cups of cafe style coffee are consumed by Australians  in and outside of the home  each year. Per person, thats an average of 242 cups in one year. Yet, despite Australia taking coffee very seriously, the research revealed that coffee faux pas are all too common, as 67 per cent of Australians admit to poor coffee etiquette when having a coffee at home with a guest. The nations leading coffee crimes include serving instant coffee to a visitor (42 per cent), offering an alternate warm beverage (24 per cent), choosing to drink out instead (16 per cent), and offering to re-heat a guests untouched coffee (5 per cent).

The findings also exposed Australia as a fussy nation  nearly all (98 per cent) have at least one pet peeve that ruins a coffee experience. Topping the list are temperature (65 per cent), the dreaded burnt coffee (58 per cent) and strength (56 per cent), amongst others, including foam inconsistencies (39 per cent), and the unforgettable taste of curdled soy milk (27 per cent). According to the research, Australians are impatient too; two in five (40 per cent) of those surveyed state a long wait makes for a bad coffee experience, with men (44 per cent) and Baby Boomers (45 per cent) being the least patient.

Yet, according to Sunbeam, Australians are not only the victims of a poor coffee experience, but also culprits of coffee shaming. One quarter of the nation (25 per cent) admit to being involved in some form of it, with one in five (21 per cent) being the perpetrators of shaming others. From making assumptions about someone based on what coffee they drink (8 per cent), judging someone or being judged based on serving a sub-standard cup of coffee (7 per cent each), being embarrassed about a friends coffee order (9 per cent), and even being embarrassed of ones own coffee order (8 per cent).

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the data found that while Australians love coffee and the taste of barista-made coffee  both at home and outside of it  a lack of knowledge or equipment limits the ability to enjoy it in the comfort of ones own home. 79 per cent of Australians confessed to feeling that they are unable to make a cafe style coffee at home. Nearly half (47 per cent) attribute this to not having the right equipment, while a third (32 per cent) simply dont know how to make one.

Commenting on the research, George Choutis of Roastville and Sunbeam espresso machine advocate said, Australians are a coffee proud nation. However, most live busy and time poor lives. The quick and easy home coffee option sometimes sacrifices a quality cup of coffee. Yet, with new technologies emerging, Aussies who feel they dont have the necessary equipment to make barista-style coffee at home are being facilitated. Take the Sunbeam Barista Max. It has all the tools to make top quality coffee, while maintaining the integrity of fresh coffee beans. Australians can now avoid a coffee faux pas, and be their own home coffee maestro at home.

The study is aligned with the release of Sunbeams newest home kitchen solution to help Australians make true cafe style coffee at home, to help get through the day and have that delicious cafe moment at home.

The all-new Sunbeam Barista Max is a modern, sleek and thoughtfully-designed espresso machine. Inspired by professional cafe coffee machines, the Barista Max uses a 58mm group head and handle which ensures the coffee grinds are more evenly spread in the filter basket, therefore producing the freshest-tasting coffee. The Barista Max is also equipped with the latest technology including a Tap & Go Integrated Grinder, allowing for an easy, on-demand grinding experience, as well as a powerful steam wand to deliver the perfect textured micro-foam milk, and a programmable shot volume, to manage the right quantity in your cup.

The Barista Max also comes with a TempIQ Shot Control  a unique three-way system including Thermoblock technology, advanced PID controller and gentle pre-infusion. These all work together to regulate and stabilise water temperature, delivering an ultra-precise temperature for great tasting coffee every time. Covered by a 12-month replacement warranty, the Barista Max also has easy maintenance features such as an anti-spill gate, grind bin and convenient accessories storage.

The Sunbeam Barista Max is available from leading electrical specialists and department stores for $699.00. For more information, please visit www.sunbeam.com.au/Barista-Max-Espresso-Machine.as.

Notes to editors:

Visit https://www.sunbeam.com.au/ for further information about the full range of Sunbeam products.

ABOUT SUNBEAM

Sunbeam, makes products for real people, and real, Australians needs. Through cutting-edge innovation and intelligent design, Sunbeam aim to make it easier and simpler for you to do those things you do every day: clean, cook, organise, or even entertain. Their commitment to simple, sophisticated and elegant design has remained unchanged. Sunbeam's products don't just look smart. They are smart. Additional information about the Sunbeam brand is available at http://www.sunbeam.com.au/

ABOUT THE SUNBEAM BARISTA MAX

Sunbeams first espresso machine with integrated grinder provides a neat, all-in-one cafe-style machine to make barista-style coffee at home.

Sunbeam want more people to be able to make and enjoy real barista-style coffee at home  using fresh beans makes the best tasting coffee.

The Sunbeam Barista Max Espresso Machine is equipped with the latest technology including an Integrated Grinder with a Tap & Go grind on demand functionality and TempIQ Shot Control for consistent, great tasting coffee every time.

ABOUT NEWELL BRANDS

Newell Brands (NYSE: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Paper Mate, Sharpie, Dymo, EXPO, Parker, Elmers, Coleman, Jostens, Marmot, Oster, Sunbeam, FoodSaver, Mr. Coffee, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Graco, Baby Jogger, NUK, Calphalon, Rubbermaid, Contigo, First Alert, and Yankee Candle. For hundreds of millions of consumers, Newell Brands makes life better every day, where they live, learn, work and play. This press release and additional information about Newell Brands are available on the companys website, www.newellbrands.com.

ABOUT THE RESEARCH

Research conducted by Lonergan Research on behalf of Newell Brands. Data collected between 17 July 2018 to 23 July 2018. Sample collected n=1041.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180930005
PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-01 01:02:02

In line with International Coffee Day, new research reveals that while one in five New Zealanders are coffee enthusiasts, two thirds are guilty of poor coffee etiquette

2.6 Million New Zealanders Experiencing a Coffee Faux Pas

For more information or images, please contact:

Burson-Marsteller

Matea Rojas, 0433 442 728

matea.rojas@bm.com

Coffee faux pas are real. 2.6 million New Zealanders have had a poor coffee experience at home with a guest, despite almost one million (784,000) New Zealanders being coffee enthusiasts, according to the new Sunbeam research released today.

Released in line with International Coffee Day (1 October), the data confirmed we continue to be a coffee-obsessed nation. 841.3 million cups of cafe style coffee are consumed by New Zealanders  in and outside of the home  each year. Per person, thats an average of 235 cups in one year. Yet, despite New Zealand taking coffee very seriously, the research revealed that coffee faux pas are all too common, as 73 per cent of New Zealanders admit to poor coffee etiquette when having a coffee at home with a guest. Some of the nations coffee crimes include serving instant coffee to a visitor (45 per cent), offering an alternate warm beverage (31 per cent), choosing to drink out instead (17 per cent), and offering to re-heat a guests untouched coffee (5 per cent).

The findings also exposed New Zealand as a fussy nation  nearly all (94 per cent) have at least one pet peeve that ruins a coffee experience. Topping the list are temperature (71 per cent), the dreaded burnt coffee (62 per cent) and strength (58 per cent), amongst others including foam inconsistencies (38 per cent), and the unforgettable taste of curdled soy milk (30 per cent). According to the research, New Zealanders are impatient too; two in five (44 per cent) of those surveyed state a long wait makes for a bad coffee experience, with women (47 per cent) and Gen X (46 per cent) being the least patient.

Yet, according to Sunbeam, New Zealanders are not only the victims of a poor coffee experience, but also culprits of coffee shaming. One quarter of the nation (25 per cent) admit to being involved in some form of it, with one in three (36 per cent) being the perpetrators of shaming others. From being embarrassed about a friends coffee order (7 per cent), or even being embarrassed of ones own coffee order (6 per cent), making assumptions about someone based on what coffee they drink (6 per cent) and judging someone based on serving a sub-standard cup of coffee (6 per cent).

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the data found that while New Zealanders love coffee and the taste of barista-made coffee  both at home and outside of it  a lack of knowledge or equipment limits the ability to enjoy it in the comfort of ones own home. 81 per cent of New Zealanders confessed to feeling that they are unable to make a cafe style coffee at home. Over half (52 per cent) attribute this to not having the right equipment, while a third (28 per cent) simply dont know how to make one.

Commenting on the research, George Choutis of Roastville and Sunbeam espresso machine advocate said, New Zealand is a coffee proud nation. However, most live busy and time poor lives. The quick and easy home coffee option sometimes sacrifices a quality cup of coffee. Yet, with new technologies emerging, Kiwis who feel they dont have the necessary equipment to make barista-style coffee at home are being facilitated. Take the Sunbeam Barista Max. It has all the tools to make top quality coffee, while maintaining the integrity of fresh coffee beans. New Zealanders can now avoid a coffee faux pas, and be their own home coffee maestro at home.

The study is aligned with the release of Sunbeams newest home kitchen solution to help New Zealanders make true cafe style coffee at home, to help get through the day and have that delicious cafe moment at home.

The all-new Sunbeam Barista Max is a modern, sleek and thoughtfully-designed espresso machine. Inspired by professional cafe coffee machines, the Barista Max uses a 58mm group head and handle which ensures the coffee grinds are more evenly spread in the filter basket, therefore producing the freshest-tasting coffee. The Barista Max is also equipped with the latest technology including a Tap & Go Integrated Grinder, allowing for an easy, on-demand grinding experience, as well as a powerful steam wand to deliver the perfect textured micro-foam milk, and a programmable shot volume, to manage the right quantity in your cup.

The Barista Max also comes with a TempIQ Shot Control  a unique three-way system including Thermoblock technology, advanced PID controller and gentle pre-infusion. These all work together to regulate and stabilise water temperature, delivering an ultra-precise temperature for great tasting coffee every time. Covered by a 12-month replacement warranty, the Barista Max also has easy maintenance features such as an anti-spill gate, grind bin and convenient accessories storage.

The Sunbeam Barista Max is available from leading electrical specialists and department stores for $699.00. for more information, please visit https://www.sunbeam.co.nz/Barista-Max-Espresso-Mac.

Notes to editors:

Visit https://www.sunbeam.com.au/ for further information about the full range of Sunbeam products.

ABOUT SUNBEAM

Sunbeam, makes products for real people, and real, New Zealanders needs. Through cutting-edge innovation and intelligent design, Sunbeam aim to make it easier and simpler for you to do those things you do every day: clean, cook, organise, or even entertain. Their commitment to simple, sophisticated and elegant design has remained unchanged. Sunbeam's products don't just look smart. They are smart. Additional information about the Sunbeam brand is available at http://www.sunbeam.com.au/

ABOUT THE SUNBEAM BARISTA MAX

Sunbeams first espresso machine with integrated grinder provides a neat, all-in-one cafe-style machine to make barista-style coffee at home.

Sunbeam want more people to be able to make and enjoy real barista-style coffee at home  using fresh beans makes the best tasting coffee.

The Sunbeam Barista Max Espresso Machine is equipped with the latest technology including an Integrated Grinder with a Tap & Go grind on demand functionality and TempIQ Shot Control for consistent, great tasting coffee every time.

ABOUT NEWELL BRANDS

Newell Brands (NYSE:NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Paper Mate, Sharpie, Dymo, EXPO, Parker, Elmers, Coleman, Jostens, Marmot, Oster, Sunbeam, FoodSaver, Mr. Coffee, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Graco, Baby Jogger, NUK, Calphalon, Rubbermaid, Contigo, First Alert, and Yankee Candle. For hundreds of millions of consumers, Newell Brands makes life better every day, where they live, learn, work and play. This press release and additional information about Newell Brands are available on the companys website, www.newellbrands.com.

ABOUT THE RESEARCH

Research conducted by Lonergan Research on behalf of Newell Brands. Data collected between 17 July 2018 to 23 July 2018. Sample collected n=501.

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PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-01 14:45:49

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HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2018 / PEDEVCO Corp. d/b/a Pacific Energy Development (NYSE American: PED) (the "Company") today announced that, effective September 27, 2018, the Company appointed H. Douglas Evans to the Company's Board of Directors and existing Board member John J. Scelfo to serve as its Chairman. In addition, the Company announced that all of the members of the Board have agreed to accept no cash compensation for their service on the Board, with Messrs. Evans and Scelfo, as the independent members of the Board, receiving as sole compensation, grants of 20,000 shares of restricted Company common stock each, Mr. Scelfo receiving an option exercisable at $2.19 per share for 120,000 shares of Company common stock, and Mr. Evans receiving an option exercisable at $2.19 per share for 100,000 shares of Company common stock, all vesting on the one year anniversary from the date each joined the Board. The Company's other two Board members, Dr. Simon Kukes and Mr. Ivar Siem, have agreed to accept no cash or equity compensation for their service on the Board, with Dr. Kukes also only receiving an annual salary of $1 as Chief Executive Officer of the Company.Dr . Simon Kukes, CEO of the Company, commented, "Mr. Evans has over 40 years of experience in executive management positions with Gulf Interstate Engineering Company, one of the world's top pipeline design and engineering firms, including as its current Chairman and previously its President and Chief Executive Officer, and is a past President and current Board member of the International Pipe Line and Offshore Contractors Association, current Chairman of its Strategy Committee, and an active member of the Pipeline Contractors Association. Similarly, Mr. Scelfo brings nearly 40 years of executive and management experience at Hess Corporation, Dell Computer, Sirius Satellite Radio and Mobil Corporation, and currently serves as the principal and founder of investment firm JJS Capital Group. Mr. Evans' and Mr. Scelfo's leadership and experience on our Board will help us execute on our plans for future growth."Mr . Scelfo, Chairman of the Company, added, "I am honored to accept the position of Chairman and will continue to work with Dr. Kukes and the Company to execute upon the Company's vision of aggressive growth and creation of value for our shareholders, and I look forward to working with Mr. Evans as the newest addition to our Board."Dr . Kukes continued, "I would also like to personally thank departing Board members Elizabeth P. Smith and Frank C. Ingriselli, who voluntarily stepped down last week. We are grateful for their contributions to the Company and wish them the best in their future endeavors."About Pacific Energy Development (PEDEVCO Corp.)PEDEVCO Corp, d/b/a Pacific Energy Development (NYSE American: PED), is a publicly-traded energy company engaged in the acquisition and development of strategic, high growth energy projects in the United States. The Company's principal assets are its San Andres Asset located in the Northwest Shelf of the Permian Basin in eastern New Mexico, and its D-J Basin Asset located in the D-J Basin in Weld and Morgan Counties, Colorado. Pacific Energy Development is headquartered in Houston, Texas.Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking StatementsAll statements in this press release that are not based on historical fact are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Acts"). In particular, when used in the preceding discussion, the words "estimates," "believes," "hopes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," or "may," and similar conditional expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act, and are subject to the safe harbor created by the Act. Any statements made in this news release other than those of historical fact, about an action, event or development, are forward-looking statements. While management has based any forward-looking statements contained herein on its current expectations, the information on which such expectations were based may change. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are outside of the Company's control, that could cause actual results to materially differ from such statements. Such risks, uncertainties, and other factors include, but are not necessarily limited to, those set forth under Item 1A "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q under the heading "Risk Factors". The Company operates in a highly competitive and rapidly changing environment, thus new or unforeseen risks may arise. Accordingly, investors should not place any reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. The Company disclaims any intention to, and undertakes no obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as otherwise required by law, and also takes no obligation to update or correct information prepared by third parties that are not paid for by the Company. Readers are also urged to carefully review and consider the other various disclosures in the Company's public filings with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). Contacts Pacific Energy Development1-855-733-3826PR@ pacificenergydevelopment.comSOURCE: PEDEVCO Corp.
PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-01 15:07:01

Comprehensive report heralds the beginning of Computer Aided Biology (CAB)

Synthace Launches Ground-Breaking New Whitepaper: Computer-Aided Biology: Delivering Biotechnology in the 21st Century

Synthace

Bobby Brill

Press@synthace.com

+44 7867488769

Synthace Ltd., the company behind the leading cloud software platform for automating and improving the success rate of biological research and development, is pleased to announce it has released a new comprehensive whitepaper entitled, Computer Aided Biology: Delivering Biotechnology in [..].

According to the report, Computer Aided Biology is a conceptual framework, around which there is an emerging ecosystem of tools that collectively transform how we approach biological research, development, and manufacturing. Computer Aided Biology is comprised of two domains: the digital and the physical. The Digital, powered by artificial intelligence includes software for the design and simulation of biological systems, as well as methods of collating, connecting, structuring, and analysing data. The Physical, enabled by automation, includes systems that allow for the seamless transfer of simulated biological designs and processes via abstracted experimental design, simulation, and automated physical execution. Only by connecting the entire tools ecosystem, and enabling an integrated loop, will scientists be able to address the challenges of 21st century biology.

This transformation of how people work, enabled by Computer Aided Biology, mirrors revolutions that have already changed how other industries, including semiconductors, automotive, and aerospace foundationally operate. The report delves into what can be learned from how those revolutions played out, as well as acknowledging the unique challenges that flow from the sheer complexity of biological systems.

"We're pleased to offer these insights and approach," said Tim Fell, CEO Synthace. "In this ground-breaking whitepaper, we highlight how the emerging Computer Aided Biology ecosystem is evolving, and how companies from the technology and life science domains are coming together to make biology a true engineering discipline."

"This whitepaper also shows that Synthace is a leading organisation helping researchers and manufacturers integrate the physical, digital and biological realms, the synergy of which is at the heart of the fourth industrial revolution," Fell concluded.

The full detailed whitepaper can be found on the following link: https://synthace.com/computer-aided-biology-whitep

-ENDS-

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About Synthace

Based in London, Synthace is developing Antha, a language and software platform specifically for biology that lets researchers aim higher and achieve better results, faster. Antha is designed to make reproducible and scalable workflows that can be readily edited and shared, and easily automated on labs existing equipment. With customers across pharma, agritech and industrial biotechnology Synthace has been recognised by the World Economic Forum as a Technology Pioneer that is helping shape the Fourth Industrial Revolution  a technological revolution that will fundamentally alter the way we live, work and relate to one another. For more information, visit: www.synthace.com.

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News! @Synthace announces the launch of its comprehensive whitepaper, Computer Aided Biology: Delivering Biotechnology in the 21st Century #biotech #automation #whitepaper #digitaltransformation https://bit.ly/2It6GCD
PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-01 15:11:01





TBC Bank Group PLC (TBC PLC) announces that its subsidiary, JSC TBC Bank ("TBC Bank"), has signed a loan agreement in the amount of EUR 30 million with the European Investment Bank (EIB). The five year loan facility will primarily be used to finance small and medium size enterprises in Georgia.

We are proud to have built such a successful relationship with EIB, TBC Banks long standing partner. This is already the fourth transaction we have accomplished since the launch of our partnership in 2012, which is a testament to the truly efficient working relationship our respective organizations have formed. This facility will help TBC Bank to further strengthen its leading position in the Georgian small and medium enterprise (SME) segment, commented Vakhtang Butskhrikidze, Chief Executive Officer of TBC Bank.

EIB Vice-President Vazil Hudak commented: Thanks to EIB support, Georgian SMEs will improve their access to long term finance, which is a prerequisite for their growth and competitiveness. This will help create new job opportunities and foster the general development of Georgias economy. Through this new loan to TBC Bank, the EIB contributes to the implementation of EU external policy objectives to stabilise and promote the private sector in the Eastern Partnership Region.





For futher enquires, please contact:

Director of International Media and Investor Relations

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About EIB

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the European Union's bank. It is the long-term lending institution of the EU and is the only bank owned by and representing the interests of the European Union Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investments in order to contribute towards EU policy goals. The EIB works closely with other EU institutions to implement EU policy.

As the largest multilateral borrower and lender by volume, the EIB provides finance and expertise for sound and sustainable investment projects which contribute to furthering EU policy objectives. More than 90% of EIB activity is focused on Europe but it also supports the EU's external and development policies.

About TBC Bank Group PLC (TBC PLC)

TBC PLC is a public limited company registered in England and Wales that was incorporated in February 2016. TBC PLC became the parent company of JSC TBC Bank (TBC Bank) on 10 August 2016. TBC PLC is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol TBCG.

TBC Bank, together with its subsidiaries, is the leading universal banking group in Georgia, with a total market share of 38.3% of loans and 39.5% of non-banking deposits as at 30 June 2018, according to the data published by the National Bank of Georgia.
PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-02 01:22:53

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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2018 / UNIFIN Financiera, S.A.B. de C.V., SOFOM, ENR (BMV: UNIFINA) (''UNIFIN'' or the ''Company'') announces the appointment of Mr. Sergio Manuel Cancino Rodriguez as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective today. Mr. Sergio Cancino joined UNIFIN in 2014 and has since held the position of Corporate Controller. Prior to joining the Company, he was Chief Financial Officer at CMR, S.A.B. de C.V. and at Grupo Mexicano de Desarrollo, S.A.B. de C.V.Mr. Sergio Jose Camacho Carmona, who formerly held the position of Chief Financial Officer, now assumes the position of Chief Executive Officer of UNIFIN, as previously announced by the Company.About UNIFINUNIFIN is the leading independent Mexican leasing company, operating as a non-banking financial services company, specializing in three main business lines: operating leasing, factoring and auto and other lending. Through UNIFIN's leasing business line, its core business line, the Company offers operating leases for all types of equipment and machinery, various types of transportation vehicles (including cars, trucks, helicopters, airplanes and other vessels) and other assets in a variety of industries. Through its factoring business line, UNIFIN provides liquidity and financing solutions to its customers by purchasing or discounting accounts receivable and by providing vendor financing. UNIFIN's auto loans business line is focused on financing the acquisition of new and used vehicles. UNIFIN's shares are listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ''UNIFIN A.''Contact InformationDavid Pernas SanchezDirector Investor Relations and Corporate FinanceTel. +52 (55) 4162.8270 david.pernas@unifin.com.mx Estefania Vazquez OrtegaInvestor RelationsTel. +52 (55) 5249.5800 ext. 5687evazquez@ unifin.com.mx In New York:i-advize Corporate CommunicationsMaria Barona/Rafael Borja, +1 (212) 406.3691/3693mbarona@ i-advize.com/rborja@i-advize.com unifin.ri@unifin.com.mx Web page: www.unifin.com.mx This document may contain certain forward-looking statements. These statements are non-historical facts, and they are based on the current vision of the Management of Unifin Financiera, S.A.B. de C.V., SOFOM, ENR for future economic circumstances, the conditions of the industry, the performance of the Company and its financial results. The terms ''anticipated'', ''believe'', ''estimate'', ''expect'', ''plan'' and other similar terms related to the Company, are solely intended to identify estimates or predictions. The statements relating to the declaration or the payment of dividends, the implementation of the main operational and financial strategies and plans of investment of equity, the direction of future operations and the factors or trends that affect the financial condition, the liquidity or the operating results of the Company are examples of such statements. Such statements reflect the current expectations of the management and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. There is no guarantee that the expected events, trends or results will occur. The statements are based on several suppositions and factors, including economic general conditions and market conditions, industry conditions and various factors of operation. Any change in such suppositions or factors may cause the actual results to differ from expectations.SOURCE: UNIFIN
An award-winning Nigerian film editor/Animator, Jibril Mailafia, who was killed by unknown men in Jos, Plateau State, on September 24, has been accorded a posthumous honour.

In a category tagged Jibril Mailafia Award for Best Animation, the deceased who had earned a nomination in the same category, in the 2018 Africa Movie Academy Awards will be honoured.

The deceased animator was a promising young Nigerian filmmaker. His specialty included film directing, editing and animation. He had just recently wrapped up shooting his first feature film titled On A Trip before he was killed.

The AMAA founder, Peace Anyiam- Osigwe announced the change in a statement on Sunday.

She said the Board of Africa Film Academy took the decision ahead of the 2018 edition of the award to honour the late animator because of his creative animations.

This young man was one of the leading figures when it comes to animations for movies, clips, and short stories. He has been nominated severally for the AMAAs and won in 2016 for the first time under the international award platform of the Africa Movie Academy Awards, Ms. Anyiam- Osigwe noted.

She also disclosed that AMAA would eternally honour the slain animator by renaming the best Animation award in his name.

The AMAA CEO also added that Jibrils death should be a wakeup call for stakeholders in the creative industry.

AMAA

According to her, Jibril was easily one of the top 10 animators in Africa.

He was a crazy editor, a fantastic crew member and a no-stress team player. The vicious death is a wake up call for us to speak out. We create things, it is time we used our voices in film, music, dance to shout loud and clear that this unnecessary killings should stop.

AMAAs director of administration, Tony Anih, also expressed shock at the news of Jibrils death.

Mailafia was nominated in the animation category in this years award. His entry is titled Group Foto. Yes, he was that good and consistent with his art. He will forever be remembered by AMAA as one of the young brilliant creative talents in animation to ever come out of Africa. We will continue to hold a candle in your name that will never burn out, Anih said.

The 2018 edition of the AMAA is scheduled to take place in Kigali, Rwanda on October 20.
By Kunle Adebajo

ON a Friday, January 26, 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari signed eight bills into law. But of all, one stood out prominently: the Senior Citizens Centre Bill, finally signed two years after it was first introduced into the House of Representatives.

The older persons law came with the promise of a new dawn for Nigerias 9.6 million elderly citizens, who are aged 60 and above. Mr. Buhari has shown that he is indeed a senior citizen. He knows where the shoe has been pinching us, Carls Ozoemena, member of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, had told DailyTrust, describing it as the administrations best achievement.

Yet another pensioner, Rosemary Ajaki, enthused she was excited about the development and said she expected the centre to find a solution to the challenge of delayed pension among other issues.

But it is not only the old who will potentially benefit from this initiative. Its in fact been estimated that the centre has the capacity to generate over 720,000 jobs, once established across all states of the federation.

However, since its signing into law, nothing has been heard from the federal government about this promising legislation or plans regarding its implementation. Board members of the centre have not been announced.

On the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons, therefore, it is important to ask: Where is Nigerias Senior Citizens Centre? What plans does the government have in making it materialise beyond words on paper?

A check through the 2018 budget revealed that no amount has been budgeted yet for the centres establishment. This is perhaps because, though it was passed by the Senate in July 2017, the bill did not get to the President until December of the same year. It is thus expected that the government will do the needful in the next appropriation bill making provision for the initiative in the budgert.

What does the law provide?

Essentially, the intention of the National Senior Citizens Centre Act is to facilitate Section 16 of the 1999 Constitution, which provides that the state shall direct its policy towards ensuring that  old age care and pensions, and unemployment, sick benefits and welfare of the disabled are provided for all citizens.

Section 2 of the Act provides for the establishment of a Senior Citizens Centre headed by a Director-General, headquartered in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and for any state that desires it.

Its functions include identifying the needs of senior citizens and taking responsibility for creating recreational, sports, health, educational, counselling and social programmes for their benefit. It shall develop and implement schemes to provide income or supplementary earnings for aged citizens.

It shall also keep records and statistics concerning senior citizens in the country, and partner with sub-national, national, and international bodies in achieving its objectives.

One odd provision in the Older Persons Act, however, is section 20 which defines senior citizen as a person above the age of seventy (70) years. This is ten years more than the United Nations definition, and twenty years above the World Health Organisation (WHO) working definition for Africa. It also conflicts with the countrys general retirement age of sixty and life expectancy of 55 years.

A terrible place to age

Nigeria, according to the Global Agewatch 2014 Rankings, is the twelfth worst country in the world to be an old person. The ranking arrived at that conclusion using four major indices: income security, on which the country is the seventh worst performing; health status; capability; and enabling environment.

The problems facing senior citizens in Nigeria are numerous, but chief among them is the difficulty in getting their entitlements, after years of service, at a time they are no longer able to fend adequately for themselves. Not only does the pension scheme cover a small percentage (7.4 million) of Nigerias labour force  a far cry from the Pension Commissions vision of having 20 million contributors by 2019  it is riddled with defects despite legal reforms.

In August, retirees of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) cried to the federal government to pay them 15 months worth of gratuity and pension arrears. They are dying of hunger, unable to pay medical bills and have literally turned to beggars, they lamented at a press conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

They had tried lobbying, written series of letters, and had no option left but to resort to placards. But their story is not unique. Across the country are similar stories of old men and women travelling numerous kilometres for verification, lining up under the sun, and dying on the same line, all in a hope to get what is rightfully theirs.

No fewer than 900 pensioners of the defunct Nigerian Airways have died while awaiting their terminal benefits, according to Sam Ezene, chairman of Nigerian Airways branch of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP).

The Contributory Pension Scheme introduced in 2004 to increase efficiency in the national pension scheme has fallen short of expectations, as the Pension Commission (Pencom), Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and the federal government have been discovered to breach their ends of the bargain.

A retiree, who left the service in 2017 as a deputy director at the River Basin Development Authorities, told NAN in May that the delay in paying her gratuity and pensions has brought her great hardship.

We are hoping against hope that our PFA will soon invite us to come and collect our money, she said.

It has been extremely difficult to make ends meet with some of the children still in school, feeding and other expenses. The contributory pension scheme is to ensure that a month after disengagement or retirement, a staff should be paid like in the private sector, but it is not so.

It appears that we are back to the old pension scheme where people who have retired died without getting their money after 35 years in active service.

Older Persons in Nigeria also have very little specialist care needed in their later years. Homes for the elderly are a scarce sight, and there are only a handful specialist geriatric centres in the country. The National Hospital in Abuja, in fact, has only one geriatrician: Ogugua Osi-Ogbu.

Hopefully, when the National Senior Citizens Centre Act is fully implemented by the federal government, the bulk of these problems will be a thing of the past as challenges facing older citizens take centre-stage in policy-making.

THIS WAS FIRST PUBLISHED BY OUR PARTNER, THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING. WE HAVE THEIR PERMISSION TO REPUBLISH.
Photo: The Canadian Press Adam Mosseri, centre, with Instagram co-founders Kevin Systrom, right, and Mike Krieger.

Facebook has named Adam Mosseri, a 10-year veteran at the company, as the head of Instagram.

The appointment comes after the photo-sharing app's co-founders resigned last week without giving a clear reason. Kevin Systrom, Instagram's CEO, and Mike Krieger, its other co-founder, announced Mosseri's appointment Monday on the company blog.

Mosseri was named as Instagram's head of product in May. He began as a designer at Facebook and most recently led its news feed.

The founders, and Mosseri himself, sought to reassure users that Mosseri will "hold true" to Instagram's values and community. Some users have worried since last week's surprise departures that Instagram will become more like its parent company, becoming getting cluttered with features and sucking up personal data.

In a statement, Mosseri reiterated his desire to keep Instagram's unique culture that includes "simplicity, craft and community as well as kindness."

Facebook said it completed an internal search for the best candidate, but Mosseri, 35, had been widely expected to get the post. The company did not make either Mosseri or Systrom available for interviews. Head of Instagram is Mosseri's official title, as Facebook says it reserves CEO titles to company founders.

In his blog post, Systrom praised Mosseri's "strong design background and a focus on craft and simplicity  as well as a deep understanding of the importance of community."

Instagram was founded in 2010 and sold to Facebook for $1 billion two years later. It was Facebook's first billion-dollar purchase (though dwarfed by WhatsApp at $19 billion two years later). At the time, Instagram was ad-free, with a loyal following of 31 million users who were all on mobile devices  still a somewhat elusive bunch for the web-born Facebook back then. Since then, the service has grown to more than 1 billion users, expanded its features and, of course, added ads.

Instagram has been a bright spot for Facebook, which has faced waves of controversy in the last two years ranging from fake news and misinformation, to privacy scandals. Instagram is generally seen as a more uplifting space and remains popular with teens and young people, which has been a challenge for Facebook.

Some of those users don't even know that Facebook owns their beloved app, and that's not necessarily a bad thing, analysts say. And if Instagram starts to look too much like Facebook, it might start seeing similar problems.

"When Facebook hit about a billion users that's when it started to go downhill," said Omar Akhtar, analyst at research firm Altimeter. "When everyone and their mom was on it."
Troops from North and South Korea began removal of some landmines along their heavily fortified border on Monday, the Souths defence ministry said.

This is part of a pact to reduce tension and build trust on the divided peninsula.

Project details were agreed during last months summit in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, between its leader, Kim Jong Un, and South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

In a statement, the ministry said the two sides agreed to remove all landmines in the so-called Joint Security Area (JSA) in Panmunjom within the next 20 days.

Military engineers are performing the hazardous task on the South Korean side.

There was no immediate confirmation from North Korea that its troops had begun the process.

The deal also provides for removal of guard posts and weapons from the JSA to follow the removal of the mines, with the troops remaining there to be left unarmed.

The JSA is the only spot along the 250-km (155-mile) -long demilitarized zone (DMZ) where troops from both Koreas are face to face, and it is also staffed by United Nations troops.

In November 2017, North Korean troops at the JSA shot one of their soldiers defecting to the South five times.

Since then, however, it has been the scene of the first dramatic April summit between Kim and Moon, as well as their second, more low-key meeting, in May.

At the April summit, the two Koreas announced their intention to turn the DMZ  long a symbol of tension and division  into a peace zone.

They have already dismantled propaganda loudspeakers and some guard posts along the border.

Demining projects are also set to begin on Monday in Gangwon province in eastern South Korea.

These will allow teams to search for the remains of soldiers killed in the 1950-1953 Korean War, the ministry added.

More than a million landmines were laid in border areas including the DMZ and the Civilian Control Zone in the South, say demining experts.

Civilians and soldiers alike have been killed or injured by them.

In 2015, two South Korean soldiers were maimed by what Seoul said was a North Korean landmine, an accusation the North denied.

(Reuters/NAN)
A former president, Goodluck Jonathan, has called on Nigerians to maintain unity, faith and hope preached by Nigerias founding fathers as the country celebrates its 58th anniversary.

In his independence message, he noted that even though Nigeria recently became the world headquarters for extreme poverty, he hoped the people will overcome the tough times.

But I know even much more that tough times never last but tough people do. And Nigerians are a tough people. Evidence of that abounds in our strength in adversity and most especially amongst our youth who continue to make us proud.

So if I have to summarise my message to Nigerians on this our 58th Independence Day, I would do it in one sentence: Things will get better. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all her people, he said.

In a similar message, the Senate President and presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bukola Saraki, called for better leadership of Nigeria through the election of the best candidate next year.

Mr Saraki who was absent at the official Independence Day celebrations in Abuja also urged Nigerians to ensure more vibrant, constructive and patriotic citizen participation in the governance of their country.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Mr Saraki admonished Nigerians to re-dedicate themselves to the idea of defining their personal interests in line with how it helps the realisation of national objectives.

He explained that the national objective of every Nigerian should be to build a united, peaceful, economically strong, internationally respected country, with robust military, well motivated work-force, ambitious youth and fulfilled citizens.

Citizens should stop abandoning politics and political choices to politicians and manipulative elements who invoke only religious, ethnic and geo-political sentiments to impose leadership who are only supported for the purpose of serving the interests of those who put them in office. Nigerians should vow that the leader who will lead the country when it is celebrating its Diamond jubilee anniversary must be one who would have set this country on the path of genuine socio-economic development and political greatness.

These ideals are what we should rally our people around. The people should not allow government officials and politicians to continue manipulating them in pursuit of narrow interests. It is only manipulation that will allow voters to ignore the competence, experience, suitability and temperament of aspirants for public office and rather focus on where he comes from, how he worships his God and how much he is ready to dole out.

Our people should stop being complacent. The best amongst us should be the one leading the rest. Voters should be ready at all times to intervene when government is derailing from the national objectives or placing personal or group interest above national interest. Never again, must we allow leaders who behave as emperors, maximum rulers or messiahs and cabals created by them to seize control of government and its machinery.

At this point when democracy has come to stay in Nigeria, all Nigerians should use the occasion of the 58th Independence Anniversary to redefine what should constitute the Nigerian dream, rally round that dream, support leaders who are capable and competent to realize that dream, he said.

He further noted that one of the key reasons for the non- realisation of the dreams of Nigerias founding fathers was because the citizens failed to seize control of the fortunes and future of the country while allowing sentiments to determine the choice of leaders and what national objectives should entail.

While calling for a vigilant citizenry involved in monitoring government activities, officials and programmes, the lawmaker prayed that the country will continue to exist in peace, with unity among the various groups and continuous development of the various parts.

In the same vein, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, urged Nigerians not to lose hope and faith in the progress of the country as he expressed optimism that Nigerians would soon begin to experience the true benefits of democracy.

While stating that governments have, over the years, failed to provide good governance that would translate to wealth and prosperity for the citizens, he called for the effective functioning of the three tiers of government  which would see all citizens as equal and ensure that the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness would emerge.

The speaker added that all these could only be achieved through monitoring of elected leaders to ensure that the true tenets of democracy would be preserved and practised.

For some of our citizens who wonder whether they are in the position to invest their liberty in the pursuit of happiness, I want to say they shouldnt despair, as there is hope for the living.

That fully in the course of history, the rich and powerful have always interchanged places with the poor and vulnerable. So there is hope, and every reason for all Nigerians to celebrate this democracy.

As a matter of fact, in order for us to secure these rights, the framers of our constitution allocated governmental powers among three equal branches of government, the executive, the legislature and the judiciary.

The three greatly working together makes it extremely necessary for compromise and consensus in governance. Whenever you see a democracy that is working; check it very well, it is consensus and compromise that drives it. Of course this democracy that we all cherish is very fragile, and as such we cant take it for granted, he said.

Mr Dogara also called for more active participation of citizens in governance. He said any generation that relaxed on vigilance would awaken to the rude shock that the courts and other democratic institutions had become weapons against them.

He added that nothing was impossible in a united, peaceful and democratic Nigeria.

Each year, Nigeria on October 1 celebrates its independence from British colonialism.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) earlier said part of activities for the celebration of the 58th Independence Anniversary will include displays by the Nigerian Air Force jets.
Jide Sanwo-Olu, an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Lagos, has replied Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on charges that he has an unresolved criminal allegation and unflattering mental health records.

Mr Sanwo-Olu, now widely deemed the leading candidate for the APC governorship ticket in Lagos, expressed deep sadness in Mr Ambodes charges against him, saying his utterances were beneath the position of a governor and should be disregarded by residents.

If given a chance at cooler reflection of what he said, I am sure he would regret his descent into such low conduct, Mr Sanwo-Olu said in a statement to PREMIUM TIMES Sunday night.

He categorically rebuffed claims that he has underwent a rehabilitation for mental health crisis and was once nabbed for spending counterfeit dollars in the United States, a potentially criminal allegation.

Mr Sanwo-Olus response came hours after Mr Ambode mounted a podium just outside his office in Alausa on Sunday afternoon, from where he launched a slew of damning attacks against his challenger.

Mr Ambode did not immediately present evidence showing Mr Sanwo-Olu previously underwent treatment for mental health challenges, directing curious residents to proceed to Gbagada General Hospital to obtain the records by themselves.

He also did not immediately provide details of Mr Sanwo-Olus alleged use of counterfeit U.S. national currency.

The governor said plots were being hatched by criminal elements in Lagos to spark security crises across the state starting from tomorrow.

Lagos police commissioner, Edgal Imohimi, did not immediately return PREMIUM TIMES requests for comments late Sunday.

The unusually personal outburst from the governor comes as his chances of being able to get the partys ticket to return for a second four-year term were becoming increasingly dimmer.

Mr Ambode has been largely written off the contest after Mr Sanwo-Olu bagged the endorsement of almost all the critical political action groups in Lagos.

Amongst those who have endorsed Mr Sanwo-Olu were the forum of all the 57 local council chairpersons in Lagos State, 36 out of 40 state lawmakers and all federal lawmakers from the state.

Moments after Mr Ambodes defiant presser, APC national leader, Bola Tinubu, issued a rare statement endorsing Mr Sanwo-Olu.

In the statement, obtained by PREMIUM TIMES Sunday evening, Mr Tinubu listed some areas he considered critical to the advancement of Lagos but which Mr Ambode strayed in his over three years in office.

Former Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state [Photo credit: Instagram  akinwunmiambode]

He said the governor abandoned a Lagos developmental blueprint he initiated while in office between 1999 and 2007, as well as claims that the governor did not consult broadly before taking key steps in his administration.

Mr Tinubu had largely avoided openly abandoning Mr Ambode, even though speculation had been rife about his preference for Mr Sanwo-Olu for several weeks.

Mr Ambode has not replied Mr Tinubu, but the governor has insisted that he would not back down to a growing chorus for him to step down to avoid being humiliated at the primaries.

The APC national executive had postponed the primaries for Lagos twice within the last week, amidst concerted moves to strike a truce between Messrs Sanwo-Olu and Ambode.

October 1 is the next date the primaries had been fixed to hold, but reports late Sunday say it might yet again be postponed in order to give more room for talks.

Political analysts, however, believe all windows of a deal had been foreclosed with Sundays dizzying developments.

Read Mr Sanwo-Olus full response to Mr Ambode below:

TIME TO RESPECT THE PEOPLE OF LAGOS STATE AND THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Let it be heard by all that I hold the people of Lagos state with great respect and affection. Their welfare is my utmost concern and it is what drives my pursuit for the governorship nomination of the APC. As such, I also hold the office of governor of our state in high esteem. I shall never consciously do anything that will undermine the dignity of the office nor will I engage in personal attacks against the holder of that office. My pursuit of office will continue to be based upon issues that matter to Lagosians and not on attacks against someones character, even when he attack mine. For anyone to engage in unwarranted character attacks against me, reveals more about that persons character than it says about mine.

Thus, I felt sad for Lagos as I watched press conference by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. Many things he said were beneath the dignity of our people and the exalted office he now holds. Perhaps the tension and anxiety of the moment got the better of him. If given a chance at cooler reflection of what he said, I am sure he would regret his descent into such low conduct. In this vein, I forgive him and hope he regains his balance and proper comportment no matter the outcome of tomorrows contest. After all, we are both here to improve Lagos not to wrestle in its streets.

However, I must clear up some inaccuracies in the Governors statement.

His allegation of that I was arrested for spending fake dollars at a night club in the United States was untrue. In fact, the governor knows I travelled to the United States just last month. I would not have been allowed to travel or even get a visa if I had been involved in what the Governor falsely alleged.

That the Governor claimed I underwent some unidentified type of rehabilitation at the Gbagada General Hospital was also shameless and untrue.

Promulgation of salacious rumour should not be part of the job description of a governor. This is not the stuff of high office. People should question whether it is ethically right for the gGovernor to turn what should be confidential medical information about a citizen into a weapon of political warfare? But for avoidance of doubt, let it be stated that I never received any treatment whatsoever at the Gbagada General Hospital.

Today, instead of making a convincing defense of his performance, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode sought to sow fear into the hearts of Lagosians.

But Lagosians are an intelligent and brave people. They can see through the smoke and the fog. I am here not to tear my opponent down but to help build Lagos up. With me, you will hear about progress on education, health, sanitation, proper tax levels, economic development, infrastructure, jobs, public services and other things that enhance the lives of people.

I am a serious person and this primary is a serious matter. I have not the time or inclination to attack character when there are so many real issues to address.

We will continue to focus on the issues that matter in the lives of the people of Lagos. Lagosians want an answer to the sanitation crisis and loss of jobs caused by Mr. Ambodes Visionscape misadventure.

Our people will want to know why Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has not been able to build a single General Hospital in the State when his immediate predecessor Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) built 11 General Hospitals. Lagosians are waiting to hear what our solutions are. They want to know why hundreds of competent civil servants got summarily dismissed and how this has undermined public services.

As a candidate for the partys nomination and hopefully as your next governor, my approach will not be to sling insults but to propose solutions to the problems of the day.

Jide Sanwo-Olu.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has again postponed its governorship primary in Lagos.

The Lagos primary, earlier postponed to October 1, has now been moved to October 2.

In Lagos, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is fighting for his political future after being abandoned by his godfather, Bola Tinubu, and other APC leaders in the state,

According to two statements Monday morning by its spokesperson, Yekini Nabena, the ruling party also postponed primaries in at least six other states.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rescheduled governorship primaries in the Lagos, Enugu and Adamawa states, Mr Nabena said in one statement.

The party also noted that the mode of primaries for Enugu and Adamawa states has also been changed from indirect to direct primaries.

Many of the aspirants in Adamawa had demanded direct primaries with only Governor Bindow Jibrilla and his supporters demanding indirect primaries.

The Lagos primaries will now be held on October 2, while that of Enugu and Adamawa will be held on October 4.

In an earlier statement Monday morning, the APC announced new dates for its governorship primaries in Ogun, Zamfara, Bauchi and Abia states.

The NWC has also rescheduled governorship primaries in Ogun, Zamfara. Bauchi and Abia States to Monday.

Earlier on Sunday, the APC governorship primaries held in many states with governorship candidates elected or affirmed in them.

In its statement of Monday, the APC also said it has expelled the Ishola Balogun-Fulani led Kwara State executive of the party.

Mr Balogun-Fulani-led executive was dissolved by the NWC of the APC over allegations of anti-party activities. But the executive, believed to be loyal to Senate President Bukola Saraki who also left the APC, went to court and obtained an injunction.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expelled the Alh. Ishola Balogun-Fulani led Kwara State executive from the Party, Mr Nabena said in the statement.

The party therefore announced schedule of activities for Osun and Kwara states.

For Kwara the schedule of activities are as follows; Monday, October 1  House of Assembly Screening, Tuesday, October 2  Senate Primary, Wednesday, October 3  House of Representatives Primary, Thursday, October 4  Governorship Primary and Friday, October 5  House of Assembly Primary

For Osun State schedule of activities are;

Monday, October 1 to Tuesday, October 2  House of Assembly Screening, Wednesday, October 3  House of Assembly Primary, Thursday, October 4  House of Representatives Primary and Friday, October 5th, 2018  Senate Primary.
Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, are both absent at Eagle Square Abuja where the nations 58th Independence anniversary parade is holding.

Present at the parade are President Muhammadu Buhari; his vice, Yemi Osinbajo; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen; and former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon among others.

After the ceremonial parade comprising of the Armed Forces, police and other para-military agencies, there will also be a parade of the nations military hardware as well as air displays.

A photo exhibition depicting Nigerian history and an independence day dinner are also slated for today as part of the ceremonies to mark the 58th Independence anniversary celebrations.

Efforts to speak with the spokesperson of Mr Saraki, Yusuph Olaniyonu, were unsuccessful as his phone number could not be reached.

However, the spokesperson of Mr Dogara, Turaki Hassan, said he has no idea if his boss was invited to the event or why he is not attending.

Actually, I am out of Abuja and I dont know what is happening there, he said.

Messrs Saraki and Dogara recently left the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) and rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party.

While Mr Saraki is one of the aspirants to the office of president in the 2019 election, Mr Dogara is seeking re-election as a member of the House of Representatives.
An attempt by suspected herdsmen to break into a major hostel at the University of Jos has left at least one student dead, the institutions students union leader told PREMIUM TIMES on Monday.

Shedrach Kums, a 300-level law undergraduate, was amongst the scores of students trying to beat back the attackers at the gate of Village Hostel when he was fatally shot, students union president, Fwangshak Pantu, told PREMIUM TIMES by telephone Monday afternoon.

Three others, comprising a student and two villagers near the school, were critically injured and are receiving treatment at the hospital, Mr Pantu said.

Police commissioner, Undie Adie, denied knowledge of the attack to PREMIUM TIMES on Monday afternoon, nearly 24 hours after the incident was first reported on social media.

Sebastian Maimako, the university vice-chancellor, did not immediately return requests for comments from PREMIUM TIMES.

Mr Pantu demanded an immediate response from both the police and school authorities against similar incidents in the future while narrating the students ordeal on Sunday afternoon.

It was around 3:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday that some Fulani herdsmen tried to invade the Village Hostel, where male, female and some physically challenged students live, Mr Pantu said. The students quickly mobilised towards the gates to prevent them from coming in.

Mr Pantu said he immediately alerted the school authorities, who said they would call the police and other security agencies to prevent killing.

But two hours after I called, the police or any other security agencies have not arrived at the scene, but the students have managed to respond and push the herdsmen back, he said. Unfortunately, we lost Shedrach Kums, even though he was amongst those who responded to the attack and tried to keep other students safe.

The remains of Mr Kums, which had circulated on social media, were evacuated for burial by his parents on Monday morning, Mr Pantu told PREMIUM TIMES.

Together with Benue and Taraba, Plateau is amongst the states in central Nigeria that have witnessed deadly attacks by suspected herdsmen. Over 2,000 deaths linked to suspected herdsmen have been recorded across the region this year alone.

While residents have reported relative peace in Benue and Taraba in recent weeks, following multiple deployments of security forces by the Nigerian government, attacks on villages in Plateau continue.

Some of the deaths have come through reprisal attacks between traditional dwellers and herdsmen seeking to graze their cattle in the states lush vegetation.

On September 28, Governor Simon Lalong imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew across the capital Jos, following repeated clashes that authorities feared had taken sectarian dimension. The invasion of the university campus on Sunday was in spite of the security restrictions.

The Nigerian government blamed large-scale killings on climate change and mercenaries sponsored by some disgruntled politicians who oppose President Muhammadu Buhari, although the government ignored demands to publish evidence establishing the claims.

Mr Pantu acknowledged clashes between villagers and herdsmen, in which citizens of northern origin are being indiscriminately targeted, but said he did not expect the violence to be taken into the school campus.

On no account should they bring violence to our school, we are not a part of the ongoing killings, the top students unionist said. We call on the police to act immediately and decisively.

Mr Adie, while categorically denying ever confirming the attack as some media outlets have claimed, said he would make further findings about the attack on the university students.

Once I am done, I will give you information later, he said. And no, I have not told any media that somebody was killed. I have not granted interview to any newspaper.
One student was killed and and two others injured in the violence that rocked the University of Jos on Sunday, the management confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES on Monday.

The university also said one student is still missing.

The university gave the confirmation in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Abdullahi.

The official also debunked reports (not by PREMIUM TIMES) that seven students were killed in the violence.

PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported how an attempt by suspected herdsmen to break into a major hostel at the University of Jos had left at least one student, Shedrach Kums, dead.

The institutions students union leader had narrated what happened to PREMIUM TIMES on Monday.

Mr Kums, a 300-level law undergraduate, was amongst the scores of students trying to beat back the attackers at the gate of Village Hostel when he was fatally shot, students union president, Fwangshak Pantu, told PREMIUM TIMES by telephone Monday afternoon.

Three others, comprising a student and two villagers near the school, were critically injured and are receiving treatment at the hospital, Mr Pantu said.

Police commissioner, Undie Adie, denied knowledge of the attack to PREMIUM TIMES on Monday afternoon, nearly 24 hours after the incident was first reported on social media.

Sebastian Maimako, the university vice-chancellor, did not immediately return requests for comments from PREMIUM TIMES.

Mr Pantu had demanded an immediate response from both the police and school authorities against similar incidents in the future while narrating the students ordeal on Sunday afternoon.

It was around 3:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday that some Fulani herdsmen tried to invade the Village Hostel, where male, female and some physically challenged students live, Mr Pantu said. The students quickly mobilised towards the gates to prevent them from coming in.

The union leader said the student was one of those who tried to contain the herdsmens onslaught. He also said the students corpse had been picked up by the parents and buried.

The school on Monday released its own version of what transpired.

Following the unfortunate security breach that occurred in some parts of Jos Metropolis, the attention of the Management of the University of Jos has been brought to the plethora of unverified information being circulated especially on the social media about casualty figures said to have been recorded among students of the University.

It is claimed that seven (7) students of the university have been killed as a result of the skirmishes.

Management wishes to clarify that after a rigorous search was carried out, one (1) student is still missing while (1) student was confirmed dead and two (2) other students were reported injured. The corpse of the deceased student has since been deposited in the mortuary.

The injured student is still receiving treatment in the hospital while the other one has been discharged. Out of respect for the families of the affected students, the university authorities have decided not to disclose the identities of the dead and the injured but would do so in due course.

It should, however, be noted that following the breakdown of peace in the metropolis, management has been working round the clock in close collaboration with the security agencies and the Plateau State Government to ensure that the lives and property of members of the University community especially students are adequately protected.

While expressing deep commiseration to the family of the deceased student, the injured and all those who suffered losses during this unfortunate incident, management wishes to appreciate the government, security agencies as well as members of the public who have shown great concern about the plight of the university during this difficult period.

Members of the university community especially staff and students are hereby advised to exercise caution and comply with all security directives during this period, the statement added.

Eerie Calm

A PREMIUM TIMES correspondent who visited the schools permanent site Monday afternoon reported that students were gathered in Abuja hostel and some were being evacuated in two white luxurious buses by security personnel of Operation Safe Haven ( STF).

Tension had heightened on Monday in Jos following a renewed clash between youth groups in Dutse Uku area of Jos North LGA of the state

Our reporter who visited the area reported that a number of houses were burnt.

The spokesperson of the OPSH, Adam Umar, confirmed the incident, adding that some people were arrested.

Our aim is to ensure peace and stop the killing. We have made some arrests. That is our concern. The commander of the operation has gone round to the affected areas. He had a meeting with religious and community leaders, Mr Umar said.

There is little movement of vehicles and tricycles in the city centre and most shops and business centres were closed. Residents restrict movement to their areas.

The state police commissioner, Undie Adie, had earlier on Rhythm FM, asked people from Tina Junction, Dutse Uku, Ring Road and Faringada to stay indoors due to the situation of the area.

Both the police and military officials declined commenting on the number of casualties.

The state governor, Simon Lalong, in his speech on independence day, called on the people to live in peace and unity.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday evening also called for calm in Plateau, appealing to residents to live in peace.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has donated over 5,700 relief material to the Nigerian government in response to flood-affected states in the country.

The acting UNFPA Country Representative, Eugene Konguyny, made the donation to the Minister of State, Health, Osagie Ehanire, in Abuja.

According to a press statement by the ministry on Monday, Mr Konguyny while donating the items said they were mainly for women and girls, especially pregnant women and lactating mothers.

He said the items include dignity kits for pregnant women, sleeping mats in temporary locations, and traditional wrappers for women and children.

He noted that the serious flood has affected at least 12 states in Nigeria with rural areas being the most vulnerable.

Mr Konguyny said the donation was in line with UNFPAs role in providing life  saving reproductive health care to women in crisis-affected countries.

About 12 states in Nigeria have been affected by flood this year.

Nigerias Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) had warned that communities in Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Nasarawa, Kano and Bayelsa states would be flooded due to rising river level.

This has led to many deaths, displaced thousands of people, and caused schools to shut down in places like Bayelsa State.

The minister, Mr Ehanire, in his response appreciated UNFPA for the gesture.

He said the government had declared national disaster across the four worst affected states, including Delta, Niger, and Anambra.

He assured the agency that the donated materials would be dispatched to the affected areas immediately.
The Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate for next years election in Kwara State, Issa Aremu, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to accord posthumous honour to Bello Baba-Ari.

Mr Baba-Ari, a Squadron Leader of the Nigerian Air Force, died on Friday in the collision of two jets belonging to the force as part of the activities towards Independence Day.

The two jets suffered a midair collision at the Katampe area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Two co-pilots were injured and are currently receiving treatment.

The aircraft were said to be taking part in the rehearsals for the 58th Independence Day celebration when the collision occurred.

According to a statement sent to Premium Times, Mr Aremu made this demand at the 58th anniversary activities held by his party in Ilorin on Monday

He said the late pilot and injured ones symbolise patriotism worthy of emulation by all Nigerians.

There is the need to celebrate nationhood with high spirit as the air force men gallantly did, Mr Aremu said.

He condemned some governors who according to him had stepped down celebration of independence day even as they indulged in marking their birthdays and weddings of their children with fanfare with scarce state resources.

Liberation and independence from unfreedom certainly calls for annual celebration, he said.

Celebrating Nigerian sovereignty and showcasing its strengths and achievements with mass participation of all Nigerians in their robust diversity must be an annual event. Nigeria and Nigerians must be encouraged to keep date with October 1st every year to keep our history and nationhood alive.

Mr Aremu said it was time for leaders with appreciation of the nations sense of history to be elected into office.

He also promised to revive the old traditions of celebration of important landmark dates in nation-building in Kwara State.

Mr Aremu said the state needs a second liberation and independence from what he called internal colonialists and oppressors who he accused of running non-inclusive government that has impoverished mass of people in the state.

He called for coalition of progressive forces of change with unity of purpose, adding that 2019 elections offer opportunities for a new qualitative change in Kwara
Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has appealed against doubting God in a sermon at the Redemption Camp of the Church.

Dont doubt God! he said. When you doubt God you are already mocking Him.

Preaching during the September Holy Ghost Service of the church with the theme Stronger than your enemies 7: Silencing mockers. he warned that those who love to mock God or things of God end badly.

Mr Adeboye anchored the sermon on the story of Hannah in the Bible, citing many other instances where people mocked God and ended up on the wrong side of time.

They included people who mocked Noah when he was building the Ark and those who mocked Lot before the fire fell.

He recalled that, in the days of Lot people were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting and building when Lot went to tell his in-laws that he had heard that destruction is coming but they laughed at him. By the following day when the fire fell, they were not laughing anymore.

He also cited an example from the days of Moses: The children of Israel murmured to God that all they had to eat was manna. God said that they were ungrateful so let us give them a bit of judgment. Fiery serpents came among them and many Israelites died. But God said to Moses, make a fiery serpent and set it upon a pole, so that whosoever was bitten and looked upon the serpent on the pole shall live and made whole.

Do you know that some people still mocked Moses saying we are talking of serpent biting us and you are saying we should look up to a serpent made of brass to be saved? So, as many that did not look up to the brazen serpent died.

He said as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness even so must the Son of man be lifted up. All you need to just do is to look up to Him and be saved, he explained.

Dont mock the call to Salvation. No one is saying that you should look up to a man but to look up to Jesus Christ  the Author and Finisher of our Faith.

Dont believe those that tell you that all will be well with you even when you are committing sin. You cannot say that you are a child of God and live a life of sin. You cannot continue in sin and ask the Grace of God to abound  God forbid.

On the basis of that, he made an altar call, to which many people responded. He explained that the call for salivation was necessary for people who were not living right with God to qualify for His blessing.

Silencing Mockers

Continuing with the second part of the sermon, which was to empower people to defeat their mockers, he stated that mockers were in trouble that night simply because of the association of the congregation with God.

The Bible teaches us that if you are a true child of God, anyone that touches you is touching God; anyone who persecutes you is persecuting God, he explained, citing the case of Saul of Tarsus who was on his way to Damascus to continue the persecution of Christians but met the Lord on the way and he later became Paul.

In an earlier sermon by Adeola Mensah, which Mr Adeboye commended, mockery was defined as a form of ridicule designed by the devil and his agent to humiliate man.

She identified the common types of mockery as those over spiritual or physical issues, financial, emotional, marital and ministerial mockery.

Assuring the congregation that all mockers could be silenced through God, Mr Adeboye took the challenges one after the other for prayers, prophecies. He also shared testimonies of people who overcame their mockers.

He started with barrenness; stressing that it could be overcome. The General Overseer said: Let us look at this case of fruitlessness because this month is a special month for those trusting God for the Fruit of the Womb.

We thank God for the testimonies that we have heard. I am sure those of you here last Month saw the thousands of people who were barren but got their own children and we have seen even more tonight. There will always be people who will want to mock you if by the time you ought to bring forth you have not brought forth children.

With references to the story of Sarah and Hannah, he assured the congregation that with God everything is possible.

When anybody begins to mock your fruitlessness, they are mocking God; they are mocking the Commander of Wombs, he said. In Genesis 1:28; when God made man and woman and blessed them, He commanded them to be fruitful.

Then he prayed: In the name that is above all names, your womb will obey the command of God; when you come next year, you will come with your own baby in Jesus Name.

Fruitless Efforts

He also prayed for those who are being mocked because of failures in other areas of life; people who have nothing to show for their efforts.

He said: There might be forces holding you in bondage  spiritual husbands, spiritual wives, evil in-laws, curse, evil covenant, etc. The point is that even these evil forces trying to stand between you and your fruitfulness are merely mocking the Lord of Host.

But anytime any force mocks God, God responds. So if there are evil forces trying to hinder you from being fruitful, the Lord of host will deal with it because Philippians 2: 9-11 says at the mention of the Name of Jesus; all knees must bow.

Testimonies

A major takeaway was the caution not to mock God. On a night Mr Adeboye used his familiar preaching style  message, testimony for illustration, prophecies and prayers  many testimonies were shared.

Dont doubt God. The same God that said to my Father-In-The-Lord (the founder of the church, who was an illiterate) that I will give you a Church that will go round the world. Ordinarily how was that possible? he asked.

Today, RCCG is in 197 countries.

From his personal experience, he said way back in 1961, he gave a small gift to a prophet, who prophesized that one day he would be travelling overseas like someone going to the market.

Mr Adeboye recalled that, it was at a time that if anyone in my village travelled abroad, the whole village would gather to dance to welcome him. That time I didnt even know Ikeja, Lagos, but today the prophecy has been fulfilled.

He also shared the testimony of Gods promise of the Redemption Camp when he was begging Him for a flat in Mushin, where he lived in a one-room apartment as General Overseer.

Prior to becoming the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, I was the head of Department of Mathematics at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. I was living in a mansion with a two-bedroom guest quarters. I also had servants quarters with four bedrooms. All these were not part of the main house.

But when I became the General Overseer, I had to live in a one-room apartment at Mushin (a relatively poor suburb in Lagos). I left my wife and children in Ilorin to be in Lagos to work in the church. Due to my difficult living conditions at that time, I had to tidy up things before my family could join me.

Before bringing them over, I went to God in prayers and explained the challenges I was facing to Him. I told God to help me get a decent accommodation.

Left to me I did not mind using the one-room apartment, but the thought of housing my entire family in one room posed a great challenge to me.

Gods response to me was, Son, dont ask for house because I have decided to build you a city.

That response was beyond what I could comprehend. After this encounter, I began to dream of a city where everybody would be a Christian; a city where there would be no molestation; a city where there would be no power failure or water shortage. God began to stretch my mind to see a city where His praises would fill every mouth.

Repeatedly, he reminded the congregation that once God has spoken, it is done.

Other testimonies

There were also testimonies of healing and child birth from the congregation. A lady referred to as Sister Folashade, testified by email how she was healed from cancer.

She said, I give glory to the God of our Daddy Adeboye for healing me from cancer. I just wanted to share this testimony because God is good and deserves to be praised and adored. I am a cancer survivor.

In 2014 I discovered a cancerous lump in my breast, I underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and I had surgery to remove it. And with prayers and support of my family, it was successful and clear.

Sadly early this year 2018, I had a relapse, I was diagnosed of metastatic cancer which means that cancer has spread all over my body and the doctors had speculated only two weeks for me to live. I was at the point of death. My brother flew from Nigeria with the anointed handkerchiefs and oil Daddy had prayed on.

He also connected me to Daddy on the phone. He prayed a simple prayer and said God that did it before will do it again. My brother applied all the anointed materials on me. All glory to God, all treatments went well and Im now cancer free. God of our Daddy Adeboye turned the reports of the doctors to testimony. Let someone shout hallelujah.
Photo: Contributed

A young man, 21, was taken into custody after fleeing from police and crashing into a power pole in Vernon on Friday.

On Sept. 28 a police officer attempted to stop a vehicle because the driver appeared to be on his cell phone.

The vehicle fled at a high rate of speed east down 43rd Avenue, almost colliding with a City of Vernon bus and another vehicle.

The suspect vehicle continued to drive erratically through heavy traffic on 32nd Avenue, allegedly swerving into oncoming traffic and ignoring traffic lights, according to police.

Minutes later the vehicle crashed into a power pole on 43rd Avenue and 27th Street, but the suspect, a Vernon man, escaped the vehicle and fled on foot.

"Officers responded quickly by flooding the area and setting up a strong containment to keep the suspect within a certain area," says Const. Kelly Brett. "With the tight containment set up by officers, the suspect male was quickly taken into custody after he was seen running through a neighbourhood."

The driver had outstanding warrants out of the Vernon area, however, he is now facing new charges that could include: dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and flight from police.

The man has now been released from police custody to appear in court on a future date.
A former senator and chartered accountant, David Dafinone, is dead.

Details of his death were made known on Monday in a condolence message by an aide to ex-Delta State governor, James Ibori.

Mr Ibori, in the message by his spokesperson, Tony Eluemunor, also mourned the death of businessman Sunny Okogwu.

He commiserated with the families of Messrs Okogwu and Dafinone.

He described both men as Nigerians who contributed immensely to the development of the nation.

Mr Okogwu died in an Abuja hospital on Saturday while Mr Dafinone died on Sunday morning in Lagos, aged 91.

Mr Ibori, speaking about the death of Mr Okogwu, described him as a detribalised Nigerian.

He said: Though Okogwu was every inch a Delta State indigene and was particularly proud of his Asaba root and the towns title of Ojisi, which he held, he at the same time felt very much at home in the preeminent Northern city of Kaduna. His remarkably picturesque house, the Ship House is a tourist masterpiece.

Indeed, Chief Okogwu was a political reference point in Kaduna for decades. He achieved this status well-before his brother-in-law, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babamgida (rtd) became the President of Nigeria and remained so for the decades after IBB had left office.

Okogwu remained very colourful until his death. His press interviews and political statements were always as fiery as they were difficult to decipher. He once said he needed to be first decoded in order to be understood. What was not in doubt was his business acumen; he built his business empire in an area that many Nigerian businessmen and women would rather leave well alone; aviation. He had the dream of training pilots locally and manufacturing aircraft parts.

Similarly, the former governor described the death of Mr Dafinone as an irremediable loss to the Nigerian business firmament, the Urhobo nation, Delta State and Nigeria as a whole.

He said: Dafinone was a Jack of many trades who became master of all. Dafinone achieved this because he lived life to the fullest, embraced challenges and also excelled in everything he did.

He explained further that Though David Dafinone was globally known as a Chartered Accountant, one of the few ones who made it into the Guinness Book of Records  his family has the largest number of accountants in the world, he actually studied Economics.

He combined this with part-time professional accountancy examinations as he progressed through the university. As he graduated with a degree in Economics he was also acquiring his professional certificate in Accountancy at the same time.

The late Mr Dafinone, alongside Jonathan Odebiyi and the late Olusola Saraki, was among the most influential senators of the Second Republic, who were highly respected across all the political parties of that era from 1979 to 1983.

He also published the Abuja Handbook for several years.
President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the latest violence in Jos which led to the imposition of a curfew in the Plateau State capital.

In his reaction to the flare up, President Buhari said, I am deeply worried about the seeming indifference to the sanctity of life by criminals whose hearts are hardened by evil.

The president recalled that through the last three and a half years of the present administration in the state, the government had worked very hard with various communities and clearly demonstrated that a lasting peace can be achieved.

I know it is not an easy thing. It is a very difficult thing. But the resultant peace achieved by the people of Plateau State should not be squandered. Every citizen deserves stability and development. Peace has no alternative. It is my appeal to all the communities in the state capital, and the entire state as a whole to embrace peace. Where there are differences, dialogue should be used to bring about understanding. There is also the due process of the law. Differences cannot be resolved by abuses or by bullets.

The president once again lamented that some politicians are promoting ethnic and religious prejudices for cheap popularity, despite the knowledge that such incitement could play into the hands of hate mongers.

He said his administration would continue to engage with stakeholders to address the root causes of this repeated violence in Plateau State and other parts of the country. He however warned that no responsible government would allow anarchy to replace law and order.
We are in the Digital Age where an enormous amount of information is generated daily. Keeping track of this information overload can be unnerving for many people. More daunting than trying to play catch-up with the amount of information being generated and the speed with which they are shared is the task of determining their authenticity.

The skills needed to judge the reliability and credibility of information is inadequate. Though many institutions, civil society organisations and media houses are working to spread the skills needed to sift through the barrage of information they come across daily to separate facts from hoaxes, the News Literacy Project (NLP), a United States based non-profit organisation, pays attention to grooming the next generation of fact-checkers.

The NLP says its goal is to teach students how to know what to believe in the digital age. The organisation says it does this by empowering educators to teach students the skills they need to become smart, active consumers of news and information and engaged, informed participants in democracy.

Speaking with a group of international journalists at the Foreign Press Center, in Washington DC, Alan Miller, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and the founder of the NLP, reiterated the deluge of information in the Digital Age and the danger lurking therein.

Todays information landscape is by far, the most challenging in human history. In fact, the amount of information on the planet doubles every two years. Enormous amount of information, videos and images are being created all the time. Every minute 4.3 million videos are viewed on YouTube. Eighteen million text messages are shared, and 375,000 apps are downloaded, he said.

Amidst all these traffic, there is no barrier of entry to those who seek to mislead, deceive or exploit. The rise in social media has dramatically increased the speed and volume of all information as well as the amount of opinion versus facts.

Mr Miller says as the proliferation of misinformation reaches unprecedented height, conversely, the number of professional journalists, who are traditionally looked upon to sift the through misinformation and present the people with fact, is declining at a worrying rate in the U.S. and other places.

He says the deluge of disinformation and the declining number of professionals to check it is one of the greatest challenges of our time. The award-winning journalist compared it with global public health crisis.

He therefore posited that the way to beat the scourge of disinformation was to inoculate future generations from becoming infected through concerted educational effort.

Citing a 2016 research by the Stanford History Group which found that students are easily duped and ill-equipped to successfully navigate online images and information, Mr Miller said the reason people are susceptible to disinformation is because, the American educational system, as is educational systems in many parts of the world, has failed to adapt to brave new digital world where students live and learn. Neither media literacy nor news literacy are widely taught in the countrys public schools.

Quoting a report by the Rand Corporation, Truth Decay, Mr Miller said media literacy is offered the short end of the stick in the competing demands in the educational system.

The study said that students need exactly this type of knowledge and skills to effectively evaluate information sources, identify biases, and separate facts from opinions and falsehood.

The gap between the information system and the training provided for students, drives and perpetuate truth decay by contributing to the creation of an electorate that is susceptible to consuming and disseminating disinformation, misinformation and information that blur the line between fact and opinion.

He said he founded the News Literacy Project more than a decade ago to plug the gap of news and media literary in the American educational system.

In the process, I had to start a new field of study and a national movement that has gained considerable momentum particularly in the past two years. You might say were the anecdote to fake news long before the term gained such currency.

We work with teachers in middle school and high school levels. We provide them with resources to teach students that all information were not created equal, and to give them the appreciation of the word of the first amendment and a free press in a democracy. We want to give these students what news to trust, share and act on as students, consumers and citizens, he said.

Mr Miller said the NLP does its news literacy advocacy through a number of programmes and notable among them are the Checkology virtual classroom, a set of engaging and interactive lessons which help educators equip their students with the tools to evaluate and interpret the news and to learn how to decide what news and information to trust, share and act on.

Checkology is a cutting-edge online platform that provides real world authentic lessons from prominent journalist and other professional in digital media that act as virtual teachers or guides through the lessons, he said.

Mr Miller said the Checkology programme is rapidly attaining global fame with educators from 97 countries using it to teach news literacy to their students.

Other tools the NLP uses to teach news literacy include NewsLitCamp which offers educators first-hand introduction to news literacy, along with tools and resources they can use in their classrooms and the opportunity to connect directly with journalists in their communities.

The NLP also publishes a weekly newsletter called the Sift, which it uses to share tips and lessons on news literacy to educators and other subscribers at no cost.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday in Abuja said Nigerians must appreciate God for bringing everyone together.

The president stated this when he received the head of the Deeper Life Bible Church, William Kumuyi, at the Presidential Villa.

God did not make a mistake when he created over 250 different ethnic groups and decided to put them in a place called Nigeria, Mr Buhari said.

We must appreciate God for bringing us together. He knows what he was doing. He didnt make a mistake.

While describing Nigeria as a great country endowed with human and natural resources, the president said:

We have challenges in trying to get people to understand us.

With my experience as a governor, minister of petroleum, head of state, chairman of Petroleum Trust Fund, I thought I had seen it all, but Nigeria has a way of going at its own speed.

My morale is raised by your visit. I very much appreciate it.

President Buhari recalled what he described as Mr Kumuyis intellectual achievements as a scholar and university lecturer before going into full-time ministry.

He added that he was excited a great deal for the Mr Kumuyis acceptance of the governments invitation to preach the sermon at the countrys 58th independence anniversary.

Thank you very much, the president said.

In his remarks, Mr Kumuyi, who leads one of the countrys largest pentecostal churches, said it was an honour to be received by the President on a busy day as October 1.

He expressed appreciation to the president for his tireless efforts toward transforming the country.

He said: Please remain focused and courageous and do what is right.

Not everyone will support you publicly, but we are praying for you so that your tenure will be one of progress and prosperity for the country.

Mr Kumuyi was accompanied by his wife, Esther, and Samuel Afuwape.

Others on his entourage included Chike Onwuasoanya and Seyin Malomo, the Chaplain of Aso Villa Chapel.(NAN)
In a daring and fearless move, well-trained fighter pilots of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) mounted 23 aircraft and participated actively at the 58th Independence Day Celebration in Abuja, despite losing one of their colleagues in rehearsal air crash few days ago.

PRNigeria gathered that the 23 aircraft that participated in the aerial show by the Nigerian Air Force at the ceremony included helicopters, fighter jets, C-130, heavy airlift, medium and light airlift aircraft.

While training for the aerial show, two jets crashed last Friday, which claimed the life of Squadron Leader Bello Baba-Ari and leaving two wounded survivors.

The pilots who participated at the Independence Celebration today were mostly young and middle-cadre officers under the command of a top-ranking air force officer. They exhibited great aerobatics display to the admiration of President Muhammad Buhari and top public functionaries who witnessed the occasion at the Eagles Square Abuja.

PRNigeria observed an emotional moment after the aerial parade and successfully landing in the airport, when some of the young pilots emerged from their aircaft and embraced themselves with tears as they prayed for their lost colleague and survivors.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has boosted its air fleet with 49 fighter planes and attack helicopters in the last three years. It also reactivated 15 helicopters and trained over 90 pilots.

Early in the day, President Muhammadu Buhari took the salute at the Eagle Square, Abuja, as military and para-military organisations held a colourful parade in commemoration of Nigerias 58th Independence.

The event was the first full-fledged Independence Day parade since the celebration was marred by an explosion, which occurred near Eagle Square on October 1, 2010.

Shortly after arrival at the square, the president, who was the Special Guest of Honour, mounted the parade car and inspected the Guards.

Ceremonially dressed men drawn from, the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police, Nigerian Customs Service, Nigerian Prisons Service and Nigerian Immigration Service filed out.

Also in the parade were men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Fire Service, National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) and the Nigerian Legion.

After the inspection of Guards, Mr Buhari took the presidential salute.

The parade, commanded by Muktar Dauda, then commenced the match past, which broke from slow to quick march in synchronised format attracting applause from the spectators.

After the match past, there was a display of equipment by the Army, Navy, Police and Air Force, which was followed by firing of volleys and 21-Gun Salute.

Soon afterwards, the president received three hearty cheers and granted permission to the parade commander to march off the parade.

The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, service chiefs, Chief Justice of the Federation, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, members of the Federal Executive Council and captains of industry graced the event.

Notable absentees at the celebration were the duo of Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.
Babagana Umara-Zulum, a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State, has emerged winner of the Sunday gubernatorial primaries of the party.

According to the chairman of the Borno State APC gubernatorial primaries committee, Ahmad Elmarzuk, Mr Umara-Zulum, a professor, polled 4,432 votes to beat nine other contestants in a landslide victory.

Of the 5, 012 delegates that voted, 313 votes were invalid.

Ten of the 21 aspirants that vied for the APC primaries stepped down for Mr Umara-Zulum at the beginning of the primaries that started late Sunday night.

Six other top aspirants were apparently not happy with the public endorsement of Mr Umara-Zulum by the outgoing governor, Kashim Shettima.

Notable contestants like Kashim Imam, Umara Kumalia, Baba Ahmed Jidda, Abba Jato, Mustapha Shehuri were conspicuously absent at the venue of the primaries.

Trailing far behind Mr Umara-Zulum are Idris Durkwa who scored 115; Kashim Imam, 20; Mustapha Shehuri, 1; Gambo Lawan polled two (2) votes; Atom Magira got 2 votes; while Baba Ahmed Jidda, the Nigerian ambassador to China, got one (1) vote.

Three other contestants, Umar Alkali, Abba Jato, and Umara Kumalia scored zero votes.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Umara-Zulum said his victory is for all contestants and the good people of Borno State.

He thanked the governor, Mr Shettima, for appointing him into his cabinet as commissioner and finding him worthy of being his successor.

The APC governorship candidate said when elected into office, he would ensure the continuity of Mr Shettimas legacy of good governance and even take the state to greater heights.

Mr Shettima commended the party for the support theyve shown to him in selecting the flag bearer.
A former military governor, Jeremiah Useni, has emerged the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State.

Mr Useni, 75, polled 1018 votes to defeat 12 other candidates at the partys primaries. His closest rival, Johnbull Shekarau, got 340 votes.

A total of 2,097 delegates from 17 local government areas voted at the primaries.

Mr Useni, a serving senator representing Plateau South senatorial zone in the Senate, was once the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and a former minister of transport.

He was the military governor of the old Bendel State, now made up of Edo and Delta States, between 1984 and 1985.

He was also a very close ally of the former military head of state, Sani Abacha.

He was born February 16, 1943, in Langtang and joined the army after his early education. He rose to the post of Lieutenant General before retiring in 1999.

Prior to the commencement of voting, Victor Lar, on behalf of the aspirants promised to support whoever emerges as the winner in Plateau State.

Mr Useni will face incumbent governor, Simon Lalong, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who also bagged the second term ticket of his party, unopposed on Sunday.

Other parties will also sooner announce their candidates.

(NAN)
Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State has emerged winner of Sundays governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor polled 5562 votes to beat two other contenders, Abubakar Isa and Garba Dankani, who scored 8 and 1 vote respectively. A total of 56 votes were found invalid.

According to a statement by Mr Masaris spokesperson, Abdu Labaran, the results were announced by the Returning Officer and leader of the team sent from the national headquarters of the party to conduct the election, Isa Adamu.

He quoted Mr Adamu as declaring that the total number of delegates expected was 5959, out of which 5627 were accredited.

Mr Adamu also described the exercise as very peaceful and commended the conduct of the delegates.
A former member of the House of Representative, Isa Ashiru, has defeated other contestants to clinch the PDP governorship ticket in Kaduna.

Mr Ashiru defeated the senator currently representing Kaduna North, Suleiman Hunkuyi; a former director general of the National Emergency Management, Sani Sidi; and former governor of the state, Ramalan Yero, who participated in the primaries.

Mr Ashiru defected to the PDP after he came second in the APC primaries in 2015 in which the governor, Nasir El-Rufai, won.

According to the results announced at the venue of the primaries, Mr Ashiru scored 1330 votes; Mr Hunkuyi who came second recorded 564 votes; Mr Sidi recorded 560 and former governor; while Mr Yero recorded 36 votes.
Aminu Ringim has been declared winner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial primary election in Jigawa.

The Returning Officer for the election, Oladimeji Fabiyi, said Mr Ringim polled 2,028 votes to beat three other contestants, amongst them, the first civilian governor of the state, Ali Saad.

He said Mr Saad secured 30 votes, Tijani Ibrahim polled 394 votes, while Namadi Husaini got 154 votes, adding that 62 votes cast were invalid.

Mr Fabiyi thanked the contestants and voters for their support and cooperation to the electoral committee, which enabled it to conduct a free and fair primaries.

He said there was no winner or loser in the election as all of them belonged to the PDP family.

In his remarks, the gubernatorial flag-bearer called on other members of the party to support him, promising to take everybody along if elected as the state governor.

(NAN)
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Sunday called Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan a chaprasi' (peon), adding that Islamabad is run by the military, ISI and terrorists.

"Imran Khan is nothing but a 'chaprasi' because the country (Pakistan) is run by the military, ISI and terrorists, and Imran Khan is just one of the 'chaprasi' of the government. He may be called the Prime Minister, but he is a 'chaprasi'," Swamy said while addressing a press conference here.

"There is only one solution to Pakistan. Balochis don't want to be part of Pakistan, Sindhis don't want to be part of Pakistan, Pashtuns don't want to be part of Pakistan, so break Pakistan into four parts - these three (Baloch, Sindh, Pashtun) and the residual West Punjab.... I also think that (External Affairs Minister) Sushma Swaraj should not waste her breath speaking about Pakistan in the UN because Pakistan gets psychic pleasure when India abuses it. Just ignore Pakistan, prepare your military and one day break it up into four," he added.

Swamy's statement comes after Swaraj on Saturday used the United Nations platform to highlight the serious issue of Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism and human rights violations in India.

Meanwhile, speaking on Bangladesh, Swamy said, "India will continue to support it, but Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should be warned to stop those mad people from demolishing Hindu temples, converting Hindu temples into Masjid and converting Hindus to Muslims. If Bangladesh does not stop torturing the Hindus, I would recommend that our government invades Bangladesh and takes it over."

Swamy was here to attend a programme of 'Sanskritik Gaurav Sansthan' Tripura unit.

(PTI)
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State has expressed sadness over the killing of its member during the party governorship primary in the state.

The victim, identified as Ukeme Efanga, was said to have been shot dead by a fellow party member in Ifiayong, Uruan Local Government Area, during a disagreement over the distribution of election materials in the area.

The victims corpse was brought all the way from Uruan to Uyo, where it was dumped at the premises of the state secretariat of the APC, along Ikot Ekpene Road.

The corpse was still at the partys secretariat, as at 8: 10 p.m. on Sunday.

We sincerely regret this loss of life, the partys spokesperson in the state, Nkereuwem Enyongekere, said in a statement issued on Monday.

Our hearts and prayers are with the family of our departed colleague.

Mr Enyongekere said, As at this hour, we do not have the full and substantiated reports of what happened. But we wish to invite the police to urgently step into the matter, investigate it, arrest the killer and bring him to justice.

We shall offer the authorities full cooperation in getting to the end of this matter.

The party, which said it doesnt encourage or condone violence in its activities, advised people not to politicise the heinous crime.
The monarch of the ancient Ile-Ife town, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has spoken on the outcome of the Osun State governorship election, which saw to the emergence of Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressive Congress (APC) as the winner of the poll.

Mr Ogunwusi, who spoke with journalists on Sunday at the Olojo festival celebration, stated that the party that came second (Peoples Democratic Party) should be tagged the most successful.

Everything I strive for is peace and we have seen that happen in the state of Osun. God really helped us.

Irrespective of the challenges, I believe that the party that came second actually is the most successful in this election. I can say it because the party proved that people should not be underrated, he said.

After a supplementary election held last week Thursday, the APC candidate won six of the seven polling units, which gave the APC candidate a total of 255,505 votes while the PDP candidate, Ademola Adeleke, scored a total of 255,023 votes.

The re-run election in the seven polling units was sequel to the declaration of the September 22 poll as inconclusive by the electoral commission.

The election was not described as credible, free and fair by various observer groups as it was marred with allegations of harassment and other forms malpractice, PREMIUM TIMES reported.

Also, Mr Adeleke, the PDP candidate who came second in the poll, rejected the election as a charade and threatened to seek legal redress owing to the widespread reports of voters intimidation and other forms of violence.

Meanwhile, the monarch charged the ruling party not to relent and bask in the euphoria of victory after the election.

The party that came first, (I have to be really neutral) should not rest on their oars. We have achieved a lot in the state and truly truly, every vote matters and every vote counts.

Power belongs to everyone of us in our thumb and not carrying of machetes and cutlasses or cutlasses. The power to change things is in our thumb. We have set the pace for 2019 elections and we know that, the monarch added.
Some supporters of embattled Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode. on Monday staged a protest at the Lagos secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over what they called the partys plan to manipulate the governorship primary to favour his rival, Jide Sanwo-olu.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the protesters, numbering about 200, carried leaves and placards, expressing their displeasure with the electoral process.

Daud Olasheu, who led the protest, alleged that the party leadership had already compromised the process with the adoption of Mr Sanwo-Olu, even before Tuesdays primary.

Mr Olasheu, deputy APC local government chairman in Somolu, said that the party was taking a number of other steps to ensure that Mr Ambode did not win the election.

He said they were sure that Lagos residents wanted the governor because of his administrations strides, and that he would win in a free and fair contest.

We are here today, first to show solidarity with Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode ahead of the primary and to say we are solidly behind him.

We are also here to show our resentment over the partial role the leadership is playing in the process, especially with the endorsement of Mr Sanwo-Olu.

We want to say the party leadership have already compromised the process even before the primary.

We do not believe in the process and we want the national leadership to do its best to make the primary credible, he said.

Mr Olasheu alleged that thousands of Mr Ambode s supporters were not issued the partys membership cards to enable them to vote in the election.

According to him, the failure to issue the cards is a clear ploy pave the way for the emergence of Mr Sanwo-Olu.

He urged the National Working Committee of the party to take over the conduct of the primary and do its best to make the process credible.

The politician said Mr Ambode had done well for the people of Lagos and so deserved support for re-election.

NAN reports none of the state party officials addressed the protesters as they were busy meeting with NWC officials on the primary.

The protesters stayed into the night while the meeting was ongoing, chanting solidarity songs in support of the governor. (NAN)
For the New World Order, a world government is just the beginning. Once in place they can engage their plan to exterminate 80% of the world's population, while enabling the "elites" to live forever with the aid of advanced technology. For the first time, crusading filmmaker ALEX JONES reveals their secret plan for humanity's extermination: Operation ENDGAME.

Jones chronicles the history of the global elite's bloody rise to power and reveals how they have funded dictators and financed the bloodiest warscreating order out of chaos to pave the way for the first true world empire.

Watch as Jones and his team track the elusive Bilderberg Group to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III.





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Discover how the practitioners of the pseudo-science eugenics have taken control of governments worldwide as a means to carry out depopulation.





View the progress of the coming collapse of the United States and the formation of the North American Union.

Never before has a documentary assembled all the pieces of the globalists' dark agenda. Endgame's compelling look at past atrocities committed by those attempting to steer the future delivers information that the controlling media has meticulously censored for over 60 years. It fully reveals the elite's program to dominate the earth and carry out the wicked plan in all of human history.

Endgame is not conspiracy theory, it is documented fact in the elite's own words.




Mr. Mulroney, originally a labor lawyer by training, served as the 18 th prime minister of Canada from 1984-1993. He was elected on September 17, 1984, and re-elected on November 21, 1988 while running on a platform of closer trade ties with the United States.

The George Bush Award for Excellence in Public Service recognizes an individual's or group's dedication to public service at the local, state, national or international levels. The nine previous Bush Award recipients are: German Chancellor Helmut Kohl (2000); Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev (2001); U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy (2003); California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (2004); Reverend Bill Graham (2006); Secretary Bob Gates (2007); President Ronald W. Reagan (2011); Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser of Qatar (2013); and U.S. Senator Bob Dole (2016).

The president of the Bush Foundation board of directors, Alexander "Hap" Ellis, III, opened the presentation by reading the award citation, which highlighted the historic, close working relationship Prime Minister Mulroney forged with President George H. W. Bush:

Together, they signed the acid rain accord and launched the NAFTA. Mulroney was also a stout, unwavering ally in the Persian Gulf war. As the Berlin Wall fell, Brian Mulroney conveyed private messages from the American President to Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. German Chancellor Helmut Kohl later honored Mulroney, along with George Bush and Gorbachev, for their key roles in German unification.

In his introduction, Secretary Baker also focused on Mulroney's principled collaborations with his American counterparts:

The Canada-US Free Trade Agreement that he (Mulroney) and Ronald Reagan created in 1987 led to the historic North American Free Trade Agreement between Canada, Mexico and the U.S. that was negotiated under the guidance of President Bush 41. NAFTA not only increased trade and nurtured relations between the three partners, it ushered in a new era of regional and bilateral free trade agreements which have proliferated even as global trade talks have stagnated.

In receiving the Bush Award, Mr. Mulroney reflected on the impact especially of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) he forged with President Bush 41 and Mexican President Carlos Salinas:

NAFTA now constitutes  with almost 500 million people  the largest, richest and most dynamic free trade area in the world  $1.2 trillion per year trade in goods and services  with a combined GDP of almost $22 trillion a year. With less than 7% of the world's population, NAFTA partners last year represented 28% of the world's total GDP. Tens of millions of new jobs have been created in the NAFTA countries since the signing of the Treaty in 1994 - most of them in the U.S.  with many millions of these jobs coming from trade and investment with your NAFTA partners, and vice versa. With an unemployment rate of 3.9% - the lowest of any industrialized country in the world  it is increasingly difficult to seriously argue that the U.S. has done poorly with its international trade agreements, that have created such vast employment opportunities at home and across North America.

Friday's 2018 Bush Award presentation followed a reception for the Bush Foundation's board of trustees at Walker's Point hosted by former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and his sister, Doro Bush Koch. Earlier in the day, Mr. Mulroney and Secretary Baker  joined by their wives Mila and Susan, respectively  enjoyed a private visit with President George H. W. Bush.

ABOUT THE GEORGE BUSH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY FOUNDATION

The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library Foundation is dedicated to preserving the historic legacy of President George Bush by supporting education and scholarship programs through the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum and The George Bush School of Government and Public Service. The Foundation seeks to perpetuate the legacy of the 41st President by fulfilling his mission to prepare the leaders of tomorrow for lives devoted to public service. More information at: https://www.bush41.org/foundation/about.

Photo credit: C. A. Smith Photography/George Bush Presidential Library Foundation

SOURCE George Bush Presidential Library Foundation
DALLAS and ST. LOUIS, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Ansira Partners, Inc. ("Ansira"), one of the largest independent marketing agencies in North America specializing in brand-to-local marketing, today announced its acquisition of Defakto, a marketing technology agency that specializes in creating connected customer experiences that leverage the Adobe Experience Cloud. As an Adobe Solution Partner with over 200,000 hours of Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) expertise, Defakto has created a blended methodology that integrates Adobe-certified developers, product strategists, proven processes and an industry-first, patent-pending tool that measures, diagnoses and optimizes AEM implementations. Defakto's founder and president, Gilbert Salazar, will join Ansira's senior leadership team and will focus on leading and expanding its Adobe practice.

Ansira is backed by Advent International, one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors, with deep expertise in the business and financial services sector.

"The acquisition of Defakto further solidifies Ansira's position as a leader for marketing technology solutions and further strengthens our Adobe marketing cloud capabilities and expertise," Ansira CEO Daina Middleton said. "Their deep knowledge of customer experience, marketing technology platforms and digital transformation will enrich our customer offerings and help to provide a holistic brand-to-local solution. We look forward to having Defakto as a part of Ansira."

Defakto, headquartered in Dallas, offers an unmatched combination of strategic consulting, customer experience design, technology enablement and implementation of key marketing technology platforms, including Adobe Experience Cloud, Magento, Marketo, Salesforce, Oracle Eloqua and others, to deliver authentic customer experiences that connect with today's evolving customer.

"One of the most impactful benefits from the acquisition of Defakto is the enhanced capabilities and expertise around the Adobe Experience Manager product of Adobe's cloud suite, which will allow Ansira to further support our client solutions and orchestrate omni-channel personalization at scale," said Kelly Jo Sands, executive vice president of marketing technology at Ansira. "I have worked with and known Gilbert and his team for many years, and I have admired the business they have built and look forward to having them join the Ansira team."

Salazar said, "Our team is proud to join Ansira and are excited about the combined service offering of the two groups. Our clients will continue to benefit from Defakto's expertise but will now be able to tap into a full suite of additional services offered by Ansira. The partnership will also continue to expand and strengthen our relationship with Adobe."

ABOUT ANSIRA:

Ansira is a leading data-driven, technology-enabled marketing solutions provider, specializing in the integration of local and national marketing programs through marketing automation, data analytics, CRM and performance media. Ansira leverages superior marketing intelligence to build deeper, more effective relationships with consumers and retail channel partners that engage them on the local level. Marketing intelligence is infused across all disciplines and executed through digital, direct, social, mobile, media, traditional and creative campaigns, marketing automation and trade promotion programs. Ansira is one of the three largest, independently owned CRM and direct marketing agencies, and among the 10 largest independent digital agencies in the U.S. It enjoys long-term client relationships with Fortune 500 companies spanning a broad range of industries, including automotive, dining, retail, consumer packaged goods, technology and specialty services.

For more information, visit: https://ansira.com/.

ABOUT ADVENT INTERNATIONAL:

Founded in 1984, Advent International is one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors. The firm has invested in 340 private equity transactions in 41 countries, and as of June 30, 2018, had $41 billion in assets under management. With offices on four continents, Advent has established a globally integrated team of over 190 investment professionals across North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. The firm focuses on investments in five core sectors, including business and financial services; health care; industrial; retail, consumer and leisure; and technology, media and telecom. After more than 30 years dedicated to international investing, Advent remains committed to partnering with management teams to deliver sustained revenue and earnings growth for its portfolio companies.

For more information, visit: www.adventinternational.com.

Media Contact: Megan Duran

[email protected]

972.663.1380

SOURCE Ansira

Related Links

http://www.ansira.com


NASHVILLE and TORONTO, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - VersaPay Corporation (TSXV: VPY) ("VersaPay"), a leading provider of cloud-based invoice-to-cash solutions including electronic invoice presentment and payment, automated accounts receivable, cash application and collections management, is pleased to announce that its chairman Art Mesher in an exclusive to Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), is publishing "3V's Part Two, Darwin's Law and the X Factors". In addition to publishing the paper Mr Mesher will be participating in a fireside chat during the Edge 2018 Conference to discuss its contents.

"Art published the initial 3V's paper 20 years ago which became an institutional framework for our industry. CSCMP recognized the work as one of the most influential writings of the organization's 50 year history," commented Rick Blasgen, President and CEO of CSCMP. "In an exclusive to CSCMP Art has released 3V's Part Two and we are grateful for this contribution."

"Today we have an 'X' exponential proliferation of the microprocessors, an 'X' exponential rate of speed and ubiquity of wireless networks along and an 'X' exponential increase of connected devices. Today's 'always on and always connected' has created a 'nowhere to run and nowhere to hide' environment," stated Arthur Mesher, Chairman of VersaPay. "This Big data, Machine learning, AI, IOT, Blockchain enabled environment is creating an 'X' factorial increase in transparency and speed that is redefining business relationships and supporting systems. This collision, dubbed the 'X factors' is causing both enormous disruption and opportunity, as old business models are sunset and new business models dawn a new day. Using the 3V's framework this session will identify the 'X factors' that will impact those that thrive or die as the exponential rate of change will have such velocity that the extinction threat of their processes, systems and companies will be real."

About the Session and the 3V's Paper

The Fireside chat will be lead by renowned analyst Adrian Gonzalez. He will interview Arthur Mesher, Distinguished Service Award Winner and author of The 3V's Part Two. Also participating in the discussion is Phil Ruotolo, Director of Merchandising Solutions Customization at Proctor and Gamble. The session takes place Tuesday October 2, 2018 at 10:30 am at CSCMP's Edge 2018 being held at The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Using the 3V's framework the presentation will address the following key questions:

How will supply chain management impact corporate performance?

How will IT be used to enable and optimize supply chain performance?

How will the markets for systems and logistics services evolve?

How can users best implement process improvement and technological initiatives to improve supply chain performance?

For more information or to download the paper visit www.3vspart2.com

About CSCMP

Since 1963, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) has been the leading worldwide professional association dedicated to education, research, and the advancement of the supply chain management profession. With more than 8,500 members globally, representing business, government, and academia from 65 countries, CSCMP members are the leading practitioners and authorities in the fields of logistics and supply chain management. To learn more, visit cscmp.org. CSCMP on social media: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

About VersaPay

VersaPay is a Fintech company and leading provider of cloud-based invoice-to-cash solutions, enabling businesses to provide a superior customer experience, get paid faster, streamline financial operations, and dramatically reduce DSO and costs. VersaPay ARC is the new standard in accounts receivable and collections automation with a customer self-service environment to view invoices online, collaborate on inquiries and disputes, and facilitate secure online payments (EFT/ACH and credit card). Businesses gain access to a suite of powerful tools that enable efficient collections, cash application and real-time insight into accounts receivable. VersaPay ARC automatically reconciles payments and account information through integrations with a wide range of ERPs and accounting software providers.

More information about VersaPay is available at www.versapay.com or under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Forward Looking and Other Cautionary Statements



This news release contains "forward-looking information" which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Such forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words and phrases such as "plans," "expects," "is expected," "budget," "scheduled," "estimates," "forecasts," "intends," "anticipates," or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.

These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to the speculative nature of the Company's business, the Company's formative stage of development and the Company's financial position.

Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

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.

SOURCE VersaPay Corporation

Related Links

www.versapay.com


WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on the full Senate to reject Judge Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Earlier today, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted in favor of that nomination, despite serious allegations of sexual assault on the part of the nominee and after a contentious hearing yesterday during which a survivor of sexual assault, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, testified against Kavanaugh.

In a statement, CAIR National Board Chair Roula Allouch said:

"A lifelong appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court is a privilege and a duty, not a right. Based on Judge Kavanaugh's overtly partisan and belligerent performance at yesterday's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, and on the credible accusations of sexual misconduct, we urge the full Senate to reject his nomination. The Senate should instead confirm a new nominee who has the temperament and neutrality necessary to pass judgment on the weightiest issues facing our nation now and for decades to come."

CAIR also joined the American Bar Association, the largest national organization of lawyers, in urging the Senate to call for a renewed FBI investigation of the allegations against Kavanaugh.

SEE: American Bar Association: Kavanaugh's Confirmation is "Simply Too Important to Rush"

https://www.vox.com/2018/9/28/17913700/american-bar-association-kavanaugh-confirmation-delay

ACTION REQUESTED: Those concerned about Kavanaugh's confirmation may contact the Senate using a previous CAIR action alert on his nomination at: https://www.oneclickpolitics.com/messages/edit?promo_id=4643

The Washington-based civil rights organization has reported an unprecedented spike in bigotry targeting American Muslims and members of other minority groups since the election of Donald Trump as president.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

La mision de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprension del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

CONTACT: CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

Related Links

http://www.cair.com


ATLANTA, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- As National Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins, the American Cancer Society says remarkable progress against the disease should not obscure the significant challenges remaining.

The Facts:

Thanks to largely stable incidence rates, improved treatment, as well as earlier detection through screening and increased awareness, a woman's risk of dying of breast cancer dropped 39 percent between the late 1980s and 2015, translating into more than 300,000 breast cancer deaths avoided during that time.

Despite that progress, there's much more to be done. Breast cancer is still the second-leading cause of cancer death in women, second only to lung cancer. There is still a large racial gap in mortality, with African-American women having higher death rates compared to whites, even as incidence rates are similar.

The American Cancer Society's estimates for breast cancer in the United States for

2018 are:

About 266,120 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women.

About 63,960 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be diagnosed (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer).

About 40,920 women will die from breast cancer.

While black and white women get breast cancer at roughly the same rate, the mortality rate is 42% higher among black women than white women.

At this time, there are more than 3.1 million people with a history of breast cancer in the United States. (This includes women still being treated and those who have completed treatment.)

Risk factors:

Numerous studies have confirmed that alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer in women by about 7%-10% for each one drink of alcohol consumed per day on average. Women who have 2-3 alcoholic drinks per day have a 20 percent higher risk of breast cancer compared to non-drinkers.

Obesity increases the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. Risk is about 1.5 times higher in overweight women and about 2 times higher in obese women than in lean women.

Growing evidence suggests that women who get regular physical activity have a 10%-25% lower risk of breast cancer compared to women who are inactive, with stronger evidence for postmenopausal than premenopausal women

Limited but accumulating research indicates that smoking may slightly increase breast cancer risk, particularly long-term, heavy smoking and among women who start smoking before their first pregnancy.

If you or someone you love are concerned about developing breast cancer, has been recently diagnosed, are going through treatment, or are trying to stay well after treatment, the American Cancer Society provides important information on these topics and more.

What the American Cancer Society is Doing

The ACS currently funds 155 multi-year grants focused on breast cancer totaling $60.2 million. We have played a key role in many of the advances against breast cancer, including funding early work that eventually led to the development of tamoxifen and Herceptin.

Join us and help save lives from breast cancer: Fundraise and participate in one of more than 250 Making Strides events or participate virtually at makingstrideswalk.org.

The American Cancer Society's nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is also working to make fighting breast cancer a national priority. ACS CAN is committed to ensuring that all women have the opportunity to receive lifesaving cancer screenings and services. Working in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., ACS CAN advocates for adequate funding for early detection programs that provide access to affordable breast cancer screenings and diagnostic services to low-income, uninsured and underinsured women.

To learn more about ACS CAN's advocacy work and to help make fighting breast cancer a priority in your community, visit acscan.org/makingstrides.

SOURCE American Cancer Society

Related Links

http://www.cancer.org


NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of financial markets for 10,000 U.S. and global securities, today announced Gran Colombia Gold Corp. (TSX: GCM;OTCQX: TPRFF), a Canadian-based mid-tier gold producer with its primary focus in Colombia, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market. Gran Colombia Gold upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink market.

Gran Colombia Gold begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol "TPRFF." U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

"Gran Colombia Gold joins more than 45 companies listed in Canada that have begun cross-trading on the OTCQX Best Market this year," said Jason Paltrowitz, Executive Vice President of Corporate Services at OTC Markets Group. "Canadian companies upgrade to OTCQX from the Pink Market to build visibility and to provide better informed trading for their U.S. investors. We are pleased to welcome Gran Colombia Gold to OTCQX and look forward to supporting the company."

"Admission to the OTCQX market is part of our strategy to allow for greater exposure, accessibility, and liquidity to a broader international audience," said Serafino Iacono, Co-Executive Chairman of Gran Colombia Gold. "It provides us with a trading platform for current and future American investors as well as a means of increasing our international visibility."

Gran Colombia Gold was sponsored for OTCQX by McMillan LLP, a qualified third-party firm responsible for providing guidance on OTCQX requirements and recommending membership.

About Gran Colombia Gold Corp.

Gran Colombia is a Canadian-based mid-tier gold producer with its primary focus in Colombia where it is currently the largest underground gold and silver producer with several mines in operation at its Segovia and Marmato Operations. Gran Colombia is continuing to focus on exploration, expansion and modernization activities at its high-grade Segovia Operations.

About OTC Markets Group Inc.

OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates the OTCQX Best Market, the OTCQB Venture Market and the Pink Open Market for 10,000 U.S. and global securities. Through OTC Link ATS and OTC Link ECN, we connect a diverse network of broker-dealers that provide liquidity and execution services. We enable investors to easily trade through the broker of their choice and empower companies to improve the quality of information available for investors.

To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

OTC Link ATS and OTC Link ECN are operated by OTC Link LLC, member FINRA/SIPC and SEC regulated ATS.

Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

Media Contact:

OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, [email protected]

SOURCE OTC Markets Group Inc.

Related Links

http://www.otcmarkets.com


GHENT, Belgium, October 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

PharmaFluidics NV, an innovative bio-analytical chromatography company, announced today that it entered into a Partnership Agreement with Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc, a global Life Sciences Tools and Instruments leader. The agreement empowers PharmaFluidics to sell Thermo Fisher custom-made EASY-Spray transfer lines, in combo sets with PharmaFluidics' own line of PAC chromatography micro-Chips, to constitute an ultra-high-resolution front-end source platform for Thermo Fisher mass spectrometry (MS) instruments.

(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/627474/PharmaFluidics_Logo.jpg )



"This is an exciting opportunity to facilitate our PAC customers' proteome analysis workflows and raise their protein identification performance capabilities to new heights," said Katrien Vanhonacker, Vice President Business Development at PharmaFluidics. "It will provide all users of Thermo Scientific EASY-Spray source-equipped mass spectrometers with familiar access and connections to PharmaFluidics' separation chip."

"Today's bio-analytical customers require robust and easy-to-handle tools, to achieve new levels of performance in HPLC/MS," said Dr. Sven Klingel, Director Business Development Life Sciences Business Unit, Thermo Fisher. "Our custom-made EASY-Spray transfer lines facilitate coupling of PAC columns to our HRAM MS detectors in a simple and easy to use way. As a result of this collaboration, our customers can enhance their separation options with a range of chip based ultra-high-resolution separations and best in class MS instruments to achieve high-quality results."

The PAC Pillar Array Chromatography technology is an innovative platform that provides high-quality separation capabilities for MS. Using propietary micro-Chip microfluidic technology, the PAC achieves superior separation of components in complex biological samples, improving LC-MS analysis results. The combined capabilities are revolutionizing the analysis of biological samples, allowing researchers, developers and vendors to keep pace in the buoyant and emerging fields of proteomics and protein-based diagnostics.

About PharmaFluidics

PharmaFluidics develops and commercializes its unique PACTM range of micro-Chip based chromatography columns for use in biomarker, diagnostics and drug research & development applications in the global biotech and pharma industries. The unprecedented, game-changing sensitivity and separation performance of PharmaFluidics' PACTM chromatography columns allows to identify substantially more compounds in complex biological samples, such as biopsies, proteome digests, culture media or bio-pharmaceutical actives.

The key expertise and IP estate of PharmaFluidics are the design, lithographic production, and surface treatment of silicon wafers for use as separation devices in liquid chromatography. PharmaFluidics collaborates with an extensive network of centers of excellence, pioneer users and global Mass Spectrometry instrument providers to develop an increasing range of applications.

For more information, please visit http://www.pharmafluidics.com

About THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with revenues of more than $20 billion and approximately 70,000 employees globally. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We help our customers accelerate life sciences research, solve complex analytical challenges, improve patient diagnostics, deliver medicines to market and increase laboratory productivity. Through our premier brands - Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services - we offer an unmatched combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and comprehensive services.

For more information, please visit http://www.thermofisher.com

SOURCE PharmaFluidics
"The financial results generated from the sale of Stone Rise, a property purchased by PAC in 2011, demonstrates our ability to execute and deliver outstanding returns to our stockholders," said John A. Isakson, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for PAC. Mr. Isakson added, "We remain committed to a disciplined strategy of carefully allocating capital to accretive investments, optimizing the operations of our owned assets and, when appropriate, opportunistically divesting certain assets in an effort to produce the best possible returns for our stockholders."

About Preferred Apartment Communities, Inc.

Preferred Apartment Communities, Inc. is a Maryland corporation formed primarily to acquire and operate multifamily properties in select targeted markets throughout the United States. As part of our business strategy, we may enter into forward purchase contracts or purchase options for to-be-built multifamily communities and we may make real estate related loans, provide deposit arrangements, or provide performance assurances, as may be necessary or appropriate, in connection with the development of multifamily communities and other properties. As a secondary strategy, we may acquire or originate senior mortgage loans, subordinate loans or real estate loans secured by interests in multifamily properties, membership or partnership interests in multifamily properties and other multifamily related assets and invest a lesser portion of our assets in other real estate related investments, including other income-producing property types, senior mortgage loans, subordinate loans or real estate loans secured by interests in other income-producing property types, membership or partnership interests in other income-producing property types as determined by our manager as appropriate for us. At June 30, 2018, the Company was the approximate 97.4% owner of Preferred Apartment Communities Operating Partnership, L.P., the Company's operating partnership. Preferred Apartment Communities, Inc. has elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, commencing with its tax year ended December 31, 2011. Learn more at www.pacapts.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "trend", "will", "expects", "plans", "estimates", "anticipates", "projects", "intends", "believes", "goals", "objectives", "outlook" and similar expressions. Because such statements include risks, uncertainties and contingencies, actual results may differ materially from the expectations, intentions, beliefs, plans or predictions of the future expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and contingencies include, but are not limited to, those disclosed in PAC's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. PAC undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as may be required by law.

Additional Information

The SEC has declared effective the registration statement (including prospectus) filed by the Company for each of the offerings to which this communication may relate. Before you invest, you should read the final prospectus, and any prospectus supplements, forming a part of the registration statement and other documents the Company has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and the offering to which this communication may relate. In particular, you should carefully read the risk factors described in the final prospectus and in any related prospectus supplement and in the documents incorporated by reference in the final prospectus and any related prospectus supplement to which this communication may relate. You may obtain these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the Company or its dealer manager, Preferred Capital Securities, LLC, with respect to PAC's mShares Redeemable Preferred Stock Offering and Series A Redeemable Preferred Stock and Warrant Unit Offering, and JonesTrading Institutional Services LLC, with respect to PAC's ATM Common Stock Offering, will arrange to send you a prospectus if you request it by calling Leonard A. Silverstein at (770) 818-4100, 3284 Northside Parkway NW, Suite 150, Atlanta, Georgia 30327.

The ATM Common Stock Offering prospectus supplement, dated July 10, 2017, including a base prospectus, dated May 17, 2016, can be accessed through the following link:

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1481832/000148183217000110/atmprospectusspring2017.htm

The mShares Redeemable Preferred Stock Offering prospectus, dated January 19, 2017, can be accessed through the following link:

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1481832/000148183217000008/a424prospectus-mshares1.htm

The Series A Redeemable Preferred Stock and Warrant Unit Offering prospectus, dated March 16, 2017, can be accessed through the following link:

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1481832/000148183217000061/a424prospectus-15bseriesar.htm

SOURCE Preferred Apartment Communities, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.pacapts.com


Dr. Russell A. Mittermeier , the 2018 recipient and seventh winner of the Prize, which is awarded biennially by the Indianapolis Zoological Society, received the Lilly Medal and $250,000  the largest unrestricted monetary award given exclusively for the successful conservation of endangered or threatened species. Actor and environmentalist Harrison Ford received the 2018 Jane Alexander Global Wildlife Ambassador Award.

"Today, we celebrate the achievements of heroes who work on the frontlines of animal conservation," said Michael I. Crowther, chief executive officer of the Indianapolis Zoological Society, Inc. "These conservationists are not just trying to save species, but are actually succeeding and bringing about real change. Thanks to them, we now know what we need to do to repair and reinforce Earth's tapestry of life."

Mittermeier, Chief Conservation Officer for Global Wildlife Conservation (GWC), has been responsible for the preservation of hundreds of species and millions of acres of critical habitat around the world. He is best known for his leadership in championing the concept of Biodiversity Hotspots  critical areas known for their biological diversity, endemic species and severe level of threat.

Considered the world's preeminent primate conservationist, Mittermeier is also instrumental in conservation focused on reptiles, particularly tortoises and freshwater turtles. He's been involved in the description of more than 20 species new to science  including three turtles, seven lemurs, four tarsiers and seven monkeys  and he even has eight species named after him by colleagues (three frogs, one lizard, two lemurs, a saki monkey and an ant).

"I am honored to be the 2018 Winner and applaud the Indianapolis Prize for giving a larger platform to conservationists doing important, significant work," said Mittermeier. "It's my hope that more people will be inspired by my colleagues' heroic stories and be moved to take actions that save species around the world."

Mittermeier was selected from a pool of six esteemed Finalists by a Jury comprised of distinguished scientists and conservation leaders. The Finalists are: Dr. Joel Berger (Colorado State University and Wildlife Conservation Society); Dr. P. Dee Boersma (University of Washington and Center for Ecosystem Sentinels); Dr. Sylvia Earle (Mission Blue and Deep Ocean Exploration and Research); Dr. Rodney Jackson (Snow Leopard Conservancy); and Dr. Carl Safina (The Safina Center at Stony Brook University). Each Finalist received $10,000.

At the Gala, Ford was honored with the Jane Alexander Global Wildlife Ambassador Award for his bold, heroic devotion to planet Earth. Ford is an Honorary Chair of the Indianapolis Prize and has been part of Conservation International for more than 25 years, where he is vice chair and active in the organization's design and growth.

"I'm honored to be recognized alongside some of the greatest in wildlife conservation today and commend the Indianapolis Prize for its commitment to advancing the sustainability of species," Ford said. "Nothing is more important to human society than preserving its natural capital. Nature does not need people, people need nature."

In honor of the 2018 Indianapolis Prize Gala, Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb declared Sept. 24-30 Wildlife Conservation Week, and Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett declared Sept. 29-30 Indianapolis Prize Weekend. During Wildlife Conservation Week, which culminated in the Indianapolis Prize Gala, conservation heroes from all over the world converged in Indianapolis for free public lectures, meet-and-greet opportunities and more.

"Because of heroes like the Indianapolis Prize Finalists, dozens of species still live on Earth today," said Governor Eric Holcomb. "Our state celebrates Wildlife Conservation Week in honor of these conservation heroes and I hope my fellow Hoosiers are inspired by their greatness."

"Indianapolis is recognized internationally as the emerging conservation capital of the world," said Mayor Joe Hogsett. "I challenge everyone in our community to engage with the Indianapolis Zoo, as they help to advance animal conservation not only in our city, but around the world."

Gala guests received the second edition of Champions for Our Planet: the Indianapolis Prize Guide to Animal Conservation Giving. The guide spotlights 19 organizations backed by the conservation heroes of the Indianapolis Prize and serves as an expert roadmap for giving meaningful gifts that protect, preserve and sustain endangered species and ecosystems. In selecting one of the conservation charities highlighted in Champions for Our Planet, donors directly contribute to efforts to protect species including polar bears, African elephants, lemurs, jaguars, penguins, whooping cranes, muskox, snow leopards, lions, wolves, Mauritius kestrels, tigers, cheetahs, ocean animals, reptiles and more.

ABOUT THE INDIANAPOLIS PRIZE

The Indianapolis Prize recognizes and rewards conservationists who have achieved major victories in advancing the sustainability of an animal species or group of species. Winners receive the Lilly Medal and an unrestricted $250,000 award. Remaining Finalists each receive $10,000. The Indianapolis Prize has received support from the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation since its inception.

MEDIA NOTE

Photos and video from the VIP reception, including images and soundbites from actor Harrison Ford, will be available via this link by 9 pm ET. Other images that accompany this story are available for download on the Indianapolis Prize website here. Connect with the Prize on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE The Indianapolis Prize

Related Links

https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/prize/


CHEVY CHASE, Md., Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- During the month of October, 4-H is set to empower over 150,000 youth to be creators, not just consumers, of technology, through its 11th annual 4-H National Youth Science Day (4-H NYSD). This initiative aims to inspire kids to take an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) topics through hands-on learning experiences  with this year's focus on computer science and coding. This year's challenge, Code Your World is designed to make computer science (CS) accessible to educators and young people with little-to-no prior experience or exposure.

Estimates show that 65 percent of today's students entering grade school will be employed in jobs that don't exist yet. But in many communities across the U.S.from rural areas to urban centerskids don't have access to the tools or resources they need to learn computer science skills. And recent research shows that schools can't meet demand alone: nine out of ten parents want their kids to learn computer science in schools, but only one quarter of schools offer dedicated courses.

"Computer science skills are an essential form of literacy in the modern world. As technology continues to disrupt nearly every sector and industry, the importance of understanding computer science will only continue to grow," said Jennifer Sirangelo, President and CEO, National 4-H Council. "That's why it's so important that young people get exposure to computer science from an early age. Through 4-H NYSD, we're equipping kids with the skills they need to become the changemakers and leaders of tomorrow."

This year's challenge, Code Your World, is designed by Google and West Virginia University Extension Service, and consists of four activities that teach kids computer science skills through fun topics like digital animation, gaming and dance. Each kit contains everything you need to complete the three-unplugged activities and one computer-based activity. The computer-based activity, called Animate a Name, allows kids to choose any name and bring it to life by making the letters spin, dance, change colors, talk and more. It is available to anyone online at: https://bit.ly/2pwN9IT.

"With Code Your World, we're tearing down the barriers that make computer science inaccessible to many young people across the country," said Jen Robertson-Honecker, Assistant Professor and STEM Specialist for 4-H Youth Programming at West Virginia University. "For many educators and kids, computer science is an intimidating topic. People rarely know where to start, and access to technology can be a major issue. Our approach removes or dramatically reduces the technological barriers and makes it possible for anyone regardless of their experience with computer scienceto bring hands-on computer science to kids."

4-H NYSD kicks off on October 1st, with events taking place throughout the month of October in classrooms, clubs, homes, and afterschool spaces across the country. All youth are invited to participate in 4-H NYSD. For information about how to get involved, visit www.4-h.org/nysd or www.shop4h.org to purchase the Code Your World kit. Follow Code Your World events around the country with #4HNYSD.

4-H NYSD 2018 was developed with support from our national partners: Google.org, BNY Mellon, Corteva AgriscienceTM, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, and HughesNet.

About 4H

4H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4H is the youth development program of our nation's Cooperative Extension System and USDA and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.

Learn more about 4H at www.4h.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4h and on twitter at https://twitter.com/4h.

SOURCE National 4-H Council

Related Links

http://www.4-h.org


TORONTO, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Adventus Zinc Corp. (TSXV: ADZNOTCQX: ADVZF) ("Adventus") is pleased to announce that it has retained Market Making Services Inc. ("Market Making Services") to provide market making services on the exchange, in compliance with the policies and guidelines of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV").

Market Making Services will trade the securities of Adventus on the TSXV for the purpose of maintaining an orderly market and to provide liquidity of Adventus' common shares. Adventus will pay Market Making Services $4,000 per month for a minimum term of three months renewable every month thereafter. Each party will have an option to cancel upon thirty days' prior notice. The appointment has been approved by the TSXV and the agreement commences today.

Adventus and Market Making Services act at arm's length. Market Making Services will not be paid in shares or options of Adventus. The capital used for market making will be provided by Market Making Services.

About Adventus Zinc

Adventus Zinc is a well-financed company focused on base metals exploration and project development globally. Its strategic shareholders include Altius Minerals Corporation, Greenstone Resources LP, Resource Capital Funds, and Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.; as well as other highly respected investors in the mining business. The focus of Adventus is the advancement of the Curipamba copper-gold-zinc project in Ecuador as part of an earn-in agreement to obtain a 75% ownership interest. In addition, Adventus is engaged in a country-wide exploration alliance with its partners in Ecuador, incorporating two projects to date. Elsewhere globally, Adventus owns a large prospective mineral land package in Ireland totalling 1,950 km2 and, through its ownership interest in Canstar Resources Inc., is actively participating in the exploration upside of a prospective mineral land package in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada totalling 550 km2. Adventus Zinc is based in Toronto, Canada, and is listed on the TSX-V under the symbol ADZN and on the OTCQX under the symbol ADVZF.

About Market Making Services Inc.

James Connor is the principal of Market Making Services Inc. and has worked in the financial industry for over 20 years. He has extensive experience as a liability trader working for such firms as CIBC, Credit Suisse, Merrill Lynch, and Cormark Securities and also as a coverage trader covering some of the largest institutional investors in Europe and North America. James started Market Making Services Inc. with the primary purpose of providing capital market knowledge to help TSXV listed stocks gain awareness and liquidity.

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.

SOURCE Adventus Zinc Corporation

Related Links

adventuszinc.com


PARIS, October 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Plus 1,744% turnover growth in 18 years, an 8.1% annual yield. A full market is now active on five continents.

Artprice, founded and presided by thierry Ehrmann, achieves in close collaboration with its Chinese institutional partner the group Artron/AMMA (Art Market Monitor of Artron) founded and presided by WAN Jie, its 21st report.

(Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/644091/Artprice_Logo.jpg )



The almost parallel increases over the 12 months to June 2018 in the Contemporary Art Market's three main indicators (+19% global turnover, +17% lots sold and +18% in the segment's price index) suggests a very rapid and balanced growth of Contemporary Art sales worldwide.

The average annual financial return, currently +8.1% on Contemporary works, looks very attractive indeed in the context of negative or near-zero rates that erode cash savings.

The Artprice Contemporary Art Market Report 2018, an indispensable tool for anyone attending the big autumn fairs, particularly the Frieze and the Fiac, is available free of charge at the following address:

https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-contemporary-art-market-report-2018

N.B. for the purposes of our report

Contemporary Art = works created by artists born after 1945

Fine Art = painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, videos, prints, installations

Period analysed: 1 July 2017 - 30 June 2018

The 66,850 transactions hammered over the 12-month period reflect a market of unprecedented intensity. Since 2000/2001, the number of transactions has multiplied 5.5 times. Over the same period, global turnover has risen + 1,744% from $103 million to $1.9 billion. The average price of a Contemporary work has risen from $8,400 at the turn of the 21st century to $28,000 today. Moreover, today's Contemporary Art Market offers unprecedented diversity: 20,335 artists born after 1945 recorded at least one auction result over the 12 month period, nearly five times more than in 2000/2001 (4,100 Contemporary artists).

According to thierry Ehrmann, Artprice's founder and CEO, "We have had a period of restructuring that lasted roughly three years; but the Contemporary Art Market is now back on a much stronger footing. Although prices are indeed rising again, there is a much broader supply that allows a better selection of works and the perfectly stable unsold rate, at 39%, guarantees a balanced market."

The United Kingdom ($545 million) and mainland China ($298 million) both posted excellent turnover totals, up 55% and 15% respectively. On the other hand, the USA posted a 13% contraction versus the year-earlier period that was boosted by the exceptional record of $110.5 million for Jean-Michel Basquiat's Untitled (1984).

London, New York, Beijing and Hong Kong alone account for 82% of global auction sales of Contemporary Art, from just 17% of the global lots sold.

The French market posted a remarkable performance with sales of Contemporary Art up 81% during the 12-month period to $71 million. In the rest of Europe, Germany (+40%), Italy (+31%) and Belgium (+27%) consolidated their 5th, 7th and 10th places respectively on the global Contemporary Art Market. Elsewhere, several countries contributed to the market's growth around the globe: Japan (+22%), Australia (+15%), South Korea (+15%), South Africa (+25%).

Key figures:

Global turnover was up 19% to $1.9 billion The number of lots sold rose by 17%, with 66,850 auction results The global unsold rate remained stable at 39% The Contemporary Art Price Index posted an increase of 18.5% Since 2000/2001, global turnover has risen 1,744%, from $103 million to $1.9 billion Since 2000/2001, the lots sold total has multiplied 5.5x from 12,300 to 66,850 Contemporary Art auction results were recorded in 59 countries last year New York , London , Beijing and Hong Kong accounted for 82% of turnover, on 17% of global lots sold Greater China ( Hong Kong and Taiwan included) generated $480m , i.e. 26% of the global market Europe had an exceptional year: France +81%, Germany +40%, Italy +31% The Netherlands , Belgium and Austria each generated over $8 million South Korea ( $8 million ) and the Philippines ( $5 million ) bring Southeast Asia into the global market Australia ( $10 million ) and New Zealand ( $5 million ) are in the top 20 marketplaces South Africa ( $6 million ) leads Africa , with Morocco and Nigeria far behind The Middle East is represented by Turkey ( $5 million ), Iran ( $3 million ), UAE ( $2 million ) and Israel ( $1 million )

1. General synopsis. Contemporary Art's market performance

Available for free online, the new 2018 Artprice Contemporary Art Market Report provides decision support tools via four chapters that analyse the evolution, the organization and the latest trends in the Contemporary Art Market. The four chapters explore the hottest topics in the global market and provide answers to questions that any art lover, collector, professional or curator who is active in the Contemporary Art Market might have.

2. Artists' prices

Stimulated by a sensational record of $110.5 million in May 2017, the Contemporary art Market has just ended a third consecutive semester of growth. The principal drivers of this growth are ever-stronger demand for works by the stars of Contemporary art and a proliferation of supply in a particularly favorable economic context.

3. Africa and its diasporas

From the construction of a market for African Contemporary art in France to the explosion of African-American art in the United States: a brief look at the "African" wave sweeping across the entire Art Market.

4. In the news

She's French, but has 'emerged' in England. Laure Prouvost already has a brilliant career with a superb CV: she studied at Central Saint Martins (cinema) and Goldsmiths College, received the Max Mara Award in 2011 followed by an exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery, before winning the famous Turner Prize in 2013.

Top 100 Contemporary works sold at auction (July 2017 - June 2018)

Top 500 Contemporary artists by auction turnover (July 2017 - June 2018)

Contemporary Art (12% of the global Art Market compared with just 2.8% in 2000) cannot be measured using the same yardstick we use for Impressionist or Modern Art. Over the same period, its auction turnover has increased +1,744% from $103 million to $1.9 billion. The popularity and prices indices of a Contemporary artist are highly sensitive to a range of different factors, constantly subject to the influence of events and "art news" in general.

In order to study this reality, Artprice - the world leader in art market information - has developed a new method of analysis and a range of decision support tools in collaboration with its econometrists, its editorial team and it art historians. The result is a methodology that provides optimum insight into the market's price developments.

According to thierry Ehrmann, "The myth of the wretched artist is no longer relevant to the modern era and the old notion that the only good artist is a dead artist has been consigned to oblivion."

"This 2018 Contemporary Art Market Report (its 21st since 1997) goes straight to the heart of this fascinating issue... the role of artists in the modern era. I believe we can safely agree with the poetic understanding of this role enunciated by the philosopher Giorgio Agamben: that a Contemporary (artist) is he who firmly holds his gaze on his own time so as to perceive not its light, but rather its darkness a role that is being revived from a long slumber."

"In a standardised and globalised world, the Contemporary artist brings us that extra soul which we are constantly in need of."

http://www.artprice.com Copyright thierry Ehrmann 1987/2018

About Artprice:

Artprice is listed on the Eurolist by Euronext Paris, SRD long only and Euroclear: 7478 - Bloomberg: PRC - Reuters: ARTF.

Dicover Artprice in video: https://www.artprice.com/video

Artprice is the global leader in art price and art index databanks. It has over 30 million indices and auction results covering more than 700,000 artists. Artprice Images(R) gives unlimited access to the largest Art Market resource in the world: a library of 126 million images or prints of artworks from the year 1700 to the present day, along with comments by Artprice's art historians.

Artprice permanently enriches its databanks with information from 6,300 auctioneers and it publishes a constant flow of art market trends for the world's principal news agencies and approximately 7,200 international press publications. For its 4,500,000 members, Artprice gives access to the world's leading Standardised Marketplace for buying and selling art. Artprice is preparing its blockchain for the Art Market. It is BPI-labelled (scientific national French label)Artprice's Global Art Market Annual Report for 2017 published last March 2018: https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-art-market-in-2017

Artprice's Contemporary Art Market Annual Report for 2017 - free access at: https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-contemporary-art-market-report-2017

Artprice's press releases:

http://serveur.serveur.com/Press_Release/pressreleaseen.htm

https://twitter.com/artpricedotcom

Artmarket News:

https://twitter.com/artpricedotcom & https://twitter.com/artmarketdotcom

https://www.facebook.com/artpricedotcom & https://plus.google.com/+artpricedotcom/posts

http://artmarketinsight.wordpress.com/

Discover the Alchemy and the universe of Artprice http://web.artprice.com/video, which headquarters are the famous Museum of Contemporary Art, the Abode of Chaos:

http://goo.gl/zJssd

https://vimeo.com/124643720

The Contemporary Art Museum The Abode of Chaos on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/la.demeure.du.chaos.theabodeofchaos999

Contact: thierry Ehrmann, [email protected]

SOURCE Artprice.com
ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, leaders of the American Trucking Associations praised the governments of the United States, Canada and Mexico for coming together on a framework for continued free trade between the three North American nations.

"ATA is pleased that the United States, Canada and Mexico will continue their nearly 25-year-long tradition of free and open trade among North American neighbors," said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. "The wide-ranging pact is a positive step for the nearly 50,000 Americans working in jobs directly connected to cross-border trucking  as well as the more than seven million Americans working in trucking-related jobs."

"ATA congratulates the Administration and the negotiators from all three countries on coming up with a deal that will continue to strengthen our collective economies and improve our relations," said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. "Trucks move nearly $385 billion in goods between the U.S. and Mexico, and $336 billion in trade across the Canadian border  continuing to have free trade between our three countries will only help our industry well into the future."

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight. Follow ATA on Twitter or on Facebook. Trucking Moves America Forward

SOURCE American Trucking Associations

Related Links

http://www.trucking.org


TEL AVIV, Israel, October 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Dror Katzav, CEO and Co-Founder of Atidot, an insurance technology company empowering life insurance providers with big data and predictive analytics tools, will speak at several sessions during the upcoming InsureTech Connect conference in Las Vegas. During the Life and Annuity Showcase hosted by Hannover Re and Sureify, Dror will be discussing how Atidot's tools for under-insurance discovery and the integration with Sureify can help carriers improve their customer engagement.

Atidot, which has been garnering growing attention from analysts, insurance partners, and technology companies, will be exhibiting at the conference for the third consecutive year. The company's research and development team along with key executives will be offering live demonstrations of the platform at booth 222.

Atidot will also host a workshop with Microsoft on the 2nd of October, where Dror Katzav will be joined by Nick Leimer, Principal Industry Lead Azure for Insurance of Microsoft to discuss 'How to Successfully Partner with a Startup, and Tips for Cloud and Data Initiatives'. Together they will cover how to overcome differences in issues such as opposing mindsets and cultural differences, and how to navigate the partnership in a productive and effective manner.

In addition, Atidot will be presenting as part of the Startup Bootcamp InsureTech Lounge hosted by Hartford InsurTech Hub as part of the pre-InsureTech Connect events.

Recently noted in reports from Willis Tower Watson- CB Insights, and Novarica, Atidot is solving the 'big data question' for the life insurance industry. With advanced analytics, the platform analyzes data already in the possession of the carrier, as well as open source and publicly available data, to generate insights and asses potential underinsurance cases. Armed with more accurate data, carriers can identify policies with a high lapse risk as well as policies providing insufficient coverage for their holders - and remedy the situation. Identifying these policies is a win-win for consumers, who can update their policies to reflect current needs, and the insurance providers, who by providing a higher level of service can retain customers and upgrade policies.

About Atidot:

Atidot is an insuretech company empowering the life insurance industry with big data and predictive analytics. Atidot's cloud-based platform provides life insurers with data-driven insights to inform decision making and develop new business strategies. Founded by a team of data scientists and actuaries, including the former Chief Actuary at the Israel Ministry of Finance, Atidot is working with leading insurance providers to allow them to take control of their existing data to improve policyholder retention, sales, and in-force management thereby increasing revenues. For more information, visit http://www.atidot.com.

Media Contact:

Raanan Loew

[email protected]

US:+1-347-897-9276

UK:+44-203-769-2689



SOURCE Atidot
CHICAGO, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The attorneys at Mitchell S. Sexner and Associates LLC are credited with recovering millions of dollars for injured clients and winning both misdemeanor and felony cases across the state of Illinois. Countless victories in both areas of laws have landed them features across litigation referral platforms.

With over 25 years of experience, the firm is highly regarded in the legal community and is recognized by Martindale-Hubbell, The National Trial Lawyers, Marquis "Who's Who," Attorney and Practice Magazine, the Better Business Bureau, NADC, and Avvo. In addition, Mr. Sexner has been admitted to several U.S. District Courts across the country.

It is no surprise that Sexner and his team are now being featured across the internet for their high level of legal acumen and extensive track record of successful cases. The firm has successfully represented over 20,000 clients, securing millions of dollars for people seeking justice and fairness in the legal system.

"On a daily basis, our attorneys work tirelessly to help our clients win cases to avoid jail time and keep clean records, as well as to secure maximum monetary damages for those affected by a work injury, accident and medical malpractice," said Mitchell Sexner.

The legal team at Sexner and Associates LLC have years of combined training and specialized skills. They put 100% effort into every case and fight to obtain superior results for all clients. Their long list of secured injury settlements combined with an unbeatable record of criminal and traffic cases make them a desirable firm across both practice areas.

Find a legal team that is driven by a strong desire for justice and backed by years of success. Our team is a winning team with a proven track record, so call or visit our website for legal representation that has the best chance to affect the outcome of your case.

Mitchell S. Sexner of Sexner & Associates LLC is a former prosecutor who formed his own law firm in 1990. Sexner & Associates LLC has represented more than 20,000 people since then, not only in the area of traffic and criminal law, but in the areas of personal injury and medical malpractice law as well.

SOURCE Sexner & Associates LLC
BANJA LUKA, Bosnia and Herzegovina, October 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Following meetings with top Serb Republic leaders, a delegation of Western European politicians has backed calls for the republic's independence if the High Representative and other foreign officials continue to abrogate the provisions of the 1995 Dayton Agreement which ended the Bosnian War.

The five-member group, invited by the Balkans Geopolitical Center to review preparations for Bosnia's Oct. 7 elections, told a Friday news conference in Republika Srpska's capital Banja Luka that they believed Bosnia-Herzegovina was "undemocratic" and "deeply dysfunctional" and that increasingly the only solution was secession if that was the will of Serb Republic citizens.

Johannes Hubner, a former Freedom Party deputy of the Austrian Parliament, emphasised the need to respect the Dayton peace agreement. He said the European Union claims democracy as one of its core values, and that it should therefore respect what the people seek - and not what some international representatives want. According to Hubner, if the EU respected the will of all constituent parts of Bosnia-Herzegovina, it would be possible to quickly reach a lasting solution. On the other hand, he warned, if the EU continues to push for a more centralized state - as, he said, the Office of the High Representative has done for years - then nothing will change in the next quarter-century.

Frank Creyelman, Flemish Alliance politician and Honorary Senator from Belgium, declared his sympathy with the desire of the Serb people to get out of what he termed "the monstrosity known as Bosnia-Herzegovina." He compared the situation of Serbs in Bosnia with that of the Flemish in Belgium, which he described as another "artificial country". He said the rest of Europe owes the Serb Republic credit for acting as a block to illegal Arab migrants, attracted by the Bosniak Muslim majority in Bosnia.

Zmago Jelincic Plemeniti, who heads the Slovenian National Party in his country's parliament, said the constitutional framework agreed in Dayton had been continuously compromised by foreign meddling, resulting in the abrogation of 90 percent of the guaranteed rights of the Republika Srpska. He cited the constitutional court, composed of two Serbs, two Croats, two Muslim Bosniaks and three foreigners - with the result that the Muslims always have a majority.

Italian Senator Antonio Razzi expressed his regret that the slogan "live and let live" is not being applied to Bosnia-Herzegovina, where the Serbs are denied the right to self-determination. His compatriot Luca Bellotti, former undersecretary for agriculture in the last Berlusconi government, said he believes the Serbs should be treated as a partner by the EU, and not as a party to be pressured. Following their meetings with Serb Republic President Milorad Dodik and other top officials, both expressed the hope that they will be successful in the forthcoming election.

SOURCE Balkans Geopolitical Center NGO
NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Baruch College announced today that its president, Dr. Mitchel B. Wallerstein, has decided to step down at the end of the current academic year, in June 2019, after nine successful years of leadership.

Baruch College of the City University of New York (CUNY) has an enrollment of more than 18,000 undergraduates and graduates. The College has one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and the highest performing students in the CUNY system (as measured by average SAT score and GPA). During his nine-year tenure, President Wallerstein has achieved notable and nationally recognized successes in areas ranging from advancing the social and economic mobility for thousands of graduates, to launching a global education program, to setting new records for fundraising, to changing the physical face of the Baruch College with new facilities and a new public plaza.

"Mitchel Wallerstein has been one of CUNY's most innovative and effective leaders of the past decade," said Interim Chancellor Vita C. Rabinowitz. "He firmly established Baruch as a renowned driver of social and economic mobility. He raised graduation rates and strengthened the faculty. His ambitious fund-raising enabled Baruch to increase student scholarship support and add needed spaces to its campus. Dr. Wallerstein exemplifies CUNY's mission through his high standards of excellence and leadership."

"It has been my honor and privilege to serve as president of Baruch for the past eight and a half years," said Dr. Wallerstein. "I am extremely proud of what we have been able to accomplish to advance the financial and academic strength of the College, building in the process a national reputation and providing an enhanced educational experience for our hard-working and striving students."

The CUNY Board of Trustees will launch a national search for Baruch College's next president during the current academic year in order to achieve a seamless transition during the summer of 2019.

Under President Wallerstein's leadership, the College has become a recognized national leader in public education.

Social and Economic Mobility Advancement:

Baruch is considered a national model for social mobility, propelling undergraduates from the bottom 40 percent of household incomes to the top 40 percent. The College was recently ranked #1 for social mobility among four-year public universities, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Baruch has achieved a 70 percent six-year graduation rate for full-time undergraduate students, which is a substantially higher rate than the national rate of 56 percent for public and private colleges combined, and by far the best in the CUNY system.

Expanded Academic Programs and Global Partnerships:

Baruch has established a comprehensive global education program, with more than a half dozen new, dual Master's degree programs with universities in China , Italy , and Israel , and additional new relationships under development in Vietnam , India , South Korea , and Argentina . As part of this effort, the College also has pioneered an innovative undergraduate program with the South Western University of Finance and Economics in Chengdu, China . Students begin their studies in China and complete their degree requirements in the United States at Baruch, fulfilling all CUNY degree requirements, after which they receive Bachelor's degrees from both institutions.

Record-breaking Fundraising and Planning for the Future:

Under President Wallerstein's leadership, Baruch has raised a total of $165 million , which includes a record gift of $30 million to name and endow the Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs. This was the single largest donation in the history of Baruch College and the second largest gift ever donated to CUNY. In addition, Baruch recently completed the first dedicated scholarship campaign in CUNY history, raising $21 million$6 million over the goal.

Baruch has just completed a new, five-year strategic plan for the period from 2018-2023. This is the second five-year strategic roadmap for the College's future prepared during his presidency, and the College successfully achieved the majority of the goals set forth in the previous plan.

After he steps down at the end of the current academic year, President Wallerstein plans to serve as a University Professor at CUNY, and will be writing and returning to the classroom to teach in the areas of his expertise on international security and public policy in the College's Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs. There, he will bring to students his background in government service. In 1993, President Wallerstein was appointed deputy assistant secretary of defense for counter-proliferation policy and senior defense representative for trade security policy, and he served in this capacity until 1998.

Mitchel Wallerstein was vice president of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation from 1998-2003, where he directed its international grantmaking program; the foundation is one of the world's largest philanthropic organizations.

From 2003 to 2010, President Wallerstein was dean of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs of Syracuse University and a tenured professor of political science and public administration. The Maxwell School was ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the nation's leading graduate school of public affairs.

Dr. Wallerstein began his tenure as the eighth president of Baruch College in August 2010.

For a complete bio, go to President Mitchel B. Wallerstein leadership profile.

SOURCE Baruch College

Related Links

https://www.baruch.cuny.edu


The gathering, Expanding the Reach of Women's Colleges , was sponsored and led by Bay Path University President Carol Leary and the staff from The American Women's College, the first all-online bachelor's degree program for adult women. The funding and support for Expanding the Reach of Women's Colleges was provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

"As women's colleges, we are meeting at an important time in our country," states President Leary. "From our beginnings, women's colleges have shared a singular mission and purposeto educate, empower and advance women to lead meaningful and successful lives. Today, that is more important than ever. Women throughout our nation, and the world, are and will be critical players in developing strong communities and contributing to economic growth and vitality. Our goal was to explore innovative and impactful collaborations to insure we provide a quality education that is accessible, affordable, and achievable."

Among the many topics, The American Women's College presented the Social Online Universal Learning (SOUL) model. The revolutionary SOUL platform has earned numerous accolades as a leading-edge model combining technology with instruction and content that fits the needs and learning styles of individual students. In 2014, SOUL was one of only 24 institutions in the U.S. to receive a FIPSE (Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education) "First in the World" grant from the U.S. Department of Education; the inaugural Digital Learning Innovation Award in 2016 funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Postsecondary Success Program and administered through the Online Learning Consortium; the Lumina Foundation LiftEd Prize in 2017; and most recently, it was selected as a top 25 semi-finalist for the Reimagining Higher Education Ecosystem Challenge, sponsored by the U.S. Education Department's Office of Education Technology.

"The American Women's College has built an exciting model for enabling more women to graduate from college, in an age where a college degree is increasingly a prerequisite for wellbeing and social mobility," said Sharon Davies, Provost of Spelman College. "It is an honor to think with other women's colleges across the country about ways to expand access to the academic experiences and credentials that improve women's lives."

Based on projections by the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2025, half of the women in the United States between the ages of 14 and 25women who are approaching or of college agewill be women of color. Traditionally, these women have experienced some of the greatest barriers to enrolling in college or attaining a college degree. Expanding online baccalaureate and graduate degrees for these and other women may be one way to ensure that the complexity of women's lives and responsibilities do not interfere with their dreams.

The next step for Expanding the Reach of Women's Colleges is to convene another meeting to discuss concrete action steps for collaboration and how to secure funding for additional efforts.

Please contact us to arrange interviews with the following:

President Carol Leary, Bay Path University (MA)

Amanda Gould, Chief Administrative Officer, The American Women's College /

Bay Path University (MA)

Carole Chabries, Dean, Adult Learning and New Initiatives, Alverno College (WI)

Sharon Davies, J.D., Provost and VP of Academic Affairs, Spelman College (GA)

Sarah Kottich, Executive Vice President of Operations and Planning, College of St. Mary (NE)

Julia Chinyere Oparah, Provost and Dean of Faculty, Mills College (CA)

Melody Blake, Provost and Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs,

Wesleyan College (GA)

About Bay Path University

Bay Path University was founded in 1897. With locations in Longmeadow (main), East Longmeadow (Philip H. Ryan Health Science Center), Springfield (MA), Sturbridge (MA), and Concord (MA), Bay Path's innovative program offerings include traditional undergraduate degrees for women, The American Women's College on-ground and online, the first all-women, all-online accredited bachelor's degree programs in the country; over 25 graduate programs for women and men; and Strategic Alliances, offering professional development courses for individuals and organizations. Bay Path's goal is to give students confidence in the fundamentals of their chosen field, the curiosity to question the ordinary, the leadership to show initiative, and the desire to make a difference.

Contact Information:

Kathleen Wroblewski

Director of Communications

[email protected]

(413) 565-1233

SOURCE Bay Path University

Related Links

https://www.baypath.edu


DALLAS, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- BenefitMall , the leading provider of employee benefits and payroll services, today announced its acquisition of Planet Payroll, a payroll service bureau located in Phoenix with a client base in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

"We are very pleased to welcome Planet Payroll to BenefitMall with our most recent acquisition," said Todd Waletzki, president of the Payroll Division for BenefitMall. "Our office in Arizona is thrilled to bring on new clients and will ensure the transition is seamless for all parties involved."

Planet Payroll employees will join BenefitMall once the deal is complete. Existing Planet Payroll clients and employees will work directly with BenefitMall's Phoenix office.

"BenefitMall is one of the top payroll providers in the country, and we are thrilled to have finalized this deal with them," said Cassie Johnson, general manager at Planet Payroll. "We know that our clients will benefit from this acquisition as they will now have more services offered to them with the same focus on customer service."

Last fall, The Carlyle Group acquired BenefitMall to make deals like this possible. The continuous growth through mergers and acquisitions, like Planet Payroll, were the reason for the investment.

The acquisition between BenefitMall and Planet Payroll will close today.

About BenefitMall

Headquartered in Dallas, BenefitMall partners with a network of 20,000 Brokers and CPAs to deliver employee benefits and payroll services to more than 200,000 small and medium-sized businesses. By combining payroll and benefits, BenefitMall empowers Trusted Advisors to develop the best employee programs while maintaining compliance with government regulations and Health Care Reform.

Owned by Management and The Carlyle Group, BenefitMall also operates HealthCareExchange.com, the leading online community for information regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. More information is available at www.benefitmall.com .

SOURCE BenefitMall

Related Links

http://www.benefitmall.com


The Hotel Napa Valley is near the country's finest wineries and within walking distance to the downtown area, renowned for its restaurants, wine-tasting salons, and shopsall nestled along the Napa River waterfront. Built in 1874, the hotel retains the historic and charming details of old-world Napa, such as stone flooring, original ancient redwood accents, and landscaping marked by old-growth fir trees. Guests of Hotel Napa Valley can enjoy a quaint atmosphere without sacrificing modern amenities, including:

Complimentary nightly wine reception featuring local vineyards and homemade treats

Complimentary breakfast

Select rooms and suites feature large spa tubs, walk-in showers, and stone fireplaces

Complimentary tea, hot cocoa, and French press coffee in the lobby

Lounge area and a business center that is open 24 hours a day

As an Ascend Hotel Collection member, The Hotel Napa Valley participates in the award-winning Choice Privileges loyalty rewards program, rated no. 1 in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards list for two consecutive years and named a top hotel loyalty program by U.S. News & World Report for three consecutive years. The free membership offers fast rewards, and exclusive member rates for those who book directly at www.choicehotels.com. Members can earn and redeem points towards free nights, airline miles, and more while staying at any of Choice's 11 global brand participating hotels.

This communication includes "forward-looking statements" about future events, including anticipated expenditures on brand improvements and hotel openings. Such statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including construction delays, availability and cost of financing and the other "Risk Factors" described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, any of which could cause actual results to be materially different from our expectations.

Ascend Hotel Collection: Let the Destination Reach You.

The Ascend Hotel Collection global portfolio of unique, boutique, and historic independent hotels and resorts is part of Choice Hotels International, one of the world's largest leading hotel companies. Recognized as the hotel industry's first "soft brand" concept, the Ascend Hotel Collection portfolio includes more than 200 properties open and operating worldwide, including in France, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Turkey, Australia, Canada, Ecuador, and the Caribbean region. Membership with the Ascend Hotel Collection enables distinctive, independent properties to gain a global presence while maintaining their local charm. For more information, visit www.choicehotels.com/Ascend.

About Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest and most successful lodging franchisors in the world. With more than 6,800 hotels, representing more than 550,000 rooms, in over 40 countries and territories as of June 30, 2018, the Choice family of hotel brands provide business and leisure travelers with a range of high-quality lodging options from limited service to full-service hotels in the upscale, midscale, extended-stay and economy segments. The award-winning Choice Privileges loyalty program, offers members benefits ranging from everyday rewards to exceptional experiences. For more information, visit www.choicehotels.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

This communication includes "forward-looking statements" about future events, including and hotel openings. Such statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including construction delays, availability and cost of financing and the other "Risk Factors" described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, any of which could cause actual results to be materially different from our expectations.

 2018 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.choicehotels.com


PETALUMA, Calif., Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In the business world, there are many different strategies and tactics but many successful entrepreneurs will say that one of the most important concepts to embrace is simplicity. Simplicity as a concept means focusing on the essence of a business or task while avoiding overcomplication. It's not as easy as it sounds; people have a natural tendency to overcomplicate things in all areas of life  and in business, especially. Brandon Frere, the successful CEO and entrepreneur of several companies, discusses the value of simplicity in entrepreneurship.

"I try to keep it simple," said Frere. "Simple is best. Once things get too complicated, whether it's a business idea or a conversation, things get lost and misunderstandings are bound to happen."

Complexity is the enemy of efficiency. It keeps people from understanding what's required of them and allows more room for mistakes. One way to solve this problem is to explain things clearly and simply. Avoid technical jargon and use language that a layperson could understand. Mindfulness, the process of being aware and in the present, can also guide an entrepreneur to simplicity. When one is caught up in their head and thoughts, the danger of overthinking and overcomplicating issues arises. Too much focus on the past and present can hamper an entrepreneur from seeing the solution in the here and now. Living in the present allows for complete focus on a venture, its essence and the essential goals.

Trusting that inner voice is another step in simplicity, in that it allows an entrepreneur to filter out the noise and focus on what works for their individual endeavor. What works for one person, no matter how much of an entrepreneurial guru they may be, may not work for another. Playing to one's natural instincts and abilities is a sure path to success. In addition, it pays off to look at the simpler solutions to problems. This can sometimes mean not stopping at the first solution and instead keep brainstorming to see if there's a simpler solution available. Complex solutions are generally easier to come up with but harder to implement.

"The simpler the solution, the more efficient you'll be," said Frere. "And, you'll probably have better, more effective results. Simplicity brings success in all forms."

About Brandon Frere

Brandon Frere is an entrepreneur and businessman who lives in Sonoma County, California. He has designed and created multiple companies to meet the ever-demanding needs of businesses and consumers alike. His website, www.BrandonFrere.com, is used as a means of communicating many of the lessons, fundamentals and information that he has learned throughout his extensive business and personal endeavors, most recently in advocating on behalf of student loan borrowers nationwide.

As experienced during his own student loan repayment, Mr. Frere found out how difficult it can be to work with federally contracted student loan servicers and the repayment programs designed to help borrowers. Through those efforts, he gained an insider's look into the repayment process and the motivations behind the inflating student loan debt bubble. His knowledge of the often confusing landscape of student loan repayment became a vital theme in his future endeavors, and he now uses those experiences to help guide others through the daunting process of applying for available federal repayment and loan forgiveness programs.

BrandonFrere.com

Related Images

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Related Links

Brandon Frere website

SOURCE Brandon Frere
LAKELAND, Fla., Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- BusinessFirst Insurance Company has received all regulatory approvals from the Indiana Department of Insurance to begin offering workers' compensation insurance coverage in the state of Indiana.

Appointed agents may quote Indiana business with BusinessFirst for policies with effective dates starting October 1, 2018.

Thomas S. Petcoff, president of BusinessFirst, notes, "We are pleased to begin offering workers' compensation coverage in Indiana. Agents and policyholders can count on tailored loss prevention services, comprehensive claims management, responsive customer service and competitive dividend plans."

Florida-based BusinessFirst also does business in Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee and is rated B++ (Good) with Positive Outlook by A.M. Best. BusinessFirst and affiliate RetailFirst Insurance Company comprise the RetailFirst Insurance Group. During 2017, the Group reported more than $135 million in combined direct written premium, and as of June 30, 2018, the Group had more than $359 million in total admitted assets and more than $180 million of policyholder surplus. The Group is rated B++ (Good) by A.M. Best and has excess of loss and terrorism reinsurance coverage through A or higher rated reinsurers.

"Our companies only write workers' compensation insurance, and independent agents can count on us to offer competitive products backed by the financial stability of the RetailFirst Insurance Group, which has taken a disciplined approach to underwriting that focuses on long-term profitability and growth for more than 40 years," says Petcoff.

The Group currently insures more than 13,000 businesses throughout Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Day-to-day operations of the Group are managed by Summit, the people who know workers' comp, a managing general agent with more than 40 years of experience in workers' compensation.

Visit:

www.businessfirstinsurance.com

www.summitholdings.com

SOURCE BusinessFirst Insurance Company

Related Links

http://businessfirstinsurance.com


Closing moved to December 31, 2018 to accommodate transfer of cannabis licenses

VANCOUVER, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - C21 Investments (CSE: CXXI; FSE: C6QP) and Silver State Relief today announced that they have extended the closing date of the definitive purchase agreement under which C21 Investments will acquire Silver State Relief LLC and Silver State Cultivation LLC to December 31, 2018.

C21 Investments originally announced the signing of a definitive purchase agreement with Silver State Relief of Nevada on July 16, 2018 with an expected closing date of October 31, 2018, subject to regulatory approval. The closing of this acquisition requires a filing with local authorities for approval of the deemed transfer of the applicable cannabis licenses of the business to a Nevada holding company controlled by C21 Investments.

The filing for the transfer of these licenses took place on September 14, 2018. However, as regulatory approval for the transfer of cannabis licenses is expected to take up to two months or more, C21 Investments and Silver State Relief have agreed to extend the deadline for the closing to December 31, 2018.

In consideration for the delayed closing, C21 Investments has increased its deposit against the purchase price by US$2 million for a total deposit of US$6 million.

Rob Cheney, Chief Executive Officer of C21 Investments, said: "We look forward to closing this acquisition by year end. In the interim, the people at C21 Investments and Silver State Relief will continue to collaborate on the operational side of the transition, including the opening of Silver State Relief's new dispensary in Fernley, Nevada. We look forward to unlocking the value of the combined businesses."

ABOUT C21 INVESTMENTS

C21 Investments Inc. (CSE: CXXI; FSE: C6QP) is a U.S. focused vertically integrated cannabis corporation that cultivates, processes, and distributes quality cannabis and hemp-derived consumer products in the United States. C21's current and announced operations currently comprise Silver State Relief in Nevada, as well as Phantom Farms, Swell Companies, Eco Firma Farms, and Gron Chocolate and Gron Confections in Oregon, and five dispensaries in two states. These brands produce and distribute a broad range of THC and CBD products from cannabis flowers, pre-rolls, cannabis oil, vaporizer cartridges and edibles. Based in Vancouver, Canada, C21 can be found at www.cxxi.ca .

The CSE has not accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE C21 Investments Inc.

Related Links

https://www.cxxi.ca/


VALLEY COTTAGE, New York, October 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Future Market Insights (FMI) delivers key insights on the global cellulose film packaging market in its published report titled "Cellulose Film Packaging Market: Global Industry Analysis 2013-2017 and Opportunity Assessment 2018-2028". In terms of revenue, the global cellulose film packaging market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period, owing to numerous factors on which FMI sheds light in this report. The Asia Pacific cellulose film packaging market is expected to remain in the leading position during the forecast period.

(Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/677274/Future_Market_Insights_Logo.jpg )

Cellulose film packaging is a bio-compostable packaging solution manufactured from wood or cotton, both of which are easily compostable. Besides cellulose film packaging extends the shelf life of fresh produce products by controlling the moisture content. Cellulose film packaging also maintains the aroma of the food product. It also reduces waste production as cellulose films are compostable. Cellulose film packaging provides better durability as well as good printability. The availability of a wide range of innovative packaging solutions is likely to have a significant impact on the demand in cellulose film packaging market during the forecast period.

Request a Sample Report with Table of Contents and Figures: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2103

In this report, Future Market Insights suggests that the cellulose film packaging will play a major role in food & beverage industry during the forecast period. A shift in preference from traditional cellulose film packaging towards bio-compostable packaging solutions has been observed among packaging manufacturers. Additionally, cellulose film packaging extend the shelf life of fresh produce packed by controlling the moisture content. Land filling problems are majorly caused by the extensive use of conventional plastic bags, pouches, bottles, etc. This problem can be solved by replacing conventional plastic bags with cellulose film packaging solutions. As cellulose film packaging is biodegradable and compostable in nature, it is capable of solving land filling issues to a considerable extent. Earlier, bio plastics packaging manufacturers had to face waste legislation issues as these bio plastics materials require different composting process as well as grounds. However, due to growing usage of cellulose film packaging, problems related to composting process of bio plastics have decreased.

The growth of cellulose film packaging can mainly be attributed to the contributions from emerging economies, such as countries in the APEJ region -- India & China. China is expected to be at the forefront, spearheading the growth of the cellulose film packaging market, during the forecast period. According to the research by Future Market Insights, the China cellulose film packaging market has witnessed rapid growth in the past couple of decades. Cellulose film packaging manufacturers are looking forward to developing such biodegradable bioplastics that will reduce the carbon footprint.

Preview Analysis Global Cellulose Film Packaging Market Segmentation By Film Type (Transparent Film, Colored Film, Metalized Film); By Source (Wood, Cotton) By Application (Bags & Pouches, Labels, Tapes, Release Liners, Wrapping Films); By End Use Industry (Food & Beverage, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care, Homecare, Retail): https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/cellulose-film-packaging-market

Companies involved in the manufacturing of cellulose film packaging are focusing on enhancing their production capacity by establishing new production units. The manufacturers of cellulose film packaging are likely to eye the lucrative regions of Asia Pacific as well as Middle East & African regions in the coming years. Some of the key drivers for the growth of the global cellulose film packaging market include growing demand from food & beverage industry due to its biodegradable nature. Cellulose film packaging also helps in maintaining the aroma of food products and reduces the production of waste products as the films used for cellulose film packaging are easily compostable. The Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ) cellulose film packaging is expected to create highest incremental $ opportunity during the forecast period and is expected to grow at a significant pace in the coming years. Revenue from the cellulose films packaging market in North America is estimated to account for over 21.9% of the global cellulose film packaging market revenue in 2018.

Key players considered in this report on global cellulose film packaging market include Futamura Chemical Co., Ltd., Celanese Corporation, Hubei Golden Ring Co. Ltd., Weifang Henglian Cellophane Co. Ltd, Chengdu Huaming Cellophane Co. Ltd, Eastman Chemical Company, Sappi Limited, Tembec Inc, Rhodia Acetow GmbH and Rotofil Srl.

Our advisory services are aimed at helping you with specific, customised insights that are relevant to your specific challenges. Let us know about your challenges and our trusted advisors will connect with you: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-2103

More from FMI's Packaging:

Blow-fill-seal Equipment Market Segmented By Production Capacity - Up to 5,000 containers/hr., 5,000-10,000 containers/hr.,Above 10,000 containers/hr.; By Product Type - Bottles, Ampoules, Vials, Prefilled Syringes & Injectable; By End-Use Industry - Pharmaceuticals, Food & Beverage, Cosmetics & Personal Care: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/blow-fill-seal-equipment-market

Segmented By Production Capacity - Up to 5,000 containers/hr., 5,000-10,000 containers/hr.,Above 10,000 containers/hr.; By Product Type - Bottles, Ampoules, Vials, Prefilled Syringes & Injectable; By End-Use Industry - Pharmaceuticals, Food & Beverage, Cosmetics & Personal Care: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/blow-fill-seal-equipment-market Ring Pull Caps Market Segmented By By Material - Aluminum, Steel; By Cap Diameter - 26 mm, Other sizes; By End-use - Beer, Soft drinks, Others (wine, Juices, etc.): https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/ring-pull-caps-market

Segmented By By Material - Aluminum, Steel; By Cap Diameter - 26 mm, Other sizes; By End-use - Beer, Soft drinks, Others (wine, Juices, etc.): https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/ring-pull-caps-market Stretch Films Market Segmented By Material Type - Polyethylene (PE)(Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)),Polypropylene (PP),Polyvinyl Chloride(PVC); By Product Type - Hand Stretch Film, Machine Stretch Film, Specialty Stretch Film; By Manufacturing Type - Cast stretch Film, Blown Stretch Film; By End Use - Food & Beverage ( Meat & Fish, Dairy Products, Fruits & Vegetables), Pharmaceutical, Personal Care, Electronics, Paper & Textiles: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/stretch-films-market

About Us

Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights and an aerial view of the competitive framework and future market trends.

Browse More Packaging Market Insights

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SOURCE Future Market Insights
SHANGHAI, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- China Rapid Finance Limited (the "Company" or "XRF") (NYSE: XRF), operator of one of China's largest consumer lending marketplaces, today announced that it submitted its P2P Compliance Self-Inspection Report (the "Report") to its local P2P regulatory office. The Report is the first of three steps mandated in the inspection process, a key element in demonstrating compliance with industry reforms being promulgated by the National P2P Rectification Office.

Dr. Zane Wang, Founder, Chairman and Co-CEO of XRF commented: "The self-inspection process is critical to the stable growth of the P2P lending industry in China. This process creates a standardized level of best practices across the whole industry, which will protect the interests of both borrowers and lenders. We are pleased to submit our report, which marks our active support and participation in the compliance process. We are now ready to work with NIFA-- the National Internet Finance Association--and local authorities to move forward into the second and third stages."

The Company is now focused on the next two process steps, which are 1) a self-disciplinary inspection conducted by NIFA and regional regulatory authorities and 2) verification of inspection results by the regional P2P Rectification Office to conduct on field inspections. The Company has been making preparations and expects to complete these next steps before year-end.

Separately, the Company today announced that Andrew Mason resigned from the board of directors for personal reasons.

Dr. Wang commented, "Andrew served on our board for over 13 years, bringing valuable insight and guidance as we grew from a small start up to a publicly-traded industry leader. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for Andrew's extraordinary efforts, for how he inspired us, and for his friendship."

About China Rapid Finance

China Rapid Finance operates a leading online consumer finance marketplace in China, facilitating millions of loans annually. The Company deploys machine learning and proprietary decision technology to facilitate affordable digital credit for one of the world's largest untapped consumer credit markets: China's mobile-active consumers. China Rapid Finance utilizes its proprietary, mobile-first technology to efficiently select creditworthy consumers for its platform. The Company facilitates smaller, shorter-term initial loans to these qualified consumers and then enables larger, longer-term loans for returning borrowers who demonstrate positive credit behavior. This differentiated strategy positions the platform to attract and retain high quality consumers who generate significant customer lifetime value. China Rapid Finance was founded by Dr. Zane Wang, who has decades of consumer credit experience in the U.S. and China, and is governed by a global board of directors. For more information, please visit http://ChinaRapidFinance.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by terminology such as "may," "will," "expects," "anticipates," "aims," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "likely to" and similar statements. Among other things, quotations from management in this announcement, China Rapid Finance's financial outlook as well as China Rapid Finance's strategic and operational plans contain forward-looking statements. China Rapid Finance may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about China Rapid Finance's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: unexpected difficulties in China Rapid Finance's pursuit of its goals and strategies; the unexpected developments, including slow growth, in the consumer lending market; reduced demand for, and market acceptance of, China Rapid Finance's products and services; difficulties keeping and strengthening relationships with borrowers or investors; difficulties of expanding data and channel partnerships, potentially costly servicing activities; competition in the consumer lending market; PRC governmental regulations and policies; and general economic and business conditions in the regions where China Rapid Finance provides products and services. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in China Rapid Finance's reports filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this announcement and in the attachments is as of the date of this announcement, and China Rapid Finance undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contacts:

In China:

China Rapid Finance

Marlene Pan

Tel: +86 (21) 6032-5999

Email: [email protected]

Or

The Blueshirt Group

Gary T. Dvorchak, CFA

Tel: +86 (138) 1079-1480

Email: [email protected]

In US:

The Blueshirt Group

Ralph Fong

Tel: +1 (415) 489-2195

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE China Rapid Finance

Related Links

http://ChinaRapidFinance.com


WALTHAM, Mass., Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Circles, a global concierge service provider and part of the Sodexo Group, a world leader in Quality of Life Services, today announces the official opening of a new office in Rochester, MN to support our growing healthcare business.

This new location will be focusing on improving the quality of life for patients and their family members coming to Rochester, MN for medical care. Circles will be handling non-clinical requests upon their arrival and throughout their stay under the brand International Patient Concierge Services. These services are complementary and offered to patients and their companions originating from the Gulf States.

Some of the services provided will be:

Pick up & drop off from airport with Arabic speaking representatives

Local orientation support including Cultural events

Sourcing accommodation and utility setup

Banking set-up

Mobile phone & internet connectivity

Assistance with hospital registration, including medical intake forms

Visa & extension of stay forms

"We are very excited to be part of the Rochester community and look forward to working with local businesses to ensure we deliver a superior patient experience," said Wouter Broekema, CEO Circles, adding: "Our new presence in Rochester underscores our commitment and global leadership role in patient and visitor experience in the healthcare industry."

Located in downtown Rochester near all medical services, the office will welcome patients and families from 7:00 am  7:00 pm daily.

About Circles

Circles is part of Sodexo Inc., which delivers services globally that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life. The Fortune Global 500 company is a leader in delivering sustainable, integrated facilities management and food service operations. Learn more about Sodexo on its corporate blog, Sodexo Insights, and Circles.

Contact: Ronni Schorr: Circles, Inc., 609-500-3273, [email protected]

SOURCE Sodexo

Related Links

http://www.sodexoUSA.com


E/One president Eric LaCoppola said, "We're seeing Smart Sewer's future here at WEFTEC 2018 and its name is E/One Sentry Advisor 2.0  with HTT inside. High Tide Technologies' strategic partnership with E/One represents the next step in the evolution of 'Extreme Customer Satisfaction.' Combine the industry's best telemetry package with the most rugged, longest-lasting grinder pumps driving the ALL-TERRAIN SEWER from E/One, and I'm convinced we've entered a new era of Eco-Innovation."

David B. Mundie, PhD., president of High Tide Technologies, shares LaCoppola's enthusiasm, "We're excited about our partnership with the leader in the market. Our 16 years of cloud-based SCADA experience, combined with E/One's top-of-the-line hardware, will provide tremendous value to customers for many years into the future."

About Environment One Corporation: E/One is an operating company of Precision Castparts Corp., a worldwide manufacturer of complex metal parts and industrial products. PCC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE: BRK.A). With corporate headquarters in New York and regional offices and distribution throughout the industrialized world, E/One is a manufacturer and provider of products and services for the disposal of residential sanitary waste. Additionally, they provide utility systems for the protection and performance optimization of electric utility assets.

About High Tide Technologies, LLC.: High Tide Technologies is a cloud-based SCADA company that enables customers to monitor and control their systems from anywhere. This simple and secure solution uses field units, satellite, cellular or Ethernet, and the Internet to monitor and provide automatic control of industrial systems. Headquartered in Nashville, TN, they have over 7,000 units in the field and over 800 active customers.

SOURCE High Tide Technologies, LLC
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Survey results released today from the inaugural Clover Health Flu Shot Monitor reveal that only 63% of U.S. seniors age 60 and older plan to get a flu shot this season, prompting the Medicare Advantage insurer to implore all Americans to take the threat of the virus more seriously and get vaccinated before the end of October.

Notably, the Clover Health Flu Shot Monitor also found that:

35% of seniors surveyed did not get a flu shot in the 2017/18 flu season

8% of seniors who caught the flu once during last flu season do not plan to get a shot this year

Of those not planning to get a flu shot this season, 43% are concerned it will make them sick, 35% don't think it will be effective, 35% do not think they need it or will contract the flu, and 22% don't like shots

64% of white Americans over 60 plan to get a flu shot, compared with only 56% of people of color/non-whites

74% of those seniors with a household income of $75,000 or more plan to get a flu shot, versus 65% of those in households earning $35,000 - $74,999 , and just 54% of those earning less than $35,000

or more plan to get a flu shot, versus 65% of those in households earning - , and just 54% of those earning less than Just 60% of seniors without an undergraduate degree plan to get a flu shot, compared with 70% of those who graduated from college

While 75% of seniors age 80 years and older plan to get a flu shot, only 69% of seniors age 70-79 and 60% of those age 60-69 plan to get vaccinated

"The flu is a deadly-serious issue, and seniors are one of the most vulnerable populations during flu season," said Kumar Dharmarajan, MD and Chief Scientific Officer at Clover Health. "It's concerning to see that so many people in this at-risk demographic do not intend to get vaccinated. Not only are these older adults putting themselves at risk, but also their friends and family members. While there are a lot of scary myths around getting a flu shot, the real danger is contracting the illness."

Beyond that, these statistics lead to a troubling conclusion  that senior citizens in underserved communities are planning to get flu shots at rates far below white, more affluent and highly-educated older Americans.

The influenza epidemic of 2017-2018 reached near-pandemic levels, accounting for 80,000 deaths last season, according to the CDC. The flu is especially dangerous for seniors. From October 2017 through May 2018, 58% of the over 30,000 flu-related hospitalizations were attributed to adults 65 years and older. Baby Boomers (age 50-64) were no exception , hospitalized at rates second only to seniors.

Beyond that, even months after recovering from the flu , older adults remain at increased risk for a heart attack, stroke, or disability due to weakened immune systems and slower recovery times.

Against this backdrop, the Flu Shot Monitor from Clover, a healthcare company using technology to improve medical outcomes, aims to understand attitudes around the vaccine, including how the severity of last season is affecting the decisions of older adults this year.

This survey data arrives on the heels of Clover's launch into several additional markets this Annual Election Period (AEP), including Nashville, Tucson, Charleston, El Paso, Camden and Philadelphia, in addition to its existing markets in Savannah, San Antonio, and fifteen counties across New Jersey.

AEP kicks off on October 15 and goes through December 7, during which time seniors and others eligible for Medicare can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or change their existing plan. Clover members receive free flu shots as part of the insurer's comprehensive plan benefits.

The Clover Health Flu Shot Monitor was conducted by Wakefield Research of 1,000 adults ages 60 and older throughout the U.S. The survey was administered from September 18, 2018 through September 28, 2018.

The Clover Health Flu Shot Monitor will track the percentage of U.S. seniors who get a flu shot throughout this flu season and provide regular updates.



About Clover Health

Clover Health is a healthcare technology company with a deeply-rooted mission of helping its members live their healthiest lives. Clover uses its proprietary technology platform to collect, structure and analyze health and behavioral data to improve medical outcomes and lower costs for patients. As the only company whose business goals fully align with its members' health needs, Clover works with members and their caregivers to become a valued partner. This trust is built by proactively identifying at-risk individuals and teaming up with providers to accelerate care coordination and simultaneously improve health outcomes and reduce avoidable costs. Clover is headquartered in San Francisco. For more information, visit www.cloverhealth.com .

Media Contacts:

Andrew Still-Baxter

[email protected]

406-250-8397

Michele Mendelson

[email protected]

646-747-7163

SOURCE Clover Health

Related Links

http://www.cloverhealth.com


KARLSKRONA, Sweden, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Compuverde today announced that it has been awarded three new patents by the United States Patent Office. Patent 9965542 is a disclosed method for data maintenance in a storage system. Patent 9948716 covers the distribution of data storage comprising a plurality of storage nodes. Patent 9626378 is for a method for handling requests in a storage system and a storage node for a storage system. These are the latest additions to Compuverde's growing patent family of software-defined storage innovations.

Click to Tweet: [email protected] Awarded Three U.S. Patents for Software-Defined Storage Innovations: https://tinyurl.com/ycvsr6nx #SDS

Compuverde delivers hardware-agnostic, software-defined solutions that are highly scalable while remaining cost-efficient.

Lightening the load: Compuverde's new method for handling storage requests reduces the workload and processing performed by storage nodes.

Compuverde's new method for handling storage requests reduces the workload and processing performed by storage nodes. Improved distribution: With Compuverde's new unicast and multicast transmission method, a server application may write data in the storage system and select at least two storage nodes, ensuring that data is sufficiently distributed in case a storage node malfunctions.

With Compuverde's new unicast and multicast transmission method, a server application may write data in the storage system and select at least two storage nodes, ensuring that data is sufficiently distributed in case a storage node malfunctions. Worldwide storage advances: The patents expand a family of pioneering innovations in software-defined storage from Compuverde in all major global regions, including the U.S., Europe , China and Japan .

The patents expand a family of pioneering innovations in software-defined storage from Compuverde in all major global regions, including the U.S., , and . A solution for today's data needs: Compuverde's unified solution empowers enterprises across industries with flexible, user-friendly data storage.

Stefan Bernbo, CEO and founder, Compuverde, said: "As the storage landscape continues to evolve, organizations need the ability to scale quickly without straining the budget. Our software-defined storage solutions offer the safety of redundancy without hindering high performance. This creates a flexible and affordable solution that meets customer needs."

About Compuverde

Compuverde is an established provider of software-defined storage, delivering enterprise-grade general vNAS file systems, hyper-converged virtualization and hybrid cloud support. Founded by a team of storage and software experts in 2008, Compuverde delivers cost-efficient, hardware-agnostic, scale-out solutions to both large consumer brands and industrial business-to-business players. Compuverde is currently deployed worldwide with service providers, telecom, banking, media and insurance companies. Compuverde's patented, unified solution offers the most flexible, user-friendly and cost-efficient SDS solution in the storage market and easily scales to hundreds of nodes, exabytes of data and billions of files. Global by demand, Swedish by design. For more information, please visit: www.compuverde.com.

PR contact:

Peggy Tierney Galvin

Nadel Phelan, Inc.

831-440-2405

[email protected]

SOURCE Compuverde

Related Links

http://www.compuverde.com


NOVI, Mich., Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- To celebrate and foster the next generation manufacturing workforce, 16 Cooper Standard (NYSE: CPS) facilities are hosting events to celebrate Manufacturing Day. As a national Sponsor and event host, Cooper Standard will open its doors to its local communities to showcase the wonders of modern manufacturing and inspire attendees to pursue manufacturing-related careers.

The events at Cooper Standard's North American facilities will include career discussions, interactive presentations and tours of manufacturing facilities. In addition, employees from Cooper Standard's southeast Michigan facilities will partner with Dow Chemical and the National Association of Manufacturers to host an event at the SAY Detroit Play Center in Detroit to raise awareness and excite youth about real and attainable roles in manufacturing and the education pathways to achieve them.

"In the 21st century, manufacturing careers can be high-tech, interesting and rewarding, and are a crucial contributor to our national economy," said Jeffrey Edwards, chairman and CEO, Cooper Standard. "As a global automotive supplier, Cooper Standard has committed itself to engaging and fostering this next-generation workforce. Manufacturing Day is a great way to help that cause, as it introduces students to the tremendous potential that manufacturing jobs have to offer."

Manufacturing Day  held on the first Friday in October and throughout the month  is an annual celebration of modern manufacturing during which manufacturers invite community members to their facilities in a collective effort to educate students and their families about career opportunities, while improving public perceptions of the industry. Produced by the National Association of Manufacturers, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership and The Manufacturing Institute, Manufacturing Day has grown in size and scope since it was created in 2012.

In addition to Manufacturing Day, Cooper Standard participates in a number of initiatives that support and promote the future manufacturing workforce, including:

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Education : Cooper Standard established its STEM Affinity Group to inspire student achievement and interest in STEM careers through employee-led volunteer programs;

: established its STEM Affinity Group to inspire student achievement and interest in STEM careers through employee-led volunteer programs; Bring Your Child to Work Day: To promote the positive image of manufacturing to employees and families, Cooper Standard organizes a "Bring Your Child to Work Day." The event has hosted 100 students each year since 2016 at Cooper Standard's southeast Michigan facilities; and

To promote the positive image of manufacturing to employees and families, organizes a "Bring Your Child to Work Day." The event has hosted 100 students each year since 2016 at Cooper Standard's southeast facilities; and Manufacturing and Industry Acceleration Committee: Dedicated to supporting and encouraging manufacturing jobs internally and externally, this group helps educate others on legislation impacting the industry and exposes young people to manufacturing careers. This team also partnered with Junior Achievement (JA) of Southeast Michigan to bring a STEM program called STEMworks! to JA to promote the diverse careers opportunities available in STEM and manufacturing careers.

For more information about Cooper Standard's Manufacturing Day events, including how to become involved, please visit: https://www.mfgday.com/

About Cooper Standard

Cooper Standard, headquartered in Novi, Mich., is a leading global supplier of systems and components for the automotive industry. Products include rubber and plastic sealing, fuel and brake lines, fluid transfer hoses and anti-vibration systems. Cooper Standard employs approximately 32,000 people globally and operates in 20 countries around the world. For more information, please visit www.cooperstandard.com.

CPS_G

Contact:

Sharon S. Wenzl

Cooper Standard

(248) 596-6211

[email protected]

SOURCE Cooper Standard

Related Links

http://www.cooperstandard.com


FORT COLLINS, Colo., Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- DH2i, the leading provider of multi-platform Smart Availability, disaster recovery (DR) and cost improvement solutions for Windows, Linux and Oracle databases and Docker containers, today announced that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has recognized DH2i and its DxAdvantage Partner Program in its 2018 Cloud Partner Program Guide, a list of leading technology vendors with cloud-related partner programs that enable and accelerate the growth of solution providers' cloud initiatives.

The CRN 2018 Cloud Partner Program Guide serves as a valuable resource for solution providers navigating the growing cloud marketplace, assisting them in finding technology suppliers with ground-breaking cloud offerings and partner programs. To meet the requirements for inclusion in the Cloud Partner Program Guide, tech vendors must have unique partner program benefits that deliver cloud infrastructure or applications.

"With so many options available in the cloud marketplace today, solution providers often have a difficult time deciding which vendors offer the best program to complement their business strategy," said Bob Skelley, CEO of the Channel Company. "The CRN Cloud Partner Program Guide helps to simplify the process by researching and identifying the cloud partner programs, such as DH2i's, with the most comprehensive combination of resources, support, training, and financial incentives. Our 2018 guide includes a strong combination of innovative companies who support their partners needs and help them to succeed."

DH2i's DxAdvantage Partner Program was recognized for providing partners the ability to integrate DxEnterprise software, the industry's first and only unified Windows/Linux Smart Availability solution for databases, Docker containers, Availability Groups, and application services, into their existing offerings. Program enrollment also entitles partners to a comprehensive set of tools and collateral that promise to reduce sales cycles, enhance trusted advisor status and dramatically increase revenue. The Program includes:

MSP and hosting opportunities

Rich discounts and other incentives

Extensive technical and sales training

Sales tools and marketing support

Opportunity registration for margin protection

"We are delighted to have been recognized by one of the most well-known and highly respected voices in the channel community, CRN, and included in its 2018 Cloud Partner Program Guide. We believe it underscores the industrywide recognition that the management burden, data availability risk and exorbitant cost associated with Windows Server and Linux Server databases, as well as Docker containers has reached a tipping point  and that DH2i offers the ideal solution," said Connor Cox, Director of Business Development, DH2i. "DH2i is deeply committed to staying close to our channel partners and end clients and delivering the most innovative software solutions to meet their real-world IT and business challengestoday and into the future. Moreover, we are fiercely dedicated to providing the support and services necessary to our partners to assure they quickly reap the financial benefits of this huge and continuously growing market space."

The Cloud Partner Program Guide will be featured in the October issue of CRN and can be viewed online at www.crn.com/cloud-ppg.

Tweet This: .@TheChannelCo recognizes @DH2i in 2018 @CRN Cloud PPG #CRNCloudPPG http://dh2i.com/press/ #Windows #SQLServer #Docker #containers #Oracle #Linux #Huge #Financial #Opportunity

About the Channel Company

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelco.com

Follow The Channel Company: Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook

About DH2i

DH2i Company is the leading provider of multi-platform Smart Availability software for Windows Server and Linux Server databases and stateful Docker containers. Its flagship product, DxEnterprise, drastically reduces IT management complexity, enables nearest-to-zero planned and unplanned downtime, unlocks 30-60% cost savings and can reduce the number of OSes under management by 8-15x. DxEnterprise gives you data tier portability from any host, to any host, anywhere. Intelligent automation ensures that workloads and containers only come online where they can perform at an optimal level, compliant with business requirements and SLAs. To learn more, please visit: www.dh2i.com, call: 800-380-5405 or +44 20 3318 9204, or email: [email protected].

DH2i Company 2018. DH2i, Smart Availability, DxEnterprise, DxConsole, DxHADR, DxTransfer, DxCollect, InstanceMobility, and DxAdvantage are trademarks of DH2i Company. All other brand or product names contained in this press release may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

PR Contacts:

Nicole Gorman

Corporate Communications

DH2i

508-397-0131

[email protected]

Jennifer Hogan

The Channel Company

[email protected]

SOURCE DH2i

Related Links

http://www.dh2i.com


LONDON, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital Landscape: Ankylosing Spondylitis



Summary

"Digital Landscape: Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)", analyzes digital activities undertaken by pharma industry in support of therapies for active Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)



Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5575020



- The report includes digital activities directed towards patients and/or HCPs.

- The geographic scope of the report is the United States, EUCAN (Canada and the 5EU countries - UK, Germany, France, Italy & Spain).



Key Highlights

- US Patients: AbbVie and Novartis provide the strongest online support to AS patients in the US. Novartis was the most active in 2017 with a new Cosentyx campaign and unbranded activity on social media, while Janssen launched a counter-biosimilar campaign for Remicade. No AS-specific mobile apps detected for patients from pharma. Opportunity exists for a well-integrated unbranded campaign to support patients, linked to social media and a mobile app.

- US HCPs: Feature-rich HCP brand sites exist for all biologics. Amgen, Novartis, and Janssen added new AS content to existing sites in 2017, while AbbVie rolled out new Humira initiatives for HCPs. Unbranded and mobile app landscapes are sparse. Opportunities may exist to develop or sponsor content with trusted non-pharma organizations. Social media activity restricted to corporate accounts.

- EUCAN Patients: AbbVie provides the strongest branded and unbranded support to EUCAN patients followed by Novartis. Most recent social media activity detected by Novartis, while UCB provides the only AS-specific mobile app. Opportunity exists to provide multi-country, local-language support, incorporating unbranded campaigns with social media and mobile apps, where regulations allow.

- EUCAN HCPs: The EUCAN HCP landscape in AS is sparse; activity is mainly limited to brand sites, with most seen in Germany and the UK. The unbranded and mobile app landscapes are particularly underdeveloped, and partnerships with non-pharma organizations may offer more effective opportunities to engage with and support HCPs.



Companies Mentioned: AbbVie, Novartis, Janssen, UCB, Amgen, Sandoz, Pfizer, Merck / MSD, Biogen



Scope

- This report analyzes digital activities undertaken by pharma in support of therapies for for active Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).

- The report includes digital activities directed towards patients and/or HCPs, including branded websites, unbranded disease awareness initiatives, social media and mobile apps.

- The report is based on analysis conducted by a combination of GlobalData's digital and disease-specific teams. It also includes analysis of data licensed from third parties e.g. website traffic, search engine optimization (SEO), digital display advertising, mobile app downloads, and social media interaction.

- The geographic scope of the report is the United States, Canada and the 5EU (UK, Germany, France, Italy & Spain), with EUCAN used as an abbreviation for Europe and Canada throughout.

- This report covers the research period from January 2017 - December 2017.



Reasons to buy

- Our Digital Landscape report provides an analysis of pharma multichannel activity in the digital AS space, and can assist our pharma clients derive value in a number of ways.

- Competitive Intelligence: Track and compare key competitor activity across channels and identify key trends in AS

- Digital Strategy: Strengthen corporate digital excellence, learn from industry best practice, and identify opportunities for novel digital campaigns

- Support new brand launch: See best practice examples of pre- and post-launch digital activities, ascertain must-have digital assets for patient and HCP engagement, and assess potential gaps and opportunities for pipeline brands

- Business Development & Licensing: Assess topics and trends shaping digital health in AS and beyond, and learn about key patient and physician online activities in AS.



Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5575020



About Reportbuyer

Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers



For more information:

Sarah Smith

Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +1 (718) 213 4904

Website: www.reportbuyer.com

SOURCE ReportBuyer

Related Links

http://www.reportbuyer.com


NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In a world of fake news and alternative facts, no one is left out the quest for truth. But if facts are debatable, where does that leave teachers and book publishers?

Enter the Digital Book World conference, a convergence of publishing industry professionals, authors and educators being held this week in Nashville, TN. The industry event usually showcases topics ranging from copyright law to ebook publishing standards to marketing.

One panel this year, "Publishing in a World of Fake News," addresses the impact of alternative facts on writers, publishers and educators.

"Journalists and book publishers are in a place of distrust in the minds of many Americans," said Michael Hernandez, a high school media arts teacher from Los Angeles, who is presenting this discussion alongside journalist Denise Clifton.

"That puts teachers in a tough place when we try to find resources for our students that are reliable enough for educators and also credible in the eyes of our students and our communities."

Hernandez feels that media literacy is THE most important skill schools should be teaching now.

"If we can't agree on plain facts, how can we as a society make important decisions and move forward?" he asked.

This week's panel discussion is one of several efforts by Hernandez to help his students and other teachers around the country develop media literacy skills.

In June, he published an online course for teachers, Media Literacy For the Classroom, through Participate Learning, and in March he will present at SXSW EDU about the transformative power of storytelling in the classroom.

For those who can't see this week's presentation in person, his panel discussion is expected to be streamed live on Hernandez' twitter account, @cinehead, starting Wednesday, October 3rd at 8:30am Central Time.

michael-hernandez.net

http://digitalbookworld.vporoom.com/Michael-Hernandez/

SOURCE Michael Hernandez Consulting
CALGARY, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Enbridge Inc. (TSX: ENB) (NYSE: ENB) ("Enbridge") and Brookfield Infrastructure (NYSE: BIP) (TSX: BIP.UN) and its institutional partners (collectively, "Brookfield"), today announced the closing of the provincially regulated portion of the agreement through which Enbridge will sell its Canadian natural gas gathering and processing business in the Montney, Peace River Arch, Horn River and Liard basins in British Columbia and Alberta ("G&P Business") to Brookfield. The provincially regulated business represents $2.5 billion of the $4.31 billion transaction, previously announced on July 4, 2018.

The G&P Business includes 19 provincially and federally regulated natural gas processing plants and 3,550 kilometers of natural gas gathering pipelines in British Columbia and Alberta. Under Brookfield's ownership, the G&P Business will be named NorthRiver Midstream Inc.

"This investment expands our portfolio of high quality midstream assets with the addition of one of the leading gas gathering and processing businesses in North America," said Sam Pollock, Chief Executive Officer of Brookfield Infrastructure. "We are pleased to acquire these assets through a seamless transition that will allow us to provide uninterrupted service to customers."

"We are pleased to have reached this important milestone in our agreement with Brookfield," said Bill Yardley, Executive Vice President and President, Gas Transmission and Midstream of Enbridge. "We remain committed to the safe and reliable operation of the federally regulated assets during the transition period."

The sale of the remaining federally regulated assets is expected to close in mid-2019.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information provided in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("FLI"). The words "anticipate", "expect", "project", "estimate", "forecast", "plan", "intend", "target", "believe", "likely" and similar words and expressions are intended to identify such FLI. All statement other than statements of historical fact may be FLI. FLI included or incorporated by reference in this news release include, but are not limited to, information with respect to the following: the timing of closing of the transaction in respect the federally regulated facilities; the consideration and the expected net proceeds from the transaction; Enbridge's financial strength and flexibility; intentions regarding the holding of Enbridge's regulated natural gas pipeline investments and Brookfield's intentions post-closing of the transaction; and the transition of the Canadian G&P operations. Although Enbridge and/or Brookfield, as applicable, believes that the FLI is based on information which is current, reasonable and complete, by its nature FLI is necessarily subject to a variety of assumptions, risks and uncertainties pertaining but not limited to the timing and completion of the transactions, including receipt of regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other conditions precedent; the focus of management time and attention on the transaction and other disruptions arising from the transaction; estimated future cash flow, financial strength and flexibility; and economic and competitive conditions. A further discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing each of Enbridge and Brookfield can be found in their respective filings with Canadian and United States securities regulators. While Enbridge and Brookfield each provides the FLI in good faith, should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from those expected. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Enbridge and Brookfield, jointly or severally, assume no obligation to publicly update or revise any FLI provided herein or otherwise, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All FLI in this news release is expressly qualified in its entirety by these cautionary statements.

About Enbridge Inc.

Enbridge Inc. (the Company) is North America's premier energy infrastructure company with strategic business platforms that include an extensive network of crude oil, liquids and natural gas pipelines, regulated natural gas distribution utilities and renewable power generation. The Company safely delivers an average of 2.9 million barrels of crude oil each day through its Mainline and Express Pipeline; accounts for approximately 65% of U.S.-bound Canadian crude oil exports; and moves approximately 20% of all natural gas consumed in the U.S., serving key supply basins and demand markets. The Company's regulated utilities serve approximately 3.7 million retail customers in Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick. Enbridge also has interests in more than 2,500 MW of net renewable generating capacity in North America and Europe. The Company has ranked on the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations index for the past nine years; its common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol ENB.

Life takes energy and Enbridge exists to fuel people's quality of life. For more information, visit www.enbridge.com.

About Brookfield Infrastructure

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners is a leading global infrastructure company that owns and operates high quality, long-life assets in the utilities, transport, energy and data infrastructure sectors across North and South America, Asia Pacific and Europe. We are focused on assets that generate stable cash flows and require minimal maintenance capital expenditures. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners is listed on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges. Further information is available at www.brookfieldinfrastructure.com.

Brookfield Infrastructure is the flagship listed infrastructure company of Brookfield Asset Management, a leading global alternative asset manager with approximately $285 billion of assets under management. For more information, go to www.brookfield.com

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

SOURCE Enbridge Inc.

Related Links

http://www.enbridge.com


Established in 2013, IDF now operates a total of 55 shops at Sheremetyevo International Airport, making it the largest operator in the Russian travel retail market. From October 2018, IDF will join the loyalty program Heinemann&ME, allowing passengers at Sheremetyevo to take advantage of online and offline offers along their entire journey.

"Imperial Duty Free JSC has established itself as a reliable and competent duty free operator at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport since 2014, and we are very proud of our long-term, fair partnership with the airport," says Claus Heinemann, co-owner of Gebr. Heinemann. "For us, the expansion of our joint travel retail operations represents a great confirmation of our entrepreneurial commitment in Russia, which we will continue to develop into the future."

Mr. Alexander Ponomarenko, chairman of the board of directors of SVO International Airport JSC, says: "We are proud of our collaboration with Heinemann, a leading company with tremendous experience in the market, which is developing and utilizing innovative solutions for duty free retail spaces. Our joint project has resulted in a world-class duty free area that consistently exceeds general expectations for a conventional duty free store." He adds: "We hope passengers perceive the new duty free shopping area in a positive light, making our partnership with Heinemann a role model for international duty free ventures."

SVO is Russia's largest airport, with 5 VIP lounges and 13 business lounges, and in 2017 served 40,093,000 passengers, 17.8% more than in 2016. SVO is also the base of Aeroflot. Russia's largest and fastest-growing airline, and is supporting the airline's growth through the construction of three new terminals, which are expected to double passenger capacity. The first of these, Terminal B, is now open. The next (Terminal C1) is already being built.

Gebr. Heinemann supplies more than 1,000 corporate customers in over 100 countries. The company operates more than 330 Heinemann Duty Free & Travel Value shops, fashion label boutiques under license, and concept shops at 79 airports in 29 countries, along with stores at border crossings and aboard cruise liners. In total, the retail operation now serves more than 40 million customers across approximately 140,000 square meters of retail space every year. Gebr. Heinemann has more than 6,000 employees around the world.

SOURCE Sheremetyevo Airport
Chief Operating Officer Salim Asrawi and his family are proud to mark this milestone, but he insists, "We truly owe our success to the outstanding ladies and gentlemen who serve our guests every day. In each community we open, they take great pride in giving everyone who walks through our doors a genuinely distinctive dining experience, authentic churrasco, and unmatched customer service."

To officially honor the past two decades of success made possible by the outstanding employees and loyal guests who have helped the brand expand, all domestic restaurants will offer 1998 pricing of Texas de Brazil's full, rodizio-style menu from 4 p.m.  10 p.m. on Monday, October 8 and Tuesday, October 9 only for the throwback price of $28.50 per adult. Children ages six to 12 dine for $14.25; three to five for $5; under three dine free.

Toasting the anniversary, Texas de Brazil will also release a new varietal on the anniversary date from their private label wine collection bottled by Chilean winemaker Santiago Margozzini. The limited release XX "Celebration Series" MontGras is a superb red blend of Cabernet, Syrah, and Carmenere, and provides an ideal pairing for succulent churrasco grilled meats. Patrons can enjoy this special wine with their meals for $69 per bottle, while supplies last. And to salute the landmark occasion, select restaurants from Florida to California will ask guests to participate in a 9 p.m. champagne toast on October 13 that will be shared on social media coast to coast.

"We are thankful for all of the dedicated employees who have helped to make Texas de Brazil part of the fiber of each community in which we open, and we appreciate the many who have chosen to build their careers with Texas de Brazil," he adds.

There is no 'end' in sight for Texas de Brazil's growth, and Asrawi says, "We didn't have a number in mind when we opened. We want to continue introducing Texas de Brazil to more people and locations, and to constantly improve the experience our guests appreciate."

Texas de Brazil currently has 57 locations worldwide, having opened three new U.S. restaurants in 2018. By year-end, the group expects to offer 60 locations with the addition of restaurants in Fresno, California, West Hartford, Connecticut, and Orland Park, Illinois.

For more information or a full list of Texas de Brazil locations, visit www.texasdebrazil.com.

About Texas de Brazil

Texas de Brazil is an authentic churrascaria featuring a continuous dining experience that blends the unique culture of Brazil, with the generous hospitality of Texas. The menu features a vast selection of grilled meats, a 50-item salad area, an award-winning wine list and a la carte dessert selections. Founded as a family-owned business in 1998, Texas de Brazil is now the largest Brazilian-American steakhouse brand in the world, with restaurants in 20 states and seven countries. Stay connected. Follow @texasdebrazil on Instagram and Twitter, and Texas de Brazil on Facebook. For information, visit http://www.texasdebrazil.com .

SOURCE Texas de Brazil

Related Links

http://www.texasdebrazil.com


Wensink, who resides in the Cleveland office, is in the Estate Planning Practice Group. Neumeyer, also in Cleveland, is in the Labor and Employment Practice Group. Johnson is in the firm's Chicago office and is part of its Healthcare Practice Group. Czuprynski is resident in Detroit and is in the Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice Group. Bibet-Kalinyak is in the Cleveland office and is also part of the Healthcare Practice Group.

Isabelle Bibet-Kalinyak is a corporate attorney in our national Healthcare Practice Group. She also leads the firm's Immigration Practice Group.

Fluent in French, her native language, Bibet-Kalinyak has more than 27 years of international business experience in the healthcare, aerospace and plastics industries. Prior to joining McDonald Hopkins, she worked as a corporate health care attorney for the law firm of Brouse McDowell after honing her legal skills in-house as an intern for a major health system (Akron General Health System) and a local county hospital (Robinson Memorial Hospital). She served in senior sales and strategic business development positions and as a national trainer in cardiology and neurology for a global pharmaceutical company (Sanofi-Aventis).

Bibet-Kalinyak also served as general manager of the public transportation division and international account executive for a global manufacturer of custom, specialty laminates and coated films (Schneller Inc., now a division of the Transdigm Group) for train and aircraft interiors in Paris, France. She is a frequent presenter at national and local conferences like AHLA, Ohio Hospital Association, and the Academy of Medicine of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio on topics related to health care and business immigration.

Christine Czuprynski focuses her practice specifically in the area of data privacy and cybersecurity. She has experience counseling clients on topics ranging from security breach preparedness and response, to SMS and email marketing campaigns. She provides regulatory advice on the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, CAN-SPAM, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, and the cross border exchange of personal information. In addition, she has extensive litigation experience, defending clients against privacy-related class actions, including the TCPA and data security breaches.

Prior to joining McDonald Hopkins, Czuprynski was an associate at Reed Smith and an assistant attorney general in the Consumer Fraud Bureau of the Office of the Illinois Attorney General. In the latter role, she participated in multistate investigations into large security breaches. Furthermore, she provided guidance to businesses and government agencies on compliance with Illinois privacy laws and supported the Illinois Attorney General's Identity Theft Unit.

Czuprynski earned a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in 2005. She graduated from Western Michigan University, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, with a Bachelor of Arts in political science; and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance in 2000.

Emily Johnson focuses her practice on matters primarily for clients in the healthcare industry. She provides regulatory and compliance assistance on both a federal and state level. She has assisted clinical laboratories, hospitals, long-term acute care hospitals, community hospitals, physician specialty groups, telehealth providers, surgery centers, healthcare associations, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers on regulatory, licensing, compliance, reimbursement, contractual, and corporate matters. Johnson has also provided support to entities during licensure and accreditation surveys and assisted in navigating state professional licensure laws, CLIA standards and state and federal laboratory laws and regulations, government and private payor reimbursement, state and federal fraud and abuse rules, state telehealth laws, and state and federal pharmacy regulation. She also has advised clients on direct to consumer testing issues and applicable state requirements.

Johnson has experience with provider-based compliance issues and the 340B Federal Drug Pricing Program, including implementation, program compliance, audit preparation, and preparing for audits conducted by the Office of Pharmacy Affairs.

In addition, she has significant experience with HIPAA compliance, including drafting HIPAA policies and procedures, breach response and notification, drafting responses to investigations conducted by the Office for Civil Rights, and advising clients on proactive HIPAA compliance and breach prevention.

Johnson earned a J.D. from The John Marshall Law School in 2010. She received a B.A., Dean's List, from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2005.

Ryan Neumeyer represents and counsels management on a variety of employment law matters, such as employee leave, overtime, disability accommodations, termination and layoff decisions, and workplace injuries. He is a frequent lecturer on employment law topics. Before joining McDonald Hopkins, Neumeyer spent 10 years at a boutique labor and employment firm. Earlier in his career, Neumeyer was an appellate attorney for the Office of the State Appellate Defender in Chicago and an extern for the Honorable Alice M. Batchelder, United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

Neumeyer earned a J.D. from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, cum laude, and a B.A. from Mount Union College. He is an Ohio State Bar Association Certified Specialist in Labor and Employment Law.

Katherine Esshaki Wensink advises clients in the areas of estate and charitable planning, estate administration, taxation, corporate law, and employment benefits planning for both individuals and corporations. She focuses her practice on estate, succession, and tax planning for business owners and their families.

Wensink is involved in a number of community activities, such as serving on the Cleveland Museum of Art's Gift Planning Advisory Committee and University Hospitals Diamond Advisory Group. She serves on the board of the Estate Planning Council of Cleveland and is admitted to practice law in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Ohio.

Wensink earned her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School at Ann Arbor in 1999. She received a B.A. from Purdue University in 1996.

About McDonald Hopkins

Founded in 1930, McDonald Hopkins is a business advisory and advocacy law firm with locations in Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Miami, and West Palm Beach. With more than 50 service and industry teams, the firm has the expertise and knowledge to meet the growing number of legal and business challenges our clients face. For more information about McDonald Hopkins, visit mcdonaldhopkins.com.

CONTACT:

David Carducci

McDonald Hopkins LLC

600 Superior Avenue, East, Suite 2100

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Phone: 216.348.5814

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE McDonald Hopkins

Related Links

http://www.mcdonaldhopkins.com


According to a recent report by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) , fifty one percent of African Americans believe that investing and financial planning should be a high priority and three-quarters make financial decisions based on what is best for their family. Both categories received more favorable responses compared to the general population.

"This community has a rich history of helping each other in times of need, even if it means making personal sacrifices to do so," explains Reginald Canal, Financial Advisor, Fortis Lux. "Our group was established to help strengthen the financial foundation of our African American community through education, outreach programs and referrals. These initiatives will help create and grow wealth today and in the future."

Fortis Lux's African American financial focus group consists of financial professionals with diverse backgrounds who have combined their expertise to provide more resources and support to minority communities. With expertise in the areas of wealth management, financial planning, investments, philanthropy, estate planning and advice, they provide value to their clients in a differentiated manner.

About Fortis Lux

Fortis Lux is a comprehensive financial planning firm that offers wealth management, protection, risk management, trust and estate planning advice and solutions to address your present and future financial needs. For more information, please contact Karmen Lai at 212.5782.7030 or visit www.FortisLux.com. Named one of Crain's 100 Best Places to Work in NYC in both 2017 and 2018,

Statistic from MassMutual's State of the American Family- African American Families. 2018 summary.

SOURCE Fortis Lux Financial
MIAMI, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Gaumard Scientific Company will demonstrate the latest advances in wireless, tetherless patient simulation for both basic clinical skills and complex, less frequently-encountered scenarios at booth 2142 during the American College of Emergency Physicians' 50th annual scientific assembly, October 1-4 at the San Diego Convention Center.

"Because every second counts in emergency medicine and critical care, Gaumard high-fidelity simulators are completely wireless and tetherless to ensure that the continuum of care is never interrupted, even as the patient is moved from outside the hospital to the emergency department and intensive care," Gaumard executive vice president John Eggert said.

"Participants can perform a full range of emergency procedures, including surgical airway, needle decompression, and chest tube thoracostomy with the highest degree of realism," Mr. Eggert added. "It's the closest experience to real-world emergency care available today."

Gaumard simulators can be used with a broad range of real-patient monitors to enable learners to develop the skills needed to set up and operate equipment as they would in real clinical situations.

A Family Affair

Gaumard's wireless, tetherless family line for emergency medicine includes the following simulators on display at ACEP's San Diego meeting:

Pediatric HAL S3005, a five-year-old patient simulator that is fully responsive -- even in transit -- also will be featured in MedWAR, the Emergency Medicine Residents Association's annual wilderness medicine and adventure race, October 4th at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park near San Diego .

HAL S3201, an advanced multipurpose patient simulator operating continuously from the accident scene to the ER and ICU, featuring an advanced respiratory system that supports mechanical ventilation for training to manage airway complications.

HAL S3040.100, an emergency field care trauma patient simulator for practicing prehospital disaster response and rehearsing infectious disease protocols.

Victoria  S2200, the world's most advanced mobile maternal/fetal patient simulator, for handling obstetric emergencies and practicing neonatal care immediately after birth, will be available for hands-on training on Monday, October 1 st in the Emergency Birth Workshop.

Super Tory S2220, the world's most advanced neonatal patient simulator, for managing respiratory distress and rehearsing resuscitation and stabilization protocols.

1-Year-Old Hal Model S3004, a wireless, tetherless simulator, will be featured in SIMWars, a competitive event organized by the Emergency Medicine Residents Association on Tuesday, October 2 nd.

About Gaumard Scientific

Gaumard Scientific Company has designed, manufactured and marketed simulators for health care education for more than 60 years. Users worldwide recognize Gaumard products for their innovation in simulation.

Gaumard customers include the military, emergency medical services, major teaching hospitals and nursing schools.

In 2000, Gaumard launched the revolutionary family of NOELLE maternal and neonatal care simulators that changed the way training is conducted. In 2004, Gaumard pioneered the use of fully tetherless technology with the introduction of the family of HAL simulators.

In 2014, the company introduced Victoria, its most advanced, mobile maternal/fetal simulator, as part of the NOELLE family.

Then, in 2017 and 2018, Gaumard once again revolutionized the healthcare education industry with the launch of newborn Super Tory, and Pediatric HAL S2225, respectively.





Gaumard manufactures its products at its world headquarters in Miami. The company sells simulators through its own representatives in North America and through 200 distributors in 70 countries.

For more information, visit www.gaumard.com. Follow Gaumard on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/GaumardInFocus ; on Facebook at www.facebook.com/

gaumardsimulators; and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/user/

gaumardmedsimulators.



View a video of Gaumard customer testimonials at http://bit.ly/1Oqhwcl.

Click here to see a schedule of all upcoming events at which Gaumard will demonstrate its patient simulators.

Company Contacts:

Peter Eggert

Senior Vice President,

Vice President International Operations

(800) 882-6655

[email protected]

James Archetto

Vice President Corporate Planning

(800) 882-6655

(305) 484-3309 Mobile

[email protected]

Media Contacts:

Russo Partners, LLC

Scott Stachowiak

(646) 942-5630

(646) 300-3590 Mobile

[email protected]

SOURCE Gaumard Scientific

Related Links

http://www.gaumard.com


LONDON, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- About Police and Military Simulation Training



Simulators and virtual training devices are used to recreate real-life conditions experienced on the flight deck of aerial platforms and naval vessels, and during the use of weapons, target systems, armored vehicles, and missiles.



Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5576177



Technavio's analysts forecast the Global Police and Military Simulation Training Market to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% during the period 2018-2022.



Covered in this report

The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global police and military simulation training market. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the sales of police and military simulation training systems.



The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:

 Americas

 APAC

 EMEA



Technavio's report, global police and military simulation training market 2018-2022, 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.



Key vendors

 L3 Technologies

 Lockheed Martin

 Meggitt

 NORTHROP GRUMMAN

 Rockwell Collins



Market driver

 Development of newer training and simulation platforms

 For a full, detailed list, view our report



Market challenge

 Increasing autonomy of unmanned vehicles

 For a full, detailed list, view our report



Market trend

 Introduction of head-worn VR systems

 For a full, detailed list, view our report



Key questions answered in this report

 What will the market size be in 2022 and what will the growth rate be?

 What are the key market trends?

 What is driving this market?

 What are the challenges to market growth?

 Who are the key vendors in this market space?

 What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?

 What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?



You can request one free hour of our analyst's time when you purchase this market report. Details are provided within the report.



Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5576177



About Reportbuyer

Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers



For more information:

Sarah Smith

Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +1 (718) 213 4904

Website: www.reportbuyer.com

SOURCE ReportBuyer

Related Links

http://www.reportbuyer.com


SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- With 36 days left until the election, both candidates for California governor have committed to addressing the looming senior care crisis and creating a California master plan on aging. Currently, one in five older adults lives in poverty and, in just a decade, the state will see an increase of four million more seniors needing healthcare and support services. The public infrastructure cannot address these needs without significant policy changes.

Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom and businessman John Cox voiced their support and commitment to work on this critical issue should they be elected governor in video messages unveiled at The SCAN Foundation's "California Summit on Long-Term Services and Supports: Strengthening Voices; Driving Change" conference in Sacramento. Below are excerpts:

"The work you do is so important. The seniors of this state are the backbone of society. They have contributed to the growth and success of the state of California and they deserve nothing less than our full attention and our best efforts... We need to work together to work on a master plan for aging in the 21st century. We've got to make sure that our senior population, as well as all Californians, have the ability to lead an affordable and livable lifestyle."

- John Cox, Candidate for Governor

"I want to just express my appreciation to The SCAN Foundation for everything you are doing to raise the bar, the expectation, and awareness around an aging and graying population in the state of California that needs to be celebrated, that needs to be invested in, that needs a plan to address the long-term aging needs of this state... I want to extend to you my commitment  not just my interest  my commitment  to lead that charge."

- Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, Candidate for Governor

"Both candidates understand we must more fully and effectively address the serious issues facing California seniors," said Shelley Lyford, president and CEO of West Health. "We look forward to working with the next governor to turn promises into policies, to spur transformational change for seniors and their families, and to ensure a better future for generations to come."

"Having bipartisan support on developing a master plan for aging from both California gubernatorial candidates is historic," said Bruce Chernof, president and CEO of The SCAN Foundation. "Regardless of who wins in November, we have the commitment of the future governor to implement long-term solutions for aging with independence."

About We Stand With Seniors

West Health and The SCAN Foundation's We Stand With Seniors Will You? nonpartisan, public awareness and education campaign focuses on the specific challenges seniors and their families face in accessing high-quality, affordable healthcare, dental care and supportive services and the cost to the state if these challenges are not addressed. Keep up with #StandWithSeniors by visiting www.WeStandWithSeniors.org and following on Facebook @WeStandWithSeniors and Twitter @WeStandWSeniors.

SOURCE We Stand With Seniors

Related Links

http://www.westandwithseniors.org


SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Gutride Safier LLP today announced that a class action has been certified involving California purchasers of Canada Dry Ginger Ale products with a trial set for January 2019 in San Jose.

WHO IS AFFECTED BY THE CASE?

The Court has certified a class of "All persons who, between December 28, 2012 and June 26, 2018, purchased any Canada Dry Ginger Ale products in the state of California."

All persons who are members of the class will be bound by the judgment in this case, unless you request to be excluded.

WHAT IS THE LAWSUIT ABOUT?

A lawsuit was brought against Keurig Dr. Pepper ("KDP"). The plaintiffs in the suit claim that KDP mislabels its Canada Dry brand ginger ales sold in California as "Made From Real Ginger."

Plaintiffs contend that the claim "Made From Real Ginger" caused the soda to sell at a higher market price (a "premium"). Plaintiffs seek refund of the alleged premiums to all California purchasers during the time periods stated above.

KDP contends that its Canada Dry ginger ales are, and always have been, properly labeled. It also denies that there was any "premium" price attributable to the labelling claims.

The Court has not determined whether plaintiffs or KDP is correct.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT IN THE CASE?

The case is set for trial on January 7, 2019 in U.S. District Court in San Jose. KDP has asked the Court to grant summary judgment in its favor before trial, and Plaintiffs have opposed. A hearing is scheduled for October 17, 2018. The parties may also try to settle the case. If there is a class settlement, additional notice will be distributed.

HOW CAN PEOPLE EXCLUDE THEMSELVES FROM THE CASE?

A class member may preserve the right to sue KDP separately for the claims being litigated, only by submitting a timely request for exclusion from the class. Upon submitting the request for exclusion, the person will be removed from the class and cannot share in any money that may be awarded to the class.

To be excluded, the class member must complete and submit the online form at www.canadadryclassaction.com or mail a request to Canada Dry Ginger Ale Litigation, c/o GCG, P.O. Box 10629, Dublin, OH 43017-9229. If mailed, the exclusion request must contain the person's name, address, the words "I wish to be excluded from the Canada Dry Class Action," and the person's signature.

Exclusion requests must be made or postmarked by October 30, 2018.

How Do I Get More Information?

Additional information is available at the website maintained by the court-appointed notice administrator, at www.canadadryclassaction.com.

You can contact plaintiffs' counsel, Gutride Safier LLP, at www.gutridesafier.com/investigations/canadadry/24. You can also write to Gutride Safier at 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250, San Francisco, CA 94111, call at 415-639-9090, or email [email protected].

Other papers filed in this lawsuit are available through PACER, the online service for the United States District Courts, at ecf.cacd.uscourts.gov. Alternatively you may visit the office of the Clerk of the Court for the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, 450 Golden Gate Ave, San Francisco, CA from 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding Court holidays. Please do not write to or call the Court for information or advice.

SOURCE Gutride Safier LLP
Bernstein illuminates a culture's obsession with new types of pups that leads to shorter life spans for dogs, grave health concerns, and even the extinction of some dog breeds. She posits: If you really love dogs, why would you accept the horrific practices employed by domestic puppy mills, backyard breeders, and international dog traffickers to fulfill demand for these so-called "designer dogs."

Bernstein also discusses what happens to "designer dogs" when they are no longer wanted and their impact on the already over-burdened shelter population across the United States. "When you finish reading this insightful expose, I pray that you will turn your back on the overbred and unsafe designer dog breeders appealing to the 'in crowd,'" said Dr. Phil McGraw in his foreword. "And, go get yourself a real friend, one that needs a home."

The book leaves readers with solutions to these problems, which include education, law enforcement, ending the demand for "designer dogs", and celebrating and adopting shelter dogs.

Bernstein states: "Whether the dog in the shelter is an 'all-natural' mixed breed or a designer dog, he or she needs a home. With patience, not impulse, the dog for you is probably already there."

MADELINE BERNSTEIN, President of Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA), is a frequent speaker and writer on animal welfare, with a CBS People's Choice Award-winning blog on the subject. A recipient of the prestigious Boeing Crystal Vision Award, she was the first Distinguished Visiting Animal Advocate for the Center for Animal Law Studies at Lewis & Clark Law School in 2012, and has since returned as a visiting professor.

Press contact: Ana Bustilloz at 323-334-4471, 323-707-1271 cell, [email protected].

Since 1877, spcaLA has been the premiere independent, nonprofit animal welfare organization serving Southern California. There is no national SPCA that provides financial support to spcaLA. Donations run programs including Cruelty Investigation, Disaster Animal Response Team, Humane Education, and a variety of shelter services.



SOURCE spcaLA

Related Links

http://www.spcaLA.com


VNPF GM says the first criminal case this Friday is a warning to employers or businesses operating in Vanuatu to step up and comply with VNPF Act
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- IGEL, a world leader in endpoint management software for the secure enterprise, today announced that CRN  , a brand of The Channel Company, has recognized Eric Jans, Channel Manager for the Central and West Regions, as one of the 100 People You Don't Know But Should in the IT channel for 2018.

This annual list is compiled by the CRN editorial team, using feedback from solution providers and industry executives, to acknowledge channel management team members from the industry's top vendors and distributors. Those recognized on this list work diligently to drive innovation, profits, and successful partnerships, keeping the IT channel growing and their firms thriving.

Eric joined IGEL in May 2017 from AppSense (now Ivanti) where he served as a Channel Manager and Channel SE for the Central Region. With 20 years of channel experience, Eric helps IGEL partners grow their businesses by demonstrating the value that well-managed endpoints can offer organizations of all sizes  from the SMB to the mid-market and enterprise.

"Since joining IGEL, Eric has made several significant contributions to the growth and success of our partner program," said Jed Ayres, President and CEO, IGEL North America. "These include helping to introduce a new loyalty program and creating and executing our certification program for channel partners. We are tremendously proud of his accomplishments and thank the staff at CRN for recognizing him as one of the IT channel's rising stars."

Michael Hogan, President, Hogan Consulting Group, and IGEL Platinum-level partner, added, "The addition of the sales certifications and enablement programs has allowed us to drive additional IGEL revenue in existing projects as well as uncover new opportunities in our client base. The combination of sales and technical enablement in addition to the Loyalty Rewards rebates makes IGEL a key partner in our continued growth and profitability. Congratulations Eric and the entire IGEL channel team on this award."

As a 100 percent channel-driven company, IGEL is committed to providing channel partners innovative tools and resources that help them grow their businesses more quickly and more profitably, and was recognized in 2018 with a CRN Annual Report Card (ARC) Award as a best-in-class provider of desktop and server virtualization solutions. Earlier this year, IGEL expanded its partner program to include Gold Level. The IGEL Partner Program now has three tiers  Platinum, Gold, and Authorized. IGEL also added a $20K back-end rebate for IGEL Platinum partners that reach $500K in sales, and a $50K rebate if they hit $1M in sales.

Additionally, IGEL recently launched the IGEL Certified Engineering (ICE) training at the 2018 IGEL DISRUPT End User Computing Forum events held in Australia, Germany and the U.S. To date, 10 of IGEL's Gold and Platinum partners in the U.S. now have technicians on staff who have earned ICE certification, and the numbers continue to grow.

In 2018, IGEL is also giving away $120,000 to current and potential customers to help IT Pros become IT Ballers by saving money, improving operations and increasing security. Throughout the year, there are six opportunities to win $20,000. To enter the IT Baller sweepstakes, participants must complete a short survey www.igel.com/itballer-contest.

"This outstanding group of unsung channel heroes work tirelessly to create, promote, and manage programs and policies that support their partners and the advancement of the channel overall," said Bob Skelley, CEO of The Channel Company. "We are honored to bring these individuals into the spotlight with CRN's 2018 list of 100 People You Don't Know But Should and to recognize them for their undeniable contributions to the channel."

The 2018 list of 100 People You Don't Know But Should will be featured in the October issue of CRN and can be viewed online at www.crn.com/100people.

IGEL on Social Media

Twitter: www.twitter.com/IGEL_Technology

Facebook: www.facebook.com/igel.technology

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/101270758605662221044

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/igel-technology

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/IGELTechnologyTV

IGEL Community: www.igel.com/community

About IGEL

IGEL delivers powerful unified endpoint management software that is revolutionary in its simplicity and purpose-built for the enterprise. The company's world-leading software products include the IGEL OS, Universal Desktop Converter (UDC), IGEL Cloud Gateway (ICG), IGEL UD Pocket (UDP) and Universal Management Suite (UMS). These solutions enable a more secure, manageable and cost-effective endpoint management platform across nearly any x86 device. Additionally, IGEL's German engineered and manufactured thin, zero and all-in-one client solutions deliver the industry's best warranty (5 years), support (3 years after end of life) and management functionality. IGEL enables enterprises to precisely control all devices running IGEL OS as well as Windows OS from a single dashboard interface. IGEL has offices worldwide and is represented by partners in over 50 countries. For more information on IGEL, visit www.igel.com.

About The Channel Company

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelco.com

Follow The Channel Company: Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook

SOURCE IGEL

Related Links

http://www.igel.com


CLEVELAND, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, in honor of National Women in Small Business month, Key4Women, a community network dedicated to helping entrepreneurial and professional women succeed in business, released the findings of a new Key4Women Confidence Poll. The poll surveyed 220 women business leaders to better understand their perspectives on making high-level financial and strategic decisions for their companies. The survey explored confidence and optimism, growth goals, barriers to success and actions that help women in business thrive.

Overall, women business leaders are highly confident about the year ahead. Seventy-one percent of women surveyed are highly optimistic they will achieve their goals in the next 12 months, both personally and professionally. Among Millennial women, confidence is even higher, with three-in-four (76 percent) feeling highly optimistic about the future.

When it comes to factors that most influence women's positive outlook, not surprisingly, the health of the U.S. economy ranked number one among 64 percent of respondents. Business cash flow (57 percent) and the ability to hire good people (56 percent) came in second and third, respectively. Surprisingly, tax reform, trade and healthcare costs did not rank among the top influences.

Additionally, 95 percent of women business owners plan to grow or expand their business activities within the next two years and are "very" or "extremely" confident about their ability to succeed in managing conflict (82 percent), conducting negotiations (81 percent), handling accounting and finances (80 percent) and obtaining credit (77 percent).

Despite a high degree of optimism, more than four-in-10 women business leaders (44 percent) "often" or "always" worry about business failure. Coping mechanisms women leverage include rolling up their sleeves and working harder (49 percent); focusing on what's in their control (44 percent); talking to a colleague, friend or family member (43 percent); and speaking with their financial advisor (40 percent).

"Women business leaders continue to face barriers to success," said Barb Smith, Director of Key4Women. "Gender bias, unfortunately, is a problem that most women (65 percent) have faced at some point in their careers and for nearly three-in-10 women in business, gender bias is among the top three challenges preventing them from accessing the funding they need to scale."

Respondents perceive gender barriers in business are due to the lack of equity in politics/government (59 percent), media portrayals of women in business (46 percent), implicit male bias (45 percent) and implicit female bias (35 percent). However, of those who have experienced gender bias, eight-in-10 women mitigate gender barriers in business by working harder (38 percent), networking with business women (29 percent) and joining business organizations (24 percent). In fact, seventy-eight percent report that networking is important for the success of their business.

To celebrate Women in Small Business Month this October, KeyBank invites the public to join Key4Women in combatting gender bias in business and celebrating the many faces of #RealLifeBosses. Throughout October, share a photo of women in leadership positions who have influenced your career using #RealLifeBosses on social media and join KeyBank in showing the world what #RealLifeBosses look like.

For more information about the Key4Women program, please visit https://www.key.com/small-business/services/key4women/overview.jsp.

About Key4Women

Since 2005, Key4Women has supported women leaders and entrepreneurs through advocacy, connections and empowerment to help their careers and businesses thrive. The Key4Women program is uniquely focused on introducing women business leaders to a network of likeminded professionalsboth men and women; providing customized financial wellness and business development resources; and offering a platform to discuss overarching trends women experience in the workplace.

About KeyCorp

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 $137.8 billion at June 30, 2018. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 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.

SOURCE KeyCorp

Related Links

https://www.key.com


TEL AVIV, Israel, October 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Today, Aurora Labs, creators of Self-Healing Software for future-proof automotive software, announced the appointment of Roger Ordman as Executive Vice President of Marketing. Roger will lead the rapidly expanding company's marketing initiatives to launch the brand, products, and services across the US, Europe, and Asia.

"Adding an executive of Roger's caliber with his years of experience in the automotive industry is a crucial part of our growth as a company, and he will play a substantial role as we continue to rapidly innovate to keep up with the ever-changing demands of the automotive market," said Zohar Fox, CEO of Aurora Labs.

Bringing over twenty years' experience with him, Roger is joining Aurora Labs from his prior position as VP Global Marketing for Medix Global. Before joining Medix Global, Roger was the Marketing Director EMEA and then the Global Marketing Director, Software Platforms for HARMAN International, following HARMAN's acquisition of Redbend Software where he served as Director of Product Management and Marketing

"The automotive industry is facing an exciting yet unpredictable future fueled by software and full of new opportunities and dangers," explained Roger Ordman. "Aurora Labs is playing a uniquely integral role in the industry's transformation, helping OEM's evolve to continuous software development processes, by detecting software faults, predicting which may cause downtime events and fixing them. I am excited to become a part of the company at this time of accelerated growth."

This news follows Aurora Labs' July announcement of a Series A round investment totaling $8.4m. This round is fueling the product development and international sales and marketing expansion efforts.

About Aurora Labs

Launched in 2016 by Co-founders Zohar Fox and Ori Lederman with offices in Tel Aviv and Munich, Aurora Labs is pioneering Self-Healing Software for connected cars to enable OEMs to proactively respond to future vehicle software architectures, processes, and services. Agile user-centric software development processes create a plethora of continuous opportunities and risks for the OEMs, even after the car has left the production line. Aurora Labs' Line-Of-Code Maintenance technology uses machine learning algorithms to uniquely address all three stages of a software health solution, future proofing the next generation of software-driven automotive features. From detecting line-of-code faults to predicting downtime events, fixing errors on-the-go and enabling reliable and cost-effective rollouts of new automotive features to all ECUs in the vehicle without any downtime for the user, Aurora Labs is paving the way for the age of the self-healing car.

Aurora Labs, self-healing software for a more predictable world.

For more information, visit auroralabs.com.

Media Contact:

Raanan Loew

+1-347-897-9276

[email protected]



SOURCE Aurora Labs
BOSTON, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Inphonite, LLC, the leading provider of customizable medical appointment reminders, today at #MGMA18 announced Art of Chat, a chatbot built to work as a standalone product or in conjunction with InphoniteVoice SaaS automated messaging. Art of Chat combines customers' mobile needs and desires with an intelligent texting application and front-end desktop application for businesses to monitor texts and take over the chat at any time.

Art of Chat screenshot

Art of Chat will soon be offered to Inphonite customers and the general public. President, Christine Tosi had this to say, "In approaching our current users about this product idea, we discovered a real need. Imagine being able to text the main number of your doctor's office anytime you want, not just in response to appointment reminders, but to reach out with questions from the mundane to the detailed and have a system or person text back appropriately. Inphonite's Art of Chat connects any phone line with our Artificial Intelligence to communicate in a meaningful way. The best part of Art of Chat: it directs communications to a live person if it cannot figure out how to handle the patient's text."

Art of Chat - Initial Feature Highlights

Artificially Intelligent Chat Bots

Virtual Receptionist



Answering Service



Customizable Surveys

Text Message Monitoring and Drop-in Interface

Encrypted Report Delivery

About the Art of Chat

Art of Chat is an adept and intelligent texting service that can be utilized in any business setting to communicate directly with customers. With its included Artificial Intelligence to understand patient intent, Art of Chat supplies bots for surveys, better understanding of appointment reminder responses, or answering simple questions, all with the ability to monitor or take over texting from a PC app.

About Inphonite, LLC

Inphonite has been providing patient engagement software and services for over 20 years. Our Company believes in creating infinite relationships with each of our customers by providing excellent personalized support; and, for all of their customers and patients by developing professional, interactive computer and telephony services that improve the profitability and productivity for any business. Inphonite products integrate with Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and other databases to enhance doctor/patient relations by easily and effectively delivering customizable and affordable communication tools for all businesses. Inphonite sends millions of messages around the world each day and is the solution provider of choice for healthcare organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies. For more information on Inphonite, LLC, and its products, visit the company Web site: www.inphonite.com or call: (800) 350-7693 and (520) 797-1844 outside of the U.S., or email: [email protected].

SOURCE Inphonite, LLC

Related Links

http://www.inphonite.com


VANCOUVER, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - INVICTUS MD STRATEGIES CORP. ("Invictus" or the "Company") (TSXV: GENE;OTCQX: IVITF; FRA: 8IS1) is pleased to announce that the Company's Chairman and CEO, Dan Kriznic, will be presenting at Cannabis Invest, the UK and Europe's leading cannabis investment conference, in London on October 2, 2018, and in Geneva on October 3, 2018.

Mr. Kriznic will present at the following events:

London May Fair Hotel October 2, 2018 8:10 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. BST Geneva Mandarin Oriental Hotel October 3, 2018 10:50 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. CEST

The Cannabis Invest conference, co-hosted by PI Financial Corp. (PI) and Bloom Point Partners, brings together companies, policymakers, investors and other stakeholders to support the awareness, financing and development of the North American cannabis industry.

Invictus has also granted 160,000 incentive stock options to certain eligible persons of the Company. Each stock option has an exercise price equal to today's closing price and is exercisable into one common share of the Company. The options vest in tranches over the next twelve months and are exercisable over a period of five years. The stock options were granted subject to the terms and conditions of the Company's Stock Option Plan.

For more information, please visit www.invictus-md.com.

On Behalf of the Board,

Dan Kriznic

Chairman and CEO

Jessica Martin

Vice President, Public Relations and Regulatory Affairs

(833) 879-4363

About Invictus

Invictus is a global cannabis company offering a selection of products under a wide range of lifestyle brands. Our integrated sales approach is defined by five pillars of distribution including medical, adult-use, international, Licensed Producer to Licensed Producer and retail stores.

Invictus has partnered with business leaders to convey our corporate vision, including KISS music legend and business mogul Gene Simmons as our Chief Evangelist Officer, and global branding agency Authentic Brands Group. Invictus is expanding its cultivation footprint, with two cannabis production facilities fully licensed under ACMPR in Canada and a third awaiting approval, featuring 100,000 square feet of available grow space today with 200,000 expected by January 2019 and 1 million by end of 2020. To accommodate international sales, Invictus' wholly-owned subsidiary, Acreage Pharms Ltd. ("Acreage Pharms"), has designed and is currently building its Phase 3 and 4 purpose-built cultivation facilities to be European Union Good Manufacturing Practices ("EU-GMP") compliant. The Company will earmark 50 per cent of production to the medical and recreational markets, respectively. To ensure consistency in quality and supply, Invictus maintains all aspects of the growing process through its subsidiary, Future Harvest Development Ltd., a high-quality Fertilizer and Nutrients manufacturer. Invictus drives sustainable long-term shareholder value through a diversified product portfolio with over 69 Health Canada approved strains and a multifaceted distribution strategy including medical, recreational, international and retail. For more information visit www.invictus-md.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws or forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding future estimates, plans, objectives, timing, assumptions or expectations of future performance, including the timing, approval and completion of the Arrangement and related matters and the potential production capacity of Invictus, are forward-looking statements and contain forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". Forward-looking statements are based on certain material assumptions and analysis made by the Company and the opinions and estimates of management as of the date of this press release, including that Invictus will be successful in reaching its potential production capacity, its production facilities will be completed as anticipated, regulatory approval will be granted as anticipated, Invictus will reach full production capacity on the timeline anticipated by the Company, and no unforeseen construction delays will be experienced. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Important factors that may cause actual results to vary, include, without limitation, the Company will not obtain the requisite approvals to complete the Arrangement, Invictus will not be successful in reaching its potential production capacity, its production facilities will not be completed as anticipated, and licenses or approvals being granted on terms or timelines that are materially worse than expected by the Company. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Invictus MD Strategies
Seven-Eleven is adopting Solstice N40, which offers a 65 percent reduction in global warming potential compared with R-404A, to comply with strict GWP reduction targets set for the Japanese food retail industry. Seven-Eleven has begun installing the environmentally preferable Honeywell refrigerant in condensing units (manufactured by Hitachi-Johnson Controls Air Conditioning and distributed by Hitachi Appliances) at all new and renovating stores across the country.

Industry leaders, Seven-Eleven Japan (operator of Seven-Eleven convenience stores), Hitachi Appliances, Hitachi-Johnson Controls Air Conditioning and Honeywell conducted a series of trials before selecting Solstice N40. A full year of data showed Solstice N40 led to 20 percent energy savings in the Hitachi condensing units compared to R-404A.

"The trial results confirmed that Solstice N40 is an effective solution for our large estate of convenience stores in Japan to achieve our goals in reducing both overall carbon footprint and operating costs," said Mr. Hisashi Ohashi, Head of Construction & Equipment Department, Director & Executive Officer, Seven-Eleven Japan.

Solstice N40 is a class A1 (nonflammable) refrigerant by ASHRAE 34 and is classified as Inert Gas in Japan. With GWP of 1387 (IPCC, AR4) that is 65 percent lower than R-404A, it is also non-ozone-depleting and available for retrofits. Additionally, Solstice N40 is designed as a near drop-in alternative to R-404A, requiring only minimal system adjustments.

"Solstice N40 is the lowest GWP alternative available for both new installation and retrofit projects in the Japanese commercial refrigeration market and has already been adopted at more than 13,000 retail stores worldwide," said Anna An, vice president and general manager of Honeywell Advanced Materials, Asia Pacific. "With Honeywell's Solstice N40 in Hitachi's condensing units, we are helping Japanese retailers achieve environmental and operational benefits."

The new requirement to use substances with 1,500 GWP or less by the year 2025 is dictated in the Act on Rational Use and Proper Management of Fluorocarbons*, revised in 2015. This is in addition to the Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) phaseout by 2020 set by the Ozone Layer Protection Act.

A whole subsidiary of Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd., Seven-Eleven Japan Co., Ltd. operates 20,596 Seven-Eleven convenience stores in Japan (as of the end of August 2018). A member of the United Nations Global Compact, Seven & i Holdings proactively practices Sustainable Development Goals, including taking "urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts," throughout its businesses.

Honeywell is a world leader in the development, manufacturing and supply of refrigerants sold worldwide under the Solstice and Genetron brands for a wide range of applications, including refrigeration, building and automobile air conditioning. For more information, visit www.honeywell-refrigerants.com/japan/.

* The Act on Rational Use and Proper Management of Fluorocarbons (Fluorocarbons Emission Control Act), set the HFC phasedown target of condensing units and stationary refrigeration units (except compressors with rated output 1.5kW and less, by manufacturer and importer weighted average of new shipping product) at GWP 1500 by the year 2025.

Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 software-industrial company that delivers industry specific solutions that include aerospace and automotive products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes, and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help everything from aircraft, cars, homes and buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.

SOURCE Honeywell

Related Links

http://www.honeywell.com


BOSTON, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- John Hancock Investments today announced that the John Hancock Freedom 529 education savings plan has launched the Education Planning Center, a complimentary, online suite of college planning tools for clients. Through the secure site, clients can:

Establish each child's individual education goals

Search for schools and scholarships

Get information to attend a college fair or plan a campus visit

Prep for and schedule required tests

Find financial aid resources

Monitor the college application process

"This tool offers families and their financial advisors a single destination to navigate the complex task of getting a child to college," said John P. Bryson, head of portfolio consulting and college savings for John Hancock Investments. "With the cost of higher education continuing to climb, college is becoming an increasingly significant savings challenge. It was important to us to be a source of useful information and practical financial guidance to make the process easier."

In addition to offering background on the significant benefits of using 529 plans for saving for college and comprehensive information on all the stages of college planning, John Hancock Freedom 529 is also making saving through its plan more attractive by:

Reducing the initial investment minimum from $1,000 to $250 , effective November 1, 2018

to , effective Enabling beneficiaries of the plan to attend the University of Alaska at the in-state tuition rate regardless of where they live  representing a potential annual savings of more than $16,000  if they've held an account for at least the two years immediately preceding enrollment.*

"We're pleased to offer a plan that's designed to help make the dream of a college education more attainable. The plan's unique multimanager platform provides investors and their advisors access to specialized expertise from more than 20 of the nation's leading money management firms, as well as diversification by asset class and investment style," said Mr. Bryson.

* University of Alaska Fairbanks, May 2018.

About John Hancock Investments

John Hancock has helped individuals and institutions build and protect wealth since 1862. Today, we are one of the strongest and most-recognized financial brands. We serve investors globally through a unique multimanager approach: We search the world to find proven portfolio teams with specialized expertise for every strategy we offer, then we apply robust investment oversight to ensure they continue to meet our uncompromising standards and serve the best interests of our shareholders. Our approach to asset management has led to a diverse set of investments deeply rooted in investor needs, along with strong risk-adjusted returns across asset classes.

About John Hancock and Manulife

John Hancock is a division of Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading international financial services group that helps people make their decisions easier and lives better. We operate primarily as John Hancock in the United States and as Manulife elsewhere. We provide financial advice, insurance, and wealth and asset management solutions for individuals, groups, and institutions. Assets under management and administration by Manulife and its subsidiaries were over CAD$1.1 trillion (US$849 billion) as of June 30, 2018. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as MFC on the TSX, NYSE, and PSE, and under 945 on the SEHK. Manulife can be found at manulife.com.





One of the largest life insurers in the United States, John Hancock supports approximately 10 million Americans with a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities, investments, 401(k) plans, and education savings plans. We also offer advice through Signator, a network of independent financial advisors. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com.

If your state or your designated beneficiary's state offers a 529 plan, you may want to consider what, if any, potential state income-tax or other state benefits it offers, such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors, before investing. State tax or other benefits should be one of many factors to be considered prior to making an investment decision. Please consult with your financial, tax, or other advisor about how these state benefits, if any, may apply to your specific circumstances. You may also contact your state 529 plan or any other 529 education savings plan to learn more about their features. Please contact your financial advisor or call 866-222-7498 to obtain a Plan Disclosure Document or prospectus for any of the underlying funds. The Plan Disclosure Document contains complete details on investment objectives, risks, fees, charges, and expenses, as well as more information about municipal fund securities and the underlying investment companies that should be considered before investing. Please read the Plan Disclosure Document carefully prior to investing.

John Hancock Freedom 529 is an education savings plan offered by the Education Trust of Alaska, managed by T. Rowe Price, and distributed by John Hancock Distributors LLC through other broker-dealers that have a selling agreement with John Hancock Distributors LLC. John Hancock Distributors LLC is a member of FINRA and is listed with the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB).  2019 John Hancock. All rights reserved. Information included in this material is believed to be accurate as of the printing date.

529 PLANS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED, MAY LOSE VALUE, AND ARE NOT BANK OR STATE GUARANTEED.

CS604359

PR-2018-36

SOURCE John Hancock Investments
HOUSTON, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- KBR, Inc. (NYSE: KBR) announced today that its global government services business, KBRwyle, will once again join the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) as co-lead sponsor of the Army Ten-Miler (ATM) race in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, October 7, 2018.

KBR has been a major sponsor of the ATM for 13 years. At the race, KBRwyle's sponsorship will provide free shuttle service, hospitality tents, water, pre-packaged meal boxes, and a reunion area where family and friends link up with runners.

KBRwyle will once again sponsor the famous Hooah-Tent Zone where attendees interact with soldiers while enjoying Wisconsin bratwursts, cooked and served by Rockland's BBQ restaurant in Arlington, Virginia.

The ATM is the third largest ten-mile road race in the world, attracting more than 35,000 runners from around the globe. All proceeds from the ATM go to the U.S. Army's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) program.

"KBRwyle is proud to be part of such an impactful charity event that benefits soldiers and their families," said Byron Bright, President, KBR Government Services U.S.

"Our organization is honored to serve U.S. armed forces around the world. Many KBRwyle employees are veterans, reservists and have loved ones in the military," Bright continued. "Supporting the warfighter is personal for KBRwyle  we do it on the frontlines and at home."

Since it began in 1985, the ATM has generated over $7.3 million for the Army MWR. The MWR program directly supports soldiers and their families worldwide by providing a variety of family, morale, welfare and recreation programs and services to enrich soldiers' and their families' lives culturally and creatively.

From missile defense to tank maintenance, KBRwyle assists the Army in carrying out its varied missions across the globe. Known for pioneering leading-edge solutions, KBRwyle lends its domain expertise to the U.S. military, NASA, foreign allies and commercial customers.

About KBR, Inc.

KBR is a global provider of differentiated professional services and technologies across the asset and program life cycle within the Government Services and Hydrocarbons sectors. KBR employs approximately 34,000 people worldwide (including our joint ventures), with customers in more than 75 countries, and operations in 40 countries, across three synergistic global businesses:

Government Services, serving government customers globally, including capabilities that cover the full life-cycle of defense, space, aviation and other government programs and missions from research and development, through systems engineering, test and evaluation, program management, to operations, maintenance, and field logistics

Technology, including proprietary technology focused on the monetization of hydrocarbons (especially natural gas and natural gas liquids) in ethylene and petrochemicals; ammonia, nitric acid and fertilizers; oil refining and gasification

Hydrocarbons Services, including onshore oil and gas; LNG (liquefaction and regasification)/GTL; oil refining; petrochemicals; chemicals; fertilizers; differentiated EPC; maintenance services (Brown & Root Industrial Services); offshore oil and gas (shallow-water, deep-water, subsea); floating solutions (FPU, FPSO, FLNG & FSRU); program management and consulting services

KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, integrated EPC delivery and long term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver.

Visit www.kbr.com

Forward Looking Statement

The statements in this press release that are not historical statements, including statements regarding future financial performance, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company's control that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the outcome of and the publicity surrounding audits and investigations by domestic and foreign government agencies and legislative bodies; potential adverse proceedings by such agencies and potential adverse results and consequences from such proceedings; the scope and enforceability of the company's indemnities from its former parent; changes in capital spending by the company's customers; the company's ability to obtain contracts from existing and new customers and perform under those contracts; structural changes in the industries in which the company operates; escalating costs associated with and the performance of fixed-fee projects and the company's ability to control its cost under its contracts; claims negotiations and contract disputes with the company's customers; changes in the demand for or price of oil and/or natural gas; protection of intellectual property rights; compliance with environmental laws; changes in government regulations and regulatory requirements; compliance with laws related to income taxes; unsettled political conditions, war and the effects of terrorism; foreign operations and foreign exchange rates and controls; the development and installation of financial systems; increased competition for employees; the ability to successfully complete and integrate acquisitions; and operations of joint ventures, including joint ventures that are not controlled by the company.

KBR's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequent Form 10-Qs and 8-Ks, and other U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings discuss some of the important risk factors that KBR has identified that may affect the business, results of operations and financial condition. Except as required by law, KBR undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

SOURCE KBR, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.kbr.com


NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- IN THE final chapter of the critically acclaimed podcast series "Fatal Voyage: The Mysterious Death Of Natalie Wood," the Hollywood star's former husband Robert Wagner is finally asked questions about what really happened on board their boat, The Splendour, that led to her demise.

Fatal Voyage: The Mysterious Death Of Natalie Wood The Splendour Robert Wagner, Natalie Wood, Lana Wood

Lana Wood's line of questioning is one of two explosive confrontations caught on tape and broadcast in the podcast's series finale, as Wagner continually refuses to cooperate with homicide cops from the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department who reopened the 1981 death case and earlier this year, named him a "person of interest."

Wood's still-anguished-and-grieving sister Lana has a showdown during which she pleads with her former brother-in-law to talk to investigators probing the mysterious death of her Oscar-winning sister.

Read the full exchange between Lana and Wagner below:

LW: RJ, I just wanted to ask. I know the pain that you're going through, and that I'm going through. You know I know this hasn't been any easier for you. I know that. But everybody is going to drive me absolutely insane, until everybody knows. Why won't you speak to the detectives? They are super guys clear yourself if you can.

RW: Why would you even bring up anything like that? You know what you've done? I have talked to everybody.

LW: Kevin and Ralph (from the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department).

RW: You've accused me of

LW: I don't accuse you of anything.

RW: You've accused me of murdering her, of taking all these positions, it's incredible. I can't that you'd do something like that. I just can't believe it.

LW: But RJ you've changed your story.

RW: I haven't changed anything.

LW: You never for one minute stopped and said, 'This is what happened.' I know it's going to hurt.

RW: Of course I have stopped and said what happened.

LW: No RJ, you really didn't.

The second shocking confrontation featured in the final chapter is with an investigative journalist from the production team, Andy Tillet.

Read the full exchange between Tillet and Wagner below:

AT: Robert

RW: Good looking shirt. Good looking shirt.

AT: Robert, why do you refuse to answer the sheriff's department's questions about the night Natalie Wood died?

RW: I can't hear you.

AT: Why do you refuse to answer the sheriff's department's questions about the night Natalie Wood died?

RW: I beg your pardon.

AT: Why do you refuse to answer the sheriff's department's questions about the night Natalie Wood died?

RW: I'm not going to get into that here.

AT: Well, Lana Wood claims you murdered her sister. Did you murder her?

RW: Well, what does that have to do with this? That's the same story that's been out and out for years and years.

AT: Well, I'm asking you a question. Now the police department say that before Natalie went over the 

RW: Are you with the press? Are you with the press?

AT: I am with the press. Yes.

RW: What press are you with?

AT: I work for

Female Voice: Sir, we are not going to get into that here.

RW: I'm not going to get into that here. No.

AT: You know, I'm just trying to find some answers to the questions that have lasted a very long time.

AT: But the police have determined that Natalie had been beaten and was unconscious by the time she got in the water.

The final chapter of the podcast series which, over its 12 week course has covered new ground in the investigation of Wood's unsolved death, also reveals never before heard statements from the Los Angeles Sherriff's Department, and a revised testimony from Dennis Davern, the boat skipper who was on board The Splendour the night Wood went missing.

L.A. Sheriff's Detective Ralph Hernandez homicide investigator, who is part of the team probing Wood's death, told producers:"The fact is that we have a lot of information as to the events of what occurred that evening. We have a lot of evidence that tends to point to a very suspicious death and would certainly indicate the possibility of foul play. The problem is, while we can prove the events that led up to the argument at the back of the boat, ultimately, we can't prove how she ended up in the water. Without (Wagner's) interview, without his cooperation, we may never get to that truth."

He added, "We would love to have an interview with Robert Wagner, and for him to tell us the truth in that interview. That's all we want in any of this, and in any case that we work."

Dennis Davern, who at the time of Natalie Wood's disappearance remained tight lipped, has since changed his story of what happened that fateful night and now claims "I really do think RJ killed Natalie. In the beginning I wanted to believe in Robert Wagner so badly, but as time went on, I mean, to me it's obvious."

All episodes of Fatal Voyage: The Mysterious Death Of Natalie Wood are available to download and listen for free on iTunes.

ABOUT FATAL VOYAGE: THE MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF NATALIE WOOD

Created by Executive Producer Dylan Howard, "Fatal Voyage: The Mysterious Death Of Natalie Wood" is a 12-part audio documentary produced by Treefort.Media for American Media, Inc. with Kelly Garner and Carolina Saavedra as Executive Producers. For American Media Inc., Tom Freestone, Sam Ada, David Coussins, Patricia Gonzalez, James Robertson, and Matthew Semble serve as producers. Doug Montero, Michael Glynn, and Andy Tillett contributed to reporting.

SOURCE American Media, Inc.
ATLANTA, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac, the leading provider of voluntary insurance sales at the worksite, today announced that the company has been named to LATINA Style's 2018 list of 50 Best Companies for Latinas to Work for in the United States. This makes the 19th time that Aflac has appeared on this list.

According to LATINA Style Inc., they are the premier company addressing the needs of Latina professionals and business owners in the United States. Their annual report sets the standard for identifying corporations that are providing the best career opportunities for Latinas in the country.

"At Aflac, we are extremely proud of our diverse workforce, comprised of 67 percent women and nearly 45 percent minorities, with high-ranking Latinas, including our chief brand and communications officer," Aflac Chairman and CEO Dan Amos said. "We are pleased that LATINA Style has recognized Aflac, yet again for our commitment to an inclusive work environment. We firmly believe that diversity is not just good for business, it is simply the right thing to do."

"Our goal is to provide the most accurate picture of what corporate America has to offer. Selecting the top 50 companies for Latinas to work for is a difficult task. Great efforts are taken to ensure that Latinas can truly find best places, like Aflac, to nurture their careers," said Robert E. Bard, president and CEO, LATINA Style, Inc.

The annual awards ceremony honoring the LATINA Style 50 companies will take place on Feb. 21, 2019, during the LATINA Style's Diversity Leaders and Awards Conference in Washington, D.C. For more information regarding the LATINA Style 50, please visit www.latinastyle.com.

According to LATINA Style, The LATINA Style 50 report reflects those programs that Latinas are looking for when seeking job opportunities. Among the principal areas of evaluation are the number of Latina executives, Latina retention, mentoring programs, educational opportunities, employee benefits, job retraining, affinity groups and Hispanic relations. Evaluations for the 2018 annual list of 50 Best Companies for Latinas to Work For in the U.S. are based on 2017 data.

About Aflac

When a policyholder gets sick or hurt, Aflac pays cash benefits fast. For more than six decades, Aflac insurance policies have given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. In the United States, Aflac is the leader in voluntary insurance sales at the worksite. Through its trailblazing One Day PaySM initiative, for eligible claims, Aflac U.S. can process, approve and electronically send funds to claimants for quick access to cash in just one business day. In Japan, Aflac is the leading provider of medical and cancer insurance and insures 1 in 4 households. Aflac insurance products help provide protection to more than 50 million people worldwide. For 12 consecutive years, Aflac has been recognized by Ethisphere as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. In 2018, Fortune magazine recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in America for the 20th consecutive year and included Aflac on its list of World's Most Admired Companies for the 17th time. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac and One Day PaySM, visit aflac.com or aflac.com/espanol.

Aflac herein means American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.

Media contacts  Jon Sullivan, 706.763.4813 or [email protected]

Aflac analyst and investor contact  David A. Young, 706.596.3264 or 800.235.2667, FAX 706.324.6330, or [email protected]

SOURCE Aflac

Related Links

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BROOKLYN, N.Y., Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting Tuesday, October 9, 2018, the NYU Tandon School of Engineering will bring some of the best recognized leaders in artificial intelligence to Downtown Brooklyn for a series of free seminars that will be streamed worldwide.

Delivering the Dean's Lecture on October 9 will be one of China's most prominent Internet figures, widely known for his contributions to continuous speech recognition, Kai-Fu Lee. Founding director of Microsoft Research Asia, former president of Google China, and now the chairman and CEO of the venture capital firm Sinovation Ventures and president of its Artificial Intelligence Institute, Lee will address The Era of Artificial Intelligence. He will discuss the four waves of AI, how the United States and China will drive its development, how it will replace routine jobs, and the new approaches it will require in how humans relate to machines. He will also sign copies of his new book,

AI Superpowers.

"Dr. Lee is a leading authority in AI and has influenced millions of people including younger students and entrepreneurs through his personal charm, leadership, and generous support," said Zhong-Ping Jiang , a professor of electrical and computer engineering at NYU Tandon. "I just could not think of another person who understands better the present and future of AI both in China and in the United States. I encourage anyone looking for an overview of the prospects and challenges of AI to attend this first Dean's Lecture."

Other technical experts at the forefront of AI will be featured in a series of lectures entitled Modern Artificial Intelligence, which will explore current developments in the field and the future of machine learning.

Anima Anandkumar, the Bren Professor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences at the California Institute of Technology and director of machine learning research at computer and AI company Nvidia will launch the series on October 9. Anandkumar, who is a recipient of a Alfred. P. Sloan Fellowship, Microsoft Faculty Fellowship, and Google Faculty Research Award, will address The AI Trinity: Data, Algorithms, and Infrastructure.

She will explore how large-scale AI services are possible with the right marriage of data, algorithms, and cloud infrastructure. She will explain how building intelligence into data collection and aggregation can pare down the large data sets on which deep learning systems rely for training  data that are often difficult and expensive to obtain.

"We have arrived at a watershed moment in the history of technology: Just as computers began touching all aspects of our lives 40 years ago, artificial intelligence is being deployed in more and more devices, systems, and services. NYU Tandon's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is taking an important step forward both in becoming a forum on machine learning techniques and technologies and as a growing hub for innovation," said Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Anna Choromanska, organizer of the series.

The First Lectures: When and Where Anandkumar and Lee will speak at NYU's 370 Jay Street, Room Brooklyn, New York, on

Tuesday, October 9, at 11 a.m. in Room 1201 and at 1 p.m. in Room 202, respectively.

Both events are open to press; Lee's lecture is free and open to the public. To watch the

live stream for either event or RSVP to Lee's lecture, engineering.nyu.edu/modern-ai.

Upcoming seminars in the Modern Artificial Intelligence series will feature David Blei, professor of statistics and computer science at Columbia University, on October 29; and Nobel laureate Richard J. Roberts, consultant and chair of the Scientific Advisory Board at New England BioLabs, on December 11.

The first series of Modern Artificial Intelligence seminars earlier this year attracted 1,000 students, faculty, and researchers to hear presentations by Yann LeCun, Facebook's director of AI research and a member of the New York University faculty; Yoshua Bengio, head of the Montreal Institute for Learning Algorithms (MILA); Stefano Soatto, founding director of the UCLA Vision Lab; and Vladimir Vapnik, considered the father of machine learning. Over 4,000 people worldwide viewed the seminars, now archived at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhwo5ntex8iY9xhpSwWas451NgVuqBE7U.

Why AI Matters

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are having a profound influence on how we live and

work as they revolutionize health care, robotics, autonomous cars, finance, national security,

criminal justice, and smart cities. The World Economic Forum predicts that machines will do

the majority of labor within a decade but that AI will create some 58 million new jobs by 2022.

This fall, the department joins the NYU WIRELESS research center to host to a separate series of eight seminars, Circuits: Terahertz (THz) and Beyond. The department also recently held the first-ever conference on biochip security, co-hosted by the NYU Center for Cybersecurity.

"This great lineup of presentations shows how NYU Tandon's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is driving new areas of inquiry," said Jelena Kovacevic dean of NYU's Tandon School of Engineering. "These free lectures are also powerful opportunities for students, faculty and others to learn from world-class visionaries who aren't just looking at what's possible with today's technologies, but what will be possible in months and years to come thanks to fundamental advances in hardware, AI, and wireless, some of which are being engineered right here in Brooklyn."

For more information about NYU Tandon's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, visit https://engineering.nyu.edu/academics/departments/electrical-and-computer-engineering/ece-seminar-series.

About the New York University Tandon School of Engineering

The NYU Tandon School of Engineering dates to 1854, the founding date for both the New York University School of Civil Engineering and Architecture and the Brooklyn Collegiate and Polytechnic Institute (widely known as Brooklyn Poly). A January 2014 merger created a comprehensive school of education and research in engineering and applied sciences, rooted in a tradition of invention and entrepreneurship and dedicated to furthering technology in service to society. In addition to its main location in Brooklyn, NYU Tandon collaborates with other schools within NYU, one of the country's foremost private research universities, and is closely connected to engineering programs at NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU Shanghai. It operates Future Labs focused on start-up businesses in downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn and an award-winning online graduate program. For more information, visit http://engineering.nyu.edu.

www.facebook.com/nyutandon @NYUTandon

SOURCE NYU Tandon School of Engineering

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NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Lebanese MP Fouad Makhzoumi received the prestigious Global Hope Coalition Award, in recognition of his relentless efforts to spread tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Makhzoumi is a Lebanese businessman and politician, founder of the National Dialogue Party, and elected Member of Parliament in 2018.

Global Hope Coalition Award

He accepted the award on behalf of all sufferers of violent conflict in our region, and as a "Muslim who strongly believes in a future of tolerance and peaceful coexistence."

MP Makhzoumi is the founder of the Makhzoumi Foundation, a national nonprofit and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), established in 1997, to empower Lebanese individuals for a better community.

Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed over 2.5 million individual services and has empowered disenfranchised Lebanese women by providing them with the tools to survive on their own.

Makhzoumi Foundation has also been administering services through its Relief Unit for Syrian displaced communities registered with the UN, in partnership with the UNHCR, UNICEF, UNDP, UNESCO, the EU, and USAID.

"We feel it is our duty and moral obligation to help the enforced displaced Syrians, by providing them with the necessary bridges until they can return to their country," Lebanese MP said.

According to Makhzoumi, "all refugees deserve to regain a sense of dignity, access to the education and training to help them support their families in times of crisis, and access also to the skills required to rebuild their lives back home at the end of the conflict."

"The Syrian crisis is a huge burden that Lebanon cannot hold alone. Our aim is mainly to reduce the disruption of the lives of the Lebanese people who have to deal with an additional 1.5 Million Syrian displaced people for a population of 5 million in Lebanon," he added.

In an interview, Makhzoumi reflected on the importance of participation in the United Nation's General Assembly, pointing out "it was a great opportunity for us to present our case."

He said that the Lebanese politics is bound by geography, given that it shares 85% of its borders with Syria.

According to the MP, the biggest challenges facing Lebanon today is that "there is little belief that the government can play its role as it is supposed to do, for there is doubt and a lack of trust in most politicians because of the corruption," stressing out on the need for gender equality, opportunity equality, as well as the Lebanese Womens' Right to grant citizenship to their children.

Asked about the U.S. sanction against Palestinians, Makhzoumi said: "we need peace, we should implement the international resolution to reach a fair solution. Reaching a solution to this crisis, which is the main crisis in the region, would be a start to restore peace, security, and social development in the region. Jerusalem is a holy city for the Arab, and no one can ignore that it is a sacred place for all faiths Islam, Christianity, and Judaism."

In a separate context, Makhzoumi said that Trump's administration is delivering what it promised the American people, pointing out that it is not in the U.S. interest to go into a trade war with China because the "two countries need each other."

"We should encourage dialogue and not trade war," he concluded.

Media Contact:

Bernard Bridi

Phone: +961.1.637000, ext. 332

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Global Hope Coalition Award
GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 30, a famous retail company, MINISO, announced that it has signed a strategic investment agreement with Tencent and Hillhouse Capital for a total of RMB 1 billion.

This is the first external financing of MINISO since its founding in 2013. In the past 5 years, by adhering to the business philosophy of "High Quality and Low Price" and through the transformation of the supply chain, MINISO has explored a unique and novel business model in the field of retail. It has opened more than 3,000 stores worldwide and around one billion visits and 300 million purchases have been made by its guests. MINISO is considered to be the representative enterprise in the new retail era, with an impressive speed of expansion.

In 2015, MINISO launched its internationalization strategy and started opening up overseas markets. At present, more than 1,000 out of the over 3,000 MINISO stores in the world are overseas stores, which are located in more than 70 countries and regions, and the market is still expanding rapidly. The medium-term strategic goal of MINISO is "Opening 10,000 Stores in 100 Countries with RMB 100 Billion Sales"  it will have entered 100 countries and regions by 2022, with an annual revenue of RMB 100 billion and 10,000 stores worldwide.

Accepting the strategic investment from Tencent and Hillhouse Capital this time is mainly because MINISO values the coordination brought by the trilateral cooperation, and the three companies will enhance cooperation in big data analysis, smart outlets, intelligent retail, digital operation, etc. The investment of Tencent and Hillhouse Capital will help the future development of MINISO by improving its ability in terms of information technology, capital operation, corporate governance, etc. The investment will also expand its layout in the field of intelligent retail and accelerate overseas market expansion, so as to help MINISO achieve its medium-term strategic goals.

Tencent is China's leading provider of Internet value-added service, with the nation's largest social networking platform. Based on its strong social platform and big data technology, Tencent provides its users with diversified digital content and helps advertisers reach hundreds of millions of Chinese consumers.

Hillhouse Capital is a company focused on long-term value investment, aiming at creating sustainable long-term growth. Through scientific and technological innovation, Hillhouse Capital is committed to looking for the best entrepreneurs and management teams to create value together throughout the world, especially in Asia. The investments of Hillhouse Capital cover areas such as TMT, healthcare, consumption and corporate services, and span all stages of equity investment.

SOURCE MINISO Japan
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) announced today that its board of directors has selected Myrna Castrejon as its new president and chief executive officer (CEO), effective January 2019. Castrejon will succeed Jed Wallace, who has served as president and CEO since 2009.

As President and CEO of CCSA, Castrejon will lead a state charter organization that represents nearly 1,300 public charter schools educating about 650,000 students. Castrejon will be responsible for strategy, oversight and management at CCSA, and will be a member of CCSA's Board of Directors.

"I am grateful to the board of directors for entrusting me with the role of president and CEO and could not be more thrilled to rejoin an organization where I have devoted so much of my professional energy," said Myrna Castrejon. "I am excited to build upon Jed's legacy of transformational leadership and ensure that all students in California have access to a truly great public school."

Castrejon is currently the executive director for Great Public Schools Now (GPSN), a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring all students in Los Angeles can attend a high-quality public school. Castrejon comes with a strong background in education and a focus on social justice, having held various senior leadership roles at CCSA over a span of 13 years, from the organization's founding in 2003 through 2016. Castrejon served as senior vice president for regional advocacy, accountability and performance management and government affairs, and served as acting CEO while Wallace was on sabbatical in 2015.

"There is no one more prepared or deserving to lead CCSA forward than Myrna. She is a proven and visionary leader deeply committed to ensuring every student in California has access to a high-quality public education," said Margaret Fortune, the chair of the CCSA Board of Directors. "We are grateful for Jed's extraordinary leadership of this organization for the last 10 years and we know Myrna will further strengthen charter public schools in California."

Fortune, who is the first African American to chair CCSA's Board of Directors, said she is thrilled that Castrejon will be the first Latina to be CEO of the association.

"This is a historic opportunity for two women of color to lead one of the most impactful reform efforts in the nation. We deeply and personally understand the urgency of advancing an agenda for equity in education on behalf of the California communities most in need of schools that open doors to opportunity and better life outcomes," Fortune said.

Wallace will continue to serve as president and CEO until the start of 2019. He will move onto a new role advising charter school organizations across the United States.

"Having worked closely with her for a decade, I could not be more optimistic about CCSA's future under Myrna's leadership," said Jed Wallace. "Leading CCSA this past decade has been a privilege and a joy. I am in constant awe of the amazing work being done by charter school educators every day throughout California. The results and student outcomes we have collectively achieved speak for themselves and are at the core of why we do what we do. I look forward to sharing lessons learned in California with educators in other states."

Wallace led CCSA through a 10-year period marked by extraordinary growth. When he joined CCSA in 2009 as CEO, there were 284,000 students enrolled in 746 charter public schools in California. Today, there are about 650,000 students in nearly 1,300 charter public schools. Throughout his tenure, the organization fought for a variety of priorities for charter school students including: funding equity, access to school facilities, maintaining the flexibility and autonomy provided to charter schools, the replication of high-performing charter schools, the non-renewal of chronically underperforming schools and drove improvements in how special education services are provided to charter school students with disabilities.

Before joining CCSA in 2003, Castrejon served as a consultant to the Urban Education Partnership/LAUSD, where she worked to develop eight innovative early education service centers in the high-need areas of Los Angeles. Castrejon also served as the vice president of school and family networks for the Los Angeles Alliance for Student Achievement and as the director for family engagement for the Los Angeles Annenberg Metropolitan Project (LAAMP).

As the founding executive director at GPSN, Castrejon has sought creative solutions to expand the number of high-quality schools available to students in Los Angeles. GPSN has partnered with educational organizations that want to replicate or expand already successful schools in new locations where the need for high-quality schools is the greatest, and build a constituency for quality education, regardless of governance model.

"Myrna has a track record of success. Her career, from her days as a parent organizer to her leadership role at GPSN, has been focused on creating better opportunities for historically underserved students," Fortune said. "I look forward to fighting alongside her for more funding, greater equity and higher academic achievement for all public school students in California."

About California's Charter Schools

California's charter schools are public schools built to put the needs of students first. Public, free, and open to all, charter schools are a growing and valuable part of our public education system. They offer a different approach  one that is as unique as the kids they serve, one that puts kids above bureaucracy, and one that gives passionate teachers the flexibility to create dynamic lesson plans tailored to kids' individual needs. As a result, charter schools send more kids to college and are preparing more kids for the jobs of tomorrow. Learn more here.

Media Contact:

Steven Baratte

(619) 458-4364

[email protected]

SOURCE California Charter Schools Association

Related Links

http://www.ccsa.org


LONDON, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, has announced new global breast cancer data, highlighting that much remains to be done to address what the IARC calls "the alarming rise in the cancer burden globally," with 18.1 million new cases of cancer reported and 9.6 million deaths in 2018.

IARC believes that prevention plays a key role in fighting cancer. Avon's Breast Cancer Promise aims to educate 100 million women globally on the risks and signs of breast cancer through educational initiatives such as its Pink Light Project.

Avon's Pink Light Project is more urgent than ever

Avon is passionate about using its global reach to further the wellbeing of women around the world. As part of its commitment to Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2018, Avon has unveiled its Pink Light Project, a global breast cancer educational campaign in partnership with Cancer Research UK.

Avon is mobilising its 6 million Representatives around the world, who together create a unique and powerful woman-to-woman communication network, to share educational information about breast cancer. Avon will launch the Pink Light Project through its Representatives and Avon's many communications platforms with the aim of educating women around the world to increase awareness and help save lives.

"At Avon, we believe no woman should die because she was left in the dark about breast cancer," says Jan Zijderveld, CEO of Avon. "We want every woman across the globe to know the risks, the signs, and what action to take when it comes to breast cancer. That way, if a woman does have symptoms, the cancer can be caught early and, if necessary addressed with treatment as quickly as possible."

Nick Grant, Executive Director at Cancer Research UK said, "Breast cancer affects over 2 million women each year, which is why we're excited to be working with Avon to help women across the globe understand the risks and signs of the disease. Ensuring women have understandable and empowering information is a powerful first step in helping tackle a disease which affects so many worldwide. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but thousands of breast cancer deaths around the world could be prevented. Together Cancer Research UK and Avon can bring breast cancer out of the dark, putting the power back into women's hands."

Join Avon's Pink Light Project and together we will

Help every woman know the risks: so, no matter her age, she understands her risks of developing breast cancer and the positive changes she can make to manage that risk

so, no matter her age, she understands her risks of developing breast cancer and the positive changes she can make to manage that risk Help every woman know the signs: so, she knows what breast health means for her and can recognise the early signs of breast cancer

so, she knows what breast health means for her and can recognise the early signs of breast cancer Help every woman know how to take action: so, she can seek help and medical advice when it's needed

The New IARC 2018 Breast Cancer Statistics

There are 2.1 million cases of breast cancer worldwide each year

There are over 626,000 deaths from breast cancer worldwide each year

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide

In women, breast cancer makes up nearly a quarter (24.2%) of cases each year, i.e. about one in 4 of all new cancer cases diagnosed in women worldwide are breast cancer

In women breast cancer accounts for 15% of global cancer deaths

About Avon

Avon is the Company that for 130 years has proudly stood for beauty, innovation, optimism and, above all, for women. Avon products include well-recognized and beloved brands such as ANEW, Avon Color, Avon Care, Skin-So-Soft, and Advance Techniques sold through approximately 6 million active independent Avon Sales Representatives. Learn more about Avon and its products at www.avoncompany.com

About Cancer Research UK

Cancer Research UK is the world's leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research.

Cancer Research UK's pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives.

Cancer Research UK receives no funding from the UK government for its life-saving research. Every step it makes towards beating cancer relies on vital donations from the public.

Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen survival in the UK double in the last 40 years.

Today, 2 in 4 people survive their cancer for at least 10 years. Cancer Research UK's ambition is to accelerate progress so that by 2034, 3 in 4 people will survive their cancer for at least 10 years.

Cancer Research UK supports research into all aspects of cancer through the work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses.

Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK's vision is to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 0300 123 1022 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org . Follow us on Twitter and Facebook .

SOURCE Avon Products, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.avoncompany.com


PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Philadelphia marks the beginning of 2018's LGBT History Month on October 1 with the dedication of an LGBT historic marker to commemorate the nation's first gay sit-in. At 17th and St. James streets in the city's Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, the Dewey's Sit-In Historic Marker honors LGBT activists who, from May through June 1965, peacefully demonstrated against the then-popular diner's refusal to serve homosexuals and/or anyone appearing in non-gender conforming attire. After arrests, convictions and public protests, Dewey's reversed its policy, giving the nation's nascent gay rights movement one of its first victories.

The Dewey's Sit-In Historic Marker is Philadelphia's eighth government-approved, nationally significant LGBT historic marker.



"The LGBT community is the only minority worldwide that is not taught its history at home, in public school or via religious institutions. LGBT History Month is a free online educational resource that provides role models, teaches history and imparts the LGBT community's important national and international contributions," stated Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director of Equality Forum.



"The dedication of the eighth nationally significant LGBT historic marker makes the statement that not only is Philadelphia the birthplace of the nation, but the city is also the foundation of LGBT civil rights movement."

Other LGBT Historic Markers in Philadelphia:

Barbara Gittings Residence Historic Marker, 21st & Locust Streets (1960s)

Gittings is often referred to as the mother of the LGBT civil rights movement; a marker stands outside the home where she and partner Kay Lahusen resided when Gittings undertook her seminal advocacy



Dewey's Sit-In Historic Marker, 17th & St. James Streets (May-June 1965)

See above.



Annual Reminders Historic Marker (a.k.a. Gay Pioneers Historic Marker), 6th & Chestnut Streets, across from Independence Hall (July 4, 1965-69)

Activists from Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York gathered every July Fourth from 1965 through 1969 in front of Independence Hall to demonstrate for gay rights. These seminal demonstrations for equality laid the groundwork for the more violent Stonewall riots in New York.

John Fryer Historic Marker, 13th Street near Locust Street (May 1972)

Using the pseudonym Dr. Henry Anonymous, a mask and a voice modulator, Philadelphia psychiatrist John Fyrer appeared on a homosexuality panel at the 1972 Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), offering a powerful testimony that caused the APA to stop classifying homosexuality as a mental illness.

Giovanni's Room, 12th & Pine Streets (1973)

The nation's oldest-in-continuous use LGBT bookstore is now operated by Thrift for AIDS.



Philadelphia Conference Historic Marker, 4th & Arch Streets (February 1979)

After assassination of Harvey Milk in 1978, LGBT activists from around the nation gathered in Philadelphia's Old City neighborhood to plan the first National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights (October 1979), an event considered the gay Seneca Falls Convention.



AIDS Library of Philadelphia Historic Marker, Locust Street near 13th Street (1987)

In the early days of the AIDS epidemic, the AIDS Library of Philadelphia became the first library to provide information about AIDS, and eventually became a national model for other resource centers.

Edie Windsor Historic Marker, on 13th Street & Cecil B. Moore Avenue (2013)

Edie Windsor, a Philadelphia native and Temple University graduate, was the plaintiff and victor in the Supreme Court's United States vs. Windsor, a case that overturned Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act and thereby laid the groundwork for the legalization of same-sex marriage.

Equality Forum is a national and international LGBT civil rights organization headquartered in Philadelphia. Equality Forum nationally and internationally coordinates LGBT History Month, undertakes high impact national initiatives, oversees the application and installation of government approved, nationally significant LGBT historic markers, and produces documentary films.



www.equalityforum.com

www.lgbthistorymonth.com

SOURCE Equality Forum

Related Links

http://www.equalityforum.com


DUBLIN, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Next Generation Sequencing - Global Market Outlook (2017-2026)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Next Generation Sequencing market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.7% during the forecast period.

Factors such as growing adoption of sequencing technologies in clinical applications and low cost DNA sequencing are likely to drive the market growth.

On the other side, accuracy and standardization issues and lack of skilled labour are inhibiting the market growth. However, rise in personalize medicine and cloud computing are likely to create more opportunities for this market during the forecast period.

North America is expected to surpass the other regions throughout the forecast period due to the support from various government bodies, like NHGRI (National Human Genome Research Institute, US) and fund research on the genome's structure, function, and role in health and disease.

Scope

Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments

Market share analysis of the top industry players

Strategic recommendations for the new entrants

Market forecasts for a minimum of 9 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets

Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)

Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations

Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends

Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments

Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Key Topics Covered



1 Executive Summary



2 Preface

2.1 Abstract

2.2 Stake Holders

2.3 Research Scope

2.4 Research Methodology

2.5 Research Sources



3 Market Trend Analysis

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Drivers

3.3 Restraints

3.4 Opportunities

3.5 Threats

3.6 Product Analysis

3.7 Application Analysis

3.8 End User Analysis

3.9 Emerging Markets

3.10 Futuristic Market Scenario



4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

4.1 Bargaining power of suppliers

4.2 Bargaining power of buyers

4.3 Threat of substitutes

4.4 Threat of new entrants

4.5 Competitive rivalry



5 Global Next-Generation Sequencing Market, By Type of Sequencing

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Whole Genome Sequencing

5.3 Targeted Resequencing

5.4 Whole Exome Sequencing

5.5 RNA Sequencing

5.6 CHIP Sequencing

5.7 De Novo Sequencing

5.8 Methyl Sequencing

5.9 Single-Molecule Real-Time Sequencing

5.10 Pre-sequencing



6 Global Next-Generation Sequencing Market, By Product

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Instruments

6.3 Reagents & Consumables

6.4 Services

6.5 Platforms



7 Global Next-Generation Sequencing Market, By Application

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Reproductive Health

7.3 Oncology

7.4 HLA Typing/Immune System Monitoring

7.5 Metagenomics, Epidemiology & Drug Development

7.6 Agrigenomics & Forensics

7.7 Consumer Genomics

7.8 Clinical Investigation



8 Global Next-Generation Sequencing Market, By End-User

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Pesticides

8.3 Hospitals

8.4 Academics

8.5 Biotech and Pharmaceutical Firms

8.6 Drug Discovery/Personalized Medicine

8.7 Genetic Screening

8.8 Diagnostics/Infectious Diseases

8.9 Agriculture and Animal Research

8.10 Other End Users



9 Global Next-Generation Sequencing Market, By Geography

9.1 Introduction

9.2 North America

9.3 Europe

9.4 Asia Pacific

9.5 South America

9.6 Middle East & Africa



10 Key Developments

10.1 Acquisitions & Mergers

10.2 Agreements, Partnerships, Collaborations and Joint Ventures

10.3 Product Launch & Expansions

10.4 Other Activities



11 Company Profiling

11.1 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

11.2 F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG

11.3 Illumina, Inc.

11.4 Beijing Genomics Institute

11.5 Qiagen N.V.

11.6 Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.

11.7 Perkinelmer, Inc.

11.8 Agilent Technologies, Inc.

11.9 GATC Biotech AG

11.10 Oxford Nanopore Technologies, Ltd.

11.11 Macrogen, Inc.

11.12 Eurofins Scientific

11.13 Myriad Genetics

11.14 Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.

11.15 Pieriandx

11.16 Roche Holding AG

11.17 Genomatix GmbH

11.18 DNASTAR Inc.

11.19 Macrogen Inc.

11.20 Helicos BioSciences



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/ncm6cq/next_generation?w=5

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



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

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


TEMPE, Ariz., Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Combining cutting-edge cloud technology and a commitment to customer service, Nextiva is a leading business communications company. Perhaps best known for its NextOS and customer relations management software, Nextiva has been named the winner of the 2018 Spirit of Enterprise Award because of its innovation and growth.

Co-founder and CEO Tomas Gorny will accept the 2018 Spirit of Enterprise Award on Tuesday, October 2. Spirit of Enterprise will kick off this year's Economic Club of Phoenix (ECP) luncheon series, presented by Arizona State University's W. P. Carey School of Business.

Now in its 22nd year, Spirit of Enterprise honors Arizona's best companies and entrepreneurs for creating jobs, boosting the economy and delivering great customer service.

"Spirit of Enterprise is one of our foundational events every year, and we're excited to bring it to our ECP audience for the first time," says W. P. Carey School of Business Dean Amy Hillman. "It's always special when we can recognize a local business that's driving change, so I really look forward to honoring Nextiva for its incredible success over the past decade, and to hear more about the company's journey from Tomas Gorny."

About the speaker:

Tomas Gorny is an entrepreneur and philanthropist who was born and raised in Poland. He moved to the United States in pursuit of the American Dream at the age of 20 without knowing any English. Today, he's a technology visionary and serial entrepreneur. He's co-founder and CEO of Unitedweb and Nextiva, and on the board of directors for Endurance International Group.

Gorny says he based the spirit of Nextiva on innovation.

"I am excited to accept this award on behalf of Nextiva," said Tomas Gorny. "It is truly a tribute to every team member and represents the daily effort of the roughly 1,000 people that have built Nextiva from the ground up over the past 10 years. We are proud to operate in Arizona, and to continue to contribute to the vitality of this thriving business community."

In 2001, Gorny founded IPOWER which was sold to Warburg and Goldman Sachs in 2011 for nearly $1 billion and later went public. He launched Nextiva in 2006, followed by SiteLock in 2008. In 2014, Nextiva was named the fastest-growing telecommunications company in North America and the fastest growing tech company in Arizona by Deloitte. In 2015, SiteLock took Nextiva's place as the fastest-growing tech company in Arizona, with Nextiva coming in second. SiteLock sold to ABRY Partners LLC. earlier this year.

Gorny has received numerous awards for his leadership in the technology industry.

The ECP luncheon will be held Tuesday, Oct. 2, at the Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch. Tickets for non-members are available for $85.

Journalists interested in covering an event are asked to RSVP in advance.

About the W. P. Carey School of Business

The W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University is one of the top ranked and largest business schools in the United States. The school is internationally regarded for its research productivity and its distinguished faculty members, including a Nobel Prize winner. Students come from more than 100 countries and include over 50 National Merit Scholars. For more information, please visit www.wpcarey.asu.edu.

Media Contact:

Rebecca Ferriter, ASU

W. P. Carey School of Business

(310) 871-9041

[email protected]

SOURCE W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University
"To us, National Noodle Day is every day, which is why we're the perfect place to celebrate on October 6," said Dave Boennighausen, chief executive officer of Noodles & Company. "We're the noodle experts and we're always offering different tastes and combinations to bring the world's flavors directly to you. This deal is a great time to try something different on our menu, and still get our world-famous mac & cheese for free."

Noodles & Company is celebrating National Noodle Day by giving away its most popular menu item, Wisconsin Mac & Cheese. The classic mac & cheese has been the top-selling dish for more than 20 years and was recently upgraded to be even cheesier and more flavorful than ever before. Plus, the sauce is gluten- and rBST-free and contains nothing artificial.

The National Noodle Day Wisconsin Mac & Cheese offer is exclusive to NoodlesREWARDS members. Guests who are not yet NoodlesREWARDS members can sign up by Friday, Oct. 5, and download the NoodlesREWARDS app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store, or sign up online at noodles.com/rewards. To find the closest restaurant location, visit locations.noodles.com.

About Noodles & Company

Since 1995, Noodles & Company has been serving noodles your way, from noodles and flavors that you know and love, to new ones you're about to discover for the first time. From indulgent Wisconsin Mac & Cheese to good-for-you Zoodles, Noodles serves a world of flavor in every bowl. Made up of more than 450 restaurants and 10,000 passionate team members, Noodles is dedicated to nourishing and inspiring every guest who walks through the door. To learn more or find the location nearest you, visit www.noodles.com.

Media Contact

Danielle Moore: [email protected]

SOURCE Noodles & Company

Related Links

http://www.noodles.com


BOCA RATON, Fla., Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Phoenix Tower International (PTI), a leading wireless communications infrastructure provider, announces it has closed a US$485mn senior secured term loan facility to continue its international expansion.

PTI successfully upsized and extended its existing credit facility and strengthened the composition of its syndicate group highlighting the company's continuing success. The transaction consists of US$290mn senior secured 5-year term loan and US$195mn delayed draw which will allow PTI to continue expanding internationally.

The credit facility was led by Scotiabank, with Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, Santander, ING Capital, Natixis, Banco General, Orix Capital, and Towerbank participating and is the first Pan-Latin America facility of its kind secured by infrastructure assets. The credit facility provides financing on PTI's existing wireless infrastructure, new tower development and acquisitions across PTI's existing Latin America markets as well as many additional Latin America markets including Belize, Chile, Costa Rica Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, the French West Indies, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Paraguay.

"With this financing, PTI has full flexibility to continue to grow the business across Latin America with available debt financing at our disposal. This will allow us to deliver for our customers, sellers and business partners in an expedited manner with a syndicated lender group comprised of long term relationships that PTI has had since inception as well as new relationships that will help PTI take the business to the next level in the years to come. We are incredibly excited to close this loan with Scotiabank and the entire lender group," said Dagan Kasavana, Chief Executive Officer of PTI.

PTI was represented by Locke Lord. Scotiabank and the Lender Group were represented by White & Case. Terms of the transaction remain confidential between the parties.

About Phoenix Tower International:

Founded in 2013, Phoenix Tower International ("PTI") owns and manages over 6,000 towers, 974 km of fiber and other wireless infrastructure and related sites throughout Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, French West Indies, Jamaica, and the United States, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

PTI's investors include funds managed by Blackstone Tactical Opportunities and John Hancock, as well as various members of the management team. For more information, please visit www.phoenixintnl.com.

SOURCE Phoenix Tower International

Related Links

http://www.phoenixintnl.com


"Our thoughts are with those impacted by this historic flooding," said Nora Swimm, senior vice president  Corporate Client Services. "Florence impacted millions of Americans, including customers served by our member companies in North Carolina and Virginia, but PJM's culture of caring extends far beyond our physical footprint. We are grateful our contribution can help people throughout the East Coast recover from this catastrophic event."

Over the last three weeks, the Red Cross has mobilized more than 3,500 disaster workers. The Red Cross and other organizations reported providing more than 113,000 overnight stays in emergency shelters to date and serving nearly 900,000 meals and snacks. The Red Cross has also distributed more than 110,000 relief items for people forced from their homes.

PJM employees contribute time and donations to many programs in the community. During 2017, PJM employees donated $150,000 to area nonprofit organizations. In addition, employees volunteered more than 2,200 hours at local homeless shelters, food banks, schools, recreation centers and parks, helping to improve the lives of people in their communities.

PJM's Corporate Social Responsibility Report highlights the many community projects, educational-outreach efforts, environmental and health-related activities, and initiatives supported by employees.

PJM Interconnection, founded in 1927, ensures the reliability of the high-voltage electric power system serving 65 million people in all or parts of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. PJM coordinates and directs the operation of the region's transmission grid, which includes over 84,042 miles of transmission lines; administers a competitive wholesale electricity market; and plans regional transmission expansion improvements to maintain grid reliability and relieve congestion. PJM's regional grid and market operations produce annual savings of $2.8 billion to $3.1 billion. For the latest news about PJM, visit PJM Inside Lines at insidelines.pjm.com.

SOURCE PJM Interconnection

Related Links

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TEMPE, Ariz., Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in September, and the overall economy grew for the 113th consecutive month, say the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business.

The report was issued today by Timothy R. Fiore, CPSM, C.P.M., Chair of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Manufacturing Business Survey Committee: "The September PMI registered 59.8 percent, a decrease of 1.5 percentage points from the August reading of 61.3 percent. The New Orders Index registered 61.8 percent, a decrease of 3.3 percentage points from the August reading of 65.1 percent. The Production Index registered 63.9 percent, a 0.6 percentage point increase compared to the August reading of 63.3 percent. The Employment Index registered 58.8 percent, an increase of 0.3 percentage point from the August reading of 58.5 percent. The Supplier Deliveries Index registered 61.1 percent, a 3.4-percentage point decrease from the August reading of 64.5 percent. The Inventories Index registered 53.3 percent, a decrease of 2.1 percentage points from the August reading of 55.4 percent. The Prices Index registered 66.9 percent in September, a 5.2-percentage point decrease from the August reading of 72.1 percent, indicating higher raw materials prices for the 31st consecutive month.

"Comments from the panel reflect continued expanding business strength. Demand remains strong, with the New Orders Index at 60 percent or above for the 17th straight month, and the Customers' Inventories Index remaining low. The Backlog of Orders Index continued to expand, but at lower levels compared to the previous month. Consumption improved, with production and employment continuing to expand, at higher levels compared to August, despite shortages in labor and materials. Inputs  expressed as supplier deliveries (decreased), inventories and imports  improved compared to prior month's activity. But continued supply chain inefficiencies led to an increased consumption of inventory and a slight expansion of imports, which adequately supported production output. Lead-time extensions, steel and aluminum disruptions, supplier labor issues, and transportation difficulties continue to limit potential, but at more manageable levels.

"Export orders expanded, but four major industries are no longer contributing. Price pressure continues, but the index softened for the fourth straight month and dropped below 70 for the first time since December 2017. Demand remains robust, but employment resources and supply chains continue to struggle, but to a lesser degree. Respondents are again overwhelmingly concerned about tariff-related activity, including how reciprocal tariffs will impact company revenue and current manufacturing locations," says Fiore.

Of the 18 manufacturing industries, 15 reported growth in September, in the following order: Textile Mills; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Plastics & Rubber Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Machinery; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Paper Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Chemical Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Transportation Equipment; Furniture & Related Products; Fabricated Metal Products; and Nonmetallic Mineral Products. The only industry reporting contraction in September is Primary Metals.

WHAT RESPONDENTS ARE SAYING

"The market is in a state of chaos with the latest round of tariffs. As an electronics original equipment manufacturer, component prices have been impacted almost across the board. The tariffs have caused a mass rush to buy up inventories of affected products in order to minimize the long-term financial impact. This in turn, is causing market constraints which further drive-up the cost and increase lead times." (Computer & Electronic Products)

"Tariffs starting to take a bite out of profitability." (Chemical Products)

"Business is strong and relatively stable. Tariffs are putting pressure on Chinese imports. Labor rates are increasing as it is very difficult to find help." (Furniture & Related Products)

"The economy's strength is holding, [and] outlook for the industry is positive, although continuing margin compression in consumer packaged goods is restricting general growth momentum from the greater economy." (Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products)

"Still extremely strong through November; starting to see a decline for steel prices for December." (Fabricated Metal Products)

"General available capacity at suppliers continues to decrease, creating supply issues." (Machinery)

"Tariffs are creating a drag on some of our export opportunities." (Plastics & Rubber Products)

"Sourcing hourly workers for remote locations continues to be a challenge for both full-time and part-time opportunities. Have implemented a wide variety of recruiting techniques and suppliers to aid us in sourcing this hard-to-find talent." (Paper Products)

"Orders are coming in, but from a limited number of customers. The future looks very promising." (Primary Metals)

"Suppliers are impacted by China tariffs, [which is] delaying or cancelling manufacturing transfer projects." (Miscellaneous Manufacturing)

MANUFACTURING AT A GLANCE September 2018 Index Series

Index Sep Series

Index Aug Percentage Point Change Direction Rate of

Change Trend*

(Months) PMI 59.8 61.3 -1.5 Growing Slower 25 New Orders 61.8 65.1 -3.3 Growing Slower 33 Production 63.9 63.3 +0.6 Growing Faster 25 Employment 58.8 58.5 +0.3 Growing Faster 24 Supplier Deliveries 61.1 64.5 -3.4 Slowing Slower 24 Inventories 53.3 55.4 -2.1 Growing Slower 9 Customers' Inventories 40.5 41.0 -0.5 Too Low Faster 24 Prices 66.9 72.1 -5.2 Increasing Slower 31 Backlog of Orders 55.7 57.5 -1.8 Growing Slower 20 New Export Orders 56.0 55.2 +0.8 Growing Faster 31 Imports 54.5 53.9 +0.6 Growing Faster 20 OVERALL ECONOMY Growing Slower 113 Manufacturing Sector Growing Slower 25

Manufacturing ISM Report On Business data is seasonally adjusted for the New Orders, Production, Employment and Supplier Deliveries Indexes.

*Number of months moving in current direction.

COMMODITIES REPORTED UP/DOWN IN PRICE AND IN SHORT SUPPLY

Commodities Up in Price

Aluminum (23); Aluminum Based Products (5); Corrugate (24); Electrical Components (2); Electronic Components (2); Freight (8); Hydrochloric Acid; Lumber (3); Nylon (4); Paper (5); Steel*; Steel  Stainless (6); Steel Based Products (5); and Sulfuric Acid.

Commodities Down in Price

Brass; Copper (3); Steel*; and Steel  Hot Rolled.

Commodities in Short Supply

Capacitors (15); Electronic Components (5); Freight (5); Labor (2); Nylon; Resistors (11); and Sulfuric Acid.

The number of consecutive months the commodity is listed is indicated after each item.

*Indicates both up and down in price.

SEPTEMBER 2018 MANUFACTURING INDEX SUMMARIES

PMI 

Manufacturing expanded in September as the PMI registered 59.8 percent, a decrease of 1.5 percentage points from the August reading of 61.3 percent. "This indicates strong growth in manufacturing for the 25th consecutive month, led by strong production output, continued strength in new orders, and improvements in supply chain delivery performance, and better utilization of existing inventory accounts," says Fiore. A reading above 50 percent indicates that the manufacturing economy is generally expanding; below 50 percent indicates that it is generally contracting.

A PMI above 43.2 percent, over a period of time, generally indicates an expansion of the overall economy. Therefore, the September PMI indicates growth for the 113th consecutive month in the overall economy and the 25th straight month of growth in the manufacturing sector. "The past relationship between the PMI and the overall economy indicates that the PMI for September (59.8 percent) corresponds to a 5.1-percent increase in real gross domestic product (GDP) on an annualized basis."

THE LAST 12 MONTHS

Month PMI

Month PMI Sep 2018 59.8

Mar 2018 59.3 Aug 2018 61.3

Feb 2018 60.8 Jul 2018 58.1

Jan 2018 59.1 Jun 2018 60.2

Dec 2017 59.3 May 2018 58.7

Nov 2017 58.2 Apr 2018 57.3

Oct 2017 58.5 Average for 12 months  59.2 High  61.3 Low  57.3

New Orders

ISM's New Orders Index registered 61.8 percent in September, which is a decrease of 3.3 percentage points when compared to the 65.1 percent reported for August, indicating growth in new orders for the 33rd consecutive month. "Customer demand expansion softened slightly this month but continued to expand at high levels, with the index at or above 60 percent for the 17th straight month," says Fiore. A New Orders Index above 52.4 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Census Bureau's series on manufacturing orders (in constant 2000 dollars).

Twelve of 18 industries reported growth in new orders in September, in the following order: Textile Mills; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Plastics & Rubber Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Chemical Products; Paper Products; Machinery; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Furniture & Related Products; and Transportation Equipment. The three industries reporting a decrease in new orders in September are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Primary Metals; and Fabricated Metal Products.

New Orders %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index Sep 2018 31.4 57.7 10.9 +20.5 61.8 Aug 2018 35.4 54.3 10.3 +25.1 65.1 Jul 2018 29.0 60.1 10.9 +18.1 60.2 Jun 2018 39.7 53.0 7.3 +32.5 63.5

Production

ISM's Production Index registered 63.9 percent in September, which is an increase of 0.6 percentage point when compared to the 63.3 percent reported for August, indicating growth in production for the 25th consecutive month. "Production expansion continued in September, surpassing August expansion and resulting in the strongest gains since January 2018, when the index registered 64.5. Labor constraints throughout the supply chain, impacts due to lead-time expansions and transportation difficulties continue to limit full production potential," says Fiore. An index above 51.5 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Federal Reserve Board's Industrial Production figures.

The 14 industries reporting growth in production during the month of September  listed in order  are: Printing & Related Support Activities; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Textile Mills; Plastics & Rubber Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Machinery; Chemical Products; Furniture & Related Products; Paper Products; Fabricated Metal Products; and Transportation Equipment. No industry reported a decrease in production in September.

Production %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index Sep 2018 33.6 56.7 9.6 +24.0 63.9 Aug 2018 35.3 53.8 10.9 +24.4 63.3 Jul 2018 31.5 52.6 15.9 +15.6 58.5 Jun 2018 38.7 51.0 10.3 +28.4 62.3

Employment

ISM's Employment Index registered 58.8 percent in September, an increase of 0.3 percentage point when compared to the August reading of 58.5 percent. This indicates growth in employment in September for the 24th consecutive month. "Employment continued to expand, supporting production growth. The index achieved its highest level since February 2018, when it registered 59.7. Respondents continued to note labor-market issues as a constraint to their production and, more significantly, their suppliers' production capability," says Fiore. An Employment Index above 50.8 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data on manufacturing employment.

Of the 18 manufacturing industries, the 12 reporting employment growth in September  listed in order  are: Textile Mills; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Petroleum & Coal Products; Paper Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Machinery; Transportation Equipment; Fabricated Metal Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; and Chemical Products. The three industries reporting a decrease in employment in September are: Printing & Related Support Activities; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; and Furniture & Related Products.

Employment %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index Sep 2018 26.1 62.9 11.0 +15.1 58.8 Aug 2018 26.6 63.6 9.8 +16.8 58.5 Jul 2018 27.1 61.2 11.7 +15.4 56.5 Jun 2018 29.0 59.6 11.3 +17.7 56.0

Supplier Deliveries

The delivery performance of suppliers to manufacturing organizations slowed in September, as the Supplier Deliveries Index registered 61.1 percent. This is 3.4 percentage points lower than the 64.5 percent reported for August. "This is the 24th straight month of slowing supplier deliveries and indicates the supply chain's difficulty in keeping up with new order and production demand. Lead times continue to extend, supply chain labor issues continue to restrict performance, and transportation issues are limiting supplier execution," says Fiore. A reading below 50 percent indicates faster deliveries, while a reading above 50 percent indicates slower deliveries.

The 13 industries reporting slower supplier deliveries in September  listed in order  are: Textile Mills; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Furniture & Related Products; Machinery; Computer & Electronic Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Plastics & Rubber Products; Paper Products; Chemical Products; and Transportation Equipment. No manufacturing industries reported faster supplier deliveries during the month of September.

Supplier Deliveries %Slower %Same %Faster Net Index Sep 2018 28.3 67.1 4.6 +23.7 61.1 Aug 2018 32.6 62.9 4.5 +28.1 64.5 Jul 2018 28.5 67.8 3.7 +24.8 62.1 Jun 2018 38.7 58.9 2.4 +36.3 68.2

Inventories *

The Inventories Index registered 53.3 percent in September, which is a decrease of 2.1 percentage points when compared to the 55.4 percent reported for August. "Inventories continued to expand for the ninth consecutive month. Supplier deliveries improved compared to the previous month, but inventories declined as a result of strong production output," says Fiore. An Inventories Index greater than 43 percent, over time, is generally consistent with expansion in the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) figures on overall manufacturing inventories (in chained 2000 dollars).

The 11 industries reporting higher inventories in September  listed in order  are: Textile Mills; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Transportation Equipment; Primary Metals; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Machinery. The three industries reporting a decrease in inventories in September are: Printing & Related Support Activities; Fabricated Metal Products; and Furniture & Related Products.

Inventories %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index Sep 2018 20.6 65.4 14.0 +6.6 53.3 Aug 2018 25.2 60.4 14.5 +10.7 55.4 Jul 2018 22.3 61.9 15.8 +6.5 53.3 Jun 2018 20.7 60.2 19.1 +1.6 50.8

Customers' Inventories *

ISM's Customers' Inventories Index registered 40.5 percent in September, which is 0.5 percentage point lower than the 41 percent reported for August, indicating that customers' inventory levels were considered too low. "Customers' inventory levels are too low for the 24th consecutive month, which continue to represent notable unmet demand in the near term," says Fiore.

The only manufacturing industry that reported customers' inventories as too high during the month of September is Transportation Equipment. The nine industries reporting customers' inventories as too low during September  listed in order  are: Plastics & Rubber Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Paper Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Machinery; Chemical Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. Six industries reported no change in customers' inventories in September as compared with August.

Customers'

Inventories %

Reporting %Too

High %About

Right %Too

Low Net Index Sep 2018 79 6.0 69.0 25.0 -19.0 40.5 Aug 2018 82 7.8 66.5 25.7 -17.9 41.0 Jul 2018 79 4.8 69.2 26.0 -21.2 39.4 Jun 2018 79 5.3 68.9 25.8 -20.6 39.7

Prices *

The ISM Prices Index registered 66.9 percent in September, a decrease of 5.2 percentage points from the August reading of 72.1 percent, indicating an increase in raw materials prices for the 31st consecutive month. In September, 42.3 percent of respondents reported paying higher prices, 8.6 percent reported paying lower prices, and 49.1 percent of supply executives reported paying the same prices as in August. "The price increases across all industry sectors continue, but at lower expansion levels. The Business Survey Committee noted price increases softening in metals (all steels, steel components and aluminum). However, increases continue in various chemicals, corrugate and packaging products, freight, labor, electrical and electronic components, products manufactured primarily from steel, and paper products. Shortages continue in electrical and electronic components, labor, and freight. The index eased to its lowest expansion level since November 2017, when it registered 64.8 percent," says Fiore. A Prices Index above 52.4 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Producer Price Index for Intermediate Materials.

Fifteen of the 18 industries reported paying increased prices for raw materials in September, in the following order: Textile Mills; Printing & Related Support Activities; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Paper Products; Chemical Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Machinery; Furniture & Related Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Transportation Equipment; Plastics & Rubber Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; and Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components. The two industries reporting a decrease in prices in September are: Primary Metals; and Fabricated Metal Products.

Prices %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index Sep 2018 42.3 49.1 8.6 +33.7 66.9 Aug 2018 51.1 42.0 6.8 +44.3 72.1 Jul 2018 54.6 37.3 8.1 +46.5 73.2 Jun 2018 56.9 39.9 3.3 +53.6 76.8

Backlog of Orders *

ISM's Backlog of Orders Index registered 55.7 percent in September, which is 1.8 percentage points lower than the 57.5 percent reported in August, indicating growth in order backlogs for the 20th consecutive month. "Backlogs continued to grow, but at slightly lower levels compared to August. Continued low levels of customer inventory and strong new order expansion continue to support production requirements in the near term," says Fiore.

The 11 industries reporting growth in order backlogs in September  listed in order  are: Textile Mills; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Plastics & Rubber Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Chemical Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Machinery; and Transportation Equipment. The five industries reporting a decrease in order backlogs during September are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Primary Metals; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Fabricated Metal Products; and Furniture & Related Products.

Backlog of

Orders %

Reporting %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index Sep 2018 89 26.7 57.9 15.4 +11.3 55.7 Aug 2018 87 30.3 54.4 15.3 +15.0 57.5 Jul 2018 87 24.0 61.3 14.7 +9.3 54.7 Jun 2018 90 32.8 54.6 12.6 +20.2 60.1

New Export Orders *

ISM's New Export Orders Index registered 56 percent in September, an increase of 0.8 percentage point when compared to the 55.2 percent reported for August, indicating growth in new export orders for 31 consecutive months. "Export Index remains strong, but only two of the six big industry sectors contributed during the period, down two from the previous month," says Fiore.

The five industries reporting growth in new export orders in September are: Petroleum & Coal Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Chemical Products; and Computer & Electronic Products. The three industries reporting a decrease in new export orders in September are: Primary Metals; Plastics & Rubber Products; and Transportation Equipment. Ten industries reported no change in new export orders in September.

New Export

Orders %

Reporting %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index Sep 2018 80 19.4 73.3 7.3 +12.1 56.0 Aug 2018 79 20.7 69.1 10.2 +10.5 55.2 Jul 2018 78 18.1 74.3 7.6 +10.5 55.3 Jun 2018 79 15.8 81.1 3.1 +12.6 56.3

Imports *

ISM's Imports Index registered 54.5 percent in September, an increase of 0.6 percentage point when compared to the 53.9 percent reported for August, indicating that imports grew in September for the 20th consecutive month. "Imports continued to expand, but at 2.7 points lower than Q2 average levels," says Fiore.

The nine industries reporting growth in imports during the month of September  listed in order  are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Plastics & Rubber Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Furniture & Related Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; and Chemical Products. The four industries reporting a decrease in imports during September are: Primary Metals; Paper Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; and Fabricated Metal Products.

Imports %

Reporting %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index Sep 2018 85 19.4 70.2 10.4 +9.0 54.5 Aug 2018 87 17.2 73.6 9.3 +7.9 53.9 Jul 2018 82 19.4 70.6 10.0 +9.4 54.7 Jun 2018 85 24.3 69.3 6.4 +17.9 59.0

*The Inventories, Customers' Inventories, Prices, Backlog of Orders, New Export Orders and Imports Indexes do not meet the accepted criteria for seasonal adjustments.

Buying Policy

Average commitment lead time for Capital Expenditures increased by three days in September to 147 days. Average lead time for Production Materials decreased by one day to 68 days. Average lead time for Maintenance, Repair and Operating (MRO) Supplies increased by one day to 34 days.

Percent Reporting















Capital

Expenditures Hand-to-

Mouth 30

Days 60

Days 90

Days 6

Months 1 Year+ Average

Days Sep 2018 19 7 10 19 23 22 147 Aug 2018 19 8 7 22 23 21 144 Jul 2018 23 7 9 15 28 18 137 Jun 2018 21 7 9 17 26 20 143















Production

Materials Hand-to-

Mouth 30

Days 60

Days 90

Days 6

Months 1 Year+ Average

Days Sep 2018 12 34 28 15 7 4 68 Aug 2018 11 36 27 14 8 4 69 Jul 2018 11 37 23 18 7 4 69 Jun 2018 11 33 29 16 7 4 69















MRO Supplies Hand-to-

Mouth 30

Days 60

Days 90

Days 6

Months 1 Year+ Average

Days Sep 2018 38 36 16 7 3 0 34 Aug 2018 41 37 15 4 2 1 33 Jul 2018 37 41 13 6 2 1 35 Jun 2018 36 43 14 5 2 0 31

About T his Report

DO NOT CONFUSE THIS NATIONAL REPORT with the various regional purchasing reports released across the country. The national report's information reflects the entire U.S., while the regional reports contain primarily regional data from their local vicinities. Also, the information in the regional reports is not used in calculating the results of the national report. The information compiled in this report is for the month of September 2018.

The data presented herein is obtained from a survey of manufacturing supply executives based on information they have collected within their respective organizations. ISM makes no representation, other than that stated within this release, regarding the individual company data collection procedures. The data should be compared to all other economic data sources when used in decision-making.

Data and Method of Presentation

The Manufacturing ISM Report On Business is based on data compiled from purchasing and supply executives nationwide. The composition of the Manufacturing Business Survey Committee is stratified according to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) and each of the following NAICS-based industry's contribution to gross domestic product (GDP): Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Textile Mills; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Wood Products; Paper Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Petroleum & Coal Products; Chemical Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Primary Metals; Fabricated Metal Products; Machinery; Computer & Electronic Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Transportation Equipment; Furniture & Related Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing (products such as medical equipment and supplies, jewelry, sporting goods, toys and office supplies). The data are weighted based on each industry's contribution to GDP. Beginning in January 2018, computation of the indexes is accomplished utilizing unrounded numbers.

Survey responses reflect the change, if any, in the current month compared to the previous month. For each of the indicators measured (New Orders, Backlog of Orders, New Export Orders, Imports, Production, Supplier Deliveries, Inventories, Customers' Inventories, Employment and Prices), this report shows the percentage reporting each response, the net difference between the number of responses in the positive economic direction (higher, better and slower for Supplier Deliveries) and the negative economic direction (lower, worse and faster for Supplier Deliveries), and the diffusion index. Responses are raw data and are never changed. The diffusion index includes the percent of positive responses plus one-half of those responding the same (considered positive).

The resulting single index number for those meeting the criteria for seasonal adjustments (PMI, New Orders, Production, Employment and Supplier Deliveries) is then seasonally adjusted to allow for the effects of repetitive intra-year variations resulting primarily from normal differences in weather conditions, various institutional arrangements, and differences attributable to non-moveable holidays. All seasonal adjustment factors are subject annually to relatively minor changes when conditions warrant them. The PMI is a composite index based on the diffusion indexes of five of the indexes with equal weights: New Orders (seasonally adjusted), Production (seasonally adjusted), Employment (seasonally adjusted), Supplier Deliveries (seasonally adjusted), and Inventories.

Diffusion indexes have the properties of leading indicators and are convenient summary measures showing the prevailing direction of change and the scope of change. A PMI reading above 50 percent indicates that the manufacturing economy is generally expanding; below 50 percent indicates that it is generally declining. A PMI above 43.2 percent, over a period of time, indicates that the overall economy, or gross domestic product (GDP), is generally expanding; below 43.2 percent, it is generally declining. The distance from 50 percent or 43.2 percent is indicative of the extent of the expansion or decline. With some of the indicators within this report, ISM has indicated the departure point between expansion and decline of comparable government series, as determined by regression analysis. The Manufacturing ISM Report On Business survey is sent out to Manufacturing Business Survey Committee respondents the first part of each month. Respondents are asked to ONLY report on information for the current month. ISM receives survey responses throughout most of any given month, with the majority of respondents generally waiting until late in the month to submit responses in order to give the most accurate picture of current business activity. ISM then compiles the report for release on the first business day of the following month.

The industries reporting growth, as indicated in the Manufacturing ISM Report On Business monthly report, are listed in the order of most growth to least growth. For the industries reporting contraction or decreases, those are listed in the order of the highest level of contraction/decrease to the least level of contraction/decrease.

Responses to Buying Policy reflect the percent reporting the current month's lead time, the approximate weighted number of days ahead for which commitments are made for Capital Expenditures; Production Materials; and Maintenance, Repair and Operating (MRO) Supplies, expressed as hand-to-mouth (five days), 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, six months (180 days), a year or more (360 days), and the weighted average number of days. These responses are raw data, never revised, and not seasonally adjusted since there is no significant seasonal pattern.

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About Institute for Supply Management 

Institute for Supply Management (ISM) serves supply management professionals in more than 90 countries. Its 50,000 members around the world manage about US$1 trillion in corporate and government supply chain procurement annually. Founded in 1915 as the first supply management institute in the world, ISM is committed to advancing the practice of supply management to drive value and competitive advantage for its members, contributing to a prosperous and sustainable world. ISM leads the profession through the ISM Report On Business, its highly regarded certification programs and the ISM Mastery Model. This report has been issued by the association since 1931, except for a four-year interruption during World War II.

The full text version of the Manufacturing ISM Report On Business is posted on ISM's website at www.ismrob.org on the first business day* of every month after 10:00 a.m. ET.

The next Manufacturing ISM Report On Business featuring October 2018 data will be released at 10:00 a.m. ET on Thursday, November 1, 2018.

*Unless the New York Stock Exchange is closed.

Contact: Kristina Cahill

Report On Business Analyst

ISM, ROB/Research Manager

Tempe, Arizona

+1 480.455.5910

Email: [email protected]









SOURCE Institute for Supply Management
DENVER, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- RE/MAX, LLC, the #1 name in real estate*, was ranked a top 10 franchise brand for the third consecutive year and the leading real estate franchise for the 10th year in a row in the 2018 Franchise Times Top 200+ survey.

"RE/MAX and the RE/MAX network continues to outperform many of our competitors, year after year, in annual surveys and rankings," said RE/MAX CEO Adam Contos. "Our franchise model highlights the significance of the individual real estate agent and it's one of the many reasons why RE/MAX attracts some of the most talented and top performing professionals in the industry."

Highlights of this year's ranking include:

RE/MAX ranked the #1 real estate franchise brand

RE/MAX ranked #10 overall (#8 in 2017, #8 in 2016, #11 in 2015, #12 in 2014 and #14 in 2013)

Closest RE/MAX competitors were Keller Williams Realty at #17 and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices at #49

The top 10 overall standings include #1 McDonald's, #2 7-11, #3 KFC, #4 Burger King, #5 Subway, #6 Ace Hardware, #7 Domino's, #8 Pizza Hut, #9 Marriott Hotels & Resorts and #10 RE/MAX.

The Franchise Times Top 200+ is an annual ranking of the 500 largest franchise systems in the United States by global systemwide sales, based on the previous year's performance. According to the 2018 survey, the top 10 franchise systems added $14.3 billion in sales during 2017, a five percent increase from 2016 and nearly double the group's sales growth last year of $7.8 billion. The top 10 now account for more than $300 billion in annual sales and is almost half of the entire top 200+, which recorded sales of $644.8 billion in 2017. The rankings and full report are available at franchisetimes.com.

Earlier this year, Entrepreneur ranked RE/MAX a top 10 global franchise for the first time in the magazine's annual "Top Global Franchises" list. RE/MAX was also named the world's fastest growing real estate franchise, according to the publication's 2018 "Top Fastest Growing Franchises" ranking. The ranking of 150 franchises placed RE/MAX in the 12th spot overall and marked the fifth consecutive year the franchisor has been included in the annual list. RE/MAX ranked #15 in 2017, #17 in 2016, #45 in 2015 and #16 in 2014.

Recent national surveys demonstrate the high productivity of the RE/MAX network. RE/MAX placed more agents than any other brand in the 2018 REAL Trends "America's Best Real Estate Professionals" rankings as nearly one in four agents in the survey was a RE/MAX agent. RE/MAX also had more agents ranked than any other brand in the 13th Annual REAL Trends "The Thousand," released this past June. RE/MAX agents have claimed the most rankings in the respected survey three out of the last four years.

RE/MAX is in more countries and territories than any other real estate brand. From a single office that opened in 1973 in Denver, Colo., RE/MAX has grown into a global real estate network with more than 120,000 sales associates in more than 100 countries and territories.

About the RE/MAX Network

As one of the leading global real estate franchisors, RE/MAX, LLC is a subsidiary of RE/MAX Holdings (NYSE: RMAX) with over 120,000 agents in more than 100 countries and territories. Nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX, as measured by residential transaction sides. Dedicated to innovation and change in the real estate industry, RE/MAX launched Motto Mortgage, a ground-breaking mortgage franchisor, in 2016 and acquired booj, a real estate technology company, in 2018. RE/MAX agents have lived, worked and served in their local communities for decades, raising millions of dollars every year for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and other charities. To learn more about RE/MAX, to search home listings or find an agent in your community, please visit www.remax.com. For the latest news about RE/MAX, please visit www.remax.com/newsroom.

SOURCE RE/MAX, LLC

Related Links

http://www.remax.com/newsroom


NEWTOWN, Conn., Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Sandy Hook Promise and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General are proud to announce that they are partnering to roll out the Safe2Say Something Anonymous Reporting System. Through this partnership, Sandy Hook Promise will help the Office of Attorney General onboard over 500 school districts across the state.

The Safe2Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows individuals to submit secure and anonymous safety concerns to help identify and intervene when unsafe and/or harmful behaviors take place. The tips can be submitted via the app, online, or a dedicated hotline, and each tip is reviewed by the Safe2Say Something call center housed in the Office of Attorney General. The call center will process and refer each tip to the appropriate school teams and law enforcement according to the level of threat.

"Pennsylvania students deserve a safe place to learn, free from the threat of violence from classmates or other individuals," said Attorney General Josh Shapiro. "I'm proud my office was entrusted by the legislature to run this new program focused on school safety. Working together with Sandy Hook Promise, we can make Pennsylvania safer for families, teachers and, most importantly, our students."

This partnership is the first of its kind where Sandy Hook Promise is providing its expertise from its proven Anonymous Reporting System at a state-wide level. While Sandy Hook Promise is partnering with school districts across the country to bring this life-saving program to individual school districts, Pennsylvania represents the first time this will be done for all districts across the entire state, showing a strong commitment to empowering students to report their concerns and intervene before a crisis occurs.

"We are proud to work with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General to provide students with our comprehensive violence prevention training and anonymous reporting system. We know that early prevention programs like ours are proven to stop violence before it starts. With this launch, we will train students across the state how to recognize at-risk behaviors and take action to help someone else by submitting a tip anonymously. With Safe2Say Something, students and parents can be confident that the Attorney General's call center will immediately process all tips and refer them on to school teams and local law enforcement, so no one falls through the cracks. Safe2Say Something will save lives and help so many Pennsylvania students to stay safe and healthy," said Nicole Hockley, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Sandy Hook Promise and mother to Dylan, killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

It has been reported that 80% of school shooters and 70% of individuals who completed suicides told someone of their violent plans prior to taking action - yet no interventions were made. SHP has tirelessly worked to solve this problem for the past three years through its four evidenced-based Know the Signs programs, provided at no cost to schools nationwide.

To date, Sandy Hook Promise has trained more than 3.5 million students and adults, including teachers, administrators, and law enforcement officials in all 50 states in its Know the Signs Programs. As a result, SHP has helped to intervene on multiple threats - including school shooting plots, suicides, and other threats of violence, as well as helping to reduce bullying and assisting hundreds of individuals to get mental health assistance.

The Safe2Say Something system will be overseen and operated by the Office of Attorney General with the expertise and guidance of Sandy Hook Promise, a national leader in the school safety space. Sandy Hook Promise provides overall training of Safe2Say Something to school districts and students. SHP pays for 100% of the costs to train and sustain the program in each school district. Together, Sandy Hook Promise and the Office of Attorney General will provide:

Training for all students, staff, and parents in each school districts on the Safe2Say Something Anonymous Reporting System

24/7 Crisis Center, app, telephone and mobile/web-based setup and ongoing management housed in the Office of Attorney General

"Backroom" training and management of submissions

Triage for all calls, app, mobile/web-based submissions

Routing of all tips to school officials and/or law enforcement, based on severity of threat

Set-up of Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) Promise clubs to embed the Safe2Say Something Anonymous Reporting System into the fabric and culture of schools to continuously raise awareness and empower students to act

Collateral and awareness materials (posters, floor stickers, etc.) to remind students of the program and contact information

About Sandy Hook Promise: Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) is a national, nonprofit organization based in Newtown, Connecticut. SHP is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. SHP's mission is to prevent gun violence (and other forms of violence and victimization) BEFORE it happens by educating and mobilizing youth and adults to identify, intervene and get help for at-risk individuals. SHP is a moderate, above-the-politics organization that supports sensible program and policy solutions that address the "human-side" of gun violence by preventing individuals from ever getting to the point of picking up a firearm to hurt themselves or others. Our words, actions and impact nationwide are intended to honor all victims of gun violence by turning our tragedy into a moment of transformation.

For more information, visit www.sandyhookpromise.org or call 203-304-9780.

SOURCE Sandy Hook Promise

Related Links

http://www.sandyhookpromise.org


PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Women in International Trade  Northern California (WIT-NC), a chapter of the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT), has been named the OWIT Chapter of the Year. Additionally, Chairwoman Vicki Wilkerson and President Leslie August each will receive the OWIT Woman of the Year award.

Silicon Valley Global Trade Organization and Leaders to Receive International Awards in Africa

These international awards recognize leadership, awareness and advancement of significant trade issues, organizational support, professional development and significant chapter improvement/development. WIT-NC is a non-profit organization founded in 1989. For almost 30 years, WIT-NC, an all-volunteer association, has been a trusted resource for the San Francisco Bay Area, providing programs, training and education in global trade compliance, targeted to local trade professionals. As an active force in the international trade community, WIT-NC works to expand business skills and public awareness of international trade issues.

Women in International Trade  Northern California will receive the Organization of Women in International Trade Chapter of the Year award in Nairobi, Kenya at the Annual OWIT Board of Directors Meeting on October 26th, 2018. WIT-NC leaders and recipients of the Woman of the Year Award, Vicki Wilkerson, Chairwoman and Leslie August, President will accept both awards  in person  in Nairobi following OWIT's 18th Annual World Conference on October 25th.

WIT-NC, Ms. Wilkerson and Ms. August received the awards for the robust programming, active chapter development, community partnerships, student development and significant support and promotion of the worldwide Organization of Women in International Trade.

WIT-NC produced 8 monthly educational programs and 1 webinar during the award year that addressed significant trade issues: Annual Chinese New Year Program with Baker & McKenzie, Post-Election US Trade Policy and Impacts on Trade Compliance, U.S. Anti-Boycott Regulations (webinar), Encryption Export Controls and the Internet of Things, "OWIT" in Silicon Valley: The International Connection, Country of Origin, Crouching CCATS, Hidden ITAR, How to Establish Transaction Value in "Related Party" Transactions, Legal Eagles / Mock Trial: Reasonable Care. These timely trade programs were presented to WIT-NC membership, the local business community as well as representatives of the U.S. Commercial Service.

WIT-NC produced 2 monthly programs focused on professional development in global trade compliance: Trade Compliance from Different Industry Perspectives and How to Advance Your Career in Trade.

Two Board members and one WIT-NC member presented a panel on careers in trade to California State Maritime University (CSUM) students at their annual Women in Maritime Leadership Conference. CSUM also became the 2nd WIT-NC Educational Sponsor and WIT-NC supported CSUM cadets in volunteering for WIT-NC to make valuable industry contacts and referrals. These cadets became WIT-NC official greeters at special monthly programs where they volunteered in uniform and were provided high visibility and opportunities to network with trade industry professionals.

WIT-NC also partnered with our local customs broker and freight forwarder association, CBFANC, to host Representative U.S. Representative Jackie Speier at an international trade industry dinner and presentation. Congresswoman Speier is recognized for being the first member of Congress to advocate for fundamental reforms to end the epidemic of sexual assault in the military and on college campuses, and she is leading the fight against sexism in the fields of science and technology. Representative Speier addressed the state of post-election trade policy.

WIT-NC Executive Committee members took time to present the highly-successful WIT-NC sponsorship program to participants at the OWIT Spring Board meeting. And they mentored struggling OWIT chapters in other states.

Finally, WIT-NC dedicated significant financial, Board and volunteer resources to promoting OWIT by hosting the last Fall Board Meeting. Promotion of OWIT included the establishment of a partnership with the Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) which made WIT-NC the international trade education resource for their members and introduced OWIT to many new Bay area companies. This SCCC partnership also resulted in an internet T.V. interview on Ding Ding TV of WIT-NC's President which was streamed globally and especially viewed in China.

WIT-NC Board of Directors:





Chairwoman - Vicki Wilkerson, Salesforce

President - Leslie Levy August, boomerang carnets

Vice President - Jessica Latham, KPMG

Assistant Vice President  Janice Whitaker, Teledyne Technologies

Treasurer  Tobias Andersson, NetApp

Assistant Treasurer  Chester Chu, SRI

Secretary  Lisa Perez, Western Digital

Assistant Secretary  Ann McGrath, GlobalFoundries

Programs  Ava Zhou, Flex

Marketing  Amy Papendorf, EY Assistant Marketing  Diana Lee, Google

Membership  Deep SenGupta, DSG Global

Assistant Membership  Ngoc Lewis, DSG Global

Endowment  Michael Schwartzberg, NETGEAR

Events  Sisifo Tuiloma, Flex

Volunteer  Sumika Kawamura

Assistant Volunteer  Ellen Palmer, Artech for Google

Sponsorship  Christabelle Bishman, Livingston International

WIT-NC Sponsors













Sustaining

Silver



Genentech

NetApp

Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce

CompTIA

Global Training Center

KPMG

Sandler Travis and Rosenberg







Platinum

Bronze



Thomson Reuters

Amber Road

SAP

Berliner Corcoran & Rowe

CBFANC

Gateway Recruiting

Nutanix







Gold







Baker McKenzie

boomerang carnets

The Law Offices of George R. Tuttle

Zisser Group





For additional information contact Amy Papendorf, Marketing Director, WIT-NC - [email protected], 267 575 0732 cell.

SOURCE Women in International Trade - Northern California

Related Links

http://www.wit-nc.com


ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at the Competitive Carriers Association Convention , Sitetracker , the global standard for managing high-volume, critical infrastructure projects, announced new and powerful performance management capabilities that transform how telecommunications, utility, alternative energy, and smart cities companies of all sizes can optimize their businesses.

Leaders in telecommunications recognize the benefits of performance management  a systematic approach to identifying strategic goals, aligning resources, measuring outcomes, and optimizing processes  however, until now, existing technology made it difficult for even the largest, most sophisticated organizations to successfully measure performance. With the introduction of Sitetracker's powerful new dashboards and reporting, combined with an updated and streamlined interface, it's easier than ever to measure key performance indicators (KPIs) and embrace organization-wide performance management.

Sitetracker customers already save 6 to 8 hours per week per project manager by automating reports on project data and providing sharable easy-to-navigate dashboards. With the new Sitetracker reports and dashboards, Sitetracker customers will find additional savings ensuring that time spent on low-value activities will be a thing of the past, freeing critical staff to focus on their jobs.

"We couldn't be more grateful to our beta customers who are using our new streamlined interface and seeing amazing results," said Sitetracker CTO and Co-Founder, Tim May. "Coupled with new reports and dashboards, our latest release unlocks the power of performance management and more effective project management across companies of all sizes."

In providing a holistic view of customers' businesses, Sitetracker reports and dashboards enable decision-makers to efficiently manage internal teams and vendors alike. This empowers stakeholders throughout organizations  from executives to field technicians  to track performance and optimize their operations. Sitetracker's new and powerful performance management capabilities further solidify its position as the best-in-class project and asset management platform for critical infrastructure providers.

"The Competitive Carriers Association Annual Convention, kicking off today, is a great opportunity for the telecom industry to meet and tackle shared challenges," said Giuseppe Incitti, Sitetracker CEO. "We're excited to host an amazing panel featuring our customers Verizon, Tilson, and ZenFi where they'll be discussing the benefits of process standardization in the new era of 5G."

Sitetracker has already helped leaders in the telecommunication, utility, alternative energy, and smart cities industries implement performance management programs and transform their businesses. By leveraging cutting-edge cloud technology, Sitetracker delivers powerful updates and productivity-enhancing releases with unprecedented speed. Consequently, customers deploying and maintaining critical infrastructure with Sitetracker gain access to better intelligence and achieve better business outcomes.

About Sitetracker

Sitetracker, Inc. powers the successful deployment of critical infrastructure. As the global standard for managing high-volume projects, the Sitetracker Platform enables growth-focused innovators to optimize the entire asset lifecycle. From the field to the C-suite, Sitetracker enables stakeholders to perfect how they plan, deploy, maintain, and grow their capital asset portfolios. Market leaders in the telecommunications, utility, smart cities, and alternative energy industries  such as Verizon, Nokia, Fortis, Alphabet, and Panasonic  rely on Sitetracker to manage millions of sites and projects representing over $12 billion of portfolio holdings globally. For more information, visit www.sitetracker.com .

SOURCE Sitetracker

Related Links

http://www.sitetracker.com


LAS VEGAS, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Jim Murren, MGM Resorts Chairman & CEO, released the following statement on the first anniversary of the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting:

"One year ago, our community suffered an unforgettable act of terror. For MGM Resorts,

October 1 will forever be a day of remembrance, reflection and mourning as we struggle to comprehend the incomprehensible  the senseless act of evil that caused such a tragic loss of life, along with the suffering that we know continues.

"Today, we remember the 58 innocent victims and grieve along with survivors and countless loved ones. We share the sorrow of those who mourn and continue to search for meaning in events that lie beyond our understanding. We honor the courageous first responders and give thanks to the people who found remarkable strength and bravery amidst unspeakable violence and chaos.

"In the days since October 1, we have faced unimaginable realities. Through it all, I have been more grateful than I could ever express for the support of our loyal guests, partners, friends and employees.

"Today we stand in solidarity with the Las Vegas community and vow never to surrender to the worst among us, but to celebrate the best of humanity, which we have witnessed in far greater measure. Through this unity and determination, we solemnly pledge to make October 1st a day of healing and hope."

SOURCE MGM Resorts International

Related Links

http://mgmresorts.com


The So Cal Group, which celebrated its 10-year anniversary in August, earned the prestigious Campaign Cup sales award for excellence, an honor it also accepted for its outstanding work during every quarter of 2017. The recognition is awarded based on performance and quality metrics compared with other companies across the country working with the same client. By emphasizing a personalized approach to customer acquisition and retention, The So Cal Group has maintained a level of national sales performance worthy of attention.

"We are extremely proud to have hit our ten-year anniversary on a high, with another award recognizing our amazing team," said President Tedford Picha.

Named a Best and Brightest Company to Work for in 2015, 2016, and 2017, The So Cal Group excels in acquisition and retention, building a strong and loyal customer base for the client. The company specializes in outsourced customer acquisition, providing outstanding service for companies that want to grow and partnering with the world's largest home improvement retailer among other key clients.

The So Cal Group also takes a genuine and passionate interest in furthering the professional development of its team and offers an award-winning training program. The company places a priority in giving back to the community as well, having supported the Susan J. Komen Foundation, Operation Smile, and The Boys and Girls Club of Venice.

Like The So Cal Group on Facebook, follow them on Instagram, and check out their videos on YouTube.

About the So Cal Group

The So Cal Group is an outsourced sales and marketing company headquartered in Torrance, California, specializing in sales solutions for respected client brands nationwide in the telecommunications and mid-market energy industries. Their motivated sales force works on behalf of the client to acquire new customers while retaining current ones, thus increasing the client's brand awareness in the market. For more information, call 424.558.8308 or visit http://www.socalgroupinc.com.

Contact: Tedford Picha

424-558-8308

SOURCE The So Cal Group

Related Links

http://www.socalgroupinc.com


In his opinion, the judge said that the court, in other cases, has often criticized buyers who try to exit deals because of cyclical trends or industrywide issues that hurt their own businesses. But he said this case was different because of unexpected events at Akorn.
SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- With countless contributions to, and accomplishments in, the emergency nursing profession, 10 nurses from six states and England have been named Fellows to the Academy of Emergency Nursing.

The Emergency Nurses Association created the Academy in 2004 to prominently recognize members for their enduring and substantial contributions to emergency nursing throughout their careers. Additionally, inductees are honored as leaders in the ongoing effort to advance the profession and ENA. A total of 158 Fellows have been inducted into the Academy since its inception.

"AEN stands for Academy of Emergency Nursing, but, to me, it also stands for amazing emergency nurses," ENA President Jeff Solheim, MSN, RN, CEN, TCRN, CFRN, FAEN, FAAN, said. "This year's class of inductees exemplify what ENA and its mission are all about. These are the people who have made enduring and sustainable contributions to the profession of emergency nursing."

The 2018 AEN inductees are:

Barbra Bachmeier , JD, MSN, APRN, NP-C  Indianapolis, Indiana

JD, MSN, APRN, NP-C  Mary Jo Cerepani , DNP, RN, FNP-BC, CEN, FAANP  Kennedy Township, Pennsylvania

DNP, RN, FNP-BC, CEN, FAANP  Eric Christensen , BSN, RN, CEN, CPEN  Littleton, Colorado

BSN, RN, CEN, CPEN  Sharon Saunderson Coffey , DNP, RN, FNP-C, ACNS-BC, CEN, CCRN, CHEP  Madison, Alabama

DNP, RN, FNP-C, ACNS-BC, CEN, CCRN, CHEP  Alison Day , PhD, MSc, RN, PGCE  Warwick, England

PhD, MSc, RN, PGCE  Pamela Fox , BSN, RN, CEN, CPEN  Beltsville, Maryland

BSN, RN, CEN, CPEN  Elizabeth Mizerek , MSN, RN, FN-CSA, CEN, CPEN, CNE  New Egypt, New Jersey

MSN, RN, FN-CSA, CEN, CPEN, CNE  Patricia Normandin , DNP, RN, CEN, CPN, CPEN  Chelmsford, Massachusetts

DNP, RN, CEN, CPN, CPEN  Paula Reiss , MSN, RN, CEN  Indianapolis, Indiana

MSN, RN, CEN  Jessica Ann Trivett , MSN, RN, CEN, PCCN, EMT  North Middletown, New Jersey

The AEN Fellows were inducted during a Friday ceremony in Pittsburgh at Emergency Nursing 2018, ENA's annual education and networking conference.

About the Emergency Nurses Association

The Emergency Nurses Association is the premier professional nursing association dedicated to defining the future of emergency nursing through advocacy, education, research, innovation, and leadership. Founded in 1970, ENA has proven to be an indispensable resource to the global emergency nursing community. With more than 43,000 members worldwide, ENA advocates for patient safety, develops industry-leading practice standards and guidelines, and guides emergency healthcare public policy. ENA members have expertise in triage, patient care, disaster preparedness, and all aspects of emergency care. Additional information is available at www.ena.org.

ENA Media Contact:

Dan Campana

Senior Manager, PR & Communications

847-460-4017

[email protected]

SOURCE Emergency Nurses Association

Related Links

http://www.ena.org


AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hideaway Report , a travel editorial brand that provides independent reviews of the most incredible hideaways and experiences around the world, today released the October 2018 Hideaway Report, which features properties in Sweden and Denmark, plus the French island of Corsica. Editors from the Hideaway Report visited 14 hotels for the October issue, with five becoming newly recommended properties.

Hideaway Report editors travel anonymously and seek out smaller, one-of-a-kind hotels where travelers can expect the highest levels of personal service and truly unique experiences. Those that meet the editors' exacting standards join a select group of Hideaway Report-recommended properties.

This month, the Hideaway Report has extensive coverage of unspoiled Corsica, known to the French as "Ile de Beaute." The island offers picturesque towns, each with an intriguingly different personality, an astonishing variety of landscapes and ecosystems, magnificent beaches and superb food and wine.

Sweden has surprisingly few luxury hideaways of the type found in other European countries, most notably in France and Italy, but Hideaway Report editors uncovered two new hotels to recommend and revisited an old favorite.

Copenhagen has long lacked a superior boutique hotel, but the deficiency has now been remedied by the 54-room Hotel Sanders. Set within a row of townhouses, it is owned by Alexander Klpin, the former principal dancer of The Royal Danish Ballet.

"Each month, our editorial team releases a new set of discoveries from across the globe. As always, we found surprises and hidden treasures that we can now unveil, including the Hotel Sanders, which was a real revelation on this trip," said the Hideaway Report's editor-in-chief. As with all Hideaway Report editors, the editor-in-chief travels anonymously to maintain independence while reviewing hotels and uncovering hideaways for the publication's loyal membership base.

The October 2018 Hideaway Report-recommended properties are:

SWEDEN:

Hotel Skeppsholmen , set in two 300-year-old buildings on the serene island of Skeppsholmen, which is joined to central Stockholm by a bridge

, set in two 300-year-old buildings on the serene island of Skeppsholmen, which is joined to central by a bridge Upper House , a dramatic modern 53-room boutique hotel in Gothenburg , with a superb spa and Michelin-starred restaurant

, a dramatic modern 53-room boutique hotel in , with a superb spa and Michelin-starred restaurant Ett Hem , an exceptionally stylish 12-room boutique hotel, housed within an early 20th-century mansion, 30 minutes' walk from Stockholm's Old Town (previously recommended).

DENMARK:

Hotel Sanders, an atmospheric and distinctive new 54-room townhouse property on a quiet side street in central Copenhagen

CORSICA:

Misincu , a newly renovated 29-room hotel in northern Corsica, with chic "beach shack" decor, plus two excellent restaurants

, a newly renovated 29-room hotel in northern Corsica, with chic "beach shack" decor, plus two excellent restaurants U Capu Biancu, a 41-room appealingly rustic property, located eight miles northeast of Bonifacio, with a magnificent setting, fine beaches and delicious cuisine

For the entire October 2018 Hideaway Report, and to become a Hideaway Report member, visit HideawayReport.com.

About the Hideaway Report

For close to 40 years, the Hideaway Report has sought out distinctive hotels and hideaways in the most incredible destinations worldwide. Hideaway Report editors travel anonymously and pay full rate for all travel-related expenses, allowing the editorial brand to do what no other travel company does today: Publish reviews with an unyielding commitment to independence and objectivity.

SOURCE Hideaway Report

Related Links

https://www.hideawayreport.com


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Malteurop's Managing Director, Olivier Parent, said "with a production capacity of 200,000 tonnes, Geelong is strategically important for Malteurop in the booming Asian malt market. This region, including China, currently represents more than one third of the world's total beer market. This makes Geelong Malteurop's third biggest regional hub after Vitry, in France (245,000 tons), and Great-Falls in North America (220,000 tonnes)."

Trevor Perryman, Managing Director of Malteurop Australia & New Zealand, adds "we are ready to support our brewing customers' growth on emerging markets in South-East Asia! Our location is ideal, both close to malting barley growing regions and the country's largest deep-water dock, Australia's main export port. The aim is to export more to our current markets - Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, and Cambodia - and go for new markets like Laos and India."

More than an extension, a next-generation new malting plant

With a production capacity of 200,000 tons and the most efficient technology around, Geelong is perfectly placed to meet the expectations of its customers in the Asia-Pacific zone. A horizontal setup with independent units and stainless steel production equipment, Geelong meets the highest quality and food safety standards. To ensure the successful completion of this huge 18-month project, up to 160 people had to overcome various challenges, such as the management of space and the assembly of large-scale equipment in extreme weather conditions.

Contact: Martine Savary, Relations medias, [email protected]

SOURCE Malteurop Group Vivescia
ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- HUPO 2018  Demonstrating its commitment to advancing the performance of protein analysis, Thermo Fisher Scientific is showcasing its latest solutions and technologies at the 17th Human Proteome Organization (HUPO) World Congress (booth #401), September 30-October 3 at the Loews Royal Pacific, Orlando, Florida.

"We continue to partner with the research community to increase the depth of proteome analysis, adapt it for large-scale translational studies, and enable detailed structural analysis of proteins and complexes of interest," said Ken Miller, vice president, life sciences mass spectrometry marketing, Thermo Fisher Scientific. "We will showcase groundbreaking results from top labs in all of these areas in our workshops at HUPO 2018."

This year, Thermo Fisher will receive the HUPO Science and Technology Award in acknowledgement of the contribution made by Electron Transfer Dissociation (ETD) technology to proteome analysis. ETD is an alternative peptide fragmentation mode, which preserves phosphorylation and glycosylation modifications and contributes added structural information. It is currently available and widely utilized on the Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Tribrid portfolio of mass spectrometers.

Products on display at HUPO 2018

The new Thermo Scientific FAIMS Pro interface is a differential ion mobility technology that easily integrates with the Thermo Scientific Tribrid mass spectrometers designed to provide precision selectivity and enable extensive depth and quantitative accuracy of proteome measurements. Workflows including this interface are well suited for the key aspects of translational proteomics, specifically proteome coverage and profiling. Detailed study results will be shared at a FAIMS VIP Workshop at HUPO.

The Thermo Scientific Q Exactive UHMR Hybrid Quadrupole-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer provides new insights into the structure of proteins and complexes. With a greatly expanded mass range and an ability to trap and analyze intact proteins and complexes, this system allows for detailed analysis of protein structure, non-covalent binding interactions, and the subunit composition of large protein. The Q Exactive UHMR supports native mass spectrometry analysis and provides information that is highly complementary to cross-linking and hydrogen-deuterium exchange structure analysis workflows available on other Thermo Scientific mass spectrometers.

The newest version of Thermo Scientific Proteome Discoverer software provides comprehensive data processing capabilities for proteome analysis, many quantitative methods and protein structure studies, with extensive statistical and visualization tools. The new software features improved algorithms over previous versions, as well as an enhanced user interface, enabling scientists to extract the maximum possible data from their proteome studies. The most recent version of the software received a 2018 Industry Award from the European Proteomics Association in June of this year.

Other Activities at HUPO 2018

In cooperation with industry and company experts, Thermo Fisher is hosting a series of educational workshops during HUPO 2018 to highlight the latest scientific developments and applications. Workshops will focus on TMT multiplexing for quantitative proteome analysis, large-scale use of DIA methods in a global multi-site study, tools for protein structure analysis, and a new targeted protein analysis kit to help researchers profile cancer signaling pathways.

Among these workshops is Advancing Mass Spectrometry-based Large-cohort Proteomics for Precision Medicine: An International Cancer Moonshot Multi-Site Study (October 2, at 12:201:45 pm, in Room Java Sea) in which Dr. Thomas Conrads, Ph.D., associate director of scientific technologies, Inova Schar Cancer Institute, and Yue Xuan, senior global product marketing manager, precision medicine, Thermo Fisher Scientific, will present the results of a collaborative study involving 11 cancer research or clinical proteomics laboratories worldwide, including six Cancer Moonshot initiative laboratories.

"Bringing together scientists from across the globe, the International Cancer Moonshot Multi-Site Study accelerated progress and demonstrated the ability to harmonize high-throughput quantitative proteomics at new depths with exquisite analytical rigor," said Conrads.

Findings of the study demonstrate how Thermo Fisher's patented HRMS1-DIA label-free quantitative profiling workflow can facilitate high throughput and high inter- and intra-lab reproducibility when run in a 24/7 operation mode for an entire week. Designed for use with Thermo Scientific Orbitrap mass spectrometers, the HRMS1-DIA workflow creates the potential to leverage proteomic profiling as a guiding tool in translational large-cohort clinical studies.

For more information on Thermo Fisher's solutions and additional workshops at HUPO 2018, visit the Thermo Fisher website.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with revenues of more than $20 billion and approximately 70,000 employees globally. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We help our customers accelerate life sciences research, solve complex analytical challenges, improve patient diagnostics, deliver medicines to market and increase laboratory productivity. Through our premier brands  Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services  we offer an unmatched combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and comprehensive services. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.

Media Contact Information:

Laura Bright

Thermo Fisher Scientific

+1 562-335-8318

[email protected]

or



Kat Steer

BioStrata

+44 (0) 1223 253787

[email protected]

SOURCE Thermo Fisher Scientific

Related Links

http://www.thermofisher.com


ALBANY, New York, October 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

As per expert analysts, the Tissue Diagnostic Market had registered revenue worth US$3.57 bn in 2015, which is further expected to expand at a splendid CAGR of 9.50% during the forecast period from 2016 to 2024. This growth is prophesied to occur in the form of a decent increase in revenue registered at US$8.02 bn by the end of 2024.

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Rapidly Increasing Caner Instances Boosts Demand for Quality Tissue Diagnosis

The global tissue diagnostic market is majorly being driven due to due to rising cases of cancer, which demands regular tests being conducted to check cancerous tissue growth in those potentially affected by this disease. Rising geriatric population also has been majorly responsible for making the market progress at a rapid pace. This is mainly due to a high prevalence of cancer and other deadly diseases witnessed to occur in elderly people. With an increasing demand of top-notch quality treatment in against cancer, the global tissue diagnostic market is expected to grow rampantly during the next few years. Widespread advancements occurring in the medical and healthcare infrastructure all over the globe owing to such demands coupled with improved cancer detection technology too has provided a huge impetus to the market's expansion. New computer-aided diagnostics and imaging devices find high employment in various healthcare centers, where tissue diagnosis is carried out.

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High Costs and Delay in Approvals Stunts Market's Expansion

However, the global tissue diagnostic market is majorly restricted owing to delays in the introduction of new treatments coupled with unfavorable reimbursements. Such delays for new approvals and potential tests mainly exist owing to a lax attitude of most regional and international food and drug administrations and organizations. Moreover, high costs of the diagnostic tests coupled with steep treatment prices is also expected to hamper the global tissue diagnostic market's growth curve. Such high costs might discourage those has less disposable income from opting for the relevant procedures. Nonetheless, many players are expected to regulate costs of the procedures involved in tissue diagnosis. This could ultimately reduce effects of most restraints affecting the global tissue diagnostic market.

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From a geographical perspective, this market is mainly spread across North America, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, Latin America, and Europe. Of these, North America holds a leading position in the market owing to a strong medical infrastructure and high prevalence of cancer in the region. However, Asia Pacific too is catching up with in the market's growth owing to increasing number of people getting affected with cancer and other deadly diseases that demands quality tissue diagnosis.

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The global tissue diagnostic market depicts the presence of a highly competitive and emerging vendor landscape, says Transparency Market Research on the basis of a newly published report. Such a high competitive intensity mainly exists owing to new device upgrades being launched by players with regards to enhancing the associated equipment. Moreover, with an increase in the number of players projected to occur during the next few years, the competition is prophesied to further intensify.

Browse Press Release - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/tissue-diagnostics-market.htm

Most businesses are focused on participating in valuable mergers and acquisitions to maintain their leading stance in the tissue diagnostic market. Cell Signaling Technologies, Agilent Technologies, Abbott Laboratories, Becton Dickinson & Co., Genomic Health Inc., 3DHISTECH, Danaher Corp., GE Healthcare, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., and Roche Diagnostics are some of the key players operating in the global tissue diagnostic market.

The information presented in this review is based on a TMR report, titled, "Tissue Diagnostic Market (Product Type - Instruments and Kits; Technology - Immuno Histochemistry, In-Situ Hybridization, Digital Pathology, and Special Staining; End User - Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Diagnostic Centers, and Research Laboratories) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2016 - 2024".

Key Takeaways:

North America holds a leading position in the market owing to a strong medical infrastructure and high prevalence of cancer in the region.

The global tissue diagnostic market is majorly being driven due to due to rising cases of cancer, which demands regular tests being conducted to check cancerous tissue growth in those potentially affected by this disease.

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SOURCE Transparency Market Research
INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- U-Haul Storage of Lawrence at 8550 Pendleton Pike closed its retail showroom today, which had been in operation since 1990.

U-Haul will continue to rent self-storage in the 140-unit building, but it will now be run remotely by the new U-Haul Moving & Storage of Lawrence store at 6800 Pendleton Pike. Customers will find a more expansive and inviting showroom at the facility just two miles away to fill the void left by the closing retail space at U-Haul Storage of Lawrence.

As a result of the closing showroom, eight U-Haul Team Members will be let go. The former retail space will be repurposed for additional self-storage, according to U-Haul Company of Central Indiana president Anthony Jones.

Local U-Haul Companies are always exploring opportunities for growth as they pursue means to better serve the needs of customers, but sometimes find it necessary to close or relocate stores, or cease certain operations of the business at those locations.

Reasons for closures can include: long-term strategic plans; physical plant limitations, including insufficient square footage; shifts in demographics; trends in migration; expansion of the U-Haul neighborhood dealer network; and proximity to other new or existing U-Haul stores.

The repurposing of a former Menard's home improvement center for U-Haul Moving & Storage of Lawrence was driven by U-Haul Corporate Sustainability initiatives: U-Haul supports infill developments to help local communities lower their carbon footprint. The adaptive reuse of existing buildings reduces the energy and resources required for new-construction materials and helps cities reduce their unwanted inventory of unused buildings.

Find U-Haul store and neighborhood dealer locations near you at uhaul.com/locations.

About U-Haul

Since 1945, U-Haul has been the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers, with a network of more than 21,000 locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 now offers customers access to U-Haul trucks every hour of every day through the self-service options on their internet-connected mobile devices. U-Haul customers' patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to 161,000 trucks, 118,000 trailers and 42,000 towing devices. U-Haul offers nearly 632,000 rooms and 55.2 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities throughout North America. U-Haul is the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry and is the largest retailer of propane in the U.S.

Contact:

Jeff Lockridge

Sebastien Reyes

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: 602-760-4941

Website: uhaul.com

SOURCE U-Haul

Related Links

www.uhaul.com


GREENVILLE, S.C., Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Uniroyal Tires, the brand that offers the iconic Tiger Paw tire line, is launching a new month-long campaign to help World Wildlife Fund (WWF) save wild tigers.

At participating Uniroyal dealers through Oct. 31, for each set of four passenger car or light truck tires purchased at participating dealers, Uniroyal customers will be eligible for a $40 mail-in rebate. For every Uniroyal tire rebate redeemed during the promotional period, Michelin North America will donate $20 to WWF's wild tiger efforts, with no set limit. The Uniroyal customer will receive a a WWF/Uniroyal co-branded "Save the Tiger" kit, which includes a plush tiger, a tiger decal, a species card and a save-the-tigers-themed reusable tote bag.

WWF estimates more than 100,000 tigers may have once roamed across Asia, but today only an estimated 3,900 tigers remain. All proceeds from the October campaign will go towards Tx2, WWF's global effort to double the number of tigers in the wild by 2022. As part of Tx2, WWF is working with the 13 countries that have wild tigers to reduce poaching, habitat loss and the illegal trade of tiger parts.

While it has an ambitious target, Tx2 is already hitting key milestones  in September Nepal announced that it has nearly doubled its tiger population since 2009.

"The tiger is a historic symbol of the Uniroyal brand," said Alonso Tiscareno, Uniroyal brand director for Michelin North America, Inc. "This program aims to help save the wild tiger population, and it invites those who buy our tires to join us in this mission."

Michelin North America will give a minimum of $150,000 to WWF as a result of the Uniroyal promotion this month, with the potential to exceed that amount based on actual tires sold during the promotion period.

"We're seeing exciting progress in our tiger conservation efforts and we want to keep that momentum going," said Ginette Hemley, senior vice president of wildlife conservation at WWF. "By working with brands like Uniroyal to engage and educate consumers, we're able to instill a sense of wonder about these iconic wild cats while driving the investments needed to help reach our goal of doubling the number of tigers in the wild."

The initiative was inspired in part because of Uniroyal's iconic Tiger Paw line of tires. To learn more about Uniroyal's campaign for World Wildlife Fund, visit www.uniroyaltires.com.

About Uniroyal Tires

Uniroyal Tires stand for value. For passenger cars, SUVs, light trucks and commercial vehicles, Uniroyal delivers reliable performance at an affordable price. With a 125-year heritage and popular tire lines including Tiger Paw and Laredo that have been relied on for generations, Uniroyal is among the most trusted names in tires. Visit Uniroyaltires.com and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/uniroyaltire.

SOURCE Uniroyal Tires
For the US, this was never about supply management. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said months ago "It's not our purpose to try to manage or try to get involved in their internal supply management regarding the dairy industry.I made it very clear that the Class 7 designation we felt was an unfair undercutting of the U.S. industry that grew up south of the U.S.-Canada border."

The Canadian government concessions equate to death by a thousand cuts.
KELOWNA, BC, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Valens GroWorks Corp. (CSE: VGW) (the "Company" or "Valens"), a multi-licensed, vertically integrated provider of cannabis products and services utilizing proprietary extraction processes is pleased to announce that it has signed a two-part, multi-year agreement with Tarukino Holdings, Inc. ("Tarukino"). The agreement allows Valens to further expand on its product and service offerings to compliment the extraction market while also securing a strong foothold in the developing Canadian cannabis-infused beverage, edible and topical categories.

Canadian Rights to Leading Proprietary Emulsion Technology SoRSE

Under the agreement, Tarukino grants Valens the exclusive Canadian rights to the production and distribution of its proprietary emulsion technology that transforms cannabis oil and oil-based terpenes into water-soluble forms for use in beverages, edibles, topicals and other consumer products. This technology, better known in the industry as SoRSE, allows cannabis infused products to maintain potency when heated, chilled or frozen, and removes all cannabis taste and smell, enabling Valens to develop their own innovative self branded products while making SoRSE directly available to the Canadian market.

"One of the many key benefits of utilizing "SoRSE technology in edibles and infused beverages includes being able to dramatically decrease the time for onset and how long it lasts after consumption. This will improve the experience for our consumers and ultimately paves the path for how we believe cannabis will be consumed in the future" said Tyler Robson, CEO, Valens GroWorks.

Canadian Rights to Top Performing Cannabis-Infused Beverage Brands

This multi-year agreement also provides Valens with the exclusive rights to produce, sell and distribute, in Canada, when and where permitted, Tarukino branded products including Happy Apple, a cannabis-infused sparkling cider, recognized as the number one selling cannabis beverage in Washington state, and Pearl 2 0, a cannabis infused food and beverage mixer, the first and currently only product of its kind on the market, which is easily incorporated into a wide variety of edible and topical products, revolutionizing the practical application of medical cannabis and medical product development.

In exchange for these exclusive Canadian rights, the Company has agreed to grant Tarukino 4,300,000 shares of the Company on signing the agreement, 1,000,000 warrants that vest based on certain future milestones and a decreasing royalty on revenue related to the associated products and technologies over the term of the agreement. The warrants are exercisable at prices ranging from $3.50 to $4.00 per share for a five year term from the date of issuance.

"Tarukino has been able to develop and successfully demonstrate through scalable commercial application one of the only proven water-soluble cannabis products in the industry, with a confirmed consumer market uptake through its highly successful brands including Happy Apple and Pearl 2 0", said Tyler Robson, CEO, Valens GroWorks. "In addition to holding the exclusive rights for Tarukino's beverage brands in the Canadian market, this partnership gives Valens access to the proprietary technology of SoRSE, which will enable Valens to expand on its offerings across numerous sectors of the cannabis space, particularly edibles and beverages which the Company believes will be one of the next categories addressed by Health Canada in relation to the legalization of recreational cannabis in the Canadian market. Tarukino's team consists of some of the world's top scientists, and we are pleased to have access to their knowledge and expertise over the coming years."

"Our team at Tarukino is made up of innovators who thrive on the science of the cannabis plant. When given the opportunity to work with Valens, a team who shares the same passion and knowledge-base for cannabis extraction techniques and applications, we were thrilled," said Howard Lee, CEO of Tarukino Holdings, Inc. "SoRSE is the first and leading technology that produces, near perfect doses, entirely taste and odor free cannabis emulsions for infusion of medical and recreational products, and we are pleased to offer this technology, and our brands, to the Canadian market through our partnership with Valens."

Valens and Tarukino will work closely together over the coming months to manufacture SoRSE from Valens' Canadian-based operations, which we target to be available for commercial use in 2019, subject to Health Canada permitting the sale of cannabis infused edibles and beverages.

About Tarukino

Tarukino Holdings Inc is a research and development company that licenses its technology and brands to world leading Cannabis producers and processors. The proprietary oil emulsion technology transforms cannabis oils and oil based terpenes into water-soluble forms, including beverages, edibles, tinctures and topical based products. Branded as SoRSE, Tarukino's technology is available from 3rd Party processors in liquid and soon to be powder form. SoRSE can also be used for Hemp derived CBD products. Tarukino has more than 40 licensed branded products using SoRSE and selling in multiple states in the USA. For more information visit this website http://sorselab.com/

About Valens GroWorks

Valens GroWorks Corp. is a vertically integrated provider of Canadian cannabis products developed from our proprietary extraction techniques, with three wholly-owned subsidiaries located in and around Kelowna, BC. Subsidiary Valens Agritech has initiated cannabis production, processing and sales under a Health Canada Dealer's Licence, which includes a supply agreement with Canopy Growth Corporation under their extensive CraftGrow distribution network. Subsidiary Supra THC Services is a Health Canada licensed ISO 17025 accredited cannabis testing lab providing sector-leading analytical services and has partnered with Thermo Fisher Scientific to develop a Centre of Excellence in Plant Based Medicine Analytics. Subsidiary Valens Farms is in the process of becoming a purpose-built facility in compliance with European Union (EU) Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards, ensuring the product from this facility can be exported anywhere in the world where Cannabis is nationally legal for medical or adult usage purposes. For more information, please visit http://valensgroworks.com, http://www.valensagritech.com and http://www.suprathc.ca.

Notice regarding Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of such statements under applicable securities law. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "anticipates", "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed", "positioned" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur, and include statements relating to the future sale of cannabis infused edibles and beverages in Canada. These statements are only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this news release, including the assumption that the regulations under the Cannabis Act will be amended to permit the sale of Cannabis infused edibles and beverages in Canada. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risk that Health Canada will delay or not permit the sale of cannabis infused edibles or beverages. The Corporation is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.

The CSE or other regulatory authority has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this press release. We seek Safe Harbour.

SOURCE Valens GroWorks Corp.
WYNYARD, UK, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Venator Materials PLC ("Venator") (NYSE: VNTR) today announced the expiration of the exclusivity period under its July 14, 2018, agreement with Tronox Limited ("Tronox") concerning the possible divestiture to Venator of the Ashtabula, Ohio, titanium dioxide complex owned by The National Titanium Dioxide Company Limited ("Cristal"). Pursuant to the July 14 agreement, Venator intends to continue to negotiate with Tronox, on a nonexclusive basis, definitive terms of the potential divestiture to Venator.

On July 16, 2018, Venator announced it had reached a separate agreement with Tronox to purchase its European paper laminates business, a divestiture required of Tronox by the European Commission in order for Tronox to proceed with its proposed acquisition of Cristal's global TiO2 business.

Venator and Tronox also agreed in the July 14 agreement that Tronox will promptly pay Venator a "break fee" of $75 million upon consummation of the Tronox/Cristal merger if the sale of the European paper laminates business to Venator has been consummated but the sale of the Ashtabula complex to Venator has not been completed.

About Venator

Venator is a global manufacturer and marketer of chemical products that comprise a broad range of pigments and additives that bring color and vibrancy to buildings, protect and extend product life, and reduce energy consumption. We market our products globally to a diversified group of industrial customers through two segments: Titanium Dioxide, which consists of our TiO 2 business, and Performance Additives, which consists of our functional additives, color pigments, timber treatment and water treatment businesses. We operate 25 facilities, employ approximately 4,500 associates worldwide and sell our products in more than 110 countries.

Social Media:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/VenatorCorp

Facebook: www.facebook.com/venatorcorp

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/venator-corp

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements represent Venator's expectations or beliefs concerning future events, and it is possible that the expected results described in this press release will not be achieved. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of Venator's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including our ability to transfer technology and manufacturing capacity from our Pori, Finland manufacturing facility to other sites in our manufacturing network, the costs associated with such transfer, losses due to business interruption from the fire, the possibility that Tronox may not be required to divest the Ashtabula complex in connection with its proposed merger with Cristal, the failure to consummate the proposed Tronox transactions when expected or at all, the possibility that any synergies and cost savings associated with the proposed Tronox transactions may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected, or the ability to integrate successfully the Ashtabula assets if acquired.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as required by law, Venator does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Venator to predict all such factors. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in Venator's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 filed with the SEC, and in its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The risk factors and other factors noted therein could cause its actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.

SOURCE Venator Materials PLC

Related Links

http://www.venatorcorp.com


If the DeVry deal is finalized, it would be another in a series of recent sales meant to breathe new life into troubled for-profit colleges. Purdue University recently bought the for-profit Kaplan University chain and converted it into a nonprofit to lead the school's online programs. Kaplan agreed to a $1.3 million settlement in 2015 after it was accused of hiring unqualified instructors. Last year the Dream Center Foundation, a religious charity, purchased three chains from Education Management Corporation, which in 2015 agreed to nearly $200 million in settlements over allegations that it used illegal recruiting tactics.
TOLEDO, Ohio, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Welltower Inc. (NYSE: WELL), a leading global provider of health care infrastructure, today announced the launch of The Welltower Report, a thought-leadership initiative focused on trends and insights within the dynamic health care real estate industry.

The first edition of The Welltower Report"Health Systems & Post-Acute Care: An Evolving Perspective"highlights the care-delivery strategies health systems are deploying in response to the challenges of an aging population and changing payment models that demand better health outcomes at lower costs. The report discusses integration between health systems and post-acute care settings, along with potential health care real estate implications.

"As the leader in the transformation of health care infrastructure, Welltower has access to resources that place us in a unique position to drive and lead change," said Welltower CEO, Thomas J. DeRosa. "Today, we are pleased to launch The Welltower Report, which enables us to educate, foster innovation and inspire new conversations regarding the future of health care delivery."

Future editions of The Welltower Report, which the Company anticipates publishing periodically, will address the ongoing positive disruptions occurring in health care delivery and how these key developments and trends are driving the increasingly pivotal role infrastructure is playing in the delivery of care.

Access The Welltower Report"Health Systems & Post-Acute Care: An Evolving Perspective"at the link below.

http://welltower.com/the-welltower-report/

Question or comments can be directed to:

[email protected]

About Welltower

Welltower Inc. (NYSE: WELL), an S&P 500 company headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, is driving the transformation of health care infrastructure. The company invests with leading seniors housing operators, post-acute providers and health systems to fund the real estate infrastructure needed to scale innovative care delivery models and improve people's wellness and overall health care experience. Welltower, a real estate investment trust ("REIT"), owns interests in properties concentrated in major, high-growth markets in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, consisting of seniors housing and post-acute communities and outpatient medical properties. More information is available at www.welltower.com.

SOURCE Welltower Inc.

Related Links

http://www.welltower.com


CHERRY HILL, N.J., Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

COURT ORDERED LEGAL NOTICE

If You Were Admitted Into The Ocean County Correctional Facility From November 28, 2005 Through December 28, 2007 For A Non-Indictable Offense And Were Strip Searched Upon Arrival, You Could Get A Payment From A Class Action Settlement.

A $1,975,000.00 (one million nine hundred seventy-five thousand dollar) settlement has been proposed in a Class Action lawsuit about the strip search policies of the Ocean County Correctional Facility (the "Jail"). If you meet the criteria explained below, you can share in this settlement.

The Superior Court of New Jersey  Ocean County authorized this notice. The Court will have a hearing to decide whether to approve the settlement, so that the benefits may be paid.

Who's Included?

You are a Class Member and could get benefits if (1) you were admitted into the Jail from, November 28, 2005 through December 28, 2007, (2) you were charged solely with a non-indictable offense(s), such as a disorderly persons offense, traffic violation, or held on a civil matter, and (3) you were strip searched upon entry into the Jail.

What's This About?

The lawsuit claims that Defendant Ocean County and its Correction Officers' booking procedures constitute an unlawful strip search of individuals admitted into the Jail without reasonable suspicion to believe the individuals were concealing contraband. The County of Ocean has denied those claims. The Court did not decide which side was right, but both sides agreed to a settlement to ensure a resolution and to provide benefits to the people who were affected.

What Does the Settlement Provide?

Defendants agreed to pay a total of up to $1,200,000.00 (one million two hundred thousand dollars) for claims, including $20,000.00 (twenty thousand dollars) total as an incentive award fee to the Class Representatives, allocated ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) each; plus $150,000.00 (one hundred fifty thousand dollars) for costs of administration, plus reasonable attorneys' fees and costs, not to exceed $625,000.00 (six hundred twenty-five thousand dollars) to be applied for upon the motion for Final Approval to settle the case.

There are 7,530 (seven thousand five hundred thirty) potential Class Members who can make claims. Ocean County may challenge any claim as not meeting the Class Definition. If the claims made exceed 4,000 (four thousand) claims the amount received per claim will be reduced pro rata. You may make only one claim regardless of the number of admissions and/or strip searches you were subjected to during the Class Period. Each Class Member who makes a valid claim who meets the Class Definition will receive up to $300.00 (three hundred dollars).

How Do You Ask For A Payment?

A detailed Notice and Claim Form package contains everything you need. Call 866-828-2555 or visit the settlement website, www.OceanCountyStripSearch.com , to get one. To qualify for a payment, you must send in a Claim Form. Claim Forms are due by February 1, 2019.

What Are Your Other Options?

If you want to share in the settlement, you can obtain a Claim Form, as just explained, and return it according to its directions. If you do not want the settlement benefits or do not want to be legally bound by the settlement, you must exclude yourself by December 15, 2018. If you exclude yourself, you cannot receive any benefits from this settlement, but you could bring a separate case against the Defendants, if you want to. If you stay in the settlement, you may object to it by December 15, 2018. The detailed notice, available by calling or visiting the website below, explains how to exclude yourself or object.

The Court will hold a hearing in this case, Bizzarro et al. v. Ocean County, Docket OCN-1644-17, on April 16, 2019 at 10:00 a.m., to consider whether to approve the settlement and a request by the lawyers, representing all Class Members,

Carl Poplar, Esquire (241211967) William Riback, LLC (013581994) 1010 Kings Highway South William Riback, Esquire Building One 1101 N. Kings Highway Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 Suite 210 Phone: 856-216-9979 Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 Fax: 856-216-9970 Phone: 856-857-0008

for attorneys' fees and costs. You may ask to appear at the hearing, but you do not have to. For more information, call toll-free 866-828-2555, visit the settlement website www.OceanCountyStripSearch.com , or write to: Ocean County Settlement, c/o A.B. Data, Ltd., P.O. Box 170500, Milwaukee, WI 53217.

SOURCE William Riback, LLC
NEW YORK and CHICAGO, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Wind Point Partners, a leading Chicago-based private equity firm focused on middle-market businesses in North America, and funds advised by Neuberger Berman, a private, independent, employee-owned investment manager, today announced the successful closing of Wind Point Partners CV1, L.P. ("Wind Point CV1"). Wind Point CV1 was formed as a continuation fund to acquire two of the remaining portfolio companies, RailWorks Corporation and Ascensus Specialties, owned by Wind Point Partners VI, L.P. (together with its affiliated funds, "Wind Point VI"), a 2006 vintage fund with $715 million of original capital commitments. The new partnership will provide additional time and access to capital to support the continued growth of these two companies, while offering investors in Wind Point VI several options to choose from, including accelerated liquidity or continued investment.

Nathan Brown, Managing Director of Wind Point Partners, said, "We are very pleased to be partnering with an alternatives platform like Neuberger Berman. Our goal was to pursue a transparent and competitive process to provide our investors with attractive options for accelerated liquidity or continued investment, while also providing our portfolio companies and management teams with additional support. We believe this transaction represents a strong outcome for all stakeholders." Alex Washington, Managing Director of Wind Point Partners, added, "We are confident that with the benefit of extended duration and additional capital availability, these two companies and their management teams will have the opportunity to reach their full potential and create significant additional value over the next few years for both new and continuing investors."

Tristram Perkins, Managing Director and Co-head of Neuberger Berman's secondary investing group, said, "On behalf of our investors, we are pleased to complete this fully underwritten transaction. We have been impressed with Wind Point Partners' investment approach and look forward to our partnership with the Wind Point team and having the opportunity to participate in the development of these two businesses." Ben Perl, Managing Director of Neuberger Berman, added, "This transaction is designed to meet the needs of existing investors seeking liquidity as well as continuing and new investors. It is an excellent example of our solutions-oriented approach to complex transactions and demonstrates our ability to partner with established financial sponsors as they seek to manage the liquidity and duration concerns of their limited partners."

Park Hill Group acted as financial advisor to Wind Point Partners and Kirkland & Ellis served as legal counsel to Wind Point Partners and Neuberger Berman.

About Wind Point Partners

Wind Point Partners is a leading Chicago-based private equity investment firm with approximately $2 billion in assets under management. Wind Point focuses on partnering with top caliber management teams to acquire well-positioned middle market businesses where it can establish a clear path to value creation. The firm targets investments in the consumer products, industrial products, and business services sectors. Wind Point is currently investing out of Wind Point Partners VIII, a $985 million fund that was initiated in 2016. For more information, please visit www.windpointpartners.com.

About Neuberger Berman

Neuberger Berman, founded in 1939, is a private, independent, employee-owned investment manager. The firm manages a range of strategiesincluding equity, fixed income, quantitative and multi-asset class, private equity and hedge fundson behalf of institutions, advisors and individual investors globally. With offices in 20 countries, Neuberger Berman's team is more than 2,000 professionals. For four consecutive years, the company has been named first or second in Pensions & Investments Best Places to Work in Money Management survey (among those with 1,000 employees or more). Tenured, stable and long-term in focus, the firm fosters an investment culture of fundamental research and independent thinking. It manages $304 billion in client assets as of June 30, 2018. For more information, please visit our website at www.nb.com.

All information is as of June 30, 2018 unless otherwise indicated and is subject to change without notice. Firm data, including employee and assets under management figures, reflects collective data for the various affiliated investment advisers that are subsidiaries of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. Firm history/timeline includes the history of all firm subsidiaries, including predecessor entities and acquisitions.

This material is being issued on a limited basis through various global subsidiaries and affiliates of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. Please visit www.nb.com/disclosure-global-communications for the specific entities and jurisdictional limitations and restrictions.

The "Neuberger Berman" name and logo are registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC.

 2018 Neuberger Berman Group LLC.

All rights reserved.

MEDIA CONTACT: Alexander Samuelson, Neuberger Berman, [email protected], 212 476 5392

Ron Liberman, Wind Point Partners, [email protected], 312-255-4812

SOURCE Neuberger Berman

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SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Wine Institute CEO, Robert P. "Bobby" Koch, issued the following statement today in response to the announcement that the United States, Canada and Mexico have completed negotiations on a new, modernized free trade agreement to succeed NAFTA. In the agreement, Canada has agreed to resolve the ongoing dispute regarding grocery store access in British Columbia by ensuring the discriminatory policies are removed by November 1st of next year.

"This agreement represents real progress towards improved market access for U.S. wines in Canada. In settling the U.S. WTO case, Canada has finally acknowledged that it must live up to its WTO obligations and that blatantly discriminatory policies cannot be tolerated. We still have much work to do in other areas of market access, but this is a significant accomplishment."

"The inclusion of the alcohol annex is also a very positive step in our long-standing efforts to remove trade barriers and grow U.S. wine exports. We thank Ambassador Lighthizer and his entire team for their tireless efforts to secure these gains."

Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy association of nearly 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses working at the state, national and international levels to support California wineries. Canada is the number one market for U.S. wine exports, 90% from California, which reached $1.53 billion in winery revenues and 380 million liters (42.2 million cases) in volume in 2017.

SOURCE Wine Institute

Related Links

http://www.wineinstitute.org


VANCOUVER, British Columbia, October 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Zecotek Photonics Inc. ("Zecotek" or the "Company") (TSX-V: ZMS) (Frankfurt: W1I), a developer of leading-edge photonics technologies for healthcare, industrial and scientific markets, is pleased to announce that it has initiated the manufacturing of its new generation series of solid-state micro-pixel avalanche photo diodes and transistors (MAPD/T) at the Malaysian Institute of Microelectronics Systems.

A portion of the funds raised in the divisional equity financing announced in June 2018 have been allocated to the manufacturing of the new generation series of solid-state MAPD/T. The Company will move to full production and commercialization to meet the increasing demand for medical imaging, high-energy physics and other industrial applications including an expected increase in joint sale with the LFS scintillation crystal for advanced positron emission tomography (PET) medical scanners.

"We are very pleased to have the Malaysian Institute of Microelectronic Systems begin the production of our patented high dynamic range photo detectors," said Dr. A.F. Zerrouk, Chairman, President, and CEO of Zecotek Photonics Inc. "This is the first phase to the commercialization of the new generation series of solid-state MAPD/T before moving to full production and commercialization. We are experiencing increased demand from medical imaging, high energy physics and other industrial sectors for applications such as LIDAR for electric and self driven vehicles, due to the significant performance advantages of our MAPD/T."

Zecotek's patented series of solid-state MAPD/T have been modified to improve performance parameters and reduce the cost of manufacture, and now offer significant performance-cost advantages over competing photomultiplier tubes (PMT) and other solid-state, silicon-based photo detectors known as SiPM. Recent changes have reduced the manufacturing cost and improved timing resolution and photon detection efficiency - key characteristics for the new configurations of high resolution PET medical scanners. The solid-state MAPD/T also offer superior recovery time, unique radiation hardness and display of the highest possible linearity, making them prime components for the improved detector designs required in high energy experiments at the Chinese Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP) and CERN.

Also reported, as part of the recently announced strategic review undertaken by the board of directors and senior management of the Company, each subsidiary of the Company has been tasked to enhance their intellectual property portfolio to target those markets with immediate needs in fast growing industries. This review has identified new and exciting applications for the solid-state MAPD/T in emerging industries such as self-driving automobiles, agriculture and genomics.

Autonomous Automobiles

Self-driving cars rely on light detection and ranging (LIDAR) units composed of photosensors. Zecotek's solid-state MAPT photosensors have extremely high resolution with single photon detection, making it an obvious component in the new LIDAR configurations. Zecotek AutoTronics is developing a proprietary LIDAR unit.

Agriculture

In agriculture, quality control of micro-active elements is key to maintaining the level of potency and nutritional content as advertised and advised for consumption. Zecotek's high-resolution MAPT photosensors combined with other proprietary photonic technologies can play a central role in measurement devices that define and measure the efficacy of extraction of useful elements from various plants, vegetables and fruits.

Genomics

The interdisciplinary field of science focusing on the structure, function, evolution, mapping, and editing of genomes, has been identified by Zecotek Imaging System as an opportune and ready market. Genomics evolved from a series of experimental and conceptual advances that allowed researchers to decipher the DNA sequences of whole genomes from virtually any organism and Zecotek's MAPD/T are components that can play a significant role in this important field.

About Malaysian Institute of Microelectronic Systems

MIMOS is Malaysia's premier Applied Research and Development Centre in Information and Communications Technology, Industrial Electronics Technology and Nano-Semiconductor Technology. As a strategic agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), MIMOS contributes to raising Malaysia's competitiveness by pioneering market creation for Malaysian technopreneurs through patentable technology platforms, products and solutions. Over the past 12 years, MIMOS has filed more than 2,000 Intellectual Properties in various technology domains and across key socio-economic areas. Serving a central role in Malaysia's transformation journey and ICT Vision, MIMOS endeavors to create a culture of innovation by nurturing relationships with internal and external stakeholders, in the spirit of smart partnerships and inclusive growth models and strategies.

About Zecotek

Zecotek Photonics Inc (TSX-V: ZMS) (Frankfurt: W1I) (OTCPK: ZMSPF) is a photonics technology company developing high-performance scintillation crystals, photo detectors, positron emission tomography scanning technologies, 3D auto-stereoscopic displays, 3D metal printing, and lasers for applications in medical, high-tech and industrial sectors. Founded in 2004, Zecotek operates three divisions: Imaging Systems, Optronics Systems and 3D Display Systems with labs located in Canada, Korea, Russia, Singapore and U.S.A. The management team is focused on building shareholder value by commercializing over 50 patented and patent pending novel photonic technologies directly and through strategic alliances with Hamamatsu Photonics (Japan), the European Organization for Nuclear Research (Switzerland), Shanghai EBO Optoelectronics Technology Co. (China), NuCare Medical Systems (South Korea), the University of Washington (United States), and National NanoFab Center (South Korea). For more information visit http://www.zecotek.com and follow @zecotek on Twitter.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are based on management's expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual future results and trends may differ materially from what may have been stated.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. If you would like to receive news from Zecotek in the future please visit the corporate website at http://www.zecotek.com

For Additional Information Please Contact:

Zecotek Photonics Inc.

Michael Minder

T: +(604)783-8291

[email protected]



SOURCE Zecotek Photonics Inc.
Washington, Oct 1 : White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has said "several sticking points" remain in the trade talks between the US and Canada to overhaul the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

"There's broad agreement on virtually all of that. There are several sticking points," Navarro said in an interview with Fox News on Sunday, citing of differences over the dairy market access and the so-called dispute resolution system, contained in Chapter 19 of the original NAFTA agreement, Xinhua reported.

"The deadline is midnight tonight to get the text in to Congress in order to make sure this goes forward," said Navarro, director of the White House Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy.

"It's either going to be the text goes in with Mexico and the US, or the text goes in with all three countries," he said.

The White House has pressured Canada to accept the preliminary agreement it struck with Mexico last month to update the trilateral trade deal. But Canada insisted that it would only sign a new agreement that is good for the country.

US President Donald Trump's aides told US stakeholders late Saturday that there was a possibility of announcing a Canada deal before the weekend was over, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.

People briefed on the talks said they were told there did not seem to be any major insurmountable issues, but that it remained unclear whether a full agreement could be finished so quickly, according to the Journal.

While US officials have indicated that they are prepared to sign a NAFTA deal without Canada, the US business community and many lawmakers have insisted that the NAFTA deal should remain a trilateral pact.

Talks on re-negotiating the NAFTA began in August 2017 as Trump threatened to withdraw from the trilateral trade deal, which he claimed harmed US industries and jobs.
Washington, Oct 1 : The US and Canada have reached a last minute deal to salvage the North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta), overcoming deep divisions to keep the 25-year-old trilateral pact intact.

The deal came on Sunday night after a weekend of frantic talks to try and preserve a trade agreement that has stitched together the economies of Mexico, Canada and the US but that was in danger of collapsing amid deep divisions between President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, reports The New York Times.

The 11th-hour agreement was punctuated by a frenetic Sunday, with Canadian leaders teleconferencing throughout the day with top American officials in Washington.

Trudeau convened a 10 p.m. cabinet meeting in Ottawa to brief officials on the deal, as Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and his close adviser, and Robert E. Lighthizer, the Trade Representative, hashed out the final details.

Mexico's Under Secretary of Foreign Trade, Juan Carlos Baker, was expected to present the texts of the agreement to the Mexican senate just before midnight.

The deal represents a win for Trump, who has derided Nafta for years and threatened to pull the US from the pact if it was not rewritten in Washington's favour.

The Trump administration struck a deal with Mexico last month to rewrite Nafta and had threatened to jettison Canada from the pact if it did not agree to concessions like opening its dairy market to American farmers.

The White House had set a September 30 deadline to release the text of its new trade agreement with Mexico.

Informed sources told The New York Times that Canada will now ease protections on its dairy market and provide access that is similar to what the US would have gained through the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade treaty that Trump withdrew from last year.

The countries also appear to have reached an understanding that would protect Canada from the threat of automobile tariffs, which Trump has routinely threatened, though it is not clear how far those protections would extend.

Canada also appears ready to accept assurances that steel and aluminium tariffs that Trump has imposed will be lifted, though it remains unclear whether the taxes would be replaced by quotas that limit metal imports.
New Delhi, Oct 1 : The Google Doodle on Monday celebrated the centenary of renowned opthalmologist Govindappa Venkataswamy, known as 'Dr V' among his patients, who flocked to the Aravind Eye Hospital that he founded in Madurai.

Born on this day in 1918 in Vadamalapuram, Tamil Nadu, Venkataswamy was permanently crippled by rheumatoid arthritis. However, despite his own health issues, nothing could stop him from what he wanted to be.

He attended a school in his village where students had to write on sand which collected from the riverbank as there was no pencil and paper. Later he went on to study Chemistry at the American College in Madurai and earned a degree of M.D. from Stanley Medical College in Madras in 1944.

Right after completing his medical school Venkataswamy went on to join the Indian Army Medical Corps. However, a severe case of rheumatoid arthritis nearly crippled him and his career took a setback.

He was confined to bed for a year. When he returned to academics, Venkataswamy studied for a degree in ophthalmology in 1951.

The Aravind Eye Hospital which has now transformed into a major chain eradicating cataract related blindness, had begun as a 11-bed hospital under the aegis of Venkataswamy in 1976.

Despite his physical constrains, Dr V learnt to perform surgery to remove cataracts and could perform 100 surgeries in a day.

He used to organise eye camps in rural communities, which would serve as a rehab centre for the blind and a training session for ophthalmic assistants, during this perid he performed over 1,00,000 successful eye surgeries, the Google blogpost said.

In 1973, Venkataswamy received the Padmashree award.
Mumbai, Oct 1 : Krishna Kapoor, the widow of the legendary Bollywood actor-filmmaker Raj Kapoor, died here on Monday, said a family member. She was 87.

Krishna, who married Raj Kapoor in May 1946, is survived by her sons Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Rajiv Kapoor, and daughters Ritu Nanda and Rima Kapoor-Jain.

"Regret to announce I lost my mother early this morning. She died peacefully," Randhir said in a statement.

Her granddaughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni shared a throwback image on Instagram, and wrote: "I love you- I will always love you - RIP dadi."

Riddhima's father Rishi Kapoor is not currently in the country as he left for the US just last week for a medical treatment.

The film industry took to Twitter to express sorrow over his mother's demise.

Veteran actor Anupam Kher tweeted: "Deeply saddened to learn about the sad demise of Krishna Raj Kapoorji. She was one of the most dignified and affectionate ladies that I met.

"May her soul rest in peace. My condolences to the entire Kapoor and Nanda family. Om Shanti."

Actress Soha Ali Khan recounted few, but memorable moments of interaction with the Kapoor matriarch, who was always elegantly dressed.

"She was an incredible personality full of life and passion and with never a hair out place! She will be missed greatly. My deepest condolences to the family," Soha wrote.

Actress Raveena Tandon expressed condolences to the entire Kapoor family as "an era passes away" with Krishna Raj Kapoor's demise.

Preeti Sharma Menon, National Executive Member, Aam Aadmi Party, said: "For many old timers of our suburb, she will always be the graceful First Lady of Chembur".
Srinagar, Oct 1 : An Special Police Officer (SPO) who decamped with eight firearms last week, has joined the Hizbul Mujahideen terror outfit, police said on Monday Pictures of SPO Adil Bashir posing with an AK-47 rifle alongside Hizbul commander Zeenat-ul-Islam went viral on social media on Monday.

The police said that they have identified the civilian with whose help Bashir, a resident of Shopian district, managed to flee with seven AK-47 Rifles and a pistol on September 28 from the official residence of MLA Aijaz Mir in Srinagar's Jawahar Nagar area.

The MLA was in Jammu when the incident occurred.

The police have detained 10 of the legislator's personal security guards for questioning.
Weve made personal sacrifices, paying what few bills we can, the South Shore resident said. We get paid out of the strike fund, but thats a fraction of what we make. Its a sacrifice we have to make. These hotels have made billions of dollars and were just trying to get our just due.
New Delhi : Most progressive organisations today recognise that their employees are one of their key stakeholders, apart from their customers, partners, suppliers and shareholders. It is imperative that the needs of employees are addressed adequately.

In fact, it can unlock unprecedented productivity and deepen engagement within the organisation which build a strong foundation for future growth. It is important that employees are offered consistent and effective experiences from all the digital touchpoints of a company.

Any effort to improve employee-experience needs to begin with an understanding of what their work patterns are, and what the employees need or are looking for. With the steep rise in ubiquity of mobile devices, employees increasingly prefer to access business applications and transactions on their personal mobile devices.

It is critical that enterprises take cognisance of this trend and provide a consistent and effective experience to employees on any end point they choose to access their business applications.

The end point could be Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), Choose Your Own Device (CYOD), or even Corporate-Owned Personal Device (COPE).

Flexibility in access to business applications provides a host of benefits to employees. To begin with, they do not need to be at their work location in order to access the applications. This promotes work-life balance for employees and boosts their overall morale and productivity as they can now control their time better and accomplish more based on their personal situations.

A major public-sector bank has set a great example of achieving scale with security across its branches all over India. It has created a large private cloud and virtualised its infrastructure through adoption of a software-defined data centre. Every employee in every branch is provisioned a virtual machine literally in minutes and enjoys a consistent experience. In addition, a "work from home" initiative was announced, especially for its women employees, on the International Women's Day in March 2017.

The ability to access business applications alongside personal applications on personal devices is a great convenience, but there are security challenges which need to be addressed with the right technologies. For instance, it is difficult to manually comply with internet separation on potentially multiple personal devices being used to access business systems. There are bound to be policy and usage violations forcing organisations into reactive mode.

Initiatives like "working from home" certainly add to the complexity of ensuring internet separation. Organisations need to consider virtualised desktop and unified end-point access management in order to provision access to employees and manage the freedom of access with the control of security without issues. More importantly, if a cyber-security issue were to crop up, these technologies will ensure it is quarantined at the point of incidence.

For an IT organisation that is already dealing with offering 24x7 access on a multitude of diverse devices while enforcing unobtrusive control on unauthorised access and operations, the combination of business applications on personal devices can be a difficult mix to manage.

It is a huge security challenge which needs to be managed by organisations with intelligent technologies that can enforce an appropriate policy dependent on the employee, role, application, end point and usage context. It needs to be centrally defined but deployed in a highly-aware and distributed manner.

Secure digital workspace solution enabled by virtualisation and unified end-point management technologies is the most effective and comprehensive solution for delivering good user experience for all its customers, including internal employees. Virtualised digital work spaces provide secure access to any application on any device.

At the back-end, they provide micro-segmented security at a fine granular level and implement one-way-trust for clients accessing internet. More importantly, digital work spaces provide a firewall at every virtualised client level to ensure that potential threats don't spread beyond the affected client. They also restrict unauthorised traffic flows by enforcing internet separation during use.

Flexibility is not merely a feel-good or a nice-to-have feature. It also offers tremendous business benefits such as 100 per cent uptime, central patch monitoring/management, fool-proof internet separation, consistent security policy implementation, ability to remotely wipe a device in case of loss and zero unauthorised access with users experiencing seamless access, efficiency and productivity.

Scaling infrastructure in tune with demand growth is also easier and faster with centrally forecasted and pro-actively implemented virtualisation capacity for the data centre.

As with everything, when you do the right things right, you can expect great things to happen. Deeply committed, passionate, engaged and productive employees, who have the freedom of choice when it comes to where and how they work, can galvanise a positive and significant growth environment for organisations.

(Sundar Balasubramanian is Senior Director, Commercial Sales and Partners at VMware. The views expressed are personal. He can be contacted at sbalasubramani@vmware.com)
Islamabad, Oct 1 : Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi is scheduled to hold a second meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and also hold talks with National Security Adviser (NSA) John Bolton in Washington, a media report said on Monday.

Qureshi arrived in Washington D.C. on Sunday for talks on bilateral relations with US officials following his trip to New York for the 73rd UN General Assembly session. He is expected to meet Pompeo and Bolton on Tuesday, Dawn news said in the report.

His first stop is expected to be the White House where he will meet Bolton for talks on untangling Pakistan's ruffled relations with the US.

He will then proceed to the US State Department for his second meeting with the Secretary of State.

On Monday, Qureshi will meet Pakistani diplomats and experts to prepare for the crucial talks that are to be held on Tuesday.

Pompeo and Qureshi first met in Islamabad in September when the US approached the new Pakistani government to discuss key issues that have strained decades-old ties between the two countries.

It was during his Islamabad visit last month that Pompeo invited Qureshi to visit Washington for further talks.
New Delhi, Oct 1 : Actor Chris Evans has criticised rapper Kanye West's call for the abolition of the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution, labelling the rappers tweet "maddening."

It all started on Sunday as West, 41, captioned a Twitter photo of himself wearing a pro-Donald Trump Make America Great Again hat on a private plane.

West tweeted: "This represents good and America becoming whole again. We will no longer outsource to other countries. We build factories here in America and create jobs. We will provide jobs for all who are free from prisons as we abolish the 13th amendment. Message sent with love."

A representative for West did not immediately return people.com's request for comment.

Ratified in 1865 after the Civil War, the 13th Amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, but also "allowed for prisoners to be used as slave labor," tweeted writer Yashar Ali, who tried to make sense of West's message. "But he doesn't articulate that in his tweet, leaving people confused and others delighted," Ali added.

Evans was not one of those delighted people.

"There's nothing more maddening than debating someone who doesn't know history, doesn't read books, and frames their myopia as virtue," tweeted the "Captain America" actor, 37.

"The level of unapologetic conjecture I've encountered lately isn't just frustrating, it's retrogressive, unprecedented and absolutely terrifying," Evans concluded.

Responding to West's support, Trump tweeted on Sunday: "Like many, I don't watch 'Saturday Night Live' (even though I past hosted it) - no longer funny, no talent or charm. It is just a political ad for the Dems. Word is that Kanye West, who put on a MAGA hat after the show (despite being told 'no'), was great. He's leading the charge!"

West began the controversial performance by singing, "I wanna cry right now. Black man in America, you're supposed to keep what you feel inside right now. And the liberals bully you and tell you what you can and cannot wear, where you and they can't not stare. And they look at me and say, 'It's not fair. How the hell did you get here?' WellA"

Wearing a Make America Great Again hat, he then delivered an unexpected speech in front of "Saturday Night Live' performers like Colin Jost and host Adam Driver.

"Actually, blacks weren't always Democrats... It's like a plan they did to take the fathers out the homes and promote welfare. Does anybody know about that? That's the Democratic plan," he said.
Tehran, Oct 1 : Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps announced targeting "terrorists'" bases in Syria with missiles and drones on Monday in response to a deadly attack on a military parade last month.

In the operation, which targeted an area in the east of the Euphrates river in Syria, the Revolutionary Guard Corps used six mid-range missiles and seven drones, according to a statement cited by the BBC.

"A big number of the terrorists were killed or injured in the attack," said the statement posted on Revolutionary Guards' Sepah News website.

Iran's action came in response to the September 22 terror attack on its military parade in Ahvaz city, in which 25 people were killed and dozens were injured.

Al-Ahvazieh, an Iranian Arab-affiliated separatist group, had claimed responsibility for the September strike. The Iranian officials later blamed the US and its regional allies for the Ahvaz attack.

Iran has supported President Bashar al-Assad in Syria's civil war, sending hundreds of troops and backing pro-Syrian government militias.
Panaji, Oct 1 : A 24-year-old man from Hyderabad, who had arrived in Goa with a friend last week, died due to suspected overdose of drugs after partying at a popular rave club in the beach village of Anjuna, police said on Monday.

A police spokesperson said the deceased, identified as Shashank Sharma, was partying at the club located 20 km from Panaji on Sunday afternoon when the incident occurred.

"He felt uneasy after he left the club, following which he was referred to the Goa Medical College where he expired late on Sunday," the spokesperson said.

Police sources said that before he passed out, Sharma told his friend that he had consumed a tablet at the club which made him feel uneasy.
Mumbai, Oct 1 : The Central government on Monday moved the top corporate tribunal to change the management of the beleaguered IL&FS.

According to sources, the matter has been listed in the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Mumbai, for hearing later in the day.

The debt ridden IL&FS has been taken to the NCLT, Mumbai, by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, the sources told IANS here.

The development comes a day after Congress President Rahul Gandhi alleged that public money was being used to bail-out IL&FS.

In a tweet on Sunday, Gandhi alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bailing out the IL&FS group which has a long-term debt liability of around Rs 91,000 crore via public savings in LIC and the State Bank of India (SBI).

The Congress has raised the issue and warned of "an impending 'Lehman Brothers-type' economic crisis facing the country".

The party has also called for a forensic audit of the group over the disbursement of Rs 42,000 crore in the last four years.

The call for an audit comes at a time, when concerns have been raised regarding the financial stability of the group after some of its subsidiaries defaulted on commercial paper repayment obligations.

On Saturday, the cash-strapped company said it was planning to have a "successful" rights issue and would sell its assets to repay creditors.

The company in its Annual General Meeting sought shareholders' permission to carry out its plans to recapitalise itself.

Recently, IL&FS Financial Services, a group company, defaulted in payment obligations of bank loans (including interest), term and short-term deposits and failed to meet the commercial paper (CP) redemption obligations due on September 14.

On September 15, the company reported that it had received notices for delays and defaults in servicing some of the inter corporate deposits accepted by it.

Consequent to defaults, rating agency ICRA downgraded the ratings of its short-term and long-term borrowing programmes.

IL&FS Ltd is a core investment company and serves as the holding company of the IL&FS Group, with most business operations domiciled in separate companies which form an ecosystem of expertise across infrastructure, finance and social and environmental services.

Initially promoted by the Central Bank of India, Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd and the Unit Trust of India, IL&FS was incorporated in 1987.

Over the years, it has inducted institutional shareholders including SBI, LIC, ORIX Corporation of Japan and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).

As on March 31, 2018, LIC and ORIX Corporation are the largest shareholders in IL&FS with their stakeholding at 25.34 per cent and 23.54 per cent, respectively. Other prominent shareholders include ADIA (12.56 per cent), HDFC (9.02 per cent), CBI (7.67 per cent) and SBI (6.42 per cent).
Mumbai, Oct 1 : For the Hindi movie world, Krishna Raj Kapoor, who died here on Monday aged 87, will always remain the 'First Lady of the Film Fraternity' who personified grace, dignity and affection.

With Krishna Raj Kapoor's death, the second generation of the influential clan ends. The clan started in the silent films era with Prithviraj Kapoor.

Bollywood celebrities like Aamir Khan, Amjad Ali Khan, Karan Johar and Manisha Koirala mourned the death of Kapoor family's matriarch, the widow of the legendary Bollywood actor-filmmaker Raj Kapoor.

Here's what the celebrities expressed:

Anupam Kher: Deeply saddened... She was one of the most dignified and affectionate ladies that I met. May her soul rest in peace.

Amjad Ali Khan: Deepest condolences to the respected Kapoor family on the sad demise of the gracious Krishna Raj Kapoorji. May her soul rest in peace.

Aamir Khan: If Raj Kapoor was an institution in filmmaking, Krishnaji was an institution in living life. A very sad loss to all of us. My love and warmth to Randhirji, Rishiji, Rajivji, Reema, Rituji and everyone in the family. We love you Krishnaji.

Karan Johar: The embodiment of grace of dignity, of elegance and of stength... Krishna aunty will always be the 'First Lady of the Film Fraternity'. The most generous, kind and gentle person I have ever known with the most terrific sense of humour... Will miss you Krishna aunty.

Manisha Koirala: Till the end she was graceful! What a remarkable lady!

Satish Kaushik: Iron pillar of Kapoor family. Will always be remembered for her grace and dignified persona. May her soul RIP.

Soha Ali Khan: She was an incredible personality full of life and passion and with never a hair out of place! She will be missed greatly. My deepest condolences.

Raveena Tandon said "an era passes away" with Krishna Raj Kapoor's demise.

Kunal Kemmu: Elegant, regal and loving - that's how I remember Krishnaji from the few times that we met. She will be dearly missed.

Madhur Bhandarkar: My deepest condolences. May God give immense strength to whole family.

Farah Khan: The most beautiful lady of our industry passes away. My heart goes out to the entire family. Krishna Aunty may you rest in peace.

Tusshar Kapoor: RIP. A life most gracefully cherished and endured in equal measure!

Farah Khan Ali: Krishna Aunty you will be missed terribly. A remarkable woman who inspired one and all. Love you. May your soul RIP and deepest condolences to Rishi Kapoor and family.

Sophie Choudry: Deepest condolences to the Kapoor and Nanda family... Truly one of the most elegant, beautiful ladies ever. All my love and prayers. May her soul RIP.
San Francisco, Oct 1 : An issue in the "unified thread" functionality for iMessage that comes as part of Apple's iOS 12 update is merging threads with different contacts and sending messages to several people unintentionally, the media reported.

The "unified thread" feature creates multiple chat threads for a single contact in situations where a contact switches SIM, uses multiple Apple devices or uses both email and phone number to chat on iMessage.

The problem is being reported by a significant number of iMessage users ever since the update started rolling out, and of late, the number of complaints have swelled up, PiunikaWeb reported on Sunday.

"To get a message to the intended recipient, I create a new message with the correct contact. Once the message is sent, it joins up with the combined message thread," a user added to the complaints flooding Apple's Support page.

Majority of users facing this issue share a common "Apple ID" with some of their family members, which may lead to speculation that the new streamlining feature in iMessage treats Apple ID as the basis for merging/combining threads, the report added.

Apple rolled out the latest version of its operating system (OS) -- iOS 12 -- earlier in September, promising to bring performance improvements across the system with features like faster camera and keyboard launch, "Screen Time" to track the amount of time users spent interacting with their devices and "Siri Shortcuts" that allows any app to work with Apple's digital assistant Siri.
Manama, Oct 1 : An Indian man plunged to his death from the top of a three-storey building in Bahrain on Monday, the media reported.

The incident took place in Gudaibiya city and the man was identified as Aseer, according to the Gulf Daily News.

According to eye witnesses, the man was found dead at around 7.30 a.m. The police were investigating the incident.
Agartala, Oct 1 : Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will meet tribal outfit INPT's leaders in Delhi on October 4 to discuss their demand for a National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Tripura, a party leader said here on Monday.

"Following our request, the Home Minister has called Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura (INPT) President Bijoy Kumar Hrangkhawl and General Secretary Jagadhish Debbarma to New Delhi to discuss the demand," INPT Advisory Council Chairman Srota Ranjan Khisa told IANS.

Khisa said: "Tripura's main opposition tribal party will also file a petition in the Supreme Court soon to seek introducing of the NRC in the state. We will also hold a sit-in in New Delhi in November on the issue."

He said that the INPT last month submitted a memorandum to the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India in New Delhi on the reasons for the need of the NRC in Tripura.

The INPT has been campaigning in Tripura in support of its demands -- withdrawal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016; more constitutional power to Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council; introduction of inner-line permit in these areas; and inclusion of Kokborok language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.

Another tribal party, the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) which is a junior partner in the Bharatiya Janata Party-led alliance government, is also agitating in support of similar demands.

Six other smaller tribal parties in Tripura have also been intermittently voicing their support for demands concerning the tribals, who comprise one third of the state's four-million population.
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 1 : Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday held a meeting over the September 28 Supreme Court verdict that threw open the Sabarimala temple to all women, and discussed steps to welcome women this upcoming season.

"The meeting has decided to increase facilities at various camps en route to the temple. At the Nilackal base camp, we have today decided to increase pilgrim facilities from 6,000 to 10,000. There will also be a special enclosure for women," State Minister for Devasoms (a watchdog body of temples which oversees the functioning of all the Devasom Boards in Kerala), K.Surendran told the media here after the meeting.

He said the toilets for women will be in a different colour.

"Facilities at the bathing enclosure in river Pampa will also be increased."

The Minister said that while online booking for 'darshan' is already available on the temple website, authorities are also trying out ways for booking via mobile apps.

"We have decided to increase the lighting facilities all around the temple town. Under the new scheme of things, all vehicles will be parked at Nilackal and from there pilgrims will have to take the bus service. Twenty-five per cent of all buses would be kept aside for women," said Surendran.

Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy asked Vijayan not to show any haste with regard to the judgement which has allowed women of all ages to enter the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala.

"There is no doubt that the apex court ruling should be adhered to, but it has also come as a shock to others... The state government should explore all options and not implement the verdict in a hurry," said Chandy.

Sasikumar Varma, a spokesman for the Pandalam Royal Family, which has an integral role in the affairs of the Sabarimala temple, said the palace was disappointed with the verdict and on Tuesday they will stage a protest by reciting hymns at the Pandalam temple.

Senior CPI-M leader, A.Padmakumar, who is also President of the Travancore Devasom Board, on Monday disapproved the verdict, saying that no female members from his family would go to the temple.

State Bharatiya Janata Party President P.S.Sreedharan Pillai told the media in Kozhikode that the state government was not taking into account the feelings of a huge number of believers in the tradition of the temple.

"We will support the believers and be with them. The state government should consider coming out with an ordinance to protect the concerns."

On September 28, in a 4:1 judgment, the apex court said the ban on women in the menstruating age group, whose presence in the Lord Ayyappa temple was considered to be "impure", violated their fundamental rights and constitutional guarantee of equality.

Until now, girls below 10 years and women over 50 years were allowed to visit the hilltop shrine, located in the Western Ghats and about 130 km from Thiruvananthapuram.

The temple is hugely popular in southern India.
New Delhi, Oct 1 : India and Uzbekistan set an annual bilateral trade target of $1 billion to be achieved in two years and agreed to cooperate in counter-terrorism efforts as the two sides signed 17 agreements across a range of sectors following delegation-level talks led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev here on Monday.

They also agreed to further strengthen their Strategic Partnership and boost connectivity in a significant manifestation of India's increasing engagements with Central Asia.

"We have agreed to strengthen trade and investment ties and have set a bilateral trade target of $1 billion by 2020," Modi said in a joint address to the media with Mirziyoyev after the talks. "We have also decided to start negotiations for a preferential trade agreement."

Bilateral trade stands at around $350 million now.

According to a joint statement, both sides called for further promotion of investment.

"They noted the favourable conditions for investment by Indian companies in Uzbekistan, including in the framework of the special economic zones and free pharmaceutical zones," it stated.

Both countries positively assessed the establishment of an Uzbek-Indian Business Council between industry body CII and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan.

Modi said India had decided to extend a line of credit (LoC) of $200 million to Uzbekistan for housing and other social infrastructure projects.

"We will welcome Uzbekistan's proposals under $800 million line of credit and buyer's credit from Exim Bank," he said. "We have proposed to help Uzbekistan in the areas of space, human resource development and IT."

Both sides discussed ways to boost connectivity.

Modi stressed the importance of Chabahar port in Iran being jointly developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan.

He expressed gratitude to Uzbekistan for its support in India for becoming a member of the Ashgabat Agreement which seeks to establish an international transport and transit corridor between Iran, Oman, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

"We are happy Uzbekistan has agreed to be a part of the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC)," he said.

The INSTC is a 7,200-km-long multi-modal network of ship, rail and road routes to move freight between India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe.

Modi said that India and Uzbekistan shared their vision and plans to further strengthen their strategic partnership.

The India-Uzbekistan relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership when then Uzbek President Islam Karimov visited India in 2011.

"Meaningful discussions were also held on regional issues of importance that are linked to our security, peace, prosperity and cooperation," Modi said.

Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and other international forums.

In defence cooperation, Modi said India and Uzbekistan discussed joint military exercises and military education and training among other areas.

According to the joint statement, two two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation between their law enforcement agencies and special services, including under the framework of the Uzbekistan-India Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism.

Modi called for a stable, democratic, inclusive and prosperous Afghanistan.

Both sides "reiterated their support for ... a genuine Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled peace and reconciliation process that would allow for a peaceful, secure, united, inclusive and prosperous nation".

Also discussed were issues of e-visa, tourism, academic exchanges and air connectivity.

On his part, Mirziyoyev said the India-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership was very important for Tashkent's foreign policy.

He said Uzbekistan supported India's bid for a permanent membership in the UN Security Council.

"We are very concerned about the conflict in Afghanistan and feel that the only solution is a dialogue between the Afghan government and the opposition."

The 17 agreements signed between the two sides covered the areas of tourism, military training, law and justice, agriculture, science and innovation, health and pharmaceuticals.

Earlier, Mirziyoyev was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on him.

The Uzbek President arrived on Sunday on his first official visit to India since assuming office in 2016.
Paris, Oct 1 : Former French President Francois Hollande's surprise outburst over the Rafale deal has added to the discomfort and uncertainty in the French business community about the future of the largest Indo-French deal in decades.

"What was he really thinking when he made those comments? It is one of the most important business deals that we have with India and the future of not only Dassault, but also hundreds of small and medium enterprises, is tied to this deal," said the president of one of the largest manufacturing industry associations of France, several of whose members are already present in India and many more are preparing to start doing business with the country.

"It is very irresponsible of our former President to have made such comments that could jeopardise the entire deal," added the businessman.

The response pretty much sums up the feelings of businesses in France towards the Rafale controversy. They are angry, dismayed or edgy, or a combination of all. Many are upset over Hollande's comments as they believe they hurt French interests, especially business interests, in India.

The French government had also expressed similar fears in its response to the utterings of the former President.

"I believe that this small observation made abroad concerning the important relations between France and India does not do anyone any service, and certainly renders no service to France," French Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne told a French radio station soon after Hollande's comments, summing up the feeling here in Paris about the controversy.

Despite the turbulence, many businessmen say they remain convinced that it will be business as usual between the two countries, but just underneath this confidence lies the fear of uncertainty.

"All indications that we have currently are favouring a return of the Modi government to power after the elections next year. So, we should be alright," said another business leader at a recent meeting with some Indian companies.

"But what happens if the opposition comes to power or if Modi fails to get an outright majority? Will we see a cancellation of the Rafale deal?" asked one of his colleagues.

Perhaps, one of the weakest links lies in the supply chain that Dassault needs to set up in India as part of its offset obligations.

Last year, Dassault had asked dozens of companies, almost all of them SMEs, to prepare to set up operations in India. The response was very enthusiastic as most of these SMEs could not afford to venture into India on their own, and riding piggyback on the Rafale project was one of the easiest ways for them to get a foothold in the Indian market. However, of late, some of this enthusiasm seems to be ebbing, at least amongst the smaller vendors of Dassault.

"I am keen to explore the Indian market and I had thought if I accompanied Dassault to India on their Rafale project, it would be the best way for us to go to India. But now we realise that Dassault is asking us to invest a lot of money in India, running into millions of euros for each of us.

"It may be peanuts for them, but for us it is a very heavy charge and the risk of doing business in India remains elevated as usual, so I am now thinking of going slow on this, if not abandoning it altogether," said the CEO of one of the SMEs involved in supplying key electronic parts to Dassault.

The CEO went on to add that he is aware of at least another vendor who has decided to put on hold the Indian plan, at least for the moment.

"If the Rafale story becomes a crisis, I can see many more of my colleagues joining me in staying out of India, at least for now," he said.

(Ranvir Nayar is a senior Paris-based journalist. He can be contacted at r.nayar@mediaindia.eu)
Patna, Oct 1 : Marriage can wait but politics cannot, says Bihar's 28-year-old Leader of Opposition Tejaswi Yadav, who says he will marry after the 2019 general elections.

"I will marry only after the Lok Sabha polls," the former Deputy Chief Minister said on Sunday night here after arriving from Ranchi where he met his ailing father and RJD leader Lalu Prasad.

Lalu Prasad is undergoing treatment at a Ranchi hospital after being jailed in a multi-crore fodder scam.

Tejashwi Yadav, the younger son of Lalu Prasad, said he will marry a girl of his parents' choice. "I will prefer an arranged marriage."

According to him, he was getting marriage proposals from within Bihar and beyond.

Two years ago, when he was the Deputy Chief Minister, he reportedly received 44,000 marriage proposals on WhatsApp.

Tejaswi's elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav, a former Bihar Health Minister, married former Minister and RJD leader Chandrika Rai's daughter Aishwarita Rai in May this year.

All his seven sisters including Misa Bharti, a Rajya Sabha member, are married.
Lucknow, Oct 1 : Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Monday lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttar Pradesh over the killing of Apple executive Vivek Tiwari by a policeman.

In a statement, the four-time Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said the incident showed the lawlessness in the state.

Extending her sympathies to Tiwari's family, she said that instead of the widow seeking justice, the state government should have swung into action.

She said she had told Rajya Sabha member Satish Chandra Mishra to meet the Tiwari family and also offer his legal expertise if they do not get justice from the state government.

The Dalit leader also claimed that there were increasing cases of harassment and crimes against the Brahmin community in Uttar Pradesh ever since the BJP government took power last year.
Kolkata, Oct 1 : Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said the Narendra Modi-led Central government is endeavouring to further strengthen the zonal councils and the inter-state councils to maintain good federal atmosphere between the Centre and the states.

"It is endeavour of the present government to strengthen the institution of the zonal councils and the inter-state councils to promote and maintain good federal atmosphere among the states and between the Centre and the states," said Singh, who chaired the meet held at West Bengal state secreriat Nabanna here.

"The meeting has been extremely successful and 26 out 30 items discussed in the meeting have been resolved," he noted.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi and Odisha Finance Minister Sashi Bhushan Behera were among those attending the meet, besides senior officials of the Centre and the respective state governments.

Fifteen new issues including development of located coal mines, implementation of various national programmes of health, expeditious clearance for right of way for laying optical fibre cable and land acquisition for development of 11 new airports in the region were discussed in the meeting, along with previously unresolved issues of mining in the states of eastern zone and measures to curb Left wing extremism, a release said.

Schemes for modernisation of state police forces, release of central share for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes and measures for bringing green revolution to eastern India were also discussed at the meet.

The five zonal councils -- Western, Eastern, Northern, Southern and Central -- were set up under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 to foster inter-state cooperation and coordination.

The councils are mandated to discuss and make recommendations on any matter of common interest in the fields of economic and social planning, border disputes and linguistic minorities, among others.
Birmingham (United Kingdom), Oct 1 : The UK's Brexit secretary on Monday gave a combative speech at the Conservative Party conference in central England, where he told the audience the EU had to get serious if it wanted a future deal and said the British government was not afraid of a no-deal scenario.

Speaking at the event in Birmingham, Dominic Raab remarked that the EU's approach to the Brexit negotiations had so far shown a lack of compromise and placed the onus on cracking a future deal firmly on Brussels, Efe news reported.

"If the EU want a deal, they need to get serious and they need to do it now," the Member of Parliament for Thames Ditton, who took over from David Davis in the Cabinet when the latter resigned in protest of Prime Minister Theresa May's Chequers Brexit plan in July, told the crowd.

He said May had shown nothing but respect for the EU, but all she had received in turn were "jibes" from the bloc's leaders.

Raab also warned that the UK would not rule out a no-deal scenario if Brussels failed to compromise.

"Some people say that no-deal is unthinkable. Wrong, what is unthinkable is that this government, or any British government, could be bullied by the threat of some kind of economic embargo, into signing a one-sided deal against our country's interests," Raab said.

He said any short-term disruptions arising from such an exit from the bloc would be overcome.

Relations across the London-Brussels Brexit negotiating table have soured in recent weeks due to a lack of consensus on topics such as how to maintain a soft border between the Republic of Ireland, an EU member state, and Northern Ireland, a UK territory.

There has also been a growing number of calls in the UK for a re-run of the Brexit vote, a so-called People's Vote. Raab slammed the idea in Birmingham and denounced at undemocratic: "Honestly, it would be pathetic if it wasn't so dangerous."

The UK is due to leave the EU in March 2019.
Incheon (South Korea), Oct 1 : Scientists have been warning for years that the world can expect more extreme weather with climate change and that heat waves, wildfires and heavy rainfall all over the world underscore these warnings, a UN official said on Monday.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) chief Hoesung Lee made these opening remarks at its 48th session that began in this South Korean town.

The IPCC representatives from 195 countries and leading scientists from around the world are meeting to examine evidence about the impacts of global warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

"Science alerts us to the gravity of the situation, but science also, and this special report in particular, helps us understand the solutions available to us.

The South Korean climate change expert was referring to a report, Global Warming of 1.5 AoC, a major scientific undertaking on the latest climate change research that will speak on the impacts of global warming of 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways.

The much-awaited final report will be made public after weeklong deliberation here on October 8. The report will show that 1.5 degrees will limit sea level rise and save homes of millions of people living on the coast.

The IPCC is the UN body for assessing the science related to climate change.

The report will analyse the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty.

Governments invited the IPCC to prepare the report in 2015 when they adopted the Paris Agreement to combat climate change.

The report, known as SR15, will be the main scientific input at the Talanoa Dialogue in the Katowice Climate Change Conference (COP24) in December in Poland.

"Governments have asked the IPCC for an assessment of warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius, its impacts and related emissions pathways, to help them address climate change," Lee said.

"Together, we will produce a strong, robust and clear Summary for Policymakers that respond to the invitation of governments three years ago while upholding the scientific integrity of the IPCC," he said.

The Paris Agreement sets a long-term goal of holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees.

World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Deputy Secretary General Elena Manaenkova told the meeting: "It is no surprise that this year is set to become one of warmest on record and we are seeing new records in long-term climate change indicators".

"The greatest tragedy to those immediately affected is the extreme weather ranging from record heat in northern Europe to devastating floods in Japan, India, southeast Asia and the southeastern United States."

"As far as WMO is concerned we need to step up action to help our members in assisting with climate resilient development," she added.

United Nations Environment head Erik Solheim cautioned against imminent climate threats.

"Hugely important report on climate change coming: message again is clear, immediate and decisive action needed. There are no excuses!" he said in a tweet.

The IPCC was established by the UN Environment Programme and the World Meteorological Organization in 1988 to provide policymakers with regular scientific assessments concerning climate change, its implications and potential future risks, as well as to put forward adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Patna, Oct 1 : The Bihar government on Monday informed the Patna High Court that it will ban all kinds of polythene and plastic bags from October 25 in urban areas of the state and in rural areas from November 25.

Advocate General Lalit Kishore gave this information to a bench headed by Chief Justice M.R. Shah.

Earlier, the government announced a ban from September 24 but deferred it due to lack of preparedness.

In August, the High Court had directed the government to impose the ban and later directed for a law on the matter and use of media to create public awareness.

Two months ago, a draft notification was circulated by the state on a blanket ban on manufacture, import, storage, transport, sale and use of plastic after seeking objections and suggestions from civilians, institutions and stakeholders.

According to the notification, no one will be allowed to store, distribute, sell or use any kind of plastic bag for storing or dispensing edible or non-edible goods within the jurisdiction of Municipal Corporations and Councils and Nagar Panchayats.
New Delhi, Oct 1 : "Gaon-The Village No More" will release on October 26, director Gautam Singh has announced.

The film is inspired by the true story of Singh's own village in Jharkhand, India.

"This film is inspired by the true story of my village in Jharkhand, India. Once in this remote and isolated community, villagers coexisted like members of a large extended family where they maintained a unique way of life - mellow and harmonious, celebratory and united," Singh said in a statement.

"This film is an attempt to pack 200 years of India's history into two hours of cinema. Herein, the Village called Bharatgaon, is itself the protagonist whose character unrecognisably transforms given events transpiring around and in it.

"Bharatgaon and lead male character Bharat serve as metaphors for the state of India, though representing diametrically opposed interpretations while simultaneously residing within one nation - competing, confronting, and falling for each other. This film is the outcome of those encounters," he added.

"Gaon..." features Gopal K Singh as Vaidji, Neha Mahajan as Sango, Rohit Pathak as Mangla, Shadab Kamal as Bharat and Omkar Das Manikpuri as Sambhu.
Trump on Monday morning called it a "great deal," tweeting that it "solves the many deficiencies and mistakes in NAFTA, greatly opens markets to our Farmers and Manufacturers, reduces Trade Barriers to the U.S. and will bring all three Great Nations together in competition with the rest of the world."
Chandigarh, Oct 1 : Procurement of paddy officially began in agrarian states Punjab and Haryana on Monday though bare amounts of the crop arrived in the hundreds of grain markets across both states.

Punjab has sent Cash Credit Limit (CCL) proposal of Rs 40,300 crore to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for the purchase of paddy.

With the retreating monsoon rains lashing Punjab and Haryana in the past 10 days, the harvesting of the paddy crop has been delayed in most areas.

Farmers are worried that the untimely rains could lead to higher moisture content in the paddy.

"The moisture content parameters were specified before the rainfall (September 22-25). The rainfall has affected the standing crop. Farmers could suffer due to this," farmer Sukhdev Singh of Fatehgarh Sahib district said.

Punjab is targeting a procurement of 200 lakh tonnes of paddy this kharif season.

The procurement process is likely to continue till November 30. Bulk of the paddy stocks is expected to arrive in grain markets from October 10 to November 10.

Punjab Food and Civil Supplies Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu has directed all the heads of the state and central procurement agencies to supervise the paddy procurement operations across the state to ensure prompt lifting of paddy as per their allotted share of procurement.

Ashu appealed to farmers to bring dry, clean and fully matured paddy to the mandis. In all, 1,834 purchase centres have been set up across Punjab.

"All out efforts are being made to ensure smooth, hassle free and quick procurement of paddy and facilitate farmers in getting timely payment of their produce," he said.

The central government has fixed the minimum support price (MSP) for paddy at Rs 1,770 per quintal for 'Grade A' and Rs 1,750 per quintal for common variety of paddy.
Ranchi, Oct 1 : Sixteen rifles, including two looted from security personnel, were recovered by the Jharkhand Police in state's Latehar district on Monday.

"A total of 16 rifles have been recovered from Budi Sakhua jungle spread across Latehar and Chatra districts. Of the recpvered rifles, two are .303 rifles looted from the police," said Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Vipul Shukla at a press conference in Latehar.

"We got information that a huge cache of arms were hidden in the jungle area. A joint team of the state police and the CRPF was formed and sent to the jungle for search operation. The arms were recovered during the operation."

Maoist guerrillas are active in 18 of the 24 districts of Jharkhand.
Mumbai/New Delhi, Oct 1 : As the debt-stricken IL&FS Group moved from crisis to crisis, the Central government on Monday superseded the management of the beleaguered company by appointing a six-member board led by banker Uday Kotak to restore its financial solvency.

"The NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal) suspended the existing board and directed that the suspended members should not represent the company in any form with immediate effect," said Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) in a statement.

"The NCLT approved the induction of six directors recommended by the government, in the first instance, consisting of Uday Kotak, MD & CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank, as Non-Executive Chairman and Vineet Nayyar, IAS (retd.), G.N. Bajpai, former Chairman, SEBI, G.C. Chaturvedi, Non-Executive Chairperson, ICICI Bank, Malini Shankar, IAS and Nand Kishore, IA&AS (retd.) as directors."

"The new board shall take up its responsibility with immediate effect, after following due procedures."

The development comes after the NCLT Mumbai ordered supersession of the existing board on a plea moved by the MCA to prevent any "further mismanagement in order to protect public interest".

In Delhi, Economic Affairs Secretary S.C. Garg said the government in public interest moved NCLT to supersede the management of IL&FS on grounds of mismanagement.

"NCLT has allowed appointment of a new board comprising people with proven record of managing financial and infrastructure institutions...(It is) not a takeover," Garg said.

Key public sector lenders and undertakings such as LIC and SBI have a 25.34 per cent and 6.42 per cent stake, respectively, in the firm which has around Rs 91,000 crore in long-term debt.

Besides, institutional investors, infrastructure projects, mutual funds and other lenders were at risk from the collapse of the company. The crisis has dented equity investors' confidence in the entire NBFC (Non Banking Financial Company) space.

According to government sources, the new board will meet within this week.

The board is expected to submit a report on the company's financial woes after assessing the liquidity position and reviewing the decisions taken by the previous management in the next 15 days.

As per some industry estimates, the company has an urgent liquidity requirement of around Rs 5,000 crore.

The move is reminiscent of an earlier decision in which the Central government had appointed a new board of the IT major Satyam.

Earlier, the government said in a statement that after analysing the emerging situation of the IL&FS Group, it has come to the conclusion that "the governance and management change in IL&FS is very necessary for saving the group from financial collapse, which required an immediate change in the existing board and management and appointment of a new management".

"Continuance of the present Board had become prejudicial to the interests of the company and its members and this management was affecting public interest because of its adverse impact on financial stability and making capital markets so adversely affected."

Lately, the credit crunch has led a few of the company's subsidiaries to default in servicing some of the inter-corporate deposits.

Subsequent to defaults, rating agency ICRA downgraded the ratings of its short-term and long-term borrowing programmes.

IL&FS Ltd is a core investment company and serves as the holding company of the IL&FS Group, with most business operations domiciled in separate companies which form an ecosystem of expertise across infrastructure, finance and social and environmental services.

Initially promoted by the Central Bank of India (CBI), Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd and the Unit Trust of India, IL&FS was incorporated in 1987.

Over the years, it has inducted institutional shareholders including SBI, LIC, ORIX Corp of Japan and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).

As on March 31, 2018, LIC and ORIX Corp are the largest shareholders in IL&FS with their stakeholding at 25.34 per cent and 23.54 per cent, respectively. Other prominent shareholders include ADIA (12.56 per cent), HDFC (9.02 per cent), CBI (7.67 per cent) and SBI (6.42 per cent).
New Delhi, Oct 1 : To celebrate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Delhi government will illuminate three historic monuments here for seven days from Tuesday, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said on Monday.

Delhi's Department of Archaeology will illuminate Gol Gumbad, Bijri Khan's Tomb and Tomb of Paik between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Sisodia said the government will organise a free Sufi concert on October 7 at Gol Gumbad. Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated here on January 30, 1948.
New Delhi, Oct 1 : Facing constant attack on the IL&FS crisis, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday hit back at the Congress accusing it of "spreading disinformation" and said the "perverted Rahul Gandhi school of thinking" was finding a scam in an investment by financial institutions in a company.

Calling Congress a "national saboteur", he asked whether all those instances of public sector entities investing in IL&FS during the UPA regime were a scam.

"The financial institutions' investment in any company - 'is it a scam' as Rahul Gandhi and his coterie are spreading? Was it a scam in 1987 when the IL&FS was promoted with the Central Bank of India having 50.5 per cent shares and the UTI having 30.5 per cent shares," Jaitley asked in a Facebook post.

"Was it a scam in 2005 when LIC acquired 15 per cent stake in IL&FS and in March, 2006 when it acquired another 11.10 per cent stake? In fact, LIC further bought 19.34 lakh shares in IL&FS in 2010," he added.

"Do I start calling all these investments today 'a scam' as per 'the perverted Rahul Gandhi school of thinking'?"

The Minister said the Congress must remember that "the days of crony capitalism" were over and that NDA government dealt with such challenges "objectively and professionally".

Jaitley's remarks came a day after Congress President Rahul Gandhi alleged that public money was being used to bail out the debt-ridden IL&FS group.

In a tweet, Gandhi alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bailing out the group which had a long-term debt liability of around Rs 91,000 crore via public savings in LIC and the State Bank of India.

"From where has he invented a proposal of Rs 91,000 crore investment likely to take place by LIC and SBI in the IL&FS," Jaitley asked.

"The Congress Party, for the last few days, has been busy spreading misinformation about the government's possible moves in relation to the private sector company IL&FS. The Congress is a national saboteur. It wants to sabotage India's economy by allowing a situation in relation to a company to persist, expand and become unmanageable. It lacks statesmanship and vision," he said.

The Minister added that it was, in fact, a section of the Congress leadership which was urging him to enable investments in the IL&FS and save the company.

"A senior Congress leader, K.V. Thomas, who is a former Union Minister and has been the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, has written to me on September 20 making such a request.

"It demolishes every word that Rahul Gandhi and his coterie has been spreading. It may be advisable for Rahul Gandhi to get some 'words of wisdom' from Thomas," he said.
Tehran, Oct 1 : Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Monday that a special bilateral trade channel will be opened with the EU in order to get around economic sanctions imposed on Tehran by the US.

The cooperation mechanism between Iran and EU has reached its final stages, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Bahram Qasemi said in a statement.

"If the Europeans and other partners, for any reason, cannot secure a guarantee, the issue can affect Iran's decision, and Tehran will take a way that is in line with its interests," Qasemi said in a statement cited by IRNA news agency.

Qasemi explained that details of the talks with the EU and the exact cooperation mechanism were being kept secret to prevent the US interference.

The US has re-imposed sanctions, including an oil embargo that will begin in November, after unilaterally withdrawing in May from the 2015 nuclear deal, which put limits on certain nuclear activities in Iran in exchange for lifting international sanctions.

The EU has continued to back the accord, which also included China and Russia, and has defended its relations with Iran.

Qasemi said that in a meeting in New York, the foreign ministers of Iran and the five countries that continue to support the pact (France, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Russia) agreed to complete the cooperation programmes.

The meeting discussed payment channels and other measures to facilitate payments related to Iranian petroleum exports, among other issues, according to the final communiquA.
London, Oct 1 : Actress and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson has addressed an emotional letter to Indian dentist Savita Halappanavar, who passed away in 2012 after being denied abortion in Ireland, saying she will continue the fight for reproductive justice for her.

Halappanavar died at University Hospital Galway in Ireland, following a miscarriage as she was denied an abortion. The Eighth Amendment in Ireland's constitution prohibited the abortion. But now, the amendment stands repealed following a referendum over it in May, reports independent.co.uk.

Watson said: "Dear Dr Savita Halappanavar, you didn't want to become the face of a movement; you wanted a procedure that would have saved your life.

"When news of your death broke in 2012, the urgent call to action from Irish activists reverberated around the world - repeal the eighth amendment of the Irish constitution."

The 'Harry Potter' star also highlighted the significance of the "historic feminist victory" that took place in Ireland when the country voted to repeal the eighth amendment of its constitution on May 25.

"A note on your memorial in Dublin read, 'Because you slept, many of us woke'. That the eighth amendment enabled valuing the life of an unborn foetus over a living woman was a wake-up call to a nation."

The 28-year-old star further said: "From Argentina to Poland, restrictive abortion laws punish and endanger girls, women and pregnant people. Still, Northern Ireland's abortion law predates the lightbulb. In your memory, and towards our liberation, we continue the fight for reproductive justice."
Mogadishu, Oct 1 : A suicide car bomb ripped through an EU convoy near the Somali Defence Ministry here on Monday injuring three civilians, the police said.

Somali police commander Sheikh Isak Hassan said the civilians were injured while walking next to armoured vehicles belonging to the EU Training Mission in Somalia, Efe news reported.

The Italian soldiers inside the vehicles were unharmed, although one vehicle was damaged, he said.

The Somali militant group Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the car rammed into the convoy carrying Italian military advisers and trainers.

Witnesses said they saw a huge plume of smoke rising above the place.

"It was so huge. We learnt that foreign troops were targeted. Somali forces arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area," said one eyewitness.

The EU mission, which provides military support to the Western-backed government, didn't comment on the latest incident, which according to reports, left at least two people dead.
New Delhi, Oct 1 : The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on Monday asked telecom operators to submit a plan to stop the use of Aadhaar for authentication of subscribers.

The Supreme Court last week, while upholding the constitutional validity of the Aadhaar Act, disallowed private entities from possessing the Aadhaar details of customers.

In a letter to the telecom companies, UIDAI said: "TSPs (telecom service providers) are hereby directed to submit by l5th October an action plan/exit plan to the Authority for closure of use of Aadhaar based authentication systems.

"If the Authority does not receive any communication to this effect within the stipulated timeline, the authentication services shall be terminated without any further notice."

The letter accessed by IANS also asked the operators to delink Aadhaar from mobile numbers when sought by any subscriber and perform KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures afresh using the list of documents approved by the Department of Telecom (DoT).

"All TSPSs shall immediately notify their customers the facility of delinking their Aadhaar number and UID Token from their database and establish a system to accept and process such requests for delinking," it said.

Commenting on the development, Cellular Operators' Authority of India Director General Rajan Mathews said the industry body would talk to the DoT soon to discuss the modalities.

"Once we determine what the order means, then we will obviously work with the DoT, whether the timeframe is feasible or not," he said.
Mogadishu, Oct 1 : At least two people were killed when a suicide car bomb struck an EU mission convoy in the Somali capital on Monday, officials said.

Abdikadir Abdirrahman, Director of Amin Ambulances, told Xinhua news agency that emergency crew transported four injured people and two bodies.

The blast occurred near the Somali Defence Ministry where a convoy of Italian troops was passing by. The police said no member of the Italian troops were killed or injured.

Witnesses reported seeing huge plume of smoke rising over the place. "It was so huge. We learnt that foreign troops were targeted. Somali forces arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area," said one eyewitness.

Militant group Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack. The Italian Defence Ministry reportedly said that no Italian soldiers were hurt in the strike.
With those numbers in mind, why not just buy a place? According to Steven Hirsch, who has rented a Lakeview home with his wife and three kids for almost five years, its because finding the right house requires the perfect combination of timing and location. Hirsch said the family sold its Bucktown condo and moved into the town home for more space, as well as the neighborhood school. The 43-year-old Michigan native said renting gives the family more time to look for a home that fits its needs.
United Nations, Oct 1 : Eminent academic and economic adviser to the Kerala government, Gita Gopinath, was appointed on Monday as Director of the International Monetary Fund's Research Department.

Announcing the appointment, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde called her "one of the world's outstanding economists with impeccable academic credentials, a proven track record of intellectual leadership and extensive international experience".

"All this makes her exceptionally well-placed to lead our Research Department at this important juncture. I am delighted to name such a talented figure as our Chief Economist," she said in a statement.

The director of the IMF's Research Department oversees the World Economic Outlook Report that is considered a major survey of the global economy as well as several other reports and research projects that determine the financial and economic statuses of countries.

She succeeds Maurice Obstfeld, who announced in July that he would retire at the end of this year.

Gopinath, who received her MA degree from the Delhi School of Economics, is the John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and Economics at Harvard University.

She is concurrently the economic adviser to the Chief Minister of Kerala and, according to her bio at Harvard, she was appointed in 2016 to the honorary position with the rank of principal secretary.

She has also served as a member of the Eminent Persons Advisory Group on G-20 Matters for India's Ministry of Finance.

She received her Ph.D in economics from Princeton University in 2001 for her work on international macroeconomics and trade and was an assistant professor at University of Chicago before moving to Harvard in 2005.

Her bachelor's degree was from Lady Sri Ram College in New Delhi.

She received the Bhagwati Prize for the best paper published in the Journal of International Economics in 2003 and 2004.

In 2014, she was named one of the top 25 economists under 45 by the IMF and she was a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader in 2011.

Gopinath is also the co-editor of the American Economic Review and Handbook of International Economics, co-director of the International Finance and Macroeconomics Programme at the National Bureau of Economic Research and a member of the Economic Advisory Panel of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

She has authored some 40 research articles on exchange rates, trade and investment, international financial crises, monetary policy, debt and emerging market crises, according to the IMF.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed on Twitter at @arulouis)
Alwar, Oct 1 : Dozens of Accredited Social Health Activists (Asha) and Anganwadi workers dissatisfied with central governments 60 per cent pay hike, heckled Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Monday in Kohrapipali village after the Minister laid the foundation stone for an education institute.

The incident took place in Kohrapipali village when Naqvi reached there to mark the commencement of work for the institute meant for poor sections and minorities.

The trouble started reportedly when the minister moved towards his vehicle even as women protesters demanding a hike their monthly salary tried to stop him.

The police escorted him out of the function.

The agitated group said despite several requests made to Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundara Raje to increase the salary and other facilities, "nothing" was done.

"Everybody comes here only to ask votes, including this ministerA they don't listen to our problems. We have been sitting in dharna from many days, said an Anganwadi worker.

"We tried to approach the Minister, but he remained silent," said another Anganwadi worker Pallavi Devi.

The Union minister, however, did not respond when asked about the incident.

On September 11, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that honorarium for Anganwadi workers would be increased to 60 per cent and the remuneration for Asha workers would be doubled from next month.

Social activist Nikhil Dey said the recent salary hike by Centre to 60 per cent for workers and helpers is less than the minimum wage which is Rs 200 per day.

"This government has increased to Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,500 and Rs 2,200 to Rs 3,500Athis still doesn't reach the minimum age" he said.

For 10 days now, a large number of employees of various government departments of Rajasthan, including roadways, Panchayati Raj, others have refused to return to work, paralyzing routine government activity.

The employees have been mainly pushing for implementation of the 7th Pay Commission restoration of original grade pay.
New Delhi, Oct 1 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condoled the death of more than 800 people in an earthquake and consequent tsunami in Indonesia last Friday and offered all possible assistance to the Southeast Asian archipelago nation.

India's offer of help was conveyed by Modi during a telephone conversation with Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

"The Prime Minister offered deepest condolences on his behalf and on behalf of the people of India on the loss of precious lives in the earthquake and tsunami that hit Sulawesi region of Indonesia," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

"The Prime Minister appreciated the resilience and courage of the people of Indonesia in facing the challenges emanating from the widespread devastation due to this grave natural calamity," it stated.

"In response to Indonesia's appeal for international aid, the Prime Minister offered to the President of Indonesia all possible assistance from India as a maritime neighbour and friend of Indonesia."

Mass graves were dug on Monday as Indonesia began burying hundreds of people killed by the earthquake and the tsunami that cracked streets, crumbled buildings and swept homes on the island of Sulawesi. At least 844 were confirmed dead and the toll was expected to climb, with heavily populated areas cut off from any assistance.

According to Monday's External Affairs Ministry statement, President Widodo thanked Modi for offer of assistance.

"The two leaders agreed that the details of India's relief assistance will be worked out through diplomatic and official channels," the statement said.
New Delhi, Oct 1 : The government on Monday said that an investigation has been ordered into the affairs of the debt stricken IL&FS and its subsidiaries after "serious complaints" were received about the beleaguered company.

"There have also been serious complaints about some of the companies for which an SFIO (Serious Fraud Investigation Office) investigation has been ordered into the affairs of IL&FS and its subsidiaries," the government said in a statement.

The statement comes after the Centre superseded the management of the beleaguered company by appointing a six-member Board led by banker Uday Kotak to restore the financial solvency of the debt-stricken conglomerate.

"The decision to supersede the existing board was taken after careful consideration of a report received from the Regional Director, Mumbai under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) which clearly brought out serious corporate-related deficiencies in the IL&FS holding company and its subsidiaries," the statement said.

According to the statement, it was noted that the consolidated financial statement of IL&FS holding company and its subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures projected a picture "through highly exaggerated depiction of non-current assets in the form of intangible assets amounting to over Rs 20,000 crore".

"Besides, a bulk of revenue was in the form of receivables, around 50 per cent, which was locked up in litigation and arbitration," the statement said.

"It has been noted that there is deep-rooted mismatch in the debt-equity ratio because of excessive leveraging, which has put a question mark in its ability to continue as a going concern if allowed to continue in the hands of the present management."

"The high debt stress was clearly visible in the company and its main subsidiaries for the last so many years, but was camouflaged by misrepresentation of facts."

On Monday, NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal) Mumbai ordered the supersession of the existing Board on a plea moved by the MCA to prevent any "further mismanagement in order to protect public interest".

Later in the day, MCA in a statement said: "The NCLT suspended the existing board and directed that the suspended members should not represent the company in any form with immediate effect."

"The NCLT approved the induction of six Directors recommended by the government, in the first instance, consisting of Uday Kotak, MD & CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank as Non-Executive Chairman and Vineet Nayyar, IAS (Retd.), G.N. Bajpai, former Chairman, SEBI, G.C. Chaturvedi, Non-Executive Chairperson, ICICI Bank, Malini Shankar, IAS and Nand Kishore, IA&AS (Retd.) as Directors."

"The new Board shall take up its responsibility with immediate effect, after following due procedures."

According to government sources, the new board will meet within this week.

The board is expected to submit a report on the company's financial woes after assessing the liquidity position and reviewing the decisions taken by the previous management in the next 15 days.

As per some industry estimates, the company has an urgent liquidity requirement of around Rs 5,000 crore.

Key public sector lenders and undertakings such as LIC and SBI have a 25.34 per cent and 6.42 per cent stake, respectively, in the firm which has around Rs 91,000 crore in long-term debt.

Besides, institutional investors, infrastructure projects, mutual funds and other lenders were at risk from the collapse of the company. The crisis has dented equity investors' confidence in the entire NBFC (Non Banking Financial Company) space.
New York, Oct 1 : United States President Donald Trump said on Monday that he has a "great" relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has told him that India is going to reduce substantially the tariffs on imports from the US.

He said that "tariff king" India on its own has reached out to the US to make a trade deal, without Washington calling New Delhi for negotiations.

He was speaking at a White House news conference on the revised North American Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico -- a landmark deal that fulfills one of his election promises.

Answering a question from a reporter, he said, "I have spoken Prime Minister Modi and he is going to reduce them (tariffs) very substantially."

He added, "My relationship with India is great, with Prime Minister Modi is great. And they are going to start doing a lot."

Scoring a domestic political point, he asserted that as in the case of the NAFTA and and other trade issues, none of the previous presidents or trade representatives had spoken to India about the high tariffs.

He quoted Modi as telling him, "Nobody every spoke to me" about the high tariffs.

"They (India) have called us to make a deal, we didn't even call them; they called us to make a deal, which is like shocking to people," he added.

Trump explained that he called India a "tariff king" because "it charges us tremendous tariffs."

He cited the example Harley Davidson motorcycles, which would resonate with bikers who are a section of his electoral base, saying that India charged 100 per cent duties on it.

He said, "That is so high that it is like barrier, in other words who is going to buy it if it costs you so much."

"Now they have reduced that substantially, but it is still too high," he asserted.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in)
Imphal, Oct 1 : Parents and other social activists are concerned about the health of the 12 girl students of Manipur University who have been on hunger strike since September 24. They are demanding withdrawal of state and Central forces from the MU campus and restoration of normalcy.

Police commandos had raided the MU hostels on September 20 midnight to arrest six professors and over 80 students suspecting them to be behind the MU impasse for the last four months.

Some of the girls had been admitted to hospitals as their condition became serious.

Some girl students said that parents had taken home some students who were discharged from the hospital. However the remaining ones came to the MU campus to resume the hunger strike.

Now eight girl students are on hunger strike in front of the girls' hostels.

A few days back, Chief Minister N. Biren had invited teachers and others for talks, but his offer was rejected.

"The teachers and students were arrested on the basis of an FIR lodged by Prof K. Yugindro, the acting VC of MU. Issues concerning the arrest and possible withdrawal of the FIR could be discussed if the stakeholders come for talks. We are ready to send another invitation for talks," the Chief Minister said.

However, in a meeting the MU teachers resolved that unconditional release of the arrested persons should precede the talks.

The girls on hunger strike said that state government, MU officials and others have totally ignored their agitation. They also said that when Education Minister T. Radheshyam visited the MU campus, he avoided visiting the hunger strikers.

After 85 days of total shutdown of MU, normalcy was restored after appointment of Prof W. Viswanath. However he was "suspended" and the Union HRD Ministry appointed K. Yugindro as the acting VC.
New Delhi, Oct 2 : In a shocking case, a 15-year-old boy has been apprehended here for allegedly trying to rape his neighbour -- a Class 3 girl student, police said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Aslam Khan said the incident was reported from north Delhi's Swaroop Nagar on Monday evening.

A First Information Report (FIR) was lodged immediately, the police officer said.

"Following that, the accused was apprehended," she said, adding the case was being investigated.
Photo by Mike Eliason As an industry, with call when needed contracts, the utilization is uncertain and the impact of not being able to efficiently perform essential maintenance does cause costs to increase," said Dan Snyder, Chief Operating Officer of Neptune Aviation Services.

A huge number of exceptionally destructive, back to back wildland fires throughout the western US this year is prompting some aerial firefighting companies to add resources, assuming that future fire events will be equally frequent and devastating.

At the same time, a few operators see a greater need for long-term, exclusive use contracts with the US Forest Service (USFS)the domestic industrys primary customerin order to assure the funding stability necessary to hire more personnel and purchase additional aircraft, if needed. Awarded on a bid-basis, exclusive use contracts run up to four years in duration, and guarantee a set fee per day, usually over several months, to keep the aircraft available for duty, whether or not it flies. In addition, the customer sets a rate paid for each hour the airplane is flying on a fire.

This year, however, the USFS issued more call when needed contracts, in which a day rate, plus a fee per flight hour is paid only for the duration of the assignment, which could be as little as one day.

For the fixed wing tankers, the USFS put only 13 aircraft on exclusive use contracts this year, compared to 20 in 2017, said George Hill, Executive Director of the American Helicopter Services and Aerial Firefighting Association (AHSAFA), the Washington-based aerial firefighting industry trade group. However, the smaller number of exclusive use contracts was the result of the June release of requests for proposals (RFP) from the Forest Service.

I would like to see more exclusive use contracts, so we could dedicate more of our fleet to firefighting, said Josh Beckham, General Manager of Helimax Aviation in Sacramento. Beckham reported that since early April, four of the companys bucket-equipped CH-47D helicopters worked on fires mostly in Oregon and Montana, and in California, under USFS exclusive use and call when needed contracts; as well as under call when needed contracts with the Oregon Department of Forestry, and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE).

One of the busiest years in its history, Helimax had to dispatch extra mechanics and supplies to support the additional hours the helicopters flew. In preparation for next years fire season, Helimax, which has three avionics mechanics, plans to increase that number by eight for field repairs, Beckham reported.

For Intermountain Helicopter, a Sonora, California-based operator of a single Bell 212, the 2018 fire season has been its busiest since 1984, in terms of assignments, according to company President Rick Livingston. This year, he said, the helicopter has operated in an initial attack mode, solely within California under USFS and CALFIRE call when needed contracts. One of the assignments kept the aircraft flying for over a month on the Car Fire, one of the states most destructive.

As a small company, operating a single helicopter, weve done all we can to prepare for the future, Livingston stated. Theres not much else to do, except quickly react to any mechanical problems. So far, any downtime for the helicopter has involved replacements of timed out life-limited parts.

While adding a helicopter to its fleet might be viewed as an option, Livingston explained it would be a tough call for a small operator. Thats because you dont know, from year to year, if there will be enough work for an additional helicopter, he stressed. This would be an issue, especially when operating helicopters under call when needed contracts.

Dan Snyder, Chief Operating Officer, of Neptune Aviation Services in Missoula, Montana, reported that his company, which operates nine BAe 146 fixed wing airtankers, responded to the fires this year, with four aircraft under call when needed contracts, in addition to those under exclusive use.

If the trend toward call when needed contracts continues, costs may increase, Snyder cautioned. As an industry, with call when needed contracts, the utilization is uncertain and the impact of not being able to efficiently perform essential maintenance does cause costs to increase.

Snyder added that, under exclusive use contracts, it is easier to plan maintenance and trainingwhich reduces costs--since the operator knows how long the aircraft will be needed. Under a call when needed contract, you have to maintain the aircraft within a tighter timeframe. This means compressing the maintenance period, to get more work done in a shorter period of time.

Portland, Oregon-headquartered Columbia Helicopters deployed a fleet of six helicopters, mostly in the Pacific Northwest, under exclusive use and call when need USFS contracts, according to Keith Saylor, the companys Director of Commercial Operations. One helicopter, a Columbia Helicopters Model 234, working under a USFS exclusive use contract, operated on the Mendocino Complex fire, which was Californias largest to date.

Because of the heavy fire activity, the company had to escalate both the flight and maintenance support of its operations. This meant sending additional people and components to support the helicopters in the field, Saylor remarked.

Saylor called the 2018 fire season an above average year for assignments to fires. However, he reported that going forward, the company will do more prepositioning of its helicopters, as they become available for call when needed contractswhich he said have worked out well for the company, given its diversity of work.

We look at maps and forecasts to determine the most likely places for high fire risk, then position the aircraft in those areas, he explained.

Columbia Helicopters, Helimax Aviation, Intermountain Helicopter and Neptune Aviation Services are members of AHSAFA.
We are committed to providing a stimulating intellectual and social environment for members to explore their interests, and we are excited to celebrate them individually and collectively during Membership Month, said Trevor Mitchell, Executive Director.

The high IQ organization American Mensa kicks off its annual Membership Month today, celebrating its passionate member community and the anniversary of the organizations founding on September 30, 1960. The month of October celebrates American Mensas growth to more than 50,000 members, the largest of any national Mensa within Mensa International, Ltd.

At American Mensa, were really about connecting smart people for intellectual and social purposes, said Trevor Mitchell, Executive Director. We are committed to providing a stimulating intellectual and social environment for members to explore their interests, and we are excited to celebrate them individually and collectively during Membership Month.

Members qualified for Mensa by scoring in the top 2 percent of the general population on a standardized intelligence test. (Besides its Admission Test, Mensa accepts up to 200 different standardized tests). An estimated 6 million Americans  1 in 50  qualify, and a series of opportunities in October will help them join.

The one trait binding Mensa members is high intelligence. Beyond that, its a rich melting pot, with members who are young (2) and not so young (102) and including everyone from engineers, homemakers, teachers, actors, students  maybe even your next-door neighbor. Two members worth meeting are Natalie Hampton, a freshman at Stanford University recognized as one of 25 Women Changing the World in 2017 by People magazine for her anti-bullying mobile app, and 10-year-old Mike Wimmer from Salisbury, North Carolina, who began his freshman year of high school this fall and has spent the past three summers advancing his knowledge of programming and robotics at university STEM camps.

American Mensa has been an incredible resource for me and my parents, offering constant support, a welcoming community, and exciting opportunities throughout my education, said Mike Wimmer. I still remember how awesome I felt and how proud my parents were when I received my Mensa membership just after my 4th birthday and am excited to continue to grow with the organization and inspire other kids like me. Mensa isn't just for adults  its a great organization for kids of all ages, too.

For those wondering if they are Mensa material, potential members are encouraged to sign up for a practice test or for one of the supervised testing sessions throughout the country. American Mensa will run several testing promotions throughout the month of October. Supervised testing is discounted 50% to $30, and on October 23, the Mensa Practice Test will be offered at $10.23 in honor of Mole Day, annually commemorating Avogadros Number (6.02 x 1023), a basic measuring unit in chemistry (but you knew that already, right?).

To learn more, please visit americanmensa.org and follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About American Mensa

American Mensa is an organization open to anyone who scores in the top 2 percent on an accepted, standardized intelligence test. Mensa has more than 50,000 members in the United States and more than 130,000 members globally. For more information, visit americanmensa.org or call (817) 607-0060.
Apple Self Storage has been a champion of The ABLE Network for many years. - Barb Allan

Apple Self Storage's work with the Able Network began back in 2016 when they set out to raise over $10,510 through a series of support programs and exceeded their goal to raise a total of $13,460 that year.

Last year they were able to raise another $15,580 for the Able Network, and with this years success, are proud to announce a grand total to $50,000.

The Founder of the ABLE Network, Barb Allan says, Apple Self Storage has been a champion of The ABLE Network for many years. Apple serves as an amazing Community Partner by not only supporting us financially but also being a fantastic example to the larger community by employing an individual with an Intellectual Disability. Apple Self Storage is helping The ABLE Network reach our goal of Building Inclusive Communities.

MORE ABOUT APPLE SELF STORAGE

Known for having the best managed self storage facilities in Canada, Apple Self Storage strives to deliver a genuine and authentically great storage experience across every one of its 33 facilities. The family-owned company has established close bonds with the communities in which it operates through regular pursuit of opportunities to assist organizations that enrich them. It has done so since their very first facility opened in 1974. Apple Self Storage is actively looking to expand their third party management platform as well as expanding through acquisitions and new developments.

MORE ABOUT THE ABLE NETWORK:

The ABLE Network is a fee for service, registered charity located in Aurora, Ontario. Their participants are supported in 5 core programs of work experience, transit training, recreation, literacy and volunteer activities. The ABLE Network is based on strong principles and research that states that inclusion of persons with an ID in natural settings provides them with an equal opportunity to make a contribution to the health and well-being of their community.

For more information about The Able Network, please visit http://www.theablenetwork.ca

Contact:

Apple Self Storage

David Allan

Tel: 647-993-9866

Email: dallan(at)applestorage(dot)com
Its a piece that was done in 1995  its up on the second floor. Not many people knew it even existed, Emanuel said. Were taking something on the second floor and investing in the larger West Side community and modernizing and really improving the neighborhood library. Given this is a beautiful building, but hasnt had the type of capital investment it needed to really make it shine, thats what were going to do.
The Shunammite: Almost a Queen: an engrossing story of faith, love, and family among the ancient tribes of Israel. The Shunammite: Almost a Queen is the creation of published author Kathryn Miller Hollopeter, a married mother of four grown children residing in northeast Ohio with Glenn, her husband of sixty years. This is her third historical novel.

Kathryn shares, Though largely overlooked by Bible scholars and obscure in the Bible text, the Shunammite was a real person. Her story can be found in First Kings 1 and 2 and in Song of Solomon 6:13. What was it like for a simple, young Israelite girl to leave her quiet, country home and her family for King Davids palace? Could she survive the rigor and loneliness into which she was thrust?

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Kathryn Miller Hollopeters new book is an entrancing portrait of a beautiful young girl from a small village who must learn to navigate the opulence and intrigue of King Davids palace while remaining true to herself and her faith.

View a synopsis of The Shunammite: Almost a Queen on YouTube.

Readers can purchase The Shunammite: Almost a Queen at traditional brick and mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about The Shunammite: Almost a Queen, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
We know an amazing company starts with its employees, which is why BillGO's new space is the best in Northern Colorado.

BillGO employees embrace rapid growth in a new office space today. Employees arrived this morning at a newly-renovated office featuring state-of-the-art amenities coupled with design features to inspire employees and attract the best engineering talent.

The new space boasts a large amphitheater-like control room dubbed SPARK with giant flat-screen monitors on the walls. Here, engineers will continue to automate payment systems and track the quality of real-time payments  while pushing to innovate past what already exists, advancing the entire US bill pay ecosystem.

The cohesive design reflects the flavor of Colorado with barn wood and steel throughout  including uniquely designed hangout areas for BillGO employees to unwind and build camaraderie. Undoubtedly the most anticipated of spaces is a new setback rooftop deck with picture book views as far as the eye can see. Lined with artificial turf and filled with accessories like corn hole, overhead space heaters, a barbeque and more, employees may just like hanging around the office.

We know an amazing company starts with its employees, which is why BillGOs new space is the best in Northern Colorado, said Dan Holt, CEO of BillGO. We made the office a special place where our team can walk in every day and say: wow, Im appreciated. The need for a space like this reaffirms the importance of new financial technologies and BillGOs ever-increasing role in the payments space.

BillGO is a tech-first company using automation to advance payment systems, rather than paper and human capital. Growth has been fueled by the need for speed and efficiency in bill payments systems from last century. Consumers and businesses need a faster system with better data, integrations (APIs) and automation. BillGO delivers an unmatched package that has leapfrogged the entire bill payments industry. The newly designed space is a comfortable atmosphere designed to inspire employees to do what they do best  so BillGO can maintain its lead in the payment space.

About BillGO

BillGO constantly creates and innovates past what exists. That drive powers the BillGO team to relentlessly advance payment systems to accelerate speed, efficiency and security. BillGO provides a simple integration into any existing system that gives payment providers access to a faster, proven bill payments engine. Learn more: https://www.billgo.com/.
Brightline wanted to tell their story in a compelling, relevant, impactful manner, and ensure the delivery didnt get in the way of the learning, said Furqan Nazeeri, Partner, ExtensionEngine.

ExtensionEngine, a leading provider of custom learning experiences, today announced it has developed an online learning program for the Brightline Initiative to help business leaders turn their ideas into reality and drive change within their organizations.

The Brightline Initiative, a coalition led by the Project Management Institute together with leading global organizations, has developed a set of 10 universally applicable principles that transcend geography and industry to help organizations deliver on their strategic intent and reduce the costs associated with poor implementation.

We knew an online solution would enable us to share our proven principles with a significantly broader audience and we needed a partner that embraced our vision and could help us bring our concepts to life, said Ricardo Vargas, Executive Director, Brightline Initiative. ExtensionEngine was a very valuable partner and provided insights and support to help us transform our content and unique offering into an engaging learning experience.

The new online program, Turning Ideas into Results: Bridging the Gap between Strategy Design and Delivery, facilitates the sharing and advancement of ideas, teaches executives how to successfully implement their strategic vision, and tests the learners comprehension of the concepts through discussion-based, self-reflection assessments. Using real-world examples to illustrate key points, the program also leverages proven approaches, and features engaging, in-depth interviews with some of the worlds top experts on strategy and innovation.

Brightline wanted to tell their story in a compelling, relevant, impactful manner, and ensure the delivery didnt get in the way of the learning, said Furqan Nazeeri, Partner, ExtensionEngine. We leveraged real-world examples and renowned strategy experts to illustrate key points in engaging ways. This project exemplifies the power of online learning.

About the Brightline Initiative

The BrightlineInitiative is a coalition led by the Project Management Institute together with leading global organizations dedicated to helping executives bridge the expensive and unproductive gap between strategy design and delivery. Brightline provides organizations with three key benefits that will improve their ability to deliver on strategic intent: Thought & Practice Leadership, Networking, and Capability Building. Brightline delivers insights and resources that empower leaders to successfully transform their organizations vision into reality. Any professional who is responsible for ensuring strategy delivery in their organization will benefit from Brightline. Learn more at http://www.brightline.org.

About ExtensionEngine

ExtensionEngine develops custom learning experiences, delivering next-generation online and blended learning for universities, corporations, and nonprofits. The company takes an innovative, unbundled, fee-for-service approach to strategy, instructional design, UX/UI, software development/QA, creative services, and marketing services. A privately held company based in Cambridge, MA, ExtensionEngine has launched over 70 online programs for more than 40 organizations. To learn more, visit http://www.extensionengine.com.
CALIBRE Systems, Inc. (CALIBRE), announced the promotion of Doug Victor to Division Vice President of Human Capital Management & Training (HCT). A leader in improving processes, Doug is a retired senior Army officer with over 30 years of experience maximizing the value of human capital, having most recently served as Director of Training, Education, & Analytics for CALIBRE.

Doug joined CALIBRE in 2012 and in a short period of time has proven to be a strong leader with a proven execution track-record. I am confident Dougs background in Force Management and Human Capital Management coupled with his business acumen will continue HCT Divisions growth and success, said Tom Peitler, CALIBREs Executive Vice President & COO.

Doug has extensive experience in force management and integration initiatives. He is best known for his ability to lead change and transform organizations for increased productivity. Before joining CALIBRE, Doug served as Division Chief of the Force Accounting and Documentation Division and Special Advisor, Deputy Chief of Staff for the Force Management Directorate. He was responsible for the accurate accounting and documentation of the Army's 1.7 million workforce requirements and authorizations. Doug has also held various executive level positions including Division Chief of the Force Management and Integration Division and Office of Institutional Army Adaptation, as well as the Armys Force Management Engineer and Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Organization Integrator.

Doug Victor holds a BS in Petroleum Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology and an MS in Administration from Central Michigan University.

About CALIBRE

CALIBRE is an employee-owned management consulting and information technology solutions company supporting government and industry. CALIBRE delivers enduring solutions that solve management, technology, and program challenges in the areas of financial performance and logistics; health and information management; human capital management and training; and infrastructure, engineering, and environment.

For more information about CALIBRE, please visit http://www.calibresys.com.

Contact: Dr. Craig College, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Telephone: 703.797.8500

E-mail: Craig.College@calibresys.com
Carrie Bresnick "Carrie is an ambitious businesswoman, and, with her industry knowledge and contacts, we are confident in Carrie's ability to build our legal division. Her go-getter attitude makes her a huge asset to this company and we are thrilled to have her taking on this new role within the company,

Daley And Associates, LLC , a respected and award-winning executive search and contract staffing firm specializing in the placement of Accounting, Finance, Information Technology, Legal, Administrative and Life Sciences professionals, announced that Carrie Bresnick , an associate, will now be leading the Legal Search division at DAA.

Carrie is a trained litigator and she has demonstrated her skills here on the sales floor as well. Carrie understands the legal industry and has been with Daley And Associates for a year now. Carrie is an ambitious businesswoman, and, with her industry knowledge and contacts, we are confident in Carrie's ability to build our legal division. Her go-getter attitude makes her a huge asset to this company and we are thrilled to have her taking on this new role within the company, said Mike Daley, President and CEO at Daley And Associates, LLC.

Carrie Bresnick said she is excited for the opportunity to use her extensive industry expertise to build the legal branch at Daley and Associates. "As a former secretary, paralegal, law student, hiring manager and practicing attorney, I am excited to share my knowledge of the legal industry to assist candidates and clients in navigating their hiring processes and job searches. The opportunity to build a team to focus solely on serving the industry I have been involved in for the last 15 years is really a dream come true," said Carrie.

About Carrie Bresnick: Prior to joining Daley and Associates, Carrie was a litigator focusing on malpractice and liability issues on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants. When she stopped practicing law in 2015 to try her hand in recruiting, she realized very quickly that her industry experience was a huge factor in her immediate success consulting both hiring managers and candidates. Carrie's experience at all levels in the legal industry gives her a unique perspective that allows her to guide candidates and clients with thoughtful insight, helpful feedback and measurable results.

Carrie earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from UMASS Amherst and her JD from Suffolk University Law School where she was a member of the Battered Women's Advocacy Clinic as well as the Phi Alpha Delta Legal honors Fraternity. Carrie remains active in the Suffolk University Alumni circuit and provides job seeking advice and seminars for legal students and bar examinees. She is an excellent resource for those just beginning their legal careers as well as those more experienced practitioners who are eager to make career changes.

About Daley And Associates, LLC : Daley and Associates (DAA) is a boutique executive search and contract staffing firm that is specializing in placing Accounting, Finance, Administration, Information Technology, Legal and Life Sciences professionals into outstanding opportunities at all levels. The DAA team is comprised of executives, senior management, and expert team of recruiting professionals. They take pride in excellent client relationships, superior industry knowledge, and personable approach ensuring a great fit between the goals and needs of each client and candidate. DAA matches exceptional talent with employers to produce exceptional results.
Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) announces the opening of six new treatment centers, joining over 200 centers across the United States. The new centers are located in Downtown Baton Rouge, LA; North Denver, CO; Edison, NJ; Elizabethtown, KY; Riverside, CA; and San Dimas, CA. Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder can access treatment without delay. In keeping with its social justice initiative to provide services across all populations, the locations in California and Louisiana welcome Medicaid patients, as well as all private insurance and TRICARE, and the North Denver location will be able to accept Medicaid in the near future. Families can access top-quality treatment without delay.

CARD is the worlds largest provider of top-quality, evidence-based autism treatment, effectively treating individuals of all ages who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Through a network of highly trained behavior analysts, behavior technicians, and researchers, CARD develops and implements quality, individualized treatment programs, which lead to success and, in some cases, recovery.

CARD treats the behaviors and deficits commonly associated with ASD using the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), the only evidence-based treatment for ASD. Services are available in CARD centers and patient homes, schools, and communities. CARD pioneered the center-based model when researchers documented that individuals acquire skills in a center-based program at approximately twice the pace as in a home setting.

Center-based services are the cornerstone of CARD's commitment to helping individuals with autism increase their rate of skill acquisition, explained Dr. Dennis Dixon, CARDs chief science officer.

In addition to communication, adaptive, play, and motor skills, CARDs unique curriculum builds on these foundational skills to develop more advanced social, cognition, and executive function skills, such as understanding sarcasm, solving social and non-social problems, and identifying metaphors. These skills optimize socialization and communication skills and help individuals with ASD experience positive social interactions with their peers and family members.

At CARD, we want parents to feel like they are joining a supportive family that understands their most critical needs, said Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA-D, founder of CARD. As we continue to expand into new communities across the country, we advance our mission to create to help individuals with autism flourish.

In addition to traditional 1:1 intensive ABA programs, CARD offers focused ABA programs and several targeted programs, including feeding, pill swallowing, social skills groups, short and long-term treatment of severe problem behavior, and more focused parent training. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate in parent/caregiver training, which is available during non-traditional work hours and online.

The new centers are:



Downtown Baton Rouge, LA: (225) 529-3890

North Denver, CO: (720) 452-0335

Edison, NJ: (848) 247-6235

Elizabethtown, KY: (502) 358-5106

Riverside, CA: (951) 900-6390

San Dimas, CA: (909) 971-4141

For more information, call (818) 345-2345 or visit CARD online at http://www.centerforautism.com or find a location near you by visiting http://centerforautism.com/locations.aspx.

About Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD)

CARD treats individuals of all ages who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at treatment centers around the globe. CARD was founded in 1990 by leading autism expert and licensed psychologist Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA-D. CARD treats individuals with ASD using the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), which is empirically proven to be the most effective method for treating individuals with ASD and recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the US Surgeon General. CARD has over 200 locations throughout the United States. For more information, visit http://www.centerforautism.com.
Cerebri AI Logo Verifiable vehicle journeys are critical to building a trusted, intelligent, and shared mobility ecosystem.

Cerebri AI, the creator of the Cerebri Values system for customer experience, has joined the Mobility Open Blockchain Initiative (MOBI), a peer-to-peer consortium making transportation safer, more affordable, and more widely accessible using blockchain technology. The company, which already maps and measures vehicle journeys for millions of automotive customers, leverages advances in artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver insights that personalize a customers experience. With the potential to greatly impact the daily transportation and mobility needs of the future, Cerebri AI will collaborate with MOBI working group members to foster blockchain-based standards as a catalyst for innovation across the entire transportation ecosystem.

Cerebri AI has developed a system that analyzes the unique impact of each vehicle journey, an array of vehicle and driver interactions and touchpoints, to arrive at a single metric called a Cerebri Value. This value quantifies, in monetary terms, a range of potential outcomes that mobility industry players can use to ensure businesses and consumers have security and sovereignty over vehicle and driving data, efficiently manage ride-share and car-share transactions, and more easily communicate and transact with each other across mobility commerce platforms. As a universal measure for vehicle makers, infrastructure and service providers, the Cerebri Value highlights ROI-positive tactics for achieving higher profits and better customer satisfaction.

When it comes to the future of mobility, the output from advanced analytics powered by machine learning is one of the major use cases for blockchain technology, said Chris Ballinger, CEO and co-founder of MOBI. Cerebri AI is making incredible progress in using data to advance the automotive industry and we are excited to welcome them as the newest member of the MOBI team.

Big-name car makers BMW, General Motors, Ford, and Renault are behind the nonprofit MOBI consortium which launched earlier this year. The group focuses exclusively on the automotive space and its potential use cases, and now represents more than 80 percent of global auto manufacturing by volume. As a MOBI sponsor, Cerebri AI joins the organizations global roster of members alongside stalwarts such as Bosch, World Economic Forum, Blockchain at Berkeley, Hyperledger, IBM and Accenture.

Verifiable vehicle journeys are critical to building a trusted, intelligent, and shared mobility ecosystem, said Jean Belanger, CEO and co-founder of Cerebri AI. AI and blockchain are the two biggest disruptors in technology today. We look forward to working with MOBI members across the mobility value chain to bring these technologies together as we create interoperable, scalable solutions that reimagine the business models of the future.

About Cerebri AI

Leveraging the massive amounts of customer data recorded by Fortune 500 companies, Cerebri AI delivers actionable insights via its patent-pending Cerebri Values system, which uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to personalize customer experience (CX) at scale. Cerebri Values quantifies each customers commitment to a brand or product and dynamically predicts the next best actions for CX success. Headquartered in Austin with offices in Toronto and Washington, DC, the company has 50 employees who have been awarded over 130 patents to date. To learn more about Cerebri AI and the Cerebri Values system, visit cerebriai.com.
Selling to China by Stanley Chao China is constantly changing, especially with the current economic and political situations with the US.

With 20+ years of experience, Stanley Chao is an expert when it comes to helping businesses succeed in China. His book, Selling to China, offers all the tools necessary to develop a sound strategic plan  from the cultural and practical methods of doing business in China, to understanding the people and the role of the government, to negotiations and contracts. Chao provides step-by-step instructions to determine the feasibility of expanding into China, with guidance on how to determine if your product or service will sell, how to do a market analysis and create an action plan.

In an everchanging market, the rules can change without warning. This newly revised edition of Selling to China, includes updates to every chapter, as well as the addition of three new onesselling online, a quick lesson on the Chinese language, and forecasting Chinas future. It also features a list of rules for doing business in China.

When asked why a second edition was needed, Chao responds, China is constantly changing, especially with the current economic and political situations with the US. This second edition addresses the changes and all the uncertainty thats facing foreign business wanting to go to China.

Clients are praising Selling to China. As noted by John Tu, CEO of Kingston Technology, This book is really a good primer for anybody thinking of entering China. Itll save you time, money and most of all, the headaches of doing business in China. Chaos consulting to Kingston Technology has saved us as well as made us millions of dollars in China. He should do the same for any company wanting to enter China.

About the Author

Stanley Chao has lived or worked in China for over 25 years and has performed over 200 consulting projects for over 100 companies. He is managing director for All In Consulting (allinconsult.com) that assists Western companies in their China business development. Chao speaks fluent English, Mandarin and Japanese and has degrees from UCLA, Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania. He resides in Los Angeles. http://www.allinconsult.com

Selling to China by Stanley Chao, (ISBN 9781532052699, iUniverse 2018) is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and most major bookstores. For more information visit http://www.allinconsult.com and connect with him on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Publicity contact is admin@readerviews.com. Review copies available to the media upon request.
Text Cryptocurrency to Your Friends In order to spread adoption, we must remove friction, Armani said. Reaching people in their native language is another way CoinText is removing friction to using cryptocurrency as money.

Today, CoinText.io, a service to send cryptocurrency to anyone with a mobile phone number, expanded its Bitcoin Cash (BCH) service to six more European countries including Germany, France, Austria, Portugal, Estonia and Czech Republic.

Bitcoin was always meant to be used as borderless cash, explained CoinText Founder and CTO Vin Armani. Our aim with CoinText is to expand its usefulness in real life.

CoinText enables sending money to anyone with a mobile phone number or BCH address. CoinText doesnt require Internet or an app because users access wallets using text messages over Short Message Service (SMS).

CoinText users control their wallet with simple SMS commands like BALANCE to see their balance and RECEIVE to display their wallet address.

Users can send funds to domestic or foreign mobile phone numbers by texting commands like SEND $1 PHONENUMBER. After entering a 2FA code, transactions are instantly settled on the Bitcoin Cash (BCH) blockchain.

To get a new wallet, users can text START to their corresponding access number below:



Germany  4917717817035

France  33757905777

Austria  43676800800718

Portugal  351927995026

Estonia  37259120201

Czech Rep  420736350073

CoinText announced that this latest release also includes support for thirteen more languages across the entire CoinText platform including German, French, Portuguese, Dutch, Polish, Swedish, Turkish and more.

In order to spread adoption, we must remove friction, Armani said. Reaching people in their native language is another way CoinText is removing friction to using cryptocurrency as money.

With this expansion, CoinText now services twenty three countries in fifteen languages.

About CoinText

CoinText is a for-purpose FinTech company making cryptocurrency easy to use as money. CoinText is the first full-featured cryptocurrency wallet that doesnt require apps, accounts, passwords, or Internet. The service offers frictionless onboarding to the cryptocurrency ecosystem for anyone with a text-enabled phone. CoinText is built on a foundation designed for a full suite of cryptocurrency solutions including touchless payments, streaming money, and for the Internet of Things (IoT).

Website: https://cointext.io

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CoinText

Contact: contact@cointext.io
The 10th Annual Official Cold War Patriots National Day of Remembrance is Oct. 30 and will be commemorated with events across the U.S. The events we will host around the country will give us a chance to express our gratitude for the contributions and sacrifices both the living legends and the fallen heroes of the nuclear weapons industry have made.

Cold War Patriots (CWP), a community resource organization that is the nations strongest and most sustained voice advocating for nuclear weapons and uranium worker benefits, will commemorate the 10th Annual Official Cold War Patriots National Day of Remembrance in October with events across the country (see details below).

Each year, the U.S. Senate passes a bipartisan resolution that designates Oct. 30 as a day to honor the contributions and sacrifices of the more than one million Americans who worked with uranium or in the nations nuclear weapons complex from its origins with the Manhattan Project during World War II to the present day. Two former Secretaries of Energy  Donald Hodel, who served in the Reagan administration, and Gov. Bill Richardson, who served in the Clinton administration before being elected Governor of New Mexico  are Honorary Co-Chairs for this years Official National Day of Remembrance.

These workers are the unsung heroes of the Cold War, and we are privileged to have the opportunity to honor them, says Tim Lerew, CWP Chairperson. The events we will host around the country will give us a chance to express our gratitude for the contributions and sacrifices both the living legends and the fallen heroes of the nuclear weapons industry have made.

At the events, workers will be able to reconnect and socialize with co-workers. Congressional and/or local dignitaries will speak at each event. There will also be a candle-lighting ceremony to remember fallen workers. CWP will recognize those who served by distributing 10th anniversary commemorative lapel pins to the workers. The pins are recommissioned from a pin originally awarded to workers on the Manhattan Project by the Secretary of War. Men and women who worked in the nuclear weapons and uranium industry will be given a bronze pin. Silver pins will be given to workers who have experienced some level of health-related illness due to their work.

Cold War Patriots 10th Annual Official National Day of Remembrance Celebrations

 Denver, Colo.  Mon., Oct. 15

 Paducah, Ky.  Tues., Oct. 23

 Shiprock, NM  Tues., Oct. 23

 North Augusta, SC  Thurs., Oct. 25

 Espanola, NM  Thurs., Oct. 25

 Hamilton, Ohio  Thurs., Oct. 25

 Piketon, Ohio  Fri., Oct. 26

 Oak Ridge, Tenn.  Fri., Oct. 26

 Richland, Wash.  Tues., Oct. 30

 Las Vegas, Nev.  Tues., Oct. 30

 Amarillo, Texas  Tues., Oct. 30

For additional information about the CWP 10th Annual Official National Day of Remembrance events or to RSVP to attend, call 888.903.8989 or visit http://www.coldwarpatriots.org.

About Cold War Patriots (CWP)

Cold War Patriots (CWP) is a division of Professional Case Management (PCM), which provides specialized in-home healthcare services to nuclear weapons and uranium workers. CWP is a community resource and advocacy organization and the nations strongest and most sustained voice to advocate for worker benefits. CWP helps nuclear weapons and uranium workers get the recognition, compensation and care they have earned. CWP, the first national organization to connect workers with benefits, does this work for free on behalf of its members. Visit http://www.coldwarpatriots.org or call 888-903-8989 for more information.

# # #

Media Contact:

Nadia Khamis, Cold War Patriots

media(at)coldwarpatriots(dot)org | 888-903-8989
As temperatures drop, our craving for comforting, hearty dishes heats up. Appropriately, Food & Dining is spending October hunting down Chicago's best noodle dishes, from Italian pastas to Japanese ramen and everything in between. Follow along as we unveil our picks. We'll add a new noodle each day of the month.

(Chicago Tribune staff)
CEGs success is due to our employees commitment to excellence, our loyal customers, and the strong support of our investors and strategic partners. This Soaring 76 honor are a testament to the great team we have in place. -- Mike McClain, CEO of Critical Environments Group

Critical Environments Group (CEG), a leading provider of data center infrastructure optimization solutions, has been named to the Philadelphia Business Journals Soaring 76 list of fastest-growing companies. The list ranks the fastest-growing companies in the greater Philadelphia area based on revenue growth over a three-year period. CEG placed 9th on the list, making it one of the fastest-growing data center solution providers in the Northeastern United States.

Were honored to be included in one of the regions most prestigious business rankings, particularly in our first year of eligibility, says Mike McClain, CEO of Critical Environments Group. CEGs success is due to our employees commitment to excellence, our loyal customers, and the strong support of our investors and strategic partners. Our consistent growth and this Soaring 76 honor are a testament to the great team we have in place.

The Soaring 76 award comes in addition to CEG being honored last month by Inc. 5000 as one of Americas fastest-growing private companies.

About Critical Environments Group

Critical Environments Group (CEG) enables its clients to effectively manage, maintain and optimize their data centers and other IT environments. Were meeting the needs of this rapidly evolving industry by achieving value for channel partners or end users throughout the data center lifecycle. CEGs team of experts is unmatched in its ability to provide intelligent assessments and solutions for achieving readiness, reliability and efficiency today and tomorrow. For more information about CEG and its comprehensive offerings, please visit http://www.criticaleg.com
Now I Lay Me Down Alone: Rescue from the Grief Gorge: an encouraging book for the bereaved. Now I Lay Me Down Alone is the creation of published author David R. Lee, a long-time pastor and occasional missionary who lives in northern Californias mountains with his wife of fifty years, with whom he has three grown children and six grandchildren.

Lee shares his observation on how different people process death, People may handle death variously. Some fight off the initial punch and weather it without thinking too deeply. It may be a gift to respond thusly, or it may be a mechanism for warding off pain. Such people may come across as strong; thats good if they really are. Some people who appear collected are just trying to conceal their confusion. Then someone worsens everything by reacting uncontrollably in bitterness, launching missiles at God, and verifying that our suffering is indeed inferior to theirs. Oh, we are feeling pain, but according to the one who has volunteered to be the most wounded, we have no idea what real grief is about. The friend is dead, but that one self-abasing sufferer proclaims himself or herself to be the only true victim.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, David R. Lees new book is beautiful, life-saving encouragement for anyone who finds their world turned upside down by the inevitable mortality and impermanence of those we love.

With immense empathy and faith in the One who deeply understands and holds the key to healing, Lee walks alongside those who suffer, providing answers to the difficult questions that arise from their grief.

View a synopsis of Now I Lay Me Down Alone: Rescue from the Grief Gorge on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase Now I Lay Me Down Alone: Rescue from the Grief Gorge at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about Now I Lay Me Down Alone: Rescue from the Grief Gorge, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
"If you're lucky enough to make your way to the park, grab one of these Italian sorbet sweets and enjoy it from Paddlefish's rooftop bar," says CEO Joseph Isaacs

There's an extraspecial way to beat the Florida heat, and it comes in the form of boozy push-pops. Adult park guests, this one's for beating the heat! Disney guests can get their (frozen) drink on at Paddlefish in Disney Springs with these treats that are an Instagram post just waiting to happen.

The paddleboat restaurant now offers the viral-sensation Buzz Pop Cocktails, a mature take on the nostalgic treats of our childhood. These alcoholic push-pops come in eight flavors, made with fresh fruit and rum, and they contain an impressive 15 percent ABV. They're also vegan, gluten and fat-free, net 5 carbs and under 100 calories each?

"If you're lucky enough to make your way to the park, grab one of these Italian sorbet sweets and enjoy it from Paddlefish's rooftop bar," says CEO, Joseph Isaacs. You'll cool down and stay buzzed during your next Disney getaway  what could be better?

Buzz Pop Cocktails holds the patent pending process for freezing high levels of premium alcohol with 15-40% APV (alcohol per volume) and this opens the door to dominate the specialty cocktail niche that, until now, has resulted in grainy consistency, slushy and poor tasting ready to serve desert items with low alcohol volumes that average around a low 5%. Buzz Pop Cocktails offers seasonal fruit and cold pressed exotic juices, whipped into a 5-star restaurant quality, Italian-style gourmet sorbet infused with top shelf premium liquors. At under 100 calories, vegan, gluten free, certified kosher with no artificial flavors or additives, cocktail aficionados experience an An Adult-Push Pop which brings back memories of the childhood creamsicle push pops they once got from the neighborhood ice cream trucks. Go ahead, Indulgewe dare you.
"Thiamine Deficiency Disease, Dysautonomia, and High Calorie Malnutrition" As a primary care physician, I can attest that the book Thiamine Deficiency Disease, Dysautonomia, and High Calorie Malnutrition by Lonsdale and Marrs should be required reading for all physicians. It points out a glaring deficiency in our concept of disease." - Dr. Edward Manring

This book is a great overview to various clinical problems seen in thiamine deficiency. I highly recommend it.  Nathan Eliason, Amazon reviewer

"Thiamine Deficiency Disease, Dysautonomia, and High Calorie Malnutrition" explores how thiamine deficiency affects the functions of the brainstem and the autonomic nervous system by way of metabolic changes at the level of the mitochondria. This results in illnesses that are unexplainable by most practicing physicians.

This amazing information gives real direction to so many of us that have a wide spectrum of mystery illnesses  The book was a must have. It does not disappoint. I suggest buying a copy for your doctor too!  Kenneth Hull, Amazon reviewer

Dr. Marrs book explained how relevant beriberi (vitamin B1 deficiency) is to our modern Western culture as well as the fact that its not just a third-world phenomenon; another example of what living a high carb lifestyle does to metabolic function.  Dr. Russell S. Schierling

This book represents the lifes work of author Dr. Derrick Lonsdale, along with a recent collaboration by co-author Dr. Chandler Marrs. They write, Understanding the chemistry that decides health or disease is critical to achieving health. A key component of that chemistry involves thiamine. This book details how to recognize, evaluate, treat, and understand thiamine deficiency. It is a complicated topic, but written for a broad audience.

They tell how thiamine deficiency derails mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, giving rise to the classic disease of beriberi, which in the early stages can be considered the prototype for a set of disorders recognized as dysautonomia. They explain:



Todays empty calories can result in clinical effects that lead to misdiagnosis.

Biochemical changes are induced by vitamin deficiency, particularly that of thiamine.

Chandler Marrs and Derrick Lonsdale have written a wonderful, informative, well-researched book on thiamine (vitamin B-1). They cover the history of thiamine deficiency disease (Beriberi), thiamine's importance to the functioning of the autonomic nervous system  Im hoping the authors will write books on the other B-vitamins because they are masters at covering the essentials and beyond.  Dr. Dean Raffelock

As a primary care physician, I can attest that the book Thiamine Deficiency Disease, Dysautonomia, and High Calorie Malnutrition by Lonsdale and Marrs should be required reading for all physicians. It points out a glaring deficiency in our concept of disease. We all see puzzling clinical presentations that often may be explained by nutritional deficiencies. These clinical puzzles often are manifested in the very young, the very old, patients with multisystem chronic diseases, and the obese who live mostly on high calorie/carbohydrate foods  Patients with these micronutrient deficiencies often present with multisystem complaints and findings, usually manifested by disease in the brain, autonomic nervous system, and heart.  Dr. Edward Manring

I am so grateful to have this science-based text supporting the vanguard of natural healing. The truth is that we are getting sick in more and more complex ways, and dysautonomia is emblematic of the ways in which our bodies are struggling in the setting of malnutrition and toxic burden. This text is clinically relevant, evidence-based, and entirely readable. In fact, a deep desire to contribute to the healing of mysteriously sick patients comes through in the tenor of this writing. For clinicians and struggling patients alike, this text is a one-of-a-kind essential resource on the newest biology of healing.  Dr. Kelly Brogan

As a patient, this book has really opened my eyes. For over two years now, Ive suffered from debilitating symptoms due an adverse drug reaction to metronidazole (aka, Flagyl). These symptoms mysteriously wax and wane  Ive discovered the hard way that doctors dont believe in adverse drug reactions; not only will they not treat the condition, they wont acknowledge it exists  Thank you, Dr. Marrs and Lonsdale for all the hard work and dedication to give us this knowledge! Research like yours saves lives!  Erin, Amazon reviewer

This book is a godsend, it addresses many specific ailments that have accumulated because of B1 deficiency, now I have a scientific reference tool to aid in my healing. This book presents how high sugar consumption is creating nutritional deficiencies that are breaking down mitochondria function. The importance of B1 is poorly understood by well-meaning doctors (even integrative doctors) that simply do not have comprehensive training in nutrients.  Jean, Amazon reviewer

Watch the video book trailer at: https://youtu.be/AQRox9jZbpE

About the Authors:

Dr. Derrick Lonsdale was educated in England, graduating from London University with the degree MB BS. After National Service in the RAF as a medical officer, he became a family physician under the National Health Service. Dr. Lonsdale immigrated to Canada in 1957, and in 1960 was accepted as a pediatric resident at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. In 1962, he was appointed to the pediatric staff, where his clinical research led to uncovering the connections between thiamin metabolism and metabolic brain disease. Before retirement, the author was a Fellow of the American College of nutrition and a Certified Nutrition Specialist.

Dr. Chandler Marrs received a BA in philosophy and then spent many years in the tech industry before returning to academia for an MS in clinical psychology and an MA and Ph.D. in experimental psychology with an emphasis in neuroendocrinology. Recognizing the lack of womens health and hormone research, Dr. Marrs founded Lucine Health Sciences, a health research and media company that publishes the online journal Hormones Matter and conducts post-market, direct-to-patient medication safety, and efficacy studies.

The informative new book THIAMINE DEFICIENCY DISEASE, DYSAUTONOMIA, AND HIGH CALORIE MALNUTRITION: 1ST EDITION (ISBN softcover: 978-0-128103-87-6, $99.95; Kindle $79.96; Rental $49.98) is now available and can be ordered through the publisher Academic Press website:

http://www.elsevier.com/books-and-journals/academic-press or at Amazon.com or Barnesandnoble.com.
Climatecoin adds Walter Schindler to Advisory Board I am honored to be chosen by such great global innovators as the founders of Climatecoin, who offer a new first-of-its-kind creative solution to catalyze the participation of all individuals and corporations in the world.

Climatecoin, a European-based company offering a new decentralized trading solution to democratize the carbon credit system, has added lawyer, advisor, investor and game-changing pioneer Dr. Walter Schindler to the Climatecoin Advisory Board. Schindler joins global thought leaders like A. Hannan Ismail, ex-United Nations Senior Advisor from the Secretary General office, Juan Verde, ex-advisor of ex-President Obama, and Ken Taylor, one of the most respected cybersecurity experts in the world.

On the leading edge of blockchain-based solutions for buying, selling, trading, and promoting clean technology solutions to climate change, Climatecoin is building an ecosystem that allows consumers, governments, and businesses to make peer-to-peer trades of carbon credits using their CO2 tokens. The ecosystem includes a Climatecoin wallet, a CO2 Fund, and of course, the blockchain carbon credit trading platform itself, ClimateTrade.

Climatecoin states: Our main drive is to democratize the carbon system to make it possible for anyone in the world to be able to do something for the survival of our planet, by creating a technology infrastructure that allows individuals and corporations to compensate their offsets by buying carbon credits through our tokens, and allows zero/negative emission producers to monetize their position by receiving additional income directly peer to peer without intermediaries.

Dr. Schindler has recently joined the board of Dubai-based Awad Capital Ltd., and Newport Beach XR Advertising Company, Trivver. He is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of SAIL Capital, a leading pioneer in sustainable energy and water investments. His most recent venture is Transformation, LLC, a new project development and project management firm for energy, water and agriculture companies.

Dr. Schindler comments: I am honored to be chosen by such great global innovators as the founders of Climatecoin, who offer a new first-of-its-kind creative solution to catalyze the participation of all individuals and corporations in the world.

Dr. Schindler will be speaking at Innovation Day in Stockholm, Sweden on November 12-13 and the Alternative Investment Summit in Dubai on November 26-27.

Climatecoin, now included in the Climate Blockchain Corporation, aims to become an exponential breakthrough organization including different blockchain and tech businesses related to the environment and the fight against Climate Change. The Climate Blockchain group is focused at this moment on testing and launching the Climatetrade platform with the mission to engage the largest number of actors throughout the world and become the largest climate platform in the world as measured by the number of transactions and users.
myAgro has married an innovative distribution system to its innovative program for a population so often overlooked.

Today the Drucker Institute at Claremont Graduate University announced that myAgro is the winner of the 2018 Drucker Prize. The organizations innovation is a Mobile Layaway program that helps smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa finance themselves by saving in small increments when they have the cash available.

Judges for The Drucker Prize recognized myAgros impressive results and the way their innovation has transformed the landscape of smallholder farmer financing using existing systems familiar to the farmers. The judges further recognized the organizations promise for further leveraging the discipline of innovation and their "North Star," which is to help one million smallholder farmers lift themselves out of poverty by 2025.

Among the greatest challenges in the social sector is scaling an innovation within an environment rife with social and logistical challenges, said Zach First, executive director of the Drucker Institute. But myAgro has married an innovative distribution system to its innovative program for a population so often overlooked: smallholder farmers in developing countries. By helping tens of thousands of these farmers be more productive, myAgro is improving the lives of hundreds of thousands of their family and community members. Now, instead of being forced to eat their seed corn, these farmers are harvesting greater health, education and prosperity.

Anushka Ratnayake, CEO and founder of myAgro said, We couldnt be more honored and thrilled to be selected for the 2018 Drucker Prize. Winning this prize will help us continue our work to transform the landscape of smallholder farmer financing.

Ratnayake reflected on the valuable experience adding, Winning The Drucker Prize will go a long way to helping myAgro and the farmers we serve lift their families out of poverty. The powerful tools and ideas we gained through the application process will help us continue to push our work to even higher heights of effectiveness.

The Drucker Prize application process is itself a tool for nonprofits to learn Peter Druckers key innovation principles and practices. A survey of those who completed the 2018 application found that 93% said that doing so would prompt them to explore additional opportunities for innovation. And, most significantly, 96% of the 50 semifinalists said the learning-centric second round of the process would help their organizations be more effective.

All of the ideas and tools created for The Drucker Prize application are now available for free as the Drucker Prize Resource Library. It features the timeless wisdom of Peter Drucker, videos showcasing insights from some of todays top thinkers on management and leadership, and other practical resources.

In addition to First, the judges for the 2018 Drucker Prize were: Ayo Atterberry, senior associate at The Annie E. Casey Foundation; Cecily Drucker, member of the Drucker Institutes Board of Advisors; Sumita Dutta, managing director at Golden Seeds; Patricia Easton, executive vice president and provost of Claremont Graduate University; Flip Flippen, founder of Flippen Group and member of the Drucker Institute Board of Advisors; Jane Nelson, board member of Leadership Network; C. William Pollard, chairman emeritus of ServiceMaster Co. and an emeritus member of the Drucker Institutes Board of Advisors; Charles Somerville, Ph.D. candidate in Applied Social Psychology at Claremont Graduate University; and Jocelyn Wyatt, co-founder and executive director of IDEO.org.

Administered annually since 1991, The Drucker Prize, formerly known as the Peter F. Drucker Award for Nonprofit Innovation, is given to a social-sector organization that demonstrates Druckers definition of innovation: change that creates a new dimension of performance. The judges look for programs that demonstrate a strong mix of current effectiveness and future promise.

About the Drucker Institute

The Drucker Institute is a social enterprise based at Claremont Graduate University. Our mission is strengthening organizations to strengthen society. Our programs help corporate, nonprofit, government and community leaders manage with courage. For more, visit http://www.drucker.institute.

About Claremont Graduate University

Founded in 1925, CGU is one of a select few American universities devoted solely to graduate-level education. The university is a founding member of The Claremont Colleges, which include Pomona College, Pitzer College, Claremont McKenna College, Scripps College, Harvey Mudd College, and Keck Graduate Institute. Students are encouraged to look beyond the traditional disciplinary divisions and define their own unique program of studyCGUs transdisciplinary trademark. CGUs other distinctions include serving as the home of the Peter F. Drucker & Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management and the annual Kingsley and Kate Tufts Poetry Awards.

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At the 2018 E Source Forum in Denver, Colorado, E Source announced the winners of its 2018 Utility Ad Awards Contest. First place in the categories of Best Energy-Efficiency and Demand-Response Programs Campaign and Best Brand Campaign went to PNM and Duke Energy, respectively. Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) earned first place in the category of Best Distributed Energy Resources Campaign, and ComEd won first place for Best Self-Service Campaign. The contest was open to electric and gas utilities in the US and Canada.

An independent group of judges selected the winners based on message, creativity, results, call to action or brand connection, and overall impression. Judges included Mindy Cheval, University of Colorado at Boulder, School of Journalism and Mass Communication; Lucia Riley, SAS; A.J. Schmitz, Progressive Marketing Group (PMG); and Arthur Germain and Michael Simbrom, Communication Strategy Group.

Were thrilled to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our utility ad contest. Over the past decade, weve received more than 3,000 ad submissions to populate E Source Energy AdVision, a database tool that gives our utility members access to this vast library of campaigns, says Sannie Sieper, director of marketing at E Source. This contest has put us in the unique position of witnessing utilities adapt to the changing advertising landscape, adopt new technologies and platforms, and meet ever-changing customer needs. E Source congratulates these innovative marketing and advertising teams!

2018 E Source Utility Ad Awards Contest Winners

Best Energy-Efficiency and Demand-Response Programs Campaign

1. PNM

2. Toronto Hydro

3. Duke Energy

Best Brand Campaign

1. Duke Energy

2. Touchstone Energy Cooperatives

3. FortisBC

Best Distributed Energy Resources Campaign

1. Sacramento Municipal Utility District

2. Southern California Gas Co.

3. Georgia Power

Best Self-Service Campaign

1. ComEd

2. Hydro One

3. PECO

E Source presented Efficiency Nova Scotia with the Crowd-Pleaser Award, based on online recognition. Facebook users voted by visiting the E Source Facebook page and liking their favorite video advertisement.

The Judges Choice award went to Hydro One. This is new award category honors a campaign that resonated particularly well with the judges.

E Source honored the winning ads at a special awards luncheon held during the 2018 E Source Forum. View the winning ads from 2018 and prior years at http://www.esource.com/adcontest-winners, and find photos from the awards luncheon in an album on the E Source Facebook page.

About E Source

For over 30 years, E Source has been providing market research, data, and consulting services to more than 300 utilities and their partners. This guidance helps our customers advance their efficiency programs, enhance customer relationships, and use energy more efficiently.
Spokane, Coeur d'Alene Immigration Attorney Reviews We work hard to be the best immigration attorneys in both Spokane and Coeur d'Alene for our clients.

Elliott Law Group, a team of leading immigration attorneys serving Spokane and Spokane Valley in Washington as well as Coeur d'Alene in Idaho, is proud to announce new milestones in immigration attorney reviews. The law firm has just topped twenty five reviews on Google for Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and fifty for Spokane, Washington.

We work hard to be the best immigration attorneys in both Spokane and Coeur d'Alene for our clients, explained Lana Elliott, managing partner at the law firm. "So it's heartening to see these new milestones achieved on the Google review system.

To view immigration attorney reviews for the Spokane office, visit https://goo.gl/aXuB1s, and to view immigration attorney reviews for the Coeur d'Alene office, visit https://goo.gl/ZBVQ35. To learn more about the firm's immigration law services, visit https://www.elliottlawgroup.com/areas-of-practice/immigration-lawyer/; interested persons are urged to reach out for a consultation, as no two immigration situations are alike. Only a licensed attorney can examine the facts and the law and give advice as to the best course of action.

IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY REVIEWS IN SPOKANE, SPOKANE VALLEY, AND COEUR D'ALENE IDAHO

Here is the background for this release. Many lay people who are seeking the services of an immigration attorney, whether in Spokane or Spokane Valley in Washington, or Coeur d'Alene in Idaho, are understandably anxious about finding the best law firm for their situation. Online reviews have become a first step towards identifying a good match, but the reality is that they are a heuristic at best. The review milestones achieved by the Elliott Group are thus important, but it is even more important for a lay person to reach out for an attorney consultation. There are many excellent, qualified immigration attorneys in both Western Idaho and Eastern Washington, and a person with an immigration issue is best served by coming in for a face-to-face consultation.

ABOUT ELLIOTT LAW GROUP

With law firm offices in both Spokane Valley, Washington, and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Elliott Law Group (http://www.elliottlawgroup.com/) aims to be one of the top-rated immigration law firms in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Coeur dAlene and all of Spokane, Okanogan and Kootenai Counties. Persons looking for not only a Spokane immigration attorney but also a DWI / DUI attorney or perhaps a lawyer for defense against traffic tickets, can seek help. Areas of specialty include visa issues (including DACA), working as DUI defense attorneys or criminal attorneys (including marijuana DUI and traffic ticket charges), assisting with green cards or obtaining K1 (fiance) visas and citizenship in both Washington and Idaho. The firm has attorneys who are both Russian-speaking and Spanish-speaking attorneys and staff. Service areas include Brewster, Cheney, Airway Heights, and Moses Lake in Washington, as well as Post Falls, Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint in Idaho.

Media Relations. 509-891-4301
The Largest Retail Energy Conference in the Country "Congratulations to all the nominees. We will see you in NYC on October 11th!" - Jack Doueck

Energy Marketing Conferences LLC announced the nominees for the 2017 Leadership and Integrity Award". The nominees are retail energy companies who have exemplified fine leadership qualities, the highest level of ethics, and benefit their customers, community, environment as well as internal stakeholders.

The nominees for the award are: 4Change Energy, Consumer Energy Solutions, Crius Energy, ENGIE, FFC Energy, Great Eastern Energy, Inspire, LE Energy, NRG and UGI Energy Services.

The winner of the award will be announced at the upcoming Energy Marketing Conference on October 11th 2018 at the Midtown Hilton Hotel in New York City.

Past winners of the award include: USG&E (2016), North American Power (2015), Chief Energy (2014), and IDT Energy (2013).

All ten nominees for the Leadership and Integrity Award are exemplary companies of leadership and integrity, said Jack Doueck, Co-Founder of Advanced Energy Capital, LED Plus and of Energy Marketing Conferences, All of these companies showed leadership in how they excelled in hands-on customer service. They were all good stewards of the environment, providing green choices and going digital as much as possible.

All of them donated significantly out of earnings to wonderful non-profits. Some of them provide valuable free tools and technology for customers to become more energy-efficient. Most helped thousands of customers impacted by natural disasters. This is sure to be a very difficult decision for EMC.

In an industry that is plagued by a few bad actors and unprofessional sales practices, these leaders treated people with honesty, integrity, fair play, respect and reasonable consideration. Congratulations to all the nominees, said Larry Leikin, Co-Founder of EMC and CEO of TrustedTPV.

The Energy Marketing Conference is the largest gathering of retail energy professionals in North America and it expects to host 800 attendees. The theme of this year's conference is "Control, Transparency and Choice".

There will be 65 exhibitor booths, 6 interactive panels, 8 executive workshops, 50 speakers, a networking breakfast, a luncheon and a vibrant networking reception with live music.

The packed agenda begins at 8:00am and isnt over until 7:00pm. The conference is the biggest networking opportunity of the year. Be sure to sign up before it is sold out!
The DiSTI Corporation, the worlds leading provider of 3D virtual training solutions, and Exozet, one of Germanys leading agencies for digital transformation, are proud to announce a partnership to jointly develop 3D virtual training solutions for enterprise customers based in the German-speaking region of Europe. Exozets team of digital transformation experts work with some of Germanys most well-known brands to re-define their training and customer engagement experiences. Powered by VE Studio, they will be able to create and manage immersive 3D virtual and augmented experiences faster, on more xR devices, and more economically than with a traditional hand-coding process.

Over the past 15 years DiSTI has been a leader in developing virtual training solutions for the US market and is now expanding into global regions where there is a need for virtual and augmented reality enterprise solutions. The German market is an area of high demand given the presence of global manufacturing companies who are requesting innovative new training solutions based on virtual and augmented reality technologies in order to improve training for internal staff and customers on new products delivered around the world.

For Exozet, this partnership aligns with their ambitions to expand their capabilities to develop virtual and augmented reality training solutions for enterprise customers in Germany and the region. VE Studio will enable Exozet to address their customers demands in an even more efficient and agile manner by leveraging its patented data-driven approach to content development and management.

Commenting on this partnership agreement, Frank Zahn, Exozet CEO, states: There is a growing demand in Germany for virtual and augmented reality solutions which improve employee performance and enable companies to leverage the technology to improve global operations. VE Studio provides us with a proven and very efficient platform with which we can reduce the development time and cost, and allow us to support our customers more efficiently.

The partnership will enable both companies to scale their business in the German-speaking region where the demand for virtual and augmented reality solutions is accelerating. As part of the partnership with DiSTI, Exozet will establish a Virtual and Augmented Reality Innovation and Development Center at their headquarters in Berlin where they can demonstrate existing production use cases and work together with customers to develop their virtual reality training solutions.

We are very excited about the potential of this partnership and some of the projects that we are already collaborating on. Exozet is a market leader in digital transformation for many German brands with extensive experience in the development of virtual reality solutions. This partnership provides us with the local experience and development capabilities to support customers who want solutions developed in proximity to their local headquarters and operations, adds John Cunningham, Chief Revenue Officer, DiSTI.

About DiSTI

The DiSTI Corporation, the worlds leading provider of 3D virtual training solutions.

Our flagship product, GL Studio, delivers advanced high-performance 3D user interfaces to the aerospace, automotive, medical, and training industries. Leading global manufacturers such as Jaguar Land Rover, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin choose GL Studio for its performance, fidelity, and reliability in interface development and deployment. Whether for avionics, instrument clusters, infotainment systems, medical devices, or flight simulators, GL Studio exceeds the developers interface demands.

DiSTIs user interface technology also expands into 3D virtual maintenance training solutions. DiSTIs VE Studio is the worlds leading platform for managing the development of complex 3D virtual environments for use on desktop, mobile, and virtual and mixed reality training applications. VE Studio manages the entire development process including requirements analysis, content development, and automated software builds and regression testing.

For more information on The DiSTI Corporation contact Kevin Mikalsen at kmikalsen(at)disti(dot)com

About Exozet

Exozet is one of Germanys leading agencies for digital transformation. Since 1996, the Berlin-based company creates and develops innovative digital solutions for and with their clients. For that the digital experts rely on creative methods like design sprints and creative prototyping as well as on an agile development process. In recent years, Exozet has developed numerous virtual and augmented reality applications for well-known brands and companies such as Audi, Volkswagen, and Siemens.

For more information on Exozet Berlin GmbH contact Thomas Bedenk at thomas(at)bedenk(dot)exozet.com
If you want a hit show, you have to provide an early moment when an audience  content that its hard-earned cash was not spent in vain  is sufficiently impressed that it relaxes, thus opening its collective heart to what is to come, even if that requires a forgiving spirit. Fontana earns that crucial moment for Tootsie not just by otherworldly control of the larynx but through stellar, old-fashioned comedic acting, demonstrably rooted in the pain and truth of his out-of-work Michael. By the time he is done, Ill wager this will go down as a truly great Broadway performance.
Arch 11 Participating homes on the 2018 Boulder Modern Home Tour will open their doors for viewing from 11AM  5PM on Saturday, October 20th. Tickets to see all homes are $40 in advance and $50 on the day of the tour. Ages 12 & Up are invited to attend.

Some tour-goers search for inspiration for their next project; others hope to find an architect or home builder to work with; whatever the reasons may be, all tour-goers come to see a curated selection of Boulder homes that embody the unique modern architecture and design aesthetic of central Colorado.

On Saturday, October 20th, the Modern Architecture+ Design Society (MA+DS) returns to Boulder for the first time since 2012 to present the Modern Home Tour. The event gives regional architects, designers, and home builders the opportunity to showcase their work to the community in which they work. In turn, the self-guided tour gives the community an opportunity to engage the minds behind the designs and ask questions as they explore some of Boulders modern homes inside and out.

We had been planning to return to Boulder ever since our first tour six years ago, says MA+DS founder and president, James Leasure. Timing and availability coincided this year in a way that has made bringing the Modern Home Tour back possible  and we couldnt be more excited. Our curated line-up showcases some incredible modern designs that are sure to impress and awe everyone who comes out to see them.

Six homes have been accepted and confirmed for the 2018 Boulder Modern Home Tour. Participating architects and designers, and featured neighborhoods include:



A custom modern home with contemporary furnishings in Longmont, designed by F9 Productions

A 1976 home entirely renovated in modern style, designed by Hower Architects, located in Linden Park

A home in Frasier Meadows that was transformed into a modern showcase of art, designed by Arcadea Architecture

A second Arcadea Architecture modern transformation located in the Devils Thumb  Rolling Hill neighborhood

A brand-new contemporary home, designed by Caddis Architecture, overlooking the Baseline Reservoir (interior design by studiotrope Design Collective, built by BuildWell)

A brand-new modern home sitting atop Pine Brook Hill with views of the city, designed by Arch11

Joining the tour as non-profit beneficiary and volunteer partner is the American Institute of Architecture Students CU-Boulder chapter. Students will help staff the event, in return for a donation to the club and the opportunity to use the tour as a fundraising vehicle, while also contributing volunteer hours and making connections in their field.

Participating homes on the 2018 Boulder Modern Home Tour will open their doors for viewing from 11AM  5PM on Saturday, October 20th. Tickets to see all homes are $40 in advance and $50 on the day of the tour. Ages 12 & Up are invited to attend. Details on participants and tickets can be found at http://www.bouldermodernhometour.com.

About the Modern Architecture + Design Society: Based in Austin, Texas, the Modern Architecture + Design Society was founded was founded by James Leasure in 2010 as Modern Home Tours, to introduce modern architecture and living to people across the nation. Through fun and informative self-guided home tours in dozens of cities across the USA and Canada, the group invites people into some of the most exciting examples of modern architecture and design in the nation. With carefully selected architects, neighborhoods and architecture, the MA+DS Home Tours are unlike anything youve ever seen. Not only will you learn about the cutting edge of home design while on our tours, but you might even get an idea or two for your next home project!
Flagstaff Nissan Subaru To Celebrate Halloween With 2nd Annual Trunk-Or-Treat Event As always, were excited to get involved with our local community; and this event is always a lot of fun for the entire family. Its a great way for kids to trick or treat indoors safely along with their parents

Flagstaff Nissan Subaru today announced that it will be hosting its second annual Trunk-Or-Treat Event at 4960 E. Marketplace Drive from 4:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018. The dealership group also announced that the event will take place inside its showroom, in order to provide families with a well-lit, fun experience, regardless of weather conditions.

As always, were excited to get involved with our local community; and this event is always a lot of fun for the entire family, said Trent Olson, owner of Flagstaff Nissan Subaru. Its a great way for kids to trick or treat indoors safely along with their parents, he continued.

Flagstaff Nissan Subaru will be providing vehicles to its event sponsors which will be decorated and filled with candy, treats, and giveaways for the entire family.

Sponsors for this event include Flagstaff Figure Skating Club, Starbucks, the Grand Canyon Association, the Coconino Humane Society, Collins Irish Pub & Grill, CARSTAR Auto Body Repair, and The Arizona Laboratory for Applied Transportation Research (AZ Trans) from Northern Arizona University. The dealer group will also sponsor its own decorated trunk this year.

About Flagstaff Nissan Subaru

Driven by seven core promises, Flagstaff Nissan Subaru is committed to providing exceptional service to customers at its two showroom locations in Flagstaff, Ariz.

Flagstaff Nissan and Flagstaff Subaru, both offer an extensive selection of new, certified pre-owned, and quality pre-owned vehicles with financing options available for every budget.

The two retail locations also sell car parts, service contracts; and offer maintenance and repair services.
Gerald Lebby, a dedicated writer, poet, musician, and speaker, as well as an ex-US Army and Vietnam War veteran, has completed his new book Images of Yesterday: a well written work filled with thought-provoking tales that are told with an engaging personality.

The author shares his talent for storytelling through immersive plots that hide precious gems of allure and human emotions: Mr. Dickerson, our schools band director, had given us a ride home on the back of his new Chevy pickup. All of us lived on the outskirts of town, which was a little more than ten miles from school. Mr. Dickerson could have taken the main highway but opted to take a secondary road, which could save as much as five miles of driving. However, the road Mr. Dickerson took went directly through the center of Devils Swamp. Devils Swamp was a three-mile stretch of bog that the locals swore was haunted by spirits and demons from the very bowels of hell. These ghoulish fiends were said to harass and terrorize any foolish or unwary traveler that happened to invade their domain. Although we knew about Devils Swamp and what supposedly went on there, none of us had experienced this phenomenon. However, after that night not one of us would ever scoff at the supernatural again.

Published by New York City-based Page Publishing, Gerald Lebbys mystical collection of stories are very unique, a product of an overwhelming inspiration for the worlds uncanny happenings that undeniably satisfies the thirst for the supernatural.

Readers who wish to experience this evocative account can purchase Images of Yesterday at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional New York based full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create - not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex and time-consuming issues, and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.
It is Starfishs mission to provide effective resources and support to higher education institutions - helping them best serve their students and ensure all students achieve their goals.

Hobsons, the education technology leader and company behind Starfish, joined higher education leaders this weekend at #RealCollege 2018: A National Convening on Food and Housing Insecurity. Hobsons' sponsorship of the event represents its extended commitment to the work of Sara Goldrick-Rab, Ph.D., founder of #RealCollege, and her mission to assist students throughout the U.S. to overcome the many challenges they face on their journey to accomplish their higher education goals.

The convening, which took place September 29-30, brought together students, practitioners, policymakers, researchers and activists to develop strategies and take action to secure students basic needs. Starfish General Manager and Hobsons Senior Vice President Howard Bell was in attendance at the convening and took part in the many workshops and conversations about strategies and tactics used to increase the availability of affordable food and housing, integrate mental health practices with student support services on campuses, and shape state and federal policy to increase support for students basic needs.

It was an honor to participate in the #RealCollege Convening these past two days, said Howard Bell, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Starfish. The challenges faced by many college students - especially those related to food and housing insecurity - can create insurmountable barriers to not just educational achievement, but economic mobility as well. It is Starfishs mission to provide effective resources and support to higher education institutions - helping them best serve their students and ensure all students achieve their goals. Attending #RealCollege gave me valuable insights into the struggles many students face, the magnitude of their impact, and the complexity of the solutions needed. I will be working with my team and Dr. Goldrick-Rab to explore ways Starfish can help alleviate these challenges.

The founder of #RealCollege, Sara Goldrick-Rab, Ph.D., gave a keynote address this July at Hobsons Summer Institute (HSI) 2018 on the topic of food and housing insecurities faced by higher education students in the United States.

In an effort to support all aspects of student success, Starfish by Hobsons hosts a Starfish Community Book Club, open to all Starfish clients, where a book related to student success is read and discussed each quarter. Members of the Starfish community requested that Goldrick-Rabs latest book, Paying the Price: College Costs, Financial Aid, and the Betrayal of the American Dream, be the next book after hearing her speak on the subject at HSI 2018. The Book Club will read and discuss the book this November.

The Starfish Enterprise Success Platform helps more than 450 colleges and universities scale their student success efforts so more students can achieve their academic and life goals. By helping higher education institutions leverage reliable data to pinpoint areas of concern and opportunity within courses and student populations, as well as institutional programs and services, Starfish connects these findings to action by identifying at-risk students, connecting students with valuable resources, and building academic plans to achieve student goals with the least momentum lost.

To learn more about Starfish, visit http://www.starfishsolutions.com.

About Hobsons

A leader in education technology, Hobsons helps more than 15 million students to identify their strengths, explore careers, match to best-fit educational opportunities, create academic plans, and reach their education and life goals. More than 13,000 K-12 and higher education institutions partner with Hobsons and leverage our expertise and our solutions  Naviance, Intersect, and Starfish  to improve college and career readiness, college recruiting and admissions, and higher education student success to support millions of students.
With its combination of accessibility, affordability, and functionality, eCampus has helped us ensure that our students have the resources they need to succeed, delivered in a cost-efficient and flexible manner. - Dr. Robert Humphreys, Jr., President, Humphreys University

After a comprehensive search for a partner to meet their textbook needs, Humphreys University selected eCampus.com Virtual Bookstores to help students obtain course materials at a significantly reduced cost, while also providing a streamlined and convenient ordering process. Bypassing the traditional brick and mortar store with eCampus.coms Virtual Bookstore solution will save Humphreys students up to 70% off publisher list prices, aligning with the universitys goal of an efficient and flexible education for academic success. Beyond cost savings, students can take advantage of every purchasing option, including new, used, rental, eTextbook, and an expansive network of third-party Marketplace sellers.

The eCampus.com platform will promote Humphreys commitment to academic excellence by ensuring students are prepared with the right course materials for success. By ordering through their new customized online bookstore, students can confidently secure textbooks and digital content knowing they will receive the correct edition and format for each course. The transition to an online solution will provide a level of convenience for both the Stockton and Modesto campuses that was unmatched with their previous brick and mortar bookstore. Further complementing the solution for students is a best-in-class customer service team who will provide superior year-round support. Faculty also benefit from a powerful online adoption tool that streamlines the entire adoption process.

eCampus provided the ideal solution for Humphreys University and its students," said Dr. Robert Humphreys, Jr., President of Humphreys University. With its combination of accessibility, affordability, and functionality, eCampus has helped us ensure that our students have the resources they need to succeed, delivered in a cost-efficient and flexible manner.

eCampus.com is thrilled to be partnering with Humphreys University to help them improve textbook affordability through an innovative virtual bookstore solution, said Matt Montgomery, eCampus.com President and CEO. We applaud Humphreys University for recognizing the evolving textbook market and meeting the needs of their students through a customized online platform that aligns with the institutions commitment to a flexible education that exceeds expectations.

Humphreys University students will enjoy full access to their new eCampus.com Virtual Bookstore beginning in Fall 2018.

More information on eCampus.com Virtual Bookstores can be found at ecampuscms.com.

About eCampus.com

eCampus.com is a premier online retailer of textbooks and digital course materials. Consistently exceeding industry standards, eCampus.coms mission is to provide the easiest, fastest, and most affordable way for K-12 and higher education students to buy, rent, or sell textbooks and digital content. The company launched on July 2, 1999, the birthday of original investor Dave Thomas of Wendys. From the beginning, their driving force has been meeting the needs of the customers they serve. Remaining an innovative leader in the course materials industry, eCampus.com serves over 250 colleges and universities through an innovative course material solutions suite, including full-service Virtual Bookstores and the eCampus.com ALL Access program. eCampus.com's mission enables institutions to increase course material affordability, serving millions of students to date. Through products that simplify the adoption, management and procurement of course materials, eCampus.com propels student success by delivering the right course materials, at the right time, at the right price. Learn more at ecampus.com.

About Humphreys University

Humphreys University is a non-profit and independent California institution of higher education with over 120 years of educational dedication. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission, Humphreys is focused solely on meeting its mission of preparing students for careers and professions through a high-quality educational experience. With campuses located in both Stockton and Modesto, and boasting small class sizes for more individualized instruction, their foundation in liberal arts provides a path to strong career-oriented fields, offering several Associate, Bachelor, and Masters degree programs as well as the Drivon School of Law. Learn more at humphreys.edu.
OutPLEX Re-branding as OutPLEX now connects clients to new digital experiences that support more complex customer engagements.

Omnichannel strategically improves user experiences by ensuring improved communication channels, and the resources that bind these hubs. The idea of talking with customers via a call center, such as what we have successfully perfected with Talk2Rep, is no longer as prevalent. The ability to connect based on customer preference ushers in a new digital world that promotes an optimum customer experience, Jim Ryan, CEO and founder notes, and this will be evident in OutPLEX.

Founded by serial entrepreneur, Jim Ryan, Talk2Rep has successfully served global brands for nearly two decades. Some of the varied brands the company services include an international electronics company, a publicly traded telecommunications company, a human health maintenance organization, as well as multiple international retailers.

We are rebranding to OutPLEX to reflect omnichannel engagement and digital experiences, explains Mr. Ryan. Historically, Talk2Rep has been at the forefront of developing innovative customer contact platforms that outperform competitors and internal call center operations. Re-branding as OutPLEX now connects clients to new digital experiences that support more complex customer engagements.

Today, companies and brands are seeking to adopt and engage channels. OutPLEX creates platforms populated with highly skilled representatives coupled with artificial intelligence (AI), bots/chat bots, and SMS technology. OutPLEX is a key, successful example of the new age of technology complementing the human conversation engagement we have perfected, says Mr. Ryan. OutPLEX utilizes social media, offers stellar technical support, and is based with a strong back office infrastructure. Global brands turn to OutPLEX for complex outsourcing and higher ROI.

Talk2Rep has always captured the voice of the customer. The challenge has been defining omnichannel connections in a new digital world. OutPLEX is the innovative solution to that challenge.

OutPLEX is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with domestic and international operations, as well as work at home professionals supporting global brands since 2000.

For more information visit http://www.outplex.com
We never doubted that we would win this case, says Vita Coco co-founder and CEO Michael Kirban. Brazil is a part of our brand heritage, but our coconuts come from many countries across the globe in addition to Brazil."

On Wednesday, September 26, 2018 a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by plaintiffs against All Market Inc. ("AMI"), the parent company of Vita Coco and the largest seller of coconut water in the United States. Bilzin Sumberg represented AMI in the defense of the federal consumer fraud class action.

Filed on April 7, 2016 in the Southern District of Florida, the case styled, Joshua Wasser, Ila Gold, and Alyssa Rechtman, on behalf of themselves and all others v. All Market Inc., Case No. 16-cv-21238-JLK, revolved around AMIs use of the phrase "born in brazil" on previous versions of Vita Coco coconut water containers. The plaintiffs claimed the phrase misled them into purchasing the product by implying that Vita Coco was exclusively manufactured in or sourced from Brazil. Vita Coco produces coconut water globally, and in addition to producing in Brazil, the company also produces in various countries in Southeast Asia. Notwithstanding the legally-compliant country of origin statement on each container of Vita Coco, the plaintiffs alleged that they were deceived by the "born in brazil" phrase and asserted that they would not have purchased Vita Coco if they had known the beverage came from a country other than Brazil. The plaintiffs brought the claims on behalf of themselves and proposed classes of Florida, New York and California consumers against AMI for unjust enrichment, injunctive relief, and violation of state and federal consumer fraud and deceptive advertising laws and sought more than $200 million in damages.

The court rejected all of the plaintiffs claims, including their allegations that they would be harmed in the future. Further, the court stated, "And any amount paid for those future purchases will be the result of informed decisions  not because the Plaintiffs were deceived by the 'born in brazil phrase as to the origin of the product." As such, the court denied the plaintiff's motion for class certification and dismissed the case.

We never doubted that we would win this case, says Vita Coco co-founder and CEO Michael Kirban. Brazil is a part of our brand heritage, but our coconuts come from many countries across the globe in addition to Brazil. Not only is this is something were proud of and very vocal about, it is clearly stated on each and every container of our coconut water. Baseless claims such as this are a distraction and financial burden to small, independent companies like ours that are trying to offer high-quality products to consumers, while also making a positive impact on the world we live in and for us, in particular, the communities we source from. That is why we have and will continue to vigorously defend ourselves against unfounded class action suits.

AMI was represented by Bilzin Sumberg litigation attorneys Melissa Pallett-Vasquez and Lori Lustrin, Scott Voelz and Hannah Chanoine of O'Melveny & Myers LLP, and AMIs General Counsel, Joe Rubbone.

About Vita Coco

Vita Coco is the leading coconut water brand and is credited with popularizing coconut water, globally. The idea to start Vita Coco was literally born in Brazil. Back in 2003, future Vita Coco co-founders Michael Kirban and Ira Liran were at a New York City bar where they met two women from Brazil. Within months, Liran moved to Brazil to marry one of the women and invited Kirban to visit. On that visit both men saw the popularity of coconut water and realized the potential for a beverage business in the US. That idea came to them both on the beaches of Buzios, and Vita Coco was born.

With the first batch of Vita Coco produced in 2004, Kirban and Liran marketed their coconut water as a lifestyle beverage, successfully making what was once an obscure beverage in the ethnic foods aisle into one of the most successful beverages of the decade. Today, Vita Coco is the US sales leader in coconut water and is sold in 30 countries around the world.

Vita Coco produces its coconut water in Brazil and Southeast Asia, and through the brands social responsibility initiative, the Vita Coco Project: Give, Grow, Guide, underwrites and develops community and agricultural improvements in the countries in which is produces its drinks. For more information, please visit http://www.vitacoco.com

About Bilzin Sumberg

Bilzin Sumberg works with clients whose business and legal opportunities and challenges span the United States and cross borders to Europe, Latin America, Canada, the Middle East, and Asia. Bilzin Sumberg lawyers concentrate on services at the heart of both regional and international commerce, including business litigation, real estate, land development and government relations, environmental, corporate law, joint ventures, domestic and international tax and estate planning, finance, and public-private partnerships. Bilzin Sumbergs litigation team handles a broad spectrum of matters including complex class action defense, opt out antitrust class actions, financial services litigation, and complex contract disputes in both state and federal courts throughout the country and in international tribunals. The team regularly provides thought commentary and analysis of top-of-mind issues confronting the food and beverage industryincluding product labeling and consumer product class actionson its blog http://www.foodcourtlaw.com.
High Swartz is pleased to announce that Kevin Cornish has become a partner effective October 1st.

We are pleased to welcome Kevin as High Swartzs newest partner. Kevin he has been with the firm for over 5 years and has shown great leadership and experience in his practice areas, said Joel D. Rosen, Managing Partner.

High Swartz has provided me with opportunities to grow and develop as an attorney. I am grateful to High Swartz and look forward to serving my clients in this new role, said Kevin Cornish.

Kevin focuses his practice on commercial, civil, and contract & business litigation. His clients include individuals as well as local, regional, and national businesses. Kevin has handled cases involving contract disputes, the Mechanics Lien Law, the Contractor Subcontractor Payment Act, the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Real Estate Seller Disclosure Law, and the Landlord Tenant Act. Kevins experience includes resolving cases through trial, arbitration, and negotiation.

About High Swartz LLP: High Swartz LLP is a full-service law firm serving clients in the Delaware Valley and throughout Pennsylvania from offices in Norristown and Doylestown. Established in 1914, High Swartz serves the needs of businesses, municipalities, government entities, nonprofits and individuals. With offices in Bucks County and Montgomery County, the full-service law firm provides comprehensive counsel and legal support to individuals and business entities of all sizes across a broad spectrum of industries throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. For more information, go to http://www.highswartz.com.

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"Our goal is to create an educational environment in McCormick where at-risk and disengaged students are captivated and inspired to succeed."

The McCormick County School District yesterday showcased its new Star Academy Program, a school within a school that helps at-risk and disengaged students get back on path to graduation.

Introduced in McCormick at the start of this school year, the Star Academy Program is recognized as one of the most effective dropout prevention programs in the nation. Created in 2005 for the Pickens County South Carolina School District, the program is both an intervention and acceleration solution.

In a specially designed classroom that was installed at McCormick High School, students in grades 7-10 focus on English, math, science, and social studies. Students work intensively through a computer-based curriculum designed to hold their interest and cater to their learning styles, whether auditory, visual or kinesthetic. The classroom features state-of-the art equipment, project-based learning modules and a layout that encourages teamwork and cooperative learning.

McCormick County School District Superintendent Betty Bagley and McCormick High School Principal J. Steven English hosted an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Star Academy Program.

"The Star Academy Program promises to help students who have fallen behind get back on the path to graduation, said Bagley. Theyre generally students who really can achieve but who have not been able to find that real-life connection they need. This program captivates students and inspires purpose and self-confidence through immersed sensory experiences that lead to independence, responsibility and success.

Bagley added that the community, as well as students and parents, will benefit from the workforce development aspects of the program. In addition to learning science, math, English and social studies, students will develop skills such as collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving that make them more employable and better equipped for further skill development on the job or in college, she said.

By adding the Star Academy Program, Bagley said McCormick Schools are making education more relevant to students. They are anxious and eager learners once they are taught and convinced that (what they are learning) really does have meaning and means a career, a life and a way to take care of their families, she added.

The program serves 80 students each year. Classes are scheduled in 80 to 90-minute blocks for courses in Math, Science, English/Language Arts and Science.

The Star Academy Program is a service of NOLA Education.

John Alvendia, chief executive officer of Nola Education, was among the guests at the event.

"Our goal is to create an educational environment in McCormick where at-risk and disengaged students are captivated and inspired to succeed. We are proud to provide this opportunity for students to use hands-on activities in core subject areas while developing critical thinking skills that will prepare students for a successful future," Alvendia said.

The Star Academy Program has been implemented in more than 40 middle and high schools in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, New Jersey, South Carolina, and Texas. Based on a comprehensive set of data compiled from 2005 until 2016, 83% of participants completed the program and continued into high school. Of those, 74% accelerated two grade levels in one year. The results were achieved while serving a student population that typically sees an 85% dropout rate.

The National Dropout Prevention Center (NDPC) recognized Star Academy Programs in Pickens County, South Carolina; Richland County, South Carolina and Berkeley County, South Carolina with Crystal Star Awards for their exemplary dropout prevention practices, including high success rates.

The Star Academy Program earned the Berkeley County School District a coveted Districts of Distinction award in 2018 from District Administrator magazine.

NDPC also cited Star Academy Program as a national model dropout prevention program.

About Star Academy Program

The Star Academy Program is a school-within-a-school that enhances success for disengaged learners and at-risk students. Focused on helping students make the critical transition from middle school to high school, Star Academy Program utilizes a hands-on, project-based learning approach that re-engages students and prevents them from dropping out of school. This comprehensive program is tailored to meet the specific needs of a school, allowing the district to select up to eight courses from an offering of core courses in science, math, English, and social studies and elective courses in practical arts, life skills, technology, and health-based instruction, and real-world career connections.

Star Academy Program is a service of Nola Education LLC.

For more information, contact Robin White-Mussa, rmussa(at)nolaeducation(dot)com or 620-249-0391.
Medical Solutions created Travel Nurses Day as an entertaining, interactive way to recognize travel nurses everywhere for their hard work, unique contribution to the healthcare industry, and unwavering dedication to quality patient care.

Medical Solutions, one of the nations largest travel nurse staffing companies, will recognize the Sixth Annual Travel Nurses Day, Friday, October 12, 2018.

In 2013, the pet-friendly healthcare staffing agency launched the annual holiday as another way to recognize, celebrate, and honor hardworking travel nurses worldwide.

Medical Solutions created Travel Nurses Day as an entertaining, interactive way to recognize travel nurses everywhere for their hard work, unique contribution to the healthcare industry, and unwavering dedication to quality patient care, says Medical Solutions CEO Craig Meier. Travel nurses deserve our gratitude for everything they do, and we hope theyll enjoy the special recognition this Travel Nurses Day.

The 2018 celebration includes a variety of quizzes, activities, and prizes at TravelNursesDay.com. This years quizzes  Where Should I Travel Next? and Whats Your Adventure Style?  can be taken as a means to enter to win one of 10 $50 Amazon gift cards. The #PostcardsFromTheRoad Photo Contest asks travelers to share images from their journeys for the chance to win one of five $300 Amazon gift cards.

Travel nurses can enter and participate now through Sunday, October 14, 2017, at midnight CT, and winners will be announced the week of October 15.

Visit TravelNursesDay.com to learn more.

ABOUT MEDICAL SOLUTIONS: Medical Solutions L.L.C. is a healthcare staffing firm that specializes in placing registered nurses in temporary travel assignments throughout the nation. The company is the fourth-largest Travel Nurse staffing agency in the United States, with locations in Omaha, San Diego, Cincinnati, Denver, and Tupelo, MS. Medical Solutions was one of the first Travel Nursing and Allied Healthcare staffing companies to be certified by the Joint Commission and has been continuously certified since January 2005. Medical Solutions was named one of Modern Healthcares 2016 Best Places to Work in Healthcare, named among Staffing Industry Analysts 2017 Best Staffing Firms to Work For, has been named 11 times to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies, and its flagship Omaha office won the 2014 Better Business Bureau Integrity Award. A nationwide network of qualified healthcare providers allows Medical Solutions to help its client hospitals continue to provide excellent patient care amidst a nursing shortage. Medical Solutions has contracts with 2,200+ client hospitals nationwide and is one of the fastest-growing companies in the Travel Nursing industry. Visit MedicalSolutions.com to learn more.
Weve come up with a great schedule where I travel in and out a little bit and then we kind of break it up every couple of weeks and make a long weekend out of it where were all here in L.A., Giuliana Rancic said. So far its working out great, and its nice because Duke can stay in school in Chicago and have the great routine that hes had for the past few years.
Modern Acupuncture's New Campaign - Let's Tingle "Modern Acupuncture has already changed thousands of lives across the country and we want to do more of that. Thats what is behind our new movement: Lets Tingle. Its time to propel acupuncture into the 21st-century mindset." - Modern Acupuncture CEO Matt Hale

Modern Acupuncture, the first acupuncture franchise and one of the fastest growing franchises in the world, announced today the launch of its national movement to improve lives through acupuncture. The company has already surpassed 70,000 patient visits among its first 29 locations and plans to double that number in the next six months as part of the movement.

Modern Acupuncture has already changed thousands of lives across the country and we want to do more of that, said Modern Acupuncture CEO Matt Hale. Thats what is behind our new movement: Lets Tingle. Its time to propel acupuncture into the 21st-century mindset. Modern Acupuncture is more than just health, more than the feeling of relief, and more than the rejuvenation of beauty. Its a state of well-being. Lets Tingle is our movement to make an impact on as many people as possible.

The Lets Tingle movement features new attention-grabbing creative with original photography that is meant to capture attention and spark conversation. Modern Acupunctures key messaging is to provide a non-tox beauty regimen and a natural and non-pharmaceutical way to deal with pain and stress. The concept was created by New York-based movement marketing agency StrawberryFrog, founded by Scott Goodson. The StrawberryFrog team devised a modern branding, brand-purpose and movement marketing strategy in advertising, in-store, and mobile by building on its award-winning branding and advertising expertise for other start-up franchise companies such as European Wax Center. The print, digital, in-store, and the outdoor ad campaign for Modern Acupuncture uses images shot by famous Swedish photographer Henrik Halvarsson known for his work with H&M.

Since the creation of the flourishing brand in August 2016, the co-founders have worked strategically to sell licenses to experienced regional developers and franchisees with a proven track record. To date, 488 regional developer licenses have been awarded as well as 140 franchise licenses. The company has 29 operating locations across the country with at least 15 more slated to open by year-end. Although its still a young company, Modern Acupuncture has generated over $7 million in gross revenue since inception.

Combining a healing form that has been validated by thousands of years of practice with a modern, clean and spa-like environment, Modern Acupuncture provides guests with a peaceful sanctuary that they can make part of their regular routine. The company offers both traditional and cosmetic acupuncture administered by licensed acupuncturists who utilize needle therapy on nodes to increase blood flow, but unlike typical acupuncture, does not require the removal of any clothing to access full-body health; treatments are performed on feet, legs, arms and face.

Despite the World Health Organization naming acupuncture the fastest growing healthcare segment in the world, the current job climate isnt encouraging: five years after graduating, 50 percent of licensed acupuncturists are not in an active acupuncture practice due to a lack of career opportunities. Now, with the massive marketing effort behind Modern Acupuncture, that job market has improved and will continue to grow stronger. The company already employs more than 70 licensed acupuncturists across the country and plans to employ nearly 2,000 additional acupuncturists.

This movement is so much larger than Modern Acupuncture, said co-founder Stephen Gubernick. Its about encouraging people to feel better and be healthier through acupuncture, and its about creating meaningful and lucrative careers for people who are passionate about making lives better. From chronic sleep disorders to severe back pain, to debilitating migraines to PTSD and much more; acupuncture is a viable alternative that we want everyone to know about.

For more information about franchising opportunities, please visit modernacupuncturefranchise.com.

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About Modern Acupuncture

Modern Acupuncture is a franchise concept transforming the alternative medicine market and acupuncture industry. Offering an approachable, natural pathway, validated by thousands of years of practice to better health and wellbeing, Modern Acupuncture is the first franchise to deliver the natural health and cosmetic benefits of acupuncture in a retreat-like setting in highly accessible neighborhood locations across the country. Founded in 2016 and based in Scottsdale, Ariz., Modern Acupuncture currently offers area developer and franchisee opportunities to qualifying entrepreneurs. ACU Development, LLC is the franchisor of MA Modern Acupuncture franchise locations and an operator in some states. In California, Florida, Kansas, New Jersey, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee, and Washington, ACU Development, LLC and its franchisees provide management services to affiliated professional acupuncture practices. For more information, please visit http://www.modacu.com or call (480) 999-5505.
Each year, Christmas fills the hearts of many with wonderment and magic. In Nancy Gaenzles new book, Luellas Christmas Surprise (published by Archway Press), Luella learns how Christmas can be a magical time of year, especially when a she starts to put a few clues together as to whom Santa might be. The book is the second in Gaenzles Luella series.

Luella, a 10-year-old girl living on the family farm, enjoys feeding two mallard ducks named Drake and Marta living on Henrys Pond with an elderly gentleman and friend of the family, Clyde Santos. They meet daily and chat about the latest events in their lives while feeding Drake and Marta. When the Christmas holiday nears, the pond starts to freeze over. Although the ducks will be leaving soon for a warmer winter home and Mr. Santos will be away on vacation, the Christmas holiday is about to reveal a magical surprise about a special someone.

This book captivates the magic of Christmas, Gaenzle says. (It) is entertaining and will add excitement to your Christmas holiday. Parents and grandparents will enjoy reading this book to their children. No other book is quite like this one. It is soon to become a Christmas classic.

The book is available for purchase at: https://www.amazon.com/Luellas-Christmas-Surprise-Nancy-Gaenzle/dp/1480866687.

Luellas Christmas Surprise

By Nancy Gaenzle

Hardcover | 8.5 x 11 in | 28 pages | ISBN 9781480866683

Softcover | 8.5 x 11 in | 28 pages | ISBN 9781480866690

E-Book | 28 pages | ISBN 9781480866706

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Nancy Gaenzle was born and raised in a small town in southern Idaho on the Camas Prairie. Her love for wildlife comes from her grandmother, Mary, who had a special fondness for birds. Gaenzle, a retired schoolteacher, has one daughter, Marta, and one granddaughter, Luella. The Luella book series is named after her granddaughter. The characters of Gaenzles books are named after actual family members to honor the positive influence they have had on her life. Gaenzle has also written Luella and Nita the Owl.

Simon & Schuster, a company with nearly ninety years of publishing experience, has teamed up with Author Solutions, LLC, the leading self-publishing company worldwide, to create Archway Publishing. With unique resources to support books of all kind, Archway Publishing offers a specialized approach to help every author reach his or her desired audience. For more information, visit http://www.archwaypublishing.com or call 888-242-5904.
Density Reporting Laws & Efforts across the U.S. Learn More AreYouDenseAdvocacy.org The results from this national survey suggest that density reporting laws are associated with improved awareness of breast density & is associated with greater engagement between women and their providers for more personalized, risk -based screening efforts. Co-author Christoph Lee, MD.

The Journal of the American College of Radiology (JACR) and the nonprofits, Are You Dense, Inc. and Are You Dense Advocacy, Inc. today announced study results showing that dense breast reporting laws in the United States significantly increase breast density awareness as well as prompt conversations between women and their healthcare providers about supplemental screening. Furthermore, the study shows that nearly 90 percent of women surveyed, regardless of the states law status, completely or mostly agree that they would prefer to know their breast tissue type than not know.

Women and their physicians should talk about the womans breast density and its impact on breast cancer screening and diagnosis. At the American College of Radiologys urging, inclusion of breast density information in mammography reports to physicians began long ago based on the ACRs BI-RADS classification system. In states without legislation, women may not automatically receive density information but should be aware that it is generally available in the mammography report. This information is helpful for both radiologists and referring providers as they discuss density status with their patients, said Dana Smetherman, MD, FACR, and chair of the American College of Radiology (ACR) Breast Imaging Commission.

Study results also show that women from states where density reporting laws have been in place longer are more likely to know their own density type and to report that their provider talked to them about supplemental screening.

These study results confirm that women who participate in mammography screening want this important breast health information, and that the mammogram results letter leads to further conversations between them and their physicians about breast screening, states lead study author Nancy M. Cappello, Ph.D, founder of Are You Dense, Inc. and Are You Dense Advocacy, Inc. and the inspiration behind the first density reporting law in the United States, which has led to 36 state laws. This is particularly important as it shows that these laws, despite how theyre written, promote informed patient-provider shared decision making.

Study co-author Christoph Lee, MD, MS, Professor of Radiology and Health Services at the University of Washington School of Medicine states, The results from this national survey suggest that density reporting laws are associated with improved awareness of breast density and is associated with greater engagement between women and their providers. This type of engagement is important for more personalized, risk-based screening efforts.

Are You Dense, Inc. and Are You Dense Advocacy, Inc. commissioned this survey of U.S. women to determine their knowledge about dense breast tissue and its masking of and risk factor for breast cancer, their preferences on learning about their dense breast tissue status after having a mammogram and as a result of notification, whether or not they had subsequent conversations with providers about supplemental screening.

The survey, conducted in February 2018, included 1,500 women in all 50 states, between 40 and 74 years old, who had a mammogram within the past two years. Survey results were compared across five groups based on law details and between women residing in states with laws versus without laws. While the majority of women in each of the sample groups were white, there was representation of minority women in each of the groups.

Science for decades has demonstrated that dense breast tissue is associated with a higher-than-average risk of breast cancer and that dense breast tissue can mask cancers on mammograms, making them impossible to detect. Adjunct screening to mammography, such as ultrasound and MRI, significantly increase detection of early cancers in dense breasts.

Dr. Cappello launched the legislative action of her organizations after being diagnosed with advanced-stage breast cancer in 2004 despite decades of normal mammography results. None of Dr. Cappellos physicians told her that she had dense breast tissue, which had hidden the growing cancer in her breast, and none advised her to get adjunct screening.

Adds Dr. Cappello, Todays study results further support our relentless mission to reduce missed, delayed and advanced stage breast cancer by increasing access to early detection for women with dense breasts leading to reduced harms from aggressive treatments and better survival outcomes.

Learn more about breast density and its relationship to breast cancer risk and legislative efforts across the U.S. at areyoudense.org and areyoudenseadvocacy.org. You can also visit http://www.mammographysaveslives.org and download the ACR Breast Density Brochure.

About Are You Dense, Inc. and Are You Dense Advocacy, Inc.

Nancy Cappello, Ph.D. is director and founder of Are You Dense, Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity and Are You Dense Advocacy, Inc., a 501(c)(4) public charity. Dr. Cappello is the architect of using legislative efforts to standardize the communication of breast density to patients through the patient's mammography reporting results, starting with her state of Connecticut in 2009. Alongside patients turned advocates, Dr. Cappello has visited with and testified before state legislatures, in addition to the MQSA committee of the FDA and led efforts for the introduction of a federal bill in both the House and Senate. She had shared her story at medical and patient-centered conferences across the country and the globe. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including being named a health hero by Parade Magazine and honored for her health advocacy by the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame.

About the Journal of the American College of Radiology

The official journal of the American College of Radiology, JACR informs its readers of timely, pertinent, and important topics affecting the practice of diagnostic radiologists, interventional radiologists, medical physicists, and radiation oncologists. In so doing, JACR improves their practices and helps optimize their role in the health care system. By providing a forum for informative, well-written articles on health policy, clinical practice, practice management, data science, and education, JACR engages readers in a dialogue that ultimately benefits patient care.
Ondine Biomedical Inc. today announced the appointment of Cameron Lawrence as the companys Chief Operating & Financial Officer. A seasoned executive in the high-tech and biopharmaceutical industries, Mr. Lawrence brings extensive experience in acquisitions, financings, and operational improvement to the Ondine leadership team.

Mr. Lawrence previously served in positions of increasing responsibility, included Chief Financial Officer and later General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, of PNI Digital Media, a publicly traded technology Company prior to its acquisition by Staples Inc. in 2013.

Prior to joining PNI, Mr. Lawrence served as Principal Financial Officer of OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company based in Bothell, WA. and Vancouver, Canada.

Having Cameron join the Ondine team significantly adds to our executive teams capabilities. He brings extensive operational and financial expertise to Ondine as we continue our trajectory as a growing biomedical company, said Carolyn Cross, Ondines Chairman and CEO.

I am delighted to be joining Ondine during this exciting time in the companys growth. Ondine is uniquely positioned to address unmet patient needs in both the infection control and chronic sinusitis markets. I look forward to supporting the team as we progress our ongoing clinical programs and expand our commercial initiatives, said Mr. Lawrence.

About Ondine Biomedical Inc.

Ondine Biomedical Inc. is dedicated to the development of non-antibiotic anti-infective therapies for a broad spectrum of bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Ondines platform technology is called photodisinfection, a patented, light-activated technology that provides rapid antimicrobial efficacy without encouraging antibiotic resistance.

Ondine currently has numerous applications of its photodisinfection technology at various stages of development, including SinuwaveTM, a product to treat chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Ondines lead product is the MRSAid nasal decolonization system which is used to eradicate pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), from the nose in hospitalized patients. Additional products in the healthcare-associated infection and CRS markets are currently under development.

Contact Ondine Biomedical Inc.

Angelika Vance, Director  Corporate Development

avance@ondinebio.com
Founder Gary Shansby said, Our family has long been committed to medical research leading to a cure for cancer. As the founder of Tequila Partida, I am personally excited and supportive of our October Breast Cancer program.

Edrington, Scotlands leading independent premium spirits company, and its partner Tequila Partida, announced their commitment to the fight against breast cancer through their support of one of Americas leading organizations during Octobers National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In 2017, Edrington raised $190,000 and this year, the organizations are calling upon their fans to not only reach, but help them exceed the goal and support the nationwide campaign.

Breast cancer is one of the leading health crises for women in the United States. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. In fact, in 2018 alone, about 266,120 women will be diagnosed in America.  Founder Gary Shansby said, Our family has long been committed to medical research leading to a cure for cancer. As the founder of Tequila Partida, I am personally excited and supportive of our October Breast Cancer program. In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Partida will donate 25% of its September and October profits to breast cancer research.

Chris Vogt, US Brand Manager, said: Partida has always had a strong female base and it is in our DNA to give back to great causes. One of Edringtons core beliefs is to Give More to consumers both in quality of what we offer in the glass and how we give back to our communities. This effort is a natural reflection of our partnership as Tequila Partida is one of the most awarded tequilas, with its Reposado expression the most awarded ever, and Edrington who is a global corporate leader in charitable giving. We were very proud of what we accomplished last year, and we are determined to raise even more for the fight against breast cancer in 2018.

This October, Partida is also launching a special digital campaign, #PartidaGiving, on its branded Facebook and Instagram accounts, asking its passionate followers to join the fight by donating to Susan G. Komen via a dedicated Tequila Partida page on Komens website. For every consumer donation (up to $33,333), Edrington will match it 2:1 in support of Komen with the goal of raising at least $100,000. As the leading breast cancer organization, Komens mission is to save lives by finding research breakthroughs for the most deadly breast cancers and ensuring that all people receive the care they need.

By encouraging their customers to donate to Komen and matching those funds 2:1, independent of any purchase requirements, Partida shows that they are committed to the cause as a company and care about funding the mission of Susan G. Komen, says Christina Alford, Senior Vice President of Development at Komen. Were grateful to Partida for their corporate contribution and for inspiring their customer base to fundraise to help fight breast cancer.

For more information on Tequila Partida, visit: http://www.partidatequila.com/

References

1. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2018. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society, 2018.

2. UWSC 2017 97 Points & Chairmans Trophy

About Tequila Partida

Tequila Partida is an estate-bottled agave spirit that only uses fully matured 100% Blue Weber agave harvested by hand. The patient maturation results in a spirit that is agave-forward and more full and rich. Tequila Partida was the brand to introduce Extra Anejo into the U.S. market, and today still pushes the Super-Premium tequila category to its limits. Tequila Partida is proudly part of the Edrington portfolio.

About Edrington

Edringtons ambition is to become the worlds leading premium spirits company. Edrington owns some of the leading Scotch whisky and rum brands in the world, including The Macallan, The Famous Grouse, Highland Park, Cutty Sark, The Glenrothes, Brugal and Snow Leopard vodka. Edrington Americas added Tequila Partida to its portfolio in 2016 and Wyoming Whiskey in 2018.

Edrington is headquartered in Scotland and employs around 3,000 people in its companies and joint venture operations worldwide, with over 70% employed overseas. The company owns its route to market in 13 countries, and operates the remainder through joint venture and third party agreements.

Edrington Americas is headquartered in New York, NY with regional offices in Chicago, Miami and Orange County.

The companys roadmap for growth is based on long term investment in its brands and its strategy to Perfect The Macallan, Transform Super Premium, Accelerate Highland Park and Energise Regional Power Brands. As part of this strategy, Edrington recently unveiled the award-winning new distillery and brand home of The Macallan in Speyside.

Edringtons principal shareholder is The Robertson Trust, which has donated over 252 million to a variety of charitable causes since 1961.

To learn more visit https://www.edrington.com, and to find our brands visit https://www.findourspirits.com.

For further information, please contact:

Marc Bromfeld, Edrington Americas

Director of Corporate Affairs & Social Responsibility

marc.bromfeld@edrington.com

Office: 212-352-6040

Cell: 973-349-6604

Chris Vogt, Edrington Americas

Tequila Partida US Brand Manager

chris.vogt@edrington.com

About Susan Komen

Susan G. Komen is the world's largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit outside of the federal government while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Komen has set a Bold Goal to reduce the current number of breast cancer deaths by 50 percent in the U.S. by 2026. Since its founding in 1982, Komen has funded more than $988 million in research and provided more than $2.2 billion in funding to screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs serving millions of people in more than 30 countries worldwide. Komen was founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy's life. That promise has become Komen's promise to all people facing breast cancer. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at http://www.komen.org/social.
Aaron Gurley - President of Premier Pools & Spas and Premier Pool Service We have an incredible network of franchisees and I look forward to serving each and every one of them in whatever capacity is needed. As an organization, I truly believe our best days are still ahead of us. - Aaron Gurley, President of Premier Pools & Spas / Premier Pool Service

Premier Pools & Spas, the world's largest pool builder announced today that Aaron Gurley, General Manager of Premier Pools & Spas of Sacramento, has been named the new President of both the pool building brand Premier Pools & Spas as well as the Pool Service brand Premier Pool Service.

"I'm extremely pleased to have someone with such talent rise through the company ranks. For 12 years I've seen Aaron personify our company culture 'Customers First'. He has shown extraordinary leadership as well as operational excellence at the company level. As we have grown into a 250 million dollar company with 50 locations, process, systems, and procedures are more important than ever. I am very confident this is where Aaron will excel. The addition of Aaron will free me up to continue focusing on global expansion of our pool construction and pool servicing franchises. I'm very excited about our bright prospects ahead." - Paul Porter, CEO

Gurley comes to Premier Franchise Management with over 20 years of experience in the pool industry and over 12 years within the Premier Pools & Spas organization. He has served in various capacities within Premier Pools & Spas  he has served the past 5 years as the GM for the Sacramento location  the original and largest office with the organization with over 200 employees and over $50MM in annual revenue.

My parents installed an above-ground pool in our backyard when I was in middle school. A few years later, when it was time to get my first job I went to work for the small pool store that installed our pool. I could have never imagined that our family pool would one day lead to an opportunity such as this. I am humbled by the opportunity and excited to get to work. We have an incredible network of franchisees and I look forward to serving each and every one of them in whatever capacity is needed. As an organization, I truly believe our best days are still ahead of us. - Aaron Gurley, President of Premier Pools & Spas / Premier Pool Service

Originally from Michigan, Gurley graduated from Hillsdale College with a degree in accounting and a mathematics minor. After several years within the insurance industry, he found his true calling when he entered the swimming pool industry and has proven during his tenure, to be a vital member of the Premier Pools & Spas organization. Now residing in Folsom, CA with his wife Christy and two daughters, Gurley looks forward to this next chapter where he will have the opportunity to utilize his unique skill-set and experience to help all of the existing Premier Pools & Spas locations, as well as, continue to grow the footprint of the organization  both nationally and globally.

Gurley currently serves as the Board President for the Northern California Inland Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). In his spare time, he enjoys boating and camping with his family, as well as, following passionately cheering on his hometown Michigan State Spartans.
RE/MAX Realtor Tracy Graham The Carbon Valley Help Center gives a hand up to our neighbors in need. We all need a hand up at some point in our lives. It could be getting through a difficult time financially, physically, mentally or help to learn a new skill for a job.

RE/MAX Traditions Realtor Tracy Graham strives to be of the highest value and is passionate about giving back to the Carbon Valley community, which includes Dacono, Firestone and Frederick, CO. One of the ways she does this is through her semi-annual aeration program, which runs from September 29 through October 7.

I will be providing aeration services at a discounted rate of $30 for all size yards, front and back, said Graham. Standard cost ranges from $40 to $60, depending on yard size.

The food drive proceeds will benefit the Carbon Valley Help Center. The mission of the Carbon Valley Help Center is to help people in immediate need move toward self-sufficiency by unifying Carbon Valley resources.

But why aerate your lawn? Aeration is one of the best ways to get a thick, lush lawn. Removing small plugs of turf breaks up thatch, the layer of dead grass that builds up on ones lawn, and allows more water, oxygen, and fertilizer to get to the lawns roots. This means your lawn gets more of what it needs to grow stronger and healthier next season, especially with our near-drought conditions this year, added Graham.

Graham is also asking homeowners to make a donation to the Carbon Valley Help Center. Donations include non-perishable food, hygiene products, and items for babies, such as diapers, wipes, and formula. The items are picked up at the time of the lawn aeration.

The Carbon Valley Help Center gives a hand up to our neighbors in need, stated Graham. We all need a hand up at some point in our lives. It could be getting through a difficult time financially, physically, mentally or help to learn a new skill for a job.

Through Grahams various food drives, and with the help of the generous community last year, they donated 722 pounds of food. Year to date, thanks again to our wonderful community we have donated over 250,900 pounds of food and $710 in cash donations. My goal with this aeration food drive and one other before the end of the year is to have 1,000 pounds of donations and $1,000 in cash donations, concluded Graham.

About Tracy Graham, RE/MAX Traditions

Tracy Graham is a local expert in representing both residential buyers and sellers in the Northern Colorado Front Range including Adams, Boulder, Larimer and Weld Counties for over 13 years. She is a GRI, CDPE, SFR, CNE, ABR, and CRS. For more information, please call 720-272-0183, visit http://www.tracygraham.remaxagent.com, follow Tracy on FaceBook at TracySoldMine or LinkedIn. Her office is located at 2204 18th Ave., Longmont, Colorado 80501.

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.
The new Discover Roland, Explore Africa Contest launches October 1, 2018 and runs through November 30, 2018. It's a great way to encourage prospective customers to 'test drive' a Roland, as we're confident they will discover our devices are the best choices for their business when it comes to quality, performance, reliability and value.  Andrew Oransky, President, Roland DGA

Roland DGs new Discover Roland, Explore Africa contest gives entrants a chance to win an all-expenses paid African sight-seeing safari for two, including airfare, accommodations, meals and guided tours. The global contest, which will run through November 30, 2018, is designed to encourage prospects to get a hands-on product demonstration of Roland technology.

To participate, entrants simply schedule a personal product demonstration with an authorized Roland dealer, to discover how Roland inkjet printers are the best choice for their business. After completing the demo, each entrant writes a short description of 285 characters or less (about 50 words) on the contest entry form stating what they discovered about the Roland device. All entries will be judged based on the enthusiasm and creativity in the written entry, and one global Grand Prize winner will be selected to receive an African safari for two. Roland DGA will also be awarding two regional contest winners with $500 each.

Attendees of the 2018 SGIA Sign Expo in Las Vegas can participate in a product demonstration at the Roland DGA show booth in lieu of a demo at an authorized Roland dealership.

Were extremely excited about this new contest, said Andrew Oransky, President of Irvine, California-based Roland DGA Corporation. Its a great way to encourage prospective customers to test drive a Roland, as were confident they will discover our devices are the best choice for their business when it comes to quality, performance, reliability and value.

To learn more about the Discover Roland, Explore Africa contest, request a Roland product demonstration and enter, visit https://www.rolanddga.com/Discover. For additional information on Roland DGA Corporation, or the complete Roland product lineup, visit https://www.rolanddga.com.

About Roland DGA

Roland DGA Corporation serves North and South America as the marketing, sales, distribution and service arm for Roland DG Corporation. Founded in 1981 and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Roland DG of Hamamatsu, Japan is a worldwide leader in wide-format inkjet printers for the sign, apparel, textile, personalization and vehicle graphics markets; engravers for awards, giftware and ADA signage; photo impact printers for direct part marking; and 3D printers and CNC milling machines for the dental CAD/CAM, rapid prototyping, part manufacturing and medical industries.

About Roland DG Corporation

Roland DG Corporation is a leading manufacturer of digital devices designed to help professionals as well as craft makers and hobbyists transform their imagination into reality. Products include the TrueVIS, SOLJET, VersaCAMM, VersaUV and Texart series large-format inkjet printers and the CAMM-1 and STIKA vinyl cutters for the sign, vehicle graphics, personalization, apparel and textile decoration industries. In 2017, Roland DG formed DGSHAPE Corporation to develop and market the companys 3D products, including DWX mills and DWP 3D printer for the dental industry, MPX photo impact printers for the medical device, industrial labeling and personalization industries and MDX and monoFab series of desktop 3D printers and milling machines for rapid prototyping, manufacturing and hobby industries. The company uses its proprietary cell production technology to manufacture products that are distributed in over 200 countries and regions worldwide. To learn more about Roland DG, visit http://www.rolanddg.com.
(L-R) Corpus Christi Mayor Pro Tem Rudy Garza, Jr.; Sagora Senior Living President Bryan McCaleb; Sagora Senior Living President-CFO Donny Edwards; Managing Director Britannia Pacific Properties Hecto We are excited to serve the seniors of Corpus Christi and surrounding areas. Jennifer Mross, Executive Director, has done an outstanding job putting together a professional and compassionate team that is committed to creating a lifestyle at The Viera that will provide the independence, service and

Sagora Senior Living announces the grand opening of its newest senior living community, The Viera Independent Living, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018. Located at 3010 Airline Road, The Viera offers upscale retirement options to seniors 55 and older. The Viera brings the number of communities owned and operated by Sagora to 38.

"Sagora is proud to expand into the Coastal Bend area, bringing a family-owned atmosphere to enrich the lives of seniors and their families," said Sagora Senior Living President Bryan McCaleb. Our decision to build in Corpus Christi was strategic and we know the community and our associates and residents will bring so much to the Corpus Christi market.

Once complete, the Viera will provide a full continuum of care to residents, from 12 Independent Living cottages and 75 apartments to 60 Assisted Living and 23 Memory Care apartments. To meet the needs of the growing senior population within Corpus Christi, The Viera combines contemporary amenities such as a fitness center, pub, private salon, theater and aquatics programs with comfortable surroundings, delicious meals, accommodating associates, and a prime location to create a fresh and vibrant lifestyle.

Residents requiring care in The Vieras assisted living and memory care communities receive the highest level of attention from professionally trained, compassionate associates. Each resident is evaluated, and a custom care plan is designed and followed to provide the best care and service individualized for them. The Viera offers convenient dining options, as well as medication management, assistance with activities of daily living, transportation and common areas for social and recreational activities.

The Viera is all about putting our residents first in all we do, said Executive Director Jennifer Mross. Im extremely proud of our compassionate associates that will provide personalized care, respect and comfort to our residents. It is important for us to know our residents and to spend quality time with them to understand their specific needs and interests.

To learn more about The Viera Senior Living or to schedule a tour, call 361.392.4000 or visit TheVieraLife.com.

About Sagora Senior Living

Sagora Senior Living is one of the nations top 50 senior housing operators. The privately-owned company operates senior living communities throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Florida and soon in California. Living options include cottage homes, independent living, assisted living, respite and memory care. The companys mission is to serve and celebrate the wisdom of residents and family members by enriching their lives with a Resident First philosophy developed locally within each community. Sagora hires qualified industry professionals, implements beneficial services and activities, and makes it a priority to listen to their residents. For more information about Sagora Senior Living, visit http://www.Sagora.com.
The opening of Lyndale  Abilene Memory Care expands Lyndale  Abilene Senior Living into a true continuum of care campus for seniors. Residents can age in place, transitioning from one level of care We are excited and proud to expand our services to include memory care to seniors in and around Abilene. Our hope is that by offering a true continuum of care, as independent retirees make Lyndale Senior Living their new home, they will want to remain in the community as time moves forward and thei

Sagora Senior Living opened Lyndale  Abilene Memory Care as an expansion of Lyndale  Abilene Senior Living, Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018. Located at 6568 Central Park, the single-story, 44,494 gross square-foot memory care community offers 64 apartments, in four neighborhoods. Sagora also owns and operates University Place Senior Living, in Abilene.

With the addition of a memory care community, the Lyndale  Abilene Senior Living campus offers a true continuum of care for seniors. Residents can age in place, transitioning from one level of care to the next without leaving the campus or the associates they have come to know and trust.

"Sagora is proud to expand our Lyndale campus to include Memory Care for seniors with dementia living in and around Abilene," said Sagora Senior Living President Bryan McCaleb. Here we will implement our Sagora Pathways Memory Care Program, which is a focused approach to programming that provides the best possible lifestyle, care and environment for our Memory Care residents.

Im pleased Sagora can be part of the citys developing southside, McCaleb added. Our location not only adds to Abilenes growing economy, but also is convenient to medical facilities, restaurants and prime shopping areas for our residents and families.

Lyndale  Abilene Memory Care further engages residents and enhances their comfort levels by providing a unique variation of a Town Center inside the community. Created to replicate Hometown, USA, the spacious common area allows residents and families to see a movie in the Town Center Theater, savor a snack and a drink in the Town Center Cafe, or get a haircut in the Town Center Barber or Beauty Shop without leaving the secured interior of the memory care community.

The Memory Care communitys unique neighborhood living concept is specifically designed to meet the special needs of those suffering from Alzheimers or other forms of dementia, as the disease progresses and our residents care needs increase.

Each new resident is evaluated, and a custom care plan is designed and followed to meet his or her individual needs, said Senior Vice President Dara Brown. Our skilled, compassionate associates provide age and ability appropriate programs, which help build confidence in our residents. We try to involve residents friends and family as often as possible.

To learn more about Lyndale  Abilene Memory Care or to schedule a tour, call 325.400.7760 or visit LyndaleAbileneMC.com.

About Sagora Senior Living

Sagora Senior Living is one of the nations top 50 senior housing operators. The privately-owned company operates senior living communities throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Florida and soon in California. Living options include independent living, assisted living, respite and memory care. The companys mission is to serve and celebrate the wisdom of residents and family members by enriching their lives with a Resident First philosophy developed locally within each community. Sagora hires qualified industry professionals, implements beneficial services and activities, and makes it a priority to listen to their residents. For more information about Sagora Senior Living, visit http://www.Sagora.com.
Its possible those early compositions awakened a writing muscle for Windsor to exercise and lean on throughout her life. When she and her now-husband, Pedro, were 18-year-old sweethearts, they wrote each other notes on the computers at their jobs (hers at Gap, his at Windows on the World in the World Trade Center), printed them out and mailed them to each other.
Our customers dont knowingly leave money on the table and together we can maximize their return. While vastly different disciplines, two best in class companies have come together to offer best in class optimization solutions.

Shipware, leading parcel & LTL spend management solution providers, today announced a partnership with Optimove, the Science-First Relationship Marketing Hub, which empowers brands to maximize customer value through data-driven optimized campaigns. From back-office transportation spend optimization to customer relationship optimization, this partnership provides book-end solutions to drive down costs across multiple functions.

Im excited about the synergies in mission, culture and innovation Shipware and Optimove offer, said Marc Schrader, Director of Partnerships and Referrals at Shipware. Our customers dont knowingly leave money on the table and together we can maximize their return. While vastly different disciplines, two best in class companies have come together to offer best in class optimization solutions.

Shipware aims to balance the playing fields between shipper and carriers. They do so by increasing operational effiiciencies through better transportation spend management. This partnership will give key businesses in core markets the opportunity to not only maximize marketing efforts, but also maximize their bottom line transportation spend as their marketing efforts become more effective and they grow their business. Increased customer retention and loyalty is critical, but the shipping rates behind it need to be optimized to truly drive profitable growth. This partnership enables the achievement of independent missions and goals through end to end optimization efforts.

Connecting marketing art with data science to create optimal user journeys and experiences for each and every customer is what we thrive on at Optimove, so partnering with Shipware is a natural fit, said Yoav Susz, VP Revenue at Optimove. We value this partnership and envision it as another step towards providing brands with a broader, more holistic suite of best-in-breed technologies that will cover their various needs, leading them towards creating optimal user experiences that result in long-lasting customer loyalty.

Both Shipware and Optimove leverage the power of AI to enhance customer experience and lifetime value. Krystal AI, Shipwares proprietary Intelligence Software, generates thousands of data points that provide unique insights to help improve operations and optimize carrier pricing. Optibot, Optimoves AI component, empowers marketers to achieve the well-desired combination between the science of data and the art of marketing, which create the ability to deliver emotional intelligent customer-brand communications, resulting in maximum customer engagement, brand loyalty, and lifetime value.

About Shipware

Shipware provides expertise and advanced technology to help businesses reduce parcel/LTL shipping costs 10-30% with no disruption to current operations and no required change in carriers. Our team of industry experts leverages over 200 collective years of carrier pricing experience to help shippers negotiate superior shipping contract terms & pricing. Shipware's proprietary technology audits weekly carrier invoices to recover refunds on all billing errors, ensuring proactive compliance of contract rates and terms, as well as on-time service performance. Shipware's cloud-based reporting platform delivers powerful analytics for greater spend management visibility empowering clients to make intelligent cost-saving transportation decisions.

https://www.shipware.com/

About Optimove

Optimove is the Science-first Relationship Marketing Hub, used by over 300 customer-centric businesses to drive measurable growth by scaling customer engagement. Optimove combines the art of marketing with the science of data to autonomously generate actionable insight, empowering marketers to deliver highly-effective personalized customer marketing campaigns across multiple channels. The companys unique technology suite helps marketers maximize customer spend, engagement, retention and lifetime value. Optimove is used by leading brands of all sizes, including 1-800-Flowers, Family Dollar, Stitch Fix, Glossier, Talk Space, eBags, B&H Photo, and many others. More information is available at http://www.optimove.com.
Austin Jackson Austin brings a great energy and work ethic to SLGs expanding business litigation practice.

Structure Law Group, LLP is pleased to announce the addition of San Jose litigation attorney Austin T. Jackson to its San Jose team. Mr. Jacksons practice broadly encompasses all aspects and stages of complex business and commercial litigation for clients. Mr. Jackson represents corporate and individual clients in a variety of business litigation matters including, but not limited to, business dispute resolution, breach of contract matters, creditor and shareholder rights, commercial contracts, and member and partnership disputes.

Mr. Jackson's practice is focused primarily on mediation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution. His business litigation practice also includes contract and licensing dispute resolutions, trade secret misappropriation, disputes about software ownership, product liability claims, and employment and labor disputes. Mr. Jacksons transactional practice includes drafting and review of business and commercial contracts, operating agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and other forms of employment contracts.

Mr. Jackson also handles venture capital transactions, complex commercial agreements, and entity formations.

Prior to joining Structure Law Group, Mr. Jackson was a practicing attorney at a firm in San Mateo where he focused primarily on complex business litigation, including trial representation. Mr. Jackson holds Memberships to the State Bar of California, Litigation Section, Santa Clara County Bar Association, as well as the San Mateo Bar Association. He is also a board member of the San Mateo County Bar Association Barristers Section.

Mr. Jackson received his J.D. from Santa Clara University's School of Law. Prior to entering law school, Mr. Jackson attended the University of California at Davis where he received a B.A. in Communications. During his free time, Mr. Jackson likes exploring the outdoors, exercising, watching sports, and spending time with his family.

Austin brings a great energy and work ethic to SLGs expanding business litigation practice. He is a welcome addition to the firm and his experience with trust litigation greatly benefits our clients by adding yet another aspect of expertise we can offer, said SLG Attorney Jaclyn Ford.

Mr. Jackson can be reached at: ajackson@structurelaw.com or (408) 441-7500.

About Structure Law Group, LLP

Structure Law Group, LLP is a business law firm located in San Jose, California with a national and international presence that provides legal services and counsel to companies of all sizes. SLG is committed to providing an exceptional client experience through innovative and cost-effective legal services and solutions. SLGs practice broadly encompasses all areas of business law including, but not limited to, intellectual property dispute resolution, technology agreements, complex business litigation, transactions, employment law, and construction and real estate matters. SLGs attorneys are a dedicated team of experienced legal professionals who have a solid understanding of companies of all sizes. As San Jose business attorneys in the heart of Silicon Valley, Structure Law Group, LLP understands the importance of reliability, efficiency and integrity. Silicon Valley is home to many startups which have looked to us for counsel as they grow their businesses.

For more information about the firm please go to http://www.structurelaw.com, visit our blog at http://www.sanjosebusinesslawyersblog.com or contact us as shown below:

Krystle Warren

Structure Law Group, LLP

(408) 441-7500

kwarren(at)structurelaw.com
Alex on vacation in Dominican Republic, 2015 My sister asked me for one favor: 'don't let this happen to anyone else. There are a million lives you can save. go do it'. Today, SuccessTMS is well on its way to achieve Alex's goal - saving 1 million lives from depression

Lake Worth, FL [October 1, 2018]  SuccessTMS, a provider offering compassionate care for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), announced today its pledge to treat one million depression sufferers in honor of National Depression Awareness Month. Sparked by Founder Jonathan Michels personal journey losing his sister, Alex, to suicide after her five-year battle with the disease, the facilitys flagship location recently opened in Lake Worth to treat local residents. Michel and his leadership team have an aggressive expansion strategy and as they work toward their one million patient goal, plan to expand services throughout Florida and the rest of the country in the next three years.

Depression robbed my sister of her hope for the future, and in her honor, Ive made it my lifes mission to restore hope in as many sufferers as possible, said Jonathan Michel, Founder, SuccessTMS. NeuroStar Advanced Therapy TMS is proven, and it works. Ive seen it give our patients their lives back and give them a true chance at remission from this horrible disease. In honor of Alex, I will work tirelessly to save as many lives as I can, National Depression Awareness Month is just the beginning.

In honor of National Depression Awareness Month, SuccessTMS will be providing a full treatment course, typically 36 therapy sessions, to a single patient, free of charge during the month of October. To be eligible, interested patients or their loved ones must simply submit their name, phone number and details of their personal depression journey to saving1million@successtms.com. On October 31st, one patient entry will be randomly selected, contacted by the SuccessTMS team and then evaluated by a psychiatrist to ensure medical suitability before treatment begins.

SuccessTMS treats patients with NeuroStar Advanced Therapy TMS, which uses magnetic pulses to awaken areas of the brain that are underactive in depression. With its advanced technology, NeuroStar Advanced Therapy offers doctors real-time feedback and delivers enhanced care with its precise and accurate targeting, providing reliable and consistent treatment. In an open-label clinical trial, 58% of patients significantly responded to treatment, and 37% achieved complete remission of their depression symptoms with NeuroStar Advanced Therapy TMS. Among people followed for 12 months after acute treatment, 68% retained their response and were considered in remission for the duration of a full year.

Since receiving FDA clearance in 2008 as a safe and effective treatment for adult patients with MDD, NeuroStar Advanced Therapy has become a game-changer in the treatment of depression and offers hope to the 5.5 million adults in the U.S. treated for depression who do not achieve remission with antidepressant medication. , , With widespread insurance coverage by most commercial and government health plans including Medicare and Tricare, the non-drug therapy is available by prescription and typically administered daily in a doctor's office for four to six weeks, with treatment sessions performed in under 19 minutes*. Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is non-invasive, allows patients to resume daily activities immediately following treatment sessions. It is also free from systemic side effects often associated with antidepressant medications.

It is a true privilege to work alongside passionate, dedicated colleagues at a practice with such a noble mission, said Dr. Lindsay Israel, Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director, SuccessTMS. Jonathan knows firsthand the devastating and debilitating effects of depression, it is a disease that affects more than just the person diagnosed and truly touches entire families and communities. An empathetic approach to care, driven by proven treatment options like NeuroStar Advanced Therapy TMS, is the best way to ensure positive clinical outcomes and Im excited to be offering that to depression sufferers and their families in our community.

SuccessTMS is located at 1926 10th Ave. N. Suite 410. The practice welcomes new patients and is open Monday  Friday from 9:00 a.m.  5:00 p.m. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment visit successtms.com.

About SuccessTMS

SuccessTMS was created to help save the 1 million lives affected by depression, and in honor of Alex, a vibrant young woman who lost her personal battle with the disease. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is an alternative form of treatment for depression. SuccessTMS believes in providing a deeper and more compassionate level of care in order to maximize successful outcomes. Creating an experience that empathizes with the constant struggle of depression while focusing on positive attitudes and successful clinical outcomes, SuccessTMS strives to deliver the best medical care combined with an approach dedicated to making each patient feel welcomed, loved, and cared for.

About NeuroStar Advanced Therapy

NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is the established leader in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive form of neuromodulation. NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is the #1 TMS choice of doctors, and is available in 49 states in the United States.

NeuroStar is widely reimbursed by most commercial and government health plans, including Medicare and Tricare. In addition, there are programs in place, such as NeuroStar Reimbursement Support, to help patients and providers obtain coverage and reimbursement for NeuroStar Advanced Therapy.

NeuroStar is indicated for the treatment of MDD in adult patients who have failed to receive satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication in the current episode. In a NIMH-funded, independent, randomized controlled trial, patients treated with TMS using a clinical-trial version of the NeuroStar TMS System were four times more likely to achieve remission compared to patients receiving sham treatment (P = 0.0173; odds ratio = 4.05). The most common side effect is pain or discomfort at or near the treatment site, which usually resolves within one week. It is contraindicated in people with non-removable conductive metal in or near the head.

NeuroStar is a registered trademark of Neuronetics, Inc. For more information and full safety and prescribing information, visit http://www.neurostar.com.
Alive by Grace: A Mothers Story with a Message of Hope from Christopher: an inspiring autobiography of struggle and survival. Alive by Grace is the creation of published authors Suzanne Cavalier, a mother of three living with her husband in New Jersey where she drives a school bus, and Christopher Cavalier, her son, who graduated from Monmouth University and writes and speaks about his experiences to encourage others.

Cavalier writes, At about five oclock, I called my husband Chris at work. He calmly encouraged me to relax and told he would come home when he had finished his last job. Within minutes of our conversation, my water broke. I called my doctor, and he told me to come directly to the hospital to be checked out. I called Big Chris at work again, and he dropped what he was doing to take me to Mercer Medical Center in Trenton, NJ. We arrived at six thirty that evening, full of the excitement and anticipation that most new parents have. The nurses quickly hooked me up to a monitor, while my husband went downstairs to the business office to check me in. Within moments, the nurse detected a problem. She called for assistance to check the babys condition. The attending physician placed an internal monitor on the babys head in an unsuccessful

attempt to hear a heartbeat. A second frantic attempt was made to find the babys heartbeat, but it was not there.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Suzanne and Christopher Cavaliers new book is an unforgettable tale of triumph in which a family battles with hope and despair.

As Christopher overcomes his struggles and grows up to be an achiever, the story of his family will encourage others with the hope for a healthy and happy life, no matter the diagnosis.

View a synopsis of Alive by Grace: A Mothers Story with a Message of Hope from Christopher on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase Alive by Grace: A Mothers Story with a Message of Hope from Christopher at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about Alive by Grace: A Mothers Story with a Message of Hope from Christopher, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
Phil Regenie, CEO for Zanthion, discusses the need to improve quality of care of seniors. With the elderly soon becoming 25% of the worlds population, getting ahead of quality care for our seniors is crucial.

Despite U.S. nursing and assisted living facilities caring for about 2.13 million of the nations elderly, stories surrounding such facilities are dire. Lawsuits dot the news landscape including the 2017 class-action lawsuit against the nations largest assisted living provider, which alleges that the chains callous and profit-driven approach has had devastating consequences for its California residents, who were often left without assistance for hours after falling, given wrong medications, and denied clean clothing, showers and nutritious food, along with yet further abuses. The October, 2017, issue of Consumer Reports also stated that complaints regarding nursing and assisted living quality of care are on the risedue in many cases to staff shortages and lack of meaningful public oversight. A whopping 90% of nursing homes are currently understaffed. Zanthion, a smart senior care solutions company making use of tech and AI, is changing whats possible for dignified and effective senior care, and urges care facilities to IT adapt.

According to Senior Housing News, smart living environments for seniors are a must, and are, without a doubt, the next frontier. Ginna Baik, strategic business development manager for senior care for CDW Healthcare, spoke at the publications Los Angeles Summit, stating that 80% of the top 100 senior living providers in the U.S. are considering or actively implementing such measures. The revenue of the smart homes market is, in fact, expected to grow to $58.68 billion by 2020, with the increased mandate for senior care solutions being a large part of that growth. Integral to these smart home networks will be wearables that keep tabs on the vitals and whereabouts of seniors at all times.

Many millennials and younger adults are already using wearables in the form of FitBits and other activity trackers, and the same technology is being adapted to help keep seniors safe. Assisted living communities ahead of the curve in adopting these devices to better serve their residents are already seeing positive results. When CDW Healthcare partnered with Big Cloud Analytics to investigate how wearables could impact managed senior care, they found, for example, that residents taking sleep aid medications experienced more hours of sleep but less biorestorative sleep. They were also able to pinpoint which seniors were skipping scheduled exercise classes (based on tracking heart rates), who stayed in relatively consistent motion, and what the average amount of mobility was across different cross-sections of community populations.

Wearables have also made inroads in alerting caregivers to another very common but also potentially dangerous ailment peculiar to seniors: urinary tract infections. In the days leading up to developing a full-blown infection, patients often experience pain while walking and make more frequent trips to the bathroom. Wearables can track, measure and alert caregivers to residents experiencing these symptoms before hospitalization becomes necessary.

Leading the charge in developing these data-rich wearables is AI healthcare company Zanthion. Philip Regenie, Zanthions founder and CEO, became determined to tackle senior healthcare after he witnessed the travesty that was his own parents end-of-life care. His company has developed fall-protective clothing, wearable sensors, smart home sensors and moreall of which work together to improve senior safety and quality of life.

As in the CDW/Big Cloud experiment, Zanthions products dovetail to provide caregivers with 24/7 monitoring frameworks and predictive analytics to call attention to dangers before emergencies occur. Such networks mean that fewer staff can substantially extend the reach of their eyes and ears, and develop granular-level insight into the activities of all different populations of their chargesZanthions wearable sensors deliver 22 messages per second regarding user activity. This level of insight and potential for immediate response also allows seniors more dignity and autonomy (in many cases removing the embarrassment of having to ask for assistance).

I want caregivers and the public to know that with the aid of technology, we can move together into a healthier future, Regenie says. With the elderly soon becoming 25% of the worlds population, getting ahead of quality care for our seniors is crucial.

With regard to senior care, it is absolutely possible (and critical) to build a better mousetrapthe technology is here; facilities must now simply adapt and get on board.

About Zanthion:

Zanthion is an AI digital healthcare company specializing in the integration of an extensible architecture of sensors, protective clothing and environmental equipment for both assisted living communities and the home settinga cross between Uber, smart homes, fall detection and senior care. Zanthion exists to create new and disruptive solutions for seniors and their families to track and detect possible issues and injuries for todays senior citizens, using technology to provide a better quality of life for everyone involved. Zanthion is a pioneer in changing our social environment with future vision, providing solution-based systems that improve the world based on an open source, transparent, crowd-sourced platform and social processes that accurately assess what happened, inform the correct resources, provide resources to the problem efficiently, and keep track of the efficiency of fixing the problem. Zanthion embraces a responsible future. Visit http://www.Zanthion.com.

1. How Many Older Adults Will Wind Up in Skilled Nursing Homes? | Blog. RSS, http://www.elderneedslaw.com/blog/how-many-older-adults-will-wind-up-in-skilled-nursing-homes.

2. Ostrov, Barbara Feder. Largest Assisted Living Chain In U.S. Sued For Poor Care Of Elderly. California Healthline, 8 Sept. 2017, californiahealthline.org/news/largest-assisted-living-chain-in-u-s-sued-for-poor-care-of-elderly/.

3. Assisted Living Ideal for Many, but Complaints Are Rising. Aging Options, 24 Aug. 2018, http://www.agingoptions.com/blog/2018/08/23/assisted-living-is-ideal-for-many-seniors-but-complaints-about-quality-of-care-are-on-the-rise/.

4. Nursing Home Understaffing - Neglect and Liability. Nursing Home Abuse Guide, http://www.nursinghomeabuseguide.org/neglect/understaffing.

5. Mullaney, Tim. Smart Home Technology Becomes a Must-Have in Senior Living. Senior Housing News, Senior Housing News, 10 Sept. 2018, seniorhousingnews.com/2018/09/10/smart-home-technology-becomes-must-senior-living/.

6. Majumder, Sumit et al. Smart Homes for Elderly HealthcareRecent Advances and Research Challenges. Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) 17.11 (2017): 2496. PMC. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5712846/

7. Hayhurst, Chris, and CDW. Wearable Data Offers Granular Understanding of Senior Health. Technology Solutions That Drive Healthcare, 29 Dec. 2016, healthtechmagazine.net/article/2016/12/wearable-data-offers-granular-understanding-senior-health.

8. How Wearable Technology Is Improving Seniors Lives. Digital Health Today, 20 Aug. 2018, digitalhealthtoday.com/blog/how-wearable-technology-is-improving-seniors-lives/.

9. Enhanced Senior Care & AI Healthcare Company. Zanthion, zanthion.com/products/.

10. Service Assisted Living. Zanthion, http://www.zanthion.com/service-assisted-living/.
Terbium Labs, the premier dark web intelligence company will send key executives to leading tradeshows and conferences during the month of October 2018, also recognized as National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM). As the company behind Matchlight, the industry-leading solution for detecting compromised account data on the dark web, Terbium Labs provides a unique perspective and original insights into the dark web fraud economy and how organizations can continuously monitor their most critical data to prevent fraud and better manage risk.

Company CEO and Founder Danny Rogers and Fraud Intelligence Manager Emily Wilson will both present at the CyberMaryland Conference, Oct. 9-10 in Baltimore. Rogers will serve as a panel participant during the session, "Future Threats and Quantum Leaps in Encryption, Automation and Machine Learning!" while Wilson will present the standalone talk, "Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something You: Rise of Synthetic Identities."

Chief Research Officer and Head of Intelligence Analytics, Munish Walther-Puri, will cross the pond to present at the ATM & Cybersecurity Conference in London, Oct. 9-10, the worlds leading conference focused on physical and logical ATM security. Walther-Puri will present the session, "Cybercrime Pays: Drivers of Data Value on the Dark Web," the afternoon of Oct. 10.

Wilson resumes her speaker role at the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) Law Enforcement and Government Anti-Fraud Summit in Washington, D.C., Oct. 25. There, she will present the session, "One Year After AlphaBay: The Fraud Economy on the Dark Web." The talk will include a detailed exploration of the underground fraud economy and a discussion of the supply chain of fraud, including what kind of information appears, is traded, and is valued.

Walther-Puri closes out the month at the Security Bsides regional event in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 26-28. Touted as the Oktoberfest for the Bsides community, the event celebrates information security practitioners, expanding the spectrum of conversation beyond the traditional confines of space and time. Walther-Puri will do his part, presenting "Lessons for Cyber Risk Management from Geopolitical Risk Assessment," on Oct. 27.

About Terbium Labs

Terbium Labs gives organizations unprecedented visibility into their exposure on the dark web. Leveraging Matchlight, the worlds most comprehensive, continuous and fully private dark-web data monitoring system, along with a team of on-demand analysts to assist with incident response and investigation, Terbium Labs provides the real-time intelligence, context, and scale needed to prevent fraud, mitigate risk, and ensure round-the-clock account protection. Featuring its patented data-fingerprinting technology that monitors for specific data without requiring it be shared with Terbium Labs or stored anywhere, and built on top of a state-of-the-art web crawler, Matchlight is available as a managed service for corporate data exposure or as a data source for payment card or other unstructured data. Learn more about Terbium Labs' approach to dark-web monitoring, breach detection, and fraud prevention by visiting http://www.terbiumlabs.com or on Twitter @TerbiumLabs.
Turbine Technology Services (TTS) and Voith recently joined forces to add an actuator, governor and turbomachinery (AGT) test stand at the TTS Houston facility. This development brings a support network of trained technicians to the Houston area, offering greater convenience for Voiths local oil & gas clients.

TTS opened its facility in Houston in 2016 in conjunction with its sister company Reciprocating Technology Services (RTS). RTS has been working closely with Voith in a joint development effort to provide a new starting technology for large reciprocating engines that provides zero emissions and many other benefits.

We loved the idea of bringing Voith into our shop, said Frank Hoegler, TTS Vice President. This partnership provides us the opportunity for a closer relationship with Voith and its Houstonarea customers. Whats great is that TTS doesnt compete with Voith, but we share a lot of mutual clients, so its a win-win situation for us and our customers.

The AGT test stand has been up-and-running for over a month, explained Thad Berry, sales account manager at Voith Digital Solutions, Inc.

Weve had people knocking on our door since day one, Berry said. Having a local, certified team of trained technicians means a lot to our Houston customers. They want a local support network that understands the actuators and their applications with the proper equipment, tools and expertise to perform critical maintenance and emergency repairs.

Berry continued, Actuators can be delivered directly from the field to Voith and its trained technicians  reducing the workload and time involved with shipping. That, in turn, means that repairs and maintenance can be completed faster, allowing for shorter outages.

About TTS As part of the TTS Energy Services portfolio that includes Reciprocating Technology Services, TTS is an OEM alternative that offers agility, innovation and experience delivering industry leading aftermarket parts, modernization, optimization, upgrading and custom services for our power generation clients. With over 35 years of experience providing technical solutions in the power generation and gas compression industry, TTS has managed hundreds of gas turbine installations and modernization projects. Based in Orlando, Florida, our team of 40+ engineering professionals has traveled millions of miles to over 90 countries serving more than 400 clients.

About Voith Voith is a global technology group. With its wide range of plants, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets for energy, oil and gas, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, Voith today has more than 19,000 employees and earns $4.7 billion in sales. It has locations in over 60 countries and is one of the largest family-owned companies in Europe. For more information, visit http://www.voith.com.
New Havens food scene has evolved and diversified so much since we opened in 1993its been exciting to see and be a part of it. The greater New Haven area and The Shops at Yale have proven to be a great place to build our business.

Union League Cafe, the award-winning French-inspired brasserie thats become a staple of the New Haven food scene, is celebrating 25 years in business this month. To kick-off the month-long anniversary celebration, the restaurant is hosting an exclusive champagne reception today in partnership with The Shops At Yale and Yale University Properties.

At the festivities on October 1st, Union League will welcome esteemed guests including New Haven Mayor, Toni Harp, Greater New Haven Chamber President, Garrett Sheehan, Yale University Associate Vice President for New Haven Affairs and University Properties, Lauren Zucker, local merchants, suppliers, and friends.

To celebrate the milestone, during the month of October, Union League Cafe is offering a special Prix Fixe menu featuring some of its most popular items from the year of its opening in 1993. Patrons can choose one of 3 appetizers, 3 entrees and 2 desserts for $59 per person. In addition, they have committed two special menu items as a fundraiser, giving 25% of sales from its iconic Duck Leg Confit appetizer and new Lemon Balm Cooler cocktail to New Haven Farms, a community-based urban farming non-profit organization.

We are so grateful for the loyalty of our customers who inspire us every day, the talent and skill of our team who have been the cornerstone of our legacy and long-lasting success, and the support of the Yale University community over the last 25 years, said Jean Pierre Vuillermet, Chef/Owner of Union League Cafe. New Havens food scene has evolved and diversified so much since we opened in 1993its been exciting to see and be a part of it. The greater New Haven area and The Shops at Yale have proven to be a great place to build our business.

The secret to Union League Cafes successful run is two-fold. First, the restaurant provides the area with a true French brasserie experience: a lively but unpressured setting, extremely professional service, and a menu inspired by highest quality fresh ingredients. Second, Union League Cafes team, which has been led by Vuillermets long-time friend and colleague, Jean Michel Gammariello as General Manager, pours training and passion into every meal service.

Our cuisine and service is a product of passion and exacting standards, said Chef Vuillermet, and it guides our team every day.

Over its long tenure, Union League Cafe has consistently earned top awards from area publications. In Connecticut Magazines Readers Choice Awards, Union League Cafe has won an unprecedented 114 Best Restaurants awards, making both owners proud of their team and hard work over the last quarter-century.

Jean Pierre Vuillermet and his wife, Robin McKenzie Vuillermet, opened Union League Cafe on October 6th, 1993. Vuillermet is a third-generation chef originally from Aix Les Bains, located at the foot of the French Alps. He apprenticed in both France and Switzerland before landing at Michelin two-star Le Chapon Fin in Lyons. After two years of military service, he went to Paris to work at Michelin two-star Le Pre Catalan. He worked for Gaston LeNotre, owner of Le Pre Catalan, for the next six years, both in Paris and at the Hotel Byblos in St. Tropez. In 1982, Vuillermet moved to Houston to open the LeNotre Baking Center. In 1987, he was asked by renowned Connecticut restauranteur Jo McKenzie to relocate to New Haven as a chef of her new restaurant, Robert Henrys. After Mrs. McKenzie decided to retire, Jean Pierre and Robin (McKenzies daughter) opened Union League Cafe.

To book a private event, (203) 772-2053; for reservations visit https://unionleaguecafe.com/.

About Union League Cafe

Union League Cafe is an award-winning French-inspired brasserie offering a lively but unpressured atmosphere in its historic building at 1032 Chapel Street, New Haven CT. Combining Old World charm with a relaxed ambiance, it is sought out not only for its superb cuisine and acclaimed wine list, but also for its professional staff and service. Union League Cafe also offers private space to cater personal and corporate events, weddings and receptions from the most intimate gathering to parties of up to 175 attendees. Its sister restaurant, Bar Bouchee, is a small, authentic French bistro and bar located at 8 Scotland Ave, Madison CT.

About New Haven Farms

New Haven Farms was founded in 2012 by the leadership and staff of the Fair Haven Community Health Center, Chabaso Bakery, and with the help of a dedicated group of volunteers from the community as a response to the intersecting crises of diabetes, obesity, environmental degradation, and poverty in and around New Haven, CT. New Haven Farms is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes health and community development through transforming underutilized urban spaces into small organic farms in New Havens under-resourced neighborhoods. These organic farms also contribute to the New Haven, CTs Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program providing members with fresh vegetables.

The Shops at Yale & Yale University Properties

The Shops at Yale is made up of the Chapel Street Historic and Broadway Districts in New Haven and it includes a mix of retailers and restaurants, such as Apple, J.Crew, GANT, Derek Simpson Goldsmith, Union League Cafe, Midpoint Istanbul Restaurant, Shake Shack, and Yurway Boutique. Yale University Properties manages Yale University's commercial properties, including retail stores, office spaces, and residential units in New Haven. Enabled by Yale's community investment program, University Properties is committed to enhancing the quality of life in New Haven through the development of high quality retail and office environments and the revitalization of surrounding neighborhoods. As a result of University Properties community investment program, Yale University is one of the largest taxpayers in the city of New Haven. Learn more at TheShopsatYale.com and ONHSA.Yale.edu.
Kenyan writer Ngugi Wa Thiongo was imprisoned at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison without trial in 1978 for one of his plays. Ngugi has survived multiple death threats and attacks in response to his literary and theoretical works. Earlier this year, the 80-year-old Ngugi, many times a favorite for the Nobel Prize, published Wrestling with the Devil, a revised U.S. version of Detained: A Writers Prison Diary, his 1982 memoir about his imprisonment.

Wrestling with the Devil is a drama of resistance as a means of survival, says Ngugi, who has been living in exile for more than 20 years, most recently in California. Ngugi s life and art are a testament to the broader origins of the word resistance as the impulse, Ngugi writes, to say and act no to evil.

Ngugi s writings locate this impulse among Kenyas peasants and their native languages. Born in 1938 in the village of Kamirithu, Ngugi grew up tenant farming pyrethrum, coffee, and tea leaves. The lands he tended as a child, owned by white and elite African landlords, had been stolen from his people to create Kenyas White Highlands in the 1920s.

Ngugi learned Gikuyu, his native language, through stories that he and other children shared while working the fields. Then came colonial school where anyone caught speaking Gikuyu was forced to wear a sign with the words I am stupid or I am a donkey.

Turning to his mother tongue while in prison was the ultimate rebellion. Ngaahika ndeenda (I Will Marry When I Want), coauthored with Ngugi wa Mirii, and the cause of his imprisonment, was the first play written in Gikuyu. Its story of a farmers land being stolen out from under him postindependence with the aid of the Christian church was a sharp rebuke of the countrys first president Jomo Kenyatta and the KANU government.

In Kamirithu, the stolen land of Ngugi s youth, where peasants and workers now lived in shacks, an outdoor theater was built. The authors, who also starred in the show, spent months perfecting the play. The performances opened in September 1977 and were an immediate success. The people of Kamirithu, Ngugi writes, rediscovered their collective strength. In December, the authoritarian KANU government shut down the play. On December 30, Vice President Daniel arap Moi imprisoned its authors.

Nonetheless, in the revised and updated memoir, Ngugi describes the six months during which Ngaahika ndeenda was perfected and performed as the most exciting in my life and the true beginning of my education. The experience, he says, set him on a lifelong mission: I have become a language warrior on behalf of all marginalized languages of the world.
This was before Little Fires Everywhere and Everything I Never Told You made her a literary celebrity. The essay is not a criticism of Tan, whose writing Ng rightfully admires, but of how Tan and other Chinese-American authors have been received. Comparing Asian writers mainly to other Asian writers implies that were all telling the same story,  Ng writes. Worst of all, such comparisons place undue weight on the writers ethnicity, suggesting that writers like Tan, Chang, and Kingston are telling first and foremost A Story About Being Chinese, not stories about families, love, loss, or universal human experience.

Now, says Ng, who was only nine years old when Tans acclaimed The Joy Luck Club came out in 1989, I write about issues of race and privilege and identity because I care deeply about them and because they affect my own personal life daily. I dont know that I could write a book that didnt engage with them. I truly believe that most of our conflicts come from a lack of empathy, so I try to extend that both to my characters and to other people.

Ng accomplishes this empathy through writing about families and their secrets. Her first book, Everything I Never Told You, delves into the mysterious drowning of the favorite daughter in a multiracial Chinese-American family. Little Fires Everywhere tells the story of a white American family in the progressive, bourgeois utopia of Shaker Heights, Ohio, that is upended when a single mother and her daughter come to town and the custody battle for an adopted Chinese-American baby divides the community.

Ive always been interested in the relationships between parents and children, Ng says. So much of who we become is either because of or in opposition to the people who raised us.

Born in Pittsburg in 1980 to scientist parents who had emigrated from China, Ng moved with her family to Shaker Heights when she was 10. Ng has spoken broadly about how, when she left for Harvard in 1998 (Ng also has an MFA from Michigan), she was unaware of Shaker Heights deliberate exceptionalism. In the town, uncut lawns are fined, there is no such thing as unsightly curbside trash pickup, and the pro-integration housing policies were implemented before the end of segregation. In Little Fires Everywhere, Ngs character Lexie Richardson says, I mean were lucky. No one sees race here. Everyone sees race, Lex, Lexies brother Moody replies. The only difference is who pretends not to.

The complications of being visible as a minority tie Ngs two books together. In an interview with memoirist Nicole Chung, Ng says, The problem is with being seen only as an Asian American writer. This is how far the issue Tan faced has progressed, for now.

When asked about the difference between being seen and being visible, Ng says, Its a double-edged sword: on the one hand, being seen is so necessary and validatingthose of us who havent had much representation know how important it is to see yourself on the page or on the screen. At the same time, being highly visible also has its downsides. Sometimes, when youre seen prominently, you inadvertently end up blocking out other people. Youre often held up as the representative of your group, which is deeply problematic and something that I actively try to counter. I dont speak for all Asians, or all Asian-American women, or all Chinese-American women, or all womenbecause there are many stories within those groups, and mine is not the only one. Other people need to be seen, too, so I try to spread the spotlight where I can.
A: We dont know yet. But I think it could be a good thing if a lot of these black designers become owners of their own companies. A lot of us who are designing are being hired to be head designers of a bigger company, but until were able to have our own companies  and have our own backing for our own projects  thats how well get to that place of the greatest level of achievement. But right now were in a good place, but were not at that place. Were circling the airport, but we havent been called to land. But I definitely think this is one step towards that.
When Alexander Chee was teaching a course on the graphic novel at Amherst College, he gave his students a powerful exercise: put on a mask and wear it as you go about your day. Now that you feel disguised, what do you feel is possible? Chee asked his students.

This is classic Chee. Author of the bestselling novel Queen of the Night, an elaborate masquerade set in the world of Second Empire French opera, and the award-winning Edinburgh, an autobiographical novel about sexual abuse at the hands of a choirmaster, Chee recently stepped out from behind his own novelists mask in his first book of essays, How to Write an Autobiographical Novel, which deals, through many lenses, with his art and his identity as a gay, Korean-American writer.

Back at Amherst, Chee (who now teaches at Dartmouth) donned the mask of the famous Mexican wrestler the Blue Demon. It felt absolutely insane to do that, Chee says. But it was interesting and useful to think about just what you would have to feel about yourself to be a superhero.

In Girl, an essay about the time he successfully passed for a Barbie-like white woman, Chee follows the theme further. Sometimes you dont know who you are, Chee writes, until you put on a mask.

While Chee was still a teen, his father died of complications from a car accident that had left him partially paralyzed for three years. Grief followed Chee like a shadow through his college years at Wesleyan and then to San Francisco, where it enveloped the entire gay community during the AIDS crisis.

A number of these historical events that I tried to write about, which took place in the 1990s, really just before we had the internet, are still weirdly submerged in the culture, Chee says about the protests he helped orchestrate with ACT UP and Queer Nation, detailed in the essays 1989 and After Peter. During the AIDS crisis, if a news outlet failed to cover a protest, it was as if it hadnt happened, says Chee, who with fellow activists started thinking about the ways we could create protests that could survive that media eraser.

Chee feared that more than protests would be erased. In 1991, he moved to New York City and took a job cataloguing the stock of a mail-order gay and lesbian bookstore, which, he writes in the essay My Parade, amounted to a catalogue of the kinds of gay writing that had succeeded and failedwhat the culture allowed and what it did not. About famous gay writers (such as Gore Vidal, Gertrude Stein, James Baldwin, Susan Sontag), Chee writes, How had they managed to survive against whatever it was that had erased so many others?

Erasure is more than a literary question for Chee. Two of his creative heroes, artist David Wojnarowicz and filmmaker Derek Jarman, were publicly dying from AIDS in the summer of 1991 and were facing another, new kind of erasure in the process, that of government inaction around the crisis. This inaction, Chee says, was a kind of de facto death squad, resulting in structural death: a preview of the approach conservatives would take for the next thirty years.

I was born out of it, Chee says about this era of protest and its undeniable urgency, which How to Write an Autobiographical Novel helps, in part, to restore to collective memory. Having recently created, with Christine Lee, the Lambda Justin Chin Memorial Scholarship, in honor of the gay Malaysian-American poet who died in 2016, Chees activism is ongoing. I want these other young writers to act, Chee says. To do more, to write more, to create more work about us.

Of course a novel is also a mask, Chee writes in 100 Things About Writing a Novel: Not for the novelist. Not for the reader. But for something else the novelist brings in from the back of the tent like a lion on a chain.
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An underwater volcano created the main island of Grenada and its six smaller islands about 2 million years ago. It formed the rich volcanic soil responsible for the high quality of Grenadian nutmeg, and  perhaps more of interest to vacationers  nine black-sand beaches. These, along with more than 40 stretches of white sand, allow beachgoers to choose from simple, secluded hideaways to long seafront arcs lined with luxury resorts. Grand Anse Beach, lying along the southwest coast, often has appeared on lists of the best Caribbean beaches. For nearly 2 miles, its white sand fringes a cobalt sea.
He said an effective Special Prosecutor will bolster the government's fight against corruption.

President Akufo-Addo must do everything within his power even if he has to cut the salaries of his ministers to salvage this country from these corrupt officials, Chaie said.

He added that Martin Amidus reputation alone as an anti-graft campaigner cannot fight corruption, therefore, the government must resource his office to enable him to work effectively.

He said: "I am saying this for the public to understand that we have set up an office. We have to organise that office, have the requisite personnel. It does not take one day. The law says 90 days after the assumption of office of the Special Prosecutor, pursuant legislation must be enacted, but as I speak today, I have no legislation so I use my common sense.

Speaking at the National Audit Forum organised by the Ghana Audit Service, Mr Amidu said he has been working with common sense ever since he was sworn into office because there was no legislation guiding his work.

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However, President Nana Akufo-Addo has said the government is working very hard to equip Amidu's office.

While in New York, he said, Very soon, all of you will see the office is functional, he assured as criticism mounts against his governments perceived feet dragging in fight political corruption despite the great rhetoric."
Apparently, the woman imprisons these girls and turns them into baby-making machines to then sell the babies they conceive. According to Southern City News, pregnant girls in her employ are all below 18 years old.

Upon finding out she was pregnant, one of the girls, Sandra Solomon claims she was told that she could sell her baby to the church. She claims she was linked up with the church by an 'agent'.

ALSO READ: Read about the exploitation of young Nigerian women in Saudi Arabia

Solomon says, I became pregnant and I did not know what to do. So, a lady told me that they sell babies in that church and I came there. The woman did not tell me how much they sell. I dont want to sell my baby. As we were sleeping in the church, police came and arrested all of us.

Favour Gabriel, 17, five months gone said, The person that got me pregnant brought me to the womans house. He said I should stay with the woman and that when I put to bed, he will come and pick me.

Rivers State, Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Zaki who had paraded 39 suspected armed robbers, kidnappers and cultists a day prior told newsmen that Raphael was engaged in child trafficking disguised as a legal business. He said the sting operation was made possible by a collaboration with Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, State Criminal Intelligence, and Investigation Department.

Zakisays, Men of the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department in a sting operation on Friday stormed the premises of one Gloria Raphael, who is the General Overseer of Mount Sinai Ministry at Rukpokwu. She is into the business of child trafficking.

Sixteen pregnant women awaiting delivery and onward sale of the children to the waiting buyers were arrested. One of them by name Chinyere Nweke had labour yesterday (Friday) and was rushed to the police clinic where she gave birth to a baby girl, He continued.
There is a new spot in faraway Greece that might be in this spot soon enough and it is called Santorini.

If you have been observant over the last few months, Santorini has been popping up a lot on Twitter and Instagram timelines. More and more young Nigerians are mentioning Santorini as their choice travel destination. All of a sudden it seems Dubai never existed.

Santorini might be the rave now but there have been traces of the Greek hotspot being a choice destination. As a matter of fact, in December 2017, hit producer and artist Maleek Berry named dropped Santorini on Lifestyle by Ajebutter 22.

What is Santorini?

Santorini is a popular  if youre rich, with a functional passport  tourist destination in Greece.

Wiki Travel describes it as a volcanic island in the Cyclades group of the Greek islands. It is located between Ios and Anafi Islands.

It is famous for dramatic views, stunning sunsets from Oia town, the strange white aubergine (eggplant), the town of Thira naturally its very own active volcano.

There are naturally fantastic beaches such as the beach of Perissa, maybe the best beach in Santorini, the black pebble beach of Kamari white beach and red beach.

Also known as Thira, Santorini is an archipelago  a conglomeration of islands.

What makes Santorini an attractive tourist destination?

It has favourable weather for 8 months in a year, except the period from December to March. The temperatures are also inviting and mesmerizing.

At its best, Santorini showcases the power of Gods artistry, embedded in natures beauty, shining on power of the sun, to show clean beaches, white sands and dimly lit resorts that entices you.

Why then is Santorini trending in Nigeria?

In in 2016, there where plans to increase their tourist capacities and boost their numbers. Since then, Santorini has gone about solving those problems.

EU funds have also been released toward certain developments to improve the scenery, security, comfortability and landscape architecture of the Island.

With these improvements and funds expended, they need to make the money back. The money was investment, not charity. Thats why youre seeing the aggressive marketing of Santorini across Nigerian social media.

In case you were wondering, Nigeria is not the only country witnessing this aggressive marketing of Santorini.

A Human Resource Professional and Lawyer, AbenaYalley who has a SchengenVisa and has been holidaying in Santorini since September says, Ticketing is cheap from October to May. Any after those months is expensive.

Yalley, a travel enthusiast for whom Santorini has topped the list for a while says that Santorini is expensive, but people Greece might want Africans because, Greece has been going through a recession so they definitely need the money. For the most part, Africans from Africa dont really come here. Both on my inbound and outbound flight, I was the only African. My hotel too and most places we went to.

According to Trip Advisor, Economy Class round-trip from Nigeria to Santorini costs as low as NGN306, 710.

The Santorini hype is real. See the tweets (memes and the real thing) below;

The role ofInternational Tourism Marketing

During Premier League matches, you must have seen the billboards on the touchline advertising countries like Bahamas, India, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Belize, Seychelles or The Maldives.

You must have also seen that Azerbaijan now sponsors Atletico Madrid's shirts and Qatar for FC Barcelona's shirts. That is International Tourism Marketing.

Tourism is big business, both for governmental and private entities who want to make a killing. Governments of tourist destinations invest heavily in tourism.

Like any investment, they hope to make returns on that investment. They also attract private equity or investment to construct hotels and so forth.

Equally, asides AIRBnB - the accommodation, Bed And Breakfast Company, travel agencies also want to make money off the influx of tourists through aids.

Thus, they need to let you know that these places are attractive to you, tourist. They need you to know. Thus, this marketing is sometimes orchestrated by Governments, private companies or even NGOs.

ALSO READ: Explore cultural tourism in Nigeria

Did Santorini pay for advertisement?

Nobody knows. An influencer who refuses to be named however alleges that the sudden virality of Santorini definitely looks like paid publicity and marketing.

How big an attraction is Santorini?

In 2016, Santorini was a top give global tourist destination, with an average of 25,000 people arriving a day on cruise ships.

All in all, according to Greek Reporter, 75 airlines offer travel to Santorini, with a total of around 57 travelling into Santorini daily.
Founder of Skin Gourmet and first place winner of the 2017 Beauty Accelerator Program said First just being selected for the program was an honor, [and] being flown out to get high level training from juggernauts on the beauty industry was incredible... I feel so honored to be exposed to such training, such people and such knowledge. The exposure and help has truly been a blessing - it feels unreal that so much help came our way!

Violet Awo Amoabeng, Founder of Skin Gourmet

Eligible companies include:

The accelerator is open to businesses based in Cote dIvoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.

Entrepreneurs interested in applying should visit sheleadssafrica.org/beauty for more information about the program, eligibility requirements and to apply. Submissions close on 5 October at 17:00 South African Time

About She Leads Africa

She Leads Africa is a media platform that helps young women achieve their professional dreams by providing expert advice, opportunities for networking and global growth opportunities. SLA reaches more than 500,000 women across 35+ countries and 5 continents and has been featured in the Financial Times, BBC, CNN, Forbes, CNBC Africa, Fast Company, Black Enterprise and Huffington Post. In December 2016, SLA was the first African startup to ring the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange.

About Dark & Lovely

For more than 45 years, Dark and Lovely has been dedicated to providing superior hair care and styling products for African women. Dark and Lovely continues to unveil breakthrough hair innovations for African women, including the most recent launch of Dark and Lovely Au Naturale, a range specifically designed for natural African hair.
For a blast from the past, here are 10 Nigerian cultural icons worth celebrating on Independence Day.

From the man who coined the term "Naira" to the voices that led independence, we can never forget the roles that these figures played in the cultural and political development of Nigeria.

1. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe

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Dr. Benjamin Nnamdi "Zik" Azikiwe was born on the 16th of November, 1904 and is known as one of the founding figures of Nigerian nationalism.

He was the first president of newly independent Nigeria. He believed so much in the concept and practices of pan-Africanism and promoted the pro-African nationalist agenda.

When he returned to Nigeria in 1937, he founded the West African Pilot and later, the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) in 1944 alongside Herbert Macaulay.

Azikiwe's portrait adorns Nigeria's 500 Naira currency note and the has the Nnamdi Azikiwe Internawtional Airport Abuja and Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka named after him.

2. Fela Anikulapo Kuti

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Fela Anikulapo Kuti's legacy and legendary is untouched. He was a brilliant artist and a tireless activist.

He used his skills in saxophone, piano, guitar, dance, voice, drums, to voice out truths about the human condition and the Nigerian state. He formed his own kind of art and resisted formalism in art and music.

He was a staunch believer in pan-Africanism even in the face of adversity and brutalities from the Nigerian government.

He renamed himself "Anikulapo" meaning "He who carries death in his pouch" after the countless jail times and beatings he had received from soldiers. His charismatic music is known all over the world till this day.

3. Wole Soyinka

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Born on July 13, 1934, Professor Wole Soyinka is a living legend.

His mother, Eniola Soyinka, co-founded the Egba Women Union with Mrs. Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti and played a prominent role in decongesting Nigeria of colonial manipulation.

Her son, Wole Soyinka continued the work of cultural hero by being an academic, scholar, award-winning writer, playwright, poet, novelist and theorist of the human and African condition.

He damned all consequences and took a chance by meeting Col Odumegwu Ojukwu in 1967 to seek a way out of the civil war.

He spent two years in jail for this but continued to lend his voice to the truths and critique, even while in solitary confinement. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature in 1986.

4. Sir Tafawa Balewa

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We cannot talk independence without talking about the first and only prime minister of independent Nigeria.

Tafawa Balewa was a trained teacher and a vocal representative of Northern interests as one of the few educated Nigerians of his time.

He was nicknamed as the Golden Voice of Africa because of his oratory skills and due to his efforts towards independence, is known as one of the founding fathers of Nigeria.

He delivered an epic Independence speech on October 1, 1960. He was assassinated in 1966 during the first coup.

5. Chief Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti

Pulse Nigeria

Chief Funmilayo Ransome Kuti was a radical feminist and Nigerian activist who believed in freedom and justice.

She was a major force in Nigerias anti-colonial struggle and inspired and articulated the Nigerian feminist movement principles of suffrage and equal rights for Nigerian women long before the second wave of womens movement in the US.

Because of this, she was known as "The Mother of Africa" and the "Lioness of Lisabi." She represented Nigeria's culture by always adorning her traditional attire wherever and whenever she appeared. Ransome-Kuti was thrown from a third-floor window of her son Fela's compound when it was stormed by one thousand armed military personnel.

She passed away on April 13, 1978 after months of being in coma from the fatal injuries.

6. Chief Anthony Enahoro

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Born on 22 July, 1923, Chief Anthony Enahoro became Nigeria's youngest editor at the age of 21 in 1944 at the Southern Nigerian Defender, the newspaper established by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.

After which he joined the struggle for independence by leading protests, and was jailed on two occasions jailed for writing satiric articles.

In 1953, he became the first to move the motion for Nigerias independence, though unsuccessful. He died on December 15, 2010.

7. Chinua Achebe

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Born on November 16, 1930, Chinua Achebe was a cultural hero and literary legend in whose words and writings our collective memories live.

Along with other writer-activists like Wole Soyinka, Buchi Emecheta, Ken Saro-Wiwa, he challenged western and white supremacist thinking, changed the way African cultures imagined representing themselves, and got his stories heard by those who didn't want to hear them.

He documented the independence and the war in his books, There was a Country and book of essays, The Education of a British-protected Child.

8. Chief Obafemi Awolowo

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Chief Obafemi Awolowo was one of the pioneer leaders that fought for Nigerias independence and among the three national heroes along with Azikiwe and Balewa.

Along with his agitations for the termination of the British rule, he introduced free education in the western region in 1955 and helped found the Society of the Descendants of Oduduwa, Egbe Omo Oduduwa, an organization devoted to the study and preservation of Yoruba culture.

In 1954, he became the first premier of the Western Region. During his time as Commissioner of Finance, he coined the term "Naira" and his portrait adorns the front of the 100 Naira notes of today.

9. Margaret Ekpo

Pulse Nigeria

Margaret Ekpo was a womens rights activist and one of the pioneering female politicians in the countrys first republic.

In the era of male dominated movements towards Nigeria's independence.

She rallied women, along with other Nigerian women activists, beyond notions of ethnic solidarity and played major roles in grassroot and nationalist politics in the Eastern Nigerian city of Aba.

She became president Women's wing of National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (N.C.N.C) and was nominated into the regional House of Chiefs in 1953.

In 1950, she alongside Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti protested killings in an Enugu coal mine. In 2001, Calabar Airport was named in her honor.

10. J.P. Clark

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John Pepper Clark-Bekederemo is a cultural hero. He is a thinker, dramatist, classicist and poet.

His poetry celebrates the physical landscape and recentred the way the world viewed Nigerian narratives.
The trend is also national, with the number of people working from home up 28.3 percent in four years, to almost 8 million in 2017, surpassing the number of workers taking public transit, according to the U.S. Census Bureaus American Community Survey. Driving is still the most common way of getting to work, now followed by working from home, either for yourself or someone else.
President Buhari stated that the Federal Government and other stakeholders had intensified efforts toward finding lasting solution to the problem.

However, the president vowed that the perpetrators of murder and general mayhem in the name of defending or protecting herders or farmers would face the full wrath of the law.

We will sustain and continue to support the commendable efforts by all including civil society organisations, local and state governments and our traditional and religious leaders in finding durable solution to this problem.

This being a transhumance issue, we are working with countries in our region that are also facing similar difficulties to complement our common efforts.

In this context I must warn that the perpetrators of murder and general mayhem in the name of defending or protecting herders or farmers will face the full wrath of the law, he said.

President Buhari urged all well meaning citizens to always avoid primordial sentiments while analysing such conflicts in the society.

We urge all peace loving Nigerians to reject any simplistic portrayal, at home or abroad, of this conflict as either religious or ethnic based."

The president, who also spoke on the danger of the shrinking of the Lake Chad and climate change, said we are one of the countries in the world most affected by environmental degradation, as a consequence of climate change.

We are signatories to almost all conventions and agreements aimed at slowing down the effect of climate change and mitigating its now evident consequences.

The consequences on lives and livelihoods of the shrinking of the Lake Chad and the pollution caused by oil exploitation activities alone make it mandatory on us to be at the forefront of the struggle for a safer and more sustainable environment. We will continue to mobilise international support for our efforts in this regard.

On security, Buhari noted that there had been a steady improvement in the security situation in the North East.

He, therefore, stated that his administration remains committed to ending the crisis and make the North East safe for all.

Our thoughts and prayers are always with the victims of the Boko Harams atrocities and their families.

Beyond that, we know that the goals of the Boko Haram terrorists include capturing territories, destroying our democracy and denying our children the right to education. We will not allow them to succeed.

I want at this point to pay tribute to the men and women of our armed forces, the Police and other security and law enforcement agencies, who have been working under the most difficult conditions to keep the country safe.

In the process, many have made the supreme sacrifice.

As their Commander -In- Chief, I assure these our gallant men and women that I will continue to empower them by deepening their professionalism and providing all the necessary force multipliers and enablers required for them to prevail on the field, he assured.
In a statement signed by the presidential aspirant on the occasion of Nigeria's 58th Independence anniversary on Monday, October 1, 2018, he said Nigerians should not leave politics to politicians who are manipulative and jeopardise the nation's unity by dividing it with religious, ethnic and geo-political sentiments.

He said everyone must be committed towards building a united, peaceful, economically strong and internationally respected nation.

He noted that only a vigilant citizenry can ensure that the prospect of good governance and improved standards of living for all Nigerians will be guaranteed.

Read his full statement below:

"I congratulate all Nigerians on the occasion of this year's Independence Day anniversary and pray that our country will continue to exist in peace and unity, with continuous development across the nation.

"At this point in our collective history, democracy has come to stay in Nigeria. All Nigerians should see today, the occasion of our nations 58th Anniversary, as an opportunity to redefine what really constitutes 'the Nigerian dream.' We must rally around this dream and support leaders who are capable, competent and prepared to realise this dream for all Nigerians.

"All of us must not neglect to participate in politics by leaving the political choices to only the politicians and manipulative elements who choose to invoke religious, ethnic and geo-political sentiments to impose leadership that is only supported for the purpose of serving the interests of those who put them in office.

"As Nigerians, we must re-dedicate ourselves to the ideals of defining our personal interests in line with the realisation of our national objectives. Our national objectives should be to build a united, peaceful, economically strong and internationally respected nation, with a robust military, a well-motivated workforce, ambitious youth and fulfilled citizens.

"These ideals are what we, as Nigerians, should aspire after.

"Nigerians should not allow government officials and politicians to continue manipulating them in pursuit of narrow interests. It is only manipulation that will allow voters to ignore the competence, experience, suitability and temperament of aspirants for public office and rather focus on where they come from and how they worship their God.

"Today, as we celebrate our 58th Independence Anniversary, Nigerians should vow that the leader who will lead the country when it is celebrating its 60th anniversary must be one who would have set this country on the path of genuine socio-economic development and political greatness.

"Nigerians, we must not be complacent. Voters should be ready at all times to intervene when government starts to derail from our national objectives. Voters should intervene when government places personal and group interests above national interests. Never again, must we allow leaders who behave as emperors, maximum rulers or messiahs and their cabals to seize control of our government and its machinery.

"With a vigilant citizenry that is well-informed and involved in monitoring government activities, officials and programmes, the prospect of good governance and improved standards of living for all Nigerians will be guaranteed."

Buhari pleads for unity

In his Independence Day address, President Muhammadu Buhari urged Nigerians to consolidate on the nation's great legacy and work together to ensure its progress for the greater good of everyone.

He also praised his administration for making strides in its anti-corruption war, noting that he has created an enabling environment for local and foreign investment in Nigeria.

He praised Nigerian youths and highlighted their important role in nation-building, and promised to continue to work tirelessly to promote, protect and preserve a united, peaceful, prosperous and secure Nigeria.
As expected, there were journalists and supporters of the Lagos state Governor present.

During the question and answer, segment, the publisher of Ovation, Dele Momodu asked Governor Ambode some questions which he refused to answer.

Here are the 4 questions Dele Momodu asked the Gov

1. It is obvious that all is not well between you and your Godfather. Do you think you have exhausted every means of appealing to him?

2. Is it true that the presidency has endorsed your opponent, Jide Sanwo-Olu?

3. If you go ahead with the election and somehow, you are not able to make it, what are the alternatives available to you?

4. Do you think the plan to impeach you is already in the works?

4b. It looks like this is an all-time war. Are you ready to fight all the way?

The Lagos Governor, in his response, said:  The Kind of questions you have asked, I am not willing to answer them.

Listen to Ambode's response in the video below:

Here are several reactions from some Twitter users.

ALSO READ: Tinubu threatens to impeach Ambode if he does not step down
Obasa also urged the people of the country to desist from actions and utterances that can negatively affect the peaceful co-existence of the country.

Obasa made this known in his message to Nigerians on the celebration of the country's 58th Independence Anniversary.

"It's a very crucial period in Nigeria and as we move towards the 2019 general elections, I want to call on Nigerians to continue to pray for peace to reign before, during and after the elections.

"We must also eschew violence, avoid actions and utterances that can breach public peace. We must promote measures and programmes that will enhance the unity of this country," Obasa said.

The press statement, issued in Lagos on Sunday, was signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Musbau Rasak.

"As parents and citizens, we must be vigilant and be watchful of friends our children and wards associate with. We must be vigilant of events in our environment and make sure we report suspicious characters and groups to security agencies in order to nip crimes in the bud.

"As youths, we should not allow ourselves to be used as agents of violence. We should not give in to unscrupulous elements in the society who will want to take advantage of our vulnerability to cause mayhem and disturb public peace," Obasa said.

Obasa also stated that the All Progressives Congress, APC, administration at all levels is not unaware of the challenges facing the country assuring that the government will not relent in putting in place measures and programmes that will enhance the welfare of the people and improve their standard of living.

"The APC government at all levels will continue to put in place measures that will ensure that Nigerians get dividends of democracy even at their doorsteps.
Pastor Giwa said that God is angry with Ambode because he sacked the Chaplain of the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Ikeja, Venerable Femi Taiwo.

Ambodes woes

The Lagos state Governors second term ambition is not looking promising following a rift between him and his estranged mentor, Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu has threatened toimpeach Ambodeif he does not step down for the APC anointed candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Local government chairmen, House of Assembly members in the state and notable politicians have also thrown their weight behind Sanwo-Olu.

Why the Chaplain was sacked

According to Punch Metro, Taiwo was sacked on Monday, May 15, 2017, by the Governor for allegedly dis-respecting the Lagos state First lady, Bolanle Ambode.

The Lagos state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde however denied the report, saying that: The former chaplain had been queried a number of times in the past for conducts unbecoming of his office. The culmination of various indiscretions led to the Governing Council of the church issuing yet another query that led to his being relieved of his post.

This has got nothing to do with the First Lady. The Chaplain is looking for an excuse to cover his insouciance. Its nothing but cheap blackmail.

A member who narrated how it happened said The church had declared seven-day fasting after we lost two prominent members.

The Sunday service, which was declared as anointing service, was supposed to end the fasting.

The First Lady, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, was present with her entourage. She comes to the church once in a while.

When it was time to be anointed, the cleric asked people to come forward, adding that it was optional. Three people stood at the stage to anoint people. They included the chaplain, the presiding chaplain and one other person.

People started stepping out one after another. The governors wife, after some time, also stepped out and was anointed.

Another source who spoke to Punch Metro added that As she (Mrs. Ambode) stepped out, it was obvious that she was angry.

The president of the womens fellowship and the pastors wife ran after her. She shunned them, entered her car and zoomed off.

When we came to the church on Tuesday, we heard that Venerable Taiwo had been sacked. We were told that he was sacked because the the governors wife didnt get the anointing oil first and she felt disrespected.

Beg God for forgiveness

Speaking further, Pastor Giwa said God can never let a sinner go unpunished.

He said God cannot let a sinner go unpunished. I will advise Governor Ambode and his wife to seek God for forgiveness.

Their action to remove the person called a Man of God from office is uncalled for.

From my findings, I was told that despite pleadings from church leaders and other reputable elders, Governor Ambode insisted the cleric must leave the church.

Can you imagine that some church members reportedly contributed money to buy gas cooker and other household items for the family as they vacated the vicarage?

Do power and recognition take you to heaven? This is what is happening virtually all over the churches today.

The moment they see powerful persons in their midsts, they quickly give honour to them. In the case of Venerable Taiwo, he did not do that and got sacked.
According to Punch, the PDP described the speech as a litany of false claims, empty assertions and bogus promises.

Kola Ologbondiyan, the spokesman of the PDP said this in a statement which he issued to newsmen in Abuja.

He said Perhaps Mr. President needs to be reminded that his new Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed had, last month, alerted that the nation was facing serious revenue challenges under him, while the Central Bank of Nigeria expressed fears that our country is sliding further into recession due to his poor implementation of the 2018 budget.

In his false economic assertions, President Buhari deliberately failed to mention that his administration has returned our beloved country to a debtor nation by accumulating over N22.4 trillion debt through which he had mortgaged the future of our country.

What the Buhari Presidency should note is that Nigerians are no longer swayed by the false performance claims of his administration. They have the facts and nobody can beguile them as was the case in 2015.
The President stated this when he received the General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi, at the Presidential Villa.

He said: God did not make a mistake when he created over 250 different ethnic groups, and decided to put them in a place called Nigeria.

We must appreciate God for bringing us together. He knows what he was doing. He didnt make a mistake.

While describing Nigeria as a great country endowed with human and natural resources, President said:

We have challenges in trying to get people to understand us.

With my experience as a governor, Minister of Petroleum, Head of State, Chairman of Petroleum Trust Fund, I thought I had seen it all, but Nigeria has a way of going at its own speed.

My morale is raised by your visit. I very much appreciate it.

President Buhari recalled what he described as Pastor Kumuyis intellectual achievements as a scholar and university lecturer before going into full time ministry.

He added that he was excited a great deal for the General Superintendents acceptance of governments invitation to preach the sermon at the countrys 58 independence anniversary.

Thank you very much, the President said.

In his remarks, Pastor Kumuyi, who leads one of the countrys largest Pentecostal churches, said it was an honour to be received by the President on a busy day as Oct. 1.

He expressed appreciation to the President for his tireless efforts toward transforming the country.

He said: Please remain focused and courageous and do what is right.

Not everyone will support you publicly, but we are praying for you so that your tenure will be one of progress and prosperity for the country.

The General Superintendent was accompanied by his wife, Esther, and Pastor Samuel Afuwape.
According to a report by The Nation, the violence erupted all across Tina, Angwa-Rukuba, British-America, Rikos, Bauchi road, Farigada, Dogon-Dutse and other parts of Jos North local government area.

Eyewitnesses reported that gunshots were heard between Lamingo junction and Angwan-Rukuba area near University of Jos staff quarters at noon on Sunday.

A UNIJOS student who escaped the mayhem reported that she ran for five kilometers before she was convinced she was safe.

"I saw dead bodies on my way and it made me more scared," she told The Nation.

An eyewitness, Boniface John, also told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that he ran from the Lamingo junction to British-America junction on foot, following sound from sporadic gunshots.

"I saw people running and I was told that someone was killed. I also heard sound of gun shots from different angles," he said.

A 300-level UNIJOS student, Kums Shedrach, has been identified as one of the casualties of the attack who was gunned down at the school's Student Village hostel on Sunday.

The school's Student Union Government has directed all students to remain on the premises of the university, according to a statement credited to its Public Relations Officer, Kwalmi Kelvin Kwande.

Situation under control - Police

The Plateau State Police Command has disclosed that the situation has been brought under control with armed personnel deployed to the troubled parts of the state capital.

"We are aware of the situation around some parts of Jos North, but it has been brought under control by our men. We have deployed our armed personnel to affected parts," spokesperson, Terna Tyopev, said.

Sunday's violence follows a similar attack that claimed the lives of many on Thursday, September 27, 2018. Tyopev had disclosed that unknown gunmen carried out an attack at Rukuba Road and killed an unspecified number of people before they were forced to flee after a gun battle with security operatives.

"Some people who reside close to the hills were rescued while some persons lost their lives as a result of the attack and some others sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos and are currently receiving treatment," an official statement read.

The attack led to increased tension in the area as protesters blocked major roads on Friday, September 28, with many youths seen burning tyres.

After Thursday's attack, the Plateau State Government ordered a 6:00pm to 6:00am curfew in Jos North and Jos South LGAs with immediate effect.
APC acting national publicity secretary, Yekini Nabena, disclosed this in a statement made available to Pulse early hours of Monday, October 1, 2018.

According to Nabena, Lagos will now hold its primary election on Tuesday, October 2, while Enugu and Adamawa will take place on Thursday, October 4, 2018.

The Lagos state primary earlier fixed for Monday, October 1 will keenly contested between by the incumbent, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, one who has the backing of the APC national leader, Bola Tinubu.

Governor Ambode had in a world press conference on Sunday, September 30, 2018, accused Sanwo-Olu of being unfit for the job

In his speech, Ambode said this concerning Sanwo-Olu, "Now the truth is this, the candidate, the aspirant that they are putting up to compete against us is not a fit and proper person to take this position and that remains the fact, this is the truth. Party leaders and even party members have been misled to understand that this is a better candidacy than myself.

ALSO READ: Osinbajo warns against denying Ambode a second term ticket

This particular aspirant as you all know, you can go and check, the records are there. This is somebody that has been arrested for spending fake American Dollars in a night club in America and he's been detained for months with mugshots before all these campaign started.

It's also known that he doesn't have the competence to do what he's been promoted for saying he is going to do, he doesn't have the competence to do what he is saying he can do. The records are there in Gbagada General hospital, this is somebody that has been rehabilitated before."

However, Tinubu believes Sanwo-Olu remains a better candidate and would do more than Ambode has done in over three years as the governor of Lagos state.
According to Daily Post, a source said that Buhari met with them on Monday, October 1, 2018.

This is coming on the heels of Ambodes explosive press conferencewhere he alleged that Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his closest contender in the Lagos governorship primaries, was arrested in the US for spending fake dollars.

The source also said that Buhari is worried about the effect that the rift between the two top Lagosians will have on the party.

Tinubu endorses Sanwo-Olu

Tinubu, on Sunday, September 30, 2018, issued a statement endorsing Sanwo-Olu.

The APC leader described the governorship aspirant as a young man endowed with superlative vision and commitment and who also possesses a wealth of experience and exposure.

His words: "While possessing a wealth of experience and exposure, he is a young man endowed with superlative vision and commitment. Most importantly, he understands the importance of the blueprint for development.

ALSO READ: Tinubu threatens to impeach Ambode if he does not step down

"He esteems it as a reliable and well-conceived vehicle for the future development of the state. He also knows the value of reaching out and working with others in order to maximize development and provide people the best leadership possible."
The new boxes will look like the old ones but come with a touch screen to complete transactions. Drivers will have to type in their license plate numbers, then insert a credit card or coins to pay. The technology is similar to what is being used already at some outdoor parking lots.
The six representatives and the groups are Dr. Mrs. Olufunke Adesina of the Centre for Women Agenda (CWA); Comrade Adedapo Ajisegiri of the Campaign Against Social Injustice (CASI); Comrade Onotosho Hakeem of the Centre for Sustainable Dialogue (CSD); Dr. Oyedokun Alli of the Development Advocacy Group (DAG); Comrade Jerry Nwachukwu of the Rights Monitor Agenda (RMA); Comrade Wale Adeoye of the Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reforms (CODER); Samuel Bakare, Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC) and Comrade Ajayi Popoola of the Coalition for Peaceful Election (COPE).

Election rerun

The rerun of the Osun State governorship election was held in seven polling units across four council areas on Thursday, 27th September, with the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Gboyega Oyetola, beating the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Ademola Adeleke.

The returning officer, Prof. Joseph Fuwape, declared that the APC candidate, Oyetola, won the governorship election by scoring a total number of 255,505 votes while Adeleke of the PDP polled 255,023 votes.

Peaceful and orderly

In a statement issued in Lagos, the groups said the election was State for "their civil, peaceful and orderly conduct in jealously guarding their mandate and proving that the will of the people is supreme in a democracy."

The statement adds that; "We, the undersigned civil society organizations as election observer groups, heartily congratulate the good people of Osun State for trooping out to the polls both on the 22nd of September and on the 27th September, 2018 rerun election, to elect the state's helmsman whose outcome is a reflection of the will of the people as expressed at the polls.

"We also congratulate the people of Osun State for their civil, peaceful and orderly conduct in jealously guarding their mandate and proving that the will of the people is supreme in a democracy.

"We as well congratulate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for exhibiting professionalism and neutrality despite threats, intimidation and blackmail before and during the election. We note with gladness that INEC deployment of its personnel and materials on election day was timely, efficient and has received accolades from all relevant stakeholders for a superlative performance.

"We equally commend the international and local observers for their high sense of responsibility in observing the process according to global best practices.

"We commend the media for its professional and unbiased coverage which is critical to deepening democracy and ensuring societal stability."

Pockets of violence

The statement further read that while there were incidents of violence on the day of the rerun election, there was no doubt that the most popular candidate won.

"We must commend the security agencies for their professional deployment and exhibiting diligence, patriotism and high sense of responsibility in their conduct during both rounds of elections which contributed in no small measure to the success of the election.

"However, we observe that unlike in the first round of election on the 22nd of September, 2018 which was largely peaceful and orderly, there were reports of pockets of violence in some areas far away from the locations of polling stations where the rerun elections took place on Thursday, 27th September, 2018.

"In as much as we recognize that no election anywhere in the world can be perfect, we call on the security agencies to investigate these allegations and do the needful. However, we make bold to state with all emphasis, that these allegations do not in anyway detract from the fact that, the will of the people as expressed at the poll, has triumphed," the statement added.
This was disclosed by Pastor Bakare while he was speaking at an annual freedom rally tagged "This Is My Nigeria" that took place at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos on Monday, October 1, 2018.

He said, "By the way, my sister Oby is stepping into politics now, she is going to contest for the office of the president, and I am waiting for October 7 to throw in my cap, so we can crash the entire system and begin to demand for a new Nigeria that we deserve."

While Ezekwesili has not officially declared to run, she has been a vocal critic of the Buhari-led government and recently explored the idea of joining the race with her social media followers.
That event has become the rallying point for a crisis that has snowballed into an agitation for secession by the only two English-speaking regions in the country.

The North West and South West provinces, Cameroon's only English-speaking regions, had long protested against perceived marginalisation by the political class accused of deliberately under-developing the regions.

The regions had merged with French-speaking Cameroon in 1961 through a referendum, decades after Cameroon, a German colony before World War I (1914-1918), was split into two and separately put under the control of France and Britain.

Even though federalism was established in the country in 1961, it was scrapped in 1972 by then-president, Ahmadou Ahidjo. Now, the North West and South West regions only make up two of Cameroon's 10 semi-autonomous administrative regions.

With the two regions being in the minority, it has long accused the central government of implementing policies deemed to be discriminatory to English-speakers, particularly in the education and judicial systems.

The teachers' protest had happened just a month after the regions' lawyers staged a similar protest to demand reforms that'll address what was described as the overbearing use of French in the bilingual country.

While teachers complained that the education system in the English-speaking regions is too French-oriented to the detriment of English-speaking students, lawyers revolted against the increasing presence of Francophone magistrates and a French civil law system.

This scrutiny extended into other sectors of the country especially in politics where the important positions are believed to also be taken by more French speakers.

With the events that have transpired since 2016, separatist groups have now taken over the agitation to demand an independent new state called "Ambazonia".

The government has massively cracked down on the regions over the past two years, leading to violent clashes between anti-government separatists and the country's security forces.

When several negotiations between the government and leaders of the regions failed, they were arrested and thrown behind bars, further making the situation worse.

In their bid to force the government's hands, Anglophone leaders instituted "Operation Ghost Town", mandating citizens in the affected regions to stay at home with all institutions closed.

This resulted in one of the high points of the crisis when, in January 2017, the nation's long-serving president, Paul Biya, shut down internet services in the Anglophone regions. The internet blackout was not lifted until April 2017, after 92 days which didn't help to ease tensions in the troubled regions. The internet blackout was widely condemned for damaging the local economy and suppressing free speech.

Despite the government's violent crackdown and meeting room diplomacy, the agitations refused to die down and further came to a head when security forces killed at least 40 people during the brutal suppression of protests across major towns and villages in the Northwest and Southwest in September 2017.

Separatists were soon getting bolder and started carrying out attacks just months later in November, killing at least six security officers. With bomb explosions also going off in Bamenda, Biya was compelled to declare war against the separatists in December 2017.

"I think that things are becoming clearer to everyone now that Cameroon is victim to repeated terrorist attacks from a secessionist group.

"In the face of such repeated aggression, I'll like to assure Cameroonians that measures have been taken to eliminate these criminals and bring back peace throughout the national territory," he declared.

Some of Biya's attempts to end the crisis includes the creation of a Common Law department at the Supreme Court and the School of Administration and Magistracy.

In January 2017, he also created a National Commission for Bilingualism and Multiculturalism as part of a response to address grievances of the regions.

His attempts have been deemed to be too insignificant or coming too late by the leaders agitating for the affected regions.

Fighters are now persistently locked in bloody battles with security forces in a conflict that's believed to have claimed at least 400 lives.

This has resulted in a massive exodus of civilians with thousands of them fleeing from the violence in the troubled regions, as recently reported by the New York Times.

While many leave the regions to seek refuge in Yaounde, Cameroon's capital, tens of thousands are also holed up in refugee camps in neighbouring Nigeria.

In May, 2018, as a direct consequence of the crisis in the Anglophone regions, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) announced the registration of 21,291 Cameroonian refugees in 40 different locations across four states of Nigeria including Cross River, Benue, Akwa Ibom and Taraba. This massive influx happened in just seven months with the number projected to rise even higher to around 40,000.

With the nation's presidential election scheduled to hold on October 7, 2018, the mass exodus of people from the Anglophone regions is set to pose a problem for Biya as he seeks a seventh term in office after already governing for 35 years.

Separatists have already placed a ban on voting in the troubled regions and electoral officers and government officials are among the hordes of people that have already taken flight.
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OMEGA AND OKADA SQUARE OFF FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE STATES, NEW IWGP TAG, UNITED STATES CHAMPIONS CROWNED: COMPLETE NEW JAPAN FIGHTING SPIRIT UNLEASHED RESULTS FROM LONG BEACH, CA

Welcome to PWInsider.com's New Japan Pro Wrestling Fighting Spirit Unleashed coverage from Long Beach, California.

Pre-Show Notes:

The show is streaming live on New Japan World but will air in taped format this Friday on AXS TV.

The crowd is obviously way down from previous NJPW events here at the Golden Pyramid.

Ruddy sent the following....I'm in line for NJPW Fighting Spirit Unleashed. Check in to the Walter Pyramid has now become very much like TSA, as random shoe checks are being done. Add that to a clear bag policy, these are strange days we live in.

Kevin Kelly and Jim Ross are on commentary.

Mauro Ranallo is in the front row.

FIGHTING SPIRIT UNLEASHED

*ACH & Jushin Liger & Ryusuke Taguchi defeated Roppongi 3K & Rocky Romero in a very good opener. Liger received a nice reaction. Liger was worked over until he finally made the tag to ACH, who hit all his big offense, culminating with a big dive to the outside on Sho and Yo. Taguchi was showcased at the end with hip attacks and finally pinned Romero, which was the right call, As an opener, this was exactly what it needed to be.

*Christopher Daniels and Kazarian defeated Adam Page and Chase Owens. Page and Owens worked over Kazarian for a long time before Daniels tagged in. Kazarian pulled his knees up when Page went for the flip into the shoulderblock off the apron and it looked evil. Daniels and Kazarian worked over Owens and finally scored the pin with the Best Moonsault Ever. Good bell to bell action. Kazarian didn't look like his injury on Friday at the ROH show was slowing him down.

*ROH TV Champion Jeff Cobb & Chris Sabin & Flip Gordon defeated CHAOS' Chucky T & Trent Beretta & Hirooki Goto when Cobb pinned Taylor after Tour of the Islands. This was very much a spotlight on Cobb, who New Japan is looking to push heavily. Early on, Sabin was being worked over but Gordon made the tag and hit all his cool looking offensive aerial maneuvers and kicks. Goto tagged in and he and Cobb went to war, going back and forth and it was just great, obviously teasing more for down the line. Cobb reversed a double suplex attempt from T and Beretta. Cobb then massacred Tayor to score the win. Another good bout.

*Zack Sabre Jr. & The Killer Elite Squad defeated LIJ's Tetsuya Naito & EVIL & SANADA. Another solid six man tag. SANADA was worked over early in the bout. There was a great sequence with EVIL and Sabre Jr. going back and forth. In the end, Sabre escaped an STO from EVIL and scored the pin.

*Jay White and Gedo defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi and KUSHIDA after Gedo drilled Tanahashi with a foreign object and White pinned him. This was meant to be a major step up for White. The match was OK with some back and forth action, but no major standout sequences. The crowd was eh on the finish. Lots of solid wrestling so far, but it's very much a house show and not a big spectacle of a show at this point.

*White cut a promo saying that he beat Tanahashi after Okada couldn't. He said that he has the right to claim the briefcase for the Wrestle Kingdom title shot and Tanahashi and New Japan are scared of him being in the main event picture. He got some decent heat for the promo. One would think this sets up a singles bout. White came off like a star in his presentation.

*Marty Scurll defeated Will Ospreay in one hell of a match. Ospreay was all over the place with 100,000 big spots and a huge dive to the floor at the onset. Scurll cut him off with a superkick and began beating Ospreay down in the ring. Ospreay made a comeback with a sunset flip powerbomb to the outside. They battle to the top where Scurll hit a superplex while trapping Ospreay in a chickenwing. Scurll scored the pin. Easily, by FAR FAR FAR, the best thing on the show thus far. Scurll vs. KUSHIDA is now set to determine the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship. Ospreay is obviously bulking up and is heading for the Heavyweight division in the long term future. He's going to be a top one percent talent in the end.

*The Guerrilla of Destiny defeated The Young Bucks to capture the IWGP Tag Team Championship. The story here was that Matt Jackson's back, which he has been selling as problematic pretty much since last January, was the weakness that caused the title loss. Matt was shoved off the top through a table that kept him out for some time as Nick was worked over. Matt made the save but when the Bucks went for big moves, his back failed him and he was slower than usual. Really well told story. For everyone who still thinks the Bucks are all spots, this match is proof enough that claim is garbage.

*NWA Champion Cody Rhodes pinned Juice Robinson after catching him in a small package out of a superplex. The NWA title was not on the line. This was solid. Cody was caught coming off the top and hit with a belly to belly. They did the classic Ric Flair-Dusty Rhodes figure four attempt and reversal. Brandi was playing the Sherri Martel role, running interference and at one point Brandi Rhodes pulled Cody out of the ring to prevent the pin. Robinson didn't want a countout win and brought Cody back. That was his mistake as Rhodes caught him with Crossrhodes on the floor. They teased a countout before they returned at 19. Cody nailed a vertebreaker for a near fall. Robinson did a great job selling that he was out on his feet. Juice came back with a superplex and nailed it, but Rhodes locked him in a small package for the surprise win, capturing the United States Championship. That makes Cody a double champion, which puts him in quite the political advantageous position. The crowd seemed shocked by the finish and chanted for Juice on the way out.

*The Golden Lovers, Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi defeated Kazuchika Okada and Tomohiro Ishii. Just an incredibly physical bout. Ibushi and Omega started out and went back and forth. Omega and Ishii tagged in and they did spots setting up Ishii's power, including a shoulderblock that sent Omega flying. Ibushi drilled Ishii with a series of kicks to the chest but Ishii absorbed them and dared him to bring more. Omega and Ishii battled to the floor with Omega being tossed into the railing. Ishii worked over Ibushi until Omega made the hot tag and nailed a flying bodypress. Omega nailed a bad looking leaping DDT with Ishii looking to come down on the side of his head. Omega seemed to be a little off at times with the announcers claiming his knee was hurt over the course of the match. They teased Omega and Okada facing off for the first time ever in the States but Ibushi dropkicked Okada to the floor. The Golden Lovers hit the cross slash stereo dives to the floor. They double teamed Okada but Ishii returned and nailed a Saito suplex on Omega. Okada killed Ibushi with a dropkick into the corner. This led to Omega and Okada finally facing off one on one. They went back and forth with punches and chops. They each avoided their signature moves. Omega finally nailed a snap Dragon suplex. Ibushi took out Ishii with a dive. Omega nailed the V-Trigger but Okada escaped the One-Winged Angel. They went into a series of reversals until Okada nailed a tombstone and Ishii drilled Omega but Ibushi made the save. Ishii and Ibushi faced off, drilling the other with forearms. They all went into a great series of back and forth near falls. The Golden Lovers went for the Golden Trigger but Okada hit the ring and DDT'd Ibushi. He went for a dropkick but Omega caught him with a sick powerbomb in mid-air. Ishii drilled Omega but was hit with a backflip kick by Ibushi. Everyone was down and the crowd chanted for New Japan. The battle continued with Ishii turning Ibushi upside down with a lariat for a two count. Finally, Okada and Ishii double teamed Ibushi, who still kicked out to show his fighting spirit. Omega pulled Okada out and tossed him into the railing. Ibushi scored a two count on a Dragon suplex. The Golden Lovers drilled Ishii with a double kick to the head. Omega smashed Okada off the apron into the railing. They nailed the Golden Trigger and scored the pin. A damn fun match.

Omega addressed the crowd after as Bullet Club joined him. Omega said they didn't have a perfect record tonight and apologized to the Bucks about their loss. He said there were some empty seats tonight, but he sees lots of familiar faces from last time and happy faces as well. Omega challenged Ibushi to have a singles match at the King of Pro Wrestling event. Cody came out and said he wanted to help them out. He challenged Ibushi and Omega to a three-way match at the show instead. Omega said it was actually an ingenius idea. He said there has only been one triple threat match for the IWGP title and now they can re-write history. He agreed to the match and said they will show the beauty of pro wrestling and made the match official. He said it isn't personal or because breaking their promise to each other, but to show the originality and beauty of professional wrestling. He joked about screwing up sticking to the script and said they were running long, so he bid everyone goodnight, saying the business would change in 2019, but they still have three months so let's change it now.

If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
KAIRI SANE WITH NEW JAPAN STARS AND MORE NEWS

As reported by PWInsider.com last night, WWE NXT stars Kairi Sane and Io Shirai as well as lead NXT announcer Mauro Ranallo were in attendance at last night's New Japan Pro Wrestling Fighting Spirit Unleashed event in Long Beach, California. Sane posted the following photos from backstage at the event:

Videos:

WWE 2K19 "Never Say Never" commercial

AJ STYLES finds the JAGUAR MOTHERLOAD in NEW YORK CITY!?! - Retro Styles #4

D-Generation X's greatest moments: WWE Top 10, Oct. 1, 2018

If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
PhD student at the Department of Psychology at the University of Guelph, Thomas Horman joins RadioLIVEs Wendyl Nissen to take a look at what it means to be hangry

Mr Horman discusses how the state of being is a real thing, and takes a look at why it is that we experience a sudden mood change when we start feeling extra peckish.
West, who has railed against privately owned prisons in songs like New Slaves, could have been referring to the exception in the 13th Amendment that critics connect to the modern prison system, in which states and corporations profit from the exploitation of criminals. The effects of the exception were spotlighted in Ava DuVernays 2016 Oscar-nominated documentary 13th.
New Zealand First MP Clayton Mitchell wants to boot out migrants or refugees who don't adhere to "New Zealand values". So what exactly are New Zealand values?

"They're largely Christian-based, but not necessarily aligned to any religion," Mr Mitchell told RadioLIVE's Wendyl Nissen.

"They're about respecting your mum and your dad, respecting women, respecting other New Zealanders, ensuring the people that want to be part of this country aren't bigoted or racist or have any bad feelings towards others."

The Respecting New Zealand Values Bill passed at the New Zealand First party's AGM on Sunday.

Migrants would be required to sign up to 'New Zealand values' like gender equality, marriage equality and the legality of alcohol consumption.



But Massey University Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Spoonley says it's impossible to test for those values.

"'Are you in favour of gender equality?' You're only going to give one answer if you want to get into the country. It really is nonsense," he told Newshub.

Mr Mitchell doesn't give much detail on exactly how a values test would be implemented, except to say migrants will have to "sign up" to New Zealand's values.

NZ First MPs will consider whether they want to go forward with the idea when they next meet.

Listen to the full interview with Clayton Mitchell above.

The Long Lunch with Wendyl Nissen, 12pm - 3pm on RadioLIVE and streaming live to the rova app on Android and iPhone.

RadioLIVE.
Every Monday night after the 10pm news, Mitch Harris is joined in studio by Marty Duda from online radio station Radio13 to look back at a classic album.

Tonight: The 22nd studio album from country music legend Willie Nelson, Stardust was loved by critics worldwide and it went on to become one of Nelson's best-selling albums. It took only ten days to record, and features the singles Blue Skies and All of Me, as well as a rendition of the classic Righteous Brothers tune Unchained Melody.

Tracks played:

- Moonlight in Vermont

- Stardust

- Unchained Melody

- Seven Spanish Angels (not from the 'Stardust' album, Mitch just wanted to hear it)

- Georgia on My Mind

- Blue Skies

- It Was a Very Good Year (a cover from Willie Nelson's brand new album 'My Way')

Night Talk with Mitch Harris, 8pm - 12am Monday to Thursday nights on RadioLIVE, and streaming live to the rova app on Android and iPhone.

RadioLIVE.
CEO and co-founder of The Social Club, Georgia McGillivray joins RadioLIVEs Vaughn Davis to take a look at her companys connection with influencers.

The Social Club allows over 5000 influencers on multiple platforms across Australia and New Zealand to connect with brands, and get paid.

Ranging from $50 to $5000 per post, the company has an influencer network that opens doors to work with brands.

With a variety of influencers, from celebrities to the girl next door, The Social Club allows you to create your own unique content and earn an income at the same time.

Check out The Social Clubs website here.

Listen to the full interview with Georgia McGillivray above.

Sunday Social with Vaughn Davis, 7pm - 8pm on RadioLIVE and streaming live to the Rova app on Android and iPhone.

RadioLIVE.
Belgian rail freight operator Lineas has opened an operations centre in Mainz to monitor the approximately 200 trains per week that it operates in Germany. According to Business Development Director Jan Elfenhorst, this will support the expansion of the Green Xpress enhanced wagonload network. The company is also planning to ...
GERMANY: Infrastructure manager DB Netz has announced plans for a major refurbishment of its two oldest high speed lines in a five-year programme costed at 825m. Work on the 327 km Hannover  Wurzburg Neubaustrecke is to start in 2019, with the 99 km Mannheim  Stuttgart route following in ...
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The DreamHack gaming festival is coming to India for the first time thanks to an initiative supported by Viacom18, which will stream the event live on its digital video platform VOOT.





Taking place from 21-23 December 2018 at NESCO in Mumbai, Viacom18s partner for DreamHack India is e-sports pioneer Nodwin Gaming, a Nazara subsidiary.Given the strong affinity youth audiences have with our content, brands and experiences, we think this is the right time for us to dip our toes in the fast-paced, thrilling world of e-sports, said Sudhanshu Vats (pictured), group CEO and managing director designate, Viacom18. The world is changing fast and lines are blurring between different content genres. Given the abundance of data that has been unleashed by Jio, it is only natural for the fandom around e-sports to grow by leaps and bounds in India. As the countrys youngest full-play media organisation, we want to stay ahead of the curve and tap into tomorrows big passion points today. Our association with DreamHack is a step in this direction.The three-day weekend event features a 24-hour-a-day local area network (LAN) party, e-sports gaming competitions; and bring your own computer (BYOC), as well panels, activities and live music. The event will also host a Retro Zone featuring arcade machines with classic games.Akshat Rathee, founder and CEO, Nodwin Gaming said: DreamHack has always been the epitome of the celebration of gaming and e-sports globally and we are delighted to partner with Dreamhack on their Indian journ ey. India with its dynamic youth and famed hospitality is a great beachhead into bringing the DreamHack experience to Asia.Nodwin Gaming has been working hard on providing the best for our community of gamers across the country. This places the love for gaming right at the centre of our ecosystem.
After a postponement last week, it is not clear whether President Trump and Rod Rosenstein will meet anytime soon to come to grips with allegations that the deputy attorney general had considered wearing a wire to record Trump and invoking the 25th Amendment to remove him from office.

Republican sources who spoke with RealClearInvestigations described Rosenstein as an existential threat to Trumps presidency through his authority over special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation. The problem, says one congressional source, is that firing him may give Mueller the pretext to build an obstruction case.

Thus it appears that Trump has chosen to keep Rosenstein on board at least for the time being rather than jettison him and risk chaos so close to the midterm elections in November. On top of that, the 11th-hour FBI investigation of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh further complicates the strained interdependence of the two men.

Although Trump seems to hold all the cards, sources say Rosenstein knows how to take advantage of the presidents political inexperience. A careful assessment of Rosensteins actions  and the paperwork supporting them  shows evidence of shrewd bureaucratic calculation.

It was Rosenstein, for example, who convinced the president last week to defy the wishes of his political allies and delay plans to declassify documents concerning the FBIs Russia probe. Rosenstein warned that it would endanger sources and methods, a senior U.S. official told RealClearInvestigations.

Senior officials say that Rosensteins overarching aim is to protect the Department of Justice, where, after a brief stint clerking, hes worked since graduating from Harvard Law School in 1989.

Rosenstein is an institutionalist, one congressional investigator told RCI. His calling is to defend the interests of the institution hes served for most of his adult life.

That has not been easy, with the DOJ shaken by abuses and possible crimes whose full exposure could end Muellers investigation and vindicate Trump. These were committed by senior leaders during the FBIs investigations of Hillary Clintons emails and the Trump campaigns alleged ties to Russia.

Several senior officials have been fired, or reassigned, or resigned under a cloud. Former deputy director of the FBI Andrew McCabe is facing a grand jury. Peter Strzok, the FBIs lead agent on the Clinton email probe as well as its Trump investigation, was fired, and his paramour Lisa Page, McCabes legal counsel, left the bureau. Bruce Ohr, a senior DOJ official who funneled Clinton-financed opposition research that his wife, Nellie, helped compile into the Trump Russia probe, has been demoted twice.

Rosenstein was not directly involved in either the Clinton probe or the early phase of the Trump investigation. But he inherited the latter in the spring of 2017. After Trump fired FBI Director James Comey  relying in part on Rosensteins recommendation  Rosenstein appointed Mueller as special counsel to investigate possible Russian interference in the 2016 election. The Clinton investigation returned to the spotlight in June of 2018 when the DOJs inspector general issued a report raising questions about the handling of that probe.

Since then Rosenstein has been described in press accounts as conflicted, regretful and emotional. But he has also skillfully cultivated his relationship with Trump.

Sources told RCI that Trump, as one put it, thought that he and Rosenstein were getting along well before being surprised by a New York Times article last month reporting Rosensteins discussions about wearing a wire to gather evidence for the presidents possible removal.

Rosenstein and Trump spoke once or twice a week and he had the presidents ear on issues central to his political agenda, like immigration.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.

The deputy attorney general also benefited from the public wrath Trump has directed at Rosensteins boss, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, for recusing himself from the Russia probe. This had allowed Rosenstein to operate with a relative amount of freedom behind the scenes.

Immediately after taking his post on April 26, 2017, Rosenstein ingratiated himself with Trump by writing the memo that would help justify the May 9 firing of FBI chief James Comey. The Director was wrong, wrote Rosenstein, to usurp the Attorney Generals authority in announcing that the investigation of Hillary Clintons server should be closed without prosecution.

But the landscape quickly changed when Democrats criticized Rosenstein for supplying the rationale to oust Comey. Morale was low at the FBI after Comeys firing.

It was during this period that a reportedly dejected and harassed Rosenstein raised with McCabe and others the possibility of recording Trump and convincing other Cabinet members to use the Constitution to remove the president.

Sources close to Rosenstein tried to control the damage by telling other news outlets that he was not serious about recording Trump or moving to replace him. Rather, Rosenstein was being sarcastic.

It is not possible to know whether Rosenstein was serious, or just trying to demonstrate his loyalty to the department after Comeys firing. Talk of the 25th Amendment was in the air, cited by anti-Trump journalists. So was talk of a special counsel  months before Comey was fired.

Shortly after Sessions recused himself in March from any investigations regarding the 2016 presidential campaigns, Senate Democrats led by Dianne Feinstein demanded a special counsel to oversee the Russia probe. Sen. Charles Grassley recommended that the decision be left to Trumps nominee for deputy attorney general.

Once confirmed, Mr. Rosenstein can decide how to handle it, said Grassley. I know of no reason to question his judgment, integrity or impartiality.

A little more than a week after providing the pretext for Comeys dismissal, Rosenstein appointed the special counsel that Democrats had been requesting for months.

In authorizing Mueller, Rosenstein essentially put the Russia probe under his direct control.

He could have left it with the FBI, former FBI agent Mark Wauck told RCI. It would have fallen under McCabes supervision, he was acting director after Comey was fired, and it seems Rosenstein had a good working relationship with him.

Why did Rosenstein want to take it away from the bureau? A possible clue comes in a text Strzok sent to Page the day after appointment of the special counsel, expressing his reluctance to join the Mueller team. Theres no big there there, Strzok wrote.

If the agent who ran the Russia probe believes theres nothing there, Wauck told RCI, that suggests the special counsel was appointed because Rosenstein wanted to ensure that the investigation would continue. The use of a special counsel also puts the investigation on steroids  Mueller has an almost unlimited budget and resources, can choose agents who agree with his goals and tactics, and he was able to insulate the investigation from the normal institutional controls of DOJ -- Rosenstein was the sole gatekeeper. By using the special counsel, Rosenstein closes the probe off from regular oversight and protects it from Trump in a political sense.

A month after appointing Mueller, Rosenstein signed the final renewal of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act warrant on Trump campaign adviser Carter Page. In January 2017, Page reportedly contacted Trump adviser Steve Bannon, raising the possibility that their phone call was monitored.

Rosenstein may not have been serious about wearing a wire to record Trump, but he authorized electronic surveillance of Trump associates. The two-hop rule would have allowed the bureau to monitor the communications of anyone Bannon contacted, including Trump.

Those who believe Rosenstein is part of the anti-Trump resistance also point to his August 2, 2017 memo outlining the scope of Muellers investigation. Among the few unredacted lines, Rosenstein authorizes the special counsel to investigate allegations that Trump campaign adviser Paul Manafort committed a crime by colluding with Russian government officials with respect to the Russian governments efforts to interfere with the 2016 election.

As former DOJ official Andrew McCarthy recently wrote for National Review, the only publicly known allegation that Manafort colluded with Russia  comes from the Clinton campaigns Steele dossier.

The DOJ has refused requests from congressional oversight committees to declassify the rest of the scope memo. Sources told RCI they suspect there may be more from the Steele dossier concealed in redactions. If they used politically funded opposition research designed to smear candidate Trump as a guideline for the Mueller investigation, one congressional source told RCI, thats really bad.

Accordingly, some congressional Republicans are less concerned about Rosenstein himself than the documents he is trying to protect from declassification  20 pages from the final FISA renewal on Page; the FBIs interviews with Bruce Ohr; and exculpatory material on Page.

Let the documents speak for themselves, said one congressional investigator. Declassifying them, Republican sources told RCI, will show that the FBIs investigation was compromised from the beginning. Consequently, the Mueller probe will collapse under its own weight and Rosenstein will lose his leverage on Trump.

Of particular concern to Rosenstein is the FISA renewal he signed. In testimony before the House this summer, Rosenstein was evasive when answering whether he read the document.

The DOJ processed nearly 1,400 FISAs in 2017, but one obtained originally on a presidential campaign, and then a sitting president, would merit the careful attention of signatory authorities.

Most of the FISA application is boilerplate anyway, says Wauck. Its about procedures, compliance, etc. The important material, the probable cause, isnt very long. And in a renewal its about what is new that is being presented. FISAs come up for renewal every 90 days because you have to show youre making progress and you have something new -- or a good reason why you haven't made progress. So, in terms of reading the renewal application, of course nobody expected Rosenstein to wade through all the boilerplate. All Rosenstein had to ask before signing was, whats new in this application, what progress are we making? And flip to the appropriate page.

Either Rosenstein failed to ask what was new, or he did and is determined to conceal the answer from Trump and the public.

Still, it is a sign of Rosensteins bureaucratic skill, and Trumps patience, that the two appear to be at a draw, at least until after midterm elections.
Development on the property is a touchy subject. Some local residents have said they want no new construction on the land. Others say revenue from taxes and the sale of homes could help fund the preservation of the core of the Yerkes site.
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By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 10/01/2018



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

: Before the 90 Days featured three marriage proposals, a breakup, and Karine Martins ' devastating miscarriage during Sunday night's jam-packed episode on TLC.: Before the 90 Days stars seven Americans and their partners overseas trying to make a romance work. In order to pursue a fairy-tale ending, these couples must overcome immense odds and obstacles, including flying halfway across the world just to meet or spend time together.Each couple hopes a marriage proposal or wedding will take place within 90 days, or else one's Tourist Visa will expire.The two returning pairs on : Before the 90 Days are Darcey Silva , a 42-year-old who works in the fashion industry from Middletown, CT, and Jesse Meester , a 24-year-old from Amsterdam, Netherlands, as well as Paul Staehle , a 34-year-old who works in IT from Louisville, KY, and Karine Martins , a 21-year-old from Brazil.The five new couples starring on the series are Angela Deem, a 52-year-old nursing assistant for Hospice from Hazlehurst, GA, and Michael Ilesanmi, a 30-year-old from Nigeria; Rachel Bear , a 33-year-old from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Jon Walters , a 34-year-old from England; Ricky Reyes, a 33-year-old photographer and videographer from Columbus, OH, and Ximena Parra, a 27-year-old from Villanueva, Colombia; Tarik Myers , a 43-year-old realtor and single father from Virginia Beach, VA, and Hazel Cagalitan , a 25-year-old from Manila, Philippines; and Marta Maldanado, a 30-year-old from Milwaukee, WI, and Daya, a 26-year-old Muslim man from Algeria.Below is the latest on each American and international pairing, according to the latest episode.Rachel had one week before her wedding in England to Jon. She said it was devastating Jon may never be able to come to the US because of his criminal record and that her family and friends couldn't attend the wedding.But Rachel was also upset about a new discovery. She had to confront Jon about something before tying the knot but didn't want to do it right away.Jon really missed Rachel. When he saw her at the airport, he said, "I f-cking love you and am going to marry you."The couple booked a cottage for the week where they'd be getting married. Rachel noted it was "surreal" to be back in England, and Jon had arranged a meeting with about 20 of his loved ones in honor of their nuptials, including an ex-girlfriend.Rachel was surprised an ex-girlfriend was invited since he planned a pre-wedding celebration, and she felt "blindsided."Jon had been unfaithful in a lot of his prior relationships, so this news worried Rachel and she said the woman's presence was inappropriate. Rachel felt "disrespected" and "uneasy" about the whole thing, and she needed some answers before their big day.Later on, viewers learned Jon had given Rachel the password to his social media account so she could fix something for him and both accounts automatically log in when she goes on the computer. She said a notification popped up and she clicked on it, only to find an "ongoing conversation" between Jon and his ex-girlfriend.Rachel admitted it "stung" to see the conversation, especially since it involved the same ex-girlfriend whom had been invited to the wedding party."I saw how you told her that you really did love her and about how bad you felt about how you treated her back then, as if there was some lingering closure on your end. You never told me that," Rachel confronted Jon, before telling the cameras, "It was like I was stabbed with a knife, and when I saw him write the word 'love,' the knife twisted."Rachel said the word "love" should never be thrown around to an ex, and Jon said he felt some guilt for breaking the girl's heart. Jon explained he had known the woman for 18 years and thinking about the future made him think about the past, which left him ashamed of the person he used to be.But Rachel was scared and those messages left her with doubts. She hoped she was making the right decision about marrying Jon because a lot was at stake.Tarik was more invested in his relationship with Hazel than he had ever been with another woman. Thinking Hazel could be a perfect fit for his family, he decided to let Hazel meet his five-year-old daughter through video chat. However, Hazel discovered Tarik had never told his daughter's mother about their new relationship.The conversation with Tarik's little girl didn't take place, as his ex, Rosita, never picked up the call and engaged in the video-chat session.Tarik admitted he didn't tell Rosita about Hazel because they're in a custody battle. Tarik asked Hazel not to worry about the situation because it really didn't concern her at this point.Later on, Hazel revealed to Tarik that she has a "crazy sister" in Japan who wasn't happy about Tarik entering her life. Hazel's sister wanted her to marry a Japanese man. Tarik was offended but insisted he loved Hazel and didn't care what anybody else said.Hazel noted Tarik marrying her would prove his intentions were honorable, but he didn't appreciate feeling backed into a corner as well as pressure to propose.During Tarik and Hazel's last day together, Tarik revealed to cameras Hazel's sister had a man lined up to marry her and there was pressure to go through with it. Hazel, however, promised Tarik that she wanted to be with him and only him -- and that she loved him very much.Meanwhile, Tarik "absolutely loved her." He therefore played a song for Hazel that he had written and rapped for her as the walked along a romantic beach, and the song ended with Tarik down on one knee."Will you marry me?" Tarik asked.After hesitating for what probably seemed like forever to Tarik, Hazel asked, "Are you sure?""Yes, dead serious," Tarik replied."Yes," Hazel noted as a result.Tarik expected every man in America to think he's crazy, but he said every guy would have done the exact same thing had he been in his shoes. Tarik gushed about finding a love that people write songs about and how "the sky is the limit."Jesse said he didn't want to be involved with Darcey anymore and his trip to the U.S. was last minute. He thought breaking up in person, rather than via text, was important and respectful.Jesse explained it was time to call it quits on their relationship because he had made a discovery in Amsterdam that made it clear to him their relationship needed to be over."It was something she was caught up in that confirmed my worst fear about her," Jesse said in a confessional.Darcey thought Jesse was meeting with her "in the name of love," but she acknowledged their romance wasn't healthy.When the couple met in a park, Darcey started to cry and she knew something was off. Darcey said they had a lot of issues they needed to work on, and then on their way over to a hotel, they immediately began arguing -- and Jesse realized it was going to be "impossible" to have a calm and "mature" breakup conversation.Jesse told Darcey that he could no longer put up with her "manipulation" and "lies," and that he had found her police records online."I found out through social media she got arrested for hitting her sister. Darcey tries to lie about it, and it just shows I do not want to be a part of it," Jesse said.Darcey explained she had gotten into an argument with her twin sister that got out of control but they worked things out and were fine. Darcey said the fight wasn't Jesse's business at all and had nothing to do with him.Darcey was furious because Jesse didn't come to America for love; he came to end things. Jesse also accused Darcey of alcoholism.Darcey cried about how Jesse went through quite a bit just to "belittle her." She called him "cold" and insisted he never loved her.Angela was trying to let her guard down and let Michael back in after a fight. She was worried, however, they were running out of time.Michael asked Angela if she wanted to marry him, and she noted it wasn't about wanting to -- it was about needing them to be compatible and on the same page. Angela said she loved Michael and he had changed her life in "a lot of ways" but she didn't have an immediate answer for him."I'm scared he's going to hurt me," Angela told the cameras.During a subsequent lunch date, Angela wondered if her problems with Michael would only get worse if they were to get married.Angela warned Michael her life at home was boring because she lives in the country, but he still wanted to be with her since she made him feel very special.Michael was concerned about how he'd get along with Angela's children, but he said he was "so ready" to find out.Angela then started to cry about how she was afraid to make any more mistakes. Michael asked Angela to believe in him, and she could tell he loved her by the look in his eyes.Angela therefore gave Michael the wedding ring she had bought, which was wrapped in an American flag. Michael appeared absolutely ecstatic. He didn't expect a marriage proposal and said it was "the best day of [his] life."Michael hugged Angela and was so excited to come to the United States and meet Donald Trump Michael then got down on one knee and proposed marriage to Angela as well with a diamond engagement ring. He said, "I love you so much," and they kissed.Paul felt overwhelmed because Karine was pregnant but she still wanted a divorce. He feared Karine's family wanted to raise the baby without him.Karine didn't want to raise a child in an environment where the parents constantly fight, but Paul urged his wife to move forward as a team.Because Paul kept apologizing and promising a better future, Karine decided to take him back and give him another chance because she loved him. Karine hoped, however, Paul was going to change, and she became optimistic.Paul looked forward to Karine receiving her spousal visa.Later on, Paul and Karine were shown heading to the hospital. During an ultrasound the previous day, the couple learned their baby had "abnormalities," so they had to meet with a doctor. Karine complained of having cramps every day.During the follow-up ultrasound, the doctor revealed the baby was small and nothing was going through the umbilical cord, no blood or anything. There was also no cardiac activity, and so Karine learned she had suffered a miscarriage.The baby apparently had a deformity, which likely caused the miscarriage eight weeks into Karine's pregnancy. The doctor insisted it was a "genetic" problem and nothing Karine had caused or had control over. Karine was asked to stay in the hospital in order to have the fetus removed.Paul cried because the pair had already been picking out names and buying things for the baby. The baby brought them out of a "very dark time" in their relationship.Ricky was set to return to Ohio the next day, so his time in Colombia was running out. He could tell Ximena was acting a little distant after the Melissa incident, but he continued to try to build trust.While sitting on a dock, Ximena asked Ricky to prove his love for her by jumping into a river although he can't swim, and he did just that. Ximena joked how she's naughty at times and would've felt guilty if Ricky had drowned.Ximena valued the gesture and forgave him for the whole Melissa ordeal. Ricky then gushed about how Ximena was "wife material," and he was ready to propose."She's definitely the love of my life," Ricky noted. "I want her to be the woman in my life for the rest of my life."Ricky then treated Ximena to a romantic lunch on the water and was working hard to regain Ximena's faith in him.Ricky then got down on one knee and said, "You are a marvelous person... do you want to be my wife?" Ricky added that the reason he told Ximena about Melissa was because he wants her to be his life partner and they could have no secrets from each other as man and wife.Ximena said yes to the marriage proposal, and they both cried tears of joy. Ximena said it was the best day of her life.Ricky anticipated many challenges ahead, but he hoped to grow upon and continue the foundation they had established.Marta was concerned she wasn't going to get a visa in time for her flight. She was waiting on a letter of invitation from Daya and feared he was getting cold feet.Marta was stressed out because she was invested in their relationship and wanted to marry Daya despite their differences in culture and religion.Marta hoped he would come around, and she attempted to remain optimistic. However, Marta desired more effort from her man and said she had been waiting long enough already.
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 10/01/2018



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

star Tarik Myers ' brother, Dean, has revealed he worried Hazel Cagalitan may not be "enough" for his brother due to Tarik's alleged adventurous sex life.When Dean was shown first meeting Hazel in the Philippines during a recent episode of : Before the 90 Days, he took some heat for treating Hazel disrespectfully and coming on a little too strong.One comment that rubbed viewers the wrong way was when Dean expressed concern Hazel may not be enough for Tarik, and during an appearance on a live aftershow hosted by Michelle Collins that aired on Sunday night, Dean explained what he meant by that arguably offensive remark."So, basically, I don't know if they've said this or not, but my brother -- he likes to have multiple women, sexually," Dean revealed."Tell me this: At once or just more like a polyamorous thing?" Michelle asked."It's party time -- at once. All of the time," Dean said.When Dean dropped such a bombshell, Michelle replied, "Oh, damn.""You know what I mean? And I know that. So I just hit a nerve, like, 'Are you ready for this?' Because I know how my brother is. He's down! You know what I'm saying?" Dean shared.Michelle followed up by asking whether Dean had ever been with Tarik for "one of these romps.""I can neither confirm or deny that," Dean said with a huge smile, while avoiding eye contact with Michelle.Dean revealed he and Tarik used to meet women in all different kinds of places and they tend to be "more open-minded" about sexual things these days."I wasn't really tripping about it, but I just wanted to really make sure [Hazel] was ready," Dean insisted.Dean apparently discovered later on that Hazel was "a lot more ready than I thought.""Because she told me that she does go both ways. She is bisexual," Dean disclosed on the live aftershow.Michelle then asked Dean how he feels about Tarik and Hazel's engagement overall considering Tarik was just shown proposing marriage during Sunday night's broadcast of : Before the 90 Days."At first, as you guys saw, [Hazel] was very standoffish, and that was what initially kind of put red flags up in my head. She did not look me in the eye," Dean explained."And listen, I've been in the Marine Corps for 10 years. You've got to look me in the eye when you talk to me or else I'm not going to trust you. I'm not going to believe you; I'm not going to like you. That's how it goes... And that's the way I came at the situation."Dean admitted his strong reaction to Tarik and Hazel's romance "might've been a bit extreme" but he simply felt like he needed to "save" his brother at the time.Dean feared Hazel was just looking for a way to move to the United States given she lived in poverty with her family in the Philippines."I had never seen his eyes so big, and I never saw this side of him before... And in two weeks too! This was, like, really quick!... And he's in real estate and we've got businesses together out here. A lot of our money is tied together," Dean elaborated on why he was so skeptical of Hazel's intentions.Dean said if a woman comes into Tarik's life for the long-term, she must be perfect and worthy of sharing in their joint successes."He loves her. I think he loves her but the idea of her is pushing him more and more," Dean reasoned. "[Tarik] likes [her] morals and what he's seeing."
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Survivors of sexual assault are amplifying their voices louder than ever. In the wake of this cultural movement, listen to the stories sexual assault survivor's are telling. It takes courage to do so.
The defense and aerospace industries may be the key to leading Connecticut out of its job-growth doldrums, according to a Fitch Ratings review of the 2019 Defense Authorization Act.

The 2019 defense budget includes several billion dollars for projects that will impact Connecticut, including $10.6 billion to purchase 77 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. Connecticut-based Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of United Technologies, is part of the partnership that makes the fighters.

The authorizations also include billion-dollar projects for Sikorsky and Electric Boat. Stratford-based Sikorsky is a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin and Electric Boat of Groton is a subsidiary of General Dynamics.

Connecticut is such an integral part of defense, for the Navys plans in particular, said Nicholas Varone, Fitchs associate director for corporate ratings in U.S. aerospace and defense. Its an important state when we talk about defense spending.

A report by the Connecticut Institute for the 21st Century backs up Fitch Ratings conclusions. The Future of Defense Workforce: How Can Connecticut Promote Growth and Retention? details the strength of the defense industry in the state and the ambitious hiring plans by the large companies. Loren Dealy Mahler, a Milford resident and senior fellow with the Institute, prepared the report.

Electric Boat plans to expand its workforce in Connecticut from 11,000 to 18,000 by 2030. The Navy has hinted at increasing the numbers of ships and submarines it will order.

The nuclear submarine will be a focal point of the Navy for a number of years, Varone said. At least as far as we can see on the horizon.

Pratt & Whitney, according to the report, expects to double production by 2020 and again by 2027. It plans to hire 8,000 workers in the next 10 years.

The good news about the defense authorizations go well beyond the big corporations in the state. Smaller manufacturers sprinkled throughout the state make up much of the supply chain for the large companies. Pratt & Whitney, according to the report, gets 85 percent of its engine parts from outside suppliers. Electric Boat has about 450 suppliers in the state and doled out $485 million in contracts to Connecticut manufacturers in the last five years.

The supply base is strong in Connecticut with a significant number of suppliers to support defense, David Petu, Fitchs director of corporate ratings for U.S. aerospace and defense, said.

Finding the workers

Many manufacturers across the state are finding out that its one thing to need to hire employees, but something else to find skilled workers to fill those positions. An aging workforce and lingering perceptions about manufacturing jobs being dirty, low-paid and low-skilled have created a shortfall of workers for the industry.

Thats a concern for the industry as a whole and in Connecticut, Petu said.

The state has addressed the situation by creating programs in community colleges and high schools that train workers for advanced manufacturing jobs. The programs have proven to be highly successful for the companies looking for workers and the trainees seeking employment.

Joseph DeFeo, director of the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center at Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury, said students have a 100 percent placement rate since the center was created in 2012.

Manufacturing is hot throughout the state and country, he said a recent manufacturers roundtable held in Danbury. There are probably more jobs than people to fill them. There are a lot of positions, but people need the right skills. At least at this point, youre guaranteed a job coming from our program.

Connecticut is known to have a highly educated and skilled workforce, but when it comes to manufacturing, the skills often do not match up. The state cannot afford a skills gap as it continues to lag behind the region and country in terms of job recovery from the recession, analysts say.

Connecticut has recovered only 88.5 percent of the jobs lost during the recession that started in 2008, according to the states Department of Labor. Much of that is due to governmental cutbacks as the states private sector has regained 113 percent of the jobs lost, but that still lags well behind that of the region and the U.S.

Connecticut has seen four consecutive months of job gains and the defense industry may play a major role in continuing that momentum. Dealy Mahler, in her defense workforce report, suggested the state increase its support of college and high school training programs and increase the number of manufacturing instructors to include retired or soon-to-retire workers.

The state recognizes the importance of the defense industry and has provided millions of dollars in incentives for the large companies to stay in Connecticut. In September 2016, the state gave Sikorsky $220 million in incentives to keep the helicopter manufacturer in Stratford. In 2014, the state provided $400 million in state tax offsets to United Technology to keep Pratt & Whitney in Connecticut. Also in 2014, Electric Boat received a $10 million loan to expand its facility.

Now boarding

The commercial aerospace industry is jetting along as well, and Connecticut is reaping benefits. Pratt & Whitney makes engines for the Airbus A320 and that craft is facing a large backlog and increased production.

Petu said the commercial aerospace industry is expected to remain strong, barring a global recession that reduces demand for air travel.

You cant discount the health of commercial aerospace  thats a huge part of it, he said. Commercial aviation is very healthy. Aerospace is more cyclical than defense, but it is at its height of backlog and production. We dont expect that to change in the near term.

The writer may be reached at cbosak@hearstmediact.com; 203-731-3338
1. Its named for American financier Charles Tyson Yerkes, who was imprisoned for seven months for misappropriation of funds but is also credited with creating Chicagos L train system, in part through widespread bribery and corruption. Purportedly motivated by a desire to polish his reputation, Yerkes gave University of Chicago money to build the observatory, which opened in 1897.
LITCHFIELD  Litchfield Distillery has introduced a new line of ready-to-drink cocktails in 12-ounce cans, according to a release.

Canned cocktails is a fairly new, rapidly-growing segment of the alcohol beverage market, co-owner Jack Baker said in a release. We wanted to participate early to capitalize on this explosive growth opportunity.

Baker owns the distillery with his brothers, David and Peter Baker.

The distillerys new canned cocktails are The Litchfielder, made with the its award-winning straight bourbon whiskey, and Spiked Lemonade, made with its award-winning vodka.

In addition to bourbon, The Litchfielder features real maple syrup  sourced from Maple Craft Foods in Sandy Hook  and lemon juice.

The Litchfielder is our signature cocktail, so it was the first cocktail recipe we developed for the ready-to-drink cans, David Baker said in the release. Our resident mixologist, Dimitrios Zahariadis, helped us develop and perfect our formulations to ensure consumers would enjoy an authentic cocktail experience.

Soon after the Litchfield Distillery launched in 2015, the owners realized there wasnt a signature cocktail synonymous with the Litchfield County region, they said.

We crowd-sourced cocktail ideas and landed on The Litchfielder, Peter Baker said in the release. Its a straightforward recipe anyone can make. By placing this popular cocktail in a can, we have made it easier to be enjoyed, whether chilled in the can or poured over ice and garnished with fresh lemon or freshly-cut herbs.

In 2017 and 2016, the distillerys Straight Bourbon earned bronze and silver medals respectively from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, deemed the most respected and influential spirits competition worldwide with more than 1,899 submissions in a four-day tasting process, according to the release. The revered bourbon also won a bronze medal at the 2018 New York International Spirits Competition. In the 2017 and 2018 Best Of Connecticut issues of Connecticut Magazine, Litchfield Distillery was voted by readers as offering the Best Bourbon Line.

In addition to vodka, the Spiked Lemonade canned cocktail contains lemon juice and a special blend of natural flavors, according to the release. Its slightly tart and lightly sweetened with a touch of honey from Hilltop Apiaries in Simsbury, the owners explained. The vodka is distilled from corn sourced from Lion Rock Farm in Sharon, and was a silver medal winner in 2017 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a gold medal recipient at the 2018 NY International Spirits Competition.

We crafted this special Spiked Lemonade with real lemon juice, our Connecticut-made Batchers Vodka, and finished it with a special blend of natural flavors, David Baker said. Personally, I love it best when chilled over ice and garnished with fresh citrus fruit.

In May, Litchfield Distillery received international attention when it was named the 2018 CT Distillery of the Year at the New York International Spirits Competition. It is the only international spirits competition judged by real trade buyers, according to the release.

All this recognition is extremely gratifying and humbling, Jack Baker said. Weve built the brand to honor hard work, effort, grit, and determination. And, we all feel the only way to pull that off is to walk the talk. We all possess a good old-fashioned, roll-up-your-sleeves, get-the-job-done philosophy. We believe no job is too small. So were happy to give tours, pour at tasting events, and even mop the floors.

Litchfield Distillery is located at 569 Bantam Road, also known as Route 202. Free tours and tastings are offered on the hour Wednesdays through Sundays between noon and 5 p.m. Advance reservations are requested and can be made by visiting http://www.litchfielddistillery.com or calling 860-361-6503.
Amid mounting tension over the sexual-assault allegations against Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh, Donald Trump Jr. said he is more concerned for his sons than for his daughters.

President Donald Trump's oldest son, who has five children of his own, was speaking about the recent allegations of sexual assault in an interview with DailyMailTV, which is scheduled to air as a two-part series on Monday and Tuesday, according to the Daily Mail. Looking at his own children's futures, he seemed to worry that his sons might someday face false accusations of sexual misconduct.

"I've got boys and I've got girls," he told the British tabloid, "and when I see what's going on right now, it's scary."

Asked whether he was more concerned about his sons or his daughters, Trump Jr. said, "Right now, I'd say my sons."

"The other problem," he added, "is that for people who are real victims of these things, when it is so obviously political in cases like this, it really diminishes the real claims."

A spokesman for Trump Jr. would not provide a comment Monday to The Washington Post about those remarks.

Trump Jr. has been vocal amid the recent discussions and debates about allegations of sexual misconduct and assault. Just two weeks ago, he posted a meme on social media that appeared to mock Christine Blasey Ford, one of Kavanaugh's accusers: Ford has accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her when they were teenagers, and the judge has denied the allegation.

The meme showed a picture of an apparent schoolboy's love note, which was written in crayon and read: "Hi Cindy will you be my girlfreind [sic]." It included two checkboxes - one for "yes" and one for "no" - and was signed, "Love Bret [sic]."

It appeared to be mocking a confidential letter that Ford had sent over the summer to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, detailing her allegations against Kavanaugh. "Oh boy . . . the Dems and their usual nonsense games really have him on the ropes now," Trump Jr. wrote, claiming Feinstein had saved the letter and released it just in time for the confirmation.

"Honorable as always," he added.

During the Ford and Kavanaugh testimonies last week at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Trump Jr. appeared to question Ford, tweeting:

"I'm no psychology professor but it does seem weird to me that someone could have a selective fear of flying.

"Can't do it to testify but for vacation, well it's not a problem at all."

He then showed support for Kavanaugh, saying that he loved the judge's "tone" - which has been characterized as "volcanic."

"I love Kavanaugh's tone," Trump Jr. tweeted. "It's nice to see a conservative man fight for his honor and his family against a 35 year old claim with ZERO evidence and lots of holes that amounts to nothing more than a political hit job by the Dems.

"Others in the GOP should take notice!"

During the recent interview with DailyMailTV, Trump Jr.'s girlfriend, former Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle, said sexual-assault accusers should be heard but their claims should be scrutinized.

"I think it's important, in terms of doing an investigation, to get the facts out there and find out," she said. "It's very tough 35 years later, but it doesn't mean it should be ignored.

"People need to be careful to understand the politics involved as well, and what motivations people may have," she added.
TORRINGTON  With a staff of just five employees, Five Points Gallery has outbid the 22-region EdAdvance consortium to buy the former University of Connecticut Torrington campus.

Nothing has been decided definitely at this point, said galleryExecutive Director Judy McElhone. At this point were in negotiations. Were very excited.

We know its a game changer, McElhone added.

EdAdvance bid $250,000 for the 90-acre property in 2017. By April of this year, the university distributed a Request for Expressions of Interest, asking for more bids. It set a deadline of about four weeks.

It came to our attention that bids were being accepted, McElhone said. We sent our Letter of Intent and it was received by the deadline.

Five Points Gallery submitted a bid of $275,000.

The higher amount took EdAdvance out of the process, said EdAdvances Assistant Executive Director, Jonathan P. Costa.

More for you Torrington gallery wants UConn property

Apparently, the Five Points bid was higher. We are not going to get into a bidding game, Costa noted. We chose not to pursue it beyond our initial offer.

Although weve read media reports in which EdAdvance has said its no longer pursuing the property, UConn hasnt closed the door on that party, wrote University spokesperson Stehpanie Reitz.

The statement continued, UConn remains open to talking with (other parties) if they wish. Five Points has expressed interest, and those conversations are continuing.

The university did not respond to a question as to how an interested party would bid, since the deadline for the letter of request was May 16.

McElhone said there is no word yet on when an agreement with UConn would be signed. Right now the two boards of directors are talking.

The nonprofit organization already has raised $1.5 million in promised donations, McElhone noted, pending a contract agreement with the university.

This would further the reach of Five Points Gallery, McElhone said. She envisions a multi-faceted complex to provide working studios for sculpture, printmaking and ceramics, among other visual art forms.

There would be a link between the downtown gallery and the UConn campus. McElhone said. It would be our northern site with a Think Tank Laboratory for established artists and interns.

The gallerys executive summary, which was submitted to UConn as part of the bidding process, notes that the property presents a rare opportunity for the development of a world class art center. Outstanding established and emerging artists will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, challenge one another and explore fresh creative directions.

The UConn Torrington campus closed in April 2016 after the number of students at the school continued to decrease. According to university records, officials had considered closing the campus as early as 1983.

The property on which the campus was built was donated to the university from the estate of Julia Booker Thompson in the 1960s. Classes began in 1965.

The donation requires that the land be used for educational purposes. Therefore, only bids detailing such a use would be considered, according to UConn documents.

The improved portion of the campus property sits on five acres and contains three buildings. Only one building at this time is being considered for use by Five Points Gallery, a classroom building that covers approximately 30,000 square feet.

Supporters and artists recently joined gallery representatives to tour the campus and the classroom building. I dont know of any place that would have blue chip artists working together. McElhone said It will also be for the public. There will be earthworks and art trails.
Benedict told the Tribune he was standing near the edge of the platform when he felt a hard jab to the back and tumbled to the tracks 5 feet below. He said he looked up and saw a man staring at him. It was like a lion looking at his prey, thats kinda what it looked like to me, Benedict said.
China's President Xi Jinping (L), Russia's President Vladimir Putin (C), and Mongolia's President Khaltmaagiin Battulga (R), attend the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, Sept. 12, 2018.

Warming relations have renewed prospects for delivering Russian energy supplies through Mongolia to China as rising demand competes with historical mistrust.

Hopes for transit through Mongolia appeared to brighten last month following a meeting of the three countries' presidents at Russia's Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.

Mongolian President Khaltmaagin Battulga took the occasion to repeat his appeal for new oil and gas pipeline routes through his country, eliciting a positive response.

"This is all in the works," said Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sept. 12, Interfax reported.

Chinese President Xi Jinping's reaction to the pipeline plan was not reported, but in a speech at the forum, Xi called for regional cross-border links.

"We need to make connectivity a priority. We need transnational infrastructure," Xi said, according to Platts Commodity News.

"Based on the principles of mutual trust, ... China is willing to work with Mongolia to seize opportunities, remove interferences and solidly carry out exchanges," Xi said earlier in June.

In a further sign of improving relations, contingents from both China and Mongolia joined in Russia's massive Vostok-18 military exercises in Siberia last month.

In June, the three countries agreed to establish a "China- Russia-Mongolia economic corridor." Last month, Battulga also hailed China's cooperation on a high-voltage transmission project as the start of a Northeast Asian electricity grid.

According to a recent report by Mongolia's English-language UB Post, a cooperation agreement has been signed for a trans-Mongolian gas pipeline project by China Railway 25th Bureau Group Co., Ltd. and a Chinese investment company "that could not be identified in English."

No further details on the agreement have been available.

Support for Mongolian energy transit has been building since the first trilateral meeting in 2014 with then-President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

That meeting followed two weeks after Xi's icebreaking visit to Ulan Bator, marking the first trip by a Chinese president to neighboring Mongolia in 11 years.

Four years of bridge building have so far produced a series of optimistic statements on the pipeline possibilities but, so far, few results.

"We generally support the idea," Putin said in June during the last trilateral meeting. "But of course, as always in such cases, you need to thoroughly work out the feasibility," he said at the last SCO summit in China's port city of Qingdao.

Complicating factors

Behind each of the positive statements are a series of complicating factors and considerations that have slowed developments down.

From Russia's standpoint, building a gas pipeline across the Mongolian steppe is likely to be faster and easier than completing its planned 2,800-kilometer (1,740-mile) western route through a narrow corridor to Xinjiang over the remote Ukok Plateau of the Altai Mountains.

Among other problems, the Altai nature reserve area has been designated as a world heritage site by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

The proposed mountain route through the Kanas Pass is said to be at an elevation of 2,650 meters (8,690 feet).

Despite the drawbacks, Russia's monopoly Gazprom has pushed the Altai project for over a decade as its preferred option to supply China, even as it rushes to complete its 4,000-kilometer (2,485-mile) Power of Siberia eastern route.

The giant pipeline is scheduled to open in December 2019.

The Power of Siberia line is designed to deliver 38 billion cubic meters (1.3 trillion cubic feet) of gas per year while the Altai project would supply 30 billion cubic meters annually.

A Mongolia route could break the Altai impasse, avoiding both the mountains and restive Xinjiang, which already has a surplus of resources and pipelines.

"I don't think the Chinese are particularly interested in Altai, in spite of the change in rhetoric," said Edward Chow, senior fellow for energy and national security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

Chow said the project would "get gas to the wrong place" in China, far from its biggest consuming markets in the east.

"From an energy supply and logistics point of view, it strikes me that Mongolia makes more sense," he said.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) and Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga (R) attend the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, Sept. 12, 2018. Credit: Reuters In the works

But Russia's reports on a Mongolian option stress that all of its gas routes "are direct pipelines from Russia to China without transit states."

The argument makes Putin's comment that something is "in the works" all the more remarkable, suggesting that Russia's policy on the Altai route could be subject to change.

When asked about the Altai plan at the Vladivostok meeting, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak told Reuters that President Xi had set the task of "concluding the agreement of a contract on gas supplies ... in the nearest future."

"All the technical conditions have been agreed," Novak said, repeating a statement that Russian officials have been making for years.

Officials said they had been tasked with signing a contract for gas supplies from the western route by the end of this year, but the completion of the Altai pipeline was originally set for 2015.

From China's standpoint, the openings to Mongolia have been aimed at steadily building trust with investment in projects such as renovating Ulan Bator's shantytown districts.

The unusual aid for a social welfare project in a neighboring country may be needed to overcome historic resentment in Mongolia, which gained independence from China in 1911. Past reports suggest that China's commercial mining investments in Mongolia have stirred public anger.

"From the steppe to the streets of the capital, Ulan Bator, Mongolians evince a distrust of Chinese," the Associated Press reported in 2012. "Almost everyone says China is stealing Mongolia's coal."

Leaning towards Russia

Although China is Mongolia's top trading partner, the country has leaned heavily toward Russia since Soviet times.

In the past, mistrust between Mongolia and China has worked both ways with regard to energy transit.

Before Russia opened a direct branch to China for oil exports from its East Siberia-Pacific Ocean (ESPO) pipeline in 2011, it tried to supply China through two Trans-Siberian Railway routes.

Most of the oil traffic was routed through the more distant Zabaikalsk border crossing with China to the east, avoiding Mongolia, while smaller volumes were shipped across Mongolia through the Naushki crossing in southern Siberia.

After a series of complaints over high tariff costs on both routes, the Mongolia traffic was halted entirely in 2007 amid reports that China considered it less secure. The border between the two countries is 4,700 kilometers (2,920 miles) long.

A decade later, Russian energy supplies and routes to China have increased dramatically along with Chinese demand, particularly for gas.

China's gas consumption rose 15 percent last year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), and increased by 17.5 percent in the first half of 2018 as the government pursued its push for cleaner-burning fuels.

The question is whether conditions have changed enough for China to rely on Mongolian transit.

In an interview, Chow said the statements at the latest meeting of the three presidents should not necessarily be taken as signs of progress on either the Altai or Mongolian supply routes.

"My instinct is that every time Xi and Putin meet, they have to announce something, and gas seems to be one of the favorite topics," he said. "They can't meet and not have something to announce."

Moscow has continued to press its case for the Altai project because it would rely on its well-developed resource base in Western Siberia, which also serves Europe, spurring competition for Russian gas.

But Chow said that China wants nothing to do with the Russian strategy.

"It does nothing for the Chinese," he said.
Cambodias Supreme Court on Monday rejected the defamation conviction of deputy secretary-general of the National Election Committee (NEC) Ny Chakrya citing a lack of evidence, ordering the countrys Appeal Court to hold a retrial of his case.



The Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicted Ny Chakrya on charges of defamation, malicious denunciation, and for comments intended to unlawfully coerce judicial authorities under Articles 305, 311, and 522 of Cambodias Criminal Code in a Sept. 22, 2016 decision, ordering him to serve six months in prison and pay a fine of six million riel (U.S. $1,460).



The 2016 conviction followed a complaint by an investigating judge and a deputy prosecutor at the Siem Reap Provincial Court over comments Ny Chakrya allegedly made at two May 2015 press conferences for local rights group Adhocwhere he was a staffer at the timecalling for an investigation into legal irregularities related to a land dispute.



The conviction was upheld in a Dec. 15, 2016 decision by the Appeal Court.



On Monday, Supreme Court president Kong Srim ruled that neither of the lower courts proved that Ny Chakrya had made the comments he was accused of and ordered the Appeal Court to hold a retrial.



Speaking to RFAs Khmer Service, Ny Chakryas lawyer Sam Sokong welcomed the court decision.



I hope the Appeal Court will drop all of the charges against my client, he said.



Am Sam Ath, the head of investigations for local rights group Licadho, also applauded Mondays ruling and suggested that international pressure on Prime Minister Hun Sen to release all political prisoners could result in the dismissal of Ny Chakryas case.



I hope the Appeal Court will render justice for him and drop all charges, he said.



In a statement, local rights group Licadho noted several other discrepancies in the Supreme Court trial, including the absence of the civil parties and their lawyers at the hearings, which it said had denied Ny Chakrya the right to confront his accusersas was the case with the municipal court proceedings.



Ny Chakryas right to prepare and conduct his defense at Phnom Penh Municipal Court and the Appeal Court was also hampered as he was held in pre-trial detention at the time, accused of being an accomplice to bribery in a separate politically-motivated case, the group said.



Ny Chakrya and four Adhoc members were taken into custody in 2016 after being questioned by the countrys Anti-Corruption Unit amid accusations they had bribed a woman to deny that she had an affair with Kem Sokha, president of the now-dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP).



Last week, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court delivered suspended five-year sentences to the five in a decision that international rights groups slammed as an example of Cambodias government using the courts to crack down on the work of civil society groups.



Licadho noted on Monday that Ny Chakryas case marked the first use of Article 522publication of commentaries intended to coerce judicial authoritieswhich was added to Cambodias penal code in 2010 over objections from civil society groups who said it violates freedom of speech and criminalizes legitimate advocacy work in support of judicial reforms.



Verdict upheld



Also on Monday, the Supreme Court upheld the Appeal Courts decision which found that state security forces were not responsible for provoking violence against activists during a 2013 protest in Phnom Penh over the forced eviction of some 3,500 families from the Boeung Kak Lake community to make way for a development project with close ties to Hun Sen and his ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).



The evictees had held a hunger strike calling for a resolution to a dispute over the land, but were confronted by armed security personnel, who they say attacked them, leaving nearly a dozen people injuredsix severely.



The courts have said that there is no way to track down the perpetrators of the violence.



Gneth Khun, an activist from the Boeung Kak Lake community known as Grandma Mummy, told RFA that she was distraught over Mondays ruling by the Supreme Court, which she said was biased towards the perpetrators.



The Supreme Court is very unjustit ruled in favor of their people, based on favoritism and corruption, she said.



Gneth Khun, who is nearly 80 years old and suffered injuries to her head and chest from slingshot missiles during the attack, said that five years of pursuing justice in vain had caused her to lose faith in the courts at all levels.



The activists who were injured in the confrontation said they will discuss with their lawyer whether to file a complaint with international human rights organizations as part of a bid to pursue their case.



Am Sam Ath told RFA that the court is applying a double standard by claiming that authorities cannot locate the people responsible for attacking the land activists, when witnesses claim the security forces were at fault.



This is an injustice for the victims, who were violently and intentionally attacked by the police and security forces, causing many serious injuries, he said.



Still, the courts claim that the perpetrators of the attack are unknown. This is a form of impunity.



Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Sok Ry Sum and Nareth Muong. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
Hong Kong marked the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Monday with protests over curbs on its traditional freedoms, as pro-independence protesters were denied entry to a public square by police.



More than 1,000 people marched to a protest outside government headquarters on Civic Square in protest at growing curbs on freedom of expression in the city, as well as reports of shoddy safety and construction standards on key infrastructure projects.



Police denied entry to the rally, organized by the pro-democracy Civil Human Rights Front, to protesters holding a placard which read: "Without independence, Hong Kong will turn into China," but let the group in after the placard was discarded, local media reported.



A protester who gave only his surname Lee said he had attended out of protest that the city was marking National Day at all.



"We don't recognize the Communist Party's National Day," Lee said. "They say it's a national celebration, but we say it's a national tragedy."



"We don't think that the Communist Party is a legitimate government of the people, but one that overthrew a people's government through violent revolution," he said.



A protester also surnamed Lee said she fears the growing "communization" of Hong Kong's political life.



"Everything is getting very China-like, whether that be in politics, society or people's livelihood," she said, adding that the failure of the 2014 Umbrella Movement to achieve fully democratic elections had sparked a harsh backlash and the suppression of dissenting voices from the authorities.



Further up the coast, dozens of protesters led by the League of Social Democrats (LSD) held up banners protesting curbs on the city's traditional freedoms during the official flag-raising ceremony in Golden Bauhinia Square to mark Chinese National Day.



"Speech is not a crime!" the protesters chanted, and in a response to planned sedition laws: "Smash Article 23!"



The protesters then held a minute's silence for late political prisoner and Nobel peace laureate Liu Xiaobo, before chanting "There is no National Day celebration!" and "Still no Redress For June 4," in a reference to the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre.



Both protests hit out at government plans to impose national security legislation which could criminalize political opinions Beijing has ruled invalid in the guise of subversion and sedition laws.



'One country'



The protests came days after the city's government announced a ban on the pro-independence Hong Kong National Party (HKNP), prompting widespread criticism from pro-democracy politicians and international rights groups.



The HKNP is the first political party to be banned since Hong Kong was handed back to China in 1997.



Chief executive Carrie Lam said the "one country, two systems" framework promised by Beijing before the handover should place more emphasis on "one country" than previously.



"Now that Hong Kong has returned to China, it is all the more important for us to firmly uphold China's sovereignty, security and development interests," Lam said.



"In practice, we must establish a strong sense of 'one country,' firmly observe the principle of 'one country' and correctly handle the relationship between [Hong Kong] and the central government," she said.



LSD chairman Avery Ng said her speech appeared to confirm the worst fears of Hong Kong people, that "one country" would trump "two systems" under Chinese rule.



"This is where we are at right now in Hong Kong: we are moving away from democratic reform while freedom of speech is being suppressed," Ng told RFA. "The list of political topics that can be debated is getting shorter and shorter, to the extent that that we can't even discuss a basic infrastructure project."



"Carrie Lam is now respecting 'one country' to such an extent that I don't know what she has ever done to benefit the people of Hong Kong," he said. "She has done nothing."



Reported by Lau Siu-fung for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Jing Yuan for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Environmentalists and local residents stage a protest at the entrance of the Myitsone hydropower dam site in northern Myanmar's Kachin state, March 14, 2014.

Civil society organizations and local residents have called on the Myanmar government to cancel the U.S. $3.6 billion Chinese-financed Myitsone Dam on the Irrawaddy River in Kachin state, put on hold in 2011 following public opposition to the controversial hydropower project.

More than 1,000 environmentalists and villagers urged officials to abandon plans for the 6,000-megawatt dam during a ceremony on Sunday at the confluence of the Mali and N'Mai rivers to mark the seventh anniversary of the temporary suspension of the project by former President Thein Sein.

The two rivers that converge in Myitsone outside Kachin states capital Myitkyina form the source of the Irrawaddy River, which traverses Myanmar from north to south.

The dam project was suspended amid protests over its enormous flooding area and detrimental environmental impacts as well as anger over the fact that 90 percent of its electricity was to be exported to China.

Local residents said they are worried about the government restarting the project because no one is allowed to enter the area, and employees from the Chinese development company have convinced some villagers that the dam should be built.

Although it is said that the Myitsone Dam project has been suspended, nobody can go into this project area, even into the farms that are close to it, resident Hsai Naw told RFAs Myanmar Service.

We love the Irrawaddy River and value Myitsone, he said. Thats why we dont want this dam project at all.

Chinese-backed companies are the largest foreign investors in Myanmar, but their heavy-handed tactics when it comes to exploiting Myanmars natural resources have sparked vehement public opposition.

In December 2017, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, the leader of Myanmars Catholic Church, told congregants during an evening prayer service at a church in Kachin states Tanphaye village that all citizens should object to the dam project because it could destroy the country's economy and social fabric.

This project shouldnt be completed, he said at the time. It can destroy not only Kachin state, but also the entire country.

China is eager to see the Myanmar government allow construction of the dam  one of the largest Chinese infrastructure projects approved by a former military junta that ruled the country until 2011.

State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, who as opposition leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD) party was one of the dams most vocal opponents, assured Chinese leaders after the NLD won the 2015 general elections that Myanmar was willing to come up with an appropriate resolution that would suit both countries.

Myanmar has also come under pressure from China to resume construction plans on the stalled project as the Southeast Asian country becomes more economically dependent on its larger neighbor to fund infrastructure development and as its relations with the West deteriorate amid criticism of the treatment of Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state.

Myanmar also needs Chinas cooperation in peace negotiations with ethnic armed insurgents who operate along its northern borders with China in Kachin and Shan states.

But both sides have yet to reach an agreement on a solution to the dam project, and Aung San Suu Kyis government appears to have let the issue slide to the back burner to avoid any harm to its economic relations with China.

Reported by Kyaw Thu for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Myanmar President Win Myint in June threw his strong support behind a renewed campaign against corruption in Myanmar, which is ranked 130th  tied with Sierra Leone, Ukraine, Gambia and Iran -- in the latest Corruption Perception Index published by the watchdog group Transparency International, covering the year 2016. Transparency International has recognized slow but steady improvement in Myanmar over the past five years. Kyaw Min Htun of RFAs Myanmar Service interviewed Anti-Corruption Commission Chairman Aung Kyi, who said that while his official watchdog can resist pressure from outside organizations while conducting its work, it has no authority to investigate the countrys powerful military.

RFA: What is the worst sector for corruption?

Aung Kyi: Corruption hurts our countrys economy, administration system, politics, society and culture. Based on complaint reports, the worst sector is (government) administration.

RFA: Have you received complaint reports about top level officials, such as directors general and directors?

Aung Kyi: Yes, We received some and we took action against them.

RFA: Most ministers are getting older and they are busy with meetings and state ceremonies, so the directors general and permanent secretaries are running the ministries. On this point, does the Anti-Corruption Commission have any plan to work to avoid waste in the state budget, and in order to serve people?

Aung Kyi: Yes, we have an anti-corruption strategy. As there can be some weak points in the rules and regulations that enable corruption in government departments, we are trying to work on these with a corruption risk assessment and I think corruption will be reduced by about 25 percent if we can apply this assessment.

RFA: October is the end of the budget year. There are a lot of business tenders as well as more corruption cases in the beginning of a new budget year than other period. How are you going to control corruption at this important time?

Aung Kyi: According to the fourth amendment of the Anti-Corruption Law, our commission has the authority to control this situation. We will use TV and newspapers to educate people who are involved in these tenders, including government departments, officials and businesses on how to follow the laws and rules. We have also discussed writing a code of conduct for companies and businessmen at the same time. Once it is finished, we will release it as an order. We are also working together with several government departments to form anti- corruption units.

RFA: People have been saying that your commission was forced to stop investigating Planning and Finance Minister Kyaw Wins corruption case. Is that true? Do you get any coercion from other organizations and institutions when you are conducting your duties?

Aung Kyi: That is not true and we didnt face coercion from any organization. Even if we were coerced, we wont accept pressure to do or not to do something. We have the right to investigate people and decide whether to take action. We will investigate people who are reported and take action against them if we receive concrete evidence.

RFA: You were former general and worked as an information minister in the previous military government. There was a report on military officials in Hpakant of Kachin State last year and action was taken. Does the commission receive reports on military officers and, if so, do you investigate them and take action against them?

Aung Kyi: We dont receive any complaint reports on the military. According to the constitution, the military has the right and authority to manage its corruption cases by itself. Our commission has no right to investigate cases committed by military officials.

Translated by Khet Mar.
The EPA is taking an existing rule that doesnt do enough and making it worse, said Brian Urbaszewski, director of environmental health at the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. You are actively encouraging filthy coal plants to pollute years or even decades more into the future. You have proposed a system that would allow them to avoid cleanup requirements, run more often and massively increase the pollution they can put out every year. You are choosing to let more people get sick and die.
Vietnamese political prisoner Tran Thi Nga was refused permission to see her husband and children on Saturday when her family came to visit, a move intended to punish her for refusing to follow prison rules, her husband told RFAs Vietnamese Service.



Prison authorities told me that she had not followed prison rules and has refused to admit guilt [in the charge for which she was convicted], so they would not let her see us, Phan Van Phong told RFA on Sept. 29.



I asked them to at least let her see her children, but they just said no, he said.



Prisoners in Vietnam are normally allowed monthly visits with their families according to prison rules.



Nga, 40, was sentenced in July 2017 to nine years in prison for spreading propaganda against the state under Article 88 of Vietnams penal code, a provision frequently used to silence dissident bloggers and other activists.



Her appeal was rejected in December.



Now held at Gia Trung prison in Gia Lai province in Vietnams Central Highlands, Nga told her husband in August she had been beaten and threatened with death by a cellmate assigned to her by authorities, Phong told RFA in an earlier report.



Phong then appealed for her protection in a petition sent to Gia Trung prison, the ministry of police, the supreme peoples procurator, Gia Lai province judicial authorities, and international organizations, he said.



Vietnams one-party communist government currently holds at least 130 political prisoners, including rights advocates and bloggers deemed threats to national security, Human Rights Watch says.



It also controls all media, censors the internet, and restricts basic freedoms of expression.



Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Viet Ha. Written in English by Richard Finney.
Macedonia's weekend referendum on changing its name as part of a deal to end a decades-old dispute with neighboring Greece fell short of the 50 percent turnout required to make the nonbinding vote valid.

The name change is part of an effort to clear a path toward Macedonia's eventual admission into NATO and the European Union, and government reaction, as well as that of some key outsiders, appears eager to shed the impression that the setback at the ballot box was anything but a win.

Among the roughly 37 percent of eligible Macedonians who voted, the measure reportedly received strong support, prompting Prime Minister Zoran Zaev to vow to "do everything" to forge ahead with changing the country's name to the Republic of North Macedonia.

The situation raises several questions. Here are some of them:

Why was the turnout so low, and what was the intended message of snubbing the vote?

Many voters appeared to stay home after being urged to do so by the main opposition VMRO-DPMNE party, whose leader, Hristijan Mickoski, said after the vote that the result was a warning from the people that the government should abort the agreement.

Analysts see other reasons as well.

Florian Bieber, a professor of Southeast European studies at the University of Graz in Austria, told RFE/RL that there is also a small group of far-left Macedonians opposed to joining NATO. In addition, he said, "there are quite a few of the eligible voters who don't live in Macedonia anymore and voting for them would be difficult."

Macedonian journalist Xhelal Neziri of the Center for Investigative Journalism SKUP is of the opinion that a majority of those who did not vote wanted to "punish" Zaev's ruling party for failing to keep its election promises, including a pledge to reduce unemployment. Neziri also suggested that foreign influence from countries including Russia, which opposes NATO expansion, might have played a role.

The results among the minority who voted showed resounding support for the agreement -- 91.5 percent -- prompting a defiant Zaev to suggest he could nevertheless seek the required two-thirds majority in the 120-seat parliament for the name change and related constitutional changes by next week. He warned that if rejected by lawmakers, his only option would be to trigger early elections. Other government officials have hinted that he can count on the support of just 71 deputies -- nine short of the two-thirds mark. Can Zaev secure sufficient support among lawmakers?

The odds of Zaev succeeding in parliament are slim but possible, Bieber speculated. "Above all, he will have to convince the opposition VMRO-DPMNE to support such a constitutional change, which seems quite difficult considering their rejection of the agreement." It's not impossible, he said, adding that while "maybe some MPs from the VMRO-DPMNE party will break up to give a two-thirds majority, I think at this moment early elections seem like the more likely outcome."

Would early elections delay or endanger the implementation of the agreement with Greece, which is the paramount requirement for Macedonia's membership in NATO and the EU?

According to Bieber, it's unclear whether a new parliament resulting from early elections would be more likely to ratify the deal.

"The agreement is only implemented if Macedonia ratifies it, and that is something which will require some cooperation from the opposition either before or after the election," Bieber said. "Whether or not that will be the case seems entirely unclear."

Political analyst Mitko Gadzovski, from the Faculty of Political Science and Diplomacy in Skopje, said early elections could be scheduled for next month, most likely for November 25, as Zaev has indicated.

Zaev, Greece, the European Union, and the United States have hailed the result as a clear indication that Macedonians favor the deal, which would bring one of the poorest countries in the region tantalizingly close to EU and NATO membership. How can the referendum be considered a "success"?

Macedonia's economy is still sputtering after two years of financial crisis, with a 20 percent unemployment rate and a $400 average monthly salary and the public clearly frustrated. So it is unclear that the government can take anything for granted.

The U.S. State Department, meanwhile, said Macedonian "citizens expressed their support for NATO and European Union membership by accepting" the so-called Prespa agreement and urged Macedonia's leaders "to rise above partisan politics and seize this historic opportunity."

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg tweeted that he "welcome[d] the yes vote" and urged "all political leaders & parties to engage constructively & responsibly to seize this historic opportunity."

EU foreign-policy chief Federica Mogherini and Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn cited "an overwhelming majority of those who exercised their right to vote" saying "yes" to the name change and "their European path."

But critics might suggest the government misplaced its faith.

"It's a clear failure because the referendum, legally speaking, is not valid and as a result it has failed," Bieber said. "Now, that didn't mean that there is a clear majority against the agreement. But neither is it a clear mandate because of the failure of the referendum. So it is a failure."

Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman warned that Moscow was "observing closely and of course think that all the processes should remain within the framework of the law."
Sibghatullah Mojadedi, Mohammad Mohaqiq, and Mohammad Khan are among Afghanistan's most prominent onetime hard-line Islamists. But the former warlords' credentials have been questioned by some Afghans after they attended a celebration marking Chinese communism in Kabul.

The three gray-bearded men, clad in traditional Afghan garb, were photographed attending a dance performance at the Chinese Embassy, where Chinese women performed acrobatic dances in skin-tight clothing. The act was part of a September 29 ceremony marking the anniversary of the formation of Communist China in 1949.

As the photos of the event were revealed on September 30, the irony was not lost on many Afghan social-media users.

Mojadedi, Mohaqiq, and Khan were prominent commanders of the mujahedin, the Islamist militant groups who fought against the Soviet and Afghan communist forces in the 1980s and seized power from 1992-96 during the country's devastating civil war.

The mujahedin enforced an Islamic dress code in Kabul and women who wore makeup or failed to cover their heads were threatened and sometimes beaten. Some women also lost their jobs, as some occupations were considered un-Islamic.

Photos on social media captured the attendance of Mojadedi, a former president during mujahedin rule; Mohaqiq, a former warlord from the mainly Shi'ite Hazara community and the second vice president of Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah; and Khan, Abdullah's first vice president and a senior member of the Hizb-e Islami party that was accused of being behind instances of acid being thrown in women's faces in the 1970s and 80s.

The three men cut a large cake with representatives from the Chinese Embassy and then took their seats to watch the show among other senior Afghan government officials.

Ismail Miakhail, a BBC reporter, mocked the three men on Facebook on September 30: "Subhanullah [Glory to God!] Former Afghan jihadist leaders watching Chinese dancers & cutting cake in Chinese embassy Kabul."

One Twitter user accused the three men of "hypocrisy":

Another Twitter user, who described himself as a freelance journalist, joined in:

Twitter user Abdugheni Sabit, who describes himself as an activist for Uyghur rights, wrote:

It was unclear if the three men were aware that the ceremony at the embassy was to feature the dance performance.
The Iranian Health Ministry says the death toll in a recent spate of incidents involving bootleg alcohol has increased to 42.

Ministry spokesman Iraj Harirchi said on October 1 that a total of 460 people in five provinces were hospitalized in the past three weeks after drinking tainted liquor.

Harirchi said that 16 went blind and 170 people underwent dialysis.

Mohammad Sadegh Akbari, the chief justice in the southern province of Hormozgan, said that seven people have so far been detained for alleged involvement in producing and selling the tainted drink.

Last week, police in the port city of Bandar Abbas, which is located in Hormozgan, said they arrested a couple for allegedly producing homemade alcohol, as well as the suspected distributor of the tainted liquor.

Deaths from bootleg alcohol were also reported in North Khorasan, Alborz, and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad Provinces.

Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, alcohol has been banned in Iran and punishable by floggings and cash fines.

Despite the strict alcohol ban, many Iranians drink foreign and homemade alcoholic beverages that are available on the black market.

In recent years, several cases of fatal alcohol poisoning have been reported.

Last month, four people, including a woman, died after drinking bootleg alcohol in the city of Karaj, west of Tehran.

ISNA quoted a judiciary official as saying that nearly 40 people were hospitalized after the poisonings, which occurred on September 11.

Iranian officials estimate that up to 80 million liters of alcohol worth $730 million are smuggled into the country every year.

With the recent collapse in the value of the national currency, the rial, Iranians may be turning to homemade alcohol over more expensive foreign imports, according to the BBC.

Since 2014, Iran has opened treatment centers for alcoholics.

With reporting by reporting by ILNA and the BBC
Slovakias state prosecutor has charged a fourth person in connection with the murder of a Slovak investigative journalist and his fiancee  a double killing that brought thousands of protesters into the streets and toppled the government of former Prime Minister Robert Fico in March.

Andrea Predajnova, a spokeswoman for the prosecutors office, said a 44-year-old woman identified as A.Z. was charged on September 30 with the extremely serious crime of complicity in a murder.

Slovak media reports said the woman is accused of ordering the murder of journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancee, Martina Kusnirova, on February 21.

But a lawyer for Kuciaks family said the woman was thought to be more of an intermediary because the murderer absolutely could not know who ordered the crime.

Kuciak had been investigating alleged links between Italian organized criminal groups and Slovak politicians when he and Kusnirova were shot dead at their home in Bratislava.

Both victims were 27 years old.

The three other suspects charged in the case were detained on September 27 during a house raid by Slovak police.

A court on September 30 ruled that all four suspects should remain in custody on grounds that they might engage in criminal activity or try to influence witnesses if they are freed on bail.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP
A German court has approved the extradition to Belgium of an Iranian diplomat arrested on suspicion of terrorism.

Assadollah Assadi was based in Austria before his July detention in Germany, where a court said on October 1 that his diplomatic immunity did not apply.

"The suspect cannot cite diplomatic immunity because he was on a several-day holiday trip outside of his host state, Austria, and not travelling between his host country and the state that dispatched him," the Superior Regional Court in the Bavarian city of Bamberg said in a statement.

It was not immediately clear when Assadi, who was accredited as a counsellor at the Iranian Embassy in Vienna, would be handed over to Belgian authorities, who accuse him of being part of an alleged plot to bomb an Iranian opposition rally in France.

The man will be held in a German prison until then.

Belgian authorities accuse Assadi of being part of an alleged plot to bomb an Iranian opposition rally in France.

Iran has denied the existence of any such plot, with Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying the allegations aimed at damaging EU-Iran relations."

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi on October 1 criticized the German court decision, saying, "We hope that the German government promptly realizes the realities in this case and sends the diplomat back to Iran," according to the semiofficial ISNA news agency.

A total of four Western European countries -- France, Belgium, Austria, Luxembourg, and Germany -- are so far involved in the story of the alleged plot.

On June 30, Iranian opposition supporters gathered in the Paris suburb of Villepinte for a rally of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), a Paris-based umbrella bloc of opposition groups that back the overthrow of Iran's clerical leadership.

That day in Brussels, law enforcement authorities apprehended two Belgian nationals of Iranian origin -- a husband and wife -- with 500 grams of explosive and a detonation device found in their car.

The two were described as Belgian nationals of Iranian origin known as Amir A. and Nasimeh N.

Meanwhile, French police detained an alleged accomplice of the pair, identified as Merhad A., in the French capital. He was also described as a Belgian national of Iranian descent.

And Assadi was taken into custody on July 1 near the Bavarian city of Aschaffenburg on an European arrest warrant.

German prosecutors allege that Assadi is an intelligence agent who met in late June with the husband and wife team in Luxembourg, where he handed the couple the explosives.

His arrest triggered diplomatic protests, with the Austrian Foreign Ministry summoning the Iranian ambassador in Vienna, and the Iranian Foreign Ministry summoning envoys from France, Germany, and Belgium.

With reporting by AP, dpa, AFP, and the BBC
The head of the Pakistani-administered Kashmir region says Indian troops on September 30 shot at his helicopter from across the Line of Control that serves as a de facto border in the disputed region.

Farooq Haider Khan, the prime minister of the Azad Kashmir region that is controlled by Pakistan, said in a statement: The Indian Army fired to show that Pakistan had violated their airspace.

Khan said that when the firing took place, his civilian helicopter was within our own airspace.

Lieutenant-Colonel Devender Anand, a spokesman for Indias army, confirmed that Indian ground troops fired at a helicopter around noon on September 30.

He said the Pakistani helicopter violated Indian airspace along the Line of Control in the Poonch district of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.

It could likely have been a civilian helicopter, Anand said. It was flying very high. The air sentries at a forward location had engaged it with small arms.

Khan was not injured in the incident, which is likely to further fray relations between Pakistan and India.

Pakistans new Prime Minister Imran Khan has made diplomatic overtures to India since taking office in August, promising to improve ties between Islamabad and New Delhi.

But relations have deteriorated in recent weeks amid high-profile diplomatic disputes.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP
ZHANAOZEN, Kazakhstan -- A Kazakh activist who was imprisoned for organizing an oil workers' strike that ended with a deadly police crackdown has been buried following his death from cancer.

Maqsat Dosmaghambetov, who claimed he was tortured in jail, died at the age of 35 last week and was buried in the southwestern city of Zhanaozen on October 1.

Hundreds of oil workers, rights activists, friends, relatives, and colleagues attended a funeral ceremony held near Dosmaghambetov's home.

Dosmaghambetov was one of several activists who were imprisoned for organizing a monthslong strike in Zhanaozen in 2011.

Police moved to disperse the unarmed protesters that December, fatally shooting at least 16 people in a crackdown that was condemned by Kazakh and international human rights groups.

Dozens of activists and several police officers and local officials were tried and sentenced to prison over the protest and the response.

Several leading independent and opposition media outlets were banned by President Nursultan Nazarbaev's government following the Zhanaozen crackdown.

Dosmaghambetov was convicted in 2012 of "organizing public disturbances" and sentenced to six years in prison.

He was the first of 22 defendants in the case who accused guards at a detention center of torture.

Their claims were rejected by a court, but a medical examination revealed that Dosmaghambetov's jaw and one of his ribs were broken.

Doctors who later examined his swollen jaw diagnosed him with cancer.

Oil workers had initially called for the funeral ceremony to be held in Zhanaozen's central square or at a new mosque in the city, but it was held near his home instead.

Nazarbaev, 78, has been in power in the energy-rich Central Asian country since before the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.

Rights activists and critics say Nazarbaev has persistently suppressed dissent, prolonged his time in office through undemocratic votes, and used the levers of power to neutralize potential opponents.
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Hundreds of oil workers, rights activists, friends, relatives, and colleagues attended the funeral of Maqsat Dosmaghambetov, who died of cancer aged 35 shortly after serving a six-year prison sentence.
SKOPJE -- Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev has vowed to keep pushing for a change to the Balkan nation's name to end a decades-old dispute with neighboring Greece despite the failure of a referendum on the move to secure the required 50 percent voter turnout.



Only 36.9 percent of the countrys 1.8 million eligible voters cast ballots in the September 30 non-binding referendum as election officials continued to tally results on October 1.

With more than 98.6 percent of polling stations reporting, it was clear the legal threshold to make the vote valid would not be reached.



But with results also showing resounding support of 91.5 percent among those who did vote, a defiant Zaev said he "will do everything" to forge ahead with changing the country's name to the Republic of North Macedonia, as a way to resolve the dispute with Greece and clear the way for Macedonia's possible entrance into NATO and the European Union.



"Let's not play games," he said late on September 30.



"Let's not play with our future. This issue is bigger than anything else, bigger than party interests. We have an obligation to make Macedonia a better place, otherwise the option that remains is early parliamentary elections right away," he added.



President Gjorge Ivanov and opposition members of parliament led a boycott of the name change, calling such a move a "criminal act" which was "clearly" rejected by voters.

"Do not try to change this reality. Do not underestimate the sovereign will of the Macedonian people," Ivanov said in a televised address. "And the reality is that the referendum is unsuccessful."

But like Zaev, Western leaders and the UN chief also tried to put a positive spin on the outcome, glossing over the turnout issue and instead focusing on the resounding "yes" those that did manage to cast ballots gave the accord.

In a statement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged "all political forces" in Macedonia to proceed with the implementation of the agreement with Greece "through the country's institutions."

The European Union's enlargement commissioner, Johannes Hahn, and the bloc's foreign-policy chief, Federica Mogherini, said in a statement that "an overwhelming majority of those who exercised their right to vote said yes," to the agreement and their European path.

"The parliament will now be called upon to proceed with the next steps for the implementation of the name agreement by deciding on the adoption of the constitutional changes," the statement, which made no reference at all to turnout, said.

"This is a historic opportunity not only for reconciliation in the region, but also for decisively moving the country forward on its European Union path. It is for all political and institutional actors now to act within their constitutional responsibilities beyond party political lines. The European Union will continue to fully support and accompany the country, its institutions, and all its citizens.

In a joint statement, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and European Council President Donald Tusk said the agreement between Athens and Skopje created a chance for the country to join the transatlantic and European community, and called on Macedonian politicians to "seize this historic opportunity."

The U.S. State Department too failed to note the turnout issue, saying in a statement it welcomed the results and that it "strongly supports" the full implementation of the accord between Macedonia and Greece, "which will allow Macedonia to take its rightful place in NATO and the EU, contributing to regional stability, security, and prosperity."

Russia, which opposes NATO expansion eastward, said that the low turnout in Macedonia's referendum "does not permit to call the vote successful."

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said that Macedonian voters "preferred to boycott the decisions roughly forced upon Skopje and Athens."

"There is a clear drive to ensure Skopje's entanglement in NATO despite the will of the Macedonian people," it added.

Given the success of efforts to suppress turnout, analysts say Zaev faces a difficult test to muster enough support in parliament to push his agenda through.



Officials in Zaev's government have said they have 71 parliamentary deputies ready to approve a constitutional amendment accepting the name change, short of the two-thirds majority, or 80 votes in parliament, needed to amend the constitution.



Florian Bieber, a professor of Southeast European studies at the University of Graz in Austria, said that, while the referendum was an obvious "failure and the result disappointing," a "credible argument" could be made that the deal was supported by a majority since the "yes" vote was so high and voter turnout is usually "well below" 70 percent in Macedonia.



"Many more obstacles to overcome," Bieber added in a message on Twitter.



Hristijan Mickoski, the leader of the main opposition VMRO-DPMNE party, said the strongest message in the referendum was sent by those who boycotted or voted against the deal with Greece.

"The fact is that the name agreement did not get the green light, but a stop [sign] from the people," Mickoski said.



Greece noted the "contradictory" results from the vote and said its outcome will require careful moves to "preserve the positive potential" of the deal between Athens and Skopje.



"The climate of nationalism and suspicion, daily fake news, and extreme fanaticism unfortunately do not allow a sober assessment of the great benefits of the agreement," the Greek Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Before the name change can take effect, the Greek parliament must also ratify it.

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos said Greece will wait for the Macedonian legislature to pass the necessary reforms to implement the name change before taking action.

"We understand there may be a small delay... Whether [the reforms pass] in January, February or March is not a major issue," he said.

"It would be a shame to have this very important opportunity to resolve an issue troubling the Balkans for nearly 30 years go to waste."

The European Union's enlargement commissioner, Johannes Hahn, said there was broad support for the agreement with Greece. Hahn said he expects all political leaders to respect this decision and take it forward with utmost responsibility and unity across party lines, in the interest of the country.



The name dispute between Macedonia and Greece dates back to 1991, when Macedonia peacefully broke away from Yugoslavia.



Greece says the name Macedonia implies territorial and cultural claims on the northern Greek region of the same name. Greece, an EU and NATO member, has cited the dispute to veto Macedonia's bids to join the two organizations.



In June, Athens and Skopje hammered out a tentative compromise to end decades of squabbling if Macedonia adopts the new name.



Macedonias economy is sputtering after a two-year financial crisis that pushed unemployment above 20 percent, one of the highest rates in the Balkans, and an average monthly net salary of about $400, the lowest in the region.



Analysts say integrating Western Balkan countries such as Macedonia further into European and transatlantic structures is the best way to ensure the stability and development of a region still healing from the bloody breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, BBC, dpa, and Balkan Insight
In the filing, Peterson alleged, among other claims, that the use of hearsay testimony  statements that Savio made to family members and in a written statement to police before she died, and statements Stacy Peterson made to her pastor and a divorce lawyer before her disappearance  should never have been allowed.
Uzbek writer Mamadali Mahmudov spent much of his life opposing Soviet rule only to find himself imprisoned by authoritarian leader Islam Karimov in an independent Uzbekistan. After being subjected to torture and 17 years behind bars, he speaks proudly of his life.
President Petro Poroshenko has presented Francois Hollande with one of Ukraine's highest awards in Kyiv, praising the former French leader's support in the face of Russia's "aggression."

"I have the honor to present Francois Hollande with a prestigious state award of Ukraine, namely the Order of Liberty, Poroshenko wrote on Facebook on October 1.

He added that the award symbolizes Ukraine's "boundless gratitude for the principled position" that Hollande showed in supporting the country's "sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence."

During the ceremony, Poroshenko thanked the ex-French leader for his role in the introduction of European Union sanctions against Russia over its illegal annexation of Ukraines Crimea region in March 2014 and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, according to a statement posted on the Ukrainian presidential website.

He also hailed Hollande, who was French president from 2012 to 2017, for his role in diplomatic initiatives aimed at putting an end to fighting between government forces and the separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Hollande was also praised for halting the delivery of two French-built Mistral navy warships Russia had purchased.

The conflict in eastern Ukraine, where the separatists hold parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk provinces, has killed more than 10,300 people since April 2014.

Peace accords signed in Belaruss capital, Minsk, in September 2014 and February 2015, have failed to put an end to the violence.
Russia's Foreign Ministry says it has summoned South Korea's ambassador in Moscow to demand that Seoul immediately allow a Russian shipping vessel to leave the port of Busan.

The vessel, the Sevastopol, is being "illegally" held in Busan, the ministry said on October 1, without saying what had served as the reason for the alleged detention

A statement said the Russian side demanded that the South Korean "maritime authorities' ban on the vessel leaving the port be immediately cancelled."

Russian news agencies quoted the South Korean ambassador, Woo Yoon-keun, as saying that he expects the issue to be "definitively" resolved on October 2.

"We expect that relations between Russia and South Korea will continue to develop successfully," he also told journalists.

Russian media reported that the Sevastopol and its crew of 14 Russians docked at Busan in mid-August for repairs.

A vessel named Sevastopol was one of six Russian-flagged ships targeted by U.S. sanctions in August for allegedly helping North Korea evade United Nations sanctions.

The vessel's operator, Gudzon Shipping Co., was also sanctioned based on an accusation of conducting unlawful trade with North Korea.

Russia denied the U.S. allegations and said it was working on retaliatory measures.

The U.S. sanctions block any assets that the three companies may have in U.S. jurisdictions and bar U.S. citizens from doing business with them.

Despite having opened direct talks with Pyongyang, Washington continues to press for full compliance with existing international sanctions against North Korea to keep pressure on it to end its programs for nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.

While it has less influence on North Korea than China does, Russia has maintained good relations with Pyongyang.

Both Moscow and Beijing have resisted U.S. demands to cut ties.

With reporting by Reuters, dpa, Interfax, and TASS
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) says it has fired missiles at militants in Syria to punish the alleged ringleaders of a deadly attack on a military parade in the southwest of the country.

The IRGC said on October 1 that "a number of leaders and effective elements" behind the attack in the city of Ahvaz were "killed and injured" in the missile strikes in eastern Syria.

Their "logistical infrastructures and ammunition depots" were also destroyed, a statement added.

Iranian state media reported that at least four gunmen dressed in military uniforms opened fire during a September 22 parade in Ahvaz, the capital of Khuzestan Province, marking the start of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War.

Both the extremist group Islamic State (IS) and an Iranian ethnic Arab separatist umbrella group called the Ahvaz National Resistance have claimed responsibility for the attack that left at least 25 people dead, including IRGC members and civilians. State media said all the attackers died.

The IRGC statement said six ballistic missiles were fired from western Iran by the aerospace branch of the IRGC and seven drones were later used to target "takfiri terrorists," a term used in the past to describe Sunni Muslim militants.

It said the alleged militants were backed by the United States and regional powers.

"The terrorists used bullets and we gave them a reply with missiles," Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh, head of the IRGC's aerospace division, according to the Fars news agency.

"The security of the Iranian people is our red line and we will not be found wanting," he added.

The Iranian armed forces' chief of staff, General Mohammad Bagheri, warned of further operations to come.

"The first stage of avenging the Ahvaz terrorist attack is complete, and other stages of revenge are still to come," Bagheri said.

Fars reported that the attack targeted a camp near the town of Albu Kamal in eastern Syria.

Iranian media reported that one of the missiles carried the slogans "Death to America" and "Death to Israel."

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said "heavy explosions" took place at dawn in the last pocket of Syrian territory under IS control near Albu Kamal, which is held by Syrian government forces and allied militiamen.

The U.S. military's Central Command confirmed that Iranian forces conducted "no-notice strikes last night."

"At this time, the coalition is still assessing if any damage occurred and no coalition forces were in danger," spokesman Sean Ryan said.

Last year, the IRGC said it targeted IS members in Syria with missiles after the extremist group took responsibility for twin attacks on Iran's parliament and the mausoleum of Islamic republic founder Ruhollah Khomeini that left 18 people dead.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, Fars, and IRNA
VAHDAT, Tajikistan -- Seven members of a single Tajik family were wiped out when their truck plunged off a high cliff in the northern district of Lakhsh, police say.

Five other people survived when the truck veered off the road and fell into a river while carrying 11 passengers and a driver back to a village after a potato-harvesting excursion on September 30, district police officials told RFE/RL.

The dead were all members of the Sharapov family, their ages ranging from four to 45.

The survivors remained in intensive care with serious injuries on October 1, Ismatullo Ghafurov, chief physician of the district's main hospital, told RFE/RL.

Many families in Tajikistan, the poorest of the 15 former Soviet republics, rely heavily on stores of potatoes picked in autumn for nutrition over the winter.

In July, President Emomali Rahmon expressed concern over traffic accidents that he said had killed some 3,300 people in the Central Asian country since 2011.
The defense is slated to continue presenting its case Tuesday morning, the third week of testimony at Van Dykes trial for the 2014 killing of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald. Van Dyke, 40, who marks the first Chicago police officer in decades to be charged with murder in an on-duty fatality, faces two counts of first-degree murder, 16 counts of aggravated battery and one count of official misconduct.
Police said there were five people in the car when there was an "altercation" and shots were fired. "It is undetermined who fired (the) shots as the victims have given various accounts of what transpired," police said in a statement.
Man thought responsible for murder of Chiapas journalist arrested in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.  A man alleged responsible for the murder of a Chiapas journalist has been arrested in Playa del Carmen.

State and federal police detained Juan David Martinez Trujillo, one of the alleged murderers of Chiapas journalist Mario Gomez Sanchez in Playa del Carmen. The arrest took place over the weekend after police reported receiving tips from the public.

On September 21, Chiapas journalist Mario Leonel Gomez Sanchez was shot four times outside his home in Yajalon. The Attorney General of Chiapas, Raciel Lopez Salazar, said that since his arrest, three others have been taken into custody for their alleged involvement in the murder.

The arrest of Juan David Martinez Trujillo came Thanks to the coordination with the various federal and state agencies, as well as the timely participation of citizens, explained Lopez Salaza. Hours after his arrest, he was transferred back to Chiapas.

At the time of his arrest, police also seized a van which matches the descriptions given by witnesses outside the home of the victim. Martinez Trujillo is considered a leader of a band of small-scale drug traffickers who will also be investigated for other crimes.

The arrest of Martinez Trujillo was made in conjunction with the Attorney Generals Office, Federal Police and Prosecutors Office of Quintana Roo along with citizen tips. Mario Leonel Gomez Sanchez was a journalist with El Heraldo de Chiapas.
New municipal presidents sworn in across state

Cancun, Q.R.  Sunday marked the day of the swearing in of new government officials across the state. New mayors have officially been sworn in, taking over the reins from the previous administrations.

Governor Carlos Joaquin was on hand for each of them, starting in the states capital city of Chetumal where he swore in its mayor, Hernan Pastrana Pastrana. Swearing in the administrative heads one at a time, the governor made his way up the coast.

Swearing in of new Tulum mayor, Victor Mas. Photo: Ayuntamiento de Tulum

Along the route, he swore in the new mayor for Tulum, Victor Mas Tah who is replacing Romalda Dzul Caamal. In Playa del Carmen, Laura Beristain Navarrete will lead the municipality of Solidaridad, taking over from Cristina Torres. In Puerto Morelos, Laura Fernandez Pina will remain for a second term.

Ceremony for Isla Mujeres. Photo: Ayuntamiento de Isla Mujeres

Cancun and the municipality of Benito Juarez will now be headed by Maria Elena Hermelinda Lezama, while Juan Carrillo Soberanis will remain mayor of Isla Mujeres for another term.

It is important to be with the municipal presidents who start their work today in coordination with the state government and the federation. There is a lot of work to do. We have to have more initiatives and achieve more and better opportunities for the inhabitants of the municipalities, said Carlos Joaquin in a speech in Jose Maria Morelos.

All will serve their terms from 2018-2021.
Reparatory agreement will see 50 million returned from under Borge administration

Tuluca, Mexico  An agreement has been reached between a previous Borge administration figure and the Secretary of Finance and Public Credit for the reimbursement of more than 50 million peso.

The Attorney General of the Republic reached a reparatory agreement of immediate compliance for 50 million peso in favor of the Tax Administration Service for resources that, according to the federal government, were diverted during the administration of Roberto Borge as governor of Quintana Roo.

Derived from a complaint filed by the Secretary of Finance and Public Credit against Juan Melquiades Vergara Fernandez, the investigation was part of a specialized unit in the Investigation of Operations with Resources of Illegal Origin and Counterfeit of Currency for the crime of money laundering.

According to investigations by the Special Prosecutors Office in Investigation of Organized Crime, Melquiades allegedly laundered 50 million peso.

Through the facilitator of Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms of the PGR Delegation in Toluca, State of Mexico, both parties voluntarily signed an agreement that will see the reimbursement of funds.
Tony Green was to lure Kethireddy to the apartment for a leaky roof, Assistant States Attorney Jamison Berger said. Green had called him several times the day before and on the day of the murder, he said. When Kethireddy arrived that Saturday, Tony Green led him to the rear of the apartment while Elijah snuck up behind and grabbed the older man in a chokehold until he died, Berger said.
This is not something that we want for Democrats. Its something we want for women, and women come in all shapes and colors and all party labels. And this is really meant to help women feel more comfortable getting involved in a space that they care about, which is politics and the future of our states, Mendoza said Sunday on WGN-AM 720.
A suspect has been arrested in the sudden death of an American diplomat who was found dead in his home in Madagascar.

The unnamed diplomat died overnight on Friday, the State Department announced.

Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and the U.S. Embassy Antananarivo community, spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a statement.

Nauert declined to give any more information about the diplomat, but said a suspect was in custody.

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Antananarivo police spokesperson Herilalatiana Andrianarisaona told Agence France-Presse that authorities were called to the diplomats home after calls from neighbors and private security guards.

A man was arrested after being caught trying to jump the perimeter fence fleeing from the house, Andrianarisaona said.

In July, the State Department warned of a dramatic spike not only in the number of crimes, but also in their severity and type, including armed attacks, robberies and assaults in Madagascar, driven by poverty and high unemployment rates.
But heres where the resistance movement at the national level, mostly driven by women, should be circumspect. The politics of President Donald Trump and the policy choices flowing out of Washington, D.C., should not be conflated with what has unfolded at the state level. Rage and frustration at Trump, and by extension the national Republican Party, are understandable given our hyperpartisan political environment.
From the DNA of nearly 300,000 veterans, scientists have singled out a handful of genetic mutations that not only govern levels of cholesterol, but may also inform the development and use of drugs for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, according to researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine and the Palo Alto Veteran Affairs Health Care System.

Scientists zeroed in on three mutations that disrupt the function of their respective genes. That might sound bad, but in this case, it's actually beneficial, as veterans who carried one of these mutations showed improved cholesterol profiles in their blood and a decreased risk of either heart disease, abdominal aortic aneurysms or diabetes, depending on the gene mutation.

"The idea is to use genetic data linked to electronic health records from a very large number of individuals to find genetic variants that simultaneously improve lipid profiles and protect against cardiovascular disease," said Tim Assimes, MD, PhD, associate professor of cardiovascular medicine. "From there, you can figure out what the best potential drug targets are."

All three of the main genes pinpointed in the study -- PDE3B, PCSK9 and ANGPTL4 -- could one day be targets for the treatment of either heart disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm or diabetes, respectively. The mutation in PDE3B, however, is the most intriguing, Assimes said, because there's already a drug on the market, called cilostazol, that mimics the beneficial mutation in that gene. Assimes said cilostazol may now also be a strong candidate for treating heart disease.

The study will be published online Oct. 1 in Nature Genetics. Assimes is the senior author. Derek Klarin, MD, clinical fellow in surgery at Harvard, and Scott Damrauer, MD, assistant professor of surgery at the University of Pennsylvania and the Corporal Michael Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia, share lead authorship.

The power of many

To reliably identify the molecular factors that influence cholesterol levels in blood, Klarin, Damrauer and Assimes turned to the power of numbers. Through the Million Veteran Program, a national research initiative based at the Veterans Health Administration that aims to identify the genetic determinants of health and disease among U.S. veterans, the scientists pooled genetic information with cholesterol readouts from 297,626 veterans and looked for variants that play a role in cholesterol levels. The study confirmed 188 previously known genetic markers of cholesterol and identified 118 new ones.

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The scientists subsequently chose to home in on a narrow sliver of rare genetic anomalies for further analysis through a technique called phenomewide screen, or PheWAS. They already knew these gene mutations affected cholesterol but wondered whether the mutations likewise could affect the risk of other diseases. The PheWAS technique gleans disease risk information from immense databases of genetic information linked to electronic health records.

Drugs as mutation copycats

Three gene mutations found through the screen piqued the investigators' curiosity. Each mutation swayed the veterans' cholesterol levels favorably, but differed in how it affected their risk for other diseases: the PDE3B mutation protected against heart disease; the mutation in PCSK9 not only decreased the risk for heart disease, something that was already known, but also the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm; and ANGPTL4's mutation dampened the risk for Type 2 diabetes.

"All of these mutations are loss-of-function variants, meaning they either substantially diminish or stop the function of the gene altogether," Klarin said. That makes a good case for developing a drug that copies what the mutation does; if a faulty PDE3B gene decreases risk for heart disease, it could be promising pharmaceutical inspiration. In this study, the PDE3B mutation was associated with lower triglycerides, higher HDLs and a 20 percent lower risk of heart disease.

"Amazingly, there's a cheap, generic drug that I already use to treat my patients for vascular disease which also mimics the effects of the mutation in PDE3B on cholesterol levels, but no one has paid attention to these 'side effects,'" Damrauer said. The drug is typically only used to treat the symptoms of blockages in leg arteries to improve how far people with vascular disease can walk without pain. The next step is to investigate whether that same drug could wear multiple therapeutic hats.

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'Misled before'

Although this work may help identify new targets to curb heart disease, Assimes cautions against requesting a prescription for cilostazol for solely that purpose.

"The genetics help suggest that this drug can decrease the risk of heart disease by lowering triglycerides, but it's not proof," he said. "I would not prescribe it until a large randomized trial is completed with cilostazol or a related drug looking specifically at heart disease outcomes.

"We've been misled before by drugs that had effects on cholesterol, but they turned out to be cosmetic," he added. "Better cholesterol profiles can look great, but if the drug doesn't affect the outcome you're aiming for, which is heart attack in this case, then it's useless."

Assimes is hoping that won't be the case with cilostazol.

As for the other two genes, PCSK9 and ANGPTL4, Assimes said that further investigation of those are also needed. Several inhibitor drugs that mimic the effects of the PCSK9 mutation are already on the market to reduce the risk of heart attacks. The question is whether their use will also lead to fewer aneurysms. Drugs that mimic the effects of the ANGPTL4 mutation are still under development, and large-scale testing in humans has not yet begun.
After all, its outdated sign and parking lot on Broadway at West Stratford Place had been there, it seemed, forever, a symbol of endurance as other stores and fads had come and gone. In the city, there are few more enduring ties to my childhood and indeed my adult life. And, of course, the most important occasions revolve around food. The decades of Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner turkeys, baby food for my newborn, the deli trays ordered for shiva, the last-minute trips before the Jewish holidays to stock up on food to give to those in need.
PHOTOS 20 everyday items in your home that could be worth money

People around the world are captivated by happy stories of people finding hidden treasure, especially hiding right under their noses. Shows like Antiques Roadshow spotlight the shockingly valuable items everyday people find in their basements or childhood bedrooms. But it can be extremely difficult for the average person to know what to look for, let alone determine whether items are valuable or phony. Even if you dont want to sell it, knowing the value of household items can be used for insurance purposes or when settling an estate. There are professional, accredited appraisers for many antiques and collectibles, including those who specialize in these popular categories. (Kaitlin Miller, The Active Times)
Washington D.C., October 1, 2018 - On September 28, 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission charged Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. and its former CFO with repeatedly misleading analysts and investors about the company's future prospects. The former CFO, Adam Derbyshire, will pay more than $1 million to settle the charges.

According to the SEC's complaints filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, Salix and Derbyshire made false statements to analysts and investors during quarterly earnings calls by significantly understating the amount of Salix drugs that wholesaler customers held in inventory. Salix had engaged in a long-standing practice of flooding the distribution channel by using incentives to induce customers to purchase more products, creating a short-term revenue bump but excess supply that imperiled future sales. The complaints allege that Salix and Derbyshire also failed to disclose in SEC reports that the practice had impacted earnings and presented a significant risk to Salix investors. Salix is now a subsidiary of Bausch Health Companies Inc., which was previously known as Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. The alleged misconduct occurred prior to Salix's acquisition by Valeant.

To settle the charges, Salix, without admitting or denying the Commission's allegations, agreed to be enjoined from future violations of Section 17(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, Sections 10(b) and 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and Exchange Act Rules 10b-5(b) and 13a-13. The SEC's settlement with Salix reflects the company's self-report to the Commission and its significant cooperation with the investigation. The proposed settlement is subject to district court approval.

Without admitting or denying the allegations in the Commission's complaint, Derbyshire agreed to a permanent injunction against violations of Section 17(a)(2) of the Securities Act, Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act, and Exchange Act Rule 10b-5(b), and from aiding and abetting violations of Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 13a-13 thereunder. He also agreed to pay $558,534 in disgorgement and interest, plus a penalty of $494,836, and to be barred for five years from serving as an officer or director of a public company. The proposed settlement is subject to district court approval. Derbyshire separately agreed to be suspended from appearing and practicing before the SEC as an accountant, which includes not participating in the financial reporting or audits of public companies. The SEC's order would permit Derbyshire to apply for reinstatement after five years.

The SEC's investigation was conducted by Michelle Bougdanos and Nicholas Margida, with assistance from James Smith, Christian Schultz, and Matthew Scarlato. The case was supervised by David Frohlich.
Also, at the Art and History Center, Aurora Historical Societys gift shop will feature a variety of books on the Kennedy family on sale for $2 each. The Second Floors Aurora Story exhibit will also be open from 6 to 9 p.m.
Mihai Aperghis, an SEO Specialist from Romania, attended the Google Dance in Zurich and has shared with us his recap of the event. Mihai is super active in the SEO community and it is an honor to have him contribute here.

Not even two months after the last Google Dance event (the one in Singapore), the Search team held their first European Google Dance the other week, July 21st 2018, at the Google offices in Zurich, Switzerland. Being in Bucharest, at just a few hours away by plane from the Swiss Alps, I decided this would be the excellent opportunity to meet some of the Search Googlers in person.

Since the event was scheduled to start at 4PM and was on the same day with one of the Webmaster Office Hours Hangouts, I answered John Muellers call to join him and a couple of other SEOs for the morning (9:30 AM) hangout. That also took place at Googles offices, though at a different location than where the Google Dance took place.

Following the hangout, we grabbed some coffee with John and took a few hours to walk around Zurich, grab some lunch, and then headed for the event.

The Google reception room was quite crowded when we (me and Alexandra, my partner) arrived, with people grabbing their badges and sifting through the pile of t-shirts, looking for an appropriate size.

A couple of minutes past 4, Martin Splitt, Developer Advocate at Google and one of the organizers, grabbed us from the reception room and led us to the main event area.

One week after #GoogleDanceCH, I'm really hoping to see more Google Search events in Europe :) pic.twitter.com/Ow2GqBil06  Mihai Aperghis (@mihaiaperghis) September 28, 2018

After a few snacks and drinks, Martin presented us with the schedule for the evening. There would be four main speakers, two of which were Googlers, and five speakers selected from the audience, who applied in advance to hold a 5-minute Lightning Talk each on a subject related to Search/SEO. John Mueller, Gary Illyes, Takeaki Kanaya and Andre Naumann were also there as part of the organizing team, though they didnt hold any talks.

Thanks to @JohnMu and @g33konaut for hosting a great Google Dance in Zurich and to all speakers for sharing their thoughts and insights. It was exciting and inspiring! #GoogleDanceCH pic.twitter.com/tEqhAdatLv  Michael Herrling (@mherrling) September 22, 2018

Apparently, after a quick survey, about 80-90% of the people that came to the event were either from Switzerland or from neighbouring Germany and Austria. Fortunately, the whole event took place in English, so there were no problems following along and interacting with anybody.

The two Google speakers were Yariv Adan, Product Lead for Google Assistant, and Na'ama Zohary, Software Engineer on the Search Console team.

Yariv talked about how Google Assistant evolved to what it is today, along with a few examples of what is it capable of doing now and how it integrates within the Google ecosystem. It was really fun hearing from someone whos really passionate about bringing the future of AI much closer to the present day. There were quite a few questions from the audience on whether the assistant will be monetized, how it will credit sources and how it will store users' data.

Naama (who came all the way from Tel Aviv) took us through the new Search Console features, the importance of the feedback loop between the team and webmasters, and whats in store for the features that werent yet migrated from the old UI. Hint: if its not used, theyll likely wont add it to their new infrastructure (and I mention infrastructure because, according to Naama, the new Search Console was built from the ground up, using many new technologies that werent available before).

The latest on the new Search Console, with Na'ama Zohary #GoogleDanceCH pic.twitter.com/ywqw7oMPwZ  Mihai Aperghis (@mihaiaperghis) September 21, 2018

The two other main speakers were Myriam Jessier and Mirko Eberlein. Myriam talked about Google bombing and SEO client relations, with some nice examples related to hacked sites, while Mirko gave a general presentation about the SEO process.

The 5-minute lightning talks focused on subjects ranging from a very interesting machine learning approach to dealing with a large UGC websites crawling budget & indexing (from Satoshi Kimura, who came all the way from Japan!), to highly useful Google Tag Manager tricks for better analytics and insights (from Angela Grammatas).

Crawl budget in a lightning talk at #GoogleDanceCH pic.twitter.com/AcftFqnvRh   John  (@JohnMu) September 21, 2018

Snacks and drink stands were refilled (including some really tasty macarons), and we spent the last two hours of the event networking with other attendees and with the Googlers that were roaming around.

Wrapping my head around how Google REALLY treats noindexed pages. @JohnMu's full of surprises :) #GoogleDanceCH pic.twitter.com/7NwPuohK87  Mihai Aperghis (@mihaiaperghis) September 22, 2018

Overall, it was pretty much the best experience an SEO could ask for, and Im really happy I got to meet John, Gary, and everyone else in person (though I did previously meet Gary at an SEO event in Istanbul a couple of years ago).

This was the third out of four Google Dance events this year (next ones in Osaka), which is pretty amazing work from the Search team. Some of the Googlers also mentioned there might be plans for even more events to come, which is something I think the SEO community could really use and would really enjoy.

An excellent day to spend in Zurich as an SEO ! @JohnMu @methode #GoogleDanceCH



PS: date formats :) pic.twitter.com/iis7aZkpwL  Mihai Aperghis (@mihaiaperghis) September 21, 2018

(One badge was for the Google office where the hangout was held, the other one was for the event)

Mihai Aperghis is the founder and technical SEO of Vertify, an SEO & Content Marketing agency based in Bucharest, Romania. He is also the creator of the Search Analytics for Sheets tool, a Google Sheets add-on used by many industry specialists and webmasters around the world. Mihai loves chatting about all things SEO, whether on Twitter, speaking at industry events, or as part of the Top Contributor program on the Webmaster Central Help Forum.

Note: This story was pre-written and scheduled to be posted now, I am currently offline for a holiday.
BART has a problem with its crackdown on fare evaders, one that even many board members didnt know existed: The transit agencys new team of blue-vested enforcers cant ticket cheats at any of six stations in San Mateo County.

Riders in Daly City, Colma, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Millbrae and at San Francisco International Airport will not encounter the sting operations that regularly occur at other stations, in which civilian inspectors stand atop stairwells or in front of elevators, checking everyone who comes by and issuing $75 citations.

BART police officers can still cite fare evaders under the state penal code. However, it turns out the agency cannot impose any of its internal ordinances in San Mateo County or at the planned Silicon Valley extension in San Jose, which would be operated by BART but owned by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

San Mateo County opted out of the system back in 1961  years before trains began rattling across the region  and only recently did the transit agency begin its expansion into Santa Clara.

That throws a wrench into the BART fare enforcement operation that was passed last October and launched in March, and its also prevented the agency from laying down other rules. The law that Gov. Jerry Brown signed on Sunday to kick-start housing development in BART parking lots will not apply south of San Francisco.

Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle 2018

The restriction is one of several obstacles BART officials face as they try to quell fare beaters. A chief challenge is that just 10 percent of the roughly 3,800 people who have been cited by inspectors for riding without proof of payment have actually paid their fines.

The district line has existed for decades. But it became a point of contention this week when BARTs board voted to expand the fare enforcement program amid concerns that its not effective and not being applied equally. A report released Thursday showed that African Americans receive nearly half the citations, even though they represent about 12 percent of BARTs ridership.

Until last week, when agency staff brought the issue up in a presentation to the board and after they were contacted by The Chronicle, at least four directors were unaware of the problem. Those directors said they are alarmed that a whole subset of passengers may never have to walk through the checkpoints.

It shouldnt be that you dont have to pay your fair share in one set of stations, but you have to pay everywhere else, said Board Director Nick Josefowitz, who represents San Francisco.

He vowed to bring the systems proof-of-payment ordinance to San Mateo County, even if it requires a change in state law.

Yet its unclear if Josefowitz and other board members can rally the political will to change the BART Act, a 1965 law that created the district, drawing its perimeter around three counties: San Francisco, Alameda and Contra Costa.

Residents outside those areas dont contribute property taxes to BART or elect representatives to the transit systems board. They only pay a nominal amount of sales tax to keep the trains running.

The real issue for BART is that its a jury-rigged, baling-wire transit system where everythings knotted together, said Randy Rentschler, legislative director at the Bay Areas Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

He views the agencys fare enforcement quandary as an outcropping of a transportation network that was designed in the 1960s and doesnt make sense now. Riders pay an extra $1.44 surcharge to get over the San Mateo County line, but county residents pay almost nothing to have BART serve their communities.

Rentschler and others fear that BARTs inability to govern these stations is hamstringing the agency. Gate-hoppers and other scofflaws deplete up to $25 million a year from BARTs coffers, and the problem is spread throughout the system.

What BARTs trying to do is important, Rentschler said. The question is how to do it in a way thats fair.

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.

Some directors worry that uneven enforcement between counties will exacerbate racial disparities in the proof-of-payment program.

I think this deserves an investigation, said Board Director Lateefah Simon, whose district stretches from the city of Richmond to San Franciscos Embarcadero. She voted against expanding the program on Thursday.

Though most of her colleagues support the proof-of-payment crackdown, several were blindsided when BART Police Chief Carlos Rojas said Thursday that San Mateo County is off-limits.

Thats not going to be acceptable at any level, said Board Director John McPartland, whose district spans from Castro Valley to Dublin/Pleasanton.

He pointed out that if BART has no authority in San Mateo, Were going to have the same problem in San Jose in the near future.

But it wont be easy to redraw a transit district thats been in place for half a century, particularly if it means enacting new taxes in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties and changing the structure of BARTs board.

There might be easier solutions, Josefowitz said. He suggested BART could press state legislation to give the transit agency authority over the counties it serves, or persuade San Mateo County to pass its own ordinance to follow BARTs rules.

Either way, Josefowitz said he would pursue whatever changes are necessary to make every rider pay up.

Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan
Mason Trinca / Special to The Chronicle

San Francisco is expected to see its first rainfall in four months on Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

The agency forecasts rain between 0.25 and 0.50 inches on Monday night and early Tuesday throughout most of the Bay Area, stretching from Sonoma County to Monterey County. Isolated rainfall of one inch or more cannot be ruled out, the Weather Service said.
Surfers, lawyers and legislators hugged and high-fived Monday at an impromptu party on a sandy cove in San Mateo County after the U.S. Supreme Court decided not to take the case of a tech billionaire who wanted to block public access to the beach.

The decision means lawyers for Vinod Khosla, co-founder of Sun Microsystems, will not get the opportunity to argue before the high court that he has a right to stop people from crossing his property to reach a picturesque beach.

Advocates for public access touted the decision, which keeps an access road open to Martins Beach, about six miles south of Half Moon Bay, as a victory for beachgoers across the country.

Money cannot buy justice, and arrogance cannot stop the publics right to use our beautiful ocean, said Joe Cotchett, the lead attorney for the Surfrider Foundation, which filed suit against Khosla. Remember, this case is all about the public. Thats who its for. ... Its about the right of anyone  child, adult  to go down to fish, go down to swim, but, more important, to have access to our wonderful ocean.

The crescent-shaped cove, featuring a distinctive pyramid-shaped rock, has been the subject of an ugly, almost decade-long clash between Khosla and surfers and other beachgoers that began when Khosla blocked the only road leading to Martins Beach. The Supreme Courts rejection of the case now prevents the battle from becoming a test case for public coastal access around the country.

Now Playing: The U.S. Supreme Court will not hear appeal to allow Vinod Khosla to unilaterally close beach on his property. Video: SFChronicle

Cotchett joined state Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, representatives of Surfrider and a crowd of celebrants at Martins Beach on Monday, where they laughed and joked about the decision.

Now Playing: Vinod Khosla is the co-founder of Sun Microsystems. Video: Fortune

In the old days there was a big sign that said, Welcome to Martins Beach, said former U.S. Rep. Pete McCloskey, stood in front of the gate and reminisced about hay rides down to the cove in his youth. This is the most beautiful beach in California and that son-of-a-gun would have kept it from the public.

McCloskey jokingly urged Robert Caughlan, a San Mateo surfer known as Bird Legs, to put on his swimsuit and give the crowd a demonstration, but the 75-year-old former president of Surfrider said he was happy enough on dry sand.

Its big time, Caughlan said about the decision. Why is access to Martins Beach important? For the same reason access to Yosemite is important. Its a public treasure.

Khoslas decision to hire Paul Clement, a high-powered Washington, D.C., lawyer, and appeal the case to the Supreme Court had caused anxiety in the California Legislature and in legal circles that the court, which opened its new session Monday, would undo decades of law upholding public access to beaches.

Khosla claims the order requiring him to open his land to the public without just compensation is tantamount to stealing his property.

Another of his lawyers, Dori Yob Kilmer, said Monday that Khosla will comply with the lower court decision and apply with the California Coastal Commission for a permit to restrict access. She signaled the fight is far from over.

No owner of private business should be forced to obtain a permit from the government before deciding who it wants to invite onto its property, Kilmer said in a statement. Contrary to popular opinion, the case we filed in the U.S. Supreme Court is not about access to the beach. Other courts already ruled no public access rights exist on the property.

She was referring to a 2013 ruling by San Mateo County Judge Gerald Buchwald saying the beach was subject to the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican-American War and required the United States to recognize Mexican land grants. Buchwald was saying, in essence, that the beach had been in private hands long before laws were passed requiring public access to the coast.

Had the Supreme Court taken the case and ruled in favor of Khosla, it would have affected as many as 22 states that have granted the public the right to access beaches, lakes and waterways, Surfriders Cotchett said.

The most conservative and divided Supreme Court in my lifetime confirmed that even a billionaire who refuses to acknowledge that the law applies to him, and retains the most expensive attorneys he can find, cannot create a private beach, Cotchett said. Beaches are public in California, and the immensely wealthy must comply with the Coastal Act just like everyone else.

Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures, a Menlo Park venture fund with more than $4 billion under management, bought Martins Beach and the surrounding coastal lands for $32.5 million in 2008. He shut the public access gate in September 2010, citing the cost of maintenance and liability insurance.

Surfrider sued Khosla in 2013, arguing that the shoreline belonged to the public and had been open to all comers since at least 1918. After a series of back-and-forth rulings, San Mateo County Judge Barbara Mallach ruled in 2014 that Khosla should have obtained a development permit from the California Coastal Commission before shutting the gates.

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.

A state appeals court agreed in August 2017, saying the closure was a type of property development that required the commissions approval and that his failure to obtain a permit before blocking access to Martins Beach was illegal. Khosla took his case to the nations high court after the California Supreme Court denied review of his appeal last October.

Khoslas legal team, led by Clement, told the court that any interference by the state with his fundamental right to exclude the public from private property would be a type of confiscation  a taking, in legal terms  that requires compensation under U.S. Supreme Court property-rights rulings.

In asking the top court to grant a review, Clement claimed the state courts wrongly decided that owners of private beachfront property in California may not exercise that right without first obtaining the governments permission.

At stake was the 1972 California Coastal Zone Conservation Initiative, which created the 12-member California Coastal Commission. The California Coastal Act, passed in 1976, prohibits homes or developments from blocking access to beaches, essentially making the entire California coast, including all beach property below the mean high-tide line, public property.

This lawsuit began as a modest claim that the Coastal Acts permit requirements apply to everyone, said Eric Buescher, another lawyer representing Surfrider. It grew into a fight over the future of public access along over 1,100 miles of coast in this state.

Khosla, who has offered to grant an easement over his property for $30 million, was threatened with fines of up to $11,250 a day, or more than $4 million a year, for violating Coastal Commission rules. He has been opening the gate periodically.

Lisa Haage, chief of enforcement for the coastal commission, said in a statement that multiple courts including the U.S. Supreme Court have upheld the Coastal Acts protections.

This case reaffirms that you cannot make a unilateral decision to shut down a beach that has provided generations of families with memories, she said. We will be considering how to proceed and hope the owner will work with us ... 

The beach party was nevertheless muted over Khoslas embrace of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo decision and the possibility of more litigation over the Coastal Commission permit. Cotchett said he fielded calls from officials stretching from Maine to San Diego expressing their worries that courts might  if Khosla keeps filing lawsuits and appealing them up the chain  eventually agree to allow roads and trails leading to thousands of beaches to be blocked by wealthy property owners.

This battle is not over, Cotchett said. This battle is beginning.

Peter Fimrite is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: pfimrite@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @pfimrite
Nearly seven decades ago, a UC Berkeley archaeologist named Robert E. Greengo dug deep into the wet clay of Fresno County and felt a portion of the soil give way to something harder.

Bones. Hundreds of them. From the ooze, Greengo extracted partially complete human skeletons of two adults and a male teenager from a depth of 7 feet, near the town of Firebaugh. The year was 1951. The archaeologist also pulled out a mortar fragment, the long bone of an animal and two large pieces of obsidian  a flake and a point  all used by native people to honor the dead.

He gave the objects to the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology on the UC Berkeley campus, which today houses one of the largest collections of Native American remains and artifacts in the country.

Dont expect to see any of it. A recognition has been unfolding at the University of California that nearly 9,000 sets of human remains  8,189 at UC Berkeley alone  and an even larger number of funerary artifacts are not owned by the six campuses that possess them. They belong instead to the tribes whose grandparents they once were, as required by the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990. The Native American remains and artifacts, acquired between the late 19th century and the 1980s, were unearthed not only by archaeologists like Greengo, but by bulldozers and earth movers as California built its roads and dams, and from other donors across the country.

Over the years, UC has published notices in the Federal Register saying it has nearly 6,000 Native American human remains, and more than 200,000 funerary artifacts to return to tribes that claim ownership, if that can be established under the law. UC Berkeley has returned 1,011 sets of human remains with 490 more sets ready to go.

On Wednesday, the UC regents, meeting at UCLA, acknowledged that while the university complies with the letter of the repatriation law, it hasnt always complied with the spirit.

Our history as a university is deeply flawed on this matter, said Regent John Perez, who described UCs approach to repatriation as overly technical and dehumanizing.

In a report to the regents, UC staff said conflicts sometimes arise with tribes over handling and storing remains because determining whether bones are human or animal, for example, means touching them.

Even with consultation, there is not always agreement, the report said. Some tribes would prefer that the remains not be handled at all.

Several tribes contacted by The Chronicle did not return requests for comment. But Brice Obermeyer, director of historical preservation for the Delaware Tribe headquartered in Oklahoma, said that a common frustration tribes have with museums is not with repatriation, but with their recalcitrance to formally declare remains to be culturally affiliated with a particular tribe.

Thats important, he said, because museums control whats said about the items, and they train the next generation of academics. The Delaware feel strongly about affiliation.

At UC Berkeley, for example, just 14 percent of native remains have been culturally affiliated, while 28 percent of funerary artifacts have been linked to a tribe.

At the regents meeting, UC officials acknowledged that campuses often fail to consult sufficiently with tribes and, as a result, their process of linking remains with a particular tribe can be mired in red tape. And they admitted that they take too long to return native remains and artifacts to their rightful owners.

Michael Macor / The Chronicle

In August, UC President Janet Napolitano wrote Provost Michael Brown asking that he convene a group to overhaul the universitys policy for dealing with such remains  last updated in 2001  so that it reflects a fundamental value in support of repatriation.

At the regents meeting, Napolitano said a revised policy should also ensure greater consultation with tribal representatives.

Bones and artifacts held by UC Berkeley are available only to native people who want to see them or use them in a ceremony, and to the few researchers whose projects meet rigorous standards. UC Berkeley has granted only 12 research requests in two years, and only on materials not yet linked to a tribe. Five requests were denied.

Michael Macor / The Chronicle

Its collection is held at the Hearst Museum, secreted away and encased in locked metal cabinets, all carefully labeled.

The public is not welcome. Out of respect for tribal privacy, UC Berkeley allows no photos of any artifacts, even those not linked to a tribe.

Even Linda Rugg, UC Berkeleys associate vice chancellor for research, hasnt seen them. She said tribes contact the campus two or three times a year asking that items be returned. But she would not refer to any tribe by name and avoided describing any negotiation for bones.

A viable policy for addressing repatriation, Brown said, should lay out a clear, uniform approach to some unclear issues: How to determine if material actually belongs to the tribe that requests it. How to give tribes access to materials they arent ready to reclaim. And what to do if a tribe lacks the federal recognition required by law for repatriation.

Fewer than 600 tribes have that legal imprimatur, while hundreds of others do not  but they may still be legitimate descendants of the dead.

No one wants to make a mistake, Brown said.

For UC Berkeley and other campuses, its been a delicate dance to figure out what belongs to whom and who has a legal right to possess it.

Russell Yip / The Chronicle

One of my goals has been to build better relations with native communities, and repatriation is absolutely key to that effort, said UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol Christ.

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 July, Christ announced changes to the campus committee that recommends to the regents which items to repatriate. For example, the committee has doubled in size to 12 people, six of whom identify as Native American. Before, the latter number was one.

Its wonderful to hear that an institution like the University of California has recognized the need for a change in direction and is taking repatriation seriously, said Obermeyer.

But he said the Delaware Tribe has been frustrated with UC Berkeley and the Hearst Museum.

Theyre in possession of a small number of individuals that were seeking to repatriate, he said.

The Delaware Tribe learned in 2011 or 2012 that the museum has the remains of four native people unearthed at some point near Trenton, N.J. Although its unclear how the Hearst acquired them, Obermeyer said similar remains have found their way to other major museums around the country, as well.

No one disagrees that the bones came from the Trenton area, which the Delaware people occupied for 5,000 years before being forcibly removed in the 18th and 19th centuries and sent west, said Obermeyer, also an associate professor of anthropology at Emporia State University in Kansas.

I dont see any resistance from the (museum) to transfer control, and they always roll out the red carpet and facilitate our work, Obermeyer said.

The problem, he said, is that the museum has declared the bones to be culturally unidentifiable  not linked to any particular tribe  because officials there are not persuaded by circumstantial evidence that the bones are Delaware.

The situation puts us in a kind of ethical dilemma, Obermeyer said, because even though the museum will let the tribe recover the bones, if we do, we are confirming the unidentifiable status of these remains that we feel are ancestral.

Obermeyer said thats the kind of dig-in-your-heels problem he encounters across the country  at the Museum of Natural History in New York, at the Field Museum in Chicago and at the Hearst at UC Berkeley. In 2015, the tribe invited representatives from all of them to Oklahoma to talk it over together.

It didnt help.

Its frustrating, he said. Yeah.

Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NanetteAsimov
Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill Sunday that will prevent environmental complaints from significantly stalling the construction of a new ballpark for the Oakland As should they choose to build at an industrial waterfront spot.

With AB734, legal challenges to the project must be resolved within 270 days. In return, the As have promised to adhere to a host of environmental measures, including traffic mitigation and green building standards.

The law applies only to a possible ballpark at Howard Terminal northwest of Jack London Square, which is part of the Port of Oakland and is now used for truck parking and container storage. The team has yet to announce whether it will build a stadium there or stay at its longtime Coliseum home, which has already cleared environmental reviews.

Not only does this bill help keep the As rooted in Oakland, its a W for local workers, affordable housing and the environment, Mayor Libby Schaaf said in a statement. I will continue to work with the As to build a ballpark thats responsible to our taxpayers and enhances neighborhood vitality  whether that neighborhood is at Howard Terminal or the Coliseum.

Team President Dave Kaval said the law ensures that a ballpark would be ready for a 2023 opening. For now, the As are working out economic terms of potential land deals at the two sites, he said.

Weve been really pleased, especially with the port and their staff, he said recently.

The Sierra Club and Judicial Council of California  the policy-making arm of the state court system  both opposed the legislation.

In its letter to Brown requesting a veto, the Judicial Council said the 270-day timeline was arbitrary and that California Environmental Quality Act litigation already receives special scheduling treatment in state superior courts and appeals courts.

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.

Like other types of calendar preferences, which the Judicial Council has historically opposed, setting an extremely tight timeline for deciding this particular type of case has the practical effect of pushing other cases on the courts dockets to the back of the line, Cory Jasperson, the councils director of governmental affairs, said in the letter.

He added, This preferential approach undermines the publics trust and confidence in our court system and conflicts with our paramount responsibility to dispense fair and impartial justice in each and every case.

Shaye Diveley, an attorney who successfully defended the Sacramento Kings arena from two challenges under the state environmental law, said the projects have regional economic significance and thats why they were chosen for judicial streamlining. The arena was the subject of similar legislation.

The irony of all these bills is that it doesnt guarantee, one, that your project will be approved or, two, that you will win in court, she said. It does allow these decisions to be made faster, so that if you have to go back and make changes, it can be done quickly and recognized earlier in the process. It gives some degree of certainty and comfort that they will know sooner rather than later.

Kimberly Veklerov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kveklerov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kveklerov
Its neighbor, the Millennium Tower, might be sinking, but  get this  the new $2.2 billion Transbay Transit Center has the potential to go in the opposite direction. One of the main challenges the builders faced was keeping the three-block-long monster from rising.

Its like a ship  we are tying it down, Transbay Joint Powers Authority Executive Director Mark Zabaneh explained at a news conference Wednesday when asked if the cracked beams that forced the new terminals closure might be the result of the building sinking.

According to the Transbays website, Unlike adjacent high-rises that generally have foundations anchored into bedrock to keep from sinking, the transit centers foundation must keep the building from floating up.

The reason is that unlike the 58-story-tall Millennium, which has all of its weight bearing down on a half-block base, the transit center is akin to taking the Millennium and laying it down on its side.

In effect, the transit center is like a 1,500-foot-long barge floating atop a lake of deep mud.

Now Playing: Hydraulic jacks are delivered to help shore up the Transbay Transit Center on Fremont Street in San Francisco, Calif. on September 30, 2018. Video: Michael Cabanatuan, San Francisco Chronicle

And believe it or not, the underground water pressure downtown is strong enough to lift the center  a building made of 25,000 tons of steel and 200,000 cubic yards of concrete.

For that reason, we did not go to bedrock, as you would with a high-rise, Zabenah said.

Instead, the building is tied down  held in place  by 1,896 eighty-foot-long anchors embedded in the mud.

Asked whether the beams could crack because the transit center might be rising, Zabenah said: No, its a localized issue happening only above ground.

Still, it does offer some insight into how tricky building on landfill can be.

Sorry to say: LaSonya Wells, whose arrest on kidnapping charges for stealing a prominent local politicians cell phone raised questions about race and fairness in San Franciscos judicial system, is back in jail.

Once again for robbery. And at the same location.

Wells was convicted last year of grabbing then-Supervisor Scott Wieners iPhone as he was walking near the 16th Street BART Station. After being robbed, Wiener quickly negotiated with Wells  and her 20-year-old son  to accompany him to a nearby Wells Fargo ATM, where he withdrew $200 in return for the phone.

In addition to theft, the district attorney also charged Wells with kidnapping for ransom, a charge that could have sent her to prison for life.

At the time, Public Defender Jeff Adachi called the kidnapping charge positively medieval and said that prosecutors may have been motivated more by Wieners status than the facts of the crime.

The case ended with a deal: Wells pleaded guilty to felony extortion, with credit for time served.

Fast-forward to June 28, when Wells was arrested outside the same BART station where she robbed Wiener. This time, she and a male accomplice allegedly tried to rob a man of $100 and steal his cell phone in what may have been a drug deal gone bad.

The incident was caught on a nearby surveillance video camera.

Wells, who has a long history of substance abuse, was booked for felony robbery and misdemeanor possession of a cocaine-based substance. She posted a $100,000 bond. However, she subsequently missed her court appearances and a bench warrant was issued.

I have no idea why she missed court, said Assistant Public Defender Eric McBurney, who is representing Wells.

She was picked up during a traffic stop on Sept. 18 and is back in custody.

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.

I really hoped she would get her life back together and get on track, Wiener said. Its disappointing to hear she is in trouble again.

Never mind: Last week, we reported that BART boardwoman Debora Allen was heading off to the annual American Public Transit Associations conference in Nashville before the transit districts new policy kicked in that banned travel to states with anti-LGBTQ policies.

Well, at the last minute, Allen opted not to go, telling us after we went to print that she simply was too busy.

Allen claims she told BART staff of her decision days before the conference. The districts press office said they never were informed and hence they still believed she was going when we called late in the week to confirm that both she and two district staffers were still planning to attend.

Anyway, despite not going, Allen says the trip still cost her  because her cancellation meant she would have to eat the price of her airfare.

Changing times: Rep. Barbara Lee has agreed to take part in a League of Women Voters candidate forum on Oct. 5 at Oakland City Hall, and no one was more surprised than her little-known Green Party challenger Laura Wells.

In her news release, Wells recalled that eight years ago, when she was running for governor of California, I was arrested and put in handcuffs for just trying to be in the audience of a debate in which I rightly should have been one of the candidates on the stage.

I think I will be safe this time in the hands of League of Women Voters, she told us Friday.

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
Welcome to another episode of the top-rated game show, Who Can Really Afford to Rent in the Bay Area? Im your host, It Beats the Heck Out of Me.

In the last episode, the audience got to play the role of a distressed renter attempting to survive in a city where a landlord would brazenly demolish your apartment before you can move out.

In todays episode, the audience gets to play the role of a distressed renter who has 27 days to find another apartment.

Crystal Chandler doesnt know where shes going to live next month. Thats because all of the tenants in the 28-unit building on Parkside Drive in Concord where she lives were served 60-day eviction notices in August by new owners who want to renovate the place.

Chandler, a single mother of a 12-year-old daughter, works as a full-time dental assistant. Chandler told me she earns about $2,600 a month, maybe $2,800 if the dental office is busier than usual. She gets paid hourly, and sometimes she works extra jobs to keep food on the table.

I dont want to have to work a steady two or three jobs, Chandler said. Id never see my child. I would never be home.

Jessica Christian / The Chronicle

She made enough to afford the $1,200, two-bedroom apartment shes lived in for seven years.

Barely.

I dont get any help from the state, because the state says I make too much money, she said. The housing is so high they dont take into account what we pay for rent. This is something thats a serious issue thats been going on for such a long time.

Chandlers apartment complex and an adjacent single-family home were purchased in July by PTLA Real Estate, a Walnut Creek business that touts itself as a real estate investment and management company. According to the companys website, the company acquires and manages multifamily real estate properties.

On Aug. 29, Chandler came home from work at 8 p.m. to find a letter taped to her door. She thought PTLA would raise the rent or make her sign a new lease. Instead, she was given the 60-day eviction notice.

She said she has to move by Oct. 28.

Concord doesnt have rent control or just-cause eviction protections for renters, which means renters in the city of about 122,000 can be evicted at any time and without reason.

The average rent in Concord, a city about 30 miles east of San Francisco, is $1,876, according to rentcafe.com, a real estate tracking website. A two-bedroom is $2,048.

According to a report by the East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy and Central County Regional Group of First 5 Contra Costa, rental prices in Concord have increased 61 percent since 2011.

Peter Wilson, PTLAs president, told me residents were offered apartments at other properties owned by the company in addition to a $3,000 payment. Some residents have accepted the offer while others like Chandler are attempting to negotiate a better settlement with the company.

We dont want families with nowhere to go, Wilson told me Friday afternoon.

Residents will have the opportunity to move back into the Parkside Drive complex once renovations are completed, but they will have to qualify financially and pay a higher rent. Wilson said a two-bedroom would cost $2,000.

When Chandler, who relocated to the Bay Area from Nebraska in 2010 in search of employment opportunities, first moved into the complex the rent was $925 per month. For the first five years she lived there, the rent wasnt raised. In the past two years, she said shes received three rent increases.

Chandlers a distressed renter with a good full-time job, and she cant afford to live in the Bay Area. And to move into another apartment  one that, say, costs the Concord average of $1,876, shed need to come up with nearly $4,000 to cover the first and last months rent and security deposit. Thats money she doesnt have.

Chandler doesnt know where shes going to move. Shes considering leaving California.

Ive spoken to a couple friends just to see what I could do and maybe stay with them and pay rent with them for a little while, but thats not a long-term thing, she said.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Rising rents have displaced many Bay Area residents, even pushing some into homelessness. For example, when Alameda County did its point-in-time homeless count, homeless people were asked what might have prevented their homelessness. Forty-two percent of respondents said rent assistance.

A report on protecting the states renters released last month by UC Berkeleys Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society argues that rent control is necessary to ensure people like Chandler continue to have access to affordable housing. The report was authored by Nicole Montojo, Stephen Barton and Eli Moore.

The damage that gets done to people by displacement and by being forced into poverty by high rents taking so much of peoples income is much more severe than people normally seem to think, Barton told me.

According to their analysis, they estimate that 54 percent of the states renters are overburdened by housing costs. Whats more, they found that 73 percent of all jobs in California pay too little to cover rent.

Im a renter, and those numbers really scared the heck out of me.

It sounds too light even to say that its scary, Montojo said. These are the numbers that when we actually realize the scope of the crisis makes it clear we need to respond right now.

The researchers acknowledge that rent control wont solve the housing affordability crisis on its own, but Montojo said, The conversation thats happening on rent control right now is really limited, and we need to expand it and think more broadly.

Are landlords willing to listen?

Cmon, folks, you know my name: It Beats the Heck Out of Me. Have a good morning, and please join us next time on Who Can Really Afford to Rent in the Bay Area?

San Francisco Chronicle columnist Otis R. Taylor Jr. appears Mondays and Thursdays. Email: otaylor@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @otisrtaylorjr
It's so interesting how Andy appeals to so many people. People come into the (Historical Society) shop and take pictures with the life-sized Andy. They are amazed to learn about the history and how it was Aurora's brand image, used for a while and resurrected, Ormond said.
Californias groundbreaking new law requiring some companies to add women to their boards of directors may soon face legal scrutiny.

On Sunday, Gov. Jerry Brown signed SB826, which requires public companies with headquarters in California to have at least one female director by the end of next year. By 2021, the mandate grows to two women for five-board members and three women for boards of six or more members. Firms failing to comply face a fine.

But some legal experts say the measure violates the federal and state constitutions, by in effect requiring companies to discriminate against men wanting to serve on boards. It also, they say, compels firms to prioritize gender over other aspects of diversity such as race and ethnicity.

Another likely hurdle: Many California companies are actually incorporated outside the state  particularly in Delaware, thanks to that states business-friendly laws. Federal law makes it clear that a company is subject to rules concerning its internal affairs in the state where it is incorporated, not the state in which it is headquartered, according to Joseph Grundfest, a corporate governance expert at Stanford Law School.

All of these corporations headquartered in California but chartered in Delaware, theyre going to be able to explain that the law doesnt apply to them, said Grundfest, who has written extensively on the measure as well as the internal affairs doctrine, a legal precedent derived from the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution which recognizes that only one state should have the authority to regulate a companys internal affairs. The reality is theres going to be litigation, and California will lose based on the internal affairs doctrine.

According to Grundfest, the internal affairs doctrine means that Californias first-in-the-nation law applies to only 72 corporations headquartered and chartered in California. Even if the law stands up to litigation, it will have a trivial effect, Grundfest said.

Apple, chartered in California and headquartered in Cupertino, is the only Fortune 500 company that would need to add a woman to its board, according to Grundfests research. It already has two female directors, but by 2021 it would need to bring on a third. Apple declined to comment.

Grundfest didnt name a specific company that might challenge the law, but he and other legal experts said they expect firms that do not want to comply with the law, as well as groups fighting for equality for underrepresented minorities in the workplace, to challenge it in federal court.

Yet the idea that companies will sue to avoid adding women to their boards seems to ignore the tremendous public relations problem that would come with litigation.

Kellie McElhaney, director of the Center for Equity, Gender, and Leadership at UC Berkeleys Haas School of Business, said she encourages companies she consults for to support the law because it makes strong business sense. Studies show that companies with diverse boards tend to perform better because they are likely to mirror their customers and clients.

Corporate leaders who are suffering from bad press would capitalize on this as a way to show that they are working toward solutions rather than sue to avoid complying with the law, McElhaney said.

Several California trade groups have opposed the bill, with the California Chamber of Commerce as the most vocal among them. The chamber argued against the bill for singling out gender.

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, D-Santa Barbara, the bills author, said she considers the law a positive step in increasing corporate diversity. She is optimistic that once the rule is in place, companies would see the benefits of having more women on their boards and would take additional measures to include people of different races and ethnicities.

Brown seems well aware of the potential pitfalls.

I dont minimize the potential flaws that indeed may prove fatal to its ultimate implementation, he wrote Sunday in a signing statement. Nevertheless, recent events in Washington, D.C.  and beyond  make it crystal clear that many are not getting the message.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Melia Russell is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: melia.russell@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meliarobin
SACRAMENTO  California will attempt to go it alone in regulating internet access after Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill Sunday to restore Obama-era regulations barring the telecommunications industry from favoring certain websites.

First, however, the state will have to prevail in a legal fight with the Trump administrations Justice Department, which sued to block California from installing its own rules minutes after Brown signed the bill.

Browns approval of the net neutrality protections was met with cheers from his Democratic allies, who advocated for SB822 in hopes that California would create a template for other states to follow. The telecommunications industry, which aggressively fought the bill as it worked its way through the Legislature, was expected to challenge the law in court even before the Trump administration acted.

The Justice Departments suit, filed in federal court in Sacramento, argues that Californias approach illegally intrudes on federal jurisdiction.

Under the Constitution, states do not regulate interstate commerce  the federal government does, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement. Once again the California Legislature has enacted an extreme and illegal state law attempting to frustrate federal policy.

San Francisco Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener, the bills author, said, Im thrilled the bill was signed, but now its on to the next fight. We will defend this law.

Its the latest battlefront between the Trump administration and Californias Democratic-run government. In March, the Justice Department sued to overturn three sanctuary-state laws passed by the Legislature and signed by Brown, including one limiting law enforcement agencies cooperation with federal enforcement of immigration laws.

Wiener introduced the net neutrality bill in January, just a month after the Federal Communications Commission voted to overturn Obama-era regulations that barred internet service companies from favoring websites, including those they have financial ties to, in a way that creates winners and losers.

Supporters said the bill will ensure that internet companies cannot speed up some streams and apps and slow down others, which could steer consumers to certain content at the detriment of competitors who, for example, couldnt afford to pay their way into the fast lane.

This victory in California is a testament to the power of the free and open internet to defend itself, said Evan Greer, deputy director of the advocacy group Fight for the Future. And its a beacon of hope for internet users everywhere who are fighting for the basic right to express themselves and access information without cable and phone companies controlling what they can see and do online.

Opponents of the bill argued that California overreached with its regulations by trying to replace the federal rule. The telecommunications industry says creating state-by-state regulations is impractical, and some companies have said they do not plan to favor certain websites.

We all support strong and enforceable net neutrality protections for every American  regardless of where they may live, said Jonathan Spalter, president of the industry group USTelecom. But this bill is neither the way to get there, nor will it help advance the promise and potential of Californias innovation DNA.

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

Spalter added, Rather than 50 states stepping in with their own conflicting open internet solutions, we need Congress to step up with a national framework for the whole internet ecosystem and resolve this issue once and for all.

When the Federal Communications Commission repealed net-neutrality rules, it said it was returning said to the light-touch regulatory scheme that enabled the internet to develop and thrive for nearly two decades.

One provision that would be allowed under federal rules, but not Californias, is an internet service provider practice called zero rating. Under it, some websites and apps dont count against a consumers data allotment.

Opponents view zero rating as a backdoor way of discriminating against online services that dont strike free-data deals with broadband and wireless companies. But proponents say the subsidies help lower-income communities access data services.

FCC Commission Chairman Ajit Pai pointed to that issue in a statement Sunday night.

Not only is Californias internet regulation law illegal, it also hurts consumers, Pai said. The law prohibits many free-data plans, which allow consumers to stream video, music, and the like exempt from any data limits. They have proven enormously popular in the marketplace, especially among lower-income Americans.

Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez
Its official: Your backpack, laptop, tablet or phone  or the vehicle in which you left all these things behind  are more likely to catch the fancy of a thief in San Francisco than any other major metropolis in the country.

FBI data released last week show the city had the highest per-capita rate of property crimes among the 20 most populous U.S. cities in 2017, tallying 6,168 crimes per 100,000 people. Thats about 148 burglaries, larcenies, car thefts and arsons per day.

San Franciscos property crimes spiked from the previous year, shooting up from about 47,000 in 2016 to 54,000 in 2017.

Officer Robert Rueca, a San Francisco police spokesman, attributed most of last years surge to what the department called an epidemic of auto break-ins, while pointing out that headway has been made in shrinking this number in 2018.

Among several strategies, he said, police are working with prosecutors to zero in on the most prolific offenders.

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Theres a small group of people affecting the vast majority of those numbers, Rueca said.

The FBI numbers reflect that Oakland saw a steady decrease in violent crimes  murders, rapes, robberies and assaults  in recent years but remained one of the more dangerous cities in the nation. The citys violent crime rate came in at No. 14 among cities with a population of 100,000 or more.

St. Louis, Detroit and Baltimore were the three most violent cities. San Francisco was 75th out of 298 big cities.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the Bay Area also claimed some of the safest cities in the nation, according to the federal figures.

Los Altos, Danville and Los Gatos had the three lowest rates of violent crime among Californias 245 cities with a population of at least 30,000 people. Each reported zero murders and fewer than 20 rapes, robberies and aggravated assaults for all of 2017.

Perhaps the states most jarring property crime stats arrived from 400 miles south of the Bay Area, where the City of Industry clocked in nearly 4.5 crimes per resident. Theres a big, data-skewing caveat here, though. Only 204 people live in Industry, but the Los Angeles suburb houses more than 3,000 businesses and employs more than 67,000 people, according to the citys website.

Oaklands neighbor Emeryville, with its small population and many businesses and shopping centers, had a similar outcome. There were 2,084 property crimes recorded in a city thats just shy of 12,000 residents  a rate more than twice that of San Francisco.

Oakland Police Department

Oakland sideshow goes sideways

A massive sideshow last weekend in East Oakland resulted in two injured officers, close to 100 cars towed and two arrests.

This wasnt the first time The Town has been roiled by illegal car shows shutting down roadways as drivers soundcheck their mufflers and leave behind a trail of doughnuts. But the incident late Saturday night in the area of 42nd Avenue and Interstate 880 was especially brazen, police said.

The sideshow participants allegedly threw rocks and bottles at officers attempting to break up the large gathering  and some even fired guns into the air in celebration. Two officers were said to be injured.

Police were able to break up the sideshow by about 5 a.m. Sunday, but the tow jobs took more than a dozen hours.

James Tensuan / Special to The Chronicle

A time to bail

Tiffany Li made headlines last year after posting a staggering $70 million bail in property and cash and walking out of the Redwood City Jail despite being a potential flight risk to China.

Now shes finally getting her day in court, as the trial began Wednesday.

Prosecutors accused Li of instructing her boyfriend, Kaveh Bayat, and Olivier Adella to kill Keith Green, the 27-year-old father of her two daughters, before getting rid of the body. Li allegedly acted in fear of losing a custody battle with Green.

Bayat remains in jail without bail, while Adella struck a deal with prosecutors by pleading no contest. He will no longer be tried for murder as long as he testifies truthfully at the jury trial, Deputy District Attorney Tricia Povah said.

Adella, who pleaded guilty to an accessory-to-murder charge, has spent two years in jail and could walk away after the trial.

Li, who lived in a mansion in Hillsborough, was arrested May 21, 2016, a little more than three weeks after Green disappeared. Police said he was supposed to meet Li at a Millbrae pancake house April 28 but never returned home. A hiker found his cell phone the next day in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.

For two weeks, Greens disappearance was treated as a missing-person case. But on May 11, Sonoma County sheriffs deputies found his body in a field off Highway 101 near Healdsburg. An autopsy confirmed that he was the victim of a homicide.

Bayat is accused of shooting and killing Green.

Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle

2 questions for Brendon Woods

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.

Q: Aside from defending your clients as Alameda Countys public defender, does your office have any pet projects?

A: Im not sure Id describe them as pet projects. Instead, these are major initiatives to prevent the lives of poor people  including people of color  from being destroyed by a system of mass incarceration.

Since March 2014, our L.Y.R.I.C. (Learn Your Rights in California) high school outreach program has reached more than 4,000 local students, teaching them how to interact with law enforcement in a way that preserves their constitutional rights, de-escalates the situation and keeps them safe. The tragic killings of Oscar Grant, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice and many others are high-profile examples of what people in communities of color have known for years  that a simple encounter with the police can go tragically wrong in an instant.

Then theres VOICE (Voting Outreach Increases Community Empowerment), which we launched in October 2016. With the cooperation of the Alameda County Sheriffs Department, weve sent teams of attorneys, social workers and investigators from our office into Santa Rita Jail to register individuals to vote. Many people with criminal convictions mistakenly believe that they cannot vote and this simply is not true. To date, we have registered over 400 people.

Q: Whats the Alameda County public defenders offices focal point for reform?

A: We need to make sure our juries are truly diverse, and that means allowing people with felony convictions to serve. A jury of your peers is a falsehood for many of our clients. California Code of Civil Procedure Section 203 forbids people with felony convictions from serving on juries, no matter how old the conviction is, no matter if the person has successfully completed probation or parole, and even if the old crime is no longer a felony. Essentially, one felony conviction serves as a lifetime ban from jury service. In California, a third of African American men are prohibited from serving on criminal or civil juries. This racist, outdated rule must be changed and our office is ready to lead the charge.

The Roundup: Stories of the Week

 Matthew Muller, the suspect in a bizarre Vallejo kidnapping and rape case once dismissed by police as a hoax, will not represent himself in trial after all.

 Seventeen people were arrested or charged in what police called a $1 million robbery ring targeting Apple stores across the state.

 A grandson was charged with murder after allegedly decapitating his 82-year-old grandmother in her SoMa home.

 In other decapitation news, the headless body found in a San Francisco fish tank was officially identified.

 A San Jose womans Fitbit tracker led police to the 90-year-old man accused of butchering her with an ax.

The Scanner is a weekly feature from The Chronicles breaking news team featuring stories from the crime beat. Follow the team on Twitter: @meganrcassidy @EvanSernoffsky @SarRavani @ctuan @LaurenPorFavor @ashleynmcb @gwendolynawu @Josh_Koehn
SACRAMENTO  Gov. Jerry Brown rejected San Franciscos plan to allow safe injection facilities for illicit drug users, saying Sunday that he was concerned about exposing local officials and health care professionals to potential federal criminal charges.

In vetoing AB186, the governor also said he was not convinced the bill would lead to drug users getting the treatment they need to get clean.

The bill by Assemblywoman Susan Eggman, D-Stockton, would have created a four-year pilot program in San Francisco aimed at reducing opioid overdoses and encouraging users to go into treatment by giving them supervised facilities to inject themselves and ride out the high under clinical supervision.

The Trump administration warned that if California allowed the sites, those involved could be subject to civil and criminal action.

Brown said in a veto message that enabling illegal drug use in government sponsored injection centers with no requirement of treatment is all carrot and no stick.

Enabling illegal and destructive drug use will never work, Brown wrote. The community must have the authority and the laws to require compassionate but effective and mandatory treatment.

The bill was backed by San Francisco Mayor London Breed, who has been working to ease unrest about the potential for safe injection sites in the city, including by opening a mock injection site in the Tenderloin.

Now Playing: Safe injection is joining a growing list that includes; gay marriage, medical marijuana and sanctuary cities where San Francisco and the federal government sees things differently. Video: KTVU

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.

Im disappointed that the governor has vetoed this important public health bill, Breed said in a statement. Safe injection sites save lives. If we are going to prevent overdoses and connect people to services and treatment that they badly need to stop using drugs in the first place, we need safe injection sites.

Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez
Californias gun-control laws, already among the strictest in the nation, will get even tougher next year when the state bans rapid-fire bump stocks and sales of rifles and shotguns to people under 21.

Gov. Jerry Brown signed bills in recent days that will impose those restrictions. At the same time, however, he vetoed additional measures backed by gun-control groups, including one that would have allowed a gun owners employer, co-workers or teachers to seek a court order to confiscate the persons firearms.

Overall, Browns bill signings and vetoes  among the final ones of his last term as governor  were in keeping with his long history of a nuanced, balanced approach to gun restrictions, said Adam Winkler, a UCLA law professor who has studied firearms issues.

That approach is likely to change when a new governor takes office next year.

Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, the Democratic candidate to succeed Brown, likes to point out that gun control is one of his central issues, Winkler said. Newsom sponsored Proposition 63, a wide-ranging 2016 initiative that included a ban on high-capacity gun magazines and background checks for purchases of ammunition.

His Republican opponent, John Cox, has called gun control a waste of time.

Among the bills Brown signed:

A ban on bump stocks, which convert semiautomatic rifles to rapid-fire machine guns. One was used by the gunman who killed 58 people at a Las Vegas concert last year, the worst mass killing in modern U.S. history. The bill, SB1346, was sponsored by Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, D-Santa Barbara.

SB1100 by Sen. Anthony Portantino, D-La Canada-Flintridge (Los Angeles County), barring sales of rifles or shotguns to people under 21, except for law enforcement, members of the military and state-licensed hunters. The same age limit now applies to sales of handguns.

A measure by Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio, D-Baldwin Park (Los Angeles County), AB3129, permanently banning anyone convicted of domestic violence from owning a gun. The ban replaces the states current 10-year prohibition on gun ownership.

AB1968 by Assemblyman Evan Low, D-San Jose, imposing a permanent firearms ban on anyone who is committed to a mental health facility more than once in a year and found to be dangerous to themselves or others.

A requirement that applicants for a license to carry a concealed handgun take eight hours of training in firearm safety and handling, and pass a test that includes firing a gun at a target. The bill, AB2103, was authored by Assemblyman Todd Gloria, D-San Diego.

Brown also signed a bill by Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, SB1200, that allows judges to order that mentally unstable people whose guns are taken away also be barred from possessing ammunition and gun magazines.

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.

But he said AB2288 by Assemblyman Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, allowing co-workers, employers or teachers to request the orders, was excessive and unnecessary. Current law allows only family members and law enforcement agencies to seek confiscation orders.

He also vetoed, for the second time in three years, legislation that would have limited purchases of rifles and shotguns to one per month in California, a limit that already applies to handguns.

The governor also rejected SB221 by Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, which would have banned gun shows at the Cow Palace. Similar bills have been vetoed twice before, once by Brown and once by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Brown said Friday that such decisions should be left up to the local board of directors.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@BobEgelkio
There is no guidebook on aging, Love said. Sometimes, we go to senior fairs and people say to us I wish I would have known about you back when this happened or that happened, Love said. We really are trying to help seniors get through the process as they age rather than after the fact.
The North American Free Trade Agreement reportedly reemerged from the ashes of President Trumps trade hostilities late Sunday. While the details of the renegotiated deal were still trickling out, they appeared unlikely to justify months of manufactured drama that rattled markets, frayed alliances and hurt business.

Running up against an administration-imposed deadline to rework NAFTA, the self-styled deal artist was facing the midterm elections without a sketch of a bargain. Hence the weekends last-ditch talks between U.S. and Canadian officials, who had reached a stalemate amid threats and insults from the president.

Trump had vowed to cut Canada out and end the three-party agreement altogether when he and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto announced a deal to tinker with auto-manufacturing and other provisions in August. Having failed to reach an accord with our northern neighbor in the ensuing weeks, Trump reiterated the threat of a two-party deal last week before negotiations with Ottawa resumed.

The trouble for Trump was that Congress authorized him to renegotiate NAFTA, not repeal it, and his compulsion to explode trade deals violates one of the few principles still dear to Republicans in Congress. Complicating matters further, final approval is unlikely until next year, when Democrats may be in power.

Canada, our No. 2 trade partner and largest export market, hadnt proved susceptible to bluffs and bullying by Trump, who is even less popular there than here. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stressed his obligation to his countrys consumers, workers and businesses  a characteristically polite Canadian counterpoint to Trumps America-first fulminations.

The Canadians 11th-hour agreement salvages for now the preliminary deal between Trump and lame duck Pena Nieto. Any delay beyond Sunday would have brought populist President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to the table, with unpredictable results.

One key Canadian concession could expand U.S. access to dairy markets there  which, as it happens, would have been achieved by the Trans-Pacific Partnership that Trump promptly withdrew from upon taking office.

A new NAFTA would build on a recent trade detente with South Korea that likewise yielded incremental adjustments to an accord Trump once disparaged in overheated terms. The president had called the U.S.-Korea pact a horrible deal and reportedly meant to withdraw from it, along with NAFTA, if his chief economic adviser hadnt purloined the paperwork.

Given the high risk and low rewards of Trumps trade wars, its fortunate that his bluster about blowing up NAFTA also appears to have been overblown.

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.
Whats being sold as commonality between Republicans and Democrats on environmental concerns based on support for Proposition 3 is a false premise. Prop. 3 is not what it appears to be.

There are several bad ideas incorporated in this $8.9 billion bond statewide bond measure. Here are just two:

One: A shift of the fiscal burden for water delivery systems from corporate agriculture and water agencies to the general public. How? The bonds would be repaid out of the states general fund, thus all taxpayers, not just the project beneficiaries, would foot the bills. Another good deal for large, well-connected water interests, and one more bad deal for the average taxpayer.

Two: Imbedded in the green agenda of Prop. 3 is $750 million to improve or rebuild canals and other delivery systems to help move south water that might eventually be made available by Gov. Jerry Browns twin tunnels. For example: The Friant-Kern Canal will receive tax dollars to increase its diminished capacity. (The ground beneath the canal is subsiding and the canal collapsing due to over-pumping of the groundwater.) This, despite a long-standing claim that the governors WaterFix project will not use taxpayer money.

On top of that, more bond funds would be given to the Friant Water Authority for water delivery improvements, such as the construction of more dams. When was the last time you saw a green proposition that allotted money for more dams?

Chronicle recommends The Chronicle has taken a stand against Prop. 3: "This is no way to spend taxpayer dollars. Voters should reject Prop. 3 on both principle and substance." - Editorial, 9/9/18 Read it online at sfchronicle.com/opinion or bit.ly/2y4CYz5 See More Collapse

As a Northern Californian, it is offensive to me that Prop. 3 would implement the WaterFix/twin tunnels project, which many experts say would sound the death knell of the San Francisco Bay-Delta ecosystem.

The architect of Prop. 3 is Jerry Meral, who said in 2013: The Bay Delta Conservation Plan is not about, and has never been about, saving the delta. The delta cannot be saved.

The truth of that harsh statement is directly tied to the successful enactment of the WaterFix/WaterGrab Plan  augmented, of course, by at least $1 billion from Prop. 3s expenditures, hiding under the cover of some green, and feel-good projects.

Before people vote on this proposition, they should understand its unsavory, underlying truths.

Jim Blickenstaff is a former San Ramon City Council member.
When my great-great-great-grandfather brought dairy cows to the sand dunes of what is now the west side of San Francisco in the 1850s, it was remote enough that David Brodericks political machine ran the squatting. The political power was downtown, and that was life in the Outside Lands.

More than 160 years later, one would hope that our city has evolved to where the remote avenues are viewed as something more than just a hinterland for a political machine to exploit. But progress has been slow.

Leland Yee, Fiona Ma and Carmen Chu all left the Sunset for higher office. The scandal that removed Ed Jew from office in 2007 will be remembered for wads of cash in a safe. Having our legislators paid to misrepresent us is classic backwater politics. Its still the Outside Lands.

After Jews removal, Mayor Gavin Newsom appointed young, ambitious Chu to represent us instead of choosing from neighborhood leaders. While serving, she ran for assessor and vacated her supervisorial seat. Mayor Ed Lee appointed young, ambitious Katy Tang to represent us, again ignoring folks who had their own constituencies in the Avenues. When our leaders owe their existence, and thus their loyalty, to higher officials, instead of to neighborhood contests, were in the boonies.

The deadline to file for re-election was 5 p.m., June 12. At 5:17 p.m., Supervisor Tang announced she was not seeking re-election and designated support for her young legislative assistant, who had moved to the district in March. In the Outside Lands, longtime residents are not party to the backroom arrangements.

On Nov. 6, District Four can have an open race without someone already anointed from City Hall. There are eight candidates, and that race can be about the issues, not who will be appointed. It can be about ambitions for the Sunset, not the resume. There have been several debates. There have been lots of opinions about cannabis dispensaries, about high-density residential planning, about homeless encampments, about Proposition C (taxing businesses to fund services for homeless people), about our future.

It took a century and a half for us to develop this much democracy. Id hate to see it go to waste. Lets end the pattern of pass the torch leadership. If youre a District Four voter, please vote. If youre not, please stay the heck out of it.

Ralph Lane is a fifth-generation San Franciscan.
SACRAMENTO  Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a bill Sunday that would have required public universities in California to offer abortion pills on campus.

SB320 by Sen. Connie Leyva, D-Chino (San Bernardino County), would have required health centers at the University of California and California State University campuses to offer students medical abortions  pills that women take to end pregnancies  starting in 2022.

In a veto message, Brown said such services are widely available to students at off-campus clinics. This bill is not necessary, the governor wrote.

Students at UC Berkeley had pushed for the legislation after their efforts to get the campus to provide the medication failed in 2016.

Medical abortions involve taking two pills over two days during a womans first 10 weeks of pregnancy to induce a miscarriage. A medical abortion is different from surgical abortions or the morning-after pill, which is a high dose of a synthetic hormone found in birth control pills that delays or stops the release of an egg.

Now Playing: A lot of history has been made at UC Berkeley since it was founded in 1868. Here some of the most important moments. Video: Drew Costley/SFGATE

The morning-after pill is already widely distributed at many campus health centers. Women can take that pill if they suspect they may be pregnant and dont want to be, while a medical abortion pill terminates a confirmed pregnancy.

Student health centers at public universities in California do not offer abortions of any kind, instead referring women to off-campus clinics.

UC and CSU did not take a position on the bill, although both expressed concerns about the costs of implementing it.

Private funding from groups including the Womens Foundation of California and Tara Health Foundation would have helped pay for staff training and after-hours services at UC and CSU campuses. The groups pledged grants of $200,000 to the public university systems and another $200,000 to each of their campuses.

The bill was opposed by antiabortion groups including Students for Life of America, which called the prospect of offering abortion pills on campus a tragedy.

Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez
Police worked with a school resource officer to investigate the incident that occurred Sept. 25, according to the release. The student allegedly wrote down a list of names and threatened violence against those people, and wrote that it would occur Oct. 9.
SACRAMENTO  California will no longer allow people to be charged with murder when they were not directly involved in a killing, under a bill signed Sunday by Gov. Jerry Brown.

SB1437 by Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, overturns the states felony murder rule that holds an accomplice in an offense such as robbery liable for a homicide that happens during the crime, regardless of whether the defendant was involved in the killing.

Instead, under the new law, a suspect can be charged with first-degree murder only if he or she was the actual killer, solicited the murder or aided the slaying in a way that showed a reckless indifference to human life. The law will allow those who have been convicted under the felony murder rule to petition a court to be resentenced.

There is one notable exemption: any case in which a police officer is killed.

Californias murder statute irrationally treated people who did not commit murder the same as those who did, Skinner said. SB1437 makes clear there is a distinction, reserving the harshest punishment to those who directly participate in the death.

Skinner pointed to a 2018 survey by the Anti-Recidivism Coalition and Restore Justice, which found that 72 percent of incarcerated women in the state with a life sentence did not personally commit the murders for which they were convicted. The average age of someone charged as an accomplice to murder is 20.

ALSO California opens some police misconduct records to public view

The bill was opposed by many prosecutors, who urged Brown to veto it.

The California District Attorneys Association said the bill was well-intentioned but flawed because it puts communities at risk.

Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez
SACRAMENTO  California will attempt to go it alone in regulating internet access after Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill Sunday to restore Obama-era regulations barring the telecommunications industry from favoring certain websites.

First, however, the state will have to prevail in a legal fight with the Trump administrations Justice Department, which sued to block California from installing its own rules minutes after Brown signed the bill.

Browns approval of the net neutrality protections was met with cheers from his Democratic allies, who advocated for SB822 in hopes that California would create a template for other states to follow. The telecommunications industry, which aggressively fought the bill as it worked its way through the Legislature, was expected to challenge the law in court even before the Trump administration acted.

The Justice Departments suit, filed in federal court in Sacramento, argues that Californias approach illegally intrudes on federal jurisdiction.

Under the Constitution, states do not regulate interstate commerce  the federal government does, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement. Once again the California Legislature has enacted an extreme and illegal state law attempting to frustrate federal policy.

Now Playing: A new state law signed by Governor Jerry Brown this week is paving the way for people to legally sell food they've cooked in their homes. Video: KTVU

San Francisco Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener, the bills author, said, Im thrilled the bill was signed, but now its on to the next fight. We will defend this law.

Its the latest battlefront between the Trump administration and Californias Democratic-run government. In March, the Justice Department sued to overturn three sanctuary-state laws passed by the Legislature and signed by Brown, including one limiting law enforcement agencies cooperation with federal enforcement of immigration laws.

This latest fight might be the last one precipitated by an action of Browns. Sunday was the final day for the termed-out governor to sign or veto 127 pieces of legislation sitting on his desk. The next time the Legislature passes a bill, it will go to a new chief executive.

Wiener introduced the net neutrality bill in January, just a month after the Federal Communications Commission voted to overturn Obama-era regulations that barred internet service companies from favoring websites, including those they have financial ties to, in a way that creates winners and losers.

Supporters said the bill will ensure that internet companies cannot speed up some streams and apps and slow down others, which could steer consumers to certain content to the detriment of competitors who, for example, couldnt afford to pay their way into the fast lane.

This victory in California is a testament to the power of the free and open internet to defend itself, said Evan Greer, deputy director of the advocacy group Fight for the Future. And its a beacon of hope for internet users everywhere who are fighting for the basic right to express themselves and access information without cable and phone companies controlling what they can see and do online.

Opponents of the bill argued that California overreached with its regulations by trying to replace the federal rule. The telecommunications industry says creating state-by-state regulations is impractical, and some companies have said they do not plan to favor certain websites.

We all support strong and enforceable net neutrality protections for every American  regardless of where they may live, said Jonathan Spalter, president of the industry group USTelecom. But this bill is neither the way to get there, nor will it help advance the promise and potential of Californias innovation DNA.

Spalter added, Rather than 50 states stepping in with their own conflicting open internet solutions, we need Congress to step up with a national framework for the whole internet ecosystem and resolve this issue once and for all.

When the FCC repealed net-neutrality rules, it said it was returning to the light-touch regulatory scheme that enabled the internet to develop and thrive for nearly two decades.

One provision that would be allowed under federal rules, but not Californias, is an internet service provider practice called zero rating. Under it, some websites and apps dont count against a consumers data allotment.

Opponents view zero rating as a backdoor way of discriminating against online services that dont strike free-data deals with broadband and wireless companies. But proponents say the subsidies help lower-income communities access data services.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai pointed to that issue in a statement Sunday night.

Not only is Californias internet regulation law illegal, it also hurts consumers, Pai said. The law prohibits many free-data plans, which allow consumers to stream video, music, and the like exempt from any data limits. They have proven enormously popular in the marketplace, especially among lower-income Americans.

Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez
The first hints of rain in the Bay Area are very much welcome after a five-month dry spell, especially by firefighters at the front lines of Northern Californias wildfires.

The new rainfall year, which started Monday, coincides historically with one of the worst months for wildfires. While forecasts vary on exactly how much precipitation the region is supposed to get this week, word of rain is being well-received.

Itll certainly help the wildfires that are still smoldering in the region, said Steve Anderson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. But by no means will it end the fire season.

Storms bring increased humidity levels to slow already-burning blazes, as well as hydration for dry brush.

The National Weather Service estimates that parts of San Francisco, the East Bay and the South Bay will receive between 0.25 and 0.50 inches of rain Tuesday. Showers may dump up to an inch of rain in the North Bay, with a chance of thunderstorms before 11 a.m.

However, the predicted amount of rain isnt enough to eliminate concerns about dry brush, which will dry out quickly with light breezes and the impending weekend warm-up, said Scott McLean, a Cal Fire spokesman.

Firefighters still working on the Delta Fire near Redding could also face new challenges due to the rain.

Youre driving on dirt roads turned to mud, and going up muddy slopes, McLean said. Its like two steps up and four steps back. It adds a little complexity to the fight.

The burn scars of the Santa Rosa and Mendocino Complex wildfires may also feature mud if future storm systems dump large amounts of rain in Northern California.

While some vegetation has regrown in Santa Rosa following last years fires, it hasnt been enough to stop potential debris runoff.

Large rainstorms can trigger debris flows and flash floods like what happened in January in Montecito in Santa Barbara County, where half an inch of rain dropped in five minutes to trigger a mudslide that killed 21 people.

McLean said theres no cause for alarm right now, but residents should be prepared for any possible situation.

Dont be complacent, he said.

Fire and weather officials said it would require several years of consistent rainfall to get California back to where it needs to be after returning to pre-drought water levels.

Gwendolyn Wu is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: gwendolyn.wu@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @gwendolynawu
This article, FBI unlocked an iPhone X by forcing suspect to use Face ID, originally appeared on CNET.com.

Your face can and will be used against you.

During an FBI investigation of six Ohio men charged with sexually abusing children and creating child pornography, agents forced one of the suspects to unlock his iPhone X by showing his face to the phone.

On Aug. 10, federal investigators searched Grant Michalski's home in Columbus, Ohio, and found an iPhone X. Agents required him to put his face in front of the phone to unlock it, according to court documents.

"The phone was unlocked pursuant to the facial recognition feature on the iPhone X, and your affiant was able to briefly review the contents of the phone," the document said.

After unlocking the device at Michalski's home through Face ID, investigators found chat logs detailing interests in child pornography.

But FBI agents haven't been able to unlock the iPhone X since moving the seized device to the agency's Columbus office. While they were able to unlock it on the spot with Michalski's cooperation through Face ID, he hasn't given investigators the password to his iPhone X.

Passwords are much harder for law enforcement to get than physical characteristics used for biometric locks such as Face ID and fingerprint readers. That's because biometrics aren't covered by the Fifth Amendment, which protects people from self-incrimination. Giving up a password could be considered self-incrimination.

The reason for the difference is that police can obtain biometrics, like your face and your fingerprints, through procedural measures such as mugshots, legal experts say. But passwords are something only the person who set them would know.

Several court cases involving Touch ID led to this legal precedent. The Ohio case is the first involving Face ID.

In the past, the Department of Justice has criticized Apple for making it difficult to obtain evidence on locked devices. The two tangled in a heated legal battle over unlocking a iPhone used by the terrorist behind a shooting in San Bernardino, California.

Neither the FBI nor the DoJ responded to a request for comment. Michalski's attorney didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Apple didn't respond to a request for comment.

The legal difference between passwords and biometrics allowed FBI agents to request that Michalski unlock his iPhone X on the spot through Face ID. But they didn't ask him for the password, and still don't have it. In the FBI's warrant, the agency asked to use extraction devices to pull data out of the iPhone X without requiring a password -- which would include information like deleted photos and text messages.

It's unclear what specific extraction device investigators are requesting from Columbus Police Department to extract that data without a password, but companies like Grayshift and Cellebrite have been known to provide that service to US agencies.

The Columbus Police Department didn't respond to a request for comment.

In a May article from the Columbus Dispatch detailing the department's digital forensics team, a photo showed a detective running digital forensics software from Cellebrite.

NASA turns 60: The space agency has taken humanity farther than anyone else, and it has plans to go further.

Taking It to Extremes: Mix insane situations -- erupting volcanoes, nuclear meltdowns, 30-foot waves -- with everyday tech. Here's what happens.
With the world's top volcanologists heading to Portland, Ore., on Aug. 14 for the first international volcanology assembly held in the U.S. since 1989, the many famous, prominent and dangerous volcanoes of the West Coast will be the subject of field trips and much discussion.

Throughout the Cascade Range to southern California, the West Coast is home to most of the country's highest-threat volcanoes, as ranked by the United State Geological Survey. And California has its share.

While Mount Shasta unsurprisingly tops USGS's list of very-high threat volcanoes in California, there are seven other volcanic areas in the state that are also young, nervy, jacked up on magma and "likely to erupt."

Scientists know from geophysical and geochemical research that these volcanoes have molten rock, magma, "in their roots," said Margaret Mangan, Scientist-in-Charge at the California Volcano Observatory. "I call them the watch-list volcanoes."

USGS

On watch



As listed by the California observatory, the eight fall into three danger categories:

Very-high threat: Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic Center and Long Valley Volcanic Region

High threat: Clear Lake Volcanic Field, Medicine Lake Volcano and Salton Buttes

Moderate threat: Ubehebe Crater and Coso Volcanic Field

In 2005, a national team led by John Ewert, a volcanologist with the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory, established a system for deciding which of the United States' 169 young volcanoes are the most dangerous and most in need of monitoring. In the "Framework for a National Volcano Early Warning System," Ewert's team identified 57 priority volcanoes in the U.S.

RELATED LINK: A look at the Northwest earthquake that shook the world

Among the 18 "very high threat volcanoes," 11 are along the Cascade Range in three states (Alaska and Hawaii have the others):

California: Lassen Volcanic Center, Long Valley Caldera, Mount Shasta

Oregon: Crater Lake, Mount Hood, Newberry, South Sister of The Three Sisters

Washington: Baker, Glacier Peak, Rainier, St. Helens

RELATED LINK: Of all Cascade volcanoes, Mount Rainier is the most dangerous

"We live on a fascinating planet," Ewert said of the likelihood of eruptions along the West Coast, "and one of the reasons it is fascinating is that it is dynamic. The entire surface of the Earth is in motion and sometimes people have a hard time wrapping their head around that. We have big earthquakes. We have volcanic eruptions, tsunamis. All these things happen."

Pulse of the volcano

The volcano threat list was created, Ewert explain, not simply to alert people that the Earth is petulant but too set a foundation for determining which of the country's volcanoes need extensive monitoring.

He said the team used 25 factors to determine a volcano's danger status: What has the volcano done in the past? What's its modus operandi? When does it tend to erupt? What kind of phenomenon does it produce? Lahars (mud slurries of ice, rocks and other debris)? Pyroclastic flows (hot gas, rock and other stuff out of the volcano)? Is it a highly explosive volcano? How active is the volcano right now? Are there seismic swarms? Is it emitting hot volcanic gases? Is the edifice changing its shape (deformation)?

RELATED LINK: Ways you can be killed by a volcano

In addition to the geophysics of a volcano, the team examined how many people live or work near it, plus the amount and type of infrastructure has been built up around it ... power generation, port facilities, etc.

The team also considered, What is the aviation exposure? How many flights a day pass through the volcanic airspace?

"If it is an explosive volcano," Ewert said, "we asked how close is it to an airport and what is the daily passenger load of the airport? Recall in 2010, the eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull in Iceland shut down European airspace for over a week. That ran up about a $10 billion impact cost. Given the fact that an explosive eruption can put an ash cloud up to cruise altitude in five minutes or less, that volcanic airspace is an important thing to take into consideration."

Mangan said California had plenty to worry about in this regard as well.

"Over the northern California volcanoes, the data from FAA suggests that there are a couple hundred jumbo jets on flight-lines that pass over those three volcanoes on a daily basis," she said. "And, likewise there are a couple hundred jumbo jets that are flying over Long Valley Volcanic Region as well."

Best watched volcano

USGS

For all these reasons, Mangan said, the eight riskiest volcanoes in California need monitoring.

"... so that we can forecast eruptions, essentially keep our finger on the pulse," she said. "The best network, the optimized network that we currently have, is in the Long Valley Volcanic Region. It is arguably one of the best in the nation. It is also one of the most restless volcanic areas currently."

She added that the three Cascade Range volcanoes in northern California are being monitored to provide basic information, but the networks are not optimum.

"So, we are working as we can, given funding levels, to modernize and upgrade the networks in northern California," she said. The other five "also have a way to go until we have an optimum monitoring situation."

Active Lassen

Michael Clynne, with the U.S. Geological Survey's Volcano Science Center and considered the world expert on all things Lassen, said the most recent volcano to erupt in the state, Lassen Peak, sits in the middle of a region ready to blow.

RELATED LINK: Lassen Park offers splendor without human crush

"The Lassen Volcanic Center is active and it will erupt again," he said during a public lecture published on YouTube. "It's only a matter of time. The Lassen Volcanic Center has had at least 13 eruptions in the last 100,000 years. That doesn't sound like very often. It's a recurrence interval of about 7,500 years. However there have been three eruptions in the last 1,100 years ... So the eruptions are not evenly spaced in time ... Volcanic activity is episodic.

"So, Lassen will erupt again. And maybe if some of us are lucky, it will be in our lifetime."

Jake Ellison can be reached at jakeellisonjournalism@gmail.com. Follow Jake on Twitter at twitter.com/Jake_News. Also, swing by and *LIKE* his page on Facebook. If Google Plus is your thing, check out our science coverage here.
A bear shot by a pair of Alaska men tumbled down off a ridge and landed on one of the hunters, critically injuring him, authorities said.

The state Department of Public Safety said 28-year-old William McCormick suffered life-threatening injuries Saturday when he was struck by both the bear and a rock that was kicked loose as the bruin rolled down the slope.
WASHINGTON  The United States and Canada reached a last minute deal to salvage the North American Free Trade Agreement late Sunday, overcoming deep divisions to keep the 25-year-old trilateral pact intact.

The deal came after a weekend of frantic talks to try to preserve a trade agreement that has stitched together the economies of Mexico, Canada and the United States but that was in danger of collapsing. After more than a year of tense talks and strained relations between President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, negotiators from both sides reached a deal just before a midnight deadline set by the White House.

The agreement was punctuated by a frenetic Sunday, with Canadas leaders teleconferencing throughout the day with top U.S. officials in Washington. Trudeau convened a 10 p.m. Cabinet meeting in Ottawa to brief officials on the deal, as Jared Kushner, one of Trumps closest advisers, and Robert Lighthizer, the presidents top trade negotiator, hashed out the final details.

In a joint statement, Lighthizer and Canadas foreign affairs minister, Chrystia Freeland, said the new deal will give our workers, farmers, ranchers and businesses a high-standard trade agreement that will result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region.

The agreement, they said, will be called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement rather than NAFTA.

The deal represents a win for Trump, who has derided NAFTA for years and threatened to pull the United States from the pact if it was not rewritten in Americas favor. The Trump administration struck a deal with Mexico last month to rewrite NAFTA and had threatened to jettison Canada from the pact if it did not agree to concessions like opening its dairy market to U.S. farmers.

As part of the deal, Canada will ease protections on its dairy market and provide access that is greater than what the United States would have gained through the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade treaty that Trump withdrew from last year.

The United States relented on its demands to eliminate an independent tariff dispute settlement system that Canada had said was a red line in negotiations. Keeping that process was a major concession for the United States.

The countries also reached an understanding that would protect Canada from the automobile tariffs that Trump has routinely threatened, though it is not clear how far those protections would extend. A senior administration official said that if those tariffs are imposed on global imports, Canada and Mexico would receive accommodations for their existing car production.

The agreement builds upon the deal that was reached with Mexico in August, which made alterations to rules governing automobile manufacturing, in an effort to bring more car production back to the United States from Mexico.

Alan Rappeport is a New York Times writer.
I am very proud of the way this was handled, and Im glad there were so many police officers on the scene, said Tammy Zbylut, whose son was at the dance, but left early. This will wake everyone up that it can happen here.
SACRAMENTO  Gov. Jerry Brown rejected San Franciscos plan to allow safe injection facilities for illicit drug users, saying Sunday that he was concerned about exposing local officials and health care professionals to potential federal criminal charges.

In vetoing AB186, the governor also said he was not convinced the bill would lead to drug users getting the treatment they need to get clean.

The bill by Assemblywoman Susan Eggman, D-Stockton, would have created a four-year pilot program in San Francisco aimed at reducing opioid overdoses and encouraging users to go into treatment by giving them supervised facilities to inject themselves and ride out the high under clinical supervision.

The Trump administration warned that if California allowed the sites, those involved could be subject to civil and criminal action.

Brown said in a veto message that enabling illegal drug use in government sponsored injection centers with no requirement of treatment is all carrot and no stick.

Enabling illegal and destructive drug use will never work, Brown wrote. The community must have the authority and the laws to require compassionate but effective and mandatory treatment.

The bill was backed by San Francisco Mayor London Breed, who has been working to ease unrest about the potential for safe injection sites in the city, including by opening a mock injection site in the Tenderloin.

Im disappointed that the governor has vetoed this important public health bill, Breed said in a statement. Safe injection sites save lives. If we are going to prevent overdoses and connect people to services and treatment that they badly need to stop using drugs in the first place, we need safe injection sites.

Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez
Veterans may also have their drivers license or state ID updated to veterans status at the event courtesy of the Department of Veteran Affairs, which will have two mobile vet centers at the campus, the release said. The mobile centers also provide confidential counseling services to vets for free.
The instructors at Kids Karate Club, which offers sessions at the Elmwood Park Parks & Rec Center, provided kids the opportunity to practice their high kicks as part of their presentation at the Get Fit Health and Fitness Fair, which took place at the parks and rec center.
RICHMOND (BCN)



The next step in Richmond's quest to develop the Point Molate area comes before the City Council Tuesday night -- prospective approval of a short list of qualified developers of this key 270-acre property north of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.



Tuesday night's approval of a small number of prospective developers is expected to be followed by a Dec. 11 meeting to hear Point Molate Development Proposal presentations.



These are the latest steps in what has been a process that started in 1997, but is now guided by a fast-track schedule after the end of a court battle that was settled in April.



The lawsuit was filed in 2011 by Upstream Point Molate, LLC and the Guidiville Rancheria, a Pomo tribe based in Mendocino County, after Richmond turned down a proposed casino at Point Molate. A federal judge said no to the casino, but required that any profits from development there be split between the city and the casino developers.



The judge also imposed a tight timeline for development approvals -- April 2020.



The Point Molate Reuse Plan calls for 670 residential units and preservation of at least 70 percent of the 270 acres at Point Molate, a onetime U.S. Navy fuel depot, as open space. Those numbers are still open to change.



Tuesday's meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. inside the Community Services Building, 440 Civic Center Plaza in Richmond.





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The U.S. Coast Guard rescued a 46-year-old man from a fishing boat 20 miles west of the Golden Gate Bridge Saturday, flying the man by helicopter to the Stanford Medical Center for medical aid, the Coast Guard said.

The captain of the 50-foot charter fishing boat "Tiger Shark" called the Coast Guard about 10:40 a.m. requesting help for the 46-year-old man who needed medical help.
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)



The federal gun possession trial of the undocumented immigrant who possessed the gun that killed Kate Steinle in San Francisco in 2015 has been postponed for at least several months while a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in a different case is awaited.



Jose Ines Garcia Zarate was originally scheduled to go on trial today in the court of U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria in San Francisco on two federal charges of being an ex-felon and an undocumented person in possession of a gun.



But on Aug. 24, Chhabria postponed the trial until the Supreme Court issues a ruling in an Alabama case known as Gamble v. United States.



Chhabria wrote, "There is a serious possibility that the Supreme Court's ruling in that case will require dismissal of the charges against Garcia Zarate."



The issue in both cases is whether prosecution on similar state and federal charges violates the constitutional ban on double jeopardy, or being tried twice for the same crime.



Garcia-Zarate was convicted in San Francisco Superior Court last year on a state charge of being an ex-felon in possession of a gun. He was acquitted of murdering Steinle.



Steinle was killed with a ricocheting bullet from a stolen gun as she stood on Pier 14 with her father on July 1, 2015. Garcia Zarate's defense lawyers acknowledged that he picked up the gun from under a bench where he was sitting, but said it fired by accident.



Several days after the close of the Superior Court trial, federal prosecutors filed the U.S. charges against Garcia Zarate.



In the Alabama case before the Supreme Court, Terence Gamble was convicted of a state charge of being an ex-felon in possession of a gun and pleaded guilty to a similar federal charge. He then appealed in the federal courts with a claim that the two prosecutions amounted to double jeopardy.



The high court has previously allowed an exception to the double jeopardy rule when the prosecutions were carried out by "separate sovereigns," such a state and the federal government or two states.



Gamble's appeal, backed by several civil rights groups, asks the court to rule that exception unconstitutional. The Supreme Court has not yet set a hearing date. It is expected to issue its decision by the end of June.



Chhabria wrote in his order postponing Garcia Zarate's trial, "Postponement of the trial for a few months will present no public safety concern, because the defendant will remain in custody pending trial (or pending the Supreme Court's ruling).



"The ends of justice served by continuing the trial outweigh any interest in proceeding to trial immediately," the judge said.





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California Gov. Jerry Brown signed two bills into law on Sunday that will increase access to law enforcement records and body camera footage, according to state officials.



Brown signed Assembly Bill 748, authored by Assemblymember Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, which requires police to release body camera footage to the public within 45 days of a "critical incident," defined as the discharge of a firearm or use-of-force that causes death or great bodily harm.



The governor also signed Senate Bill 1421, authored by state Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, which allows public access to police records in cases where a firearm is discharged, on-the-job sexual assault occurs or dishonesty in a report, investigation or prosecution of a crime.



"When incidents such as a police shooting occurs, the public has a right to know that there was a thorough investigation," Skinner said in a statement. "Without access to such records, communities can't hold our public safety agencies accountable."



Ting's office said in a statement that prior to AB 748 being signed into law, police departments often cited a pending investigation in withholding recording under the public records act.



"Public access to body camera footage is necessary to boost confidence and rebuild trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve," Ting said.



Both AB 748 and SB 1421 will take effect on July 1, 2019.





Copyright  2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
With Gov. Jerry Brown signing Assembly Bill 2923 into law Sunday, Bay Area Rapid Transit officials say they want to build 20,000 new housing units - at least 35 percent of them affordable - at or near its stations by 2040.



The bill was authored by Assemblymen Tim Grayson, D-Concord, and David Chiu, D-San Francisco and supported by business groups, unions and transportation officials who favor the "transit village" approach to building and locating housing near transit stations. Supporters contend the approach eases pressure on area highways and helps employers by making homes more affordable and commuting easier.



"By signing this bill into law, the governor is sending a powerful message to residents throughout the Bay Area that the same old 'Not In My Back Yard' arguments will no longer be able to drown out their voices and calls for more affordable housing," Grayson said Sunday.



"The current regional housing crisis has shone a bright light on the need to accelerate development, especially in places where a transit infrastructure already exists," BART General Manager Grace Crunican said in a statement Sunday night.



Opponents of AB 2923 have included many Bay Area cities that did not relish the idea of BART having any zoning and/or development influence on land within their city limits. Officials from Walnut Creek, Fremont, Livermore, Hayward, Lafayette and Pleasant Hill made trips to Sacramento and San Francisco to lobby against the bill.



On Aug. 7, Walnut Creek Vice Mayor Cindy Silva told a council audience city leaders were concerned about the prospect of BART having powers to rezone land, specifically to rezone parking lots to host affordable housing. Those parking lots, she said, wouldn't necessarily be replaced.



Silva, at that Aug. 7 meeting, said there are "concerns that an agency whose core mission is to provide safe, reliable and economical transportation ... would be wanting to move into the housing business."



The bill also calls for some cities to update their zoning of BART property to accommodate housing.



The battle over AB 2923 helped prompt the resignation of Lafayette's longtime city manager, Steven Falk, last week. A proponent of 2923, Falk was at odds with his City Council, which had opposed it.



While some city officials have said they don't want BART making local land-use decisions, BART's Crunican said Sunday that BART is committed to continuing a collaborative approach.



"We have found that working closely with neighborhoods and local elected officials to consider community needs is not only respectful, it's the most efficient way to get the job done," Crunican said in Sunday's statement.





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California Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 822 into law on Sunday, which gives California internet consumers some of the strongest net neutrality protections in the United States, according to state officials.



The bill, co-authored by state senators Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, and Kevin De Leon, D-Los Angeles, protects consumers from being at the behest of internet service providers when using the web.



"Net neutrality, at its core, is the basic notion that we each get to decide where we go on the internet, as opposed to having that decision made for us by internet service providers," Wiener said in a statement.



Not long after the bill was signed into law, the United States Justice Department announced a lawsuit on Sunday challenging the legality of the state bill, claiming that it violates the federal government's deregulatory approach to internet service and inter-state commerce.



"Under the constitution, states do not regulate interstate commerce - the federal government does," U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement. "Once again, the California legislature has enacted an extreme and illegal state law attempting to frustrate federal policy."



Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai also praised the Justice Department's suit against the state, saying in a statement that a recent U.S. appellate court ruling reaffirmed that state regulation of information services is preempted by federal law.



Wiener didn't hesitate to respond to the federal lawsuit.



"We've been down this road before," he said in a statement. "When (President Donald Trump) and Sessions sued California and claimed we lacked the power to protect immigrants ... California won."



The California Cable and Telecommunications Association issued a statement on Sunday evening calling the legislation unlawful and harmful to consumers.





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California Governor Jerry Brown vetoed Assembly Bill 186 on Sunday, which would have allowed the city and county of San Francisco to open safe injection sites following a three-year pilot program, according to the governor's office.



The bill, which was one of many that crossed the governor's desk on Sunday, was co-authored by Assemblymembers Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco and introduced by Susan Eggman, D-Stockton. It passed in both the assembly and senate floors before going to Brown's desk in early September.



The governor said in a statement that despite the belief of supporters that the centers would have a positive impact and reduce deaths from drug use, non-supporters - including police, drug court judges and the rehab treatment industry - didn't agree with the "harm reduction" approach the bill was hoping to achieve.



"Fundamentally, I don't believe that enabling illegal drug use in government-sponsored injection centers - with no corresponding requirement that the user undergo treatment - will reduce drug addiction," Brown said in a statement.



Brown also said that although the bill creates immunity under state law, there are no protections under federal law, and cited a claim from United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions that prosecution of local officials and healthcare professional would take place if the bill was passed into law.



Wiener issued a statement voicing his strong disappointment to the veto and the threat of federal prosecution.



"We should not allow threats from a backward federal government stop us from helping people who are dying on our streets," Wiener said. "The status quo is not working ... Safe injection sites provide people with an opportunity to inject in a clean, safe environment with healthcare personnel available to prevent overdoses, and with an opportunity to offer people addiction, healthcare, housing and other services. These sites save lives, and today's veto is definitely a lost opportunity."



San Francisco Mayor London Breed also expressed displeasure over the governor's decision not to sign the bill into law.



"If we are going to stop the drug use we see in public every day and get the needles off our streets, we need proven public health solutions," Breed said in a statement. We have seen these sites work in cities in other countries and we know they not only save lives, but they can save our city money by reducing costs for healthcare and emergency services."





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OAKLAND (BCN)



The marquee at Oakland's Grand Lake Theatre has long been a posting place for the political musings of its longtime operator, Allen Michaan. It started with a rant against the Supreme Court in November 2000: "This is America. Every vote should be counted," the marquee read.



"It's really nothing new for me; I've been speaking my mind on the billboard for a long time," Michaan said today. Literally hundreds of marquee messages later, the old-fashioned movie marquee had a somewhat different message this weekend:



"We will not enforce the 'R' rating on 'Farenheit 11/9!' Political discourse must not be stifled"



"To me, an R rating on a film that's political in nature in uncalled for," said Michaan, who has operated the Grand Lake since 1980 but has been the owner for only the past month or so. "There's no nudity or sex, a few four-letter words ... the R rating seems to be repression of political dissent."



An "R" rating means "restricted," with anyone under age 17 requiring an accompanying parent or adult guardian to get in.



"Farenheit 11/9" is Michael Moore's latest film, this time putting the Trump presidency, the media, the Electoral College and the government in general through the grinder. It's a film that deserves as much discussion as possible, he said, and he said he's allowing anyone who wants to see it to see it.



"Not that a 5-year-old really wants to see it ... but we don't want to exclude anyone," he said.



So if a group of young kids wants to come and watch "Farenheit 11/9," Michaan will happily welcome them in. He hopes it will lead to discussion and thinking about the state of the nation, on whatever level they want to tackle it.



The Grand Lake also suspended "R"-rating restrictions for Moore's last film, "Fahrenheit 911," which similarly addressed the George W. Bush presidency.



Moore himself tweeted out the photo of present marquee posted to the Grand Lake's Facebook page.



Michaan expects "Fahrenheit 11/9" will run another week or two at the Grand Lake, and then be gone. "It's a very crowded fall movie season," he said.









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East Bay Regional Park District police were at the scene of a suspicious death this morning near Lake Chabot, officials said.



The death was reported at about 4 a.m. near Chabot Dam on East Bay Municipal Utility District property, park district police Lt. David Phulps said.



The Alameda County coroner was at the scene, Phulps said.



Information about the nature of the death or how it was discovered was not immediately released.







California Gov. Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 822 into law on Sunday, giving the state's internet consumers some of the strongest net neutrality protections in the U.S..



The bill, co-authored by state Sens. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, and Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, protects consumers from being at the behest of internet service providers when using the web.



"Net neutrality, at its core, is the basic notion that we each get to decide where we go on the internet, as opposed to having that decision made for us by internet service providers," Wiener said in a statement.



Not long after the bill was signed into law, the U.S. Department of Justice announced a lawsuit on Sunday challenging the legality of the state bill, claiming that it violates the federal government's deregulatory approach to internet service and inter-state commerce.



Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai praised the Justice Department's suit against the state, saying in a statement that a recent U.S. appellate court ruling reaffirmed that state regulation of information services is preempted by federal law.







California Gov. Jerry Brown signed two bills into law on Sunday that will increase access to law enforcement records and body camera footage, according to state officials.



Brown signed Assembly Bill 748, authored by Assemblymember Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, which requires police to release body camera footage to the public within 45 days of a "critical incident," defined as the discharge of a firearm or use-of-force that causes death or great bodily harm.



The governor also signed Senate Bill 1421, authored by state Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, which allows public access to police records in cases where a firearm is discharged, on-the-job sexual assault occurs or dishonesty in a report, investigation or prosecution of a crime.



Ting's office said in a statement that prior to AB 748 being signed into law, police departments often cited a pending investigation in withholding recording under the public records act.







Martins Beach on the San Mateo County coast will remain open to the public for at least the time being after the U.S. Supreme Court today refused to hear an appeal by the Silicon Valley venture capitalist who owns the property.



The high court declined without comment to take up entrepreneur Vinod Khosla's appeal of lower court rulings requiring him to keep open the only road to the beach.



The Supreme Court's action leave in place decisions in which San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Barbara Mallach and a state appeals court said Khosla's beach management companies would need a permit from the California Coastal Commission before changing the longtime public access to the beach.



The state courts ruled in a lawsuit filed by the San Clemente-based Surfrider Foundation.







Gov. Jerry Brown on Sunday signed a bill that that narrows the state's definition of felony murder so that individuals are charged for the crime they actually commit.



Senate Bill 1437, co-authored by Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, and Sen. Joel Anderson, R-El Cajon, changes California's long-standing murder rule that states a person who participated in any portion of certain felonies that resulted in death could be charged with first-degree murder.



The new rule will affect an estimated 400 to 800 people who were incarcerated under the old law. They won't be automatically re-sentenced, but the law establishes a process so they can petition the court for review of whether a new sentence is appropriate.







A bill by a Peninsula state legislator to increase the availability of automated external defibrillators around the state was signed into law Sunday night by Gov. Jerry Brown.



Senate Bill 1397, authored by State Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, requires that AEDs, devices used to help people in cardiac arrest, be installed in any high-occupancy structures that undergo significant modifications or improvements.



The law, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2020, states that an AED must be installed in any residential, commercial, educational, institutional or factory building with occupancy for 200 or more people that has had renovations totaling at least $100,000 in a calendar year.



The law would also apply to assembly buildings like auditoriums and theaters with an occupancy of 300 or more people.







Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a bill by Assemblyman Marc Levine, D-Marin, that requires lobbyists to receive sexual harassment prevention training.



Assembly Bill 2055 requires lobbyists' ethics courses to include information on State Assembly and Senate policies against harassment, including sexual harassment, in connection with lobbying activities.



"We need to make sure that everyone who does business in the Capitol understands what we mean by our zero-tolerance policy. Mandated training is an effective method to get that message across," Levine said in a statement.



The legislation is among steps the Legislature has taken as part of the #MeToo anti-harassment movement.



In October 2017, more than 140 female legislators, lobbyists, consultants and others signed an open letter condemning the culture of enabling harassment and assault in the Capitol community, according to Levine.



The movement led to an outpouring of stories from survivors about sexual harassment involving individuals in California politics and government, he said.







A shelter-in-place order at Mission San Jose Elementary School in Fremont has been lifted after police arrested a residential burglary suspect in a nearby neighborhood, according to police.



Fremont Unified School District reported the shelter-in-place order on Twitter at 10:27 a.m. and police said the order was lifted minutes after the man was located at 11:03 a.m.



He was arrested in the 400 block of Anza Street after a police search that involved multiple officers and a drone.



Fremont police spokeswoman Geneva Bosques said he was taken to the hospital due to a leg injury he suffered after hiding in the crawlspace of a home.



Bosques said police began to give him verbal commands and he was noncompliant, but then told officers that his leg was injured.



It took "a little extra care" to remove him and an ambulance was called to the scene, she said.







Sycamore Valley Road in Danville was temporarily closed this morning because of an unstable tree in the area, police said.



The thoroughfare was closed at Park Hill as of 9:30 a.m. and traffic was detoured around the area while crews responded to assess the tree, according to police.



Police said in an advisory as of shortly before 11:30 a.m. that the crews "have taken care of" the unstable tree and that traffic is resuming in both directions on Sycamore Valley Road.







San Francisco State University President Leslie Wong announced today that he is retiring at the end of this academic year.



Wong, SFSU's 13th-ever president, was appointed to the position in 2012 and his retirement is effective July 30, 2019, according to the university.



According to the university, Wong launched SFSU's first comprehensive fundraising campaign and helped expand its alumni relations programs both nationally and abroad.



CSU officials will soon be launching a national search for a new president, and campus and community input will be sought at a later date.







The sales tax rate increases today in Corte Madera from 8.75 percent to 9 percent, according to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.



The new tax rate increases in some towns or cities around the state today are the result of voter-approved initiatives.



Corte Madera voters approved extending and increasing the existing 8.75 sales tax by one-quarter percent in the June 2018 primary election.



The $3.5 million estimated annual revenue from the 9 percent tax is for unrestricted general fund purposes and is in effect until it is ended by voters.





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With Gov. Jerry Brown signing Assembly Bill 2923 into law Sunday, Bay Area Rapid Transit officials say they want to build 20,000 new housing units - at least 35 percent of them affordable - at and near its stations by 2040.



AB 2923 was authored by Assemblymen Tim Grayson, D-Concord, and David Chiu, D-San Francisco. The bill was supported by business groups, unions and transportation officials who have favored the "transit village" approach to building and locating housing. Housing near transit stations, they contend, eases pressure on area highways and helps employers by making homes more affordable and commuting easier.



"By signing this bill into law, the governor is sending a powerful message to residents throughout the Bay Area that the same old 'Not In My Back Yard' arguments will no longer be able to drown out their voices and calls for more affordable housing," Grayson said Sunday.



"The current regional housing crisis has shone a bright light on the need to accelerate development, especially in places where a transit infrastructure already exists," BART General Manager Grace Crunican said in a statement Sunday night.



Opponents of AB 2923 have included many Bay Area cities that did not relish the idea of BART having any zoning and/or development influence on land within their city limits. Officials from cities including Walnut Creek, Fremont, Livermore Hayward, Lafayette and Pleasant Hill made trips to Sacramento and to San Francisco to lobby against the bill.







Public employers are now required to allow a reasonable leave of absence to any employees who serve as union officers or stewards. This comes after Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday signed SB 1085, which was authored by state Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley.



"SB 1085 allows union officers to take the leave time they need to represent their fellow workers without a loss of pay or benefits and at no cost to their public employer," Skinner said in a statement.



Typically, a worker will serve as an officer or shop steward to the local union and negotiate working conditions at the bargaining table. This bill secures the right to the necessary time away from their regular job duties to fulfill those union duties.



Under the new bill, public employers are reimbursed for the full value of the time union leaders take off, according to a statement released by Skinner's office.







A 63-year-old Lafayette woman who had been reported missing Friday afternoon while hiking in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks east of Fresno was found safe Sunday by other hikers, a National Park Service spokesman said.



Diane Salmon was reported found at about 3 p.m. Sunday, NPS spokesman Mike Theune said. He couldn't say late Sunday where she was found, or what her physical condition is.



Bishop had last been seen with two family members Friday morning on the Bishop Pass Trail on the north side of the first lake in the Dusy Basin. She was planning to cross Bishop Pass and exit at South Lake in Inyo National Forest on Friday night.



"She got separated somehow from her party," Theune said.



Though Salmon was wearing a blue T-shirt and black shorts when last seen, she was also carrying with her a down-fill jacket and ski pants.







A 48-year-old Santa Cruz County resident suffered major injuries Saturday night when his motorcycle collided with a Volkswagen, according to Santa Cruz police.



The collision was reported around 8:09 p.m. at the intersection of Morrissey Boulevard and Melrose Avenue. The motorcyclist was taken to a trauma center, police said.



The driver of the 2014 silver Volkswagen, a 49-year-old Santa Cruz woman, cooperated with police. Neither drugs nor alcohol appear to be a factor in the collision, which is under investigation, according to police.







Two runways at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) reopened Sunday morning after hundreds of flights were delayed or canceled overnight, an airport official said.



The closure of the runways Saturday night for scheduled maintenance caused 467 flight delays and 118 cancellations, said Dennis Zamaria, an airport duty manager.



"Everything worked according to plan," he said of the maintenance work. "We were up and running right on schedule."



The two runways are among the most heavily used at SFO, according to Zamaria. Maintenance was scheduled for only one runway, but because it intersected with a second runway, both had to close for the work.







The U.S. Coast Guard rescued a 46-year-old man from a fishing boat 20 miles west of the Golden Gate Bridge Sunday morning, flying the man by helicopter to the Stanford Medical Center for medical aid, the Coast Guard said.



The captain of the 50-foot charter fishing boat "Tiger Shark" called the Coast Guard about 10:40 a.m. Sunday requesting help for the 46-year-old man who needed medical help.



The Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco dispatched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew, which lowered a rescue swimmer onto the fishing boat. Paul then hoisted the patient into the helicopter.



The Dolphin helicopter crew arrived at Stanford Medical Center at approximately noon and handed the patient off to waiting medical personnel.



It wasn't clear whether the patient had suffered an injury or had fallen ill, or what his condition is tonight.







A man was arrested Saturday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence and injuring another driver after a hit and run, Petaluma police said.



The 53-year-old suspect, Gabino Gumaro Carreno-Lopez, was driving a green Chevrolet Tahoe at the intersection of South McDowell Blvd. and East Washington Street. Police received numerous calls around 11:35 a.m. after the suspect rear-ended another car and drove away.



The victim followed the suspect, who ultimately stopped on Maria Drive near Park Lane. A passenger in the victim's vehicle sustained a minor injury in the crash.



Carreno-Lopez had a blood-alcohol content level of .16 percent, twice the legal limit, according to police. He was taken to the Sonoma County Jail.





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A 12-count criminal complaint has been filed against a groundskeeper who worked at a school near Walnut Creek and is accused of child molestation, according to the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office.



The charges filed Thursday against Enrique Pina, 71, are for sexual intercourse or sodomy with a child; oral copulation or sexual penetration with a child; and forcible lewd act upon a child. In some of the charges, the victim was younger than 10 years old at the time, prosecutors allege.



Pina was arrested Sept. 24 after detectives investigated allegations involving a female victim who is not a student where Pina worked, Palmer School at 2740 Jones Road.

The 12 criminal counts accuse Pina of molesting a child over a six-year period, from July 4, 2009, to Dec. 12, 2015.



Pina had been set for arraignment on Friday, but the hearing was continued to Oct. 9, district attorney's office spokesman Scott Alonso said.



Palmer School sent a letter to parents last week, clarifying that the allegations against Pina don't involve one of their students, and said they had conducted a background check on Pina. He has no prior criminal record, according to the school.



Palmer School offers classes from junior kindergarten through eighth grade.



A former student at the school who asked not to be identified was in disbelief last week after hearing of the allegations against Pina, also known as Henry.
Mission San Jose Elementary School in Fremont is under a shelter-in-place order this morning while police search for a suspect in a nearby neighborhood, according to police.



Fremont Unified School District reported the shelter-in-place order on Twitter at 10:27 a.m. and said classes are proceeding as normal.



Police are searching for the man, who has an arrest warrant, in the area of Jerome Avenue and Anza Street. Fremont police spokeswoman Geneva Bosques said he was initially in a car but fled the area on foot.



The suspect is not believed to be armed and Bosques said the shelter-in-place order is "completely precautionary."



Though the intersection is about one block away from the school, Bosques said there are numerous officers and a drone at the scene and the man is not believed to have run very far.



Officers are currently conducting a yard-to-yard search for the suspect. Bosques said the man is Hispanic, about 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighs 230 pounds, and is wearing a white Detroit Tigers jersey, black shorts, white socks and shoes.



Bosques said residents in the surrounding area will be contacted as the situation develops.



Anyone who sees the suspect is asked to not make contact and call 911.









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Tully, who is the mayor of Downers Grove, said he is open to the county studying how many representatives are needed for each district, by examining the members workload and getting input from county residents. The residents of one community may wonder if a board member who lives in another town will represent their viewpoints, Tully said.
Indeed, county credit-card purchases jumped significantly from $3.7 million in the 2014-15 fiscal year to $6.7 million in fiscal year 2017-18, according to the report released last Wednesday. Seems like credit cards issued to county officials are like highways: If you build them, they will use them. In this case, if you get handed a county credit card, you automatically start using it.
Engineers and state inspectors determined the rest of the bridge was structurally sound enough to be reopened to traffic, but the cover requires extensive repairs after the crash knocked the timber roof off its western end and all of the lateral bracing to the span, village officials said recently.
Edward Zegers, who was scheduled for a jury trial later this month, pleaded guilty in McHenry County court to home invasion with a dangerous weapon and domestic battery. In exchange for his plea, charges of attempted murder, aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon and residential burglary were dismissed, according to court documents.
I'm pleased to celebrate with you as your school is named a National Blue Ribbon School, DeVos said in a video message to the honorees. We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives. Congratulations on your students' accomplishments and for your extraordinary commitment to meeting their unique needs.
Every time a geyser coughs in Yellowstone National Park someone publishes a story with a dire headline about the end of the world. To wit: "Yellowstone volcano WARNING: Supervolcano WILL erupt and could END human civilisation." And then the rest of the Internet freaks out in paroxysms of armageddon delight.

But what about the Long Valley Caldera, which is also considered a supervolcano by the volcanologists at the USGS?

Not even a study published in August in the journal GeoScienceWorld titled "Seismic evidence for significant melt beneath the Long Valley Caldera" could rattle alarmists from their Yellowstone fixation.

The study by a cadre of USGS experts at the California Volcano Observatory in Menlo Park reports that "three-dimensional full-waveform tomography"--er, reading sound waves bouncing around deep in the earth--revealed a reservoir under the Long Valley Caldera of more than 240 cubic miles of magma with 27 percent of it hot enough and the right composition to be liquid.

GALLERY: Check out the slideshow above for more details on the supervolcanoes of America

If it all blasted out of the ground, that would make Long Valley - located south of Mono Lake near the Nevada border - as cataclysmic as the Yellowstone supervolcano's last supereruption 640,000 years ago that formed its current 35-by-50 mile caldera. A caldera is the depression left after an eruption so large the ground surface collapses over a wide area.

Hearst Newspapers

Cheated?

So, where's the screaming headlines and graphic-rich documentaries? Yes, Yellowstone has all those famous steaming pots and geysers, but Long Valley has many hot springs, fumaroles and even a geothermal system that fuels the Casa Diablo power plant. And, both regions have plenty of much smaller volcanic activity, from quakes to minor eruptions of magma, gas and rocks. Perhaps Long Valley needs a better publicist.

To be fair to Yellowstone, Long Valley's last mega-eruption, the Bishop Tuff eruption 760,000 years ago, kicked out a paltry 150 cubic miles of magma in only the third largest supereruption in geologically recent times.

RELATED: These are the California volcanoes most likely to erupt first

And, the Long Valley researchers estimate in their new paper, "the reservoir currently contains enough melt to support another supereruption comparable in size" to it's last eruption.

That blast created Long Valley's current 20-by-10 mile caldera and was more than 2,000 times larger than the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, a USGS pamphlet on Long Valley states. The pamphlet adds, "Rapid flows of glowing hot ash (pyroclastic flows) covered much of east-central California, and airborne ash fell as far east as Nebraska. The Earth's surface sank more than 1 mile into the space vacated by the erupted magma."

Yellowstone's largest and oldest-known effort shot out some 600 cubic miles of material. In all, three "extremely large explosive eruptions have occurred at Yellowstone in the past 2.1 million years with a recurrence interval of about 600,000 to 800,000 years," according to the USGS. It's ash plumes went much farther. (As you can see in a graphic in the gallery above.)

Bigger picture and cautions

The United States is home to three active supervolcanoes, the USGS has determined: The famous Yellowstone, Long Valley and the Valles Caldera in New Mexico.

Valles is the oldest of the three and had its big event 1.25 million years ago, creating a 12-by-14 mile caldera when it blasted 70 cubic miles of magma, according to its USGS info page.

Gallery: Check out the ways you can be killed by a volcano in the slideshow above

They are all three considered active, so I imagine all three going off would definitely be a run-don't-walk situation.

But will they? Will any of them?

Unknown.

"While supervolcanoes like Long Valley are rare, understanding the volume and concentration of melt in their magma reservoirs is critical for determining their potential hazard," authors of the Long Valley study wrote. They added all the caveats of how the characteristics of the magma and its chamber are still not known and could change their assessment of its volume.

And, the volcanologists working on all these supervolcanoes say another supererruption at any of them is both very unlikely and at worst very far into the future. There will also be plenty of very noticeable warning signs.

RELATED: With 8 threatening volcanoes, USGS says California deserves close monitoring

"Emissions of volcanic gas, as well as earthquake swarms and ground swelling, commonly precede volcanic eruptions. When they precede an eruption of a 'central vent' volcano, such as Mount St. Helens, Washington, they normally last only a few weeks or months. However, symptoms of volcanic unrest may persist for decades or centuries at large calderas, such as Long Valley Caldera. Studies indicate that only about one in six such episodes of unrest at large calderas worldwide actually culminates in an eruption," the USGS says.

Nevertheless, all three areas are heavily monitored because such an eruption is one of those high-consequence events that while unlikely or unlikely anytime soon, would be a big deal.

We, our plants and everything else would be covered in ash. Air traffic would come to a halt over much of the world, the chemical composition of the gas emitted could be deadly, a global climate chill would set in for years, maybe decades. It could essentially amount to the worst thing to happen to human society so far.

Jake Ellison can be reached at jakeellisonjournalism@gmail.com. Follow Jake on Twitter at twitter.com/Jake_News.
In the last decade of the 19th century, a family of Swedes sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to the eastern United States. They likely traversed the major cities of the East Coast by train before steaming across the country to San Francisco.

What they did in the western boomtown is not known, save for one aspect of their travels. They purchased photographs of various San Francisco sights from Isaiah West Taber.

Massachusetts-born Taber first came to California in 1850 in search of gold. He made a livelihood out of another precious metal. Taber traveled around the country taking photographs and collecting glass negatives, which he printed upon silver albumen and sold to tourists and collectors from his gallery above Hibernia Bank.

Taber, age 76, lost nearly all of his collection in the 1906 fire that followed the great earthquake. He died six years later.

The Swedish family visited the photographer about a decade before his negatives  and many of the landmarks they depicted  were destroyed, according to Tom Lamb, the business development director of the books and manuscripts department of Bonhams, the auction house that recently acquired the images.

Considered the postcards of the era, the photographs came mounted on gray cards with red, hand-lettered titles below. The family purchased at least 31 images  16 depict landmarks, 15 show the sea, including the strip of the San Francisco Bay across which the Golden Gate Bridge would be built.

Many of the places shown in the newly public photographs were lost in the 1906 bedlam. The Crocker House on Nob Hill, home of "Big Four" robber baron Charles Crocker, was flattened by the natural disaster, as was the Mark Hopkins mansion and the now-rebuilt Palace Hotel. The old San Francisco City Hall, also included in the photograph collection, was open for less than a decade before the earthquake crumbled it in seconds.

Not all the images are portents of future destruction. Nearly half depict the largely unperturbed waters of the San Francisco Bay, which could only be crossed by boat at the time. It would be another four decades before a bridge was built to accommodate those traveling by car.

When the original purchasers returned to Sweden, the photographs came with them, and stayed in the country for more than a century. Descendants of the original stateside travelers sold them to a Swedish collector, who then sold them to Bonhams in New York.

Soon, the images will return to the Bay Area. A collector from Marin County purchased the collection, along with four photos from 19th-century Los Angeles, on Tuesday for $1,100.

Read Michelle Robertson's latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.

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TEHRAN  Irans Revolutionary Guard launched six ballistic missiles as well as drone bombers early Monday toward eastern Syria, targeting militants it blamed for an attack on a military parade last month while also threatening regional adversaries as Tehrans nuclear deal with world powers unravels.

The missiles had enough range to strike regional U.S. military bases and targets inside both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Irans supreme leader has called out the two Arab nations by name, accusing them of being behind the Sept. 22 attack on the parade in the Iranian city of Ahvaz, something denied by both Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. At least 24 people were killed.

Mondays strike was the second missile attack by Iran in a months time, and came as tensions rise ahead of renewed U.S. sanctions targeting Tehrans oil industry that will take effect in early November.

Iranian state TV and the state-run IRNA news agency said the missiles killed and wounded militants in Syria, without elaborating. The missiles, launched from western Iran, flew over Iraq and landed near the city of Boukamal in the far southeast of Syria, they reported.

The Guard, a paramilitary group that answers directly to the supreme leader, said it followed the missiles with bombing runs by seven remotely piloted drones, a first for Iran. State TV aired footage of a drone dropping what appeared to be an unguided munition.

Boukamal is held by Syrian government forces, but the Islamic State group still maintains a presence in the area, despite being driven from virtually all the territory it once held in Syria and Iraq.

Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said the missiles hit the Islamic State-held town of Hajin, just north of Boukamal.

The U.S. militarys Central Command acknowledged that Iranian forces conducted strikes in the area. The coalition is still assessing if any damage occurred, and no coalition forces were in danger, U.S. Army Col. Sean Ryan said.

Islamic State militants did not immediately acknowledge the attack.

Nasser Karimi and Jon Gambrell are Associated Press writers.
PALU, Indonesia  As officials began burying hundreds of victims in a mass grave Monday, thousands of survivors of a devastating earthquake and tsunami converged on the airport in heavily damaged Palu and clamored to leave, saying there was little to eat and their homes were unsafe.

The confirmed death toll of 844, mostly from Palu, is expected to rise as authorities reach areas that have been cut off by the disaster. The magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck at dusk Friday and generated a tsunami said to have been as high as 20 feet in places.

Search-and-rescue teams combed destroyed homes and buildings, including a collapsed eight-story hotel, for any trapped survivors, but they needed more heavy equipment to clear the rubble.

Many people were believed trapped under shattered houses in Palus Balaroa neighborhood, where the earthquake caused the ground to heave up and down violently, said disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho.

In the citys Petobo section, the quake caused loose, wet soil to liquefy, creating a thick, heavy mud that caused massive damage. In Petobo, it is estimated that there are still hundreds of victims buried in mud, Nugroho said.

Residents who found loved ones  alive and dead  over the weekend expressed frustration that it took rescue teams until Monday to reach Petobo.

Desperation was evident across Palu, a city of more than 380,000 people on the island of Sulawesi.

About 3,000 residents flocked to its airport, trying to board military aircraft or one of the few commercial flights, local TV reported. Video showed some of them screaming in anger because they were not able to get on a departing military plane.

We have not eaten for three days! one woman yelled. We just want to be safe!

Nearly 50,000 people have been displaced from their homes in Palu alone, Nugroho said, and hospitals were overwhelmed.

The Indonesian air force confirmed that a Hercules aircraft carrying an unspecified number of survivors was able to leave Palu for South Sulawesis capital of Makassar.

Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo authorized the acceptance of international help, Nugroho said, adding that generators, heavy equipment and tents were among the most-needed items. The European Union and 10 countries have offered assistance, including the United States.

Three days after the powerful waves struck, the coastline at Palu remained strewn with rubble and a few brightly colored cargo containers poking out of the water. Those buildings that still stood near the water were ruined shells.

Rescuers searching a collapsed building Monday night were able to remove 38-year-old man alive from the rubble.

The official death toll of 844 was released by Nugroho on Monday, an increase of only 12 from the previous day, with nearly all from Palu. The regencies of Donggala, Sigi and Parigi Moutong  with a combined population of 1.2 million  had yet to be fully assessed.

Niniek Karmini is an Associated Press writer.
KHAN AL-AHMAR, West Bank  Palestinian residents of a West Bank hamlet braced on Monday for an Israeli demolition of their homes as activists arrived to help them resist in case Israeli troops moved in to evict them.

Many spent the night sleeping in a school courtyard or keeping vigil as the Israeli-imposed midnight deadline passed for Khan al-Ahmars residents to evacuate on their own or face forced removal and the demolition of their homes.

Israel says the encampment of corrugated shacks outside an Israeli settlement was illegally built and in an unsafe location near a major highway. It has offered to resettle residents a few miles away in what it says are improved conditions  with connections to water, electricity and sewage treatment they currently lack. But critics say its impossible for Palestinians to get building permits and the demolition plan is against the residents will and meant to make room for the expansion of an Israeli settlement.

Israels Supreme Court recently rejected a final appeal against the plan, paving the way for Khan al-Ahmars potential demolition, should the government proceed with its plans.

The encampment has become a rallying cry for Palestinians, and Israel has come under heavy criticism, with major European countries urging it to refrain from demolition and removal of Khan al-Ahmars 180 or so residents.

Much of the high-level European engagement derives from concerns that such demolitions could threaten the prospect of a contiguous Palestinian state, at a time of already fading hopes for a two-state solution.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is to arrive in Israel later this week for an unrelated visit, which could delay Israeli action.

Some 200 activists were camped out at the location as the Oct. 1 deadline passed, giving the residents training for that they call non-violent resistance.

We trained them how to quickly move into the shacks, in groups, and make the soldiers mission as difficult as they can, said Monzer Amereh, a leading activist who has been there for weeks. We are going to sit inside the shacks and will not leave and let them take us out by force.

Activists said Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Palestinian Authority has been supporting the community and providing them with legal and financial assistance.

We will not leave, we will sit in the wild until they leave, and we will rebuild it again, said Eid Khamis, the communitys leader.

Mohammed Daraghmeh is an Associated Press writer.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Police are searching for a man who allegedly exchanged fire with police after firing a shot inside a hospital in upstate New York.

Authorities believe that Joshua Stuart, 42, was last seen in the Sunset Park and Flathbush neighborhoods of Brooklyn, according to a media release from the NYPD.

"Anyone who sees the individual should call 911 immediately and not engage the suspect," the release reads.

Cops believe Stuart to be the man who opened fire inside the emergency department of Ellenville Regional Hospital around 1 a.m. Friday.

A statement from the hospital said a patient was involved in the shooting, but that no one was harmed in the incident.

State police said he fled the hospital in a Dodge Ram 1500, which was later discovered by New York City Department of Environmental Protection police in Napanoch near Vernooy Kill State Forest.

They confronted a man near the truck, who then fired four to five shots at the officers, and fled into the woods, police said.

The statement from state police did not identify the man as Stuart.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation closed the forest because of the search.

DEC TEMPORARILY CLOSES VERNOOY KILL STATE FOREST, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. DEC Forest Rangers are assisting @nyspolice in search for Joshua Stuart in the Ellenville, New York, area. DEC urges hikers in the Ellenville area not to utilize trails in the area. https://t.co/sarnAdbUsx  NYSDEC (@NYSDEC) September 29, 2018

Stuart is described by police as a white male approximately 5 feet 8 inches and 155 pounds.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Thousands of people retraced the steps of Stephen Siller -- a New York City firefighter (FDNY) who lost his life on Sept. 11, 2001 trying to save lives 17 years ago.

More than 30,000 took part in the annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk Series on Sunday, which was created by Siller's siblings to retrace the final steps of the Staten Islander who strapped on his gear and ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers trying to save people on that tragic day.

The annual event has become an iconic tribute to the 343 firefighters, and all first responders, who selflessly laid down their lives on that tragic day.

Frank Siller, one of Stephen's siblings and chairman and CEO of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, told the Advance earlier this month that the event grows bigger each year.

"This run means so much to the families and friends of those who selflessly gave their lives to help others on that day," Frank Siller told the Advance. "We are so proud to have the opportunity to honor Stephen and all of his firefighter brothers in this special way and it wouldn't be possible without the help of volunteers, donations and dedication."

Runners from across the globe, and as far away as England, Australia, Belize, Germany, Denmark, France, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal and Romania participated in the event.

"It's a very heartwarming day that so many people from all over the country, all over the world, come here for Tunnel to Towers," said FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro, according to a Newsday report. "It's really a tribute to the Siller family that turned a family tragedy into this noble cause."

THE FOUNDATION

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has raised more that $50 million from the 5K run.

And the family-run charity has raised even more money over the years for such efforts as building "smart houses" for severely wounded veterans, and helping thousands rebuild their homes that were destroyed by Hurricane Sandy.

RUN & WALK

As always, the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk is made possible by the support of many incredible sponsors and thousands of volunteers. The Home Depot Foundation is the presenting sponsor for the event, other generous sponsors and supporters include GMC, The Mertz Foundation, The Marcus Foundation, CBS2 New York, Carpet One, UPS, New York Jets, Elaine and Ken Langone, Semper Fi Fund, Mohawk, Southpoint Capital, and Royal Bank of Canada, among others.

For more information on the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk, please visit Tunnel2Towers.org; or find the organization on Facebook at Tunnel to Towers Foundation and on Twitter @Tunnel2Towers.

FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.
Alfred Demby, who authorities said was part of an alleged drug ring operating in Clifton's Park Hill section, was sentenced to two years in prison and a year of post-release supervision under a plea agreement.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Alfred Demby shared a brief laugh with a court officer as he stood at the defense table Monday in Justice Stephen J. Rooney's courtroom.

But the Clifton resident wasn't smiling a few minutes later.

Demby, 26, who had been free on $25,000 bond, frowned as the officer attached a pair of handcuffs to his wrists after Rooney sentenced him to two years in prison under a plea agreement in a drug case.

In March, Demby was among nine suspects busted under an investigation dubbed "Operation Sugar Hill."

Authorities said the defendant was part of a drug ring operating in Clifton's Park Hill section.

The 15-month joint Staten Island Gang Squad-D.A.'s office probe began in December 2016 amid what authorities say was a spike in violence in the area.

As of the defendants' arrests on March 27, the NYPD had seized about 19 grams of heroin and 185 grams of crack cocaine through undercover buys, authorities said then.

A search warrant executed that day recovered 200 packets of heroin and five bags of crack cocaine, said officials.

District Attorney Michael E. McMahon said the defendants were connected to at least one fatal overdose, and sold heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and suboxone across the North Shore.

In July, Demby pleaded guilty in state Supreme Court, St. George, to third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance. It was the top count against him.

Besides prison time, Demby was sentenced to a year of post-release supervision.

The defendant was garbed Monday in a black and white "Guess" sweater, blue Adidas sweat pants with white piping on the legs, and blue sneakers.

He declined to make a statement before his sentence was imposed.

Attorney Craig Newman represented Demby.

Assistant District Attorney Carrie Low prosecuted the case.
Moylan said he will vote for any common sense gun legislation we can propose in Springfield and is a staunch advocate for increased limitations on high-capacity magazines, universal background checks and a ban on high-powered assault rifles and a ban on bump stocks. He said he has also fought to ensure that a due process mechanism exists in order to allow family members to petition to remove a gun from an individuals possession when there is a concern a person is a threat to themselves or others.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- How is it possible that there is a known [sex offender] near me but not on the registry list? said a Port Richmond resident in an email to the Advance.

"My concern is nobody knows of this man's actions because he's not registered as a sexual offender," the email went on to say.

On Staten Island there are 382 registered Level 2 (moderate risk) and Level 3 (high risk) sex offenders, including aliases, according to the New York state Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).

Information about the nearly 200 Level 1 offenders is only available by calling 1-800-262-3257 toll-free and providing one of the following identifiers: Date of birth, exact address, drivers license number or Social Security number, according to DCJS.

However, the individual the Port Richmond resident is concerned about may not be violating any laws.

Not all individuals convicted of sex crimes need to register with state, a spokesperson for the Department of Probation (DOP) told the Advance.

SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION AND NOTIFICATION ACT

The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) requires only individuals convicted of certain sex offenses to register -- regardless of probation, parole -- or anyone previously incarcerated for an eligible offense, the spokesperson explained.

SORNA, which is Title I of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification across the nation.

Implementation of SORNA is overseen by the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking (SMART) through the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The DOJ and SMART found that New York substantially implemented SORNA in only one of its 15 categories.

"States that fail to substantially implement the SORNA guidelines will see a 10 percent reduction in their Bryne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds, which are used to support multi-jurisdiction drug task forces and provide support to local law enforcement agencies," according to the website.

NON-COMPLIANCE

A spokesman for District Attorney Michael E. McMahon's office said its prosecutors work diligently with the NYPD's Sex Offender Monitoring Unit (SOMU) to monitor and prosecute sex offenders on Staten Island who are non-compliant.

"At the same time, when we have cases involving registered sex offenders on unrelated charges, we always check with SOMU to make sure the defendant is compliant," the spokesman said.

If non-compliance is found, they work to re-arrest the defendant.

"As always, RCDA takes these cases very seriously and we will continue to work with our partners in the NYPD to ensure sex offenders are monitored and held accountable for their crimes."

It is a felony offense for failure to perform any of the registration obligations under SORNA.

CHECK YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Multiple photographs, detailed physical descriptions and information about their criminal histories are available to the public on the DCJS Sex Offender Registry.

CLICK HERE AND ENTER ZIP CODE TO CHECK YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

An interactive version of the map above can be found at city-data.com.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Police arrested a man wanted for questioning in an attempt to shoot cops upstate and a separate armed robbery on Monday morning in Brooklyn, according to the NYPD.

The NYPD and New York State Police searched for Joshua Stuart, 42, wanted for questioning in an incident where shots were fired at several police officers at a hospital in Ellenville early on Friday morning.

Stuart also is sought for questioning in a gunpoint robbery on Monday morning in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, according to a statement from the NYPD's Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.

Stuart was taken into custody with charges pending on Monday evening in Brooklyn.

The NYPD released a photo of a light-colored 2005 Honda Pilot BVX-2687 that the suspect allegedly used to flee from the Brooklyn robbery.

On Monday at about 8:37 a.m., Stuart allegedly entered at store at 8313 Third Avenue in Brooklyn and approached a 29-year-old male store employee, according to an NYPD statement.

Stuart allegedly displayed a firearm and removed the employee's wallet that contained about $50 and a credit card before fleeing the location in a gray Honda Pilot. No injuries were reported, the NYPD statement said.

Stuart, who is white, is described as standing 5' 8" to 6' tall and weighing 155 pounds. He was seen wearing a black-and-white shirt and dark pants, the NYPD statement said.

"Stuart is believed to be armed and dangerous, and should not be approached," the New York State Police warned.

The New York State Police is investigating a shooting incident where no one was injured at Ellenville Regional Hospital on Friday at about 1 a.m.

The NYPD recommends that people with information about Stuart or the Honda call 911. The phone number for the regional State Police in Middletown is 845-344-5300.

The NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-8477 (TIPS) or for Spanish, 1-888-577-4782 (PISTA). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.
WASHINGTON  FBI agents interviewed one of the three women who have accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct as Republicans and Democrats quarreled over whether the bureau would have enough time and freedom to conduct a thorough investigation before a high-stakes vote on his nomination to the nations highest court.

The White House insisted it was not "micromanaging" the new one-week review of Kavanaugh's background but some Democratic lawmakers claimed the White House was keeping investigators from interviewing certain witnesses. President Donald Trump, for his part, tweeted that no matter how much time and discretion the FBI was given, "it will never be enough" for Democrats trying to keep Kavanaugh off the bench.

And even as the FBI explored the past allegations that have surfaced against Kavanaugh, another Yale classmate came forward to accuse the federal appellate judge of being untruthful in his testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee about the extent of his drinking in college.

In speaking to FBI agents, Deborah Ramirez detailed her allegation that Kavanaugh exposed himself to her at a party in the early 1980s when they were students at Yale University, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to publicly discuss details of a confidential investigation.

Kavanaugh has denied Ramirez's allegation.

The person familiar with Ramirez's questioning, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said she also provided investigators with the names of others who she said could corroborate her account.

But Christine Blasey Ford, a California professor who says Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were teenagers, has not been contacted by the FBI since Trump on Friday ordered the agency to take another look at the nominee's background, according to a member of Ford's team.

Kavanaugh has denied assaulting Ford.

In a statement released Sunday, a Yale classmate of Kavanaugh's said he is "deeply troubled by what has been a blatant mischaracterization by Brett himself of his drinking at Yale." Charles "Chad" Ludington, who now teaches at North Carolina State University, said he was a friend of Kavanaugh's at Yale and that Kavanaugh was "a frequent drinker, and a heavy drinker."

"On many occasions I heard Brett slur his words and saw him staggering from alcohol consumption, not all of which was beer. When Brett got drunk, he was often belligerent and aggressive," Ludington said. While saying that youthful drinking should not condemn a person for life, Ludington said he was concerned about Kavanaugh's statements under oath before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Speaking to the issue of the scope of the FBI's investigation, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said White House counsel Don McGahn, who is managing Kavanaugh's nomination, "has allowed the Senate to dictate what these terms look like, and what the scope of the investigation is."

"The White House isn't intervening. We're not micromanaging this process. It's a Senate process. It has been from the beginning, and we're letting the Senate continue to dictate what the terms look like," Sanders said.

White House counselor Kellyanne Conway said the investigation will be "limited in scope" and "will not be a fishing expedition. The FBI is not tasked to do that."

Senate Judiciary Committee member Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., requested an investigation last Friday  after he and other Republicans on the panel voted along strict party lines in favor of Kavanaugh's confirmation  as a condition for his own subsequent vote to put Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court.

Another committee member, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said Sunday that testimony would be taken from Ramirez and Kavanaugh's high school friend Mark Judge, who has been named by two of three women accusing Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct.

"I think that will be the scope of it. And that should be the scope of it," Graham said.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, called on the White House and the FBI to provide the written directive regarding the investigation's scope. In a letter Sunday, she also asked for updates on any expansion of the original directive.

Sen. Susan Collins said Sunday she is confident in the investigation and "that the FBI will follow up on any leads that result from the interviews." The Maine Republican supports the new FBI investigation and is among a few Republican and Democratic senators who have not announced a position on Kavanaugh.

Republicans control 51 seats in the closely divided 100-member Senate and cannot afford to lose more than one vote on confirmation.

Collins and Flake spoke throughout the weekend.

Senate Republicans discussed the contours of the investigation with the White House late Friday, according to a person familiar with the call who was not authorized to discuss it publicly.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., had gathered Judiciary Committee Republicans in his office earlier. At that time, the scope of the investigation was requested by Flake, Collins and Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, said McConnell's spokesman Don Stewart.

Murkowski is not on the committee, but also has not announced how she will vote on Kavanaugh's confirmation.

Republicans later called the White House to discuss the scope of the probe, the person said.

McConnell's office declined to elaborate Sunday on which allegations would be investigated, reiterating only that it would focus on "current credible allegations." Stewart said the investigation's scope "was set" by the three GOP senators Friday and "has not changed."

But Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, a Judiciary Committee member, doubted how credible the investigation will be, given the time limit.

"That's bad enough, but then to limit the FBI as to the scope and who they're going to question, that - that really - I wanted to use the word farce, but that's not the kind of investigation that all of us are expecting the FBI to conduct," she said.

Trump initially opposed such an investigation as allegations began mounting but relented and ordered one on Friday. He later said the FBI has "free rein."

"They're going to do whatever they have to do, whatever it is they do. They'll be doing things that we have never even thought of," Trump said Saturday as he departed the White House for a trip to West Virginia. "And hopefully at the conclusion everything will be fine."

He revisited the "scope" question later Saturday on Twitter, writing in part, "I want them to interview whoever they deem appropriate, at their discretion."

Sanders said Trump, who has vigorously defended Kavanaugh but also raised the slight possibility of withdrawing the nomination should damaging information be found, "will listen to the facts."

At least three women have accused Kavanaugh of years-ago misconduct. He denies all the claims.

The third woman, Julie Swetnick, accused Kavanaugh and Judge of excessive drinking and inappropriate treatment of women in the early 1980s, among other accusations. Kavanaugh has called her accusations a "joke." Judge has said he "categorically" denies the allegations.

Swetnick's attorney, Michael Avenatti, said Saturday that his client had not been contacted by the FBI but was willing to cooperate with investigators.

Ford also has said Judge was in the room when a drunken Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her. Judge has said he will cooperate with any law enforcement agency that will "confidentially investigate" sexual misconduct allegations against him and Kavanaugh. Judge has also denied misconduct allegations.

Sanders spoke on Fox News Sunday, Conway appeared on CNNs State of the Union and Graham and Hirono were interviewed on ABCs This Week.WASHINGTON (AP)  FBI agents interviewed one of the three women who have accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct as Republicans and Democrats quarreled over whether the bureau would have enough time and freedom to conduct a thorough investigation before a high-stakes vote on his nomination to the nation's highest court.

The White House insisted it was not "micromanaging" the new one-week review of Kavanaugh's background but some Democratic lawmakers claimed the White House was keeping investigators from interviewing certain witnesses. President Donald Trump, for his part, tweeted that no matter how much time and discretion the FBI was given, "it will never be enough" for Democrats trying to keep Kavanaugh off the bench.

And even as the FBI explored the past allegations that have surfaced against Kavanaugh, another Yale classmate came forward to accuse the federal appellate judge of being untruthful in his testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee about the extent of his drinking in college.

In speaking to FBI agents, Deborah Ramirez detailed her allegation that Kavanaugh exposed himself to her at a party in the early 1980s when they were students at Yale University, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to publicly discuss details of a confidential investigation.

Kavanaugh has denied Ramirez's allegation.

The person familiar with Ramirez's questioning, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said she also provided investigators with the names of others who she said could corroborate her account.

But Christine Blasey Ford, a California professor who says Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were teenagers, has not been contacted by the FBI since Trump on Friday ordered the agency to take another look at the nominee's background, according to a member of Ford's team.

Kavanaugh has denied assaulting Ford.

In a statement released Sunday, a Yale classmate of Kavanaugh's said he is "deeply troubled by what has been a blatant mischaracterization by Brett himself of his drinking at Yale." Charles "Chad" Ludington, who now teaches at North Carolina State University, said he was a friend of Kavanaugh's at Yale and that Kavanaugh was "a frequent drinker, and a heavy drinker."

"On many occasions I heard Brett slur his words and saw him staggering from alcohol consumption, not all of which was beer. When Brett got drunk, he was often belligerent and aggressive," Ludington said. While saying that youthful drinking should not condemn a person for life, Ludington said he was concerned about Kavanaugh's statements under oath before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Speaking to the issue of the scope of the FBI's investigation, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said White House counsel Don McGahn, who is managing Kavanaugh's nomination, "has allowed the Senate to dictate what these terms look like, and what the scope of the investigation is."

"The White House isn't intervening. We're not micromanaging this process. It's a Senate process. It has been from the beginning, and we're letting the Senate continue to dictate what the terms look like," Sanders said.

White House counselor Kellyanne Conway said the investigation will be "limited in scope" and "will not be a fishing expedition. The FBI is not tasked to do that."

Senate Judiciary Committee member Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., requested an investigation last Friday  after he and other Republicans on the panel voted along strict party lines in favor of Kavanaugh's confirmation  as a condition for his own subsequent vote to put Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court.

Another committee member, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said Sunday that testimony would be taken from Ramirez and Kavanaugh's high school friend Mark Judge, who has been named by two of three women accusing Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct.

"I think that will be the scope of it. And that should be the scope of it," Graham said.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, called on the White House and the FBI to provide the written directive regarding the investigation's scope. In a letter Sunday, she also asked for updates on any expansion of the original directive.

Sen. Susan Collins said Sunday she is confident in the investigation and "that the FBI will follow up on any leads that result from the interviews." The Maine Republican supports the new FBI investigation and is among a few Republican and Democratic senators who have not announced a position on Kavanaugh.

Republicans control 51 seats in the closely divided 100-member Senate and cannot afford to lose more than one vote on confirmation.

Collins and Flake spoke throughout the weekend.

Senate Republicans discussed the contours of the investigation with the White House late Friday, according to a person familiar with the call who was not authorized to discuss it publicly.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., had gathered Judiciary Committee Republicans in his office earlier. At that time, the scope of the investigation was requested by Flake, Collins and Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, said McConnell's spokesman Don Stewart.

Murkowski is not on the committee, but also has not announced how she will vote on Kavanaugh's confirmation.

Republicans later called the White House to discuss the scope of the probe, the person said.

McConnell's office declined to elaborate Sunday on which allegations would be investigated, reiterating only that it would focus on "current credible allegations." Stewart said the investigation's scope "was set" by the three GOP senators Friday and "has not changed."

But Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, a Judiciary Committee member, doubted how credible the investigation will be, given the time limit.

"That's bad enough, but then to limit the FBI as to the scope and who they're going to question, that - that really - I wanted to use the word farce, but that's not the kind of investigation that all of us are expecting the FBI to conduct," she said.

Trump initially opposed such an investigation as allegations began mounting but relented and ordered one on Friday. He later said the FBI has "free rein."

"They're going to do whatever they have to do, whatever it is they do. They'll be doing things that we have never even thought of," Trump said Saturday as he departed the White House for a trip to West Virginia. "And hopefully at the conclusion everything will be fine."

He revisited the "scope" question later Saturday on Twitter, writing in part, "I want them to interview whoever they deem appropriate, at their discretion."

Sanders said Trump, who has vigorously defended Kavanaugh but also raised the slight possibility of withdrawing the nomination should damaging information be found, "will listen to the facts."

At least three women have accused Kavanaugh of years-ago misconduct. He denies all the claims.

The third woman, Julie Swetnick, accused Kavanaugh and Judge of excessive drinking and inappropriate treatment of women in the early 1980s, among other accusations. Kavanaugh has called her accusations a "joke." Judge has said he "categorically" denies the allegations.

Swetnick's attorney, Michael Avenatti, said Saturday that his client had not been contacted by the FBI but was willing to cooperate with investigators.

Ford also has said Judge was in the room when a drunken Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her. Judge has said he will cooperate with any law enforcement agency that will "confidentially investigate" sexual misconduct allegations against him and Kavanaugh. Judge has also denied misconduct allegations.

Sanders spoke on Fox News Sunday, Conway appeared on CNNs State of the Union and Graham and Hirono were interviewed on ABCs This Week.
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Australia's big banks will retreat to their core business of home loans and small enterprise lending following the royal commission, leaving pockets of opportunity for rival players, according to former NAB executive and Australia Post boss Ahmed Fahour.

The country's largest non-bank lender, Latitude Financial Services, on Monday named Mr Fahour as its new chief executive, following his exit from the government-owned postal service last year.

Latitude's new CEO Ahmed Fahour (left) with chairman Mike Tilley. Credit:Paul Jeffers

The group deals in credit cards, personal loans, car loans and sales financing with retailers such as JB Hi-Fi - all areas Mr Fahour predicted would be ripe for the picking as the prospect of tighter regulation scared off the incumbents.

A lot of them are going to pretty much focus on their core business. There will be some pullback - and thats Latitudes wonderful opportunity, and thats why Im here," he said. "Were not a bank, were not regulated by [the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority], we dont carry capital, so we dont have those same issues."
The mysteries of Latitude Financial Services' disappearing $3 billion-plus initial public offering (IPO) and of Ahmed Fahours next full-time role both have been solved with the announcement that he has been appointed chief executive of of the consumer finance group.

Latitude, the largest non-bank finance business in the country, was supposed to float earlier this year and preparations for the IPO appeared to be well-advanced  there were pre-float briefings of fund managers  when it suddenly sank without trace or explanation.

Ahmed Fahour is set to help Latitude Financial Services capitalise on the woes of the big banks. Credit:Andrew Meares

While there were theories put forward  the valuation sought by the private equity vendors of what used to be the GE Finance business were too high, the market conditions too choppy, there was a big company re-shaping deal looming  ultimately the explanation was simple, albeit unfortunate.

Latitudes chief executive, long-serving GE senior executive Sean Morrissey, suffered a serious health issue and decided to return to the UK. You cant float a business or conduct roadshows without an established CEO, hence the decision to halt, or at least pause, an IPO process that was apparently exploratory rather than definitive.
Fears that Chinas slowing economic growth could cause a collapse in the number of Asian high-rollers coming to gamble heavily at Australian casinos are being overplayed, gaming industry analysts say.

Shares in casinos in the gambling hub of Macau have tumbled nearly 15 per cent in recent weeks after a pullback in spending by high-rollers, partly due to Chinas softening economy and uncertainty over worsening China-US trade tensions. Australian casino giants The Star, SkyCity and James Packers Crown Resorts have been monitoring the situation in Macau and bracing for the possibility of a reduction in volumes from big-spending Chinese visitors  a revenue source on which they have become increasingly reliant.

Shares in several Macau casino companies fell more than 15% in September. Credit:Shutterstock

New research by analysts from investment bank Morgan Stanley suggests that concerns over Chinas economy and the liquidity of junket operators who promote high-roller casino programs are valid. But recent industry discussions have led them to believe current trading remains solid for foreign VIP programs in Australia.

Our recent industry feedback has allayed some of these concerns, with Chinese hotel/leisure companies reporting minimal impact on current trends and ample junket liquidity after recent consolidation, equity analyst Monique Rooney said in the report.
Corporations must be run to maximise value for shareholders. This is an almost universal belief among corporate executives and directors  that it is their principal mission and legal obligation to deliver the highest possible return to their shareholders. The economist Milton Friedman first declared in the 1970s that the "one social responsibility of business [is] to increase its profits", but the corporate raiders of the 1980s were the ones who forced that view on executives and directors, threatening to take their companies or fire them if they didn't go along. Since then, "maximising shareholder value" has been routinely used to justify lay-offs and plant closings, rationalise an orgy of stock buy-backs and defend elaborate corporate schemes to avoid paying taxes. It is now taught widely by business schools, ruthlessly demanded by Wall Street's analysts and "activist" investors, and lavishly reinforced by executive pay packages tied to profits and share prices. In fact, corporations are free to balance the interests of shareholders with those of customers, workers or the public, as they did routinely before the 1980s, when companies were loath to boost profits if it meant laying off workers or cutting their benefits. Legally, corporations can be formed for any purpose. Executives and directors owe their fiduciary duty to the corporation, which is not owned by shareholders, as widely believed, but owns itself (in the same way that no one "owns" you or me). The only time a corporation is obligated to maximise its share price is when it puts itself up for sale. Are we supposed to accept that one person should be paid 20,000 times what others earn? Credit:Shutterstock

Myth 3 Workers' pay is an objective measure of economic contribution. The theory of "marginal productivity" holds that a worker's wage or salary reflects the "amount of output the worker can produce", according to Harvard's Greg Mankiw, author of a best-selling economics textbook. This idea is useful in constructing economic models, but Mankiw and others also relied on it to justify widening income inequality and to oppose proposals to redistribute income based on subjective notions of what is "fair". It is why we are supposed to accept that private-equity king Steve Schwartzman, at $US800 million, should earn 20,000 times what the average American worker earns, as he did last year. In reality, however, the pay set by markets is also subjective, reflecting the laws and social norms under which markets operate. The incomes earned by workers who planted tobacco  and those who owned tobacco plantations  changed considerably after slavery was abolished, and again after laws protecting share-croppers were enacted, and again when minimum-wage laws were passed, and again when farm workers won the right to unionise. Changes to trade law, patent law and anti-trust law also alter the distribution of income. While it is probably better to rely on markets rather than the government to set pay levels, that doesn't mean that the way the markets set pay is a purely objective assessment of economic contribution or that redistribution is theft. Myth 4

Equality of opportunity is all people need to climb the economic ladder. No moral intuition is more hard-wired into Americans' concept of economic justice than equality of opportunity. The reason Americans tolerate higher levels of income inequality is because of their faith that everyone has a fair chance of achieving the American dream or becoming the next Bill Gates. "In America, we stand for equality," writes Arthur Brooks of the American Enterprise Institute, a leading defender of the morality of capitalism. "But for the large majority of us, this means equality of opportunity, not equality of outcome." In a 2015 New York Times poll on income inequality, 35 per cent of Americans said they believed everyone has "a fair chance to get ahead". But while the US has made great strides in removing legal barriers to equal opportunity, at least half the difference in income between any two people is determined by their parents, either through inherited traits like intelligence, good looks, ambition and reliability (nature), or through the quality and circumstances of their upbringing and education (nurture). As our society has become more meritocratic, we've simply replaced an aristocracy based on title, class, race and gender with a new and equally persistent aristocracy based on genes, education and parenting. Unless we are prepared to engage in extensive genetic reengineering, or require that all children be brought up in state-run boarding schools, we must acknowledge that we can never achieve full equality of opportunity. Myth 5 Making the economy fairer will make it smaller and less prosperous.
It has been evident in the State Board proceedings that they have put up roadblocks and not followed her leadership, he said. I will continue to support her in her leadership of the Indiana Department of Education. I also hope that citizens of Indiana will take note from the political obstacles that she faces.
The managing director of TAFE NSW has stepped down from the cash-strapped agency where enrolments have fallen dramatically and staff have complained about major technological failures and shortages of basic supplies including toilet paper.

Jon Black, who was appointed as head of TAFE NSW in December 2015, left the position last week and has been replaced by a deputy secretary of NSW Treasury, Caralee McLiesh, who is now acting managing director.

TAFE NSW's managing director Jon Black has been replaced by a deputy secretary of NSW Treasury, Caralee McLiesh. Credit:Peter Rae

Mr Black's departure comes amid turmoil at a number of Sydney and regional campuses, which staff recently said were severely undersupplied with basics such as toilet paper and stationery and teachers were having to bring their own, or trade with other departments or TAFEs.

Enrolments across TAFE NSW have also continued to fall, with 72,105 fewer students in 2017, compared to 2016, representing a 13.1 per cent drop.
People have long wondered about the crossover between supermodels Elle Macpherson and Christie Brinkley in Billy Joel's life, and now The Body has opened up about the two-timing Piano Man for the first time.

Appearing on Watch What Happens Live, the Australian was asked by a caller to the show, "Billy Joel said in his autobiography that he brought Christie Brinkley back to his penthouse and you were there waiting for him. What happened that night and how do you look back on your relationship?"

"That's true," Macpherson answered. "Billy and I were living together. I had the upstairs in [his Manhattan penthouse in] Central Park West.

"We were friendly, and I think he was dating Christie at the time, just starting to. So yeah, I got ousted. What can I say?"
Late last Friday afternoon, after Commissioner Kenneth Hayne delivered his interim findings into the financial services industry, and the nation prepared for a weekend of football finals, the federal government quietly released a story that should have been front-page news.

It had held onto the information for months, seemingly waiting for the right time to take out the trash. The news for it, and for us, was grim. Australias greenhouse gas pollution levels have risen yet again.

Southern Australia could experience devastating bushfire conditions this season. Credit:Jason South

The reporting of Australias rising emissions has been buried on a number of occasions, with data released on Christmas Eve, on weekends, holiday periods, or during major events. Its a cynical attempt to avoid scrutiny.

For climate policy to be a winner, greenhouse gas pollution levels must be trending downwards; there are no Norm Smith or Clive Churchill medals for the federal government, with emissions increasing by 1.3 per cent for the year to March 2018. Worse still, greenhouse gas pollution has risen three years in a row  were chasing the wooden spoon.
Kerryn Phelps, the independent candidate for Wentworth, would push to ban political donations from fossil fuel companies and require federal MPs disclose their meetings with such firms and their lobbyists if elected.

Releasing her six-point climate plan aimed at highlighting differences with her Liberal Party rival David Sharma, Dr Phelps said people across the electorate had made it clear they want serious action to address global warming.

Kerryn Phelps, an independent candidate for Wentworth, says people across the electorate want serious action to address global warming. Credit:James Brickwood

"The Liberal Party has no climate change action policy," Dr Phelps told Fairfax Media. "The [Morrison] government has abandoned long-term renewable energy targets and openly questions whether we should pull out of our international commitments to reduce carbon emissions."

Mr Sharma, a former ambassador to Israel, has said addressing climate change is important, as is honouring Australia's Paris climate commitments. Improvements in technology should aid Australia meeting its emission goals while improving affordability and reliability of power.
If there were such a thing as Planet Bill in the solar system, you would be able to live on breakfast all day, every day; from fresh fruit bowls to ricotta hotcakes to sweetcorn fritters, to the most famous scrambled eggs in the world (just ask The New York Times).

You could start with excellent Single O coffee, move on to spiced bloody mary and finish with a chic carafe of Jamsheed chardonnay from the Yarra Valley. The sun would shine non-stop, waitstaff would be cheery, and the dining room would just glow, almost incandescently. It would be heaven.

Go-to-dish: Grilled cheese and house green kimchi open sandwich, $14.50. Credit:Christopher Pearce

But there isn't such a thing, because Bills is all grown-up now  especially the new one in Surry Hills practically next door to the old Bills  which has three separate menus for B, L & D.

In fact, October marks 25 years since Bill Granger opened his very first Bills in Darlinghurst, rewiring our concept of what a cafe could be. Now, it's a 19-strong global empire with restaurants in London, Sydney, Japan, Hawaii and Korea.
Well, this sucks. I just bought an ergonomic keyboard and before it even arrives the whole field of ergonomics is revealed to be a skeevy wangboozle as crooked as mouthful of Dickensian urchin teeth.

I dont much care that companies and governments might be wasting hundreds of millions of dollars a year on dodgy ergonomic chairs, keyboards and consultants, as reported by Fairfax Media yesterday.

But I care heaps that I might have just wasted $39 on a discount Microsoft ergonomic keyboard from the Beast of Bezos and it may not immediately cure my crippling minor discomfort from typing too much.

First up, its a Microsoft keyboard and I had to be led screaming to the edge of that purchase.
A recent Saturday night saw an exuberant crowd in their late 20s packed into one of Sig. Enzo's three timber and soft brown leather booths for drinks and snacks before a nearby house party. At a table in the window, an older couple are chatting with the owner about what they're going to drink from the all-Italian wine list. A guy at the bar is scrolling through his phone while forking up excellent cacio e pepe. An all-ages group is scarfing pizza and giving the negroni list a nudge while the kids are outside, checking out flavours in the gelato cart.

If a neighbourhood bar scorecard existed, Sig. Enzo would tick many boxes. It's off the main drag of Sydney Road. The compact space is kitted out with upholstered bar stools fronting a marble-topped bar, well-proportioned booths, open shelves stacked with bottles of wine and a decor scheme featuring old wall maps and framed retro advertisements. The lighting is kind. There's streetside seating and a soundtrack fond of soul and jazz.

Welcoming space: Sig. Enzo aperitivo bar in Brunswick. Credit:Simon Schluter

The real kicker, though, is that Enzo's immediately familiar and welcoming, run by a daughter-father team who understand the neighbourhood bar genre and do it well at a relaxed, efficient pace.

Food and booze menus match the bar's tight dimensions.
Elizabeth Abdallah was held prisoner by severe and painful periods for more than 30 years with only one way out  a hysterectomy.

She remembers playing with her son at the beach when she started bleeding heavily through her yellow polka-dot bikini.

"I felt like a prisoner. Over a month, I would probably only get five days of no spotting at all. It was so depressing," said Ms Abdallah.

Elizabeth Abdallah waited more than 30 years to find a cure to the crippling period pain that didn't involve a hysterectomy. Credit:Nick Moir

About one in four Australian women have heavy periods and severe period pain. Many end up having their uterus removed, something Ms Abdallah, a 47 year old mother of four, didn't want, yet that was what numerous doctors recommended without studying her case in detail.
House prices in Canberra went up by just half a per cent in September, defying the trend around the country, where house values dropped by 0.7 per cent in the same time.

In data released by CoreLogic, Canberra's housing market recorded a 2 per cent jump on the same time last year, the second best performance out of all capital cities, with just Hobart recording a higher rise at 9.7 per cent. Every other capital recorded a drop in house prices, with Sydney recording a 6.1 per cent drop and Melbourne 3.4 per cent drop on the same time last year.

House prices in Canberra are up, defying the national downwards trend. Credit:Graham Tidy

The report said the figures mark the 12 month anniversary of Australia's housing correction, with prices peaking in September last year and values dropping 2.7 per cent since then.

While house prices in Canberra experienced 3.1 per cent increase in the last year, unit prices were down 1.4 per cent on a year ago. The median value of a house in Canberra in September was $686,582 and for a unit the median was $443,791.
South Koreans cross

South Korean troops have crossed the 38th Parallel into North Korea. While US officials, including General MacArthur, wouldnt say whether they had ordered them to cross, most high-ranking UN officers believe the Koreans beat the gun. In a broadcast from Tokyo last night, General MacArthur called on North Koreans to surrender at once. He did not say that UN forces would cross the 38th Parallel but demanded the communists lay down their arms.

On the moon by 1980

 'Man will actually reach the moon by 1980. Amid cheers from scientists and would-be space travellers, Valentine Cleaver, a leading rocket propulsion expert from De Havilland, made that announcement at the first international astronautical congress in Paris.The basic principles are already known, said Mr Cleaver, chairman of the British Interplanetary Society. The war brought about amazing technical progress in rocket design.

Klemperer conducts
Fowler's son said he was sleeping on a bed when Jayla reached under the pillow, grabbed the gun and shot herself in the head, the affidavit states. The boy said his mom told them the gun was a BB gun and that he had seen her boyfriend with a gun before, according to the affidavit.
They've been home to war bunkers, film sets, mushroom farms and possible seances.

But soon the abandoned tunnels and train platforms of St James station in Sydney's city centre could house hip bars, restaurants, shops or an art gallery in the next few years, under a plan to revitalise about 6000 square metres of underground space.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance said on Monday the NSW government would seek expressions of interest to transform the hidden spaces into a tourist drawcard to rival similar attractions in London, Paris and New York.

He described the ghost tunnels as "a blank canvas" for arts, hospitality or retail and said the plan was "an exciting opportunity for interested parties" from the Australian and international market.
A 26-year-old woman is in a serious condition in hospital with stab wounds to the head and chest after an alleged assault in Acacia Ridge on Monday evening.

Queensland police were called to a Gemstone Crescent home just before 7.30pm to reports of a woman being assaulted.

A man was arrested without incident after a woman was allegedly assaulted in Acacia Ridge. Credit:Police media.

Police found the woman at the intersection of Gemstone Crescent and Gregory Street and performed first aid until paramedics arrived.

Queensland Ambulance Service sent six ambulance crews including two High Acuity Response Units, highly trained paramedics that deal with extreme trauma, to treat the woman for stab wounds to her neck, head and back.
Ibrahim Abbas arriving at the Supreme Court, Melbourne. Credit:Paul Jeffers

The confession of an educated, middle-class terror plotter has been played in the Supreme Court as three co-accused face trial over the alleged 2016 plan to cause mass carnage at Melbourne landmarks with bombs and knives.

The Age can now reveal for the first time that prosecution witness Ibrahim Abbas, 24, entered a plea of guilty earlier this year to conspiring to and preparing for a terrorist attack.

Born in East Melbourne, Abbas went to Darul Ulum College of Victoria, in Fawkner, before beginning tertiary studies.

The court heard that he was an intelligent young man from Melbournes middle-class whose fast descent into extremism saw him seek out YouTube videos to inspire his beliefs.
Homicide detectives are investigating the death of a one-year-old baby boy at a home in Golden Bay on Sunday.

The boy is the same baby allegedly assaulted in the Wheatbelt town of Narrogin in October last year, according to WA Police.

A Mandurah man was charged with grievous bodily harm over an alleged incident last year after a baby boy was taken to Narrogin Regional Hospital for treatment before being transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital and later released.

In a brief statement on Monday night, WA police said officers attended the Golden Bay residence south of Perth after the baby's death and an investigation was ongoing.
A former WA Police senior sergeant has been charged with indecent assault.

Midland Detectives charged the former police officer with indecent assault regarding an incident that allegedly occurred in September 2017.

Police said the officer was a senior sergeant working in the Perth metropolitan area at the time.

The man will face court on Tuesday.

Further details of the incident have not been released, and it is unknown where in Perth the officer was working before his retirement.
Plans are under way that could make Western Australia the flying fox capital of the world.

On Sunday Premier Mark McGowan confirmed the state was looking at putting a zip line from the top of the Matagarup bridge to the stadium precinct.

Saferight founder and director Mack McCormack on the Matagarup Bridge.

On Monday a private operator confirmed it wanted to build the world's longest zip line in Tom Price and one of the world's fastest from the top of Brookfield Place to Elizabeth Quay.

Mr McGowan told 6PR's Simon Beaumont the Matagarup Bridge will feature a bridge climb and flying fox, which would boost tourism in the precinct.
The extent of problems in the ACT's construction industry has been laid bare, with accounts of shoddy construction work, building delays and owners being left out of pocket by broke builders detailed in submissions to a new government inquiry.

One legal firm said it had advised 80 property owner corporations in relation to building defects since 2010.

Kerin Benson Lawyers said that ACT government inaction effectively meant that apartment owners in buildings above three storeys had "no recourse against their builders whatsoever" to fix defects.

The ACT parliamentary inquiry has received 39 submissions to its investigation into building quality in the territory.

The submissions highlight wide-ranging concerns about a lack of regulation and oversight in the ACT's building industry.
Menzies needed advice and turned to John Carrick, then general secretary of the Liberal Party's NSW division (and, many years later, education minister in the Fraser government). Carrick, who died earlier this year, told me in an interview in 2002 that it was wrong at that stage to see Menzies manoeuvring politically, as has been suggested: his basic instinct was a belief in freedom of choice. If anything, there were very real dangers of a sectarian backlash within the Liberal Party and also the wider electorate. But Carrick, a shrewd strategist, saw political advantage in reaching out to Catholics, who had long been seen as largely Labor-voting. With the split in the Labor Party in the mid-1950s, many Catholics had shifted their vote to the breakaway Democratic Labor Party. Carrick had long pondered how to move them towards the Liberal Party, and now sensed an opportunity. "It was certainly not a vote-winner in those days," he told me. "Later, it became so. The benefits, of course, were 10, 15 years down the track. At the time, though, it just seemed the right thing to do." Loading Menzies called Carrick in Sydney and asked him to get in touch with Eris O'Brien, then archbishop of Canberra-Goulburn, who welcomed the approach.

"I remember to this day his words: 'Come and chew a chop with me, old boy.' I was to chew many chops with him. He said to be: 'You know, the trouble with we tykes and you bigoted Protestants is that we are remote. Look, if you are going down the street and you pass one of our schools and see the nuns in the playground, hop the fence and have a chat to them. The old girls will love it.' "That was the basic situation. We started by interest subsidies: they borrowed money and we paid a subsidy to cover their interest. It was good policy, good unifying policy, but still unpopular in some circles  very unpopular. That started a train of thinking, but the ALP platform was strongly opposed to state aid. "Then Menzies moved into science blocks, libraries and so on. As he did these things, an interesting evolution occurred in this country: whereas you had generations of Catholic families who had been told by their grandfathers that all Protestants had two heads, and in any case Protestants hated Catholics and wanted to keep them down, people started to say: 'I think that's wrong. Look, he's helping me. What is more, I am moving up the economic ladder.' " Carrick, as NSW Liberal Party chief since 1948, had presided over a despairing party that had not been in government since 1941. With the Liberals coming close in 1959, he began to focus even more on the Catholic vote, increasingly seeing it as the key to electoral victory in NSW. In his detailed analysis of the election, he noted a general state-wide trend away from Labor that was significantly arrested in four key seats the Liberals needed to win to secure office: North Sydney, Ryde, Concord and Rockdale. The explanation, said a Liberal Party state council committee report smacking very strongly of Carrick, for the reverse swing appeared to be that, in the key seats, a "successful attempt was made by Labor to secure the bulk of the [Roman Catholic] vote". Loading
While many have questioned her leadership skills, few can doubt Theresa May's prime ministerial fortitude. In the strange schemozzle that is Britain's exit from the European Union, she, at least, is determined to "make a success of it"  if her party lets her stay the course.

The real challenge of Brexit, however, goes much deeper than the technical problems involved, difficult as these are. The case for "leave" goes to the heart of Britain's sense of itself as a nation. It is worth revisiting some of these broader-run and longer-run considerations, which seem to have been lost in the countdown to the deal-making deadline in March 2019.

It is easy to forget that when Britain finally joined the then European Economic Community in 1973, Britain was the "sick man" of Europe. Nearly 50 years of membership has, by and large, been beneficial for Britain. Access to a market of several hundreds of millions of consumers has proved a considerable commercial asset. The violent purgings of the Thatcher years encouraged a degree of labour-market flexibility that enabled British businesses to compete effectively in Europe and beyond.

But the relatively straightforward customs union that Britain joined is not the EU of today. It now has 27 member states, many of them ex-Soviet bloc countries for which the EU has proved something of a godsend. For other members, however, the outcomes have been more equivocal. A single market for goods, services, people and money is all very well when the countries concerned are economically on much the same level. When they are not, as the example of Greece has shown, the single currency can be lethal. But the "people" part of the equation also starts to become problematic.
In the UK last month accused murderer Stephen Nicolson was jailed for refusing to hand over his Facebook password to the police.

He had been convicted under electronic surveillance laws introduced in 2016 which Australia is now emulating with legislation introduced to parliament by the Minister for Home Affairs, Peter Dutton, just weeks after Nicolson was handed his 14-month sentence.

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

UK authorities had good reason to gain access to Nicolson's account under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, dubbed the Snooper's Charter, which expands the electronic surveillance powers of police and intelligence services.

He had been arrested in July on suspicion of murder, and had communicated with the victim, 13-year old Lucy McHugh, via Facebook the day of her murder.
Hobart Mayor Brian Snedecor posted around 9:30 p.m. on Facebook: There are so many false and inaccurate comments being made on Facebook in regards to the incident at the Hobart Walmart on Rt 30. Please refrain from posting comments that are rumors or unconfirmed comments.The Police are on the scene and conducting an investigation. A Statement at the appropriate time will be provided by the Chief!"
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has accused the states of playing politics with the GST, as NSW and Victoria call on the Morrison government to ensure "no state will be worse off" under its $7.2 billion package.

Modelling from the Victorian Treasury paints a doomsday scenario of revenues collapsing by half-a-billion if iron ore prices fall in Western Australia, while a reduction in stamp duty in NSW and Victoria from a property downturn could also leave both states worse off by 2026-27.

The hypothetical scenario will be used by Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas to demand Prime Minister Scott Morrison legislate that no state will be worse off under the changes, which will see a floor of 75 per person per dollar of GST and a six-year formula transition period put into law.

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet has gone further and called for the states and territories to agree to the reforms through the Council of Australian Governments, rather than the Coalition going over their heads and legislating changes unilaterally with federal Labor's support.
"One definition of glossolalia used by linguists is the fluid vocalizing of speech-like syllables that lack any readily comprehended meaning as part of religious practice in which is believed to be a divine language unknown to the speaker. Glossolalia is practiced in Pentecostal Christianity"

Morrison is a credulous Pentecostalist. His rapture-propelled sect is known for the ways members of its congregation break into tongues when the spirit moves them. If youre not familiar with tongues (called glossolalia by scholarly linguists), heres helpful Wikipedia.

She advises that she and her colleagues are bracing themselves, anxiously, for the day when new prime minister Scott Morrison speaks in parliament in "tongues".

My alarmed mole in the Hansard office of the federal parliament has contacted me, her voice ringing with worry.

"Of course," my Hansard confidant confides, "here at Hansard were used to turning the worst, raving, unintelligible gibberish of politicians into respectable-looking English. Its what we do."

"But when the PM spontaneously breaks into tongues  and its bound to happen in Question Time because thats when things are at their most irrationally passionate  its going to be a unique challenge for us."

"With glossolalia not even those who yodel it know what theyre yodelling. So its not as if well be able to catch up with ScoMo afterwards to ask him what he was saying while the Holy Spirit was using him as its trumpet, its set of bagpipes."

Still with wild-eyed, credulous Christians, your columnist rejoices that the Roman Catholic church has at last, this month, decided that after all that that the death penalty is always wicked and "inadmissible".

The church is almost 2000 years old and so has had plenty of time to make up its mind about this. But it has come, just this month, to a conclusion that Ian Warden, 72 now, came to in 1954 when he was nine.
Sometimes, intellectuals just don't understand where they are not wanted. Deeply thoughtful, highly qualified thinkers have been known to monopolise trivia nights, to patronise fans at the footy and to cite obscure foreign journals as the last word. Oddly, though, at least in Australia, intellectuals have realised they are not quite welcome in politics. We have never elected a leader who won the Nobel prize for literature (as Britain did, with Winston Churchill) or the Pulitzer prize for non-fiction (as happened with John Kennedy in the United States). We have not permitted any politically engaged intellectual to manage, then dissolve, our state (unlike Czechoslovakia under Vaclav Havel); to design our national coinage (as W.B. Yeats did in Ireland); to adorn our cabinet with a fine cultural pedigree (like Andrew Malraux did for General Charles de Gaulle); to transmute a tale of prison and exile into a work of art (Menachem Begin in Israel); to fight and win a civil war with no prior military experience (Leon Trotsky in Russia); or to build both a political and a literary reputation in gaol (Pandit Nehru during India's struggle for independence). French writer Andre Malraux, who became his country's information minister after World War II. Credit:Hulton Archive Were those remarkable leaders  Churchill, Kennedy, Havel, Yeats, Malraux, Begin, Trotsky and Nehru  distracted or diverted by their braininess? Possibly their standing as true intellectuals lent a degree of coherence to their thought, forensic self-examination to their actions, perspective to their sense of events, and grace to their handling of adversity. You might be, as Yeats styled himself in the Seanad, "a 60-year-old smiling public man", yet find that keeping your wit and your wits about you remained handy assets. Is something wrong with us, or with those other countries? For much of my adult life in Australia, the term "academic" held nothing but pejorative connotations. The word evoked nerds, delicate blossoms, tall poppies and eggheads. "Academic" connoted theoretical, abstract, airy-fairy pursuit of the perfect as the enemy of the good. Rather than public, published intellectuals, we preferred plain men (and only men they were). From an entirely different angle, Vladimir Lenin and his heirs were just as harsh, deriding many brainy folk as "useful idiots" and eventually resolving to trust only neophytes with hands-on, dirt-under-the-fingernails engineering degrees.

In Australian politics in the old days, ministers sedulously maintained and displayed the habits, good and bad, of their previous occupations. Returned soldiers enjoyed a special cachet; medals made the man. Farmers sincerely regarded themselves as the custodians of true Australian values. Teachers thought change would happen if only they lectured and hectored their audiences for long enough. Lawyers argued a brief, without necessarily connecting their advocacy to empathy with others, a wider context for policy or a less self-centred view of the world. One of those plain men, a most senior one, dismissed an aspiring intellectual colleague as being "exceedingly intelligent, but having no f---ing brains". I told another that part of the Old Parliament House  the bit running from the caucus room up past the chamber to the prime minister's office and cabinet  was the most intriguing corridor in all of Australia. He took pity on me, put his arm around my shoulder, and inquired whether I had ever seen the corridor between the stage door and the dressing rooms at the Pink Pussycat in King's Cross. That duo was among the brand of leaders we voters have taken to heart, deeply tribal rather than widely travelled, with gaps in formal education compensated by a laconic demeanour, one allied to rat cunning, with shrewdness and common sense outweighing technical expertise, and a capacity to get on with people and get things done rightly prized. Nothing prevents grounded leaders like that from, as Paul Keating said of his term as prime minister, "just thinking all the time". Leon Trotsky: Marxist theorist, revolutionary, war hero, Soviet minister then exile. A few gifted scribblers have surreptitiously slipped through the net. Alfred Deakin wrote eloquently about Australian politics, if for an English newspaper, even during his own term as prime minister. Richard Casey kept an elegant diary while in Washington during World War II, lamenting his failure to persuade Walt Disney to install a kangaroo or a koala alongside his mouse and duck. For Australians, that would have meant becoming part of Americans' family. Later on, Bert Kelly used his "Modest Member" column, politely but insistently, to advocate the lonely cause of economic rationalism. Later still, John Button thought clearly, wrote well (post-politics), saw the humour in things and loved to read. Stranded one night in Hobart, he told me that he did not mind "sleeping in the nuddy", "as long as I have my novel". When I was younger and sillier, I suggested that the flag fall for entry to crowded Venice should be proof that you had published a book. Only intellectuals, in the simplest definition of that term, were going to be allowed in. I have grown up a little, but still think that intellectuals are more at home in Venice than in politics. Look at a few Australians who have tried to put this country on the right track. Bruce Petty, Hugh Stretton, Tim Flannery, Michael Long, Donald Horne, Phillip Adams, Gurrumul, Bob Santamaria  all of them have been better off away from the topsy-turvy hurly-burly.
Stockholm: American James Allison and Japanese Tasuku Honjo won the 2018 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine on Monday for game-changing discoveries about how to harness and manipulate the immune system to fight cancer.

The scientists' work in the 1990s has since swiftly led to new and dramatically improved therapies for cancers such as melanoma and lung cancer, which had previously been extremely difficult to treat.

American James Allison and Japanese Tasuku Honjo developed therapies for treating cancer. Credit:AP

"The seminal discoveries by the two Laureates constitute a landmark in our fight against cancer," the Nobel Assembly at Sweden's Karolinska Institute said as it awarded the prize of 9 million Swedish crowns ($1.4 million).

"Allison and Honjo showed how different strategies for inhibiting the brakes on the immune system can be used in the treatment of cancer," it said.
The South Asian nation's Parliament passed the Digital Security Act on September 19, combining the colonial-era Official Secrets Act with tough new provisions such as allowing police to arrest individuals without a warrant.

Dhaka: Bangladesh is considering changes to proposed law expected to suppress free speech in a move that may provide some hope for imprisoned journalists, including photojournalist and RMIT adjunct professor Shahidul Alam.

It would have come into force with the signature of President Abdul Hamid ahead of a general election expected in December.

But after a meeting with a group of editors on Sunday, Anisul Huq, Bangladesh's law, justice and parliamentary affairs minister, said the concerns would be raised in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's cabinet. He did not say when that could happen.

"We had a detailed discussion with representatives of the Editors' Council and took serious note of their concerns," Huq told Reuters.

The government of Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will reconsider the provisions of the new law. Credit:AP

"We assured them that if the cabinet agrees, then we may make some amendments. We will also take some measures to make (some of the contentious) sections clear that those will not target the journalist community or silence their voices to reveal the truth."
Tokyo: An opponent of the construction of a new US Marine base on the southern Japanese island of Okinawa won election as governor on Sunday, beating a candidate backed by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's ruling coalition.

Denny Tamaki, the son of a US serviceman and a Japanese mother, claimed victory over Atsushi Sakima in the closely fought race, Kyodo news agency reported. Tamaki opposes a government plan to build a new military facility, enabling the closure of the Futenma Marine base in the centre of a densely populated city.

National broadcaster NHK showed a beaming Tamaki wearing a traditional floral shirt and dancing alongside his supporters as the results came in.

Japan's legislator Denny Tamaki, centre, celebrates his victory with supporters in the election for Okinawa governor in Naha city on Sunday. Credit:AP

"What the Okinawan people cannot accept is the construction of the base at Henoko," he said, referring to the new facility. "I will urge the government to go along with the feelings of the people."
More than 600 people have been badly injured and there are 48,025 refugees in Palu alone, a coastal city with a population of 374,000 that was flattened by the giant wave. A mass grave for the victims is being prepared in Palu, with corpses to be buried after being identified to avoid the spread of disease. Sutopo said proper burial procedures would be followed, with men and women divided, as had been the case in the burial after the 2004 tsunami in Aceh. A 14-day state of emergency has been declared in Central Sulawesi, where a lack of heavy equipment and chronic shortage of fuel was making it difficult to recover victims. Sutopo said heavy equipment was being transported from Makassar to assist with evacuation works, which were focused on a collapsed eight-storey hotel in Palu and other residential areas.

He said it was still unknown how many lives had been lost in Petobo, in South Palu, and the Balaroa residential area in nearby Sigi, which fell exactly on the earthquake fault-line. "We predict hundreds of people are still buried under the rubble of the Balaroa residential area in Palu." An Indonesian police officer leads a sniffer dog during a search for earthquake victims at Petobo village in Palu on Monday. Credit:AP Sutopo said 744 houses in Petobo, in South Palu, had been impacted by liquefaction, a process where the sheer amount of liquid in the soil turned it into a watery mud. Petobo resident Amirudin U Labugis told Fairfax Media his house was swallowed by a tsunami of mud.

It lifted my house, seven meters up, then it took it away, it moved in circles, like washing machine, he said. He has no idea how they survived. It was luck that we ran towards safety and were not gobbled up by the mud, he said. We took refuge up a hill. I ran without anything, no food, no water. Amirudin U. Labugis (left) and his family after his house was swept away in a "tsunami of mud" following the earthquake in Sulawesi. Credit:Amilia Rosa Amirudin said his youngest son had been sick with vomiting, diarrhoea and fever. We need food, water. We ran out, after this afternoon we won't have anything. No shops are open, so we can't buy anything." About 1.6 million people are estimated to have been affected on top of those killed and injured. Seven districts were still isolated in Sigi, the south of Palu, due to landslides.

Indonesian rescuers search for people in the ruins of Roa-Roa Hotel in Palu on Monday. Credit:AP "Whilst the Australian government has not yet received a formal request, we are working closely with Indonesian counterparts to determine what assistance Australia could most effectively provide to meet the needs of those impacted by the disaster," a spokesman for Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne told Fairfax Media. Loading Associated Press reported that an early warning system that might have prevented deaths in the tsunami had been stalled in the testing phase for years. It said a high-tech system of sea-floor sensors, data-laden sound waves and fibre-optic cable was meant to replace a system set up after the 2004 tsunami in Aceh but delays meant the system hadn't moved beyond a prototype.

Telecommunication services are being restored in Palu and surrounding areas, as Telkom Indonesia works to repair infrastructure damaged in the quake. Government buildings were being prioritised. The tsunami that hit Palu, Donggala and Mamuju in Central Sulawesi on Friday evening was triggered by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake. Tsunami survivor Rosina Mursidin yelled for her children to get out of the house after the earthquake. "That's when we all saw it, it wasn't your regular wave, it was the colour of cigarette ash," she said. "So me and my family and a few neighbours, about 20 people, climbed the mango tree in the yard. Just as the water hit us, the tree fell, it pinned my mother, but we hung onto it." Rosina said she gripped the twig from which her two-year-old nephew was hanging and prayed: "Please God save him, he is innocent".

"All the while I prayed, I was totally submerged, I drank a lot of water, barely able to breathe, but I kept my grip up. I don't know for how long, but when the water slowed and lowered down I took a deep breath and check my family. They survived but others have not been so lucky. Callouts for missing people are being posted on Twitter. Puji Lestari posted she was looking for her 20-year-old sister, Denny Ayu Lestari, whom she had been unable to contact for a day.
Birmingham: British Prime Minister Theresa May has called on her party to unite behind her plan to leave the European Union, making a direct appeal to critics by saying their desire for a free trade deal was at the heart of her Brexit proposals.

At the start of one of the Conservative Party's stormiest annual conferences on Sunday, May's plans were once again attacked by two former ministers, with her ex-foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, calling them "deranged".

But she won strong backing from other Brexit supporting ministers, with Trade Minister Liam Fox and Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt turning their anger against the EU, for "taunting Theresa May, one of the most unfailingly polite people".
Christine Blasey Ford testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Credit:AP Another woman, Deborah Ramirez, has accused Kavanaugh of exposing himself to her during a drunken party when both were students at Yale University. Friends and colleagues of Ramirez describe her as a quiet person who has dedicated herself to being an advocate for needy families and survivors of domestic violence. Deborah Ramirez has accused Judge Brett Kavanaugh of sexual impropriety when at Yale. Credit:AP Swetnick was the third named Kavanaugh accuser to emerge, when Avenatti released details of her accusations on Twitter on the eve of Ford's testimony. Kavanaugh has denied the claims regarding him made by Swetnick and other women, characterising some of the allegations as a "joke" and a "farce."

Ann Simonton, a nationally recognised advocate for rape survivors and director of Media Watch, a media literacy organisation, cautioned that many sexual abuse survivors encounter chaos and trouble later in life - things can tarnish a survivor's image but don't necessarily speak to the legitimacy of the underlying abuse allegations. "This type of trauma will impact your daily life forever," she said. Swetnick has said she is willing to be interviewed by either Congress or the FBI. On Twitter, Avenatti wrote that he and Swetnick would "thoroughly enjoy" embarrassing Republicans on the Judiciary Committee this weekend "when her story is told and is deemed credible." Swetnick has taped an interview with The Circus" a political program that is part of Showtime's Sunday line-up. Survivors of sexual assault and members of rights groups rally in Denver against Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the US Supreme Court. Credit:Denver Post/AP Some details of the legal disputes she's been involved in aren't known, because documents in the cases are incomplete or no longer available. Records in the lawsuit filed in late 2000 by her ex-employer, Oregon-based software company Webtrends, don't indicate why it was dismissed. Avenatti said there was a settlement in the case but no money changed hands. In its civil complaint in a state court in Oregon, the company said Swetnick, a software engineer, was an employee for a few weeks before its human resources department received a report that she had engaged in "unwelcome sexual innuendo and inappropriate conduct" toward two male co-workers at a business lunch.

The lawsuit said that Swetnick in turn accused Webtrends of subjecting her to "physically and emotionally threatening and hostile conditions" and that she claimed that she'd been sexually harassed by four co-workers. The co-workers denied the allegations, the suit said. Company officials later determined, the suit said, that Swetnick had provided false information on her employment application. The suit alleged that she had misrepresented the length of time she worked at a previous employer and falsely claimed that she'd earned an undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry from Johns Hopkins University. Stormy Daniels, left, stands with her lawyer Michael Avenatti outside court in April. Credit:AP Avenatti, whose client Stormy Daniels is embroilled in a lawsuit with Trump, said that whether Swetnick "has a college degree or not does not matter as to whether she is a sexual assault victim." Helene Moglen, Swetnick's aunt, said last week that her niece went off to college but quickly moved back home. In an interview with The Washington Post, Swetnick's father was quoted as saying that "she bootstrapped herself and became a computer expert. She's a sharp woman."

None of the executives named in the lawsuit still works at Webtrends. Calls and emails to the company's Portland headquarters seeking comment received no response. The lawyer who represented the company in the lawsuit also did not return messages seeking comment on Thursday and Friday. Swetnick was on the other side of a civil case in 1994, as a plaintiff, when she filed a personal injury lawsuit in Maryland against the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. She claimed she lost more than $US420,000 ($581,000) in earnings after she hurt her nose in a fall on a train in 1992. Swetnick, who described herself in court records as a model and actor, claimed she had "numerous modeling commitments" with several companies at the time of the accident but missed out them because of her injuries. Michael Avenatti, left, whose cllients' lawsuits have pitted him against Donald Trump, has said he is considering running for US president in 2020. Credit:AP To support her claim for lost wages, Swetnick named "Konam Studios" as one of the companies promising to employ her. A court filing identified Nam Ko, a representative of "Kunam Studios", as a possible plaintiff's witness for her case.

Ko, however, said he was just a friend of Swetnick's and that he had never owned a company with a name spelt either way and had never agreed to pay her money for any work before she injured her nose. He said he first met Swetnick at a bar more than a year after her alleged accident. "I didn't have any money back then. I [was] broke as can be," Ko said. Ko said he has a hazy memory of Swetnick asking to use him as a "character reference" but doesn't recall hearing about her lawsuit. "I thought it was for a job application," he said. In answer to questions about the suit, Avenatti said: "This is all hearsay. ... None of this is relevant, not one bit."

The paperwork filed in the suit includes a letter addressed to Swetnick's attorney from Richard Zamora, who is identified as a marketing executive from a San Jose, California-based company called Fiber Sign. In the letter, dated March 1994, Zamora said the company had been prepared to hire Swetnick as a model and spokeswoman and pay her a $US60,000 base salary but offered the job to someone else after learning of her accident. Zamora later asked a court in Florida for a restraining order against Swetnick. The remaining court records don't show the reasons he gave for asking for the restraining order, but indicate that the case was dropped less than two weeks later when neither party appeared in court. Zamora, who now goes by Richard Vinneccy, declined to comment this week about the letter or the nature of the relationship he'd had with Swetnick. Avenatti said the request for a restraining order was "nonsense." Court records show Swetnick's lawsuit against the transit agency was dismissed in 1997 after a settlement was reached. Vincent Jankoski, one of the lawyers who defended the agency, said the case was resolved without paying Swetnick any money after she failed to provide documentation supporting her lost-wage claims.
Toronto: Canada and the United States have reached a deal for Canada to stay in a free trade pact with the US and Mexico.

In a joint statement late on Sunday, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said the agreement "will strengthen the middle class, and create good, well-paying jobs and new opportunities for the nearly half billion people who call North America home".

The new deal, reached just before a midnight deadline imposed by the US, will be called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA. It replaces the 24-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement, which President Donald Trump had called a job-killing disaster.

US President Donald Trump talks with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a G-7 Summit welcome ceremony in Charlevoix, Canada, in June. Credit:AP

The agreement reached on Sunday gives US farmers greater access to the Canadian dairy market. But it keeps a NAFTA dispute-resolution process that the US wanted to jettison and offers Canada protection if Trump goes ahead with plans to impose tariffs on cars, trucks and auto parts imported into the United States.
Since the public corruption conviction of former mayor Keith Soderquist, the city has found itself in dire financial straits. Officials hoped the sale of the citys water plant to the Indiana-American Water Co. for $20.7 million would ease the burden, but the sale has been appealed and no closing date is in sight.
The new deal won't go into effect right away. Most of the key provisions don't start until 2020 because leaders from the three countries have to sign it before the US Congress (and legislatures in Canada and Mexico) have to approve it, a process that is expected to take months.

Washington: On Sunday night local time, US President Donald Trump got his wish for a significantly revised North American trade deal. After more than a year of intense negotiations, the United States, Canada and Mexico reached an agreement to update the North American Free Trade Agreement, the 1994 pact that governs more than $US1.2 trillion worth of trade among the three nations.

Goodbye NAFTA. The new deal will be known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement or "USMCA." Trump, who had long disdained NAFTA, had suggested he might call it the "USMC," in honour of the US Marine Corps, but in the end, USMCA won out.

Big changes for cars

The goal of the new deal is to have more cars and truck parts made in North America. Starting in 2020, to qualify for zero tariffs, a car or truck must have 75 per cent of its components manufactured in Canada, Mexico or the United States, a substantial boost from the current 62.5 per cent requirement.

There's also a new rule that a significant percentage of the work done on the car must be completed by workers earning at least $US16 an hour, or about three times what the typical Mexican autoworker currently makes. Starting in 2020, cars and trucks should have at least 30 per cent of the work on the vehicle done by workers earning $US16 an hour. That gradually moves up to 40 per cent for cars by 2023.

While many economists think these new rules will help some North American workers, they also warn that some small cars might no longer be made in North American since they would be too expensive under the new requirements. There are also concerns that automakers might not make as many cars in North America to export to China and elsewhere overseas because costs would be higher in the USMCA region than making the vehicles in Asia.
More than 1,300 air force personnel from Australia, the US and France are arriving in Alaska this week to take part in multinational combat training.

They will be taking part in Red Flag-Alaska, a series of training exercises that include war games with allies and mock enemies.

The event kicks off Thursday and continues through April 21 at Eielson and Elmendorf Air Force bases.

The effort will involve at least 10 simulated combat missions involving actual flying time over Alaska's vast terrain, Senior Master Sgt Charles Ramey with the 13th Air Force at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii said. The 13th Air Force oversees the planning and execution of Red Flag-Alaska.

Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas is well known for the Red Flag concept - which adds an enemy component - that was expanded to Alaska last year, when it replaced the Cope Thunder exercises.
Sao Paulo: Thousands of people have flocked to one of the main avenues in Brazil's biggest city in support of Jair Bolsonaro, the far-right presidential front-runner in next week's election.

Supporters of Brazilian presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro, rally along Paulista Avenue in Sao Paulo on Sunday. Credit:AP

Waving Brazilian flags, the crowd in Sao Paulo cheered loudly as leaders of his Social Liberal Party promised them victory in the October vote.

It came a day after thousands crowded the streets in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro to protest against Bolsonaro's candidacy. He was released from hospital on Sunday, after being stabbed at a campaign rally last month.
PHILIPSBURG:--- For many students or graduates of the VSBO/ PSVE - PBL, PKL and TKL secondary school systems on the island, the question of What is next? after their education, often poses a challenge. Student Support Services Division (SSSD) of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport is aiming to show these students that there are many study/educational opportunities for them with the workshop entitled My PBL, PKL and TKL Education and Beyond.

This free workshop will be held on October 4, 2018, at SSSDs office from 5:15 PM to 6:45 PM. SSSDs office is located in the Amigo Building, across from the Police Station next to the Windward Island Bank (WIB) in Philipsburg. This workshop is open to students in the last two years of the PBL, PKL AND TKL or recent graduates.

There are ways and means for these VSBO PBL, PKL and TKL graduates to continue their studies on St. Maarten, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, The Netherlands or Canada, if they wish. All these different opportunities may have specific requirements and the graduates should be aware of these requirements.

According to SSSD officials, some of the transitions from one educational system to another may not be straightforward but the possibility is often there and it is usually up to the graduate to take advantage of what is there while applying themselves.

Some students complain that on St. Maarten the possibilities of continuing their studies are limited but they dont realize that they have to apply themselves and be serious about their studies whether pursuing their studies locally or off island.

The My PBL, PKL and TKL Education and Beyond workshop will highlight both opportunities to study in English as well as in Dutch. Attendants will also be explained some of the technicalities associated with moving from vocational to academic education as well as moving off island to study.

Students are encouraged to be on time and to register for the workshop since space is limited. They are also urged to bring their own writing utensils and come prepared to receive the information being presented. If parents or students have any questions on this workshop, they can contact the Student Support Services Division at telephone 543-1235 for more information.

The Student Support Services Division (SSSD) provides services to students referred by the schools such as psychological services, counseling services, social work services, educational diagnostic services, speech language pathology services. SSSD also provides general services such as career services, parent sessions and crisis response.
Copper Mountain Announces Robust Preliminary Economic Assessment Results for New Ingerbelle

Posted by Publisher Internet

Copper Mountain Mining Corporation (?Copper Mountain? or the ?Company  http://www.commodity-tv.net/c/search_adv/?v=298239) is pleased to announce that it has completed a Base Case Preliminary Economic Assessment (?PEA?) on its 75% owned New Ingerbelle property (?New Ingerbelle? or ?the Project?), which is located one kilometer from the Company?s flagship operation, the Copper Mountain Mine, in southern British Columbia. ?(Please see Appendix A for New Ingerbelle location map). All dollars are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

PEA Highlights

New Ingerbelle is expected to have total production of 768 million pounds of copper and 550,300 ounces of gold over its mine life, based on Measured and Indicated Resources only. The production plan assumes the use of Copper Mountain mine?s existing mine equipment fleet and mill.

?New Ingerbelle represents a low capital, low risk, high quality development project in a world-class mining jurisdiction,? said Gil Clausen, Copper Mountain?s President and CEO. ?Our next steps include evaluating various operational alternatives to test against this Base Case, which assumes supplanting Copper Mountain Mine production. We will study incorporating New Ingerbelle into the Copper Mountain mine plan using the existing mill and study expanding the mill at Copper Mountain to increase the combined annual production.? New Ingerbelle should give us tremendous flexibility as we execute our low risk growth strategy. This PEA demonstrates just how much potential value this project holds.?

Mining and Processing

The New Ingerbelle mine design uses a US$2.75 per pound copper price Whittle pit shell (Measured and Indicated Resources only) generated using actual costs from the adjacent Copper Mountain Mine as a basis. Metal recoveries are based on historical Ingerbelle mill recoveries and metallurgical test work conducted on recent exploration drill core from the New Ingerbelle deposit. ?

The Whittle pit shell was used as the basis for an ultimate design pit, which has a final haul road and waste dump designs incorporated. This ultimate pit was sequenced to produce a life of mine (LOM) plan which includes three pushback phases that include haul roads. ?The study used the haulage profiles to determine mining equipment requirements. Capital and operating costs, along with copper and gold recoveries that were used, are outlined in the tables below.? The PEA is based on the Mineral Resource which was previously published on September 21, 2018. ?

The PEA assumes New Ingerbelle mill feed would be trucked to the Copper Mountain operation, using Copper Mountain?s existing mine equipment fleet, the 40,000 tonnes per day (tpd) mill and tailings facility.? Total mill feed mined is expected to be 175 million tonnes and total waste is expected to be 250 million tonnes for a low strip ratio of 1.43:1.? The production plan for New Ingerbelle is based only on Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources. All 24.6 million tonnes of Inferred Resources mined were considered as waste in the pit optimization and LOM scheduling.

Capital and Operating Costs

The total initial capital cost required to start operations at New Ingerbelle is estimated to be approximately US$130 million. The estimate is largely due to the cost to complete a three-kilometre access road from New Ingerbelle to the Copper Mountain mine, pre-stripping and miscellaneous infrastructure upgrades. Total life of mine sustaining capital is expected to be US$63 million, which is mainly for mining equipment replacement and tailings dam expansions.

Average C1 cash costs, net of by product credits, are approximately US$1.52 per pound of copper. Total operating costs are estimated to be US$9.66 per tonne milled, which includes mining costs of US$3.06 per tonne milled and processing costs of US$5.32 per tonne milled.?

Project Economics

The after-tax NPV assuming an 8% discount rate is US$394 million and the after-tax IRR is 65%.? The economics are based on a long-term Canadian Dollar to U.S. Dollar exchange rate of 1.25 to 1 and bank consensus long-term metal prices of US$3.08 per pound copper, US$1,310 per ounce of gold and US$18.90 per ounce of silver.

The PEA is based on Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources that are included within a Whittle optimized pit shell generated using values based on copper, gold and silver metal prices of US$2.75, US$1,250 and US$16.50 and recoveries of 80%, 65% and 70%, respectively.????

Technical Report

A technical report for the New Ingerbelle Preliminary Economic Assessment will be filed on SEDAR within 45 days of the date of this news release in accordance with NI 43-101 regulations.

Qualified Persons

The Mineral Resource estimate for New Ingerbelle that forms the basis for the New Ingerbelle PEA was prepared by Mr. Peter Holbek, B.Sc(Hons), M.Sc. P. Geo, who is the Vice President, Exploration of Copper Mountain Mining Corporation. Mr. Holbek serves as the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Holbek consents to the inclusion of the mineral resource in this news release and has approved the mineral resource information included in this news release.

Mr. Stuart Collins, P.E., serves as the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and is the Qualified Person for information regarding the New Ingerbelle PEA. Mr. Collins is independent of the Company and has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release.

About Copper Mountain Mining Corporation:

Copper Mountain?s flagship asset is the 75% owned Copper Mountain mine located in southern British Columbia near the town of Princeton. The Copper Mountain mine produces about 90 million pounds of copper equivalent per year with a large resource that remains open laterally and at depth. Copper Mountain also has the permitted, development stage Eva Copper Project in Queensland, Australia and an extensive 397,000 hectare highly prospective land package in the Mount Isa area. Copper Mountain trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ?CMMC? and Australian Stock Exchange under the symbol ?C6C?.

Additional information is available on the Company?s web page at www.CuMtn.com.

Note:? This release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.? These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results.? Readers are referred to the documents, filed by the Company on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, specifically the most recent reports which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements.? The Company undertakes no obligation to review or confirm analysts? expectations or estimates or to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statement.
Auto Industry Entrepreneur and Design Icon Henrik Fisker Joins First Cobalt Board of Directors

Posted by Publisher Internet

First Cobalt Corp. (TSX-V: FCC; ASX: FCC; OTCQX: FTSSF) (the ?Company?  http://www.commodity-tv.net/c/search_adv/?v=298244) announces the appointment of Henrik Fisker, Chairman & CEO of California-based electric vehicle OEM Fisker Inc., to the Company?s Board of Directors with immediate effect. As a global automotive design icon and renowned entrepreneur, Mr. Fisker brings his unique electric vehicle (EV) understanding and outside perspective to the Company. The addition of Mr. Fisker to the Company?s Board of Directors will allow First Cobalt to draw from his many talents as an EV pioneer, entrepreneur and successful OEM car designer.

?It is an honour to welcome Henrik to the Board.? said Paul Matysek, Chairman of First Cobalt?s Board of Directors. ?He brings a proven set of skills, insightful knowledge and experience that our team can benefit from greatly. We are confident that our collaborative efforts can reach larger audiences as we endeavor to become a leading producer of cobalt in the United States.?

First Cobalt and Henrik Fisker believe in developing an extractive industry that upholds the highest in ethical and environmental standards and strives to create sustainability for future generations.

?Electric vehicle automakers and battery manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure any materials we use in our batteries are sourced in an ethical way. I have made a commitment to contribute to a better world all the way down the supply chain. We must stop looking at innovation superficially and start taking responsibility for our products end to end and give our customers the true choice to be part of a sustainable future. During this last few weeks, I have spent considerable time with the First Cobalt team, seeing their cobalt project, Iron Creek, in Idaho as well as the First Cobalt Refinery in Ontario. I was extremely impressed with the depth and extent of commitment from the entire First Cobalt team to the safety and training of all employees, ethical mining practices and the focus on environmental protection around their projects,? said Henrik Fisker.

?First Cobalt?s strategy is to explore, mine and refine cobalt material in North America with the goal of providing cobalt to the American EV market. Henrik?s knowledge of the EV space and experience as a successful OEM automotive manufacturer will play a key role as First Cobalt continues to execute on this strategy. The vision and energy that Henrik has demonstrated throughout his career will be an important asset as the Company continues to develop its projects in North America,? said Trent Mell, President & Chief Executive Office of First Cobalt.?

Certain directors and officers of the Company have been granted incentive stock options to purchase an aggregate of 340,000 deferred share units and 2,100,000 common shares of First Cobalt exercisable at a price of $0.36 for a period of five to seven years. The grant of options remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and the requirements of the Australian Securities Exchange.

About Henrik Fisker

Henrik Fisker is the Chairman and CEO of Fisker Inc. Through his career in the automotive sector, Fisker has become synonymous with iconic cars and leadership in premium electric vehicle development. Mr. Fisker?s vision is behind some of the most emotionally appealing vehicles ever created, including the BMW Z8, the Aston Martin DB9/V8 Vantage, VLF Force 1 to the Fisker Karma and more. Henrik and Fisker Inc. are currently working towards developing the next generation of electric vehicle expertise, tomorrow?s technology and compelling design for the advancement of human mobility and comfort.

About First Cobalt

First Cobalt is a vertically integrated North American pure-play cobalt company. First Cobalt has three significant North American assets: the Iron Creek Project in Idaho, with Inferred mineral resources of 29.6 million tons (26.9 million tonnes) grading 0.11% cobalt equivalent; the Canadian Cobalt Camp and the only permitted cobalt refinery in North America capable of producing battery materials.

On behalf of First Cobalt Corp.

Trent Mell

President & Chief Executive Officer

For more information visit www.firstcobalt.com or contact:

Heather Smiles

Investor Relations

info@firstcobalt.com

+1.416.900.3891

In Europe:

Swiss Resource Capital AG

Jochen Staiger

info@resource-capital.ch

www.resource-capital.ch

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Estimates of Resources

Readers are cautioned that mineral resources are not economic mineral reserves and that the economic viability of resources that are not mineral reserves has not been demonstrated. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by geology, environmental, permitting, legal, title, socio-political, marketing or other relevant issues. The mineral resource estimate is classified in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum\-\-s \2014 CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves\ incorporated by reference into NI 43-101. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies or economic studies except for Preliminary Economic Assessment as defined under NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned not to assume that further work on the stated resources will lead to mineral reserves that can be mined economically. An Inferred Mineral Resource as defined by the CIM Standing Committee is \that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity. An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration.\

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, ?forward-looking statements?) within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as ?plans?, ?expects\-\-, ?estimates?, ?intends?, ?anticipates?, ?believes? or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results ?may?, ?could?, ?would?, ?might?, ?occur? or ?be achieved?. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance and opportunities to differ materially from those implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements are set forth in the management discussion and analysis and other disclosures of risk factors for First Cobalt, filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although First Cobalt believes that the information and assumptions used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed times frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, First Cobalt disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
We want to become better known for access control - Q&A with Bosch Building Technologies Gregor Schlechtriem

Gregor Schlechtriem has worked in the access control market for over 20 years and is now responsible for the Access & Intrusion Business Unit at Bosch Building Technologies. In this interview, the expert talks about key industry trends, the impact of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, technical innovations and his companys strategy. Mr. Schlechtriem, you have many years of experience in the security technology market. What is your background and what are your responsibilities as Senior Vice President at Bosch Building Technologies? Gregor Schlechtriem: I am a trained engineer and electrical technician, and have been involved with access control in the broadest sense, since I started my career in the late 1980s. I started in the field of parking garage technology and then switched to security technology in 2001, as Managing Director of micos GmbH, which specialised in traditional access control. micos GmbH was known for its highly available and highly secure access control systems, for critical infrastructure and government applications. Many systems from that time are still in use today and continue to be supported and upgraded. Bosch is continuing micos business here? Gregor Schlechtriem: Exactly, micos was taken over in 2004 by Bosch Security Systems, now known as Bosch Building Technologies. Since then, we have continuously been developing the access control business. Being part of the Bosch Building Technologies division, we benefit a lot from international cooperation with colleagues Being part of the Bosch Building Technologies division, we benefit a lot from international cooperation with colleagues and from overlap with other product lines, such as intrusion detection technology and video security. This gives us the opportunity to implement outstanding project solutions for demanding customers in an international environment. In developing this business, I rely on my experience from other interesting roles at Bosch that I took on, after micos was bought in 2004. For a time, I worked in the European System Integrator Business, which I also had the privilege of managing for several years, as well as being directly responsible for business units. In Fairport, USA, I had the overall responsibility for intrusion detection technology for many years, as I later did in Eindhoven for video systems. Since 2018, the global access control and intrusion detection business has once again been my direct responsibility. At Bosch Building Technologies, we have in the meantime assigned sales to the respective business units, so that we can develop our product and solution portfolio, in close cooperation with sales and our regular customers. Our main task now is to make our access control portfolio accessible to a broader market. We want to make Bosch much better known, as an access control provider, in the international market. After all, with our own access product portfolio, the power of the Bosch Group and over 40 years of experience in this sector, we have a lot to offer. As an expert in access control, how do you see the industry developing? In which direction is it currently evolving? Gregor Schlechtriem: First of all, I see that security requirements are constantly increasing. Whereas there are currently still simple key replacement systems that merely record card numbers, such an approach, to a large extent, no longer meets todays security and user experience requirements.The core task of access control has not changed over the years In the beginning, access control was more or less a kind of key replacement. Later, there was the possibility of increasing security via a pin code, i.e., via verification through simple data inputs. The next step in this direction was biometrics, which is another key step up, because it allows verification by means of unmistakable characteristics. However, the core task of access control has not changed over all the years and has basically always remained the same: access control means determining who has an access request and checking whether this request can be fulfilled. Whats next on this path to greater security? Gregor Schlechtriem: Biometrics-based access control is becoming increasingly powerful and user-friendly through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Here, data protection plays a major role, as wherever identities are established and movement data is recorded, it is necessary to reconcile the evolving technology with data protection.Biometrics-based access control is becoming increasingly powerful and user-friendly through the use of artificial intelligence The question of data protection is becoming even more significant, as systems increasingly migrate to the Cloud. Bosch puts particular emphasis on ensuring that, even in the cloud, the data generated in access control is always in line with data protection rules, regardless of where it is located. In my opinion, this trend towards the Cloud will continue, because companies are increasingly looking for complete service offerings, so that they can focus on their core business. Also, a system in the Cloud is easier to maintain and always up-to-date with the latest software, which makes cloud solutions even more attractive for providers and users. How can higher security be reconciled with a good user experience? Gregor Schlechtriem: Today, the card still plays a central role in the user experience, as the essential credential. Another current trend is one card for everything: with the increasing availability of secure multi-function smart cards, the possibility arises to use cards beyond the pure access function, for example, for payment in the canteen, at the catering and coffee machines, and in the parking garage, as well as simple access to other properties and so on.The security of cards has evolved significantly and kept pace with requirements The security of the cards, the reading and encryption processes, has evolved significantly and kept pace with requirements, although we are also facing an installed base that no longer meets these requirements, due to outdated systems. Today, it is standard for communications between reader and card to be encrypted. In some cases, the keys are also only held centrally to further increase security. The security systems industry was also affected by the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. How do you think the industry has changed? What technical solutions have emerged during this time? Gregor Schlechtriem: First of all, there is a certain need for retrofitting in the industry due to changes in how buildings are used. For example, American retailers used to be open around the clock and always had staff on site. Now, due to COVID-19, stores are also closed, and this results in a whole new need for intrusion detection and access control systems to protect the buildings. For access control, an obvious task has arisen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, namely to track contacts, as far as this is compatible with data protection. We actually expected more to happen here, but in our observation, many companies did quite little, despite clear and simple steps that could have been implemented relatively quickly. The installed access control systems clearly lag behind the technical possibilities. Another topic that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought into focus is hygiene Another topic that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought into focus is hygiene. Companies should actually have invested in contactless systems here and retrofitted speed gates or motorised doors. But in many cases this was not put into practice. The door opener is still often used, which has to be operated manually and therefore, is touched multiple times. But, if everyone presses the same button, that doesn't help hygiene. Surprisingly, this is different in North America. Here, request-to-exit proximity detectors are used almost everywhere, which avoids this problem completely and releases the door, when an authorised person approaches it. Mobile access and smartphone-based access control are also growing markets. What kind of developments do you see in these areas? Gregor Schlechtriem: I already mentioned that users increasingly want to be able to use one card for several applications. But, what we are seeing here is that even with the most modern cards, which have a lot of applications loaded on them, we are reaching performance limits and the user experience suffers. If you compare the card with the smartphone as a credential, you have a much more attractive integration platform there, which is significantly faster and delivers much better performance. For us, the mobile credential or the smartphone is the future, because it simply offers more possibilities that the card will not be able to provide in the long term. What is the specific direction Bosch is taking here? Gregor Schlechtriem: We are currently working on a broad implementation. A whole team is working on the user experience around the smartphone, because its understood that smartphone-based access has to work just as easily, as it currently does with a card.A whole team is working on the user experience around the smartphone In theory it does, but if you look at some of the actual implementations, this topic is still relatively complex. In terms of user experience and automation, we still have quite a way to go, and we are working hard on that at the moment. The user experience is one side of the coin, the other side concerns establishing security in the smartphone as a whole. In other words: How do I make the smartphone secure enough as a mobile credential, to meet my access control requirements? We are also working intensively on this. That's actually an IT task. Do you do this yourself at Bosch or do you work with external experts here? Gregor Schlechtriem: We have our own powerful Bosch IT, which also manages our company smartphones. If our company smartphones are lost, the data on them is automatically deleted. The devices use biometrics to identify users, before they can access the data. It is a sound security concept that a card cannot offer. Moreover, we are working with other partners in the IDunion project, to create the additional infrastructure around mobile credentials as well. What exactly is the IDunion and what role does Bosch play? Gregor Schlechtriem: Digital identities must be openly accessible, widely usable, interoperable, and secure. This applies not only to access control, but to the digitised economy in general. The IDunion project has set itself the task of creating the infrastructure for this, in the form of an independent wallet, i.e., secure identity storage on smart devices. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWI), because digitisation is also a critical social issue. We are intensively involved in the Physical access to the building work package in this consortium. Through this involvement, we want to ensure that our access control systems benefit from this infrastructure and are open to future digital business models. Does digital identity management, which includes biometrics and mobile access, also play a role for Bosch? Yes, it plays an important role for us, and I wouldnt consider these topics separate Gregor Schlechtriem: Yes, it plays an important role for us, and I wouldnt consider these topics separate. For me, a mobile device has the advantage that it has already ensured and verified my identity from the moment of interaction. Thats the fascinating thing about it. If I only allow the device to communicate with the access control system, if I have identified myself first, I have implemented biometrics and access control together in a widely accepted process. From my point of view, this is a very interesting perspective, in terms of security and user experience, because the biometrics procedures in smartphones are, I think, the best currently available. In my view, the smartphone has the potential to take over central functions in access control in the future. What are your goals for the access control business of Bosch Building Technologies in the near future? Gregor Schlechtriem: We will continue to focus on specific solutions for large customers. That is the continuation of our current strategy. In these projects, we will introduce new topics as I have just described, i.e., primarily new technology elements. I believe that, precisely because of the longevity of access control, a long-term migration capability is also of particular importance. We want to reach out to the broader market and make more widely available, what we have developed in terms of technology and innovation. We are currently in the process of setting up and optimising our sales organisation, so that it becomes much more widely known that we at Bosch have our own powerful access control portfolio, which can be used for all kinds of applications. In addition, we want to differentiate ourselves in the market with our systems, in line with the motto of our founder, Robert Bosch: Technology for life. The user experience with Mobile Access should be simple, straightforward, and secure: You hold your smartphone in front of the reader and the door opens.
This is an exciting step forward for Purdue Northwest, he said. Everything we do as a comprehensive university to ensure the success of our graduates  from high-quality teaching and scholarship, to a robust campus community, to a growing alumni network  is now further reflected in our diploma.
Apollo 15, which launched on July 26, 1971, marked the beginning of NASA's most challenging crewed missions to the moon. This mission featured the longest stay yet on the lunar surface, three moonwalks and the first use of a "moon buggy," or lunar rover. Only two more crewed missions followed after Apollo 15: Apollo 16 and Apollo 17.

In the training for Apollo 15, the mission's three astronauts put an emphasis on geological work. They spent many hours in the field learning how to identify different types of rocks and formations. The crew, all U.S. Air Force pilots, had trained together in the past, all serving as backups for the Apollo 12 mission.

Cmdr. Dave Scott had two spaceflight missions under his belt. He was the command module pilot on Apollo 9, which featured the first Apollo docking in space. He also flew on an eventful Gemini mission in 1966. Gemini 8 had a malfunctioning thruster that spun the spacecraft around so quickly that the astronauts almost lost consciousness; crewmate Neil Armstrong managed to pull Gemini 8 out of the lurch by activating the re-entry system. [Apollo 15 in Photos: A Moon Landing and the 1st Lunar Car for Astronauts]

Jim Irwin was the lunar module pilot for Apollo 15, and Al Worden was the command module pilot. Previous to NASA, Irwin was an experimental test pilot and F-12 pilot with the Air Force, while Worden was an instructor at the Aerospace Research Pilot School with the U.S. Air Force. Apollo 15 was the only spaceflight for each of these astronauts.

Apollo 15 astronaut Jim Irwin works in the Hadley-Apennine region of the moon during his mission in 1971. (Image credit: NASA)

A rocky test drive

After several missions of choosing progressively challenging landing sites, NASA wanted to aim even higher for Apollo 15. NASA described the site it came up with for the landing  Hadley Rille, on the edge of Mare Imbrium  as "spectacularly beautiful." More importantly, it was a treasure trove of geologic treasure, including mountains, craters and Hadley  a large canyon.

Unlike the other Apollo crews, Apollo 15 astronauts chose to sleep after their landing, which occurred on July 30, instead of doing a moonwalk right away. The time to rest helped the crew preserve their energy for the longer mission. Before hitting the sack, Scott opened the hatch at the top of the lunar lander, Falcon, and took a series of camera shots to get a panoramic view of the site.

The next morning, Scott hopped down the ladder and looked at the field site surrounding him. "Man must explore. And this is exploration at its greatest," he said. Then, he and Irwin got to work unfolding the lunar roving vehicle from the side of Falcon.

Next came a test drive. It was no surprise that driving was a bumpy experience, given all the rocks and mini-divots in the moon's surface. While the front-wheel drive wasn't working, Scott found he could manage with only the rear-wheel-drive system.

The astronauts drove the rover a total of 17.5 miles (28 kilometers). The crew had one main complaint: the seat belts, which were difficult to get on and off, because lunar gravity did not push the astronauts down easily to allow them to fasten the seatbelt over their spacesuits. [Driving on the Moon: The 40-Year Legacy of NASA's First Lunar Car]

Scientific discovery

Irwin and Scott were on the hunt for anorthosites, which are believed to be the moon's oldest rocks, and the astronauts found the material in spades during the second day on the lunar surface. At Spur Crater, the astronauts picked up four of these types of rocks. The most well-known of the bunch was later dubbed the Genesis Rock because of its ancient age, some 4.5 billion years old.

Back at Falcon, Scott was supposed to drill down below the moon's surface to get a "core sample" that would show the layers of rock underneath the surface. The regolith was packed tight, and it was hard to get the drill in far enough. Scott, who was tired from 7 hours of work outside, didn't have the energy to pull the drill back out.

NASA ordered him to leave it until the next day. After Irwin and Scott went outside for their third spacewalk, both of them struggled to withdraw the core, but they succeeded.

After a geological-focused trip to Hadley Rille, the astronauts returned to their lunar lander, Antares. Scott then did a mini scientific experiment in front of the TV camera in honor of Galileo Galilei, dropping a feather and hammer on the lunar surface. Galileo is said to have dropped weights from the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the 1600s to demonstrate that objects of different mass fall at the same rate.

When Scott's feather and hammer struck regolith at the same time, mission controllers applauded. "Nothing like a little science on the moon," Scott said.

While Scott and Irwin toiled on the surface, Worden contributed his own observations from above. From the command module Endeavour, Worden excitedly described a crater called Littrow, which scientists of the time believed may have once been part of a volcanic region. Later, Apollo 17 landed at Littrow.

The crew left the surface of the moon on Aug. 2, and for the first time, the liftoff was seen on Earth, broadcast via the television camera on the lunar rover. Just before they left lunar orbit, the crew launched the Particles and Fields satellite. This craft was designed to investigate the moon's mass and gravitational variations, the particle composition of space near the moon, and the interaction of the moon's magnetic field with that of Earth.

All told, Apollo 15's moon-roving astronauts spent 18 hours 37 minutes working on the lunar surface, almost the total time spent in lunar orbit by the Apollo 8 crew. The Apollo 15 team set other records as well, including longest time in lunar orbit (about 145 hours) and longest lunar mission (295 hours). The crew returned to Earth Aug. 7, bringing back a geologic bonanza for scientists and positioning NASA for more-ambitious missions to come.

This moon rock sample, collected by Apollo 15 astronauts, is made of basalt fragments welded together by a dark glassy matrix that was produced by melting from a meteorite impact. MIT and Rutgers scientists studied the sample to glean new insights about the ancient moon's magnetic field. (Image credit: NASA)

Apollo 15 legacy

Endeavour is at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, while the upper stage of Falcon hit the moon (as planned) on Aug. 3, 1971. The 50th anniversary of the Apollo 15 mission is in 2021.

Apollo 15 kicked off the most ambitious lunar landings, with the remaining crews spending several days on the moon's surface and hauling home rocks of many different kinds. NASA, however, elected to focus on low Earth orbit starting in the mid-1970s. Some of the agency's most famous programs in that field include the space shuttle (1981-2011) and the International Space Station (1998 to present).

The agency is expected to return humans to the moon in the 2020s, at least if the current policy of President Donald Trump's administration holds. In preparation for that effort, NASA is working on a space station concept called the Deep Space Gateway. The agency is also testing out Orion, a deep-space spacecraft, and a rocket called the Space Launch System. NASA may also go to Mars in the 2030s or 2040s, if funding and current plans hold.
Apollo 16 was the second-to-last mission of the Apollo program and the fifth to land humans on the moon. Apollo 16 launched on April 16, 1972, and landed at the Descartes highlands, a lunar highland area near the Descartes crater. While there, the crew searched for volcanic rocks.

Although the astronauts didn't come back with the rocks they were searching for, their skill in picking out geologic targets and their ability to cope with changing fortunes made this mission a highlight of scientific discovery on the moon. [Apollo 16: NASA's 5th Moon Landing with Astronauts in Pictures]

The Apollo 16 astronauts

Cmdr. John Young was among NASA's most seasoned astronauts, having already spent a decade in the career. The former U.S. Navy aviator flew twice in the Gemini program, flying as co-pilot in the first mission (Gemini 3, 1965) and commanding Gemini 10 (1966), which rendezvoused with two separate target vehicles in space. With the Apollo program, Young was the command module pilot on Apollo 10(1969) and helped perform the first docking above the surface of the moon. After Apollo, Young went on to command the first space shuttle mission (STS-1, 1981) and a second space shuttle mission in 1983, called STS-9.

Apollo 16 command module pilot Ken Mattingly was selected in 1966. He got a second chance to go to the moon after he was pulled from the Apollo 13 mission because of a medical concern. Before joining NASA, he was a Navy aviator. After Apollo 16, Mattingly commanded two space shuttle missions: STS-4 in 1982 and STS-51C in 1985.

Charles Duke, the lunar module (or lunar lander) pilot, is perhaps best known as being the CapCom during the Apollo 11 landing, who said, "You've got a bunch of guys about to turn blue down here," after the crew landed with a few drops of fuel remaining. Duke was a U.S. Air Force pilot instructor when NASA selected him as an astronaut in 1966. Apollo 16 was Duke's only spaceflight.

The Apollo 16 crew: Thomas K. Mattingly II, command module pilot; John W. Young, commander; and Charles M. Duke Jr., lunar module pilot. (Image credit: NASA)

Balky engine and snagged cable

Scientists suspected that Apollo 16's destination, the Descartes highlands, contained volcanic rocks. Geologists were hoping to get samples of these rocks to find out how the moon's interior was formed.

The spacecraft reached lunar orbit on April 19. Shortly after the lunar module Orion separated from the command module Casper, Mattingly noticed the command module engine vibrating strangely when he touched one of the controls in the backup system.

Uneasily, the crew circled the moon for several hours in their two spacecraft as Mission Control decided whether it was safe to proceed. After analyzing the data, Houston gave the thumbs-up, and Orion descended successfully to the moon's surface.

The next day, Young stood on the moon for the first time with his fists raised in happiness. "There you are, our mysterious and unknown Descartes highland plains. Apollo 16 is going to change your image," he said.

Duke and Young's first job was to deploy a package of several experiments on the surface to measure properties of the local environment. All Apollo astronauts knew how hard it was to see your feet and feel what they were touching through the bulky spacesuit. Nonetheless, Young accidentally pulled a vital cable free from a heat flow experiment when his boot snagged on the cable, ruining the experiment.

Apologizing profusely, the astronauts finished setting up the package and moved on to their next tasks. They drove the lunar rover to two geologic locations, finding only sedimentary breccia rocks, which are rocks composed of various mineral fragments, and not the volcanic ones geologists had hoped to find.

Breccias and a big rock

Duke and Young never found volcanic rocks while roaming around the moon's surface. On their second day in the rover, they drove to a set of five craters on Stone Mountain, a large hill. While there, the astronauts collected rocks that showed how meteor impacts had kicked up debris to form the hills around them.

Observers of the Apollo 16 mission later commented on how self-assured the crew appeared as they used their equipment and walked around the moon. The astronauts weren't afraid to kneel, jump high, or to pick up their rover and move it if it wasn't sitting in quite the right spot. Eight people had walked on the moon before Apollo 16, and Young and Duke had learned from watching their extravehicular activities.

That's not to say everything went smoothly. For example, Young accidentally snagged his hammer against part of the dust guard of the rover and broke it off. This resulted in the astronauts being showered with rock-filled dust as they drove around the moon's surface. But they adapted as best as they could.

On their third day on the moon, the crew had to cut operations short because they landed so late on their first day, but they squeezed in time to visit North Ray Crater. While they were working, they spotted a large rock in the distance and went sprinting toward it. Amused mission controllers watched as the astronauts got smaller and smaller on the TV screen. "And as our crew sinks slowly in the west," said astronaut and geologist Jack Schmitt, which drew laughter from others in the control room.

The rock, later dubbed House Rock, was a gigantic breccia (a rock composed of a conglomerate of broken minerals), showing the odds of any volcanic activity in the region were slim.

The command module Casper landed safely in the Pacific on April 27, carrying a load of rocks that turned out to be mostly breccias. Although the crew found something different from what experts had expected, the trove of rocks would provide scientists many hours of study in the decades to come.

Apollo 16 lunar module pilot Charles M. Duke Jr. left this photo of his family on the surface of the moon. (Image credit: NASA)

Apollo 16 legacy

The 50th anniversary of Apollo 16 is in 2022. The current location of Casper is at the Alabama Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. Orion's upper stage impacted the moon, although NASA is unsure of the exact location.

On his final day on the lunar surface, Duke placed a photo of his family on the ground and took pictures of it. The photo shows Duke, his wife, Dorothy, and their sons, Charles and Thomas. He left the photo on the moon, where it remains today.

NASA had one more crewed mission to the moon, called Apollo 17, later in 1972. The agency then shifted its attention to low Earth orbit activities, principally through the space shuttle and International Space Station programs. The agency is working on a deep-space spacecraft called Orion that could bring astronauts to the moon or to Mars. NASA is also developing a lunar space station, called the Deep Space Gateway.

Editor's Note: This story was updated to reflect a correction on Oct. 3 at 9:52 a.m. EDT. The original article incorrectly stated that Apollo 16 was Mattinglys only spaceflight.
Mysterious blobs deep in the Earth's mantle could be minerals that precipitated out of an ancient magma ocean that formed in the collision that also created the moon.

These blobs, called ultralow velocity zones, are found very deep in the mantle, close to the Earth's core. They are known only because when seismic waves from earthquakes travel through them, the waves slow dramatically. This indicates that the blobs are somehow different from other parts of the mantle, but no one knows how.

Now, new research suggests that the blobs could be an iron oxide-rich mineral called magnesiowustite. If so, their existence would hint at a former magma ocean that might have existed 4.5 billion years ago, when a huge chunk of space rock rammed into Earth, spun off the material that would become the moon, and possibly melted large portions of the planet. [In Photos: Watery Ocean Hidden Beneath Earth's Surface]

"If one can Identify that these patches do contain an amount of magnesiowustite that would be an indication that there was a magma ocean and it crystallized in this fashion where the iron-rich oxide precipitated out and sank down to the base of the mantle," said study leader Jennifer Jackson, a professor of mineral physics at the California Institute of Technology.

Odd blobs

The mantle is around 1,800 miles (2,900 kilometers) thick, and the ultralow velocity zones are less than a mile to up to 62 miles (100 km) thick and wide, Jackson told Live Science. They slow down seismic waves that travel through them from 30 to 50 percent.

Studying these weird blobs directly isn't possible, so Jackson and her colleagues had to mimic the pressures of the deep mantle right at Earth's surface. To find out if the mineral magnesiowustite has the kind of properties seen in ultralow velocity zones, the researchers took a small sample of the mineral, put it in a pressure chamber and squeezed it hard with a pair of diamond anvils. The whole pressurized apparatus is small enough to fit in the palm of a hand.

"Sometimes I'll say that I'm carrying around the core-mantle boundary pressure in my pocket," Jackson said.

The researchers bombarded the sample with X-rays from different angles and then measured the energy of the X-rays as they exited the sample, looking for how interactions with the crystalline structure of the mineral changed them.

Under pressure

They found that high pressures change everything. At atmospheric pressure, Jackson said, waves exiting a magnesiowustite sample are always the same, no matter what direction they travel through the crystal. [Photos: The World's Weirdest Geological Formations]

At core-mantle boundary pressures, though, the direction the waves travel matters a lot. There can be up to a 60 percent difference in the speed of a wave going through the crystal depending on how it passes through. A transverse wave traveling through the mineral moves at a little less than 1.8 miles per second (3 km/s) in one direction and a little more than 3.1 miles per second (5 km/s) in another, Jackson said.

The fastest direction of travel for the waves at atmospheric pressure  along the edge of the crystal structure  is the slowest direction of travel for waves at core-mantle pressures, she said. The fastest direction of travel at core-mantle pressures is across the face of the crystal in the lab. These differences in how waves travel depending on the direction and the crystalline structure are called anisotropies.

What does this mean for the real mantle? Well, Jackson said, anisotropies have been observed down there, too. No one has really looked to see if ultralow velocity zones have them, but there's reason to think they might. If the cooling-magma-ocean theory is true and there is magnesiowustite deep in the mantle, it could be pushed, squished and nudged into an anisotropic configuration by pieces of continental crust that have been pushed deep into the mantle in the process of subduction. (Subduction is when one piece of crust pushes below another and dives into the mantle, as happens along the coast of California today.)

"If we can look for it, it would be really good evidence to suggest this interaction of ancient slab subduction and ultralow velocity zones that contain this iron-rich oxide," Jackson said.

Now, Jackson hopes to work with seismologists to see if seismic waves that enter ultralow velocity zones come out differently depending on the direction of travel. If they do, it will further bolster the magnesiowustite hypothesis.

"The presence of this mineral, being shaped by the slab, could give us insight to Earth's magma ocean and its crystallization," Jackson said.

The researchers published their findings in May in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth.

Original article on Live Science.
NASA turns 60 years old today (Oct. 1), and while the agency has been particularly focused on its past in anticipation of the big milestone, that's business as usual for a little-known office within NASA.

In fact, NASA's history office is just a few months younger than the agency itself and was created to help the agency share its work with the public. It's one of many such offices within the federal government, albeit perhaps one with the most engaging history to curate.

"The history office is one of the low-priced gems that exist in the federal government," Roger Launius, who was chief historian at NASA from 1990 to 2002, told Space.com. "This is a part of our heritage as a nation and we should be properly proud of it and use it in good ways." [Building Apollo: Photos from Moonshot History]

He said there's no question that NASA's history has been used in all sorts of ways. Take the images astronauts snapped during the Apollo missions as an example, he said. "I would contend that those images have a resonance and a meaning that's far beyond the time and place in which they were created," even inspiring MTV's logo, Launius said. But they have also become fodder for moon landing deniers, whether motivated by ignorance, disbelief or malice.

Launius said that the biggest change during his tenure was in the tools the office could draw on, increasingly relying on transcription software, for instance. And of course, as the internet seeped into homes, NASA as a whole jumped on board. NASA built its first web pages in the early and mid-1990s, and the history office did as well. The process has only continued after his departure. "The social media piece of this has become more important over time too, and I would really contend that that has been a fundamental shift," Launius said.

But while anyone can visit the history office online or in person, it also caters to professional historians. And for NASA programs particularly, the office is invaluable. "You can find really incredible stuff and things that have been lost to the sands of time," Lisa Ruth Rand, a historian of science, technology and the environment who is the American Historical Association and NASA fellow in space history, told Space.com. "That's why archives are so fascinating and necessary."

History isn't just a fun hobby: Better understanding NASA's past can help us accurately evaluate the present and future of space exploration, Launius and Rand agreed. "One of the things that we found over and over again is the arc of history doesn't really change, it continues on, and stuff doesn't really come out of the blue," Launius said. "That's what any history program is all about."

Consider President Donald Trump's proposed Space Force. Rand points to President Dwight D. Eisenhower's careful decision to make NASA a civilian agency, despite the leading role the military had held in rocketry design. Now, there's a clear difference in public perception between NASA missions and those space projects that are still overseen by the military, with the former seen as inherently benign and the latter as more dangerous, Rand said. "It didn't have to be that way," she said. "That is absolutely significant and that is absolutely relevant now." [Celebrate NASA's 60th Birthday with These Space Videos!]

Launius said that NASA's history can also reframe our perspective of the rise of commercial companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin as a new phenomenon. "That, of course, is baloney," Launius said, pointing to a long history of space-focused entrepreneurial entities becoming government contractors. "If you want to say Elon's done something nobody's ever done before, that's just not true."

History is also where we rediscover people and events that society has simply forgotten about, whether purposefully or accidentally, Rand said, pointing to rediscoveries like that of the African- American women who worked as human computers at NASA during the 1950s and 1960s and have now been dubbed "hidden figures." Digging through historical records, she said, "allows us to continue to build that consensus and revise it and have a stronger sense of what happened in the past."

In particular, Launius said, we have a lot to learn from what is perhaps NASA's best-known endeavor  the Apollo missions that put humans on the moon. He noted that several people involved with the program later said it was much harder than they had expected.

And history shows how public opinion of the project has changed over the intervening decades. 'There's a belief that everybody loved Apollo, and they didn't," Launius said, adding that the only time half of surveyed Americans said the mission was worth the money was in 1969, the year of the first landing. "It's not that people object to the idea, it's that they object to spending their hard-earned tax dollars on it."

He added that the Apollo missions, like any others, were born in a specific context that shaped how they unfurled: prompted by a wish to prove the U.S. stronger than the Soviet Union. NASA may have goals just as vast today, but a similar geopolitical impulse may not show up in time.

"We keep talking about going to Mars and that's great; I don't think there's anybody in the space community who doesn't think that would be a good thing to do, but we've always run aground on this politically," Launius said. "If you're willing to accept that there's a trigger mechanism, a geopolitical crisis that caused Apollo, what is the geopolitical crisis that's going to spark a return to the moon or more importantly a trip to Mars?"

Launius added that a key audience for the history office is decision-makers who want to ground their actions in lessons learned from the past. But that might not be happening enough, Rand said, wishing governmental and commercial space leaders would stop by the NASA history office more often.

"It can only be a valuable thing to have a better backstory so you don't constantly reinvent the wheel over and over again," she said.

Email Meghan Bartels at mbartels@space.com or follow her @meghanbartels. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
Sixty years after its birth, NASA remains a rare unifying force.

The space agency opened for business on Oct. 1, 1958, two months after its creation by the passage of the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958.

During the ensuing six decades, NASA has managed to inspire people throughout the country and around the world without getting too bogged down by partisan politics or the conflicts and controversies that have affected other branches of the U.S. government. [NASA's 10 Greatest Science Missions]

"NASA is one of the best  I hate to use the word, but I'll say it  brands that this country has," said John Logsdon, a professor emeritus of political science and international affairs at George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs in Washington, D.C. "It's projected an image of the United States that's really positive, and that reflects how we want to see ourselves  as a country of people who accomplish difficult things."

In terms of U.S. government activities, "there's been much less controversy about NASA than almost anything else," Logsdon told Space.com. "There never has been, and is not now, an anti-NASA lobby or interest group or public group. At a minimum, people say about NASA, 'Yeah, that's a good thing.' And a fair number of people say, 'That's great  that's what we should be doing.'"

Exploring the heavens

NASA's continued occupation of this rarefied air traces back to its founding document. The newly created agency's first objective, as laid out in the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, involves "the expansion of human knowledge of phenomena in the atmosphere and space."

Though the Act does direct NASA to preserve the United States' leadership role in space science and technology, it also instructs the agency to facilitate "cooperation with other nations and groups of nations in work done pursuant to this Act and in the peaceful application of the results thereof." [Celebrate NASA's 60th Birthday with These Space Videos!]

And, in contrast to most previous space-related research in the United States and abroad, the military would not be leading the way.

"The United States wanted to make it clear that our space program was a civil effort and scientific effort," NASA Chief Historian Bill Barry said in a 60th-anniversary video posted by the space agency on July 29.

That effort has been famously fruitful. Just 11 years after its founding, NASA put boots on the moon. A total of 12 astronauts walked on the lunar surface during the Apollo era, and the agency brought all of them safely back to Earth.

NASA astronauts flew 135 space shuttle missions from 1981 through 2011. Many of these flights helped build or service the International Space Station (ISS), the orbital outpost that has hosted rotating astronaut crews on a continuous basis since November 2000. NASA has been a driving force behind the ISS, a multinational effort involving more than a dozen partners, from the very beginning.

Pluto, as seen by NASA's New Horizons spacecraft during its epic flyby of the dwarf planet in July 2015. (Image credit: NASA/JHUAPL/SwRI)

And then there are the robotic exploration missions  far too many to rattle off here, even as a bare-bones list. NASA spacecraft have studied the sun up close and visited every currently or originally recognized planet, from Mercury all the way out to Pluto, as well as some asteroids, comets and dwarf planets. (Many NASA spacecraft have also studied their home planet from Earth orbit over the years, of course.) The agency has put a host of landers and rovers on the moon and Mars as well. [Destination Pluto: NASA's New Horizons Mission in Pictures]

NASA in situ exploration now extends into interstellar space: The far-flung Voyager 1 probe popped free of the sun's sphere of influence in August 2012, and its twin, Voyager 2, is poised to do the same soon.

And we can't forget the many astrophysics missions  such as the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe and the Hubble, Chandra and Spitzer space telescopes  that have brought distant, mysterious objects into clear view and reshaped astronomers' understanding of the universe's structure and evolution.

Also on the astrophysics side: The Kepler space telescope has found about 70 percent of the 3,800 known exoplanets, and its recently launched successor, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, may be even more prolific.

The discoveries made by all of these missions have opened eyes around the world  and so have the gorgeous photos delivered by Hubble, the Saturn-orbiting Cassini spacecraft and many other NASA probes.

The next 60 years

NASA will continue to do groundbreaking robotic exploration for decades to come. But the agency's cultural and societal influence may wane in the future as private spaceflight matures and starts doing big things in the flashy realm of crewed exploration, Logsdon said. [NASA's 60th Anniversarsy Puts Its History Office in the Spotlight]

Those big things may include helping to establish human settlements on Mars and other deep-space destinations, as both SpaceX and Blue Origin  which are led by the billionaire entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, respectively  aim to do.

But NASA is working to send humans out into deep space as well, something the agency hasn't done since the Apollo 17 astronauts returned from their moon mission in December 1972. This push really began in 2004 with President George W. Bush's Vision for Space Exploration, which called for NASA to retire the space shuttle program by 2010 and put boots on the moon again by 2020.

"We have not argued since then that going beyond Earth orbit is the right thing to do," Logsdon said. "We've been slow about doing it, but there hasn't been a counter-argument."

NASA's current plan involves the construction of a small space station in lunar orbit by the mid-2020s. The outpost, known as the Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway, will serve as a jumping-off point for missions to the moon's surface, both robotic and crewed. And, NASA officials say, the skills learned during the construction and operation of the Gateway will help humanity get to Mars, which the agency aims to do in the 2030s, in cooperation with international and commercial partners.

This journey to Mars could end up being the grandest adventure of the 21st century, one that future generations recall more clearly, and with even greater reverence, than the gray-haired among us regard the Apollo missions.

Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.




Into the Dark is the latest entry into the growing trend of anthologies series. It's a horror series coming from the fiendish mind of Jason Blum whose production company, Blumhouse, has produced several of the last decades most popular horror films such as Get Out, Happy Death Day, The Purge, Insidious, Paranormal Activity, and the much-anticipated, upcoming sequel Halloween. And those titles merely scratch the surface. Blumhouse has been a top name in horror for some time now and it doesn't look like they're going anywhere any time soon. Blumhouse Productions has also produced several television series like the short-lived but popular Eye Candy for MTV, the recent Sharp Objects, Indian-import and Netflix Original - Ghoul, The Purge limited series, and now this one.



We've seen anthology horror series before. Ryan Murphy essentially started the trend with the creation of American Horror Story nearly ten years ago. Black Mirror is another popular anthology, with every episode being different from the one before. We've seen countless television shows try to tackle the self-contained season story. I'm pretty fond of anthologies actually, it's sort of the modern day miniseries, since miniseries rarely ever stay "mini" for long given our obsession with sequels and franchise creation.





THE BODY

FINAL VERDICT

DIALOGUE TEASES

is a little different than any of the anthologies we've seen before. For starters, each episode is more of a self-contained film, like twelve movies staggered across an entire year. That's right,. This isn't a show to be binged all at once as Hulu will only be releasingepisode on the first Friday of every month. It'll be interesting to see how it pans out.Personally, I think it's a fantastic idea. Especially as it supports the narrative structure of the series, which intends to base every episode around the corresponding month's holiday. For the big, commercialized holidays like Halloween, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, etc. it should be relatively simple, but the true test of creativity will come when we see episodes for the off-shoot months. The teaser impliedholidays, big or small, are on the table. I even saw "National Grandpa Day" as a possible title jammed between others such as, Earth Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, and the like. If the show gets renewed, will they do different holidays for each month every year? If they do Christmas one year might they do Hanukkah the next? The range of possibilities is exciting, especially as the genre is firmly set in horror. So what is the first episode, aptly titled "The Body" about? Well for starters, the episode is based off Paul Davis' (the episode's director) short film of the same name! It centers around a cynical hitman named Wilkes (Tom Bateman) who needs to deliver a body to his unnamed boss by a designated time. His journey is impeded by countless obstacles, mainly a detour to a Halloween party that ends up throwing his entire night into disarray.Filling out the rest of the cast for this episode is Rebecca Rittenhouse, who recently starred in thesequel this past summer (another Blumhouse production), she'll be played the female lead, Maggie, who is definitely more than meets the eye.Aurora Perrineau is another with a Blumhouse pedigree, you'll recognize her from- andfans might recognize her last name. Yes, she's Harold Perrineau's daughter. She's playing the headstrong Dorothy (just don't call her Dot). David Hull, best known for his work on, plays Allan, and Allan's best friend Jack is played by Ray Santiago, offame.If you enjoyed other Blumhouse productions then I see no reason you won't enjoy this one. Although this episode is definitely more teen horror-comedy, like a cousin toand. At least, it is until the final act which becomes, more or less, straight horror. There are plenty of violent deaths for people who favor gore. One actually made me cringe in disgust.Overall, I found it somewhat tonally uneven but I still had fun watching it and would definitely recommend it. I loved the ending, in particular. I won't say much more because it's best to go in unspoiled but I am very excited to seeing how they're going to tackle each episode. This show will give the creators freedom to explore and experiment with different horror sub-genres and styles, and the great thing is, even if one episode isn't to your liking, another may be right up your alley!
Bir-Lehlou, September 30, 2018 (SPS) - President of the Republic, Secretary General of the Polisario Front, Brahim Ghali, has congratulated President of the Republic of Botswana, H.E. Mokgweetsi Masisi, on the occasion of the Independence Day of this brotherly country.



On behalf of the Saharawi People and on my own behalf, I extend my sincere congratulations on the anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Botswana, said the President of the Republic.



I would not miss this opportunity to salute and extend my thanks and gratitude to Your Excellency, the Government and the People of the Republic of Botswana foryour solidarity and the steady position of your country in defending the struggle of the Sahrawi People for their right to self-determination and independence.



Acknowledging the value, Excellency, ofthe recent conclusions of my visit to your country, among others, in particular the signing of the establishment of diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level between the Republic of Botswana and the Sahrawi Arab democratic Republic.It will for sure enhanceour close consultations in the African Union, based on common approach towards a number of topical matters, in addressing the key challenges of eradication of all sort of colonization agenda in our continent.In addition, it will strengthen the core role of the African Union to take its natural place in the International arenas.



Excellency, May I again congratulate you and the People of Botswana on your national day and extend my best wishes for happiness, continued success and prosperity.Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration, added the President of the Republic. (SPS)



062/SPS
Oct 1st, 2018

The Ambrosia Collective, a company from the minds of Marc Lobliner, Mike Rashid, and Sean Torbati, has introduced its all-new Planta. The supplement that Lobliner claimed to be something truly remarkable has turned out to be a vegan-friendly, plant-based protein powder.

The latest Ambrosia innovation is said to provide 20g of protein in each of its 25 servings with organic brown rice and pea as its protein sources. Planta also apparently has a whole bunch of added vitamins and minerals, as well as SunBCAA branded BCAAs at the usual 2:1:1 ratio.

If the above product sounds at all familiar, thats because it is very similar to Sean Torbaris plant protein Pro Zero from his brand HPN. Just like Pro Zero, Planta features rice and pea proteins, added vitamins, and SunBCAAs, and actually has almost the same description on Ambrosias website as Pro Zero has at hpnsupplements.com.

If you head Ambrosias official online store today youll find Planta now in stock and available for purchase. The price on a full 25 serving tub is $49.99 with three flavors to choose from in Cacao, Madagascar Vanilla, and Banana Maple French Toast, which is a unique flavor HPNs Pro Zero is also available in.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the U.S. of using a jailed American pastor with "dark ties to terror groups" as a pretext to impose sanctions on his country, while leaving the door open for a reconciliation with the Trump administration.

Erdogan addressed Turkey's parliament on Monday, less than two weeks before Andrew Brunson, a Christian evangelical detained in Turkey on charges of espionage and terrorism related to the failed 2016 coup, is due in court on Oct. 12. The U.S. has signaled it would like him released by that date.

"We are determined to fight this twisted attitude that has attempted to impose sanctions on our country by using a pastor who has dark ties to terror groups as the pretext," Erdogan said.

The U.S. slapped sanctions on Turkish government ministers over Brunson's captivity and Turkey has retaliated with tariffs. The spat deepened troubles for the already struggling Turkish economy, and helped drive a major slump in the value of the lira this year.

Trump and Erdogan briefly met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly last week and shook hands. But they did not engage on key tensions dividing the two NATO allies.

Turkey's leader also called a U.S. case implicating state lender Turkiye Halk Bankasi AS in an Iran-related sanctions violation as an "unprecedented unlawfulness."

The Brunson case is just the latest irritant to Turkish-U.S. ties. Relations were already strained by U.S. cooperation with a Syria Kurdish force viewed by Turkey as a terrorist affiliate of separatists it has battled at home for decades, as well as Washington's refusal to extradite cleric Fethullah Gulen, who Ankara accuses of masterminding the attempted putsch.

Erdogan, however, said he wanted to see an improvement in the relationship.

"I believe the U.S. administration will correct its wrong view toward our country sooner or later," he said. "We hope to solve the matters between us as soon as possible and develop ties with the U.S. in politics and the economy once again, in line with the spirit of being strategic partners."
The acquisition of St. Vincents Medical Center in Bridgeport by Hartford HealthCare is moving forward, as the two organizations announced Monday that St. Vincents has signed a definitive agreement for Hartford HealthCare to acquire St. Vincents assets and related operations.

The transaction still needs governmental approval.

Currently, St. Vincents is part of Ascension, the nations largest non-profit health system. The hospital is one of two Bridgeport health care facilities moving forward with a major re-organization, as last week it was announced that Bridgeport Hospital was proceeding with plans to acquire Milford Hospital.

As we look forward to receiving all necessary approvals and finalizing the transaction, our caregivers, physicians and volunteers are focused on continuing to deliver safe, compassionate, personalized care to those in our community we are privileged to serve, said Dawn Rudolph, President and CEO of St. Vincents in a news release.

St. Vincents, with more than 3,200 associates, includes a licensed 473-bed community teaching hospital, a 76-bed inpatient psychiatric facility in Westport, a large multispecialty provider group, and St. Vincents Special Needs Services.

Hartford HealthCare, a fully integrated health system with more than 19,000 employees, currently includes six acute-care hospitals, the states most extensive behavioral health network, a large multispecialty physician group, a regional home care system, an array of senior care services, a physical therapy and rehabilitation network, and an accountable care organization. St. Vincents would be HHCs second-largest hospital, after 867-bed Hartford Hospital.

We are delighted to have reached an agreement whereby St. Vincents associates, physicians and volunteers will continue to provide safe, high-quality, and accessible healthcare to the Bridgeport and Fairfield County communities, said Patricia A. Maryland, Dr.PH, Executive Vice President of Ascension and President and Chief Executive Officer of Ascension Healthcare in the release.

Hartfords plans to acquire St. Vincents were first announced in spring, but there had been talk of a shift in the hospitals management for a while. Roughly a year ago, reports surfaced that St. Vincents had notified its staff of a possible merger or sale, but hospital officials quickly dimissed those rumors.
Some people, however, havent been able to maintain bank accounts and get credit or debit cards. To address that, the Northern Indiana Bank On Alliance  including banks, credit unions and social agencies from Lake through Elkhart counties --- organized a financial literacy program to help people manage their money. So far this year, it helped 276 people open accounts.
STAMFORD  A doctor from the Bennett Cancer Center/Stamford Health will be honored at the Third Annual Heroes for Hope event.

On Nov. 4, Dr. Paul Weinstein will be honored by the Israel Cancer Research Fund as part of Heroes for Hope which raises funds and awareness for cancer research. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at Temple Beth El in Stamford, Conn. and will include a cocktail hour, raffle and dinner.
STAMFORD  A city man was robbed of his cellphone and wallet by three men early Saturday morning.

Police were called to Stamford Hospital at 2 a.m. Saturday morning after a man walked into the emergency room to be treated for injuries he sustained during a robbery beat-down a short time before.

The 32-year-old man said he was walking home along Stephen Street near the hospital when he was approached by three men about 20 years old, Sgt. Brian Butler said.

The man said one of them walked up to him and asked for what he believed to be money.

The man, who only speaks Spanish, said he did not respond because he was not sure what exactly they wanted.

One of the three wearing a black hoodie walked up to him, put him in a head lock while the other two began pummeling the mans face and head with punches.

The other two also went through the mans pockets, stealing his cellphone, wallet containing more than $100 in cash and his backpack.

Butler said police plan to work with the victim to come up with a better description of the suspects.

jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com
Tracey Kirk, of Lakes of the Four Seasons, came to the parking lot after her son, Garrett Fuentes, 19, called her around 7:45 p.m. about what happened. Fuentes was inside the store with his girlfriend during the shooting, but the two had made it out, Kirk said.
Y ou can tell a lot about a city by its hair-dos.

New York has the blow-dry: self-assured, put together and as finely tuned as the woman who wears it, while Paris has a loose ponytail which is as imperfectly perfect as any Left Bank resident. London of course, owns the topknot: wayward, practical and, frankly, a little messy. Also, impossibly cool. At least the catwalks of Milan and Paris would suggests so, with the likes of Chanel and Fendi desperate to take a bite out of our bun.

Having wound its way into our daily dressing repertoire, the topknot  a hairstyle more commonly and succinctly described as shoved up in a bun  is the Londoners go-to  and has been for some time now with many of us entirely reliant on it.

Cast your eye around the office, a fancy fashion party, your Tube carriage, and theres no denying the topknots enduring appeal.

Susie Lau / Dave Benett/Getty Images

Some will presume our love affair with the style is an indicator of laziness, or another a sign that were a city without an obsessive attitude to grooming (undoubtedly, youll find the opposite in New York where trips to the salon are a daily occurrence).

But Id argue that our collective dedication to this gravity-defying look is reflective of the real efficiency at work within our town. In London we pay for public transport with our iPhones and were the first to figure out how to get our dinner delivered at the touch of a button  so trust us to come up with a hair regime that means we excel in the style stakes, while simultaneously trimming 25 minutes off our morning routin

hile the classic ponytail is preppy, a topknot suggests youthful rebellion and a no-nonsense attitude with a rock n roll edge  even if youre just working one in your spin class.

Its surely this sense of cool exuded by topknot enthusiasts that has made it the look of choice for hair stylist Sam McKnight. Ahead of Karl Lagerfelds AW18 Chanel show, McKnight  a Londoner and apparent topknot wizard  wound models locks into majestic high buns. I was inspired by the girls themselves when they grab their hair after a show and shove it up messy with an elastic band he said in an interview with Vogue this year.

Chanel's AW 2018 show, Paris Fashion Week 1 /12 Chanel's AW 2018 show, Paris Fashion Week Chanel AW18 show Paris EPA Chanel AW18 show Paris AP Chanel AW18 show Paris Chanel AW18 show Paris Chanel AW18 show Paris Chanel AW18 show Paris Chanel AW18 show Paris Chanel AW18 show Paris Chanel AW18 show Paris Chanel AW18 show Paris Chanel AW18 show Paris Chanel AW18 show Paris

He was clearly pleased with the result because at Fendis showcase in Milan this month he repeated his trick this time opting for a slightly more restrictive version of the style to accompany a collection heavy with trench coats and thick framed glasses.

Backstage at Ashish with Sam McKnight

At London Fashion Week earlier this month, the topknot reigned supreme among those in attendance. Among them high-bun aficionado Susie Bubble and a bunch of time-poor fashion editors who have a tendency to sling their hair on their heads in wild abandon while dashing from show to show.

Is there a trick to perfect topknot? Undoubtedly: its all about attitude. Spend two hours in front of the mirror trying to recreate McKnights Fendi look and youll end up with a bun that wins no prizes.
J o Malone has long made unisex fragrances that appeal as much to men as they do to women.

Now, for the first time, the brand has partnered with Savile Row tailors Huntsman to release a range of fragrances targeted specifically at the brand's male clientele.

Rather than invent entirely new scents, Jo Malone revisited the archives of its limited edition Brit collections (which typically only retail for six weeks and are therefore hard to come by normally), and brought back four colognes that have proved particularly popular with men in the past.

The four scents  Amber & Patchouli, Assam & Grapefruit, Birch & Black Pepper and Whisky & Cedarwood  come in a distinctive bottle, decorated with Huntsmans gold typography and a matte burgundy cap and will be retailed, for the first time, outside of a Jo Malone London Boutique within the Huntsman store on Savile Row.

Jo Malone

For Campbell Carey, Huntsmans Creative Director and Head Cutter, the union between the two brands is a natural one.

Huntsman have an unwavering commitment to quality, something we share with Jo Malone London, along with our dedication to British manufacturing and raw materials, he says. A Huntsman suit makes you walk a bit taller, stand a little straighter. Whilst a Jo Malone London Cologne is an extension of your personality and the perfect finishing touch.

Jo Malone

He firmly believes that a real gent tailors his scent to his wardrobe, and, in turn, the occasion.

The enigmatic Whisky & Cedarwood Cologne is the perfect match to a tweed, weekend suit, says Campbell. Amber & Patchouli Cologne is for those times you want to impress - paired with a navy blue business suit this will complete the ultimate gentlemans outfit. Invigorating Assam & Grapefruit Cologne is fit for flannel, whilst Birch & Black Pepper Cologne is the finishing touch to a winter sporting suit.

Huntsman Savile Row / Huntsman

Jo Malone classics repackaged in bachelor pad-friendly bottles? These sexy-smelling Instagrammable beauties are sure to fly off the shelves.
A LDI today cast doubt on Tescos plan to compete in the budget supermarkets field with the launch last week of a new brand, Jacks.

Giles Hurley, chief executive officer of Aldi UK and Ireland, said of Jacks: We welcome competition, we are used to dealing with it. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Here at Aldi we have a honed business model. It has taken us 25 years to perfect it.

He added: It will be a real struggle for any more complex supermarket to replicate our model. We will never be beaten on price. In the year to last December sales in the UK and Ireland rose 16.4% to 10.2 billion. Operating profit was up 26% to 266 million.

The German giant said today it would open 130 stores in the UK in the next two years, creating 5000 jobs. Aldi has 775 stores here, passing the Co-op as Britains fifth-biggest supermarket and ultimately wants 1000. Its share of the grocery market is 7.6%.

On Brexit, Hurley said its primary focus is making sure our customers are fully insulated.
B usiness leaders on Monday welcomed Chancellor Philip Hammonds attempt to repair the Conservatives battered relationship with corporate Britain in an emollient conference speech.

Senior bosses have voiced mounting frustration with the Governments attitude to business as Tories remain fixated on Brexit and the threat of Jeremy Corbyns Labour.

Relations reached a nadir this summer with ex-Foreign Secretary Boris Johnsons reported f**k business response to concerns over the UKs EU exit.

Hammonds set-piece, billed as the f**k f**k business speech, instead extended the olive branch to companies, with new commitments on the overhaul of the unpopular apprenticeship levy, which has seen the number of apprentices plummet by nearly a third. The CBIs director general Carolyn Fairbairn voiced hopes that the conference can represent a change of tone.

Donor and former Tory party treasurer Michael Spencer warned: The big, medium and small business community are genuinely really upset, disappointed and shocked that whenever the PM talks about business she seems to focus on the bad examples, as opposed to the vast majority who have been successful, invested their own money, paid their taxes and contributed to the economy. They are the economy. without them, the country collapses.

We really need Theresa May to do a reset on her position and I know my views on this are supported in the party.

Other senior business figures underlined the message that a change of tack from the Tories towards business was overdue after protracted in-fighting over Brexit.

Chris Grigg, chief executive of landlord British Land, said: The Conservative party has been quite inwardly focused around Brexit recently, and that has come at the cost of their more traditional focus on business.

Whatever you think about Brexit, it is clear that it is going to put pressure on companies which have millions of staff in the UK and a choice over how they invest and allocate resources. But when businesses make those observations they have often come in for significant criticism.

Ian Sutcliffe, the head of housebuilder Countryside Properties, added: The thing that business requires is policy and direction and an agenda that focuses on the country, not just Brexit. It is over two years now since we had the referendum and the corridors of Westminster have been obsessed with the Brexit issue.

Chris Pullen, chief executive of Staffline, the UKs biggest provider of apprentice levy training, welcomed the overhaul. Its good the Government recognises its had a slow start and is going to make it more fit for purpose.

Helen Brocklebank, boss of luxury goods body Walpole, added: I find it astonishing that Philip Hammond seems to be the lone pro-business voice in the Brexit wilderness. Business is the only thing that will get us out of the fix we find ourselves in.
M ichael Spencer, the Citys favourite entrepreneur, has voiced the howling frustration of business people across the country.

As he rightly says, the Conservative governments rhetoric under Theresa May has betrayed the private-sector organisations which create the wealth in this country.

Rather than focus on the huge benefits free enterprise has brought the world, from Jony Ives iPhones to GSK and AstraZenecas life-saving medicines, she has pandered to the narrative that businesses are bad, greedy monoliths run by tax avoiders ripping off the little guy.

Even as the Labour party revealed the most Marxist agenda it has ever offered the British people, she has failed to propose a decent alternative. Hopefully, this weeks conference will mark the reset for the Tory leadership Spencer wants.

Behind the scenes, the government has recently been improving the way it listens to business. Tweaks to the apprentice levy are evidence the approach is working.

But back-channel chats, however fruitful in policy terms, do not undo the damage Mays rhetoric has done to business. For that, we need strong, forthright cheerleading. And not just from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, although his speech today was a promising start.

The country needs the Prime Minister to defend and applaud British enterprise. Only the leader of the government can really nail the deceit behind Jeremy Corbyns socialist programmes to bring in state control of private companies.

Labours populism is proving just what the word suggests  popular. The public is falling for it.

Mays riposte this week could not be more critical.

Mitie swaps its pests for profits

Having tried and failed to flog his social housing maintenance business last year, Mitie chief executive Phil Bentley could have been forgiven for not risking future asset sales.

Today, though, hes managed to pull off the disposal of Mities low-margin pest control division to Rentokil for 40 million. Not bad considering it only made a couple of million pounds last year.

The deal works all round. Rentokil wins a long-term supply contract with Mities customers; Mitie gets cash for a business far from core to its central goal of winning big, increasingly tech-driven, contracts. It has never won one of those because its better at baiting mousetraps than the opposition.

Hopefully Bentley has more such sales in the pipeline to invest in the technology that will win that high-margin work.

He has been winning some already. But accounting rules mean he has to spread the value over the course of the contract. Thats even if, as in the case of its recent 10-year deal to escort immigration detainees, millions of pounds from the client are already in the Mitie bank account.

A rare example in the sector of profits lagging cashflow.
C hinese tourists in London can find a table, view a menu, order a meal and pay the bill in yuan at Chinatowns restaurants without speaking to a single member of staff, thanks to an app run by one of Chinas biggest tech firms.

Alipay means Chinese tourists can scan a QR code on the table to view Chinese menus, order, and then pay the bill via an app in Chinese yuan.

The launch - on the start of Golden Week, a national holiday when wealthy Chinese tourists fly to London and are big spenders at the capitals shops, restaurants and hotels, marks the first time that Alipays order-and-pay app can be used in restaurants outside of China, where the service is already popular with local consumers, Alipays European boss Roland Palmer told the Standard.

Following the initial rollout in London, Alipay plans to apply the service in more restaurants and eateries globally, making it easier for Chinese visitors to dine out when travelling overseas.

It comes as 337,000 Chinese tourists flocked to the UK last year, a 30% rise on the previous 12 months - spending 694 million during their stays. Chinese visitors to the UK spend more than three times the average for foreign tourists.
R yanair on Monday admitted a catalogue of woes including rising oil costs and a series of strikes have hit profits at the no-frills airline.

The Irish carrier, led by outspoken Michael OLeary, warned that full-year profits are expected to be 12% lower than the 1.25 billion to 1.35 billion (1.1 billion to 1.2 billion) forecast, and come in between 1.1 billion and 1.2 billion.

The airline suffered lower traffic and weaker fares in September because of a number of pilot and cabin crew strikes in Germany, Holland, Belgium, Spain and Portugal. That drove fares down in the third quarter as customers feared further industrial action.

The Dublin-headquartered business said that higher oil costs were also a problem as Brent crude soared, hitting a four-year high of $83.32 today, ahead of US sanctions against Iran.

OLeary said: We have decided to trim our winter 2018 capacity (by 1%) in response to this lower fare, higher oil and higher cost environment.

He said Ryanair would remove some aircraft from its Eindhoven, Bremen and Niederrhein bases.

The firm spooked investors further by warning it cannot rule out further disruptions in the third quarter which may require full year guidance to be lowered further. The warning comes as Brits book their Christmas travel.

Shares in Ryanair fell 1.08, or 8.3%, to 12.02. Investors also exited rival airlines: easyJet and Wizz Air both fell.

Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Robin Byde said: Ryanair has a tough couple of quarters ahead with bookings and fares under pressure, and rising fuel costs squeezing margins as current hedging positions mature.

These headaches are the latest in a set of woes for Ryanair which date back to September last year when a rota fiasco caused pilot shortages and 20,000 flights to be cancelled. As a result, Ryanair sweetened contracts and recognised some trade unions.

OLeary last week labelled as fake news a new, unauthorised biography published about him  Turbulent Times for the Man Who Made Ryanair  in which he was described as ruthless.
A gripping new book about Oleg Gordievsky, the KGB officer who became Britains most important spy, should be required reading among British politicians.

It is a tale about the Cold War in the Eighties, when the West was discovering its strength and confidence; and those trying to destroy European unity were spying on the British Cabinet rather than sitting in it. It details how those who wished our society ill relied on what they called useful idiots in and around the hard Left of the Labour Party, including the then leader of the Opposition, to do their work for them. No change there.

It also reminds us what the Soviet Union was: a brutalised, impoverished autocracy protected by a corrupt secret police. This was a real prison  whose citizens were prohibited from leaving on pain of death.

It was silly of Jeremy Hunt, in an otherwise effective speech to the Conservative conference, to compare the EU to that Soviet empire.

The EU has been a force to end violence on our continent and lock the former citizens of the Warsaw Pact into the family of free and democratic nations.

The shrill rhetoric in Birmingham provoked a rebuke of our new Foreign Secretary from two of our countrys former chief diplomats. Mr Hunt is a clever, hard-working, rational and moderate man who has as good a chance as any to become the next Prime Minister.

It is clunky and cheap plays to the Brexiteer gallery that will, more than anything, put that opportunity at risk.

There is another lesson British politicians urgently need to learn from Mr Gordievskys story. The MI6 spy was critical in getting the West to understand how close a paranoid Soviet state was to starting a nuclear war in 1983, because its leaders had become convinced that a routine Nato military exercise called Able Archer was in fact cover for a first strike.

Despite the bellicose rhetoric and antiquated Second World War references beloved by todays Tories, Brexit is not a real battle. But the prospect of a serious miscalculation leading to damaging outcomes that no one wants is now a real risk in these EU negotiations.

Is no deal possible?

Theresa May concluded long ago, correctly, that leaving without a deal was not an option for the UK. She sensibly took it off the table last December when she agreed to the divorce settlement, and the Irish backstop.

Business was reassured; the contingency plans of international firms were put back on ice.

Now, almost a year later, shes been bullied into a retreat by her party and all the talk at the Tory conference is about a no deal.

Its not just in fringe meetings that hardline Brexiteers are flirting with crashing out. Listen to the language coming from the conference platform. The Foreign Secretary says we will invoke the Dunkirk spirit against the EU. The Chancellor says hes getting ready for an emergency stimulus of the economy.

All this is, rightly, alarming business. Investment is being stalled. Financial firms are reactivating their relocation plans.

There is still an assumption at the heart of government, and in markets, that it will all be alright in the end  and sense will prevail. But will it?

There is a growing alignment of forces who see an interest in taking the Brexit talks to the brink.

The hardline Tory Brexiteers will back no deal over Chequers. The Labour opposition see no deal as the route to an early general election. Those pro-Europeans in both parties see a no deal car crash as the crisis that leads to a second referendum. Downing Street cannot yet see how any deal gets through the House of Commons.

Meanwhile, over on the continent, there are European leaders who think taking the negotiations to the wire will create the space for the UK to think again  and in the meantime help them suck up more business from Britain.

Stuck in the middle of all this is the Prime Minister, again digging in on a Chequers plan that has been comprehensively rejected by the European Council.

She dare not start the compromise required to land a deal because she fears it will bring forward the inevitable challenge to her leadership  the other dominant subject in Birmingham.

Its all becoming, as the City warns today, a very dangerous game of chicken.
Staged 48 hours after Slimane launched his controversial debut - a collection filled with thigh-skimming party dresses and drainpipe tailoring that has left the industry questioning its relevance - Waight Keller offered up her take on femininity in the modern age.

It was a notable departure for the designer of this years royal wedding dress who has long looked to empower her female clientele with an ethereal breed of elegance.

This time she came out fighting with an army of models who marched at high speed to industrial techno. High-waisted tailoring, perfectly cut shoulders and genderless silhouettes served as weaponry in a collection through which Waight Keller sought to define fashion in 2018. I wanted it to feel strong, determined, unapologetic, said the designer backstage. It's about recognising the power of who you are and who you want to be.

Elegant ball gowns take to the Givenchy catwalk / Getty Images

Waight Keller had been inspired Annemarie Schwarzenbach, a journalist and writer from the 1930s who rejected the constraints of conventional norms and identified as both sexes throughout her life. This influence plays out in both her men's and womenswear offering for next spring with fluid cut blouses, oversized trench coats and impeccable crafted overcoats - cut to celebrate all body types - among the show's best pitched inclusions.

At the heart of this production was the simple idea that power is a genderless construct. Accordingly, each piece on the catwalk, be it a pin sharp cut blazer or a sweeping accordion pleat gown, came from a practical point of view. Low slingback kitten heels suited a contemporary women who demanded a shoe she could walk - and run - in, while trousers with high paper bag waists flattered both male and female shapes.

Givenchy showcased genderless silhouettes / Getty Images

In essence, these were clothes which served to amplify the individual wearing them rather than make her a target for objectification.

For Meghan Markle, who counts Waight Kellers Givenchy among her go-to brands, there is much to choose from next season - with the series of flowing, metallic, embroidered gowns that closed the show among the most appropriate for the red carpet.

The duchess, a woman who understands the importance of a well cut jacket, may also find herself drawn to some of Waight Kellers menswear offerings, with blazers among the most skilfully designed pieces on display.

The unisex collection had both menswear and womenswear / Getty Images
As hype goes, there is little which could rival Hedi Slimanes debut for Celine. Since the announcement at the start of the year that fashions most controversial designer would take over the house as artistic director, the fashion world has held its breath. Under the guidance of Phoebe Philo, who reigned over the label for a decade, Celine had flourished to become a byword for good taste with an aesthetic that held the idea of empowerment at its core and was nothing short of seismic in the way it influenced the wardrobes of everyday women. And, in the weeks leading up to his first show in Paris last night, it was clear that Slimane was not about to quietly pick up where Philo left off.

As the curtain was raised, the fears of Philophiles the world over were realised - this was not Celine as we knew it. But for fans of Slimanes brand of sexed-up rock n roll - of which there are many - it certainly delivered.

The show began with drummers from Frances republican guard and, from there, the looks on the catwalk confirmed that Slimane intends to march to the beat of his own drum.

Designer Hedi Slimane goes rock chic for first Celine show

True to form, there were cocktail dresses - short, tight and black - and tuxedo jackets - super-skinny and razor-sharp. Certainly, Slimane is a man who knows his way around partywear. Aptly entitled Paris La Nuit, the collection of dancing dresses - as Slimane described them - spanned polka dot poufs and styles encrusted with crystals or furnished with feathers.

AFP/Getty Images

Slimane also introduced menswear to the house with the sort of drainpipe-skinny tailoring which came to define his legacy at the helm of Dior Homme. Except this time, that tailoring was also unisex.

The show follows months of speculation and a defiant rebranding campaign. Much like his decision to drop the Yves from Saint Laurent in 2012 during his tenure at the house, Slimanes resolve to remove the accent from Celine is one which left fashion purists reeling and lead to mass defacement of advertising posters in which the accent was reinstated. Other signs this was a brave new era included his move to delete the brands official Instagram account and with it, the digital memory of its former designer, along with the unveiling of his first bag style on the arm of pop legend Lady Gaga, who sat front row at last nights show.

Lady Gaga sat in the front row of last nights show / AFP/Getty Images
Alan Hatchett said the screening is the groups first activity since it delivered a set of recommendations to New Trier officials in June on how to respond to campus racism. He and Bahai House of Worship representative Van Gilmer said the organization cooperated with the Bahai community to bring the film to Wilmette with the help of Atlanta-based Be A Corporate Kid, Support A Corporate Kid, an international social enterprise organization.
T here are some things school does not teach you  how to ask for a pay rise, what to look for on a house viewing, how much to spend on a wedding present. Then  ta-dah!  youre an adult, and suddenly, somehow, youre expected to know (and wonder how everyone else seems to).

Evening Standard journalist Lucy Tobin and Emerald Street editor Kat Poole want to change this. Their new book, Being An Adult: The Ultimate Guide to Moving Out, Getting A Job and Getting Your Act Together, is a manual for navigating modern life: a self-help guide for millennials according to proper adults including a plumber, a doctor and a personal finance expert.

Its a practical guide interspersed with personal anecdotes. The authors both remember the moment they realised they were no longer a child. For Tobin, it was learning a school friend was pregnant on purpose, while for Poole the realities hit when her dad became ill. Now theyve compiled the hottest know-how into one simple tome. From emergency DIY tips to dressing for the office, its the adult stuff you need to know.

1. Dont dial it in

Cooking can be daunting so the book draws up some handy lists. Always have rosemary, thyme, tarragon and mixed herbs in stock and make sure theres a stock of wine at home for kitchen nightmares. There are useful recipes for different occasions too: a Bolognese sauce, a speedy stir-fry for two or a roast chicken recipe for impressing the family.

2. Hack your health

There are five easy steps to feeling better in a month, says the books resident doctor, GP Dr Dan Bernstein. Cut down on booze, ditch the cigarettes, sleep better, do at least 20 minutes of exercise a day and try to unwind  even if this means turning down party invitations. He debunks some common myths. Wearing a vest wont stop you catching a cold, squeezing spots wont result in scars, and you dont need to tilt your head back to stop a nosebleed  just squeeze. If you need to call in sick, pick up the phone (so if youre going to pull a sickie, you will have to practise that mucus-filled voice).

3. Nail DIY

Fixing leaks, building shelves, retrieving lost jewellery from the plughole  Tobin and Poole have all the sexy household jobs covered, plus a list of all the tasks you shouldnt attempt yourself, like fixing a gas leak and removing asbestos. To sort squeaky floorboards, shake talcum powder through the cracks; to unblock a sink, use an unwound coat hanger; to protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning, fit an alarm in the same room as your boiler.

4. Work it

Nailing job interviews and examining contracts are important, but so is office chat, and how to compile a work wardrobe. The book outlines the basics of asking for a pay rise  know why youre asking, list the reasons, practice asking and crucially, find the right time (ahead of the annual pay review and before any new team members start), plus theres a section on starting your own business for the modern-day freelancer.

5. Conquer life admin

This is one of the worst parts of being an adult, particularly that drawer. To stay on top of it, Tobin and Poole suggest tackling it once a week and set out lists for what you can recycle pronto, versus what you should keep forever, aka tax documents and job contracts. They recommend the Evernote app for to-do lists, Loyalive for loyalty points, IFTTT for remembering your umbrella and Good Budget for bill reminders.

Cheapest destinations in the world for Brits - in pictures 1 /12 Cheapest destinations in the world for Brits - in pictures South Africa Unsplash Turkey Unsplash Dominican Republic Unsplash Mexico Unsplash Mozambique Unsplash Indonesia Unsplash New Zealand Unsplash Malaysia Unsplash Chile Unsplash Morocco Unsplash Thailand Unsplash Poland Unsplash

6. Make friends

Tobin and Poole dont neglect the emotional side. They call this part of the guide Citymapper for your personal life, from what to say to someone going through a break-up to breaking up with someone yourself (choose a park or a coffee shop, and be certain). For weddings, get on the John Lewis gift list before all thats left is an expensive milk jug, and base your spending on how much you earn  20 to 60 is fine. Jobs, news, sport and outfits are good conversation starters and if youre ending one, keep it polite.

7. Face tax
W e're used to seeing iconic moments in history documented in black and white, but how would our perception of them change if we were able to see them in a whole different light?

Using digital techniques to transform 200 originally black and white photographs,The Colour of Time: A New History of the World 1850-1960 injects a full dose of colour into some of the most defining moments of our modern world.

To showcase the work, the Evening Standard has taken seven of them and made them into interactive slider images.

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In our images above and below, just scroll across left to right to bring the colour to life before your very eyes, including the destruction of the Hindenburg and the arrest of suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst outside Buckingham Palace

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The Colour of Time is a collaboration between Brazilian artist Marina Amaral and British historian Dan Jones and spans a period of more than 100 years of world history, from the reign of Queen Victoria and the US Civil War to the Cuban Missile Crisis and beginning of the Space Age.

It also captures more personal moments, such as this little girl hugging her doll while sitting on a beam from her bombed-out home in London during the Blitz.

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Amaral created the images using contemporary photographs as the basis for her full-colour digital renditions, while Jones has written a narrative for each photo providing context.

It includes this colourful scene of the Diamond jubilee parade for Queen Victoria in 1897.

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There are photos of The Queen (seen below making her first Christmas broadcast in 1952), Albert Einstein, Marilyn Monroe, Winston Churchill, Elvis Presley and Louis Armstrong, among others.

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Sticking with the royal theme, we have this image of nine kings at Buckingham Palace for the funeral of Edward VII in 1910.

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In the image are (from left to right, back row) Haakon VII of Norway, Ferdinand I of Bulgaria, Manuel II of Portugal, Wilhelm II of Germany, George I of Greece and Albert I of Belgium. In the front row is Alphonso XIII of Spain, George V and Frederick VIII of Denmark.

And we finish our slider collection with this image showing the desperation following the Wall Street stock market crash in 1929 as a speculator tries to sell his pride and joy motor.

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Scroll through our gallery below to see more images given the full Colour of Time treatment.

The Colour of Time - In pictures 1 /20 The Colour of Time - In pictures Newspaper boy Ned Parfett sells copies of the Evening News telling of the Titanic maritime disaster, outside the White Star Line offices at Oceanic House in London's Cockspur Street (1912). Six years later Parfett was killed during a German bombardment whilst serving in France, just days before the end of World War I Preparation for the 100m race at the Olympic Games in 1896 The LZ 129 Hindenburg airship as it caught fire and was destroyed within a minute while attempting to dock at the Lakehurst Naval Station, Lakehurst, New Jersey on May 6 1937 A sailor embraces a white-clad nurse in Times Square after news of the Japanese surrender breaks on August 14, 1945 Harold Lloyd finds himself in a precarious situation dangling from a clock in a scene from the film 'Safety Last!' in 1923 Prohibition of alcohol: A New York restaurant with a sign in the shop window: 'No Booze Sold Here - Booze Hounds Please Stay Out' in 1929 Queen Elizabeth II making her first Christmas broadcast from her Sandringham holiday residence on December 25 1952 Marilyn Monroe speaks to reporters outside her house in New York on June 21 1956 eight days before she was due to be married The Wright Brothers make a glider flight on sand dunes in North Carolina A little girl hugs her doll while sitting on a beam from her bombed-out home in London, England, during the Blitz Diamond jubilee parade for Queen Victoria in 1897 Emmeline Pankhurst, suffragette leader, is arrested outside Buckingham Palace This photograph dates from the end of Elvis Presley's military service - by which time he had been promoted to sergeant Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic, as a passenger in a three person flight in 1928 Louis Armstrong's jazz career was just beginning in he 1920s and he went on to become a music great Nine kings assemble at Buckingham Palace for the funeral of Edward VII, the father of George V (centre). From left to right, back row: Haakon VII of Norway, Ferdinand I of Bulgaria, Manuel II of Portugal, Wilhelm II of Germany, George I of Greece and Albert I Of Belgium. Front row: Alphonso XIII of Spain, George V and Frederick VIII of Denmark (1910) A Wall Street speculator tries to sell his car after losing all of his money in the stock market crash A middle-aged Albert Einstein is photographed still sporting a the black moustache and unkempt hair he favoured from his youth Winston Churchill is pictured on July 21 1940 when the Battle of Britain was at its height Flappers on a beach by the Potomac River in Washington DC being inspired for compliance with bathing regulations
T he Patagonia region that spreads through both Chile and Argentina  from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean - is renowned for housing some of the worlds most stunning sights.

From the southern section of the Andes Mountains, to grasslands, deserts and pristine rivers  the area is a nature enthusiasts paradise, and a travel influencers dream.

Now, the Chilean government has launched a new hiking trail that connects 17 national parks through the Patagonian wilderness  and, at 1,700 miles, it has become the worlds longest hiking trail.

The new trail can be attributed to Kristine Tompkins and her husband Douglas, founder of the North Face clothing brand, who passed away in 2015 after his kayak capsized in Chile.

Kristine and Douglas bought acres of wilderness in Chile and Argentina in the 1990s under their Tompkins Conservation  which made them the worlds biggest private land owners.

They bought the land to protect it from development, and last year Kristine signed an agreement with the Chilean government to donate 408,000 hectares of the land to create national parks  which has now been formed into the trail known as the Route of Parks.

Carolina Morgado, executive director at the Tompkins Conservation said in a statement: We want Chile to be internationally recognized for having the most spectacular scenic route in the world, and thus become a benchmark for economic development based on conservation.

The Route of Parks is a protected heritage of all Chileans, and its 17 national parks are a challenge and an opportunity, as much for the more than 60 communities that live near them as for those who visit them.

These parks consist of 28.4 million acres of protected area that cover lakes, rainforests, volcanoes and mountain peaks. The new trail spans from Puerto Montt to Cape Horn and 140 species of birds and 46 species of mammals can be found within.
L ondon surgeons have learned how to stop trauma patients including stab victims bleeding to death on the operating table, the Evening Standard can reveal.

The remarkable breakthrough is saving about 50 lives a year at the Royal London hospital, in Whitechapel, and many others at the capitals three other major trauma centres.

Major haemorrhage is one of the most common causes of death in trauma patients  people who have been seriously injured in road accidents, falls or in stabbings or shootings.

A change in clinical practice has reduced mortality among the most critically injured taken to the Royal London from 50 per cent to 30 per cent.

Instead of giving clear fluids in a bid to maintain blood pressure, doctors rapidly infuse special combinations of blood products and a medication called tranexamic acid to boost clotting. Professor Karim Brohi, a trauma surgeon at the Royal London and director of the Centre for Trauma Sciences (C4TS) at Queen Mary, University of London, said: People dont bleed out any more, not in the operating room.

Its something weve only really appreciated recently. More people are surviving, though some are dying of other things.

The change has been driven by C4TS research into the effect that traumatic injury has on the bodys natural ability to halt bleeding. Barts Charity has launched a 1 million appeal to enable the research to continue.

Trauma patients can develop a problem with their clotting system which means they cannot form a strong clot and tend to bleed more.

The Royal London, part of Barts Health NHS Trust, treats about 250 code red haemorrhaging trauma patients a year, as well as other cases with severe bleeding, such as women after giving birth and people with gastrointestinal bleeding.

It is understood that no trauma patient has bled to death on an operating table at the Royal London since about 2014, and elsewhere in London since 2016. Trauma patients can still die after surgery but this happens in intensive care, normally from multiple organ failure.

Professor Brohi said of the Royal London: Mortality in critical bleeding trauma patients used to be over 50 per cent. Its now 30 per cent. We save an extra 50 patients a year. We still have lots of people die, because of the magnitude of the traumatic insult they have suffered. Their heart gives out, or their lungs give out. Their kidneys give up. They die from multiple organ failure. Some will have a brain injury. But if we can get them here, we can now stop people bleeding to death.

C4TS researchers are also investigating whether treating low levels of fibrinogen, a protein in the bloodstream that acts as the glue holding a blood clot together, can improve survival.

A trial involving all 23 UK major trauma centres and five US hospitals has been launched to establish whether administering cryoprecipitate, a concentrated form of fibrinogen, vital to clotting, within 90 minutes of A&E admission can save more lives. The three-year Cryostat-2 trial, funded by Barts Charity and the National Institute for Health Research, will involve 1,544 severely bleeding patients. Half will receive high doses of cryoprecipitate in addition to the now-standard treatment for severe bleeding  infusing matched volumes of red blood cells, plasma and platelets. This follows a pilot study at the Royal London which found rapidly using cryoprecipitate had the potential to cut deaths.
A former Met Police officer has been ordered to give half his home to a former mistress to make amends for his womanising ways.

John Moss, 58, had a 25-year affair with Sandra Wickremasinghe, getting her pregnant three times and each time paying for an abortion.

He wanted to marry his mistress but Miss Wickremasinghe, 52, never agreed - and their relationship was rocked when it emerged he had secretly fathered a child with his wife and had been living with a third woman.

When the affair ended in 2016, she launched a legal fight for half the ex-policemans 230,000 Dartford home.

Mr Moss said he put the home in Miss Wickremasinghes name to show commitment, arguing they had never lived together and she was owed nothing.

But Judge Peter Wulwik agreed with the mistresss claim that Mr Moss had put the house in their joint names as a form of recompense.

Sandra Wickremasinghe outside Central London County Court / Paul Keogh

The pair were both married when they met as neighbours in 1991, beginning a relationship behind their partners backs, Central London county court heard. Miss Wickremasinghe fell pregnant in 1992, 1999 and 2002, each time having abortions paid for by her lover.

By 2007, Mr Mosss wife knew of the affair and confronted Miss Wickremasinghe, telling her that Mr Moss had a son with her and had lived with another woman between 1999 and 2001.

Giving evidence, Mr Moss, who retired from the Met in 2011, said: I left my ex-wife to be with Miss Wickremasinghe. He said he was naive when putting his home in both of their names, but added: I thought I was doing the right thing, to show commitment.

Benjamin Channer, for Miss Wickremasinghe, said that she had been extremely upset when she learned of his child and other woman, and argued that the home ownership was to make amends.

Judge Wulwik said the former officer was a somewhat aggressive individual who had tried to minimise his womanising and behaviour towards Miss Wickremasinghe.

He said: While Mr Moss says that he acted under the belief they would get married, I am satisfied she never agreed to marry him. He put the property into joint names to show his commitment to her and as a form of recompense for the way he had treated her.

Ruling that they have an equal share in the property, the judge ordered that it be sold and the proceeds split.

Mr Moss, a father of one who lives in the house with a new girlfriend, said afterwards that he had lost everything.

I wont be able to buy another house and this is my sons inheritance, he added. Its all I have worked very hard for the last 40 years.
T he 1.27 million Grenfell Young Peoples fund opens today and the next generation will decide how the money is used to help their community.

In a pioneering move, organisations seeking to improve the lives of young people affected by the Grenfell Tower blaze will have their grants assessed by a panel dominated by young people and local community members. Together they will make up 80 per cent of the decision-makers.

In addition, applicants will have to demonstrate that young people are directly involved in their governance and decision-making.

This was the outcome of a community-led steering group that met at the Al Manaar Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre near Grenfell to agree the terms of the new fund.

The money comprises the remaining 574,000 of the 7.4 million donated by readers to the Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund Grenfell Appeal, as well as 431,000 from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and 269,000 from Artists for Grenfell. The rest of the cash gifted to the Standards appeal has already been given out to survivors and next of kin.

Starting today, groups can apply for grants of up to 45,000, paid out in instalments of 15,000 per year over three years.

There will be three grant rounds over three years with about 400,000 available each time. Subsequent grant rounds in 2019 and 2020 will be on similar terms and will mean the total pot is spent out over five years.

Tayshan Hayden-Smith, 22, who lives in the shadow of the tower and is a member of the panel and steering group, said: This fund will empower our community so that we can progress from the trauma. It is right local young people make the decisions because we are the future and we know what works. It means we have buy-in from the ground up and wont be dictated to.

Hope: the fund was unveiled in June (Evening Standard ) / Evening Standard

There are amazing things going on but many groups dont have resources. This fund will give them the backing they need to work their magic.

Panel and steering group member Bellal El Guenuni, 31, a former Grenfell Tower resident whose wife and children were hospitalised after escaping from their 18th-floor flat, said: This fund can give traumatised youths the support they badly need as well as tackling entrenched disadvantage in the wider North Kensington community.

We want to see grants to groups that empower youths by offering them new opportunities and new horizons.

Councillor Emma Will, Kensington and Chelsea Councils lead member for families, children and schools, said: We are delighted our money is part of a fund that will support local projects over the coming years.

Grants will be administered by The London Community Foundation, the Standards partner on the Dispossessed Fund. Chief executive Kate Markey said: The people on our grants panel are experts by experience. They know whats needed locally to drive opportunity. LCF is delighted to work with and learn from them.

New grants to empower Grenfell youth

Who can apply?

Priority will be given to organizations based in North Kensington with annual turnover less than 500,000. To be eligible, groups will seek to improve young lives in at least one of three areas:

1) Wellbeing mental health support, trauma therapy, sport, music and dance

2) Empowerment youth leadership, violence reduction, community cohesion

3) Work ready offering work experience, training, skills or qualifications

How will funds be distributed?

The 1.27million pot will be allocated in three tranches of about 400,000 over three years.

How can I apply?
T he parents of a teenager who died after eating a Pret A Manger baguette have revealed they were comforted by the Duchess of York in the days after her death.

Natasha Ednan-Laperouse's father Nadim also tearfully revealed how he was racked with guilty that he was able to be at his daughter's bedside in hospital before she died but that her mother was not.

The 15-year-olds parents appeared on ITV's This Morning on Monday and spoke about the heartbreaking final moments with their daughter.

They also revealed that Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, comforted them on their flight back to the UK following their daughter's death.

Tanya and Nadim Ednan-Laperouse are interviewed on ITV's This Morning about their daughter's death / ITV

Presenters Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield comforted Natasha's father when he became tearful during the interview.

Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, 15 with her brother Alex and parents Nadim and Tanya / PA

Natasha, from Fulham, collapsed on a British Airways flight from Heathrow to Nice after eating an artichoke, olive and tapenade baguette that contained sesame, which she was allergic to.

The Fulham teen had been accompanied by her father and best friend as they were travelling to Nice for a summer holiday.

The parents said Ms Ferguson was "wonderful" / PA Wire/PA Images

After eating the sandwich on board the flight, Natasha suffered an allergic reaction and died in hospital later.

Her father recalled how he and his wife, Tanya, had to make the journey back to the UK with their daughter's body and that the Duchess of York tried to comfort them in their lowest point.

Mrs Ednan-Laperouse said: We were the first allowed on to the plane, because of what had happened, and we had our heads down as other passengers were coming on.

We were right at the front and suddenly from behind someone grabbed my arm and said Oh my goodness, Ive heard whats happened to you both and Im so sorry.

Mrs Ednan-Laperouse said she immediately recognised it was Ms Ferguson, and went on to praise how wonderful she had been in comforting the grieving parents.

The Duchess of York arrives at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for the wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. / PA Wire/PA Images

Ms Ferguson, she added, had learned about the parents loss after asking a staff member why they looked so sad in the departure lounge.

She was so heartfelt and wanted to help us out in any way she could, she added.

In an inquest into Natashas death, a coroner found that an allergen that she was allergic to was not listed as an ingredient on the sandwichs labelling.

Her father has revealed the heartache he feels at not being able to save her, despite administering two epi pens to her.

He said: I think as any parent would know, you cant imagine your child is going to die in front of you, you dont bury your children, thats not the way it should work.

She died with me and I think a sense of terrible guilt that was racking me is that I was the one who was with her, it wasnt mummy.

Not that it should be the other way round, but its just a terrible pain. If a parent is anything, a parent is an ultimate carer for their child and would do anything possible for them.

Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, 15, died after eating a Pret a Manger baguette on a flight / Natasha Ednan-Laperouse

Mrs Ednan-Laperouse added that she tried desperately to make it to Nice to see her daughter, but could not make it in time because of a flight delay.

Instead, she had to say goodbye to Natasha over the phone, she said.

She said: I got a call from [Natashas father] Nad at about 7 o clock saying youve got to say goodbye to her. Youve got to do it quickly.

I dont know how you do it, but you do. That was it and I just fell down.

The couple said they hope they can make a new law in Natashas name.
A scientist who fainted at work ended up in A&E when paramedics injected her with adrenaline after wrongly assuming she was suffering an allergic reaction to sushi.

Carolyn Thompson, 32, a University College London PhD student researching primates, was given two jabs and an injection of steroids after being too sick to explain that she had eaten vegetarian rather than fish sushi.

She had fainted in a university toilet but it later emerged this had been caused by low blood pressure and a severe migraine.

The London Ambulance Service crew who attended committed a catalogue of blunders.

At one point, Ms Thompson said the woman paramedic had to prevent her male trainee colleague from accidentally injecting air into her vein, with potentially fatal consequences.

She swore throughout the incident, complained about being tired and joked that a previous patient had died  showing Ms Thompson the mans coat left behind in the ambulance.

Ms Thompson said the woman paramedic had to prevent her male trainee colleague from accidentally injecting air into her vein, with potentially fatal consequences

The trainee medic became flustered and broke a glass vial as he tried to administer a second dose of adrenaline because he was being spoken to in a condescending way by his colleague.

Ms Thompson, who is studying the causes of gibbon decline, was having health checks for a suspected heart problem at the time of the incident last October.

She said the adrenaline shots raised her heart rate and she became extremely anxious. She spent 11 hours in A&E at UCLH and felt the effect of the adrenaline for several days.

Ms Thompson recalled: When I got to the ambulance the female paramedic made a joke about me being a live patient, when the previous one had been dead in the same bed.

"She then showed me the dead patients jacket. I found this disrespectful. She kept swearing repeatedly. Her conduct was unfortunate and reflected badly on London Ambulance Service.

At UCLH, the doctor said I shouldnt have been given adrenaline. He said: We have made you worse. After Ms Thompson complained to LAS, both staff were placed under review and she was invited to tell her story to the LAS board.

She told them: Its my belief the adrenaline shot and the whole stressful experience definitely made me worse. LAS chairwoman Heather Lawrence told her: Im really sorry on behalf of us all. When I hear your story I feel ashamed of the organisation.

Ms Thompson said: This was an awful incident and really badly handled but my complaint was quickly picked up. I was really impressed.
C ity chiefs today accused Theresa Mays Government of playing chicken with Britains financial stability as Tory civil war raged over Brexit.

They also pleaded with the Conservatives to stop fighting among themselves and instead focus fully on getting the best possible Brexit deal with the European Union.

In signs of growing disquiet in the Square Mile over the Governments handling of Brexit, bosses in the financial sector raised their fears in the strongest terms yet. But they also accused Brussels of risking economic turmoil with its hardline stance on Brexit.

Meanwhile a major cash injection to stop the economy crashing in the event of a no-deal Brexit was set to be promised by the Chancellor today. Be in no doubt that I will maintain enough fiscal firepower to support our economy if that happens, Philip Hammond was expected to promise in his speech to the Conservative conference.

Catherine McGuinness, policy chairwoman at the City of London Corporation, said: It is in neither sides interests to play chicken with financial stability. Firms need clarity on Brexit in order to continue to drive investment and create jobs across the country.

Brexit splits were dominating the Tory annual rally in Birmingham today after Boris Johnson launched an attack on Mrs Mays Chequers Brexit blueprint, and she rejected his proposed Canada-style free-trade deal.

Ms McGuinness added: The Conservative Party should unite to ensure both sides take steps to avoid potentially damaging financial outcomes.

"Both the UK and EU urgently need to address cliff-edge issues such as contract continuity that could prevent the industry from servicing their clients. These risk destabilising markets as well as hitting consumers and businesses on both sides of the Channel.

Her warnings were echoed by Huw Evans, director-general of the Association of British Insurers (ABI), who said: We need a united government to fight for the best possible deal. The main negotiations have to be with the EU, not within the Conservative Party.

Mr Evans said talk of no deal was very alarming and that it would be highly detrimental to the UKs world-leading financial services sector.

Jasmine Whitbread, chief executive of London First, said: Business is clear about whats best for the country: a deal that preserves the benefits of the single market and keeps borders open for trade and goods. Crashing out is the worst possible scenario, and Canada-plus is not a credible option given our integrated supply chains.

Ahead of a round-table discussion with financial services bosses at the Tory conference, City minister John Glen said: I will be continuing to listen carefully to concerns of City representatives as we discuss the priorities and specific concerns of financial institutions in the Brexit negotiations.
S enior Tories have launched stinging attacks on irrelevant Boris Johnson in fallout over his criticism of the Prime Minister's Brexit strategy.

Chancellor Philip Hammond said former Foreign Secretary Mr Johnson would never get the top job.

Asked by the Daily Mail if Mr Johnson could ever become Prime Minister, Mr Hammond said I don't expect it to happen.

Phillip Hammond suggested Boris Johnson could not do "grown-up politics" / Toby Melville/Reuters

He suggested he could not do "grown-up politics" and had "no grasp of detail" on complex subjects like Brexit.

And in a stinging remark, Mr Hammond said the former mayor of Londons greatest achievement was introducing Boris bikes to the capital.

In another interview with Sky News on Monday, Mr Hammond added: "The business of government is a process of attention to detail and hard work, it isn't just about making flamboyant statements."

Mr Johnson had used a Sunday Times interview to describe Ms May's Brexit policy as "deranged" and "preposterous".

Ruth Davidson at the Conservative conference / Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, meanwhile, called for "a period of silence" from Mr Johnson. She pointed out how he had given his endorsement, when in government, to Brexit policies he was now criticising.

And with Ms May in the audience on Sunday, Lord Digby Jones used a speech to brand Mr Johnson "offensive" and "irrelevant".

Even "good mate" and fellow Brexiteer David Davis was dismissive of his fellow Leaver's proposals on housing and a bridge to Ireland.

Former Brexit minister David Davis was dismissive of Boris Johnson's proposals / EPA

He told Sophy Ridge on Sunday: "I think one of the blights of British politics is politicians having fantastic ideas that cost a fortune and don't do much good.

"Boris is a great mate of mine, we have a very knockabout friendship, but quite a lot of his ideas, I think, are good headlines but not necessarily good policies."

The attacks came as Tory fault lines over Brexit, already exposed, started to crack open with just weeks to go to settle a withdrawal deal with Brussels.

In remarks that will fuel speculation about his leadership ambitions, Mr Johnson contrasted his position on Brexit with that of Mrs May, who backed Remain, saying: "Unlike the Prime Minister, I fought for this."
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T his is the bizarre moment Tory delegates became embroiled in a squabble over badges protesting against Theresa May's Chequers Brexit plan.

Video footage shows two delegates having a stormy confrontation over the badges at the party conference in Birmingham.

The clips shows a man offering the Chuck Chequers pins from a clear plastic bag to passers-by.

But one woman walked past him and grabbed the bag before emptying its contents onto the floor.

The man screamed: Hey now, hey now, hey now!

The woman simply sniped the word stupid at him, and calmly walked on.

The badges were dropped all over the floor / ITV News

He shouted after her: Thats terrible! Thats an assault, that is.

Bitter party infighting over Brexit continued on Monday, the second day of the conference, as senior Tories lined up to hurl stinging jibes at leading Brexiteer Boris Johnson.

Chancellor Phillip Hammond said Mr Johnsons greatest achievement was introducing Boris bikes when he was mayor of London, while Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson called for a period of silence from the former foreign secretary.
T he Conservative party conference continued on Monday as senior ministers rallied around the Prime Ministers much-criticised Chequers plan for Brexit.

When the conference began on Sunday, Theresa May insisted her Chequers plan is in the national interest following criticism by Boris Johnson.

Today three Brexit-backers in the Cabinet moved to block Mr Johnson from making a leadership bid by issuing their own pleas for unity behind the Prime Minister and her Brexit proposals.

Chancellor Phillip Hammond also took aim at Mr Johnson, saying he was incapable of grown-up politics and claiming his greatest achievement is Londons Boris Bikes.

Here are five things we learned from the conference in Birmingham today.

Cabinet ministers still back Theresa May

Chancellor Philip Hammond led attempts to rescue the Prime Ministers much-criticised Chequers blueprint by saying it would deliver an immediate deal dividend to the economy .

Philip Hammond led attempts to rescue the Chequers blueprint / Getty Images

Meanwhile, Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab has conceded that the Chequers exit plan is not everything he wanted - telling Tory Party members there had to be "compromises" with the EU.

However, Mr Raab said the Government's deal was one that many would have "bitten his arm off" for before the referendum.

International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt and Transport Secretary Chris Grayling also voiced their support.

Ruth Davidson isnt plotting leadership bid

Ruth Davidson has again ruled out a run at Downing Street, telling Tory members she wanted only one job - to be First Minister of Scotland.

Ms Davidson, who was given rapturous applause at the Tory conference in Birmingham, also called on members to unite and rally behind Theresa May and her Brexit plan.

Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party Ruth Davidson rallied behind the PM / EPA

The Scottish Conservative leader said: "We can agree a Brexit deal under the Conservatives, or we can risk handing the keys of Downing Street to Jeremy Corbyn.

"I know which one I believe is in the national interest. I stand by the Prime Minister."

Internet giants could face a new tax

The chancellor threatened internet giants with a new digital services tax to ensure they pay their fair share of the cost of public services.

In his keynote speech to the Tory conference in Birmingham, Mr Hammond said that, with international talks stalling, Britain was ready to go it alone with a levy on the tech companies.

The measure formed part of a programme to "regenerate capitalism" which the Chancellor said was needed to tackle the challenges of the modern world and renew the appeal of the free market to a new generation.

Philip Hammond threatens to impose new tax on technology giants

Brokenshire facing criticism over cladding ban

Housing Secretary James Brokenshire has been accused of failing to deliver after only pledging a partial ban on using combustible cladding for new buildings.

Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack said the Government's proposal to ban the use of such cladding on all new residential buildings above 18 metres - as well as schools, care homes, student accommodation and hospitals - was one designed for "political convenience, not for thoroughgoing change".

Housing secretary James Brokenshire announced a ban on cladding at the conference / AFP/Getty Images

London Mayor Sadiq Khan also expressed disappointment that the changes do not apply to buildings below 18 metres but acknowledged an "important step forward" has been taken.

A new 15m project is being launched to fight food waste

Michael Gove has called for more environmental action to "preserve our world" as he unveiled a 15 million project designed to cut the estimated 100,000 tonnes of edible food that is thrown away every year.

The Environment Secretary said the Tories needed to do more to uphold their manifesto pledge to hand the environment to the next generation in a better state, telling the Conservative conference the party can ensure the world is "cleaner, greener and stronger".

Michael Gove said more needs to be done for the environment / AP
T ens of thousands of middle-class voters have deserted the Tories amid the bitter splits over Brexit, according to new polling.

Support for the Conservatives among the ABC1 social groups has fallen from 44 per cent last year to 39 per cent now, surveys by YouGov show.

The waning of backing for the Tories among this group of professional, managerial and white collar workers may have started shortly after the 2016 referendum on EU membership, according to the analysis by former YouGov president Peter Kellner.

But the polling suggests it has intensified as criticism has grown of the Governments handling of Brexit in the last year.

Mr Kellner said: In last years election, middle-class support for the Tories stalled. As a result, they lost seats, especially in Remain constituencies.

Since then it has dropped a further five points, from 44 to 39 per cent. This should terrify a party whose support among ABC1 voters never fell below 50 per cent before the Blair landslide in 1997.

He suggested that many middle-class, private sector workers, a group which has traditionally given strong support to the Tories, are appalled by the way the Brexit talks are going.

Three tracker polls done in July to September for the Peoples Vote campaign, which saw more than 25,000 adults in Britain interviewed, showed 84 per cent of Conservative-supporting middle class voters think the Brexit process has been a mess.

Mr Kellner stressed that private sector, middle class workers believe by three to one that Brexit will weaken rather than strengthen the economy and that by two to one think that it is more important to keep frictionless trade with the EU than to have control over immigation.

The analysis showed that support for the Conservatives rose from 42 per cent to 44 per cent from 2015 to 2017 among ABC1 voters, but far sharper among skilled manual and less skilled workers, from 33 per cent to 44 per cent, suggesting that middle class support may have been cooling after the referendum.

The Tories have traditionally relied on the middle classes, older voters and business for their support and many bosses fear their firms face being hit by Brexit, especially if close trade ties with the EU are torn up.

Former Tory treasurer and City grandee Michael Spencer claimed that the Tories had lost their way and, speaking to the BBC, alleged that Prime Minister Theresa May had let herself down by failing to champion business.

Mr Spencer believes it is profoundly unlikely that there would be no deal with the EU, stressing: Thats not grown up politics on either side.
P hilip Hammond mocked Boris Johnsons Brexit plans as a fantasy world today as Downing Street attempted to kill off calls for a Canada-style trade deal.

The Chancellor said there was no chance of the European Union signing up to an agreement that would cause a hard border with Northern Ireland, saying: It isnt about taking back control, its about fantasy world.

He also stepped up attacks on Mr Johnsons suitability to become prime minister, deriding him as a big picture politician who was good at flamboyant statements but had no grasp of detail.

Mr Johnson appeared to hit back with some gentle mockery of his own, allowing himself to be photographed jogging through a wheat field. The images seemed to make fun of Theresa Mays much-mocked claim in the 2017 election campaign that running through a field of wheat as a child was the naughtiest thing she had ever done.

Behind the scenes, senior ministers loyal to Mrs May went into full attack mode against Mr Johnson.

One Cabinet minister told the Evening Standard that the Uxbridge and South Ruislip MP looked and sounded desperate and he was running out of time. They said of a Johnson interview that implied he should take over Brexit talks: It is preposterous. He could not get European ministers to agree to meet with him when he was foreign secretary, so he could hardly deliver a deal. Another figure close to Mrs May said of Mr Johnson: Its the last throw of the dice. Hes going a bit deranged. The parliamentary party really dont like him.

It was left to Mr Hammond to go on the attack in public in a round of morning interviews. Of course, Boris is a big personality, nobody is denying that, the Chancellor told Sky. The business of government is a process of attention to detail, follow-through, lots of hard work. It isnt just about making flamboyant statements and big announcements, its about getting things done.

He said Mr Johnsons call for a super-Canada trade deal showed he had failed to listen to the clear objections of the EU and the risk that a hard border posed to the union of the UK. We can spend our time sitting at a table, banging it and demanding something that our negotiating partners have clearly told us is not on offer, or we can try to find a way through with a solution that works for Britain and will also be acceptable to them within their red lines, he said.

Mr Johnson is due to arrive at the conference in Birmingham tomorrow. He plans to make a speech from the fringes on the eve of Mrs Mays own address. Yesterday he used a Sunday Times interview to describe Mrs Mays Brexit policy as deranged and preposterous, and claimed he was better placed to deliver Brexit because unlike the Prime Minister, I fought for this.

In his address to the conference hall, Mr Hammond planned to talk up Mrs Mays Chequers blueprint by promising a deal dividend of higher growth if it came off.

I going to stick my neck out here today and make a prediction to you, he planned to say. When the Prime Minister gets a deal agreed, there will be a boost to our economic growth  a deal dividend  which we will share, in line with our balanced approach between keeping taxes low; supporting public services; reducing the deficit; and investing in Britains future.

Earlier, he joined Mr May on a trip to meet GCSE pupils preparing to be apprentices at engineering firm ADI Group near Birmingham.
P hilip Hammond led attempts today to rescue the Prime Ministers much-criticised Chequers blueprint by saying it would deliver an immediate deal dividend to the economy.

The Chancellor also pledged to intervene with spending firepower to prop up the economy in the event of a no-deal Brexit

His speech to the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham came as senior ministers desperately tried to head off an attempt by Boris Johnson to hijack the rally when he arrives tomorrow.

Today three Brexit-backers in the Cabinet moved to block Mr Johnson from ousting Theresa May by issuing their own pleas for unity behind the Prime Minister and her Brexit proposals.

Mr Hammond told the hall that thousands of jobs depend on keeping up friction-free trade in goods. That is why I share the Prime Ministers determination to get the Chequers plan agreed, he said. A plan which delivers on the decision of the British people. Mr Hammond went on to give an impassioned call for unity in the complex Brexit process and afterwards on a programme to deliver on domestic concerns among the population.

So over the next few weeks we must stand together, four-square behind the PM, to get the best possible outcome for Britain, he said.

Mr Hammond promised that he would intervene if Britain had to crash out of the EU without a deal, an outcome many Tory Rightwingers say they prefer. Be in no doubt that I will maintain enough fiscal firepower to support our economy if that happens, he said.

But he said Chequers would make Britons feel instantly better off. Im going to stick my neck out here today and make a prediction to you, that when the Prime Minister gets a deal agreed there will be a boost to our economic growth  a deal dividend.

Mr Hammond also warned international business giants dodging taxes that the UK is ready to introduce a digital services tax without the backing of other countries.

The best way to tax international companies is through international agreements, he said. But the time for talking is coming to an end  and the stalling has to stop. If we cannot reach agreement  the UK will go it alone with a digital services tax of its own.

Mr Hammond hit back at Brexiteer claims he is not patriotic enough. Like everyone in this room, I love this country, he said. All of us are patriots, all of us are on the same side when it comes to our national interest, the side that stands up for Britain.

Three Cabinet ministers who stood with Mr Johnson in the Leave campaign before the 2016 referendum backed up Mr Hammonds defence of the Chequers blueprint this morning.

Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab said: To rise to this challenge, well need some unity of purpose. And I believe were at our best when we work together to forge something bigger than the sum of our parts, as a government, as a party and as a country.

International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt, who was at one stage thought to be considering her position over Chequers, tweeted support for Mr Hammonds speech calling for unity to deliver the best Brexit possible.

In his own speech to the hall, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: We need to be clear that under Theresa May this country will not accept a deal that is bad for Britain or one that is bad for the union that is the United Kingdom. So that is why we are backing our Prime Minister.

Earlier Mr Hammond mocked Mr Johnsons favoured Brexit involving a Canada-style trade deal as a fantasy world. The Chancellor said there was no chance of the EU signing up to an agreement that would cause a hard border with Northern Ireland.

He also stepped up attacks on Mr Johnsons suitability to become prime minister, deriding him as a big picture politician who was good at flamboyant statements but had no grasp of detail.

A figure close to Mrs May said of Mr Johnson: Its the last throw of the dice. Hes going a bit deranged.
B rexit Secretary Dominic Raab is to set out that Britain's "willingness to compromise" on leaving the EU is "not without limits" in a major speech today.

Mr Raab's tough message, to be made in a speech to the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, comes after Jeremy Corbyn warned a no-deal Brexit would be a "national disaster".

In an offer to the Prime Minister, the Labour leader said his party would back her if she struck a deal including a customs union, preservation of workplace and environmental regulations and no hard border in Ireland.

But Mr Raab will use his speech to rule out any deal which "locks in" Britain to the EU by membership of a customs union or the European Economic Area.

He will reject the European Commission's proposal for a "backstop" solution to the Irish border issue under which Northern Ireland would remain part of the EU customs area.

Theresa May hinted on Sunday that she was ready to contemplate further concessions on her Chequers plan for future relations with Europe, telling the BBC she wanted to "sit down" with the EU and discuss its concerns.

After European Council president Donald Tusk said bluntly at this month's Salzburg summit that Chequers "will not work", Mrs May said that the onus is on Brussels to explain its objections in detail and offer counter-proposals.

She told the Andrew Marr Show: "My mood is to listen to what the EU have to say about their concerns and to sit down and talk them through with them."

Fabian Picardo, the chief minister of Gibraltar, has said Mrs May should stick to the Chequers plan, urging her to channel "Nelson, Churchill and the heroes of the Falklands War".

He told The Sun: "Gibraltar has always been there for the British people.

"Now Britain is there for us, making sure that the good things we had from the EU are not lost."

Mr Raab is set to use his conference speech to insist that there are limits to the UK's readiness to take the EU's concerns on board.

He will say: "Our willingness to compromise is not without limits.

"We are leaving the European Union in fact, not just in name. If we can't obtain a deal that secures that objective... if an attempt is made to lock us in via the back door of the EEA and Customs Union... or if the only offer from the EU threatens the integrity of our union, then we will be left with no choice but to leave without a deal."

Restating his backing for Mrs May's Chequers plan, Mr Raab will say: "My approach to Brexit is pragmatic, not dogmatic. Our proposals would deliver a historic agreement that provides a roadmap out of the EU and a final deal that will be good for the whole country.

"A deal that delivers on the referendum, because that's our democratic duty.

"A deal that manages the risks of Brexit, because that's our responsibility.

"A deal that grasps the opportunities of Brexit, because we're at our best when we're optimistic about the future.
Mrs May has said she is prepared to listen to the EU's concerns about her Chequers plan.

She said she believes she has counter-proposals for their concerns and can address them.

She added: "I do believe in Brexit, crucially I believe in delivering Brexit in a way that respects the vote and delivers on the vote of the British people, while also protection our union, protecting jobs and ensuring we make a success of Brexit for the future. That's why I'm being ambitious for this country."
T he father of a teenager who died after eating a Pret A Manger sandwich has described his frantic fight to save her life when her allergic reaction came on "like an explosion".

Natasha Ednan-Laperouse's father Nadim said the allergic reaction was so powerful, his daughter looked like she had been stung "by hundreds of jellyfish".

Mr Ednan-Laperouse, 53, said his 15-year-old daughter was covered in huge red welts and it was the first time he had seen a reaction like that.

He added that her symptoms came on very fast, "like an explosion".

Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, 15 with her brother Alex and parents Nadim and Tanya / PA

Speaking on Radio 4's Today programme, he said: "Really it was like an explosion on the aeroplane. Just before halfway through the flight she became severely allergic in terms of visible reactions, her whole body from her midrif was covered in huge raised red welts like if you imagine being stung by hundreds of jellyfish.

"And that was the first time I'd ever seen something like that. It was clear to me that it was a powerful allergenic reaction. It was quite shocking to see and she was feeling very unwell and started to have big difficulties in breathing."

He said that he then informed a member of cabin crew on the British Airways flight that he needed to use his daughters epi pen.

He said: We were led to the forward toilets near the cockpit and thats within ten seconds or so I injected into her right thigh with the epi pen. I was so thankful that she carried two on her.

I was feeling thank god weve got this as backup. She said to me Daddy I cant breathe help me. Please get the second one. 

I ran back to my seat, grabbed the second one from her handbag and gave her the second one.

Natasha's family at west London coroner's court / PA

A coroner found that an allergen that she was allergic to was not listed as an ingredient on the sandwichs labelling.

During the inquest into her death, it emerged that a "specific warning" about the dangers of not signposting the allergen had been given to the food chain the previous year.

Natasha, 15, fatally collapsed on a flight from London to Nice / PA

Pret boss Clive Schlee said the food chain was "deeply sorry" for her death after Coroner Dr Sean Cummings recorded a narrative conclusion at West London Coroner's Court on Friday.

Mr Schlee said Pret wants to see "meaningful change" come from the tragedy.

Commenting on what the Pret boss said, Natasha's mother, Tanya Ednan-Laperouse, 51, told the Today programme: "My reaction is that things need to start changing right now.

"Tomorrow is, for me, not soon enough. You don't need to have a law change to actually do the right thing.

"And it's not difficult for a company that produces the many millions of sandwiches and baguettes that it does to have a procedure in place to label accurately all their products."

Mrs Ednan-Laperouse said she hopes the entire food industry is listening, adding: "The law does need to be changed, society needs to be aware that people live who are poisoned by these foods."

She told ITV's Good Morning Britain: "If you met Natasha you'd remember her. She had a crazy sense of humour. She was 15, she loved life, she loved boys, she liked her friends, she was a really good sister, a really, really good sister.
H eartbroken friends of a Formula One grid girl and model who was killed after her BMW smashed into a wall have paid tribute to her as a "shining star".

Kate Woodcock, 30, from Aldridge, died after her black BMW hit a low wall at a service station near Sutton Coldfield on Thursday.

Ms Woodcock was a Formula One grid girl and had spent the last two years supporting British world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Friends and colleagues paid tribute to her as a "shining star" and a "beautiful girl and an exceptional model who shined very bright always".

A fundraising page has been set up for her funeral and has raised nearly 5,000.

Kate Woodcock was killed in a crash while driving her BMW last week / Instagram/katewoodcock

Lucy Ford, who set up the page, wrote: "On 27 September 2018 our lives were turned upside down when we tragically lost Kate.

"Kate was a beautiful special girl who will be missed deeply by everyone who knew her.

"We hope to raise funds towards the cost of her funeral and give her the send-off she deserves."

Modelling agency SDMPE tweeted: "Wed like to take the time out to pay a special tribute to Kate Woodcock.

"Were deeply shocked and saddened to loose such a lovely, beautiful girl and an exceptional model who shined very bright always."

Masses of bouquets have been left at the crash site on Chester Road, with tribute one saying: My beautiful sister, I love you so much. I am going to miss you!

"Too young, too early to go, life will never be the same."

Ms Woodcock had previously discussed her Formula One role with the Sun newspaper, and said she "loved" her job walking down the grid to wave off the racers.

She said: I was booked because I was intelligent, well-spoken, hard-working and those elements go into the whole package.

Theres a lot of work people dont see in these roles. You have to learn how to walk down the grid, how to hold your flag and the boards for the formations."

Friends have paid tribute to Ms Woodcock as a "shining star" / instagram/katewoodcock

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage is asked to call police on 101, quoting incident number 894 of 28 September.
M eghan Markle's estranged sister has apologised to her sibling on live TV in a desperate attempt to end their feud.

The Duchess of Sussexs outspoken half-sister said she was hurt at not being invited to the royal wedding in May but that she still loves Meghan.

Ms Markle, also known as Samantha Grant, said she waited outside Buckingham Palace on Sunday in the vague hope of reconciliation.

After that did not work, she appeared on Jeremy Vine on 5 on Monday. Presenter Mr Vine asked: How are you going to see Meghan in London given that she doesnt want to see you?

Ms Markle responded: I was hoping we would maybe have the chance to speak, that she would know I was here. I dont think thats going to happen.

Asked for her message to Meghan if she happened to be watching the show, Ms Markle said: I would just say there is so much water under the bridge, and so much has spun out of control that was never intended to.

Everybody was hurt at not being included or invited to the wedding. But I felt as though it could have all been nipped in the bud had everyone been included.

It doesnt mean we love you any less, I just think families can be this way when theres confusion and people are hurt. Moving forward, I apologise and wish things could be different.

Samantha Markle apologised to Meghan / Jeremy Vine on 5

Mr Vine tackled Ms Markle on why she had been rude and insulting to Meghan, having called her "Cruella de Vil", "Duch-ass" and the "Duchess of Nonsense".

"(My father) was being purposely ignored," Ms Markle replied. "We were hoping that private channels would be used. When they failed we went public."

She added: "The goal at that point wasn't just getting closer. It was also about bringing out a very important point that you don't isolate family, you are a humanitarian."

Mr Vine replied: "You want to shame her - that's what it is."

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry

Ms Markle added: "The public were making a mockery of the family and it had to stop. Perhaps I was frustrated. I was lashing out more at the media."

She also took part in a phone-in with members of the public, and was met with a barrage of criticism from callers.

Chris from Kent told Ms Markle: "All we've seen is the hate you've spewed against your sister.

"If you actually love your sister I think this should have been done in private, not on social media, or going on television saying you're sorry... what you're doing is not right."

Ms Markle replied: "Most of what you read in the tabloids is not true... There have been so many times I've said, in live interviews, favourable things but they were not printed."

Lindsay from Leeds declared that Ms Markle should have been "stopped at border control", adding: "She's got no relevance to be here."

However, Victor from London called in to say Ms Markle was an "absolutely lovely lady" and that should Harry and Meghan have a baby, she should be godmother.

Ms Markle has see-sawed between criticising and praising Meghan on social media.

More recently she has vented her fury, accusing the duchess on Twitter of hypocrisy and being cold and inhumane in her treatment of their father.

Meghan's father pulled out of walking his daughter down he aisle due to ill health and after being caught staging photos with the paparazzi for cash.
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The Chinese banking system will have a stable outlook over the next 12 to 18 months amid a steady operating environment, according to a report released by credit rating agency Moody's.

The stable assessment took into account China's continued economic growth, which benefited from more accommodative policies and a transition of the economic structure to higher value-added sectors, the report said.

Yulia Wan, a Moody's analyst, said China had shifted toward more accommodative policies, balancing the effort between advancing deleveraging and sustaining growth.

"This situation will result in an operating environment over the next 12-18 months that is broadly supportive of bank credit quality and stable asset quality," Wan said.

The agency's baseline scenario assumes GDP growth of around 6 to 6.5 percent in the next few years, which should support steady growth in bank loans.

Government support for major banks will remain strong in China to keep public confidence and systemic stability, the report said.

Moody's rates 27 banks in China, of which 24 are commercial.
E uropean Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has suggested British planes may not be able to land in the EU if no Brexit deal is reached.

Mr Juncker also said a four-day quarantine may be imposed on pet dogs and cats passing from the UK to continental Europe and again on their return journey.

Speaking at a public meeting in Freiburg, Germany, Mr Juncker asked: "What's going to happen to air traffic in Europe if everything goes wrong? British planes will not be able to land on the European continent.

"People didn't know that. Someone should have told them beforehand."

President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker / Getty Images

Mr Juncker also said he "really regrets" that there was "no real Brexit campaign in terms of actual information" in the United Kingdom.

He added: "The people are finding out now - including British ministers and ministers on the continent - how many questions it poses, all the things we need to resolve.

"I ask myself what is going to happen to the 250,000 dogs and cats who leave the European continent each year. Right now they just pass through the customs, all these dogs and cats coming to mainland Europe each year.

"There are lots of people in Europe who just want people and animals to just cross borders, but I think we are going to have a four-day quarantine.

"If you want to go to Brittany for eight days for holidays, then maybe you need to leave the dog or cat at home, or maybe you will stay home altogether."

Juncker suggested British planes may not be able to land in the EU if Brexit goes wrong / Getty Images

Mr Juncker said he did not want to talk about the UK's withdrawal at the public meeting, as "Brexit is a question of history, Brexit is undoing European history and I like to deal with the future, I like to deal with the people who want Europe".

He added: "We are right in the middle of these difficult Brexit negotiations. I'm totally for finding a good way to co-operate with the Brits as friends. We need to keep this civil.

"We sometimes feel like the Brits feel we are leaving them, but it is the other way round - they are the ones that are leaving."

The president of the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg, Winfried Kretschmann, told the meeting that a second referendum in which the UK voted to stay in the EU would not pose problems for his area.

"If they wanted to stay in the EU, that would not be a very big problem for us," said Mr Kretschmann.
W histleblower Chelsea Manning has said life in the United States is comparable to prison because of surveillance systems, cameras and the level of policing.

The former US intelligence analyst, who served seven years of a 35-year sentence for leaking thousands of classified government documents, spoke out during her first UK public appearance since her release.

Speaking at an event organised by the Institute of Contemporary Arts, the transgender soldier said she is constantly reminded of how different the world is now compared to before prison.

This whole notion that you get out of prison and you are free, now turned out to be a bit of a downer in that sense, the 30-year-old said on Monday.

Because, what happened, we really built this large, big prison, which is the United States, in the meantime  it was already happening, it just really intensified.

You think about the surveillance systems, the cameras, or the police presence and you think about the fact that we have walls around our country, and that is very much the same thing that is inside a prison.

I see a lot of similarities between the world out here and the world that was in there.

Whistleblower Chelsea Manning making her first UK public appearance at the Royal Institute in central London / PA

In the final days of his White House term in January 2017, former American president Barack Obama commuted the transgender soldiers sentence.

Manning was first arrested in 2010 and convicted in 2013 of six violations of the US espionage act for leaking 700,000 secret military and State Department documents.

The trove, which included classified battlefield videos, was one of the biggest breaches of intelligence in US history. She acknowledged leaking the files while working in Iraq, but protested that she had acted to raise awareness of the impact of US military action on innocent civilians.

Asked whether she regrets her decision to leak the files, she said: "I did what I did because of what I had available to me.

"In that timeframe, what I knew and what I understood, and the background that I had and who I am, the values set that I have, and also the short time that I had to make decisions.

"The way I see it, is I don't go back in time... what I really try to tell people is that if I had done anything differently it would have been a completely different person."

Former American soldier and whistleblower Chelsea Manning speaks in London / Getty Images

Following her release from prison, Donald Trump took to Twitter to describe Manning as a "traitor" who should never have been released.

Pressed for her response to President Trump's statement at the time, Manning said to applause: "Well, here I am."
W eve all heard the one about the horse that goes into a bar.

But this time it was drinkers who were left with the long faces when the classic gags scenario was played out for real in France.

Customers who were quietly enjoying their drinks in the the peaceful establishment at Chantilly, north of Paris, scattered when the young filly pushed the door open and began knocking over chairs and tables.

Security camera footage of the extraordinary drama shows the equine visitor, which is saddled up ready for a race, entering the PMU bar and bookmakers and heading for the betting counter.

Most onlookers, including astonished staff serving at the bar, can meanwhile be seen rushing out - avec les visages longs.

The horses trainer, Jean-Marie Beguigne, confirmed she had dumped her rider at the Chantilly Race Course stables, less than a mile away.

Mr Beguigne told Ouest France newspaper: Between the track and the stables, her rider fell off. The filly escaped by going on to the road, and crossing a roundabout before entering this bar. It is all quite exceptional.

Nobody was hurt, and even the horse showed no trauma or anxiety, said Mr Beguigne, who did not reveal the fillys name.

The trainer said the horse had a penchant for escape, but considered it incredible that she made for a PMU bar.

PMU stands for Pari Mutuel Urbain, Frances state-controlled betting system. PMU bars all have betting counters, and screens that show races.

Stephane Jasmin, the owner of the Chantilly PMU bar, said: She pushed the door open, and raced straight for the betting corner.
A former Iraqi beauty queen has said she was sent a chilling text message saying she "would be next" after Instagram model Tara Fares was shot dead in Baghdad.

Shimaa Qasim, who was crowned Miss Iraq in 2015, spoke through tears in a live video broadcast to say she had been sent a threatening text message saying you are next.

The alleged threat came four days after Tara Fares, a 22-year-old model who had millions of Instagram followers, was killed when several unknown gunmen opened fire on her.

She suffered three bullet wounds at around 5.45pm on Thursday and her body was taken to Sheikh Zaid hospital shortly after, Baghdads Rusafa Health Centre said.

Ms Fares, who was voted Baghdads beauty queen in 2013, was killed just two days after female human rights activist Suad al-Ali was shot in the southern Iraqi city of Basra.

Miss Iraq 2015 Shimaa Qasim / Shimaa Qasim/shimaa_qasim

It also came just weeks after Rafeef al-Yaseri, the owner of Barbie beauty centre, and Rasha al-Hassan, a beauty expert, both died in mysterious circumstances, Kurdistan 24 reports.

Ms Qasim, who also has millions of followers on Instagram, posted a tearful video on Saturday to say she had received death threats after Ms Fares was shot in the Camp Sarah area of Baghdad.

Shimaa Qasim posted a tearful video on social media saying she had received threats / Shimaa Qasim/alanenews/YouTube

The former Miss Iraq said women who had become famous in Iraq faced being slaughtered like chickens and also called Ms Fares a martyr, the BBC reports.

Before Ms Fares was killed, she reportedly received threats and insults over social media by some who suggested she lacked modesty for her posts.
T he man at the centre of a sex abuse scandal rocking the academy that awards the Nobel Prize in Literature was today convicted of rape and jailed for two years.

Jean-Claude Arnault, a major cultural figure in Sweden, had faced two counts of rape of a woman seven years ago.

The courts conclusion is that the evidence is enough to find the defendant guilty of one of the events, said Judge Gudrun Antemar, announcing the conviction and sentence at Stockholm District Court.

The allegations against Frenchman Arnault, who ran a major cultural group in Sweden that was closely tied to the Swedish Academy, began in November 2017 when 18 women came forward in a Swedish newspaper with abuse accusations against him.

In April, the Swedish Academy said an internal investigation into sexual misconduct allegations found that unacceptable behaviour in the form of unwanted intimacy has taken place within the ranks of the prestigious institution.

Arnault, who had denied the charges, is married to Swedish Academy member poet Katarina Frostenson, who quit the body that same month as tensions escalated.

In May, the academy announced that no prize would be awarded this year.

In Sweden, rape is punishable by a minimum of two years and a maximum of six years in prison.

Prosecutor Christina Voigt had demanded three years in prison for Arnault.
M ass graves are being dug in Indonesia after a 7.5 magnitude earthquake and a tsunami hit on Friday.

The death toll from the disaster has surpassed 840 with the number expected to rise.

The Indonesian island of Sulawesi was battered by the tsunami, washing away dozens of homes, businesses and vehicles.

Authorities have said a mass burial of victims will begin on Monday, fearing disease could start to spread.

For religious reasons, it is also crucial the dead are buried as soon as possible because Indonesia is majority Muslim, and religious custom calls for burials soon after death, typically within one day.

This is the latest earthquake to hit Indonesia after a trio hit several islands in the South Pacific in August.

Here's everything you need to know about the earthquakes, including the latest travel advice to and from Indonesia:

Which areas have been affected by the earthquake?

A handout photo made available by the US Geological Survey (USGS) shows a shake map with the epicenter of a 7.7-magnitude earthquake near Palu, Indonesia, 28 September 2018. / EPA

The city of Palu was left strewn with corpses and debris after it was hit by the earthquake on Friday.

Since the city is built around a narrow bay, it also felt the force of 6-metre high tsunami waves.

Palu is the capital of the province of Central Sulawesi, about 1,650 kilometres of Jakarta.

Authorities are currently struggling to reach the Donggala regency, about 45 miles north of Palu city. The area is thought to have been severely affected by the earthquake, and authorities are struggling to reach the 300,000 people living there.

Will there be another earthquake?

Strong aftershocks have continued to hit Sulawesi after the earthquake struck on Friday.

Earthquakes and tsunamis are common in Indonesia as it is located in the "Ring of Fire," an area in the Pacific Ocean of intense seismic and volcanic activity.

Are flights still going to and from Palu?

Authorities have now reopened flights to and from Palu's Muriara SIS A1 Jufri Airport.

The airport had been closed since Friday evening, only opening for emergency flight services.

Indonesia earthquake and tsunami kills hundreds 1 /59 Indonesia earthquake and tsunami kills hundreds AFP/Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images EPA EPA AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images REUTERS EPA Xinhua / Barcroft Images Xinhua / Barcroft Images REUTERS REUTERS AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS AP REUTERS REUTERS AP AP Reuters AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images EPA Reuters EPA EPA Indonesian rescue workers evacuate the body of a victim of an earthquake Reuters Indonesian rescue workers evacuate the body of a victim of an earthquake Reuters People walk in an area hit by an earthquake in Petabo Reuters Medical team members help patients AFP/Getty Images Houses in ruins after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake EPA AFP/Getty Images ANTARA FOTO AFP/Getty Images EPA AP AFP/Getty Images Reuters Reuters Reuters AFP/Getty Images Reuters Reuters AFP/Getty Images AP

Is it safe to travel to Palu, Indonesia?

So far, the Foreign Office has not imposed any travel restrictions to Central Sulawesi.

However, it has warned visitors to "be aware of the continued risk of aftershocks" and whilst in the area, "exercise caution, stay away from collapsed buildings, monitor the local news and follow the advice of the local authorities."

The Foreign Office is still advising against "all but essential travel" to areas of Lombok, which was devastated by a series of 5 major earthquakes in August.
A Japanese politician who was thrown out of the chamber "for eating a cough drop" has said she is being victimised by her male colleagues.

Assembly woman Yuka Ogata, a councillor on the Kumamoto city assembly, previously clashed with her male colleagues when they objected to the presence of her seven-month-old child last year and called out their "outdated attitudes".

And now the politician said "attitudes have hardened against her" after she was reprimanded in an assembly meeting at the council in south-western Japan for speaking with a cough drop in her mouth.

She told the Guardian after the incident on Friday: Many of the other councillors have openly criticised me, implying that Im not a good mother, or claiming that many citizens think its outrageous to provide daycare services for council members with young children."

They felt bad that their outdated attitudes had been exposed and criticised in public. Ever since then, they have tried to portray me as someone who behaves selfishly and unreasonably.

This is part of a struggle between me and other councillors, most of whom are older men, to make the council more relevant to the everyday lives of ordinary people.

Ogata was speaking at the podium in the assembly on Friday, when the chairman, Shinya Kutsuki, asked her if she had something in her mouth, the Guardian reported.

She explained that she was sucking a lozenge because she was suffering from a cold but the session was suspended for eight hours while assembly members voted in favour of forming an ad hoc committee to decide how to discipline her, and demanded an apology. When Ogata refused, the committee voted to suspend her for the rest of the day.

Mayor of Kumamoto, Kazufumi Onishi, told Kyodo News.It is unacceptable for a responsible adult to ask questions with a cough drop in their mouth.

"She needs to admit that she was at fault.

Japan Today reported in November 2017 that Assemblywoman Ogata "causes a major stir" when male members of the council surrounded her and demanded she find someone to look after her child.
M acedonias prime minister has vowed to push ahead with plans to rename the country North Macedonia following a controversial referendum.

Voters backed changing the eastern European countrys name by 90 per cent on Sunday  but only just over a third of the population took part.

This means the referendum fell well below the 50 per cent turnout required for the result to be valid.

However, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said he would press on regardless with the name change, which is aimed at ending a dispute with Greece which has its own region called Macedonia.

Posters announcing the referendum covered the capital Skopje- despite the low turnout / AFP/Getty Images

Neighbouring Greece has said it would lift its veto on Macedonia joining the EU and NATO if it changes its name, with the EU echoing its support for the name change.

To ratify the result, Mr Zaev is preparing to call a Parliamentary vote and would require the support of two-thirds of MPs.

But he lacks the support of the main nationalist opposition VMRO-DPMNE, which has vowed to block the legislation.

Supporters of a boycott for the name-change referendum celebrate the low turnout outside Parliament / AFP/Getty Images

The countrys defence minister has suggested an early election might have to be called.

"In the coming week we will assess if we can secure the necessary majority for the constitutional changes, and if not we will call an early election," Defence Minister Radmila Sekerinska told Reuters.

"The downside is that the election would postpone adoption of the constitutional changes for 45 to 60 days," she said.
T he first pair of test tube lion cubs in the world are "healthy and normal" raising hopes that other big cats can be brought back from the brink of extinction.

Victor and Isabel were born to a lioness at the Ukutula Lodge and Conservation Centre (UCC) near Pretoria, South Africa five weeks ago.

These pictures show the twins playing together and resting at the centre after doctors gave them a clean bill of health.

Scientists at the University of Pretoria have been researching female lions' reproductive systems, and said these are "'the first ever lion cubs to be born by means of artificial insemination (AI) anywhere in the world."

Victor and Isabel were born through non-surgical artificial insemination - and are the first of their kind in the world. / AFP/Getty Images

Veteranary PhD at the university, Dr Isabel Callealta, said: The success of the AI births of the lion cubs not only celebrate a world-first achievement, but has laid the foundation for effective non-surgical AI protocols for this species, using both fresh and frozen-thawed sperm.

"The research will hopefully mean we can start working towards carrying out similar procedures on some of the much rarer big cats like the snow leopard and the tiger in the future."

Both parents are captive lions at the same facility in South Africa, which has worked with the University of Pretoria on the groundbreaking project. / AFP/Getty Images

Founder of the UCC Willi Jacobs, said he was honoured to provide the scientific facilities, and animals, for the project.

We are grateful to the team of scientists who continue working relentlessly in pursuit of this key element in preserving future generations," he said. "There can be little doubt that wildlife conservation through education and ethical scientific research is the most suitable long-term solution for our planets conservation challenges and dwindling wildlife populations.

Although African lions normally breed quite well in captivity, the wild population is highly fragmented and suffers progressively from isolation and inbreeding. Indiscriminate killing, habitat loss and prey depletion, epidemic diseases, poaching, and trophy hunting threaten the extinction of the wild populations.

The African lion population is estimated to have decreased from 1.2 million to 18,000 since records began. Another 7,000 lions have been lost in the past two years alone.

There is some controversy over the use of captive lions for breeding - but managers at the centre said the cubs are happy and normal - and playing along well. / AFP/Getty Images

The African lion is listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, with the West African lion subpopulation considered critically endangered, while the Asiatic lion is also considered endangered in the wild.

But animal welfare organisation, the Born Free Foundation, criticised the programme, and said the "captive lion breeding industry in South Africa is exploitative and profit-driven."
Brexit Secretary to deliver another tough message to EU over 'no deal' threat

Dominic Raab will deliver another warning to Brussels today that Britain is ready to leave the EU without a deal if necessary.

The Brexit Secretary will use his speech Conservative Party conference in Birmingham to tell EU negotiators that Governments, quote, willingness to compromise is not without limits.

He will also rule out any deal with locks in Britain to the EU by membership of a customs union or the European Economic Area.

Meanwhile, Chancellor Philip Hammond has attacked Boris Johnson, saying he does not expect the former foreign secretary to become prime minister as he does not do grown-up politics.

Indonesian tsunami toll likely to rise... as tale of one man's herosim emerges

Rescuers are continuing their attempts to find suvivors following the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami that hit Indonesia on Friday.

At least 832 people are known to have died but there are fears that figure will rise significantly as the searchers try to clear rubble in the city of Palu.

Indonesias president has this morning agreed to accept international help for urgent disaster-response & relief, the head of the countrys investment board said.

It has also emerged an heroic air traffic controller lost his own life after ensuring a passenger plane was able to take-off as the 7.5 magnitude quake struck.

Restaurant chains to be banned from taking share of customers' tips

High street restaurant chains such as Prezzo, Strada and Zizzi will be forced to hand over all tips to their staff.

Theresa May has announced she will bring in new laws to stop employers making deductions from the money left for their staff by diners.

Belgo, Bella Italia, Cafe Rouge, Giraffe, Prezzo and Strada are among chains who have made deductions of 10 per cent - while Zizzi and Ask have both taken 8 per cent.

Combustible cladding banned from from new high-rise homes

The use of combustible cladding is to be banned on all new residential buildings above 18 metres, as well as at schools, care homes, student accommodation and hospitals.

The measure results from a lengthy consultation after last year's Grenfell Tower fire tragedy and is to be announced by Housing Secretary James Brokenshire at the Conservative Party conference today.

Mines cleared to allow the Koreas to search for soldiers' remains

South Korea has begun clearing mines from two sites inside its heavily fortified border with North Korea.

Troops are focussing on removing the explosives around the border village of Panmunjom and another frontline area to allow both countries to search for the remains of soldiers killed during the Korean war.

Seoul says it expects the North will also to begin to clear its mines as well.

Water carry on at the Opera

The English National Opera has been stopping people from bringing food and drink into performances because audience members have tried to smuggle in spirits disguised as water.

One audience member has complained people were forced to empty their water bottles before a recent performance.

But national opera chief executive Stuart Murphy replied the organisation had discovered people were bringing in vodka claiming it was only water.

On this day...

1843: The News of the World was first published.

1868: The Midland Railway opened St Pancras station in London.

1880: The Edison Lamp Works began operations in New Jersey to manufacture the first electric light bulbs.

1908: Henry Ford introduced the model T car at a price of 850 dollars. Within 18 years, production techniques reduced that to 300 dollars. He is rumoured to have told customers, "You can have any colour you want as long as it's black".
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Sunday that foreign talent and intellectual resources was an important component of China's innovation system.

Li made the remarks when meeting at the Great Hall of the People with a group of foreign experts who had recently received the Friendship Award, given annually by the Chinese government to honor outstanding foreign experts in China.

He spoke highly of the important contributions made by foreign experts to promote China's economic and social development, and exchanges between China and foreign countries.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up, Li said. "China's determination to advance reform and opening-up will never change with the reform and opening-up being intensified," he said.

"China will further ease market access, implement just and fair supervision, guarantee fair competition of different ownership subjects, and work to create an open, transparent, stable and expectable market and law environment for domestic and foreign enterprises as well as all kinds of talent."

Li said China welcomed more foreign experts to play a bigger role in the country's innovation development and hoped that domestic and foreign talent could work together to promote the innovation and progress of world science and technology and civilization, as well as the healthy development of economic globalization.

"China will make no exception in providing more opportunities to all talent and will protect intellectual property rights in a stricter way," Li said, adding China will continue to implement a more active, open and effective talent introduction policy, and will provide more convenience for foreign talent working in China.

Foreign experts said they would continue to make contributions to China's development and progress of human civilization. The foreign experts and their relatives were invited to attend a reception celebrating the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
S tormzy has unveiled the first project to come out of #Merky Books, his publishing imprint with Penguin Random House.

The Big For Your Boots hit maker revealed he would be highlighting the importance of diversity in higher education with Taking Up Space, a book written by Cambridge University graduates Chelsea Kwakye and Ore Ogunbiyi.

Sharing the news on social media, Stormzy told his 1.9 million followers: These 2 girls are incredible and this book is going to shake culture trust me.

"Please follow them and also @takingupspacebook more details and information to come soon!!!

In a joint statement, Kwakye and Ogunbiyi said: Diversity and inclusion have become buzzwords, especially in education, but it is time that we had honest conversations about what those two words truly mean, especially for young black girls.

Through our stories and the experiences of past and present university students, this book seeks to fill the gap of often incomplete conversations about widening participation and inclusion at university.

Stormzy offers scholarships to black students to go to Cambridge or Oxford University

"It will be the book that we wish we had before going into university and we hope it provides a comfort to those who will inevitably share our experiences.

The #MerkyBooks imprint forms part of the 25-year-olds empire which encompasses a record label, music festival and the Stormzy Scholarship which provides two black students with the funds to attend Cambridge University.

At the time, the star explained: Its so important for black students, especially, to be aware that it can 100 per cent be an option to attend a university of this calibre.
T he Cry launched with a peak at 6.3 million on Sunday night, with the new Jenna Coleman mystery miniseries hooking viewers in from the off.

An average audience of 5.7million tuned in to watch the first part of the new drama, adapted from a book by Helen FitzGerald.

The new drama, which marks Colemans return to the BBC since leaving Doctor Who in 2015, took over the 9pm-10pm slot from the hugely-successful drama Bodyguard.

The political thriller, penned by Jed Mercurio and led by Keeley Hawes and Richard Madden, launched with 6.7million back in August.

Launch: The Cry enjoyed good ratings for its debut on Sunday night / Synchronicity Films Ltd/Lachlan Moore

The Crys figures make it the second biggest drama launch of the year, ahead of McMafia with 5.6million on debut.

In the four-part drama, Joanna  played by Coleman  is a sleep-deprived mother desperately trying to keep her head above water when it comes to looking after three-month-old baby Noah, the son she shares with husband Alistair.

Drama: Bodyguard shattered audience records with its gripping series / BBC/Drama Republic/Sophie Mutevelian

Alistair, played by Ewan Leslie, is happy to let Joanna care for their child but soon uproots the family to Australia in order to fight for his teenage daughter, Chloe, from a previous marriage.

But one moment of distraction from Joanna turns their new life in Australia upside down in an instant as Noah vanishes, changing to focus of the story to getting a different child back.

Bodyguard, which concluded last week with 11million viewers, broke audience records with its gripping drama, marking itself as the biggest drama launch in a decade and biggest finale since Downton Abbey ended in 2015.

The Cry continues Sunday at 9pm on BBC One.
N etflix is being sued by EasyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou over claims of trademark infringement for comedy series Easy.

It is claimed that Haji-Ioannous easyGroup is behind a law suit seeking an injunction to prevent the title being used in Europe.

The Easy prefix features in many of the brands owned by easyGroup, including budget airline easyJet, easyHotel, easyBus and easyGym.

US comedy series Easy, created by Joe Swanberg, first aired in 2016 and is slated to return for a third and final series in 2019.

Pictured: EasyJet founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou, in a bedroom of his first no-frills easyHotel / Michael Stephens/PA Archive/PA Images

The comedy-drama anthology show stars Zazie Beets, Jane Adams and Marc Maron among its cast. Orlando Bloom and Emily Ratajkowski has previously appeared.

In a statement, Sir Stelios said: I think this is a case of typically arrogant behaviour by a very large American tech company who never bothered to check what legal rights other companies have outside the US. When Joe Swanberg came up with the name easy for his new TV series a couple of years ago they should have checked with their European lawyers before using it.

Easy: Elizabeth Reaser and Michael Chernus as Andi and Kyle / Netflix

We own the European trademark in the word easy and another one thousand trademarks with easy as a prefix and we cant allow people to use it now as a brand name, especially when they are doing it mostly with our colours and font.

At least I am pleased that Netflix have said that they will stop at series three anyway. However we have to stop them from promoting the older series in Europe for online streaming.

Addressing the case, Netflix said: We're looking into it but think viewers can tell the difference between a show they watch and a plane they fly."
S usannah Constantine accidentally swore as she slammed reports she was a diva backstage on Strictly Come Dancing.

The TV presenter, 56, was booted off the show on Sunday night after losing out to Lee Ryan in the dance-off.

It was reported that Constantine ignored the other dancers and refused to congratulate Ashley Roberts on her high score after being left furious at her early exit.

Zoe Ball addressed the claims on It Takes Two, asking Constantine: Can you put to bed these rumours in the papers today that you were a diva backstage, because frankly thats outrageous?

BBC/Guy Levy

She replied: We all got on so well. If they cant find something theyll make it up and I know how much fun I had with everyone with everybody and Ive made life-long friendships so s** them.

Her partner Anton Du Beke started coughing to cover up the bad language before Ball told viewers: Apologies for language but well said.

Her outburst comes hours after she slammed claims she had a tantrum backstage. Posting a link to an article she wrote: B*******, b******* and more b******* @bbcstrictly.

Constantine danced the Samba in a Carmen Miranda inspired routine last week before taking on the Foxtrot to They Cant Take That Away From Me by Frank Sinatra, something Craig Revel Horwood branded a dance disaster.

Strictly Come Dancing 2018 - Week Two - In Pictures 1 /15 Strictly Come Dancing 2018 - Week Two - In Pictures Ashley and Pasha BBC / Guy Levy Faye and Giovanni Guy Levy/BBC/BBC/PA Wire Joe and Dianne Guy Levy/BBC/BBC/PA Wire Katie and Gorka Guy Levy/BBC/BBC/PA Wire Dr Ranj and Janette Guy Levy/BBC/BBC/PA Wire Graeme and Oti Guy Levy/BBC/BBC/PA Wire Stacey and Kevin BBC Danny and Amy Guy Levy/BBC/BBC/PA Wire Lauren and AJ Guy Levy/BBC/BBC/PA Wire Kate and Aljaz Guy Levy/BBC/BBC/PA Wire Vick and Graziano Guy Levy/BBC/BBC/PA Wire Charles and Karen Guy Levy/BBC/BBC/PA Wire Seann and Katya Guy Levy/BBC/BBC/PA Wire Susannah and Anton Guy Levy/BBC/BBC/PA Wire Lee and Nadiya Guy Levy/BBC/BBC/PA Wire

Speaking to Ball she said she was gutted to be kicked off first, but said she would have felt like a cheat if someone else had gone before her.

Im gutted to be out first, she said. Its not a nice feeling at all. But if anyone else had gone out Id have felt like I cheated.

Du Beke also addressed claims he has quit the show, telling Ball: Im going to win this show one year. Even if I have to vote for myself.
C hallenger bank Monzo has been crowned the number one tech company in the UK by LinkedIn.

Fintech companies dominated the annual Top Start-ups list, with nine companies making an appearance. Monzo competitor Revolut came in third and ClearBank, the UKs first new clearing bank in over 250 years, placed fourth.

Elsewhere on the list, Starling Bank, Tandem Bank, and fintech consultancy 11-FS were also included.

This is the second year the social network has released its Top Start-ups list, which ranks the 25 UK companies that LinkedIn members would most like to work for.

The ranking takes into account actions such as job searches and company page views, and aims to celebrate innovation in the UK.

It makes sense that Monzo would be one of the most sought-after start-ups in the UK. The challenger bank, which launched in 2015 with the aim of transforming banking for the next generation, now has over 750,000 customers.

Its rumoured that the company is going to reach unicorn status, a private company valued at $1 billion or more, when it announces the details of its next funding round.

Even though the list covers the whole of the UK, 24 out of the 25 companies listed are based in London, demonstrating the strength of innovation in the capital.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: London is home to a wealth of talent and creativity so its no surprise that the capital dominates the LinkedIn Top Start-ups list in the UK.

Despite the difficulties and uncertainty posed by Brexit, we need to continue to support these businesses to thrive whilst creating an economy which lets all Londoners share in the capitals prosperity. I look forward to seeing these companies go from strength to strength  and to seeing how they continue to contribute to Londons business success story  in the years to come.

If you're looking for a new job, whether its in finance, health or even beauty, then the new list is a great place to start.

Here are the top 25 start-ups in the UK, according to LinkedIn
The head of the Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention has been removed from his duties because of a case of substandard vaccines, according to information posted on Sunday on the website of the Shandong Commission for Discipline Inspection and the Shandong Provincial Supervisory Commission.

Bi Zhenqiang, the director of the center, is also the subject of an investigation carried out by the province's discipline and supervisory commissions because he is involved with other activities that violate the law and disciplinary standards, it said.

Seven other Shandong officials have also been held accountable in the case, with five of them dismissed, including the deputy head of the Shandong Health and Family Planning Commission and the deputy head of the Food and Drug Administration.

Of the substandard vaccines produced by Changchun Changsheng Bio-tech Co, doses from one batch of 252,600 were all sold within the province. Another 247,200 doses from another batch were sold in Shandong and Anhui provinces. The substandard vaccines triggered widespread public outrage.

President Xi Jinping demanded a thorough investigation into the country's latest vaccine scandal and promised severe punishment for those accountable after the vaccine problem was exposed in July.

More than 40 government officials in Jilin province, where the Changchun Changsheng Bio-tech Co is located, including seven at the provincial level, were held accountable in August in the case.




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You are here: China

A ceremony for raising the National Flag was held early Monday morning at the Tian'anmen Square in downtown Beijing to celebrate the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

The Guard of Honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army escorted the national flag to the square, while the military band played the national anthem.

Around 145,000 people from across China gathered at the square to watch the ceremony.

Tian'anmen Square witnessed the raising of the first PRC national flag on Oct. 1, 1949, marking a great new start for the Chinese people.
The Bucharest Court of Appeals decided on Monday to put a lien on all the movable and immovable assets owned by former Minister Elena Udrea, up to the 4.7 million euro amount, in view of extended confiscation according to Agerpres.

The decision was made by the magistrates in the case in which Elena Udrea was prosecuted by the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) prosecutors, for influence peddling and money laundering, alongside journalist Dan Andronic, who is accused of false testimony.

The court also decided to rule the initiation of the proceedings on the merits in this case, the requests and exceptions raised by Elena Udrea and Dan Andronic having been rejected.Elena Udrea was sentenced to 6 years in prison in the "Gala Bute" case for for bribe-taking and abuse of office, but she left Romania and currently resides in Costa Rica. AGERPRES (RO - author: Eusebi Manolache editor: Andreea Rotaru EN.
Defence Minister Mihai Fifor said on Monday that he will begin the procedure for acquiring coastal artillery systems.

"Today we hope to start the procedure for the acquisition of mobile rocket launchers for the country's coastal artillery, a milestone in the Romanian Armed Forces' military acquisitions, a programme that adds up to the others to make sure Romania has a deterrent and defensive capacity in this part of [NATO's] eastern flank. Today, after all the steps preceding the launch of this procedure, we publish the announcement. Two weeks ago I approved a government decision on this and now we are ready to launch this procedure," said Fifor, who attended at the opening of the academic year at the Military Technical Academy.

He said that he wants the Romanian Armed Forces to have the best equipment, some of which will be made by the national defence industry, know-how transfer and industrial co-operation."There was talk in the US about the F16 programme that we want to continue to buy. First of all, there are the five aircraft we are going to buy again from Portugal, as we did with the other 12. It's true that I asked for support from the US secretary of defence, because whether they are bought from Portugal or from another allied country the procedure is the same and the US government is required to agree for this procedure to take place," Fifor said when asked by journalists about his recent visit to the US.Fifor also pointed out that US Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis gave all assurances that there would be support for this programme."On the other hand, we still discussed the 36 aircraft we intend to buy so that we can meet the need for army acquisitions. The Air Force Staff has assured that on February Romania can go on air policing using F16 fighters. Then the whole procedure is finished, all the training required to operate these aircraft with maximum safety and efficiency," Fifor said.He also said that he is pleased every year to return to the Military Technical Academy, where the future specialists for the technical equipment to be acquired by the Romanian Armed Forces under major supply programmes are being trained."I can only rejoice and wish all those who start a new academic year, whether they are here at the Military Technical Academy, whether they start the university year at other higher education establishments of the Ministry of National Defence, success, a fruitful year, and hope that they will only have meritorious results, as we have come to expect of them," added Fifor.
President Klaus Iohannis said on Monday at the opening ceremony of the academic year at Iasi University centre that students have an important role in "completing a national mission appropriate for Centennial Romania" and emphasised the role of high-level academic education.

"In a world undergoing continuous and rapid transformation, marked by often unpredictable changes, high-level academic education becomes more relevant. In this sense, the importance of universities, teachers and researchers increases exponentially because, first of all, it is where versatile skills can be developed to respond adequately to tomorrow's demands," Iohannis told over 800 people at the Vasile Alecsandri Theatre House who attended the ceremony.

He said he expects the universities "to be creative, adaptable, active, and to take on the task of educating students so that they become the artisans of Romania's change for the better.""We have a lot of work on countless fronts, but I am convinced that you, dear students, who represent the generations formed today in the Romanian universities, will play a crucial role in completing a national mission that is suited to Centennial Romania. At the same time, I encourage you all - teachers, researchers and students - to look at the university as a space for dialogue and constructive exchanges of ideas, an open environment of the university in which tolerance and respect for the values of others are understood and respected as such. Success with everything you desire and a new academic year as rich in achievements as possible!," added Iohannis.The president concluded by congratulating the academic community of Iasi for "the unity it displays in this university year of great significance to Romania.""This is the example that I think the whole society expects," Iohannis said.On Monday, Klaus Iohannis attended the opening of the academic year at the invitation of the Gheorghe Asachi Technical University (TUIASI), celebrating the 205th anniversary of the first Romanian tuition class in agronomy engineering established by Asachi.
President Klaus Iohannis stressed on Monday in Iasi that "technical education is in many ways one of the main components of an educational system connected to the labor market and connected to economic realities."

The head of state stated, at a ceremony marking the 205th anniversary of the first Romanian-language engineering class and the opening of the academic year at "Gheorghe Asachi" Technical University that "the graduates of technical universities are very much sought after by the large companies."

"The existence of a university of this profile is often an element that attracts investment in a region. As evidence, the big economic growth poles are concentrated in university cities such as Bucharest, Cluj, Timisoara and, yes, more and more Iasi," said Iohannis.He also stated that "one of the most important missions of universities is to generate new ideas."On the other hand, Iohannis appreciated that Iasi Polytechnic graduates "contributed over time to the completion of the national unity established politically in 1918"."The engineers trained here played a significant role in building the necessary infrastructure to make the Union a living reality. They helped penetrate the Carpathians with roads and railways, a seemingly insurmountable issue now, in the 21st century. They also contributed to the economic diversification of a state that was born eminently agrarian, thus facilitating the industrialization, making economic activity efficient and the modernization of agriculture", added the president.
The project of the Museum of Romanians Abroad materialized on Monday as an online platform accessible to all Romanians on all continents.

Minister Natalia-Elena Intotero launched the virtual version in Rome, alongside the representatives of the Romanian community and Romanian students of the branch in Rome of the Faculty of Theology, University of Bucharest, informs a release of the Ministry for Romanians Abroad.

The online platform of the museum includes sections such as: Romanians Along Borders, Mobile Diaspora, Centennial, Romanian Exile, School and Church, Old Identity Cards and passports, Maps, Traditions and Customs and Other Things.The Minister presented on this occasion the content of the online version and reminded that the Museum of Romanians Abroad is a project that Romanians in the diaspora and the historic communities wanted it very much."We launched this platform in the Capital City where we have the most numerous community of the mobile diaspora - let's not forget that almost 1,200,000 Romanians reside in the Italian Republic. At the same time, our origin and existence as a nation is related to Rome. I thank all those who contributed with materials in achieving this project. We will continue to work every day to enrich the content and I hope that next year the actual museum to open its gates in Bucharest," said Minister Intotero, quoted in the release.The platform was achieved with the support of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the National Museum of History of Romania, the Romanian Academy, the Eurodidactica Publishing House, the Romanian Patriarchy, as well as the support of the Romanian associative environment abroad.The Museum of Romanians Everywhere can be visited online at: www.muzeulromanilordepretutindeni.gov.ro and watching live the official page on Facebook of the MRP: https://www.facebook.com.mprpromania/.
Prime Minister Viorica Dancila stated on Monday at the opening of the academic year that the investment in education is the investment in the future and the Government endorses investments in research, development and innovation through fiscal facilities.

"Investing in education is investing in the future. Our goal is to develop the modern high education as an integrated component in the European higher education space. Tightly related to the education area are research, development and innovation, without which an intelligent and sustainable economic growth cannot be ensured, one that will meet the current European and international challenges. Romania's Government joins the European trend of endorsing, through fiscal facilities, this sector, in view of exempting from the payment of the profit tax granted to investment in research, development and innovation, as well as their support through the implementation of state aid schemes that is currently in the works," Viorica Dancila stated at the University of Craiova.

The PM appreciated the fact that the investors of Craiova are funding programmes ran by this university and the city represents one of the most important university centres of Romania, part of the European and international academia community.Viorica Dancila conveyed messages of encouragement to the students, so they participate in innovative projects and activities, and highlighted their professors and researchers' openness towards new, showing that the University of Craiova represents an example, through the programmes carried out over the past years within some partnerships, but also for the fact that the study programmes meet the requirements of the labour market.
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis on Monday voiced his support in Bucharest for the need for building a motorway to link Moldavia with Bucharest.

He stated, on the occasion of the opening of the new university year, that "beyond education, in order to be able to capitalize on its full potential, Iasi really needs infrastructure to become an important European city."

A motorway to link Moldavia with the rest of the country and a Pan-European motorway network are absolutely necessary. And the neglecting of the already existing infrastructure must stop. It's inadmissible to have the Bucharest-Iasi distance covered by train in approximately six hours and a half, which is significantly longer than 20 years ago. All these aspects, legislative predictability, a long-term vision in education and research, sustained investments to cover for the infrastructure deficit can contribute of a decisive manner to Iasi regaining its historical role of a regional capital and European development pole," said Iohannis.At the same time, the head of the state underscored that Romania is making steps backwards in innovation and research."Times are changing and, normally, we should be prepared to deal with the changes. Unfortunately, reality proves that we aren't. For instance, in the research and innovation field we are making steps backwards because of the modifications that risk to block performance and the increase in the economic competitiveness, with a negative impact in the long run on social welfare. Legislative instability and the lack of clear directions in education determined me to launch the "Educated Romania" project, the conclusions of which I will make public very soon. This project is the result of two years of consultations, discussions and debates involving the main actors in the education field," said the President.The Romanian President, Klaus Iohannis, on Monday participated in the opening of the university year at the academic centre in Iasi. He answered thus to an invitation extended to him by the Technical University "Gheorghe Asachi' in Iasi, which celebrates 205 years since Gheorghe Asachi established the first class of topographer engineers with teaching in Romanian language here.Participating in the event hosted by the "Vasile Alecsandri" National Theatre were also members of the academic community, professors and students from all the five state universities in Iasi.
National leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) Liviu Dragnea said on Sunday evening that the jobs of the ministers are being assessed, and a date for the convention of the party's National Executive Committee (CExN) will be set after the prime minister returns from Strasbourg.

"We have agreed with Mrs Prime Minister to talk this week after she returns from Strasbourg. Normally, she is focused on what's going to happen there, and after she comes back, we'll talk and we'll basically decide when to convene the National Executive Committee, which will assess the job of each minister, and our colleagues will voice their opinions," Dragnea told Romania TV private broadcaster.

Asked if there is a black list already, the PSD leader replied: "No, as far as I know. Because it would mean targeting and then finding arguments."Dragnea said a ministerial evaluation is being carried out and that the CExN members will also present their takes on the ministers' jobs."The assessment is being drawn up, the prime minister has decided so; I do not know who has asked for the assessment, but our colleagues on the PSD National Executive Committee also have their own assessment. Besides other things, a mandatory quality for a minister is communication, because many said that is a joke, and the prime minister always tells them they have to communicate, but not because that would be some unsubstantiated wish. Romanians need to be informed, it is mandatory to inform the Romanians because you govern for them (...) If you are not even able to communicate, you have a problem. Any minister in any government in the world who wants to be performing needs to communicate, clearly and whenever needed," said Dragnea.He pointed out that some ministers had spoken "a little pushed from behind."He also said that there are some ministries where 12 signatures are needed before the minister's decision to pass ordinances or decisions, but in his opinion a government cannot function like that.
Ambassador of the US in Bucharest Hans Klemm stated on Monday at the Faculty of Law that the latest changes cumulated in the Romanian justice legislation threaten to turn back the clock to the early 2000s, a period marked by corruption in Romania.

The diplomat participated in the opening ceremony of the academic year, alongside Ambassador of France in Bucharest Michele Ramis. He talked about the amendments to the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code, about the changes made to the Judicial Inspection, but also about the protests of the Romanian magistrates regarding these amendments, that were "unimaginable" in the past.

Klemm stated that for the magistrates who weren't intimidated the new legislation provides many opportunities for the coercion and punishment of magistrates who cause a commotion, through a stronger Judicial Inspection and a newly created bureau designed only to punish judges and prosecutors.In this context, the US diplomat pointed out that these cumulative changes threaten to turn the back the clock to the early 2000s when Justice was affected by corruption and political influence.He went on saying that the progress made by the Romanian justice is also threatened by the amendments brought to the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code passed by Parliament this summer, adding that these amendments seem to have been created in order to throw Romania back to the early 2000s.He stressed that these amendments which are disguised in the concern towards the equitable trial and the human rights are a clear attempt to protect certain interests from an independent Justice. Promulgated in the the current draft, said the US Ambassador, these amendments will make the investigation and punishment of an offense, starting from homicide up to organised crime, to be cumbersome or impossible.According to Klemm, in this context, the international cooperation in the Justice area will be significantly reduced due to the concerns related to sharing pieces of information with Romania.He said that Parliament has closed by aiming to make these modifications. The US Ambassador went on saying that the Romanian Parliament ignored, by motivating a need to act swiftly and the fact that a consultation with all the actors involved would already have happened, the views of the Superior Council of Magistracy, a petition signed by the majority of magistrates and the written instructions of some experts of the Venice Commission, the European Commission and the Group of States Against Corruption (GRECO).However, he stated that there are signs of hope in the Romanian Justice, taking into account that the Romanian magistrates seem to have reached a level of maturity, confidence and independence from which they will not easily allow a regression of the judiciary. The magistrates protested against the amendments of the legislation that concerned their profession in a manner that would have been unimaginable over a decade ago, he pointed out.The diplomat added that there have been magistrates who have been "attacked" because of their gesture, who have been told that their behavior is an unacceptable political activity, who have been threatened to be penalised, but they continued to make their views known.The Ambassador spoke about the current stage of the Romanian Justice. The pointed out that since joining the EU, over one decade ago, Romania's judiciary system has never been confronted with such an intense debate and such a great potential for change.In his view, the judicial system that was built with great effort, over two decades, could be significantly dismantled in less than one year.He asked the students if they will have the motivation and courage to protect and improve the judicial system of Romania. He went on saying that it is not a decision without a cost in their personal life, even if it would be easier to get in line with those in power than to act with integrity and courage.
Several tens of people gathered on Sunday evening in the Victoriei Square in order to protest against the current Government and the "assault on justice," according to the statements of those present at the rally.

The protesters chanted slogans such as: "Romania, wake up," "Out with the mob from the Romanian state," "We won't surrender, we resist" and performed 'Imnul Golanilor' (the Anthem of Rascals), while waving the tricolor flag.

The protest was announced on the "Baricada Tv" Facebook page, under the title "We won't forget, we won't forgive, we won't let you kill democracy."Moreover, approximately 100 people gathered on Sunday afternoon in the Victoria Square in order to protest against the referendum on family definition.The rally was organised by the MozaiQ Association, a supporter of the LGBT community, under the slogan "Love is not to be voted."Those present showed that they don't agree with the organisation of a referendum "for restricting the right of a minority" and stated that marriage should be possible between two people who love each other, regardless of whether they are of the same gender.The protest lasted approximately two hours and no incidents were reported.
Russias military operation in Syria was launched on September 30, 2015. Over 63, 000 servicemen, including 26,000 commissioned officers and 434 generals, have seen combat there to receive invaluable experience. Russian forces have used 231 new types of advanced weapons, including aircraft, surface-to-air systems, and cruise missiles. Its interesting to note that the representatives of arms-producing companies are in place to assess the systems performance. The Syrian experience is to be taken into account as new weapons are developed.

All in all, the Russian Aerospace Forces have conducted 39,000 sorties or over 100 flights daily on average, destroying 121,466 targets and killing more than 86,000 militants, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu reported. The service has launched 66 long-range cruise missile strikes. The operations have been supported by A-50 and Tu-214R early warning and control aircraft as well as Il-20M1 electronic warfare (EW) planes. It should be noted that the Aerospace Forces group has not been large, with estimated 30-50 combat aircraft and 16-40 helicopters deployed at any given moment.

The Su-35S is a brand-new air superiority fighter, which has proven to be a formidable weapon. Dave Majumbar, a leading military expert and defense editor of The National Interest, believes that It is only a matter of time before the Russians manage to sell more of these jets around the worldespecially to those nations that either do not want to or are unable to buy Western aircraft. The Su-34M frontline bomber is the workhorse to bear the brunt of the work. And it is doing it with flying colors. The plane is equipped with the SVP-24 Tefest special computing subsystem to provide for enhanced accuracy. The GLONASS satellite navigation system is used to constantly compare the position of the aircraft and the target and measure the environmental parameters. The information from datalinks allows computing an envelope (speed, altitude, and course) inside which a gravity bomb is automatically released at the precise moment to strike with the same accuracy as cutting edge smart munitions do. Even if GLONASS were jammed, the sensors would do the job. Fire-and-forget guidance allows the pilot to concentrate on detecting threats and targets. The weather conditions or time of the day play no role. Su-35s and Su-30SMs also have contributed to air-to-surface operations though their prime mission is air cover. The MiG-29 SMT came to Syria in September 2017 for testing.

Tu-160 and Tu-95MS strategic bombers as well as Tu-22M3 long range bomber, accompanied by Su-30SMs, Su-35s and Su-27SM3s, saw combat for the first time. The strategic bombers used the brand new Kh-101 and Kh-55 cruise missiles with conventional warheads contained inside the body of the planes.

The successful performance in Syria prompted the decision to renew the production of Tu-160 bombers upgraded to the M2 version. On Nov. 17, 2015 two Tu-160s launched 16 Kh-101 missiles to knock out the targets with the aircraft returning to the Engels air base in Russia.

The operation in Syria is the first time Russia demonstrated its ability to launch massive long-range high-precision strikes, including the satellite-guided Su-24M and Su-34 have used Kh-29L laser-guided air-to-surface missiles as well as Kh-25ML lightweight missile with a modular range of guidance systems and a range of 10 km. Russian media have reported that Su-34s use the upgraded Kh-35U turbojet subsonic cruise anti-ship missile with a range of 300 km (160 mi). Two Su-57 fifth generation jets have gone through a two-day testing period in Syria. Il-76 and An-124 have conducted 2,785 flights to provide the forces with the logistical support they need.

The Mi-28N and the Ka-52 attack helicopters of Army aviation saw their first ever battle tests, liberating the cities of Palmyra and Aleppo. Both use Ataka anti-tank missile systems. Mi-24Ps support the forces on the ground.

During the three-year period 86 surface ships, 14 submarines and 83 auxiliary vessels have taken part in the operation. Admiral Kuznetsov, the only Russian aircraft carrier, was in the area in the period Nov.2016-Jan. 2017. Su-33s and conducted 420 sorties, including 117 at night time, to hit 1252 targets. Ka-52K and Ka-31SV (Ka-35) naval aviation reconnaissance and combat helicopters have made their first flights in combat conditions. Bastion and Oniks coastal anti-ship missile systems protect the naval group near the Syrias shore. Naval Kalibr cruise missiles, installed on surface ships as well as submarines, are able to precisely strike land targets at a distance of 2,600km. They have been used 13 times to deliver 100 strikes. The ability to fire long-range sea and air-launched cruise missiles has ushered Russia into the club of the chosen. It no longer has to rely exclusively on nuclear weapons.

Buk-M2s and Pantsir-S1 were the first systems deployed in Syria. The latter has proven to be the most effective weapon against drones. It is defending the Hmeimim base from UAV attacks daily with no drone having penetrated the Pantsir-protected space. The S-400 has been deployed in Hmeimim to protect the skies over a large part of Syria since November 2015 to be later joined by S300V4. air defense missile systems are protecting the Tartus naval base where Russian Navy ships are anchored. The Krasukha-4 mobile electronic warfare system was delivered to Hmeimim on Sept.25 to boost the air defenses. The system can jam communications systems, disable guided missiles and aircraft, and neutralize Low-Earth Orbit spy satellites and radars (AWACS) at the ranges of 150-300km.

Hmeimim is well guarded by Army, SOF and Marines supported by T-90A and T-72B2 MBTs and Msta-B 152mm towed howitzers. The Uran-6 mine clearing robot was used to demine Palmira and Aleppo. Its operations were supported by Scarabey and Sfera reconnaissance robotic systems. The Uran-9 tracked Unmanned Ground Vehicle, or a remote-controlled tank, has coped with the most difficult missions in combat conditions.

The new Tigr 44, multipurpose, all-terrain infantry mobility vehicle, is widely used for a broad range of missions across the country, including the support of military police missions. The Typhoon-U mine-resistant assault vehicle used by paratroopers is also in Syria having gone through tests there before entering service.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have conducted over 25, 000 sorties to detect 47,500 targets. Roughly 70 drones were carrying out missions daily. The overall flight time of Forpost, Orlan-10, Aileron and Zala drones is equal to 140, 000 hours. The situation is monitored round the clock.

In 2017, the Terminator tank support fighting vehicle saw combat as a unique system destined for urban warfare. The first batch of the systems that have no analogues in the world entered service with the Russian Army in March.

The Kornet anti-tank system with air defense capability has proven to be a reliable and very deadly weapon. The systems portable-transportable launcher can be installed on wheeled and tracked vehicles. The Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower has become indispensable for striking enemy in mountainous areas and underground tunnels and bunkers.

Russian military advisors also trained and advised soldiers of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA), while developing relationships with pro-government militias. Russia managed and funded the Fifth Corps in 2016. The force, which consists of volunteers, is deployed alongside other SAA units. Russian high-ranking officers and generals on train, advice and assist missions have often led Syrian troops to victories sharing their experience and expertise.

In 2015, Russia was predicted to plunge in a protracted conflict with no end in sight, which would be sapping its resources without any positive results achieved. Western experts believed Russia was to sustain a long-term deployment far from its borders. It has turned out differently.

Since the start of Russias operation, the Syrias government has gone from the brink of collapse to near victory, with its control established control over the larger part of the country. It is firmly in power. Aleppo has been cleared of terrorists and control of Palmyra regained. This century, Russias victory in Syria is the only example of successful military operation achieved in a short period of time with positive results, paving the way for a negotiated solution, with the focus shifting to a political process. The time has come for diplomats, not guns, to talk.

Russia has become the key actor in Syria and its post-conflict reconstruction. On Sept. 17, Moscow and Ankara agreed to a diplomatic solution for Syria's northern Idlib province. The Russia-initiated Astana peace process has made progress, such as the establishment of de-escalation zones among other things, unlike the UN-brokered talks. Post-war reconstruction has started in many areas.

Three years on, it is safe to say the success in Syria has reaffirmed Russias status as a global superpower with power projection capability. Moscow has become the key stakeholder in the Middle East. Its global political clout has grown immensely as the world is shifting from a unipolar pattern to multipolar configuration.
The squalid charade in the US Senate over the nomination of a Supreme Court judge and the comic opera performance by President Donald Trump at the UN General Assembly are deeply embarrassing for many Americans  but far from all Americans, because substantial numbers support the flawed Court nominee and strongly endorse Trumps arrogant and malevolent insults to so many nations. They relish confronting and menacing those who dare to disagree with them.

Trumps threats against Venezuela were in line with similar intimidating remarks he made about North Korea at last years UN Assembly, but its unlikely well see a similar reversal this time round. He also threatened Venezuela last year, and hes maintained the offensive, in all meanings of the word. In 2017 he declared that President Nicolas Maduros government was strangling the country through faithfully implemented socialism and vowed to help the Venezuelan people regain their freedom, recover their country and restore their democracy. In New York on September 25 he said it would be easy for the Venezuelan military to launch a coup detat and impose regime change, which was a direct threat to the countrys sovereignty. His encouragement of revolution followed his announcement to the Assembly that I honour the right of every nation in this room to pursue its own customs, beliefs and traditions. The United States will not tell you how to live or work or worship. We only ask that you honour our sovereignty in return.

But Trump is telling  ordering  many countries how to live and work, and has no respect whatever for customs or beliefs that do not fit with his confused and distorted view of how the nations of the world should conduct their affairs. He contradicted his statement about all nations having the right to do as they wish by calling on the UN to resist socialism and the misery it brings to everyone.

He has no idea that India, a country on which he heaped praise during his bizarre UN tirade, has a Constitution that begins, We, the people of India [resolve] to constitute India into a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic and to secure to all its citizens the tenets of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. But that is a minor example of absurd contradiction in Trumps erratic approach to the world. As pointed out in a Newsweek column, Even in his choice of countries worthy of praise, Americas president signalled values set at odds with erstwhile American ideals His praise of reforms undertaken by Saudi Arabias young crown prince omitted the severe crackdown on human rights activists in what remains a theocratic, absolute monarchy. His singling out of Poland and Israel as thriving democracies left many perplexed, given each countrys recent and well-documented struggles with democratic governance.

That puts it mildly, because Israeli soldiers continue to kill unarmed Palestinians, and the lurch of Poland to extremism is not just perplexing but most disturbing for Europe. As observed by Professor Laurent Pech of the UKs Middlesex University, Poland is no longer a state governed by the rule of law In essence, Polands so-called judicial reforms are not reforms at all but rather a set of deliberate systemic attacks on the independence of the Polish judiciary. But it isnt surprising that Poland is backed enthusiastically by Trump, because it is one of Washingtons best customers for vastly expensive weapons and probably not least because it wants to have a US military base named Fort Trump, and is prepared to spend 2 billion dollars building it.

It is unlikely Iran would ever want to construct a Fort Trump, in view of the fact that the US president relished insulting the Tehran government and told the General Assembly that Irans leaders sow chaos, death and destruction. They do not respect their neighbours or borders or the sovereign rights of nations which is nonsense, but not as risibly absurd as his declaration that Irans neighbours have paid a heavy toll for the agenda of aggression and expansion.

Irans neighbours are Afghanistan to the east and Iraq to the west, and they have paid a heavy toll after being invaded by the United States military, because they have been reduced to chaos. Both are warzones and have become havens for the lunatic extremists of Islamic State. In Iraq in 2017, as recorded by Human Rights Watch, Iraqi and US-led coalition forces bombarded civilian objects including homes and hospitals in ISIS-held areas. They have fired inherently imprecise ground-fired munitions, including mortars, grad rockets and Improvised Rocket-Assisted Munitions into densely populated civilian areas. In addition, aircraft have dropped explosive weapons with wide-area effects on these areas. By the coalitions own admission, its aircraft have unintentionally killed at least 624 civilians.

Just who is sowing death and destruction in Iraq?

On September 26, the day after Trumps UN pantomime, the New York Times reported the UN as recording that in Afghanistan the number of civilians killed by Afghan and American airstrikes is rising 21 civilians were killed in two airstrikes last weekend. and that after the release of the United Nations statement, an airstrike on Tuesday in Kunduz Province killed three more people, a 45-year-old woman and two teenage girls, according to Sher Mohammed, the husband of the woman who died. The UN Mission said that in the first six months of 2018, airstrikes killed 149 people and injured 204, a 52 percent increase from the same period last year.

Afghanistan is paying a heavy toll for the US agenda of aggression and expansion.

Washington continues to sow death and destruction around the world, and it is apparent that Trump is intent on domination. His belligerent policy on Iran, however, may not be simple to pursue, as the European Union, China and Russia disapprove of the unilateral US sanctions designed to cripple the Iranian economy which were imposed on the spurious grounds that the nuclear accord signed in 2015 is in some way threatening to the US. They intend to support the agreement, and it is heartening that, at last, the most important countries in the world are getting together to show Trump that he cant have it all his own erratic way.
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Syracuse, NY -- An African-American man whose car was attacked by an irate driver who hurled the N-word at him multiple times does not want the assailant to go to jail, a prosecutor said today.

David Brooks, 39, of Solvay, is facing criminal mischief as a hate crime, which carries a possible 2 1/3- to 7-year prison sentence.

Assistant District Attorney Jordan McNamara said that the victim has repeatedly said he favors a "rehabilitative" sentence, not incarceration.

The prosecutor offered a 5-year probationary sentence if Brooks pleaded guilty.

Brooks is accused of following the victim's vehicle on West Genesee Street on Feb. 1 after Brooks felt he was cut off, according to the indictment. Brooks eventually pulled in front of the other vehicle, got out and confronted the victim, the indictment stated.

"The defendant exited his vehicle and called John Doe a racial slur in excess of five times and told John Doe he 'needs to learn how to drive, to go to the bank and cash his welfare check,' " the indictment read.

Brooks then approached the passenger side of the victim's vehicle, swinging his hand and striking the vehicle, damaging the passenger side mirror, the indictment stated.

The victim had two young children in his car at the time, authorities have said.

Today, defense lawyer Kerilyn Micale indicated that she'd talk to her client about the offer of probation. Brooks did not speak in court today.

Micale noted that the probation department wanted Brooks to attend a "cultural awareness program." McNamara said that was the victim's wish.

Micale said she could find no such program through the probation department. Both sides agreed to continue looking into that.

Brooks did not plead guilty today. His case was adjourned until later this month for a decision. He remains free as the case continues.
Jameisha Stanford. Provided photo by family

Syracuse, NY -- A Syracuse teenager entered a surprise plea this morning to the May 2017 crash that killed a 2-year-old girl.

Felix Santos, who was 17 at the time, pleaded guilty to manslaughter, leaving the scene of a fatal crash and reckless driving in the hit-and-run accident that killed Jameisha Stanford as she played in her front yard.

Santos admitted to the crime in a Facebook post that appeared after the Shonnard Street crash, but had balked at pleading guilty before today.

Santos was driving fast down Shonnard Street when he attempted to pass a car making a left turn. He struck the car, lost control and went onto the curb, killing the little girl, authorities have said.

Santos had been headed for trial. He was due in court today for final preparations before a jury was called in two weeks.

Instead, he pleaded guilty to a plea offer from County Court Judge Matthew Doran.

Santos will spend no more than three to nine years in prison when sentenced later this month. It's an offer that Doran made in July, but that Santos had rejected until now.

Santos's lawyer, William Sullivan, had sought a sealed record and a 1 1/3- to 4-year prison sentence. That was the recommendation of the county probation department.

But Doran said he considered other factors -- including the opposition from the little girl's family -- before declining to commit to the sealed record.

Here's where the law gets a little tricky.

If Doran seals Santos's record, called youthful offender treatment, that would automatically cap the punishment at 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison.

So Doran's 3- to 9-year offer implied that he wouldn't give youthful offender treatment.

However, the judge has repeatedly noted that he's required to keep an open mind about youthful offender treatment at sentencing.

So today's sentence promise was "no worse" than three to nine years in prison. If Doran is convinced to allow youthful offender, it will shorten Santos's sentence. If not, Santos would spend three to nine years in prison.

For his part, prosecutor Chris Bednarski said he opposed anything less than four to 12 years in prison.

Santos could have faced up to five to 15 years in prison if convicted of manslaughter. It's possible, though unlikely, that he could have faced additional time for fleeing the scene.

Members of Stanford's family could be heard crying in the gallery as Santos pleaded guilty today.

He remains in jail until sentencing Oct. 30.
AUBURN, N.Y. -- Cayuga County health officials have confirmed a rare case of Powassan virus in an adult living in the county.

"Powassan virus is a rare, but often serious disease caused by a virus that is spread by the bite of an infected black-legged tick or deer tick," according to a Cayuga County Health Department news release.

"Unlike other tick-borne diseases, Powassan virus can be transmitted to a human from an infected tick while being attached to a person for as little as 15 minutes," the release said.

The state Health Department notified Cayuga County health officials of the first confirmed case of Powassan virus in an adult living in the county.

"This is the furthest west in New York State that the virus has been identified," county health officials said in the release.

In New York State, there are 1 to 2 cases of the virus each year, according to the state Health Department. Nationally, approximately 75 cases have been reported over the past 10 years, according to the state.

Most cases in the United States are reported in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions mainly in the late spring, early summer and mid-fall when ticks are most active, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat Powassan virus infection," according to the CDC.

While many people who become infected with the Powassan virus do not develop symptoms, those who do usually have symptoms within one to four weeks after being bit by a tick carrying the virus, health officials said.

Symptoms can include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, speech difficulties, seizures, paralysis, coma or death. The Powassan virus can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the membrane the surround the brain and spinal cord).

"People with severe Powassan virus disease often need to be hospitalized to receive support with breathing and swelling in and around the brain," county officials said in the news release."Reduce your risk of infection from Powassan virus by avoiding ticks."

The Cayuga County resident with Powassan virus was treated at a Syracuse hospital and later discharged, Cayuga County Public Health Director Kathleen Cuddy said.

County health officials are confident the person contracted the virus in Cayuga County, although Cuddy was not sure exactly when that happened.

"It was relatively recently," she said. "Complications led to hospitalization."

The person is out of the hospital now, Cuddy said.

County health officials provided several tips for residents to avoid exposure to ticks. When in a potentially tick-infested area:

* Wear light-colored clothing (for easy tick discovery);

* Tuck pants into socks and shirt into pants;

* Check frequently during outdoor activity for ticks on clothing or skin;

* Brush off any ticks on clothing or skin before skin attachment occurs; and

* A thorough check of body surfaces for attached ticks should be done once indoors. Wearing insect repellent also can help reduce bites from ticks that can spread disease.
SYRACUSE N.Y.---

The Franciscan Friars at Assumption Church hosted two special blessings for pets (of all faiths) on Sunday. It was the fourth year for the event that starts a week long celebration of the birth of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4. St. Francis started the Franciscan tradition over 800 years ago.

The services were held on the lawn at the side of the church. There was a special blessing offered for pets who are ill. "This event proves peace filled each year and is a great way to share the love that Saint Francis had for all creation with Central New York," said Friar Nader Ata of Assumption Church.

Friar Rick Riccioli of Assumption Church says, "We've seen bunnies, cats, dogs...and last year we even had a hedgehog come for a blessing! All animals are welcome."
Syracuse, N.Y. -- A Syracuse homeless advocate is threatening a boycott of a local Dunkin' Donuts after a worker there was caught on video dumping water on a man who was sleeping in the store.

It appears that the video was captured Sunday night at the Dunkin' Donuts on North Salina Street near Butternut Street. In it, the store was mostly empty. The man had his head down on the table. His phone was charging next to him.

A worker pours a pitcher of water on the man, who stumbles up. Then the worker and a man off camera can be heard laughing.

"How many times I've got to tell you to stop sleeping in here, my (profanity)," the worker says to the man who had been sleeping. He goes on to tell the man that he's not going to call the cops. He just wants him to get out.

After seeing the video, which has been posted and shared on Facebook, Al-amin Muhammad went down to the Dunkin' Donuts and asked the workers about what happened. He videoed the exchange.

Muhammad asks them about a video of a worker there, "disrespecting one of my homeless friends."

A worker at the counter, who says she just saw the video, as well, said "We know as much as you guys... we don't think it's right, at all."

Muhammad asks to speak with a manager, so another worker calls, but cannot get through.

The phone continued to be busy this morning when a Syracuse.com reporter called for comment.

Muhammad said he will call for a boycott of the store if he doesn't hear from the management by noon, today.

John Tumino, a Syracuse homeless advocate who runs the street outreach, "In My Father's Kitchen," said he was shocked by the video.

He said homeless people he knows are often welcomed by the staff in that Dunkin' Donuts.

He also wondered why the worker felt it was necessary to pour the water on the man.

"You're not even bothering anybody. There were no other customers there," Tumino said.

A better option, he said, would have been to call 211. If the worker called that number, Tumino or another homeless outreach worker in Onondaga County would have been dispatched to come help the man.

"I'm not saying it's cool for the guy to be sleeping in Dunkin' Donuts, but there are better tactics than throwing water on someone," Tumino said.

Muhammad is currently outside the Dunkin Donuts, talking to people about what happened on Facebook live.

Marnie Eisenstadt is an enterprise reporter who writes about people, life and culture in Central New York. Have an idea or question? Contact her anytime: email | twitter | Facebook | 315-470-2246
The 2019 Bassmaster Elite Series tour, featuring professional bass anglers from across the country, last week announced it was adding Cayuga Lake to its schedule.

Anglers will be competing Aug. 22-25 on the Finger Lake, vying for a $100,000 winner's check. With the announcement, the tour will hold tournaments on two Upstate New York waterways next year. The other will be held the weekend before on the St. Lawrence River.

The initial schedule had two events planned for the Western United States on the California Delta and the Columbia River in Washington.

"But after listening to anglers' concerns about travel expenses and time away from families, two venues that are more conveniently located to the anglers were selected," according to Bassmaster.com.

Tournament officials decided to drop the two West Coast tournaments and go with Cayuga Lake and Lake Guntersville in Scottsboro, Ala. on June 21-24. Lake Guntersville was ranked ninth on the 2018 list of Bassmaster Magazine's 100 Best Bass Lakes. It has been the site of 22 major B.A.S.S. events, including the 2014 Bassmaster Classic.

Cayuga Lake was ranked 13th on the Northeastern Division of Bassmaster Magazine's 100 Best Bass Lakes. The waterway has been the scene of three previous major B.A.S.S. tournaments, dating back to 2012.

Cayuga was chosen for the updated schedule, according to Bassmaster.com, "specifically to cut down on anglers' travel time. The Elite Series already has an event scheduled for New York's St. Lawrence River on Aug. 15-18."

The Cayuga event will be hosted by the Village of Union Springs with weigh-ins held at Frontenac Park. The 2016 competition on Cayuga was won by Kevin Van Dam, of Kalamazoo, Mich.

This year's schedule only featured one Upstate New York stop - the St. Lawrence River. That tournament was held Aug. 23-26. Josh Bertrand, of San Tan Valley, Ariz., won that tournament.

The St. Lawrence River, one of the most popular stops among anglers and fans of the Bassmaster Eilte Series, will be a regular stop on the tour through 2021 as a result of a multi-year agreement between B.A.S.S. and the village of Waddington.

The agreement was signed by Waddington Mayor Janet Cassada during the weigh-in ceremonies of this year's tournament, according to Bassmaster.com.

This year's Elite Series tour featured only one New York angler - Jamie Hartman, of Newport, N.Y. Hartman dropped out mid-way through the tournament series, though, as a result of a crippling sciatic nerve flareup.

Before he stopped fishing, Hartman was ranked 35th on this year's Elite Series tour. Despite being on the tour only 1 1/2 years, he racked up more than $200,000 in career winnings.

Hartman is recovering and is qualified to fish on the 2019 tour due to points accumulated due to his finishes in tournaments he fished this year, along with a medical exemption from B.A.S.S.
What actions can Central New York's representative in Congress take to address the chronic problem of lead poisoning in Syracuse children?

A study published in 2016 in the Journal of Pediatrics showed Syracuse had the nation's highest percentage of children with lead poisoning. The poisoning comes mainly from chipping and peeling lead paint in homes built before 1978, when lead paint was banned.

In 2015, Syracuse had to shut down a 20-year-old program that helped property owners remove the hazardous paint after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development cut off funding. HUD blamed mismanagement of the Syracuse program.

With that in mind, we asked the candidates in the 24th Congressional District election -- U.S. Rep. John Katko, R-Camillus, and Democrat Dana Balter of Syracuse -- the following question:

A controversial study found Syracuse had the nation's highest percentage of children with lead poisoning between 2009 and 2015. But the city shut down a program to remove hazardous lead paint from homes in 2015 after the federal government stopped funding it.

What specific actions would you take as a member of Congress to help Syracuse address the problem of lead poisoning? What role should the Department of Housing and Urban Development play in providing aid?

The candidates' written answers are below. Katko and Balter were asked to limit their responses to 250 words.

Look for a new candidate question each week. Have something you'd like to ask all the candidates? Email Mark Weiner at mweiner@syracuse.com with the subject line "weekly question."

John Katko

The health threats from lead faced by families and children in the most distressed neighborhoods of the city of Syracuse is a public health crisis, and one that I've worked with the city and county to address.

Lead poisoning is an irreversible threat to families and can have a long-lasting impact on children.

Following mismanagement of the lead abatement program in 2014, Syracuse was disqualified from seeking federal funding. Thankfully, since that time, Onondaga County has worked under Joanie Mahoney's leadership to fill this void.

As the city has worked to rebuild its program in coordination with Onondaga County, I have advocated strongly for the city's federal grant applications to address and remove lead-based paint hazards.

In addition to supporting these local grant applications, I fully support efforts to assist states and localities in lead abatement and prevention.

I have stood up for federal programming dedicated to combating lead poisoning and promoting healthy homes. Through the appropriations process in Washington, I successfully fought for an $85 million increase in funding for HUD's Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, which administers the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program. Additionally, I delivered a $18 million increase in funding for the CDC's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention program to ensure lead poisoning surveillance is conducted in every state.

I'll continue to work with Mayor (Ben) Walsh and Onondaga County to revive this program so we can eliminate these hazards from homes in Syracuse and raise the quality of life for children and families.

Dana Balter

Lead poisoning in Syracuse and across the 24th District is a major health crisis. It hurts our children and contributes to a lifetime of health challenges. Our region needs resources, not just to put a band-aid on the problem, but to fully address and remediate this crisis. More importantly, we know that reducing lead exposure will help decrease violence, lower healthcare costs, and improve educational outcomes in our communities.

Some of the measures that can be taken to address this issue include:

Hold government responsible for testing homes, daycares, businesses, water pipes, and soil for lead contamination.

Require that affordable housing supported by HUD be offered funding to remediate any and all lead issues and make sure they are safe places for children and families to live. We can:

It is critical that a federal representative for this district advocate for our communities on this issue. Syracuse lost its funding for lead remediation because of administrative errors; we cannot allow the health and well-being of our children to be put at risk because of paperwork. I will use my voice to keep this issue on the national agenda and to assist in correcting any issues in the application process for the city.

Contact Mark Weiner: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751
Binghamton, N.Y. -- A black student at Binghamton High School said school employees assaulted him and used a racial slur during a confrontation in September.



The student, 17-year-old Joshua Cyle, was suspended following the incident and the Binghamton City School District plans to announce today whether he'll face further disciplinary action. The incident took place Sept. 11, according to the Press & Sun-Bulletin in Binghamton.



The student acknowledged swearing and kicking during the confrontation.



A school district spokeswoman said the district is investigating, but would not comment further on potential punishments for Cyle or the staff members involved. The spokeswoman also wouldn't comment on the identities of the staff members.



Cyle, a senior, told the paper the confrontation began as he was leaving school just before noon. He said he attends school on an approved partial-day schedule because most of his graduation requirements are complete, the Press & Sun said.



The school's principal, Kevin Richman, followed Cyle and told him he wasn't allowed to leave, Cyle said. Cyle said he told Richman his early departure was on his schedule.

As Cyle left, Richman told him he was suspended for five days because he went out the wrong doors.



At that point, Cyle acknowledged swearing at Richman, according to the Press & Sun. He said he shouldn't have done it, but was upset because he missed his bus home.



As Cyle continued to walk down Main Street, he said he was followed by four Binghamton High School employees. One employee referred to him by using the N-word, witnesses to the incident said, according to the Press & Sun.



Cyle said he was pushed against a street sign and reacted by kicking one of the employees.



"I didn't mean to do that," he said, according to the Press & Sun. "It was like a reflex to the jar into the sign. I followed their orders when I realized they were not interested in de-escalating the situation. I knew it was about to get worse."



Video take by a bystander shows Cyle being brought to the ground. He is then pulled up and pushed into a corner. The video did not capture usage of the N-word, the Press & Sun said.

Cyle said he does not believe he was targeted because of his race, but the slur used by staff was hurtful. He said he is an A student and a varsity wrestler.



Cyle's mother said he has never been in trouble before, according to the Press & Sun.



"I'm just trying to graduate," Cyle said, according to the paper. "I'm so nervous. I've been a good student and now because of this one thing, I feel like my life will never be the same."

Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Google + | 315-282-8598
In brief: Gearbox Software is best known for developing games such as the Borderlands series, but CEO and founder Randy Pitchford is making headlines for non-gaming reasons. Both Pitchford and his wife, Kristy, had millions of dollars stolen from them by his former personal assistant, who is now missing.

According to the Dallas News, John Wright Martin was hired by the Pitchfords in 2014 on a salary of $45,000 per year. But the couple was unaware of his previous run-ins with the law, which included an arrest for driving while intoxicated.

A year after the hiring, Martin was allowed access to the Pitchfords American Express business accounts, which he used on extravagant purchases for himself. He bought everything from designer clothes, electronics, airfares, jewelry, hotel stays, and even Amazon movie rentals.

Martin also bought a $591,000 home in Friscos Newman Village, which is described as "tailored for a lifestyle of luxury." Its still unclear where he got the money to pay for the house.

Kristy Pitchford also fell victim to Martin. He forged her signature on multiple business and personal checks to the tune of $73,000, which were used to buy art pieces designed by one of his friends.

Martin got "better and better at finding ways of spending our money," said Pitchford.

Martin also used the Pitchfords accounts to make donations of over $50,000 to several charities, and he was known to buy rounds of drinks for everyone at local bars.

The couple only realized something was wrong when they found there wasnt enough money to make payroll for Kirsty's Nerdvana business. She called Martin, who had stopped working for them in 2016 to start an interior design business. He said there had been a mix-up with the accounts and promised to put everything right.

As Martin failed to live up to his promise, the Pitchfords attorney drew up an agreement that would see him repay $780,000, but it was later discovered that the total amount he embezzled was closer to $3 million. Martin wrote a check for $598,000the first step in paying back what he stolebut it bounced.

A state district judge has ordered Martin to pay the Pitchfords more than $2 million in damages and cover their attorneys fees, but he is now missing. A warrant has been issued for his arrest after a $76,000 check he wrote for a new car bounced.
What just happened? California Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill over the weekend that would regulate how ISPs conduct business. The US Justice Department immediately filed suit claiming that the law usurps federal authority and is an illegal law since it affects interstate commerce. California will defend the legislation.

The US Justice Department filed a lawsuit on Sunday challenging Californias new net neutrality legislation. The law is an attempt to undermine the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) recent rollback of internet access rules last year. The law prohibits providers from blocking or throttling legal content and from prioritizing specific sites and services.

The New York Times notes the law is being challenged because it circumvents the power granted by Congress to the FCC. The Commission has the sole authority to create rules governing internet access since a large portion of interstate commerce occurs over the internet. Having each state make its own laws governing the net can lead to conflicting rules of operation.

States do not regulate interstate commerce  the federal government does, US Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement. Once again the California legislature has enacted an extreme and illegal state law attempting to frustrate federal policy.

State Senator Scott Wiener, who penned the bill, defends the law. In his view, the FCC gave up its role in regulating the internet with the elimination of the 2015 rules.

Since the FCC says it no longer has any authority to protect an open Internet, it's also the case that the FCC lacks the legal power to preempt states from protecting their residents and economy, Wiener recently said.

California is prepared to defend the law.

[We] will not allow a handful of power brokers to dictate sources for information or the speed at which websites load, said California Attorney General Xavier Becerra. We remain deeply committed to protecting freedom of expression, innovation, and fairness.

The battle over net neutrality has been raging since rules enacted during the Obama administration were repealed. Becerra and 19 other attorneys general have a pending suit against the FCC's rollback. Internet providers can also be expected to throw their hats into the ring against Californias new law.

When the F.C.C. chose to ignore the millions of consumers who urged them not to repeal net neutrality protections last year, it left a void that state lawmakers are now rightly filling, said Jonathan Schwantes, the Consumers Union's senior policy counsel.

Telecoms warn that inconsistent patchwork legislation across the country will only result in driving up costs. These costs will result in an indirect tax on the consumer in the way of higher subscriber fees.

USTelecom, a trade group representing broadband providers such as Comcast and AT&T, indicated that ISPs are not necessarily against any rules, but that conflicting laws between states are going to cause problems. USTelecom President Jonathan Spalter believes Congress would be better suited to set up nationwide regulation to avoid such conflicts.

Rather than 50 states stepping in with their own conflicting open internet solutions, we need Congress to step up with a national framework for the whole internet ecosystem and resolve this issue once and for all, said Spalter.
When organizers first broke ground in 1997 on what would one day become River Ranch, the bridge across the Vermilion River at Camellia Boulevard that had been argued for over a decade still did not exist.

It's easy to forget that River Ranch in Lafayette and Sugar Mill Pond in Youngsville were once pipe dreams that had fought against the stream of conventional wisdom.

Yet, Robert Daigle, a former attorney who specialized in commercial and residential construction, and partner Rodney Savoy, an accountant, saw the potential as the expansion of businesses along Kaliste Saloom Road would necessitate the bridge finally being completed on Sept. 8, 2003.

From there, River Ranch hit a few snags and was a bit shaky at first, but Daigle was confident the market would embrace it.

"We broke ground in 1997, and we had a lot of ups and downs based on the economy and oil prices  same kind of stuff that we deal with today," he recalled. "But eventually we got some good momentum, and the market responded to what we were trying to do."

River Ranch and Sugar Mill Pond are unique for the area as they embrace a form of residential planning known as traditional neighborhood design. This style of design eschews the suburban sprawl made popular following World War II and embraces an older design that involves a central town square similar to the French Quarter.

This design includes various-sized homes and apartments mixed with businesses and parks and public spaces that surround the central square. Nearly everything residents need is within walking distance.

No cutting corners, prices

Daigle said over 90 percent of mixed-use developments fail because developers cut corners on four key factors, which he said he refuses to do. They fail because they don't:

Have a mixed-use town center at its heart.

Have a mix of residential housing from apartments with businesses on the first floor, attached town homes, small cottages and edge houses featuring 1,200-4,000 square feet.

Use that extra space for parks, walking paths, common areas and open spaces for public use instead of including homes on large lots.

Establish walkability through measures to slow down traffic and having larger than required sidewalks and narrower intersections to reduce pedestrian crossing times and distances.

According to a study of traditional neighborhood design at the Diggs Town Public Housing in Norfolk, Virginia, by the Fannie Mae Foundation, one advantage of this design is it allows for a sense of community similar to those seen in the suburbs while keeping the amenities and option of privacy more common in city life.

The study also says that traditional neighborhood design "offers the essential physical elements that promote community."

"We know every single neighbor on our block and most folks in the neighborhood, but we also have the quality of life aspect as well," said Tyron Picard, a lobbyist whose family moved into River Ranch in 2007. "It's extremely safe, and we can walk to restaurants or I can walk to work. My office is only three blocks away. I get to save time I'd be commuting and instead use it with my family or on other things."

One of the major selling points of this style is not needing to drive everywhere to be able to experience things like shopping, restaurants and other amenities like those living in the suburbs must do.

Yet, critics point to the problem of needing a regular public transit system to allow for people to easily travel to and from the development. Lacking this, the need for cars to travel in and out of the neighborhood is still necessary like in the suburbs.

Also, 64 homes had to be bought and leveled for the development of Camellia Boulevard. This drew criticism from those whose homes needed to be cleared for the construction as a check, no matter how generous, could not make up for the loss of a family home.

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Finally, as has been seen with River Ranch and Sugar Mill Pond, as the convenience, safety and prestige of the development grows, so does the price tag on the homes.

"As River Ranch's success grew, we had other land owners come to us asking if we'd be interested in developing their real estate," Daigle said. "River Ranch opened the door to a lot of opportunities, most significant of which was the property that would become Sugar Mill Pond. It was larger than River Ranch and started out as a more affordable version of River Ranch, but so many people wanted to move in that the prices of homes had to go up with the demand."

'Microcosm of New Orleans'

Gene Fortier is sometimes called the mayor of River Ranch because he was the first person to buy a lot there. After he built his home in 2004, he then moved his State Farm Agency office that same year.

When he heard about the work/live concept of River Ranch, he jumped at the chance.

"I saw this as a microcosm of New Orleans," he said. "I saw it as a microcosm of New Orleans and the French Quarter. I just knew it couldn't fail. When I built my dream home, Camellia Boulevard was just a gravel road. But I still knew it would succeed."

Since the days of the gravel road and no bridge, River Ranch has become almost a second heart of Lafayette. In 2015, an internal review showed that there were 3,300 to 3,400 residents and over 2,100 people working in River Ranch.

No economic impact study has been conducted on either River Ranch or Sugar Mill Pond, but Daigle said he believes they have both had a significant impact on their local economies, especially sales and property tax collection for local governments.

Major retailers soon followed. Costco and Whole Foods moved within a half mile of River Ranch, and Rouses Markets opened a store within walking distance of Sugar Mill Pond.

Spinning off

The successes almost became failures after the housing and lending crisis of 2008.

Home sales and value plunged and the market was on shaky ground. This led to Southern Lifestyle Development shifting its focus from traditional development to also include the more conventional style of suburban development.

The company now has a project in Gonzales and another in East Baton Rouge Parish along with others in Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. It also spun off into Cottage Developers, which Daigle runs with his son, Jordan, to build smaller residential developments of 20 acres or less. It also has begun advising other developers on how to properly tackle traditional developments.

One of Cottage Developers' projects is underway in Scott, off the Apollo Road Extension, which company officials announced on Sept. 6. Scott Mayor Purvis Morrison said residents there are excited about the economic and social impact for the city but also about the company's goal of addressing local drainage problems.

"This means great things for Scott," he said. "I think everyone thinks the development will do great things and give people more options and opportunities. I'm looking forward to seeing the same results in Scott that we've seen in Youngsville and Lafayette."
Torchys Tacos and AT&T are set to open locations in the Nicholson Gateway development in early 2020.

LSU officials announced the new tenants in the mixed use development Wednesday. Nicholson Gateway opened in fall 2018 at the site of the old Alex Box Stadium and includes 1,500 beds for student housing along with 50,000 square feet of retail.
DONALDSONVILLE  If Ascension Parish keeps growing as it's growing now, by 2042 about 71 percent of its housing will be in traditional and large lot subdivisions. That would consume more than 28,500 acres of additional land, much of that acreage in wetlands or other flood-prone areas, planners say.

But the future could look different. Planners have come up with three alternative futures for parish residents to consider.

Most at odds with the status quo is a plan that envisions just 46 percent of the parish's homes in traditional and large lot housing. It would keep multifamily housing at current levels and double housing density overall. And nearly 8,000 acres of land would be saved from development, including wetlands and other low areas.

These four varying visions of Ascension Parishs future for the next 25 years were laid out last week in new land use maps. They are the latest effort to spur public input as the parish updates its comprehensive plan, which was developed nearly two decades ago.

Amid continued population growth, Ascension seeks public input on parish's master plan GONZALES  Ascension Parish last tried and failed at a major rewrite of its master plan nearly a decade ago, but parish officials, a handful o

Two public meetings were held this past week.

Planner Scott Fregonese told a small crowd at Lowery Elementary School Thursday in Donaldsonville that the four "test" maps are a step in developing a shared vision for the parish that accounts for its projected growth by 2042.

Its where were headed," Fregonese explained. "Where do we want to grow? Maybe where we dont want grow. What do we want to look like and feel like in the future?

By 2042, Ascension is projected to have 55,000 more people, more than 60,000 new jobs and around 22,000 new homes. In 2017, Ascension Parish had nearly 123,000 people, 45,000 jobs and 47,500 housing units, U.S. Census and state labor data say.

Fregonese has been working this past year with the Center for Planning Excellence and other consultants hired by parish government to update its master plan. Once finished, it will serve as a blueprint for the future.

The new maps applied what residents had told the planning consultants during public meetings in June about land use preferences. Planners then took the growth patterns exemplified in the new maps and extrapolated impacts on land, jobs, housing and other factors. The maps are expected to be available soon on the parish website for review and comment, planners said.

At a meeting Wednesday night in Gonzales, which attracted around 110 people, much of the focus was about improving infrastructure first before allowing more growth in the fastest growing part of one of Louisiana fastest growing parishes.

By contrast, in Donaldsonville, which is on the west bank of the Mississippi River, the talk was much more about spurring growth. Lack of growth in the area is a major concern.

Vanessa Marks, 61, of Donaldsonville, who commutes to work every day in Baton Rouge, wants to see more large, multifamily apartment complexes.

The west bank needs more development, better housing, different types of housing. There are lot of young people who live alone or are planning to live alone, Marks said.

The share of multifamily housing varies greatly depending on the maps. Fregonese said, under the status quo plan, the share of multifamily housing or being available to renters would shrink to just 5 percent by 2042. By contrast, the alternative map most odds with the status quo would keep rental stock at the current 18 percent share of parish housing. It would also make greater use of mixed use developments that combine homes and businesses, he said.

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William Purser, 50, a Prairieville resident who attended the Donaldsonville meeting, said traffic is a major concern in eastern Ascension. He liked one plan's idea of spreading out mixed use developments across the parish. If enacted, he said it could allow him to avoid having to cross busy Airline Highway. He said just this past week he spent a long time stuck in traffic on Airline, clogged by traffic avoiding an accident on nearby I-10.

Traffic to and from work is crazy, said Purser, who also attended the earlier planning session in June.

The 2016 floods have had an impact on people's attitudes towards future development. Fregonese said in the earlier rounds of public input, many residents said they wanted to avoid new development in wetlands and the 100-year flood plain. The flood plain is an area the federal government considers most at risk for flooding.

Justin Diez, 29, also of Prairieville, said he liked the idea of not building in wetlands.

Try to keep the flooding from happening and have somewhere for that water to go, Diez said.

Steven Gilliam, 27, also of Prairieville, who went to the Donaldsonville meeting with Purser, said Donaldsonville could use the added housing some maps envision, saying that could spur more retail development. More growth on the west bank, he said, could also reduce traffic and other growth pressures in eastern Ascension.

Some east bank residents and parish officials have pressed for a halt or slowdown in growth to allow the roads, sewer and other chronically overtaxed infrastructure to catch up.

But Purser, the Prairieville resident worried about traffic, said he didn't see that as the solution.

"If you're not growing, you're dying. I've lived in other places and seen other places where they don't have any kind of growth and the towns and cities just die on the vine," Purser said.

Some said they liked maps that included more bridges crossing the Mississippi River as a way to better link the east and west banks.

But, for Donaldsonville Councilman Brent Landry, a key to the west banks growth  and indirectly to reduced traffic in eastern Ascension  is a long-sought extension of La. 3127 that would link up western Ascension with I-10.

Fregonese said the shared vision is expected to be finalized by the end of year. After its adoption, the parish will then work on ways to implement the plan.
From the dais, Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell, of Bossier Parish, questioned Sept. 19, 2018, Randy Pierce, general manager of DEMCO, on the left at the desk, and lawyer Jim Ellis about compensation received by board members of nonprofit cooperatives that sells electricity to its members. Angered at some of the lucrative benefits part-time board members receive, the PSC ordered an investigation of all 10 electric coops that serve about 900,000 members in rural Louisiana.
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Greg Gorden, head of the St. Tammany Parish Government's Environmental Service Department, resigned last week, becoming the fourth member of Parish President Pat Brister's administration to resign in recent months.

Ronnie Simpson, a spokesman for Brister, said Gorden resigned Sept. 21 to pursue other interests. Gorden could not be reached for comment.

Gorden was director of Tammany Utilities and the Department of Environmental Services. He worked for the parish for 23 years, holding many positions.

We wish Greg luck in the future and thank him for his years of service to the people of St. Tammany, Brister said in a statement. "We will conduct a thorough study of these departments and use this as an opportunity to streamline their operations. We will consider all of our alternatives.

Simpson said that Gorden will be replaced, however.

Gorden's departure comes on the heels of other key resignations at the top levels of parish government. Gina Campo, the parish's chief administrative officer, left last month to become deputy executive director of the state Office of Community Development.

Trilby Lenfant, who was Brister's deputy chief administrative officer, left in August. She said at the time that she had been offered a parish position in 2019 "but this was a good time for me to leave to pursue other personal interests.

Mike Noto, who was assistant director of public works, was lured back to Slidell, where newly elected Mayor Greg Cromer offered him the job of public works director, a job he plans to combine with a newly created assistant chief of staff position.

The parish administration is grappling with budget constraints following the defeat of sales taxes to operate the jail and courthouse. And while Brister has said that there will be layoffs in the fiscal year that begins Jan. 1, a number that the administration has pegged at 24 following some retirements, the high-level departures of Campo, Lenfant, Noto and now Gorden have not been tied to the budget crunch.

Gorden's departure was quiet, with Brister's office confirming that he was gone only after media inquiries. Gorden had been the target of intense criticism in recent months from residents who were experiencing problems with the parish's water and sewer systems.

In May, Parish Council members delayed signing off on eight Municipal Wastewater Pollution Prevention reports that had been prepared by Tammany Utilities East.

Homeowners packed the meeting to complain that many spills were not being reported.

The council finally signed off on the reports only last month, when Gorden gave a report on changes that had been made to ensure accuracy in future reports as well as the addition of auto-dialers that will alert the utility when a spill occurs, and a preventive maintenance schedule for equipment.

Final days to register for Nov. 6 voting

St. Tammany top stories in your inbox A weekly guide to the biggest news in St. Tammany. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Oct. 9 is the last day to register to vote for the Nov. 6 Primary/Congressional Election.

Anyone wanting to register in person must present identification that includes a parish address. The Covington office is located at 601 N. Jefferson Ave., and the Slidell Office is located at 520 Old Spanish Trail Suite 4C. Office hours are 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

All mail registration applications must be postmarked by Oct. 9, and Oct. 16 is the final day to register online.

Riverwood drainage moves forward

St. Tammany Parish Government has started work on Phase I of a two-part drainage improvement project in Riverwood Subdivision in the Covington area.

Phase I includes the installation of storm drain pipes on Magnolia Lane. In Phase II, crews will install storm drain pipes on Laurelwood Drive.

The work is expected to improve drainage in both Riverwood and the adjacent Country Club Estates.

The overall cost of both phases is estimated at $3.2 million, with Phase I estimated at $666,167.50. Parish Government will fund about $1.7 million, while the remaining $1.49 million will come from the Statewide Flood Control Program, which is administered by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. This Statewide Flood Control Program aims to reduce flood damage through long-term solutions for areas that experience flooding losses.

Phase I is expected to be complete by spring of 2019.

Bogue Chitto NWR reopens

Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge has reopened following successful removal of a significant portion of a log jam south of the Pools Bluff Sill. Refuge visitors can now access the Pearl River in that location.

Removal of the jam aided the natural flow of the river and restored wildlife habitats of the Pearl River watershed. This restored public boating access to major portions of the refuge.

For more information, call refuge headquarters at (985) 882-2000.
New Orleans police on Monday named the man suspected of shooting two bystanders during a fight in the heart of the Central Business District last month.

Byron Wilson, 20, is wanted on a count of aggravated battery in the shooting that occurred the afternoon of Sept. 23 in the 600 block of Canal Street, police said. Investigators on Thursday had named a 20-year-old woman, Derrion Robinson, as a suspect in the case as well.

Eight District NOPD Cmdr. Nicholas Gernon said Robinson is Wilson's girlfriend, and she allegedly encouraged him to fire the gun.

Both Wilson and Robinson are thought to still be in the New Orleans area, Gernon said, cautioning that officers considered Wilson to be "dangerous" and likely armed.

According to police, Robinson and several other people were arguing and fighting before she ordered Wilson to shoot at her opponents. At least one witness then saw Wilson pull a pistol out and fire it toward someone who was running away from the scene, police said.

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One woman was shot in the right thigh. Another woman nearby had a graze wound from a bullet, police said after responding to the scene. Neither woman who was hurt had been participating in the fight.

Can't see video below? Click here.

Before Robinson and Wilson were named, police had circulated video that had been recorded by a witness. The footage shows a young man running up and firing a handgun before fleeing toward Exchange Place. Police said they have determined Wilson is the man shooting seen shooting the gun in the video clip.

Anyone with information on Robinson and Wilson can call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
As he stood before the St. John the Baptist Parish Council on Tuesday night, Dr. Jimmy Guidry, Louisiana's state health officer, made a statement some residents had been waiting years to hear.

"The EPA has come out and said their number," Guidry told council members. "They calculated it from a formula, and until they say otherwise, we should strive to get to that number." Members of the audience burst into applause.

Guidry was referring to the federal Environmental Protection Agency's recommendation for maximum exposure to chloroprene, a "likely carcinogen" that for two years has caused controversy in St. John because of the amounts emitted into the air from the local chemical plant owned by Denka Performance Elastomer.

His statement marked a departure from what Chuck Brown, head of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, has long said about chloroprene. Brown has all but dismissed the federal agency's recommendation, saying it would be unrealistic to expect Denka to meet it.

Since 2010, the EPA has said that ambient levels of 0.2 micrograms of chloroprene per cubic meter of air are the "upper limit of acceptability" for human risk, and that long-term exposure to anything higher could cause liver or lung cancer.

For two years, data have shown average levels measured in St. John to be well above that threshold. But last year, Brown described the 0.2 micrograms level as "guidance" from the EPA, rather than an enforceable threshold or "protective standard."

In 2016, he had advised people to "detach" themselves "from that number.

Nor did Brown capitulate on Tuesday. Rather than cite the EPA's recommendation  or any specific limit or threshold  as the state's goal for lowering emissions, he simply said his agency would "strive to get as low as they can get."

The two officials spoke at a council meeting to update St. John officials about the most recent developments in Denka's ongoing strategy to reduce its chloroprene emissions.

Also present in the audience were members of a local activist group, lawyers representing plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit against Denka and Wilma Subra, a scientist with the Louisiana Environmental Action Network.

In late 2016, plant officials voluntarily pledged to reduce airborne emissions of chloroprene by 85 percent, and last year they finished a $35 million installation designed to accomplish that.

The goal was to reduce the amount of chloroprene the plant emits annually from 120 tons to 18 tons. That reduction, spelled out in an agreement with the state, was in turn expected to drastically lower ambient emission levels, measured in micrograms per cubic meter.

Official test results aren't yet in, but state and plant officials have touted data showing significant drops in emissions so far.

A recent Advocate analysis of EPA data showed a 71.4 percent drop in the ambient levels between the last half of 2016, before any retrofitting was done, and the first few months of this year, after it was completed, though the levels were still well above the figure EPA recommends.

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Brown said he was hopeful that the plant will be able to reduce chloroprene emissions even further by tackling "fugitive emissions" which aren't being routed to the company's new regenerative thermal oxidizer, a machine designed to burn them up. He said the plant is also addressing various equipment leaks.

"Theres always room for improvement," Brown said. "And thats where were trying to get to."

But the plant's environmentalist critics said the sharp decline won't relieve their pressure on the company to do more. Until emissions drop to what the EPA considers a safe level, local activists and those representing them continue to insist that the plant is a health hazard.

Subra passed out data from this year showing that at various times, spikes in chloroprene measured at six sites throughout the parish showed anywhere from 27 times to 163 times the level the EPA considers safe over long-term exposure.

It was a point that Robert Taylor, head of the activist group Concerned Citizens of St. John, called "murderous."

"I'm astounded at these numbers," Taylor said, as residents wearing red shirts reading "Only 0.2 Will Do" nodded their agreement.

"I don't see the difference between this and poisoning Syria. I think our children are just as important as the children of Syria," he said, referring to U.S. denunciations of the reported use of chemical weapons in Syria.

Plaintiffs' lawyers underscored that recent urine tests show widespread chloroprene exposure in St. John  a point that state health officials didn't refute.

LuAnn White, a toxicologist with Tulane University, said she would expect the urine samples to come back positive, given the data on the ambient air levels. However, she and Guidry both said the urine testing still shows "no public health emergency in St. John."

Neither, they said, do new tumor registry statistics showing elevated rates of various types of cancer in some census tracts near the plant, as there's no way to link those rates to chloroprene emissions.

"We remain concerned, but we see the levels going in the right direction," White said, adding that the 0.2 number is "a risk level, not a prediction" of cancer.

In the meantime, it remains unclear what will happen if the plant is unable to further reduce its emissions or meet the terms laid out in the 2016 agreement.

At one point in the meeting, Brown said requiring the plant to reduce its chloroprene production is "not off the table," but he made no commitment to see that through.

"We may have to take further steps," he said. "I'm not going to tell you what that is tonight, because I don't know what that is just yet."
Bank investors on Friday delivered a verdict on the interim report of the royal commission into financial services - it could have been worse. By Monday, the market seemed to reverse this decision, with major bank stocks retracing Fridays share price gains and then some.

After the initial relief that Commissioner Kenneth Hayne suggested the banking industry didn't need a raft of new laws and regulations, it just needed to obey those already in place, investors began to realise that the outcome could be the same.

The prospect of banks being forced to abide by the law will likely be an expensive exercise for them. This shifts the emphasis from the behaviour of the banks to that of the regulators in enforcement.

The wildcard in this scenario is the government - or more particularly the desire or desperation of both sides of politics to be seen as agents to clean up the financial services industry.
Almost 15 degrees already in the city ahead of a balmy top of 24. The Royal Children's Hospital is giving a press conference this morning on those conjoined twins from Bhutan.

It's also one year since a gunman opened fire on a crowd of concertgoers in Las Vegas, killing 58 people. Expect to hear more on both of those later.

We'll be back from 6am tomorrow. Have a lovely day. As Express' yoga teacher says, relax your face.
An 11-year-old Queensland girl missing for more than four years has been found by police.

Layla Leisha had been missing since June 2014 when the Family Court issued a recovery order, before she was located by Australian Federal Police on Sunday.

Missing girl Layla Leisha has been found after four years.

She was believed to be with her father Shahrainier Eric Shem Leisha, 45, at the time of her disappearance.

The AFP would not disclose where Layla was found, but early investigations into her disappearance centred on Lismore in NSW, where she has family.
Residents of the small north Queensland town of Irvinebank have been told to leave their homes immediately as a bushfire burning for two weeks bears down on the community of more than 300.

The large and fast-moving blaze was travelling in a north-northwesterly direction towards Irvinebank and was expected to reach Cemetery Road and Herberton Petford Road around 4.30pm.

The large and fast-moving blaze was travelling in a north-northwesterly direction towards Irvinebank.

The fire, which started on September 17, burned a home and sheds in nearby Walsh River on Sunday afternoon, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said on Monday.

"Conditions are now very dangerous and firefighters may soon be unable to prevent the fire advancing," a QFES spokesman said in a statement.
Imagine the grief, distress and helplessness of watching your youngest child, otherwise happy and intelligent, suffering from a barely-understood condition in which he or she refuses to eat.

Thats the appalling situation Kylie Develyn and Robert Yates are experiencing with their son Lachlan.

Lachlan Yates with his mother Kylie and father Robert. Credit:Luka Kauzlaric

Lachlan has been diagnosed with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, a complex illness that has no clear determination and manifests itself in the refusal to eat food either exclusively or selectively.

Aged three-and-a-half, Lachlan has never eaten solid food and refuses any nutrition other than taking baby formula from a bottle.
The man behind a plan to illegally import 18 million cigarettes and avoid paying $6.2 million in taxes has been spared a long prison sentence because of his health problems, good character and the delay in bringing the case to court.

Nabil Grege denied any involvement in the 2013 scheme to smuggle cigarettes from Dubai into Melbourne and distribute them to sellers when he gave evidence at his County Court trial this year. At one point he called the prosecutor the biggest liar Ive seen in my life.



Nabil Grege outside the County Court. Credit:Chris Vedelago

Grege was found guilty of conspiring to import tobacco products after his trial was told of a series of bungles he and his henchmen made during the smuggle attempt. These included having the wrong shipping container delivered to a pick-up spot, parking the container too close to a fence and discarding customs documents in a food court rubbish bin.

On Monday judge Duncan Allen outlined mitigating factors that meant Grege should be spared a long jail term, including his heart condition and other medical problems, and a panic disorder that resulted from the anxiety he experienced in the years waiting for the case to reach trial.


More than 3500 exhibits make up the evidence facing former Aboriginal leader Geoff Clark and his three family members over a string of historical alleged fraud offences.

Mr Clark, 66, from Framlingham, his wife Trudy Clark, 62, and their sons Jeremy Clark, 45, and Aaron Clark, 37, appeared in Warrnambool Magistrates Court for a filing hearing on Monday.

Geoff, Trudy and Jeremy Clark are facing more than 25 police charges relating to spending close to $500,000 on legal fees.

According to charge sheets, the Clarks claimed that the payment of legal fees was authorised by the Committee of Management of Kirrae Whurrong Community Inc and the Committee of Management of the Framlingham Aboriginal Trust.
Police are hunting a man who allegedly punched a passenger in the head on a Melbourne train after he was asked to turn his music down.

The victim, a 19-year-old man, boarded a city bound Frankston line train at Patterson Lakes at 2.30pm on August 30.

Police have released footage of a man they want to speak to after a passenger was allegedly struck. Credit:Victoria Police

Another man boarded the train at Bentleigh playing loud music on a Bluetooth speaker he was holding in his hand.

When the victim asked the man to turn down his music, police allege, he was punched in the back of the head.
The former jewel in the crown of the string of Nationals-held seats running along the Murray River from Mildura in the west to Ovens Valley in the east, was lost to independent Suzanna Sheed in 2014 after decades of Nationals dominance. With no sitting Coalition candidate, the Liberals have emerged as a contender in three-cornered battle. The trouble is Sheed has proven herself to be quite a presence in the traditional country independent mode, and they can be hard to shift once they get established. You won't win this election in northern Victoria, but fail to capture seats like Shep and you're well on your way to losing it, which brings us to ... Morwell

Russell Northe (independent) 1.8 per cent This one is truly fascinating. It's another seat the Nationals managed to, well, misplace, with their former member, now independent, Northe crashing out of the party last year amid personal issues. Its an edgy marginal, still hurting from the loss of large traditional industrial employer the Hazlewood Power Station, and with more than its fair share of social issues. The Coalition needs to take this one back.

But with a Liberal, a National, an ex-National, former senator Ricky Muir (Shooters and Fishers) and a couple of credible independents in the race  not to mention a strong push from Labor, which has thrown government money at the joint  everybody out there reckons theyre in with a sniff, and who can blame them? Bentleigh Nick Staikos (Labor) 0.8 per cent The northernmost of the four sandbelt seats that have now achieved bellwether status after changing hands en bloc in 2010 and again in 2014, delivering government to the Coalition and Labor respectively.

This part of town is seriously hot political real estate right now. Despite Bentleigh's knife-edge 0.8 per-cent margin, its the sandbelt electorate Liberal planners are least optimistic about after the four years of energetic work Labors Staikos has put in around the traps. Seat polling last year by Fairfax predicted a 12 per cent romp for Labor in Bentleigh, but a year in politics is a long, long time. On the upside for the Coalition, its not much of a margin Staikos is defending and the Liberals Asher Judah clearly thinks he is on to a winner with his partys law-and-order platform. Mordialloc

Tim Richardson (Labor) 2.1 per cent Hes got a greater margin to defend than his colleague to the north, but Labors Richardson should not sleep easily. His Liberal opponent, Geoff Gledhill, has crafted his effort for the seat around, yes, crime, local planning issues and pockets of deep unhappiness with the skyrail solution to removing level crossings on the Frankston line. That seat polling from last year is not encouraging for Gledhill, though, giving Labor a 10 per cent lead, two-party preferred.

Carrum Sonya Kilkenny (Labor) 0.7 per cent It's looking more promising in the states third most marginal seat, where Donna Bauer, the former Liberal MP is looking for revenge on Kilkenny, the woman who unseated her in 2014. The latest published polling gives Bauer, who has campaigned relentlessly on the skyrail issue, a very slight edge on her Labor opponent, raising the possibility that the four-seat sandbelt bloc might split, this election, between the major parties.

Frankston Paul Edbrooke (Labor) 0.5 per cent Even more marginal than Carrum, just as difficult to call. Frankston has had a colourful recent past, with renegade Liberal Geoff Shaw doing as much as any other single factor to seal the Baillieu-Napthine Coalition government's electoral fate. Labor has had a solid, if unspectacular, performer down there in Paul Edbrooke, who will be talking up all the infrastructure spending the Andrews government has lavished on the south-eastern suburbs.

The Liberals will be hoping their candidate, police senior sergeant Michael Lamb, can bring their law-and-order pitch to life, backed up by some promises on much-needed infrastructure and the fact the electorate has forgotten the Shaw nightmare. Northcote Lidia Thorpe (Greens) 5.6 per cent The Greens could end up with five lower house seats in November, giving them an excellent chance of balance-of-power status. But first they have to hold what they have.

Lidia Thorpe makes her first speech as a Greens MP at the Parliament House. Credit:Eddie Jim Northcote, after the Greens triumph in last Septembers byelection, is the nearest thing they have to a safe seat. Byelection margins can flatter to deceive, but with her 5.6 per cent margin, Thorpe should be OK against Labors Kat Theophanous, especially if the Liberals decide not to field a candidate. But ... but ... but. The ALPs campaign has got to be better than their previous effort, with a bit more local knowledge, but a lot less cash, to be deployed this time. Then there are the Darebin Greens. The war inside Thorpes local party branch has exacted a heavy toll and is still not over. Questions remain over how it will affect her ability to campaign on the ground or hurt her vote.

Prahran Sam Hibbins (Greens) 0.4 per cent The Liberals didnt lose Prahran to Hibbins by much in 2014, and its another one of those seats that the Coalition must win back if it is to build the parliamentary numbers it needs. With doctor and medical researcher Katie Allen, the Liberals have a handy candidate. But Hibbins has been busy these past four years and might prove tough to knock off this time.

Then there's Labor, which out-polled Hibbins on primary votes in 2014. If the ALPs Neil Pharaoh can achieve any sort of swing against either of his rivals, hes right in it. Loading This one is deliciously difficult to call. Brunswick Jane Garrett (Labor) 2.2 per cent

This one is more straightforward. With the departure of Labor member Jane Garrett and her knack for attracting attention, and the probable absence of a Liberal to harvest preferences, the ALP looks cooked in a seat they have never lost at an election since it was first created in 1904. Even with writer Catherine Deveny as a wild card candidate for the Reason Party, this seat is finally going to the Greens. Bass Bryan Paynter (Liberal) 4.6 per cent Bass has long been targeted by Labor planners as their best chance of pinching a seat from the Coalition.

Liberal Paynter looks comfortable enough on his 4.6 per cent margin, until you consider the dramatic demographic changes to the seat since it last voted four years ago. There are now about 12000 more voters enrolled in Bass, with the newcomers mostly in the rapidly growing suburbs at the top of the electorate, and Labors hope is that there will be enough of its people among the influx to tip the balance. But Bass is a microcosm of the overall story of growth in the broader electorate, with 380,000 more votes expected to be cast across the state this year than in 2014. So, if the Liberals can hold their own in this marginal, then the signs are good for them in plenty of other places too.
As political media events go, this was a high-risk strategy. Three Liberal politicians, one candidate, partners and 10 children gathered in Parkville to proclaim the Coalitions commitment to affordable zoo access for families.

A star attraction during Matthew Guy's day at the zoo. Credit:Jason South

The conventional wisdom that animals and children will always refuse to co-operate in front of a camera was cast aside as the pollies with families in tow were herded onto the roundabout outside the Melbourne Zoos gates.

Remarkably, the children behaved long enough for Opposition Leader Matthew Guy to complete the press conference with minimal interruptions.
The British telephone box is not dead yet. In parts of central London, a box stands sentinel every 30 metres; and if phone companies got their way they'd plant one every 15 metres.

But these are not the red cast-iron cubicles that for generations were emblems of Britain. Instead, critics say, they are eyesores, covered in digital ad screens and capable of being turned into surveillance posts.

Worst of all, perhaps, some are being imported from New York.

London is being flooded with new phone boxes. Critics say they are basically glorified billboards, but planning laws treat them as an essential utility. Credit:Jane Stockdale / New York Times

The result is a battle over Britain's public space, waged between local city planners and telecommunications firms. The most contentious fight is in Westminster, in the heart of London, where new phone kiosks are being squished between construction barriers and bus stops on crowded streets.
In 2018, when the best smartphones take phenomenal photographs, it is hard to justify a standalone camera. If you have a passion for photography, making the leap to a DSLR or mirrorless camera makes sense, but only if youre prepared to invest in lenses and carry them with you wherever you go. Purchasing a point and shoot seems ridiculous, and yet, the photos Ive taken with Sonys RX100 VI  which is essentially a compact point and shoot camera  are some of the best Ive taken.

The RX100 VI shines when you dont have control over the subject or your environment.

Despite the tiny size of the RX100 VI, it has a massive inbuilt zoom lens and super fast autofocus that allowed me to grab portrait shots of people on a stage from ten rows back, something no smartphone camera could offer.

It's almost impossible to take a bad shot using the tiny Sony RX100 VI.

Most of the time I left the RX100 VI on auto, snapping landscapes, portraits, close ups and crowd shots, and letting the sensors do all the work. It was incredibly difficult to take a bad photo with this camera.
The next issue was transport. I check everyone at the airport to see if I can cadge a lift. I don't know the area, there's barely a phone signal, and it seems, no way to reach the affected areas. Almost out of hope, I chat with a man waiting at the airport who finds himself in the same situation. He's pretty quiet, but I establish that he lives in Sigi, to the south of Palu, but he can't contact his family to arrange for them to pick him up. After almost another 30 minutes, his nephew appears - he'd taken the innitiative to pick up his uncle, knowing he was coming home that day. I ask if I can hitch a ride. He says sure, but is still very sombre. In the car after learning I am a journalist, he tells me he can't take me into the city of Palu as that's not where he is going. When I keep saying "Palu" and "Donggala" (to the north of Palu), the nephew becomes agitated, and asks "Why do you want to cover just Palu and Donggala, Sigi is hit hard too".

The severe devastation in Sigi to the south of Palu. Credit:Amilia Rosa Already Palu is preparing mass burials for more than 300 bodies. The official toll of more than 800 dead is so far mostly from Palu but it is expected to grow as areas cut off by damage are reached. Areas such as Sigi where we are headed. After taking his uncle to where their big family is camping for now, the nephew takes me on a scooter and shows me the devastation. It's a shock to him. He'd been told of the destruction, but only realised just how bad it is after looking at it with me. "I haven't been to work [he is a civil servant], none of my colleagues too," he says. "I know we have our obligation to the people. But how can I do that when my own big family also need rescuing, need protection?"

Thousands of people are feared dead in Central Sulawesi after the earthquake and tsunami. Credit:Amilia Rosa Riding around Sigi, the devastation is extensive. Even rice fields have cracked and turned into chaos. Loading Schools have been flattened, home destroyed, buildings collapsed, electricity poles have been felled and block the street. A few people are riding scooters through the streets, navigating the cracks in the road driven by the desperation to find food, water and fuel for their families. They scour the empty, looted shops, looking for anything. Temporary tents have been set up outside their destroyed homes. Other than a pile of clothes and linen, they don't seem to have much in term of supplies.

I saw a few boxes of water, plastic bags with what could be noodles and maybe biscuits but not much of anything else. Two men in a scooter carrying some supplies stop not far from where I was taking pictures and I ask where they bought the stuff. He said a big storage unit in Palu had been opened, with Police on guard, and the manager handing out the supplies for free. "Thank God [for the supplies]," the scooter rider said. "I don't want to steal - thank God now I don't have too." They kindly let me get some rest in their big family tent. They have combined their resources and cooking for the whole family. Although they have about 10 cars parked nearby and maybe 15 scooters, almost all have no fuel. One of the gentlemen finally takes me and drops me in Palu, using the only scooter with some gas still in it.
Copenhagen: The man at the centre of a sex-abuse and financial crimes scandal that is tarnishing the academy that awards the Nobel Prize in Literature was convicted of rape and sentenced to two years in prison on Monday.

Jean-Claude Arnault, a major cultural figure in Sweden, had faced two counts of rape of a woman in 2011.

He was found guilty of one rape, but was acquitted of the other because the victim said she was asleep and judges said her account wasn't reliable.

Frenchman Jean-Claude Arnault at the district court in Stockholm last week. Credit:TT via AP

Stockholm District Court said that the ruling was unanimous.
Oct. 1, 2018 marks the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. It was on this date that Chairman Mao Zedong had declared the establishment of a new China on Tian'anmen Square. Subsequently, on Oct. 2, 1949, China's new government passed the Resolution to celebrate October 1st as the National Day.



The initial two decades after its founding, China witnessed several ups and downs. The first five-year plan resulted in a significant improvement in the quality of national industrialization.

After years of instability, a sustainable period of economic development began in 1978 when Deng Xiaoping realized that economic growth could be accelerated by boosting the export volume and introducing new incentives. To achieve this, he set up several Special Economic Zones in China. These zones attracted huge foreign investment, new technologies and management ideas, which helped them boost their export volume. In addition, new incentive systems were introduced to improve labor productivity. Peasants were also allowed to sell surplus agricultural yields in the open market and rural markets where homegrown products could be sold were revived. These activities increased the domestic consumption, stimulated industrialization, and built a domestic political base for the implementation of more challenging reforms.

The next step China took was to join the World Trade Organization in 2001. This propelled it further and China started receiving benefits such as the lowering of tariffs, and it enjoyed a level playing field as a favored nation. This allowed China to boost its trade volume and develop global competitiveness in numerous high-tech products.

China, in the last four decades - with a year-on-year GDP growth of around 10 percent - has transformed from an agrarian economy to the world's second largest economy after the U.S. During this period, the country's per-capita income increased almost 40 times from $155 in 1978 to $7,590 in 2014.

In the past few years, China has moved toward expanding its reach and creating a global impact instead of limiting itself to its own national boundaries. To achieve its plans of improving land connectivity, sea connectivity, and cooperation along the historical Silk Road, China has initiated the construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the Maritime Silk Road. These routes will connect countries from Central Asia to Europe and South Asia to Africa and the Middle East. This initiative has been a major focal point in China's foreign policy since it was announced in 2013.

In spite of its rapid growth, China faces its own set of challenges such as high income disparity, environmental issues, trade imbalances, and a rapidly aging society. Significant adjustments in existing policies are required in order to deal with these problems; failing which China could potentially fall into the middle-income trap. The 13th five-year plan from 2016-2020, however, addresses some of these issues such as reducing environmental and social imbalances, improving energy efficiency, and providing access to education and health-care. The annual growth target during this period is a more sustainable 6.5 percent, reflecting the re-balancing of the economy from being investment-led to consumption-based. The main focus is on maintaining the quality of growth while still fulfilling the objective of achieving a moderately prosperous society by 2020.

So far, it seems that China, in spite of the ongoing trade tensions with the U.S., will continue on its upward trajectory. However, only the future will tell whether these plans deliver their expected results. Although there is a potential chance of prolonged trade frictions with the U.S., China certainly has the capacity to overcome this challenge and evolve as a stronger nation than ever before.

Rachana Gupta is a China Focus columnist, an expert author of Ezine Articles and an active blogger and poetry writer.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
 Flash

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China does not seek hegemony and will not seek to replace US leadership in the world.

"China will not become, will not challenge, will not take the place of the United States," Wang told the Council on Foreign Relations in New York on Friday.

"Some people in the US contend that a stronger China is bound to follow the beaten path to seek hegemony and pose a so-called threat to the US's leading position in the world," Wang said. "This is a serious strategic misjudgment that would bring exceptional harm to the future and the interests of the US."

Wang said it was these "self-imagined" suspicions that amplify problems in relations between China and the US, making it more difficult for the two nations to work together to solve practical problems.

Wang stressed that China's development path will differ from that of a traditional power. This is a path with Chinese characteristics which determines that China will not repeat the old path in which a strong power would surely seek hegemony, said Wang, adding that China will neither become another United States, nor challenge or replace the United States.

China will stick to the path of peaceful development, and that has been written into China's constitution and the constitution of the Communist Party of China, Wang added.

"This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries, it's a critical year for both sides," Wang said. "We must objectively view the shifting dynamics between the two countries with historical perspectives, calibrate our relations and make sure we are on the right track in the future."

Wang said in the past 40 years that cooperation between the two nations has led to significant achievements and tangible benefits to people of both nations.

Wang said it was natural that tension and suspicion would arise between countries with such different history, culture, social systems and levels of development, Wang said. "What is important is how [those differences] are viewed, evaluated and handled," he said.

Wang said that China has made major contributions to world peace, citing as examples: China resolving boundary issues with most neighbors peacefully; taking part in UN peacekeeping missions and being the largest contributor of peacekeepers among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council; and lifting around 800 million people out of poverty, accounting for more than 70 percent of the global poverty reduction rate.

Is it China that stays committed to the peaceful development, cooperation and opening-up an opportunity or challenge? Is it China that makes positive and constructive contributions to the international community a friend or foe?, Wang asked, adding that anyone without bias would come to a rational conclusion.

Wang said now that the China and the US relations have reached a historical turning point, if the both sides could view each other in a positive and inclusive perspective, deepen practical cooperation and properly manage and control disputes and conflicts, there will be a brighter prospect in the future of the countries' bilateral relations.




Jordan's now fiancee, Jinjara, also posted about the super cute beachside proposal saying:

All the best days of my life so far have been with you, Jordan. September 22, 2018 is another one of those days. You are my best friend and the love of my life. Spending a lifetime with you sounds like the most fun adventure I can imagine. Let's do this!
21 Shot, 6 Dead in Chicago After Latest Spate of Violence Over Weekend

Six people were killed in shootings in Chicago over the weekend, and 15 others were wounded in the latest spate of violence in the city.

On Sunday alone, 13 people were shot and four were killed, reported the Chicago Sun-Times.

The day started out violent when a man was killed early Sunday around 4:50 a.m. after shots rang out at a party on the South Side, in the Back of the Yards neighborhood.

Lorenzo Magana, 20, was killed when someone fired from a nearby alley and struck him in the head and back, police said.

The fatalities included a 13-year-old boy who was shot in the Austin neighborhood on the West Side. A green SUV drove by and someone inside fired on Ujuan Drape at 4:40 p.m., striking him. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

The 21 people shot over the weekend came after shootings across Chicago left two dead and 29 others wounded the weekend before.

Shootings Every Weekend

Shootings have ripped across the city every weekend for years now, typically leaving multiple people dead and dozens of others wounded.

Over Labor Day weekend in early September, six people were killed and 25 injured. The violence occurred despite 1,400 additional police officers on the street during the long holiday weekend.

Officials have said they are working on solutions but noted police officers can only do so much.

We look at crime every day, every hour, and we readjust, readjust, readjust. But there is only so much the police can do. We cannot be on every street corner of this city, every moment of the day. We just cant. Thats an impossibility, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said at a press conference in August.

Johnson blamed Chicagos gun problem on soft punishment for offenders and an epidemic problem with illegal guns. He said the perpetrators were a small subset of individuals who continue to face little punishment for their actions, citing the repeat gun offender laws considered lax by some.

Earlier in August, Johnson said that the shootings are targeted.

These shootings are not random, theyre fueled by gang conflicts, he said. We know who they are and we continue to send a message that its OK to commit these crimes by not doing anything as a community. We are all supposed to be on the same side. CPD can be better, but this city can be better.

Emanuel Not Seeking Re-election

Amid the ongoing violence, Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in early September he wouldnt be seeking re-election.

Today, the time has come to make another tough choice. As much as I love this job and will always love this city and its residents, I have decided not to seek re-election, Emanuel told reporters on Sept. 4 at City Hall, with his wife Amy Rule by his side.

This has been the job of a lifetime, but it is not a job for a lifetime. Today, I want to thank the people of Chicago for the opportunity to serve. It will fill my eyes with tears to leave a job I love, and, already, my heart is full with gratitude, Emanuel said.

We have worked together. We have celebrated progress together. We have grieved together. Amy and I made friendships across this city that will last a lifetime, he said.

From NTD.tv
The cast of Shen Yun Performing Arts at curtain call at the Detroit Opera House, on Feb. 7. 2014. (Evan Ning/The Epoch Times)

A Documented History of the Chinese Regimes Attempts to Undermine Shen Yun Performing Arts

The performances are lauded by celebrities, influential leaders, and arts aficionados all over. Audiences often come away feeling awed and inspired.

Shen Yun, its Chinese characters meaning the beauty of divine beings dancing, according to its website, seeks to revive the 5,000 years of Chinese civilization through music and dance. Founded in 2006 in New York, Shen Yuns annual productions have toured hundreds of theaters around the world, playing sold-out prestigious venues across North America and Asia.

The companys founders are artists in exile. Unable to present traditional Chinese arts within Communist Chinawhere the campaign to destroy elements of Chinese history and culture during the Cultural Revolution nearly severed Chinese from their rootsthey established Shen Yun so they could freely express their passion for Chinas rich heritage.

That is why the Beijing government, with its censorship regime that only allows state-censored performance, has continually tried to sabotage and undermine Shen Yuns performances in America and beyond.

Since Shen Yuns early years, numerous cases of attempted interference from Chinese consulates around the world have been documented.

Across cities in the United States, Beijing has enacted different tactics: consulates and embassies have sent letters to theater venues trying to persuade them not to rent to Shen Yun; Beijings state-run media have run paid ads in a U.S. newspaper defaming Shen Yun; Shen Yuns sponsors have been harassed; and internet commenters are mobilized to post negative reviews online.

In spite of Beijings efforts, U.S. theaters have remained largely undeterred; rather than caving to outside political pressure, theyve chosen to support artistic freedom. Shen Yun now tours over 80 cities throughout the United States.

Threatening Letters

Beijing has made explicit its stance on Shen Yun. On Dec. 23, 2008, a post in Chinese appeared on the website of the Chinese consulate general in Chicago, calling Shen Yun anti-China.

But the efforts to deter Shen Yuns performances began in earnest around 2010.

In the United States, one of the primary means was through pressuring or threatening theater venues to not lease its space to Shen Yun.

In late January 2010, Shen Yun was due to perform at The Robinson Center Music Hall in Little Rock, Arkansas. Thats when the consulate-general office in Houston, Texas sent an undated, unsigned letter to the music hall, accusing Shen Yun of undermining China-US relations.

The letter sought to discredit Shen Yun, claiming that it is undermining Chinas stability and overthrowing Chinese Government, spread anti-Chinese propaganda, and denigrates and distorts Chinese culture.

At the end, the letter asks that when Shen Yun requests for venue rental, endorsement or sponsorship, please just say NO.

But the theaters management ignored the letter. Shen Yuns performances proceeded without a hitch.

An official at the Houston theater venue where Shen Yun was due to perform several months later, the Wortham Center, also received pressure from the Chinese regime. But the official said he was not intimidated.

Instead, the Houston City Council decided to endorse Shen Yun with a declaration designating that July 2 and 3, 2010 are Shen Yun Performance Days.

The gesture seemed a pointed response to attempts at interfering with Shen Yuns performances.

In Seattle, Washington in January 2012, a similar incident occurred as Shen Yun was preparing to perform there. This time, the consulate in San Francisco penned a letter to Seattle city council members, asking them to not send proclamation or congratulatory letter for the performance, attend the performance.

Local Seattle media exposed the attempted intimidation tactics, with King 5, the local affiliate of NBC, broadcasting a TV segment on it.

This is a well-established tactic. As early as 2007, Shen Yun staff have reported such pressuring of local officials, such as when the consulate in Los Angeles sent a letter to Orange County officials warning them not to support Shen Yuns performances.

Then-chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors ended up penning a public letter where he denounced Beijings attempts at pressuring officials: Your letter is a formal request that the Orange County Board of Supervisors cooperate with your governments suppression of Falun GongI am personally insulted by your request and will certainly not honor it, Chris Norby wrote.

Norby was referring to the Falun Gong meditation practice, a spiritual discipline severely persecuted by the Chinese regime since 1999.

As a part of Shen Yuns portrayal of modern-day China, some of its dances portray the ongoing tragedy of the persecution; many of Shen Yuns founding artists are also adherents of Falun Dafa.

Based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance, Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa attracted millions of adherents soon after its introduction in 1992. Beijings atheist regime soon grew concerned that Falun Dafa could pose a threat to the Chinese Communist Partys ideology.

In July 1999, then-Party leader Jiang Zemin initiated a nationwide campaign to harass, arrest, and detain Falun Dafa practitioners, while employing the states propaganda apparatus to vilify the meditation group and its adherents.

Beijings fear of its brutal persecution being revealed to international audiences has fueled its agenda to systematically obstruct Shen Yun wherever it performs.

A Scheme

When these attempts at pressuring officials and theater venues didnt work, Chinese entities tried a different tactic.

In Austin, Texas, in 2010, the Long Center theater where Shen Yun was due to perform received an unusual email.

The correspondence came from a Gmail account called Jianhai Chao. In the email, the person begins with discussing an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Then, the person claims to be a Falun Dafa practitioner, pleading for the theaters audiences to channel their thoughts: by this way, evils could be killed and resolved to blood water, the email read.

The theater staff, who shared the email with local presenters, suspected that the nonsensical ramblings were from Chinese entities posing as Falun Dafa practitioners in order to discredit themsimilar to the propaganda disseminated in mainland China to justify to the public Beijings persecution.

That same year in June, the Chrysler Hall in Norfolk, Virginia, which was also due to host Shen Yun, received an email from a purported audience member, who claimed she received emails from Falun Dafa practitioners that gave her a bad impression of them. The sender, bessie35@yahoo.com, ended the letter by predictably urging the theater not to host Shen Yun.

Shen Yuns performances went ahead anyway. That July, the Austin mayor sent a proclamation to the company congratulating it on successful performances.

In 2015, officials from the Chinese consulate in Chicago met with a manager at the Peabody Opera House in St. Louis, Missouri. In person, the officials demanded that the theater cancel Shen Yuns bookingor else it would harm relations between the United States and China. Theater managers were not impressed and did not comply with the demands.

More Tricks

The latest scheme that Beijing devised is more overt. Chinas state-run English-language newspaper China Daily paid for an ad insert that appeared in the Washington Post on Jan. 25, 2017.

In the insert was an article titled, Blasphemy masquerades as art, that contained disparaging and false remarks about Shen Yun and Falun Dafa. It was a move meant to discourage U.S. readers from attending Shen Yuns upcoming performances at Washington DCs well-regarded Kennedy Center.

It seemed DC residents were unfazed by the China Daily ads; Shen Yuns week-long run at Kennedy Center was well-attended, according to local organizers.

Despite Beijings bid to prevent Shen Yun from telling truthful stories about ancient and contemporary China, they worked to the contrary.

Beijings schemes have fizzled, and on the contrary, audience members in the United States often happen to resonate with precisely the portions of Shen Yuns storytelling that Chinese communist apparatchiks object to.

Their struggle for freedom was very touchingI think that for me, it renews my prayers for people in China to be free, to know the truth, and to be able to express who they areto not live in fear of tyranny of the government, said Rebecca Laird, an audience member during Shen Yuns May 10 performance at the Sheas Performing Arts Center in Buffalo, New York.
Canada, US Reach Deal to Update NAFTA

OTTAWA/WASHINGTONThe United States and Canada reached a deal to update NAFTA and keep it a trilateral pact with Mexico, beating a midnight deadline with agreements to boost U.S. access to Canadas dairy market and protect Canada from possible U.S. autos tariffs, two Canadian sources with direct knowledge of the talks said on Sept. 30.

Word of the deal came as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convened a 10 p.m. Cabinet meeting to discuss the North American Free Trade Agreement talks.

A U.S. official said a few minutes earlier that the United States and Canada were very close to a deal.

Read More US, Canada Make Final Efforts to Save NAFTA

U.S. President Donald Trumps administration has said Canada must sign on to the text of the updated NAFTA by a midnight Sept. 30 deadline or face exclusion from the pact. Washington has already reached a bilateral deal with Mexico, the third NAFTA member.

Trump blames NAFTA for the loss of American manufacturing jobs and wants major changes to the pact, which underpins $1.2 trillion in annual trade. Markets feared its demise would cause major economic disruption.

Negotiators from both sides spent two days talking by phone as they tried to settle a range of difficult issues such as access to Canadas dairy market and U.S. tariffs.

The Canadian source said Canada had agreed to a cap on its automotive exports to the United States in the event that the Trump administration imposes global autos tariffs on national security grounds. The quota would allow for some growth in tariff-free automotive exports from Canada above current production levels, the source said.

Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland, in Ottawa for the negotiations, scrapped plans to give her countrys annual address to the U.N. General Assembly on Oct. 1, a spokesman said.

Separately, Mexicos Economy Ministry tweeted that it would hand the Mexican Senate the updated NAFTA text later on Sept. 30. If there was an agreement with Canada, the text would be trilateral. If not, it would be bilateral, the ministry said.

As part of any agreement, Canada looks set to offer increased access to its highly protected dairy market, as it did in separate pacts with the European Union and Pacific nations.

The influential Dairy Farmers of Canada lobby groupwhich strongly opposes the ideasaid in a statement that it insisted any final NAFTA deal should have no further negative impact on the dairy sector.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and White House adviser Jared Kushner have been updating Trump throughout Sept. 30 on the talks, a U.S. source said.

U.S. business groups oppose turning NAFTA into a bilateral deal because the three nations economies have become closely intertwined since the original pact came into force in 1994.

Officials have blown through several deadlines since the talks started in August 2017.

By David Ljunggren and Roberta Rampton
U.S. dairy products will have greater access to Canadian markets after the new USMCA deal was agreed to on Sept. 30, 2018. (The Canadian Press)

Canadian Dairy Farmers Not Pleased With NAFTA replacement

WASHINGTONCanadian dairy farmers have panned the renegotiated trade pact between Canada, the United States, and Mexico, saying the new deal will undercut the industry by limiting exports and opening up the market to more American products.

Dairy Farmers of Canada issued a terse statement almost immediately after the 11thhour agreement was announced late on Sept. 30, following 14 months of difficult negotiations between the parties.

The organization said the newly minted U.S.MexicoCanada Trade Agreement, or USMCA, will grant an expanded 3.6 percent market access to the domestic dairy market and eliminate competitive dairy classes, which the group says will shrink the Canadian industry.

It said the measures will have a dramatic impact not only for dairy farmers but for the whole sector.

This has happened, despite assurances that our government would not sign a bad deal for Canadians, Pierre Lampron, president of Dairy Farmers Canada, said in the statement. We fail to see how this deal can be good for the 220,000 Canadian families that depend on dairy for their livelihood.

U.S. administration officials said the deal provides increased access to Canadas dairy market for U.S. producers and limits the American impact of Canadas controversial supply management system for dairy and poultry products.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would only say it was a good day for Canada as he left a latenight cabinet meeting in Ottawa that capped several days of frenetic longdistance talks that included Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland and U.S. Ambassador David MacNaughton.

U.S President Donald Trump took to Twitter early Monday to praise what he called a historic deal that came just before U.S. and Mexican trade authorities were set to publish their own trade agreement without Canada as a signatory.

It is a great deal for all three countries, solves the many deficiencies and mistakes in NAFTA, greatly opens markets to our farmers and manufacturers, reduces trade barriers to the U.S., and will bring all three great nations closer together in competition with the rest of the world, he tweeted. The USMCA is a historic transaction!

The deal appears to preserve the key disputeresolution provisions Chapter 19which allow for independent panels to resolve disputes involving companies and governments, as well as Chapter 20, the governmenttogovernment dispute settlement mechanism.

A side letter published along with the main text of the agreement exempts a percentage of eligible auto exports from the tariffs. A similar agreement between Mexico and the U.S. preserves dutyfree access to the U.S. market for vehicles that comply with the agreements rules of origin.

Canada fought hard to retain Chapter 19, a holdover from NAFTA that U.S. trade ambassador Robert Lighthizer worked tooth and nail to eliminate.

USMCA will give our workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses a highstandard trade agreement that will result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region, Freeland and Lighthizer said in a joint statement.

On the matter of Section 232 tariffs, Trumps trade weapon of choice, U.S. officials told a latenight conference call with reporters that the two sides had reached an accommodation on the issue.

Federal cabinet ministers were summoned to a late Sept. 30 meeting at the Prime Ministers Office near Parliament Hill, while the White House convened its own latenight trade briefing conference call just an hour before the midnight deadline.

In Ottawa, PMO officials said there would be another cabinet meeting on Oct. 1 and a news conference likely as well.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce said it was relieved that an agreement in principle had been reached. But chamber president Perrin Beatty said the details of the text needed a closer look before a final verdict could be rendered.
A worker welds wheel hubs of baby carriages that will be exported at a factory in Hangzhou in China's eastern Zhejiang province on June 4, 2018. - China warned the US that any deals reached during ongoing trade talks would be void if Washington went ahead with imposing tariffs on Chinese goods, as the latest round of negotiations ended on June 3 in Beijing. (-/AFP/Getty Images)

China Slashes Steel, Textile Tariffs Amid Trump Pressure

China announced it would reduce tariffs on textile products and metals, including steel, as it runs low on ammunition in its tariff war with the United States.

Tariffs on textile and metals will be lowered to 8.4 percent from 11.5 percent, starting Nov. 1, Chinas Finance Ministry stated on Sept. 30.

The announcement came six days after Trump imposed a 10 percent tariff on $200 billion of Chinese goods on top of tariffs already imposed on $50 billion of goods that were implemented in August. China responded by imposing tariffs on $110 billion of American goods. However, China only imported about $130 billion of American goods last year, which reduces the room for any further tariff threats.

The United States, on the other hand, imported more than $505 billion worth of goods from China in 2017.

Theres a lot more room for us to escalate this, said U.S. author and columnist Gordon Chang, a specialist on the Chinese economy, in an earlier interview with China Uncensored.

Trump resorted to tariffs in response to Chinas unfair trade practices, including theft, the forced transfer of intellectual property, dumping, and other violations of World Trade Organization rules.

We are not in a trade war with China, that war was lost many years ago by the foolish, or incompetent, people who represented the U.S., Trump said in an April 4 tweet. Now we have a Trade Deficit of $500 Billion a year, with Intellectual Property Theft of another $300 Billion. We cannot let this continue!

Trump has repeatedly said he doesnt want a trade war, but indicated that he needs to apply pressure to achieve a level playing field for American businesses. The president has been rolling out a fundamental overhaul of U.S. trade policies, seeking more balanced relationships with many major foreign trading partners.

Chinas tariff reductions represent cracks in the initially tough stance the communist regime had taken in its rhetoric against Trumps pressure. The regime had already reduced import tariffs in July on some consumer items including apparel, cosmetics, home appliances, and fitness products.

Also slashed were import tariffs on wood and paper products, minerals, and gemstonesto 5.4 percent from 6.6 percent, the ministry said in a statement.

Average import tariffs on over 1,500 products will fall to 7.8 percent from 10.5 percent, the ministry said.

Reducing tariffs is conducive to promoting the balanced development of foreign trade and promoting a higher level of opening up to the outside world, the ministry stated.

Chinas cabinet has announced plans to cut tariffs on machinery, electrical equipment, and textile products beginning on Nov. 1.

As a result, the overall tariff level will be reduced to 7.5 percent in 2018, from 9.8 percent in 2017, the cabinet has said.

Influence Campaign

Chinese export hubs have been hit hard by Trumps tariffs. The Chinese regime has ramped up its efforts on everything short of open armed conflict to fight the tariffs, according to cybersecurity expert Casey Fleming, who is chief executive of Black Ops Partners.

Meanwhile, Trump has accused China of election meddling for targeting voters in Iowa with propaganda ahead of the Nov. 6 midterm elections.

They do not want me, or us, to win because I am the first president ever to challenge China on trade, Trump said during his address at the U.N. Security Council meeting Sept. 26. And we are winning on trade. We are winning at every level. We dont want them to meddle or interfere in our upcoming election.

Iowas top newspaper recently published a four-page editorial insert by China Daily. The insert was filled with critiques of Trumps tariffs, an apparent attempt to influence a state that exports large amounts of soy and pork to China. The insert didnt mention that China Daily is run by the Chinese regime.

The newspapers executive editor, Carol Hunter, said the insert met the Registers standard criteria for advertising.

China has been placing similar inserts in other newspapers such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. China Daily spends millions a year (pdf) pushing Beijing propaganda in the United States.

China tried to punish American farmers with a 25 percent import tariff on soy, which is a threat to Iowa, the second-largest soy producer in the United States.

But, despite the tariff, China will likely be forced to buy American soy because its own harvest was hit by an early frost and Argentine production fell by 40 percent since last year due to a drought.

In 2017, China consumed more than 110 million tons of soybeans, of which it imported 95.53 million tons, or 87 percent of its total consumption.

Epoch Times staff members Annie Wu, Sunny Chao, and Charlotte Cuthbertson, and Reuters contributed to this report.
Danske Bank Picks Interim CEO to Soothe Investor Concerns Over Scandal

COPENHAGENDanske Bank appointed an interim chief executive on Oct. 1, as it sought to reassure investors rattled by a $235 billion money laundering scandal and looking for a new leader.

Jesper Nielsen, the head of Danske Banks domestic banking business, will take on the running of the bank while a replacement is found for Thomas Borgen, who resigned last month but was not originally going to leave with immediate effect.

The bank cannot move on with rebuilding the trust in the bank before he (Borgen) is gone, said Jens Munch Holst, chief executive of MP Pension, which holds Danske Bank shares, said.

Borgen quit after an internal inquiry found that payments totaling 200 billion euros, many of which Danske Bank said were suspicious, had been moved through its Estonian branch between 2007 and 2015.

I agree with the board that it is best for all parties that the chief executive is someone who can help follow decisions through to the end, and as I have resigned, that is not me, the 54-year-old said in a statement emailed to Reuters.

Borgen, who was in charge of Danske Banks international operations, including Estonia, between 2009 and 2012 and became CEO in 2013, said last month that while he was cleared from a legal point of view, he held ultimate responsibility.

Denmarks largest bank said Borgen has been relieved of his duties, while Nielsen will continue to work as Head of Banking DK and is not a candidate for the permanent CEO position.

We are of the opinion that, with the situation the bank is in, it is best that the executive director is also part of the banks future, chairman of the bank Ole Andersen said.

He added that finding a new CEO was progressing as planned, but a spokesman for the bank declined to estimate when a new CEO could be announced, or whether the appointment of an interim CEO meant that the board has widened the search for a new CEO.

British shareholder adviser Hermes EOS has urged the banks board to explore suing senior executives over the money laundering scandal, the Financial Times reported on Monday.

Hermes EOS said it wanted the bank to emulate German engineering conglomerate Siemens, which sued several senior managers, including former chief executives and chairmen, over a large bribery scandal, the newspaper reported.

Hermes EOS did not respond to requests for comment.

Denmarks MP Pension said it will hold a meeting with Danske Bank this week and will ask a series of critical questions to make sure the bank is doing what it can to clean up to ensure that a money laundering case will never happen again.

In another top-level departure, Danske Bank said its chief legal adviser had also resigned.

I have taken part in many of Danske Banks key cases in the past five years, and I feel it is time to move on in my career, Group General Counsel Flemming Pristed said.

The recent Estonia case, in particular, has been very demanding, and it is a good time for me to stop now that a new CEO is to be appointed and the findings of the banks internal investigations into the matters at the Estonian branch have been announced, Pristed said in a statement.

Names In Frame

Danske Bank has not named any potential permanent replacements for Borgen, but the head of its Wealth Management unit Jacob Aarup-Andersen has been named by some analysts and media including Danish online media Finans as a likely new CEO, although some say that at 40 he is too inexperienced.

Aarup-Andersen took up his role in April following a two-and-a-half year stint as Danskes CFO, and before that two years as CEO of its pension fund Danica.

After having obtained a masters degree in Economy at the University of Copenhagen in 2002 Aarup-Andersen worked in Londons financial district for amongst others Goldman Sachs for ten years before he returned to Denmark for a job as Chief Portfolio Manager at Danskes Capital unit in 2012.

Others mentioned by analysts and media outlets as possible candidates are the CEO of Danish mortgage lender Nykredit, Michael Rasmussen, the Head of European Fixed Income and Commodities at Morgan Stanley Jakob Horder, and Annika Falkengren who is the former CEO of Swedish bank SEB and a partner in Swiss bank Lombard Odier.

Morgan Stanley and Nykredit declined to comment, while Lombard Odier did not immediately respond.

By Teis Jensen
Was Former Feinstein Staffer Involved With Fusion GPS During 2016 Elections?

Dan Jones, founder of the Penn Quarter Group, received $50 million in funding from wealthy donors, including George Soros

News Analysis

In a March 8, 2018, op-ed for The Daily Caller titled The Ever-Changing Russia Narrative Is False Public Manipulation, Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska noted how the disintegration of evidence-based journalism permits a surprisingly small number of individuals to destroy bilateral or multilateral relations.

Deripaska then described an unusual meeting that took place on March 16, 2017, between his lawyer and a former intelligence staffer for Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) named Dan Jones:

Daniel Joneshimself a team member of Fusion GPS, self-described former FBI agent and, as we now know from the media, an ex-Feinstein staffermet with my lawyer, Adam Waldman, and described Fusion as a shadow media organization helping the government, funded by a group of Silicon Valley billionaires and George Soros.'

At the time, Deripaskas op-ed was largely ignored, or at least not viewed with great sincerity. Political commentary from Russian oligarchs isnt in the greatest demand, domestically.

But just one week later, the House final report on Russia was made public. On page 112 of the report, there is a reference to post-election anti-Trump research by Steele and/or Fusion GPS along with a footnote. Contained in the footnote on page 113, is the following:

In late March 2017, Jones met with FBI regarding PQG [Penn Quarter Group], which he described as exposing foreign influence in Western elections. [redactedlikely Jones] told FBI that PQG was being funded by 7 to 10 wealthy donors located primarily in New York and California, who provided approximately $50 million. [redactedlikely Jones] further stated that PQG had secured the services of Steele, his associate [redactedlikely Fusion GPS co-founder Glenn Simpson], and Fusion GPS to continue exposing Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. Presidential election.

This footnote, and its potential significance, was first highlighted in an April 27 article by The Federalist.

Jones, who had previously worked as a senior intelligence staffer for Feinstein, founded PQG in the spring of 2016.

In his interview with the FBI, Jones made mention of 7 to 10 wealthy donors located primarily in New York and California, who provided approximately $50 million in funding to PQG. But unlike Deripaska, Jones makes no known reference to financial involvement from George Soros.

However, a recent article in The Washington Post revealed that at least some of the money received by Jones PQG did come from Soros through an intermediary. Michael Vachon, a spokesman for Soros, disclosed to Washington Post reporter David Ignatius that Soros had made a grant to the Democracy Integrity Project which, in turn, used Fusion GPS as a contractor.

Jones isnt referred to by name in the articlehe is described only as an associate of Fusion. Nor is the underlying identity of Democracy Integrity Project disclosed in the Washington Post article.

Jones has identified himself in a text to Deripaskas lawyer, Waldman, as being affiliated with the group:

Dan Jones here from the Democracy Integrity Project. Chris wanted us to connect.

In other words, Deripaska was correct in his assertion made in his March 2018 op-ed.

Its been reported that Jones and Penn Quarter may have begun funding Steele and Fusion GPS sometime in early 2017. But efforts by Jones may well have begun earlier.

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) first identified Jones and Penn Quarter in a Jan. 25, 2018, letter sent to a number of individuals. More recently, Jones was referred to a joint congressional task force for an open-setting interview in a July 5, 2018, letter sent by House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes. Fusion GPS founder Simpson, along with several other Fusion GPS affiliates, has been referred as well.

Grassleys letter covers a number of questions. It also sets forth the scope of the Judiciary Committees review, noting it includes whether any applications that may have been made for permission for such surveillance fully and accurately disclosedthe source of Fusion GPSs and Mr. Steeles funding.

Grassleys letter closes with a final request, asking for all communications to, from, copying, or relating to a large grouping of people covering the period from March 2016 to January 2017. The names, which include Fusion GPS principals and affiliates, along with a number of DOJ, FBI, and State Department officials, also includes Jones.

Grassley lists Jones in a footnote as the former Senate Intelligence Committee staffer for Senator Feinstein, current President of the Penn Quarter Group.

On the Penn Quarter website, Jones is described as follows:

He has spent more than a decade leading, managing, and participating in complex investigations for the U.S. Senate and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, including leading deployments and fact-finding missions to more than a dozen foreign countries. As a staff member of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Daniel led, managed, and served as the chief author of several prominent investigations, including the largest investigative review in U.S. Senate history, The Committee Study of the Central Intelligence Agencys Detention and Interrogation Program (aka, the Senate Torture Report).

Jones joined the Senate Intelligence staff in January 2007 from the FBI, where he served as an intelligence analyst. While on the Senate Intelligence Committee staff, Jones worked directly for Feinstein. Upon his decision to leave the committee staff in December 2015, Jones was personally eulogized by Feinstein with Obama in attendance.

Not everyone viewed Jones in the same favorable light as did Feinstein. Republican consultant and former Trump campaign aide Michael Caputo would later invoke the name of Jones during a damning statement to the Senate Intelligence Committee in March 2018:

How many of you know Daniel Jones, former Senate Intelligence staffer for Senator Dianne Feinstein? Great guy, right? Most of you worked with him. One of you probably just talked to him this morning.

Of course, very few of us in flyover country knew Daniel until recently. Now, we know that he quit his job with your Senate committee not long ago to raise $50 million from 10 rich Democrats to finance more work on the Fusion GPS Russian dossier.

Jones and Penn Quarter have been reported to have begun their work with Fusion GPS and Christopher Steele in early 2017. But Grassleys letter, dated Jan. 25, 2017, is requesting information from March 2016 to January 2017. This suggests that Grassley has information on Joness and Penn Quarters activities before the group reportedly began any work with Fusion GPS and Steele.

Fusion GPS was reportedly paid just over $1 million for their efforts at producing and pushing the Steele Dossier in 2016. Steele was reportedly paid $160,000 for his role in the creation of the Dossier.

From released bank records, we know that Fusion GPS was paid $1.02 million in a series of seven payments from Perkins Coie beginning on May 24, 2016, with the final payment made on Dec. 28, 2016. These payments closely track with the sequence of memos prepared by Steele, who was paid from these amounts.

A total of $1 million to pay for the entire production and dissemination of the Dossier seems a somewhat inadequate number. This amount supposedly covered the work of Simpson, his partner, their staff, contractor Nellie Ohr, and Steele. Add to this any number of related expenses, including 11 documented payments made to three journalists.

The cumulative $1 million number also strikes as inadequate relative to the risks being taken professionally. This was a high-risk game being played by all.

We know from text messages to Senate Intelligence Committee member Mark Warner that Deripaskas lawyer, Waldman, was in touch with both Steele and Jones in March 2017. We also know that Steele had been in direct contact with Jones. What we dont yet know is when that contactor any funding of Penn Quarterbegan.

Subpoena of Simpson

House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) recently announced his intention to subpoena Simpson on Sept. 28, 2018, saying in a tweet, As part of our joint investigation into decisions made by DOJ in 2016, today I subpoenaed Glenn Simpson to appear for a deposition. And Goodlatte didnt stop there:

Weve also invited James Comey, Loretta Lynch, Sally Yates, Stuart Evans, Richard Scott, Sally Moyer, and Mike Kortan as witnesses. Will subpoena them if necessary.

Perhaps Goodlatte should also consider speaking with Jones. It might prove enlightening to determine exactly when Penn Quarter began any work with Fusion GPS, Steele, or other individuals involved in the dossier, along with the creation of the Trump-Russia narrative. An accounting of their spending efforts might prove useful as well.

A total of $50 million in funding obtained for the purpose of exposing foreign influence in Western elections seems a significant number when contrasted with the $1 million reportedly used to fund the entirety of the Steele dossier operation.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
A fisherman on a Dutch fishing boat prepares electric pulse fishing nets during departure from the harbor of Den Helder on Jan. 18, 2018. (Niels Wenstedt/AFP/Getty Images)

Electrical Fishing Causing Damage to Major Marine Sanctuary, Groups Claim

LONDONElectric-pulse trawling, which is banned in many parts of the world, is damaging one of Europes largest marine sanctuaries, marine conservation groups say.

In place of heavy chains that stir fish from the seabed, electric-fishing trawlers drag electrodes that fire weak pulses into the mud, shocking the fish up and into fishermens nets floating above. While the method is technically banned in the EU, it blossomed in the Dutch fishing fleet to become their main method for sole fishing after the practice was approved for limited scientific research.

Two marine-conservation organizations have filed a complaint with the EU Commission, saying that tracking data indicates that Dutch vessels are illegally trawling over the Dogger Bank, a protected marine sanctuary in the North Sea.

Charles Clover, executive director of Blue Marine Foundation, one of the organizations behind the complaint, said, The Chinese used the technology in the 1980s, but abandoned it because of its impact on fish stocks and the environment.

The mind boggles as to how the Commission and European Fisheries Ministers have permitted electric fishing on the Dogger Bank, which is legally protected under EU law because of its unique and important habitat.

The complaint comes as the European Union gears up for discussions on pulse fishing on Oct. 4. In January, the European Parliament voted for a full banremoving all rights of Dutch trawlers to use the methodbut the policy needs to pass two more lawmaking chambers.

Some fishermen report that pulse fishing is leaving fishing grounds like graveyards.

Frederic Le Manach, scientific director of Bloom, the other marine-conservation organization behind the complaint, said that 50 to 70 percent of large cod have their spines broken following the electric shock.

The electricity also affects other marine life such as invertebrates and juvenile stages, he said, and the physical action of the electrodes also is damaging.

Nothing Experimental

Proponents say its less destructive than the equivalent beam fishing method, and doesnt impact sole (the primary target) in the same way as it does cod.

But disputes relating to the science are caught in the net of European fishing politics.

The EU started to allow pulse fishing for experimental purposes in 2006, allowing 5 percent of the fleet to use it.

Only the Dutch fleet took up the practice. Instead of their allotted 13 vessels, however, there are now more than 80 trawlers using the technique, pulling in 92 percent of all sole fish caught by Dutch beam trawlers.

There is nothing experimental about this fishery, it is a full-fledged commercial operation and its environmental impacts, while under-researched, are potentially very harmful,  said Clover.

According to Bloom, the Dutch government had given millions of euros worth of subsidies to fishermen to convert their vessels to the practicealthough most of these licenses were illegal.

Skewed by Politics

For their part, the Dutch accuse the Frenchtheir main fishing-trawler rivalsof pushing the environmental lobbying.

Scientific research commissioned by the Dutch government, which appeared to exonerate pulse fishing, was later criticized by other scientists as being inaccurate and skewed for political purposes.

Jeremy Percy, the executive director of Life Platform, which campaigns for low-impact, smaller-scale fishing methods, said, The advent of electric pulse fishing was an answer to the probable banning of traditional beam trawling in the near-future, promising far less fuel needed and lighter gear across the seabed.

But there is no clarity to the science, he says. His objection to electrical fishing comes from the first-hand accounts of its destructive power from a significant number of inshore fishermen.

VisNed, which represents Dutch trawlers, has in the past denied that there is any proof to the criticisms of electrical fishing. VisNed didnt respond to a request for comment before the time of writing.
Members of a Taiwanese military band and people wearing hats in the colors of Taiwan's national flag take part in National Day celebrations in front of Taiwan's Presidential Office in Taipei on Oct. 10, 2012. (Mandy Cheng/AFP/Getty Images)

Former Top Taiwan Military Intel Officer Exposes Breadth of Beijings Spying Activities

At least three separate Chinese intelligence organizations are collecting information on Taiwans military officers, according to a new book by a former Taiwanese military intelligence official that reveals how extensively the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has conducted espionage.

Lieutenant General Weng Yen-ching, a former deputy director of Taiwans Military Intelligence Bureau, says in his book, The Chinese Communist Partys Intelligence Organizations and Espionage Activities, published Sept. 25, that one Chinese military department is specifically tasked to monitor phone calls, with equipment that detects keywords and immediately flags any phone conversations containing them.

Weng, who has done intelligence work for 35 years, also wrote that the CCP came to power in mainland China by infiltrating Taiwans key governmental and military positions. He hopes his book on the CCPs spying activities can help the Taiwan government strengthen its defensive front.

During Chinas civil war, the CCP defeated the Kuomintang, which led to the latter fleeing to the island of Taiwan. The island has since become a democracy, with its own constitution, military, and currency. However, Beijing considers it a renegade province that should be reunited with the mainland one day, with military force if necessary. Beijing has since sought military, diplomatic, and propaganda efforts to undermine Taiwan.

Weng revealed that at the end of 2015, the Chinese regime established a new military department called the strategic support force, in which an independent military branch stationed in the Sixth Division of Wuhan City in Hubei Province, central China, collects and analyzes technical intelligence from Taiwan, including satellite and high-altitude surveillance; telecommunications interception; and collecting intelligence from international phone calls, faxes, mobile phone communications, and internet data.

Part of the Sixth Division is hidden within Wuhan University under the name of a research center and communications laboratory, Weng says. The division has deployed at least three giant signal monitoring stations in Fujian Province, a southeastern province just across the strait from Taiwanto monitor radio signals.

Meanwhile, an investigation bureau under the Central Military Commissions (CMC) Political Work Department is the main unit responsible for collecting intelligence on Taiwans political sphere. The CMC is a powerful agency that oversees Chinas military forces, with Party leader Xi Jinping as its chairman.

The Shanghai branch of this agency focuses on Taiwans national army, while the Liaison Department of The Peoples Liberation Army (official name of Chinese military) General Political Department has created a database that contains personal information on all military officers above the colonel position in Taiwan, including their home address, academic background, and other data about their personal lives.

In addition to his background in intelligence, Weng has also served as the publisher and president of a monthly magazine studying the Chinese Communist Party, as well as chairman of Cheng Sheng Broadcasting Corp., a well-known private Taiwanese media company that was established in 1950.

Wu Yizhou contributed to this report.
Indonesia Scrambles to Help Quake-Hit Island as Death Toll Tops 800

PALU, IndonesiaIndonesian authorities scrambled to get food, aid and equipment into quake-hit Sulawesi island on Oct. 1 as the death toll from the disaster soared to 832 and looked certain to rise as rescuers struggled to reach devastated outlying communities.

Dozens of people were reported to be trapped in the rubble of several hotels and a mall in the city of Palu, which was hit by waves as high as six meters (20 feet) following the 7.5 magnitude earthquake on Sept. 28.

Hundreds more were feared buried in landslides that engulfed villages in surrounding areas.

Grieve for the people of Central Sulawesi, we all grieve together, President Joko Widodo said on Twitter late on Sept. 30.

Most of the confirmed deaths were in Palu itself and authorities were bracing for the toll to climb as connections with outlying areas are restored.

Of particular concern is Donggala, a region of 300,000 people north of Palu and close to the epicenter of the quake, and two other districts, which have been cut off from communications since Sept. 28.

We havent received reports from the three other areas. Communication is still down, power is still out. We dont know for sure what is the impact, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, a spokesman for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, told a news conference.

Along with Palu, 1,500 km (930 miles) northeast of Jakarta, these districts have a combined population of about 1.4 million.

Pledge to Rebuild

Five foreignersthree French, one South Korean and one Malaysianwere among the missing, Nugroho said.

Authorities were preparing a mass grave in Palu to bury the dead as soon as possible after they were identified to prevent the spread of disease, he said on Twitter on Oct. 1.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla said the death toll could rise into the thousands.

President Widodo visited a housing complex, flattened when the quake liquefied the soil it stood on, on Sept. 30 and called for patience.

I know there are many problems that need to be solved in a short time, including communications, he said.

The ruins would be rebuilt, Widodo said, as aftershocks continued to rattle the region.

Footage of the ruined city showed a crumpled mess of houses, cars and trees mashed together by the quake, with rooftops and roads split and left at all angles.

There are estimated to be many victims in this area. Evacuation is difficult because many collapsed houses are buried in soil, Nugroho said on Sept. 30 evening.

Internal Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo, asked on social media about reports of looting, said he had ordered authorities to help people get food and drink and businesses would be compensated. One video posted on YouTube showed people grabbing boxes of supplies from a truck.

Television pictures showed scores of residents shouting were hungry, we need food as soldiers distributed rations from a truck in one neighborhood, while footage from elsewhere showed people making off with clothes and other items from a wrecked mall.

State logistics agency chief Budi Waseso said it was preparing to send hundreds of tonnes of government rice stocks to areas in Central Sulawesi affected by the disaster.

Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said the government had allocated 560 billion rupiah ($37.58 million) for disaster recovery, media reported.

Questions About Warnings

Indonesia, which sits on the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, is all too familiar with deadly earthquakes and tsunamis. In 2004, a quake off Sumatra island triggered a tsunami across the Indian Ocean that killed 226,000 people in 13 countries, including more than 120,000 in Indonesia.

Questions are sure to be asked why warning systems set up after that disaster appear to have failed on Sept. 28. Nugroho, bemoaning a fall in funding, said none of Indonesias tsunami buoys, one type of instrument used to detect the waves, had been operating since 2012.

The meteorological and geophysics agency BMKG issued a tsunami warning after the quake but lifted it 34 minutes later, drawing criticism it had been too hasty. However, officials estimated the waves had hit while the warning was in force.

Neighbors including Australia, Thailand and China offered help and Pope Francis, speaking to thousands in St. Peters Square, said he was praying for the victims.

The European Union announced 1.5 million euros ($1.74 million) in immediate aid.

Indonesia has the worlds largest Muslim population but also significant pockets of Christians, including on Sulawesi, which is one of the archipelago nations five main islands.

$1 = 0.8615 euros
Kavanaugh Accusers Attorneys, Democrats Likely Affected Her Account, Prosecutor Concludes

Actions by congressional Democrats and the attorneys for Christine Blasey FordJudge Brett Kavanaughs accuserprobably influenced Fords account of the events, according to a memo drafted by Rachel Mitchell, the former sex-crimes prosecutor who questioned Ford.

In the memo sent to Republican senators, Mitchell concluded that the activities of congressional Democrats and Dr. Fords attorneys likely affected Dr. Fords account.

According to the memo, Ford communicated with Democrats and their staffs as the details of the accounts she provided became increasingly specific. Mitchell doesnt offer a detailed explanation for her conclusion and instead points senators to a timeline showing that Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) was aware of Fords allegations weeks before Feinsteins staff interviewed Kavanaugh on Aug. 28.

Ford provided her most specific account of the events after Feinsteins staff interviewed Kavanaugh. Feinsteins office didnt respond to a request for comment.

In the original text to The Washington Post tip-line on July 6, Ford said the alleged incident happened in the mid-1980s. She changed the date to early 80s in her letter to Feinstein on July 30.

After Ford retained a lawyer recommended by Feinsteins staff, she took a polygraph on Aug. 7, when she further narrowed the date to a high school summer in early 80s. Ford crossed out summer on the statement, but didnt explain why.

Ford provided the most narrow timeframesummer of 1982to The Washington Post in the article published on Sept. 16.

According to Mitchell, Ford couldnt explain how she narrowed the date. Mitchell does note that Feinsteins staffers had interviewed Kavanaugh two weeks prior and asked him numerous questions about confidential background information.

Similar to Fords varied accounts of the date, she provided different statements regarding the number and identities of the people of the party. In Fords earliest account to the Washington Post tipline on July 6, she listed Patrick PJ Smyth as a bystander and didnt list Smyths good friend, Leland Keyser.

In the Sept. 16 Post article, she said there were four boys and herself at the party, but changed her prior story to say that Smyth was not a bystander. By the time she testified before the committee on Sept. 27, Ford changed her account again, saying that four boys, Keyser, and herself were at the party. A timeline provided by Mitchell shows that Ford was in regular contact with Democrats as her story evolved.

Spokespeople for committee Republicans, including Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R- S.C.), didnt return a request for comment.

Mitchell ultimately concluded that no reasonable prosecutor would bring this case based on the evidence before the Committee.

A he said, she said case is incredibly difficult to prove. But this case is even weaker than that, Mitchell wrote in the memo.

Mitchell reasoned that a case would be hard to prove because Ford offered inconsistent accounts about when the alleged assault occurred, struggled to identify Kavanaugh by name, forgot key details about the night in question, and had trouble remembering key recent events, among other issues. None of the witnesses named by Ford corroborated her allegation.

Mitchells memo became public two days after President Donald Trump ordered the FBI to open a supplementary background investigation into the claims against Kavanaugh. The White House gave the bureau a week to wrap up the probe.

Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee dismissed Democrats calls for an FBI probe for weeks, saying that the bureau considered the matter closed. After the committee advanced Kavanaughs nomination to the Senate on a party-line vote on Sept. 28, three swing-vote senators requested a week-long FBI investigation before voting on the nominee. The committee complied and called on the White House to order a probe.
Latest Updates on Tropical Storm Rosa, Leslie, Sergio

Advisories are being issued for Tropical Storm Rosa, Tropical Storm Sergio, and Tropical Storm Leslie as of Oct. 1

Rosa

U.S. hurricane forecasters said that Rosa, once a Category 4 hurricane, is now a tropical storm.

The storm is currently producing heavy rains and flooding throughout the southwestern United States, Mexicos Baja California, and the Sonora Desert.

Rosa, which has 50 mph winds, is 105 miles west-southwest of Punta Eugenia, Mexico, and 285 miles south-southwest of San Felipe, Mexico.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the West Coast of the Baja California peninsula from Punta Abreojos to Cabo San Quintin in Mexico. And a tropical storm watch is in effect for the East Coast of the Baja California peninsula from Bahia de los Angeles to San Felipe, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Interests elsewhere in the northern and central Baja California peninsula and northwestern Sonora should monitor the progress of Rosa, said the NHC.

Several days ago, Rosa was a strong major hurricane, but due to the storms northward path, it ran over cool waters, weakening it, according to the hurricane center.

On the forecast track, the center of Rosa will approach the central and northern Baja California peninsula later today and then move across the peninsula into the northern Gulf of California tonight. Rosas remnants are then expected to move across the Desert Southwest on Tuesday, the NHC said.

The storm is slated to bring between 2 and 4 inches of rain to the Mogollon Rim of Arizona as well as 1 to 2 inches to the rest of the Southwestern U.S., Central Rockies, and Great Basin, NBC News reported. The rain could bring flash flooding to the area.

Leslie

Currently, there are no coastal watches or warnings for Tropical Storm Leslie, which has been meandering in the central Atlantic for the past several days.

Later in the period, Leslie is forecast to move north-northeastward back over its previous track where cooler upwelled waters are likely to produce some weakening, according to the NHCs discussion of the storm.

The storm is expected to continue moving around in the Atlantic Ocean.

Large swells generated by Leslie when it was a strong extratropical low will continue to affect portions of the southeastern coast of the United States, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and most of the Greater and Lesser Antilles for another day or two. These swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip currents. Although the swells will diminish some by mid-week, they will likely remain hazardous for the same locations through the forecast period due to Leslies slow motion, the agency said.

Sergio

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Sergio strengthened a bit over the open Pacific Ocean as it churns hundreds of miles off the coast of Central America. The storm is 590 miles south-southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico, and 790 miles south of the southern tip of Baja California, according to forecasters.

There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect, said the NHC.

Sergio is moving to the west at 14 mph, and is expected to move away from North America into the Pacific Ocean.
Protesters shout out slogans about boycotting the referendum on changing the country's name that would open the way for it to join NATO and the European Union in Skopje, Macedonia, on Sept. 30, 2018. (Reuters/Marko Djurica)

Macedonias Bid to Join EU, NATO in Limbo After Low Vote Turnout on Name Change

SKOPJE, MacedoniaMacedonias hopes of joining the European Union and NATO were left in limbo on Oct. 1, a day after voters backed a plan to change the countrys name by a wide margin, but failed to hit the 50 percent turnout required for the referendums result to be considered valid.

While Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said he would press on with a vote in parliament to endorse the change of name to the Republic of North Macedonia, the nations defense minister said an early election might be necessary, potentially derailing the whole plan due to a tight timeframe.

Some 91 percent of voters backed the name change, which was demanded by neighboring Greece as a precondition for lifting its veto on Macedonia joining the organizations, But turnout was just 36.9 percent, final figures show, far below the required threshold.

Greece has insisted on the change because it views the name Macedonia as implying a territorial claim on a northern Greek region of that name. Greeces parliament must also approve the June name deal and, as is the case with Zaev, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is facing opposition from his nationalist foes.

The EU, echoing the pro-Western Zaev, hailed the referendum result as a ringing endorsement of Macedonias plans to join the bloc and NATO. But Russia, which opposes NATO eastern expansion, said tersely it expected the law in Macedonia to be respected.

Zaev lacks the two-thirds majority in parliament to push through the name change, and opponents of the name change have vowed to block the legislation, with some boycotting the vote in order to invalidate the result.

In the coming week, we will assess if we can secure the necessary majority for the constitutional changes, and if not, we will call an early election, Defense Minister Radmila Sekerinska told Reuters. The downside is that the election would postpone adoption of the constitutional changes for 45 to 60 days.

Political Crisis

Political analysts said the referendum outcome greatly complicates the tiny ex-Yugoslav republics push to join Western structures.

Instead of having a clearer picture, the outcome of the referendum will only deepen the political crisis, said political analyst Petar Arsovski. We are likely heading towards early elections and Macedonia does not have time for that.

Greece and the EU have ried to put a brave face on the setback.

We hope that Mr. Zaevs initiative for a constitutional reform will be successful, Greek government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos said on Oct. 1. The Greek government will continue with sobriety and prudence  to support the need for an implementation of the deal. This opportunity must not be wasted.

An early election could be called in Macedonia for the end of November at the earliest, pushing the constitutional changes into the spring.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn said in a joint statement: The [Macedonia] parliament will now be called upon to proceed with the next steps for implementation of the name agreement by deciding on adoption of the legal changes.

By Ivana Sekularac
Mississippi City Mourns 2 Police Officers Killed in Shooting

BROOKHAVEN, Miss.Residents mourning two police officers shot and killed over the weekend in a small Mississippi city left roses, balloons and American flags in their honor Sunday, ahead of an evening prayer vigil.

The candlelight service for Officer James White, 35, and Cpl. Zach Moak, 31, was being organized outside the Brookhaven Police Department where the officers had worked. There, every few minutes, people would pull up in cars, leaving flowers, teddy bears and balloons not far from where their patrol cars were parked. Each car was adorned with an American flag and a wreath on its front grill.

On the police departments Facebook page, Chief Kenneth Collins called on area residents to turn out for the vigil and honor these young men who gave their lives serving the city of more than 12,000, located about 60 miles (95 kilometers) south of the state capital of Jackson.

White and Moak were killed early Saturday.

Warren Strain of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety said Sunday that the shooting suspect, 25-year-old Marquis Flowers, was hospitalized after being wounded in the confrontation. Strain said charges are pending against Flowers and that investigation is ongoing. He did not provide an update on Flowers medical condition.

Strain had said previously that the officers were called to a house in Brookhaven at about 5 a.m. Saturday for a report of shots fired. Following an exchange of gunfire that left both officers mortally wounded, the two were pronounced dead at a local hospital, Strain said. He identified the weapon used as a handgun but wouldnt elaborate on the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

On Sunday, children jumped on a trampoline not far from the shooting scene at a Brookhaven duplex. What appeared to be several bullet holes in the aged blue siding of the duplex were pointed out with evidence markers by investigators. What looked like blood stains marked the ground steps away.

The Brookhaven chief Collins called White and Moak, both residents of Lincoln County, heroes.

Friends of the officers said they were preparing for their funerals.

Hanna Hux, a Brookhaven resident who has known White since she was 12, called him one of her oldest, dearest friends. She said he was first on the scene where the shooting occurred and is stunned by his death.

Everybody needs to come together and support one another rather than fighting against one another, she told The Associated Press after leaving flowers beside both officers squad cars. We need lots of prayers. Though she couldnt make the Sunday vigil because of work, she said she was planning to attend James funeral later in the week.

This is the second time in as many years that a law enforcement official has been killed in the line of duty in the Brookhaven area. Last year Lincoln County Sheriffs Deputy William Durr, who also spent four years with Brookhaven police, was responding to a call when he was shot to death. Authorities said the gunman shot and killed seven other people in a killing spree in and around the Brookhaven area.

Willie Cory Godbolt was arrested May 28, 2017, and is awaiting trial. He is pleading not guilty and faces the death penalty if convicted.

By Rogelio Solis
New Memo From Prosecutor Highlights Inconsistencies in Kavanaugh Accuser Testimony

A new memo from the prosecutor who questioned a woman accusing Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, highlights the accusers multiple inconsistencies, including the insistence that a key witness was at the alleged scene, despite the witness refuting the accusers claim.

Rachel Mitchell, a prosecutor based in Arizona, was chosen by Republican senators on the Senate Judiciary Committee to question Christine Ford, who accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her in a Maryland home when she was 15 and he was 17.

Mitchell sent a memo to the Republican senators on Sept. 30, noting the many inconsistencies with Fords account that were revealed through questioning during the public hearing on Sept. 27.

Mitchell noted that the memo contains my own independent assessment of Dr. Fords allegations, based upon my independent review of the evidence and my nearly 25 years experience as a career prosecutor of sex-related and other crimes in Arizona.

Rachel Mitchell, prosecutor hired by Judiciary Committee Republicans writes 5-page memo sent to all GOP senators on Ford testimony tonight. I do not think that a reasonable prosecutor would bring this case based on the evidence before the Committee. pic.twitter.com/h9eCcWPRwH  Phil Mattingly (@Phil_Mattingly) October 1, 2018

Case is Weak

Mitchell wrote that a he said, she said, case is difficult to prove, but that Fords accusation is even weaker than that.

Dr. Ford identified other witnesses to the event, and those witnesses either refuted her allegations of failed to corroborate them, she wrote. For the reasons discussed below [in the memo], I do not think that a reasonable prosecutor would bring this case based on the evidence.

Fords narrative about what allegedly happened has shifted multiple times, including offering different dates in a text to the Washington Post, a letter to Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), and a statement to a polygrapher.

She has said the alleged assault happened in the mid-1980s, the early 80s, and one high school summer in the early 80s, only to settle on 1982 in September of this year. Even that date, revealed in a Post article, seemed undermined by the fact that Ford told a therapist in 2013 that the assault happened in her late teens.

Night of Alleged Assault

Another shift occurred when Ford described the night of the alleged assault, Mitchell noted. In a letter to Feinstein, Ford said that she heard Kavanaugh and his friend talking to other partygoers downstairs as she hid in a bathroom upstairs. But in her testimony on Sept. 27, she said she couldnt hear them talking to anybody.

She said in her letter, I locked the door behind me. Both loudly stumbled down the stairwell, at which point other persons at the house were talking with them.

But during the hearing, she said that she couldnt hear them talking with others when they went downstairs, noting she assum[ed] the conversation took place.

Her account of who was at the party has also shifted. She told a therapist in 2012 there were four boys in the bedroom in which she was assaulted, but she claimed the therapist had misunderstood and that there were four boys at the party but only two in the bedroom. She told Feinstein in a letter that there were five people total, including herself, at the party, but in her testimony at the public hearing, she said there were six people total, with four boys in addition to herself and a female friend, Leland Keyser.

Keysers written letter to the committee has severely undermined Fords claim, as the pair are longtime friends. Keyser says she has never met Kavanaugh and was not at the alleged party. Mark Judge, Kavanaughs friend who Ford alleges was present when the assault occurred, has also denied that the alleged assault happened and that he was present at the alleged party, as has Patrick Smyth, who Ford claimed was at the party.

Memory Problems

Mitchell also noted that Fords long-term memory problems also included not being able to remember how she heard about the party, how she got to the party, how she left the party, and where exactly the party was.

In her testimony, Ford claimed that she was driven from the party to her house after she left but was unable to remember who drove her and no one has come forward to identify him or herself as the driver.

Mitchell wrote that Ford has not only struggled with her long-term memory, but also her short-term memory.

Ford could not remember if she showed a full or partial set of therapy notes, or merely described the notes, to a Washington Post reporter several months ago. A Post reporter claimed in a story to have seen the notes.

Ford couldnt remember if she actually had the notes when she messaged the Post on July 6. In her message, she wrote that she had the notes.

Ford has refused to provide the notes to the committee.

From NTD.tv
Officials Confirm Body Found in Creek Is of 6-Year-Old Maddox Ritch

The medical examiners office officially confirmed the identity of the body found last week in the search for missing 6-year-old Maddox Ritch.

The boy went missing Sept. 22 while they were walking in Rankin Lake Park in Gastonia, North Carolina, his father said.

We are deeply saddened to learn the body found by searchers last Thursday is confirmed to be Maddox Ritch, said Gastonia Police Chief Robert Helton on Oct. 1. Hundreds of people searched tirelessly for this child and our work continues to answer every question we can about this tragic death.

Gastonia Police received confirmation of the Maddox Ritch from the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiners Office, the statement said. His body was found in Long Creek on Sept. 27.

The latest information from @GPDNC on the Maddox Ritch Investigation. Sadly, the body found in the creek is confirmed to be little Maddox. https://t.co/sQ49xWiKnc pic.twitter.com/w88q8Epp3Z  FBI Charlotte (@FBICharlotte) October 1, 2018

Please, don't spread rumors, theories, or speculation on social media about Maddox Ritch. The investigation is ongoing, we are working hard to determine how he got into the creek. If you were in the park, & we haven't talked to you, call the @GPDNC tip line at 704-869-1075.  FBI Charlotte (@FBICharlotte) October 1, 2018

Investigators remain committed to finding answers about where Maddox was, how his movement occurred, and how his body ended up in Long Creek. Anyone who was at Rankin Lake Park on Saturday, Sept. 22, who has not already called needs to call the Gastonia Police tip line 704-869-1075, according to a statement from police

The results of the boys autopsy are not available yet. Police are continuing to investigate what happened to the boy.

Funeral services have been set up for Maddox for Oct. 5, according to reports.

Ian Ritch, the father, said Maddox ran after a jogger while they were in the park. He couldnt keep up with the child, adding that neuropathy in his feet due to diabetes makes it hard for him to run.

On Sept. 28, after the boy was located, Ritch issued a statement on Facebook.

Today I found out Im not a dad anymore, he wrote in the post. I would give anything to go back and save him.

He also wrote: While a lot of people dont believe anything I have said in the past, believe this. From this moment on for the rest of my life, I will live with the guilt of not being there to save my son.

Ritch continued, So when everyone else gets to go back to their normal lives remember that I will never be the same man again. I will now and forever be a broken man until I take my last breath.

In prior interviews, he explained how the boy went missing.

He likes running, the father said, The Associated Press reported. I couldnt catch up with him. I feel guilt for letting him get so far ahead of me before I started running after him.

According to CBS17, There is a lot of information indicating that Maddox was where the family indicated he was, and that his movements were what they indicated, said FBI Special Agent Jason Kaplan at a Sept. 27 press conference.

The FBI will also try to determine whether the death was an accident or there was a crime, Kaplan said at the press conference. We still want to hear from people who were in the park that day, he said.
U.S. Coast Guard crew members and LA firefighters investigate a light plane reportedly down off of San Pedro, Calif., on Feb. 5, 2016. (Chuck Bennett/Daily Breeze via AP)

Officials Suspend Search in Alaskan Waters for Helicopter Crash Victims

The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search on Sept. 30, for three missing people from a helicopter crash in the frigid waters near Lituya Bay, about 116 miles northwest of Juneau, Alaska.

Authorities searched 788 square miles over a period of more than 36 hours, a Coast Guard statement said.

After maximizing search efforts with air, surface and shoreside assets we suspended the search today, Captain Darran McLenon, of the 17th Coast Guard District, said in the statement.

A 14-year-old boy was found alive on Friday, a few hours after the wreck, suffering from mild hypothermia, but otherwise in good condition, according to Coast Guard spokesman Nate Littlejohn.

The survivor was with his family and being evaluated at an Anchorage hospital, McLenon said.

Neither the Coast Guard nor the Alaska Department of Public Safety has released the names of the missing people or the youth.

But local media, including the Anchorage Daily News, identified the boy as Aiden Pepperd, the son of the owner of an Alaska construction and engineering company.

Missing were the boys father Josh Pepperd, 42, the mans other son, Andrew Pepperd, 11, and the pilot, David King, 53, owner of Last Frontier Air Ventures, local media reported.

Wreckage from the helicopter has been washing ashore on a beach about 3 miles east of the Lituya Bay fjord, officials said.

By Rich McKay
A cargo train loaded with coal dust moves past the port area near City Station in Karachi, Pakistan on Sept. 24, 2018. (Akhtar Soomro/Reuters)

Pakistan Cuts Chinese Silk Road Rail Project by $2 Billion Because of Debt Concerns

LAHORE, PakistanIslamabad has slashed the size of the biggest Chinese Silk Road project in Pakistan by $2 billion, Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed said, citing government concerns about the countrys debt levels.

The change is part of Islamabads efforts to rethink the One Belt, One Road initiative (OBOR, also known as Belt and Road) projects in Pakistan, where Beijing has pledged about $60 billion in financing but the new government of populist Prime Minister Imran Khan appears to be more cautious about the investment.

Pakistan is a poor country that cannot afford the huge burden of the loans, Rasheed told a news conference on Oct. 1 in Lahore.

Therefore, we have reduced the loan from China under CPEC for rail projects from $8.2 billion to $6.2 billion, he added, referring to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The mega-project to revamp the colonial-era line that stretches 1,163 miles from Karachi to the northwestern city of Peshawar was initially priced at $8.2 billion, but wrangling over costs has led to delays. Rasheed said the government remains committed to the Karachi-Peshawar Main Line-1 (ML-1) project, but added that he wishes to further reduce the cost to $4.2 billion from $6.2 billion.

Islamabad has balked at the financing terms and has pushed for deeply concessional loans for ML-1. It also invited third countries to join or for the Chinese to be investors in the project, through a build-operate-transfer model that would rely less on debt.

The United States has criticized OBOR projects, warning that the loans could turn into debt traps for poor countries unable to pay them money back.

CPEC is like the backbone for Pakistan, but our eyes and ears are open, Rasheed said.

The ML-1 is the spine of the countrys dilapidated rail network, as well as the biggest source of revenue. Pakistans rail system has struggled to break even for decades as passenger numbers plunge, train lines close and the vital freight business nosedives.

Since 2013, China has launched OBOR construction projects across more than 60 countries, seeking a network of land and sea links with Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.

By Mubasher Bukhari
U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis attends a news conference in Skopje, Macedonia on Sept. 17, 2018. (Ognen Teofilovski/Reuters)

Pentagon Chief Not Expecting Ties With China to Worsen

PARISU.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Oct. 1 he did not see relations between the United States and China worsening, a day after his trip to China was canceled and tensions have started affecting military ties.

The United States and China are embroiled in a trade war, sparked by U.S. President Donald Trumps accusations that China has long sought to steal U.S. intellectual property, limit access to its own market and unfairly subsidize state-owned companies.

Reuters reported on Sept.30 that China canceled a security meeting with Mattis that had been planned for October. A U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Mattis was no longer going to China.

Theres tension points in the relationship, but based on discussions coming out of New York last week and other things that we have coming up, we do not see it getting worse, Mattis told a small group of reporters traveling with him to Paris.

Were just going to have to learn how to manage this relationshipWell sort this out, Mattis added.

Mattis said he would talk to his Chinese counterpart directly when the time is right.

Friction between the worlds two biggest economies is moving beyond trade, with Trump accusing Beijing of seeking to interfere in congressional elections.

On Sept.30, a U.S. Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea. Just days before, the U.S. military flew B-52 bombers in the vicinity of the South China Sea.

While such operations are common, they have led to angry reactions from China in the past. Beijings claims in the South China Sea, through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passed each year, are contested by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

China recently denied a request for a U.S. warship to visit Hong Kong and postponed other joint military talks in protest against a U.S. decision to impose sanctions on a Chinese military agency and its director.

China has been particularly angered by recent overtures by the United States toward Taiwan.

The United States last week approved the sale of spare parts for F-16 fighter planes and other military aircraft worth up to $330 million to Taiwan.

Washington has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help it defend itself and is the islands main source of arms. China regularly says Taiwan is the most sensitive issue in its ties with the United States.

Weve just got to sort out, as Ive said before, when we step on each others toes, how were going to deal with it, Mattis added.

By Idrees Ali
Rail Cancellations in Xinjiang Province Boost Concerns About Fate of Imprisoned Uyghurs

The recent cancellations of train service in and out of the Xinjiang region are fueling conjecture about the fate of local Uyghurs who are locked up in concentration camps set up there by the Chinese regime.

Xinjiangs railway department will stop selling train tickets leaving and arriving in Xinjiang, as well as for local train service within the region, beginning on Oct. 22, Chinas state-run Urumqi Evening News reported on Sept. 27. The cancellation was due to train operation adjustment, the railway department said; there was no indication from the department as to when normal operations would resume.

The service cancellation has subsequently been confirmed by Hong Kong media Apple Daily on Oct. 1, when tickets for trains from the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, were no longer on sale for trips after Oct. 22.

While Beijing has yet to provide an explanation, many have speculated that the railway is shutting down because Chinese authorities are moving Uyghurs being held inside concentration camps in Xinjiang to different parts of the country. The southwestern region is home to many Uyghurs, an ethnic minority in China, who have been subject to a brutal crackdown by Beijing in recent years.

On Sept. 21, the Chinese-language Epoch Times received confirmation from a source in Xinjiang that local police officers have signed a confidentiality agreement not to reveal that they are transporting Uyghurs elsewhere. According to the source, about 1,500 Uyghurs in the area where he resides were being sent to other locations.

On Sep. 25, Radio Free Asia reported that more than 100 special police officers secretly transferred more than 3,000 Uyghurs via more than 50 buses out of camps in Xinyuan County, located in the southeast of Urumqi. The transport took place while the entire county was under traffic control, according to the report.

Three days later, on Sept. 28, RFA received confirmation from a police officer in Bulakesuxiang, a village in Shufu County, Xinjiang, that local police were transporting a group of Uyghurs locked up in local camps to other Chinese provinces. The police officer, who couldnt confirm the exact number of Uyghurs being transported or their final destination, told RFA that they have been transporting Uyghurs since the beginning of last month.

In August, a United Nations human-rights panel estimated that 1 million Uyghurs were currently being held in camps for political indoctrination inside Xinjiang. China has denied that the camps exist, despite satellite images that reveal massive encampments in the region.

Gay McDougall, a member of the U.N. Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, said that Uyghursmost of whom practice Islamas well as other Muslim minorities in the area, were being treated as enemies of the state, due to their ethnoreligious identity.

Beijing has labeled Uyghurs as a terror threat to justify the groups suppression. In schools, students are forbidden from speaking the Uyghur language. Books on Uyghur religion, history, and culture have been burned. In their everyday lives, the people are subject to heavy surveillance, including numerous security checkpoints in public areas. Reports of Uyghurs being rounded up and placed in detention camps, where they often face inhumane treatment, first emerged last December.

Three Uyghurs, who escaped to Turkey after being detained at such camps, spoke about their experience in a recent interview with RFA. They spoke on the condition of anonymity out of fear that family members still in Xinjiang might be subject to reprisals by Chinese authorities.

I was taken into this place. I had never been to a prison before. But that place was just like a prison. The guards had all the gears, including electric batons, a female Uyghur said. For the first two days I was there, I was chained to a chair, and I was not allowed to sleep.

The teachers [in the camp] said we were sick  that we needed to be cured, the female Uyghur added. We have to recite and sing Chinese songs.

These camps are for the purpose of re-education, where Uyghurs are indoctrinated with ideas of loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party, forbidden from using Islamic greetings, and required to learn Mandarin Chinese and sing Chinese propaganda songs that promote the Party.

A male Uyghur said that detainees often face constant beatings while incarcerated.

Everyday, there was someone being beaten, he said. The guards on duty would choose a person or two to beat up. I couldnt really stand hearing the screams [of those being beaten]. [Those guards] did not have a purpose for doing so. They were beating others for fun.
Fabrizio Stabile, who died from a brain-eating amoeba in New Jersey after swimming in Texas on Sept. 21, 2018. (The Fabrizio Stabile Foundation/GoFundMe)

Surfer Dies From Brain-Eating Amoeba After Swimming in Texas

A New Jersey man has died from a brain-eating amoeba he may have contracted while swimming in Texas.

Fabrizio Stabile, 29, of Ventnor, went into the wave pool at BSR Cable Park in Waco and died a few days later on Sept. 21 at an Atlantic City hospital.

Tests of his body showed the presence of Naegleria Fowleri, a brain-eating amoeba contracted by ingesting warm freshwater in bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs.

Naegleria fowleri infects people when water containing the ameba enters the body through the nose. This typically occurs when people go swimming or diving in warm freshwater places, like lakes and rivers. The Naegleria fowleri ameba then travels up the nose to the brain where it destroys the brain tissue, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The amoeba is rare, with 34 infections reported in the United States from 2008 to 2017. The fatality rate is over 97 percent, with only four people surviving the infection, according to statistics kept since 1962.

Quick Deterioration

Stabile was mowing his lawn on Sept. 16, when he experienced a severe headache and went to lie down, family friend Stephanie Papastephanou wrote on GoFundMe. He ended up sleeping through the night but still had a headache in the morning. He soon went back to sleep after taking medicine for a headache but his condition quickly deteriorated.

When his mother went to check on him in the early afternoon, Fabrizio could not get out of bed and could not speak coherently. His mother called 911 and EMTs rushed him to the hospital, Papastephanou wrote.

He was rushed to the hospital but didnt respond to various measures taken made his condition continued to worsen. Test results came back on Sept. 20, showing the presence of the brain-eating amoeba.

By the time Fabrizio was diagnosed, it was too late to administer the drug that had previously been provided to three of the only five known survivors in North America. Even so, this drug is not easily accessible, Stabiles friend wrote. The next day, he was dead.

Friend and family members have created a new nonprofit to raise awareness of the amoeba, called The Fabrizio Stabile Foundation for Naegleria Fowleri Awareness. In addition to the GoFundMe, they plan on an annual fundraiser.

BSR Cable Park in Central Texas voluntarily closed after a man who visited died from what is commonly known to as a brain-eating amoeba. https://t.co/y4hyAL5nTq  KSAT 12 (@ksatnews) September 30, 2018

Investigation

Stabile, an avid surfer and snowboarder, had worked for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in addition to Bass Pro Shops, an outdoor equipment establishment in Atlantic City, according to his obituary.

With great sadness and heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of a FAB-ulous associate, the shop said on Facebook. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Stabile family.

Officials at the CDC, meanwhile, are investigating the water at the BSR Cable Park, reported KBTX.

The CDC collected water samples and are currently investigating to find the source. We hope to have results by the end of the week, a spokeswoman for the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District told the broadcaster on Sept. 30.

From NTD.tv
Track Palin, Sarah Palins Son, Arrested on Domestic Violence Charges: Alaska Officials

Track Palin, the son of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, was arrested on several charges, according to Alaska state officials.

The Alaska Department of Public Safety said in a statement that state troopers responded to a home in Wasilla at around 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 28. They got a report of a disturbance and that Palin assaulted an unnamed female acquaintance, and when she tried to call the police, he took her cell phone away.

While being placed under arrest, Palin physically resisted troopers and Palin was arrested on charges including fourth-degree assault, interfering with a police report, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct.

Hes now being held without bail, according to Alaska state officials.

KTUU reported that he appeared in court on Sept. 29, and pleaded not guilty. If convicted, Palin could face a year in jail and thousands of dollars in fines.

In court, Palin also questioned why five troopers responded to the domestic disturbance call, KTUU reported.

Last year, Palin was arrested on domestic violence charges, which involved his parents. In 2016, he faced domestic violence charges for allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend.

Sarah Palin said that her sons arrests likely stem from him suffering post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after returning from the war in Iraq in 2008.

What my own son is going through, what he is going through coming back, I can relate to other families who feel ramifications of PTSD and some of the woundedness that our soldiers do return with, said Palin, who was a Republican vice presidential candidate in 2008, according to Q13.
Trump Hails NAFTA Replacement as Victory for US Manufacturers

WASHINGTONPresident Donald Trump congratulated Canada and Mexico on Oct. 1, for reaching a deal to replace NAFTA, lauding the new agreement as a boon for American manufacturers and farmers and a win for all three nations.

The deal, announced on Sept. 30, is a reworking of the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, which underpins $1.2 trillion in trade between the three countries. Trump had described NAFTA as a bad deal for Americans and promised to eliminate it as part of his America First agenda.

The new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is aimed at bringing more jobs into the United States, with Canada and Mexico accepting more restrictive commerce with the United States, their main export partner.

Trump called the U.S. agreement with its neighbor to the north wonderful and a historic transaction.

It is a great deal for all three countries, solves the many deficiencies and mistakes in NAFTA, greatly opens markets to our Farmers and Manufacturers, reduce Trade Barriers to the U.S. and will bring all three Great Nations closer together in competition with the rest of the world, Trump wrote.

The new agreement largely leaves the broad deal intact and maintains current supply chains that would have been fractured under weaker bilateral deals.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sept. 30 called it a good day for Canada after negotiators worked frantically ahead of the U.S.-imposed midnight deadline. He is scheduled to speak to reporters at noon on Oct. 1.

The pact preserved a key trade dispute settlement mechanism sought by Canada even as Ottawa agreed to open up its dairy markets to U.S. farmers. It will also make it harder for global automakers to build cars cheaply in Mexico.

Trump vowed during his 2016 presidential campaign to tear up current U.S. trade deals, which he blamed for a loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs. His administration has abandoned other trade accords and slapped tariffs on a number of key trading partners, particularly China.

Its a promise made, promise kept, Peter Navarro, the White House trade adviser, told Fox News on Monday. NAFTA is dead. We have USMCA.

The United States and Mexico clinched a bilateral agreement in late August that left a door open for Canada to join. Washington and Ottawa immediately began negotiations that culminated in a deal just before midnight on Sept. 30.

U.S. officials intend to sign the new trilateral deal by Nov. 30, Navarro said.

It would then be submitted for approval by the U.S. Congress, currently controlled by Trumps fellow Republicans.

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa, a top farming state, praised the agreement in a tweet on Oct. 1: Our farmers need stability and access to markets.

Democratic U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, a border state with Canada, also tweeted: Im glad MNs number one trading partner Canada is back in the mix. Looking forward to reviewing terms.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Banners with religious slogans are placed outside an "underground" Catholic church run by outspoken priest Dong Guanhua, as it is decorated for the Easter celebration in Youtong village, Hebei Province, China on March 31, 2018. (Damir Sagolj/Reuters)

Vatican Deal With Beijing Leaves Some Key Questions Unresolved

HONG KONG/VATICAN CITYA landmark deal between Chinas leaders and the Vatican over the appointment of bishops has been struck without Beijing taking action on long-held Church concerns over clerics in detention, Catholic Church sources familiar with the matter say.

The agreement, which gives the Vatican a long-desired say in the appointment of bishops in China, was signed on Sept. 22, but details have not been made public.

Three sources aware of the substance of the provisional deal say the plight of a dozen or so detained priests and bishops, some elderly, remains unresolved and will be subject to on-going Vatican efforts. Beijing has provided little clear information about their fate despite repeated Vatican requests in recent years, the sources said.

A senior Vatican source said the precise number still believed to be in detention was not clear.

Some of those held are feared to have died in detention, according to Catholic priests and activists who monitor the situation on the mainland.

Neither Chinas Foreign Ministry, which has been leading the talks with the Vatican, nor the Ministry of Public Security immediately responded to requests for comment.

A Vatican spokesman said he had no immediate comment.

The Justice and Peace Commission of the Hong Kong Catholic Diocese issued a statement in June protesting the renewed detention of Bishop Cui Tai from Hebei Province in April, urging the release of all unreasonably and illegally detained clergy.

They also highlighted the detention of Baoding Bishop James Su Zhimin. Now 86, Su has been held since his arrest in October, 1997 but no details of his whereabouts or condition are known.

The reality is this deal is a small step, a very small stepthere is much hard work ahead on unresolved issues, said one cleric familiar with the pact.

Hong Kong priests say a total figure of clerics under detention or house arrest in China is hard to pin down given official opacity. Beyond long-term detentions, some are held briefly by local authorities.

Chinas approximately 12 million Catholics have been split between an underground church loyal to the pope and the state-supervised Catholic Patriotic Association.

ROLE OF BISHOPS

Another issue still to be finalized, according to the same three Catholic sources, is the future roles and responsibilities of some of the seven bishops ordained by Beijings state-backed church without Vatican approval, but legitimized by Pope Francis to clear the way for the deal.

Two of the seven had faced earlier Vatican investigations into allegations they had wives or girlfriends, according to Catholic sourcescontravening the vow of celibacy taken by Catholic priests.

They are expected to take up administrative or symbolic roles, keeping the title of bishop without carrying out full responsibilities, including the ordination of priests, the sources said. Reuters has not been able to independently confirm the personal status of these two bishops.

Under the deal, the government will no longer appoint bishops without the approval of the Vatican, which will be given candidates chosen by Catholic communities and Chinese authorities.

But uncertainty is already mounting among some Chinese faithful over how their underground body will integrate with the government-linked Church.

Father Bernardo Cervellera, editor of Rome-based Catholic news agency AsiaNews, said that underground bishops were still restricted. They can say Mass but not move around their dioceses as freely as they wanted.

Missionary priests in contact with underground counterparts in recent days say the pressure on them has intensified in recent months.

I think of the endurance of the Catholics who suffered. It is true that they will suffer. There is always suffering in an accord, but they have great faith, Pope Francis said on Sept. 24. He has repeatedly defended the deal.

RESERVATIONS IN HONG KONG

The Bishop of Hong Kongfor decades a vital Catholic beachhead on the edge of officially atheist Chinaon Sept. 29 expressed his reservations over the pact, saying time and more details were needed before it could be fully judged, or even called an agreement.

Quoted in this weekends edition of the Sunday Examiner, the citys Catholic newspaper, Bishop Michael Yeung referenced lyrics from the 1970s Swedish pop group ABBA: The winner takes it all, the losers standing small.

Catholics in China are neither radicals nor revolutionaries, instead they are really poor people, he was quoted as saying. It is unfortunate that the Communist government targets the Catholic Church.

Bishop Yeung, who told the paper he was not yet aware of the content of the accord, did not respond to Reuters questions.

A Hong Kong-based Vatican envoy was also quoted in the Examiner saying that the deal was of great importance, but more negotiations were needed to ensure more freedom and autonomy for the Church.

Hong Kong is one of the most important Catholic cities in Asia, home to an extensive network of aid agencies, missions, scholars and media that have supported Catholics in China and elsewhere.

While the Vatican instituted similar accords with Communist authorities in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union during the Cold War, the situation in China differs because Beijing created a rival brand of Catholicism through the Patriotic Association.

By Greg Torode & Philip Pullella
Understanding Chinese Spy Operations Is Central to Understanding Cyberattacks

In 2014, five Chinese military hackers were indicted for offenses that included computer hacking and economic espionage, targeting Americans in industries such as nuclear and solar power. It was the first time criminal charges were brought against Chinese military hackers for cyberattacks. But they never went to trial.

The individuals were part of the Peoples Liberation Army Unit 61398, one of 22 known operations bureaus under the Third Department of the General Staff Departmentthe warfighting branch of the Chinese military. Each of these bureaus is involved with different forms of cyber operations, many of which target the United States and other countries.

These Chinese warfare operations arent isolated from the work of an individual bureau.

You cant understand signals intelligence operations and cyber operations as being separate from one another when trying to understand the nature of Chinese operations to steal intellectual property. Every department is interrelated with one another. The General Staff Department, Third Department works alongside the human intelligence branch (Second Department) and also the electronics intelligence branch (Fourth Department).

As an example, when we see incidents of theft taking place, there often is a human actor working in at least some element of the cyber breach, such as using a USB drive to download something. The hackers and spies of the Chinese military work together.

Through interviews with former Chinese agents, The Epoch Times learned how one of the tactics used insiderspeople working for the company to steal information. If the insider stole data, hackers with the Chinese military would launch cyber attacks against the same network at the same time, that same day. When the company conducted a cyber-forensic investigation to try to analyze the breach, they would surmise that a cyberattack was the cause of theft.

Even if there was enough evidence to take the insider to trial, on the grounds that the person was involved in the theft and transfer of information, the insider could point to the cyberattack to claim that he or she was wrongfully blamed for an external breach. The insider could even turn around and sue the company. This ties into what the United States is facing right nowChinese unrestricted warfare operations.

According to Unrestricted Warfare, a 1999 book authored by two colonels in the Chinese military, these operations work across three different spectrums: the non-military, trans-military, and conventional military. At its core is a series of tactics that function outside what would be termed conventional full-scale warfare. Instead, these tactics utilize every element that makes society function as a warfighting mechanism. Individuals working for the General Staff Department, Third Department, for example, use non-conventional military means.

Non-military operations include areas such as cultural warfare, propaganda warfare, financial warfare, and economic warfare, which would be attacking things that affect the GDP of a nation. Business warfare utilizes a death by a thousand cuts approach, such as stealing individual product designs. Cyberwarfare, as we know it, would fall into the trans-military operations, the crossover between the public and private. Full military spectrums of unconventional warfare would involve electromagnetic pulse attacks, space warfare, and poisonings.

Also, not all cyber operations are being directed by the Chinese military itself. Some are being done for personal gain by individual companies. This is because only a few years ago, it was a free-for-all. As there is no extradition treaty with China, there are no real consequences or punishments for launching cyber operations against the United States, and Chinese threat actors were getting very little pressure until around 2014.

In July 2017, a source working in undercover infiltration operations in the darknet provided documents to The Epoch Times about a criminal market operated by Chinese military hackers in their free time. Originally called Babylon APT, the website was later renamed to C-Market (criminal market) and sold a number of different services including personal information, government documents, government identification, energy information, hospital information, credit card information, and others. The sites operators also could be hired to launch targeted attacks.

One example of what C-Market operators sold was access to U.S. Coast Guards vessel identification system, the price was advertised for around five to seven bitcoins, valued at the time at around $11,761 to $16,465.

Common clients for such darknet sites include Mexican drug cartels and foreign governments; when the workload of the Chinese hackers grew too heavy, there were even captured chats showing that they hired mercenary hackers from different countries. This site highlights the way some of these Chinese operations are done today.

State Guidance

The other element is actual state guidance. Project 863, Torch Program, 973 Program, and 211 Program are all names of different cyber operations being run by the Chinese Communist Partys programs that direct economic theft.

Each of these programs looks to foreign collaboration and technologies to cover key gaps, according to the book Chinas Industrial Espionage: Technology Acquisition and Military Modernization, authored by William C. Hannas, James Mulvenon, and Anna B. Puglisi.

After obtaining the stolen technology or data, Chinas National Technology Transfer Centers come into play. These centers convert stolen technology or intellectual property into goods that can be used for the country.

About 202 such centers are models for emulation by other transfer facilities, according to Chinas Industrial Espionage. The CCP wants private companies to emulate their centers, thereby encouraging the creation of additional programs.

Some of these centers are under the Overseas Affairs Office, one of the two main overt espionage departments of the CCP.

The authors of Chinas Industrial Espionage summarized the system by saying, We are talking here of an elaborate, comprehensive system for spotting foreign technologies, acquiring them by every means imaginable, and converting them into weapons and competitive goods.
YAZOO CITY, Miss. -- For the past five months, U.S. Senate candidate Mike Espy has tried to remind Mississippians how he has served them in the past: a son of the Delta with three terms in the U.S. House who spent time as Bill Clinton's agriculture secretary.

But even Espy's most ardent supporters worry that when many voters go to the polls on Nov. 6, what Espy has done will matter much less than what he is: a black man running for one of the highest elected offices in a state with a Confederate emblem on its flag.

One of his opponents is hearkening to another version of the past: Republican Chris McDaniel, a conservative fond of provocative statements whose yard signs boast the "stainless banner" - the second flag of the Confederate States of America.

The state's appointed Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, a Republican, is the other candidate who will be on the special-election ballot; she took over from Thad Cochran, who resigned in ill health in April. The winner will fill the remaining two years of Cochran's term; if no candidate wins a majority, the race heads to a Nov. 27 runoff.

Espy, 64, whose family has deep roots in Mississippi, must draw large numbers of black and Democratic voters to the polls. But his biggest challenge will be persuading a large enough swath of others, including white moderates, to ignore the two main Republicans on the ballot and vote for a Democrat who happens to be black.

"Mississippi politics is black and white," said Joe Thomas Jr., the Democratic county chair from Yazoo County, which includes Espy's hometown, Yazoo City.

"Nobody will come out and say that, but everybody knows it," said Thomas, who is African American. "We're 50 years removed from the civil rights movement, but it's still Mississippi."

Espy is one of three prominent African-American candidates running for statewide offices in the South in November. Andrew Gillum, of Florida, and Stacey Abrams, of Georgia, won Democratic nominations for governor and are seeking to become the first African-American chief executives of their respective states.

Their candidacies build on nationwide successes in 2017, such as the election of Justin Fairfax, the African-American Democrat who in January was sworn in as lieutenant governor in Virginia - a few steps from where Gen. Robert E. Lee accepted command of Confederate troops.

But the South has not suddenly morphed into some sort of post racial utopia. Some politicians and their supporters have used rhetoric about Confederate statues and symbols, the not-so-distant memory of a white supremacist march in Charlottesville last year and loaded language to stir up deep-seated divisions and mobilize specific voters.

Within hours of Gillum's primary victory in Florida, his Republican opponent, former Rep. Ron DeSantis, told reporters that voters couldn't afford to "monkey this up" by electing Gillum. A few days later, some Florida voters heard a jungle music-infused robo-call insulting African Americans over background sounds of drums and monkeys. Gillum has accused his opponents of trying to "weaponize race."

In Mississippi, where Espy is seeking to become the first black senator from the state since shortly after the Civil War, the difficulty facing him is underscored by the unbroken line of white, male faces that have led the state for the past century-and-a-half. And it also is exemplified by McDaniel's tactics.

McDaniel is an ardent supporter of the Confederate flag and recently polled his Twitter followers on whether "in light of all the political correctness and leftist hysteria" history should consider Robert E. Lee a hero or a villain. (The final tally: 91 percent said villain; 9 percent said hero.)

During a September appearance on MSNBC's "Morning Joe," McDaniel was asked what he would say to black voters who are skeptical of him.

"I'm going to ask them after 100 years, after 100 years of relying on big government to save you, where are you today?" McDaniel said. "After 100 years of begging for federal government scraps, where are you today?" The comment drew boos from the live crowd at Ole Miss.

McDaniel told a mostly white group of supporters gathered at a community center in Pearl, Mississippi, that the accusations he was making his campaign about race were an effort by his opponents to thwart him.

"If you noticed, I do not have horns on my head. There's no tail or pitchfork," he said. "If you watch the attack ads, that's what they're going to talk about, all these side issues, the smear campaign and here's why: They can't defend their record."

His town hall meeting erupted in applause when he said Hillary Clinton deserved to be "in a federal penitentiary" and that illegal immigration was one of the nation's top national security issues.

McDaniel defended his support of the Confederate flag and statues and noted that Mississippians affirmed keeping the Confederate symbol on the state's flag in a 2001 referendum. He said he thinks Espy is a fine person, but that Mississippi won't send "a liberal Democrat to the U.S. Senate."

The demography of Mississippi requites that Espy play down the role of race. Blacks make up roughly 38 percent of the state's population, the largest percentage of all the former Confederate states, but nowhere near a majority.

Espy noted that in his other bids for office, he has won substantial support from white voters. Forty percent of them supported him in his last congressional bid, in 1992, up from 12 percent in his first bid for Congress, exit polls showed.

"The path to victory runs through the black community," Espy said. "We have to get a very large African-American turnout on November 6th. If we don't get it, I'm going to lose. If we get it, I can win. But I can't win alone with black votes. It's not possible."

For Espy, going after white moderates is occasionally a matter of linguistic gymnastics. Instead of talking about the Affordable Care Act, for example, Espy focuses on rural hospitals that have had to close because state leaders won't accept Medicaid funds - an expansion offered by the ACA, also known as Obamacare.

He reminds voters of the time he endorsed Republican Haley Barbour for governor - a sign, he says, he will work with anyone who has ideas that are good for Mississippi.

The need for careful navigation was learned in childhood. Espy's grandfather, Thomas Jefferson Huddlesworth, made his fortune running dozens of funeral and nursing homes across Mississippi. He started the Afro American Sons and Daughters fraternal organization, which operated the first black hospital in Mississippi. Nearly a century later, Huddlesworth is still remembered as the first black man in the Delta to own a Cadillac.

He also started a newspaper for blacks, which he used to invoke the importance of getting an education and a job, or joining a social club. But he shied away from some of the most incendiary issues of the Jim Crow era and the civil rights movement, Espy said, "because he'd be lynched the next day."

In his most visible sign of calibration, Espy has declined to go on offense against President Donald Trump, as other Democrats have, for fear of alienating potential crossover voters. Instead, he has emphasized that he is a conservative Democrat who will work with anyone.

But even that strategy is risky, said Marvin King, a political scientist at the University of Mississippi who specializes in racial and ethnic politics.

"The Republican Party has been very successful at making the conservative Democrat extinct," King said. "They've been redistricted, gerrymandered out of existence. If someone wants to vote for a conservative in Mississippi, they're going to vote for a Republican."

In painting himself as a bridge builder, King said, "Espy is holding out hope for a model that doesn't exist anymore. What he's doing is what Democrats here have done in the past. If that's your strategy, then you're going to lose."

Also problematic is Espy's association with the Clintons. A few weeks into his fourth congressional term, Espy was confirmed as President Bill Clinton's agriculture secretary. He resigned a year later amid allegations that he had received improper gifts. Shortly afterward, he was indicted, although ultimately acquitted.

Hyde-Smith, who has been endorsed by Trump, said that negative incident is enduring for Mississippi voters.

"The way that he left office, people remember that more than they remember how he was in office," she said.

That sentiment was echoed by people who attended McDaniel's town hall meeting. Marc Allen, a 62-year-old Air Force veteran from Pearl, said he was leaning toward McDaniel because he didn't trust Hyde-Smith's conservative bona fides. He said he had not done much research on Espy, but did not like that Espy had been a Clinton appointee.

"I can't say I know much about him," said Allen, who is white. "But I do know who he has aligned himself with. I just could not see myself voting him."

Ferrel Guillory, the director of the Program on Public Life at the University of North Carolina, said in his view Espy is "the kind of black candidate who would have a relatively strong appeal to white voters . . . while energizing a stronger turnout among black voters."

That means opponents must mobilize the state's most conservative voters, using "dog whistles or little rhetorical flourishes that try to offset the potential for black turnout with an increase in white turnout," Guillory said.

Cristen Hemmins, an Espy supporter who is white, said he has something other statewide Democratic candidates have lacked: name recognition.

Espy's bid, Hemmins said, "definitely feels like a one in a million opportunity for us to get out the Democratic vote."

Espy said he hopes his election could change the state's view of itself. Mississippi consistently ranks below almost every other state in measures of socioeconomic success, including obesity rates and educational attainment.

"We are a state in need of uplift in a ubiquitous way," he said. ". . . A state like Mississippi that is moving toward the second decade of the 21st century has to be a state that the world sees as moving forward and symbols are a good part of that, so I'll be sort of a globalized symbol for new Mississippi."
Put aside all the emotion surrounding Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court, and the question of whether Kavanaugh did or did not assault Christine Blasey Ford, and ask yourself this: Why hasn't the White House pulled the plug already? As a matter of both substance and politics, isn't it utterly crazy that they haven't?

First, substance: If you're a Republican, why do you want Kavanaugh on the court? It isn't because among all the Republican lawyers in America only he is uniquely brilliant enough to produce the outcomes conservatives want. There are dozens of potential nominees who could overturn Roe v. Wade, complete the obliteration of collective bargaining, eviscerate the government's ability to protect the environment, and whatever else is on the right's legal agenda. Pick someone else from the White House's list of other potential nominees on it, and the legal outcomes would almost surely be exactly the same.

So why are Republicans holding on to him, when not only has he proven himself to have nothing approaching the temperament you'd want in a justice, but each day brings new accounts from people who knew him of what a nasty drunk he was as a young man?

One answer is that Republicans have convinced themselves not only that Kavanaugh is the real victim here, but that the accusations against him constitute one of the greatest injustices in the history of humanity. A line must be drawn, a stand must be made, for the sake of all that is right and good in the world - and especially so liberals won't win. When you hate your opponents as much as Republicans hate Democrats, giving those opponents what they want today - even if it's so you can win a more significant victory tomorrow - is utterly intolerable.

Another is that Republicans don't actually believe that pushing Kavanaugh gently to the side is the best thing for them politically. "He's too big to fail now," a source close to the confirmation process told Axios, and the White House has no backup plan because they all assume that there would be a mass revolt of the GOP base if that happened. Those voters would stay home, increasing the changes of a wave election that enables Democrats to take the House and perhaps the Senate as well.

It's possible. But here's what else we know: The key variable in the 2018 election isn't how motivated Republican voters are. It's how motivated Democratic-leaning voters are, especially women. It's hard to imagine that the Kavanaugh affair, with its dramatic standoff between a shouting, red faced man visibly enraged at seeing his ascension and privilege hit a rough patch, and a woman quietly but insistently sticking up for herself in the face of a national outpouring of rage and abuse, isn't going to help in this regard.

A new Quinnipiac poll tells this story quite well. It finds that American voters lean against confirming Kavanaugh, and lean towards believing Ford over him. But there's more. We've obtained additional numbers from Quinnipiac, and they show college educated white women in opposition to Kavanaugh by truly overwhelming margins.

This is notable, because despite the fact that college educated whites sometimes lean Republican, those female voters are widely thought to be important to the Democrats' chances of capturing the House or/and the Senate this fall, because they are driving the backlash against Trump.

The Quinnpiac poll finds that voters oppose confirming Kavanaugh by 48-42. But women oppose Kavanaugh by 55-37, and college educated white women oppose him by 58-34.

Meanwhile, overall voters believe Ford over Kavanaugh by 48-41. But women believe her over him by 55-35, and college educated white women believe her by 61-31.

The new polling also suggests Trump's handling of the Kavanaugh story may be helping deepen the gender divide roiling our politics. It finds that voters disapprove of Trump's handling of the nomination by 49-42. But women disapprove of it by 54-36, and college educated white women are once again driving this, disapproving by 58-35.

It's true that a bare plurality of voters thinks Kavanaugh has been treated unfairly, by 47-43. But women believe Kavanaugh has been treated fairly by 46-43, and college educated white women think Kavanaugh has been treated fairly by 55-38.

By contrast, men think Kavanaugh has been treated unfairly by 52-41. A majority of men say Kavanaugh has been the victim of a smear campaign, and a majority of women say he has not. One imagines that gender-based recriminations will persist after this is all over, right into election day, and well beyond.

Or look at this Pew poll. The number of Republican voters who say they're more enthusiastic than usual about voting is 59 percent. Which is much like it was in previous wave years for the GOP. What's different this year is Democratic voters. In 2010, 42 percent said they were more enthusiastic than usual; in 2014 it was 36 percent. But this year it's 67 percent, a jump of over 30 points from the last midterm.

It's the rise in Democratic enthusiasm, not a fall-off in Republican enthusiasm, that is the Republicans' problem this year. If Kavanaugh survives and gets confirmed, Democratic candidates will be using this controversy as a way of motivating voters, especially women voters, in this election, but also for years to come. It will be a festering wound - especially when all those rulings on things like abortion start coming down - and all they'll have to do to get their base riled up will be to poke at it.

It may already be too late to avoid that outcome. Democrats may have reached a level of anger that won't dissipate between now and the first week in November no matter whether Kavanaugh withdraws, is voted down, or gets confirmed. But if Republicans think that standing by him is the best way to minimize their losses, they may be in for a surprise.
EDWARDSVILLE  An Edwardsville man was charged Thursday with multiple counts of child pornography.

James A. Stram, 56, of the first block of Rock Hill Court, Edwardsville, was charged with two counts of child pornography, Class X felonies; and two counts of child pornography, Class 2 felonies.

The charges were filed Sept. 27, with the incidents taking place between April 1 and Sept. 2.

The two more serious Class X felonies involve girls under 13.

The other charges deal with victims under 18, who were in videos depicting sex acts with adult males.

Bail was set at $250,000.

Glen Carbon man charged with stalking

A Glen Carbon man was charged Wednesday with stalking a woman from December through late September.

Paul A. Stroud, 47, of the first block of Lucinda, Glen Carbon, was charged with two counts of stalking, both Class 4 felonies.

According to court records on several occasions followed and confronted a Glen Carbon woman, with the latest incident being Sept. 22, when he went to her home and threatened to beat her and kill himself.

Bail was set at $25,000.

Collinsville woman charged twice in meth-related cases

A Collinsville woman was charged Sept. 26, then charged by a different department the next day.

Seairra (or Sierra) J. English, 20, of the 500 block of Clarence, Collinsville, was charged Sept. 26 with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony, after she was found in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine on July 9 in Collinsville.

On Sept. 27 she was charged with the same offense from a July 26 incident in Edwardsville. Bail in the Collinsville case was $20,000, and $30,000 in the Edwardsville case.

Other felony charges filed Sept. 27 by the Madison County States Attorneys Office include:

 Kyrie K. McMahon, 27, of Grand Tower, Illinois, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine after Edwardsville police found her in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $30,000.

 Deon A Fox, 50, of St. Louis, was charged with two counts of identity theft after an incident Sept. 9 in Edwardsville. One charge was a Class 2 felony, and involved using another persons identity to obtain $2,000 to $10,000 worth of merchandise from Lowes. The second charge, a Class 3 felony, involves using another persons ID to obtain property valued at $300 to $2,000 from Lowes. Bail was set at $20,000.

 Michael A. Gorka, 28, of Fairview Heights, was charged with two counts of retail theft over $300, both Class 3 felonies, for separate incidents at a Glen Carbon store Sept. 7 and 8. According to court reports, Gorka took more than $300 in merchandise each day from Lowes. Bail was set at $20,000.

 Michael D. Wills, 49, of East St. Louis, was charged with retail theft over $300, a Class 3 felony, after allegedly taking more than $300 in merchandise from the Glen Carbon Walmart on Sept. 19. Bail was set at $15,000.

 Michael G. Chadwick, 32, of the 500 block of Gueltig Avenue, Edwardsville, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony, after an incident July 2 in Maryville. According to court records, Chadwick was found to be in possession of less than 15 grams of heroin. Bail was set at $15,000.

 Nicholas A. Fuse, 27, of Troy, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, after an incident July 3 in Maryville. According to court records Fuse was found in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $15,000.

 Lindsey M. Price, 26, of Troy, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony, after allegedly possessing less than 15 grams of heroin June 23 in Maryville.
GRANITE CITY  The memories captured in Granite City High Schools newspaper, Granite High World, during the years of 1935-1953 have now been found, digitized and made publicly available thanks to a collaborative effort among the Six Mile Regional Library District (SMRLD), Granite City High School Media Center Librarian Paul Macios, and Madison Historical: The Online Encyclopedia and Digital Archive for Madison County, Illinois.

Assisting in the effort was the innovative digital repository management team of Madison Historical, including Southern Illinois University Edwardsville College of Arts and Sciences Department of Historical Studies professor Jason Stacy, PhD, and associate professor Jeffrey Manuel, PhD, and faculty emeritus and former interim chancellor Stephen Hansen, PhD, along with graduate students Brendon Floyd, Lesley Thomson and Kelli West, and developer and alumnus Ben Ostermeier.
In 1953, Franklin-area farmer Ralph Johnson was called to serve in the Army during the Korean War.

I served with pride and dignity, he said. I considered it my duty to serve my country.

And since 1996, Johnson has served with the Combined Veterans Ceremonial Team, or honor guard, and participated in more than 1,000 military veterans funerals in west-central Illinois.

When I joined the honor guard, they were in need of members, Johnson said. That was the beginning of them reaching out to other veterans posts to get new members.

The honor guard goes wherever it is asked to go, Johnson said.

We accept donations, but we never charge to provide military honors, said Johnson, who was honor guard commander from 2001 to 2017.

The foremost reason the honor guard performs this service is to honor our military veterans, he said. The reaction we receive from veterans family members and friends makes our continued efforts worthwhile.

The honor guard is not connected to a particular military veterans organization, said Steve Scott of Jacksonville, commander of the Combined Veterans Ceremonial Team.

We are an independent group that gets members from multiple veterans organizations, and we always follow military protocol, Scott said.

The honor guard conducts a military-style ceremony that includes a tribute, prayer, presentation of the American flag, rifle volley and Taps.

Currently, the honor guard has 20 members, each of whom served in the military.

They represent all the branches of the service, Scott said. They represent military service from the Korean War to the conflict in Afghanistan.

Scott served in the Navy from 1974 to 1978 and has been an honor guard member since 2009.

I feel that it is the honor guards duty to provide closure to the family while at the same time paying respect to their loved ones service, he said.

Greg Olson can be reached at 217-245-6121, ext. 1224, or on Twitter @JCNews_Greg.
42 minutes ago

Climate consensus appears near; India objects to coal plans

GLASGOW, Scotland (AP)  Almost 200 nations were poised Saturday to adopt a compromise on how to curb climate change and to keep a key global warming target alive after 15 days of contentious climate talks. During nearly three hours of discussions, nation after nation said the proposed agreement did not go far enough, but only India and Iran appeared inclined to object.

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New Governor arrives in Phuket

PHUKET: The new Phuket Governor, Phakaphong Tavipatana, arrived in Phuket this morning to take up his new position as the leading government official on the island.

politics

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Monday 1 October 2018, 10:25AM

Governor Phakaphong Tavipatanas first port of call was to Heroines Monument in Thalang. Photo: PR Dept

Governor Phakaphong's first port of call was at 7am when he visited Heroines Monument in Thalang, where he was warmly received by a host of high-ranking Phuket officials, to pay homage to and bestow blessings from the spirits of the islands historical saviours for his new post in Phuket. This was followed by a visit to Tha Rua Shrine, also in Thalang, at 7:45am. Other activities Gov Phakaphong will participate in today include a visit to Wat Chalong, lunch with government agencies and a prayer ceremony at the Phuket City Pillar Shrine in Thalang. Governor Phakaphong will then make his way to Phuket Provincial Hall in Phuket Town at 4:30pm.
New Phuket Governor in profile

PHUKET: He arrived on the island this morning to take up the position of the highest ranking government official on the island.

politics

By The Phuket News

Monday 1 October 2018, 05:46PM

New Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana. Photo: PR Dept

Here The Phuket News takes a look intro the background of new Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana.

Gov Phakaphong was born on 24 February 1961 and is married to Sittinee Tavipatana, who as wife of the Governor of Phuket, will take over as the new president of the Phuket Chapter of the Thai Red Cross.

Gov Phakaphong studied at high school level at Suankularb Wittayalai School in Bangkok and went on to gain a bachelors degree in the field Political Science at Chulalongkorn University also in Bangkok.

He then went on to obtain a masters degree in Public Administration (M.P.A.) from the American International College, Springfield Massachusetts, United States.

After completing his masters degree Gov Phakaphong went on to study further at the National Defence College of Thailand (NDC), Thailand's highest educational institution on strategy and security studies, where he passed training in their Executive Higher Level program in 2008 and Governing Higher Level program for the Ministry of the Interior in 2010.

As for Gov Phakaphongs working background, in January 1998 he took on the position of Transport Technical Officer 3 at the Office of the Maritime Promotion Commission at Ministry of Transport.

On September 1, 1988, he worked as a 3-4 Plan and Policy Analyst at the Chiang Rai Governors Office until August 31, 1992 when he took on the role of an intelligence officer at the Office of the Permanent Secretary for the Secretary of Interior Justice (OPSI).

Then in June 1994, he joined that General service subdivision at Maha Sarakham Governor's Office. Here he worked until November 1994 when he took over the position of Chief of the Personnel Division 6 at the OPSI.

In January 1996 he joined as Chief of Selection Subdivision of the Personnel Division of the OPSI.

In July 2001 he became a Human Resources Officer at the Office of the Commission on Local Government Personnel Standards of the OPSI. Two year later he became Policy and Planning Analyst within the Public Sector Development Division of the OPSI.

His last administrative position was on September 15, 2006 when he took on the position of Policy and Planning Analyst of the Strategy Subdivision of the Chumphon Governor's Office.

In his positions as vice governor and governor, Gov Phakaphong has worked in provinces including Ranong, Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Phang Nga Governor and prior to Phuket Phitsanulok.
Norwegian marine research ship arrives in Phuket

PHUKET: A Norwegian research vessel, working for the EAF-Nansen Program of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), will start exploring marine resources in Thai waters today (Oct 1).

marineenvironmentpollution

By Bangkok Post

Monday 1 October 2018, 11:22AM

The Norwegian research vessel, Dr Fridtjof Nansen, seen here moored at Akershus Kai harbour in Oslo, Norway. Photo: Christian Rrvik, DSS / UD via Flickr

The Dr Fridtjof Nansen research vessel, flying the UN flag, will work with Thai fisheries officials for two weeks.

Adisorn Promthep, director-general of the Department of Fisheries, said the arrival of the vessel in Phuket reflected the strong cooperation between Thailand and the FAO in pressing ahead with the implementation of sustainable fisheries management.

The survey will offer a unique tool for researchers in Thailand to study how climatic events and pollution are affecting marine resources and ecosystems, particularly in the Andaman Sea, while providing information in support of improved management of deep-sea fisheries, he said.

The vessel arrived in Phuket on Saturday (Sept 29), marking the final leg of its 2018 Africa-Asia regional research tour.

The research, carried out under the EAF-Nansen Program, was initiated by the FAO in close collaboration with the Institute of Marine Research of Bergen, Norway and through funding from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation.

The FAO is committed to the EAF-Nansen Program because it aims to support the implementation of an ecocentric approach in the management of fisheries and the sustainable utilisation of marine resources, said Kim Jong-jing, FAO Deputy Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific.

This work helps FAO member countries to better use their marine resources and improve knowledge of their marine environment. It also provides scientists and students opportunities for knowledge sharing on ocean issues.

The Dr Fridtjof Nansen has been examining the worlds oceans using cutting-edge technology and sophisticated equipment.

Its objective is to assemble scientific data critical to sustainable fisheries management while studying the impacts of pollution and climate variability on the ocean. Over the years, the vessel has carried out surveys in the territorial waters of more than 60 countries worldwide.

This year, the Dr Fridtjof Nansen kicked off its nine-month expedition in January, setting off from the coast of East Africa.

The vessel travelled across the Western Indian Ocean and continued to the Bay of Bengal, conducting research off the coasts of South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, the Seychelles, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar prior to its arrival in Phuket  the final destination.

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Haug: Several resources available for teens, adults who want to quit smoking

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LANSDALE  Family members sobbed and hugged 43-year-old Duane Eric Watson on Monday afternoon, as the Towamencin man remains in prison after waiving a preliminary hearing on a long list of drug and weapons charges.

I love you. You know Im praying every day for you, said one family member, hugging Watson as he wore a red prison jumpsuit and sat in the courtroom of District Judge Ed Levine of Lansdale.

Watson, his Attorney Thomas C. Egan III and Assistant District Attorney Samantha Thompson all declined to comment after the waived hearing, as did Towamencin Detective Pat Horne and several family members.

Levine said the two parties agreed to waive the preliminary hearing and to a reduction in bail to $99,000, from the $500,000 initially ordered by Levine at Watsons arraignment in September.

According to the police affidavit against him, Watson  known to police as Boogieman  became the subject of a drug distribution investigation in January 2018 after several reports of large amounts of foot and vehicle traffic at and around his home on the 500 block of Candlemaker Way.

Investigation revealed a prior arrest on Watsons record in El Paso, Texas, in 1999 from a felony drug law violation, an arrest warrant had been issued in 2009 after Watsons suspected involvement in a stabbing in Whitpain Township, and a series of contacts with police in 2011 and 2013 in which Watson was allegedly threatening a North Wales resident and suspected of selling Oxycodone in Lansdale, police said.

Surveillance on the home on Candlemaker Way in Towamencin in May 2018 led to an arrest of a person inside a vehicle that had just left the home and possessed 15 milligrams of Oxycodone, according to police. The subject told police they had just bought it from Watson, aka Boogieman, at the home. A Facebook post in May on an account run by Watson asked for a driver to drive one his vehicles to South Carolina, according to police, and a post in June on the same account showed map of I-95 with the caption I grab Bags all the way Down 95 [sic]; 95 is a known route for drug trafficking and those doing so tend to have multiple cars or drivers, according to police.

In June, a suspected associate of Watson was arrested with more than an ounce of marijuana in his car, and police had seen that subject often at the Candlemaker Way house. Watsons cellphone number was also a frequent contact in that subjects phone, police said. Investigation and surveillance revealed more than 50 different vehicles visiting the residence on Candlemaker Way, and Watson was reportedly seen to be in possession of three vehicles worth over $200,000 each, living in a house valued at over $430,000, and with a social security number showing no employment records on file with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

Surveillance noted Watson making trips to Atlantic City, New Jersey, and to Maryland during the summer in which he spent less time at either destination than it took to get there, according to the complaint. A total of 15 controlled purchases of Oxycodone from Watson were made using a confidential subject from May into July, police said.

On July 17, three suspected drug purchases were observed by surveillance, police said, before a confidential source agreed to buy Oxycodone from Watson, all inside the Candlemaker Way home. Two days later, Watson was detained and a search warrant was served on the house, and police allegedly found about $4,000 in a bedroom, and roughly $800 on Watson, with denominations used during the controlled purchases. Police also say they found one pill later identified to be Oxycodone on Watson, and an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle was found in the house, which Watson was prohibited from having due to the felony drug conviction from Texas from 1999.

Police also reportedly found inside the house a quarter stick of dynamite that was later identified as a forbidden explosive device by the Montgomery County Sheriffs Department Bomb Squad. Watson later called police from the Montgomery County Correctional Facility and said he would use the dynamite on the neighbors, police said.

Two cellphones were found on Watson after search warrants were issued, and one allegedly contained text messages consistent with drug trafficking and sales, while the other allegedly had images of Watson and others handling and posing with the AR-15, and videos of Watson rapping with lyrics referencing gun violence, drug dealing, and rivals cooperating with police.

Watson was originally arrested in July and charged with four felonies and three misdemeanors related to drug and firearm possession, according to court records. Revised charges were filed on Sept. 20 that included a total of eight felony counts each of possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility, single felony counts of possession a prohibited firearm and prohibited weapon of mass destruction, 18 misdemeanor counts of making bomb threats, and misdemeanor charges for possessing marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

His next date in court will be a formal arraignment on Nov. 28, according to Levine and court records.
Campbell told Rolling Stone that Nicks wanted to perform that song. He noted that he loved the song but had overplayed it over the years with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. He said, "Do we have to?" and Nicks responded to say that the audience would love it. "It'll be a moment," she added.

In the interview, the guitarist also recalled how Mick Fleetwood invited him to join the band. It was around Campbell's 68th birthday when he got an unexpected phone call from Mick prior to the announcement of Buckingham's split from Fleetwood Mac.

Id met Mick once or twice, but never really got to know him, Campbell said. But he goes to me, Ive been listening to your music a lot. Would you be interested in joining the band?'"

Campbell added that having the rehearsals he had as Fleetwood Mac were a kind of relief from the grieving process for Petty's death. Still adjusting to the idea of living out of a suitcase during the Fleetwood Mac tour that kicks off on 3rd October, he still keeps Petty in his thoughts.
Royal Dutch Shell Plc and its four partners have agreed to invest in a multibillion-dollar liquefied natural gas project in western Canada  the largest new one of its kind in years that would carve out the fastest route to Asia for North American gas.

LNG Canada  comprised of Shell, Malaysias Petroliam Nasional Bhd, Mitsubishi Corp., PetroChina Co. and Korea Gas Corp.  is set to announce a final investment decision on the $31 billion project as early as Monday, said people with direct knowledge of the plans, who asked not to be identified because the matter isnt public. The exact timing still hasnt been decided. PetroChina and Korea Gas announced approvals of their share of the investment on Friday. The others partners declined to comment.

The project marks a turning point for Canada and the gas industry. Set to be the nations largest infrastructure project ever, LNG Canada augurs a new wave of investments for major gas export projects after a three-year hiatus forced by a global supply glut. LNG Canada will be able to send cargoes from Kitimat, British Columbia to Tokyo in about eight days versus 20 days from the U.S. Gulf.

Its also a welcome boost for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. LNG Canada promises better prices for the country, whose energy exports are sold almost exclusively to the U.S. at depressed prices for lack of a coastal facility. It also helps reaffirm Canadas investment climate, battered by the bungled Trans Mountain oil pipeline expansion that was sold by Kinder Morgan Inc. to the government for C$4.5 billion before its approval was quashed by a federal court.

LNG Canada proposes to eventually export as much as 26 million tons per year. The investment approval is only for an initial two LNG trains of 13 million tons per year. Yet if built, the chances that LNG Canada will double capacity in a second phase is all but an inevitability due to the economies of scale, National Bank of Canada analysts led by Greg Colman said in a May report.

The green light marks the end of a seven-year effort, including two postponements in 2016 at the depths of the downturn. The outlook for LNG has since brightened. The market, oversupplied for the last few years, is seen flipping to a deficit as soon as 2022 absent new projects, according to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LNG imports will set a new record this year of 308 million metric tons per year thanks to growth from Asia, Bloomberg New Energy Finance forecast on Sept. 12.

Shell holds 40 per cent of LNG Canada, with Petronas at 25 per cent, 15 per cent each for PetroChina and Mitsubishi, and Kogas with 5 per cent.
WASHINGTON  Canadian dairy farmers have panned the renegotiated trade pact between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, saying the new deal will undercut the industry by limiting exports and opening up the market to more American products.

Dairy Farmers of Canada issued a terse statement almost immediately after the 11th-hour agreement was announced late Sunday, following 14 months of difficult negotiations between the parties.

The organization said the newly minted U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement, or USMCA, will grant an expanded 3.6 per cent market access to the domestic dairy market and eliminate competitive dairy classes, which the group says will shrink the Canadian industry.

It said the measures will have a dramatic impact not only for dairy farmers but for the whole sector.

This has happened, despite assurances that our government would not sign a bad deal for Canadians, Pierre Lampron, president of Dairy Farmers Canada, said in the statement. We fail to see how this deal can be good for the 220,000 Canadian families that depend on dairy for their livelihood.

U.S. administration officials said the deal provides increased access to Canadas dairy market for U.S. producers and limits the American impact of Canadas controversial supply management system for dairy and poultry products.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would only say it was a good day for Canada as he left a late-night cabinet meeting in Ottawa that capped several days of frenetic long-distance talks that included Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland and U.S. Ambassador David MacNaughton.

U.S President Donald Trump took to Twitter early Monday to praise what he called an historic deal that came just before U.S. and Mexican trade authorities were set to publish their own trade agreement without Canada as a signatory.

It is a great deal for all three countries, solves the many deficiencies and mistakes in NAFTA, greatly opens markets to our farmers and manufacturers, reduces trade barriers to the U.S. and will bring all three great nations closer together in competition with the rest of the world, he tweeted. The USMCA is a historic transaction!

The deal appears to preserve the key dispute-resolution provisions  Chapter 19  which allow for independent panels to resolve disputes involving companies and governments, as well as Chapter 20, the government-to-government dispute settlement mechanism.

A side letter published along with the main text of the agreement exempts a percentage of eligible auto exports from the tariffs. A similar agreement between Mexico and the U.S. preserves duty-free access to the U.S. market for vehicles that comply with the agreements rules of origin.

Canada fought hard to retain Chapter 19, a holdover from NAFTA that U.S. trade ambassador Robert Lighthizer worked tooth and nail to eliminate.

USMCA will give our workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses a high-standard trade agreement that will result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region, Freeland and Lighthizer said in a joint statement.

On the matter of Section 232 tariffs, Trumps trade weapon of choice, U.S. officials told a late-night conference call with reporters that the two sides had reached an accommodation on the issue.

Federal cabinet ministers were summoned to a late Sunday meeting at the Prime Ministers Office near Parliament Hill, while the White House convened its own late-night trade briefing conference call just an hour before the midnight deadline.

In Ottawa, PMO officials said there would be another cabinet meeting Monday and a news conference likely as well.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce said it was relieved that an agreement in principle had been reached. But chamber president Perrin Beatty said the details of the text needed a closer look before a final verdict could be rendered.
EDMONTONOn Monday, Alberta became the first province in Canada to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, fulfilling a long-standing NDP promise to raise it, in stages, from $10.20 starting back in 2015.

The increase means a raise for roughly 300,000 workers around the province, according to Public Interest Albertas 2018 Low Wage Report. More than 60 per cent of those who benefit are women, and three quarters of them are 20 years old or older.

While the full consequences wont be completely clear for years, that hasnt stopped many observers from picking a side on the issue.

Workers groups and unions have praised the policy, arguing it will reduce poverty and improve quality of life for the provinces most vulnerable. Meanwhile, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business called for a freeze at $13.60, saying it would prove an unfair burden to businesses with already thin margins.

Trevor Tombe, an assistant professor at the University of Calgarys department of economics, said both sides are guilty of oversimplification.

Bold claims there will be tens of thousands of jobs lost are false. Bold claims that there will be no jobs lost? Thats false, too, Tombe said.

Read more:

Paid in full: Albertas low-wage workers mull over the final pay bump

The actual impact of Albertas minimum wage increase wont be felt as acutely as in other provinces, Tombe argues. Because Alberta has the highest average wage in the country, an increase to the very bottom isnt as much of a shock. Raises in provinces with lower average wages  such as Ontario, which raised its minimum wage to $14 an hour last January  tend to bite more, Tombe said.

Union leaders such as Gil McGowan, president of the Alberta Federation of Labour, hailed Mondays increase as a win for minimum-wage workers across Alberta  as well as the economy. With more money in their pockets, he said, workers can now afford to buy more.

He added that the provincial governments minimum-wage increases have been a crucial part of Albertas economic recovery from the 2014 oil crash. Back in 2015, when the NDP first announced the policy, he recalled business associations complaining the sky would fall as a result.

To say that they were wrong would be an understatement, McGowan said. Instead of those predicted job losses, what weve seen is that the service sector has added jobs even while the minimum wage has steadily increased.

But University of Alberta economics professor Joseph Marchand said that while studies and numbers on the effects of the increase abound, your evaluation ultimately depends on what your desired outcome is: job growth or decreasing inequality.

If thats your social goal, reducing inequality amongst individuals, I buy it, Marchand said. We will see it in the data. I would almost guarantee it, there is going to be a reduction in inequality.

However, he doesnt buy into the idea that it would help the employment rate. The messaging hes seen from the NDP government is that there has been job growth since the minimum wage started rising in 2015. Yet, Marchand said increasing the minimum wage should lead directly to job losses as businesses become reluctant to hire.

Proponents have pointed to job growth in certain industries as evidence that the minimum wage isnt hurting the economy  but Marchand countered that by saying in Alberta the job market is heavily influenced by the price of oil. Thus, the true effect of a higher minimum wage will likely be obscured.

Still, his research leads him to believe that roughly 25,000 jobs will be lost in Alberta as a result, although Marchand cautions it could be more or less than that; we wont know for a year or two.

Many observers, he said, like to compare Albertas minimum-wage hike to the situations in New York, California or Seattle. But since Albertas labour market is so tied to energy boom-and-bust cycles, its a different beast, Marchand said.

Not only that, he said, the way the NDP has rolled out the minimum wage is different  the State of New York let big cities have the raise before implementing it in Buffalo, Syracuse or other smaller areas. This move could have been implemented in Edmonton or Calgary to see the effects on cities with higher costs of living before rolling it into rural areas.

Marchand said business owners in less populated areas could make less money and be more averse to hiring labour at a higher price. They could have also benefitted from having more time to adjust their businesses to the higher cost of labour.

California had a clause in its policy that said it wouldnt increase the minimum wage during an economic recession to keep pressures on business owners down. Marchand said Alberta did the opposite and introduced a hike in the middle of a downturn.

Despite all the debate, Tombe said theres one key aspect missing from the mainstream discussion: why its going up. The provincial government has said the increase will ensure low-income families are better able to provide for themselves.

Theres more than one tool to achieve that goal, Tombe said. I think the debate would be better served if instead of just arguing over the minimum, we entertained other solutions to improving the situation of low-income folks.

These could include tools like income transfers  Tombe listed the Alberta Child Benefit and income tax credits as examples  to shave expenses off of low-income Albertans struggling to pay their bills. Minimum-wage increases can put more money in workers pockets, but Tombe said they arent very focused.

The minimum wage is a very blunt tool because it affects everybody, regardless of their individual circumstances or characteristics, Tombe said.

He said Canadian research shows a modest effect on the employment of teenage workers and a very small effect for young adults. U.S. research has shown close to zero effects in some areas that have raised the minimum wage, while other areas have seen larger effects. In other words, the jurys still out  but he said Alberta at least hasnt taken much of a hit during past increases.

Theres no strong evidence yet that any of the prior increases have had a negative effect, Tombe said. Now, thats not to say that future increases wont.

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EDMONTONFree transit is only an idea, but its one that Edmonton Coun. Aaron Paquette says he will ask the city to seriously consider.

Lets do the research, lets see what partnerships we can make, said the councillor for Ward 4 in northeast Edmonton.

Paquettes motion that he plans to put forward to city council directs administration to research free transit for the city and its outlying communities.

He said the decision to charge fares or not comes down to where youd rather put your tax dollars.

Nothing is free, said Paquette. Transit isnt free, roads arent free, maintenance of roads isnt free.

While this plan would divert some property taxes  Paquette estimates to the tune of $160 per household  he says transit is an economic driver.

He said transit adds $700 million to the economy as a service and that there are some households that spend thousands on transit passes every year.

However, it would be a fareless transit system with no enforcement officers, which could save the city money, said Paquette.

His motion seeks to find out how to increase transit safety through using resources that are now being spent on fare enforcement. It also asks city administration to research how much the city would save in limiting bureaucracy around distributing transit passes.

Paquette said the social benefits could be important as well, citing access to employment, making appointments on time, and better access to social services.

Movement equals economic activity and the more people we get moving, the better, he said.

He hopes to find out the feasibility of having a year-long pilot program.

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HALIFAX A Canada-wide anti-abortion event drew a large counter-protest during a rally in Halifax on Sunday.

Pro-choice and anti-abortion protesters lined up adjacent to one another along Robie St. in Halifax, and by 2 p.m. each group had about 50 people brandishing signs, separated only by the crosswalk on Welsford St.

The anti-abortion group was there as part of the Life Chain event, one of 200 protests against legal abortion stretching across the country. The pro-choice group was organized by Michelle Malette, who started a counter-protest event on Facebook after hearing about the Life Chain rally.

It just didnt sit OK with me that we would let folks come here and stand at the side of the road ... especially choosing a spot like this in the Commons that is a community space for everybody, Malette said during the protest.

This is pretty exciting that three or four days ago I was pretty angry to see that there was going to be a rally and I am one person that said, This isnt happening here in Halifax. I posted something on Facebook and all of these people have turned out.

Malette said that it is important to keep fighting for reproductive rights, even though access to abortion in Canada remains legal.

(The Life Chain rally) is a really scary thing because people are still going to have sex, Malette said.

It is frightening and its really enraging It was one of the things that I understand was brought up at the PC conference recently where they discussed reopening the abortion debate.

When the Conservative Party of Canada had its convention in Halifax this summer, a grassroots resolution to reopen the abortion debate was narrowly defeated, 53 per cent for and 47 per cent against. While Conservative Party leader Andrew Scheer has said that he has no interest in bringing abortion back to the table, there are elements within the party that would like to see it banned.

People who are making the laws and the decisions dont really care about those things. Theyre not interested in making better supports for folks that need them, theyre just interested in having control over someone elses body and whether or not someone is actually going to assert, I dont want to have a child, Malette said.

Counter-protesters of all ages and genders shouted slogans such as pro-family, pro-choice while those there for Life Chain stood quietly, some repeating Hail Marys.

Ellen Chesal, executive director of Campaign Life Nova Scotia who organized the rally, said that they have been doing the event since the early 1970s and were there to push for controls on abortion in Canada.

When asked why she was against abortion, Chesal said because for one, its taking the life of an innocent child, and two, its damaging to women.

When asked how it was damaging to women, Chesal said that post-abortion syndrome is harmful to those who have had abortions.

An American Psychological Association task force concluded in 2008 that there is no credible evidence that a single elective abortion of an unwanted pregnancy in and of itself causes mental health problems for adult women.

Chesal said that it is up to women not to get pregnant and, if they do, they can also offer the child up for adoption.

She can choose not to get pregnant. There are many options there for that other than abortion. They have the pill, she said.

They have the option for adoption. I was adopted myself so I would say theres always room to give life for a child even though its not wanted, there are options.

Jim Christian came all the way from New Brunswick to support the Life Chain rally, something he said fights against the culture of death in Canada. Christian is also a firm believer in adoption.

If the mother doesnt want to take care of it, there is certainly someone else who will, he said.

You know, if the baby gets in the way or interferes with your lifestyle or your desire for education or, you know, a good life, kill it. Somebody has to take a stand against these things.

Christian said that in the case of ectopic pregnancies, an abortion is considered a life-saving surgery, but in the case of pregnancy by rape, the baby should still be brought to term.

If a woman gets pregnant by rape, thats used as a Yeah but, what about this. I believe in life. I believe that somebody who rapes a woman should be subject to the death penalty. Its such a serious, terrible thing to do to somebody. But the child of that rapist is not guilty of anything. It should not have the death penalty.

Nikolai Hill says that the Maritimes still have a long way to go to improve abortion access.

Especially in rural areas, were really lucky to be in a place where we can access it instead of having to drive four, five hours to access it, he said.

A woman who wished only to be identified as Nat, said that where shes from in New Brunswick access is so poor some people have to try and make their way to other provinces in order to get an abortion.

When I was in New Brunswick I got turned down by two male doctors who said they just would not. So I had to just keep finding doctors and it was a really hard thing to do and it got to the point where I thought I was going to have to hitchhike to Toronto, she said.

I was also homeless at the time, so being a 24-year-old homeless girl and all the doctors are male and saying Well my religion doesnt think that you should do this, and Im like, OK are you going to take this baby and raise it? Im on the f streets.

New Brunswick currently has only one private abortion clinic and prices can exceed $700 for the procedure. Next door is the The Womens Care Centre, which is also the headquarters for New Brunswick Right to Life, an anti-abortion organization.

Theres one abortion service in New Brunswick and you have to go to Fredericton and its directly beside a clinic where theres a bunch of pro-lifers who stand outside and protest all the time, Nat said.

Ive been in that clinic and had men standing outside holding signs while Im sitting inside getting a consultation for an abortion. The Maritimes are definitely a little bit behind.

The protests come just days after Nova Scotias health minister defended the current system, saying the province began funding the abortion pill in November 2017 and gave Nova Scotians the option to self-refer for an abortion earlier this year.

The call for better access came after The Globe and Mails Atlantic bureau chief published an account of her experience hitting multiple roadblocks while trying to get an abortion in Nova Scotia, before eventually flying to Toronto for the procedure.

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OTTAWAThe federal government has partnered with brain injury experts in Nova Scotia in its search for what caused health problems among Canadian and American diplomats based in Havana, as speculation swirls that they may have been the targets of a microwave weapon.

Global Affairs Canada has joined with the Brain Repair Centre, affiliated with Dalhousie University, the Nova Scotia Health Authority and the IWK Health Centre, to conduct research into the symptoms and potential causes of what left about a dozen diplomats and family members suffering an array of mysterious symptoms.

The research study is another avenue to try to further understand the symptoms they are experiencing, a senior federal government official told the Star.

Despite an RCMP-led investigation that has stretched on for more than a year, done with the co-operation of the Cubans, the official said they seem no closer to determining what happened.

Despite all these ongoing investigations, the cause or causes of the health incidents our staff have experienced are still unknown. We are still basically looking, still investigating, working with our counterparts, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

These are very unusual incidents and sort of unprecedented, the official added.

Officials in Washington and Ottawa have been searching for answers since late 2016 when American diplomats, then Canadians, were caught up in a series of mysterious incidents. The incidents left them suffering persistent, concussion-like symptoms  dizziness, nausea, headaches and trouble concentrating  yet without head trauma to explain the cause.

Dr. Douglas Smith, director of the University of Pennsylvanias department of neurosurgery and Center for Brain Injury and Repair, evaluated some of the workers. He told the Star earlier this year that it appears those affected were exposed to some form of directed energy.

In a story this month, the New York Times raised the idea that the diplomats may have been the target of microwaves.

Washington lawyer Mark Zaid, who specializes in national security cases and represents nine American diplomats caught up in the incidents, says that is a real possibility.

We certainly have circumstantial evidence that it is microwaves, Zaid told the Star.

The (National Security Agency) had admitted to us that there was at least one country that was using microwaves as weapons against U.S. personnel, he said.

Zaid referenced a 2014 statement provided by the NSA as he acted on behalf of a counter-intelligence officer with the agency who believed he had been targeted during operations in an undisclosed country.

The statement said that intelligence associated a hostile country with a high-powered microwave system designed to bathe a targets living quarters in microwaves, causing numerous physical effects, including a damaged nervous system.

A spokesperson for the NSA confirmed the authenticity of the statement but told the Star that a review by intelligence community experts that same year challenges the validity of the size of such a weapon and cannot confirm the device capabilities.

Yet the spokesperson, Kelly Biemer, added that the experts have associated the hostile country with some capabilities in this field.

Dr. Michael Hoffer, a brain injury specialist at the University of Miami who has seen many of the Americans suffering symptoms, says the cause isnt yet known.

Its unknown to date exactly whats causing it. It could be ultrasonic, it could be microwave. It could be a variety of other things, he told a recent panel discussion on the possible causes of the Havana incidents.

The session was hosted by the U.S. Department of Defence Strategic Multilayer Assessment program, which brings together experts across agencies and disciplines to tackle challenging problems.

Hoffer said his involvement began with a phone call in February 2017. Literally, the call was, This is the State Department. We have a problem, Hoffer said in the discussion, which is available online.

He said 25 Americans had symptoms that included ear pain, ringing in the ear, dizziness and cognitive issues. All of these individuals had experienced a loud noise or pressure phenomena before and during the symptoms, he said.

The sound was localized and followed the individual from room to room. If they moved in the room, it would move, he said.

As with the Canadians, the Americans experienced the incidents at their homes or in hotels rather than at work.

All had abnormalities in the organs that help the body determine gravity and balance, he said. That matches the experience of Canadians who have also suffered vestibular and balance issues.

Hoffer said that directed energy can produce cavitation bubbles that can cause effects in parts of the body where doctors have seen damage.

For those who were truly affected, they really had a physical injury, said Hoffer, who could not be reached by the Star.

Zaid said questions still swirl about the perpetrator of the attacks, their motivation and methods. I have tons of questions trying to understand what this was. Im keeping an open mind to it, he said.

There have been no new cases among Canadian personnel since October 2017. Those afflicted have been getting medical treatment and rehabilitation to mitigate symptoms though some remain off work, the federal official said. Global Affairs brought diplomats family members home from Cuba in April.
VANCOUVERTwo mayors responsible for Victorias police department are disputing a section of a report by British Columbias police complaints commissioner that says they mishandled harassment complaints against a former police chief.

Barb Desjardins, mayor of Esquimalt, B.C., said that while she doesnt dispute the findings of commissioner Stan Lowes review of two investigations and subsequent discipline proceedings involving former chief Frank Elsner, she does object to the tone and the commentary and allegations within the report.

It should be a factual report of what happened, what the results were and what the recommendation is. It should not be commentary and speculation on our actions, she said.

Lowe could not immediately be reached for comment on the position taken by Desjardins and Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps.

In the report released Sept. 26, Lowe said Helps and Desjardins predetermined the outcome of the internal discipline process from the outset, and set about navigating a course to allow the former chief to remain in his post.

Elsner, who resigned in early 2017, was found to have committed eight counts of misconduct, including lying to investigators, encouraging a witness to make a false statement and having unwanted physical contact with two female officers.

Read more:

Work to do in ensuring end to internal misconduct, says Victoria police chief

Former Victoria police chief demoted, dismissed from policing after review finds 8 counts of misconduct

Lowe also said Elsner had been caught in a web of untruths that began when the former chief sent inappropriate Twitter messages to the wife of an officer in his department.

Attempts to reach Elsner for comment since Lowes report was released have been unsuccessful.

Elsner apologized shortly after the public learned an internal investigation was probing inappropriate messages he allegedly sent to the wife of an officer.

In 2016, Elsner petitioned the B.C. Supreme Court to stop investigations against him, saying he was being targeted by a group that wanted him ousted as police chief. The court agreed to limit the scope of the commissions investigation.

The mayors, in their position as co-chairs of the Victoria and Esquimalt Police Board, hired an internal investigator to look into the complaints about Elsner, Lowe said.

The investigator reported to the mayors that numerous witnesses had made allegations of bullying and harassment, including inappropriate comments and behaviour towards women, against the former chief, Lowes report said.

The mayors chose not to expand the investigators mandate to include these allegations, the report said. On the contrary, the correspondence indicates that they instructed the investigator not to pursue these allegations or consider them in any respect in drafting the investigation report because they were outside the scope of the investigators mandate.

Helps directed a request for comment to a statement posted on her website, in which she said the board followed the advice of its legal counsel in its handling of the Elsner case.

One of the most upsetting elements of this whole situation is the insinuation that I would protect a man (allegedly) engaged in bullying and harassment, she said. I have been working on womens issues and womens rights since I was 15 years old. To suggest we were planning to ignore the allegations brought forward by female members of VicPD is simply untrue. It makes no sense. And to those who know me, its just not plausible.

Lowes report includes an email exchange between the two mayors dated Dec. 3, 2015, at 2:32 a.m., which it said rushed to conclude the investigation because rumours were swirling about the chief.

I believe for this reason we have to make a decision asap and then call the board to inform them of it, Desjardins wrote to Helps, according to the report. Please look at your calendar to see what could be cleared to move things up. This must be top priority in my mind.

Lowe said the difference is glaring when the outcome from the mayors in the internal discipline process is compared to the result of a separate process led by two retired judges.

The mayors investigation led to a reprimand, whereas the judges process led to suspension, demotion and dismissal.

Desjardins objected to Lowes characterization.

It is absolutely false, it is accusatory and Im not on trial, she said. It is suggesting something that is absolutely false, and we had no opportunity to provide feedback.

Helps said the mayors also hired an investigator, who was endorsed by the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner.

Lowe is calling for changes to the Police Act to strip mayors of the power to discipline police chiefs. Desjardins and Helps both said they support the recommendation, but indicated that theyd like a chance to discuss the tone of the report with the solicitor general.

Lowe has recommended that when allegations of misconduct are made against a chief or a deputy chief they should be handled by a discipline authority that is led by a retired judge because of the relationship mayors have with those senior officers.

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OTTAWACanadian and U.S. officials worked late into the evening Sunday in a drive to come up with a legal agreement that would allow Canada to join Mexico in a three-way free trade pact with the United States.

By early evening it appeared high-level talks would bump right up against, and maybe past, a midnight deadline that the U.S. insisted needed to be met to deliver a new NAFTA agreement to Congress.

Without Canadas signature, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has said he would present a bilateral U.S.-Mexico agreement to Congress and keep talking to Canada.

Canadian government officials and outside stakeholders from industry and labour groups who were consulted throughout a weekend of intense talks said negotiators had made progress Sunday on key points that had been in dispute.

But there were conflicting statements about whether an announcement could be made by midnight.

Not done yet, said one senior Canadian source at 6:30 p.m.

Lots of progress, but were not there yet, Canadas ambassador to Washington, David MacNaughton, told reporters. Its never done until its done.

It was unclear whether Canada had secured an exemption from punishing 25-per-cent auto tariffs that U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened against Canadian auto imports, or merely won a limit on the number of autos that could be subject to tariffs once a certain quota of tariff-free vehicles was reached.

Nor was it clear what, if any, guarantee Canada would get that current 25-per-cent steel and 10-per-cent aluminum tariffs that have already dinged Canadian exports would be lifted.

Canada has until now insisted it would not give ground on its key demand for a robust, independent rules-based dispute resolution system for trade disagreements. There were reports Sunday evening that the U.S. was prepared to concede on this point.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was involved with the negotiations through the weekend, said one source. Trudeau tweeted he reached out to the chief executives leading Canadas Big Five banks to touch base on NAFTA negotiations.

My thanks for your advice and support, Trudeau posted in a statement on Twitter, stating hed spoken to David McKay, president and CEO of the Royal Bank of Canada; Victor Dodig, CIBC president and CEO; Scotiabank president and CEO Brian Porter; BMO financial group CEO Darryl White and TD president and CEO Bharat Masrani.

Reuters reported Sunday that Lighthizer and White House adviser Jared Kushner planned to brief Trump on Sunday.

Congress gave Trumps administration authority to renegotiate a trilateral continental free trade pact, which requires a 60-day notice and publication of the text of any agreement. The U.S. reached an agreement-in-principle with Mexico in late August and wants it approved before the Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto leaves office Nov. 30. That date set the Sept. 30 deadline in motion.

Earlier Sunday, one of Trumps senior trade advisers, Peter Navarro, told Fox News that Canadas positions on dairy sector regulations and on international dispute resolution remained among several sticking points, but suggested that disagreements over digital intellectual property and certain pharmaceutical protections had been largely resolved.

Navarro predicted Monday morning would bring big and perhaps market-moving news.

Everybodys negotiating in good faith right now as we speak and the deadline is midnight tonight to get the text in to Congress in order to make sure this goes forward, said Navarro. So its either going to be the text goes in with Mexico and the U.S. or the text goes in with all three countries.

With a file from The Associated Press

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Aug. 16-20, 2017, Washington, D.C. Negotiators agreed on one thing: the original NAFTA provisions were the starting point for a deal and not concessions Mexico and Canada had earlier made in the then-floundering Trans-Pacific Partnership, which Trump quit. The following week, in a preview of turmoil to come, Trump tweeted: I received calls from the president of Mexico and the prime minister of Canada asking to renegotiate NAFTA rather than terminate. I agreed  subject to the fact that if we do not reach a fair deal for all, we will then terminate NAFTA.

Sept. 1-5, 2017, Mexico City. Donald Trump is assailed in Mexican headlines. Little progress made, but another declaration by all three partners that they want an agreement by years end.

Sept. 23-27, 2017, Ottawa. The U.S. team comes with no detailed proposals on a number of controversial demands including for the auto sector, dispute settlement, supply management and other areas.

Oct. 11-15, 2017, Washington. The U.S. team drops one protectionist bombshell after another: on auto parts, dispute resolution, Buy American, a five-year automatic sunset or kill clause for NAFTA, and an end to Canadas supply-management of agriculture sectors. Things go very badly after this.

Read more:

Canada, U.S. reach NAFTA deal, Canadian officials say

Opinion | Trudeau will benefit on NAFTA regardless of outcome

Nov. 15-21, 2017, Mexico City. The U.S. takes aim at seasonal growers in Mexico, identifying 60 agricultural products on which it wants to slap duties to protect its own growers. The Americans also target Mexican truckers operating in the U.S. Talks reach an impasse on new rules for e-commerce shipments because Canada and Mexico do not agree to allow more duty-free online shopping.

Jan. 23-29, 2018, Montreal. Canada and Mexico sign a new Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement with nine other nations, minus the United States. In the new TPP11, Canada agrees to North American auto content rules that are lower than those at play at the NAFTA table, infuriating union leaders who say Ottawa just gave away any leverage it might have had at the NAFTA talks. Ottawas team introduces creative options for how to calculate auto content and break the impasse on U.S. demands to ditch certain dispute resolution mechanisms. The Americans agree to go back to Washington and study Canadas pitch.

Feb. 26-March 5, 2018, Mexico City. Trump announces new tariffs on foreign imports of steel and aluminum and links the punishing duties to NAFTA, tweeting on March 5: We have large trade deficits with Mexico and Canada.  Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum will only come off if new & fair NAFTA agreement is signed.

Early April. Rumours run rampant that Trump wants to cut a deal to announce at the Summit of the Americas in Lima, Peru, April 13. But Trump and Robert Lighthizer are no-shows. Trump unleashes another tweet storm at Mexico in early April. The eighth round of formal negotiations is ultimately scrapped at Lighthizers request for ministerial talks.

April 24-26, 2018, Washington. Lead negotiators meet in D.C., setting up high-level talks. Media report optimism on the U.S. side, caution on the Canadian side. The prospect of a deal seems remote, however, after reports surface that ministers sparred over a revived sunset proposal and lack of detail over autos.

May, Washington. More ministerial meetings, more high level consultations. By May 25, Trudeau thinks the three NAFTA amigos have the broad outlines of a decent win-win-win deal on the table that  required that final deal-making moment. The Canadian PM offers to fly to Washington to close the deal with Trump, only to be trumped. According to Trudeau, Trump demands Canada agree to a sunset clause in a new NAFTA. The three-way NAFTA talks are off. Again. On May 31, Trump makes good on his threat to slaps tariffs on Canadian imports. Trudeau announces retaliatory tariffs to take effect July 1 on U.S. products.

June-July-late August. Canada-U.S. relations appear to go into a deep freeze after Trumps post-G7 summit outburst in which he trashed Trudeau as weak and very dishonest after the PM says he told the president U.S. tariffs against Canada are kind of insulting and Canada wouldnt agree to a NAFTA sunset clause. For weeks no new NAFTA talks are held, until late July when the U.S. sidles up to Mexico after the election of a new president.

Aug. 27-Sept 30. Mexico and the U.S. cut a new bilateral trade deal without Canada. The Americans demand Canadians meet deadlines that come and go. The Toronto Star publishes Trumps off-the-record comment to Bloomberg vowing no compromises. Talks break off, temporarily. After a five-day hiatus over the Labour Day weekend, they resume. The U.S. Congress has to ratify the U.S.-Mexico agreement by Sept. 30 if it is to pass before U.S. midterm elections and be signed by outgoing Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto by Dec. 1. The rhetoric ramps up. Senior Canadian officials stage a weekend-long drive by telephone to meet the Sept. 30 deadline for a three-way text for Congress.

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OTTAWACanada has capitulated on copyright policy in the new trilateral North American trade deal, experts say, with a new digital trade chapter that could have wide-ranging implications on everything from Canadian content online to personal privacy.

The new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), announced late Sunday night, commits Canada to extending the term of copyright by two decades, from 50 years after the authors death to 70 years. While that sounds like a relatively minor change, University of Ottawa professor Michael Geist said the costs associated with it could be significant.

I think its bad news for Canadians, bad news from a cultural and heritage perspective, Geist said, who suggested the government caved on the issue.

Well find that Canadian culture and heritage is locked down, out of the public domain for an extra two decades. Canada had resisted those reforms despite U.S. pressure for a long time  (It) means that works that might otherwise make their way to schools under the public domain wont for a couple of decades, which could increase education costs.

Geist also said the extension of patents on biologics to 10 years could have an enormous cost on the health care system by driving up the price of generic drugs.

Read more:

Justin Trudeau calls trade deal a win, promises compensation for dairy farmers

Heres whats new in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement

Opinion | Chantal Hebert: Trade agreement is unlikely to hurt Liberal fortunes

Experts were still poring over the massive trade agreement on Monday, reached between Canada, the United States and Mexico after a year of tense negotiation. Much of the initial reaction has been focused on the impact for Canadas auto sector, which appears to have dodged U.S. tariffs for the time being, and the Liberal governments concessions on Canadas supply managed dairy industry.

But it appears that protections for Canadas cultural sectors remain largely intact, after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said nixing them would be a red line in the negotiations.

The agreement maintains cultural exemptions to help preserve our unique Canadian character and protect official bilingualism, Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters on Monday.

Like the previous NAFTA deal, USMCA specifically exempts Canadas cultural industry. But while the exemption covers things like books, music and television programming, Carleton Universitys Meredith Lilly said it does not appear to cover digital products.

My read of it is that its exactly the same language that weve had for 30 years, yet digital products are new and theres no mention of them in the exemption, Lilly, who previously advised Stephen Harper on trade issues, said Monday.

There was no digital chapter in the original NAFTA. Now we have a digital chapter, we have definitions around what digital products are, and so if digital products are included in the cultural exemption, why isnt that language specifically there?

Lilly said if digital products fall outside the general exemption on cultural industries, it could limit Ottawas ability to set Canadian content standards in digital media.

But a spokesperson for Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez told the Star that digital content is included under the cultural exemption, saying that the updated language is consistent with recent trade deals with the European Union and Pacific nations.

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One thing that both the prosecution and the defence seem to agree on is that the federal governments push to cut preliminary inquiries in most criminal cases will not solve the long-standing problem of delays in the criminal justice system.

Thats one point that emerged during weeks of testimony before the House of Commons standing committee on justice and human rights regarding Bill C-75, the Liberals massive  and much criticized  legislation to revamp the justice system introduced in March by Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould.

Conservative and NDP MPs on the committee (where Liberals hold the majority) have said they will be proposing dozens of amendments to the bill. The committee is expected to hear those in October.

The Star consulted the briefs of several Ontario and national legal organizations that were filed with the committee, to get a sense of their stances on three big issues in the bill: limiting preliminary inquiries, increasing the maximum sentences for summary offences, and eliminating peremptory challenges during jury selection.

Preliminary inquiries

These hearings are typically held before trials in Superior Court, which handles the most serious criminal cases, where witnesses testify under oath and allow for a lower court judge to determine if there is enough evidence to send the accused to trial. The government has proposed limiting preliminary inquiries only to cases where the maximum term of imprisonment is life, such as murder.

Many groups who testified before the justice committee said the push to limit prelims requires further study, while also noting that preliminary inquiries are already only used in a small number of cases.

There is no evidence to suggest that preliminary inquiries are a major cause of delay in the criminal justice system, while the available evidence suggests they may be irrelevant to that question, Legal Aid Ontario says in its brief filed with the committee. Secondly, there is evidence that preliminary inquiries may serve to change the trajectory of cases by screening out cases so that more matters are resolved without the necessity of a trial.

In its brief, the Criminal Lawyers Association has also argued that the change be scrapped, but if maintained, they suggest an amendment to allow for either the Crown or defence to ask permission from the judge to conduct a prelim if its in the interests of justice.

Interestingly, the association that represents federal Crown prosecutors agrees with the defence side, at least with regards to the argument that cutting prelims will not speed up the system.

I think it is really significant that both sides of the front line are in agreement that reducing prelims ... will not address delay, Ursula Hendel, president of the Association of Justice Counsel, said before the committee.

The president of the Ontario Crown Attorneys Association, which represents all provincial Crown attorneys, did not return the Stars request for comment. The one provincial Crown attorney association that did file a brief with the committee, the Alberta Crown Attorneys Association, said in their submissions that:

There are many benefits to appropriate preliminary inquiries (which are typically much shorter than the trial): They can narrow the issues resulting in shorter trials; they can result in guilty pleas when an accused is faced with the strength of the Crowns evidence; and, they can result in resolutions where the Crowns evidence does not hold up on the stand.

From a Crown perspective, preliminary inquiries also allow the Crown to test the strength of its case and, oftentimes, mend unforeseen holes or difficulties in the evidence  resulting in a stronger prosecution at trial.

Increasing sentences for summary offences

The Liberal government wants to shift some of the caseload away from Superior Court by increasing the maximum penalty for all criminal cases heard in provincial court  known as summary offences  to two years less a day in jail. The move would allow the Crown to prosecute more cases in provincial court that were traditionally heard in Superior Court, where cases tend to take longer to come to an end.

But as the Star reported earlier this year, the move would cause an access-to-justice issue by effectively prohibiting law students and paralegals from representing impoverished accused persons, as they regularly do now. Thats because the Criminal Code only allows them to handle cases where the maximum term of imprisonment is six months.

Law students (under the supervision of a criminal defence lawyer) and paralegals tend to represent individuals who cant afford a lawyer, but also dont qualify for legal aid. Summary offences that currently have a maximum term of imprisonment of six months include public nudity and causing a disturbance.

There is a provision in the Criminal Code that allows provinces to create a program where law students and paralegals can represent accused if the term of imprisonment is above six months, but only Alberta and British Columbia have created such a program since that provision was enacted in 2002.

The effect this change would have on legal representation was the focus of the submissions from the Law Society of Ontario, which regulates lawyers and paralegals. The regulator argued that it could lead to more self-represented individuals, who can slow down the system as they try to navigate it.

Regulated agents currently provide affordable and accessible representation to vulnerable clients who might not otherwise have representation. While the Law Society supports the governments intention in developing the bill, the provisions ... will have the unintended and counterproductive effect of restricting access to justice, particularly for marginalized people.

The regulator suggested an amendment to create a separate category of summary offences that would retain a maximum term of imprisonment of six months, so that law students and paralegals could continue representing people charged with such crimes. A similar amendment was suggested by other groups.

Eliminating peremptory challenges

These challenges allow both the Crown and defence to each dismiss a certain number of potential jurors during jury selection without having to give a reason. Peremptory challenges received widespread attention following the acquittal earlier this year of Saskatchewan man Gerald Stanley, who had been charged with murder in the death of Colten Boushie, a 22-year-old Indigenous man. The defence had reportedly used peremptory challenges to keep anyone who appeared Indigenous off the jury.

The Canadian Bar Association said in their submissions that the changes to the jury selection process, including to peremptory challenges, seem insufficiently considered and require further study.

While we share the concern that peremptory challenges may be misused to racially discriminate against Indigenous people, our experience is that they are more frequently used to the benefit of Indigenous and other racialized persons, the association said in their brief. Those populations are disproportionately drawn into the criminal justice system, and often use this same process precisely to avoid an all-white jury.

On the other hand, Toronto-based Aboriginal Legal Services said they were completely supportive of eliminating the challenges.

Government neglect and the use of peremptory challenges has had a corrosive impact on efforts to encourage Indigenous people to volunteer as jurors, they said in their brief.

Several groups, including the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and Aboriginal Legal Services, supported the recommendations regarding the jury process made to the committee by University of Toronto law professor Kent Roach, who supports eliminating peremptory challenges.

Among other things, he recommends expanding the power of the parties to challenge the composition of a jury panel on the grounds of significant under-representation of Aboriginal people or other disadvantaged groups that are over-represented in the criminal justice system. The judge should also be allowed to raise such concerns, Roach recommends.
ST. JOHNS, N.L.Former premier Danny Williams told the Muskrat Falls inquiry on Monday that the wildly overbudget megaproject was in Newfoundland and Labradors best interest  and critics who attack him for championing it are reckless.

Williams maintained good intentions and good faith were behind the planning of the hydroelectric dam that has doubled its estimated cost, leaving the provinces ratepayers worried the endeavour might be paid out of their pockets.

This is something we can be really proud of, the boisterous former Tory premier said of the Labrador project.

The fact that the project is getting disparaged reflects on all the people who worked so hard in order to put this together.

The independent inquiry, led by provincial Supreme Court Justice Richard LeBlanc, is looking into cost and schedule overruns of the $12.7-billion dam on the lower Churchill River.

The 824-megawatt hydroelectric dam, being developed by the Crown-owned Nalcor Energy, will send power to Newfoundland and later Nova Scotia through subsea cables.

During his term, Williams championed Muskrat Falls as a form of energy independence from Quebec, before retiring from politics shortly after announcing the plan in 2010.

The dam near Happy Valley-Goose Bay has since been described as the greatest fiscal mistake in Newfoundland and Labradors history by current Liberal Premier Dwight Ball.

Williams, a businessman and lawyer, was comfortable and confident on the stand on Monday  but he didnt mince words when addressing criticisms from his detractors.

Commission co-counsel Barry Learmonth asked Williams to respond to criticisms that he pushed the megaproject through for the sake of his own ego and legacy.

Williams called such criticisms reckless, irresponsible and shameful.

Nothing, Im under oath, could be further from the truth, said Williams.

Williams maintained that his government turned over every stone by researching financial and legal options before his successor as Tory leader and premier, Kathy Dunderdale, sanctioned Muskrat Falls in December 2012.

Williams also praised a paper that historian Jason Churchill presented to the inquiry last month. It found that Quebecs stronghold on the Churchill Rivers resources has long blocked Newfoundland and Labrador from accessing elusive energy markets.

Williams detailed his own frustrations with Quebec, including the long-standing debate over Labradors borders  which, according to commission exhibits, are not reflected in some Quebec maps.

Williams also referred to former premier Jean Lesages 1965 comments that any electricity passing through Quebec territory would become property of Hydro-Quebec.

They will do whatever they can to cut us off, its shocking, Williams said. (But) I need to point out that we still tried.

Learmonth asked Williams about testimony from megaproject scholar Bent Flyvbjerg, who said last month there can be an increased risk of cost overruns when those overseeing the project have less experience in hydroelectric projects.

But Williams said he was not at all concerned the Nalcor Energy team was underqualified to oversee a hydroelectric project, despite mainly being experts in oil and gas projects.

He said he had no reason to believe Nalcor staff had misrepresented cost estimates in communications with him.

Williams also dismissed the rumours that he continued to influence Muskrat Falls management decisions after he resigned as premier in 2010, attributing such comments to Danny haters.

The day I went out the door, I was done, said Williams. Whoever is putting that out there is putting it out there for the wrong reasons.

Williams said concerns over doubled power rates are the result of fear-mongering, and the projects long-term benefits will outweigh rate increases that Williams said were on the horizon anyway.

Critics cant throw all of this on the back of Muskrat Falls, said Williams. I can guarantee the people of this province that these rates will not double as a result of Muskrat Falls.

The former premier said Nalcor will become more profitable over time, and its profits will help mitigate the costs.

There was never an understanding that we would get this for free, Williams said of Muskrat Falls.

Williams will continue his testimony Tuesday.
OTTAWAThe arc of this deal was never going to be predictable. And there would be very little art to it.

No neat beginning-middle-end to a storyline that, as Canadas Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland predicted, was bound to have lots of drama.

Yet even considering all U.S. President Donald Trumps inflammatory anti-NAFTA tweets, when it came to actual negotiations to hammer out a new North American free trade pact, now known as the United States Mexico Canada Agreement, things were more unpredictable than the Canadian government first feared.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confessed Monday that for him there had been moments not of despair but of pessimism during the negotiations when he thought his team was on the verge of a deal only to see it collapse. But he said in the past week, the Canadians realized the Sept. 30 deadline was a very real one.

There wasnt single aha moment, there was just a series of oh, we got this one settled, wow, Trudeau said. But he only believed it was all going to come together over the weekend when the U.S. agreed to Canadas demand that the dispute resolution mechanism, outlined in the original NAFTAs Ch. 19, would remain intact.

Read more:

Canada, U.S. reach new NAFTA deal

In 12 steps, how troubled NAFTA 2.0 talks unfolded

Canada gets boost from Mexican president-elect as NAFTA talks go down to the wire

The Star has put together a glimpse at the behind-the-scenes dynamic from interviews conducted over several months with negotiators, government officials, and industry and labour representatives.

From the get-go, in July 2017, the Trump team unveiled what Canada and Mexico saw as an outrageously long list of trade objectives, 160 in all.

It set out a broad, unfocused agenda for what would become a 13-month marathon of talks.

Yet by the spring of 2018, the heart of the Trump mandate was much clearer to Canadians: to get a deal on autos with Mexico that would bring jobs back to the U.S., and to get concessions on Canadian dairy to help U.S. farmers in Wisconsin, an electoral calculation that Trump would cleave to throughout the negotiation.

At first, all three negotiating teams scrambled to meet a 2017 year-end deadline the U.S. administration imposed. The race was on. Until it wasnt.

That fall, negotiators responsible for more than 30 tables of talks flew north and south across the continent, between Washington, Mexico City, Ottawa, back to the U.S. and back to Mexico, where it became clear the deadline for a new NAFTA deal would have to be extended into 2018.

In the early rounds, Canada and Mexico put up a friendly front, but the body language between Freeland and her American counterpart, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, couldnt have been frostier.

They traded barbs and duelled publicly at news conferences. Then the two seemed to warm to each other ever so slightly as the months wore on.

Canadian officials insisted all along they had a good working relationship.

Yet through it all, Trumps tweeted threats to pull out of NAFTA and to slap tariffs on his allies in the name of national security became a weird backdrop to negotiations.

Finally, the Americans insisted that the eighth round of negotiations be put on hold while political ministers took the lead in three-way face-to-face talks in Washington in late April.

It was supposedly a last-ditch push to get a deal done before the Mexican presidential election. The purported concern was if a popular left-leaning Mexican opposition leader won, who appeared publicly opposed to Trumps agenda, chances of an agreement would be blocked, and the U.S. congressional midterm election loomed large.

But Canadian officials, speaking on background, said it was clear Lighthizers plan centred on wanting to sit down and work out autos with the Mexicans in July when he thought there was a better opening to squeeze the Mexicans.

In the end, the real last ditch push came only at the end of summer, after the U.S. came to a bilateral agreement-in-principle with Mexico, and Canada was invited back to the table.

Here are key moments when there were important shifts in tone, content and momentum:

Round four, October in Washington, D.C. The Poison Pill round. The Trump team dropped bombshell after bombshell demand, stunning Canada and Mexico and casting a pall over the prospect of a deal anytime soon.

Round six, January in Montreal. The Creative Thinking round. As it began, Canada and Mexico dramatically signed onto a revised Trans-Pacific free trade deal minus the U.S. That same day Canadas team proposed new ways to break the NAFTA impasse on dispute settlement processes and on American demands for higher U.S. and North American content in autos. Mexico had offered a new review process in lieu of a sunset clause. Suddenly, it was game on again. Everyone goes back to their corner, to rethink, regroup and recover.

Round nine that dragged into Round 10. April and May in Washington. The Summit Round aka Autos-R-Us Round. Not formal negotiations but rather a series of high-level summits, with political ministers leading talks. Top-level political aides entered the room along with each countrys chief negotiators. Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner and Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus chief of staff Katie Telford sat down with other officials to hash out details. American, Mexican and Canadian ministers met bilaterally and trilaterally. Talks stopped, and started, over and over. Deadlines came and went. Freeland says one of the biggest breakthroughs took shape in the spring when American negotiators agreed with a Canadian proposal for a new way to assess "high value" content in autos, and countered with a new way to tie auto content to higher wages. It would come to be known as "labour value content" and finally addressed American and Canadian objectives to raise wages and labour standards in Mexico and level the playing field for car manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau thought a deal was within reach in May and offered to meet Trump face-to-face in Washington. He believed their teams had put the broad outlines of a decent win-win-win deal on the table that only needed that final deal-making moment. But Trump refused to meet him, demanding Canada agree to an automatic expiry or sunset date on NAFTA, subject to re-approval by all three governments every five years. On May 31, Trump followed through on tariff threats, dinging Canadian steel and aluminum imports. Trudeau immediately announced retaliatory tariffs worth $16.6 billion would be levied July 1 on goods originating in the U.S. Additionally, Canada filed formal complaints against America with the World Trade Organization and under NAFTA. The prime ministers tone was measured, but his words and actions were not. It was, said Trudeau, a turning point in the Canada-U.S. relationship.

G7 summit in June, Charlevoix, Quebec. Canada-U.S. relations appeared to sour after Trump yanked his approval for a final G7 communique. Trump said he was angered by Trudeaus closing conference statement that Canadians would not be pushed around in the face of U.S. tariffs that Canadians found kind of insulting. Trump called Trudeau weak and dishonest. Trudeau and his team are gobsmacked by Trumps attack, posted on Twitter from Air Force One. WTF? said one top official, thinking it was all a joke. A week later, Freeland irked the White House with a speech in Washington critical of a mano-a-mano approach to global affairs. Canadas retaliatory measures took effect July 1, imposing tariffs of 25 per cent on a host of American steel products and 10 per cent on aluminum imports, and goods including pizza, quiche, whiskies, toilet paper and inflatable boats. On July 2, Trump said he would delay a new NAFTA deal and hinted he was keen to work with the new Mexican administration of Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

August-September. The Divide-and-Conquer, Do-You-Wanna-Dance Round. By late August, the outgoing Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto came to an agreement with the U.S. and Trump boasted Canada was frozen out. He said Canada would now have to come to the table, or hed slam Canadian auto exports with a 25 per cent tariff. The Canadians say the deal with Mexico was a crucial breakthrough and deny they were frozen out. They insist that Canadas team was in contact with U.S. and Mexican negotiators, fully aware of developments at the table. Meanwhile, the Team Canada approach shows cracks. The Conservative Official Opposition in Canada criticizes the Liberal negotiating team for angering the Americans with their focus on chapters like Indigenous and gender rights, and the environment, in a new NAFTA that should be about market access. Canadian officials shrug off the criticism. Those chapters were never contentious and all done long ago, says one insider.

Canadas Freeland commutes to Washington for a final push.

By mid-September, more than 20 chapters were deemed effectively closed. But Ottawas negotiators had big concerns with the text of the agreement-in-principle that Mexico struck. Mexico gave concessions that Ottawa vowed to refuse, such as a cap on tariff-free auto exports to the U.S. and looser e-commerce rules. The Americans are using their market power the way the Americans tend to use their market power, which is, Well, we have an agreement with Mexico, why dont you guys just sign onto it? And were like, Yeah, right, said a Canadian official in mid-September. Because the Mexicans will agree to a bunch of things that we care about that they dont. And another bunch of things that we both care about but they rolled and we wont.

Trump warns auto tariffs would be the ruination of Canadas economy. Amid uncertainty whether the U.S. president had lawful authority from Congress to proceed without Canada, talks ground to a halt again over the auto sector, tariffs and Canadas demand for an independent dispute resolution mechanism. Trumps off-the-record boasting to Bloomberg News that he will not compromise on NAFTA, obtained and published by the Toronto Star, has an impact at the table on a day when the Americans tried to insist was a deadline to submit a deal to Congress. The Canadians take a step back, and talks are postponed to the following week: We were betting on the fact that was negotiating tactics, and the deadline wasnt real, said one official. And so our objective that week was to not cave to that deadline, but keep the discussions productive enough that we would come back the next week and keep talking. Which is effectively what we did.

The public pressure tactics continued for weeks.

Trump took a personal shot at Freeland, saying We are very unhappy with the negotiations and the negotiating style of Canada. We dont like their representative very much. Trudeau speaks to the incoming Mexican president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who says the Canadian prime minister sought his help amid another drive to hit a Sept. 30 congressional deadline for a three-way deal. Intense negotiations continue by phone over the weekend leading up to the deadline, with Trudeau calling the heads of five big Canadian banks on NAFTA, and other stakeholders consulted by phone as well.

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Mayor John Tory renewed his call for the provincial government to amend legislation that would allow Toronto Community Housing to ban tenants whove been evicted for serious criminal activity.

Currently, a tenant who is evicted for serious behavioural misconduct, such as drug dealing or domestic violence, is immediately able to apply for rehousing from Toronto Community Housing for affordable rental units or market units, Tory wrote in an open letter Sunday, addressed to Housing Minister Steve Clark.

Public consultations held by a TCH task force discovered residents primary concern is their safety, Tory noted in the letter. That is unacceptable.

In April 2017, city council voted unanimously to ask Queens Park to change legislation so that TCH could ban a tenant from moving back into community housing if they committed a serious crime.

Council asked the Liberals to make amendments to the Housing Services Act, 2011, which would allow the ban of criminals with serious offences.

The provincial government denied the request, which disappointed Tory, he said in the letter.

With the Conservatives now in power, the mayor is renewing his request.

I believe our two governments share a determination to ensure the safety of all our residents, especially seniors and families who live in TCHC, he said.

My goal in requesting amendments to existing legislation is to ensure the safety of our most vulnerable residents and to ensure that they are properly served in Toronto Community Housing.

Despite the long waiting list, someone kicked out for drug dealing or violence could be considered disadvantaged and therefore move to the top of the list.

We have the ability to send a strong message to criminals that they are not welcome in TCHC and we will not tolerate them threatening the peace and well-being of our communities.

During the 2017 vote, some councillors worried about where the evicted criminals would go.

What are we going to do to ensure were not pushing the problem elsewhere? Councillor Janet Davis said last year.

Toronto Community Housing houses 110,000 residents in nearly 60,000 units.

With files from Betsy Powell

Bianca Bharti is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Stars radio room in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @biancabharti

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Toronto police are seeking the publics help after a group of men brutally attacked a 27-year-old man after they were kicked out of a downtown pub last month.

Two groups of men were removed from the bar, near Madison Ave. and Bloor St. W., at 2:15 a.m. on Sept. 23 following an altercation over a spilt drink, according to police.

One group followed the victim and his friends to a nearby parking lot where one suspect stabbed him with a knife while the others punched and kicked him in the head repeatedly.

Another suspect hit the victim with what police call a large boulder while he was still lying on the ground.

The victim lost consciousness and sustained life-threatening injuries.

A friend of the victim was also assaulted and sustained minor injuries.

Police released security camera photos of the suspects Monday as part of their attempted murder investigation.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding the case to contact investigators at 416-808-5300 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
Premier Doug Ford says Ontario will keep pressure on the federal government to compensate industries that were thrown under the bus in the new trade deal with the United States and Mexico, but the province will not offer any financial aid.

Well make sure that we hold the federal government accountable, Ford said Monday in the legislature before he and other premiers were briefed on the pact to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement.

If ratified by all three countries, the so-called USMCA deal would open Canadas dairy industry to increased competition from south of the border, but wont remove steel and aluminum tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Canadian producers last spring.

Were concerned, too Ford said under questioning from New Democrat Leader Andrea Horwath on protections for Ontario businesses and workers. Were going to stand up for the farmers, along with the automotive industry, the aluminum industry and the steel industry.

Read more:

Justin Trudeau calls trade deal a win, promises compensation for dairy farmers

Heres whats new in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement

Opinion | Chantal Hebert: Trade agreement is unlikely to hurt Liberal fortunes

Horwath said farmers fear the deal signals the start of a slow death for Canadas supply management system, in which dairy farmers have quotas that match production to demand, preventing surpluses of milk like the ones seen in the U.S. dairy industry.

She asked if the Ford government will provide transition assistance to industries and farm families that will be hit hard by the new pact.

While theres no doubt that while many are breathing a sigh of relief about reaching a deal, there are many others who will be left behind, Horwath said.

Economic Development Minister Jim Wilson said financial aid is the responsibility of the federal government.

Thats why we went to Washington  to make it clear that if they did throw the farmers under the bus, theyd better pay the billions of dollars required to make our farmers whole again, he said. Its not the Ontario taxpayer who should foot the bill for a federally negotiated agreement.

Horwath accused the province of taking an irresponsible approach.

Theyre prepared to simply walk away and hope for the best when it comes to what the feds might be able to provide.

After a federal briefing on the deal, Wilson said it is astounding officials in Ottawa could not say what the financial impacts on affected industries would be.

There are thousands of family farms, dairy farms, in the province of Ontario and you can think that tonight every one of those farmers will be up, and their families will be up, worrying about what their future is, he told reporters.

Theyll probably have to give up some of their quota because the U.S. access to our dairy market will be increased significantly, and that means jobs, and that means food on the table for farmers.

At a news conference in Ottawa, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said were going to compensate the dairy producers but did not provide details.

Wilson noted both he and Ford went to Washington, where the final round of trade talks took place, to meet with Canadian negotiators and press Ontarios case.

He said they were told face to face that we get a NAFTA done, steel and aluminum tariffs will go away.

That was a big shock last night when Canadas ambassador phoned me at about 10 oclock and said they still remain, thats a separate negotiation. Thats not what we were led to believe, Wilson added.

He and Finance Minister Vic Fedeli did say, however, they were pleased that a deal has been reached, given the $389 billion in annual trade between Ontario and the U.S.

On the positive side, it removes the uncertainty for many of our sectors, including the auto sector, said Wilson.

It has always been our position that a renegotiated trade deal is in the best interest of all parties. Its critical to hundreds of thousands of jobs in Ontario, Fedeli told MPPs.

We are cautiously optimistic that the USMCA agreement will create continued opportunities.

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John Tory, seeking a second term in the mayors chair, has said he is looking to build consensus and collegiality in what he called a big-tent organization where he will be advised by many different voices.

That campaign team includes two of the countrys hardest-hitting strategists  one is pollster Nick Kouvalis, whom Tory refused to distance himself from after the strategist was arrested twice in less than two years, who has a history of committing divisive personal and political attacks, including using an alt-right slur against a political science professor on Twitter, who ran a Conservative leadership campaign accused of racist and xenophobic policy, and who has purposely spread fake news. The other is Warren Kinsella, who has promoted negative campaigning and whose own Twitter comments accusing Tory of segregationist policies sparked a controversy during the 2014 mayoral race.

Kouvalis rejoined the team to lead research and polling. Torys campaign says Kinsella, who was running 2014 mayoral candidate Olivia Chows campaign war room as a volunteer, is a volunteer in Torys own war room.

The two strategists are in a position to shape the race as Tory faces an unexpected challenge on the left from former chief planner Jennifer Keesmaat. They help decide which issues become Torys policy promises, how to message them, how to play the ground game of turning support into votes and the overall tone of Team Tory.

Heading into the election, Tory  who rarely causes a stir with his public comments and has tried to appear as a calm presence in the years after former mayor Rob Fords chaotic term  had high public approval and no big-name challenger necessitating a heavy-hitting campaign. With Doug Ford now premier, Tory had avoided what was expected to be a heated, scrappy redo of the 2014 race.

But Keesmaat dove into the race at the last minute, after Premier Doug Ford moved to cut city council in half and Tory responded with anger at the process but not the premier. Kouvalis quickly brought former nemesis Kinsella into the campaign, sources say, to the surprise of many around him.

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Tory personally welcomed Keesmaat into the race as a very smart, accomplished person. But his campaign quickly branded her an NDP candidate with the support of the most radical members of city councils left wing.

Keesmaat has never belonged to a political party and was courted as a candidate by provincial Liberals. Her campaign is bolstered by left-leaning voices looking to secure progressive votes disillusioned with the performance of Tory, who has primarily courted conservative allies.

The former bureaucrat used her campaign launch to signal the gloves are off. She branded the mayor dithering, timid and low-energy. His campaign quickly returned fire, saying she is full of empty talk.

What is certain is that, for a bare-knuckle fight, Tory has two very accomplished campaign veterans in Kouvalis and Kinsella. What is less certain to some close to the campaign, who spoke to the Star on condition of anonymity, is if the benefits outweigh the risks both men bring to the team.

Kouvalis, who was Rob Fords chief of staff after pushing him to victory in 2010 with rhetoric about a gravy train at city hall, was hailed in 2014 as Torys Ford whisperer when he joined the campaign that saw Tory best Doug Ford for mayor. He has remained loyal and in constant communication with Tory since, several sources say.

I dont support many of Nicks clients and I dont approve of all his methods, but hes a brilliant strategist, says Willowdale Councillor John Filion, a suburban progressive who fought Tory on issues including a plan to remake north Yonge St. Filion is seeking re-election in the 25-ward race.

Youre always better off having Nick on your team, hes one of the smartest people Ive met, he says. He is an analytical thinker with a good understanding of data and he has remarkable street smarts. Usually you dont have those in the same person. Hes also great at predicting peoples behaviour.

Kouvalis has embarrassed Tory in the past. In 2016, while under fire for running a federal leadership campaign for Kellie Leitch focusing on immigrants and anti-Canadian values, Tory said he would welcome Kouvalis, one of the smartest people I know, to his 2018 team.

The mayor faced more questions after Kouvalis on Twitter called a constitutional expert critical of Leitchs policies a cuck, short for cuckold. The slur is often used by white nationalists and other alt-right groups. Kouvalis later apologized and resigned from Leitchs campaign.

Also in 2016 Kouvalis pleaded guilty to drunk driving after crashing his Lexus into a concrete culvert in Tecumseh, near his Windsor-area home. Fined and temporarily banned from driving, he said in a series of tweets he had struggled with alcoholism since 2011.

Last September the strategist was charged with breaking and entering after police said they found him and an aspiring politician drinking in a closed Kelseys restaurant in Burlington. Charges were dropped earlier this year in exchange for their guilty pleas to non-criminal trespassing.

Kouvalis remains a combative presence on Twitter, lashing out at ambiguous enemies in a string of late-night tweets.

In a now-deleted Aug. 6 tweet, Kouvalis wrote: 1 day, I will write a book: the left-center-right, & how they all f----- everyone & perhaps I will write some colour about the journalist on the way ...my favourites (who were pros along the way & the a--wipes too) {Remember that I won, a lot} dont ever forget, how I won that (sic).

In another, still posted, he wrote Shame on you, the left, for what you are trying to do. You all know the truth, but youre playing your game. Shane on you! He asked left-leaning councillor Paula Fletcher Will you let them assinate me? (sic).

Tory has said he has supported Kouvalis through his struggles because thats what you do with people that are your friends.

A source familiar with the mayors office and its relationship with Kouvalis said Tory needs him. Its that simple.

People point out Leitch (losing) but he has helped many people win. On winning, Kouvalis track record is better than Torys and the mayor knows that. Also, Nicks a hired gun and if he doesnt work for you he might work against you, the source said.

Kouvalis declined to answer the Stars questions, writing in an email that his company, Campaign Research, does not disclose, discuss, confirm, or deny the existence of any matter relating to who its clients are, or may be, unless required to by law or directed to by the client.

Keerthana Kamalavasan, a spokesperson for Torys campaign, said in an email: Toronto residents know Mayor Torys values and what he stands for. He has been a champion for an open, inclusive city that embraces people from all cultures and walks of life.

More surprising to Tory confidantes than his attachment to conservative Kouvalis is the welcome mat for Kinsella, a tart-tongued Liberal who has also quit a campaign over a tweet and who took Kouvalis to court when they were in enemy camps.

Kinsella launched a $100,000 defamation suit over a 2014 tweet in which Kouvalis lauded the Chow campaign for dumping Kinsella. Kinsella said he left of his own accord after calling Torys SmartTrack plan a Segregationist Track that avoided low-income neighbourhoods.

Kinsella later deleted the Segregationist tweet and apologized to Tory. Kouvalis, Kinsella and a lawyer for Kinsella did not respond to the Stars questions about the status of the lawsuit.

When Chow reacted to the segregationist tweet by downplaying Kinsellas role on her campaign as a volunteer, Tory criticized her response as inadequate and failing to take responsibility.

I would like some accountability from her and to say that this was a senior operative in her campaign . . . and that she finds those kinds of comments reprehensible in the context of politics and utterly without any foundation at all when it comes to me personally, Tory said at the time, as quoted in the Toronto Sun.

Kinsella is a well-known strategist and former principal at high-stakes crisis communications firm Navigator who wrote the book The War Room. He appears to relish a fight, on Aug. 3 calling a journalist a bitter little s---head on Twitter and vowing to kick his ass in a debate.

Kinsella ran the war room for the federal Liberals during the 1993 election and Tory was the Conservatives campaign chair. The Conservatives released attack ads highlighting then-Liberal candidate Jean Chretiens facial deformity, a move Tory defended at the time.

Kinsella, who a decade later helped Tory during his failed 2003 mayoral bid, posted on his personal website Aug. 1 he would volunteer for Tory if he wants me, listing several reasons why, including that he believes in redemption.

When I made a stupid, thoughtless, unfunny, idiotic tweet during 2014s race, John accepted my apology  and we resumed our friendship, Kinsella wrote, apparently referring to the Segregationist Track tweet that prompted him to leave Chows team.

Kouvalis and Kinsella appear to have publicly mended fences.

Lisa Kinsella, Warrens wife and partner in Daisy Group consultants, said in an email: As Warrens partner, I can tell you that John Tory is a great family friend, and we are delighted to support someone who has done so much for Toronto. In addition, Warren and Nick have become close friends and John Tory is the one who brought them together. John has the ability to bring people together, not separate them.

The source with knowledge of Torys campaign said Kinsellas welcome with the mayor appears to be linked to Torys fear of losing.

How scared is he of Montreal happening in Toronto? the source said early in the campaign, which started in May, referring to Valerie Plantes surprise 2017 defeat of Montreal mayor and former federal cabinet minister Denis Coderre.

Torys terrified of being a one-term mayor.

With about three weeks until the vote, however, opinion polls suggest Tory still holds a commanding lead over Keesmaat.

Asked to respond, Kamalavasan, the Tory campaign spokesperson, said: Warren Kinsella is a volunteer helping out in the campaign war room and noted his previous role on the 2003 campaign.

Staff and volunteers arent the issue in this election. The candidates, their records and their plans are.

Asked about Tory using Kouvalis and Kinsella, Keesmaat said: Toronto is at its best when were all working together towards the same goal, and I think were all disappointed when discourse becomes too venomous.

Its up to John Tory to decide what kind of campaign he wants to run and who he wants to run it, and the people of Toronto will assess him on that choice.

David Rider is the Stars City Hall bureau chief and a reporter covering Toronto politics. Follow him on Twitter: @dmrider

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The Star identified several Wards to Watch in a 47-ward election. Now that new legislation has made it a 25-ward election, we have determined all of the wards are worth watching. This is one in a series of articles. The election is Oct. 22. Advance voting begins Oct. 10.

When Maggie Chis parents were deciding what part of Canada to live in 15 years ago, they picked a place that was famed, even as far away as China, for its diversity: Scarborough.

We thought, OK, well it would be very comfortable to settle in a place where its diverse, said Chi.

We get to experience different cultures and get to know people coming from different backgrounds and different perspectives.

Chi is now running for city councillor in Ward 23 Scarborough North, one of the most diverse wards in the city, with 91 per cent visible minorities. Its also one of only three races without an incumbent running, which guarantees a new voice on council, no matter who wins.

The 29-year-old is joined by 10 other candidates, including several immigrants whove made Scarborough North their home, such as Cynthia Lai, an entrepreneur from Hong Kong, Ashwani Bhardwaj, a businessman from India, and James Chow, a grandfather of two from Guyana.

Ward watch Ward 23 Scarborough North Boundaries Steeles Ave. E. to the north, Rouge River to the east; Hwy. 401 to the south and Midland Ave. to the west. Demographics There are 98,800 people with an average age of 41. The average household is 3.3 people with a median household income is $66,513. The percentage of visible minorities is 91 per cent. Candidates Ashwani Bhardwaj; Maggie Chi; James Chow; Dameon Halstead; Anthony Internicola; Sheraz Khan; Cynthia Lai; Mahboob Mian; Neethan Saba, Felicia Samuel; Sandeep Srivastava. Other representatives MPP Raymond Cho (PC) and MP Shaun Chen (Liberal).

Read more:

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Crowded buses, long commutes  why transit is top of mind for Toronto voters

Transit, and a lack of it, is a hot topic within the ward, they said.

Chow said residents feel physically and mentally segregated from the rest of the city, cut off from a direct express route to downtown, and hed would like to see the controversial planned Scarborough subway extended through Scarborough Town Centre to Sheppard Ave. E. and McCowan Rd.

Lai thinks people are fed up with sitting in traffic, and a world class city like Toronto shouldnt have such terrible commute times.

Im the subway girl, she said.

I want to be a champion for the subway to extend to Ward 23.

Safer streets and supporting seniors form the other planks of her platform, Lai said, adding shed work to make the TTC free for seniors in off peak hours.

Bhardwaj wants to see more youth after-school programs, and a better integrated transit system. The Scarborough RT is always down, and an express connection to downtown is needed, he said.

Chi, who spent five years working in the constituency office of former Scarborough-Rouge River councillor Chin Lee, wants to see better local bus networks. She said creating programming for young people and seniors in their own first languages, is also one of her goals if elected in October.

So people in that area feel that theyre welcome and theres increased accessibility for them because they can speak the language, she said.

As the youngest candidate in her ward, she also wants to inspire young people to get engaged in politics.

Sometimes it is the missing voice, but it is an important voice.

Mahboob Mian, an environmental scientist from Pakistan who sees law and order and the environment as his two big issues to champion, Sandeep Srivastava, a computer science graduate from India who wants to keep property taxes low and make the Scarborough Town Centre an economic hub, and Anthony Internicola, a self described independent who wants to see more multicultural events in the ward and support for seniors, are also in the race.

So are Dameon Halstead, Sheraz Khan and Neethan Saba.

Felicia Samuel, a teacher who finished a close second as the NDP candidate in the spring provincial election for the riding of Scarborough-Rouge Park, also sees transit as the biggest issue.

She supports an LRT as opposed to the Scarborough subway, and a better bus network.

The ward has so much talent and great restaurants and shops, but people dont want to come down to Scarborough because were so disconnected, she said.

Samuel also sees safe streets as a priority, but says the answer is not more police.

We need to get to the root causes of violence, which comes down to poverty, she said, adding shed support more programs for youth and work for more affordable housing.

Scarborough used to be somewhere youd go when you couldnt afford anywhere else, now Scarborough is just as expensive as anywhere else.

Pledging to be a hands on councillor, Samuel said she also wants to bring diverse communities together in the ward, including the large Tamil, Mandarin and Cantonese, and Caribbean populations.

Scarborough is not moving forward as we need to, and if were only focusing on one community at a time, were going to get nowhere fast, she said.

Scarborough North candidates: Ashwani Bhardwaj; Maggie Chi; James Chow; Dameon Halstead; Anthony Internicola; Sheraz Khan; Cynthia Lai; Mahboob Mian; Neethan Saba, Felicia Samuel; Sandeep Srivastava.
Upwards of 125,000 Toronto children  more than one in four  are growing up in poverty, a problem that plagues pockets of every city ward, says a new report released Monday by Social Planning Toronto and a coalition of agencies serving vulnerable communities.

It is a disturbing reality all candidates vying for office in the Oct. 22 municipal election need to address, says the advocacy organization in its fifth annual report.

Toronto is a city of great wealth and prosperity, report says. We can do better and  we must do better.

With an overall poverty rate of 26.3 per cent, the city maintains its dubious status as the child poverty capital of Canada, said Peter Clutterbuck, the organizations acting executive director.

But theres no question, poverty gets a bit more hidden in the larger 25-ward structure, he said of the provincial governments bombshell move to cut the citys 47 wards to 25 midway through the municipal campaign.

Unlike past reports by the organization, which looked at child poverty by ward, the latest edition uses newly released 2016 data to examine the problem by census tract.

The data shows child poverty exists in all 25 of Torontos new city wards. Even in wards with lower rates, there are pockets where it is double or triple the wards overall percentage, the report notes.

There is a tendency to assume poverty and child poverty are concerns only in certain areas of the city, Clutterbuck said.

But we should recognize in our own neighbourhoods, maybe a couple of blocks away, there is a community with a child poverty rate that is 10 per cent to 20 per cent higher, he said.

For example, in Ward 8, Eglinton-Lawrence, 55 per cent of residents own their homes, the average after-tax household income is about $119,500, and child poverty runs at 15.1 per cent, the lowest in the city. And yet, child poverty more than triples to 52.6 per cent in the wards Lawrence Heights social housing community near Lawrence Ave. W. and Allen Rd.

In nearby Ward 12, TorontoSt. Pauls, where the overall child poverty rate hovers at 15.5 per cent, the rate more than doubles to almost 38 per cent in the northeast corner of the ward near Eglinton Ave. E. and Mount Pleasant Rd.

Child poverty hovers around 24.7 per cent in the northwest corner of Ward 12 near Oakwood Ave. and Vaughan Rd., where Neil Donaldson has lived for more than two decades.

The artist and community activist said it wasnt easy growing up in a struggling single-parent family so close to the affluent neighbourhoods of Cedarvale and Forest Hill.

There was no community centre, no programming and nothing to motivate us culturally, said Donaldson, 36. I was lucky to have a diverse range of friends and to be driven to find my own supports.

But he has peers who werent so fortunate.

Many are unemployed, in jail or victims of violence. Its just tragic and it doesnt have to be that way, he said.

Through his social enterprise, called Stolen from Africa, Donaldson is using his experience to help mentor and motivate young people in low-income neighbourhoods in Scarborough. And he is showcasing his provincially funded youth-resilience project  a multimedia art project called Crystals as Crowns  in his home neighbourhood on Oakwood Ave. on Oct. 25.

I am hoping to be doing more work in the area because youth services and programming are still lacking, he said.

Ten city wards  almost half in the new 25-ward system  have child poverty rates between 30 per cent and 45.2 per cent. But at the census tract level, rates soar as high as 72.3 per cent.

The report shows children in Indigenous, racialized and newcomer families are struggling the most, with child poverty rates of 84 per cent, 33 per cent and 40 per cent respectively.

Among children from various racial groups, poverty rates ranged from 36 per cent for Latin Americans to almost 44 per cent for Black families, 58 per cent for Arabs and 60 per cent for those of West Asian descent (which can include Afghans and Iranians).

Although youth who were born outside of Canada have extremely high poverty rates, children of West Asian and Black backgrounds continue to experience higher poverty rates even when they were born in Canada and have parents who were born here, according to the report.

The data presents a disturbing picture of the reality of child and family poverty in Toronto (and) underscores the need for the next mayor and city council to make a serious commitment and take real action to improve conditions for families struggling in this city, the report says.

In particular, council will have to address the disproportionality of poverty impacting particular communities including Indigenous children, racialized children, and children in families of West Asian, Arab, Black and Latin American backgrounds.

Sara Wolfe, an Indigenous midwife with Seventh Generation Midwives, said she sees the disparities up close among the patients she serves.

Poverty impacts these families on so many levels, she said. It impacts their ability to have a healthy pregnancy, to take care of their other children, to just eat one meal, let alone a nutritious one.

The Social Planning report focuses on children under 18. It considers children to be living in poverty if their annual family income is below Statistics Canadas low-income measure, after taxes, which in Toronto was $31,301 for a single parent with one child and $44,266 for a couple with two children in 2015.

The report urges all candidates for city council to commit to fully fund Torontos poverty reduction strategy, anti-Black racism action plan and strategies for newcomers, youth equity, child care and affordable housing. It also wants the city to adopt measurable targets and timelines to assess its progress.

Toronto residents cant afford four years of inaction and half measures, the report says.

The well-being of Torontos 125,000 children living in poverty is at stake, it warns. These children and families deserve better.

Other partners involved in the report include Well Living House, Centre for Urban Health Solutions (C-UHS); Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michaels Hospital; Childrens Aid Society of Toronto; Colour of Poverty  Colour of Change; Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants; and Family Service Toronto (Campaign 2000).

This story has been updated to include a list of agencies involved in the report.

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PEDERNALES, ECUADORFederal officials say two Canadians, a woman and her 12-year-old son, are among at least 246 people killed by a devastating earthquake in Ecuador.

Global Affairs Canada spokeswoman Rachna Mishra confirms two Quebecers were among the victims of the earthquake, centred about 170 kilometres northwest of the capital, Quito, which struck shortly after nightfall on Saturday.

Global Affairs says consular officials are in contact with the families of the two Canadians.

Reuters Canada reported that a Canadian man in Ecuador who was video-chatting with his father when their connection was lost during the earthquake called back hours later to report that his wife and son had been killed, a family member said.

Pascal Laflammes wife, Jennifer Mawn, 38, and 12-year-old son, Arthur, died when the roof of their residence collapsed during the magnitude-7.8 earthquake, the mans uncle, Guy Laflamme, said in a phone interview on Sunday.

Pascal Laflamme and his daughter, Laurie-Ann, 14, survived.

Guy Laflamme said his nephew, originally from Montreal, had shouted: Get out! to his family in their home near the coast, but they could not do so in time.

And the roof fell down, the uncle said. His kid was killed and his wife was under the debris.

Pascal Laflamme, who worked for a property developer in Bahia de Caraquez, about 150 kilometres southwest of Quito, told his father afterward he and his daughter sought shelter with a friend away from the seaside. He has not been in touch since.

Pascal Laflammes father, Real, whom Guy Laflamme described as in shock, declined an interview request, saying it was a difficult time for him.

Rescuers pulled survivors from rubble Sunday after the strongest earthquake to hit Ecuador in decades flattened buildings and buckled highways along its Pacific coast. Officials said the quake had killed at least 246 people and injured more than 2,500.

The earthquake, the strongest to hit Ecuador since 1979, was centred on Ecuadors sparsely populated fishing ports and tourist beaches, 170 kilometres northwest of Quito, the capital.

Vice-President Jorge Glas reported the death toll at a sombre news conference and said the toll was likely to rise because a large number of people remained unaccounted for, though he declined to say how many.

Glas said there were deaths in the cities of Manta, Portoviejo and Guayaquil  all several hundred kilometres from the centre of the quake, which struck shortly after nightfall Saturday.

But the loss of life seemed to be far worse in isolated, smaller towns close to the centre of the earthquake.

The towns mayor said looting broke out Saturday night amid the chaos but, with the arrival of 14,000 police and soldiers to towns in the quake zone, the situation appeared more under control.

President Rafael Correa, who cut short a trip to Rome to oversee relief efforts, declared a national emergency and urged Ecuadoreans to stay strong.

Everything can be rebuilt, but what cant be rebuilt are human lives and thats the most painful, he said in a telephone call to state TV before departing Rome for Manta.

More than 3,000 packages of food and nearly 8,000 sleeping kits were being delivered Sunday. Ecuadors ally, Venezuela, and neighbouring Colombia, where the quake was also felt, organized airlifts of humanitarian aid. The European Union, Spain, Peru and Mexico also pledged aid.

Rescuers scrambled through ruins in the provincial capital Portoviejo, digging with their hands trying to find survivors.

For Gods sake, help me find my family, pleaded Manuel Quijije, 27, standing next to a wrecked building. He said his older brother, Junior, was trapped under a pile of twisted steel and concrete with two relatives.

We managed to see his arms and legs. Theyre his, theyre buried, but the police kicked us out because they say theres a risk the rest of the building will collapse, Quijije said angrily as he looked on the ruins cordoned off by police. Were not afraid. Were desperate. We want to pull out our family.

Electricity mostly remained out in Manabi province, the hardest-hit region, as authorities focused on finding survivors.

Compatriots, unity, strength and prayer, the vice-president told a throng of people in Manta as he instructed them on how to look for survivors. We need to be quiet so we can hear. We cant use heavy machinery because it can be very tragic for those who are injured.

On social media, Ecuadorians celebrated a video of a baby girl being pulled from beneath a collapsed home in Manta.

But fear was also spreading of unrest after authorities announced that 180 prisoners from a jail near Portoviejo escaped amid the tumult after the quake.

Shantytowns and cheaply constructed brick and concrete homes were reduced to rubble along the quakes path. In the coastal town of Chamanga, authorities estimated than 90 per cent of homes had damage, while in Guayaquil a shopping centres roof fell down and a collapsed highway overpass crushed a car. In Manta, the airport closed after the control tower collapsed, injuring an air-traffic-control worker and a security guard.

In Quito, terrified people fled into the streets as the quake shook buildings. One resident shot a video of his lamps and hanging houseplants swinging wildly for more than 30 seconds as the building rocked back and forth. The quake knocked out electricity in several neighbourhoods and a few homes collapsed, but after a few hours power was being restored.

Among those killed was the driver of a car crushed by an overpass that buckled in Guayaquil, the countrys most populous city. The citys international airport was briefly closed.

The government said it would draw on $600 million (U.S.) in emergency funding from multilateral banks to rebuild.

Hydroelectric dams and oil pipelines in the OPEC-member nation were shut down as a precautionary measure, but there were no reports of damage to them.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) originally put the quake at a magnitude of 7.4 then raised it to 7.8. It had a depth of 19 kilometres. More than 135 aftershocks followed, one as strong as magnitude-5.6 and authorities urged residents to brace for even stronger ones in the coming hours and days.

The quake was about six times as strong as the most powerful of two deadly earthquakes on the other side the Pacific, in the southernmost of Japans four main islands. A magnitude-6.5 earthquake struck Thursday near Kumamoto, followed by a magnitude-7.0 earthquake just 28 hours later. Those quakes killed 41 people and injured about 1,500, flattening houses and triggering major landslides.

Susan Hough, a seismologist at the USGS, said evidence exists that extremely large earthquakes can trigger other earthquakes at large distances and that within close distances the frequency of quakes are frequently clustered. But she said there appears no direct relationship between the quakes on opposite sides of the Pacific.

Nobody has ever demonstrated statistically significant temporal clustering of large quakes worldwide, she said in an email. Maybe there is something more going on than what we understand.
WASHINGTONCanada and the U.S. have agreed on a new North American free trade agreement, concluding an acrimonious 13-month negotiation that had hindered the Canadian economy and damaged relations between the two countries.

They released the full text of the deal after 11 p.m., leaving experts little time on Sunday to pore over the specifics on which the deal will ultimately be judged. The news that they have struck any kind of deal, though, means Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has achieved a long-sought goal: convincing U.S. President Donald Trump to preserve a trade accord Trump has repeatedly threatened to terminate.

Its a good day for Canada, Trudeau said as he left a late-night cabinet meeting in Ottawa, declining to take questions. On Twitter, he said, A good day for Canada & our closest trading partners. More tomorrow...

Trump, meanwhile, began touting the deal as a fulfilment of his campaign promise to secure a better arrangement for American workers.

Its a great win for the president and a validation of his strategy in the area of international trade, said a senior Trump administration official, saying it includes a host of provisions that will rebalance our trade relationship with Mexico and Canada.

On Twitter on Monday morning, Trump called the deal wonderful and a historic transaction.

It is a great deal for all three countries, solves the many deficiencies and mistakes in NAFTA, greatly opens markets to our Farmers and Manufacturers, reduces Trade Barriers to the U.S. and will bring all three Great Nations together in competition with the rest of the world, he said.

The deal makes substantial changes to the rules governing the North American auto industry. And it will affect dozens of other industries and the consumers who buy their products, from milk to medicine.

Canadian sources said the deal would include significant protection for Canada against the auto tariffs Trump has repeatedly threatened to impose. A Canadian official said the first 2.6 million Canadian car exports to the U.S., significantly higher than the current 1.8 million, would be shielded from tariffs. Trump could hypothetically impose tariffs on cars above that number, but the threshold is so high that the Canadian official said Canada had been effectively exempted.

Both sides said there would be no changes to the Chapter 19 dispute-resolution system or the cultural exemption Trudeau had made his red lines in the last weeks of the negotiations.

Both sides said Trudeau made a concession on dairy, giving U.S. farmers more access to the protected Canadian market than the 3.25 per cent Canada granted its partners in the earlier Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement. A Canadian official said the U.S. would be given 3.6 per cent. The Trump official said Canada had also agreed to eliminate its Class 7 pricing system for certain milk ingredients, an irritant to farmers in Wisconsin and New York.

Weve had a great result for our dairy farmers, the Trump official said.

Both sides said there had not been a resolution on the issue of the steel and aluminum tariffs Trump imposed on Canada or the retaliatory tariffs Trudeau imposed on various U.S. products.

There were no changes related to TN visas for professional workers. Canada had wanted the list of eligible occupations expanded, while the U.S. had wanted it reduced; they settled on leaving it the same.

The Trump official said the two sides had agreed to phase out the investor-state dispute settlement system, Chapter 11, that allows corporations to sue governments. Both the Trump administration and Trudeau disliked the system, though Trudeau had not said so publicly.

Canada gave ground on intellectual property, agreeing to a U.S. demand to extend copyright terms from the previous standard  the life of the author plus 50 additional years  to the life of the author plus 70 years. Canada also agreed, according to the Canadian official, to extend certain protections for pharmaceutical patent data from eight years to 10 years, a change opposed by generic drug makers.

Canada agreed to raise its low threshold for applying duties on U.S. goods purchased by Canadian online shoppers.

The deal includes a kind of sunset clause, which the U.S. had wanted, but far from the five-year termination clause the U.S. had initially proposed, which Trudeau said he could not accept. Instead, the agreement is set to last for at least 16 years. After six years, the three countries would conduct a joint review and then could agree to extend the agreement for an additional 16 year. If they did not agree to a 16-year extension at the six-year mark, they would meet again every year to see if they could hash out their differences and figure out how to agree to the extension.

In a joint statement issued Sunday night, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said the agreement will result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region.

It will strengthen the middle class, and create good, well-paying jobs and new opportunities for the nearly half billion people who call North America home, they said. They said the agreement would be called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA.

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Word of the agreement came after 9:30 p.m. Sunday night, just before the deadline the Trump administration had set for publicly publishing the text of its preliminary agreement with Mexico. That would have started a 60-day countdown to the possibility of Trump and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto signing a deal that did not include Canada.

The current NAFTA will stay in effect until the end of the process of finalizing the merged three-country agreement, which is still far from over. Most critically, the legislatures of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, which previously struck its own preliminary agreement with the U.S., must now vote in favour of the final three-country deal.

While that will not be a problem in Canada or Mexico, the U.S. Congress, which has sometimes taken years to approve trade deals struck by presidents, may prove more difficult. If Congress delays, Trump could renew his threats to terminate the current NAFTA to try to pressure Congress into accepting the new one.

Nonetheless, the agreement between Trump and Trudeau appears to put to rest, at least for now, a primary source of bilateral tension. Trump had grown increasingly critical toward Trudeau and Canada as the difficult negotiations dragged on, and he had warned that he could ruin the Canadian economy with car tariffs if there was no deal.

The Trump official said the deal puts our trade relationships and hopefully our overall relationships on a better and stronger footing.

The Sunday deal followed a weekend scramble in Ottawa and Washington. Trudeaus top officials huddled in his office into the night on Saturday and Sunday. Trudeau arrived on Sunday night and later convened a meeting of his cabinet around 10 p.m.

Read more:

In 12 steps, how troubled NAFTA 2.0 talks unfolded

Opinion | Trudeau will benefit on NAFTA regardless of outcome

NAFTA governs more than $1 trillion in annual trade between the three countries. It guarantees tariff-free trade of most products, facilitates the movement of investment capital and professional workers across the two borders, sets rules governing hundreds of kinds of businesses and provides a system for resolving continental trade disputes.

Economists had predicted serious though not catastrophic damage to the Canadian economy if the 24-year-old NAFTA had vanished, with the losses concentrated in Ontario.

The final stage of the negotiations had focused on a small number of issues on which both sides had dug in their heels.

Canada insisted on preserving the Chapter 19 system that allows Canada to challenge U.S. trade duties at an independent tribunal rather than in U.S. courts. The U.S. had wanted to eliminate it. Trump budged in the end.

The U.S. insisted on substantially more access to Canadas tightly protected dairy market. Trudeau vowed to preserve the supply management system, which aids domestic farmers, but had signalled for weeks he was open to the incremental concessions opposed by Canadas dairy lobby. He made those concessions in the end.

Canada had insisted on complete protection from the auto tariffs. Flavio Volpe, president of the Canadian Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association, declined to comment on the details of the apparent compromise, but he said Canadian negotiators had to practical when dealing with Trump.

The principle of agreeing to a cap based on a the threat of illegal tariff is never good, but the reality of negotiating with an administration that has proven that it will harm itself in order to harm its trading partners means that weve got to use some realpolitik, to live to fight another day, Volpe said.

Jerry Dias, president of Unifor, the largest union representing Canadian autoworkers, said late Sunday that he was optimistic about the deal.

It is incredibly important that we get a deal that stabilizes the auto industry in Canada for the long term and Im confident that we are heading in that direction, said Dias.

Rona Ambrose, former interim Conservative leader and a member of Trudeaus NAFTA advisory council, tweeted her praise. A NAFTA deal in principle will help ease investor anxiety, stabilize trade exposed sectors and reassure the world that North America remains committed to free trade. Congrats to Team Canada, she said.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce said it was delighted by word of a deal but that it would be waiting to assess the specific policy changes. And it said Canada should learn a lesson from this turbulent period: We must never again allow ourselves to be overly-dependent upon one trading partner. We must continue to diversify our markets to protect ourselves from capricious and unfair actions in the future.

Canadians, initially divided on NAFTA, have come to be overwhelmingly supportive. But Trump had called NAFTA the worst trade deal in world history, blaming it for the loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs. He vowed during his 2016 campaign to tear up the accord unless he could secure a better deal for American workers, and he launched renegotiation talks in August 2017.

The new agreement includes substantially altered rules on automotive manufacturing. The U.S. pushed for a series of changes the Trump administration believes will wrest some jobs back to the U.S. from Mexico and overseas.

According to U.S. and Mexican government reports, a car will qualify for tariff-free treatment only if 75 per cent of its contents are made in North America, up from 62.5 per cent in the current NAFTA. And at least 40 per cent of the contents must be produced by workers earning at least $16 (U.S.) per hour, more than three times the wage of the average Mexican autoworker.

The negotiations involved two basic categories: modernization and renegotiation. The modernization track, in which the three countries worked to update an outdated agreement that was finalized before the advent of the internet economy, proceeded smoothly. The renegotiation track was far more difficult. Canada and the U.S. clashed over several U.S. proposals.

Among other things, the Trump administration had initially wanted to eliminate Canadas supply management system for dairy and poultry, introduce a sunset clause that would automatically terminate NAFTA unless all three countries decided again to keep it, sharply reduce Canadian access to U.S. government contracts and eliminate the independent dispute resolution system.

Mexico was Trumps chief NAFTA target during his election campaign. But it was Canada that drew most of his administrations public ire in 2017 and 2018.

The Canadian government tried to work around Trump while also seeking to avoid his anger. Trudeau launched an unconventional diplomatic blitz in support of the agreement, dispatching ministers around the U.S. to attempt to build alliances with trade-friendly lawmakers at all levels of government.

Canada was joined in its pro-NAFTA pressure by the main American business lobby groups, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and by much of the Republican congressional caucus, whose leaders warned Trump that dumping NAFTA would hurt the hot economy. Farm-state legislators told Trump how NAFTA had caused a boom in agricultural exports. Texas legislators told Trump that their state relied on free trade with Mexico.

With files from Bruce Campion-Smith

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In shelters from Kansas to New York, hundreds of migrant children have been roused in the middle of the night in recent weeks and loaded onto buses with backpacks and snacks for a cross-country journey to their new home: a barren tent city on a sprawling patch of desert in West Texas.

Until now, most unauthorized children being held by federal immigration authorities had been housed in private foster homes or shelters, sleeping two or three to a room. They received formal schooling and regular visits with legal representatives assigned to their immigration cases.

But in the rows of sand-coloured tents in Tornillo, Texas, children in groups of 20, separated by gender, sleep lined up in bunks. There is no school: The children are given workbooks that they have no obligation to complete. Access to legal services is limited.

These midnight voyages are playing out across the country, as the federal government struggles to find room for more than 13,000 detained migrant children  the largest population ever  whose numbers have increased more than fivefold since last year.

The average length of time that migrant children spend in custody has nearly doubled over the same period, from 34 days to 59, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees their care.

To deal with the surging shelter populations, which have hovered near 90 per cent of capacity since May, a mass reshuffling is underway and shows no signs of slowing. Hundreds of children are being shipped from shelters to West Texas each week, totalling more than 1,600 so far.

The camp in Tornillo operates like a small, pop-up city, about 56 kilometres southeast of El Paso on the Mexico border, complete with portable toilets. Air-conditioned tents that vary in size are used for housing, recreation and medical care. Originally opened in June for 30 days with a capacity of 400, it expanded in September to be able to house 3,800, and is now expected to remain open at least through the end of the year.

It is common to use influx shelters as done on military bases in the past, and the intent is to use these temporary facilities only as long as needed, said Evelyn Stauffer, a spokesperson for the Health and Human Services Department.

Stauffer said the need for the tent city reflected serious problems in the immigration system.

The number of families and unaccompanied alien children apprehended are a symptom of the larger problem, namely a broken immigration system, Stauffer said. Their ages and the hazardous journey they take make unaccompanied alien children vulnerable to human trafficking, exploitation and abuse. That is why HHS joins the president in calling on Congress to reform this broken system.

But the mass transfers are raising alarm among immigrant advocates, who were already concerned about the lengthy periods of time migrant children are spending in federal custody.

The roughly 100 shelters that have, until now, been the main location for housing detained migrant children are licensed and monitored by state child welfare authorities, who impose requirements on safety and education as well as staff hiring and training.

The tent city in Tornillo, on the other hand, is unregulated, except for guidelines created by the Department of Health and Human Services. For example, schooling is not required there, as it is in regular migrant children shelters.

Mark Greenberg, who oversaw the care of migrant children under President Barack Obama, helped to craft the emergency shelter guidelines. He said the agency tried to the greatest extent possible to ensure that conditions in facilities like the one at Tornillo would mirror those in regular shelters, but there are some ways in which thats difficult or impossible to do.

Several shelter workers, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of being fired, described what they said has become standard practice for moving the children: In order to avoid escape attempts, the moves are carried out late at night because children will be less likely to try to run away. For the same reason, children are generally given little advance warning that they will be moved.

At one shelter in the Midwest whose occupants were among those recently transferred to Tornillo, about two dozen children were given just a few hours notice last week before they were loaded onto buses  any longer than that, according to one of the shelter workers, and the children may have panicked or tried to flee.

The children wore belts etched in pen with phone numbers for their emergency contacts. One young boy asked the shelter worker if he would be taken care of in Texas. The shelter worker replied that he would, and told him that by moving, he was making space for other children like him who were stuck at the border and needed a place to live.

Some staff members cried when they learned of the move, the shelter worker said, fearing what was in store for the children who had been in their care. Others tried to protest. But managers explained that tough choices had to be made to deal with the overflowing population.

The system for sheltering migrant children came under strain this summer, when the already large numbers were boosted by more than 2,500 young border crossers who were separated from their parents under the Trump administrations zero-tolerance policy. But those children were only a fraction of the total number who are currently detained.

Most of the detained children crossed the border alone, without their parents. Some crossed illegally; others are seeking asylum.

Children who are deemed unaccompanied minors, either because they were separated from their parents or crossed the border alone, are held in federal custody until they can be matched with sponsors, usually relatives or family friends, who agree to house them while their immigration cases play out in the courts.

The move to Texas is meant to be temporary. Rather than send new arrivals there, the government is sending children who are likely to be released sooner, and will spend less time there  mainly older children, ages 13 to 17, who are considered close to being placed with sponsors. Still, because sponsorship placements are often protracted, immigrant advocates said there was a possibility that many of the children could be living in the tent city for months.

Obviously we have concerns about kids falling through the cracks, not getting sufficient attention if they need attention, not getting the emotional or mental health care that they need, said Leah Chavla, a lawyer with the Womens Refugee Commission, an advocacy group.

This cannot be the right solution, Chavla said. We need to focus on making sure that kids can get placed with sponsors and get out of custody.

The number of detained migrant children has spiked even though monthly border crossings have remained relatively unchanged, in part because harsh rhetoric and policies introduced by the Trump administration have made it harder to place children with sponsors.

Traditionally, most sponsors have been unauthorized immigrants themselves, and have feared jeopardizing their own ability to remain in the country by stepping forward to claim a child. The risk increased in June, when federal authorities announced that potential sponsors and other adult members of their households would have to submit fingerprints, and that the data would be shared with immigration authorities.

Last week, Matthew Albence, a senior official with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, testified before Congress that the agency had arrested dozens of people who applied to sponsor unaccompanied minors. The agency later confirmed that 70 per cent of those arrested did not have prior criminal records.

Close to 80 per cent of the individuals that are either sponsors or household members of sponsors are here in the country illegally, and a large chunk of those are criminal aliens. So we are continuing to pursue those individuals, Albence said.

Seeking to process the children more quickly, officials introduced new rules that will require some of them to appear in court within a month of being detained, rather than after 60 days, which was the previous standard, according to shelter workers. Many will appear via video conference call, rather than in person, to plead their case for legal status to an immigration judge. Those who are deemed ineligible for relief will be swiftly deported.

The longer that children remain in custody, the more likely they are to become anxious or depressed, which can lead to violent outbursts or escape attempts, according to shelter workers and reports that have emerged from the system in recent months.

Advocates said those concerns are heightened at a larger facility like Tornillo, where signs that a child is struggling are more likely to be overlooked, because of its size. They added that moving children to the tent city without providing enough time to prepare them emotionally or to say goodbye to friends could compound trauma that many are already struggling with.
WASHINGTONA Yale classmate of Judge Brett Kavanaugh accused him Sunday of a blatant mischaracterization of his drinking while in college, saying that he often saw Kavanaugh staggering from alcohol consumption.

The classmate, Chad Ludington, who said he frequently socialized with Kavanaugh as a student, said in a statement that the judge had been untruthful in testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee when he had denied any possibility that he had ever blacked out from drinking.

Ludington, a professor at North Carolina State University, said Kavanaugh had played down the degree and frequency of his drinking, and the judge had often become belligerent and aggressive while intoxicated. Other former classmates have made similar claims.

It is truth that is at stake, and I believe that the ability to speak the truth, even when it does not reflect well upon oneself, is a paramount quality we seek in our nations most powerful judges, Ludington said, adding that he planned to take my information to the FBI.

It is illegal to lie to Congress. But it was unclear whether the FBI would add Ludingtons accusations to the background investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against Kavanaugh, which has been limited in scope and time by the White House and Senate Republicans.

Before Ludingtons statement, Democrats in Washington reacted with anger Sunday as the narrow scope of the new FBI background inquiry became clear, warning that it threatened to become a sham.

Read more:

Opinion | Heather Mallick: Brett Kavanaugh: Mad, bad and dangerous to know

Poised Christine Blasey Ford and furious Brett Kavanaugh offer different tones and different stories

Kavanaughs choir boy image on Fox interview rankles former Yale classmates

Sen. Mazie Hirono, a Hawaii Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, said on ABCs This Week that any investigation that limits whom the FBI can interview and which leads agents can follow would be a farce.

The White House agreed Friday to order the FBI to conduct a limited one-week supplemental background check of Kavanaugh after some Republicans joined Democrats in demanding an investigation into accusations of sexual misconduct.

White House officials have asked the FBI to interview four witnesses. No evidence has emerged that the White House has forbidden any investigative steps, and President Donald Trump has said he wants agents to interview whoever they deem appropriate, at their discretion.
In November 2000, a Manhattan priest got fed up with the secrets he knew about a star archbishop named Theodore McCarrick and decided to tell the Vatican.

For years, the Rev. Boniface Ramsey had heard from seminarians that McCarrick was pressuring them to sleep in his bed. The students told him they werent being touched, but still, he felt, it was totally inappropriate and irresponsible behaviour  especially for the newly named archbishop of Washington.

Ramsey called the Vaticans then-U. S. ambassador, Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, who implored the priest to write the allegation so it could be sent up the chain in Rome. Send the letter! Montalvo demanded, Ramsey recalls.

He never heard back from Montalvo, and Ramsey has since destroyed his copy of the 2000 letter, he said.

I thought of it as secret and somehow even sacred  something not to be divulged, Ramsey told The Washington Post. It wasnt the concept of a cleric occasionally slipping up with their celibacy vow that shocked Ramsey, who believes thats common. It was the repeated and nonconsensual nature of the McCarrick allegations.

Since Pope Francis suspended McCarrick this summer for allegedly groping an altar boy and multiple clerics have been accused of covering for McCarrick, a spotlight has been trained on the only place with the authority to oversee a cardinal: the Vatican.

There are still many more questions than answers about Romes role. Who was told about the problem, and what was said? Were those discussions ever conveyed to popes Francis and Benedict? And, finally, if the pontiffs knew what was occurring, what did they do about it, if anything?

Ramseys 2000 letter to Montalvo, who has since died, is the first known report to the Vatican about McCarrick, who just a couple months later rose to Catholicisms highest echelons as a cardinal.

But reports about his behaviour continued, and the allegations grew more serious. In addition to Ramsey, at least three other people sent letters to Vatican ambassadors  called nuncios. They include well-known priest-turned-psychologist Richard Sipe and two New Jersey bishops, Paul Bootkoski and John Myers.

The most extensive report about what may have happened to communications about McCarrick once they got inside the Vatican came from Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, a former ambassador to the United States, who dropped a bombshell tell-all in late August. Vigano wrote that a number of top Vatican officials  including popes Benedict and Francis  had been told about McCarricks alleged misbehaviour.

Since Vigano published his largely unverified account on several conservative sites, most people named in it have declined to comment. At least one, Monsignor Jean-Francois Lantheaume, who worked at the U.S. Embassy in D.C., responded to the letter, saying without elaboration that it is true.

Through dozens of interviews, documents and published blog posts from the time, The Post has pieced together an account detailing the origin and nature of complaints to the Vatican about McCarrick. The story behind the complaints, at least three of which occurred in 2000 or later, also illustrates the great value placed on deference to hierarchy within the Catholic Church, the silence and secrecy around the topic of priest sexual activity and the extreme opaqueness of the Vatican bureaucracy  factors that contributed to the allegations against McCarrick remaining hidden for so long.

The curia takes dysfunction to a whole new level, said Tom Doyle, who worked at the Vaticans U.S. Embassy in the 1980s as a priest and canon lawyer and now works as an advocate for clergy abuse survivors.

Decisions could be made by one [Vatican official] who says: Screw this, Ill reroute it through the basement. 

Doyle said he believes ambassadors in the 1990s and early 2000s sometimes ignored communications about sex abuse because the topic was newly volatile, and the less of a paper trail the better. The Vaticans embassy in D.C. is the first stop for complaints within the American Church.

Montalvo, in particular, simply ignored any communications he received about sexual abuse of children, Doyle said.

Documents sent to nuncios are most likely  although not always  forwarded to the secretary of states office, at the Vatican in Rome, but it is up to that office to determine whether that information is forwarded to the pontiff, according to experts on the workings of the Vatican. The church does not routinely share information about internal communications with lay Catholics or journalists.

The complaints about McCarrick sent by Ramsey, Bootkoski, Myers and Sipe entered this murky system, and their travels within the Vatican remain mostly a mystery.

Ramsey took a major risk for a priest in November 2000, the day after Pope John Paul II named McCarrick to be D.C.s archbishop. The role, one of American Catholicisms most prominent positions, virtually guarantees a cardinals red hat and the unquestioned power that goes with it.

Ramsey told The Post he called Montalvo to share what he knew. Ramsey had been a seminary professor in New Jersey when McCarrick was archbishop. He was sharing what his seminarians had told him.

He said he described the situation on the phone and asked if Montalvo would receive a letter on the topic; the ambassador said yes. The next day Ramsey said he got cold feet, and called Montalvo to say he was having second thoughts. What if they let on to McCarrick that he had shared the allegations?

Send me the letter, send me the letter, Montalvo emphatically urged him, Ramsey says. What do you think, we are fools?

Ramsey said he sent the letter to Montalvo registered mail but never received any acknowledgment. Although Ramsey destroyed his copy of the letter, he says his language was similar to that in a followup he sent, in 2015, to Bostons archbishop, Cardinal Sean OMalley, head of Franciss commission on clerical sex abuse. In that letter, which Ramsey shared with The Post, he expressed concern about a form of sexual abuse-harassment-intimidation or maybe simply high-jinx.

A few weeks ago, Ramsey said he discovered in his records a 2006 letter from Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, now head of the Vaticans liaison to the branches of Catholicism in North Africa and the Middle East. That letter, first reported by the Catholic News Service, seems to confirm that higher-ups in Rome had received Ramseys note about the shared bed.

In that letter, Sandri inquires about a job candidate who attended Ramseys seminary. Sandri appears to have been asking if the candidate was involved in the allegations about McCarrick.

I ask with particular reference to the serious matters involving some of the students of the Immaculate Conception Seminary, which in November 2000 you were good enough to bring confidentially to the attention of Montalvo, Sandri wrote.

In Viganos letter, he says Montalvo and his replacement in D.C., Pietro Sambi  who died in 2011  did not fail to inform the Holy See immediately about Ramseys letter, yet he offers no details or evidence.

Some Catholics have questioned the credibility of Vigano, an anti-Francis conservative whose own record on handling clergy abuse cases has come under scrutiny.

In Rome, Sandri and a nun accompanying him told The Post last month that he would not speak about any knowledge he has of complaints about McCarrick.

Never, never, the nun walking with Sandri told The Post.

Oh, well, God only knows about the future, Sandri said with a laugh. But no one will talk. Its a matter of prudence, of wisdom.

Much more damning allegations were to come.

In the 1990s, according to documents obtained by The Post, a priest in his early 30s from the Diocese of Metuchen, New Jersey, reported to his superiors and mental health professionals that he had in the past been sexually harassed and victimized, in the seminary and by his bishop. While the documents dont name McCarrick, a source who is very familiar with the mans case confirms that it was McCarrick.

Those stories came out through counselling after the priest self-reported to his superiors that he had been sexually involved with two male minors. Counselors through the 1990s determined the priest had been victimized himself several times in his life, was not a pedophile and could be returned to ministry.

But after the abuse scandals exploded in the early 2000s, the source said, the priests case resurfaced because the priests new bishop  in a more aware environment, post-scandal  reviewed all his priests files, saw the priests situations with the minors and sought to have him removed from ministry.

This badly upset the priest, who sued.

In the mid-2000s, the priest reached a negotiated settlement with the dioceses in Trenton, Metuchen and Newark, and details of it leaked. Vigano alleged in his letter that the priest himself sent around the details to about 20 people, including civil and ecclesiastical judicial authorities, police and lawyers. Some parts of it  without the priests name  were also on the well-read blog of Sipe and on other Catholic blogs from the mid-2000s that still circulate today.

The scenes alleged in the settlement excerpt are disturbing. The then-seminarian described a fishing trip with McCarrick and two priests that ended in a motel room with two double beds. He described watching in distress as McCarrick and another priest caressed one another from head to toe, laughing in the next bed. At one moment, the seminarian said he made eye contact with McCarrick, and, he alleges [McCarrick] smiled at me, saying youre next. ... I felt sick to my stomach and went under the covers.

In another excerpt from the settlement published on Sipes blog, the seminarian said McCarrick summoned him to drive him from Newark to New York City and detoured them to an apartment in the city for the night. McCarrick, the settlement excerpt on the blog alleges, climbed into the seminarians bed and wrapped himself tightly around the younger man, who describes feeling paralyzed and sick to his stomach to the point that he hid in the bathroom and vomited and cried.

The man has not responded to interview requests from The Post. Diocesan officials in Newark and Metuchen, who in 2006 paid him $100,000 (U.S.), declined to comment for this article, as did Barry Coburn, McCarricks attorney.

After the man became a priest, he was ultimately removed from ministry because of the allegations involving the two minors.

Dioceses in New Jersey reached the settlement with that man, and a second former priest, Robert Ciolek, who says McCarrick subjected him to unwanted shoulder rubs. Those settlements were made public just this summer, when McCarrick was first accused of harming a teenage altar boy.

But the dioceses now say they reported it all to the Vatican.

Bootkoski, who led the Metuchen diocese at the time of the two settlements, issued a statement Aug. 28 saying he had called Montalvo and then wrote to him about those two complaints against McCarrick, in December 2005.

Bootkoski and the Metuchen and Newark dioceses declined to share the specific wording he sent Montalvo with The Post, but did share the cover letter.

Enclosed please find the information about which we spoke yesterday, he writes Montalvo. If I can be of further assistance to you in this matter, please do not hesitate to call on me. With sentiments of personal esteem, and my prayerful good wishes for a blessed Advent and Christmas.

A spokesman for the Newark archdiocese, James Goodness, recently told The Post that Myers, who left the position of archbishop in 2016, also told the Vatican ambassador about the two settlements but declined to say when or provide the communication.

The language of the letters, which reveal little urgency, points to a paradox at the heart of the church: Why was everyone so calm about sexual behaviour of any kind among clerics sworn to celibacy?

The McCarrick case reveals, among other things, the unspoken contradictions between the image of priests as completely celibate and the reality of men struggling at times with their sexuality. Some experts and clerics compared priests celibacy vows to those of married couples who become unfaithful. In other words, physical or sexual contact between priests happens. But its unclear how frequently it occurs and how often it is nonconsensual.

In McCarricks case, there are allegations of ongoing, abusive behaviour. But in past decades, harassment or sexual behaviour between adults did not prompt nearly as much alarm compared with priest abuse of minors.

Even so, the sexuality of priests has been largely a third rail in the church, with little open acknowledgment of the issue.

Some cite the work of Sipe, who passed away this summer but spent his life studying celibacy in the Catholic Church. In his 1990 book, A Secret World, based on a 1960-1985 study of priests, Sipe argued that at any one time only about half of priests were celibate.

Monsignor Stephen Rossetti, a psychologist who studies and writes on priest wellness, says the church in the past 15 or so years has gradually become much more strict about celibacy and willing to discuss the topic.

Thirty years ago the message was muddled, he said, arguing that McCarrick is evidence that the lines were blurry. Weve seen the disaster that came from that.

Doyle said the McCarrick scandal is part of a years-long process of the the myth of priests having no sex lives being shattered. Rossetti said that many priests he knows try to be celibate but often fail. And they are good priests.

Even as perhaps the most prominent whistleblower on McCarricks behaviour, Sipe seemed at times deferential to the system he devoted his life to challenging.

His website contains a May 2008 letter he says he sent to Pope Benedict.

Your Holiness, I, Richard Sipe, approach you reluctantly to speak about the problem of sexual abuse of priests and bishops in the United States, he wrote on the widely shared post.

One case, he alleged, was about McCarrick.

Sipe wrote that when he taught at St. Marys Seminary & University in Baltimore, in the late 1970s and early 1980s a number of priests came to him with reports that McCarrick took them to various homes in the New York/New Jersey area and slept with some of them.

Sipe cited reports from another blogger of three unnamed clergy (one a former priest) who had no sexual contact but did share a bed and later received cards and letters from McCarrick.

Sipe also appeared to cite, without names or details, the motel room scene that ended with the seminarian-turned-priests settlement.

Sipes posts often didnt include citation, but he told The Post this summer before he died that he spoke to multiple people who had been involved sexually with McCarrick, including the seminarian who later received a settlement. Sipe declined to identify people by name or connect The Post with them.

Your holiness, you must seek out and listen to their stories, as I have from many priests about their seduction by highly placed clerics, and the dire consequences in their lives, Sipe wrote to Benedict.

A 2010 post by Sipe says the seminarians case was sent to the Vaticans doctrine-enforcing arm, which oversees clergy abuse cases, but it has not yet responded, Sipe wrote.

Sipes wife, Marianne Sipe, and Doyle, who also worked closely with Sipe, say there is no evidence Benedict ever received his complaints. There is, however, a brief letter dated May 5, 2008, from then-nuncio Sambi, acknowledging Sipes explosive allegations about McCarrick.

I acknowledge your kind letter, with enclosure, Sambi writes, in a letter on Sipes site. Rest assured that your correspondence addressed to the Holy [See] has been transmitted through the diplomatic pouch. With cordial regards and prayerful best wishes, I am, Sincerely yours in Christ.
ISTANBULIran on Monday launched missile strikes on what it said were Sunni Islamic extremist hideouts in eastern Syria, a move it portrayed as retaliation for a deadly terrorist attack on an Iranian military parade last month.

Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps said that it fired six medium-range missiles into Syria from bases in western Iran at 2 a.m. local time, striking east of the Euphrates River and killing and wounding several militants. It said that its combat drones then targeted the sites.

A statement on the Guards website described those killed as takfiri terrorists, a term it often uses to refer to the Islamic State. The militant group still holds pockets of territory in Syrias Deir al-Zour province, where U.S. troops are assisting local fighters to defeat the extremists.

The strikes against the Islamic State on Monday, however, came even as Iran had blamed local Arab separatists for last months attack in the southwestern city of Ahvaz. That assault, at a military parade Sep. 22, saw gunmen kill at least two dozen people, including a 4-year-old boy. Iran identified the five perpetrators as residents of Ahvaz.

But both the Islamic State and a local separatist group claimed responsibility for the attack. Iran accused regional rivals Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates of supporting the local Arab nationalists, who have fought for autonomy from Irans mainly ethnic Persian population.

Irans show of strength Monday appeared to be more about sending a message to its adversaries  both in the region and abroad  than targeting those responsible for the assault.

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Gunmen attack Iran military parade, killing at least 25

At least four of the missiles landed in the Hajin area of eastern Syria, where the Islamic State is still active, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Revolutionary Guard said the missiles travelled some 350 miles from Irans Kermanshah province to their targets in Syria. Iran, however, commands a number of loyal proxy forces in Syria who are stationed nearby.

The strikes also capped a week of Iranian diplomacy at the United Nations, where President Hassan Rouhani sought to rally European and other nations to oppose stepped-up U.S. efforts to target Iran.

According to Henry Rome, Iran associate at the Eurasia Group risk analysis firm, Rouhani did not want an Iranian retaliation to dominate conversations at the UN.

It is the second time in a month that Iran has fired medium-range ballistic missiles at militant groups in Syria and Iraq. Last month, Iran fired missiles at Kurdish militants based in Iraq.

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SKOPJE, MACEDONIAMacedonia's government prepared for a political battle Monday to push through a deal with Greece that would ultimately pave the way for NATO membership, after the agreement won overwhelming support in a referendum but with low voter turnout.

The European Union, NATO, UN secretary-general and the United States urged the small Balkan nation country to move forward with the next steps required to enact the deal. Macedonia's international partners have been eager to see the country join international institutions, in a region where Russia hasn't been keen on NATO picking up new members.

Final results from Sunday's referendum showed that among the 36.9 per cent of registered voters who cast ballots, 91.4 per cent supported the deal that would change their country's name to North Macedonia. In return, Greece would drop its longstanding objections to its northern neighbour being considered for NATO membership.

Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, declared the referendum a success and said he would move forward with the next step: seeking a two-thirds majority in the 120-member parliament for required constitutional amendments.

If the amendments do not pass, Social-Democrat Zaev said he would have no choice but to call an early election.

Opponents of the deal with Greece, arguing that it undermined national interests, had advocated a voter boycott of the referendum. They seized on Sunday's low turnout as evidence of the agreement's rejection.

In a televised address, Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov, a conservative opponent of Zaev's, described the referendum as a failure and insisted the country deserved to join NATO, and ultimately the European Union, without changing its name.

"Do not try to change this reality. Do not underestimate the sovereign will of the Macedonian people," Ivanov said. "And the reality is that the referendum is unsuccessful."

International observers, headed by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, said fundamental freedoms were "respected throughout the campaign" for the referendum.

But Macedonia's State Electoral Commission cast doubt on the result.

Commission head Oliver Derkoski said the Macedonian Constitution stipulates a minimum 50 per cent turnout for a referendum to be considered binding.

The government has insisted the turnout threshold was not relevant, saying it called the referendum consultatively to provide an indication of popular opinion. It also argued that the outcome was a valid reflection of voters' will, saying the more than 600,000 people who voted in favour of the deal was far more than the number that had voted for any politician in Macedonia's short history.

Macedonia's international partners called for parliamentary support for the deal.

"We urge leaders to rise above partisan politics and seize this historic opportunity to secure a brighter future for the country as a full participant in Western institutions," U.S. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said .

EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn tweeted he expected "all political leaders to respect this decision and take it forward with utmost responsibility and unity across party lines."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the overwhelming support from Macedonians who voted "is important" and urged "all political forces in the country to proceed with implementation," according to a statement from UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq.

Guterres reiterated the UN's commitment "to provide all necessary support, if required" including through his personal envoy and UN agencies, Haq said.

The Greek government said the low turnout was "troubling," but stressed the importance of the name deal clearing the next major obstacle.

Macedonia's government will spend seven to 10 days seeking the necessary support from lawmakers to move forward with the deal, Defence Minister Radmila Sekerinska said. It could be an uphill battle.

"I think it would be very difficult for the prime minister to reach the deal with the opposition lawmakers over the constitutional changes and to continue with the next phase," Political analyst Petar Arsovski said.

"Unfortunately, as opposed to providing closure, the referendum still leaves the country in turmoil ... I think Macedonia is entering into uncertainty and that the crisis will deepen."

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PARISDefence Secretary Jim Mattis said Monday that he doesnt see the U.S. relationship with China worsening after a series of setbacks that officials said include cancelling the Pentagon chiefs planned visit to Beijing this month.

Mattis said the U.S. has to learn how to manage its relationship with the communist nation.

Theres tension points in the relationship, but based on discussions coming out of New York last week and other things that we have coming up, we do not see it getting worse, Mattis told reporters travelling with him to Paris. Well sort this out.

U.S. defence officials told The Associated Press on Monday that Mattis had dropped plans to visit China amid rising tensions between Beijing and Washington. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal planning.

Although the trip was never publicly announced, Mattis had planned to visit Beijing in October for two-plus-two security talks with his Chinese counterpart as well as U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Pompeos Chinese counterpart.

The Pentagon has made no public statement about Mattis change of plans.

Relations between the U.S. and China have deteriorated, as escalating trade disputes and tariff hikes have been exacerbated by a newly announced U.S. military equipment sale to Taiwan and some recent military operations. In past years, military ties have been somewhat stable, but a series of events this year have roiled the waters.

At stake is U.S. President Donald Trumps effort to enlist Chinas help in persuading North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons. China is North Koreas longtime ally and has tended to insulate the North from American pressure to disarm.

Just last week Beijing cancelled a Washington visit by the head of its navy and denied a request for a U.S. Navy ship to make a port visit next month at Hong Kong.

China also protested a recent mission by nuclear-capable U.S. B-52 bombers over the disputed South China Sea, calling the flights provocative. And on Sunday, the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Decatur sailed close to Chinese-claimed islands in the South China Sea.

Such freedom-of-navigation operations have been somewhat routine near man-made reefs and islands that China has militarized in the South China Sea. But Beijing vehemently objects to U.S. ships sailing within 12 nautical miles (22 kilometres) of the outposts.

Chinas military buildup in the waterway, which has included placing airstrips, radar domes, missile systems and other military equipment on the islands, prompted Mattis in May to disinvite Beijing from participating in a multinational naval exercise in the Pacific.

At the centre of the tensions is a growing U.S.-China trade dispute. Each country has imposed tariff increases on the others goods, and Beijing has accused the Trump administration of bullying.

In recent days, however, Chinas anger spiked when the U.S. announced a $330 million military sale to Taiwan. And Beijing also opposes a U.S. decision to issue a visa ban and assets freeze on Chinas Equipment Development Department and its director, Li Shangfu. The U.S. action relates to Chinas purchase from Russia of Su-35 combat aircraft last year and S-400 surface-to-air missile system-related equipment this year. Those purchases violated a 2017 law intended to punish the Russian government for interfering in U.S. elections and other activities.

As temperatures rose, the Chinese foreign ministry warned of severe damage to bilateral relations if the Taiwan sale goes through.

I just think its part of reality, Mattis said Monday. Were two, as you said, great powers, two Pacific Ocean nations. We have various issues: diplomatic, economic, security. Were going to have to find ways to work them out. We will.

Two B-52s flew over the South China Sea last week in what the Pentagon called a routine mission. Separately, two B-52s also flew over the East China Sea, where China has declared an air defence identification zone and claims uninhabited islands controlled by Japan.

Beijing considers the self-ruled island of Taiwan to be a renegade province. Washington has no official relations with Taiwans democratically elected government but is obliged by U.S. law to see that it has the means to defend itself.

Mattis visited Beijing in June, becoming the first Pentagon chief to do so since 2014. He flew to Paris on Monday and is expected to meet with senior French leaders there, then head to Brussels for a meeting later this week of allied defence ministers.

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The notion of a 10-year plan for Canada sounds distinctly Chinese. Indeed, I mean it in a very Chinese way.

Of course, Canada is a democracy, and an old and proud one at that. While the Chinese are a far older people than the Canadians, the modern Canada state is more than twice as old as the modern Chinese state. My Chinese colleagues are often surprised when I assert that Canada is very old, while China is young.

And yet the young but huge Chinese state, for all its pathologies, is today able to think and plan long term  to deliver the worlds best transport infrastructure over time, and to constantly work (imperfectly but with extreme seriousness) to improve its systems of health, education, innovation and governance.

By contrast, Canadians are today, on all the evidence, plainly not able to deliver public goods requiring planning many years out, such as world-class infrastructure (green and non-green alike), transport systems, pipelines, northern communications, ports and defence assets.

There are multiple reasons for our national inability to think, plan and deliver long term. However, the fact that ours is not an authoritarian, unitary or centralized country like China is, in a hyper-competitive world, a poor self-justification.

Instead, the central challenge of Canadian governance for the coming decades is as follows: How does a modern democracy plan and deliver for the long run? In our case, more complicated still, how does a federal democracy plan?

There are not many examples out there for us among todays federal democracies. Our American neighbours, led by a hyper-capricious and, in ethical and strategic terms, increasingly degenerate presidency, can hardly sustain a policy thought for a week, let alone plan major national projects decades out.

Nay, we will need to make this up by ourselves, drawing on and combining lessons from around the world in order to make Canadian governance unique among the democracies  federal, decentralized, but otherwise able to dream, strategize and competently implement major undertakings well beyond the limits of short electoral cycles.

How to do this? We must focus on the means, instruments and institutions of national long-term thinking and planning before determining its subjects or ends.

First, the prime minister owes the country a major speech. Tell us where we are going over the next 10 to 20 years. Be blunt about our challenges. Whet the national appetite and expand the imagination of the citizenry. Make our young people dream about the countrys future.

This, followed by multiple supporting speeches, should be part of a national consensus-making push  for a reasonable national consensus is fundamental to all long-term national preparation.

Second, each of our major parties, nationally and provincially, requires professional planning institutions and capabilities. Party financing and oversight should make it such that all major parties have full-time, professional, expert, well-paid staff, in large numbers, who plan for the countrys long term  with the aim of implementing long-term plans when their parties come to power.

Third, the federal-provincial-territorial system of national planning must be expanded, professionalized and made permanent. The existing Council of the Federation is a terrific start, but it is led by the provinces.

The better model, which I witnessed first-hand while working in the Australian prime ministers department in Canberra, is the Council of Australian Governments  a permanent intergovernmental forum of Australian federal and state governments, chaired by the prime minister and, critically, supported by a very large scaffolding of intergovernmental committees across the country, often including business and non-governmental actors.

Fourth, if we need a Council of Canadian Governments that interlocks the various levels of government in common long-run cause, then we also need our policy professionals at all levels of government to have significant experience of other governments and jurisdictions across Canada. As they do in India, federal officials of all ranks should be sent regularly to work in the provinces, territories and municipalities, and vice versa.

Canada is big. It is old. And it is difficult to move. But if we want to do big things together this century, on purpose, we had better learn to plan.

Irvin Studin is editor-in-chief and publisher of Global Brief Magazine, and president of the Institute for 21st Century Questions.

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Regardless of whether youre for or against making cannabis legal in Canada, its going to happen on Oct. 17.

So it bears repeating that provincial governments must create clear, sensible, enforceable legislation that gives consumers access to pot while curbing the black market and keeping it out of the hands of underage kids.

For the most part, Ontario Attorney General Caroline Mulroney and Finance Minister Vic Fedeli got it right last week when they introduced the Ford governments framework for cannabis retailing.

As it stands, the legislation sensibly treats the smoking of cannabis like tobacco by aligning consumption of pot with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act.

That means people wont be allowed to toke up in indoor public spaces, but will be permitted to smoke pot outdoors in places where tobacco smoking is permitted.

That means, for example, that smoking in parks will be OK. But smoking near childrens playgrounds  where tobacco smoking is already banned  will not.

Anything else would have been unenforceable by police, who would have been put in a position of trying to distinguish if someone was smoking a cigarette or a joint on the street or in a public park. It would also create the odd situation in which smoking pot was legal in principle, but illegal everywhere but in your own home (unless, of course, youre a renter whose landlord objects).

The government was also right not to place an overall ceiling on the number of stores allowed to get provincial licences if their applications make the grade (although regulations may put a limit on the number of outlets in a particular municipality). After all, the idea is to make legal pot shops accessible so users dont turn to the black market.

Now Ontarians can expect to see 500 to 1,000 private pot shops opening in the province after April 1, in comparison to the meagre 40 government-run shops the former Liberal government had planned for the first year. (Ontario is one of six provinces planning to allow private stores to sell marijuana products.)

Thats a much better strategy to shut down the black market. The Liberals plan would have made it hard to find legal marijuana, encouraging buyers to keep patronizing their local illegal dealer.

Still, the legislation has some shortcomings that the Progressive Conservative government should rethink.

One is allowing municipalities to decide whether they can ban legal cannabis stores within their borders entirely. The legislation gives them until Jan. 22 to decide whether to do that.

This will only encourage the proliferation of black market sellers in communities that choose to opt out, undercutting one of Ottawas primary goals in making cannabis legal.

The legislation also allows the government to set regulations on buffer zones near schools.

This is not a new idea. The former Wynne government ordered that school boards be given a say in where the then-planned provincial marijuana stores were going to be located after the announcement last April that Torontos first outlet would have been located 450 metres away from a school was met with outrage.

That would have made it very difficult to set up legal pot shops in some areas. In Toronto, for example, data compiled by the Star indicates that more than half the city is within 450 metres of a school. The Ford government should not repeat that mistake; if it establishes buffer zones around schools they should be a lot smaller.

No one wants to encourage young people to buy or smoke pot. But unlike illegal dope dealers, who will sell to anyone with enough money, legal retailers will be forbidden to sell their products to anyone under the age of 19, at the risk of losing their livelihood. Further, the stores will be designed so that kids cant even see inside them.

Finally, the legislation will allow municipalities to restrict smoking in outdoor spaces, including parks, if they choose. As Liberal MPP Nathalie Des Rosiers said, this will lead to a confusing patchwork of different laws. That isnt helpful.

Theres still time to tweak the cannabis framework legislation before pot becomes legal on Oct. 17. The Ford government should do so.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his government have done as well as anyone could reasonably expect in negotiating a new economic deal with the United States and Mexico.

Canada (and Mexico as well) were always going to be playing defence in these talks, given the overwhelming size of the U.S. economy and the willingness of the Trump administration to use every kind of threat and bully tactic.

In the end, for Canada, it came down to making a few acceptable concessions in order to keep the most important aspects of NAFTA in place and win guarantees in key areas, including autos and culture.

Most important, it avoids the truly troubling prospect of Canada being left on the sidelines as Washington and Mexico City made a deal of their own.

Imagine for a moment if that had happened, as well it might have. Opposition parties wouldnt be just nit-picking the new accord. They would be denouncing Trudeau for bungling Canadas most important relationship; business would be decrying the cloud of uncertainty hanging over our economy; Canada would be bracing for crippling tariffs on auto exports threatened by Trump.

Weve dodged that bullet and, make no mistake, it was a big one. It would have been an enormous political blow to the Trudeau government and  much more important  a real danger to a Canadian economy that for better or worse has been shaped for decades around easy access to the worlds biggest and most dynamic market.

That being said, the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, falls short of the win-win-win deal that was promoted during the 13 months of trade talks.

For one thing, its notable that the words free trade appear nowhere in the new name. The very phrase has become synonymous with lost jobs in rust belt states that saw factory jobs migrate to Mexico under NAFTA. This is frankly about managed trade and political branding. Count that as a big win for Trump.

Canada did make a real concession in opening our dairy industry a bit more to U.S. producers. But the howls from the industry are way out of proportion to the real impact: it still amounts to giving the Americans access to only 3.6 per cent of the Canadian market.

Weigh that against ending the threat of big tariffs against Canadian-made cars exported to the United States, and a ceiling on Canadian auto exports that is well above what Canada currently sends south of the border. Thats a huge win for Canadian industry, and in particular for Ontario. No wonder the auto workers union is thrilled.

Canada also bent on extending patent protections for pharmaceuticals, raising the prospect of higher drug prices. And most disappointingly, U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum stay in place. They should have been removed as part of the deal.

Still, there are other gains for Canada in this accord. For one thing, Canadian workers stand to benefit from a major concession by Mexico, increasing guarantees for higher-wage workers in the auto industry. This was aimed at helping U.S. workers, but Canadians will win as well.

The threatened sunset clause wont be in the new USMCA, thanks also to Mexicos negotiators. Canada will keep important exemptions for cultural industries. And, key to reaching the deal, the new accord will include dispute settlement mechanisms that Canada had insisted on and the Americans wanted to dump. That was a red line that Canada had to maintain, and it did.

For those inclined to criticize the new deal from the left, including the federal NDP, it should be noted that it drops a couple of NAFTA provisions they found particularly objectionable.

Chapter 11, which allowed corporations to sue governments, is no more. And the so-called proportionality rule, which required Canada to maintain its proportion of energy exports to the U.S., is also gone. That will make it easier to diversify Canadas markets.

Realistically, Canada was never going to make big gains in these negotiations and simply walking away was a fantasy.

The real question is whether another government could have done significantly better under the circumstances. At this point, the answer to that must be no.

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Ridiculous housing costs a worry for voters, Sept. 22

There are now almost 1 million people on social assistance in Ontario  451,000 people who rely on Ontario Works benefits, and more than 508,000 on disability benefits. People who lose their housing due to high rents have great difficulty looking for work or training. This crisis is impacting employment in our city.

Paul Martins 1993 budget saw the federal government cancel all spending on new social housing projects. In 1995, the Mike Harris government cancelled 300 projects with 17,000 units, slashed welfare rates and downloaded social housing to municipalities without providing funding. Our municipal government has failed to address the issue of rental housing being lost to Airbnb rentals.

Canada currently builds more than 200,000 units annually, but few of them are affordable. There are upwards of 20,000 Canadians homeless every night, and no programs to support the federal Housing First programs that could greatly reduce the public costs of hospitals, policing, courts and prisons.

The Trudeau government has announced an 11-year funding program that should have a two-year timeline given the crisis faced by Toronto, Vancouver and many Indigenous communities.

It is time to bring those responsible to account.
VANCOUVERRoughly 30 households outside the northern town of Fort St. John, B.C., have been trapped in their small community following a landslide that started late Saturday or early Sunday morning, buckling the pavement on the only access road to the area and heaving concrete several metres high.

Gordon Pardy, a longtime resident of the historic Old Fort community just southeast of Fort St. John, said the slide, which he could see from his home, was still moving as of Sunday afternoon.

The ground is still moving, the hill is still moving, he said in an interview. You can see it, you can feel it, you can hear it.

The trees along the entire hillside to the north of Old Fort and down to the Peace River were popping and snapping as they were forced into motion by the slow-moving mass of earth, Pardy said.

Power and gas were still making it to the community, he added, but supply lines for both run straight through the slide area, and he fully expected to lose one or both at any moment.

No injuries or fatalities had been reported as of Sunday afternoon, nor had Pardy heard of anyone being harmed in the slide.

The community of Old Fort is connected to Fort St. John via Old Fort Rd., which also provides an access point for the Site C dam, along the Peace River. The slide took the road out just a kilometre away from Site Cs Security Gate B.

Pardy said the slide appeared to have originated up a hill north of the road, where an old gravel pit had been repurposed as a stockpile site for the Site C project.

However, BC Hydro said the old gravel pit is not part of their operation.

Just the day before, he said, hed looked up and been stunned to see that for the first time in his memory, masses of stockpiled materials could be seen from the road, protruding above the edge of the gravel pit.

And then today, we got the slide directly below it, he said. A big chunk of the earth ... has split off and slid, actually cut the gravel pit basically in half. Parts of the ground in that area had sunk nearly 30 feet in Pardys estimation.

The slide continued to move and likely would for another day or two, he said. But the Fort St. John city lagoons  sewage treatment plants not far from where the slide originated  sit more or less directly above the community of Old Fort, he added, and he was concerned that the movement of so much earth could cause a breach, resulting in a disastrous flash flood.

The Peace River Regional District  the administrative body responsible for the area  declined to comment on the slide, referring StarMetro to the emergency news page on its website. On Sunday afternoon, an evacuation order was posted on that page for the Peace River Lookout and lands directly south and southeast of that local landmark, due to immediate danger to life safety due to landslide. This area does not include the community of Old Fort.

Rodney Hafner, operations manager for contracting company Yellowhead Road and Bridge (YRB) North Peace, was standing right next to the slide when StarMetro reached him by phone.

YRB North Peace would be bringing in its heavy machinery to clear a throughway once the slide had let up, Hafner said, but the earth hadnt yet shown any signs of settling.

It is still moving, and sounds like its going to be moving for another few days, so getting access back is going to take some time, he said. Theres nothing we can do right away. If we get equipment in there now, itd just make things worse and dangerous.

The slide was following a drainage basin down from the hillside toward the river, he said, so for the time being the residents in Old Fort seemed to be in the clear. Slides were fairly common for the area around Fort St. John, he noted, which is composed largely of silt and softer materials. What makes this slide unique, he said, is its size and placement, which effectively trapped an entire community in isolation.

Hafner said he and his colleagues were trying to build a path over one part of the slow-moving slide to provide improvised access for Old Fort residents, but it would be rough going until the earth stopped moving.

The RCMP were also reportedly on scene, though they declined to comment, referring StarMetro to an as-of-yet-unreleased media statement.

Pardy, the Old Fort resident, said he and his neighbours didnt feel as though they were in imminent danger, but that theyre all keeping a watchful eye out for one another and on how the slide is progressing.

Its an interesting day, he said. Gives us all something to talk about, too, and meet the neighbours. I just hope the hill stops moving and they can open up the road. And hopefully everythings good.

Correction  Oct. 1, 2018: This article was edited from a previous version that mistakenly said the Fort St. John city lagoons are fresh water reservoirs. In fact, the Fort St. John city lagoons are sewage treatment plants. A previous version also misstated the first name of Rodney Hafner. This article was also updated to reflect information from BC Hydro that the old gravel pit is not part of their operation.

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ALTON  While the Salvation Army may change how it serves people in need of housing in the future, the current setup will remain for at least several years, an official said this week.

Is the (Alton citadel) Salvation Army going to close? The easy answer is no, said Lt. Col. Dan Jennings of the Salvation Army Midland Division headquarters in St. Louis. We have no plan to shut down at Alton. It is an important part of the Salvation Armys work. We are looking at better ways to serve the homeless population in the county. If anything, we would look at a new model.

Lt. Stephen Reinier of the Alton citadel agreed.

The Alton Salvation Army has two houses on its property at 525 Alby St., one sheltering men and one for women. We are the only mens shelter that exists in Madison County, Jennings said. Also, Phoenix Crisis Center of Granite City recently closed, reducing number of shelter beds available for women and children involved in domestic violence situations.

Concerns about the prospect of the Salvation Army Citadel closing and speculation on fate of the people it houses arose at a recent neighborhood meeting in Alton, with an attendee calling The Telegraph.

Jennings said the Salvation Armys Midland Division, comprised of 14 counties in eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois, built several new houses for its homeless outreach in the past four or five years. A lot of the current focus is to see what we can improve, he said.

The Division plans to enlist a consultant who can study the needs, recommend any facilities and service changes, estimate costs and help kick off a capital campaign  the earliest would be in February 2020, if all proceeds smoothly.

Any new facilities likely would be built in 2025, he said. We are going to look at every building in the 14-county area, Jennings said. We are going to look at everything in the St. Louis region as a capital improvement plan.

In Alton, the two Alby buildings could be replaced, as the property is large, or the Salvation Army could establish off-site, virtual shelters.

The houses could disappear completely, Jennings said.

Either way, the Salvation Army plans to continue the services in Alton, but how it will do so will depend on results of the study.

As usual, the Salvation Armys Red Kettle campaign begins in late November, which is a separate fund-raising effort than the planned, future capital campaign.
Early voting is upon us in Illinois. Mail-in ballots are free to fly.

But dont dare take a picture of your vote.

Snapping a photo of your filled-in ballot and posting it on Facebook or Instagram is technically a Class 4 felony in Illinois, which comes with a prison sentence of one to three years. According to the Illinois Election Code, anyone who knowingly casts his or her ballot in a way that can be observed by another person is breaking the law.

While more than a dozen other states also forbid the ballot selfie, Illinois appears to be the only one where the offense is clearly classified as a felony. But it seems no one on record has been arrested for it.

So why is this still on the books?

The intent behind the law is pretty straightforward. These sorts of rules are meant as a firewall against vote-buying: Show me a photo of your ballot, I pay you.

Of course, there are already plenty of other laws in Illinois that explicitly outlaw vote-buying.

Sangamon County Clerk Don Gray knows that social media is a valuable tool to help drive voter turnout, so he devised a clever workaround, setting up a red-carpet area of sorts where voters can take photos of themselves at the polling place and share their civic pride.

Gray still backs the ban, though.

For me its not really about vote-buying even though there are valid concerns there, he said, its more about a disruption of being in a voting booth much too long.

But that kind of reasoning isnt likely to pass constitutional muster.

There are clear First Amendment issues with outlawing this kind of political speech.

In 2016, a federal judge struck down New Hampshires ballot selfie ban, deciding in response to vote-buying concerns that the ban was burning down the house to roast the pig.

From 2015 to 2016, Utah, Nebraska, Hawaii and California all passed legislation allowing voters to photograph their ballots.

And Illinois came pretty close to overturning its ban in 2017. State Rep. Emanuel Welch, D-Hillside, filed a bill that allowed voters to take photos of their ballot as long as they didnt accept any money in exchange. The House overwhelmingly supported the measure, which passed 97-14. But the Senate never took a vote on it.

The secret ballot is a crucial component of any democracy, and the law should always protect voter privacy. But if someone wants to express his or her choice for office, the law shouldnt prevent that.

For some, the ballot selfie is the new I Voted sticker. Legalize it.

Austin Berg is a writer for the Illinois Policy Institute. He wrote this column for the Illinois News Network. Austin can be reached at aberg@illinoispolicy.org.
In response to the September 23 letter (Godfrey residents need a say in sale of sewer system), its important to present the facts about Illinois American Waters proposal to purchase the Villages wastewater system. This proposal, if accepted, would be a solution to Godfreys wastewater challenges.

 Funds for Village of Godfrey. The proceeds can be used to take care of other important village needs, challenges and requirements. Or set aside for future Village needs or endeavors.
Wedding dresses - big bucks for an outfit you'll only wear once, they say.

For many brides, splashing out on a fabulous dress is worth every penny, and although it might only be worn for one day, they know it'll remain pristine for years to come. Perhaps they'll sneakily try it on again in five years and wonder where the time went? Or maybe they'll break it out even further down the line when one of their kids enquires as to its whereabouts (and turns up in it to their own wedding?! Too far?!)

If you're more style over sentiment however, recouping some cold hard cash back after digging deep for the dress of your dreams is that way to go - in fact you may even have been thinking about it as you're weighing up whether to purchase it in the first place.

If that sounds like you, you've come to the right place, as today we're taking a look at the best ways to make some money back from your gown, by selling your pre-worn, much loved wedding dress on to wow another day...

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Sell your wedding dress online

SellMyWeddingDress.ie - SellMyWeddingDress.ie is a dedicated re-seller of wedding dresses in Ireland, where brides can list their wedding dress by designer and size, and share photos of the dress for other brides-to-be to browse. Gowns on sellmyweddingdress range from 200 - 7500, and buyers can search by price, designer, size, silhouette, location and condition. There is a once-off payment of 24.95 for a basic listing on the site, while a premium listing will cost 34.95. Potential buyers can contact sellers through the site to arrange a viewing.

DiscountDesigner.ie - DiscountDesigner.ie specialises in re-selling pre-worn high end designer wedding dresses, matching buyer to seller - sometimes internationally. Dresses on the site are priced at 50% of their RRP. In order to list your designer dress for sale, sellers simply fill out a form detailing the dress designer, size and the price they paid for it, and can upload photos of the gown directly to their listing. It costs 50 to list a wedding dress for sale.

Online Classifieds - Sites such as DoneDeal.ie and Adverts.ie can be good spots for a little online car boot sale - including selling your dream dress. To sell a dress on one of these sites, sellers are required to sign up first, from there ads can be listed for free for up to 30 days, or can pay 1 for a regular ad or to be bumped up the search page.

Facebook - Many local communities in Ireland have their own dedicated Facebook pages which can be a good spot and once it's in the group's rules, popping your wedding dress up there could be a good way to get it seen. Even if a local bride-to-be may not pick it up, it could be shared by others for a friend further afield.

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Sell it through a bridal boutique

Timless Bridalwear - Selling new and pre-loved wedding dresses, the family run Timeless Bridalwear in Newtown, Trim offers newlywed brides the perfect opportunity to sell their dress on to others for a good price. To sell your dress with Timeless Bridalwear, it must be less than two years since you purchased it (you should have a receipt for proof!) and be in very good condition. To have your dress appraised, you will need to send a few details and photos directly to the store. Contracts and commissions are decided on a one-to-one basis, and one especially good aspect is the boutique doesn't require a service fee if the dress doesn't sell. For all the details, visit timelessbridalwear.ie/sell-wedding-dress

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SellMyWeddingDress.ie has a small boutique in Corofin, Galway where they stock a selection of pre-worn wedding dresses for brides to visit and browse over the course of an appointment. To submit your dress for sale at the boutique it needs to be no more than three years old, be in excellent condition and be delivered by you directly to the premises. There is a 50 stocking fee (which covers insurance while the dress is in store) and commission is 25% of the selling price. If the dress is not sold within six months it will be returned. For more information visit sellmyweddingdress.ie

Discount Designer Bridal Studio in Killiney - Online store discountdesigner.ie also runs a small studio of carefully selected designer gowns in Killiney, Dublin, where brides-to-be can browse their discounted new gowns and second-hand designer dresses. When dresses are submitted to Olivia at Discountdesigner.ie, she appraises them and if she thinks it will sell though the studio, she will arrange to a date and time for the dress to be taken into stock. The fee for studio dresses is 50 - 150 and commission is agreed in advance with the seller. For more, email olivia@discountdesigner.ie

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Sell to a vintage or second hand store

Siopaella - If yours in an alternative designer wedding dress, it may find a home in one of designer exchange Siopaella's several stores throughout Dublin. Siopella specialises in designer clothing and accessories and while they are always on the hunt for a new or classic designer handbag, they could be interested in your wedding dress, or indeed your alternative wedding accessories, if it's a good fit for them. Simply whatsapp them a picture of your dress or accessories or drop by a shop for an appraisal and you can take it from there. For more about selling with Siopaella, visit siopaella.com/pages/sell-with-siopaella

Vintage stores - If your dress was a very unusual or vintages style (bridal jumpsuits and separates will work here) bring it along to your local vintage store and see if they are interested in purchasing it from you. You may be able to strike a deal where they stock your dress for a few weeks and it it is not sold, give it back to you, however this is all usually done on an ad hoc basis. Even better would be to enquire with them before the wedding so you've something else ticked off the list for after!

Donate your wedding dress

If you would like to see your wedding dress getting a second outing, but aren't too concerned about making money yourself from it, a wonderful thing to consider is donating it to a charity shop to sell on to another beautiful bride.

While Irish charity wedding dress stores actually get most of their stock directly from designers and bridal boutiques, they can also take donations from patrons directly.

Three to consider are: Barnardos Bridal Rooms in Dublin's Dun Laoghaire and in Carlow and Oxfam Bride which has shops in Dublin and in Bangor, Co. Down and St Vincent de Paul on Terenure Rd North, Dublin.

Angel Gowns for Angel Babies is another very worthy place for your wedding dress to be passed on to. Run by a team of seamstresses, the Shannon Angel sisters transform old wedding dresses into tiny gowns for premature babies and those tragically stillborn. The Shannon Angels currently have several dresses they're working on, and don't need donations immediately, however if you keep an eye on their Facebook page you can find out when they require any more.

*Have we missed something? It happens. Let us know how you sold your wedding dress on over on our Facebook page!
When advocating for basic human rights becomes dissent, stronger voices continue to rise in the hope that they will one day be heard. In an honour for such visionaries, on September 24, the Right Livelihood Awardknown as the Alternative Nobelwas awarded to three jailed Saudi human rights activistsMohammad al-Qahtani, Waleed Abu al-Khair and Abdullah al-Hamidand two anti-corruption crusaders from Latin America.

The Saudi activists were chosen for 'their visionary and courageous efforts, guided by universal human rights principles, to reform the totalitarian political system in Saudi Arabia.' Mohammad al-Qahtani and Adullah al-Hamid have been active participants of Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association (ACPRA). Waleed, a lawyer and activist, was detained because he defended Samar Badawi and her blogger brother, Raif Badawi. Raif Badawi was a human rights activist who criticised the Saudi monarchy in his blog. For this, he was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment and 1,000 lashes.

I really cannot thank the Right of Livelihood enough for honouring my husband and his friends. It helps to shed light on their courage for standing in the face of oppression and gives hope to others who are fighting, Maha al-Qahtani, wife of Mohammad al-Qahtani, told THE WEEK. What my family and I went through after my husband's arrest, could happen to anyone who believed in change and the right of their own people, she said. Life has not been easy for Maha since Mohammad's arrest in 2013. I was a student when he was arrested. I immediately took on the role of mother and father to my kids. When Mohammad was arrested, four of my children were teenagers and one was a babyLayla. I try very hard to cheer them up. I have told them that they have to be patient and focus on their education and that their father knows best what to do.

Layla, who will turn six on November 12, does not understand why her father cannot come home. It is very hard for me to tell her that he is in prison. I have told her that he is very brave, and is outspoken and that is why the government will not let him come to us. When she speaks to him over the phone, she asks him every time when he can come home. 'I want see you,' she tells him, Maha said.

She said that under the new crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, the country has seen a lot of change. But arrests have also increased. Most of the arrests among women are of those who speak out for women's rights in Saudi Arabia, like Loujan al-Hathlol (women's rights activist and a social media figure ), Aziza al-Yusef (women's rights activist and academic), Eman al-Nafjan (blogger and women's rights activist) and many others. But change is inevitable and I do hope for justice for all.

Daniel Arshack, Waleed Abu al-Khair's attorney, also spoke to THE WEEK on the case and the way ahead.

Excerpts:

As per a report in 2014, Waleed was not being treated as an innocent dissident, he was being denied food. What is the status of prison conditions now?

I believe that his conditions in prison improved after he went on a hunger strike. He was finally given some access to the Quran. Waleed has medical issues, including diabetes, that are not being adequately addressed. He has no access to newspapers and his mail and his right to visits are severely limited. Even I, as his lawyer, have been denied access to see him.

Daniel Arshack

Last heard in 2016, Samar Badawi was arrested. What is the status on possible freedom of the detainees including Samar, Raif Badawi and Waleed.

In 2016, Waleeds former wife, Samar Badawi, was arrested for public advocacy of womens rights and then released and a travel ban was placed against her. Then on July 30, 2018, she was arrested and imprisoned again and she continues to be detained based on her asking for equal rights for women in Saudi Arabia. Waleed was Samars lawyer before they were married, when she was arrested for disobeying her father. Later Waleed represented Samars brother, Raif Badawi, also an outspoken critic of the dictatorship who called for the establishment of a constitutional monarchy and was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes.

There is no process to even try to obtain the release of the activists. The brave men and women who had the courage to speak truth to power by calling for freedom in Saudi Arabia and who have been jailed without reason, will never take back their call for freedom. The world learned of the power of that call for freedom when the repressive government in South Africa was brought to its knees by one man in prison and the global community which strangled the ability of South Africa to operate in the world economic community. Saudi Arabia is a dictatorship. The rule of law does not exist. All that remains is to rely on the economic pressure of the world community to demand that Saudi Arabia become a civilised society that recognises the value of freedom. As long as Saudi Arabia is permitted to participate in the civilised worlds economic activity by buying the silence of its trading partners, particularly the United States, it will continue to act with impunity and its trading partners will continue to be complicit in the heinous human rights violations which have occurred daily in the Saudi dictatorship.

With the young prince Mohammed bin Salman at the helm, do you think things will be different? Do you see hope for the three detainees?

No. The young prince has demonstrated his complete disregard for human rights. Non-violent activists throughout the country have been systematically rounded up and jailed and bizarrely charged with terrorism. Some are facing death penalty for calling for free speech rights and equality for women. The only thing that will make things different is when countries, as Sweden did, refuse to sell goods to Saudi Arabia and refuse to buy their oil. The dictator understands money and nothing else.

The situation in Saudi is still quite bleak when it comes to exercising personal freedomjournalists are still not allowed to operate independently, women are still denied certain rights. Even openly discussing about freedom or rights can get you in trouble with the religious police. Your take.

With the range of human rights abuses taking place around the world, Saudi Arabia is hoping that they will fall out of the spotlight and that their vast amount of oil wealth will buy them a place at the table of civilised nations. They do not belong at that table. They should be shunned by civilised nations. The media needs to keep the Saudi dictators atrocities in the spotlight. And people who care about human rights around the world need to demand of their legislators and leaders that they stop being complicit in Saudis violations of basic human rights by ending their financial support of that corrupt dictatorship.
Season 1 of Bigg Boss Malayalam, hosted by Mohanlal, came to an end on Sunday. Sabumon Abdusamad emerged winner of the show which premeired on June 24.

The show which premiered with 16 contestants, saw five walk into the finaleSabumon, Srinish Aravind, Pearley Maaney, Aristo Suresh and Shiyas Kareem. Anjali Ameer and Shiyas Kareem were the wildcard entrants this season.

The finale saw performances from some of the evicted contestants, and even Mohanlal singing a few Malayalam numbers. While Aristo Suresh was evicted during the finale, he ended up bagging a film offer. The character poster was unveiled on the finale stage.

Pearley Maaney and Sabumon remained the last two contestants standing. While Maaney had been receiving massive social media throughout the three months of the show, Sabumon was the title favourite due to his performances in the Bigg Boss house. Besides bagging the title, Sabumon was also offered a key role in director Lijo Jose Pellisssery's upcoming film Jallikattu. Producer-actor Vijay Babu also offered him a role in his next production.
The adage that failures can teach many lessons seems quite...
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be conferred the prestigious United Nations' Champions of the Earth award at a special ceremony in New Delhi on October 3, during the visit of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Modi shares the top environmental awareness award of the United Nations with French President Emmanuel Macron.

At the event, Kochi international airport, too, will receive a prize for entrepreneurial vision for its efforts at going completely solar powered.

T.S. Tirumurti, secretary (East) in the MEA, said that the award recognises the prime minister's efforts for championing the International Solar Alliance, new co-operations in environmental action and an unprecedented pledge to eliminate single use plastic by 2022.

C.K. Mishra, secretary in the ministry of environment, forests and climate change added that the honour recognises the cumulative efforts of the country towards environmental development.

He cited the Ujjwala scheme, which has successfully reduced dependency of food from forests, as a game changer. The increase in forest cover by one percent or 8,000 sqkm between 2014 and 2016 is another plus.
The Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for 2018 has been awarded to American scientist James P. Allison and Japanese scientist Tasuku Honjo "for their discovery of cancer therapy by inhibition of negative immune regulation". The awards were announced by Thomas Perlmann, Secretary-General of the Nobel Committee.

This year's Nobel Prize constitutes a landmark in our fight against cancer, the academy said. The discovery made by the two medicine laureates takes advantage of the immune systems ability to attack cancer cells by releasing the brakes on immune cells, the academy said on its Twitter account.

Taking note of the scientists work, the academy acknowledged the number of people who are affected by the diesease. "Cancer kills millions of people every year and is one of humanitys greatest health challenges. By stimulating the ability of our immune system to attack tumour cells, this years Nobel Prize laureates have established an entirely new principle for cancer therapy," Perlmann said.

Immune checkpoint therapy, Perlmann observed, has revolutionised cancer treatment and has fundamentally changed the way we view how cancer can be managed.

BREAKING NEWS

The 2018 #NobelPrize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded jointly to James P. Allison and Tasuku Honjo for their discovery of cancer therapy by inhibition of negative immune regulation. pic.twitter.com/gk69W1ZLNI  The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 1, 2018

James P. Allison studied a protein that functions as a brake on the immune system. He realised the potential of releasing the brake and unleashing our immune cells to attack tumours. He developed this concept into a new approach for treating patients.

Tasuku Honjo discovered a protein on immune cells and revealed that it also operates as a brake, but with a different mechanism of action. Therapies based on his discovery proved to be strikingly effective in the fight against cancer.

James Allison and Tasuku Honjo will share the 9-million Swedish kronor (775,000) prize, announced by the Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm.

The Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine is awarded by the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet since 1901 by the terms of Alfred Nobel's will. The candidate is selected for the Medicine Prize from the names submitted by invited nominators.

Last year Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young were rewarded for their discoveries of molecular mechanism controlling the circadian rhythm. From 1901 to 2017, 108 Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine have been awarded, of which only 12 were given to women.

The Nobel Assembly has 50 voting members and is composed of professors in medical subjects at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden. A Nobel Committee is elected from among its members for a three-year term.

Earlier in the year, sexual misconduct scandal had rocked the Nobel Foundation forcing them to postpone the 2018 Nobel Prize in Literature. Lars Heikensten, executive director of the Nobel Foundation, said that "the Swedish Academy, has been undergoing a crisis of confidence in recent months. It is both an unusual and difficult decision not to award a Nobel Prize, but in this situation we believe that the Academys decision was for the best and that it will help protect the reputation of the Nobel Prize in the long run."

Heikensten said the 2018 Nobel Prize in Literature will be announced together with the 2019 prize. "We hope that this will be the case, but it depends on the Swedish Academy restoring its trust.
An Indonesian official announced on Monday that the country would accept international assistance for rescue and relief work in Sulawesi island, which was hit by a major earthquake and tsunami on Friday that left over 830 people dead.

Thomas Lembong, head of the Indonesian investment board, announced that President Joko Widodo had agreed to accept international help for the Sulawesi victims. Thailand and Australia have offered assistance for relief work in Sulawesi.

The Indonesian government continued efforts to dispatch food, aid and other supplies to Sulawesi on Monday even as mass burials are expected to begin later in the day. National Disaster Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said mass burials were intended to prevent the spread of disease. Authorities have warned the toll in Sulawesi could rise to the thousands as scores remain trapped under debris.

Looting was also reported as survivors searched for food, water and fuel even as security personnel looked on without intervening.

Meanwhile, criticism has started about the country's tsunami warning system not working. Media reports indicated that the tsunami warning system had not worked in six years due to lack of money.

(With agency inputs)
Mumbai, Oct 1 (PTI) Bollywood personalities Salman Khan, Aamir Khan and Sanjay Dutt among others mourned the demise of Krishna Kapoor, wife of legendary actor Raj Kapoor on Monday.

She suffered cardiac arrest at around 5 am, eldest son and actor Randhir told PTI.

Social media was flooded with condolences for Krishna and Bollywood personalities paid their respects to the "First Lady of the Film Fraternity" and remembered her as the epitome of grace and dignity.

Salman wrote on Twitter, "Krishna aunty... my mother and me will miss you always.. #KrishnaRajKapoor ."

Aamir called Kapoor "an institution in living life".

"If Raj Kapoor was an institution in filmmaking, Krishnaji was an institution in living life. A very sad loss to all of us. My love and warmth to Randhirji, Rishiji, Chimpuji, Reema, Rituji and everyone in the family. We love you Krishnaji," he wrote on the microblogging site.

Veteran screenwriter Salim Khan also took to social media to offer his condolences.

"Krishnaji no more, sad. A lady who became a devi (goddess). They don't make them like her anymore. #KrishnaRajKapoor," he tweeted.

Sanjay said he was heartbroken to hear about Kapoor's demise.

"She was one of the sweetest women I had the pleasure of knowing. I have such wonderful memories of spending quality time with her! My heartfelt condolences to the Kapoor family. May she rest in peace," he tweeted.

Filmmaker Karan Johar remembered her as the most generous person with an infectious sense of humour.

"The embodiment of grace...of dignity ...of elegance and of strength... Krishna aunty will always be the First Lady of the Film Fraternity...the most generous, kind and gentle person I have ever known with the most terrific sense of humour...will miss you Krishna aunty," Johar tweeted.

Riddhima Kapoor Sahni took to Instagram to pay tributes to her grandmother. "I love you - I will always love you - RIP dadi," Sahni captioned two photographs with her.

Soha Ali Khan paid respects and called Kapoor "an incredible personality full of life and passion".

"I am so sorry to hear of the passing of #KrishnaRajKapoor. The few times I interacted with her were so memorable; she was an incredible personality full of life and passion and with never a hair out place! She will be missed greatly. My deepest condolences to the family," she wrote.

Raveena Tandon, who was one of the first film personalities to react to Kapoor's death, described her demise as the end of an era.

"Condolences to the entire Kapoor family. An era passes away,#KrishnaRajKapoor. God give you strength, and may the soul rest in peace. Om Shanti," she wrote.

"Deeply saddened to learn about the sad demise of Smt #KrishnaRajKapoorJi. She was one of the most dignified and affectionate ladies that I met. May her soul rest in peace. My condolences to the entire Kapoor and Nanda family. Om Shanti," Anupam Kher wrote on the microblogging site.

In May 1946, Raj Kapoor married Krishna Malhotra and the couple had five children -- three sons, Randhir, Rishi and Rajiv, and two daughters, Ritu and Rima.

On Sunday, Rishi took off to the US for medical treatment. PTI RDS SHD

SHD
New Delhi, Sep 30 (PTI) Following are the top foreign stories at 2000 hours:



FGN14 UN-GUTERRES-KASHMIR

UN chief concerned over J&K, welcomes India's greater role in addressing peace, security challenges

United Nations: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has voiced concern over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir while encouraging "positive dialogue" to resolve the disagreements peacefully. By Yoshita Singh.





FGN4 UN-INDIA-PAK

Pak FM Qureshi's remarks on Peshawar school attack dishonour memory of children killed: India



United Nations: India Sunday strongly hit back at Pakistan for the "preposterous allegation" its Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi made at the UN that terrorists behind the 2014 attack on a Peshawar school were "supported" by India, saying the "despicable insinuation" dishonours the memory of the children killed in the assault. By Yoshita Singh





FGN15 UN-INDIA-TERRORISM

UN, India to step up cooperation in counter-terrorism, terror financing : UN chief

United Nations: India is an "important partner" of the United Nations in countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has said, and there are plans to step up cooperation between the two on strengthening capacity in combating terror financing. By Yoshita Singh.







FGN20 INDIA-REFORMS-REPORT

India's story compelling evidence that openness in services contributes to growth: report

Washington: India's economic reforms and growth story offer compelling evidence that openness in services contributes to long run growth performance, the IMF, World Bank and WTO said in a joint report Sunday. By Lalit K Jha





FGN21 PAK-SAUDI

Saudi delegation in Pakistan for talks days after invite to join CPEC

Islamabad: A high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia arrived in Pakistan on Sunday for talks during which five MoUs including the one on selling petroleum products on deferred payments are expected to be signed, weeks after Islamabad invited Riyadh to join the USD 50 billion CPEC as the third "strategic partner".





FGN11 UN-GUTERRES-INDIA

Mahatma Gandhi's message of communal harmony and tolerance remains as relevant as ever: UN chief

United Nations: Mahatma Gandhi's message of communal harmony and tolerance remains as relevant as ever, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has said ahead of his maiden visit to the country as chief of the world body. By Yoshita Singh.





FGN8 RAFALE-VKSINGH

Govt does not decide partner in inter-governmental deals: V K Singh on Rafale deal

Dubai: Minister of State for External Affairs General V K Singh has defended the Rafale fighter aircraft deal, saying it is not the government but the company that makes the equipment which decides the partner to fulfil the offset obligations in the inter-governmental agreements.



FGN19 UK-CHILDREN-GUIDELINES

UK govt formulating guidelines to curb children's social media use

London: The British government is drawing up guidelines to limit the number of hours children spend online on social media sites and apps, authorities announced Sunday. By Aditi Khanna





FGN6 UK-MALLYA-FORCEINDIA

13 Indian banks lost out about 40 mn pounds in Force India sale: bidder

London: One of the two main bidders, keen to acquire embattled Indian businessman Vijay Mallya's Force India Formula One racing team after it went into administration, has claimed that a consortium of 13 Indian banks lost out on estimated 40 million pounds as a result of an "unfair" sales process concluded last month.By Aditi Khanna





FGN23 MALDIVES-GAYOOM-BAIL

Maldives ex-leader Gayoom freed on bail: Official

Colombo: A Maldivian court Sunday granted bail to jailed former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the country's longest-serving leader, a week after his estranged half-brother was defeated at a presidential election. (AFP)





FGN17 NOBEL-LD LITERATURE

Group tied to literature prize still under Nobel glare

Copenhagen: There won't be a Nobel Prize in Literature this year but the Swedish Academy that awards the prestigious prize is still in the limelight.(AP)

RUP

RUP
Washington, Oct 1 (PTI) Ahead of his crucial meetings with top Trump administration officials, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has indicated that Islamabad may be willing to discuss the fate of Dr Shakil Afridi, one of the key issues which has hurt ties with the US.

While Afridi is hailed as a "hero" by the US security establishment for his role in the raid by US special forces in May 2011 that killed al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the Pakistani city of Abbottabad, he is viewed as a "traitor" in Pakistan.

The 56-year-old physician helped the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) run a fake hepatitis vaccine programme in Abbottabad to confirm bin Laden's presence in the garrison city by obtaining his DNA samples.

In May, 2012, Afridi was sentenced to 33 years' imprisonment for treason.

"Openings are always there," Qureshi said in an interview with Fox News, a channel that is known for backing President Trump and his policies.

"He is viewed in a particular light in Pakistan, he is viewed as a traitor in Pakistan. But he is viewed as a friend in the US. So we have to bridge this gap," Qureshi said when asked about the fate of Dr. Afridi.

He said that the future of Afridi lies with the courts and not with politics. He added that the now-imprisoned CIA asset went through the due legal process and was given a fair trial and a chance to plead his case.

"He was sentenced, he was convicted and is serving a sentence. We expect you to respect our legal process, as we respect yours," said Qureshi while alluding to interference by the US in the country's internal affairs.

Qureshi acknowledged that bilateral relations between the once-close allies have "soured" since President Trump took office last year.

The relations between Pakistan and the US nosedived after President Trump accused Islamabad of giving nothing to Washington but "lies and deceit" and providing "safe haven" to terrorists.

The US Congress also passed a bill to slash Pakistan's defence aid to USD 150 million, significantly below the historic level of more than USD one billion per year.

The foreign minister reiterated that Pakistan was unjustly blamed for the deteriorating security situation in war-torn Afghanistan.

"Pakistan is there to help and facilitate, we recognise that a stable and peaceful Afghanistan is in our interest,"

Qureshi said ahead of his planned meetings with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Adviser John Bolton.

During his meeting with Bolton on Tuesday, Qureshi is expected to discuss ways on untangling Pakistan's ruffled relations with the US, the Dawn reported.

Qureshi will meet Secretary of State Pompeo on October 2 in an attempt to reset ties between the two countries, it said.

Qureshi, during the interview, also said that he was not in the US to seek aid for Pakistan.

"I am not here to talk dollars and cents, I am not here seeking aid," Qureshi said.

"I am here to fix a relationship that went sour  a relationship that has mutually-benefited both sides. We have been allies for a long time, it is time to rebuild that powerful relationship," he added. PTI AKJ AKJ
Palu(Indonesia), Oct 1 (AP) Brightly coloured body bags were placed side-by-side in a freshly dug mass grave Monday, as a hard-hit Indonesian city began burying its dead from the devastating earthquake and tsunami that killed more than 840 people and left thousands homeless.

The death toll, largely from the city of Palu, is expected to keep rising as areas cut off by the damage are reached. The magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck at dusk Friday and generated a tsunami said to have been as high as 6 meters (20 feet) in places.

Local army commander Tiopan Aritonang said 545 bodies would be brought to the grave from one hospital alone.

The trench dug in Palu was 10 metres by 100 metres (33 feet by 330 feet) and can be enlarged if needed, said Willem Rampangilei, chief of Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency.

"This must be done as soon as possible for health and religious reasons," he said. Indonesia is majority Muslim, and religious custom calls for burials soon after death, typically within one day.

Local military spokesman Mohammad Thorir said the area adjacent to a public cemetery can hold 1,000 bodies. All of the victims, coming from local hospitals, have been photographed to help families locate where their relatives were buried.

Video footage showed residents walking from body bag to body bag, opening the tops to check if they could identify faces.

Around midday, teams of workers, their mouths covered by masks, carried 18 bodies and laid them in the trench. A backhoe waited to push soil on top of the dead. More burials were expected to follow.

Military and commercial aircraft were delivering some aid and supplies. But there was a need for heavy equipment to reach possible survivors buried in collapsed buildings, including an eight-story hotel in Palu where voices had been heard in the rubble.

People suffering from a lack of food and supplies were also becoming more desperate. Local television said around 3,000 residents had flocked to the Palu airport trying to get out. Footage showed some people screaming in anger because they were not able to board departing military aircraft. The airport has resumed only some commercial flights.

"We have not eaten for three days!" one woman yelled. "We just want to be safe!" Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo authorised the acceptance of international help, said disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, adding that generators, heavy equipment and tents were among the items needed.

He said the European Union and 10 countries have offered assistance, including the United States, Australia and China.

"We will send food today, as much as possible with several aircraft," Widodo told reporters in the capital, Jakarta, adding that a supply of fuel was also set to arrive.

Nugroho said conditions in the Balaroa section of Palu were particularly bad because the earthquake caused the ground to violently heave up and sink down in places, trapping many people under destroyed houses.

In Petobo, another area of the city, the temblor caused loose, wet soil to liquefy, creating a thick, heavy mud that caused massive damage.

"In Petobo, it is estimated that there are still hundreds of victims buried in mud material," Nugroho said.

Villagers who pulled out loved ones  alive and dead  over the weekend expressed frustration that it took rescue teams until Monday to reach Petobo.

Edi Setiawan, 32, said he and fellow villagers were able to rescue five children and four adults, including a pregnant woman. However, his sister and father were not among them.

"My sister was found embracing her father," he said. "My mother was able to survive after struggling against the mud and being rescued by villagers."

Another villager, 52-year-old Idrus, who uses one name, said that "up to Saturday we still saw many people screaming for help from the roofs. But we could not do anything to help them. Now their cries are no longer heard."

But there were cases of survivors still being pulled from the rubble in different locations, including a 25-year-old woman found alive Sunday evening in the ruins of the Roa-Roa Hotel, according to the National Search and Rescue Agency, which released photos of her lying on a stretcher covered with a blanket.

Novry Wullur, an officer from Indonesia's search and rescue agency, said Nurul Istiharah, 15, managed to survive after being trapped inside her house after it collapsed.

Her mother and niece were dead beside her, and water had left her submerged up to her neck and in danger of drowning. Her legs were finally freed and she was pulled out of the rubble. She was being treated for hypothermia at a hospital.

The confirmed death toll of 844 released by Nugroho on Monday afternoon was an increase of only 12 since the previous day, with nearly the entire total from Palu.

The regencies of Donggala, Sigi and Parigi Moutong  with a combined population of 1.2 million  had yet to be fully assessed. Nearly 50,000 people have been displaced from their homes in Palu alone, Nugroho said.

He said 114 foreigners were in Palu and Donggala during the disaster. All were accounted for except one Belgian, one South Korean and six French.

It was the latest natural disaster to hit Indonesia, which is frequently struck by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis because of its location on the "Ring of Fire," an arc of volcanoes and fault lines in the Pacific Basin. (AP) SMJ

SMJ
Islamabad, Oct 1 (PTI) Former chief of Pakistan's spy agency, ISI, Lt Gen (retd) Asad Durrani, who had co-authored a book with his Indian counterpart, moved the high court on Monday seeking revocation of a travel ban on him by the government, according to a media report.

The government had placed Durrani's name in the Exit Control List (ECL) in May, a day after he appeared before the Pakistan Army officials at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi to explain about his stance pertaining to "The Spy Chronicles", a book written jointly by him and former chief of India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) A S Daulat.

In the book, the two former spy chiefs have touched upon some thorny issues including terrorism, particularly the Mumbai attack, the surgical strikes, Kulbhushan Jadhav, Kashmir and the influence of intelligence agencies. Durrani had revealed that track-II diplomacy was in place since long aimed at averting war between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Durrani, in his petition, said his only intention to travel was to pursue his professional commitments and visit his children living abroad, The Express Tribune reported.

A person placed under the ECL cannot travel abroad.

He also said that he and his wife do not hold a nationality of any other country.

The former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief said that he moved the petition after he did not get any response on his request, made on September 5, to remove his name from ECL on account of professional commitments by the adjutant general of Pakistan Army.

He had also requested the Pakistan government on September 13 to review its decision but it also failed to respond, the report said quoting his counsel.

The counsel maintained that Durrani retired from the Army over 25 years ago and is not subject to the provisions of the Pakistan Army Act, 1952.

"Therefore, any inquiry initiated against him has been done without jurisdiction and is illegal," the report said, adding that Durrani has the right to enter a lawful profession and earn a living as guaranteed by the Constitution.

Durrani's counsel also said that the petitioner retired from the Pakistan Army in 1993 as a three-star general and since then he has served as the countrys ambassador to Germany and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The former spy chief's counsel further added that Durrani has numerously spoken, defended and represented the country's position on matters of national and international importance and he has been invited to the Herat Security Dialogue to be held on October 26 and 27 in Herat, Afghanistan.

According to the petition, respondents in the case are the Pakistan government through the interior secretary, defence secretary and Qalandar Khan, the section officer of the Ministry of Interior.

The ECL order stated that Durrani's name was on the list due to an on-going inquiry.

However, on May 29, Durrani said his name was placed on the ECL without any notice. PTI SMJ AKJ SMJ

SMJ
New Delhi, Oct 1 (PTI) Following are the top foreign stories at 2030 hours:



FGN21 PAK-SC-IMRAN-FINE

Pak SC asks PM Imran Khan to pay fine to reguralise his Bani Gala property

Islamabad: Prime Minister Imran Khan should be the first to pay a penalty to get his posh Bani Gala property here regularised, Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Saqib Nisar said on Monday.





FGN24 PAK-DURRANI-ECL

Former ISI chief moves high court seeking revocation of travel ban

Islamabad: Former chief of Pakistan's spy agency, ISI, Lt Gen (retd) Asad Durrani, who had co-authored a book with his Indian counterpart, moved the high court on Monday seeking revocation of a travel ban on him by the government, according to a media report.





FGN22 INDONESIA-LDALL QUAKE

Quake-hit Indonesia buries dead in mass grave

Palu (Indonesia), Oct 1 (AFP) Indonesian volunteers began burying bodies in a vast mass grave on Monday, victims of a quake-tsunami that devastated swathes of Sulawesi, as the UN warned that some 191,000 people were in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.





FGN16 CHINA-MALDIVES-XI

Xi greets Maldives prez-elect Solih; Hopes to lift ties to new level

Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping has greeted the Maldives President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who defeated pro-China incumbent Abdullah Yameen, raising concern in Beijing over its big investments in the strategically located country in the Indian Ocean. By K J M Varma





FGN15 AUS-INDIAN-SAILOR

Indian Navy sailor returning home after rescue from Indian Ocean storm: Aus Navy

Melbourne: Injured Indian Navy sailor Abhilash Tomy, rescued in a multi-nation operation from the remote Indian Ocean near Australia, is set to return home, the Australian Navy said on Monday.





FGN14 NOBEL-ASSAULT-2NDLD SENTENCE

Man at centre of Nobel Literature scandal convicted of rape

Copenhagen: The man at the centre of a sex-abuse and financial crimes scandal that is tarnishing the academy that awards the Nobel Prize in Literature was convicted of rape and sentenced to two years in prison on Monday.(AP)





FGN19 NOBEL-2NDLD MEDICINE

US, Japanese pair win Nobel Medicine Prize for cancer therapy

Stockholm: Two immunologists, James Allison of the US and Tasuku Honjo of Japan, won the 2018 Nobel Medicine Prize for research into how the body's natural defences can fight cancer, the jury said on Monday. (AFP)





FGN18 US-PAK-AFRIDI

Pak hints readiness to 'bridge gap' with US on Dr. Afridi ahead of key meetings

Washington: Ahead of his crucial meetings with top Trump administration officials, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has indicated that Islamabad may be willing to discuss the fate of Dr Shakil Afridi, one of the key issues which has hurt ties with the US.





FGN8 UN-INDIA-GUTERRES

Guterres says he highly appreciates India's support to his UN reform proposal

United Nations: UN chief Antonio Guterres has appreciated India's support to his proposal to reform the UN Security Council and expressed hope that the progress will continue to be made during the current session of the General Assembly to make the world body reflect the current global realities. By Yoshita Singh





FGN 23 CANADA-US-NAFTA-REAX

Trump hails new US-Canada-Mexico trade pact

Washington: President Donald Trump on Monday declared a new US trade pact with Canada and Mexico to be "a great deal" for all three countries, hailing the replacement of the old NAFTA deal which he long railed against and threatened to cancel. (AFP)



PTI

SMJ

SMJ
Ailing Goa CM to delegate more powers to Cabinet ministers

Panaji, Oct 1 (PTI) Ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar

Parrikar will delegate more powers to his Cabinet colleagues

after October 10, a senior minister said Monday.

Parrikar (62) is undergoing treatment at New Delhi's

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) since mid-

September.

Agriculture Minister Vijai Sardesai, who met Parrikar

in the hospital, told PTI that the CM wants to delegate more

powers to Cabinet ministers after October 10, when the

inauspicious `pitru paksha' (a period when Hindus pay homage

to their ancestors) ends.

He said Parrikar is recovering in the hospital where

he is being treated for a pancreatic ailment.

"I met Manohar Parrikar and he is recovering. He told

me that he wants to delegate more powers and also have a

meeting with Cabinet ministers, which will happen after

October 10," said Sardesai, who belongs to the Goa Forward

Party (GFP), an ally of the BJP in the state.

"I told him (the CM) that whenever he calls for the

meeting and whatever is his proposal, we (the GFP) will think

over it," he added.

Sardesai said during his meeting with Parrikar, he

raised the issue of restoring public confidence in sale and

consumption of fish brought from outside following the

formalin scare.

The Opposition Congress party had claimed the fish

being imported in the state is laced with hazardous formalin

chemical. Food and Drugs Administration Minister Vishwajit

Rane had rubbished the Congress claim.

"We discussed about the state administration. I told

him that people's confidence in the state machinery vis--vis

fish needs to be restored," Sardesai said

"The government will have to see that there is no

doubt in the minds of people whatsoever with regards to fish

being sold in Goa," he said.

If the public confidence is not restored, the state

government should stop import of fish, Sardesai said.

The administration should adopt measures to restore

confidence of the people. If you ban the import, then people

will know that whatever they buy is locally caught. Let people

not have doubt about the fish that they consume," he added.

PTI RPS

RSY RSY
Heroin smuggling case: Key accused held from Nepal border

Ahmedabad, Oct 1 (PTI) The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism

Squad (ATS) Monday nabbed a man who is believed to have played

a key role in smuggling a large cache of heroin into the state

from Pakistan through the sea route a few months back.

The accused, Arshad Sotta, was arrested from the Indo-

Nepal border, said an ATS release here.

Sotta was a key person in smuggling the contraband

into Gujarat from Pakistan through a boat, it said.

Sotta, a native of Mandvi in Kutch district, is the

fourth accused to be arrested by the ATS in connection with a

racket involved in selling heroin smuggled from Pakistan using

the sea route.

In August, the ATS had arrested two men - Aziz Abdul

Bhagad and Rafiq Adam Sumra - from different parts of Gujarat

and seized 5kg of heroin worth Rs 14.84 crore in the

international market.

While Sumra was held from Mandvi town in Kutch, Bhagad

was nabbed from Salaya, a coastal town in Gir Somnath

district.

During the probe, it was revealed Bhagad had brought

around 300kg of heroin from Pakistan via the sea route and

given a large portion of it to Sumra.

Last month, the ATS nabbed one Nazir Ahmed Thakar from

Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir.

It was alleged that Thakar, a native of Anantnag in

Kashmir, allegedly took delivery of a large amount of heroin

from Sumra on the instruction of a Punjab-based drug dealer,

identified as Simranjeet, who is still at large.

Sotta's alleged involvement in the drug smuggling

racket came to light during the questioning of Sumra, Bhagad

and Thakar, said the ATS. PTI PJT PD

RSY RSY
Beed (Maha), Oct 1 (PTI) Under flak for allegedly 'defending' Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the controversial Rafale chopper deal, NCP chief Sharad Pawar Monday rejected the charge, saying he would "never" do that.

Pawar had caused a flutter with his remarks that he didn't think that people have doubts about Modi's intentions in the purchase of fighter jets from France.

Objecting to Pawar's remark, NCP founder member Tariq Anwar and general secretary Munaf Hakim had quit the party last week.

The statement had come at a time when the Congress has launched a pointed attack on the prime minister over the deal and is trying to forge an alliance with the NCP for future polls.

"Some people have criticised me saying I supported him (Modi). I have not supported him. I did not (support Modi) and will never (do that)," Pawar said while addressing a party meeting here in the Marathwada region.

He said, "They (the government) bought the aircraft. I am saying this clearly that the government should explain it to Parliament why the cost of the aircraft rose from Rs 650 crore (per plane) to Rs 1600 crore".

Pawar's recent comments which was inferred as defence of Modi was welcomed by the BJP and party president Amit Shah had thanked Pawar for the same.

However, the NCP had claimed that Pawar was quoted out of context by the media.

The NCP chief Monday reiterated the demand for a probe by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) into the Rafale deal and demanded the government share details of the prices of the 36 fighter jets.

The former Defence Minister also said that there was no need to make public the technical details relating to the aircraft.

Pawar, who served as Agriculture Minister under the erstwhile Manmohan Singh government, also hit out at the Central and Maharashtra governments over agrarian issues.

He hailed the previous UPA government's decision to write off farm loans worth Rs 71,000 crore. PTI ENM NSK TVS

TVS
New Delhi, Oct 1 (PTI) The Congress on Monday termed the hike in CNG/LPG prices an assault on the budget of the common man and said the Narendra Modi government has lost the moral right to govern.

Congress leader Pawan Khera said the "mirage" of "achche din", promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the people of the country, has been shattered and they will give a befitting reply to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in the next general elections.

He alleged the BJP was "pickpocketing" savings from the tax levied on fuel and gave the party a new full form "Bahut Jyada Price (BJP)".

Khera reiterated the Congress's demand of bringing petrol and diesel under the Goods and Service Tax (GST).

"The unpardonable rise in fuel prices caused by the 'tax terror' of the Modi government has burnt gaping holes in the pockets of common people. Only few months are left. People are counting the days of this anti-people government," he said.

"The mirage of 'achhe din' has been shattered beyond repair and people are fed up of this 'fuel loot'. Yesterday's assault on the budgets of common people is the final nail in the coffin of the government that has lost the moral right to govern," he told reporters.

The Congress and the people of India have lost all hopes. Still, we reiterate our demand that petrol and diesel prices be brought under the ambit of the GST, he said.

Khera alleged cooking gas prices have increased by Rs 400 since the Modi government came to power and said the 10 per cent hike in natural gas prices will have a spiralling effect on the prices of CNG, PNG, urea, fertilizers and electricity.

"Couple all this with the ever increasing prices of petrol and diesel, the decimation of budgets of common people is complete," he said.

Khera said the prime minister had said that the middle class should give up their cooking gas subsidies, so that the poor can benefit. "Unfortunately, this has turned out to the 'biggest jumla' on both the middle class and the poor."

He said the cost of 14.2 kg non-subsidised LPG was Rs 414 per cylinder in May 2014 and this has risen to Rs 831 per cylinder, a "whopping increase of Rs 399 per cylinder in 52 months of the Modi government".

Similarly, he said, the price of subsidised gas cylinder has gone up from Rs 412 in May 2014 to Rs 502 per cylinder.

"Why is the Modi government not rolling back the hike in prices? Why doesn't it rollback the excise and custom duty to give relief of Rs 10-15 per litre?" he asked.

The Congress leader claimed the Modi government gives a concession of Rs 1,600 on a LPG connection under the 'Ujjwala scheme' and "this cost is eventually also being paid by the beneficiary in instalments".

Khera alleged that while crude oil prices have reduced by 40 per cent, the "fuel robbery continues".

He said petrol prices in Delhi have increased by Rs 5.05 in the last 30 days, while diesel prices in the city have risen by Rs 4.67.

In Mumbai, he said, petrol is selling at a back-breaking price of Rs 91.08 and diesel at Rs 79.72. In the last 30 days, petrol prices there have increased by Rs 4.99 and diesel prices by Rs 4.96.

Since May 2014, the Modi government has increased central excise duty 12 times - raising the tax on petrol by 211 per cent and on diesel by 443 per cent. Customs duty has been increased manifold. This has led to a Rs 12 lakh crore 'fuel loot' by "fleecing and duping" the common people, he alleged. PTI SKC GVS
New Delhi, Oct 1 (PTI) Activist Gautam Navlakha, freed from house arrest by the Delhi High Court on Monday after he was held in connection with the Koregaon-Bhima violence, said he does not hold any grudge for the confinement at his home.

The activist, who has been under house arrest since August 28, said that he, however, cannot forget about his co-accused and others who remain incarcerated for their ideological convictions on account of "false charges" filed against them.

The Delhi High Court allowed Gautam Navlakha, one of the five rights activists arrested in connection with Koregaon-Bhima case, to be freed from house arrest.

The court granted him the relief saying the Supreme Court last week had given him the liberty to approach the appropriate forum within four weeks to seek further recourse, which he has availed.

"From Delhi High Court I have won my freedom. It thrills me no end," Navlakha said in a statement, which at the end stated 'Lal Salaam'.

"The period of house arrest, despite the restrictions imposed was put to good use, so I hold no grudge. However, I cannot forget my co-accused and tens of thousands of other political prisoners in India who remain incarcerated for their ideological convictions, or on account of false charges filed against them, and/or wrongful conviction under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act," he said.

The activist also said the freedom and the rights of fellow accused, who have gone on hunger strike against "maltreatment", are "precious" to civil liberties and democratic rights movement.

Navalakha said he salutes the LGBTQ comrades for their monumental victory recently after a "relentless and stubborn" struggle, which, he noted, has opened the door for as significant a social reform movement as the one fired by Babasaheb Ambedkar for the annihilation of caste system.

He also said the "freedom won" by Bhim Army's Chandrashekhar and his comrades Sonu and Shivkumar from preventive detention is particularly reassuring as it shows the power of "indomitable resistance against a socially entrenched casteist tyranny, from ground below".

Navlakha was arrested from the national capital and the other four activists were arrested from different parts of the country.

The Maharashtra police had arrested the activists on August 28 in connection with an FIR lodged following a conclave -- 'Elgaar Parishad' -- held on December 31 last year that had allegedly triggered violence later at Koregaon-Bhima village in the state.

The five activists -- Varavara Rao, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj and Gautam Navlakha -- were put under house arrest on August 29 following an apex court order on the plea by historian Romila Thapar, economists Prabhat Patnaik and Devaki Jain, sociology professor Satish Deshpande and human rights lawyer Maja Daruwala against the police action.

"To all my nearest and dearest, let us continue to speak up for the enforcement of our constitutional freedoms and against oppression and exploitation in all forms," Navalakha said.

He also thanked the majority and dissenting justices of the Supreme Court for their judgment, which allowed the activists four weeks to seek relief in this matter, while also thanking the citizens and lawyers for putting up a spirited fight.

"I will cherish. I am humbled by the solidarity, which crossed borders, rallying in our support," the activist said, while thanking his friends and lawyers who "moved heaven and earth" to win him his freedom.

Saluting the LGBTQ community, Navlakha said "Our solidarity was slow in coming, but your perseverance forced us to change. You brought a smile back on our faces and rainbow colours in our lives."

"My salaam to friends in JNUSU for the historic victory of the United Left panel which proves yet again that united resistance is the need of the hour - only thus can we face persecution and struggle so that it gathers critical mass support," he said.

"Friends, fight with truth and honesty, the words are stronger than bullets and abuses, it has been proved today. Our songs and poems have enthusiasm, and our work and writings are based on reason and facts," the activist wrote in the statement in Hindi. PTI AMP VIT TDS NSD
New Delhi, Oct 1 (PTI) The Delhi police Monday filed a chargesheet against self-styled godman Daati Maharaj, and three of his brothers, in a rape case where the complainant is one of his woman disciples, a senior police officer said.

The chargesheet was filed in the Saket Court under sections 376 (punishment for rape, with a maximum term of seven years) and 377 (unnatural offences) of the IPC, he added.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of Delhi Commission For Women Swati Maliwal demanded to know why the police had not arrested the godman.

"Chargesheet is okay but why Delhi Police never arrested Daati Maharaj? When Delhi Police arrests all rape accused immediately, then why not Daati Maharaj? Why is he more privileged than other rapists? Reveals a deep nexus of Police with the influential, (sic)" she wrote on networking site Twitter.

The woman had filed the complaint against Daati Maharaj, his three brothers and a woman at the Fatehpur Beri Police Station here in south Delhi in June. The case was later transferred to the crime branch.

The victim alleged that she was sexually abused at Daati Maharaj's ashrams in Delhi and Rajasthan.

The woman told the police that she had been a disciple of Daati Maharaj for a decade but after she was raped, the woman returned home in Rajasthan.

The Delhi police had earlier issued a lookout circular against him to ensure that he does not leave the country. PTI SLB SLB IND

IND
New Delhi, Oct 1 (PTI) A 34-year-old man was shot dead by two unidentified assailants in southeast Delhi's Taimoor Nagar on Sunday, triggering protests in the area, the police said.

Locals burnt two motorcycles and pelted stones at the police personnel who were trying to manage the crowd. A policeman was injured in the stone pelting and is currently in hospital, they added.

Other policemen sustained minor injuries in the protests.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Chinmoy Biswal said, Rupesh was injured in firing by two unknown men who were passing by his house.He succumbed to injuries later at the hospital.

However, locals alleged that Rupesh was shot at by two men, suspected to be linked to drug peddlers. His family claimed that he had opposed the sale of drugs in the area and that is why he was attacked, they added.

Locals staged protests and accused the police of being hand in glove with the accused.

Police said the situation has now been brought under control. PTI SLB



DV

DV
New Delhi, Oct 1 (PTI) A court here has refused to direct the Delhi police to lodge an FIR against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia and others for wrongfully restraining and criminally intimidating a person during their sit-in protest at the Lt Governor's (LG) office in June.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal dismissed the complaint filed by one Bam Bam Maharaj Nauhatiya, who claimed to be a social worker, seeking registration of an FIR action against Kejriwal, Sisodia, health minister Satyendra Jain and labour minister Gopal Rai.

The complainant, who had earlier approached the police to lodge a case, had alleged that he was restrained from going to the LG office to make a representation due to the protest held by the accused persons.

The court dismissed the application after taking into the consideration the status report filed by the Delhi police which submitted that no complaint was received from the office of the LG secretariat and, therefore, no action was taken on the complaint of Nauhatiya.

"The police has rightly refused to take action on the earlier complaints of the complainant on the ground that no complaint was received by the police from the office of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.

"Therefore, the complaint is devoid of merits, does not disclose the commission of any offence and complainant not an aggrieved. There is nothing in the complaint to either direct registration of FIR or to proceed after taking cognizance. Hence dismissed," the court said.

In his complaint, Nauhatiya alleged that the accused persons "have been making false allegations against the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and the Central government for creating hurdles in the normal functioning of Delhi government".

He alleged that "the citizens were threatened by the respondents and their supporters through their speeches, statements, demonstrations and overt actions not to visit Raj Niwas (LG's residence) to submit their grievances."

On June 12, the complainant was stopped by the police while he was going to the reception room of the LG house to submit a representation. PTI UK RKS UK TIR

TIR
Chennai, Oct 1 (PTI) The Madras High Court Monday observed that once a government starts functioning, its policy decisions must be "beyond its political ideologies".

It observed that Rs 400 crore of taxpayers' money spent on the new secretariat became a "national waste."

The state government had earlier informed the court that it would not revive the Raghupathy Commission of Inquiry set up by the then AIADMK government in 2011 to probe alleged irregularities in construction of the new secretariat here during the DMK rule.

All such expenditure must be only in accordance with the Constitutional principles and the interest of the public at large, the court said.

"The powers under the Constitution are provided to the administrators only to protect the taxpayers money and spend the same judiciously and for the welfare of the people at large, following the procedures contemplated under the statutes as the state is the custodian," it added.

The government is not only responsible, but also accountable, it said.

"Any unlawful loss caused in respect to the taxpayers' money will not only be questioned and actions are to be initiated and the persons liable are to be certainly prosecuted under the penal laws," Justice SM Subramaniam said.

The court dismissed as withdrawn the petitions filed by DMK president M K Stalin and party treasurer Durai Murugan challenging the appointment of the commission and its questionnaire sent to them.

"Even for conversion of the new secretariat building to a speciality hospital, another few crores of rupees were spent by the state," the court said in its order.

"This court is of the considered opinion that once the elected government starts functioning and governing the state, their action, policy decision and expenditure must be beyond its political ideologies ...," Justice Subramaniam said.

In view of the fact that the commission of inquiry, which was challenged in these petitions, was already wound up and the chairman appointed had also demitted his office, which was accepted by the state by passing necessary orders, no further consideration needs to be undertaken in respect to the grounds raised in these pleas, the judge said.

The fact that the cause aroused for filing of these writ petitions has vanished, no further deliberations were required, and accordingly, based on the endorsements made by counsel for the writ petitioners, the petitions stand dismissed as withdrawn, the judge said.

While coming to the functioning of the commission, the judge in his order said the commission of inquiry was non-functional for about three years.

"The commission also spent an amount of about Rs 4.5 crore and the reports are not submitted even at the time when the writ petitions were heard by this court.

"Ultimately, about Rs 5 crore was spent for the Inquiry Commission. However, nothing became useful for the welfare of the state as well as in the interest of the public at large," the judge said.

In respect of construction of the new secretariat building, the judge said, "The allegations of corruption, sub-standard building materials and related issues are not even concluded till today. One way or other, the issues are prolonged and protracted against the common interest."

The court had earlier directed the state government to suspend the commission of inquiry and raised several questions with regard to other panels in the state while observing that a time limit has to be fixed for the commissions that are to be appointed. PTI Corr BN IJT
Dharamshala, Oct 1 (PTI) The Tibetan government-in-exile will undertake a mass cleanliness drive Tuesday in and around Mcleod Ganj near here, pitching in India's 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's 149th birth anniversary.

Tibetan government-in-exile Health Minister Choekyong Wangchuk will flag off the drive at Mcleod Ganj, said an official of the Dharamshala-headquartered Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) Monday.

CTA Press Information Officer Tenzin Saldon said Dharamshala Municipal Commissioner Sandeep Kadam will also participate in the event along with the CTA officials and local Tibetan community.

Executive members of the Indo-Tibet Friendship Association too will participate in the event as special guests, he said.

"Tibetan people across India are observing 2018 with a series of Pan-India events to express gratitude to the Government and people of India for hosting His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people for over six decades in the country," Saldon added. PTI CORR RAX

RAX
\R New Delhi, Oct 1 (PTI) A 31-year-old man was allegedly shot dead by two unidentified assailants in northwest Delhi on Monday, police said.

The deceased has been identified as Ankit, who was shot dead at Mahendra Park area in Jahangirpuri around 8.30 am, a police officer said. Ankit used to take private tuition and was known to a woman for more than 10 years.

Ankit's family said he was in a relationship with the woman from another community and wanted to marry her. They suspect the involvement of the woman's brother who, the deceased's family alleged, was opposed to their relationship.

The police, however, ruled out any communal angle to the incident. "The motive behind the killing is not clear yet," a senior police officer said.

Police suspect that the killing could have also been a fallout of an illicit relationship, some personal dispute.

The angle of personal enmity is not ruled out. Ten teams have been formed and all the suspects are being interrogated, said Aslam Khan, deputy commissioner of police (northwest). PTI NIT SLB

HMB
Labour's ideas on employee ownership are misguided in the extreme but the party has hit on a weak spot in the UK economy  the failure of shareholder democracy.

One of the great hopes of the Thatcher years was that the privatisation of utility companies would create a nation of 'Sids'  ordinary people with a personal stake in key industries such as water, gas and telecoms.

That, along with wider home-ownership through the sale of council houses and liberalising the mortgage market, was one of her biggest ideas for transforming society.

Ruth Sunderland says direct share ownership by individuals has fallen dramatically, from 54% of the market in 1963 to 28% early in the Thatcher years, to a mere 12% today

Unfortunately, it has not turned out as she would have hoped. Direct share ownership by individuals has fallen dramatically, from 54 per cent of the market in 1963 to 28 per cent early in the Thatcher years, to a mere 12 per cent today.

A number of utility companies, rather than being beacons of private share-ownership, have fallen into overseas hands. In some cases they were taken over by overseas government-controlled companies.

As for the building societies that floated on the stock market, creating thousands of new investors through their free share giveaways, none are left. They all, from HBOS to Northern Rock, Bradford & Bingley and Alliance & Leicester, fell victim to the credit crisis of a decade ago.

The proposal from Labour is to seize ten per cent of companies' capital. Ostensibly, this is for the benefit of workers but in reality it is a stealth tax.

Yet the underlying idea that ordinary small shareholders could be a potent force for good in the economy is correct, and it is one the Conservatives should heed.

Unilever's plans to move its HQ from London to Rotterdam has caused a row to erupt

Individual private investors are, collectively, a sleeping giant, as yet unaware of their own powers. These are real. When owners get involved in a business, it tends to do better: there is plenty of evidence that companies with a high level of employee ownership have better productivity.

Small shareholders can also fulfil other useful functions, such as defending a company against an unwanted bid, as Marks & Spencer discovered to its benefit when Sir Philip Green came knocking with a takeover proposal in 2004.

The row over Unilever's plans to move its headquarters from London to Rotterdam is a prime example. One of the hurdles Unilever needs to jump is for a majority of shareholders to approve its proposal. In theory, therefore, its tens of thousands of private investors have more sway over its future than the 8,500 big City institutions.

Private investors, once engaged, might actually be more challenging towards poor performance and bad boardroom behaviour than the big City institutions, which are often unwilling to rock the boat. Of course, some companies are not particularly keen to enfranchise small shareholders, fearing they will be troublesome.

This shouldn't be an option. Whether directly, or indirectly as pension or ISA savers, it is ultimately us who are the owners of UK plc, not City institutions - the latter are merely the stewards of our cash and should act in our interest.

But the case of Unilever highlights how the current system threatens to disenfranchise small investors. Those who hold shares through platforms, in ISAs or self invested pension plans are likely to find it expensive and difficult, if not impossible to use their full voting rights at Unilever.

This is absurd. New technology should make it relatively cheap and easy for brokers and financial advisers, along with companies themselves, to make sure individual investors enjoy their full democratic rights.

Never mind Corbyn and his madcap plans for a tax raid masquerading as employee share ownership. Small investor power could be a major asset to corporate Britain  but only if we have a real shareholder democracy.
Elon Musk has been forced to quit as Tesla's chairman

Elon Musk has been forced to quit as Tesla's chairman to escape fraud charges over an incendiary tweet about taking the firm private.

The billionaire, who will stay on as chief executive at the electric car maker, has been told that his Twitter account must be vetted by Tesla.

Musk was charged with fraud by the US Securities and Exchange Commission over a tweet last month in which he pledged to take Tesla off the stock market and added 'funding secured'.

He must now give up the electric car firm's influential chairmanship within 45 days, and Tesla has been ordered to hire two new independent directors.

Tesla and Musk himself have each also been fined 15 million.

The compromise allows Musk to settle SEC charges which could have seen him banned from running Tesla altogether  or even seen him jailed.

But it is still a huge blow for the 47-year-old entrepreneur, who sets great store by his freedom to run companies in his own way.

Investigators said Musk's tweet was false and misleading because there was no backer signed up to fund a deal to go private.
Iconic British car maker Aston Martin has had to trim down its pricing guidance on the shares to be issued in an upcoming stock market flotation.

Following the gathering of feedback from potential investors the luxury car producer has cut the upper end of its initial public offering (IPO) price range to 20 per share from 22.50, according to Reuters.

This means the company will have a market value of up to 4.6billion rather than 5billion and could miss out on entry into the FTSE 100.

Aston Martin has had to trim down its pricing on the shares to be issued in an upcoming stock market flotation.

The lower end of the guidance has also been tweaked, rising from 17.50 per share to 18.50 and Aston Martin believes it will sell the full book of shares at that price or higher.

Feedback was 'mixed,' a person familiar with the planned deal told the newswire, saying investors are worried about the execution of the roll out of new models, but impressed by the management team.

They also added that the 'bottom of the range (17.50 per share) is the only level that might work.'

James Bond's favourite car maker said it expects to close the IPO books at midday London time on Tuesday.

With around 57million shares being sold and a free float to be available on the stock market of 25 per cent, the listing would give the company a market capitalisation of around 4.6billion.

Aston Martin said it expects to close the IPO books at midday London time on Tuesday.

At that level it is going to be touch and go as to whether the car company makes it into the FTSE 100 after its flotation or has to settle for the little brother index, the FTSE 250.

If it makes the grade, Aston Martin would become the first car maker in the blue-chip index since Jaguar.

The planned flotation follows a sale of shares by its main owners, Kuwaiti and Italian private equity groups.

At the weekend, we revealed how the car maker is handing out free cash to staff so they can buy shares.

The firm, which has just over 2,900 staff, is giving away 1,000 each to about 2,200 employees as rewards for its landmark listing on the London Stock Exchange.
TORONTO, September 28, 2018  Thomson Reuters (NYSE, TSX: TRI) announced today that its third-quarter 2018 earnings will be issued via news release on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

Jim Smith, president and chief executive officer, and Stephane Bello, executive vice president and chief financial officer, will host a conference call and simultaneous webcast that morning at 8:30 a.m. EST. Discussions may include forward-looking information.

You can access the webcast by visiting the Investor Relations section of the Thomson Reuters website. Registration for the webcast is now open. Additionally, an archive of the webcast will be available following the presentation.

Thomson Reuters



Thomson Reuters is the worlds leading source of news and information for professional markets. Our customers rely on us to deliver the intelligence, technology and expertise they need to find trusted answers. The business has operated in more than 100 countries for more than 100 years. Thomson Reuters shares are listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges (symbol: TRI). For more information, visit www.thomsonreuters.com.



CONTACT



MEDIA

Andrew Green

Senior Director, Corporate Affairs

+1 646 223 4228

andrew.green@tr.com



INVESTORS

Frank J. Golden

Senior Vice President, Investor Relations

+1 646 223 5288

frank.golden@tr.com


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MVC Capital, Inc. is a business development company specializing in equity, acquisition financing, mezzanine financing, management buyouts, leveraged buildups, corporate partnerships, PIPE transactions, going private transactions, private company recapitalizations, operational turnarounds, and growth and expansion capital transaction financing. The company seeks to invest in mature, small, and middle-market companies. It seeks to invest in companies in the consumer products, business services, industrial manufacturing and services, automotive retailing, energy, food and food service, financial services, insurance, industrial distribution and value-added distribution, medical devices and equipment, specialty chemicals, and security sectors. The company prefers to invest in companies based in the United States. The firm typically invests between $3 million and $25 million for control and non-control stakes in companies with revenues between $10 million and $150 million and EBITDA between $3 million and $25 million. It prefers to be the lead investor in transactions and also co-invests in companies with other private equity sponsors. The company invests in the form of preferred and common equity, and warrants or rights to acquire equity interests; bridge loans; term loans; debt; cash flow loans; senior and subordinated loans; convertible securities; venture capital; mezzanine; and private equity investments. It exits its investments in the form of maturity of loan, public offering, sale, mergers and acquisitions, and financial recapitalizations. It prefers to take majority stake in companies.

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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.

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The third annual Latin Festival returned to Riverfront Park in Pottstown. Sponsored by Centro Cultural Latinos Unidos, the event celebrates the dance, music, food and culture of Latin America. In addition to volunteers performing traditional dances in colorful costumes, the event also included authentic ethnic food, vendors and activities for children.
NORRISTOWN  A judge sent a Lansdale man to prison for decades on charges he sexually assaulted an 11-year-old girl and had indecent contact with a second girl, a 5-year-old, while they were in his company at various times in the borough.

Carlos Lopez-Vanegas, 29, of the 100 block of East Mount Vernon Street, was sentenced in Montgomery County Court to 48-to-96-years in a state correctional facility after a jury convicted him of charges of rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault and aggravated indecent assault of a child in connection with his contact with the 11-year-old girl.

The jury, after a four-day trial in July, also convicted Lopez-Vanegas of a charge of indecent assault in connection with his conduct with the 5-year-old girl. The jury couldnt reach a verdict on charges of aggravated indecent assault as it pertained to his contact with the 5-year-old.

Additionally, the jury convicted Lopez-Vanegas of charges of endangering the welfare of children and corruption of minors as those charges pertained to both girls.

Judge William R. Carpenter also ordered Lopez-Vanegas to have no contact with children as a condition of the sentence.

The sentence means Lopez-Vanegas, a native of Nicaragua who was legally residing in the U.S. at the time of the assaults, wont be eligible for parole until he is in his 70s.

Assistant District Attorney Kristen J. Kemp sought a lengthy prison term against Lopez-Vanegas, arguing he preyed upon multiple victims on multiple occasions in multiple ways. Kemp and co-prosecutor Brianna Ringwood successfully sought consecutive prison terms against Lopez-Vanegas, arguing each of the crimes of which he was convicted represented a separate and distinct act.

The reality of it is that these childrens lives will be forever affected by what this man did to them. At some point in time they will be adults and he has taken away from them the ability to experience any sort of intimacy without having the shadow over them of the abuses that they suffered at his hands, Kemp said on Monday, characterizing the girls as courageous for testifying during the trial.

These victims, although they are survivors and they were so strong in their testimony, will suffer for the rest of their lives as a result of what he did to them, Kemp added.

Lopez-Vanegas knew the girls families and the inappropriate conduct occurred while the girls were in his company at various times in Lansdale between 2015 and 2017. Kemp and Ringwood argued Lopez-Vanegas stole the victims innocence and used a position of authority and trust to abuse them and violated his duty of care.

Lopez-Vanegas, who was represented by defense lawyer Christopher Koschier, did not testify during the trial.

The two girls testified during the trial and the jury also viewed recorded interviews the girls gave to child social workers during the investigation. In addition to the sexual contact, Lopez-Vanegas also showed the girls pornography at different times while they were in his company, according to testimony.

One week after the jury convicted Lopez-Vanegas of the charges, his two brothers admitted they too sexually assaulted the same 11-year-old girl.

Julio Vincente Lopez-Vanegas, 32, of the 100 block of East Mount Vernon Street, was sentenced to 5-to-10-years in a state correctional facility, to be followed by 20 years probation, after he pleaded guilty to a charge of rape of a child in connection with his contact with the underage girl.

Wilson Lopez-Vanegas, 33, also of the East Mount Vernon Street address, was sentenced to 2-to-4-years in state prison, to be followed by 10 years probation, after he pleaded guilty to a charge of statutory sexual assault in connection with his contact with the 11-year-old girl.

Those sentences were imposed by Judge Carpenter as part of plea agreements.

Testimony and court documents did not reveal if the individual brothers knew that the others were having sexual contact with the same girl. The brothers did not face conspiracy charges in connection with the incidents.

The cases against the three men were investigated by Lansdale Detective Nicholas Oropeza and Police Officer Joel Greco.
SCHENECTADY  By his own admission, Schenectady County Sheriff Dominic Dagostino has made some unusual hires.

"I have a history of making some controversial hires that have worked out in my favor," said Dagostino, who has been sheriff since 2010. "A singular incident doesn't define a career."

Dagostino said he often must determine if the people "are salvageable and what skills they bring."

"We've been very fortunate with the individuals that we've selected that may have had baggage in other places," said the sheriff. "Thus far, they have performed to our level of expectation and we have zero personnel complaints, and they've served our community well."

Dagostino, a retired Rotterdam police detective, has also brought on seasoned retired lawmen, many of whom collect a paycheck with the sheriff's office while receiving their state pensions.

The office oversees the county jail, the road patrol and the civil division, which handles everything from evictions to orders of protection and judgments, as well as specialized details such as the street crime task force and the drug investigations unit.

The sheriff singled out one of his more high-profile hires, Michael Geraci Jr., who joined the department's roughly 13-member road patrol unit as a deputy in 2016. Geraci was forced to resign from the Albany police department after facing a litany of problems on and off the job.

"The guy has probably been the best hire I've ever made," said Dagostino. He noted that Geraci has great initiative: He started the police Explorer program and is involved in the Reading Is Fun effort. "His numbers when he was on patrol were exceptional, and his performance in the drug unit has been exceptional, and his connection to the community has been great. People love him."

Geraci, the son of former Schenectady police Chief Michael Geraci Sr., is now part of the drug unit, which is led by Christopher Foster. A retired Rotterdam police investigator, Foster came on board in 2016.

Several other current members of the department left other police agencies under a cloud. Dagostino said they are making the most of their second chances.

The sheriff said that with a small road patrol of about 13 members, he tries to maintain a full complement of deputies, but his office doesn't solicit so-called "lateral" transfers, who have gone through the police academy and worked at another police agency.

Dagostino said these officers are usually ready to hit the road without having to be paired with a veteran cop.

The road to rehabilitating their law enforcement career usually begins as a deputy patrolling rural county roads, although there have been some exceptions.

Dagostino said that hiring a new employee  an "unknown," as he put it  is just as much of a gamble as a lateral hire.

Daniel Coppola left the Schenectady police force soon after after serving a weeks-long unpaid suspension stemming from an off-duty vehicle crash this spring in which he was driving drunk and was hit by another motorist. The two-year veteran of the force was initially charged with two misdemeanors, and ultimately pleaded guilty to driving while ability impaired.

Coppola is Dagostino's stepson. The sheriff insists he did not receive preferential treatment.

More Information Sheriff hires other agencies' former officers Here of some of the people and their previously jobs. John Lubrant, retired Niskayuna police chief

Chris Strange, retired Schenectady police department

Christopher Foster, retired Rotterdam police investigator

Wayne Calder, retired Rotterdam deputy police chief Thomas Delaney, retired Schenectady police department Michael Geraci Jr., former Albany police patrolman

Vincent Stone, former Rotterdam police patrolman

Mark Kirker, served with Schenectady and Glenville police departments

Eric Reyell, former Schenectady police patrolman

Andrew Karaskiewicz, former Schenectady police patrolman

Daniel Coppola, former Schenectady police patrolman See More Collapse

"He's a qualified candidate, we're short (of) bodies, we need people," he said. " ... He knows what the expectations are, and if he doesn't live up to those expectations he won't be here very long  just like anyone else. He wanted to explore a change, he expressed an interest, we went through the background (check) like we would anybody else  not to mention that I know what I'm getting."

In March, Dagostino hired Jeffrey Iovenelli, a former Coeymans cop who faced public backlash last year after he used a police vehicle to a kill a rabid raccoon by running over it in the parking lot of a Ravena business.

Video footage of the killing went viral, but both the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the Albany County district attorney's office chose not to file criminal charges; no disciplinary charges were meted out after an internal probe.

While conceding the optics of the raccoon-killing were bad, Dagostino said a "policy failure" was part of the problem.

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In 2008, Eric Reyell, Andrew Karaskiewicz and another Schenectady police officer were suspended and then indicted for not filling out proper paperwork after they allegedly beat a man in a McDonald's parking lot on Union Street and again a few blocks away at McClellan and Union streets after a DWI traffic stop.

Additionally, Reyell faced a charge for not turning on his patrol car's dashboard camera during the incident. Two other cops who were suspended in connection with the altercation were not indicted and returned to the force.

A judge granted lawyers' motions to dismiss the official misconduct charges brought by the state attorney general against the three officers.

Karaskiewicz has been a correction officer at the jail for the past two years.

Four years ago, Vincent Stone allegedly got into a physical altercation with Schenectady cops when he tried to prevent them from entering a Union Street apartment when they responded to a report of a domestic dispute. Stone was accused of struggling with cops and resisting being handcuffed.

The charges were subsequently dismissed and the records were sealed, officials said.

"Sometimes the people who have made mistakes in the past that have truly learned from them ultimately become better officers as a result," said Dagostino. "We're a relatively small department, and with that we have the ability to supervise our people a little bit closer than most."

Some of Dagostino's lateral hires come with impressive work experience.

Niskayuna police Chief John Lubrant came out of retirement in 2016 to become the chief deputy in the sheriff's office. He succeeded Robert Hamilton, who left after a 4-year stint. Hamilton had previously served as a lieutenant with the Schenectady police department.

Wayne Calder, who in 2001 retired as a deputy police chief in Rotterdam, has been employed as a confidential investigator for the sheriff since January. He previously served on the Town Board as a deputy supervisor when retired Sheriff Harry Buffardi was elected Rotterdam supervisor.

Thomas Delaney and Chris Strange retired from the Schenectady police department before coming to work for the sheriff's office  Delaney as program administrator for the county's STOP-DWI and Traffic Safety programs since 2001, Strange as the inspector in charge of the street crime task force.

"Those guys that we've brought in that have had exemplary careers are in supervisory positions are ultimately managing these individuals we are giving second chances to," said Dagostino."We're hopeful that based on our supervisors, and the people that we've put in place to oversee these individuals, we'll continue to have zero problems.

"But if we have problems, we'll unload them."
Albany

The state's farm lobby was cautiously optimistic Monday about the recent trade agreement between the U.S. and Canada that includes changes in dairy trade that had drawn the ire of President Donald Trump.

Under the tentative agreement, which still faces a vote in Congress, Canada agreed to end price controls for so-called "ultrafiltered" milk products, which are used in items like yogurt and powdered products, and to also to allow more total dairy imports into the country.

For its part, the Trump administration backed off on a repeated threat to impose tariffs on cross-border automobile production, and also ended its opposition to an existing independent system used by the U.S., Canada and Mexico to settle trade disputes under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

"While there is still no final language for this agreement, overall we are supportive," said Lauren Williams, assistant director of national affairs for the New York Farm Bureau, which represents the state's agricultural sector.

Williams said it was unclear how much more ultrafiltered milk might be exported from New York to Canada, but she said it likely would help some of the state's dairy cooperatives in the central and western parts of the state by giving unfiltered milk an additional potential market.

Canada is New York's largest single trading partner, and business lobbying groups on both sides of the border this year cautioned the Trump administration against sparking a protectionist trade war that began with tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

In 2017, Canada had implemented limits on ultrafiltered milk imports as part of its dairy system, which unlike that in the U.S., sets production limits on Canadian farmers as means of protecting family farms from the consequences of overproduction and unfettered imports, both of which tend to cut prices paid to farmers.

Under the new agreement, Canada agreed to open up 3.59 percent of its total dairy market to global imports. That is slightly more than the 3.25 percent that Canada had already agreed to open up to imports under the Tran-Pacific Partnership (TPP), an international trade deal that the U.S. signed in 2016 and that was abandoned by Trump in early 2017.

The TPP still includes Canada and Mexico, as well as Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.

While dairy trade between Canada and the U.S. is small, at less than 1 percent of the total trade, Trump had repeatedly focused on dairy to demand changes to NAFTA.

Overall, Canada imports five time as much dairy products from the U.S. as the U.S. imports from Canada.

Dairy exports from New York state account for more than $400 million (or about a sixth of the total industry), according to the U.S. Dairy Export Council, a national advocacy group. Much of that has been going to Mexico and Canada, which this summer were hit by trade tariffs by Trump.

The Canadian dairy market operates under a system of supply management, which imposes tariffs on American farmers when dairy imports exceed quotas. The system also determines how much Canadian farmers can produce and guarantees farmers a minimum price for their products.

In the U.S., dairy farmers produce as much as possible, which leads to increasingly larger farms than in Canada, which then leads to more dairy production than can be domestically consumed.

Milk prices have been declining in New York as the amount of milk produced continues to climb. New York farmers produced nearly 15 billion pounds of milk last year, according to USDA figures, up from 13.4 billion pounds in 2013 and 12.8 billion pounds in 2011.

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, who has also complained about ultrafiltered milk restrictions by the Canadians, said he wanted to see details on the tentative settlement.

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"The president deserves praise for taking large steps to improve it," Schumer said. "Two areas I particularly want to see the details are dairy, where our dairy farmers are being taken advantage of by Canada, and real enforcement of labor provisions. The labor provisions are good, but too often they are written into trade bills and never enforced."

The Canadian dairy industry criticized the agreement, arguing the dairy sector, which is focused in the province of Quebec, was being sacrificed to protect the automobile industry along the Great Lakes, where cars and components are repeatedly shipped back and forth before final assembly.

Tariffs on autos were vocally opposed by the car companies, which warned it would raise the cost of vehicles on both sides of the border dramatically.

"The message sent to our passionate, proud and quality-conscious farmers and all the people who work in the dairy sector is clear: they are nothing more than a bargaining chip to satisfy President Trump," said Pierre Lampron, president of Dairy Farmers of Canada.

Quebec produces half of Canada's dairy products under a supply management system that supports more than 100,000 jobs in the province  roughly the size of Ontario's auto sector.

In New York, the lobby for both businesses and agriculture had decried President Trump's decision this summer to impose tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports, and his repeated threats to do the same with cars.

The proposed agreement does not address aluminum and steel tariffs, which are being left to future negotiations.

Garry Douglas, executive director of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, said the deal is "an effective protection against potential auto tariffs by the U.S., which could have been very problematic for our transportation equipment companies, preserves the existing dispute resolution process which has worked, and significantly increases U.S. access to the Canadian dairy market."

The regional chamber represents 3,200 companies in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton and Warren counties, as well as in the Canadian province of Quebec. Added Douglas, "Our one wish is that it would have also resolved the current steel and aluminum tariffs but indications are that those are being addressed through separate discussions."

The national Canadian Chamber of Commerce also welcomed the deal, but added that the group would closely examine how the agreement "treats specific sectors, including dairy," and would work to ensure that auto tariffs are not imposed.

And alluding to some ill will resulting from Trump's rhetoric that Canada was unfairly abusing America, the Canadian chamber also added the country "must remember the lesson this turbulent period has provided: We must never again allow ourselves to be overly-dependent upon one trading partner. We must continue to diversify our markets to protect ourselves from capricious and unfair actions in the future."
North Greenbush

Community Care Physicians has closed its North Greenbush Urgent Care Center and consolidated it with its larger facility in Latham. The move was announced Monday morning. Only the Urgent Care Center is moving; physicians' practices and other facilities will remain at their North Greenbush location.

"As our primary care locations implement extended hours and walk in hours, CCP is re-evaluating our Urgent Care locations to best serve our patients," said Michelle Ryan, senior director of operations for Community Care Physicians. "Additionally, CCP is exploring new ways to deliver our urgent care services as we see a greater proliferation of Centers in the area. We are focusing on developing a few key urgent care locations, or 'super Centers', that can offer an expanded list of services in a walk-in, cost effective setting."

In July, CCP closed its Niskayuna Urgent Care Center just 16 months after Albany Medical Center opened a similar facility nearby. The Capital Region has seen a proliferation of urgent care centers as hospitals and doctor groups fight for market share.

Ellis Medicine, meanwhile, is nearly tripling the size of its facility in Clifton Park, where the planning board on Oct. 10 is reviewing its proposed expansion.

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CCP moved into its North Greenbush location, built at the entrance to the Rensselaer Technology Park, five years ago in October 2013.

CCP's Latham Urgent Care Center is located at 711 Troy-Schenectady Road, just west of the Adirondack Northway. Hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and holidays 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The late night trade agreement reached between the United States and Canada Sunday opens the door a little to Canadian markets for U.S. dairy farmers while preserving the special trade courts that U.S. negotiators opposed.

The United States-Mexico-Canada agreement replaces NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement, reached in 1994.

Garry Douglas, president of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, was among those welcoming the new agreement.

"There is no greater driving force in the North Country economy than our economic partnership with Canada," Douglas said. "Having agreed terms and general certainty about cross border commerce and investment is the basis of our greatest economic progress in recent years and our greatest opportunities for the future. This outcome is therefore terrific news for both countries but especially crucial to our unique bi-national region."

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Canadian manufacturers Bombardier Corp. and Nova Bus have major operations in Plattsburgh, employing hundreds of U.S. workers. With the new agreement, Douglas said he hopes Canadian companies will continue to invest here.

"Among other outcomes, we believe this will help to unfreeze the interest of Canadian companies in the U.S. market, including consideration of investments here," he said. "The uncertainty of the NAFTA negotiations has had this dynamic on pause. We now need to resolve the remaining tariffs and get things active again. And we need to secure approval by Congress, hopefully in December."
East Greenbush

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals is asking the Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency to approve $15.7 million in state and local tax breaks for a two-story, 364,110-square-foot drug manufacturing facility it wants to build on a second East Greenbush Campus.

The new building would employ 300 people and cost Regeneron $188 million to build next to an existing warehouse on the Tempel Lane site, which is located a few miles away from Regeneron's existing manufacturing campus on Discovery Lane next to the University at Albany's Health Sciences Campus.

The IDA is holding a public hearing on the incentive package at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the East Greenbush Town Hall.

Details of Regeneron's plans are included in its application to the IDA, which only reveals the first phase of a major expansion of Regeneron at the Tempel Lane site over the next five years.

Once completed, the full expansion is expected to cost Regeneron $800 million and create 1,500 new jobs. Empire State Development, the state's economic development arm, has offered Regeneron $140 million in incentives and tax breaks for the entire build-out, in addition to what the IDA will offer.

Locally, taxpayers will be asked to give Regeneron $9.7 million in property tax exemptions over 10 years, which includes more than $1 million annually for the first five years.

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Regeneron recently completed a 211,600-square-foot warehouse on Tempel Lane, and the new manufacturing facility would be connected to that warehouse building to allow for the flow of materials and workers between the two facilities.

The IDA application, which is not complete, says Regeneron, which has its headquarters in Tarrytown but does all of its U.S. manufacturing in East Greenbush, currently has 2,562 employees in East Greenbush, most of them at the Discovery Lane site. Regeneron also has offices at the East Greenbush Technology Park, and is looking to buy that building from its landlord so it can expand there as well.

Regeneron officials have not responded to repeated requests for comment on the expansion.

The majority of the new jobs that would be created at the new Tempel Lane facility will have salaries that range from $55,000 to $80,000 a year. Some jobs will have salaries that start in the $45,000 range, however, while the highest salaries will be $110,000 a year, according to IDA documents.
Chelsea Baratto believes a smile can change the world.

When pregnant with her now 2-year-old, Baratto learned her son had a cleft lip. Soon after his birth, the Saratoga Springs resident became an advocate for children in similar situations.

"I believe smiling can change the world," Baratto says. "Mother Theresa and Jeff Buell get it, and it actually isn't that complicated. Changing the world isn't nearly as hard as we fear it is."

The mother of Luca created 700smiles in partnership with Smile Train, to raise the funds for 700 cleft lip and palate surgeries. The 700 is symbolic of the 1 in 700 children born with a cleft like her son.

Currently, she's organizing World Smile Day Family Fun Night from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, October 5 at Afrim's Sports, 636 Albany Shaker Road in Albany.

There's a suggested donation of $20 per family (not per person) at the door. That covers food  pizza, cider donuts, ice cream, popcorn and all activities such as the bouncy bounce, face painting, balloon animals, card making, obstacle course, sensory tables and more. The event sounds like a lot of fun for kids and you can check it out here.

The motto for Baratto's charity is "don't let the world change your smile, let your smile change the world."

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You can follow her on Facebook here or join her women-only Facebook group which can be found here.

View more 20 things stories
Q: What kind of roadwork is coming on 112th Street (in Troy)?

I'm wondering how much traffic and parking will be impacted.

How long will it last?

 Lisa Bridget, Troy

A: Phase three of sidewalk and curb improvements in Troy's historic Lansingburgh neighborhood is underway.

It's part of the federally funded Community Development Block Grant program, administered by the city's Department of Housing & Community Development, to repair city sidewalks and street curbs in targeted neighborhoods.

"Improving our curbs and sidewalks is an essential part of our city's efforts to improve mobility for Troy residents of all ages and abilities and enhance the quality of life in our community," said Troy Mayor Patrick Madden.

The overall project includes both sides of 112th Street and may include portions of adjacent side streets. Work will proceed eastward on 112th Street to 6th Avenue.

Parking on 112th Street between 2nd and 6th avenues is prohibited from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. to accommodate the replacement of sidewalks, curbs and related work, which may include tree trimming and planting, utility strip work, new street light foundations and conduit, catch basin and drainage structure repairs.

Motorists should expect one lane of construction and two-way traffic, and pedestrians will be directed to use available sidewalks.

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The project is expected to continue through October.

This is the third year of streetscape improvements in Lansingburgh, part of the implementation of Troy's five-year consolidated plan.

Phase two of the project was completed last year on 2nd Avenue from 111th to 114th streets.

Do you have a question about transportation? Email gettingthere@timesunion.com. Please include your name, town and telephone number.
ROCHESTER  A former teacher at Attica Correctional Facility who was hounded by a male co-worker resulting in a psychological breakdown has been awarded $7 million, plus attorney's fees, following a years-long federal court battle with the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

Pamela S. Small, now 55, alleged in her federal complaint that corrections officer Carl Cuer obsessively stalked and harassed her for two years, between 2009 and 2011, and that two prison superintendents, James Conway and Sandra Dolce, failed to follow protocol when she reported the increasingly disturbing behavior.

Cuer's actions were never investigated by the state Office of Diversity Management  as is mandated by DOCCS guidelines  and the guards charged with ensuring Small's safety at the maximum-security prison stopped talking to her in retaliation, causing her to experience what she said was debilitating fear.

Following a two-week trial at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York, a jury on Thursday found DOCCS and the three current and former employees of the agency responsible for hostile working conditions that led to the rapid decline in Small's physical and mental health.

Small's attorney, Jennifer Shoemaker of Rochester, said there was was no evidence that her client had mental health issues previously.

"Eleven witnesses testified that she was a happy person and she was pleasant and that they could see her breaking down," Shoemaker said. "She was crying out for help and no one came to her aid."

Under the verdict, DOCCS will be required to compensate Small $2.17 million in financial damages and $2.4 million for violating her civil rights. Small was awarded an additional $1.7 million for Cuer's treatment of her. Conway and Dolce, who were found culpable for failing to forward her complaints, were ordered to pay a combined $720,000.

DOCCS spokesman Thomas Mailey said the alleged misconduct occurred during another administration.

"We are reviewing the determination on all fronts," Mailey said. "Nevertheless, be assured that we now have clear and enforceable policies that hold employees accountable and promote a safe and respectful work environment."

The $7 million, plus nearly a decade of attorneys' fees, will be withdrawn from the state budget.

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It remains unclear why DOCCS, represented by the attorney general's office, continued to fight the charges for nearly a decade despite many opportunities to settle the case for a fraction of the award.

Experts hired by the plaintiff estimate that Small's economic damages - loss of salary and pension - amount to $2.3 million. DOCCS' own expert valued Small's economic damages at $1.2 million, according to Shoemaker. DOCCS had not made a settlement offer beyond $600,000.

Shoemaker said that the legal battle and trial proceedings took a toll on her client. The once-fit mom of three has become a virtual recluse and is "unrecognizable" to those who knew her, Shoemaker said.

"I don't think there's any amount of money that could replace what she lost. She will never be who she was before," Shoemaker said.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo's spokespersons say that the harassment and stalking occurred before Cuomo took office in 2011, but did not say why the state continued to litigate the case for the last six years, referring that question to DOCCS.

A spokeswoman for the attorney general's office also referred inquiries to DOCCS about the decision to take the case to trial.
ALBANY  Joseph Davis, the 42-year-old man who was shot multiple times in the torso outside a nightclub early Saturday, has died, police said Monday afternoon.

Davis' death Monday marks the 13th homicide in Albany this year.

Davis and two bystanders were shot at about 12:35 a.m. outside Club Phoenix at 348 Central Ave., police said. Davis was taken to the Albany Medical Center Hospital in critical condition.

A 21-year-old woman and 23-year-old man who had been standing nearby were also hit, police said. The woman was shot in the leg, and the man in the the torso. Both were treated at Albany Med for non-life-threatening injuries and released.

Police arrested 25-year-old Shaquille Owens for the shooting hours later and charged him with attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon. The charges will be upgraded and Owens remains in Albany County jail, police said Monday.

A solitary white candle burned in the doorway of the nightclub on Monday evening. Someone had written "R.I.P. Seven. Gone too soon..." on the candle.

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The last time the city had more than 13 slayings in one year was in 2000.

The highest number of homicides recorded in the past 33 years was in 1987, which saw 16 deaths, according to FBI data. The city's lowest number, two killings, was recorded in 1998, 2010 and 2016.

The 13 deaths include alleged murder, non-negligent manslaughter and fatal police shooting cases, which are all counted as homicides in the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting statistics.
Guilderland police

GUILDERLAND  A 17-year-old girl is accused of robbing and stabbing two 15-year-old girls at Crossgates Mall on Saturday, Guilderland police said Monday.

Rhondasia Jackson of Albany was arrested Sunday and is charged with felony robbery and two counts of felony assault.
ELLENVILLE  The man suspected of firing a gun early Friday inside an Ulster County hospital and later at police has been taken into custody in New York City, the State Police said Monday evening.

Police say 42-year-old Joshua Stuart was nabbed by U.S. Marshals in Brooklyn on Monday without incident. It happened just hours after police say he robbed a Brooklyn store clerk at gunpoint.
Bangkok

Soaring over eastern Indonesia on Friday, Petra Mandagi exulted at the perfect conditions for a paragliding addict: azure skies, a sweet breeze and a picture-postcard bay rippling below.

Even when a series of earthquakes began shaking the city of Palu on Friday afternoon after his paragliding competition had finished, Mandagi texted his wife in their hometown, Manado, and assured her that all was fine.

Less than an hour later, twin natural disasters  a 7.5-magnitude earthquake and a tsunami that unleashed an 18-foot wave  turned parts of Palu and the surrounding strip of coastline into a graveyard. As of Sunday evening, national disaster mitigation officials said that at least 832 people had been confirmed killed. Mandagi is among the many thousands who are still unaccounted for.

The death toll, which had more than doubled from Sunday morning, was expected to climb much higher still, with heavily populated areas outside the city still cut off from communication and any assistance, and desperate search-and-rescue efforts continuing in the rubble of Palu, often with only rudimentary tools.

Bodies covered in blue and yellow tarps lined the streets of Palu, and officials said they were digging a mass grave for at least 300 of the dead, according to The Associated Press.

With the prospect that thousands may have been killed, questions began mounting as to why residents were not adequately warned of the tsunami, given the area's long and deadly history of facing killer waves.

Among the problems: None of the 22 buoys spread over Indonesia's open water to help monitor for tsunamis had been operational for the past six years, according to Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, the spokesman for the country's national disaster agency.

The eight-story Roa Roa hotel where Mandagi, 35, had been staying was one of the thousands of buildings in Palu that collapsed, burying him and about 50 other guests, including six more paragliders there to compete.

On Sunday, with no heavy equipment available, search-and-rescue workers used their hands to frantically claw through the rubble, with the voices of trapped victims calling out from the debris spurring on the brute manual effort.

A single body was pulled out of the hotel wreckage. But by Sunday evening, the site was eerily quiet, Indonesian search-and-rescue workers said.

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"Petra went to Palu to do what he loved most, which is paragliding," said Nixon Ray, Mandagi's business partner in a paragliding business and a fellow adventure-sport enthusiast.

Ray, 51, decided at the last minute to skip the Palu competition but had urged Mandagi and two other friends to go without him.

"I feel like I sent them to a tragedy," Ray said.

While search and rescue efforts in Palu centered on the Roa Roa Hotel and a shopping mall that had also crumpled, thousands of other buildings were destroyed by the powerful earthquake and the devastating tsunami.

Nearly 17,000 people were made homeless by the earthquake and tsunami in Palu alone, and many aid agencies were busy ensuring that their own staff members were alive and safe.
ALBANY - Despite studying policy analysis at Cornell University and having political internships on her resume, Michelle Ostrelich didn't immediately think of herself as candidate material when she became interested in state politics.

The Niskayuna resident's first instinct, when looking for a Democratic candidate to run in the 49th Senate District, was to look elsewhere, and she formed a search committee to find an opponent to run against incumbent Republican Jim Tedisco.

After trying to persuade about 20 women, all political newcomers, on why they should run, Ostrelich ended up being the party's candidate for November. "I sort of, in the end, convinced myself," she said.

This year she is one of at least 105 women, many first-time candidates, running for legislative office in New York on the Democratic or Republican lines  a record for the state and an increase of about 19 percent from two years earlier, according to a Times Union review of filings with the state Board of Elections. An analysis by Politico New York found that the previous record was set in 2006, with 91 female candidates for the state Legislature on the major party lines.

In addition to the three women already running as incumbents in the Capital Region for state Assembly, newcomer Ostrelich joins Democrat Pat Strong who is challenging state Sen. George Amedore; Democrat Tistrya Houghtling who is running against Assemblyman Jake Ashby, and Republican Morgan Zegers who is challenging Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner. Republican Daphne Jordan is also running to fill the shoes previously worn by her boss, state Sen. Kathy Marchione.

The growth in New York mirrors the record set nationally for house races this year, and it also reflects the disproportionate number of women running as Democrats.

Democratic women make up about three-quarters of the female candidates for the state Legislature, which magnifies a trend from past elections. Women account for nearly 43 percent of the Democratic party's candidates for state Senate and about 39 percent of their Assembly field.

Across the aisle in the GOP, women make up 14 percent of the Assembly slate and about a quarter of the Senate hopefuls. The current slate of 26 female Republican candidates for state Legislature is at least two fewer than the number who ran in 2016.

The Democratic lean of female candidates in New York is representative of the breakdown of members currently in the Assembly. While there are 42 women in the 105-member Democratic Assembly conference, there are only three women out of 41-member Republicans.

It didn't sink in for Mary Beth Walsh, R-Ballston, a freshman member of the Assembly, how outnumbered she was in her conference until she met with her new colleagues for the first time. The meeting was in the parlor on the third floor of the Capitol, which prominently features portraits of past Assembly speakers, who were all male.

"When I walked into the parlor I thought, 'oh, we need to do better,'" Walsh said. "We need to do better to attract some more qualified women, certainly into our conference."

"I think sometimes, as a Republican woman, it can feel a little bit lonely because we see so many women who are registered as Democrats who are running," Walsh said. "But we are out there ... We are growing in numbers."

The surge in female candidates nationally and in New York, including with Ostrelich, is largely attributable to the election of President Donald J. Trump. His victory and subsequent tenure in office has sparked a backlash on the left, especially among women.

After participating in New York City's "Women's March," Ostrelich felt like she wanted to get more politically involved. "The energy around the march and on the bus spoke to us," she said.

Liberal women in New York have also benefited from the encouragement of Eleanor's Legacy, a statewide organization that helps recruit, train and fund pro-choice Democratic women at the state and local level.

In 2017, Eleanor's Legacy held 11 campaign workshops in New York that were attended by 496 women, which was about five times the attendance in 2016. The training was a defining moment for Ostrelich, who felt a "tidal wave" of support.

"That's what put me over the edge," she said.

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But it's important to note that Ostrelich isn't the first woman to run in her district. Others came before and were unsuccessful at unseating long-time incumbent state Sen. Hugh Farley, who held the seat for two decades before Tedisco.

Walsh, on the other hand, would love to replicate the type of opportunity Eleanor's Legacy provides for the right-leaning in New York, and has talked with party leadership about the issue. "There is support for us running within the party, but there isn't that type of feeder network ... that we see on the other end of the spectrum," she said.

Political consultant Libby Post says access to campaign cash is the number one deterrent for female candidates.

If men have retained their elected posts for years, their fundraising prowess is difficult to match as a new candidate.

"You need money to raise money, you need money to start a campaign, and you need money to run a campaign," she said.

Women have also traditionally waited longer to run for office than men, often foregoing a second bid if the first is unsuccessful, lacked the helping hand of women in positions of political power and needed to overcome family social constructs.

Walsh tries use her position to demonstrate to young women that this path is possible for them too. Her own journey through elected life was buoyed by the presence of women serving in public office in Saratoga County, including state senator Marchione.

"It's always more helpful if you can look and see there are women who blazed a path for you," Walsh said.

As the result of her candidacy, Ostrelich is also trying to impress upon others how important politics is.

"I just want others to see it is a noble cause. It is worth your time," she said. "If I see a spark in someone ... I encourage them to run, because it's an experience like no other."
Washington

FBI agents on Sunday interviewed one of the three women who have accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct as Republicans and Democrats quarreled over whether the bureau would have enough time and freedom to conduct a thorough investigation before a high-stakes vote on his nomination to the nation's highest court.

As the FBI explored the past allegations that have surfaced against Kavanaugh, another Yale classmate came forward to accuse the federal appellate judge of being untruthful in his testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee about the extent of his drinking in college.

And the White House insisted it was not "micromanaging" the new one-week review of Kavanaugh's background but some Democratic lawmakers claimed the White House was keeping investigators from interviewing certain witnesses. President Donald Trump, for his part, tweeted that no matter how much time and discretion the FBI was given, "it will never be enough" for Democrats trying to keep Kavanaugh off the bench.

In speaking to FBI agents, Deborah Ramirez detailed her allegation that Kavanaugh exposed himself to her at a party in the early 1980s when they were students at Yale University, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to publicly discuss details of a confidential investigation.

Kavanaugh has denied Ramirez's allegation.

The person familiar with Ramirez's questioning, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said she also provided investigators with the names of others who she said could corroborate her account.

But Christine Blasey Ford, a California professor who says Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were teenagers, has not been contacted by the FBI since Trump on Friday ordered the agency to take another look at the nominee's background, according to a member of Ford's team.

Kavanaugh has denied assaulting Ford.

Julie Swetnick, a third woman who has accused Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct, has an extensive history of involvement in legal disputes, including a lawsuit in which an ex-employer accused her of falsifying her college and work history on her job application.

Legal documents from Maryland, Oregon and Florida provide a partial picture of a woman who stepped into the media glare amid the battle over Kavanaugh's nomination for the nation's highest court.

Court records reviewed by The Associated Press show Swetnick has been involved in at least six legal cases over the past 25 years. Along with the lawsuit filed by a former employer in November 2000, the cases include a personal injury suit she filed in 1994 against the Washington, D.C., regional transit authority.

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Her lawyer, Michael Avenatti, told the AP that court cases involving her have no bearing on the credibility of her claims about Kavanaugh. Avenatti said the suit from her ex-employer  it was dismissed a month after it was filed  was "completely bogus, which is why it was dismissed almost immediately."

He told AP that he "fully vetted" Swetnick before helping her take her claims against Kavanaugh public.

In a statement released Sunday, a Yale classmate of Kavanaugh's said he is "deeply troubled by what has been a blatant mischaracterization by Brett himself of his drinking at Yale." Charles "Chad" Ludington, who now teaches at North Carolina State University, said he was friend of Kavanaugh's at Yale and that Kavanaugh was "a frequent drinker, and a heavy drinker."

"On many occasions I heard Brett slur his words and saw him staggering from alcohol consumption, not all of which was beer. When Brett got drunk, he was often belligerent and aggressive," Ludington said. While saying that youthful drinking should not condemn a person for life, Ludington said he was concerned about Kavanaugh's statements under oath before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Speaking to the issue of the scope of the FBI's investigation, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said White House counsel Don McGahn, who is managing Kavanaugh's nomination, "has allowed the Senate to dictate what these terms look like, and what the scope of the investigation is."

"The White House isn't intervening. We're not micromanaging this process. It's a Senate process. It has been from the beginning, and we're letting the Senate continue to dictate what the terms look like," Sanders said.

Senate Judiciary Committee member Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., requested an investigation on Friday  after he and other Republicans on the panel voted along strict party lines in favor of Kavanaugh's confirmation  as a condition for his own subsequent vote to put Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said Sunday that testimony would be taken from Ramirez and Kavanaugh's high school friend Mark Judge, who has been named by two of three women accusing Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct.
Community leg ulcer clinics are being expanded across the MidWest thanks to a joint education and training initiative designed by staff from HSE Mid West Community Healthcare and UL Hospitals Group. Integrated care centred around the patient is one of the principal foundations of the Slaintecare Implementation Plan recently published by the Minister for Health. One area where this is already happening in practice in the MidWest is in the management of leg ulcers. This is providing quality, evidence-based care to patients closer to home.

Educational collaboration between community and acute sectors in the MidWest leg ulcer service dates back to 2005. Service development was affected by the financial crisis and the recruitment moratorium. But more recently, the Public Health Nursing Department in Mid West Community Healthcare, in conjunction with the Vascular Department in UHL, began reactivating existing leg ulcer clinics and setting up new clinics in areas of need. To support this process, a programme was designed to upskill public health nurses and RGNs (registered general nurses) to set up and manage leg ulcer clinics in the community in partnership with the vascular consultants and tissue viability nurses at UHL. This would allow patients have timely Doppler (ultrasound)assessments in clinics closer to home and reduce demand on outpatient vascular clinics at UHL.

The new education programme has resulted in a renewed impetus with the opening of four new clinics across the region (Barrack View, Newcastle West, Kilmallock, Kings Island) over the last 12 months. There are 16 such clinics in total across Limerick, Clare and north Tipperary.

A new two-day education programme for community nurses took place in autumn 2017, including a Doppler competency assessment unique to this region. An annual masterclass, the first of which took place in May 2018, has also been established. A total of 35 community nurses participated in the most recent training and education programme. The programme was devised by Helen Meagher, candidate Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Tissue Viability, UL Hospitals Group, and Niamh Keane, Assistant Director of Public Health Nursing; Mid West Community Healthcare; with the support of Consultant Vascular Surgeons Mr Eamonn Kavanagh, Mr Tony Moloney and Prof Paul Burke; Edel Brangan, Community RGN, MSc Tissue Viability; Avril Kenny, Senior Vascular Physiologist, and Fiona Hurley, Centre of Nursing and Midwifery Education.

The project has showcased the importance of interdisciplinary, inter-departmental and integrated acute and community services working together to improve patient care.

It is estimated that approximately one in 100 people will suffer a leg ulcer at some point in their lives. Traditionally, management of leg ulcers required outpatient attendances in an acute hospital but management closer to the patients home is increasingly the norm in the MidWest.

A previous study (Brangan 2016) demonstrated that 69% of patients attending the community leg ulcer clinic in Shannon, County Clare, did not need to see a vascular consultant as their ulcer had healed, thereby avoiding an attendance at a hospital clinic. The same audit found an improvement in patient outcomes with average healing rates having reduced from 20-40 weeks to 8-12 weeks. It is hoped that through the ongoing training programme, patients will get complete care closer to home and outcomes will continue to improve.

This is an important service for patients, allowing them to access evidence-based leg ulcer care in their community environment. The leg ulcer clinics have a direct referral pathway to vascular outpatients, if required. This results in more appropriate use of vascular OPD appointments, said Ms Meagher.

Ms Keane explained: This integration and expansion of our MidWest community leg ulcer clinics results from developing and fostering working relationships between the services. The leg ulcer service is very much patient-centred and the development of our service aims to improve clinical care and meet patient needs. Staff have a great passion for their work. Community nurses who completed the education and training programmes have developed a clinical skill and competency in leg ulcer management, directly impacting on service delivery.

Prof Colette Cowan, CEO, UL Hospitals Group said: This is another example of the strong working relationship between UL Hospitals and Mid West Community Healthcare. The Slaintecare Implementation Plan sets out the fact that Hospital Groups and Community Healthcare Organisations in Ireland are, for the most part, not geographically aligned and that this impedes the kind of integrated planning and care delivery envisaged by Slaintecare. We are fortunate in the MidWest that our acute and community services are geographically coterminous and we dont suffer from such impediments as much.

Patient-centred care involves breaking down that silo mentality that can operate within any large organisation. In the MidWest, we already do this. That is down to our people as much as any accident of geography and the teams behind the development of community leg ulcer clinics are tremendous examples of this. Other examples where we continue to make progress include the community intervention teams providing antibiotics and other basic care in a patients home or care facility; our recently established perinatal mental health service and the expansion of community midwifery.

Kate Duggan, Head of Primary Care, HSE Mid West Community Healthcare, commented: This integrated service is a significantly positive development in the delivery of high quality services in the community, as close to a patients home as possible. It is the initiative, commitment and professionalism of our nursing staff that has enabled the implementation of this service, and I know that patients and their families across the Mid-West will have a positive experience of this service.

Clinic locations at your local Health Centre by the Public Health Nurse are as follows: Newcastle West; Thurles; Kings Island; Roxtown; Ennis; Shannon; Ennistymon; Scarriff; Barrack View; Nenagh; Kilmallock; Kilrush; Milford; Newport, Roscrea and Borrisokane.
[October 01, 2018] Edgecore Networks Introduces Open Networking for Cell Sites and 5G

OCP (News - Alert) Regional Summit - Edgecore Networks, the leader in open networking, today announced the availability of its AS7316-26XB gateway, the industry's first open disaggregated cell site gateway, that will enable service providers to deploy 4G and 5G wireless services with the economies of disaggregated open network technology. The cell site gateway is a completely open hardware design with Edgecore having contributed its design to the Open Compute Project (OCP) in conformance to the "Cell Site Gateway (News - Alert) Router" specification which AT&T has contributed to the OCP Telco Project. "Edgecore has been expanding our leadership work in OCP networking from the data center to service provider networks with previous design contributions of leaf/spine switches and disaggregated OLTs for broadband access infrastructures, in addition to our work in the TIP and ONF communities on reference designs for access and optical networking use cases," said George Tchaparian, CEO, Edgecore Networks. "The introduction of the fully open Edgecore AS7316-26XB cell site gateway will extend open networking into cell site deployments, lowering cost and enabling increased software control from open platforms, to meet the increasing bandwidth and service demands that providers face in their mobile networks today and in their upcoming 5G rollouts." The AS7316-26XB gateway is designed for outside plant and cell site deployment, supporting 4G and 5G base stations with full IEEE (News - Alert) 1588 timing and GPS functions, and providing backhaul uplinks at 25GbE or 100GbE. As with all Edgecore open network switches, the cell site gateway will provide network operators with open source software options including ONIE, Open Network Linux, the Open Optical Monitoring (OOM) API, the Redfish hardware management API, and SONiC. The Edgecore cell site gateway will be compatible with commercial NOS and SDN software options, including from IP Infusion (News - Alert) and Metaswitch. Features and Availability Edgecore has contributed to OCP the detailed specification and design package for the AS7316-26XB gateway, which provides 2 x 100GbE QSFP28 ports, 8 x 25GbE SFP28 ports, and 16 x 10GbE/1GbE SFP+ ports in a 1U enclosure designed for deployment in outside plant cabinets and meeting NEBS 3 requirements. The AS7316-26XB gateway incorporates the Broadcom StrataDNX Qumran-AX switch silicon, deep packet buffer memory, and an Intel Xeon Processor D control plane processor. The AS7316-26XB cell site gateway router is available now. Edgecore will be exhibiting the AS7316-26XB gateway, in addition to other open network products for data center and service provider networks, at the OCP Regional Summit in Amsterdam on Oct 1-2, the SDN NFV World ongress in The Hague on Oct 9-11, the TIP Summit in London on Oct 16-17, and the Broadband World Forum in Berlin on Oct 23-25.



Supporting Quotes "Edgecore has made important contributions to the OCP Networking Project, ranging from the first network design accepted by the project five years ago to its contribution of the first open 400G design earlier this year. We welcome Edgecore's new design contribution of the cell site gateway router, which demonstrates the increasingly productive work and true collaboration in the Telco Project with AT&T (News - Alert) and the entire OCP community."

Bill Carter, CTO, OCP Foundation

"As the ONF leads the development of open source solutions for service providers, we include open hardware designs such as those introduced through OCP into our Reference Designs. The ONF welcomes Edgecore's contribution of the open cell site gateway to OCP, as a potential platform for advancing our work in M-CORD and the wireless network challenges of our service provider partners."

Guru Parulkar, Executive Director, Open Networking Foundation and Stanford Platform Lab "Broadcom devices form the heart of OCP switch designs for data center and service provider applications, including many leading platforms from Edgecore. We are pleased to see Edgecore introduce open designs for cell site gateways featuring Broadcom Qumran-AX switch silicon from our StrataDNX series, the only merchant silicon optimized for service provider use cases."

Wei-Ai Tai, Director of Business Development, Broadcom "IP Infusion is working with Edgecore to support the open cell site gateway router as we see growing demands for capacity expansion from Telcos at the edge of the network. IP Infusion's OcNOS service provider release on Broadcom Qumran-AX will support the complete set of features required to meet the edge aggregation services. We believe this will accelerate the migration to 5G services to meet the scale and cost points required for enabling new applications such as IoT and edge data centers."

Atsushi Ogata, President and CEO, IP Infusion "KGPCo is a System Integrator who has extensive experience in OSP and Cell Site deployments. KGPCo values close collaboration with leading technology ecosystem partners, Edgecore Networks being a key partner. It is critical for us to deliver deployable solutions to our mutual customers and Edgecore's solutions drive simplicity for disaggregated technology to be deployed at the network edge. With the advent of 5G on the horizon, Edgecore provides exceptional port density and capacity, combined with leading solutions from both Intel and Broadcom, delivered in a package that meets NEBS compliance standards. This will provide a technology advantage to cloud customers in support of the growing requirements at the edge."

Joe Baeumel, VP of Partner Strategy & Business Development, KPGCo "Service Providers are eager to reap the benefits of disaggregated open networking, just as the data center players have done over the last several years. Given our long-standing deployment history in carrier networks, Metaswitch is excited to collaborate with Edgecore, a true pioneer in this space, to deliver these benefits in cell site gateway router applications."

Jon Berger, VP Networking Software, Metaswitch Networks "Edgecore's delivery of the AS7316-26XB cell site gateway router offers service providers a cost-effective, open networking hardware platform on which they can install a variety of Network Operating Systems (NOSs) to deploy backhaul services. This gives service providers increased software control of their fixed wireless and mobile networks as they deploy new 5G services."

Joe Wojtal, VP Open Systems and Solutions, World Wide Technology (WWT) About Edgecore Networks Edgecore Networks Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Accton Technology Corporation, the leading network ODM. Edgecore Networks delivers wired and wireless networking products and solutions through channel partners and system integrators worldwide for the Data Center, Service Provider, Enterprise and SMB customers. Edgecore Networks is the leader in open networking providing a full line of open WiFi access points, packet transponders, virtual PON OLTs, cell site gateways, and 1G, 10G, 25G, 40G, 100G and 400G OCP-Accepted switches that offer choice of commercial and open source NOS and SDN software. For more information, visit www.edge-core.com. All trademarks, service marks, registered marks, or registered service marks are the property of their respective owners.  2018 Edgecore Networks. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. Edgecore Networks shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180930005051/en/

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[October 01, 2018] Zecotek Commences Manufacture of Solid-state Photo Diodes and Transistors and Targets Emerging Industries of Self-Driving Autos, Agriculture and Genomics

VANCOUVER, Oct. 1, 2018 /CNW/ - Zecotek Photonics Inc. ("Zecotek" or the "Company") (TSX-V: ZMS) (Frankfurt: W1I), a developer of leading-edge photonics technologies for healthcare, industrial and scientific markets, is pleased to announce that it has initiated the manufacturing of its new generation series of solid-state micro-pixel avalanche photo diodes and transistors (MAPD/T) at the Malaysian Institute of Microelectronics Systems. A portion of the funds raised in the divisional equity financing announced in June 2018 have been allocated to the manufacturing of the new generation series of solid-state MAPD/T. The Company will move to full production and commercialization to meet the increasing demand for medical imaging, high-energy physics and other industrial applications including an expected increase in joint sale with the LFS scintillation crystal for advanced positron emission tomography (PET) medical scanners. "We are very pleased to have the Malaysian Institute of Microelectronic Systems begin the production of our patented high dynamic range photo detectors," said Dr. A.F. Zerrouk, Chairman, President, and CEO of Zecotek Photonics Inc. "This is the first phase to the commercialization of the new generation series of solid-state MAPD/T before moving to full production and commercialization. We are experiencing increased demand from medical imaging, high energy physics and other industrial sectors for applications such as LIDAR for electric and self driven vehicles, due to the significant performance advantages of our MAPD/T." Zecotek's patented series of solid-state MAPD/T have been modified to improve performance parameters and reduce the cost of manufacture, and now offer significant performance-cost advantages over competing photomultiplier tubes (PMT) and other solid-state, silicon-based photo detectors known as SiPM. Recent changes have reduced the manufacturing cost and improved timing resolution and photon detection efficiency - key characteristics for the new configurations of high resolution PET medical scanners. The solid-state MAPD/T also offer superior recovery time, unique radiation hardness and display of the highest possible linearity, making them prime components for the improved detector designs required in high energy experiments at the Chinese Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP) and CERN. Also reported, as part of the recently announced strategic review undertaken by the board of directors nd senior management of the Company, each subsidiary of the Company has been tasked to enhance their intellectual property portfolio to target those markets with immediate needs in fast growing industries. This review has identified new and exciting applications for the solid-state MAPD/T in emerging industries such as self-driving automobiles, agriculture and genomics.



Autonomous Automobiles Self-driving cars rely on light detection and ranging (LIDAR) units composed of photosensors. Zecotek's solid-state MAPT photosensors have extremely high resolution with single photon detection, making it an obvious component in the new LIDAR configurations. Zecotek AutoTronics is developing a proprietary LIDAR unit.

Agriculture In agriculture, quality control of micro-active elements is key to maintaining the level of potency and nutritional content as advertised and advised for consumption. Zecotek's high-resolution MAPT photosensors combined with other proprietary photonic technologies can play a central role in measurement devices that define and measure the efficacy of extraction of useful elements from various plants, vegetables and fruits. Genomics The interdisciplinary field of science focusing on the structure, function, evolution, mapping, and editing of genomes, has been identified by Zecotek Imaging System as an opportune and ready market. Genomics evolved from a series of experimental and conceptual advances that allowed researchers to decipher the DNA sequences of whole genomes from virtually any organism and Zecotek's MAPD/T are components that can play a significant role in this important field. About Malaysian Institute of Microelectronic Systems MIMOS is Malaysia's premier Applied Research and Development Centre in Information and Communications Technology, Industrial Electronics Technology and Nano-Semiconductor Technology. As a strategic agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), MIMOS contributes to raising Malaysia's competitiveness by pioneering market creation for Malaysian technopreneurs through patentable technology platforms, products and solutions. Over the past 12 years, MIMOS has filed more than 2,000 Intellectual Properties in various technology domains and across key socio-economic areas. Serving a central role in Malaysia's transformation journey and ICT Vision, MIMOS endeavors to create a culture of innovation by nurturing relationships with internal and external stakeholders, in the spirit of smart partnerships and inclusive growth models and strategies. About Zecotek Zecotek Photonics Inc (TSX-V: ZMS) (Frankfurt: W1I) (OTCPK: ZMSPF) is a photonics technology company developing high-performance scintillation crystals, photo detectors, positron emission tomography scanning technologies, 3D auto-stereoscopic displays, 3D metal printing, and lasers for applications in medical, high-tech and industrial sectors. Founded in 2004, Zecotek operates three divisions: Imaging Systems, Optronics Systems and 3D Display Systems with labs located in Canada, Korea, Russia, Singapore and U.S.A. The management team is focused on building shareholder value by commercializing over 50 patented and patent pending novel photonic technologies directly and through strategic alliances with Hamamatsu Photonics (Japan), the European Organization for Nuclear Research (Switzerland), Shanghai EBO Optoelectronics Technology Co. (China), NuCare Medical Systems (South Korea), the University of Washington (United States), and National NanoFab Center (South Korea). For more information visit http://www.zecotek.com and follow @zecotek on Twitter. This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are based on management's expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual future results and trends may differ materially from what may have been stated. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. If you would like to receive news from Zecotek in the future please visit the corporate website at http://www.zecotek.com SOURCE Zecotek Photonics Inc

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[October 01, 2018] Hannover Re US and Life By Spot Develop a New Market Category in Life Insurance

Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America "Hannover Re US", a member of Hannover Re Group, and Life By Spot, a direct-to-consumer life start-up, join forces to create an entirely new way for adventure-loving consumers to insure their lives during the moments they need it the most. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181001005289/en/ For the first time in the US market, consumers will have the ability to purchase short-duration event-based life insurance policies, ranging from 24-hours to 30-days, through Spot's simple platform. The affordable coverage enables people to pursue their passions while alleviating the fear that exists during times when they are inherently more at risk. The announcement directly precedes the world's largest insuretech event, InsureTech Connect 2018, marking the one-year anniversary of the companies' initial discussions. "In an age where adventure is everything, we set out to redefine the insurance market, giving people the opportunity to have the peace of mind to live life to the fullest," said Matt Randall, Co-Founder and CEO of Life By Spot. "We tapped Hannover Re to be our key partner for its years of industry expertise and forward-thinking approach to insuretech. Working with Hannover Re has propelled us forward to introduce short-term policies as 'the new normal' in insurance," said Maria Miller, Co-Founder and COO of Life By Spot. "The collaboration with Life By Spot was a natural fit for our Partnership Solutions group," said Tony Laudato, Vice President of Patnership Solutions, Hannover Re US. "We pride ourselves on selecting partners that have a strong, clear plan for the future of the insurance industry and that support our core tenets of agile underwriting, improved risk selection and an overall better consumer experience."



Life By Spot plans for a national rollout in 2019. To learn more, contact Adrienne Oujezdsky (Adrienne@LifeBySpot.com) or Sevilla Dees (Sevilla.dees@hlramerica.com).

About Hannover Re US Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America (Hannover Re US), which is licensed and/or accredited in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, is the North American life and health reinsurance subsidiary of the Hannover Re Group. Hannover Re, with gross premium of EUR 17.8 billion, is the fourth-largest reinsurer in the world. It transacts all lines of property & casualty and life & health reinsurance and is present on all continents with around 3,300 staff and a network of more than 140 subsidiaries, branches and representative offices. The rating agencies most relevant to the insurance industry have awarded Hannover Re very strong insurer financial strength ratings (Standard & Poor's AA- "Very Strong" and A.M. Best A+ "Superior"). For more information, visit www.hannover-re.com. About Life By Spot Spot is an ambitious startup opening an entirely new channel of distribution and targeting a demographic, which to date, has been untouchable by traditional incumbents. On average, Americans under the age of 45 account for less than 5% of the total population with life insurance. That's because life insurance wasn't created for the actual wants and fears of the people Spot aims to serve, and wasn't designed for today's adventurous lifestyle. Spot is the industry solution to today's complicated, confusing, and expensive process to acquire life insurance. For the first time, consumers will have the ability to purchase short term policies, ranging from 24-hours to 30-days, for a nominal fee through Spot's simple platform, against a wide range of activities that people want to experience, responsibly. Led by a team of life insurance veterans and experienced tech entrepreneurs, Spot will alleviate any worry, allowing policyholders to live, love and celebrate life to the fullest. www.lifebyspot.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181001005289/en/

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[October 01, 2018] Maxar's SSL Selected by NASA to Develop Critical Technologies for On-Orbit Servicing and Space Exploration

As a trusted partner to NASA, SSL will enhance its leading solar electric propulsion capability, advance reliable in-orbit fuel transfer PALO ALTO, CA, Oct. 1, 2018 /CNW/ - SSL, a Maxar Technologies company (formerly MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.) (NYSE: MAXR) (TSX: MAXR), and a leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, announced today it was selected by NASA for two separate public-private partnerships to develop two vital "Tipping Point" spacecraft technologies. NASA's Tipping Point awards are designed to foster the development of commercial space capabilities and benefit future NASA missions. A technology is considered by NASA to be at a tipping point if an investment in a demonstration is likely to result in a high likelihood of infusion into a commercial space application, and significant improvement in the ability to successfully bring the technology to market. The company will collaborate with NASA on developments to accelerate innovation for the new space economy and for future exploration missions. The two technologies aim to expand the capabilities and resiliency of spacecraft through in-orbit refueling for electric propulsion and enabling space transportation with highly efficient, high-power solar electric propulsion. These innovations demonstrate SSL's ongoing commitment to, and expanding role in, the development of next-generation space infrastructure. In-Space Xenon Transfer for Satellite, Servicing and Exploration Vehicle Replenishment and Life Extension will unlock new possibilities for on-orbit servicing and refueling by demonstrating that fuel transfer can be performed reliably in space.





High Efficiency 6kW Dual Mode Electric Propulsion Engine for Broad Mission Applications technology will leverage SSL's long history of innovation in electric propulsion to develop a highly flexible, dual-mode power processing unit capable of providing variable voltage, increasing overall mission efficiency and providing greater power, flexibility, and velocity for future missions. "SSL is a leader in electric propulsion and robotics for space missions and is uniquely positioned to help U.S. government agencies achieve their goals with confidence," said Richard White, president of SSL Government Systems. "Powerful and cost-effective propulsion systems and reuse of assets already on-orbit will ultimately help build a better world and propel humanity's exploration of space." As a pioneer in the field of electric propulsion, SSL's extensive experience includes 100,000 hours of active electric propulsion thruster operation across more than 30 spacecraft currently in orbit. Also an industry pioneer in space robotics, the company provided all five robotic arms for the Mars rovers and landers, including the arm currently headed to Mars on the InSight Lander. The company is also leveraging this unrivaled heritage to build robotics for NASA's Restore-L satellite refueling mission in low Earth orbit, support DARPA's RSGS satellite servcing mission in geosynchronous orbit and demonstrate concepts for in-orbit habitat assembly through NASA's NextSTEP program.



SSL has a long, proud history of collaborating with NASA to accelerate technologies for its next-generation mission needs, and it is partnered with the agency on another Tipping Point mission called Dragonfly, enabling innovative on-orbit robotic satellite assembly. SSL also completed a study for NASA for a module that will provide high-power electric propulsion and control for the agency's Lunar Orbital Gateway concept. About SSL

SSL, based in Palo Alto, California, is a leading provider of advanced spacecraft systems, with broad expertise to support commercial and government satellite operators and innovative space missions. The company designs and manufactures spacecraft for services such as direct-to-home television, video content distribution, broadband internet, mobile communications, in-orbit servicing, space exploration, and Earth observation. As a Silicon Valley innovator for 60 years, SSL's advanced product line includes state-of-the-art small satellites, and sophisticated robotics and autonomous solutions for remote operations. SSL is a Maxar Technologies company (NYSE: MAXR) (TSX: MAXR). For more information, visit www.sslmda.com.

About Maxar Technologies

As a global leader of advanced space technology solutions, Maxar Technologies (formerly MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates) is at the nexus of the new space economy, developing and sustaining the infrastructure and delivering the information, services, systems that unlock the promise of space for commercial and government markets. As a trusted partner, Maxar Technologies provides vertically integrated capabilities and expertise including satellites, Earth imagery, robotics, geospatial data and analytics to help customers anticipate and address their most complex mission-critical challenges with confidence. With more than 6,500 employees in over 30 global locations, the Maxar Technologies portfolio of commercial space brands includes MDA, SSL, DigitalGlobe and Radiant Solutions. Every day, billions of people rely on Maxar to communicate, share information and data, and deliver insights that Build a Better World. Maxar trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange as MAXR. For more information, visit www.maxar.com. Contact Wendy Lewis | SSL Media Contact | 1-650-852-5188 | wendy.lewis@sslmda.com

Jason Gursky | Maxar Investor Relations | 1-303-684-2207 | jason.gursky@maxar.com

Nancy Coleman | Maxar Media Contact | 1-303-684-1674 | nancy.coleman@maxar.com Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements and other information included in this release constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") under applicable securities laws. Statements including words such as "may", "will", "could", "should", "would", "plan", "potential", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate" or "expect" and other words, terms and phrases of similar meaning are often intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements involve estimates, expectations, projections, goals, forecasts, assumptions, risks and uncertainties, as well as other statements referring to or including forward-looking information included in this release. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed in this release. As a result, although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. The risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, the risk factors and other disclosures about the Company and its business included in the Company's continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time with Canadian and U.S. securities regulatory authorities, which are available online under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com, under the Company's EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov or on the Company's website at www.maxar.com. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. All such forward-looking statements are based upon data available as of the date of this release or other specified date and speak only as of such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this release as a result of new information or future events, except as may be required under applicable securities legislation. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/maxars-ssl-selected-by-nasa-to-develop-critical-technologies-for-on-orbit-servicing-and-space-exploration-300721564.html SOURCE Maxar Technologies Ltd.

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[October 01, 2018] Artprice Presents Its 2018 Contemporary Art Market Report Ahead of the Frieze and the FIAC: Plus 1,744% Turnover Growth in 18 Years - an 8.1% Annual Yield - and a Full Market Now Active on Five Continents

PARIS, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Artprice, founded and presided by thierry Ehrmann, achieves in close collaboration with its Chinese institutional partner the group Artron/AMMA (Art Market Monitor of Artron) founded and presided by WAN Jie, its 21st report. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/644091/Artprice_Logo.jpg )

The almost parallel increases over the 12 months to June 2018 in the Contemporary Art Market's three main indicators (+19% global turnover, +17% lots sold and +18% in the segment's price index) suggests a very rapid and balanced growth of Contemporary Art sales worldwide. The average annual financial return, currently +8.1% on Contemporary works, looks very attractive indeed in the context of negative or near-zero rates that erode cash savings. The Artprice Contemporary Art Market Report 2018, an indispensable tool for anyone attending the big autumn fairs, particularly the Frieze and the Fiac, is available free of charge at the following address: https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-contemporary-art-market-report-2018 N.B. for the purposes of our report Contemporary Art = works created by artists born after 1945 Fine Art = painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, videos, prints, installations Period analysed: 1 July 2017 - 30 June 2018 The 66,850 transactions hammered over the 12-month period reflect a market of unprecedented intensity. Since 2000/2001, the number of transactions has multiplied 5.5 times. Over the same period, global turnover has risen + 1,744% from $103 million to $1.9 billion. The average price of a Contemporary work has risen from $8,400 at the turn of the 21st century to $28,000 today. Moreover, today's Contemporary Art Market offers unprecedented diversity: 20,335 artists born after 1945 recorded at least one auction result over the 12 month period, nearly five times more than in 2000/2001 (4,100 Contemporary artists). According to thierry Ehrmann, Artprice's founder and CEO, "We have had a period of restructuring that lasted roughly three years; but the Contemporary Art Market is now back on a much stronger footing. Although prices are indeed rising again, there is a much broader supply that allows a better selection of works and the perfectly stable unsold rate, at 39%, guarantees a balanced market." The United Kingdom ($545 million) and mainland China ($298 million) both posted excellent turnover totals, up 55% and 15% respectively. On the other hand, the USA posted a 13% contraction versus the year-earlier period that was boosted by the exceptional record of $110.5 million for Jean-Michel Basquiat's Untitled (1984). London, New York, Beijing and Hong Kong alone account for 82% of global auction sales of Contemporary Art, from just 17% of the global lots sold. The French market posted a remarkable performance with sales of Contemporary Art up 81% during the 12-month period to $71 million. In the rest of Europe, Germany (+40%), Italy (+31%) and Belgium (+27%) consolidated their 5th, 7th and 10th places respectively o the global Contemporary Art Market. Elsewhere, several countries contributed to the market's growth around the globe: Japan (+22%), Australia (+15%), South Korea (+15%), South Africa (+25%).



Key figures: Global turnover was up 19% to $1.9 billion The number of lots sold rose by 17%, with 66,850 auction results The global unsold rate remained stable at 39% The Contemporary Art Price Index posted an increase of 18.5% Since 2000/2001, global turnover has risen 1,744%, from $103 million to $1.9 billion Since 2000/2001, the lots sold total has multiplied 5.5x from 12,300 to 66,850 Contemporary Art auction results were recorded in 59 countries last year New York , London , Beijing and Hong Kong accounted for 82% of turnover, on 17% of global lots sold Greater China ( Hong Kong and Taiwan included) generated $480m , i.e. 26% of the global market Europe had an exceptional year: France +81%, Germany +40%, Italy +31%

1. General synopsis. Contemporary Art's market performance

2. Artists' prices 3. Africa and its diasporas 4. In the news Top 100 Contemporary works sold at auction (July 2017 - June 2018) Top 500 Contemporary artists by auction turnover (July 2017 - June 2018) Contemporary Art (12% of the global Art Market compared with just 2.8% in 2000) cannot be measured using the same yardstick we use for Impressionist or Modern Art. Over the same period, its auction turnover has increased +1,744% from $103 million to $1.9 billion. The popularity and prices indices of a Contemporary artist are highly sensitive to a range of different factors, constantly subject to the influence of events and "art news" in general. In order to study this reality, Artprice - the world leader in art market information - has developed a new method of analysis and a range of decision support tools in collaboration with its econometrists, its editorial team and it art historians. The result is a methodology that provides optimum insight into the market's price developments. According to thierry Ehrmann, "The myth of the wretched artist is no longer relevant to the modern era and the old notion that the only good artist is a dead artist has been consigned to oblivion." "This 2018 Contemporary Art Market Report (its 21st since 1997) goes straight to the heart of this fascinating issue... the role of artists in the modern era. I believe we can safely agree with the poetic understanding of this role enunciated by the philosopher Giorgio Agamben: that a Contemporary (artist) is he who firmly holds his gaze on his own time so as to perceive not its light, but rather its darkness a role that is being revived from a long slumber." "In a standardised and globalised world, the Contemporary artist brings us that extra soul which we are constantly in need of." About Artprice: Artprice is listed on the Eurolist by Euronext Paris, SRD long only and Euroclear: 7478 - Bloomberg: PRC - Reuters: ARTF. Dicover Artprice in video: https://www.artprice.com/video Artprice is the global leader in art price and art index databanks. It has over 30 million indices and auction results covering more than 700,000 artists. Artprice Images(R) gives unlimited access to the largest Art Market resource in the world: a library of 126 million images or prints of artworks from the year 1700 to the present day, along with comments by Artprice's art historians. Artprice permanently enriches its databanks with information from 6,300 auctioneers and it publishes a constant flow of art market trends for the world's principal news agencies and approximately 7,200 international press publications. For its 4,500,000 members, Artprice gives access to the world's leading Standardised Marketplace for buying and selling art. Artprice is preparing its blockchain for the Art Market. It is BPI-labelled (scientific national French label)Artprice's Global Art Market Annual Report for 2017 published last March 2018: https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-art-market-in-2017 Artprice's Contemporary Art Market Annual Report for 2017 - free access at: https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-contemporary-art-market-report-2017 Artprice's press releases: http://serveur.serveur.com/Press_Release/pressreleaseen.htm https://twitter.com/artpricedotcom Artmarket News: https://twitter.com/artpricedotcom & https://twitter.com/artmarketdotcom https://www.facebook.com/artpricedotcom & https://plus.google.com/+artpricedotcom/posts http://artmarketinsight.wordpress.com/ Discover the Alchemy and the universe of Artprice http://web.artprice.com/video, which headquarters are the famous Museum of Contemporary Art, the Abode of Chaos: http://goo.gl/zJssd https://vimeo.com/124643720 The Contemporary Art Museum The Abode of Chaos on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/la.demeure.du.chaos.theabodeofchaos999 SOURCE Artprice.com

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[October 01, 2018] Alignment Healthcare Launches Industry-First "Access On-Demand Concierge" Program to Make Health Care Simpler and Accessible 24/7 for Seniors at No Added Cost

Alignment Healthcare, a Southern Calif.-based health care company offering Medicare Advantage (MA) insurance coverage for seniors, today announced the launch of ACCESS On-Demand Concierge, a first-of-its-kind program providing a personalized and real-time health care experience exclusive to Alignment Health Plan members, starting Jan. 1, 2019. Under the new program, a dedicated concierge team will support each member on a range of services, from answering a quick benefits question to connecting them to a physician via phone call or app in middle-of-the-night or weekend - all in real time. Medicare-eligible beneficiaries in Los Angeles, Orange (News - Alert) , Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Joaquin, Santa Clara and Stanislaus counties will be able to enroll in a 2019 Alignment Health Plan during Medicare's annual election period, Oct. 15-Dec. 7. "Today's seniors need - and deserve - a simplified process, with coordinated care that addresses their ever-evolving health issues," explained John Kao, CEO of Alignment Healthcare, which owns and operates Alignment Health Plan. "Our concierge team will coordinate member care 24/7 by scheduling doctor's visits, dental or eye exams; answering any benefits questions; providing immediate access to a clinician; or arranging medical appointment transportation and assisting with post-discharge home meal delivery, among other services. That way, seniors have immediate and easy access to quality care for their wide-ranging needs, providing peace of mind, simplicity and a greater overall health care experience with better clinical outcomes. We're proud to be the first to provide this level of coordinated and personalized care." With ACCESS, members receive three core benefits, any time of day, seven days a week: Easy access to a licensed, board-certified physician by phone or video call, A dedicated concierge team to help patients make appointments, scheduletransportation, determine benefits, arrange in-home meal delivery upon discharge from a hospital, and more; and Information about their benefits via phone, online member portal, or mobile app.



Alignment Healthcare also leverages technology and predictive analytics to proactively flag possible health issues relevant to each specific patient, thereby improving both quality of life and clinical outcomes for its members. Powered by the company's proprietary command center, the company monitors for and notifies members of changes, from a dramatic drop in weight to a missed prescription refill. With the help of data science, issues often faced by patients with similar health histories can also help predict potential problems before they happen, which is especially important for members who have one or more chronic diseases.

For more information, visit alignmenthealthcare.com and to find out more about its health plans, go to alignmenthealthplan.com. ABOUT ALIGNMENT HEALTHCARE Alignment Healthcare has created a new model for health care delivery that cuts costs and improves lives by unraveling the inefficiencies of the current system to drive patients, providers and payers toward a common goal of wellness. Harnessing best practices from Medicare Advantage, the company's innovative data-management technology allows it to commit to caring for seniors exclusively, with special emphasis on treating the chronically ill and frail. With offices and care centers across the country, Alignment Healthcare provides partners and patients with customized care and service where they need it and when they need it, including clinical coordination, risk management and technology facilitation. Alignment Healthcare offers HMO plan options to California residents through Alignment Health Plan, and partners with select health plans in North Carolina and Florida to help deliver better benefits at lower costs. For more information, visit alignmenthealthcare.com. H3815_19106EN_M View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181001005204/en/

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[October 01, 2018] WidePoint Awarded $1.67 Million Contract for Mobile Communications Management Services by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

MCLEAN, Va., Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- WidePoint Corporation (NYSE American: WYY), provider of Trusted Mobility Management (TM2) specializing in Telecommunications Lifecycle Management, Identity Management and Bill Presentment & Analytics solutions, was awarded a new contract from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to deliver enterprise-wide wireless Mobile Communications Management Services. Valued at more than $1.67 million, the new contract award has a performance period of five years, commencing September 30, 2018, and consists of a base year plus four option years. "WidePoint has provided mobile telecommunications expense management/mobile lifecycle services to the CDC since 2006, and we are honored to continue our work under this new award," stated Jin Kang, Chief Executive Officer of WidePoint Corporation. Todd Dzyak, President and CEO of WidePoint Integrated Solutions Corporation and WidePoint Solutions Corporation, commented: "Our technology has helped streamline and improve the management of mobile assets and services across the CDC's organizatin. Through this new contract, WidePoint will continue to provide complete outsourcing and management of CDC's mobile communication services across multiple providers."



The CDC Mobile Communications Management solution encompasses: Mobile Service

Inventory and Invoice Management

Ordering and Procurement Management

Rate Plan Optimization

Management Reporting

Billing Consolidation and Auditing

Contract Optimization

Mobile Device Management

Dispute Recovery Services Kang added: "The CDC team has been recognized and honored as a leading agency for how federal government agencies are utilizing General Services Administration contracts and innovative mobile management solutions to consolidate services and to realize millions of dollars in cost savings. We are excited to work with the CDC to expand the impact of our work and the adoption of other WidePoint Trusted Mobility Management solutions."

About WidePoint

WidePoint Corporation (NYSE American: WYY) is a leading provider of technology-based management solutions including telecom management, mobile management, access management and identity management. For more information, visit widepoint.com . For More Information:

Matt Glover and Tom Colton

Liolios | Investor Relations

(949) 574-3860

WYY@liolios.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/widepoint-awarded-1-67-million-contract-for-mobile-communications-management-services-by-the-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-300721255.html SOURCE WidePoint Corporation

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Market Research Firm: Software AG a "Strong Performer" in IIoT

Software AG (Frankfurt TecDAX: SOW) today revealed its positioning as a "strong performer" with the highest current offering score among other strong performers in a 24-criteria evaluation of Cumulocity IoT (Internet of things) in The Forrester WaveTM: Industrial IoT Software Platforms, Q3 2018.

In this report of the '15 providers that matter most,' Forrester (News - Alert) defines industrial IoT as "software solutions that connect to and manage smart devices and infrastructure in industrial and manufacturing environments to integrate operational data and control into business processes."

Software AG's Cumulocity IoT is an open and independent, device-agnostic platform supporting more than 150 pre-integrated devices and 300+ industrial protocols. This ensures secure connectivity to any 'thing' can be achieved quickly and easily. Cumulocity IoT operates across the cloud, on premises and at the edge, and provides enterprises and service providers with total freedom and choice in designing, building, deploying and evolving their IoT distributed deployments seamlessly across any network.

Bernd Gross, senior vice president, IoT and Cloud, Software AG, said: "We are delighted to be recognized by Forrester as a 'Strong Performer' with the highest current offering score among other strong performers. Cumulocity IoT is unique in that it provides enterprises with comprehensive integration capabilities that provide short-term co-existence with legacy process components (including operational historians) along with leading edge IoT data processing capabilities. Additionally, we offer multiple edge computing deployment options, which enable semi- or fully-autonomous operation at, or within, critical industrial processes."

Using Cumulocity IoT, enterprises can very quickly start with limited-scale, cloud-based IoT projects and, as their sophistication grows, be confident to build an IoT platform and IoT services that can grow effortlessly with them. Additionally, its containerized feature deployment simplifies the management of the overall IIoT platform and regulates its evolution, thus reducing both the cost and risk of the first deployment and every ongoing change.

Bernd Gross noted: "Because of the open and secure architecture of the Cumulocity IoT platform, a vast ecosystem of third-party products and services are available without the risk of 'vendor lock-in.' Thus, businesses can develop and implement IoT services at their own pace and at the optimal balance between risk and ambition."

In this Forrester report, Principal Analyst Michele Pelino and Senior Analyst Paul Miller noted that "it offers some of the richest wireless connectivity, industry-specific interface support and edge connectivity of the solutions [Forrester] evaluated."







Bernd Gross added: "Cumulocity IoT is used by many leading technology companies such as Gardner Denver, STW (Sensor-Technik Wiedemann), NTT (News - Alert) Communication, Reliance Group, Trakerando and many more. In fact, Cumulocity IoT has accelerated the pace of innovation for these companies and given them a lead in their respective industries with their IoT-powered propositions."

Most significantly, Cumulocity IoT's multi-tenancy securely segments customer data and fully enables businesses to offer services through B2B2X business models. Many such businesses are Software AG's telecom customers such as Deutsche Telekom, Telefonica, Ooredoo and POST Luxembourg, who are developing their own IoT services and marketing to their several thousands of customers.

Notably, it took POST Luxembourg less than six weeks to build a fully customized and secure IoT offering using Software AG's Cumulocity IoT. The Cumulocity-based solution enables the mail and telecommunications company to connect and register millions of devices quickly and securely. POST Luxembourg's Smart City IoT offering can connect all parts of a city or enterprise property, providing the ability to monitor what and where anything is happening - which makes it more secure and potentially more energy efficient.

Cumulocity IoT is an IoT-as-a-Service solution that includes enhanced high availability and multi-cluster deployment options. It incorporates several carrier-grade features, including code-free integration of devices supporting Low Power WAN (LPWAN) technologies used for long-term low bandwidth remote monitoring, Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), Lightweight M2M (LWM2M) and Long Range (LoRa). It includes fully flexible UI development allowing users to either customize the standard UI, enhance the standard UI with specific widgets or integrate the platform's services into their own (possibly legacy) UI dashboards.

The full report of The Forrester WaveTM: Industrial IoT Software Platforms, Q3 2018 can be downloaded here. A free trial of the Cumulocity IoT platform is available here.

About Software AG

Software AG (Frankfurt TecDAX: SOW) helps companies with their digital transformation. With Software AG's Digital Business Platform, companies can better interact with their customers and bring them on new 'digital' journeys, promote unique value propositions, and create new business opportunities. In the Internet of Things (IoT) market, Software AG enables enterprises to integrate, connect and manage IoT components as well as analyze data and predict future events based on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Digital Business Platform is built on decades of uncompromising software development, IT experience and technological leadership. Software AG has more than 4,500 employees, is active in 70 countries and had revenues of 879 million in 2017.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181001005165/en/
[October 01, 2018] ControlScan and P97 Networks Partner to Enhance Mobile Commerce Security for Fuel and In-Store Transactions

Fuel retailers gain more secure transactions than any other payment method



ATLANTA, Oct. 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ControlScan , a leader in managed security and compliance solutions that help secure networks and protect payment card data, is partnering with P97 Networks , the leader in cloud-based mobile commerce, in-vehicle payments and digital marketing solutions, to provide enhanced security controls for mobile payment services in the convenience, fuel retailer, quick-serve restaurant and related industries. Securing financial transactions is a primary focus for consumers, card issuers, merchants, oil & gas companies, and other value chain providers, says Margaret McDonnell, Vice President of Customer and Credit Card Services at Gulf Oil. We are proud to work with P97 Networks and ControlScan in delivering Gulf Pay to the marketplace in a safe and secure manner that protects consumers personal and financial data. The P97 PetroZone  platform connects merchants to their consumers by enabling payments and digital offer campaigns from any device or connected car. PetroZone provides merchants with mobile commerce capabilities that their prime buying demographics expect. By easing and securing the purchasing process, merchants benefit from increased sales, greater brand loyalty and lower operating costs. ControlScan delivers site-level security with the PaySafe UTM Firewall Service , a managed security solution that actively protects the IT network perimeter from malicious activity. The two integrated solutions are Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant. PetroZone is also Service Organization Control (SOC) 2 Type II compliant.



ControlScan and P97 monitor their systems in real-time, 24/7/365, and ControlScan-provisioned, LTE cell backup connectivity ensures payments continue to runeven when the Internet does notkeeping all mobile services connected to the cloud where above-site payments process. Additionally, ControlScan accelerates mobile payment deployment at managed sites, making the process seamless and efficient. The ControlScan-P97 partnership adds an important security component to todays integrated business operations including mobile payment acceptance and customer loyalty programs, Mark Carl, CEO, ControlScan said. Together, we provide easily implemented, cost-effective solutions that increase revenue while ensuring that customer data remains secure.

P97 PetroZone employs a highly secure, defense-in-depth strategy that protects payment transactions and data, Don Frieden, founder and CEO, P97 Networks said. Our platform addresses vulnerabilities that expose traditional payment methods to card skimming and other forms of fraud. ControlScan is an integral part of our overall security strategy, and we are proud to partner with them in the market. For more information on ControlScan managed security and compliance services, please visit ControlScan.com . For more information on P97 mobile commerce, please visit P97.com . Both companies can also be seen at NACS Show 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 8-10 (ControlScan in booth 6372 and P97 in booth 6322). About ControlScan

ControlScan managed security and compliance solutions help secure networks and protect payment card data. Our elite cybersecurity professionals leverage best-in-class security technologies to support thousands of businesses with a single goal: To stop cyber criminals in their tracks. As both a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) and an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV), we also deliver a full suite of Payment Card Industry (PCI) services, including strategic PCI compliance programs that help processors, acquirers, ISOs and payment facilitators manage cyber risk and strengthen merchant relationships. For more information about our company and its solutions, please visit ControlScan.com. About P97 Networks

P97 Networks provides secure, cloud-based mobile commerce, in-vehicle payments, and digital marketing solutions for the convenience retail, fuel, and vehicle manufacturing industries under the brand name PetroZone. P97s mCommerce solutions enhance the ability to attract and retain customers by securely connecting millions of individual mobile phones and connected cars with merchants using identity, geolocation-based software that creates a unique mobile consumer experience. For more information follow us on Twitter @p97networks or visit www.p97.com . Contact: Stacey Holleran Director, Corporate Communications 678-279-2645 sholleran@controlscan.com

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[October 01, 2018] Insurity Demonstrates Cloud Leadership in Insurance Technology by Surpassing 200 Implementations

Insurity, Inc., a provider of a leading insurance platform that includes policy, billing and claims solutions, data analytics and digital enablement, has surpassed 200 cloud implementations for P/C insurers ranging from Top 20 to small or regional mono-line insurance carriers. Cloud installations today now represent more than 50% of insurance core systems deployments, a growing trend that has been initiated and capitalized on by the company. "We recognize that the insurance industry is constantly evolving to meet the demands of an ever-shifting business environment," said Chris Giglio, CEO of Insurity. "We've grown organically and through acquisition, and believe this streamlined approach leaves us better positioned to create technology that truly simplifies the insurance marketplace." The Insurity platform enables insurers to rapidly deploy and easily extend applications, resulting in more accurate decision making to meet strategic business goals. Its cloud-architected nature, adaptive and intuitive user interface, and modular solutions are accessible through APIs from the most sources in the insurance industry. The company's solutions can be deployed out-of-the-box, or configured to meet the unique needs of each of its clients. "Cloud deployment and insurance platforms are enabling insurance carriers to be more agile, improving customer experiences while increasing the value that carriers can offer," said Karen Furtado, Partner at Strategy Meets Action. "Insurity's approach mirrors the demands of the market, and enables its customers to be more flexible in heir offerings to policyholders."



In addition to surpassing the milestone, the company has completed a strategic realignment that will bring clarity to the markets they serve, as well as how Insurity products are being integrated to provide seamless digital enablement. The Insurity name represents a singular mission to offer technology that simplifies the insurance experience and creates a unified approach across the company's solutions in underwriting, claims, policy admin, regulatory updates and analytics. "With our ONExperience approach, we can focus on creating speed to value, engaging with industry expertise and being a cloud technology leader," said Michele Shepard, CRO of Insurity. "Whether policy and claims solutions, data and analytics or digital enablement, Insurity has one purpose, and it is to offer insurance technology that allows our clients to meet their goals while offering a simplified experience."

New Insurity solutions include: Insurity Policy Solutions (Includes Billing, Reporting & SmartTools) Policy Decisions

Bridge Specialty

Workers' CompXPress Insurity Claims Solutions Claims Decisions

ClaimsXPress Insurity Integrated Suites (Includes Billing, Reporting & SmartTools) Decisions Suite & DecisionsXPress Suite

Bridge Specialty Suite & BridgeXPress Suite

Workers' CompXPress Suite

Oceanwide Marine Suite Insurity Data & Analytics Solutions DataHouse

DataHouseXPress

Valen Analytics InsureRight Platform

Valen Data Consortium Supported by the Insurity Platform: Insurity Digital Enablement Digital Services Platform

DigitalXPerience Studio We invite you to see why more than 250 leading insurers rely on Insurity to help them succeed in a rapidly changing marketplace, visit www.insurity.com About Insurity Insurity, Inc. offers innovative and flexible insurance technology that allows clients to meet their business goals and offer a simplified experience. With the market's most advanced cloud operations, Insurity's platform offers scalable, highly secure and reliable solutions that increase speed to value. Insurity's solutions and deep understanding of the insurance business address the needs of all carriers - from the Top 20 insurers to small or regional commercial, personal, or specialty lines writers, as well as MGAs. For more information, visit www.insurity.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181001005216/en/

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[October 01, 2018] Canada's Top Marketers Gather To Discuss Attribution & Marketing Impact

MONTREAL, Oct. 1, 2018 /CNW/ -- In a recent survey, more than half of marketers (58%) admitted their ability to measure and analyze marketing performance "needs improvement or worse," and 70% of those same marketers rank "proving impact" as their top priority for 2019. To offer steps to address this crisis, martech consulting firm Perkuto and marketing automation platform provider Marketo have partnered to present a new series, the Marketing Impact Talks. The four-city Canadian tour will launch on October 11, 2018 and will feature speakers, roundtable discussions and a networking happy hour at each event. A leader in the martech consulting space, Perkuto aims to help marketers develop a greater understanding of reporting and attribution, allowing them to overcome technological limitations to uncover the insights available in the massive amounts of data available today. Beginning in Montreal, the Marketing Impact Talks highlight the importance of understanding the role attribution plays in today's marketing and shows the ROI of harnessing its power. "As a martech consuting firm, we're very familiar with how difficult it can be for marketers and businesses to effectively measure their marketing performance and then turn that data into actionable next steps," said Alexandre Pelletier, co-founder and CEO of Perkuto. "Our interactive series with Marketo will present case studies and panel discussions offering real-world strategies and advice for overcoming complex attribution challenges, as well as technological best practices."



MARKETING IMPACT TALKS SCHEDULE

After kicking off in Montreal on October 11, the series will travel to Toronto on October 18; Vancouver on October 23; and Calgary on October 24. Each Marketing Impact Talk will run from 2-6PM, during which speakers from Perkuto, Marketo and other successful Canadian businesses will cover a variety of topics, including: Applying Attribution for Measurably Better Outcomes

A Marketer's Toolbox: Advanced Attribution Technology

The ROI of Attribution

Attribution Q & A panel discussion

Attribution roundtable discussions Additionally, the event will host demonstrations of Marketo's newest attribution software Bizible as well as a networking happy hour.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Admittance to the Marketing Impact Talks is complimentary and limited to qualified participants. For more information on the Marketing Impact Talks or to request an invitation, please visit https://perkuto.com/blog/leveraging-attribution-for-better-results. ABOUT PERKUTO

Perkuto helps marketing leaders who feel frustrated with not having a bigger impact on revenue. As a Bizible and Marketo Platinum Partner, our team of experienced consultants create impactful strategies, optimize marketing operations, simplify MarTech and execute on day-to-day campaigns. We assist marketing leaders in exceeding their goals and rising to the top. Visit perkuto.com to learn more. Perkuto and the Perkuto logo are trademarks of Perkuto. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. SOURCE Perkuto

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[October 01, 2018] Ricoh's newest strategic investments and portfolio innovations take center stage at PRINT 18

CHICAGO, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- (PRINT 18, Booth #3011) -- Ricoh USA, Inc. today announced its plans for PRINT 18, showcasing the company's unmatched commitment to making impactful, strategic investments in the people, processes and technologies that help printers grow their businesses. At PRINT 18, Ricoh will feature an immersive and interactive experience that features real-world applications in a real-world setting  in its retail shop, Eyes & Tees, and throughout its booth  that empower printers to achieve graphic greatness, put growth in motion and broaden revenue streams. These innovations, including six Red Hot Technology award winners, will be on full display at PRINT 18, September 30 to October 2 in booth 3011. "We talk a lot about how much we listen to our customers to learn about their real-world needs, and how our portfolio is strategically built to reflect what we hear from them. At PRINT 18, attendees will see exactly how, in the real-world, we're delivering," said John Fulena, Vice President, Commercial & Industrial Printing Business Group, Ricoh USA, Inc. "We want to make it clear to customers: Our focus is on your success. Understanding and addressing customer challenges is how we stay on top of our business, and it's how we help push the industry forward. It's our goal each and every day." This year's booth will serve as an informational hub showcasing the many ways Ricoh delivers the kind of innovative, effective applications that help customers stand out, secure business and grow. A prime example of this is Ricoh's commitment to educating through innovation. Three industry advocates will be in Booth 3011 throughout PRINT 18 to offer free, signed copies of their augmented reality (AR) enhanced books, made possible by Ricoh's award winning Clickable Paper technology. Clickable Paper bridges the offline-online gap, offering immersive, interactive brand experiences via an intuitive interface that doesn't require special markings on the page itself. They are: - "The 25 Best Print Sales Tips Ever." On Sunday at 1pm CT and Monday at 11am CT, Bill Farquharson will be available to sign his newly clickable book in Ricoh's booth. - "Introduction to Graphic Communication, Second Edition." On Sunday at 3pm CT and Monday at 2pm CT, visitors can get clickable copies of the world's first clickable book signed by authors Dr. Harvey Levenson and John Parsons. Ricoh will debut two new offerings to enhance overall print operations, both delivered via Ricoh's secured, cloud-hosted applications platform, offering instant upgradability and convenient, subscription-based pricing: - RICOH Communications Manager, the award-winning scalable, secured, cloud-hosted platform, equips printers with a centralized, standardized access point into multiple enterprise customers' communications and surrounding information. This software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform empowers users to easily control, manage and report on digital delivery and print production channels from one central hub, with unprecedented visibility into ongoing campaigns. - RICOH Supervisor, the award-winning cloud-hosted, vendor-agnostic solution, empowers printers to accurately and quickly gather high-value data from across their operation to increase profitability and productivity. Scalable and secured, this offering collects, sorts and analyzes data from Internet of Things (IoT) endpoints and presents it in visual, intuitive, informative dashboards. Ricoh Consulting Services, a dedicated services team focused on customer success that works closely with printers to tailor solutions to their needs, will also be in Booth 3011. Team members will be available on-site to answer questions and engage with attendees to understand how Ricoh can better serve and grow with them. Ricoh's digital presses are empowering printers to achieve graphic greatness at PRINT 18 through breathtaking color gamut, impressive substrate flexibility and best-in-class affordability: - The award-winning RICOH Pro C7210X Graphic Arts Edition five-color digital press brings best-in-class price performance and predictability to the most demanding production print environments. Boasting in-line sensors and calibration along with expanded 5th color capabilities, this 95 ppm sheet-fed device aids better front-to-back registration and color consistency without the need for lengthy specialized training. Able to print on paper lengths up to 49.6 inches and weights up to 360 gsm, the C7210X prints faster and more accurately than its predecessor while offering even greater media flexibility. Eye-catching toners  including white, clear, neon yellow, neon pink, Invisible Red and new metallic silver options for the fifth color station  provide an incredible pop on a variety of media, including textured and synthetic substrates. - The award-winning RICOH Pro C9200 Graphic Arts Edition, a 135 ppm sheet-fed press, offers printers a competitive edge, printing on stocks up to 49 inches long (40 inches auto-duplex) and 470 gsm. The C9200 delivers gorgeous color and impressive media flexibility at high volumes. The press also sets a new standard for best-in-class price performance in its category. In addition to impressive speed, image quality and substrate flexibility, this press provides an affordable, predictable way for businesses to maximize revenue, thanks to its uptime and reliability. Put growth in motion by taking a first look at the inkjet system that delivers offset quality, media choices and speed to digital printers: - The life-size, interactive RICOH Pro VC70000 experience in Booth 3011, will give attendees the chance to take a look "inside" of the platform. The award-winning VC70000 accelerates the transfer of offset print volumes to digital by delivering the production of quality applications traditionally expected from offset, such as high-end catalogs and magazines, with inkjet's signature affordability and speed. The platform prints at speeds up to 492 ft/min, producing nearly 130,000 A4/letter impressions per hour. It leverages the industry's most popular and advanced piezo drop-on-demand printheads at up to 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution on uncoated, offset-coated, inkjet treated or inkjet-coated papers. The VC70000 brings with it a new set of Ricoh-developed inks and Ricoh-patented dryer technology to further ease the offset transition. The innovative technology creates drying capacity within the press itself, helping to minimize overall footprint without impacting print quality. Ricoh's commitment to helping customers broaden revenue streams will also be on display at PRINT 18, including: - The EFI Pro 16h LED Wide Format Printer is a versatile hybrid printer that serves flatbed and roll-fed workflows, delivering ultimate high-definition imaging for a broad range of wide format applications. Users can print four-color applications plus white on an extended range of flexible and rigid substrates with saturated colors and smooth gradations. Production-level output speeds yield maximum productivity, while LED technology reduces operating costs and lowers environmental footprint. Beyond the booth, Lawrence Chou, President and CEO of MGX Copy, a Ricoh customer, will speak to "Using Data Driven Management to Run Your Business" Sunday, September 30, at noon in Room S104ab. Additionally, Ricoh is continuing its sponsorship of and participation in the ever-popular Printerverse at PRINT 18. You can find Ricoh's experts sharing insights on these Printerverse panels. For more information on Ricoh at PRINT 18, visit www.TakeALookAtRicoh.com or follow along and engage on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter using #LookAtRicoh.







| About Ricoh | Ricoh is empowering digital workplaces using innovative technologies and services enabling individuals to work smarter. For more than 80 years, Ricoh has been driving innovation and is a leading provider of document management solutions, IT services, commercial and industrial printing, digital cameras, and industrial systems. Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in approximately 200 countries and regions. In the financial year ended March 2018, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,063 billion yen (approx. 19.4 billion USD). For further information, please visit www.ricoh.com

 2018 Ricoh USA, Inc. All rights reserved. All referenced product names are the trademarks of their respective companies. Contacts: John Greco

Ricoh USA, Inc.

(973) 882-2023

john.greco@ricoh-usa.com Tracey Sheehy

Breakaway Communications for Ricoh

(212) 616-6003

tsheehy@breakawaycom.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ricohs-newest-strategic-investments-and-portfolio-innovations-take-center-stage-at-print-18-300721710.html SOURCE Ricoh USA, Inc.

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[October 01, 2018] IAT Insurance Group Finalizes Acquisition of IFIC Surety Group, Inc.

IAT Insurance Group (IAT), a leading provider of specialty property and casualty products, announced today that the company's acquisition of IFIC Surety Group, Inc. has been finalized. IFIC becomes IAT's seventh business unit, joining Specialty, Commercial Transportation, Programs, Assumed Reinsurance, Excess Casualty Mid-Market and Inland Marine. The acquisition reflects IAT's entry into the surety market. IFIC consists of International Fidelity Insurance Company and its subsidiary Allegheny Casualty Insurance Company. The group has almost 200 employees, over $150 million in gross written premium, is the largest privately held surety company, and is the eighth largest surety writer in the United States. With $1.3 billion in annual gross written premium and $1.2 billion of GAAP equity, IAT Insurance Group has the resources and financial strength to support IFIC's continued growth. IAT plans to maintain the IFIC brand, which has broad recognition amongst its agents and customers. IAT Chief Executive Officer Bill Cunningham noted, "IFIC isa well-respected company with a long history in the surety sector and we are pleased to welcome it into the IAT family. Its leading position in the market, strong underwriting discipline and broad distribution network, make IFIC a natural fit for IAT's strategic objectives."



About IAT Insurance IAT Insurance Group is a privately owned, specialty insurance company providing property and casualty products for businesses and individuals. IAT goes to market through seven business units - Commercial Transportation, Specialty, Programs, Inland Marine, Excess Casualty Mid-Market, Assumed Reinsurance, and IFIC Surety. The IAT Insurance Group companies are rated A- Excellent by A.M. Best. Connect with IAT Insurance Group on LinkedIn and Facebook, and learn more about the company at www.iatinsurancegroup.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181001005589/en/

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[October 01, 2018] TuneCore Affirms Commitment To Technology Innovation With New Executive Hire

NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- TuneCore, the leading digital music distribution and publishing administration company for independent musicians, today announced its new Vice President of Technology, Neil Bhay. As TuneCore continues to optimize and enhance the customer experience, Bhay will focus on building best-in-class technology solutions that will give TuneCore artists an important advantage when building their careers. With nearly two decades of experience, Bhay excels in connecting technology and business priorities to build cutting-edge customer experiences. In his new role at TuneCore, Bhay will lead all technology efforts, ensuring the company is leveraging the latest innovations to meet the changing needs of artists' busy, on-the-go lifestyles. He will continue to improve and build the tools artists need to be independently successful, including a seamless user experience and state-of-the-art product updates. As a musician himself, Bhay's first-hand industry experiences will help drive artist-centric, effective tech solutions. "We are excited to welcome Neil to TuneCore. His expertise and unique engineering background will help us continue building the tools independent artists need to reach the highest level of success," said Scott Ackerman, CEO of TuneCore. "In Neil's new role, he will ensure that our artists are supported by a platform that prioritizes their needs and careers through themost advanced technology."



Bhay joins TuneCore from Viacom, where he served as Vice President of Technology and led the web and native app teams. He also managed the livestream events for The Daily Show, as well as the MTV Movie & TV Awards, the Woodies and the Video Music Awards. Previously, he worked as the Technical Manager for HBO, in which he oversaw the development team for HBO digital properties. Bhay has an extensive background in engineering and project management, giving him a unique perspective on how to best blend technology solutions with the business priorities of large and small organizations. About TuneCore:

TuneCore brings more music to more people, while helping musicians and songwriters increase money-earning opportunities and take charge of their own careers. The company has one of the highest artist revenue-generating music catalogs in the world, earning TuneCore Artists $1.06 billion from over 108.7 billion downloads and streams since inception. TuneCore Music Distribution services help artists, labels and managers sell their music through Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, Google Play and other major download and streaming sites, while retaining 100 percent of their sales revenue and rights for a low annual flat fee. TuneCore Music Publishing Administration assists songwriters by administering their compositions through licensing, registration, world-wide royalty collections, and placement opportunities in film, TV, commercials, video games and more. The TuneCore Artist Services portal offers a suite of tools and services that enable artists to promote their craft, connect with fans, and get their music heard. TuneCore, part of Believe Distribution Services, operates as an independent company and is headquartered in Brooklyn, NY with offices in Burbank, CA, Nashville, TN, New Orleans, LA, Atlanta, GA and Austin, TX, and global expansions in the UK, Australia, Japan, Canada, Germany, France and Italy. For additional information about TuneCore, please visit www.tunecore.com.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tunecore-affirms-commitment-to-technology-innovation-with-new-executive-hire-300721381.html SOURCE TuneCore

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[October 01, 2018] QArea's Founder, Maxim Garkavtsev, Joined the List of 2018 Golden Bridge Awards Winners

TA'XBIEX, Malta, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The QArea team is pleased to announce that the company's founder and president, Maxim Garkavtsev, won bronze in the Golden Bridge Awards for creating transparency and improving customer relations through innovative software development products. The Red Carpet Golden Bridge Awards Ceremony will take place in San Francisco on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. As a software development outsourcing company, QArea's team aims to become better and the recognition of its founder and main enthusiast, Maxim Garkavtsev, is a testament to the company heading in the right direction towards openness and flexibility in internal processes. QArea has implemented more than 800 software development projects, applying innovative approaches to quality assurance in project management and adapting proven tools to ensure that written code is reliable, easy to maintain, and adaptive. During the 18 years of the company's activity, QArea's team has ensured stable results in software product development, testing and QA services, thus help clients in achieving their industry objectives. Early this year, QArea's product development team was appraised at CMMI-DEV Capability Maturity Level 3 for their work on DueFocus  a time-tracking and management assistant. The tool helps IT professionals and their management to monitor work processes efficiently, empowering time-tracking capabilities of the whole team. "The main goal of our company is not only to provide the highest quality development services,but also to make sure that between us and our clients, there is a mood of trustworthy and enjoyment of all client requests. Consequently, the development of DueFocus proves that we are working not only in word but also in deed. We strive to ensure our clients with a full transparency of our processes and assist them with a senior level management and support."



 Maxim Garkavtsev, President and Founder of QArea QArea's development and testing teams value the efforts which Maxim contributes to the further growth and development of the company. His progressive views on management processes improve productivity and strengthen team spirit, inspiring new ways of delivering what really matters to people.

About Golden Bridge Awards Golden Bridge Awards is an annual ceremony, the main purpose of which is to identify and recognize the brightest and most significant contributions of enterprises of all sizes and activities to their own countries, industry, and society. The award honors companies from all over the world in such nominations as Best Products, Innovations, Management and Teams, Women in Business and the Professions, and PR and Marketing Campaigns, and more. About Maxim Garkavtsev and QArea Being a member of the Forbes Technology Council, Maxim Garkavtsev has gathered the team of experts who are in love with their craft and aim to improving as professionals. For more than 18 years, Maxim and QArea's development team make a great contribution to the community, working and sharing knowledge and expertise in outsourcing software development, quality assurance and testing services, and also IT consulting. Company activities are based on the principles of building long-term partnership relations with clients and apply proven and high-quality technologies. The company writes code in JavaScript (and its frameworks), PHP, Golang, Python, Java, etc., and has worked with companies such as Skype, HuffPost, DashLane, and others. QArea Contact:

Asya Kuchina

Head of Marketing

marketing@qarea.com

+380675389479

Skype: asya.kuchina Related Links QArea Development Services QArea Software Development Expertise View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/qareas-founder-maxim-garkavtsev-joined-the-list-of-2018-golden-bridge-awards-winners-300721540.html SOURCE QArea

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Payment Alliance International Appoints New Board Members and Chief Executive Officer for ATM Businesses

Payment Alliance International (PAI), the nation's largest, privately-held ATM provider with over 75,000 ATMs, today announced that Neil Clark has been appointed chief executive officer of the company's ATM businesses. In addition, Neil Clark and Marty Ambuehl, the co-founders of ATM Express which was acquired by PAI in 2008, have been named to the company's board of directors, as has Bill Blakey, who has previously served as a PAI board member through 2016.

James C. Comis III, executive chairman of PAI, welcomes all three new board members and looks forward to working closely with Neil Clark in his role as CEO of PAI's ATM businesses.

About Payment Alliance International (PAI)







Payment Alliance International (PAI) is the nation's largest, privately-held ATM provider and offers processing and maintenance services, equipment sales and support, and unique ATM branding opportunities. PAI also offers industry-leading, revenue-generating, value-added solutions and customized partner programs that increase customer profitability, reduce operational expense and maximize uptime. Payment Alliance International is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, with offices around the country. For more information, please visit GoPAI.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181001005007/en/
[October 01, 2018] The Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Research Alliance Is Now Accepting Applications for the 2019 Prize for Early-Career Cancer Investigators

The Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Research Alliance (PSSCRA) today announced the opening of applications for its 2019 Prize for Young Investigators in Cancer Research. The prize of $200,000 per year for up to three years is awarded annually to at least six New York City area-based scientists. The prize empowers researchers to pursue innovative, high-risk/high-reward cancer research at a stage when traditional funding is lacking. Applicants must have between two to eight years of experience running their own laboratories by the award start-date (July 2019) and hold a PhD, MD or MD-PhD (or degree equivalent). The deadline to submit a Letter of Intent is November 5, 2018. For more details on PSSCRA and the application process, including the full eligibility criteria, please visit: https://psscra.org/application/. Now providing funding and support for 32 investigators, the highly competitive Prize underwrites the bold research of cancer scientists at a formative stage in their careers. In order to facilitate these collaborations, each Prize winner is given access to leaders in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries and the opportunity to present his or her work to scientific, business, and philanthropic audiences. "As we embark on the sixth year of the Prize, we remain extremely impressed by the remarkable scientific talent in the NYC area. These extraordinary early-career scientists have the potential to bring about catalytic change for the detection and treatment of cancers," said Olivia Tournay Flatto, PhD, President of The Pershing Square Foundation and Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Research Alliance. "The future of New York's life science research and industry relies on our ability to discover and support such new talent." "I was very excited to hear that we were awarded the Pershing Square Sohn Prize," said Dan Landau, MD, PhD, a 2018 Prize winner who is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Divisionof Hematology and Medical Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine as well as a Core Member at the New York Genome Center. "The Pershing Square Sohn Prize recipients constitute a unique community. A community shares a certain mentality, a certain way of developing unconventional perspectives to tackle problems that are the core of cancer research."



"I am honored to be part of this esteemed group of early-stage investigators who are working toward understanding the basis of cancer," said Agnel Sfeir, PhD, a recipient of the 2016 Prize and Assistant Professor at NYU's Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine "With support from the Pershing Square Sohn Prize, my lab and I are pursuing innovative approaches to identify all molecular players in cancer and highlight novel ways to treat this disease." "This is a highly impactful and prestigious award which has made a major impact on my career," remarked 2014 Prize winner Ross Levine, MD, the Laurence Joseph Dineen Chair in Leukemia Research and Director of the MSK Center for Hematologic Malignancies at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Levine concluded his project in 2017 and last year participated in PSSCRA's application process as a guest reviewer.

About The Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Research Alliance The Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Research Alliance was formed in 2013 through a $25 million commitment by Bill and Karen Ackman and The Pershing Square Foundation, which partnered with The Sohn Conference Foundation. The Alliance is dedicated to playing a catalytic role in accelerating cures for cancer by supporting innovative cancer research and by facilitating collaborations between academia and industry. Annually, the Alliance awards The Pershing Square Sohn Prize to young New York based scientists who are engaged in cutting-edge cancer research. For more information, visit http://psscra.org/. About The Pershing Square Foundation In 2006, Bill and Karen Ackman founded the Pershing Square Foundation (PSF) to support exceptional leaders and innovative organizations that tackle important social issues and deliver scalable and sustainable impact across the globe. In the decade since, PSF has committed $400 million in grants and social investments across a number of fields, including health and medicine, education, economic development and social justice. By investing in pioneering individuals, non-profits and mission driven companies who dare to re-imagine the possible, PSF has helped to bring about important breakthroughs - from cancer research and small scale agriculture to criminal justice reform and educational opportunities for young people in communities around the world. For more information visit: www.pershingsquarefoundation.org. About The Sohn Conference Foundation The Sohn Conference Foundation is dedicated to the treatment and cure of pediatric cancer. The Foundation supports cutting-edge medical research, state-of-the-art research equipment, and innovative programs to ensure that children with cancer survive and thrive. The Foundation raises its funds through premier investment conferences, including the renowned annual New York Sohn Investment Conference. The Conference honors the memory of Ira Sohn, a Wall Street Professional who lost his battle with cancer at age 29. His friends and family founded the New York Sohn Investment Conference in 1995. Since then, investment leaders from across the globe have been inspired to launch partner Sohn Conferences to bring the financial community together for charitable causes. Sohn Conferences include, Sohn Australia, Sohn Brazil, Sohn Canada, Sohn Geneva, Sohn Hong Kong, Sohn India, Sohn London, Sohn Monaco, Sohn San Francisco, and Sohn Tel Aviv. To date, the Foundation has raised more than $85 million. More information on the Sohn Investment Conference is available at: www.sohnconference.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181001005640/en/

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[October 01, 2018] AMCP Partnership Forum to Develop Consensus Roadmap for Managing Total Cost of Care by Integrating Medical and Pharmacy Data

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Health information technology (IT) should be the foundation of all business and clinical operations and not a secondary byproduct. That was one conclusion reached by health care stakeholders at an Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) event last week on finding ways to better integrate medical and pharmacy data. Health IT systems with integrated data can support more than cost containment efforts. Such systems can support actionable insights, clinical decision-making and more efficient business practices, according to more than 30 health care experts from across the county who gathered for the AMCP Partnership Forum, "Managing Total Cost of Care Through Medical and Pharmacy Data Integration." The event, held Sept. 25 and 26 in Baltimore, Maryland, examined ways to best utilize and integrate medical and pharmacy data to improve health outcomes and lower costs. AMCP CEO Susan A. Cantrell, RPh CAE, noted that data integration is especially needed in light of the trend away from fee-for-service models and towards value-based models. "Data integration is crucial to actualizing today's health care models, which increasingly reward value over volume," Cantrell said. "These models look at overall patient improvements  whether they come from a medical or pharmaceutica intervention. To demonstrate these improvements requires data from both sides of the benefit."



Working toward this end, the Partnership Forum attendees examined various efforts to: Manage medications across the spectrum of health care, regardless of whether the medications are covered by a medical or pharmacy benefit.

Use health IT and other innovations to streamline access to information and data.

Drive performance improvements in clinical quality with integrated datasets.

Facilitate the development of datasets formatted for utilization in value-based care contracts. Participants agreed on the need for greater cost transparency, as well as more education on principles and techniques to integrate data. In addition, they cited the need for leadership buy-in and alignment of incentives among all business and care delivery partners. To this end, participants drafted a roadmap for managed care organizations to pursue managing total cost of care through data integration. Specifically, the roadmap will focus on how to achieve integration through four functional areas; (1) Leadership and Governance, (2) Business and Finance; (3) Health Information Technology and (4) Coordinated Care and Benefits.

AMCP will release a roadmap early next year based on these findings and others. The roadmap also will identify ways to improve alignment of an organization's medical and pharmacy leadership, as well as its data analytics, quality initiatives and budgeting processes. In addition, it will showcase examples where data integration improved medication use, achieved financial and quality measures, and lowered total cost of care. The Partnership Forum was made possible with support from AbbVie, Alkermes, Amgen, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Genentech, Merck, National Pharmaceutical Council, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, Takeda, and Xcenda: AmerisourceBergen. About AMCP

The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy is the nation's leading professional association dedicated to increasing patient access to affordable medicines, improving health outcomes and ensuring the wise use of health care dollars. Through evidence- and value-based strategies and practices, the Academy's 8,000 pharmacists, physicians, nurses and other practitioners manage medication therapies for the 300 million Americans served by health plans, pharmacy benefit management firms, emerging care models and government. www.amcp.org. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/amcp-partnership-forum-to-develop-consensus-roadmap-for-managing-total-cost-of-care-by-integrating-medical-and-pharmacy-data-300721890.html SOURCE Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy

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[October 01, 2018] ELITE USA Launches in the State of Ohio

ELITE, London Stock Exchange Group's (LSEG) international business support and capital raising programme, today announces that it has signed an agreement with JobsOhio, the privately funded non-profit corporation that promotes job creation and economic development for the State of Ohio. The collaboration will provide ambitious midmarket companies in Ohio with access to ELITE's unique training programme to support their growth. This collaboration launches ELITE USA and signifies the first entrance of the ELITE platform into the U.S. market. Designed to help businesses prepare and structure for their next stage of growth, ELITE provides training and mentoring to support management best practice and entrepreneurship; promotes relationships and opportunities with potential investors; and facilitates access to the full range of funding options. Today, more than 900 companies, advisors and investors from across 34 sectors and 32 countries make up the growing ELITE community. Our research shows that ELITE companies exhibit up to seven times the revenue growth and four times the job creation compared to industry peers. The State of Ohio is the first state in the United States where the ELITE programme is offered. The choice to launch in Ohio reflects the state's strong business climate and diverse economy. With over 900,000 small and medium sized businesses, Ohio has one of the largest concentrations of SMEs in the United States. JobsOhio supports economic growth in Ohio through its innovative and agile approach. Together, ELITE and JobsOhio will work with select companies from Ohio, through a year-long programme, to provide their management teams with a unique network of support to help them scale up. ELITE works in close coordination with regional business, academic and financial communities across the markets in which it operates to enhance its local programmes. To implement the initiative, ELITE will work closely with JobsOhio's regional partner, the Appalachian Partnership for Economic Growth (APEG), as well as professional services firms BDO, law firm Bricker and Eckler, Huntington Bank, law firm Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter, Ohio University, Ohio Valley Bank and Peoples Bank. The initiative was launched today by Luca Peyrano, CEO, ELITE, Thomas Tyler, Global Head of Sales, ELITE, and Valentina Isakina, Managing Director Financial Institutions, JobsOhio at the first annual International ELITE Day, held in Milan. They were joined by Seth Stockmeister and Larry Kidd of new US ELITE companies Stockmeister Enterprises and Reliable Staffing Solutions respectively, and over 450 ELITE companies. Luca Peyrano, CEO, ELITE: "Today's collaboration with JobsOhio is a milestone for the State of Ohio and ELITE, representing the first state in the United States where we've launched the programme. There is an indisputble shift in momentum in Ohio's economy. The state is now the seventh largest economy in the U.S., the twenty first globally. We welcome the Ohio companies joining ELITE's international network of over 900 businesses.



"We are delighted to collaborate with JobsOhio to support the state's ambitious companies with access to international best practice and vital sources of growth capital, creating new jobs and ultimately driving economic prosperity. As we celebrate this milestone for ELITE today we look forward to working with partners across Ohio and to the launch of ELITE in other U.S. states." John Minor, President, JobsOhio:

"London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) has a long history of supporting the U.S.'s market growth. We are proud to be a part of this unprecedented collaboration to create a spotlight on Ohio's assets. By working with ELITE, we aim to provide our midmarket companies with an opportunity to tap into the best global expertise to grow their businesses and create jobs. "In addition, this collaboration opens the door for the ambitious ELITE companies around the world to discover Ohio as an excellent place to do business. With the east coast time zone location, plentiful tech-savvy workforce, and a significant cost advantage, we welcome ELITE businesses to Ohio to find business partners and a soft landing for their U.S. home." The programme is currently onboarding companies and will announce the first cohort in the coming months. Notes to editors: About ELITE ELITE is a platform and ecosystem that helps private, ambitious companies grow, offering them access to education, business support and direct contact with the international financial and advisory community. Management teams are guided on how best to fast-track their development, how to access the most suitable funding for their needs, whether private equity, venture capital or the bond or equity markets, and given advice on building their profile and reach. ELITE also operates its own funding platform to enable efficient access to capital from private, professional investors. ELITE facilitates its vibrant international advisor and investor community the opportunity to engage with a pool of high quality, dynamic companies and entrepreneurs, all of whom are open to the advice, opportunities and connections that the programme offers. There are over 900 businesses from across 32 countries in the ELITE community. They are generating over 50 billion in combined revenues and employ approximately 400,000 people across Europe and internationally. For further information on the programme, companies and the full list of partners, please go to: www.elite-network.com About London Stock Exchange Group London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) is an international markets infrastructure business. Its diversified global business focuses on capital formation, intellectual property and risk and balance sheet management. LSEG operates an open access model, offering choice and partnership to customers across all of its businesses. The Group can trace its history back to 1698. The Group operates a broad range of international equity, ETF, bond and derivatives markets, including London Stock Exchange; Borsa Italiana; MTS (News - Alert) (a European fixed income market); and Turquoise (a pan-European equities MTF). Through its platforms, LSEG offers market participants unrivalled access to Europe's capital markets. The Group also plays a vital economic and social role, enabling companies, including SMEs, to access funds for growth and development. Through FTSE Russell, the Group is a global leader in financial indexing, benchmarking and analytic services with approximately $15 trillion benchmarked to its indexes. The Group also provides customers with an extensive range of data services, research and analytics through The Yield Book, Mergent, SEDOL, UnaVista, XTF and RNS. Post trade and risk management services are a significant part of the Group's business operations. In addition to majority ownership of LCH, a multi-asset global CCP operator, LSEG owns CC&G, the Italian clearing house and Monte Titoli, a leading European custody and settlement business. LSEG Technology develops and operates high performance technology solutions, including trading, market surveillance and post trade systems for over 40 organisations and exchanges, including the Group's own markets. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, with significant operations in North America, Italy, France and Sri Lanka, the Group employs approximately 4,500 people. Further information on London Stock Exchange Group can be found at www.lseg.com. The Group's ticker symbol is LSE.L View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181001005725/en/

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[October 01, 2018] Optium Cyber Systems Closes Acquisition

THE WOODLANDS, TX, Oct. 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE - Optium Cyber Systems, Inc. (OTC: OCSY) is pleased to advise stockholders that the previously announced acquisition of Iron Man Protection, LLC, has closed. Optium Cyber Systems, Inc. has acquired 100% of the outstanding ownership interests of Iron Man Protection, LLC (the Acquisition) through the issuance of restricted common shares. The Acquisition is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Optium Cybers Systems, Inc. As I previous stated, this first acquisition is very important for our company; commented Mr. George Rutherford, President of Optium Cyber Systems, Inc. It adds revenue and profitability to our current operations while providing the platform to launch our short and long term growth strategies. Short term - the development of new clients for Iron Man Protection with the goal of generating over $2 million in revenue for 2019. Long term - the first of a number of planned acquisitions with the goal of $10+ million in revenue in the next 3 years; continued Mr. Rutherford. About Optium Cyber Systems, Inc. Optium Cyber Systems, Inc. (Optium) is a cyber security consulting company that has developed a process to analyze, identify and address cyber security vulnerabilities in an organizations critical IT infrastructure which is scalable to any size organization in any industry. Optium Cyber Systems, Inc. recently entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the outstanding ownership interest of Iron Man Protection, LLC. Optium Cyber Systems, Inc. is a publicly traded company having its common shares quoted on the OTC Markets under the symbol OCSY. About Iron Man Protection, LLC Iron Man Protection, LLC is a full-service security guard company that manags Houston business security requirements with over 40 years of law enforcement experience and military influence. Iron Man Protection offers a level of defense that is next to none and takes pride in its commitment to keeping clients and their assets safe. Iron Man Protection serves a wide variety of industries including: commercial buildings, residential communities, retail stores, industrial and construction sites, financial Institutions, public events and religious establishments. Iron Man Protection only employs the most experienced and highly trained security professionals to handle clients defensive requirements. The results of our selective process have earned our team a reputation for quality, professional and dependable service that clients have grown to trust. Iron Man Protection is expertly comprised of licensed and certified armed guards, security consultants with over 25 years of professional security experience and a management team that proudly served with the Houston Police Department, Harris County Deputys Office and the United States Marine Corps.



Forward-Looking Statements Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and are subject to risks and uncertainties. See Optium Cyber Systems, Inc.'s filings with OTC Markets, which may identify specific factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.

Safe Harbor Statement This release includes forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and reflects management's current expectations. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. Some of these factors include: general global economic conditions; general industry and market conditions, sector changes and growth rates; uncertainty as to whether our strategies and business plans will yield the expected benefits; increasing competition; availability and cost of capital; the ability to identify and develop and achieve commercial success; the level of expenditures necessary to maintain and improve the quality of services; changes in the economy; changes in laws and regulations, including codes and standards, intellectual property rights, and tax matters; or other matters not anticipated; our ability to secure and maintain strategic relationships and distribution agreements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contact Information Investor Relations Ten Associates LLC 11529 N. 120th St. Scottsdale, Arizona 85259 USA Telephone: 480-326-8577 Contact: Thomas E. Nelson Email: tenassociates33@gmail.com Optium Cyber Systems, Inc. 8350 Ashlane Way, Suite 104 The Woodlands, Texas 77382 USA Contact: George Rutherford Telephone: 936-689-7380 Email: rock@ocis.ltd Web: www.optiumcyber.com Iron Man Protection, LLC 2002 Timberloch Place, Suite 200 The Woodlands, Texas 77382 USA Web: www.ironmanprotection.com

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[October 01, 2018] Know the Truth Announces Fall 2018 Community Forums

As part of their fall 2018 series, Know the Truth, the substance-use prevention program of Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge, will host three forums designed to educate community leaders, parents and concerned adults about teen substance use. The events will give community members an opportunity to hear firsthand how substance use can affect their families, offer participants a chance to learn more about current substance use trends and signs of use through hands-on experiences with Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge's interactive exhibit "Cracking the Code on Teen Substance Use," and provide participants with tools to prevent youth substance use. This is an important need considering the vast majority of Americans who struggle with addiction started smoking, drinking, or using drugs before age 18. The Nicollet County forum, taking place Oct. 3 will also include a simultaneous program for young people from grades seven through twelve, where Know the Truth presenters will share their personal struggles with substance use. This peer-to-peer format allows students to open up and helps Know the Truth bridge the gap between the students and the parents and community leaders who support them. Additionally, two of the forums - Nicollet County on Oct. 3 and Ramsey County on Nov. 1 - will include a drug take back event. Participants will learn how to safeguard their medicine cabinet and be given the opportunity to properly dispose of anyunused or unwanted prescriptions. This is critical because 72 percent of people who misuse prescriptions took them from friends or family.



2018 Community Forum Dates: Nicollet County

Wednesday, Oct. 3 from 5 - 8:30 p.m.

St. Peter High School - 2121 West Broadway Ave. St. Peter, MN

Ramsey County

Wednesday, Oct. 24 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

White Bear Lake District Office - 4855 Bloom Ave. White Bear Lake, MN 55110 Ramsey County

Thursday, Nov. 1 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Bethel University - 3900 Bethel Dr. St. Paul, MN 55112 "Our multipronged approach to prevention has seen significant success," says Tracee Anderson, director of prevention and community engagement at Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge. "In addition to working in the schools educating students about the risks of using drugs and alcohol, we inform parents, teachers and community members about the most current drug trends, signs to look for, and ways to intervene if necessary. The county attorney, sheriff and local law enforcement are often key partners in the events." Know the Truth began hosting community forums in Anoka County in 2014 after a significant increase in opioid overdoses, and has hosted additional forums in communities around Minnesota ever since. Through this community forum series, Know the Truth has reached thousands of Minnesotans and spread the message of prevention. Nicollet County Attorney Michelle Zehnder Fischer says, "We need everyone in the community to be aware of the signs and symptoms. We're going to need support from everyone to address addiction." CEUs are available for law enforcement, educators, nurses, social workers and other professionals. About Know the Truth

Know the Truth (KTT) is the substance-use prevention program of Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge. KTT works within Minnesota communities to help prevent teenage substance use by sharing personal stories about the struggles with addiction and by presenting students with information about the dangers of alcohol and drug use. Each year, KTT speaks in more than 160 high schools and middle schools reaching over 60,000 students. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181001005830/en/

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[October 01, 2018] ARCOS resource management software to help Cleco Power accelerate cost recovery

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ARCOS LLC  a provider of resource management software and services for critical infrastructure sectors  is implementing its solutions for automating the way Cleco Power: responds to storms and major events within its service territory; restores service; and reports on associated costs. Cleco Power employs approximately 1,200 people who serve nearly 290,000 retail customers in Louisiana via 12,000 miles of distribution lines.

ARCOS will support our efforts to assemble and direct our internal and external crews, said James Lass, general manager for Distribution Engineering & Emergency Management at Cleco Power. ARCOS will help us provide data on response team personnel, including who was involved in the event, what they accomplished and for how long. That lets us quickly validate data and prepare a cost-analysis report. Government agencies, regulators and executives want a precise accounting of the price of restoring service after storms, especially major events. Along with capturing the cost of restoration, Cleco Power seeks a systematic way to request, manage, track and release external resources brought to its service territory. Cleco Power also wants to expedite and streamline how it activates emploees in support roles for storm duty.



The ARCOS automated callout system along with ARCOS Resource Assist are part of a resource management software platform that automates a utilitys existing processes for identifying and requesting crews for power restoration. With ARCOS, Cleco can replace the myriad spreadsheets, whiteboards and phone calls used to contact crews, account for their activities and re-assign and release them from restoration work. ARCOSs solution gives utility storm managers and others access to a computer-generated board for visually organizing and mobilizing crews required during large power restoration events. ARCOS centralizes and automates requests for employee crews as well as contractors who support the restoration effort. Utility crews and managers receive communications via mobile devices. Cost-recovery reports are worth millions of dollars to utilities that are wrapping up a major event, said Bruce Duff, chief executive officer at ARCOS. Although Hurricane Irma was a year ago, we know of utilities without a fully automated process that are still trying to get their arms around the crew data for cost-recovery reports tied to this event.

A hurricane is like a Super Bowl for utilities in that millions are watching how events unfold, added Duff. If and when that major event occurs, the ARCOS platform helps a utility plan its response, manage the effort in real-time and report on the way it uses each resource. About ARCOS LLC

ARCOS is the leader in delivering utility companies SaaS solutions for managing resources in real time. The ARCOS solution goes beyond the callout of crews and automatically plans for all types of events and reports on the up-to-the-minute location and status of equipment and crews via mobile technology, which helps utilities restore service faster, yet safely. ARCOS solutions for assessing damage, building crews and responding to and managing events save time and money for utilities, while improving the efficiency and accuracy of operations and customer satisfaction. Learn more about ARCOS resource management software at www.arcos-inc.com. Contact:

Bill Perry

bperry@arcos-inc.com

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[October 01, 2018] Blackstone-Led Consortium Completes Partnership Transaction with Thomson Reuters for Financial & Risk Business

A consortium led by Blackstone (NYSE:BX) today announced that private equity funds managed by Blackstone ("Blackstone") - together with Canada Pension Plan Investment Board ("CPPIB") and GIC - have completed the previously announced partnership transaction with Thomson (News - Alert) Reuters (TSX / NYSE: TRI) for Thomson Reuters' Financial & Risk (F&R) business. The Blackstone-led consortium now owns 55 percent of the equity in a new corporation created to hold the F&R business, and Thomson Reuters (News - Alert) retains a 45 percent equity stake, at an overall valuation of US$20 billion. The Financial & Risk business is now known as Refinitiv. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181001005966/en/ Refinitiv is one of the world's largest providers of financial markets data and infrastructure, providing leading data and insights, trading platforms, and open data and technology platforms that connect communities of trading, investment, financial and corporate professionals. It also provides leading regulatory and risk management solutions to help customers anticipate and manage risk and compliance.



Martin Brand, a Senior Managing Director at Blackstone, said: "We are pleased to close this landmark partnership transaction with Thomson Reuters (News - Alert) . Blackstone is excited to invest in Refinitiv to pursue a business plan focused on accelerating growth through innovation, in partnership with Refinitiv's customers."



Eli Nagler, a Managing Director at Blackstone, added: "We are excited to complete this transaction and look forward to supporting Refinitiv's growth and continued technology advancements in the years ahead."



Through this investment and carve out of F&R by the Blackstone-led consortium, the new Refinitiv business expects to invest in a number of key areas to serve its customer base, which currently includes 40,000 institutions in over 190 countries. This includes further investing in content coverage, AI and analytics across its open data platforms Elektron and Eikon for buy-side, trading, wealth and banking customers. It also plans to invest in enhanced capabilities for its leading platforms for trading, as well as in indices, risk management, and fighting financial crime.



"This is a unique moment in our 160-year history as the Financial & Risk business of Thomson Reuters now steps forward as Refinitiv," said David Craig, CEO of Refinitiv. "We firmly believe that efficient, transparent and trusted markets are good for all and that Refinitiv's role is at the heart of this, providing access to clean and consistent data on a global scale. With the backing of our investors, Refinitiv will continue to deliver the critical data, insight and open technology infrastructure that the market has come to expect while driving progress for our customers across trading, risk, banking, wealth and investment management and in areas such as financial crime and ESG investment. We look forward to exciting times ahead."



Canson Capital Partners, BofA Merrill Lynch, Citigroup, and J.P. Morgan are acting as financial advisors to the Blackstone-led consortium, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is acting as legal counsel to the Blackstone-led consortium. About Blackstone



Blackstone is one of the world's leading investment firms. We seek to create positive economic impact and long-term value for our investors, the companies we invest in, and the communities in which we work. We do this by using extraordinary people and flexible capital to help companies solve problems. Our asset management businesses, with approximately $440 billion in assets under management, include investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, non-investment grade credit, real assets and secondary funds, all on a global basis. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com. Follow Blackstone on Twitter (News - Alert) @Blackstone.





About CPPIB



Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) is a professional investment management organization that invests the funds not needed by the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) to pay current benefits on behalf of 20 million contributors and beneficiaries. In order to build a diversified portfolio of CPP assets, CPPIB invests in public equities, private equities, real estate, infrastructure and fixed income instruments. Headquartered in Toronto, with offices in Hong Kong, London, Luxembourg, Mumbai, New York City, Sao Paulo and Sydney, CPPIB is governed and managed independently of the Canada Pension Plan and at arm's length from governments. At June 30, 2018, the CPP Fund totalled C$366.6 billion. For more information about CPPIB, please visit www.cppib.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.

About GIC



GIC is a leading global investment firm established in 1981 to manage Singapore's foreign reserves. A disciplined long-term value investor, GIC is uniquely positioned for investments across a wide range of asset classes, including equities, fixed income, private equity, real estate and infrastructure. In private equity, GIC invests through funds as well as directly in companies, partnering with its fund managers and management teams to help world class businesses achieve their objectives. GIC has investments in over 40 countries and has been investing in emerging markets for more than two decades. Headquartered in Singapore, GIC employs over 1,500 people across 10 offices in key financial cities worldwide. For more information on GIC, please visit www.gic.com.sg.



About Refinitiv



Refinitiv is one of the world's largest providers of financial markets data and infrastructure, serving over 40,000 institutions in over 190 countries. It provides leading data and insights, trading platforms, and open data and technology platforms that connect a thriving global financial markets community - driving performance in trading, investment, wealth management, regulatory compliance, market data management, enterprise risk and fighting financial crime. www.refinitiv.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181001005966/en/

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[October 01, 2018] Home Capital Group Inc. Announces New Appointments to the Board of Directors

Home Capital Group Inc. ("Home Capital" or "the Company") (TSX: HCG) is pleased to announce that it has made two appointments in relation to its Board of Directors. Susan E. Hutchison joined the Board of Directors effective September 27, 2018. Ms. Hutchison is an industry leader with over twenty years' experience in digital payments technology and global banking. Her professional background includes senior leadership positions, most recently as Chief Commercial Officer at Payments Canada. Ms. Hutchison has an MBA from the Schulich School of Business and holds the ICD.D designation. Dr. Hossein Rahnama was appointed as Advisor to the Board of Directors, effective June 1, 2018. Dr. Rahnama is the founder and CEO of Flybits, Inc. He is a Co-Founder of Ryerson University's Digital Media Zone and a Professor in the Faculty of Communications and Design. He is also a visiting professor at the Human Dynamics group at the MIT (News - Alert) Media Lab in Cambridge, MA. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science and is recognized researcher and innovator in the field of artificial intelligence as it relates to human-computer interaction. In 2012, Dr. Rahnama was recognized by MIT Technology Review as one of the Top Innovators in the world under the age of 35. In 2017, he was recognized as one of Canada's Top 40 under 40.



"We are very pleased to welcome Ms. Hutchison and Dr. Rahnama to our Board of Directors," said Paul Derksen, Chair of the Board of Directors of Home Capital. "We are confident that their skills and expertise will be valuable additions to the Board and to the Company." Yousry Bissada, CEO of Home Capital, remarked, "We are excited to have such talented executives join Home Capital as Director and Advisor. We look forward to their contributions as we advance our plans for the future."

About Home Capital Group Inc. Home Capital Group Inc. is a public company, traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (HCG), operating through its principal subsidiary, Home Trust Company. Home Trust is a federally regulated trust company offering residential and non-residential mortgage lending, securitization of insured residential mortgage products, consumer lending and credit card services. In addition, Home Trust offers deposits via brokers and financial planners, and through its direct to consumer deposit brand, Oaken Financial. Home Trust also conducts business through its wholly owned subsidiary, Home Bank. Licensed to conduct business across Canada, we have offices in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Quebec and Manitoba. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181001006009/en/

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The Motorola MX1200 can inexpensively help fill in Wi-Fi dead zones with the combination of reasonably good performance and an easy setup routine. Not only is it a great way to extend a home network so that everyone gets access to games, movies and their social media feeds, but it also includes a two-year warranty.

The Motorola MX1200 can inexpensively help fill in Wi-Fi dead zones with the combination of reasonably good performance and an easy setup routine. Not only is it a great way to extend a home network so that everyone gets access to games, movies and their social media feeds, but it also includes a two-year warranty.

Motorola's MX1200 ($40) can plug right into an AC outlet and extend a home network into previously unreached areas. It offers a quick and simple setup but doesn't provide a way to monitor the network with a phone or tablet app.

While this extender's performance may not be the best, the MX1200 includes a two-year warranty and is a bargain. If you want the best Wi-Fi extender for under $50, this is it.

Design

Designed to be plugged directly into an AC outlet, the Motorola MX1200 has a two-prong plug that will be welcome to those whose homes have older wiring.

Measuring 4.8 x 2.8 x 2.0 inches, this device is 20 percent smaller than the TP-Link RE650, and unlike the RE650 and the D-Link DAP-1720, the MX1200 has the thoughtful addition of a cutout in the back, which lowers the chances the device will obstruct a nearby AC outlet.

With six LEDs up front, the MX1200 has a single power light as well as a unique, five-LED signal-strength meter arranged in a semicircular pattern for optimizing the device's location.

At the extremes of the arc are red lights that tell you when the device is too far from the router (the red light on the left) or too close to effectively extend coverage (the red light on the right).

The MX1200 has a unique, five-LED signal-strength meter for optimizing the device's location.

Next in is a pair of unlabeled amber lights that correspond to intermediate-level placement that's adequate but could be better. When the single LED at the bottom glows green, the extender's placement is ideal.

Key Specs

Wi-Fi Rating AC1200 Size 4.6 x 2.6 x 1.6 inches Number of Antennas/Removable 2 internal/No Wi-Fi Specs 802.11ac dual band Ports 1 Gigabit Ethernet Performance at 50 feet 181.6 Mbps Extender Range 90 feet

The dual-band design sets up 2 x 2 data streams and can move up to 1.2 Gbps of data over the 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels. This extender employs beam-forming tech to tailor the signal to the receiving device. But the MX1200 lacks MU-MIMO technology for simultaneously satisfying lots of clients and a third channel for backhaul data flow between the host and extender.

Performance

In a high-impact workout at our Utah lab with Ixia's ixChariot network-benchmark software, the MX1200 fell behind other extenders as often as it outperformed them. For instance, reaching 350.1 Mbps, the MX1200 was 20 percent off the 434.2-Mbps pace set by TP-Link's RE650 in our 150-foot Baseline Test. Motorola's extender bounced back on the shorter-range, 100-foot Baseline Test, earning a 571.2-Mbps score, the best we've seen and 8 percent better than the TP-Link's 525.5 Mbps.

MORE: Best WiFi Extender - Boosters to Extend Your Wi-Fi Range

That said, the MX1200 served up between half and one-third the data that the TP-Link delivered on the 75- and 50-foot Extender Tests. Motorola's device produced throughput of 149.5 and 181.6 Mbps, versus 418.8 and 523.9 Mbps for the RE650. In our mock home setup, the MX1200 led in three of the five tests but failed to complete one and delivered widely varying bandwidth in different runs of another.

It easily filled my previously unconnected porch with 80.6 Mbps of data, for everything from Spotify music and Netflix movies to Twitch gaming.

At my older home, the MX1200 had a good range, reaching 90 feet, just short of the 95 feet the D-Link DAP-1720 achieved and significantly better than the TP-Link RE650's range of 75 feet. The MX1200 easily filled my previously unconnected porch with 80.6 Mbps of data, for everything from Spotify music and Netflix movies to Twitch gaming.

The MX1200 ran without a problem for a full day and used 3.2 watts of power. That adds up to an annual electricity cost of $3.65, assuming you pay the national average for electricity, 13.2 cents per kilowatt-hour.

Features

The MX1200 is built around the MediaTek MT7620A Wi-Fi chip, which includes a 580-Mhz processor. Unlike many of its competitors, the MX1200 lacks aimable external antennas, but it has a pair of antennas inside its case.

This extender has a button that you can press to use Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) to quickly connect with a router. There's also an on/off switch, a recessed reset button for returning the extender to its original factory software and an Ethernet port.

On the downside, like the D-Link DAP-1720, the MX1200 lacks a USB port for connecting a printer or hard drive.

Setup and Software

Unlike other extenders, the MX1200 doesn't require a mobile app to set the device up, tweak its settings or monitor the network. Instead, everything is done via a browser window.

To configure this extender, I used an Asus PC and plugged the MX1200 in near my router. After connecting using the insecure default password of "motorola," I typed, "setupextender.net," and the connection wizard took over. Alternatively, I could have used the included Ethernet cable to connect the extender to the PC for the configuration process.

Unlike other extenders, the MX1200 doesn't require a mobile app to set up the device, tweak its settings or monitor the network.

The wizard scanned for the host network I wanted to extend. After I selected that network and typed in its password, the software created a link between the computer and the extender. I connected to my iPad Pro on the first try.

With the extender configured, I plugged the MX1200 in at a spot about halfway between the router and where I wanted the extended signal to go. After a failed attempt in which I placed the extender was too far from the router, I hit on the perfect spot and saw a single green light glowing. The extender took all of 8 minutes to set up.

The interface's Advanced and System tabs provide methods to adjust the extender's settings. In addition to changing the network names and passwords, I could blacklist clients based on MAC address, select the data channels to be used and adjust the channels' width. The extender doesn't have the DAP-1720's throughput statistics, but it does show the extender's signal strength, which can help you precisely place the device.

Like TP-Link's RE650, the MX1200 comes with a two-year warranty. This outdoes the standard one year of coverage that most Wi-Fi gear makers provide and blows away Netgear' 90 days of support.

The Motorola support site has everything from a comprehensive manual to firmware downloads to help with problems. There are contact phone numbers as well as a handy link for sending technicians email. The help site is staffed from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET Monday to Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET on Saturdays.

Bottom Line

Excellent range and good performance go hand in hand with the Motorola MX1200, making this a bargain of an extender. Its two-year warranty and easy setup mean it's a keeper for covering an entire home with Wi-Fi data. It may lack phone and tablet apps for configuring and monitoring the network, but the Motorola MX1200 is an incredible bargain compared to the more expensive TP-Link RE650.

Credits: Tom's Guide
Retouched by time The green art-deco barstools still swivel in what used to be the Savoy Grill of the Hotel Savoy, now the bar/lounge of a chef-driven restaurant called the Savoy at 21c. There was the recent complete edgy makeover by the 21c Museum Hotel group, which calls itself "North America's only multi-venue museum dedicated to collecting and exhibiting art of the 21st century."

This is theof the day offering a glimpse of local history, art in the context of the current Downtown real estate boom. For denizens of our blog community looking for something fascinating to discover about what makes this part of the nation so special . . . Take a look:
Elon Musk is stepping down as chairman of Tesla as part of a settlement reached with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The man behind companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and The Boring Company will be allowed to remain CEO, but he must vacate his position as chairman of the board within 45 days and cannot seek re-election for three years. Tesla has also agreed to pay a $20 million fine as part of the settlement stemming from a tweet he posted announcing that he had secured funding to take Tesla private.

Elon Musks unpredictable, free-wheeling style of tweeting has come back to bite him in the ass. The Tesla chairman and CEO tweeted in August his plans to take Tesla private at $420 per share, adding that he had funding secured to make it happen.

That single tweet created a maelstrom of controversy that reached all the way to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Almost two months after posting the tweet, the SEC filed a lawsuit against Musk, claiming that he had misled investors about his plans to take Tesla private.

The SECs lawsuit paved the way for the settlement that both parties reached, though the fallout from the controversy paints a picture of Teslas fragility as a company in a time when its struggling to deliver on a lot of its promises.

Teslas stock, for instance, plummeted by 14 percent last Friday to $264.77, wiping out almost $7.5 billion in shareholder value. A report from Bloomberg indicates that Teslas plunging stock is as clear a sign as any that a deal with the SEC should be completed as soon as possible. Musk has accepted the deal with the SEC, though court documents reveal that he did so without admitting or denying the allegations of the complaint.

The settlement comes at the heels of the SECs lawsuit, which it filed last week after Musk refused an earlier settlement offer. The initial deal was actually more lenient than the one Musk accepted  Tesla would have to pay a nominal fine and Musk would have to vacate his chairman role for two years  but he refused to settle earlier, claiming that he would not be truthful to himself if he settled with the SEC.

That he eventually agreed to settle on harsher penalties is an indication that the SEC would have enforced its full might on the company if the issues are taken to court. John Coffee, a professor at Columbia Law School, told CNN that the threat to strip Musk of his roles in the company was a nuclear threat to force him to settle.

Its worth noting that even if Musk vacates his role as chairman for three years, he will still continue his role as Tesla CEO, something Jay Dubow, a partner at Pepper Hamilton and a veteran of the SECs enforcement division, told CNN is a surprising concession on the agencys part part considering that if Musks conduct really was as egregious as the SECn believed, it would go after his role as CEO. "The CEO is certainly more involved than the chairman in day-to-day operations, Dubow added.

There is the belief that moving Musk as CEO would cause more harm to Tesla and its shareholders, something that Barclays analyst Brian Johnson touched on when he estimated that Teslas stock came with a $130 Musk premium."

Remove Musk from the equation and that value disappears entirely.

Even with the settlement, Musk maintains that he didnt do anything wrong, even going so far as to claim that the SECs lawsuit was unjustified.

"I have always taken action in the best interests of truth, transparency, and investors," he said. "Integrity is the most important value in my life, and the facts will show I never compromised this in any way."

Even if he thinks that way, the settlement with the SEC suggests that theres more to this controversy than meets the eye. Maybe it was Musks way of preventing further investor damage to Tesla, or maybe it was the company forcing Musk to settle. Either way, Musks influence on the company has been severely undercut, all because of a single tweet.

Further reading

Read more about Elon Musk.
United Community Bank has announced that Brittany Marcum is the new branch manager at its downtown Brevard office. Marcum will work closely with Relationship Manager Kim Green, who has been integrally involved in the Brevard office operations.

"As the daughter of former branch manager Pam Landreth, Brittany has truly had a lifelong relationship with United and we are fortunate to have her join us in this leadership position," said John Goins, regional president of United Community Bank  Western North Carolina. "She has an impressive business background and an unselfish sense of service...
In 2014, Mountain Sun Community School graduated its first eighth-grade class. Four students completed their education with Mountain Sun that year and went on to Brevard High School. Four years later, these students are moving into the next phase of life as they launch into the wider world.

Stro Hastings, of Pisgah Forest, graduated with Brevard High Schools class of 2017. He attended Mountain Sun Community School from 2009-2014. Hastings decided to embark on an adventure before choosing to go off to college. He plans on spending the next several months with the National Outdoor Leaders...
Working problems on a whiteboard or with web tools are options when completing a math assignment in Ms. Souther's Pisgah Forest Elementary third-grade classroom.

You'd be hard-pressed these days not to find a newspaper article, online news outlet or social media site that doesn't lament our children's excessive screen time. Phones, television, computers - all can be implicated in this crisis. This concern is bleeding over into our schools, as more and more classrooms provide laptops for all students and emphasize digital learning as a skill necessary for our children's future.

The corresponding discussion is the importance of physical movement for the brain to function at optimal levels. Teachers are encouraged to give "brain breaks;" principals...
The 2018 National Allison Family Reunion will be held in Brevard on the weekend of Oct. 19-20 with three events spread across the two days.

The 2018 reunion marks the 360th anniversary of the immigrant ancestor, Thomas Allan-son-Allison, Lord of Christian Temple Manor, departing his London home for colonial Maryland in 1658 and the founding of the American family.

Special for 2018 is the 360th anniversary Allison family history quilt, incorporating five centuries of family history in antique prints and contemporary photography featuring 40 chapters of the Allison family story dating f...
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF TRANSYLVANIA

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION

FILE NO. 18E300

EXECUTORS - ADMINISTRATORS NOTICE

Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Irene Farash of Transylvania County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claim against the Estate of Irene Farash to present them to the undersigned on or before December 27, 2018 or the claim will be forever barred thereafter.

All persons indebted to said estate please make immediate payment.

Dated: September 24, 2018.

Paul A. Onnink

359 Firefly Lane

Pisgah...
Johnny Edward Wright, 79, of Pisgah Forest, went home to be with the Lord Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, after a long, hard battle with health issues.

He was the son of the late Jim and Essie Wright. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Barbara Alton.

He was born Feb. 26, 1939, in Lenoir, N.C. When he was a young boy, his family moved to Waynesville, N.C., where he resided until 1965, when he moved with his wife, Patricia, to Pisgah Forest.

He enlisted in the United States Army Reserve March 1, 1956, and retired from service at the rank of staff sergeant on May 9, 1994. He wore a c...
Thursdays Senate hearings on the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court were palpably vivid and engrossing. Christine Blasey Fords testimony revealed both vulnerability and courage, and it had the deep ring of truth  she conveyed the terror of attempted rape, the fear that she might be accidentally killed by Kavanaugh, and the long and debilitating sequel in her life of this assault. I will never forget, the laughter, the laughter.

While the Republicans had attempted to sanitize the interview process, Lindsey Grahams angry outburst revealed the underlying...
Sam Edney is my choice to represent Transylvania County and the rest of District 113 in the North Carolina House of Representatives for his support of the League of Women Voters common sense Fair Maps approach to redistricting. Twenty-one states, including Idaho, Arizona and New Jersey, now have non-partisan or bipartisan commissions to try their best to avoid disadvantaging one side or the other.

Over time the redrawing of electoral boundaries has been abused by both Republicans and Democrats in the spirit of to the victor go the spoils, but advances in satellite powered g...
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Ian Liberatore, 35, saves lives for a living, working as an EMT in Pennsylvania for both Warrington Community Ambulance Corps and the Penndel-Middletown Emergency Squad.

He also just finished writing, directing, and editing his first feature film, An American Hate Crime, which is scheduled to get a big-screen premiere at the Newton Theatre in Newtown, Pennsylvania on October 7.

So I asked him which was more stressful: Bringing someone back from the dead or getting his ideas on film.

Hands down making the movie was more stressful, Liberatore, who is originally from Levittown, told me. I was so nervous the first day of filming. I couldnt eat. In fact, I couldnt eat the whole week. I lost five pounds or so.

The film is about a group of teens who despise homosexuals and use a dating app to find them and beat them up. It also details the story of one gay teen who gets left for dead by these thugs, and the third act  well, I couldnt get Liberatore to give details. Gotta leave some surprises, I guess.

Ever since I saw Jurassic Park when I was 10, I realized I wanted to be a filmmaker, he said.

So Liberatore graduated high school, went to the Art Institute of Philadelphia, graduated with a degree in digital filmmaking, and 

There was a 10-year gap, Liberatore said. Its hard to break into the business, and honestly I was afraid to move to California and start over, so I decided Id find something to fall back on and then get back to it. Finally, I stopped procrastinating. Last October I started writing the screenplay.

The story  inspired by true events  came together, and things moved quickly after that. He raised some money  nearly $13,000  found actors, crew, locations (including at Rider University and all throughout Levittown) and this summer, he took a week off his job to put his dreams on celluloid (or whatever the digital equivalent is).

Ive showed people a few clips, and people are very happy with it, Liberatore said. Sure, its a low-budget movie, but it still flows, it still works. Lighting was an issue, a couple of scenes are maybe a little too dark or a little too lit up, that was probably our biggest challenge. And yes, almost all of the crew and actors, including myself, were working on a movie for the first time. But we all worked very hard, and Im very proud of what we did.

Of course, October 7 is when the rubber meets the road, when it will be premiered for first time.

It will probably bring a tear to my eye, he said. Its been a lifelong dream to see my work on the big screen, to see the audiences reaction, and now its finally coming true. Im happy and ecstatic, nervous and anxious at the same time.

Next up for Liberatore? The film festival circuit.

While hed love to see this movie make it to Netflix or Amazon, hes more interested in a financial backer seeing the promise of Liberatores skills as a storyteller and director.

Id love to get a bigger crew, some professional actors, he said. I would just love for someone to want to see another script and invest money with me.

And dont worry  another script is in the works. Liberatore is 100-odd pages into his next film, a suspense story set in central Pennsylvania.

Of course, as someone whos been literally and metaphorically stuck on page 2 of the Great American Novel, I had to ask Liberatore if he has any advice for would-be auteurs.

Never give up, he said. Find something that inspires you. Write something, anything. Dont put it in a desk. Leave it out, be ready to for it. Dont be afraid to write something, even if you end up getting rid of it. Youre working on art; its always up for judgement.
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Amritsar. September 30

School Education and Environment Minister Om Parkash Soni on Sunday presided over a meeting of the principals and head masters at Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Mall Road. The minister asked the principals to uplift the level of education. He also informed the school heads that Rs 1,000 crore would be spent on upgrading the education in the state.

Soni said, Last year, the results of government schools were not up to the mark. We have filled the vacant posts of teachers in all schools, especially in the border area to improve the quality of education.

He motivated principals to teach children with utmost dedication and hard work. He said, The principals can send report to the higher authorities about any negligence committed by teachers. We are serious about the education of our children. The department has divided the state into four zones and checking will be done in these schools zone wise.

Soni also issued instructions to the principals to curb the menace of copying. The government will honour the best-performing principals on January 26 and August 15, he said.

He also honoured national and state awardee teachers in the meeting. District Education Officer (Secondary) Salvinder Singh Samra, Deputy Education Officer Rajesh Sharma, Principal Mandeep Kaur, RASA general secretary Kulwant Rai Sharma, along with heads of government schools were present.
pardeepdhull@gmail.com

Mumbai, October 1

National carrier Air India is set to fly its 423-seater, double-decker Boeing 747 aircraft to two key domestic destinations, Mumbai and Kolkata, starting October 16 to meet the demand during the festive season.

With 12 seats in first class, 26 in business and 385 in economy class, the Jumbo plane will operate one flight per day each to Kolkata and Mumbai from New Delhi between October 16 and October 21, Air India said in a statement.

Kolkata will be covered in the first phase and Mumbai in the second phase (November).

Generally, these four-engine planes are operated on international routes as well as for ferrying VVIPs.

Coincidentally, the year 2018 also marks the 50th anniversary of the Boeing 747 operations.

According to the airline, the first B-747 will operate as AI 887. It will leave from Delhi at 0700 hours and arrive in Mumbai at 0910 hours. On its return journey, it will be operated as AI 809 and will leave from Mumbai at 1040 hours to reach Delhi at 1245 hours.

The next B747 flight will operate as AI764, which will depart from Delhi at 1655 hours and reach Kolkata at 1910 hours. The return flight, AI 023, will leave from Kolkata at 2050 hours and reach Delhi at 2255 hours, the airline said.

The Jumbo aircraft will also operate two flights per day daily on the Delhi-Mumbai-Delhi sector from November 1 to November 11 to cater to passenger demand during the Diwali season, the statement added. PTI
amansharma@tribunemail.com

Shiv Kumar

Tribune News Service

Mumbai, October 1

The Central government has taken over management control of the troubled Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) company after superseding its Board of Directors.

The new Board of Directors being put in place by the government will be headed by Uday Kotak of Kotak Bank, who will be the non-executive chairman. Others on the board include GN Bajpai ex Sebi chief, GC Chaturvedi -- ICICI Bank chairman, and three retired IAS officers -- Malini Shankar, Vineet Nayyar and Nand Kishore.

Opinion: Letting IL&FS run out of cash!

More members will be inducted into the board in the next couple of days, according to sources here.

The newly-appointed board will hold its first meeting to put in place a recovery plan for the company before October 8, according to sources.

The move by the government is reminiscent of the manner in which Satyam Computers was taken over in 2009 after its promoter B Ramalinga Raju confessed to committing fraud, the government today moved the Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) with a plea to take over IL&FS.

Read: IL&FS group stocks soar up to 20%

Earlier today, the government's counsel submitted that a change of management at the troubled NBFC was required to prevent some of the biggest mutual fund houses in the country from going under, according to sources.

Following the government's plea, the Mumbai bench of the NCLT dismissed the current board of IL&FS.

Key shareholders of IL&FS, including Life Insurance Corporation of India, State Bank of India, Central Bank of India were already on board, according to sources here. It is not clear whether Japanese fund house Orix and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority who own substantial number of shares in the company are on board.

The outgoing board of IL&FS had announced on Sunday that they plan to appoint a consultancy Alvarez & Marshal to plan a turnabout plan for the company. A final decision on this would now be taken by the new board.

According to reports, IL&FS is reeling under a debt burden of Rs 91,000 crores as on June 30 this year. The company has defaulted on interest payments which has caused panic in the stock markets.

The markets which opened in the red today gained towards the close after news of the management change of IL&FS came in.
amansharma@tribunemail.com

Mumbai, October 1

Equity benchmarks snapped their three-day losing streak Monday as the RBI announced measures to shore up liquidity amid the government pressing for a change of management at the crisis-hit IL&FS.

The 30-share BSE Sensex soared 299 points in see-saw trade to close at 36,526.14, while the NSE Nifty jumped 77.85 points to reclaim the 11,000-mark.

Positive manufacturing PMI data for September and healthy auto sales numbers also reassured investors, brokers said.

Yes Bank was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, spurting 9.86 per cent, after the mid-sized lender said it is fully geared up to find a successor for its MD and CEO Rana Kapoor, whose tenure was curtailed by the RBI last month.

Shares of IL&FS group companies surged up to 20 per cent Monday after the government moved the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for change of management at the crisis-hit firm.

The NCLT allowed the government's plea to reconstitute the board of Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Ltd (IL&FS) after market hours Monday.

The six members of the new board are-Uday Kotak of the Kotak Mahindra Bank, retired IAS officer Vineet Nayyar, former Sebi chairperson G N Bajpai, ICICI's non-executive chairperson G C Chaturvedi, IAS officer Malini Shankar and senior bureaucrat from CAG Nand Kishore.

Debt defaults by certain group entities of diversified IL&FS have triggered fears of liquidity crisis in the financial markets and the RBI has been taking steps to improve the overall cash situation.

The Reserve Bank Monday announced that it will inject Rs 36,000 crore liquidity into the system through purchase of government bonds in October to meet the festival season demand for funds.

The Sensex opened on a strong note at 36,274.25 but soon declined due to concerns surrounding the NBFC space and the commercial paper market. However, it recovered in afternoon trade to touch a high of 36,616.64, before finally closing higher by 299.00 points, or 0.83 per cent, at 36,526.14.

The NSE Nifty gained 77.85 points, or 0.71 per cent, to finish at 11,008.30. Intra-day, it shuttled between 10,821.55 and 11,035.65.

Meanwhile, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) net sold shares worth Rs 1,699.94 crore Friday, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought equities to the tune of Rs 3,256.34 crore, as per provisional data.

"Market rebounded after a weak start with short covering in banking stocks after recent correction and a positive global market. The new trade deal between US and Canada eased trade war concerns and will stimulate sentiment," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services Ltd.

Other major index gainers included TCS, HDFC, State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, Tata Motors, Infosys, Hindustan Unilever, Coal India, Wipro and Bajaj Auto.

In contrast, Bharti Airtel, Axis Bank, IndusInd Bank, Reliance Industries, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Larsen & Toubro, M&M and Asian Paints settled with losses of up to 3.67 per cent.

Meanwhile, the BSE small-cap index fell 0.25 per cent while the mid-cap gauge gained 0.53 per cent.

The country's manufacturing sector activity improved in September amid gains in new orders, output and employment, a monthly survey said Monday.

The Nikkei India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index strengthened slightly in September to 52.2, up from 51.7 in August, as sales rose from both domestic as well as foreign clients.

Auto stocks rose after companies posted healthy sales numbers for September.

Bajaj Auto reported a 17 per cent increase in total sales in September, while Hinduja Group flagship Ashok Leyland reported a 26 per cent rise.

Other major auto players that posted a rise in September sales included utility vehicles major Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), Tata Motors and Royal Enfield, the two-wheeler division of Eicher Motors.

The country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI), however, reported a marginal decline.

In other Asian markets, Japan's Nikkei gained 0.52 per cent, Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 0.26 per cent and Shanghai Composite Index climbed 1.06 per cent.

In Europe, Frankfurt's DAX rose 0.60 per cent and Paris CAC 40 was up 0.33 per cent in early deals. London's FTSE 100 too inched up 0.01 per cent. - PTI
traineesubeditor@tribuneindia.com

New Delhi, October 1

The country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) Monday reported marginal decline in total sales to 1,62,290 units in September as against 1,63,071 units in the year-ago period.

The company's domestic sales stood at 1,53,550 units, up 1.4 per cent from 1,51,400 units in September last year, MSI said in a statement.

Sales of mini segment cars, including Alto and WagonR, witnessed a 9.1 percent decline to 34,971 units during the month under review from 38,479 units in September 2017, MSI said.

The auto major further said sales of the compact segment comprising Swift, Estilo, Dzire and Baleno rose by 1.7 per cent to 74,011 units last month as against 72,804 units in the same period a year ago.

Sales of mid-sized sedan Ciaz rose by 11.5 per cent to 6,246 units during the month.

Sales of utility vehicles, including Ertiga, S-Cross and compact SUV Vitara Brezza increased by 8.7 per cent to 21,639 units in September, from 19,900 units.

Sales of vans  Omni and Eeco  increased by 6.6 per cent to 14,645 units last month as against 13,735 units in the year-ago period.

Exports in September were down 25.1 per cent to 8,740 units as compared with 11,671 units in the same month last year, MSI said.  PTI.
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 30

Two miscreants robbed a car from a cab driver at Mauli Jagran here on Sunday morning and were nabbed by the police later in the evening.

The accused have been identified as Gobinda of Rajiv Colony in Sector 17, Panchkula, and Suraj, a resident of Mauli Complex.

According to the police, a call was received at 5:13 am about a WagonR car having been robbed near a government school at Mauli Jagran.

Police teams rushed to the spot and met the complainant, Rajesh Kumar of Charan Singh Colony. The complainant stated that he worked as a cab driver and was returning home when two persons asked him to stop near a kerosene pump at Mauli Jagran.

The police said the duo asked the complainant to drop them at Sector 6, Panchkula.

In the meantime, the victims friend Yash Pal, who resides at Vikas Nagar in Mauli Jagran, also came there and offered to accompany the cab driver.

The police said Yash Pal started driving the car. On reaching near Rajiv Colony, Suraj pulled the handbrake. Both Suraj and Gobinda then thrashed Yash Pal and Rajesh and made them sit on the rear seat. The accused then drove the car towards Panchkula.

The police said on the way, Yash Pal jumped out of the car and got injured.

The police said the accused then robbed Rajesh of his purse at knifepoint. He too jumped out of the car and the accused sped away in the robbed vehicle.

A case was registered at the Mauli Jagran police station and an investigation was initiated into it. The police later nabbed the accused while they were driving from Panchkula towards Chandigarh.

Criminal past

The police said both accused  Gobinda of Rajiv Colony in Sector 17, Panchkula, Suraj of Mauli Complex  had criminal cases registered against them in Chandigarh and Panchkula.
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 30

Prof Karamjeet Singh of the University Business School (UBS) took charge as the new Registrar of Panjab University (PU) here after the tenure of Col GS Chadha (retd) came to an end today.

It is a prestigious university. I will take everyone along while taking decisions. As a former Senator and Syndic, I am well versed with the functioning of the university, said the new Registrar.

Prof Karamjeet Singh, 55, has a teaching experience of 34 years. He had played a role in drafting of Governance Reforms report.

Prof Navdeep Goyal, who holds majority in the PU Syndicate and the Senate, said, It is good that someone from the university has been chosen as its Registrar. We will extend our full cooperation to him. He knows the functioning of the PU.

Prof Rajesh Gill, president, Panjab University Teachers Association (PUTA), said, PUTA welcomes Prof Karamjeet Singh, a teacher from the university itself who is well versed in the system, as the new Registrar. I am confident that he will put in place an administration which is transparent and respects the dignity of teachers. PUTA shall be happy to work with him and the university shall benefit from his experience.

Deepak Kaushik, president, PU Non-teaching Employees Federation, hoped that the new Registrar would bring positivity in the PU governance.

Achievements
editorial@tribune.com

Ramkrishan Upadhyay

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 30

Anxiety and tension has developed among villagers whose land the UT Administration has proposed to acquire for creating another route to Mohali.

This has been revealed in the first-ever social impact study done by Panjab University for the acquisition of the 13 acres in Dadu Majra and Dhanas villages.

The villagers mostly demanded adequate compensation in the forms of money, land, jobs or pension. Most of them did not quote any price for their land and demanded a rate on a par with that of urban areas of Chandigarh.

The study finds that the owners are emotionally attached to their land and had put in all their hard-earned money and efforts to make it fertile. The proposed acquisition is causing stress and anxiety among them. Now, they are worried about the survival of their children after losing their land. They are facing psychological issues due to the anxiety.

The UT is planning to acquire land for construction of a new bypass (PR-4) from a high bridge at Dadu Majra to the UT boundary on the Mullanpur side.

The length of the proposed road is 1,204 metres and width 60.96 metres needing a total area of 18.13 acres. The land would be acquired from Dadu Majra and Dhanas villages. The new road will connect Highway No. 21 to Sector 39, Chandigarh.

The study was done under the provision of Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) Act, 2013. The Act puts forth a special provision of conducting a social impact analysis (SIA) of the development and displacement as a consequence of any project. The UT engaged PU teams for the study.

An extensive survey was done to collect information, opinion and draw unbiased assumptions, based on facts and figures, for a better planning to ensure better compensation and resettlement of the affected population.

The study findings point out that the land acquisition for this project will definitely improve the utilisation of land and improvement in land value. Better connectivity will trigger emergence of new livelihoods, trade, new jobs and other business services. Most of the villagers are ready to give their land for infrastructure and overall development.

As per preliminary observations, the project serves a public purpose. Proper road channel will improve efficiency of import and export of goods and services to a great extent and therefore, supplement livelihood of people. The team found that stakeholders are more concerned with loss to the land/livelihood and the fair compensation that they would receive rather than the intangible environmental/heritage losses.

Sources said the Administration would fix the compensation rates after studying the report.

Residents welcome pre-acquisition study

As per the study conducted by a PU team, 114 residents welcomed the efforts of the government for conducting a social impact analysis before acquisition. For the first time, they felt they had not been neglected by the Administration. They were ready to give their land if the government offered them adequate relief.
Anita Inder Singh

Anita Inder Singh

Founding Professor, Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution in New Delhi

WHAT New Delhi says and does can be two different things, especially when it comes to confronting Donald Trumps threat to penalise countries importing oil from Iran. When he announced sanctions against Iran last May, Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj declared that India only followed UN sanctions, and would not follow unilateral American sanctions on Iran. But only a few days later, the State Bank of India warned Indian companies to reduce imports from Iran and told refiners it could not support Iranian purchases as long as sanctions lasted. Then, after Trump slammed Iran in his speech to the UN General Assembly on September 25, Swaraj told Irans Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, that India would continue importing oil from Iran.

India has told the US that it would not cut oil imports from Iran. With good reason. India imports 83 per cent of its oil, and Iranian oil is cheaper than that from some other countries. Iran is India's third biggest oil supplier. But India's biggest oil-buyers have not booked any cargoes from Iran for November, potentially cutting oil imports to zero.

No quick fix

Washington, however, will not exempt India from penalities if it continues to import oil from Iran.

There is no quick fix for India. And there is more to Indo-Iranian ties than oil imports. But what will India's friends do to help it to shore up its economic interests in Iran? India secured Irans agreement to develop the strategically important Chabahar port and has invested $500 million in it. For India, Chabahar, situated in the Sistan-Balochistan province of Iran and lying outside the Persian Gulf, could become a gateway for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asian countries.

For nearly two years, Japanese participation in the development of Chabahar was welcome to India. It would have speeded up implementation of the project and enhanced its political clout. But Japan was always cautious about investing in Chabahar and withdrew from the project in November 2017. At that time it also started cutting oil imports from Iran. It could afford to do that. Japan relies heavily on oil imports from the Middle East, though Iranian crude accounted for just 5.3 per cent of its total imports last year. At another level, an indication of Japans changed stance on Chabahar came when the project failed to find a mention in the India-Japan joint statement issued after talks between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September. One outstanding fact may explain Tokyos change of mind. As a military ally of the US, Japan has to think in terms of US pressure on sanctions against Iran.

Chabahar may slip away

If Indias ties with Iran suffer because it goes along with American sanctions, the country that will gain the most is China. With Japan out of the picture, India could lose the chance to develop the southern Iranian port of Chabahar. China has an interest in Chabahar. Last March, Teheran announced that it had offered China and Pakistan participation in the Chabahar project. China has already developed the Gwadar port in southwest Pakistan as a key link in its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. Just over 100 miles separate Gwadar from Chabahar. So China would gain a major vantage point in the area around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and Arabian Sea if it were to develop Chabahar as well.

China plays with several cards simultaneously. Already the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, it is not expected to heed US demands. In fact, as part of Trumps trade war, an independent Chinese refiner has suspended crude oil purchases from the US and has turned to Iran for oil supplies.

For Iran, China is the one country that matters most to its oil economy. China, the world's top crude-oil buyer, imports more than a quarter of Irans oil exports. Chinas position on Iranian oil sanctions has been consistent over the years. It has usually defied US sanctions with the intent of advancing its own business interests: cooperation with the US has been a secondary priority.

Sino-Iran rail ties

Economic ties between China and Iran are also growing. Soon after the Trump administration announced that it would reinstate sanctions, Teheran and Beijing. announced the launch of a new rail link between Bayannur, in Chinas Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region, and Iran. The line will speed up cargo shipments to China, as a part of Beijing's $ 124 billion Belt and Road Initiative. It could also be one of the first steps taken by China to finance billions of dollars' worth of projects in Iran to build railways, roads, ports and power plants.

Trumps sanctions can only push Iran and China closer together. The Chinese have invested in Iran for the past 30 years and have made themselves appear indispensable to the Iranians. Washington fails to appreciate the strength and scope of the Sino-Iranian tie. China is one of Iran's leading trading partners. Twelve per cent of Irans imports come from China, 2.3 per cent from India. Seventeen per cent of Irans exports go to China, 8.4 per cent to India. Bolstered by the flow of Iranian oil, Chinese-Iranian trade jumped by 20 per cent in 2017 to $37 billion.

New Delhi, which enjoys a close economic and military partnership with Washington, must contend with the capacity of the US to intervene in Iran in a way that does not suit India. Will India endanger its good ties with the US for Iranian oil? Or will it be able to persuade the US that only their common rival  China  would benefit from American sanctions on Iran? With India dependent on the US, the question is whether New Delhi will be able to persuade Trump to exempt India from buying Iranian oil or bow to Washingtons tough and unreasonable demands.
Vappala Balachandran

Vappala Balachandran

ex-Special Secretary, Cabinet secretariat

Mahatma Gandhi visited Kashmir on August 5 and 6, 1947. He wanted to tour the troubled state much earlier, but had faced opposition from Viceroy Mountbatten and surprisingly, also from Sardar Patel. The years 1946-1947 were turbulent. Sheikh Abdullah (National Conference) was imprisoned for his Quit Kashmir agitation against Maharaja Hari Singh. Balraj Puri had claimed in 1993 that the All Jammu & Kashmir Rajya Hindu Sabha (the earliest incarnation of the present Bharatiya Janata Party in the state) supported the Maharajas independence policy. Those advocating a merger with secular India like him or Mulk Raj Saraf (Editor, Ranbir, banned in June 1947) were condemned as anti-Hindu traitors.

Mountbatten had given a frank account of these eventful days in his letters to British PM Clement Attlee, published in 1948 as Report on the Last Viceroyalty-22 March-15 August, 1947. Mountbatten did not want Nehru to head the States Department, created in June to deal with the princes, as Nehru had given them an ultimatum on April 19 to join the Constituent Assembly. He was happy that Patel was chosen to head that department as he could get accessions from as many princes as possible before August 15, 1947.

Mountbatten had also given instances of his personal interventions to persuade problem states, including Bikaner, Indore, Jodhpur and Bhopal. Lionel Carter, who had edited the book, had said the Viceroy had even used his influence to alter the Radcliffe boundary award to divert three Punjab tehsils to India to favour his friend the Maharaja of Bikaner, whose state was getting water from the headworks of Ganga Canal located in these tehsils. Yet neither Mountbatten nor Patel showed any hurry in getting Kashmirs accession, although it had strategic importance by having international boundaries.

Gandhi met Mountbatten early in June, wanting to visit Kashmir instead of Nehru or prepare the way for Pandit Nehru. Mountbatten parried him by telling that he would first go to meet the Maharaja, who was an old acquaintance. The visit took place during June 18- 23. Mountbatten advised Hari Singh not to make the independence declaration. He conveyed Patels message that the States Department were prepared to give an assurance that, if Kashmir went to Pakistan, this would not be regarded as unfriendly by Government of India. But Mountbattens mission was a failure.

Mountbatten received Gandhi on June 26. He found him distressed about Kashmir. He demanded that either he or Pandit Nehru must go there at once. Rajmohan Gandhi, Patels biographer, had said Gandhi prayed that Kashmir would disprove the two-nation theory with Abdullahs pro-India sentiment. A reluctant Mountbatten relented and asked Hari Singh to accept a visit from Gandhi as causing less trouble than a visit from Pandit Nehru. On July 29 he met Gandhi, Nehru and Patel to decide who (Gandhi or Nehru) should go. Patel told him that neither should go but bluntly added: If it is a choice between two evils, I consider Gandhijis visit would be the lesser evil.

Mountbatten permitted Gandhis visit with no political speeches. He added: It was only with the greatest of difficulty that Pandit Nehru was persuaded to acquiesce in this decision. I was privately informed that, when Sardar Patel tried to reason with him the night before our meeting, Pandit Nehru had broken down and wept, explaining that Kashmir meant more to him than anything else.

Gandhis delitescent notes (August 5 and 6, 1947  Collected Works) and his symbolic gesture of taking Begum Abdullah with him for prayer meetings revealed his sharp legal mind and Chanakya niti. He could not write openly because of Mountbattens ban. He said he addressed three prayer meetings attended by thousands and was struck by the communal harmony in the state. They had one language, one culture and so far as he could see, they were one people. He was also able to meet the Maharaja and family.

He said the 1846 Amritsar Treaty was a sale deed between the British and Gulab Singh, which would be dead on 15th August. He felt that paramountcy of Kashmiri people will begin after 15 August, 1947. He was glad to say that the Maharajah Saheb and Maharani Saheba readily acknowledged the fact. He conveyed to Patel on August 6, 1947, that he had sent a note to Nehru who would show it to him. I think you should do something in the matter. In my opinion the situation in Kashmir can be saved. He was suggesting to Patel how to deal with Kashmirs accession.

Legally Gandhi was correct. Section 7(1) (b) of the India Independence Act 1947 had said all treaties between the Crown and Indian rulers would lapse on 15th August. But Patels passivity (to use Rajmohan Gandhis expression) continued.

Patel missed another opportunity. Nehru, according to Durga Das, wrote a letter on September 27, 1947, to Patel about the alarming situation in Kashmir: I understand that the Pakistan strategy is to infiltrate into Kashmir now and to take some big action. I hope you will be able to take some action. He suggested using National Conference assets. But the invasion came on October, 22, 1947. Puri had said it was the NC cadres who were helping the Indian Army by providing trucks and manpower, resulting in the spectacular success.

It is thus surprising to hear PM Modi telling our Parliament on February 7, 2018: If the countrys first prime minister was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, then this part of my Kashmir would not have been with Pakistan today. On the contrary, an undivided Kashmir would have been with us had Patel, who was in total charge of the princely states under Mountbatten, followed Gandhi advice.
Shiv Visvanathan

Shiv Visvanathan

Academic with Compost Heap

Looking at a picture of GD Agrawal, former professor of civil and environmental engineering at IIT, Kanpur, a child remarked that he looks like Moses and Gandhi. It is an apt description because Agrawal has the style of an Old Testament prophet in combination with with the strategy of a satyagrahi. Agrawal is one of our great environmentalists. But unlike most scientists, he is both an exemplar and a paradigm of his ideas. He is a scientist full of ideas about the Ganga and he embodies a lifestyle in consonance with his ideas. He is now famously known as environmentalist Swami Swaroop Sanand.

Agrawal is today in hospital under protective custody because he has been on a hunger strike for over a month, protesting about the way his beloved river, the Ganga, is being treated. He has objections against the way the Ganga is being conceptualised and administered.

For him, the Ganga is special and a special kind of river. One has to think of the river as more than a physical entity. The Ganga embodies a sense of sacrament and displays special properties. It has bactericidal properties which fight contamination. Ganga jal, unlike ordinary water, does not deteriorate.

Yet, the government treats it shoddily. True, the National Ganga River Basin Authority has been created. But, as Agrawal remarks, ironically the attribute national belongs to the bureaucratic structure and not the river. He says the Ganga should be seen in civilisational terms, as a site where myth and scientific rationality coexist.

Agrawal claims that his sadness stems from the governmentalisation of the river. The Ganga, despite its sacredness, is treated like a PWD department. There is no sense of the myths, the sacredness or the ecological logic of the river. What the Ganga needs, to minimise pollution, is an unimpeded flow. But what the bureaucracy has done is impose 600 dams on it. The river is being choked by pollution and encroachments. Agrawal claims that the Modi government is both illiterate and indifferent to the situation. He argues in the languages of both myth and science. He says that he is fasting to death because the Ganga is his grandmother, even while summoning arguments from science.

The BJP government does not know what to do with a man who claims that the emperor has no clothes. Agrawal is an oxymoron  a sanyasi who speaks science, an ecologist who understands the mythology of the river, a Gandhian who has little respect for the ecological claims of the regime. His authenticity, unlike the regimes pretensions, is potent. With quite a tenacity, Agrawal claims that saving the Ganga is the sole purpose of his life.

Helpless before his arguments, the regime has resorted to brutality. When he was in the third week of his fast in a Haridwar ashram, a posse of policemen dragged him out, forced him into an ambulance and rushed him to a hospital, where he has since been in protective custody.

Yet, the moral voice of Swami Swaroop Sanand is difficult to suppress. His students and supporters have rallied around him. Rajender Singh has requested universities to go on a one-day fast as a token of support and respect for him.

The battle has the overtones of a scientific David fighting a governmental Goliath. Agrawal exposes the hypocrisy and illiteracy of a regime which stands confused before a satyagrahi and sanyasi who contends that the BJP has no sense of science or the sacred. Agrawal is objecting to the hydroelectric projects choking the life of the Ganga. In fact, Agrawal resigned from the National Ganga Basin Authority, dubbing it a sham.

For Agrawal, rivers and the Ganga, in particular, are both a vocation and a career. A trained engineer from Roorkee, he was the dean of civil engineering at IIT, Kanpur, and a member-secretary of the Central Pollution Control Board. Agrawal's fascination for ecology has rubbed on to many of his student disciples, including the late Anil Agarwal of the CEE and Rajender Singh, who are pioneers and exemplars of ecology in their own right. But he does not need these testimonials or certificates. His very presence and the moral impact of his struggle capture many an imagination.

Agrawal has been a persistent dissenter when dissent, especially environmental dissent, is at a discount. His protests over the Ganga have earned him insults and labels such as CIA puppet. But the government's hostility has not impacted the 80-year-old professors integrity. He is brutally frank, claiming that the Ganga Action Plan is the chip of the old clerical blockhead, the Mission Clean Ganga. Neither institution, according to him, has a sense of accounting, accountability, responsibility or trusteeship. The bureaucratisation of the Ganga has led to a failure of ethics and scientific competence, he laments.

GD Agrawal is as impatient with the citizen as he is dismissive about the epidemic of tourism, which, he says transforms the sacred centres of pilgrimage into picnic spots of ecological destruction. An old-style prophet, he has no respect for a populism which banalises the sacredness of the Ganga. His demands are specific and immediate. He suggests that the environmental flow of the river be maintained as an antidote to pollution, that encroachments along the river be dismantled and that special legislations be enacted to sustain these requirements.

Agrawal's struggle has moved beyond an individual protest to an epic struggle, which is quietly stirring the moral imagination of many activists. His critique, like that of Madhav Gadgil's critique of development, needs to be acknowledged and acclaimed. Both bring the much-needed moral imagination to the Indian science.

Agrawal is no prophet crying in the wilderness. His earlier protests made Jairam Ramesh cancel the dam on the Bhagirathi.

Narendra Modi, however, seems to have forgotten that restoring the Ganga to its pristine self was one of his much-advertised electoral planks. When a concerned citizen protests, the Modi regime has no answer. The onus now is on the people reading about his struggle. Agrawals is a moving story. The challenge is whether people will rise to the occasion and back the great satyagrahi by joining him in his battle.
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Karnal, October 1

National president of the All-India Congress Committee (AICC) womens cell and Member of Parliament Sushmita Dev on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Union Government for not bringing women reservation Bill in Parliament despite having full majority.

She said Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi assuring him passage of the Bill that provided for 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state Assemblies, but the Union Government had failed to bring in the Bill.

She was in the city to lead the Congress partys Mahila Adhikar Yatra, which started from Panchkula on Sunday and would end in Gurugram on October 5.

While addressing the gathering at a programme organised by AICC member Suresh Gupta Matlauda and Congress leader Munish Kamra at ITI Chowk, Dev accused the BJP government in the state led by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar for rising crime against women. She alleged that Haryana had become the rape capital as the government had failed to check crime and also protect women and their dignity.

She was interacting with mediapersons at the residence of Lalit Butana, former member of the Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC).

Dev, accompanied by women state president Sumitra Chauhan and others, said on the concluding of this yatra in Gurugram on October 5, they would take out a torch procession.

The Mahila Adhikar Yatra led by Sushmita Dev reached at Nali Khurd village where Nisha Devi, district women president (rural), welcomed them and organised a khat chaupal.
editorial@tribune.com

Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News Service

Shimla, October 1

As the southwest monsoon withdrew, Himachal experienced 12 per cent excess rains after a gap of eight years. The monsoon left a trail of destruction and rain-related mishaps claimed 260 lives while loss to property was pegged at Rs 1,400 crore.

The southwest monsoon have also withdrawn from Rajasthan, entire Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, West Uttar Pradesh and parts of Gujarat and East Uttar Pradesh, west and east Madhya Pradesh, Director of local MeT office Manmohan Singh said.

In 2010 the state recorded 13 per cent surplus rain. The monsoons withdrew from the state on September 30, 2017, with 15 per cent deficit. The rain deficit was 24 per cent in 2016, 23 per cent in 2015, 37 per cent in 2014 and six per cent in 2013. The withdrawal on monsoon was normal this year while it withdrew on October 16 in 2013 and October 5 in 2016. Out of 12 districts, eight received excess, three deficit and one Sirmaur normal railfall. Chamba, Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti districts received 38 per cent, 32 per cent and 32 per cent deficit rains.

Una received the highest rainfall with 59 per cent excess rains while Kullu and Bilaspur received 49 per cent and 38 per cent excess rains, followed by Kangra (+ 34 per cent), Hamirpur (+ 29 per cent), Shimla (+ 27 per cent), Mandi (+ 24 per cent), Solan(+ 11 per cent ) and Sirmaur (zero per cent) was normal. The rainfall in 2018 was 927.1 mm against normal rainfall of 825.3 mm. Kangra received 2,122.8 mm rain, followed by Solan 1,110 mm and Shimla 806 mm.
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, October 1

A drug peddler based in Nigeria was arrested by the CIA Staff Commissionerate here today.

The accused was identified as ENE Gift Chiner. She was in the city to deliver the intoxicants to her clients. The CIA staff seized 200 gm of heroin from her.

CIA in charge Ajay Singh said as per information, she was arrested from the rear side of Sai Dass Public School where she was waiting for her clients. A case under Sections 21/61/65 of the NDPS Act has been filed against her. She was sent to a two-day remand.

She is at present staying at Dwarka in New Delhi and had done her graduation from Delhi University.
pardeepdhull@gmail.com

Islamabad, October 1

PoKs Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider has claimed that the white chopper he was travelling in was very close to the LoC but within Pakistans airspace, and that there was no need to inform the Indian authorities about the flight as it was not a military helicopter.

The Indian Army said on Sunday that a Pakistani chopper violated the Indian airspace along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir but turned back after it was engaged by air sentries.

Indian officials claimed that the white helicopter crossed into the Indian airspace in Gulpur sector and hovered over there for sometime before turning back.

Three forward posts fired small arms after noticing the airspace violation, the sources said.

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) leader Haider said he was travelling with two ministers and his personal staff officer in a civilian white-coloured aircraft on Sunday when it was attacked near Abbaspur village.

Talking to Dawn, Haider said the incident took place at around 12:10 pm.

I had gone to Forward Kahuta to condole the death of the brother of one of my ministers and meet the residents of the area adjacent to the LoC. While we were passing through Abbaspur, the Indian Army suddenly opened fire at my helicopter. Luckily, we remained unhurt and the helicopter was not damaged, he said.

We were very close to zero line but we were within our space. Moreover, it was a civilian helicopter so the Indian Army should not have opened fire on it, Haider said.

He said that military helicopters, on both sides, intimate each other before flying according to the standard operating procedure.

As it was a civilian helicopter, there was no need to intimate about it, Haider said, adding that he frequently travels in the area but such an incident had never happened.

He said that he would formally take up the matter with the Government of Pakistan to pursue the issue and take appropriate action.

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shahbaz Sharif said the attack was a severe violation of international and bilateral laws and also against the diplomatic norms.

Sharifs PML-N rules PoK and Haider is a leading member of the party.

Pakistans Foreign Office has so far not commented on the incident. PTI
rchopra@tribunemail.com

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, October 1



The missing Special Police Officer (SPO), who had escaped with seven AK assault rifles from the house of a legislator, has surfaced on social media which shows that he has joined the Hizbul Mujahideen.

Adil Bashir, who looted seven AK rifles and a pistol from the Srinagar house of PDP legislator Ajaz Mir, appeared in a series of pictures released on social media.

The SPO is seen posing for pictures alongside Shopian-based Hizbul Mujahideen commander Zeenat-ul-Islam and three other militants.

The militants also released a picture of the seven AK rifles looted by the SPO.

The weapons were looted by the SPO on Friday. The police had launched a manhunt to trace the SPO and also sealed roads leading to south Kashmir.

Shopian SP Sandeep Choudhary said he had not seen the pictures as the Internet services remained suspended in the south Kashmir district.
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, October 1

The missing special police officer (SPO), who escaped with seven assault rifles of the AK series from the residence of a legislator last week, has joined the Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit, pictures released on social media confirmed.

Adil Bashir, the SPO who worked as a cook at the residence of PDP legislator Aijaz Mir, appeared in pictures alongside Hizbul Mujahideen militants, confirming his entry into the militant group.

The SPO had looted seven rifles and a pistol  the biggest-ever loot of weapons in recent years - from the Srinagar residence of the PDP legislator. Bashir, who was engaged as SPO last year, is a resident of south Kashmirs Shopian district.

In the pictures released on social media, the SPO is seen posing alongside Shopian-based Hizbul Mujahideen commander Zeenat-ul-Islam and three other unidentified militants. The pictures are possibly shot in Shopian district as the militants accompanying the SPO operate from there.

The release of pictures on social media has become the new practice of militant groups operating in the Kashmir valley to announce recruitments.

The militants also released a picture of the weapons  seven AK rifles  looted by the SPO. The weapons were looted by the SPO on Friday.

The police had launched a major manhunt to trace the missing SPO and also sealed off roads leading to other parts of south Kashmir immediately after the loot was reported.

The Hizbul Mujahideen, which is the oldest surviving militant outfit in the Valley, has pulled off high-profile recruitments in recent months. The recruited included a contractual professor at the University of Kashmir, a PhD scholar from Aligarh Muslim University, son of a senior separatist leader, several policemen and an Army soldier.

Superintendent of Police, Shopian, Sandeep Choudhary, said he could not comment on the pictures as had not seen them due to the suspension of internet services in the south Kashmir district.
editorial@tribune.com

Ludhiana: The Municipal Corporation has demolished an illegal colony on Kakowal Road here on Monday. Assistant Town Planner (ATP) Mohan Singh said they dismantled the sewer lines and roads in the illegal colony. He, however, said they had not yet filed any complaint against the developer of the illegal colony. Meanwhile, the staff of the Municipal Corporation also removed an encroachment and illegal construction in the Kali Sarak area. TNS

Five held, illicit liquor seized

Ludhiana: The police arrested five persons and seized 150 cartons of illicit liquor from their possession. The accused have been identified as Gursharan Singh of Rampura Phul in Bathinda district, Mangat Singh of Nanaksar Kaleran near Jagraon; and Jarnail Singh, Boota Singh and Manveer Singh, all residents of Boothghar Vanjara village, Ludhiana. The accused were arrested by the division no. 2 police in two separate operations. Investigating Officer Pritpal Singh said Gursharan Singh and Mangat Singh were arrested near T-Point, Amarpura, while they were going to supply the liquor. The police seized 100 cartons of liquor from them. The police also confiscated a car (PB 11 CN 4859) in which the liquor was allegedly being smuggled. In a separate operation, the police arrested Jarnail Singh, Boota Singh and Manveer Singh from Soofian Chowk area. The police seized 50 cartons of illegal liquor from them and also confiscated a Toyota Innova SUV (PB 11 BZ 1818) in which liquor was being smuggled. The police have registered cases against the accused under the Excise Act and further investigation is on. TNS

Two liquor peddlers held

Doraha: The Doraha police recovered 50 bottles of illicit liquor and arrested two persons during a naka at the first aid post of Doraha on Monday. Doraha SHO Hardeep Singh said they got a tip-off that two persons were selling illicit liquor at T-point, Jaipura Road, Doraha. The police set up a naka and stopped a bus (No. PB-10-DS-8297). During search, the police recovered 50 bottles of Rasphery Brand Liquor (for sale in Haryana only) from it. Driver of the bus Kuldeep Singh of Ghaloti village and his accomplice Inderjit Singh of Kulaharh, Payal, were selling illicit liquor to their customers. The police party arrested Kuldeep and Inderjit. A case under the Excise Act has been registered against the accused. OC

Special camps under MGSVY

Ludhiana: Special camps are being organised in different sub-divisions of the district under the Mahatma Gandhi Sarbat Vikas Yojana (MGSVY) on Tuesday. According to the district administration, efforts will be made to bring schemes of the Punjab Government and the Centre to the eligible beneficiaries. During the camps, the departments concerned would receive applications from beneficiaries. Additionally, to mark Gandhi Jayanti celebrations, peace marches will be organised in every sub-division. Students of schools and colleges, members of clubs, and residents would participate in the camps. Deputy Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Agrawal said the district-level seminar will be organised under the Mahatma Gandhi Sarbat Vikas Yojana at Government College for Girls, in which Health and Family Welfare Minister Brahm Mohindra will be the chief guest. TNS
editorial@tribune.com

London, September 30

One of the two main bidders, keen to acquire embattled Indian businessman Vijay Mallyas Force India Formula One racing team after it went into administration, has claimed that a consortium of 13 Indian banks lost out on an estimated 40 million pounds as a result of an unfair sales process concluded last month.

Russian fertiliser group Uralkali said that by turning down its higher bid for the company, the administrators had denied the extra funds that would have accrued to the shareholder of Force India  Mallyas Orange India Holdings Sarl  which is subject to a freezing order issued by UKs High Court in favour of his 13 creditor Indian banks, led by the State Bank of India.

Uralkali launched legal proceedings against administrators FRP Advisory in the High Court in London on Thursday to claim tens of millions of dollars in damages over the alleged prejudicial and unequal treatment in the bidding process.

The administrators, however, insist they oversaw a fair and transparent bidding process which led to the sale of Force India to the Racing Point consortium, led by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, after it went into administration in July.

Mallya, through Orange India Holdings set up in 2007, owned a 42.5 per cent stake in the Silverstone-based racing team alongside a similar shareholding in the hands of Indias Sahara Group.

A ruling in Mallyas extradition trial at Westminster Magistrates Court in London is scheduled for December 10. A separate UK High Court ruling from May this year upheld a worldwide freezing order against the businessman, with a follow-up enforcement order in June in favour of the consortium of 13 Indian banks to recover estimated funds of around 1.145 billion pounds.  PTI
uttara@tribuneindia.com

Our Correspondent

Jaipur, October 1

A 25-year-old man travelling with a fake identity on Air India's Mumbai-Jodhpur flight was detained on Monday after he made a scene pretending he was being abducted.

Some sections of the press reported the incident as a bomb scare.

The suspect, Arjun alias Dinesh Suthar, who was detained at Jodhpur Airport for questioning, is from Mysore, where he had told a family that their missing son was in Jodhpur with a "tantrik". His six travelling companionstwo members of the missing boys family and four policemen in civilian clotheshad boarded the flight with him from Mumbai, police said. "As their flight approached Jodhpur Airport, the man began to fear he would be caught and decided to pretend his travelling companions were abducting him," DCP Aman Singh said. A crew member promptly alerted the airport's ground staff, and Sathar was questioned by police, intelligence and anti-terrorism agencies as soon as the flight landed.

Police said they would register a case after conducting investigations.
editorial@tribune.com

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 1

Though the Narendra Modi government claims to have fulfilled the long-pending demand of farmers by following the C2+50 formula for disbursing politically sensitive MSP, farmers are not impressed.

So while the BJP-led Centre is showcasing the MSP deal as among its best pro-farmer moves in the run-up to 2019, farmers leading protests in the capital claim otherwise. Meanwhile, the Kisan Kranti Yatra, which weaved its way through BJPs strongholds over the past few days, will also try to enter Delhi and reach the Kisan Ghat on Tuesday.

Farmers are demanding remunerative prices for farm produce as per the Swaminathan Committee recommendations, loan waiver and minimum wages. The MSP given by the BJP government is not based on actual C2+50 formula but A2+FL, they say.

Punjab farmers are also demanding an amendment to the NDPS Act, 1985, to legalise poppy cultivation in the state.

While the A2+FL formula takes into account actual cost plus imputed value of family labour in the production of a crop, the C2 formula factors in several other costs, including imputed rent on land and interest on capital, making the cost of production higher than what the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices bases its recommendation, say BKU leaders.
rchopra@tribunemail.com

Ghaziabad, October 1

A BSF jawan on Monday allegedly shot dead his colleague at a camp here, officials said.

Constable Ajit fatally shot his batch mate Jagpreet with his rifle at about 6 am at a temporary camp on the Link Road area here.

Both the jawans belong to the 95th battalion of the border-guarding force based in Gurugram and were deployed as part of a unit to aid the Ghaziabad police in law and order duties, they said.

The exact reason as to why and how the alleged fratricide incident took place is being ascertained even as the Border Security Force had ordered an inquiry, they said.

It is suspected that the two jawans, who joined the paramilitary force in 2012, had an argument in the morning after which Ajit allegedly pulled the trigger, the officials added.

Senior officials of the BSF and police had reached the spot and a probe is on, they added. PTI
uttara@tribuneindia.com

New Delhi, October 1

The Delhi High Court on Monday allowed Gautam Navlakha, one of the five rights activists arrested in connection with Koregaon-Bhima case, to be freed from the house arrest.

The high court granted him the relief saying that the Supreme Court last week had given him the liberty to approach the appropriate forum within four weeks to seek further recourse, which he has availed.

The high court also quashed the trial court's transit remand order which he had challenged before the matter was taken to the apex court.

Navlakha's detention has exceeded 24 hours, which was "untenable", the high court said.

A Bench of Justices S Muralidhar and Vinod Goel set aside the August 28 order of chief metropolitan magistrate granting transit remand of Navlakha saying there was non-compliance of basic provisions of the Constitution and the CrPC, which were mandatory in nature.

The Bench said the trial court order was unsustainable in law.

"In view of Section 56 read with Section 57 of the CrPC and absence of remand order of the CMM, the detention of the petitioner has clearly exceeded 24 hours, which is untenable in law. Consequently, the house arrest of the petitioner comes to an end now," the court said.

However, the court made it clear that its order will not preclude the state of Maharashtra from proceeding further.

When the counsel for Maharashtra Government sought the court to extend Navlakha's house arrest by two more days as the apex court has also extended it by four weeks, the bench said the counsel had overlooked that the top court has passed this order to enable the activist to avail appropriate legal remedy.

The high court allowed the petition filed on behalf of Navlakha challenging his arrest and the transit remand order of the trial court.

Navlakha was arrested from the national capital on August 28. The other four activists were arrested from different parts of the country.

The Maharashtra police had arrested the activists on August 28 in connection with an FIR lodged following a conclave'Elgaar Parishad'held on December 31 last year that had allegedly triggered violence later at Koregaon-Bhima village in the state.

The five activistsTelugu poet Varavara Rao, activists Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Gautam Navlakha, and lawyer-activist Sudha Bharadwajwere put under house arrest on August 29 following an apex court order on the plea by historian Romila Thapar, economists Prabhat Patnaik and Devaki Jain, sociology professor Satish Deshpande and human rights lawyer Maja Daruwala against the police action.

Prominent Telugu poet Rao was arrested on August 28 from Hyderabad, while activists Gonsalves and Ferreira were nabbed from Mumbai, trade union activist Sudha Bharadwaj from Faridabad in Haryana and civil liberties activist Navlakha from Delhi. PTI
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Hyderabad, September 30

Over 100 passengers of a Jet Airways flight (9W 955) from Hyderabad to Chandigarh had a miraculous escape as the pilot managed to land the plane at Indore after one of its engines failed.

There were 103 persons on board (96 passengers and seven crew), all of whom were evacuated after the landing.

According to Indore airport director A Sanyal, the Boeing 737 aircraft was flying at an altitude of 36,000 feet at a speed of 850 km per hour when the pilot informed the Indore Air Traffic Control (ATC) about the engine failure.

The flight had taken off from Hyderabads Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at 10.48 am. The plane developed a snag after about 82 minutes and it landed at Indore at 12.06 pm.

This is the second incident involving the Jet Airways flight over the last one week.
uttara@tribuneindia.com

Thiruvananthapuram, October 1

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has described the speech by External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj at the UN General Assembly disappointing and said it failed to project Indias constructive and positive image.

In a scathing critique of Pakistan, Swaraj had said India has made many efforts to hold talks with Islamabad and the only reason New Delhi has called off dialogue is because of Pakistans behaviour.

Pakistans commitment to terrorism as an instrument of state policy has not abated one bit, Swaraj told world leaders at the UN on Saturday and asked them how India can pursue talks with a nation that glorifies killers and allows the Mumbai attack mastermind to roam free with impunity.

Tharoor alleged that the speech was aimed at BJP voters.

We get the sense that everything is about the political environment in India.

And this was a speech aimed at the BJP voters and sending a message to the voters particularly on the subject of Pakistan rather than projecting a constructive and positive image of India in the world.

To that degree, it was a disappointing speech, he said here.

I think some of the things Sushmaji said one can fully appreciate and welcome. But some of the statements were disappointing, he said. PTI
rchopra@tribunemail.com

Shahira Naim

Tribune News Service

Lucknow, October 1

Following deceased Vivek Tiwaris family meeting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday morning, action is likely to be taken against senior police and administrative officials who colluded to cover up the Tiwari murder.

Added to this is the appearance of footage of the CCTV camera of a public sector office in the vicinity of the shootout capturing the whole event puncturing the police theory that the SUV was parked or Tiwari tried to crush the constables who had shot him in self-defence.

After her 35-minute meeting with Yogi at his 5 Kalidas road residence, Tiwaris widow Kalpana expressed confidence in the state government saying the CM had heard her out and assured her to address all her anxieties after which she was satisfied.

I had earlier also said that I have faith in our state government and today that faith has further strengthened, said Kalpana.

Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma, Kalpana, her two daughters and brother met the CM in the presence of DGP OP Singh.

Later, speaking to the media, Sharma said the CM had promised a Fixed Deposit of Rs 5 lakh each for the education of the two daughters, Rs 5 lakh FD for the aged dependent mother of Tiwari and a house for the family.

This is over and above the Rs 25 lakh compensation and a government job for Kalpana promised on Saturday evening after which the family had agreed to cremate the body.

During the meeting, Kalpana demanded strict action against all those who were responsible for the cold-blooded murder of her husband and the subsequent cover-up.

She complained to the CM that the police did not inform her about shooting her husband and prevented his colleague from doing so. Had the family been informed in time she might have tried to arrange better medical attention, she said.

She also narrated the police attempt to cover up by claiming that the police had fired in self-defence when her husband tried to mow them down after he and his female ex-colleague were found in an objectionable position in a stationary SUV car.

After meeting the family, Yogi had a separate meeting with DGP OP Singh and Principal Secretary Home Arvind Kumar. Yogi has reportedly given the officers a dressing down and has sought an update on the Tiwari murder investigation.
monicakchauhan@gmail.com

New Delhi, October 1

The Google Doodle on Monday celebrated the centenary of renowned opthalmologist Govindappa Venkataswamy, known as 'Dr V' among his patients, who flocked to the Aravind Eye Hospital that he founded in Madurai.

Born on this day in 1918 in Vadamalapuram, Tamil Nadu, Venkataswamy was permanently crippled by rheumatoid arthritis. However, despite his own health issues, nothing could stop him from what he wanted to be.

He attended a school in his village where students had to write on sand which collected from the riverbank as there was no pencil and paper. Later he went on to study Chemistry at the American College in Madurai and earned a degree of M.D. from Stanley Medical College in Madras in 1944.

Right after completing his medical school Venkataswamy went on to join the Indian Army Medical Corps. However, a severe case of rheumatoid arthritis nearly crippled him and his career took a setback.

He was confined to bed for a year. When he returned to academics, Venkataswamy studied for a degree in ophthalmology in 1951.

The Aravind Eye Hospital which has now transformed into a major chain eradicating cataract related blindness, had begun as a 11-bed hospital under the aegis of Venkataswamy in 1976.

Despite his physical constrains, Dr V learnt to perform surgery to remove cataracts and could perform 100 surgeries in a day.

He used to organise eye camps in rural communities, which would serve as a rehab centre for the blind and a training session for ophthalmic assistants, during this perid he performed over 1,00,000 successful eye surgeries, the Google blogpost said.

In 1973, Venkataswamy received the Padmashree award.

IANS
pardeepdhull@gmail.com

United Nations, October 1

UN chief Antonio Guterres has appreciated Indias support to his proposal to reform the UN Security Council and expressed hope that the progress will continue to be made during the current session of the General Assembly to make the world body reflect the current global realities.

For long, India has been calling for the reform of the UN Security Council along with Brazil, Germany and Japan. The four countries support each others bids for the permanent seats in the top UN body.

We are facing unprecedented challenges today, so we need to adapt and make the organisation fit for purpose. That is why I embarked on the reform of three key areas: the peace and security architecture, UN development system and management. I highly appreciate the support India has given to my reform proposals, UN Secretary-General Guterres told PTI ahead of his three-day visit to India begining Monday.

His visit coincides with the beginning of events to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2, 2019.

On the first day of his visit to India, the Secretary-General will formally open the new UN House in New Delhi.

Guterres will participate in the closing session of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention.

He will also meet Speaker of the Lok Sabha Sumitra Mahajan before giving an address at the India Habitat Centre on Global Affairs on the theme Global challenges, global solutions.

In the evening, the Secretary-General will take part in the General Assembly of the International Solar Alliance.

He will meet President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar on October 3.

Guterres said he personally believes that a more democratic UN, with power divided in a more balanced way and with more diversity in the regional representation in all bodies of the UN including the Security Council is important.

The makeup of the Security Council must reflect the current realities, not the world as it stood at the end of World War II, he said.

Reforming the Security Council is a matter for member states and the General Assembly, in which all 193 members are represented, has a central role to play, Guterres said.

The intergovernmental negotiations within the General Assembly on Security Council reform represent the key forum for advancing the discussion on the five components of Council reform, namely categories of membership, the question of the veto, regional representation, the size of an enlarged Council and its working methods as well as the relationship between the Council and the General Assembly.

I hope that progress on Council reform will continue to be made during the 73rd session of the General Assembly, he said.

India has been at the forefront of global efforts to achieve the long-pending reform of the 15-nation Security Council.

Last week, G4 nations India, Brazil, Germany and Japan met on the margins of the high-level General Debate of the 73rd General Assembly session and reaffirmed the need for an early reform of the council including the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent categories of membership to enhance its legitimacy, effectiveness and representativeness.

They said that the current composition of the 15-nation Council does not reflect the changed global realities and stressed that UNSC reform is essential to address todays complex challenges.

As aspiring new permanent members of a reformed Council, the Ministers reiterated their commitment to work to strengthen the functioning of the UN and the global multilateral order as well as their support for each others candidatures, the statement had said. PTI
rchopra@tribunemail.com

New Delhi, October 1

India and Uzbekistan inked 17 agreements on Monday, including for visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders and cooperation in the fields of tourism, national security, training of diplomats and trafficking.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held delegation-level talks and agreed to collaborate with each other across sectors.

The agreements signed between the two countries included collaboration on military education, agriculture and allied sectors, cooperation on science and technology and in the field of health and medical science.

An MoU was also signed on cooperation in the pharma sector.

The two countries have also agreed to cooperate in combating trafficking and illicit narcotic drugs.

The two countries will also cooperate in exploring the outer space for peaceful purposes. Business relationships between the two countries will be promoted through the India-Uzbekistan Business Council, for which an agreement was signed. PTI
pardeepdhull@gmail.com

Melbourne, October 1

Injured Indian Navy sailor Abhilash Tomy, rescued in a multi-nation operation from the remote Indian Ocean near Australia, is set to return home, the Australian Navy said on Monday.

Last month, 39-year-old Tomy, a Kirti Chakra awardee, who was sailing his boat as part of the Golden Globe Race (GGR)a solo sailboat race around the worlddrifted in the seas for three days. His boat was hit by a deadly storm, about 1,900 nautical miles from Perth, Australia. The main mast of his boat was ripped off by around 15-metre high waves.

Tomy, who suffered a back injury, is being picked up by the Indian Navy frigate INS Satpura for return to India, the Australian Navy said in a statement in Sydney.

Tomy and Irishman Gregor McGuckin, competitors in round-the-world Golden Globe race were rescued by the French fishing vessel Osiris on last Monday and taken to Ile Amsterdam, an island in the southern Indian Ocean.

We are very pleased that both yachtsmen are now safe, Australias navy chief Vice Admiral Mike Noonan said in a statement.

The rescue operation was assisted by the Indian Navys maritime surveillance aircraft P 8i and the Australian Navy had sent one of its frigate as part of the operation.

Tomys boat, the Thuriya, is a replica of Robin Knox-Johnstons Suhaili, winner of the first Golden Globe Race in 1968.

Tomy, who hails from Kerala, was placed third in the race when he faced the storm.

The Golden Globe race involves a single-handed circumnavigation of the globe - a distance of 30,000 miles - without using modern technology, except for satellite communications.

Competitors started from France on 1 July; seven boats have so far withdrawn from the race. PTI
monicakchauhan@gmail.com

New Delhi, October 1

Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra said on Monday that Indian judiciary is the "most robust institution" in the world and young lawyers were assets having potential to develop the jurisprudence.

"Our judiciary has been strongest judiciary in the world having capability to handle mind boggling number of cases," Justice Misra, a judge whose tenure has remained controversial, said while speaking at the farewell function organised at the premises of the Supreme Court.

The outgoing CJI said, "Justice must have human face".

"History can be sometimes kind, and unkind. I don't judge people by their history but by their activities, perspective," the CJI said.

"In my whole career as a judge, I never dissociated myself from the lady of equity," Justice Misra said.

"I am indebted to Bar at every level and go from here with satisfaction, he added.

He spoke after Chief Justice of India-Designate, Justice Ranjan Gogoi, praised him saying that his greatest contribution has been to civil liberties and cited his recent verdicts in this regard.

Misra will retire as the CJI Tuesday,

Justice Gogoi, who will be sworn-in as the CJI on Wednesday, said Justice Misra was a remarkable judge.

He said "if we fail in endeavour to hold true to our Constitutional ideals, we will continue to kill, hate each other", and added that the judges in the Supreme Court are all committed and they will remain committed.

"We live in times when what we should eat, wear have stopped being little things of our personal lives," Justice Gogoi said while addressing the farewell function for the CJI.

Justice Gogoi was one of the four judges who held an unprecedented press conference earlier this year that was seen as a criticism of Chief Justice Misras style of running the Supreme Court.

His last court

Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra held court, along with his successor Ranjan Gogoi, for the last time on Monday, stopping a lawyer who broke into song to wish him a long life to say he was "responding from the heart" but will speak from his mind in the evening.

CJI Misra, who presided over benches that delivered a series of key verdicts like the one on Aadhaar and homosexuality during the last 10 days, appeared to be emotional during the brief court proceedings that lasted about 25 minutes.

The chief justice in his inimitable style stopped a lawyer who started singing at the fag end of the proceedings.

"Tum jiyo hazaron saal..." the lawyer crooned, singing the opening lines of a Hindi film song from the late 1950s usually played on birthdays.

CJI Misra immediately stopped him and said, "Presently I am responding from my heart. I will respond from my mind in the evening."

Justice Gogoi, who will take over the baton from Justice Misra on October 3, and Justice A M Khanwilkar were sitting on the bench, which said it will hear no urgent mentioning of matters Monday and added that the matter could be heard later on October 3 by the bench headed by the next CJI.

In a strange turn of events, lawyer R P Luthra mentioned two alleged controversial tweets by senior lawyer Indira Jaising and advocate Prashant Bhushan against the outgoing CJI, criticising his recent judgements, including the verdict in the Koregaon-Bhima violence case.

He urged the court to take cognisance of the alleged controversial tweets. But the bench didn't respond after perusing the tweets.

CJI Misra has headed various benches of different combinations, and delivered several verdicts in the recent past.

These include upholding the Centre's flagship scheme Aadhaar with certain riders and decriminalising consensual gay sex and adultery.

The verdicts also include judgements in the Koregaon-Bhima violence case and allowing all women entry into the Sabarimala temple.

Justice Misra was appointed additional judge of the Orissa High Court on January 17, 1996, before his transfer to the Madhya Pradesh High Court. He became a permanent judge on December 19, 1997.

He assumed charge of the office of chief justice of Patna High Court on December 23, 2009 and became chief justice of the Delhi High Court on May 24, 2010.

He was elevated as a judge of the apex court on October 10, 2011 and became the Chief Justice on August 28, 2017. Agencies
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

New Delhi/Ahmedabad, September 30

Noting that India was a nation with immense self-belief and ability, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said Indian soldiers were capable and always ready to give a befitting reply to anyone trying to destroy the atmosphere of peace and progress in the country.

In his 48th monthly Mann Ki Baat radio address, PM Modi contended that India staunchly believed in peace and was committed to taking it forward, but not by compromising its self-respect and sovereignty. He also recalled the 2016 surgical strikes saying Indian troops gave a befitting reply to the audacity of a proxy war under the garb of terrorism.

PM Modis remarks came days after New Delhi called off a proposed meeting in New York between the foreign ministers of the two neighbouring nations, citing the brutal killings of three policemen in Jammu and Kashmir. Pointing out that India had always been the largest contributor to various UN peacekeeping missions, he said: For decades, our brave soldiers wearing blue helmets have played a stellar role in ensuring maintenance of world peace.

Stressing the importance of human rights and inculcating them into practice, he said it was the very basis of his governments Sab ka saath, sab ka vikas principle. He said this in the context of the role of the National Human Rights Commission, which turns 25 next month.

Emphasising that inclusive growth would be a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary, Modi said every purchase people made should benefit those who had made efforts and skills to produce it.

In Gujarat for a day-long visit, the PM addressed a series of meetings and hit out at the Congress for its cynical approach to the developmental projects saying the country suffered for 70 years due to the party's negative thinking on various issues.

Without naming the Congress, he said some people were perennially pessimist and created an atmosphere of pessimism all around where nothing progressive and good could happen. They were doubtful even about the cleanliness drive. They kept asking such negative questions as to who will start the drive, what will it achieve? What required was initiative as the people were ready to move and today you can see the Swachh Bharat drive is successful, he said.

Hear Mahatmas heartbeat at Gandhi Museum

New Delhi, September 30

People can now listen to the recreated heartbeats of Mahatma Gandhi at Delhis National Gandhi Museum, which will launch a series of programmes on Monday to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation.

On the eve of Gandhi Jayanti, the museum will also inaugurate a special photo exhibition on the theme of Non-violence and World Peace and release a finely curated Digital Multimedia Kit containing audio and video footages from his life, its director A Annamalai said Sunday. We have gathered the ECG details from different stages of Gandhis life and recreated his heartbeat on the digital medium, he said.

Another special collection being released is the Digital Multimedia Kit about Gandhi which will be available for people to buy. The kit in a pen drive contains six components: basic books (20 by Gandhi and 10 on him), a documentary by AK Chettiar, 100 specially-curated pictures, Gandhis voice, a virtual tour of his ashrams and his favourite bhajans.  PTI
editorial@tribune.com

New Delhi, September 30

President Ram Nath Kovind has given assent to a Bill, Indias first, which will give legal protection to the good Samaritans in Karnataka who help accident victims with emergency medical care within the golden hour, officials said on Sunday.

With this, Karnataka has become the first state to give legal protection to good Samaritans through a legislation. The country saw 1,50,785 people getting killed in road accidents in 2016.

The President has given his assent to the Karnataka Good Samaritan and Medical Professional (Protection and Regulation during Emergency Situations) Bill, 2016, a home ministry official said.

The legislation aims to give protection to good Samaritans and ensure immediate medical assistance for road accident victims within the golden hour and encourage people to offer first aid to victims without fear of harassment at the hands of police and investigators.

In medical terms, the golden hour is the first hour after a traumatic injury when emergency treatment is very crucial. Under the new law, the good Samaritans will be exempted from repeated attendance in courts and police stations. In case attendance is mandatory, expenses of such running around to courts and police stations will be taken care of through the proposed Good Samaritan Fund. After admitting the accident victim to the hospital, the good Samaritan can leave immediately. All government as well as private hospitals are bound to give first aid to the accident victims, according to the new legislation.

Another official said there have been many instances when people get busy in clicking photos or making videos of the victims, instead of providing the accident victims medical help. With the new law, there will be a clear message that good Samaritans will not be harassed in any manner, the official said.

Karnataka is one of the top five states which saw a large number of people getting killed in road accidents in 2016 and 2015. There is no Central law to protect good Samaritans. However, the Union Surface Transport Ministry had issued a set of guidelines in 2015 following a Supreme Court order to protect the good Samaritans.  PTI

2015 1,46,133 killed in 5,01,423 road accidents across the country

2016 1,50,785 killed in 4,80,652 accidents  mishaps down, deaths up

Protecting protectors
gspannu7@gmail.com

Shiv Kumar

Tribune News Service

Mumbai, October 1

Priya Dutt, former Lok Sabha MP from Bandra in Mumbai, was sacked as secretary of the All India Congress Committee on September 26.

Daughter of late actor and Congress leader Sunil Dutt, Priya posted a copy of the letter signed by Ashok Gehlot relieving her of the position on social networking site Twitter on Sunday evening.

I recieved a letter relieving me of my duties as secretary AICC, I am very Thank full and extremely grateful to Mrs Gandhi and Rahulji to have given me this opportunity to serve the party for all these years. I thank all my colleagues in AICC for their help and guidance. pic.twitter.com/s4trhBBAJg  Priya Dutt (@PriyaDutt_INC) September 30, 2018

I received a letter relieving me of my duties as secretary AICC, I am very Thank full and extremely grateful to Mrs Gandhi and Rahulji to have given me this opportunity to serve the party for all these years. I thank all my colleagues in AICC for their help and guidance, Dutt tweeted.

Shortly afterwards, her supporters responded by attacking Congress president Rahul Gandhi for sacking Dutt.



On Monday, Priya sought to calm her supporters. Want to clarify there is nothing to be upset about this letter, this is a process, I have been AICC secretary long enough, new and young people need to be brought into the organisation. If each one holds on to positions forever where will the other aspirants go, she said.

Dutt, who has had issues with Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam since the latters days as editor of Shiv Sena mouthpiece Dopahar ka Saamna, hit out at the party leadership over the loss in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

The Congress, she had then said, was destroying itself.

More recently, her confidante and former MLA Krishna Hegde joined the BJP giving rise to speculation that she too may be headed to that party.


rchopra@tribunemail.com

Shubhadeep Choudhury

Tribune News Service

Kolkata, October 1

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said the Centre has issued advisories to all states to identify the Rohingya from Myanmar.

The states have also been asked to collect the biometric data of the Rohingya and send reports to the Centre to arrange for their deportation. Concerned advisory (regarding Rohingya) has been issued. All states have been told to identify them. They (the states) have to take their biometrics also. After that, they will send the report to the Centre, which will initiate (dialogue) with the Myanmar government through diplomatic channels and see to it that the problem is resolved, Rajnath said after presiding over the 23rd Eastern Zonal Council meeting here on Monday.

The meeting was attended by CM Mamata Banerjee, Jharkhand CM Raghubar Das and Bihar Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi.
amansharma@tribunemail.com

Chandigarh, September 30

A day after SAD leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa resigned from party posts, three senior Akali leaders on Sunday said they stand by the party and will remain with it till their "last breath".

In a joint press conference in Amritsar, Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, who is an MP from Khadoor Sahib, former parliamentarian Rattan Singh Ajnala and senior leader Sewa Singh Sekhwan said they stood by party and would remain with it till their "last breath".

Their statement has come as a big relief for SAD leadership as speculations were rife that they might criticise party's top leadership after Dhindsa resigned on Saturday as the party's secretary general and from its core committee, citing health reasons.

Dhindsa's resignation came at a time when the SAD was being slammed by the ruling Congress and the AAP over the Justice Ranjit Singh Commission's report on sacrilege incidents in Punjab.

Senior Akali leaders said if they found anything wrong on the part of alliance partner the BJP, they would not hesitate in asking the SAD leadership to break the alliance.

They said weekly meeting of senior party leaders would be held to strengthen the party.  PTI
uttara@tribuneindia.com

Fatehgarh Sahib, October 1

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal dismissed talks of a rebellion brewing within his partys ranks on Monday, saying they stood united.

The SAD is united and there is no rebellion in the party, Sukhbir said during a brief interaction with the press, dismissing rumours that there was resentment among Akali workers.

Badals statement comes two days after senior SAD leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, a member of parliament in Rajya Sabha, quit party posts citing his failing health. Despite clarifications, however, speculations continue to swirl that not all was well within the party.

The 81-year-old Dhindsa was the partys secretary general and was also part of the partys core committee. His resignation gave rival Congress ammunition to attack the party saying that the leader had sacrificed his political career due to misdeeds of former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and his son Sukhbir Badal.

Dhindsa however said in his resignation letter to Badal that he would continue to be an ordinary member of the party.

Earlier in the day, he addressed workers in three separate assembly segmentsBassi Pathana, Sirhind, and Amloh on Monday to galvanise his party before a mega rally in Patiala on October 7.

Patiala is Chief Minister Amarinder Singhs home turf. PTI
editorial@tribune.com

Jupinderjit Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 1

The police are on their toes for making security arrangements on October 7, when three political events are scheduled at different places in the state.

The ruling Congress will hold a rally at Killianwali village of the Lambi Assembly constituency in Muktsar district. Capt Amarinder Singh has chosen the venue to display the partys strength in Akali bastion.

In response, the SAD will organise their rally on the CMs home turf in Patiala the same day. The third event is Sukhpal Khaira-led rebel AAP groups protest march to Bargari.

Police sources said the three venues in addition to the ongoing dharna by Panthic organisations at Bargari demanded high security arrangements due to the likely turnout of VVIPs and large crowds.

Moreover, in the backdrop of a parcel bomb explosion in Moga and another blast in Jalandhar, the police and intelligence agencies were on high alert.

The police are in touch with the political parties got an update on their programme so that proper security arrangements can be made.

DGP (Law and Order) HS Dhillon told The Tribune that foolproof security arrangements would be made. We have adequate police force to handle such events, he said.

The parties were yet to provide the detailed programme, he said, adding that security deployment decision would be taken accordingly.
editorial@tribune.com

Mukesh Ranjan

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 1

With key inputs from the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC), an intelligence-sharing fusion centre, along with a note sent by the NIA on the cases involving community-specific targeted killings in Punjab, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is all set to declare the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) a banned organisation under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

Sources in the MHA said a recent MAC input indicated that UK and Canada-based Khalistani radicals associated with the KLF and having links with Pakistans external intelligence agency ISI, have promised huge sum of money to support the activities of the organisation in India in general and Punjab in particular in their effort to revive terrorism.

Following the MAC input, a note has been sent to Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) for verification of the specific information. The two agencies not only confirmed the input, but also the follow-up information suggested that a Canada-based Khalistani radical had already handed over Rs 4 crore to an ISI handler to deliver it in India, an MHA official said.

Even in its note to the MHA, which is based on the investigation into the killing of RSS activist Ravinder Gosain in October 2017, the NIA said those trying to revive the KLF received funding from many countries, including the UK, the UAE, Canada, Pakistan, Australia and Italy, sources said, adding that such multiple inputs suggest a major threat to the countrys peace.

Sources said as the consultations were on, a decision to ban the KLF would be taken anytime soon. This will essentially help us choking fund flow, training and recruitment by the KLF, said an official.

In its note to the MHA, the NIA has cautioned that on the directions of the ISI, the KLF aims at creating communal unrest in Punjab and to achieve its goal the outfit was involved in eight attacks between February 2016 and October 2017.
editorial@tribune.com

Sanjeev Singh Bariana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 1

Owing to high moisture content, no paddy procurement was reported in any of the 1,834 mandis on the first day today.

Official sources said paddy had arrived in mandis, but since the moisture content was more than 17 per cent, it did not meet the standards set by the Central procurement agencies.

The crop is likely to lose its moisture content as the weather has improved and will be picked after a week. Farmers will have to wait, a senior official of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department said.

None of the six procurement agencies, Pungrain, Punsup, Markfed, Punjab Warehousing, Punjab Agro and Food Corporation of India (FCI), released any figures for the day by Monday evening.

Confirming virtually no procurement in Amritsar, district mandi officer Kulwant Singh said, We hardly received mentionable quantity of paddy. The crop that has arrived could not be taken as it has more than 17 per cent moisture content.

Mandi officers in Ludhiana said paddy arrived in only three grain markets at Khanna, Samrala and Machhiwara, but no purchase was reported. Also, a large number of farmers are going to participate in the Kisan Kranti Yatra that will conclude at the Kisan Ghat, Delhi, on October 2.

Harjit Singh, president, Arthiya Association, Patiala New Grain Market, said, None of the paddy arrival met the standards of moisture requirement. So there has been no procurement. Farmers will have to wait for a few more days.

District Food and Civil Supplies Controller (Jalandhar) TS Chopra said: We are expecting paddy arrival in the mandis after October 10.

The department has instructed all deputy commissioners to appoint special committees to listen to the grievances of farmers. The Food and Civil Supplies Department has earmarked maximum percentage of procurement in the name of Pungrain (30%) followed by Markfed (23%), Punsup (22%), Warehouse (10%), Punjab Agro (10%) and FCI (5%).

No purchase reported
editorial@tribune.com

Sanjeev Singh Bariana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 30

The Punjab Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ordered the Department of Local Government and Improvement Trust, Ludhiana, to allot a 500 square yard plot to 85-year-old Jagir Kaur, 54 years after her son Jagdish Singhs land was acquired for upmarket quarters at Sarabha Nagar.

The commission president, Justice Paramjeet Singh Dhaliwal (retired), and members Kiran Sibal and Rajinder Kumar Goyal said if a plot was not available at Sarabha Nagar, the allotment be made in some other equally developed area. If a smaller plot was available, the varying amount be adjusted between the complainant and the Improvement Trust. It has been asked to allocate the plot within three months.

The late Jagdish Singhs land (10 kanals and 15 marlas) was acquired in January 1964 for development of the Sardar Kartar Singh Sarabha Nagar Development Scheme.

Advocate SS Salar, arguing on behalf of Jagir Kaur, said she was contesting the case alone as her unmarried son Jagdish, a truck driver, died in 1978. He was 25 at the time.

According to the Utilisation of Land and Allotment of Plots by Improvement Trust Rules 1964 and 1975, the complainant was entitled to a plot. She alleged that instead of considering genuine cases, the Trust allotted plots to undeserving persons.

When she filed a complaint for the first time, the Trust contended that it was hopelessly time-barred. The state commission disallowed it in 2015. The national commission, however, allowed the complaint, saying there is no question of the complaint being time-barred.
editorial@tribune.com

Ruchika M Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 30

The recovery of huge amount of paddy and rice from rice mills in Ferozepur, Zira and Jalalabad during raids by the Punjab Food and Supply Department on Thursday, which continued on Saturday as well, has blown the lid off a multi-crore scam.

Some rice millers in Punjab are not shelling the entire stock of paddy procured by the state agencies. Rather, they are stocking most of it each year. And for delivering the out turn ratio of 67 per cent as custom milled rice (CMR), they buy rice (allegedly diverted from public distribution system) from Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand at cheaper rates, blend it with some rice shelled from paddy and deliver it to the state procurement agencies.

Inquiries made by The Tribune reveal that a consortium of commission agents (arhtiyas) in Punjab, mostly in Ferozepur belt, is allegedly involved in buying PDS rice from Jharkhand, Uttarakhand and parts of UP for supply to rice mills here at Rs 2,200 per quintal, say sources.

The millers, in turn, get Rs 2,700 per quintal from government for the CMR. Interestingly, some millers contacted by The Tribune, agreed that they resorted to such practices. But they insisted that this was being done so that the moisture content in the delivered CMR could be lowered (to around 12 per cent from as high as 20).

Meanwhile, the unused paddy stock, which is usually shown as the mills private purchase, is often first used by most millers as collateral to secure bank loans. And in the next procurement season, the stock is brought to the mandis and sold to the procurememt agencies as fresh produce.

Anandita Mitra, Director, Food and Supplies, said since rice delivered was 67 per cent of the paddy assigned to the mills, no one was aware of such malpractice until recently.

Rakesh Singla, Chief Vigilance Officer, Food and Civil Supplies, who exposed the scam, said: Though there was a 4 per cent increase in area under paddy, the procurement went up by 51 per cent in the past five years (since 2014-15). As a result, the state was spending almost Rs 1,000 crore extra in procurement.

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu had ordered the search operations at rice mills, he said.

Tarsem Saini, president, Punjab Rice Millers Association, said it would be unfair to generalise this practice. We will request the government to issue a stern warning to erring millers and instruct them not to indulge in any unfair practice, he said, adding that with the recovery of paddy and rice at four rice mills on Friday, they had pre-empted the re-circulation of paddy back in mandis. The Punjab Mandi Board has been asked to investigate the matter further.

Modus operandi

Cheap rice, mostly meant for PDS bought from Jharkhand, Uttarakhand and parts of UP is blended in paddy and delivered to the FCI. The unused paddy stock is then resold in the mandis to procurement agencies.

Wide disparity

Year Area under paddy Procurement Yield

2014-15 26.5 lakh hectares 118.4 lakh MT 5.9 MT

2017-18 29.26 lakh hectares 179.34 lakh MT 6.2 MT

Between 2014-15 and 2017-18, area under paddy increased by 2.76 lakh hectares and yield/hectare by around 0.3 metric tonnes (MT), but procurement was up by 60.94 lakh MT. This disparity alerted authorities, leading to unearthing of multi-crore scam.
monicakchauhan@gmail.com

Ottawa/Washington, October 1

The United States and Canada forged a last-gasp deal on Sunday to salvage NAFTA as a trilateral pact with Mexico, rescuing a three-country, $1.2 trillion open-trade zone that had been about to collapse after nearly a quarter century.

In a big victory for his agenda to shake-up an era of global free trade that many associate with the signing of NAFTA in 1994, President Donald Trump coerced Canada and Mexico to accept more restrictive commerce with their main export partner.

Trumps primary objective in reworking NAFTA was to bring down US trade deficits, a goal he has also pursued with China, by imposing hundreds of billions of dollars in tariffs on imported goods from the Asian giant.

While the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) avoids tariffs, it will make it harder for global auto makers to build cars cheaply in Mexico and is aimed at bringing more jobs into the United States.

Since talks began more than a year ago, it was clear Canada and Mexico would have to make concessions in the face of Trumps threats to tear up NAFTA and relief was palpable in both countries on Sunday that the deal was largely intact and had not fractured supply chains between weaker bilateral agreements.

Its a good day for Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters after a late-night cabinet meeting to discuss the deal, which triggered a jump in global financial markets.

In a joint statement, Canada and the United States said it would result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region.

Negotiators worked frantically ahead of a midnight ET (0400 GMT) US imposed deadline to settle differences, with both sides making concessions to seal the deal. The United States and Mexico had already clinched a bilateral agreement in August.

Its a great win for the president and a validation for his strategy in the area of international trade, a senior administration official told reporters.

Trump has approved the deal with Canada, a source familiar with the decision said. US officials intend to sign the agreement with Canada and Mexico at the end of November, after which it would be submitted to the US Congress for approval, a senior US official said.

Cost for Canada

The deal will preserve a trade dispute settlement mechanism that Canada fought hard to maintain to protect its lumber industry and other sectors from US anti-dumping tariffs, US and Canadian officials said.

But it came at a cost.

Canada has agreed to provide US dairy farmers access to about 3.5 per cent of its approximately $16 billion annual domestic dairy market. Although Canadian sources said its government was prepared to offer compensation, dairy farmers reacted angrily.

We fail to see how this deal can be good for the 2,20,000 Canadian families that depend on dairy for their livelihood. Pierre Lampron, president of Dairy Farmers of Canada, said in a statement.

This has happened, despite assurances that our government would not sign a bad deal for Canadians. The deal also requires a higher proportion of the parts in a car to be made in areas of North America paying at least $16 an hour, a rule aimed at shifting jobs from Mexico.

Canada and Mexico each agreed to a quota of 2.6 million passenger vehicles exported to the United States in the event that Trump imposes 25 per cent global autos tariffs on national security grounds.

The quota would allow for significant growth in tariff-free automotive exports from Canada above current production levels of about 2 million units, safeguarding Canadian plants. It is also well above the 1.8 million cars and SUVs Mexico sent north last year.

But the deal failed to resolve US tariffs on Canadas steel and aluminum exports.

The Trump administration had threatened to proceed with a Mexico-only trade pact as U.S. talks with Canada foundered.

Its a good night for Mexico, and for North America, Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray said.

The news delighted financial markets that had fretted for months about the potential economic damage if NAFTA blew up.

US stock index futures rose, with S&P 500 Index e-mini futures up more than 0.5 per cent, suggesting the benchmark index would open near a record on Monday.

The Canadian dollar surged to its highest since May against the US dollar, gaining around 0.5 percent. The Mexican peso gained 0.8 per cent to its highest against the greenback since early August.

Though markets were already anticipating an agreement, one source of worry will be swept away if a deal is made, Yukio Ishizuki, senior currency strategist at Daiwa Securities in Tokyo, said.

That will lead to a rise in trust in the US economy, so its easy for risk sentiment to improve. Reuters
monicakchauhan@gmail.com

Washington, October 1

Embroiled in another massive data breach, Facebook may face $1.63 billion in fine from the European Union (EU) privacy watchdog, the media reported.

According to a report in The Wall Street Journal on Sunday, Ireland's Data Protection Commission which is Facebook's lead privacy regulator in Europe, has asked Facebook to submit more details in the incident where data of over 50 million users were hacked via "Access Tokens" or digital keys.

The "privacy watchdog could fine Facebook as much as $1.63 billion for the data breach", the report added.

"We are concerned at the fact that this breach was discovered on Tuesday (last week) and affects many millions of user accounts but Facebook is unable to clarify the nature of the breach and the risk for users at this point," the regulator was quoted as saying.

A Facebook spokeswoman said the social media giant will respond to questions from the EU watchdog.

In the biggest-ever security breach after Cambridge Analytica scandal, Facebook on Friday admitted hackers broke into nearly 50 million users' accounts by stealing their "access tokens" or digital keys.

This allowed them to steal Facebook access tokens which they could then use to take over people's accounts.

Access tokens are the equivalent of digital keys that keep people logged in to Facebook so they do not need to re-enter their password every time they use the app.

Senator Mark R. Warner has also called for a full probe into the incident.

Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and co-chair of the Senate Cybersecurity Caucus, Warner said it was high time the Congress stepped up and took action to protect privacy and security of social media users.

Facebook also said it was taking precautionary step to reset access tokens for another 40 million accounts that have been subject to a "View As" look-up in the 2017.

As a result, around 90 million people will now have to log back into Facebook, or any of their apps that use Facebook login.

Reacting to the new data breach, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said: "While I'm glad we found this, fixed the vulnerability, and secured the accounts that may be at risk, the reality is we need to continue developing new tools to prevent this from happening in the first place." Zuckerberg and Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg have already faced hearings at US Congress over Cambridge Analytica data breach that affected 87 million users.

IANS
laxmi@tribune.com

Ottawa/Washington, October 1

The United States and Canada forged a last-gasp deal on Sunday to salvage NAFTA as a trilateral pact with Mexico, rescuing a three-country, $1.2 trillion open-trade zone that had been about to collapse after nearly a quarter century.

In a big victory for his agenda to shake-up an era of global free trade that many associate with the signing of NAFTA in 1994, President Donald Trump coerced Canada and Mexico to accept more restrictive commerce with their main export partner.

Trumps primary objective in reworking NAFTA was to bring down US trade deficits, a goal he has also pursued with China, by imposing hundreds of billions of dollars in tariffs on imported goods from the Asian giant.

The new deal will be known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement or USMCA. Trump, who had long disdained NAFTA, had suggested he might call it the USMC, in honour of the US Marine Corps, but in the end, USMCA won out.

The new pact is aimed at bringing more jobs into the US, with Canada and Mexico accepting more restrictive commerce with the US, their main export partner. While it avoids tariffs, it will make it harder for global auto makers to build cars cheaply in Mexico and is aimed at bringing more jobs into the US.

Since talks began more than a year ago, it was clear Canada and Mexico would have to make concessions in the face of Trumps threats to tear up NAFTA and relief was palpable in both countries on Sunday that the deal was largely intact and had not fractured supply chains between weaker bilateral agreements.

Its a good day for Canada, PM Justin Trudeau said after a late-night cabinet meeting to discuss the deal, which triggered a jump in global financial markets.

In a joint statement, Canada and the United States said it would result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region.

Negotiators worked frantically ahead of a midnight US imposed deadline to settle differences, with both sides making concessions to seal the deal. The United States and Mexico had already clinched a bilateral agreement in August. Its a great win for the president and a validation for his strategy in the area of international trade, a senior administration official told reporters.

Trump has approved the deal with Canada, a source familiar with the decision said. US officials intend to sign the agreement with Canada and Mexico at the end of November, after which it would be submitted to the US Congress for approval, a senior US official said.

The deal will preserve a trade dispute settlement mechanism that Canada fought hard to maintain to protect its lumber industry and other sectors from US anti-dumping tariffs, US and Canadian officials said.

But the deal failed to resolve US tariffs on Canadas steel and aluminium exports. The Trump administration had threatened to proceed with a Mexico-only trade pact as US talks with Canada foundered. Its a good night for Mexico, and for North America, Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray said.

Meanwhile, Trump on Monday took credit for salvaging a trilateral free trade accord with Canada and Mexico, marking it as a victory in his campaign to reshape global commerce as financial markets breathed a sigh of relief. Reuters

For Canada, it came at a cost

Canada agreed to provide US dairy farmers access to about 3.5% of its approximately $16 billion annual domestic dairy market and the Canadian government is prepared to offer compensation to dairy farmers hurt by the deal

Canada has agreed to eliminate its Class 6 and Class 7 milk categories and associated pricing schedules for skim milk, skim milk proteins and other components and ultrafiltered milk, within 6 months after the USMCA goes into force

US farmers said those schedules had effectively pushed them out of the Canadian dairy market. The agreement will increase U.S. access to Canadas dairy market beyond Trans-Pacific Partnership levels, a Trump administration official said

Victory for Trump
pardeepdhull@gmail.com

Geneva, October 1

Iran has fired missiles at militants in Syria it blamed for an attack at a military parade in southwestern Iran on September 22, the Revolutionary Guards said on Monday in a statement published on Sepah News, the Guards official news site.

The attack took place at 2 a.m. local time and targeted the bases of takfiri terrorists backed by America and regional powers in eastern Syria, the Guards said in a statement.

Iranian officials often use the word takfiri to describe Sunni Muslim hardliners. Iran is predominantly Shiite Muslim.

The ballistic missiles used in the attack flew 570 km (354 miles) to hit the targets, the Guards said.

Our iron fist is prepared to deliver a decisive and crushing response to any wickedness and mischief of the enemies, the Guards said in the statement.

The Ahvaz National Resistance, an Iranian ethnic Arab separatist movement, and the Islamic State have both claimed responsibility for the attack in which 25 people were killed.

Neither group has presented conclusive evidence to back up their claim.

The Revolutionary Guards, the most powerful military force in the Islamic Republic, said in the statement six missiles were fired into Syria from western Iran.

Seven drones were also used to bomb militant targets during the attack, which killed a number of militant leaders and destroyed supplies and infrastructure used by the group, the Guards said.

Twelve Guards were among those killed in the attack on Sept. 22, when gunmen fired on a viewing stand as military officials watched a ceremony in the city of Ahvaz marking the start of Irans 1980-1988 war with Iraq.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the highest authority in Iran, said last week that the militants responsible were paid by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and that Iran would severely punish those behind the violence.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE have denied involvement in the attack.

Fars News posted video footage of several missiles streaking into a dark sky during the attack.

Death to the family of Saud, Death to America, and Death to Israel were written on one of the missiles shown on the Fars News site.

Last year, the Guards fired missiles at Islamic State militants in Syria after the group claimed responsibility for an attack on the parliament in Tehran and the mausoleum of the founder of Irans revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, that left at least 18 people dead and dozens wounded. Reuters
laxmi@tribune.com

Lahore, October 1

Islamabad has cut the size of the biggest Chinese Silk Road project in Pakistan by $2 billion, Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed said on Monday, citing government concerns about the countrys debt levels. The megaproject to revamp the colonial-era line stretching 1,872 km (1,163 miles) from Karachi to the northwestern city of Peshawar was initially priced at $8.2 billion, but wrangling over costs has led to delays.

The changes are part of Islamabads efforts to rethink key Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects in Pakistan, where Beijing has pledged about $60 billion in financing but the new government of populist Prime Minister Imran Khan appears to be more cautious about the Chinese investment. Pakistan is a poor country that cannot afford huge burden of the loans, Rasheed told a news conference in the city of Lahore.

Therefore, we have reduced the loan from China under CPEC for rail projects from $8.2 billion to $6.2 billion, he added, referring to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Rasheed said the government remains committed to the Karachi-Peshawar Main Line-1 (ML-1) project but added that he wishes to further reduce the cost to $4.2 billion from $6.2 billion.

Islamabad has balked at the financing terms and has pushed for deeply concessional loans for ML-1. It also invited third countries to join or for the Chinese to be investors in the project through the build-operate-transfer model that would rely less on debt.  Reuters
pardeepdhull@gmail.com

Islamabad, October 1

A video showing a senior Pakistani bureaucrat stealing the wallet of a visiting Kuwaiti dignitary has gone viral on social media, prompting authorities to suspend the high-ranking official, according to media reports.

Read: Video showing Pakistani bureaucrat stealing Kuwaiti delegates wallet goes viral

The dignitary was part of a high-level delegation which was in the country to discuss bilateral trade.

Zarrar Haider Khan, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production and a BS-20 officer of the state bureaucracys elite Pakistan Administrative Service, was caught on CCTV cameras while pocketing the wallet which had a significant sum of Kuwaiti dinars, Dawn news reported.

In the six-second video clip, the bureaucrat could be seen lifting the wallet from the table and putting it into his pocket at a time when the Kuwaiti delegates and officials of the ministry had left the hall of the Economic Affairs Division after their meeting.

The guilty Joint Secretary has been suspended from service on disciplinary grounds after he was caught stealing. But so far, no complaint has been registered with the police.

The issue came to light when a member of the Kuwaiti delegation lodged a complaint with Pakistani officials regarding his missing wallet.

A search was conducted in the ministry and all rooms and offices were combed. Even lower-grade employees of the ministry were quizzed and physically searched but nothing was initially found.

The footage captured by a CCTV camera installed in the hall was examined later, which revealed that the theft was committed by the senior officer.

When the officer was approached, he first denied his involvement. However, when the CCTV footage was shown to him, he produced the wallet, the sources stated.

When the Kuwaiti officials were informed of the recovery of his wallet, the delegation asked the authorities to provide them with the identification of the culprit.

The Pakistani officials initially showed reluctance and assured the guests that legal action would be taken against the person.

However, the sources said it was on the insistence of the delegates  who were extremely angry over the incident  that Pakistani officials divulged the individuals identity and shared the CCTV footage.

Sources said that an internal inquiry was in progress against the bureaucrat and further action will be taken.

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, when asked about the incident, said that most of the present bureaucrats had received their moral training by the previous governments. PTI
uttara@tribuneindia.com

Berlin, October 1

Tsunami warnings to the local population of quake-hit Sulawesi island failed on the last mile, causing many to be surprised by waves as high as six metres (20 feet), according to a German research centre that developed a warning system used by Indonesia.

Questions have arisen over why warning systems appeared to have failed after a 7.5 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Indonesia on Friday. The confirmed death toll from the quake and subsequent tsunami had reached 844 by Monday and was expected to rise further.

The problem was the communication between local authorities and people, for example on the beach, such as in Sulawesi, Joern Lauterjung, Director Geoservices at GFZ, told Reuters TV.

Germany provided a warning system developed by GFZ to Indonesia after a devastating tsunami killed 226,000 people in 2004.

Lauterjung said that system worked as planned, predicting waves up to three metres northwest of Sulawesi.

If you look at the entire warning chain from the creation of a warning signal up to the last mile, as we call it, up to the local population in danger, there was a problem there, he said.

For example, it appears sirens did not work and there were no warnings via loudspeaker vans from police to the local population, he added. Reuters
We hardly ever went to the seaside as children. Family outings were rare, and I loved them in a conflicted way. The idea of going to the beach meant it was a special day, and I always ruined it.

Inevitably, I would be car sick en route. I dont recall being given any motion sickness medications beforehand; maybe they were an unknown entity then, but a plastic bag and a lime would be standard gear.
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"1) Is the Club Mobay worth it? We will be arriving to Jamaica around 6pm and departing around 11am"

For your arrival and departure times, Club MoBay is a total waste of your money. Your 6 pm is one of the last flights to land before they close the airport.

"3) what are some good reasonable/reliable transportation in Jamaica? from the airport to the hotel?"

After you exit customs at the airport you enter the transportation hall. In the center of the transportation hall there are about 20 desks from transportation companies. You can book a transfer from almost all of them on the spot. You can also exit the terminal to the taxi stand and take a taxi to your hotel, its just down the road in front of the airport.

"5) Where can we go to buy some merchandise to take back with us? Shirts/ hats/ souvenirs etc.?"

There are many shops where you can buy these items on the famous 'hip strip'. It is located just south of the west end of the airports runway. The 'list' price for a taxi from the Iberostar complex to downtown Montego Bay runs $us40, one way. Always bargain with the taxi driver for the actual (lower) price.

"6) Where are some good local places to eat? Was thinking Scotchies? anything else? "

There are no places, in my opinion, to consider near the Iberostar complex. You are miles from almost anything. For a good place to eat, in addition to Scotchies you should try Sea Grape Terrace and the Sugar Mill.

"7) Are there any good places to visit for the nightlife, outside of the resort?"

Again there are several places on the 'hip strip' and also look at Pier 1.

The basic thing you need to keep in mind is that the Iberostar complex is located at the eastern edge of Rose Hall which is an eastern suburb of Montego Bay. The hotel complex is not actually in what I consider to be Montego Bay. You will be staying about 13 miles east of downtown Montego Bay. Think of it this way, many of the places you want to go to are near Cobo Center and your hotel is in a place like Garden City or St. Clair Shores.
Only you can decide whether you want Aus or NZ, but with only 12 days, you cant do both.

If arriving in Brisbane you can spend a day in the city to get over jet lag, then drive north to the Sunshine Coast and Fraser Coast and spend the whole time exploring there, as well as the hinterland. You wont be bored. You can visit Fraser Island and Lady Elliot Island for either day trips or a few nights each. Lots of nice hikes/short bush walks in the area and of course beaches.

I would recommend flying down to Sydney for a couple of nights as there is so much beautiful nature based stuff to see there that is right on the harbour. I know you say avoid cities but Sydney is famous for its beautiful harbour and coastal walks.

Cheers.
Hey again! Im still trying to figure out where to go in Costa Rica on my trip there in January (have 12 full days) and whether or not to rent a car. We are two female travelers (28-30 years old).

Arrive the 9th and head to Manuel Antonio where we will arrive at night. Visit the Park the next day (10) (before the weekend although I know it will be crowded)

The following two days planning on visiting some beach nearby like Biesanz, maybe rafting, and waterfall chasing with paddle99. If We stay at a hotel near the park entrance and beach do We need a car to get around?

The 13 leave early for Drake Bay, spend 3-4 nights there and visit isla del cano, corcovado and beach hike. (If we dont rent a car wed use shared shuttle services)

That leaves us with about 5 days to spare.

Figured we might fly to SJO and rent a car and go to the Caribbean side. Is this possible in a day? Or what other destination in Costa Rica could we travel to(we are more interest in beach destinations, maybe one night to go to a volcano)? Thanks!
Hi Everyone,

I've read through some itineraries on the forum and have an idea of where I would like to go during my 15-night visit in late Jan / early Feb. I am 30 years old, traveling solo, and enjoy hiking, nature, wildlife, exploring. My initial thoughts are:

Tues Jan 22: 1pm arrive Liberia. Head to La Fortuna. Overnight - La Fortuna

Wed Jan 23: Overnight - La Fortuna

Thurs Jan 24: Overnight - La Fortuna

Fri Jan 25: Overnight - La Fortuna

Sat Jan 26: La Fortuna to Monteverde. Overnight - Monteverde

Sun Jan 27: Overnight - Monteverde

Mon Jan 28: Monteverde to Manuel Antonio. Overnight - Manuel Antonio

Tues Jan 29: Overnight - Manuel Antonio

Wed Jan 30: Manuel Antonio to Tortuguero. Overnight - Tortuguero

Thurs Jan 31: Overnight - Tortuguero

Fri Feb 1: Tortuguero to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Overnight - PV

Sat Feb 2: Overnight - PV

Sun Feb 3: Overnight - PV

Mon Feb 4: Overnight - PV

Tues Feb 5: PV to SJO area (probably an adventure connection of rafting along Pacuare River). Overnight - near airport

Wed Feb 6: 9am flight SJO flight home

Some of my questions:

1. My suspicion is that Manuel Antonio to Tortuguero is not feasible in one day, that I need to instead break this up into Manuel Antonio to San Jose, and then San Jose to Tortuguero the next morning. Any suggestions on what area I should remove a night from to accommodate this? Or, do you think excluding Manuel Antonio altogether might be a better option?

2. I am flexible regarding transportation method. If I choose to rent a car for a portion of this itinerary, when does it make the most sense? From arrival until Tortugeuro?

3. Any other thoughts or comments you might have on my itinerary is welcome and much appreciated. Thank you!
Hello Celine,

A few thoughts:

1. Visa on Arrival : Do your research here for forms and paperwork needed. Get that COMPLETE, and have USD CASH money ready when you land. It always amazes me how many people are unprepared, and need to wait while other customers are taken care of.

2. Weather : Weather depends on where you will be in Vietnam. It is Autumn in Hanoi, and my friends there tell me weather is mostly comfortable now in the north. For specific weather, go online to and type in your destination in Vietnam.

3. Money : you will probably get much better rates changing money once you land. Perhaps exchange just a little at the airport, then get to your hotel / Guest House and change more once you get to Saigon / Ho Chi Minh City..

My suggestion is to carry a mixture of hard currency and debit / credit cards.

4. Your south to north route seems mostly OK. Others will offer advice if needed.

5. Most trips to Ha Long Bay originate and return to Hanoi. Your onward flight will most likely be from there.

Hope this helps, and let us know what else you need.

Steve in the USA
The original poster's (OP) question is whether the regular cars might be booked up already. I see a couple of holidays n September--Respect for the Aged Day and Autumn Equinox. Is either a big travel day?

OP: my guess is that you will be OK, especially if you have a couple of days before your long-distance travel begins. At worst, you might have to have a different departure time.

Going to Akita? You can make certain advance reservations in the JR East area, even with a JR Pass, but it's a bit cumbersome:
Hi Folks,

I am helping a group of at least 6 people, with some mobility restrictions. ( all over 75) myself included.

we only have 2 full days and 2 half days. Arriving 2 nd May 5:30 am and depart 5 th May.

None of us have been to Japan previously.

Have not booked anybody hotels or any tours as yet, as not sure where to start.

What sugestions do you wonderfull people have including transfers from Haneda airport and departing from Yokohama cruise terminal.

Not to expensive but any sugestions, as not sure where to start.

What district is it best to stay in hotel.

Can we go to Mt Fuji ourselves and get a tour to pick us up at station.

Any other sugestions greatfully accepted.

Thanks very much

Reply

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Which part in Yokohama is he located and where does he need to be in the morning? What time?

What time are you arriving at Yokohama, and what about food? Do you need to cook in the park (which is prohibited?)

There are a few campgrounds in Yokohama but I'm afraid all of the campgrounds I know only allow tents and they don't accept camping cars. And all of them require bookings in advance.

And other than camp sites or BBQ sites, all the parks in Yokohama prohibits the usage of fire. You won't be able to cook in the park and you will need to eat anywhere else.

Many parkings of big parks may close at 17:00. There's a park called "Kodomo Shizen Koen" which is called Ooike Koen has a big parking which is open 24hrs. You may be able to park and sleep there.

Though I personally recommend you to return your car before you're in Yokohama, or park somewhere for a night and stay in a hostel.

* This hostel is very interesting.
I'll be travelling with my sister to mainly Kansai regions in mid January 2019. We have booked our flight and hotel already. My last trip to Japan was during mid April this year. The weather was quite hot after walking around for a while. So we thought we'll go in Winter this time to experience something different. Coming from Australia, is it that cold in Japan mid January?? My family keeps telling us we're crazy going in Winter, that it's so so cold from what they heard from other people and we're wasting our money to travel there and stay in hotel??!!!

To be honest it's getting annoying hearing this from them, we are not expecting the weather to be hot, we know it's cold and we're going to be wearing warm winter clothes with layers. Also personally I take the cold well, I had been to places that were like 4 - 5 C up in the mountain and got by just fine wearing just a normal down jacket with t-shirt and jeans. Early winter morning in Australia can be cold as well, and I still got by fine with the same clothes.

So is it really that cold that we can't survive outdoor in Kansai mid January?? My family is making a big fuss like I'm going to Antarctica or something!!!

Edited: 3 years ago
My husband and I are planning a trip in April to Japan (we land on the 1st and depart on the 13th, so we will have a total ~12 days there). We planned this with the goal to see Japan during the cherry blossoms time frame, although I know that it is extremely hard to predict when peak bloom will be. We figured going south to north would make the most sense (to follow the cherry blossoms up), and would like to see Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo and any surrounding sites around there. A couple of questions:

- Would it make more sense to fly into Osaka upon arrival and out of Tokyo when we depart? It costs a little more for that flight, but might save us time. It might also save us some money on the JR Pass if we then only have to buy a 7-day pass instead of 14-day. However, this would only be the case if it's possible to spend a few days in Osaka/Kyoto and the surrounding regions for a few days without needed the pass to get around, since we could activate it for Hiroshima around our 5th day and then head to Tokyo. Would we also use it much in Tokyo and the surrounding regions once there?

OR would it just make more sense to fly in and out of Tokyo, spend a few days in the region at each tail end of our trip, and in the middle spend ~ a week days in Osaka/Kyoto/Hiroshima? We don't mind spending the money for the 14 day JR Pass, but just wondering if it's even necessary. We'll be coming from the US so I just want to make sure we pick a route/itinerary that maximizes our time, given the fact that we're losing so much time in transit.

-Also, from my Google searching over the past few weeks, it sounds like a lot of people recommend not spending too much time in Osaka - is that true? Would it be better to be based out of Kyoto and the make day trips to Osaka and Hiroshima? Or would it better to spend the night in those places. I'd like to avoid checking in and out of hotels too much during the trip but also don't want to waste to much time in transit to long day trips where we don't even get much time at our destinations.

- Also, are there any other regions you recommend based on our time frame? We're a couple in our late 20s, are complete foodies, (but we're vegan so we figure it might be hard for us in terms of food) and love the outdoors and experiencing other cultures, seeing historical sites, etc. We love to travel off the beaten path, and want to make sure we do the trip justice without cramming in a bunch of touristy sites.

Thank you in advance for all your help and tips!
See and - if you decide to go to Manzanillo to hike the Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge, make sure you go with a guide.

Cahuita NP is a different type of trail and in our experience, had more visitors. See my review of the park, if interested - . It is from 2016, but not much had changed when we returned to Cahuita in 2017, so did not write another review...The one trail of that park goes along the beach and, if you lucky, can offer you a chance to see lots of wildlife. E.g., early in AM and later, at about 4 pm or so, howler and capuchin monkeys can be seen right near the trail, incl. closer to Cahuita entrance, as the visitors start leaving the park. Unlike the G-M Refuge, we visited Cahuita NP without a guide, but there r guides and uniformed rangers available, if you want to get one. Do not leave your stuff unattended on the beach, incl. if going swimming inside the park.
Cheap and easy don't go together for this.

If you choose to take the Airtrain / E Train / Q70 bus as mentioned above there is an authorized AT&T merchant right by the subway to bus transfer point on Roosevelt Ave and a proper AT&T store on 82nd St one subway stop closer to JFK

(I'm not sure you'd get the best deal at the airport)
Huawei Technologies Limited is an interstate company famous for innovative smart devices and ICT infrastructure. Huawei provides services in information technology, cloud services, smart devices, and telecommunications services. The primary goal of the firm is to enhance intelligent world connectivity and accessibility to digital services for organizations, homes, and individual subscribers. Huawei Kenya is committed to providing a vast portfolio of solutions, products, and services on a secure and competitive basis. In so doing, the company has partnered with multiple stakeholders to foster the value of its high-end services with a creative approach. Huawei Kenya contacts are becoming increasingly useful ahead of modernization and surging technological demand. Here the Huawei contact that you can use.

Since being founded in 1987, the firm has grown to accumulate a large employee base of 180,000. Huawei is now a robust privately held company running in more than 170 states across the world. This article spotlights all Huawei Technologies Kenya contacts to help you make inquiries and feedback with ease.

READ ALSO: Jubilee Insurance Kenya contacts

Listed below are different contact information to help connect directly with Huawei Kenya service providers and centers for instant help. Huawei Technologies contacts are useful and working on weekdays from 0800hrs to 2300hrs. The company also serves clients between 0900hrs and 1800hrs on holidays and weekends. Customer care representatives at Huawei Kenya communicate fluently in both English and the local Swahili language. Are you a customer, staff member or partners wishing to connect with the company? Then read on for details about local headquarter address, customer care contacts, social media presence, and Huawei Kenya telephone contacts.

Huawei head office/Huawei HR contacts

Huawei Technologies (Kenya) Company Limited

Tiara Office Park, Along Mugumo Drive, Off James Gichuru Road

Phone 1: +254-800-723456

Phone 2: +254-0711020000

P.O Box 66430-00800, Nairobi, Kenya.

Website: www.huawei.com

Huawei customer care contacts in Kenya

Phone: 00254-20-2871000

Huawei Kenya social media contacts

Twitter: @HuaweiMobileKE

YouTube: huaweidevice

Huawei office contacts are principally provided to enable clients to access various services and help whenever necessary. Drop a message to Huawei through the using the link or any of the contact information provided above.

About Huawei technologies

Huawei has maintained a steady legacy of innovation for the past three decades, a period within which the company has experienced enormous expansion in its product and service portfolio. Cases in point are commercialization PBX technology and independent research projects targeting small and medium enterprises. 15 years into the business, Huawei technologies registered considerable market sales of $552 million in 2002. The company continues to outperform its international market competitors through innovative strategies. Here are some of the company products, solutions, and services.

Huawei Technologies products

Access Networking

Data Center Energy

Cloud Computing & Big Data

eLTE Broadband Trunking Systems

Enterprise Cloud Communications

eLTE Industry Wireless Network

GSM-R Networking

Network Security

Management System

Routers

Servers

SDN Controller

Storage

Telecom Energy

Switches

Transport Networks

WLAN

Video Surveillance

Huawei Technologies solutions

Business on the Cloud

Enterprise Collaboration

Cloud Data Center

Enterprise Wireless

Enterprise Networking

Network Security Services

Enterprise IoT

Video Surveillance and Emergency Dispatching

Huawei Technologies industries

Huawei has broadly invested its resources and technological capacity in the following sectors of the global economy:

Smart grid

Education

Healthcare

Finance

Internet service providision

Oil and gas

Manufacturing

Public safety

Smart city

Retail

Transportation

Huawei Technologies services

1. Advisory and implementation

Huawei offers advisory services besides designing, planning, and implementation of select practices favorable for client business operations.

2. Support and optimization

The company ensures continued support and access to professional help for all on-site and remote services.

3. Training and certification

Huawei instructs and awards certification on information and communication technologies. The company has established a coordinated team of experts to make sure that learners get the best experience acquiring all the necessary skills.

4. Explore technology services

This service is handy for businesses intending to boost performance, experience digital transformation and creatively meet all their business goals.

READ ALSO: Airtel Kenya contacts: HR, customer care, and offices

With the above Huawei Kenya contacts, you can easily reach the company and enjoy the various services and products that it offers.

READ ALSO

Equity bank contacts and branches in Kenya

Modern Coast bus online booking process and contacts

KCB Mpesa contacts: loan and customer care phone number

Easy coach contacts and branches

Lotto Kenya contacts

Source: Tuko Newspaper
The Insurance Company of East Africa (ICEA), popular as ICEA Lion Group, is a financial service provider company and now one of the largest insurers in the East African region. The firm prides itself in its longstanding field experience and success in helping customers create and protect wealth. ICEA Lion Group has unveiled innovative financial services and products creatively crafted to blend with the ongoing market dynamics. ICEA Lion contacts are handy in connecting with the company for immediate help owing to the large customer base. Here they are.

Service accessibility is now a possibility at ICEA Lion Group given its overwhelming presence is most urban settings across Kenya. The company has its head offices in Nairobi and branches in the coastal region, western Kenya, and in the Rift valley. ICEA Lion Insurance Kenya contacts provided below are handy in reaching out to various offices within the company.

READ ALSO: Danish Refugee Council Kenya contacts

Some of the communication details you might find useful in directing your correspondence to ICEA Lion Group are as follows:

ICEA Lion head office

ICEA Lion Centre

Riverside Park, Chiromo Road, Westlands

Phone 1: +254 20 2750000

Phone 2: +254 719 071000

Phone 3: +254 730 151000

Email: info@icealion.com

P.O. Box 46143 - 00100 Nairobi, or

P.O. Box 30190 - 00100 Nairobi

ICEA Lion Group Kenya phone number and contact

Phone: +254 719 071999

Email: contactcentre@icealion.com

Kenyatta Avenue branch (ICEA Building)

ICEA Building, 15th Floor

Phone 1: +254 202 750302

Phone 2: +254 719 071167

Phone 3: +254 730 151302

P.O. Box 46143 - 00100 Nairobi

University Way branch (Ambank House)

Ambank House, 9th Floor

Phone 1: +254 20 2750302

Phone 2: +254 71 9071814

Phone 3: +254 73 0151814

P.O. Box 46143 - 00100 Nairobi

Upper Hill branch (Williamson House)

Williamson House, 7th Floor

Phone 1: +254 20 2750302

Phone 2: +254 719 071771

Phone 3: +254 730 151771

P.O. Box 46143 - 00100 Nairobi

Mombasa Road branch (Tulip House)

Tulip House, 1st Floor - Mombasa Road

Phone 1: +254 (0) 20 2750302

Phone 2: +254 719 071850

Phone 3: +254 730 151850

P.O. Box 46143 - 00100 Nairobi

Karen branch (Karen Office Park)

Karen Office Park, 1st Floor

Phone 1: +254 20 2750302

Phone 2: +254 719 071101

Phone 3: +254 730 151101

P.O. Box 46143 - 00100 Nairobi

Westlands branch (Unga House)

Unga House, 3rd Floor

Phone 1: +254 20 2750302

Phone 2: +254 719 071880

Phone 3: +254 730 151880

P.O. Box 46143 - 00100 Nairobi

Thika branch

Zuri Centre, 4th Floor - Kenyatta Highway

Phone 1: +254 719 071824

Phone 2: +254 730 151824

P.O. Box 46143 - 00100 Nairobi

Meru branch

Tuskys Building, Mwendato Road

Phone 1: +254 719 071901

Phone 2: +254 730 151901

Nyeri branch

Konahauthi Building, Kimathi Way

Phone 1: +254 719 071651

Phone 2: +254 730 151651

P.O. Box 1803 - 10100 Nyeri

Mombasa town office branch

Standard Chartered Building, 2nd Floor

Phone 1: +254 719 071712

Phone 2: +254 730 151712

P.O. Box 90101 - 80100 Mombasa

Mombasa Nyali office branch

K.K. Security Building, 1st Floor, Links Road, Nyali

Phone 1: +254 719 071894

Phone 2: +254 730 151894

P.O. Box 90101 - 80100 Nyali

Kisumu branch

Al Imran Plaza, Oginga Odinga Street

Phone 1: +254 719 071512

Phone 2: +254 730 151512

P.O. Box 3122 - 40100 Kisumu

Eldoret branch

Sakong House, Kenyatta Street

Phone 1: +254 719 071551

Phone 2: +254 730 151551

P.O. Box 4807 - 00100 Eldoret

Nakuru branch

Seguton Building, 1st Floor - Kenyatta Avenue

Phone 1: +254 719 071600

Phone 2: +254 730 151600

P.O. Box 3066 - 20100 Nakuru

Stay connected with ICEA Lion Group for professional help on various financial services and insurance products. Our financial world is fast becoming complex making it difficult to navigate and properly allocate resources to secure the future. Learning how to contact ICEA Lion and access their services is the first bold step towards your financial security. The firm is committed to guiding clients in the following areas;

Choosing appropriate financial and insurance products in wealth protection

Why wealth creation is important and how to start creating wealth

Starting to save and watching as the wealth accumulates

How to make insurance claims successfully

Choosing the right and adaptable investment strategy

Reinvestment options and related benefits

Pros and cons of high-risk investments

Protecting wealth value by investing wisely

Shaping and growing financial performance

READ ALSO: Jubilee Insurance Kenya contacts

The company was first incorporated in 1964 following collaborative efforts by Welfare Insurance Company (New Zealand) and Eagle Star Insurance Company (UK). Upon inception, the company centered its services at City House, 3rd Floor, along Wabera Street, formerly known as 4th Elliot Street in Nairobi, Kenya. Use ICEA Lion contacts to access more information about the company and get the necessary help.

READ ALSO

Equity bank contacts and branches in Kenya

KCB Mpesa contacts: loan and customer care phone numbers

Aramex Kenya contacts

Britam Kenya contacts: Head office, HR and branches

NSSF Kenya contacts and offices

Source: Tuko
Safaricom Public Limited company continues to take center stage as the leading telecommunication company in the country and beyond. The firm provides different services to its broad base of loyal customers. Safaricom Ltd is a competitive company offering integrated communication services that include internet, money transfer, data, and SMS among others. Other bestselling services at the company include telecom services, business connectivity, managed IT, and enterprise mobility. The unmatched success registered at Safaricom has attracted not only several subscribers but also investors and other stakeholders. This article is a guide on how to buy Safaricom shares and get value for your money.

Nairobi Stock Exchange lists Safaricom as one of the largest trading firms in the region. The company ranks high on the Nairobi Securities Exchange sharing the most significant market capitalization. The recent Safaricom shares market price are impressive leaving no doubt on shareholder profitability. The company is keen on devolving different services to its regional offices; being one of the strategies adopted to enhance effectiveness in customer care. Various dynamics ongoing at Safaricom have made it possible to access different services with ease conveniently. For instance, you can now buy shares through different platforms such as Mpesa and the internet.

READ ALSO: Safaricom to suspend MPesa services when your SIM is swapped to curb runaway fraud

How to buy shares in Safaricom

Did you know that most successful entrepreneurs invest in stocks regardless of risks involved because it is an easy alternative to accumulate substantial wealth over time? Well, now you do. Safaricom registers a lucrative share portfolio that if timed correctly and with patience, can guarantee clean capital returns. There is never a perfect timing in share investment but now since the process is continuous. It is, however, advisable to consult professionals and brokers experienced in Safaricom share trading or any other company for that case.

Safaricom Investment Cooperative is open for all interested prospective members in the following categories.

Safaricom staff

Spouses of S.I.C members

Non-Safaricom staff

Saccos and Chamas

Investors from diaspora

Corporate companies

The company offers both individual and group memberships in buying shares on offer. By purchasing shares at Safaricom, you become entitled to the company losses and profits as with an investor. Safaricom shares vary considerably and rose to upto 28 Kenyan shillings in 2017 at the Nairobi Stock Exchange. It is, therefore, a good idea to accumulate more shares at the firm to tap higher earnings when the market is ripe.

How to buy Safaricom shares via Mpesa and bank

For one to buy Safaricom secondary shares at Safaricom Investment Cooperative through Mpesa, they must be active Mpesa subscribers and deposit money to the following shareholding account. Below are also the account details for purchasing Safaricom shares through the bank.

MPESA details

Pay bill number: 163163

Account number: individual or the members names

Bank details

Name: Safaricom Investment Co-operative

Bank: Cooperative Bank of Kenya

Bank Account: 01120150100700

Branch: Westlands

SIC only permits bonafide members with a shareholding of at least 300 shares and regular standing contributions. Members receive share allocation twice a week on open trading market subject to First in First Out protocol. SIC permits members to buy as many shares as they can afford from those accessible in the secondary market. The seller defines the share lots. However, the pricing must comply with the floor and ceiling prices now standing at KShs. 490 and KShs. 525.

How to buy Safaricom shares online

Safaricom Investment Cooperative allow members to float share as they please regardless of their location through SIC membership portal at webportal.sic.co.ke. If a member wants to buy Safaricom shares online, the can do so by logging into the web.

Safaricom shares dividends

Safaricom Investment Cooperative regularly communicates to its bonafide members concerning their rebates for every financial year. The company enhances transparency by disclosing a comprehensive statement accompanied by a verification calculator. All rebates are taxable at a rate of 10% withholding tax as required by the Income-tax Act. Important to highlight is that all members rebated are paid through Safaricom SACCO Fosa, MPESA money transfer services, and bank accounts. SIC also writes checks for all dividends received. SIC retains a specified amount approved by members during allocation of profits.

2018 marks the 10th anniversary since Safaricom IPO in 2008 presided by his excellence President Mwai Kibaki. Despite poor performance in early years, Safaricom long-term investors are now enjoying share trading in the thirties.

About Safaricom Investment Cooperative

Since inception in 2009 SIC has continually worked hard to become the sole investment channel across the larger East Africa. Below are SIC contacts that you may find helpful.

SIC contacts information

Customer care

Phone: +254 729 121212

Share and Membership Inquiries

Phone 1: +254 709 194100

Phone 2: +254 709 194102

Email: info@sic.co.ke

READ ALSO: How to check Airtel data balance: manage your airtime

Take one bold step and learn how to buy Safaricom shares online and through Mpesa to expand your wealth with ease over the years. A skillful investment in Safaricom shares is one likely way you can guarantee good dividends and capital gains.

READ ALSO

Safaricom Bundles. How to Activate

Step-by-step guide on Mpesa integration to website

Kenya Saccos Safaricom Mpesa paybill numbers (Updated 2018)

Maximum Mpesa balance: Facts about Mpesa limit?

How to reverse Mpesa transaction

Source: Tuko Kenya
Also known as LSK, the Law Society of Kenya is a premier bar of association and a legal development agency in Kenya. The core mandate of LSK is to help and protect the public when it comes to legal matters. It advises and assists all members of the legal profession, government and the public at large when it comes to matters that relate to administering justice in Kenya. The association has already paid key roles in the countrys social economic and legal developments. It already has a secretariat that manages the day to day affairs of the organization. Keep reading to know more about Law Society of Kenya contacts and what LSK does.

Have you been searching for a Law Society of Kenya phone number? Well, you need not look further. This post will share contacts for law society of Kenya.

READ ALSO: Lawyers stage morning demo in Eldoret courts

The Law Society of Kenya contacts

Physical Address

Lavington, Opposite Valley Arcade-Gitanga Road,

P.O Box: 72219-00200,

Nairobi

Telephone Number: +254-208-155-295, +254-720-904-983

Cell:

E-mail: lsk@lsk.or.ke

Website:

Facebook page:

Twitter handle: @lawsocietykenya

You can use any of these LSK contacts regardless of where you are in the country, and you will get the assistance you need.

Company services

This society was established by the Parliament Act Law of Society of Kenya Act Chapter 18. The law society was formed in 1948 via the section three of the Law Society of Kenya Ordinance of 1949. The act was later repealed by the currently used Law Society of Kenya act that came into force in 30th October 1992.

READ ALSO: LSK threatens to stop demolition of buildings, gives government 7 days to issue proper notices

Currently, LSK has a membership of about 7,000 practitioners. The association champions law practice professionalism and also regulates advocates conduct. The objective is fostering the just rule of law. Other advising members when it comes to emerging legal issues LSK has also been volunteering guidance to the national government and data to the general public on the administration of justice issues.

A chairperson and a vice chair head the organization. Also, it contains ten other members who are required to be LSK members. The council members are normally elected every year through a postal ballot. According to the law, one of the council members needs to be practicing law in Mombasa, and there must be at least two members who dont practice in Mombasa or Nairobi.

From time to time, the council appoints committees and subcommittees of their members and may dedicate part of its powers to any committee or sub-committee. Some of the committees LSK has include Disciplinary, Gender, Ethics, Litigation, Conveyancing, Young Lawyers, Environmental Law, Law Reform, and Scholarly Interest, Legislation and the Constitutional Review Standing Committee.

Since its formation, LSK has been one of the most vocal professional associations in the country. The body is known for its unwavering nerve in criticizing legal decision and government policy, especially where the matters arent popular. It assumes the role of being the people's advocate. Note that the boldness by which this society plays its roles usually depends on the chairpersons character. The chairperson acts as a spokesperson.

People who have once been most vocal LSK chairpersons include Erick Mutua, Willy Mutunga, Paul Muite, Ahamednasir Abdullahi, Raychell Omamo, Lee Muthoga, and Tom Ojienda.

READ ALSO: Law Society of Kenya to sue Museveni for detaining musician-turned politician Bobi Wine

Objectives of LSK

Since the LSK exists to maintain law and order throughout the country, it ensures that there is an efficient and independent legal team that serves the Kenyan people. As enshrined in the constitution, the LSK objective involves maintaining and promoting the rule of law through the country by:

Facilitating acquisition of legal knowledge by all legal profession members

Maintaining and improving standards of conduct when it comes to running the legal profession in the country

Protecting, representing and assisting legal profession members in Kenya regarding conditions of practice

Assisting the courts and government in matters that affect the legal legislation and administration of justice in the country

Protecting and helping members of the public in all matters, ancillary, touching or incidental to the law

READ ALSO: LSK president badly exposed in his bid to defend Supreme Court registrar

LSK core values

In the endeavor to enhance a stable professional culture, the society has adopted several value statements. They are committed to upholding professionalism, upholding integrity in their profession, equity, promoting the administration of justice, delivering quality services to all members and the public in general, upholding the rule of law and access to justice for all.

Source: Tuko.co.ke
- Mudavadi said the country should be focused on other issues rather than a referendum

- He becomes the latest leader to reject calls for a proposed referendum which are being spearheaded by Raila Odinga

- Kalonzo Musyoka on Sunday, September 30 also vowed to reject a referendum

Amani National Congres party leader Musalia Mudavadi has joined the long list of leaders who are strongly against a proposed referendum to relook at the 2010 Constitution.

Even as calls to amend the constitution continue to dominate a heated public debate, a section of leaders felt the move to call for a referendum is not only ill-timed, but was also likely to spell more doom for a country which was struggling already.

Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens

READ ALSO: DCI awaita marafiki 3 wa Jacque Maribe kuhusiana na mauaji ya Monica Kimani

According to Mudavadi, there were far more pressing matters than a referendum

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: Kenyans should be ready for a referendum before 2022 - Raila Odinga

Mudavadi, on Sunday, September 30 shared similar sentiments as he explained that a constitutional amendment should not be the prime agenda of the country at the moment.

We cannot subject Kenyans to a referendum when they are at their most vulnerable situation, this shall not be objective. We must first address the issues ailing the country then we go into a referendum to amend clauses of the constitution that need amending, he explained.

READ ALSO: William Ruto angered by calls for fresh referendum to create new positions in government

According to the ANC boss, a referendum would merely act as a diversion tactic from the main issue at hand which is the economic turmoil the country is facing.

We should not be diverted from the fact that the economy is not doing well. The issues of the economy must be addressed by all Kenyans, both in government and in the opposition, he went on.

The issue of a referendum is one which has divided opinions with ODM party leader Raila Odinga being the most vocal figure who is advocating for a constitutional amendment.

Mudavadi joins growing list of leaders opposing Raila's calls for referendum

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: DP Ruto allies launch opposition against Uhuru-Raila referendum call

Raila, as TUKO.co.ke reported, urged Kenyans to prepare for a major change in the constitution before the next general election in 2022.

However, despite Raila, who is seemingly in line with the government, saying a referendum is inevitable, a row over the same is looming as his former running mate Kalonzo Musyoka has also vowed to push for the resistance of any amendments, at least for now.

When the time for the debate on the amendment of the Constitution comes, I will stand and oppose any attempts to erode the benefits of devolution," Kalonzo spoke at Our Lady of Rosary Catholic Church in Mua Hills, Machakos County.

While some leaders have argued that an ammendment will facilitate the freeing up of national funds, Kalonzo remained adamant the economy was straining simply because of the rampant spells of corruption.

"If we recover all the monies held in in foreign bank accounts belonging to corrupt leaders, we may achieve a lot," he went on.

Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news.

Shosh Cecilia Story Continues: Shosh Cecilia Gets New Teeth | Tuko TV:

Source: Tuko
- The family alleged at least 20 smart phones and bags went missing during Monica's burial

- Some of the mourners also allegedly printed out photos of Monica and started selling them

- The fake mourners, the grieving family said, came short of vandalising visitors' vehicles

- Monica, who was found dead in Kilimani, Nairobi, was laid to rest on September 28 in Nakuru

- TV news anchor Jacque Maribe and her boyfriend were arrested in connection with Monica's murder

Grief-stricken parents of the late Monica Kimani have strongly condemned a bizarre incident of theft that allegedly happened during the burial of their daughter.

The family claimed at least 20 smart phones and several handbags belonging to visitors were stolen by yet to be identified people who showed up at the funeral masquerading as mourners and family friends.

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READ ALSO: Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu urges courts to deny suspected murderers bail

Murdered Monica Nyawira Kimani was buried on Friday, September 28, a day after family held requiem mass at Mt Kenya University Ground.

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: Jacque Maribe fell in love with a guy who connected with her whole being - Rumored ex-lover Itumbi

TUKO.co.ke on Sunday, September 30, learnt the fake mourners also took advantage of the funeral to make money by printing out photos of the deceased and selling them to unsuspecting visitors, without the knowledge of the family.

"Fake mourners took advantage of Monica's funeral to steal people's valuables even before we buried my daughter. I was forced to compensate one of the victims, a young woman who had come to mourn with us," Bishop Paul Kimani, Monica's father, told Daily Nation.

READ ALSO: DCI awaita marafiki 3 wa Jacque Maribe kuhusiana na mauaji ya Monica Kimani

The man of God further revealed his already traumatised family was hurt even more by the broad day robbery incident as some of the guests who had come to condole with them and whose items were stolen came from as far as South Sudan.

Kimani was also offended by reports that some strangers had printed out his daughter's photos and were selling the photos to visitors.

Our visitors bought the photos because they believed it was a family initiative to raise funds for the funeral, which was not the case, the bishop said.

READ ALSO: Citizen TV's Jacque Maribe and Dennis Itumbi finally clear rumours of alleged affair after her engagement

Monica was burial on Friday, September 28, even as investigation into her murder continued.

At least three suspect, including TV queen Jacque Maribe and her lover Joseph Irungu, were arrested in connection with Monica's murder.

Preliminary police reports indicated Irungu was arrested because he was suspected to be among people who got inside the slain woman's house in Kilimani, Nairobi, cut her throat and dumped her lifeless body in a bathtub.

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Obado to Spend More Days Behind Bars - On Tuko TV

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- The political analyst argued Ruto would most likely become president if handshake fails

- He said the DP's chances of clinching the top seat was begged on the Uhuru-Raila peace deal

- Either way, Kisiang'ani opined, one of the two politicians would suffer a politically crippling defeat

Deputy President William Ruto has declared war on his former party boss turned political rival, Raila Odinga, accusing the ODM party leader of plotting to destroy him politically ahead of the 2022 presidential duel.

Veteran political analyst, Edward Kisiang'ani, believes one of the two protagonists will become president four years from today, and the other will suffer the most humiliating defeat in his political career.

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READ ALSO: Stop using handshake to bring confusion in Jubilee - Ruto warns Raila

Political Analyst Edward Kisiang'ani (L) believes either Raila or Ruto would become president depending on whether the handshake succeeds or not.

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: Raila is our 2022 presidential choice - ODM MPs

In a series of tweets seen by TUKO.co.ke on Monday, October 1, Kisiang'ani argued the March 9 handshake between Raila and President Uhuru Kenyatta would be the determining factor on who between Ruto and the ODM leader would clinch the top seat come 2022.

"If the handshake works, DP Ruto is totally neutralised and will be a causality in 2022. But if the handshake fails, Ruto will probably become president and oversee the permanent melting away of Raila. Either way, there will be a tragedy!" he opined.

READ ALSO: Majority of Kenyans support Uhuru, Raila calls for referendum - TUKO poll

Kisiang'ani further posited there was more than meets the eye behind the handshake deal that Raila signed with Uhuru in March 2018 after the DP threw salvos at the ODM party boss on Sunday, September 30, regarding the Building Bridges Initiative.

"The confidence with which DP Ruto condemned Raila at the Coast this weekend reveals a million stories about the handshake and its future. Now the daggers are finally drawn after DP Ruto came out attacking Odinga over the handshake. It is Ruto Vs RAO! Which" R" will carry the day and where is Uhuru in all this? I can tell you one of them, Ruto or RAO, is being cooked by Uhuru?" he argued.

READ ALSO: Kenyans should be ready for a referendum before 2022 - Raila Odinga

The DP's renewed political attacks targeted at Raila started after ODM party leaders once again reminded Kenyans that the Opposition leader would be on the ballot come 2022.

Led by Siaya Senator James Orengo, the Orange party allied politicians said their leader's candidature was not negotiable because he had all the reasons to go for the top seat.

READ ALSO: William Ruto angered by calls for fresh referendum to create new positions in government

TUKO.co.ke understands the DP, the presumed Jubilee party's presidential candidate in 2022, was also most likely angered by renewed calls for a fresh referendum being championed by Raila and his ODM party brigade.

Ruto instead urged leaders to focus on development, arguing the Building Bridges Initiative between Raila and Uhuru was meant to unite Kenyans and push for development, and not political agendas.

"I want to ask all leaders in Kenya to stop disturbing Kenyans on unnecessary referendum debates and instead they should focus on development," the DP said .

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When Uhuru, Ruto and Raila Met at State House - On Tuko TV

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- Maribe was arrested on Saturday, September 29, after hours of interrogation

- Detectives believed she knew something about murder of Monica Nyawira Kimani

- The persecutor wanted the journalist detained for 14 days pending investigations

- Her lawyer, however, pleaded for her to be detained for three days only

Embattled Citizen TV's news anchor Jacque Maribe has been produced in court in connection with the murder of 28-year-old business lady Monica Nyawira Kimani.

Maribe, fiancee of Joseph Irungu, the prime suspect in the murder crime, was arraigned in a Kiambu court on Monday, October 1, after spending two nights in police custody.

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READ ALSO: Joseph Irungus parents in shock after learning son could be a killer

TV journalist Jacque Maribe was arrested on Saturday, September 29 after hours of interrogations regarding the murder of business lady Monica Kimani.

Source: Twitter

READ ALSO: DCI awaita marafiki 3 wa Jacque Maribe kuhusiana na mauaji ya Monica Kimani

TUKO.co.ke confirmed Maribe would remain in custody for 11 more days after her lawyer, Katwa Kigen, failed to persuade the court to detain her for three days only, as opposed to the 14 days that the prosecutor was pushing for.

The court, however, warned the suspect should not be forced to record statement while in custody after her lawyer claimed she was under pressure to admit she knew the slain business lady, Monica.

Jacque Maribe, fiancee of Joseph Irungu, the prime suspect in the murder crime, was arraigned in a Kiambu court on Monday, October 1. Photo: Joseph Sosi

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: Citizen TV's Jackie Maribe engaged and TUKO.co.ke has photos of the lucky man

Maribe would thus be expected to appear in court again on October 11, 2018.

The journalist was arrested on Saturday, September 29, following hours of interrogation as detectives sought to establish if she knew anything about the woman's murder in which her lover, Irungu, was implicated.

Jacque Maribe was accused of being an accessory to the murder of business lady Monica Kimani and being in possession of illegal firearm. Photo: Joseph Sosi

Source: Facebook

The DCI boss George Kinoti had earlier indicated his team had gathered sufficient evidence to charge the TV beauty.

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Obado to Spend More Days Behind Bars - On Tuko TV

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- ODM party said the Raila-Uhuru handshake was about fundamental issues affecting Kenyans

- The party said Raila was not interested in the Jubilee outfit neither was he a party member

- ODM was responding to DP Ruto who accused Raila of causing confusion in Jubilee

- The DP said the Orange party leader was taking advantage of the handshake to disrupt Jubilee party

- Raila had said the Building Bridges Initiative was collecting views of Kenyans on a referendum

- Already, several leaders across the country have backed the plebiscite calls

- A constitutional amendment is likely to cause a major political showdown ahead of 2022 elections

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has come to the defense of its leader, Raila Odinga, after Deputy President William Ruto accused him of causing confusion in the Jubilee house and plotting to bring the party down.

The Orange party said Raila's handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta was only based on the fundamental issues affecting Kenyans and had nothing to do with the Jubilee outfit.

READ ALSO: DCI awaita marafiki 3 wa Jacque Maribe kuhusiana na mauaji ya Monica Kimani

READ ALSO: Kenyans should be ready for a referendum before 2022 - Raila Odinga

In the party's Twitter post seen by TUKO.co.ke on Monday, October 1, ODM said no amount of political rhetoric will stop the handshake.

"Raila Odinga has no stake in Jubilee party, neither is he a Member. His handshake with Pres. Uhuru Kenyatta was mutual and based on fundamental issues affecting Kenyans. The unity of the country is paramount & no amount of political rhetoric, anger, despair & hot air will stop this," said ODM party.

"The Party Leader, Raila Odinga, has never been interested in meddling in Jubilee party affairs. He has never even dreamed of becoming a Member of that party. However, his resolve to work with its leader Uhuru Kenyatta to fix the country & unite the people of Kenya is unstoppable"

READ ALSO: If handshake succeeds, DP Ruto will not be president - Edward Kisiang'ani

The response came hours after DP Ruto, while addressing residents of Majaoni in Kisauni on Sunday, September 30, accused Raila of taking advantage of the handshake to cause unnecessary political clashes in Jubilee party.

"We know what the handshake deal entails because we initiated it before President Uhuru Kenyatta entered into a deal with you (Raila). We are very clear on what it is not. Therefore, do not bring confusion, Ruto told the former prime minister.

DP Ruto accused Raila Odinga of causing disturbance in Jubilee party. Photo: UGC

Source: Twitter

READ ALSO: Hassan Joho joins Uhuru, Raila in calling for referendum to give counties more cash

In the recent past days, calls for a referendum have picked momentum after the former premier indicated him and Uhuru were waiting feedback from Kenyans through the Building Bridges Initiative before initiating a plebiscite ahead of the 2022 General Election.

Already, members of parliament, senators and some governors including Mombasa's Hassan Joho and his Busia counterpart, Sospeter Ojaamong , have supported the referendum saying it would help raise revenue allocation to counties.

READ ALSO: IEBC outlines requirements for referendum as talk of constitutional change gathers pace

Former presidential candidate and Alliance Party leader, Ekuru Aukot, has already started collecting signatures for a constitutional amendment.

The referendum is likely to be a major political showdown between the Uhuru-Raila unity pact on one hand and Ruto's political camp on the other.

The DP has already opposed the move to change the constitution.

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Kenya News Today: Why Kenyans Love Avocados | Tuko TV

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Tanzanian sweetheart Hamisa Mobetto's first baby daddy and owner of Efm, Majizzo, has finally put a ring on it.

The elated chap went on one knee and popped the question as his doe eyed lover, Elizabeth Michael, stretched out her hand and said yes.

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READ ALSO: Tanzanian actress Lulu to wed days after leaving jail over lover's death

READ ALSO: Ex-convict Tanzanian actress Elizabeth Michael spotted looking pregnant weeks after wedding rumours surfaced

In a sweet series of photos and captivating video, the pair proved love still works.

Majizzo used his kids to play a trick on an unsuspecting Elizabeth who had no idea what was going on.

READ ALSO: City woman admits to killing husband's side chick during live radio interview

"Aunty, there is a question we want to ask you but first we want daddy to come to the stage. Aunty, will you marry daddy?" Majizzo's sons asked as the chap took out a ring from his breast pocket.

The two had hosted a lavish and colourful event which was graced by their friends and family.

However, Elizabeth had no idea her life was about to take a turn.

It was well orchestrated; Hamisa's baby daddy told his sons to step on the stage and grab the microphone, which they did.

The boys then acted like they had an important question to ask Elizabeth and immediately popped the question.

The beauty, completely taken aback, held her hand over her mouth and hugged her man tightly as she tried to come to terms with the sweet surprise.

The actress walked out of prison in May 2018 after she was charged with manslaughter.

So far, she has managed to keep a low profile.

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Kenya News Today: Ken Okoth Is Fighting For Marijuana Legalization | Tuko TV:

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- Kamanda accused Duale of misleading Kenyans by saying the plebiscite was about Raila

- The nominated MP said the referendum was supported even by those in Jubilee party

- He emphasised the need to amend the constitution to reduce burden on Kenyans

- Kamanda was responding to Duale who dismissed Raila's calls for a referendum

- Several leaders across the country have backed up the referendum calls

- Already, Alliance Party leader Aukot has started collecting signatures from Kenyans

Jubilee nominated MP Maina Kamanda has backed up referendum calls saying the country urgently needs a constitutional amendment to reduce the financial burden on the taxpayers.

The MP called on the National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale and those opposed to the plebiscite accusing them of misleading Kenyans by saying the referendum is about ODM leader Raila Odinga.

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READ ALSO: Obado "amhusisha" mkewe Raila, Ida katika kesi ya mauaji ya Sharon Otieno

Maina Kamanda accused Aden Duale of misleading Kenyans by saying the referendum was about Raila Odinga. Photo: UGC

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: The time is ripe for referendum to cut wastage of public funds - Moses Kuria

Let Duale not attempt to say that this referendum is about Raila Odinga. It is not. This thing is supported by people everywhere, even in Jubilee. We have seen the burden of this Constitution and we must rectify it, said Kamanda as quoted by the Daily Nation.

The former Starehe MP was responding to Duale's recent dismissal of Raila's calls for constitutional change saying it was not part of the handshake between him and president Uhuru Kenyatta.

"The terms of reference for the Task Force of Building Bridges Initiative does not include a constitutional amendment but if you start looking for a referendum, we will let you go alone," said Duale.

READ ALSO: Kenyans should be ready for a referendum before 2022 - Raila Odinga

Plebiscite talks have sparked a heated debate after the ODM leader told Kenyans to prepare for another voting exercise before 2022 elections saying the Constitution amendment was the only option to end perennial electoral, judicial and governance crisis in the country.

Already, two governors including Mombasa's Hassan Joho and his Busia counterpart Sospeter Ojaamong have backed the calls for a constitutional change for the counties to receive a large allocation of the national budget.

Raila Odinga said Constitution amendment was the only option to end perennial electoral, judicial and governance crisis in the country. Photo: UGC

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: Ex-presidential candidate Ekuru Aukot begins to collect signatures ahead of looming referendum

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria said a referendum was a necessity to reduce number of leaders representing Kenyans for a manageable National budget while former presidential candidate and Alliance Party leader, Ekuru Aukot, has already started collecting signatures for a referendum.

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Kenya News Today: Ken Okoth Is Fighting For Marijuana Legalization | Tuko TV

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- Osugo said Obado was placed in a cell block for capital offenders and received same treatment as his fellow inmates

- He was also issued with prison uniforms during his arrival and given a prison number

- The Prisons boss was responding to claims Obado was receiving VIP treatment including hot showers

Prisons Commissioner General Isaiah Osugo has rubbished claims stating embattled Migori Governor Okoth Obado is receiving preferential treatment

According to Osugo, Obado was placed in a cell block for capital offenders and is being given the same treatment as his fellow inmates.

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READ ALSO: Jacque Maribe kufanyiwa uchunguzi wa DNA kuhusiana na kesi ya mauaji ya Monica Kimani

The commissioner through a statement sent to newsrooms maintained the governor is given the leeway to wear his home clothes whenever he needs to make a court appearance.

We wish to state categorically that Obado has not been given any preferential treatment in terms of accommodation, clothing, feeding and visits which are all regulated in accordance to prisons and regulations, the police boss said.

READ ALSO: Body of pregnant Rongo student who was kidnapped with journalist found in forest

He further emphasised the governor was issued with prison uniforms during his arrival and was even given a prison number as is required for every inmate.

Obado was issued with prison requirements including uniforms for capital offenders as required by the Prison Rules and Regulations, Osugo said.

Prior reports by TUKO.co.ke revealed the governor was receiving special treatment behind bars as he was allowed to sneak in his phone and food including his favourite thermos flask of hot tea.

Further reports indicated Obado spent a few hours engaging his fellow inmates in a game of draughts.

Also, it was claimed he was having hot showers and held a closed meeting with his family members at the Milimani Law Courts cells on Tuesday, September 25.

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Kenyans' Reactions to President Uhuru's VAT Bill | Tuko TV.

Source: Kenya Breaking News Today
In less than three weeks the State of Emergency will be over and citizens will be able to enjoy unrestricted movement across the country.

While the SoE may have helped the Port of Spain Division of the Police Service in reporting a year-to-date dip in crime, those at the helm are prepared for the curfew's expiration.
From September 24 to 27, 2018, the representatives of the State Financial Monitoring Service of Ukraine (hereinafter  the SFMS) took part in a regular 25th Plenary meeting of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units* held in Sydney, Australia. The meeting involved more than 400 delegates from 155 Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) of the world countries.

Traditionally, in the course of the Plenary meeting the results of the "Best Egmont Case Award" (BECA) competition were presented as an exceptional case demonstrating multilateral cooperation in the case of corruption, which led to the successful assets recovery. As a result of the careful case selection that preceded the Plenary meeting, among the participants, the Ukrainian case became a finalist for the first time.

During the voting of the Egmont Group FIUs, the SFMSs investigation was recognized as the winner of the competition.

The case concerned a multistage and unprecedented by its complexity investigation of corruption and money laundering by former high-ranking officials of Ukraine.

Thus, at the beginning of the mentioned case, the SFMS has conducted several separate, not related to each other investigations based on SARs involving both national and foreign companies. The analysis of the mentioned reports revealed that a part of the suspicious companies were related to former Ukrainian high-ranking officials.

At the same time, the Prosecutor Generals Office of Ukraine initiated the criminal proceeding on numerous facts of acquisition by the founders and heads of a large number of legal entities with the assistance of top officials of the country by prior agreement of a group of persons through the abuse of office of state property in especially large amount and legalization (laundering) of the proceeds from crime.

The SFMS has established that assets obtained as a result of committed crimes, have been legalized, both in Ukraine and abroad. Therefore, an extremely important task was to conduct a successful financial investigation, to find out all the details of the case, identify the suspects and establish the amount of legalized assets for their further arrest and confiscation (recovery).

During the conducted financial investigation, the SFMS has analyzed more than 600 statements of bank accounts (among which more than 300 bank accounts had been opened abroad) and information received from 12 foreign FIUs (in particular, under the auspices of World Bank StAR Initiative).

Following the results of the analysis, it was established the global money legalization scheme involving more than 1,000 business entities.

As a result of analysis of STRs received from the financial sector, additional statements on accounts, additional identification information and data from law enforcement and other state authorities, a list of foreign companies controlled by different Ukrainian citizens, who had one common thing - they all work in Ukraine together with one former high-ranking official was detected. Financial transactions, conducted with the participation of a number of such companies, were the final stage of the scheme, which consisted of investing a significant amount of funds (about USD 1.4 billion) in Ukraine through the purchase of debt, depositing funds, and also the purchase of shares in Ukrainian enterprises.

At the beginning of the investigation Ukrainian companies were detected which transferred funds in favour of non-resident companies, that invested in Ukraine.

More than 20 Ukrainian companies also were related to the other former official through the citizens of Ukraine, many of whom also acted as controllers of non-resident companies which invested in Ukraine.

Analysis of constituent-official links and registration addresses of a part of Ukrainian enterprises confirmed that incorporation and adjustment of these companies activity were made by the same persons (both individual and legal) that related to PEP, and joint registration addresses and managing the flow of funds on accounts of the same IP addresses show the link between these companies.

In 2014, the SFMS decided to suspend debit transactions on Ukrainian accounts of non-resident companies. As a result, on the accounts of non-resident companies in bank institutions of Ukraine more than USD 1.4 billion was frozen.

Alongside this, during parallel investigations, separate chains of the assets movement were detected, which were controlled by ex-high-ranking officials.

In particular, it was established that the primary source from which the first chain of funds withdrawal from Ukraine began were funds received by Ukrainian companies as a result of the operation and implementation of criminal schemes associated with former officials and citizens of Ukraine, namely:

1) embezzlement of funds of state companies;

2) embezzlement of NBUs refinancing;

3) sale of contraband imported petroleum products at market prices;

4) selling of gas at market prices, which should have been sold at a reduced price;

5) getting rollbacks;

6) activity of professional launderers - conversion centres, etc.

Thanks to the active interagency and international cooperation of the FIU of Ukraine it has been established that the process of withdrawal of funds from Ukraine and their investing in Ukraine, were managed from a single management centre with the assistance of a large number of shell companies. The signs of the functioning of the international professional platform for money laundering with billions of turnover, which provided services to other entities were also revealed.

Currently, a part of these companies was eliminated, some of them have improper legal status and were registered by suspicious legal persons.

Thus, the scheme of money laundering has been disclosed.

Within the framework of criminal proceedings, according to the submission of the Prosecutor Generals Office of Ukraine, in 2014, funds in the amount of equivalent to USD 1.45 billion were seized, a part of which became the object of confiscation to the States revenue in 2017.

In addition, the Plenary meeting considered issues of adopting operational decisions based on the Egmont Group and working group recommendations concerning the launched projects on human trafficking and corruption, information exchange between FIUs, provision of technical assistance and trainings.

The Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units is a united body of 155 Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) from around the world. The Egmont Group Committee serves as a consultation and coordination mechanism for the Heads of FIUs and Working groups. The Egmont Group members have the opportunity to exchange information on financial investigations, experience, and opportunities to combat legalisation (laundering) of the proceeds from crime, terrorist financing, and the financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
In January-July 2018, Ukrainian producers of canned fish exported 2,702 tonnes of products to the tune of $4.6 million, up 31% compared to the same period last year.

"As the State Statistics Service of Ukraine reports, in January-July 2018, Ukraine exported 2,702 tonnes of finished fish and canned fish products to the tune of $4.6 million. In monetary terms, the exports showed 31% rise compared to the same period last year," the press service of the State Agency for Fisheries of Ukraine reports.

It is noted that the largest importers of Ukrainian canned fish products were the CIS countries  2,000 tonnes at the sum of $ 2.6 million. In particular, Moldova imported 656 tonnes at the sum of $946,000, Belarus - 427 tonnes at the sum of $541,000, Armenia  230 tonnes at the sum of $174,000, Kazakhstan  213 tonnes at the sum of $266,000, Kyrgyzstan  66 tonnes at the sum of $39,000.

The finished fish and canned fish products were also exported to Georgia - 437 tonnes worth $456,000, Israel - 92 tonnes worth $290,000, Latvia - 68 tonnes worth $129,000, the United States - 30 tonnes worth $66,000 and other countries of the world.

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Russian aggression has helped Ukraine become more European and more ready to defend European and transatlantic values, President Petro Poroshenko has said.

He said this in an interview for the GPS program, an excerpt from which was published on CNN.

"Thank you, Mr. Putin, for making my country much more European and much more ready to protect European values, transatlantic values, and we are absolutely confident that we will not return to the Russian Empire," the head of state said.

According to him, the number of supporters of the EU and NATO has rapidly increased in Ukraine in recent years.

"In 2013, the number of Ukrainians who supported transatlantic integration, NATO membership, was 16%. Now it is more than 54%. Who did that? Putin. In 2013, the number of Ukrainians who supported European integration, EU membership, was 33%. Now it is 74%. Who did that? Putin," Poroshenko said.

op
The occupation authorities have strengthened restrictions on freedom of peaceful assembly in Crimea, unlawfully using repressive Russian legislation for this end.

April 2014 - September 2018, 353 people were held administratively liable, 12 more were held criminally liable in the annexed Crimea, the Crimean Human Rights Group reports.

"Crimean judges delivered 367 verdicts on administrative liability, of which 334 judgments related to fines for a total sum of RUR 3.942,500. The participants in peaceful assemblies were also subjected to administrative arrests (at least 22 such judgments were delivered) and public works (11 judgments)," reads the report.

In particular, eight verdicts were pronounced in the "case of February 26" (Akhtem Chiygoz was sentenced to 8 years in a high security colony but released after pronouncement of the verdict as a result of political negotiations; 7 other defendants received a suspended prison sentence).

In the case of May 3, four sentences were pronounced (three sentences on suspended prison sentence, one sentence on RUR 40,000 fine).

Prosecuting people for participation in peaceful assemblies, the Russian authorities violate Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights which guarantee freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

According to the Crimean Human Rights Group, the Russian Federation also violates the rights of people who refused to receive Russian passports on the territory of the annexed Crimea. These people are expelled as migrants who violated the conditions of stay in the country.

ol
Warsaw and Kyiv maintain good military cooperation amid Russian aggression in Ukraine and also have prospects for economic cooperation.

"We have very good cooperation in the most important field  the military sphere - in the context of the conflict in Donbas and the occupation of Crimea," Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland Bartosz Cichocki said in an interview with PAP.

He noted that Poland, along with the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, was "the backbone of Western support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces which protect Europe from Russia's aggression."

As the examples of Polish-Ukrainian military cooperation he mentioned joint development of the ZRN-01 Missile System "STOKROTKA DAISY", the work of Polish military instructors at the Yavoriv training center, the supply of weapons and ammunition.

According to the Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland, Warsaw constantly supports Ukraine on the path of integration with the West. In particular, Poland as a UN Security Council non-permanent member defends the interests of Ukraine, for example, in the context of UN peacekeeping mission deployment in Donbas. In addition, Poland now has the largest representation in the OSCE SMM in Donbas, and previously supported the abolition of visa requirements for Ukrainians to travel to the EU and lifting restrictions on trade between Ukraine and the European Union.

"At the NATO meeting, Poland achieved the creation of the NATO-Ukraine Platform on Countering Hybrid Warfare," Cichocki said.

As the Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland noted, Ukraine is a very important trading partner for Poland.

"Amid globalization and growing importance of China in world trade, Poland and Ukraine could provide Western markets with raw materials and guarantee the way of export of goods," the Polish diplomat highlighted.

ol
Hungary will not recall its Consul General or Consul in Berehove (Beregszasz) in connection with passport dispute, despite recommendations of Ukraine.

Hungarian Foreign Ministry's Deputy State Secretary for Communication Tamas Menczer stated this, according to the website of the Hungarian Government.

Hungary will not be recalling its Consul General or Consul from Berehove in view of these affairs, no matter how much the Ukrainians recommend this, he stressed.

On September 19, Ukrinform published a video in which Ukrainian citizens are receiving Hungarian passports in Hungary's consulate in Berehove and taking their oaths of Hungarian citizenship.

Foreign Minister of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin said that the Hungarian Consul, who handed over Hungarian passports to Ukrainians, will not remain in Ukraine. In response, Budapest threatened to take further steps to slow down Ukraine's integration into the EU.

iy
Russia must insist that its proxies in eastern Ukraine reduce mine threats.

The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine informed this on its Twitter page after reports that a mine killed three children in Russia-controlled Horlivka.

"Russia must insist that its proxies in eastern Ukraine reduce mine risk. Children there deserve to grow up in peace and safety. Ukrainians are suffering because of Russian aggression," the report reads.

"We are heartbroken by reports that a mine killed three children and wounded a fourth in Russia-controlled Horlivka. The Russia-instigated conflict in eastern Ukraine has made Ukraine one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world," the U.S. Embassy says.

ish
Former French President Francois Hollande believes that the European Union should continue to support Ukraine and maintain sanctions against Russia.

"First, the European Union should continue to support Ukraine. Second, the pressure on Russia, including the imposed sanctions, should be preserved," Hollande said at the meeting with President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko in Kyiv, the press service of the Head of State reports.

He also assured that he supported all the efforts and any policy aimed at the implementation of the Minsk agreements.

"Given the role I was destined to play in the conclusion of these agreements, I still feel great responsibility for their implementation," the ex-president of France said.

In addition, Hollande noted that his decision on [failure to deliver to Russia] Mistral warships had been criticized inside France.

"However, it was a signal I had to send to present Russia with a need to be responsible. We could not support the country at the time when it resorted to aggression," he said.

In turn, Poroshenko thanked Holland for his role in the Normandy format negotiations and the imposition of sanctions against the Russian Federation.

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Ukraines Verkhovna Rada Human Rights Commissioner Liudmyla Denisova at a meeting with Ambassador of Ukraine to the Kingdom of Belgium Mykola Tochytskyi informed about the issue of Ukrainian political prisoners in Russia and in the occupied territories.

"We discussed a wide range of issues of cooperation. We separately focused on the situation regarding Ukrainian political prisoners held in Russia and in the occupied territories. I told about the true state of affairs in this matter and about the terrible conditions in which our guys are held. I told about the struggle of Ukrainians at penal colonies of the aggressor, about their hunger strikes for their rights and freedom of opinion," she wrote on Facebook.

The parties also discussed options for the EU assistance in resolving this issue.

"I noted the increasing pressure of the Kingdom of Belgium in the EU and directly on the Kremlin. It is necessary to be united and strong against the invader. This is the only way we can use to conquer the enemy and return our people home," Denisova added.

In total, about 70 Ukrainian political prisoners, including Ukrinform journalist Roman Sushchenko and Ukrainian film director Oleg Sentsov, are currently held in Russia and in Russian-occupied Crimea.

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Ukraine's local Orthodox Church can receive a tomos of autocephaly from the Ecumenical Patriarchate on October 9-11, 2018, Ukrainian historian and religious scientist Rostyslav Martyniuk has told the Espreso television channel.

"The tomos, according to verified data, has to be announced at an assembly that will take place at Fener in Istanbul from October 9 to 11. Accordingly, two exarchs of Constantinople are already actively working in Ukraine. All documents and formalities have been observed. They will go to Istanbul for this meeting, and on the basis of their report, by these two exarchs who are now working in Kyiv, this will be the last point. The patriarch can then announce the granting of the tomos," he told the channel.

At the same time, the expert did not exclude that the granting of autocephaly "may be moved to November, December." "But definitely this year," he added.

On April 19, Ukrainian MPs supported President Petro Poroshenko's address to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on the provision of a tomos (ordinance) of autocephaly.

The Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople has already begun the procedure needed to grant autocephaly to the new Ukrainian church. The meeting of the Synod, which will address this issue, is scheduled for October.

Recently, as part of preparations for the provision of autocephaly to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the Ecumenical Patriarchate appointed Archbishop Daniel of Pamphilon from the United States and Bishop Ilarion of Edmonton from Canada as its exarchs in Kyiv.

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On September 27 in New York, the President of the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine, Boris Lozhkin, awarded the President of the World Jewish Congress Ronald Lauder the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky medal.

Last year's award winner, the Head of the Ukrainian-Jewish meeting James Temerty, took part in the ceremony. This is reported by the JCU

Ronald Lauder helped unite the entire Jewish community of Ukraine through the educational institutions, such as Camp Shuva, Jewish day schools and kindergartens, and create a modern security monitoring system to protect the Jewish community, Lozhkin said.

he Jewish Confederation of Ukraine  an association of independent public, charitable and religious Jewish organizations  was established in 1999. In 2013, the JCU established its own award, the Sheptytsky medal. The medal is awarded to public figures who have made a significant contribution to the cause of the Ukrainian-Jewish mutual understanding and cooperation. The winners of this medal are James Temerty, Victor Pinchuk and Ivan Dziuba.

Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky, in whose honor the award was named, was the leader of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church during the Second World War, a recognized Righteous Among the Nations, who helped save more than 150 Jewish lives. Sheptytsky sheltered Jews in his own residence and in monasteries. One of the rescued by him children, Dr. Leon Chameides, spoke at the ceremony of awarding Mr. Lauder.

n September 25, Lozhkin also signed an agreement of association with the American Jewish Committee.
Ukrainian citizens do not commit a crime if they do not inform the Ukrainian authorities that they have a passport of another country, and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin confirmed this at a meeting with his Hungarian counterpart in New York.

Hungarian Foreign Ministry spokesman Tamas Menczer said this while commenting on a passport scandal between Hungary and Ukraine, according to the website of the Hungarian government.

"Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto had met with his Ukrainian counterpart on Wednesday in New York on the sidelines of the high-level meeting of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly. At the meeting, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister admitted that there exists no law in Ukraine that bans citizens from possessing a passport from another country," Menczer said.

He stressed that events at the Hungarian Consulate General in Berehove are in harmony with Hungarian and international law and do not contravene any Ukrainian regulations.

Menczer also recalled that a few days ago "Transcarpathia's Ukrainian governor said that at least half of Ukraine's Members of Parliament are dual nationals, and accordingly the attack on the Hungarians is unacceptable."

As was reported earlier, Ukrinform published a video in which Hungarian passports are issued to Ukrainian citizens at the Hungarian Consulate in Berehove, Zakarpattia region. The procedure was accompanied by a glass of champagne to mark the receipt of a second citizenship and instructions - to conceal the fact of Hungarian citizenship from the Ukrainian authorities.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin said that the Hungarian consul, who hands over Hungarian passports to Ukrainians in the video, would not remain in Ukraine.

On September 20, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, after the scandal with the issuance of Hungarian passports to Ukrainian citizens in Zakarpattia region, said Hungary would take measures to slow Ukraine's integration into the EU and NATO.

Dual citizenship is currently not recognized in Ukraine and, according to the law, is not allowed first of all for civil servants and deputies of all levels.

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On September 30, Ukrainian communities of Brazil and Paraguay joined the international action Light a candle of remembrance dedicated to the 85th anniversary of the Holodomor of 1932-33 in Ukraine.

According to the press release of the Embassy of Ukraine in Paraguay, the local Ukrainian community held memorial services in Ukrainian churches in a number of cities in Itapua Department.

The central action took place on the Plaza de Armas Square in the city of Encarnacion near the monument to the victims of the Holodomor in Ukraine, which began with performance of the memorial service liturgy and the address of Honorary Consul of Ukraine to the Republic of Paraguay Andres Trociuk, who noted the importance of preserving and restoring the historical memory about millions of innocent victims of the Holodomor-genocide and commemorating this date for the whole Ukrainian nation.

In Brazil, the action was held at the Ukrainian Memorial in Curitiba, the website of the Embassy reports.

The event was attended by Ambassador of Ukraine to Brazil Rostyslav Tronenko, the leadership of Ukrainian churches and Ukrainian organizations and numerous representatives of the local community. An exhibition about the Holodomor was opened at the Ukrainian Memorial in Curitiba.

In addition, the memorial services were held in the cities of Osasco and Sao Paulo within the framework of the Ukrainian World Congress action.

On September 1, 85 days before the Holodomor remembrance day, Ukraine and the world began to honor the victims who died during the genocide of 1932-1933.

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On the second anniversary of the detention of Ukrinforms journalist Roman Sushchenko, September 30, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Desir repeated his call to the Russian authorities to release the journalist from prison, the OSCE press service reports.

Journalists in the OSCE region should be able to work without fear of intimidation or imprisonment, Desir said and added that Sushchenkos 12-year sentence is exceptionally harsh, and I hope his conviction will be overturned on appeal.

According to the report, the OSCE Representative raised the case on several occasions in the past, including during his official visits to Kyiv and Moscow in 2017.

As reported, Ukrinform's Paris-based correspondent Roman Sushchenko was illegally detained on September 30, 2016 in Moscow, where he arrived on a private trip. On October 7, 2016, he was charged with "espionage." Russia's FSB said that Sushchenko is a member of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. The latter denied this allegation.

The Moscow City Court on June 4 sentenced Sushchenko to 12 years of imprisonment in a high-security penitentiary for alleged espionage. The Supreme Court of Russia upheld the verdict on September 12.

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The Embassy of Ukraine in the USA has called on US official representatives, international human rights organizations, wide journalists community to take all possible measures so that Ukrinforms journalist Roman Sushchenko be released as soon as possible.

The relevant statement was posted on the official website of the diplomatic representative office, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Sushchenkos case is a further evidence of Russias attacks against Ukrainian freedom of speech and violation of journalists rights, reads the statement.

In this regard, the embassy reminded of statement on this situation made by US Congressman Marcy Kaptur.

Freedom of the press is a fundamental principle of democracy, transparency, and the rule of law. The wrongful treatment of journalists like Roman Sushchenko is part of a larger trend of politically-motivated persecution and violation of fundamental human rights by Russian authorities. We join the international community in calling for their [journalists] swift release, stated US Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur.

The Embassy of Ukraine in the USA called on the US official representatives, international human rights organizations, wide journalists community to take all possible measures to expedite the release and return to Ukraine of Roman Sushchenko as well as all Ukrainian political prisoners illegally detained in Russia.

As reported, Ukrinform's Paris-based correspondent Roman Sushchenko was illegally detained on September 30, 2016 in Moscow, where he arrived on a private trip. On October 7, 2016, he was charged with "espionage." Russia's FSB said that Sushchenko is a member of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. The latter denied this allegation.

The Moscow City Court on June 4 sentenced Sushchenko to 12 years of imprisonment in a high-security penitentiary for alleged espionage. The Supreme Court of Russia upheld the verdict on September 12.

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The Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations made an appeal demanding the release of Ukrinforms journalist Roman Sushchenko, who was illegally sentenced in Russia.

This was stated on the official page of the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the UN on Twitter on Sunday, September 30.

"Today marks the 2nd year of unlawful detention by Russia of Ukrainian journalist Roman Sushchenko, and we demand free Sushchenko," the report reads.

As reported, Ukrinform's Paris-based correspondent Roman Sushchenko was illegally detained on September 30, 2016 in Moscow, where he arrived on a private trip. On October 7, 2016, he was charged with "espionage." Russia's FSB said that Sushchenko is a member of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. The latter denied this allegation.

The Moscow City Court on June 4 sentenced Sushchenko to 12 years of imprisonment in a high-security penitentiary for alleged espionage. The Supreme Court of Russia upheld the verdict on September 12.

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On the second anniversary of the illegal detention of the Ukrainian journalist, the Ukrainian embassy in the United States is calling on the international community to take all measures toward the release of the Ukrainian political prisoners.

Ukrainian journalist Roman Sushchenko, who has been captured in violation of international legislation and the fundamental human rights by Russias FSB, "not only covered the political, artistic, and cultural life of France but also exposed Russian propaganda in French news outlets," the Ukrainian embassy in the U.S. wrote in a statement.

"Freedom of the press is a fundamental principle of democracy, transparency, and the rule of law. The wrongful treatment of journalists like Roman Sushchenko is part of a larger trend of politically-motivated persecution and violation of fundamental human rights by Russian authorities. We join the international community in calling for their swift release," the diplomats quoted U.S. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur as saying.

"We urge the US official representatives, international human rights organizations, wide journalists community to take all possible measures to expedite the release and return to Ukraine of Roman Sushchenko as well as all Ukrainian political prisoners illegally detained in Russia," the statement reads.

Read alsoIn flashback: Ukrainian journalist Sushchenko detained in Russia two years ago

As UNIAN reported earlier, Roman Sushchenko has worked for Ukraines news service Ukrinform since 2002. Beginning in 2010, Sushchenko has been reporting for the agency from France.

The Russian FSB detained Sushchenko at a Moscow airport upon his arrival on a private visit on September 30, 2016.

He was charged with "espionage," as the Russian authorities insist he is an "operative" of Ukraine's intelligence service.

The court started considering the Sushchenko case on March 27, 2018. On June 4, the Moscow city court unlawfully sentenced Sushchenko to a 12-year term in a high-security colony.

On September 12, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation has upheld the verdict, overruling the lawyer's appeal.

Sushchenko says he pleads not guilty and will continue the struggle for his release, including by lodging a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights.
The president drew numerous examples of misinformation spread by Russia.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said Russian President Vladimir Putin is trying to undermine the situation inside Ukraine and, in particular, to meddle in the Ukrainian elections.

"In fact, we have two dangers. The first danger is Putin. I, as President, do not fight with anyone, I specifically oppose Putin. Because Putin understands that the war on land - in the east of my country, or in Crimea, over the last four years, no longer brings him any success. Because we have created a strong and reliable army with the help of the United States of America. I am really proud of the very effective cooperation with American, British, Canadian, European advisers," the president said in an interview to CNN, his press service reported.

"He [Putin] understands that he will not be able to succeed in a military operation on land. But he expects that success can be achieved during the elections. And therefore, he undermines stability inside the country with the help of cyberattacks, using fake news technology, technology of misinformation. Russia spends billions on supporting Sputnik TV, RussiaToday and many others," Poroshenko said.

Read alsoPoroshenko thanks Putin for making Ukraine "much more European" (Video)

The president drew numerous examples of misinformation spread by Russia. Starting with statements that it is not Russian aggression, but a "civil war" in Ukraine and it is not Russia that is responsible for the aggression, finishing with accusing Ukrainian authorities of thousands of victims of this war and denying the presence of Russian troops in the occupied territory.

Petro Poroshenko also reminded that the Ukrainian authorities banned Russian social networks, as they were used by Russian special services to conduct a disinformation and subversive campaign.
The journalist says it's not the information about German's guilt that is more important but that about "the roots" of the assassination attempt.

Russian journalist Arkady Babchenko, who now lives in Kyiv and who with the SBU help outsmarted an assassination attempt, revealed some details of the investigation deal with the man charged with the attempted hit, Boris German, who had already been sentenced.

"A monthly moratorium imposed by the court on non-disclosure of the terms of the deal expires today. It came to an end. Now I can speak up. The SBU may only operate data in the context of this particular case. I have no such restrictions and I can tell you what I've learned as a result of my actions. I have no access to the case file. I am a witness in this case, so I don't know what German told the court, what information he gave to the investigation, with whom he cooperated, why the trial was held behind closed doors, and how it was investigated  all these questions should not be addressed to me. Also, I don't know about the terms of the deal. I dont even care. The SBU say they will provide evidence  OK, I hope they will do so," Babchenko wrote on Facebook.

The journalist says it's not the information about German's guilt that is more important but that about "the roots" of the assassination attempt. My interest begins where the SBU interests end  at the border with Russia."

"The FSB makes inquiries about me with all government agencies, collects information, and forwards it to [Viacheslav] Pivovarnik [previously accused of financing terrorism in the territory of Ukraine for money from a so-called 'Putin's fund'], who transfers it to German as a file on me. Ahead of the hit, a distracting rumor is being spun about the 'ISIL terror acts' plotted in Kyiv. They plan to kill another person, a Russian opposition figure, a refugee, in Vilnius on the same day. The executor is also selected in Ukraine. It is important for them to have traces leading to Ukraine. Most likely, this order did not come from German. Therefore, there is at least one more center in Ukraine which organizes terrorist attacks," Babchenko said.

Terrorist acts in Ukraine had been plotted for at least 11 months before the first attempt on the journalist.

Read alsoUkraine court finds Borys Herman guilty of organizing attempt on journalist Babchenko

"Through their people in law enforcement agencies, Russia's special services have the opportunity to organize at least non-inspected car trips across Kyiv, and, perhaps, bring in some of their 'oligarchs.' Having realized that the operation failed and the extra information has been leaked to the investigation, there was an attempt of putting pressure on, and, possibly, physically eliminating a witness in Kyiv," Babchenko said.

He noted that "it is likely that the traces of ordering terrorist acts lead to 'Putin's cook' Yevgeny Prigozhin [said to stand behind the infamous "troll factory" in Russia], whose structures work closely with the Russian special services and are most likely coordinated from there. This gives grounds to speak of state terrorism."

Babchenko is convinced that Russian special services "have the opportunity to monitor the [Facebook] messenger. Well, at least my messenger.

"After the attacks had failed, a large-scale, massive online attack began on Ukrainian and pro-Ukrainian bloggers. Accounts of dozens of people with a total audience of a million readers have been blocked. It was an unprecedented act that had never happened before. These traces also lead to Prigozhin's structures," the journalist said.

Babchenko claims Russia was preparing massive terror acts across Ukraine.

Read alsoChief prosecutor elaborates on Babchenko list with 47 potential victims

"They were preparing for a long time. They were preparing seriously. That involved portable anti-aircraft missile launchers, anti-tank complexes, grenade launchers, teams in various cities, creation of pro-Russian parties, deployment of terrorist groups from Russia, etc. I don't know how many of these groups there are. German says there are a few; Pivovarnik says there are at least three of them. At least one of them had to meet with a witness in Kyiv, at least one was following a journalist in Kyiv, at least one was organizing a murder in Vilnius. This is without taking into account the Stelmashenko group, which was trained in Rostov and transferred to Ukraine, and which was detained in the framework of the German case. Nothing is over yet. Their plan has been partly implemented in Odesa. They will continue," Babchenko said, noting that the main goal was destabilization in Ukraine.
Muzhenko ruled out suggestions that Ukrainian navy ships would escort commercial vessels across the sea to prevent them being stopped by Russian ships.

Ukraine will build a military base on the Sea of Azov and has sent more forces to the area to counter a worsening Russian threat, Ukraine's armed forces head told Reuters, referring to an arm of the Black Sea that is a flashpoint of tensions with Moscow.

Viktor Muzhenko, Chief of the General Staff, said Russia had moved beyond covert fighting in the Donbas region, home of a Kremlin-backed separatist insurgency, to building up its military presence on Ukraine's borders and nakedly aggressive actions against ships sailing to Ukrainian ports, Reuters wrote.

Read alsoUkraine's Interior Ministry increases presence in Sea of Azov  Avakov

The Azov Sea, a strategic arm of the Black Sea where Russia and Ukraine share the coastline, has become a flashpoint this year. Ukraine says Russia is preventing scores of vessels from reaching Ukrainian ports through spurious inspections and detentions.

Washington too has called on Russia to stop "harassing" ships, and supplied Ukraine with U.S. patrol boats. Moscow in turn says Ukraine might try to blockade Crimea.

"All those actions that are being taken in the Azov Sea region, are elements of building up our presence in this region for an adequate response to possible provocations by the Russian Federation," Muzhenko said.

He said Ukraine had already deployed more air, land, sea and artillery forces to the area.

Muzhenko ruled out suggestions that Ukrainian navy ships would escort commercial vessels across the sea to prevent them being stopped by Russian ships.

Russia says its checks on shipping are lawful.

Muzhenko was speaking to Reuters on Saturday aboard a military plane flying back from Tendrivska Kosa island on the south coast, on the last of five days of war games across different parts of Ukraine.

Part of those exercises took place on the Hungarian border, which caused consternation in Budapest. Ukraine and Hungary have become embroiled in a series of diplomatic rows over the use of Hungarian in Ukrainian schools and Hungary issuing passports to ethnic Hungarians across the border.

Muzhenko denied the wargames were a show of strength toward Hungary, and said they were intended to counter any chance of Russia attacking Ukraine from the west.

"First of all, this concerns the ability to respond adequately to threats from the Russian Federation. We are talking about protecting our communications, about a possible response to threats, including in the west," he said.
Hungary says it is not going to withdraw its consuls from the Consulate General in the Ukrainian town of Berehovo, western Ukraine, "regardless of what the Ukrainians demand."

Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs Pavlo Klimkin says Ukraine is going to expel the Hungarian consul from Berehove this week if Budapest does not recall its diplomat after a reported case of issuing Hungarian passports to Ukrainian citizens.

"I told the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs about our arguments  they've violated the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, it's one hundred percent. Of course, by definition, no one should hide the fact of acquiring new rights and duties, and generally hiding this is bad ... It's past whatever, and I suggested that the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs withdraw this consul. And if it doesn't happen this week, we will send a note to the Hungarian side on his expulsion this week," Klimkin said in a video address posted on Facebook on Monday, October 1.

Read alsoDiplomats from Ukraine, Canada, UK and U.S. draw Hungarian authorities' attention to continued Russian aggression

Klimkin says Russia is using and will use this situation to destabilize Ukraine's Zakarpattia and Ukraine in general. "Although there is no need to discuss the exact actions of the Hungarian consul  we should clearly set the record straight and we will do this. In the coming days the consul will return to his country," Klimkin said.

It was reported earlier that Hungary was not going to withdraw its consuls from the Consulate General in the Ukrainian town of Berehovo, western Ukraine, "regardless of what the Ukrainians demand."
It is noted that the two exarchs of Constantinople are already actively working in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian local Orthodox Church could get from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople a tomos for autocephaly as early as October 9-18, 2018, according to a Ukrainian historian and religious scholar Rostyslav Martyniuk.

"According to the verified data, the tomos should be announced at a Synaxis, which will be held at Fanar in Istanbul from Oct 9 to Oct 11," Martyniuk told Espreso.TV.

"Accordingly, the two exarchs of Constantinople are already actively working in Ukraine. All documents, all formalities have been met.They will go to Istanbul for this meeting and the reports of these two exarchs already working in Kyiv will be the last point, before the Patriarch is able to actually announce the provision of the tomos," he explained.

At the same time, the expert did not rule out that the granting of the tomos "might be postponed to November or to December."

Read alsoPoroshenko on autocephaly for church: Work started with first meeting with Patriarch Bartholomew

"But this will definitely happen this year," he added.

After Ukraine receives autocephaly, the elimination will begin of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate from the country's religious life, Martyniuk noted.

"In Ukraine, we have a large structure of the Moscow Patriarchate, whose existence today is under the question mark, as we are receiving the tomos from the Constantinople Patriarchate, which will recognize the autocephaly of the Ukrainian Church, and accordingly the structures of the Moscow Patriarchate, which dominated in Ukraine throughout these 25-30 years, will in one way or another be eliminated from religious life, from an open or any other field," the religious scholar said.
The initial winner of this year's Ukrainian contest was disqualified after the jury revealed she had broken the rules of the competition.

During the televised version of the Miss Ukraine-2018 contest broadcast Sunday the name of the new winner was announced.

According to the decision of the jury, the cherished crown was granted to Leonila Guz, 19, from Kherson region.

In December, the winner will present Ukraine at the most prestigious beauty contest  Miss World-2018  that will be held on the island of Hainan in China.

Representatives of more than 120 countries will take part in the competition that will reveal its winner on December 6.

As UNIAN reported earlier, the national beauty contest "Miss Ukraine" had been held since 1991.

The initial winner of this year's national selection, Veronika Didusenko, 23, from Kyiv, was shortly after the jury revealed she had breached the rules of the competition. In her application for participation, she concealed the fact that she had a child and had earlier been married.
The new leader will be selected at the Unifying Council.

Head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate (UOC-KP), Filaret, says it will be a new head of the UOC who will be receiving the tomos  the decree of the Ecumenical Patriarch on granting autocephaly to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

"The head of the Ukrainian [Orthodox] Church will be elected at an Unifying Council, which will include 41 bishops of the Kyiv Patriarchate, 12 bishops of the Autocephalous Church, and 10 bishops of the Moscow Patriarchate," Filaret told Ukrainian TV Channel 5 on September 30.

Read alsoAfter Ukraine receives autocephaly, Moscow Patriarchate to be gradually removed from religious life  expert

He noted that the head of the single local church would be elected at the Unifying Council as soon as Constantinople takes a decision on granting autocephaly to Ukraine.
On September 27 in New York, the President of the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine, Boris Lozhkin, awarded the President of the World Jewish Congress Ronald Lauder the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky medal. Last year's award winner, the Head of the Ukrainian-Jewish meeting James Temerty, took part in the ceremony. This is reported by the JCU

Ronald Lauder helped unite the entire Jewish community of Ukraine through the educational institutions, such as Camp Shuva, Jewish day schools and kindergartens, and create a modern security monitoring system to protect the Jewish community, Lozhkin said.

The Jewish Confederation of Ukraine  an association of independent public, charitable and religious Jewish organizations  was established in 1999. In 2013, the JCU established its own award, the Sheptytsky medal. The medal is awarded to public figures who have made a significant contribution to the cause of the Ukrainian-Jewish mutual understanding and cooperation. The winners of this medal are James Temerty, Victor Pinchuk and Ivan Dziuba.

Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky, in whose honor the award was named, was the leader of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church during the Second World War, a recognized Righteous Among the Nations, who helped save more than 150 Jewish lives. Sheptytsky sheltered Jews in his own residence and in monasteries. One of the rescued by him children, Dr. Leon Chameides, spoke at the ceremony of awarding Mr. Lauder.

On September 25, Lozhkin also signed an agreement of association with the American Jewish Committee.
Four enemy troops were killed and another eight were wounded, intelligence says.

Russia's hybrid military forces mounted 28 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas in the past 24 hours, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as wounded in action (WIA).

"One Ukrainian soldier was wounded in the past day. According to intelligence reports, four occupiers were killed and another eight were wounded," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation (JFO) said in an update published on Facebook as of 07:00 Kyiv time on October 1, 2018.

Russian occupation forces opened aimed fire from 120mm and 82mm mortars, weapons inatslled on infantry fighting vehicles, and from anti-tank missile systems, grenade launchers of various systems, heavy machine guns, and small arms to attack the defenders of the villages of Krymske, Novotoshkivske, Katerynivka, Novozvanivka, Troyitske, Luhanske, Opytne, Pisky, Pavlopil, Hnutove, Vodiane, Lebedynske, and Shyrokyne.

Read alsoUkrainian forces gain ground in Donetsk region - volunteer

Throughout the day, the enemy also fired three times from 120mm mortars at the Ukrainian positions near Luhanske, as well as near Hnutove and Vodiane. In addition, the defenders of Hnutove came under fire from 82mm mortars and anti-tank missile systems, while those in Vodiane were attacked with the use of anti-tank missile systems. Furthermore, the Ukrainian positions near Krymske, Troyitske and Vodiane were attacked from weapons installed on IFVs.

"Since Monday midnight, Russian-led forces have mounted two attacks on the Ukrainian positions near Novotroyitske and Vodiane, using grenade launchers, heavy machine guns, and small arms. There have been no casualties among Ukrainian troops since the start of the day," reads the report.
Three teenagers were killed in a landmine blast on September 30.

The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine says that 23 children have been injured or killed in the war in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, in 2018 alone.

"The OSCE SMM is saddened by the news that three children were killed and two injured this weekend in eastern Ukraine. At least 23 kids already injured/killed in 2018 alone. Children continue to be the victims of the ongoing conflict," the OSCE SMM tweeted on October 1.

As UNIAN reported, three teenagers were killed and one was badly wounded in a landmine explosion outside the Russian-occupied town of Horlivka, Donetsk region, Ukraine, on September 30.

Read alsoThree teens killed, another wounded in landmine blast near Russian-occupied Horlivka

According to human rights activists, the youngest of the children, Dmytro Tulup, born in 2008, is in hospital with shrapnel wounds of the whole body.

"Our sources shared information about the dead children: Kyrylo Korobov, a student of grade 7, Andriy Maksymenko, 13 years old, and Vitaliy Berbinov, a student of grade 8," the human rights activists said.

In this regard, the Embassy of the United States of America in Ukraine has called on Russia to influence Russian-led forces to demine the occupied areas of Donbas in connection with the death of three teenagers in Horlivka in a landmine explosion.
Hunt also said Britain was going to close the net on the GRU.

REUTERS

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt warned Russia on Sunday it would pay a high price for its actions if it sought to intimidate Britain and flout international rules.

Britain has accused two men it says are officers from Russias GRU military intelligence service of carrying out an attack on a former Russian double agent and his daughter in Britain earlier this year using a military-grade nerve agent, according to Reuters.

Read alsoThird GRU agent who carried out Skripal reconnaissance mission identified by secret services  media

Under the Conservatives Britain has a simple message for the Kremlin: If you try to intimidate this country, if you use chemical weapons, if you dont play by the international rules, the price will always be too high, he told the governing Conservative Partys annual conference.

Hunt also said Britain was going to close the net on the GRU.
In his speech devoted to defending sovereignty at the United Nations this week, President Trump barely touched on Russia, only making a passing reference to Germany's reliance on Russian energy supplies.

As a champion of sovereignty, Trump could have made reference to Russia's many violations of sovereignty of other countries. This was a gross oversight, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul wrote in an article for The Washington Post.

Under President Vladimir Putin, Russia has become the world's greatest threat to the sovereignty of other nations. Russia has invaded two neighbors, Georgia in 2008 and Ukraine in 2014, altering the borders in both. Putin deployed his military to Syria in 2015 to prop up a ruthless dictator, Bashar al-Assad, who  far from showing respect for the sovereignty of his people  has committed war crimes against them. Putin then violated American sovereignty in 2016, using several means  including the theft and publication of private data, deployment of Russian state-owned and state-controlled conventional media, social media, bots, trolls, and fake accounts, as well direct engagement with the Trump campaign  to try to influence the outcome of our presidential election. In 2018, Putin and his regime then violated British sovereignty to try to assassinate Sergei Skripal, a former Russian intelligence officer, the author wrote.

These are not normal instruments of foreign policy; they are criminal actions. Russia under Putin has been acting increasingly as a rogue state over the last several years, violating the laws, norms, and values of the international system.

If Trump will not act on his own to deter Putin's serial violations of sovereignty of other countries, the U.S. Congress must prod his administration to do so. For crimes, there must be punishments. New economic sanctions are a blunt but necessary tool for punishing illegal, belligerent Russian behavior, McFaul said.

Read alsoEx-U.S. envoy to Russia says U.S. mistakes don't justify Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine (video)

Several bills regarding new sanctions have been introduced recently, including the Defending American Security from Kremlin Aggression Act(DAASKA), the Defending Elections from Threats by Establishing Redlines Act (DETER) and the Energy Security Cooperation with Allied Partners in Europe Act of 2018. Congress should stitch together the best elements of these draft laws to pass one new bill that should arrive on the president's desk before Election Day in November. Several principles should guide the adoption of such a law.

First, Congress must pass, and Trump sign into law, preemptive sanctions that would go into effect automatically in response to future hostile Russian behavior. This deterrence strategy should be applied to defend our sovereignty during elections as in the DETER Act, but should also be applied to other policy domains to deter Russian aggression.

Second, ongoing Russian illegal activity must be met with new sanctions. For instance, every day that Russia supports the separatist war in eastern Ukraine should be understood as a new illegal Russian action. Instead of just maintaining the originally implemented sanctions in response to Russia's intervention in eastern Ukraine, U.S. lawmakers should lock into place by law a timetable for ratcheting up sanctions if the Russian government continues ongoing, illegal behavior.

Third, sanctions should be implemented in response to concrete Russian actions or future actions, so that a specific sanction can be lifted when a Russian specific action has been reversed.

Fourth, future sanctions should primarily target Russian government officials, state organizations, debt instruments issued by the Russian government, enterprises owned or controlled by the Russian state, and traditional and social media entities owned or controlled by the state. Private-sector individuals and companies should not be sanctioned unless their direct support of egregious Russian foreign policy behavior can be documented.

Fifth, new legislation should be adopted that eliminates anonymous ownership of corporations and real estate, and the transfer of funds abroad through law firms. This would provide greater transparency about Russian investments and economic activity abroad.

Sixth, the Kremlin's abuse of INTERPOL  through the inappropriate use of both red notices (international arrest warrants) and red diffusions (international arrest alerts) for political purposes  must be stopped. As outlined in Section 707 of the DAASKA) Act, Congress and the Trump administration should codify in law the specific sanctions that the U.S. government will implement to deter future attempts at abusing INTERPOL procedures.

Read alsoEx-U.S. envoy to Russia tells why Crimea annexation must not be recognized

Will new sanctions laws change Putin's behavior? Unlikely. Will the threat of new sanctions deter Putin's future behavior, especially regarding interference in our elections? Perhaps. Will a new Russian sanctions law signal American resolve to contain Putin's rogue actions? Absolutely. Sanctions are morally justified in response to egregious, illegal actions even if they do not change comportment in the short run. Demonstrating resolve to defend international laws, rules, and norms is essential for the long-term preservation of international order, the author stressed.

And remember, the Russian government has continued to denounce American sanctions. In response to press reports about new sanctions legislation, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said that new sanctions against Russian banks would be a "declaration of economic war" and that Russia would retaliate "economically, politically, or, if needed, by other means." If sanctions are so ineffective, why are Russian officials working so hard to lift them or to prevent new legislation? Clearly, sanctions matter. Clearly, therefore, Congress must act again and pass new sanctions legislation this fall.
The prosecutor in the Yanukovych treason case, Ruslan Kravchenko, said that he could neither confirm nor deny the participation of Chepiga-Boshirov in the "evacuation" of the ex-president.

One of the suspects in the poisoning of Sergey and Yulia Skripal, "Ruslan Boshirov," who was identified by investigative-journalism website Bellingcat as Colonel of Russia's Main Intelligence Directorate (also known as GRU) Anatoliy Chepiga, reportedly headed an operation to "evacuate" ex-president of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych to Russia amid Euromaidan events in February 2014.

"Chepiga-Boshirov took part in the evacuation of Yanukovych to Russia. At least my sources claim so. He and his special forces unit arrived at the residence of Yanukovych in Mezhyhirya. He was there, guarding him [Yanukovych]. They transported him from there to Crimea and further to Russia," former Russian journalist of the Center for Investigation Management Sergey Kanev, who took part in a probe by The Insider and Bellingcat into the suspects in the Skripals case told Ukraine's Hromadske news outlet.

According to Kanev, it was for that special operation that Chepiga was decorated the title of "Hero of Russia." The investigator said that Alexey Dyumin, a former security guard of Russian President Vladimir Putin, also received the "Hero of Russia" award for the "evacuation" of Yanukovych from Ukraine.

"Then that man worked for the Ministry of Defense, and now he is governor of Tula region. Everyone speaks about Dyumin as Putin's successor. I also know that the people who later formed the backbone of Private Military Company (PMC) Wagner also got awards for Yanukovych's evacuation," Kanev said.

Read alsoBellingcat: Skripal suspect Boshirov identified as GRU Colonel Anatoliy Chepiga

The journalist promised that he would publish a detailed investigation into the facts of Chepiga-Boshirov's participation in a special operation concerning the flight of Yanukovych from Ukraine.

Yanukovych's lawyer, Alexander Goroshinsky, who recently joined the case, told Hromadske that he knew nothing about Russian special operations forces' involvement in the "evacuation" of Yanukovych.

He also said he did know anyone with such names as Chepiga and Boshirov.

"I have not studied this issue. There is nothing in the materials given to the court on this. I haven't read all the materials, but in those which I have, I haven't read anything [about this,]" the lawyer said.

The prosecutor in the Yanukovych treason case, Ruslan Kravchenko, said that he could neither confirm nor deny the participation of Chepiga-Boshirov in the "evacuation" of the ex-president, because the investigators were not aware who of the Russians had participated in that operation.

Investigative journalists also found out that Chepiga was a highly decorated GRU officer with the "Hero of Russia" title for participation in the Chechen war and a certain "peacekeeping mission" in 2014, which is probably the Russian invasion of Donbas, eastern Ukraine.
October 1 2018

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of Dubai, is to build a nine-bedroom extension and staff lodges to his existing estate at Inverinate in Wester Ross.

Plans for the stone clad summer retreat have been drawn up by Colin Armstrong Architects to sit alongside the current estate house and with views out across Loch Duich.

In a statement the architects wrote: The owners of Inverinate Estate typically travel in large groups of immediate and extended family and friends. In recent years their travel to Inverinate has been limited by lack of accommodation.



Additional staff accommodation was completed in 2017 to create infrastructure that would support greater use of the estate by the owner and this new application seeks to create residential accommodation for the use of the owners, their family and their guests in order they may enjoy more frequent and extended visits to Inverinate.



Maktoum is best known for masterminding several Dubai mage projects including the Palm Islands, Burj Al-Arab hotel and Burj Khalifa tower.
He African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade are working on the implementation of a program on Russian-African economic cooperation, the bank's executive vice president, George Elombi, told Sputnik.

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st October, 2018) The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade are working on the implementation of a program on Russian-African economic cooperation, the bank's executive vice president, George Elombi, told Sputnik.

In December 2017, the Russian Export Center has become one of the bank's stakeholders, which made Russia the bank's third largest non-regional stakeholder. The share in the capital is expected to boost Russian exporters' positions in Africa and reduce related financial risks.

"With the Ministry of Industry and Trade, we are planning to implement a program we had been discussing previously on how to enhance Russia-Africa economic cooperation. That was the subject of our discussion in [September]," Elombi said in an interview.

He added that the sides had already discussed preparations for the 2019 shareholder meeting, which is slated to take place in Russia, with an emphasis on boosting cooperation between Russian exporters and their African partners.

Elombi also spoke about plans to organize a trade exhibition to promote Russian goods on the African market, noting that lack of information was the biggest obstacle to trade.

"When most African countries seek to import some equipment of vehicles, their minds do not come naturally to Russia. Their minds go to other areas due to historical and cultural reasons. We think the way to overcome this situation is to provide trade information," he noted.

Elombi, however, stressed that the situation had changed, with African businesses "beginning to see cooperation with Russia as a real opportunity for doing business."

Afreximbank was established in 1993 as a joint venture of African governments, African and non-African private investors and financial institutions in order to develop trade on the continent and outside it.
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The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is critical to socio-economic transformation of smaller countries like Nepal, a senior leader of Nepal's ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) said on Monday.

KATHMANDU, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Oct, 2018 ) :The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is critical to socio-economic transformation of smaller countries like Nepal, a senior leader of Nepal's ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) said on Monday.

Narayan Kaji Shrestha, who is also spokesperson for the NCP, made the remarks during a function organized to celebrate the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, which falls on October 1.

"The Belt and Road Initiative is a new opportunity in the contemporary world. This China-proposed initiative is critical to socio-economic transformation of the smaller countries like Nepal," Shrestha said, adding that China's economic, political and cultural transformation taken place in the past several decades are exemplary to the rest of the world.

Nepal and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative in May 2017.

The BRI, proposed by China in 2013, aims at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes.

Expressing gratitude to China for its incessant support to Nepal's socio-economic development, Shrestha highlighted that age-old bilateral friendly ties between China and Nepal have been moving steadily on the basis of five principles of peaceful co-existence.

On the occasion, Hiranya Lal Shrestha, an expert on Nepal-China relations, said that landlocked countries like Nepal have ample of opportunities to reap benefit by the enhanced railway connectivity networks to be developed under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The event, organized by Kathmandu-based Let Review Online, witnessed the participation of political party leaders, intellectuals, media persons and thinkers.
(@rukhshanmir)

DOHA (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st October, 2018) Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has left for neighboring Kuwait with his first official visit to discuss bilateral relations with Kuwaiti leadership, the Saudi government said,

"In accordance with the instructions of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and proceeding from a desire to strengthen fraternal ties with Kuwait, the crown prince traveled to Kuwait to discuss cooperation between the friendly countries and issues of mutual concern," the statement said.

According to media reports, the agenda of talks will include the discussion of joint efforts to stabilize the oil market as well as issues related to the diplomatic conflict between the Arab world and Qatar mediated by Kuwait.

The Saudi crown prince and Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah may reportedly discuss the resumption of oil production at two jointly developed fields in the neutral zone, which have not been operational for more than three years. The resumption of oil production at these fields will increase the total oil production for Kuwait and Saudi Arabia by 500,000 barrels per day.

On Saturday, US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the sides discussed efforts to maintain stability in the oil market and global economy growth.
To build upon its commitment to bring together thought leaders from organisations across the world, the Organising Committee of the 24th World Energy Congress announced today that the Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation (APICORP) will actively support the 2019 Congress by becoming a Gold Sponsor.

ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 01st Oct, 2018) To build upon its commitment to bring together thought leaders from organisations across the world, the Organising Committee of the 24th World Energy Congress announced today that the Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation (APICORP) will actively support the 2019 Congress by becoming a Gold Sponsor.

To further its ambition of becoming the trusted financial partner to the Arab energy industry, APICORP has chosen to become a leading sponsor of the World Energy Congress to ensure its members interests are represented among the most influential stakeholders in the industry who will be attending.

The announcement marks another milestone in the ambitions of the UAE Organising Committee of the 24th World Energy Congress to ensure that the 2019 Abu Dhabi World Energy Congress covers the full spectrum of energy sources as well as actors, including top leading banking, investment and financial institutions. Through its participation, APICORP will share expertise on the strategic role that innovative financing plays in supporting the energy industry, as well as the energy transitions underway across the middle East and North Africa region.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 11th Arab Energy Conference organised by the Organisation of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) in Marrakech.

During the signing ceremony, Dr. Matar Al Neyadi, Undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Industry and Chairman of the UAE Organising Committee for the 24th World Energy Congress, said, "We are delighted to welcome APICORP as a Gold Sponsor for the 24th World Energy Congress.

Its unique positioning as the multilateral development bank focused on the energy sector for the Arab region will enhance the discussions on how innovative financing can advance economic growth. We are looking forward to discussing with energy leaders from across the world, thought provoking topics such as qualifying investment targets in a time of change, examining the factors of successful energy investment projects and looking at what is next in terms of analytics and investment intelligence."

Dr. Ahmed Ali Attiga, Chief Executive Officer of APICORP, commented, "It is a great honour for APICORP to have been invited to become one of the sponsors of the 24th World Energy Congress. It is also a reflection of the progress APICORP has made since its foundation more than 40 years ago, and the reputation and role it has played in developing the regions energy industry. We are eagerly looking forward to our participation at this landmark event."

The 24th World Energy Congress, the longest-running and most influential energy event in the world, will take place in Abu Dhabi in September 2019 under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This will mark the first time the Congress has been hosted in a Middle Eastern city, and by an OPEC member country, in the events 94-year history.
The Cancer Patient Care Society - Rahma, will launch, in early October 2018, a special campaign to support breast cancer patients in the UAE, by launching the hashtag #We_are_with_you on Twitter.

ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 01st Oct, 2018) The Cancer Patient Care Society - Rahma, will launch, in early October 2018, a special campaign to support breast cancer patients in the UAE, by launching the hashtag #We_are_with_you on Twitter.

The hashtag campaign comes to encourage women to be strong and determined through the stages of medical treatment, lift their spirits, and instill the spirit of challenge and perseverance.

Commenting on the initiative, Prof. Jamal Sanad Al-Suwaidi, Director-General of the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research and Chairman of the board of Directors of the Cancer Patient Care Society - Rahma, said that the association seeks to improve the way it conducts work by continuously coming up with new tools and ideas.

"In light of the increasing role and impact of social media reaching various segments of society, we have decided to launch the hashtag to ensure a greater interaction with this important issue to support breast cancer patients in the UAE to pull through their illness and continue their medical treatment with high spirits," he added.

Rahmas hashtag campaign is part of its ongoing efforts to support cancer patients in the country. Since its inception in 2015, Rahma has exerted valuable efforts in this regard in cooperation with various entities and institutions that aim to fight cancer in the UAE, ultimately backing the UAEs efforts to defeat this disease.

Rahma invites all UAE residents to actively participate in this hashtag campaign, by sending encouraging words to those diagnosed with breast cancer. Al-Suwaidi emphasised that Rahma will spare no effort to support all cancer patients. This hashtag campaign coincides with the strides Rahma has recently taken in carrying out its mission.
(@rukhshanmir)

Dubai Customs has launched "Locks of Hope" - a two-day campaign in support of the Friends of Cancer Patients Society, FoCP - as part of the agreement signed between the two sides. The move aims to support FoCP and its activities through donation and awareness campaigns which can help relieve patients and their families.

DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 01st Oct, 2018) Dubai Customs has launched "Locks of Hope" - a two-day campaign in support of the Friends of Cancer Patients Society, FoCP - as part of the agreement signed between the two sides. The move aims to support FoCP and its activities through donation and awareness campaigns which can help relieve patients and their families.

The campaign saw a positive turnout, and 13 female employees donated locks of hair which will be used to make artificial hair for cancer patients who lost their hair to chemotherapy.

Director of Dubai Customs Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, commented, "This campaign is the first of its kind at the government departments level and it aims to enhance social cohesion and solidarity. We positively take part in different activities that help raise awareness around the suffering of these patients. The UAE follows a holistic approach to fight cancer of all types and relieve the patients. Early detection campaigns help reduce number of people falling victims to this disease.

This initiative will help provide some cancer patients with a sense of normality."

Musabih pointed out that Dubai Customs carried out 84 initiatives for charitable causes in the first half of 2018 that targeted around 20,000 people.

On his part, Khalil Saqer bin Gharib, Director of Corporate Communication Department, said that corporate social responsibility is an integral part of Dubai Customs vision. "Qualifying for the ISO 26000 accreditation is a result of our efforts in this side," he said.

In turn, Dr. Sawsan Al Madhi, Director-General of FoCP, said, "Supporting the cancer patients is an inherent social responsibility. For this we bolster our partnerships with different departments in the UAE in support of this cause. The Locks of Hope initiative is a leading initiative that reflects the great humanitarian, philanthropic side of the employees and their big role in supporting cancer patients".
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Dubai Investments has announced that it will be showcasing its real estate projects portfolio at Cityscape Global 2018, that is set to take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 2nd  4th October, 2018.

DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 01st Oct, 2018) Dubai Investments has announced that it will be showcasing its real estate projects portfolio at Cityscape Global 2018, that is set to take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 2nd  4th October, 2018.

Dubai Investments will showcase Mirdif Hills, a mixed-use, residential, commercial, and retail development by DIRC and the only freehold development currently in Mirdif. The project is spread across 1 million sq. ft of land and 4 million sq. ft of built up area that features a four-star hotel managed by Millennium Hotels & Resorts with 116 rooms, 128 serviced apartments, retail units, a 230-bed hospital, and around 1,500 apartments comprising a mix of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and 3 & 4 duplexes. Construction on the project is progressing as scheduled with 50% already completed. Interested buyers will benefit from a 50% DLD fee reduction.

The company is also showcasing Green Community DIP  West Phase 3, a ready to move in project which is being developed in Dubai Investments Park through its subsidiary Properties Investment. The completed project covers an area of 1.48 million sq. ft and comprises a total of 210 townhouses, 122 of which are four-bedroom and 88 are three-bedroom. It will also comprise 16 duplex apartments, retail units, recreational centres, swimming pools, a squash court, and landscaped areas.

During the exhibition, Dubai Investments showcases 11 projects for sale and leasing. These developments include The Market Expansion which is located within Green Community in DIP and the AED 900-million DI Tower, a mixed-use tower on Sheikh Zayed Road, which is slated for a 2020 completion date and will feature over 70 floors that also include furnished apartments. The remaining projects will comprise of Al Kawthar building in Sharjah, Al Nahda 1, Al Nahda 2, and Al Nahda 3 Towers, Ritaj - a residential community in Dubai Investments Park, Al Mozna building in Qusais, a tower in Meydan and another in Al Barsha First, Al Hamriya Hotel, and Violet Tower in JVC.

The current projects will boost Dubai Investments market presence in the real estate sector where the Companys assets in the sector constitutes 67% of its total asset mix.

Dubai Investments will also provide innovative solutions to the construction sector through diverse activities provided by its 18 subsidiaries working in the sector. The products and services provided by Dubai Investments include metal, aluminum and glass, fit-outs, cable trays, switchgear, lighting, district cooling and maintenance services, sustainability products such as solar panels, extruded polystyrene, floorings, ceilings, and LED energy saving lights.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Saeed Al Ali, Head of the Emirates Red Crescent mission, ERC, in Aden, and Major General Abu Bakr Hussain, Governor of Abyan, inaugurated the Al Seddiq Secondary School in Zinjibar, after restoring it through Emirati funding.

ABYAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 01st Oct, 2018) Saeed Al Ali, Head of the Emirates Red Crescent mission, ERC, in Aden, and Major General Abu Bakr Hussain, Governor of Abyan, inaugurated the Al Seddiq Secondary School in Zinjibar, after restoring it through Emirati funding.

During the inauguration ceremony, Major General Hussain praised the ERCs efforts to restore the school after a period of being closed, due to the destruction caused by the Houthi militias.

"We visited the site of the school, which was destroyed during the war.

Today, we are re-launching it after its restoration," he said.

He also praised the UAEs support for the residents of Abyan and all Yemenis, through the ERCs current overall contributions.

Saeed Al Ali highlighted the ERCs urgent humanitarian response plans and objectives to assist Yemen's citizens over the next six months.

The restoration of the school, established in 1972 as the first secondary school in Zinjibar, also included the provision of classroom equipment and the distribution of school bags to 440 students.
Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, led a UAE delegation that participated in the 16th meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council, GCC, Ministers of Housing Committee, which took place yesterday in Kuwait.

KUWAIT, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 01st Oct, 2018) Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, led a UAE delegation that participated in the 16th meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council, GCC, Ministers of Housing Committee, which took place yesterday in Kuwait.

The meeting saw discussions on joint GCC housing action strategy and housing information regulations, as well as the GCC Housing Award, householder unions, housing funding, specialist housing conferences and workshops, preparations for regional and international meetings, and the suggestions of the General Secretariat on how to highlight the "GCC Housing Action" in regional and international events.

The UAE, represented by the Sharjah Housing Department, won the GCC Housing Award 2018.

Dr. Al Nuaimi praised the cooperation between various housing authorities in the GCC, which created a clear policy and working vision that are helping to develop key sectors.

He added that the housing services provided by GCC countries are among the best in the world, as they provide comprehensive support and housing facilities while highlighting the role of such meetings in utilising housing expertise and benefitting from the relevant experiences of GCC governments.

Al Nuaimi stressed that the housing sector is being prioritised by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, due to its role in achieving family and social stability and the happiness of UAE nationals.

Al Nuaimi noted that the UAE, as per the directives of the wise leadership, is keen to build smart future cities with excellent facilities, in line with sustainability, green building and environmental protection standards.
The Ministry of Economy organised an introductory workshop on the UAEs participation in 'Slush 2018', which will be held in the Finnish capital, Helsinki, in December, on the sidelines of the visit of the country's delegation to Finland.

ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 01st Oct, 2018) The Ministry of Economy organised an introductory workshop on the UAEs participation in 'Slush 2018', which will be held in the Finnish capital, Helsinki, in December, on the sidelines of the visit of the country's delegation to Finland.

The workshop witnessed a discussion on the ways of strengthening the UAEs commercial and investment cooperation with Finland, especially in innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.

The workshop is part of the ministrys efforts and those of its strategic public and private sector partners to promote national entrepreneurship and improve the small and medium-sized enterprise, SME, sector, as well as to advance the culture of innovation, and create opportunities for specialist investment partnerships with Finland and other markets that will participate in the fair.

Workshop attendees held discussions on developments in the global innovation environment and other vital specialisations, as well as ways of opening communication channels with global innovation communities and how to support inventors, start-ups and SMEs in the UAE, to promote their innovations and improve their links with global markets.

Slush is the focal point for startups and tech talent to meet with top-tier international investors, executives, and media. The event features two days full of stage programmes, in addition to several side events, talks at networking sessions, roundtable discussions and facilitated workshops.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh Dr.

Syed Kaleem Imam on Monday was informed in a meeting that 108 police stations were specified with higher crime ratio in their jurisdictions.

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Oct, 2018 ) :Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh Dr. Syed Kaleem Imam on Monday was informed in a meeting that 108 police stations were specified with higher crime ratio in their jurisdictions.

The Additional Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Karachi informed the police chief about the measures taken against street crimes, kidnappings of children, police deployment in commercial areas and others.

IGP Dr Syed Kaleem Imam ordered to enhance indiscriminate actions against street criminals and to ensure elimination of street crimes from the city. He asked to review the strategy made for the elimination of crimes.

He directed the Deputy Inspector Generals of Police (DIGPs) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSPs) to work at ground level and to monitor and supervise the patrolling, snap-checking and surveillance by themselves.

He instructed to avoid delaying tactics in lodging of First Information Report (FIRs) and to support the victims of crimes. He said the SSPs and DSPs concerned must schedule their meetings with the victim citizens.

Dr Syed Kaleem Imam directed the officials concerned to forward recommendations for establishment of separate sections of FIRs in the police stations to facilitate the citizens.

The SSPs were directed to ensure their visits to the police stations in their jurisdictions on daily basis.

The DIGP-Traffic and Zonal DIGPs were directed to coordinate with each other for ensuring smooth flow of traffic in the city.

AIGP- Karachi, AIGP- Special Branch, Zonal DIGPs of Karachi andother senior officers attended the meeting.
A Story of Risk, Faith and Reward Contact: CfaN,

407-854-4400,

srodriguez@cfan.org



ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 1, 2018 /Christian Newswire/ -- CfaN is thrilled to release, Into the Unknown, a new book by our Executive Vice President, Peter Vandenberg. Into the Unknown is a true, autobiographical account of Peter's journey from a farm kid in Rhodesia (modern-day Zimbabwe) to the architect and administrator of one of history's most successful evangelism teams. CfaN TV will celebrate the book's release with some special episodes (hosted by Evangelist Daniel Kolenda) that will explore its riveting content. The shows will air internationally and local times and stations can be found at CfaN.TV. Peter is a life-long lover of extreme sports. He's a world-class hang-glider, scuba-diver and something of a legendary wild-man. But, as he conveys in Into the Unknown, his most bracing adventures have been in pursuit of God's call. Peter helped develop the fundamentals of contemporary, mass-outreach and has been an eye-witness to literally millions of salvations and countless miracles. He himself was supernaturally healed of what his doctors called, "A rare and very aggressive cancer known for its high fatality rate." Into the Unknown captures the drama, humor and enthralling details of his experiences on, off and back-stage to one of the most phenomenal, on-going moves of God since the early church.



After Bible college, Peter toured as a musician with the popular UK-based, Christian rock group, Rufaro. But, in 1980, Peter met Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke. They were fast friends. Soon, Peter was an integral part of the then-nascent CfaN. As an engineer, Peter pioneered many of the structures and techniques that would allow CfaN to host millions of people at a time. As an administrator, Peter brought a fresh vision for scaling up the organization so it could reach even more people, better connect them to local churches and fulfill the dream of an Africa covered by the blood of Jesus.



As the right-hand man, first to Reinhard Bonnke and now to CfaN's Lead Evangelist, Daniel Kolenda, Peter offers an amazing inside look at how God has touched, grown and used Christ for all Nations to save more than 78-million souls across Africa and beyond. A great preacher in his own right, Peter's clear, humorous and emotionally charged prose paints a vivid and inspiring picture of a life lived to the full. Chocked-full of authentic accounts of dangers, miracles, close calls and big wins, Into the Unknown, is a true must read.



Into the Unknown is available now in print, e-book and audiobook at www.Petervandenberg.org. Pick up your copy today!



About Christ For All Nations

Founded by Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke in 1974 and now led by Evangelist Daniel Kolenda, Christ for All Nations (CfaN) continues to pioneer mass-evangelism in Africa and beyond and to equip the church to fulfill Christ's Great Commission. To date, more than 78-million people have chosen to follow Jesus at a CfaN Gospel Outreach Campaign - meetings marked by supernatural displays of Gods power to heal bodies, restore lives and change communities. With offices in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Singapore, West Africa, South Africa, United Kingdom and United States. CfaN produces written, musical and video content that can be found online and seen daily on TV stations around the world.



To learn more about Christ for all Nations, visit CfaN online at www.cfan.org, email srodriguez@cfan.org or call 407.854.4400.



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(@rukhshanmir)

RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Sep, 2018 ) :In alarming development, dengue fever cases have registered a sharp rise in the city as 59 people including women and children results were tested positive.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Saima Younas after continuously increasing in the number of dengue patients directed the officials to expedite surveillance activities or tracing larva and its eradication besides focusing on hotspots where from dengue cases are being reported equally giving attention towards the places where from larva has been detected during current checking.

The ADC directed the officials to make maximum arrangements for the treatment of dengue fever patients ; besides all possible preventive measures to meet any eventuality.

She directed to create awareness among the residents of the use of mosquito net or mosquito repellants like mats and coils.

Meanwhile talking to APP, Incharge Anti-dengue campaign, Dr. Zeeshan Ahmed said fogging and surveillance has been lengthened in these areas while anti-dengue spray is also being carried out at bus terminals.

He said dengue is under control in Rawalpindi and health department is on high alert to cope with any situation.

Dr Zeeshan called upon the residents to keep an eye onjunkyards, schools and under construction buildings which lead to spread ofdengue larvae and leave no place wet or with stagnant water.
The Punjab government is observing Mother, Child Health & Nutrition Programme (MNCHNP) awareness week from today (Monday).

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Oct, 2018 ) :The Punjab government is observing Mother, Child Health & Nutrition Programme (MNCHNP) awareness week from today (Monday).

In a statement, Advisor to the Punjab Chief Minister on Health Hanif Khan Pitafi said the purpose of this drive is to cater to the growing problem of malnutrition and immunize the children against diseases, Radio Pakistan reported.

He said that during MNCHNP awareness week, Punjab Health Department teams will go door to door to create awareness about malnutrition.

MNCHNP teams would reach more than 10 million children, minor girls and one million pregnant women in a door to door drive, he added.

He further said pregnant women will be provided iron and folic acid tablets free of cost.
(@FahadShabbir)

Former President Pakhtunkhwa Mili Awami Party (PkMAP) District Swabi chapter Muhammad Faooq Khan alias Farooq Lala was shot dead by unknown assailants in front of his house here on Monday.

SWABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Oct, 2018 ) :Former President Pakhtunkhwa Mili Awami Party (PkMAP) District Swabi chapter Muhammad Faooq Khan alias Farooq Lala was shot dead by unknown assailants in front of his house here on Monday.

According to Police Station Zaida official, Muhammad Farooq Khan was standing in front of his house when some unknown persons opened fire at him, killing him instantly. The killers managed to flee from crime scene, however, the reason behind the murder ascertain yet.

Saud Khan son of slain Farooq Khan registered FIR in Zaida Police Station against the unknown accused.

SHO Zaida Police Station Khalid Iqbal Khan rushed to the site and started search operation for the arrest of the killers.

Its merit a mention here that late Farooq Lala remained associated with PkMAP and elected as district general secretary and president of Swabi district.

Similarly, in other incident a driver Mir Zaman alias Janaan Khan was killed when some unknown persons fired at his pickup on Mardan-Swabi Road.

According to a report, Mir Zaman was on his way to back home after dropping school children when his vehicle was ambushed by the accused near Sher Baz Banda.

Mir Zaman who received multiple bullets on his chest and on other parts of the bodies droved the vehicle in severe injured condition to the hospital. However, he succumbed to the injuries on the way to hospital.

Swabi police registered the case and started investigations.

Meanwhile, three persons were killed including a five year child in different incident of District Swabi. According to police five years old Samad Khan s/o Saleem Khan died after consuming acid. Ismail Shah Bashah lost his life while when he was electrocuted at his village Dhobian.

In a Gabasani village Gadoon Amazai, a labourer Kafeel (17) shot himself dead with pistol. Similarly an Afghan refugee Ziaullah lost his life after remaining on treatment in a hospital due to injuries he sustained five month back in a road accident. He was unconscious from last five months while his two friends had lost life in a said accident.
(@rukhshanmir)

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Sep, 2018 ) :Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Sunday issued notices to MNA Malik Karamat Khokhar and MPA Nadeem Abbas on the charges of influencing proceedings of the police and recording false statements in the court.

Hearing a citizen's petition against a land grabber here at the Supreme Court registry, the two-member bench headed by the CJP directed the accused to appear before it on Monday.

During the proceedings, the CJP asked, "Who is Mansha Bam?" Superintendent Police Muhammad Maaz apprised the bench that the man was a member of land grabbing mafia active in Johar Town here.

Mansha Bam was accused of illegally grabbing land in Johar Town and 70 cases had been registered against him, he added.

The SP informed the court: "When the police took action on the court's orders, MNA Karamat Khokhar called the police not to arrest Mansha Bam." MNA Khokhar, however, denied any association with Mansha. The chief justice summoned the DIG Operations Lahore.

During the hearing, MPA Nadeem Abbas said the police had registered false cases against him and he would resign if proven guilty.

The court ordered the authorities concerned to arrest Mansha Bam.
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the Global Environment Facility (UNIDO-GEF) project entitled 'Sustainable Energy Initiative for Industries organised twin events marking the concluding of its country wide Training Program on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Oct, 2018 ) :The United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the Global Environment Facility (UNIDO-GEF) project entitled 'Sustainable Energy Initiative for Industries organised twin events marking the concluding of its country wide Training Program on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.

The event helped in bringing all major stakeholders to present and discuss localisation of UNIDO's Cluster development approach.

The training program aimed at skill building of energy professionals in line with the Cluster development approach.

General Manager Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA), Ministry of Industries and Production Ashfaq Ahmed, the Chief Guest at the event, applauded the initiative taken by UNIDO and GEF in promoting the adoption role of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in industrial development.

He said that one could not achieve success without a sustainable supportive environment in Pakistan, which included the human capacity of professional Energy Auditors.

Director Punjab Energy department Salman Ahmed who was the honorary guest at the event, in his remarks said that the trainings conducted by UNIDO were the need of the time to bring standardization to the capacity building interventions in the country. He said that his department work to enhance energy efforts would get great help from UNIDO in raising skills and knowledge of its technical teams.

The events were widely attended by various stakeholders, both from the industry and government officials from relevant Ministry and line departments.

Country Representative UNIDO, Nadia Aftab on the occasion, shed light on the role of UNIDO during its nearly 50 years of presence while highlighting some hallmark achievements of UNIDO assisting the sustainable development process of Industrial sector in the country.

She stressed upon the importance of training courses for promoting Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Pakistan.

In his introductory remarks about the subject, Carlos Chanduvi, the Project Manager, highlighted the objective of cluster development event as well as pointed out the importance of the UNIDO training program.

He appreciated the participation of the all major stakeholders in this event and called on all stakeholders to contribute to the sustainability of the UNIDO's initiatives. He also stated that trained experts on Energy Efficiency and integrated Energy Management Systems would become ambassadors of the sustainable use of energy in Pakistan.

Representative of National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA), Ministry of water and power Asad Mehmood in his remarks termed the industrial sector in Pakistan as one of the main contributors to the national gross domestic product (GDP), as well as a major consumer of energy and electricity, which was characterized by high dependence on fossil fuels.

He said that UNIDO's initiative was commendable unleashing indigenous capacity to tap into the great potentials of industrial production of Pakistan.

UNIDO presented key highlights of the recently concluded training program, which gave insight into the various training modules and their objectives and targets.

The participants actively participated in the event and the group discussions on the Cluster development and came up with new ideas in developing clusters for Renewable energy and energy efficiency. UNIDO officials keenly noted down all the raised ideas and suggestions and thanked the participants for providing their thoughts on the issues that would greatly help UNIDO to better strategize their future plans on sustainable energy projects.
A total of 127 Syrian refugees have returned to the places of their permanent residence from neighboring Lebanon over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry's Center for Refugee Reception, Distribution and Settlement said Monday.

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st October, 2018) A total of 127 Syrian refugees have returned to the places of their permanent residence from neighboring Lebanon over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry's Center for Refugee Reception, Distribution and Settlement said Monday.

"Over the past day, 127 people (37 women and 64 children) left Lebanon for Syria via the Jaydet-Yabus [crossing point]," the center said in its daily bulletin.

A total of 318 people have passed via the Nasib crossing point from Jordan over the past 24 hours, the bulletin indicated.

According to the document, 1,180 internally displaced Syrians returned home over the same period.

As the Syrian government has regained control over most of the country's territories from under the terrorist control, it is now focused on creating favorable conditions for the refugees' repatriation. Moscow assists Damascus in bringing home those Syrians who wish to do so, provides humanitarian aid to civilians and serves as a guarantor of the ceasefire.
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The International Court of Justice will rule on Monday in a sea dispute between Bolivia and Chile that has dogged relations between the South American neighbours since the 19th century.

The Hague, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Oct, 2018 ) :The International Court of Justice will rule on Monday in a sea dispute between Bolivia and Chile that has dogged relations between the South American neighbours since the 19th century.

Judges at the UN's top court will decide whether Santiago must negotiate access to the Pacific Ocean with landlocked La Paz, which Bolivia lost in an 1884 war with Chile.

Bolivia in 2013 dragged Santiago to the Hague-based ICJ -- set up after World War II to rule in disputes between countries -- in a bid to restore badly-needed access to the sea.

The judgement at 1300 GMT will be closely followed by both countries.

The court's findings are binding and cannot be appealed.

Bolivia's leftist President Evo Morales -- who is trying to win political capital at home through the issue as he seeks a fourth term in office -- is due to attend in person.

Chile and Bolivia have had no diplomatic relations since 1978 when Bolivia's last attempt to negotiate a passage to the Pacific broke down in acrimony.

Geoff Gordon, an analyst at the Hague-based Asser Institute, said there were "high stakes for Bolivia and Chile, which has much to lose in respect to area of coastline".

"Each side seems likely to respond with disappointment and anger to an adverse ruling," Gordon added.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Cameroon's restive anglophone regions were in lockdown on Monday as separatists marked the first anniversary of a symbolic "independence" declaration just a week before a nationwide presidential poll.

Yaound, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Oct, 2018 ) :Cameroon's restive anglophone regions were in lockdown on Monday as separatists marked the first anniversary of a symbolic "independence" declaration just a week before a nationwide presidential poll.

A 48-hour curfew was imposed on English-speaking towns in the regions which have been rocked by deadly clashes sparked by the majority francophone country's sensitive linguistic divide.

Gunfire was reported on Monday in the flashpoint town of Buea in the country's southwest which has been at the heart of the nascent insurgency.

In other English-speaking areas, shops and bars were ordered to close, meetings of more than four people were banned and transport was suspended.

On October 1, 2017 at least 40 pro-anglophone protesters were killed by police according to analysts at the International Crisis Group (ICG) think-tank which said that "tens of thousands of demonstrators" took to the streets.

The worst-affected towns -- Buea, and Bamenda, the capital of the northwest region -- were flooded with security forces who arrested dozens of suspects following a symbolic "independence" declaration.

"The army killed lots of people on October 1. For nearly two weeks they shot at people like they were birds," the bishop of Buea, Emmanuel Bushu, said at the time.

The flag of the self-styled Republic of Ambazonia replaced the Cameroonian colours in a number of villages in the anglophone region with separatist fighters vowing to make the switch permanent.

The conflict continues unabated one year on. Cameroonian security forces are deployed to the region in massive numbers and the strength of the secessionists has grown exponentially.

There are now more than 1,000 separatist fighters, according to the ICG, who control "a significant proportion of rural areas and main roads" in the anglophone region.

- Attacks on polling stations? - A spike in attacks on symbols of the Cameroonian state including killings of police and kidnappings of civil servants has forced functionaries in several areas to flee.

By comparison, not one official has fled the country's far north despite repeated attacks by the Nigeria-based jihadist group Boko Haram since 2014.

Yaounde said in September that it wanted to return officials who had abandoned their posts "because of insecurity" in anglophone areas.

But a week before Cameroonians head to the ballot box, anglophone separatists vow that there will be no election in their areas next Sunday.

Cameroonian officials responded by insisting that polling would be held in all 360 of the country's districts.

The anglophone regions have historically been a reliable pool of votes for the main opposition Social democratic front (SDF) party -- an anglophone force.

In an effort to limit the risk of attacks on polling stations, the Elecam electoral commission will relocate a number of voting centres.

Voters from the anglophone regions already face obstacles in casting their ballots as the UN estimates that 246,000 people have fled their homes in the southwest for other parts of Cameroon.

More than 25,000 others are refugees in neighbouring Nigeria.

- Spreading 'trouble' - There are no figures for the scale of the displacement in the northwest region and daily clashes alongside official restrictions complicate the work of humanitarian organisations and journalists.

The security forces who have been drafted in to battle what President Paul Biya describes as a "secessionist movement" spreading "trouble" have suffered 170 fatalities since 2017 at the hands of the separatists.

At least 400 civilians have also lost their lives according to NGOs while no estimate exists for the separatist death toll.

As polling day has drawn closer the situation has deteriorated with the start of the new school year disrupted at the beginning of September.

At least one teacher has been killed, another maimed and several schools have come under attack.

Buea has been on the frontline of clashes between separatist fighters and the security forces.

Last week several civilians were killed by the military, according to witnesses including a taxi driver and a shopkeeper who were themselves subsequently killed, according to local sources, taking the toll to eight.

An indefinite nighttime curfew remains in force in the northwest following an attack on a convoy of buses in a suburb of Bamenda at the beginning of September.
A German court on Monday authorized the extradition of an Iranian diplomat to Belgium over his suspected involvement in preparing a terrorist attack against a Paris-based Iranian opposition group.

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st October, 2018) A German court on Monday authorized the extradition of an Iranian diplomat to Belgium over his suspected involvement in preparing a terrorist attack against a Paris-based Iranian opposition group.

The diplomat, who worked in the Iranian Embassy in Vienna prior to his arrest, is reportedly suspected of contacting a couple in Belgium and handing over to them an explosive device to carry out an attack during the meeting of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, believed to be related to Iranian opposition. However, the couple was arrested before they could commit their attack.

"The prosecuted cannot appeal to his diplomatic immunity because he left Austria, the country of residence, for several days and has not traveled between the country of residence and the country that sent him," the court said in a statement.

According to the statement, the decision to extradite the diplomat was made on September 27.

The diplomat was detained in the German city of Aschaffenburg in July under a European Arrest Warrant and was later charged with working as a foreign intelligence agent and being part of a conspiracy to commit murder.
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st October, 2018) A high-level delegation from Libya will soon visit Russia to discuss projects for cooperation in the sphere of railway construction, Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) Economy and Industry Minister Nasir Shaglan told Kommersant newspaper in an interview published on Sunday.

According to the minister, during his visit to Moscow earlier in September, he held "wonderful negotiations" with the leadership of the Russian Railways (RZD) company and discussed the project of construction of the railway connecting the Libyan cities of Benghazi and Sirte.

"A delegation consisting of high-ranking officials in charge of the railways in Libya will soon visit Moscow accompanied by engineers and financial experts. There will be a discussion about resumption of old arrangements. The delegation is ready to arrive as soon as Russia gives visas and sets a date for the visit. We really need good roads. Previously we focused on airports, but we do not have planes due to the war," Shaglan said.

Russian Railways first deputy CEO, Alexander Misharin, earlier told Sputnik that the company was considering the possibility of resuming the construction of the Sirte-Benghazi railway in Libya under the condition that Tripoli would have compensated the costs after the project was halted in 2011.

The company signed a deal with the government of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2008, but the project had to be put on hold after Gaddafi's government was toppled in a violent uprising in 2011. Russian personnel was evacuated from the conflict torn country, however significant material assets, including road machinery and equipment, remained there.

Libya has been torn apart by conflict since long-time leader Gaddafi was overthrown in 2011. The eastern part of the country is governed by the parliament, backed by the Libyan National Army (LNA) and located in Tobruk. The UN-backed GNA, headed by Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj, operates in the country's west and is headquartered in Tripoli.

The lack of the single central government and army resulted in the surge of trafficking activities and the development of militant groups and terror organizations in the country.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter's Longest Married Couple Project Sets New Dates for the Highly Successful Program Honoring Long Marriages Contact: Dick & Diane Baumbach,Worldwide Marriage Encounter, 321-544-3440, dickanddiane66@bellsouth.net, dick.diane.baumbach@wwme.org



SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., Oct. 1, 2018 /Christian Newswire/ -- The ninth annual WWME Longest Married Couple Project (LMC) has established new dates for the 2019 program, as well as future yearly projects, it was announced today by the co-chairs of the annual project.



"After much thought and research, it has been decided that starting with the 2019 LMC project we will accept nominations beginning Feb. 14 of next year and ending on May 14, 2019. The awards to the national and state winners will be presented in June 2019, which is also known as National Marriage Month," said Dick & Diane Baumbach and Bryan & Karen Berland, United States Co-Chairs of the LMC project.



The co-chairs said that after eight years of a very successful program, which has received thousands of nominations recognizing couples with long marriages as well as extensive national and international news media coverage, it was determined that it would be better for family and friends of the national and state winners to avoid traveling in winter months, as well as during the flu season, and that the June marriage month provides the perfect time to honor the winning couples.



The first national winners for the project, which started in 2011, were Marshall & Winnie Kuykendall from Lordsburg, New Mexico who were honored for 82 years of marriage, while in 2012 Wilbur & Theresa Faiss of Las Vegas, Nevada were honored for 78 years of marriage. In 2013 John & Ann Betar of Fairfield, CT were honored for 80 years of marriage. In 2014 Harold & Edna Owings of Burbank, CA were recognized for their 82 years of marriage, while in 2015 Dale & Alice Rockey of Olathe, KS were saluted for their 81 years of marriage, In 2016 Maury & Helen Goosenberg of Carlsbad, CA were named the national winners with 80 years of married life, while in 2017 Horace Allen and Beatrice Ricks of Callahan, FL were recognized for 81 years of marriage. This year the 2018 winners were Mota & Avanelle Young from Bowling Green, KY. They were married over 81 years.



The state winners will also be recognized for their longest marriages in the June time frame by Worldwide Marriage Encounter couples from their states. Winners of the LMC project are selected solely from nominations submitted.



An Alumni Group has been established for previous national and state winners. Previous state winners can vie for the national title, but they also are considered members of the alumni of longest married couples in their individual states. This allows for new couples to be recognized for both state and national recognition. "It has been such a joy and inspiration to recognize a husband and wife, both nationally and statewide, who have been married for many, many years," the coordinators explained.



The 2019 national winners will be formally recognized in person by WWME's United States Leadership/Ecclesial Team. They will present the winning couple special gifts at a ceremony to be held at the winner's location in the June time frame. The state winners will also receive personal recognition and a special certificate of achievement from the Worldwide Marriage Encounter movement.



Nominations, which are open to all husband and wife couples regardless of religious affiliation, may be submitted by email, regular mail or by calling a special phone number. Nomination information will be released at the beginning of next year.



Worldwide Marriage Encounter has been offering weekend experiences for over 50 years and is considered the original faith-based marriage enrichment program. The programs are continually updated to keep abreast of changes in society, and WWME now offers evening and half-day programs that are presented at parishes and other church facilities. The weekend program, traditionally presented as an overnight experience at a hotel or retreat center, can also be presented at facilities where the couples return to their homes in the evenings. WWME has a presence in almost 100 countries, which makes it the largest pro-marriage movement in the world. In North America, the WWME programs are presented in English, Spanish, French, and Korean languages.



Worldwide Marriage Encounter offers married couples the opportunity to spend time together away from the busyness of the world to focus on each other. It offers tools for building and maintaining a strong, Christian marriage in today's world. To learn more about the Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekends online go to wwme.org or contact the WWME Office at (909) 863-9963.



Media inquiries should be directed to:



Dick & Diane Baumbach (321) 544-3440 dick.diane.baumbach@wwme.org or dickanddiane66@bellsouth.net



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Hossein Jaberi Ansari, a senior assistant to the Iranian foreign minister, discussed on Monday the settlement of the crisis in Yemen with Mohammed Abdul Salam, official representative of the Yemeni Shiite movement Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st October, 2018) Hossein Jaberi Ansari, a senior assistant to the Iranian foreign minister, discussed on Monday the settlement of the crisis in Yemen with Mohammed Abdul Salam, official representative of the Yemeni Shiite movement Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

"During the meeting, the parties touched upon the latest developments in the peace talks in Yemen, exchanged views on possible ways to contribute to the success of the talks, as well as on helping the people of Yemen to put an end to the war imposed on this country," the ministry said.

On September 25, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said at the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly that Tehran was ready to assist in the settlement of Yemeni crisis, which can only be resolved through dialogue between the parties.

On September 6, UN-mediated peace talks on Yemen were supposed to start in Geneva, but the Houthi delegation failed to arrive, accusing the Saudi-led coalition, which controls Yemeni air space, of blocking them from traveling. UN Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths later announced that new dates for peace talks would be set.

Yemen has been engulfed in an armed conflict between the government forces led by President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi and the Houthi rebels for several years. The Saudi-led coalition has been carrying out airstrikes against the Houthis at Hadi's request since March 2015.
Sofia, Oct 1 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Oct, 2018 ) :Italy, Sweden and the United States submitted bids Monday to sell fighter jets to Bulgaria's ailing air force, the defence ministry announced.

A NATO member since 2004, the Balkan country is obliged to keep at least one squadron of jets ready for action, but the number of its ageing Soviet-built MiG-29s has progressively dwindled to just seven, prompting repeated alerts about drastic shortages in pilots' flying hours.

The defence ministry had already sought offers for new or used fighters in late 2016 and shortlisted Sweden's Gripen as its preferred option, but the procedure was sidelined by the new conservative cabinet, which renewed earlier this year a request for proposals from other suppliers.

In response, the US made two bids -- for new Boeing F-18s and F-16s by Lockheed Martin, while Sweden offered new Gripen fighters and Italy proposed second-hand Eurofighter jets, deputy defence minister Atanas Zapryanov said as the proposals were unveiled.

He did not provide details about the bids however, saying only that a defence ministry committee and another group of experts would review them before the government chose who to begin final talks with.

Although there was no deadline, Zapryanov said "our desire is to do it quickly. We have a budget that we want to spend."Bulgarian lawmakers agreed in June to spend 1.8 billion leva (920 million Euros, 1.0 million Dollars) for at least eight new or used fighter jets, with experts commenting that amount would not be enough to buy F-18s.
Kazakhstan said Monday it would receive over a billon dollars in compensation after settling a dispute over profit-sharing at a lucrative oil and gas field with private investors.

Astana, Kazakhstan, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Oct, 2018 ) :Kazakhstan said Monday it would receive over a billon Dollars in compensation after settling a dispute over profit-sharing at a lucrative oil and gas field with private investors.

The former Soviet state's energy ministry said it had reached a "mutually advantageous...friendly settlement" with the five energy firms that make up the consortium at the Karachaganak oil and gas condensate field in the country's northwest.

The out-of-court settlement reflected the "experience of cooperation over the years" with Russia's Lukoil, Eni of Italy, US energy giant Chevron, Netherlands-headquartered Shell and Kazakhstan's state energy champion KazMunaiGas.

Kazakhstan's energy ministry first revealed it had filed an international arbitration claim against the consortium last year.

In addition to $1.1 billion the consortium will pay Kazakhstan under the terms of the settlement, Kazakhstan expects to receive $415 million in additional revenues up to 2037 thanks to changes to the profit-sharing mechanism, the energy ministry said.

The calculation for additional revenues is based on an oil price of $80 per barrel, the ministry noted.

Karachaganak is among Kazakhstan's most important energy fields and one where Western and Russian energy companies cooperate closely despite the ever-present threat of sanctions caused by geopolitical tensions.

The field produced 5.2 million tonnes of oil in the first five months of this year, according to the energy ministry.
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Melaka will strengthen its ties with Thailand and Indonesia through new flight routes based on air agreement among the three parties.

MELAKA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Oct, 2018 ) :Melaka will strengthen its ties with Thailand and Indonesia through new flight routes based on air agreement among the three parties.

Its Chief Minister Adly Zahari said several new routes from the Melaka International Airport (LTAM) to Indonesia and Thailand are expected to open by the end of the year.

"We already have an air agreement with Indonesia and Thailand and the relationship or cooperation will be enhanced from time to time," he told reporters after attending the 15th Chief Ministers and Governors' Forum of the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth-Triangle here, Sunday.

He said the Malacca government had also held discussions with several airlines including Air Asia and Malindo Air last week to formulate cooperation to open up more new routes to Indonesia and Thailand.

He said Melaka had also received the cooperation of the Transport Ministry to improve the service of the air transport system in the state including its facilities at the LTAM especially its runway.

Adly said that passenger tax exemption granted within five years to airlines operating in LTAM was also among the initiatives of the Transport Ministry in an effort to encourage more airlines to operate at the LTAM in the future.

"In addition, Melaka as a state that supports green practices, shares the experience and success of pilot projects implemented through the Eco school Programme, while representatives from Thailand and Indonesia also share the success of pilot projects in their respective countries," he said.

He said 117 schools in the state were involved in the programme and two of the schools received the Green Award.

Meanwhile, he said the four-day forum which started on Friday had seen the participation of over 200 delegates from Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, and would discuss other issues including traffic congestion management, parking management and public transport.
Kiev, Sept 30 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Sep, 2018 ) :Three children were killed and another injured Sunday in a landmine blast in rebel-held eastern Ukraine, which remains littered with explosives left behind by the four-year war.

The explosion happened in the industrial frontline city of Gorlivka, 30 kilometres (18 miles) north of the rebel area's de facto capital Donetsk, separatist "defence minister" Eduard Basurin told AFP.

The wounded child was hospitalised, he added.

The blast was the latest incident in a string of deadly explosions to hit the unrecognised Russian-backed republic over the past few weeks.

On Saturday, three persons were injured in an explosion in Donetsk, including a candidate for the post of the self-proclaimed republic's leader.

In August, the head of the Donetsk People's Republic, Alexander Zakharchenko died in a bombing at a cafe in broad daylight.

More than 10,000 people have been killed since the rebel insurgency broke out in the eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions in April 2014 following Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.

Ukraine and its Western allies have accused Russia of funnelling troops and arms across the border, but Moscow has denied the claims despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

A series of truce agreements have helped to reduce the fighting, although sporadic clashes continue and both military and civilians remain in constant danger from landmines.
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More than 20 Tuareg civilians were killed late last week in Mali's restive frontier with Niger, security sources told AFP on Monday.

Bamako, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Oct, 2018 ) :More than 20 Tuareg civilians were killed late last week in Mali's restive frontier with Niger, security sources told AFP on Monday.

"On Friday and Saturday at least 25 Tuareg civilians were killed in Amalaoulaou by armed men," a local elected official told AFP. A security source and another local official confirmed the incident.

The attackers came on motorcycles "and fired indiscriminately at residents, their faces hidden behind their turbans," the first elected official said.

A Malian security official said: "The assailants killed at least 25 civilians in a well-planned attack." Another local official said the dead came from the same Tuareg clan and described the attackers as "jihadists".

A mainly Tuareg group called Movement for the Salvation of Azawad (MSA), which is now fighting jihadists in the region, said seven civilians including an old man died in the attack.

On September 25, 27 people were killed in a similar attack west of Menaka, the main city in the region.

About 200 people, many of them civilians from the Fulani and Tuareg tribes, have been killed in the area this year.

Militants claiming allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) have been clashing with local groups backing a French security force and the Malian army.
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More than 20 Tuareg civilians were killed late last week in Mali's restive frontier with Niger, security sources told AFP on Monday.

Bamako, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Oct, 2018 ) :More than 20 Tuareg civilians were killed late last week in Mali's restive frontier with Niger, security sources told AFP on Monday.

"On Friday and Saturday at least 25 Tuareg civilians were killed in Amalaoulaou by armed men," a local elected official told AFP. A security source and another local official confirmed the incident.
(@rukhshanmir)

Bishoftu, Ethiopia, Sept 30 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Oct, 2018 ) :Tens of thousands of Ethiopians gathered in upbeat mood for the annual festival of the Oromo people, the biggest ethnic group in the country, a year after the event turned into an anti-government protest.

The thanksgiving Irreecha religious festival which took place in Bishoftu, 50 kilometres (30 miles) southeast of the capital Addis Ababa, celebrates the end of the rainy season.

Reconciliation was the theme of this year's event, held two weeks after clashes between groups from the Oromo, who inhabit the land around the capital, and residents from other ethnic minorities.

The violence left dozens dead in the capital and its Burayu suburb.

Endrias Wegede, a thirty-something member of the ethnic Gamo ("Lion") people, said he was attending the festival for the first time, at the invitation of the Oromo elders and politicians to foster reconciliation "Oromo people's kindness and cooperation helped avoid even more of a bloodbath in Burayu, while our community elders also protected Oromo lives and properties in our region" said Wegede.

Many of those killed in the recent violence were ethnic Gamos, who live side by side with the larger Oromo community.

Sunday's festivities passed off peacefully.

During the 2016 Irreecha, at least 55 people were killed after falling into deep ditches in a stampede as they ran to avoid tear gas fire from security forces.

Last year the event turned into an anti-government protest.

But since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed came to power in April, as the first Oromo head of government, there have been a series of gestures and reforms.

However intercommunal conflict, often territorial, has continued and a million people have been displaced by the violence.
The Russian Consulate General in Busan has addressed a letter to the South Korean Foreign Ministry asking it to clarify the situation concerning detention of Russian cargo ship Sevastopol in the South Korean port city, a representative of Russian shipping company Gudzon

VLADIVOSTOK (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st October, 2018) The Russian Consulate General in Busan has addressed a letter to the South Korean Foreign Ministry asking it to clarify the situation concerning detention of Russian cargo ship Sevastopol in the South Korean port city, a representative of Russian shipping company Gudzon, which owns the ship, told Sputnik on Monday.

The Russian ship has been in Busan since August. The South Korean Foreign Ministry told Sputnik back then that local authorities were inspecting the vessel in order to find out whether the US claims that it violated the UN Security Council's ban on ship-to-ship transfers of refined petroleum products with North Korea were true. On Saturday, a representative of the International Transport Workers' Federation told Sputnik that the Sevastopol ship was detained over the US sanctions against Gudzon.

"Work has just begun. As far as I know, the Russian Consulate General in Busan has addressed a letter to the South Korean Foreign Ministry asking it to clarify the situation. These are the diplomatic officials of our countries who should communicate," the Gudzon representative said.

The spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry's headquarters in Vladivostok has confirmed the information, saying that the Russian Consulate General in Busan was seeing into the situation.

The United States announced in August that two Russian shipping companies and six Russia-flagged ships, including Sevastopol, would be sanctioned over accusations of the UN Security Council's resolution on North Korea. According to the US Treasury, the sanctions will remain in force until full denuclearzizatrion of North Korea is achieved.
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Russia and Equatorial Guinea confirmed their commitment to the promotion of bilateral cooperation, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Monday after talks with his Equatorial Guinean counterpart Gabriel Obiang Lima.

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st October, 2018) Russia and Equatorial Guinea confirmed their commitment to the promotion of bilateral cooperation, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Monday after talks with his Equatorial Guinean counterpart Gabriel Obiang Lima.

"Our companies are ready to continue discussing the possibilities of mutually beneficial cooperation.

I believe that the regular coordination meetings are in the interests of promotion of bilateral cooperation," Novak said in a statement.

The minister expressed his hope that the countries would manage to intensify cooperation through a joint working group, set up in 2010.

A source close to the talks between Russian and Equatorial Guinea told Sputnik on Sunday that Obiang Lima would participate in the REW Russia-Africa Energy round table on Wednesday, as well as travel to the Russian peninsula of Yamal on Tuesday for a panel session of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).
Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Selects New Executive Director Contact: David Lotz, OGCMA,

609-203-2342,

lotzflash@gmail.com



OCEAN GROVE, N.J., Oct. 1, 2018 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA) Executive Committee has unanimously agreed to hire James "Jamie" Jackson as its new Executive Director. Mr. Jackson was the Chief Operating Officer of an innovative combined fitness complex and Christian congregation with a 100+ member staff in Chantilly, VA.



Jackson is an effective communicator and successful program manager. His early career was in developing high tech telecommunications solutions. Since 2005 Jackson has been the Executive Pastor in large and growing churches in Virginia and Ohio. Jamie and Ann Marie Jackson have been married for 25 years and have four adult children.



Jackson is excited that, "the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association remains as committed to providing relevant opportunities for spiritual renewal today as when it became one of the most popular east coast Christian resorts 150 years ago. I look forward to fully engaging in fulfilling the Camp Meeting Association's vision to be a seaside community where all generations can know and grow in Jesus."



OGCMA is widely known for its beautiful beach and its annual summer season of classical concerts. But the core of its summer activities is its many joyful expressions of Christian faith. Worship services and Bible teaching are widely attended seven days a week. The Sunday worship service in the historic Great Auditorium features a different nationally known preacher each week. The worship service soars to the sound of a professionally trained choir, four internationally acclaimed soloists, and the majestic pipe organ. Where else can you participate in a beach baptism with surfers and then walk in your bathing trunks only a few short blocks away into a 125 year old historic landmark, the Great Auditorium, to sing Handel's Messiah in a traditional Camp Meeting song festival? OGCMA maintains all that is excellent of its heritage while focusing on living authentically real faith in a millennial culture.



OGCMA President Michael Badger said, "As we approach our milestone 150th anniversary, the Camp Meeting Association is in a dynamic phase of rediscovering its past while seeking new ways to engage with the future. Mr. Jackson's executive and ministerial experience ideally prepares him to manage our life-changing ministry components, complex business affairs, and warm community relationships. I confidently look forward to Jamie expanding our opportunities for all people to experience spiritual birth, growth and renewal in our Christian seaside setting."



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Iran's strike targeting terrorist positions in Syria has showed the country's determination to fight terrorist hotbeds at different levels, the Iranian Foreign Ministry's spokesman, Bahram Qassemi, said on Monday.

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st October, 2018) Iran's strike targeting terrorist positions in Syria has showed the country's determination to fight terrorist hotbeds at different levels, the Iranian Foreign Ministry's spokesman, Bahram Qassemi, said on Monday.

Earlier in the day, the Islamic Republic news Agency reported, citing Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, that the Iranian military had launched six ballistic missiles into eastern Syria against positions of militants, whom Iran believed to be responsible for the recent terrorist attack in the Iranian city of Ahvaz.

"This demonstrates Iran's resolution to carry out serious and incessant fighting at various levels against hotbeds for training and arming terrorist forces," Qassemi was quoted as saying by the Iranian Students News Agency.

On September 22, gunmen opened fire at a military parade in Ahvaz, killing about 30 people and injuring 60 others. The terrorist attack was reportedly claimed by Saudi-linked Patriotic Arab Democratic Movement in Ahvaz. Tehran, in turn, has blamed the attack on regional terrorist sponsors backed by the United States.
Polish President Andrzej Duda said in an interview with local media on Monday that his suggestion to Donald Trump to allocate $2 billion for the creation of a US military base in Poland got the attention of his US counterpart and excited him.

WARSAW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st October, 2018) Polish President Andrzej Duda said in an interview with local media on Monday that his suggestion to Donald Trump to allocate $2 billion for the creation of a US military base in Poland got the attention of his US counterpart and excited him.

Duda told the Sieci newspaper that he first floated the idea of establishing a permanent military base with Trump on the sidelines of a NATO summit in July.

"I then said: 'Mr. President, we would like to have a permanent US base in Poland.' He nodded his head, but didn't react.

But when I added: 'But we are ready to allocate $2 billion to prepare it,' I saw his eyes shine," Duda said.

He added that it became "a different kind of talk" after that.

On September 18, US President Donald Trump said at a meeting with Duda that the United States was "considering" establishing a base in Poland.

During the September meeting, Trump said Duda had offered to give more than $2 billion toward the cost of the facility. The Polish president also suggested naming it "Fort Trump."
Polish President Andrzej Duda said in an interview with local media on Monday that his suggestion to Donald Trump to allocate $2 billion for the creation of a US military base in Poland got the attention of his US counterpart and excited him.

WARSAW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st October, 2018) Polish President Andrzej Duda said in an interview with local media on Monday that his suggestion to Donald Trump to allocate $2 billion for the creation of a US military base in Poland got the attention of his US counterpart and excited him.

Duda told the Sieci newspaper that he first floated the idea of establishing a permanent military base with Trump on the sidelines of a NATO summit in July.

"I then said: 'Mr. President, we would like to have a permanent US base in Poland.' He nodded his head, but didn't react. But when I added: 'But we are ready to allocate $2 billion to prepare it,' I saw his eyes shine," Duda said.

He added that it became "a different kind of talk" after that.

Duda noted that Poland aimed at shifting the "security border" in Europe thanks to the US troops.

"US bases have proved to be a peace guarantor. Just recall the years of the Cold War, during which they showed their stabilizing power.

This is how it was in Western Germany that resisted the pressure from the east with [US] help," Duda said.

He believes that the US military bases were "the factor that ruined the Soviet military expansion plans."

"After 1999, the NATO border shifted. It's time to shift the security border as well. This is what the presence of our allies, in particular, of the US, in Poland and other countries, such as Romania, contributes to," Duda said.

He recalled that since many European countries enjoyed the US military presence, he considered it necessary to expand this presence and make it permanent.

On September 18, US President Donald Trump said at a meeting with Duda that the United States was "considering" establishing a base in Poland.

During the September meeting, Trump said Duda had offered to give more than $2 billion toward the cost of the facility. The Polish president also suggested naming it "Fort Trump."
Freetown, Sept 30 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Sep, 2018 ) :Violent clashes erupted during a local by-election in Sierra Leone leaving a teenager dead and prompting the cancellation of the ballot, police and election officials said Sunday.

The incident occurred on Saturday at a polling station in a school in the northern Kambia district, where a ballot box was destroyed, sparking an altercation between supporters of the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) and the opposition All Peoples Congress.

But the confrontation quickly turned violent with a teenager killed in the clashes, police told AFP.

"The intensity of the clashes resulted in the death of a boy," a police source said.

Polling station staff immediately suspended the ballot but were prevented from leaving for three hours until they were rescued by the army with help from police, a commission statement said.

It was not clear what sparked the confrontation, but an APC spokesman expressed anger over the cancellation of the ballot.

Sierra Leone, which was battered by civil war between 1991-2002, is sharply divided along regional lines that overlap with ethnicity.

The APC broadly relies on the Temne and Limba people in its northern strongholds, while the SLPP is more popular in the south with the Mende ethnic group.

One of the world's poorest nations despite huge mineral and diamond deposits, Sierra Leone is recovering gradually from war and disease. Its economy remains fragile, with corruption widespread in the former British colony.
Militants of the Al-Shabaab terrorist group attacked a Italian military convoy in the Somalian capital of Mogadishu, killing two civilians and injuring five others, local media reported on Monday.

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st October, 2018) Militants of the Al-Shabaab terrorist group attacked a Italian military convoy in the Somalian capital of Mogadishu, killing two civilians and injuring five others, local media reported on Monday.

A car stuffed with explosives rammed into a military convoy under the Italian flag, damaging one of the vehicles, the Garowe Online website reported, citing an eyewitness.

The convoy is working in Somalia under the aegis of the European Union Training Mission (EUTM).

The Al-Shabaab terrorist group took responsibility for the attack.

According to the publication, terrorists belonging to the group attacked the EU mission for the first time. The union's training mission has not yet commented on the incident.

Somalia has been engulfed in violence since the eruption of a civil war between clan-based armed factions in early 1990s. The Al-Shabaab group, which has sworn allegiance to the Al-Qaeda terrorist organization (banned in Russia), has been staging numerous attacks across the country in an attempt to impose a radical version of Sharia law.
WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 02nd October, 2018) US defense contractor Lockheed Martin won more than $630 million to provide air-to-surface Hellfire missiles to Japan and The Netherlands, the Defense Department said in a press release.

"Lockheed Martin [of] Orlando, Florida, was awarded a $631,757,949 fixed-price-incentive Foreign Military Sales (Netherlands and Japan) contract to procure a variety of Hellfire II missile variants," the release said on Monday.

The estimated completion date is September 30, 2021, the release added.

The AGM-114 Hellfire is an air-to-surface missile that was first developed to destroy tanks and other armored vehicles. However, later models were developed for precision strikes against other kinds of targets.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

The US drug distributor AmerisourceBergen Corporation (ABC) will pay $625 to settle a multi-state lawsuit for illegally introducing adulterated, misbranded drugs into interstate commerce, state of New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood announced in a press release on Monday.

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 02nd October, 2018) The US drug distributor AmerisourceBergen Corporation (ABC) will pay $625 to settle a multi-state lawsuit for illegally introducing adulterated, misbranded drugs into interstate commerce, state of New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood announced in a press release on Monday.

"ABC ... will pay the states and the Federal government $625 million, of which $99,875,000 will go to the states' Medicaid programs," the release said.

The civil settlement with 44 states resolves allegations that a company pharmacy in the state of Alabama caused numerous false claims to be submitted to Medicaid for unapproved new drugs and defective, contaminated or otherwise compromised drugs, and double billing for the same vial of drug product, the release explained.

The pharmacy repackaged and drugs throughout the United States, according to the release.

In addition to the civil settlement, ABC subsidiary AmerisourceBergen Specialty Group ("ABSG") pleaded guilty to illegally distributing misbranded drugs in September 2017 and paid $260 million in criminal fines and forfeitures, the release noted.
The aftermath of earthquake and tsunami and earthquake in Indonesia's Central Sulawesi province. (ANSA)

A 7.5 magnitude earthquake and a devastating tsunami struck Palu and other parts of Indonesias Central Sulawesi province on September 28., killing at least 840 people.

By Robin Gomes

Indonesias Catholic Church has swung into action to reach out to the victims of a 7.5 magnitude earthquake and a devastating tsunami that struck Palu, Donggala and other parts of Central Sulawesi province on Friday.

Death, destruction, scarcity

The disaster has killed at least 840 people so far, and the number is likely to rise with bodies still being pulled from under the rubble of collapsed buildings, as rescuers reached out to remote villages cut off because of the disaster.

All but 23 of the confirmed deaths were in the Central Sulawesi capital Palu, a city of about 380,000 people. The battered city began burying its dead on Monday.

The disaster also left over 580 people injured and forced more than 16,700 others to flee their homes, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency.

Survivors are facing a short of food, water and fuel. Lines of car, several kilometres long could be seen leading up to filling stations while supermarkets were emptied out. People said they had been looted. Mini marts and convenience stores were also empty.

Caritas Indonesia

Father Banu Kurnianto, director of Caritas Indonesia, the social arm of the Catholic Church of Indonesia, told AsiaNews that two of his aides have left for Makassar in South Sulawesi province and for Palu, the epicentre of the disaster.

The priest from the Archdiocese of Semarang said with telephone service knocked out, it was difficult to make contacts with Caritas officials on the ground. He said that emergency measures depend on the current situation on the ground.

Currently, Caritas is working closely with its partners in the Diocese of Manado in North Sulawesi under whose jurisdiction comes Central Sulawesi and the Archdiocese of Makassar in South Sulawesi.

Makassar Archdiocese has authorized its Socio-Economic Development Commission to open a bank account to raise funds for the emergency.

Palu which is easily accessible by road from both Manado and Makassar, is unreachable because of damaged roads and bridges.

Caritas is trying to coordinate with its local units in the two dioceses to reach out to the affected areas.

Caritas Indonesia is also working with the Association of Indonesian Catholic Health Services, Catholic Relief Services, Humanitarian Forum Indonesia (HFI) and other humanitarian organizations in relief efforts.



Manado Diocese

Bishop Benedictus Untu of Manado has appointed Father Joy Derry Clement, chairman of the Socio-Economic Commission, to coordinate the diocese's charity efforts.

The priest told UCANEWS that some parishes in the area have been heavily hit. Father Johanis Salaki from the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Palu told Father Clement that at least two parish churches have been partially destroyed.

At least 500 priests, nuns, seminarians and lay Catholics have been forced to relocate to the compound of the parish without tents since the disaster.

Father Clement said they will soon send a team to Palu to assess the situation there. He has set up a logistics team in the commissions office where material aid from local Catholics can be collected.

Pope Francis

In the Vatican, Pope Francis on Sunday recalled the victims of Indonesia disaster. "I pray for the deceased  which are unfortunately numerous  for the wounded, and for those who have lost their homes and employment, the Pope told the faithful in St. Peter's Square after reciting with them the midday Angelus prayer. May the Lord console them and sustain the efforts of those who are taking part in the relief efforts, he said and invited them to join him in praying the Hail Mary for our brothers and sisters of Sulawesi.

Foreign aid

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has authorized the acceptance of international help, said disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, adding that generators, heavy equipment and tents were among the items needed.

He said the European Union and 10 countries have offered assistance, including the United States, Australia and China.


Last night (September 29, 2018), TV personality Jeannie Mai was spotted attending the hit show ABSINTHE at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas (Photo courtesy of Fabian Pino/Spiegelworld).

Taking a night off from her talk show hosting duties by spending a night out on the town Mai, could be seen taking in ABSINTHEs outlandish acts and hilarious antics during the 10 p.m. performance and went backstage after the show for a photo with The Gazillionaire.
We sought explanation from the management of Vinayaka Mission Hospital. On behalf of the hospital Dr Chandrasekar spoke to us. As all of those who met with an accident were young, we gave them treatment without thinking of money. We did not ask them or receive even a single paisa from them. Vijayakumar, the owner of the vehicle only gave us the money. We informed the relatives of Manikandan that he was brain dead only after conducting 13 types of test and eventual confirmation. After explaining them about organ donation, they agreed to donate the organs. We informed about it to the government officials. Based on their guidance the private hospitals received the organs. Heart was taken by Fortis Malar Hospital whereas lungs were taken by Global Hospital. One kidney was taken by KMCH hospital in Kovai and another kidney was taken by our hospital and transplanted to one of our patients. All things happened with the consensus from the family of Manikandan. They remained quiet at that time. After reaching their village, they started blaming us unnecessarily having been negatively influenced by a politician over there.
PetroVietnam is one of the19 groups and corporations to be managed by the "Super Committee

These 19 state-owned groups and corporations managed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Agriculture and Rural Development, Information and Communications, and Transport, including the seven large groups Vietnam National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex), Vietnam Electricity Corporation (EVN), Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem), Vietnam National Oil and Gas Corporation (PetroVietnam), Vietnam National Coal-Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited (Vinacomin), Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG), and Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT).

State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC) is also one of the 19 corporations brought under the "Super Committee."

Yesterday afternoon (September 30), the Committee for State Capital Management has been launched under the witness of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Deputy PM Vuong Dinh Hue, Head of the Central Organisation Commission Pham Minh Chinh, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Do Ba Ty, and leaders of ministries, agencies, international organisations, and business associations.

The operations of the Super Committee will be governed by Decree No.131/2018/ND-CP dated September 29, 2018, stipulating its functions, tasks, powers, and organisation structure.

The prime minister asked to develop a modern and professional committee in order to improve the efficiency of all state-owned groups and corporations. "While this is a difficult task, I believe that everyone agrees it is necessary," emphasised the PM.

The PM proposed the committee to collaborate with the leading technology groups to develop and deploy 4.0 solutions in managing and monitoring the capital and assets of every state-owned group and corporation in order to strengthen transparency.

At the launching ceremony, the committee and the five ministries of Industry and Trade, Transport, Agriculture and Rural Development, Information and Communications, and Finance signed the memorandum of understanding on transferring the powers that come with representing the state ownership in the 19 corporations to the Committee for State Capital Management.

Deputy PM Vuong Dinh Hue handed over the decision of the prime minister on appointing Nguyen Thi Phu Ha, director general of the Ministry of Planning and Investment's Department of Investment Supervision and Appraisal as Vice Chair of the Committee for State Capital Management.

According to the financial statements of these corporations, at the end of 2017 the value of state-owned capital in these 19 groups and corporations was over VND1 quadrillion ($44.24 billion) and their total assets were valued at VND2.3 quadrillion ($101.8 billion).

Earlier, on February 12, 2018, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc handed over the appointment of Nguyen Hoang Anh, former Secretary of the Cao Bang Party Committee, as Chairman of the Committee for State Capital Management.
Map showing the forecast track of Typhoon Trami, churning towards Japan. (AFP/Laurence CHU)

Typhoon Trami sparked travel disruption in the world's third-biggest economy, with bullet train services suspended, more than 1,000 flights cancelled and Tokyo's evening train services scrapped.

Local officials and police said two people had been killed in the storm. One was engulfed by a landslide in western Japan's Tottori and the another drowned in high waters in Yamanashi, west of Tokyo.

Both men were believed to have died on Sunday, when the storm made landfall in western Japan.

Two more people were reported missing, and more than 120 people were injured in the powerful storm, public broadcaster NHK said.

Many were hurt by windows shattered in the driving wind, and one woman in her 60s was reported missing amid fears she was swept into a gutter.

After pummelling Japan's outlying islands including Okinawa, the storm made landfall south of the city of Osaka in the western part of the country around 8pm local time (7pm Singapore time).

Yuji Ueno, an official in the town of Shirahama near where Trami made landfall, told AFP the winds were "enormous" and made it impossible to venture outside.

"We saw incredible winds and rain. I stepped outside the city hall in the afternoon, and the rain was swirling in very strong wind. Enormous wind.

"It was difficult to stay standing. It was very scary," said Ueno.

Trami, which at its height packed maximum gusts of 216km per hour, was expected to churn over most of the archipelago, weakening slightly but causing extreme weather into Monday, forecasters said.

Weather officials have warned of potential flooding and landslides and non-compulsory evacuation advisories have been issued to around 4 million residents, according to public broadcaster NHK.

More than 750,000 households, mainly in western Japan have lost power, according to local utilities and mobile phone services suffered disruption.

As the typhoon barrelled east, rail authorities took the highly unusual step of cancelling evening train services in Tokyo, one of the world's busiest networks, urging passengers to shelter indoors when the storm hits.

The typhoon did not hit the capital head-on but Tokyo still saw fearsome winds and lashing rain later on Sunday and the streets of one of the world's biggest cities were deserted.

At the world-famous crossing in Shibuya, where thousands normally jostle every few minutes as the lights change, just a few hardy souls braved the horizontal rain and powerful gusts.

Shops and businesses closed early as the capital hunkered down for the storm.

Trami is the latest in a string of extreme natural events in Japan, which has suffered typhoons, flooding, earthquakes and heatwaves in recent months, claiming scores of lives and causing extensive damage.

"IT'S REALLY DESERTED"

Osaka lay close to the path of the storm and its Kansai Airport, which is situated on reclaimed land offshore and suffered extensive damage in a storm earlier in September, closed early as a precaution.

Officials piled up sandbags to avoid a repeat of flooding seen during the previous storm.

Speaking to AFP from a hotel near the airport, British businessman Richard Swart said: "It's actually quite warm outside, very windy and with very heavy rain.

"The airport is closed. There are very few people around and all the shops are shut. It's really deserted," added Swart, 56, from Durham in northern England.

Even from the safety of the hotel, he said he could hear the wind "howling" outside.

The Japanese meteorological agency warned the typhoon would bring strong winds and downpours, which could trigger landslides and floods as well as lightning strikes and tornados across the nation.

Cities in the expected path of the typhoon were already taking precautions.

East Japan Railway stopped all train services in and around Tokyo at 8pm, shortly before the typhoon hit the Japanese capital.

Some western regions are still recovering from Typhoon Jebi in early September, the most powerful typhoon to strike the country in a quarter of a century. It claimed 11 lives and shut down Kansai Airport.

Deadly record rainfall hit western Japan earlier this year and the country sweltered through one of the hottest summers on record.

Also in September, a magnitude-6.6 earthquake rocked the northern island of Hokkaido, sparking landslides and leaving more than 40 people dead.
Vietnam is entering the Fourth Industrial Revolution with the participation of all sectors, including the banking system; however, non-cash payment has seen development stall as the countrys population has not yet embraced its benefits.-Photo vietnambiz.vn

Representatives from various sectors and agencies discussed how to promote cashless payment systems in rural areas at a Friday workshop in Hanoi.

At the workshop, Deputy Chairman of Vietnam Farmers Association Pham Tien Nam said these cashless systems are a worldwide trend that some Vietnamese people have started to embrace as an alternative to normal cash transactions.

Non-cash payments will be indispensable as the countrys technology and economy develop, said Nam. The whole world is moving toward a cashless society.

Nam cautioned that the development of systems in Viet Nam, especially in rural areas, was still limited.

About 40 per cent of Vietnamese people already have bank accounts, but 90 per cent of population still spends cash daily, he said. Nearly 99 per cent of people use cash to pay for commodities valued below VND100,000, and up to 85 per cent of ATM transactions are cash withdrawals.

Cash is also fading away in tax payments. Electronic taxation was implemented for the first time in 2014, and 95 per cent of businesses have now registered to pay taxes electronically via commercial banks. The portion of tax revenue received electronically has risen to 70 per cent, but there are still businesses that prefer to make direct payments.

The utilities sector is also moving away from traditional payment methods. A report by Electricity of Viet Nam showed that there are 4.5 million customers paying via banks and intermediaries, accounting for 18.47 per cent of users nationwide.

There may still be so many holdouts because people are afraid of change.

According to Nam, domestic consumers and rural farmers often use cash because it is fast, convenient and accepted universally. It is also easy to manage a cash budget without worrying about additional costs. Cash payments are secure and private because they leave no digital trace and reveal no personal information.

Nam said that while Vietnamese consumers, especially those in rural areas, had been encouraged to use cashless payments, the systems infrastructure remained weak.

Unofficial statistics report that, excluding Agribank, commercial banks have only two or three transaction points in each rural district. Meanwhile, urban districts have nearly 40 transaction points on average.

Nghiem Thanh Son, Deputy Director of the Payment Department of the State Bank of Viet Nam (SBV), said more than 60 per cent of the population in rural areas uses smart phones, which could signify favourable conditions for non-cash payment systems to develop.

The challenge now is to expand the network of card acceptance points to help people make small transactions in rural and remote areas, Son said. In addition, the Central Bank should allow non-bank organisations to provide collection and payment services to ensure users have enough options.

Son said that among the tens of millions of successful daily transactions, a very small number of failed transactions had caused customers to doubt the efficacy of the whole system.

No matter where the error comes from, whether it is the fault of the bank or the user, people will still be concerned, he said. The State governing body will always follow up on these problems. We will ensure we work to help people who have lost money in these cases.

Nguyen Viet Hai, head of Agribanks Research and Service Development Department, suggested the State Bank and relevant agencies study mechanisms for charging costs like withdrawal fees at ATMs.

There should be a policy to encourage people in rural areas to use modern telecommunications services such as mobile phones, 4G services, internet banking and modern cashless payment systems, said Hai.
An electronic toll collection system has been deployed National Highway 1A.-VNS Photo Doan Tung

Under a document signed by Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung on September 27, the MoT is authorised to direct relevant agencies collaborating with investors in Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) and Build-Own-Operate (BOO) projects in determining the cost and revenue of BOT and BOO projects. This move aims to provide benefits to BOT and ETC investors while ensuring road users dont have to pay higher fees.

The Deputy Prime Minister also requested peoples committees of provinces and cities choose toll collection service providers in accordance with their authority and State regulations on bidding so that the goal of installing ETC at all BOT toll booths by the end of 2019 can be realised.

At a meeting held on Thursday to review the progress of key transport projects, Minister of Transport Nguyen Van The asked the Directorate for Roads of Viet Nam (DRVN) to work with BOT and ETC investors to speed up installation of the ETC system.

There is not much time left so we must hasten the projects progress. Priority should be given to stations at the entrance to city centres, especially expressways. The ETC system should be installed at all routes of the Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC), he told government portal chinhphu.vn.

Over the past few months, the ETC installation has been delayed due to some difficulties, making investors hesitant, The said.

To solve the issue, the MoT has submitted the proposal to the Government and received approval.

With the new authorisation from the Government, all projects will be deployed quickly and banks can continue providing loans for equipment installations, he said, adding that the rapid application of the ETC system nationwide would help boost transparency in toll collection.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has requested that road toll collection be automated at all tollbooths on National Highway No 1 and the Ho Chi Minh Trail, which passes through Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands) region, by the end of this year. However, just 24 stations out of 28 have been equipped with the systems by August, according to DRVN, raising fears that the target may be missed.

ETC system provider VETC does not yet have sufficient equity under the BOO investment format. As stated in a contract with the MoT, VETC must prove it has VND277 billion (US$11.8 million) in equity but the company has so far mobilised VND129 billion, less than a half of the required funding. If the company fails to meet the requirement, the ministry could terminate the contract.

According to Nguyen Manh Ha, VETC general director, the revenue shortfall is the biggest obstacle. It was also the main reason explaining why the company could not offset its costs as planned.

Specifically, under BOO deals, VETC enjoys benefits through ETC service it offers to BOT investors. The revenue of the service in the 2016-18 period should be equal to all the organisational and management costs that will be incurred in the absence of ETC systems.

However, instead of transferring all such revenue to VETC, BOT investors wanted to retain half of those funds to ensure that the system will work smoothly in the toll collection process.

As a result, the VETC is now facing financial imbalance. It is estimated that each month the company loses about VND11.6 billion, raising an accumulated VND123.7 billion within two years of executing the project.
Geleximco is the investor of the $900 million Thang Long thermal power plant

The Government Office has recently announced the final decision of Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung approving the project to build Cai Mep Ha logistics centre and a general cargo and container seaport in Phu My town in Ba Ria-Vung Tau.

Accordingly, the government assigned the provincial leader to guide Geleximco to complete procedures to build the Cai Mep Ha logistics centre to meet the demand for socioeconomic development of Ba Ria-Vung Tau and the southern key economic region.

Regarding the general cargo and container seaport, Geleximco will discuss co-operation with the previous investor Vung Tau Shipbuilding and Oil Gas Services JSC to develop the project.

The total investment capital for these two projects is estimated at VND16 trillion ($707.9 million).

The total investment capital for Cai Mep Ha logistics centre and a general cargo and container seaport is estimated at VND16 trillion ($707.9 million).

Geleximco was mentioned numerous times recently when it submitted a proposal to establish Geleximco-HUI, a joint venture with Hong Kong United Co., Ltd., to take over the $2.2 billion Quynh Lap 1 thermal power plant from state-run Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited (Vinacomin).

Besides, the joint venture also wants to replace EVN to implement Quang Trach 2 thermal power plant.

Notably, Geleximco requested authorisation for the joint venture to hold a 75 per cent stake in Quynh Lap 1, leaving the remaining 25 per cent in the hands of Vinacomin. Meanwhile, the joint venture is looking to acquire the entire 100 per cent stake in Quang Trach 2 from state run Electricity of Vietnam (EVN). Geleximco stated that 80 per cent of the investment capital would come from loans from Chinese banks, while only 20 per cent would be covered from equity.

At present, the proposal to take over Quynh Lap 1 is waiting for the governments approval, while the authorities have yet to issue a comment on Quang Trach 2.

Furthermore, Geleximco is the investor of the $900 million Thang Long thermal power plant located in the northern province of Quang Ninh.

The construction of the Thang Long plant began in October 2014 with 20 per cent of the investment capital from equity, while 80 per cent was from foreign loans guaranteed by the government and China Development Bank and China Export and Credit Insurance Corporation (Sinosure).

The Thang Long thermal power plant is scheduled to be completed in the third quarter of 2018.
The new restriction on banks of using only 40 per cent of their short-term deposits for long and medium-term loans should not take effect next year, the HCM City Real Estate Association has said.- Photo cafef.vn

In a document to the Government and the State Bank of Viet Nam, HoREA said: It is not necessary, it is not practical and does not meet the requirements of developing the real-estate market.

The rate should remain at 45 per cent, it suggested.

HoREA mentioned in its documents circulars issued by State Bank of Viet Nam including circular 36/2014/TT-NHNN, 19/2017/TT-NHNN, in which the maximum level that banks can use to give long and mid-term loan was 60 per cent in 2016 and 50 per cent in 2017. It will then drop to 40 per cent by January 2019.

The association said the law requires property developers to have own capital of 15-20 per cent of the project cost and can borrow the rest.

But banks are unable to meet that demand since short-term deposits account for a large proportion of their total deposits, the association said.

The second reason the association wanted the new regulation to be delayed was the sharp decline in the property market in the first nine months of the year as credit to the sector fell to the lowest level in three years.

But next year the market would rebound, driven by the mid-priced segment, the association said.

The industrial property market would also grow strongly since many foreign investors are choosing Viet Nam to move into, it said.

This would also boost the office and hired apartment segments, it added.
Miss Universe 2007 Riyo Mori of Japan will take part in Em Mo, a concert featuring dozens of singers, dancers and fashion models, on October 6 in HCM City.-Photo dep.com.vn

The show, Em Mo (I Dream), will feature Vietnamese songs and dances by young composers and choreographers.

Mori and dancer Linh Nga will perform in a contemporary piece, while Nhung will sing with Vietnamese-American singers Bang Kieu and Quang Dung.

Young singer Bui Anh Tuan, winner of Golden Apricot for Best Male Singer in 2016 by Labourer newspaper, will also be featured.

The concert will feature a fashion show by designer Nguyen Cong Tri.

Tri will introduce his Spring-Summer 2018 collection, Coco Yeu Dau  Coco La Bien Aimee (Coco - The Beloved), featuring clothes in styles popular in the 1930s and 1940s.

Highlighted designs include ao dai in silk and lace inspired by Vietnamese fairy tales.

Tri, a member of the Asian Couture Federation (ACF), graduated from the HCM City University of Architectures industrial arts faculty in 2001.

He rose to fame at school after his collection, The Explosive Mix of Earth and Water, won second prize at the 2001 Asian Young Fashion Designer Contest by the Textile and Fashion Federation of Singapore and Singapore Trade Development Board.

Tri attended leading fashion events at home and abroad, including the Viet Nam Fashion Week, London Fashion Week and Origin Passion and Belief Fair in Vicenza, Italy.

He also performed as a judge in the Vietnamese versions of international TV reality shows like Project Runway and So You Think You Can Dance.

He has a staff of more than 50, including sellers and seamstresses who work every day for his two shops in District 1, and 3.

His shops have about 60 designs and accessories each, and he makes new ones every season. His elegant and eye-catching pieces, using high-quality silk, cotton and wool, cast a glamour over women.

Em Mo will begin at 8pm at the Military Zone 7 Gymnasium at 202 Hoang Van Thu Street in Tan Binh District on October 6.
Coca-Cola is one of the largest US investor in Vietnam, source:Vietnamnet

Three giant investors race in foreign investment inflow

One of the top Korean groups in the energy, telecommunications, hi-tech components, logistics, and services sector, SK Group has just invested $470 million in Masan groupone of the three largest private companies in Vietnam in terms of market capitalisation. With this decision, SK will hold 9.5 per cent of Masans shares and become its biggest foreign investor.

SK is only one of the latest South Korean firms investing in Vietnam. According to The Foreign Investment Agency (FIA) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, most large Korean companies have already invested in Vietnam, including Samsung, LG, Lotte, and CJ. Besides, there are also Shinhanbank, Wooribank, and Nonghyup. By the end of August 2018, Korean investors had 7,161 projects with the accumulated registered capital of $61 billion.

Attracting investment from the US and the EU mainly depends on responding to investors' demand for openness, transparency, and predictability through Vietnam's policies.

In the first nine months, Japan registered $7.09 billion, taking the top spot, $4.18 billion of which was smart city investment by the joint venture of Vietnams BRG Group and Japans Sumitomo Corporation Asia & Oceania Group.

However, going by accumulated figures, Japan is now down to the second spot, giving up the crown after a long reign. At present, Japan is investing in 3,899 projects with a total of $55.77 billion registered investment in Vietnam.

Most Japanese companies have their own offices in Vietnam, like Honda, Toyota, Panasonic, Canon, and Aeon, Mizuho, and recently, Unicharm.

Meanwhile, at the end of September 2018, Singapore was at a stable third place for years with 2,127 projects and a total registered investment of $46.04 billion. Previously, for a short month in 2017, Singapore used to be the largest foreign investor in Vietnam with a series of famous names like Semb Corp., Mapletree, Keppel Land, and Banyan Tree. However, Singapore is quite far behind the No.1 and No.2.

The runner up at the fourth place, Taiwan with the registered investment of $30.98 billion. This means that investors from other countries are far behind the top three.

Looking forward to investment from the US and Europe

Figures from FIA show that at the end of September 2018 Asia accounted for over 70 per cent of FDI in Vietnam. Meanwhile, investment from Europe and the US is far behind.

The US, the biggest economy and the biggest investor in the world, has only 880 projects in Vietnam with the total registered capital of $8.87 billion. This figure excludes projects like Intel, Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, and ConocoPhillips which invest in Vietnam through subsidiaries in other market like the British Virgin Island, Singapore, and Hong Kong. However, $9 billion is still a modest figure. In 2017, the US outbound investments reached $342 billion, 22 per cent more than last year, but only $868 million of this went to Vietnam.

Meanwhile, outbound investment from the European Union last year reached $334 billion, which is down 41 per cent compared to 2016 but is still substantial. Nevertheless, Vietnam only received a very small investment from the EU. According to figures from the FIA, 24 out of the 28 EU countries have investments in Vietnam, but the Netherlands, England, France, Luxembourg, and Germany account for 84.3 per cent of total EU investment.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment admits that the economic and trade relations between Vietnam and the EU have been developing smoothly but EU investments in Vietnam are still limited, especially in hi-tech and modern services from top EU countries such as Germany, France, and Italy.

Preparing to summarise 30 years of FDI, Phan Huu Thang, former director of the FIA thinks that it is necessary to clarify the reason behind the modest FDI from the US and the EU. Experts from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) while researching the strategy on FDI attraction orientations in 2018-2030 stressed that attracting investors from the US and the EU is of vital importance.

The FIA also affirmed that the US and the EU are still promising investors and need to have suitable investment incentives available for each business and each country to meet the high requirements of the world's leading multinational corporations on the protection of intellectual property rights and combating corruption.

Attracting investment from the US and the EU mainly depends on responding to investors' demand for openness, transparency, and predictability through Vietnam's policies, FIA noted.
The Pentagon has canceled plans for U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis to visit China after his counterpart in Beijing could not be made available, a U.S. defense official told VOA on Monday.

The trip was never finalized or formally announced. The Pentagon decided not to participate late last week after trying to schedule security talks with General Wei Fenghe, the defense official said.

Trip plans for cabinet officials do fall through from time to time and are usually unreported.



The trip cancellation comes after China last week recalled its naval chief, Vice Admiral Shen Jinlong, from a planned meeting in Newport, Rhode Island, and denied a Hong Kong port visit request from the USS Wasp warship.

It also comes as the U.S. military has conducted several freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea. The United States frequently conducts freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea to dispute China's claims and to promote free passage through international waters that carry half the world's merchant fleet tonnage, worth trillions of dollars each year.

On Sunday, a Chinese military ship came dangerously close to a U.S. destroyer ship as it conducted a freedom of navigation operation in international waters within 12 nautical miles (22km) of the Spratly Islands, a defense official told VOA.

"At approximately 0830 local time on Sept. 30, a PRC Luyang destroyer approached USS Decatur in an unsafe and unprofessional maneuver in the vicinity of Gaven Reef in the South China Sea, Navy Cmdr. Nate Christensen, the deputy spokesman for U.S. Pacific Fleet, told VOA.

Christensen added that the Chinese military ship carried out increasingly aggressive maneuvers and sailed within about 40 meters of USS Decatur's bow, causing the ship to maneuver in order to prevent a collision.

U.S. Air Force B-52 bombers also conducted transit operations in international airspace over the South China Sea and East China Sea last week, which the Pentagon called part of continuous bomber presence in the region, and China called provocative.

Secretary Mattis met with his counterpart in Beijing in June, along with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Since then, China and the U.S. have been engaged in a trade war, with Washington last week placing tariffs on another $200 billion of Chinese imports.

Tensions are also high over U.S. President Donald Trumps authorization of a $1.3 billion arms sale to Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province, and Trumps sanctions for Beijings recent purchase of Russian military equipment.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen last week slammed western nations interference in Cambodian affairs during a speech to the United Nations in New York.

The long-time ruler said the United States had used human rights as a pretext for its mission to impose civilization and also wielded the threat of sanctions as a popular weapon against less powerful states.

We regret to highlight the fact that human rights nowadays have become a mission to impose civilization for some powerful nations or, perhaps, as their opening standards as the pretext for interference under the name of political rights protection, he said. This is nothing but a use of brute force of a particular state to impose its will on other sovereign states.

Some external circles, who have fed on an ambition to interfere in the domestic affairs of Cambodia, still fail to see the quality and integrity of our election process by issuing statements against [us] or attacking the election outcome. Such actions are a serious assault on the will of the Cambodian people.

The speech came after Cambodia held elections in July, which saw Hun Sens ruling Cambodian Peoples Party win every seat in parliament after it oversaw the banning of the countrys main opposition party and a widespread crackdown on critics, opposition supporters and civil society.

Cambodia is a successful case of a war-torn country which has succeeded in making a complete and prideful transformation, Hun Sen told the General Assembly on Friday.

In fact, peace without development is not sustainable. In this context, the sustainable development goals of the United Nations play a pivot role in guiding toward prosperity for the people.

At a forum on Friday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said: As guardians of the common good, we also have a duty to promote and support a reformed, reinvigorated and strengthened multilateral system.

We need a commitment to a rules-based order, with the United Nations at its center and with the different institutions and treaties that bring the charter to life... There is no way forward but collective, common-sense action for the common good.
The UN Secretary General has called on Southeast Asian nations to ensure democratic space and freedom of expression and hold transparent and free elections.

Antonio Guterres did not single out specific countries for criticism, but his comments on Friday came after several members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) held elections that were widely criticized by the international community.

At the Asean-UN ministerial meeting on Friday, Guterres said: Following the first meeting of the Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights with the United Nations in May, a number of new activities have begun. I strongly encourage all progress towards freedom of expression and the enlargement of political and democratic space.

Aseans leadership on human rights is critical, and I welcome recent joint human rights initiatives on business, environment and media freedom. I encourage you to make every effort towards transparent and fair elections to further consolidate peace and security in the region, he added.

Cambodia held a general election in July amid fierce criticism over the ruling Cambodian Peoples Partys jailing of opposition leaders and the banning of the countrys main opposition party, the Cambodia National Rescue Party.

Hun Sens CPP won all 125 seats in parliament in the vote, marking a departure from pluralist democracy outlined in the countrys constitution.

Addressing the General Assembly on Friday, Hun Sen defended the election process, saying Cambodia is now governed by the rule of law and firmly respects multiparty liberal democracy, with regular, free and fair elections, held to enable its people to choose the country's leadership.

Some external circles, who have fed on an ambition to interfere in the domestic affairs of Cambodia, still fail to see the quality and integrity of our election process by issuing statements against [us] or attacking the election outcome. Such actions are a serious assault on the will of the Cambodian people, he said.

Farhan Haq, Guterres deputy spokesman, said Guterres was concerned about democracy in Cambodia and hoped that the situation will improve.

At this stage, we continue to emphasize that you need fair competition and respect for human rights. Those are essential building blocks for a solid democracy to develop. Anyway, that is our hope for Cambodia, he said.

Hun Sen faced hundreds of protesters during his visit to New York but was also met by a number of supporters who rallied at the hotel where he was staying.

The United States and Europe provided billions of dollars in aid with the aim of transforming Cambodia into a liberal democracy. Currently, the United States and EU are considering possible sanctions on Cambodia and its removal from a key EU preferential trade scheme.

The international community is divided between countries like China and Russia, which see Hun Sen as useful to their interests, and the US and EU, which see Hun Sen as not only a human rights violator but also as a lackey of China, said Paul Chambers, international affairs adviser at Thailand's Naresuan University.

When countries look at how the CPP won every seat in the National Assembly while the courts and the military answer to the ruling party alone, it is near impossible for the international community to consider Cambodia anything beyond a facade democracy.
Indonesia's tsunami might have been less deadly. The toll of banning pro-democracy in Hong Kong. India's new personal freedoms. Technology to keep free speech free. A raging Supreme Court battle, and Vietnamese beer.
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Indonesia's tsunami might have been less deadly. The toll of banning pro-democracy in Hong Kong. A raging Supreme Court battle, and Vietnamese beer.
Afghan provincial health officials are accusing the country's insurgents of interfering in their work to vaccinate children against the virus of polio in the country's western Farah province.



Abdul Jabar Shayeq, head of Farhah's provincial health department, voiced concerns that Taliban are obstructing the vaccination efforts in certain insecure districts of the province by dictating the vaccinations be carried out only by their designated people.



"Armed Taliban do not accept our standards, and push for their conditions, in an effort to control the vaccination process. They do not allow the vaccination campaign to be implemented independently," Shayeq told VOA.



"They introduce their own people as vaccinators and when we accept their demands, it leads to shortcomings and the reduction of quality in our services," he added.



Shayeq said Taliban are not directly opposing the vaccination campaign, but rather making it difficult for vaccinators to do their job properly and in accordance with international standards.



Politicization of polio



Meanwhile, civil activists in the province are calling on warring sides not to politicize the crucial vaccination campaign at a time when Afghanistan has the largest number of registered polio cases in the world.



Nasim Minawal, a civil activist in Farah, told VOA the anti-polio vaccination campaign is vital to the population and it does not belong to the government or any other group.



"Polio vaccination is not a government-led program. It is a health and apolitical program. We should not politicize this important process," Minawal told VOA.



"This is an important preventive program for children. Children who are suffering from polio [because of lack or failure of vaccination] have no treatment whatsoever," he added.



Minawal called on the Taliban not to interfere with the process and allow polio workers to do their jobs properly and professionally.



Tribal leaders are also calling on influential figures in rural areas to use their influence and help implement the crucial vaccination process in their respective areas.



Hameedullah Khan, a tribal leader in Farah, views efforts to derail the vaccination process as non-Islamic and calls on community leaders to actively engage in the process and help with its implementation.



"I call on religious scholars, tribal leaders and community members not to politicize polio vaccination. They should pay attention to the well-being of their children and pave the way for them to receive the vaccination in a timely manner," Khan told VOA.



Afghan polio cases



Several polio cases have been reported across Afghanistan in 2018, particularly in the country's volatile regions.



Aghan ministry of public health statistics show there has been a decrease in the total number of polio cases, when comparing figures from 2017 to 2018. In 2017, 14 cases of polio were reported across Afghanistan. So far in 2018, there have been 10 cases.



Afghanistan's 10 cases, however, is still higher than polio cases in Pakistan and Nigeria, the other two countries in the world with reported cases of polio in recent years.
A suicide bomber drove a car into a Western military convoy in Mogadishu on Monday, killing two people and injuring four.

Witnesses and officials say the car, packed with explosives and driven by a suicide bomber, hit an armored military vehicle belonging to the Italian military outside the Jaalle Siyad military base in the Somali capital's Hodan district.

The al-Shabab militant group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Aamin Ambulance services in Mogadishu reported that the bodies of two men killed in the explosion were recovered, and four injured people  including a child and a woman  were transported. All the victims are civilians, witnesses and officials say.

It's not known if any Italian military personnel were hurt in the attack. The personnel are in Mogadishu as part of a European Union military mission to train Somali government forces.

A witness told VOA Somali that the incident took place on the October 21 Road.

"The Italian convoy was coming from the opposite side, but before we passed each other, the explosion erupted, we were covered by [a] plume of smoke, then I jumped out of my car," said one witness, speaking on condition of anonymity.

He said the Italian military personnel did not fire after the explosion hit their convoy. He said he believes that restraint may have saved other lives.

Charcoal smuggling

Meanwhile, Somalia has expressed "deep regret" that a ship carrying more than 200,000 bags of charcoal smuggled out of Somalia has docked at the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr.

The Somali ambassador to the United Nations, Abukar Dahir Osman, told VOA Somali that the ship docked at Umm Qasr late last month.

Osman says charcoal production, which begins with the cutting down of trees, harms the environment in Somalia. However, he said, businessmen who are involved in the tree cutting have forged relationships with al-Shabab.

"[Charcoal is] the biggest source of income for al-Shabab, and it enables them to continue the war," Osman said, adding that al-Shabab receives about $7 from each bag of charcoal.

United Nations investigators told the Security Council in November 2017 that al-Shabab earns approximately $10 million per year through the illicit charcoal trade.

Somalia has urged Iraq to carry out an investigation and to "be swift in actions to halt" giving clearance to the ships smuggling charcoal out of the country.
California has become the first state in the country to mandate that women be included on the board of directors of publicly traded companies.



Governor Jerry Brown on Sunday signed into law that every California-based corporation should have at least one woman on its board of directors by the end of next year.



By the end of 2021, a board of directors with five members will be required to have at least two female members and larger boards will require three or more.



"One-fourth of California's publicly traded companies still do not have a single woman on their board, despite numerous independent studies that show companies with women on their board are more profitable and productive,"Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, the bill's author, told The Wall Street Journal.



Jackson said the companies, despite being urged to add women to their boards, have done nothing to increase the numbers, making government intervention necessary.



Brown said it might be difficult to enforce the law. "Nevertheless, recent events in Washington, D.C.  and beyond  make it crystal clear that many are not getting the message,'' he said.



The law mandates that companies that ignore the issue can be fined $100,000 for a first violation and $300,000 for subsequent violations. Companies also must inform the California secretary of state of the gender representation on their boards. If they fail to report, they would face another $100,000 fine.



Some European countries already mandate female representation on company boards. The European Commission is pushing for that quota to be as high as 40 percent.
Twice a week, a group of women gathers in downtown Leesburg, Virginia, to get their hands dirty. They're taking an art class at the Clay and Metal Loft. The studio was founded by two local artists and serves two purposes: its a work space for producing and selling pottery and jewelry, and its a community space for the aspiring local artists to gain the skills and confidence needed to start their own business.

Hands in clay



In the Clay Hand-Building class, ceramist Amy Manson shares techniques with participants who seem to be enjoying what they are learning, which today is using the pinch pot process to create a pumpkin. So, were making two pinch pots and closing them to make a round orb and sculpt it to look like a pumpkin. The first time might be a little bit scary. They are not sure, a little bit intimidated on how hard to push or how the clay is going to react, but after one time, they get a little more confidence and feel good about it.

Barbara Johnson is one of Masons students with a background in art. She started doing pottery three years ago.



I do lots of painting, very much crafting, she said. I love to do decorating. Ive done stained glass. Ive done all kinds of things. I like to go from thing to thing to thing. I dont think Ill ever stop doing pottery though. Having your hands in clay is just this calming kind of thing and its so creative because you may start out thinking youre going to make this piece, and it turns to something totally different.



Johnson set up a pottery studio in her home and has recently begun selling her work to a local retailer. She admits, Im humbled a lot of times, when someone says they want to want to purchase my things, and have them in their home. Its just one of the things that make you feel so good.



Even though she's selling her work, Johnson still enjoys Mansons class. Amy is amazing as far as allowing us to learn her different techniques, all the things she learned over the years. She shares all of it. Just the little things that you go. Ah, thats amazing. I can incorporate it in doing my pottery at home. Being with other gals, Im loving just the idea of being with women who are amazing potters and youre in the process of learning all the time from everyone else.



Transforming experiences



For her part, Manson says inspiring others, passing on skills and watching them grow is rewarding.

About five years ago, she and her friend, Ann Andre, started looking for a space to start this business. We thought it would be a lot of fun to give back a little bit, says Andre, who has 30 years of experience as a goldsmith and metalsmith. We had been working in our own businesses, but then to teach and have other people work. We thought wouldnt it be great to do something that was more clay and jewelry making because we didnt see anything like that before?!

The feedback from students, she says, has all been positive. When they start, they see a project that were going to do for two hours and they dont think they can do it, she explains. Then, they realize, Oh, I can. I can transform this. They hammer the metal. They get an effect. They never thought they could do themselves. They form things like a bracelet. Theyre just excited they made this and they go out wearing it, which is really nice.



That's how her student, Jennifer Metesh, feels, when she wears the turquoise and silver pendant she made. Im a country girl grew up with horses," Metesh says. Turquoise is always a kind of a symbol of that rustic look.



Considering a second career beyond horses, shes finding a potential in jewelry making. I wanted it to be my fun thing. I feel that there has been such a revival of the handmade items that people are more willing to pay for something that is made by a single artist than something thats mass produced.



The founders of Clay and Metal Loft want to be part of that revival. Through summer camps, they want to inspire kids. And through their monthly ladies night workshops, they try to help busy professionals unwind.



Their goal is to become a creative, fun space for the entire community of Leesburg.
Colombia's new president is trying to reduce drug use with a decree that bans people from carrying small amounts of marijuana and cocaine in public  though courts have said such possession shouldn't be punished.

President Ivan Duque signed a decree on Monday enabling police to search people and confiscate any drugs they have on them. Offenders will also be fined.

Selling and exporting such drugs has long been illegal in Colombia. But laws on drug use had become more flexible since the 1990s and high court rulings allow Colombians to carry small amounts of marijuana and cocaine.

Duque said the new measure will protect children from traffickers who sell drugs near schools. But his opponents say it restricts personal liberties.

"This opens the door to more police abuse" said Eduardo Velez a cannabis user who is a spokesman for the Yes to Personal Consumption Collective, a group that advocates for the legalization of marijuana.

"No one is going to stop smoking because the government issues a decree," Velez said shortly after the president signed the new measure. His group protested the decree earlier this month by organizing a "smoke-a-thon" where dozens of people lit up marijuana cigarettes in a park. The protest was quickly dispersed by riot police.

A landmark sentence issued in 1994 by Colombia's Constitutional Court bans the government from imprisoning drug users. The sentence also says that citizens are allowed to carry small amounts of drugs for their personal use because the government cannot interfere with someone's right to "freely develop their personality."

Legal analysts are debating whether Duque's new measure contradicts the high court ruling. Though the decree does not say anything about putting drug users in jail, it does allow police to sanction anyone carrying small amounts of marijuana or cocaine, even if they are not consuming the drugs in public.

"The decree puts Colombia in the club of countries taking a radical approach [to drug use]" Carlos Medina a former vice minister of justice told Colombian newspaper El Espectador. "Meanwhile the United States and Europe are taking a different approach."

Duque said that one of the decrees main objectives is to protect the "rights of children" who are exposed to people using drugs in public spaces.He argued that small-scale drug traffickers have been profiting from the tolerance law by hanging out near schools, where they offer substances like marijuana and cocaine to teenagers.

Studies show that drug consumption has risen steadily in Colombia over the past decade. A 2016 government survey found that 12 percent of high school children in the country had consumed marijuana while 4 percent had tried cocaine.

Colombia is the world's largest cocaine exporter and the steady growth of its coca crop in recent years has tested relations with the United States.
South Korea is considering abolishing the fund Tokyo paid into as part of the landmark 2015 agreement to resolve a lingering dispute over Japans wartime sexual slavery of women. The government said it will deliver its decision on the matter soon and what it plans to do with the roughly $9 million in it.

However, whatever plans Seoul has are likely to run afoul of the wishes of many surviving victims of Japans wartime sexual slavery, widely referred to as comfort women.

In his bilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe September 25, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said the Reconciliation and Healing Foundation has failed to function properly due to objections from the comfort women survivors and the South Korean public.

Abe urged Moon to uphold the bilateral agreement, and according to Moons spokesman, the president said he will neither abandon, nor demand its renegotiation.

But Moons decision doesnt resonate with Ahn Shin-kwon, the head of the House of Sharing, a shelter for surviving comfort women. His group has called for the 2015 deal to be annulled or broken.

If we use the term 'renegotiation' that means we acknowledge the previous agreement, said Ahn, calling for the agreement to be terminated. He further criticized the administration by saying taking no further action to satisfy the survivors requests was passive and not appropriate, calling the women victims of war crimes.

A foundation with a problem

The Reconciliation and Healing Foundation was formed to distribute money wired from Japan to pay surviving comfort women and relatives of deceased victims, as stipulated in the 2015 bilateral agreement between Seoul and Tokyo.

South Koreas Yonhap news agency reported there had been allegations of mismanagement in the funds administration and possible irregularities in selecting recipients. The situation was exacerbated when a majority of its board resigned, including the chairperson, effectively rendering it useless. To offset any money that was spent during the program, the South Korean government injected more money into the fund to cover money that was wired from Japan.

Now Seoul is left with the question of what to do with the nearly $9 million thats been allocated for distribution.

Gender Equality Minister Jin Sun-mee said she will make the final decision on the funds fate soon and is considering multiple options, but did not disclose what they may be, other than the ministry would consult with survivors and undertake unprecedented care in making it.

Ahn told VOA his group has yet to be contacted by the government, learning of the foundations potential demise through local media reports.

The House of Sharing said the money should be returned to Japan, but is doubtful Tokyo would accept it, or if theres even a mechanism for accomplishing that task.

So, the fund should be deposited into a state-run organization and an attempt should be made to return it each year, said Ahn.

He hopes that by doing that it would shine an international spotlight on the issue and highlight what was wrong with the first agreement, because time is running out.

Ahn has requested the government promptly take action, because the surviving comfort women are in their 90s. That request not only includes efforts to help those in South Korea, but the roughly 20 of the approximately 200 comfort women that were registered in North Korea who are believed to be still living

The ministry says its reviewing "multiple ideas" for the foundations fund, but hasnt supplied specifics, vowing to implement projects aimed at recovering the honor and dignity of the survivors.

VOA attempted to get clarification from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family on its plans for the foundation and with which survivor groups it was planning to speak with. The ministry said it could not comment on the matter while discussions were still taking place.

Birth of a new movement

Located directly across the street from the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, is the Pyeonghwaui sonyeosang, or statue of peace. It has become the symbol of South Koreas comfort women, victims of sexual slavery in general, and the site of a weekly Wednesday protest against the Japanese government.

Ahn told VOA that after the 2015 agreement with Japan was announced, the younger generations became angry, particularly the students.

Currently, next to the statue is a make-shift shelter. Young men and women take turns living in it and hold a constant sit-in protest against Tokyo. This protest is above and beyond the weekly Wednesday event.

Jeon Ga-ram is a member of Hope Butterflies. Thats one of several groups that rotate in and out of the shelter. Shes been participating in the protest for two years.

Our organization originally started out as Comfort Women Statue University Students' movement'. But after 1000 days (September 24), it changed its name to 'Anti-Abe, Anti-Japan Students' Action Movement, said Jeon.

While theyre still focused on terminating the 2015 bilateral agreement with Japan, theyve also set loftier aspirations.

She said, Our ultimate goal is creating a world without war, adding, As long as there is a war in this world, the same problem (wartime sexual slavery) will be repeated.

Lee Ju-hyun contributed to this report.
The short-handed U.S. Supreme Court launched its new term Monday, with the legal arguments in its stately courtroom overshadowed by the harsh fight over President Donald Trump's nomination of Brett Kavanaugh for a lifetime job as a justice.

On the surface, it looked like business as usual for the high court, except that there were eight justices on the bench, not the usual nine, following the retirement of long-serving conservative Justice Anthony Kennedy, effective in July. Trump selected Kavanaugh to replace Kennedy, but the Senate confirmation process has been detoured as the FBI investigates sexual misconduct allegations against the nominee.

There was no mention of the ferocious confirmation battle as the justices heard arguments in two cases, kicking off a term running through June.

The difficulties facing the court now that it is  at least temporarily  evenly divided ideologically with four liberals and four conservatives were on full display in the first of the two cases. Kavanaugh's confirmation would restore and deepen conservative control of the court.

Property rights dispute

A 4-4 split is possible in the case, a property rights dispute brought by timber company Weyerhaeuser Co seeking to limit the U.S. government's power to designate private land as protected habitat for endangered species. The dispute focused on the dusky gopher frog, an amphibian protected under the federal Endangered Species Act.

Weyerhaeuser harvests timber on the Louisiana land in question and is backed in the case by business groups including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Weyerhaeuser challenged a lower court ruling upholding a 2012 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decision to include private land where the frog does not currently live as critical habitat, potentially putting restrictions on future development opportunities.

The case pitted property rights against federal conservation measures. The frog, found only in four locations in southern Mississippi, also previously inhabited Louisiana and Alabama.

While the liberal justices appeared sympathetic to the government's defense of the critical habitat designation, the conservatives seemed to lean toward the property owners.

"We know that habitat isn't just where a species lives. ... It's also where a species could live," liberal Justice Elena Kagan said.

Conservative Justice Samuel Alito said that although some people may not "shed tears for a big corporation" like Weyerhaeuser being forced to spend money to benefit frogs, the law would apply equally to a family farm.

A 4-4 ruling, as is possible in this case, leaves lower court decisions in place and sets no nationwide legal precedent.

If Kavanaugh is confirmed, the court could decide to rehear the case with a full complement of justices.

Age discrimination

The second case involved the scope of a federal law that outlaws discrimination on the basis of age.

Firefighters John Guido and Dennis Rankin, who were 46 and 54 years old respectively at the time, were fired in 2009 from their jobs at the Mount Lemmon Fire District, near Tucson, Arizona. They were the district's oldest full-time employees.

Guido and Rankin sued, saying the fire district had violated the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. The dispute centers on whether that law applies to state and local government entities regardless of size, or whether those with fewer than 20 employers like this one are exempt, as private employers are.

Most of the justices on Monday seemed inclined to uphold a lower court ruling in favor of the firefighters.

Chief Justice John Roberts began the day's proceedings by congratulating Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, at age 85 the oldest of the justices, for her "distinguished service" during a quarter century on the court.

Before hearing their first arguments, the justices issued a list of cases they were accepting and rejecting. Among them, they rejected Bill Cosby's bid to avoid a defamation lawsuit brought by a well-known former model, Janice Dickinson, who said the comedian sought to destroy her reputation after she publicly accused him of rape.

Trump nominated conservative federal appeals court judge Kavanaugh in July. The FBI investigation, ordered by Trump on Friday under pressure from moderates in his own party, is due to last no more than a week.

Trump on Monday said he wanted the FBI investigation to be comprehensive, but quick, and not a "witch hunt."
International Criminal Court prosecutors urged judges Monday to continue the trial of former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo and a government ex-minister on trial for their alleged involvement in deadly violence that erupted after the country's disputed 2010 presidential election.

Lawyers for Gbagbo and former youth minister Charles Ble Goude filed motions earlier this year arguing that prosecutors presented insufficient evidence for the trial to continue and calling for the immediate acquittal of both men. The calls came at the end of the prosecution case.



But the court's deputy prosecutor, James Stewart, told the three-judge trial panel that the evidence so far is strong enough for the case to continue.



"At this midway stage of the trial proceedings, is there evidence... upon which any trial chamber acting reasonably could find the accused guilty of the charges?" Stewart said. "We submit the answer to that question is: Yes."



Gbagbo and Ble Goude, who were both in court for Monday's hearing, have pleaded not guilty to four crimes against humanity charges, including murder and rape allegedly committed by pro-Gbagbo supporters during post-election violence that left 3,000 people dead.



Prosecutors accuse Gbagbo of unleashing violence in an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to cling to office after losing a runoff to now-President Alassane Ouattara.



Gbagbo's historic trial, the International Criminal Court's first against a former head of state, began in January 2016.



Efforts by ICC prosecutors to hold leaders responsible for crimes committed by subordinates or supporters have repeatedly run into serious problems.



The case against Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who also was accused of involvement  before he became president  in post-election violence in his country, collapsed in December 2014 and earlier this year a former Congolese vice president, Jean-Pierre Bemba, was acquitted on appeal of crimes allegedly committed by his militia in the Central African Republic.
Indonesia's President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has authorized the acceptance of "urgent" foreign aid for humanitarian efforts in the province of Central Sulawesi, which was hit Friday by the double disaster of an earthquake and tsunami. Foreign governments have pledged assistance and aid agencies are welcoming the decision, as people in affected areas lack adequate access to food, water, medical supplies, shelter, and fuel.



Indonesian officials said Sunday there were 832 confirmed deaths from the 7.5-magnitude quake, which triggered a huge tsunami inundating the cities of Palu and Donggala. It is feared the death toll could soar into the thousands when rescuers are able to get to remote areas.



Touring Palu, President Jokowi said Sunday one of the immediate needs is to bring in heavy equipment to move large pieces of rubble. The chairman of Indonesia's Investment Coordinating Board, Tom Lembong, tweeted Monday the president had authorized "international help for urgent disaster-response & relief."

The decision to open access to foreign assistance is "very important" for the work of humanitarian agencies said Arifin M. Hadi, the head of disaster management for the Indonesian Red Cross. "We learnt from [the recent Lombok earthquake] that we need to be able to treat people more quickly, provide access to water more quickly, and provide shelter more quickly," he said.



Oxfam's Country Director in Indonesia, Maria Lauranti, agreed, stating, "It is very important because we've got global humanitarian teams [on] standby, and then as of now we are processing the paperwork for the arrival of more global humanitarian team to arrive in the country, so that we can have support."



Assistance forthcoming



Indonesia's finance minister, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, said Monday a budget of $38 million would be made available for disaster relief in Central Sulawesi.



"The United States government through USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance has a variety of options for humanitarian assistance," U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia, Joseph R. Donovan Jr., told the Voice of America. "First and foremost, we will work with our Indonesian counterparts and partners to identify current needs."



"Some options include delivery of relief items from U.S. government stockpiles positioned around the world, provision of grants to partner organizations to implement relief activities, and deployment of technical advisors," he said.



The European Union pledged an initial $1.7 million in emergency humanitarian assistance for Central Sulawesi, which came prior to Jokowi's call for international support. The EU Ambassador to Indonesia, Vincent Guerend, said "we will probably mainly channel this support via the Indonesian Red Cross and any other non-governmental organization which is in the capacity of delivering assistance on the ground."



Guerend said the European Union is consulting its 28 member states to see what additional support they can provide to Indonesia. "We will see in the coming days how best we can meet the expectation," he told VOA. "Practically it will mean we may deploy forensic experts to identify victims, we may deploy firemen and other civil protection experts, experts in recovering victims after an earthquake with stiffing dogs, etc., ... this all depends on what the Indonesian[s] lack."



South Korea's foreign ministry says it will provide $1 million in assistance to Indonesia, while Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison told local media on Sunday that "if [President Jokowi] needs our help, he'll have it."



Lack of access, risk of disease



Arifin told VOA about 130 Red Cross volunteers are in the area, but said, "We're still having trouble with access, with some volunteers unable to enter [the affected areas] because they're awaiting transport from the Indonesian military."

Stanley Widianto, an Indonesian journalist in the largest city in Sulawesi, Makassar, said he met dozens of aid workers, Palu residents and their family members who were waiting to fly to Palu by military Hercules planes. Lauranti said a lot of people want to leave the city, and a lot of people outside the city want to get in, but transportation is limited.



"I don't think the food or the help is dispersed evenly," Widianto said of the situation, adding local doctors are observing the consequences of trauma in the wake of the disaster. "There are people who are looting the stores right now."



At least 500 people are being treated at local hospitals and authorities have said they are digging a mass grave for 300 bodies to mitigate the threat of infectious disease outbreaks. "Because these are victims of a tsunami and thus wet, the potential can be quite high [for disease], especially related to cholera," Arifin said.
Macedonia's prime minister says he will seek a vote in parliament to change his country's name in a bid to end a 27-year dispute with neighboring Greece and enable Macedonia to join NATO.



Despite most voters' shunning of Sunday's referendum on the renaming of the Balkan country, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said he has the mandate he needs to proceed. His aides and Western diplomats also have accused Russia of mounting a coordinated disinformation campaign in the run-up to the vote to suppress turnout.



Only a third of the country's 1.8 million electorate cast votes on changing Macedonia's name to the Republic of North Macedonia, far short of the 50 percent threshold that would have made the plebiscite binding in parliament.

Those who did vote overwhelmingly backed the name change, with 91.3 percent favoring the rebranding, compared to 5.7 percent opposed, according to the electoral commission.



"The people made a great choice and said 'yes' to our future. It is time for lawmakers to follow the voice of the people and to provide support," Zaev said at a press conference Sunday. "The will of those who voted now must be turned into political action inside parliament."



His aides acknowledge they are in for a tough political fight in the 120-seat parliament and fear disruption from nationalists, some allegedly funded by the Kremlin, as they forge ahead.



The United States and the European Union urged Macedonian lawmakers to back the change, saying voters had "expressed their support for NATO and EU membership."



"As Macedonia's parliament now begins deliberation on constitutional changes, we urge leaders to rise above partisan politics and seize this historic opportunity to secure a brighter future for the country as a full participant in Western institutions," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said.



Greece has blocked Macedonia's joining NATO because of the long-running quarrel over the name, which goes back to when Macedonia declared independence as Yugoslavia broke apart more than two decades ago.

For both Greeks and Macedonians, the name is tied to national identity. Ancient Greece's Macedonia stretched across both present-day countries and was the birthplace of Greek heroes, including Alexander the Great.

In June, the Greek and Macedonian prime ministers, urged on by Washington and Brussels, reached a landmark compromise, known as the Prespa Agreement, under which Greece would drop its objections to Macedonia's joining the EU and NATO in return for the name change.

In both Greece and Macedonia, nationalists have mounted fierce opposition to the deal, among them Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov, who dubbed it a "flagrant violation of sovereignty."

Nationalists on Sunday night celebrated the low turnout, declaring it a victory for the opposition camp. "It is clear that the agreement with Greece has not received the green light from the people," nationalist Hristijan Mickoski told journalists.



Western diplomats say Macedonia, like the Balkans as a whole, has become part of a tug-of-war between Russia and NATO. Internet monitors from research institutions say dozens of suspicious campaign websites appeared before the referendum, urging voters to stay away from polling stations and to boycott the name change, arguing that Macedonian ethnic and national identities were under threat. Russian-owned media outlets echoed the warning.



Days before the voting, internet monitors at the Atlantic Council, a New York-based research group, said "Macedonia's information environment is becoming clouded with distorted and polarizing narratives by some Russian media outlets, especially from Sputnik  a state-funded online outlet."



Recently, the U.S. ambassador to Greece, Geoffrey Pyatt, accused Russia of trying to block Western Balkan states from joining NATO, citing a coup attempt last year in Montenegro as part of that effort.



In an interview with VOA, he said "we are very sensitive to the role that Russia continues to play across this region. Illustrated by the coup attempt in Montenegro. Illustrated in Russia's attempt to derail the Prespa Agreement between Athens and Skopje. Illustrated by the use of energy as a political weapon."



The Kremlin dismisses claims of underhand interference in the Balkans. Sergey Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, has accused the U.S. and the European Union of trying to force western Balkan countries to choose between Russia or the West.

Disputes in the region "must be settled on the basis of mutual consent of all the interested parties, with full respect of the opinion of the population of the relevant countries," he said during a visit last month to Bosnia-Herzegovina.



Even so, Russia openly opposed Sunday's vote, with its ambassador in Skopje warning Macedonians they could become a "legitimate target," if relations between Moscow and NATO deteriorate further.



For all of his determination, Prime Minister Zaev will face a challenge in getting the name change, say analysts. The nationalist opposition holds 49 seats in the 120-seat parliament, enough to block the two-thirds majority required to change the constitution. If Zaev fails, his only alternative would be to call early elections.
The high-profile airing of sexual assault allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh has led victims around the country to flood support center lines with calls, come forward with reports of rapes and publicly share long-held stories of their own experiences of being attacked.

For many who had stifled painful memories for years, hearing Christine Blasey Ford share her accusation against Kavanaugh reopened old wounds. For others dealing with a recent experience of assault, it has spurred them to report the crimes or seek counseling or other help.

Having this in the news all the time has flipped their lives upside down, said Kristen Houlton Shaw, executive director of the Sexual Violence Center in Minnesota, where the number of first-time callers has increased in the past week. So many different things can trigger people, and this time its the news.

Kavanaugh has denied any wrongdoing and gave an impassioned defense of himself at a Senate hearing on Thursday. It was Fords words, though, that resonated with many who survived an assault and were stirred by testimony recounting terror they understood lasts a lifetime.

Its a real mixed bag and a real mix of emotions about both the power of this moment and the pain, said Jess Davidson, who leads the advocacy group End Rape on Campus and said she has heard from many survivors of sexual assault in recent days who are sharing their stories for the first time. I dont think theres any way we walk away from the conversation that our country is having this week without seeing a shift.

At the Our Voice rape crisis center in Asheville, North Carolina, executive director Angelica Wind estimated a 15 percent increase in calls from both survivors who were triggered by Fords testimony and loved ones seeking advice on how to best support victims they know.

Wind said if the national conversation in coming weeks is supportive of Ford, more people might come forward, encouraged by a case in which an accuser is believed. But if not, many wont see the point in airing their stories.

Were at a crossroads. We can either move forward and do a cultural change where we send a message to survivors that we are here for you. We believe you. It wasnt your fault and there are resources you can access, she said. Or we can move back to dismantle all the progress we have done.

At TurnAround, which supports sexual assault victims in and around Baltimore, CEO Rosalyn Branson said a help line that typically gets two or three calls overnight got 11 on Thursday, specifically citing the Kavanaugh case. Some were people who had never told anyone of their assaults before.

They felt the need to talk to someone about what theyd been through in a way they hadnt before, Branson said. I cant imagine that theres any place that its not happening. Were all experiencing this together and there are many, many people, more than anyone knows, who have been through it.

Across the U.S., advocates already seeing a growth in demand as the #MeToo movement has sent out ripples, saw an even greater spike with Kavanaugh.

In California, YWCA crisis intervention manager Alexandra Richardson said centers in San Jose and Sunnyvale experienced a surge in calls to 24-hour support lines, some from people talking for the first time about sexual assaults from as many as two decades ago.

At Safe Horizon in New York, call volume to its rape and sexual assault hotline was up 150 percent Thursday over the same day last year. On Friday, calls were up a staggering 500 percent. Kia Myrie-Edwards, the director of the hotline, said many of the callers were women over 60 who said watching the Kavanaugh hearing made them recall things that happened to them years ago that they may not have thought of as sexual assault at the time.

Sharon Daugherty, the sexual assault outreach coordinator at Palm Beach County Victim Services in Florida, said 17 women had come in to undergo examinations for attacks in the past 10 days, far more than usual. She believes victims are being encouraged by the national debate.

Were not going to change the whole world in one setting, but the level of conversation has been risen, Daugherty said.

The National Sexual Assault Hotline reported a 201 percent increase in calls Thursday over its average level. RAINN, the organization that runs the hotline, warned on Twitter that hearing about sexual violence in the media can be very difficult for survivors.

The organizations online chat services were still experiencing unprecedented wait times on Friday.

The Kavanaugh coverage has prompted some victims to talk about their own stories of abuse for the first time, sometimes in hushed conversations with a friend, others in a Facebook post. For some public figures, it was done in very high-profile ways.

The majority leader of the New Jersey Assembly, 83-year-old Loretta Weinberg, revealed she was groped and forcibly kissed by a man when she was just 13. Shireen Ghorbani, a candidate for a U.S. House seat in Utah, went public with her sexual assault as an 8-year-old. And in Palo Alto, where Ford lives, Mayor Liz Kniss said she was inspired by her constituent to publicly speak about the two times she was sexually assaulted and narrowly escaped rape.

Patti Davis, the daughter of the late President Ronald Reagan, came to Fords defense last week by revealing her own rape by a music executive. Like Ford, she said, she couldnt remember what month the attack took place, what her assailant might have said to her, or if his assistant was still in the office.

Your memory snaps photos of the details that will haunt you forever, that will change your life and live under your skin, she wrote in The Washington Post, defending Fords inability to remember some details of her alleged attack. It blacks out other parts of that story that really dont matter much.
Pakistan announced Monday a reduced estimated cost for revamping of the countrys nearly 1,900-kilometer colonial-era railway line under an ongoing bilateral economic development mega project funded by China.

The upgrade to standard gauge of what is known as the Main Line-1 (ML-1), which connects the southern port city of Karachi to the northwestern city of Peshawar, was originally priced at $8.2 billion, Federal Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed said.

The rail project is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is a package of highways, railways, ports, power plants and special economic zones Islamabad is building with Chinese funding and expertise.

The estimated cost of CPEC agreement (for ML-1) was $8.2 billion. Today, the estimated project cost stands at $6.2 billion. The amount we have cut was the share of people (in kickbacks and commissions), Rashid noted.

He did not say whether the Pakistani or the Chinese side was to be blamed for the inflated initial price. Rashid also said his ministry will try to further lower the cost because, ultimately, our poor nation will have to pay back the Chinese loan."

But the minister strongly dismissed suggestions the scrutiny of Chinese-funded projects would slow down the construction process or undermine Islamabads traditionally strong ties with China.



CPEC is like the backbone for Pakistan, but our eyes and ears are open. We are proud of the friendship with our great tested friend China, the minister said.

Prime Minister Imran Khans government, which took charge in August, has vowed to root out corruption in the country, and it has been questioning certain CPEC-related projects the previous government negotiated and signed with China, mainly due to high costs.

Belt and Road Initiative

Beijing regards CPEC as the flagship project of its global Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and it is expected to bring an estimated $60 billion in direct and indirect investment to Pakistan within the next 15 years.

Officials say that 22 "early harvest" projects are either nearing completion or have been completed, bringing in more than $19 billion in Chinese investment since the two countries launched CPEC in 2015.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has pushed the BRI as a means of increasing international trade and goodwill through massive infrastructure spending.

Morgan Stanley has estimated the initiative will cost $1.3 trillion by 2027. Xi has called it the "project of the century," comparing it to the ancient Silk Road that made China a hub of international commerce.

Pakistan joins a growing chorus of countries concerned about infrastructure deals struck with China under previous administrations. Beijing has repeatedly rejected criticism it is burdening Islamabad with expensive loans.

Thailand, Laos, Sri Lanka and the Maldives have all voiced complaints about the terms of the loans from China, which many have described as debt traps. Malaysia's new prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad, canceled a $20 billion rail project in August.
Pakistan's foreign minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, has hinted ahead of a visit to Washington this week at a possible compromise in the case of a doctor jailed after helping the United States find and kill Osama bin Laden.

Pakistani officials have rebuffed all efforts by the United States to secure the release of the Shakeel Afridi, who was sentenced to a long prison term after he helped U.S. commandos identify the compound in Abbottabad where bin Laden was slain in 2011.

The raid was conducted on Pakistani soil without the government's knowledge, causing deep embarrassment to national authorities, and Afridi's imprisonment has since remained a major irritant in U.S.-Pakistani relations.

But in an interview Sunday with the Fox News cable network, Qureshi indicated that the newly-elected government of Prime Minister Imran Khan may be more flexible on the issue.

"Openings are always there," Qureshi said. Afridi "is seen in Pakistan in a different context. He is considered as a traitor in Pakistan, whereas the United States saw him as a friend. Thus, we would need to work out the differences on this issue."

Despite the apparent opening, Qureshi, who is scheduled to meet U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington on Tuesday, maintained that the case has been handled appropriately within the Pakistani legal system.

"We have a legal system, and Afridi went through that process," he said. "He was provided with an opportunity to plead his case. He was found guilty and was awarded punishment, and he is going through this sentence now."

Afridi led a fake hepatitis B vaccination campaign to collect genetic samples in order to gain access to the compound where bin Laden was sheltering and confirm his presence and that of his family. Days after the raid, Afridi was arrested and tried on charges of treating and financing terrorists in his native tribal district on the Afghan border.

U.S. officials praised Afridi as a hero for helping Washington bring justice to the mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. The Americans argue that the charges against Afridi were manufactured to punish him for his role in the raid, in which bin Laden was killed by a U.S. Navy Seal team.

Analysts tell VOA's Urdu service that progress on the Afridi case could help improve Pakistan-U.S. relations. Najam Rafique, director of the American Studies department in the Islamabad-based Institute of Strategic Studies, said Monday that the case has long created tensions between the two countries, whose efforts to fight terrorism have been complicated by mutual distrust.

"The statement given by Pakistan's foreign minister in the United States could be seen in the context of Pakistan wanting improved bilateral relations with the United States," he said. "Pakistan would, thus, try its best to provide relief to the United States on certain matters so that bilateral relations could move ahead positively."

Rafique added that the timing of the remark ahead of this week's meeting with Pompeo suggested that the new government in Islamabad is ready to talk to the United States on all issues. Qureshi was already in the U.S. for the annual meeting of the U.N. General Assembly in New York.

Afridi was initially sentenced to 33 years in prison, but an appeals court reduced that to 23 years after a hearing. The doctor was transferred from the northwestern city of Peshawar to a prison in the garrison city of Rawalpindi near Islamabad shortly before the May 2 anniversary of the bin Laden raid.
Troops and teams of experts from North and South Korea began to remove mines along their heavily fortified border Monday under tension-reducing agreements the two countries reached last month, the South defense ministry said in a statement.

There has been no immediate confirmation from North Korea that its troops had begun to implement the project endorsed in North Koreas capital Pyongyang by South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean Chairman Kim Jong Un.

According to Souths statement, the two sides agreed to remove all landmines in the so-called Joint Security Area (JSA) within the next 20 days. Work will also be carried out in part of Cheorwon in Gangwon Province, scene of some of the fiercest fighting during the Korean War at the so-called "Arrow Head Hill."

In 2019 troops from both North and South Korea are to search for the bodies of hundreds of soldiers thought to be buried in Cheorwon.

The September agreements also included the removal of guard posts and weapons from the JSA after the de-mining. Troops remaining there would be unarmed.

The JSA is the only area along the 250 kilometer demilitarized zone (DMZ) where troops from both Koreas are face to face. The United Nations Command which overseas the Demilitarized Zone also has troops stationed there.
More college professors are pulling the plug on their students.

And they say its improving student engagement and attention.

Over the past eight years, my survey course on Politics and Education in the U.S. at the Harvard Graduate School of Education came to resemble an Internet cafe more than a classroom," said Martin West of the Harvard University School of Education in Massachusetts.

The revolt was nudged last year by University of Michigan's Susan M. Dynarski, professor of public policy, education and economics, who published, "For better learning in college lectures, lay down the laptop and pick up a pen." Her findings looked at whether modern learning was improved by devices vs. paper and pen, and was published by the Brookings Institution and the New York Times.

"A growing body of evidence says No, Dynarski wrote. When college students use computers or tablets during lecture, they learn less and earn worse grades.

Test scores improve

Recent evidence includes research from professor Arnold Glass of Rutgers University, who published a study with student researcher Mengxue Kang in July 2018 in the journal Educational Psychology.

Glass looked at 118 Rutgers students taking the same psychology class at different times. The students were permitted to use electronic devices on some days of class but not others.

The students took a short test every day, longer tests every few weeks, and a final exam covering the semesters material. The daily quiz showed no impact from technology in the classroom. But the results of the longer tests and final exam told a different story: All students performed poorly on material taught while they used technology in the classroom.

Devices divert students

Glass said this shows that electronic devices divert students from processing whats being taught at the front of the classroom. While students might hear what is taught, if they are shopping or emailing online, they are not really thinking about the subject matter.

And that, Glass said, makes it harder for the information to lodge in their long-term memory.

Even though a few minutes later they know what the professor said, a week later, if you ask them, all they remember is that they were in class a week ago, he told VOA. They no longer remember what the professor said because they eliminated the opportunity.

When students started bringing laptops to class about 10 years ago, University of Michigan professor Kentaro Toyama, who teaches information technology, thought it was a good idea. He said it could help students take notes or quickly provide information during class discussions.

But then he started noticing troubling behavior.

Students would be looking at their laptop and they would suddenly smile, and it wasnt because  there was anything funny happening in the class, Toyama noted. What I realized very quickly was  these students  were on social media  and thats what they were smiling about. And over time, as  this increased, I just felt like I no longer had the attention of my students.

Students distracted

In Dynarskis study, even students who could see the screen of a classmate  but not on a device themselves  scored 17 percent lower on comprehension than those who were not distracted.

Its hard to stay focused when a field of laptops open to Facebook, Snapchat, and email lies between you and the lecturer, Dynarski wrote.

So Toyama barred laptops in his classes during lectures. Students could still use technology, but not when he needed their full attention.

After reading Dynarskis report, Distinguished Professor of Economics at Ohio State University Trevon Logan instituted a ban on devices in his classrooms.

No laptops, tablets, phones, nothing, Logan tweeted. I was curious to see what would happen.

Student performance improved, especially on the earliest midterms, Logan reported. Average scores improved significantly. But more telling was student reaction.

'Very encouraged'

The policy encouraged them to focus, Logan said his students reported to him in class evaluations. It helped them take better notes. Kept them engaged. And they enjoyed the course more.

I did not expect this at all.  Everyone who talked about it enthusiastically endorsed it.

I thought I would get much more pushback on this from students, and I didnt think student outcomes would be so significant. Given these results, Im very encouraged to continue with the policy.

As more universities (including @OhioState) roll out iPads and tablets to all students, we need to think long and hard about whether and how this technology will be beneficial. It does works in some settings, it doesnt work in others.
A Syrian rebel group says it will not withdraw its fighters from a demilitarized zone around the northwestern province of Idlib that was agreed on this month between Russia and Turkey.



Failaq al-Sham, one of the main Turkey-backed factions in northern Syria, said in a statement Sunday that all its heavy weapons are far from the front lines.



The group's statement came hours after the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Failaq al-Sham had begun evacuating some of its positions in Aleppo province bordering Idlib.



The zone will be established by Oct. 15 and be 15-20 kilometers (9-12 miles) deep, with troops from Russia and NATO-member Turkey conducting coordinated patrols.



Idlib is the last major stronghold of the Syrian opposition.
Authorities on Indonesia's Sumatra Island have sealed three churches that officials said lacked necessary permits.

The Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) is dispatching a legal team to assist the churches that were closed September 27. PGI General Secretary Gomar Gultom told VOA's Indonesian Service on Friday that the legal team will take a cultural approach "rather than a legal approach" which takes a long time. "The legal process is our last resort," he added.

The move by officials in the West Kenali village of the Alam Barajo district of Jambi province is the latest push to close churches in a move that followed more than 1,000 closures in more than a decade.

Until then, Indonesia had a reputation for an interpretation of Islam that embraced religious tolerance. But Muslim extremists have been urging the adoption of Islamic law throughout Indonesia, creating religious divides.

A civil court found the Christian governor of the capital, Jakarta, guilty of blasphemy in May 2017. However, in predominantly Christian Papua, the Protestant Communion of Churches in Jayapura wanted a mosque's minaret torn down because it was taller than church steeples in the area.

In Jambi, the city's Civil Service Police (Satpol PP) sealed the three churches  Indonesia Christian Huria HKI (Huria Kristen Indonesia), Indonesian Methodist Church GMI (Gereja Methodist Indonesia) and God's Assemblies Church GSJA (Gereja Sidang Jemaat Allah)  on Thursday morning. According to numerous posts on Facebook, the authorities cited violation of public order and building permit ordinances. Dozens of congregants wept as the churches were closed.

Most worrisome to PGI is that the churches were closed for administrative reasons because religious freedom is guaranteed by Indonesia's constitution. "The local government keeps delaying the process to have the permit, or just reject it without any reasons," said Gultom.

"There are thousands of other places of worship that don't have permits, but continue to operate," he said. "I just can't understand why they won't let us have our churches. I can understand if [the local government] prohibited us from having the permits if we used the buildings for criminal activities, but we used them to praise God."

The head of the National and Political Unity Agency (Kesbangpol) of Jambi, Liphan Pasaribu, told local media that the church closures were the result of a joint decision made Wednesday by several government agencies and the police, as well as the local chapters of Indonesia's top Muslim clerical body, the Ulema Council (MUI), and the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB).

Jambi District Spokesman Abu Bakar told VOA that the church closures were "just a temporary action due to objections" from the local community upset by the violation of "administrative issues. The Religious Harmony Forum decided to close the churches to avoid unnecessary incidents. We think it's a wise decision to cool down the situation."

He denied that the Islamic Defense Front (FPI), a far-right Islamist group, had urged local authorities to close the churches, and added that if the churches file the necessary documents, permits will be issued within a week.

Aan Anshori, coordinator of the Islamic Anti-Discrimination Network (JIAD) which is an NGO affiliated with Nadhlatul Ulama, Indonesia's largest independent Islamic organization, said that "Islamic teaching seems to fail to understand that other religions, especially Christianity, need to be respected in a democratic country like Indonesia. But there's a strong impression that other religions are considered enemies of Islam. It shows that there is something wrong in Islamic teaching and also in understanding the rights of all citizens, no matter what their religion."
A former Army medic who received the nation's highest military honor Monday for braving heavy gunfire to save lives in Afghanistan was rejected by the military the first time he tried to enlist.

"Boy that was a bad mistake. But they made up for it, right," President Donald Trump said in a formal White House ceremony where 250 people gathered to laud former Staff Sgt. Ronald Shurer II for his heroic actions in 2008 in a remote part of Afghanistan.

Shurer, a native of Fairbanks, Alaska, was a senior medical sergeant in the special forces on April 6, 2008 when his team encountered machine gun and sniper fire and rocket-propelled grenades from militants.

Shurer stabilized one soldier, then fought his way through a barrage of bullets and up a mountain to the lead members of the unit. There, he treated and stabilized four more soldiers. Shurer helped evacuate them, carrying and lowering the wounded down the steep mountainside, using his body to shield them from enemy fire and shrapnel.After he loaded the wounded in an evacuation helicopter, Shurer went back up the mountain to fight.

"Ron was not done yet. He charged back to the mountain  all the way up  and rejoined the fight," Trump said. "For more than six hours, Ron bravely faced down the enemy. Not a single American died in that brutal battle, thanks in great measure to Ron's heroic actions."

First rejected by the military because of a medical condition, Shurer enlisted again a year after 9/11. He was accepted the second time around. He was promoted from sergeant to staff sergeant in late 2006 and served with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force in Afghanistan from late November 2007 to late May 2008. He was honorably discharged a year later.

He began his career with the Secret Service as a special agent assigned to a field office in Phoenix, Arizona, in September 2009.He was selected for the Secret Service's counter assault team and assigned to the Special Operations Division in June 2014.

Shurer lives in Burke, Virginia, with his wife, Miranda, and sons Cameron, 10, and Tyler, 7.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on the anniversary of the 2017 Las Vegas deadly shooting that his administration is close to finalizing a regulation that would ban bump stocks, a device that can allow a gun to fire at speeds that mimic an automatic weapon.



"We're knocking out bump stocks," Trump told reporters Monday. "I've told the NRA (National Rifle Association) bump stocks are gone."



Trump's statements come as the Justice Department nears the end of a year-long process to ban the devices.



The Justice Department said Monday that a ban proposal had been sent to the Office of Management and Budget. After a review period that could last up to three months, the proposal will be published in the Federal Register, where the public may comment on it.



It would ban the manufacture, importation and possession of bump stocks. If and when it goes into effect, those who own the devices would be required to destroy them.



A police review released after the 2017 Las Vegas shooting revealed that of the 22 semi-automatic rifles gunman Stephen Paddock had in his hotel room, 14 of them were equipped with bump stocks. The attack left 58 people dead.



The National Rifle Association (NRA), which frequently advocates against legislation restricting firearms, voiced its support of regulations on bump stocks in the aftermath.
The United Nations agency that supports Palestinian refugees withdrew some of its international staff from the Gaza Strip on Monday, saying it was concerned for their safety, a statement from the organization said.

Anger has mounted in Gaza over the past few weeks among Palestinian employees of UNRWA (The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees). Facing a financial crisis, the organization has had to cut jobs in Gaza, sparking strikes and protests.

UNRWA today decided to temporarily withdraw part of its international staff from Gaza following a series of worrying security incidents affecting its personnel in the Strip, the agency said.

UNRWA said its director of operations and other international staff would remain in Gaza and that its operations continue there. A source in Gaza said 13 international staff were withdrawn and six more remained in the Strip.

Earlier today, a number of staff were harassed and prevented from carrying out their duties by individuals protesting recent measures resulting from UNRWAs challenging financial situation, the statement said.

Hani al-Omari, a local UNRWA employee, told Reuters that dozens of people whose jobs were recently cut or reduced had gathered outside a hotel where they heard UNRWA international staff were meeting, some surrounding the vehicle of one of them.

We wanted to send a message to them that they will not be comfortable while they plan to execute us by cutting our jobs, al-Omari said.

UNRWA in its statement called on Gaza authorities to provide effective protection to its employees and facilities.

Gaza is controlled by the Islamist Hamas movement.

Eyad al-Bozom, spokesman for the Hamas-led interior ministry in Gaza, said the ministry was committed to the protection of UNRWAs staff and facilities.

The protection measures did not change, but due to the recent job reductions in the Gaza Strip there has been anger among the employees. We will not let these protests develop and we will not allow any attacks against employees or facilities, he said.

UNRWA provides services to about 5 million Palestinian refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank and Gaza. Most are descendants of some 700,000 Palestinians who were driven out of their homes or fled fighting in the 1948 war that led to Israels creation.

In August, the United States announced a halt in its aid to UNRWA, calling it an irredeemably flawed operation, prompting the organization to appeal to donors for help

UNRWA chief Pierre Krahenbuhl said on Thursday that the agency received contributions of $118 million, narrowing a budget gap for this year to $68 million. The pledges were made at a meeting on the sidelines of the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations in New York.

Gaza has been for years in deep economic crisis. With poverty rampant and unemployment high, many of its two million residents depend on UNRWA services.
Recent U.S. bomber flights over the contested South China Sea could boost the security of Southeast Asian countries that claim the waterway as Washingtons planes help check any maritime expansion by the disputes major player, China.

Analysts believe the periodic B-52 bomber flyovers, including two last month, would give Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam a layer of protection against Beijing, which is pressuring the maritime sovereignty claims of all four in the resource-rich South China Sea.

Stratofortress bomber aircraft conducted operations in the South China Sea and Indian Ocean September 23 and 25, the U.S. militarys Pacific Air Forces said in a statement last week. The B-52-model aircraft had set out from Guam for a routine training mission, the statement said.

Southeast Asian claimant countries should feel encouraged and inspired by the flyovers, which demonstrates U.S. dedication and keenness on countering Chinas behaviors in the region, said Yun Sun, East Asia Program senior associate at the Stimson Center think tank in Washington.

Chinas military protested the move last week as provocative and called for follow-up action.

Air and naval power

China claims about 90 percent of the sea as its own, giving it a lead in access to prized fisheries, fuel deposits and marine shipping lanes. The four Southeast Asian countries and Taiwan claim all or parts of the sea but cannot vie with Chinas military might.

Washington, which does not claim the 3.5 million-square-kilometer sea, insists the South China Sea stay open to international navigation. The U.S. government periodically sends military aircraft in or around the sea, adding to passages of naval vessels called freedom of navigation or FONOP exercises.

In 2015, China protested two American B-52 bombers near the seas Spratly Islands as a provocation that should be prevented, Beijings official Xinhua News Agency said. In June, the U.S. Air Force flew two B-52s to the same place from a base in the Indian Ocean, the Air Force Times online reported then.

Washington is using the flights as a pressure tactic over the two-way trade dispute, said Alan Chong, associate professor at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. The U.S. government has placed import tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese goods this year, part of a campaign this year by President Donald Trump.

The U.S. bomber missions also warn China against over-militarizing the sea, he said.

It creates more maneuvering space for the Pentagon and by extension the Trump Administration, Chong said. And China, I think, will have to watch carefully. Its a development I think most of Southeast Asia would welcome, even if they dont openly admit it, because its a way of signaling to the Chinese that they should not militarize beyond what they have already done.

Southeast Asia on defensive

Southeast Asian countries have tended to stay quiet as Beijing has placed missiles on islets, held naval drills and considered nuclear power stations. Those moves in the sea over the past year follow large-scale landfilling to make small islets ready for new infrastructure.

China also rejected a 2016 world arbitration court ruling, filed by the Philippines, against its legal basis for claiming the sea that stretches from Hong Kong to the island of Borneo. Beijing cites historical records to back its claim.

Some of the countries now accept aid from China, further muting any criticism. Vietnam is seeing an influx of Chinese tourists, while the Philippines is due to get billions of dollars in Chinese development aid.

Officials in the United States said earlier this year they want Vietnam to buy more U.S. weapons. In July, two U.S. ships and an aircraft carrier held joint exercises with the Philippines in the South China Sea.

Analysts say the U.S. military presence can deter China from taking more islets in the sea.

These sorts of bomber flights, they are not exactly new, they have been carried out for quite some time, so in a way it is meant to impress upon not just to China, but also to the other potential actors around the area of the U.S. resolve to be present in that area, said Collin Koh, maritime security research fellow at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.

The U.S. Air Force will not roll back its B-52 flights and could increase them, Koh added.

Southeast Asian countries accept the U.S. military presence because they expect no conflict with the United States, said Jonathan Spangler, director of the South China Sea Think Tank in Taipei.

Most claimants in the South China Sea feel less threatened by the U.S. military presence than the Chinese military presence, thats for certain, Spangler said. As a result, the U.S. military presence can be reassuring relative to the Chinese military presence, which can be cause for unease.
FBI agents interviewed one of the three women who have accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct as Republicans and Democrats quarreled over whether the bureau would have enough time and freedom to conduct a thorough investigation before a high-stakes vote on his nomination to the nation's highest court.

The White House insisted it was not "micromanaging" the new one-week review of Kavanaugh's background but some Democratic lawmakers claimed the White House was keeping investigators from interviewing certain witnesses. President Donald Trump, for his part, tweeted that no matter how much time and discretion the FBI was given, "it will never be enough" for Democrats trying to keep Kavanaugh off the bench.



And even as the FBI explored the past allegations that have surfaced against Kavanaugh, another Yale classmate came forward to accuse the federal appellate judge of being untruthful in his testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee about the extent of his drinking in college.



In speaking to FBI agents, Deborah Ramirez detailed her allegation that Kavanaugh exposed himself to her at a party in the early 1980s when they were students at Yale University, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to publicly discuss details of a confidential investigation.



Kavanaugh has denied Ramirez's allegation.



The person familiar with Ramirez's questioning, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said she also provided investigators with the names of others who she said could corroborate her account.



But Christine Blasey Ford, a California professor who says Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were teenagers, has not been contacted by the FBI since Trump on Friday ordered the agency to take another look at the nominee's background, according to a member of Ford's team.

Kavanaugh has denied assaulting Ford.



In a statement released Sunday, a Yale classmate of Kavanaugh's said he is "deeply troubled by what has been a blatant mischaracterization by Brett himself of his drinking at Yale." Charles "Chad" Ludington, who now teaches at North Carolina State University, said he was a friend of Kavanaugh's at Yale and that Kavanaugh was "a frequent drinker, and a heavy drinker."



"On many occasions I heard Brett slur his words and saw him staggering from alcohol consumption, not all of which was beer. When Brett got drunk, he was often belligerent and aggressive," Ludington said. While saying that youthful drinking should not condemn a person for life, Ludington said he was concerned about Kavanaugh's statements under oath before the Senate Judiciary Committee.



Speaking to the issue of the scope of the FBI's investigation, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said White House counsel Don McGahn, who is managing Kavanaugh's nomination, "has allowed the Senate to dictate what these terms look like, and what the scope of the investigation is."



"The White House isn't intervening. We're not micromanaging this process. It's a Senate process. It has been from the beginning, and we're letting the Senate continue to dictate what the terms look like," Sanders said.

White House counselor Kellyanne Conway said the investigation will be "limited in scope" and "will not be a fishing expedition. The FBI is not tasked to do that."



Senate Judiciary Committee member Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., requested an investigation last Friday  after he and other Republicans on the panel voted along strict party lines in favor of Kavanaugh's confirmation  as a condition for his own subsequent vote to put Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court.



Another committee member, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said Sunday that testimony would be taken from Ramirez and Kavanaugh's high school friend Mark Judge, who has been named by two of three women accusing Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct.



"I think that will be the scope of it. And that should be the scope of it," Graham said.



Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, called on the White House and the FBI to provide the written directive regarding the investigation's scope. In a letter Sunday, she also asked for updates on any expansion of the original directive.



Sen. Susan Collins said Sunday she is confident in the investigation and "that the FBI will follow up on any leads that result from the interviews." The Maine Republican supports the new FBI investigation and is among a few Republican and Democratic senators who have not announced a position on Kavanaugh.



Republicans control 51 seats in the closely divided 100-member Senate and cannot afford to lose more than one vote on confirmation.



Collins and Flake spoke throughout the weekend.



Senate Republicans discussed the contours of the investigation with the White House late Friday, according to a person familiar with the call who was not authorized to discuss it publicly.



Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., had gathered Judiciary Committee Republicans in his office earlier. At that time, the scope of the investigation was requested by Flake, Collins and Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, said McConnell's spokesman Don Stewart.



Murkowski is not on the committee, but also has not announced how she will vote on Kavanaugh's confirmation.



Republicans later called the White House to discuss the scope of the probe, the person said.



McConnell's office declined to elaborate Sunday on which allegations would be investigated, reiterating only that it would focus on "current credible allegations." Stewart said the investigation's scope "was set" by the three GOP senators Friday and "has not changed."



But Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, a Judiciary Committee member, doubted how credible the investigation will be, given the time limit.



"That's bad enough, but then to limit the FBI as to the scope and who they're going to question, that  that really  I wanted to use the word farce, but that's not the kind of investigation that all of us are expecting the FBI to conduct,'' she said.



Trump initially opposed such an investigation as allegations began mounting but relented and ordered one on Friday. He later said the FBI has "free rein.''



"They're going to do whatever they have to do, whatever it is they do. They'll be doing things that we have never even thought of," Trump said Saturday as he departed the White House for a trip to West Virginia. "And hopefully at the conclusion everything will be fine."



He revisited the "scope" question later Saturday on Twitter, writing in part, "I want them to interview whoever they deem appropriate, at their discretion."



Sanders said Trump, who has vigorously defended Kavanaugh but also raised the slight possibility of withdrawing the nomination should damaging information be found, "will listen to the facts."



At least three women have accused Kavanaugh of years-ago misconduct. He denies all the claims.



The third woman, Julie Swetnick, accused Kavanaugh and Judge of excessive drinking and inappropriate treatment of women in the early 1980s, among other accusations. Kavanaugh has called her accusations a "joke." Judge has said he "categorically" denies the allegations.



Swetnick's attorney, Michael Avenatti, said Saturday that his client had not been contacted by the FBI but was willing to cooperate with investigators.



Ford also has said Judge was in the room when a drunken Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her. Judge has said he will cooperate with any law enforcement agency that will "confidentially investigate" sexual misconduct allegations against him and Kavanaugh. Judge has also denied misconduct allegations.



Sanders spoke on "Fox News Sunday," Conway appeared on CNN's "State of the Union" and Graham and Hirono were interviewed on ABC's "This Week."
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stratovolcano 365 m / 1,197 ftNortheast of New Guinea, Papua New Guinea, -3.63S / 144.63E(3 out of 5)2018, 1700 (?)explosive

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While the United States is growing strongly because of tax cuts and easy financial conditions, there are signs of slowing in Europe and Japan, she said. China is also showing signs of growth moderation, a trend that will be exacerbated by its trade disputes with the United States, which has imposed tariffs on $250 billion worth of imports from China and is threatening duties on $267 billion more.
Canada agreed late Sunday to join the trade deal that the United States and Mexico reached last month, meeting negotiators self-imposed midnight deadline designed to allow the current Mexican president to sign the accord on his final day in office and giving President Trump a big win on trade.

The new agreement, preserving the three-country format of the original North American Free Trade Agreement favored by business groups and congressional Republicans, is expected to be signed by Trump and his Canadian and Mexican counterparts in 60 days, with Congress likely to act on it next year.

Senior administration officials told reporters on a late-night conference call that the deal validated Trumps approach to trade policy and fulfilled an important campaign promise to overhaul an agreement he had disparaged as one of the worst trade deals ever made.

The new agreement, the officials said, represents a template for the Trump administration playbook for future trade deals designed to boost worker earnings and strengthen the American economy.

Administration officials anticipate a fierce political battle to win congressional approval, especially if Democrats regain control of the House of Representatives in November.

We will enter October with a trilateral North American trade deal, said Dan Ujczo, a trade lawyer with Dickinson Wright. This was the least difficult part. The heavy lift is going to be getting a trade deal through the next Congress in 2019 as well as ratification by Mexicos new Congress and in Canada during a federal election year.

Securing a replacement for the nearly 25-year-old NAFTA would be a major accomplishment for Trump and his chief trade negotiator, Robert E. Lighthizer. The president, long a NAFTA critic, has complained that the original agreement cost the United States millions of factory jobs and led to persistent U.S. trade deficits with its southern neighbor.

[U.S., Canada and Mexico just reached a sweeping new NAFTA deal. Heres whats in it.]

Trump plans to tout the new agreement in a news conference in the Rose Garden at the White House at 11 a.m. Monday.

In Monday morning tweets, Trump hailed it as a historic transaction.

It is a great deal for all three countries, solves the many deficiencies and mistakes in NAFTA, greatly opens markets to our Farmers and Manufacturers, reduce Trade Barriers to the U.S. and will bring all three Great Nations closer together in competition with the rest of the world, Trump said.

After 20 months in the White House, the president has upended relations with countries that account for roughly two-thirds of the $3.9 trillion in goods that the U.S. buys and sells globally.

He has refreshed existing trade deals with South Korea and, now, his North American neighbors, and threatened China with new trade barriers and investment limits unless it abandons its state-backed economic model.

Like no American president since the 1930s, Trump has embraced tariffs as his weapon of choice in a multi-front trade war that he vows will return prosperity to shuttered American factories even as critics complain they will cost several jobs for each one they create.

Officials touted auto industry provisions in the new agreement that they said would return billions of dollars of production to the United States, improved access to Canadian dairy markets, and a review every six years that would prevent the new agreement from becoming outdated.

The also addressed e-commerce with new intellectual property protections, including decade-long patents for biologic drugs.

Everything were doing is designed to lead to higher incomes, higher wages, and a higher standard of living for Americans, said one senior administration official, who insisted upon anonymity to brief reporters.

The deal also includes stronger protections for labor rights, the environment and intellectual property than did Obama-era trade deals, the official said.

Administration officials have insisted that they needed to release the text of the new deal  with both countries or only Mexico  by Sept. 30. That would comply with a congressional notification requirement and allow Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto to sign the deal on his last day in office, they said.

Officials said they wanted it signed before the new Mexican president, left-wing populist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, took office in case he sought changes. But Lopez Obrador said Friday that he would not try to reopen talks, calling into question the validity of the negotiators self-imposed deadline.

The fact that the administration is so eager to press to a deal, despite [the] statement that he has no intention of renegotiating, suggests that the real quest here is for a deal to wave around during the next month of midterm campaigning, said Phil Levy, a former White House economist in the George W. Bush administration.

Since the three-nation talks began in August 2017, negotiators have declared and missed several deadlines.

The new deal preserves a regional economic unit that enables North American manufacturers, particularly in the auto industry, to compete against global rivals. Canada and Mexico rank first and second among export markets for U.S. companies. Total U.S. trade with the two countries last year topped $1.1 trillion.

A central objective for the new agreement is restoring North America as a manufacturing powerhouse by encouraging U.S. companies to use domestic suppliers rather than companies based elsewhere, Navarro said.

The agreement will require that 75 percent of vehicles granted duty-free treatment be made in North America vs. the current 62.5 percent mandate. It will also require greater use of domestic steel and other materials and establish a new requirement for work to be performed by those earning at least $16 an hour, which will benefit the United States and Canada at the expense of Mexico.

NAFTA took effect in 1994 with bipartisan support from President Bill Clinton and former president George H.W. Bush, whose administration negotiated the original agreement.

But the was controversial from the start. Critics included American labor unions and Ross Perot, a businessman and third-party presidential candidate, who warned of a giant sucking sound as employers would relocate jobs to low-wage Mexico.

The president last week said he would no longer use the NAFTA name, instead christening the new deal the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement, or USMCA.

USMCA will give our workers, farmers, ranchers and businesses a high-standard trade agreement that will result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region, Lighthizer and Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a joint statement released less than 30 minutes before the deadline. It will strengthen the middle class, and create good, well-paying jobs and new opportunities for the nearly half billion people who call North America home.

Damian Paletta contributed to this report.
You might recall that Donald Trumps visit to North Carolina after the hurricane did not comfort everyone, Colbert said before describing the presidents fascination with one particular boat that had washed ashore. He made so many kind of odd comments about that boat that as a joke  ha ha  we turned all of those comments into a childrens book made up entirely of quotes of Trump touring hurricane damage.
Termen Extins: Terre des hommes Moldova este in cautarea unui /unei consultant/e sau a unei echipe de consultanti, care va elabora un program de instruire pentru adolescenti (14 - 18 ani) in domeniul dezvoltarii competentei digitale
Technically, the most remarkable element is clay, as fashioned by Janice Jakielski. She makes near-replicas of elegant pottery in well-known European, Asian and Middle Eastern styles. Rather than emulate the originals exactly, however, the artist constructs her likenesses with slices of porcelain. These are essentially pages, bound like books and splayed into the shapes of vases and bowls, sometimes complete with painted ceramic flowers. Amusing and impressive at the same time, Jakielskis creations combine the delicacy of Sevres and Meissen ceramics with the flexibility of a pop-up book.
Both actors succeed in suggesting their characters intellectual curiosity, necessary given the cosmically searching notions that Stephens (Tony-winning playwright of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) embeds in his dialogue. Heisenbergs uncertainty principle (which Georgie refers to) should be permanently retired as a literary metaphor, given all the writers who have mined it over the years, and it feels well-worn here. (The quantum-mechanics principle states that an objects velocity and position cannot both be measured with precision simultaneously, even theoretically.) But Stephens does broaden the idea in a tangy way, relating it to the gaps between notes of music, people and human actions, and eventually parlaying it into a heartwarming argument for existential freedom.
If the floors look dull even after cleaning, it is probably time to coat with another layer of finish. You or a hardwood floor refinisher will need to scuff up the surface slightly, then apply new finish. This is called screen and recoat or sometimes buff and recoat, because the prep work is done with a floor-buffing machine fitted with a mesh pad encrusted with fine abrasives. The screen scratches up the old finish just enough so that a new coat sticks; it is far less aggressive than using sandpaper, which will wear through the finish. Recoating floors before the finish wears through saves money and keeps you from having to sand down to bare, clean wood, which inevitably wears away some of the wood.
You can call it the resistance, but its not  I reject that label, said Susan Glasser of the New Yorker, pushing back against Greenfields assertion on CNNs Reliable Sources program Sunday and making the case that the press is doing its job of trying to get at the truth. (Greenfield significantly softened his critique by allowing that the political situation may justify what he perceives as an anti-Trump slant on CNN and elsewhere, not only in covering Kavanaugh but over Trumps past two years: It may be that the facts justify it.)
The newspaper also said it disavowed and retracted another statement in the column: Also, why hasnt Aaron Rich been interviewed [by law enforcement], and where is he? In fact, the Times said, it now understands that law enforcement officials have interviewed Mr. Rich and that he has cooperated with their investigation. The Washington Times did not intend to imply that Mr. Rich has obstructed justice in any way.
The package includes culvert projects, expansion of a channel for the Tiber River, creation of new open space along the Patuxent and the controversial proposal to purchase and raze 19 buildings, including 10 in the historic district. Officials say removing buildings would create an open space to deepen and expand the channel to slow floodwaters. The county anticipates $20 million to $30 million in state and federal funding for the $50 million plan, according to Paul Milton, an aide to Kittleman.
The sharing economy is here to stay, and we want Washingtonians to have every opportunity to benefit from these industries, spokeswoman LaToya Foster said in an email. The Mayor wants to ensure that any regulations put in place are about building a more equitable and inclusive DC  not about locking Washingtonians out of emerging and profitable markets.
Hardly a month goes by without Bowser (D) being hounded by activists who say she is not doing enough to help immigrants caught up in President Trumps crackdown against migrants in the country illegally.
Last weekend, four people were wounded in a shooting in the 1800 block of Benning Road. Then on Monday, Marquiawn Williams, 25, was fatally shot in the same block, according to police. On Tuesday, two men were wounded in a shooting in the 2300 block of Benning Road NE.
Pinkney, who also lived in Southeast, was fatally shot about 1 p.m. that Sunday near the intersection of Stanton and Pomeroy roads. His family and friends said he was shot in the back as he ran from shots fired during a neighborhood dispute.
When Hogan was being treated for advanced non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 2015, Rutherford often filled in for the governor, attending ribbon-cuttings and other events. But he clearly prefers the nuts and bolts of governing to the more ceremonial parts of politics. In an interview, he was more animated talking about a commission he leads on how to break the cycle of multigenerational poverty than he was when talking about the campaign trail.
At times, his books seemed like efforts to understand his own life. In Generation Exodus (2000), he wrote about the young Jews who escaped Nazi Germany, and in The Terrible Secret (1980), he explored outside knowledge of the Holocaust as it was unfolding. In the latter volume, which documented what he regarded as failures to understand and act among Jewish and non-Jewish leaders around the world, he wrote that when all allowances have been made, when all mitigating circumstances have been accorded, it is still true that few come out of the story unblemished.
The latest charge expands the corruption case and provides new details as to what kind of information Jennings allegedly fed Turner and his girlfriend, who police said often acted as an intermediary. The documents say the information Jennings obtained provided Turner and others with knowledge about police investigations and about their own status as defendants or suspects. The tips helped them in evading apprehension and facilitating further violent acts.
Jim said the societys goal is to have a swimmable, fishable Anacostia by the year 2025. Already, there are signs of progress. Plenty of trash floats on the surface and is caught in traps the AWS maintains, but theres a lot less than in past decades, when you could practically walk across the surface on a mattress of bottles. Rowers have come back. Theres a bike path that runs along the river.
Congress initially required railroads to install PTC by the end of 2015. But as the deadline approached, the industry argued successfully that the technology was too complicated and not fully developed. Railroads argued that the nearly $15 billion required to educate rail workers and install onboard computers in engines and communication towers along more than 40 percent of the nations 134,000 miles of freight and commuter lines was prohibitive.
The Democratic Party has always made the biggest difference in the lives of the American people when we lead with conviction, principle, and bold, new ideas, Obama said in a written statement. Our incredible array of candidates up and down the ticket, all across the country, make up a movement of citizens who are younger, more diverse, more female than ever before. Theyre Americans who arent just running against something, but for something. Theyre running to expand opportunity and restore the honor and compassion that should be the essence of public service. Im proud to endorse so many of them today, and Im eager to continue making the case for why they deserve our votes this November.
We believed arrangements were being made in good faith when campaign manager Katey Price confirmed on August 21, 2018, that the Brat campaign would participate in the October 25, 2018 debate, the letter said. Subsequently, Ms. Price conducted a walkthrough of the proposed debate venue on September 12 with the host, local TV affiliate WTVR, in attendance. The Brat [campaign] re-confirmed their participation in the debate during the walkthrough.
Scout dies after sand collapse: Police say a 12-year-old Boy Scout has died after being buried by sand at a Michigan park. South Haven police told TV station WWMT that Gage Wilson dug into the side of a sand dune Saturday and crawled into the small space. The sand collapsed while he was inside at Van Buren State Park in southwestern Michigan. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Allison acknowledged that researchers have much more work ahead to make the new treatments help more patients  most likely by using them with other types of therapies. The biggest challenge, he said in an interview, is to develop the right combinations to get the percentage of patients who respond much higher. Its just going to take a while.
Head of Pakistan-administered Kashmir says India shot at his helicopter: The leader of the Pakistani-administered section of Kashmir said Indian troops shot at his helicopter near the disputed frontier. Muslim-majority Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan, both of which claim the region in full. Farooq Haider Khan, prime minister of the Azad Kashmir region, said his civilian helicopter was fired upon from across the Line of Control, which acts as a de facto border between the two countries. "We were within our own airspace," his office said. The Indian army disputes that.
As a lesser matter, this approach is bad politics. Those who accept the preference of the state eventually share in the fate of the state. What happens when new leaders take control, as they always do? How are those identified with the old regime treated by the new? Will a different president accept the sputtering excuses of evangelical leaders who lent their authority to bigotry? It is a fair bet they will be treated in the next Democratic administration like members of the ACLU are treated in this one  as political players, political enemies and political targets.
Since his arrival a few weeks ago to represent the new Colombian government under President Ivan Duque, Santos has been attempting the near-impossible: to induce a Trump-obsessed Washington to focus on the most serious political and humanitarian crisis in the Americas in decades. Under the disastrous management of its authoritarian socialist regime, Venezuelas economic output has plummeted by half in five years. A staggering 60 percent of the population say they have lost weight because of a lack of food. Some 2 million people out of a population of 31 million have already left the country  and more are pouring out, at a rate exceeding 15,000 per day.
At the time, the National Rifle Association described me as a valuable ally for gun owners and sportsmen. While the NRA may have moved toward the extreme in the years since, I still believe in the Second Amendment. But like other parts of our Constitution, the Second Amendment isnt absolute. For example, the law has long held that certain guns such as fully automatic rifles and accessories such as suppressors fall into a class of weapons requiring stricter oversight and regulation than your everyday hunting rifle.
She also took a polygraph test, administered by a retired FBI agent, which showed no signs of deception in her claim that she was sexually assaulted and that Kavanaugh was the person who attacked her. To be sure, polygraphs, like many investigative tools, are not perfect. They can sometimes produce false results, particularly if the person being tested has been trained to evade them. But as the National Research Council observes, the test is most accurate when used to examine a specific set of events  such as specific allegations of sexual assault or other specific instances of past behavior (which is how the test was used when questioning Ford, and how it would be used to question Kavanaugh). In that setting, the National Research Council concludes that polygraph tests can discriminate lying from truth-telling at rates well above chance, so long as the subject is untrained in countermeasures.
BAD AS gun violence is in the United States, there is a region of the world where your chances of being murdered with a firearm are 4.2 times greater. We refer to the area between the Rio Grande and Tierra del Fuego, where the number of gun deaths per 100,000 people reached 16.21 in 2016, vs. 3.85 in this country. There are 400 homicides, from all methods and weapons, in Latin America and the Caribbean each day, according to the Wall Street Journal. With just 8 percent of the worlds population, Latin America accounts for about a third of all murders. Were talking about criminal violence, not political strife; and it is especially intense in countries such as El Salvador, where the murder rate topped 80 per 100,000 in 2016, and Venezuela, where it may be even higher than that.
But poverty is not just the absence of cash. Perpetuation of serious youth unemployment and lack of earning capacity leads to crime and drug abuse, which are often a function of bad local public policies. For example, the state of New South Wales in Australia has been encouraged to shift its budget priorities (by foundations such as the Open Society Institute and other charities) from building prisons and incarcerating Aborigines. The Back of Bourke project has provided vocational training and supported local peer group judicial decision-making for over two years. The problem is that Aborigines make up 2 percent of the national population but account for over 25 percent of its inmates. Since the start of this innovative project, domestic violence has dropped, crimes committed by children have fallen, school attendance has risen, and far fewer have been suspended from school.
The first of these provisions, Article 11, grants publishers the right to request payment from online platforms that share their stories. The aim is to protect newspapers from companies coopting their audiences; requiring sites to limit the amount of an articles content they and their users display might be reasonable. But it is very different from requiring them to allow nothing more than individual words or stand-alone hyperlinks, which are less enticing to consumers who want to know what they are clicking on. A European Commission study found that newspapers actually benefit from exposure on news aggregators. That means publications could suffer if platforms decide its not worth negotiating with them. Smaller ones are more likely to lose out.
The United States will never match Chinas maniacal, frequently unethical, win-at-all-costs commercial culture. On the other hand, there is nothing to stop it from investing in smart infrastructure and recognizing the social gains from rich data before it regulates its tech titans. But the really obvious imperative is the one that Trump mangles completely: The United States should make the most of its attractiveness to immigrants. Whatever Chinas progress, most talented people would prefer to live in the United States  for its intellectual and personal freedom, for the security afforded by the rule of law, for its culture and its heroes.
That worried Roberts. If you permit the designation of something as critical habitat that cannot be occupied by the animal, because you think they can do something down the road that will cure the problem . . . you ought to be able to articulate what the limit is on what you require down the road, Roberts said.
The memo is likely to prompt significant pushback from Democratic senators, who have argued that Ford is not on trial and that Kavanaugh is merely interviewing for a job. But the memo is clearly aimed at assuaging the concerns of a handful of GOP senators who are on the fence about whether to vote to confirm Kavanaugh and are considering whose story  Fords or Kavanaughs  to believe.
Trump  who is scheduled to headline rallies this week in Tennessee, Mississippi, Minnesota and Kansas  also took aim at crazy Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who has not shut the door to a 2020 bid, and the president made what appeared to be his first campaign-trail swipe at Booker. The former Newark mayor, who will make a trip to Iowa this week, was ridiculed by Republicans weeks ago for dramatically calling for the release of documents from Kavanaugh in an episode Booker described as his I am Spartacus moment.
Kavanaughs defenders, reflecting widespread feelings among conservatives nationally, are furious about what they see as a broad-brush approach to sexual misconduct allegations. They say the federal judge is being caught in a #MeToo riptide and unfairly grouped with serial predators  such as entertainer Bill Cosby, who has been accused of sexual assault or harassment by more than 60 women and was sentenced last week to three to 10 years in prison for drugging and assaulting one of them.
And as he had repeatedly done in recent days, Trump chastised Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) for keeping private the allegation against Kavanaugh from Christine Blasey Ford, who accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her when they were teenagers. Feinstein, Blumenthal and Booker all sit on the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Feinstein has said she kept Fords allegation private at her request.
Batik 6231, Runway 33 clear for take off, came the calm voice of the air traffic controller, 21-year-old Anthonius Gunawan Agung, as Mafella took off minutes ahead of schedule. It was not until later that the pilot realized that just as his wheels lifted into the air, severe tremors from a 7.5-magnitude earthquake shook the ground, causing massive cracks in the runway and prompting the controller to jump from the tower as its roof was caving in.
Shortly after making that remark, Zemmour asked whether he could review his comments, which were also recorded, before publication, a practice not uncommon in French media. When told no, he balked. France has strict hate speech laws, and others, notably historian Georges Bensoussan, have recently been taken to court over similar comments about Muslims. Zemmour  who was convicted of inciting racial hatred for saying on public television in 2011 that employers had a right to refuse blacks and Arabs  was not sure that things would go his way in a repeat scenario. If I go to prison because of this, you can bring me oranges, he said at the end of the interview.
At least four of the missiles landed in the Hajin area of eastern Syria, where the Islamic State is still active, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Revolutionary Guard said the missiles traveled some 350 miles from Irans Kermanshah province to their targets in Syria. Iran, however, commands a number of loyal proxy forces in Syria that are stationed nearby.


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Sixty years ago, NASA opened for business with first try at moonshot



October 1, 2018  Ten days after it officially began operations in 1958, NASA attempted its first moonshot.



Sixty years ago Monday (Oct. 1), NASA, or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, opened for business, as authorized by Congress and President Dwight D. Eisenhower the previous July. The nascent civilian agency was tasked with planning, directing and conducting the nation's aviation and space activities.



As its first order of business, NASA launched an inherited mission  the second try by the U.S. to send a probe to the moon.



L-minus 10 days



NASA emerged from the shadow of Sputnik. Launched Oct. 4, 1957, the world's first satellite marked the Soviet Union's first lob in the burgeoning space race with the United States. By the time NASA opened its doors a year later, the score was three to four satellites in Earth orbit  with the U.S. in the lead.



Of those four early U.S. launches, three were conducted by the Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) and one was overseen by the Navy. The latter, Vanguard 1, remains in orbit today, 60 years later, and is not expected to fall back to Earth for another 200 years.



On Aug. 17, 1958, two months before NASA came to be, the Advanced Research Project Agency and the Air Force attempted the world's first launch of a probe out of Earth's orbit. Lifting off from Launch Complex 17A at the Eastern Test Range (now Cape Canaveral Air Force Station) in Florida, a modified Thor ballistic missile carried the Able 1 probe skyward.



The squat, conical spacecraft weighed 80 pounds (36 kilograms) and was painted with black and white stripes to help control its internal temperature. Its mission was to record thermal radiation levels using an infrared TV scanner to measure reflected light from the lunar surface.



Able 1, though, never came close to the moon. Seventy-seven seconds into flight, the Thor's first stage exploded 3 miles (15 kilometers) off the ground.



The ABMA and Air Force were preparing to try again when NASA took over. The launch of Able 2  now renamed Pioneer 1  was poised for Oct. 11, 1958, just 10 days into NASA's history.



If at first...



The launch was set for 4:42 a.m. EST (0842 GMT) from Cape Canaveral. As with the prior attempt, a Thor missile stood poised to loft the 30-inch-tall (75-cm) Pioneer 1 to the moon (the earlier Able 1 was retroactively renamed Pioneer 0).



With NASA at the helm, the ABMA and Air Force now served as consultants on the mission.



Like its ill-fated predecessor, Pioneer 1 was aimed at scanning the lunar surface in infrared and was equipped with a microphone to detect micrometeorites as well as a spin-coil magnetometer to measure magnetic fields.



If successful, it would be NASA's first moon mission, 11 years before it would send astronauts to land on its surface.



Unfortunately, it was not to be. A guidance error resulted in a premature cut off of the Thor's second stage, which in turn caused the second and third stages to bump into each other during separation. An attempt to regain enough velocity to head off for the moon fell short and, unable to escape the pull of Earth's gravity, Pioneer 1 re-entered the atmosphere 43 hours and 17 seconds after it launched.



But NASA's first mission was not a total failure. Pioneer 1 reached an altitude of about 71,800 miles (114,000 kilometers), high enough for its instruments to return data about the Van Allen radiation belts and micrometeorite impact rates.



'NASA' in space



NASA followed up Pioneer 1 with Pioneer 2, an upgraded, third attempt at sending a probe to the moon, but that too failed after lifting off on Nov. 8, 1958.



It took another four months before NASA could claim a success. Pioneer 4, which launched on March 3, 1959, flew within 37,300 miles (60,000 km) of the moon and returned radiation data about cislunar space.



But it was neither Pioneer 1, 2 or 4 that was the first to put "NASA" in space. The first two probes launched after the space agency was "born" flew on Thor missiles with U.S. Air Force markings. Rather, it was the launch of Pioneer 3 on Dec. 6, 1958  while not successful  that was the first to use a rocket emblazoned with the letters "N-A-S-A" on its side.



In the 60 years since, NASA has launched more than 200 missions, including 76 lunar and planetary missions, 32 astronomy missions, 116 satellites to study Earth and more than 160 human spaceflight missions.



Pioneer 1, NASA's first mission and its first attempt at a moonshot, launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida on Oct. 11, 1958, ten days after the space agency opened for business. (NASA)





NASA's logo for its 60th anniversary on Oct. 1, 2018. (NASA)





The first rocket to be emblazoned with the letters "N-A-S-A" lifted off with the Pioneer 3 lunar probe in December 1958. Pictured, the similar Thor rocket that launched Pioneer 4 in March 1959, the nascent space agency's first successful flyby of the moon. (NASA)



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House Republicans want to interview Comey, as well as several other witnesses, as part of their own probe into the FBI and Justice Departments conduct in the 2016 election. In addition to Comey, they are seeking testimony from former attorney general Loretta E. Lynch, former acting attorney general Sally Yates, former Trump campaign aide George Papadopoulos  who recently pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI  and Glenn Simpson, the head of Fusion GPS, the research firm behind a dossier detailing allegations of Trumps business and personal ties to Russia.
A young actor with a bushy goatee, cast as a Satanist on a murder-mystery show called "Solve," sat facing a camera on a stuffy, no-frills set in July. Six tenderfoot crew members stood sweating in the shadows nearby. One was staring at his iPhone's stopwatch.

"Now give me a take where you're exhausted," the director, doubling as a camera operator, told the actor. "You've been up all night worshipping Satan in this one. Ready? Action!"

Elisabeth Murdoch with her grandmother Dame Elisabeth and brother Lachlan in 2012. Credit:Pat Scala

It was no good. "Too long," the iPhone guy said glumly. "That was 22 seconds." Orders were given to redo the scene  preferably in an 18-second take. Perhaps try a "jittery" Satanist.

This is the down-and-dirty future of television as practiced by Vertical Networks, a startup founded by Elisabeth Murdoch, the media entrepreneur whose father is Rupert Murdoch. While her dad and brothers, Lachlan and James, have been busy selling the family's old-line studios to the Walt Disney Co., she has quietly built Vertical into a major supplier of app-based video series for mobile devices. The stories are told in short bursts (20-second scenes, episodes that last mere minutes) that rely on whiz-bang production techniques (split screens, on-screen text) and are filmed vertically instead of horizontally: MTV for Generation Z.
Just hours after he was named the new captain of the Australian rugby league team, South Sydney Rabbitohs star Greg Inglis was allegedly clocked speeding along the Great Western Highway at Lithgow.

A subsequent breath test allegedly returned a positive result.

Greg Inglis in action at the Koori Knockout ahead of being named Kangaroos captain. Credit:Amy McIntyre

Inglis, who was returning to Sydney from Dubbo where he had been playing in the Koori Knockout, was arrested and taken to Lithgow Police Station where he underwent a breath analysis, allegedly returning a reading of 0.085.

In a statement, NSW Police on Monday said: "About 2.15pm today officers attached to the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were conducting stationary speed enforcement on the Great Western Highway at Lithgow when they detected a black Mercedes-Benz travelling above the speed limit.
An emergency warning for a bushfire raging in near Kununurra has been downgraded to a watch and act.

The fire was first started in the Keep River National Park on Sunday and was reported to authorities at 5.30pm on Monday.

The bushfire threat in Kununurra has been downgraded. Credit:DFES

It was quickly deemed an emergency situation by firefighters.

The fire has since burned through 74,000 hectares and a watch and act alert remains active for people living north of the Kununurra townsite in the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley.
You complete moron! thundered the politician to the journalist. You are such a moron its hard to know where to begin .. you dumb prick  to stand in judgment of me and impugn my character and pretend youre something more than a third-rate hack ... Dont think Im blind to whos making the bullets you fire ... your judgment will be shown to be completely fucked.

The politician went on like this for some minutes, before pivoting to anxiety, and then, finally, something close to despair, asking the journalist what he thought should be done to fix the political mess at issue.

Former ABC chairman Justin Milne apparently knew what the government wanted. Credit:AAP

The scene is fiction, of course. It comes from The Marmalade Files, a book by Steve Lewis, formerly a high-up News Corp press gallery journalist, and Chris Uhlmann, former ABC political editor, now at Channel Nine.

Fiction, sure, but the best authors write what they know.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has indicated a GST fix for Western Australia is well on its way, saying he expects bipartisan support when it comes to legislating for a fairer share for the state.

Speaking to Perth reporters on Monday flanked by federal Minister for Finance and WA MP Mathias Cormann, Attorney General Christian Porter and MP Michaelia Cash, Mr Morrison again backed his proposed three-step GST reform.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Finance Mathias Cormann during a visit to Northlink WA Central Section Site on Monday. Credit:AAP

The reform could see Western Australia $4.7 billion better off over the course of eight years if signed off on in parliament.

"Its great to see the WA economy starting to bounce back, its great to see the optimism, and its great to see the spirit that is here," he said.
Skopje: Macedonia's Prime Minister has pledged to press on with a vote in Parliament to change the country's name, although his coalition acknowledged a referendum appeared to have failed to secure the 50 per cent turnout needed to make it legally valid.

A supporter of a movement for voters to boycott the referendum celebrates in central Skopje, Macedonia, after election officials revealed low turnout figures. Credit:AP

The proposed name change is part of an agreement reached in June by pro-Western Prime Minister Zoran Zaev with Macedonia's neighbour Greece to resolve a decades-old dispute that had prevented Macedonia from joining NATO or the EU.

Under the agreement, Macedonia would change its name to the Republic of North Macedonia. Greece, which has a province called Macedonia, has maintained that its northern neighbour's name represents a claim on its territory.
Tehran: Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said on Monday that it launched ballistic missiles into eastern Syria, targeting militants the force blames for a recent attack on a military parade in Iran.

The launch was the Islamic Republic's second such missile attack on Syria in over a year.

Iranian state television and the state-run IRNA news agency said the attacks "killed and wounded" militants in Syria, without elaborating. Syrian state media did not immediately acknowledge the strike.

The TV aired footage of one of its reporters standing by as one of the missiles was launched, identifying the area as being in Iran's western province of Kermanshah. A state TV-aired graphic suggested the missiles flew over central Iraq near the city of Tikrit before landing near the city of Abu Kamal, in the far southeast of Syria.
By: Associated Press

October 1, 2018

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (AP) - Two horses were euthanized and their jockeys had to be treated for injuries after a collision during training at Gulfstream Park.

In a WPLG-TV report , Hallandale Beach Fire Rescue said the horses were so badly injured in the collision early Saturday that they needed to be euthanized.

Gulfstream spokesman David Joseph said one of the horses ran off with a female rider and struck a second horse and its practice rider.

Joseph said one jockey suffered a fractured jaw, while the other was treated at a hospital for a minor injury.

The collision did not affect the Florida Sire Stakes at the racetrack later Saturday.
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO  I was always good at organizing, the widow told a packed courtroom as she testified about her management of a restaurant, the Pink Skirt, which had been purchased for her by her husband, real estate developer Adam Anhang, months before he was slain in San Juan in 2005.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 1/10/2018 (1139 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO  "I was always good at organizing," the widow told a packed courtroom as she testified about her management of a restaurant, the Pink Skirt, which had been purchased for her by her husband, real estate developer Adam Anhang, months before he was slain in San Juan in 2005.

Aurea Vazquez-Rijos also organized a pre-nuptial agreement with her husband that would pay her $8 million after his death. She organized a quiet wedding that excluded his family; and she organized a new life in Europe while under indictment for murder conspiracy in Puerto Rico, a territory of the United States.

Adam Anhang was slain in San Juan in 2005.

While in Italy, the jury heard, the widow also organized a complex forgery scheme to secure the support of the Jewish community in Florence. Newspaper headlines there characterized her as "Vedova Nera"  the black widow.

This week, a San Juan jury will decide if her skill at organizing included Anhangs slaying, after a trial that has been closely watched on this island. Vazquez-Rijos, a 38-year-old former beauty pageant contestant, is charged with plotting his killing, along with her sister, Marcia Vazquez-Rijos, and Marcias former boyfriend, Jose Ferrer-Sosa.

The jury is expected to begin deliberating today after testimony wrapped up Friday.

Its been a tabloid-worthy story of hit men and drug dealing; of love letters and infidelity; of promises and betrayal. And most poignantly, the story of a 32-year-old Winnipeg-born man who was beaten and stabbed to death on a cobblestone street, after he shouted at his wife to, "Run, baby, run."

Carlos Giusti / El Vocero Files Aurea Vazquez-Rijos is accused of ordering the murder of her husband,Winnipeg-born developer Adam Anhang.

Ironically, the jury heard those words not from his widow, but rather from the lips of the killer himself, drug dealer Alex Pabon, nicknamed "El Loco." Pabon described how he had used a piece of cobblestone and a kitchen knife to kill the man he called "the Canadian." Pabon testified that the day before the killing, he met in a hamburger joint with the Vazquez-Rijos women and Ferrer-Sosa, and they promised him a $3-million payoff for the hit. He said their motivation was the fear that Anhang was about to divorce his wife, and she would lose access to his millions.

Two or three days before he was killed, Anhang left a note on his wifes pillow, saying he was "blessed" to be with her, even though they were living apart. Their six-month marriage, the jury was told, had been difficult. On one occasion after a fight, Vazquez-Rijos announced that she was pregnant, and Anhang would never see the child if he followed through on his threat to divorce her. The pregnancy, she testified, turned out to be a "false positive."

Despite Anhangs determination to leave her, Vazquez-Rijos testified that they had a strong sexual bond. She said they were "intimate" the night before he was killed.

What Anhang didnt know was that on two occasions, with two men, his wife inquired about where she could find a "hit man." One was the lawyer who drew up her prenuptial document; the other was a neighbour and restaurant owner whom she had asked to invest in the Pink Skirt. The latter testified they had a brief affair while she was dating Anhang. Neither man went to the police with the information.

In the end, it was Pabon, a frequent visitor to the Pink Skirt, who said he made himself available for the killing. He said he used the restaurant as one location for a thriving trade in marijuana and cocaine. He never collected the $3-million contract-killing bounty, even though he sent threatening letters to the three accused. The letters included Catholic holy card stickers and florid multi-coloured script referring to the "favour" he had done for them.

He testified that the hit was not as "professional" as it was supposed to be. It was meant to look like a robbery, but he forgot to take Anhangs wallet.

Efforts to solve the case took 13 years, and the jury heard a tale of epic bungling by Puerto Rico police. A few weeks after the killing, they arrested a 22-year-old dishwasher, Jonathan Roman, and charged him with murder, because he fit a vague description of the hit man. Vazquez-Rijos didnt attend the trial, even though her testimony would have cleared him. A jury deliberated three hours before finding Roman guilty, and he was sentenced to 105 years in prison. Eight months later, Roman was released, and he reached a multimillion-dollar compensation deal with the government.

He was released because police arrested El Loco, who in turn implicated Vazquez-Rijos. Authorities drew up a murder-conspiracy indictment for her but she had already left Puerto Rico for what she claimed was a filmmaking course in Florence. She wanted to study movie directing. She said she wanted to "redo" her life after the trauma of Anhangs killing.

Her self-imposed exile in Europe lasted nine years, during which time she had three children with two men. There were initial periods of severe poverty. The jury listened as an FBI witness read a 2006 email she had sent to her family pleading for money. She claimed she couldnt afford deodorant or toothpaste. "My (arm)pits and mouth stink," she wrote. "Im f---ed."

Eventually, she found various jobs, as a translator, a photographer and a travel agent. And with a string of forged documents attesting to her Jewish heritage, she won the confidence of an influential Florentine rabbi. He helped her find housing, and a school for her two young daughters  children she had with an Italian man. The rabbi also attested to her (faked) Jewish status  something she believed would come in handy if she decided to emigrate to Israel. She was curious about Israels extradition laws.

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There was yet another lover, a middle-aged Italian banker, Paolo Galardi, who she said helped her with her scheme to forge documents showing she was Jewish. "He had a good printer," she said.

Her European adventure came to an abrupt end in 2013, when she fell for a sting that had been organized by the FBI and another rabbi. They convinced her to fly to Spain to meet a tour group, and she was arrested at the Madrid airport. She spent two years in a Spanish prison, where she married and gave birth to another daughter. In 2015, she was extradited to Puerto Rico, after U.S. authorities promised she would not get the death penalty.

Her youngest daughter, three-year-old Dana, made two unexpected appearances at her trial with her grandmother, once during jury selection where she cried "mama, mama" and once when her mother was preparing to testify. On that second occasion, Judge Daniel Dominguez had the marshal escort the grandmother and child from the courtroom.

Dominguez, who is 79 years old and close to retirement, is a no-nonsense jurist with little patience for delays. Early in the trial, when Vazquez-Rijos was 45 minutes late, the judge shouted across the courtroom to a U.S. marshal: "Wheres the defendant?" The marshal shouted back: "Shes not dressed yet!"

Minutes later, Vazquez-Rijos arrived, neatly dressed in a tailored jacket and pants and carefully made up. Unlike Pabon, she does not have to appear in handcuffs or a prison uniform because she has not been convicted.

Throughout the trial, she and her sister and Ferrer-Sosa havent spoken to each other and barely glanced at one another. The two sisters lawyers are being paid by the government because they are considered indigent.
W hen 16-year-old Brianna Jonnie wanted to learn more about topics such as sexuality and mental health, she turned to a program run by the Sexuality Education Resource Centre and Klinic Community Health.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 1/10/2018 (1139 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

W hen 16-year-old Brianna Jonnie wanted to learn more about topics such as sexuality and mental health, she turned to a program run by the Sexuality Education Resource Centre and Klinic Community Health.

"I wanted to go out and find somewhere where I can get educated properly about all these topics that Im interested in and hopefully, in turn, be able to educate my friends," Jonnie said.

Peer Support offers training for teenagers who are interested in helping others and learning more about topics that include sex, teen dating violence, drugs and alcohol and self-care.

After completing the training, teens can continue their involvement with Peer Support in a variety of volunteer roles that can include helping people at school and assisting at events.

Volunteers also have the opportunity to participate in Skitz, a group that presents skits and workshops to middle school students about the topics Peer Support training covers.

Whether its focusing on communications skills, birth control, STIs, pregnancy options, suicide prevention, appreciation of diversity or body image, the training is wide-ranging, said Sarah Martens, a health educator with Teen Talk.

"We want to equip them with accurate information and the skills to listen and validate so that they can then refer their friends or peers to appropriate resources, whether thats in their school or in their community," Martens said.

Learning new things in a safe environment, and being able to ask questions about topics that sometimes have a stigma attached to them, is the best part of the program, 17-year-old Claudine Musaka said.

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"Its a positive, open space to talk freely, without being judged," Musaka said.

Jessalie Macam moved to Winnipeg from the Philippines in April 2017 and said participating in Peer Support has been a valuable way to make connections with other people.

"I didnt feel like I belonged here in Canada, but when I come to (Peer Support), Im loved," the 18-year-old said.

Those friendships can form quickly, said Sareeha Salim, who arrived in Winnipeg from Pakistan in May 2017, and joined Peer Support recently.

"I didnt know half of these people until last week," the 15-year-old said. "Now, were best friends."

If you know a special volunteer, please contact aaron.epp@gmail.com.
Manitoba's Progressive Conservative government has all but kept its promise  one year ahead of schedule  to reduce the size of the provincial civil service by 1,200 employees.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 1/10/2018 (1139 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba's Progressive Conservative government has all but kept its promise  one year ahead of schedule  to reduce the size of the provincial civil service by 1,200 employees.

According to the Manitoba Civil Service Commission annual report, there were 13,721 civil servants as of March 31. That compares with 14,162 on the same date the previous year, and 14,876 in 2016, just a few weeks before the PCs were elected.

A year ago, then-finance minister Cameron Friesen promised a reduction of 1,200 civil servants by the time the Pallister administration reaches its three-year mark in the spring of 2019.

As of March 31, the government had already achieved a reduction of 1,155 government employees in two years.

The last time there were fewer civil servants in Manitoba was in March 2006, when the number stood at 13,701 during the NDP administration of Gary Doer.

The number of provincial bureaucrats peaked in 2012 under former NDP premier Greg Selinger, at 15,300.

Michelle Gawronsky, president of the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union, said she's not surprised by the newly released figure. She said Monday she's been hearing about staff shortages throughout the province for months.

"This hurts the services Manitobans rely on," she said.

Gawronsky noted the government was able to reduce the number of employees to the extent it has despite a no-layoff clause in the civil servant contract, which expires at the end of March 2019.

"So imagine the cuts to our services that we might be facing when theres no limit to what they can cut," she said.

According to the commission report, there were 13,337 regular, term, technical and departmental civil servants as of March 31. In addition, there were 366 casual employees and 18 contract workers.

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The report said over the course of the last fiscal year, 2,051 employees left the provincial civil service, 45.6 per cent due to resignation and 28.9 per cent due to retirement. Another 20.9 per cent of the exits came following the expiration of a term or contract.

As of March 31, 54.3 per cent of civil servants were women (53.8 per cent in 2010), 14.3 per cent (12.8 per cent in 2010) were Indigenous, 5.6 per cent (3.3 per cent in 2010) were persons with disabilities, and 12.1 per cent (6.2 per cent in 2010) were visible minorities.

A year ago, Friesen said the size of Manitoba's civil service had grown considerably under the NDP compared with bureaucracies in other provinces. He said it was 20 per cent larger than the national average.

Two years ago, the PCs announced they would reduce the number of government middle and senior managers by 112 positions, claiming management ranks had ballooned 33 per cent since 2005.

Friesen said last year the overall reduction in civil servants would occur mainly through attrition.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca
In the movie The Intern, a 70-year-old Robert De Niro decides to make a career change and lands an internship at an online fashion startup overflowing with young millennials and free food. The running joke in this film is that DeNiro is too old to create space for himself in a startup, a world for the young.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 1/10/2018 (1139 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

In the movie The Intern, a 70-year-old Robert De Niro decides to make a career change and lands an internship at an online fashion startup overflowing with young millennials and free food. The running joke in this film is that DeNiro is too "old" to create space for himself in a startup, a world for the "young."

While De Niros character is fictional, the lessons in this film about talent and ageism in the tech sector are quite real.

In displaying the golden goose of characteristics that many of Canadas tech giants are after  a desire to constantly learn and grow  the analogy of the "aged intern" highlights techs next greatest talent pool: the middle-aged or "mid-career" worker.

Weve spent several decades studying and operating in the skills training and workforce development space. While job transitions have always been an area of challenge for mid-career workers, our research with the Brookfield Institute for Innovation + Entrepreneurship has highlighted the looming impacts of automation in exacerbating that challenge, as well as the inherent opportunity for these workers to be absorbed into the digital economy, an area of high growth desperate for talent.

Shattering the myth

For many years, the idea has persisted among tech companies that in order to be innovative, they must be built by and for young people. Mark Zuckerberg infamously declared that tech companies should think twice before hiring anyone over 30. Now in his mid-30s, he has presumably moved that bar.

However, many tech companies are still made up predominantly of younger workers. Young founders often hire young peers, recent graduates are often paid less, and there are a deeply entrenched ageism and assumptions in the tech world that "older" workers (those over 30) wont fit into a companys culture or contribute the same value.

To put it bluntly, this view is short-sighted.

As Canadas digital economy grows and scrappy startups become larger multinational corporations, they will require many of the same solid business skills that any other company does. Positions in sales, marketing, project and people management all require transferable skills that are often in the greatest demand for larger firms, tech or otherwise. Beyond that, understanding solid business processes that foster scaling are critical and come from years of experience.

This is where we need a new pool of talent for fast-growing Canadian tech companies that is highly experienced, skilled and understands the systems that make a business succeed.

Who are mid-career workers?

Mid-career workers are individuals who have been in the workforce for 10 or more years and who are sitting at the halfway mark in building their careers. This describes the vast majority of the workforce in Canada. They generally have strong business acumen in fostering firm growth and bring a level of maturity and professionalism that comes through hard-earned experience.

As tech companies rapidly grow, they need to hire people who have real-world experience, have worked on and led teams, can build relationships and know how to move products and processes forward. Many such companies regularly say they struggle to find tech workers with these skills.

The true obstacle here, however, may be that tech companies are largely unwilling to accept the suggestion that their best possible hires may neither be young nor from within the tech sector at all.

Many workers will likely soon be looking for their next career move due to rapid advances in automation. Unlike a recession or the shocks to the economy that we are familiar with, automation has the potential to have drastic and permanent impacts on entire sectors.

For mid-career workers in vulnerable sectors, losing a job at one company may well eliminate the option of finding work at another similar firm because automation would have affected jobs there as well.

The likely result will be a growing demographic of top talent looking to break into new industries, including tech. Seizing this opportunity, however, will require Canadian tech firms to adopt some new thinking and a new approach when it comes to retraining and reskilling.

Converting potential into talent

The challenge is to convert the foundation of knowledge and experience of highly skilled mid-career workers into new streams of talent for fast-growing sectors, such as tech, without overlooking the specificities of what it takes to succeed in these sectors.

For example, a senior retail sales manager understands the sales process: how to listen to potential clients, build a sales channel, nurture prospects and close a deal. In the tech space, the product or service will be different and the tools almost certainly state-of-the-art. Although the core skills gained from years of experience will be key to making the transition into a tech firm, doing so will likely require more training.

Now consider the life of a mid-career worker who, with a mortgage and growing family obligations, needs to make this shift as quickly and seamlessly as possible. Less interested in "credentials," these people will need the digital literacy and technical skills that allow their new employers take them seriously.

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Training that is mid-career focused and cross-sectoral does not currently exist at scale. We envision a training approach that is entirely industry-led, designed to operate on the fastest timeline possible and leverages job placements and work-integrated learning opportunities so that these workers are not just skilled, but provided with on-ramps to new careers.

What is needed to accomplish this is a mechanism that rapidly confers new skills to mid-career workers, shifting their talents and potential from high-risk sectors to high-demand sectors.

Our new Canadian initiative, Palette Inc., is attempting to do exactly this. Palette is pioneering a new approach to mid-career retraining by connecting industry, workers and educators to develop new pathways for workers to move from declining industries to growing ones. As automations impacts become more present, this mechanism will match employers up with workers that possess the right skills.

For companies willing to look past the obvious yet minor gaps in skills to see potential and talent, great rewards await.

Arvind Gupta is a professor of computer science and the former CEO & founder of MITACS, University of Toronto. AJ Tibando is project lead and founder of Palette Skills Inc., Ryerson University.

This article was first published at The Conversation Canada: theconversation.com/ca.
Popular culture represents King Canute as a foolish monarch who ordered his aides to place his chair by the oceans edge, whereupon he commanded the tide to stop. Of course, he got his feet wet.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 1/10/2018 (1139 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

Popular culture represents King Canute as a foolish monarch who ordered his aides to place his chair by the oceans edge, whereupon he commanded the tide to stop. Of course, he got his feet wet.

In fact, Canute, one of the great kings of England (and Norway, Sweden and Denmark), was much wiser than this fable. He wished to show his subjects that he had limited powers. After the incoming tide soaked his feet, Canute remarked to the assembled onlookers  "Let all men know how empty and worthless is the power of kings. For there is none worthy of the name but God, whom heaven, earth and sea obey."

Many politicians ignore this advice and seem intent on proposing legislation that is, at best, bound to fail, or worse, creates cost and mischief.

A case in point is legislation to compel pay equity between men and women in the same occupation. Iceland recently passed legislation requiring all employers with 25 or more employees to certify that men and women receive the same pay for the same job.

This sounds good, and if it eliminates pay discrimination, who is to object?

But will it work? And what unintended consequences might result?

According to Statistics Canada, women earn about 87 per cent of what men earn. This occurs for two primary reasons.

Women still tend to select different occupations than men. Men tend to choose STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) occupations where wages are higher than in the social sciences, teaching and caring professions where women predominate.

Also, Statistics Canada data reveal that women work fewer hours than men: in 2015, 35.5 compared to 43.6 hours per week.

However, times are changing. Women are entering STEM professions at a high rate and the gender gap in weekly hours worked is also narrowing. But it does not cut it to say to women, "Be patient, by 2030 everything will be equal." Can we accelerate pay equity through legislation?

Lets do a thought experiment, a favourite technique of Albert Einstein.

Imagine a firm has hired two computer engineers; call them A and B, both graduating from the same program with the same marks. Engineers A and B work for a year and start at the same wage and have the same occupational classification. Imagine Engineer A is prepared to come in early and stay late, often taking work home on the weekends. Engineer B heads for the door at 4:30 and seeks work-life balance.

Most employers would wish to reward the more industrious employee, assuming the extra time spent does not mask poor productivity.

The key defect in any pay equity legislation is that it creates a bureaucratic tangle in enforcement and reporting. Requiring employers to report on pay by gender will encourage the invention of artful workarounds to reward more valuable employees in the same occupation regardless of gender, race or another attribute.

New sub-occupations will emerge within job descriptions to accommodate pay differentials, and employers will likely resort to non-financial benefits (free parking) to reward productive employees. Human-rights tribunals will invariably need to parse job descriptions, assess compensation packages and adjudicate myriad definitional disputes, creating yet more cost for employers and the taxpayer.

The other important challenge is that our economy is generating new industries and new occupations at ever-increasing rates. The current thinking is that in addition to technical skills, future occupations will require a range of human and social skills, or the "art" of managing yourself and people. These increasingly important human arts are leading the evolution of STEM to become STEAM. Liberals arts, it seems, does have a future, provided one also has technical skills. Most important is that these emerging and yet-to-be-defined occupations resist simple classification and description.

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This rapid change in occupations means government will always be working from outmoded job descriptions, and therefore will play constant catch-up to enforce pay equity along gender or any identity dimension.

Cost aside, the real problem is that this legislation will limit rewarding productive employees within specific occupations. The thought experiment I just concocted is gender-neutral, since such legislation will also constrain managers in paying a productive woman more than an unproductive man in same occupation.

Here is a simpler solution: employees have a good idea of who has contributed to the organization, and they also sometimes share information on pay and benefits, so why not simply require all workplaces with more than 25 employees to reveal the entire compensation package received by each worker?

Employers failing to convince workers that they are receiving the right pay risk losing their human-resource talent pool. More productive and committed workers will cheer such innovation in human-resource policies, since they currently chafe when slackers are rewarded. Organizations that retain their productive workers will thrive.

If such compensation transparency were the norm, unfair pay differentials would quickly disappear without the need for targeted legislation that is bound to cost, have unwanted consequences and result in wet feet.

Gregory Mason is an associate professor of economics at the University of Manitoba.
When they are appointed to the executive council by the premier, Manitobas cabinet ministers are asked to swear an oath to serve the provinces government and its citizens.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 1/10/2018 (1139 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Editorial

When they are appointed to the executive council by the premier, Manitobas cabinet ministers are asked to swear an oath to serve the provinces government and its citizens.

The oath is an ancient expression of fidelity to the Crown and the people it serves. Although the declaration is high on lofty expectations and very low on specifics, there are certain minimum standards for determining whether cabinet ministers are fulfilling the duties of their office.

In that context, it can fairly be said that the members of Manitobas executive council are failing to deliver on their sworn duties.

How are they failing?

Save for Premier Brian Pallister, who makes frequent public appearances and submits to regular questioning by journalists, the executive council is mostly missing in action, particularly when there is a thorny or potentially embarrassing issue at hand.

The modus operandi of Pallisters cabinet goes something like this: a journalist calls a central communications office to ask for an interview with a minister on a pressing matter of public policy; the communicator who answers the call dutifully records the issue and name of the journalist; the journalist is later denied an interview, but is provided with a statement via email that typically does not provide any clarity or insight into the matter at hand.

When the going gets tough for the Pallister government, the cabinet ministers get scarce.

The use of emailed statements in lieu of actual interviews has been the practice of this government since it took office in April 2016.

It didnt invent the tactic: curtailed ministerial access by governments of all stripes has infected both provincial and federal politics in recent years.

But under Pallisters watch, the muting of ministers has become increasingly troublesome.

Consider, for example, the performance of executive council when Daphne Penrose, Manitobas childrens advocate, raised concerns about the governments lack of response to the methamphetamine crisis, particularly as it affects children and youth.

Penrose recounted how she discovered  following a meeting with the deputy ministers of health and families  that the province apparently had no plans for treatment options for addicted young people, despite full knowledge that methamphetamine use has reached crisis proportions.

And what was the governments response to Penrose?

Journalists sought comment from both Health Minister Cameron Friesen and Families Minister Heather Stefanson, who is also the deputy premier. Neither was made available to answer questions.

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Instead, communicators issued a written statement, on behalf of Friesen, which said specific responses to Penroses concerns would come later in the fall. No comment on Penroses concerns about a lack of a plan. No sympathy offered to meth addicts or their families for their daily suffering.

It is very likely that both Friesen and Stefanson do, in fact, care about the health and well-being of meth-addicted youth and children.

And yet, we can only make an assumption that they care, because neither minister is willing  or, at least, available  to speak on the issue. That is, simply stated, a dereliction of duty.

Accepting a position on executive council comes with certain minimum expectations.

Ministers must always act in the best interests of the citizens they serve. They must be unfailingly honest and fair-minded in every decision they make. They must execute duties without fear or favour of any special interest.

And they must, on a consistent basis, be publicly available and accountable so citizens can judge for themselves whether ministers and the government that appoints them are worthy of the citizenrys continued support.
Campaign 2018 - Senate

Campaign finance summaries and contributor lists updated through August 31, 2018 for all state senate candidates on the November 2018 ballot.
BOSTON, October 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) announced today that physician-entrepreneur Dr Neil Bacon has been appointed as its new President and CEO, effective October 1, 2018. Dr Bacon succeeds Dr Christina Akerman, who has returned to her native Sweden after four highly successful years as President. A A A A (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/751563/ICHOM_Logo.jpg )

Dr Bacon's mandate is to take ICHOM, the world leader in developing and supporting implementation of global outcome standards across the disease burden, to the next level. Outcome measurement must spread across every health care delivery organization and nation. ICHOM is also in the initial stages of establishing the first platform for benchmarking outcomes across countries that will enable unprecedented innovation in health care. Dr Bacon, a nephrologist trained at Oxford and Harvard, is a distinguished academic clinician and health information technology entrepreneur. He is an internationally recognized leader in quality measurement and engaging patients in their health. Dr Bacon founded Doctors.net.uk in 1996, now one of the world's largest online medical networks used by nearly one quarter of a million physicians worldwide to rapidly obtain clinical information, education, medical news, and career opportunities. In recognition of his groundbreaking contributions utilizing the Internet to improve healthcare, he was named a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in London in 2015. A In 2008, Dr Bacon founded iWantGreatCare, an independent organization enabling patients to rate and review their doctors, dentists, hospitals, after-care facilities, and medications where he was CEO. With reviews from more thanA five million patients in 23 countries, iWantGreatCare has become a powerful tool for driving health care improvement worldwide. Harvard Business School Professor Michael Porter, ICHOM Co-founder and Chairman of the Board, commented: "Dr Neil Bacon is a pioneer and entrepreneur in use of information technology to enhance quality measurement and change health care. Universal measurement of outcomes that matter to patients, medical condition by medical condition, is the most powerful single tool to change health care." Dr Bacon said: "The worldwide need to measure quality and value in healthcare through standardized outcome measures by condition that matter most to patients is greater than ever. The benefits to patients, providers, and payers of measuring the ultimate quality of care is irrefutable. The opportunity to lead ICHOM to drive such a transformation is truly exciting and creating and comparing patient outcomes will accelerate the importance and influence of ICHOM's pioneering work worldwide." ICHOM is an independent non-profit organization with offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts and London, England. It was founded in 2012 by Professor Michael E. Porter of Harvard Business School, and Dr Stefan Larsson of the Boston Consulting Group in partnership with Sweden's Karolinska Institute with the mission of driving the adoption of value-based health care worldwide. In addition to Professor Porter ICHOM's board includes Dr Larsson, Professor Martin Ingvar of Karolinska Institute, and Dr Donald Berwick, founder of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. ICHOM's mission is toA catalyse the global movement to transform health care worldwide through creating international standards for the outcomes that matter most for patients by using medical conditions. Outcome standards are developed and updated over time by international teams of leading clinicians, investigators, and patients in a rigorous process including publication in peer reviewed journals. ICHOM standard sets have been developed in 26 conditions including stroke, diabetes, and ischemic heart disease, representing 25% of the global disease burden. ICHOM also assists providers on how to implement outcome measures and utilize outcomes to improve patient care.A To date, ICHOM has worked with over 600 provider organizations, 15 national registries, and across 30 countries. Find out more here:A http://www.ichom.org
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Mettler-Toledo International, Inc. is a supplier of precision instruments and services. The firm manufactures weighing instruments for use in laboratory, industrial, packaging, logistics, and food retailing applications. It also manufactures several related analytical instruments and provides automated chemistry solutions used in drug and chemical compound discovery and development; and also, metal detection and other end-of-line inspection systems used in production and packaging and provides solutions for use in certain process analytics applications. Its operations are conducted by the following segments: U. S. Operations, Swiss Operations, Western European Operations, Chinese Operations and Other. The U.S. Operations segment represents certain of the company's marketing and producing organizations located in the United States. The Swiss Operations segment includes marketing and producing organizations located in Switzerland, as well as extensive R&D operations that are responsible for the development, production, and marketing of precision instruments, including weighing, analytical, and measurement technologies for use in a variety of industrial and laboratory applications. Th

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Bitauto Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, provides internet content and marketing services, and transaction services for the automobile industry in the People's Republic of China. It operates in three segments: Advertising and Subscription Business, Transaction Services Business, and Digital Marketing Solutions Business. The Advertising and Subscription Business segment offers advertising services, including automobile pricing and promotional information, specifications, reviews, and consumer feedback to automakers through its bitauto.com Website. It also provides transaction-focused online advertisement and promotional services for automakers, automobile dealers, auto finance partners, and insurance companies; and Web-based and mobile-based integrated digital marketing solutions to automobile dealers. The Transaction Services Business segment offers transaction platform and self-operated financing services. The Digital Marketing Solutions Business segment offers one-stop digital marketing solutions, including website creation and maintenance, online public relation, online marketing campaign, advertising agency, big data application, and digital image creation services. The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Beijing, the People's Republic of China.

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Brookfield Asset Management, Inc. engages in the management of public and private investment products and services for institutional and retail clients. It operates through the following segments: Asset Management, Real Estate, Renewable Power, Infrastructure, Private Equity, Residential Development, and Corporate Activities. The Asset Management segment includes the management of its listed partnerships, private funds and public securities. The Real Estate segment is comprised of the ownership, operation and development of core office, core retail, LP investments and other properties. The Renewable Power segment encompasses the ownership, operation and development of hydroelectric, wind, solar, storage and other power generating facilities. The Infrastructure segment consists of the ownership, operation and development of utilities, transport, energy, data infrastructure and sustainable resource assets. The Private Equity segment refers to the broad range of industries, and is mostly focused on business services, infrastructure services and industrials. The Residential Development segment represents homebuilding, condominium development and land development. The Corporate Activiti

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BT Group plc provides communications services worldwide. Its Consumer segment sells telephones, baby monitors, and Wi-Fi extenders through high street retailers, online BT Shop, and Website BT.com; and offers home phone, copper and fiber broadband, TV, and mobile services in various packages. The company's EE segment offers 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile network services; broadband, fixed-voice, and TV services; and postpaid and prepaid plans, and emergency services network. This segment also sells 4G mobile phones, tablets, connected devices, and mobile broadband devices from various manufacturers. Its Business and Public Sector segment provides fixed voice, mobility, fiber and connectivity, and networked IT services to retailers, utilities, public sector, healthcare, sports, construction, finance, and educational sectors. The company's Global Services segment offers business communications and ICT services comprising BT Connect, BT Security, BT One, BT Contact, BT Compute, BT Advise, and BT for financial markets. This segment serves approximately 5,500 customers in 180 countries. Its Wholesale and Ventures segment enables communications providers and other organizations to provide fixed or mobile phone services. Its ventures provide mass-market services, such as directory enquiries and payphones; and enterprise services comprising BT Fleet and BT Redcare. This segment also provides broadband and Ethernet, voice, hosted communication, mobile virtual network operator, managed solutions, machine-to-machine, roaming, and media services. The company's Openreach segment engages in the provision of services over the local access network; and installation and maintenance of fiber and copper communications networks that connect homes and businesses. The company was formerly known as Newgate Telecommunications Limited and changed its name to BT Group plc in September 2001. BT Group plc was incorporated in 2001 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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Zayo Group Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides bandwidth infrastructure solutions for the communications industry in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The company operates in six segments: Fiber Solutions, Transport, Enterprise Networks, Zayo Colocation (zColo), Allstream, and Other. The Fiber Solutions segment provides dark fiber, and fiber-to-the-tower and small cell mobile infrastructure services for carriers and other communication service providers, Internet service providers, wireless service providers, media and content companies, large enterprises, and other companies. The Transport segment offers lit bandwidth infrastructure solutions comprising wavelength, Ethernet, wholesale IP services, and SONET services through its metro, regional, and long-haul fiber networks for carriers, content providers, financial services companies, healthcare, government entities, education institutions, and other medium and large enterprises. The Enterprise Networks segment provides connectivity and telecommunications solutions comprising Internet, wide area networking products, managed products, and cloud based computing and storage offerings to medium and large enterprises. The Zayo Colocation (zColo) segment offers data center infrastructure solutions consisting of colocation space, and power and interconnection services to a range of enterprise, carrier, cloud, and content customers. The Allstream segment provides cloud VoIP and data solutions, such as voice offerings; and unified communications, as well as telecommunications services, including Ethernet, and IP/MPLS VPN solutions. The Other segment provides network and technical resources to customers in designing, acquiring, and maintaining their networks. Zayo Group Holdings, Inc. was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado.

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Orange S.A. provides a range of fixed telephony and mobile telecommunications, data transmission, and other value-added services to customers, businesses, and other telecommunications operators in France and internationally. It operates through France; Spain and Other European Countries; The Africa and Middle East; Enterprise; International Carriers & Shared Services; and Mobile Financial Services segments. The company offers mobile services, such as voice, SMS, and data; fixed broadband and narrowband services, as well as fixed network business solutions, including voice and data; and convergence packages. It also sells mobile handsets, broadband equipment, and connected devices and accessories. In addition, the company provides IT and integration services comprising unified communication and collaboration services, such as LAN and telephony, consultancy, integration, and project management; hosting and infrastructure services, including cloud computing; customer relations management and other applications services; security services; and video conferencing, as well as sells related equipment. Further, it offers national and international roaming services; and mobile virtual network operators, network sharing, and mobile financial services, as well as sells equipment to external distributors and brokers. Orange S.A. markets its products and services under the Orange brand. The company was formerly known as France Telecom and changed its name to Orange S.A. in July 2013. Orange S.A. was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Paris, France.

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HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and sells lighting and electronic components and systems for automotive industry worldwide. It operates through three segments: Automotive, Aftermarket, and Special Applications. The Automotive segment offers headlamps, rear combination lamps, car body and interior lighting products, and radomes; and body electronics, energy management, lighting electronics, and steering solutions, as well as driver assistance systems and components, including sensors and engine compartment actuators. The Aftermarket segment produces and sells automotive parts and accessories primarily in the areas of lighting, electrics, and electronics; and provides workshop solutions in the areas of diagnostics and calibration, as well as various services for wholesalers and workshops. The Special Applications segment develops, manufactures, and markets lighting technology and electronic products for special vehicles comprising construction and agricultural machinery, buses, and motor homes, as well as for the marine sector. The company has strategic collaboration with AEye, Inc. to develop LiDAR sensor systems. The company was formerly known as HELLA KGaA Hueck & Co. and changed its name to HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA in October 2017. HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Lippstadt, Germany. As of June 26, 2020, HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA operates as a subsidiary of Hella Stiftung GmbH.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Dominion Energy: 96WI 8me LLC, Alamo Solar LLC, Align RNG Arizona LLC, Align RNG Arizona-Snowflake LLC, Align RNG California LLC, Align RNG California-Corcoran LLC, Align RNG Grady Road LLC, Align RNG LLC, Align RNG Magnolia LLC, Align RNG North Carolina LLC, Align RNG North Carolina-Bowdens LLC, Align RNG Utah LLC, Align RNG Utah-Milford LLC, Align RNG Virginia LLC, Align RNG Virginia-Waverly LLC, Atlantic Coast Pipeline LLC, Azalea Solar LLC, BOE Holdings Inc., Blackville Solar Farm LLC, Blue Ocean Energy Marine LLC, BrightSuite Home LLC, BrightSuite Inc., BrightSuite Solar CT Inc., BrightSuite Solar SC Inc., BrightSuite Solar VA Inc., Buckingham Solar I LLC, CEA Americus LLC, CEA CO-Fort Morgan LLC, CEA Clovis LLC, CEA Dairy RNG Colorado LLC, CEA Dairy RNG Georgia LLC, CEA Dairy RNG Idaho LLC, CEA Dairy RNG Nevada LLC, CEA Dairy RNG New Mexico LLC, CEA Dairy RNG Texas LLC, CEA Greely LLC, CEA Mason LLC, CEA TX-Dimmitt LLC, CID Solar LLC, CNG Coal Company, CNG Power Services Corporation, Carolina Gas Transmission Corporation, Catalina Solar 2 LLC, Clean Energy Asset USA LLC, Clean Energy Enterprises Inc., Clipperton Holdings LLC, Consolidated Natural Gas Company, Correctional Solar LLC, Cottonwood Solar LLC, Cove Point LNG LP, Cove Point LNG Limited, DE Arlington Solar LLC, DE Fluvanna Solar LLC, DE Hanover Solar LLC, DE Henrico Solar LLC, DE King William Solar LLC, DE Louisa Solar LLC, DE Newport News Solar LLC, DE Powhatan Solar LLC, DE Virginia Beach Solar LLC, DECP Holdings Inc., Dairy RNG Holdings LLC, Dairy RNG NY LLC, Dairy RNG NY-Curtin LLC, Dairy RNG OH LLC, Denmark Solar LLC, Dominion ACP Holding Inc., Dominion Alternative Energy Holdings Inc., Dominion Atlantic Coast Pipeline LLC, Dominion Capital Inc., Dominion Cogen WV Inc., Dominion Energy Fuel Services Inc., Dominion Energy Gas Distribution LLC, Dominion Energy Generation Marketing Inc., Dominion Energy Inc., Dominion Energy Kewaunee Inc., Dominion Energy Marketplace LLC, Dominion Energy Nuclear Connecticut Inc., Dominion Energy Overthrust Pipeline LLC, Dominion Energy Payroll Company Inc., Dominion Energy Questar Corporation, Dominion Energy Questar Pipeline LLC, Dominion Energy Questar Pipeline Services Inc., Dominion Energy RNG Holdings II Inc., Dominion Energy RNG Holdings Inc., Dominion Energy Services Inc., Dominion Energy Solar CA LLC, Dominion Energy Solutions Inc., Dominion Energy South Carolina Inc., Dominion Energy Southeast Services Inc., Dominion Energy Technical Solutions Inc., Dominion Energy Technologies II Inc., Dominion Energy Technologies Inc., Dominion Energy Terminal Company Inc., Dominion Energy Wexpro Services Company, Dominion Equipment III Inc., Dominion Equipment Inc., Dominion Fairless Hills Inc., Dominion Fowler Ridge Wind LLC, Dominion Gas Projects Company LLC, Dominion Generation Inc., Dominion Greenbrier Inc., Dominion High Voltage Holdings Inc., Dominion High Voltage MidAtlantic Inc., Dominion Investments Inc., Dominion Keystone Pipeline Holdings Inc., Dominion Keystone Pipeline LLC, Dominion MLP Holding Company III Inc., Dominion Mt. Storm Wind LLC, Dominion Nuclear Projects Inc., Dominion Oklahoma Texas Exploration & Production Inc., Dominion Person Inc., Dominion Privatization Florida LLC, Dominion Privatization Georgia LLC, Dominion Privatization Holdings Inc., Dominion Privatization Kentucky LLC, Dominion Privatization Maryland LLC, Dominion Privatization Pennsylvania LLC, Dominion Privatization South Carolina LLC, Dominion Privatization Texas LLC, Dominion Privatization Virginia LLC, Dominion Products and Services Inc., Dominion Projects Services Inc., Dominion Resources Capital Trust III, Dominion Retail Gas Holdings Inc., Dominion Solar Construction and Maintenance LLC, Dominion Solar Gen-Tie LLC, Dominion Solar Holdings I LLC, Dominion Solar Holdings II LLC, Dominion Solar Holdings III LLC, Dominion Solar Holdings IV LLC, Dominion Solar Projects A Inc., Dominion Solar Projects B Inc., Dominion Solar Projects C Inc., Dominion Solar Projects D Inc., Dominion Solar Projects I Inc., Dominion Solar Projects II Inc., Dominion Solar Projects III Inc., Dominion Solar Projects IV Inc., Dominion Solar Projects V Inc., Dominion Solar Projects VI Inc., Dominion Solar Projects VII Inc., Dominion Solar Services Inc., Dominion State Line LLC, Dominion Voltage Inc., Dominion Wholesale Inc., Dominion Wind Development LLC, Dominion Wind Projects Inc., ESCT-SA-Suffield LLC, Eagle Holdco Solar LLC, Eagle Solar LLC, Eastern Shore Solar LLC, Enterprise Solar LLC, Escalante Solar I LLC, Escalante Solar II LLC, Escalante Solar III LLC, Four Brothers Solar LLC, Fremont Farm LLC, Granite Mountain Holdings LLC, Granite Mountain Solar East LLC, Granite Mountain Solar West LLC, Greenbrier Marketing Company LLC, Greenbrier Pipeline Company LLC, Greensville County Solar Project LLC, Hardin Solar Energy LLC, Hecate Energy Cherrydale LLC, Hecate Energy Clarke County LLC, Hope Gas Inc., Imperial Valley Solar Company (IVSC) 2 LLC, Indy Solar Development LLC, Indy Solar I LLC, Indy Solar II LLC, Indy Solar III LLC, Innovative Solar 37 LLC, Iron Springs Holdings LLC, Iron Springs Solar LLC, Louis Dreyfus Natural Gas, Maricopa West Solar PV LLC, Moffett Solar 1 LLC, Moorings Farm 2 LLC, Mulberry Farm LLC, Mustang Solar LLC, PSNC Blue Ridge Corporation, PSNC Cardinal Pipeline Company, Pavant Solar LLC, Phone House, Pikeville Farm LLC, Prairie Fork Wind Farm LLC, Public Service Company of North Carolina Incorporated, QPC Holding Company LLC, Questar Corporation, Questar Energy Services Inc., Questar Field Services LLC, Questar Gas Company, Questar InfoComm Inc., Questar Southern Trails Pipeline Company, Questar White River Hub LLC, RE Adams East LLC, RE Camelot LLC, RE Columbia Two LLC, RE Kansas LLC, RE Kent South LLC, RE Old River One LLC, Richland Solar Center LLC, Ridgeland Solar Farm I LLC, SBL Holdco LLC, SCANA, SCANA Communications Holdings Inc., SCANA Corporate Security Services Inc., SCANA Energy Marketing LLC, SCANA Pharmacy LLC, SRFI LLC, Scana Corporation, Scott-II Solar LLC, Seabrook Solar LLC, Selmer Farm LLC, Siler Solar LLC, Sol Madison Solar LLC, Somers Solar Center LLC, South Carolina Fuel Company Inc., South Carolina Generating Company Inc., Southampton Solar LLC, Summit Farms Solar LLC, Sussex Drive Solar Project LLC, TA - Acacia LLC, TWE Myrtle Solar Project LLC, The East Ohio Gas Company, Trask East Solar LLC, Tredegar Solar Fund I LLC, VP Property Inc., Virginia Electric And Power Company, Virginia Power Fuel Corporation, Virginia Power Nuclear Services Company, Virginia Power Services Energy Corp. Inc., Virginia Power Services LLC, Virginia Solar 201 Projects LLC, Wakefield Solar LLC, Wexpro Company, Wexpro Development Company, Wexpro II Company, Wilkinson Solar LLC, Wrangler Retail Gas Holdings LLC, and Yemassee Solar LLC.
The following companies are subsidiares of Eastman Chemical: BP - Aviation Turbine Oil Business, CP Films Vertriebs GmbH, Commonwealth Laminating & Coating (Hong Kong) Limited, Commonwealth Laminating & Coating Inc, Crown Operations International LLC, Dynaloy, Eastman Administracion S.A. de C.V., Eastman Chemical (Barbados) SRL, Eastman Chemical (China) Co. Ltd., Eastman Chemical (China) Co. Ltd. - Guangzhou Branch, Eastman Chemical (China) Co. Ltd. - JingAn Branch, Eastman Chemical (Gibraltar) Limited, Eastman Chemical (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Eastman Chemical (PPU) Pte. Ltd., Eastman Chemical AMI GmbH, Eastman Chemical AMI LLC, Eastman Chemical AP Holdings B.V., Eastman Chemical Adhesives (Hong Kong) Limited, Eastman Chemical Advanced Materials B.V., Eastman Chemical Argentina S.R.L., Eastman Chemical Asia Pacific Pte Ltd-Indonesia Rep Office, Eastman Chemical Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Eastman Chemical Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. - Vietnam Representative Office, Eastman Chemical Australia Pty LTD - New Zealand Branch, Eastman Chemical Australia Pty. Ltd., Eastman Chemical B.V., Eastman Chemical B.V. - Czech Republic Representative Office, Eastman Chemical B.V. - Denmark Branch, Eastman Chemical B.V. - Filiale Italiana, Eastman Chemical B.V. - France Branch, Eastman Chemical B.V. - Hungarian Commercial Representative Office, Eastman Chemical B.V. - Poland Representative Office, Eastman Chemical B.V. - South Africa Representative Office, Eastman Chemical B.V. Taiwan Branch, Eastman Chemical B.V. The Hague Zug Branch, Eastman Chemical Canada Inc., Eastman Chemical Company Investments Inc., Eastman Chemical EMEA B.V., Eastman Chemical Europe Middle East and Africa LLC, Eastman Chemical Europe S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Fibers IP GmbH, Eastman Chemical Fibers IP LLC, Eastman Chemical Finance B.V., Eastman Chemical Finance CN S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Finance EUR S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Finance GBP S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Finance SGD S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Finance USD S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Financial Corporation, Eastman Chemical GDL S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Germany Holdings GmbH & Co. KG, Eastman Chemical Germany Management GmbH & Co. KG, Eastman Chemical Germany Verwaltungs-GmbH, Eastman Chemical Global Holdings LLC, Eastman Chemical Global Holdings S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical GmbH, Eastman Chemical HK Limited, Eastman Chemical Holdings do Brasil Ltda., Eastman Chemical Hong Kong B.V., Eastman Chemical Iberica S.L., Eastman Chemical India Private Limited, Eastman Chemical Intermediates (Hong Kong) Limited, Eastman Chemical International GmbH, Eastman Chemical International Holdings B.V., Eastman Chemical International LP LLC, Eastman Chemical Japan Ltd., Eastman Chemical Korea B.V., Eastman Chemical Korea Ltd., Eastman Chemical Latin America Inc., Eastman Chemical Ltd., Eastman Chemical Ltd. - Australia Branch, Eastman Chemical Ltd. - Singapore Branch, Eastman Chemical Ltd. - Taiwan Branch, Eastman Chemical Luxembourg Finance S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Luxembourg Holdings 1 LLC, Eastman Chemical Luxembourg Holdings 1 S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Luxembourg Holdings 2 S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Luxembourg Holdings LLC, Eastman Chemical Luxembourg Holdings S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Malaysia B.V., Eastman Chemical Middelburg B.V., Eastman Chemical Netherlands Limited, Eastman Chemical Products Singapore Pte. Ltd., Eastman Chemical Regional UK, Eastman Chemical Resins Inc., Eastman Chemical S.C.S., Eastman Chemical Singapore Pte. Ltd., Eastman Chemical Switzerland GmbH, Eastman Chemical Technology BVBA, Eastman Chemical Texas City Inc., Eastman Chemical US Finance LLC, Eastman Chemical Uruapan S.A. de C.V., Eastman Chemical Workington Limited, Eastman Chemical do Brasil Ltda., Eastman Cogen Management L.L.C., Eastman Cogeneration L.P., Eastman Company UK Limited, Eastman Fibers Korea Limited, Eastman Fibers Singapore Pte. Ltd., Eastman Foundation, Eastman Global Holdings Inc., Eastman International Holdings LLC, Eastman International Management Company, Eastman Italia S.r.l., Eastman Kimya Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Eastman LAR Distribucion S. de R.L. de C.V., Eastman Mazzucchelli Hong Kong Limited, Eastman Mazzucchelli Plastics (Shenzhen) Company Limited, Eastman Servicios Corporativos S.A. de C.V., Eastman Spain L.L.C., Eastman Specialties Corporation, Eastman Specialties Holdings Corporation, Eastman Specialties OU, Eastman Specialties S.a.r.l., Eastman Specialties Wuhan Youji Chemical Co. Ltd, Eastman de Argentina SRL, Ecuataminco S.A., Flexsys America L.P., Flexsys America LLC, Flexsys Chemicals (M) Sdn Bhd, Flexsys K.K., Flexsys Rubber Chemicals Limited, Flexsys Verkauf GmbH, Flexsys Verkauf GmbH - France Branch, Flexsys Verwaltungs- und Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Genovique Specialties Corporation, HDK Industries Inc., Holston Defense Corporation, Huper Optik (GP) L.L.C., Huper Optik International Pte. Ltd., Huper Optik U.S.A. L.P., Industriepark Nienburg GmbH, Kingsport Hotel L.L.C., Knowlton Technologies LLC, Monchem International LLC, Mustang Pipeline Company, Nanjing Yangzi Eastman Chemical Ltd, Novomatrix Inc., Novomatrix International Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Qilu Eastman Specialty Chemicals Ltd, S E Investment LLC, Sakra Hyco Pte. Ltd., Sakra Island Carbon Dioxide Pte Ltd, Scandiflex do Brasil Ltda., Solchem LLC, Solchem Netherlands C.V., Solutia (Thailand) Ltd., Solutia Brasil Ltda., Solutia Canada Inc., Solutia Chemicals France S.a.r.l., Solutia Chemicals India Private Limited, Solutia Chemicals India Private Limited - Branch, Solutia Deutschland GmbH, Solutia Europe BVBA - Portugal Representative Office, Solutia Europe BVBA - Russia Representative Office, Solutia Europe SPRL/BVBA, Solutia Greater China LLC, Solutia Hong Kong Limited, Solutia Inc., Solutia International Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Solutia Italia S.r.l., Solutia Japan Limited, Solutia Performance Products (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Solutia Performance Products Solutions Ltd., Solutia Singapore Pte. Ltd., Solutia Solar GmbH, Solutia Therminol Co. Ltd. Suzhou, Solutia Tlaxcala S.A. de C.V., Solutia UK Holdings Limited, Solutia UK Investments Limited, Solutia UK Limited, Solutia Venezuela S.R.L., Southwall Europe GmbH, Southwall Insulating Glass LLC, Southwall Technologies Inc., St. Gabriel CC Company LLC, Sterling Chemicals Inc, SunTek Australia Pty. Ltd., SunTek Films Canada Inc., SunTek UK Limited, TX Energy LLC, Taminco Argentina S.A., Taminco BVBA, Taminco BVBA - France Rep Office, Taminco BVBA - Hungarian Commercial Representative Office, Taminco BVBA - Oficina de Representacion en Espana, Taminco BVBA - The Philippines, Taminco Chile S.p.A, Taminco Choline Chloride (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Taminco Corporation, Taminco Finland Oy, Taminco Germany GmbH, Taminco Global Chemical LLC, Taminco Group BVBA, Taminco Group Holdings S.a.r.l., Taminco Holding Netherlands B.V., Taminco Intermediate LLC, Taminco Italia S.r.l., Taminco Limitada, Taminco Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Taminco US LLC, Taminco Uruguay S.A., Taminco de Guatemala S.A., Taminco de Honduras S.A. de C.V., Taminco do Brasil Comercio e Industria de Aminas Ltda., Taminco do Brasil Produtos Quimicos Ltda., Te An Ling Tian (Nanjing) Fine Chemical Co. Ltd., TetraVitae Bioscience, V-Kool International Pte. Ltd., and Yixing Taminco Feed Additives Co. Ltd..
There is not enough analysis data for El Paso Electric.

3.9 Community Rank

Outperform Votes El Paso Electric has received 256 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.)

Underperform Votes El Paso Electric has received 192 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.)

Community Sentiment El Paso Electric has received 57.14% outperform votes from our community.

MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about El Paso Electric and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe EE will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe EE will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days.

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Freeport-McMoRan, Inc. engages in the mining of copper, gold and molybdenum. It operates through the following segments: North America Copper Mines, South America Mining; Indonesia Mining, Molybdenum Mines, Rod and Refining, Atlantic Copper Smelting and Refining and Corporate, Other and Eliminations. The North America Copper Mines segment operates open-pit copper mines in Morenci, Bagdad, Safford, Sierrita and Miami in Arizona and Chino and Tyrone in New Mexico. The South America Mining segment includes Cerro Verde in Peru and El Abra in Chile. The Indonesia Mining segment handles the operations of Grasberg minerals district that produces copper concentrate that contains significant quantities of gold and silver. The Molybdenum Mines segment includes the Henderson underground mine and Climax open-pit mine, both in Colorado. The Rod and Refining segment consists of copper conversion facilities located in North America and includes a refinery, rod mills, and a specialty copper products facility. The Atlantic Copper Smelting and Refining segment smelts and refines copper concentrate and markets refined copper and precious metals in slimes. The Corporate, Other and Eliminations segment

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Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA engages in the traditional banking businesses of retail banking, asset management, private banking, and wholesale banking. It operates through the following segments: Spain, the United States, Mexico, Turkey, South America, and Rest of Eurasia. The Spain segment includes mainly the banking and insurance business that the group carries out in Spain. The United States segment consists of the financial business activity of BBVA USA in the country and the activity of the branch of BBVA SA in New York. The Mexico segment refers to banking and insurance businesses in this country as well as the activity of its branch in Houston. The Turkey segment reports the activity of Garanti BBVA group that is mainly carried out in this country and, to a lesser extent, in Romania and the Netherlands. The South America segment comprises of operations in n Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The Rest of Eurasia segment includes the banking business activity carried out by the group in Europe and Asia, excluding Spain. The company was founded in 1857 and is headquartered in Madrid, Spain.

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Ibstock plc manufactures and sells clay and concrete building products and solutions primarily in the United Kingdom. Its principal products include clay bricks, brick components, concrete roof tiles, concrete stone masonry substitutes, concrete fencing, pre-stressed concrete, and concrete rail products. The company provides facing bricks, walling stones, architectural masonry products, cast stones, facade systems, and retaining walls, as well as lintels, sills, and arches; and cladding solutions; roof tiles, chimneys, soffits, and roofing accessories; and fencings, caps and copings, bollards, balustrades, path edgings, and urban landscaping products. It also offers floor beams, door steps, gully surrounds, screed rails, insulated floorings, and hollowcore products; and rail and infrastructure products, such as troughing, cable theft protection, boards, blocks, bases, catchpits, and inspection chambers. In addition, the company offers engraving, cutting, and bonding services; floor beam and block design, supply, and fitting solutions; bespoke concrete products; and staircases and lift shafts services. Its products are used in new build housing; repair, maintenance, and improvement; and infrastructure markets. The company sells its products under the Forticrete, Supreme, Anderton, and Longley brands to customers in the construction industry. Ibstock plc was founded in 1825 and is headquartered in Ibstock, the United Kingdom.

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iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF's stock was trading at $170.68 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, IWO stock has increased by 88.9% and is now trading at $322.43.

View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19.
Ivanhoe Mines has only been the subject of 2 research reports in the past 90 days.

According to analysts' consensus price target of $11.75, Ivanhoe Mines has a forecasted upside of 40.9% from its current price of $8.34.

Ivanhoe Mines has received a consensus rating of Buy. The company's average rating score is 2.83, and is based on 5 buy ratings, 1 hold rating, and no sell ratings.

4.9 Community Rank

Outperform Votes Ivanhoe Mines has received 119 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.)

Underperform Votes Ivanhoe Mines has received 42 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.)

Community Sentiment Ivanhoe Mines has received 73.91% outperform votes from our community.

MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about Ivanhoe Mines and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe IVPAF will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe IVPAF will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days.

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J Sainsbury plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the food, general merchandise and clothing retailing, and financial services activities in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. It operates through three segments: Retail A- Food, Retail A- General Merchandise and Clothing, and Financial Services. The company operates various store formats, including convenience stores and supermarkets. It is also involved in online grocery and general merchandise operations. As of March 6, 2021, the company operated 598 supermarkets, 813 convenience stores, 737 Argos stores, and 306 collection points, as well as 3 Habitat stores. In addition, the company offers financial services, such as credit cards, and travel money and personal loans, as well as home, car, pet, travel, and life insurance products. J Sainsbury plc was founded in 1869 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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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.

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thyssenkrupp AG operates in the areas of automotive technology, industrial components, plant technology, marine systems, steel, and materials services in Germany, the United States, China, and internationally. The company's Automotive Technology segment develops and manufactures components and systems and automated production systems for the automotive industry. Its Industrial Components segment manufactures and sells forged components and system solutions for the resource, construction, and mobility sectors; and slewing rings, antifriction bearings, and seamless rolled rings for the wind energy and construction machinery sectors. The company's Plant Technology segment builds plants for the chemical, cement, and mining industries. Its Marine Systems segment provides systems in the submarine and surface ship building, as well as in the field of maritime electronics and security technology. The company's Materials Services segment distributes materials and offers technical services for the production and manufacturing sectors. Its Steel Europe segment provides flat carbon steel products, intelligent material solutions, and finished parts. thyssenkrupp AG was founded in 1811 and is headquartered in Essen, Germany.

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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.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Abbott Laboratories: 3A Nutrition (Vietnam) Company Limited, ABON Biopharm (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd., AGA Medical Belgium, AGA Medical Corporation, AGA Medical Holdings Inc., ALR Holdings, AML Medical LLC, APK Advanced Medical Technologies LLC, ATS Bermuda Holdings Limited, ATS Laboratories Inc., Abbott, Abbott (Jiaxing) Nutrition Co. Ltd., Abbott (UK) Finance Limited, Abbott (UK) Holdings Limited, Abbott AG, Abbott Asia Holdings Limited, Abbott Asia Investments Limited, Abbott Australasia Holdings Limited, Abbott Australasia Pty Ltd, Abbott B.V., Abbott Bahamas Overseas Businesses Corporation, Abbott Belgian Investments, Abbott Bermuda Holding Ltd., Abbott Biologicals B.V., Abbott Biologicals LLC, Abbott Bulgaria Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Capital India Limited, Abbott Cardiovascular Inc., Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc., Abbott Delaware LLC, Abbott Diabetes Care Inc., Abbott Diabetes Care Limited, Abbott Diabetes Care Sales Corporation, Abbott Diagnostics GmbH, Abbott Diagnostics International Ltd., Abbott Diagnostics Technologies AS, Abbott Doral Investments S.L., Abbott Equity Holdings Unlimited, Abbott Equity Investments LLC, Abbott Established Products Holdings (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Finance Company SA, Abbott Financial Holdings SRL, Abbott France S.A.S., Abbott Fund Tanzania Limited, Abbott Gesellschaft m.b.H., Abbott GmbH & Co. KG, Abbott Health Products LLC, Abbott Healthcare (Puerto Rico) Ltd., Abbott Healthcare B.V., Abbott Healthcare Costa Rica S.A., Abbott Healthcare LLC, Abbott Healthcare Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Healthcare Private Limited, Abbott Healthcare Products B.V., Abbott Healthcare Products Ltd, Abbott Holding (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding GmbH, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited Luxembourg S.C.S., Abbott Holdings B.V., Abbott Holdings LLC, Abbott Holdings Limited, Abbott Holdings Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Hungary Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Iberian Investments (2) Limited, Abbott Iberian Investments Limited, Abbott India Limited, Abbott Informatics Asia Pacific Limited, Abbott Informatics Canada Inc, Abbott Informatics Corporation, Abbott Informatics Europe Limited, Abbott Informatics France, Abbott Informatics Germany GmbH, Abbott Informatics Netherlands B.V., Abbott Informatics Singapore Pte. Limited, Abbott Informatics Spain S.A., Abbott Informatics Technologies Ltd, Abbott International Corporation, Abbott International Enterprises Ltd., Abbott International Holdings Limited, Abbott International LLC, Abbott International Luxembourg S.ar.l., Abbott Investments Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Ireland, Abbott Ireland Financing Designated Activity Company, Abbott Ireland Limited, Abbott Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Kazakhstan Limited Liability Partnership, Abbott Knoll Investments B.V., Abbott Korea Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Bangladesh) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco (Dos) SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Laboratories (Mozambique) Limitada, Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Philippines), Abbott Laboratories (Puerto Rico) Incorporated, Abbott Laboratories (Singapore) Private Limited, Abbott Laboratories A/S, Abbott Laboratories Argentina Sociedad Anonima, Abbott Laboratories B.V., Abbott Laboratories C.A., Abbott Laboratories Finance B.V., Abbott Laboratories GmbH, Abbott Laboratories Inc., Abbott Laboratories International LLC, Abbott Laboratories Ireland Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited - Laboratoires Abbott Limitee, Abbott Laboratories NZ Limited, Abbott Laboratories Pacific Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Laboratories Products B.V., Abbott Laboratories Residential Development Fund Inc., Abbott Laboratories S.A., Abbott Laboratories SA, Abbott Laboratories Services Corp., Abbott Laboratories Slovakia s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trustee Company Limited, Abbott Laboratories Uruguay S.A., Abbott Laboratories Vascular Enterprises, Abbott Laboratories d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories de Chile Limitada, Abbott Laboratories de Colombia S.A., Abbott Laboratories de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Abbott Laboratories druzba za farmacijo in diagnostiko d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories(Hellas) Societe Anonyme, Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios del Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Abbott Laboratuarlari Ithalat Ihracat ve Ticaret Ltd.Sti, Abbott Laboratorios Lda, Abbott Laboratorios do Brasil Ltda., Abbott Limited Egypt LLC, Abbott Logistics B.V., Abbott Management GmbH, Abbott Management LLC, Abbott Manufacturing Singapore Private Limited, Abbott Mature Products International Unlimited Company, Abbott Mature Products Management Limited, Abbott Medical (Hong Kong) Limited, Abbott Medical (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Medical (Portugal) Distribuicao de Produtos Medicos Lda, Abbott Medical (Schweiz) AG, Abbott Medical (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Australia Pty. Ltd., Abbott Medical Austria Ges.m.b.H., Abbott Medical Balkan d.o.o. Beograd (Novi Beograd), Abbott Medical Belgium, Abbott Medical Canada Inc./ Medicale Abbott Canada Inc., Abbott Medical Danmark A/S, Abbott Medical Devices Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Espana S.A., Abbott Medical Estonia OU, Abbott Medical Finland Oy, Abbott Medical France SAS, Abbott Medical GmbH, Abbott Medical Hellas Limited Liability Trading Company, Abbott Medical Ireland Limited, Abbott Medical Italia S.p.A., Abbott Medical Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Korea Limited, Abbott Medical Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Medical Laboratories LTD, Abbott Medical Nederland B.V., Abbott Medical New Zealand Limited, Abbott Medical Norway AS, Abbott Medical Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Medical Sweden AB, Abbott Medical Taiwan Co., Abbott Medical U.K. Limited, Abbott Medical spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Middle East S.A.R.L., Abbott Molecular Inc., Abbott Morocco SARL, Abbott Nederland C.V., Abbott Nederland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Netherlands Investments B.V., Abbott Norge AS, Abbott Nutrition Limited, Abbott Nutrition Manufacturing Inc., Abbott Operations Singapore Pte. Ltd., Abbott Operations Uruguay S.R.L., Abbott Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Overseas Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Overseas S.A., Abbott Oy, Abbott Point of Care Canada Limited, Abbott Point of Care Inc., Abbott Poland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Procurement LLC, Abbott Products (Philippines) Inc., Abbott Products (Spain) S.L., Abbott Products Algerie EURL, Abbott Products B.V., Abbott Products Distribution SAS, Abbott Products Egypt LLC, Abbott Products Limited, Abbott Products Limited Liability Company, Abbott Products Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Products Operations AG, Abbott Products Operations LLC, Abbott Products Romania S.R.L., Abbott Products Tunisie S.A.R.L., Abbott Products Unlimited Company, Abbott Resources Inc., Abbott Resources International Inc., Abbott S.r.l., Abbott Saudi Arabia Trading Company, Abbott Scandinavia Aktiebolag, Abbott Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, Abbott South Africa Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Strategic Opportunities Limited, Abbott Trading Company Inc., Abbott Universal LLC, Abbott Vascular Devices (2) Limited, Abbott Vascular Devices Limited, Abbott Vascular Inc., Abbott Vascular Instruments Deutschland GmbH, Abbott Vascular International, Abbott Vascular Japan Co. Ltd, Abbott Vascular Limitada, Abbott Vascular Netherlands B.V., Abbott Vascular Solutions Inc., Abbott Ventures Inc., Abbott West Indies Limited, Abbott drustvo sa ogranicenom odgovornoscu za trgovinu i usluge, Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Inc., Alere, Alere (Shanghai) Diagnostics Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Healthcare Management Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Medical Sales Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Technology Co. Ltd., Alere A/S, Alere AB, Alere AS, Alere AS Holdings Limited, Alere BBI Holdings Limited, Alere Bangladesh Limited, Alere China Co. Ltd., Alere Colombia S.A., Alere Connect LLC, Alere Connected Health Limited, Alere Connected Health Ltd., Alere Diagnostics GmbH, Alere DoA Holding GmbH, Alere GmbH, Alere GmbH (Austria), Alere GmbH (Germany), Alere HK Holdings Ltd., Alere Health B.V., Alere Health BVBA, Alere Health Corp., Alere Health Sdn Bhd, Alere Health Services B.V., Alere Healthcare (Pty) Limited, Alere Healthcare Connections Limited, Alere Healthcare Inc., Alere Healthcare Nigeria Limited, Alere Healthcare S.L., Alere Holdco Inc., Alere Holding GmbH, Alere Holdings Bermuda Limited, Alere Holdings Pty Limited, Alere Home Monitoring Inc., Alere Inc., Alere Informatics Inc., Alere International Holding Corp., Alere International Limited, Alere Lda, Alere Limited, Alere Limited (New Zealand), Alere Medical BVBA, Alere Medical Co. Ltd., Alere Medical Pakistan (Private) Limited, Alere Medical Private Limited, Alere North America LLC, Alere Oy Ab, Alere Philippines Inc., Alere Phoenix ACQ Inc., Alere Pte Ltd, Alere S.A., Alere S.r.l., Alere S/A, Alere SAS, Alere San Diego Inc., Alere Scarborough Inc., Alere Spain S.L., Alere Switzerland GmbH, Alere Technologies GmbH, Alere Technologies Holdings Limited, Alere Technologies Limited, Alere Toxicology AB, Alere Toxicology Inc., Alere Toxicology S.r.l., Alere Toxicology Services Inc., Alere Toxicology plc, Alere UK Holdings Limited, Alere UK Subco Limited, Alere ULC, Alere US Holdings LLC, Alere s.r.o., Alisoc Investment & Co, Amedica Biotech Inc., Ameditech Inc., American Generics S.A.S., American Medical Supplies Inc., American Pharmacist Inc., Antares S.A., Apica Cardiovascular Limited, Aquagestion Capacitacion S.A., Aquagestion S.A., Arriva Medical LLC, Arriva Medical Philippines Inc., Arvis Investments Limited, Atlas Farmaceutica S.A., Avee Laboratories Inc., Axis-Shield AD III AS, Axis-Shield AD IV AS, Axis-Shield AS, Axis-Shield Diagnostics Limited, Axis-Shield Ltd., BBI Animal Health Limited, BBI Diagnostics Group 2 Public Limited Company, Banco de Vida S.A., Bioabsorbable Vascular Solutions Inc., Bioalgae S.A., Biohealth LLC, Biosite Incorporated, Bosque Bonito S.A., Branan Medical Corporation, Brandex Europe C.V., British Colloids Limited, CFR Chile S.A., CFR Interamericas EL Salvador Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, CFR Interamericas Nicaragua Sociedad Anonima, CFR Interamericas Panama S.A., CFR Pharmaceuticals, California Property Holdings III LLC, CardioMEMS LLC, Caripharm Inc., Cephea Valve Technologies, Cephea Valve Technologies Inc., Colibri Medical Aktiebolag, Comercializadora y Distribuidora CFR Interamericas Honduras S.A., Concateno South Limited, Concateno UK Limited, Consorcio Tecnologico en Biomedicina Clinico-Molecular S.A., Continuum Services LLC, Cozart Limited, Dextech S.A., Diagnostik Nord GmbH, Distribuciones Uquifa S.A.S., Domesco Medical Import-Export Joint-Stock Corporation, Duphar International Research B.V., Endocardial Solutions, Epocal (US) Inc, Esprit de Vie S.A., European Chemicals & Co, European Drug Testing Service EDTS AB, European Services S.A., Evalve Inc., Evalve International Inc., FARMINDUSTRIA S.A., Fada Pharma Paraguay Sociedad Anonima, Fadapharma del Ecuador S.A., Farmaceutica Mont Blanc S.L., Farmacologia Em Aquicultura Veterinaria Ltda., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV Ecuador S.A., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV S.A., Fernwood Investment S.A., First Check Diagnostics LLC, Focus Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Forensics Limited, Forestcreek Overseas S.A., Fournier Pharma Corp., Fournier Pharma GmbH, Fournier Pharmaceuticals Limited, Framed B.V., Gabmed GmbH, Garden Hills LLC, Global Analytical Development LLC, Globapharm & CO LP, Glomed Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Golnorth Investments S.A., Gynocare Limited, Gynopharm Sociedad Anonima, Gynopharm de Centroamerica S.A., Gynopharm de Venezuela C.A., Hi-Tronics Designs Inc., IDEV Technologies Inc., IG Innovations Limited, IMTC Finance B.V., IMTC Holdings B.V., IMTC Technologies Inc., Ibis Biosciences LLC, Igloo Zone Chile S.A., Igloo Zone S.L., Inmobiliaria Naknek S.A.C., Innovacon Inc., Instant Tech Subsidiary Acquisition Inc., Instant Technologies Inc., Instituto de Criopreservacion de Chile S.A., Integrated Vascular Systems Inc., Inverness Canadian Acquisition Corporation, Inverness Medical (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Australia Pty Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Hong Kong Limited, Inverness Medical Innovations SK LLC, Inverness Medical Investments LLC, Inverness Medical LLC, Inverness Medical Shimla Private Limited, Inversiones K2 SpA, Inversiones Komodo S.R.L., Ionian Technologies LLC, Irvine Biomedical Inc., Kalila Medical, Kangshenyunga S.A., Knoll UK Investments Unlimited, LLC VeroInPharm, Laboratoires Fournier S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano Lafrancol S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano del Ecuador S.A., Laboratorio Internacional Argentino S.A., Laboratorio Synthesis S.A.S., Laboratorios Lafi Limitada, Laboratorios Naturmedik S.A.S., Laboratorios Pauly Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Laboratorios Recalcine S.A., Laboratorios Transpharm S.A., Laboratory Specialists of America Inc., Lafrancol Dominicana S.A.S., Lafrancol Guatemala S.A. Sociedad Anonima, Lafrancol Internacional S.A.S, Lafrancol Peru S.R.L, Lake Forest Investments LLC, Lightlab Imaging Inc., Limited Liability Company Abbott Laboratories, Limited Liability Company Abbott Ukraine, Limited Liability Company VEROPHARM, Lung Fung Hong (China) Limited, Mansbridge Pharmaceuticals Limited, MediGuide LLC, MediGuide Ltd., Medscreen Holdings Limited, Metropolitana Farmaceutica S.A., Midwest Properties LLC, Murex Argentina S.A., Murex Biotech Limited, Murex Biotech South Africa, Murex Diagnostics Inc., Murex Diagnostics International Inc., Natural Supplement Association LLC, Negocios Denia Sociedad Anonima, Neosalud S.A.C., Nether Pharma N.P. C.V., NeuroTherm LLC, Normann Pharma-Handels GmbH, North Shore Properties Inc., Novamedi S.A., Novasalud.com S.A., Nutravida S.A., OJSC Voronezhkhimpharm, Omnilab Iberia Sociedad Limitada, OptiMedica, Orgenics France SAS, Orgenics International Holdings B.V., Orgenics Ltd., PBM-Selfcare LLC, PDD II LLC, PDD LLC, PT Alere Health, PT. Abbott Indonesia, PT. Abbott Products Indonesia, Pacesetter Inc., Pantech (RF) (PTY) LTD, Pembrooke Occupational Health Inc., Penagos S.A., Pharma International Sociedad Anonima, Pharmaceutical Technologies (Pharmatech) S.A., Pharmatech Boliviana S.A., Polygon Labs S.A., Quality Assured Services Inc., RF Medical Holdings LLC, RTL Holdings Inc., Ramses Business Corp., Recben Xenerics Farmaceutica Limitada, Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Inc., Rich Horizons International Limited, SC VEROPHARM, SJ Medical Mexico S de R.L. de C.V., SJM International Inc., SJM Thunder Holding Company, SPDH Inc., Saboya Enterprises Corporation, Salviac Limited, Scanax AS, Sealing Solutions Inc., Selfcare Technology Inc., Shandong Abbott Dairy Product Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Medical Devices Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shanghai Si Fa Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Sinensix & Co., Spinal Modulation LLC, St. Jude Medical, St. Jude Medical AB, St. Jude Medical ATG Inc., St. Jude Medical Argentina S.A., St. Jude Medical Asia Pacific Holdings GK, St. Jude Medical Atrial Fibrillation Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Brasil Ltda., St. Jude Medical Business Services Inc., St. Jude Medical Cardiology Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Colombia Ltda., St. Jude Medical Coordination Center, St. Jude Medical Costa Rica Limitada, St. Jude Medical Europe Inc., St. Jude Medical Export Ges.m.b.H., St. Jude Medical GVA Sarl, St. Jude Medical Holdings B.V., St. Jude Medical India Private Limited, St. Jude Medical International Holding, St. Jude Medical LLC, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings II, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings NT, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings SMI S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings TC S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Mexico Business Services S. de R.L. de C.V., St. Jude Medical Middle East DMCC, St. Jude Medical Operations (Malaysia) Sdn. 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.
ITV plc, an integrated producer broadcaster, creates, owns, and distributes content on various platforms worldwide. It operates through Broadcast, and ITV Studios segments. The Broadcast segment broadcasts various contents on its family of free-to-air channels, including ITV, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, ITVBe, ITV Encore, CITV, ITV Breakfast, CITV Breakfast, and various related +1 and HD equivalents; and offers television advertising services. It also delivers content through linear television broadcasting; ITV Hub, an over-the-top service on 28 platforms, including itv.com Website; and pay providers, such as Virgin and Sky, as well as through direct content deals with services comprising Amazon, Apple, and Netflix. In addition, this segment offers online advertising, HD digital channel on pay platform, and ITV Choice subscription services, as well as licenses DTT Multiplex A. The ITV Studios segment creates and produces programs and formats that include drama, entertainment, and factual entertainment for its own channels and other broadcasters, such as the BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5, and Sky. It also operates as an unscripted independent producer of content in the United States; and produces content for local broadcasters in Australia, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. In addition, this segment's distribution business licenses finished programs and formats, and third-party content internationally, as well as finances productions. The company also engages in the development of platform, broadband, transactional, and mobile services; operation of Freeview Multiplex A; rights ownership and distribution of television programs and films; and scheduling and commissioning of television programs. ITV plc was founded in 1955 is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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By Babra A. Vanhelleputte

I have served as the Board Chair for the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) for about four years now. During this time, I have seen the association grow exponentially, not only its membership numbers but its contribution to Ugandas tourism industry. AUTO is Ugandas leading tourism trade association representing the interests of the countrys most trusted tour companies.

With over 23 years since its inception in 1995, AUTO today stands at the helm of the tourism private sector providing an avenue through which tour operators can voice their concerns, while concurrently supporting government in tourism development. Key among the things we strive to do as an association, has been the establishment of support systems, a fine and clear structure, the launch of our strategic plan, and having a secretariat comprised of dedicated staff members. These four factors have, and will, continue to guide the associations path forward.

In addition, our corporate governance practices, the development of a board charter, consistently organizing annual general meetings, and clear Building Capacity and Professional Collaborations: Association of Uganda Tour Operators Photo credit: Uganda Tourism Board accountability have continued to present AUTO as the fastest developing association in Uganda. In general, tourism in Uganda has also continued to grow with the increase in tourist arrivals, attraction of more investors, engaging a more vibrant private sector, and increased tourism revenue.

But, this has also presented several demands such as the need to improve on the quality of service delivery in the sector. Therefore, AUTO has prioritized supporting members through capacity-building trainings, and programs. We have conducted trainings on itinerary planning and costing, winning techniques for travel expos, digital marketing, first aid, corporate communication, and much more. These programs complement on the job, and classroom learning for the benefit of the industry.

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AUTO has also continued to offer its members the opportunity of collaborating on joint promotions, which normally come with discounted rates, and benefit the entire sector with Destination Uganda being promoted in single foil. Yet, our initiative to create an enabling environment for our members to carry out business has been the closest to tangible. This has involved signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with different agencies like the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Uganda Tourism Board, through which AUTO members have positively and directly seen an impact.

For example, only AUTO members have the opportunity of purchasing discounted gorilla permits, and they are given preferential treatment when selecting participants for trade shows. We have also signed an MoU with World Travel Market Africa to get better exhibition rates for our members. Lobbying for incentives and tax exemptions has been an ongoing agenda item, but the direct engagements with banks, insurance companies, credit bureaus, and fuel companies have resulted in better rates for the members eventuating in a relatively better business environment.

Together, with the Presidential Investors Round Table (PIRT), AUTO managed to lobby for a reduction in the tourist visa fee from US$ 100 to the current US$ 50. In the same accord, we were able to push the government to reconsider refurbishing the tourism training institutes, which the ministry of tourism is currently enhancing as a key priority area. We have lobbied for the creation of a proper statistics collection unit at the ministry of tourism to capture accurate tourist statistics, so that we can measure our growth, and identify trends. Through our negotiations, we continue to advocate for a gender-balanced sector with commitment to equal opportunities to employees of all sexes. This gender-balanced model is in line with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set by the UN member states. We are currently in the advanced stages of creating a members bonding scheme, which will provide basic insurance coverage for the members and resultantly improve bargaining power when engaging with international buyers, and travel agents.

Knowing that our members businesses anchor on a well-conserved environment, we continue to work closely with the Uganda Wildlife Authority in advocating for conservation through different events, and through our communications channels.

Conclusively, there are exogenous challenges that still face the tourism sector, like negative travel advisories, seasonal political disruption, as well as sector-internal challenges like the unregulated tourism industry, inadequate marketing, poaching, human-wildlife conflicts, and negative media publicity, among others. Yet, generally, the tourism sector in Uganda continues to exhibit the potential to make even greater strides as an even greater foreign exchange earner, and a larger provider of employment.

Babra A. Vanhelleputte, is Board Chair, Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO), Founder, Asyanut Safaris and Incentives
iShares China Large-Cap ETF's stock was trading at $38.80 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 (Coronavirus) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, FXI stock has increased by 6.8% and is now trading at $41.42.

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Ryanair Holdings plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides scheduled-passenger airline services in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Other European countries. It is also involved in the provision of various ancillary services, such as non-flight scheduled services and internet-related services; in-flight sale of beverages, food, and merchandise; and marketing accommodation and hotel services, car hire, and travel insurance through its Website and mobile app. In addition, the company offers aircraft and passenger handling, ticketing, marketing and advertising, and maintenance and repair services; and markets car parking, attractions, and activities on its website and mobile app, as well as sells gift vouchers. As of June 30, 2020, it had a principal fleet of approximately 440 Boeing 737 aircraft and 26 Airbus A320 aircraft; and offered approximately 2,500 scheduled short-haul flights per day serving approximately 242 airports, including 79 bases. Ryanair Holdings plc was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Swords, Ireland.

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1 Wall Street analysts have issued "buy," "hold," and "sell" ratings for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in the last twelve months. There are currently 1 hold rating for the stock. The consensus among Wall Street analysts is that investors should "hold" SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust stock. A hold rating indicates that analysts believe investors should maintain any existing positions they have in SPY, but not buy additional shares or sell existing shares.

View analyst ratings for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust or view top-rated stocks.
The Toronto-Dominion Bank, together with its subsidiaries, provides various personal and commercial banking products and services in Canada and the United States. It operates through three segments: Canadian Retail, U.S. Retail, and Wholesale Banking. The company offers personal deposits, such as chequing, savings, and investment products; financing, investment, cash management, international trade, and day-to-day banking services to businesses; and financing options to customers at point of sale for automotive and recreational vehicle purchases through auto dealer network. It also provides credit cards; real estate secured lending; auto finance; consumer lending; point-of-sale payment solutions for large and small businesses; wealth and asset management products, private banking, investment advisory, and trust services to retail and institutional clients; and property and casualty insurance, as well as life and health insurance products. The company also provides capital markets, and corporate and investment banking services, including underwriting and distribution of new debt and equity issues; advice on strategic acquisitions and divestitures; and trading, funding, and investment services to companies, governments, and institutions. It offers its products and services under the TD Bank and America's Most Convenient Bank brand names. The company operates through a network of 1,085 branches, 3,440 automated teller machines, and 1,223 stores, as well as offers telephone, digital, and mobile banking services. The Toronto-Dominion Bank was founded in 1855 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Procter & Gamble: "Procter & Gamble Services" LLC, "Procter & Gamble" LLC, Agile Pursuits, Agile Pursuits Franchising, Arbora, Arbora & Ausonia, Arborinvest, Billie, Braun (Shanghai) Co., Braun GmbH, Braun-Gillette Immobilien GmbH & Co. KG, Celtic Insurance Company, Compania Procter & Gamble Mexico, Compania Quimica S.A., Corporativo Procter & Gamble, Cosmetic Products Pty. Ltd., Detergent Products B.V., Detergent Products SARL, Detergenti S.A., Eurocos Cosmetic GmbH, FPG Oleochemicals Sdn. Bhd., Fameccanica Data S.p.A., Fameccanica Industria e Comercio Do Brasil LTDA., Fameccanica Machinery (Shanghai) Co., Fater S.p.A., Fountain Square Music Publishing Co., Gillette (China) Ltd., Gillette (Shanghai) Ltd., Gillette Aesop Ltd., Gillette Australia Pty. Ltd., Gillette Canada Holdings, Gillette Commercial Operations North America, Gillette Diversified Operations Pvt. Ltd., Gillette Egypt S.A.E., Gillette Group UK Ltd, Gillette Gruppe Deutschland GmbH & Co. oHG, Gillette Holding Company LLC, Gillette Holding GmbH, Gillette India Limited, Gillette Industries Ltd., Gillette International B.V., Gillette Latin America Holding B.V., Gillette Management LLC, Gillette Nova Scotia Company, Gillette Pakistan Limited, Gillette Poland International Sp. z.o.o., Gillette Poland S.A., Gillette U.K. Limited, Gillette del Uruguay, Giorgio Beverly Hills Inc., Hyginett KFT, Industries Marocaines Modernes SA, LLC "Procter & Gamble Novomoskovsk", LLL "Procter & Gamble Distributorskaya Compania", Laboratorios Vicks, Liberty Street Music Publishing Company, Limited Liability Company 'Procter & Gamble Trading Ukraine', Limited Liability Company with foreign investments Procter & and Gamble Ukraine, MDVIP, MERCK KGAA NPV, Marcvenca Inversiones, Modern Industries Company - Dammam, Modern Products Company - Jeddah, New Chapter, New Chapter Canada Inc., Olay LLC, Oral-B Laboratories, P&G Distribution Morocco SAS, P&G Hair Care Holding, P&G Industrial Peru S.R.L., P&G Innovation Godo Kaisha, P&G Israel M.D.O. Ltd., P&G K.K., P&G Northeast Asia Pte. Ltd., P&G Prestige Godo Kaisha, P&G Prestige Service GmbH, P&G South African Trading (Pty.) Ltd., PGT Health Care (Zhejiang) Limited, PGT Healthcare LLP, PPI ZAO, PT Procter & Gamble Home Products Indonesia, PT Procter & Gamble Operations Indonesia, Phase II Holdings Corporation, Procter & Gamble (Chengdu) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (China) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (China) Sales Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble (East Africa) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Egypt) Manufacturing Company, Procter & Gamble (Enterprise Fund) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Consumer Products Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Enterprise Management Service Company Limited, Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Health & Beauty Care) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Jiangsu) Ltd. China, Procter & Gamble (L&CP) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Procter & Gamble (Manufacturing) Ireland Limited, Procter & Gamble (Shanghai) International Trade Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Acquisition GmbH, Procter & Gamble Administration GmbH, Procter & Gamble Algeria EURL, Procter & Gamble Amazon Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Amiens S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Argentina SRL, Procter & Gamble Asia Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Australia Proprietary Limited, Procter & Gamble Azerbaijan Services LLC, Procter & Gamble Bangladesh Private Ltd., Procter & Gamble Blois S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Brazil Holdings B.V., Procter & Gamble Bulgaria EOOD, Procter & Gamble Business Services Canada Company, Procter & Gamble Canada Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Chile , Procter & Gamble Chile Limitada, Procter & Gamble Colombia Ltda., Procter & Gamble Commercial LLC, Procter & Gamble Commercial de Cuba S.A., Procter & Gamble Czech Republic s.r.o., Procter & Gamble DS Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Danmark ApS, Procter & Gamble Detergent (Beijing) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Deuttschland GmbH, Procter & Gamble Distributing (Philippines) Inc., Procter & Gamble Distributing New Zealand Limited, Procter & Gamble Distribution Company (Europe) BVBA, Procter & Gamble Distribution S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Eastern Europe, Procter & Gamble Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Procter & Gamble Egypt, Procter & Gamble Egypt Distribution, Procter & Gamble Egypt Holding, Procter & Gamble Egypt Supplies, Procter & Gamble Energy Company LLC, Procter & Gamble Espana, Procter & Gamble Europe SA, Procter & Gamble Export Operations SARL, Procter & Gamble Exportadora e Importadora Ltda., Procter & Gamble Exports, Procter & Gamble Fabricacao e Comercio Ltda., Procter & Gamble Far East, Procter & Gamble Finance (U.K.) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Finance Holding Ltd., Procter & Gamble Finance Management S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Financial Investments LLP, Procter & Gamble Financial Services Ltd., Procter & Gamble Financial Services S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Finland OY, Procter & Gamble France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH, Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH & Co. Operations oHG, Procter & Gamble GmbH, Procter & Gamble Grundstucks-und Vermogensverwaltungs GmbH & Co. KG, Procter & Gamble Gulf FZE, Procter & Gamble Hair Care, Procter & Gamble Hellas Ltd., Procter & Gamble Holding (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Holding France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Holding GmbH, Procter & Gamble Holding S.r.l., Procter & Gamble Holdings (UK) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Home Products Private Limited, Procter & Gamble Hong Kong Limited, Procter & Gamble Hungary Wholesale Trading Partnership (KKT), Procter & Gamble Hygiene & Health Care Limited, Procter & Gamble Inc., Procter & Gamble India Holdings, Procter & Gamble Indochina Limited Company, Procter & Gamble Industrial - 2012 C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial Colombia Ltda., Procter & Gamble Industrial S.C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Costa Rica, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Guatemala, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Panama, Procter & Gamble International Operations Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble International Operations SA, Procter & Gamble International Operations SA-ROHQ, Procter & Gamble International S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Investment Company (UK) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Investment GmbH, Procter & Gamble Italia, Procter & Gamble Japan K.K., Procter & Gamble Kazakhstan Distribution LLP, Procter & Gamble Kazakhstan LLP, Procter & Gamble Korea, Procter & Gamble Korea S&D Co., Procter & Gamble Lanka Private Ltd. Sri Lanka, Procter & Gamble Leasing LLC, Procter & Gamble Levant S.A.L., Procter & Gamble Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Belgium N.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Berlin GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing SA (Pty) Ltd, Procter & Gamble Marketing Romania SRL, Procter & Gamble Marketing and Services doo, Procter & Gamble Maroc SA, Procter & Gamble Mataro, Procter & Gamble Mexico Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Mexico Inc., Procter & Gamble Middle East FZE, Procter & Gamble Nederland B.V., Procter & Gamble Netherlands Investments B.V., Procter & Gamble Netherlands Services B.V., Procter & Gamble Nigeria Limited, Procter & Gamble Nordic, Procter & Gamble Norge AS, Procter & Gamble Operations Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Overseas India B.V., Procter & Gamble Overseas Ltd., Procter & Gamble Pakistan (Private) Limited, Procter & Gamble Partnership LLP, Procter & Gamble Peru S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals France SAS, Procter & Gamble Philippines, Procter & Gamble Polska Sp. z o.o, Procter & Gamble Portugal - Produtos De Consumo, Procter & Gamble Product Supply (U.K.) Limited U.K., Procter & Gamble Production GmbH, Procter & Gamble Productions, Procter & Gamble Productos de Consumo, Procter & Gamble RHD, Procter & Gamble RSC Regional Service Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Retail Services BVBA, Procter & Gamble S.r.l., Procter & Gamble SA (Pty) Ltd, Procter & Gamble Satis ve Dagitim Ltd. Sti., Procter & Gamble Seine S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Service GmbH, Procter & Gamble Services (Switzerland) SA, Procter & Gamble Services Company N.V., Procter & Gamble Services Ltd., Procter & Gamble Share Incentive Plan Trustee Ltd., Procter & Gamble South America Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Spol. s.r.o. (Ltd.), Procter & Gamble Sports and Social Club Ltd., Procter & Gamble Sverige AB, Procter & Gamble Switzerland SARL, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Limited, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Sales Company Limited, Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Limited, Procter & Gamble Technology (Beijing) Co., Procter & Gamble Trading (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Tuketim Mallari Sanayii A.S., Procter & Gamble UK, Procter & Gamble UK Group Holdings Ltd, Procter & Gamble UK Parent Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Universal Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Verwaltungs GmbH, Procter & Gamble Vietnam, Procter & Gamble d.o.o. za trgovinu, Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.C.A., Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.R.L., Procter & Gamble do Brasil S/A, Procter & Gamble do Brazil, Procter & Gamble do Nordeste S/A, Procter & Gamble-Rakona s.r.o., Progam Realty & Development Corporation, Redmond Products, Richardson-Vicks Real Estate Inc., Richardson-Vicks do Brasil Quimica e Farmaceutica Ltda, Riverfront Music Publishing Co., Rosemount LLC, SPD Development Company Limited, SPD Swiss Precision Diagnostics GmbH, Scannon S.A.S., Series Acquisition B.V., Shulton, Surfac S.R.L., Sycamore Productions, TAOS - FL, TAOS Retail, Tambrands Inc., Temple Trees Impex & Investment Private Limited, The Art of Shaving - FL, The Dover Wipes Company, The Gillette Company, The Gillette Company LLC, The Gillette co., The Procter & Gamble Distributing LLC, The Procter & Gamble GBS Company, The Procter & Gamble Global Finance Company, The Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company, The Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company, The Procter & Gamble U.S. Business Services Company, This is L., US CD LLC, Vidal Sassoon (Shanghai) Academy, Vidal Sassoon Co., WEBA Betriebsrenten-Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Walker & Company Brands, and iMFLUX Inc..
Scores of protesters gathered outside the Tornillo border crossing about 35 miles southeast of El Paso, Texas over the weekend to protest the mass incarceration of immigrant children there in a barren tent camp in the desert on the Mexican border. The demonstrators demanded the immediate release of the children as well as that of their parents.

The protest came amid reports that over 1,600 children have been relocated to the camp as part of a brutal immigration policy involving what amounts to midnight raids on shelters and foster care homes throughout the country.

Children are literally being dragged from their beds in the middle of the night without warning in order to prevent them from escaping, according to a report Sunday by the New York Times. They are then loaded onto buses and transported hundreds if not thousands of miles from as far away as New York and Kansas to be imprisoned in the Tornillo detention camp.

The Times reported that caregivers at the shelters and homes from which the children are removed have protested the action and have been left in tears by the governments action. Children already traumatized by their detention and separation from their parents are once again subjected to the cruelty of the US governments police-state regime against immigrants and refugees.

Several shelter workers, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of being fired, described what they said has become standard practice for moving the children: In order to avoid escape attempts, the moves are carried out late at night because children will be less likely to try to run away, the Times reported. For the same reason, children are generally given little advance warning that they will be moved.

The Tornillo detention camp, or Tent City was originally opened in June to house 400 boys after the Trump administrations implementation of its zero tolerance policy, which effectively meant that all undocumented immigrants, including those claiming refugee status, were to be imprisoned, and all those deemed to have violated immigration law criminally prosecuted. While held in custody, parents were separated from their children.

While the administration has formally ended the policy of separation, it acknowledges that nearly 500 children are still separated from their parents and in custody, including 22 who are under the age of five. The parents of at least 322 of these children have already been deported. Moreover, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) notified Congress earlier this month that it cannot locate about 1,500 children released into custody by immigration authorities and for whom it is responsible to ensure care.

The number of detained immigrant minors has increased fivefold since 2017, with more than 13,000 now in custody. The average period of time that these children spend in detention centers has nearly doubled from 34 days to 59 days, according to DHHS.

While the government initially said it would close down the Tornillo camp in July, it subsequently pushed the closing date to September and has now revealed that the facility is being vastly expanded and will remain open at least until the end of this year.

The children imprisoned at the camp are classified as unaccompanied minors, though it is unclear whether some of those housed there were separated from their parents either in crossing the border or by the Border Patrol itself.

Children sent to the Tornillo federal detention camp are taken from homes and shelters elsewhere to live in tents where they sleep lined up in bunks and are denied the right to education that is mandated in facilities under the jurisdiction of individual states child welfare laws. Their access to attorneys handling their immigration cases is also sharply curtailed.

Hundreds of children are being been dragged to the desert detention camp in Texas because of the overflow in other shelters caused by the record number of children that have been detained at the border and the difficulty in releasing them to family members created by the US governments own draconian immigration policies.

Under the pretense of imposing more rigorous background checks on family members coming forward to take care of the children in custodywhich has included the demand that they be fingerprintedImmigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has targeted these caregivers, many of whom are themselves undocumented immigrants, for detention and deportation.

Last month, ICE senior official Matthew Albence testified to Congress that under background check procedures, his agency had since July arrested 41 people who had come forward volunteering to sponsor the imprisoned children. An ICE spokesperson told CNN that 70 percent of these arrests were made based on the sole crime of being undocumented.

Close to 80 percent of the individuals that are either sponsors or household members of sponsors are here in the country illegally, and a large chunk of those are criminal aliens, Albence told the Congressional panel. So we are continuing to pursue those individuals.

Albence is the same ICE official who testified to Congress this summer that detention facilities like the one in Tornillo were the equivalent of summer camps for kids. Asked if he would send his own children to one of them, he replied that the question was not applicable.

The governments crimes against children detained on the US southern border have only escalated since the Trump administration formally rescinded its policy of separating children from their parents. Yet, they are largely ignored by the media and by the Democratic Party, which put in place the emergency shelter regulations now being brutally implemented in Tornillo.
President Museveni has implored Uganda Investment Authority to ease the process of acquiring work permits by investors, saying that will improve the investment climate in the country.

Museveni remarked at the commissioning of Good Will Ceramics Company Limited, in Kapeeka.

It is not right to make working permits so expensive, UIA must automatically resolve these matters for all factories instead of making investors beg and lobby.

Situated in the Liao Shen Industrial Park, the company was established in May last year with an investment capital of US $30million. It commenced production in April this year with an output capacity of 40,000 square meters of tiles per day and about 200 different tile designs.

The factory manufactures and supplies well coated tiles made from over 90 per cent locally sourced raw materials from all corners of Uganda to serve both local and neighboring countries markets. The enterprise has been able to create about 2,000 jobs for both skilled and non-skilled employees.

Museveni appreciated the Chinese people for the big contribution made in Ugandan industries adding that with the new ceramic industry, Uganda has been able to save US $35 million that would have been lost through using imported tiles.

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Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Minister, Amelia Kyambadde lauded President Museveni for equipping the rural and urban youth with capital and equipment that has helped them get jobs. She commended Goodwill Ceramics Company for the good quality products that it is producing affordable price.

I encourage Ugandans to buy their products. I have already bought these products. Ugandans must change their mindsets of thinking that local products are not good. We used to talk about commodity trade, now we talk about value addition she said.

The Managing Director of Goodwill, Frank Yang applauded Museveni and the government of Uganda for clearly demonstrating support to investors by allowing them to grow development roots in the country.

He hailed Museveni for the peace and security that he has created which has been conducive for the ceramic company to be established. He also hailed the people of Kapeeka for their loyalty, professionalism and support and appreciated Gen. Salem Saleh, for having offered tremendous support during the early days of the company.

He assured Museveni that production of tiles from Uganda will contribute to industrialization, increased revenue and creation of jobs in Uganda.
On Election Day 2016, Rachel Crooks went to bed without watching the results. A friend texted her in the middle of the night. It was something ambiguous, maybe just the word sigh,  Crooks says. I knew what it meant, but I didnt want to believe it.

Weeks earlier, Crooks had accused Donald Trump of forcibly kissing her while she was a 22-year-old receptionist at Trump Tower in New York. She recognized Trump and introduced herself with a handshake. He didnt let go, she said, instead kissing her on each cheek, then the lips. Her story ran in The New York Times days after the Access Hollywood tape was released. Trumps campaign called the accusation fiction.

I felt a lot of social anxiety because I didnt know who knew about the story or what they were thinking, says Crooks, now 35. I was also very scared for our country.

Crooks, a Ph.D. candidate in education administration, has a Bernie sticker on her car, had volunteered for both Obama presidential campaigns, and in the year after Trumps election, began making public appearances with the #MeToo movement near her home in Tiffin, Ohio. She didnt consider running for state representative, however, until friends suggested it: You start to feel that people are looking to you, and you have this responsibility, she says. I decided to take that on.

She faces a GOP incumbent who ran unopposed in the last election, an issue in and of itself, she says. Her northern Ohio district hasnt elected a Democrat to the seat in more than 20 years and voters there favored Trump in 2016. They also voted for Obama, twice, however, so shes hopeful shell be able to declare victory in November with an appeal to rational thinking. Im a sensible human, she says. I try to approach an issue or a problem and get both sides and understand it holistically before I land on a position.

A first-generation college grad, Crooks plans to champion affordable education if elected. As someone who has seen the positive impacts that education and going to college can have on someones life, that resonates with me, she says. Shell also push for a fair tax system and to reduce income inequality.

Above all, she promises to listen to constituents who she says have been overlooked by the districts longstanding Republican majority. As silly as it is, we had to pick a campaign song, and I was getting suggestions that were female-oriented or woman power and it didnt feel right, she says. I ended up choosing Everyday People by Sly and the Family Stone. I just feel like thats the group I want to fight for.
Catholic minister says he was fired over Facebook post about friends' gay marriage originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

Keith Kozak says he was simply supporting his friends' marriage, but now he's out of a job with the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland.

Kozak was a campus minister at Cleveland State University and provided Catholic outreach to the school community, but now he's out of a job because he claims the diocese fired him for "liking" a friend's post about their gay marriage on Facebook in mid-September.

He believes a congratulatory post with a photo of him at another friends' gay wedding in September 2017 also contributed to his firing.

PHOTO: The Diocese of Cleveland is located on East 9th Street in downtown Cleveland. (Google Maps)

"I really wasn't even thinking about it at the time, that it would be anything detrimental," Kozak told Cleveland ABC affiliate WEWS about his "like." "[It] really feels discouraging that this is still happening."

Kozak says he was called into a meeting with his supervisor and a human resources person at the diocese a week ago. Kozak, who says he was up for a promotion, assumed the meeting was good news -- until they began questioning him about the photos on social media.

(MORE: Catholic pastor ousted after burning LGBTQ banner)

"They sat me down and they said we had seen some things on Facebook and Twitter and that would like to talk to you about that," Kozak told WEWS.

He admitted to "liking" the photo his friend posted about his wedding on Sept. 13 and sharing a few photos from the reception he attended last year at a different friend's gay wedding.

"The very next day, I received a letter that said I was terminated," Kozak said.

PHOTO: Keith Kozak says he was fired by the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland for 'liking' a post about his friends' gay marriage on Facebook. (WEWS)

When reached for comment by WEWS, the Diocese of Cleveland refused to discuss specific personnel matters, but did cite ministerial exception for allowing such personnel decisions. Ministerial exception refers to a Supreme Court ruling that exempts religious institutions from anti-discrimination laws in their hiring practices.

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The diocese told WEWS in a statement it was confident his firing was appropriate.

(MORE: Pope meets with top US Catholic Church clergy in 'fruitful' meeting on sex abuse)

Kozak, who is gay himself, said the firing was a "wake-up call," but he still considers himself Catholic.

"It's a wake-up call for me," he said. "It's a wake-up call that I didn't really realize the Catholic Church would act like this."
The Kavanaugh Investigation Is a Sham, and Republicans All Know It Jeff Flake needed political cover to vote yes on Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee. His colleagues are doing their best to give it to him.

On Friday, shortly after announcing his support for embattled Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, a somber Jeff Flake changed his mind. Sort of. I think that we ought to do what we can to make sure we do all due diligence with a nomination this important, he said, as the committee's other Republicans rolled their eyes in frustration. Flake asked for a supplemental FBI investigation into the sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh, but with the caveat that it not delay the final confirmation vote for more than one week. The truth is very important to Jeff Flake, unless finding it would take longer than seven days, in which case, says Jeff Flake, what else is there to be done?

By all accounts, the process that ensued has beenand this is a technical terma bureaucratic clusterfuck of the highest order. The White House quickly moved to limit the scope of the inquiry, excluding from the list of potential witnesses former classmates who could corroborate or debunk some of Kavanaugh's more obvious lies, especially those related to his drinking habits. According to the New Yorker, would-be tipsters found themselves ignored, referred, and eventually lost deep within the bowels of the FBI's automated phone-menu hell.

[A former Yale] classmate said that he was one-hundred-per-cent certain that he had heard an account that was practically identical to [Deborah] Ramirezs, thirty-five years ago, but the two had never spoken about it. He had hoped to convey this to the F.B.I., but, when he reached out to a Bureau official in Washington, D.C., he was told to contact the F.B.I. field office nearest his home. When he tried that, he was referred to a recording. After several attempts to reach a live person at the field office, he finally reached an official who he said had no idea what he was talking about. At this point, he went back to the official at the F.B.I.s D.C. headquarters, who then referred him, too, to an 800-number tip line. (He eventually left a tip through an online portal.)

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Even after Trump, perhaps aware that pre-baking a law enforcement investigation is not a good look, tweeted his desire that investigators interview "whoever they deem appropriate," sources told NBC News that this proclamation had no effect on the Bureau's mandate. And if Flake had objections to any of this, it didn't matter, since the "commitment" he procured from committee chair Chuck Grassley was memorialized only in a "gentlemen's agreement."

[A] White House official made clear that the White House is the client in this process. This is not an FBI criminal investigationit is a background investigation in which the FBI is acting on behalf of the White House. Procedurally, the White House does not allow the FBI to investigate as it sees fit, the official acknowledged; the White House sets the parameters.

On Monday afternoon, the New York Times reported that under intense pressure from Democrats, the White House had authorized the Bureau to "expand its abbreviated investigation"for real this time, apparently. Trump attached a "within reason" qualifier to this directive, however, and the original Friday deadline remains in place.

This was always the riskiest possible outcome of Senate Democrats' demands for an FBI investigation: that if it occurred, Kavanaugh's enablers would employ a perfunctory process rigged to turn up as little of substance as possible. Grassley and company did not care whether Brett Kavanaugh lied under oath or committed sexual assault before Jeff Flake began having second thoughts. Why would they care about those things now? To them, this is a simple, straightforward exercise in the provision of political cover, and their only incentive is to do the bare minimum required to get Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski to vote yes, and to soothe Jeff Flake's guilty conscience enough to allow him to do the same.

Jeff Flake Is Another Spineless Do-Nothing Who Will Be Forgotten by History

An encounter with protestors in a Senate elevator is the perfect metaphor for his public-service career.

This, of course, would be an acceptable outcome for Flake, who desperately wants to be remembered as a good and decent person, but remains as reluctant as ever to put in the work of doing things that good and decent people do. In a 60 Minutes interview alongside Delaware senator Chris Coons, with whom he negotiated the last-minute delay on Friday, Flake was asked if learning that Kavanaugh lied under oath would torpedo the nomination. He paused, and frowned the sort of frown one uses to convey their earnestness about the subject at hand. "Oh yes," he said.

Call it the coward's paradox: If Kavanaugh lied, Jeff Flake would vote no, but also, he'd might never have the chance to find out. Republicans want this investigation to be a mere performance of justiceone that allows Flake, Collins, and Murkowski to cast votes to confirm, all while telling themselves that they did the right thing.
The new space race is on, with SpaceX preparing to launch Japanese online fashion tycoon, Yusaku Maezawa, around the moon in 2023. However, British billionaire Richard Bransons Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin, funded by Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos are hoping that 2019 is the year that one of them takes paying customers to the edge of space.

At stake are supersonic speeds, a few minutes of weightlessness, and an incredible view of the curvature of Earth against the blackness of space, but just as important are bragging rights. For future astronauts, theres a choice to be made. Which spaceline is for you?

What is suborbital space tourism?

For now, its all about getting to the Karman Line that separates Earth and space, which is about 62 miles/100km up. These first flights will be suborbital  they will go up very quickly, and then quickly come down again even faster. In the future, space tourism will almost certainly shift to short orbital flights and the chance to spend a week or two in a space station circling the globe. For now, suborbital is where its at.

What Blue Origin space tourists will get

If you ever wanted to blast-off to space on top of a rocket, Blue Origins New Shepard suborbital system is for you. A more conventional, Apollo-like method of getting to space than Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin will put six people in a capsule on top of its 60-foot-tall New Shepard reusable rocket. Thats four paying customers and two Blue Origin pilots who together will experience vertical take-off from a launchpad.

The capsule itself is designed for observing Earth, albeit briefly, with a 43x29-inch window next to each of the six reclining leather chairs. Although prices havent yet been revealed, its expected that a Blue Origin ticket will cost between $200,000 and $300,000.

The Blue Origin travel itinerary

Jeff Bezos debuts a Blue Origin launch vehicle on Sept. 15, 2015, as Florida Gov. Rick Scott applauds during a press conference at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

After just one day of training, launch will likely take place from Blue Origins launch facility near Van Horn, West Texas. After the vertical take-off, the New Shepard rocket engines will burn for 150 seconds and reach Mach 3  three times the speed of sound  before the rocket and capsule detach from one another. The capsule will keep going to the Karman Line while the rocket descends and lands back on the launchpad.

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Those inside the capsule will then get three minutes of weightlessness, and a brief chance to look at Earth from space, before the capsule begins to descend, reaching terrifying Mach 5 speeds before a parachute is deployed and the capsule floats back to where it started. The total experience will last just 11 minutes.

What Virgin Galactic space tourists will get

For $250,000 a ticket (which initially requires a $20,000 deposit), Virgin Galactic ticket-holders will experience a supersonic flight that takes-off and lands on a runway during a trip that lasts around 2.5 hours in total. Well before that, passengers have to have medical checks, safety training, and undergo G-force and microgravity simulations. The spacecraft itself, VSS Unity, has eight seats  two for the pilots and six recliners for passengers  each with a small window.

The Virgin Galactic travel itinerary

Richard Branson and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud pose for a photo at the Virgin Galactic company in California, April 2, 2018. Saudi Arabia is investing $1 billion in the company.

The Virgin Galactic experience is no quick joyride. Six wannabe space tourists will arrive at Spaceport America in New Mexico three days before the big day and undergo more medial checks. Finally, theyll board the tiny carbon-composite VSS Unity strapped to the undercarriage of a the WhiteKnightTwo VMS Eve carrier aircraft. After being carried to 50,000ft., VSS Unity detaches, fires its engines for 63 seconds, and climb vertically at Mach 3.5 to the Karman Line. Passengers will then unbuckle and experience four minutes of weightlessness, then descend rapidly at Mach 5. At about 70,000ft. VSS Unity will glide back to the runway for a landing.

Why is space tourism taking so long?

Richard Branson first promised to take people to space in 2004, and there have been several setbacks along the way. Progress was made this last July when VSS Unity reached 114,500 ft., or about 21 miles, after firing its engines for 31 seconds. The plan is to go for 40 seconds on the next test flight, then 50 seconds, and finally, 63 seconds. That will take VSS Unity to space. Also in July, New Shepard flew for the ninth time, and is surely getting close to a crewed test flight.
Maybe it was the two women in the elevator of the Senate office building on Friday morning, confronting Republican Sen. Jeff Flake and demanding he look them in the face and listen to them. Or maybe Flake just decided he didnt want his legacy to be that he was the guy who broke the tie to endorse Judge Brett Kavanaugh, so he flipped and joined the Democrats in demanding that the FBI reopen its investigation into Dr. Christine Blasey Fords claim that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in high school. Or maybe Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell signaled that he was secretly okay with the delay, which the Republicans had furiously resisted, because either 1) He thinks the proceedings will clear Kavanaugh, or 2) He and his Republican posse will use the results as an excuse to dump this jerk.

Phew! Whatever the reason, Flakes reversal was a stunning development. The additional inquiry, which will examine allegations by a second Kavanaugh accuser (she says he drunkenly stuck his penis in her face when they were at Yale) has been orderedalbeit reluctantlyby President Donald Trump. Though the agency has been given only one week to finish the job, this may be sufficient time to track down Mark Judge, who Ford says was in the room when she was assaulted, and to pinpoint the date and place where this incident supposedly took place. (According to the diary that Kavanaugh unearthed from his moms housecan this document be real?it could well have been July 1, 1982.) Plus, the feds may also suss out the true meaning of the notations under Kavs high school yearbook picture, which include ralphing, boofing, and the devils triangle. The massively unconvincing candidate stated under oath that these referred to vomiting because of a weak tummy, flatulence, and a drinking game. But there are also far more lurid definitions in common parlance: Ralphing means upchucking from drink, boofing is ingesting alcohol anally (not kidding here, look it up), and the triangle is a three-way consisting of two men and one woman.

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Will the FBI inquiry give senators the time to figure a way out of this rats nest? The hearing on Thursday presented Ford, a model of quiet sagacity, so riveting that even the president conceded she was compelling. (Sen. Orrin Hatch, unable to shake off the chains of his profound sexism, described her as attractive and pleasing.) Kavanaugh himself barreled into the hearing room sniffling and shouting, unleashing a glut of charges against his imagined enemiesthe Democrats, the Clintons, the leftthat hardly displayed a judicial temperament. Trump appeared to agree with this analysis. At his Nuremberg-style rally in Wheeling, West Virginia, last night, he declared, A vote for Judge Kavanaugh is a vote to reject the ruthless and outrageous tactics of the Democratic Party.

Kavanaughs performance was equaled by a fulminating Sen. Lindsey Graham, steam pouring from his perky ears, clearly auditioning to replace Jeff Sessions as the attorney general. What you want to do is destroy this guys life, hold this seat open, and hope you win in 2020, Graham shrieked at his colleagues across the aisle. This is the most unethical sham since Ive been in politics. (One can only imagine the reaction if Ford and Sen. Dianne Feinstein had indulged in similar histrionics.)

You might think that this was quite enough for a single weekbut guess again! On Monday, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein sidled over to the White House, purportedly to tender his resignation, but Trump wasnt home. So the president asked him to come back Thursday. But Thursday was the hearing, and Trump wanted to watch! So now Rosey will hit 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, humming, Should I stay or should I go,sometime in the near future. On Tuesday, foreign diplomats burst out laughing at Trumps speech to the United Nations General Assemblyhe claimed they were laughing with him, not at him, when he said, In less than two years my administration has accomplished more than almost any administration in the history of our country. On Wednesday, the president convened a wild and wacky press conference, and, if you held your nose and watched the whole thing, you saw some moments at least as amusing as that yuk-fest at the U.N.: At one point, the commander in chief alleged that China respected him for his very, very large brain; at another, he quoted Sir Elton John, who supposedly once said, When you hit that last tune and its good, dont go back.

Mr. President, your administration is in chaos, Robert Muellers report is looming, and your Supreme Court nominee is a total turkey. Youre hitting your last tune, but its not goodand dont we wish we could go back?

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When Doug Benefield met a beautiful ballerina 30 years his junior he thought he had found his ideal match, but the whirlwind romance would end in deadly pas de deux for the pair. He was her mark, Dougs cousin, Tommie Benefield, told People. She took his money, his peace, and eventually she took his life. And he loved her until the end. Doug was shot to death Sept. 27, 2020 after he had gone to the Florida home of his estranged wife, Ashley Benefield, during a custody battle for the couple
Stockholm (AFP) - The announcement on Monday of the Nobel Medicine Prize opens this year's amputated awards season, with no Literature Prize for the first time in 70 years because of a #MeToo scandal.

Like every year, Nobel aficionados have speculated wildly about possible winners, given the number of worthy candidates in the fields of medicine, physics, chemistry, peace and economics.

The medicine prize committee at Stockholm's Karolinska Institute is the first to reveal its choice of laureates, on Monday at 11:30 am (0930 GMT).

But its announcement risks being at least partially eclipsed by a Stockholm court's verdict around the same time against Frenchman Jean-Claude Arnault, charged with rape.

His close ties to the Swedish Academy, which awards the Nobel Literature Prize, have caused a scandal and deep rift in the Academy, prompting it to postpone this year's prize for a year.

It is the first time the prize has been postponed since William Faulkner's 1949 honour was awarded in 1950.

Without the Literature Prize this year, the most highly-anticipated award will be that for peace, announced on Friday in Oslo.

But before that come the science prizes, traditionally dominated by men working at US institutions.

Swedish public radio SR tipped however the medicine prize could go to two women for the gene-editing technique known as the CRISPR-Cas9 DNA snipping tool, a type of genetic "scissors" used to cut out a mutated gene in a human embryo and replace it by a corrected version.

However, the discovery could be too early for a Nobel, with a recent study suggesting the technique may damage DNA more than previously thought. A legal dispute is also raging over who discovered the technique.

It has been claimed on the one hand by the French-American research duo of Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna, and on the other by Chinese-born American Feng Zhang.

- Hearing, genes, opiates? -

Other research mentioned as Nobel-worthy include the cochlear implant, which can help deaf people to hear again, and gene sequencing, already honoured with a chemistry Nobel in 1980 but a field whose vast progress has revolutionised medical, biological and evolutionary research since then.

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Swedish daily Svenska Dagbladet meanwhile cited research on opiates and pain relief, new blood vessel growth, and the creation of a giant gene and genome database as other possible award-winning fields.

The physics prize will follow on Tuesday.

SR suggested the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences could give the nod to research on zero dimensional quantum dots -- very small semiconductor particles that play a key role in data communications, light diodes, solar cells and medical imaging.

Svenska Dagbladet meanwhile said the discovery of the so-called "spin Hall effect" in semiconductors could be honoured, or pioneering methods to determine the age, size and distance between galaxies.

Work on the mechanisms behind supercapacitators, a type of battery that can store large amounts of electricity, was also seen as a possibility.

The chemistry prize, to be announced on Wednesday, could meanwhile go to recurring favourite John Goodenough, a 96-year old electrochemist whose work led to the invention of rechargeable lithium ion battery present in cell phones, computers and electric cars, SR said.

- Peace Prize to Korea? -

For the Peace Prize, the only Nobel announced in Oslo, there are 329 candidates this year but their names are kept secret.

US President Donald Trump has been mentioned as a possibility for his efforts to bring peace to the Korean peninsula.

But Dan Smith, head of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), said he believed it would be "inappropriate" to honour Trump after he withdrew the US from international agreements on the climate and Iran's nuclear programme.

In addition, the only known Trump nomination submitted to the Nobel committee turned out to be a fake.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in has also been mentioned for his rapprochement efforts with North Korea.

But Smith said that would be "premature," recalling the dashed hopes after Moon's predecessor Kim Dae-jung won the prize in 2000.

Other names circulating include Congolese surgeon Denis Mukwege and Yazidi activist Nadia Murad, who both campaign against sexual violence, as well as the World Food Programme, the UN refugee agency UNHCR, jailed Saudi blogger Raif Badawi, organisations defending the media and Russian human rights champions.

The 2018 Nobel season wraps up on October 8 with the announcement of the economics prize.

This year, each Nobel comes with a nine million kronor ($1.01-million, 871,000-euro) prize sum, to be shared if several laureates are honoured in the same discipline.
Supreme court drama has brought survivors of sexual assault and political organizers together. The next target is the midterms

The actor Alyssa Milano speaks in front of the supreme court in Washington. Photograph: Alex Wong/Getty Images

The #MeToo movement has landed on the doorstep of one of the most venerated American institutions, the supreme court. In doing so, it has given women even more fuel for the fight.

On Thursday, in offices, bars and classrooms, Americans paused to watch Dr Christine Blasey Ford describe an alleged attempted rape to a Senate committee of 17 men and four women. They watched the man who denies the allegation, Brett Kavanaugh, respond with bristling anger.

For survivors of sexual assault and womens activists, the hearing was another reminder that men who might have been violent towards women should not be allowed to define narratives, shape institutions and dictate standards.

On the line is one of the nine seats on the supreme court, an institution that decides landmark cases such as one that made school segregation illegal and another that made same-sex marriage legal.

There was the womens march, there was #MeToo, and I think everything is going to come together Tatiana Perkins

I think theres going to be a movement around this and I think it will be even bigger than anything thats happened before, Tatiana Perkins, who was raped by a family member when she was eight, told the Guardian.

There was the womens march, there was #MeToo, and I think everything is going to come together and its going to make some waves.

Perkins only caught glimpses of the hearing because she spent the day marching in Washington DC, in protest against Kavanaughs nomination. Reflecting on Fords testimony later that night, she said, left her feeling numb about her own experience.

I felt sad for every other survivor thats gone through this because I cant care about myself anymore, Perkins said.

Perkins campaigns for the womens health group Planned Parenthood, which she said provided a safe place to disclose her assault after she had kept silent for more than 10 years.

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If Kavanaugh is confirmed, as is expected despite the announcement of a new FBI investigation, Perkins expects she will finally break down and cry, having held it together through the traumatic cycle of the nomination. That release, she said, will be met with a plan for whats next.

I dont think him being voted in is the end, Perkins said. Its the beginning.

She was far from alone. Sam Stein, a reporter for the Daily Beast, said he passed a group of women in the Senate building on Friday who sat in a circle on a concrete floor and shared stories of being abused and raped.

I have literally told no one else this story, one said, before I talked to you all.

Demonstrators protest at the Hart US Senate office building. Photograph: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

On the day of the hearing, two groups that fight for the rights of sexual assault victims  Planned Parenthood and the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (Rainn)  saw sharp increases in traffic on their websites. Calls to Rainns national abuse hotline jumped by 201%. A spokesperson for the Planned Parenthood Action Fund (PPAF) said its campaign site saw more traffic on Thursday than it had all year.

Millions of women and countless survivors were watching today, the PPAF tweeted, and they saw a Senate majority that has abandoned them.

We are ready to fight

Since the supreme court formed in 1790, there have been 113 justices. A grand total of six were not white men. Because they are appointed by a president, justices judicial records tend to support the goals of that president.

At the moment, four justices lean conservative and four lean liberal. The ninth was Anthony Kennedy, a conservative considered a swing vote because he voted with the liberals in some major cases.

But Kennedy decided to retire, giving Donald Trump a chance to tilt the court in favor of a conservative agenda that could include an attempt to overturn Roe v Wade, the 1973 ruling that guarantees abortion rights. In an earlier Senate hearing, Kavanaugh was asked if he would make a commitment against overturning the law. He declined to respond.

We have been forced to watch once again as a woman recounts her trauma for public consumption Fatima Goss Graves, National Women's Law Center

With that case on the line, and the person who could deliver its death knell accused of sexual assault, it was no wonder eyes were glued to televisions on Thursday.

Preliminary viewership reports show that from 11am to 6.45pm on Thursday, nearly 20% of US households with televisions were watching the hearing at any given time, according to Nielsen analysts. CBS News and CNN said it was their biggest day of the year for digital video views. More than 10 million people pressed play on CNNs apps, website, Facebook streaming service and YouTube channel.

That attention paralleled the 1991 confirmation hearings for justice Clarence Thomas, in which attorney Anita Hill testified after accusing Thomas of sexual harassment.

We have been forced to watch once again as a woman recounts her trauma for public consumption, said Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of the National Womens Law Center, as the majority of the committee rallied around Brett Kavanaugh.

But all was not lost, Goss Graves said, because women are watching  and we are ready to fight.

The outlines of that fight took shape as women filled the halls of Congress, protesting against Kavanaugh. The organizers of the womens march, whose January 2017 protest was probably the largest single-day demonstration in US history, said on Friday afternoon they would soon release details on a new march.

They also hung three banners declaring opposition to Kavanaughs nomination in the atrium of the Senate office building. In bright pink letters on a stark black background, one banner carried the same message as chants in the halls of Congress: November is coming.

It was a piercing reminder to politicians that the midterm elections are expected to set a record for female victories and inspire armies of energized female voters. At least one Republican senator seemed to respond.

As members of the judiciary committee prepared to vote to send Kavanaughs nomination to the full chamber, Jeff Flake of Arizona said he would not vote yes unless an FBI investigation was conducted in the next week. The White House then ordered it.

Earlier that morning, Flake had endorsed Kavanaugh. Between his endorsement and his call for FBI involvement, networks showed live footage of the senator being confronted by a protestor, Maria Gallagher, in an elevator.

Gallagher identified herself as a rape survivor and told Flake: I didnt tell anyone and youre telling all women that they dont matter, that they should just stay quiet because if they tell you what happened to them, you are going to ignore them.

Asked about the encounter, Flake said: It has been remarkable over the past week the number of people who saw Dr Ford yesterday who were emboldened to come out and say what had happened to them.

Ive heard from friends  close friends  and I had no idea.






MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)  About 400 guns have been stolen from a United Parcel Service facility in Memphis, Tennessee, and authorities are concerned about the theft's potential effect on public safety in this city and elsewhere.

Two people driving a U-Haul truck stole the weapons from a UPS facility in Memphis on Sunday, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said Monday. The agency is asking for the public's help in the case: It offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Investigators are looking into exactly how many guns were taken, but the estimate of 400 stolen firearms makes it one of the largest single gun thefts the ATF has investigated, bureau spokesman Michael Knight said. ATF agents and the Memphis Police Department are reviewing manifests and bills to determine where the guns were shipped from and where they were going.

Memphis, like other large metropolitan areas, has a problem with violent crime, including gun-related offenses. The metro area, with more than 1.3 million people, saw an estimated 15,737 violent crimes in 2017, FBI statistics showed.

UPS said in a statement that it is working with law enforcement but does not comment on open investigations.

Such a high number of stolen guns could present a danger to the safety of the public and first responders in the west Tennessee city and elsewhere because they could be transported to other places within hours, Knight said.

"We are concerned that the firearms will end up on the streets not only potentially in the Memphis area, but also across the country," Knight said. "The criminal element knows no geographical boundary."

ATF is asking the public to send it social media posts, photos or any other information related to the theft.

Knight said investigating a theft from a shipping facility is more complicated than a gun shop, for example, because weapons at gun stores are isolated in inventory.

"It's a very tedious process that we're looking at to make sure that every firearm is accounted for, from the shipper as well as from the receiver," Knight said.
By Serajul Quadir DHAKA (Reuters) - Bangladesh will consider making changes to a proposed law that journalists and countries such as the United States say could suppress free speech, a government minister said on Sunday after a meeting with a group of editors. The South Asian nation's parliament passed the Digital Security Act on Sept. 19, combining the colonial-era Official Secrets Act with tough new provisions such as allowing police to arrest individuals without a warrant. It would have come into force with the signature of President Abdul Hamid ahead of a general election expected in December. But Anisul Huq, Bangladesh's law, justice and parliamentary affairs minister, said the concerns will be raised in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's cabinet. He did not say when that could happen. "We had a detailed discussion with representatives of the Editors' Council and took serious note of their concerns," Huq told Reuters. "We assured them that if the cabinet agrees, then we may make some amendments. We will also take some measures to make (some of the contentious) sections clear that those will not target the journalist community or silence their voices to reveal the truth." The government will again meet with the journalists once the matter is taken up in cabinet, Huq said. Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, who attended the meeting in his capacity as editor of the Bangla daily Manab Zamin, said: "It's a rare instance that after passing a law in parliament the cabinet has agreed to sit again to discuss that. "For now, we are not going to hold any protest or movement as the minister has promised to do something positive. We will wait until that cabinet decision." U.S. CONCERN The proposed law stipulates a maximum jail sentence of 14 years for espionage if an individual is found secretly recording information with electronic instruments inside a government building or for spreading "propaganda" against Bangladesh's 1971 war for independence from Pakistan. A further element journalists have opposed is the inclusion of the colonial-era Official Secrets Act, which includes a 14-year sentence for sharing state secrets with an enemy. Since Hasina's election victory in 2009 scores of people, including journalists, have been jailed in Bangladesh for criticizing the government on the internet. A Bangladesh court this month rejected bail for prominent social activist and photographer Shahidul Alam, who was arrested last month for spreading "propaganda and false information" during widespread student protests. The proposed law has also attracted strong criticism internationally. "The United States shares the concerns of the international community that the recently passed Digital Security Act could be used to suppress and criminalize free speech, all to the detriment of Bangladeshs democracy, development and prosperity," the U.S. ambassador to Bangladesh, Marcia Bernicat, said in a statement on Sunday. "We encourage the Government of Bangladesh to consider changes to the law that would bring it into conformity with the Bangladesh constitution and with Bangladeshs international commitments on human, civil and political rights." The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, meanwhile, held a public meeting in Dhaka on Sunday, attended by tens of thousands of people, to demand that former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia be released from jail. Khaleda was jailed in February for five years on what BNP describes as trumped-up corruption charges, an allegation the government denies, citing court independence. (Writing by Krishna N. Das; Editing by David Goodman)
A number of senior Tories have criticised Boris Johnson, as he continues to speak out against Theresa Mays Chequers blueprint (Getty Images)

A number of top Tories have banded together to attack Boris Johnson as he continues his public criticism of Theresa Mays Chequers Brexit proposals.

The former foreign secretary called the PMs official negotiating stance deranged in an interview with the Sunday Times this weekend, warning that her approach would cause economic and political damage to the UK.

Chancellor Philip Hammond used a series of interviews this morning to deliver a withering response, calling Mr Johnsons own Brexit proposals a fantasy world.

Mr Hammond told the Daily Mail that his former cabinet colleague was weak on detail, and that his most significant political victory was the introduction of Boris Bikes.

Speaking on Radio 4s Today Programme, the Chancellor described Mr Johnson as a big picture man who lacked the meticulous attention required to deal with Brexit.

Chancellor Philip Hammond doubled down on his criticism of Boris Johnson in a series of interviews (Reuters)

Ruth Davidson joined in with the Boris-bashing, pointing to his silence over his own role in the development of the Chequers blueprint.

She said: He seems to be spending an awful lot of time talking about his London mayorship and very little time in fact hes not even mentioned the fact he was foreign secretary for two years and was in the room helping to influence this, and indeed was praising it as soon ago as December.

COUNTDOWN TO BREXIT  READ MORE ON YAHOO UK

Heres everything we still dont know about Brexit

Theresa May insists Britain is not turning its back on the world by leaving EU

Chaos for pets, planes and food: Details of Hard Brexit laid bare

If one good thing has come from Brexit, its the return of Great British TV

David Davis, who resigned alongside Mr Johnson in protest against Chequers, insisted he was a great mate before criticising his ideas for their lack of substance.

He said: Quite a lot of his ideas are good headlines, not necessarily good policies.

Mr Johnson will address the Conservative Party conference on Tuesday at a fringe event where he will insist once again that Theresa May should chuck Chequers.

Story continues

His campaign against the governments official Brexit blueprint continues to fuel speculation that he is planning to launch a leadership bid on a hard Brexit ticket.

Ministers have shown their support for the PM during the conference in an attempt to heal the rifts through the party along Brexit fault-lines.

Leave-backing Transport Secretary Chris Grayling offered his support to Mrs May during his speech to the conference, saying of Brexit: We are doing the right thing  but so is our Prime Minister.

I know under Theresa May this country will not accept a deal that is bad for Britain, or one that is bad for the union that is the United Kingdom.

We know that, so that is why I am backing, and we should all back, our Prime Minister.
Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - Whoever wins Brazil's presidential election on October 7 will have their work cut out juggling market pressure to implement austerity measures while trying to drag 23 million people out of poverty.

According to a World Bank report presented to the 13 candidates, Latin America's biggest economy is facing "three main challenges: a major fiscal imbalance... a lack of sustainable growth in productivity... (and) the state's ever increasing difficulty in providing basic public services."

In Brazil, "part of the population still lives in the 19th century and the other part is already in the 21st century," says Marcelo Neri, an economist at the socioeconomic think tank Getulio Vargas Foundation.

Neri says millions of Brazilians have a poor education, live without access to water and sanitation, and are confronted by "levels of violence worthy of a war."

As for the economy, it's struggling. Public debt hit 77 percent of gross domestic product in July, up from 56 percent in 2014. The World Bank says it won't stabilize unless Brazil manages an unlikely 4.0 percent annual growth through to 2030.

Without deep structural reforms, the debt could reach 140 percent of GDP, the World Bank says.

While hugely unpopular outgoing President Michel Temer has frozen public spending, he has left hanging the delicate question of pension reform, considered by the markets as a cornerstone to fiscal consolidation.

- Pensions and public deficit -

Most presidential candidates are proposing pension reform and a program to reduce the public deficit, but without going into specifics on the figures for fear of losing votes.

Right wing frontrunner Jair Bolsonaro has proposed a transition towards a system of funded pensions and a 20 percent reduction in the public debt through "privatization and sales."

His closest rival, the leftist Fernando Haddad, is offering the opposite: "an end to privatization" while he intends to "increase employment" and "battle tax dodging" in order to balance the public books.

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Former Sao Paulo state governor Geraldo Alckmin has made an ambitious promise to wipe out the public debt "in two years" through privatization and a simplified tax system.

The problem is that while candidates focus on trying to win votes, they might ignore the most pressing issues affecting those most in need.

Neri says the country needs social "inclusion policies" but fears that "the elections aren't heading in that direction."

Six million (33 percent) more people live in poverty than in 2014, the Getulio Vargas foundation says.

There are also 13 million people unemployed in a country with a population of 208 million that ranks ninth in the world in terms of social inequality.

Marcos Lisboa, president of teaching and research institute, Insper, is concerned that all the candidates are traveling a worryingly well-trodden road.

"The worry is that debates on the most urgent problems are ditched in favor of proposals that either reproduce the disaster the country went through these last few years, or that promise the moon," says Lisboa.

Brazil needs to choose the "middle path," says Neri, between those who advocate austerity after two years of recession followed by two more of weak growth, and those who believe that such a policy would finish off the sick patient.
Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court has been delayed as the FBI carry out a "limited" additional background check after Republicans were blind-sided by one of their senators who said his vote for the nominee was dependent on such a probe.

Donald Trump later said it "wouldn't bother me at all" if the scope of the investigation was 'expanded' to include interviews of all three of his nominee's accusers and Mr Kavanaugh himself.

Last week's explosive testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee of Dr Christine Blasey Ford, who alleges a drunken Mr Kavanaugh sexually abused her at a college party in 1982, was hotly contested by Mr Kavanaugh in his counter-testimony.

He appeared angry and had several tense exchanges with committee Democrats, accusing them of doing this as a matter of "revenge" and simply to smear his name.

Please allow a moment for our liveblog to load

In the latest twist in the story, Chad Ludington, a former Yale classmate of Mr Kavanaugh, has accused him of seriously misrepresenting his drinking as a student, calling him a belligerent and aggressive drunk.

The FBI's investigation is to last no longer than a week from the day from when the original vote on the nominee was supposed to take place, meaning it will conclude at the end of this week.

It is unclear if the investigation could be expanded should more accusers come forward.

Democrats and Dr Ford are particularly keen on Mark Judge to be interviewed, the man she claimed was present in the room during the alleged assault. Two other women have also accused Mr Kavanaugh - Julie Swetnick and Deborah Ramirez.
Heres a look at some of the companies the Yahoo Finance team will be watching for you today.

Some changes in the C-suite at Fiat Chrysler. New CEO Mike Manley is unveiling his management team today. Reuters says hell pick the automakers components chief to head up European operations. Hell also name new leaders for the Jeep and Ram truck divisions.

CBS is in the spotlight this morning after revealing its being investigated by state officials in New York. The company says it received subpoenas from the district attorney in Manhattan, as well as the citys human rights commission. Both are looking into allegations of sexual assault and harassment tied to former CEO Les Moonves.

Google is reportedly cutting a $12B deal to remain the search engine of choice for Apples Safari browser, according to an analyst at Goldman Sachs. Neither company is confirming the deal but we do know Google has paid billions in the past for featured placement in Safari.

Chipotle fans can rejoice. Youll soon be getting a little extra with your guac. The restaurant chain is launching a loyalty program today in Phoenix, Kansas City, Kansas and Columbus, Ohio. Itll roll out nationally next year. Members who order online or via the app will earn extra points towards free food.

No rewards for passengers looking for a drink on some American Airlines flights. Beer, wine, and liquor will now be a $1 more on domestic flights. Non-alcoholic drinks will remain free for economy passengers. This comes after the airline added three craft beers to its menu last month.
California has become the first state in the US to require publicly traded companies to include women on their board of directors.

Governor Jerry Brown signed the new measure  which necessitates at least one female director on the board of each California-based public operation by the end of 2019  into law on Sunday.

Firms will need up to three female directors by the end of 2021, depending on the size of their boards.

Hundreds of companies will be affected by the law and those who violate it can be fined $100,000 (76,600) for a first violation and $300,000 (229,900) for a second.

A fourth of publicly held corporations with headquarters in California do not have any women on their boards of directors.

Democrat State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson  who authored the bill  said getting more women on boards will make firms more successful.

Ms Jackson argued women are more inclined to be collaborative and more adept at multitasking. She also thinks having more women in positions of power could have the impact of helping to decrease sexual assault and harassment in workplaces.

She said government intervention was needed because firms have failed to make enough effort to increase the number of women on their boards in spite of encouragement from the legislature.

This is one of the last bastions of total male domination. We know that the public and business are not being well-served by this level of discrimination, she said.

Research demonstrates female representation on boards is crucial for women to advance in corporate America. Women on boards are more likely to consider female leaders for the most senior roles in a company and also select more diverse applicants for the actual board.

Opponents to establishing quotas for representation argue the pressure results in unqualified female members and poses the possibility of discrimination against male applicants.

The California Chamber of Commerce argued the makeup of corporate boards should be decided on through internal processes rather than being directed by government. The chamber also argued the new measure will rank gender above other elements of diversity such as race and ethnicity.

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Some European countries, including Norway and France, already mandate that corporate boards include women. The laws in Norway require a certain percentage of women on boards, and for larger Norwegian companies, the legislation requires women constitute as much as 40 per cent of the board.

The law which Governor Brown has just signed applies to firms which declare their principal executive offices as being located in California.

I dont minimise the potential flaws that indeed may prove fatal to its ultimate implementation, Governor Brown wrote in a signing statement.

Nevertheless, recent events in Washington, DC  and beyond  make it crystal clear that many are not getting the message.
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department late on Sunday filed suit after California Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation to restore open internet protections known as net neutrality in the state after the Trump administration repealed the rules in December 2017.

This marked the latest clash between the Trump administration and California, which have sparred over environmental, immigration and other hot-button issues.

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said on Sunday in a statement that "states do not regulate interstate commerce  the federal government does. Once again the California legislature has enacted an extreme and illegal state law attempting to frustrate federal policy."

Californias net neutrality law is set to take effect on Jan. 1, but the Justice Department late Sunday in a court filing sought a preliminary injunction to block it from taking effect, warning that internet companies "cannot realistically comply with one set of standards in this area for California and another for the rest of the nation  especially when internet communications frequently cross multiple jurisdictions."

The government said that California sought to "second-guess" the federal government and warned "the effect of this state legislation would be to nullify federal law across the country."

In December, the Federal Communications Commission said in repealing the Obama-era rules that it was preempting states from setting their own rules governing internet access.

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said on Sunday the Trump Administration was ignoring "millions of Americans who voiced strong support for net neutrality rules" while California, which is "home to countless start-ups, tech giants and nearly 40 million consumers - will not allow a handful of power brokers to dictate sources for information or the speed at which websites load."

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The Trump administration rules were a win for providers like Comcast Corp , AT&T Inc and Verizon Communications Inc , but the net neutrality repeal was opposed by internet companies like Facebook Inc , Amazon.com Inc and Alphabet Inc .

In March, Brown accused the Trump administration of essentially declaring war on the most populous U.S. state after the Justice Department sued to stop policies that protect illegal immigrants against deportation.

Under President Donald Trump, the FCC voted 3-2 in December along party lines to reverse rules that barred internet service providers from blocking or throttling traffic or offering paid fast lanes, also known as paid prioritization.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, who led the effort to reverse net neutrality, said in a statement on Sunday that "not only is Californias internet regulation law illegal, it also hurts consumers. The law prohibits many free-data plans, which allow consumers to stream video, music, and the like exempt from any data limits."

Gigi Sohn, a former senior aide to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, who ran the agency when the net neutrality rules were adopted, said the California law "is now the model for all future state and federal legislation ... this is what internet users across the political spectrum have said they want by overwhelming majorities."

Jonathan Spalter, who heads USTelecom, an industry trade group, said California's law will not "help advance the promise and potential of Californias innovation DNA."

He argued that instead of 50 separate state laws, "we need Congress to step up with a national framework for the whole internet ecosystem and resolve this issue once and for all."

In August, 22 states and a coalition of trade groups representing major tech companies urged a federal appeals court to reinstate the rules. Oral arguments are set for February 1.

The U.S. Senate voted in May to reinstate the net neutrality rules, but the measure is unlikely to be approved by the House of Representatives and the White House also opposes it.

The FCC in December handed ISPs sweeping new powers to recast how Americans use the internet, as long as they disclose changes. The new rules took effect in June but providers have made no changes in access.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Meredith Mazzilli)
Yaounde (AFP) - Cameroon's restive anglophone regions were in lockdown on Monday as separatists marked the first anniversary of a symbolic "independence" declaration just a week before a nationwide presidential poll.

A 48-hour curfew was imposed on English-speaking towns in the regions which have been rocked by deadly clashes sparked by the majority francophone country's sensitive linguistic divide.

Gunfire was reported on Monday in three built-up areas of flashpoint town Buea in the country's southwest which has been at the heart of the nascent insurgency.

"There's no one on the streets, they're empty except for patrolling soldiers," a witness told AFP.

"Everything is closed," added a retailer reached by phone who did not open his business on Monday.

A senior military officer told AFP that "security was reinforced" ahead of the anniversary.

President Paul Biya, who has previously dismissed the separatist violence as mere "trouble", is expected to visit Buea on Tuesday, according to sources briefed on the visit.

It will be only his second election campaign event ahead of polls on Sunday at which the 85-year-old will seek a seventh term.

In other English-speaking areas, shops and bars were ordered to close, meetings of more than four people were banned and transport was suspended.

On October 1, 2017 at least 40 pro-anglophone protesters were killed by police according to analysts at the International Crisis Group (ICG) think-tank which said that "tens of thousands of demonstrators" took to the streets.

The worst-affected towns -- Buea, and Bamenda, the capital of the northwest region -- were flooded with security forces who arrested dozens of suspects following a symbolic "independence" declaration.

"The army killed lots of people on October 1. For nearly two weeks they shot at people like they were birds," the bishop of Buea, Emmanuel Bushu, said at the time.

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The flag of the self-styled Republic of Ambazonia replaced the Cameroonian colours in a number of villages in the anglophone region.

There are now more than 1,000 separatist fighters, according to the ICG, who control "a significant proportion of rural areas and main roads".

- Attacks on polling stations? -

A spike in attacks on symbols of the Cameroonian state including killings of police and kidnappings of civil servants has forced functionaries in several areas to flee.

By comparison, not one official has fled the country's far north despite repeated attacks by the Nigeria-based jihadist group Boko Haram since 2014.

The anglophone separatists have vowed that there will be no election in their areas on Sunday.

Cameroonian officials responded by insisting that polling would be held in all 360 of the country's districts.

The anglophone regions have historically been a reliable pool of votes for the main opposition Social democratic front (SDF) party -- an anglophone force.

In an effort to limit the risk of attacks on polling stations, the Elecam electoral commission will relocate a number of voting centres.

Voters from the anglophone regions already face obstacles in casting their ballots as the UN estimates that 246,000 people have fled their homes in the southwest for other parts of Cameroon.

More than 25,000 others are refugees in neighbouring Nigeria.

- Call for 'immediate' probe -

There are no figures for the scale of the displacement in the northwest region.

Security forces have suffered 170 fatalities since 2017 at the hands of the separatists.

At least 400 civilians have also lost their lives according to NGOs while no estimate exists for the separatist death toll.

The UN's special advisor for genocide prevention Adama Dieng called for an "immediate" investigation into the violence in an interview with the BBC published Monday.

As polling day has drawn closer the situation has deteriorated with the start of the new school year disrupted at the beginning of September.

At least one teacher has been killed, another maimed and several schools have come under attack.

Last week several civilians were killed in Buea by the military, with witnesses to that violence including a taxi driver and a shopkeeper themselves subsequently killed, according to local sources, taking the toll to eight.

An indefinite nighttime curfew remains in force in the northwest following an attack on a convoy of buses in a suburb of Bamenda at the beginning of September.
By David Ljunggren and Roberta Rampton OTTAWA/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States and Canada forged a last-gasp deal on Sunday to salvage NAFTA as a trilateral pact with Mexico, rescuing a three-country, $1.2 trillion open-trade zone that had been about to collapse after nearly a quarter century. In a big victory for his agenda to shake-up an era of global free trade that many associate with the signing of NAFTA in 1994, President Donald Trump coerced Canada and Mexico to accept more restrictive commerce with their main export partner. Trump's primary objective in reworking NAFTA was to bring down U.S. trade deficits, a goal he has also pursued with China, by imposing hundreds of billions of dollars in tariffs on imported goods from the Asian giant. While the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) avoids tariffs, it will make it harder for global auto makers to build cars cheaply in Mexico and is aimed at bringing more jobs into the United States. Since talks began more than a year ago, it was clear Canada and Mexico would have to make concessions in the face of Trump's threats to tear up NAFTA and relief was palpable in both countries on Sunday that the deal was largely intact and had not fractured supply chains between weaker bilateral agreements. "It's a good day for Canada," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters after a late-night cabinet meeting to discuss the deal, which triggered a jump in global financial markets. In a joint statement, Canada and the United States said it would "result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region". Negotiators worked frantically ahead of a midnight ET (0400 GMT) U.S. imposed deadline to settle differences, with both sides making concessions to seal the deal. The United States and Mexico had already clinched a bilateral agreement in August. "It's a great win for the president and a validation for his strategy in the area of international trade," a senior administration official told reporters. Trump has approved the deal with Canada, a source familiar with the decision said. U.S. officials intend to sign the agreement with Canada and Mexico at the end of November, after which it would be submitted to the U.S. Congress for approval, a senior U.S. official said. COST FOR CANADA The deal will preserve a trade dispute settlement mechanism that Canada fought hard to maintain to protect its lumber industry and other sectors from U.S. anti-dumping tariffs, U.S. and Canadian officials said. But it came at a cost. Canada has agreed to provide U.S. dairy farmers access to about 3.5 percent of its approximately $16 billion annual domestic dairy market. Although Canadian sources said its government was prepared to offer compensation, dairy farmers reacted angrily. "We fail to see how this deal can be good for the 220,000 Canadian families that depend on dairy for their livelihood. Pierre Lampron, president of Dairy Farmers of Canada, said in a statement. "This has happened, despite assurances that our government would not sign a bad deal for Canadians." The deal also requires a higher proportion of the parts in a car to be made in areas of North America paying at least $16 an hour, a rule aimed at shifting jobs from Mexico. Canada and Mexico each agreed to a quota of 2.6 million passenger vehicles exported to the United States in the event that Trump imposes 25 percent global autos tariffs on national security grounds. The quota would allow for significant growth in tariff-free automotive exports from Canada above current production levels of about 2 million units, safeguarding Canadian plants. It is also well above the 1.8 million cars and SUVs Mexico sent north last year. But the deal failed to resolve U.S. tariffs on Canada's steel and aluminum exports. The Trump administration had threatened to proceed with a Mexico-only trade pact as U.S. talks with Canada foundered. "It's a good night for Mexico, and for North America," Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray said. The news delighted financial markets that had fretted for months about the potential economic damage if NAFTA blew up. U.S. stock index futures rose, with S&P 500 Index e-mini futures up more than 0.5 percent, suggesting the benchmark index would open near a record on Monday. The Canadian dollar surged to its highest since May against the U.S. dollar, gaining around 0.5 percent. The Mexican peso gained 0.8 percent to its highest against the greenback since early August.[MKTS/GLOB] "Though markets were already anticipating an agreement, one source of worry will be swept away if a deal is made," Yukio Ishizuki, senior currency strategist at Daiwa Securities in Tokyo, said. "That will lead to a rise in trust in the U.S. economy, so it's easy for risk sentiment to improve." (Reporting by David Ljunggren in Ottawa and Roberta Rampton in Washington; Additional reporting by David Shepardson and David Lawder in Washington and Diego Ore, Ana Isabel Martinez and Anthony Esposito in Mexico City; ; Editing by Lisa Shumaker, Peter Cooney & Kim Coghill)
Like this, but for Canadas dairy industry (Getty Images)

Canadas supply-managed dairy system lives on in the renegotiated North American trade pact, but the concessions to U.S. producers may have signed its death warrant, according to a sixth-generation Ontario dairy farmer.

Philip Armstrong is still digesting the details of the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). From what he has gleaned, the deal is a major blow to the nearly 11,000 dairy farms that supply the industry.

Ottawa gave into U.S. demands for expanded access to the protected Canadian market, granting 3.59 per cent to Americas farmers. The deal also scraps Class 7 pricing, which was brought in to keep cheaper U.S.-imported dairy ingredients from undercutting domestic producers.

Weary of watching Canadas dairy sector being carved up and served to foreigners through successive trade deals, Armstrong worries about how the U.S. milk spilling across the border will impact Canadian farms down the line.

Its frustrating when you give your market away to someone else, he told Yahoo Canada Finance on Monday. If you are not growing a market, you eventually die.

The Dairy Farmers of Canada echoed Armstrongs grisly assessment in a statement on Monday.

The Canadian government concessions equate to death by a thousand cuts, the group wrote. The 220,000 Canadian families who depend on dairy for their livelihood (on farms, in processing plants and related jobs) feel they were used as a bargaining chip to conclude this agreement.

Canada recently gave up dairy market access to its Pacific Rim and European trading partners. The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) allows European countries three per cent access. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which does not include the U.S., allows member states access to 3.25 per cent of the Canadian market.

Dalhousie University food distribution and policy professor Sylvain Charlebois expected U.S. negotiators to demand a 10 per cent foothold.

Story continues

I suspect that the dairy industry will be shocked by the numbers, he said in an interview on Monday. This is the the third trade agreement that weve actually signed over the last four or five years without providing the dairy sector with a clear plan moving forward as our supply management regime erodes.

The controversial system limits the supply of dairy that is produced, while setting the price farmers receive and keeping out foreign milk through tariffs, some as high as nearly 300 per cent. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had reassured farmers that the system would remain in place through the trade negotiations.

Theyve preserved it, but its on life support, Armstrong said. Its really disappointing.

Canada imported $470 million worth of U.S. dairy in 2017, dwarfing the $149.5 in products exported south. Charlebois said rising dairy imports will undoubtedly choke out domestic production.

At some point, something has to give, he said. Right now, Canadian farmers get four times as much for their milk as American farmers.

Charlebois estimates that more than 400 farms will shut down as a result of Sundays deal. Armstrong said he is still trying to sort out how his namesake family farm in Caledon, Ont., about 40 kilometres northwest of downtown Toronto, will be impacted.

SO WHO WINS?

I would buy shares of Saputo, Charlebois joked, referring to the Montreal-based cheesemaker. They will be making money for sure.

Saputo shares rallied in Toronto on Monday, closing up 5.73 per cent at $40.62.

He said processors like Saputo Inc. (SAP.TO), as well as the Canadian restaurant industry and grocers, will benefit from lower input costs as more American dairy trickles into Canada.

That savings could translate to grocery stores, Charlebois added.

I suspect that most of the savings will be coming from (processed) dairy products. Cream cheese, yogurt, he said. We could see drops over the next five years of anywhere between five to 15 per cent.
New York (AFP) - North American carmakers and auto parts companies breathed a sigh of relief on Monday after the United States and Canada signed off on a new trade deal with Mexico.

The agreement, which includes new regional requirements on auto parts and wage levels, removes a giant question mark that has crimped industry investment since US President Donald Trump took office in January 2017 and swiftly began challenging the international trade order.

"At least now we know, the industry has been in a state of flux for the last 18 months," said Charlie Chesbrough, senior economist at Cox Automotive.

Auto companies "are at least going to be able to make the long-term strategic planning on parts," Chesbrough added.

The agreement ends worries that a draconian crackdown by Trump would force closures of auto plants built in Mexico by US companies since the North American Free Trade Agreement took effect in 1994.

The Alliance of Auto Manufacturers welcomed the news, calling Canada's inclusion "an encouraging development" and saying all three countries were needed "to realize the benefits and goals of a new pact."

Shares of US automakers rallied. Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler all won at least one percent. Some auto parts companies also advanced, such as Michigan-based Lear, which was up 2.9 percent at midday, and Ontario, Canada-based Magna International, which jumped 4.5 percent.

Analysts varied Monday on the extent that the trade deal will lead to greater regionalization in the auto industry or boost US auto manufacturing.

Trump from the start has harped on what he said was NAFTA's harm to American auto manufacturing and workers, and vowed to undo a deal that had been associated with shuttered factories in states like Michigan and Ohio that narrowly helped him win the White House.

"We will be manufacturing many more cars and our companies won't be leaving the US and firing their workers," Trump said Monday. "Those days are over."

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The key provisions in the new deal affecting autos require that 75 percent of auto content be made in North America, up from the old 62.5 percent benchmark.

The countries are also required to have 40-45 percent of their auto content made by workers who make at least $16 per hour, a measure that aims to end more job drainage to Mexico from the US.

And -- should the administration move to slap duties on the hundreds of billions of dollars in foreign-made vehicles Americans buy annually -- Canada and Mexico will be exempt up to a threshold of 2.6 million autos per year.

But the agreement does not have any bearing on Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminum that have touched off battles with US trading partners, including Canada and Mexico.

Negotiations continue on possibly removing these tariffs, which Washington has insisted be kept separate from the NAFTA rewrite.

- Greater regionalization? -

Garrett Nelson, a senior equity analyst at CFRA Research, said Sunday's agreement addressed a "huge overhang" facing the industry, even though the steel and aluminum tariffs were still a burden.

While the deal does not go into effect until 2020, Nelson predicted it could lead to a meaningful repositioning of auto jobs and the sourcing of parts.

"You're going to see more regionalization of auto parts production," Nelson predicted.

"You're going to see more production stay within North American than before and less being sourced from places like China and I would expect those other regions to become more regionalized and less globalized."

This change "probably creates some near-term supply chain issues, but I think the companies are looking at the economics," he said.

But Chesbrough expects the changes to be "fairly minor" as far as remaking the North American auto footprint.

And economist Mary Lovely of Syracuse University questions whether the measures will be very effective in achieving Trump's stated goals.

"It's difficult to see now whether this will increase the amount of production done in the US at all, or whether it will increase the number of jobs or the number of jobs paying $16 an hour," she told AFP.

"It clearly raises costs for the industry," and moves towards a system of managed trade in autos, "which means only one thing which is higher prices."

Chesbrough also does not expect Mexico to lose many auto jobs, in part because of myriad trade agreements the country has with other nations besides the United States.




Heres an overview of some key companies the Yahoo Finance UK team is monitoring today in Europe:

Ryanair

Irelands low-cost airline Ryanair (RY4C.IR) warned profit in its 2019 fiscal year would be lower than expected due to recent coordinated pilot strikes across Europe that hit its bookings. It also blamed higher fuel costs and the fact that more customers were requesting compensation for delayed and cancelled flights. Profit for the year is now expected to be in the range of 1.1bn (1bn, $1.39bn) to 1.2bn, down from an earlier estimate of 1.25bn to 1.35bn.





Facebook

The possibility of a Facebook fine is in focus on Monday. The Wall Street Journal reports that the social media giant could face a fine of up to $1.6bn if the European Unions Data Protection Commission in Ireland finds the company violated the blocs new data and privacy rules. Companies that violate the rules can be fined up to 4% of their annual global revenue. Facebook and the Irish authorities did not immediately respond to a request for comment.





Aston Martin

Luxury British carmaker Aston Martin is getting a step closer to its initial public offering, but its had some bumps along the road.

The company cut the upper end of its IPO price range to 20 ($26) per share, giving it a potential market value of up to 4.6bn ($6bn). The automaker had initially hoped investors might be interested in buying shares for as much as 22.50 each.

The firm said it now has enough buyer interest to cover all shares being sold.
Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington, Sept. 27. (Photo: POOL New / Reuters)

The Senate should not confirm Brett Kavanaughs nomination to serve as an associate justice on the Supreme Court of the United States. His confirmation would do serious damage to the credibility and integrity of the Supreme Court as a critically important institution in our constitutional system.

I say this not because Kavanaugh is not intellectually qualified to serve on the court. To the contrary, viewed solely from that perspective, he is as well qualified as most of the other justices who have been confirmed in recent decades  including Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, John Roberts, Sonia Sotomayor, David Souter, Lewis Powell, Warren Burger and Harry Blackmun, to name just a few. From this standpoint, I agree with the American Bar Associations original evaluation that Kavanaugh is intellectually and professionally well qualified to serve on the court.

For a number of reasons, though, other considerations enter the picture. First, there is the unconscionable conduct of Senate Republicans in refusing to confirm President Barack Obamas nomination of Judge Merrick Garland in 2016. By any measure, Garland was as qualified as  indeed, more qualified than  Kavanaugh. But the Senate Republicans, in order to manipulate the confirmation process in a determined effort to control the future direction of the court, violated every well-established norm in a profoundly dishonest effort to get our nation to this point  a point at which, if Kavanaugh is confirmed, there will be five Justices on the Supreme Court who are more aggressively conservative than any other justice, except Antonin Scalia, who has served on the court in living memory.

Senate Republicans have used every available device and distortion to create a rock-solid right-wing five-member majority that will vote the straight-up Republican Party line on such fundamental issues as gun control, campaign finance reform, labor unions, abortion, gay rights, affirmative action, gerrymandering, corporate and commercial speech and minority voting rights, without regard to any serious, consistent or principled theory of constitutional interpretation.

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The confirmation of Kavanaugh would represent the triumphant completion of this strategy and the culmination of the Senate Republicans reprehensible treatment of Garland. This should not be permitted to happen. If it does, it will destroy the integrity and credibility of the Supreme Court for decades to come.

To someone like myself, who has devoted his entire adult life to teaching, writing and speaking about the Constitution of the United States, this is truly devastating. What we need now  what our nation deserves now  is the appointment of a relatively moderate justice, like Garland or Souter, whose presence on the court will enable it to retain its identity as a court rather than as a partisan political actor.

The Supreme Court should be seen as a court rather than as a partisan political actor. (Photo: Tasos Katopodis via Getty Images)

Beyond that, there is the issue of personal integrity. With the highly credible testimony of professor Christine Blasey Ford, serious questions have been raised about Kavanaughs integrity, honesty and temperament. Having watched Fords and Kavanaughs testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, I am inclined to accept her version of events. But even if she is in error, I have no doubt that Kavanaugh could have calmly and sympathetically testified that her memory of the incident was flawed and that it was some other person who inflicted this horror upon her. He did not do so.

Instead of expressing respect and sympathy for Ford and calmly suggesting that she was mistaken in thinking that he sexually assaulted her, he ranted and shrieked and tossed off accusations and lies that demonstrated, to my surprise, that he clearly does not belong on the Supreme Court of the United States. Even if he did not do what he is accused of, the way he presented himself was truly shocking, immature, irrational and uncontrolled.

No person with that degree of emotional instability belongs on the highest court in our land. Kavanaugh revealed himself to be untrustworthy in precisely the way justices of the Supreme Court must be trustworthy. They must be calm, thoughtful, open-minded, respectful and mature; Kavanaugh has made strikingly clear that he is none of these things. That, in itself, is a compelling reason not to confirm his nomination to serve on the Supreme Court.

Over the past half-century, I have had the privilege of getting to know, to varying degrees, most of the individuals who have served on the Supreme Court since 1968. None of them  none of them  would have behaved in the truly immature and reprehensible way Kavanaugh did before the Senate Judiciary Committee. He is simply not fit to serve as a justice of the Supreme Court. If President Donald Trump, Senate Republicans and the Federalist Society care at all about the integrity of the Supreme Court as an institution, it is time for them to go back to the drawing board. They can do better, and they should.



Geoffrey R. Stone is the Edward H. Levi distinguished service professor of law at the University of Chicago.



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Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab and EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier (Reuters)

Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of Britains opposition party has managed to have as many meetings with the European Unions chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier as the UKs official Brexit secretary Dominic Raab last month. This is despite the European Union and British government vowing to intensify talks.

With just two and a half weeks to go until the deadline to make substantial progress towards a Brexit deal, talks between civil servants from both sides are now continuous. But political level engagement appears to be decreasing at a crucial moment in talks.

Raab held a flurry of meetings with Barnier after taking over as Brexit secretary, managing as many meetings in 34 days as his predecessor David Davis held in the first half of 2018.

However, he met his EU counterpart Barnier, just once last month  the final full month of talks before the make or break European Council summit on October 18.

Raab and Barnier held a two-hour meeting, which was dominated by the Irish border issue, in Brussels on September 6.

The only contact theyve had since then was a half-an-hour telephone call on September 14. Since then, prime minister Theresa May unsuccessfully tried to persuade EU leaders to accept her Chequers plan at a summit Salzburg on September 20.

The only UK politician to meet the EUs negotiator in the second half of September was Labour leader Corbyn.

Michel Barnier and Dominic Raab in Brussels for the their last meeting on September 6 (Reuters)

On a visit to Brussels last Thursday, Corbyn spent two hours in talks with Barnier and European Commission secretary general Martin Selmayr.

That means he spent as much time in face-to-face meetings with the EU last month as Raab, who is set to use his Conservative conference speech to tells Brussels that the UK is ready to walk away from talks with no-deal, if necessary.

The lack of political level engagement has been criticised by a member of the European Parliaments Brexit steering group.

Maybe more political talks are needed  perhaps language can be changed, said senior Polish MEP Danuta Hubner. We have heard that the Commissions most recent conversation with UK Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab was by phone instead of in person. Let us hope this is not a new trend for the remaining phase of the withdrawal negotiations.

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When Yahoo Finance UK put these concerns to European Commission chief spokesperson Margaritis Schinas, he said they would keep calm and keep negotiating.





He said: Our chief negotiator Michel Barnier and his team are fully involved in these discussions. These discussions take place at all levels. We have now a very clear idea, pathway if you like after Salzburg of what we need to do by when.

Discussions are ongoing at all levels. We will have a situation to check where we are at the European Council of October and, as our leaders unanimously decided, we keep an option also for November should that become necessary.

Thats where we are  keep calm and keep negotiating.




By Elizabeth Piper, Kylie MacLellan and William James

BIRMINGHAM, England (Reuters) - Prime Minister Theresa May called on her party on Sunday to unite behind her plan to leave the European Union, making a direct appeal to critics by saying their desire for a free trade deal was at the heart of her Brexit proposals.

At the start of what is set to be one of the Conservative Party's stormiest annual conferences, May's plans were once again attacked by two former ministers, with her ex-foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, calling them "deranged".

But she also won strong backing from other Brexit supporting ministers, with trade minister Liam Fox and foreign minister Jeremy Hunt turning their anger against the EU, for "taunting Theresa May, one of the most unfailingly polite people".

Just six months before Britain is due to leave the EU in the country's biggest shift in foreign and trade policy in more than 40 years, the debate over how to leave the bloc is still raging in the centre-right Conservative Party, and even in government.

May's already fragile leadership was put under further pressure this month when the EU rejected parts of the so-called Chequers plan. But she put a positive spin on those talks, saying she was ready to consider the EU's concerns.

"My message to my party is let's come together and get the best deal for Britain," May told the BBC in the central English city of Birmingham.

"At the heart of the Chequers plan is a free trade deal, a free trade area and frictionless trade ... Chequers at the moment is the only plan on the table that delivers on the Brexit vote ... and also delivers for the people of Northern Ireland."

May has shown little sign of shifting away from her Chequers plan, named after her country residence where she hashed out an agreement on Brexit with her ministers in July, despite growing criticism that her proposals offer the worst of all worlds.

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Johnson, who quit May's cabinet after Chequers was agreed, called her plans "deranged" and attacked the prime minister for not believing in Brexit.

He, and the former Brexit minister David Davis, are pushing for a Canada-style free trade deal with the EU - a proposal May says will split Northern Ireland from mainland Britain by making the British province adhere to different customs rules.

Michael Gove, May's environment minister, dismissed his former Brexit ally's proposals to leave the EU, which have been dubbed "super Canada".

"I'm in favour of a super Britain deal," he told an event on the sidelines of the conference. The prime minister has put forward a proposal, which I support."

EU TAUNTING "BEYOND THE PALE"

May's team had hoped the party's conference would give her a platform to renew her pledge to help those people who are "just about managing", trying to pull the focus away from Brexit and on to a more domestic agenda where some party officials fear the main opposition Labour Party is gaining the upper hand.

But her first announcement - for an additional levy on foreign home buyers - did little to reset the conversation, with Sunday dominated again with Brexit, a possible leadership campaign and the prospect of an early election.

The conference has become the chance for those ministers with leadership ambitions to parade in front of the party faithful. Johnson's successor at the foreign office, Jeremy Hunt, gave a speech that, for some, sent a strong signal of intent.

Johnson's interview in the Sunday Times in which he said, unlike May, he was a true Brexit believer, was also seen by many to be the start of a campaign for the top job - something that angered some Conservatives who are critical of the former foreign minister.

Ian Lavery, chairman of the opposition Labour Party, said the Conservatives were "clearly too busy fighting amongst themselves and have neither the ideas nor the desire to offer real solutions to the problems they have caused".

Even though May has stuck to her Chequers plan and on Sunday won at least the outward support of most of her ministers, the EU rubbished some of her proposals at a summit in Austria this month.

"We have a right to expect our EU partners to engage seriously, and with respect, on our shared future relationship," Fox said. "I'm sure I wasn't the only one after Salzburg to feel that the taunting of Theresa May, one of the most unfailingly polite people I have ever met, was absolutely beyond the pale."

(Writing by Elizabeth Piper; Editing by Keith Weir and Jane Merriman)
Junior dos Santos was eventually vindicated from a failed drug test, but the damage was already done. (Getty Images)

As Junior dos Santos slept, he was making news around the world. His attorney, Ana Claudia Guedes, was on vacation when she received a series of messages from the UFC, informing her that the former heavyweight champion had failed a drug test.

Guedes was incredulous, because dos Santos had always been so vehemently against performance-enhancing drug usage and supportive of the UFCs anti-doping testing program administered by USADA.

I came in from whatever I was doing on vacation and I had several missed phone calls and messages from the Las Vegas area code, Guedes told Yahoo Sports. Two of them were from Donna Marcolini [a UFC vice president]. I listened to the voicemail she left and I had this feeling like the wind had been knocked out of me. She said, very plainly, I need to speak to you as soon as possible because Junior has been flagged by USADA. I took a quick look at the internet and, my God, it was everywhere.

The UFC, as had been its policy since it began the anti-doping program in 2015, issued a news release announcing dos Santos positive test and that hed been pulled from an upcoming fight against Francis Ngannou.

When she finally reached dos Santos, he at first thought she was joking. When she convinced him that she was serious, he was devastated.

Dos Santos was eventually vindicated, as it was determined that a supplement hed gotten from a Brazilian compounding pharmacy had been tainted. But to dos Santos, the damage had been done. Hed been branded a cheater when the announcement was made, and though another announcement was made when he was vindicated, it didnt carry the same impact.

He doesnt feel hes been made whole.

I dont think so because look at the toll it had, Guedes said. He lost at least one fight. Thats a half-million dollars in income. He has a cloud over him. An internet search today compared to an internet search a year ago, youre not going to get the same results but youll still see headlines from all of those old articles. A lot of the websites were quick to publish when news came out that he tested positive, but they werent so quick to publish, or to publish at all, when the news that he was vindicated came out.

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Dos Santos case is largely the reason that the UFC has decided to no longer announce a fighter has tested positive until after the case has been adjudicated. No fighter will be allowed to compete with a failed test, but it will be up to the fighter to determine whether or not to say why he/she is not fighting.

Jeff Novitzky, the vice president for athlete health and performance for the UFC, and Hunter Campbell, its chief legal officer, discovered during research that a third of all anti-doping cases that were adjudicated in the three years were found to be non-intentional use.

There have been 62 cases in which there was a positive test and then a final determination made. Of those, 21 were found to have been non-intentional violations. They were either the result of ingesting a contaminated substance or food that was contaminated; or where the athlete was given a retroactive therapeutic-use exemption for medical reasons.

Novitzky said that fairness and due process is as important in the anti-doping program as its strength and comprehensiveness. When Jon Jones tested positive the day before UFC 214 for a metabolite of the anabolic steroid turninabol, it was a picogram, or one-trillionth of a gram. Its an example of how sophisticated the tests have become.

Many in the public and media, as well as many of Jones fellow fighters, were outraged and felt he had gotten off easy after he was given a 15-month penalty and not the 48 months he was facing as a second-time offender.

But independent arbiters found that in each case, Jones did not intentionally use a performance-enhancing drug. In his first violation, when he was caught just prior to UFC 200, he admitted taking a pill he had been given that he thought was to enhance sexual performance.

The arbiter in that case found that Jones did not knowingly attempt to cheat, but gave him the maximum 12-month penalty because of negligence on his part in making certain what he took.

But he did take those steps prior to his second violation, and still tested positive. Arbiter Richard McLaren, who is one of the most highly respected individuals in the anti-doping field, ruled it was unintentional even though Jones couldnt prove where it came from.

However, it was because the amount that was discovered was so minuscule and came on the day of the weigh-in that there was no logical way he could have been attempting to dope. He had passed two tests about three weeks earlier.

The testing is so sophisticated now we can say that if you have something in your body, its going to be detected, Campbell said. Thats been proven in Jons case. Thats one trillionth of a gram and yet they still discovered it.

So the thing were trying to do here is to be fair to these athletes. After going over all of our cases and were seeing we have about a third of them that are the result of unintentional usage, we had to say, Maybe we need to reconsider making this public right away. Were not here allowing anyone to compete if theyre caught with a banned substance, but were not going to make the release public until the case has been adjudicated so that someone isnt labeled a cheater when it turns out later it was unintentional or unknowing use.

Supplements arent regulated by the Food and Drug Administration in the U.S., and while there are independent companies that can certify supplements, Campbell noted that no substance is safe, given the manufacturing process.

Sean OMalley (L) announced via Instagram on Sunday that a failed drug test will keep him out of UFC 229. (Getty)

Sean OMalley is an example of the new policy. He was scheduled to fight at UFC 229 on Saturday, but was pulled from the card and on Sept. 30, announced he had a failed drug test. He said he believes he took a contaminated caffeine pill and is having the ones he was using tested, as well as a sealed bottle.

Under the old policy, the UFC would have released it. In this case, OMalley chose to, which is the athletes right, but the UFC wont comment until it is adjudicated. And while there will be speculation whenever a fighter is pulled from a card without a reason, Campbell said no one should jump to conclusions.

I deal with it all the time and I see fighters pull out of fights for an amazing number of reasons, very private reasons sometimes, he said. If the fighter chooses to release the test, thats their choice, but we think the fair thing to do given the high-percentage of unintentional usage cases were seeing is to wait until its been adjudicated before announcing.

Guedes said its the only fair thing to do.

Its inhumane to [announce the positive test publicly immediately]. You have to have proper notification and the athlete deserves time to digest what is happening to them and their ability to provide for themselves and their families. Guedes said. They should have the basic dignity of being the first to know what is happening in their lives and their careers and not to wake up and read it on an MMA blog somewhere.
(Photo: POOL New / Reuters)

Now that those of us committed to truth and justice have, we hope, at least several days before almost all Republicans try to ram an obviously untrustworthy and dishonest nominee through to the Supreme Court, its time to diagnose the Democrats big stumble of this dramatic past week.

Overall, the Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee did an excellent job in responding to Christine Blasey Fords credible allegation of sexual assault against Judge Brett Kavanaugh. And they ultimately got, at least officially, the FBI investigation they were pushing for. They should feel good about these successes.

But they also had a big failure: They didnt understand how Republican grandstanding would play on live television.

There is only one accurate way to portray what happened in Thursdays hearings. Blaseys testimony was so powerful and believable, and her behavior so respectful, that even President Donald Trump could see it from his alternative mental universe. Even Chris Wallace at Fox News was calling it a disaster for Republicans.

So in desperation, the GOP decided to blow up the entire proceeding. The strategy was to take all focus away from what the nation had just heard. Instead, turn the hearing into a partisan attack on Democrats, throwing anything and everything possible at them in the hopes that something, somehow, sticks.

Thats why the Republicans suddenly dropped their guest prosecutor, Rachel Mitchell, early on in the questioning of Kavanaugh. And thats why, instead of asking any substantive questions themselves, they turned the hearing into a political circus  led by Lindsey Graham in an unhinged tirade (which many observers saw as his audition to become Trumps next attorney general).

Everything about it was nakedly hypocritical and ridiculous, particularly from the party that had blocked Merrick Garland for an entire year. To the Democrats on the committee, who could see the faces of Ford supporters in the room, the GOPs desperation probably seemed so obvious that they assumed Americans would see through it. But when something like this happens on live TV, you have to state the obvious by calling it out.

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The Democrats didnt. Instead, they continued their attempts to ask questions of Kavanaugh  even though he made clear that he wouldnt answer them, and would just repeat talking points.

As actress Alyssa Milano (who was visible in the shot behind Kavanaugh) later told The Hollywood Reporter, I felt like the Democrats didnt really know how to respond to that rage in a way that was effective and impactful.

Exactly. The Democrats let the GOPs performance have its intended effect. Trumpists  who, sadly, comprise the majority of todays historically unrecognizable Republican Party  prize shows of strength above all else, including truth. Grahams grandstanding came straight out of the Trump playbook: Who cares if something is accurate, legitimate or sensible, as long as people who want to believe it are watching?

(Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI via Getty Images)

It became one of the most talked-about moments of the day. Suddenly, people who wanted Kavanaughs nomination to sail through were energized. Trump and his team were happy. The lies and hypocrisy worked. Some conservatives declared Graham won the hearing. A CNN analysis said it may have even single-handedly saved Kavanaughs nomination.

This is the lesson: When a side that is morally and factually in the wrong tries to claim the high ground on live TV, you have to knock them back down right then and there and reclaim it.

Democrats should have screamed back, pointing out Grahams insane level of hypocrisy. They should have stated what was happening: They were searching for answers, while Republicans were fighting to prevent that from happening. They should have pointed out the pathetic weakness and misogyny of Republicans hiding behind Mitchell during Blaseys testimony, only to speak up once she left the room. They should have noted that Blasey was surely watching the hearing, and challenged Lindsey Graham to tell Blasey that the entire hearing was really, as he called it, crap.

If, after this, other members of the GOP still continued their charade, the Democrats should have kept fighting back. When Sen. John Cornyn had the audacity to compare the event to the McCarthy hearings, Democrats should have asked the Republicans on the panel whether any of them  with the possible exception of Sen. Jeff Flake  had any decency.

Yes, there were procedures in place for who speaks when, and there were supposed to be time limits. But Graham and his compadres threw propriety to the wind. If you have to get reprimanded for interruptions, get reprimanded. Just show the country, and the world, that you are right  and wont take the pummeling.

Democrats: Next time a Trumpist lobs a verbal grenade in hopes of blowing up memories of something that just happened, jump right on it. Or, better yet, pick it up and throw it back.



Josh Levs is an entrepreneur, former CNN and NPR journalist, and the author of All In: How Our Work-First Culture Fails Dads, Families, and Businesses  And How We Can Fix It Together.



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Donald Trump condemned the American comedy show Saturday Night Live on Sunday after Matt Damon portrayed his Supreme Court nominee as an angry, beer-obsessed caricature and Kanye West was booed by the audience.

Like many, I dont watch Saturday Night Live (even though I past hosted it) - no longer funny, no talent or charm. It is just a political ad for the Dems, he wrote on Twitter. Word is that Kanye West, who put on a MAGA hat after the show (despite being told no), was great. Hes leading the charge!

Many of Americas leading comedians cut their teeth on the late programme, particularly during its 1970s heyday.

But in recent years it dipped in popularity before finding its feet again with the arrival of Donald Trump in the White House, according to critics.

Alec Baldwin's portrayal of Mr Trump provoked frequent presidential Twitter outbursts.

It returned to screens for a new series on Saturday, with Damon appearing in its opening sketch as Brett Kavanaugh, the Supreme Court nominee who had to appear before senators last week to defend himself against allegations of sexual misconduct.

In a skit that quickly went viral, Damon described himself as an optimist - a keg-is-half-full kind of guy - and promised to fight for his nomination.

I dont know the meaning of the word stop, he said, while quaffing non-stop from a multiple glasses of water. To quote my hero, Clint Eastwoods character in Gran Torino, Get the hell off my lawn.

The show also featured performances by West, who launched into a pro-Trump rant as the end credits rolled.

Kanye West performs on the show Credit: NBC/Backgrid

Wearing a Make America Great Again hat, he again said he would run for the White House in 2020 and responded to critics who have asked him how a black man can support a president accused of racism.

We dont just make our decisions off of racism, he said in a portion that was not broadcast, according to People magazine. Ima break it down to you right now: If someone inspires me and I connect with them, I dont have to believe in all they policies.

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Much of the audience remained silent, while some booed and shouted.

The next day, West followed up Mr Trump's approving tweet with an affectionate post of his own.

this represents good and America becoming whole again. We will no longer outsource to other countries. We build factories here in America and create jobs. We will provide jobs for all who are free from prisons as we abolish the 13th amendment. Message sent with love pic.twitter.com/a15WqI8zgu

 ye (@kanyewest) September 30, 2018

However, his reference to the 13th amendment, which abolished slavery, provoked confusion. He later clarified his comments, saying the amendment - which permits "involuntary servitude" for criminals - should be reformed.
Istanbul (AFP) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan showed a more conciliatory tone on a hugely sensitive visit to Germany but both sides still have daunting task ahead to rebuild relations and trust battered by a succession of disputes.

Erdogan's full state visit came just one-and-a-half-months after Turkey endured a currency crisis which saw the lira plunge some 40 percent in a spat with the United States that highlighted the importance of Ankara's economic ties to Europe.

Turkey's relations with Germany -- and other key EU states -- had hit historic lows in the aftermath of the 2016 failed coup as Berlin took issue with the scope of the remorseless crackdown that also caught up German nationals.

Interpretations of the controversial visit varied wildly in Turkey and Germany, with Erdogan boasting it was a hugely successful but the conservative German press complaining the red carpet treatment brought nothing but hassle and expense.

Erdogan on Saturday in Cologne also inaugurated a new mosque -- seen as a symbol of the integration of three million people of Turkish origin in Germany -- although the resonance was undermined by the absence of key German politicians.

"At a critical period, we made an extremely productive, extremely successful visit," Erdogan said.

- 'Repair the damage' -

Erdogan negotiated a potentially thorny news conference with Chancellor Angela Merkel without any major provocation, smiling when security bundled out a journalist wearing a T-shirt with the slogan "freedom for journalists".

"Both sides are willing to move forward, out of the stalemate," Ilke Toygur, analyst at the Elcano Royal Institute in Madrid, told AFP.

She said Turkey was particularly keen on "repairing the damage" after Ankara's relations with Washington entered a state of crisis over the summer, but Germany and Europe wanted to see "concrete steps" to relieve tensions.

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While a resumption of accession negotiations for Turkey's moribund EU bid was not on the table, some improvements -- such as a modernisation of a Customs Union -- could take place after European parliament elections in May 2019, said Toygur.

Merkel also announced that she planned to take part later in October in an Istanbul summit hosted by Erdogan on the crisis in Syria which also aims to include French President Emmanuel Macron and Russia's Vladimir Putin.

"The visit's first achievement is that it took place. It therefore marks the beginning of a road towards detente," Marc Pierini, visiting scholar at Carnegie Europe and a former EU ambassador to Turkey, told AFP.

- 'Arduous road' -

Yet it will take more to overcome months of tensions and the magnitude of the challenge was underlined in a strikingly frank speech by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier as he hosted Erdogan for the welcoming state dinner late Thursday.

Dispensing with the usual diplomatic pleasantries, Steinmeier expressed concern over Germans, union activists, lawyers, journalists and politicians jailed in Turkey, telling Erdogan: "We cannot simply gloss over this issue."

Steinmeier said the "strong emotions" the visit aroused in Germany were a reflection of tensions that have yet to be overcome and warned: "A single visit is not enough to restore normality."

Erdogan hit back at Steinmeier in Turkish media, saying the president's comments were "not very appropriate" and adding Turkey would not behave the same towards "a guest".

Almut Moller, senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said the outcome was "far away from a detente" with the deterioration in Turkey's rule of law and human rights still of "great concern to Berlin".

But she told AFP: "Germany has no interest in losing Turkey as a partner to work with" and wanted to see Ankara overcome its economic difficulties.

Pierini said the visit "illustrated sharp divergences on rule of law, especially freedom of speech and freedom of dissent.

"It will be a long and arduous road toward normalisation," he said.

For many in Germany, the opening of the Cologne mosque was a missed opportunity, with the Turkish president preferring the chance to bask in the limelight rather than promoting cross-community harmony.

The mosque opening "left behind a pile of shards in the German-Turkish relationship which can only be swept up with a lot of effort," said the president of the Turkish Community in Germany (TGD), Gokay Sofuoglu.

But he expressed satisfaction that "both sides made a cautious attempt at rapprochement."
By Chris Kahn

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Four in 10 Americans believe sexual misconduct allegations against U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, while three in 10 do not and the rest do not know, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll that split largely along party lines.

The poll, released on Sunday, follows an emotionally charged week in Washington, during which Kavanaugh's once-certain confirmation was jeopardized after three women made allegations against him, including accusations of assault and exposing himself in public in the 1980s.

Kavanaugh, a conservative federal appeals court judge nominated to the country's top court by U.S. President Donald Trump, has denied those allegations. The FBI has opened an investigation after Trump bowed to pressure from moderate Senate Republicans.

The poll found that 42 percent of adults said they believed the accusations, including about the same number of men and women. Thirty-one percent do not believe them and 27 percent said they "don't know" what to believe.

The responses were divided largely along partisan lines - about two-thirds of Democrats said they believed the allegations and nearly two-thirds of Republicans said they did not.

One of the women accusing Kavanaugh of misconduct, Christine Blasey Ford, told the Senate Judiciary Committee last week that when they were teenagers in 1982, Kavanaugh and a friend pushed her into a room and that he held her down and tried to take off her clothes.

Ford said she feared that she would be raped and accidentally killed.

Kavanaugh told the committee afterward that he considered the allegations part of a calculated and orchestrated political hit from Democrats who do not want him confirmed. He said he did not know any of the women who have accused him of wrongdoing and he produced calendars from the time that he said exonerated him.

A recent YouGov poll found that the country was split over the testimony that Kavanaugh and Ford presented to the panel, with 41 percent saying that they believed Ford and 35 percent saying they believed Kavanaugh.

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The Reuters/Ipsos poll, which was conducted after the allegations were publicized, also found that 41 percent of adults opposed Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court. That was up about 5 percentage points from a similar poll conducted from Sept. 18-24.

When it came to the allegations of sexual misconduct, the poll found that Americans who are younger, more educated and single were more likely to believe the allegations than those who are older, less educated and married.

The poll was conducted online in English from Sept. 26-30 throughout the United States. It gathered responses from 2,478 American adults, including 983 who identify as Democrats and 818 who identify as Republicans. It has a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of 2 percentage points.

Video: What's Happening in the Kavanaugh FBI Investigation?

Watch news, TV and more on Yahoo View.



(Reporting by Chris Kahn; Editing by Peter Cooney)
Bratislava (AFP) - A 44-year-old woman was charged in the murder of a Slovak journalist, the prosecutor's office said Sunday in a case that sent thousands into the streets and toppled a prime minister.

"We can confirm that a woman identified as A. Z. was charged with the extremely serious crime of complicity in a murder," prosecutor spokeswoman Andrea Predajnova said in a statement.

The Slovak daily Dennik N wrote Sunday the woman, who is the fourth suspect arrested, had "ordered" the murder of journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova in February.

But Daniel Lipsic, a lawyer for the Kuciak family, said the woman was more of an intermediary because "the murderer absolutely could not know who ordered the crime."

Local media said the woman had worked as an interpreter for Slovak entrepreneur Marian Kocner, whose business activities were the subject of an investigation by Kuciak.

He was probing alleged links between Italian organised crime and Slovak politicians when he and Kusnirova were murdered at their home.

The killing raised concerns about media freedom and corruption in the EU member state of 5.4 million people and sparked protests that culminated in the resignation of prime minister Robert Fico in March.
UK Chancellor Philip Hammond said that a deal would produce a dividend. Photo: Reuters

All eyes and ears were on UK Chancellor Philip Hammond today (1 October) as he delivered his digest on how the UK economy was faring in the run-up to an impending Brexit on the second day of the Conservative party conference in Birmingham.

Alongside reassurances that he has enough fiscal firepower in my locker to fund preparations for a no-deal Brexit  the worst-case scenario for Britain as it means crashing out of the European Union without any agreements in place  he peddled the same promise that has been debunked time and time again.

That pledge is that if Britain leaves the EU that there would be a dividend  suggesting the economy reap a financial reward for severing ties with the 28-nation bloc. After vast amounts of criticism from academics, independent analysts, and fact-checkers, Hammonds promise was slightly tweaked to say that there would be a deal dividend, implying that there would be an economic boost once a Brexit deal is agreed.





The Brexit dividend is the idea that the UK economy will suddenly come into a windfall of money once it leaves the EU because the government will not have pay bills to the EU anymore. The UK government says that as part of the Brexit dividend, there will be a 20bn ($26bn) funding increased to Britains National Health Service (NHS).

Ever since that pledge was floated during the campaign process from Brexiteers ahead of the June 2016 vote, fact checkers and analysts have continually debunked that promise. For example, the UKs largest independent fact-checking agency Full Fact said there is no guaranteed extra money to pay for increased NHS funding from stopping our payments to the EU budget. Other costs associated with Brexit are expected to outweigh the savings.

To put this into perspective in a simple example, imagine you own and run a stall in a market. It costs you 100 a week to be there and you make on average 1,000 a week in sales. You also, as part of that market, have favourable trading rates between sister-markets. If you decide that you want to leave the market because you figure you dont need that marketplace any more, you would save 100 on costs. However, youd be losing out on all the revenue you bring in for selling your wares and the better rates for dealing with sister markets. In fact, youd probably be paying more.

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Despite all this, prime minister Theresa May has continually tried to push out the notion of a Brexit dividend, which again has caused ire amongst experts.

Iain Begg, professorial research fellow at the European Institute and co-director of the Dahrendorf Forum, London School of Economics and Political Science said in a lengthy post: Read my lips: no such thing as a Brexit dividend.

Few doubt the need for increased funding for the NHS and the government plans to boost its budget by some 20 billion a year by 2023 will be widely welcomed, said Begg. Yet to portray it as somehow connected to Brexit is, simply, dishonest, the more so when it is being spun as enabling pro-Brexit ministers to deliver on a referendum promise.

It has been explained endlessly, but apparently has to be reiterated yet again, that the true UK gross contribution to the EU has to be measured after deducting the rebate received since 1985.

Even a politician within Mays party said, Sarah Wollaston, said: The Brexit dividend tosh was expected but treats the public as fools.

But it looks like Mays Conservative government is hanging onto this notion for dear life.
Holly Willoughby (Credit: Getty)

Phillip Schofield has revealed that This Morning co-host Holly Willoughby called him up to get his blessing to present the new series of Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.

Willoughby is taking over presenting duties from Ant McPartlin, after he revealed hed be taking a year off work to deal with issues surrounding his alcohol use.

Holly phoned me up and said, Ive been offered this, what do you think? and I said, you have to take it! Schofield told Good Morning Britain.

Willoughby added that Schofield also laughed at her over the phone.

Shes scared of flies! And shes going to Australia where there are all things! he added.

(Credit: ITV)

Willoughby also admitted: Its going to be a total disaster! Its going to be hard leaving Phil.

As for who her replacement will be on This Morning while shes away, she added: I know who and hes in very good hands.

Whenever I leave him I want to make sure hes looked after and hes with somebody and its all nice.

Willoughby will present the annual celebrity survival show with Declan Donnelly when it returns on ITV in November.

McPartlin was found to be over twice the legal alcohol limit after being pulled over by police in March this year. He was later fined 86,000, and banned from driving for 20 months.

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Katherine Ryan returns as the co-judge of Comedy Centrals Roast Battle (PA Images)

Katherine Ryan is everywhere. From her long-withstanding appearances on various top panel shows (A League of Their Own, Mock the Week, 8 out of 10 Cats), the Canadian UK based comedian is currently starring in her own West End show Glitter Room.

She is also the only UK and Canadian female comedian to have a Netflix special (and another in the works) and has now returned as the co-judge of Comedy Centrals Roast Battle  a series which pits contestants to roast one another as theyre judged by celebrity hosts  alongside Jimmy Carr and new host Jonathan Ross. Who she says brings a new edge to the series.

We have Jonathan Ross. We all grew up watching him, hes now Mr. Late Night, but we forget hes actually a very good roaster! He is edgy and really funny! Ryan said.

Can we expect Ross to go after her on the series? No she says, but this certainly did stop her from giving him a thorough roast.

Katherine Ryan with Jimmy Carr and Jonathan Ross on Roast Battle. (Comedy Central)

No! He went for Jimmy a couple of times but he was really kind to me! Which was a schoolboy error because I went really hard on him! He definitely understands that a roast is an honour, she explained.

But Ryan has a rather unusual beginnings to thank for her rise to British comedy stardom  the American chain restaurant Hooters. Ryan says she first discovered her knack for comedic timing and delivering zingers when she hosted one of their bikini contests during her several-year stint as a Hooters waitress and supervisor.

What really got me was hosting a bikini pageant at Hooters. Instead of a bikini I got to host with a microphone and wear a dress. I loved it so much, I didnt realise it but I was actually doing stand-up.

All of a sudden for the first time in my life it was cool to be funny. It made everyone more comfortable when I was funny, she said.

And of course with Hooters there was a level of expectation to look a certain way, and Ryan openly says she has experimented with cosmetic procedures, including botox and fillers. However, she stresses the importance of doing it for the right reasons and going to properly accredited clinics.

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I think that the best thing to do is do it for you. When I get botox and fillers I am really transparent about what I do. People are going to do whatever they want with their bodies.

Some people will pierce holes, some people will have implants  its no one elses business what you do to your body. But I do worry about a generation of younger people going to dodgy places and not having the correct information, she said.

After being sent to the UK to help open the nations first ever ever Hooters in Nottingham, she started to break into the UK comedy circuit. And as we all know shes found huge success with her bold and fearless comedic style.

Ryan says shes not afraid to push the boundaries in comedy and retaliates against the stereotype that British comedy is becoming too politically correct.

I havent really heard any comedians that I admire say that comedy has become more PC. I think that most people that say it has dont really understand what we do.

Katherine Ryan at the 2018 GQ Awards (PA Images).

We say controversial and productive things but they can still be PC. So its not just about flinging horrible insults, its very different because there is consent from everyone, there is context, she explained.

With Ryan being such a seemingly open book, we ended the interview by asking what her fans would likely be most surprised about her. Shes quiet she says  and often not at all like her on-camera persona.

I think people are surprised to learn that in real life I am pretty quiet. Im kind of an introvert. Im not mean, I dont go roasting people at the local grocery store or at the chemist! Roast battles has a time and a place and outside of Roast Battle Im actually pretty nice!

Roast Battle starts October 1st on Comedy Central at 10pm.

Read more

Katherine Ryan: I think all single mothers should do stand-up comedy

Katherine Ryan on why she aspires to be a strong black woman

Jonathan Ross replaces Russell Brand on Roast Battle




THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  International Criminal Court prosecutors urged judges Monday to continue the trial of former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo and a government ex-minister on trial for their alleged involvement in deadly violence that erupted after the country's disputed 2010 presidential election.

Lawyers for Gbagbo and former youth minister Charles Ble Goude filed motions earlier this year arguing that prosecutors presented insufficient evidence for the trial to continue and calling for the immediate acquittal of both men. The calls came at the end of the prosecution case.

But the court's deputy prosecutor, James Stewart, told the three-judge trial panel that the evidence so far is strong enough for the case to continue.

"At this midway stage of the trial proceedings, is there evidence ... upon which any trial chamber acting reasonably could find the accused guilty of the charges?" Stewart said. "We submit the answer to that question is: Yes."

Gbagbo and Ble Goude, who were both in court for Monday's hearing, have pleaded not guilty to four crimes against humanity charges, including murder and rape allegedly committed by pro-Gbagbo supporters during post-election violence that left 3,000 people dead.

Prosecutors accuse Gbagbo of unleashing violence in an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to cling to office after losing a runoff to now-President Alassane Ouattara.

Gbagbo's historic trial, the International Criminal Court's first against a former head of state, began in January 2016.

Efforts by ICC prosecutors to hold leaders responsible for crimes committed by subordinates or supporters have repeatedly run into serious problems.

The case against Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who also was accused of involvement  before he became president  in post-election violence in his country, collapsed in December 2014 and earlier this year a former Congolese vice president, Jean-Pierre Bemba, was acquitted on appeal of crimes allegedly committed by his militia in the Central African Republic.
National disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said 153 bodies were buried Monday in a mass grave and that the operation continued Tuesday - REUTERS

Some 1,200 Indonesian convicts are on the run from three different detention facilities in devastated Sulawesi after the region was rocked by a powerful earthquake and tsunami, a justice ministry official said Monday

The warning came as volunteers began to dig mass graves for the bodies of more than 1,000 victims in an attempt to prevent an outbreak of disease.

Four days after a 7.5 magnitude quake triggered a tsunami that slammed into the city of Palu, the country also appealed for international help as it struggled to cope with the sheer scale of the disaster.

At least 832 people so far are confirmed dead after the waves battered the Sulawesi coastline but the toll was expected to rise sharply as rescue workers reached areas that had been cut off in the disaster.

Authorities said prisoners had seized on the opportunity to break free. One prison in Palu city - built to hold just 120 people - saw most of its 581 inmates storm past guards and escape to freedom through walls collapsed by the massive shake.

Inmates had also fled from another overcapacity facility in Palu by breaking down its main door and another in Donggala, an area also hit by the disaster. The Donggala jail was set on fire and all 343 inmates were now on the run, Utami said.

Fears are growing of a humanitarian emergency as supplies of medicine, food and water run low. A shortage of heavy equipment has left rescuers struggling to reach desperate victims calling out from the ruins of collapsed buildings.

President Joko Widodo opened the door to the dozens of international aid agencies and NGOs lined up to provide live-saving assistance.

"Last night, President @jokowi authorised us to accept international help for urgent disaster-response & relief," senior government official Tom Lembong wrote on Twitter, asking rescuers to contact him directly via his account and email.

Widodo said "there are many places where the evacuation couldn't be done because of the absence of heavy equipment, but last night equipment started to arrive in Palu".

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"We'll send as much food supplies as possible today with Hercules planes, directly from Jakarta, there are several," he said, referring to C-130 military transport aircraft.

At Poboya - in the hills above the devastated seaside city of Palu - volunteers dug a 100 metre-long grave to bury the dead, with instructions to prepare for 1,300 victims to be laid to rest.

Authorities have announced a 14-day state of emergency amid fears of a disease outbreak caused by decomposing bodies.

In Balaroa, a Palu suburb once home to a housing complex, the scale of the damage was apparent. A wasteland of flattened trees, shards of concrete, twisted metal roofing, doorframes and mangled furniture stretched out into the distance.

The national search and rescue agency said one woman was rescued overnight in the suburb, where houses were swallowed up when the earthquake caused soil liquefaction.

Rescuers are racing against the clock and a lack of equipment to save those still trapped in the rubble, with up to 60 people feared to be underneath one Palu hotel alone.

Two survivors have been plucked from the 80-room Hotel Roa-Roa, Indonesia's search and rescue agency said, and there could still be more alive.

Desperate survivors turned to looting shops for basics like food, water and fuel as police looked on, unwilling or unable to intervene.

"There has been no aid, we need to eat. We don't have any other choice, we must get food," one man in Palu told AFP as he filled a basket with goods from a nearby store.

Many have spent the last few days desperately searching for loved ones while dealing with the trauma of the disaster.

One woman was lucky to survive. Dwi Rahayu was working at a cafe stall near the festival on the beach with her husband and two boys when the waves struck.

Shortly after shrugging off the earthquake, the first wave washed around them and she heard her husband shouting: Run! Run! Big wave!

She grabbed one of her boys and ran but she was too late. Swept several hundred metres away by the water, they were slammed into a wall which later gave way.

She fell unconscious and woke up in hospital, with both legs broken. Miraculously, her family had all survived.

Fandi, a 22 year-old who was also working on the beach, was not so lucky. There were 12 family members who went to the beach, including his parents, aunt and uncle, and brothers and sister and his new family, his wife and his only son.

He took his son back home late in the afternoon, only to learn later of the tsunami. He has seen his mother's body in the hospital, while the fate of his other relatives is not yet known.

Others have centred their search for loved ones around open-air morgues, where the dead lay in the baking sun - waiting to be claimed, waiting to be named.

As dire as the situation in Palu is, it was at least clear. In outlying areas, the fate of thousands is still unknown.

Indonesia's Metro TV broadcast aerial footage from a coastal community in Donggala, close to the epicentre of the quake. Some waterfront homes appeared crushed but a resident said most people fled to higher ground after the quake struck.

"When it shook really hard, we all ran up into the hills," a man identified as Iswan told the TV.

Yenni Suryani, of Catholic Relief Services, said devastated infrastructure was hampering rescue efforts.

"Humanitarian groups are struggling to get people into affected areas," she said. The main airport at Palu was damaged, landslides had cut off key roads while "power is out almost everywhere," she added.
Tehran (AFP) - Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Monday they had launched a missile attack against a "terrorist" headquarters in Syria in retaliation for a September attack on the Iranian city of Ahvaz.

"The headquarters of those responsible for the terrorist crime in Ahvaz was attacked a few minutes ago east of the Euphrates by several ballistic missiles fired by the aerospace branch of the Guardians of the Revolution," the Guards said on their official website.

"Based on preliminary reports, many takfiri terrorists and the leaders responsible for the terrorist crime in Ahvaz have been killed or wounded in this missile attack," the Guards added.

The term "takfiri", derived from the Arabic word for anathema, is used by the Iranian authorities to refer to Sunni jihadists.

The Guards did not say where the missiles were launched from.

According to Iran's Fars news agency, the Guards fired Zolfaghar and Qiam missiles, with a range of 750 kilometres and 800 kilometres (465 and 500 miles), respectively.

On September 22, 24 people were shot dead in an attack at a military parade in Ahvaz in southwest Iran. The Islamic State group, which Iran and its Damascus allies are fighting in Syria, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had vowed a "crushing" response in retaliation.
(Reuters) - Iran said it fired missiles on Monday at Islamic State militants in Syria it blames for an attack on its soil on Sept. 22 and said the action shows the government's readiness to punish the "wickedness" of its enemies. Tehran has accused U.S.-backed Gulf Arab states of attacking a military parade in southwestern Iran and killing 25 people, nearly half of them members of the elite Revolutionary Guards. Monday's strike targeted the bases of "takfiri terrorists" backed by Washington and regional powers in eastern Syria, the Guards said in a statement on Sepah News, their news site. It killed a number of militant leaders and destroyed their supplies and infrastructure, they said. Iranian officials often use the word "takfiri" to describe Sunni Muslim hardliners. Iran is predominantly Shi'ite Muslim. "Death to the family of Saud," "Death to America," and "Death to Israel" were written on one of the missiles shown on the Fars News site. The strike targeted the last pocket of territory in southeastern Syria held by Islamic State, said an official in the Iran-backed regional alliance fighting in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. It is an area where the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched a new offensive last month against Islamic State. The U.S.-led coalition confirmed Iranian forces had conducted "no notice strikes last night". "At this time, the coalition is still assessing if any damage occurred and no coalition forces were in danger," Col. spokesman Sean Ryan said. "IRON FIST" Fars News posted video footage of several missiles streaking into a dark sky during the attack. The six ballistic missiles used in the attack flew 570 km (354 miles) to hit the targets, the Guards said. A map shown on state TV pinpointed Kermanshah in western Iran as the launch site and Albu Kamal in southeast Syria as the target. The missiles were Iranian-made Zolfaqar and Qiam missiles, Fars News reported. "Our iron fist is prepared to deliver a decisive and crushing response to any wickedness and mischief of the enemies," the Guards, the most powerful military force in the Islamic Republic, said. Seven drones were also used to bomb militant targets during the attack, they said. The Ahvaz National Resistance, an Iranian ethnic Arab separatist movement, and the Islamic State have both claimed responsibility for the Sept. 22 attack. Neither group has presented conclusive evidence to back up its claim. "The terrorists used bullets and we gave them a reply with missiles," Fars News quoted Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh, head of the Guards' airspace division, as saying. "The security of the Iranian people is our red line and we will not be found wanting." A senior Revolutionary Guards commander said on Monday that Islamic State militants in Syria's Deir al-Zor province had helped coordinate the parade attack. These Islamic State militants were the target of the missile strike, said Major General Mohammad Baqeri, the armed forces chief of staff, according to Fars News. "The area east of the Euphrates where Islamic State is based is under the control of the American military and the Guards' missiles hit an area that is close to the area under American control," Baqeri said. He added, "All of these are a warning for the enemies so they don't move toward creating insecurity in Iran." Iranian military support has been vital to helping Assad through the Syrian war, and Iran-backed forces are deployed in southeastern Syria on the west bank of the Euphrates River. Iran has dismissed U.S. demands that it leave Syria. The official in the Iran-backed alliance described Monday's strike, targeting an area on the eastern bank of the Euphrates, as a "limited message". "One of the messages, to those it concerns, is that 'our missiles are one of our powerful cards that are ready to respond whenever we want'," the official said. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the highest authority in Iran, has said the militants responsible for the Sept 22 attack were paid by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and that Iran would "severely punish" those behind the violence. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have denied involvement in the attack. Mohsen Rezaie, a former commander of the Guards, suggested in a Twitter message on Monday that more attacks were coming. "The main punishment is on the way," Rezaie, who is secretary of the Expediency Council, an unelected arbitration body that resolves disputes between parliament and a clerical vetting body, the Guardian Council, wrote. Last year, the Guards fired missiles at Islamic State militants in Syria after the group claimed responsibility for an attack on the parliament in Tehran and the mausoleum of the founder of Irans revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, that left at least 18 people dead and dozens wounded. (Reporting By Babak Dehghanpishehm in Geneva, Laila Bassam and Angus McDowall in Beirut; Editing by Tom Perry and Matthew Mpoke Bigg)
Tehran (AFP) - Iran said it struck jihadists on Monday in Syria with ballistic missiles and combat drones in retaliation for a deadly attack on an Iranian military parade, warning the "real punishment" was still to come.

Last month's shooting in the Iranian city of Ahvaz killed 24 people and was claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group.

The pre-dawn strike by Iran, which has vowed to boost its ballistic missile capabilities despite Western concerns, targeted the town of Hajin, about 24 kilometres (15 miles) north of Albu Kamal near Syria's eastern border with Iraq, state TV reported.

"The headquarters of those responsible for the terrorist crime in Ahvaz was attacked a few minutes ago east of the Euphrates by several ballistic missiles fired by the aerospace branch of the Revolutionary Guards," the Guards said on their website.

"Based on preliminary reports, many takfiri terrorists and the leaders responsible for the terrorist crime in Ahvaz have been killed or wounded in this missile attack."

The term "takfiri" refers to Sunni Muslim extremists.

Foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said the strike targeted "a recognised and specific focal point of terrorists on the east of the Euphrates".

"It was necessary," he said.

Six medium-range ballistic missiles were fired from western Iran at 2:00 am (2230 GMT Sunday), dealing a "fatal blow", the Guards said.

Following the missiles, seven military drones targeted the "mercenary terrorists", they added.

Iran's armed forces chief of staff, Major-General Mohammad Bagheri, warned of further operations to come.

"The first stage of avenging the Ahvaz terrorist attack is complete, and other stages of revenge are still to come," he said.

Local media have reported that based on published images, the drones were locally produced "Saegheh" craft, reverse-engineered from the American RQ-170 Sentinel captured by Iran in 2011.

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Bagheri said the strikes were the first time the drones had "crossed multiple countries and reached their targets".

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said "heavy explosions took place at dawn in the last pocket (of Syrian territory) under IS control near Albu Kamal".

The town of Albu Kamal is held by regime forces and allied regional militiamen who seized it from the jihadist group as its cross-border "caliphate" crumbled in 2017.

Iran's Fars news agency said the Zolfaghar and Qiam missiles had a range of 750 kilometres and 800 kilometres (465 and 500 miles) respectively.

"On at least one of the missiles was written 'death to America', 'death to Israel' and 'death to Al Saud'," it said, a reference to the ruling family in Saudi Arabia, Iran's regional rival.

The Guards released pictures of what appeared to be missiles lighting up the night sky, leaving trails of smoke as they soared above a desert region with a rugged mountain in the background.

Houshang Bazvand, the governor of Kermanshah, from where the missiles were reportedly launched, has denied reports on social media that one of the weapons crashed inside the province.

- 'Unforgettable revenge' -

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had promised a "crushing" response to the September 22 attack by five gunmen on the military parade in Ahvaz, a mainly ethnic Arab city, while the Guards threatened "unforgettable revenge".

The missile strike "was only a jab against these criminals. The real punishment is yet to come," General Mohsen Rezai, former commander-in-chief of the Guards and now secretary of Expediency Discernment Council, wrote on Twitter.

Iranian officials initially blamed Arab separatists backed by Gulf Arab allies of the United States for the Ahvaz attack.

But supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei later appeared to link the perpetrators to jihadists operating in Iraq and Syria, where IS once had major strongholds.

"This cowardly act was the work of those very individuals who are rescued by the Americans whenever they are in trouble in Iraq and Syria and who are funded by the Saudis and the (United) Arab Emirates," Khamenei was quoted on his official website as saying.

The Guards accused the United States, Israel and the "reactionary regimes" of the Middle East of supporting the "terrorists" in eastern Syria who carried out the attack, and said they always been ready to respond to Iran's enemies.

IS, which Iran and its Damascus ally are fighting in Syria, said all five of the Ahvaz attackers were Iranian, including four from the city.

The jihadists also threatened to carry out more attacks in Iran.

IS had already claimed responsibility for twin attacks in June 2017 on the parliament and the tomb of revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in Tehran that killed 17 people.

After that assault, the Guards said they had fired missiles into Syria that had successfully hit IS targets.

The guards have a heavy official presence in Syria as "military advisers" in support of the Bashar Assad regime.
New York (AFP) - Kanye West has decided that he now wants to be called Ye. But on political matters, nothing has changed for the pro-Donald Trump rapper.

"The being formally (sic) known as Kanye West. I am Ye," he wrote on Twitter.

Ye has long been a nickname for West, along with Yeezy, and he chose "Ye" as the title of his last album.

He has previously said that he found a spiritual significance to "Ye" -- the plural or formal version of the second-person pronoun in Middle English -- as he so frequently read it in the Bible.

West -- or, rather, Ye -- announced the name change shortly before he appeared on "Saturday Night Live," the widely watched television skit show.

He performed with fellow rapper Lil Pump dressed as water bottles, drawing an overwhelmingly negative reaction on social media where a number of professed fans questioned his creative direction.

West closed the show by singing a track off "Ye" while wearing one of President Donald Trump's signature red "Make America Great Again" caps.

After the live show ended, West stayed on the microphone and gave an impromptu speech about politics, again voicing his support for the president.

"So many times I talk to a white person about this and they say, 'How could you like Trump? He's racist,'" West said, according to footage posted on Instagram by comedian Chris Rock.

"Well, if I was concerned about racism, I would have moved out of America a long time ago."

He also accused the rival Democratic Party of seeking to keep people dependent on welfare payments and repeated his interest in running for president himself in 2020 -- when Trump would face re-election.

His speech was met with a smattering of applause but louder booing from the New York audience.

One New Yorker who didn't seem to mind though was Trump himself, who tweeted out his support Sunday -- even though he said he had not seen the show.

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"Like many, I don't watch Saturday Night Live (even though I past hosted it) - no longer funny, no talent or charm," wrote Trump.

"It is just a political ad for the Dems. Word is that Kanye West, who put on a MAGA hat after the show (despite being told 'no'), was great. He's leading the charge!"

West has stunned fans by becoming one of the few celebrities -- as well as one of the only prominent African Americans -- to support Trump.

West went to visit Trump in 2016 shortly after the rapper disappeared to seek mental health treatment. His wife, reality television star Kim Kardashian, has gone twice to see Trump at the White House.

West recently promised that a new album, called "Yahndi," would come out on Saturday but no work immediately appeared.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and baby daughter Neve charmed the world in New York during last week's UN General Assembly, but pundits say her government's lustre has started to fade back home after almost a year in power.

"Jacinda-mania goes global" trumpeted Kiwi pop culture website The Spinoff, saying Ardern had been embraced "as a beacon of hope for our troubled world".

For the head of a small, remote nation of just 4.5 million people, Ardern enjoyed an extraordinarily high profile at the global meeting.

The centre-left leader, who won power in an election upset late last year, graced talk show host Stephen Colbert's couch, met with celebrities such as Anne Hathaway and shared parenting tips with the panel of NBC's Today Show.

Part of her appeal was undoubtedly the presence of "first baby" Neve, born in June when Ardern became only the second female prime minister in the world to give birth while serving in office, after Pakistan's Benazir Bhutto in 1990.

"Images of a baby and her mother in the UN general assembly are historically significant," Victoria University political analyst Bryce Edwards wrote after photographs of Ardern kissing her daughter in the UN Assembly Hall went viral.

The infant's presence provided Ardern, 38, with ample anecdotal fodder on the chat show circuit but also added heft to her passionate advocacy for gender equality.

Political commentator Martyn Bradbury said the sight of Ardern addressing the UN while partner Clarke Gayford looked after Neve "reset the brand that is New Zealand".

Ardern's repeated calls for action on climate change and more compassionate political discourse prompted TVNZ to label her "the anti-Trump", while Stuff website said her words to the UN "directly challenge the view of the world outlined by US President Donald Trump in his speech there earlier this week".

- 'Plenty of chaos' -

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But while Ardern projects a can-do image of youthful vigour overseas, her policy initiatives have been stymied on several occasions back home by coalition partner New Zealand First (NZF).

Ardern's Labour Party needs the populist NZF to govern, and its 73-year-old leader Winston Peters is not averse to undercutting her on issues such as law and order if he feels it will appeal to his electoral base.

Ardern also faces difficulties within the Labour ranks, including sacking last month a cabinet minister who allegedly became involved in a physical altercation with a staffer.

The prime minister was forced to deny that the minister's departure -- the second in just a few weeks -- was a sign her coalition government was becoming unstable.

Dominion Post political reporter Andrea Vance said while the prime minister was away "there was plenty of chaos going on back home -- most of it right in the heart of Ardern's own government".

She said Ardern was not about to lose power over some "messy-but-minor beltway scandals" but they reinforced the fact that she is not longer regarded as a political cleanskin in her homeland.

"Politics is a grubby world," Vance wrote.

"Did we really believe Jacinda Ardern's government was going to rise above it?"

The New Zealand Herald's Claire Trevett said the New York trip had briefly allowed Ardern to recapture the optimism generated when she rose to prominence last year and she should make the most of her moment on the world stage.

"In New Zealand, she now has to deal with the same problems as any other prime minister with all the annoying side shows that brings, but she remains a breath of fresh air internationally," Trevett wrote.

"Whatever her domestic critics might say, that gives Ardern great leverage and some influence. And when a Prime Minister looks good, so does New Zealand."
Baghdad (AFP) - A parliamentary vote for a new Iraqi president was delayed on Monday as the Kurds' two dominant parties for the first time contest the post reserved for a Kurd.

The election in Baghdad will now take place on Tuesday, two days after parliamentary polls in autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan and one year after the Kurds' ill-fated independence referendum.

The presidency has been reserved for the Kurds since Iraq's first multi-party elections in 2005, two years after the US-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein.

Under a tacit accord between the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, the PUK would hold the federal presidency and the KDP the post of Iraqi Kurdistan's president.

The PUK's late Jalal Talabani served as federal president for eight years.

But the Iraqi Kurdish presidency has been left vacant since KDP leader Massud Barzani resigned at the end of his mandate following the September 2017 referendum that he championed.

The KDP and PUK candidates for president of Iraq, where the prime minister is head of government, have been touring the south of the country to lobby for support and win the backing of deputies in the federal parliament.

The PUK's Barham Saleh, a 58-year-old moderate, has served in both administrations -- as Iraqi deputy premier and Kurdish prime minister.

His rival for the post of president is the KDP's Fuad Hussein, a 72-year-old former chief of staff for Barzani and veteran of the opposition to Saddam.

Unlike most Kurds, he is a Shiite, a factor likely to win support from members of the Shiite-majority parliament.

- Short of quorum -

On Monday, fewer than half of the deputies needed for a quorum showed up in parliament on time at 1700 GMT, forcing a new session to be scheduled for 1000 GMT on Tuesday.

Under the constitution, if no candidate wins a two-thirds majority, the contest can be rerun on Tuesday or at a later date.

Iraq's parliament has chosen a speaker of the house but the post of prime minister has yet to be decided, more than four months after legislative elections.

Story continues

In Iraq, the speaker of parliament is always a Sunni Arab, while the prime minister is Shiite and the president a Kurd.

Parliamentary coalitions -- which bring together lists of Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds -- must agree on the selection of the three positions.

Iraq's Kurds have been a key US partner in the war against the Islamic State jihadist group and had hoped their role would boost international support for statehood.

But a massive "yes" vote in the referendum for independence, deemed illegal by Iraq's federal government and opposed by international powers, backfired drastically.

Baghdad imposed economic penalties and sent federal troops to push Kurdish forces out of oil fields vital for the region's economy, depriving it of a key lifeline.
A look at what's happening around the majors today:

PLAYOFF PUSH

The last scheduled day of the regular season will see all 15 games begin within 15 minutes of each other  a perfect setup to settle a pair of NL division races.

The Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers are tied atop the NL Central going into Game 162. Mike Montgomery (5-6, 3.99 ERA) starts for the Cubs vs. St. Louis at Wrigley Field, while the Brewers hadn't announced their pitcher to take on the Tigers at Miller Park.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies are all even in the NL West. Walker Buehler (7-5, 2.76 ERA) was listed to pitch as the Dodgers visit San Francisco, trying to win their sixth straight division title. The Rockies, who've never finished in first place, face Washington at Coors Field.

The Cubs, Brewers, Dodgers and Rockies have all clinched playoff spots, but want to avoid wild-card peril. If the divisions are tied after Sunday, they'll go to tiebreakers Monday at Wrigley Field and Dodger Stadium  the winner advances to the Division Series, the losers meet Tuesday in the one-and-done wild-card game.

CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT

Milwaukee outfielder Christian Yelich goes into the final day with a chance to become the first Triple Crown winner in the National League since Joe Medwick in 1937 for St. Louis.

Yelich holds a sizable edge in the batting race at .324 and his 36 home runs are tied for most in the league with the Cardinals' Matt Carpenter. Yelich only trails in the RBIs column  he has 109 and Javier Baez of the Cubs leads with 111.

Yelich, in his first season with the Brewers, faces Detroit rookie Spencer Turnbull at Miller Park. The last Triple Crown winner in the majors with Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera in 2012.

FAREWELLS?

No telling who will go where this winter. But this could be free agent-in-waiting Bryce Harper's final game for Washington, veteran outfielder Adam Jones' last day with Baltimore and manager Mike Scioscia's wrap-up in the Angels' dugout.

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SKIP HIM

On his last day as Toronto's manager, John Gibbons will let catcher Russell Martin run the club at Tampa Bay. Martin hasn't played since Sept. 3 because the Blue Jays are looking at younger catchers.

"I'm having a little fun with it," Gibbons said. "Let him see how tough it is."

The Blue Jays said this week that Gibbons won't return as manager next year.
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanon's foreign minister said on Monday Israel was trying to "justify another aggression" by falsely alleging there are missile sites near Beirut airport belonging to Iran-backed Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at the United Nations last week, identified three locations near the airport where he said the Shi'ite group Hezbollah was converting "inaccurate projectiles" into precision-guided missiles. Lebanese Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil, speaking to foreign ambassadors before taking them on a tour of the area, said there were "many statements ... affirming the possession of accurate missiles by Hezbollah". But he added: "This does not mean that these missiles are present in the vicinity of Beirut airport". Bassil accompanied the diplomats, who included Russian and Iranian envoys, and journalists on a tour of three sites near the airport, including the grounds of a top division Lebanese football team, Al-Ahed, which Israel identified as one of the sites. In response, Netanyahu said later on Monday Hezbollah had lied to the international community. The diplomats were taken to the football pitch but not to the underground site adjacent to it where the missile factory was located, he said. "The ambassadors should ask themselves why they waited three days until they carried out the tour. Hezbollah regularly makes sure to clean up sites that have been exposed," Netanyahu said in a statement. Bassil, a political ally of Hezbollah, said Israel aimed to "falsify facts concerning Lebanon and to vocalize lies that carry the seeds of a threat that does not frighten us". Netanyahu had used the platform of the U.N. General Assembly "to justify another aggression on a sovereign country like Lebanon". Hezbollah, founded by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards in 1982, last fought a major conflict with Israel in 2006. The group has grown stronger since then, notably through its role in the Syrian war fighting in support of President Bashar al-Assad. Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said last month the group had obtained precision rockets despite Israeli strikes in Syria. The Israeli military released a video clip and photos of what it said were Hezbollah rocket building sites in Beirut. (Reporting by Beirut bureau; Additional reporting by Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem Editing by Richard Balmforth)
New Delhi (AFP) - Indian authorities Monday said they have seized assets of fugitive billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi worth some $87 million, piling pressure on one of the main suspects in a $1.8-billion fraud at a major state-run bank.

The seized assets included overseas bank accounts and diamond studded jewellery to the tune of $3.1 million that has been brought back to India from Hong Kong in 23 shipments, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said.

The jewellery had been shipped out after Indian federal police registered a case of fraud against Modi in January.

"The international cooperation has borne fruit," the ED said in a statement.

"This has resulted in (the) seizure and provisional attachment of jewellery, bank accounts and immovable properties worth $87 million in India as well as four foreign jurisdictions."

The list of seized assets include a London property worth about $7.8 million and two others in New York valued at $29 million.

Modi, last seen in Britain, fled India in February after authorities accused him of defrauding the Punjab National Bank.

Modi and his uncle and business partner Mehul Choksi, also a diamond merchant, are accused of illegally diverting loans from the bank to foreign-based companies. Choksi is in Antigua.

Modi, 47, had luxury stores in several major cities and boasted celebrity customers including actresses Naomi Watts, Kate Winslet and Priyanka Chopra.

Before the case, Forbes had estimated his worth at $1.73 billion, placing him 85th on India's rich list. He has now been removed from the ranking.

In February and March, the ED seized Modi's farmhouse, high-end antique jewellery, watches and rare paintings.

Modi is not the only Indian billionaire facing heat from the authorities.

Vijay Mallya, a business tycoon who owned a Formula One team, left India in 2016 after authorities launched money-laundering charges against him.

He was subsequently arrested in Britain and released on bail as he battles extradition, living in a sprawling $15 million (13 million euros) mansion in southeast England.
Macedonias referendum on whether to change its name to North Macedonia and open the way to EU and NATO membership has resulted in a huge margin of victory for the new title, but a disappointingly low turnout.

Late last night, just 34% of eligible voters were reported to have voted in the referendum which, it was hoped, would end a 27-year diplomatic impasse with Greece.

With ballots from 93 percent of polling stations counted, 91.3 percent of votes favoured the name changing to North Macedonia, compared to 5.7 percent opposed, according to the electoral commission's official count.

Despite the low turnout, Zoran Zaev, the prime minister, said the country had embraced the deal to rename the country. I think the huge majority of citizens who voted have chosen the European path for Macedonia, he said.

He urged the conservative opposition to ratify the deal in parliament. If not, he would call early elections.

Supporters of a boycott of the referendum outside parliament in Skopje, Macedonia's capital, after turnout was reported to be just 29% Credit: Thanassis Stavrakis/AP

Greece reacted to the result with the Foreign Ministry saying it "remains committed" to its June agreement with Skopje under which Athens would drop its objections to Macedonia joining the EU and NATO in return for a change of name.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras expressed his support for his Macedonian counterpart in a telephone call in which he hailed the "determination and courage" of Zoran Zaev to "complete the implementation of this agreement", a government source told AFP.

A Muslim cleric casts his ballot at polling station during the referendum in Skopje, Macedonia Credit: Boris Grdanoski/AP

NATO head Jens Stoltenberg said on Twitter the result was a "historic opportunity", adding: "NATO's door is open."

The referendum could still be interpreted as valid by the government, despite not reaching the 50% turnout threshold, analysts said.

The government has always said that the referendum is consultative, said Simonida Kacarska, the director of the European Policy Institute, a think tank in Skopje.

We will have to see what the vote is. But a low turnout could make it more difficult to get the deal through and to obtain the two-thirds majority of support in parliament that is needed to make changes to the constitution.

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The countrys long-standing desire to be known as Macedonia has been blocked by Athens ever since the Balkan country declared independence from the wreckage of the former Yugoslavia in 1991.

The Greeks are fiercely protective of their own region of Macedonia and resent what they regard as the Macedonians appropriation of Hellenistic culture and historical figures such as Alexander the Great.

There had been protests against the vote in Macedonia name change referendum Credit: Chris McGrath / Getty Images

But in an accord signed in June, Athens agreed to lift its veto on the tiny Balkan nation joining NATO and the EU if it changes its name to North Macedonia.

The referendum was a chance to ditch the long-winded and inelegant name that Macedonians have been saddled with for the last 27 years  the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, or FYROM for short.

There are no jobs for young people here. My son has no prospects. We have big economic problems. So I think joining the EU and Nato will offer us a better future, said Tiho, a 56-year-old taxi driver in the capital, who said he had voted yes.

But others deeply resent having to add a geographical qualifier to their countrys name, saying that the title North Macedonia is a humiliation and diminishes the countrys stature.

Its emotional. This is a country whose language and identity have been contested by its neighbours.

Part of the population is concerned that the change of name will change certain identity markers, even though our nationality and language will be recognised as Macedonian, said Prof Kacarska, who gained her PhD at Leeds University.

The question that was put to voters in the referendum was: "Are you in favour of membership in the European Union and NATO by accepting the deal between (the) Republic of Macedonia and Republic of Greece?"

Both Zoran Zaev, the Macedonian prime minister, and his Greek counterpart, Alexis Tsipras, have stuck their necks out politically and face trenchant opposition from domestic critics.

Greek protesters chant slogans against the name change deal during a rally in the Greek city of Thessaloniki, as Macedonians went to the polls Credit: Giannis Papanikos/AP

Nikola Dimitrov, the foreign minister and one of the architects of the deal, voted in the centre of the capital, describing the referendum as a historic cross-roads and the potential start of a new chapter for the country.

This is a big, big day for Macedonia and for our friendship with Greece. Im excited. Its also my birthday, so I hope there is an omen in that too, he said.

But hours later, opposition groups who had called for a boycott of the vote declared the referendum a failure.

Outside parliament, a few hundred anti-referendum campaigners in exuberant mood gathered in front of a stage, celebrating to rock music, draping Macedonian flags over their shoulders and holding banners that read Macedonia Forever and This Was, Is and Will Remain Only Macedonia.

Macedonian people do not want to join NATO. They don't want the change of name, identity, history and tradition of Macedonian people," said Dragan Ugrinovski, from opposition group Macedonia is Boycotting.

Ivo Kotevsi, from the conservative opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, said: "Everything is wrong with the deal. It's wrong to change the constitution, it's wrong to change the name."
Washington (AFP) - A meeting between Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and his Chinese counterpart has been canceled, a US defense official said Monday, amid rising tensions between the two nations.

The Pentagon had been working on a plan for Mattis to travel to Beijing later this month to meet General Wei Fenghe for security talks, but China ultimately declined to make him available, the official told AFP.

In light of that, the decision to scrap the visit came primarily from the US side, the official added.

It would have been Mattis's second trip to China as Pentagon chief, following a June visit when he met Chinese President Xi Jinping, as well as Wei and a number of other officials.

The US embassy in Beijing declined to comment.

The trip cancelation comes as friction between the US and China continues to rise, particularly over trade.

President Donald Trump's trade war has infuriated Beijing, as did his authorization of a $1.3 billion arms sale to Taiwan, which China considers a rebel province.

Washington last week enacted new tariffs against China covering another $200 billion of its imports.

And Washington last month placed financial sanctions on China for its recent purchase of Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets and S-400 surface-to-air missile systems.

China reacted by scrapping a US warship's planned port visit to Hong Kong and canceling a meeting between the head of the Chinese navy and his American counterpart.

On Sunday, a US warship sailed through waters off the contested Spratly Islands in the South China Sea -- in the latest implicit challenge to Beijing's sweeping territorial claims in the region.

There was no immediate reaction from China, but a similar US operation in July, involving the disputed Paracel islands, prompted a furious Beijing to deploy military vessels and fighter jets.

The Pentagon said all US military operations in the area "are designed in accordance with international law and demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows."
Washington (AFP) - Melania Trump left Washington -- and her husband's shadow -- Monday for a four-country tour of Africa that will give the glamorous and at times enigmatic first lady a chance to carve her own diplomatic path.

The trip to Ghana, Malawi, Kenya and Egypt, which sees Trump returning to Washington early October 7, will be her first big solo international trip. She boarded her plane late Monday from Andrews Air Force base, wearing a camel trench coat, large sunglasses and leopard-print stilettos.

Unlike her popular predecessor Michelle Obama, former fashion model Melania has kept largely to the background as Donald Trump alternately wows and dismays in a presidency he has turned into the biggest show on earth.

Spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said Melania Trump's Africa tour will be a "diplomatic and humanitarian visit" focused on her #BeBest campaign for "children and their well-being."

There was little other information available about the trip, with only hours to go.

In typical fashion, it was Donald Trump who seized the headlines, telling journalists last week that his wife was "making a big trip to Africa."

"We both love Africa. Africa is so beautiful, the most beautiful part of the world, in many ways," continued the president, who was once reported to have dismissed the continent as a collection of "shithole countries."

But even if Donald Trump stole her thunder, there's no doubt that Melania Trump means to take ownership of the visit.

At a time when her husband's government is pushing for radical reductions of US aid around the world, Melania will "showcase" the work of the huge US Agency for International Development, or USAID, Grisham said.

"This is her trip, her initiative," Grisham added.

- She cares -

Melania Trump held a #BeBest event at the United Nations last week, during the world body's annual gathering. However, the 48-year-old first lady has been more noted for her absences during a hectic presidency in which Donald Trump is almost omnipresent on social media, television and front pages.

Story continues

With little more than a month to go before the Republicans risk major losses in Congressional elections, Trump is holding rallies around the country several times a week.

But Melania Trump is not by his side.

When he made a heavily publicized trip last month to North and South Carolina to assess damage from Hurricane Florence and to comfort locals, she was also missing.

"We haven't seen a sign that she is willing to embrace being a political asset," said Anita McBride, a former chief of staff for Laura Bush, the wife of president George W. Bush.

"The ability and the opportunity is there. Whether she chooses to use it will be another question."

Even what was arguably Melania Trump's most memorable public appearance came wrapped in mystery and controversy, yet again raising the question of what kind of first lady occupies this controversy-filled White House.

It was June and her husband's policy of discouraging illegal immigration by separating children from their parents at the Mexican border had turned into a political firestorm.

Melania Trump made a surprise visit to Texas to visit some of the children, and even more unexpectedly the back of her jacket bore these words scrawled in white: "I really don't care. Do U?"

No one knew what she meant.

"She's a woman of few words," McBride said.

"The one exception is when she wore that jacket. I will never understand that."

But with the Africa trip, it seems clear what the first lady wants to show: she does care.
Mexico City (AFP) - Mexican officials hailed a new North American trade accord Sunday as the US and Canada announced they had reached an agreement to keep a three-country deal and rename the 24-year-old NAFTA.

Canada had risked being frozen out of a US-Mexican deal to update the North American Free Trade Agreement reached in August, but 11th-hour talks between Ottawa and Washington finally yielded an agreement to keep all three members in the new version of the trade pact.

"It's a good night for Mexico, and for North America," tweeted Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray.

Other top Mexican officials also welcomed the deal.

"We celebrate the trilateral agreement," Jesus Seade, who represented Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador at the talks, wrote on Twitter.

"The door has been closed on the region's trade fragmentation," he said, adding the deal "will give certainty and stability to Mexico's trade with its North American partners."

Mexico's chief NAFTA negotiator, Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo, tweeted that he had instructed his deputy, Juan Carlos Baker, to deliver the text of the new agreement to the Mexican Senate on Sunday night.

A press conference at the Senate was scheduled for late Sunday.

If the deal is ratified by the three countries' legislatures, their heads of state -- US President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexico's outgoing president Enrique Pena Nieto -- will sign it on November 30, reported Mexican TV network Televisa.

That is one day before Lopez Obrador, a leftist free-trade skeptic, takes office in Mexico.

Officials from all three countries had set his December 1 inauguration as a cutoff date, fearing the political uncertainty his arrival could add to the talks.

Lopez Obrador, whose transition team participated in the negotiations as observers, has however given his blessing to the new NAFTA -- which will be called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

The three countries began renegotiating NAFTA more than a year ago at the behest of Trump, who savaged the deal as a presidential candidate and says it has been a "rip-off" for the United States that has cost the country manufacturing jobs.
Mexico City (AFP) - Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has given his blessing to the new US-Canada-Mexico trade deal, his future foreign minister said Monday, as officials indicated it would be signed just before he takes office.

Mexico wants the deal -- known as USMCA, for United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement -- to be signed on November 29 at a G20 meeting in Buenos Aires, where the three countries' heads of state are all expected, Mexico's current Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo told TV network Televisa.

That would be just before Lopez Obrador takes office on December 1.

The anti-establishment leftist had been critical in the past of the trade pact's predecessor, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and all three countries rushed to conclude the update before he came to power.

But since winning election on July 1, Lopez Obrador has been more pragmatic on Mexico's crucial trade relationship with the United States, the destination for more than 80 percent of Mexican exports.

The new deal reached late Sunday "provides certainty to financial markets, and supports investment and job creation in our country," said Lopez Obrador's pick for foreign minister, Marcelo Ebrard.

"The deal creates an opportunity for modernization and diversification of our productive sector. It will allow us to maintain the competitiveness of the Mexican manufacturing industry, which will keep its access to the world's largest market," he told a press conference.

He said Lopez Obrador's key demand had been met: respect for "the sovereignty of the Mexican state, particularly over its energy sector."

As for the concessions made by outgoing President Enrique Pena Nieto's government -- including stricter "rules of origin" on the amount of North American content required in the auto sector, and the wages those workers must earn -- he said the new government would seek to offset the "adaptation challenges" with a "new, active industrial policy to strengthen the internal market."

Story continues

Lopez Obrador's transition team played an active part in the home stretch of the negotiations to update NAFTA, helping seal a US-Mexican deal and then pushing for Canada to be kept inside as well.

Pena Nieto, who is set to sign the deal along with US President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, for his part hailed it as "the achievement of what we proposed from the beginning: a win-win-win agreement."

Guajardo, his economy minister, said negotiators had held firm in the face of Trump's threats to axe what the US president called "the worst deal ever signed."

The Trump administration "thought they could do and undo a lot of things without really understanding the benefits," he said.

"They were thinking the unthinkable. Fortunately, that rhetoric diminished over time."
Bamako (AFP) - More than 20 Tuareg civilians were killed late last week in Mali's restive frontier with Niger, security sources told AFP on Monday.

"On Friday and Saturday at least 25 Tuareg civilians were killed in Amalaoulaou by armed men," a local elected official told AFP. A security source and another local official confirmed the incident.

The attackers came on motorcycles "and fired indiscriminately at residents, their faces hidden behind their turbans," the first elected official said.

A Malian security official said: "The assailants killed at least 25 civilians in a well-planned attack."

Another local official said the dead came from the same Tuareg clan and described the attackers as "jihadists".

A mainly Tuareg group called Movement for the Salvation of Azawad (MSA), which is now fighting jihadists in the region, said seven civilians including an old man died in the attack.

On September 25, 27 people were killed in a similar attack west of Menaka, the main city in the region.

About 200 people, many of them civilians from the Fulani and Tuareg tribes, have been killed in the area this year.

Militants claiming allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) have been clashing with local groups backing a French security force and the Malian army.
PARIS (AP)  Where Hedi Slimane goes, the buzz is sure to follow.

The love-him-or-hate-him designer, credited with starting the global skinny menswear style via Dior Homme and later revamping Saint Laurent, returned at long last to the Paris Fashion Week calendar to unveil his debut at Celine Friday.

The reception was muted among critics who viewed it as deja vu from Slimane's Saint Laurent days.

Earlier in the day, Balmain's ode to Parisian couture impressed insiders at almost as much as the show's infectious soundtrack, which had model Cara Delevingne lip-synching.

Here are some highlights from the Spring 2019 shows:

BUZZ, BUZZ, BUZZ AS CELINE BECOMES SLIMANE

Lady Gaga exited her limo to a flurry of paparazzi snaps.

One editor was nearly run over.

Catherine Deneuve pouted on the front row inside, as revelers drank from champagne labelled, of course, Celine.

This was, by every indication, the biggest show of the calendar.

In the giant makeshift Japanese-style building constructed for the 15-minute show at Les Invalides, an in-house staff member then whispered magic words into an earpiece: "The (LVMH-owning) Arnault family is seated and Karl (Lagerfeld) as well."

And that was that  the collection began.

Soldiers in regal garb began drumming dramatically as a giant crystal opened to reveal the first look of 96.

Some editors raised their eye-brows  others simply smiled  as a polka dot 80s balloon micro dress filed by.

This was beginning to look like a case of fashion deja vu.

Slimane, in his debut show for storied Maison Celine that was founded in 1945, has done, well, almost exactly what he did at Saint Laurent in his successful creative tenure there from 2012-2016.

The sparkling 80s disco micro dresses. The waif-like models who stomped like angry teenagers. The grungy hair. The leopard or striped fur coats. The sparkle.

But whatever the inspiration was, there was plenty of style to be had.

Frothy shoulderless tops followed hot truncated black leather jackets.

Story continues

Giant round or geometric arms then appeared, cutting a fine shape in some sort of visual reference to the styles of Celine's predecessor Phoebe Philo.

If this was meant as an homage, it was short lived.

These ensembles were accessorized with black veiled hats, bringing their style firmly back to the New Romantics-era that Slimane favored at Saint Laurent.

In an audacious admission of pastiche of himself and of fashion in general  square handbags shaped like vintage Chanel sported near interlocking CC's.

Chanel's designer Lagerfeld, 85, looked on poker faced, next to Lady Gaga.

In a first for Celine, Slimane used his love for androgyny to introduce men's style to the runway.

It resulted in some must-have leather shoes  thought the skinny ties on several suit looks were a little unoriginal. They weren't the only thing.

___

BALMAIN CHANNELS PARIS FASHION AND MONUMENTS

In homage to the French capital's reputation as a center of fashion design know-how, Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing declared his mantra was mastering "the rules before you...break them."

Guests at Balmain's ambitious spring show, including model Alessandra Ambrosio and socialite Olivia Palermo, looked on with delight as the presentation mixed the fashion capital's traditional couture DNA up in deconstruction.

With white the dominant color, the Balmain atelier's needle-workers had gone to work skillfully on creating structure.

A giant oval wrap that opened in segmented shell-like sections had guests snapping their cameras.

The same shell-like sections were seen later, but this time deconstructed, looking almost-upside down, with a fan shape stitched onto a skirt.

The look  a skintight white peaked-shoulder gown  was made with strips of material that were snipped away in places to resemble bandages  almost like the wrapping of an Egyptian mummy.

The Egypt idea, in fact, was revealed as a dominant theme as the collection progressed.

Rousteing explored his "fascination with the impressive obelisks, pyramids and columns that date from Napoleon's campaigns and adorn" Paris.

Dramatic Egyptian shoulders mixed with hieroglyphic prints, while denim and tweed were treated to look like ancient papyrus.

Some of the detailing came across as too much, but the enthusiastic applause the designer received was well-deserved.

"I enjoy pushing envelopes, thinking outside the box," he said in a note placed on guest's seats  in an envelope.

___

CARA DELEVINGNE LIP-SYNCS, DANCES BACKWARD

It's quite a feat when a fashion show soundtrack stands out as much as the clothes.

At Balmain's Friday morning show, catchy pop hits had front-row editors tapping their feet, nodding their heads and joyfully mouthing or singing the lyrics.

Model and actress Cara Delevingne should be credited for initiating the sing-along enthusiasm among normally purse-lipped fashion insiders.

Delevingne opened the show in a white peaked-shoulder coat and metallic black bustier, lip-synching Prince's "When Doves Cry" all the way down the runway.

As she took a finale bow with designer Rousteing, Delevingne mouthed some lyrics again as she danced backward in heels, trying not to trip and sticking her tongue out a few times.

The infectious spring collection soundtrack also included Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" and Queen's "We Will Rock You."

It had guests humming all the way down the gilded staircase of the venue  Paris' opulent City Hall.

___

ISSEY MIYAKE'S HANDS-ON FASHION

"The history of mankind has been made by hands," Issey Miyake said in presenting a collection featuring a new flexible and malleable cloth.

The Franco-Japanese house famed for its cutting-edge use of techno-fabrics this season decided to showcase a material called "DOUGH DOUGH."

The 31-piece collection began underwhelmingly with a series of gowns reminiscent of tie-dye. But then swathes of billowing fabric in celestial blue and white were used to form tops and skirts with beautifully abstract silhouettes.

Models in giant hats twisted the rims of the headwear as they smiled and walked by.

"Cloth too, seeks freedom," read the program notes.

One scrunched-up gray dress shown toward the end had a wonderful organic feel with veiny stripes.

The cloth was a fresh fashion idea by designer Yoshiyuki Miyamae.

___

Thomas Adamson can be followed at Twitter.com/ThomasAdamson_K
By David Ljunggren

OTTAWA (Reuters) - With time fast running out, Canadian and U.S. negotiators "made lots of progress" on Sunday on a renewed NAFTA but had still not settled tough issues such as American tariffs and access to Canada's dairy market, an official and sources said.

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has said Canada must sign on to the text of the updated North American Free Trade Agreement by midnight on Sunday (0400 GMT Monday) or face exclusion from the pact. Washington has already reached a side deal with Mexico, the third NAFTA member.

"Lots of progress but we're not there yet ... we still have a couple of tough issues, so we're doing our best," Canada's ambassador to Washington, David MacNaughton, told reporters outside the Ottawa building where Canadian officials are gathered.

"I'm cautiously optimistic, but we'll see," he added.

Officials are talking continuously by telephone. One Ottawa source directly familiar with the talks said the two sides were very close, while another said: "We are close, but not there yet."

The office of the U.S. Trade Representative told stakeholders over the weekend that Washington was on track to reach a deal with Ottawa by the end of Sunday, said people briefed on the matter.

Trump blames NAFTA for the loss of American manufacturing jobs and wants major changes to the pact, which underpins $1.2 trillion in annual trade. Markets fear its demise would cause major economic disruption.

One of the Canadian sources said Ottawa would take nothing for granted until Trump had signed off on a deal.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and White House adviser Jared Kushner planned to brief Trump on Sunday on the talks, said a U.S. source familiar with the discussions.

As part of any agreement, Canada looks set to offer increased access to its highly protected dairy market, as it did in separate pacts with the European Union and Pacific nations.

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The influential Dairy Farmers of Canada lobby group - which strongly opposes the idea - said in a statement that it insisted "any final NAFTA deal should have no further negative impact on the dairy sector."

U.S. business groups oppose turning NAFTA into a bilateral deal because the three nations' economies have become closely intertwined since the original pact came into force in 1994.

Officials have blown through several deadlines since the talks started in August 2017, and a third Canadian source said that if the two sides were close enough at midnight, negotiations could spill over into Monday.

TARIFF ISSUE

Canada and the United Stares are also looking for a compromise on the issue of U.S. tariffs.

Trump has already imposed tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel, citing national security, and is threatening similar punitive measures against auto exports. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it made no sense to sign on to a new NAFTA only to be hit by new tariffs, and is seeking safeguards.

One source briefed on the talks said negotiators were looking to imitate the provisions of the bilateral Mexico-U.S. deal on NAFTA.

The two nations signed a side letter allowing Washington to pursue tariffs on annual Mexican car and SUV imports of over 2.4 million vehicles, a number that significantly exceeds last year's total. The Mexican government said the letter provided insurance that gave the auto industry scope to grow.

A fourth Canadian source directly familiar with the negotiations said any suggestion Ottawa would accept a cap or quota on autos exports was completely inaccurate.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren; Additional reporting by Roberta Rampton, David Shepardson and David Lawder in Washington; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Peter Cooney)
Brussels (AFP) - NATO foreign ministers will meet in Washington next April to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the alliance -- despite tensions between European allies and US President Donald Trump.

A European NATO diplomat told AFP that the foreign ministers would gather in the US capital on April 4 to celebrate the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty, often called the Washington Treaty, which laid the foundations for the alliance.

The celebration comes despite lingering concerns among some NATO members about Trump's commitment to the alliance. A gathering of NATO heads of state is expected in late 2019 to mark the anniversary, though details have not been confirmed.

Before taking office he called NATO "obsolete" and soon after a tumultuous summit in July questioned whether the US would honour the alliance's founding principle of mutual defence for newest member Montenegro.

US officials have stressed that Washington is fully committed to NATO and mutual defence, but Trump continues to berate European allies for not spending enough on their militaries, taking particular aim at Germany.

NATO defence ministers will meet at the alliance headquarters in Brussels this week to take stock of progress on agreements reached at the July summit.
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer holds a Trump Playbook document as he stands behind U.S. President Donald Trump as the president announces the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) during a news conference in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, U.S., October 1, 2018. REUTERS/Leah Millis

After over a year of negotiation, NAFTA 2.0 has been accepted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The United States Mexico Canada Agreement, or USMCA for short, appears to be similar to the old version on its face.

The new trade deal agreed with Canada and Mexico wont in itself have much impact on the U.S. economy, Capital Economics wrote in a analyst note.

While pundits may disagree on how impactful the changes are, there are a number of key differences. And some of them come as concessions the Trump administration has extracted from its trading partners to the north and south that are already being framed as a political win.

U.S. auto industry

The biggest may be for U.S. auto workers. Under the new rules, more labor must be done by workers earning a certain amount, essentially setting a minimum wage. For a car to be considered regional, 75% of its components must be made in the area, versus 62.5% in the old NAFTA treaty. This could potentially protect American automaker jobs that could have otherwise gone to Mexico, where labor costs are cheaper.

At the same time, auto exports from Canada and Mexico to the U.S. will be exempt from U.S. tariffs, something that would have rankled the industry.

U.S. dairy industry

The two last-minute changes hammered out between Canada and the U.S. before the Sept. 30 deadline involved a concession for each nation. The first, Canadas agreement to loosen its protectionist dairy practices, which restricted American producers ability to sell milk to the north. Going forward, 3.5% of its dairy market will open up to the U.S. In return, Canada received the concession of allowing special NAFTA courts to remain, in which trade disputes can be addressed. (Though Canadian dairy farmers arent pleased with the deal.)

Caps and sunsetting

Other changes include stronger IP protections, import caps, and adding a 16-year expiration date for the trade deal, a concession the U.S. made as it wanted a shorter-term deal. After the period, the countries must revisit the agreement. (The current NAFTA has no expiration date.)

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Panjiva S&P Global Market Intelligence noted that the absolute caps of what can come from Mexico and Canada are 2.7 times more than the current amounts, giving a significant amount of headroom should imports increase from the U.S.s neighbors.

Everyone can claim victory

The win is an obvious one for the U.S. and President Trump, at least on the surface.

Trump will exaggerate the win. But its a win, tweeted Eurasia Groups Ian Bremmer.

Its a new agreement that abandons a politically sensitive term. As former Mexican Ambassador to the U.S., Arturo Sarukhan, wrote on Twitter: NAFTA had become a dirty word for many. Still remember that we couldnt get the Obama admin to mention it by name in North American leaders summit communiques.

American dairy industry groups responded positively to the opening up of markets, with the concession likely to even out the disparity between dairy prices north and south of the border.

For the auto industry, companies will likely have to pay more as labor costs rise, which will raise prices for consumers. However, the deal erases uncertainty that has plagued market sentiment, and workers should see more jobs anchored firmly in the U.S. by the minimum wage rules.

But this can easily be framed as a win for all three countries, not just the U.S. For Canada, the resolution is a victory, as uncertainty is killed and investment in Canada is encouraged.

For Mexico, as former Mexican Ambassador to China Jorge Guajardo told Yahoo Finance, free trade continues and the U.S. will now be able to direct its full attention to China and the trade war.

Guajardo noted this is especially good for Mexico, as many countries  including Mexico  suffered from Chinas entry into the WTO. Nobody was displaced by WTO as much as Mexico, he said. The fact that we can keep NAFTA and China has barriers is a wonderful opportunity for Mexico.

The political costs and looking forward

One important question: Were these wins worth the year of strained international relations among three countries?

According to Guajardo, the end result  the deal itself  has no political cost because it works out for all three countries. But the insults that preceded, in which Trump called Mexicans rapists and said that Mexico will pay for the wall, have torched goodwill that will take time to rebuild, and whose true costs in relationships have not been calculated.

Another potential cost is President Trump blinking, though this is framed as a win, Capital Economics noted.

Along with the deal recently agreed with South Korea, however, it provides another example of President Donald Trump backing down from his hard-line protectionist threats in return for modest concessions that allow him to claim victory, Capital Economics noted. This wont have gone unnoticed by the EU, Japan or China.

Going forward, eyes will be on the trade war with China, and how Congress views the deal.

As Dan Clifton of Strategas mentioned in a recent note, its possible that the economic impact report and analysis that Congress will order before addressing the deal could show less growth rather than more growth, adding uncertainty to the process, which could increase further if Democrats take the House in the upcoming midterm elections.



Ethan Wolff-Mann is a writer at Yahoo Finance focusing on consumer issues, retail, personal finance, and more. Follow him on Twitter @ewolffmann.

Larry Fink: The new trade deals will be good, but potentially at great cost
Paris (AFP) - A revolutionary cancer treatment pioneered by the winners of the 2018 Nobel Prize for Medicine has been hailed as the future of fighting the disease -- and it has fewer devastating side effects than chemotherapy.

While chemotherapy destroys cancerous cells along with normal cells -- often with toxic and debilitating effects on a patient -- immunotherapy unleashes the body's immune system to target tumour cells.

James Allison of the US and Tasuku Honjo of Japan won the Nobel on Monday for identifying two different brakes on the immune system which, when turned off, allow the body's defence system to attack cancerous cells faster and more effectively.

Allison was one of two scientists to discover the blocking effect for one such brake -- or checkpoint inhibitor molecule -- called CTLA-4 in 1995. Honjo discovered another, PD-1, around the same time.

Once these brakes were identified, researchers were able to work on how to turn them off and get T-cells -- white blood cells -- to start attacking.

"The goal is to neutralise these molecules, among them CTLA-4 and PD-1, and these are what the recipients of the Nobel prize have been working on," said Pierre Golstein, emeritus professor at the Marseille-Luminy Immunology Centre.

"We neutralise these and the white blood cells can get to work on the cancer cells."

Sheena Cruickshank, an immunology lecturer at the University of Manchester in Britain, said the therapy has "enabled us to harness the power of the body to help heal itself".

"A lot of conventional cancer therapies are about destroying cells and can be quite damaging, but this is much more targeted and much more specific because it's enabling our immune cells to come in and actually kill the tumour cells directly," she told AFP.

- Booming field -

The therapy has only been used on patients for a few years, and is less effective for certain cancers such as pancreatic and brain cancer.

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But 800 clinical trials were in progress worldwide and more than 30 drugs under development as of June, according to the American Cancer Society.

And the pharmaceutical industry has heavily invested in research in the field.

The US Food and Drug Administration has already approved a number of immunotherapy treatments, including some targeting PD-1.

"The booming field of immunotherapy that these discoveries have precipitated is still relatively in its infancy, so it's exciting to consider how this research will progress in the future," said Charles Swanton, Cancer Research UK's chief clinician.

Golstein, whose team first identified the CTLA-4 molecule in 1987, said the results have been very promising.

"Immunotherapy is now possibly the most important recent discovery for cancer therapy in general, as an alternative to chemo," he said.

"For example, immunotherapy can control between 20 and 50 percent of certain advanced melanomas, which is something considering that situation would have been a death sentence not too long ago."

But it's also not totally harmless, he added.

"Activated immune cells can cause certain auto-immune complications in certain organs, but we can control those," he said.

A study released in June tested a form of immunotherapy against chemo for non-small-cell lung cancer, the most common lung cancer worldwide.

It found that the drug Keytruda (pembrolizumab) -- which famously helped former US president Jimmy Carter stave off advanced melanoma that had spread to his brain -- helped lung cancer patients live four to eight months longer than chemo.

- Not for all cancers -

However, Karl Peggs of the University College of London said the therapy is not for everyone.

"We know that some patients have a very low chance of responding... those with little evidence that these pathways are actively restricting the immune system, or those with cancers that are less heavily mutated," he said.

While in theory it should work for most forms of cancer, it's most effective on those with the highest numbers of mutations such as melanomas, lung cancer and smoking, he added.

And it has sometimes been met with too much enthusiasm by patients. In the US, some have reportedly asked their doctors to immediately use immunotherapy instead of traditional treatments like chemotherapy, even when they are more effective.

After his big win on Monday, Allison warned that immunotherapy will not replace all other cancer treatments.

Instead, it is "going to be part of therapy that potentially all cancer patients will receive in five years," he told a press conference in New York.

Honjo, meanwhile, said he wanted to continue his research "so that this immune therapy will save more cancer patients than ever".
Some of the largest known mosquitoes in the world are creating a buzz across parts of North Carolina, and residents have Hurricane Florence to thank for it.

An outbreak of blood-sucking mosquitoes called Psorophora ciliata, or gallinippers, which can grow three times larger than regular mosquitos, is being reported in parts of the state flooded by the storm, creating a public nuisance, health concerns as well as jokes that North Carolina has a new state bird.

Videos and photos posted on social media showcase the flying insects monster size. In one such video, a child is heard asking: Why are you doing that  taking pictures of the wasps?

Theyre not wasps, baby, theyre mosquitoes, the woman filming answers as the insects cover her cars windows.

Cassie Vadovsky, who filmed the video, compared the mosquitoes to a snowstorm, and said the swarm hit her area a few days after Hurricane Florence passed.

It didnt hit automatically. It was more gradual. It took maybe three or four days after the storm passed before it got to this epidemic level, she told USA Today. And Im not even on the side of town that had the major flooding. Imagine how bad it could be over on that end.

Gallinippers, or shaggy-legged gallinippers as they are also commonly known, are floodwater mosquitos that lay their eggs in low-lying areas with damp soil and grassy overgrowth. The eggs hatch after these areas flood, and within just six days the larvae can develop into adults, according to the University of Floridas entomology website.

Fayetteville resident Robert Phillips described the swarms as something out of a bad science fiction movie.

They were inundating me, and one landed on me, he told The Fayetteville Observer. It was like a small blackbird. I told my wife, Gosh, look at the size of this thing. I told her that I guess Im going to have to use a shotgun on these things if they get any bigger.

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On Wednesday, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper ordered $4 million in funding for mosquito control efforts in 27 counties that are under a major disaster declaration from the recent hurricane.

Scott Harrelson, the health director of Craven County, which is among those affected, was quoted as thanking Cooper for helping provide a critical public health service in the wake of the storm.

This has been a serious issue for our county and many others impacted by Hurricane Florence, he said.

The governors office assured residents that most floodwater mosquitos do not transmit human disease, though they still pose a public health problem by discouraging people from going outside and hindering recovery efforts.

Michael Reiskind, an associate professor in North Carolina State Universitys department of entomology and plant pathology, advised that residents wear insect repellant and long-sleeved clothing  though he cautioned that this species of mosquito can bite through one or two layers of cotton pretty easily, he told KENS 5 News.

The states Department of Health and Human Services has also released some tips on how to deal with the mosquito outbreak on its website, which can be found here.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in received a pair of North Korean indigenous hunting dogs from Pyongyang, his office said Sunday, the latest token of the rapidly blossoming friendship on the peninsula.

"Cheong Wa Dae (the presidential office) was offered a pair of Pungsan dogs from the North as a gift at the North-South summit and received them Thursday," the South's presidential office said in a statement.

The canines, both aged around one, were handed over via the truce village of Panmunjom with three kilograms of dog food to "help with their adaptation", it added.

Known for its loyalty and cleverness, the Pungsan breed -- a hunting dog with thick, creamy white coat, pointy ears and hazel eyes -- is one of the National Treasures of North Korea.

The canine gifts come after a September meeting between Moon and North Korea leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, at which Kim agreed plans to shutter a missile-testing site and visit Seoul.

North and South Korea also announced that they would jointly bid for the 2032 Olympics.

Former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung had also received a pair of Pungsan pups after his landmark summit in Pyongyang with then North Korean leader Kim Jong Il in 2000.

The dogs were kept at the Seoul Grand Park and both died of natural causes in 2013 after giving birth to 21 puppies.

The newly arrived pooches will reside at the presidential office with Moon -- an animal lover who already owns a Pungsan dog named Maru, a former shelter cat called Jjing-Jjing, and Tory, a black mutt he adopted after taking office.
Mollie Sutton, eight, from Romford takes a look at a statue of Roald Dahls Matilda which was unveiled in Great Missenden in Buckinghamshire, alongside one of President Donald Trump, to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Matilda the novel. (David Parry/PA Wire/PA Images)

A new statue of Roald Dahls Matilda, standing up to President Donald Trump, has been unveiled to mark the 30th anniversary of the novels publication.

The two statues at the Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire were created as part of a reimagining of Dahls 1986 book.

Trump was chosen by the public as the young heroines modern-day nemesis, the Roald Dahl Story Company said. In the book, Matilda stood up to her tyrannical teacher Miss Trunchbull, famously played by Darling Buds of May star Pam Ferris in the 1996 film adaptation.

A statue of Roald Dahls Matilda is unveiled in Great Missenden in Buckinghamshire, alongside one of President Donald Trump, to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Matilda the novel. (David Parry/PA Wire/PA Images)

The new temporary statues, unveiled today, can be found in the opposite the library in Great Missenden where Dahl lived for many years. The towns library inspired Mrs Phelps library in the book, where young Matilda learned to read at an early age after being neglected by her parents, Mr and Mrs Wormwood.

Bernie Hall, from The Roald Dahl Story Company, told the BBC: Matilda demonstrates that its possible for anyone, no matter how small and powerless they feel, to defeat the Trunchbulls in their own lives  a message that feels even more relevant today than it did 30 years ago.

A statue of Roald Dahls Matilda is unveiled in Great Missenden in Buckinghamshire, alongside one of President Donald Trump, to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Matilda the novel. (David Parry/PA Wire/PA Images)

Prime Minister Theresa May came second and TV presenter Piers Morgan came third in the poll that asked public to name people who they imagined Matilda would stand up to in 2018.

The poll also revealed that the public believes that Matilda, who develops telekinetic powers in the book, would still be best friends with Lavender, and that Bertie Bogtrotter  who is force fed a huge chocolate cake in the story  would be a contestant on The Great British Bake Off.

Actor and filmmaker Danny DeVito, who directed the 1996 adaptation of Matilda, is also an outspoken critic of President Trump, once calling the politician a clown.

Dahl, who also wrote Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The BFG, and Witches, died in 1990 aged 74.

Read more

The cast of Matilda: Then and now

Why Dahl hated Willy Wonka

The most popular Dahl movies ranked




MOSCOW (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin will discuss military cooperation with India when he visits the country this week, the Kremlin said on Monday, without specifying whether the possible sale of S-400 surface-to-air missiles was on the agenda. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, when asked whether Putin would discuss a possible S-400 deal, confirmed that military cooperation was on the agenda but said he could provide no further detail. Russia said in April it expected to sign a deal with India this year on the sale of the S-400. (Reporting by Tom Balmforth; Writing by Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
Track Palin, 29, the eldest son of former Alaska Governor and 2008 Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin, was arrested for allegedly assaulting a female acquaintance in his home late Friday night.

Police responded to a report of a disturbance at Palins home in Wasilla, Alaska, around 10:30 p.m.

When the acquaintance attempted to call authorities, he prevented her by taking away her phone, stated an Alaska Department of Public Safety dispatch report. While being placed under arrest, Palin physically resisted troopers.

The Army veteran was charged with Assault in the Fourth Degree (Domestic Violence), Interfering with Report of Domestic Violence, Resisting Arrest and Disorderly Conduct.

In court on Saturday, Track Palin said he was not guilty, for sure on the four charges, reported local NBC affiliate KTUU.

Palin is being held at the Mat-Su Pretrial facility in Palmer without bail, according to police.

Fridays arrest is the latest in a string of incidents involving the former Governors son. Palin was put on probation in January 2016 for allegedly assaulting his then-girlfriend Jordan Lowe and pointing a gun at her.

He was also arrested in December 2017 for allegedly assaulting his father, Todd Palin. According to charging documents obtained by the Los Angeles Times, an intoxicated Palin allegedly hit his father over the head several times after breaking into his parents home.

Palin called the police who arrived on the scene peasants and told them to lay their guns on the ground, according to officers statements.

As part of a plea deal, Palin pled guilty to charges of first-degree criminal trespassing.

After his January 2016 arrest, Sarah Palin suggested her son was suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during a rally for Donald Trump in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley is asking the FBI to investigate now-retracted sexual misconduct allegations leveled against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

Amid an ongoing probe into separate allegations against Kavanaugh, the Iowa Republican asked Attorney General Jeff Sessions and FBI Director Christopher Wray on Saturday to look into what he described as materially false statements provided to Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) last week.

Grassleys letter to the law enforcement officials says that a man, whose name was redacted, contacted Whitehouse on Monday with a claim that Kavanaugh had sexually assaulted a female acquaintance of his on a boat in Newport Harbor, Rhode Island, in 1985.

The Judiciary Committee later questioned Kavanaugh about the allegations, which he vehemently denied.

I was not in Newport, havent been on a boat in Newport, Kavanaugh said. This is just completely made up, or at least not me. I dont know what theyre referring to.

The man who made the accusation later recanted his story, saying hed made a mistake, the Providence Journal reported.

Grassley said in his letter that the mans actions may have amounted to a crime.

The Committee is grateful to citizens who come forward with relevant information in good faith, even if they are not one hundred percent sure about what they know, Grassley wrote. But when individuals provide fabricated allegations to the Committee, diverting Committee resources during time-sensitive investigations, it materially impedes our work. Such acts are not only unfair; they are potentially illegal.

It is illegal to make materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements to Congressional investigators. It is illegal to obstruct Committee investigations, he continued.

Grassley concluded by urging Sessions and Wray to give this referral the utmost consideration.

President Donald Trump ordered the FBI on Friday to launch an investigation into the sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh, which the judge has denied. Several women  including Christine Blasey Ford, a California professor, and Deborah Ramirez, a Yale classmate of Kavanaughs  have accused the judge of misconduct.

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Trumps order came on the heels of a surprise call by Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) to delay Kavanaughs final confirmation vote until an FBI probe  one limited in time and scope  is complete.

Clarification: A previous headline was unclear about which allegations Grassley was referring to.

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SALZBURG, Austria (Reuters) - Slovenia Prime Minister Marjan Sarec said on Wednesday he believed a deal with Britain over its withdrawal from the European Union was possible as long as London supported it. "We hope there will be a deal. There is even a chance in October ... but we'll see. It's not just one negotiator - if Britain also support this... it's possible," he told reporters on arriving at a summit with fellow EU leaders. (Reporting by Gabriela Bacyznska; editing by Philip Blenkinsop)
Washington (AFP) - Embattled US engineering giant General Electric on Monday removed its CEO and warned it would fall short of its 2018 earnings guidance as the conglomerate's cash flow struggles continue.

H. Lawrence Culp is taking over immediately as chairman and CEO to replace John Flannery, with the latter stepping down after barely more than a year in his position, the firm said in a statement.

The company said because of weaker performance in the GE Power business, the company would fall short of previous profit guidance for this year.

Shares of GE last week reached a nine-year low following a 10 percent drop after news of a glitch in new power-plant turbine technology that temporarily shut two electricity plants in Texas.

The company also said it would take a non-cash charge related to its power business that could reach $23 billion. It will provide additional information when it reports third quarter results later this month.

"GE remains a fundamentally strong company with great businesses and tremendous talent. It is a privilege to be asked to lead this iconic company," Culp said in the statement.

"We remain committed to strengthening the balance sheet including de-leveraging."

The company's stock was up more than 15 percent in pre-market trading in New York shortly before 1200 GMT.
By Andrew Chung and Lawrence Hurley

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The short-handed U.S. Supreme Court launched its new term on Monday, with the legal arguments in its stately courtroom overshadowed by the harsh fight over President Donald Trump's nomination of Brett Kavanaugh for a lifetime job as a justice.

On the surface, it looked like business as usual for the high court, except that there were eight justices on the bench, not the usual nine, following the retirement of long-serving conservative Justice Anthony Kennedy, effective in July. Trump selected Kavanaugh to replace Kennedy, but the Senate confirmation process has been detoured as the FBI investigates sexual misconduct allegations against the nominee.

There was no mention of the ferocious confirmation battle as the justices heard arguments in two cases, kicking off a term running through June.

The difficulties facing the court now that it is - at least temporarily - evenly divided ideologically with four liberals and four conservatives were on full display in the first of the two cases. Kavanaugh's confirmation would restore and deepen conservative control of the court.

A 4-4 split is possible in the case, a property rights dispute brought by timber company Weyerhaeuser Co seeking to limit the U.S. government's power to designate private land as protected habitat for endangered species. The dispute focused on the dusky gopher frog, an amphibian protected under the federal Endangered Species Act.

Weyerhaeuser harvests timber on the Louisiana land in question and is backed in the case by business groups including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Weyerhaeuser challenged a lower court ruling upholding a 2012 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decision to include private land where the frog does not currently live as critical habitat, potentially putting restrictions on future development opportunities.

The case pitted property rights against federal conservation measures. The frog, found only in four locations in southern Mississippi, also previously inhabited Louisiana and Alabama.

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While the liberal justices appeared sympathetic to the government's defense of the critical habitat designation, the conservatives seemed to lean toward the property owners.

"We know that habitat isn't just where a species lives. ... It's also where a species could live," liberal Justice Elena Kagan said.

Conservative Justice Samuel Alito said that although some people may not "shed tears for a big corporation" like Weyerhaeuser being forced to spend money to benefit frogs, the law would apply equally to a family farm.

A 4-4 ruling, as is possible in this case, leaves lower court decisions in place and sets no nationwide legal precedent. If Kavanaugh is confirmed, the court could decide to rehear the case with a full complement of justices.

AGE DISCRIMINATION CASE

The second case involved the scope of a federal law that outlaws discrimination on the basis of age.

Firefighters John Guido and Dennis Rankin, who were 46 and 54 years old respectively at the time, were fired in 2009 from their jobs at the Mount Lemmon Fire District, near Tucson, Arizona. They were the district's oldest full-time employees.

Guido and Rankin sued, saying the fire district had violated the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. The dispute centers on whether that law applies to state and local government entities regardless of size, or whether those with fewer than 20 employers like this one are exempt, as private employers are.

Most of the justices on Monday seemed inclined to uphold a lower court ruling in favor of the firefighters.

Chief Justice John Roberts began the day's proceedings by congratulating Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, at age 85 the oldest of the justices, for her "distinguished service" during a quarter century on the court.

Before hearing their first arguments, the justices issued a list of cases they were accepting and rejecting. Among them, they rejected Bill Cosby's bid to avoid a defamation lawsuit brought by a well-known former model, Janice Dickinson, who said the comedian sought to destroy her reputation after she publicly accused him of rape.

Trump nominated conservative federal appeals court judge Kavanaugh in July. The FBI investigation, ordered by Trump on Friday under pressure from moderates in his own party, is due to last no more than a week.

Trump on Monday said he wanted the FBI investigation to be comprehensive, but quick, and not a "witch hunt."

(Reporting by Andrew Chung; Additional reporting by Lawrence Hurley; Editing by Will Dunham)
London (AFP) - Britain's Tesco Bank has been fined A16.4 million ($21.4 million, 18.4 million euros) for failing to protect customers during a 2016 cyber attack, regulators said Monday.

The supermarket's bank division failed "to exercise due skill, care and diligence in protecting its personal current account holders against a cyber attack", the Financial Conduct Authority said in a statement.

The attackers netted A2.26 million during the 48-hour incident in November 2016, according to the watchdog.

The attack "exploited deficiencies" in the design of Tesco Bank's debit card, as well as its financial crime controls and financial crime operations team, it said.

Tesco Bank customers were therefore left vulnerable to what the regulator described as a largely avoidable incident.

"The fine the FCA imposed on Tesco Bank today reflects the fact that the FCA has no tolerance for banks that fail to protect customers from foreseeable risks," said Mark Steward, FCA executive director of enforcement and market oversight.

"In this case, the attack was the subject of a very specific warning that Tesco Bank did not properly address until after the attack started.

"This was too little, too late. Customers should not have been exposed to the risk at all."
Miami (AFP) - A third trial for a Spaniard accused of murdering three people during a home robbery in the 1990s opened in Florida on Monday.

Pablo Ibar, 46, has already spent 16 years on death row, only to see the conviction overturned and remanded to retrial.

"Pablo is thrilled to finally have his day in court," his attorney Benjamin Waxman told AFP.

Ibar appeared in a courtroom in Fort Lauderdale, just north of Miami, where jury selection for the trial began. The process could take up to two weeks, and the trial is expected to last between three and six months.

Ibar was sentenced to death in 2000 for the 1994 murder of a nightclub owner and two women he had brought home with him during a robbery in Miramar, Florida.

But in 2016, Florida's supreme court overturned the conviction and ordered a retrial, stating "numerous deficiencies and failures" of Ibar's defense attorney.
Meeting with deputy attorney general could be delayed as fight over supreme court nominee Brett Kavanaugh continues

The deputy attorney general, Rod Rosenstein, oversees the work of special counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating Russian election interference. Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Donald Trumps high-stakes meeting with the deputy attorney general, Rod Rosenstein, could be pushed back another week as the fight over the supreme court nominee Brett Kavanaugh continues, the White House said on Sunday.

Rosenstein oversees the work of the special counsel, Robert Mueller, who is investigating Russian election interference, links between Trump aides and Russia and potential obstruction of justice by the president.

Whether or not Trump will fire the deputy attorney general, and thereby endanger Muellers independence, has fuelled Washington gossip for months.

Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that Rosenstein discussed wearing a wire to record conversations with Trump and the possibility of removing the president via the 25th amendment.

Rosenstein denied the report. But last Monday he went to the White House, amid reports he was about to resign. Instead, a meeting with Trump, who was then at the United Nations in New York, was announced for Thursday.

Trump said he would prefer not to fire Rosenstein but then the meeting was delayed to avoid a clash with the Senate judiciary committee hearing in which Kavanaugh and one of the women who have accused him of sexual misconduct, Dr Christine Blasey Ford, both testified.

On Friday, Trump ordered a one-week FBI investigation of claims against Kavanaugh, further delaying a full Senate vote.

Trumps press secretary, Sarah Sanders, appeared on Fox News Sunday. Asked about the Rosenstein meeting, she said: A date for that hasnt been set, it could be this week, I could see that pushing back another week given all of the other things that are going on with the supreme court.

But well see and I always like to keep the press updated.

Some reporters would contest that assertion: Sanders has not held a White House press briefing since 10 September. Host Chris Wallace asked why. Sanders said the scarcity of briefings was not due to a distaste for TV reporters grandstanding, although she said: I wont disagree with the fact that they grandstand.

Story continues

She then suggested direct contact between Trump and the press will increase.

The president does more Q&A sessions than any president has prior to him, she said, adding without citing evidence: Weve looked at those numbers.

Briefings will still happen, Sanders said, but if the press has the chance to ask the president of the United States questions directly, thats infinitely better than talking to me.

We try to do that a lot and youve seen us do that a lot over the last few weeks and thats going to take the place of a press briefing when you can talk to the president of the United States.

Trump regularly takes questions when leaving the White House or participating in open sessions or press conferences with visiting dignitaries.

Solo press conferences are rare. In New York this week the president perhaps demonstrated why, making a freewheeling and at times bizarre appearance before gathered reporters.
President Trump took to Twitter Sunday to give a shoutout to Kanye West for his MAGA-tinged performance on Saturday Night Live  while also taking care to blast the show more broadly as Democratic propaganda.

Like many, I dont watch Saturday Night Live (even though I past hosted it)  no longer funny, no talent or charm, Trump wrote. It is just a political ad for the Dems. Word is that Kanye West, who put on a MAGA hat after the show (despite being told no), was great. Hes leading the charge!

Like many, I dont watch Saturday Night Live (even though I past hosted it)  no longer funny, no talent or charm. It is just a political ad for the Dems. Word is that Kanye West, who put on a MAGA hat after the show (despite being told no), was great. Hes leading the charge!

 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 30, 2018

After the camera had stopped rolling, West told SNL audience members that he had been bullied behind-the-scenes not to go on stage wearing his MAGA hat. Facing boos from the audience, West called out Democrats for promoting welfare and accused 90 percent of the media of being with Democrats.

So many times I talk to a white person about this and they say, How can you like Trump? Hes racist, said Kanye which resulted in booing from the crowd. If I was concerned about racism, I would have moved out of America a long time ago.

Chris Rock who uploaded video of the moment to Instagram can be heard audibly chuckling to himself.

Oh my God, said Rock.

From Chris Rocks IG story, looks like Kanye gave a speech after NBC cut the SNL feed pic.twitter.com/mYpSxqbw9Z

 Josh Billinson (@jbillinson) September 30, 2018

The tweet from Trump is the latest in a public friendship between him and the musician. The two were close before he became president, and they met in Trump Tower a month after defeating Hillary Clinton. After it was over, Trump called West a good man, and West said the two had spoken about multicultural issues and bullying.

Read original story Trump Praises Kanye, Calls SNL a Political Ad for the Dems At TheWrap
By Steve Holland and David Lawder WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Monday touted a new trade deal with Canada and Mexico as a win for U.S. workers while investors breathed a sigh of relief that the key pillars of NAFTA had survived his hardball strategy to reshape global commerce. Washington and Ottawa reached an agreement on Sunday after weeks of tense bilateral talks to update the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement. The United States had forged a separate trade deal with Mexico, the third member of NAFTA, in August. The new agreement, called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), is aimed at bringing more jobs into the United States, with Canada and Mexico accepting more restrictive commerce with the United States, their main export customer. "These measures will support many - hundreds of thousands - American jobs," Trump said at the White House, describing the trade deal as "the most important" the United States had ever made. "It means far more American jobs, and these are high-quality jobs," he said. Trump had repeatedly called NAFTA a terrible deal for the United States. Any U.S. job gains are likely years away, but the deal provides Trump with a victory that he can tout at campaign rallies over the next month on behalf of fellow Republicans running in the Nov. 6 congressional elections. But auto industry officials privately said job gains would be more limited, partly because tighter autos content rules would raise their costs even as the deal eases worries that they would have to tear up supply chains and move existing assembly plants. Praise from the lobbying group representing Ford Motor Co , General Motors and Fiat Chrysler was measured. Matt Blunt, president of the American Automotive Policy Council, called the deal "a workable agreement" achieved through a close relationship between the automakers and U.S. negotiators. Speaking in Ottawa, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the deal removed uncertainty, but he conceded that Canada had made some difficult compromises. Canada's dairy industry criticized him for giving more market access to U.S. imports. "We had to make compromises, and some were more difficult than others," Trudeau said at a news conference. "We never believed that it would be easy, and it wasn't, but today is a good day for Canada." Trudeau did win a face-saving preservation of a key trade dispute settlement mechanism to fight U.S. anti-dumping tariffs. Initial U.S. reaction was effusive, with auto workers, dairy farmers and wheat producers saying the deal would likely create job opportunities and open up agricultural markets. A NAFTA collapse could have caused U.S. farmers, a key Trump constituency, to lose access to major agricultural markets in Canada and Mexico at the same time that China has halted purchases of U.S. soybeans and other commodities due to a tariff war. NAFTA underpins about $1.2 trillion in annual trade between its three member countries. U.S., Canadian and Mexican stocks jumped early on Monday before paring gains later. The Canadian dollar strengthened to a four-month high against the U.S. dollar, while the Mexican peso rose to near a two-month high against the greenback. EYES ON CHINA The deal ends a major source of trade irritation as the Trump administration pivots to a much bigger fight with China, where U.S. tariffs now are active on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods and threatened on $267 billion more. The head of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, issued a new warning on Monday that rising tariffs were dimming the global growth outlook. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has been working to recruit Japan and the European Union to help pressure China to change its trade, subsidy and intellectual property practices. With a deal that preserves U.S. market access, Canada and Mexico now are more likely to join that effort. While Trump's goals for revising NAFTA were to shrink U.S. trade deficits, claw back lost manufacturing jobs and add new IP protections and digital trade chapters, the new pact leaves North American trade flows largely unaltered. "The most significant thing about this new deal is that they changed the name," said David Kelly, chief global strategist for JPMorgan Asset Management. "It really is tweaks to NAFTA." The deal effectively maintains the auto industrys current footprint in North America, and spares Canada and Mexico from the prospect of U.S. national security tariffs on their vehicles. Over time it will force auto companies to spend billions of dollars to produce more of their future products in the United States or Canada to meet new requirements that 40 percent to 45 percent of a vehicles value content come from high-wage areas. Auto makers, particularly from Europe and Asia, may be pushed to move more of their supply chain into the region. Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo, who led his country's trade negotiations, said the agreement was an attempt to make the region more competitive versus Asia and Europe. "Everyone is trying to entrench themselves in their region to compete with other regions," Guajardo told Mexican radio. Unifor, Canada's biggest private sector union, said the deal was likely positive for auto workers, as it requires a much higher percentage of parts to be made in North America, with a significant proportion produced in areas paying at least $16 per hour. STEEL TARIFFS STAY The deal does not include any changes to separate U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum levied earlier this year on Canada, Mexico, China, the European Union and others. Trump said the those tariffs - 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum - would remain in place for Canada and Mexico until they "can do something different like quotas, perhaps." "We are not going to allow our steel industry to disappear," Trump said, adding that Sunday's deal would not have happened without the tariffs. Both Trudeau and Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray said the tariffs needed to be removed before the new trade deal is signed on Nov. 30. Passage of the deal by the U.S. Congress is not expected until the spring of 2019, after November elections could shift control of the House of Representatives to Democrats from Republicans. Some Democrats may be reluctant to give Trump a victory and may oppose the deal, but some of the deal's stronger rules on labor, autos and the environment may appeal to more liberal Democrats, who often opposed free trade deals in the past. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Trump "deserves praise for taking large steps" to improve NAFTA, but said he would judge the deal on U.S. dairy access to Canada and "real enforcement of labor provisions." Mexico's Guajardo on Monday said the new accord could be signed by the three countries' leaders when they meet at a Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires in late November. (Reporting by Steve Holland and David Lawder; Additional reporting by Susan Heavey, Lisa Lambert and in Washington, Frank Jack Daniel in Mexico City and David Ljunggren in Ottawa; editing by Paul Simao and Leslie Adler)
By Steve Holland and David Lawder

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Monday touted a new trade deal with Canada and Mexico as a win for U.S. workers while investors breathed a sigh of relief that the key pillars of NAFTA had survived his hardball strategy to reshape global commerce.

Washington and Ottawa reached an agreement on Sunday after weeks of tense bilateral talks to update the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement. The United States had forged a separate trade deal with Mexico, the third member of NAFTA, in August.

The new agreement, called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), is aimed at bringing more jobs into the United States, with Canada and Mexico accepting more restrictive commerce with the United States, their main export customer.

"These measures will support many - hundreds of thousands - American jobs," Trump said at the White House, describing the trade deal as "the most important" the United States had ever made.

"It means far more American jobs, and these are high-quality jobs," he said. Trump had repeatedly called NAFTA a terrible deal for the United States.

Any U.S. job gains are likely years away, but the deal provides Trump with a victory that he can tout at campaign rallies over the next month on behalf of fellow Republicans running in the Nov. 6 congressional elections.

But auto industry officials privately said job gains would be more limited, partly because tighter autos content rules would raise their costs even as the deal eases worries that they would have to tear up supply chains and move existing assembly plants.

Praise from the lobbying group representing Ford Motor Co <F.N>, General Motors <GM.N> and Fiat Chrysler <FCHA.MI> was measured.

Matt Blunt, president of the American Automotive Policy Council, called the deal "a workable agreement" achieved through a close relationship between the automakers and U.S. negotiators.

Story continues

Speaking in Ottawa, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the deal removed uncertainty, but he conceded that Canada had made some difficult compromises. Canada's dairy industry criticized him for giving more market access to U.S. imports.

"We had to make compromises, and some were more difficult than others," Trudeau said at a news conference. "We never believed that it would be easy, and it wasn't, but today is a good day for Canada."

Trudeau did win a face-saving preservation of a key trade dispute settlement mechanism to fight U.S. anti-dumping tariffs.

Initial U.S. reaction was effusive, with auto workers, dairy farmers and wheat producers saying the deal would likely create job opportunities and open up agricultural markets.

A NAFTA collapse could have caused U.S. farmers, a key Trump constituency, to lose access to major agricultural markets in Canada and Mexico at the same time that China has halted purchases of U.S. soybeans and other commodities due to a tariff war. NAFTA underpins about $1.2 trillion in annual trade between its three member countries.

U.S., Canadian and Mexican stocks jumped early on Monday before paring gains later.

The Canadian dollar <CAD=D4> strengthened to a four-month high against the U.S. dollar, while the Mexican peso <MXN=D3> rose to near a two-month high against the greenback.

EYES ON CHINA

The deal ends a major source of trade irritation as the Trump administration pivots to a much bigger fight with China, where U.S. tariffs now are active on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods and threatened on $267 billion more.

The head of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, issued a new warning on Monday that rising tariffs were dimming the global growth outlook.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has been working to recruit Japan and the European Union to help pressure China to change its trade, subsidy and intellectual property practices. With a deal that preserves U.S. market access, Canada and Mexico now are more likely to join that effort.

While Trump's goals for revising NAFTA were to shrink U.S. trade deficits, claw back lost manufacturing jobs and add new IP protections and digital trade chapters, the new pact leaves North American trade flows largely unaltered.

"The most significant thing about this new deal is that they changed the name," said David Kelly, chief global strategist for JPMorgan Asset Management. "It really is tweaks to NAFTA."

The deal effectively maintains the auto industrys current footprint in North America, and spares Canada and Mexico from the prospect of U.S. national security tariffs on their vehicles.

Over time it will force auto companies to spend billions of dollars to produce more of their future products in the United States or Canada to meet new requirements that 40 percent to 45 percent of a vehicles value content come from high-wage areas.

Auto makers, particularly from Europe and Asia, may be pushed to move more of their supply chain into the region.

Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo, who led his country's trade negotiations, said the agreement was an attempt to make the region more competitive versus Asia and Europe.

"Everyone is trying to entrench themselves in their region to compete with other regions," Guajardo told Mexican radio.

Unifor, Canada's biggest private sector union, said the deal was likely positive for auto workers, as it requires a much higher percentage of parts to be made in North America, with a significant proportion produced in areas paying at least $16 per hour.

STEEL TARIFFS STAY

The deal does not include any changes to separate U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum levied earlier this year on Canada, Mexico, China, the European Union and others.

Trump said the those tariffs - 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum - would remain in place for Canada and Mexico until they "can do something different like quotas, perhaps."

"We are not going to allow our steel industry to disappear," Trump said, adding that Sunday's deal would not have happened without the tariffs.

Both Trudeau and Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray said the tariffs needed to be removed before the new trade deal is signed on Nov. 30.

Passage of the deal by the U.S. Congress is not expected until the spring of 2019, after November elections could shift control of the House of Representatives to Democrats from Republicans.

Some Democrats may be reluctant to give Trump a victory and may oppose the deal, but some of the deal's stronger rules on labor, autos and the environment may appeal to more liberal Democrats, who often opposed free trade deals in the past.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Trump "deserves praise for taking large steps" to improve NAFTA, but said he would judge the deal on U.S. dairy access to Canada and "real enforcement of labor provisions."

Mexico's Guajardo on Monday said the new accord could be signed by the three countries' leaders when they meet at a Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires in late November.

(Reporting by Steve Holland and David Lawder; Additional reporting by Susan Heavey, Lisa Lambert and in Washington, Frank Jack Daniel in Mexico City and David Ljunggren in Ottawa; editing by Paul Simao and Leslie Adler)
Tokyo (AFP) - Four people have been killed in a powerful typhoon that battered Japan over the weekend, local media reported Monday, as the storm's aftermath brought travel chaos to Tokyo.

By Monday morning, Typhoon Trami had cleared Japan, but its powerful winds and heavy rainfall caused damage that blocked roads and train lines.

Four people were killed in the storm and another was reported missing, Kyodo newswire said, citing local authorities.

Local officials and police earlier said one of the dead was engulfed by a landslide in western Japan's Tottori and another drowned in high waters in Yamanashi, west of Tokyo.

Both men were believed to have died on Sunday, when the storm made landfall in western Japan.

More than 120 people were injured in the powerful storm, public broadcaster NHK said.

Trami made landfall in western Japan Sunday night, bringing fierce winds and torrential rain to areas already battered by a string of recent extreme weather episodes.

The typhoon sparked travel disruption in the world's third-biggest economy on Sunday, with bullet train services suspended, more than 1,000 flights cancelled and Tokyo's evening train services scrapped.

The turmoil continued Monday, as fallen powerlines and trees blocked railway tracks and around 200 flights remained grounded.

Huge crowds built up at Tokyo train stations, people battling for spots in jam-packed commuter trains.

Over 400,000 households, mainly in eastern Japan, were still without power on Monday morning.

After pummelling Japan's outlying islands including Okinawa, Trami made landfall south of the city of Osaka on Sunday night.

Local residents described "incredible winds and rain" that made it impossible to venture outside.

At its height, Trami packed gusts of 216 kilometres (134 miles) per hour, though it weakened as it moved over land.

The storm's strength prompted rail authorities to take the highly unusual step of cancelling Sunday night train services in Tokyo, one of the world's busiest networks.

Story continues

The capital avoided a direct hit in the storm, but still saw fearsome winds and lashing rain that left the streets deserted.

Kansai Airport, which is situated on reclaimed land offshore in Osaka and suffered extensive damage in a storm earlier in September, reopened early Monday after closing its runways the previous day as a precaution.

Trami is the latest in a string of extreme weather and natural disasters to hit Japan, which has suffered typhoons, flooding, earthquakes and heatwaves in recent months, claiming scores of lives and causing extensive damage.

Some western regions are still recovering from Typhoon Jebi in early September, the most powerful typhoon to strike the country in a quarter of a century. It claimed 11 lives and shut down Kansai Airport.

Deadly record rainfall hit western Japan earlier this year, killing over 200 people, and the country also sweltered through one of the hottest summers on record.

And last month, a magnitude-6.6 earthquake rocked the northern island of Hokkaido, sparking landslides and killing more than 40 people.
By Andrea Januta CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Reuters) - Two weeks after Hurricane Florence devastated parts of the U.S. Southeast with raging waters and dangerous winds, some military families at the region's largest Marine Corps base say they are still residing in unlivable conditions and awaiting help from the bases private housing manager. Some, like Jennifer Maher, said they feel unsafe in their Camp Lejeune homes but were told they will not be moved because assessment crews determined their houses are habitable. That did not work for Maher, pregnant in her third trimester and living with her husband and 2-year-old son. When she returned home last Friday, she opened the door to the stench of mold, she said while showing the wreckage to a visiting reporter. Then she saw the ceiling had collapsed in their bedroom and garage. Im pregnant and I can smell the mold, said Maher, whose husband is a Navy corpsman stationed at Lejeune. Theres no way I could bring a newborn home and let her breathe this in. Though an assessment crew noted the collapsed ceilings and standing water, Maher said, the housing manager told the family they would not be relocated. After she threatened to complain to the Inspector Generals office on base, she said her family was given temporary lodging. She is considering breaking her lease, since she does not know if her home will be repaired before she is moved out of the temporary place. I understand they have a lot to take care of, Maher said of the housing manager. But its hard when your housing company says, I dont know what to tell you, go find a shelter. Other families shared similar stories this week with Reuters, as the Marine Corps and the bases private housing companies perform triage from the fallout from Florence. A reporter visited the base, speaking with three residents in their damaged homes and interviewing two others, one off base and one by phone. This year, Reuters has been examining safety and environmental hazards faced by U.S. military families on military bases, including cases of childhood lead poisoning. At Lejeune, some families described encountering troubles that reporters observed at other bases: lags in maintenance responses by private contractors that stir worries over health. Most of Camp Lejeunes housing is run by Atlantic Marine Corps Communities, or AMCC, a partnership between Australia-based LendLease Group , Boston-based WinnCompanies and the U.S. Navy. All the homes profiled in this story are managed by AMCC. Residents have multiple options to raise concerns to AMCC management and military leadership if they have persistent issues that are not addressed, AMCC said on Saturday, in a statement provided through Marine Corps public affairs specialist Victoria Long. According to Long, the Marine Corps Inspector General office for the region has received one complaint about housing issues related to Florence, but discovered AMCC had resolved the issue when it followed up. 'ASKING FOR PATIENCE' Of the more than 4,600 homes the company operates at Camp Lejeune and nearby New River Air Station, 1,200 have undergone assessments. The inspections found 82 homes uninhabitable and requiring relocation, said 2nd Lieutenant Andrew Martino, a communications officer at Camp Lejeune. Another 267 suffered sustained damage but were habitable. A further 560 homes are operated by a different manager, Lincoln Military Housing, which has not reported serious damage, he said. Assessments are ongoing," Martino said. Were just asking for patience around the base. AMCC said it has finished exterior assessments of all neighborhoods and expects to complete initial visual assessments of all home interiors by Oct. 5. It estimates 70 percent of its North Carolina inventory has experienced damage, and that repairs will take several weeks to many months. Around 75 percent of families in the most severely damaged homes have been relocated, it said. On its website, AMCC acknowledges many of its neighborhoods suffered widespread damage. The company is allowing families to break leases without penalty through Oct. 13, but is not guaranteeing alternative housing on base unless homes are deemed uninhabitable, its website says. One of our top priorities is currently assessing the damage that has occurred as a result of Hurricane Florence, the website says. Damages will be prioritized for safety, with the most severe and pressing cases being addressed first. Civilian areas, too, are struggling to recover. An estimated 8,000 or more homes in the Carolinas suffered major damage, according to the American Red Cross. At Camp Lejeune, the base held community meetings this week to address resident concerns. Phone lines, shut down earlier, have come back online. But some residents say they have received few answers about their problems. Another expectant mother, Paige Schneider, said AMCC told her a collapsed ceiling and mold in her home were not enough to require a move. Schneider said she told housing officials she was due within a month, and that the mold was dangerous for a newborn. Excessive exposure to mold can pose a potential health hazard. An AMCC employee, Schneider said, suggested she and her husband remove the mold themselves. She opted to take refuge with a friend. She was only given alternative base housing on Thursday, 13 days after the storm, when a doctor intervened. The doctor provided a letter, reviewed by Reuters, recommending that she be moved or that the property manager remove the mold. The living conditions, the doctor wrote, are unsafe for her or her family to reside there throughout her pregnancy or to bring a newborn home to such conditions. Its crazy it had to get that far for anything to happen, Schneider said. HUNKERED DOWN As residents of coastal North Carolina prepared for Hurricane Florences arrival earlier this month, Camp Lejeunes commander, Brigadier General Julian Alford, decided not to order service members and their families to evacuate. He told residents in a Facebook post he believed the base offered strong shelter in the face of a hurricane. Most of the base is not in a flood-prone area, he noted, and the base has withstood many big storms in its 77-year history. Many families left anyway, paying out of pocket for hotels inland or scattering farther away to stay with family and friends. Non-essential personnel were given the option to evacuate and are now being reimbursed for some of their expenses," said Nat Fahy, a Camp Lejeune spokesman. No deaths were reported at the base. But some residents returned to find home ceilings caved in, drywall strewn throughout, standing water in bedrooms, and a coating of mold covering their belongings. Some homes went up to a week without power. Onesja Johnson is waiting for her initial assessment. When she returned to the base over a week ago, she said she visited the housing office to say her ceiling was falling in and the mold made it hard for her to breathe. Johnson is sleeping on the couch, while her husband is deployed. She said her mattress is soaked through. Though she was told by the housing office that someone would come by to put a tarp on her roof, no one has yet, she said. I honestly have no idea whats going on. She is not alone. After returning to a kitchen infested with roaches and a mattress covered in mold, Sombra Torres and her husband were initially sleeping in their living room and eating take-out food. Sombra, also pregnant, slept on a loveseat, while her husband improvised a bed from military gear on the floor. After two days, she said, she began to feel ill and stayed with a friend. Im unable to get ahold of anybody at AMCC, she said. Ive called many times and havent been able to get through. In its statement, AMCC estimated it will finish covering roofs with tarps by Monday. During the storm and for several days after, communication lines were down and electronic capability was limited to receive residents' requests, but has since been restored, it said. It is possible that families with concerns were unable to reach AMCC during the storm and for several days after. (Reporting by Andrea Januta in Camp Lejeune, N.C.; Additional reporting by Joshua Schneyer and M.B. Pell in New York and Deborah Nelson in Washington; Editing by Ronnie Greene and Michael Williams)
Dominic Raab will deliver a tough message from the Conservatives on Brexit in his speech at the Tory Conference on Monday. (PA)

Dominic Raab called on the European Union to get serious on Brexit negotiations, insisting today that Britain will leave without a deal if necessary.

In a speech at the Conservative Party conference, the Brexit secretary said the UK could be left with no choice but to quit the bloc with no deal if the EU tries to lock us in to a customs union.

Mr Raab accused the EU of failing to match the ambition and pragmatism of the UK.

He said: Our prime minister has been constructive and respectful. In return we heard jibes from senior leaders. And we saw a starkly one-sided approach to negotiation, where the EUs theological approach allows no room for serious compromise.

And yet we are expected to cast aside the territorial integrity of our own country. If the EU want a deal, they need to get serious. And they need to do it now.

Theresa May and husband Philip arrive at the Tory Party Conference in Birmingham over the weekend. (PA)

He admitted to delegates that there are risks and potential short term disruption associated with no deal, but insisted that it remains a possibility.

Some people say that no deal is unthinkable. Wrong, he said.

Mr Raab had a robust response to the growing calls for a second referendum on Brexit, accusing campaigners of being undemocratic.

He told the hall: Ill tell you whats not democracy. The efforts of a small, but influential group of senior politicians and establishment figures to overturn the result of the referendum. They want to stop us leaving.

Brexit opinion polls (Sept 28)

Shadow Brexit minister Paul Blomfield dismissed the content of Mr Raabs speech as offering no credible plan.

He said: Dominic Raab spoke for nearly 30 minutes, but he could have saved everyones time and said just three words: nothing has changed.

The Brexit secretary offered no credible plan to break the deadlock in negotiations, no credible plan to avoid a hard border in Northern Ireland and no credible plan to protect jobs and the economy. It was a speech that offered no solutions on Brexit.

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If one good thing has come from Brexit, its the return of Great British TV

Story continues

Mr Raabs message came after Jeremy Corbyn warned a no-deal Brexit would be a national disaster.

In an offer to the Prime Minister, the Labour leader said his party would back her if she struck a deal including a customs union, preservation of workplace and environmental regulations and no hard border in Ireland.

Countdown to Brexit (as of Sept 28)

Theresa May hinted on Sunday that she was ready to contemplate further concessions on her Chequers plan for future relations with Europe, telling the BBC she wanted to sit down with the EU and discuss its concerns.

After European Council president Donald Tusk said bluntly at this months Salzburg summit that Chequers will not work, Mrs May said that the onus is on Brussels to explain its objections in detail and offer counter-proposals.

She told the Andrew Marr Show: My mood is to listen to what the EU have to say about their concerns and to sit down and talk them through with them.
Birmingham (United Kingdom) (AFP) - Britain's Brexit secretary will warn the European Union on Monday that his government's willingness to compromise in divorce talks is "not without limits".

In a speech to his Conservative party conference in Birmingham, central England, Dominic Raab will repeat London's threat to walk away if it cannot get a deal it wants.

"My approach to Brexit is pragmatic, not dogmatic," he will say, according to extracts released by the party.

"But our willingness to compromise is not without limits. We are leaving the European Union in fact, not just in name."

EU leaders have rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's plan for close post-Brexit trade ties, and demanded she rework the ideas before a summit next month.

Both sides are still hoping to reach a deal later this year, ahead of Brexit in March.

Raab said the British plan "manages the risks of Brexit" and "grasps the opportunities", while keeping open the border with Ireland.

"If an attempt is made to lock us in via the back door of the European Economic Area and Customs Union... or if the only offer from the EU threatens the integrity of our union, then we will be left with no choice but to leave without a deal," he will say.

May told the BBC on Sunday that she wanted to hear more detail about the EU objections.

"My mood is to listen to what the EU have to say about their concerns and to sit down and talk them through with them," she said.
By Pavel Polityuk and Matthias Williams TENDRIVSKA KOSA, Ukraine (Reuters) - Ukraine will build a military base on the Azov Sea and has sent more forces to the area to counter a worsening Russian threat, Ukraine's armed forces head told Reuters, referring to an arm of the Black Sea that is a flashpoint of tensions with Moscow. Ukraine has been at loggerheads with Russia since the 2014 annexation of Crimea and more than 10,000 people have died in fighting between Ukrainian troops and Moscow-backed separatists. Ukraine and NATO countries accuse Russia of supplying troops and heavy weapons to eastern Ukraine, which Moscow denies. Viktor Muzhenko, Chief of the General Staff, said Russia had moved beyond covert fighting in the Donbass region, home of a Kremlin-backed separatist insurgency, to building up its military presence on Ukraine's borders and nakedly aggressive actions against ships sailing to Ukrainian ports. The Azov Sea, a strategic arm of the Black Sea where Russia and Ukraine share the coastline, has become a flashpoint this year. Ukraine says Russia is preventing scores of vessels from reaching Ukrainian ports through spurious inspections and detentions. Washington too has called on Russia to stop "harassing" ships, and supplied Ukraine with U.S. patrol boats. Moscow in turn says Ukraine might try to blockade Crimea. "All those actions that are being taken in the Azov Sea region, are elements of building up our presence in this region for an adequate response to possible provocations by the Russian Federation," Muzhenko said. He said Ukraine had already deployed more air, land, sea and artillery forces to the area. Muzhenko ruled out suggestions that Ukrainian navy ships would escort commercial vessels across the sea to prevent them being stopped by Russian ships. Russia says its checks on shipping are lawful. SECURITY "Russian checks on ships are intended exclusively to ensure security in the Azov Sea and Kerch Strait, they don't contradict international law as it applies to this maritime area," Maria Zakharova, Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman, told a news conference on Sept. 22. Muzhenko was speaking to Reuters on Saturday aboard a military plane flying back from Tendrivska Kosa island on the south coast, on the last of five days of war games across different parts of Ukraine. Part of those exercises took place on the Hungarian border, which caused consternation in Budapest. Ukraine and Hungary have become embroiled in a series of diplomatic rows over the use of Hungarian in Ukrainian schools and Hungary issuing passports to ethnic Hungarians across the border. Muzhenko denied the wargames were a show of strength toward Hungary, and said they were intended to counter any chance of Russia attacking Ukraine from the west. "First of all, this concerns the ability to respond adequately to threats from the Russian Federation. We are talking about protecting our communications, about a possible response to threats, including in the west," he said. Washington has continued to support Ukraine under the Donald Trump administration, including supplying Javelin missiles to Ukraine, a step President Barack Obama shied away from. Muzhenko said the Javelins had been tested and his troops trained to use them, but they had not been deployed in battle yet. Asked whether Ukraine wanted to buy the U.S. Patriot air defense system, he said various options were being considered. (Additional reporting by Christian Lowe in Moscow, Editing by William Maclean)
Gaza City (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) - The UN agency for Palestinian refugees said Monday it was temporarily withdrawing part of its foreign staff from the Gaza Strip following security concerns linked to job cuts in the Palestinian enclave.

It said in a statement it had "decided to temporarily withdraw part of its international staff from Gaza following a series of worrying security incidents affecting its personnel in the strip."

A source with knowledge of the situation said six foreign staffers remained out of the 19 who are usually there.

The Israeli defence ministry unit that oversees the crossing said a number of foreign employees from the agency known as UNRWA "were evacuated from the Gaza Strip to Israel" on Monday.

UNRWA employees in the strip have held strikes, sit-ins and other protests since the agency announced in July it was cutting more than 250 jobs in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Hundreds of full-time roles have also become part-time.

Laid-off workers warn that their families will be at serious risk in blockaded Gaza, where unemployment is at some 53 percent.

The cuts come as a result of US President Donald Trump's decision to cancel all aid to the agency.

An UNRWA source said a protest was held Monday outside a Gaza City hotel where agency officials were meeting.

The agency's statement said that "earlier today, a number of staff were harassed and prevented from carrying out their duties".

"Some of these actions have specifically targeted the UNRWA management in Gaza," it said.

- 'Vital humanitarian services' -

It called on the authorities in the enclave run by Islamist movement Hamas "to respond to its repeated demands to provide effective protection to its employees and facilities."

"The lack of effective security and safety risk impacting vital humanitarian services to more than 1.3 million refugees in Gaza," it said.

UNRWA's head in Gaza has previously accused the agency's labour union in the enclave of "mutiny".

Story continues

The United States has traditionally been UNRWA's largest contributor, providing around $350 million (300 million euros) a year, but Trump has cancelled all support.

It received pledges of $118 million from donor countries last week to help it overcome the funding crisis, but still has a shortfall of $68 million in its annual budget.

Created in 1949, the agency supplies aid to more than three million of the five million eligible Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the Palestinian territories.

Around 13,000 people work for UNRWA in Gaza, where more than two-thirds of the roughly two million residents are eligible for aid.

The agency also says more than 200,000 Palestinians attend its schools in the Gaza Strip.

Despite the removal of part of its foreign staff, UNRWA operations were continuing in Gaza, the agency said.

Its director of operations and other international staff were remaining in Gaza, UNRWA said.

More than 750,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled during the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation.

They and all their descendants are deemed by the UN agency to be refugees who fall under its remit.

sa-az-jjm-mjs/dv
On Monday, September 10, 2018 12:06 PM, Bank Of Africa < dmba61@yahoo.com > wrote:





Good day,



Please this is PASTOR MARK UDO The Manager Bank Of Africa, Please can you tell me what is going on? Because Dr. David contacted me this morning and said that he was your younger brother and reason why we don't heard from you since then again is that you got a problem with people and you was jailed for 5 years. He told us that you have given him permission to Claim and receive Your Fund $4.5 Million dollars so he can takes care of you and get you out of the prison, and here is the address he provided to us to deliver the fund in cash or transfer as everything was ready,



Name Dr. David Njomo, Country: Kenya Address: Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist,

Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya. P.O Box 6983 ; 30100, Eldoret



He even say that he will pay for the needed fee $98, so we are still search if we can release the Fund to him as soon as he send the need fee $98 or not since we don't hear from you since then until today. Please do get back to me if you are still alive please before it will be too late thanks.



Manager Bank Of Africa

PASTOR MARK UDO

PHONE NUMBER +229 6951 5629

On Wednesday, September 12, 2018 5:42 AM, Bank Of Africa < b.ofafrica8a8a8a@outlook.com > wrote:





Please why are you silents? can we go ahead and proceed with Dr. David? get back to me before it will be too late thanks

Bank Of Africa dmba61@yahoo.com >

Date: Thu, Sep 13, 2018 at 10:06 PM

Subject: You given him permission to Claim Your Fund $4.5 Million dollars

To:

From:Date: Thu, Sep 13, 2018 at 10:06 PMSubject: You given him permission to Claim Your Fund $4.5 Million dollarsTo:



Good day,



Please this is PASTOR MARK UDO The Manager Bank Of Africa, Please can you tell me what is going on? Because Dr. David contacted me this morning and said that he was your younger brother and reason why we don' t heard from you since then again is that you got a problem with people and you was jailed for 5 years. He told us that you have given him permission to Claim and receive Your Fund $4.5 Million dollars so he can takes care of you and get you out of the prison, and here is the address he provided to us to deliver the fund in cash or transfer as everything was ready,



Name Dr. David Njomo, Country: Kenya Address: Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist,

Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya. P.O Box 6983 ; 30100, Eldoret



He even say that he will pay for the needed fee $98, so we are still search if we can release the Fund to him as soon as he send the need fee $98 or not since we don' t hear from you since then until today. Please do get back to me if you are still alive please before it will be too late thanks.



Manager Bank Of Africa

PASTOR MARK UDO

PHONE NUMBER +229 6951 5629 Good day,Please this is PASTOR MARK UDO The Manager Bank Of Africa, Please can you tell me what is going on? Because Dr. David contacted me this morning and said that he was your younger brother and reason why we don' t heard from you since then again is that you got a problem with people and you was jailed for 5 years. He told us that you have given him permission to Claim and receive Your Fund $4.5 Million dollars so he can takes care of you and get you out of the prison, and here is the address he provided to us to deliver the fund in cash or transfer as everything was ready,Name Dr. David Njomo, Country: Kenya Address: Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist,Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya. P.O Box 6983 ; 30100, EldoretHe even say that he will pay for the needed fee $98, so we are still search if we can release the Fund to him as soon as he send the need fee $98 or not since we don' t hear from you since then until today. Please do get back to me if you are still alive please before it will be too late thanks.Manager Bank Of AfricaPASTOR MARK UDOPHONE NUMBER +229 6951 5629 On Monday, September 17, 2018 9:47 AM, Bank Of Africa < dmba61@yahoo.com > wrote:





Good day,



Please this is PASTOR MARK UDO The Manager Bank Of Africa, Please can you tell me what is going on? Because Dr. David contacted me this morning and said that he was your younger brother and reason why we don't heard from you since then again is that you got a problem with people and you was jailed for 5 years. He told us that you have given him permission to Claim and receive Your Fund $4.5 Million dollars so he can takes care of you and get you out of the prison, and here is the address he provided to us to deliver the fund in cash or transfer as everything was ready,



Name Dr. David Njomo, Country: Kenya Address: Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist,

Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya. P.O Box 6983 ; 30100, Eldoret



He even say that he will pay for the needed fee $98, so we are still search if we can release the Fund to him as soon as he send the need fee $98 or not since we don't hear from you since then until today. Please do get back to me if you are still alive please before it will be too late thanks.



Manager Bank Of Africa

PASTOR MARK UDO

PHONE NUMBER +229 6951 5629

On Tuesday, September 25, 2018 2:10 AM, Bank Of Africa < b.ofafrica8a8a8a@outlook.com > wrote:





Good morning,

Please why do you want to loose your fund $4.5 Million to Dr. David of Kenya just because of $98 why? Head Office has instruction us this morning that in next 24 hours and you still silent that the fund will be cancelled under your name and be transfer to Dr. David of Kenya thanks my advise to you is that you will get back to us with the payment of $98 so that you will not loose your fund thanks.

Manager Pastor Mark Udo.





from: Bank Of Africa < b.ofafrica8a8a8a@outlook.com > date: 25 September 2018 at 15:08 subject: Re: You given him permission to Claim Your Fund $4.5 Million dollars mailed-by: outlook.com

Good morning,

Please why do you want to loose your fund $4.5 Million to Dr. David of Kenya just because of $98 why? Head Office has instruction us this morning that in next 24 hours and you still silent that the fund will be cancelled under your name and be transfer to Dr. David of Kenya thanks my advise to you is that you will get back to us with the payment of $98 so that you will not loose your fund thanks.

Manager Pastor Mark Udo. Good day,

Thank God that we heard from you as soon as possible because that Man was try to deceive this Office and Claim the Fund $4.5 Million dollars, He must be arrested as soon as we see him in this Office. Your fund is still complete and ready to be transferred, So try and make sure that you send the needed fee $98 today and confirm to us your full information such as blow again to avoid wrong Transfer please.

Your full name your Country your City You address Your Bank information Your Full Phone Numbers Your Copy of Passport or ID card

Note that you will send the money via Western union or Money gram with the name below. Receivers Name: GLEN KEITH Location: Benin Republic City: Cotonou Address: 06 BP: 416 , Akpakpa PK 3 , Cotonou , Benin

Phone Number: +229 9858 3117

Text Question: NO Text Answer: TIME Amount: $98

Thanks and waiting to hear from you as soon as possible.

Regards, Manager +229 6951 5629 If you received a similar letter, please ignore it. Do not answer it. If you do, you will end up on more of the mailing lists used by the criminals behind this fraud. Read more....
By George Mangula

To mark International Coffee Day this year, the International Coffee Organization (ICO) to which Uganda is a member is celebrating the role of women across the value chain, and calling on both public and private sectors to empower women to achieve gender equality and increase productivity, supply and sustainable consumption.

In its new report  Gender equality in the coffee sector  published on October 1 2018, the ICO confirms with hard data that women make a crucial contribution to the global coffee sector. Depending on the region, around 25 percent of farms are operated by female growers and up to 70 percentof on-farm labour is provided by women. However, there is a gender productivity gap.

Stories Continues after ad

According to the ICOs Executive Director, Mr Jose Sette, Women are often held back by limited access to quality land, leadership opportunities, quality education, input and output markets, and finance. Our research has shown, however, that closing the gender gap by empowering women and improving their access to resources would not only contribute to gender equality, but also generate a wide range of social and economic benefits, including improved health and nutrition for the household, helping to eradicate poverty and increasing prosperity.

Fostering gender equality is recognized as a crucial element of rural development and sustainable agricultural supply chains, and can contribute to building female farmers resilience to the challenges of volatile coffee prices and climate change. With a predicted increase in consumption of another 40 to 50 million 60kg bags by 2030, closing the gender gap could also unlock an increase in coffee production by an additional 4 to 6.5 million bags  the equivalent of an extra 30 billion cups of coffee per year.

He adds: Due to its economic importance in many tropical low income countries, the coffee sector can make an important contribution to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. At the ICO we are calling on both the public and private sectors to work together to empower women in the coffee sector and to implement more gender-sensitive approaches to help close the gender gap.

As a global community we simply cannot afford to deny women equal opportunities if we are to meet future demand for coffee. We want coffee to have a strong future. For this reason fostering gender equality is not only the right thing to do, but also the smart thing to do, he said.

Along with encouraging all parties to celebrate the role and empowerment of women in coffee on International Coffee Day, the ICO will be holding a webinar exploring gender equity in the coffee sector, in conjunction with Global Coffee Platform, the International Womens Coffee Alliance and the Partnership for Gender Equity.

To formally launch its Gender equality in the coffee sector report the ICO will also be partnering with the Brazilian Embassy in London in a panel discussion and reception Celebrating and Supporting Women in Coffee with Brazil.
Ottawa (AFP) - Canadian and US negotiators reached a deal late Sunday on reforming the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian media reported, after more than a year of talks triggered by US President Donald Trump's discontent with the 24-year old pact.

CTV cited a high-level American source as saying the two sides had reached an agreement and that a joint statement was expected.

Another Canadian channel, CBC, said a "senior source" confirmed that a deal had been reached on significant sections of a new NAFTA.

Word of an agreement followed an emergency cabinet meeting called by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at 10:00 pm (0200 GMT) -- two hours ahead of a Washington-imposed midnight deadline for getting the text of a revised agreement to the United States Congress.

Reports of a deal caused a jump in the Canadian dollar on early Asian trading with the loonie up 0.7 percent from its Friday close at $1.2814.

Talks between the US, Canada and Mexico began last August after Trump called it "one of the worst trade deals in history."

Earlier Sunday, David MacNaughton, Canada's ambassador to the United States, had said there was "lots of progress, but we're not there yet," before heading back to Washington from Ottawa.

Peter Navarro, an adviser to Trump on trade, told Fox News: "Everybody is negotiating in good faith right now as we speak.

"The deadline is midnight tonight to get the text into Congress to make sure this goes forward."

Canada's The Globe and Mail cited four sources as saying an outline of a deal had been reached but Trump and Trudeau still needed to approve it. The two sides were hoping to finalize the pact overnight ahead of an announcement on Monday, The Globe and Mail said.

The United States and Mexico want to push a deal they separately negotiated through their respective legislatures before Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador takes office on December 1.

Story continues

In the United States, Congress needed the text of the deal by the late-Sunday deadline if a 60-day review period is to be respected.

- High political stakes -

Trump has been pushing for a complete overhaul of the agreement which he says has been a "rip-off" for the United States.

Speaking at a political rally in Wheeling, West Virginia on Saturday night, Trump told supporters: "We'll see what happens with Canada, if they come along. They have to be fair."

In August -- more than a year into the negotiations -- the United States and Mexico announced they had reached a two-way deal, after breaking away for bilateral talks on their outstanding issues.

But the ensuing talks to incorporate Canada stumbled.

Ottawa and Washington remained at odds over Canada's subsidized dairy sector, and the dispute resolution provisions in NAFTA.

Concessions on dairy would be politically difficult for Trudeau's government, a matter complicated yet further by elections being held Monday in the dairy producing province of Quebec.

The main Quebec parties and farmers' organizations are in favor of retaining the "supply management" system, which controls the production and price of milk and poultry and ensures stable incomes for Canadian farmers.

Tempers flared this week on both sides as the end-of-month deadline approached.

"We're not getting along with their negotiators," Trump said Wednesday of Canada.

Trudeau fired back: "We won't sign a bad deal for Canada."

The political stakes are high on both sides of the US-Canadian border: Trump needs to look strong heading into the November midterm elections, where his Republican Party is fighting to keep control of Congress, while Trudeau does not want to be seen as caving before next year's general election.

More than two-thirds of Canadian exports go to the United States, equivalent to 20 percent of its Gross Domestic Product, while Canada is the largest export market for the United States.
Relations between Ottawa and Washington soured in the aftermath of a disastrous G-7 summit in Quebec in June: REUTERS

Canada and the US have reached a deal to resurrect a free trade agreement with Mexico, a replacement for the Nafta deal which Donald Trump had campaigned against and described as a job-killing disaster.

The deal was agreed just before midnight on Sunday, a deadline imposed by the US, and will be called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA.

Canadian and American officials said in a joint statement the agreement will "strengthen the middle class, and create good, well-paying jobs and new opportunities for the nearly half billion people who call North America home".

The agreement gives American farmers greater access to the Canadian dairy market - a key demand from the US side. But it also keeps a Nafta dispute resolution process that the US had wanted to get rid of, and offers Canada protection if Mr Trump goes ahead with plans to impose tariffs on cars, trucks and auto parts imported into the United States.

"It's a good day for Canada," prime minister Justin Trudeau said as he left his office. Mr Trudeau said he would have more to say Monday.

"We celebrate a trilateral deal. The door closes on trade fragmentation in the region," Jesus Seade, trade negotiator for Mexico's incoming president, said via Twitter.

Representatives for the government of Mexican president-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador have called a press conference to discuss details of the trade deal on Monday.

Canada, the United States' No. 2 trading partner, was left out when the US and Mexico reached an agreement last month to revamp the North American Free Trade Agreement.

The Trump administration officially notified Congress of the US-Mexico trade agreement on 31 August. That started a 90-day clock that would let outgoing Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto sign the new pact before he leaves office 1 December.

Mr Trump threatened to go ahead with a revamped Nafta  with or without Canada. It was unclear, however, whether Mr Trump had authority from Congress to pursue a revamped Nafta with only Mexico.

Story continues

Some lawmakers immediately expressed relief that Canada had been reinstated in the regional trading bloc. "I am pleased that the Trump administration was able to strike a deal to modernize Nafta with both Mexico and Canada," said Senate Finance Chairman Orrin Hatch, R-Utah. "Nafta is a proven success."

Nafta tore down most trade barriers between the United States, Canada and Mexico, leading to a surge in trade between the three countries. But Mr Trump and other critics said it encouraged manufacturers to move south of the border to take advantage of low-wage Mexican wages, costing American jobs.

Mr Trump campaigned on a promise to rewrite Nafta  or get rid of it. Talks on a rewrite began more than a year ago. To placate Mr Trump, Mexico agreed in August to provisions that would require 40 percent to 45 percent of a car be built in countries where auto workers earn at least $16 an hour to qualify for Nafta's duty-free benefits.

It was surprising that the US found it easier to cut a deal with Mexico than with Canada, a longtime ally with a high-wage economy similar to America's. "When this got started, Canada was the teacher's pet and Mexico was the problem child," said Michael Camunez, president of Monarch Global Strategies and former US Commerce Department official.

But relations between Ottawa and Washington soured. In the aftermath of a disastrous G-7 summit in Quebec in June, Mr Trump called Mr Trudeau "weak" and "dishonest."

The two countries need each other economically. Canada is by far the No 1 destination for US exports, and the US market accounts for 75 percent of what Canada sells abroad.

Additional reporting by agencies
Two immunologists, James Allison of the US and Tasuku Honjo of Japan, won the 2018 Nobel Medicine Prize for research into how the body's natural defences can fight cancer, the jury said on Monday.

Unlike more traditional forms of cancer treatment that directly target cancer cells -- often with severe side-effects -- Allison and Honjo figured out how to help the patient's own immune system tackle the cancer more quickly.

The pioneering discoveries led to treatments targeting proteins made by some immune system cells that act as a "brake" on the body's natural defences killing cancer cells.

The Nobel Assembly in Stockholm said the therapy "has now revolutionised cancer treatment and has fundamentally changed the way we view how cancer can be managed".

In 1995, Allison was one of two scientists to identify the CTLA-4 molecule as an inhibitory receptor on T-cells, a type of white blood cell that play a central role in the body's natural immunity to disease.

The 70-year-old, whose mother died of cancer when he was 10, "realised the potential of releasing the brake and thereby unleashing our immune cells to attack tumours," the Nobel jury said.

Around the same time, Honjo discovered a protein on immune cells, the ligand PD-1, and eventually realised that it also worked as a brake but in a different way.

- 'Honoured and humbled' -

On the website of his University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Allison said he was "honoured and humbled to receive this prestigious recognition".

"I never dreamed my research would take the direction it has," he said.

"It's a great, emotional privilege to meet cancer patients who've been successfully treated with immune checkpoint blockade. They are living proof of the power of basic science, of following our urge to learn and to understand how things work."

Honjo, 76, meanwhile vowed to push ahead with his work.

Story continues

"I want to continue my research... so that this immune therapy will save more cancer patients than ever," he told reporters at the University of Kyoto where he is based.

Scientists have attempted to engage the immune system in the fight against cancer for more than 100 years, but until the seminal discoveries by the two laureates, progress into clinical development was modest.

Antibodies against PD-1 have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as an investigational new drug and developed for the treatment of cancer.

Former US President Jimmy Carter, 94, a 2002 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, survived melanoma, a severe stage of skin cancer which spread to his brain, after undergoing a form of immunotherapy, among others.

Research by Allison's team has meanwhile led to the development of a monoclonal antibody drug, which was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2011 for the treatment of melanoma. It is known commercially as Yervoy.

"I'd like to just give a shout out to all the patients out there to let them know we are making progress now," Allison told a news conference in New York.

Allison and Honjo have previously shared the 2014 Tang Prize, touted as Asia's version of the Nobels, for their research.

- New therapies 'desperately needed' -

Other cancer treatments have previously been awarded Nobel prizes, including methods for hormone treatment for prostate cancer in 1966, chemotherapy in 1988 and bone marrow transplantation for leukaemia in 1990.

The Nobel Assembly said advanced cancer -- the second biggest killer worldwide -- remains immensely difficult to treat and novel therapeutic strategies are desperately needed.

The duo will share the Nobel prize sum of nine million Swedish kronor (about $1.01 million or 870,000 euros).

Monday's announcement was partially eclipsed by a Stockholm court's decision to sentence Frenchman Jean-Claude Arnault, a 72-year-old at the heart of a Nobel scandal, to two years in prison for rape that emerged during the #MeToo campaign.

The aftermath has led to a bitter internal dispute that has prevented the Academy from functioning properly, and as a result it postponed this year's Literature Prize until 2019 -- the first time the prize has been delayed since 1949.

The winners of this year's physics prize will be announced on Tuesday, followed by the chemistry prize on Wednesday. The peace prize will be announced on Friday, and the economics prize will wrap up the Nobel season on Monday, October 8.
Washington (AFP) - Canada and the United States came in just under the wire late Sunday, announcing a last-minute deal on a revamped trade agreement for North America.

The effort rescued a deal that covers Canada, Mexico and the United States -- which have a combined annual economic output approaching $25 trillion.

The newly-dubbed United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, updates the North American Free Trade Agreement, which President Donald Trump had long denounced.

Below are some of its key changes:

- Autos: higher pay, local content -

Ending NAFTA would have meant tearing up the continent's closely-integrated auto supply chain.

But Ottawa, Mexico City and Washington have now agreed to sweeping changes to manufacturing and labor requirements that US officials say should boost wages and discourage moving production offshore.

Most notably: the deal will require that 75 percent of auto content be made in the region, increased from 62.5 percent, and that 40-45 percent be made by workers earning at least $16 an hour.

Mexico also agreed to continue to recognize US auto safety standards, unless Mexican regulators conclude they are inferior to their own standards.

- Auto tariff relief -

Trump has threatened to use a national security justification to impose steep tariffs on the hundreds of billions of dollars in autos the United States imports annually.

But the USMCA includes side letters that agree to exempt Mexico and Canada up to a threshold of 2.6 million vehicles a year, as well as an unspecified amount of light trucks, and tens of billions of dollars in auto parts.

However, the new deal does not resolve the punishing steel and aluminum tariffs imposed worldwide earlier this year, and on Mexico and Canada since May.

- Dairy: Canada makes concessions -

Canada, which guarantees prices for its dairy producers through its managed supply system, agreed to open its borders a little wider to American milk, cheese, cream, butter and other goods.

Story continues

The concession from Ottawa removed a major sticking point that Trump said was a deal breaker.

Canada will also eliminate categories of low-cost dairy goods, and will allow greater imports of US chicken, eggs and turkey.

Trump told reporters on Monday he realized Canada could not allow its own dairy producers to be "overrun," but wanted a better deal for US farmers.

- Settling disputes -

The US agreed to Canada's insistence that the dispute settlement system -- formerly known as Chapter 19 -- remain in the deal.

Canadian officials resolutely rejected Trump's demand to scrap provisions to resolve disagreements through international arbitration, something Ottawa has successfully used to challenge US tariffs.

However, the agreement does make some changes to the more controversial "Investor-State Dispute Settlement" powers, which critics said had allowed powerful companies and wealthy investors to invalidate local laws and court decisions through unaccountable arbitration.

- Intellectual property -

The new agreement will require that signatories allow equal copyright treatment for writers, composers and others from member countries, requiring a minimum term of the author's life plus 70 years for copyrighted works.

- Digital trade -

When NAFTA took effect in 1994, e-commerce hardly existed in its current form and modernizing its provisions was a key premise of the talks.

The new agreement prohibits customs duties for digitally distributed goods like software and games, e-books, music and movies.

It would also limit local governments' powers to force companies to disclose propriety source code or place restrictions on where data may be stored.

- The no-China-deals clause -

Tucked in the agreement is a provision that appears designed to stop either Ottawa or Mexico City from seeking a better deal with Beijing.

If any signatory seeks to enter into a free-trade agreement with a "non-market-economy" -- read China -- the other parties will then be allowed to cancel the three-country deal announced Monday and replace it with a bilateral agreement.

US ties with China have grown increasingly contentious, and Washington has slapped tariffs on more than $250 billion in imports from that country.

- An alternative 'sunset clause' -

The new trade pact will remain in force for 16 years, but will be reviewed every six years. If the parties decide to renew the agreement, it will be in effect for another 16 years. But if there is a problem, officials would have 10 years to negotiate to resolve their differences before the treaty would expire.

Canadian and Mexican negotiators, as well as US industry, had outright rejected the American demand that any new NAFTA contain a "sunset clause" requiring the parties to re-authorize the agreement every five years.

- Labor rights -

USTR Robert Lighthizer says the labor protections in the deal -- which had been part of a side agreement to NAFTA -- are the strongest ever negotiated, and are enforceable.

Under the agreement, "Mexico commits to specific legislative actions to provide for the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining," according to USTR.

The agreement also contains far-reaching requirements on internationally recognized labor rights: prohibiting the imports of goods made through forced labor, deterring violence against workers and ensuring protections for migrant workers.
Donald Trump will be on the campaign trail regularly as he shores up support for Republican colleagues - AFP

November's midterm elections will mark two years since Donald Trump's shock election victory  the first test of how his Republican party is faring in the eyes of the American public.

The midterms is the name given to the combination of elections for the US Congress, governorships and local races that take place every two years.

Republicans currently control the House of Representatives and the Senate  the two chambers which make up the US Congress. But pundits have suggested the elections may see a so-called blue wave of Democrats sweeping into power.

A liberal base hoping to derail Mr Trump's agenda has energised activists in key races, out-fundraising and out-polling a host of Republican incumbents.

The elections mark the mid point in a president's four-year term  and this year they will be held on Tuesday November 6.

Although Mr Trump is not on the ballot, in many ways the results will be seen as a referendum on his accomplishments and how voters feel about the US president.

How do the midterms work?

All 435 seats in the House of Representatives will be voted on in November. Representatives serve two-year terms so the entire house will face re-election in 2020.

Some 35 out of the Senates 100 seats will be on the ballot and 36 state governors are up for election. Senators hold four-year terms.

Donald Trump speaks during an Ohio Republican Party State Dinner in Columbus, Ohio Credit: Maddie McGarvey/Bloomberg

There are also a number of state-wide and local offices being elected on the same day.

Gubernatorial elections

Governors hold powerful positions since they control huge budgets and implement their state's laws.

Republicans currently control 33 out of 50 governorships and two-thirds of 99 state legislature chambers.

Some 36 governorships are being elected this November and Democrats are targeting the 23 which have Republican incumbents up for re-election.

Key races to watch are in Ohio, Michigan, Florida and Pennsylvania - key swing states in the presidential elections. Governors in those states will be crucial to mobilising party activists and raising donations for the 2020 race.

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How will they affect Donald Trump's presidency?

The elections will shape US politics for at least the next two years.

A Republican-controlled Congress will make the final two years of Mr Trumps first term much smoother  giving him the power to continue funding his border wall with Mexico, pass further tax cuts and make another attempt to repeal Obamacare.

If Democrats regain control, they will fiercely oppose a number of Mr Trump's key policies. If they win enough seats, the Democrats could kill the Republican legislative agenda on Capitol Hill.

A Democratic majority would also see the party gain seats on Congressional committees with the power to investigate the Trump administration.

Donald Trump pauses while speaking during a rally in Springfield, Missouri Credit: Neeta Satam/Bloomberg

This year's state-wide races are incredibly important too, since they will give the party in office power over the 2021 redistricting process - the system by which voting areas are decided.

Republicans are most likely to lose control of the House of Representatives as all 435 seats are up for election. Dozens of Republican representatives are retiring and the Democrats only need around 24 more seats to take control of the lower chamber.

Mr Trump's party is likely to retain its majority in the Senate as only 35 of the 100 seats are up for election, 26 of which are already held by Democrats.

Democrats would have to win all its Senate races and pick up two Republican seats in order to swing the majority - a tall order.

What are the key issues deciding the races?

The economy, immigration and impeachment are the issues getting most play on the campaign trail.

The US economy is booming, with low unemployment rates and rising wages. However Mr Trump's tax cuts for corporations have increased the country's deficit by 33 per cent in the last year to $895 billion.

Immigration is a divisive issue, with Democrats keen to highlight the Trump administration's decision to separate migrant children from their parents as part of its "zero-tolerance" policy. They hope it will entice younger voters and minorities to vote against the president's party.

Republicans have warned Democrats would like to see immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) officials scrapped, which they say will lead to weak borders as they appeal to voters.

Ultimately, this election will be seen as a temperature test for Mr Trump ahead of the 2020 presidential election.

This has already played out in this summer's primaries - where party members pick their candidates - with pro-Trump, anti-establishment figures winning against the Republican's old guard.

On the Democrat side, populist progressives who are vocal in their opposition to the president - even calling for his impeachment - have been gaining ground on the party's centrists.

Historical record of midterm elections

Disgruntled voters often use midterm elections to punish the party in power. The president's party has lost an average of 32 seats in the House and two in the Senate in every midterm since the American Civil War.

Democratic President Bill Clinton faced a six-year battle to get his policies through Congress when the Republicans took control of both the House and Senate in 1994.

The Democrats retook both chambers in 2006  allowing President Barack Obama to push through his policy agenda for the first two years of his presidency.

Barack Obama's agenda was curtailed by Republicans once they regained the House and Senate Credit: AFP

However, the Republicans won back the House in 2010 which placed a significant curb on his ability to pass key legislation for the rest of his time in office.

In 2014, the Republicans also regained control of the Senate, boosting their House majority to its largest since 1929 along the way.

Democrats are currently enjoying an eight-point lead in polls and with a record number of women, veterans and ethnic minorities running for office, the face of the US Congress could look very different in January.

However, the Democrats' success is based on the party's ability to mobilise their base: the midterm electorate is traditionally whiter, older and more conservative.
The next slice of action adventure from "The Witcher" franchise arrives in the form of a card game, historical epic "Assassin's Creed" prepares to dive into Ancient Greece, and Chinese-language dynastic strategy game "The Scroll of Taiwu" rises to the top of the Steam charts.

"The Scroll of Taiwu" [cn. ""] may only be available in Chinese, and available for a quarter of the price of a big publisher's top-tier release, but that's not prevented it from vaulting up the Steam charts from last week's seventh place.

Speaking of big releases, "Assassin's Creed: Odyssey" can be found atop the Humble Store's bestseller list and a similar trajectory could be expected on Steam, where it sits in eighth.

Western action-RPG "Pathfinder: Kingmaker," like "The Scroll of Taiwu," adopts some unexpected genre elements, blending traditional RPG questing with a slice of empire building.

It was last week's second best seller on GOG and this week makes it to the number three spot on the larger Steam store.

Finally, GOG brings another potential breakout hit to the fore through its current number one, card game "Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales."

The store is associated with CD Projekt, which develops "The Witcher" series of action adventures, and this new excursion into the same fiction started life as an expansion for digital card game as "Gwent" (itself a spin-off from "The Witcher 3") and, heading towards an October 23 release, now combines "narrative-driven exploration with unique puzzles and card battle mechanics."

Steam* (steampowered.com)

1. The Scroll of Taiwu

2. PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds

3. Pathfinder: Kingmaker

4. Monster Hunter: World

5. NieR:Automata

*Steam chart based on revenue rather than units.

Humble Store (humblebundle.com/store)

1. Assassin's Creed Odyssey - Gold Edition

2. Tekken 7

3. Dragon Ball FighterZ

4. Dragon Ball FighterZ - FighterZ Edition

5. Dragon Ball FighterZ - FighterZ Pass

Story continues

GamersGate EU (gamersgate.com)

1. Monster Hunter: World (inc. Deluxe editions)

2. Starbound

3. Dark Souls III Deluxe Edition

4. Eximius: Seize the Frontline

5. LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4

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1. Fanatical Slayer Bundle inc. Styx, Tropico 5, The Lion's Song

2. SoulCalibur VI Deluxe

3. Valkyria Chronicles 4

4. Martian Mystery Bundle - 6 games

5. Monster Hunter: World

GOG (gog.com)

1. Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales

2. Pathfinder: Kingmaker - Explorer Edition

3. Pathfinder: Kingmaker - Imperial Edition

4. Ultimate General: Civil War

5. X Rebirth: Home of Light Complete Edition

Itchio's Most Popular (itch.io)

1. 3:30 AM at Floater's Cemetery

2. Advanced Education with Viktor Strobovski

3. Polymerikum

4. Perfection

5. My Legs Got Tubed
Mitch McConnell has made it clear: Dr Christine Blasey Ford does not matter. This is about shaping the judiciary for years to come

Judge Brett Kavanaugh is sworn in before testifying to the Senate judiciary committee. Photograph: Win Mcnamee/AFP/Getty Images

They blocked Barack Obamas pick for the supreme court. They threw in their lot with Donald Trump, a political neophyte and TV celebrity facing multiple sexual harassment allegations. It is entirely unsurprising that the Republican party seems ready to ram through the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh.

Their logic: the end justifies the means.

Republicans are aware that presidents, senators and representatives come and go, but supreme court appointments are for life. They aim to capture the court  with its power to shape abortion rights, worker protections and who gets to vote  for a generation. That, they have determined, is the big prize, even if it entails riding roughshod over the #MeToo movement and alienating millions of women.

For a long time, Republicans have arguably been much more ruthless than Democrats. The comedian Bill Maher is fond of saying that Democrats keep bringing a knife to a gunfight. Republicans, theyre all claws and sharp teeth and fangs when they fight, he told viewers earlier this year. The Democrats? Their weapon of choice is adaptive coloration.

Trump provides bluster and arm-waving from the White House but the cold calculation comes from the Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell. It was he who masterminded the opposition to Obamas choice, Merrick Garland, on the flimsy pretext that the vacancy came up in a presidential election year.

McConnell is stripping the supreme court of its legitimacy through his determination to stack it with rightwingers Geoff Garin, Democratic strategist

The empty supreme court seat became a crucial reason for many conservatives to vote for Trump instead of Hillary Clinton, especially after the formers tactical masterstroke of publishing a list of judges he would choose from. It worked: the seat went to the rightwing Neil Gorsuch. The lesson: cynical, hardball tactics pay off.

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Geoff Garin, a Democratic strategist, tweeted on Friday: Rushing to confirm Kavanaugh at this point would be as outrageous as denying Merrick Garlands nomination any consideration at all. McConnell is stripping the supreme court of its legitimacy through his determination to stack it with rightwingers by any means at his disposal.

Keep the faith

Whatever his feelings about Trump, McConnell saw him as a price worth paying for complete Republican control of Washington which, for example, enabled sweeping tax cuts for the rich.

It was small wonder, then, that last week McConnell reminded hardliners at the Values Voter Summit in Washington how Trump is transforming the courts. The president has appointed 26 of 167 current circuit judges, more than any recent president at this point in their first term.

The supreme court is the icing on the cake. McConnell said: Heres what I want to tell you: in the very near future, Judge Kavanaugh will be on the United States supreme court. So, my friends, keep the faith. Dont get rattled by all of this. Were going to plough right through it and do our job.

Republicans have been as good as their word. At first, at Thursdays epic hearing on Capitol Hill, the plan appeared to be unravelling under the clarity and composure of Christine Blasey Ford, as she detailed the allegation that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her at a party when both were teenagers. But both Kavanaugh and Senator Lindsey Graham rallied the troops with nakedly partisan attacks, reminding them to put party before country.

First, exuding a sense of entitlement, Kavanaugh gave a roar of white male privilege straight from the Trump playbook.

The party that followed Donald Trump is becoming Donald Trump. It is embracing his smash-mouth, conspiracy theory style Charlie Sykes

Charlie Sykes, a conservative author and commentator, said on Friday: We talk about the Republican party becoming Donald Trumps party. Were seeing the party that followed Donald Trump is now becoming Donald Trump. It is embracing his smash-mouth, conspiracy-theory style of politics.

The danger to the institution of the supreme court is incalculable at this point. For a judge to go off on such a brazen partisan rant is an extraordinary moment. It surrenders any pretence he has to a judicial temperament.

Graham, seething, claimed the treatment of the nominee was the most despicable thing he had seen in all his time in politics. He told Democrats: What you want to do is destroy this guys life, hold this seat open and hope you win in 2020.

One Republican observer said, half-jokingly: Lindsey Graham stole the day and will be the next GOP presidential candidate (in 2024). He is really smart and fearsome. By 9.30pm on Thursday, McConnell had issued a press release: I Will Proudly Vote to Confirm Judge Kavanaugh.

Worth a political bullet

On Friday, the Republican steamroller ground to a surprising if temporary standstill. Jeff Flake of Arizona surprised the Senate judiciary committee by demanding a renewed FBI investigation into Fords allegations. Trump acceded but ordered that it must be limited in scope and completed in less than one week. If the bureau fails to uncover new evidence, Flake and other senators will probably have the cover they need to vote yes.

Christine Blasey Ford is sworn in. Photograph: POOL/Reuters

That would mean two of the supreme courts nine justices  Kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas  carry the baggage of sexual assault or harassment allegations, while another owes his seat to McConnells political gamesmanship.

Two Republicans on the Senate judiciary committee were also there for Thomass confirmation in 1991. They will be keenly aware that despite the trauma of Anita Hills credible testimony, Thomas remains on the court as its most conservative justice. Hardball tactics paid off.

Hill was credited with inspiring the year of the woman: in 1992, 28 women were elected to the House and four to the Senate, more than doubling the total. But some have retired from politics while Thomas marches on. By a similar calculation, Republicans appear willing to accept pain at the polls in November for the sake of Kavanaugh who, at 53, could sit on the court for decades.

But one key difference between Hill and Ford is the rise of #MeToo.

Apparently Republicans have calculated that its worth taking a political bullet for, Sykes said. Theyre on a mission to confirm Judge Kavanaugh but at the cost of looking like they are ignoring women.

Theyre going to pay a heavy price in the long term. I think this is something were going to be talking about 20 or 30 years from now. Its going to help define Republicans for a generation of women.
Impeachment. Its what Democratic operatives are already talking about as a 2020 campaign issue if Brett Kavanaugh gets confirmed to the Supreme Court, according to Axios.

Talk of impeachment comes after a contentious day of hearings on Capitol Hill with testimony from Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford, who is accusing him of sexual assault.

Can a Supreme Court Justice be impeached? Yes.

Article III, Section I of the Constitution includes what is expected of federal judges in order to keep their spot on the Supreme Court bench: The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office.

But when it comes to the allegations of sexual assault against Kavanaugh, the founding fathers didnt specify what sort of behavior would constitute the removal of a judge.

The process to remove a Supreme Court justice is a lot like the process to remove a president or vice president  they can only be removed if theyve been impeached by Congress.

The House of Representatives holds the power to begin an impeachment proceeding, and a simple majority vote is enough to approve impeachment. The matter would then move on to the Senate, where the bar is set much higher and a full two-thirds of senators would have to vote yes to remove a Supreme Court justice.

After being impeached by the House, a Supreme Court justice would then appear before the Senate for a trial similar to regular trials in the U.S., with the Senate acting as the jury. If the Supreme Court justice were convicted in the Senate, he or she would immediately be removed from office, and there would be no appeal.

The only Supreme Court justice to be impeached by the House of Representatives was Samuel Chase in 1804, but the Senate ended up exonerating him during his trial.
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The vehicle crashed into the pole at left. Two occupants of the car sought help in the Congress Hotel, which is seen with the red awning in this Google image. | Google

Four men were shot, two fatally, when someone started shooting during an altercation inside a moving car in the Loop late Sunday night, police said. No one is in custody.

Five adult men were riding southbound in the 400 block of South Michigan when an argument broke out among them around 11:55 p.m. Police said the confrontation escalated and gunshots rang out, leading to four of the occupants being struck by bullets.

The 29-year-old driver lost control of the car and crashed into a pole after he was shot in the shoulder. The car flipped upside down and two men with less-serious injuries ran into the Congress Hotel at 520 South Michigan Avenue to get help, police said.

A 31-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene with a gunshot wound to his face, according to police. A man whose age was not known was pronounced dead at Northwestern Memorial Hospital with a gunshot wound to his head. A second 29-year-old man also suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder.

Finally, a 39-year-old man was taken to Stroger Hospital for neck and back injuries that were suffered in the car crash. He was not shot.

All of the surviving men were listed in stable condition by police.

Investigators said early Monday that the men had given conflicting accounts of what happened inside the car, which has hampered the investigation. Two guns were recovered at the scene.

A CPD source said that only the 31-year-old man who died is known to investigators.

Back CWBs reporting team and well reward you with members-only reports and services all year long. Join HERE for just $49 a year or $5 a month.
During Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem's speech at the United Nations General Assembly, he called upon Israel to retreat from the Israeli Golan Heights and slammed it for helping "terror organizations" operating in the war-torn country.

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"It is high time for all those detached from reality to wake up, let go of their fantasies, and come to their senses, see matters realistically," he said. "They must realize they will not achieve politically what they failed to achieve by force," Muallem said.

Syrian foreign minister Walid Muallem at UNGA

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"We haven't renounced our national principles during the war, nor we'll renounce them today," he went on to say.

"Israel continues to occupy a part of our land in the Syrian Golan and our people there continue to suffer because of its depressive and oppressive policies. Israel even supported terrorist groups that operated in southern Syria protecting them through direct military intervention and launching repeated attacks on Syrian territories.

"But, as we liberated southern Syria from terrorists we are determined to liberate fully the occupied Syrian Golan to the lines of 1967. Syria demands that the international community put an end to all these practices," the Syrian foreign minister demanded.

Addressing Syria' seven-year civil war, Muallem said the offensive against the "terrorists" is approaching its end.

Moallem's upbeat speech praised the army and the Syrian people for remaining "defiant" during the war, "fully convinced that this was a battle for their existence." He bashed Western and other countries supporting the opposition, alluding to their failed effort to install a transition government and get rid of Assad.

"To the disappointment of some, here we are today more than seven years into this dirty war against my country, announcing to the world that the situation on the ground has become more secure and stable, and that our battle against terrorism is almost over.

"Thousands of Syrians are returning to their homeland, and our country is open to all those Syrian who immigrated aboard. Our government will do what is takes to assist the refugees," he asserted.

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem (Photo: UN TV)

Muallem also thanked Russia for its support of the Syrian regime and blasted the US for backing "terrorists" who act against Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Declaring that victory over "terrorism" is almost at hand, Muallem demanded that "occupation" forces from the US, France and Turkey leave the country immediately.

"The US has established an international coalition under the auspices of fighting terror and radicalism. However, this coalition has completely ruined the city of Raqqa and its infrastructures," he lashed out.

"The US continues massacring civilians, including women and children. It is violating international law," he vented.

The United States, aided by Syrian Kurdish-led fighters, helped rout the Islamic State extremist group from all urban areas in Syria but remains in the country because pockets of IS militants remain. Turkey says it is fighting IS but is also seeking to curb the spread of the Syrian Kurdish militia that it considers "terrorists."

Moallem said "any foreign presence on Syrian territory without the consent of the Syrian government is illegal, and constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter."

(Photo: UN TV)

"We therefore consider any forces operating on Syrian territory without an explicit request from the Syrian government, including US, French and Turkish forces, occupying forces and will be dealt with accordingly," he said. "They must withdraw immediately and without any conditions."

Furthermore, Syria's foreign minister denied his country used chemical weapon against its civilians.

"We condemn the use of chemical weapons anywhere and anytime. Syria has completed its chemical weapons dismantling program and carried out all of its obligations on the matter.

"Syria is prepared to be monitored by a chemical weapons inquiry committee, since we know the committee's investigation will contradict the allegations attributed to Syria," he stated.

Syrian government forces, backed by Russia and Iran, have retaken most of the territory rebels seized during the war that has killed over 400,000 people and driven millions from their homes. President Bashar Assad's government refers to all armed opposition and rebel groups fighting Syrian forces as "terrorists," not just Islamic State or al-Qaida members.

Muallem (L) and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres (Photo: AP)

Last week, Russia and Turkey agreed to a deal which stopped an imminent Syrian government offensive to retake the last major rebel stronghold in the northern province of Idlib. It calls for setting up a demilitarized zone around Idlib to separate government forces from rebels, including those from the al-Qaida-linked group formerly known as the Nusra Front.

"We hope that when the agreement is implemented, the Nusra Front and other terrorists will be eradicated, thus eliminating the last remnants of terrorism in Syria," Moallem said.

While Turkey confronts the difficult task of trying to separate the forces in Idlib, the UN envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, is trying to bring the warring parties together to move forward on long-stalled political talks aimed at ending the war.

De Mistura is hoping to convene the first meeting of a committee to reform the country's constitution, a key step in a 2012 roadmap adopted by world powers that is to culminate with elections and the formation of a new government. He told The Associated Press this week that October will be crucial.

Moallem signaled difficulties ahead in negotiations, indicating in his speech that Syria doesn't want a new constitution. "We stress that the mandate of the committee is limited to reviewing the articles of the current constitution," the Syrian minister said.

He added that Syria "will not accept any proposal that constitutes an interference in internal affairs of Syria, or leads to such interference."

Before taking up the world stage at the UN, Muallem met with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif with whom he agreed to continue cooperation between the two countries.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Monday that they had launched at least six ballistic missiles into eastern Syria, targeting those responsible for the recent attack on a military parade in Iran, in order to "convey a clear message to Saudi Arabia, the US and Israel," according to the Hezbollah-affiliated Al Mayadeen news channel.

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One missile shown on state television bore the slogans "Death to America, Death to Israel, Death to Al Saud," referring to Saudi Arabia's ruling family. The missile also bore in Arabic the phrase "kill the friends of Satan," referring to a verse in the Quran on fighting infidels.

Mohsen Rezaie, a former commander of the Guards, suggested in a Twitter message on Monday that more attacks were coming. "The main punishment is on the way," he wrote.

Iran launches ballistic missiles into eastern Syria (Photo: AFP)

In announcing the attack, Iranian state media said the missiles targeted both "takfiri" militantsa term it often applies to the Islamic State group (IS)and Ahvazi separatists. The separatists have not been known to work with the IS in the past.

The launch was Iran's second such missile attack on Syria in over a year.

The attack on a military parade in Iran

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"This is the roaring of missiles belonging to the Revolutionary Guards of the Islamic Revolution. In a few minutes, the world of arroganceespecially America, the Zionist regime and the Al Saudwill hear the sound of Iran's repeated blows," the state TV's reporter said as the missiles launched behind him.

The Revolutionary Guards' statement said that based on evidence from the Ahvaz attack, the terrorists in eastern Syria are supported and guided by the United States in line with "satanic" plans of the White House, the Zionist regimeIranian parlance for Israeland a regional power, a reference to Saudi Arabia.

The statement added that the Guards are prepared for any further steps by Iran's enemies.

"Our iron fist is prepared to deliver a decisive and crushing response to any wickedness and mischief of the enemies," the Guards, the most powerful military force in the Islamic Republic, said in their statement.



State television and the state-run IRNA news agency said the attacks "killed and wounded" militants in Syria, without elaborating. Syrian state media did not immediately acknowledge the strike.

State TV aired footage of one of its reporters standing by as one of the missiles launched, identifying the area as being in Iran's western province of Kermanshah. It also-aired graphic suggesting the missiles flew over central Iraq near the city of Tikrit before landing near the city of Abu Kamal, in the far southeast of Syria.

Iranian soldiers in Tehran (Photo: Reuters)

Abu Kamal is held by forces loyal to Syria's embattled President Bashar Assad. However, the city has been targeted even now by terrorists from the extremist IS who have lost almost all the territory they once held in Syria and Iraq.

The semi-official Fars news agency, believed to be close to the Revolutionary Guards, identified the six missiles used as Zolfaghar and Qiam variants, which have ranges of 750 kilometers (465 miles) and 800 kilometers (500 miles) respectively.

Seven drones were also used to bomb militant targets during the attack, state TV reported.

The attack adds to confusion over who carried out an assault on a military parade in Ahvaz on Sept. 22 that killed 29 people and wounded over 60.

Iranian officials have also blamed Gulf states and the United States for the attack in which gunmen disguised as soldiers opened fire on the crowd and officials watching the parade in the southwestern city.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Photo: Reuters)

Top Iranian officials, including Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accused Iran's adversaries the United States and Gulf states of provoking the bloodshed and backing the Arab separatist 'al-Ahvaziya' armed group.

Arab separatists immediately claimed the attack and offered details about one of the attackers that ultimately turned out to be true.

Attack on a military parade in Iran (Photo: AP)

Yacoub Hor al-Tostari, a spokesman for the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz, told The Associated Press that members of his organization carried out the attack because his group wants that area of southwest Iran to be its own nation.

He described his group as leading an umbrella organization for other Ahvaz groups, which includes the militants who carried out the attack in Ahvaz.

IS also claimed responsibility for the assault, but initially made factual incorrect claims about it.

Later, IS released footage of several men that Iran ultimately identified as attackers, though the men in the footage never pledged allegiance to the extremist group.

ISIS releases footage from Iran parliament attack

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This is the third time in recent months that Iran has fired its ballistic missiles in anger.

Last year, Iran fired ballistic missiles into Syria over a bloody IS attack on Tehran targeting parliament and the shrine of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

Iran launches Fateh 110 short-range missiles at PDKI base in Iraq

In September, Iran fired missiles into Iraq targeting a base of an Iranian Kurdish separatist group. The separatists say that strike killed at least 11 people and wounded 50.

In recent years, Iran and Iraq have been fighting against IS. Teheran has been transferring military aid to Baghdad to bolster its operations against the terror group.

The Kurds represent about 10 percent of Iran's population of 80 million people, with many living in the mountainous northwest that borders Iraq and Turkey.
The Likud faction in Jerusalem penned a harsh letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday demanding that he removes his support for Minister of Jerusalem Affairs and mayoral candidate Ze'ev Elkin.

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According to the Likud faction, the list submitted by Elkin to the city council includes members who are supported by left-wing organizations, such as the New Israel Fund (NIF).

Minister of Jerusalem Affairs and mayoral candidate Ze'ev Elkin (Photo: Oren Aharoni)

The Jerusalem Likud faction's main complaints concern the members of the Yerushalmim municipal party, which united with Elkin's list as part of the agreement with MK Rachel Azaria (Kulanu), who dropped from the race and announced her support for Elkin.

"I am removing my candidacy out of a sense of responsibility for the city. The most suitable candidate is Minister Ze'ev Elkin, we trust him to manage this complex city wisely," Azaria said last week.

Ilan Gordo, chairman of the Likud branch in Jerusalem opened his letter to the prime minister with a jab at Elkin's conduct.

"I am writing to you with great pain. Unfortunately, on the backdrop of the forthcoming Jerusalem mayoral elections, there are those who are trying to blur the lines and mislead the public. Minister Elkin is not afraid of obscuring the facts as he convinces voters that he and the Likud are one and the same. But there is only one Likud in these electionsthe list backed by the Likud Party," Gordo stated.

MK Rachel Azaria and Elkin (left to right) at a press conference (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

According to the Likud faction, Elkin's list includes several members who are supposedly supported by left-wing organizations, and therefore "the prime minister should not support them in the elections."

The letter also mentioned number two on Elkin's list until recently a member of Yerushalmim municipal party Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, a member of "Hashgacha Pratit", a Reform Judaism organization who seeks to promote pluralistic Judaism in Israel.

According to the chairman of the Jerusalem Likud faction, "It is a well-known fact this organization is affiliated with the NIF."

In addition, the Jerusalem faction also names number five and six on Elkin's list, Nir Zuaretz and Yael Gidanian, who made it to the list as part of the agreement with MK Azaria.

According to the faction, Gidanian is an active member of several left-wing organizations such as Shaharit, Mizrahi Democratic Rainbow Coalition, and Ir Amim, which seeks to divide Jerusalem and establish a Palestinian capital in the city.

The Likud members also expressed their disapproval of number three on the list, Yehuda Ben Yosef, who is known for his work in the Yesh Atid party during the last elections.

Elisha Peleg and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Photo: Sharon Ravivo)

Elisha Peleg, head of the Likud branch, also slammed Elkin for his affiliation with left wing activists.

"A candidate whose list includes a woman who has gained the support of the NIF, and the former head of the Yesh Atid headquarters who acted against the Likud and the prime ministeris not worthy of Netanyahu's support. I am convinced that when the prime minister learns all the facts, he will revoke his support for Elkin," Peleg claimed.

According to Elkin's headquarters, "the prime minister has already expressed his support for the candidacy of Minister Elkin in the clearest and most definitive way. Netanyahu personally calls on Jerusalem residents to vote for Elkin. The Likud branch should refrain from potentially harming a candidate who gained the support of both the Likud chairman and the Likud faction members."
Norway is taking part in promoting the prisoner exchange deal between Hamas and Israel that may see the return of IDF soldiers Lt. Hadar Goldin and Staff Sgt. Oron Shaul, who were killed during Operation Protective Edge, and Israeli citizens Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners jailed in Israel, a Hamas-affiliated Lebanese newspaper reported on Saturday.

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It was also said a Norwegian envoy had visited the Gaza Strip last month and that Hamas welcomes Norway's involvement in the deal.

Hadar Goldin; Oron Shaul; Avera Mengistu

Meanwhile, a delegation of senior Hamas officials from the Gaza Strip and from abroad arrived in Cairo to hold discussions with the Egyptian intelligence head, as part of Egypt's efforts to salvage the intra-Palestinian reconciliation talks as well as promote the ceasefire negotiations with Israel.

The Gaza delegation was headed by Hamas leader deputies Khalil al-Hayya and Saleh al-Arouri. Most recent meeting between Hamas and the Egyptian intelligence was held a week ago in Gaza with the attendance of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

Western sources privy to the details of the discussions held between the Egyptian intelligence officials and Hamas told Ynet that Cairo has acceded to the request of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to freeze the reconciliation talks that almost led to an intra-Palestinian agreement at the end of August.

Abbas warned at the time that any agreement signed without his consent would lead to the deepening of sanctions on the Gaza Strip and would include the Palestinian Authority halting its monthly aid package of $100 million to the strip.

Hamas delegation in Cairo

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (Cogat), Major General Kamil Abu Rokon, met Saturday with UN Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, Ursula Mueller, in New York.

The meeting dealt with assistance to the civilian population in the Gaza Strip and the problem of Israeli POWs and MIAs. Abu Rokon later met with another senior official to discuss projects related to the civilian population in Gaza.

Mueller said the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) will base its reports on facts and while operating out of a positive and productive approach in order to assist the civilian population in Gaza.

Abu Rokon stressed that retrieving the remains of the IDF soldiers and Israeli citizens held captive by Hamas is a moral imperative.

Three months ago, The Al-Hayat London-based newspaper reported that Germany is mediating indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas to promote the long-awaited prisoner exchange deal.

According to the report, German envoys made several secret visits to the Gaza Strip and met with Hamas officials to discuss the possibility of implementing the prisoner exchange deal.

A German diplomatic delegation was in contact with and Israel and the Palestinian Authority. In addition, a new German mediator was appointed for the task and was operating to promote the deal from Berlin.
German police have arrested seven men on suspicion of forming a "far-right terrorist organization" in Chemnitz, where neo-Nazis attacked a Jewish-owned restaurant last month, officials said Monday.

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Six of the men, all German citizens aged between 20 and 30, were arrested Monday by tactical police units in Saxony, the state in which Chemnitz is located, and Bavaria, federal prosecutors said in a statement.





Far-right demonstration in Chemnitz (Photo: EPA)

A seventh suspect 31-year-old German citizen identified as Christian K. for privacy reasons was arrested in a separate case last month.

The suspects are the alleged founders of "Revolution Chemnitz", a far-right group operating in the the eastern city of Chemnitz, where a violent far-right, anti-Semitic mob hurled rocks, bottles and a metal pipe at a kosher restaurant on August 27.

Far-right demonstration in Chemnitz (: )

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While chanting "get out of Germany, Jewish pigs", and we are the people, a slogan used by far-right supporters, the demonstrators smashed the restaurant's window and vandalized the entrance.

The owner, Uwe Dziuballa, suffered an injury to the shoulder during the attack, the reports said.

The kosher restaurant, which opened in 2000, has been attacked several times before.

The Jewish restaurant owner, Uwe Dziuballa (Photo: AFP)

Although prosecutors didn't specify whether the suspects arrested are definitely linked to the attack, they said the men wanted to "carry out violent and armed attacks against foreigners and political enemies" as part of a plan to overthrow Germany's democratic order.

Five of the menChristian K. and four others identified only as Sten E., Martin H., Marcel W. and Sven W.allegedly attacked several foreigners in the center of Chemnitz on Sept. 14, armed with bottles, weighted "sap" gloves and a taser.

Prosecutors said the attack was a "test run" for another attack the men planned for Oct. 3, Germany's national unity day.

German Justice Minister Katarina Barley cited the arrest as further evidence of the threat posed by far-right extremists. "If the allegations are further substantiated, then investigators will have succeeded in conducting an important blow against far-right terrorism," she told the Funke newspaper group.

Violent far-right riots have erupted in the city since a German man was stabbed to death, allegedly by asylum-seekers, on August 26.

A 23-year-old Syrian is being held in custody on suspicion of manslaughter in the aforementioned case. An Iraqi man is also being sought over the killing.

"This is a new level of anti-Semitism. It's impossible not to compare this to what happened in the 1930s," The German Federal Commissioner to Combat anti-Semitism, Felix Klein said.

Germany's Central Council of Jews, Josef Schuster (Photo: AP)

Germany's Central Council of Jews, Josef Schuster, said the attack shows "how strongly rooted right-wing extremism is in the region," adding that "attempts at appeasement and a lack of distancing from the right-populists play exactly into the hands of these forces.

The Chemnitz attack was the latest in a series of violent crimes by refugees that have garnered massive media attention and stoked anger at German Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision to allow in more than one million migrants and refugees since 2015.

After the German man was stabbed to death in August, thousands of local citizens and violent far-right members have taken to the Chemnitz mainly at night, with some seen flashing the illegal Nazi salute.

In several cases violent riots included attacks on police officers, journalists and passersby suspected of being migrants.

German chancellor Merkel condemned the demonstrations and said that the scenes from Chemnitz "convey a message of hatred towards innocent people."

That was a horrible incident. What we saw afterwards is something that has no place in a state under the rule of law, she told a news conference in Berlin.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (Photo: AFP)

We wont tolerate such unlawful assemblies and the hounding of people who look different or have different origins, and attempts to spread hatred on the streets, Merkels spokesman Steffen Seibert told a regular news briefing.

"That has no place in our cities and we, as the German government, condemn it in the strongest terms. Our basic message for Chemnitz and beyond is that there is no place in Germany for vigilante justice, for groups that want to spread hatred on the streets, for intolerance and for extremism," Seibert concluded.
A Somali police officer says a suicide car bomber has targeted a European Union military convoy carrying Italian military trainers in the Somali capital Monday.

Capt. Mohamed Hussein said the car bomber detonated his explosives-laden vehicle next to a military convoy near Somalia's defense ministry compound, injuring several soldiers.
The Higher Arab Monitoring Committee will launch a strike Monday marking 18 years to the October 2000 riots which saw 13 Arab citizens killed, and in protest of the recently-passed Nation State Law and latest decisions taken by the US against the Palestinians.

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In addition to the Arab sector in Israel, the general strike will include Gaza as well as West Bank's residents.

Arab sector launches general strike (Photo: Reuters)

Thousands are expected to take part in the main gathering in the Arab local council of Jatt in the Triangle area of Haifa District.

Despite the Education Ministry had announced that schools will operate as usual, many of the Arab students decided to stay at home in solidarity.

Husni Masarwa, a Wadi Ara resident, said, "We've declared a general strike in honor of the Shahids (martyrs) who sacrificed their lives for the al-Aqsa mosque.

"This strike is also a protest against the racist Nation-State Law that harms Arab citizens. We must continue our struggle until the law is revoked, otherwise this government will continue harming us," he opined.

East Jerusalem residents said the situation in the al-Aqsa mosque is is extremely volatile.

Arab citizens mark 18 years to Oct. 2000 riots

"Unfortunately, the police allow Jews to walk around freely inside the mosque to provoke worshipers," east Jerusalem residents were cited as saying.

"If things remain as they are, a conflagration might spark," they added.

Knesset member Yousef Jabareen (Joint List) explained that the strike symbolizes the continued struggle of the resistance against the discrimination and racism inflicted upon the Arab public.

"We who were born here, will continue fighting for civil and national equality," he asserted.

The CEOs of the Abraham Fund Initiativean Israeli NGO that promotes equality within Israeli societysaid that the scope of violent exercised to oppress the protests during the October 2000 riots has not been used against any other sector in Israel.

Arab sector strikes in protest of Nation-State Law (Photo: AFP)

They added that "Over the past 18 years, real actions have been taken to narrow the gaps (between the different sectors in Israel). However, the government has become more radical towards the Arabs, with public servants conveying inciting messages, and racist legislation which culminated in the passing of the Nation-State Law. "

"October 2000 riots have had ramifications on the complex relations between the Arab sector and the police which are present to this day. The crime and violence plaguing the Arab communities exprees the harsh trust crisis leading to the current rift between Israeli Arabs and the police," Abraham Fund Initiative's CEOs elaborated.

"The Abraham Fund Initiative calls on the ministers to hear the silent cry of the Arab citizens who repeatedly extend their hand to establish a more equal society," they concluded.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) had evacuated ten international employees from Gaza to Israel via Erez crossing on Monday.

The move was promoted by threats made to UNRWA's international employees by the organization's Palestinian employees.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) had evacuated 10 of its international senior employees from Gaza to Israel on Monday, after they were threatened and harassed by UNRWA's disgruntled local Palestinian staff following the agency's announcement to cut more than 250 jobs.

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The agency's senior officials were rescued and transferred to Israeli territory via the Erez crossingwhich remained closed throughout the Jewish holidays but was re-opened by the Israeli security officials following an official request from UNRWA.





UNRWA's employees block the entrance to the Al Deira Hotel in Gaza

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories issued an official statement, confirming the incident.

"A number of foreign UNRWA employees have been evacuated from the Gaza Strip to Israel. This is due to the tensions as a result of the financial crisis UNRWA is facing and subsequent concern for the safety of its foreign staff, stressed the statement.

The Hamas terrorist organization did not protect the agency's staff from the violence directed against them, the statement concluded.

UNRWA's employees launched a general strike Monday in protest of the agency's decision to fire 100 UNRWA workers in Gaza.

In addition to the demonstrations held in front of UNRWA headquarters, employees blocked the entrance to the Al Deira Hotel in Gaza while Matthias Schmale, the agency's Gaza Director met with the agency's security officer.

Hamas security forces arrived at the hotel's entrance to prevent the demonstrators from breaking into the hotel.

The protesters lay under the wheels of Schmale's car and blocked it with their bodies.

Protester lying underneath Schmale's car

In light of the recent escalation in Hamas-led border violence and due to growing concern for the welfare of the agency's international staff, UNRWA decided to evacuate the employees from the strip.

According to reports, the agency's director and his deputy are still inside Gaza, but, according to various sources, they might be evacuated later on Monday.

Two months ago, it had been announced that 154 UNRWA employees from the West Bank and 113 from Gaza are expected to be laid off following the US decision to withhold hundreds of millions in aid.

The decision to dismiss the employees was known several weeks after UNRWA's Commissioner-General Pierre Krahenbuhl, announced that the budget allocated to the West Bank and Gaza Strip had expired in June and that he had authorized taking budget advances to allow UNRWA to continue its normal functioning until the end of July.

Erez crossing (Photo: Roee Idan)

In August, the US announced a halt in its aid to UNRWA, calling it an "irredeemably flawed operation", a decision that further heightened tensions between the Palestinian leadership and US President Donald Trump's administration.

UNRWA provides services to about 5 million Palestinian refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank and Gaza. Most are descendants of some 700,000 Palestinians who were driven out of their homes or fled fighting in the 1948 war that led to Israel's creation.

The growing refugee count was cited by Washington, UNRWA's biggest donor, in its decision to withhold funding.

Nikki Haley, the US Ambassador to the United Nations (Photo: AFP)

Nikki Haley, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, has been critical of the UN's count of Palestinian refugees. She has also questioned the "right of return" to Israel, claimed by the Palestinians as part of any eventual peace settlement.

"When you don't tackle the underlying causes of conflict, that's when you get 70 years of UNRWA, it's not UNRWA that perpetuates itself, it's because the refugee community is still there waiting for a political solution to address its situation," Krahenbuhl said.

The Trump administration has taken a number of unprecedented actions that have upset the Palestinians, such as recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a reversal of longtime US policy. It led to the Palestinian leadership boycotting Washington's peace efforts being led by Jared Kushner, Trump's senior adviser and son-in-law.

Krahenbuhl compared the Palestinian refugee "right of return" issue with those of Rohingya Muslim refugees from Myanmar who have fled into Bangladesh and the return of Bosnian Muslim refugees to areas under Serb control in the 1990s.

"So the only question one should ask is why should Palestine refugees be the one community where this question is not a justified question," Krahenbuhl stated.

UNRWA leadership and Palestinian officials say its presence is necessary until a permanent solution can be found for the refugees.

The local Palestinian staff has been waging a violent fight against the layoff plans for several months.Two months ago they blocked the UNRWA headquarters in the Gaza Strip, demanding the dismissal of the agencys director at the Gaza branch.

Several employees fainted and needed hospitalization after they had received received dismissal letters. Others went as far as to douse themselves in gasoline in an attempt to set themselves on fire. However their colleagues intervened at the last minute and prevented a greater tragedy.
Lebanon's Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil said on Monday that Israel was seeking to "justify another aggression" with false allegations of missile sites belonging to Iran-backed Hezbollah.

The ministry convened foreign ambassadors to respond to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's charges and will take them on a tour of at least one of the locations in Beirut.
A flotilla as part of the March of Return campaign started making its way on Saturday from the northern Gaza Strip, in an attempt to breach Israeli maritime border.

This is the tenth March of Return flotilla, which usually set sail each Monday afternoon.
President Donald Trump on Monday celebrated a revised North American trade deal with Canada and Mexico as a return of the United States to a "manufacturing powerhouse," vowing to sign the agreement by late November.

But the president noted that the deal would need to be ratified by Congress, a step that could be complicated by the outcome of the fall congressional elections. When told he seemed confident of congressional approval, he said he was "not at all confident" but felt ratification would be granted if lawmakers took the correct action.
The residents of Khan al-Ahmar, a Bedouin village in the West Bank, prepared on Monday for an Israeli demolition of the hamlet as activists arrived to help them resist in case Israeli troops moved in to evict them.

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Many spent the night sleeping in a school courtyard or keeping vigil as the midnight deadline passed for Khan al-Ahmar's residents to evacuate on their own or face forced removal and the demolition of their homes. However, it was unlikely this would happen at least before the end of a Jewish holiday of Sukkot at sundown Monday.

Israel says the encampment of corrugated shacks outside an Israeli settlement was illegally built and in an unsafe location near a major highway. It has offered to resettle residents a few miles away in what it says are improved conditionswith connections to water, electricity and sewage treatment they currently lack.

(Photo: Amit Shabi)

The High Court of Justice recently rejected a final appeal against the plan , paving the way for Khan al-Ahmar's potential demolition, should the government proceed with its plans.

The encampment has become a rallying cry for Palestinians and Israel has come under heavy criticism, with major European countries urging it to refrain from demolition and removal of Khan al-Ahmar's 180 or so residents.

Much of the high-level European engagement derives from concerns that such demolitions could threaten the prospect of a contiguous Palestinian state, at a time of already fading hopes for a two-state solution.

(Photo: Amit Shabi)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is to arrive in Israel later this week for an unrelated visit, which may spark a further delay in Israeli action.

Some 200 activists were camped out at the location as the October 1 deadline passed, giving the residents training for that they call non-violent resistance. "We trained them how to quickly move into the shacks, in groups, and make the soldiers' mission as difficult as they can," said Monzer Amereh, a leading activist who has been there for weeks. "We are going to sit inside the shacks and will not leave and let them take us out by force."

Activists said Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Palestinian Authority has been supporting the community and providing them with legal and financial assistance. Residents have recently planted more trees and set up new shacks in a show of defiance.

"We will not leave, we will sit in the wild until they leave, and we will rebuild it again," said Eid Khamis, the community's leader. "This is our land, not their land and we live here and die here."

Khan al-Ahmar (Photo: AP)

Israel says the case is a simple matter of law and order. Officials note that Israel has also evicted Jewish settlers who have squatted illegally. But settlers generally have a much easier time receiving building permits, and the government often retroactively legalizes unauthorized outposts or offers compensation to uprooted settlers.

The village is in the 60 percent of the West Bank known as Area C, which remains under exclusive Israeli control.

As part of interim peace deals in the 1990s, the West Bank was carved up into autonomous and semi-autonomous Palestinian areas, known as Areas A and B, and Area C, which is home to some 400,000 Israeli settlers.

The Palestinians claim all the West Bank for their future state and say that Area C, home also to an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 Palestinians, is crucial to its economic development.
At first, it seemed that the Russian threat to supply Assad with the S-300 system was yet another in a long line of warnings we have heard before. However, this time it looks much more serious seeing as Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov claimed on Wednesday that the transfer of anti-aircraft missile systems to Syria already started.

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For years, Israel, through diplomatic efforts, have been trying to prevent Syria from acquiring the advanced air-defense system. Today, the even more advanced S-400, is already in limited use by the Russian military, which has not been able to affect the Israel Air Forces activity so far. The efforts to prevent the deal from being completely finalized will continue in the near future, but in order for them to succeed, Jerusalem needs Washington which until John Bolton's statement of support a week ago ago, had not make an effort to be involved in the current crisis.

Although the punitive measuresincluding the blocking of satellite navigation systems, radars and inter-aircraft communicationsare expected to make the IAFs operations in Syria very difficult, the IDF has been preparing for the arrival of the anti-aircraft system for the past 20 years. According to foreign reports, IAF planes conduct training sessions in friendly states several times a year, attempting to acquire skill in dealing with such missiles.

In addition, the Syrians still do not know how to operate the system. As we have seen in recent years, especially during the downing of the Russian plane, the skill level of the Syrian army is amateurish at best, and they are liable to endanger not only Russian and American aircrafts but civilian ones as well.

In any event, the process of training the Syrian personnel in order to properly use the new system is expected to last for several months, which actually presents a problem for the IAF, seeing as the Russians might be the ones operating it until the Syrians are ready to step in.

Israeli policy in Syria is not expected to change in the meantime, and not only regarding strikes targeting shipments of weapons but also when it comes anti-aircraft systems as wellwhich will be destroyed if they endanger IAFs planes. However, if the systems, as assumed earlier, will be operated by Russian soldiers, the dilemma whether to strike or not would become more complicated. There is probably a solution to this dilemma as well but its clear that this situation is problematic even though the IDF assesses that the probability of the Russian soldiers shooting anti-aircraft missiles at IAF aircrafts is quite low.

Its also important to remember that the Russians know the IAF preparedness level is high, and the last thing they want is to be embarrassed by an incident that might affect negatively their arms industry.

It is also unclear what will be the fate of the Iran-Syria-Hezbollah weapons smuggling route. The Iranians may prefer to halt the arms shipments until the system is in place and operating.

The announcement of the Russian Defense Ministrywhich is still unable to admit that the Syrians were actually at fault for their planes downing, included a series of falsehoods that can easily be refuted with the documented evidence.

For example, the claim that the Russians were given only one minute warning by the IAF, when in reality it was 12 minutes, and according to the Russians themselves, the plane was hit 25 minutes after the Israeli warning was receivedenough time for the plane to make its way back. The argument between the two sides about the timing raises another question: When is the warning supposed to be given?

The bottom line is that the statement by the IDF Spokespersons Unit indicates that Israeli policy regarding the smuggling of Iranian weapons through Syria will not change. Who among all the players involved in this crisis will stand behind their statements? We will wait and see.
IRONWOOD, Mich. - Josephine Helen Petroski, 98, of Ironwood, and formerly of Neenah and Mercer, Wis., died on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, in Ironwood.

She was born on Sept. 22, 1920, in Ironwood, daughter of the late Martin and Kate (Surapetz) Buckovetz, She attended Ironwood schools, graduating from Luther L. Wright High School in 1938.

On Sept. 7, 1946, Josephine married Joseph E. Petroski at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Ironwood by the late Rev. Carl Petranek. They set up their first home in Detroit, where she worked during World War II.

They both eagerly looked forward to their annual two vacations with family at some lake cottage in Gogebic County. There was always lots of fishing, card games, horseshoes and singing along with Mitch Miller.

Joseph preceded her in death on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2007.

Josephine was employed at the Burroughs Corporation in Detroit as an accountant for 33 years and seven months retiring on Sept. 30, 1980. During that time she was very proud of her volunteer work with Junior Achievement, helping many young people learn personal finance and accounting. Upon retirement, she and Joe moved to Neenah to be closer to family in Ironwood. She cherished her Ironwood roots and always felt most at home in the northwoods.

She was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church and enjoyed her visits from Fr. Robb Jurkovich. Josephine also had been a volunteer at St. Vincent DePaul for approximately six years in the not too distant past.

Josephine is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, who will remember her as a very supportive and generous aunt who made any gathering fun.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Martin and Joseph Buckovetz; sister, Katherine Osterman; sisters-in-law, Monica and Dorothy Buckovetz; brother-in-law, John Osterman; and her beloved Chihuahua, Molly.

In accordance with Josephine's wishes, cremation has taken place.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018, from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood at 11 a.m. with Fr. Robb Jurkovich as celebrant.

A committal service will take place at Riverside Cemetery directly following the Mass.

Luncheon will be served in the church hall upon return from the cemetery.

McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home is assisting the family.

For more information or to give online condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.
News

New Orleans, Louisiana - Ryan Keith Taylor, 24, of New Llano, Louisiana, and a soldier at Fort Polk, was sentenced Monday to 135 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for manufacturing, possessing and detonating a chemical weapon in the Kisatchie National Forest adjacent to the Fort Polk Army installation in Louisiana.

The sentence was announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers and U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph for the Western District of Louisiana. The sentence was issued by U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey.

Taylor produced and detonated a chemical bomb near Fort Polk, causing injury to his fellow soldiers who responded to and investigated the incident. said Assistant Attorney General Demers. Todays sentence holds Taylor accountable for his crime and makes clear that we will not tolerate such conduct. I want to thank the agents and prosecutors who are responsible for this result and our military and local law enforcement partners for their significant contributions to this investigation.

Supporting and protecting our soldiers is of utmost importance to my office, said U.S. Attorney Joseph. Those serving our country put their lives on the line daily to protect us. They should not be put in danger needlessly. The chemical weapon the defendant created in this case is banned under international and national laws because of its terrible effects on the human body. I want to thank our U.S. military, federal and local law enforcement for their combined effort investigating this case and bringing this defendant to justice.

According to the June 11, guilty plea, Taylor detonated an explosive device containing chlorine gas on the morning of April 12, 2017 in the Kisatchie National Forest near Fort Polk. Three U.S. Army soldiers who were conducting a training exercise nearby heard the explosions and found Taylor standing near his vehicle filming the explosion with his cell phone. They then questioned Taylor and reported the incident to military police.

Upon arriving at the site of the explosion, Fort Polk military police investigators examined the scene and began collecting samples at the blast site. One investigator filled a plastic bag with a rock coated in an unknown substance. The bag immediately popped and the investigators plastic gloves and boots began to melt. He also began to experience difficulty breathing and his skin started burning. Law enforcement later detained Taylor at Fort Polk and searched his vehicle. During the search, investigators found remnants of the explosive device and chlorine residue, which one investigator inhaled and touched, causing him to be hospitalized. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement agents found bomb-making notes, materials and chemical residue in Taylors vehicle, apartment and storage building. The two victims who inhaled the chlorine gas were treated multiple times for their injuries and effectively ended their military careers.

The U.S. Army Directorate of Emergency Services, Military Police, Criminal Investigation Command, and Military Intelligence/Army Counterintelligence Gulf Coast at Fort Polk, Louisiana; the FBI and the FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force; the Louisiana State Police; the Vernon Parish Sheriffs Office; and local police and fire agencies in Vernon Parish investigated the case.

U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph, Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennis E. Robinson of the Western District of Louisiana, and Trial Attorney David Cora of the National Security Divisions Counterterrorism section prosecuted the case.
News

Washington, DC - Chairman Hoeven, Vice Chairman Udall, Members of the Committee, it is an honor to appear before you today. My name is Caren Harp, and I am the Administrator of the Department of Justices Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). OJJDPs mission is to provide national leadership, coordination and resources to prevent and respond to juvenile delinquency and victimization.

Our goal is to help states, tribes and communities develop and implement effective and equitable juvenile justice systems that enhance public safety, hold youth accountable and empower youth to live productive, law-abiding lives. As OJJDP Administrator, I oversee OJJDP grant programs and other efforts that meet the Departments juvenile justice priorities.

OJJDP is one of six components of the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), the Justice Departments primary grant-making, research, and statistical arm.[1] OJJDP and its fellow offices invest substantial resources each year in tribal public safety activities, none more important than those that affect Native American youth. The Government Accountability Offices report, Native American Youth: Involvement in Justice Systems and Information on Grants to Help Address Juvenile Delinquency,[2] (GAO Report), examined many of these programs, placing them in the context of tribal youth involvement in our federal, state and local, and tribal justice systems.

The GAO Report outlines the Departments considerable funding investments in tribal communities, continuing to this day. In FY 2018, the Department is awarding more than $226 million to improve public safety in tribal communities. About half of that  more than $113 million  comes through a mechanism called the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS), which allows tribes to apply for more than one grant by submitting a single application. CTAS also gives tribes greater flexibility to use grant programs to address their criminal justice and public safety needs. More than 130 tribes, Alaska Native villages, tribal consortia and tribal designees will receive grants under the CTAS umbrella.

In addition, OJPs Office for Victims of Crimes (OVC) will be awarding grants under the Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Program, a 3-percent set-aside of the Crime Victims Fund authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018. More than 170 Native American and Alaska Native communities will benefit from this new source of funding, which is designed to expand and improve services to victims who live in tribal communities.

The Departments investments in Indian country extend beyond these grant resources. The GAO report addresses many of these efforts.

I. Justice System Data Collection

A number of Department of Justice components contributed to the GAO Report and are involved in these data collection and reporting efforts: the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, the Bureau of Prisons, the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), and OJJDP.

The Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010 (TLOA), P.L. 111-211, 201(a) at 124 Stat. 2261, directed the Department to collect data related to crimes in tribal communities. BJS is set to administer the first Census of Tribal Law Enforcement Agencies in April 2019. BJS also completed the first National Survey of Tribal Court Systems, which had an overall 80% response rate among the 237 tribal courts during 2014.[3] These data collections specifically gather needed information on the administration and operational characteristics of these core tribal justice agencies.

In addition, BJS established several tribal justice panels to ensure that tribal governments, their law enforcement agencies, and their courts have a central role in the development, design and implementation of the data collection programs. These tribal justice panels comprise tribal leaders, law enforcement officials and court representatives from across the country, along with representatives from OJP, the Departments Office of Tribal Justice (OTJ), the FBIs Indian Country Crimes Unit, and the Department of the Interiors Office of Justice Services. Their role is to ensure a tribally-centered and coordinated approach to establishing data collection systems that address tribal public safety challenges and close the gaps in knowledge about crime and justice in Indian country. TLOA requires BJS to report to Congress annually its activities related to the tribal data collection analyzed. In July 2018, BJS released the Tribal Crime Data Collection Activities, 2016-2018, which summarizes the efforts to date.

II. Grant Programs and Resources that Address Juvenile Delinquency

The Department provided GAO application and award information from 73 FY 2015-FY 2017 grant programs, representing approximately $605 million in grants designed to help prevent or address juvenile delinquency among youth.[4] DOJ and HHS collectively awarded $207.7 million to tribal governments and Native American organizations. HHS awarded $106.5 million and the Department awarded $101.2 million.[5] The Departments grants were funded by OJP components: OJJDP; OVC; the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA); the National Institute of Justice (NIJ); and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking (SMART Office).

The following section includes details on CTAS grants that have supported efforts to address juvenile delinquency and support tribal communities:

Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS)

OJJDP, OVC, BJA, OVW and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) have coordinated funding to support CTAS by Purpose Area since FY 2010.[6] By the end of FY 2018, the Justice Department will have awarded more than 2,000 CTAS grants totaling more than $940 million to hundreds of American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Through CTAS, applicants apply under one solicitation, which allows tribes to plan comprehensively and strategically allocate resources. In addition, one budget worksheet is required, one system of submitting grants electronically is used, and application support is available through a dedicated Response Center.

The Department provides training and technical assistance for tribes interested in applying for CTAS. Each year, the Department organizes a webinar series that provides detailed information on each section of the solicitation. In FY 2017, the Department offered two in-person Accessing Grants to Strengthen Tribal Justice System Capacity grant writing workshops targeting tribes that historically were unsuccessful for receiving funds under the CTAS program. The workshops were offered on January 18-19 in Columbia, South Carolina, and January 24-25 in Anchorage, Alaska. Many tribes that participated in the training did go on to receive funding in the subsequent application cycles. The workshops helped increase the success rate of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma from 37 percent to almost 50 percent for receiving grants in FY 2017. It helped raise the Nez Perce Tribes success rate for receiving CTAS grant awards to more than 40 percent, as well.

OJJDP also has an online tool that offers information on developing high-quality CTAS applications.[7] This resource is available to all federally recognized tribes.

CTAS Purpose Area 4

Under CTAS Purpose Area 4, Tribal Justice System Infrastructure Program, tribes receive funding to renovate, expand, or replace existing buildings (prefabricated or permanent modular facilities only). These modifications enhance staff, resident, detainee, and inmate safety and security for the following tribal justice-related facility types: single jurisdiction or regional tribal correctional facilities, correctional alternative or treatment facilities, multipurpose justice centers (including police departments, courts, and/or corrections), and transitional living facilities (halfway houses). Ensuring that these supports are in place enhances the safety and security of Native youth.

One example is the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council, which constructed the Butterfly Healing Center, a residential and outpatient treatment center for Native American youth ages 13 through 18. Prior to constructing the center, the Council lacked alternative sentencing options and resources to divert juveniles from receiving formal criminal justice records in the state or federal system. The tribe now provides treatment for youth that covers spiritual, physical, psychological, medical and cognitive health.

Another example of CTASs impact is the work of the Yurok Tribe  the largest tribe in California. As a result of BJA funding, the Yurok Tribe was able to construct a fully functional Multipurpose Justice Center that accommodates a courtroom, mediation area, self-help center, probation, judges chambers, clerk of the court, administration area, public restroom and lobby areas, and cuff bench for in-custody defendants. With additional BJA funding, the tribe is expanding the Justice Center to incorporate the Yurok Tribal Police.

CTAS Purpose Area 6

Purpose Area 6, the Children s Justice Act Partnership for Indian Communities Program (CJA), assists American Indian and Alaska Native communities in developing, establishing and operating programs to improve the investigation, prosecution and handling of child abuse cases, especially child sexual abuse, by providing trauma-informed, culturally appropriate services to child abuse victims and their families.

CTAS Purpose Area 8

CTAS Purpose Area 8, Tribal Juvenile Healing to Wellness Courts, supports tribes seeking to develop new court-based programs to respond to the alcohol and substance use issues of juveniles and young adults under the age of 21. Federally recognized tribes that have an existing court system and are interested in developing a new Justice Healing to Wellness Court are eligible to apply.

Another example of the impact of CTAS funding is the work of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians Tribal Court, which has enhanced services to include a Youth Wellness Court. The tribe used grant funds to hire an Associate Judge, Tribal Presenting Officer (prosecutor), and Tribal Defense Advocate (public defender). The court holds weekly sessions for wellness cases and the Wellness Case Manager works with Tribal Youth prevention programs, which are funded through a CTAS Purpose Area 9 Tribal Youth Program grant.

CTAS Purpose Area 9

CTAS Purpose Area 9, Tribal Youth Program, supports and enhances tribal efforts to prevent and reduce juvenile delinquency and ensure a fair and beneficial juvenile justice system response to American Indian and Alaska Native youth. The funding in this purpose area is available to create, expand, or strengthen tribal-driven approaches along the juvenile justice continuum, from prevention to intervention and treatment.

Tribes successfully employ a variety of approaches to their youth programming using Purpose Area 9 funding. These approaches include equine therapy, diversion and Tribal Court Appointed Special Advocates, a cultural tribal youth program based on a model known as the Healing Canoe Journey, which is considered a best practice model in cultural prevention for Pacific Northwest Tribes.

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention

OJJDP also funds other initiatives that address juvenile delinquency in Indian Country, including the Tribal Youth Training and Technical Assistance program, the National Intertribal Youth Leadership Initiative, and several mentoring initiatives.

The OJJDP Tribal Youth Training and Technical Assistance Center provides comprehensive training and technical assistance for OJJDP tribal grantees. The Center works with grantees through a strategic planning process and offers ongoing support throughout the course of their grant program. All tribes, regardless of whether they are funded by OJJDP, are eligible to participate in an array of trainings, webinars and online virtual simulation trainings.

The National Intertribal Youth Leadership Initiative builds on the successes of past OJJDP Tribal Youth Summits and expands the leadership development support that OJJDP offers to tribal youth. The initiative supports regional learning events for tribal youth focused on developing leadership skills. Building on these events, the youth will develop community service projects related to juvenile delinquency issues in their community. This may include a community awareness project on opioid abuse, a presentation on positive decision-making skills, supporting a drug take-back day, or other related activities.

The Department also funds a number of mentoring programs through the Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative solicitation. Mentoring promotes positive behaviors, attitudes and outcomes for youth, and reduces risk factors associated with delinquency and juvenile justice system involvement, such as poor school attendance, school failure, and alcohol and drug abuse. It has been shown to improve academic performance and/or social or job skills, support behavioral or other personal development, and reduce consumption of alcohol and other drugs. While these funds support mentoring programs operated by mentoring organizations, the services may be available to tribal youth (on and off reservation). Starting in FY 2015, OJJDP added a requirement to Category 1: National Mentoring within the Mentoring Opportunities for Youth solicitation that applicants must target mentoring services and programs to American Indian (AI) and Alaska Native (AN) youth both on and off reservations. In addition, OJJDP created a category in the FY 2018 Mentoring Opportunities for Youth solicitation specifically identifying tribes as eligible for $1.25 million each to support mentoring services for youth impacted by opioids.

Bureau of Justice Assistance

BJA funds a number of programs that address juvenile delinquency. For example, BJA sponsored a pilot program and practice guide to assist with the development of joint jurisdiction courts. Jurisdiction is exercised jointly when the tribal court and state or federal court judges convene to exercise their respective authority simultaneously. These courts bring together justice system partners and allow the system to work collaboratively and creatively toward better results for individuals involved in the adult and juvenile justice systems. There are seven active joint jurisdiction courts and others in the planning process. More information is available on the joint jurisdiction courts webpage at https://walkingoncommonground.org/ (link is external).

Another example is the Shingle Springs Rancheria and El Dorado County Superior Court Family Wellness Court, which provides system-involved youth and their families with a court-supervised alternative that emphasizes culturally-appropriate restorative justice practices. BJA funded the initial joint jurisdiction court pilot sites, then provided intensive technical assistance to three regions to plan their joint jurisdiction courts. BJAs work on this initiative informed an update to A Manual for Developing Tribal, Local, State & Federal Justice Collaborations, Second Edition. This publication can assist tribes, states, counties and others in planning a joint jurisdiction collaboration.

National Institute of Justice

NIJ has supported research and evaluation studies on tribal crime and justice issues since the 1980s. In partnership with OVC and OJJDP, it is funding the Tribal Youth Victimization Study. This effort will develop a process for collecting self-report data on American Indian and Alaska Native youth violence and victimization. NIJ also has developed a comprehensive research program on violence against American Indian and Alaska Native women consisting of several projects that will be accomplished over an extended period. The primary goal of these projects is to document the prevalence and nature of violence against Indian women living on sovereign tribal lands.

Grant Oversight and Management

Guarding against waste, fraud and abuse with both tribal and non-tribal grantees is a top priority of the Department. OJPs Office of Audit, Assessment and Management (OAAM) works to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of justice programs and operations by ensuring oversight and review of grants management policy and procedures, grants management systems and grants compliance. OAAM continually improves and refines our risk tools and makes improvements to our oversight processes.

Tribal Access Program

The Tribal Access Program (TAP) funded by SMART, COPS and OVC, and supported by OTJ and Justice Management Divisions Office of the Chief Information Officer, offers tribes valuable tools to improve public safety. TAP allows tribes access to federal databases so that law enforcement may more quickly share information on registered sex offenders and protection orders. It also enables tribes to more effectively serve and protect their communities by ensuring the exchange of critical data across the Criminal Justice Information Services systems and other national crime information systems, for both civil and criminal purposes.

The SMART Office also is working regularly with federally recognized tribes that have elected to implement the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Over 130 tribes have already substantially implemented SORNA and more continue to work towards this goal.

Additional DOJ Tribal Collaboration

In addition to grant programs, the Justice Department remains committed to addressing juvenile delinquency at every phase of the justice process (arrest, adjudication, and confinement) as it implements TLOA. OTJ and the network of tribal liaisons in the U.S. Attorneys offices and specialists throughout the country collaborate with tribes to improve law enforcement functions and reduce crime. For example, each U.S. Attorneys office with jurisdiction in Indian Country regularly consults with tribes to develop strategies to combat juvenile delinquency. These offices each have a tribal liaison to link efforts between the Department and tribal leadership. The Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys also trains federal, state, local and tribal attorneys, and law enforcement staff on law enforcement issues in Indian country.

As the Department continues to enhance its public safety efforts in tribal communities, we remain committed to addressing juvenile delinquency while empowering youth to live productive, law-abiding lives. Thank you, and I look forward to addressing your questions
Latest News

New York - The owner of four pharmacies in Queens, New York, will be arraigned later today in federal court in Brooklyn on an indictment charging her with submitting millions of dollars in claims as part of a scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid. The proceeding will take place before U.S. Magistrate Judge Steven L. Tiscione at 11:00 a.m.

Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Richard P. Donoghue for the Eastern District of New York, Assistant Director in Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. of the FBI New York Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General New York Region (HHS-OIG), announced the indictment.

As alleged in the indictment, Aleah Mohammed, aka Aleah Haniff, 33, of Queens, New York, was the owner and operator of Superdrugs Inc., Superdrugs I Inc., Superdrugs II Inc. and S&A Superdrugs II Inc. Beginning in approximately May 2015 and continuing through June 2018, Mohammed executed a scheme in which she and others submitted fraudulent claims to Medicare Part D plans and Medicaid for reimbursement for prescription drugs that were not dispensed, prescribed as claimed, or medically necessary. The allegedly fraudulent claims included claims for prescription drugs for the treatment of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). From approximately May 2015 through January 2018, Mohammeds pharmacies received approximately $7.9 million in reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid. The indictment further alleges that Mohammed used the proceeds of the scheme, among other things, to purchase luxury items such as a Porsche and jewelry. Mohammed was previously arrested on a complaint in July 2018.

According to the allegations in the indictment announced today, Aleah Mohammed defrauded the taxpayer-funded Medicare and Medicaid programs by submitting millions of dollars of phony reimbursement claims, and then used the stolen money to purchase luxury items such as cars and jewelry, said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. This case is another example of the outstanding work of the Departments Medicare Fraud Strike Forces, which are focused on safeguarding federally funded health care programs and vigorously prosecuting those who seek to defraud them.

As alleged in the indictment, Mohammed used her pharmacies to steal from publicly funded health care programs and fund her lavish lifestyle, said U.S. Attorney Donoghue. This Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to holding accountable fraudsters who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of vital taxpayer-funded programs upon which so many Americans rely.

These investigations matter because the subjects are stealing money each and every one of us pays in taxes to fund these programs, said FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. What adds insult to injury, defrauding the government and stealing money is rarely about anything more than spending money on frivolous things like pricy jewelry and fast cars. Our ultimate goal is to stop these fraudsters from wasting the millions they steal so it can go to the patients and taxpayers who depend on it.

Ms. Mohammeds alleged fraud scheme was motivated by nothing more than personal greed, stated HHS-OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Lampert. This indictment should serve as a warning to any health care provider daring to use Medicare and Medicaid as a vehicle to steal money. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue those who seek to undermine taxpayer-funded health care programs intended for our most vulnerable Americans.

The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case, which was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision by the Criminal Divisions Fraud Section and U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of New York. Trial Attorney Andrew Estes of the Fraud Section is in charge of the prosecution.

The Criminal Divisions Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in 12 cities across the country, has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion.
Latest News

West Lafayette, Indiana - NASA astronaut and Purdue alumnus Drew Feustel will take part in a spacewalk Sunday (Sept. 30) that will become another historic record for a Boilermaker astronaut.

The 10th spacewalk of Feustels career is expected to tie him with former astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria for most spacewalks by an American astronaut. Live coverage of the briefing and spacewalks will air on NASA Television and the agencys website.

The purpose of the spacewalk is to make upgrades to the International Space Stations power system. Together with Alexander Gerst, a European Space Agency flight engineer, Feustel will venture outside the Quest Airlock to install the adapter plates for new batteries, completing the upgrades to two power station channels.

Drew Feustel (NASA photo)

This is another example of a Purdue astronaut making history. Because of Purdues rich space history, Giant Leaps is the name of Purdues Sesquicentennial Campaign. Space: Earth, Exploration and Economics is one the celebrations giant leaps themes. Feustel discusses his giant leaps in this video.

The equipment to be installed will be delivered on a Japanese cargo craft. The installation work will begin on Earth, when ground controllers use the stations robotic arm to replace old nickel-hydrogen batteries with six new lithium-ion batteries.

Feustel, who received an honorary Doctor of Science from Purdue in May, is expected to eventually surpass Lopez-Alegria for overall spacewalking time and become the all-time leading U.S. spacewalker and second overall in spaceflight history.

He has spent a total of 220 days in space, including 91 days on this, his third mission. He is scheduled to return to Earth in October.

Before joining NASA in 2000, Feustel was a geophysicist for the Engineering Seismology Group in Ontario, Canada, and an exploration geophysicist for Exxon Mobil Exploration Co. His first spaceflight was the STS-125 final mission to the Hubble Space Telescope in 2009, followed by Space Shuttle Endeavors final mission to the International Space Station on STS-134, where he served as the lead spacewalker in 2011.

Purdue, known as the Cradle of Astronauts, has graduated 24 NASA astronauts, including the first and most recent people to walk on the moon, along with hundreds of others who work at NASA and in the space industry. More than one-third of all U.S. spaceflights with humans aboard have included at least one Boilermaker. By the end of 2018, Purdue astronauts will have spent the equivalent of more than 1,100 days in space.
Yuma News

Yuma, Arizona - AWC students will have an opportunity to attend a three-day conference led by dignitaries coming from Okinawa, Japan. Isao Kise, a 10th degree black belt and director of the All Okinawan Shorin Ryu Kenshin Kan Karate and Kobudo Federation, will be leading the conference along with his translator Sonomi Atsuzawa-Windley.

Kise teaches traditional karate, sport karate, and sport kumite as well as full contact karate. He is a senior judge for tournaments throughout the Island of Okinawa and is also the All Okinawan Kata, Kobudo, and Kumite Grand Champion.

The conference will be taking place before the start of AWCs 8-week karate classes, which begin Monday, October 15. The courses focus on basic skills associated with the discipline of karate, with an emphasis on physical conditioning, mental discipline, and self-awareness.

9 a.m. on Friday, October 5, 2018
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iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF's stock was trading at $35.66 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus (COVID-19) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, EWL stock has increased by 43.2% and is now trading at $51.07.

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The North West Company Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the retail of food and everyday products and services to rural communities and urban neighborhood markets in Canada, Alaska, the South Pacific, and the Caribbean. The company's Canadian operations comprise 118 Northern stores, which offers food, financial services, and general merchandise; 5 NorthMart stores that provides fresh foods, apparel, and health products and services; 25 Quickstop convenience stores that provides ready-to-eat foods, and fuel and related services; 5 Giant Tiger junior discount stores, which offers family fashion, household products, and food; 2 Valu Lots discount center and direct-to-customer food distribution outlet; 2 Pharmacy and Convenience stores; 1 Solo Market store for rural market; and 1 North West Company motorsports dealership offering sales, service, parts and accessories for Ski-doo, Honda, Can-am and other premier brands. The Canadian operations also provides contract tele-pharmacist services to rural hospitals and health centers; water and air-based transportation services; and produce and fresh meats to independent grocery stores. Its International operations include 27 Alaska Commercial Company stores that provides food and general merchandise to remote and rural regions; 12 Cost-U-Less mid-size warehouse stores, which offers discount food and general merchandise; 5 Quickstop convenience stores; 8 Riteway food markets; and 1 Cash and Carry store. The North West Company Inc. was founded in 1668 and is headquartered in Winnipeg, Canada.

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Guyana Goldfields Inc. provides exploration and production of gold. It engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, production, and operation of gold mineral properties. The company also owns and operates gold drilling rights. The company was formerly known as Chiboug Copper Company Limited and changed its name to Guyana Goldfields Inc. in January 1995. Guyana Goldfields Inc. was incorporated in 1994 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. As of August 25, 2020, Guyana Goldfields Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Zijin Mining Group Company Limited.

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- The communications chief of the Ghana Gas Company Ltd. Ernest Owusu Bempah, thinks it is only thieves who claim things are difficult in the economy

- The President himself has conceded that the Ghanaian economy may not be in the best shape

The Director of Communications of the Ghana Gas Company Limited, Ernest Owusu Bempah, has rejected claims that the Ghanaian economy is facing challenges that have brought hardships to the people.

Bempah, who is a former member of National Democratic Congress (NDC), expressed the opinion that those claiming there are difficulties are the ones who can no more steal from state coffers.

According to Mynewsgh.com, Bempah believes the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, has sealed loopholes which previously made it easier for those to whom he referred to as "thieves."

READ ALSO: Attorney General Akufo shoots down accusations from Martin Amidu

In recent times, many in the Ghanaian publichave complained of difficult conditions of living.

Source: Original

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on his part, admitted the country is in difficult times although he defended it was not in crises as his political opponents seek to suggest.

But the Ghana Gas communications chief reportedly said: The government of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is working, it will take only thieves to complain.

Anybody who is complaining was stealing free money and engaged in dubious acts and such loopholes have been blocked by Akufo-Addo."

READ ALSO: Asiedu Nketiah intimates that the IGP is fighting with Collins Dauda over a woman

It is interesting how the Ghanaian public will take Bempah's point of view. Earlier in August, YEN.com.gh carried a poll that suggested that the opposition NDC was currently more popular than the ruling government.

Ghana News Today: Duncan Williams - The Shocking Truth About His Divorce | Yen.com.gh

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Source: Yen
- A Florida woman has stabbed her boyfriend in the face after he refused to sleep with her

- According to reports, she had been drinking before the assault on her boyfriend in her home

- She has since been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon

Identified as Katherine Nieves-Tavarez, the young woman is currently cooling off in the police station for stabbing her boyfriend.

According to reports, she stabbed him in the face after he refused to sleep with her.

The incident reportedly took place in her home after he had turned her down severally.

Mugshot of Katherine Tavarez

Source: UGC

Police responded to Nieves-Tavarezs apartment at 3:30 am on Thursday, September 27 and was found Katherine with blood on her clothing and hands, court files say.

READ ALSO: Nadia Buari causes stir with her gargantuan flowery shoes in latest wild photo

The man was standing in the doorway with his face covered in blood and told police that She hit me with a knife.  I cant see.

He was rushed to the Indian River Medical Centre where he was treated for several facial cuts.

Katherine is currently being held in Indian River County Jail and has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

READ ALSO: Lady accepts 'crazy' task of taking drugs and showing off her huge 'melons' for an iPhone X gift (Photos)

She was booked at the Indian River County Jail and bail was set at $15,000 which is about GH75,000 when converted.

Meanwhile, reports coming in from Zimbabwe indicates that a couple who had sex in a hospital ward where the wife was on admission have been convicted.

According to Zwnews.com, the magistrate who accused the two of torturing other patients by having sex in their full view and making noise fined them $75 each.

YEN.com.gh earlier reported the story of a Nigerian lady who was reportedly killed by her husband after 19 days of marriage.

The deceased known as Amarachi Emmanuela, according to her friend who shared the story on social media, was pregnant before her untimely death.

Yenkasa: What if Your Child isn't Your Biological Offspring? | Yen.com.gh:

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Source: Yen.com.gh
- Nicholas Duncan-Williams has declared a 72-hour fasting and prayers for Ghana

- According to the pastor, it's only God who can intervene in the current hardship Ghanaians are experiencing

Founder and General Overseer of the Action Chapel International, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, has called for a serious fasting and prayers on behalf of Ghana.

According to him, the nation is fast approaching a crisis and the best way to avert that is through prayer and fasting.

He, therefore, called on his congregation to devote their time and effort towards a 72-hour fasting and prayers on behalf of the country.

READ ALSO: Photos of world's most expensive shoes which have sold for GHC81m

Archbishop Duncan-Williams made the declaration during a sermon on Sunday, September 30, 2018.

A powerful prayer is needed for a nation which is in crisis, the preacher said.

The fasting will begin on Monday, October 1, 2018, with church members expected to pray to intercede on behalf of Ghana.

I proclaim by the voice of the blood of Jesus this 72-hour fast from Mondayof the month of October. Let the fast be proclaimed and let heaven and earth bear witness and let heaven intervene in the affairs of this country and overturn the suffering and the hardship and difficulties and crisis we face as a nation and a people, Archbishop Duncan-Williams prayed.

Leaders who believe in God and recognize in times of national crisis that human capability and intelligence and logic and philosophy can do but so much and can go but so far.and recognize and call upon Gods intervention to overturn national crisis.

READ ALSO: Akufo-Addos presidential jet saved from near crash

He added: We pray Heavenly Father you will intervene in the financial conditions of your people.in this nationthat you will overturn the family crisiscrisis in the life of our business community. health crisislet it be overturned grant o Lord that we will end this year on a note of victorycelebrating your goodness.

Yenkasa: What Would You do Upon Realizing Your Child isn't Your Biological Offspring? | Yen.com.gh

READ ALSO: 26-year-old Nigerian becomes worlds highest paid robotics engineer

Want to be featured on YEN.com.gh? Send us a message on our Facebook/Instagram pages with your stories, photos.

Source: Yen.com.gh
A quack doctor in Kenya has been busted after he managed to perform surgery on nine unsuspecting clients.

Ronald Melly worked for many years at the Kapsabet County Referral Hospital in Kenya without anybody noticing that he was a fake doctor.

According to a report by forum.facmedicine.com, the fake doctor performed several surgery operations on patients without having the necessary qualification.

Ronald Melly, the fake doctor from Nandi County.

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Duncan-Williams declares 72 days fasting and prayers for Ghana

The dealings of the fake doctor were brought to light after a report prepared by Health ministry officials was tabled before the Assembly.

The report, which has surprised majority of the public, contained the names of all the people Mr. Melly had operated on.

It indicated that the quack doctor has operated on nine persons, with eight coming out successfully while one died in the process.

County health chief officer Edward Serem said the patient who died at the hands of the fake doctor was pregnant but they managed to save the baby.

During surgeries, he and a group of other doctors carried out, the patient who was then expectant died because she was on stage four of the complication but they managed to save the baby, Mr. Serem said.

Nandi Governor Cleophas Lagata also added that doctors will be scrutinised more seriously to ensure such cases never happen again.

READ ALSO: Akufo-Addos presidential jet saved from near crash

I have never seen the fake doctor and the public should not blame the county government since doctors are employed by the parent ministry. Ive directed that health staff working in the county be vetted, he remarked.

Meanwhile, the health committee, chaired by Norbert Maiyo, believe the government should rather train Mr. Melly and allow him to continue working since he looks good on the job.

Mr. Mellys family also back the call by the health committee to help train their relative to become a qualified doctor.

Since he looks committed to becoming doctor, let the government sponsor him to train as a medical doctor or clinical officer, Mr. Mellys uncle, uncle Daniel Tuwei is quoted as saying.

Yenkasa: What Would You do Upon Realizing Your Child isn't Your Biological Offspring? | Yen.com.gh

READ ALSO: Ibrah One proves he is still alive after Menzgold saga

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Source: Yen
The recently built state-of-the-art Terminal 3 at the Kotoka International Airport continues to dominate the headlines.

Since its opening, the $250 million project has .

To commemorate its inauguration, Dubai carrier, Emirates, has scheduled a one-off flight of its much famous Airbus A380 flight to Accra.

The Emirates Airbus A380 (Source: arabianbusiness.com)

Source: UGC

The Airbus A380, the biggest ever passenger airliner which can carry between 525 and 853 people depending on class configuration, is expected to test facilities and infrastructure at the new terminal.

READ ALSO: Update on man who sneaked into hospital ward to make love to sick wife

Flying the Airbus A380 on this historic journey will be a Ghanaian pilot known as Captain Solomon Quianoo.

Captain Quainoo is an airline pilot and captain with over 10,000 flying hours and has worked for respected international airlines.

READ ALSO: Fake doctor who conducted 8 successful surgeries busted

A holder of a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Physics and Geology from the University of Ghana, Quainoo proceeded to Kingston University in London for a Master of Engineering degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering.

Captain Solomon Quainoo (Source: Nana Quainoo)

Source: UGC

He got a job with British Airways as a Material Agent/Design Engineer from where he enrolled at the Oxford Aviation Training for his pilot qualification course which he completed in 2003.

READ ALSO: 27-year-old lady stabs boyfriend in the face for refusing to sleep with her

After obtaining his licence, he got his first pilot role with British Midland International before joining British Airways (IAG) where he flew the Boeing 737 and 300 400 and 500 series, among others in his six-year stay.

He has spent the last seven years with Emirates serving as a first officer for his first five years before being promoted to captain.

Captain Quainoo is an inspiration and he is definitely worth celebrating.

Meanwhile, the world's most expensive shoes which is called the Passion Diamond has been put on sale.

READ ALSO: Nadia Buari causes stir with her gargantuan flowery shoes in latest wild photo

Created by Jada Dubai the striking pair of heels is made from silk and gold patent leather embellished with 236 diamonds.

YEN.com.gh earlier published trending photos of the $17million (GHC81m) shoes.

Ghana News Today: Drivers angry over hike in Fuel price | Yen.com.gh

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Source: Yen
Students of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) have been banned from engaging in any form of procession in the school.

According to the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Joseph Ghartey Ampiah, any student who flouts this directive will be severely dealt with.

Addressing fresh students at this years matriculation, he said the ban on processions was to help bring order, discipline and prevent hooliganism among students.

UCC bans students' processions, offenders to get sacked

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Meet the fake doctor who performed 8 successful surgeries

He added that students who want to engage in any form of procession must first seek permission from school authorities before going ahead with it.

Prof. Ghartey Amiah warned that defaulters will be rusticated or dismissed outright.

If you are happy, be happy in your hall (hall of residence).dont send your happiness to another hall. If we get you, we will discipline you and the rules are very clear; either we give you a semester rustication, two semesters rustication, or four semesters rustication or we dismiss you. If you abide by the rules, none of this will affect you so please take note of this, he said.

The UCC Vice Chancellors comments come of the back on several recent inter-hall riots which have led to the destruction of the universitys properties.

Prof. Ghartey Amiah cautioned the students to learn hard and not engage in any acts that are against the universitys rules and regulations.

He warned students to desist from acts like occultism, examination malpractices, hooliganism and such other vices.

READ ALSO: Duncan-Williams declares 72 days fasting and prayers for Ghana

You have come to obtain a degree and it is not our desire to send you home without achieving this dream, he added.

A total of 18,032 persons applied for admission at UCC, but only 5,962 freshmen were matriculated.

Yenkasa: What Would You do Upon Realizing Your Child isn't Your Biological Offspring? | Yen.com.gh

READ ALSO: Conversion of single-sex halls into mixed not solution - UG VC

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Source: Yen
Ghanaian actress and television personality, Efia Odo, has expressed concerns about the number of ministers working with President Akufo-Addo.

Taking to Twitter, a social media platform, she expressed surprise at the fact that countries like the United Kingdom and the United States have 22 ministers, while Ghana currently has 110 ministers serving in various capacities, all of whom are being paid by the tax payer.

READ ALSO: Fake doctor who conducted 8 sucsessful surgeries busted

YEN.com.gh understands that the Efia Odo has previously expressed her admiration for President Akufo-Addo.

She however argued that making wise decisions is the only way to move Ghana from its current state into a better one.

Her tweet read Small country like Ghana, why do we need more than 100+ ministers, whereas UK and America has 22 ministers what at all do we need 111 ministers for? Spending over 8 million dollars monthly just on salary

READ ALSO: Wendy Shay speaks on sleeping with her manager

Ghana Funny Tricky Questions: 6X9? | #Yencomgh

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Source: Yen
- Janatil Firdaws Yakubu became a widow 24 hours after she became a bride

- She lost her husband, Disu Kamaru barely a day after she began a new phase of her life

A marriage between a young couple has turned for the worst after the groom and his bride encountered a fatal accident right after the ceremony.

According to a report by MyNewsGh.com, the man was crushed to death on the spot, while the woman is currently in critical condition at the hospital.

The sad incident is reported to have happened on Sunday at Madina in Accra.

READ ALSO: Meet the fake doctor who performed 8 successful surgeries

The couple, identified as Disu Kamaru and Janatil Firdaws Yakubu, had held their Islamic wedding in Takoradi in the Western region and decided to have a wedding party in Accra, Sunday.

Reports suggest that the accident occurred while they were on their way to the after-party reception at the Africana Guest House opposite TF Hostel at Atomic Junction.

The couple was subsequently rushed to the Legon Hospital but the groom was pronounced dead on arrival.

The bride is also currently on admission at the hospital following the sad incident.

READ ALSO: Duncan-Williams declares 72 days fasting and prayers for Ghana

Meanwhile, the groom is expected to be buried today (October 1) in line with Muslim customs.

Yenkasa: What Would You do Upon Realizing Your Child isn't Your Biological Offspring? | Yen.com.gh

READ ALSO: Meet Ghanaian pilot Captain Quainoo who flies the biggest plane in the world

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Source: Yen.com.gh
- Two NDC members, Kojo Bonsu and Joshua Akamba, have had a war of words over NDC's unity walks

- Akamba allegedly accused Bonsu of using the walks for personal gain

- This was after Bonsu had declared his intention to contest as NDC's flagbearer

Information available to YEN.com.gh suggests that the founders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)s unity walks, Kojo Bonsu and Joshua Akamba, are embroiled in a hot exchange of words.

The war, MyNewsGH.com says, is as a result of Bonsu revealing his intentions to contest as the NDCs flagbearer in the 2020 elections.

The revelation of his intention sparked a fight with Akamba, who accused him of using the unity walks for personal gains.

Kojo Bonsu Source: dailyguideafrica.com

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Make wise decisions - Efia Odo 'attacks' Akufo-Addo over 110 ministers

Bonsu who is a former Mayor of Kumasi re-emerged on the scene in 2017, and with Akambas help, began organizing the walks.

Akamba heard of Bonsus declaration, he labelled him as a self-seeking, treacherous betrayer, revealing that the NDC unity walk was his idea but Bonsu hijacked the whole thing as it grew in popularity among NDC grassroots.

I have been taken aback by this traitorous, self-seeking and wicked hidden Agenda by Kojo Bonsu and wish to emphatically indicate, that I, Joshua Hamidu Akamba, has absolutely nothing to do with this self-centered agenda, Akamba wrote in a statement.

In response, Bonsu stated that the idea behind the unity walks was to push their personal ambitions, as well as win the support of the grassroots.

Mahama, he went on, was brought on board, because it was believed that his popularity will ensure the success of the idea, even though they knew he had flaws that made it bad for him to lead the NDC again.

READ ALSO: Photo of 5 NDC hopefuls in a secret meeting to unite against Mahama leaks online

Top 3 Ghana Richest Women: Who Are They? | Yen.com.gh

Want to be featured on YEN.com.gh? Send us a message on our Facebook page or on Instagram with your stories, photos or videos

Source: Yen
Bogota, Oct 1 (EFE).- Colombian President Ivan Duque signed on Monday an executive order authorizing police to seize drugs from people spotted using them in public.

"As Colombians, we can't be comfortable, or complacent or tolerant about a situation of the increase of (drug) consumption in cities," he said during a signing ceremony at the Casa de Narino.

"It's not about bringing the user to prison, it's about taking away the drugs and destroying them because those drugs do damage," the president said in the company of Cabinet ministers and other senior officials.

Illegal drugs are consumed "quite freely" in many public places, Duque said, insisting on the need to give police "tools to destroy any quantity of drugs on the streets."

"Drugs are a public health problem" and drug use can lead to criminality, he said.

A study released in June by the Ministry of Justice indicated that drug use was on the rise among students.

The ministry surveyed 3.24 million students between the ages of 12 and 18 and found that nearly 16 percent of them had tried some illegal substance such as cocaine, marijuana, amphetamines or LSD.

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It was one of the most tragic days of the 20th century: on September 30, 1938, Prime Minister of Great Britain N. Chamberlain, his French colleague E. Daladier, A. Hitler and B. Mussolini met in Munich to make a deal on the transferring of the Sudetenland area of Czechoslovakia to Germany. Czechoslovak delegates were only invited to be coerced into signing the pact. This notorious agreement went down in history as the Munich Betrayal. The governments of Poland and Hungary also took part in the shameless division of Czechoslovakia.



The Munich Agreement crowned the essentially criminal policy of appeasement of the Third Reich. The countries that agreed to that collusion - Great Britain and France- had an illusory hope of avoiding the threat of Hitlers aggression and tried to redirect it at the East. Among the concessions to the Nazi regime were the connivance of the re-militarisation of Hitlers Germany, noninterference in the civil war in Spain from 1936 to 1939 amid flagrant Italian-German support for the Franco insurgency, the silent acceptance of the Anschluss of Austria, and the refusal to cooperate with the Soviet Union on building a collective security system in Europe.

Historians consider the events that took place in Munich on that day to be British and French capitulation before the rising Nazism, which allowed Hitler to unleash the Second World War, a global disaster that resulted in untold losses to all humankind. The USSR alone lost nearly 30 million lives. It took considerable time and incredible effort to create the anti-Hitler coalition in order to defeat Germany and liberate Europe.

The Munich Agreement crowned the essentially criminal policy of appeasement of the Third Reich



We believe that the Munich Betrayal must serve as a reminder of disastrous consequences of disregard for international law, belief in ones own exceptionalism and infallibility, and reliance on national egotism. These lessons of the past should be a warning to all of us, given the current realities. It is obvious that real security can only be equal and indivisible and should be based on the fundamental principles of international relations stipulated in the UN Charter: respect for the sovereignty of States, non-interference in their internal affairs and peaceful settlement of disputes.



Russia will continue to contribute in every possible way to the strengthening of global and regional stability and to working out common responses to the numerous challenges and threats of the present.
(London) REUTERS: Brent crude oil hovered close to its highest since November 2014 yesterday, supported by supply concerns before the US sanctions against Iran come into force next month.



Benchmark Brent was up 16 cents at US $ 82.89 a barrel by 0852 GMT, after touching US $ 83.32, the highest level in almost four years. The US light crude was up 4 cents at US $ 73.29. Saudi Arabia is signalling that they do not have a lot of prompt spare capacity available or that they dont have the will to really use it on a proactive basis, Petromatrix strategist Olivier Jakob said. Theres nothing right now that gives a strong incentive to be a strong seller of the market, he said.



Investors have indicated they see prices rising, loading up on options that give the holder the right to buy Brent crude at US $ 90 a barrel by end-October.

Open interest in call options at US $ 90 a barrel has risen by nearly 12,000 lots in last week to 38,000 lots or 38 million barrels.

Higher oil prices and dollar strength, which has battered the currencies of several big crude importers, could hit demand growth next year, analysts said.



But, for now, the focus is on the US sanctions on Irans energy industry that will apply from November 4 and are designed to cut crude exports from the third biggest producer in the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.



Several major buyers in India and China have signalled they will cut purchases of Iranian oil. Chinas Sinopec said it had halved loadings of Iranian oil in September.



If Chinese refiners do comply with the US sanctions more fully than expected, then the market balance is likely to tighten even more aggressively, Edward Bell, commodity analyst at Emirates NBD bank wrote in a note.



Hedge funds have increased bets of a further price rise. Exchange data shows the combined net long position in Brent and the US light crude futures and options at its largest since late July, equivalent to about 850 million barrels of oil.



US President Donald Trump spoke to Saudi King Salman on Saturday on ways to maintain sufficient supply.



Even if they (Saudi Arabia) wanted to bend to President Trumps wishes, how much spare capacity does the Kingdom have? said Stephen Innes, head of trading for Asia-Pacific at futures brokerage Oanda in Singapore.



With about 1.5 million barrels per day of Iranian oil expected to go offline on November 4, prices could rocket higher with the flashy US $ 100 per barrel price tag indeed a reasonable sounding target if investors doubted the Saudi ability to respond with enough extra output, he said.
We should establish a proper screening system for foster parents

Theres a huge amount of emotional abuse experienced by these children which cannot even be defined

We dont simply allow them to leave the orphanages because we know that they havereached an age where they are quite mischievous and stubborn

They are brought up from the day they reach these homes, but after they reach 18 years of age, they are expected to be independent

In most instances orphanages ask for money and dry rations. But that is not what the children want. They would want a toy or a favourite food. Hence an evil system has been created. Professor Harendra De Silva

There are many different institutions including orphanages run by the private sector

In 2017 we handed over 279 children back to their guardians

Limitations in adapting the foster care system

Every child born to this world has a mother and a father. But not every mother and father will be ready to accept their child. Hence, the possibilities are such that a child could be abandoned for the rest of its life, sometimes at a tender age. This is why stories featuring two to three- week-old infants abandoned by the roadside are occasionally reported. While every child needs parental care and affection; in certain instances parents are not ready to give the necessary care due to various reasons. Most children never get to see their parents while some others are taken away when they are in their teens. In Sri Lanka, care homes or orphanages are actual homes to many children who are abandoned or neglected by their parents. They are brought up from the day they reach these homes, but after they reach 18 years of age, they are expected to be independent. However, many among them arent ready to face the society yet and often become victims again. With no support, money and guidance they are often led on to the wrong paths. Who needs to be responsible for them after they leave the places which provide them with care? Whether they are safe and what they would do afterwards are few of the many questions that begs answers.



In such a backdrop, the Daily mirror spoke to a few care leavers who related their rather heartening stories and also spoke to experts to find out what is being done and what needs to be done for the betterment of these youth.

Stranded in society



Once a child reaches its adolescent years, he or she has to leave these orphanages as per the law of the country. But the Daily mirror learned that in most instances such children are asked to leave by the age of 16 if they fail their O/L examination. The plight of care leavers is such that they are being brought up from a young age within a care home and provided with all facilities. But once they are asked to leave, most of them are not ready to face society yet. They feel stranded and become victims again. Due to the stigma associated with them, they are often misled and are provoked to take wrong turns in life. Hence girls have a tendency to end-up at a spa or a massage parlour while boys are taken to do odd jobs such as carpentry or domestic work in houses. Care leavers dont have a valid birth certificate nor an identity card. Their addresses are usually that of their orphanage and since they dont have a permanent address on their ID they are deprived of their basic right to vote. Amidst such a backdrop there are a few who are striving to do well in life and are hoping for a brighter future. The Daily mirror spoke to a few of them;



The plight of Dinushka



*Dinushka doesnt have both her parents and was sent to Colombo after she sat for her Ordinary Level Exam (O/Ls) in 2009. Although she has been married for five years her journey so far has had more downs than ups. I was enrolled for a training course and sent to Colombo. I did everything on my own. I wasnt prepared to do a job and I was financially handicapped. So I had to do a job. I was reluctant to speak to strangers, but I gained confidence. There was nobody to advise us on what we should do after we leave our homes. I remember once when I was admitted to hospital to undergo surgery I had no one beside me. It was then that I realised why everybody needs a mother in life. My husband also doesnt have anybody and he wasnt allowed to come inside the hospital. There is only one name in my birth certificate and the same appears in my ID as well. I dont have a right to vote since my ID has the address of the orphanage I stayed in, she said.



A call to empower care leavers



*Natasha was left at the orphanage when she was just three weeks old. I have two brothers and a sister who were also at the orphanage. At one point my mother took me home along with my siblings, but I went through a rather traumatising experience. She beat me up and home was like hell to me. My mother didnt take care of me at all and I had to do everything by myself. After I finished my O/Ls she attempted to force me into a marriage for money, but I escaped. I wanted to return to the home, but the authorities there didnt allow me in since I was already 16. Thereafter I got myself enrolled at an institute offering a one year dental surgery course. There were many children from other homes working with me and we were all sent to Colombo. But we didnt know the whereabouts and with no money in hand we were stranded. We didnt know which bus to take and therefore walked on the streets till midnight on several occasions. We were reluctant to speak to people because they were waiting to take advantage of us. I then stayed with a relation of mine and learned to commute within Colombo. I left my family four years ago and now live alone. I was told that my birth certificate was a fake, and since there are two dates on my birth certificate and ID I still dont know my actual age or birthday. Therefore I cannot open a bank account nor vote. The homes arent interested in finding out what happens to us after we leave especially in the case of girls. People are of the view that we dont need money since we are from orphanages. The stigma we face is such that my friends have sometimes thought of taking their own lives. When I used to work I often heard the phrase mung anatha nivase ewung (they are from orphanages) and similar derogatory remarks. It would be better if the Government could implement a plan to empower care leavers as we see it as a basic right which has been taken away from us, she said.



The term anatha madama isnt accurate



*Ramya was left at an orphanage when she was eight-months-old. Her story is an example of how care leavers are stigmatised in society. After I completed my Advanced Level Exam (A/Ls) I started working at a communication centre. After sometime the owner sold it to another person and he took advantage of me. He promised to send me reloads and give money for food and transport. But after a while he demanded a huge amount of money from me. So I had to spend all my savings to cover up the debt. Likewise I have faced many challenges in life. The term anatha madama is not accurate; it is actually our home. When people realise that we dont have parents they treat us like animals. We are labelled in society and it puts us under huge stress. We dont have money in our bank accounts and because we are being treated in this way, we too look at society with anger. Therefore I make a humble request to everybody to accept us for who we are and allow us to lead a normal life like everybody else, she said.



Seeing opportunities through media

I knew how people looked at us. I went to four schools and viewed society with much hatred

*Nimmi was sent to an orphanage when she was 10-years-old. We had to wear uniform. From those days I knew how people looked at us. I went to four schools and viewed society with much hatred. I used to wonder why all this happened to me and those around me. I then had to appear in courts and even the day before my O/Ls I had a hearing. I failed my O/Ls in the first attempt and I thought I should pass. I stayed at the home for an additional year and passed the exam. Although I did A/Ls I couldnt do the subject of my choice. I wanted to study music, but I didnt get a popular school. I then wanted to study law, but then again I thought it wouldnt be the best bet for me. Thereafter I got in to writing and eventually was interested in media. I was lucky enough to do a course in journalism in India. I write a lot during my free time and I thought the media is the best way to stand up for our own rights and spread awareness about it. I stay at the Sarvodaya hostel. I cant stay at a rented place because I have no money. I like to study further, but I dont have the support nor money. When we leave the homes we dont have a right to choose the job we like. We are just put into anything that is available, so we have to continue whether we like it or not, she said.

Most IDs of care leavers give details of the orphanage



Facing pregnancy alone



Sumudu was left at an orphanage when she was two-months-old. After I did my A/Ls I was handed over to my mother, but I didnt want to go. I then did a course in nursing and it was quite challenging with night shifts etc. I later came to Colombo, but didnt have lodging. I didnt have cash to pay the boarding fees. In the meantime I contracted dengue and I didnt have anybody to look after me. Without parents we dont know how to proceed in life in certain instances. For example if a girl becomes pregnant she would need her mother by her side, but in our case we have nobody. The Government needs to have a plan for those who leave orphanages; at least a plan to reconnect them with their biological parents. To date I havent shown my birth certificate to anyone. The ID too doesnt have a permanent address and its a challenge to live with fake documents. Therefore we urge the authorities to come up with a plan for the betterment of care leavers, she said.



They are now employed at a church and are advocating for change through the Voice for Voiceless Foundation.



*The true names of the interviewees have been withheld under strict condition of anonymity



Mapping out their future



In her comments, Western Province Commissioner for Probation and Childcare Chandima Dissanayake said that once the children reach the age of 16 they are returned to their biological parents. But there are instances when we cannot send them back to their homes because there have been instances when they have been raped by family members. During such instances we send them for a training course or a job and also provide accommodation. If they like to marry we allow them to proceed with their consent. In 2017 we handed over 279 children back to their guardians and these included children under 18 as well. We have also sent 15 of them for vocational training and 38 were permanently employed. If the youth are sitting for their A/Ls after they reach 18 years, they are allowed to stay at their homes and complete the exam. We dont simply allow them to leave the orphanages because we know that they have reached an age where they are quite mischievous and stubborn, said Dissanayake.



When asked about the issue of permanent residence on IDs, she said that it depended on the way in which the form was filled. If they just include the number and the address of the place without mentioning the name of the childrens home it will not be an issue. But in the case of a child from a certified school, if he or she doesnt have parents then we have to include that the child is from a certified school. We also send the youth to do jobs depending on the court order. We also support unmarried girls and boys and give them food and accommodation and allow them to take up whatever job they like. When I took office there was no plan for care leavers in the Western Province, but Im happy to say that we have already implemented an effective plan afterwards, added Dissanayake.



Foster care system the way forward



Speaking to the Daily mirror , founder Chairman of National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), activist and legislator in child protection Professor Harendra De Silva said that institutional care isnt the best for a child. There are many different institutions including orphanages run by the private sector which are usually funded by non-governmental organisations (NGOs). In addition to that there are state-run orphanages and institutions such as certified, demand and detention homes. Children in detention homes are above five years of age whose actions have been in conflict with the law. They may be found guilty of stealing two coconuts or for jumping over a fence to a neighbouring land etc., and therefore will have to face a jail term. Some of these children have been abandoned while the others are street children. While within these institutions they have a greater tendency to experience sexual and other forms of abuse. There have been so many such incidents in the past. Theres a huge amount of emotional abuse experienced by these children which cannot even be defined. When I was NCPA Chairman each child received Rs. 21 per day for food and other expenses and orphanages and care homes relied on alms givings and other donations in kind. However there is open mismanagement of funds and resources by the staff, said Prof. De Silva.



In most instances orphanages ask for money and dry rations. But that is not what the children want. They would want a toy or a favourite food. Hence an evil system has been created. We arent trying to empower the children, but wish to enhance their self-respect. Western countries have adopted the foster care parent system which is a cheaper approach for the government as well. Here, each foster parent is given a certain amount of money to take care of the child. But the only issue here is that these foster parents should be screened because in certain instances these foster parents could be abusers or they may use children for domestic work. Hence we should establish a proper screening system for foster parents by seeking support from qualified psychologists and social workers. We are experts at showing off people who appear to be pseudo-experts and they flood the market. They appear with fake certificates and claim to be proper counsellors, warned Prof. De Silva.

Prof. De Silva further said that Sri Lanka also doesnt have a proper monitoring system. Once a child is in foster care there should be people who must monitor and evaluate the progress of the child. They should be able to go to school and monitor the performance, check for absenteeism and observe how the child is being treated at home. Foster parents may look at legal methods to adopt a child servant and such moves should be discouraged.



During a screening the childs health and nutritional status should also be monitored and evaluated. Another way of foster care is where the child lives with his or her biological parents, but another foster family could support them with money and resources. A few limitations of this process would be that it has to be handled by someone who knows the subject.



The Government doesnt have as many professionals from the perspective of administration.



They work according to regulations and circulars and therefore things dont happen as planned. We need good professionals who are committed to the subject and they should decide on the standards of procedures. We can seek support from Grama Niladhari and Samurdhi officers who could be trained to go from house to house to monitor the foster care process.



There are probation officers in the country, but they have been appointed for political purposes.



They would obey an order from the top, but will not work for the best interest of the children. In addition to that we could identify dysfunctional families and provide them with supplements. Hence there has to be a paradigm shift in the way of thinking. Theres politics everywhere, but somebody has to take a decision and this responsibility is vested upon the leadership, he opined.

Generation Never Give Up

Generation Never Give Up is a platform that has been established to empower youth leaving residential care in order to create a generation that will never give up. Therefore it aims to create a safe and inclusive society, for youth leaving residential care before or after the age of 18 with the support of state and non-state stakeholders. Services provided under this platform include job opportunities and career guidance, scholarships for higher education, psychological counselling, legal support, peer support, an emergency hotline and an information database.

For further details visit www.gnglk.org
The office of the DIG Nalaka Silva, who is in charge of Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) in Colombo, was sealed as a result of the ongoing probe against him, police sources said.

A senior officer at the Police Headquarters said yesterday that two laptop computers had also been taken into custody from his office for the investigations.

The DIG has been sent on compulsory leave after investigating into a complaint that had been made by the Operations Director of Anti-Corruption Movement Namal Kumara.

According to the complaint, DIG had allegedly conspired to assassinate the President Maithripala Sirisena and former Secretary of Defense Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

The voice recordings and a mobile phone relevant to this conspiracy had been handed over to the CID and the Government Analyst by Namal Kumara for investigations according to a court order.

According to CID sources, a statement is scheduled to be recorded from the DIG Nalaka Silva after summoning him to CID regarding this assassination plot.

The court had already ordered the Department of Government Analyst to present a data investigation report to the court. (Srinath Prasanna Jayasuriya)
John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) yesterday announced the appointment of Dr. Radhika Coomaraswamy to its board as an Independent Non-Executive Director with effect from October

1, 2018.



Dr. Coomaraswamy received her BA from Yale University, LLM from Harvard University and the Doctorate in Jurisprudence from Columbia University.



She served as UN Under Secretary General and as Special Representative of Secretary General on Children and Armed Conflict from 2006 until her retirement in 2012.



Earlier, from 1994 to 2003, she was UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, an independent expert, attached to the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva.



In 2014, the UN Secretary General tasked her to lead the Global Study to review the 15-year implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. The Global Study was submitted to the Secretary General in October 2015.



In Sri Lanka, Dr. Coomaraswamy was Chairperson of Human Rights Commission from 2003 to 2006 and was a Director of the International Centre for Ethnic Studies from 1984 to 2006. In this capacity, she helped direct its research programme on constitutional law, human rights, ethnicity and cultural studies as well as womens rights.

She was, until September 2018, a civil society member of the Constitutional Council, a body appointed by Parliament and the President, to primarily make appointments of members to serve on the independent commissions and the higher judiciary, in terms of the Constitution of the Republic of Sri Lanka.



Dr. Coomaraswamy is a Global Professor of Law at the New York University School of Law, where she has taught courses on Womens International Human Rights and Children and Armed Conflict.



She taught at New College, Oxford University, in its Summer Programmes on International Human Rights during the 1990s and the early 2000s. She has also been a visiting lecturer at the Faculty of Law in Colombo of the University of Colombo.



Dr. Coomaraswamy has received Honorary Doctorates from Amherst College, University of Edinburg, University of Ulster, City University of New York and Rutgers University among others.



During her career she has also received international Human Rights Awards, International Law Award of the American Bar Association, Bruno Kreisky Award, Human Rights Award of the University of Oslo, among many others.



She was also privileged to be asked to deliver the Grotius Lecture of the American Association of International Law in 2013.



Dr. Coomaraswamy has written books on constitutional law and many articles on women, ethnicity, pluralism, human rights and children, cultural studies and armed conflict. In 1995, in recognition of her services to the country, President of the Republic of Sri Lanka conferred on her the National honour of Deshamanya  jewel of the nation.



Dr. Coomraswamys brother, the current Governor of the Central Bank, Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy, also served on the board of JKH as an Independent Non-Executive Director until he was appointed to head the countrys Central Bank in July 2016.
Mr. Saif Yusoof, Managing Director EFL Sri Lanka (left), receiving the award from Hon. Harsha De Silva, State Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs

Leading global logistics provider Expolanka Freight (Pvt) Ltd (EFL) won the award for Highest Foreign Exchange Earner  Logistics Services at the recently held Presidential Export Awards 2017/2018.

The awards ceremony, organised by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) for the 22nd year running, saw a number of exporters being recognised for their excellence in performance for the financial year that ended 31 March 2018.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena at the BMICH, Colombo, on Tuesday, 18 September. Evaluations for the award category won by EFL was based on foreign exchange earnings of the logistics companies that had applied in the financial year under review. According to the EDB, the Export Awards is organised annually with the objective of recognising the efforts of the Sri Lankan exporters and their contribution towards the development of exports and the national economy.

Speaking to the media on the award, EFL Sri Lanka Managing Director SaifYusoof said the company was proud of the part it continues to play in developing Sri Lanka.

We are pleased with the recognition bestowed upon us by the EDB for our performance. Although we dont set out to win awards, we always strive to go beyond our own projections and we keep setting the bar higher and higher, not just for ourselves but for the industry. It is gratifying to end the year on a high note, and we're proud of our contribution to the countrys economy in terms of much needed foreign exchange earnings. My sincere thanks go to all staff and stakeholders of EFL who made this success possible," he said.

Winners and nominees for the Presidential Export Awards were selected by a panel of eminent group of individuals headed by a retired high court judge.

Initiated by the EDB in 1981 by then minister Lalith Athulathmudali, the Presidential Export Award presents some 59 awards, comprising 11 overall awards and 48 sectoral awards, one of which is logistics services.

Speaking to the media recently, EDB Chairperson Indira Malwatte explained why the Export Awards are highly coveted among exporters.

There are many different export award schemes in the country, but PEA is the one that every exporter is looking for. This not only encourages the higher management of the company, but it also gives pride and recognition to the entire staff, she was quoted as saying.
A high-level delegation headed by Pakistani Defence Secretary Ikram Ul Haq will arrive in Sri Lanka on a four-day visit between October 2 and 5 to participate in the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Armed Forces Defence Dialogue, the Pakistani High Commission said today.

While in Sri Lanka he will meet his Sri Lankan counterpart Kapila Waidiyaratne for a discussion on mutual interests. He will also meet Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral R.C. Wijegunaratne and the Commanders of the tri-forces.

The High Commission said defence ties between Pakistan and Sri Lanka were based on mutual trust and common interest in maintaining regional peace, security and stability. The dialogue aims to promote professional and mutually beneficial relations among the Armed Forces of the two countries.
A 22-year-old Indian national was arrested with Methamphetamine (Ice) worth Rs 5.8 million in his possession by Police Narcotics Bureau officials at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning.

The suspect had arrived in the country from Chennai while concealing 484 grammes of Methamphetamine in his luggage. (Darshana Sanjeewa)
Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree Martin Luther King



If taken either literally or metaphorically Kings quote has a lesson for all. Here in Colombo as the skyline changes every passing day with bare tall buildings dwarfing the shorter, old ones the pertinent questions one would ask are where is the replenishment for the trees felled?. Where are the green lanes and space for ecological balance? Have the government, local bodies and the private sector forgotten the green factor?



Similar building booms with scant regard for ecology and essential facilities saw cities like Rio de Janeiro, Manila and Mexico City, turning the most unsustainable metropolises on earth. One wonders whether Colombo is fast following them. After all just like Colombo both Rio and Manila are sea front cities.



Anyone travelling to Colombo from Kandy, Negombo, Avissawella, Horana or Kalutara will pay witness to the phenomenon of every peripheral city in the province merging the other thus turning the entire western province into one big city. There are only a handful of villages left in between the townships and green patches and tree lines are fast becoming a rarity. The paddy fields and rubber lands have been taken over by the real estate companies. Call this urbanization or development but who decides what is suitable or not or the balance between development and ecology?



Vihara Maha Devi Park (Victoria Park) which was opened in 1951 remains the only major green patch in Colombo district and no plans have been made to open any other large park ever since. If at all if theres any shade other than that its provided by the old tree lines in Colombo 7 which too date back to the same era.

As for sanitary facilities, sewerage issue in Colombo and suburbs has reached a crisis point and with a chunk of new buildings hiring sewerage bowsers to empty pits regularly in the absence of their own treatment plants. As of now all the sewerage lines of Colombo National Hospital are open to Beira Lake and the plush new city of Colombo Fort is being built around this lake of epidemics.

Meanwhile, despite repeated requests no major repairs have been done at Ambatale water plant and already the city is having issues with the water supply. As to how to cater to the rapidly increasing water demand in the next few years is anyones guess. Besides deep earth drilling for high rising buildings has gone to block underground waterways and home wells are fast becoming a thing of the past.



Its true that decades of poor planning has left little space for manoeuvring for the incumbent government. However still its obvious that unless all government agencies attending to infrastructure, amenities and facilities meet and have a brainstorming session and work together to address the crisis the situation is only going to turn for the worse. Right now what is happening is each government agency working independently is sometimes even at cross purposes and overlapping of duties.



As for making Colombo a greener city given the manner desert cities like Dubai have resorted to innovative moves to increase the greenery its not wrong to say one can do wonders with the fertile soil of Sri Lanka if the government and private sector are genuinely committed to the cause. Given the number of government ministries and private entities involved in the building boom it is obvious that unless theres a move by the political leadership it will be difficult to muster unanimity to make Colomboa greener city.



The only redeeming factor in the city perhaps is its relatively high standard of the air quality. According to a Yale university study the mandatory emission test introduced in 2008 by then Environment Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka has resulted in Sri Lanka performing way ahead of other nations in the region in terms of air quality.



Progressive, wholesome steps yield good results. Sri Lanka surely has to find a way out of the current mess before its too late.
Tribute

Gandhi Jayanti - Today, October 2 is Mahathma Gandhis birth anniversary

The very first set of stamps on Mahatma Gandhi was brought out in India in 1948. Anil Dhir, in his book Famous Stamps - The Romance of Rarities writes about the stamp issue right from the concept, in 1947, of having a set of stamps on Gandhi to be released to commemorate his 80th birthday, on October 2, 1949

A celebrated icon on postage stamps, Mahatma Gandhi is someone nations the world over turn to for inspiration. Mahatma Gandhis steadfast belief in, and practice of, non-violence and peace has been a source of inspiration around the world. He is of course the father of the Indian nation, but his is a global iconic status. Countries around the world have naturally turned to the great apostle of ahimsa (non-violence), whether they were fighting for freedom from colonialism or seeking to establish human rights and peace. The United Nations has also declared his birthday, October 2, as the International Day of Non-Violence. Gandhi has been honoured by countries around the world on their stamps depicting diverse aspects of his life, work and philosophy, making him perhaps the personality most featured globally on postal stationery.



The very first set of stamps on Mahatma Gandhi was brought out in India in 1948. Anil Dhir, in his book Famous Stamps - The Romance of Rarities writes about the stamp issue right from the concept, in 1947, of having a set of stamps on Gandhi to be released to commemorate his 80th birthday, on October 2, 1949. However, the great leader was assassinated on January 30, 1948, and the set of stamps released on August 15, 1948, marking Indias first anniversary of independence. The stamps were printed in Switzerland rather than in India! Some of the stamps were then Service overprinted back home in India for Governor General C. Rajagopalacharis official correspondence. Then in 1969, the birth centenary of Gandhi was commemorated by India by issuing four stamps. Gandhi and his wife Kasturba, affectionately addressed as Bapu and Ba, were shown on the Ba-Bapu stamp.



South Africa was crucial to Gandhis Satyagraha (insistence on truth), and in 1995 a joint stamp issue of India and South Africa was released. The stamps show the young lawyer Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and the elderly Mahatma. The illustrations on the miniature sheet show Gandhi spinning the charkha and at historic Dandi, as also his belongings such as a timepiece, spectacles and slippers that portray his frugality and simplicity. The Centenary of Satyagraha also saw India Post bringing out four stamps in 2007 depicting events from Gandhis life in South Africa. As the leading light of the freedom struggle in India, Gandhi served as the President of the Indian National Congress in 1924. And he is shown on the stamps released by India in 1985 marking the partys centenary. The other noteworthy stamps have been themed on Salt Satyagraha, Dandi March and Quit India Movement. A celebrated stamp was released in the millenniums first year based on Gandhis caricature by well-known cartoonist Ranga that interestingly also bears semblance to the outline map of India! And Mahatma Gandhi Man of the Millennium was the theme of the stamps issued the next year.



The charkha as the symbol of non-violence is a leitmotif on the stamps on Gandhi. And in 2011, India Post released the worlds first khadi stamp. The unique diamond-shaped Z100-denomination stamp shows Gandhis face in profile and the charkha on khadi cloth with his words, Be true.



Besides stamps, Gandhi has been featured on India Posts pre-paid postal stationery such as inland letter cards, postcards and envelopes. There are also permanent cancellations issued from post offices in Gujarat showing the Alfred High School, where Gandhi did his schooling, his ancestral home and Kocharab Satyagraha Ashram. A unique special cover with a hologram showing Gandhi was also brought out by the South India Philatelists Association, with the postal departments approval. Globally, stamps and postal stationery on Gandhi have been released by more than 90 countries. The United States of America, Mauritius, Fiji, Switzerland, Guyana, Poland, Bhutan, Myanmar, Mexico, Iran, Ireland and the former USSR are only some of the countries. An error occurred when Trinidad and Tobago brought out a stamp in the year 1970 instead of 1969 to mark the leaders centenary! Britain, despite having the tradition of not issuing a stamp on a non-British personality, issued a Gandhi stamp in 1969.



The United Nations too brought out a stamp on Gandhi in 2009 designed by Miami-based artist Dr. Ferdie Pacheco. Dr. Pacheco reveals that the colours in the stamp depict what Gandhi epitomised: I chose these colours: red because it is the colour of energy, his energy even when he was fasting, green the colour of healing, white of purity, blue of serenity, yellow of balance and brown of the earth as he helped people here on earth. All of these colours represent a peaceful man who helped the world. Indeed, a true representation of the Mahatma in the miniature art piece that a stamp is.



Source: N Kalyani

India perspectives
OPPO, the Selfie Expert and Leader after successfully launching the F9 in Sunrise Red and Twilight Blue last month, today announced the latest addition to its popular F9 in gorgeous Starry Purple color in the Sri Lankanmarket. With VOOC Flash Charging that offers 2 hours of talk with just 5 minutes of charging and industry first Gradient Color Design, the F9 Starry Purple has also been designed to offer a unique experience and represent OPPOs technologically advanced and innovative expertise. Priced at LKR 54,990.00 it will be available across all Abans showrooms, Sinhagiri, Dialog and all authorized OPPO dealers. To encourage buyers and engage with Sri Lankan market OPPO is conducting "OPPO Road Show" with OPPO F9 Starry Purple.

With several breakthroughs such as an industry first 6.3 inch Waterdrop Screen design, high screen to body ratio of 90.8%, unique gradient color design and a 3500 mAh battery, the OPPO F9 Starry Purple also offers much more in addition to an excellent selfie function  an immersive experience and a sense of luxury and elegance.

Commenting on this launch Mr. Bob Li, CEO, OPPO Sri-Lanka said,We are very excited about F9 Starry Purple here in Sri Lanka just as much the designers behind F9 Starry Purple who was inspired by the breathtaking night sky filled with shining stars. Sri Lankan consumers could experience this true sense of luxury and elegance from the first sale day which falls on 29th September.

VOOC Flash Charge, is a technology, independently developed by OPPO, applies low voltage charging technology and has a charging speed up to four times fasterthan general charging at 5V/1A. VOOC also boasts an intelligent five-layer protection system from the adaptor to the port and interior of the phone. VOOC has replaced the voltage reducing circuit with a MCU, making VOOC a cool fast charging technology.

With gradient color, the youth can showcase their personality and attitude. The Gradient Spraying Technology and Frame Gradient tech used by OPPO realizes a perfect combination of gradient design on the back and the user a more unified viewing experience. In the sunlight, the OPPO F9 Starry Purple also shines like a crystal gem and flowing water. The color design aesthetics of the OPPO F9reflects both OPPO's design ideology and insights into what aesthetics appeals to young consumers around the globe.

Since OPPO launched VOOC in 2014, VOOC has applied over 500 patents and is used by over 90 million consumers, making VOOC the most mature commercial fast charging technique. In terms of battery life, OPPO F9 Starry Purple is equipped with a 3500mAh battery and an optimized AI battery management. Its fair to say F9 Starry Purple guarantees a great battery life.
There is consensus on power devolution at Steering Committee

Three tier of governance proposed

We still have hope on constitution making process

Once the elections come, we will sit together and decide on our teams

We never discussed the 13th Amendment

Jaffna district Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian M. A. Sumanthiran in an interview with Daily mirror , speaks about the current status of the Constitution-making process and future politics. He shared the following:



Q How do you look at the current status of politics?



Well, there was a change in 2015. There were a lot of expectations. Initially, though the 100-day programme did not finish in 100 days, there were significant achievements - the enactment of the 19th Amendment and the Right to Information Act. After the parliamentary elections, the two main parties got together to solve the national issues. The constitution making process was undertaken. All those were great achievements. Now looking back, those first year gains were not properly consolidated in the next two years.



Coalition politics has not been successful all the time. Things changed quite a bit after the results of the local government elections. People have lost faith that whether the government would do all those reforms that were promised, primarily the new constitution.



The abolition of executive presidency and solving the national question were the major changes that were expected. Although the Constitution making process moves forward, it is floundering. A draft will be presented. But, the phase has slowed down drastically losing hope that it will never happen. We still have hope. There is another year also for the present government. We think this government can redeem itself if it sits down to do all the reforms it promised. We will support it in order to achieve all those objectives.



Q How certain are you that this constitution making process will become a success?



Well, I cannot speculate the degree of certainty in this regard. There is sufficient consensus that was struck at the Steering Committee deliberations. A draft will come out. If the political parties take the stand that they took at the Steering Committee, we will have the large support for it.



Q What are the areas agreed upon?



There is no disagreement on devolution principles. That is one area where, I would say, almost all the members representing the committee agreed. In regard to the abolition of executive presidency, at a particular stage, all agreed except one or two small parties. Subsequently, there has been divergence there. Even the electoral reforms, there was a point that all agreed. That is the 60-40 ratio on the Multi Member Constituency model.



Q As far as devolution is concerned, do you think that there is agreement between the United National Party (UNP) and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP)?



Yes, there is agreement on the content. There was no disagreement.

With the experience we have in regards to the local councils, we have doubt whether the 50-50 ratio for provincial councils will be good at all



Q Is it to devolve power based upon the 13th Amendment?



We never discussed the 13th Amendment. It is a new constitution on the basis of developing power to the province. Even on the details, there was no disagreement.



Q What are the contours of devolution you agreed upon?



The contours are that the provinces will have their areas of power. That is to have legislative and executive powers. We agreed on a three tier system. The local councils will also be empowered as the third tier of governance. They will not have legislative power, but executive powers. We agreed that even though the centre can have legislative powers, it can be given to execution by the provincial councils or the local councils. Even the provincial councils can give some executive powers to the local authorities.



The principle of subsidiary was accepted. What can be done at the lowest level should be done at the lowest. What cannot be done at that level should be given to the next higher level. That was agreed without any dissent. Then, there is a proposal to have a Second Chamber with provincial representatives. It is something that can act like a safeguard for devolution. As for the national policies, the provincial participation in national policy formulation in the province concerned is ensured.



Q In the meantime, the JVP has presented the 20th Amendment to the Constitution. What do you think about it?



The JVPs position is that executive presidency should be abolished. They say it is impossible to enact a new Constitution. Therefore, they want to get the abolition of executive presidency done. At one point during the deliberations of the Steering Committee, there was consensus in this regard.



Q What is the TNAs position in this regard?



The TNA supports the abolition of executive presidency. We would like that to happen in the new Constitution instead of doing it in a piecemeal manner like this. Since our position is that we support the abolition of executive presidency, we will have to support it if it comes up.



Q Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran is making direct allegations against you. He is from your party? Are you willing to respond?



I do not intend to respond to him because his term will be over in a months time. Thereafter, we will have to wait for the provincial council elections. In the east, we have not had elections for a year now. We will force the government to hold elections as early as possible. Once the elections come, we will sit together and decide on our teams.



Q Does it mean that you will not re-nominate him as your partys chief ministerial candidate?



We have not taken any official decision in regard to that. My position is that he cannot be re-nominated. I spoke to the majority of party members. One basic reason is that he has campaigned against his own party at the last parliamentary and local government elections. That itself disqualifies him.



Q Who did he support to?



He did not support anybody openly. But, he issued statements clearly indicating that he did not support us.



Q The government was able to postpone these elections using piece of legislation enacted with the support of your party. In retrospect, do you regret your decision?



Not really. That was done because we had come to an agreement in regard to the system of elections to Parliament - the MMC. The same system is to be introduced for local governments and provincial councils.With the experience we have in regards to the local councils, we have doubt whether the 50-50 ratio for provincial councils will be good at all.



Q The two- year period envisaged in the UNHRC resolution to implement its recommendations will lapse in March, next year. How do you look at the process so far?



The government delay that report. The report came out in September, 2015. A consensual resolution was adopted on October 1, 2015. Similarly, one and half years time was given. When that time lapsed in 2017, the government sought further time. That was granted until March, 2019. We find that most of the matters have not been implemented yet. The government has not commenced work even on the matters that have been touched upon. It is up to the UNHRCs decision.



Q How do you find the international scenario in this regard, especially in the context of the US no longer being there?



In 2012 and 2013, Sri Lanka was opposing these sorts of resolutions. In 2016 and 2017, the government of Sri Lanka acceded to the resolution and cosponsored it. Sri Lanka itself has agreed. In the UNHRC, it is a consensual consensus. Sri Lanka agreed and it is not possible for it go back on this promise. The absence of the US will not make much of an impact.



*But, the US is not there to push for the implementation of the resolution?



You need not be in the council to do it. They will still support is. When a vote is taken, of course, the US will not be there.

The government has not commenced work even on the matters that have been touched upon. It is up to the UNHRCs decision



Q The US seems to be talking different approach towards Sri Lanka under the Trump administration. What is your view?



I do not say the US position has changed.



Q How do you look at the next presidential election?



The TNA is for the abolition of executive presidency. If it is done, there wont be any presidential election. That is our position. If it happens anyway, we will take a decision at that time.



Q Do you see the rise of the Rajapaksa camp politically in the south as a disturbing trend?



There is no rise of the Rajapaksa camp. His side polled only 46% of votes at the local authorities elections. All the other parties polled 52% of votes. In that sense, the vote base of the Rajapaksa camp has declined not increased.



Q But, it is still the single largest party...



Yes. That is right. We urge the parties that were together at 2015 elections to stay together for the future as well.
The regional plantation companies (RPC) and plantation trade unions are in deadlock over the terms for a fresh collective agreement on wages, as the trade unions havent agreed to the offer made by the RPCs.



The RPCs have proposed a 10 percent basic wage increase in addition to a productivity wage, attendance incentive and price share supplement.

The current agreement will expire this month.



Planters Association of Ceylon Chairman Sunil Poholiyadde told Mirror Business that trade unions are yet to agree on the proposal, which is a productivity-based wage structure.



In my view, the current model cannot be sustained in the long term and time has come to look at a different model based on productivity and share of revenue, he said.



Poholiyadde noted that RPCs have not been able to fulfil the demands of trade unions as the tea prices have come down from record high levels of Rs.600-Rs.700 per kilo last year, to an overall average of approximately Rs.550 a kilo.



Poholiyadde remained optimistic that the RPCs and trade unions would be able to reach an agreement before the deadline.



He stressed that the RPCs need to embrace mechanisation to address the worker shortage and migration of workers from the plantation sector.



I am glad that many companies have taken the initiative to mechanise. Some companies have even undertaken trials with drone for spraying while many others have already implemented mechanisation in harvesting, pruning and other agricultural practices such as draining, which are usually done by manual workers.



Today, mechanisation is inevitable and the faster we move in that direction would be best for the industry,

he said.
From left : Planters Association of Ceylon (PA) Chairman, Sunil Poholiyadde, Sri Lanka Tea Board (SLTB), Chairman, Lucille Wijewardena, PA Secretary General Lalith Obeyesekere, Minister of Labour and Trade Union Relations, Ravindra Samaraweera, PA Deputy Chairman Viren Ruberu

Pic by Samantha Perera

Say high-yielding tea and rubber lands are being acquired

Urge to lift the ban on felling of trees over 5000 feet elevation

Rs.450 million worth palm oil seedling likely to go waste

By Nishel Fernando

Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) last week blamed the governments ad-hoc policy decision for low productivity of their plantations, which is adding to the financial woes of the already reeling plantation companies.



Addressing the 164th Annual General Meeting of the Planters Association of Ceylon (PA) last Friday in Colombo, its Chairman Sunil Poholiyadde identified the acquisition of high-yielding and profitable tea and rubber plantations by the government as a main reason for the low productivity of RPCs.

Most lands lost in the plantation sector are the most high-yielding and profitable ones with easy access. We are aware that land is required for housing etc. But acquisition priority should be for bare land or lands with low productivity.



I had an opportunity to attend a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat last week to discuss a strategic planning process for the tea industry. So many ideas came up as to whether Sri Lanka should be focused either on quantity or quality and there were many diverse views. Representing RPCs, I pointed out that it is mainly the fast diminishing extents due to the acquisitions of highly productive tea lands that are seriously affecting the industry, Poholiyadde said.



He revealed that an estate of 500 hectares was taken over by the government for an industrial project. However, he pointed out that though it was taken over several months ago, the land is yet to be developed.



Unfortunately, many months have lapsed since this land was taken over, but it has still not been put to use for the purpose indicated for the acquisition, while the benefit is being enjoyed by another organisation, he said.



The government recently acquired the Millewa rubber estate from Kotagala Plantations for an industrial project. Millewa Estate was considered to be one of the most productive rubber estates of Kotagala Plantations.



Poholiyadde further revealed that the government has already issued notices to RPCs to stating the need for several other plantation lands for industrial, housing and urbanisation development projects.



We have a serious issue in protecting the current high yielding tea lands. All acquisitions are focused on these areas especially for housing, urbanisation etc., which has a drastic impact on our production.



Poholiyadde also said that the ban on felling of trees over the 5000 feet elevation is also adversely impacting the tea plantation productivity while costs keep increasing.



We are unable to even remove the excessive shade trees affecting the production. Many companies have invested in planting timber for fuel wood, but currently with the ban on felling trees at over 5000 feet elevation, the companies are unable to harvest the fuel wood available and also have to transport them from the low country areas at a considerable cost.



Poholiyadde asserted that its crucial to have a crop balance, which was why provisions were made when handing over RPCs to private sector in 1990s, giving the companies a free hand concerning diversification.



However, he lamented the governments ad-hoc decisions on oil palm cultivation, which have made RPCs to suffer a Rs.450 million loss.



The plan was to expand oil palm cultivation to 20,000 hectares, already approved by the government. We have now reached 11,000 hectares. Unfortunately there are many obstacles in proceeding with the cultivation of this crop. Since of late, all seed importation for oil palm is done through the Coconut Research Institute.



Having imported the seeds following the government procedure and raising the planting material, we are in a totally unfortunate situation where the companies have seedlings worth Rs.450 million in the nurseries but are unable to plant them out in the field due to a government-imposed ban, he elaborated.



Speaking to Mirror Business, Poholiyadde said yesterday that neither PA nor the Palm Oil Industry Association was invited for the recent National Economic Council (NEC) meeting where the President had reportedly taken a decision to ban oil palm cultivation in Sri Lanka.



Hence, the decision, he said, which is yet to be officially announced, was taken without consulting the stakeholders.



We were waiting for an invitation to attend the NEC meeting which we didnt get. However, we had a meeting with one of the Presidents advisors prior to the NEC meeting, he said.



He questioned as to who would be responsible for the loss in the end, while acknowledging that the industry remains optimistic that the Plantation Industries Ministrys effort to implement the programme of planting up to 20,000 hectares would be successful.



We are aware of the steps taken by the ministry and its officials to implement the programme of planting up to 20,000 hectares. And are hopeful that they would be successful and would be of national interest besides being of a great financial relief to the companies concerned, he said.



Speaking about the earlier ad-hoc decision of the government to ban on glyphosate, where Sri Lankan teas were almost kicked out of the Japanese market, Poholiyadde noted that the planters remain hopeful the first consignment of glyphosate would come into the country for the first time after lifting the ban, in mid-October.



He noted that the traces of the MCPA chemical, which is not recognised in Japan, still can be found on tea, which is a major concern for tea exports to Japan.
Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa should light a lamp in honour of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe because it was he who saved MR from being branded as an international criminal, Finance and Mass Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera said.

He said it was the yahapalanaya government which prevented Sri Lanka from becoming a blotch in the world map.

The minister told a meeting of the UNP balamandalaya in Matara on Sunday and pointed out that Mr. Rajapaksa and his fellow travellers in the joint opposition had got the opportunity to insult, abuse and attack the government in the global arena because this government had restored democracy in Sri Lanka.

No one must forget the pathetic situation that prevailed in Sri Lanka before 2015. Sri Lanka was black mark in the world map as a result of the actions of one family and one dictator. There were allegations of violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) judicial and media suppression, breakdown in the rule of law and human rights abuses. Sri Lanka was branded a pariah state and the entire global community was against Sri Lanka, he said. By the time, this government took office in January 2015, the UNHRC with the support of member countries had decided to initiate an international probe on Sri Lanka without our consent. One of the main tasks of the new government was to rebuild the confidence and respect on Sri Lanka among the global community.

The minister said the rule by an oligarchy lost Sri Lanka the GSP+ and fish exports to the UE to Sri Lanka. "

The fuel price formula was introduce by the government to pass the benefit onto the consumer if there was a price drop in fuel in the global market. But unfortunately today we see the opposite of it. Mahinda Rajapaksa has not right to tale about fuel price formula because he did not bring down prices of fuel even after the Supreme Court ruled to that effect," he said. We must get ready for an election soon. There will be three in 2019. Those elections are as important as the elections in 2015. All UNPers must work harder and be determined to win all three polls for the UNP." (Sandun A Jayasekera)
Two ships of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), Kaga and Inazuma, arrived at the Colombo Port on a five-day goodwill visit yesterday.

Kaga is a 248m long vessel with a displacement of 19,950 tons. Its crew is consisted of 400 naval personnel.

Inazuma is 151m in length with a displacement of 4,550 tons. It is manned by a crew of 170.

The crew members of the two vessels which are on a official tour to Sri Lanka, will take part in a wide range of sporting and several other programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy during their stay.

Commander Escort Flotilla Four of JMSDF, Rear Admiral Tatsuya Fukuda along with the Commanding Officers of Kaga Captain Hideki Mizuta and Inazuma Commander Yuki Ochimizu are scheduled to call on Navy Commander Vice Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe today.
The delegation worked with the Dutch Media Authority



At the working session with the Dutch Media Authority, Ms Madeleine de Cock Buning, head of the Authority spoke about its structure and organization, issues related to law and activities of the Dutch communications market.



The two sides shared experiences in the management and supervision of communications market activities in the context of an increasingly developed information technology industry, thereby creating new means of communications.





The delegation posed with the Vietnamese Embassy in the Netherlands



In the same day, the delegation visited the Vietnamese Embassy in the Hague, with the participation of representatives of overseas Vietnamese in the Hague and Vietnamese students in the Netherlands, to know their thoughts and aspirations.

The 20,000-member Vietnamese community in the Netherlands has promoted the good traditions of the nation, lived harmoniously and respected local laws, and actively participated in activities towards the homeland.



They are promoting their role as a bridge to enhance mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation./.
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As a very big fan of games based in Japanese history - Samurai Warriors, Nobunaga's Ambition, Hakuouki and the like - I've always used my trips to Japan for Tokyo Game Show and the like to indulge in some history tourism. Over the years, I've visited ten of the 47 castles that are dotted across the country, innumerable temples and shrines, and I have already been to one of the historical battle sites a few years ago; Kawanakajima in Nagano, where Shingen Takeda and Uesugi Kenshin clashed in one of their more epic conflicts.But Sekigahara is something else entirely. This battlefield, and the sleepy little village that sits on it today, is one of the most amazing things I've done in all my trips to Japan to date.Sekigahara should be familiar to Samurai Warriors fans. Depending on the character you're playing as, it's either the penultimate battle, or the very last one for most of the characters. That's as it was for the Sengoku period itself; there was one later battle of scale that formally concluded the warring states period (a siege of Osaka), but for all intents and purposes, the future of Japan was determined at Sekigahara, which was the largest land battle by a significant margin (around 200,000 soldiers were involved), and after six incredibly bloody hours of fighting, one warlord, Ieyasu Tokugawa, emerged as theruler of Japan. His family would go on to rule the country without major conflict for some 200 years, through its prolonged isolation from the rest of the world.I'm not going to go into the story of Sekigahara itself. You can get a pretty good overview from any Samurai Warriors game, or if you want a more in-depth blow-by-blow of the battle, there's a good book you can read on the subject here . As a quick summary, it was a dramatic and decisive battle between Tokugawa and Mitsunari Ishida (the leader of the other side), which saw Tokugawa overcome an initial numbers disadvantage by convincing units on the unpopular Ishida's side to defect mid-battle. It was also a battle that had great little stories of heroism and military might, such as when one of Ishida's units was surrounded on all sides and decided to retreat via a wild charge straight through the front lines of the enemy (it worked, too). Sekigahara itself is a fairly small bit of flat land surrounded by mountains, but the scale of the battle was such that across that entire area, there's a sense that it witnessed real history.The point is, this is a battlefield that has scale and strategic interest equivalent to Napoleon's Waterloo, or Gettysburg over in America. In fact, at the moment, the town's museum even has a special exhibition dedicated to comparing and contrasting those three battles as the "great" nation-shaking battles in pre-modern history.The town of Sekigahara today has a population of just 7,250. It's about as small as Japanese villages get, and the entire town is clearly built around historical tourism. Getting off at the train station at the centre of town, the first thing you'll see is a stack of (free) guide maps of the area, showing visitors a number of different battlefield tours that you can take. The longest one will take you to every historical site in the area - there's around 20 of them dotted around the village and nearby mountains - and that one would take you around five hours to walk.It's a gorgeous walk, too, taking you around the edge of town and up nearby mountains to get a view of the battlefield from the vantage point that various commanders held. You'll trek right through to the heart of town to memorials set up marking the location that various field commanders stood on, and you'll wander through traditional Japanese nature features, such as thick bamboo grooves. There's an impressive series of signs positioned all through town to make sure you never get lost, and at every site, there is well-translated plaques in English, explaining the significance of that spot. These also seemed quite new, so perhaps this is the town's effort to get a cut of the 2020 Olympics money from curious tourists.Right at the end of the walk there's a surprisingly large museum that goes into even further depth about the battle and how everything played out. However much you think you know about Sekigahara (and I knew agoing in, I can assure you), you'll come out knowing even more.I can't describe just how impressively the town has maintained its battlefield sites, too. At most of the locations, it's possible to look right out over the fields and just imagine what it must have been liked standing there on the day of the battle, staring down enemy forces arrayed on the other site. The site where the very first attack happened is, today, a series of rice fields, and that's appropriate, since rice needs a lot of water to grow, so rice fields are muddy, messy affairs. The day of the battle of Sekigahara, there had been heavy rains the night before, and that first melee was notable for being a sloshing, gritty slaughterhouse.You can hire a taxi to drive you around the Sekigahara locations, but it's so much better to do the walk if you can. By walking around the entire battlefield, you get a real sense of scale, and can marvel at the logistics of getting armies to move around what were often very steep and heavily forested slopes. Another option would be to hire a bike to ride around, and that would be a lovely way to do Sekigahara, because it really is a beautiful and old-looking village.The battlefield's not even the only point of interest in Sekigahara. The village also has a "war park" in which hundreds and hundreds of concrete statues are posed to re-enact the battle. And for a change of pace, there's also some of Japan's most attractive caves to explore in the nearby mountains. One town across, at Ogaki (an otherwise deeply unpleasant town, sadly), there's also the castle that Ishida marched his troops out of the night before the battle. It's two train stops away, not more than 15 minutes.Sekigahara also has its own food culture, and across the dozen or so restaurants that dot the village, you'll find a number of dishes that you won't anywhere else. So the town's well worth spending a couple of days in, if you can spare it.Sekigahara might not have a hotel or inn - I don't remember seeing one - but it's a short, 30-minute train ride from the regional city of Gifu, and that city has all the modern conveniences that you'll need. So base yourself there for a couple of days, and explore Sekigahara! You'll find the video games so much more interesting once you've seen it all for yourself.
Charge daffaires of the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam Yin Haihong addresses the banquet in Hanoi on September 30th (Photo: qdnd.vn)



The event was attended by Minister of Finance Dinh Tien Dung, officials of some Vietnamese ministries, sectors and localities, and representatives of diplomatic corps and international organisations in Hanoi.

On behalf of the Vietnamese Party, State and people, Minister Dung congratulated the Chinese Party, State and people on the enormous achievements they have attained over the last 69 years.

He expressed his belief that the Chinese people will fulfil the tasks set at the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and soon realise the goal of a comprehensive well-off society and a modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful.

Applauding the recent outcomes of the two countries relations, he reiterated that Vietnam always attaches importance to and wants to, together with China, enhance the traditional friendship and substantive cooperation, thereby developing bilateral ties in a result-oriented manner and practically benefitting the two peoples, the region and the world.

At the reception, Charge daffaires of the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam Yin Haihong reviewed her countrys accomplishments in the past 69 years. She noted that with both sides efforts, the China - Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership has sustained the upward trend.

The diplomat affirmed that China is ready to join Vietnams efforts to promote win-win cooperation so as to lift bilateral relations to a new level, bring happiness to the two peoples and contribute to peace, stability and development in the region./.
Brett Kavanaugh is pissed. Hes pissed because he thought hed be on the Supreme Court nowand to be honest, so did Ihes pissed because accusations of sexual abuse have come back to haunt him. And most of all, hes pissed because these accusations are being taken seriously.

But how seriously? A small group of Senators who either love attention or are just looking for an excuse to vote for Kavanaugh have gotten the White House to approve a reopening of Brett Kavanaughs background check.

But what the hell does that mean?

Is this a real investigation or just a sample of what will happen with the Mueller probe after Rod Rosenstein is gone and the White House is calling the shots?

And speaking of that, whats happening with Rod Rosenstein? Is he about to fired and what will it mean if he is?

We, like you, have way more questions and opinions than we have answers. Thats why we wanted to talk to someone who actually knows something.

Ryan Goodman is a Chaired Professor at NYU Law. He was a Special Counsel at the Dept of Defense (2015-16) and a founding co-editor-in-chief of Just Security. He knows stuff. Listen.

Ryan Goodman on Twitter: @RGoodLaw

Just Security on Twitter: @Just_Security

Just Security website: JustSecurity.org

Ryan Goodmans Testimony from the Senate Judiciary Committees Hearing on Election Interference can be found HERE.

Natasha Bertrand at The Atlantic: A Supreme Court Case Could Liberate Trump to Pardon His Associates

Jonathan Martin and Alexander Burns at The New York Times: Kavanaugh Could Help G.O.P. in Senate Midterms. But Not in House Races.

The Good  Cracks are appearing in the Republican edifice

Melissa Nann Burke at The Detroit News: Super PAC aligned with GOP leaders axes funding for Bishop

Emily Lawler at MLive: Some Republicans uniting behind Democrat Gretchen Whitmer for governor

The Collegians endorsement of Gretchen Whitmer is HERE.

Ashraf Khalil at The Washington Post: Jesuits, legal institutions back away from Kavanaugh vote

The Bad  The inhumanity of the Trump administration

Caitlin Dickerson at The New York Times: Migrant Children Moved Under Cover of Darkness to a Texas Tent City

Melissa Jeltsen at The Huffington Post: Violence Against Women Act Is About To Expire

Anna Fifeld at The Washington Post: North Koreas prisons are as bad as Nazi camps, says judge who survived Auschwitz

LOLGOP at Eclectablog: The clearest example of how Donald Trump could inspire radical evil

The Shrugly \_()_/  Polls! Huh! What are the good for?

Kathleen Gray at The Detroit Free Press: Poll: Michigan backs legalizing recreational marijuana, easier voting

Real-time polling by The New York Times: Polling in Real Time: The 2018 Midterm Elections

Progressives Everywheres Candidate of the Week (via @JordanZakarin): Julie Oliver, candidate for Texas 25th Congressional district.

Jordan Zakarin at Progressives Everywhere: Julie Oliver, in TX-25, is running one of the most inspiring campaigns of 2018

Support Julie Oliver at Progressive Everywhere HERE.

The show notes for Episode 15 of The GOTMFV Show are at http://www.eclectablog.com/2018/010/unhinged-and-unseemly-the-sad-case-of-brett-kavanaugh-with-special-guest-ryan-goodman.html

Give us a five-star review at iTunes!

The GOTMFV Show Facebook page is HERE!

Music clips

Intro and transition music: You Dress Like an Asshole by Not The 1s

Progressives Everywhere intro/outro: Theyre Everywhere by Jims Big Ego

Flint Water Crisis Update intro: Unclaimed by Mike Wagner/Total Strangers

Outro music: Complain (from the movie Bob Roberts) by David Robbins & Tim Robbins
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General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong and General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and President of China Xi Jinping during the latter's State visit to Vietnam in November 2017 (Photo: VNA)



The messages were cabled by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong, Acting President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan to Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang, and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Li Zhanshu.

In the messages, the Vietnamese leaders congratulated the Chinese people on achievements they have recorded over the past 69 years and expressed their belief that the Chinese people will successfully accomplish tasks set by the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

The Vietnamese leaders affirmed that the Party, State and people of Vietnam attach great importance to the relations with China, and wish to continuously consolidate and promote the traditional friendship, deepen pragmatic cooperation and reinforce the Vietnam - China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in a stable and healthy manner, bringing substantial benefits to their people and contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world at large.

On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh also sent a congratulatory message to Foreign Minister Wang Yi./.




US pork council welcomes US trade talk with Japan

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has welcomed an announcement that the US will soon begin trade talks with Japan, the US pork industry's number one value market, which imported more than US$1.6 billion of US pork in 2017.



"This is fantastic news for America's pork producers," said NPPC president Jim Heimerl. "Japan has been our top export market for years, so it's good that the administration wants to solidify the relationship with that important economic and geopolitical ally. This is very positive for the US pork industry, and it comes at a time when pork producers were having concerns about losing market share in Japan."



The US pork industry's biggest competitor, the EU, recently concluded negotiations on a free trade agreement with Japan. The deal is set to become effective early next year.



Additionally, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP minus the US) is expected to be finalised in early 2019.



"We look forward to working with the Trump trade team on bolstering ties with one of our most important trading partners," Heimerl said.



- National Pork Producers Council
Illustrative photo (Source: VNA)



The airport said it will close a number of runways from 11:00 on September 30th to 6:00 on October 1st (Japan time).



As a result, Vietnam Airlines flights from Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City to Osaka (VN330, VN320) and from Hanoi to Nagoya (VN346) on September 30th early morning will depart later at 23:30 on the same day.



A similar situation faces its September 30th flights from Osaka to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (VN331, VN321) and from Nagoya to Hanoi (VN347), with their new departure times scheduled to be after 9:00 on October 1st (Japan time).



Vietnam Airlines will cancel two flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Nagoya on September 30th (VN340 and VN341). Affected passengers can exchange their tickets for free for other flights on the next day.



Jetstar Pacific Airlines will cancell its Da Nang  Osaka and Osaka  Hanoi flights (BL164, BL621) on September 30th.



The two airlines are closely following the storms developments to come up with prompt flight time changes to ensure passengers safety with minimum impacts on their travelling.



Related passengers are advised to frequently get update on their flight schedules on websites www.vietnamairlines.com or www.jetstar.com and via hotlines of 1900 1100 for Vietnam Airlines and 1900 1550 for Jetstar Pacific./.
Ambassador Duong Chi Dung (Source: VNA)



Dung, who is head of the Vietnam Permanent Mission to the UN, the World Trade Organisation and other international organisations in Geneva, participated in various discussion sessions on different matters.



At the 39th session, which opened on September 10th, the UNHRC discussed common issues related to gender equality, rights of women, children, and people with disabilities, clean water and hygiene, the rights to development, and discrimination prevention.



Participants looked into the human rights situation in several nations such as Myanmar, Venezuela, Syria, South Sudan and Burundi, while exchanging views on measures to intensify technical assistance in ensuring and promoting human rights in Sudan, Yemen, Congo, Central Africa and Somalia.



A total of 24 resolutions were adopted at the session, of which 14 passed by consensus and the remaining by majority votes.



The Vietnamese delegation had contributed ideas to building many draft resolutions and co-sponsored the resolution on boosting technical cooperation and building capacity in the field of human rights.



The delegation also showed a positive and responsible attitude towards the UNHRCs common works on the spirit of dialogue and cooperation.



The next session of the council is scheduled to take place in March 2019 in Geneva./.
German media evaluates Erdogans visit

German Bild writes that politicians took a major blow with President Erdogans Germany visit.

Aiming to improve relations with Berlin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan paid a high-profile state visit to Germany.

"THIS VISIT WILL STRENGTHEN TURKISH-GERMAN FRIENDSHIP"

President Erdogan met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss bilateral and international issues. After his meetings, Erdogan expressed that his recent state visit to Germany will improve bilateral relations. "I believe our state visit to Germany will strengthen Turkish-German friendship in every aspect", Erdogan said in a Twitter post.

BOSPHORUS' WARRIOR

Erdogan was followed closely by the German media as well. Germanys Bild published a paper summarizes the visits details. The paper said that President Erdogan challenges with his Rabia sign as soon as he comes.

The paper also mentioned Erdogans Mesut Ozil statements.Bosphorus' strong warrior showed everyone what is important to him. He walked all over the German politicians. Bild wrote.
Hambach occupation continues

Resistance continues in the 12,000-year-old Hambach Forest in Cologne, Germany. While the environmentalists continue their actions to prevent the region from being mine, police raid also continues.

Hambach which one of the oldest forests in the world is still under occupation. While protests continue in Hambach, police use disproportionate force against activists.

CAMPS ARE DISTRIBUTED

Police intervened to the camp area located in the woods. While police tried to remove the activists from the field, the environmentalists also resisted against the forces. Demonstrators carried their camps to the forest to escape police violence.

ABATISTS WERE BUILT

A group of demonstrators built abatists by assembling logs against the police forces.

Some activists clashed with police. Police detained the demonstrators by dragging them on the ground.

PROTECTING OF FORREST

Thousands of environmentalists from Germany, as well as from Europe, supported the activists who set up tree houses in the forest.

In Germany, environmentalists established tree houses in the forest in order to prevent the trees in the Hambach Forest near the city of Cologne from being cut for lignite.
President Erdogan: Turkey downed on terrorists' neck

Turkish President Erdogan said Turkey downed on terrorist organizations in Syria and explained new aim of Turkey.

President Erdogan made a speech at the opening of the parliament. He stressed his determination to eliminate terrorists from northern Iraq.

"OUR AIM IS TO CLEAR SINJAR AND MT QANDIL"

Our goal is to completely clear Sinjar and Mt. Qandil of the separatist terrorist organization [referring to PKK], Erdogan said during his speech at the opening of Turkish parliaments second legislative session in the capital Ankara.

Mt. Qandil is home to the PKK terror group's headquarters and the terror group initially established a presence in Sinjar in 2014 on the pretext of protecting the local Ezidi community from the Daesh terrorist group.

PKK LISTED AS A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the death of some 40,000 people, including women and children.
We must all sacrifice for the environment By Greg Walcher

Have we become a society of people who want to regulate others, but not ourselves? We laugh at those who suddenly object to a policy that seemed perfectly OK when (they thought) it only applied to others. We make fun of Al Gore demanding that we end our fossil fuel use, while he travels the world in private jets and SUVs. We chortle about politicians and Hollywood stars advocating gun control while surrounded by heavily armed bodyguards. In truth, such hypocrisy is common, because the desire to control other peoples behavior is human nature, at least for many. Yet our attempts at control frequently come back to haunt us. In Hamlets most famous speech, he predicted that a would-be assassin might end up being hoist with his own petard. A petard is a bomb, so Hamlet meant the bomb maker might be blown up (hoisted off the ground) by his own explosives. Today that Shakespearean phrase is a common proverb describing poetic justice, another way of saying caught in his own trap, or what goes around comes around. San Francisco officials are once again learning this, as they struggle yet again with water shortages. Several times, endangered species issues have come back to haunt some of the nations most unyielding environmental campaigners and their elected officials. (San Francisco is the birthplace and headquarters of the Sierra Club.) Yet the City has never moderated its in-your-face, holier-than-thou environmentalism. When President Trump announced the U.S. exit from the Paris climate deal, San Francisco announced that it would comply with the intent anyway, by limiting local fossil fuel use. The City has also banned plastic straws, grocery bags and Styrofoam containers. It even requires solar panels on private buildings. If something is on the environmental industry wish list, San Francisco is leading the way. But when the same activists insist on leaving more water in the rivers, to protect salmon, they mean water from Central Valley farmers  not their own water. Up to now, state regulators have obliged, and water restrictions have been imposed on farms to the south for 25 years. Hundreds of billions of gallons of water previously used for irrigation have been flushed to the ocean, rather than sent through the California Aqueduct to the Central Valley, supposedly to protect salmon migration and spawning. Nevertheless, area salmon remain endangered. So now the California Water Resources Control Board proposes further restrictions, this time including water that is part of San Franciscos municipal supply. Public hearings are generating numerous angry responses. Thats hardly surprising, since the plan would double the flow of water in the Tuolumne, Stanislaus and Merced Rivers, leaving more water for salmon, but less for the City  a lot less. In fact, it could mean an annual reduction of 300,000 to 675,000 acre-feet of water for the Bay Area. In everyday household terms, thats 98 billion to 220 billion gallons per year! Imagine how many baths, showers, laundry and dishwasher loads, lawn waterings and restaurant glasses of water that would mean. Imagine how many almonds, walnuts, tomatoes, grapes, olives, apricots and peaches, how much cotton and rice, how much milk and cheese would not be produced in the Central Valley, if that much additional water is taken from farmers. While San Franciscos water supply has been mired in controversy for a century, today the city has some of the purest water in the nation. Thats because its water comes from the Hetch Hetchy reservoir in Yosemite National Park. The losing battle against building that dam and reservoir was a defining battle cry of Sierra Club founder John Muir, who vigorously opposed it. The dam was built anyway, and since the 1920s it has delivered Tuolumne River water to San Francisco, and to farms near Modesto. But San Franciscos water rights are junior to the agricultural rights, so the City could actually face the largest reductions. Golden Gate City leaders, their environmentalist allies and normally ultra-green citizens are outraged. They never intended that water reductions they so strongly support would have any effect on themselves. Meanwhile, a local group called Restore Hetch Hetchy advocates tearing down the dam. In 2012 it got an initiative on the local ballot for that very purpose. But San Francisco voters voted it down. They support tearing down other peoples reservoirs, not their own. The opponents then went to court, and have been there ever since. Ironically, theyre fighting the City itself, which argues that the legality of Hetch Hetchy is settled, and that the reservoirs water supply is now indispensable. Adding still more to the petard-like irony, the reservoir doesnt just supply water to 2.7 million residents and businesses in more a dozen Bay Area communities. It also generates significant hydroelectric power, which is vital for a city and state that have vowed to end all electricity generation from nuclear, coal and natural gas facilities. Suddenly, the once vital salmon somehow seem less important to City leaders. Their alternative is (predictably) to have the State spend vastly more on river restoration, including killing competing fish. But even if that helps the salmon, it wont satisfy the environmental industry, which still wants more water restrictions. Perhaps water leaders across the West can be forgiven for thinking, Welcome to our world, if San Francisco is being hoist with its own petard. It is a world the Golden Gate City helped create. Greg Walcher is president of the Natural Resources Group, author of Smoking Them Out: The Theft of the Environment and How to Take it Back, and a former head of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. Home
The poor Aussie strawberries By Luke Tan

If strawberries had needles in them, who would eat them? Precisely why demand for those sweet juicy fruits has fallen drastically. When videos and images surfaced online showing sewing needles in Australian grown strawberries, people started buying less of strawberries due to fears of contamination. Issues of health and hygiene were raised, and demand fell sharply. What happened as a result of this scare were further reaching than that though. Not only did it made prices drop, but it also lowered the quantity supplied, and left surpluses. Firstly, the scare caused the demand to fall and prices to drop. Although the product was essentially unchanged, since it was only the singular strawberry in a thousand that had a defect, the demand for it fell sharply. The fear that those fruits could contain hidden pins in them caused a shift in preference. Some supermarket chains stopped all imports of strawberry from Australia as a precautionary measure, but also to preserve brand name and ensure high quality. Quantity demand was less than quantity supplied, and a surplus was created. Quite immediately after it came out in the news, the strawberries at my local market went on sale for a very cheap price. Secondly, it lowered the quantity supplied. Prices had fallen so low that it did not make sense to transport the strawberries to the stores and keep them chilled. The cost of selling it exceeded the price it was sold for, so that it was actually cheaper to destroy the strawberries. Many Australians were touched by the poor farmers who had to destroy their strawberries or let them rot, and many companies are advertising strawberry smoothies to help reduce surplus. However, even for those farmers who could get buyers, they had to sell them cheaply. The total industry of A$160 million took a toll from the scare, with sales going down by 10%. With low demand, it is no surprise that there are huge surpluses of strawberries. Many the farms have to deal with the extra fruits, although a lot is simply going to waste. Despite the Australians efforts to eat more strawberries, many farms are on the brink of collapsing. Although there should technically be a price where all the strawberries could be sold, in the real world they cut off all purchase all at once, leaving the supplier high and dry. For example, I am sure people would eat strawberries for 50 cents a punnet, but since this fruit is very fragile and needs a lot of care, the cost of keeping it from rotting is too high. In order to curb the spread of the crisis, the Australian government has put tighter export controls. While it may be with good intentions in mind, they should note its opportunity cost. Who will be pay for the tighter controls? Presumably, it is the government and thereby the taxpayers. Of course, it must also make sense to prevent this crisis from recurring by instituting more stringent checks. However, this is really an increase in the cost of production. Supply would shift to the right, and quantity demanded will fall. This will probably hurt the farmers more since demand for strawberries is probably elastic. I would think that since the demand can fall so rapidly with so few cases, people are not that excited about eating strawberries. The issue of the poor Australian strawberries is a sad case of what happens in an economic sense during a food scare. A few pranksters have been said to have caused the whole thing after one or two real cases. Unfortunately, it devastated the industry, hitting especially hard the smaller farms. So, help the Aussie farmers and eat their strawberries! Luke Tan is a high school student studying AP Macroeconomics.  2018 Luke Tan. Home
The lefts doityourself authoritarianism By Michael R Shannon

Theres a new meme circulating that Trumpistas have found very pertinent. Its a stark blackandwhite photo of a seated Trump. One elbow is on his left knee and his other hand is gesturing toward the viewer as he leans forward. The president has an expression on his face not unlike the famous Uncle Sam Wants You recruiting poster. The headline is: In Reality Theyre Not After Me. Theyre After You. Im Just in the Way. The memes is popular because Trump supporters know whos in the ondeck circle if Trump strikes out. Claremont Review of Books editor Charles Kesler observed the anti-Trump position boils down to two mutually exclusive alternatives. One hes a buffoon, a clownwho is, by temperament and experience, unfit to be president. The alternate attack is hes a monster, racist and tyrant in waiting. Keslers wry judgment is the two arguments are, however, in some tension. The intrinsic selfcontradiction of the attacks hasnt forced the left to settle on one or the other. Today unfit for the presidency is getting a lot of media play. An unholy tagteam of Bob Woodward, sage of the Eastern establishment, and Omarosa, the buffoon of Walmart shoppers, is accusing the president of being too senile or unstable to have access to the White House Christmas Party guest list to say nothing of the nuclear attack codes. The Hitlerin-waiting argument doesnt resonate with Kesler or me. I think Trump is simply too old. The fact he decided to throttle back on the likes of Stormy Daniels is an indication his stamina isnt what it used to be. And becoming a dictator takes a lot of energy. Keslers skepticism has its origin in Trumps philosophy. There are not many similarities between Mein Kampf' and The Art of the Deal, Kesler explains. Trump doesnt think the government is run by Jews, he thinks its run by idiots. Running an authoritarian regime requires an authoritarian government. Trump cant even prevent shoplifters from making off with government documents in the Oval Office, to say nothing of rounding up dissenters. Operating a papersplease police state at a minimum means you have the power to demand people show their papers, and Trump cant even make illegals do that. China is what a genuine 21st Century authoritarian state looks like and a Trump government thats divided against itself doesnt compare. Whats ironic here is the left has begun an ad hoc system of social control that resembles Chinas, but its being run by the private sector. China assigns its subjects a social credit score. The score is calculated based on observations from the states 200 million surveillance cameras, a persons bill paying habits, web browsing history, political soundness and observance of even the most minor of laws. ABC reports the score is dependent on the persons behavior but they can also be affected by people they associate with. We dont have this level of granular government control in our lives yet, but that doesnt mean citizens who fail to adhere to the lefts thought standards or associate with the wrong people, dont face consequences. In China people with low scores cant get a government job. Here people with Trump administration ties are rejected by universities. In China journalist Liu Hu cant get a job because his stories angered the government. Here a conservative hired by The Atlantic was fired less than a week after being hired because his Twitter feed angered a leftist reporter. In China a low score gets social media accounts suspended. Here conservatives are shadowbanned by Twitter and Facebook if their posts offend some backroom pencilneck. In China corporations toe the party line or they lose access to loans. Here Citibank and Bank of America unilaterally decide if gun manufacturers dont toe the gungrabbers line on the 2nd Amendment, the manufacturers can use the barter system for transactions. In China associating with the wrong people means you are shunned. Here you can ask Sarah Huckabee Sanders how hard it is to find a good restaurant. In China the power of the state causes the majority of the people to fall in line. Here leftists control the culture and currently only 48 percent of the people are still willing to even feebly resist. And these victories come while the left is out of power. Where life gets really serious for Trump supporters, and the meme comes true, is if the left takes power again. Already our overlords in the Opposition Media are starting to claim that Trump is only the symptom. This means citizens who voted for Trump are the disease. And in the long run, you know what the government does to diseases. Michael R. Shannon is a public relations and advertising consultant with corporate, government and political experience around the globe. He is a dynamic and entertaining keynote speaker. He can be reached at mandate.mmpr (at) gmail.com. He is also the author of Conservative Christian's Guidebook for Living in Secular Times (Now with added humor!). Home
The un-American, anti-Constitution left vs. Kavanaugh: The underlying evil of desperate smears by democracy's losers By Dr. Lester Jackson

In my book, Equal Justice for Victims, p. 44, I wrote: Like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I have a dream. My dream is that one day the United States will elect a president who dares to explain to the American people that, on controversial questions, the Supreme Court is a political and not a legal institution; and that justices practice their politics by pretending to "interpret" and apply the law and the Constitution. In a nutshell, this explains what is going on with the vicious and vile Leftist Democrat character assassination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh. "Political" here does not refer to Republicans versus Democrats, or to the desire of haters to stick it to President Trump. This article uses "political" to describe the struggle over "who gets what when and how." In a self-governing republic, the "how" consists of decisions by elected representatives. The Kavanaugh fight is really a fight between those who believe in the Framers' Republic and those who want to destroy that Republic. To paraphrase the late, great Justice Antonin Scalia, he frequently admonished political combatants: "If you want policies not mandated or prohibited by the United States Constitution, don't ask judges to impose what you want but, instead, persuade your fellow citizens." However, what are today's Leftists to do if they can't persuade their fellow citizens to buy their nostrums? What if these Leftists are like the Communists once described by Justice William O. Douglas as "miserable merchants of unwanted ideas" they cannot sell? In Equal Justice for Victims, p. 214, I explained why death penalty opponents, unable to convert the majority of voters consistently supporting capital punishment, repeatedly run to the Supreme Court to get their way: unaccountable judges are the last best hope of democracys losers. Again: Federal judges  and, especially, United States Supreme Court Justices  are: The Last Best Hope of Constitutional Democracys Losers. Once upon a time, a very old Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. famously stated: [A]bout 75 years ago I learned that I was not God. And so, when the people ... want to do something I can't find anything in the Constitution expressly forbidding them to do, I say, whether I like it or not, "Goddamit, let 'em do it." Judge Kavanaugh has been subjected to what Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called (4'04") a despicable Democrat smear campaign because todays miserable merchants of unwanted ideas are terrified that Kavanaugh is honest and will be faithful to the Constitution they have abhorred dating back to Woodrow Wilson. That these miserable merchants despise the Constitution and all who faithfully apply it has been abundantly demonstrated by the refusal of the Left to accept the Constitutionally mandated result of the 2016 election. Leftists prefer justices such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg who, not long ago, expressed disdain for the very Constitution she took, not one but two, oaths to apply faithfully (Equal Justice for Victims, p. 196). (Unlike in the days of my youth, today Leftist and Democrat are synonyms.) Justice Scalia complained repeatedly about what has been described as the "Constitutionalization" of political issues by judges who "abridge[] the people's right to govern themselves" by removing these issues from the realm of political debate and legislative action without a shred of Constitutional justification. As Scalia powerfully explained: The virtue of a democratic system with a First Amendment is that it readily enables the people, over time, to be persuaded that what they took for granted is not so, and to change their laws accordingly. That system is destroyed if the smug assurances of each age are removed from the democratic process and written into the Constitution. So to counterbalance the Court's criticism of our ancestors, let me say a word in their praise: They left us free to change. The same cannot be said of this most illiberal Court[.] Leftists have declared war on decency, the American people, their way of life, their right to self-government (Equal Justice, p. 195), and their Constitution. If a president who is not a corrupt criminal darling of the left is constitutionally elected, why, then, let's just attempt a coup d'etat. If a judge with a sterling reputation and impeccable credentials is nominated to the Supreme Court, why then, let's destroy him with vicious character assassination. * * * Mr. President: Please Tell Voters that the 2018 Election Is About Good vs. Evil President Trump is one of the most courageous leaders in our history. Nevertheless, if the beloved country in which most Americans were raised is to survive in recognizable form, the President simply has not done enough. It is time to explain why the very survival of the United States as a free and self-governing country is at stake. That means, to start, that it is time to explain that the United States Supreme Court has been transmogrified by the Left from a legitimate legal institution into an illegitimate political institution. It is time to give concrete examples, such as justices rewarding the most depraved individuals in our midst with a judicially invented not-in-the-Constitution right to commit additional violence with no punishment. Thats right! Contrary to the widely-held belief that those with the worst records deserve the most punishment, dishonest justices, using the Constitution as a pretext, awarded a door prize to the most depraved to commit more depravity without any punishment at all. That is but one example. There are many more. Pro-criminal Leftists fear that a Justice Kavanaugh will honestly apply the Constitution and not participate in judicially ramming unpopular Leftist policies down the throats of an unwilling American people. That is what the indefensibly diabolical defamation of Kavanaugh is really all about. Given recent events, a re-run on steroids of the character assassinations of Judge Robert H. Bork and Justice Clarence Thomas, it is time to explain to the American people, as only President Trump can, that the 2018 election is a contest between Good and Evil. Majority Leader McConnell was too restrained in calling anti-Constitution Democrats "despicable." Even Senator Lindsey Graham, widely praised for his passionate defense of Judge Kavanaugh, limited himself to unethical (1:24:08) and despicable (1:26:51). What Graham objected to was pure Raw Evil, on the part of senators who have not hesitated to describe Judge Kavanaugh as evil from the very moment of his nomination. Anyone who thinks the mere leveling of a scurrilous charge is proof of its truth is genuinely Evil. At stake is the very existence of the fundamental values that have Make America Great: due process, freedom, equality under law, the right of self-government and public safety. Only the President can command an audience large enough to make a difference, to defeat the Evil opponents of fairness, equality, justice and self-government. Again and again, dishonest judges have lied about the Constitution (Equal Justice, pp. 70-71, 197, 265-275) in order to impose unwanted Leftist policies on an averse electorate. If Judge Kavanaugh does not become Justice Kavanaugh, we can all say goodbye to honest Constitutional self-government and hello to fascism. Leftists have tried every dirty trick in the book  first, to prevent and, second, to nullify the results of an election in which our promise-keeping president made the appointment of honest judges, committed to the Constitution, a central feature of his campaign. If the Democrat smear campaign has demonstrated anything, it is that American politics is now a civil war between Good and Evil. The late Charles Krauthammer referred to this fundamental law: Conservatives think liberals are stupid. Liberals think conservatives are evil. Indeed, no sooner had Judge Kavanaugh been selected than Leftist Democrat Senators denounced him and President Trump as evil. It is time for conservatives to wake up. Leftists project their own evils, by smearing conservatives as racist, sexist, unfair, unjust and fascist. However, Leftists are now, and have been for a very long time, guilty of the very sins of which they falsely accuse decent Americans. Leftists play offense; conservatives only play defense. The current political civil war is one-sided. It has been said that the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. Although he has much on his plate, nothing is now more important for President Trump than to devote maximum time to campaigning against the following senators, facing re-election: Baldwin (Wis.), Brown (Oh.), Casey (Pa.), Donnelly (Ind.), Heitkamp (N. Dak.), Kaine (Va.), Manchin (W. Va.), McCaskill (Mo.), Nelson (Fla.) and Tester (Mont.). Not only are they enablers of Charles Schumer and Dianne Feinstein, but only President Trump can inform voters that these senators are fascists at heart. Why? Because, in 2014, every single one of them voted for a Constitutional Amendment to abolish First Amendment free speech protection for conservatives. President Franklin D. Roosevelt did not respond to the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor by saying we must show that we are better than they are. We dont kill people. Instead, he asked for a Declaration of War to be fought with bombs and bullets. If conservatives are too tame or too fastidious to fight back in the present war being waged against them, Evil will triumph in the United States of America. In this context, fighting back means far more than voting for Republicans in November. Here, fighting back means presenting and documenting horrifying truths to refute Leftist lies (e.g., Equal Justice for Victims, pp. 124, 241, 243-256, 265 ). It also means giving the Left a taste of their own medicine rather than harrumphing we are better than they are and wont stoop to their level  (Equal Justice for Victims, pp. 135, 113, 165, 234). It is imperative that President Trump explain to the people, first, why and how extreme usurpation of political power by dishonest justices of the Supreme Court has produced the extremely bitter and despicable search and destroy viciousness of the Democrat Party. The people must understand that the current toxic political climate was made inevitable by abuse of power by arrogant unelected justices who have no business making political decisions entrusted to the elected representatives. Miserable merchants of unwanted ideas were never going to surrender their last best hope without a ruthless attack on a would-be honest justice. Second, only the President can make clear that the 2018 election is a contest between Good and Evil. Finally, only a Make America Great President can bring home to a wide audience that nothing less than the survival of the United States as a free, fair and Constitutional self-governing country is at stake. If the President does not soon impress upon Americans that, now, there is not just an election campaign but a war going on against freedom, fairness and the Constitution, everything he has so magnificently accomplished will be destroyed as soon as he leaves office, if not sooner. Lester Jackson is author of numerous articles about capital punishment, the Supreme Court, and American politics. His recent book is Equal Justice for Victims: A Blueprint for the Rightful Restoration of Capital Punishment. Reviews are here , here , here and here . Copyright  2018 by Lester Jackson, Ph.D. Originally in American Thinker; updated and expanded. Home
In early 2019, UVX will be succeeded by a new, 4th generation synchrotron, Sirius. Starting with six beamlines in the first year of operation, 6 more in the second and 6 others in the third, this will open new perspectives of research in many fields including materials science, nanotechnology, biotechnology and environmental science.

Yves Petroff directed the ESRF during the inaugural years from 1993-2001, managing the growth of the facility and an increase in the number of ESRF beamlines from 15 in 1994 to 40 in 1998. His experience as ESRF Director General at the critical outset of the institute draws parallels with his new mission at LNLS.

The ESRF was the worlds first third generation synchrotron and it was a very exciting experience back then to see it exceed all specifications and produce remarkable science. With Sirius, its the same: the fact that we can build a 4th generation machine in Brazil, with state-of-the-art developments, and open it to the many excellent scientists in Latin America is something no one would have believed several years ago, but it is due to the high quality of the staff, says Petroff.

On leaving the ESRF in 2001, Yves Petroff took up an advisory role at the Brazilian Synchrotron LNLS, in Campinas, Sao Paolo. He held the office of Scientific Director there from 2009 to 2013 and remained close to the facility in the ensuing years. I know the LNLS very well and Im happy here because I enjoy challenges. The biggest of those today is to ensure that we produce exciting science with the new machine. Sirius is a miracle for Brazil and it will have taken just over 4 years between ground-breaking and the first beam. The building is almost finished, and the booster and ring are under installation. We expect the first electrons in the booster in November and the commissioning of the storage ring in 2019. The commissioning of the beamlines will start with 50 mA and reach 350 mA after the installation of the superconducting cavities. User operation is planned for July 2020.

Yves Petroff is one of the worlds leading experts on synchrotron radiation. His long career has been motivated by a no-nonsense approach to producing excellent science and to promoting the development and recognition of synchrotron radiation research. His work has often taken him from one side of the Atlantic to the other, proving the universality of the language of science.

Yves Petroff graduated with a doctorate in physics from the Ecole Normale Superieure in Paris, then worked at the University of California, Berkeley in the 70s. In 1975, he returned to France to work in one of the worlds first synchrotrons, ACO, in Orsay. He was deputy Director of LURE (Laboratoire pour lutilisation du rayonnement electromagnetique) from 1977-1980, and then Director of LURE from 1980 to 1990. He was nominated as ESRF Director General in 1993, leading the facility until 2001. During his office at the ESRF, he set up the guest-house system to accommodate users on site, as well as developing strong in-house research and post-doc programmes that ensured the recruitment of top quality researchers from the best European laboratories. From the ESRF, he went to the Advanced Light Source (ALS) at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USA, before crossing the Atlantic again to work at the French Ministry of Research, in charge of large scientific facilities. From 2005-2008, he was a member of the European Scientific Forum for Research Infrastructure (ESFRI).

In addition to his research and management activities, Yves Petroff was president of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) from 2002 to 2005.

Yves Petroff is knight of the Legion of Honour and is decorated by the Order of Academic Palms. He also received the Robin prize from the French Physical Society and the Bequerel prize from the Academy of Sciences.